{"id": "pubmed23n0033_0", "title": "[Radiotherapy of neuroblastomas. Results in 45 patients].", "content": "Treatment results from 45 patients with neuroblastoma are reported. The total survival rate is 29%. In localized stages the survival rate is nearly 100% in patients under one year old and about 50% in patients more than one year old. The survival rate amounts to 50% in stage IV-S, and there is zero survival in stage IV. Comparison with results reported in literature shows the same influences of age, histology and tumor stage on the prognosis. The own results and the reported ones demonstrate that in the majority of the neuroblastoma-patients curative radiotherapy has definite indications.", "contents": "[Radiotherapy of neuroblastomas. Results in 45 patients]. Treatment results from 45 patients with neuroblastoma are reported. The total survival rate is 29%. In localized stages the survival rate is nearly 100% in patients under one year old and about 50% in patients more than one year old. The survival rate amounts to 50% in stage IV-S, and there is zero survival in stage IV. Comparison with results reported in literature shows the same influences of age, histology and tumor stage on the prognosis. The own results and the reported ones demonstrate that in the majority of the neuroblastoma-patients curative radiotherapy has definite indications.", "PMID": 982481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1", "title": "[Radiotherapy results of nasopharyngeal carcinomas (41 patients)].", "content": "5-year cure rates after radiotherapy of nasopharingeal carcinomas in the own patients are reported. The 5-year cure rate in squamous cell carcinoma is about 30% and in lymphoepithelial carcinoma Schmincke-Regaud about 50%. These results are comparable to those which are published in the recent literature. The base of the skull should be included in the high-dose volume even in T1 and T2 cases.", "contents": "[Radiotherapy results of nasopharyngeal carcinomas (41 patients)]. 5-year cure rates after radiotherapy of nasopharingeal carcinomas in the own patients are reported. The 5-year cure rate in squamous cell carcinoma is about 30% and in lymphoepithelial carcinoma Schmincke-Regaud about 50%. These results are comparable to those which are published in the recent literature. The base of the skull should be included in the high-dose volume even in T1 and T2 cases.", "PMID": 982482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2", "title": "[Place of radiotherapy in therapy of nose and paranasal sinus neoplasms. Results in 63 patients].", "content": "Therapeutic results in patients with cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of the own clinic are analysed together with some results published in literature. In early cases with cancer of the nasal cavity and cancer of the infrastructure of the maxillary antrum, the results of radiotherapeutic or surgical treatment are equal. In all the other cases -- the majority of the patients -- combined treatment with surgery and high-dose radiotherapy is superior to either treatment modality alone. The 5-year cure rates are: in early cases about 60% and in the other cases about 30%. The distribution of stages in our patients from 1963 to 1973 shows that the majoirty is in a more or less advanced stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis, comparable to earlier reports.", "contents": "[Place of radiotherapy in therapy of nose and paranasal sinus neoplasms. Results in 63 patients]. Therapeutic results in patients with cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of the own clinic are analysed together with some results published in literature. In early cases with cancer of the nasal cavity and cancer of the infrastructure of the maxillary antrum, the results of radiotherapeutic or surgical treatment are equal. In all the other cases -- the majority of the patients -- combined treatment with surgery and high-dose radiotherapy is superior to either treatment modality alone. The 5-year cure rates are: in early cases about 60% and in the other cases about 30%. The distribution of stages in our patients from 1963 to 1973 shows that the majoirty is in a more or less advanced stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis, comparable to earlier reports.", "PMID": 982483} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3", "title": "[Radiotherapeutic results in malignant germinal testicular neoplasms].", "content": "The results of highvoltage therapy in patients with malignant germinal tumors of the testicle are reported. The radiation technique applied is mentioned, and problems concerning the formation of metastases as well as the prognosis for seminomas and teratomas are considered.", "contents": "[Radiotherapeutic results in malignant germinal testicular neoplasms]. The results of highvoltage therapy in patients with malignant germinal tumors of the testicle are reported. The radiation technique applied is mentioned, and problems concerning the formation of metastases as well as the prognosis for seminomas and teratomas are considered.", "PMID": 982484} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4", "title": "[Radiotherapy of penile carcinoma, indications and results].", "content": "The treatment and prognosis of patients suffering from penis carcinoma who were admitted at the department of radiotherapy of the Kantonsspital Z\u00fcrich during the last ten years are reviewed. Based on these results which are similar to the results of other centers, we were able to show that primary radiation therapy is to be preferred regarding organ function and survival. Only is a few cases surgical intervention for recurrency was necessary. Indications for radiation therapy of lymph nodes are discussed. The five-year survival rate following primary radiation therapy amounts to 70 or 80% with early stages, a secondary surgical treatment being necessary in 5 to 20%. In more or less advanced stages, a five-year survival rate of 40 to 60% is found after primary radiation therapy, and secondary surgical treatment is needed in 20 to 50%. Thus, survival rates obtained by primary radiation therapy which was followed by an operation only in case of recurrences or tumor persistence are comparable to the recovery rates from primary surgical methods. The advantage of primary radiation therapy is evident in comparison with a surgical treatment: The organ is often saved while the survival rate is the same.", "contents": "[Radiotherapy of penile carcinoma, indications and results]. The treatment and prognosis of patients suffering from penis carcinoma who were admitted at the department of radiotherapy of the Kantonsspital Z\u00fcrich during the last ten years are reviewed. Based on these results which are similar to the results of other centers, we were able to show that primary radiation therapy is to be preferred regarding organ function and survival. Only is a few cases surgical intervention for recurrency was necessary. Indications for radiation therapy of lymph nodes are discussed. The five-year survival rate following primary radiation therapy amounts to 70 or 80% with early stages, a secondary surgical treatment being necessary in 5 to 20%. In more or less advanced stages, a five-year survival rate of 40 to 60% is found after primary radiation therapy, and secondary surgical treatment is needed in 20 to 50%. Thus, survival rates obtained by primary radiation therapy which was followed by an operation only in case of recurrences or tumor persistence are comparable to the recovery rates from primary surgical methods. The advantage of primary radiation therapy is evident in comparison with a surgical treatment: The organ is often saved while the survival rate is the same.", "PMID": 982485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5", "title": "[Carcinoma metastases in neck lymph nodes in occult primary tumor: survival rate depending from localization, stadium, histology and therapeutic method (48 patients)].", "content": "In patients with metastatic cancer in cervical nodes without evidence of a primary cancer, radiation therapy eventually supplemented by surgery is indicated. The treated volume should include the regions of the possible primary (pharynx, base of tongue, tonsil) besides the cervical node regions. Five-year cure rates are: about 40% in cases with cervical nodes only, more than 50% in cases with cervical nodes in one region only and not fixed, less than 10% in cases with supraclavicular nodes. In about 30% a primary tumor is found later. About 50% of these primaries is located in the supraclavicular volume and about 50% is located in the infraclavicular volume. In cases with supraclavicular nodes the majority of the primary tumors are located in the infraclavicular colume.", "contents": "[Carcinoma metastases in neck lymph nodes in occult primary tumor: survival rate depending from localization, stadium, histology and therapeutic method (48 patients)]. In patients with metastatic cancer in cervical nodes without evidence of a primary cancer, radiation therapy eventually supplemented by surgery is indicated. The treated volume should include the regions of the possible primary (pharynx, base of tongue, tonsil) besides the cervical node regions. Five-year cure rates are: about 40% in cases with cervical nodes only, more than 50% in cases with cervical nodes in one region only and not fixed, less than 10% in cases with supraclavicular nodes. In about 30% a primary tumor is found later. About 50% of these primaries is located in the supraclavicular volume and about 50% is located in the infraclavicular volume. In cases with supraclavicular nodes the majority of the primary tumors are located in the infraclavicular colume.", "PMID": 982486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6", "title": "The risk of chronic progressive radiation myelopathy.", "content": "Five cases of chronic radiation myelopathy (four of the thoracic and one of the cervical cord) are presented together with a short summary of cases already published. The important influence of the fractionation scheme is stressed. A dose not exceeding 4400 rd in the thoracic myelon (20 X 2000 rd, 5 times per week, plus 10 X 40 rd - or 15 X 200 rd plus 15 X 90 rd, 5 times per week, - or 8 X 330 rd, three times per week, plus 15 X 80 rd 5 times per week) is considered to be a safe limit. In view of the scarcity of adequately documented cases of cervical myelopathy, it is recommended to keep dose limits about 10% lower than in the thoracic region and to avoid high single doses in curative treatments. Hypertension may increase the risk of radiation myelopathy (case nr. 5).", "contents": "The risk of chronic progressive radiation myelopathy. Five cases of chronic radiation myelopathy (four of the thoracic and one of the cervical cord) are presented together with a short summary of cases already published. The important influence of the fractionation scheme is stressed. A dose not exceeding 4400 rd in the thoracic myelon (20 X 2000 rd, 5 times per week, plus 10 X 40 rd - or 15 X 200 rd plus 15 X 90 rd, 5 times per week, - or 8 X 330 rd, three times per week, plus 15 X 80 rd 5 times per week) is considered to be a safe limit. In view of the scarcity of adequately documented cases of cervical myelopathy, it is recommended to keep dose limits about 10% lower than in the thoracic region and to avoid high single doses in curative treatments. Hypertension may increase the risk of radiation myelopathy (case nr. 5).", "PMID": 982487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7", "title": "Function to represent the variation of central axis tissue air ratio with two dimensions of 60Co rectangular fields.", "content": "Tissue air ratios (TAR) for rectangular 60Co fields depend on the two dimensions of the field. Functions which make use of the two dimensions of the field as parameters have been derived. The accuracy of fit such functions can give to the standard tissue air ratio data have been studied and discussed.", "contents": "Function to represent the variation of central axis tissue air ratio with two dimensions of 60Co rectangular fields. Tissue air ratios (TAR) for rectangular 60Co fields depend on the two dimensions of the field. Functions which make use of the two dimensions of the field as parameters have been derived. The accuracy of fit such functions can give to the standard tissue air ratio data have been studied and discussed.", "PMID": 982488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8", "title": "Variation of CRE with exponents of time and number of fractions.", "content": "The concept of NSD has been modified into TDF's by Orton and Ellis and CRE's by Kirk et al. It was aimed to study the variability of these new concepts on the exponents of time and number of fractions. It was found that TDF has larger variation with the exponents compared to that of CRE. The use of CRE and NSD for solving the treatment scheduling problems or for intercomparison of various regimes has been simplified by providing readymade estimation of CRE for various doses/fraction with increasing number of fractions. As there is increasing evidence for the change of exponents J and H, nomograms are presented to determine the CRE for various values of J and H. The variation of decay correction factors with the exponent H is also evaluated and is presented. This will help various radiotherapists to use CRE and the decay correction factors consistent with their clinical findings.", "contents": "Variation of CRE with exponents of time and number of fractions. The concept of NSD has been modified into TDF's by Orton and Ellis and CRE's by Kirk et al. It was aimed to study the variability of these new concepts on the exponents of time and number of fractions. It was found that TDF has larger variation with the exponents compared to that of CRE. The use of CRE and NSD for solving the treatment scheduling problems or for intercomparison of various regimes has been simplified by providing readymade estimation of CRE for various doses/fraction with increasing number of fractions. As there is increasing evidence for the change of exponents J and H, nomograms are presented to determine the CRE for various values of J and H. The variation of decay correction factors with the exponent H is also evaluated and is presented. This will help various radiotherapists to use CRE and the decay correction factors consistent with their clinical findings.", "PMID": 982489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9", "title": "Steroids and oxygen solubility.", "content": "Determinations of oxygen solubility in serum were made utilizing various concentrations of corticosteroids in the serum. Within a certain concentration range dexamethasone and betamethasone caused an increase in oxygen solubility. None of the other steroids tested demonstrated this property.", "contents": "Steroids and oxygen solubility. Determinations of oxygen solubility in serum were made utilizing various concentrations of corticosteroids in the serum. Within a certain concentration range dexamethasone and betamethasone caused an increase in oxygen solubility. None of the other steroids tested demonstrated this property.", "PMID": 982490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10", "title": "Comparative evaluation of the dissociation rate between the vaginotrophic and uterotrphic activities of 1-hydroxy-1, 3, 5 (10)-estratriene derivatives with natural and unnatural configuration at C8 using ovariectomized mice.", "content": "Influences on estrogenic.activities of 1-hydroxylation and C8-isomerization in the molecules of naturally occurring estrogens have been studied. All compounds tested behaved qualitatively in the same manner as estradiol, as far as the decrease in the vaginal and uterine sialic acid levels and the increase in the organ weights of the vagina and uterus of castrated mice are concerned. They were, however, different not only in the relative ptoencies of the estrogenic effects, but also in the dissociation rate between the vaginotrphic and uterotrophic activities. Of the compounds tested, 1-hydroxy-8alpha-estrone, 1-hydroxy-8alpha-estradiol and their acetates had a higher value of the dissociation index than that of estriol. These compounds seemed to exert a predominant effect on the vagina rather than on the uterus. Following structural factors seem to be of significance for the dissociation of estrogenic effects: the 1- or 16alpha- hydroxy group and 8alpha-configuration decrease the uterotrophic activity more intensely than the vaginotrophic activity, and the 17alpha-ethinyl group selectively increases the uterotrophic activity.", "contents": "Comparative evaluation of the dissociation rate between the vaginotrophic and uterotrphic activities of 1-hydroxy-1, 3, 5 (10)-estratriene derivatives with natural and unnatural configuration at C8 using ovariectomized mice. Influences on estrogenic.activities of 1-hydroxylation and C8-isomerization in the molecules of naturally occurring estrogens have been studied. All compounds tested behaved qualitatively in the same manner as estradiol, as far as the decrease in the vaginal and uterine sialic acid levels and the increase in the organ weights of the vagina and uterus of castrated mice are concerned. They were, however, different not only in the relative ptoencies of the estrogenic effects, but also in the dissociation rate between the vaginotrphic and uterotrophic activities. Of the compounds tested, 1-hydroxy-8alpha-estrone, 1-hydroxy-8alpha-estradiol and their acetates had a higher value of the dissociation index than that of estriol. These compounds seemed to exert a predominant effect on the vagina rather than on the uterus. Following structural factors seem to be of significance for the dissociation of estrogenic effects: the 1- or 16alpha- hydroxy group and 8alpha-configuration decrease the uterotrophic activity more intensely than the vaginotrophic activity, and the 17alpha-ethinyl group selectively increases the uterotrophic activity.", "PMID": 982491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11", "title": "The use of multivariable standard curves in the radioimmunoassay of testosterone and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone.", "content": "Multivariable calibration curves have been used to enable testosterone and 5alpha-dihydrostestosterone to be assayed directly in plasma extracts without further pre-purification of the sample. Two antisera were used, both with relatively high, but different affinities for the substances measured, and with relatively low affinity towards all other substances tested. The antisera were obtained from rabbits immunized against testosterone-3-BSA and 5alpha-dihydrostestosterone-3-BSA. The technique was of adequate precision, accuracy and specificity. The last was examined by comparison of values obtained by the present method and those obtained following prepurification by thin layer chromatography.", "contents": "The use of multivariable standard curves in the radioimmunoassay of testosterone and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Multivariable calibration curves have been used to enable testosterone and 5alpha-dihydrostestosterone to be assayed directly in plasma extracts without further pre-purification of the sample. Two antisera were used, both with relatively high, but different affinities for the substances measured, and with relatively low affinity towards all other substances tested. The antisera were obtained from rabbits immunized against testosterone-3-BSA and 5alpha-dihydrostestosterone-3-BSA. The technique was of adequate precision, accuracy and specificity. The last was examined by comparison of values obtained by the present method and those obtained following prepurification by thin layer chromatography.", "PMID": 982492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12", "title": "Rapid and intensive conversion of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol into 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone in the male rat anterior pituitary: in vivo and in vitro studies.", "content": "The in vivo and in vitro metabolism of (3H)-5alpha-androstane-3lapha,17beta-diol by the male rat anterior pituitary was studied. A rapid and intensive conversion of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol into 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone was demonstrated, since following a 30 min. incubation time, 73% of the recovered radioactivity were constituted by 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Studies on the subcellular distribution of steroids showed that 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone was the main steroid recovered except from the 105,000 X g pellet. From in vivo and in vitro experiments it was concluded that the transformation of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone into 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol was a reversible process, and that this last steroid could exert its biological action mainly via 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone.", "contents": "Rapid and intensive conversion of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol into 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone in the male rat anterior pituitary: in vivo and in vitro studies. The in vivo and in vitro metabolism of (3H)-5alpha-androstane-3lapha,17beta-diol by the male rat anterior pituitary was studied. A rapid and intensive conversion of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol into 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone was demonstrated, since following a 30 min. incubation time, 73% of the recovered radioactivity were constituted by 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Studies on the subcellular distribution of steroids showed that 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone was the main steroid recovered except from the 105,000 X g pellet. From in vivo and in vitro experiments it was concluded that the transformation of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone into 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol was a reversible process, and that this last steroid could exert its biological action mainly via 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone.", "PMID": 982493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_13", "title": "Tritium nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Part VI (1). Tritiated steroid hormones.", "content": "The regio- and stereo-specificity of the labelling in a series of tritiated steroid hormones has been examined by 3H n.m.r., which also yields quantitative information on the distribution of the tritium between the labelled sites. Complete analysis is thus readily achieved non-destructively. Hydrogen chemical shifts for various skeletal sites are provided for the first time. The specificity of the methods of labelling steroids with tritium by catalytic reduction, catalysed exchange, and tritiodehalogenation are discussed.", "contents": "Tritium nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Part VI (1). Tritiated steroid hormones. The regio- and stereo-specificity of the labelling in a series of tritiated steroid hormones has been examined by 3H n.m.r., which also yields quantitative information on the distribution of the tritium between the labelled sites. Complete analysis is thus readily achieved non-destructively. Hydrogen chemical shifts for various skeletal sites are provided for the first time. The specificity of the methods of labelling steroids with tritium by catalytic reduction, catalysed exchange, and tritiodehalogenation are discussed.", "PMID": 982494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_14", "title": "Statistical survey of \"saturation analysis\" calibration curve data for prednisolone, prednisone and digoxin.", "content": "An extensive survey of radioimmunoassay calibration data for prednisolone, prednisone and digoxin indicated that the common practice of preparing calibration curves with individual subject's pre-dose plasma or serum, and using this to estimate unknown concentrations for the same subject, is not supported by statistical considerations. Preparation of calibration plots from pooled data is better because this introduces less bias in estimated concentrations. Such a method also saves a great deal of time, since it is not necessary to repeat the calibration procedure each time, \"unknowns\" are being assayed. The data suggest that there is no optimum calibration plot for all radioimmunoassays. Rather, each antibody-drug combination should be investigated thoroughly to determine the best calibration plot for the particular combination. We found that the best calibration plots are: the logistic-logarithmic plot for prednisolone; nonlinear least squares fit to a polyexponential equation for nisolone; nonlinear least squares fit to a polyexponential equation for prednisone; and a weighted least squares regression of normalized % bound versus concentration for figoxin. The error in the radioimmunoassay is usually concentration-dependent, and, in certain regions of the standard curve, is larger than the literature indicates, since, frequently, the error has been gauged from % bound values, but should be guaged from inversely-estimated concentrations.", "contents": "Statistical survey of \"saturation analysis\" calibration curve data for prednisolone, prednisone and digoxin. An extensive survey of radioimmunoassay calibration data for prednisolone, prednisone and digoxin indicated that the common practice of preparing calibration curves with individual subject's pre-dose plasma or serum, and using this to estimate unknown concentrations for the same subject, is not supported by statistical considerations. Preparation of calibration plots from pooled data is better because this introduces less bias in estimated concentrations. Such a method also saves a great deal of time, since it is not necessary to repeat the calibration procedure each time, \"unknowns\" are being assayed. The data suggest that there is no optimum calibration plot for all radioimmunoassays. Rather, each antibody-drug combination should be investigated thoroughly to determine the best calibration plot for the particular combination. We found that the best calibration plots are: the logistic-logarithmic plot for prednisolone; nonlinear least squares fit to a polyexponential equation for nisolone; nonlinear least squares fit to a polyexponential equation for prednisone; and a weighted least squares regression of normalized % bound versus concentration for figoxin. The error in the radioimmunoassay is usually concentration-dependent, and, in certain regions of the standard curve, is larger than the literature indicates, since, frequently, the error has been gauged from % bound values, but should be guaged from inversely-estimated concentrations.", "PMID": 982496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_15", "title": "Steroid C-21-hydroxylation by dog adrenal microsomes.", "content": "1,2-3H121-Deoxycortisol (1) 1,2-3H21-deoxycortisone and 1,2-3H-17OH-progesterone were incubated separately with dog adrenal microsomes. With substrates concentrations of 30 and 150 nmoles all the substrates were hydroxylated at C-21 to a similar extent. This result suggests that 21-deoxycortisol could be an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cortisol provided it is avilable in vivo.", "contents": "Steroid C-21-hydroxylation by dog adrenal microsomes. 1,2-3H121-Deoxycortisol (1) 1,2-3H21-deoxycortisone and 1,2-3H-17OH-progesterone were incubated separately with dog adrenal microsomes. With substrates concentrations of 30 and 150 nmoles all the substrates were hydroxylated at C-21 to a similar extent. This result suggests that 21-deoxycortisol could be an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cortisol provided it is avilable in vivo.", "PMID": 982497} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_16", "title": "Single-dose four hour dexamethasone suppression test in normal men and its application for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.", "content": "As a four hour morning test, plasma cortisol levels were radioimmunoassayed before and at two and four hours after dexamethasone (0, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg or 2.0 mg) was administered at 8-9 a.m. in 20 normal subjects. The 1.0 mg four hour test was most effective in suppression of cortisol and it showed the same suppressibility as the widely used single-dose overnight test. With the 1.0 mg four hour test, 2 patients with Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal hyperplasia could be differentiated from normal and obese subjects. The four hour morning test would be more useful than the widely used overnight test from the reasons; i) it shows the same suppressibility as the overnight test, ii) it obviates the need for bothersome midnight administration of dexamethasone, iii) because it takes only one morning to perform, it can save a day, iv) and it might be applicable for the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome because 4.0 mg morning test resulted in complete suppression of plasma cortisol in a tested Cushing's syndrome, whereas with even 8.0 mg, plasma cortisol was not suppressed in the overnight test in 2 such patients examined.", "contents": "Single-dose four hour dexamethasone suppression test in normal men and its application for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. As a four hour morning test, plasma cortisol levels were radioimmunoassayed before and at two and four hours after dexamethasone (0, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg or 2.0 mg) was administered at 8-9 a.m. in 20 normal subjects. The 1.0 mg four hour test was most effective in suppression of cortisol and it showed the same suppressibility as the widely used single-dose overnight test. With the 1.0 mg four hour test, 2 patients with Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal hyperplasia could be differentiated from normal and obese subjects. The four hour morning test would be more useful than the widely used overnight test from the reasons; i) it shows the same suppressibility as the overnight test, ii) it obviates the need for bothersome midnight administration of dexamethasone, iii) because it takes only one morning to perform, it can save a day, iv) and it might be applicable for the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome because 4.0 mg morning test resulted in complete suppression of plasma cortisol in a tested Cushing's syndrome, whereas with even 8.0 mg, plasma cortisol was not suppressed in the overnight test in 2 such patients examined.", "PMID": 982498} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_17", "title": "The clinical picture of rabies in man.", "content": "After an incubation period of one to two months rabies presents with non-specific prodromal symptoms and often with paraesthesiae of the bitten area. As in canine rabies there are furious and dumb forms of the disease. In man, furious rabies is characterised by hydrophobia: terror and excitation with spasms of inspiratory muscles, larynx and pharynx precipitated by attempts to drink and by a variety of other stimuli. Hydrophobia may represent an exaggerated respiratory tract irritant reflex with associated arousal potentiated by the selective destruction of brain stem inhibitory systmes. Also typical of furious rabies are intermittent episodes of excitement, hallucinations and maniacal behaviour. Focal neurological abnormalities are surprisingly uncommon. Other signs include hypersalivation, tachycardia and hyperpyrexia. Paralysis and coma supervene after a few days: survival rarely exceeds seven days. Dumb or paralytic rabies is an ascending flaccid paralysis with sphincter involvement and sensory disturbances. Death from respiratory and bulbar paralysis occurs after a longer illness than furious rabies. In a minority of cases hydrophobia develops before the terminal coma. Complications include respiratory arrest, pneumonitis, cardiac arrhythmias and interstitial myocarditis, posterior pituitary disorders, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Differential diagnoses of furious rabies include hysterical pseudo hydrophobia, tetanus, other encephalitides, delirium tremens and various other intoxications. Paralytic rabies may have to be distinguished from postvaccinal encephalomyelitis, poliomyelitis and other causes of Landry-type ascending paralysis. Intensive care has produced some promising results: life-threatening complications can be prevented but there is some evidence that the severity of the encephalitis is the ultimate barrier to survival.", "contents": "The clinical picture of rabies in man. After an incubation period of one to two months rabies presents with non-specific prodromal symptoms and often with paraesthesiae of the bitten area. As in canine rabies there are furious and dumb forms of the disease. In man, furious rabies is characterised by hydrophobia: terror and excitation with spasms of inspiratory muscles, larynx and pharynx precipitated by attempts to drink and by a variety of other stimuli. Hydrophobia may represent an exaggerated respiratory tract irritant reflex with associated arousal potentiated by the selective destruction of brain stem inhibitory systmes. Also typical of furious rabies are intermittent episodes of excitement, hallucinations and maniacal behaviour. Focal neurological abnormalities are surprisingly uncommon. Other signs include hypersalivation, tachycardia and hyperpyrexia. Paralysis and coma supervene after a few days: survival rarely exceeds seven days. Dumb or paralytic rabies is an ascending flaccid paralysis with sphincter involvement and sensory disturbances. Death from respiratory and bulbar paralysis occurs after a longer illness than furious rabies. In a minority of cases hydrophobia develops before the terminal coma. Complications include respiratory arrest, pneumonitis, cardiac arrhythmias and interstitial myocarditis, posterior pituitary disorders, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Differential diagnoses of furious rabies include hysterical pseudo hydrophobia, tetanus, other encephalitides, delirium tremens and various other intoxications. Paralytic rabies may have to be distinguished from postvaccinal encephalomyelitis, poliomyelitis and other causes of Landry-type ascending paralysis. Intensive care has produced some promising results: life-threatening complications can be prevented but there is some evidence that the severity of the encephalitis is the ultimate barrier to survival.", "PMID": 982512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_18", "title": "Evaluation of a mass measles immunization campaign in Yaound\u00e9, Cameroun.", "content": "A mass measles immunization campaign carried out in Yaound\u00e9, Cameroun, has been evaluated. Sixty per cent of the children were immune to measles at the time of the campaign. Only 51% of the susceptible children received vaccine. This was caused by a lack of attendance at the vaccination centres and errors in the selection of children given vaccine. The vaccine administered was relatively ineffective: 40% seroconversion. Difficulties which probably contributed to the low seroconversion rate included sub-optimal vaccine titre, inadequate doses of vaccine, and the relatively long time of vaccine utilization under tropical temperatures. Overall, 83% of the vaccine given to the vaccinating team was wasted. Future immunization campaigns can be improved through better screening of the children, improved handling of the vaccine, the use of marker vaccines, and improved health education.", "contents": "Evaluation of a mass measles immunization campaign in Yaound\u00e9, Cameroun. A mass measles immunization campaign carried out in Yaound\u00e9, Cameroun, has been evaluated. Sixty per cent of the children were immune to measles at the time of the campaign. Only 51% of the susceptible children received vaccine. This was caused by a lack of attendance at the vaccination centres and errors in the selection of children given vaccine. The vaccine administered was relatively ineffective: 40% seroconversion. Difficulties which probably contributed to the low seroconversion rate included sub-optimal vaccine titre, inadequate doses of vaccine, and the relatively long time of vaccine utilization under tropical temperatures. Overall, 83% of the vaccine given to the vaccinating team was wasted. Future immunization campaigns can be improved through better screening of the children, improved handling of the vaccine, the use of marker vaccines, and improved health education.", "PMID": 982514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_19", "title": "Epidemiologic study of the modes of spread of viral hepatitis in Greece.", "content": "We studied the possible correlation of VH morbidity or HBsAg carrier rate with the prevalence of malaria and enteric among the 50 geographical regions of Greece. Malaria was considered as an index of mosquito density and enteric as an index of the local hygienic conditions. Morbidity data on the studied reportable diseases for the period 1954-73 and the HBsAg carrier rate (4-7%) among 17,991 recruits of the Greek Air Force, coming from all the geographical regions of Greece, were used. The statistical analysis of our data showed that VH morbidity (which is mainly hepatitis A) is significantly correlated with enteric morbidity, while HBsAg carrier rate with malaria. Our data support the significance of the role of mosquitoes in the spread of HB at least under the prevailing conditions in Greece.", "contents": "Epidemiologic study of the modes of spread of viral hepatitis in Greece. We studied the possible correlation of VH morbidity or HBsAg carrier rate with the prevalence of malaria and enteric among the 50 geographical regions of Greece. Malaria was considered as an index of mosquito density and enteric as an index of the local hygienic conditions. Morbidity data on the studied reportable diseases for the period 1954-73 and the HBsAg carrier rate (4-7%) among 17,991 recruits of the Greek Air Force, coming from all the geographical regions of Greece, were used. The statistical analysis of our data showed that VH morbidity (which is mainly hepatitis A) is significantly correlated with enteric morbidity, while HBsAg carrier rate with malaria. Our data support the significance of the role of mosquitoes in the spread of HB at least under the prevailing conditions in Greece.", "PMID": 982515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_20", "title": "Enzyme electrophoresis in characterizing the causative organism of Gambian trypanosomiasis.", "content": "Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) brucei includes three morphologically identical subspecies which are poorly defined by clinical behaviour; T. b. brucei does not infect man, whereas T. b. rhodesiense causes an acute, and T. b gambiense a chronic, disease. Thirty-three isolates of the complex, each of which had previously been identified on clinical or other criteria, were compared by the electrophoretic patterns of two trypanosomal enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT). One particular ALAT pattern clearly segregated a group of human pathogens of which all except one were labelled T. b. gambiense. The exception was labelled T. b. rhodesiense, and in addition three putative T. b. gambiense isolates did not have this pattern; it is suggested that only one presents a serious anomaly. The T. b. gambiense group could also be subdivided by three ASAT patterns which coincided with known groupings based on serological criteria.", "contents": "Enzyme electrophoresis in characterizing the causative organism of Gambian trypanosomiasis. Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) brucei includes three morphologically identical subspecies which are poorly defined by clinical behaviour; T. b. brucei does not infect man, whereas T. b. rhodesiense causes an acute, and T. b gambiense a chronic, disease. Thirty-three isolates of the complex, each of which had previously been identified on clinical or other criteria, were compared by the electrophoretic patterns of two trypanosomal enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT). One particular ALAT pattern clearly segregated a group of human pathogens of which all except one were labelled T. b. gambiense. The exception was labelled T. b. rhodesiense, and in addition three putative T. b. gambiense isolates did not have this pattern; it is suggested that only one presents a serious anomaly. The T. b. gambiense group could also be subdivided by three ASAT patterns which coincided with known groupings based on serological criteria.", "PMID": 982516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_21", "title": "Effects of onchoceriasis on settlement in the Middle Hawal Valley, Nigeria.", "content": "Eight lowland villages in which onchocerciasis is hyperendemic are compared with two upland (low prevalence) control villages in the middle Hawal valley, Nigeria. Detailed demographic data from the hyperendemic villages and from the control villages are analysed. The population was found to be more mobile in the lowland zone, which is also the zone of village desertion. Variables influencing the probability of village abandonment are discussed. It is suggested that onchocerciasis is only a part of a complex of desertion, though probably the most important single element. Particularly in association with remoteness, itself related to onchocerciasis and its troublesome vector, onchocerciasis has been instrumental in depopulating riverain areas and continues to perpetuate their unattractiveness.", "contents": "Effects of onchoceriasis on settlement in the Middle Hawal Valley, Nigeria. Eight lowland villages in which onchocerciasis is hyperendemic are compared with two upland (low prevalence) control villages in the middle Hawal valley, Nigeria. Detailed demographic data from the hyperendemic villages and from the control villages are analysed. The population was found to be more mobile in the lowland zone, which is also the zone of village desertion. Variables influencing the probability of village abandonment are discussed. It is suggested that onchocerciasis is only a part of a complex of desertion, though probably the most important single element. Particularly in association with remoteness, itself related to onchocerciasis and its troublesome vector, onchocerciasis has been instrumental in depopulating riverain areas and continues to perpetuate their unattractiveness.", "PMID": 982517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_22", "title": "Infection of an Aedes aegypti cell line with infectious arbovirus-antibody complexes.", "content": "Aedes aegypti cells exposed to infectious complexes of WN or YF virus and homologous antiserum produced lower yields of virus over a 10-day observation period than were produced by Aedes aegypti cells treated with a comparable dose of virus mixed with non-immune serum. When Ae. aegypti cells were infected with WN virus mixed with MVE, NTA, DEN-2 or YF antisera the virus yield over 10 days was lower than in cell cultures infected at similar titres with mixtures of WN virus with non-immune serum. If Ae. aegypti cell cultures were infected with mixtures of YF virus and WN or DEN-2 antiserum the resulting production of virus was lower over 10 days than in virus mixed with non-immune serum. Human serum samples from the field were tested for the presence of antibody by preincubation of the serum with WN virus prior to inoculation on to mosquito cell cultures. The results indicated that this method is as sensitive in detecting antibody as a mouse neutralization test using regression analysis of average survival time.", "contents": "Infection of an Aedes aegypti cell line with infectious arbovirus-antibody complexes. Aedes aegypti cells exposed to infectious complexes of WN or YF virus and homologous antiserum produced lower yields of virus over a 10-day observation period than were produced by Aedes aegypti cells treated with a comparable dose of virus mixed with non-immune serum. When Ae. aegypti cells were infected with WN virus mixed with MVE, NTA, DEN-2 or YF antisera the virus yield over 10 days was lower than in cell cultures infected at similar titres with mixtures of WN virus with non-immune serum. If Ae. aegypti cell cultures were infected with mixtures of YF virus and WN or DEN-2 antiserum the resulting production of virus was lower over 10 days than in virus mixed with non-immune serum. Human serum samples from the field were tested for the presence of antibody by preincubation of the serum with WN virus prior to inoculation on to mosquito cell cultures. The results indicated that this method is as sensitive in detecting antibody as a mouse neutralization test using regression analysis of average survival time.", "PMID": 982518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_23", "title": "Physiological relationships and circadian periodicities in rodent trypanosomes.", "content": "Trypanosome circadian rhythms in rats infected with Trypanosoma lewisi and mice infected with T. duttoni (equals T. musculi) were observed. Peak numbers of trypanosomes were recorded at nightfall and fewest organisms seen at daybreak. Reversal of the photoperiod resulted in a comparable reversal of the trypanosome parasitaemia. Periodicities of blood glucose levels and circulating leucocytes were relatively similar in T. lewisi-infected rats to rhythms previously defined in normal aimals. In trypanosome-infected mice, circulating leucocytes had a peak at 1800 hours and were minimal at midnight. Immune serum and epinephrine apparently had opposite effects on numbers of circulating rat trypanosomes; antisera reduced and epinephrine increased the numbers. Increased motor activity appeared to induce increased parasitaemia. Results of these and other studies suggest that in diurnally active hosts, trypanosome periodicities are characterized by increasing numbers in the circulation throughout the day and reach a peak just before darkness. In nocturnally active animals a similar rhythm was observed with only a slight phase change; circulating trypanosomes increased throughout the day and were maximal soon after nocturnal onset.", "contents": "Physiological relationships and circadian periodicities in rodent trypanosomes. Trypanosome circadian rhythms in rats infected with Trypanosoma lewisi and mice infected with T. duttoni (equals T. musculi) were observed. Peak numbers of trypanosomes were recorded at nightfall and fewest organisms seen at daybreak. Reversal of the photoperiod resulted in a comparable reversal of the trypanosome parasitaemia. Periodicities of blood glucose levels and circulating leucocytes were relatively similar in T. lewisi-infected rats to rhythms previously defined in normal aimals. In trypanosome-infected mice, circulating leucocytes had a peak at 1800 hours and were minimal at midnight. Immune serum and epinephrine apparently had opposite effects on numbers of circulating rat trypanosomes; antisera reduced and epinephrine increased the numbers. Increased motor activity appeared to induce increased parasitaemia. Results of these and other studies suggest that in diurnally active hosts, trypanosome periodicities are characterized by increasing numbers in the circulation throughout the day and reach a peak just before darkness. In nocturnally active animals a similar rhythm was observed with only a slight phase change; circulating trypanosomes increased throughout the day and were maximal soon after nocturnal onset.", "PMID": 982519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_24", "title": "Ferrokinetics in patients with malaria: haemoglobin synthesis and normoblasts in vitro.", "content": "Bone marrow cultures in 15 Plasmodium falciparum patients were studied both during and after parasitaemia. Abnormalities were observed only in the group during parasitaemia. These abnormalities included: (1) decreased normoblastic number and cellular iron incorporation in all cases; (2) premature death of normoblasts during their development in the cultures in all cases; (3) defective haemoglobin synthesis in 3 of 11 cases (27%). A causal relationship between defective haemoglobin synthesis and degree of normoblastic destruction in the cultures was found. Marked anaemia and depressed C'3 level were found only in the group with defective haemoglobin synthesis. The significance of these findings is discussed.", "contents": "Ferrokinetics in patients with malaria: haemoglobin synthesis and normoblasts in vitro. Bone marrow cultures in 15 Plasmodium falciparum patients were studied both during and after parasitaemia. Abnormalities were observed only in the group during parasitaemia. These abnormalities included: (1) decreased normoblastic number and cellular iron incorporation in all cases; (2) premature death of normoblasts during their development in the cultures in all cases; (3) defective haemoglobin synthesis in 3 of 11 cases (27%). A causal relationship between defective haemoglobin synthesis and degree of normoblastic destruction in the cultures was found. Marked anaemia and depressed C'3 level were found only in the group with defective haemoglobin synthesis. The significance of these findings is discussed.", "PMID": 982520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_25", "title": "The phenotypes En(a-), Wr(a-b-), and En(a+), Wr(a+b-), and further studies on the Wright and En blood group systems.", "content": "In 1975, we showed 18, 19 an En(a-) blood sample to be phenotypically Wr(a-b-). In the current report, we describe tests that show that three En(a-) members of a single family, not believed to be related to the family of the previously tested En(a-) person, are also Wr(a-b-). They have red blood cells that neither react with nor adsorb anti-Wra or anti-Wrb. In addition, we have shown that the red blood cells of six EnaEn heterozygotes, in the family tested, are Wr(a-b+) but carry only a single dose of Wrb antigen. Tests on anti-Ena have shown conclusively that one example is a mixture of separable anti-Ena and anti-Wrb and that a second example may well contain the same two antibodies. By various methods, we have demonstrated that the red blood cells of the only known Wr(a+b-) individual are En(a+) and do not display any of the physicochemical abberations of the En(a-) phenotype. It is further shown that neuraminidase and trypsin do not denature the Wra or Wrb antigens in vitro, but that the protease ficin does have a limited ability to denature Wrb. Additional observations on the first reported example of anti-Wrb are included. These various findings have been considered in the light of gene linkage of, or gene interaction between, the En and Wright system genes. It is concluded that the evidence does not exclude the possibility that En is a silent allele at the WraWrb locus so that the genotype EnEn (or WrWr) might result in the phenotype En(a-), Wr(a-b-). However, it is also pointed out that the evidence equally well supports the postulation that the Wra and Wrb genes are unable to function in the absence of an Ena gene. If this latter theory is proved correct, the interaction between Ena and the Wright genes can be thought of as similar to that between the H and ABO or X1r and CDE genes. It is pointed out that if En is a silent allele at the MN locus (current evidence on this point is not conclusive,) En and Wr cannot be synonymous for it is known that the Wra and M and N genes segregate independently. Location of En at the MN locus would not, however, refute the theory that Wra and Wrb cannot function in the absence of En. Finally, it is pointed out that the supposed anti-Wrb is probably just what its name implies but that even if this assumption is later disproved, the high incidence antigen defined by the antibody presently called anti-Wrb is unequivocally associated with Ena.", "contents": "The phenotypes En(a-), Wr(a-b-), and En(a+), Wr(a+b-), and further studies on the Wright and En blood group systems. In 1975, we showed 18, 19 an En(a-) blood sample to be phenotypically Wr(a-b-). In the current report, we describe tests that show that three En(a-) members of a single family, not believed to be related to the family of the previously tested En(a-) person, are also Wr(a-b-). They have red blood cells that neither react with nor adsorb anti-Wra or anti-Wrb. In addition, we have shown that the red blood cells of six EnaEn heterozygotes, in the family tested, are Wr(a-b+) but carry only a single dose of Wrb antigen. Tests on anti-Ena have shown conclusively that one example is a mixture of separable anti-Ena and anti-Wrb and that a second example may well contain the same two antibodies. By various methods, we have demonstrated that the red blood cells of the only known Wr(a+b-) individual are En(a+) and do not display any of the physicochemical abberations of the En(a-) phenotype. It is further shown that neuraminidase and trypsin do not denature the Wra or Wrb antigens in vitro, but that the protease ficin does have a limited ability to denature Wrb. Additional observations on the first reported example of anti-Wrb are included. These various findings have been considered in the light of gene linkage of, or gene interaction between, the En and Wright system genes. It is concluded that the evidence does not exclude the possibility that En is a silent allele at the WraWrb locus so that the genotype EnEn (or WrWr) might result in the phenotype En(a-), Wr(a-b-). However, it is also pointed out that the evidence equally well supports the postulation that the Wra and Wrb genes are unable to function in the absence of an Ena gene. If this latter theory is proved correct, the interaction between Ena and the Wright genes can be thought of as similar to that between the H and ABO or X1r and CDE genes. It is pointed out that if En is a silent allele at the MN locus (current evidence on this point is not conclusive,) En and Wr cannot be synonymous for it is known that the Wra and M and N genes segregate independently. Location of En at the MN locus would not, however, refute the theory that Wra and Wrb cannot function in the absence of En. Finally, it is pointed out that the supposed anti-Wrb is probably just what its name implies but that even if this assumption is later disproved, the high incidence antigen defined by the antibody presently called anti-Wrb is unequivocally associated with Ena.", "PMID": 982531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_26", "title": "Characterization of three new apparently related high frequency antigens.", "content": "Three high frequency reactive antisera (Kir, Oca, Mil) are described which, based on serologic and genetic characteristics, identify a set of apparently related antigens. The antibodies react only by indirect antiglobulin technique against both adult and cord red blood cells, are primarily IgG, are not complement dependent nor enhanced by papain pretreatment of red blood cells, are high titered but of low avidity, and are not neutralized by serum nor absorbed by platelets. The antisera are not identical with, but may be related to, the Kna antibody. Population data show reactivity frequencies of 99.8 per cent for Kir, 98.7 per cent for Oca, and 96.4 per cent for Mil. The four phenotypes found are Kir+, Oca+, Mil+; Kir+, Oca+, Mil- Kir+, Oca-, Mil+ and Kir-, Oca-, Mil-. The occurrence of five unrelated triple negative individuals is greater than would be expected by chance alone for three independent antigens. Family studies demonstrate that the triple negative phenotype appears to be a recessive trait not linked to the Fy or MNS loci, and the Mil-trait is not linked to ABO, Jk, or HLA. Clinical observations following infusion of incompatible blood and in vivo survival studies of 51Cr tagged red blood cells indicate that the antigens, though potent immunogens, are not clinically significant.", "contents": "Characterization of three new apparently related high frequency antigens. Three high frequency reactive antisera (Kir, Oca, Mil) are described which, based on serologic and genetic characteristics, identify a set of apparently related antigens. The antibodies react only by indirect antiglobulin technique against both adult and cord red blood cells, are primarily IgG, are not complement dependent nor enhanced by papain pretreatment of red blood cells, are high titered but of low avidity, and are not neutralized by serum nor absorbed by platelets. The antisera are not identical with, but may be related to, the Kna antibody. Population data show reactivity frequencies of 99.8 per cent for Kir, 98.7 per cent for Oca, and 96.4 per cent for Mil. The four phenotypes found are Kir+, Oca+, Mil+; Kir+, Oca+, Mil- Kir+, Oca-, Mil+ and Kir-, Oca-, Mil-. The occurrence of five unrelated triple negative individuals is greater than would be expected by chance alone for three independent antigens. Family studies demonstrate that the triple negative phenotype appears to be a recessive trait not linked to the Fy or MNS loci, and the Mil-trait is not linked to ABO, Jk, or HLA. Clinical observations following infusion of incompatible blood and in vivo survival studies of 51Cr tagged red blood cells indicate that the antigens, though potent immunogens, are not clinically significant.", "PMID": 982534} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_27", "title": "Serologic activity of fatty acid dependent antibodies in albumin-free systems.", "content": "Fatty acid dependent agglutinin (FADA) refers to serum with the special ability to cause agglutination of red blood cells in the presence of certain fatty acids. The agglutinating mechanism is unclear. It has been proposed that the agglutinin reacts with albumin that has been conformationally altered by sodium caprylate and that the immune complex is passively adsorbed onto red blood cells. This report presents data that contradicts the proposal assigning a specific role to albumin in the agglutinating mechanism. FADA were isolated by column chromatography of resolubilized euglobulin preparations. No evidence of contamination with albumin was obtained in those IgM fractions possessing FADA activity. We propose, as an alternative explanation, that the serologic activity of FADA depends upon the interaction of IgM agglutinins with haptenic fatty acids.", "contents": "Serologic activity of fatty acid dependent antibodies in albumin-free systems. Fatty acid dependent agglutinin (FADA) refers to serum with the special ability to cause agglutination of red blood cells in the presence of certain fatty acids. The agglutinating mechanism is unclear. It has been proposed that the agglutinin reacts with albumin that has been conformationally altered by sodium caprylate and that the immune complex is passively adsorbed onto red blood cells. This report presents data that contradicts the proposal assigning a specific role to albumin in the agglutinating mechanism. FADA were isolated by column chromatography of resolubilized euglobulin preparations. No evidence of contamination with albumin was obtained in those IgM fractions possessing FADA activity. We propose, as an alternative explanation, that the serologic activity of FADA depends upon the interaction of IgM agglutinins with haptenic fatty acids.", "PMID": 982535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_28", "title": "Blood preservation using metabolic regulators and nutrients: XXI. Further studies on pyruvate and DHA (dihydroxyacetone).", "content": "CPD-adenine is being adopted in Europe for five weeks for regular blood bank storage and six weeks for emergency use storage. There may be a need to maintain normal levels of 2,3-DPG during this prolonged storage time. In a pilot study from this laboratory, improved 2,3-DPG maintenance was noted with DHA and pyruvate during the fifth and sixth weeks of storage. DHA and pyruvate are relatively unstable in aqucous solutions and in the present study extra care was taken with their experimental use. The additive effect of using DHA and pyruvate together in maintaining 2,3-DPG was confirmed in this study in which significant improvements were seen as early as the seventh day of storage.", "contents": "Blood preservation using metabolic regulators and nutrients: XXI. Further studies on pyruvate and DHA (dihydroxyacetone). CPD-adenine is being adopted in Europe for five weeks for regular blood bank storage and six weeks for emergency use storage. There may be a need to maintain normal levels of 2,3-DPG during this prolonged storage time. In a pilot study from this laboratory, improved 2,3-DPG maintenance was noted with DHA and pyruvate during the fifth and sixth weeks of storage. DHA and pyruvate are relatively unstable in aqucous solutions and in the present study extra care was taken with their experimental use. The additive effect of using DHA and pyruvate together in maintaining 2,3-DPG was confirmed in this study in which significant improvements were seen as early as the seventh day of storage.", "PMID": 982536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_29", "title": "Blood storage XXII. Improvement in red blood cell 2,3-DPG levels at six weeks by 20 mM PO4 in CPD-adenine-inosine.", "content": "Inorganic phosphate has been known to assist red blood cell maintenance of ATP and in the presence of inosine to assist in the maintenance of 2,3-DPG. High concentrations of phosphate, while helping ATP maintenance, were found to be deleterious to 2,3-DPG maintenance in CPD-adenine preservatives. However, in the presence of inosine, concentrations of phosphate as high as 10 mM were advantageous to 2,3-DPG maintenance. The present study extends the observations on ATP and 2,3-DPG maintenance in CPD-adenine-inosine preservatives from the previous 10 mM to 20 mM phosphate. A high phosphate (20 mM) effect has been seen as improved maintenance of 2,3-DPG levels during the fifth and sixth weeks of storage of whole blood at 4C. This supports the previously reported observation of improved maintenance of 2,3-DPG in a 10 mM phosphate preservative. This is ten times the 2 mM phosphate concentration in CPD-adenine. In the low phosphate preservative (2 mM), 2,3-DPG maintenance is less than that in all of the higher phosphate preservatives after the second week of storage. ATP concentrations in this experiment show good maintenance throughout six weeks of storage.", "contents": "Blood storage XXII. Improvement in red blood cell 2,3-DPG levels at six weeks by 20 mM PO4 in CPD-adenine-inosine. Inorganic phosphate has been known to assist red blood cell maintenance of ATP and in the presence of inosine to assist in the maintenance of 2,3-DPG. High concentrations of phosphate, while helping ATP maintenance, were found to be deleterious to 2,3-DPG maintenance in CPD-adenine preservatives. However, in the presence of inosine, concentrations of phosphate as high as 10 mM were advantageous to 2,3-DPG maintenance. The present study extends the observations on ATP and 2,3-DPG maintenance in CPD-adenine-inosine preservatives from the previous 10 mM to 20 mM phosphate. A high phosphate (20 mM) effect has been seen as improved maintenance of 2,3-DPG levels during the fifth and sixth weeks of storage of whole blood at 4C. This supports the previously reported observation of improved maintenance of 2,3-DPG in a 10 mM phosphate preservative. This is ten times the 2 mM phosphate concentration in CPD-adenine. In the low phosphate preservative (2 mM), 2,3-DPG maintenance is less than that in all of the higher phosphate preservatives after the second week of storage. ATP concentrations in this experiment show good maintenance throughout six weeks of storage.", "PMID": 982537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_30", "title": "Identification of a C4 Subcomponent on C3d-coated erythrocytes.", "content": "Test erythrocytes (E) used to evaluate anti-complement (C') antiglobulin sera have not been adequately standardized. This report describes a previously unrecognized C4-derived antigen (temporarily called X-Ag) found on E generally believed to be coated only with the C3d subcomponent of C3, X-Ag occurred on all E coated in vitro with C' by low ionic strength-sucrose or cold agglutinin methods and on E from ten of ten patients whose cells had been C' coated in vivo. It was not removed by incubating these cells with trypsin or fresh compatible serum. This antigen was found on \"C4-only-coated\" red blood cells made with normal or congenitally C2-deficient serum but not on cells similarly prepared with congenitally C4-deficient serum. It was not identified on E coated with C' via the alternate pathway, normal trypsinized cells, nor cells coated only with IgG. Absorption experiments utilizing purified complement components and subcomponents and G200 Sephadex fractions of normal human serum strongly suggest that X-Ag is a subcomponent of C4(C4d). These results show that at least one C' subcomponent other than C3d occures on both in vitro and in vivo C3d-coated erythrocytes and must be taken into account when such cells are used to evaluate antiglobulin reagents.", "contents": "Identification of a C4 Subcomponent on C3d-coated erythrocytes. Test erythrocytes (E) used to evaluate anti-complement (C') antiglobulin sera have not been adequately standardized. This report describes a previously unrecognized C4-derived antigen (temporarily called X-Ag) found on E generally believed to be coated only with the C3d subcomponent of C3, X-Ag occurred on all E coated in vitro with C' by low ionic strength-sucrose or cold agglutinin methods and on E from ten of ten patients whose cells had been C' coated in vivo. It was not removed by incubating these cells with trypsin or fresh compatible serum. This antigen was found on \"C4-only-coated\" red blood cells made with normal or congenitally C2-deficient serum but not on cells similarly prepared with congenitally C4-deficient serum. It was not identified on E coated with C' via the alternate pathway, normal trypsinized cells, nor cells coated only with IgG. Absorption experiments utilizing purified complement components and subcomponents and G200 Sephadex fractions of normal human serum strongly suggest that X-Ag is a subcomponent of C4(C4d). These results show that at least one C' subcomponent other than C3d occures on both in vitro and in vivo C3d-coated erythrocytes and must be taken into account when such cells are used to evaluate antiglobulin reagents.", "PMID": 982532} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_31", "title": "Hemagglutination inhibition studies of water soluble blood group substances recovered from the erythrocytes of classical Bombay Oh subjects.", "content": "Using ethanol and acetone fractionation to isolate soluble blood group substances from red blood cells, 'Bombay' Oh bloods were found to contain variable amounts of concealed H substance. The IgG variety of anti-H in 'Bombay' bloods has a greater affinity for these substances than the IgM variety of anti-H. Group O parents of 'Bombay' Oh subjects were found to have normal levels of H substance, indicating that individuals heterozygous for a recessive suppressor gene 'x' synthesize it normally. In the 'Bombay' family studied, Lewis determinants were abnormally expressed in two members. Lewis activity was detected in the soluble extracts of their red blood cells but not by the direct agglutination test. Further tests using known Le(a-b-) types are necessary to determine whether these findings are linked to the 'Bombay' Oh phenomenon.", "contents": "Hemagglutination inhibition studies of water soluble blood group substances recovered from the erythrocytes of classical Bombay Oh subjects. Using ethanol and acetone fractionation to isolate soluble blood group substances from red blood cells, 'Bombay' Oh bloods were found to contain variable amounts of concealed H substance. The IgG variety of anti-H in 'Bombay' bloods has a greater affinity for these substances than the IgM variety of anti-H. Group O parents of 'Bombay' Oh subjects were found to have normal levels of H substance, indicating that individuals heterozygous for a recessive suppressor gene 'x' synthesize it normally. In the 'Bombay' family studied, Lewis determinants were abnormally expressed in two members. Lewis activity was detected in the soluble extracts of their red blood cells but not by the direct agglutination test. Further tests using known Le(a-b-) types are necessary to determine whether these findings are linked to the 'Bombay' Oh phenomenon.", "PMID": 982533} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_32", "title": "Plateletpheresis residues: a source of large quantities of human blood lymphocytes.", "content": "The residue from single-donor plateletpheresis contains a large number of human mononuclear cells. We have been able to harvest more than 1 X 10(9) viable lymphocytes for laboratory study from the leukocyte-rich sediment that previously had been discarded. Prior to removal by adherence 5 X 10(8) monocytes were also available for future purification, if desired. The physical properties and response to phytohemagglutinin were very similar when lymphocytes isolated from plateletpheresis residues were compared with those obtained directly from veneous blood.", "contents": "Plateletpheresis residues: a source of large quantities of human blood lymphocytes. The residue from single-donor plateletpheresis contains a large number of human mononuclear cells. We have been able to harvest more than 1 X 10(9) viable lymphocytes for laboratory study from the leukocyte-rich sediment that previously had been discarded. Prior to removal by adherence 5 X 10(8) monocytes were also available for future purification, if desired. The physical properties and response to phytohemagglutinin were very similar when lymphocytes isolated from plateletpheresis residues were compared with those obtained directly from veneous blood.", "PMID": 982538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_33", "title": "Participation of H-2 regions in heart-transplant rejection.", "content": "Hearts of newborn mice were cut into small pieces, the fragments transplanted under the ear skin of adult recipients, and the graft survival followed visually (pulsating fragments were considered viable). Donor-recipient combinations were chosen from H-2 congenic (recombinant and mutant) strains in such a way as to provide differences in the entire H-2 complex or in only a small portion of it. The data obtained indicate that a difference between the donor and the recipient in either K, D, or I regions suffices for the rejection of the heart fragments. The rejection is often accompanied by the production of antibodies against classical H-2 antigens (in the case of K- or D-region disparities) or Ia antigens (in the case of I region disparities). In some instances, the antibodies persist in the recipient for more than 50 days. We conclude from these experiments that the same loci that cause acute skin graft rejection (H-2K, H-2D, and H-2I) are responsible for heart graft rejection. Furthermore, we also conclude that serologically Ia-negative tissues may carry Ia antigens in sufficient quantities to stimulate the production of Ia antibodies.", "contents": "Participation of H-2 regions in heart-transplant rejection. Hearts of newborn mice were cut into small pieces, the fragments transplanted under the ear skin of adult recipients, and the graft survival followed visually (pulsating fragments were considered viable). Donor-recipient combinations were chosen from H-2 congenic (recombinant and mutant) strains in such a way as to provide differences in the entire H-2 complex or in only a small portion of it. The data obtained indicate that a difference between the donor and the recipient in either K, D, or I regions suffices for the rejection of the heart fragments. The rejection is often accompanied by the production of antibodies against classical H-2 antigens (in the case of K- or D-region disparities) or Ia antigens (in the case of I region disparities). In some instances, the antibodies persist in the recipient for more than 50 days. We conclude from these experiments that the same loci that cause acute skin graft rejection (H-2K, H-2D, and H-2I) are responsible for heart graft rejection. Furthermore, we also conclude that serologically Ia-negative tissues may carry Ia antigens in sufficient quantities to stimulate the production of Ia antibodies.", "PMID": 982543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_34", "title": "Fibrinolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation in open heart sergery.", "content": "Fibrinolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) have been implicated as the cause or contributing mechanisms for hemorrhage during and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Even when unassociated with hemorrhage, both processes have been thought to be common occurences during open heart surgery. In order to measure the degree to which these mechanisms occur, fibrin split products (FSP) were measured simultaneously in blood and chest tube drainage of open heart surgical patients. In addition, serial measurements of platelets and fibrinogen were also measured in the blood of these patients. It is concluded that fibrinolysis invariably occurs to a high degree in the chest postoperatively but with few systemic manifestations and that fibrinolysis and/or DIC are rare causes of a hemorrhagic diathesis after cardiopulmonary bypass.", "contents": "Fibrinolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation in open heart sergery. Fibrinolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) have been implicated as the cause or contributing mechanisms for hemorrhage during and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Even when unassociated with hemorrhage, both processes have been thought to be common occurences during open heart surgery. In order to measure the degree to which these mechanisms occur, fibrin split products (FSP) were measured simultaneously in blood and chest tube drainage of open heart surgical patients. In addition, serial measurements of platelets and fibrinogen were also measured in the blood of these patients. It is concluded that fibrinolysis invariably occurs to a high degree in the chest postoperatively but with few systemic manifestations and that fibrinolysis and/or DIC are rare causes of a hemorrhagic diathesis after cardiopulmonary bypass.", "PMID": 982539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_35", "title": "The genetics of tolerance induction in histoincompatible parabiosed mice.", "content": "The effect of varying the H-2 complex on the survival of parabiosed mice was investigated using a strain combination known to lead to about 50% long-term survival. While 45.6% of DBA/2J (H-2d) with (DBA/2J x C3H/HeJ)F1 (H-2d/H-2k) parabionts survive to 100 days or more, 69% of DBA/2J with (DBA/2J x C3H.NBSn)F1s (H-2d/H-2p) survive that long; only 16% of DBA/2J with (DBA/2Jx C3H.SWSn)F1s (H-2d/H-2b) survive to 100 days. The plot of hematocrits as a function of time after parabiosis differs significantly between the 45.6% surviving strain combination (which shows the classical pattern of parental polycythemia and F1 hybrid anemia) and the 69% surviving strain combination (which shows no divergence in parental and F1 hematocrit values). Furthermore, the 69% surviving strain combination often (5/14) persists in a chimeric state as judgec by starch gel electrophoresis of rec blood cell lysates; the other two strain combinations show no demonstrable red cell chimerism. The conclusion is suggested that the mechann these two generally successful strain combinations tested, and appears to be a function of the H-2types of the partners.", "contents": "The genetics of tolerance induction in histoincompatible parabiosed mice. The effect of varying the H-2 complex on the survival of parabiosed mice was investigated using a strain combination known to lead to about 50% long-term survival. While 45.6% of DBA/2J (H-2d) with (DBA/2J x C3H/HeJ)F1 (H-2d/H-2k) parabionts survive to 100 days or more, 69% of DBA/2J with (DBA/2J x C3H.NBSn)F1s (H-2d/H-2p) survive that long; only 16% of DBA/2J with (DBA/2Jx C3H.SWSn)F1s (H-2d/H-2b) survive to 100 days. The plot of hematocrits as a function of time after parabiosis differs significantly between the 45.6% surviving strain combination (which shows the classical pattern of parental polycythemia and F1 hybrid anemia) and the 69% surviving strain combination (which shows no divergence in parental and F1 hematocrit values). Furthermore, the 69% surviving strain combination often (5/14) persists in a chimeric state as judgec by starch gel electrophoresis of rec blood cell lysates; the other two strain combinations show no demonstrable red cell chimerism. The conclusion is suggested that the mechann these two generally successful strain combinations tested, and appears to be a function of the H-2types of the partners.", "PMID": 982544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_36", "title": "Use and analysis of saline washed red blood cells.", "content": "Data collected from 50 saline washed units of red blood cells shows that units washed with one liter of 0.9 per cent NaCl on an IBM cell processor have an average hematocrit of 72.2 per cent, with 84.7 per cent of the white blood cells removed, and only 0.6 per cent of the original total protein remaining. The red blood cell recovery is 85.5 per cent. Other advantages include low extracellular potassium and reduction in supernatant hemoglobin, metabolic waste products, debris, and nonviable cells. Over 1500 washed units have been transfused, with an average of 150 per month. The clinical response has been very favorable with only one suspected reaction reported since the use of washed cells, and no reported cases of hepatitis.", "contents": "Use and analysis of saline washed red blood cells. Data collected from 50 saline washed units of red blood cells shows that units washed with one liter of 0.9 per cent NaCl on an IBM cell processor have an average hematocrit of 72.2 per cent, with 84.7 per cent of the white blood cells removed, and only 0.6 per cent of the original total protein remaining. The red blood cell recovery is 85.5 per cent. Other advantages include low extracellular potassium and reduction in supernatant hemoglobin, metabolic waste products, debris, and nonviable cells. Over 1500 washed units have been transfused, with an average of 150 per month. The clinical response has been very favorable with only one suspected reaction reported since the use of washed cells, and no reported cases of hepatitis.", "PMID": 982540} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_37", "title": "Sterile connector.", "content": "Fabrication of a sterile connector for joining a supply source to an independent delivery location through a contaminated environment requires four design steps: 1) alignment of connector housings; 2) exclusion of the contaminated environment; 3) sterilization of the excluded region; and 4) penetration within the sterilized area followed by coupling of the protected internal conduits. Protective covers for connectors now in use may be modified to provide penetrable terminal barrier membranes that can be joined to exclude the environment. An adhesive containing an antimicrobiologic agent would set the stage for a controlled mechanical penetration of the decontaminated fused barriers. In another design concept, plastic barrier membranes without preliminary adhesions are simultaneously fused, sterilized, and penetrated by a nichrome wire heated to approximately 288 C. A system can be designed that is compatible, at the option of the user, with either of these methods. The more economical mechanical approach could then be used for parenteral fluid therapy while the nichrome wire technique would be reserved for more complex processing methods (frozen erythrocytes) or when storage of the resulting component is a factor.", "contents": "Sterile connector. Fabrication of a sterile connector for joining a supply source to an independent delivery location through a contaminated environment requires four design steps: 1) alignment of connector housings; 2) exclusion of the contaminated environment; 3) sterilization of the excluded region; and 4) penetration within the sterilized area followed by coupling of the protected internal conduits. Protective covers for connectors now in use may be modified to provide penetrable terminal barrier membranes that can be joined to exclude the environment. An adhesive containing an antimicrobiologic agent would set the stage for a controlled mechanical penetration of the decontaminated fused barriers. In another design concept, plastic barrier membranes without preliminary adhesions are simultaneously fused, sterilized, and penetrated by a nichrome wire heated to approximately 288 C. A system can be designed that is compatible, at the option of the user, with either of these methods. The more economical mechanical approach could then be used for parenteral fluid therapy while the nichrome wire technique would be reserved for more complex processing methods (frozen erythrocytes) or when storage of the resulting component is a factor.", "PMID": 982541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_38", "title": "Effects of diethylcarbamazine on ocular onchocerciasis.", "content": "A single 10-14 day course of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) was given under betamethazone cover to 18 patients (Group A) with ocular onchocerciasis, and the effects were studied in detail over 1-2 years. A comparison was made with the findings in 21 patients (Group B) who received a similar course to be followed by a weekly suppressive 100-200 mg dose of DEC. A further 18 patients (Group C) served as controls. The initial DEC course provoked severe general reactions, but ocular complications could be controlled by betamethazone. The weekly suppressive dose was not acceptable to the majority of patients, and only one young patient with severe iritis who improved during the initial course took the weekly tablet voluntarily over 2 years. The initial DEC course reduced the numbers of microfilariae in the eye and was of temporary benefit to lesions of the anterior segment, but it did not affect lesions of the posterior segment. A possible adverse effect on the optic disc is discussed. Any beneficial long term effect was almost confined to Group B, and to lesions of the anterior segment. The best to hope for in lesions of the posterior segment was arrest of further development. The findings at the end of the trial were as follows: No. of lesions (see article).", "contents": "Effects of diethylcarbamazine on ocular onchocerciasis. A single 10-14 day course of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) was given under betamethazone cover to 18 patients (Group A) with ocular onchocerciasis, and the effects were studied in detail over 1-2 years. A comparison was made with the findings in 21 patients (Group B) who received a similar course to be followed by a weekly suppressive 100-200 mg dose of DEC. A further 18 patients (Group C) served as controls. The initial DEC course provoked severe general reactions, but ocular complications could be controlled by betamethazone. The weekly suppressive dose was not acceptable to the majority of patients, and only one young patient with severe iritis who improved during the initial course took the weekly tablet voluntarily over 2 years. The initial DEC course reduced the numbers of microfilariae in the eye and was of temporary benefit to lesions of the anterior segment, but it did not affect lesions of the posterior segment. A possible adverse effect on the optic disc is discussed. Any beneficial long term effect was almost confined to Group B, and to lesions of the anterior segment. The best to hope for in lesions of the posterior segment was arrest of further development. The findings at the end of the trial were as follows: No. of lesions (see article).", "PMID": 982546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_39", "title": "Effects of suramin on ocular onchocerciasis.", "content": "39 patients (Group A) with ocular onchocerciasis in the Sudan-savanna of north Cameroon were given 4-6 g of suramin and followed in detail over 1-2 years. 39 other patients (Group B) received suramin followed 2 weeks later by a 6-7 day course of diethylcarbamazine (DEC). A further 18 patients (Group C) received placebo injections and were followed in the same way by the same observers. Suramin caused serious general reactions among the 100 patients who started the course - 1 case of stomatitis, 1 exfoliative dermatitis, and several cases of severe prostration, among which 2 ended fatally. These reactions underline the urgency for further studies on the toxicity of suramin, which is without doubt an efficient macro- and micro-filaricidal drug. Changes which occurred in the ocular lesions are described in detail. There was an initial aggravation of punctate and sclerosing keratitis, and sometimes a serious aggravation or development of anterior uveitis, corresponding to the peak microfilaricidal effect of the drug. The possibility of a simultaneous adverse effect on the optic disc is discussed. Despite these reactions, which might have been avoided by prior elimination of microfilariae by DEC, the eyes were in general quieter at 3 months and thereafter than before treatment. However, no posterior segment lesion improved after suramin, and the majority remained unchanged. The findings at the end of the trial were as follows: No. of lesions (see article).", "contents": "Effects of suramin on ocular onchocerciasis. 39 patients (Group A) with ocular onchocerciasis in the Sudan-savanna of north Cameroon were given 4-6 g of suramin and followed in detail over 1-2 years. 39 other patients (Group B) received suramin followed 2 weeks later by a 6-7 day course of diethylcarbamazine (DEC). A further 18 patients (Group C) received placebo injections and were followed in the same way by the same observers. Suramin caused serious general reactions among the 100 patients who started the course - 1 case of stomatitis, 1 exfoliative dermatitis, and several cases of severe prostration, among which 2 ended fatally. These reactions underline the urgency for further studies on the toxicity of suramin, which is without doubt an efficient macro- and micro-filaricidal drug. Changes which occurred in the ocular lesions are described in detail. There was an initial aggravation of punctate and sclerosing keratitis, and sometimes a serious aggravation or development of anterior uveitis, corresponding to the peak microfilaricidal effect of the drug. The possibility of a simultaneous adverse effect on the optic disc is discussed. Despite these reactions, which might have been avoided by prior elimination of microfilariae by DEC, the eyes were in general quieter at 3 months and thereafter than before treatment. However, no posterior segment lesion improved after suramin, and the majority remained unchanged. The findings at the end of the trial were as follows: No. of lesions (see article).", "PMID": 982547} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_40", "title": "The use of a molluscicide, in conjunction with chemotherapy, to control Schistosoma haematobium at the Barombi Lake foci in Cameroon. I. The attack on the snail hosts, using N-tritylmorpholine, and the effect on transmission from snail to man.", "content": "The background and strategy of a campaign to control the transmission of Schistosoma haematobium at the isolated crater-lake villages of Barombi Mbo and Barombi Kotto are outlined. A two-pronged attack was envisaged, using N-tritylmorpholine (Frescon) to control the snail host, and niridazole (Ambilhar) to control the parasite in man. The lake villages and their environs are described. Observations, relevant to control, are recorded on the biology of Bulinus rohlfsi and B. camerunensis. Snail populations were sampled by hand picking, and by the use of basket traps baited with dead leaves. Some experiments on the susceptibility of both snails to S. haematobium are described, together with observations on the strains of schistosome developing in monkeys exposed to cercariae from naturally-infected snails from the lakes. Frescon was applied through a tube to the bottom layers at the edge of the lakes, where the snails lived. Concentrations of 2 ppm down to 0.5 ppm N-tritylmorpholine proved necessary for adequate kills. Intervals of 6 weeks between treatments sufficed to control B. rohlfsi, but applications every 2 weeks were needed for B. camerunensis. The numbers of egg-masses, of snails, and of infective snails of both species were recorded before, during and after Frescon/Ambilhar control; and snail transmission rates and indices have been calculated. Control operations reduced transmission by R. rohlfsi to 2.4% of the pre-control level, or to below the detectable threshold. They were most effective at Mbo, where B. rohlfsi was the only intermediate host. At Kotto, despite excellent B. rohlfsi control, transmission of the residual infections in the human population by B. camerunensis persisted during control operations, until the intervals between Frescon applications were cut to 2 weeks.", "contents": "The use of a molluscicide, in conjunction with chemotherapy, to control Schistosoma haematobium at the Barombi Lake foci in Cameroon. I. The attack on the snail hosts, using N-tritylmorpholine, and the effect on transmission from snail to man. The background and strategy of a campaign to control the transmission of Schistosoma haematobium at the isolated crater-lake villages of Barombi Mbo and Barombi Kotto are outlined. A two-pronged attack was envisaged, using N-tritylmorpholine (Frescon) to control the snail host, and niridazole (Ambilhar) to control the parasite in man. The lake villages and their environs are described. Observations, relevant to control, are recorded on the biology of Bulinus rohlfsi and B. camerunensis. Snail populations were sampled by hand picking, and by the use of basket traps baited with dead leaves. Some experiments on the susceptibility of both snails to S. haematobium are described, together with observations on the strains of schistosome developing in monkeys exposed to cercariae from naturally-infected snails from the lakes. Frescon was applied through a tube to the bottom layers at the edge of the lakes, where the snails lived. Concentrations of 2 ppm down to 0.5 ppm N-tritylmorpholine proved necessary for adequate kills. Intervals of 6 weeks between treatments sufficed to control B. rohlfsi, but applications every 2 weeks were needed for B. camerunensis. The numbers of egg-masses, of snails, and of infective snails of both species were recorded before, during and after Frescon/Ambilhar control; and snail transmission rates and indices have been calculated. Control operations reduced transmission by R. rohlfsi to 2.4% of the pre-control level, or to below the detectable threshold. They were most effective at Mbo, where B. rohlfsi was the only intermediate host. At Kotto, despite excellent B. rohlfsi control, transmission of the residual infections in the human population by B. camerunensis persisted during control operations, until the intervals between Frescon applications were cut to 2 weeks.", "PMID": 982548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_41", "title": "Studies on Theileriidae (Sporozoa) in Tanzania. IV. A field trial on immunization against East Coast fever (Theileria parva infection of cattle).", "content": "Seven cattle, immunized by an infection and treatment method with 3 strains of Theileria parva (Muguga, Kiambu 5 and Serengeti transformed), and five controls were exposed to natural tick infestation in Tanzania, at a site where 2 precontrols had previously contracted fatal East Coast fever within 3 weeks. All controls became infected with fatal ECF within a month of exposure. One immunized animal survived, two died from a Theileria mutans infection and one from a Babesia bigemina infection. The cause of death of the other three animals could not be ascertained, but East Coast fever could not be incriminated. Immunized cattle took longer to succumb than the controls, and serological results showed that all immunized animals became infected with T. parva during exposure, without showing symptoms of ECF.", "contents": "Studies on Theileriidae (Sporozoa) in Tanzania. IV. A field trial on immunization against East Coast fever (Theileria parva infection of cattle). Seven cattle, immunized by an infection and treatment method with 3 strains of Theileria parva (Muguga, Kiambu 5 and Serengeti transformed), and five controls were exposed to natural tick infestation in Tanzania, at a site where 2 precontrols had previously contracted fatal East Coast fever within 3 weeks. All controls became infected with fatal ECF within a month of exposure. One immunized animal survived, two died from a Theileria mutans infection and one from a Babesia bigemina infection. The cause of death of the other three animals could not be ascertained, but East Coast fever could not be incriminated. Immunized cattle took longer to succumb than the controls, and serological results showed that all immunized animals became infected with T. parva during exposure, without showing symptoms of ECF.", "PMID": 982549} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_42", "title": "Splenic radionuclide scanning and sequestration of thermally altered erythrocytes in hepatosplenic sch istosomiasis.", "content": "Using heat-treated 51Cr tagged red cells radionuclide scanning of the spleen was performed in 17 patients suffering from hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. Furthermore, following the injection of the thermally damaged erythrocytes, the disappearance half time of radioactivity was calculated from splenic radioactivity build-up tracings. Out of the 17 bilharzial patients examined, 12 had disappearance half times shorter than the lowest limit obtained in normal subjects, denoting exaggerated splenic trapping of heat-treated red cells. Analysis of the results showed that the rate of trapping of heated erythrocytes was more rapid in patients presenting with bigger splenic enlargement, as well as in those having more marked anemia. This might be taken to indicate a possible link between the occurrence of anemia and the spleen in schistosomiasis. By radionuclide scanning, the bilharzial spleen was bigger than normal. In addition, the splenic shadow appeared to be either oval, triangular or kidney shaped. In 9 patients, the distribution of radioactivity was homogenous, with decrease in the density towards the periphery. In the remaining 8 cases, patchy distribution of radioactivity was observed. Mottling was more marked in the huge spleens as well as in the presence of severe anemia.", "contents": "Splenic radionuclide scanning and sequestration of thermally altered erythrocytes in hepatosplenic sch istosomiasis. Using heat-treated 51Cr tagged red cells radionuclide scanning of the spleen was performed in 17 patients suffering from hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. Furthermore, following the injection of the thermally damaged erythrocytes, the disappearance half time of radioactivity was calculated from splenic radioactivity build-up tracings. Out of the 17 bilharzial patients examined, 12 had disappearance half times shorter than the lowest limit obtained in normal subjects, denoting exaggerated splenic trapping of heat-treated red cells. Analysis of the results showed that the rate of trapping of heated erythrocytes was more rapid in patients presenting with bigger splenic enlargement, as well as in those having more marked anemia. This might be taken to indicate a possible link between the occurrence of anemia and the spleen in schistosomiasis. By radionuclide scanning, the bilharzial spleen was bigger than normal. In addition, the splenic shadow appeared to be either oval, triangular or kidney shaped. In 9 patients, the distribution of radioactivity was homogenous, with decrease in the density towards the periphery. In the remaining 8 cases, patchy distribution of radioactivity was observed. Mottling was more marked in the huge spleens as well as in the presence of severe anemia.", "PMID": 982550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_43", "title": "The head nodule and ocular onchocerciasis in Africa.", "content": "In a population survey in 1970/72 the prevalence of head nodules was found to be 1.7% in 1098 cases of onchocerciasis in the rain-forest and 0.6% in 1128 cases in the Sudan-savanna of Cameroon. In a follow-up survey in the same villages 3-4 years later more attention was given to the detection of head nocules, and the corresponding prevalences were 5.5 and 5.0%. In the follow-up survey a strong associated was demonstrated between the presence of head nodules and lesions of both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. The relative risks of having eye lesions in patients with head nodules compared with those without were 2.9 and 7.5 in the rain-forest and savanna respectively. In a group of 483 clinic cases with ocular onchocerciasis from the savanna palpable head nodules were detected in 23.6%, and in a further 140 selected cases from the same area with posterior segment eye lesions, head nodules were detected in 31.4%. Confirmation of the onchocercal origin of the nodules was obtained in doubtful cases by biopsy. Many head nodules probably remain undetected in onchocerciasis surveys. They are often very small, flat, and hard, and tightly adherent to the under-lying periosteum, and the patient will often point out the presence of a nodule even when none has been detected after careful examination. The presence of a head nodule has long been one of the recognized \"risk factors\" associated with a high prevalence of blindness in Central America, but there have been no detailed studied in African onchocerciasis. A trial is in progress to assess the effect of nodulectomy on the development of ocular lesions.", "contents": "The head nodule and ocular onchocerciasis in Africa. In a population survey in 1970/72 the prevalence of head nodules was found to be 1.7% in 1098 cases of onchocerciasis in the rain-forest and 0.6% in 1128 cases in the Sudan-savanna of Cameroon. In a follow-up survey in the same villages 3-4 years later more attention was given to the detection of head nocules, and the corresponding prevalences were 5.5 and 5.0%. In the follow-up survey a strong associated was demonstrated between the presence of head nodules and lesions of both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. The relative risks of having eye lesions in patients with head nodules compared with those without were 2.9 and 7.5 in the rain-forest and savanna respectively. In a group of 483 clinic cases with ocular onchocerciasis from the savanna palpable head nodules were detected in 23.6%, and in a further 140 selected cases from the same area with posterior segment eye lesions, head nodules were detected in 31.4%. Confirmation of the onchocercal origin of the nodules was obtained in doubtful cases by biopsy. Many head nodules probably remain undetected in onchocerciasis surveys. They are often very small, flat, and hard, and tightly adherent to the under-lying periosteum, and the patient will often point out the presence of a nodule even when none has been detected after careful examination. The presence of a head nodule has long been one of the recognized \"risk factors\" associated with a high prevalence of blindness in Central America, but there have been no detailed studied in African onchocerciasis. A trial is in progress to assess the effect of nodulectomy on the development of ocular lesions.", "PMID": 982551} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_44", "title": "Seasonal variation in the concentration of Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae in the skin?", "content": "Repeated multiple skin snips in 18 persons with onchocerciasis from the Sudan-savanna of West Africa suggested the possibility of a seasonal variation in microfilarial concentrations. This variation may be an evolutionary adaptation of the parasite to the climate conditions that affect the seasonal distribution of the vector, but a migration of the microfilariae in the skin layers caused by the Simulium bites cannot be excluded.", "contents": "Seasonal variation in the concentration of Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae in the skin? Repeated multiple skin snips in 18 persons with onchocerciasis from the Sudan-savanna of West Africa suggested the possibility of a seasonal variation in microfilarial concentrations. This variation may be an evolutionary adaptation of the parasite to the climate conditions that affect the seasonal distribution of the vector, but a migration of the microfilariae in the skin layers caused by the Simulium bites cannot be excluded.", "PMID": 982552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_45", "title": "[Adherence phenomena in Trypanosoma congolense (author's transl)].", "content": "Two adherence phenomena in Trypanosoma congolense as a possible cause of trypanosome aggregation in the capillaries of certain organs are described: 1. Adherence of trypanosomes to blood cells of nonimmune mice, 2. dovetailing of trypanosome membranes into one another and into the vessel wall.", "contents": "[Adherence phenomena in Trypanosoma congolense (author's transl)]. Two adherence phenomena in Trypanosoma congolense as a possible cause of trypanosome aggregation in the capillaries of certain organs are described: 1. Adherence of trypanosomes to blood cells of nonimmune mice, 2. dovetailing of trypanosome membranes into one another and into the vessel wall.", "PMID": 982553} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_46", "title": "Erythrocyte adenosine triphosphate levels in cattle infected with Babesia argentina.", "content": "Erythrocyte adenosie triphosphate (ATP) was estimated in 60 Droughtmaster cattle. The mean was 0.76 mumole/g haemoglobin; standard deviation +/- 0.18; range 0.41-1.45. ATP values were log normally distributed. Repeatability of ATP estimations was confirmed using 10 Hereford cattle. Animal variation in the estimates was double the sampling variation. No significant correlation between susceptibility to B. argentina and ATP was observed in 25 Droughtmaster and 5 Hereford cattle.", "contents": "Erythrocyte adenosine triphosphate levels in cattle infected with Babesia argentina. Erythrocyte adenosie triphosphate (ATP) was estimated in 60 Droughtmaster cattle. The mean was 0.76 mumole/g haemoglobin; standard deviation +/- 0.18; range 0.41-1.45. ATP values were log normally distributed. Repeatability of ATP estimations was confirmed using 10 Hereford cattle. Animal variation in the estimates was double the sampling variation. No significant correlation between susceptibility to B. argentina and ATP was observed in 25 Droughtmaster and 5 Hereford cattle.", "PMID": 982554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_47", "title": "[Hybridologic analysis according to polygenic traits].", "content": "A method is suggested for hybridological analysis of polygenic characters based on comparing the hybrid generation's arithmetical mean components with genotypic dispersion. The method allows determining the number of genes by which parental forms differ, type and value of the gene interaction. On this basis it is possible to predict splitting off definite genotypes as well as to plan ratiis is available.", "contents": "[Hybridologic analysis according to polygenic traits]. A method is suggested for hybridological analysis of polygenic characters based on comparing the hybrid generation's arithmetical mean components with genotypic dispersion. The method allows determining the number of genes by which parental forms differ, type and value of the gene interaction. On this basis it is possible to predict splitting off definite genotypes as well as to plan ratiis is available.", "PMID": 982573} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_48", "title": "Ultrastructure of the sturgeon neurohypophysis.", "content": "Three types of nerve fibres and their terminals have been revealed in the sturgeon neurohypophysis. Peptidergic A1 and A2 type fibres contain granules 120--200 and 100--160 nm in diameter, resp. Monoaminergic B type fibres have granules 80-100 nm in diameter. Terminals of A2 type predominate in the sturgeon neurohypophysis, A1 and B type terminals are a rarer occurrence. Different stages of exocytosis of the neurosecretory granule content were seen in the A1 and A2 type terminals. It is suggested that neurosecretory granules are the carriers of arginine-8-vasotocin and oxytocin-like polypeptide in A2 and A1 fibres, resp.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of the sturgeon neurohypophysis. Three types of nerve fibres and their terminals have been revealed in the sturgeon neurohypophysis. Peptidergic A1 and A2 type fibres contain granules 120--200 and 100--160 nm in diameter, resp. Monoaminergic B type fibres have granules 80-100 nm in diameter. Terminals of A2 type predominate in the sturgeon neurohypophysis, A1 and B type terminals are a rarer occurrence. Different stages of exocytosis of the neurosecretory granule content were seen in the A1 and A2 type terminals. It is suggested that neurosecretory granules are the carriers of arginine-8-vasotocin and oxytocin-like polypeptide in A2 and A1 fibres, resp.", "PMID": 982582} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_49", "title": "[Pollen development in the anthers of several cereal strains and hybrids during cultivation in vitro].", "content": "In order to induce androgenesis in vitro anthers of some cereals were cultivated. The highest number of proembryos was obtained in the hybrid Triticale in F3 generation on Blayder's medium supplemented with 3 and 12% sucrose. Proembryos represented multi-nuclear and multicellular formations which stagnated at the globular stage of development. Origin of roots from calluses was not accompanied by formation of buds. There was no formation of embryos from pollen grains in case of lines Triticum aestivum and Secale cereale.", "contents": "[Pollen development in the anthers of several cereal strains and hybrids during cultivation in vitro]. In order to induce androgenesis in vitro anthers of some cereals were cultivated. The highest number of proembryos was obtained in the hybrid Triticale in F3 generation on Blayder's medium supplemented with 3 and 12% sucrose. Proembryos represented multi-nuclear and multicellular formations which stagnated at the globular stage of development. Origin of roots from calluses was not accompanied by formation of buds. There was no formation of embryos from pollen grains in case of lines Triticum aestivum and Secale cereale.", "PMID": 982576} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_50", "title": "[Nerve and glial cells of the sympathetic ganglia of mice of different ages. I. Interferometric and electron microscopic study of the perikarya of nerve cells of normally developing animals].", "content": "The perikarya of sympathetic nerve cells from stellate ganglia of 1.3 and 8 month old mice were studied by interference and electron microscopy. Both the number of nerve cells and the dry weight of their perikarya are the same in animals of different ages. According to the ultrastructure, all the sympathetic neurons of adult mice belong to one of the two main groups. The \"dark\" cells are characterized by a higher electron opacity of nucleo and cytoplasm, the convoluted nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum being randomly distributed throughout the cytoplasm. In the \"light\" cells from ganglia of I and 3 month old mice, the granular endoplasmic reticulum forms a kind of a belt around the nucleus and is situated in the middle area of the cytoplasm. The majority of nerve cells from the ganglia of 8 month old mice, in addition to the increase in pigment granule contents, are characterized by a lower frequency of the rough endoplasmic reticulum without changes in the number of polysomes not attached to membranes.", "contents": "[Nerve and glial cells of the sympathetic ganglia of mice of different ages. I. Interferometric and electron microscopic study of the perikarya of nerve cells of normally developing animals]. The perikarya of sympathetic nerve cells from stellate ganglia of 1.3 and 8 month old mice were studied by interference and electron microscopy. Both the number of nerve cells and the dry weight of their perikarya are the same in animals of different ages. According to the ultrastructure, all the sympathetic neurons of adult mice belong to one of the two main groups. The \"dark\" cells are characterized by a higher electron opacity of nucleo and cytoplasm, the convoluted nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum being randomly distributed throughout the cytoplasm. In the \"light\" cells from ganglia of I and 3 month old mice, the granular endoplasmic reticulum forms a kind of a belt around the nucleus and is situated in the middle area of the cytoplasm. The majority of nerve cells from the ganglia of 8 month old mice, in addition to the increase in pigment granule contents, are characterized by a lower frequency of the rough endoplasmic reticulum without changes in the number of polysomes not attached to membranes.", "PMID": 982583} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_51", "title": "[Electron microscopic study of nerve tissue elements of the medullary substance of the canine adrenals].", "content": "A study was made of the fine structure of myelinated and nonmyelinated nerve fibers in association with the supporting Schwann cells in the adrenal medulla of the dog. The postganglionic sympathetic innervation of adrenal chromaffin cells is proven indirectlining granules (50--200 nm in size) in axoplasma of non-myelinated fibers, mostly in nerve endings on chromaffin cells.", "contents": "[Electron microscopic study of nerve tissue elements of the medullary substance of the canine adrenals]. A study was made of the fine structure of myelinated and nonmyelinated nerve fibers in association with the supporting Schwann cells in the adrenal medulla of the dog. The postganglionic sympathetic innervation of adrenal chromaffin cells is proven indirectlining granules (50--200 nm in size) in axoplasma of non-myelinated fibers, mostly in nerve endings on chromaffin cells.", "PMID": 982584} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_52", "title": "[Fibrillary structures in tumor myoblasts].", "content": "An electron microscope study was made of fibrillar structures in various types of cell elements in mice rhabdomyosarcoma. Different stages of myofibril development were followed in such differentiated cell elements as large spindle cells, large round cells and middle spindle cells. In the former two cells, the evolution has riched a stage of bundles of myofibrills with Z-like bands. The highest degree of myofibril maturation occurs in multinuclear myosymplasts. The occurrence of myofibrils being at different stages of evolution within the same cells is characteristic of tumor myoblasts in addition to an excentric unipolarity of cell differentiation and atypical structure of Z-brands. Cytotypical differentiation (myofibrillogenesis in uninuclear cells) may be the case only in those types of rhabdomyosarcoma cell elements which are able to undergo histottypical differentiation (fussion and formation of multinuclear myosymplasts).", "contents": "[Fibrillary structures in tumor myoblasts]. An electron microscope study was made of fibrillar structures in various types of cell elements in mice rhabdomyosarcoma. Different stages of myofibril development were followed in such differentiated cell elements as large spindle cells, large round cells and middle spindle cells. In the former two cells, the evolution has riched a stage of bundles of myofibrills with Z-like bands. The highest degree of myofibril maturation occurs in multinuclear myosymplasts. The occurrence of myofibrils being at different stages of evolution within the same cells is characteristic of tumor myoblasts in addition to an excentric unipolarity of cell differentiation and atypical structure of Z-brands. Cytotypical differentiation (myofibrillogenesis in uninuclear cells) may be the case only in those types of rhabdomyosarcoma cell elements which are able to undergo histottypical differentiation (fussion and formation of multinuclear myosymplasts).", "PMID": 982585} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_53", "title": "[Relationship between crown-gall plant tumors and the cell cycle].", "content": "It is established that under conditions of the culture in vitro the greatest amount of crown-gall swellings on topinambur and carrot explants is formed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens inoculation 4 and 6 hrs after the tissue extraction and planting, which corresponds to the G1-phase of the 1st cellular cycle. In the inoculated tissue cells entrance to the S-phase is accelerated and the maximal number of labelled nuclei is found 10 hrs earlier.", "contents": "[Relationship between crown-gall plant tumors and the cell cycle]. It is established that under conditions of the culture in vitro the greatest amount of crown-gall swellings on topinambur and carrot explants is formed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens inoculation 4 and 6 hrs after the tissue extraction and planting, which corresponds to the G1-phase of the 1st cellular cycle. In the inoculated tissue cells entrance to the S-phase is accelerated and the maximal number of labelled nuclei is found 10 hrs earlier.", "PMID": 982581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_54", "title": "[Recovery of continuous cells following prolonged storage at the temperature of liquid nitrogen].", "content": "The recovery process of HeLa continuous cells after prolonged storage at nitrogen liquid temperature (--196 degrees C) has been analysed. The karyologic analysis evidence indicates a high stock cell karyostability. A study of cell division, generation cycle parameters and DNA synthesis by autoradiography demonstrated cell adaptation to a continuous passage to be due to the increase of proliferative pool and to the intensitification of generation processes in the multiplicated population. Cell structure changes during adaptation were reversible.", "contents": "[Recovery of continuous cells following prolonged storage at the temperature of liquid nitrogen]. The recovery process of HeLa continuous cells after prolonged storage at nitrogen liquid temperature (--196 degrees C) has been analysed. The karyologic analysis evidence indicates a high stock cell karyostability. A study of cell division, generation cycle parameters and DNA synthesis by autoradiography demonstrated cell adaptation to a continuous passage to be due to the increase of proliferative pool and to the intensitification of generation processes in the multiplicated population. Cell structure changes during adaptation were reversible.", "PMID": 982589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_55", "title": "[Familial X-autosomal translocation t (X, 2)].", "content": "A loss of part of the short arm of the X-chromosome and a partial trisomy of chromosome 2 were detected in a girl with the Shereshevsky--Turner syndrome; her karyotype was 46, Xt (X,2) (Xqter leads to Xp11 : : 2q36 leads to 2q ter). The patient's mother had a balanced X-autosomal translocation 46, X,t, (X,2) (Xq ter leads to Xp11 : : 2q36 leads to 2q ter; 2p ter leads to 2q36 : : Xp11 leads to Xp ter). The daughter's abnormal X-chromosome was a late labelling one, while her mother had the late label in the normal X-chromosome.", "contents": "[Familial X-autosomal translocation t (X, 2)]. A loss of part of the short arm of the X-chromosome and a partial trisomy of chromosome 2 were detected in a girl with the Shereshevsky--Turner syndrome; her karyotype was 46, Xt (X,2) (Xqter leads to Xp11 : : 2q36 leads to 2q ter). The patient's mother had a balanced X-autosomal translocation 46, X,t, (X,2) (Xq ter leads to Xp11 : : 2q36 leads to 2q ter; 2p ter leads to 2q36 : : Xp11 leads to Xp ter). The daughter's abnormal X-chromosome was a late labelling one, while her mother had the late label in the normal X-chromosome.", "PMID": 982591} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_56", "title": "[Autoradiographic study of pigmented murine melanoma].", "content": "The growth of the Harding--Passey murine melanoma has been studied. The time of the tumor size doubling was found equal to 29, 45, 108 and 478 hours on days 8, 15, 22 and 30, resp., after melanoma transplantation. Factors determining the retardation of the melanoma growth rate were analysed. The cell cycle duration recorded on different days after the melanoma transplantation (15--30) was practically unchanged (18--21 hours). The value of the proliferative pool diminished from 71 to 51% on days 15 and 30, resp., after tumor transplantation. The cell loss sharply increased from 51 to 93% between 15 and 30 days of tumor growth. Thus, the retardation of the Harding-Passey melanoma growth was determined substantially by a markedly increased cell loss and, to some degree, by a decreased proliferative pool.", "contents": "[Autoradiographic study of pigmented murine melanoma]. The growth of the Harding--Passey murine melanoma has been studied. The time of the tumor size doubling was found equal to 29, 45, 108 and 478 hours on days 8, 15, 22 and 30, resp., after melanoma transplantation. Factors determining the retardation of the melanoma growth rate were analysed. The cell cycle duration recorded on different days after the melanoma transplantation (15--30) was practically unchanged (18--21 hours). The value of the proliferative pool diminished from 71 to 51% on days 15 and 30, resp., after tumor transplantation. The cell loss sharply increased from 51 to 93% between 15 and 30 days of tumor growth. Thus, the retardation of the Harding-Passey melanoma growth was determined substantially by a markedly increased cell loss and, to some degree, by a decreased proliferative pool.", "PMID": 982594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_57", "title": "[Analysis of breast cell differentiation in tissue culture under the influence of hormones].", "content": "Effects of insulin, hydrocortisone and prolactin on cell differentiation were studied in mammary gland tissue culture of pregnant goats. The morphological evidence suggests that the administration of the above hormonal triad during cultivation contributes to the development of \"growth zone\" around the explantat on the filter and to morphological changes of tissue which become specific of the mammary gland tissue in normally lactating animals. The metabolism of nuclear proteins, DNA synthesis and cell proliferation at the initial stages of epithelium development are demonstrated to be regulated by insulin together with hydrocortisone. The synthesis of milk proteins is influenced by prolactin. The effect of prolactin is realized only in newly-formed postmitotic population of secretory cells.", "contents": "[Analysis of breast cell differentiation in tissue culture under the influence of hormones]. Effects of insulin, hydrocortisone and prolactin on cell differentiation were studied in mammary gland tissue culture of pregnant goats. The morphological evidence suggests that the administration of the above hormonal triad during cultivation contributes to the development of \"growth zone\" around the explantat on the filter and to morphological changes of tissue which become specific of the mammary gland tissue in normally lactating animals. The metabolism of nuclear proteins, DNA synthesis and cell proliferation at the initial stages of epithelium development are demonstrated to be regulated by insulin together with hydrocortisone. The synthesis of milk proteins is influenced by prolactin. The effect of prolactin is realized only in newly-formed postmitotic population of secretory cells.", "PMID": 982595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_58", "title": "[Electron microscopic study of glycogen granules in the epithelial cells of human endometrial glands].", "content": "At the early secretory stage of the menstrual cycle part of glycogen granules in the human endometrial glandular cells are limited with threelayered membranes 6--9 nm thick. Transitional forms between the above mentioned granules and vesicles derived from the Golgi cisterns were found. On moving away from the Golgi apparatus the density of these granules with the membranes disappearing, thus suggesting that the Golgi apparatus of the human endometrial glandular cells may give rise to beta-particles of glycogen, whose polysaccharid nature is confirmed by amylase digestion.", "contents": "[Electron microscopic study of glycogen granules in the epithelial cells of human endometrial glands]. At the early secretory stage of the menstrual cycle part of glycogen granules in the human endometrial glandular cells are limited with threelayered membranes 6--9 nm thick. Transitional forms between the above mentioned granules and vesicles derived from the Golgi cisterns were found. On moving away from the Golgi apparatus the density of these granules with the membranes disappearing, thus suggesting that the Golgi apparatus of the human endometrial glandular cells may give rise to beta-particles of glycogen, whose polysaccharid nature is confirmed by amylase digestion.", "PMID": 982597} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_59", "title": "[Detection of chromosome races among the malarial mosquito Anopheles sacharovi].", "content": "Peculiarities of polytene chromosomes of populations of malarial mosquitoes Anopheles sacharovi from the Transcaucasus and Middle Asia were studied. It was established that karyotypes of specimens from the latter region differ from those from the formes in the inversions in chromosomes I and in the left arm of chromosome III. Since all the specimens examined proved to be homozygous towards the above inversions, the populations from the Transcaucasus and Middle Asia are reparated into chromosomal races.", "contents": "[Detection of chromosome races among the malarial mosquito Anopheles sacharovi]. Peculiarities of polytene chromosomes of populations of malarial mosquitoes Anopheles sacharovi from the Transcaucasus and Middle Asia were studied. It was established that karyotypes of specimens from the latter region differ from those from the formes in the inversions in chromosomes I and in the left arm of chromosome III. Since all the specimens examined proved to be homozygous towards the above inversions, the populations from the Transcaucasus and Middle Asia are reparated into chromosomal races.", "PMID": 982601} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_60", "title": "[Transistorized electrometric intensifier for recording low-amplitude bioelectric activity].", "content": "An amplifer is described which is intended to register a low amplitude bioelectric activity at intra- and extracellular recordings using high ohm electrodes. The increase of real sensitivity (increase of the ratio signal/noise) is reached selectively for each case by a smooth change of the amplifier frequency band, as well as by applying field transistors with little noise at the output stage of the amplifier.", "contents": "[Transistorized electrometric intensifier for recording low-amplitude bioelectric activity]. An amplifer is described which is intended to register a low amplitude bioelectric activity at intra- and extracellular recordings using high ohm electrodes. The increase of real sensitivity (increase of the ratio signal/noise) is reached selectively for each case by a smooth change of the amplifier frequency band, as well as by applying field transistors with little noise at the output stage of the amplifier.", "PMID": 982602} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_61", "title": "[Sympathetic ganglia nerve and glial cells in mice of different ages. II. Interferometric and electron microscopic study of the perikarya of neurocytes from a population with a sharply decreased number of cells].", "content": "The number of nerve cells in stellate ganglia of mice injected antiserum against the nerve growth factor during the first five days after birth made -- 22%, 19 and 15.5% in 1, 3 and 8 month old animals compared to the control values. The neurons that developed in ganglia with reduced cell numbers are characterized by a higher dry weight of their nuclei and cytoplasm. The ultrastructure of perikaria of such cells has some pecularities different in mice of different age, and are possibly brought about by compensatory changes in the ganglia.", "contents": "[Sympathetic ganglia nerve and glial cells in mice of different ages. II. Interferometric and electron microscopic study of the perikarya of neurocytes from a population with a sharply decreased number of cells]. The number of nerve cells in stellate ganglia of mice injected antiserum against the nerve growth factor during the first five days after birth made -- 22%, 19 and 15.5% in 1, 3 and 8 month old animals compared to the control values. The neurons that developed in ganglia with reduced cell numbers are characterized by a higher dry weight of their nuclei and cytoplasm. The ultrastructure of perikaria of such cells has some pecularities different in mice of different age, and are possibly brought about by compensatory changes in the ganglia.", "PMID": 982603} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_62", "title": "[Sympathetic ganglia nerve and glial cells in mice of different ages. III. Satellite perikaryon cells under normal conditons and following a sharp reduction in the number of ganglionic neurocytes].", "content": "Changes induced in perikarial satellite cells by a prolonged increase of the mass and volume of perikaria are studied. The work was fulfilled on the gg. stellatae of adult female mice injected antiserum against nerve growth factor soon after birth (this treatment resulted in an up to 80% decrease of nerve cell bodies per ganglion, accompanied with a significant increase in their volumes). The nerve cell body hypertrophy was followed by hypertrophy and hyperplasy of satellite cells. In addition some prominent changes in the fine structure of satellite cells under experimental conditions were found.", "contents": "[Sympathetic ganglia nerve and glial cells in mice of different ages. III. Satellite perikaryon cells under normal conditons and following a sharp reduction in the number of ganglionic neurocytes]. Changes induced in perikarial satellite cells by a prolonged increase of the mass and volume of perikaria are studied. The work was fulfilled on the gg. stellatae of adult female mice injected antiserum against nerve growth factor soon after birth (this treatment resulted in an up to 80% decrease of nerve cell bodies per ganglion, accompanied with a significant increase in their volumes). The nerve cell body hypertrophy was followed by hypertrophy and hyperplasy of satellite cells. In addition some prominent changes in the fine structure of satellite cells under experimental conditions were found.", "PMID": 982604} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_63", "title": "[Inhibition of exogenous lactate dehydrogenase in mammalian ova].", "content": "A technique of microinjection of exogenic commercial lactate dehydrogenase into the zygotes of rats has been elaborated. A selective inhibition of exogenous LDH-3, LDH-4 and LDH-5 was registered in the ova-recipients. Attempts to reproduce the selective inhibition of LDH-3, LDH-4 and LDH-5 by a microhomogenate made of zygotes were not successful. The identification of LDH from ovocytes and exogenic LDH was made according to their electrophoretic mobility relative to Bromphenol blue and LDH-1.", "contents": "[Inhibition of exogenous lactate dehydrogenase in mammalian ova]. A technique of microinjection of exogenic commercial lactate dehydrogenase into the zygotes of rats has been elaborated. A selective inhibition of exogenous LDH-3, LDH-4 and LDH-5 was registered in the ova-recipients. Attempts to reproduce the selective inhibition of LDH-3, LDH-4 and LDH-5 by a microhomogenate made of zygotes were not successful. The identification of LDH from ovocytes and exogenic LDH was made according to their electrophoretic mobility relative to Bromphenol blue and LDH-1.", "PMID": 982606} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_64", "title": "[Interaction of aldolase with pigeon erythrocyte plasma membranes].", "content": "Osmotically hemolysed pigeon erythrocytes retain a considerable part of the total cell content of aldolase activity. After washing off the ghosts from hemoglobin and removing the nuclei, a considerable portion of aldolase activity is found in the supernatant. The retained part of aldolase is rather firmly bound to plasma membranes (PM), as evidenced by the fact, that double washing with a mixture of 0.3 M sucrose, 0.01 M tris-HCl (pH 7.4) and 0.004 M MgCL2, or with 0.15 M NaCl or H2O does not appreciably decrease the aldolase activity of PM. Only washing of PM with 0.5 M NaCl results in appreciable decrease of aldolase retention by PM. The binding of aldolase proved to be temperature sensitive: after heating the binding of aldolase to PM specifically decreased. These data suggest that the interaction of the enzyme with PM of pigeon erythrocytes occurs in the intact cell and may be of physiological significance.", "contents": "[Interaction of aldolase with pigeon erythrocyte plasma membranes]. Osmotically hemolysed pigeon erythrocytes retain a considerable part of the total cell content of aldolase activity. After washing off the ghosts from hemoglobin and removing the nuclei, a considerable portion of aldolase activity is found in the supernatant. The retained part of aldolase is rather firmly bound to plasma membranes (PM), as evidenced by the fact, that double washing with a mixture of 0.3 M sucrose, 0.01 M tris-HCl (pH 7.4) and 0.004 M MgCL2, or with 0.15 M NaCl or H2O does not appreciably decrease the aldolase activity of PM. Only washing of PM with 0.5 M NaCl results in appreciable decrease of aldolase retention by PM. The binding of aldolase proved to be temperature sensitive: after heating the binding of aldolase to PM specifically decreased. These data suggest that the interaction of the enzyme with PM of pigeon erythrocytes occurs in the intact cell and may be of physiological significance.", "PMID": 982607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_65", "title": "Sarcoidosis presenting with a pleural effusion.", "content": "A male West Indian patient developed a pleural effusion without radiographic evidence of intra-thoracic lymph node or pulmonary abnormality. A pleural biopsy showed non-caseating granulomas. The Kveim test was positive. During treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs bilateral pulmonary nodular shadows appeared in the chest x-ray. Anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy was stopped and prednisone given. The nodular shadows resolved.", "contents": "Sarcoidosis presenting with a pleural effusion. A male West Indian patient developed a pleural effusion without radiographic evidence of intra-thoracic lymph node or pulmonary abnormality. A pleural biopsy showed non-caseating granulomas. The Kveim test was positive. During treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs bilateral pulmonary nodular shadows appeared in the chest x-ray. Anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy was stopped and prednisone given. The nodular shadows resolved.", "PMID": 982608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_66", "title": "[Changes in nitrogen metabolism in young cattle following ultraviolet irradiation and feeding on urea].", "content": "Some indexes of nitrogen metabolism in blood, rumen content and urine of bull-calves fed on urea were studied as affected by UV-radiation. The content of protein, nonprotein, amine nitrogen, urea and ammonia in the rumen content and blood as well as as intensity of urea nitrogen and ammonia excretion with urine were determined. It is established that when 25% of protein necessary for the organism was replaced in the ration by urea, UV-radiation with a dose of 120 merg/h-m2 lowers already at the beginning of irradiation the amount of amine nitrogen and further the protein one in the young cattle rumen content. In blood of the irradiated bull-calves at the beginning of irradiation the level of amine nitrogen decreases, the level of nonprotein nitrogen lowers with a longer irradiation. The content of protein nitrogen in blood at that time increases. It was found that the content of ammonia in the bull-calves rumen during the first twenty-hours lowers, the amount of urea in blood does not change essentially. Simultaneously the ammonia excretion with urine intensifies, at the same time the excretion of urea nitrogen with urine does not differ essentially from that in the control bull-calves. In the bull-calves under study the nitrogen balance and average daily gains increase that may testify to the fact that UV-radiation in the applied dose stimulates a more complete utilization of urea nitrogen for the synthesis processes in the organism.", "contents": "[Changes in nitrogen metabolism in young cattle following ultraviolet irradiation and feeding on urea]. Some indexes of nitrogen metabolism in blood, rumen content and urine of bull-calves fed on urea were studied as affected by UV-radiation. The content of protein, nonprotein, amine nitrogen, urea and ammonia in the rumen content and blood as well as as intensity of urea nitrogen and ammonia excretion with urine were determined. It is established that when 25% of protein necessary for the organism was replaced in the ration by urea, UV-radiation with a dose of 120 merg/h-m2 lowers already at the beginning of irradiation the amount of amine nitrogen and further the protein one in the young cattle rumen content. In blood of the irradiated bull-calves at the beginning of irradiation the level of amine nitrogen decreases, the level of nonprotein nitrogen lowers with a longer irradiation. The content of protein nitrogen in blood at that time increases. It was found that the content of ammonia in the bull-calves rumen during the first twenty-hours lowers, the amount of urea in blood does not change essentially. Simultaneously the ammonia excretion with urine intensifies, at the same time the excretion of urea nitrogen with urine does not differ essentially from that in the control bull-calves. In the bull-calves under study the nitrogen balance and average daily gains increase that may testify to the fact that UV-radiation in the applied dose stimulates a more complete utilization of urea nitrogen for the synthesis processes in the organism.", "PMID": 982610} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_67", "title": "[Structure and function of hepatocyte lysosomes and peroxisomes of rachitic rats].", "content": "The submicroscopic organization and activity of acid phosphatase and catalase in lysosomes and peroxisomes of the rat hepatocytes were studied with experimental rachitis. It is determined that total and free activity of acid phosphatase in the liver tissue and certain lysosomes with rachitis increases whereas the catalase activity in the tissue and certain peroxisomes decreases. Permeability of the lysosome and peroxisome membranes rises for enzymes and cations. The process of peroxisome differentiation with rachitis is disturbed: there appear peroxisomes containing the marginal plates, that is not peculiar to the redont peroxisomes.", "contents": "[Structure and function of hepatocyte lysosomes and peroxisomes of rachitic rats]. The submicroscopic organization and activity of acid phosphatase and catalase in lysosomes and peroxisomes of the rat hepatocytes were studied with experimental rachitis. It is determined that total and free activity of acid phosphatase in the liver tissue and certain lysosomes with rachitis increases whereas the catalase activity in the tissue and certain peroxisomes decreases. Permeability of the lysosome and peroxisome membranes rises for enzymes and cations. The process of peroxisome differentiation with rachitis is disturbed: there appear peroxisomes containing the marginal plates, that is not peculiar to the redont peroxisomes.", "PMID": 982611} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_68", "title": "[Serum and tissue aspartate and alanine aminotransferases activity of rats with vitamin A deficiency].", "content": "The activity of aspartate-(AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferases was studied in the tissues and blood serum of rats under conditions of A-avitaminosis. The activity of aminotransferases is established to increase in the blood serum and liver. In the small intestine mucose it drops sharply. The activity of ALT in the heart of the A-avitaminous animals lowers as well whereas AST does not change essentially its activity. Short fasting has no effect on the activity of the mentioned enzymes.", "contents": "[Serum and tissue aspartate and alanine aminotransferases activity of rats with vitamin A deficiency]. The activity of aspartate-(AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferases was studied in the tissues and blood serum of rats under conditions of A-avitaminosis. The activity of aminotransferases is established to increase in the blood serum and liver. In the small intestine mucose it drops sharply. The activity of ALT in the heart of the A-avitaminous animals lowers as well whereas AST does not change essentially its activity. Short fasting has no effect on the activity of the mentioned enzymes.", "PMID": 982613} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_69", "title": "[Effect of exogenous somatotropin on the somatotropic function of the adenohypophysis in thyroidectomized rats].", "content": "Exogenic somatotropin increases the body weight gain in the inverse dependence on the taken dose and decreases the weight of the adenohypophysis in direct dependence on the dose in thyroidectomized male rats. The content of somatotropin in the adenohypophysis and incorporation of labelled amino acids into the adenohypophysis rises under the effect of exogenic somatotropin. But when the dose of the latter is increased, these indexes drop.", "contents": "[Effect of exogenous somatotropin on the somatotropic function of the adenohypophysis in thyroidectomized rats]. Exogenic somatotropin increases the body weight gain in the inverse dependence on the taken dose and decreases the weight of the adenohypophysis in direct dependence on the dose in thyroidectomized male rats. The content of somatotropin in the adenohypophysis and incorporation of labelled amino acids into the adenohypophysis rises under the effect of exogenic somatotropin. But when the dose of the latter is increased, these indexes drop.", "PMID": 982612} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_70", "title": "[Inhibition of cholinesterase activity in the brain of rats by phosphoorganic inhibitors with different degrees of hydrophobia].", "content": "The activity of cholinesterase in different areas of the rat brain was studied as affected by two organophosphophorous inhibitors of the enzyme from the group of O-alkyl-S-hexylthiophosphonates, GA-89 and GA-95. Hydrophobity of GA-95 is two order higher than that of GA-89. Under the effect of GA-89 inhibition of cholinesterase in the brain is considerably higher than in blood, under the effect of GA-95 an inverse relation is observed. When both compounds are administered, the activity of cholinesterase in the cerebral cortex is most inhibited.", "contents": "[Inhibition of cholinesterase activity in the brain of rats by phosphoorganic inhibitors with different degrees of hydrophobia]. The activity of cholinesterase in different areas of the rat brain was studied as affected by two organophosphophorous inhibitors of the enzyme from the group of O-alkyl-S-hexylthiophosphonates, GA-89 and GA-95. Hydrophobity of GA-95 is two order higher than that of GA-89. Under the effect of GA-89 inhibition of cholinesterase in the brain is considerably higher than in blood, under the effect of GA-95 an inverse relation is observed. When both compounds are administered, the activity of cholinesterase in the cerebral cortex is most inhibited.", "PMID": 982614} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_71", "title": "[Binding of phosphoorganic cholinesterase inhibitors in rat brain tissue].", "content": "Hydrophobity (coefficient in distribution in the hexane water system) and the content of cholinesterase organophosphorous inhibitors (OPI) of the structure Ro (CH3) P (O) SC2H4 SC2H5 were studied in the rat brain. When the O-alkyl radical is increased hydrophobity rises and the relative content of free OPI in the brain extracted by chloroform decreases. With an increase in R from the ethyl to butyl one the ability to the additional inhibition of the brain own cholinesterase lowers due to incubation of homogenate at 37 degrees C, that evidences for an essential drop in the studied series of the free OPI fraction relative to the free OPI extracted by chloroform.", "contents": "[Binding of phosphoorganic cholinesterase inhibitors in rat brain tissue]. Hydrophobity (coefficient in distribution in the hexane water system) and the content of cholinesterase organophosphorous inhibitors (OPI) of the structure Ro (CH3) P (O) SC2H4 SC2H5 were studied in the rat brain. When the O-alkyl radical is increased hydrophobity rises and the relative content of free OPI in the brain extracted by chloroform decreases. With an increase in R from the ethyl to butyl one the ability to the additional inhibition of the brain own cholinesterase lowers due to incubation of homogenate at 37 degrees C, that evidences for an essential drop in the studied series of the free OPI fraction relative to the free OPI extracted by chloroform.", "PMID": 982615} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_72", "title": "[Production of immobilized alpha-amylase and its properties].", "content": "Active immobilized alpha-amylase was obtained when applying AE-cellulose chromatography and glutaric dialdehyde. The time of the enzyme interaction with the carrier, amount of glutaric dialdehyde necessary for binding, optimal enzyme: carrier ratio as well as the methods for desiccation of the immobilized amylase preparations were specified. Conditions are selected for alpha-amylase stabilization with the presence of glutaric aldehyde. Immobilized amylase as compared to free enzyme is shown to be more pH-stable in the acid and alkaline zones of pH (2.0-3.5 and 10.5-12.0), thermostable (within a temperature range of 20-60 degrees C) and resistant to the effect of 5.5 M urea.", "contents": "[Production of immobilized alpha-amylase and its properties]. Active immobilized alpha-amylase was obtained when applying AE-cellulose chromatography and glutaric dialdehyde. The time of the enzyme interaction with the carrier, amount of glutaric dialdehyde necessary for binding, optimal enzyme: carrier ratio as well as the methods for desiccation of the immobilized amylase preparations were specified. Conditions are selected for alpha-amylase stabilization with the presence of glutaric aldehyde. Immobilized amylase as compared to free enzyme is shown to be more pH-stable in the acid and alkaline zones of pH (2.0-3.5 and 10.5-12.0), thermostable (within a temperature range of 20-60 degrees C) and resistant to the effect of 5.5 M urea.", "PMID": 982618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_73", "title": "[Effect of selenium on the bile-forming function of the liver].", "content": "The paper deals with efficiency of sodium selenite in case of acute damage of the liver in rats as well as with its effect on main functions of the liver in norm and pathology, especially on biligenesis, synthesis and secretion of bile acids, bilirubin and cholesterol. The preparation in doses of 1 and 10 Mg per 100 g of weight is established to produce a normalizing effect of intensity of biliation synthesis and secretion of bile acids, secretion of bilirubin and excretion of cholesterol in the animals with the affected liver. The preparation has a cholagogic effect as well. In the healthy rats sodium selenite increases the intensity of bile secretion, intensifies synthesis and secretion of bile acids and bilirubin. A stimulating effect of the preparation on biligenesis is maintained with the liver dystrophy induced by carbon tetrachloride and polychlorines as well. Under these conditions it is manifested to a greater extent than in the healthy animals.", "contents": "[Effect of selenium on the bile-forming function of the liver]. The paper deals with efficiency of sodium selenite in case of acute damage of the liver in rats as well as with its effect on main functions of the liver in norm and pathology, especially on biligenesis, synthesis and secretion of bile acids, bilirubin and cholesterol. The preparation in doses of 1 and 10 Mg per 100 g of weight is established to produce a normalizing effect of intensity of biliation synthesis and secretion of bile acids, secretion of bilirubin and excretion of cholesterol in the animals with the affected liver. The preparation has a cholagogic effect as well. In the healthy rats sodium selenite increases the intensity of bile secretion, intensifies synthesis and secretion of bile acids and bilirubin. A stimulating effect of the preparation on biligenesis is maintained with the liver dystrophy induced by carbon tetrachloride and polychlorines as well. Under these conditions it is manifested to a greater extent than in the healthy animals.", "PMID": 982619} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_74", "title": "[Effect of ultraviolet irradiation of different spectral composition on cholesterol synthesis in rat skin].", "content": "Irradiation of rats with of UV-radiation sources epsilonYB-15, (see article) causes a decrease in the intensity of 2-14C-acetate incorporation into cholesterol of skin and small intestine and simultaneous accumulation of radioactivity in its predecessors, namely in lathosterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol. Thus, it is shown that UV-irradiation of animals inhibits the cholesterol synthesis in skin and tissue of the small intestine. Intensity of cholesterol synthesis inhibition with UV-irradiation of animals depends on the spectral, composition of the acting radiation.", "contents": "[Effect of ultraviolet irradiation of different spectral composition on cholesterol synthesis in rat skin]. Irradiation of rats with of UV-radiation sources epsilonYB-15, (see article) causes a decrease in the intensity of 2-14C-acetate incorporation into cholesterol of skin and small intestine and simultaneous accumulation of radioactivity in its predecessors, namely in lathosterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol. Thus, it is shown that UV-irradiation of animals inhibits the cholesterol synthesis in skin and tissue of the small intestine. Intensity of cholesterol synthesis inhibition with UV-irradiation of animals depends on the spectral, composition of the acting radiation.", "PMID": 982620} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_75", "title": "[Effect of C-4'-modification of thiamine pyrophosphate on its coenzyme activity in the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid reaction].", "content": "Interaction was studied between pyruvate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.4.1) and C-4'-substituted analogs of thiaminpyrophosphate, 4'-N (CH3)-TPP, 4'-N(CH3)2-TPP and OH-TPP. None of these analogs was found to replace TPP during the reduction of NAD and 2.6-dichlorophenol-indophenol as well as pyruvate decarboxylation. The decarboxylase activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase component isolated from the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex was determined according to the 14CO2 yield and production of 2-C-oxoethyl-TPP using 1-14C-pyruvate and 2-14C-pyruvate, as substrates, respectively. All the analogs were found to competitively inhibit pyruvate dehydrogenase, Ki values for 4'-N(CH3)-TPP, 4'-N(CH3)2-TPP and 4'-OH-TPP being 4.1 X 10(-5) M, 8.5 X 10(-5) M and 2.9 X 10(-6) M, respectively; Km values for TPP was equal to 1-2 X 10(-7) M. It is assumed that the analogs of the holoenzymic complex formed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex with mono-, dimethyl-TPP and oxo-TPP do not bind the substrate.", "contents": "[Effect of C-4'-modification of thiamine pyrophosphate on its coenzyme activity in the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid reaction]. Interaction was studied between pyruvate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.4.1) and C-4'-substituted analogs of thiaminpyrophosphate, 4'-N (CH3)-TPP, 4'-N(CH3)2-TPP and OH-TPP. None of these analogs was found to replace TPP during the reduction of NAD and 2.6-dichlorophenol-indophenol as well as pyruvate decarboxylation. The decarboxylase activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase component isolated from the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex was determined according to the 14CO2 yield and production of 2-C-oxoethyl-TPP using 1-14C-pyruvate and 2-14C-pyruvate, as substrates, respectively. All the analogs were found to competitively inhibit pyruvate dehydrogenase, Ki values for 4'-N(CH3)-TPP, 4'-N(CH3)2-TPP and 4'-OH-TPP being 4.1 X 10(-5) M, 8.5 X 10(-5) M and 2.9 X 10(-6) M, respectively; Km values for TPP was equal to 1-2 X 10(-7) M. It is assumed that the analogs of the holoenzymic complex formed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex with mono-, dimethyl-TPP and oxo-TPP do not bind the substrate.", "PMID": 982621} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_76", "title": "[Role of muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase histidine residues in thiamine pyrophosphate binding].", "content": "The interaction of diethylpyrocarbonate (DEP) with the pyruvate dehydrogenase component (PDH) isolated from the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (EC 1.2.4.1) results in a modification of 3-5 histidine residues per mole of enzyme, which simultaneously decreases the enzyme activity. After PDH inhibilion by DEP in the presence of dithiothreitol almost complete reactivation (94%) under the effect of neutral hydroxylamine is observed. In the absence of SH-groups protection incomplete reactivation by hydroxylamine (79%) is found. In the latter case titration with 5,5-dithio--bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) in 8 M urea showed that the DEP-modified protein contains less quantity of SH groups (by 4-8) as compared to the native enzyme. It is assumed that the DEP-modified SH-groups are not responsible for the enzyme activity. The differential spectrum of the modified and native PDH showed no changes within the range of 260-300 nm. TPP in combination with Mg2+ (10(-3) M) protectes PDH from being inactivated by DEP. TPP (10(-2) M) reactivates PDH by 70% after its complete inhibition by DEP. Similar protective action is manifested by ATP, ADP and inorganic pyrophosphate in the presence of Mg2+. A kinetic study showed a competitive type of PDH inhibition by DEP with respect to TPP. it is concluded that the histidine residues of PDH are involved in TPP binding.", "contents": "[Role of muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase histidine residues in thiamine pyrophosphate binding]. The interaction of diethylpyrocarbonate (DEP) with the pyruvate dehydrogenase component (PDH) isolated from the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (EC 1.2.4.1) results in a modification of 3-5 histidine residues per mole of enzyme, which simultaneously decreases the enzyme activity. After PDH inhibilion by DEP in the presence of dithiothreitol almost complete reactivation (94%) under the effect of neutral hydroxylamine is observed. In the absence of SH-groups protection incomplete reactivation by hydroxylamine (79%) is found. In the latter case titration with 5,5-dithio--bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) in 8 M urea showed that the DEP-modified protein contains less quantity of SH groups (by 4-8) as compared to the native enzyme. It is assumed that the DEP-modified SH-groups are not responsible for the enzyme activity. The differential spectrum of the modified and native PDH showed no changes within the range of 260-300 nm. TPP in combination with Mg2+ (10(-3) M) protectes PDH from being inactivated by DEP. TPP (10(-2) M) reactivates PDH by 70% after its complete inhibition by DEP. Similar protective action is manifested by ATP, ADP and inorganic pyrophosphate in the presence of Mg2+. A kinetic study showed a competitive type of PDH inhibition by DEP with respect to TPP. it is concluded that the histidine residues of PDH are involved in TPP binding.", "PMID": 982622} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_77", "title": "[Determination of fibrin and fibrinogen split products by their anticoagulant activity].", "content": "A new diagnostic method to determine fibrinogen and fibrin splitting products is based on the fact that high-molecular fragments acting as specific inhibitors of fibrin self-assembly compose these products. Fibrinogen and fibrin splitting products are detected and determined quantitatively by prolongation of coagulation time in the test with the standard monomeric fibrin. The number of units of anticoagulating activity in the studied urine are the results of the determinations. Sensitivity of the method if necessary may be increased by adding of a certain amount of the fibrinogen and fibrin splitting products to the test that makes a favourable background for the action of the products. The method is rather sensitive, reliable and simple. It may be used in ordinary clinical laboratories. The method proved to be quite satisfactory when testing renal diseases at the clinic. It is of great significance for early detection of the transplanted kidney rejection. The new method is compared with the known immunological method which consist in determination of the inhibitory effect of the fibrinogen and fibrin splitting products on agglutination of erythrocytes of specific antibodies; the erythrocytes being subjected to \"tanning\" and \"loading\" with fibrinogen. A satisfactory correlation is found between the results of two methods.", "contents": "[Determination of fibrin and fibrinogen split products by their anticoagulant activity]. A new diagnostic method to determine fibrinogen and fibrin splitting products is based on the fact that high-molecular fragments acting as specific inhibitors of fibrin self-assembly compose these products. Fibrinogen and fibrin splitting products are detected and determined quantitatively by prolongation of coagulation time in the test with the standard monomeric fibrin. The number of units of anticoagulating activity in the studied urine are the results of the determinations. Sensitivity of the method if necessary may be increased by adding of a certain amount of the fibrinogen and fibrin splitting products to the test that makes a favourable background for the action of the products. The method is rather sensitive, reliable and simple. It may be used in ordinary clinical laboratories. The method proved to be quite satisfactory when testing renal diseases at the clinic. It is of great significance for early detection of the transplanted kidney rejection. The new method is compared with the known immunological method which consist in determination of the inhibitory effect of the fibrinogen and fibrin splitting products on agglutination of erythrocytes of specific antibodies; the erythrocytes being subjected to \"tanning\" and \"loading\" with fibrinogen. A satisfactory correlation is found between the results of two methods.", "PMID": 982623} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_78", "title": "Ureterostomy in situ: technique for temporary urinary diversion.", "content": "Ureterostomy in situ is a simple technique for supravesical urinary diversion. Although it was described a few years ago, it has not gained wide acceptance. From our experience and with slight modifications, we believe there is a place for this procedure as a method of temporary urinary diversion.", "contents": "Ureterostomy in situ: technique for temporary urinary diversion. Ureterostomy in situ is a simple technique for supravesical urinary diversion. Although it was described a few years ago, it has not gained wide acceptance. From our experience and with slight modifications, we believe there is a place for this procedure as a method of temporary urinary diversion.", "PMID": 982731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_79", "title": "Bethanechol chloride in neurogenic bladder dysfunction.", "content": "Representative case summaries of patients with different types of neurogenic bladder diagnosed by combined cystometric-perineal electromyography and treated with bethanechol (Urecholine) are presented. Determination of the activity of the periurethral striated muscle in relation to bladder dysfunction is extremely important in the selection of patients for bethanechol therapy. In the absence of structural obstruction, bethanechol can be used in patients with (1) the early phase of coordinated reflex neurogenic bladder and sphincter when there is incomplete bladder emptying due to feeble or unsustained detrusor contractions, (2) recovery phase of spinal shock when the periurethral striated muscle has recovered and is under voluntary control, (3) incomplete motor paralytic bladder with coordinated sphincter, and (4) sensory paralytic bladder with decompensation. The bethanechol regimen will vary in accordance with the type of bladder being treated.", "contents": "Bethanechol chloride in neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Representative case summaries of patients with different types of neurogenic bladder diagnosed by combined cystometric-perineal electromyography and treated with bethanechol (Urecholine) are presented. Determination of the activity of the periurethral striated muscle in relation to bladder dysfunction is extremely important in the selection of patients for bethanechol therapy. In the absence of structural obstruction, bethanechol can be used in patients with (1) the early phase of coordinated reflex neurogenic bladder and sphincter when there is incomplete bladder emptying due to feeble or unsustained detrusor contractions, (2) recovery phase of spinal shock when the periurethral striated muscle has recovered and is under voluntary control, (3) incomplete motor paralytic bladder with coordinated sphincter, and (4) sensory paralytic bladder with decompensation. The bethanechol regimen will vary in accordance with the type of bladder being treated.", "PMID": 982732} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_80", "title": "Doxorubicin hydrochloride, cyclophosphamide, and 5-fluorouracil combination in advanced prostate and transitional cell carcinoma.", "content": "The suggested activity of doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin), cyclophosphamide, and 5-fluorouracil as single agents in the treatment of advanced prostate and/or transitional cell carcinoma led us to examine the response to these drugs used in combination. Combination chemotherapy has the theoretical advantages of additive antitumor effect without additive toxicity to the host. One of 8 patients with Stage D, endocrine unresponsive prostatic adenocarcinoma achieved an objective response. There were five stable and one subjective responses. Only 1 patient showed progression during the initial six-week trial. Two of 3 patients with transitional cell carcinoma had an objective response. This three-drug combination was well tolerated by elderly patients and on the basis of this small series further trials are warranted.", "contents": "Doxorubicin hydrochloride, cyclophosphamide, and 5-fluorouracil combination in advanced prostate and transitional cell carcinoma. The suggested activity of doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin), cyclophosphamide, and 5-fluorouracil as single agents in the treatment of advanced prostate and/or transitional cell carcinoma led us to examine the response to these drugs used in combination. Combination chemotherapy has the theoretical advantages of additive antitumor effect without additive toxicity to the host. One of 8 patients with Stage D, endocrine unresponsive prostatic adenocarcinoma achieved an objective response. There were five stable and one subjective responses. Only 1 patient showed progression during the initial six-week trial. Two of 3 patients with transitional cell carcinoma had an objective response. This three-drug combination was well tolerated by elderly patients and on the basis of this small series further trials are warranted.", "PMID": 982733} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_81", "title": "Bilateral renal carcinoma in von Hippel-Lindau Disease.", "content": "Von Hippel-Lindau disease, one of the phakomatoses, is believed to be a disorder of mesodermal differentiation. Renal lesions, usually cysts or adenocarcinomas with an occasional hemangioblastoma, occur in approximately two thirds of all patients. The renal neoplasms previously reported have been multiple, bilateral, and usually beyond resection. A thirty-eight-year-old white male with a cerebellar hemangioblastoma and bilateral renal adenocarcinoma underwent suboccipital craniotomy, right heminephrectomy, and left radical nephrectomy. No evidence of recurrent disease can be identified ten months postoperatively. An aggressive approach in this systemic disease appears to be warranted.", "contents": "Bilateral renal carcinoma in von Hippel-Lindau Disease. Von Hippel-Lindau disease, one of the phakomatoses, is believed to be a disorder of mesodermal differentiation. Renal lesions, usually cysts or adenocarcinomas with an occasional hemangioblastoma, occur in approximately two thirds of all patients. The renal neoplasms previously reported have been multiple, bilateral, and usually beyond resection. A thirty-eight-year-old white male with a cerebellar hemangioblastoma and bilateral renal adenocarcinoma underwent suboccipital craniotomy, right heminephrectomy, and left radical nephrectomy. No evidence of recurrent disease can be identified ten months postoperatively. An aggressive approach in this systemic disease appears to be warranted.", "PMID": 982734} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_82", "title": "Hemangioma of bladder.", "content": "A twenty-nine-year-old woman had a history of recurring gross, total painless hematuria. The past history and urologic studies supported the diagnosis of hemangioma of the bladder. A partial cystectomy was performed. The pertinent literature is reviewed.", "contents": "Hemangioma of bladder. A twenty-nine-year-old woman had a history of recurring gross, total painless hematuria. The past history and urologic studies supported the diagnosis of hemangioma of the bladder. A partial cystectomy was performed. The pertinent literature is reviewed.", "PMID": 982735} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_83", "title": "Conservative management of neonatal renal artery embolism.", "content": "Renal artery thrombosis or embolism associated with the use of an umbilical arterial catheter can cause renin-dependent hypertension in the neonate. The tip of the catheter should therefore be kept well below the origin of the renal arteries and the infant's blood pressure monitored. Moreover, since the pressor hypertension may be transient and kidney function may return, a period of medical management should be attempted before proceeding to nephrectomy.", "contents": "Conservative management of neonatal renal artery embolism. Renal artery thrombosis or embolism associated with the use of an umbilical arterial catheter can cause renin-dependent hypertension in the neonate. The tip of the catheter should therefore be kept well below the origin of the renal arteries and the infant's blood pressure monitored. Moreover, since the pressor hypertension may be transient and kidney function may return, a period of medical management should be attempted before proceeding to nephrectomy.", "PMID": 982737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_84", "title": "Perineal seeding of prostatic carcinoma after needle biopsy.", "content": "The rarity of implantation of carcinoma of the prostate is generally accepted. In the last twenty years, there have been only 6 cases reported in the literature. We add a seventh case which is unique in that the seeding occurred after biopsy and intense radiotherapy was the only mode of treatment. We recommend that a sterilizing dose of radiotherapy be given to the perineum after perineal needle biopsy.", "contents": "Perineal seeding of prostatic carcinoma after needle biopsy. The rarity of implantation of carcinoma of the prostate is generally accepted. In the last twenty years, there have been only 6 cases reported in the literature. We add a seventh case which is unique in that the seeding occurred after biopsy and intense radiotherapy was the only mode of treatment. We recommend that a sterilizing dose of radiotherapy be given to the perineum after perineal needle biopsy.", "PMID": 982745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_85", "title": "Degenerative myelopathy in three strains of aging rats.", "content": "Spontaneous paresis and paralysis associated with degenerative spinal cord and spinal nerve root lesions occurred in three strains of rats used in studies of aging. Focal or segmental spinal cord lesions had mild to severe demyelination, loss of nerve axons, and lipid-filled gitter cells. The lesions were limited to the white matter and were most severe in the lateral and ventral funiculi. The nerve roots had cholesterol clefts, focal hemorrhage, and demyelination. Atrophy of the skeletal muscle probably was secondary to the cord lesions. Vertebral lesions that involved the spinal canal and vascular blood flow were found, which may explain pathogenesis.", "contents": "Degenerative myelopathy in three strains of aging rats. Spontaneous paresis and paralysis associated with degenerative spinal cord and spinal nerve root lesions occurred in three strains of rats used in studies of aging. Focal or segmental spinal cord lesions had mild to severe demyelination, loss of nerve axons, and lipid-filled gitter cells. The lesions were limited to the white matter and were most severe in the lateral and ventral funiculi. The nerve roots had cholesterol clefts, focal hemorrhage, and demyelination. Atrophy of the skeletal muscle probably was secondary to the cord lesions. Vertebral lesions that involved the spinal canal and vascular blood flow were found, which may explain pathogenesis.", "PMID": 982748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_86", "title": "Squamous cell carcinoma in a cat with intraocular and orbital metastases.", "content": "A well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma metastasized to the choroid and retrobulbar tissues surrounding the optic nerve sheath in the left eye of a 15-year-old white female domestic cat. The tumor originated either in the external auditory meatus or in the middle ear and extensively infiltrated the neighboring soft tissue and bone.", "contents": "Squamous cell carcinoma in a cat with intraocular and orbital metastases. A well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma metastasized to the choroid and retrobulbar tissues surrounding the optic nerve sheath in the left eye of a 15-year-old white female domestic cat. The tumor originated either in the external auditory meatus or in the middle ear and extensively infiltrated the neighboring soft tissue and bone.", "PMID": 982749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_87", "title": "Malignant intraocular teratoid medulloepithelioma in three dogs.", "content": "Tumors derived from the fully differentiated ciliary epithelium include adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Many such tumors in animal eyes have been reported. Medulloepitheliomas derived from the primitive medullary epithelium of the optic cup have rarely been seen in animal eyes. A teratoid variant of medulloepithelioma, recently described in human eyes, has also been seen in canine and bovine eyes. These tumors contain tissues resembling brain, cartilage, rhabdomyoblasts, and primitive mesenchyme, in addition to the poorly differentiated neuroepithelial and neuroblastic elements characteristic of malignant medulloepitheliomas.", "contents": "Malignant intraocular teratoid medulloepithelioma in three dogs. Tumors derived from the fully differentiated ciliary epithelium include adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Many such tumors in animal eyes have been reported. Medulloepitheliomas derived from the primitive medullary epithelium of the optic cup have rarely been seen in animal eyes. A teratoid variant of medulloepithelioma, recently described in human eyes, has also been seen in canine and bovine eyes. These tumors contain tissues resembling brain, cartilage, rhabdomyoblasts, and primitive mesenchyme, in addition to the poorly differentiated neuroepithelial and neuroblastic elements characteristic of malignant medulloepitheliomas.", "PMID": 982750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_88", "title": "Thymomas in domestic animals.", "content": "A retrospective study of 15 thymomas in domestic animals showed four animals had antemortem signs of dyspnea and grossly visible lumps in the thoracic inlet. The neoplasms were single, multilobulated, encapsulated masses in the anterior mediastinum or thoracic inlet. Cells with clear cytoplasm comprised the bulk of two canine thymomas, whereas the remaining neoplasms had a mixed population of ovoid and spindle-shaped cells. There were lymphocyte populations of varying density in all thymomas. Three thymomas contained structures similar to hyalinized cells and Hassall's corpuscles of normal thymus. Metastatic lesions were not seen but there were implantations on the pericardium in one cat. There was capsular invasion in the ovine thymomas.", "contents": "Thymomas in domestic animals. A retrospective study of 15 thymomas in domestic animals showed four animals had antemortem signs of dyspnea and grossly visible lumps in the thoracic inlet. The neoplasms were single, multilobulated, encapsulated masses in the anterior mediastinum or thoracic inlet. Cells with clear cytoplasm comprised the bulk of two canine thymomas, whereas the remaining neoplasms had a mixed population of ovoid and spindle-shaped cells. There were lymphocyte populations of varying density in all thymomas. Three thymomas contained structures similar to hyalinized cells and Hassall's corpuscles of normal thymus. Metastatic lesions were not seen but there were implantations on the pericardium in one cat. There was capsular invasion in the ovine thymomas.", "PMID": 982751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_89", "title": "Canine leishmaniasis with amyloidosis.", "content": "Visceral leishmaniasis was diagnosed in a 2-year-old male Great Dane imported from Greece. The clinical signs included anemia, diarrhea, weight loss, proteinuria, and hyperglobulinemia with increases in alpha2- and gamma-regions. At necropsy there was plasma-lymphocytic and macrophage infiltration of spleen, macrophage infiltration of bone marrow, intracellular organisms of macrophages having the ultrastructural characteristics of Leishmania species, and severe amyloidosis of the spleen, liver, and kidney.", "contents": "Canine leishmaniasis with amyloidosis. Visceral leishmaniasis was diagnosed in a 2-year-old male Great Dane imported from Greece. The clinical signs included anemia, diarrhea, weight loss, proteinuria, and hyperglobulinemia with increases in alpha2- and gamma-regions. At necropsy there was plasma-lymphocytic and macrophage infiltration of spleen, macrophage infiltration of bone marrow, intracellular organisms of macrophages having the ultrastructural characteristics of Leishmania species, and severe amyloidosis of the spleen, liver, and kidney.", "PMID": 982752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_90", "title": "Experimental Parelaphostrongylus andersoni infections in white-tailed deer.", "content": "Gross and microscopic lesions caused by Parelaphostrongylus andersoni were studied in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) infected with large (1000 or 5000) and moderate (200-356) numbers of third-stage larvae. In heavy infections, adult worms caused eosinophilic myositis in the loin and thigh. Masses of eosinophils underwent caseous necrosis surrounded by a granulomatous border. Adult worms, eggs, and larvae were in the lesions. Muscle damage caused by moderate doses was slight. One deer given a moderate dose maintained a patent infection for more than 1 year and was reinfected. Gross lung damage caused by eggs and larvae occurred with both degrees of infection and consisted of firm miliary nodules. Microscopically, the main changes were granulomatous encapsulation of eggs and first-stage larvae in alveolar capillaries, accumulations of eosinophils and mononuclear inflammatory cells in the adjacent alveolar septa, congestion, and interstitial pneumonia.", "contents": "Experimental Parelaphostrongylus andersoni infections in white-tailed deer. Gross and microscopic lesions caused by Parelaphostrongylus andersoni were studied in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) infected with large (1000 or 5000) and moderate (200-356) numbers of third-stage larvae. In heavy infections, adult worms caused eosinophilic myositis in the loin and thigh. Masses of eosinophils underwent caseous necrosis surrounded by a granulomatous border. Adult worms, eggs, and larvae were in the lesions. Muscle damage caused by moderate doses was slight. One deer given a moderate dose maintained a patent infection for more than 1 year and was reinfected. Gross lung damage caused by eggs and larvae occurred with both degrees of infection and consisted of firm miliary nodules. Microscopically, the main changes were granulomatous encapsulation of eggs and first-stage larvae in alveolar capillaries, accumulations of eosinophils and mononuclear inflammatory cells in the adjacent alveolar septa, congestion, and interstitial pneumonia.", "PMID": 982753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_91", "title": "Hairs causing pulmonary emboli. A rare complication in long-term intravenous studies in dogs.", "content": "Hair particles as arterial lung emboli were an unexpected side effect in a long-term intravenous toxicity study in Beagle dogs. These emboli led to arterial thrombosis and perivascular granulomas or focal interstitial pneumonitis. The emoblic lesions were not severe enough to cause infarction of the lung. This high incidence of hair embolism was related to a moderate solvent-specific chronic dermatitis at injection sites.", "contents": "Hairs causing pulmonary emboli. A rare complication in long-term intravenous studies in dogs. Hair particles as arterial lung emboli were an unexpected side effect in a long-term intravenous toxicity study in Beagle dogs. These emboli led to arterial thrombosis and perivascular granulomas or focal interstitial pneumonitis. The emoblic lesions were not severe enough to cause infarction of the lung. This high incidence of hair embolism was related to a moderate solvent-specific chronic dermatitis at injection sites.", "PMID": 982754} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_92", "title": "Characteristics of semen changes during Brucella ovis infection in rams.", "content": "The effect of brucellosis on semen quality in rams was studied by means of artificially infecting five rams with a strain of Brucella ovis isolated in Kenya. Infection resulted in reduced semen quality including reduced total sperm output, poor motility and a high percentage of morphological abnormalities. Variation in semen quality both between and within rams appeared to be related to progress of the disease in the epididymis as well as to the distribution and severity of lesions in the reproductive tract.", "contents": "Characteristics of semen changes during Brucella ovis infection in rams. The effect of brucellosis on semen quality in rams was studied by means of artificially infecting five rams with a strain of Brucella ovis isolated in Kenya. Infection resulted in reduced semen quality including reduced total sperm output, poor motility and a high percentage of morphological abnormalities. Variation in semen quality both between and within rams appeared to be related to progress of the disease in the epididymis as well as to the distribution and severity of lesions in the reproductive tract.", "PMID": 982755} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_93", "title": "The effect of xylazine upon hepatic glucose production and blood flow rate in the lactating dairy cow.", "content": "The effect of xylazine (Rompun) upon hepatic glucose production and blood flow rate was measured in two cows. Doses of 0-16 or 0-18 mg/kg bodyweight increased blood glucose concentrations by 200 per cent and hepatic glucose production by 400 per cent. Maximum blood glucose concentrations were reached approximately 40 minutes after dosing and did not start to fall until 185 minutes. Concentrations were near normal 24 hours after dosing. The increase in hepatic glucose production was greatest 20 minutes after dosing and production had returned to control rates 150 minutes after dosing. Visceral glucose utilisation was also increased. Blood flow rates in the hepatic and portal veins were reduced to 50 to 60 per cent of their predosing values. It is concluded that the prolonged hyperglycaemia which persists beyond 150 minutes is produced either by continued glucose production from sites other than liver and viscera or by reduced utilisation of the blood glucose by peripheral tissue.", "contents": "The effect of xylazine upon hepatic glucose production and blood flow rate in the lactating dairy cow. The effect of xylazine (Rompun) upon hepatic glucose production and blood flow rate was measured in two cows. Doses of 0-16 or 0-18 mg/kg bodyweight increased blood glucose concentrations by 200 per cent and hepatic glucose production by 400 per cent. Maximum blood glucose concentrations were reached approximately 40 minutes after dosing and did not start to fall until 185 minutes. Concentrations were near normal 24 hours after dosing. The increase in hepatic glucose production was greatest 20 minutes after dosing and production had returned to control rates 150 minutes after dosing. Visceral glucose utilisation was also increased. Blood flow rates in the hepatic and portal veins were reduced to 50 to 60 per cent of their predosing values. It is concluded that the prolonged hyperglycaemia which persists beyond 150 minutes is produced either by continued glucose production from sites other than liver and viscera or by reduced utilisation of the blood glucose by peripheral tissue.", "PMID": 982756} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_94", "title": "The detection of oestrus in dairy cattle.", "content": "A survey attempted to determine the extent to which cows are being inseminated when not in oestrus. The method used to check the farmers' diagnoses of oestrus was based on peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations analysed by radioimmunoassay. Of 141 cows examined in this way, a total of 30 (21-28 per cent) showed abnormalities of the progesterone levels. The fertility within this group was very poor with only two of the cows being known to have conceived to the service in question.", "contents": "The detection of oestrus in dairy cattle. A survey attempted to determine the extent to which cows are being inseminated when not in oestrus. The method used to check the farmers' diagnoses of oestrus was based on peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations analysed by radioimmunoassay. Of 141 cows examined in this way, a total of 30 (21-28 per cent) showed abnormalities of the progesterone levels. The fertility within this group was very poor with only two of the cows being known to have conceived to the service in question.", "PMID": 982760} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_95", "title": "Effects of Saffan administered intravenously in the horse.", "content": "Saffan was injected intravenously on 41 occasions in 11 horses and ponies to investigate its possible use in clinical equine anaesthesia. The optimum dose for induction was 1-90 mg per kg. This dose was divided into two halves, the first half given in five seconds and the second half, containing suxamethonium chloride 0.1 mg per kg, in the next 10 seconds. Induction was associated with excitement for up to 30 secs after the assumption of recumbency. At this dose rate anaesthesia lasted five to eight minutes. Muscle relaxation was poor. Recovery was associated with marked tactile and audible hyperaesthesia. Slight stimulation resulted in twitching and violent kicking movements lasting up to 15 mins. Maintenance with halothane was satisfactory and recovery from this regime was uneventful. Anaesthesia could be maintained with Saffan alone. This agent would appear to offer no advantage over currently used anaesthetic agents in equine practice and to display several marked disadvantages.", "contents": "Effects of Saffan administered intravenously in the horse. Saffan was injected intravenously on 41 occasions in 11 horses and ponies to investigate its possible use in clinical equine anaesthesia. The optimum dose for induction was 1-90 mg per kg. This dose was divided into two halves, the first half given in five seconds and the second half, containing suxamethonium chloride 0.1 mg per kg, in the next 10 seconds. Induction was associated with excitement for up to 30 secs after the assumption of recumbency. At this dose rate anaesthesia lasted five to eight minutes. Muscle relaxation was poor. Recovery was associated with marked tactile and audible hyperaesthesia. Slight stimulation resulted in twitching and violent kicking movements lasting up to 15 mins. Maintenance with halothane was satisfactory and recovery from this regime was uneventful. Anaesthesia could be maintained with Saffan alone. This agent would appear to offer no advantage over currently used anaesthetic agents in equine practice and to display several marked disadvantages.", "PMID": 982763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_96", "title": "The effect of different planes of nutrition before mating on the reproductive performance of Masham ewes.", "content": "A total of 69 ewes were fed either on a low nutritional plane for six weeks prior to mating and for four weeks postmating (LL), or on a low nutritional plane for three weeks and then on a high nutritional plane (LH), or on a high nutritional plane throughout (HH). Ewes at mating were 49.3, 63.7 and 70.6 kg liveweight respectively and their body condition scores were 1.6, 2.9 and 3.8. There was a significant difference in ovulation rate: LL = 1.53, LH = 2.13 and HH = 2.27, and in lambing per cent: 77, 150 and 186 respectively. Under the system of indoor feeding practised at mating, there was no economic advantage to be gained from flushing, but normally ewes would be flushed outside.", "contents": "The effect of different planes of nutrition before mating on the reproductive performance of Masham ewes. A total of 69 ewes were fed either on a low nutritional plane for six weeks prior to mating and for four weeks postmating (LL), or on a low nutritional plane for three weeks and then on a high nutritional plane (LH), or on a high nutritional plane throughout (HH). Ewes at mating were 49.3, 63.7 and 70.6 kg liveweight respectively and their body condition scores were 1.6, 2.9 and 3.8. There was a significant difference in ovulation rate: LL = 1.53, LH = 2.13 and HH = 2.27, and in lambing per cent: 77, 150 and 186 respectively. Under the system of indoor feeding practised at mating, there was no economic advantage to be gained from flushing, but normally ewes would be flushed outside.", "PMID": 982770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_97", "title": "Use of 1alpha-OH cholecalciferol in preventing post parturient hypocalcaemia and its potential value for the prevention of milk fever in dairy cows.", "content": "Cows which received 250 mug 1alpha-hydroxy cholecalciferol (1alpha-OH D3) intramuscularly within two hours after calving suffered significantly less post-parturinet hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia than control cows. There was a small depression in plasma magnesium concentrations in the treated cows. 1alpha-OH D3 shows potential for the prevention or treatment of milk fever.", "contents": "Use of 1alpha-OH cholecalciferol in preventing post parturient hypocalcaemia and its potential value for the prevention of milk fever in dairy cows. Cows which received 250 mug 1alpha-hydroxy cholecalciferol (1alpha-OH D3) intramuscularly within two hours after calving suffered significantly less post-parturinet hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia than control cows. There was a small depression in plasma magnesium concentrations in the treated cows. 1alpha-OH D3 shows potential for the prevention or treatment of milk fever.", "PMID": 982774} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_98", "title": "Effects of different slaughter methods on bleeding sheep.", "content": "One hundred and sixteen sheep were slaughtered by five different methods in an attempt to determine the most practical technique which would result in rapid exsanguination without incision of the oesophagus. Techniques which involve stunning prior to slaughter were compared with the traditional New Zealand method by which fully conscious sheep are slaughtered by almost simultaneous severance of the major blood vessels of the neck and the spinal cord at the occipito-atlantal junction. Total amounts of blood lost and rates of bleeding were compared.", "contents": "Effects of different slaughter methods on bleeding sheep. One hundred and sixteen sheep were slaughtered by five different methods in an attempt to determine the most practical technique which would result in rapid exsanguination without incision of the oesophagus. Techniques which involve stunning prior to slaughter were compared with the traditional New Zealand method by which fully conscious sheep are slaughtered by almost simultaneous severance of the major blood vessels of the neck and the spinal cord at the occipito-atlantal junction. Total amounts of blood lost and rates of bleeding were compared.", "PMID": 982775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_99", "title": "Some observations on \"paralytic myoglobinuria\" of cattle in Britain.", "content": "Characteristics of 44 outbreaks of \"paralytic myoglobinuria\" in yearling cattle reported to veterinary investigation centres during 1974 and 1975 are described. The clinical syndrome and associated nutrition and management of cattle are discussed in the light of present knowledge of this disease with particular reference to the diagnostic and epidemiological value of plasma creatine phosphokinase and blood glutathione peroxidase activities.", "contents": "Some observations on \"paralytic myoglobinuria\" of cattle in Britain. Characteristics of 44 outbreaks of \"paralytic myoglobinuria\" in yearling cattle reported to veterinary investigation centres during 1974 and 1975 are described. The clinical syndrome and associated nutrition and management of cattle are discussed in the light of present knowledge of this disease with particular reference to the diagnostic and epidemiological value of plasma creatine phosphokinase and blood glutathione peroxidase activities.", "PMID": 982776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_100", "title": "The use of molybdenum for the prevention of nutritional copper poisoning in housed sheep.", "content": "An experiment was designed to investigate the practical possibility of incorporating small quantities of molybdenum salts into the high copper diets of intensively fattening lambs to prevent or reduce the gradual accumulation of copper from feed. At slaughter (14 weeks of age) lambs which had received Mo supplement (7.7 ppm Mo) showed liver copper levels which were 40.1 per cent lower than those in the control group which, in turn, presented a mean liver copper concentration near the upper limit of the normal range for adult sheep. Changes in blood ceruloplasmin and SGOT levels and in the comparative rate of accumulation of liver copper indicated that the addition of ammonium molybdate to the concentrate diet might be a useful method of reducing the risk of nutritional copper poisoning in housed sheep.", "contents": "The use of molybdenum for the prevention of nutritional copper poisoning in housed sheep. An experiment was designed to investigate the practical possibility of incorporating small quantities of molybdenum salts into the high copper diets of intensively fattening lambs to prevent or reduce the gradual accumulation of copper from feed. At slaughter (14 weeks of age) lambs which had received Mo supplement (7.7 ppm Mo) showed liver copper levels which were 40.1 per cent lower than those in the control group which, in turn, presented a mean liver copper concentration near the upper limit of the normal range for adult sheep. Changes in blood ceruloplasmin and SGOT levels and in the comparative rate of accumulation of liver copper indicated that the addition of ammonium molybdate to the concentrate diet might be a useful method of reducing the risk of nutritional copper poisoning in housed sheep.", "PMID": 982781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_101", "title": "[Debatable questions concerning the surgery of lumbar osteochondrosis].", "content": "Three tendencies exist at present in the surgical management of lumbar osteochondrosis: orthopedic treatment aimed at stabilizing the vertebral segment (the procedure of choice being anterior total disectomy with vertebral intercorporal spondilodesis), neurosurgical treatment striving to decompress the nervous structures clinched by the disc, osteal growth, scars, and a combined management achieving both of the above purposes. Proceeding from an analysis of two thousand operations performed within 20 years the author concludes that each of the mentioned methods has its merits and indications depending on the stage of osteochondrosis. The neurosurgical procedures appear to be most often used.", "contents": "[Debatable questions concerning the surgery of lumbar osteochondrosis]. Three tendencies exist at present in the surgical management of lumbar osteochondrosis: orthopedic treatment aimed at stabilizing the vertebral segment (the procedure of choice being anterior total disectomy with vertebral intercorporal spondilodesis), neurosurgical treatment striving to decompress the nervous structures clinched by the disc, osteal growth, scars, and a combined management achieving both of the above purposes. Proceeding from an analysis of two thousand operations performed within 20 years the author concludes that each of the mentioned methods has its merits and indications depending on the stage of osteochondrosis. The neurosurgical procedures appear to be most often used.", "PMID": 982920} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_102", "title": "[Cranio-cerebral trauma and circadian rhythms of activity of several functions of the hypothalamo-hypophyseo-adrenal system in patients of different age groups].", "content": "The circadian rhythms of the androgenic and glucocorticoid activity of the adrenal cortex were examined in 7 patients with concussions of the brain, and in 22 -- with contusions. The excretion of 17-ketosteroids and of total 17-oxycorticosteroids was determined dynamically in separate 6-hour portions of the urine. In cases of brain concussions, both in the initial period of the trauma, and 10--12 days therafter, only a tendency towards increased excretion of corticosteroids during the night and decreased excretion in the morning hours was observed. In brain contusions the rhythm of andorgenic activity was altered. The most significant alterations caused by a severe trauma were observed in the rhythm of the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex: its reduction in the morning hours, and increase during the night. Some 10--12 days after the brain contusions the rhythm of the hormonal activity remained altered, especially in young and middle-aged patients. These peculiarities of the rhythms should be taken into account when prescribing replacement corticosteroid therapy.", "contents": "[Cranio-cerebral trauma and circadian rhythms of activity of several functions of the hypothalamo-hypophyseo-adrenal system in patients of different age groups]. The circadian rhythms of the androgenic and glucocorticoid activity of the adrenal cortex were examined in 7 patients with concussions of the brain, and in 22 -- with contusions. The excretion of 17-ketosteroids and of total 17-oxycorticosteroids was determined dynamically in separate 6-hour portions of the urine. In cases of brain concussions, both in the initial period of the trauma, and 10--12 days therafter, only a tendency towards increased excretion of corticosteroids during the night and decreased excretion in the morning hours was observed. In brain contusions the rhythm of andorgenic activity was altered. The most significant alterations caused by a severe trauma were observed in the rhythm of the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex: its reduction in the morning hours, and increase during the night. Some 10--12 days after the brain contusions the rhythm of the hormonal activity remained altered, especially in young and middle-aged patients. These peculiarities of the rhythms should be taken into account when prescribing replacement corticosteroid therapy.", "PMID": 982918} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_103", "title": "[Dynamics of local cerebral circulation in neurosurgical patients during the postoperative period].", "content": "The results of local cerebral blood flow examinations were analysed in 20 patients in the postoperative period. The dynamics of the restoration of the vascular responses to functional tests was observed. A study of the changes of the local cerebral blood flow following the administration of Rheopolyglukin demonstrated its high efficacy. The rationale of a combined employment of dehydration drugs and agents improving the rheological properties of blood is emphasized.", "contents": "[Dynamics of local cerebral circulation in neurosurgical patients during the postoperative period]. The results of local cerebral blood flow examinations were analysed in 20 patients in the postoperative period. The dynamics of the restoration of the vascular responses to functional tests was observed. A study of the changes of the local cerebral blood flow following the administration of Rheopolyglukin demonstrated its high efficacy. The rationale of a combined employment of dehydration drugs and agents improving the rheological properties of blood is emphasized.", "PMID": 982921} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_104", "title": "[Correlation of the angiographic, ophthalmologic and rheoencephalographic indices of the cerebral circulation in severe craniocerebral injuries].", "content": "The results of a study of cerebral haemodynamisc in 54 patients with severe craniocerebral injuries in the acute period and in the course of the lesion are presented. Ophthalmological, angiographic, and theoehcephalographic examinations were conducted. Distinct cerebral blood flow disorders were revealed in various cerebral vessels, consisting in a considerable increase of their tonicity, even as high as spasm, shifts, decelerations of the blood flow. Correlations between the indices of different methods were established.", "contents": "[Correlation of the angiographic, ophthalmologic and rheoencephalographic indices of the cerebral circulation in severe craniocerebral injuries]. The results of a study of cerebral haemodynamisc in 54 patients with severe craniocerebral injuries in the acute period and in the course of the lesion are presented. Ophthalmological, angiographic, and theoehcephalographic examinations were conducted. Distinct cerebral blood flow disorders were revealed in various cerebral vessels, consisting in a considerable increase of their tonicity, even as high as spasm, shifts, decelerations of the blood flow. Correlations between the indices of different methods were established.", "PMID": 982916} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_105", "title": "[Ultrastructure of the cellular patches of the arachnoid membrane of the human brain (concerning the origin of the arachnoid-endothelial cleavages of the cerebral dura mater). Electron microscopic study].", "content": "The ultrastructure of cellular spots was studied--growths of the external arachnoidendothelial layer of the arachnoid membrane of the human cerebral hemispheres. The peculiarities of their ultrastructure depending on the stage of their development were revealed. \"Young\", cellular spots were formed by accumulations of osmiophobic round-shaped cells that are lined from the outside by osmiophilic cells like the whole of the arachnoid membrane surface. \"Mature\" cellular spots contain great number of oxmiophobic (viable) cells located in a immediate proximity of the subdural space, and they form the main source of viable arachnoidenodthelial cells found in the subdural fluid. The author believes that these cells penetrate together with the subdural fluid flow into the dura mater where, under specific conditions, they may become a source of arachnoidendothelial chippings.", "contents": "[Ultrastructure of the cellular patches of the arachnoid membrane of the human brain (concerning the origin of the arachnoid-endothelial cleavages of the cerebral dura mater). Electron microscopic study]. The ultrastructure of cellular spots was studied--growths of the external arachnoidendothelial layer of the arachnoid membrane of the human cerebral hemispheres. The peculiarities of their ultrastructure depending on the stage of their development were revealed. \"Young\", cellular spots were formed by accumulations of osmiophobic round-shaped cells that are lined from the outside by osmiophilic cells like the whole of the arachnoid membrane surface. \"Mature\" cellular spots contain great number of oxmiophobic (viable) cells located in a immediate proximity of the subdural space, and they form the main source of viable arachnoidenodthelial cells found in the subdural fluid. The author believes that these cells penetrate together with the subdural fluid flow into the dura mater where, under specific conditions, they may become a source of arachnoidendothelial chippings.", "PMID": 982923} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_106", "title": "[Neuro-ophthalmologic and otoneurologic sequelae of injuries to the skull and brain].", "content": "An examination was conducted in 310 persons surviving injuries of the scull and brain of varying severity. In 146 patients the acuity of vision, pupil reactions, the oculomotor function of the nerves, visual fields and ocular fundus were examined, employing florescent angiography in some cases: and in 164 patients the state of the acoustic and vestibular analyzers was studied. The neuro-ophthalmological sequelae of scull and brain injuries manifested themselves mainly in disorders of the acuity of vision and in alterations of the fields of vision, those of the ocular fundus being less distinct. Injuries of different levels of the acoustic and vestibular analyzers depended on the nature of the injury of the scull bones.", "contents": "[Neuro-ophthalmologic and otoneurologic sequelae of injuries to the skull and brain]. An examination was conducted in 310 persons surviving injuries of the scull and brain of varying severity. In 146 patients the acuity of vision, pupil reactions, the oculomotor function of the nerves, visual fields and ocular fundus were examined, employing florescent angiography in some cases: and in 164 patients the state of the acoustic and vestibular analyzers was studied. The neuro-ophthalmological sequelae of scull and brain injuries manifested themselves mainly in disorders of the acuity of vision and in alterations of the fields of vision, those of the ocular fundus being less distinct. Injuries of different levels of the acoustic and vestibular analyzers depended on the nature of the injury of the scull bones.", "PMID": 982917} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_107", "title": "[Prevention and treatment of renal insufficiency in patients with severe cranio-cerebral trauma].", "content": "In 147 patients with severe craniocerebral injuries the functional state of the kidneys was examined. The incidence and peculiarities of renal function disorders were studied in such patients. A table is presented for the assessment of the degree of renal function disorders by the values of glomerular filtration and the level of nitrous products in blood. On the basis of the author's personal experience measures of prevention and treatment of renal failure in such cases are described.", "contents": "[Prevention and treatment of renal insufficiency in patients with severe cranio-cerebral trauma]. In 147 patients with severe craniocerebral injuries the functional state of the kidneys was examined. The incidence and peculiarities of renal function disorders were studied in such patients. A table is presented for the assessment of the degree of renal function disorders by the values of glomerular filtration and the level of nitrous products in blood. On the basis of the author's personal experience measures of prevention and treatment of renal failure in such cases are described.", "PMID": 982919} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_108", "title": "[Meningo-cerebral adhesions and the possibility of prevention during plastic replacement of meningeal defects (experimental study)].", "content": "A study of the causes and conditions of formation of meningeal adhesions, as well as of the possibilities of their prevention by replacement of the meningeal defects with cold-preserved homografts of fresh auto- and homografts, and synthetic film \"Fluoroplast-4\", as practised in 50 experiments in 46 dogs, has demonstrated that the adhesive process depends on the presence and intensity of brain and meningeal injuries. The possibility of preventing the formation of adhesions was shown to be independent of the type of the plastic material used. The adhesive processes are equally manifest in all methods of plastic repair. Neither do they depend on the method of connecting the transplant with the edges of the meningeal defect. The employment of the \"Cyacrine\" tissue adhesive causes grosser adhesions. Alloplastic repair is inferior to homoplastic with suturing the margin of the meningeal defect to the transplant, since it does not permit a tight closure of the subdural space.", "contents": "[Meningo-cerebral adhesions and the possibility of prevention during plastic replacement of meningeal defects (experimental study)]. A study of the causes and conditions of formation of meningeal adhesions, as well as of the possibilities of their prevention by replacement of the meningeal defects with cold-preserved homografts of fresh auto- and homografts, and synthetic film \"Fluoroplast-4\", as practised in 50 experiments in 46 dogs, has demonstrated that the adhesive process depends on the presence and intensity of brain and meningeal injuries. The possibility of preventing the formation of adhesions was shown to be independent of the type of the plastic material used. The adhesive processes are equally manifest in all methods of plastic repair. Neither do they depend on the method of connecting the transplant with the edges of the meningeal defect. The employment of the \"Cyacrine\" tissue adhesive causes grosser adhesions. Alloplastic repair is inferior to homoplastic with suturing the margin of the meningeal defect to the transplant, since it does not permit a tight closure of the subdural space.", "PMID": 982922} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_109", "title": "[Treatment of neurogenic micturition disorders by section of the pudendal nerves in patients with spinal and spinal cord injuries].", "content": "Surgical interventions on the pudendal nerves were undertaken in 16 patients with neurogenic disorders in micturition due to spinal cord injuries on different levels of the latter. The operations were performed after careful examinations of the patients and a preliminary novacain block of the nerves in question. A modified approach to the pudendal nerves was employed. Satisfactory results were achieved in 14 patients: spontaneous micturition was restored, the volume of residual urine was significantly reduced. A stable good result in the late follow-up period was observed in 12 patients.", "contents": "[Treatment of neurogenic micturition disorders by section of the pudendal nerves in patients with spinal and spinal cord injuries]. Surgical interventions on the pudendal nerves were undertaken in 16 patients with neurogenic disorders in micturition due to spinal cord injuries on different levels of the latter. The operations were performed after careful examinations of the patients and a preliminary novacain block of the nerves in question. A modified approach to the pudendal nerves was employed. Satisfactory results were achieved in 14 patients: spontaneous micturition was restored, the volume of residual urine was significantly reduced. A stable good result in the late follow-up period was observed in 12 patients.", "PMID": 982925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_110", "title": "[Disruption of thermal balance following removal of brain tumors].", "content": "The mechanisms of thermal disorders in the early postoperative period in neurooncological patients depend on the degree of irritation of the diencephalic sections. Temperature elevations in cases of a non-complicated postoperative course are caused by a mild irritation of the median formations resulting in a moderate reduction of heat emission and an insignificant elevation of heat production, the former playing the dominating role. Hyperthermia in the postoperative period complicated by the development of the diencephalo-catabolic syndrome is a consequence of severe irritation of the median structures resulting in disorders of thermoregulation, and it is predisposed by a sharply increasing heart production against the background of a significant reduction of heat emission at the expence of distinct disorders in central and peripheral haemodynamics.", "contents": "[Disruption of thermal balance following removal of brain tumors]. The mechanisms of thermal disorders in the early postoperative period in neurooncological patients depend on the degree of irritation of the diencephalic sections. Temperature elevations in cases of a non-complicated postoperative course are caused by a mild irritation of the median formations resulting in a moderate reduction of heat emission and an insignificant elevation of heat production, the former playing the dominating role. Hyperthermia in the postoperative period complicated by the development of the diencephalo-catabolic syndrome is a consequence of severe irritation of the median structures resulting in disorders of thermoregulation, and it is predisposed by a sharply increasing heart production against the background of a significant reduction of heat emission at the expence of distinct disorders in central and peripheral haemodynamics.", "PMID": 982924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_111", "title": "[Stereotaxic surgery of temporal lobe epilepsy].", "content": "Forty patients with temporal epilepsy were operated on with a stereotaxic technique. Eleven patients had a unilateral localization of the epileptic focus, and in 29 bitemporal foci were diagnosed. In evaluating the results of the treatment the dynamics of the epileptic fits, the peculiarities of changes in the mental status, and the degree of social adaptation were taken into consideration. A postoperative improvement was achieved in 73% of the patients with monotemporal lesions, while in those with bitemporal epilepsy and distinct persistent mental disorders the state was improved in 44% of the cases. Indications for the choice of the zone of destruction depending on the clinical peculiarities of the lesion are presented.", "contents": "[Stereotaxic surgery of temporal lobe epilepsy]. Forty patients with temporal epilepsy were operated on with a stereotaxic technique. Eleven patients had a unilateral localization of the epileptic focus, and in 29 bitemporal foci were diagnosed. In evaluating the results of the treatment the dynamics of the epileptic fits, the peculiarities of changes in the mental status, and the degree of social adaptation were taken into consideration. A postoperative improvement was achieved in 73% of the patients with monotemporal lesions, while in those with bitemporal epilepsy and distinct persistent mental disorders the state was improved in 44% of the cases. Indications for the choice of the zone of destruction depending on the clinical peculiarities of the lesion are presented.", "PMID": 982927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_112", "title": "[Effect of parenterally administered protein hydrolysates on the motor function of the stomach and small intestine].", "content": "Intravenous administration of proteinic hydrolysates (caseine and aminopeptide hydrolysates) to dogs for a duration of 2 hours debars on active period in the fasting periodic activity of the stomach, this being attended by the stimulation of gastric secretion with pH changing from alkaline or neutral to acid reaction. Introduction of the caseine and aminopeptide hydrolysate did not cancell out the active period of the duodenal motoricity, though the frequency of contractions was somewhat below that in controls.", "contents": "[Effect of parenterally administered protein hydrolysates on the motor function of the stomach and small intestine]. Intravenous administration of proteinic hydrolysates (caseine and aminopeptide hydrolysates) to dogs for a duration of 2 hours debars on active period in the fasting periodic activity of the stomach, this being attended by the stimulation of gastric secretion with pH changing from alkaline or neutral to acid reaction. Introduction of the caseine and aminopeptide hydrolysate did not cancell out the active period of the duodenal motoricity, though the frequency of contractions was somewhat below that in controls.", "PMID": 982940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_113", "title": "[Mechanism of action of parenterally administered protein hydrolysates on gastric secretion].", "content": "Tests were conducted on dogs with a gastric fistula and removal of the structure associated with the formation of antral gastrin (mucosectomy of the antral portion of the stomach). In another series of experiments use was made of dogs with Basov's fistula, isolated Pavlov's and Haidenhain's pouches. The basic mechanism of action exerted by apparently introduced proteinic hydrolysates on the gastric secretion was found to be of nervous nature. This is evidenced by the fact of an abrupt suppression of secretion following a preliminary injection of atropine, by a less abundant secretion in dogs with a vagus-denervated isolated pouch and, finally, by the absence of any significant differences in the gastric secretion of dogs with mucosectomized antral segment of the stomach and in control ones.", "contents": "[Mechanism of action of parenterally administered protein hydrolysates on gastric secretion]. Tests were conducted on dogs with a gastric fistula and removal of the structure associated with the formation of antral gastrin (mucosectomy of the antral portion of the stomach). In another series of experiments use was made of dogs with Basov's fistula, isolated Pavlov's and Haidenhain's pouches. The basic mechanism of action exerted by apparently introduced proteinic hydrolysates on the gastric secretion was found to be of nervous nature. This is evidenced by the fact of an abrupt suppression of secretion following a preliminary injection of atropine, by a less abundant secretion in dogs with a vagus-denervated isolated pouch and, finally, by the absence of any significant differences in the gastric secretion of dogs with mucosectomized antral segment of the stomach and in control ones.", "PMID": 982941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_114", "title": "[Amino acid composition of proteins of the membranes of rat liver sucellular structures and the effect of protein deficiency on it].", "content": "The protein amino acids composition of nuclear, mitochondrial and lysosomic membranes and those of the endoplasmatic reticulum of the liver in rats receiving for 30 days rations with normal (18.5 per cent) and low (4 per cent) protein content was investigated. The amino acid spectra of proteins forming part of various cytomembranes, in spite of their considerable resemblance, are shown to have traits of a definite specificity. Protein deficit in the ration causes not only a fall of the total amino acid content in the membranous cellular structures, but it also attended by a deranged correlation among individual amino acids.", "contents": "[Amino acid composition of proteins of the membranes of rat liver sucellular structures and the effect of protein deficiency on it]. The protein amino acids composition of nuclear, mitochondrial and lysosomic membranes and those of the endoplasmatic reticulum of the liver in rats receiving for 30 days rations with normal (18.5 per cent) and low (4 per cent) protein content was investigated. The amino acid spectra of proteins forming part of various cytomembranes, in spite of their considerable resemblance, are shown to have traits of a definite specificity. Protein deficit in the ration causes not only a fall of the total amino acid content in the membranous cellular structures, but it also attended by a deranged correlation among individual amino acids.", "PMID": 982942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_115", "title": "[Lymph, plasma and urinary hydrolases during animal feeding with different types of food].", "content": "In acute and chronic tests with dogs the effect of feeding the animals on meat, bread, or butter upon the pancreatic enzymes incretion was studied. The activity of the amylase, lipase, trypsin and of its inhibitor was determined during an acute test in the thoracic duct lymph, in the blood plasma of the portal and jugular veins, the amylase and lipase being also determined in the urine. The incretion of the pancreatic enzymes is adapted to the type of the food stimulant, viz. after feeding on bread it is the amylase incretion that increases to the most, on meat--it is that of trypsin and its inhibitor and on butter - of lipase. Most informative as to the level of the hydrolases increation adaptability is separation of corresponding enzymes forming part of the lymph, less so - their content in the plasma of the portal and still less - in the peripheral venous blood and the least - the content and segregation of the hydrolases from the urine.", "contents": "[Lymph, plasma and urinary hydrolases during animal feeding with different types of food]. In acute and chronic tests with dogs the effect of feeding the animals on meat, bread, or butter upon the pancreatic enzymes incretion was studied. The activity of the amylase, lipase, trypsin and of its inhibitor was determined during an acute test in the thoracic duct lymph, in the blood plasma of the portal and jugular veins, the amylase and lipase being also determined in the urine. The incretion of the pancreatic enzymes is adapted to the type of the food stimulant, viz. after feeding on bread it is the amylase incretion that increases to the most, on meat--it is that of trypsin and its inhibitor and on butter - of lipase. Most informative as to the level of the hydrolases increation adaptability is separation of corresponding enzymes forming part of the lymph, less so - their content in the plasma of the portal and still less - in the peripheral venous blood and the least - the content and segregation of the hydrolases from the urine.", "PMID": 982943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_116", "title": "[Toxic effect of methanol under conditions of complete and deficient protein nutrition].", "content": "In experiments with albino rats receiving complete and protein-deficient nutrition the effect of different doses of methanol (10,100 and 500 mg/kg) administered daily per os for a month was studied. Methanol was shown to display toxic hepatotropic action, producing in the liver a focal proteinic degeneration of the hepatocytic cytoplasm, causing changes in the activity of some microsomal enzymes and enlarging the average size of hepatic cells (early age-specific changes). The damaging action of methanol manifested itself in a particularly distinct fashion by depressing the synthesis of DNA, when used in large doses and against the background of a protein-deficient ration.", "contents": "[Toxic effect of methanol under conditions of complete and deficient protein nutrition]. In experiments with albino rats receiving complete and protein-deficient nutrition the effect of different doses of methanol (10,100 and 500 mg/kg) administered daily per os for a month was studied. Methanol was shown to display toxic hepatotropic action, producing in the liver a focal proteinic degeneration of the hepatocytic cytoplasm, causing changes in the activity of some microsomal enzymes and enlarging the average size of hepatic cells (early age-specific changes). The damaging action of methanol manifested itself in a particularly distinct fashion by depressing the synthesis of DNA, when used in large doses and against the background of a protein-deficient ration.", "PMID": 982950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_117", "title": "[Survival of Isachenko salmonellae in food products].", "content": "The survival of Salmonella isachenkii, used for destruction of noxious mouselike murines and applied to the meat (raw and cooked), milk and baked products, was studied. The Salmonellae isachenkii are shown capable of remaining viable on food products, viz. in milk--up to 5 days, on meat products--over 20 days (time of observation) and on bread - up to 3 days. These data should not be disregarded in working out sanitary-epidemiological measures for handling biological preparation prepared on the basis of the Isachenko bacteria, since long survival of the bacteria on the food products favours their environmental spread and with a massive contamination of food products with these bacteria such products may become a source of infection among humans.", "contents": "[Survival of Isachenko salmonellae in food products]. The survival of Salmonella isachenkii, used for destruction of noxious mouselike murines and applied to the meat (raw and cooked), milk and baked products, was studied. The Salmonellae isachenkii are shown capable of remaining viable on food products, viz. in milk--up to 5 days, on meat products--over 20 days (time of observation) and on bread - up to 3 days. These data should not be disregarded in working out sanitary-epidemiological measures for handling biological preparation prepared on the basis of the Isachenko bacteria, since long survival of the bacteria on the food products favours their environmental spread and with a massive contamination of food products with these bacteria such products may become a source of infection among humans.", "PMID": 982949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_118", "title": "[Effect of protein and vitamin D deficiency on several indices of calcium metabolism].", "content": "The effect of the proteins and vitamin \"D\" deficiency in the diet on the formation of the calcium-binding protein (CaBP), absorption of calcium in the small intestine and on the Ca and P content in blood serum of rats was studied. The resulting data demonstrate that hypovitaminosis \"D\" leads to a significantly reduced formation of CaBP, diminished absorption of tagged C35 in the small intestine and Ca and P level in the blood serum. The decline of these values is observed in cases of protein deficiency and with rising protein shortage these changes become more marked. A further fall of the CaBP level, of the labelled calcium absorption and of the serumal Ca and P is observed with simultaneous action on the organism of the proteins and vitamin \"D\" deficiency.", "contents": "[Effect of protein and vitamin D deficiency on several indices of calcium metabolism]. The effect of the proteins and vitamin \"D\" deficiency in the diet on the formation of the calcium-binding protein (CaBP), absorption of calcium in the small intestine and on the Ca and P content in blood serum of rats was studied. The resulting data demonstrate that hypovitaminosis \"D\" leads to a significantly reduced formation of CaBP, diminished absorption of tagged C35 in the small intestine and Ca and P level in the blood serum. The decline of these values is observed in cases of protein deficiency and with rising protein shortage these changes become more marked. A further fall of the CaBP level, of the labelled calcium absorption and of the serumal Ca and P is observed with simultaneous action on the organism of the proteins and vitamin \"D\" deficiency.", "PMID": 982945} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_119", "title": "[Renal excretion of xanthurenic acid as an index of vitamin B6 allowance in infants].", "content": "Renal excretion of xanthurenic acid without any tryptophan load, passage of 4-pyridoxic acid with diurnal urine and its excretion with urine collected during 1 hour in the morning on an empty stomach were investigated in 86 practically healthy infants and in 77 others with acute respiratory viral infections aged from two weeks to one year. Investigations of the tryptophan tolerance in infants yielded negative results, viz. on administering to them of D,L-tryptophan in a load dose the infants started vomiting. Practically healthy infants did not excrete xanthurenic acid, while the renal excretion of 4-pyridoxic acid remained within normal limits. In patients at the height of the disease the passage of 4-pyridoxic acid steeply increased. In 9 of them xanthurenic acid appeared in the diurnal urine. In the quiscent stage of the affection in two infants xanthurenuria continued against the general background of diminished excretion of 4-pyridoxic acid. There is no reason to relate the disclosed xanthurenuria in sick infants with the state of hypovitaminosis in them.", "contents": "[Renal excretion of xanthurenic acid as an index of vitamin B6 allowance in infants]. Renal excretion of xanthurenic acid without any tryptophan load, passage of 4-pyridoxic acid with diurnal urine and its excretion with urine collected during 1 hour in the morning on an empty stomach were investigated in 86 practically healthy infants and in 77 others with acute respiratory viral infections aged from two weeks to one year. Investigations of the tryptophan tolerance in infants yielded negative results, viz. on administering to them of D,L-tryptophan in a load dose the infants started vomiting. Practically healthy infants did not excrete xanthurenic acid, while the renal excretion of 4-pyridoxic acid remained within normal limits. In patients at the height of the disease the passage of 4-pyridoxic acid steeply increased. In 9 of them xanthurenic acid appeared in the diurnal urine. In the quiscent stage of the affection in two infants xanthurenuria continued against the general background of diminished excretion of 4-pyridoxic acid. There is no reason to relate the disclosed xanthurenuria in sick infants with the state of hypovitaminosis in them.", "PMID": 982946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_120", "title": "[Amino acid composition and biological value of rice proteins].", "content": "The nitrous substances of the home-grown rice variety-Dubovsky 129 were fractionated according to their solubility. The following fractions were separated: non-proteinic nitrogen, proteins dissoluble in saline, in alcohol and in alkaline solutions. The latter protein is the basic fraction, as concerns its amount. Further on subject to analysis was the amino acid composition of the total rice proteins and of all its fractions. The composition of the summary rice protein and its fractions includes all the essential amino acids, the first limiting amino acid of the rice proteins being lysine. The determination of the biological value of the rice proteins by the method of the amino acid score allows it to array the rice proteins as follows: dissoluble in saline greater than in alkaline greater than summary greater than in alcohol.", "contents": "[Amino acid composition and biological value of rice proteins]. The nitrous substances of the home-grown rice variety-Dubovsky 129 were fractionated according to their solubility. The following fractions were separated: non-proteinic nitrogen, proteins dissoluble in saline, in alcohol and in alkaline solutions. The latter protein is the basic fraction, as concerns its amount. Further on subject to analysis was the amino acid composition of the total rice proteins and of all its fractions. The composition of the summary rice protein and its fractions includes all the essential amino acids, the first limiting amino acid of the rice proteins being lysine. The determination of the biological value of the rice proteins by the method of the amino acid score allows it to array the rice proteins as follows: dissoluble in saline greater than in alkaline greater than summary greater than in alcohol.", "PMID": 982951} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_121", "title": "[Factor XIII activity in the presence of suppression of the function of the anticoagulant system and its restoration in animals on an atherogenic ration].", "content": "With depressed function of the anticoagulation system in rats produced by their long-term maintenance on an atherogenic ration a rising fibrin-stabilizing activity of the XIII factor, by comparison with that in healthy animals and pertinent controls, is observed. A protracted administration to the animals with depressed function of the anticoagulation system of the compound \"Linetol\", that contains ethers of unsaturated fatty acids, given together with vitamin \"A\" results in a drastic fall of the factor XIII activity in the blood plasma with continued maintenance on the atherogenic diet.", "contents": "[Factor XIII activity in the presence of suppression of the function of the anticoagulant system and its restoration in animals on an atherogenic ration]. With depressed function of the anticoagulation system in rats produced by their long-term maintenance on an atherogenic ration a rising fibrin-stabilizing activity of the XIII factor, by comparison with that in healthy animals and pertinent controls, is observed. A protracted administration to the animals with depressed function of the anticoagulation system of the compound \"Linetol\", that contains ethers of unsaturated fatty acids, given together with vitamin \"A\" results in a drastic fall of the factor XIII activity in the blood plasma with continued maintenance on the atherogenic diet.", "PMID": 982947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_122", "title": "[Vitamin concentration in different varieties and grades of cabbage].", "content": "Examinations covered 8 varieties (28 grades) of cabbage for the content therein of C, B6 vitamins, beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folacin. All the cabbage specimens were analyzed right after picking. In 2 grades of the cabbage vitamins were determined after picking and repeatedly after storage (9 months in a vegetable storehous). It was found that there existed a significant difference in the quantitative content of vitamins between individual varieties of cabbage. The proportion of all the vitamins is noteceably higher in broccoli, Brussels sprouts and in cabbage lettuce. Brussels sprouts are distinguished by a particularly high level of vitamins.", "contents": "[Vitamin concentration in different varieties and grades of cabbage]. Examinations covered 8 varieties (28 grades) of cabbage for the content therein of C, B6 vitamins, beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folacin. All the cabbage specimens were analyzed right after picking. In 2 grades of the cabbage vitamins were determined after picking and repeatedly after storage (9 months in a vegetable storehous). It was found that there existed a significant difference in the quantitative content of vitamins between individual varieties of cabbage. The proportion of all the vitamins is noteceably higher in broccoli, Brussels sprouts and in cabbage lettuce. Brussels sprouts are distinguished by a particularly high level of vitamins.", "PMID": 982952} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_123", "title": "[Multiplication of staphylococci and formation of type A enterotoxin in boiled macaroni products].", "content": "Interconnection between the number of pathogenic staphylococci and the presence of enterotoxin in cooked macaroni products was studied. Precipitation in gel with antienterotoxic serum of the A type demonstrated the formation of the type A enterotoxin to be observed when 1 g of the product contained millions of the staphylococcal cells. The time period necessary for the formation of enterotoxin depended upon the initial dose of the staphylococcal contamination of the product and the incubation temperature.", "contents": "[Multiplication of staphylococci and formation of type A enterotoxin in boiled macaroni products]. Interconnection between the number of pathogenic staphylococci and the presence of enterotoxin in cooked macaroni products was studied. Precipitation in gel with antienterotoxic serum of the A type demonstrated the formation of the type A enterotoxin to be observed when 1 g of the product contained millions of the staphylococcal cells. The time period necessary for the formation of enterotoxin depended upon the initial dose of the staphylococcal contamination of the product and the incubation temperature.", "PMID": 982948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_124", "title": "[Poly-A-containing RNA from the spleens of mice infected with Rauscher leukemia virus].", "content": "A fraction of RNA (RNA-x) which is eluted by distilled water from cellulose columns upon alcohol fractionation has been isolated from spleens of BALB/c mice, both normal and infected with Rauscher virus. RNA-x has sedimentation constant 15--16S and upon fractionation on cellulose columns in media of high ionic strength is eluted by water. This RNA is retained on nitrocellulose filters both before and after treatment with RNA-ase. The poly-A fragment resistant to RNA-ase is heterogenous in sucrose gradient, with the main peak in the zone of 3S. RNA-x localizes in polysomes and has not been found in mitochondria. In a cell-free protein-synthesizing system RNA-x stimulated incorporation of amino acids into the acid-insoluble fraction.", "contents": "[Poly-A-containing RNA from the spleens of mice infected with Rauscher leukemia virus]. A fraction of RNA (RNA-x) which is eluted by distilled water from cellulose columns upon alcohol fractionation has been isolated from spleens of BALB/c mice, both normal and infected with Rauscher virus. RNA-x has sedimentation constant 15--16S and upon fractionation on cellulose columns in media of high ionic strength is eluted by water. This RNA is retained on nitrocellulose filters both before and after treatment with RNA-ase. The poly-A fragment resistant to RNA-ase is heterogenous in sucrose gradient, with the main peak in the zone of 3S. RNA-x localizes in polysomes and has not been found in mitochondria. In a cell-free protein-synthesizing system RNA-x stimulated incorporation of amino acids into the acid-insoluble fraction.", "PMID": 982994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_125", "title": "[Chronic infection of diploid cells of human embryo musculocutaneous tissue].", "content": "A model of chronic influenza infection of a strain of human embryo skin-muscle tissue diploid cells (KM WSN) was developed. When the cells were propagated without medium changes, they regularly produced virus in low infectious titres and hemagglutinins in titers of 1 : 2 to 1 : 4. Frequent medium changes caused more intensive infectious virus reproduction with no or very poor hemagglutinin accumulation. Superinfection of KM WSN cultures even with frequent medium changes led to a marked reduction in the amount of infectious virus production with no detectable interferon. The WSN KM virus was found to differ from the initial variant by a number of markers. The observed pattern of virus production suggests a mechanism of persistence in this system in connection with the interfering effect of the defective virus produced by the cells.", "contents": "[Chronic infection of diploid cells of human embryo musculocutaneous tissue]. A model of chronic influenza infection of a strain of human embryo skin-muscle tissue diploid cells (KM WSN) was developed. When the cells were propagated without medium changes, they regularly produced virus in low infectious titres and hemagglutinins in titers of 1 : 2 to 1 : 4. Frequent medium changes caused more intensive infectious virus reproduction with no or very poor hemagglutinin accumulation. Superinfection of KM WSN cultures even with frequent medium changes led to a marked reduction in the amount of infectious virus production with no detectable interferon. The WSN KM virus was found to differ from the initial variant by a number of markers. The observed pattern of virus production suggests a mechanism of persistence in this system in connection with the interfering effect of the defective virus produced by the cells.", "PMID": 982996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_126", "title": "[Analysis of influenza virus reproduction under conditions of chronic infection].", "content": "The results of comparative studies of influenza virus, original and produced in KM cells under conditions of chronic infection (KM WSN) are presented. The WSN KM virus was shown to band in the density range of 1.18 to 1.23 g/ml, with maximum at a.215 g/ml. The electrophoretic analysis of the standard virus RNA revealed mostly heavy fragments. The analysis of a total RNA preparation from the virus population produced by chronically infected cells revealed both heavy and light RNA fragments. The total synthesis of cellular DNA and RNA was slightly inhibited by KM WSN. A mechanism of persistence is suggested associated with continuous production of defective non-infectious particles.", "contents": "[Analysis of influenza virus reproduction under conditions of chronic infection]. The results of comparative studies of influenza virus, original and produced in KM cells under conditions of chronic infection (KM WSN) are presented. The WSN KM virus was shown to band in the density range of 1.18 to 1.23 g/ml, with maximum at a.215 g/ml. The electrophoretic analysis of the standard virus RNA revealed mostly heavy fragments. The analysis of a total RNA preparation from the virus population produced by chronically infected cells revealed both heavy and light RNA fragments. The total synthesis of cellular DNA and RNA was slightly inhibited by KM WSN. A mechanism of persistence is suggested associated with continuous production of defective non-infectious particles.", "PMID": 982997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_127", "title": "[Biological properties of the agents of the influenza epidemic of 1972-1973 in Leningrad and other cities of the Soviet Union].", "content": "The novelty of influenza epidemics of 1972-1973 in Leningrad and other towns of the Soviet Union was due to changes in the antigenic profile of influenza viruses neuraminidase which was found to be closely related to that of A/Victoria/35/72 virus according to the results of neuraminidase activity inhbition test. The epidemic influenza A virus strains isolated in 1972-1973 were also found to be sensitive to thermostable inhibitors of mouse serum which was not typical for the Hong Kong group of viruses.", "contents": "[Biological properties of the agents of the influenza epidemic of 1972-1973 in Leningrad and other cities of the Soviet Union]. The novelty of influenza epidemics of 1972-1973 in Leningrad and other towns of the Soviet Union was due to changes in the antigenic profile of influenza viruses neuraminidase which was found to be closely related to that of A/Victoria/35/72 virus according to the results of neuraminidase activity inhbition test. The epidemic influenza A virus strains isolated in 1972-1973 were also found to be sensitive to thermostable inhibitors of mouse serum which was not typical for the Hong Kong group of viruses.", "PMID": 982998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_128", "title": "[Effect of antimacrophage serum on immunologic responsiveness in mice vaccinated against influenza].", "content": "Inoculation of mice with antiserum to peritoneal exudate cell on the eve of intraperitoneal immunization with influenza A2 virus delays an immunologic response as manifested by an increase in the inductive phase of antibody formatin and a slower rise of antibody titre. The immunodepressive effect of the anti-macrophage serum corresponds to inhibition of the activity of macrophages and the lack of plasma cell reaction in the thymus. The anti-macrophage serum does not influence the development of secondary immune response which indicates that it affects the antigen-reacting cells.", "contents": "[Effect of antimacrophage serum on immunologic responsiveness in mice vaccinated against influenza]. Inoculation of mice with antiserum to peritoneal exudate cell on the eve of intraperitoneal immunization with influenza A2 virus delays an immunologic response as manifested by an increase in the inductive phase of antibody formatin and a slower rise of antibody titre. The immunodepressive effect of the anti-macrophage serum corresponds to inhibition of the activity of macrophages and the lack of plasma cell reaction in the thymus. The anti-macrophage serum does not influence the development of secondary immune response which indicates that it affects the antigen-reacting cells.", "PMID": 982999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_129", "title": "[Proof of the necessity of antiviral protein synthesis in the presence of interferon action].", "content": "The previously described cell-free system of combined synthesis of virus components was used for investigation of the mechanism of interferon action. Interferon effect was demonstrated to require the cellular stage of its action. When interferon was added after separation of the microsomal-mitochondrial \"factory\", no inhibitory effect was observed. The experimental data confirm the concept that interferon induces an antiviral protein coded in cell genome.", "contents": "[Proof of the necessity of antiviral protein synthesis in the presence of interferon action]. The previously described cell-free system of combined synthesis of virus components was used for investigation of the mechanism of interferon action. Interferon effect was demonstrated to require the cellular stage of its action. When interferon was added after separation of the microsomal-mitochondrial \"factory\", no inhibitory effect was observed. The experimental data confirm the concept that interferon induces an antiviral protein coded in cell genome.", "PMID": 982995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_130", "title": "[Interferonogenic capacity of strains influenza B virus and their sensitivity to exogenous interferon].", "content": "This study is a continuation of the investgation of the influence of endogenous and exogenous interferon on influenza infection. Influenza B virus strains, both laboratory and fresh isolates, were found to be poor interferon inducers in contrast to influenza A virus strains. The study also showed that influenza B virus strains not only induced endogenous interferon poorly but were also resistant to exogenous interferon. This evidence points to marked differences of the investigated influenza B virus strains not only induced endogenous interferon poorly but were also resistant to exogenous interferon. This evidence points to marked differences of the investigated influenza B virus strains from influenza A virus strains which further indicates their peculiar nature.", "contents": "[Interferonogenic capacity of strains influenza B virus and their sensitivity to exogenous interferon]. This study is a continuation of the investgation of the influence of endogenous and exogenous interferon on influenza infection. Influenza B virus strains, both laboratory and fresh isolates, were found to be poor interferon inducers in contrast to influenza A virus strains. The study also showed that influenza B virus strains not only induced endogenous interferon poorly but were also resistant to exogenous interferon. This evidence points to marked differences of the investigated influenza B virus strains not only induced endogenous interferon poorly but were also resistant to exogenous interferon. This evidence points to marked differences of the investigated influenza B virus strains from influenza A virus strains which further indicates their peculiar nature.", "PMID": 983000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_131", "title": "[Role of chlamydia in chronic renal and urogenital diseases in man].", "content": "Serological examinations by the CFT with the group-specific ornithosis antigen were carried out with 1910 sera from patients with chronic diseases of the kidneys, urinary tracts and male sexual organs, as well as with 556 control sera from patients with cardio-vascular and other diseases for elucidation of the role of chlamydia (OLT group) in the infectious pathology of the kidneys and urinary tracts of man. No complement-fixing antibody was detected with the group-specific ornithosis antigen in control sera. The antibody was found in 5.2% of sera from patients with chronic diseases of the kidneys and upper urinary tracts and in 6.2% of cases with the involvement of the proximal part of the urinary tracts and male sexual organs. The intradermal test (IDT) with ornithosis allergen was performed for those patients whose sera contained complement-fixing antibody. The results of CFT and IDT coincided in 82.8% of the patients, thus confirming the etiological role of chlamydia in human urogenital pathology. Studies on the positive sera with the species-specific ornithosis antigen gave negative results, indicating that a distinct species of chlamydia is the agent of urogenital diseases.", "contents": "[Role of chlamydia in chronic renal and urogenital diseases in man]. Serological examinations by the CFT with the group-specific ornithosis antigen were carried out with 1910 sera from patients with chronic diseases of the kidneys, urinary tracts and male sexual organs, as well as with 556 control sera from patients with cardio-vascular and other diseases for elucidation of the role of chlamydia (OLT group) in the infectious pathology of the kidneys and urinary tracts of man. No complement-fixing antibody was detected with the group-specific ornithosis antigen in control sera. The antibody was found in 5.2% of sera from patients with chronic diseases of the kidneys and upper urinary tracts and in 6.2% of cases with the involvement of the proximal part of the urinary tracts and male sexual organs. The intradermal test (IDT) with ornithosis allergen was performed for those patients whose sera contained complement-fixing antibody. The results of CFT and IDT coincided in 82.8% of the patients, thus confirming the etiological role of chlamydia in human urogenital pathology. Studies on the positive sera with the species-specific ornithosis antigen gave negative results, indicating that a distinct species of chlamydia is the agent of urogenital diseases.", "PMID": 983001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_132", "title": "[Characteristics of several indices of the mitotic regime of clone strains of HeLa cells infected with adenovirus type 7].", "content": "The effect of adenovirus type 7 on the mitotic activity, the level and qualitative characteristics of pathological mitoses was studied in mycoplasma-free and latently mycoplasma-infected cells of clone HeLa cell lines with different sensitivity to this virus. The level and the extent of changes of the mitotic regimen in adenovirus-infected cells depend upon their susceptibility to the virus and initial characteristics of the mitotic regimen of the culture which is somehow related to the presence or absence of mycoplasmal contaminants in the culture. Successful analysis of the virus effect on the mitotic regimen of one or another cell system requires the use of a culture with minimal pathology of the mitotic apparatus and careful tests for the lack of mycoplasmal contaminants.", "contents": "[Characteristics of several indices of the mitotic regime of clone strains of HeLa cells infected with adenovirus type 7]. The effect of adenovirus type 7 on the mitotic activity, the level and qualitative characteristics of pathological mitoses was studied in mycoplasma-free and latently mycoplasma-infected cells of clone HeLa cell lines with different sensitivity to this virus. The level and the extent of changes of the mitotic regimen in adenovirus-infected cells depend upon their susceptibility to the virus and initial characteristics of the mitotic regimen of the culture which is somehow related to the presence or absence of mycoplasmal contaminants in the culture. Successful analysis of the virus effect on the mitotic regimen of one or another cell system requires the use of a culture with minimal pathology of the mitotic apparatus and careful tests for the lack of mycoplasmal contaminants.", "PMID": 983002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_133", "title": "[Cytologic, karyologic and virologic characteristics of transplantable line AE].", "content": "Karyological, cytological and virological examinations of A1 continuous cell line were carried out at the level of 600--700th passage. Considerable qualitative changes in the chromosome set of these cells were observed as compared with 335--432nd passage: there was a considerable increase in the number of acrocentric chromosomes and a decrease in the portion of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Possible mechanisms of the karyotype changes (\"secondary transformation\" in vitro, contamination with other cell lines) and their association with the loss by A1 line of sensitivity to a number of viruses are discussed.", "contents": "[Cytologic, karyologic and virologic characteristics of transplantable line AE]. Karyological, cytological and virological examinations of A1 continuous cell line were carried out at the level of 600--700th passage. Considerable qualitative changes in the chromosome set of these cells were observed as compared with 335--432nd passage: there was a considerable increase in the number of acrocentric chromosomes and a decrease in the portion of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Possible mechanisms of the karyotype changes (\"secondary transformation\" in vitro, contamination with other cell lines) and their association with the loss by A1 line of sensitivity to a number of viruses are discussed.", "PMID": 983003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_134", "title": "[Presence of genomes of phage PBV-1 in the mycelia of the fungus Penicillium brevi-compactum].", "content": "The rate of reassociation of 3H-DNA of phage PBV-1 was increased in the presence of 100-fold excess of unlabeled DNA of Penicillium brevi-compactum. On this basis it was calculated that DNA isolated from Penicillium brevi-compactum contained 27--38 phage genomes per haploid cell genome, DNA of PBV-3 virus does not influence the rate of reassociation of PBV-1 virus DNA indicating the lack of homology between DNAs of PBV-1 and PBV-3 phages.", "contents": "[Presence of genomes of phage PBV-1 in the mycelia of the fungus Penicillium brevi-compactum]. The rate of reassociation of 3H-DNA of phage PBV-1 was increased in the presence of 100-fold excess of unlabeled DNA of Penicillium brevi-compactum. On this basis it was calculated that DNA isolated from Penicillium brevi-compactum contained 27--38 phage genomes per haploid cell genome, DNA of PBV-3 virus does not influence the rate of reassociation of PBV-1 virus DNA indicating the lack of homology between DNAs of PBV-1 and PBV-3 phages.", "PMID": 983004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_135", "title": "[Peritoneal reaction to infection with tsutsugamushi rickettsia in mice with different sensitivity to the agent].", "content": "Infection of white random-bred mice and C57B1(6) mice with a culture of R. tsutsugamushi demonstrated that white mice were highly susceptible to the infection which ended in death of the animals and accumulation of rickettsia in the body and necrotization of cell elements of the exudate. Mice of C57B1(6) strain developed acymptomatic infection, rickettsia did not multiply in the peritoneal cavity and exudate cells did not undergo necribiosis. The mechanism of resistance of cells of these mice to the agent requires a further study.", "contents": "[Peritoneal reaction to infection with tsutsugamushi rickettsia in mice with different sensitivity to the agent]. Infection of white random-bred mice and C57B1(6) mice with a culture of R. tsutsugamushi demonstrated that white mice were highly susceptible to the infection which ended in death of the animals and accumulation of rickettsia in the body and necrotization of cell elements of the exudate. Mice of C57B1(6) strain developed acymptomatic infection, rickettsia did not multiply in the peritoneal cavity and exudate cells did not undergo necribiosis. The mechanism of resistance of cells of these mice to the agent requires a further study.", "PMID": 983005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_136", "title": "[Several methodologic problems in the control of cell cultures].", "content": "Some human and animal continuous cell lines as well as primary cell cultures were examined by karyological, electron microscopial, virological and molecular biological methods and also by the electrophoretic motility of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDG) in polyacrylamide gel. All human and animal continuous cell lines were shown to contain mycoplasma, 17-to contain intracytoplasmic particles of type A oncornaviruses, 5 -- type B oncornaviruses similar to Mason-Pfizer virus, 8 -- paramyxoviruses, 2 --oncornaviruses type C. A high molecular RNA with sedimentation constant 64--70 S was found in oncornaviruses isolated from cell cultures. Intracellular virus or subviral structures were detected by association of the reverse transcriptase activity with high molecular RNA. The presence in the cell cultures of marker chromosomes of HeLa cells, the absence in these cultures of Y chromosomes, the presence of the G-6-PDG enzyme with type A motility indicate the possibility of contamination of human continuous cell lines with HeLa cells.", "contents": "[Several methodologic problems in the control of cell cultures]. Some human and animal continuous cell lines as well as primary cell cultures were examined by karyological, electron microscopial, virological and molecular biological methods and also by the electrophoretic motility of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDG) in polyacrylamide gel. All human and animal continuous cell lines were shown to contain mycoplasma, 17-to contain intracytoplasmic particles of type A oncornaviruses, 5 -- type B oncornaviruses similar to Mason-Pfizer virus, 8 -- paramyxoviruses, 2 --oncornaviruses type C. A high molecular RNA with sedimentation constant 64--70 S was found in oncornaviruses isolated from cell cultures. Intracellular virus or subviral structures were detected by association of the reverse transcriptase activity with high molecular RNA. The presence in the cell cultures of marker chromosomes of HeLa cells, the absence in these cultures of Y chromosomes, the presence of the G-6-PDG enzyme with type A motility indicate the possibility of contamination of human continuous cell lines with HeLa cells.", "PMID": 983006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_137", "title": "Enuresis: causes, cures and cautions.", "content": "Enuresis is a common benign condition that affects up to 10 percent of school children. Innumerable causes have been proposed: emotional disturbances, small bladders, infections, allergies, polyuria and deep sleep. In an effort to modify abnormal sleep, drugs such as amphetamine or imipramine are frequently prescribed. Imipramine is often very effective but its acute toxicity is not fully appreciated by many patients or their parents. Since accidental imipramine overdose is a serious matter, strict rules regarding its storage and use must be enforced.", "contents": "Enuresis: causes, cures and cautions. Enuresis is a common benign condition that affects up to 10 percent of school children. Innumerable causes have been proposed: emotional disturbances, small bladders, infections, allergies, polyuria and deep sleep. In an effort to modify abnormal sleep, drugs such as amphetamine or imipramine are frequently prescribed. Imipramine is often very effective but its acute toxicity is not fully appreciated by many patients or their parents. Since accidental imipramine overdose is a serious matter, strict rules regarding its storage and use must be enforced.", "PMID": 983011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_138", "title": "Breast reconstruction for malignant or premalignant disease.", "content": "In ten patients breast reconstruction was done after surgical treatment for a premalignant or malignant breast disease. In six of these, prophylactic subcutaneous mastectomy and implant reconstruction were carried out, and in the remaining four reconstruction was done after simple or modified radical mastectomy. It is suggested that these procedures should be considered by those physicians and surgeons who undertake evaluation and treatment of breast disease in women. Breast reconstruction should be considered and offered to patients who suffer from the severe personal and emotional trauma attendant to surgical operation for breast disease.", "contents": "Breast reconstruction for malignant or premalignant disease. In ten patients breast reconstruction was done after surgical treatment for a premalignant or malignant breast disease. In six of these, prophylactic subcutaneous mastectomy and implant reconstruction were carried out, and in the remaining four reconstruction was done after simple or modified radical mastectomy. It is suggested that these procedures should be considered by those physicians and surgeons who undertake evaluation and treatment of breast disease in women. Breast reconstruction should be considered and offered to patients who suffer from the severe personal and emotional trauma attendant to surgical operation for breast disease.", "PMID": 983012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_139", "title": "Branched renal calculi.", "content": "Surgical operation on 30 kidneys was carried out for branched renal calculi, with no operative mortality. Of 23 kidneys in which conservative surgical procedures were used, 83 percent are now stone-free. When all stones were successfully removed, cultures of urine were sterile in 80 percent of cases, but when fragments remained, no patient was infection-free. It was found that impaired renal function need not be a contraindication to surgical operation, and indeed that in five of seven patients with impaired renal function, serum creatinine levels either remained stable or improved. We believe that surgical removal is the most conservative management of branched renal calculi.", "contents": "Branched renal calculi. Surgical operation on 30 kidneys was carried out for branched renal calculi, with no operative mortality. Of 23 kidneys in which conservative surgical procedures were used, 83 percent are now stone-free. When all stones were successfully removed, cultures of urine were sterile in 80 percent of cases, but when fragments remained, no patient was infection-free. It was found that impaired renal function need not be a contraindication to surgical operation, and indeed that in five of seven patients with impaired renal function, serum creatinine levels either remained stable or improved. We believe that surgical removal is the most conservative management of branched renal calculi.", "PMID": 983013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_140", "title": "Screening for syphilis in an aged psychiatrically impaired population.", "content": "A serum Venereal Disease Research Laboratories (VDRL) test was carried out in 216 elderly patients with dementia or \"functional\" psychiatric illness, or both, as part of a community based screening program. The VDRL test was positive in 13 patients, 11 of whom (5.1 percent) had an actual past or present syphilitic infection as confirmed by the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-Abs). In six patients (2.8 percent) syphilis was newly detected, and in another two patients previously detected syphilis had been inadequately treated. Only two (0.9 percent) biologic false positive reactors were detected. These results question the belief that aging per se is a common cause of the biologic false positive reaction; and indicate a relatively high incidence of past or present syphilitic infection in geriatric patients with psychiatric illness in the community who have been referred for crisis intervention.", "contents": "Screening for syphilis in an aged psychiatrically impaired population. A serum Venereal Disease Research Laboratories (VDRL) test was carried out in 216 elderly patients with dementia or \"functional\" psychiatric illness, or both, as part of a community based screening program. The VDRL test was positive in 13 patients, 11 of whom (5.1 percent) had an actual past or present syphilitic infection as confirmed by the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-Abs). In six patients (2.8 percent) syphilis was newly detected, and in another two patients previously detected syphilis had been inadequately treated. Only two (0.9 percent) biologic false positive reactors were detected. These results question the belief that aging per se is a common cause of the biologic false positive reaction; and indicate a relatively high incidence of past or present syphilitic infection in geriatric patients with psychiatric illness in the community who have been referred for crisis intervention.", "PMID": 983014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_141", "title": "Improving community based pediatric residencies by local affiliation.", "content": "Community hospital graduate medical education programs have been judged deficient in several areas when compared with university programs. Generally community programs are smaller, they have a greater percentage of foreign house officers and unfilled house staff positions, and their graduates do less well on specialty board examinations. Difficulties may exist in offering a balanced and broad-based educational exposure. Four separate pediatric residencies in Phoenix became affiliated in 1972. The traditional deficiencies have been overcome, and a very popular and well-balanced program has ensued. Additionally, wasteful duplication has been avoided. Disadvantages have included complex scheduling and loss of continual close contact with house officers. Assigning patients to residents for continuity of care has been difficult. Experiences gained in this amalgamation may well apply to other hospitals facing similar problems. Local consortiums, such as this, fit well into university affiliated programs or statewide organizations.", "contents": "Improving community based pediatric residencies by local affiliation. Community hospital graduate medical education programs have been judged deficient in several areas when compared with university programs. Generally community programs are smaller, they have a greater percentage of foreign house officers and unfilled house staff positions, and their graduates do less well on specialty board examinations. Difficulties may exist in offering a balanced and broad-based educational exposure. Four separate pediatric residencies in Phoenix became affiliated in 1972. The traditional deficiencies have been overcome, and a very popular and well-balanced program has ensued. Additionally, wasteful duplication has been avoided. Disadvantages have included complex scheduling and loss of continual close contact with house officers. Assigning patients to residents for continuity of care has been difficult. Experiences gained in this amalgamation may well apply to other hospitals facing similar problems. Local consortiums, such as this, fit well into university affiliated programs or statewide organizations.", "PMID": 983025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_142", "title": "[Iodine effects in body tissues - a survey and biophysical approach to interpretation (author's transl)].", "content": "An attempt was made to interpret the therapeutic and biological effects of iodine on the basis of currently available biophysical information. The easily facilitated electron transfer from and to the external shell of the iodine atom is considered to account, first of all, for good tissue compatibility of molecular iodine as an oxidizing antiseptic, secondly, for the role of iodine as a biocatalyzer of oxidation and reduction processes, thirdly, for the role of iodine as an agent lowering the electric resistance of membranes and, finally, for a possible intracellular release of iodine from iodine-containing hormones and amino acids, thereby affecting enzyme activities. A low electrostatic charge density of iodide and, hence, a small ionic hydration shell imply two biologically significant facts: an intensified ionic mobility and a breaking of the immediate water structure (chaotropy). These physical phenomena are thought to be well suited to explain the strong binding capacity of iodide to proteins, the loosening of electrostatic and hydrophobic bonds within the tissues and an overall increase in protein solubility.", "contents": "[Iodine effects in body tissues - a survey and biophysical approach to interpretation (author's transl)]. An attempt was made to interpret the therapeutic and biological effects of iodine on the basis of currently available biophysical information. The easily facilitated electron transfer from and to the external shell of the iodine atom is considered to account, first of all, for good tissue compatibility of molecular iodine as an oxidizing antiseptic, secondly, for the role of iodine as a biocatalyzer of oxidation and reduction processes, thirdly, for the role of iodine as an agent lowering the electric resistance of membranes and, finally, for a possible intracellular release of iodine from iodine-containing hormones and amino acids, thereby affecting enzyme activities. A low electrostatic charge density of iodide and, hence, a small ionic hydration shell imply two biologically significant facts: an intensified ionic mobility and a breaking of the immediate water structure (chaotropy). These physical phenomena are thought to be well suited to explain the strong binding capacity of iodide to proteins, the loosening of electrostatic and hydrophobic bonds within the tissues and an overall increase in protein solubility.", "PMID": 983067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_143", "title": "[The severest form of CO poisoning (author's transl)].", "content": "The case histories of four patients with severe cerebral manifestations as a result of CO poisoning are reported. All patients displayed an acute mesencephalic syndrome in the initial stage. One case developed a fatal bulbar syndrome following a transitional phase. Autopsy showed cerebral oedema, in addition to necrotic areas in the basal ganglia and cerebellar haemorrhage. The other 3 patients developed an apallic syndrome with all the typical features and symptoms. Two of these patients died without showing any improvement, displaying not only necroses in the basal ganglia, but also diffuse destruction of the white matter and, in one case, even of the cortex. The third patient recovered. His recovery took a similar course to that of a case of traumatic apallic syndrome and he was subsequently able to take up normal activities. It is concluded from these four cases that secondary brain oedema precedes the development of the most serious form of CO poisoning and is of grave prognostic significance.", "contents": "[The severest form of CO poisoning (author's transl)]. The case histories of four patients with severe cerebral manifestations as a result of CO poisoning are reported. All patients displayed an acute mesencephalic syndrome in the initial stage. One case developed a fatal bulbar syndrome following a transitional phase. Autopsy showed cerebral oedema, in addition to necrotic areas in the basal ganglia and cerebellar haemorrhage. The other 3 patients developed an apallic syndrome with all the typical features and symptoms. Two of these patients died without showing any improvement, displaying not only necroses in the basal ganglia, but also diffuse destruction of the white matter and, in one case, even of the cortex. The third patient recovered. His recovery took a similar course to that of a case of traumatic apallic syndrome and he was subsequently able to take up normal activities. It is concluded from these four cases that secondary brain oedema precedes the development of the most serious form of CO poisoning and is of grave prognostic significance.", "PMID": 983068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_144", "title": "[Venous thromboses and pulmonary emboli in autopsy material (author's transl)].", "content": "Venous thromboses of the pelvic veins and the veins of the lower limbs were found in 40% of the post mortems carried out on 1350 adults during 1974. The thromboses were bilaterally located in the calf veins in the vast majority of cases. The predominating underlying diseases of patients with thrombosis were malignant neoplasia or cardiovascular diseases. 319 cases (23.5%) showed massive pulmonary embolism. The pulmonary embolism had taken a fulminating fatal course in 7.8% of cases. Thromboses of the lower limb veins seem to have a higher tendency to become mobilized to cause fatal pulmonary embolism than thromboses occurring in other sites. A significantly higher incidence of venous thrombosis, as well as of pulmonary embolism, was found in higher age groups and in female patients; the prognosis is, moreover, grave in these cases. A significant increase in the incidence of venous thromboses and pulmonary embolism-especially those with a rapidly fatal course-has been registered over the past years as compared with previous investigations.", "contents": "[Venous thromboses and pulmonary emboli in autopsy material (author's transl)]. Venous thromboses of the pelvic veins and the veins of the lower limbs were found in 40% of the post mortems carried out on 1350 adults during 1974. The thromboses were bilaterally located in the calf veins in the vast majority of cases. The predominating underlying diseases of patients with thrombosis were malignant neoplasia or cardiovascular diseases. 319 cases (23.5%) showed massive pulmonary embolism. The pulmonary embolism had taken a fulminating fatal course in 7.8% of cases. Thromboses of the lower limb veins seem to have a higher tendency to become mobilized to cause fatal pulmonary embolism than thromboses occurring in other sites. A significantly higher incidence of venous thrombosis, as well as of pulmonary embolism, was found in higher age groups and in female patients; the prognosis is, moreover, grave in these cases. A significant increase in the incidence of venous thromboses and pulmonary embolism-especially those with a rapidly fatal course-has been registered over the past years as compared with previous investigations.", "PMID": 983069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_145", "title": "[Gastroscopy in Austria the results of a questionnaire study (author's transl)].", "content": "By means of a questionnaire we have gathered information about gastroscopy in Austria. This inquiry has enabled us to compare the techniques used and the results obtained in the diagnosis of gastric cancer. The final aim of the investigation was to obtain guidelines for the wider application of gastroscopy for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer. The level of response by Austrian endoscopists to the inquiry was high at 72.7%. The results demonstrate a considerable increase in the use of gastroscopy in Austria over the past few years. However, some of the provinces hate fallen behind others. The available equipment is not fully used and reasons for this are discussed. A close correlation is shown to exist between the number of gastric biopsies carried out and the incidence of early gastric cancer. It is further shown that the use of cytological brushing improves the results. Only one third of endoscopists, however, use this method.", "contents": "[Gastroscopy in Austria the results of a questionnaire study (author's transl)]. By means of a questionnaire we have gathered information about gastroscopy in Austria. This inquiry has enabled us to compare the techniques used and the results obtained in the diagnosis of gastric cancer. The final aim of the investigation was to obtain guidelines for the wider application of gastroscopy for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer. The level of response by Austrian endoscopists to the inquiry was high at 72.7%. The results demonstrate a considerable increase in the use of gastroscopy in Austria over the past few years. However, some of the provinces hate fallen behind others. The available equipment is not fully used and reasons for this are discussed. A close correlation is shown to exist between the number of gastric biopsies carried out and the incidence of early gastric cancer. It is further shown that the use of cytological brushing improves the results. Only one third of endoscopists, however, use this method.", "PMID": 983070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_146", "title": "[A comparative study of the kinetics of 131I-bromsulphthalein and 125 I-biligrafin (author's transl)].", "content": "The kinetics of 131I-Bromsulphthalein (BSP) and 125I-Biligrafin were compared with one another. 131I-BSP is taken by the liver ten times faster than 125I-Biligrafin. The distribution volumes of these two tracers are identical. The maximum transport capacities (Tm) of BSP and Biligrafin are inversely proportional to the elimination constant k of the blood. The Tm of BSP is 8.6 +/- 1.9 mg/min., of biligrafin is 35.8 2.2 mg/min. Biligrafin leaves the liver cells without prior metabolization, which could account the higher Tm of this preparation. In conformity with theoretical considerations, 131I-BSP and 125I-Biligrafin differ in the following important respects: 131-I-BSP leads to a high activity in the liver against a low background activity. With labelled Biligrafin, on the other hand, on account of the slow activity in the liver and the high Tm, a striking contrast is demonstrable between liver and bile duct. This could, perhaps, be of diagnostic value in localizing a bile fistula.", "contents": "[A comparative study of the kinetics of 131I-bromsulphthalein and 125 I-biligrafin (author's transl)]. The kinetics of 131I-Bromsulphthalein (BSP) and 125I-Biligrafin were compared with one another. 131I-BSP is taken by the liver ten times faster than 125I-Biligrafin. The distribution volumes of these two tracers are identical. The maximum transport capacities (Tm) of BSP and Biligrafin are inversely proportional to the elimination constant k of the blood. The Tm of BSP is 8.6 +/- 1.9 mg/min., of biligrafin is 35.8 2.2 mg/min. Biligrafin leaves the liver cells without prior metabolization, which could account the higher Tm of this preparation. In conformity with theoretical considerations, 131I-BSP and 125I-Biligrafin differ in the following important respects: 131-I-BSP leads to a high activity in the liver against a low background activity. With labelled Biligrafin, on the other hand, on account of the slow activity in the liver and the high Tm, a striking contrast is demonstrable between liver and bile duct. This could, perhaps, be of diagnostic value in localizing a bile fistula.", "PMID": 983071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_147", "title": "[Advances in the treatment of cardiogenic shock (author's transl)].", "content": "Advances in the conservative treatment of cardiogenic shock have been achieved by a combination of the use of drugs (dopamine, furosemide, prednisolone), artificial ventilation and parenteral nutrition (to avoid a negative energy situation). Basic requisites for such therapy are the continuous monitoring of haemodynamic parameters (pulmonary wedge pressure, cardiac index) and of laboratory results (blood gas analysis, pO2, pCO2, osmolarity, blood glucose level). Assisted circulation (IABP) should be started immediately if it becomes apparent that little or no effect has been achieved by medical treatment. Protection is provided by the IABP for further investigation of the patient by selective coronary angiography and surgical intervention whenever possible.", "contents": "[Advances in the treatment of cardiogenic shock (author's transl)]. Advances in the conservative treatment of cardiogenic shock have been achieved by a combination of the use of drugs (dopamine, furosemide, prednisolone), artificial ventilation and parenteral nutrition (to avoid a negative energy situation). Basic requisites for such therapy are the continuous monitoring of haemodynamic parameters (pulmonary wedge pressure, cardiac index) and of laboratory results (blood gas analysis, pO2, pCO2, osmolarity, blood glucose level). Assisted circulation (IABP) should be started immediately if it becomes apparent that little or no effect has been achieved by medical treatment. Protection is provided by the IABP for further investigation of the patient by selective coronary angiography and surgical intervention whenever possible.", "PMID": 983072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_148", "title": "[Evaluation of an experimental method for testing analgesic drugs by electrical stimulation of the skin (author's transl)].", "content": "The pain threshold and pain tolerance were determined by electrical stimulation of the skin employing a newly-developed apparatus. The efficacy of the method was evaluated in a double-blind cross-over study on ten healthy subjects with administration of 50 mg pentazocine plus 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid (P + A) orally in comparison with a placebo. The sensitivity of this method in determining the pain threshold was compared with a fixed intensity-variable time modification of the radiant heat method. The presence of sedative side effects of the drugs was tested by measurement of the reaction time to visual stimuli. All measurements were performed before and then 60 and 90 minutes after drug administration and an analysis of variance was carried out on the data. There was a significant elevation of both the pain threshold and pain tolerance as determined electrically after the administration of P + A as compared with the placebo experiments. A similar tendency was obtained with the thermal method, but the increase in pain threshold was not statistically significant. No significant changes were found in optical reaction time. It may be concluded that the apparatus developed by us appears to be a valuable tool in the evaluation of effectiveness of analgesic drugs.", "contents": "[Evaluation of an experimental method for testing analgesic drugs by electrical stimulation of the skin (author's transl)]. The pain threshold and pain tolerance were determined by electrical stimulation of the skin employing a newly-developed apparatus. The efficacy of the method was evaluated in a double-blind cross-over study on ten healthy subjects with administration of 50 mg pentazocine plus 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid (P + A) orally in comparison with a placebo. The sensitivity of this method in determining the pain threshold was compared with a fixed intensity-variable time modification of the radiant heat method. The presence of sedative side effects of the drugs was tested by measurement of the reaction time to visual stimuli. All measurements were performed before and then 60 and 90 minutes after drug administration and an analysis of variance was carried out on the data. There was a significant elevation of both the pain threshold and pain tolerance as determined electrically after the administration of P + A as compared with the placebo experiments. A similar tendency was obtained with the thermal method, but the increase in pain threshold was not statistically significant. No significant changes were found in optical reaction time. It may be concluded that the apparatus developed by us appears to be a valuable tool in the evaluation of effectiveness of analgesic drugs.", "PMID": 983073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_149", "title": "[Translocation (13; 18) (q22; p 11) and prenatal diagnosis (author's transl)].", "content": "A balanced translocation (13; 18) (q 22; p 11) was diagnosed in two generations. Out of 10 pregnancies in these two translocation carriers, mother and daughter, only two phenotypically normal childern were born. One of these, namely the daughter, showed balanced translocation, whilst a normal karyotype was diagnosed prenatally in the second case. The other eight pregnancies ended either in spontaneous abortions, in intrauterine death or in lethal malformations. In the present translocation the formation of unbalanced gametes seems to be enhanced.", "contents": "[Translocation (13; 18) (q22; p 11) and prenatal diagnosis (author's transl)]. A balanced translocation (13; 18) (q 22; p 11) was diagnosed in two generations. Out of 10 pregnancies in these two translocation carriers, mother and daughter, only two phenotypically normal childern were born. One of these, namely the daughter, showed balanced translocation, whilst a normal karyotype was diagnosed prenatally in the second case. The other eight pregnancies ended either in spontaneous abortions, in intrauterine death or in lethal malformations. In the present translocation the formation of unbalanced gametes seems to be enhanced.", "PMID": 983074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_150", "title": "[Haemodynamics at rest and exercise capacity of patients treated by intermittent haemodialysis (author's transl)].", "content": "The haemodynamics at rest of 10 patients (mean age 42.6 years) with terminal renal failure treated by intermittent haemodialysis were studied over a period of 8 to 22 months by non-invasive methods. Additionally bicycle exercise testing was performed. After 13 months there was a reduction in cardiac index from 3.37 +/- 0.75 L/Min./m2 to 2.94 +/- 0.51 L/Min./m2 (p less than 0.05) and of the left ventricular minute work index from 6.21 +/- 1.60 mkp/Min./m2 to 5.71 +/- 1.36 mkp/Min./m2 (p less than 0.02). The blood pressure, index of peripheral resistance, systolic time intervals, arm-ear time and the ejection fraction showed no significant variations. Left ventricular failure was not detectable at rest, but the work capacity on exercise testing was reduced during the entire period of investigation without significant variation.", "contents": "[Haemodynamics at rest and exercise capacity of patients treated by intermittent haemodialysis (author's transl)]. The haemodynamics at rest of 10 patients (mean age 42.6 years) with terminal renal failure treated by intermittent haemodialysis were studied over a period of 8 to 22 months by non-invasive methods. Additionally bicycle exercise testing was performed. After 13 months there was a reduction in cardiac index from 3.37 +/- 0.75 L/Min./m2 to 2.94 +/- 0.51 L/Min./m2 (p less than 0.05) and of the left ventricular minute work index from 6.21 +/- 1.60 mkp/Min./m2 to 5.71 +/- 1.36 mkp/Min./m2 (p less than 0.02). The blood pressure, index of peripheral resistance, systolic time intervals, arm-ear time and the ejection fraction showed no significant variations. Left ventricular failure was not detectable at rest, but the work capacity on exercise testing was reduced during the entire period of investigation without significant variation.", "PMID": 983075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_151", "title": "[The effect of dihydroegotamine and propanolol on acute orthostasis (author's transl)].", "content": "10 Patients with positive orthostatic dysregulation were investigated with regard to venous capacity, heart frequency and arterial blood pressure both lying down and sitting up. The venous capacity was reduced by 14% after dehydroergotamine (DHE) in the lying position, which is an expression of increased venous tone. There is no change in venous capacity following the administration of beta blockers in the lying position. Under orthostatic conditions beta blockers bring about an approximate normalization of the venous capacity reaction, whereas the abnormal response following placebo administration is only slightly altered by DHE.", "contents": "[The effect of dihydroegotamine and propanolol on acute orthostasis (author's transl)]. 10 Patients with positive orthostatic dysregulation were investigated with regard to venous capacity, heart frequency and arterial blood pressure both lying down and sitting up. The venous capacity was reduced by 14% after dehydroergotamine (DHE) in the lying position, which is an expression of increased venous tone. There is no change in venous capacity following the administration of beta blockers in the lying position. Under orthostatic conditions beta blockers bring about an approximate normalization of the venous capacity reaction, whereas the abnormal response following placebo administration is only slightly altered by DHE.", "PMID": 983076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_152", "title": "[Diastolic murmurs in atrial septal defect (author's transl)].", "content": "No correlation was found between the presence of a diastolic murmur in about 50% of patients with artrial septal defect and the calculated shunt volume. A significant correlation was found in respect to the age of the patient, the majority of the murmurs being found in young patients and especially in young patients with tachycardia. Similar murmurs were found in healthy persons and, hence, a functional stenosis of the AV-valve ring could be the reason for this diastolic murmur, which may occur more frequently in patients with atrial septal defect on account of an alteration in the blood stream patterns.", "contents": "[Diastolic murmurs in atrial septal defect (author's transl)]. No correlation was found between the presence of a diastolic murmur in about 50% of patients with artrial septal defect and the calculated shunt volume. A significant correlation was found in respect to the age of the patient, the majority of the murmurs being found in young patients and especially in young patients with tachycardia. Similar murmurs were found in healthy persons and, hence, a functional stenosis of the AV-valve ring could be the reason for this diastolic murmur, which may occur more frequently in patients with atrial septal defect on account of an alteration in the blood stream patterns.", "PMID": 983077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_153", "title": "[Cardiac resuscitation - a seven-year report (author's transl)].", "content": "Over the 7-year period 1966 to 1973, cardiac resuscitation was performed in 315 cases. The reasons were circulatory arrest (ventricular fibrillation or asytole) in 228 and other life-threatening disturbances in 87 cases. During daytime, especially from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from 4 to 8 p.m., a higher percentage of cases was successfully resuscitated and during these periods emergency personnel seemed to be more readily available. The underlying disease is one of the determinants for the prognosis, whereas age is without relevance. Over the last few years, together with a decrease in the frequency of emergency calls, the percentage of cases of successful resuscitation increased. 14.3% of all patients in whom resuscitation was undertaken were discharged from hospital.", "contents": "[Cardiac resuscitation - a seven-year report (author's transl)]. Over the 7-year period 1966 to 1973, cardiac resuscitation was performed in 315 cases. The reasons were circulatory arrest (ventricular fibrillation or asytole) in 228 and other life-threatening disturbances in 87 cases. During daytime, especially from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from 4 to 8 p.m., a higher percentage of cases was successfully resuscitated and during these periods emergency personnel seemed to be more readily available. The underlying disease is one of the determinants for the prognosis, whereas age is without relevance. Over the last few years, together with a decrease in the frequency of emergency calls, the percentage of cases of successful resuscitation increased. 14.3% of all patients in whom resuscitation was undertaken were discharged from hospital.", "PMID": 983078} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_154", "title": "[Angiotensin - a possible cause of acute renal failure (author's transl)].", "content": "The hypertensive action of angiotensin is purely brought about by peripheral vasoconstriction and may, thus, lead to reduced perfusion of vital organs, especially the kidneys. The dangers of angiotensin in triggering off acute renal failure are illustrated by a case report in which this drug was administered to a comatose patient with hypovolaemic hypotension following barbiturate self-poisoning.", "contents": "[Angiotensin - a possible cause of acute renal failure (author's transl)]. The hypertensive action of angiotensin is purely brought about by peripheral vasoconstriction and may, thus, lead to reduced perfusion of vital organs, especially the kidneys. The dangers of angiotensin in triggering off acute renal failure are illustrated by a case report in which this drug was administered to a comatose patient with hypovolaemic hypotension following barbiturate self-poisoning.", "PMID": 983079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_155", "title": "[The prevention of tick-borne encephalitis (author's transl)].", "content": "Tick-borne encephalitis is one of the most frequently-encountered virus diseases of the central nervous system in Europe. Hence, prophylactic measures for the prevention of tick-borne encephalitis are of particular importance, especially since it is virtually impossible to influence the course of the manifest disease by means of current therapeutic procedures. Moreover, complications (paralysis and other sequelae) are frequent. A recently-developed vaccine (killed virus) is capable of providing easy and long-lasting protection for a large part of the population. The safety and efficacy of the vaccine was proved in 30,000 persons who were vaccinated in a field trial. Wide-scale implementation may be recommended mainly for persons under regular exposure, but also for the protection of people remaining in an endemic area for a short time only. However, if immediate protection of non-immunised persons is required, i.e. persons who discover ticks on their body or who show the presumptive signs of an existing virus infection, passive immunisation with tick-borne encephalitis immune globulin is recommended.", "contents": "[The prevention of tick-borne encephalitis (author's transl)]. Tick-borne encephalitis is one of the most frequently-encountered virus diseases of the central nervous system in Europe. Hence, prophylactic measures for the prevention of tick-borne encephalitis are of particular importance, especially since it is virtually impossible to influence the course of the manifest disease by means of current therapeutic procedures. Moreover, complications (paralysis and other sequelae) are frequent. A recently-developed vaccine (killed virus) is capable of providing easy and long-lasting protection for a large part of the population. The safety and efficacy of the vaccine was proved in 30,000 persons who were vaccinated in a field trial. Wide-scale implementation may be recommended mainly for persons under regular exposure, but also for the protection of people remaining in an endemic area for a short time only. However, if immediate protection of non-immunised persons is required, i.e. persons who discover ticks on their body or who show the presumptive signs of an existing virus infection, passive immunisation with tick-borne encephalitis immune globulin is recommended.", "PMID": 983080} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_156", "title": "[Documentation of obstetric case reports by means of video-terminals as a part of the Vienna General medical information system \"WAMIS\" (author's transl)].", "content": "A report is given on the introduction of a complete documentation system of obstetric case reports by means of video-terminals and printer-terminals in both departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the 1niversity of Vienna. The special routine for the admission of patients, which produces the heading of the case report is demonstrated, as well as the sheets of collecting the data in respect to case history, antenatal examinations, labour room reports and details of obstetric operations. The computer prints the case history using the collected data. These computer-printed case reports replace the customary handwritten reports. Laboratory data, therapeutic measures and final diagnosis are computed in the same way. The advantages of this form of organization of data collection for clinical purposes and research work are discussed.", "contents": "[Documentation of obstetric case reports by means of video-terminals as a part of the Vienna General medical information system \"WAMIS\" (author's transl)]. A report is given on the introduction of a complete documentation system of obstetric case reports by means of video-terminals and printer-terminals in both departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the 1niversity of Vienna. The special routine for the admission of patients, which produces the heading of the case report is demonstrated, as well as the sheets of collecting the data in respect to case history, antenatal examinations, labour room reports and details of obstetric operations. The computer prints the case history using the collected data. These computer-printed case reports replace the customary handwritten reports. Laboratory data, therapeutic measures and final diagnosis are computed in the same way. The advantages of this form of organization of data collection for clinical purposes and research work are discussed.", "PMID": 983081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_157", "title": "[Results with the Clinicard analyser in a paediatric hospital (author's transl)].", "content": "The most important chemical pathological investigations which require to be undertaken in the emergency laboratory of a paediatric hospital are of the serum electrolytes, blood glucose, cerebrospinal fluid glucose, blood urea nitrogen, total proteins, bilirubin and calcium. It is imperative to have the opportunity of controlling these parameters both during the day and night. In order to be independent of the presence of a technician we were interested in finding an instrument which can be used by untrained personnel and gives results of sufficient accuracy. Hence, the clinicard analyser was tested in regard to reproducibility and accuracy of results when used by highly-trained technicians and by persons without knowledge of laboratory work. It was established that the values obtained by these two groups are similar and sufficiently reproducible for emergency use. The accuracy of the instrument was tested with 2 charges of cuvettes and with different control sera. In the case of total proteins differences were found between the different control sera used. The values obtained for blood urea nitrogen and for blood glucose lay within the range given for Labtrol and for Seronorm. The accuracy of bilirubin was tested with 5 different control sera and all values lay within the ranged given by the factory. Calcium was tested with Labtrol and Fluinorm and also with sera and urines from different patients. The values were within the range given for the test sera and were comparable to those measured with the calcium analyser of EEL, but were about 7% lower than those determined using atomic absorption. The values obtained for cerebrospinal fluid glucose correlated well with those obtained by the routine method.", "contents": "[Results with the Clinicard analyser in a paediatric hospital (author's transl)]. The most important chemical pathological investigations which require to be undertaken in the emergency laboratory of a paediatric hospital are of the serum electrolytes, blood glucose, cerebrospinal fluid glucose, blood urea nitrogen, total proteins, bilirubin and calcium. It is imperative to have the opportunity of controlling these parameters both during the day and night. In order to be independent of the presence of a technician we were interested in finding an instrument which can be used by untrained personnel and gives results of sufficient accuracy. Hence, the clinicard analyser was tested in regard to reproducibility and accuracy of results when used by highly-trained technicians and by persons without knowledge of laboratory work. It was established that the values obtained by these two groups are similar and sufficiently reproducible for emergency use. The accuracy of the instrument was tested with 2 charges of cuvettes and with different control sera. In the case of total proteins differences were found between the different control sera used. The values obtained for blood urea nitrogen and for blood glucose lay within the range given for Labtrol and for Seronorm. The accuracy of bilirubin was tested with 5 different control sera and all values lay within the ranged given by the factory. Calcium was tested with Labtrol and Fluinorm and also with sera and urines from different patients. The values were within the range given for the test sera and were comparable to those measured with the calcium analyser of EEL, but were about 7% lower than those determined using atomic absorption. The values obtained for cerebrospinal fluid glucose correlated well with those obtained by the routine method.", "PMID": 983082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_158", "title": "[Use of contraceptives among adolescents (author's transl)].", "content": "Adolescents consulting the family planning clinic in Vienna seldom use contraceptives before the age of seventeen or use a method with a high risk of pregnancy. Thereafter a marked increase in the number of pill-users is observed. All other methods of contraception, including the rhythm method, condom, diaphragm and chemical methods are employed only to a negligible extent. These results are compared with the figures of other countries, where, in general, a higher number of pill-users is reported. It is concluded that the recommendation of traditional methods of contraception by doctors does not seem practicable on account of the positive trend towards the pill among adolescents. The basis for prescription of oral contraceptives to adolescents is critically reviewed and revised.", "contents": "[Use of contraceptives among adolescents (author's transl)]. Adolescents consulting the family planning clinic in Vienna seldom use contraceptives before the age of seventeen or use a method with a high risk of pregnancy. Thereafter a marked increase in the number of pill-users is observed. All other methods of contraception, including the rhythm method, condom, diaphragm and chemical methods are employed only to a negligible extent. These results are compared with the figures of other countries, where, in general, a higher number of pill-users is reported. It is concluded that the recommendation of traditional methods of contraception by doctors does not seem practicable on account of the positive trend towards the pill among adolescents. The basis for prescription of oral contraceptives to adolescents is critically reviewed and revised.", "PMID": 983083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_159", "title": "[Preliminary results with the rapid fluorescence test (Weidemann) as mass screening procedure for galactosaemia in newborn infants (author transl)].", "content": "A fluorescence test was introduced in October 1974 as a screening procedure for galactosaemia in newborn infants and has been performed parallel with the Guthrie test. It is simple faster, but less sensitive (lower limit: 30 mg% galactose) than the Guthrie test. The fluorescence test provides a time saving of 1 1/2 days (3 1/2 days at weekends) which is of great importance in the diagnosis of this frequently fulminant illness. A further advantage is the high substrate specifity. One case of galactosaemia was diagnosed and only 1 false positive result was obtained amongst 50.000 screened infants, in comparison with 14 false positive results (greater than of equal to 30mg% galactose) with the Guthrie test. Of the 21 cases of galactosaemia detected to date by means of the mass screening programme 18 were due to transferase deficiency and two thirds of these cases ran a fulminant course. Initial blood galactose levels of greater than or equal to 50 mg% were registered in nearly all the cases of galactosaemia but levels of greater than or equal to 30mg% were found in 2 infants. The fluorescence test is a valuable supplementary screening test for galactosaemia but cannot replace the sensitive Guthrie test.", "contents": "[Preliminary results with the rapid fluorescence test (Weidemann) as mass screening procedure for galactosaemia in newborn infants (author transl)]. A fluorescence test was introduced in October 1974 as a screening procedure for galactosaemia in newborn infants and has been performed parallel with the Guthrie test. It is simple faster, but less sensitive (lower limit: 30 mg% galactose) than the Guthrie test. The fluorescence test provides a time saving of 1 1/2 days (3 1/2 days at weekends) which is of great importance in the diagnosis of this frequently fulminant illness. A further advantage is the high substrate specifity. One case of galactosaemia was diagnosed and only 1 false positive result was obtained amongst 50.000 screened infants, in comparison with 14 false positive results (greater than of equal to 30mg% galactose) with the Guthrie test. Of the 21 cases of galactosaemia detected to date by means of the mass screening programme 18 were due to transferase deficiency and two thirds of these cases ran a fulminant course. Initial blood galactose levels of greater than or equal to 50 mg% were registered in nearly all the cases of galactosaemia but levels of greater than or equal to 30mg% were found in 2 infants. The fluorescence test is a valuable supplementary screening test for galactosaemia but cannot replace the sensitive Guthrie test.", "PMID": 983084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_160", "title": "Activity of liver microsomal mono-oxygenases on some epoxide-forming cyclic tricyclic drugs. I. Kinetics in vitro.", "content": "1. The mono-oxygenase activity that forms epoxides has been studied in rat liver microsomes using as substrates carbamazepine and cyclobenzaprine, tricyclic drugs which form stable epoxides in vivo and in vitro. 2. A simple gas chromatographic method has been used to determine the amount of epoxide formed and the linearity of the enzymic reaction with time and protein concentration has been demonstrated. 3. Pre-treatment with carbamazepine increases the rate of formation of carbamazepine epoxide in rat liver microsomal preparations. 4. The effect of SKF 525-A on the formation of these epoxides has been studied.", "contents": "Activity of liver microsomal mono-oxygenases on some epoxide-forming cyclic tricyclic drugs. I. Kinetics in vitro. 1. The mono-oxygenase activity that forms epoxides has been studied in rat liver microsomes using as substrates carbamazepine and cyclobenzaprine, tricyclic drugs which form stable epoxides in vivo and in vitro. 2. A simple gas chromatographic method has been used to determine the amount of epoxide formed and the linearity of the enzymic reaction with time and protein concentration has been demonstrated. 3. Pre-treatment with carbamazepine increases the rate of formation of carbamazepine epoxide in rat liver microsomal preparations. 4. The effect of SKF 525-A on the formation of these epoxides has been studied.", "PMID": 983116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_161", "title": "Identification of four new metabolic products of metoclopramide using mass spectrometry.", "content": "1. N-(Diethylaminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (metoclopramide, I) N-(ethylaminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (II), N-(aminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (III), N-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (IV), N-(diethylaminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide (V) and N-(ethylaminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide (VI) were obtained from chloroform extracts of incubation mixtures of I or II (HCl salts) with 9000 g liver microsomal preparations from male rabbits.", "contents": "Identification of four new metabolic products of metoclopramide using mass spectrometry. 1. N-(Diethylaminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (metoclopramide, I) N-(ethylaminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (II), N-(aminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (III), N-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (IV), N-(diethylaminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide (V) and N-(ethylaminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide (VI) were obtained from chloroform extracts of incubation mixtures of I or II (HCl salts) with 9000 g liver microsomal preparations from male rabbits.", "PMID": 983117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_162", "title": "Effect of phenobarbital on cyclophosphamide metabolism in rats.", "content": "1. The pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide and its alkylating metabolites have been studied in rats whose liver microsomal enzymes had been induced by phenobarbital pre-treatment. 2. Serum levels of cyclophosphamide were determined using a new g.l.c. method. The half-life of cyclophosphamide in blood of rats pre-treated with phenobarbital was shorter than in control rats. This change is closely related to higher rates of production of p-nitrobenzylpyridine-positive alkylating metabolites of cyclophosphamide, which in turn is followed by their more rapid disappearance from the circulation. 3. Urinary excretion reflects this situation; lower amounts of cyclophosphamide and higher concentrations of its alkylating metabolites are present in the urine of phenobarbital-treated rats. 4. Perfusion of livers isolated from phenobarbital-pre-treated rats confirmed the results in vivo. With this preparation, too, disappearance of cyclophosphamide was more rapid and formation of its alkylating metabolites was accelerated after phenobarbital treatment.", "contents": "Effect of phenobarbital on cyclophosphamide metabolism in rats. 1. The pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide and its alkylating metabolites have been studied in rats whose liver microsomal enzymes had been induced by phenobarbital pre-treatment. 2. Serum levels of cyclophosphamide were determined using a new g.l.c. method. The half-life of cyclophosphamide in blood of rats pre-treated with phenobarbital was shorter than in control rats. This change is closely related to higher rates of production of p-nitrobenzylpyridine-positive alkylating metabolites of cyclophosphamide, which in turn is followed by their more rapid disappearance from the circulation. 3. Urinary excretion reflects this situation; lower amounts of cyclophosphamide and higher concentrations of its alkylating metabolites are present in the urine of phenobarbital-treated rats. 4. Perfusion of livers isolated from phenobarbital-pre-treated rats confirmed the results in vivo. With this preparation, too, disappearance of cyclophosphamide was more rapid and formation of its alkylating metabolites was accelerated after phenobarbital treatment.", "PMID": 983118} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_163", "title": "Amylobarbitone hydroxylation kinetics in small samples of rat and human liver.", "content": "1. Two micro methods for determining amylobarbitone hydroxylase activity from less than 3 mg liver are described. One is based on single-ion monitoring g.l.c.-mass spectrometry and the other on t.l.c. separation of 14C-labelled product. 2. Km and Vmax have been determined with rat liver and both needle and open biopsy samples of human liver. 3. Both methods are sufficiently sensitive and reproducible for use with 20 mg needle biopsies.", "contents": "Amylobarbitone hydroxylation kinetics in small samples of rat and human liver. 1. Two micro methods for determining amylobarbitone hydroxylase activity from less than 3 mg liver are described. One is based on single-ion monitoring g.l.c.-mass spectrometry and the other on t.l.c. separation of 14C-labelled product. 2. Km and Vmax have been determined with rat liver and both needle and open biopsy samples of human liver. 3. Both methods are sufficiently sensitive and reproducible for use with 20 mg needle biopsies.", "PMID": 983119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_164", "title": "6-Aminochrysene kinetics in isolated perfused liver.", "content": "1. New quantitative assays of 6-aminochrysene by spectrophotometric and g.l.c. methods and t.l.c. separation systems are described. 2. The decline in blood levels of the antitumoral agent 6-aminochrysene was due to its distribution rather than to metabolism to polar metabolites, during liver perfusion experiments. 3. No marked changes in kinetics of 6-aminochrysene were observed during perfusion of livers isolated both from normal and from Walker 256 carcinosarcoma-bearing rats.", "contents": "6-Aminochrysene kinetics in isolated perfused liver. 1. New quantitative assays of 6-aminochrysene by spectrophotometric and g.l.c. methods and t.l.c. separation systems are described. 2. The decline in blood levels of the antitumoral agent 6-aminochrysene was due to its distribution rather than to metabolism to polar metabolites, during liver perfusion experiments. 3. No marked changes in kinetics of 6-aminochrysene were observed during perfusion of livers isolated both from normal and from Walker 256 carcinosarcoma-bearing rats.", "PMID": 983120} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_165", "title": "Disposition and metabolism of some nitrofurylthiazoles possessing antiparasitic activity.", "content": "1. The absorption, distribution and excretion of two 35S-labelled nitrofurylthiazole analogues have been investigated in rats and mice. The compounds are not well absorbed. Higher plasma and tissue levels are reached when more water-soluble analogues are administered. 2. Metabolic transformations of these two compounds and other membranes of the series include reduction of the nitro group, degradation of the furan ring and oxidation of the terminal alicyclic and aliphatic functions. 3. Metabolic cleavage of a morpholine ring to form an hydroxy-acid has been demonstrated for one member of the series.", "contents": "Disposition and metabolism of some nitrofurylthiazoles possessing antiparasitic activity. 1. The absorption, distribution and excretion of two 35S-labelled nitrofurylthiazole analogues have been investigated in rats and mice. The compounds are not well absorbed. Higher plasma and tissue levels are reached when more water-soluble analogues are administered. 2. Metabolic transformations of these two compounds and other membranes of the series include reduction of the nitro group, degradation of the furan ring and oxidation of the terminal alicyclic and aliphatic functions. 3. Metabolic cleavage of a morpholine ring to form an hydroxy-acid has been demonstrated for one member of the series.", "PMID": 983121} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_166", "title": "Studies on metabolism of trazodone. IV. Intestinal absorption in rats and rabbits.", "content": "The absorption rates are the same in rats and rabbits when [14C]trazodone HCl is injected into the duodenum of animals with pyloric vein cannulation. 2. The absorption of trazodone from the duodenum of rats is rapid in comparison with that of imipramine. 3. The residual food content of the rabbit stomach after fasting delay the overall rate of trazodone absorption by markedly decreasing transit rate from the stomach to the small intestine.", "contents": "Studies on metabolism of trazodone. IV. Intestinal absorption in rats and rabbits. The absorption rates are the same in rats and rabbits when [14C]trazodone HCl is injected into the duodenum of animals with pyloric vein cannulation. 2. The absorption of trazodone from the duodenum of rats is rapid in comparison with that of imipramine. 3. The residual food content of the rabbit stomach after fasting delay the overall rate of trazodone absorption by markedly decreasing transit rate from the stomach to the small intestine.", "PMID": 983122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_167", "title": "Azo-and nitro-reductase activities and cytochromes of Axcaris lumbricoides var suum and Moniezia expansa.", "content": "1. Isoelectric focusing failed to separate the azo- and nitro-reductases in enzyme preparations from either the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides var suum or the cestode Moniezia expansa. The isoelectric point of the reductases from A. lumbricoides var suum was 4-75, and that of the reductases from M. expansa, 4-50. 2. Cytochromes P-450 and b5 were not detected in the 100 000 g pellet of tissue homogenates from either A. lumbricoides var suum of M. expansa. These cytochromes were not induced in either helminth by 20-methylcholanthrene or 1,2-benzanthracene. 3. The absence of cytochromes P-450 and b5 from A. lumbricoides var suum and M. expansa may be the reason for their inability to metabolize drugs by oxidative pathways and for the 100 000 g pellets of their tissue homogenates being unable to reduce azo- or nitro-compounds.", "contents": "Azo-and nitro-reductase activities and cytochromes of Axcaris lumbricoides var suum and Moniezia expansa. 1. Isoelectric focusing failed to separate the azo- and nitro-reductases in enzyme preparations from either the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides var suum or the cestode Moniezia expansa. The isoelectric point of the reductases from A. lumbricoides var suum was 4-75, and that of the reductases from M. expansa, 4-50. 2. Cytochromes P-450 and b5 were not detected in the 100 000 g pellet of tissue homogenates from either A. lumbricoides var suum of M. expansa. These cytochromes were not induced in either helminth by 20-methylcholanthrene or 1,2-benzanthracene. 3. The absence of cytochromes P-450 and b5 from A. lumbricoides var suum and M. expansa may be the reason for their inability to metabolize drugs by oxidative pathways and for the 100 000 g pellets of their tissue homogenates being unable to reduce azo- or nitro-compounds.", "PMID": 983123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_168", "title": "Disposition and metabolism of [3H]cocaine in acutely and chronically treated dogs.", "content": "1. Beagle dogs were chronically treated with cocaine, 5 mg/kg subcutaneously twice daily for 6 weeks, followed by same dose of [3H]cocaine given intravenously. 2. The t1/2 values of cocaine in plasma, liver, spleen and heart, in acutely and chronically treated dogs, were: 1-2, 1-1; 2-2, 1-8; 1-8, 1-3; 2-0, 1-2 h, respectively. In both groups, cocaine disappeared from all areas of the central nervous system 12-24 h after injection but significant amounts of radioactivity due to benzoylnorecgonine and benzoylecgonine persisted in the CNS even 1 week after administration of cocaine. Brain-to-plasma ratios of cocaine were lower in chronically-treated than in acutely-treated dogs 2 and 4 h after injection. 3. Norcocaine, benzoylnorecgonine, benzoylecgonine and ecgonine were metabolites of cocaine in dog brain in both groups. Norcocaine and benzoylnorecgonine were present in higher amounts in brains of chronically treated dogs. Rate of disappearance of norcocaine was similar to cocaine in both groups. 4. The amounts of cocaine excreted in urine and faeces as percentage of dose were 0-9-5-0, 1-1-6 in the acute and 2-2-3-3 and 0-2-0-3 in the chronically treated dogs. Major excretion of radiactivity occurred in urine within 24 h in both groups. Total radioactivity (65% of dose) in urine plus faeces was similar in both groups. 5. Norcocaine, benzoylnorecgonine, benzoylecgonine, ecgonine, norecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester and unidentified compounds were urinary metabolites of cocaine in both groups. Benzoylnorecgonine and ecgonine were excreted in higher amounts and benzoylecgonine and norecgonine in lower amounts in the acute than in the chronically treated dogs. 6. The possible role of persistence of benzoylnorecgonine and benzoylecgonine (which possessed potent stimulant activity intracisternally) in the CNS is discussed.", "contents": "Disposition and metabolism of [3H]cocaine in acutely and chronically treated dogs. 1. Beagle dogs were chronically treated with cocaine, 5 mg/kg subcutaneously twice daily for 6 weeks, followed by same dose of [3H]cocaine given intravenously. 2. The t1/2 values of cocaine in plasma, liver, spleen and heart, in acutely and chronically treated dogs, were: 1-2, 1-1; 2-2, 1-8; 1-8, 1-3; 2-0, 1-2 h, respectively. In both groups, cocaine disappeared from all areas of the central nervous system 12-24 h after injection but significant amounts of radioactivity due to benzoylnorecgonine and benzoylecgonine persisted in the CNS even 1 week after administration of cocaine. Brain-to-plasma ratios of cocaine were lower in chronically-treated than in acutely-treated dogs 2 and 4 h after injection. 3. Norcocaine, benzoylnorecgonine, benzoylecgonine and ecgonine were metabolites of cocaine in dog brain in both groups. Norcocaine and benzoylnorecgonine were present in higher amounts in brains of chronically treated dogs. Rate of disappearance of norcocaine was similar to cocaine in both groups. 4. The amounts of cocaine excreted in urine and faeces as percentage of dose were 0-9-5-0, 1-1-6 in the acute and 2-2-3-3 and 0-2-0-3 in the chronically treated dogs. Major excretion of radiactivity occurred in urine within 24 h in both groups. Total radioactivity (65% of dose) in urine plus faeces was similar in both groups. 5. Norcocaine, benzoylnorecgonine, benzoylecgonine, ecgonine, norecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester and unidentified compounds were urinary metabolites of cocaine in both groups. Benzoylnorecgonine and ecgonine were excreted in higher amounts and benzoylecgonine and norecgonine in lower amounts in the acute than in the chronically treated dogs. 6. The possible role of persistence of benzoylnorecgonine and benzoylecgonine (which possessed potent stimulant activity intracisternally) in the CNS is discussed.", "PMID": 983124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_169", "title": "A reappraisal of the stereoselective metabolism of nicotine to nicotine-1'-N-oxide.", "content": "1. The cis and trans 1'-N-oxide metabolites of (2'R)-(+)-nicotine have the absolute configuration (1'S; 2'R) and (1'R; 2'R), respectively, and not the reverse as previously published. 2. Reinterpretation of metabolic data in the light of this reassignment reveals that N-oxidation of nicotine leads preferentially to the (1'R)-N-oxide, with little dependence on the configuration of the 2'-centre. 3. It is proposed that (2'S)-(-)-nicotine and (2'R)-(+)-nicotine bind to the same enzymic site by two distinct modes of binding; each of these modes involves the more basic centre (in this case the pyrrolidine ring) as the governing binding moiety.", "contents": "A reappraisal of the stereoselective metabolism of nicotine to nicotine-1'-N-oxide. 1. The cis and trans 1'-N-oxide metabolites of (2'R)-(+)-nicotine have the absolute configuration (1'S; 2'R) and (1'R; 2'R), respectively, and not the reverse as previously published. 2. Reinterpretation of metabolic data in the light of this reassignment reveals that N-oxidation of nicotine leads preferentially to the (1'R)-N-oxide, with little dependence on the configuration of the 2'-centre. 3. It is proposed that (2'S)-(-)-nicotine and (2'R)-(+)-nicotine bind to the same enzymic site by two distinct modes of binding; each of these modes involves the more basic centre (in this case the pyrrolidine ring) as the governing binding moiety.", "PMID": 983125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_170", "title": "Microprobe analysis of 60Co uptake in sand microcosm.", "content": "1. Microprobe analysis of fungal micro-communities in simple soil microcosms demonstrated the presence of several nutrient elements (Ca, K, P, S), and immobilization of the fission product 60Co in fungal spores. 2. The importance of soil microbes in element cycling is discusses. 3. The utility of the electron microprobe in providing more precise estimates of elements in microbes and their substrates is evaluated.", "contents": "Microprobe analysis of 60Co uptake in sand microcosm. 1. Microprobe analysis of fungal micro-communities in simple soil microcosms demonstrated the presence of several nutrient elements (Ca, K, P, S), and immobilization of the fission product 60Co in fungal spores. 2. The importance of soil microbes in element cycling is discusses. 3. The utility of the electron microprobe in providing more precise estimates of elements in microbes and their substrates is evaluated.", "PMID": 983126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_171", "title": "Aniline metabolism in two species of Arachnida: water-soluble metabolites.", "content": "1. The metabolism of [14C]aniline in the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) at 40 and 300 mug per animal) and in the spider, Nephila plumipes (at 40 mug per 100 mg) were studied. 2. In both species hydroxylation occurred yielding both free and conjugated o-and p-aminophenols. 3. The water-soluble metabolites affording aniline on acid hydrolysis were examined, and gamma-glutamylanilide (23% of dose) was identified as a tick metabolite (40 mug dose). This metabolite was not found in extracts of dosed spiders.", "contents": "Aniline metabolism in two species of Arachnida: water-soluble metabolites. 1. The metabolism of [14C]aniline in the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) at 40 and 300 mug per animal) and in the spider, Nephila plumipes (at 40 mug per 100 mg) were studied. 2. In both species hydroxylation occurred yielding both free and conjugated o-and p-aminophenols. 3. The water-soluble metabolites affording aniline on acid hydrolysis were examined, and gamma-glutamylanilide (23% of dose) was identified as a tick metabolite (40 mug dose). This metabolite was not found in extracts of dosed spiders.", "PMID": 983127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_172", "title": "Metabolism of [14C]paracetamol and its interactions with aspitin in hamsters.", "content": "1. The metabolism of [14C]paracetamol (150 mg/kg) and its interactions with aspirin (200 mg/kg) were studied in male hamsters. 2. Aspirin was found to slow the rate of paracetamol absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract, but did not affect the rate of elimination. 3. Metabolism studies showed that greater than 80% of the radioactivity was excreted in the urine in 24 h. Paper chromatography of the urine separated the radioactivity into five peaks, four of which were identified as paracetamol and its glucuronide, sulphate and mercapturate conjugates. 4. The other peak, comprising of less than 10% of the total radioactivity, was a mixture of two or more other metabolites. A major component was isolated and characterized as methyl 2-hydroxy-5-acetamidophenyl sulphone. 5. Aspirin inhibited the metabolism of paracetamol by the sulphate conjugation pathway.", "contents": "Metabolism of [14C]paracetamol and its interactions with aspitin in hamsters. 1. The metabolism of [14C]paracetamol (150 mg/kg) and its interactions with aspirin (200 mg/kg) were studied in male hamsters. 2. Aspirin was found to slow the rate of paracetamol absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract, but did not affect the rate of elimination. 3. Metabolism studies showed that greater than 80% of the radioactivity was excreted in the urine in 24 h. Paper chromatography of the urine separated the radioactivity into five peaks, four of which were identified as paracetamol and its glucuronide, sulphate and mercapturate conjugates. 4. The other peak, comprising of less than 10% of the total radioactivity, was a mixture of two or more other metabolites. A major component was isolated and characterized as methyl 2-hydroxy-5-acetamidophenyl sulphone. 5. Aspirin inhibited the metabolism of paracetamol by the sulphate conjugation pathway.", "PMID": 983128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_173", "title": "Stoichiometry of methane oxidation in the methane-oxidizing strain M 102 under the influence of various CH4/O2 mixtures.", "content": "In laboratory-scale experiments with growing cells of the obligate methane-oxidizing strain M 102, an overall molar gas turnover ratio of the order given below could be postulated: 1 CH4+1--1.2 O2=0.3 CO2+water. Expectations that the optimal gas mixture of methane and oxygen should lie within the range of this stoichiometric consumption ratio have been verified in fermenter 5 1 batch culture experiments. The optimal range of methane-oxygen mixture, found under the experimental conditions described, is based on the estimated growth parameters as generation and doubling times, yield coefficients related to methane and oxygen, and the efficiency of methane metabolism as indicated in the absolute amounts of CH4, O2, and CO2 turned over. The mentioned stoichiometric relation of 1 CH4:1--1.202 did not change with varying the composition, i.e. the partial pressures of CH4 and O2 introduced as a mixture to the cells. The efficiency of methane oxidation was obviously influenced and decreased markedly when deviating from the broad optimal range of CH4/O2 mixtures. With non-growing cells, on the other hand, the stoichiometric relation showed a considerable shift (1:1.4--1.8 CH4:O2) with a clear tendency towards more O2 consumption. The oxidation potential of growing cells, seems then to have a linear interdependence to the substrate concentrations, i.e. partial pressures.", "contents": "Stoichiometry of methane oxidation in the methane-oxidizing strain M 102 under the influence of various CH4/O2 mixtures. In laboratory-scale experiments with growing cells of the obligate methane-oxidizing strain M 102, an overall molar gas turnover ratio of the order given below could be postulated: 1 CH4+1--1.2 O2=0.3 CO2+water. Expectations that the optimal gas mixture of methane and oxygen should lie within the range of this stoichiometric consumption ratio have been verified in fermenter 5 1 batch culture experiments. The optimal range of methane-oxygen mixture, found under the experimental conditions described, is based on the estimated growth parameters as generation and doubling times, yield coefficients related to methane and oxygen, and the efficiency of methane metabolism as indicated in the absolute amounts of CH4, O2, and CO2 turned over. The mentioned stoichiometric relation of 1 CH4:1--1.202 did not change with varying the composition, i.e. the partial pressures of CH4 and O2 introduced as a mixture to the cells. The efficiency of methane oxidation was obviously influenced and decreased markedly when deviating from the broad optimal range of CH4/O2 mixtures. With non-growing cells, on the other hand, the stoichiometric relation showed a considerable shift (1:1.4--1.8 CH4:O2) with a clear tendency towards more O2 consumption. The oxidation potential of growing cells, seems then to have a linear interdependence to the substrate concentrations, i.e. partial pressures.", "PMID": 983129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_174", "title": "[Chemical composition of the capsule material of Staphylococcus aureus strain 1193/74].", "content": "The capsule material of Staphylococcus aureus strain 1193/74 could be separated by precipitation with trichloroacetic acid and ethanol as well as by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose into 13 fractions. All fractions contained saccharides and uronic acids as well as amino acids and appeared in their qualitative composition rather similar. However, in quantitative composition and in chromatographic behaviour a rather high degree of heterogeneity could be observed. No clear cut separation of protein and polysaccharide material could be achieved in any fraction. It is supposed, therefore, that the capsule material does not represent merely an acidic polysaccharide, but contains certain amounts of amino acids or peptides varying in a rather wide range.", "contents": "[Chemical composition of the capsule material of Staphylococcus aureus strain 1193/74]. The capsule material of Staphylococcus aureus strain 1193/74 could be separated by precipitation with trichloroacetic acid and ethanol as well as by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose into 13 fractions. All fractions contained saccharides and uronic acids as well as amino acids and appeared in their qualitative composition rather similar. However, in quantitative composition and in chromatographic behaviour a rather high degree of heterogeneity could be observed. No clear cut separation of protein and polysaccharide material could be achieved in any fraction. It is supposed, therefore, that the capsule material does not represent merely an acidic polysaccharide, but contains certain amounts of amino acids or peptides varying in a rather wide range.", "PMID": 983130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_175", "title": "[Lambdamycin, an antibiotic from Streptomyces glaucoachromogenes Prauser strain MET 31118].", "content": "Lambdamycin-producing strains were detected by means of the BIP test method. The isolation technique and the physicochemical and biological properties of lambdamycin, an antibiotic produced by Streptomyces glaucoachromogenes, are described. Lambdamycin is a yellow-green pigment of the chromoglycoside type. Digitalose and fucose are the sugar components. The physicochemical properties of lambdamycin resemble those of chartreusin. However, the known biological activity is different. The antibiotic can be isolated from culture filtrates and from the mycelium by extraction with lower aliphatic alcohols. It can be purified by gel filtration methods. Lambdamycin displays antimicrobial activity, particularly against grampositive bacteria. Strains which produce enzymes inactivating different commercial antibiotics are also inhibited. Moreover, lambdamycin shows antiviral activity, as well as cancerostatic and ergotropic action in vitro and in vivo. The acute LD50 of lambdamycin in mice after 21 days was greater than 125 mg/kg when administered intraperitoneally.", "contents": "[Lambdamycin, an antibiotic from Streptomyces glaucoachromogenes Prauser strain MET 31118]. Lambdamycin-producing strains were detected by means of the BIP test method. The isolation technique and the physicochemical and biological properties of lambdamycin, an antibiotic produced by Streptomyces glaucoachromogenes, are described. Lambdamycin is a yellow-green pigment of the chromoglycoside type. Digitalose and fucose are the sugar components. The physicochemical properties of lambdamycin resemble those of chartreusin. However, the known biological activity is different. The antibiotic can be isolated from culture filtrates and from the mycelium by extraction with lower aliphatic alcohols. It can be purified by gel filtration methods. Lambdamycin displays antimicrobial activity, particularly against grampositive bacteria. Strains which produce enzymes inactivating different commercial antibiotics are also inhibited. Moreover, lambdamycin shows antiviral activity, as well as cancerostatic and ergotropic action in vitro and in vivo. The acute LD50 of lambdamycin in mice after 21 days was greater than 125 mg/kg when administered intraperitoneally.", "PMID": 983134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_176", "title": "[Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in yeast cells. I. Cytoplasmic, mitochondrial and nuclear ADH in Saccharomyces carlsbergensis and Kluyveromyces fragilis].", "content": "When grown in a medium containing lactat, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis produces 5 times more ground-plasmatic ADH than Kluyveromyces fragilis. Upon gelectrophoresis, K. fragilis exhibits 7 bands while S. carlsbergensis shows only one. In a polyacrylamid gradient, the ADH's of both strains yield one band, the position of which corresponds to a molecular weight of about 160 000 D. In cell homogenates and mitochondrial fractions of S. carlsbergensis treated with ultrasound, an ADH is detected which exhibits 3 subbands and a molecular weight greater than 1 Megadalton. This ADH does not occur in K. fragilis. Mitochondrial fractions from K. fragilis contain an ADH, the electrophoretical mobility of which is identical to that of the ADH of the groundplasma. Nuclei of S. carlsbergensis also possess ADH whereas those of K. fragilis probably do not.", "contents": "[Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in yeast cells. I. Cytoplasmic, mitochondrial and nuclear ADH in Saccharomyces carlsbergensis and Kluyveromyces fragilis]. When grown in a medium containing lactat, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis produces 5 times more ground-plasmatic ADH than Kluyveromyces fragilis. Upon gelectrophoresis, K. fragilis exhibits 7 bands while S. carlsbergensis shows only one. In a polyacrylamid gradient, the ADH's of both strains yield one band, the position of which corresponds to a molecular weight of about 160 000 D. In cell homogenates and mitochondrial fractions of S. carlsbergensis treated with ultrasound, an ADH is detected which exhibits 3 subbands and a molecular weight greater than 1 Megadalton. This ADH does not occur in K. fragilis. Mitochondrial fractions from K. fragilis contain an ADH, the electrophoretical mobility of which is identical to that of the ADH of the groundplasma. Nuclei of S. carlsbergensis also possess ADH whereas those of K. fragilis probably do not.", "PMID": 983135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_177", "title": "Influence of cations on the membrane potential of Chlorella fusca.", "content": "The influence of the chlorides of K, Na, Ca, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ce on the membrane potential of Chlorella fusca (Shihira et Krauss) 211-8b, G\u00f6ttingen, has been studied. The potential depended on the concentration of Na und K much less than predicted by the Goldman equation. The dependence on the concentrations of Ca, Zn, and Cd was qualitatively similar to that in the case of the alkali ions. With Pb and Ce, the potential was entirely suppressed already at moderate concentrations, i.e., in the millimolar range. The contrast between the effects of the inessential elements Cd and Pb on the potential corresponds to the difference between their paths of uptake. The dependence of the membrane potential on time has also been studied. With K, Na, and Ca stationary states were reached within about 1 hour. The time course of the depression of the potential by Pb depended on the concentration. At moderate concentration, suppression could be partly reversed by subsequent treatment of the cells with diluted KCl.", "contents": "Influence of cations on the membrane potential of Chlorella fusca. The influence of the chlorides of K, Na, Ca, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ce on the membrane potential of Chlorella fusca (Shihira et Krauss) 211-8b, G\u00f6ttingen, has been studied. The potential depended on the concentration of Na und K much less than predicted by the Goldman equation. The dependence on the concentrations of Ca, Zn, and Cd was qualitatively similar to that in the case of the alkali ions. With Pb and Ce, the potential was entirely suppressed already at moderate concentrations, i.e., in the millimolar range. The contrast between the effects of the inessential elements Cd and Pb on the potential corresponds to the difference between their paths of uptake. The dependence of the membrane potential on time has also been studied. With K, Na, and Ca stationary states were reached within about 1 hour. The time course of the depression of the potential by Pb depended on the concentration. At moderate concentration, suppression could be partly reversed by subsequent treatment of the cells with diluted KCl.", "PMID": 983136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_178", "title": "Degradation of sulphur nucleotides in cell-free extracts of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans.", "content": "The cell-free extracts of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans contain hydrolytic enzymes which cleave sulphate from either adenosine 5'-sulphatophosphate or adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-sulphatophosphate. These sulphatase activities may be retarded by including either phosphates or adenine nucleotides in the incubation mixtures. Adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-sulphatophosphate and its immediate breakdown product adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphate were degraded at slower rates than adenosine 5'-sulphatophosphate.", "contents": "Degradation of sulphur nucleotides in cell-free extracts of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. The cell-free extracts of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans contain hydrolytic enzymes which cleave sulphate from either adenosine 5'-sulphatophosphate or adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-sulphatophosphate. These sulphatase activities may be retarded by including either phosphates or adenine nucleotides in the incubation mixtures. Adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-sulphatophosphate and its immediate breakdown product adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphate were degraded at slower rates than adenosine 5'-sulphatophosphate.", "PMID": 983137} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_179", "title": "[Social aspects of planing of the working conditions for old people (author's transl)].", "content": "For planning of work for aged workers it is necessary to take as a basis the necessity in further following a trade, the motives for continuation working also in pensioner's age, questions of adaptation at the scientific-technical progress, of the changed content of work and the work-functional structure and finally the demand for further qualification.", "contents": "[Social aspects of planing of the working conditions for old people (author's transl)]. For planning of work for aged workers it is necessary to take as a basis the necessity in further following a trade, the motives for continuation working also in pensioner's age, questions of adaptation at the scientific-technical progress, of the changed content of work and the work-functional structure and finally the demand for further qualification.", "PMID": 983140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_180", "title": "[Researches for the planning of measures of working places of old people (author's transl)].", "content": "Within ergonomic complex-analyses which aimed at registering, valuing and optimising the working-conditions of elderly female workers in a large factory for telecommunication technics. 75 sitting workplaces were in detail examined as regarding the anthropometric measurements. Only the third of the working-places were constructed in the anthropometrically best possible way. A wrong construction was found in the case of working-height in 45 per cent, in the case of working-seats in 46,5 per cent, in the case of led-space in 30 per cent and in the case of operating-space for the hands in 22 per cent of the work-places. The results of the analysis led to 103 suggestions for changes, which are now to a large extend being put into practive in the course of complex measures of rationalization.", "contents": "[Researches for the planning of measures of working places of old people (author's transl)]. Within ergonomic complex-analyses which aimed at registering, valuing and optimising the working-conditions of elderly female workers in a large factory for telecommunication technics. 75 sitting workplaces were in detail examined as regarding the anthropometric measurements. Only the third of the working-places were constructed in the anthropometrically best possible way. A wrong construction was found in the case of working-height in 45 per cent, in the case of working-seats in 46,5 per cent, in the case of led-space in 30 per cent and in the case of operating-space for the hands in 22 per cent of the work-places. The results of the analysis led to 103 suggestions for changes, which are now to a large extend being put into practive in the course of complex measures of rationalization.", "PMID": 983141} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_181", "title": "[Psychiatric and neurological problems of the older age (author's transl)].", "content": "Pyschical crisis and pathological change do not differ at people in the older age. The two terms do not characterize the normal development of the old age, but extreme spheres are circumscribed. The cerebrovascular insufficience is a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic area, but it is accissible. The psychopathological symptoms to be caused by this disturbance are reversible in many cases. The problems of a comprehensive diagnostic and therapy of sleeping-disturbances at aged people are described.", "contents": "[Psychiatric and neurological problems of the older age (author's transl)]. Pyschical crisis and pathological change do not differ at people in the older age. The two terms do not characterize the normal development of the old age, but extreme spheres are circumscribed. The cerebrovascular insufficience is a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic area, but it is accissible. The psychopathological symptoms to be caused by this disturbance are reversible in many cases. The problems of a comprehensive diagnostic and therapy of sleeping-disturbances at aged people are described.", "PMID": 983142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_182", "title": "[On radiotherapy of the cheilocarcinoma (author's transl)].", "content": "A report is given on the results of radiotherapy in 82 cases of labial carcinoma admitted to the Radiological Clinic, Jena. The absolute 5 years' healing for primary tumours is 73,25%. The absolute 5 year's healing for relapses is 68,9%. The absolute 5 years' healing for regional lymph node metastases is 21,8%.", "contents": "[On radiotherapy of the cheilocarcinoma (author's transl)]. A report is given on the results of radiotherapy in 82 cases of labial carcinoma admitted to the Radiological Clinic, Jena. The absolute 5 years' healing for primary tumours is 73,25%. The absolute 5 year's healing for relapses is 68,9%. The absolute 5 years' healing for regional lymph node metastases is 21,8%.", "PMID": 983143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_183", "title": "[On the molecular biology of the ageing. VI. Information. Changes of the protein biosynthesis in the age (author's transl)].", "content": "1. Most reports in the literature describe a diminished protein synthesis in the old organism. 2. The diminished protein synthesis may be the result of changes of ribosomes, unequal concentration of endogen m-RNA, changes of the activity or concentration of cytosol factors, especially the influence of SH-substances. 3. The age-dependent changes of protein biosynthesis are dependent on the technique of preparation and on the nutrition state of the organism. 4. Addition of 2-mercaptoethanol during preparation or to the incubation medium decreases the age-dependent differences of protein synthesis.", "contents": "[On the molecular biology of the ageing. VI. Information. Changes of the protein biosynthesis in the age (author's transl)]. 1. Most reports in the literature describe a diminished protein synthesis in the old organism. 2. The diminished protein synthesis may be the result of changes of ribosomes, unequal concentration of endogen m-RNA, changes of the activity or concentration of cytosol factors, especially the influence of SH-substances. 3. The age-dependent changes of protein biosynthesis are dependent on the technique of preparation and on the nutrition state of the organism. 4. Addition of 2-mercaptoethanol during preparation or to the incubation medium decreases the age-dependent differences of protein synthesis.", "PMID": 983144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_184", "title": "[Additional evident improvements of the situation in homes for aged people and nursing homes in the district of Schwerin (author's transl)].", "content": "The author reports on important improvements of the situation in the homes for aged people and in nursing homes in the district of Schwerin after the VIII. party rally and gives workmethodical directions for registration of the situation by inspections of homes for aged people and nursing homes.", "contents": "[Additional evident improvements of the situation in homes for aged people and nursing homes in the district of Schwerin (author's transl)]. The author reports on important improvements of the situation in the homes for aged people and in nursing homes in the district of Schwerin after the VIII. party rally and gives workmethodical directions for registration of the situation by inspections of homes for aged people and nursing homes.", "PMID": 983145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_185", "title": "[Preparing for old age, necessity, ways, content, limits (author's transl)].", "content": "International findings and our own results in gerohygienic sociogerontological, geriatric, medical epidemiological and psychogerontological research have positively confirmed the need for preparing for old age. Demographic data in the GDR has brought to light the growing need to put the preparation for an active old age into practive making use of research data and of the existing resources. The means of implementing the programme life in the overall resources of our developed socialist society, in our laws, in our well-organized public health system and above all in the industrial health protection service. It is shown that the society's potentials and the industrial health protection service, which operates on a country-wide scale, can have a positive influence on ageing and on life of old people. The ways in which this can be achieved are described. These ways are based on the main medical, psychological and social aspects of preparaing for old age. The existing limits must be taken into account when translating the schemes of preparation for old age into practice of socialist health protection. It is indispensable to concentrate on problems of focal importance. The preparation must first benefit factory workers exposed to health hazards. Medical preparation should come first, followed by psychological and social preparation. In the long term, preparation for old age must be integrated into the overall process of education and it must start at school, where it should be integrated into biology and civics classes. Such a process corresponds to the life-long process of ageing, to socialist principles and to the efforts of the public health system to preserve health, working capacity and joy of living up to a ripe old age.", "contents": "[Preparing for old age, necessity, ways, content, limits (author's transl)]. International findings and our own results in gerohygienic sociogerontological, geriatric, medical epidemiological and psychogerontological research have positively confirmed the need for preparing for old age. Demographic data in the GDR has brought to light the growing need to put the preparation for an active old age into practive making use of research data and of the existing resources. The means of implementing the programme life in the overall resources of our developed socialist society, in our laws, in our well-organized public health system and above all in the industrial health protection service. It is shown that the society's potentials and the industrial health protection service, which operates on a country-wide scale, can have a positive influence on ageing and on life of old people. The ways in which this can be achieved are described. These ways are based on the main medical, psychological and social aspects of preparaing for old age. The existing limits must be taken into account when translating the schemes of preparation for old age into practice of socialist health protection. It is indispensable to concentrate on problems of focal importance. The preparation must first benefit factory workers exposed to health hazards. Medical preparation should come first, followed by psychological and social preparation. In the long term, preparation for old age must be integrated into the overall process of education and it must start at school, where it should be integrated into biology and civics classes. Such a process corresponds to the life-long process of ageing, to socialist principles and to the efforts of the public health system to preserve health, working capacity and joy of living up to a ripe old age.", "PMID": 983146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_186", "title": "[Preparation for old age as a problem of planning working and living conditions (author's transl)].", "content": "It was shown that preparation for old age is also a problem of planning social processes and consequently a major problem of health and social policy which must be tackled by the society as a whole. Its solution calls for a wide range of activities in the field of organization of work, housing design, nutrition and reproduction of the working capacity. Ways are shown to supplement preparation training programmes.", "contents": "[Preparation for old age as a problem of planning working and living conditions (author's transl)]. It was shown that preparation for old age is also a problem of planning social processes and consequently a major problem of health and social policy which must be tackled by the society as a whole. Its solution calls for a wide range of activities in the field of organization of work, housing design, nutrition and reproduction of the working capacity. Ways are shown to supplement preparation training programmes.", "PMID": 983147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_187", "title": "[Problems associated with variable retirement age (author's transl)].", "content": "Problems associated with variable retirement age are very topical in all developed industrial countries, both capitalist and socialist ones. Roughly 15 per cent of the population are over 60 and according to statistics, they can expect to live another 15 to 20 years. We cannot fashion the content and the method of varying retirement age by copying them from the capitalist world without a critical analysis. We must give variable retirement age a new content that would correspond to our socialist society. We must give variable basically aimed at enabling people to stay active at old age rather than just retire. In fixing the time at which working life is to end, disposition and exposure criteria must be taken into consideration. Our views on varying retirement age are presented on the basis of recent studies in this field. Their objectives are in full conformity with the fundamental socialist aim fully to integrated the aged and the ageing into normal community life and to make sure that they are given an opportunity to lead a useful life in the economic or social sphere if they wish to do so. This aim is fully in keeping with the fundamental right to work and to a place of work and with the right to integration into social or intellectual and cultural life of the community.", "contents": "[Problems associated with variable retirement age (author's transl)]. Problems associated with variable retirement age are very topical in all developed industrial countries, both capitalist and socialist ones. Roughly 15 per cent of the population are over 60 and according to statistics, they can expect to live another 15 to 20 years. We cannot fashion the content and the method of varying retirement age by copying them from the capitalist world without a critical analysis. We must give variable retirement age a new content that would correspond to our socialist society. We must give variable basically aimed at enabling people to stay active at old age rather than just retire. In fixing the time at which working life is to end, disposition and exposure criteria must be taken into consideration. Our views on varying retirement age are presented on the basis of recent studies in this field. Their objectives are in full conformity with the fundamental socialist aim fully to integrated the aged and the ageing into normal community life and to make sure that they are given an opportunity to lead a useful life in the economic or social sphere if they wish to do so. This aim is fully in keeping with the fundamental right to work and to a place of work and with the right to integration into social or intellectual and cultural life of the community.", "PMID": 983148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_188", "title": "[Systematic industrial medical observation and care of ageing working people as a means of preparing for retirement age (author's transl)].", "content": "The elucidations start out from the \"Principles for the continued improvement of medical care of the aged\" published in the \"Verf\u00fcngungen und Mitteilungen des Ministeriums f\u00fcr Gesundheitswesen\" in March 1971. A study was made in which people approaching retirement age and people already retired were interviewed and examined according to a set system. These people were then given systematic geriatric observation and care. A catalogue of conditions based on the survey was drawn up. It appears that the main task is to introduce legislation giving people approaching retirement age reasonable working hours adjusted to their diminished working capacity. Such a measure is called for due to the scientifically confirmed fact that elderly people require rehabilitative treatment for which reason they should be given extra time off. Very positive results have been achieved with recreation holidays in the form of prophylactic cures in interprise-owned facilities. There is no reason why people approaching retirement age and those already retired should not be prescribed cures. Paragraph 95 of the Labour Code provides the basis for shortening the daily hours of work intermittently, for introducing temporary single-shift work or for changing over from piece-work to time-wages. Temporary assignment of lighter work can also be arranged. The importance of systematic job analyses and of creating conditions for proper health education and sports for ageing people is emphasized. Industrial medicine reports stress that the advanced age groups should not continue to be neglected. Finally the study states that preparatory measures with regard to changes of places of work of factory workers should be carried out with great care; such measures should be taken already between the ages of 45 and 55.", "contents": "[Systematic industrial medical observation and care of ageing working people as a means of preparing for retirement age (author's transl)]. The elucidations start out from the \"Principles for the continued improvement of medical care of the aged\" published in the \"Verf\u00fcngungen und Mitteilungen des Ministeriums f\u00fcr Gesundheitswesen\" in March 1971. A study was made in which people approaching retirement age and people already retired were interviewed and examined according to a set system. These people were then given systematic geriatric observation and care. A catalogue of conditions based on the survey was drawn up. It appears that the main task is to introduce legislation giving people approaching retirement age reasonable working hours adjusted to their diminished working capacity. Such a measure is called for due to the scientifically confirmed fact that elderly people require rehabilitative treatment for which reason they should be given extra time off. Very positive results have been achieved with recreation holidays in the form of prophylactic cures in interprise-owned facilities. There is no reason why people approaching retirement age and those already retired should not be prescribed cures. Paragraph 95 of the Labour Code provides the basis for shortening the daily hours of work intermittently, for introducing temporary single-shift work or for changing over from piece-work to time-wages. Temporary assignment of lighter work can also be arranged. The importance of systematic job analyses and of creating conditions for proper health education and sports for ageing people is emphasized. Industrial medicine reports stress that the advanced age groups should not continue to be neglected. Finally the study states that preparatory measures with regard to changes of places of work of factory workers should be carried out with great care; such measures should be taken already between the ages of 45 and 55.", "PMID": 983149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_189", "title": "[Transport medical aspects of comprehensive medical care of ageing citizens (author's transl)].", "content": "The transport medical aspects in providing comprehensive care for ageing citizens are discussed from the point of view of a maximum degree of integration of aged and ageing people under the socialist conditions prevailing in our country. In this connection the conditions and services to be provided by society are mentioned and the norms of behaviour in public passenger and road traffic to be observed in ageing people owing to their diminishing performance are discussed. Suggestions are put forward as to how the traffic environment can be adapted to the diminished performance of old people. Apart from this, geromedically relevant passages of the guidelines for medical and psychological examination and evaluation of vehicle operators are elucidated (Verf\u00fcngungen und Mitteilungen des Ministeriums f\u00fcr Gesundheitswesen, No. 18, 1973, from 19, Nov. 1973).", "contents": "[Transport medical aspects of comprehensive medical care of ageing citizens (author's transl)]. The transport medical aspects in providing comprehensive care for ageing citizens are discussed from the point of view of a maximum degree of integration of aged and ageing people under the socialist conditions prevailing in our country. In this connection the conditions and services to be provided by society are mentioned and the norms of behaviour in public passenger and road traffic to be observed in ageing people owing to their diminishing performance are discussed. Suggestions are put forward as to how the traffic environment can be adapted to the diminished performance of old people. Apart from this, geromedically relevant passages of the guidelines for medical and psychological examination and evaluation of vehicle operators are elucidated (Verf\u00fcngungen und Mitteilungen des Ministeriums f\u00fcr Gesundheitswesen, No. 18, 1973, from 19, Nov. 1973).", "PMID": 983150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_190", "title": "[Aspects of health education connected with the process of preparing for old age (author's transl)].", "content": "The essential principles and content of health education and health propaganda connected with preparing production workers for an active old age were sketched. Certain conclusions were drawn for integrating this complex into general health education and health propaganda, which, in the future, must embrace people of all ages in order to prepare them for old age. On the other hand it is important at this point to give priority to health education and health propaganda for factory workers doing relatively hard work or exposed to environments prejudicial to health. The special purpose of our contribution was to deal with some specific aspects the problems considered here.", "contents": "[Aspects of health education connected with the process of preparing for old age (author's transl)]. The essential principles and content of health education and health propaganda connected with preparing production workers for an active old age were sketched. Certain conclusions were drawn for integrating this complex into general health education and health propaganda, which, in the future, must embrace people of all ages in order to prepare them for old age. On the other hand it is important at this point to give priority to health education and health propaganda for factory workers doing relatively hard work or exposed to environments prejudicial to health. The special purpose of our contribution was to deal with some specific aspects the problems considered here.", "PMID": 983151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_191", "title": "[The Paget's disease--a gerontological study (author's transl)].", "content": "Authors found Paget's disease in cases among 1500 patients who considered themselves as healthy. They established their diagnosis on the basis of radiological and laboratory examinations. The incidence rate of Paget's disease was 0,7%, however it must be more frequent in the old groups. The familiar incidence of this illness is not frequent, thus it is rather intriguing that three persons i.e., 2 sisters and 1 brother is one family were found to have Paget's disease showing similar clinical and radiological symptoms. After three years the comparative examinations of two returning aged women showed a progress of Paget's disease. This manifested in exacerbation of osteopathy and increased the activity of the serum-alkaline-phosphatase. The cases of Paget's disease were reported by the authors because of the radiological interest, familiar incidence and the gerontological-geriatrical aspects.", "contents": "[The Paget's disease--a gerontological study (author's transl)]. Authors found Paget's disease in cases among 1500 patients who considered themselves as healthy. They established their diagnosis on the basis of radiological and laboratory examinations. The incidence rate of Paget's disease was 0,7%, however it must be more frequent in the old groups. The familiar incidence of this illness is not frequent, thus it is rather intriguing that three persons i.e., 2 sisters and 1 brother is one family were found to have Paget's disease showing similar clinical and radiological symptoms. After three years the comparative examinations of two returning aged women showed a progress of Paget's disease. This manifested in exacerbation of osteopathy and increased the activity of the serum-alkaline-phosphatase. The cases of Paget's disease were reported by the authors because of the radiological interest, familiar incidence and the gerontological-geriatrical aspects.", "PMID": 983152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_192", "title": "Tuberculosis and its control programme in Japan.", "content": "The author analyses the factors which brought about the rapid decline of tuberculosis in Japan during the past 30 years. Among the modern measures combating tuberculosis, chemotherapy and the extensive use of BCG vaccination are at the paramount place. As a result of intensive control the problem of tuberculosis has become smaller and smaller and a turning point is reached. The future direction of tuberculosis control is determined by chemoprophylaxis of high risk groups and by symptomatic casefinding combined with selective mass miniature radiography for high risk groups using high technical standards. By means of intensive initial chemotherapy the duration of treatment will be shortened. In 1974 the policy of BCG vaccination was changed; primary vaccination is provided for children in the age of 0 to 3 years, and revaccination at entrance to primary school and in leavers from middle school for tuberculin non-reactors. If the annual risk of infection will continue to decline the primary vaccination age it intended to be raised up to school entrance.", "contents": "Tuberculosis and its control programme in Japan. The author analyses the factors which brought about the rapid decline of tuberculosis in Japan during the past 30 years. Among the modern measures combating tuberculosis, chemotherapy and the extensive use of BCG vaccination are at the paramount place. As a result of intensive control the problem of tuberculosis has become smaller and smaller and a turning point is reached. The future direction of tuberculosis control is determined by chemoprophylaxis of high risk groups and by symptomatic casefinding combined with selective mass miniature radiography for high risk groups using high technical standards. By means of intensive initial chemotherapy the duration of treatment will be shortened. In 1974 the policy of BCG vaccination was changed; primary vaccination is provided for children in the age of 0 to 3 years, and revaccination at entrance to primary school and in leavers from middle school for tuberculin non-reactors. If the annual risk of infection will continue to decline the primary vaccination age it intended to be raised up to school entrance.", "PMID": 983172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_193", "title": "[Results of tuberculosis control and development of the organization for pulmonology in Hungary (author's transl)].", "content": "The organization of tuberculosis control in Hungary is organized in 3 levels: The central level is represented in the leading Kor\u00e1nyi-Institute, the regional level are 19 district care departments for lung diseases, and the local care departments for lung diseases, which are responsible for the practical realization of the control programme. Between the different levels exist a bilateral stream of information, which guarantees the functioning of this organisational structure. At the onset of this century, tuberculosis morbidity in Hungary was 2 to 3 times higher than in the European industrial countries. This situation has been rapidly and permanently improved until the present time. But the tuberculosis problem is not yet removed today. The development of tuberculosis control turned out in 3 periods after the second world war: 1. Up to 1950 - The basis was built up, epidemiological indices were defined and a compulsary registration was introduced; 2. 1950 to 1964 - A complex programme of tuberculosis control was elaborated; a new documentation system and new sanatoriums were erected; 3. from 1964 - Final eradication of tuberculosis among children. The objective of complete eradication of tuberculosis was established. Intensive examination and control and chemoprophylaxis are organized for high risk groups. With the repression of tuberculosis new tasks in the field of respiratory diseases will be assumed step by step.", "contents": "[Results of tuberculosis control and development of the organization for pulmonology in Hungary (author's transl)]. The organization of tuberculosis control in Hungary is organized in 3 levels: The central level is represented in the leading Kor\u00e1nyi-Institute, the regional level are 19 district care departments for lung diseases, and the local care departments for lung diseases, which are responsible for the practical realization of the control programme. Between the different levels exist a bilateral stream of information, which guarantees the functioning of this organisational structure. At the onset of this century, tuberculosis morbidity in Hungary was 2 to 3 times higher than in the European industrial countries. This situation has been rapidly and permanently improved until the present time. But the tuberculosis problem is not yet removed today. The development of tuberculosis control turned out in 3 periods after the second world war: 1. Up to 1950 - The basis was built up, epidemiological indices were defined and a compulsary registration was introduced; 2. 1950 to 1964 - A complex programme of tuberculosis control was elaborated; a new documentation system and new sanatoriums were erected; 3. from 1964 - Final eradication of tuberculosis among children. The objective of complete eradication of tuberculosis was established. Intensive examination and control and chemoprophylaxis are organized for high risk groups. With the repression of tuberculosis new tasks in the field of respiratory diseases will be assumed step by step.", "PMID": 983173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_194", "title": "[Development of the tuberculosis situation in Czechoslovakia in 1966--1974 (author's transl)].", "content": "There were declining trends of main epidemiological indices of tuberculosis in Czechoslovakia from 1966 to 1974 (Fig. 1 and 2). The smallest average yearly decrease of 4.9% was in the incidence of newly detected cases of active tuberculosis, the largest one of 21.6% in the prevalence of \"tuberculous chronics\" excreting tubercle bacilli in the last two years or longer. The total of newly detected cases of active tuberculosis and relapses per 100,000 inhabitants of corresponding groups of sex and age decreased in 1966--1974 in nearly all age groups of both sexes, the highest rates being in persons aged 45 years and over (Fig. 3). The participation of corresponding groups of population in BCG vaccination procedures was very high at the national scale during 1966--1974. The highest relative number of active cases of respiratory tuberculosis newly detected by photofluorography per 100,000 examinees of the appropriate group was found in persons with \"fibrotic\" lung lesions, less in persons investigated for their symptoms, still less in contacts with tuberculosis cases and least in persons not registered for lung lesions and investigated in mass X-ray examinations. The number of beds in institutions for special care of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases per 1,000 population by the end of the corresponding year decreased in Czechoslovakia from 1.1 in 1966 to 0.8 in 1974. The decrease of rates of tuberculous patients was accompanied by a decrease of the number of cases under ambulatory chemotherapy of tuberculosis. At the same time there was an increase in the number of cases treated for nontuberculous respiratory diseases in out-patients' and in-patients' departments of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases. In spite of the favourable epidemiological development of tuberculosis there remain large groups of the population -- especially in middle and higher age groups -- infected with tuberculosis in the past in which new cases of active tuberculosis may appear.", "contents": "[Development of the tuberculosis situation in Czechoslovakia in 1966--1974 (author's transl)]. There were declining trends of main epidemiological indices of tuberculosis in Czechoslovakia from 1966 to 1974 (Fig. 1 and 2). The smallest average yearly decrease of 4.9% was in the incidence of newly detected cases of active tuberculosis, the largest one of 21.6% in the prevalence of \"tuberculous chronics\" excreting tubercle bacilli in the last two years or longer. The total of newly detected cases of active tuberculosis and relapses per 100,000 inhabitants of corresponding groups of sex and age decreased in 1966--1974 in nearly all age groups of both sexes, the highest rates being in persons aged 45 years and over (Fig. 3). The participation of corresponding groups of population in BCG vaccination procedures was very high at the national scale during 1966--1974. The highest relative number of active cases of respiratory tuberculosis newly detected by photofluorography per 100,000 examinees of the appropriate group was found in persons with \"fibrotic\" lung lesions, less in persons investigated for their symptoms, still less in contacts with tuberculosis cases and least in persons not registered for lung lesions and investigated in mass X-ray examinations. The number of beds in institutions for special care of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases per 1,000 population by the end of the corresponding year decreased in Czechoslovakia from 1.1 in 1966 to 0.8 in 1974. The decrease of rates of tuberculous patients was accompanied by a decrease of the number of cases under ambulatory chemotherapy of tuberculosis. At the same time there was an increase in the number of cases treated for nontuberculous respiratory diseases in out-patients' and in-patients' departments of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases. In spite of the favourable epidemiological development of tuberculosis there remain large groups of the population -- especially in middle and higher age groups -- infected with tuberculosis in the past in which new cases of active tuberculosis may appear.", "PMID": 983174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_195", "title": "[The evaluation of the Kveim test in sarcoidosis diagnostics for out-patients (author's transl)].", "content": "In a total number of 113 cases the Kveim test was performed. The antigen used was produced in the institute for pulmonary diseases and tuberculosis, Novi Sad, Yugoslavia. Patients with sarcoidosis had positive results in 65.8%, including 19.5% doubtful positive cases. In a special group of patients with sarcoidosis, who received corticosteroids at the same time, only 25.7% showed positive results. In a control group of 24 cases no positive result was observed. The Kveim test is an useful method for diagnostic purpose in out-patients. Further investigations for improvement of this method will be necessary.", "contents": "[The evaluation of the Kveim test in sarcoidosis diagnostics for out-patients (author's transl)]. In a total number of 113 cases the Kveim test was performed. The antigen used was produced in the institute for pulmonary diseases and tuberculosis, Novi Sad, Yugoslavia. Patients with sarcoidosis had positive results in 65.8%, including 19.5% doubtful positive cases. In a special group of patients with sarcoidosis, who received corticosteroids at the same time, only 25.7% showed positive results. In a control group of 24 cases no positive result was observed. The Kveim test is an useful method for diagnostic purpose in out-patients. Further investigations for improvement of this method will be necessary.", "PMID": 983175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_196", "title": "[Differentiation and identification of mycobacteria by means of thin-layer chromatography of their lipids. III. Application for the classification of scotochromogenic mycobacteria (author's transl)].", "content": "Experiences with the lipid analysis of scotochromogenic mycobacteria by means of thin-layer chromatography are described. Out of 18 strains of M. scrofulaceum 11 belong to the serotypes Lunning, Gause, and Scrofulaceum. The similarity of the lipid patterns of the M. scrofulaceum strains to the ones of the M. avium-M. intracellulare group supports the contention of some authors that these species are closely related. Lipid analysis of further species of RUNYON's group II (M. xenopi, M. gordonae, M. kansasii var. aurantiacum, M. flavescens, M. acapulcensis, M. paraffinicum, M. thermoresistibile) gives the evidence that a differentiation by means of thin-layer separation is possible in these cases, too. The answer to the question whether these lipid patterns are species specific or not can only be given when a large number of strains of every species will be investigated.", "contents": "[Differentiation and identification of mycobacteria by means of thin-layer chromatography of their lipids. III. Application for the classification of scotochromogenic mycobacteria (author's transl)]. Experiences with the lipid analysis of scotochromogenic mycobacteria by means of thin-layer chromatography are described. Out of 18 strains of M. scrofulaceum 11 belong to the serotypes Lunning, Gause, and Scrofulaceum. The similarity of the lipid patterns of the M. scrofulaceum strains to the ones of the M. avium-M. intracellulare group supports the contention of some authors that these species are closely related. Lipid analysis of further species of RUNYON's group II (M. xenopi, M. gordonae, M. kansasii var. aurantiacum, M. flavescens, M. acapulcensis, M. paraffinicum, M. thermoresistibile) gives the evidence that a differentiation by means of thin-layer separation is possible in these cases, too. The answer to the question whether these lipid patterns are species specific or not can only be given when a large number of strains of every species will be investigated.", "PMID": 983176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_197", "title": "[Lung changes by experimentally induced cholesterol atheromatosis (author's transl)].", "content": "Rabbits developed after feeding with cholesterol and sunflower oil atheromatous changes. Pulmonary arteries exhibit in contrast to the aorta 1/5 of the intensity of atheromatous lesions. Atheroma were only seen in large and medium-sized pulmonary arteries with a twofold intensity in upper lobes in contrast to the lower lobes.", "contents": "[Lung changes by experimentally induced cholesterol atheromatosis (author's transl)]. Rabbits developed after feeding with cholesterol and sunflower oil atheromatous changes. Pulmonary arteries exhibit in contrast to the aorta 1/5 of the intensity of atheromatous lesions. Atheroma were only seen in large and medium-sized pulmonary arteries with a twofold intensity in upper lobes in contrast to the lower lobes.", "PMID": 983177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_198", "title": "[Directives of the struggle against smoking in Hungary (author's transl)].", "content": "Smoking is not only noxious to the smoker but molestates the non-smoker, too. Though a general renunciation is not attainable our efforts should be directed to the following aims: 1. To discourage juveniles from smoking as much as possible. 2. To minimize the danger of passive smoking for non-smokers. 3. Influencing the patients by the doctors to minimize the nicotine-dependence.", "contents": "[Directives of the struggle against smoking in Hungary (author's transl)]. Smoking is not only noxious to the smoker but molestates the non-smoker, too. Though a general renunciation is not attainable our efforts should be directed to the following aims: 1. To discourage juveniles from smoking as much as possible. 2. To minimize the danger of passive smoking for non-smokers. 3. Influencing the patients by the doctors to minimize the nicotine-dependence.", "PMID": 983178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_199", "title": "[Treatment of new and chronic tuberculous patients with ethambutol and Rifampicin (author's transl)].", "content": "In patients with chronic pulmonary tuberculosis the results of chemotherapy between drug regimens containing ethambutol or rifampicin were compared. Patients in both groups were randomized selected. After 4 months of chemotherapy negativization was reached to 100% in the RMP-group compared to 80% of the patients in the EMB-group. In 98 chronics EMB was added to the chemotherapy regimen and resulted in 90% of negativization. In a small subgroup RMP was added to the regimen and 100% negativization could be obtained. Among 220 patients with chronic pulmonary tuberculosis, treated with RMP in 9 hospitals according to our protocoll, in 205 patients (93.2%) the excretion of bacilli was cessated. In 54 new cases treated with EMB and another combination and in 20 new cases treated additionally with RMP the sputum converted to negative in 100% of the patients. But the the negativization was reached 24 days earlier on the average in the group treated with RMP. Antituberculotic drugs are administered in our clinic according to the body weight.", "contents": "[Treatment of new and chronic tuberculous patients with ethambutol and Rifampicin (author's transl)]. In patients with chronic pulmonary tuberculosis the results of chemotherapy between drug regimens containing ethambutol or rifampicin were compared. Patients in both groups were randomized selected. After 4 months of chemotherapy negativization was reached to 100% in the RMP-group compared to 80% of the patients in the EMB-group. In 98 chronics EMB was added to the chemotherapy regimen and resulted in 90% of negativization. In a small subgroup RMP was added to the regimen and 100% negativization could be obtained. Among 220 patients with chronic pulmonary tuberculosis, treated with RMP in 9 hospitals according to our protocoll, in 205 patients (93.2%) the excretion of bacilli was cessated. In 54 new cases treated with EMB and another combination and in 20 new cases treated additionally with RMP the sputum converted to negative in 100% of the patients. But the the negativization was reached 24 days earlier on the average in the group treated with RMP. Antituberculotic drugs are administered in our clinic according to the body weight.", "PMID": 983179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_200", "title": "[Epidemiology of chronic non-specific lung diseases (CNSLD) in industrial workers in Hungary (author's transl)].", "content": "The frequency and severity of CNSLD was studied in workers of an Hungarian firm (Ganz-Mavag) by means of questionnaire. Symptoms of CNSLD can be found more frequently in workers with air pollution than in those without. The symptoms of CNSLD show an age-dependence with regard to frequency and grade of severity, the single symptoms of CNSLD not occurring simultaneously and changing in their proportional frequency.", "contents": "[Epidemiology of chronic non-specific lung diseases (CNSLD) in industrial workers in Hungary (author's transl)]. The frequency and severity of CNSLD was studied in workers of an Hungarian firm (Ganz-Mavag) by means of questionnaire. Symptoms of CNSLD can be found more frequently in workers with air pollution than in those without. The symptoms of CNSLD show an age-dependence with regard to frequency and grade of severity, the single symptoms of CNSLD not occurring simultaneously and changing in their proportional frequency.", "PMID": 983180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_201", "title": "[Relevance of width measurements of the right pulmonary artery descending branch for detection of pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive lung diseases (author's transl)].", "content": "363 patients with chronic obstructive lung diseases were examined regarding the relation between pulmonary hypertension and width of the right descending branch of the pulmonary artery (RDB). There was found a high significant correlation between mean pulmonary artery pressure at rest and diameter of the RDB. The width of RDB was not so close correlated with pulmonary artery pressure during exercise. If the diameter of the RDB was 19 mm and more, a manifest pulmonary hypertension was stated nearly always. Missing this radiological sign doesn't exclude pulmonary hypertension. The method will be useful for screening a risk group \"pulmonary hypertension\". All cases selected by this method aught to be examined by means of right heart catheterization with the floating technic.", "contents": "[Relevance of width measurements of the right pulmonary artery descending branch for detection of pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive lung diseases (author's transl)]. 363 patients with chronic obstructive lung diseases were examined regarding the relation between pulmonary hypertension and width of the right descending branch of the pulmonary artery (RDB). There was found a high significant correlation between mean pulmonary artery pressure at rest and diameter of the RDB. The width of RDB was not so close correlated with pulmonary artery pressure during exercise. If the diameter of the RDB was 19 mm and more, a manifest pulmonary hypertension was stated nearly always. Missing this radiological sign doesn't exclude pulmonary hypertension. The method will be useful for screening a risk group \"pulmonary hypertension\". All cases selected by this method aught to be examined by means of right heart catheterization with the floating technic.", "PMID": 983181} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_202", "title": "[Synoptical X-ray diagnostics of pulmonary emphysema (author's transl)].", "content": "In marked chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema, especially in the classical emphysematous type of abnormal thorax, a good correlation can be found between the anteroposterior expansion of the thorax, the reduced inspiratory capacity, the clinical state, disturbed mechanics of breathing and the x-ray-state. On the contrary, in clinical emphysema of a lower degree, especially in subclinical, i. e. in predominantly asymptomatic pulmonary emphysema of the elderly, the effectiveness of the roentgenological examination is very small.", "contents": "[Synoptical X-ray diagnostics of pulmonary emphysema (author's transl)]. In marked chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema, especially in the classical emphysematous type of abnormal thorax, a good correlation can be found between the anteroposterior expansion of the thorax, the reduced inspiratory capacity, the clinical state, disturbed mechanics of breathing and the x-ray-state. On the contrary, in clinical emphysema of a lower degree, especially in subclinical, i. e. in predominantly asymptomatic pulmonary emphysema of the elderly, the effectiveness of the roentgenological examination is very small.", "PMID": 983182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_203", "title": "[Standard values of lung function diagnostics in children (author's transl)].", "content": "A joint study of 7 laboratories was initiated for the determination of standard function values in childhood. The sample included 3500 children. The vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, residual capacity, total capacity and work of breathing were determined and normal values calculated. These parameters were correlated with body height, body surface area, body weight and age. For an easy estimation of the predicted values regression formulas of the measured function are elaborated.", "contents": "[Standard values of lung function diagnostics in children (author's transl)]. A joint study of 7 laboratories was initiated for the determination of standard function values in childhood. The sample included 3500 children. The vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, residual capacity, total capacity and work of breathing were determined and normal values calculated. These parameters were correlated with body height, body surface area, body weight and age. For an easy estimation of the predicted values regression formulas of the measured function are elaborated.", "PMID": 983183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_204", "title": "[Pulmonary mechanics of bronchial asthma (author's transl)].", "content": "Airway resistance was measured in 10 patients with bronchial asthma before and 5--30 minutes after gradual effort of 60 and 95 watt by means of bodyplethysmography. The resistance values showed three typical alterations: 1. no reaction; 2. decrease of resistance at 60 watt and increase at 95 watt; 3. increase at both degrees of exercise. In another group of patients with asthma the resistance was determined by means of the eosophagus-balloon method before, during and after exercise. The trend of resistance alteration was not identical during and after exercise. This behaviour of bronchial obstruction shows that unspecific factors affect the pulmonary mechanics because of the changed bronchial reactivity. The behaviour of a single patient with bronchial asthma is not predictable.", "contents": "[Pulmonary mechanics of bronchial asthma (author's transl)]. Airway resistance was measured in 10 patients with bronchial asthma before and 5--30 minutes after gradual effort of 60 and 95 watt by means of bodyplethysmography. The resistance values showed three typical alterations: 1. no reaction; 2. decrease of resistance at 60 watt and increase at 95 watt; 3. increase at both degrees of exercise. In another group of patients with asthma the resistance was determined by means of the eosophagus-balloon method before, during and after exercise. The trend of resistance alteration was not identical during and after exercise. This behaviour of bronchial obstruction shows that unspecific factors affect the pulmonary mechanics because of the changed bronchial reactivity. The behaviour of a single patient with bronchial asthma is not predictable.", "PMID": 983184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_205", "title": "[Automated analysis of changes in parameters of lung mechanics with alterations in breathing frequency, lung volume, and physical effort (author's transl)].", "content": "Changes in parameters of respiratory mechanics with alteration in breathing frequency, lung volume and physical effort were determined in 23 subjects using automated data collection and data processing. Resistance R, Compliance C and work of breathing W show great dependence on breathing frequency and lung volume. An objective measuring of their changes during exercise requires a constant lung volume and a standardized breathing frequency. Parameters R and C and the maximal pressure amplitude DPM divided by the tidal volume VT show no significant alterations in several degrees of exercise. Work of breathing and work of breathing per tidal volume are enhanced significantly with increasing exercise. These parameters may estimate the mechanics of breathing better than R and C in patients with dyspnea during exercise.", "contents": "[Automated analysis of changes in parameters of lung mechanics with alterations in breathing frequency, lung volume, and physical effort (author's transl)]. Changes in parameters of respiratory mechanics with alteration in breathing frequency, lung volume and physical effort were determined in 23 subjects using automated data collection and data processing. Resistance R, Compliance C and work of breathing W show great dependence on breathing frequency and lung volume. An objective measuring of their changes during exercise requires a constant lung volume and a standardized breathing frequency. Parameters R and C and the maximal pressure amplitude DPM divided by the tidal volume VT show no significant alterations in several degrees of exercise. Work of breathing and work of breathing per tidal volume are enhanced significantly with increasing exercise. These parameters may estimate the mechanics of breathing better than R and C in patients with dyspnea during exercise.", "PMID": 983185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_206", "title": "[First experience and results with the PDP-program of Saling (author's transl)].", "content": "According to Saling's Prematurity-Dysmaturity-Prevention Program (PDP-Program) all high-risk pregnancies in a time limited period were collected (n = 105). From these a group of 72 gravidae (PDP-group) were controlled by an intensive care-staff, a group of 33 gravidae (controll group) refused an intensive care. The initial situation of both groups was very similar. In the PDP-group 3 quarters of the gravidae delivered after the 36th week of gestation, in the control group the half of gravidae. In the PDP-group 1 quarter of the newborn infants had a birth-weight of less than 2 500 g, in the control group the half. The condition of the newborn infants were similar.", "contents": "[First experience and results with the PDP-program of Saling (author's transl)]. According to Saling's Prematurity-Dysmaturity-Prevention Program (PDP-Program) all high-risk pregnancies in a time limited period were collected (n = 105). From these a group of 72 gravidae (PDP-group) were controlled by an intensive care-staff, a group of 33 gravidae (controll group) refused an intensive care. The initial situation of both groups was very similar. In the PDP-group 3 quarters of the gravidae delivered after the 36th week of gestation, in the control group the half of gravidae. In the PDP-group 1 quarter of the newborn infants had a birth-weight of less than 2 500 g, in the control group the half. The condition of the newborn infants were similar.", "PMID": 983196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_207", "title": "[Renal function and water and electrolyte balance during i.v. infusion of fenoterol (Partusisten) (author's transl)].", "content": "Renal function and electrolyte transport during i.v. Fenoterol treatment (0,021 +/- 0,008 mug/kg/min) were measured in 10 healthy, nonpregnant patients by means of clearance studies utilizing water diuresis. Three 10-min control periods were followed by 9 experimental periods conducted over altogether 90 min., during which the following parameters were measured: diuresis (V), glomerular filtrate (CIn), renal plasma flow (CPAH), urinary and plasma osmolality plasma levels of Na, K and Cl, and their urinary excretion. During Fenoterol infusion, diuresis fell on average from 13.1 in the controls to 6,0 ml/min (p less than 0,01), with a concurrent rise of U/P osmol from 0,215 to 0,984 (p less than 0,01). CIn and CPAH did not change significantly, nor were there any fluctuations in plasma Na and Cl and the respective urinary excretions. The plasma potassium concentration decreased from 3,7 in the controls to 2,7 mEq/l (p less than 0,01) and was associated with a simultaneous fall of the potassium excretion from 0,060 to 0,024 mEq/l (p less than 0,01). The demonstrated antidiuretic action of Fenoterol would appear to be due, as in the case of other betamimetic drugs, to endogenous release of ADH. As shown by our experiments, the fall in plasma K is not attributable to renal factors but may be explained by displacement of K into the cell.", "contents": "[Renal function and water and electrolyte balance during i.v. infusion of fenoterol (Partusisten) (author's transl)]. Renal function and electrolyte transport during i.v. Fenoterol treatment (0,021 +/- 0,008 mug/kg/min) were measured in 10 healthy, nonpregnant patients by means of clearance studies utilizing water diuresis. Three 10-min control periods were followed by 9 experimental periods conducted over altogether 90 min., during which the following parameters were measured: diuresis (V), glomerular filtrate (CIn), renal plasma flow (CPAH), urinary and plasma osmolality plasma levels of Na, K and Cl, and their urinary excretion. During Fenoterol infusion, diuresis fell on average from 13.1 in the controls to 6,0 ml/min (p less than 0,01), with a concurrent rise of U/P osmol from 0,215 to 0,984 (p less than 0,01). CIn and CPAH did not change significantly, nor were there any fluctuations in plasma Na and Cl and the respective urinary excretions. The plasma potassium concentration decreased from 3,7 in the controls to 2,7 mEq/l (p less than 0,01) and was associated with a simultaneous fall of the potassium excretion from 0,060 to 0,024 mEq/l (p less than 0,01). The demonstrated antidiuretic action of Fenoterol would appear to be due, as in the case of other betamimetic drugs, to endogenous release of ADH. As shown by our experiments, the fall in plasma K is not attributable to renal factors but may be explained by displacement of K into the cell.", "PMID": 983197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_208", "title": "[Partusisten as a possible cause for renal colics (author's transl)].", "content": "Two patients were treated with Partusisten and Isoptin to inhibit uterine contractions. One patient was in the 36th and the other in the 32th week of pregnancy. Both developed colic like complaints related to the urogenital system, which disappeared after disruption of treatment and reoccured after restarting. The case description seemed to indicate an as yet not described side reaction of Partusisten.", "contents": "[Partusisten as a possible cause for renal colics (author's transl)]. Two patients were treated with Partusisten and Isoptin to inhibit uterine contractions. One patient was in the 36th and the other in the 32th week of pregnancy. Both developed colic like complaints related to the urogenital system, which disappeared after disruption of treatment and reoccured after restarting. The case description seemed to indicate an as yet not described side reaction of Partusisten.", "PMID": 983198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_209", "title": "Uterine contractility in spontaneous and induced labour.", "content": "Contractility parameters (uterine activity, contraction interval, amplitude, and frequency of contractions) were analyzed quantitatively during the active phase of first-stage of labour in 60 clinically normal term nulliparae with spontaneous or induced labour. Inductions were surgical (amniotomy alone) or by amniotomy combined with either intravenous oxytocin or prostaglandin administered intravenously (PGF 2alpha or PGE 2) or orally (PGE 2).", "contents": "Uterine contractility in spontaneous and induced labour. Contractility parameters (uterine activity, contraction interval, amplitude, and frequency of contractions) were analyzed quantitatively during the active phase of first-stage of labour in 60 clinically normal term nulliparae with spontaneous or induced labour. Inductions were surgical (amniotomy alone) or by amniotomy combined with either intravenous oxytocin or prostaglandin administered intravenously (PGF 2alpha or PGE 2) or orally (PGE 2).", "PMID": 983199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_210", "title": "Cerebral lesions of mature newborn due to perinatal hypoxia. I. Placental and umbilical cord pathology.", "content": "The structure and topography of the damages in the central nervous system of mature (35th week of pregnancy and more) human newborns, who died in the perinatal period due to hypoxia, have been investigated. Two homogenous groups were separated: In the first group hypoxia was due to placental pathology, in the second group it was the result of umbilical cord pathology. The greatest damages of the cells in paleocortex were found in the region of Ammon's horn, in neocortex the most seriously injured were parietal and occipital lobes.", "contents": "Cerebral lesions of mature newborn due to perinatal hypoxia. I. Placental and umbilical cord pathology. The structure and topography of the damages in the central nervous system of mature (35th week of pregnancy and more) human newborns, who died in the perinatal period due to hypoxia, have been investigated. Two homogenous groups were separated: In the first group hypoxia was due to placental pathology, in the second group it was the result of umbilical cord pathology. The greatest damages of the cells in paleocortex were found in the region of Ammon's horn, in neocortex the most seriously injured were parietal and occipital lobes.", "PMID": 983200} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_211", "title": "Cerebral lesions of mature newborn due to perinatal hypoxia. II. Mother's diseases.", "content": "The influence of chronic intrapregnancy hypoxia caused by mother's diseases (toxemia, gravidarum, hypochromic anemia, diabetes) on the brain of a mature newborn has been investigated. Besides the vast damages of the parieto-occipital cortex, Ammon's horn (entorhinal) motor and insula cortex there were also some damages of the cerebellum and the brain stem cells. The damages of the cells in the brain stem seem to be one of the causes of the abnormal perinatal adaption.", "contents": "Cerebral lesions of mature newborn due to perinatal hypoxia. II. Mother's diseases. The influence of chronic intrapregnancy hypoxia caused by mother's diseases (toxemia, gravidarum, hypochromic anemia, diabetes) on the brain of a mature newborn has been investigated. Besides the vast damages of the parieto-occipital cortex, Ammon's horn (entorhinal) motor and insula cortex there were also some damages of the cerebellum and the brain stem cells. The damages of the cells in the brain stem seem to be one of the causes of the abnormal perinatal adaption.", "PMID": 983201} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_212", "title": "[Prenatal detection of genetic disorders by ultrasonically guided amniocentesis in twin pregnancy (author's transl)].", "content": "In contrast to former opinions detection of genetic disorders in early multiple pregnancy is possible by advanced techniques of amniocentesis Prenatal diagnosis has been performed in a twin pregnancy of an 41 years old patient by two ultrasonically guided amniocenteses. Injection of Indigo carmin after the first puncture showed two separate amnion cavities. Postpartal findings proved prenatal diagnosis.", "contents": "[Prenatal detection of genetic disorders by ultrasonically guided amniocentesis in twin pregnancy (author's transl)]. In contrast to former opinions detection of genetic disorders in early multiple pregnancy is possible by advanced techniques of amniocentesis Prenatal diagnosis has been performed in a twin pregnancy of an 41 years old patient by two ultrasonically guided amniocenteses. Injection of Indigo carmin after the first puncture showed two separate amnion cavities. Postpartal findings proved prenatal diagnosis.", "PMID": 983202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_213", "title": "[Latent syphilis].", "content": "The wide use of penicillin and of other treponemacide antibiotics levels often to the treatment of patients with early-syphilis without knowing it. So the typical appearance of syphilis may be masked and the development of the classic serologic changes may be disturbed. From 1963 to 1974 569 cases of early-syphilis were treated as inpatients of the University clinic of Innsbruck, Department of Dermatology, 15% had proved and 20% had probable antibiotic therapy before syphilis was diagnosed. The influence on the course of disease due to treatment before noting the diagnosis is discussed by the means of own observations and reports in the literature. An attempt is made to explain the striking increase of symptomless early-syphilis.", "contents": "[Latent syphilis]. The wide use of penicillin and of other treponemacide antibiotics levels often to the treatment of patients with early-syphilis without knowing it. So the typical appearance of syphilis may be masked and the development of the classic serologic changes may be disturbed. From 1963 to 1974 569 cases of early-syphilis were treated as inpatients of the University clinic of Innsbruck, Department of Dermatology, 15% had proved and 20% had probable antibiotic therapy before syphilis was diagnosed. The influence on the course of disease due to treatment before noting the diagnosis is discussed by the means of own observations and reports in the literature. An attempt is made to explain the striking increase of symptomless early-syphilis.", "PMID": 983206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_214", "title": "[Systemic side effects of external corticoids: results of dermatologic studies in children with neurodermititis].", "content": "Of 111 children with atopic dermatitis who were admitted as in-patients in a German aero-biological childrens clinic, 83 patients (74.8%) had been prescribed a prolonged corticosteroid therapy from their family doctor. For 60 children (54.1%) the corticosteroid application was topital, partly with occlusive dressing or with fluorinated preparations. The remaining 23 children (20.7%) were treated topically and systemically with corticosteroids. Of the 60 children whose atopic dermatitis was treated exclusively with topical corticosteroids, 59 patients (98.3%) showed undesirable side effects. Moreover, irreversible body changes developed through the transcutaneous absorptive processes, which were more evident and appeared more often in girls than in boys.", "contents": "[Systemic side effects of external corticoids: results of dermatologic studies in children with neurodermititis]. Of 111 children with atopic dermatitis who were admitted as in-patients in a German aero-biological childrens clinic, 83 patients (74.8%) had been prescribed a prolonged corticosteroid therapy from their family doctor. For 60 children (54.1%) the corticosteroid application was topital, partly with occlusive dressing or with fluorinated preparations. The remaining 23 children (20.7%) were treated topically and systemically with corticosteroids. Of the 60 children whose atopic dermatitis was treated exclusively with topical corticosteroids, 59 patients (98.3%) showed undesirable side effects. Moreover, irreversible body changes developed through the transcutaneous absorptive processes, which were more evident and appeared more often in girls than in boys.", "PMID": 983209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_215", "title": "[PUVA and anthraline therapy of psoriasis, a clinical, histological and autoradiographic comparison].", "content": "Treatment of psoriasis with 8-Methoxypsoralen and long wave ultraviolet rays (UV-A) (PUVA) was carried out on 63 patients with severe psoriasis. 41 patients were given the medication orally, the other 22 had it applied locally. After 8.5 weeks, with an average of 25 radiations, about 54% of the patients were cleared of all symptoms or improved considerably. Histological and autoradiographical examinations were carried out to 10 of the orally treated patients. After three weeks of treatment we found a reduced H 3-thymidine-labelling-index (H 3-I) and a shortened DNA-synthesis-time (ts). The average cell cycle time (tc) was lengthened. The effect of PUVA is comparable to that of Anthralin therapy, but the clinical success and the length of treatment with the PUVA-method are inferior to those of the Anthralin-method. There we consider the Anthralin-method as used on in-patients at the Department of Dermatology at the University of Cologne, to be the more suitable method. The PUVA-method ist less complicated and its application easier for the physician as well for the patient, therefore we consider the PUVA-method more suitable for the treatment of out-patients.", "contents": "[PUVA and anthraline therapy of psoriasis, a clinical, histological and autoradiographic comparison]. Treatment of psoriasis with 8-Methoxypsoralen and long wave ultraviolet rays (UV-A) (PUVA) was carried out on 63 patients with severe psoriasis. 41 patients were given the medication orally, the other 22 had it applied locally. After 8.5 weeks, with an average of 25 radiations, about 54% of the patients were cleared of all symptoms or improved considerably. Histological and autoradiographical examinations were carried out to 10 of the orally treated patients. After three weeks of treatment we found a reduced H 3-thymidine-labelling-index (H 3-I) and a shortened DNA-synthesis-time (ts). The average cell cycle time (tc) was lengthened. The effect of PUVA is comparable to that of Anthralin therapy, but the clinical success and the length of treatment with the PUVA-method are inferior to those of the Anthralin-method. There we consider the Anthralin-method as used on in-patients at the Department of Dermatology at the University of Cologne, to be the more suitable method. The PUVA-method ist less complicated and its application easier for the physician as well for the patient, therefore we consider the PUVA-method more suitable for the treatment of out-patients.", "PMID": 983210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_216", "title": "[The Braun-Falco-Marghescu syndrome, contribution to congenital poikiloderma].", "content": "Braun-Falco together with Marghescu described 1965 for the first time the clinical picture of bullous congenital poikilodermia. In reviewing 15 cases of the literature and one own case this disease is discussed here as an own nosological entity within the congenital poikilodermias and it is suggested to use the designation \"Braun-Falco-Marghescu-Syndrome\" according to the first describers.", "contents": "[The Braun-Falco-Marghescu syndrome, contribution to congenital poikiloderma]. Braun-Falco together with Marghescu described 1965 for the first time the clinical picture of bullous congenital poikilodermia. In reviewing 15 cases of the literature and one own case this disease is discussed here as an own nosological entity within the congenital poikilodermias and it is suggested to use the designation \"Braun-Falco-Marghescu-Syndrome\" according to the first describers.", "PMID": 983213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_217", "title": "Studies on Hymenolepis microstoma in vitro. I. Effect of heme compounds on growth and reproduction.", "content": "The effect of various heme compounds on growth and maturation of Hymenolepis microstoma in vitro has been determined. At 4 days p.i., worms were collected and cultured in vitro for 6 days in a medium containing various concentrations of haemoglobin, hemin, and bilirubin. Addition of haemoglobin to a medium resulted in significant increases in length, wet weight, number of immature and mature proglottids as compared to the control medium. Supplements of hemin did not seem to affect worm length; however, they caused a significant weight increase, and the numbers of immature and mature proglottids were also more than those in control medium. Bilirubin supplements failed to show any effect on growth and maturation of H. microstoma, and the experimental and control worms were found similar in all respects. In the light of the success with haemoglobin and hemin as growth promoting substances, the role of blood ingredients was also considered. For strobilization and maturation of H. microstoma in vitro, the presence of some kind of heme protein seems essential.", "contents": "Studies on Hymenolepis microstoma in vitro. I. Effect of heme compounds on growth and reproduction. The effect of various heme compounds on growth and maturation of Hymenolepis microstoma in vitro has been determined. At 4 days p.i., worms were collected and cultured in vitro for 6 days in a medium containing various concentrations of haemoglobin, hemin, and bilirubin. Addition of haemoglobin to a medium resulted in significant increases in length, wet weight, number of immature and mature proglottids as compared to the control medium. Supplements of hemin did not seem to affect worm length; however, they caused a significant weight increase, and the numbers of immature and mature proglottids were also more than those in control medium. Bilirubin supplements failed to show any effect on growth and maturation of H. microstoma, and the experimental and control worms were found similar in all respects. In the light of the success with haemoglobin and hemin as growth promoting substances, the role of blood ingredients was also considered. For strobilization and maturation of H. microstoma in vitro, the presence of some kind of heme protein seems essential.", "PMID": 983237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_218", "title": "Factors influencing tests for infection and inflammation.", "content": "Four laboratory tests performed on 236 persons showed a positive correlation with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate when that test was negative or strongly positive. Most of the tests were influenced by sex and by age.", "contents": "Factors influencing tests for infection and inflammation. Four laboratory tests performed on 236 persons showed a positive correlation with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate when that test was negative or strongly positive. Most of the tests were influenced by sex and by age.", "PMID": 983271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_219", "title": "[Clinical and pathoimmunomorphologic characteristics of highmoritis].", "content": "On the grounds of clinical data, pathohistologic and pathoimmunomorphologic investigations the author developed a new clinico-immunologic classification of sinusites. For this purpose the author examined 203 patients with highmoritis and observed a group of 93 patients with allergic and vasomotor rhinosinusopathies. Pathohistologic and patho-immunomorphologic investigation of the changed mucous membrane and polyps were conducted in 43 patients operated on because of acute (necrotic) and other forms of chronic highmoritis.", "contents": "[Clinical and pathoimmunomorphologic characteristics of highmoritis]. On the grounds of clinical data, pathohistologic and pathoimmunomorphologic investigations the author developed a new clinico-immunologic classification of sinusites. For this purpose the author examined 203 patients with highmoritis and observed a group of 93 patients with allergic and vasomotor rhinosinusopathies. Pathohistologic and patho-immunomorphologic investigation of the changed mucous membrane and polyps were conducted in 43 patients operated on because of acute (necrotic) and other forms of chronic highmoritis.", "PMID": 983290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_220", "title": "[Orbital complications in children].", "content": "The author observed 36 children and 73 adults with orbital complications of sinusitis. Orbital complications in children are frequently observed during acute inflammation of several accessory sinuses of the nose. It is the lymphohematogenic way of infection spreading that prevails in children with orbital complications of sinusitis. Non-supurative forms of eye-socket affection are more often observed in children with diseases of nasal accessory sinuses. Suppurative forms of eye-socket diseases proceed with a much graver course in children than in adults. Changes of fundus oculi and disturbance of vision are more frequently observed in children with orbital complications than in adults.", "contents": "[Orbital complications in children]. The author observed 36 children and 73 adults with orbital complications of sinusitis. Orbital complications in children are frequently observed during acute inflammation of several accessory sinuses of the nose. It is the lymphohematogenic way of infection spreading that prevails in children with orbital complications of sinusitis. Non-supurative forms of eye-socket affection are more often observed in children with diseases of nasal accessory sinuses. Suppurative forms of eye-socket diseases proceed with a much graver course in children than in adults. Changes of fundus oculi and disturbance of vision are more frequently observed in children with orbital complications than in adults.", "PMID": 983302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_221", "title": "[Graphic method of recording olfactory disorders].", "content": "The authors present a method of recording results of threshold olfactometry for substances of different neuroreceptive response (olfactory, olfactive-trigeminal and olfactive-glossopharyngeal) in the form of olfactograms. The use of a unit for comparative evaluation of the olfactory function (deciodor) made it possible to get a unit horizontal zero line on the olfactogram. The authors demonstrate olfactograms of patients with various olfactory disorders. They consider that the method of graphic recording results of comparative threshold olfactometry is a valuable differential-diagnostic test.", "contents": "[Graphic method of recording olfactory disorders]. The authors present a method of recording results of threshold olfactometry for substances of different neuroreceptive response (olfactory, olfactive-trigeminal and olfactive-glossopharyngeal) in the form of olfactograms. The use of a unit for comparative evaluation of the olfactory function (deciodor) made it possible to get a unit horizontal zero line on the olfactogram. The authors demonstrate olfactograms of patients with various olfactory disorders. They consider that the method of graphic recording results of comparative threshold olfactometry is a valuable differential-diagnostic test.", "PMID": 983303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_222", "title": "[Study of nasal function by the spirographic method].", "content": "The authors performed spirographic investigations of respiration through the mouth, through both nostrils and separately through the right and the left nostrie in 44 people with normal anatomy of the nose. They discuss the methods applied as well as the physiologic changes in the respiratory function of the nose. They point out the practical importance of their study.", "contents": "[Study of nasal function by the spirographic method]. The authors performed spirographic investigations of respiration through the mouth, through both nostrils and separately through the right and the left nostrie in 44 people with normal anatomy of the nose. They discuss the methods applied as well as the physiologic changes in the respiratory function of the nose. They point out the practical importance of their study.", "PMID": 983304} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_223", "title": "[Treatment of neuroautonomic rhinopathy].", "content": "With the aim of treating vasodilatory forms of neurovegetative rhinopathy the authors applied injections of a mixture into the body of the mucous membrane covering the anterior ends of the inferior nasal concha, the mixture consisting of 1 ml of 6% novocaine solution, 1 ml of 6% thiamine bromide solution and 0.5 ml (12.5 mg) of hydrocortisone emulsion. The course of treatment included 10 injections administered with 3 day intevals. 0.5 aminocaproic acid was taken orally 3 times a day during one month. Drops were used locally: 500 000 units of polymixine, 0,5% dimedrole-20.0, hydrocortisone emulsion-5.0; 8 drops of this mixture were introduced into the nose twice a day during 2 weeks. An ointment was used for the night consisting of sodium albucide-2.0, menthol-0.1, camphor-0.1, anesthesine-0.4, oil of eucalyptus-1.0, camphor-0.1, anesthesine-0.4, oil of eucalyptus-1.0, vaseline and lanolin-10.0 each.", "contents": "[Treatment of neuroautonomic rhinopathy]. With the aim of treating vasodilatory forms of neurovegetative rhinopathy the authors applied injections of a mixture into the body of the mucous membrane covering the anterior ends of the inferior nasal concha, the mixture consisting of 1 ml of 6% novocaine solution, 1 ml of 6% thiamine bromide solution and 0.5 ml (12.5 mg) of hydrocortisone emulsion. The course of treatment included 10 injections administered with 3 day intevals. 0.5 aminocaproic acid was taken orally 3 times a day during one month. Drops were used locally: 500 000 units of polymixine, 0,5% dimedrole-20.0, hydrocortisone emulsion-5.0; 8 drops of this mixture were introduced into the nose twice a day during 2 weeks. An ointment was used for the night consisting of sodium albucide-2.0, menthol-0.1, camphor-0.1, anesthesine-0.4, oil of eucalyptus-1.0, camphor-0.1, anesthesine-0.4, oil of eucalyptus-1.0, vaseline and lanolin-10.0 each.", "PMID": 983305} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_224", "title": "[Effect of inhalation of freshly melted water on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract].", "content": "The authors conducted experiments on healthy people-volonteers and found that inhalation of freshly melted water definitely intensified the activity of the ciliated epithelium of the upper respiratory tract mucous membrane. They pesent result of the investigation permitting to eliminate the effect of ciliated epithelium \"fatigue': after prolonged use of such inhalation. Data of comparative observations with the use of functional methods of investigation show that freshly melted water has a definitely normalizing effect on reflex stimulation, secretory function, temperature and other factors of mucous membrane activity.", "contents": "[Effect of inhalation of freshly melted water on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract]. The authors conducted experiments on healthy people-volonteers and found that inhalation of freshly melted water definitely intensified the activity of the ciliated epithelium of the upper respiratory tract mucous membrane. They pesent result of the investigation permitting to eliminate the effect of ciliated epithelium \"fatigue': after prolonged use of such inhalation. Data of comparative observations with the use of functional methods of investigation show that freshly melted water has a definitely normalizing effect on reflex stimulation, secretory function, temperature and other factors of mucous membrane activity.", "PMID": 983306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_225", "title": "[Electroroentgenography in children with nose injuries].", "content": "The authors conducted electroroentgenography for diagnostics of nasal bone fractures in 55 children aged from 5 to 15. They studied altogether 78 electroroentgenograms comparing them with 61 roentgenograms. Comparing the number and quality of details of nasal traumas revealed by roentgenography and those revealed by electroroentgenography the authors obtained evidence showing that the electroroentgenographic method of investigation was more accurate in diagnosing this pathology. Electroroentgenograms reveal details of destruction both of the osseous structure of the external nose and that of the osteo-cartilaginous structure of the nasal septum and the surrounding soft tissues. The authors recommend to use the electroroentgenographic method for diagnostics of traumatic lesions of the nose in children.", "contents": "[Electroroentgenography in children with nose injuries]. The authors conducted electroroentgenography for diagnostics of nasal bone fractures in 55 children aged from 5 to 15. They studied altogether 78 electroroentgenograms comparing them with 61 roentgenograms. Comparing the number and quality of details of nasal traumas revealed by roentgenography and those revealed by electroroentgenography the authors obtained evidence showing that the electroroentgenographic method of investigation was more accurate in diagnosing this pathology. Electroroentgenograms reveal details of destruction both of the osseous structure of the external nose and that of the osteo-cartilaginous structure of the nasal septum and the surrounding soft tissues. The authors recommend to use the electroroentgenographic method for diagnostics of traumatic lesions of the nose in children.", "PMID": 983307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_226", "title": "[Clinical picture of single and multiple rhinogenic brain abscesses].", "content": "The authors examined 11 patients with rhinogenous abscesses of the brain aged from 2 to 45, 5 of them with multiple abscesses. According to their data the infection penetrated into the cranial cavity by two principal ways, namely, contactual (in 2 patients) and hematogenous via venous passages (in 4 patients). Contactual cerebral abscesses of rhinogenous genesis more frequently appear during frontitis, have a lingering chronic course and localize at the pole of the frontal lobe. Clinically they manifest themselves by focal and total cerebral symptoms including craniographic changes of hypertensive character. In patients with rhinogenous abscesses of phlebitic genesis a subacute course of the disease was noted. In addition to focal and total cerebral symptoms of general intoxication charater the authors noted in such cases symptoms of depression of the superior truncal structures of the brain. Cerebral abcesses of contactual and phlebitic genesis have mostly a benign course after surgical treatment (out of 6 patients there was only 1 lethal case). Hematogenous spreading of the infection along the arteries is often noted to cause multiple cerebral abscesses (in one or in both lobes) and is frequently accompanied by suppurative meningitis, periventriculitis. All cases of mutiple rhinogenous abscesses had a lethal end.", "contents": "[Clinical picture of single and multiple rhinogenic brain abscesses]. The authors examined 11 patients with rhinogenous abscesses of the brain aged from 2 to 45, 5 of them with multiple abscesses. According to their data the infection penetrated into the cranial cavity by two principal ways, namely, contactual (in 2 patients) and hematogenous via venous passages (in 4 patients). Contactual cerebral abscesses of rhinogenous genesis more frequently appear during frontitis, have a lingering chronic course and localize at the pole of the frontal lobe. Clinically they manifest themselves by focal and total cerebral symptoms including craniographic changes of hypertensive character. In patients with rhinogenous abscesses of phlebitic genesis a subacute course of the disease was noted. In addition to focal and total cerebral symptoms of general intoxication charater the authors noted in such cases symptoms of depression of the superior truncal structures of the brain. Cerebral abcesses of contactual and phlebitic genesis have mostly a benign course after surgical treatment (out of 6 patients there was only 1 lethal case). Hematogenous spreading of the infection along the arteries is often noted to cause multiple cerebral abscesses (in one or in both lobes) and is frequently accompanied by suppurative meningitis, periventriculitis. All cases of mutiple rhinogenous abscesses had a lethal end.", "PMID": 983308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_227", "title": "[Treatment of patients with malignant neoplasms of the nose and paranasal sinuses].", "content": "The author analyzes and discusses characteristic features of the results of combined treatment in 260 patients with malignant tumours of the superior maxilla, nose and accessory sinuses. The majority of patients were from 40 to 60 years old (81.5%). These were 158 men and 102 women. Epithelial tumours were diagnosed in 91.5%, sarcomas in 8.5% cases. The flattened-cell form of cancer with or without keratosis was diagnosed in 82.7%; other forms of cancer-in 17.3% cases. Sarcoma in women was diagnosed 3.5 times as often as in men. Tumours of the I stage were found in 12, of the II stage in 34. of the III stage in 146, of the IV stage in 73 patients. All patients were subjected to combined treatment-telegammatherapy and resection of the tumour with an electroknife. Patients with cancer of the I stage were first operated on with the electroknife and then subjected to radiotherapy with a focal dose of 3000-4000 rad. The 34 patients with cancer of the II stage underwent preoperative radiotherapy with a focal dose of 4500 to 5000 rad, then surgical intervention followed in 2-5 weeks. Preoperative radiotherapy was practiced in the 146 patients with cancer of the III stage, the total dose per focus being 5000-6000 rad, surgical intervention followed in 3-5 weeks. The 73 patients with cancer of the IV stage were operated on after radiotherapy with a focal dose of 6500-700 rad. Early and remote results of combined treatment in 260 patients were favourable. The length of life was up to 3 years in 119 (45.77%), up to 5 years in 74 (28.46%), up to 10 years in 48 (18.5%), over 10 years in 22 (8.5%) patients.", "contents": "[Treatment of patients with malignant neoplasms of the nose and paranasal sinuses]. The author analyzes and discusses characteristic features of the results of combined treatment in 260 patients with malignant tumours of the superior maxilla, nose and accessory sinuses. The majority of patients were from 40 to 60 years old (81.5%). These were 158 men and 102 women. Epithelial tumours were diagnosed in 91.5%, sarcomas in 8.5% cases. The flattened-cell form of cancer with or without keratosis was diagnosed in 82.7%; other forms of cancer-in 17.3% cases. Sarcoma in women was diagnosed 3.5 times as often as in men. Tumours of the I stage were found in 12, of the II stage in 34. of the III stage in 146, of the IV stage in 73 patients. All patients were subjected to combined treatment-telegammatherapy and resection of the tumour with an electroknife. Patients with cancer of the I stage were first operated on with the electroknife and then subjected to radiotherapy with a focal dose of 3000-4000 rad. The 34 patients with cancer of the II stage underwent preoperative radiotherapy with a focal dose of 4500 to 5000 rad, then surgical intervention followed in 2-5 weeks. Preoperative radiotherapy was practiced in the 146 patients with cancer of the III stage, the total dose per focus being 5000-6000 rad, surgical intervention followed in 3-5 weeks. The 73 patients with cancer of the IV stage were operated on after radiotherapy with a focal dose of 6500-700 rad. Early and remote results of combined treatment in 260 patients were favourable. The length of life was up to 3 years in 119 (45.77%), up to 5 years in 74 (28.46%), up to 10 years in 48 (18.5%), over 10 years in 22 (8.5%) patients.", "PMID": 983309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_228", "title": "[Differential diagnosis of allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract].", "content": "The author studied various manifestations of the most widely spread clinical forms of allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, namely, the bacterial, atopic and combined ones. In addition to clinical investigations laborotory, immunologic and functional tests were conducted. The difference in pathogenesis affected the clinical course of the disease. Some symptoms depended on the kind of sensibilization, others on how strongly pronounced the pathologic process was.", "contents": "[Differential diagnosis of allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract]. The author studied various manifestations of the most widely spread clinical forms of allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, namely, the bacterial, atopic and combined ones. In addition to clinical investigations laborotory, immunologic and functional tests were conducted. The difference in pathogenesis affected the clinical course of the disease. Some symptoms depended on the kind of sensibilization, others on how strongly pronounced the pathologic process was.", "PMID": 983310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_229", "title": "[Pathology of the lymphopharyngeal ring in children].", "content": "The condition of tonsils was studied in 9612 children of organized establishments aged up to 14 years. Diseases of the tonsils were found in 34.8% cases (simple hyperplasia in 35.6%, chronic tonsillitis in 64.4% cases). In 63.3% cases chronic tonsillitis was accompanied by tonsillar hypertrophy. In 84% cases it proceeded with signs of tonsillogenous intoxication. Lymphopharyngeal ring pathology was more often than not found in 7-14 year old children (44.6%). The authors discuss problems of pathogenesis, clinical course, diagnostics and treatment of lymphopharyngeal ring pathology in children. They suppose that tonsillar pathology in children is to be considered as a systemic disease, the leading role in its pathogenesis seems to belong to the total lymphoid system of the organism. Proceeding from the fact that the tonsils in children are of great functional importance as they take part in the formation of local and general defensive immunologic reactions of the organism, the authors consider that in children it is necessary to give preference to conservative methods in the treatment of chronic tonsillitis.", "contents": "[Pathology of the lymphopharyngeal ring in children]. The condition of tonsils was studied in 9612 children of organized establishments aged up to 14 years. Diseases of the tonsils were found in 34.8% cases (simple hyperplasia in 35.6%, chronic tonsillitis in 64.4% cases). In 63.3% cases chronic tonsillitis was accompanied by tonsillar hypertrophy. In 84% cases it proceeded with signs of tonsillogenous intoxication. Lymphopharyngeal ring pathology was more often than not found in 7-14 year old children (44.6%). The authors discuss problems of pathogenesis, clinical course, diagnostics and treatment of lymphopharyngeal ring pathology in children. They suppose that tonsillar pathology in children is to be considered as a systemic disease, the leading role in its pathogenesis seems to belong to the total lymphoid system of the organism. Proceeding from the fact that the tonsils in children are of great functional importance as they take part in the formation of local and general defensive immunologic reactions of the organism, the authors consider that in children it is necessary to give preference to conservative methods in the treatment of chronic tonsillitis.", "PMID": 983311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_230", "title": "[Teflon drainage in the complex treatment of children with acute and chronic Highmoritis].", "content": "The authors used the drainage method of treatment in 278 children with acute and 640 with chronic highmoritis, the children being from 15 to 14 years old. The use of teflon drainage introduced into Highmore's antrum by means of Kulikorvsky's needle, in the combined treatment of acute and chronic highmoritis, raises considerably the efficacy of the therapy and shortens the period of its application. The drainage method of treatment makes it possible to avoid surgical intervention on the maxillary sinus in the majority of chronic highmoritis cases.", "contents": "[Teflon drainage in the complex treatment of children with acute and chronic Highmoritis]. The authors used the drainage method of treatment in 278 children with acute and 640 with chronic highmoritis, the children being from 15 to 14 years old. The use of teflon drainage introduced into Highmore's antrum by means of Kulikorvsky's needle, in the combined treatment of acute and chronic highmoritis, raises considerably the efficacy of the therapy and shortens the period of its application. The drainage method of treatment makes it possible to avoid surgical intervention on the maxillary sinus in the majority of chronic highmoritis cases.", "PMID": 983313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_231", "title": "[Comparative findings on the use of several preparations for surface anesthesia during otorhinolaryngologic surgery].", "content": "The authors present data on a comparative study of the effect of pyromecaine, cocaine and pontocaine during a number of otorhinolaryngeal operations. A device was developed for objective evaluation of anesthesia, which graphically records the extent and duration of anesthesia in patients. Pyromecaine was used during 420 operations and manipulations in 397 patients with diseases of the nose and nasal accessory sinuses aged from 14 to 82 years. The control group consisted of 200 patients subjected to the same operations with the use of cocaine and pontocaine. Data on algography and observations of the general condition in patients showed that 2% pyromecaine solution caused good anesthetic effect in 91%, satisfactory anesthetic effect in 8%, and unsatisfactory anesthetic effect in 1% patients. On the grounds of the conducted clinical studies the authors concluded that pyromecaine approaches pontocaine in respect to the extent and duration of its effect and exceeds cocaine by 2-2.5 times. They recommend pyromecaine for certain otorhinolaryngeal operations.", "contents": "[Comparative findings on the use of several preparations for surface anesthesia during otorhinolaryngologic surgery]. The authors present data on a comparative study of the effect of pyromecaine, cocaine and pontocaine during a number of otorhinolaryngeal operations. A device was developed for objective evaluation of anesthesia, which graphically records the extent and duration of anesthesia in patients. Pyromecaine was used during 420 operations and manipulations in 397 patients with diseases of the nose and nasal accessory sinuses aged from 14 to 82 years. The control group consisted of 200 patients subjected to the same operations with the use of cocaine and pontocaine. Data on algography and observations of the general condition in patients showed that 2% pyromecaine solution caused good anesthetic effect in 91%, satisfactory anesthetic effect in 8%, and unsatisfactory anesthetic effect in 1% patients. On the grounds of the conducted clinical studies the authors concluded that pyromecaine approaches pontocaine in respect to the extent and duration of its effect and exceeds cocaine by 2-2.5 times. They recommend pyromecaine for certain otorhinolaryngeal operations.", "PMID": 983314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_232", "title": "[Tomography of the larynx in diagnosis of midline laryngeal stenosis].", "content": "With diagnostic aims the author used direct laryngeal tomography in patients with median stenosis of the larynx. Tomography made it possible to define the width of the lumen of the sumplica area. Depending on the change of the subplica area the author varied the extent of surgical intervention. He used the extralaryngeal method of vocal plica laterification in all patients. With narrow subglottis he practiced complete mobilization of the elastic cone and its subsequent laterification; with wide subglottis he mobilized only the uper edge of the elastic cone. He succeeded in obtaining good functional results concerning respiration in all patients.", "contents": "[Tomography of the larynx in diagnosis of midline laryngeal stenosis]. With diagnostic aims the author used direct laryngeal tomography in patients with median stenosis of the larynx. Tomography made it possible to define the width of the lumen of the sumplica area. Depending on the change of the subplica area the author varied the extent of surgical intervention. He used the extralaryngeal method of vocal plica laterification in all patients. With narrow subglottis he practiced complete mobilization of the elastic cone and its subsequent laterification; with wide subglottis he mobilized only the uper edge of the elastic cone. He succeeded in obtaining good functional results concerning respiration in all patients.", "PMID": 983315} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_233", "title": "[Analysis of short-term and remote anatomic and functional results of surgical treatment of patients with congenital palatal defects].", "content": "The author analyses clinical observations in 400 patients with congenital non-union of the palate and 150 cases with palatine-pharyngeal insufficiency who had undergone uranium-staphyloplasty and presents data on characteristics of the defects and non-union, ways of their elimination and elements of methods used. Data on early and remote anatomical and functional results of surgical intervention are also given. The author points out that combined efforts of specialists are necessary for the treatment of such patients. He suggests ways of effective treatment and calls the attention of public health and public education organs to the fact that joint efforts are necessary for solving the problem of rehabilitation of patients with congenital defects of the palate.", "contents": "[Analysis of short-term and remote anatomic and functional results of surgical treatment of patients with congenital palatal defects]. The author analyses clinical observations in 400 patients with congenital non-union of the palate and 150 cases with palatine-pharyngeal insufficiency who had undergone uranium-staphyloplasty and presents data on characteristics of the defects and non-union, ways of their elimination and elements of methods used. Data on early and remote anatomical and functional results of surgical intervention are also given. The author points out that combined efforts of specialists are necessary for the treatment of such patients. He suggests ways of effective treatment and calls the attention of public health and public education organs to the fact that joint efforts are necessary for solving the problem of rehabilitation of patients with congenital defects of the palate.", "PMID": 983312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_234", "title": "[Cellular composition of palatine tonsil imprints in the differential diagnosis of uncomplicated chronic tonsillitis with a tonsillo-cardiac syndrome and chronic tonsillitis with rheumatism].", "content": "The authors studied imprints of tonsillar sections stained both by the method of Pappeneheim and that of Stockinger and Kellner taken from 205 patients with chronic non-complicated tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis with tonsillocardiac syndrome and chronic tonsillitis with rheumatism, the rheumatic process being of various stages of activity. A comparison of the preparations received shows that the organism's immunologic reformation resulting from the rheumatic process is characterised by growing reticulolymphoblastic, plasmocellular and macrophage reactions and vivification of sinuslymphocytopoiesis which proved to be in strict correlation with the extent of rheumatic activity.", "contents": "[Cellular composition of palatine tonsil imprints in the differential diagnosis of uncomplicated chronic tonsillitis with a tonsillo-cardiac syndrome and chronic tonsillitis with rheumatism]. The authors studied imprints of tonsillar sections stained both by the method of Pappeneheim and that of Stockinger and Kellner taken from 205 patients with chronic non-complicated tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis with tonsillocardiac syndrome and chronic tonsillitis with rheumatism, the rheumatic process being of various stages of activity. A comparison of the preparations received shows that the organism's immunologic reformation resulting from the rheumatic process is characterised by growing reticulolymphoblastic, plasmocellular and macrophage reactions and vivification of sinuslymphocytopoiesis which proved to be in strict correlation with the extent of rheumatic activity.", "PMID": 983317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_235", "title": "[Inhalation of an extract from the leaf buds of the deltoid poplar during the early period following tonsillectomy].", "content": "To prevent inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract during early periods after tonsillectomy (2-7 days) the authors practiced inhalations of the extract of Eastern poplar leaf buds in 40 patients with chronic tonsillitis after the operation. The use of the extract of Eastern poplar leaf buds at early periods after tonsillectomy promotes abating of pains, speedy cicatrization of postoperative wounds, decrease of reactive inflammation in the pharynx and improvement of the general condition in the patients.", "contents": "[Inhalation of an extract from the leaf buds of the deltoid poplar during the early period following tonsillectomy]. To prevent inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract during early periods after tonsillectomy (2-7 days) the authors practiced inhalations of the extract of Eastern poplar leaf buds in 40 patients with chronic tonsillitis after the operation. The use of the extract of Eastern poplar leaf buds at early periods after tonsillectomy promotes abating of pains, speedy cicatrization of postoperative wounds, decrease of reactive inflammation in the pharynx and improvement of the general condition in the patients.", "PMID": 983316} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_236", "title": "[Application of \"subjective gustometry and olfactometry\" for determination of reaction kinetics during sensorical changes in technological processes (author's transl)].", "content": "Under special conditions the \"subjective gustometry and olfactometry\" (SGO) allows to combine the concentration with the intensity of flavour components by theoretical means. In this way it can be used for quantitative determination of flavour concentrations as well as for kinetic measurements of sensorical changes. Thus the equations of chemical reaction kinetics (reactionorder, speed and temperature dependancy) can be used for calculation of sensorical changes as theoretically demonstrated for the formation and decomposition of different flavour components. The requirements for indicators, aroma indices, technological processes and storage conditions for a special quality criterium can also be calculated. By using the formation of cooked flavour in apple juice as a practical example the correctness of the theoretical calculations is demonstrated.", "contents": "[Application of \"subjective gustometry and olfactometry\" for determination of reaction kinetics during sensorical changes in technological processes (author's transl)]. Under special conditions the \"subjective gustometry and olfactometry\" (SGO) allows to combine the concentration with the intensity of flavour components by theoretical means. In this way it can be used for quantitative determination of flavour concentrations as well as for kinetic measurements of sensorical changes. Thus the equations of chemical reaction kinetics (reactionorder, speed and temperature dependancy) can be used for calculation of sensorical changes as theoretically demonstrated for the formation and decomposition of different flavour components. The requirements for indicators, aroma indices, technological processes and storage conditions for a special quality criterium can also be calculated. By using the formation of cooked flavour in apple juice as a practical example the correctness of the theoretical calculations is demonstrated.", "PMID": 983332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_237", "title": "[Digital densimetric method for the determination of enzymatic reaction rates (author's transl)].", "content": "A new digital method of density measurement has been developed for the determination of enzymatic reaction rates. The method by means of which reaction kinetics can be pursued in a very easy way is particularly suited for hydrolases. The results obtained in studies on invertase and lipase are reported in this paper.", "contents": "[Digital densimetric method for the determination of enzymatic reaction rates (author's transl)]. A new digital method of density measurement has been developed for the determination of enzymatic reaction rates. The method by means of which reaction kinetics can be pursued in a very easy way is particularly suited for hydrolases. The results obtained in studies on invertase and lipase are reported in this paper.", "PMID": 983333} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_238", "title": "[Steric arrangement of sweet and bitter taste of amino acids and peptides (author's transl)].", "content": "The occurrence of sweet or bitter taste of amino acids and peptides is related with the steric arrangement of polar and hydrophobic groups in the molecule.", "contents": "[Steric arrangement of sweet and bitter taste of amino acids and peptides (author's transl)]. The occurrence of sweet or bitter taste of amino acids and peptides is related with the steric arrangement of polar and hydrophobic groups in the molecule.", "PMID": 983334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_239", "title": "[Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons from grapes (author's transl)].", "content": "After separation by column chromatography on silicagel and preparative gas chromatography 14 sesquiterpene hydrocarbons have been identified in aroma extracts from grapes by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry: alpha-copaene, beta-ylangene, beta-bourbonene, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-guaiene, alpha-humulene, alpha- and gamma-muurolene, germacren D, beta-selinene, alpha-farnesene, gamma- and delta-cadinene and calamenene.", "contents": "[Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons from grapes (author's transl)]. After separation by column chromatography on silicagel and preparative gas chromatography 14 sesquiterpene hydrocarbons have been identified in aroma extracts from grapes by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry: alpha-copaene, beta-ylangene, beta-bourbonene, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-guaiene, alpha-humulene, alpha- and gamma-muurolene, germacren D, beta-selinene, alpha-farnesene, gamma- and delta-cadinene and calamenene.", "PMID": 983335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_240", "title": "[Spectrophotometrical determination of paprika-pigments (author's transl)].", "content": "A simple, routine-method is given for the quantitative evaluation of the total yellow and red pigments respectively of red paprika, from the two-peaks spectral curves of the total extract. The method gives the possibility of quantitative evaluation even of paprika samples of lower quality with a high content of yellow pigments.", "contents": "[Spectrophotometrical determination of paprika-pigments (author's transl)]. A simple, routine-method is given for the quantitative evaluation of the total yellow and red pigments respectively of red paprika, from the two-peaks spectral curves of the total extract. The method gives the possibility of quantitative evaluation even of paprika samples of lower quality with a high content of yellow pigments.", "PMID": 983336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_241", "title": "Steam volatile aroma constituents of roasted coffee: neutral fraction.", "content": "The volatile components of roasted coffee, isolated by normal-pressure steam distillation, were separated into basic and neutral fractions. The neutral fraction was analysed on a UCON HB 5100 glass capillary column (200 m x 0.31 mm i.d.) coupled to a low-resolution mass spectrometer. One hundred and twenty compounds were identified, of which twenty-six had not been previously reported in coffee aroma. Identification of the structures of the newly identified compounds was accomplished by comparison of their mass spectra with reference spectra. GLC retention times were used to confirm identifications. The new compounds identified for the first time in roasted coffee include 15 furans, 6 pyrroles, 3 thiophenes, and 2 ketones. Of the 15 furans eight methylvinylfurans, dimethyl-vinylfurans and alkenylfurans, which had not been previously found in roasted foodstuffs, should be specially mentioned. Mass-spectral data of the newly identified substances are tabulated. Fragmentation patterns of N-acetyl-2-methylpyrrole, N-furfuryl-2-methylpyrrole, 2-vinyl-3-methylfuran and 2-vinyl-3,5-dimethylfuran are discussed. Comments are made with respect to possible formation patterns and precursors in green coffee beans.", "contents": "Steam volatile aroma constituents of roasted coffee: neutral fraction. The volatile components of roasted coffee, isolated by normal-pressure steam distillation, were separated into basic and neutral fractions. The neutral fraction was analysed on a UCON HB 5100 glass capillary column (200 m x 0.31 mm i.d.) coupled to a low-resolution mass spectrometer. One hundred and twenty compounds were identified, of which twenty-six had not been previously reported in coffee aroma. Identification of the structures of the newly identified compounds was accomplished by comparison of their mass spectra with reference spectra. GLC retention times were used to confirm identifications. The new compounds identified for the first time in roasted coffee include 15 furans, 6 pyrroles, 3 thiophenes, and 2 ketones. Of the 15 furans eight methylvinylfurans, dimethyl-vinylfurans and alkenylfurans, which had not been previously found in roasted foodstuffs, should be specially mentioned. Mass-spectral data of the newly identified substances are tabulated. Fragmentation patterns of N-acetyl-2-methylpyrrole, N-furfuryl-2-methylpyrrole, 2-vinyl-3-methylfuran and 2-vinyl-3,5-dimethylfuran are discussed. Comments are made with respect to possible formation patterns and precursors in green coffee beans.", "PMID": 983337} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_242", "title": "[Lead- and cadmium-content of foodstuffs 1. Lead- and Cadmium-content of spices and table salt (author's transl)].", "content": "The lead and cadmium contents in more than 50 commercially available spices and spice mixtures were determined. About 75% of the lead-values were below 1 ppm. About 30% of the cadmium-values were between 0.1 and 0.5 ppm, about 60% below 0.1 ppm, and in about 10% of the products cadmium was not found (less than 0.004 ppm Cd). In table salt lead contents of up to 1.8 ppm were found, while cadmium was below or slightly above the detection limit.", "contents": "[Lead- and cadmium-content of foodstuffs 1. Lead- and Cadmium-content of spices and table salt (author's transl)]. The lead and cadmium contents in more than 50 commercially available spices and spice mixtures were determined. About 75% of the lead-values were below 1 ppm. About 30% of the cadmium-values were between 0.1 and 0.5 ppm, about 60% below 0.1 ppm, and in about 10% of the products cadmium was not found (less than 0.004 ppm Cd). In table salt lead contents of up to 1.8 ppm were found, while cadmium was below or slightly above the detection limit.", "PMID": 983338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_243", "title": "Mycotoxins in foodstuffs. VI. Formation of sterigmatocystin in bread by Aspergillus versicolor.", "content": "Sterigmatocystin was formed on different kinds of bread (whole wheat bread, whole rye bread, whole rye bread with shredded wheat, whole wheat bread with wheat germs and whole wheat bread with linseed) by two strains of Aspergillus versicolor. The highest yields were in the range of 0.1-0,4 mug/g. The growth of the moulds and the toxin production were influenced by the total acid content (\"S\u00e4uregrad\"; must be less than approximately 9) and by the temperature (optimal growth temperature: 20-30 degrees C, optimal temperature for toxin synthesis: 20 degrees C). After 10 days of incubation most of the toxin was already formed.", "contents": "Mycotoxins in foodstuffs. VI. Formation of sterigmatocystin in bread by Aspergillus versicolor. Sterigmatocystin was formed on different kinds of bread (whole wheat bread, whole rye bread, whole rye bread with shredded wheat, whole wheat bread with wheat germs and whole wheat bread with linseed) by two strains of Aspergillus versicolor. The highest yields were in the range of 0.1-0,4 mug/g. The growth of the moulds and the toxin production were influenced by the total acid content (\"S\u00e4uregrad\"; must be less than approximately 9) and by the temperature (optimal growth temperature: 20-30 degrees C, optimal temperature for toxin synthesis: 20 degrees C). After 10 days of incubation most of the toxin was already formed.", "PMID": 983339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_244", "title": "Determination of aflatoxins in groundnut meals by high performance liquid chromatography.", "content": "A method for determination of aflatoxins in groundnut meals by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was investigated. After extraction and purification according to the AOAC \"CB\" method, an extract is injected on a Corasil II column and eluted by n-hexane/chloroform/ethanol (50+49.7+0.3), Detection is performed with an UV detector. The developed method makes it possible to determine aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2. The detection limit for aflatoxin B1 is 50 p.p.b. using a 254-nm UV detector, or less with more effective detectors (absorption at 350-360 nm).", "contents": "Determination of aflatoxins in groundnut meals by high performance liquid chromatography. A method for determination of aflatoxins in groundnut meals by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was investigated. After extraction and purification according to the AOAC \"CB\" method, an extract is injected on a Corasil II column and eluted by n-hexane/chloroform/ethanol (50+49.7+0.3), Detection is performed with an UV detector. The developed method makes it possible to determine aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2. The detection limit for aflatoxin B1 is 50 p.p.b. using a 254-nm UV detector, or less with more effective detectors (absorption at 350-360 nm).", "PMID": 983340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_245", "title": "Tests for gyromitrin, a poisonous compound in false morel gyromitra esculenta.", "content": "The amount of hydrazine compounds, calculated as gyromitrin (N-methyl-N-formyl hydrazone of acetaldehyde) remaining in false morels during drying and cooking processes was followed. Boiling of false morels in a large amount of water for 10 minutes, the usual household procedure, destroys an average of 99.5% of the hydrazines. The amount of hydrazines in dried false samples was not constant: the 99-100% of the original amount was lost during the drying process. The mass, infra-red, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra of synthetic gyromitrin were recorded. The NMR spectra were analyzed with double resonance methods.", "contents": "Tests for gyromitrin, a poisonous compound in false morel gyromitra esculenta. The amount of hydrazine compounds, calculated as gyromitrin (N-methyl-N-formyl hydrazone of acetaldehyde) remaining in false morels during drying and cooking processes was followed. Boiling of false morels in a large amount of water for 10 minutes, the usual household procedure, destroys an average of 99.5% of the hydrazines. The amount of hydrazines in dried false samples was not constant: the 99-100% of the original amount was lost during the drying process. The mass, infra-red, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra of synthetic gyromitrin were recorded. The NMR spectra were analyzed with double resonance methods.", "PMID": 983341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_246", "title": "[Volatile phenolic components in beer, smoked beer, and sherry (author's transl)].", "content": "Volatile phenolic compounds of beer, wort, smoked beer, and sherry were enriched, separated, identified, and quantified by means of the methods of column chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The analyzed foods are significantly varying in the composition and quantity of the phenolic components. Four origins of phenolics in food are shown by these results.", "contents": "[Volatile phenolic components in beer, smoked beer, and sherry (author's transl)]. Volatile phenolic compounds of beer, wort, smoked beer, and sherry were enriched, separated, identified, and quantified by means of the methods of column chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The analyzed foods are significantly varying in the composition and quantity of the phenolic components. Four origins of phenolics in food are shown by these results.", "PMID": 983342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_247", "title": "[Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric investigations on the formation of phenolic and aromatic hydrocarbons in food (author's transl)].", "content": "Phenolic compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons are components in many foods and often typical flavoring substances for example of roasted and smoked products. They are also of toxicological importance. By means of model reactions we have investigated their formation by thermal fragmentation of cinnamic, p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic acids. The products of these reactions were determined by gas chromatography and identified by mass spectrometry or infrared spectroscopy. Product ratio and mass spectra are given. Barley was roasted in a similar manner, and the components formed were identified. Column chromatography and preparative gas chromatography were used for preliminary separation.", "contents": "[Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric investigations on the formation of phenolic and aromatic hydrocarbons in food (author's transl)]. Phenolic compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons are components in many foods and often typical flavoring substances for example of roasted and smoked products. They are also of toxicological importance. By means of model reactions we have investigated their formation by thermal fragmentation of cinnamic, p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic acids. The products of these reactions were determined by gas chromatography and identified by mass spectrometry or infrared spectroscopy. Product ratio and mass spectra are given. Barley was roasted in a similar manner, and the components formed were identified. Column chromatography and preparative gas chromatography were used for preliminary separation.", "PMID": 983343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_248", "title": "[Quantitative determination of volatile nitrosamines in cigarette smoke (author's transl)].", "content": "Volatile nitrosamines from the smoke of different cigarettes were enriched by manifold clean-up procedures. Amines obtained after acid catalyzed denitrosation were transformed to fluorescent derivates of 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzofuranzane (NBD-Cl). These NBD-amines separated on polyamid sheets were fluorimetrically determined with a chromatogram-spectrophotometer. Recovery rates of 60--80% were found for the different nitrosamines in cigarette smoke condensate. The following nitrosamines were quantitatively determined: N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosodiethylamine, N-nitrosopiperidine, N-nitrosopyrrolidine, N-nitrosoethylmethylamine, N-nitroso-ethyln-propylamine and N-nitroso-methyl-n-propylamine, N-nitroso-ethyl-n-propylamine and N-nitroso-methyl-n-propylamine. The last mentioned nitrosamine was proved for the first time in cigarette smoke. At the same time correlations between the nitrosamine content of the corresponding tobacco or condensate and the content of nitrate, total nitrogen, nicotine, volatile bases and ammonia were investigated. The nitrate content as well as the content of volatile bases showed an influence on the nitrosamine yield. The content of the different nitrosamines varied cosiderably depending on tobacco origin, so that a NNO-determination is recommended as index.", "contents": "[Quantitative determination of volatile nitrosamines in cigarette smoke (author's transl)]. Volatile nitrosamines from the smoke of different cigarettes were enriched by manifold clean-up procedures. Amines obtained after acid catalyzed denitrosation were transformed to fluorescent derivates of 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzofuranzane (NBD-Cl). These NBD-amines separated on polyamid sheets were fluorimetrically determined with a chromatogram-spectrophotometer. Recovery rates of 60--80% were found for the different nitrosamines in cigarette smoke condensate. The following nitrosamines were quantitatively determined: N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosodiethylamine, N-nitrosopiperidine, N-nitrosopyrrolidine, N-nitrosoethylmethylamine, N-nitroso-ethyln-propylamine and N-nitroso-methyl-n-propylamine, N-nitroso-ethyl-n-propylamine and N-nitroso-methyl-n-propylamine. The last mentioned nitrosamine was proved for the first time in cigarette smoke. At the same time correlations between the nitrosamine content of the corresponding tobacco or condensate and the content of nitrate, total nitrogen, nicotine, volatile bases and ammonia were investigated. The nitrate content as well as the content of volatile bases showed an influence on the nitrosamine yield. The content of the different nitrosamines varied cosiderably depending on tobacco origin, so that a NNO-determination is recommended as index.", "PMID": 983344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_249", "title": "[Influence of water activity on the enzymatic changes in freeze-dehydrated muscle. II. Reactions of carbohydrates (author's transl)].", "content": "During storage of prerigor freeze-dried beef, glycogen is not broken down even at 97.5% r.h. (moisture content of the meat about 30%). However, the metabolites of glycogen -- glucose, fructose, and their phosphoric acid esters -- are changed during storage at r.h. greater than 25%, mainly by the effect of glycolytic enzymes. Also nonenzymic reactions of the Maillard type seem to occur. An accelerated breakdown of these carbohydrates with increasing water activity was found. Even though the sugar monophosphates are broken down, no increase in C3 metabolites was found. The reason for this could be that the energy-rich compounds glyceraldehyde phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate form complexes with some proteins. It is suggested that also pyruvate reacts with free amino groups of proteins. The breakdown of carbohydrates increases in uncooked freeze-dried samples above 60% r.h. whereas nonenzymatic reactions of the Maillard type reach a maximum rate at nonenzymatic reactions of the Maillard type reach a maximum rate at 60% r.h. This also shows that the disappearance of carbohydrates during storage of freeze-dried prerigor beef is mainly due to enzymatic processes.", "contents": "[Influence of water activity on the enzymatic changes in freeze-dehydrated muscle. II. Reactions of carbohydrates (author's transl)]. During storage of prerigor freeze-dried beef, glycogen is not broken down even at 97.5% r.h. (moisture content of the meat about 30%). However, the metabolites of glycogen -- glucose, fructose, and their phosphoric acid esters -- are changed during storage at r.h. greater than 25%, mainly by the effect of glycolytic enzymes. Also nonenzymic reactions of the Maillard type seem to occur. An accelerated breakdown of these carbohydrates with increasing water activity was found. Even though the sugar monophosphates are broken down, no increase in C3 metabolites was found. The reason for this could be that the energy-rich compounds glyceraldehyde phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate form complexes with some proteins. It is suggested that also pyruvate reacts with free amino groups of proteins. The breakdown of carbohydrates increases in uncooked freeze-dried samples above 60% r.h. whereas nonenzymatic reactions of the Maillard type reach a maximum rate at nonenzymatic reactions of the Maillard type reach a maximum rate at 60% r.h. This also shows that the disappearance of carbohydrates during storage of freeze-dried prerigor beef is mainly due to enzymatic processes.", "PMID": 983345} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_250", "title": "[Patulin in foods of vegetable origin I. Pomaceous fruit and products made out of it (author's transl)].", "content": "Patulin can be detected in apples and pears which have spontaneously been affected with brown rot after storage at room temperature and at 1 degrees C. Spoilage phenomena of this kind can be caused by Penicillium expansum, but also by P. urticae and Bysssochlamys nivea. If apples are stored at room temperature following a 4--5 months' storage at 4 degrees C, the patulin content of the rotten parts of the apple tissue. In applie puree made under household conditions the patulin content of the initial material is reduced by about 90%.", "contents": "[Patulin in foods of vegetable origin I. Pomaceous fruit and products made out of it (author's transl)]. Patulin can be detected in apples and pears which have spontaneously been affected with brown rot after storage at room temperature and at 1 degrees C. Spoilage phenomena of this kind can be caused by Penicillium expansum, but also by P. urticae and Bysssochlamys nivea. If apples are stored at room temperature following a 4--5 months' storage at 4 degrees C, the patulin content of the rotten parts of the apple tissue. In applie puree made under household conditions the patulin content of the initial material is reduced by about 90%.", "PMID": 983346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_251", "title": "[Analysis of polysaccharides used as food additives. V. Gaschromatographic identification of hydrolysis products in uronic acids containing polysaccharides].", "content": "Alduronic acids can be found among the monomeric units of polysaccharides, which are used as stabilisators in the food industry. Gaschromatographically they cannot be separated directly by the way of their aldonitrilacetates but it is possible by the procedure described. The 1-0-methylalduronic-acidmethylesters, obtained by the methanolysis of the polysaccharides, are reduced with boronhydrid to the corresponding methyl glycosides; there are split with acid to the aldoses, which are converted in pyridine with hydroxylamine to the aldoximes and than with acetic anhydride to the aldonitrilacetates, which can be separated by gaschromatography without difficulty.", "contents": "[Analysis of polysaccharides used as food additives. V. Gaschromatographic identification of hydrolysis products in uronic acids containing polysaccharides]. Alduronic acids can be found among the monomeric units of polysaccharides, which are used as stabilisators in the food industry. Gaschromatographically they cannot be separated directly by the way of their aldonitrilacetates but it is possible by the procedure described. The 1-0-methylalduronic-acidmethylesters, obtained by the methanolysis of the polysaccharides, are reduced with boronhydrid to the corresponding methyl glycosides; there are split with acid to the aldoses, which are converted in pyridine with hydroxylamine to the aldoximes and than with acetic anhydride to the aldonitrilacetates, which can be separated by gaschromatography without difficulty.", "PMID": 983347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_252", "title": "[Studies on the determination of gelatine in milk products especially in yoghurt (author's transl)].", "content": "Gelatine may be determined in yoghurt and similar milk products after total hydrolysis with HCl in the presence of SnCl2 via the content of hydroxyprolin. The high proportion of carbohydrates requires the use of high amounts of SnCl2, since the stannic ions cannot be removed without great lossess of hydroxyprolin. The lossess, however, are well reproducible so that the determination can be performed with an accuracy of +/- 5% by means of calibration curves. Since the gelatine qualities used in the dairy industry are varying in their content of hydroxyprolin by +/- 10%, the determination of the gelatine portion in yoghurt may be performed within a range of 0.05 -- 1.00% with an accuracy of aroung +/- 15%.", "contents": "[Studies on the determination of gelatine in milk products especially in yoghurt (author's transl)]. Gelatine may be determined in yoghurt and similar milk products after total hydrolysis with HCl in the presence of SnCl2 via the content of hydroxyprolin. The high proportion of carbohydrates requires the use of high amounts of SnCl2, since the stannic ions cannot be removed without great lossess of hydroxyprolin. The lossess, however, are well reproducible so that the determination can be performed with an accuracy of +/- 5% by means of calibration curves. Since the gelatine qualities used in the dairy industry are varying in their content of hydroxyprolin by +/- 10%, the determination of the gelatine portion in yoghurt may be performed within a range of 0.05 -- 1.00% with an accuracy of aroung +/- 15%.", "PMID": 983348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_253", "title": "Self-mutilations in private-accident-insurance cases.", "content": "Self-inflicted injuries can be classified in groups. One group deals with the simulation of illness, another with the occurrence itself and the application of chemical, thermic or mechanical methods. One sector concerns self-mutilation, which, from a psychiatrist's point of view, is interesting. At this time we are more concerned with the problems of proving it. In wartime and even during military service in peace-time soldiers inflict mutilating injuries on themselves. They are motivated by the notion that they will gain benefit from their action. Economic gain plays a role in the case of people who have taken out private accident insurance: self mutilation to simulate the result of an accident. Our investigation into self-mutilation started with an analysis under the following aspects of 123 cases: age, sex, occupation, place of residence, place and time of deed, method employed (weapon used), localisation, single or multiple wound, direction of injury, position of fingers, nature of edges of wound. Whether or not an injury was suffered voluntarily or involuntarily can only be determined with the help of auxiliary facts. It must be clarified whether or not the information given by the injured person ties in with facts concerning the place where the injury was sustained, its position and its direction. The medico-legal expert should not interpret medical findings without relating them to the facts of the case. Indeed, he should start by examining the claimant's account of the accident. To some extent it almost requires the work of a general staff to compare the findings of a careful medical investigation with the injuries themselves. If the injury was inflicted by a certain tool information must be available regarding, for example, the \"accident with the saw\" together with an assessment of the wounds sustained (utilization of clinical material). Sometimes tests on corpses need to be carried out because these can provide information on mechanical and physical problems. When the direction of the wound is being clarified together with an appraisal of any traces found electron scanning and microscopic tests should also be incorporated into the examination in addition to medical and X-ray tests. At the slightest suspicion that a wound might have been self-inflicted appropriate tests should be carried out immediately. Conclusions should only be drawn by someone who has made an intensive study of this special field which is of such great forensic interest.", "contents": "Self-mutilations in private-accident-insurance cases. Self-inflicted injuries can be classified in groups. One group deals with the simulation of illness, another with the occurrence itself and the application of chemical, thermic or mechanical methods. One sector concerns self-mutilation, which, from a psychiatrist's point of view, is interesting. At this time we are more concerned with the problems of proving it. In wartime and even during military service in peace-time soldiers inflict mutilating injuries on themselves. They are motivated by the notion that they will gain benefit from their action. Economic gain plays a role in the case of people who have taken out private accident insurance: self mutilation to simulate the result of an accident. Our investigation into self-mutilation started with an analysis under the following aspects of 123 cases: age, sex, occupation, place of residence, place and time of deed, method employed (weapon used), localisation, single or multiple wound, direction of injury, position of fingers, nature of edges of wound. Whether or not an injury was suffered voluntarily or involuntarily can only be determined with the help of auxiliary facts. It must be clarified whether or not the information given by the injured person ties in with facts concerning the place where the injury was sustained, its position and its direction. The medico-legal expert should not interpret medical findings without relating them to the facts of the case. Indeed, he should start by examining the claimant's account of the accident. To some extent it almost requires the work of a general staff to compare the findings of a careful medical investigation with the injuries themselves. If the injury was inflicted by a certain tool information must be available regarding, for example, the \"accident with the saw\" together with an assessment of the wounds sustained (utilization of clinical material). Sometimes tests on corpses need to be carried out because these can provide information on mechanical and physical problems. When the direction of the wound is being clarified together with an appraisal of any traces found electron scanning and microscopic tests should also be incorporated into the examination in addition to medical and X-ray tests. At the slightest suspicion that a wound might have been self-inflicted appropriate tests should be carried out immediately. Conclusions should only be drawn by someone who has made an intensive study of this special field which is of such great forensic interest.", "PMID": 983349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_254", "title": "Differences in the demonstration of C3 polymorphism in high-voltage gel electrophoresis depending on agarose quality. Investigations of rare C3 variants in Behring agarose AGS 082.", "content": "Different batches of agarose may lead to migration differences in the demonstration of C3 polymorphism in high-voltage gel electrophoresis. We studied a particular batch (i.e. AGS 082) which caused two basic phenomena concerning mobility and electrophoretic position of C3 phenotypes: 1. C3 variants migrate to the cathode, apparently due to a positive net charge of the protein caused by this agarose batch. 2. The relative mobility of slow and fast bands is virtually reversed. Previously obtained results are controlled and verified by further investigations on rare C3 variants. The possible causes of the net charge differences of the C3 proteins in various agarose batches are discussed.", "contents": "Differences in the demonstration of C3 polymorphism in high-voltage gel electrophoresis depending on agarose quality. Investigations of rare C3 variants in Behring agarose AGS 082. Different batches of agarose may lead to migration differences in the demonstration of C3 polymorphism in high-voltage gel electrophoresis. We studied a particular batch (i.e. AGS 082) which caused two basic phenomena concerning mobility and electrophoretic position of C3 phenotypes: 1. C3 variants migrate to the cathode, apparently due to a positive net charge of the protein caused by this agarose batch. 2. The relative mobility of slow and fast bands is virtually reversed. Previously obtained results are controlled and verified by further investigations on rare C3 variants. The possible causes of the net charge differences of the C3 proteins in various agarose batches are discussed.", "PMID": 983350} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_255", "title": "[Esterase D polymorphism: phenotype- and gene frequencies in Northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein) (author's transl)].", "content": "Esterase D phenotypes were determined in a population sample of Northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein) by starch gel electrophoresis. The gene frequencies in 1088 unrelated individuals were calculated with 0,902574 (+/- 0,006357) for EsD1 and 0,097426 (+/- 0,06357) for EsD2; rare phenotypes were not observed. Family investigations support the assumed modus of autosomal codominant inheritance.", "contents": "[Esterase D polymorphism: phenotype- and gene frequencies in Northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein) (author's transl)]. Esterase D phenotypes were determined in a population sample of Northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein) by starch gel electrophoresis. The gene frequencies in 1088 unrelated individuals were calculated with 0,902574 (+/- 0,006357) for EsD1 and 0,097426 (+/- 0,06357) for EsD2; rare phenotypes were not observed. Family investigations support the assumed modus of autosomal codominant inheritance.", "PMID": 983351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_256", "title": "[Polymorphism in alkaline phosphatase (author's transl)].", "content": "1. In horizontal starch-gel electrophoresis placental extracts show an alkaline phosphatase polymorphism which - according to ROBSON and HARRIS - depends on the fetal genotype. Investigations carried out with a series of 73 placentas revealed 5 of the common 6 phenotypes. Their frequencies were in good accordance with the figures published by the English authors. However, there had been difficulties in typing because of obscrue realizing of the patterns. 2. Although there exists a polymorphism of the heart-stable alkaline phosphatase as observed in 66 serum samples from women at delivery, only four types could be distinguished which, however, could not be related to the placental patterns with any certainty. 3. In all but one of 66 samples of cord serum, investigated simultaneously, a single band only could be observed moving at a slower speed than the serum bands of adult pregnant and non-pregnant persons. This is in conformity with the results of the other investigators. 4. In 18 samples of unheated serum the amount of heat-labile alkaline phosphatase was unimportant and did not alter the features of the heat-stable portion of the enzyme. 5. Contrary to expectations, the alkaline phosphatase polymorphism has no medicolegal relevance.", "contents": "[Polymorphism in alkaline phosphatase (author's transl)]. 1. In horizontal starch-gel electrophoresis placental extracts show an alkaline phosphatase polymorphism which - according to ROBSON and HARRIS - depends on the fetal genotype. Investigations carried out with a series of 73 placentas revealed 5 of the common 6 phenotypes. Their frequencies were in good accordance with the figures published by the English authors. However, there had been difficulties in typing because of obscrue realizing of the patterns. 2. Although there exists a polymorphism of the heart-stable alkaline phosphatase as observed in 66 serum samples from women at delivery, only four types could be distinguished which, however, could not be related to the placental patterns with any certainty. 3. In all but one of 66 samples of cord serum, investigated simultaneously, a single band only could be observed moving at a slower speed than the serum bands of adult pregnant and non-pregnant persons. This is in conformity with the results of the other investigators. 4. In 18 samples of unheated serum the amount of heat-labile alkaline phosphatase was unimportant and did not alter the features of the heat-stable portion of the enzyme. 5. Contrary to expectations, the alkaline phosphatase polymorphism has no medicolegal relevance.", "PMID": 983352} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_257", "title": "Intoxication--suicide or not?", "content": "It is often impossible to decide whether a death due to poisoning with drugs and/or alcohol is accidental or intentional. In 1965 WHO introduced the category \"uncertain cases of death\" in the official statistics. The number of cases in this category has increased and constitutes at present in Sweden between 30 and 70 per cent of the total number of suicides. In Malm\u00f6 (1972-1973) most of these deaths were due to lethal poisoning with drugs and/or alcohol. When discussing suicidal rates it is important to include those cases.", "contents": "Intoxication--suicide or not? It is often impossible to decide whether a death due to poisoning with drugs and/or alcohol is accidental or intentional. In 1965 WHO introduced the category \"uncertain cases of death\" in the official statistics. The number of cases in this category has increased and constitutes at present in Sweden between 30 and 70 per cent of the total number of suicides. In Malm\u00f6 (1972-1973) most of these deaths were due to lethal poisoning with drugs and/or alcohol. When discussing suicidal rates it is important to include those cases.", "PMID": 983354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_258", "title": "[Significance of coagulation disorders and inflammatory immune reaction in an infectious model of rheumatoid arthritis. I. Systemic, shock-like coagulopathy and fibrin incorporation as indicators of rheumatoid manifestations in the erysipelas model].", "content": "A combined study employing plethysmographical, scintillation counting and coagulation methods indicates that a coagulation crisis in combination with fibrin overproduction may be an indicator of a beginning arthritis of rheumatoid character. Rats which received a single subcutaneous infection with erysipelas bacteria exhibit a shock resembling crisis two days post inoculation as substantiated by the consumption of coagulation factors II, V, VIII, XII and decrease of platelets. This consumption of coagulation factors is characterized by a rapid compensatory increase of platelets, antihaemophilic factor VIII and fibrin, 5 times more in the pig and 3 1/2 times more in the rat than in control animals. In adult rats the overproduction of fibrin is combined with an intense concealed consumption of fibrin in all organs of manifestation. Only in young rats an absolute consumption of fibrin is observed. The incorporation of fibrin into connective tissue is accompanied by fibrin consumption as demonstrated by immunofluorescence, by oedema of the paw, and by mesenchymal proliferation as substantiated by scintillation counting of incorporated 35SO4 and 3H-Proline, as markers for the beginning synthesis of ground substances and collagen. This model supports the importance of an initial vascular phase for the subsequent phase of manifestation in chronic rheumatoid diseases. It is discussed whether the organ specific permeability of the affected organs (joints, heart, arteries and eyes) may be a localizing factor of organ manifestation, parallel to the hormonal mesenchymal reaction.", "contents": "[Significance of coagulation disorders and inflammatory immune reaction in an infectious model of rheumatoid arthritis. I. Systemic, shock-like coagulopathy and fibrin incorporation as indicators of rheumatoid manifestations in the erysipelas model]. A combined study employing plethysmographical, scintillation counting and coagulation methods indicates that a coagulation crisis in combination with fibrin overproduction may be an indicator of a beginning arthritis of rheumatoid character. Rats which received a single subcutaneous infection with erysipelas bacteria exhibit a shock resembling crisis two days post inoculation as substantiated by the consumption of coagulation factors II, V, VIII, XII and decrease of platelets. This consumption of coagulation factors is characterized by a rapid compensatory increase of platelets, antihaemophilic factor VIII and fibrin, 5 times more in the pig and 3 1/2 times more in the rat than in control animals. In adult rats the overproduction of fibrin is combined with an intense concealed consumption of fibrin in all organs of manifestation. Only in young rats an absolute consumption of fibrin is observed. The incorporation of fibrin into connective tissue is accompanied by fibrin consumption as demonstrated by immunofluorescence, by oedema of the paw, and by mesenchymal proliferation as substantiated by scintillation counting of incorporated 35SO4 and 3H-Proline, as markers for the beginning synthesis of ground substances and collagen. This model supports the importance of an initial vascular phase for the subsequent phase of manifestation in chronic rheumatoid diseases. It is discussed whether the organ specific permeability of the affected organs (joints, heart, arteries and eyes) may be a localizing factor of organ manifestation, parallel to the hormonal mesenchymal reaction.", "PMID": 983355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_259", "title": "[The significance of coagulation disorders and the inflammatory reaction in an infectious model of rheumatoid arthritis. II. Inhibition trials with antirheumatic drugs in the inflammatory reaction phase of erysipelas polyarthritis in rats].", "content": "The arthritic activity in the initial phase and during manifestation of experimental erysipelas in rats, an animal model for human rheumatoid arthritis, was studied by plethysmometrical methods. The development of body weight and specific pathologic alterations peculiar to the model such as keratitis, thrombosis of the aorta and gangrene of the tip of the tail served as additional parameters. In the volumetric analysis it could be shown that the first arthritic swelling on both hind legs develops symmetrically up to day 6 post infection in rats with about 200 g of body weight-and in contrast-on the 2nd p.i. in younger animals with about 120 g. The first maximal paw volume was measured on day 9 p. i., the greatest decrease in body weight-a reduction of 25%-on day 10 p. i. In addition the reaction of the animal model following the application of steroid and non-steroid symptomatically as well as cytostatically acting antirheumatic drugs was tested. Daily treatment with acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacine or hydrocortisone provoked more or less significant inhibition of arthritic swelling in the paw. Only at the onset of arthritis acetylsalicylic acid was more effective than the other antiphlogistic drugs. No measurable increase of paw volume during cyclophosphamide treatment could be evaluated. None of the antirheumatics used had a positive effect on body weight developement. In hydrocortisone and also in cyclophosphamide treated rats a greater decrease was obtained than in the infected controls. No thrombosis developed after cytostasis with cyclophosphamide. The advantages of this systemic connective tissue disease with regard to its comparability with human rheumatoid arthritis and due to the course of its arthritic manifestation are discussed, together with the disadvantages specific to the model and the experimental conditions.", "contents": "[The significance of coagulation disorders and the inflammatory reaction in an infectious model of rheumatoid arthritis. II. Inhibition trials with antirheumatic drugs in the inflammatory reaction phase of erysipelas polyarthritis in rats]. The arthritic activity in the initial phase and during manifestation of experimental erysipelas in rats, an animal model for human rheumatoid arthritis, was studied by plethysmometrical methods. The development of body weight and specific pathologic alterations peculiar to the model such as keratitis, thrombosis of the aorta and gangrene of the tip of the tail served as additional parameters. In the volumetric analysis it could be shown that the first arthritic swelling on both hind legs develops symmetrically up to day 6 post infection in rats with about 200 g of body weight-and in contrast-on the 2nd p.i. in younger animals with about 120 g. The first maximal paw volume was measured on day 9 p. i., the greatest decrease in body weight-a reduction of 25%-on day 10 p. i. In addition the reaction of the animal model following the application of steroid and non-steroid symptomatically as well as cytostatically acting antirheumatic drugs was tested. Daily treatment with acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacine or hydrocortisone provoked more or less significant inhibition of arthritic swelling in the paw. Only at the onset of arthritis acetylsalicylic acid was more effective than the other antiphlogistic drugs. No measurable increase of paw volume during cyclophosphamide treatment could be evaluated. None of the antirheumatics used had a positive effect on body weight developement. In hydrocortisone and also in cyclophosphamide treated rats a greater decrease was obtained than in the infected controls. No thrombosis developed after cytostasis with cyclophosphamide. The advantages of this systemic connective tissue disease with regard to its comparability with human rheumatoid arthritis and due to the course of its arthritic manifestation are discussed, together with the disadvantages specific to the model and the experimental conditions.", "PMID": 983356} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_260", "title": "Amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis. A study of 48 histologically confirmed cases.", "content": "In a group of 269 patients with rheumatoid arthritis histological examination demonstrated amyloidosis in 48 cases, viz. in 7 post mortem cases, in 28 rectal biopsies, in 12 renal biopsies and in one liver biopsy. Examination for amyloidosis was carried out in all patients who had proteinuria, otherwise in non-selected patients with definite rheumatoid arthritis. Even through rectal biopsy is a valuable screening method, it should not be overestimated, because in 12 patients with renal biopsy positive for amyloid, the foregoing rectal biopsies had been negative. According to our experience the most valuable method for diagnosis of amyloidosis in rheumatoid patients is renal biopsy, whereas synovial biopsy is the least conclusive. This paper, according to our knowledge, is the first report on observations of a regression of the inflammatory activity of rheumatoid arthritis and nephrotic syndrome as well as a complete morphological regression of amyloidosis.", "contents": "Amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis. A study of 48 histologically confirmed cases. In a group of 269 patients with rheumatoid arthritis histological examination demonstrated amyloidosis in 48 cases, viz. in 7 post mortem cases, in 28 rectal biopsies, in 12 renal biopsies and in one liver biopsy. Examination for amyloidosis was carried out in all patients who had proteinuria, otherwise in non-selected patients with definite rheumatoid arthritis. Even through rectal biopsy is a valuable screening method, it should not be overestimated, because in 12 patients with renal biopsy positive for amyloid, the foregoing rectal biopsies had been negative. According to our experience the most valuable method for diagnosis of amyloidosis in rheumatoid patients is renal biopsy, whereas synovial biopsy is the least conclusive. This paper, according to our knowledge, is the first report on observations of a regression of the inflammatory activity of rheumatoid arthritis and nephrotic syndrome as well as a complete morphological regression of amyloidosis.", "PMID": 983357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_261", "title": "The study of calcium, phosphorus, hydroxyproline, and nitrogen in decompensated coxarthroses and gonarthroses.", "content": "A study was undertaken to find our the biological profile of bone symptomatology of decompensated coxarthrosis and gonarthrosis. In a group of 77 patients and in 48 individual patients the levels of calcium, phosphorus, hydroxyproline and nitrogen were studied for four successive days. Calcium was administered by the intravenous route on the third day (186 mg). The results were compared to 16 healthy controls. Analysis was made with reference to the differences in sex, age, stature and anabolic therapy. The products eliminated were referred in absolute amounts to the body surface and to the period of 1 minute. 91 patients and 17 healthy controls were subjected to a provoked hypercalciuria test. Five patients were followed up in a 47Ca kinetic study and its result was compared to the content of Ca/P and P/Ca in serum and urine found in the same patients and in 21 healthy controls. The biological profile was also compared to a group of patients with gonarthrosis and varose deformity and to 127 patients with inflammatory joint diseases. From the results it is assumed that in women with decompensated coxarthrosis and gonarthrosis the syndrome of disease is a bone manifestation which affects the mineral bone substrate and particularly its calcium level. Phosphorus and the organic products of bone (nitrogen and hydroxyproline) of these patients are susceptible to intravenous administration of calcium. In women the metabolism of collagen appears to be more active than that seen in controls, and tends to resemble that of phosphorus. With its lower activity calcium tends to relate to noncollagenic products, such as osseomucoid (glycoprotein, proteoglycan) and osseoalbumoid. In accord with the findings, the patients show a higher miscible pool of calcium (47Ca), and its lower elimination (in urine and stools) and lower accretion to bone. There are a number of factors (sex, stature, age, clinical compensation of disease) that must be taken into consideration when evaluating the results.", "contents": "The study of calcium, phosphorus, hydroxyproline, and nitrogen in decompensated coxarthroses and gonarthroses. A study was undertaken to find our the biological profile of bone symptomatology of decompensated coxarthrosis and gonarthrosis. In a group of 77 patients and in 48 individual patients the levels of calcium, phosphorus, hydroxyproline and nitrogen were studied for four successive days. Calcium was administered by the intravenous route on the third day (186 mg). The results were compared to 16 healthy controls. Analysis was made with reference to the differences in sex, age, stature and anabolic therapy. The products eliminated were referred in absolute amounts to the body surface and to the period of 1 minute. 91 patients and 17 healthy controls were subjected to a provoked hypercalciuria test. Five patients were followed up in a 47Ca kinetic study and its result was compared to the content of Ca/P and P/Ca in serum and urine found in the same patients and in 21 healthy controls. The biological profile was also compared to a group of patients with gonarthrosis and varose deformity and to 127 patients with inflammatory joint diseases. From the results it is assumed that in women with decompensated coxarthrosis and gonarthrosis the syndrome of disease is a bone manifestation which affects the mineral bone substrate and particularly its calcium level. Phosphorus and the organic products of bone (nitrogen and hydroxyproline) of these patients are susceptible to intravenous administration of calcium. In women the metabolism of collagen appears to be more active than that seen in controls, and tends to resemble that of phosphorus. With its lower activity calcium tends to relate to noncollagenic products, such as osseomucoid (glycoprotein, proteoglycan) and osseoalbumoid. In accord with the findings, the patients show a higher miscible pool of calcium (47Ca), and its lower elimination (in urine and stools) and lower accretion to bone. There are a number of factors (sex, stature, age, clinical compensation of disease) that must be taken into consideration when evaluating the results.", "PMID": 983358} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_262", "title": "[Change of a releasing mechanism involved in pre-catching behavior during the development of Salamandra salamandra (L.)].", "content": "Preycatching behaviour in salamanders (Salamandra salamandra L.) was studied before (60 larvae) and after metamorphosis (50 juveniles) to find out whether there are differences in releasing mechanisms depending on the developmental stage. Responses to prey dummies of different size, shape and orientation were recorded. With advancing age salamanders respond more selectively, preferring \"wormlike\" dummies. The releasing mechanism is narrowed down during 10 months after metamorphosis. This is not caused by learning processes.", "contents": "[Change of a releasing mechanism involved in pre-catching behavior during the development of Salamandra salamandra (L.)]. Preycatching behaviour in salamanders (Salamandra salamandra L.) was studied before (60 larvae) and after metamorphosis (50 juveniles) to find out whether there are differences in releasing mechanisms depending on the developmental stage. Responses to prey dummies of different size, shape and orientation were recorded. With advancing age salamanders respond more selectively, preferring \"wormlike\" dummies. The releasing mechanism is narrowed down during 10 months after metamorphosis. This is not caused by learning processes.", "PMID": 983424} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_263", "title": "[Transfer of behavior patterns through transplantation of anlagen of neuro-anatomic structures in amphibian larva. 1. Xenoplastic exchange of medulla anlagen between Xenopus laevis and Hymenochirus boettgeri (Amphibia, Anura)].", "content": "By transplantation of parts of the neural plate (latter medulla oblongata) from Xenopus laevis (Daud.) to Hymenochirus boettgeri (Torn.) larval chimaeras were obtained, which showed donorlike rhythmical movements of the mouth and pharyngeal region, movements which the host species lacks. Nevertheless, some of these tadpoles were still able to catch small prey in a reaction which is typical for the host and lacking in the donor.", "contents": "[Transfer of behavior patterns through transplantation of anlagen of neuro-anatomic structures in amphibian larva. 1. Xenoplastic exchange of medulla anlagen between Xenopus laevis and Hymenochirus boettgeri (Amphibia, Anura)]. By transplantation of parts of the neural plate (latter medulla oblongata) from Xenopus laevis (Daud.) to Hymenochirus boettgeri (Torn.) larval chimaeras were obtained, which showed donorlike rhythmical movements of the mouth and pharyngeal region, movements which the host species lacks. Nevertheless, some of these tadpoles were still able to catch small prey in a reaction which is typical for the host and lacking in the donor.", "PMID": 983425} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_264", "title": "Recognition fo territorial boundaries by olfactory cues in mice (Mus musculus L.).", "content": "Effects of varying olfactory cues on the behavior of domestic male mice (Mus musculus) towards territorial boundaries were studied. Territories were established by three pairs of males in a 154 X 86 X 10 cm Plexiglas pen with a moveable floor. After establishment of territories, the floor was shifted 19 cm a total of 21 times on different days. After 13 of these shifts the floor was subsequently covered with perforated sheet metal. In all 8 of the uncovered shifts, and in 8 of the 13 covered shifts, the mice behaved as though the boundary was moved in the predicted direction and distance. The results indicate that mice can use olfactory cues to recognize territorial boundaries.", "contents": "Recognition fo territorial boundaries by olfactory cues in mice (Mus musculus L.). Effects of varying olfactory cues on the behavior of domestic male mice (Mus musculus) towards territorial boundaries were studied. Territories were established by three pairs of males in a 154 X 86 X 10 cm Plexiglas pen with a moveable floor. After establishment of territories, the floor was shifted 19 cm a total of 21 times on different days. After 13 of these shifts the floor was subsequently covered with perforated sheet metal. In all 8 of the uncovered shifts, and in 8 of the 13 covered shifts, the mice behaved as though the boundary was moved in the predicted direction and distance. The results indicate that mice can use olfactory cues to recognize territorial boundaries.", "PMID": 983426} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_265", "title": "Behavior patterns and communication in feral horses.", "content": "The social behavior of feral horses was studied in the western United States. Stable harem groups with a dominant stallion and bachelor hermaphrodite hermaphrodite groups occupied overlapping home ranges. Groups spacing, but not territoriality, was expressed. Harem group, stability resulted from strong dominance by dominant stallions, and fidelity of group members. Eliminations of group members were usually marked by urine of the dominant stallion. Hermaphrodite-hermaphrodite aggression involved spacing between harems and dominance in bachelor groups. Marking with feces was important in hermaphrodite-hermaphrodite interactions. Foaling occurred in May and early June, following the post-partum estrous. All breeding was done by harem stallions. Young were commonly nursed through yearling age. These horses showed social organizations similar to other feral horses and plains zebras.", "contents": "Behavior patterns and communication in feral horses. The social behavior of feral horses was studied in the western United States. Stable harem groups with a dominant stallion and bachelor hermaphrodite hermaphrodite groups occupied overlapping home ranges. Groups spacing, but not territoriality, was expressed. Harem group, stability resulted from strong dominance by dominant stallions, and fidelity of group members. Eliminations of group members were usually marked by urine of the dominant stallion. Hermaphrodite-hermaphrodite aggression involved spacing between harems and dominance in bachelor groups. Marking with feces was important in hermaphrodite-hermaphrodite interactions. Foaling occurred in May and early June, following the post-partum estrous. All breeding was done by harem stallions. Young were commonly nursed through yearling age. These horses showed social organizations similar to other feral horses and plains zebras.", "PMID": 983427} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_266", "title": "Social organization in the African bat, Myotis boccagei.", "content": "In northeastern Gabon (lat.: 0.4 degrees north, long.: 12.5), the social organization of the vespertilionid bat Myotis boccagei was studied. In four groups, all individuals (55) were marked and monitored regularly for 38 months. The basic social organization in Myotis boccagei is the \"harem\". In each group, a single adult male is invariably found, accompanied by from 2 to 7 adult females and recent young.", "contents": "Social organization in the African bat, Myotis boccagei. In northeastern Gabon (lat.: 0.4 degrees north, long.: 12.5), the social organization of the vespertilionid bat Myotis boccagei was studied. In four groups, all individuals (55) were marked and monitored regularly for 38 months. The basic social organization in Myotis boccagei is the \"harem\". In each group, a single adult male is invariably found, accompanied by from 2 to 7 adult females and recent young.", "PMID": 983428} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_267", "title": "Comfort behavior of the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus).", "content": "The various forms of comfort behavior of the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are described and compared with that of other Sciurids to understand their adaptative value for the red squirrel's arboreal way of life. The different comfort activities are: self-grooming, stretching, resting, sleeping, elimination and nose blowing. Observations were made both in nature and in two outdoor enclosures. The discussion shows that most adaptations are common to arboreal squirrels while others, found in several Sciurid species, are not in relation to the arboreal versus terrestrial way of life.", "contents": "Comfort behavior of the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). The various forms of comfort behavior of the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are described and compared with that of other Sciurids to understand their adaptative value for the red squirrel's arboreal way of life. The different comfort activities are: self-grooming, stretching, resting, sleeping, elimination and nose blowing. Observations were made both in nature and in two outdoor enclosures. The discussion shows that most adaptations are common to arboreal squirrels while others, found in several Sciurid species, are not in relation to the arboreal versus terrestrial way of life.", "PMID": 983429} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_268", "title": "[Hormonal contraception--thromboembolic disorders and surgical risk (author's transl)].", "content": "Epidemiological, coagulational, hemodynamical, and morphological studies are critically analysed in this review. Our attitude towards the surgical operation risk under hormonal contraceptives is explained. For smaller operative procedures a break in hormonal contraception is not necessary. If greater operations are envisaged they have to be performed only 4 to 6 weeks after cessation of hormonal contraceptives, i.e., after the first spontaneous menstrual bleeding. Hints are given for the necessity of thromboembolic prophylaxis with heparin in unforseen greater operations without an interval free from pills or in additional risk factors.", "contents": "[Hormonal contraception--thromboembolic disorders and surgical risk (author's transl)]. Epidemiological, coagulational, hemodynamical, and morphological studies are critically analysed in this review. Our attitude towards the surgical operation risk under hormonal contraceptives is explained. For smaller operative procedures a break in hormonal contraception is not necessary. If greater operations are envisaged they have to be performed only 4 to 6 weeks after cessation of hormonal contraceptives, i.e., after the first spontaneous menstrual bleeding. Hints are given for the necessity of thromboembolic prophylaxis with heparin in unforseen greater operations without an interval free from pills or in additional risk factors.", "PMID": 983453} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_269", "title": "[Endometriosis of the colon (author's transl)].", "content": "This report is concerned with a twenty-five year old female with endometriosis of the recto-sigmoid-colon. Due to medication intolerance a trial with hormone therapy had to be discontinued. After several years of illness an ileus and ureter-stenosis developed and several operations were necessary to alleviate these conditions. A survey of the frequency and localization of extragenital endometriosis followed by a discussion of pathogenesis, clinic and alternatives of therapy.", "contents": "[Endometriosis of the colon (author's transl)]. This report is concerned with a twenty-five year old female with endometriosis of the recto-sigmoid-colon. Due to medication intolerance a trial with hormone therapy had to be discontinued. After several years of illness an ileus and ureter-stenosis developed and several operations were necessary to alleviate these conditions. A survey of the frequency and localization of extragenital endometriosis followed by a discussion of pathogenesis, clinic and alternatives of therapy.", "PMID": 983454} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_270", "title": "[Free perforation of stomach and duodenum (author's transl)].", "content": "206 perforations of stomach or duodenal ulcers were treated by primary resection or simple suture between 1963 and 1972. The lethality of these two methods of treatment was compared with the age of the patients, the duration of symptoms, the length of time between perforation and surgery, and the localization of the perforated ulcer. Our analysis showed that, as a rule, primary resection is preferable, except in old age.", "contents": "[Free perforation of stomach and duodenum (author's transl)]. 206 perforations of stomach or duodenal ulcers were treated by primary resection or simple suture between 1963 and 1972. The lethality of these two methods of treatment was compared with the age of the patients, the duration of symptoms, the length of time between perforation and surgery, and the localization of the perforated ulcer. Our analysis showed that, as a rule, primary resection is preferable, except in old age.", "PMID": 983455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_271", "title": "[Results of treatment of cholelithiasis and its consequences; the so called \"postcholecystectomy-syndrome\" (author's transl)].", "content": "Our analysis of 378 patients made after operations for diseases of the gallbladder and bile tract underlines the demand of an exact preoperative diagnostic examination of other abdominal organs, e.g. the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, liver and pancreas. The value of using modern intraoperative diagnostic procedures for the biliary tract is confirmed. Our analysis also demonstrates the necessity of traeting cholelithiasis surgically at an early stage. Complications of cholelithiasis include a higher risk, a worse prognosis with regard to permanent healing and a higher rate of postoperative lethality.", "contents": "[Results of treatment of cholelithiasis and its consequences; the so called \"postcholecystectomy-syndrome\" (author's transl)]. Our analysis of 378 patients made after operations for diseases of the gallbladder and bile tract underlines the demand of an exact preoperative diagnostic examination of other abdominal organs, e.g. the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, liver and pancreas. The value of using modern intraoperative diagnostic procedures for the biliary tract is confirmed. Our analysis also demonstrates the necessity of traeting cholelithiasis surgically at an early stage. Complications of cholelithiasis include a higher risk, a worse prognosis with regard to permanent healing and a higher rate of postoperative lethality.", "PMID": 983456} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_272", "title": "[Percutaneous direct prograde cholangiography; experiences with application in preoperative diagnostics of obstructive jaundice (author's transl)].", "content": "A brief survey of the technique and application of the percutaneous direct prograde cholangiography is given. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with transperitoneal and with extraperitoneal access and transjugular cholangiography are available as methods. As far as preoperative diagnostics of the extrahepatic obstructive jaundice is concerned, at first transjugular cholangiography is applied and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is only refered to when no clarification can be achieved. The advantages of this procedure are discussed.", "contents": "[Percutaneous direct prograde cholangiography; experiences with application in preoperative diagnostics of obstructive jaundice (author's transl)]. A brief survey of the technique and application of the percutaneous direct prograde cholangiography is given. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with transperitoneal and with extraperitoneal access and transjugular cholangiography are available as methods. As far as preoperative diagnostics of the extrahepatic obstructive jaundice is concerned, at first transjugular cholangiography is applied and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is only refered to when no clarification can be achieved. The advantages of this procedure are discussed.", "PMID": 983457} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_273", "title": "[Traumatic ostearthritis of the hip joint and its treatment (author's transl)].", "content": "The author describes the various origins of osteoarthrosis following hip joint injuries. Since beginning osteoarthrosis can't be stoped, he emphasizes the surgical treatment of joint fractures including accurate reduction and stabilization of the fragments. In respect of this, intracapsular fractures of the neck of the femur always require a stabile fixation. In all cases the micro-injuries of the articular cartilage should be considered. The different possibilities of post-traumatic degenerative arthritis are discussed and the methods of operative procedures presented.", "contents": "[Traumatic ostearthritis of the hip joint and its treatment (author's transl)]. The author describes the various origins of osteoarthrosis following hip joint injuries. Since beginning osteoarthrosis can't be stoped, he emphasizes the surgical treatment of joint fractures including accurate reduction and stabilization of the fragments. In respect of this, intracapsular fractures of the neck of the femur always require a stabile fixation. In all cases the micro-injuries of the articular cartilage should be considered. The different possibilities of post-traumatic degenerative arthritis are discussed and the methods of operative procedures presented.", "PMID": 983459} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_274", "title": "[Pattern of prehension in patients with high cervical injuries (author's transl)].", "content": "After explaining the tertiary patterns of prehension the possibilities of restoring prehensile function in patients after high cervical spinal injury (C4-C6) by means of orthotics or operation are discussed. Absolute indication for the application of electrical orthotics in patients with complete spinal cord injuries below C4 and C5 and the relative indication below C6 with a motoric orthotic or operation are cleared out.", "contents": "[Pattern of prehension in patients with high cervical injuries (author's transl)]. After explaining the tertiary patterns of prehension the possibilities of restoring prehensile function in patients after high cervical spinal injury (C4-C6) by means of orthotics or operation are discussed. Absolute indication for the application of electrical orthotics in patients with complete spinal cord injuries below C4 and C5 and the relative indication below C6 with a motoric orthotic or operation are cleared out.", "PMID": 983460} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_275", "title": "[Therapy of ankle joint fractures (author's transl)].", "content": "Even severely dislocated ankle joint fractures can be fixed in the right position and healed by immediate reposition. Irreponible fractures, ruptures of the syndesmosis, shortening of the fibula and abruptions of tibial edges require timely operative treatment with osteosynthesis, the individual forms of which are demonstrated. The screws fixing the syndesmosis must be removed in time in order to prevent their loosening or breaking. Fixations in hypercorrective position have proved to be unphysiological. Walking plaster, however, are better than training with crutches without the possibility of loading. The combination of osteosynthesis and walking plaster will contribute to the development of an early self-sufficiency on the part of the operated patient.", "contents": "[Therapy of ankle joint fractures (author's transl)]. Even severely dislocated ankle joint fractures can be fixed in the right position and healed by immediate reposition. Irreponible fractures, ruptures of the syndesmosis, shortening of the fibula and abruptions of tibial edges require timely operative treatment with osteosynthesis, the individual forms of which are demonstrated. The screws fixing the syndesmosis must be removed in time in order to prevent their loosening or breaking. Fixations in hypercorrective position have proved to be unphysiological. Walking plaster, however, are better than training with crutches without the possibility of loading. The combination of osteosynthesis and walking plaster will contribute to the development of an early self-sufficiency on the part of the operated patient.", "PMID": 983461} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_276", "title": "[Primary double pinning of the neck of the femur (author's transl)].", "content": "From a total of 351 fractures of the neck of the femur, 125 were of mid-cervical form, and from these 107 were dominated by type III after Pauwels. We have used double pinning as an optimal method of treatment for this fracture during the past 10 years. In 12% of the cases this method leads to pseudarthrosis, and in 10% to necrosis of the head of the femur. The double pinning technique is an especially optimal and less onerous method for patients at an advanced age, allowing a complete stabilisation of the fracture while concurrently correcting errors of rotation. We recommend the alloplastic restitution of the hip joint in the form of a total endoprothesis (TEP) as a secondary measure, only in rare cases as a primary operative method.", "contents": "[Primary double pinning of the neck of the femur (author's transl)]. From a total of 351 fractures of the neck of the femur, 125 were of mid-cervical form, and from these 107 were dominated by type III after Pauwels. We have used double pinning as an optimal method of treatment for this fracture during the past 10 years. In 12% of the cases this method leads to pseudarthrosis, and in 10% to necrosis of the head of the femur. The double pinning technique is an especially optimal and less onerous method for patients at an advanced age, allowing a complete stabilisation of the fracture while concurrently correcting errors of rotation. We recommend the alloplastic restitution of the hip joint in the form of a total endoprothesis (TEP) as a secondary measure, only in rare cases as a primary operative method.", "PMID": 983462} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_277", "title": "[Etio-pathogenesis of osteitis pubis (author's transl)].", "content": "The origination and the further development of an osteitis pubis in an 67-year-old man after the removal of an ureterolith by a Zeiss loop are described. A survey of the relevant literature shows that this is the first case of osteitis pubis after the removal of an ureterolith. The etio-pathogenetic aspects of osteitis pubis are discussed. The therapy of osteitis pubis is mentioned.", "contents": "[Etio-pathogenesis of osteitis pubis (author's transl)]. The origination and the further development of an osteitis pubis in an 67-year-old man after the removal of an ureterolith by a Zeiss loop are described. A survey of the relevant literature shows that this is the first case of osteitis pubis after the removal of an ureterolith. The etio-pathogenetic aspects of osteitis pubis are discussed. The therapy of osteitis pubis is mentioned.", "PMID": 983463} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_278", "title": "[The plate-osteosynthesis of posttraumatic pseudarthrosis (author's transl)].", "content": "In 87 patients from a total of 90 a posttraumatic or postoperative diaphysal or epimetaphysal shaft-pseudarthrosis could be found. In 53 patients we used the plate-osteosynthesis (tension-, axial compression-, neutralisation-, bridge- and bilateral plates). In 24 patients this was combined with other procedures (decortication, resection of the fragments or the pseudarthrosis or surplus--callus, implantation of autogenous bone). Using plate-osteosynthesis in all cases of aseptic or defected pseudarthrosis we gained osseous stabilization and healing, with good function, as was shown by followup studies. In infected pseudarthroses (8 patients) several operations were necessery for complete healing. Successfull treatment of aseptic and infected pseudarthrosis is based on the correct indication as well as correct choice and application of the plate.", "contents": "[The plate-osteosynthesis of posttraumatic pseudarthrosis (author's transl)]. In 87 patients from a total of 90 a posttraumatic or postoperative diaphysal or epimetaphysal shaft-pseudarthrosis could be found. In 53 patients we used the plate-osteosynthesis (tension-, axial compression-, neutralisation-, bridge- and bilateral plates). In 24 patients this was combined with other procedures (decortication, resection of the fragments or the pseudarthrosis or surplus--callus, implantation of autogenous bone). Using plate-osteosynthesis in all cases of aseptic or defected pseudarthrosis we gained osseous stabilization and healing, with good function, as was shown by followup studies. In infected pseudarthroses (8 patients) several operations were necessery for complete healing. Successfull treatment of aseptic and infected pseudarthrosis is based on the correct indication as well as correct choice and application of the plate.", "PMID": 983464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_279", "title": "[Possibilities and limits of outpatient surgery (author's transl)].", "content": "The aims of modern outpatient surgery include: the comprehensive development of ambulatory therapy especially the repertoire of operations, preclinical standardized diagnostic procedures, postoperative outpatient care and rehabilitation. The main reasons for this development are analyzed. In order to make further progress in the direction indicated the number of surgeons working in outpatient departments will have to be increased. Own experiences in outpatient saphenectomy, excisions of Dupuytren's contracture, haemorrhoidectomy, mastectomy, herniorrhaphy, enucleation of cold nodes in the thyreoid gland (171 operations between 1972 and 1974) encourage further efforts in this direction.", "contents": "[Possibilities and limits of outpatient surgery (author's transl)]. The aims of modern outpatient surgery include: the comprehensive development of ambulatory therapy especially the repertoire of operations, preclinical standardized diagnostic procedures, postoperative outpatient care and rehabilitation. The main reasons for this development are analyzed. In order to make further progress in the direction indicated the number of surgeons working in outpatient departments will have to be increased. Own experiences in outpatient saphenectomy, excisions of Dupuytren's contracture, haemorrhoidectomy, mastectomy, herniorrhaphy, enucleation of cold nodes in the thyreoid gland (171 operations between 1972 and 1974) encourage further efforts in this direction.", "PMID": 983466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_280", "title": "[Consultation hours for special surgery in a surgical department of a district infirmary (\"kreiskrankenhaus\") (author's transl)].", "content": "At the Surgical Department of the Kreiskrankenhaus of Burg five consultation hours for special surgery have been established and have been working for 2 to 3 years: 1. consultation hours for surgical angiology, especially varicosis and proctology, 2. consultation hours for goitre, 3. consultation hours for traumatology, especially follow up control of patients after operative fracture treatment, 4. consultation hours for pediatric surgery, 5. consultation hours for surgical gastroenterology, especially follow up control of patients after partial and total gastrectomy, vagotomy, and complications after biliary surgery. The experiences gained from these consultation hours are discussed. With regard to the personal and organizational problems in district infirmaries many difficulties have to be overcome in establishing consultation hours for special surgery. However, these consultation hours offer the possibility to improve the surgical care in the rural population and to hold international standards in general surgery practice even in smaller surgical departments.", "contents": "[Consultation hours for special surgery in a surgical department of a district infirmary (\"kreiskrankenhaus\") (author's transl)]. At the Surgical Department of the Kreiskrankenhaus of Burg five consultation hours for special surgery have been established and have been working for 2 to 3 years: 1. consultation hours for surgical angiology, especially varicosis and proctology, 2. consultation hours for goitre, 3. consultation hours for traumatology, especially follow up control of patients after operative fracture treatment, 4. consultation hours for pediatric surgery, 5. consultation hours for surgical gastroenterology, especially follow up control of patients after partial and total gastrectomy, vagotomy, and complications after biliary surgery. The experiences gained from these consultation hours are discussed. With regard to the personal and organizational problems in district infirmaries many difficulties have to be overcome in establishing consultation hours for special surgery. However, these consultation hours offer the possibility to improve the surgical care in the rural population and to hold international standards in general surgery practice even in smaller surgical departments.", "PMID": 983467} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_281", "title": "[Ambulatory hernia operations (author's transl)].", "content": "The author gives an example of ambulatory hernia operations and deals with the results and the development of ambulatory surgery made at the Rostock district hospital since 1972. After--treatment possibilities and the influence on the duration of disablement are reffered to.", "contents": "[Ambulatory hernia operations (author's transl)]. The author gives an example of ambulatory hernia operations and deals with the results and the development of ambulatory surgery made at the Rostock district hospital since 1972. After--treatment possibilities and the influence on the duration of disablement are reffered to.", "PMID": 983468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_282", "title": "[Benign tumours of the intestinal tract (author's transl)].", "content": "Benign tumours of the intestinal tract are rare. Frequently they tend to being malignant. Clinical symptoms are massive bleeding, stenosis, invagination, perforation. A reliable diagnosis is difficult.", "contents": "[Benign tumours of the intestinal tract (author's transl)]. Benign tumours of the intestinal tract are rare. Frequently they tend to being malignant. Clinical symptoms are massive bleeding, stenosis, invagination, perforation. A reliable diagnosis is difficult.", "PMID": 983469} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_283", "title": "[Early and late effects of the gestational course following commisurotomy].", "content": "Early and late effects of pregnancy on the cardio-vascular system and on the outcome of the pregnancy were studied in 82 women after commissurotomies. According to the clinical and instrumental investigations the burden of pregnancy may only be temporary and might cause no demonstrable damage on case of careful supervision of specialists before, during and after pregnancy and if there is a considerate delivery. Due to the higher number of \"small for date babies\" the fetal perinatal mortality rate and premature births are higher than in the general population. The higher incidence of \"small for date babies\" seems to be related to a decrease of the function of placenta in cases of premature delivery. Further improvement of matermal and foetal results is expected from perfecting diagnostic methods and from a better coordination of the team work of heart surgeons, cardiologists and gynaecologists.", "contents": "[Early and late effects of the gestational course following commisurotomy]. Early and late effects of pregnancy on the cardio-vascular system and on the outcome of the pregnancy were studied in 82 women after commissurotomies. According to the clinical and instrumental investigations the burden of pregnancy may only be temporary and might cause no demonstrable damage on case of careful supervision of specialists before, during and after pregnancy and if there is a considerate delivery. Due to the higher number of \"small for date babies\" the fetal perinatal mortality rate and premature births are higher than in the general population. The higher incidence of \"small for date babies\" seems to be related to a decrease of the function of placenta in cases of premature delivery. Further improvement of matermal and foetal results is expected from perfecting diagnostic methods and from a better coordination of the team work of heart surgeons, cardiologists and gynaecologists.", "PMID": 983470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_284", "title": "[Complications at the end of pregnancy and during labor due to hematoma of the umbilical cord].", "content": "One of the rare complications at the end of pregnancy and during birth is a haematoma of the umbilical cord with and without the subsequent rupturing of the umbilical cord. The characteristic symptom of this is intrauterine asphyxia. A haematoma of the umbilical cord is frequently fatal for the foetus. In selected cases it is possible to proved the existence of a haematoma. A brief description of the anatomy and physiology of the umbilical cord is followed by a discussion of the pathological or pathophysiological reasons for the onset of a haematoma of the umbilical cord. Two groups of factors are mentioned here, the mechanical and the dynamic changes of the blood vessels of the umbilical cord. This is followed by a description of two cases from the writer's own experience. In the first case the asphyxial after term infant died of pulmonary seventeen hours after birth; in the second case of the foetus had died in the uterus. The second case must be regarded as fatal. Dynamic factors affecting the umbilical cord had resulted in a rupture of the umbilical vein with a subsequent rupture of the umbilical sheath. In the first case the fact that the infant was overdue is discussed as a partial cause for the onset of the haematoma of the umbilical cord. This is one of the reasons why satisfactory ante natal care is considered essential, particularly towards the end of pregnancy.", "contents": "[Complications at the end of pregnancy and during labor due to hematoma of the umbilical cord]. One of the rare complications at the end of pregnancy and during birth is a haematoma of the umbilical cord with and without the subsequent rupturing of the umbilical cord. The characteristic symptom of this is intrauterine asphyxia. A haematoma of the umbilical cord is frequently fatal for the foetus. In selected cases it is possible to proved the existence of a haematoma. A brief description of the anatomy and physiology of the umbilical cord is followed by a discussion of the pathological or pathophysiological reasons for the onset of a haematoma of the umbilical cord. Two groups of factors are mentioned here, the mechanical and the dynamic changes of the blood vessels of the umbilical cord. This is followed by a description of two cases from the writer's own experience. In the first case the asphyxial after term infant died of pulmonary seventeen hours after birth; in the second case of the foetus had died in the uterus. The second case must be regarded as fatal. Dynamic factors affecting the umbilical cord had resulted in a rupture of the umbilical vein with a subsequent rupture of the umbilical sheath. In the first case the fact that the infant was overdue is discussed as a partial cause for the onset of the haematoma of the umbilical cord. This is one of the reasons why satisfactory ante natal care is considered essential, particularly towards the end of pregnancy.", "PMID": 983471} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_285", "title": "[Bilateral lutein cyst in normal single-child pregnancy].", "content": "A rare case of bilateral multiple lutein cysts in pregnancy is reported. They do not require a radical operation because of spontaneous regression after delivery.", "contents": "[Bilateral lutein cyst in normal single-child pregnancy]. A rare case of bilateral multiple lutein cysts in pregnancy is reported. They do not require a radical operation because of spontaneous regression after delivery.", "PMID": 983472} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_286", "title": "[Cryogenic therapy device for use in gynecology].", "content": "A device and its required furnishings for cryosurgery is demonstrated; during 3 years of clinical use, it has proved its worth when attending to benign and malignant diseases of vulva, vagina, and cervix. On the base of open processes, liquid nitrogen serves as cooling agent. Both \"spray\" and \"contact-freezing\" may be applied after a short starting period of the device under temperature control. In order to avoid freezings of the tunica vaginalis, tubes of Teflon and Polyurethane foam have been tested successfully.", "contents": "[Cryogenic therapy device for use in gynecology]. A device and its required furnishings for cryosurgery is demonstrated; during 3 years of clinical use, it has proved its worth when attending to benign and malignant diseases of vulva, vagina, and cervix. On the base of open processes, liquid nitrogen serves as cooling agent. Both \"spray\" and \"contact-freezing\" may be applied after a short starting period of the device under temperature control. In order to avoid freezings of the tunica vaginalis, tubes of Teflon and Polyurethane foam have been tested successfully.", "PMID": 983473} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_287", "title": "[Acute abdomen due to ovarian hemorrhage].", "content": "Massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage from ruptured ovaries may occur not only during antikoagulant therapy. In 20 out of total 24 cases of the Universities-Frauenklinik Jena the origin of the hemorrhage was a ruptured corpus luteum, only in three cases an ovarian follicle and in one case a luteinic cyst. Differential diagnosis to ectopic pregnancy is nearly impossible. Explorative laparotomy has to be performed to assure the diagnosis.", "contents": "[Acute abdomen due to ovarian hemorrhage]. Massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage from ruptured ovaries may occur not only during antikoagulant therapy. In 20 out of total 24 cases of the Universities-Frauenklinik Jena the origin of the hemorrhage was a ruptured corpus luteum, only in three cases an ovarian follicle and in one case a luteinic cyst. Differential diagnosis to ectopic pregnancy is nearly impossible. Explorative laparotomy has to be performed to assure the diagnosis.", "PMID": 983474} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_288", "title": "[Second-look curettages in irradiated corpus-carcinoma].", "content": "Second-look-curettages at the end of combined radiation therapy of 44 cancers of the endometrium are reported. Eight rests of cancers and 11 atypical tissue formations have been found. In 19 patients symptomless pyometra could be revealed. Observations of progress between 1966 and 1975 showed no relationship with the results of the second-look-curettages. The purpose of second-look-curettages is discussed.", "contents": "[Second-look curettages in irradiated corpus-carcinoma]. Second-look-curettages at the end of combined radiation therapy of 44 cancers of the endometrium are reported. Eight rests of cancers and 11 atypical tissue formations have been found. In 19 patients symptomless pyometra could be revealed. Observations of progress between 1966 and 1975 showed no relationship with the results of the second-look-curettages. The purpose of second-look-curettages is discussed.", "PMID": 983475} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_289", "title": "[Benign polypoid vaginal rhabdomyoma].", "content": "A case of benign polypoid rhabdomyoma of the vagina in a 57 years old multipara is reported. The diagnosis confirmed by light and electron microscopy,allowed to estimate the tumour as a benign analogen of sarcoma botryoides.", "contents": "[Benign polypoid vaginal rhabdomyoma]. A case of benign polypoid rhabdomyoma of the vagina in a 57 years old multipara is reported. The diagnosis confirmed by light and electron microscopy,allowed to estimate the tumour as a benign analogen of sarcoma botryoides.", "PMID": 983476} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_290", "title": "[Closure of a large radiogenous vesico-rectovaginal fistula with rehabilitation of the continence].", "content": "Successful treatment of a large vesico-rectovaginal fistula following irradiation of a 53 years old woman. The healing was attained by four steps: 1. Derivation of urine by bilateral nephrostomy. 2. Derivation of faeces by preter-natural anus. 3. Abdomino-vaginal closure of the fistula by Bastiaanse's method. 4. Reposition of the sigmoid. Complete restoration of natural conditons.", "contents": "[Closure of a large radiogenous vesico-rectovaginal fistula with rehabilitation of the continence]. Successful treatment of a large vesico-rectovaginal fistula following irradiation of a 53 years old woman. The healing was attained by four steps: 1. Derivation of urine by bilateral nephrostomy. 2. Derivation of faeces by preter-natural anus. 3. Abdomino-vaginal closure of the fistula by Bastiaanse's method. 4. Reposition of the sigmoid. Complete restoration of natural conditons.", "PMID": 983477} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_291", "title": "[Unusual diffuse capillary-ectasis (venous varicosis) in the total vaginal mucosa in a 5-year-old child].", "content": "A diffusely reddish and swollen vaginal mucosa from a 5 year old caucasian female, which experienced recurrent haemorrhages since the first year of life, proves to be a venous angiosis or varicosis, representing a congenital vascular malformation. Differential diagnostically considered lesions and their synonyma are reviewed by means of medical literature.", "contents": "[Unusual diffuse capillary-ectasis (venous varicosis) in the total vaginal mucosa in a 5-year-old child]. A diffusely reddish and swollen vaginal mucosa from a 5 year old caucasian female, which experienced recurrent haemorrhages since the first year of life, proves to be a venous angiosis or varicosis, representing a congenital vascular malformation. Differential diagnostically considered lesions and their synonyma are reviewed by means of medical literature.", "PMID": 983478} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_292", "title": "[Clinical problems of premature labor. 1. Diagnosis of threatening premature labor and the screening procedure].", "content": "At first the allround etiology of premature birth is explained in the paper. There are to distinguish three groups: 1. Causes with known etiologic mechanism. 2. Causes with partly known etiologic mechanism. 3. Dispositions for premature birth. These are concluded from statistically investigations. In the last group are collected the patients from which are established some known scores for diagnosis of the risk of premature birth. All the scores but have a detriment. If they want to detect about 90% from premature births one must carry out examination and observation about 40% from all pregnant women. For this the scores are not suitable for selection of patients to observe in a special consultation. The organised care for pregnant women must be in such a way that all the criterias of imminent prematurity will be detected. This way has been successfull in our hospital.", "contents": "[Clinical problems of premature labor. 1. Diagnosis of threatening premature labor and the screening procedure]. At first the allround etiology of premature birth is explained in the paper. There are to distinguish three groups: 1. Causes with known etiologic mechanism. 2. Causes with partly known etiologic mechanism. 3. Dispositions for premature birth. These are concluded from statistically investigations. In the last group are collected the patients from which are established some known scores for diagnosis of the risk of premature birth. All the scores but have a detriment. If they want to detect about 90% from premature births one must carry out examination and observation about 40% from all pregnant women. For this the scores are not suitable for selection of patients to observe in a special consultation. The organised care for pregnant women must be in such a way that all the criterias of imminent prematurity will be detected. This way has been successfull in our hospital.", "PMID": 983479} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_293", "title": "[Clinical problems of premature labor. 2. Therapy of threatening and actual premature labor].", "content": "The therapy of imminent prematurity needs specific treatment of the respective illness. Moreover there are three fundamental measures: 1. To appease the patients and to applicate sedatives. 2. To carry out tokolysis with medicamentes. 3. To carry out cerclage operation in order to close the uterine mouth. These possibilities must be combined in various ways dependent from the success in every individual case. These measures also are suit in prophylaxis, for example in disorders of former pregnancies. All schemes of therapy adapted to the individual case. The dosis must be determined from the effect of therapy. A particular view point must be the hospitalisation between 28. and 32. week of pregnancy in cases of twins or placenta previa. Also in cases of early rupture of amnion prolongation of pregnancy must be aspired.", "contents": "[Clinical problems of premature labor. 2. Therapy of threatening and actual premature labor]. The therapy of imminent prematurity needs specific treatment of the respective illness. Moreover there are three fundamental measures: 1. To appease the patients and to applicate sedatives. 2. To carry out tokolysis with medicamentes. 3. To carry out cerclage operation in order to close the uterine mouth. These possibilities must be combined in various ways dependent from the success in every individual case. These measures also are suit in prophylaxis, for example in disorders of former pregnancies. All schemes of therapy adapted to the individual case. The dosis must be determined from the effect of therapy. A particular view point must be the hospitalisation between 28. and 32. week of pregnancy in cases of twins or placenta previa. Also in cases of early rupture of amnion prolongation of pregnancy must be aspired.", "PMID": 983480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_294", "title": "[Role of cerclage in the prevention of abortion and premature labor].", "content": "In the course of the analysis of the results of 175 cerclage-operations carried out during the last 5 years, the authors intended to answer the question: whether the operation is reasonable on the basis of a prophylactic indication. As indication of this kind has been considered for example the following: when in the case-history of the patient one or more spontaneous abortions have occured after the third month of gravidity--with insufficient symptoms, when the mother's birth was a full-term confinement after cerclage-operation, finally, when the insufficiency of the cervical os had been diagnosed before getting pregnant. At symptoms of incipient abortion the aim of the medical treatment was therapeutic. The prophylactic operation was performed between the 16-18th week of the pregnancy, while the therapeutic one between the 20th and 30th week. In the first group 97,2 per cent was the rate of the viable children, while in the second one: 67,2 per cent. The well-foundedness of the prophylactic indication is proved by the fact that the number of full-term confinements has been quinetupled, compared with the pre-operation state. In our opinion in case of typical anamnesis the cerclage-operation is to be performed earlier than in the practice up till now, before opening the cervical os, and the infection of the amnion.", "contents": "[Role of cerclage in the prevention of abortion and premature labor]. In the course of the analysis of the results of 175 cerclage-operations carried out during the last 5 years, the authors intended to answer the question: whether the operation is reasonable on the basis of a prophylactic indication. As indication of this kind has been considered for example the following: when in the case-history of the patient one or more spontaneous abortions have occured after the third month of gravidity--with insufficient symptoms, when the mother's birth was a full-term confinement after cerclage-operation, finally, when the insufficiency of the cervical os had been diagnosed before getting pregnant. At symptoms of incipient abortion the aim of the medical treatment was therapeutic. The prophylactic operation was performed between the 16-18th week of the pregnancy, while the therapeutic one between the 20th and 30th week. In the first group 97,2 per cent was the rate of the viable children, while in the second one: 67,2 per cent. The well-foundedness of the prophylactic indication is proved by the fact that the number of full-term confinements has been quinetupled, compared with the pre-operation state. In our opinion in case of typical anamnesis the cerclage-operation is to be performed earlier than in the practice up till now, before opening the cervical os, and the infection of the amnion.", "PMID": 983481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_295", "title": "[Opinion to the vibrodilatation of the cervix in induced abortions - report of 2 years of experiences with the Soviet vibrodilatator WG-I].", "content": "The article discusses the techniques, the indications, the advantages and disadvantages of vibrodilatation on the basis of 2855 interruptiones of pregnancy up to the 12th months. No perforation, cervical injury or intraoperative bleeding due to the use of a WG-I vibrodilator was established in the authors' own patients. The average loss of blood was 164 ml and the periods of dilatation ranged from 6 to 44 seconds, with a failure rate of 5 per cent. The authors recommend that in cases of interruption of pregnancy vibrodilatation, involving very few complications, should be attempted as a rule before Hegar's classical dilatation is applied.", "contents": "[Opinion to the vibrodilatation of the cervix in induced abortions - report of 2 years of experiences with the Soviet vibrodilatator WG-I]. The article discusses the techniques, the indications, the advantages and disadvantages of vibrodilatation on the basis of 2855 interruptiones of pregnancy up to the 12th months. No perforation, cervical injury or intraoperative bleeding due to the use of a WG-I vibrodilator was established in the authors' own patients. The average loss of blood was 164 ml and the periods of dilatation ranged from 6 to 44 seconds, with a failure rate of 5 per cent. The authors recommend that in cases of interruption of pregnancy vibrodilatation, involving very few complications, should be attempted as a rule before Hegar's classical dilatation is applied.", "PMID": 983482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_296", "title": "[Cardiovascular effects of nylidrin (Dilatol) in pregnancy].", "content": "8 normotensive late pregnant women were examined before, during and after the intravenous administration of nylidrin (Dilatol) with the method of quantitative sphygmometry, the bloodless graphic registration of the arterial blood pressure and the direct electronic timing of pulse wave velocity. Systolic blood pressure remains unchanged; mean and diastolic blood pressure and total peripheral resistance decrease. Simultaneously heart rate, stroke volume and above all cardiac output increase. The hemodynamic mode of action of nylidrin is a favourable one in regard to the perfusion of tissues in pregnancy, because the fall of total peripheral resistance is much more pronunciated than the decrease of blood pressure. Therefore there are no objections to a tocolytic treatment with nylidrin in normotensive pregnant women on the part of cardiovascular system.", "contents": "[Cardiovascular effects of nylidrin (Dilatol) in pregnancy]. 8 normotensive late pregnant women were examined before, during and after the intravenous administration of nylidrin (Dilatol) with the method of quantitative sphygmometry, the bloodless graphic registration of the arterial blood pressure and the direct electronic timing of pulse wave velocity. Systolic blood pressure remains unchanged; mean and diastolic blood pressure and total peripheral resistance decrease. Simultaneously heart rate, stroke volume and above all cardiac output increase. The hemodynamic mode of action of nylidrin is a favourable one in regard to the perfusion of tissues in pregnancy, because the fall of total peripheral resistance is much more pronunciated than the decrease of blood pressure. Therefore there are no objections to a tocolytic treatment with nylidrin in normotensive pregnant women on the part of cardiovascular system.", "PMID": 983483} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_297", "title": "[Thanatophoric dwarfism. Pathogenesis of the respiratory insufficiency in this abnormality].", "content": "Report on a thanatophoric dwarfism, which is a variety of achondroplasia. New born children with this failure are not able to survive the first few days after birth. This early death is due to a cardiorespiratory deficiency as a consequence of the extremely short ribs but also of the abnormal cartilaginous growth in the wall of bronchi and bronchioles. In this present case of the thanatophoric dwarfism the question is discussed in how far the disorder of the bronchial cartilage is the basis of the respiratory distress.", "contents": "[Thanatophoric dwarfism. Pathogenesis of the respiratory insufficiency in this abnormality]. Report on a thanatophoric dwarfism, which is a variety of achondroplasia. New born children with this failure are not able to survive the first few days after birth. This early death is due to a cardiorespiratory deficiency as a consequence of the extremely short ribs but also of the abnormal cartilaginous growth in the wall of bronchi and bronchioles. In this present case of the thanatophoric dwarfism the question is discussed in how far the disorder of the bronchial cartilage is the basis of the respiratory distress.", "PMID": 983484} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_298", "title": "[Case of encephalitis in pregnancy].", "content": "The author reports a maternal letal case of Encephalitis in pregnancy. The first symptoms stepped calculate termin of birth. A resembling case in the publications up to this day is not described.", "contents": "[Case of encephalitis in pregnancy]. The author reports a maternal letal case of Encephalitis in pregnancy. The first symptoms stepped calculate termin of birth. A resembling case in the publications up to this day is not described.", "PMID": 983485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_299", "title": "[A critical review of hypothetical causes of EPH-gestosis].", "content": "The essential EPH-gestosis seems to have multiple aetiological factors and the disease develops already a long time before the appearance of the classical symptoms. The disturbed renal function is the main point among secondary pathological effects as the damaged placenta, the disseminated coagulation, the glomerular endotheliosis, the increased retention of water and sodium with increased arterial responsiveness. It may be that this reduced reversible renal function is of extra-renal origin. As predisposing factors were discussed the reduced uteroplacental circulation with the release of still unknown pressor substances or decreased inactivation of pressor amines, the uterorenal reflex mechanism, the disturbed homeostasis of the body fluids and the vegetativ-hypothalamic crisis etc. But other factors may also be participate on this disease as immunological and hormonal aspects, especially the renin-angiotensin-aldosteron-system and prostaglandins. To find out the aetiological factors we should examine the disease at the beginning in comparison with normal pregnancy. These factors must explain why the true EPH-gestosis appears mainly during the first pregnancy and frequently in twins and so on.", "contents": "[A critical review of hypothetical causes of EPH-gestosis]. The essential EPH-gestosis seems to have multiple aetiological factors and the disease develops already a long time before the appearance of the classical symptoms. The disturbed renal function is the main point among secondary pathological effects as the damaged placenta, the disseminated coagulation, the glomerular endotheliosis, the increased retention of water and sodium with increased arterial responsiveness. It may be that this reduced reversible renal function is of extra-renal origin. As predisposing factors were discussed the reduced uteroplacental circulation with the release of still unknown pressor substances or decreased inactivation of pressor amines, the uterorenal reflex mechanism, the disturbed homeostasis of the body fluids and the vegetativ-hypothalamic crisis etc. But other factors may also be participate on this disease as immunological and hormonal aspects, especially the renin-angiotensin-aldosteron-system and prostaglandins. To find out the aetiological factors we should examine the disease at the beginning in comparison with normal pregnancy. These factors must explain why the true EPH-gestosis appears mainly during the first pregnancy and frequently in twins and so on.", "PMID": 983486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_300", "title": "[The frequency of cellular infiltration in fetal membranes and the umbilical cord and its dependence on the time of membrane rupture, transmission and EPH-gestosis].", "content": "The determination of the frequency of the histological severity of cellular, predominantly leukocytic infiltration in the fetal membranes and umbilical cord and its dependence upon the time of rupture of the membranes, the transmission, and the EPH gestosis yielded the following results: (1) Cellular infiltration of the decidua, the severity of which ranged from low to high, was observed in almost 90 percent of the placentae included in this investigation, with infiltration being not detected in only about 10 percent. (2) There was observed a continuous decrease in the frequency of low- and high-severity infiltration in the fetal membrane layers toward the choriodecidual space, so that high-severity infiltration of the amnion could be detected in about 3 percent only. (3) The percentages of infiltrates detected were roughly 13 percent in the umbilical vein wall and only 8 percent in the umbilical arterial walls. (4) Cellular infiltration of the umbilical vein may be observed significantly more frequently in those cases in which the time from the rupture of the membranes to the delivery of placenta is longer than three hours than in cases where this time is shorter than three hours. (5) In the case of transmission the frequency of cellular infiltration of the amnion and umbilical vein wall is significantly higher than in the cases of normal gestations. (6) High-severity forms of cellular infiltration of the umbilical vein and arteries are significantly more frequent in the case of EPH gestosis than low-severity forms. (7) The differences in frequency of cellular infiltration in fetal membrane layers and umbilical vessel walls not mentioned under (4) through (6) above are not significant for different times between the rupture of the membranes and the delivery of placenta, transmission, and EPH gestosis. (8) Hypoxidosis and chemotaxis due to acidification of the amniotic fluid rather than bacterial infection are considered to be the causes of cellular infiltration in the majority of cases of increases in time between the rupture of the membranes and the delivery of placenta, transmission, and EPH gestosis.", "contents": "[The frequency of cellular infiltration in fetal membranes and the umbilical cord and its dependence on the time of membrane rupture, transmission and EPH-gestosis]. The determination of the frequency of the histological severity of cellular, predominantly leukocytic infiltration in the fetal membranes and umbilical cord and its dependence upon the time of rupture of the membranes, the transmission, and the EPH gestosis yielded the following results: (1) Cellular infiltration of the decidua, the severity of which ranged from low to high, was observed in almost 90 percent of the placentae included in this investigation, with infiltration being not detected in only about 10 percent. (2) There was observed a continuous decrease in the frequency of low- and high-severity infiltration in the fetal membrane layers toward the choriodecidual space, so that high-severity infiltration of the amnion could be detected in about 3 percent only. (3) The percentages of infiltrates detected were roughly 13 percent in the umbilical vein wall and only 8 percent in the umbilical arterial walls. (4) Cellular infiltration of the umbilical vein may be observed significantly more frequently in those cases in which the time from the rupture of the membranes to the delivery of placenta is longer than three hours than in cases where this time is shorter than three hours. (5) In the case of transmission the frequency of cellular infiltration of the amnion and umbilical vein wall is significantly higher than in the cases of normal gestations. (6) High-severity forms of cellular infiltration of the umbilical vein and arteries are significantly more frequent in the case of EPH gestosis than low-severity forms. (7) The differences in frequency of cellular infiltration in fetal membrane layers and umbilical vessel walls not mentioned under (4) through (6) above are not significant for different times between the rupture of the membranes and the delivery of placenta, transmission, and EPH gestosis. (8) Hypoxidosis and chemotaxis due to acidification of the amniotic fluid rather than bacterial infection are considered to be the causes of cellular infiltration in the majority of cases of increases in time between the rupture of the membranes and the delivery of placenta, transmission, and EPH gestosis.", "PMID": 983487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_301", "title": "[Structural and enzyme-histochemical changes of villous trophoblast during pregnancy].", "content": "A critical examination of chorion epithel of terminal villi is made on 80 placentas between 8 and 28 as well as 37 and 41 weeks of gestation after a normal pregnancy (clinical and anamnestical) with structural (Carbohydrates, albumines, nucleid-acids) and enzymhistochemical methods. The results of reactions signifies an incontinual morphological and functional differentiation of trophoblast between 16 and 28 weeks. The reduction of Langhanscells and transformation of their predominant degree of differentiation result simultaneously. These changes are discussed in connection with the well known structural and ultra-structural formation processes as well as the functional capacity of plasmodium. This functional-morphological transformation of trophoblasts has reached a qualitative condition by the 28 week, which is corresponding to the placentas of 37 upto 41 weeks by prepondering \"ripe\" plasmodium and \"differentiated\" Langhans-cells. Changes with occur in villous-epithel of normal placentas between 28 and 36 week should be predominantly of quantitative nature. The significance of proved Sialic-acid by principal absence of Glykoseaminoglycans in the human placenta will be discussed in connection with the introductions of immunogenity and immunological competence of organs.", "contents": "[Structural and enzyme-histochemical changes of villous trophoblast during pregnancy]. A critical examination of chorion epithel of terminal villi is made on 80 placentas between 8 and 28 as well as 37 and 41 weeks of gestation after a normal pregnancy (clinical and anamnestical) with structural (Carbohydrates, albumines, nucleid-acids) and enzymhistochemical methods. The results of reactions signifies an incontinual morphological and functional differentiation of trophoblast between 16 and 28 weeks. The reduction of Langhanscells and transformation of their predominant degree of differentiation result simultaneously. These changes are discussed in connection with the well known structural and ultra-structural formation processes as well as the functional capacity of plasmodium. This functional-morphological transformation of trophoblasts has reached a qualitative condition by the 28 week, which is corresponding to the placentas of 37 upto 41 weeks by prepondering \"ripe\" plasmodium and \"differentiated\" Langhans-cells. Changes with occur in villous-epithel of normal placentas between 28 and 36 week should be predominantly of quantitative nature. The significance of proved Sialic-acid by principal absence of Glykoseaminoglycans in the human placenta will be discussed in connection with the introductions of immunogenity and immunological competence of organs.", "PMID": 983488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_302", "title": "[The determination of human placental lactogen (HPL) for hormonal supervision in late pregnancy].", "content": "In the serum of 145 women between the 34th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy, 209 radioimmunological determinations of human placental lactogen were made, using the Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden, HCS Phadebas Test. Following the determination of normal HPL levels in late pregnancy, the HPL values of high-risk pregnancies were investigated in relation to normal values and compared with the clinical pattern. A satisfactory relation was found between low HPL levels and fetal growth retardation. To some extent the HPL data can also be used in monitoring severe EPH-gestosis and postmaturity. Light cases of gestosis and pregnancies involving Rh-incompatibility do not affect HPL production. The clinical findings regarding HPL levels should not be overestimated in attempting to diagnose placental insufficiency.", "contents": "[The determination of human placental lactogen (HPL) for hormonal supervision in late pregnancy]. In the serum of 145 women between the 34th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy, 209 radioimmunological determinations of human placental lactogen were made, using the Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden, HCS Phadebas Test. Following the determination of normal HPL levels in late pregnancy, the HPL values of high-risk pregnancies were investigated in relation to normal values and compared with the clinical pattern. A satisfactory relation was found between low HPL levels and fetal growth retardation. To some extent the HPL data can also be used in monitoring severe EPH-gestosis and postmaturity. Light cases of gestosis and pregnancies involving Rh-incompatibility do not affect HPL production. The clinical findings regarding HPL levels should not be overestimated in attempting to diagnose placental insufficiency.", "PMID": 983489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_303", "title": "[Caffeine-stimulated lipolysis in relation to pathologic pregnancy].", "content": "In an acute experiment the effect of Coffeinum-Sodium-salicylicum (3 mg/kg body weight) on the parameter of lipolysis Free Fatty Acids (FFA) and free glycerin in early pregnancy is investigated. On the base of literature data the possibility of labour induction due to high blood-values of FFA and glycerin is explained and the importance of the coffeine-stimulated lipolysis in pregnancy is discussed. To prevent one possible cause of abortus or miscarriage it is recommended to restrict taking coffee during pregnancy.", "contents": "[Caffeine-stimulated lipolysis in relation to pathologic pregnancy]. In an acute experiment the effect of Coffeinum-Sodium-salicylicum (3 mg/kg body weight) on the parameter of lipolysis Free Fatty Acids (FFA) and free glycerin in early pregnancy is investigated. On the base of literature data the possibility of labour induction due to high blood-values of FFA and glycerin is explained and the importance of the coffeine-stimulated lipolysis in pregnancy is discussed. To prevent one possible cause of abortus or miscarriage it is recommended to restrict taking coffee during pregnancy.", "PMID": 983490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_304", "title": "[Vaginal radical surgery using the Schauta-Amreich method. Results from the years 1959 to 1970 and consequences for determining indications].", "content": "Clinical report on 234 vaginal radical hysterectomies carried out in the years 1959 to 1970 at the department of obstetrics and gynecology of the university of Rostock. 84% 5-year recoveries. No primary operative mortality, low morbidity. 5-year recovery is 76%, if cancer does exceed 20 X 20 mm at the surface and/or 10 mm extent at the depth. If cancer does not exceed this three-dimensional measurement 5-year recovery is 91%. There was concluded firstly that the possibility of metastases in the pelvic lymph nodes is dependent from the size of the primary tumor and secondly that before treatment a subtile diagnostic procedure secures that only good cases of cervical cancer FIGO stage I b are operated on by radical vaginal hysterectomy (Schauta-Amreich). Also in some cases of microcarcinoma a Schauta-operation is indicated. Our proposal is a reduced radicality with regard to the removal of the parametrium in these caces.", "contents": "[Vaginal radical surgery using the Schauta-Amreich method. Results from the years 1959 to 1970 and consequences for determining indications]. Clinical report on 234 vaginal radical hysterectomies carried out in the years 1959 to 1970 at the department of obstetrics and gynecology of the university of Rostock. 84% 5-year recoveries. No primary operative mortality, low morbidity. 5-year recovery is 76%, if cancer does exceed 20 X 20 mm at the surface and/or 10 mm extent at the depth. If cancer does not exceed this three-dimensional measurement 5-year recovery is 91%. There was concluded firstly that the possibility of metastases in the pelvic lymph nodes is dependent from the size of the primary tumor and secondly that before treatment a subtile diagnostic procedure secures that only good cases of cervical cancer FIGO stage I b are operated on by radical vaginal hysterectomy (Schauta-Amreich). Also in some cases of microcarcinoma a Schauta-operation is indicated. Our proposal is a reduced radicality with regard to the removal of the parametrium in these caces.", "PMID": 983491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_305", "title": "[Influence of gynecologic surgery on the blood concentration of adenosine phosphate].", "content": "Blood concentrations of ATP, ADP and AMP studied before and immediately after incomplicated gynecologic surgery due to not malignant indications showed the following changes: 1. The initial blood concentration values ranged within the physiological limits and were not therefore essentially influenced by gynecologic diseases. 2. There was a short-term non significant increase of ATP blood concentrations after the operation. 3. After more extensive surgical operations there was a significant short-term decrease of ADP and AMP concentrations that however, approached pre-operation values within 24 hours. 4. The values of ATP/ADP and ATP/AMP coefficients increased significantly after the operation but decreased again within 24 hours. It may be concluded that gynecologic surgery itself as well as attendant circumstances do not induce metabolic changes unfavorably influencing the adenosinephophate system in the blood.", "contents": "[Influence of gynecologic surgery on the blood concentration of adenosine phosphate]. Blood concentrations of ATP, ADP and AMP studied before and immediately after incomplicated gynecologic surgery due to not malignant indications showed the following changes: 1. The initial blood concentration values ranged within the physiological limits and were not therefore essentially influenced by gynecologic diseases. 2. There was a short-term non significant increase of ATP blood concentrations after the operation. 3. After more extensive surgical operations there was a significant short-term decrease of ADP and AMP concentrations that however, approached pre-operation values within 24 hours. 4. The values of ATP/ADP and ATP/AMP coefficients increased significantly after the operation but decreased again within 24 hours. It may be concluded that gynecologic surgery itself as well as attendant circumstances do not induce metabolic changes unfavorably influencing the adenosinephophate system in the blood.", "PMID": 983492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_306", "title": "[Changes in the serum concentration of cholesterol, esterified and nonesterified fatty acids following gynecologic surgery].", "content": "After operations of benign gynaecological diseases we recorded changes of the lipid metabolism which were manifested by the following deviations of serum cholesterol and non-esterified and esterified fatty acid concentrations: 1. Total serum cholesterol levels declined markedly after operation either throughout the six-day period after operation, or they began to rise starting on the third day. 2. The esterified fatty acid concentrations rose after a brief drop, usually already from the first day. 3. The non-esterified fatty acid concentrations rose after operation. The peak was as a rule reached on the third day after operation. Subsequently they had a declining trend. 4. The preoperative values of the above lipids were slightly altered (we observed higher cholesterol and esterified fatty acid concentrations). This change was at least partly explained as the consequence of the preoperative stress. In our opinion is it important to attempt to restrict sudden changes of the lipid metabolism, as these changes may become the basis of various postoperative complications.", "contents": "[Changes in the serum concentration of cholesterol, esterified and nonesterified fatty acids following gynecologic surgery]. After operations of benign gynaecological diseases we recorded changes of the lipid metabolism which were manifested by the following deviations of serum cholesterol and non-esterified and esterified fatty acid concentrations: 1. Total serum cholesterol levels declined markedly after operation either throughout the six-day period after operation, or they began to rise starting on the third day. 2. The esterified fatty acid concentrations rose after a brief drop, usually already from the first day. 3. The non-esterified fatty acid concentrations rose after operation. The peak was as a rule reached on the third day after operation. Subsequently they had a declining trend. 4. The preoperative values of the above lipids were slightly altered (we observed higher cholesterol and esterified fatty acid concentrations). This change was at least partly explained as the consequence of the preoperative stress. In our opinion is it important to attempt to restrict sudden changes of the lipid metabolism, as these changes may become the basis of various postoperative complications.", "PMID": 983493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_307", "title": "Camp-phenomenon in staphylococci.", "content": "Most strains of Staphylococcus aureus and some strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis show Camp phenomenon which differs slightly from that observed in Streptococci group B. - Positive Camp test in staphylococci might be an additional indication of their pathogenicity.", "contents": "Camp-phenomenon in staphylococci. Most strains of Staphylococcus aureus and some strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis show Camp phenomenon which differs slightly from that observed in Streptococci group B. - Positive Camp test in staphylococci might be an additional indication of their pathogenicity.", "PMID": 983531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_308", "title": "Physical properties and the fine structure of proteocines.", "content": "Proteocines derived from twelve previously described bacteriocinogenic strains of Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris were investigated. All proteocine preparations were particulate, unaffected by trypsin, and destroyed by freezing and thawing or by heating at 60 degrees C for 30 minutes. Proteocine activity was removed by adsorption with the appropriate sensitive organisms. The active principles of all preparations were partially purified by precipitation with 70% (w/v NH4(SO4)2 followed by ultra-centrifugation. Column chromatography showed that proteocine activity was associated with only one of the peaks of material which absorbed strongly at 257 mu. All twelve proteocine preparations were revealed by electron microscopy as a phage-tail-like structure and each particle had a sheath, a core, and a base-plate from which spine-like fibres extend. Adsorption of these particles to the cell wall of sensitive strains did not disrupt the bacterial cell wall, but the cytoplasmic membrane and the cell contents shrank, with consequent death of the \"infected\" cell.", "contents": "Physical properties and the fine structure of proteocines. Proteocines derived from twelve previously described bacteriocinogenic strains of Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris were investigated. All proteocine preparations were particulate, unaffected by trypsin, and destroyed by freezing and thawing or by heating at 60 degrees C for 30 minutes. Proteocine activity was removed by adsorption with the appropriate sensitive organisms. The active principles of all preparations were partially purified by precipitation with 70% (w/v NH4(SO4)2 followed by ultra-centrifugation. Column chromatography showed that proteocine activity was associated with only one of the peaks of material which absorbed strongly at 257 mu. All twelve proteocine preparations were revealed by electron microscopy as a phage-tail-like structure and each particle had a sheath, a core, and a base-plate from which spine-like fibres extend. Adsorption of these particles to the cell wall of sensitive strains did not disrupt the bacterial cell wall, but the cytoplasmic membrane and the cell contents shrank, with consequent death of the \"infected\" cell.", "PMID": 983532} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_309", "title": "Epidemiological studies on Salmonella in a certain area (\"Walcheren project\"). I. The presence of Salmonella in man, pigs, insects, seagulls and in foods and effluents.", "content": "During a certain period various materials (pigs, foods, insects, seagull droppings, chopping-block scrapings from butcher's shops, effluents of sewage treatment plants and stools of patients) were examined for the presence of Salmonella at the same time in a relatively small area (Walcheren). Certain types of Salmonella (S. typhi murium type II 505, S. panama, S. infantis and S. brandenburg) were frequently isolated from almost all materials examined. This may indicate the existence of Salmonella contamination cycles: one may think of the cycle: slaughter animal (infected from the environment and/or by meal) - meat - consumer - patient or healthy carrier - effluent and surface water - insects, birds and rodents - slaughter animal or meat and possibly other foods - consumer.", "contents": "Epidemiological studies on Salmonella in a certain area (\"Walcheren project\"). I. The presence of Salmonella in man, pigs, insects, seagulls and in foods and effluents. During a certain period various materials (pigs, foods, insects, seagull droppings, chopping-block scrapings from butcher's shops, effluents of sewage treatment plants and stools of patients) were examined for the presence of Salmonella at the same time in a relatively small area (Walcheren). Certain types of Salmonella (S. typhi murium type II 505, S. panama, S. infantis and S. brandenburg) were frequently isolated from almost all materials examined. This may indicate the existence of Salmonella contamination cycles: one may think of the cycle: slaughter animal (infected from the environment and/or by meal) - meat - consumer - patient or healthy carrier - effluent and surface water - insects, birds and rodents - slaughter animal or meat and possibly other foods - consumer.", "PMID": 983533} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_310", "title": "[Studies on the composition of the fecal flora of healthy dogs with the special references of Lactobacillus flora and Bifidobacterium flora (author's transl)].", "content": "With the new method the fecal flora of 13 clinically healthy dogs aged 3 to 42 months was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. It was characterized by that bacteroidaceae constituted the most prodominant flora, catenabacteria, streptococci, peptostreptococci, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were the next most numerous, enterobacteria consisted the accompanying flora. The numbers of Clostridium perfringens were remarkably fluctuated and seem to be influenced by the composition of the food ingested by the host. The total cultivable counts averaged log 10.8 +/- 0.2/g. The composition of the Lactobacillus flora and Bifidobacterium flora in the feces of 34 dogs from 3 different age groups was analysed. In the feces of all age groups L. acidophilus, L. salivarius and L. fermenti with 9 different types were found. Within the lactobacilli L. acidophilus type VI c, L. salivarius type VI a and L. fermenti type IV b were most frequently found. L. acidophilus types VI c and XI, L. salivarius types VI a and VI b could not be placed in any established types of each species, and were described as new types. Bifidobacteria were regularly found in large numbers in the feces of dogs aged 2 to 24 months. B. adolescentis and B. pseudolongum consisted the main Bifidobacterium flora.", "contents": "[Studies on the composition of the fecal flora of healthy dogs with the special references of Lactobacillus flora and Bifidobacterium flora (author's transl)]. With the new method the fecal flora of 13 clinically healthy dogs aged 3 to 42 months was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. It was characterized by that bacteroidaceae constituted the most prodominant flora, catenabacteria, streptococci, peptostreptococci, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were the next most numerous, enterobacteria consisted the accompanying flora. The numbers of Clostridium perfringens were remarkably fluctuated and seem to be influenced by the composition of the food ingested by the host. The total cultivable counts averaged log 10.8 +/- 0.2/g. The composition of the Lactobacillus flora and Bifidobacterium flora in the feces of 34 dogs from 3 different age groups was analysed. In the feces of all age groups L. acidophilus, L. salivarius and L. fermenti with 9 different types were found. Within the lactobacilli L. acidophilus type VI c, L. salivarius type VI a and L. fermenti type IV b were most frequently found. L. acidophilus types VI c and XI, L. salivarius types VI a and VI b could not be placed in any established types of each species, and were described as new types. Bifidobacteria were regularly found in large numbers in the feces of dogs aged 2 to 24 months. B. adolescentis and B. pseudolongum consisted the main Bifidobacterium flora.", "PMID": 983534} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_311", "title": "Biotyping and serotyping of Propionibacterium acnes strains isolated from different diagnostic materials.", "content": "Fifty strains of Propionibacterium acnes, five strains with the previous designation Corynebacterium parvum and three strains of Propionibacterium avidum were agglutinated by Bacto-Corynebacterium acnes 554 antiserum (Difco); it was not possible to isolate any strain reacting only with 605 antiserum. Only one strain of C. parvum reacted with both sera. 48 (88 per cent) out of 54 strains (P. acnes and C. parvum) belonged to Voss' group I and 25 (47 per cent) belonged to Pulverer's biotype A. Strains from different diagnostic materials differed only biochemically (species acnes and avidum). The relations between these two species are discussed.", "contents": "Biotyping and serotyping of Propionibacterium acnes strains isolated from different diagnostic materials. Fifty strains of Propionibacterium acnes, five strains with the previous designation Corynebacterium parvum and three strains of Propionibacterium avidum were agglutinated by Bacto-Corynebacterium acnes 554 antiserum (Difco); it was not possible to isolate any strain reacting only with 605 antiserum. Only one strain of C. parvum reacted with both sera. 48 (88 per cent) out of 54 strains (P. acnes and C. parvum) belonged to Voss' group I and 25 (47 per cent) belonged to Pulverer's biotype A. Strains from different diagnostic materials differed only biochemically (species acnes and avidum). The relations between these two species are discussed.", "PMID": 983535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_312", "title": "[Meaning of serotype Patoc (biflexa complex) for the diagnosis of leptospirosis by microscopic agglutination test (author's transl)].", "content": "Agglutination with serotype patoc (Patoc 1) was found in 72 of 125 cases of leptospirosis. Patoc-agglutination occured frequently in leptospirosis icterohaemorrhagiae, less frequently in leptospirosis grippotyphosa and rarely in leptospirosis tarassovi. 53 cases of leptospirosis were not diagnosed when using Patoc 1 as single antigen. So we cannot recommend to use serotype patoc as the sole antigen for microscopic agglutination test. We observed 1 case in which the reaction with Patoc 1 happened earlier than the reaction with the pathogen serotypes. For this reason the battery of antigens for carrying out microscopic agglutination test should include serotype patoc, too.", "contents": "[Meaning of serotype Patoc (biflexa complex) for the diagnosis of leptospirosis by microscopic agglutination test (author's transl)]. Agglutination with serotype patoc (Patoc 1) was found in 72 of 125 cases of leptospirosis. Patoc-agglutination occured frequently in leptospirosis icterohaemorrhagiae, less frequently in leptospirosis grippotyphosa and rarely in leptospirosis tarassovi. 53 cases of leptospirosis were not diagnosed when using Patoc 1 as single antigen. So we cannot recommend to use serotype patoc as the sole antigen for microscopic agglutination test. We observed 1 case in which the reaction with Patoc 1 happened earlier than the reaction with the pathogen serotypes. For this reason the battery of antigens for carrying out microscopic agglutination test should include serotype patoc, too.", "PMID": 983536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_313", "title": "[Breeding and management of mycobacteria-free guinea pigs (author's transl)].", "content": "A number of mycobacterial species are detectable under conventional holding condition of guinea pigs. These mycobacteria originating in drinking water and litter caused cross reactions in the Jones-Mote hypersensitivity test. Using suitable precautions it was possible to breed and hold the animals mycobacteria-free. The precautions depend mainly in alteration of the wire mesh floor in cages to avoide the contact of the animals with the litter, in cleaning and desinfection of water bottles, in using of heated water and food and in the prevention of mycobacterial contamination from the staff. The control examination on mycobacteria without treating is given in details. Cases are refered in which a oral rece ption of mycobacteria can alter the immune response. The modification of guinea pigs management to the mycobacteria-free ones is possible in a short time and with minimal cost.", "contents": "[Breeding and management of mycobacteria-free guinea pigs (author's transl)]. A number of mycobacterial species are detectable under conventional holding condition of guinea pigs. These mycobacteria originating in drinking water and litter caused cross reactions in the Jones-Mote hypersensitivity test. Using suitable precautions it was possible to breed and hold the animals mycobacteria-free. The precautions depend mainly in alteration of the wire mesh floor in cages to avoide the contact of the animals with the litter, in cleaning and desinfection of water bottles, in using of heated water and food and in the prevention of mycobacterial contamination from the staff. The control examination on mycobacteria without treating is given in details. Cases are refered in which a oral rece ption of mycobacteria can alter the immune response. The modification of guinea pigs management to the mycobacteria-free ones is possible in a short time and with minimal cost.", "PMID": 983537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_314", "title": "[Microorganisms in drugs and cosmetics - occurrence, harms and consequences in hygienic manufacturing (author's transl)].", "content": "The quantity of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products with different composition and the diversity of contaminating microorganisms set up special problems for each product with its specific field of application. It is not exact to generalize the hazard of contaminating microorganisms to product cathegories. Some product cathegories however are more imperilled to be contaminated with microorganisms and they are more hazardous than other ones. The most important component of the living matter is water that decides on growth, multiplication and survival of microorganisms in drugs and cosmetics. Products with a high content of available water are the most problematic ones. The consequences of survival and multiplication of microorganisms in relation to metabolic activity, pathogenicity and route of administration can be harmless or fatal. The nutritive wants of many microorganisms are very small, even simple salt solutions do not exclude microbial growth. There scarcely exist substrates not used as energy source by any microorganism and so it does not wonder that desinfectants are also used. Added preservatives may be absorbed or inactivated by suspended anorganic components, swelling agents, solubilizers etc., the containers or its closing. In the water phase of emulsions, in which under special conditions smaller amounts of the preservative are available, microorganisms sometimes can multiply. Skin care products neither belonging to pharmaceuticals nor to cosmetics present special clinical problems. Many times creams and lotions contain ingredients metabolized by microorganisms. Ointments and oils can be overgrown only by highly specialized organisms but if there is condensed water as a film at boundary surfaces much more microorganism species can grow. When using cosmetics it must be considered that parts of them will get into the eye. The eye is really endangered by Pseudomonads, which can according to the composition multiply in shampoos and whose contact to the eye can not be excluded. Syrups and solutions contain sugar concentrations, which suppress growth of most microorganisms except osmotolerant germs. Because of their low water content powders normally are protected against microbial growth but they should be free from clostridial spores for a mixture of powder and sweat is a good nutrient medium to Clostridia and fungi. Powders for surgical use must be sterile. Tablets and dragees do not allow microbial multiplication because of their low water activity. Under bad storage conditions a local increase of water content may permit microbial growth at the surface, especially in hygroscopicity. Fortunately there is seen a trend of not using multi-dose-containers for injections because of the high risk of contamination. It is to develop single-dose-containers also for other groups of preparations especially for eye-preparations. Many products microbiologically unobjectionable produced are contaminated in use, they contain the spectrum of microorganisms of the area of application...", "contents": "[Microorganisms in drugs and cosmetics - occurrence, harms and consequences in hygienic manufacturing (author's transl)]. The quantity of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products with different composition and the diversity of contaminating microorganisms set up special problems for each product with its specific field of application. It is not exact to generalize the hazard of contaminating microorganisms to product cathegories. Some product cathegories however are more imperilled to be contaminated with microorganisms and they are more hazardous than other ones. The most important component of the living matter is water that decides on growth, multiplication and survival of microorganisms in drugs and cosmetics. Products with a high content of available water are the most problematic ones. The consequences of survival and multiplication of microorganisms in relation to metabolic activity, pathogenicity and route of administration can be harmless or fatal. The nutritive wants of many microorganisms are very small, even simple salt solutions do not exclude microbial growth. There scarcely exist substrates not used as energy source by any microorganism and so it does not wonder that desinfectants are also used. Added preservatives may be absorbed or inactivated by suspended anorganic components, swelling agents, solubilizers etc., the containers or its closing. In the water phase of emulsions, in which under special conditions smaller amounts of the preservative are available, microorganisms sometimes can multiply. Skin care products neither belonging to pharmaceuticals nor to cosmetics present special clinical problems. Many times creams and lotions contain ingredients metabolized by microorganisms. Ointments and oils can be overgrown only by highly specialized organisms but if there is condensed water as a film at boundary surfaces much more microorganism species can grow. When using cosmetics it must be considered that parts of them will get into the eye. The eye is really endangered by Pseudomonads, which can according to the composition multiply in shampoos and whose contact to the eye can not be excluded. Syrups and solutions contain sugar concentrations, which suppress growth of most microorganisms except osmotolerant germs. Because of their low water content powders normally are protected against microbial growth but they should be free from clostridial spores for a mixture of powder and sweat is a good nutrient medium to Clostridia and fungi. Powders for surgical use must be sterile. Tablets and dragees do not allow microbial multiplication because of their low water activity. Under bad storage conditions a local increase of water content may permit microbial growth at the surface, especially in hygroscopicity. Fortunately there is seen a trend of not using multi-dose-containers for injections because of the high risk of contamination. It is to develop single-dose-containers also for other groups of preparations especially for eye-preparations. Many products microbiologically unobjectionable produced are contaminated in use, they contain the spectrum of microorganisms of the area of application...", "PMID": 983538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_315", "title": "[The effect of selenium and fluorine with respect to caries and toxicity to Osborne-Mendel-rats (author's transl)].", "content": "Two experiments carried out with one hundred rats from the Osborne-Mendel-strain were supposed to prove the influence of selenium-containing-drinking-water on caries. The animals were divided into five experimental groups of twenty rats each. Selenium was tested in different doses as an addition to drinking-water in shape of Na2SeO4, as well as in combination with a tooth-paste containing NaF.-Its toxicity was to be determined by the water consumption, the mortality and above all by the body weight of the animals at the end of the test. During the first experiment three groups received Na2SeO4 in doses of 1, 5 and 10 ppm in the drinking water and the cariogenic diet Stephan 580 as food. Two other groups served as control, one receiving the cariogenic diet Stephan 580 and the other one getting the normal breeding diet. The analysis of variance carried out for the assessment of caries and the test of SCHEFFE only show a different attack concerning those groups, receiving the cariogenic diet and the control group fed with the breeding diet Altromin R. Nine of the 40 animals of the groups that had received the selenium doses of 5 and 10 ppm did not survive the experiment. The average value of the water consumption and the body weight of the animals of the selenium group was below the average of the remaining groups, which points out a strong toxicity of Na2SeO4. In regard to the water consumptions, however, one cannot exactly define, whether it is an effect of the selenium of the cariogenic diet. All groups of the second experiment received the cariogenic diet Stephan 580; two of them got Na2SeO4 in doses of 4ppm within their drinking water. The molars of the lower jaws of one of these group were brushed with a tooth-paste containing NaF. The molars of the other group were treated with a paste, serving as a placebo. Two other groups were provided each with the paste containing fluorine and the paste serving as a placebo, but without selenium in their drinking water. Furthermore 20 animals were used as a control group. The analysis of variance showed the widely known protective effect of the fluorine by the statistically significant different distribution of the caries. Comparing those two groups, whose drinking water contained Na2SeO4 with the two other groups whose molars were treated with the paste containing fluorine and the one serving as a placebo respectively, we may conclude, that Na2SeO4 has no influence on the protective effect of the fluorine. A comparison of the group treated with the paste serving as a placebo with the control group shows, that the tooth-brushing obviously has no great effect. In respect to the body weight at the end of the experiment one cannot demonstrate a clear effect using the linear contrast of SCHEFFE, and there also is no infleunce of selenium on the total water consumption, which coincides with the results of the first experiment. The two experiments have shown that Na2SeO4 is toxic in the doses applied...", "contents": "[The effect of selenium and fluorine with respect to caries and toxicity to Osborne-Mendel-rats (author's transl)]. Two experiments carried out with one hundred rats from the Osborne-Mendel-strain were supposed to prove the influence of selenium-containing-drinking-water on caries. The animals were divided into five experimental groups of twenty rats each. Selenium was tested in different doses as an addition to drinking-water in shape of Na2SeO4, as well as in combination with a tooth-paste containing NaF.-Its toxicity was to be determined by the water consumption, the mortality and above all by the body weight of the animals at the end of the test. During the first experiment three groups received Na2SeO4 in doses of 1, 5 and 10 ppm in the drinking water and the cariogenic diet Stephan 580 as food. Two other groups served as control, one receiving the cariogenic diet Stephan 580 and the other one getting the normal breeding diet. The analysis of variance carried out for the assessment of caries and the test of SCHEFFE only show a different attack concerning those groups, receiving the cariogenic diet and the control group fed with the breeding diet Altromin R. Nine of the 40 animals of the groups that had received the selenium doses of 5 and 10 ppm did not survive the experiment. The average value of the water consumption and the body weight of the animals of the selenium group was below the average of the remaining groups, which points out a strong toxicity of Na2SeO4. In regard to the water consumptions, however, one cannot exactly define, whether it is an effect of the selenium of the cariogenic diet. All groups of the second experiment received the cariogenic diet Stephan 580; two of them got Na2SeO4 in doses of 4ppm within their drinking water. The molars of the lower jaws of one of these group were brushed with a tooth-paste containing NaF. The molars of the other group were treated with a paste, serving as a placebo. Two other groups were provided each with the paste containing fluorine and the paste serving as a placebo, but without selenium in their drinking water. Furthermore 20 animals were used as a control group. The analysis of variance showed the widely known protective effect of the fluorine by the statistically significant different distribution of the caries. Comparing those two groups, whose drinking water contained Na2SeO4 with the two other groups whose molars were treated with the paste containing fluorine and the one serving as a placebo respectively, we may conclude, that Na2SeO4 has no influence on the protective effect of the fluorine. A comparison of the group treated with the paste serving as a placebo with the control group shows, that the tooth-brushing obviously has no great effect. In respect to the body weight at the end of the experiment one cannot demonstrate a clear effect using the linear contrast of SCHEFFE, and there also is no infleunce of selenium on the total water consumption, which coincides with the results of the first experiment. The two experiments have shown that Na2SeO4 is toxic in the doses applied...", "PMID": 983539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_316", "title": "[The significance of the bacterial steroid degradation for the etiology of large bowel cancer. IV. Deconjugation of glycocholic acid, oxidation, and reduction of cholic acid by saccharolytic Bacteroides species (author's transl)].", "content": "A total of 36-38 strains (depending on the test series) of the strictly anaerobic Bacteroides species V. bulgatus, B. fragilis, B. thetaiotamicron, and B. distasonis was tested for the ability of splitting the acide amide linkage of glycocholate and for a further degradation of cholate. We found 23 of 38 strains (60 per cent) to be able to deconjugate glycocholate, but as many as 18 (46 per cent) resulted in an intensive to complete degradation. On the other hand 32 of 36 strains (89 per cent) were able to degrade cholate when cultivated anaerobically. They normally formed 1 transformation product, however, occasionally 2-3. Using the aerobic incubation of resting cells as test system we observed 30 active strains of 37 (81 per cent), which as well produced 1 degradation product generally, but sometimes 2-4 compounds. 3 strains transformed cholate during growth only. Thin layer-, gas chromatography, and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used for the identification of transformation products. We proved the main degradation product of all active strains to be 3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-7-oxo-5beta-cholanoate, by anaerobic cultivation as well as by aerobic incubation of cell suspensions. Deoxycholate (3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-5beta-cholanoate), in vivo the main product of cholate transformation, was hitherto found to be formed by 3 strains only as main degradation product, it may probably be a by-product of the degradation with other strains. All these strains, however, may also oxidise the 7alpha-hydroxyl group beside dehydroxylating cholate. For this reason we assume that the conditions for the formation of deoxycholate are in general not existent in our experiments. The third degradation product, formed under anaerobic conditions, is probably a monohydroxy-monooxo-cholanoate, derived from deoxycholate. Structures of additional transformation products, occasionally found under aerobic incubation, which are all less polar than 3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-7-oxo-5beta-cholanoic acid, could not be elucidated on account of minor amounts available. Bacteroides species are unable to transform the side chain of cholate, either as anaerobically growing cultures, or as aerobically incubated resting cells.", "contents": "[The significance of the bacterial steroid degradation for the etiology of large bowel cancer. IV. Deconjugation of glycocholic acid, oxidation, and reduction of cholic acid by saccharolytic Bacteroides species (author's transl)]. A total of 36-38 strains (depending on the test series) of the strictly anaerobic Bacteroides species V. bulgatus, B. fragilis, B. thetaiotamicron, and B. distasonis was tested for the ability of splitting the acide amide linkage of glycocholate and for a further degradation of cholate. We found 23 of 38 strains (60 per cent) to be able to deconjugate glycocholate, but as many as 18 (46 per cent) resulted in an intensive to complete degradation. On the other hand 32 of 36 strains (89 per cent) were able to degrade cholate when cultivated anaerobically. They normally formed 1 transformation product, however, occasionally 2-3. Using the aerobic incubation of resting cells as test system we observed 30 active strains of 37 (81 per cent), which as well produced 1 degradation product generally, but sometimes 2-4 compounds. 3 strains transformed cholate during growth only. Thin layer-, gas chromatography, and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used for the identification of transformation products. We proved the main degradation product of all active strains to be 3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-7-oxo-5beta-cholanoate, by anaerobic cultivation as well as by aerobic incubation of cell suspensions. Deoxycholate (3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-5beta-cholanoate), in vivo the main product of cholate transformation, was hitherto found to be formed by 3 strains only as main degradation product, it may probably be a by-product of the degradation with other strains. All these strains, however, may also oxidise the 7alpha-hydroxyl group beside dehydroxylating cholate. For this reason we assume that the conditions for the formation of deoxycholate are in general not existent in our experiments. The third degradation product, formed under anaerobic conditions, is probably a monohydroxy-monooxo-cholanoate, derived from deoxycholate. Structures of additional transformation products, occasionally found under aerobic incubation, which are all less polar than 3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-7-oxo-5beta-cholanoic acid, could not be elucidated on account of minor amounts available. Bacteroides species are unable to transform the side chain of cholate, either as anaerobically growing cultures, or as aerobically incubated resting cells.", "PMID": 983540} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_317", "title": "[Influence of line frequency electric fields on the heart rate of rats (author's transl)].", "content": "At present, the few published research results concerning the effect of 50 HZ fields on biological measurements, for instance on circulatory parameters, show only slight correlation. In order to find objective criteria for the infleunce of a field on heart frequency physically defineable observation conditions must first be created. In the interpretation of the results, it had to be taken into consideration that the measurements were taken immediately after application of the field in both brief and extended exposure. The effect of narcosis during derivation of cardiac activity was also a factor to be considered in this context. Keeping these facts in mind, rats were exposed for up to 50 days to a 50 Hz field with a field-strength of 50 V/m resp. 5300 V/m. Under both field-strength ranges, the heart frequency sank significantly. The intensity and the temporal development of the influence were dependent on the field-strength and the length of application. The comparatively strong frequency drop after 15 min treatment time in the 5300 V/m field points to a stress effect, whose persisting influence determines the development of the biological reaction over a longer period of time. The stronger field is comparable to the value found in the middle of the potential field of a 380 kV high-tension line. For this reason, the experimental results are interesting from the point of view of industrial hygiene as well.", "contents": "[Influence of line frequency electric fields on the heart rate of rats (author's transl)]. At present, the few published research results concerning the effect of 50 HZ fields on biological measurements, for instance on circulatory parameters, show only slight correlation. In order to find objective criteria for the infleunce of a field on heart frequency physically defineable observation conditions must first be created. In the interpretation of the results, it had to be taken into consideration that the measurements were taken immediately after application of the field in both brief and extended exposure. The effect of narcosis during derivation of cardiac activity was also a factor to be considered in this context. Keeping these facts in mind, rats were exposed for up to 50 days to a 50 Hz field with a field-strength of 50 V/m resp. 5300 V/m. Under both field-strength ranges, the heart frequency sank significantly. The intensity and the temporal development of the influence were dependent on the field-strength and the length of application. The comparatively strong frequency drop after 15 min treatment time in the 5300 V/m field points to a stress effect, whose persisting influence determines the development of the biological reaction over a longer period of time. The stronger field is comparable to the value found in the middle of the potential field of a 380 kV high-tension line. For this reason, the experimental results are interesting from the point of view of industrial hygiene as well.", "PMID": 983541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_318", "title": "[On the reaction of chlorine, bromine, iodine and some N-chloro and N-bromo compounds with peptone in aqueous solution (author's transl)].", "content": "The course of the reaction cited in the heading was investigated by determination of the decrease of iodometrically ascertainable oxidation capacity (pH = 7,00; initial concentration: 5 X 10(-3) M active Halogen/1, 0,5 g peptone/1). From the curves depicted in fig. 1 the following scale of reactivity can be derived: dibromoisocyanuric acid greater than bromine greater than 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin greater than N-bromo-N'-chloro-dimethylhydantoin greater than clorine greater than trichloroisocyanuric acid greater than 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin greater than iodine greater than chloramine T. The reactivity differences tentatively are explained by electronic, kinetic resp. thermodynamic effects.", "contents": "[On the reaction of chlorine, bromine, iodine and some N-chloro and N-bromo compounds with peptone in aqueous solution (author's transl)]. The course of the reaction cited in the heading was investigated by determination of the decrease of iodometrically ascertainable oxidation capacity (pH = 7,00; initial concentration: 5 X 10(-3) M active Halogen/1, 0,5 g peptone/1). From the curves depicted in fig. 1 the following scale of reactivity can be derived: dibromoisocyanuric acid greater than bromine greater than 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin greater than N-bromo-N'-chloro-dimethylhydantoin greater than clorine greater than trichloroisocyanuric acid greater than 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin greater than iodine greater than chloramine T. The reactivity differences tentatively are explained by electronic, kinetic resp. thermodynamic effects.", "PMID": 983542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_319", "title": "Effect of UV-irradiation of shifts of energy-rich phosphate compounds: ADP, ATP and AXP in human red blood cells represented by a trigonometrical polynomial.", "content": "This paper deals with the effect of UV-irradiation on metabolism of energy rich adenine, esters: ADP, ATP and AXP in human red blood cells in vitro. Preparation, separation and quantitative determination of these compounds were performed by the method of BARTLETT, using a step concentration gradient with an HC1-NH4C1 chloride system. Blood was irradiated in vitro for 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270 and 300 min. Mathematical methods based on KOLMAGOTOV's theorem were applied for continuous, not stepwise description of dynamics of changes of ADP, ATP and AXP in red blood cells following UV-irradiation. The obtained curves illustrate dynamic, time-dependent changes of levels of the investigated compounds and point out that the method of BARTLETT used for determination of concentrations of ATP and AXP need further refinements, especially in applications to such biological systems and functional states in which slight shifts of these compounds occur.", "contents": "Effect of UV-irradiation of shifts of energy-rich phosphate compounds: ADP, ATP and AXP in human red blood cells represented by a trigonometrical polynomial. This paper deals with the effect of UV-irradiation on metabolism of energy rich adenine, esters: ADP, ATP and AXP in human red blood cells in vitro. Preparation, separation and quantitative determination of these compounds were performed by the method of BARTLETT, using a step concentration gradient with an HC1-NH4C1 chloride system. Blood was irradiated in vitro for 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270 and 300 min. Mathematical methods based on KOLMAGOTOV's theorem were applied for continuous, not stepwise description of dynamics of changes of ADP, ATP and AXP in red blood cells following UV-irradiation. The obtained curves illustrate dynamic, time-dependent changes of levels of the investigated compounds and point out that the method of BARTLETT used for determination of concentrations of ATP and AXP need further refinements, especially in applications to such biological systems and functional states in which slight shifts of these compounds occur.", "PMID": 983543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_320", "title": "[Nitrate and nitrite in human food calculation of the daily intake and its range (author's transl)].", "content": "Daily intake of nitrate and nitrate by German Federal Republic resident was calculated to 75 mg NO3- and 3.3 mg NO2-. These results are based on values mainly obtained by analyses of prepared meals of an area which was supplied with nitrate free drinking water. Using data of the 1971 per capita consumption the calculation of daily intake only leads to 49 mg NO3- and 1.7 mg NO2-. The difference to the former values probably arises from insufficient food consumption statistics and from fairly great deviations of nitrate and nitrite concentrations of food as present at market and as cited in literature. Moreover some values are not derived from homeland products. The calculated daily intake of NO3- is significantly increased by drinking water nitrate content. 35 mg NO3-/1 drinking water causes a doubling of the basic intake values, 70 mg NO3-/1 its triplication. As shown by a graph nitrate ingestion may be reduced by using certain amounts of nitrate free beverages. In cases of especially high consumption of potatoes, vegetables, meat or ham additional daily ingestion in the range of 75, 100, 30 or 45 mg NO3- and 1.8; 0.2; 1.8 or 1.7 mg NO2- respectively must be expected.", "contents": "[Nitrate and nitrite in human food calculation of the daily intake and its range (author's transl)]. Daily intake of nitrate and nitrate by German Federal Republic resident was calculated to 75 mg NO3- and 3.3 mg NO2-. These results are based on values mainly obtained by analyses of prepared meals of an area which was supplied with nitrate free drinking water. Using data of the 1971 per capita consumption the calculation of daily intake only leads to 49 mg NO3- and 1.7 mg NO2-. The difference to the former values probably arises from insufficient food consumption statistics and from fairly great deviations of nitrate and nitrite concentrations of food as present at market and as cited in literature. Moreover some values are not derived from homeland products. The calculated daily intake of NO3- is significantly increased by drinking water nitrate content. 35 mg NO3-/1 drinking water causes a doubling of the basic intake values, 70 mg NO3-/1 its triplication. As shown by a graph nitrate ingestion may be reduced by using certain amounts of nitrate free beverages. In cases of especially high consumption of potatoes, vegetables, meat or ham additional daily ingestion in the range of 75, 100, 30 or 45 mg NO3- and 1.8; 0.2; 1.8 or 1.7 mg NO2- respectively must be expected.", "PMID": 983544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_321", "title": "[The significance of the bacterial steroid degradation for the etiology of large bowel cancer. V. Transformation of chenodeoxycholic acid by saccharolytic bacteroides-species (author's transl)].", "content": "We analysed a total of 36 strains of the obligately anaerobic Bacteroides species B. vulgatus, B. fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron, and B. distasonis to test their faculties to metabolize chenodeoxycholate. For experiments with growing cultures, we used a synthetic medium with inorganic salts, glucose, citrate, amino acids, vitamins, and hemin. The same medium, but without amino acids and vitamins was used for experiments with resting cells, incubated aerobically. After preincubation in a medium containing bile and deoxycholate, we observed that 26 strains of 35 (74 per cent) could degrade this bile acid, when cultivated anaerobically, compared to 30 strains of 36 (83 per cent), when incubated aerobically. To sum up the number of active strains, there are 32, corresponding 89 per cent. With the exception of two strains, which formed two transformation products, all active strains formed one degradation product only. All strains but one, active when cultured anaerobically, belong to the species B. fragilis and B. thetaiotaomicron. As can be seen by the results of aerobic incubation most strains of the species B. vulgatus posses the degradative activity, found inactive, however, under anerobic conditions. We therefore suppose that its regulatory mechanism is different from the other species. Thin-layer, gas chromatography, and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used for the identification of transformation products. With these methods, we were able to demonstrate the bacteria to metabolize chenodeoxycholate to 3 alpha-hydroxy-7-oxo-5 beta-cholanoate, either if growing anaerobically or incubated aerobically. The second degradation products of two strains, found in traces or as by-product, could not be identified on account of minor amounts.", "contents": "[The significance of the bacterial steroid degradation for the etiology of large bowel cancer. V. Transformation of chenodeoxycholic acid by saccharolytic bacteroides-species (author's transl)]. We analysed a total of 36 strains of the obligately anaerobic Bacteroides species B. vulgatus, B. fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron, and B. distasonis to test their faculties to metabolize chenodeoxycholate. For experiments with growing cultures, we used a synthetic medium with inorganic salts, glucose, citrate, amino acids, vitamins, and hemin. The same medium, but without amino acids and vitamins was used for experiments with resting cells, incubated aerobically. After preincubation in a medium containing bile and deoxycholate, we observed that 26 strains of 35 (74 per cent) could degrade this bile acid, when cultivated anaerobically, compared to 30 strains of 36 (83 per cent), when incubated aerobically. To sum up the number of active strains, there are 32, corresponding 89 per cent. With the exception of two strains, which formed two transformation products, all active strains formed one degradation product only. All strains but one, active when cultured anaerobically, belong to the species B. fragilis and B. thetaiotaomicron. As can be seen by the results of aerobic incubation most strains of the species B. vulgatus posses the degradative activity, found inactive, however, under anerobic conditions. We therefore suppose that its regulatory mechanism is different from the other species. Thin-layer, gas chromatography, and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used for the identification of transformation products. With these methods, we were able to demonstrate the bacteria to metabolize chenodeoxycholate to 3 alpha-hydroxy-7-oxo-5 beta-cholanoate, either if growing anaerobically or incubated aerobically. The second degradation products of two strains, found in traces or as by-product, could not be identified on account of minor amounts.", "PMID": 983545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_322", "title": "[The significance of the bacterial steroid degradation for the etiology of large bowel cancer. VI. Degradation of deoxycholic acid by saccharolytic bacteroides-species (author's transl)].", "content": "When testing 36 laboratory strains of the strictly anaerobic Bacteroides species B. vulgatus, B. fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron, and B. distasonis, we found activities for degradation of cholate (3alpha, 7alpha, 12alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoate) (1) and chenodeoxycholate (3alpha, 7alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoate) (2) widely, but not universally distributed in these bacteria. The same strains were also tested for their metabolic activities in regard to deoxycholate (3alpha, 12alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoate). These tests were performed with anaerobically growing cultures and with resting cells, incubated aerobically, in media of defined composition indicated in the foregoing papers. After precultivation in a medium containing bile and deoxycholate 22 of 35 strains (63 per cent), growing anaerobically, and 28 of 36 aerobically incubated tests (78 per cent) transformed deoxycholate. In summa the number of active strains was 30 of 36 (83 per cent). All active strains, produced one metabolite only, all metabolities had the same chromatographic properties as shown by analytical thin-layer chromatography in two solvent systems. However, it has still to be decided whether only one degradation product is formed from deoxycholate, corresponding to the transformation of chenodeoxycholate (2), since the chromatographic properties of the metabolites permit the formation of 3alpha-hydroxy-12-oxo- and/or 3-oxo-12alpha-hydroxy-cholanoate. Structural evidence, however, could hitherto not be demonstrated. The enzymatic activity, responsible for the metabolism, has to be induced, it is not identical with the activity oxidizing the 7alpha-hydroxyl group. No further details concerning enzyme induction and activity regulation have as yet been discovered. The side chain of deoxycholate can not be degraded by Bacteroides species, neither by anaerobically growing cultures nor by aerobically incubated resting cells.", "contents": "[The significance of the bacterial steroid degradation for the etiology of large bowel cancer. VI. Degradation of deoxycholic acid by saccharolytic bacteroides-species (author's transl)]. When testing 36 laboratory strains of the strictly anaerobic Bacteroides species B. vulgatus, B. fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron, and B. distasonis, we found activities for degradation of cholate (3alpha, 7alpha, 12alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoate) (1) and chenodeoxycholate (3alpha, 7alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoate) (2) widely, but not universally distributed in these bacteria. The same strains were also tested for their metabolic activities in regard to deoxycholate (3alpha, 12alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoate). These tests were performed with anaerobically growing cultures and with resting cells, incubated aerobically, in media of defined composition indicated in the foregoing papers. After precultivation in a medium containing bile and deoxycholate 22 of 35 strains (63 per cent), growing anaerobically, and 28 of 36 aerobically incubated tests (78 per cent) transformed deoxycholate. In summa the number of active strains was 30 of 36 (83 per cent). All active strains, produced one metabolite only, all metabolities had the same chromatographic properties as shown by analytical thin-layer chromatography in two solvent systems. However, it has still to be decided whether only one degradation product is formed from deoxycholate, corresponding to the transformation of chenodeoxycholate (2), since the chromatographic properties of the metabolites permit the formation of 3alpha-hydroxy-12-oxo- and/or 3-oxo-12alpha-hydroxy-cholanoate. Structural evidence, however, could hitherto not be demonstrated. The enzymatic activity, responsible for the metabolism, has to be induced, it is not identical with the activity oxidizing the 7alpha-hydroxyl group. No further details concerning enzyme induction and activity regulation have as yet been discovered. The side chain of deoxycholate can not be degraded by Bacteroides species, neither by anaerobically growing cultures nor by aerobically incubated resting cells.", "PMID": 983546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_323", "title": "[The human placenta's lead level as a parameter of the ecological lead exposure. Its validity in comparison to the lead level in blood, the activity of the delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and the concentration of the free erythrocyte porphyrins of newborns and their mothers (author's transl)].", "content": "In order to estimate the ecological exposure of lead, placenta- and blood-investigations were made at four collectives from variously industrialized regions (Ruhrregion, Middle Frankonia Centre, Bavarian Forest). 148 normal births and 19 premature births (in each case mothers and newborns) were listed as well as twelve abortions. We investigated the lead-level in blood, the activity of delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) the concentration of free erythrocyte porphyrine (FEP) and the placentas' lead concentration. Though in the Ruhrregion (Dortmund) significantly higher lead levels in blood were found compared to the Bavarian Forest, the results together, were in the normal range, less than 35 mug%. In an average the mothers' lead level in blood was around 1.4 times (ca. 5 mug%) above that of their newborns; analysing this statistically, highly significant correlations were found. However for the ALA-D activity and the FEP-results no direct dependence of the lead levels in blood could be found. In the placentas mean lead concentrations between 1.94 mug and 2.23 mug per gram dry-weight (30.6 mug-38.9 mug/100 g wet-weight) were gained. In the contrary to the measured results of lead in blood the average placentas' lead level of the most and least industrialized regions were almost identical. A correlation between the mothers' respectively their children's lead levels in blood and the placental lead concentrations could not be proved. No relation could be found between the results and the gestation ages. As final results: 1. The placenta is no ideal investigation object concerning the environment's lead exposure. 2. It has no special barriere - or depot - function in lead metabolism. 3. In order to estimate the environment's lead exposure the determination of the lead level in blood will also be in future the optimal method. This investigation is of special value because of its validity of the results and the practicability of winning the samples compared to other parameters and biological materials.", "contents": "[The human placenta's lead level as a parameter of the ecological lead exposure. Its validity in comparison to the lead level in blood, the activity of the delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and the concentration of the free erythrocyte porphyrins of newborns and their mothers (author's transl)]. In order to estimate the ecological exposure of lead, placenta- and blood-investigations were made at four collectives from variously industrialized regions (Ruhrregion, Middle Frankonia Centre, Bavarian Forest). 148 normal births and 19 premature births (in each case mothers and newborns) were listed as well as twelve abortions. We investigated the lead-level in blood, the activity of delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) the concentration of free erythrocyte porphyrine (FEP) and the placentas' lead concentration. Though in the Ruhrregion (Dortmund) significantly higher lead levels in blood were found compared to the Bavarian Forest, the results together, were in the normal range, less than 35 mug%. In an average the mothers' lead level in blood was around 1.4 times (ca. 5 mug%) above that of their newborns; analysing this statistically, highly significant correlations were found. However for the ALA-D activity and the FEP-results no direct dependence of the lead levels in blood could be found. In the placentas mean lead concentrations between 1.94 mug and 2.23 mug per gram dry-weight (30.6 mug-38.9 mug/100 g wet-weight) were gained. In the contrary to the measured results of lead in blood the average placentas' lead level of the most and least industrialized regions were almost identical. A correlation between the mothers' respectively their children's lead levels in blood and the placental lead concentrations could not be proved. No relation could be found between the results and the gestation ages. As final results: 1. The placenta is no ideal investigation object concerning the environment's lead exposure. 2. It has no special barriere - or depot - function in lead metabolism. 3. In order to estimate the environment's lead exposure the determination of the lead level in blood will also be in future the optimal method. This investigation is of special value because of its validity of the results and the practicability of winning the samples compared to other parameters and biological materials.", "PMID": 983547} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_324", "title": "[Increase of connective tissue in rat hearts under exposure to noise and with magnesium deficiency (author's transl)].", "content": "Only a small amount of noise caused, combined with a nutritional Mg deficiency, a significant increase of collagen in the myocard of rats. While Mg deficiency or noise each for its own had no effect, the combination of both had a noxious effect. The results of these experiments give a hint to a correlation between collagen-increase in the myocard and an increase of urinal Catecholamine during the same time.", "contents": "[Increase of connective tissue in rat hearts under exposure to noise and with magnesium deficiency (author's transl)]. Only a small amount of noise caused, combined with a nutritional Mg deficiency, a significant increase of collagen in the myocard of rats. While Mg deficiency or noise each for its own had no effect, the combination of both had a noxious effect. The results of these experiments give a hint to a correlation between collagen-increase in the myocard and an increase of urinal Catecholamine during the same time.", "PMID": 983549} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_325", "title": "[Colorimetric cleck of the working dilutions of disinfectants on an aldehyde and phenol basis (author's transl)].", "content": "The applicability of 2 colour reactions were tested for the monitoring of the working concentration of disinfectant solutions containing aldehyde or phenol. The red coloration of Schiff's acid solution (Schiff's reagent to aldehydes) can be used with limitations. The formation of a red dye by the reaction of phenols with 1-phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-amino-pyrazolone-(5) in the p-esence of alkali and potassium hexacyano-ferrate (III) is unequivocal and is not influenced by contaminations in the water. Evaluation is made in either case by comparison with standard dilutions of the respective commercially available preparation. The samplest procedure for this a visual colour comparison in test tubes with calibration spectrum. Pyrazolone dye can be analysed photometrically. Thus this colour reaction can be regarded as an analytic method of satisfactory accuracy. A frequent monitoring of the disinfectant concentrations by means of simple chemical procedures is expected to help limit the improper use of disinfectants and to check hospital infections.", "contents": "[Colorimetric cleck of the working dilutions of disinfectants on an aldehyde and phenol basis (author's transl)]. The applicability of 2 colour reactions were tested for the monitoring of the working concentration of disinfectant solutions containing aldehyde or phenol. The red coloration of Schiff's acid solution (Schiff's reagent to aldehydes) can be used with limitations. The formation of a red dye by the reaction of phenols with 1-phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-amino-pyrazolone-(5) in the p-esence of alkali and potassium hexacyano-ferrate (III) is unequivocal and is not influenced by contaminations in the water. Evaluation is made in either case by comparison with standard dilutions of the respective commercially available preparation. The samplest procedure for this a visual colour comparison in test tubes with calibration spectrum. Pyrazolone dye can be analysed photometrically. Thus this colour reaction can be regarded as an analytic method of satisfactory accuracy. A frequent monitoring of the disinfectant concentrations by means of simple chemical procedures is expected to help limit the improper use of disinfectants and to check hospital infections.", "PMID": 983550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_326", "title": "[Reflex reactions of the spinal motor center of rats in the early periods following birth].", "content": "Reactions of the spinal motor center to tetanic stimulation of afferent nerve fibers in the peripheral nerve or dorsal roots L4--L6, have been investigated in rat pups ageing from 1 to 30 days. EMG was recorded in m. gastrocnemius. Within the first 12 days, in response to a constant stimulation periodic motor activity was observed which in its pattern was similar to the spontaneous cycles in newborn animals. On further development of rats, periodic form of the reaction is abolished, although it may be elicited after decerebration or during fatigue caused by a prolondged tetanization. Within the first week, tetanization of the afferents by the increasing stimuli either does not affect the periodic pattern of the activity, or results in a stepwise increase of the amplitude and duration of separate periods. On further development, gradual dependence of the intensity of the response from the stimulus strength is established, which is associated with functional differentiation of various motor units. The data obtained are discussed in relation to the role of afferent systems in evolution of functions of the central nervous system.", "contents": "[Reflex reactions of the spinal motor center of rats in the early periods following birth]. Reactions of the spinal motor center to tetanic stimulation of afferent nerve fibers in the peripheral nerve or dorsal roots L4--L6, have been investigated in rat pups ageing from 1 to 30 days. EMG was recorded in m. gastrocnemius. Within the first 12 days, in response to a constant stimulation periodic motor activity was observed which in its pattern was similar to the spontaneous cycles in newborn animals. On further development of rats, periodic form of the reaction is abolished, although it may be elicited after decerebration or during fatigue caused by a prolondged tetanization. Within the first week, tetanization of the afferents by the increasing stimuli either does not affect the periodic pattern of the activity, or results in a stepwise increase of the amplitude and duration of separate periods. On further development, gradual dependence of the intensity of the response from the stimulus strength is established, which is associated with functional differentiation of various motor units. The data obtained are discussed in relation to the role of afferent systems in evolution of functions of the central nervous system.", "PMID": 983551} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_327", "title": "[Total electrical response to sound in the acoustico-lateral region of the carp, Cyrpinus carpio, medulla oblongata].", "content": "In order to investigate foci of the electrical activity, studies have been made on the topography and form of total reactions to sound in the acoustico-lateral part of the medulla oblongata in the carp C. carpio. Two foci of the activity were found -- medical and ventral ones. Responses in the medial and ventral foci differ with respect to the form, latency (2.0--2.5 and 1.3--1.5 msec. respectively) and amplitude (200--600 and 50--200 microvolts respectively). It is suggested that total reactions in the medial focus reflect the activity of the nervous elements of the medulla oblongata, whereas the responses of the ventral focus reflect mainly microphonic reactions of sacculus of the inner ear of the carp.", "contents": "[Total electrical response to sound in the acoustico-lateral region of the carp, Cyrpinus carpio, medulla oblongata]. In order to investigate foci of the electrical activity, studies have been made on the topography and form of total reactions to sound in the acoustico-lateral part of the medulla oblongata in the carp C. carpio. Two foci of the activity were found -- medical and ventral ones. Responses in the medial and ventral foci differ with respect to the form, latency (2.0--2.5 and 1.3--1.5 msec. respectively) and amplitude (200--600 and 50--200 microvolts respectively). It is suggested that total reactions in the medial focus reflect the activity of the nervous elements of the medulla oblongata, whereas the responses of the ventral focus reflect mainly microphonic reactions of sacculus of the inner ear of the carp.", "PMID": 983552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_328", "title": "[Visual interneurons, sensitive to the size of objects and the direction of their movement in dragonflies of the genus Sympetrum].", "content": "Experiments have been made on 4 dragonfly species -- Sympetrum vulgatum, S. flaveolum, S sanguineum, S. danae. A pair of neurons was found in the thoracic ganglia and connectives, which has symmetrical contralateral receptive fields. These neurons are selectively sensitive to swift upward motion of a target of 3--10 degrees in size. This type of response was originally described by Zenkin and Pigarev [1, 2]. The receptive field, 120X25 degrees in size, is oriented horizontally from the medial rim of the eye. The center of sensitivity has the following polar coordinates: 15 degrees laterally from the medial plane and 20 degrees above the equatorial one. The relation of detecting properties of the observed neurones to key stimuli which trigger hunting behaviour is discussed. It is suggested that filtration of single and small optic stimuli by specialized detector neurons results not from the processes in the own receptive field of the neuron, but from the interaction with other neurons which are sensitive to motion of large objects and complex patterns.", "contents": "[Visual interneurons, sensitive to the size of objects and the direction of their movement in dragonflies of the genus Sympetrum]. Experiments have been made on 4 dragonfly species -- Sympetrum vulgatum, S. flaveolum, S sanguineum, S. danae. A pair of neurons was found in the thoracic ganglia and connectives, which has symmetrical contralateral receptive fields. These neurons are selectively sensitive to swift upward motion of a target of 3--10 degrees in size. This type of response was originally described by Zenkin and Pigarev [1, 2]. The receptive field, 120X25 degrees in size, is oriented horizontally from the medial rim of the eye. The center of sensitivity has the following polar coordinates: 15 degrees laterally from the medial plane and 20 degrees above the equatorial one. The relation of detecting properties of the observed neurones to key stimuli which trigger hunting behaviour is discussed. It is suggested that filtration of single and small optic stimuli by specialized detector neurons results not from the processes in the own receptive field of the neuron, but from the interaction with other neurons which are sensitive to motion of large objects and complex patterns.", "PMID": 983553} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_329", "title": "[Ultrastructure of optic centers of the crayfish Artemia salina].", "content": "In electron microscopic investigations of the eyestalk of A. salina we were not able to find any elements of the most important neuroendocrine system X-organ--sinus gland which is typical of higher Crustaceans. The data obtained indicate that this system appears only in higher Crustaceans as the result of development of their central nervous system.", "contents": "[Ultrastructure of optic centers of the crayfish Artemia salina]. In electron microscopic investigations of the eyestalk of A. salina we were not able to find any elements of the most important neuroendocrine system X-organ--sinus gland which is typical of higher Crustaceans. The data obtained indicate that this system appears only in higher Crustaceans as the result of development of their central nervous system.", "PMID": 983554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_330", "title": "[Light and electron microscopic study of the photoreceptors of the lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis].", "content": "Photoreceptors of the retina have been investigated by electron microscopic and light microscopic techniques using differential staining. The observed differences between short and long photoreceptors suggest that the former act as the receptors of scotopic system and contain rhodopsin, whereas the latter contain presumably cone pigment and may be classified as receptors of photopic system.", "contents": "[Light and electron microscopic study of the photoreceptors of the lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis]. Photoreceptors of the retina have been investigated by electron microscopic and light microscopic techniques using differential staining. The observed differences between short and long photoreceptors suggest that the former act as the receptors of scotopic system and contain rhodopsin, whereas the latter contain presumably cone pigment and may be classified as receptors of photopic system.", "PMID": 983555} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_331", "title": "[Lipids of free-living Penecurva sibirica turbellaria].", "content": "Lipids were extracted from the lyophylized free-living planariae P. sibirica according to the procedure of Folch et al. [14] and fractionated by means of thin-layer and column chromatography on the silicagel KSK. Total lipid content of planariae is equal to 28.70% of lyophylized weight, 21.70% of them being presented by phospholipids. Polar lipids include phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, lysophosphatidylcholine and cerebrosides. Neutral lipids are presented by triglycerides, cholesterol cholesterol esters and free fatty acids. Saturated and unsaturated C6--C22 fatty acis were detected in the lipids.", "contents": "[Lipids of free-living Penecurva sibirica turbellaria]. Lipids were extracted from the lyophylized free-living planariae P. sibirica according to the procedure of Folch et al. [14] and fractionated by means of thin-layer and column chromatography on the silicagel KSK. Total lipid content of planariae is equal to 28.70% of lyophylized weight, 21.70% of them being presented by phospholipids. Polar lipids include phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, lysophosphatidylcholine and cerebrosides. Neutral lipids are presented by triglycerides, cholesterol cholesterol esters and free fatty acids. Saturated and unsaturated C6--C22 fatty acis were detected in the lipids.", "PMID": 983556} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_332", "title": "[Activity of serum sodium, potassium and calcium in vertebrates].", "content": "In all the animals studied (the lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis, teleosts Onchorhynchus nerka, O. kisutch, Limanda aspera, Salvelinus malma, frog Rana ridibunda, tortoise Agryonemys horsfieldi, hen, albino rat) and man, sodium and potassium were found in the blood serum in a free form, both before and after the addition of their salts in vitro. The initial level of active Ca varies within 20--42% of its total content in the serum. Significant interspecific differences were found with respect to the degree of Ca binding by albumin.", "contents": "[Activity of serum sodium, potassium and calcium in vertebrates]. In all the animals studied (the lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis, teleosts Onchorhynchus nerka, O. kisutch, Limanda aspera, Salvelinus malma, frog Rana ridibunda, tortoise Agryonemys horsfieldi, hen, albino rat) and man, sodium and potassium were found in the blood serum in a free form, both before and after the addition of their salts in vitro. The initial level of active Ca varies within 20--42% of its total content in the serum. Significant interspecific differences were found with respect to the degree of Ca binding by albumin.", "PMID": 983557} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_333", "title": "[Sodium and potassium concentration in the tissues of wild and domesticated representatives of the chicken order].", "content": "Na and K content has been studied in tissues of the hazel grouse Bonasa bonasia, black grouse Lyrurus tetrix, capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, domestic hen Gallus domesticus and turkey hen Meleagris gallopavo. With respect to the increase in potassium and sodium content, the tissues investigated in wild species form the following sequence: major thoracal muscle (red), minor thoracal muscle (white), gastrocnemius muscle, left ventricle of the heart, stomach muscles, brain hemispheres, spinal cord. Domestic birds exhibit lower sodium level in stomach muscles. Potassium distribution in tissues of wild birds is more even than in domestic ones; in the latter potassium content of the heart is significantly lower than that of other muscles. The main bulk of muscles in wild birds contain more potassium and less sodium as compared to the muscle tissue of domestic ones. No interspecific differences were found in potassium and sodium content of white and red pectoral muscles.", "contents": "[Sodium and potassium concentration in the tissues of wild and domesticated representatives of the chicken order]. Na and K content has been studied in tissues of the hazel grouse Bonasa bonasia, black grouse Lyrurus tetrix, capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, domestic hen Gallus domesticus and turkey hen Meleagris gallopavo. With respect to the increase in potassium and sodium content, the tissues investigated in wild species form the following sequence: major thoracal muscle (red), minor thoracal muscle (white), gastrocnemius muscle, left ventricle of the heart, stomach muscles, brain hemispheres, spinal cord. Domestic birds exhibit lower sodium level in stomach muscles. Potassium distribution in tissues of wild birds is more even than in domestic ones; in the latter potassium content of the heart is significantly lower than that of other muscles. The main bulk of muscles in wild birds contain more potassium and less sodium as compared to the muscle tissue of domestic ones. No interspecific differences were found in potassium and sodium content of white and red pectoral muscles.", "PMID": 983558} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_334", "title": "[Effect of adrenaline on the activity of the skeletal muscle UDPG-phosphorylase of chick embryos and chicks].", "content": "The level of UDPG-pyrophosphorylase activity has been determined spectrophotometrically. The enzymic activity in skeletal muscles gradually increases during the development of chick embryos and chick. Adrenalin does not affect the activity of the enzyme neither in embryos, nor in chick.", "contents": "[Effect of adrenaline on the activity of the skeletal muscle UDPG-phosphorylase of chick embryos and chicks]. The level of UDPG-pyrophosphorylase activity has been determined spectrophotometrically. The enzymic activity in skeletal muscles gradually increases during the development of chick embryos and chick. Adrenalin does not affect the activity of the enzyme neither in embryos, nor in chick.", "PMID": 983559} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_335", "title": "[Relationship between the concentration of vitamin A in the liver of the lesser suslik, Citellus pygmaeus, and the altitude of its habitat].", "content": "With the increase of the altitude of habitation of the ground-squirrel C. pygmaeus the content of vitamin A in its liver decreases. It is suggested that low vitamin A content of the liver in mountain animals is due to the increased utilization of vitamin A and carotenoids which provides for adaptation of these animals to lower partial oxygen pressure and lower temperature.", "contents": "[Relationship between the concentration of vitamin A in the liver of the lesser suslik, Citellus pygmaeus, and the altitude of its habitat]. With the increase of the altitude of habitation of the ground-squirrel C. pygmaeus the content of vitamin A in its liver decreases. It is suggested that low vitamin A content of the liver in mountain animals is due to the increased utilization of vitamin A and carotenoids which provides for adaptation of these animals to lower partial oxygen pressure and lower temperature.", "PMID": 983560} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_336", "title": "[Capillarization of the muscular tissue of the Black Sea dolphin Phocaena phocaena].", "content": "Studies have been made on morphological and diffusion parameters of capillaries in cardiac and skeletal muscles of the dolphin P. phocaena. As compared to that in terrestrial mammals, the degree of capillarization of muscle tissue in the dolphin was found to be higher. Higher density of capillaries, as well as shorter radii of diffusion and smaller volumes of tissue cylinders, are responsible for more intensive supply of oxygen per tissue volume unit in dolphins.", "contents": "[Capillarization of the muscular tissue of the Black Sea dolphin Phocaena phocaena]. Studies have been made on morphological and diffusion parameters of capillaries in cardiac and skeletal muscles of the dolphin P. phocaena. As compared to that in terrestrial mammals, the degree of capillarization of muscle tissue in the dolphin was found to be higher. Higher density of capillaries, as well as shorter radii of diffusion and smaller volumes of tissue cylinders, are responsible for more intensive supply of oxygen per tissue volume unit in dolphins.", "PMID": 983561} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_337", "title": "[Reactions of neurons of the disencephalon and midbrain of the salamander Salamandra salamandra to visual stimuli].", "content": "In 20 tectal and 33 diencephalic neurons, action potentials have been recorded in response to diffuse illumination and moving visual stimuli. In both visual centers, similar types of the neurons were found, i.e. directionally sensitive ones and those reacting to diffuse illumination, their receptive fields varying from 5 to 90 and more degrees. Some of the neurons were activated by stimulation of both ipsi- and contralateral eyes. Spontaneously active neurons were significantly more numerous in the tectum than in the diencephalon.", "contents": "[Reactions of neurons of the disencephalon and midbrain of the salamander Salamandra salamandra to visual stimuli]. In 20 tectal and 33 diencephalic neurons, action potentials have been recorded in response to diffuse illumination and moving visual stimuli. In both visual centers, similar types of the neurons were found, i.e. directionally sensitive ones and those reacting to diffuse illumination, their receptive fields varying from 5 to 90 and more degrees. Some of the neurons were activated by stimulation of both ipsi- and contralateral eyes. Spontaneously active neurons were significantly more numerous in the tectum than in the diencephalon.", "PMID": 983562} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_338", "title": "[Relationship between perception of low-frequency amplitude modulation, age and training in man].", "content": "As it was shown earlier, normal hearing in man is characterized by selective sensitivity to amplitude modulation (AM) of sound within the frequency region of 4--8 cps, which corresponds to the most probably AM frequency of the speech signal. Since this phenomenon is presumably due to a constant training for speech perception, it has been investigated in ontogenesis, i.e. starting from 7--8-year children, in whom the process of speech learning is especially intensive. The results obtained indicate that the auditory threshold in children at the age of 7--8, 9--10 and 13--14 years exhibits evident preferable sensitivity in the region of 4--8 cps. Besides, it was found that although the thresholds to 1--2 and 32--64 cps frequencies decrease with ageing, no decrease of the sensitivity takes place within the region of 4--8 cps. Similar data were obtained during special or professional (musical) training of the subjects.", "contents": "[Relationship between perception of low-frequency amplitude modulation, age and training in man]. As it was shown earlier, normal hearing in man is characterized by selective sensitivity to amplitude modulation (AM) of sound within the frequency region of 4--8 cps, which corresponds to the most probably AM frequency of the speech signal. Since this phenomenon is presumably due to a constant training for speech perception, it has been investigated in ontogenesis, i.e. starting from 7--8-year children, in whom the process of speech learning is especially intensive. The results obtained indicate that the auditory threshold in children at the age of 7--8, 9--10 and 13--14 years exhibits evident preferable sensitivity in the region of 4--8 cps. Besides, it was found that although the thresholds to 1--2 and 32--64 cps frequencies decrease with ageing, no decrease of the sensitivity takes place within the region of 4--8 cps. Similar data were obtained during special or professional (musical) training of the subjects.", "PMID": 983563} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_339", "title": "[Participation of the hypothalamus in regulating the activity of rat liver energy metabolism enzymes].", "content": "In soluble fraction of rat liver studies have been made on the activity of glycolytic enzymes and dehydrogenases of the pentose phosphate pathway 3 and 20 hours after the electrical stimulation of the medial (HVM) and lateral (AHL) structures of the medial hypothalamus via chronically implanted electrodes. Electrical stimulation of the HVM within 3 hours decreased total hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities, and to a lower extent -- the activity of glucokinase. This effect was not prevented by the adrenalectomy. During stimulation of the AHL, the decrease of LDH activity was the same, whereas the activity of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glucokinase decreased to a lower extent. Electrical stimulation of the medial hypothalamus within 20 hours decreased the response, this effect being presumably associated with the decrease in the content of endogenous noradrenalin in the liver of animals. The role of the hypothalamus and sympathetic nervous system in regulation of the investigated enzymes of energy metabolism in the liver is discussed.", "contents": "[Participation of the hypothalamus in regulating the activity of rat liver energy metabolism enzymes]. In soluble fraction of rat liver studies have been made on the activity of glycolytic enzymes and dehydrogenases of the pentose phosphate pathway 3 and 20 hours after the electrical stimulation of the medial (HVM) and lateral (AHL) structures of the medial hypothalamus via chronically implanted electrodes. Electrical stimulation of the HVM within 3 hours decreased total hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities, and to a lower extent -- the activity of glucokinase. This effect was not prevented by the adrenalectomy. During stimulation of the AHL, the decrease of LDH activity was the same, whereas the activity of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glucokinase decreased to a lower extent. Electrical stimulation of the medial hypothalamus within 20 hours decreased the response, this effect being presumably associated with the decrease in the content of endogenous noradrenalin in the liver of animals. The role of the hypothalamus and sympathetic nervous system in regulation of the investigated enzymes of energy metabolism in the liver is discussed.", "PMID": 983565} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_340", "title": "[Oxidative processes in tissues of the nematode Mecistocirrus digitatus].", "content": "The tissues of the nematode M. digitatus were used to obtain mitochondria which swell under the effect of several factors. Intensive oxidation of succinate, fumarate, malate, oxalacetate, alpha-ketoglutarate and less intensive one -- of citrate, isocitrate and pyruvate were observed in the mitochondria; cis-aconitate was not oxidized at all. NAD and NADP increased the intensity of substrate oxidation, whereas parachlormercuribenzoate, malonate and benzoate decreased the latter.", "contents": "[Oxidative processes in tissues of the nematode Mecistocirrus digitatus]. The tissues of the nematode M. digitatus were used to obtain mitochondria which swell under the effect of several factors. Intensive oxidation of succinate, fumarate, malate, oxalacetate, alpha-ketoglutarate and less intensive one -- of citrate, isocitrate and pyruvate were observed in the mitochondria; cis-aconitate was not oxidized at all. NAD and NADP increased the intensity of substrate oxidation, whereas parachlormercuribenzoate, malonate and benzoate decreased the latter.", "PMID": 983566} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_341", "title": "[Physico-chemical properties and partial N-terminal amino acid sequence of chicken serum albumin].", "content": "Studies have been made on the molecular weight, solubility, electrophoretic mobility, isoelectric point and N-terminal fragments containing 4 amino acids of the serum albumin in two strains of hens and their hybrids. In all the animals studied, the albumin had Asp as the N-terminal amino acid. Amino acid sequence in the 4-acid fragments was also identical: NH2--Asp--Ala--His--Lys. With respect to all the physico-chemical parameters investigated (except isoelectric point), proteins of the parental strains and of their hybrids did not exhibit significant differences.", "contents": "[Physico-chemical properties and partial N-terminal amino acid sequence of chicken serum albumin]. Studies have been made on the molecular weight, solubility, electrophoretic mobility, isoelectric point and N-terminal fragments containing 4 amino acids of the serum albumin in two strains of hens and their hybrids. In all the animals studied, the albumin had Asp as the N-terminal amino acid. Amino acid sequence in the 4-acid fragments was also identical: NH2--Asp--Ala--His--Lys. With respect to all the physico-chemical parameters investigated (except isoelectric point), proteins of the parental strains and of their hybrids did not exhibit significant differences.", "PMID": 983567} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_342", "title": "[Preoptic-hypophyseal neurosecretory system of the Baikal salmon, Coregonus autumnalis migratorius, during the prespawning period].", "content": "It has been shown that functional condition of the preoptic-hypophyseal neurosecretory system (PHNS) in the fish studied is associated with the activity of population. During early spring, when the fish are not yet completely active after winter, the PHNS is characterized by a low level of activity (accumulation of the neurosecretory substance and neurohypophysis, as well as moderate extrusion of the neurosecretory material along the axons beyond the preoptic nucleus). In July, some activation of synthesis and extrusion of the neurosecretory substance from cells of the preoptic nucleus and significant accumulation of the substance in the neurohypophysis are observed. In August and especially in September, during spawning migration, the rate of extrusion of the neurosecret from the preoptic nucleus and the extrusion of the neurohormones from neurohypophysis into the blood flow significantly increase. Neurosecretory cells of the preoptic nucleus remain highly active. During the same period, infiltration of the preoptic nucleus by leucocytes and neuronal hydroencephalokrynia are observed. During spawning migration, females (in contrast to males) exhibit more, significant decrease in the bulk of neurosecretory substance in the neurohypophysis, which is presumably associated with higher energy expenditures for the completion of ovogenesis.", "contents": "[Preoptic-hypophyseal neurosecretory system of the Baikal salmon, Coregonus autumnalis migratorius, during the prespawning period]. It has been shown that functional condition of the preoptic-hypophyseal neurosecretory system (PHNS) in the fish studied is associated with the activity of population. During early spring, when the fish are not yet completely active after winter, the PHNS is characterized by a low level of activity (accumulation of the neurosecretory substance and neurohypophysis, as well as moderate extrusion of the neurosecretory material along the axons beyond the preoptic nucleus). In July, some activation of synthesis and extrusion of the neurosecretory substance from cells of the preoptic nucleus and significant accumulation of the substance in the neurohypophysis are observed. In August and especially in September, during spawning migration, the rate of extrusion of the neurosecret from the preoptic nucleus and the extrusion of the neurohormones from neurohypophysis into the blood flow significantly increase. Neurosecretory cells of the preoptic nucleus remain highly active. During the same period, infiltration of the preoptic nucleus by leucocytes and neuronal hydroencephalokrynia are observed. During spawning migration, females (in contrast to males) exhibit more, significant decrease in the bulk of neurosecretory substance in the neurohypophysis, which is presumably associated with higher energy expenditures for the completion of ovogenesis.", "PMID": 983569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_343", "title": "[Morphofunctional organization of the mesencephalic visual center of the midbrain tectum of steppe and swamp turtle].", "content": "Neuronal receptive fields (RF) and dendritic arborizations (DA) in the midbrain tectum of the tortoise A. horsfieldi have been investigated and the results obtained were compared to those reported earlier for the tortoise E. orbicularis. It was shown that in A. horsfieldi, neurons with small RF (less than 10 degrees) are 3.2 times less numerous, whereas those with large RF (more than 30 degrees) are 1.6 times more numerous than in E. orbicularis. Ellipsoidal RF are predominant in A. horsfieldi, elongated ones -- in E. orbicularis. A. horsfieldi neurons more frequently react to large objects (36%), than to small ones (3%), whereas in E. orbicularis the ratio of these neurons is inverse (13 and 23% respectively). Neurons of A. horsfieldi are less effective in differentiation of the form of the object, the direction of its movement and changes in illumination. In highly specialized neurons of the species compared, the size of RF may correspond to the size of DA. The differences observed are presumably associated with differences in the ecology of the animals investigated.", "contents": "[Morphofunctional organization of the mesencephalic visual center of the midbrain tectum of steppe and swamp turtle]. Neuronal receptive fields (RF) and dendritic arborizations (DA) in the midbrain tectum of the tortoise A. horsfieldi have been investigated and the results obtained were compared to those reported earlier for the tortoise E. orbicularis. It was shown that in A. horsfieldi, neurons with small RF (less than 10 degrees) are 3.2 times less numerous, whereas those with large RF (more than 30 degrees) are 1.6 times more numerous than in E. orbicularis. Ellipsoidal RF are predominant in A. horsfieldi, elongated ones -- in E. orbicularis. A. horsfieldi neurons more frequently react to large objects (36%), than to small ones (3%), whereas in E. orbicularis the ratio of these neurons is inverse (13 and 23% respectively). Neurons of A. horsfieldi are less effective in differentiation of the form of the object, the direction of its movement and changes in illumination. In highly specialized neurons of the species compared, the size of RF may correspond to the size of DA. The differences observed are presumably associated with differences in the ecology of the animals investigated.", "PMID": 983570} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_344", "title": "[Activity of valyl-tRNA-synthetase and alanyl-tRNA-synthetase in intact and denervated rabbit muscles].", "content": "The rate of acylation of non-fractionated tRNA from baker yeast and beef liver with valine-I-C14 and alanine-I-C14 had been measured. The yeast tRNA was found to be the active acceptor of valine while the beef tRNA intensively accepted alanine. The specific activities of valyl- and alanyl-tRNA synthetases from intact m. soleus (red) when measured with yeast tRNA were 4.3 and 3.3 times higher than the activities of the respective enzymes from intact m. gastrocnemius (mixed). 30 days after sciatic nerve section the activities of both aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in denervated red and mixed muscles had become nearly equal. Equalization of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases specific activities in the denervated muscles occured as a result of the changes in the catalytic properties and, possibly, in the intracellular concentration of the enzymes.", "contents": "[Activity of valyl-tRNA-synthetase and alanyl-tRNA-synthetase in intact and denervated rabbit muscles]. The rate of acylation of non-fractionated tRNA from baker yeast and beef liver with valine-I-C14 and alanine-I-C14 had been measured. The yeast tRNA was found to be the active acceptor of valine while the beef tRNA intensively accepted alanine. The specific activities of valyl- and alanyl-tRNA synthetases from intact m. soleus (red) when measured with yeast tRNA were 4.3 and 3.3 times higher than the activities of the respective enzymes from intact m. gastrocnemius (mixed). 30 days after sciatic nerve section the activities of both aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in denervated red and mixed muscles had become nearly equal. Equalization of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases specific activities in the denervated muscles occured as a result of the changes in the catalytic properties and, possibly, in the intracellular concentration of the enzymes.", "PMID": 983564} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_345", "title": "[Anaerobie glycolysis and resistance to oxygen starvation in rabbits and white rats].", "content": "In rabbits and albino rats, studies have been made on the resistance to high altitude hypoxia and acute blood loss, the rate of anerobic glycolysis and the activity of some enzymes of energy metabolism. It was shown that as compared to rabbits, the rats are more resistant to hypoxia, but less resistant to acute blood loss. Higher resistance of rats to hypoxia is due to the 1.5 times rate of anaerobic glycolysis in their brain as compared to that of rabbits. Their lower resistance to the blood loss is associated with the fact that the rate of anaerobic glycolysis in the heart of rats is 8 times lower. It is concluded that the resistance to high altitude hypoxia depends mainly on the anaerobic metabolism of the brain, whereas tia depends mainly on the anaerobic metabolism of the brain, whereas the resistance to acute blood loss depends mainly on the anaerobic metabolism of the heart.", "contents": "[Anaerobie glycolysis and resistance to oxygen starvation in rabbits and white rats]. In rabbits and albino rats, studies have been made on the resistance to high altitude hypoxia and acute blood loss, the rate of anerobic glycolysis and the activity of some enzymes of energy metabolism. It was shown that as compared to rabbits, the rats are more resistant to hypoxia, but less resistant to acute blood loss. Higher resistance of rats to hypoxia is due to the 1.5 times rate of anaerobic glycolysis in their brain as compared to that of rabbits. Their lower resistance to the blood loss is associated with the fact that the rate of anaerobic glycolysis in the heart of rats is 8 times lower. It is concluded that the resistance to high altitude hypoxia depends mainly on the anaerobic metabolism of the brain, whereas tia depends mainly on the anaerobic metabolism of the brain, whereas the resistance to acute blood loss depends mainly on the anaerobic metabolism of the heart.", "PMID": 983568} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_346", "title": "[Effect of M- and N-cholinomimetics on the activity of an epileptogenic focus in the hippocampus of rabbits of different ages].", "content": "Experiments have been made on adult, 16-20 and 6-10 day old rabbits with electrodes chronically implanted into the left and right dorsal hippocamp. Solutions of arecoline (M-cholinomimetic) and nicotine (N-cholinomimetic) were administered into the penicillin epileptogenic focus of the hippocamp. Large doses of arecoline (10 mg) and nicotine (0.5 mg) did not affect the epileptiform discharges in the EEG, but inhibited the fits in adult and 16-20 day old rabbits...", "contents": "[Effect of M- and N-cholinomimetics on the activity of an epileptogenic focus in the hippocampus of rabbits of different ages]. Experiments have been made on adult, 16-20 and 6-10 day old rabbits with electrodes chronically implanted into the left and right dorsal hippocamp. Solutions of arecoline (M-cholinomimetic) and nicotine (N-cholinomimetic) were administered into the penicillin epileptogenic focus of the hippocamp. Large doses of arecoline (10 mg) and nicotine (0.5 mg) did not affect the epileptiform discharges in the EEG, but inhibited the fits in adult and 16-20 day old rabbits...", "PMID": 983571} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_347", "title": "[Size of the binocular zone of the field of vision of insects].", "content": "The insects selected for measurements-- predators and anthophiles -- presumably possessed the ability of binocular estimation of distances. The margins of visual field and of the binocular zone in a compound eye could be traced by means of ophthalmological methods, such as observation of a pseudopupil or of a glow of ommatidia lit from inside. Predators as well as males of flies and drones, which intercept a point target against the sky, have the smallest binocular zone. They could not discover the distance to a target by binocular vision. Anthophiles have a broad binocular \"window\" pointing in antero--ventral direction; their binocular zone encloses 20--25% of facets. Predators hunting amidst the vegetation have the largest binocular zone (30--75%). The binocular zone of the eyes in the insects of large and middle size consists of 2--9 thousand of ommatidia.", "contents": "[Size of the binocular zone of the field of vision of insects]. The insects selected for measurements-- predators and anthophiles -- presumably possessed the ability of binocular estimation of distances. The margins of visual field and of the binocular zone in a compound eye could be traced by means of ophthalmological methods, such as observation of a pseudopupil or of a glow of ommatidia lit from inside. Predators as well as males of flies and drones, which intercept a point target against the sky, have the smallest binocular zone. They could not discover the distance to a target by binocular vision. Anthophiles have a broad binocular \"window\" pointing in antero--ventral direction; their binocular zone encloses 20--25% of facets. Predators hunting amidst the vegetation have the largest binocular zone (30--75%). The binocular zone of the eyes in the insects of large and middle size consists of 2--9 thousand of ommatidia.", "PMID": 983572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_348", "title": "[Determination of antibody affinity using threshold values of serum activity in the passive hemagglutination test].", "content": "Agglutination of erythrocytes of the antigenic diagnostic agents with the IgG antibodies is attributed to the fact that the reactive centres of the same molecule of the antibody attached to the antigenic determinants located on different erythrocytes. A possibility of agglutination of erythrocytes under conditions of the maximal dilution of the immune serum depended on the number of molecules located on a single erythrocyte. When the erythrocytes are sensitized with the optimal dose of the antigen those serum antibodies are involved in the passive hemagglutination test (PHAT) which are characterized by the mean integrated association constant. When the antibodies participate in the PHAT with several batches of the erythrocytic diagnostic agent characterized by an average number of the antigen molecules on a single erythrocyte there appears a possibility of determining the extent of heterogeneity of the antibodies. Not only the amount of antibodies, but also their affinity can be ascertained by the PHAT, and also the heterogeneity of antibodies can be evaluated.", "contents": "[Determination of antibody affinity using threshold values of serum activity in the passive hemagglutination test]. Agglutination of erythrocytes of the antigenic diagnostic agents with the IgG antibodies is attributed to the fact that the reactive centres of the same molecule of the antibody attached to the antigenic determinants located on different erythrocytes. A possibility of agglutination of erythrocytes under conditions of the maximal dilution of the immune serum depended on the number of molecules located on a single erythrocyte. When the erythrocytes are sensitized with the optimal dose of the antigen those serum antibodies are involved in the passive hemagglutination test (PHAT) which are characterized by the mean integrated association constant. When the antibodies participate in the PHAT with several batches of the erythrocytic diagnostic agent characterized by an average number of the antigen molecules on a single erythrocyte there appears a possibility of determining the extent of heterogeneity of the antibodies. Not only the amount of antibodies, but also their affinity can be ascertained by the PHAT, and also the heterogeneity of antibodies can be evaluated.", "PMID": 983580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_349", "title": "[Comparative findings on the stereoselectivity of cholinoreceptors].", "content": "The potency of the optical isomers of the muscarinomimetic agent 2-methyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-1.3-dioxolane methiodide (F-2268) was compared on cholinoreceptors, (ChR) of different animals. The greatest difference between optical isomers was observed on the muscarinic ChR of guinea pig ileum smooth muscle cis-L(+)isomer being more than hundred times as potent as cis-D(-)isomer. On the ChR of muscarinic type in the holothuria Cucumaria japonica retractor muscle, cis-L(+)isomer was 25 times as efficient as cis-D(-)isomer. On the ChR of sea urchin and sipunculid locomotor muscles, optical isomers differ only 3 to 5 times. There was no difference between the effect of optical isomers on the ChR of muscarinic type which mediate hyperpolarization in the neurones of the gastropod mollusc Planorbarius corneus. This suggest that some changes in ChR stereoselectivity may occur in the course of evolution.", "contents": "[Comparative findings on the stereoselectivity of cholinoreceptors]. The potency of the optical isomers of the muscarinomimetic agent 2-methyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-1.3-dioxolane methiodide (F-2268) was compared on cholinoreceptors, (ChR) of different animals. The greatest difference between optical isomers was observed on the muscarinic ChR of guinea pig ileum smooth muscle cis-L(+)isomer being more than hundred times as potent as cis-D(-)isomer. On the ChR of muscarinic type in the holothuria Cucumaria japonica retractor muscle, cis-L(+)isomer was 25 times as efficient as cis-D(-)isomer. On the ChR of sea urchin and sipunculid locomotor muscles, optical isomers differ only 3 to 5 times. There was no difference between the effect of optical isomers on the ChR of muscarinic type which mediate hyperpolarization in the neurones of the gastropod mollusc Planorbarius corneus. This suggest that some changes in ChR stereoselectivity may occur in the course of evolution.", "PMID": 983574} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_350", "title": "[Use of dispersion analysis for comparative evaluation of the effect of several factors on the frequency of secondary cases in foci of dysentery].", "content": "The author demonstrates a method of application of dispersion analysis in epidemiological studies. The results of this work emphasize the leading role of the living-communal conditions in the appearance of repeated cases in the dysentery foci.", "contents": "[Use of dispersion analysis for comparative evaluation of the effect of several factors on the frequency of secondary cases in foci of dysentery]. The author demonstrates a method of application of dispersion analysis in epidemiological studies. The results of this work emphasize the leading role of the living-communal conditions in the appearance of repeated cases in the dysentery foci.", "PMID": 983581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_351", "title": "[Physiologic mechanisms of use of the Doppler effect in echolocation by Rhinolophus ferrumequinum bats].", "content": "During the flight, the greater horse-shoe bat R. ferrumequinum decreases the frequency in the medial part of the emmited signal in proportion to the relative target--bat velocity. The value of the decrease is approximately equal to the Doppler shift; as a result, the animal picks up the echo at its species specific frequency irrespectively of the flight velocity. Threshold curve of bat's auditory system plotted in terms of N4, exhibits a sharp turning peak with a slope of about 83 dB/kHz towards low frequencies. The species specific frequency lies between the frequencies corresponding to the highest and the lowest thresholds. The described peculiarities of emission and perception of signals allow to consider the orientation system in the bat as a Doppler compensating system which provides the effective detection and discrimination of moving targets (e.g., a prey), improves spatial characteristics of hearing and enables the animal to evaluate the velocity during approaching the target.", "contents": "[Physiologic mechanisms of use of the Doppler effect in echolocation by Rhinolophus ferrumequinum bats]. During the flight, the greater horse-shoe bat R. ferrumequinum decreases the frequency in the medial part of the emmited signal in proportion to the relative target--bat velocity. The value of the decrease is approximately equal to the Doppler shift; as a result, the animal picks up the echo at its species specific frequency irrespectively of the flight velocity. Threshold curve of bat's auditory system plotted in terms of N4, exhibits a sharp turning peak with a slope of about 83 dB/kHz towards low frequencies. The species specific frequency lies between the frequencies corresponding to the highest and the lowest thresholds. The described peculiarities of emission and perception of signals allow to consider the orientation system in the bat as a Doppler compensating system which provides the effective detection and discrimination of moving targets (e.g., a prey), improves spatial characteristics of hearing and enables the animal to evaluate the velocity during approaching the target.", "PMID": 983573} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_352", "title": "[Method of differential prognostication of pertussis morbidity].", "content": "The authors present a method of differential prognostication of pertussis morbidity permitting to consider in prognostication the tendencies of individual subsets of the dynamic series which could be conditioned by individual causes. The general picture of the phenomenon to be prognosticated is obtained by superimposition of the values prognosticated by each of the segregated subsets.", "contents": "[Method of differential prognostication of pertussis morbidity]. The authors present a method of differential prognostication of pertussis morbidity permitting to consider in prognostication the tendencies of individual subsets of the dynamic series which could be conditioned by individual causes. The general picture of the phenomenon to be prognosticated is obtained by superimposition of the values prognosticated by each of the segregated subsets.", "PMID": 983582} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_353", "title": "[Histochemical study of the dorso-ventral flight muscles of the locust, Locusta migratoria].", "content": "Histochemical studies have been made on the activity of succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), lipase and localization of lipids in flight monofunctional (83, 84 and 113) and bifunctional (118, 119 and 120) muscles of the locust L, migratoria. Three types of muscle fibers were found in the bifunctional flight muscle 120 which differ in their enzymic activity and the intensity of staining by Sudan Black. The activity of SDH and lipase was found to be the highest in fast muscle fibers, and the lowest -- in slow ones. For the first time muscle fibers were described which may be considered as \"intermediate\" with respect to their structure and histochemical characteristics.", "contents": "[Histochemical study of the dorso-ventral flight muscles of the locust, Locusta migratoria]. Histochemical studies have been made on the activity of succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), lipase and localization of lipids in flight monofunctional (83, 84 and 113) and bifunctional (118, 119 and 120) muscles of the locust L, migratoria. Three types of muscle fibers were found in the bifunctional flight muscle 120 which differ in their enzymic activity and the intensity of staining by Sudan Black. The activity of SDH and lipase was found to be the highest in fast muscle fibers, and the lowest -- in slow ones. For the first time muscle fibers were described which may be considered as \"intermediate\" with respect to their structure and histochemical characteristics.", "PMID": 983575} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_354", "title": "[Effect of cold on catecholamine concentration in the great pectoral muscle of sparrows].", "content": "Birds (Passer montanus, P. domesticus, Fringilla coelebs) kept in open-air cages in Leningrad during winter, do not differ in total catecholamine content from avian species (P. domesticus, Serinus canaria) which were kept under laboratory conditions at 15--20 degrees. In the sparrow P. montanus, no significaut seasonal changes were observed in catecholamine content; however repetitive cooling up to--10 degrees only at night increased twice the content of catecholamines (especially, noradrenalin) in the pectoral muscle.", "contents": "[Effect of cold on catecholamine concentration in the great pectoral muscle of sparrows]. Birds (Passer montanus, P. domesticus, Fringilla coelebs) kept in open-air cages in Leningrad during winter, do not differ in total catecholamine content from avian species (P. domesticus, Serinus canaria) which were kept under laboratory conditions at 15--20 degrees. In the sparrow P. montanus, no significaut seasonal changes were observed in catecholamine content; however repetitive cooling up to--10 degrees only at night increased twice the content of catecholamines (especially, noradrenalin) in the pectoral muscle.", "PMID": 983576} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_355", "title": "[Mixed infection with tularemia and Omsk hemorrhagic fever in experiments on aquatic field mice].", "content": "The authors carried out an experimental study of some aspects of the pathogenesis of mixed tularemia and Omsk hemorrhagic fever infection in Arvicola terrestris L. The results obtained reflected the dynamics of development of the pathological process of the mixed infection, peculiarities of distribution of Francisella tularensis and of the viral antigen in different organs, the character of pathomorphological changes in the organism at different periods after the administration of the causative agent.", "contents": "[Mixed infection with tularemia and Omsk hemorrhagic fever in experiments on aquatic field mice]. The authors carried out an experimental study of some aspects of the pathogenesis of mixed tularemia and Omsk hemorrhagic fever infection in Arvicola terrestris L. The results obtained reflected the dynamics of development of the pathological process of the mixed infection, peculiarities of distribution of Francisella tularensis and of the viral antigen in different organs, the character of pathomorphological changes in the organism at different periods after the administration of the causative agent.", "PMID": 983583} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_356", "title": "[Epidemiologic significance of detecting shigellae during examination of a healthy population].", "content": "The authors present the results of examination of the healthy population for shigellae carrier state. The efficacy of detection of shigellae depending on the season of the year and indications to the examination was compared. Analysis of the data obtained indicated that any examination for shigellae during the extraepidemic period was inexpedient. This conclusion was confirmed by the results of selective examination with the use of bacteriological and serological methods.", "contents": "[Epidemiologic significance of detecting shigellae during examination of a healthy population]. The authors present the results of examination of the healthy population for shigellae carrier state. The efficacy of detection of shigellae depending on the season of the year and indications to the examination was compared. Analysis of the data obtained indicated that any examination for shigellae during the extraepidemic period was inexpedient. This conclusion was confirmed by the results of selective examination with the use of bacteriological and serological methods.", "PMID": 983584} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_357", "title": "[Role of meningococcal carrier state in formation of the immunologic structure of a collective with regard to that agent].", "content": "The authors present the results of the immuno-epidemiological studies of two collective bodies -- over 2000 persons in all -- equal by age composition and physical load, who were under the same sanitary-hygienic conditions. Observations were carried out from the time of formation of these collective bodies in November and were continued for a period of 6 months; they differed by the epidemic situation in respect to the meningococcus infection, i.e. cases of this disease and carriers were present in the first, and carriers only in the second group. The collective bodies were subjected to complete bacteriological examination (at the time of formation and in 3 and 6 months); blood was studied for the presence of antibodies to the complex meningococcus antigens of groups A, B and C (in the passive hemagglutination test.) There proved to be a marked increase in the percentage of positive tests with the A- and C-antibodies in both collective bodies and an increase in the number of positive tests with B-antibodies only in the collective body with no meningococcus cases. Since in the first collective body the percentage of generalized meningococcus infection cases was insignificant (about 0.85%) and there were no cases in the second collective body, a conclusion could be drawn that changes in the immunological indices among persons in these groups were caused by carrier state. Thus, the effect of meningococcus carrier state on the formation of immunological indices of collective bodies was revealed.", "contents": "[Role of meningococcal carrier state in formation of the immunologic structure of a collective with regard to that agent]. The authors present the results of the immuno-epidemiological studies of two collective bodies -- over 2000 persons in all -- equal by age composition and physical load, who were under the same sanitary-hygienic conditions. Observations were carried out from the time of formation of these collective bodies in November and were continued for a period of 6 months; they differed by the epidemic situation in respect to the meningococcus infection, i.e. cases of this disease and carriers were present in the first, and carriers only in the second group. The collective bodies were subjected to complete bacteriological examination (at the time of formation and in 3 and 6 months); blood was studied for the presence of antibodies to the complex meningococcus antigens of groups A, B and C (in the passive hemagglutination test.) There proved to be a marked increase in the percentage of positive tests with the A- and C-antibodies in both collective bodies and an increase in the number of positive tests with B-antibodies only in the collective body with no meningococcus cases. Since in the first collective body the percentage of generalized meningococcus infection cases was insignificant (about 0.85%) and there were no cases in the second collective body, a conclusion could be drawn that changes in the immunological indices among persons in these groups were caused by carrier state. Thus, the effect of meningococcus carrier state on the formation of immunological indices of collective bodies was revealed.", "PMID": 983585} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_358", "title": "[Historical origin and evolution of the agents of infectious diseases].", "content": "Data on the establishment and further evolution of the causative agents of human infectious diseases were systematized. Saprophytes proved to be the initial stage of this evolution for all the parasitic species. It was demonstrated by concrete examples that evolution of parasitism was the result of an interaction of many factors (the mechanism of transmission of the causative agents, the immunity formation in the population, hereditary resistance, etc.) and not only the sequence of a unilateral action of the transmission mechanism. The author considers that some properties of the causative agents of the infecticus diseases of man (spore formation, the capacity to reproduction on the objects of the external environment) were not newly acquired in the process of the parasitic species formation, but atavistic signs which persisted from saprophytic ancestors. The dialectics of progressive and regressive processes in the acqisition of the parasitic properties by saprophytes is considered.", "contents": "[Historical origin and evolution of the agents of infectious diseases]. Data on the establishment and further evolution of the causative agents of human infectious diseases were systematized. Saprophytes proved to be the initial stage of this evolution for all the parasitic species. It was demonstrated by concrete examples that evolution of parasitism was the result of an interaction of many factors (the mechanism of transmission of the causative agents, the immunity formation in the population, hereditary resistance, etc.) and not only the sequence of a unilateral action of the transmission mechanism. The author considers that some properties of the causative agents of the infecticus diseases of man (spore formation, the capacity to reproduction on the objects of the external environment) were not newly acquired in the process of the parasitic species formation, but atavistic signs which persisted from saprophytic ancestors. The dialectics of progressive and regressive processes in the acqisition of the parasitic properties by saprophytes is considered.", "PMID": 983587} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_359", "title": "[Composition of nucleic acids and concentration of methylated bases in the DNA of Bifidobacterium bifidum var. Tissier].", "content": "Nucleotide composition of the sum total DNA of B. bifidum, biotype III, was determined by paper chromatography in combination with ultraviolet spectrophotometry. DNA of B. bifidum was referred to the GC-type (GC -- 62.6 mol%). Two additional nitrogen bases were present in the DNA composition; 5-methylcytosine and 6-methylaminopurine -- 0.45 mol% and 0.20 mol%, respectively. Nucleotide composition of the sum total RNA was studied with the aid of high-voltage electrophoresis in combination with ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The sum total RNA was referred to the high GC-type (GC -- 64.9 mol%). These data permit to consider it reasonable to refer bifidobacteria to the Bifidobacterium genus.", "contents": "[Composition of nucleic acids and concentration of methylated bases in the DNA of Bifidobacterium bifidum var. Tissier]. Nucleotide composition of the sum total DNA of B. bifidum, biotype III, was determined by paper chromatography in combination with ultraviolet spectrophotometry. DNA of B. bifidum was referred to the GC-type (GC -- 62.6 mol%). Two additional nitrogen bases were present in the DNA composition; 5-methylcytosine and 6-methylaminopurine -- 0.45 mol% and 0.20 mol%, respectively. Nucleotide composition of the sum total RNA was studied with the aid of high-voltage electrophoresis in combination with ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The sum total RNA was referred to the high GC-type (GC -- 64.9 mol%). These data permit to consider it reasonable to refer bifidobacteria to the Bifidobacterium genus.", "PMID": 983588} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_360", "title": "[Effect of staphylococcal toxin on the electrophoretic mobility and zeta-potential magnitude of BALB/c strain mouse erythrocytes].", "content": "Two hours after intraperitoneal injections of the staphylococcus toxin Lh=0.18 and Lh=0.15 (4 ml/kg) to BALB/c mice there was revealed a reduction of the electrophoretic mobility and of the zeta-potential of erythrocytes. In staphylococcus intoxication the value of zeta-potential varied within greater than normal range, this pointing to the individual sensitivity of mice to the toxin. The staphylococcus toxin caused the most significant reduction of the electrophoretic mobility and of the zeta-potential of erythrocytes in male mice of the BALB/c species.", "contents": "[Effect of staphylococcal toxin on the electrophoretic mobility and zeta-potential magnitude of BALB/c strain mouse erythrocytes]. Two hours after intraperitoneal injections of the staphylococcus toxin Lh=0.18 and Lh=0.15 (4 ml/kg) to BALB/c mice there was revealed a reduction of the electrophoretic mobility and of the zeta-potential of erythrocytes. In staphylococcus intoxication the value of zeta-potential varied within greater than normal range, this pointing to the individual sensitivity of mice to the toxin. The staphylococcus toxin caused the most significant reduction of the electrophoretic mobility and of the zeta-potential of erythrocytes in male mice of the BALB/c species.", "PMID": 983589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_361", "title": "[Fab fragments of immunoglobulins: specific activity and reactivity. II. Comparative study of the anaphylactogenic properties of anti-encephalitic gamma-globulin and Fab-fragments isolated from it].", "content": "With the aid of the active anaphylactic reaction a comparative study was carried out of the reactogenic (anaphylactogenic) properties of gamma-globulin against tick-borne encephalitis from horse serum and of Fab-fragments isolated from it by gel-filtration. There proved to be statistically significant differences in the reactogenic properties of the preparations under study on condition of their separate use (reactogenic property of Fab-fragments was four times less than that of gamma-globulin). In case of a combined use of Fab-fragments and gamma-globulin, i.e. administration of the former after the sensitization of experimental animals with the latter, reactogenicity level of the two biopreparations proved to be practically the same.", "contents": "[Fab fragments of immunoglobulins: specific activity and reactivity. II. Comparative study of the anaphylactogenic properties of anti-encephalitic gamma-globulin and Fab-fragments isolated from it]. With the aid of the active anaphylactic reaction a comparative study was carried out of the reactogenic (anaphylactogenic) properties of gamma-globulin against tick-borne encephalitis from horse serum and of Fab-fragments isolated from it by gel-filtration. There proved to be statistically significant differences in the reactogenic properties of the preparations under study on condition of their separate use (reactogenic property of Fab-fragments was four times less than that of gamma-globulin). In case of a combined use of Fab-fragments and gamma-globulin, i.e. administration of the former after the sensitization of experimental animals with the latter, reactogenicity level of the two biopreparations proved to be practically the same.", "PMID": 983590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_362", "title": "[Change in the activity of the enzymatic systems of rabbit macrophages following injuries to several hypothalamic nuclei (histochemical study)].", "content": "The authors conducted a histochemical study of the activity of some lysosomal and redox enzymes of the peritoneal macrophages in injury of the structures of the anterior and the posterior hypothalamus. Bilateral coagulation of the posterior hypothalamic nucleus proved to be accompanied by increase in the activity of the lysosomal enzymes and a corresponding reduction in the activity of the redox enzymes on the 10th and the 21st postoperative days. The activity of lysosomal enzymes decreased and of the redox--rose on the 15th postoperative day. A reduction in the activity of the lysosomal enzymes was observed on the 10th and the 15th days after the supraoptic nucleus coagulation; by the 21st day it was replaced by a marked increase in their activity. A conclusion was drawn that an important role in the regulation of the macrophage function and of their lysosomal apparatus belonged to the hypothalamus.", "contents": "[Change in the activity of the enzymatic systems of rabbit macrophages following injuries to several hypothalamic nuclei (histochemical study)]. The authors conducted a histochemical study of the activity of some lysosomal and redox enzymes of the peritoneal macrophages in injury of the structures of the anterior and the posterior hypothalamus. Bilateral coagulation of the posterior hypothalamic nucleus proved to be accompanied by increase in the activity of the lysosomal enzymes and a corresponding reduction in the activity of the redox enzymes on the 10th and the 21st postoperative days. The activity of lysosomal enzymes decreased and of the redox--rose on the 15th postoperative day. A reduction in the activity of the lysosomal enzymes was observed on the 10th and the 15th days after the supraoptic nucleus coagulation; by the 21st day it was replaced by a marked increase in their activity. A conclusion was drawn that an important role in the regulation of the macrophage function and of their lysosomal apparatus belonged to the hypothalamus.", "PMID": 983591} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_363", "title": "[Several indices of non-specific immunity in staphylococcal sepsis and staphylococcal gastroenterocolitis in children of different ages].", "content": "A study was made of some nonspecific immunity indices in staphylococcus sepsis and gastroenterocolitis during the infectious process in young children. Results of these investigations pointed to the depression of bactericidal and lysozyme activity of the blood serum and of the immunoadherence reaction at the acute period of the disease, and to some increase at the phase of recovery. There was also found an elevation of the phagocytic activity (of the phagocytolysis percentage) at the acute phase of the staphylococcus sepsis and gastroenterocolitis Antistaphylococcus gamma-globulin produced a positive effect on the lysozyme and bactericidal activity of the blood sera and promoted an increase of the blood phagocytic activity in the sick children.", "contents": "[Several indices of non-specific immunity in staphylococcal sepsis and staphylococcal gastroenterocolitis in children of different ages]. A study was made of some nonspecific immunity indices in staphylococcus sepsis and gastroenterocolitis during the infectious process in young children. Results of these investigations pointed to the depression of bactericidal and lysozyme activity of the blood serum and of the immunoadherence reaction at the acute period of the disease, and to some increase at the phase of recovery. There was also found an elevation of the phagocytic activity (of the phagocytolysis percentage) at the acute phase of the staphylococcus sepsis and gastroenterocolitis Antistaphylococcus gamma-globulin produced a positive effect on the lysozyme and bactericidal activity of the blood sera and promoted an increase of the blood phagocytic activity in the sick children.", "PMID": 983593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_364", "title": "[A simple method for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine with the fatty acid substituted in the 2-position].", "content": "The preparation of PC with the 14C-fatty acids palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acid at OH-group in position 2 is described. The starting material is egg yolk lecithin. By the attack of snake venom phospholiphase lyso-PC is produced which is reacylated by the appropriate fatty acid anhydride. In comparison with the methods published up to now this preparation has the advantage of higher yields and greater simplicity. By means of in vivo synthesis it is impossible to get PC species with only one fatty acid in a defined position. Working with radioactive fatty acids the specific radioactivity can be adapted to the requirements. The procedure can be made on a semi-technical scale.", "contents": "[A simple method for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine with the fatty acid substituted in the 2-position]. The preparation of PC with the 14C-fatty acids palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acid at OH-group in position 2 is described. The starting material is egg yolk lecithin. By the attack of snake venom phospholiphase lyso-PC is produced which is reacylated by the appropriate fatty acid anhydride. In comparison with the methods published up to now this preparation has the advantage of higher yields and greater simplicity. By means of in vivo synthesis it is impossible to get PC species with only one fatty acid in a defined position. Working with radioactive fatty acids the specific radioactivity can be adapted to the requirements. The procedure can be made on a semi-technical scale.", "PMID": 983594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_365", "title": "[The cation selectivity of calcium-binding structures of skeletal muscle. A physico-chemical interpretation as an ion-exchange process].", "content": "The binding forces acting in the binding of Ca and certain multivalent cations (Ce3+, La3+, Mg2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) in the membrane system fo skeletal muscles are discussed. From the similarity of effects in these biological binding sites and cation-exchange resins has been concluded an identity of both binding mechanism. The exchange affinity in the skeletal muscle decreases in the following order: Ce3+ greater than La3+ greater than Mg2+ greater than Sr2+ greater than Ba2+. This sequence of selectivity is in contrast to the sequence which should be expected in view of the ionic diameters. On the other hand, the same selectivity reversal can be seen in phosphonous and phosphonic cations-exchange resins. Because of that we conclude the binding of Ca and other multivalent cations in membrane system of skeletal muscle to be a point-shaped, polar adsorption--predominantly at phosphate groups. Possibly these groups hold a special selectivity (specifity) related to strongly hydrated and polarizable cations.", "contents": "[The cation selectivity of calcium-binding structures of skeletal muscle. A physico-chemical interpretation as an ion-exchange process]. The binding forces acting in the binding of Ca and certain multivalent cations (Ce3+, La3+, Mg2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) in the membrane system fo skeletal muscles are discussed. From the similarity of effects in these biological binding sites and cation-exchange resins has been concluded an identity of both binding mechanism. The exchange affinity in the skeletal muscle decreases in the following order: Ce3+ greater than La3+ greater than Mg2+ greater than Sr2+ greater than Ba2+. This sequence of selectivity is in contrast to the sequence which should be expected in view of the ionic diameters. On the other hand, the same selectivity reversal can be seen in phosphonous and phosphonic cations-exchange resins. Because of that we conclude the binding of Ca and other multivalent cations in membrane system of skeletal muscle to be a point-shaped, polar adsorption--predominantly at phosphate groups. Possibly these groups hold a special selectivity (specifity) related to strongly hydrated and polarizable cations.", "PMID": 983599} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_366", "title": "[The effect of lesions of the caudate nucleus on the development of hypertonic blood pressure dysregulation due to learning stress].", "content": "Male albino rats were used to study the effect of excluding the nucleus caudatus upon the development of a hypertensive dysregulation induced by the load of learning (stress). A 3-week stress exposure considerably restricted learning and memory processes in all the animals with nucleus caudatus lesions. Systolic blood pressure values and adrenal weights were within the physiological range. In animals with intact brains, the same stress exposure caused a certain restriction of learning processes and a rise of blood pressure and adrenal weight. The results described here show that the lesions of nucleus caudatus structures, similar to the exclusion of circumscribed areas of the hippocampus and the reticular formation, prevents spreading of stress-induced emotional excitation into visceral functional areas.", "contents": "[The effect of lesions of the caudate nucleus on the development of hypertonic blood pressure dysregulation due to learning stress]. Male albino rats were used to study the effect of excluding the nucleus caudatus upon the development of a hypertensive dysregulation induced by the load of learning (stress). A 3-week stress exposure considerably restricted learning and memory processes in all the animals with nucleus caudatus lesions. Systolic blood pressure values and adrenal weights were within the physiological range. In animals with intact brains, the same stress exposure caused a certain restriction of learning processes and a rise of blood pressure and adrenal weight. The results described here show that the lesions of nucleus caudatus structures, similar to the exclusion of circumscribed areas of the hippocampus and the reticular formation, prevents spreading of stress-induced emotional excitation into visceral functional areas.", "PMID": 983600} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_367", "title": "Development of cerebellar somatosensory evoked potentials in the rat.", "content": "In lobule VIa of the vermis cerebelli of 69 male albino rats aged from 7 to 90 days we studied the somatosensory potential evoked by electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve. A response consisting of a marked positive wave and a small negative wave was constantly present in the group of 9- to 10-day-old animals. At the end of the second week, an initial negative wave appeared. The response of 18-day-old animals consisted of 5 waves of alternating polarity and started with a small positive wave as in adult rats. During subsequent development only the relative size of the individual components changed, the later negative wave, N2, being the most marked component in adult animals. An attempted explanation of the possible origin of evoked potentials in young animals, based on the available data on the morphological development of the cerebellar cortex, is submitted. The latent periods, measured to the maxima of the individual waves, shorten abruptly between the 10th and 20th day and then undergo little change. Greater fatigability of the responses of young animals can be demonstrated by using rhythmical stimulation and paired stimuli. Somatosensory responses appear sooner than visual evoked potentials in the cerebellum, but they develop later than somatosensory evoked potentials in the cerebral cortex.", "contents": "Development of cerebellar somatosensory evoked potentials in the rat. In lobule VIa of the vermis cerebelli of 69 male albino rats aged from 7 to 90 days we studied the somatosensory potential evoked by electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve. A response consisting of a marked positive wave and a small negative wave was constantly present in the group of 9- to 10-day-old animals. At the end of the second week, an initial negative wave appeared. The response of 18-day-old animals consisted of 5 waves of alternating polarity and started with a small positive wave as in adult rats. During subsequent development only the relative size of the individual components changed, the later negative wave, N2, being the most marked component in adult animals. An attempted explanation of the possible origin of evoked potentials in young animals, based on the available data on the morphological development of the cerebellar cortex, is submitted. The latent periods, measured to the maxima of the individual waves, shorten abruptly between the 10th and 20th day and then undergo little change. Greater fatigability of the responses of young animals can be demonstrated by using rhythmical stimulation and paired stimuli. Somatosensory responses appear sooner than visual evoked potentials in the cerebellum, but they develop later than somatosensory evoked potentials in the cerebral cortex.", "PMID": 983601} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_368", "title": "[The anti-arrhythmic effect of prostaglandins A1, E1, A2, E2 and F2a in the cat strophanthin arrhythmia model].", "content": "The prostaglandins A1, E1, A2, E2 and F2a were comparatively studied for their antiarrhythmic action using the model of strophanthin arrhythmia of narcotized cats. Infusions of prostaglandins A1, E2 and F2a in doses of 1-5 mug/kg/min for 5 min improved the arrhythmias in 63%, 83% and 81% of the animals, respectively, whereas prostaglandin A2 was effective in 44%, and prostaglandin E1 in only 10% of the cats. Prostaglandins A1 and E2 transiently established a sinus rhythm in 54 and 50%, and prostaglandin F2a in 18% of the animals. The injection of 12 mu9/kg prostaglandin F2a brought about improvement of arrhythmia in 70% of the animals, producing a transient sinus rhythm in 40%. With ajmaline as the standard substance in doses of 0.3 mg/kg/min for 5 min produced an antiarrhythmic effect in 50% of the animals, while injection of 1 mg/kg was effective in 60% of the animals. Effects on the vegetative nervous system are discussed as the possible action mechanism of the prostaglandins.", "contents": "[The anti-arrhythmic effect of prostaglandins A1, E1, A2, E2 and F2a in the cat strophanthin arrhythmia model]. The prostaglandins A1, E1, A2, E2 and F2a were comparatively studied for their antiarrhythmic action using the model of strophanthin arrhythmia of narcotized cats. Infusions of prostaglandins A1, E2 and F2a in doses of 1-5 mug/kg/min for 5 min improved the arrhythmias in 63%, 83% and 81% of the animals, respectively, whereas prostaglandin A2 was effective in 44%, and prostaglandin E1 in only 10% of the cats. Prostaglandins A1 and E2 transiently established a sinus rhythm in 54 and 50%, and prostaglandin F2a in 18% of the animals. The injection of 12 mu9/kg prostaglandin F2a brought about improvement of arrhythmia in 70% of the animals, producing a transient sinus rhythm in 40%. With ajmaline as the standard substance in doses of 0.3 mg/kg/min for 5 min produced an antiarrhythmic effect in 50% of the animals, while injection of 1 mg/kg was effective in 60% of the animals. Effects on the vegetative nervous system are discussed as the possible action mechanism of the prostaglandins.", "PMID": 983602} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_369", "title": "Differentiation between type I and type II substrate binding to cytochrome P-450 by variation of temperature.", "content": "The binding affinities of type I- and type II-substrates to cytochrome P-450 solubilized from phenobarbital induced rat liver microsomes in dependence on the temperature have been determined. Both classes of substrates have been found to exhibit different temperature behaviour. The tendency of type I-substrates (benzphetamine and hexobarbital) to form complexes increases with increasing temperature; type II-substrates show the inverse tendency. From the van't Hoff plot the binding enthalpy was calculated and discussed in connection with the entropy and free enthalpy values. These data ascertain the suggestion of different binding sites for both classes of substrates.", "contents": "Differentiation between type I and type II substrate binding to cytochrome P-450 by variation of temperature. The binding affinities of type I- and type II-substrates to cytochrome P-450 solubilized from phenobarbital induced rat liver microsomes in dependence on the temperature have been determined. Both classes of substrates have been found to exhibit different temperature behaviour. The tendency of type I-substrates (benzphetamine and hexobarbital) to form complexes increases with increasing temperature; type II-substrates show the inverse tendency. From the van't Hoff plot the binding enthalpy was calculated and discussed in connection with the entropy and free enthalpy values. These data ascertain the suggestion of different binding sites for both classes of substrates.", "PMID": 983603} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_370", "title": "An infrared study of the carbon monoxide complexes of cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome P-420.", "content": "The infrared stretch vibrations (upsilonCO) of the CO-complexes of cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome P-420 have been determined from infrared difference spectra. The CO-complexes exhibit IR-bands at 1949 cm-1 and 1966 cm-1 with half widths of approximately 17 cm-1 and approximately 20 cm-1 respectively. These results are compared with the CO-stretch frequencies of other haemoproteins and discussed with respect to specific interactions of the CO-ligand with the protein moiety and to the ligand trans to CO of the cytochromes.", "contents": "An infrared study of the carbon monoxide complexes of cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome P-420. The infrared stretch vibrations (upsilonCO) of the CO-complexes of cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome P-420 have been determined from infrared difference spectra. The CO-complexes exhibit IR-bands at 1949 cm-1 and 1966 cm-1 with half widths of approximately 17 cm-1 and approximately 20 cm-1 respectively. These results are compared with the CO-stretch frequencies of other haemoproteins and discussed with respect to specific interactions of the CO-ligand with the protein moiety and to the ligand trans to CO of the cytochromes.", "PMID": 983604} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_371", "title": "Maturation dependence of fluoride-sensitive adenylate cyclase in red blood cells.", "content": "Adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by fluoride was studied in membranes from different red cell populations produced by bleeding anemia in rabbits. The cells were fractionated by density gradient centrifugation in dextrane. The highest adenylate cyclase activity was found in the reticulocyte fractions with low density and the highest RNA-content. No activity was found in the mature erythrocytes. It is apparent that the adenylate cyclase in the red blood cells can serve as a useful indicator of the maturation process.", "contents": "Maturation dependence of fluoride-sensitive adenylate cyclase in red blood cells. Adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by fluoride was studied in membranes from different red cell populations produced by bleeding anemia in rabbits. The cells were fractionated by density gradient centrifugation in dextrane. The highest adenylate cyclase activity was found in the reticulocyte fractions with low density and the highest RNA-content. No activity was found in the mature erythrocytes. It is apparent that the adenylate cyclase in the red blood cells can serve as a useful indicator of the maturation process.", "PMID": 983605} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_372", "title": "[Reproducibility of blood-flow measurement in the human forehead skin using thermodynamic probes].", "content": "The reproducibility (test-retest-reliability) of the forehead skin blood flow (method: fluvography or heat clearance) was tested by means of determination of the intraclass correlation coefficient. Defined changes of skin blood flow may be caused by loading a heat flow probe with weights; this was done in the range from 20 p to 500 p both in an ascending and a descending manner. A good reproducibility of results was reached in all repeated measurements made at intervals of one or several days. The correlation coefficient increases with increasing loads (r = 0.471 at a loading of 20 p; r = 0.813 at a load of 500 p).", "contents": "[Reproducibility of blood-flow measurement in the human forehead skin using thermodynamic probes]. The reproducibility (test-retest-reliability) of the forehead skin blood flow (method: fluvography or heat clearance) was tested by means of determination of the intraclass correlation coefficient. Defined changes of skin blood flow may be caused by loading a heat flow probe with weights; this was done in the range from 20 p to 500 p both in an ascending and a descending manner. A good reproducibility of results was reached in all repeated measurements made at intervals of one or several days. The correlation coefficient increases with increasing loads (r = 0.471 at a loading of 20 p; r = 0.813 at a load of 500 p).", "PMID": 983606} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_373", "title": "[Learning and chronobiological regulation following experimental damage to the coronary-artery wall of albino rats].", "content": "Forty male albino rats were used to study the relationship between experimentally (concentrated hydrochloric acid) produced local structural changes of the coronary artery wall and central nervous information processing and chronobiological events, respectively. The alterations of the coronary arteries caused by this treatment did not produce infarction but initiated on the whole length of the arterial branch proliferative processes that are complete within 12 weeks following the intervention. Central nervous information processing and chronoregulatory processes showed, immediately after exposure to hydrochloric acid, pronounced malfunctions followed by a stage of hyperreactivity (4 weeks following the damage). At 8 weeks from the intervention, the parameters of information processing and chronobiological events of the CNS again equalled the control values. Since the central nervous functions were back to normal earlier than the structural alterations, the results are interpreted as reflecting CNS-controlled interactions between the complex of visceral afference and efference, the regulation of which is determined by the CNS after coronary damage in such a way as to restore the adaptational capacity of the organism by a predominance of sanogenetic processes.", "contents": "[Learning and chronobiological regulation following experimental damage to the coronary-artery wall of albino rats]. Forty male albino rats were used to study the relationship between experimentally (concentrated hydrochloric acid) produced local structural changes of the coronary artery wall and central nervous information processing and chronobiological events, respectively. The alterations of the coronary arteries caused by this treatment did not produce infarction but initiated on the whole length of the arterial branch proliferative processes that are complete within 12 weeks following the intervention. Central nervous information processing and chronoregulatory processes showed, immediately after exposure to hydrochloric acid, pronounced malfunctions followed by a stage of hyperreactivity (4 weeks following the damage). At 8 weeks from the intervention, the parameters of information processing and chronobiological events of the CNS again equalled the control values. Since the central nervous functions were back to normal earlier than the structural alterations, the results are interpreted as reflecting CNS-controlled interactions between the complex of visceral afference and efference, the regulation of which is determined by the CNS after coronary damage in such a way as to restore the adaptational capacity of the organism by a predominance of sanogenetic processes.", "PMID": 983607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_374", "title": "[Relationship between the changes of spontaneous activity and responses of cortical neurons under microiontophoretic administration of glutamic acid].", "content": "In neurons of the gyrus sigmoideus posterior of cats, the influence of microiontophoretic application of varying doses of glutamic acid upon the reaction of those neurons to stimulations of the ischiadic nerve and clicks, and the changes of spontaneous activity were studied. The application of glutamic acid led, in 97% of the 90 neurons studied, to a dose-dependent increase in the mean firing rate; in 34% of neurons, to effectuation of click responses, and affected the reaction to stimulation of the ischiadic nerve to a varying extent. With increasing doses of glutamic acid, there was a linear correlation between the logarithm of spontaneous activity and the activity of excitatory responses with considerable differences in the steepness of the resulting straight lines for the individual neurons.", "contents": "[Relationship between the changes of spontaneous activity and responses of cortical neurons under microiontophoretic administration of glutamic acid]. In neurons of the gyrus sigmoideus posterior of cats, the influence of microiontophoretic application of varying doses of glutamic acid upon the reaction of those neurons to stimulations of the ischiadic nerve and clicks, and the changes of spontaneous activity were studied. The application of glutamic acid led, in 97% of the 90 neurons studied, to a dose-dependent increase in the mean firing rate; in 34% of neurons, to effectuation of click responses, and affected the reaction to stimulation of the ischiadic nerve to a varying extent. With increasing doses of glutamic acid, there was a linear correlation between the logarithm of spontaneous activity and the activity of excitatory responses with considerable differences in the steepness of the resulting straight lines for the individual neurons.", "PMID": 983608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_375", "title": "[Modification of insulin-secretion, induced by glucose, of the isolation-perfused rat pancreas using tolbutamide, glucosamine, diazoxide, glucagon and endogenous insulin].", "content": "The influence of tolbutamide, glucosamine, diazoxide, glucagon and endogenous insulin upon glucose-induced insulin secretion of the isolated perfused rat pancreas.", "contents": "[Modification of insulin-secretion, induced by glucose, of the isolation-perfused rat pancreas using tolbutamide, glucosamine, diazoxide, glucagon and endogenous insulin]. The influence of tolbutamide, glucosamine, diazoxide, glucagon and endogenous insulin upon glucose-induced insulin secretion of the isolated perfused rat pancreas.", "PMID": 983609} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_376", "title": "[Reactions of red-nucleus neurons in the alert cat to cutaneous stimulation].", "content": "Responses of the red nucleus (RN) neurones to cutaneous stimulation were studied in unanaesthetized chronic cats by means of microelectrode technique. It was revealed that the reactions were predominantly excitatory and the RN neurons had larger receptive fields covering one half of the body or all the limbs of the animal. The somatotopic principle of the cutaneous representation in RN was shown. The destruction of the cerebellar nuclei and sensorimotor cortex caused the lowering of the background activity of the RN neurones, changed their responses to cutaneous stimulation, as well as the narrowing and redistribution of the peripheral receptive fields. With all the changes described, the somatotopic character of the cutaneous representation in RN as preserved, though a large majority of RN neurones (52,8%) did not show this somatotopic distribution. The cerebellum is the main collector in transferring the cutaneous impulsation to the RN. In awake cats there were predominantly involved spinocerebellar pathways, activated by the flexor reflex afferents. The participation of the sensorimotor cortex in the reaction under study is revealed by the phenomenon of sprouting of the corticorubral axon terminals from the dendritic portions to the neuronal somata of RN.", "contents": "[Reactions of red-nucleus neurons in the alert cat to cutaneous stimulation]. Responses of the red nucleus (RN) neurones to cutaneous stimulation were studied in unanaesthetized chronic cats by means of microelectrode technique. It was revealed that the reactions were predominantly excitatory and the RN neurons had larger receptive fields covering one half of the body or all the limbs of the animal. The somatotopic principle of the cutaneous representation in RN was shown. The destruction of the cerebellar nuclei and sensorimotor cortex caused the lowering of the background activity of the RN neurones, changed their responses to cutaneous stimulation, as well as the narrowing and redistribution of the peripheral receptive fields. With all the changes described, the somatotopic character of the cutaneous representation in RN as preserved, though a large majority of RN neurones (52,8%) did not show this somatotopic distribution. The cerebellum is the main collector in transferring the cutaneous impulsation to the RN. In awake cats there were predominantly involved spinocerebellar pathways, activated by the flexor reflex afferents. The participation of the sensorimotor cortex in the reaction under study is revealed by the phenomenon of sprouting of the corticorubral axon terminals from the dendritic portions to the neuronal somata of RN.", "PMID": 983610} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_377", "title": "Circulatory, respiratory and acid-base balance changes produced by anesthetics in the rat.", "content": "The effects of several anesthetics on some cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic responses were studied in the rat. Drugs were given by the intraperitoneal route and observations were made during a period of three hours after the injection of the agent. Results were compared with normal values obtained from unanesthetized animals. The most striking findings were: urethane produced a metabolic acidosis; chloralose increased heart rate, morphine-chloralose mixture produced a sustained hypoxia. None of these agents evoked arrhythmias in the rat. Effects of the anesthesia should be taken into account in the evaluation of drugs in anesthetized rats.", "contents": "Circulatory, respiratory and acid-base balance changes produced by anesthetics in the rat. The effects of several anesthetics on some cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic responses were studied in the rat. Drugs were given by the intraperitoneal route and observations were made during a period of three hours after the injection of the agent. Results were compared with normal values obtained from unanesthetized animals. The most striking findings were: urethane produced a metabolic acidosis; chloralose increased heart rate, morphine-chloralose mixture produced a sustained hypoxia. None of these agents evoked arrhythmias in the rat. Effects of the anesthesia should be taken into account in the evaluation of drugs in anesthetized rats.", "PMID": 983611} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_378", "title": "[Effect of psychopharmaceutic agents on cortical potentials and long-lasting post-tetanic changes in excitability released through stimulation of the dental pulp].", "content": "Short-time tetanic stimulation of the tooth pulp with square pulses affords, depending on the stimulation parameters selected, a long-lasting facilitation in the response of subsequently applied test stimuli in the sensomotor cortex of rabbits. The benzodiazepin derivatives, chlorodiazepoxide, nitrazepam (10 mg/kg i.p.) and clonazepam (1 mg/kg i.p.) caused suppression of posttetanic facilitation with partly different influences on cortical potentials following individual stimulation. Meprobamate (200 mg/kg i.p.) had no effect on the processes of posttetanic facilitation, while the amplitudes of sensomotor potentials showed a long-lasting reduction on single stimulation. Chloropromazine (2 mg/kg i.p.) showed a rapid and transient inhibition of posttetanic facilitation and reduced the amplitudes of evoked potentials following single stimulation.", "contents": "[Effect of psychopharmaceutic agents on cortical potentials and long-lasting post-tetanic changes in excitability released through stimulation of the dental pulp]. Short-time tetanic stimulation of the tooth pulp with square pulses affords, depending on the stimulation parameters selected, a long-lasting facilitation in the response of subsequently applied test stimuli in the sensomotor cortex of rabbits. The benzodiazepin derivatives, chlorodiazepoxide, nitrazepam (10 mg/kg i.p.) and clonazepam (1 mg/kg i.p.) caused suppression of posttetanic facilitation with partly different influences on cortical potentials following individual stimulation. Meprobamate (200 mg/kg i.p.) had no effect on the processes of posttetanic facilitation, while the amplitudes of sensomotor potentials showed a long-lasting reduction on single stimulation. Chloropromazine (2 mg/kg i.p.) showed a rapid and transient inhibition of posttetanic facilitation and reduced the amplitudes of evoked potentials following single stimulation.", "PMID": 983612} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_379", "title": "The binding of hexobarbital and aniline to cytochrome P-450 of liver microsomes from control and phenobarbital-treated rats of different ages.", "content": "The spectral changes due to the binding of hexobarbital and aniline to cytochrome P-450 of rat liver microsomes were investigated in 10-day- to 15-month-old rats. The Ks values for both substances and consequently the affinity for cytochrome P-450 do not change during ageing. Phenobarbital treatment does not alter the affinity of hexobarbital, but enhances the Ks value for aniline. The maximal spectral changes (delta A max) due to aniline are nearly equal in all age groups whereas delta A max due to hexobarbital is very small in young rats and increases considerably during ageing. The age-dependence of the hexobarbital-induced delta A max is similar to the development of drug-metabolizing reactions. delta A max due to hexobarbital and aniline is enhanced by phenobarbital treatment of the rats. The addition of aniline to microsomes enhances the Ks value and diminishes delta A max for hexobarbital.", "contents": "The binding of hexobarbital and aniline to cytochrome P-450 of liver microsomes from control and phenobarbital-treated rats of different ages. The spectral changes due to the binding of hexobarbital and aniline to cytochrome P-450 of rat liver microsomes were investigated in 10-day- to 15-month-old rats. The Ks values for both substances and consequently the affinity for cytochrome P-450 do not change during ageing. Phenobarbital treatment does not alter the affinity of hexobarbital, but enhances the Ks value for aniline. The maximal spectral changes (delta A max) due to aniline are nearly equal in all age groups whereas delta A max due to hexobarbital is very small in young rats and increases considerably during ageing. The age-dependence of the hexobarbital-induced delta A max is similar to the development of drug-metabolizing reactions. delta A max due to hexobarbital and aniline is enhanced by phenobarbital treatment of the rats. The addition of aniline to microsomes enhances the Ks value and diminishes delta A max for hexobarbital.", "PMID": 983613} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_380", "title": "[Effects of aromatic bisamidines on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis].", "content": "The effect of the aromatic diamidine derivative 2,6-bis (4-amidinobenzyl)-cyclohexanon-(1) on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in vitro and in vivo was compared with that of the benzamidine derivative 4-amidinophenyl pyruvic acid and the aromatic diamidine derivative 4,4'-diamidinophenoxypentane. 2,6-Bis(4-amidinobenzyl)-cyclohexanon-(1) was found to be a strong inhibitor of the clotting enzyme thrombin. Because of the toxic side effects and pharmacokinetic properties of both diamidine derivatives their in vivo use as anticoagulants is limited.", "contents": "[Effects of aromatic bisamidines on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis]. The effect of the aromatic diamidine derivative 2,6-bis (4-amidinobenzyl)-cyclohexanon-(1) on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in vitro and in vivo was compared with that of the benzamidine derivative 4-amidinophenyl pyruvic acid and the aromatic diamidine derivative 4,4'-diamidinophenoxypentane. 2,6-Bis(4-amidinobenzyl)-cyclohexanon-(1) was found to be a strong inhibitor of the clotting enzyme thrombin. Because of the toxic side effects and pharmacokinetic properties of both diamidine derivatives their in vivo use as anticoagulants is limited.", "PMID": 983614} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_381", "title": "The effects of some cholinesterase reactivators on contractility of the isolated guinea-pig heart atria.", "content": "The effect of eight monoquaternary and bisquaternary pyridine aldoxime cholinesterase reactivators was tested on isolated guinea-pig heart atria. 2. Acetylcholine and methylfurthretonium in concentrations ranging from 10(-7) M to 10(-5) M have negative inotropic effects in the electrically stimulated atria and negative chronotropic effects in the spontaneously beating atria. 3. In the presence of higher concentration of cholinesterase reactivators alone, the parameters of heart muscle contractility are significantly altered. 4. Cumulative dose-response curves of methylfurthretonium in the presence of reactivators in the range of concentrations from 10(-5) M to 10(-3) M are shifted parallelly to higher concentrations of the agonist.", "contents": "The effects of some cholinesterase reactivators on contractility of the isolated guinea-pig heart atria. The effect of eight monoquaternary and bisquaternary pyridine aldoxime cholinesterase reactivators was tested on isolated guinea-pig heart atria. 2. Acetylcholine and methylfurthretonium in concentrations ranging from 10(-7) M to 10(-5) M have negative inotropic effects in the electrically stimulated atria and negative chronotropic effects in the spontaneously beating atria. 3. In the presence of higher concentration of cholinesterase reactivators alone, the parameters of heart muscle contractility are significantly altered. 4. Cumulative dose-response curves of methylfurthretonium in the presence of reactivators in the range of concentrations from 10(-5) M to 10(-3) M are shifted parallelly to higher concentrations of the agonist.", "PMID": 983615} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_382", "title": "Insulin kinetic, glucose tolerance, and lipid metabolism in genetically spontaneous-hypertensive rats.", "content": "Genetically spontaneous hypertension in rats (SHR) showed a significant rise not only in systolic blood pressure in the early age groups, but also, from the 8th week of life onward, in diastolic blood pressure together with a rise in heart rates, when compared with control rats. Following an i.p. glucose injection a disturbed glucose tolerance, increased insulin level and a reduction in plasma triglycerides and cholesterol occurred. These findings in SHR allow to draw interesting analogous conclusions as to the protodiabetic disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism accompanied by insulin enhancement after glucose and diminished glucose- and increased lipogenetic effects, which had been demonstrated by R. BAUMANN et al. in 58% of all studied cases of juvenile human hypertension (Stage I and Stage II, NITSCHKOFF and R. BAUMANN), in which possibly hereditary factors may be involved.", "contents": "Insulin kinetic, glucose tolerance, and lipid metabolism in genetically spontaneous-hypertensive rats. Genetically spontaneous hypertension in rats (SHR) showed a significant rise not only in systolic blood pressure in the early age groups, but also, from the 8th week of life onward, in diastolic blood pressure together with a rise in heart rates, when compared with control rats. Following an i.p. glucose injection a disturbed glucose tolerance, increased insulin level and a reduction in plasma triglycerides and cholesterol occurred. These findings in SHR allow to draw interesting analogous conclusions as to the protodiabetic disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism accompanied by insulin enhancement after glucose and diminished glucose- and increased lipogenetic effects, which had been demonstrated by R. BAUMANN et al. in 58% of all studied cases of juvenile human hypertension (Stage I and Stage II, NITSCHKOFF and R. BAUMANN), in which possibly hereditary factors may be involved.", "PMID": 983618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_383", "title": "[The role of carriers of intracellular fixed charges in the regulation of the resting potential of cells with ion pumps].", "content": "The living cell is considered as a nonideal phase, surrounded by an anion-permeable membrane in a stationary state. Ionic pumps maintain a nonequilibrium state for Na+ and K+. When assuming the water inside and outside the cell to be in thermodynamic equilibrium and the cell without wall not to resist the hydrostatic pressure difference, it is possible to calculate a membrane potential which strongly depends on the concentration of charged nonpenetrating molecules inside the cell. Living cells with a high resting potential should therefore contain a high inner charge density (nerve cells) or must be resistant to an inner hydrostatic pressure (plant cells). Cells in isotonic solutions with low ionic strength are not able to attain a stationary state. The regulations derived here are applied to the concrete conditions of human red cells.", "contents": "[The role of carriers of intracellular fixed charges in the regulation of the resting potential of cells with ion pumps]. The living cell is considered as a nonideal phase, surrounded by an anion-permeable membrane in a stationary state. Ionic pumps maintain a nonequilibrium state for Na+ and K+. When assuming the water inside and outside the cell to be in thermodynamic equilibrium and the cell without wall not to resist the hydrostatic pressure difference, it is possible to calculate a membrane potential which strongly depends on the concentration of charged nonpenetrating molecules inside the cell. Living cells with a high resting potential should therefore contain a high inner charge density (nerve cells) or must be resistant to an inner hydrostatic pressure (plant cells). Cells in isotonic solutions with low ionic strength are not able to attain a stationary state. The regulations derived here are applied to the concrete conditions of human red cells.", "PMID": 983619} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_384", "title": "[O2-consumption and CO2 formation by kidney cortex sections incubated in an optimal substrate mixture].", "content": "Basing on the knowledge of renal metabolism a substrate mixture has been developed which appears to be promising for the preservation of this organ. Slices of rat kidney were incubated in different solutions, and the oxygen consumption and 14CO2 formation were determined at 6 degrees C after 4 and 9 hrs. In the substrate mixture the rat kidney cortex shows a continual O2 consumption, which could be increased by more than twice the amount compared with the values obtained after incubation without substrate. The proportion of fatty acid and amino acid mixture supplied amounts to 90% of the total CO2 formation by the renal cortex. Under the conditions selected, the incubation mixture allows one to spare endogenic substrates. The criteria of O2 consumption and CO2 formation alone are not sufficient to decide whether the functioning of the mitochondria and thus the energy supply are ensured under these conditions. Further studies are necessary to solve this problem.", "contents": "[O2-consumption and CO2 formation by kidney cortex sections incubated in an optimal substrate mixture]. Basing on the knowledge of renal metabolism a substrate mixture has been developed which appears to be promising for the preservation of this organ. Slices of rat kidney were incubated in different solutions, and the oxygen consumption and 14CO2 formation were determined at 6 degrees C after 4 and 9 hrs. In the substrate mixture the rat kidney cortex shows a continual O2 consumption, which could be increased by more than twice the amount compared with the values obtained after incubation without substrate. The proportion of fatty acid and amino acid mixture supplied amounts to 90% of the total CO2 formation by the renal cortex. Under the conditions selected, the incubation mixture allows one to spare endogenic substrates. The criteria of O2 consumption and CO2 formation alone are not sufficient to decide whether the functioning of the mitochondria and thus the energy supply are ensured under these conditions. Further studies are necessary to solve this problem.", "PMID": 983620} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_385", "title": "[Protein hydrolysis by immobilized enzymes].", "content": "The enzymic hydrolysis of some proteins (insulin-B-chain-S-sulfonate, S-aminoethylated lysozyme, bovine serum albumin) by immobilized peptidolytic enzymes is reported. Sepharose-bound pronase, trypsin and a protease from Thermoactinomyces sp. (MP), the latter both cross linked by glutaric dialdehyde and an exopeptidase mixture containing Sepharose-bound leucine aminopeptidase, carboxypeptidase A and a crude preparation of prolidase were used. After enzymic hydrolysis nearly all amino acids, except proline, were recovered in a 100% yield compared to the value of an acid reference hydrolysate. Tryptophan and methionine, which are partially destroyed by acid hydrolysis in the presence of oxygen could be recovered completely.", "contents": "[Protein hydrolysis by immobilized enzymes]. The enzymic hydrolysis of some proteins (insulin-B-chain-S-sulfonate, S-aminoethylated lysozyme, bovine serum albumin) by immobilized peptidolytic enzymes is reported. Sepharose-bound pronase, trypsin and a protease from Thermoactinomyces sp. (MP), the latter both cross linked by glutaric dialdehyde and an exopeptidase mixture containing Sepharose-bound leucine aminopeptidase, carboxypeptidase A and a crude preparation of prolidase were used. After enzymic hydrolysis nearly all amino acids, except proline, were recovered in a 100% yield compared to the value of an acid reference hydrolysate. Tryptophan and methionine, which are partially destroyed by acid hydrolysis in the presence of oxygen could be recovered completely.", "PMID": 983621} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_386", "title": "[Nigrostriatally induced motor reactions in the rat. I. Rotational behavior and posture asymetry after intracerebral injection of apomorphine and dopamine].", "content": "Using a rotameter described by Ungrstedt, the influence of pretreatment with 6-hydroxy-dopamine and transections of the Capsula interna on the asymmetry of the animal's poise and movement following systemic and intracerebral administration of dopamine and apomorphine was studied. After lesion of the nigrostriatal tract, i.p. administered apomorphine caused the animals to rotate towards the damaged side. After injection of apomorphine in the Nucleus caudatoputamen of healthy animals, initial rotations towards the injection side with subsequent opposite rotation were observed, whereas dopamine injected into the Nucleus caudatoputamen and the Substantia nigra initiated rotations in contralateral direction only. Pretreatment with haloperidole nullified the effect of apomorphine. The results have proved the effectiveness both in the Nucleus caudatoputamen and the Substantia nigra of drugs stimulating the dopamine receptors. With intact rats, the two sides of the nigrostriatal system are functionally asymmetric, which is reflected by the quantitative differences of responses following stimulation of dopamine-sensitive receptors and the individually different preference of one rotational direction. These individual behavioural patterns are modified by experimental influences.", "contents": "[Nigrostriatally induced motor reactions in the rat. I. Rotational behavior and posture asymetry after intracerebral injection of apomorphine and dopamine]. Using a rotameter described by Ungrstedt, the influence of pretreatment with 6-hydroxy-dopamine and transections of the Capsula interna on the asymmetry of the animal's poise and movement following systemic and intracerebral administration of dopamine and apomorphine was studied. After lesion of the nigrostriatal tract, i.p. administered apomorphine caused the animals to rotate towards the damaged side. After injection of apomorphine in the Nucleus caudatoputamen of healthy animals, initial rotations towards the injection side with subsequent opposite rotation were observed, whereas dopamine injected into the Nucleus caudatoputamen and the Substantia nigra initiated rotations in contralateral direction only. Pretreatment with haloperidole nullified the effect of apomorphine. The results have proved the effectiveness both in the Nucleus caudatoputamen and the Substantia nigra of drugs stimulating the dopamine receptors. With intact rats, the two sides of the nigrostriatal system are functionally asymmetric, which is reflected by the quantitative differences of responses following stimulation of dopamine-sensitive receptors and the individually different preference of one rotational direction. These individual behavioural patterns are modified by experimental influences.", "PMID": 983623} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_387", "title": "[Nigrostiatally induced motor reactions in the rat. II. Cholinergic effect on rotational behavior and posture asymetry].", "content": "The rotational behaviour released in rats by apomorphine (5 mg/kg i.p.) following nigrostriatal lesions with 6-hydroxydopamine can be inhibited both by oxotremorin (1 mg/kg i.p.) and by injections of carbachol (30 mug) in the Nucleus caudatoputamen or Substantia nigra of the intact side. The rotations released in healthy animals by intrastriatal injections of apomorphine or carbachol are in opposite directions. The bendings of the body towards the side of injection (posture asymmetry) also observed after apomorphine administration in the Substantia nigra are inhibited by intrastriatal injections of carbachol. The results indicate that a dopaminergic-cholinergic interplay in the Nucleus caudatus, corresponding to the control functions of this nuclear area, is involved in the animals movement and poise.", "contents": "[Nigrostiatally induced motor reactions in the rat. II. Cholinergic effect on rotational behavior and posture asymetry]. The rotational behaviour released in rats by apomorphine (5 mg/kg i.p.) following nigrostriatal lesions with 6-hydroxydopamine can be inhibited both by oxotremorin (1 mg/kg i.p.) and by injections of carbachol (30 mug) in the Nucleus caudatoputamen or Substantia nigra of the intact side. The rotations released in healthy animals by intrastriatal injections of apomorphine or carbachol are in opposite directions. The bendings of the body towards the side of injection (posture asymmetry) also observed after apomorphine administration in the Substantia nigra are inhibited by intrastriatal injections of carbachol. The results indicate that a dopaminergic-cholinergic interplay in the Nucleus caudatus, corresponding to the control functions of this nuclear area, is involved in the animals movement and poise.", "PMID": 983624} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_388", "title": "Different inhibitory effects of 2,4-dinitrophenol, iodoacetate, and probenecid on renal excretion of p-aminohippurate, cyclopenthiazide, and sulfamethoxypyridazine in rats.", "content": "The present study was undertaken to determine whether the renal excretion of drugs can be modified by inhibition of the carrier system for organic acids in vivo. The renal excretion of p-aminohippurate is not influenced by 2,4-dinitrophenol but is reduced by iodoacetate and probenecid. The renal excretion of cyclopenthiazide is decreased by all inhibitors. Rats excrete only a very small portion of the administered dose of sulfamethoxypyridazine. Renal sulfamethoxypyridazine excretion is 3 times higher when the tubular reabsorption is blocked by simultaneous administration of NaHCO3. However, even then only a small portion of the injected dose is excreted. Renal sulfamethoxypyridazine excretion is only reduced by probenecid. This finding can be explained by the reduction of the urine volume. It can be concluded that p-aminohippurate and cyclopenthiazide are renally excreted by tubular secretion, whereas sulfamethoxy-pyridazine is excreted by glomerular filtration.", "contents": "Different inhibitory effects of 2,4-dinitrophenol, iodoacetate, and probenecid on renal excretion of p-aminohippurate, cyclopenthiazide, and sulfamethoxypyridazine in rats. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the renal excretion of drugs can be modified by inhibition of the carrier system for organic acids in vivo. The renal excretion of p-aminohippurate is not influenced by 2,4-dinitrophenol but is reduced by iodoacetate and probenecid. The renal excretion of cyclopenthiazide is decreased by all inhibitors. Rats excrete only a very small portion of the administered dose of sulfamethoxypyridazine. Renal sulfamethoxypyridazine excretion is 3 times higher when the tubular reabsorption is blocked by simultaneous administration of NaHCO3. However, even then only a small portion of the injected dose is excreted. Renal sulfamethoxypyridazine excretion is only reduced by probenecid. This finding can be explained by the reduction of the urine volume. It can be concluded that p-aminohippurate and cyclopenthiazide are renally excreted by tubular secretion, whereas sulfamethoxy-pyridazine is excreted by glomerular filtration.", "PMID": 983625} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_389", "title": "[Early postnatal overfeeding as an etiopathogenetic factor in adult obesity].", "content": "In 114 men and to a less degree in 111 women, significant positive relations were found between the weight gain during the first trimenon of postnatal life and the body weight per body length in adulthood. In contrast, there were not observed any significant relations between birth weight, birth length or weight gain during the second trimenon of postnatal life and the body weight per body length in adulthood. These findings suggest that over-nutrition during the first three months of life may be considered an essential risk factor for the development of obesity and its complications.", "contents": "[Early postnatal overfeeding as an etiopathogenetic factor in adult obesity]. In 114 men and to a less degree in 111 women, significant positive relations were found between the weight gain during the first trimenon of postnatal life and the body weight per body length in adulthood. In contrast, there were not observed any significant relations between birth weight, birth length or weight gain during the second trimenon of postnatal life and the body weight per body length in adulthood. These findings suggest that over-nutrition during the first three months of life may be considered an essential risk factor for the development of obesity and its complications.", "PMID": 983626} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_390", "title": "[Relationships between course of anesthesia, depth of anesthesia and acetylcholine content of the brain after urethane and pentobarbital administration in the rat].", "content": "Urethane (1.25 g/kg) and pentobarbital (0.06 g/kg) 30 min after i.v. application increase the content of acetylcholine in telencephalic areas but not in the brain stem. These acetylcholine levels are normalized again 120 min p.i.; but urethane treated animals show an elevated acetylcholine content in the brain stem at this time. A different course of anesthesia by pentobarbital and urethane respectively correlated with this result: Only in the presence of urethane a persistent depression of spontaneous motility was seen, whereas the effectivity of both anesthetics on pinna and corneal reflexes and in respect of pentobarbital also on active movements occurrence declined in the end of the test period.", "contents": "[Relationships between course of anesthesia, depth of anesthesia and acetylcholine content of the brain after urethane and pentobarbital administration in the rat]. Urethane (1.25 g/kg) and pentobarbital (0.06 g/kg) 30 min after i.v. application increase the content of acetylcholine in telencephalic areas but not in the brain stem. These acetylcholine levels are normalized again 120 min p.i.; but urethane treated animals show an elevated acetylcholine content in the brain stem at this time. A different course of anesthesia by pentobarbital and urethane respectively correlated with this result: Only in the presence of urethane a persistent depression of spontaneous motility was seen, whereas the effectivity of both anesthetics on pinna and corneal reflexes and in respect of pentobarbital also on active movements occurrence declined in the end of the test period.", "PMID": 983627} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_391", "title": "[Comparative study of ticarcillin and of carbenicillin as prophylactic treatment in the oncologic surgery of head and neck (author's transl)].", "content": "The frequency of postoperative infections in oncologic head and neck surgery can be reduced by the prophylactic use of antibiotics. In order to assess such preventive treatments as to their advantages and disadvantages, a controlled clinical trial was undertaken. The prophylactic use of antibiotics was used in 107 patients, operated for tumors of the upper airway-digestive tract. According to a previous randomisation, the patients received either carbenicillin either ticarcillin. The efficiency of carbenicillin and ticarcillin proved similar. The results obtained with these antibiotics turned out to be superior to those previously obtained with combined ampicillin and cloxacillin; the number of wound infections, primary and secondary, was lessened. The most frequent complications were thrombophlebitis at the site of intravenous perfusion of the antibiotics and hypokaliemia.", "contents": "[Comparative study of ticarcillin and of carbenicillin as prophylactic treatment in the oncologic surgery of head and neck (author's transl)]. The frequency of postoperative infections in oncologic head and neck surgery can be reduced by the prophylactic use of antibiotics. In order to assess such preventive treatments as to their advantages and disadvantages, a controlled clinical trial was undertaken. The prophylactic use of antibiotics was used in 107 patients, operated for tumors of the upper airway-digestive tract. According to a previous randomisation, the patients received either carbenicillin either ticarcillin. The efficiency of carbenicillin and ticarcillin proved similar. The results obtained with these antibiotics turned out to be superior to those previously obtained with combined ampicillin and cloxacillin; the number of wound infections, primary and secondary, was lessened. The most frequent complications were thrombophlebitis at the site of intravenous perfusion of the antibiotics and hypokaliemia.", "PMID": 983629} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_392", "title": "[Intestinal by-pass for obesity (author's transl)].", "content": "Obese people, more than 45 kg above their ideal weight, can be treated by an intestinal by-pass. This operation must be reserved for patients where conservative treatment failed, where there is no organic origin, and given the operative risk be not increased by underlying serious disease. Good pre- and postoperative collaboration of the patient together with clinical and biological controls are essential. The operation consists of an end-to-side jejuno-ileostomy with proximal suture of the blind loops; or an end-to-end jejuno-ileostomy with implantation of the blind loops in the colon. Loss of weight to near ideal plus improvement of diabetes, hypertension, gout and hyperlipaemia can be expected. Diarhea will occur for a few months or one year. Biochemical values usually remain stable: values for lipids decrease to lower normal if elevated before the operation. During fast weight loss, there are changes in the liver structure and hepatic tests; these are transient and reversible.", "contents": "[Intestinal by-pass for obesity (author's transl)]. Obese people, more than 45 kg above their ideal weight, can be treated by an intestinal by-pass. This operation must be reserved for patients where conservative treatment failed, where there is no organic origin, and given the operative risk be not increased by underlying serious disease. Good pre- and postoperative collaboration of the patient together with clinical and biological controls are essential. The operation consists of an end-to-side jejuno-ileostomy with proximal suture of the blind loops; or an end-to-end jejuno-ileostomy with implantation of the blind loops in the colon. Loss of weight to near ideal plus improvement of diabetes, hypertension, gout and hyperlipaemia can be expected. Diarhea will occur for a few months or one year. Biochemical values usually remain stable: values for lipids decrease to lower normal if elevated before the operation. During fast weight loss, there are changes in the liver structure and hepatic tests; these are transient and reversible.", "PMID": 983631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_393", "title": "[Truncal vagotomy in duodenal ulcer (author's transl)].", "content": "Since 1961, the authors have treated 369 patients for a duodenal ulcer. Emergency operation was performed in 69 cases (mortality: 7.2 percent) and elective operation in 300 (mortality: 0.86 percent. Procedures associated truncal vagotomy to hemigastrectomy (257 cases), to pyloroplasty (85 cases) or to gastroenterostomy (27 cases). Three hundred and thirty-nine patients were followed for an average of 8 years. The authors preferred truncal vagotomy associated to hemigastrectomy. This yielded excellent long term results (Visick I) in 89 percent of cases (221 out of 246 reviewed cases), with a very low mortality rate (3 out of 257 or 1.2%) and without known recurrence. (Acta chir. belg., 1976, 75, 294-305).", "contents": "[Truncal vagotomy in duodenal ulcer (author's transl)]. Since 1961, the authors have treated 369 patients for a duodenal ulcer. Emergency operation was performed in 69 cases (mortality: 7.2 percent) and elective operation in 300 (mortality: 0.86 percent. Procedures associated truncal vagotomy to hemigastrectomy (257 cases), to pyloroplasty (85 cases) or to gastroenterostomy (27 cases). Three hundred and thirty-nine patients were followed for an average of 8 years. The authors preferred truncal vagotomy associated to hemigastrectomy. This yielded excellent long term results (Visick I) in 89 percent of cases (221 out of 246 reviewed cases), with a very low mortality rate (3 out of 257 or 1.2%) and without known recurrence. (Acta chir. belg., 1976, 75, 294-305).", "PMID": 983632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_394", "title": "[Superselective vagotomy. Preliminary results].", "content": "Twelve patients suffering from an intractable duodenal ulcer are included in this review. Eleven were treated by superselective vagotomy without drainage, one had a selective vagotomy with pyloroplasty. A peroperative control of the gastric acidity after pentagastrin stimulation was used in all cases and permitted section of forgotten nerve fibers. Short-term results are satisfactory: after 2-6 months the clinical state of the patients is excellent (Visick I and II), basal acidity is decreased by 58 to 66% of preoperative value, the Hollander tests are negative except two. After more than 6 months, the few available results are satisfactory except one case of recurrent ulcer. The one case with a 1 year follow-up is excellent, clinically and as to acid secretion.", "contents": "[Superselective vagotomy. Preliminary results]. Twelve patients suffering from an intractable duodenal ulcer are included in this review. Eleven were treated by superselective vagotomy without drainage, one had a selective vagotomy with pyloroplasty. A peroperative control of the gastric acidity after pentagastrin stimulation was used in all cases and permitted section of forgotten nerve fibers. Short-term results are satisfactory: after 2-6 months the clinical state of the patients is excellent (Visick I and II), basal acidity is decreased by 58 to 66% of preoperative value, the Hollander tests are negative except two. After more than 6 months, the few available results are satisfactory except one case of recurrent ulcer. The one case with a 1 year follow-up is excellent, clinically and as to acid secretion.", "PMID": 983633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_395", "title": "[Discharge of cerbrospinal fluid through the nose: late sequella of a cranial trauma].", "content": "Loss of cerebrospinal fluid through the nose is known complication of cranial fronto-basilar traumata. Such a fistula generally appears immediately or some time after the trauma; in some cases however the fistula appears a few months or years after. One of the causes of delayed fistula is the existence of leptomeningeal cyst. The clinical symptom of this fistula is often a meningitis. Detection of the fistula is performed through scinticisternography with radioactive media: in case of a leptomeningeal cyst there is a concentration of radioactivity in the fromto-basilar region. In a patient with meningitis and a known history of cranial trauma, even if the latter occurred many years before, it is wise to search for a possible cerbrospinal fluid fistula.", "contents": "[Discharge of cerbrospinal fluid through the nose: late sequella of a cranial trauma]. Loss of cerebrospinal fluid through the nose is known complication of cranial fronto-basilar traumata. Such a fistula generally appears immediately or some time after the trauma; in some cases however the fistula appears a few months or years after. One of the causes of delayed fistula is the existence of leptomeningeal cyst. The clinical symptom of this fistula is often a meningitis. Detection of the fistula is performed through scinticisternography with radioactive media: in case of a leptomeningeal cyst there is a concentration of radioactivity in the fromto-basilar region. In a patient with meningitis and a known history of cranial trauma, even if the latter occurred many years before, it is wise to search for a possible cerbrospinal fluid fistula.", "PMID": 983634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_396", "title": "Appendicular mucocele and peritoneal pseudo-myxoma.", "content": "From 2 personal cases the authors present a pathological appraisal of appendicular mucoceles. They distinguish between a benign kind with an atrophic mucous membrane and a malignant type with a hyperplasic epithelium arranged in papillary and vegetating structures; this is a neoplasm with local malignancy. This variety remains the most liable to become a peritoneal pseudo-myxoma representing the most serious complication of the appendicular mucecele. Treatment of the mucocele, which consists in an appenicectomy or a right bemi-colectomy, usually yields good results provided operative rupture can be avoided. Contrarily the peritoneal pseudo-myxoma remains a serious disease with a disappointing treatment.", "contents": "Appendicular mucocele and peritoneal pseudo-myxoma. From 2 personal cases the authors present a pathological appraisal of appendicular mucoceles. They distinguish between a benign kind with an atrophic mucous membrane and a malignant type with a hyperplasic epithelium arranged in papillary and vegetating structures; this is a neoplasm with local malignancy. This variety remains the most liable to become a peritoneal pseudo-myxoma representing the most serious complication of the appendicular mucecele. Treatment of the mucocele, which consists in an appenicectomy or a right bemi-colectomy, usually yields good results provided operative rupture can be avoided. Contrarily the peritoneal pseudo-myxoma remains a serious disease with a disappointing treatment.", "PMID": 983635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_397", "title": "[A propos a case of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (author's transl)].", "content": "This is a case of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma with a rare clinical evolution. A first metastasis causes paraplegia; a second causes obstructive jaundice; a third subcutaneous metastasis is resected; the primitive tumor is discovered accidentally in the right calf, 8 weeks after the beginning of the disease. The literature is reviewed. Diagnosis of the alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is often difficult because of confusion with a lymphoma, another type of sarcoma, a melanoma or even an epithelial tumor. The surgeon who removes a superficial node, obviously malignant, in a young subject, should think of this type of tumor. A multidisciplinary treatment associating radical resection, radio- and chemotherapy improves the very poor prognosis of this sarcoma.", "contents": "[A propos a case of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (author's transl)]. This is a case of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma with a rare clinical evolution. A first metastasis causes paraplegia; a second causes obstructive jaundice; a third subcutaneous metastasis is resected; the primitive tumor is discovered accidentally in the right calf, 8 weeks after the beginning of the disease. The literature is reviewed. Diagnosis of the alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is often difficult because of confusion with a lymphoma, another type of sarcoma, a melanoma or even an epithelial tumor. The surgeon who removes a superficial node, obviously malignant, in a young subject, should think of this type of tumor. A multidisciplinary treatment associating radical resection, radio- and chemotherapy improves the very poor prognosis of this sarcoma.", "PMID": 983637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_398", "title": "Induced fat embolism in rabbits by means of radioactively labelled fat. Evaluation of different treatments.", "content": "Fat embolism was induced in the rabbit by administering a suspension containing radioactively (triglyceride) labelled homologous fat. Different kinds of treatment were tested: Ringerdex, 2% dextran 70, 2.2% dextran 40 SoluMedrol, and EPL-a phospholipid mixture with detergent properties. It was sound that fat injection gave a macroscopically and histologically verifiable fat embolism with lung edema. 2% dextran 70 significantly increased edema, whereas 2.2% dextran 40 did not. SoluMedrol significantly decreased edema caused by fat injection. Of the triglyceride administered, 99.5% was recovered as such from the lungs. Practically no radioactivity was found in cerebrum and kidneys. Compared with Ringerdex, no other treatment increased elimination of fat from lungs.", "contents": "Induced fat embolism in rabbits by means of radioactively labelled fat. Evaluation of different treatments. Fat embolism was induced in the rabbit by administering a suspension containing radioactively (triglyceride) labelled homologous fat. Different kinds of treatment were tested: Ringerdex, 2% dextran 70, 2.2% dextran 40 SoluMedrol, and EPL-a phospholipid mixture with detergent properties. It was sound that fat injection gave a macroscopically and histologically verifiable fat embolism with lung edema. 2% dextran 70 significantly increased edema, whereas 2.2% dextran 40 did not. SoluMedrol significantly decreased edema caused by fat injection. Of the triglyceride administered, 99.5% was recovered as such from the lungs. Practically no radioactivity was found in cerebrum and kidneys. Compared with Ringerdex, no other treatment increased elimination of fat from lungs.", "PMID": 983648} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_399", "title": "Autonomous hyperparathyroidism: a possible late complication of neck radiotherapy.", "content": "In a series of 170 patients operated on for autonomous hyperparathyroidism (HPT) during a four-year period ending 1974, 24 patients (14%) had, earlier in life, received radiation therapy to the neck region for various benign conditions. Treatment records were traced in 19 cases. The estimates of absorbed dose in the parathyroids ranged from 200 to 3 000 rad. Eighteen patients had their first course of treatment in childhood or early adult life. The diagnosis of HPT was established in these patients 42 years (average) after exposure to radiation. Six patients who were irradiated after the age of 48 had an average time lapse of 12 years before the diagnosis of HPT was made. The occurrence of signs and symptoms related to HPT was similar in exposed and non-exposed patients. The high incidence of previous neck radiotherapy in our series suggests that radiation may be a contributory factor in the development of HPT.", "contents": "Autonomous hyperparathyroidism: a possible late complication of neck radiotherapy. In a series of 170 patients operated on for autonomous hyperparathyroidism (HPT) during a four-year period ending 1974, 24 patients (14%) had, earlier in life, received radiation therapy to the neck region for various benign conditions. Treatment records were traced in 19 cases. The estimates of absorbed dose in the parathyroids ranged from 200 to 3 000 rad. Eighteen patients had their first course of treatment in childhood or early adult life. The diagnosis of HPT was established in these patients 42 years (average) after exposure to radiation. Six patients who were irradiated after the age of 48 had an average time lapse of 12 years before the diagnosis of HPT was made. The occurrence of signs and symptoms related to HPT was similar in exposed and non-exposed patients. The high incidence of previous neck radiotherapy in our series suggests that radiation may be a contributory factor in the development of HPT.", "PMID": 983649} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_400", "title": "A percutaneous intra-arterial technique for producing renal artery stenosis.", "content": "A technique for creating an intra-arterial renal artery stenosis in the dog by a percutaneous approach is described. The effect of such a stenosis is evaluated with angiography, renal blood flow measurements, arterial blood pressure determinations and kidney histology. It is concluded that the method is applicable in studies on renal artery stenosis with the advantage of producing a progressive stenosis without any exploration of the kidney.", "contents": "A percutaneous intra-arterial technique for producing renal artery stenosis. A technique for creating an intra-arterial renal artery stenosis in the dog by a percutaneous approach is described. The effect of such a stenosis is evaluated with angiography, renal blood flow measurements, arterial blood pressure determinations and kidney histology. It is concluded that the method is applicable in studies on renal artery stenosis with the advantage of producing a progressive stenosis without any exploration of the kidney.", "PMID": 983650} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_401", "title": "The haemodynamic and antithrombotic effects of intermittent pneumatic calf compression of femoral vein blood flow. A comparison between different pump types.", "content": "The haemodynamic effects of intermittent pneumatic calf compression on femoral vein blood flow in dogs and patients were studied by measurement with an electromagnetic flow meter. Two pump types were compared at different inflation pressures, one with a continuous inflation-deflation cycle of 2 min and the other causing inflation over 3 sec and deflation over 20 sec, with a frequency of three per minute. A fast rate of splint inflation created a greater haemodynamic change in net volume flow, peak flow and flow amplitude with an optimal pressure of 40 mmHg. The slower pump in fact decreased mean volume flow. Using an experimental thrombosis model both pump types significantly prolonged the occlusion time of implanted steel tubes, but did not differ from each other.", "contents": "The haemodynamic and antithrombotic effects of intermittent pneumatic calf compression of femoral vein blood flow. A comparison between different pump types. The haemodynamic effects of intermittent pneumatic calf compression on femoral vein blood flow in dogs and patients were studied by measurement with an electromagnetic flow meter. Two pump types were compared at different inflation pressures, one with a continuous inflation-deflation cycle of 2 min and the other causing inflation over 3 sec and deflation over 20 sec, with a frequency of three per minute. A fast rate of splint inflation created a greater haemodynamic change in net volume flow, peak flow and flow amplitude with an optimal pressure of 40 mmHg. The slower pump in fact decreased mean volume flow. Using an experimental thrombosis model both pump types significantly prolonged the occlusion time of implanted steel tubes, but did not differ from each other.", "PMID": 983651} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_402", "title": "Skeletal muscle metabolism in two Pavulon treated tetanus patients.", "content": "In two patients with severe tetanus the skeletal muscle metabolism was studied. Muscle biopsies were taken 4-6 weeks after the development of tetanus. The patients were treated during this time with a neuromuscular blocking agent. In one of the patients a biopsy was also taken before treatment, 2 days after the first symptoms of the disease. Enzyme activities representative for glycogen synthesis, glycogen greakdown, glycolysis, fatty acid beta-oxidation and respiratory chain, and fluxes of glucose, palmitate and leusine in vitro, and the concentrations of glycogen, triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins and RNA were determined in the muscle tissue. The enzyme activities in the muscle tissue examined 2 days after the development of tetanus were close to normal, excep for decreased activities of phosphofructokinase and glycogen synthase. After 4-6 weeks of treatment the fluxes of glucose and palmitate and the corresponding enzyme activities were low in both patients. These findings are consistent with muscular inactivity. In contrast the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the incorporation rate of leucine-carbon into proteins and the RNA content were high, indicating a high protein synthesis as a probable manifestation of active repairative processes. It is concluded that the skeletal muscle metabolism in these patients was affected in a degenerative manner and that this effect was attributed more to the treatment than to the disease per se. Dynamic physical training under supervision is recommended for the period after the generalized spasms to overcome the \"disuse\" effects in the skeletal muscles.", "contents": "Skeletal muscle metabolism in two Pavulon treated tetanus patients. In two patients with severe tetanus the skeletal muscle metabolism was studied. Muscle biopsies were taken 4-6 weeks after the development of tetanus. The patients were treated during this time with a neuromuscular blocking agent. In one of the patients a biopsy was also taken before treatment, 2 days after the first symptoms of the disease. Enzyme activities representative for glycogen synthesis, glycogen greakdown, glycolysis, fatty acid beta-oxidation and respiratory chain, and fluxes of glucose, palmitate and leusine in vitro, and the concentrations of glycogen, triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins and RNA were determined in the muscle tissue. The enzyme activities in the muscle tissue examined 2 days after the development of tetanus were close to normal, excep for decreased activities of phosphofructokinase and glycogen synthase. After 4-6 weeks of treatment the fluxes of glucose and palmitate and the corresponding enzyme activities were low in both patients. These findings are consistent with muscular inactivity. In contrast the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the incorporation rate of leucine-carbon into proteins and the RNA content were high, indicating a high protein synthesis as a probable manifestation of active repairative processes. It is concluded that the skeletal muscle metabolism in these patients was affected in a degenerative manner and that this effect was attributed more to the treatment than to the disease per se. Dynamic physical training under supervision is recommended for the period after the generalized spasms to overcome the \"disuse\" effects in the skeletal muscles.", "PMID": 983652} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_403", "title": "Recurring subareolar abscess.", "content": "Recurring subareolar abscess is an infrequent but troublesome disease of the breast in young women. On the basis of a review of the literature and four own cases the fistelous character of the disease is stressed. The histology behind the lesion is described because if this is not fully understood this chronic disease will often lead to unnecessarily mutilating surgery with poor results. Finally the simple surgical procedure for an effective treatment of this condition is illustrated.", "contents": "Recurring subareolar abscess. Recurring subareolar abscess is an infrequent but troublesome disease of the breast in young women. On the basis of a review of the literature and four own cases the fistelous character of the disease is stressed. The histology behind the lesion is described because if this is not fully understood this chronic disease will often lead to unnecessarily mutilating surgery with poor results. Finally the simple surgical procedure for an effective treatment of this condition is illustrated.", "PMID": 983653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_404", "title": "Formation and inhibition of lysolecithin in human gallbladder bile.", "content": "Homogenized human gallbladder epithelium was incubated at 37 degrees C with 14C-lecithin in diluted gallbladder bile. During the incubation, lecithin was transformed to lysolecithin. The reaction rate was higher at pH 4.5 than at pH 7.0. No degradation of lecithin occurred if the reaction mixture did not contain the homogenate. Lysolecithin was mixed with red blood cells in (a) diluted human gallbladder bile and (b) 0.15 M saline. The surface activity in the different systems was then assessed from the amount of hemoglobin recovered in the red cell pellet after centrifugation. In human bile, 500 mug lysolecithin/ml did not affect the amount of hemoglobin recovered whereas in saline, concentrations exceeding 25-30 mug/ml affected the red blood cells such that no hemoglobin was pelleted by the centrifugation. Lysolecithin was further studied for effect upon lecithin-3H-cholesterol-dicetylphosphate liposomes containing 14C-glucose. The surface activity of lysolecithin was assessed from the distribution of 3H- and 14C-activity after centrifugation. Although 500 mug lysolecithin/ml increased the non-sedimented 14C-activity, 5000 mug lysolecithin/ml was necessary to decrease significantly the amount of sedimented 3H-activity. The results are interpreted such that phospholipase A activity from the gallbladder epithelium, if released into the gallbladder bile, may generate lysolecithin from lecithin. However, the surface activity and, thus, the inflammatory mediating activity of lysolecithin is inhibited by components in the gallbladder bile, possibly lecithin.", "contents": "Formation and inhibition of lysolecithin in human gallbladder bile. Homogenized human gallbladder epithelium was incubated at 37 degrees C with 14C-lecithin in diluted gallbladder bile. During the incubation, lecithin was transformed to lysolecithin. The reaction rate was higher at pH 4.5 than at pH 7.0. No degradation of lecithin occurred if the reaction mixture did not contain the homogenate. Lysolecithin was mixed with red blood cells in (a) diluted human gallbladder bile and (b) 0.15 M saline. The surface activity in the different systems was then assessed from the amount of hemoglobin recovered in the red cell pellet after centrifugation. In human bile, 500 mug lysolecithin/ml did not affect the amount of hemoglobin recovered whereas in saline, concentrations exceeding 25-30 mug/ml affected the red blood cells such that no hemoglobin was pelleted by the centrifugation. Lysolecithin was further studied for effect upon lecithin-3H-cholesterol-dicetylphosphate liposomes containing 14C-glucose. The surface activity of lysolecithin was assessed from the distribution of 3H- and 14C-activity after centrifugation. Although 500 mug lysolecithin/ml increased the non-sedimented 14C-activity, 5000 mug lysolecithin/ml was necessary to decrease significantly the amount of sedimented 3H-activity. The results are interpreted such that phospholipase A activity from the gallbladder epithelium, if released into the gallbladder bile, may generate lysolecithin from lecithin. However, the surface activity and, thus, the inflammatory mediating activity of lysolecithin is inhibited by components in the gallbladder bile, possibly lecithin.", "PMID": 983654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_405", "title": "Peritoneal reaction in acute appendicitis. A biochemical study.", "content": "The present study shows that appendicitis and its associated peritoneal inflammation produce microscopic and biochemical changes in the peritoneal membrane. With increasing age, the peritoneal concentrations of DNA, RNA, nitrogen, hydroxyproline, and uronic acids seemed to decrease. In general the greatest chemical changes were observed in younger age groups between the control and peritonitis patients. The amounts of DNA and RNA reflecting the cellularity of the peritoneum were affected most clearly. The location of the appendicular process and the severity of the disease markedly influenced the chemical composition of the peritoneum, whereas the duration of the disease appeared to have no effect on the results. In peritonitis, the concentrations of uronic acids and non-collagenous nitrogen increased markecly, while the concentrations of hydroxyproline and the hydroxyproline/nitrogen ratio decreased. Meseneric lymphadenitis produced no significant changes in the biochemical parameters.", "contents": "Peritoneal reaction in acute appendicitis. A biochemical study. The present study shows that appendicitis and its associated peritoneal inflammation produce microscopic and biochemical changes in the peritoneal membrane. With increasing age, the peritoneal concentrations of DNA, RNA, nitrogen, hydroxyproline, and uronic acids seemed to decrease. In general the greatest chemical changes were observed in younger age groups between the control and peritonitis patients. The amounts of DNA and RNA reflecting the cellularity of the peritoneum were affected most clearly. The location of the appendicular process and the severity of the disease markedly influenced the chemical composition of the peritoneum, whereas the duration of the disease appeared to have no effect on the results. In peritonitis, the concentrations of uronic acids and non-collagenous nitrogen increased markecly, while the concentrations of hydroxyproline and the hydroxyproline/nitrogen ratio decreased. Meseneric lymphadenitis produced no significant changes in the biochemical parameters.", "PMID": 983655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_406", "title": "Cyclic sciatica of endometriosis. Case report.", "content": "A 27-year-old woman with right-sided cyclic sciatica and stiffness of the right hip joint, unresponsive to orthopaedic measures, is presented. An exploratory laparotomy revealed pelvic endometriosis. On oestrogen suppression therapy, she has been symptom-free for eleven months.", "contents": "Cyclic sciatica of endometriosis. Case report. A 27-year-old woman with right-sided cyclic sciatica and stiffness of the right hip joint, unresponsive to orthopaedic measures, is presented. An exploratory laparotomy revealed pelvic endometriosis. On oestrogen suppression therapy, she has been symptom-free for eleven months.", "PMID": 983656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_407", "title": "A new cholangiography catheter.", "content": "A new cholangiography catheter has been evaluated in 66 consecutive gall bladder operations. The catheter has an integral moulded cone shaped locking attachment and a tap to reduce the risk of air bubbles entering the biliary tree. The catheter coulc not be introduced into the duct in 10% of patients. In the remainder both surgeon and radiologist were satisfied with the cholangiogram.", "contents": "A new cholangiography catheter. A new cholangiography catheter has been evaluated in 66 consecutive gall bladder operations. The catheter has an integral moulded cone shaped locking attachment and a tap to reduce the risk of air bubbles entering the biliary tree. The catheter coulc not be introduced into the duct in 10% of patients. In the remainder both surgeon and radiologist were satisfied with the cholangiogram.", "PMID": 983657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_408", "title": "Rectal administration of 13N-ammonia in cirrhosis of the liver.", "content": "13N-ammonia, applied rectally, after absorption and transportation visualises the liver. After release of 13N-aminoacids and 13N-urea by the liver, 13N-activity can be measured over other organs. In patients with porta-systemic shunts, 13N-ammonia will appear in the systemic circulation as well. In 16 controls and 26 patients with cirrhosis, activities were measured for 20 minutes over liver, spleen, heart, lungs and forearm. In all subjects, the liver was visualised within a minute, in some patients with cirrhosis faintly, however. Release by the liver of 13N-ammonia metabolites started within a few minutes. Liver/heart activity ratios proved to be more discriminating between the control- and the cirrhosis group than liver/lung and liver/spleen ratios. In the control group, the 20 minutes' liver/heart ratio was most suitable for determining the normal range. The lower normal level was found to be 2.25. Fourteen of the 26 patients with cirrhosis had a normal, 12 an abnormally low 20 minutes' liver/heart ratio.", "contents": "Rectal administration of 13N-ammonia in cirrhosis of the liver. 13N-ammonia, applied rectally, after absorption and transportation visualises the liver. After release of 13N-aminoacids and 13N-urea by the liver, 13N-activity can be measured over other organs. In patients with porta-systemic shunts, 13N-ammonia will appear in the systemic circulation as well. In 16 controls and 26 patients with cirrhosis, activities were measured for 20 minutes over liver, spleen, heart, lungs and forearm. In all subjects, the liver was visualised within a minute, in some patients with cirrhosis faintly, however. Release by the liver of 13N-ammonia metabolites started within a few minutes. Liver/heart activity ratios proved to be more discriminating between the control- and the cirrhosis group than liver/lung and liver/spleen ratios. In the control group, the 20 minutes' liver/heart ratio was most suitable for determining the normal range. The lower normal level was found to be 2.25. Fourteen of the 26 patients with cirrhosis had a normal, 12 an abnormally low 20 minutes' liver/heart ratio.", "PMID": 983659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_409", "title": "Rectal 13N-ammonia test (13N-liver/heart ratio), hepatic sinusoidal pressure and prevailing portal flow direction in cirrhosis of the liver.", "content": "The 20 minutes' liver/heart activity ratio after rectal administration of 13N-ammonia was abnormally low (less than 2.25) in 12 of 26 patients with cirrhosis of the liver. An abnormal conventional rectal arterial ammonia test (porta-systemic shunts), an abnormally low urea index (prevailing hepatofugal portal venous flow direction), marked portal hypertension (hepatic sinusoidal pressure greater than or equal to 8 mm Hg), ascites and extreme enlargement of the spleen occurred significantly more often in the patients with an abnormally low 13N-liver/heart ratio than in those with a ratio greater than or equal to 2.25. There was no correlation between the 13N-liver/heart ratio and absence or presence of oesophageal varices. The non-invasive rectal 13N-ammonia test appears to be an easy to perform, informative test in cirrhosis of the liver.", "contents": "Rectal 13N-ammonia test (13N-liver/heart ratio), hepatic sinusoidal pressure and prevailing portal flow direction in cirrhosis of the liver. The 20 minutes' liver/heart activity ratio after rectal administration of 13N-ammonia was abnormally low (less than 2.25) in 12 of 26 patients with cirrhosis of the liver. An abnormal conventional rectal arterial ammonia test (porta-systemic shunts), an abnormally low urea index (prevailing hepatofugal portal venous flow direction), marked portal hypertension (hepatic sinusoidal pressure greater than or equal to 8 mm Hg), ascites and extreme enlargement of the spleen occurred significantly more often in the patients with an abnormally low 13N-liver/heart ratio than in those with a ratio greater than or equal to 2.25. There was no correlation between the 13N-liver/heart ratio and absence or presence of oesophageal varices. The non-invasive rectal 13N-ammonia test appears to be an easy to perform, informative test in cirrhosis of the liver.", "PMID": 983660} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_410", "title": "Amylase activity of parotid saliva in acute and chronic pancreatitis.", "content": "The activity of the alpha-amylase was estimated in the parotid resting saliva of 17 subjects without evidence of pancreatic disease, 17 patients with chronic relapsing pancreatitis in the intervals between acute attacks, and also in 4 patients with acute pancreatitis and 3 patients with an acute attack of chronic relapsing pancreatitis. In the patients with chronic relapsing pancreatitis between attacks the concentration, output and specific activity of the salivary amylase were significantly lowered. The patients with acute pancreatitis exhibited salivary amylase concentrations in the uppper normal to grossly supranormal range, whereas those of the patients with acute attacks of chronic relapsing pancreatitis were distinctly reduced. Unlike the amylase output, the amylase concentration was independent of the rate of salivary flow. Simultaneous infusion of secretin and pancreozymin produced a significant increase in the parotid salivary amylase levels in both the patients without pancreatic disease and in those with chronic relapsing pancreatitis between acute attacks.", "contents": "Amylase activity of parotid saliva in acute and chronic pancreatitis. The activity of the alpha-amylase was estimated in the parotid resting saliva of 17 subjects without evidence of pancreatic disease, 17 patients with chronic relapsing pancreatitis in the intervals between acute attacks, and also in 4 patients with acute pancreatitis and 3 patients with an acute attack of chronic relapsing pancreatitis. In the patients with chronic relapsing pancreatitis between attacks the concentration, output and specific activity of the salivary amylase were significantly lowered. The patients with acute pancreatitis exhibited salivary amylase concentrations in the uppper normal to grossly supranormal range, whereas those of the patients with acute attacks of chronic relapsing pancreatitis were distinctly reduced. Unlike the amylase output, the amylase concentration was independent of the rate of salivary flow. Simultaneous infusion of secretin and pancreozymin produced a significant increase in the parotid salivary amylase levels in both the patients without pancreatic disease and in those with chronic relapsing pancreatitis between acute attacks.", "PMID": 983661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_411", "title": "Family patterns of antro- fundal gastritis.", "content": "311 first-degree relatives of 78 consecutive patients with gastric carcinoma and 386 first-degree relative of control probands computer matched from a large Finnish population were studied by means of biopsies from antrum and the fundus and by functional and immunological methods. Both the A and B type of Strickland the McKay as well as the AB types of Pitchumoni and Glass were discernable in the present series and often accumulated in the same families. Particularly the A type associated with high serum gastrin values and parietal cell antibodies revealed a family accumulation. In general members of the same family tended to behave similarly with regard to morhology, function and immunology of the antro-fundal mucosa. The 386 computer matched controls from the general population were treated by means of mathematical methods derived from stochastic theory. It appeared that on a family level there was clearly discernable a line representin families with predominance of fundal gastritis (A type?) which significantly deviated from the main population. However, no such behavior was found as to the families with predominantly antral gastritis (B type?) which behaved like the population at large.", "contents": "Family patterns of antro- fundal gastritis. 311 first-degree relatives of 78 consecutive patients with gastric carcinoma and 386 first-degree relative of control probands computer matched from a large Finnish population were studied by means of biopsies from antrum and the fundus and by functional and immunological methods. Both the A and B type of Strickland the McKay as well as the AB types of Pitchumoni and Glass were discernable in the present series and often accumulated in the same families. Particularly the A type associated with high serum gastrin values and parietal cell antibodies revealed a family accumulation. In general members of the same family tended to behave similarly with regard to morhology, function and immunology of the antro-fundal mucosa. The 386 computer matched controls from the general population were treated by means of mathematical methods derived from stochastic theory. It appeared that on a family level there was clearly discernable a line representin families with predominance of fundal gastritis (A type?) which significantly deviated from the main population. However, no such behavior was found as to the families with predominantly antral gastritis (B type?) which behaved like the population at large.", "PMID": 983662} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_412", "title": "Functional study of the gastric mucosal barrier in hepatic cirrhosis.", "content": "The net ionic flux through the gastric wall was determined in eleven patients with hepatic cirrhosis and five normal controls. The back-diffusion of C1- and H+ was significantly increased in the cirrhotic group. In nine patients of this group the H+ loss was above the upper limits of normal. The Na+ flux was positive in both the control and the cirrhotic group. The Na+ flux towards the gastric cavity in the cirrhotic patients was not proportional to the loss of H+. Vasodilatation and edema of the lamina propria was always present as judged by gastric biopsy; in five cases mucosal hemorrhage was observed, in three superficial epithelial desquamation and in one melaena due to hemorrhagic gastritis. One the basis of the increase in H+ loss and the histological findings, we suspect an alteration in the gastric mucosal barrier in the patients with hepatic cirrhosis.", "contents": "Functional study of the gastric mucosal barrier in hepatic cirrhosis. The net ionic flux through the gastric wall was determined in eleven patients with hepatic cirrhosis and five normal controls. The back-diffusion of C1- and H+ was significantly increased in the cirrhotic group. In nine patients of this group the H+ loss was above the upper limits of normal. The Na+ flux was positive in both the control and the cirrhotic group. The Na+ flux towards the gastric cavity in the cirrhotic patients was not proportional to the loss of H+. Vasodilatation and edema of the lamina propria was always present as judged by gastric biopsy; in five cases mucosal hemorrhage was observed, in three superficial epithelial desquamation and in one melaena due to hemorrhagic gastritis. One the basis of the increase in H+ loss and the histological findings, we suspect an alteration in the gastric mucosal barrier in the patients with hepatic cirrhosis.", "PMID": 983663} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_413", "title": "[Subtypes of HBs antigen in Poland].", "content": "A total of 187 sera positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBSAg) were collected from blood banks and clinics representative for the various regions of Poland. 139 sera were from symptomless carriers of HBSAg, 34 sera--from patients with acute hepatitis, and 14 sera--from patients with chronic hepatitis. In the group of HBSAg carriers, subtype HBSAg/adw was found in 80,6% of cases, and sybtype HBSAg/ayw--in 19.4% of cases; in patients with acute hepatitis subtype adw was found in 82,5% of cases, and subtype ayw--in 17,5% of cases; in patients with chronic hepatitis subtype adw was found in 78,6% of cases, and subtype ayw--in 21,4% of cases.", "contents": "[Subtypes of HBs antigen in Poland]. A total of 187 sera positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBSAg) were collected from blood banks and clinics representative for the various regions of Poland. 139 sera were from symptomless carriers of HBSAg, 34 sera--from patients with acute hepatitis, and 14 sera--from patients with chronic hepatitis. In the group of HBSAg carriers, subtype HBSAg/adw was found in 80,6% of cases, and sybtype HBSAg/ayw--in 19.4% of cases; in patients with acute hepatitis subtype adw was found in 82,5% of cases, and subtype ayw--in 17,5% of cases; in patients with chronic hepatitis subtype adw was found in 78,6% of cases, and subtype ayw--in 21,4% of cases.", "PMID": 983666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_414", "title": "[Effect of calf thymus extracts on the surface structure and the lysosomal apparatus of lymphocytes in patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia].", "content": "In 6 patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia receiving subcutaneously purified calf thymus extract a greater frequency of the following processes was observed: 1) increase in the number of smooth-surface lymphocytes (T cells) in scanning electron microscopy, 2) increased number of lymphocytes forming rosettes with uncoated sheep erythrocytes, 3) increased number of lymphocytes showing high activity of acid phosphatase in cytochemical investigations.", "contents": "[Effect of calf thymus extracts on the surface structure and the lysosomal apparatus of lymphocytes in patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia]. In 6 patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia receiving subcutaneously purified calf thymus extract a greater frequency of the following processes was observed: 1) increase in the number of smooth-surface lymphocytes (T cells) in scanning electron microscopy, 2) increased number of lymphocytes forming rosettes with uncoated sheep erythrocytes, 3) increased number of lymphocytes showing high activity of acid phosphatase in cytochemical investigations.", "PMID": 983665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_415", "title": "[Polycardiographic evaluation of cardiotoxic effects of rubidomycin in patients with acute leukemia].", "content": "In 6 out of 11 patients treated with rubidomycin deterioration of haemodynamic indices was observed including prolongation of the pressure rise subperiod, isometric contarction subperiod and reduction of mechanical index. These changes appeared already after the first administration of the drug and were followed in 4 cases by signs of circulatory failure.", "contents": "[Polycardiographic evaluation of cardiotoxic effects of rubidomycin in patients with acute leukemia]. In 6 out of 11 patients treated with rubidomycin deterioration of haemodynamic indices was observed including prolongation of the pressure rise subperiod, isometric contarction subperiod and reduction of mechanical index. These changes appeared already after the first administration of the drug and were followed in 4 cases by signs of circulatory failure.", "PMID": 983667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_416", "title": "[Effect of estradiol on lymphatic cells in the thymus, lymph nodes and spleen].", "content": "Male and female mice were given oestradiol and its effect on the tissues in the lymphatic system were observed including the thymus, lymph nodes and spleen. The weight of these organs was determined together with the number of cells present in them, with the percent proportion of live cells, their proliferative ability and metabolic activity. The obtained results indicate that oestradiol exerts a suppressive effect on the cells of these organs both in males and females and that this effect is strongest in the thymus.", "contents": "[Effect of estradiol on lymphatic cells in the thymus, lymph nodes and spleen]. Male and female mice were given oestradiol and its effect on the tissues in the lymphatic system were observed including the thymus, lymph nodes and spleen. The weight of these organs was determined together with the number of cells present in them, with the percent proportion of live cells, their proliferative ability and metabolic activity. The obtained results indicate that oestradiol exerts a suppressive effect on the cells of these organs both in males and females and that this effect is strongest in the thymus.", "PMID": 983668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_417", "title": "[Autotransfusion in patients undergoing surgery for thyroid diseases].", "content": "Autotransfusions were performed in 80 patients operated upon for thyroid diseases at the Department of Surgery, Institute of Haematology in Warsaw. For autotransfusions patients were selected in good general condition and with haematological indices in the range accepted for blood donors. Planning of autotransfusion is purposeful only in these cases of thyroid disease in which the necessity of blood transfusion can be predicted in advance (e.g. Graves-Basedov-disease, retrosternal goitre, mediastinal goitre). The transfused volume may cover completely or partly the intraoperative blood loss. Autotransfusion protects the patients against possible isoimmunization which may develop after transfusion of blood from donors. Protection of patients against possible immunization is a problem of considerable value. It is important particularly in young subjects, especially young women who may become mothers. Operations connected with blood loss up to 500 ml do not require supplementary transfusions. Intraoperative blood loss in the range from 500 to 1000 ml requires supplementation. The risk of posttransfusion complications is lowest when autotransfusion is done.", "contents": "[Autotransfusion in patients undergoing surgery for thyroid diseases]. Autotransfusions were performed in 80 patients operated upon for thyroid diseases at the Department of Surgery, Institute of Haematology in Warsaw. For autotransfusions patients were selected in good general condition and with haematological indices in the range accepted for blood donors. Planning of autotransfusion is purposeful only in these cases of thyroid disease in which the necessity of blood transfusion can be predicted in advance (e.g. Graves-Basedov-disease, retrosternal goitre, mediastinal goitre). The transfused volume may cover completely or partly the intraoperative blood loss. Autotransfusion protects the patients against possible isoimmunization which may develop after transfusion of blood from donors. Protection of patients against possible immunization is a problem of considerable value. It is important particularly in young subjects, especially young women who may become mothers. Operations connected with blood loss up to 500 ml do not require supplementary transfusions. Intraoperative blood loss in the range from 500 to 1000 ml requires supplementation. The risk of posttransfusion complications is lowest when autotransfusion is done.", "PMID": 983669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_418", "title": "Duodeno-gastric reflux in gastric ulcer patients in relation to intestinal metaplasia of the gastric mucosa.", "content": "Using vitamin B12 labelled with Co58 as an exogenous marker, and bilirubin as an endogenous marker, the duodeno-gastric reflux was determined quantitatively in 13 gastric ulcer patients under basal conditions and under stimulation (1 CU secretin/kg body weight + 1 CU pancreozymin/kg body weight) of the exocrine pancreas; in addition, a histological examination of the gastric mucosa was carried out by taking multiple biopsies from along the greater and lesser curvatures of the stomach. Altogether, a more marked mean duodeno-gastric reflux was found in the ulcer patients than in the 14 control subjects. If, however, the ulcer patients are differentiated in accordance with the results of the histological findings in the biopsy material, it is seen that an increased reflux is found only in those ulcer patients presenting with an intestinal metaplasia in the antrum. Statistically, no increase in the duodeno-gastric reflux can be verified under secretin/pancreozymin stimulation of the pancreas.", "contents": "Duodeno-gastric reflux in gastric ulcer patients in relation to intestinal metaplasia of the gastric mucosa. Using vitamin B12 labelled with Co58 as an exogenous marker, and bilirubin as an endogenous marker, the duodeno-gastric reflux was determined quantitatively in 13 gastric ulcer patients under basal conditions and under stimulation (1 CU secretin/kg body weight + 1 CU pancreozymin/kg body weight) of the exocrine pancreas; in addition, a histological examination of the gastric mucosa was carried out by taking multiple biopsies from along the greater and lesser curvatures of the stomach. Altogether, a more marked mean duodeno-gastric reflux was found in the ulcer patients than in the 14 control subjects. If, however, the ulcer patients are differentiated in accordance with the results of the histological findings in the biopsy material, it is seen that an increased reflux is found only in those ulcer patients presenting with an intestinal metaplasia in the antrum. Statistically, no increase in the duodeno-gastric reflux can be verified under secretin/pancreozymin stimulation of the pancreas.", "PMID": 983664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_419", "title": "[Effect of supernatant from PHA-stimulated lymphocyte culture on blastic transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes in healthy controls and patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia].", "content": "It was found that supernatant from a PHA-stimulated 3-day-old culture of peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy people had the ability of stimulating blastic transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes of other healthy people. The same amount of supernatant caused a much lower blastic transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia. The tested supernatant caused no increase in the degree of blastic transformation of PHA-stimulated lymphocytes from patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia.", "contents": "[Effect of supernatant from PHA-stimulated lymphocyte culture on blastic transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes in healthy controls and patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia]. It was found that supernatant from a PHA-stimulated 3-day-old culture of peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy people had the ability of stimulating blastic transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes of other healthy people. The same amount of supernatant caused a much lower blastic transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia. The tested supernatant caused no increase in the degree of blastic transformation of PHA-stimulated lymphocytes from patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia.", "PMID": 983671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_420", "title": "[Surface receptors on lymphocytes and blast cells developing from them after a 3-day culture stimulated with concanavalin A].", "content": "Surface receptors were studied by means of rosette tests E and EAC on lymphocytes cultured for 3 days without stimulation and in the presence of a mitogen--concavalin A. It was observed that lymphocytes cultured for 3 days maintained the ability or rosette E and EAC formation and a considerable proportion of these cells formed additionally rosettes E at 37 degrees without a close contact between the cells obtained during centrifugation and without incubation at 4 degrees C. Blast cells developing from lymphocytes after concavallin A possessed on their surface receptors for sheep erythrocytes and formed E rosettes under generally known conditions as well as after incubation at only 37 degrees C. EAC rosettes were found sporadically among transformed cells. Comparative investigations of cells forming rosettes E and EAC before culture and after 3 days of culture with concavalin A confirm the hypothesis that this mitogen stimulates to blastic transformation mainly T cells. The possibility of stimulation of lymphocytes not possessing receptors for sheep erythrocytes or for C3 component of complement is discussed.", "contents": "[Surface receptors on lymphocytes and blast cells developing from them after a 3-day culture stimulated with concanavalin A]. Surface receptors were studied by means of rosette tests E and EAC on lymphocytes cultured for 3 days without stimulation and in the presence of a mitogen--concavalin A. It was observed that lymphocytes cultured for 3 days maintained the ability or rosette E and EAC formation and a considerable proportion of these cells formed additionally rosettes E at 37 degrees without a close contact between the cells obtained during centrifugation and without incubation at 4 degrees C. Blast cells developing from lymphocytes after concavallin A possessed on their surface receptors for sheep erythrocytes and formed E rosettes under generally known conditions as well as after incubation at only 37 degrees C. EAC rosettes were found sporadically among transformed cells. Comparative investigations of cells forming rosettes E and EAC before culture and after 3 days of culture with concavalin A confirm the hypothesis that this mitogen stimulates to blastic transformation mainly T cells. The possibility of stimulation of lymphocytes not possessing receptors for sheep erythrocytes or for C3 component of complement is discussed.", "PMID": 983670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_421", "title": "Treatment policy for maxillary sinus carcinoma.", "content": "Some 908 cases of malignant tumors of the nose and paranasal sinuses treated from 1957 through 1974 were statistically analysed. The most common tumor site was the maxillary sinus (91.4%) and the most common histological figure was carcinoma (92.4%). The crude and relative survival rates for each treatment mode were calculated in January 1975. The number of cases and the 5 year relative survival rates of the main groups were as follows: I. Primary cases of malignant tumors (761 cases) 29.2% A. Carcinoma (709 cases) 29.3% B. Sarcoma (45 cases) 27.4% II. Primary cases of maxillary sinus carcinoma (561 cases) 26.1% A. Period 1957-66 (282 cases) 22.8% 1. Combination of irradiation and surgery (114 cases) 36.9% 2. Irradiation alone (168 cases) 12.7% B. Period 1967-69 (130 cases) 34.5% 1. Irradiation with 5-FU intra-arterial infusion (25 cases) 36.1% 2. Irradiation with intra-arterial infusion of other radiosensitizers (35 cases) 35.7% 3. Irradiation only without infusion (45 cases) 35.2% C. Period 1970-71, Linac X-ray irradiation (61 cases) 15.9% D. Period 1972-73, Irradiation with 5-FU infusion (80 cases), 3 year relative survival rate 39.3% The stage-grouping of maxillary sinus carcinoma based on the classification of tumor spread in the TNM system was recommended for the comparison of survival rates. The best mode of treatment in our experience is the combination of Co-60 gamma-ray irradiation and continuous intrarterial infusion of 5-FU. A curettage during irradiation is recommended. A maxillectomy should be performed only for irradiation failure cases.", "contents": "Treatment policy for maxillary sinus carcinoma. Some 908 cases of malignant tumors of the nose and paranasal sinuses treated from 1957 through 1974 were statistically analysed. The most common tumor site was the maxillary sinus (91.4%) and the most common histological figure was carcinoma (92.4%). The crude and relative survival rates for each treatment mode were calculated in January 1975. The number of cases and the 5 year relative survival rates of the main groups were as follows: I. Primary cases of malignant tumors (761 cases) 29.2% A. Carcinoma (709 cases) 29.3% B. Sarcoma (45 cases) 27.4% II. Primary cases of maxillary sinus carcinoma (561 cases) 26.1% A. Period 1957-66 (282 cases) 22.8% 1. Combination of irradiation and surgery (114 cases) 36.9% 2. Irradiation alone (168 cases) 12.7% B. Period 1967-69 (130 cases) 34.5% 1. Irradiation with 5-FU intra-arterial infusion (25 cases) 36.1% 2. Irradiation with intra-arterial infusion of other radiosensitizers (35 cases) 35.7% 3. Irradiation only without infusion (45 cases) 35.2% C. Period 1970-71, Linac X-ray irradiation (61 cases) 15.9% D. Period 1972-73, Irradiation with 5-FU infusion (80 cases), 3 year relative survival rate 39.3% The stage-grouping of maxillary sinus carcinoma based on the classification of tumor spread in the TNM system was recommended for the comparison of survival rates. The best mode of treatment in our experience is the combination of Co-60 gamma-ray irradiation and continuous intrarterial infusion of 5-FU. A curettage during irradiation is recommended. A maxillectomy should be performed only for irradiation failure cases.", "PMID": 983674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_422", "title": "The unmyelinated nerve fibres of the cochlea.", "content": "A quantitative analysis was made of the unmyelinated nerve supply to the cochlea in normal cats and after various nerve lesions with different survival times. The normal fibre distribution in the intraganglionic spiral bundle (IGSB) and the osseous spiral lamina (OSL) varies characteristically along the cochlear turns. The unmyelinated nerve fibres are mainly associated with the IGSB and originate partly in the superior cervical ganglion and partly in the brain stem. They seem to have an excellent capacity to regenerate.", "contents": "The unmyelinated nerve fibres of the cochlea. A quantitative analysis was made of the unmyelinated nerve supply to the cochlea in normal cats and after various nerve lesions with different survival times. The normal fibre distribution in the intraganglionic spiral bundle (IGSB) and the osseous spiral lamina (OSL) varies characteristically along the cochlear turns. The unmyelinated nerve fibres are mainly associated with the IGSB and originate partly in the superior cervical ganglion and partly in the brain stem. They seem to have an excellent capacity to regenerate.", "PMID": 983673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_423", "title": "Wegener's granulomatosis, immunosuppressive therapy.", "content": "We present a study of 11 patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. Seven of these were treated with Azathioprine (Imurel) combined with prednisone. Of these, 4 patients rapidly improved after the treatment was started. Atelectatic changes in the lungs disappeared. A rapidly progressive renal failure was reversed, and renal function returned to normal. Large lesions of the skin also improved. The treatment has now lasted 2 1/2-4 1/2 years without interruption. We have not had any serious side effects due to Imurel. We believe that the good effect of the treatment is due to immunosuppression by the drugs.", "contents": "Wegener's granulomatosis, immunosuppressive therapy. We present a study of 11 patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. Seven of these were treated with Azathioprine (Imurel) combined with prednisone. Of these, 4 patients rapidly improved after the treatment was started. Atelectatic changes in the lungs disappeared. A rapidly progressive renal failure was reversed, and renal function returned to normal. Large lesions of the skin also improved. The treatment has now lasted 2 1/2-4 1/2 years without interruption. We have not had any serious side effects due to Imurel. We believe that the good effect of the treatment is due to immunosuppression by the drugs.", "PMID": 983676} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_424", "title": "Concentration of immunoglobulins in nasal secretion from children with recurrent infections in the upper airways.", "content": "Concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, IgE and albumin were determined in nasal secretion from 14 children suffering from chronically recurrent infections in the upper airways and from normal subjects. The only statistically significant difference observed was increased albumin values during infection.", "contents": "Concentration of immunoglobulins in nasal secretion from children with recurrent infections in the upper airways. Concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, IgE and albumin were determined in nasal secretion from 14 children suffering from chronically recurrent infections in the upper airways and from normal subjects. The only statistically significant difference observed was increased albumin values during infection.", "PMID": 983678} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_425", "title": "Genetic aspects of some orofacial anomalies.", "content": "The increased importance of congenital anomalies in childhood disease is stressed. It is suggested that treatment and research in congential craniofacial anomalies would benefit from centralized registration. Their clinical management should be delegated to centres with a multidisciplinary team. Some problems related to genetic counselling and identification of microforms are illustrated by cleft lip and palate. An account is given of some orofacial anomalies.", "contents": "Genetic aspects of some orofacial anomalies. The increased importance of congenital anomalies in childhood disease is stressed. It is suggested that treatment and research in congential craniofacial anomalies would benefit from centralized registration. Their clinical management should be delegated to centres with a multidisciplinary team. Some problems related to genetic counselling and identification of microforms are illustrated by cleft lip and palate. An account is given of some orofacial anomalies.", "PMID": 983679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_426", "title": "Heredity and symptoms in acromegaly.", "content": "The author has performed clinical and follow-up studies of 80 acromegalic patients treated by transanthro-sphenoidal removal of the pituitary adenoma. Heredity for acromegaly or gigantism was recorded in 3.8% of the patients and other hereditary factors in 13.8%. Head trauma, meningitis or encephalitis was recorded in the case histories in 18.8%. The predominant symptoms were sweating, paraesthesiae, headache and joint pain. Acromegaly was in 37.6% associated with goitre, parathyroid adenoma, gastric or duodenal ulcer, parotid tumours of submandibular swelling. The fecundity among the married patients was good, 34.4% having three or more children. Successful pregnancies occurred after the transanthro-sphenoidal removal of the adenoma.", "contents": "Heredity and symptoms in acromegaly. The author has performed clinical and follow-up studies of 80 acromegalic patients treated by transanthro-sphenoidal removal of the pituitary adenoma. Heredity for acromegaly or gigantism was recorded in 3.8% of the patients and other hereditary factors in 13.8%. Head trauma, meningitis or encephalitis was recorded in the case histories in 18.8%. The predominant symptoms were sweating, paraesthesiae, headache and joint pain. Acromegaly was in 37.6% associated with goitre, parathyroid adenoma, gastric or duodenal ulcer, parotid tumours of submandibular swelling. The fecundity among the married patients was good, 34.4% having three or more children. Successful pregnancies occurred after the transanthro-sphenoidal removal of the adenoma.", "PMID": 983680} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_427", "title": "Two families with Alport's syndrome.", "content": "Alport's syndrome is a hereditary disease striking cochlea, eye and kidney. The diseased women usually have a nonlethal degree of the kidney disease, but the prognosis for the men is worse. They often die from renal failure before the age of 35. Most cases of hearing loss occurs in men. The hearing loss is progressive after the age of 10. Audiological tests are characteristic for a cochlear lesion. The debut of the disease usually appears in the post natal period giving microscopic haematuria. It can, however, occur later with haematuria and proteinuria. The hearing loss may be the first symptom, which is an observandum to otologists. Two families with Alport's syndrome are described. The patients have been examined concerning kidney disease, audiological and vestibular pathology. The hereditary pattern is described.", "contents": "Two families with Alport's syndrome. Alport's syndrome is a hereditary disease striking cochlea, eye and kidney. The diseased women usually have a nonlethal degree of the kidney disease, but the prognosis for the men is worse. They often die from renal failure before the age of 35. Most cases of hearing loss occurs in men. The hearing loss is progressive after the age of 10. Audiological tests are characteristic for a cochlear lesion. The debut of the disease usually appears in the post natal period giving microscopic haematuria. It can, however, occur later with haematuria and proteinuria. The hearing loss may be the first symptom, which is an observandum to otologists. Two families with Alport's syndrome are described. The patients have been examined concerning kidney disease, audiological and vestibular pathology. The hereditary pattern is described.", "PMID": 983681} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_428", "title": "Immunological findings in a case of Cogan's syndrome.", "content": "The immune system of a case of Cogan's syndrome was investigated. A transient depression of the cell-mediated immunity was found. Thus, during the acute stage of the disease, there was a depression of the cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity reaction to PPD and a decrease in the number of T cells. There were also signs of complement consumption. A possible pathogenesis based on immune complexes due to a preceding viral infection is discussed.", "contents": "Immunological findings in a case of Cogan's syndrome. The immune system of a case of Cogan's syndrome was investigated. A transient depression of the cell-mediated immunity was found. Thus, during the acute stage of the disease, there was a depression of the cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity reaction to PPD and a decrease in the number of T cells. There were also signs of complement consumption. A possible pathogenesis based on immune complexes due to a preceding viral infection is discussed.", "PMID": 983677} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_429", "title": "Labyrinthine malformations. Genetical and radiological aspects.", "content": "A family is described, three members of which presented progressive deafness, of mixed type, not present at birth. The two living, mother and daughter, exhibited a Mondini-like malformation of the labyrinth. The canaliculus cochleae was delated in the daughter. In addition, a middle ear malformation was found in the mother. The findings, being unique, are discussed in the light of Brown-Farrior og Endicott's paper on progressive, noncongenital deafness, attributed to abnormally wide canaliculus cochlea.", "contents": "Labyrinthine malformations. Genetical and radiological aspects. A family is described, three members of which presented progressive deafness, of mixed type, not present at birth. The two living, mother and daughter, exhibited a Mondini-like malformation of the labyrinth. The canaliculus cochleae was delated in the daughter. In addition, a middle ear malformation was found in the mother. The findings, being unique, are discussed in the light of Brown-Farrior og Endicott's paper on progressive, noncongenital deafness, attributed to abnormally wide canaliculus cochlea.", "PMID": 983682} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_430", "title": "Identification of normal hearing carriers of genes for deafness.", "content": "The dominant and sex-linked forms of hereditary hearing loss, which have long been recognized, are readily identified on the basis of the family history and routine hearing tests. The mode of inheritance of the recessive forms of hereditary deafness, on the other hand, has been extremely difficult to determine. The research of the last few years, however, has disclosed that carriers of genes for recessive deafness can be identified by audiometric recording of certain peculiarities in the hearing function. This is an important advance, not only as regards diagnositc work, but also in the research into the genetics of deafness.", "contents": "Identification of normal hearing carriers of genes for deafness. The dominant and sex-linked forms of hereditary hearing loss, which have long been recognized, are readily identified on the basis of the family history and routine hearing tests. The mode of inheritance of the recessive forms of hereditary deafness, on the other hand, has been extremely difficult to determine. The research of the last few years, however, has disclosed that carriers of genes for recessive deafness can be identified by audiometric recording of certain peculiarities in the hearing function. This is an important advance, not only as regards diagnositc work, but also in the research into the genetics of deafness.", "PMID": 983683} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_431", "title": "Mucous elements in the airways.", "content": "Based on studies of the mucosa in foetuses, infants, children and adults, using whole-mount methods, the mucous-gland and goblet-cell density in the nose, rhinopharynx, pharynx, phypopharynx and trachea is described. Glandular density was highest in the nose, lowest in the trachea, where the glands are considerably larger than in the nose. The nasal, pharyngeal and hypopharyngeal glands contain more serious elements than do the tracheal ones. The goblet-cell density is greatest in the lateral wall and the roof of the rhinopharynx, smallest in the anterior part of the nose, In acute and chronic tracheal disease, and on constant exposure to dust, the goblet-cell density is increased.", "contents": "Mucous elements in the airways. Based on studies of the mucosa in foetuses, infants, children and adults, using whole-mount methods, the mucous-gland and goblet-cell density in the nose, rhinopharynx, pharynx, phypopharynx and trachea is described. Glandular density was highest in the nose, lowest in the trachea, where the glands are considerably larger than in the nose. The nasal, pharyngeal and hypopharyngeal glands contain more serious elements than do the tracheal ones. The goblet-cell density is greatest in the lateral wall and the roof of the rhinopharynx, smallest in the anterior part of the nose, In acute and chronic tracheal disease, and on constant exposure to dust, the goblet-cell density is increased.", "PMID": 983684} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_432", "title": "Nasal cancer and nasal mucus-transport rates in woodworkers.", "content": "Among 17 patients with adenocarcinoma of the nasal cavity, 12 had been heavily exposed to wood-dust inhalation, 10 as furniture makers, one as a turner, and one as a coach builder. Measurements of the nasal mucus-transport rate in 68 wood-dust workers demonstrated a significantly higher frequency of mucostasis than in a control group.", "contents": "Nasal cancer and nasal mucus-transport rates in woodworkers. Among 17 patients with adenocarcinoma of the nasal cavity, 12 had been heavily exposed to wood-dust inhalation, 10 as furniture makers, one as a turner, and one as a coach builder. Measurements of the nasal mucus-transport rate in 68 wood-dust workers demonstrated a significantly higher frequency of mucostasis than in a control group.", "PMID": 983685} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_433", "title": "Audiological treatment of preschool children with hearing impairments.", "content": "A system by which children with impaired hearing are given early audiological treatment is reported. The treatment has been carried out during short admissions to institution alternating with stays at home. Special training and instruction of the parents are important. The authors are of the opinion that this type of preschool training is suitable for regions with scattered population. Even a small institution with a limited staff can give treatment to a considerable number of children.", "contents": "Audiological treatment of preschool children with hearing impairments. A system by which children with impaired hearing are given early audiological treatment is reported. The treatment has been carried out during short admissions to institution alternating with stays at home. Special training and instruction of the parents are important. The authors are of the opinion that this type of preschool training is suitable for regions with scattered population. Even a small institution with a limited staff can give treatment to a considerable number of children.", "PMID": 983687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_434", "title": "Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome.", "content": "Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome is a multisystemic connective tissue disease. The syndrome is associated with other major connective tissue disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and others, Reticulo-endothelial malignances have repeatedly been reported in patients with Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome. A clinical study of 20 patients with Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome was performed in the Department of otolaryngology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway. A considerable complexity of symptoms was seen. One patient with malignant lymphoma and one with a thyroid carcinoma were encountered.", "contents": "Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome. Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome is a multisystemic connective tissue disease. The syndrome is associated with other major connective tissue disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and others, Reticulo-endothelial malignances have repeatedly been reported in patients with Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome. A clinical study of 20 patients with Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome was performed in the Department of otolaryngology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway. A considerable complexity of symptoms was seen. One patient with malignant lymphoma and one with a thyroid carcinoma were encountered.", "PMID": 983688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_435", "title": "Late results in tympanoplasty. Staging the operation.", "content": "Based on the late results of tympanoplasty on 300 ears and of one-stage mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty on 269 discharging ears, the problems involved in staging tympanoplasty are discussed. The results of one-stage operations were found to be satisfactory 2-10 years after operation. The frequency of recurrent cholesteatoma was low, 3.4%. Instead of two-stage operations, re-operation is recommended in cases of functional failure and in cases in which further improvement of hearing can reasonably be expected.", "contents": "Late results in tympanoplasty. Staging the operation. Based on the late results of tympanoplasty on 300 ears and of one-stage mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty on 269 discharging ears, the problems involved in staging tympanoplasty are discussed. The results of one-stage operations were found to be satisfactory 2-10 years after operation. The frequency of recurrent cholesteatoma was low, 3.4%. Instead of two-stage operations, re-operation is recommended in cases of functional failure and in cases in which further improvement of hearing can reasonably be expected.", "PMID": 983690} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_436", "title": "The natural course of Meniere's disease.", "content": "The case history and disability of 111 patients suffering from Meniere's disease are reported. Observed for more than 5 years, the patients have had no, or only medical treatment, in most cases of short duration. The number of patients disabled and their degree of disability seems to justifiy surgical treatment in patients with frequent and incapacitating attacks of vertigo.", "contents": "The natural course of Meniere's disease. The case history and disability of 111 patients suffering from Meniere's disease are reported. Observed for more than 5 years, the patients have had no, or only medical treatment, in most cases of short duration. The number of patients disabled and their degree of disability seems to justifiy surgical treatment in patients with frequent and incapacitating attacks of vertigo.", "PMID": 983692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_437", "title": "Accumulation of 14C-lidocaine in the inner ear. Preliminary clinical experience utilizing intravenous lidocaine in the treatment of severe tinnitus.", "content": "Clinical experience has demonstrated that intravenously administered local anaesthetics have a mitigating effect on severe tinnitus. In an attempt to gain some insight into the mechanism of this effect, autoradiography of the inner ear of young pigmented rats was performed after intravenous injection of 14C-lidocaine. Some accumulation of lidocaine was found in the modiolus, but almost none in the stria vascularis. A large accumulation was observed in other melanincontaining tissues, such as the hair follicles and uvea. The in vitro accumulation of 14C-labelled lidocaine adsorbed on melanin granules was low (12%) as compared with that of other drugs, such as kanamycin (89%) and chloroquine (85%). These autoradiographic results indicate that lidocaine has an effect upon the inner ear, in addition to its previously demonstrated effect on the CNS.", "contents": "Accumulation of 14C-lidocaine in the inner ear. Preliminary clinical experience utilizing intravenous lidocaine in the treatment of severe tinnitus. Clinical experience has demonstrated that intravenously administered local anaesthetics have a mitigating effect on severe tinnitus. In an attempt to gain some insight into the mechanism of this effect, autoradiography of the inner ear of young pigmented rats was performed after intravenous injection of 14C-lidocaine. Some accumulation of lidocaine was found in the modiolus, but almost none in the stria vascularis. A large accumulation was observed in other melanincontaining tissues, such as the hair follicles and uvea. The in vitro accumulation of 14C-labelled lidocaine adsorbed on melanin granules was low (12%) as compared with that of other drugs, such as kanamycin (89%) and chloroquine (85%). These autoradiographic results indicate that lidocaine has an effect upon the inner ear, in addition to its previously demonstrated effect on the CNS.", "PMID": 983693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_438", "title": "Nosocomial parotitis.", "content": "A total of 22 cases of acute suppurative parotitis are reviewed. The causative factors were severe primary disease with salivary gland hyposecretion related to age (77 years), dehydration, oral inactivity and drugs (19 patients). The oral hygiene was poor and permitted ascending canalicular invasion of resistant staphylococci. The mortality was 27%. The treatment, including preferably cloxacilline and incision, is discussed. To stress the importance of prophylaxis the name \"nosocomial parotitis\" is suggested.", "contents": "Nosocomial parotitis. A total of 22 cases of acute suppurative parotitis are reviewed. The causative factors were severe primary disease with salivary gland hyposecretion related to age (77 years), dehydration, oral inactivity and drugs (19 patients). The oral hygiene was poor and permitted ascending canalicular invasion of resistant staphylococci. The mortality was 27%. The treatment, including preferably cloxacilline and incision, is discussed. To stress the importance of prophylaxis the name \"nosocomial parotitis\" is suggested.", "PMID": 983689} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_439", "title": "Intravenous xylocaine in the treatment of attacks on Meniere's disease.", "content": "The effect of xylocaine on epileptic attacks suggested a study of its effect in attacks on Meniere's disease, as the symptoms can be very much alike in the two conditions. The results were found to be excellent, especially as regards the vegetative dysfunctions. In attacks of Meniere's disease the tinnitus disappeared for 20 minutes, vomiting generally disappeared for good and nausea for an hour or two. Nystagmus was unaffected.", "contents": "Intravenous xylocaine in the treatment of attacks on Meniere's disease. The effect of xylocaine on epileptic attacks suggested a study of its effect in attacks on Meniere's disease, as the symptoms can be very much alike in the two conditions. The results were found to be excellent, especially as regards the vegetative dysfunctions. In attacks of Meniere's disease the tinnitus disappeared for 20 minutes, vomiting generally disappeared for good and nausea for an hour or two. Nystagmus was unaffected.", "PMID": 983694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_440", "title": "Secretory otitis media. Pathology and pathogenesis related to clinical picture.", "content": "Secretory otitis is divided into three stages, and from a description of the pathogenic processes taking place in each stage it is attempted to explain how secretion is generated, and why it stops. The initial stage is characterized by inflammatory changes by way of capillary dilatation and proliferation, lymphatic infiltration, increased goblet-cell density and formation of mucous glands; the secretion is exudative with admixture of mucus. The secretory stage is dominated by secretion of mucus from the metaplastic mucosa with extremely high density of goblet cells and glands. In the degenerative stage, the production of mucus abates because the goblet-cell density decreases, and the glands degenerate.", "contents": "Secretory otitis media. Pathology and pathogenesis related to clinical picture. Secretory otitis is divided into three stages, and from a description of the pathogenic processes taking place in each stage it is attempted to explain how secretion is generated, and why it stops. The initial stage is characterized by inflammatory changes by way of capillary dilatation and proliferation, lymphatic infiltration, increased goblet-cell density and formation of mucous glands; the secretion is exudative with admixture of mucus. The secretory stage is dominated by secretion of mucus from the metaplastic mucosa with extremely high density of goblet cells and glands. In the degenerative stage, the production of mucus abates because the goblet-cell density decreases, and the glands degenerate.", "PMID": 983691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_441", "title": "Heat exchange in cryosurgery of Meniere's disease. Experimental and clinical studies.", "content": "The course of the temperature in the lateral semicircular canal and the heat exchange were measured on temporal-bone specimens when cooling with a cryoprobe on the lateral semicircular canal was performed. The measurements showed a correlation between the heat exchange, the cooling time and the temperature in the lateral semicircular canal. In 15 patients with unilateral Meniere's disease, this was utlized to achieve a controlled temperature course during cryosurgery on the lateral semicircular canal. The effect of the treatment on the attacks of vertigo and on the hearing in these patients is reported.", "contents": "Heat exchange in cryosurgery of Meniere's disease. Experimental and clinical studies. The course of the temperature in the lateral semicircular canal and the heat exchange were measured on temporal-bone specimens when cooling with a cryoprobe on the lateral semicircular canal was performed. The measurements showed a correlation between the heat exchange, the cooling time and the temperature in the lateral semicircular canal. In 15 patients with unilateral Meniere's disease, this was utlized to achieve a controlled temperature course during cryosurgery on the lateral semicircular canal. The effect of the treatment on the attacks of vertigo and on the hearing in these patients is reported.", "PMID": 983696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_442", "title": "[Anesthetic technics for surgery in otoneurology].", "content": "A description is given of a technique named \"Protected Sleep\", which produces a deep and residual analgesia and neurolepsia, without interfering with spontaneous respiration. A deep, stable and reliable neuroanesthesia is achieved by means of a partial pharmacodynamic blockage of the neuro-humoral reaction system. It is recognisable by the following features: 1 degree a smooth transition through pre-, per- and post-operative stages, avoiding in particular immediate awakening; 2 degrees a relative arterial hypotension, low venous pressure good peripheral circulation and tissular perfusion; 3 degrees light hypothermia; 4 degrees completely spontaneous respiration. This last factor is, to our way of thinking, of great importance: The venous return remains physiologically unchanged during inspiration in the peroperative as well as in the pre- and postoperative phases, enabling the maintenance of a constant, low venous pressure. Furthermore, should danger exist, the preservation of spontaneous respiration facilitates the immediate control of the respiratory centre. In this way we can obtain: 1. An almost perfect bloodless surgical field with good conditions for dissecting. 2. A low cerebro-spinal fluid pressure. 3. Decreased brain volume. 4. Absence of postoperative haemorrage. 5. Little of no postoperative oedema. 6. Little or no postoperative hyperthermia. \"Protected sleep\" is a pharmacodynamic technique realised mainly through administration of a combined and sufficient dose of pethidine, N-allyl-normorphine and levome promazine. For induction, a given dose of diazepam is combined with a single dose of succinyl-choline, to facilitate intubation, followed by a large dose of the narco-neuro-leptanalgesic mixture. For maintenance, nitrous oxide, oxygen, methoxyflurane and additional doses of the mentioned mixture are administered. Undirectional gas flow, without rebreathing, is provided, using the Ruben valve. In this paper on neuroanaesthesia, the technique of \"Protected Sleep\" and the pre-, per- and postoperative management and positioning of the neurosurgical patient are described in detail.", "contents": "[Anesthetic technics for surgery in otoneurology]. A description is given of a technique named \"Protected Sleep\", which produces a deep and residual analgesia and neurolepsia, without interfering with spontaneous respiration. A deep, stable and reliable neuroanesthesia is achieved by means of a partial pharmacodynamic blockage of the neuro-humoral reaction system. It is recognisable by the following features: 1 degree a smooth transition through pre-, per- and post-operative stages, avoiding in particular immediate awakening; 2 degrees a relative arterial hypotension, low venous pressure good peripheral circulation and tissular perfusion; 3 degrees light hypothermia; 4 degrees completely spontaneous respiration. This last factor is, to our way of thinking, of great importance: The venous return remains physiologically unchanged during inspiration in the peroperative as well as in the pre- and postoperative phases, enabling the maintenance of a constant, low venous pressure. Furthermore, should danger exist, the preservation of spontaneous respiration facilitates the immediate control of the respiratory centre. In this way we can obtain: 1. An almost perfect bloodless surgical field with good conditions for dissecting. 2. A low cerebro-spinal fluid pressure. 3. Decreased brain volume. 4. Absence of postoperative haemorrage. 5. Little of no postoperative oedema. 6. Little or no postoperative hyperthermia. \"Protected sleep\" is a pharmacodynamic technique realised mainly through administration of a combined and sufficient dose of pethidine, N-allyl-normorphine and levome promazine. For induction, a given dose of diazepam is combined with a single dose of succinyl-choline, to facilitate intubation, followed by a large dose of the narco-neuro-leptanalgesic mixture. For maintenance, nitrous oxide, oxygen, methoxyflurane and additional doses of the mentioned mixture are administered. Undirectional gas flow, without rebreathing, is provided, using the Ruben valve. In this paper on neuroanaesthesia, the technique of \"Protected Sleep\" and the pre-, per- and postoperative management and positioning of the neurosurgical patient are described in detail.", "PMID": 983704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_443", "title": "Surgical treatment of Meniere's disease.", "content": "Results are reported of the effect ov various surgical methods on vertigo in Meniere's disease. Minor preocedures like sacculotomy or application of NaCl crystals in the round window may effect a cure, but often results in deaf ears. Vestibular nerve section seems to offer the best of vertigo, while generally still preserving residual hearing.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of Meniere's disease. Results are reported of the effect ov various surgical methods on vertigo in Meniere's disease. Minor preocedures like sacculotomy or application of NaCl crystals in the round window may effect a cure, but often results in deaf ears. Vestibular nerve section seems to offer the best of vertigo, while generally still preserving residual hearing.", "PMID": 983695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_444", "title": "Participation of blood born cells in rat Masugi nephritis.", "content": "Participation of blood born cells in rat Masugi nephritis was investigated with ultrastructural demonstration of peroxidase, in addition to conventional light and electron microscopies. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes appear immediately and transiently after injection of nephrotoxic serum. Hypercellularity in the early stage of the disease is consisted mainly of monocyte-macrophage. Proteinuria and infiltration of few monocytes are persistent through the course up to 124 days and focal sclerosis with hyaline material appears in the later stage.", "contents": "Participation of blood born cells in rat Masugi nephritis. Participation of blood born cells in rat Masugi nephritis was investigated with ultrastructural demonstration of peroxidase, in addition to conventional light and electron microscopies. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes appear immediately and transiently after injection of nephrotoxic serum. Hypercellularity in the early stage of the disease is consisted mainly of monocyte-macrophage. Proteinuria and infiltration of few monocytes are persistent through the course up to 124 days and focal sclerosis with hyaline material appears in the later stage.", "PMID": 983705} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_445", "title": "Participation of monocytes in glomerulonephritis in acute serum sickness of rabbit.", "content": "Acute serum sickness in the rabbit was studied with special reference to the role of monocytes in the inflammatory process in the glomerulus. It was revealed that macrophages were the major factor in producing glomerular hypercellularity in acute serum sickness. Proliferation of intrinsic glomerular cells or accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) was minimal. Ultrastructural characteristics of these phagocytic cells were described. Macrophages engulfed various inflammatory products such as fibrin and cell debri in the glomerular capillary. Colloidal carbon administered at the active inflammatory stage was found to be mostly engulfed by macrophages, little by mesangial cells, and was not seen in endothelial or epithelial cells and PMNs. The selective ingestion of the carbon particles by these macrophages made it possible to differentiate them from glomerular cells. This in turn indicated that the macrophages were derived from neither endothelial nor menangial cells and that they were of blood monocytic origin. It was suggested that monocytic cells participated in glomerular inflammation but they, on the other hand, contributed to the repair of glomerular injuries through their active role for phagocytosis.", "contents": "Participation of monocytes in glomerulonephritis in acute serum sickness of rabbit. Acute serum sickness in the rabbit was studied with special reference to the role of monocytes in the inflammatory process in the glomerulus. It was revealed that macrophages were the major factor in producing glomerular hypercellularity in acute serum sickness. Proliferation of intrinsic glomerular cells or accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) was minimal. Ultrastructural characteristics of these phagocytic cells were described. Macrophages engulfed various inflammatory products such as fibrin and cell debri in the glomerular capillary. Colloidal carbon administered at the active inflammatory stage was found to be mostly engulfed by macrophages, little by mesangial cells, and was not seen in endothelial or epithelial cells and PMNs. The selective ingestion of the carbon particles by these macrophages made it possible to differentiate them from glomerular cells. This in turn indicated that the macrophages were derived from neither endothelial nor menangial cells and that they were of blood monocytic origin. It was suggested that monocytic cells participated in glomerular inflammation but they, on the other hand, contributed to the repair of glomerular injuries through their active role for phagocytosis.", "PMID": 983706} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_446", "title": "The effect of ultrasound on Meniere's disease.", "content": "Among 22 patients with Meniere's disease treated with ultrasonic irradiation, only eight showed extinguished caloric reaction. Long-term therapeutic effect had been obtained in all the patients, Histological examination of the lateral semicircular canal and the crista ampullaris from five patients previously treated with ultrasound for Meniere's disease showed the following changes: (1) In the subepithelial tissue in crista ampullairs no signs of degeneration were found. The nerve fibres were normal. (2) The sensory cells with nerve-endings and supporting cells also appeared normal. (3) The secretory cells showed pronounced cellular vacuolization and increased intercellular space. (4) The lateral semicircular canal was completely obliterated with destruction of the membranous canal. It is concluded that the therapeutic effect may be due to the creation of an endolymphatic fistula.", "contents": "The effect of ultrasound on Meniere's disease. Among 22 patients with Meniere's disease treated with ultrasonic irradiation, only eight showed extinguished caloric reaction. Long-term therapeutic effect had been obtained in all the patients, Histological examination of the lateral semicircular canal and the crista ampullaris from five patients previously treated with ultrasound for Meniere's disease showed the following changes: (1) In the subepithelial tissue in crista ampullairs no signs of degeneration were found. The nerve fibres were normal. (2) The sensory cells with nerve-endings and supporting cells also appeared normal. (3) The secretory cells showed pronounced cellular vacuolization and increased intercellular space. (4) The lateral semicircular canal was completely obliterated with destruction of the membranous canal. It is concluded that the therapeutic effect may be due to the creation of an endolymphatic fistula.", "PMID": 983697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_447", "title": "Zonation of the adrenal cortex. I. Isolation of mitochondria from the zona glomerulosa of the bovine adrenal cortex.", "content": "Isolation procedures for mitochondria from the zona glomerulosa of the bovine adrenal cortex are described in comparison to those isolated from the zona fasciculo-reticularis. The cristal membranes of mitochondria in the zona glomerulosa in situ are tubular or tubulo-vesicular, whereas those of mitochondria in the zona fasciculo-reticularis in situ are vesicular. When mitochondria are isolated from the former zone, they invariably showed a condensed configuration regardless of isolation media, whereas those isolated from the later zone in a ST medium showed an orthodox configuration. When Ca2+ was added to mitochondria isolated form either zone in an STE medium in the condensed configuration, transition from the condensed to the orthodox configuration took place; the cristel membrane of mitochondria from the zona glomerulosa became tubular or tubulo-vesicular and those of mitochondria from the zona fasciculo-reticularis became vesicular. Purity of mitochondria thus obtained from the zona glomerulosa was examined by electron microscope and marker enzymes. Coupling efficiency of mitochondria was found to be remarkably affected by temperature during the isolation procedures and a choice of substrates.", "contents": "Zonation of the adrenal cortex. I. Isolation of mitochondria from the zona glomerulosa of the bovine adrenal cortex. Isolation procedures for mitochondria from the zona glomerulosa of the bovine adrenal cortex are described in comparison to those isolated from the zona fasciculo-reticularis. The cristal membranes of mitochondria in the zona glomerulosa in situ are tubular or tubulo-vesicular, whereas those of mitochondria in the zona fasciculo-reticularis in situ are vesicular. When mitochondria are isolated from the former zone, they invariably showed a condensed configuration regardless of isolation media, whereas those isolated from the later zone in a ST medium showed an orthodox configuration. When Ca2+ was added to mitochondria isolated form either zone in an STE medium in the condensed configuration, transition from the condensed to the orthodox configuration took place; the cristel membrane of mitochondria from the zona glomerulosa became tubular or tubulo-vesicular and those of mitochondria from the zona fasciculo-reticularis became vesicular. Purity of mitochondria thus obtained from the zona glomerulosa was examined by electron microscope and marker enzymes. Coupling efficiency of mitochondria was found to be remarkably affected by temperature during the isolation procedures and a choice of substrates.", "PMID": 983707} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_448", "title": "Zonation of the adrenal cortex. II. Effect of BSA on coupling efficiency of mitochondria isolated from the zona glomerulosa of the bovine adrenal cortex.", "content": "Effect of bovine serum albumin on coupling efficiency of mitochondria isolated from the zona glomerulosa of the bovine adrenal cortex in various media was examined polarographically and electron microscopically. Albumin restored the coupling efficiency of mitochondria isolated from the zona glomerulosa regardless of isolation media when succinate or malate was oxidizable substrate. Respiratory controls greater than 5 were obtained. Albumin, however, had no effect when glutamate, beta-hydroxybutylate and pyruvate were the oxidizable substrates. The conditions have been found under which mitochondria of the zona glomerulosa stay in the orthodox configuration and yet coupled.", "contents": "Zonation of the adrenal cortex. II. Effect of BSA on coupling efficiency of mitochondria isolated from the zona glomerulosa of the bovine adrenal cortex. Effect of bovine serum albumin on coupling efficiency of mitochondria isolated from the zona glomerulosa of the bovine adrenal cortex in various media was examined polarographically and electron microscopically. Albumin restored the coupling efficiency of mitochondria isolated from the zona glomerulosa regardless of isolation media when succinate or malate was oxidizable substrate. Respiratory controls greater than 5 were obtained. Albumin, however, had no effect when glutamate, beta-hydroxybutylate and pyruvate were the oxidizable substrates. The conditions have been found under which mitochondria of the zona glomerulosa stay in the orthodox configuration and yet coupled.", "PMID": 983708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_449", "title": "Nature of juvenile polyps in the large intestine.", "content": "Forty-five juvenile polyps were found among approximately 390 mucosal polyps of the large intestine. Various degrees of epithelial pseudostratification were found among juvenile polyps and the larger-sized polyps of both juvenile type and adult one tended to have a more advanced degree of epithelial pseudostratification. The glands of both juvenile polyps and adult ones revealed a closely resembled or almost identical pattern of size-distribution-pattern of the glandular size in both normal mucosae and hyperplastic mucosae of long-standing ulcerative colitis. Transition of juvenile polyps into adult ones was suggested by the cases with increase in numbers of glands and their orifices to the surface of the polyp and there were some polyps showing an intermediate form between juvenile polyps and adult ones. On the basis of histologic characteristics and age incidence of the patients, it may be said that a juvenile polyp is an immature variant of an adult polyp.", "contents": "Nature of juvenile polyps in the large intestine. Forty-five juvenile polyps were found among approximately 390 mucosal polyps of the large intestine. Various degrees of epithelial pseudostratification were found among juvenile polyps and the larger-sized polyps of both juvenile type and adult one tended to have a more advanced degree of epithelial pseudostratification. The glands of both juvenile polyps and adult ones revealed a closely resembled or almost identical pattern of size-distribution-pattern of the glandular size in both normal mucosae and hyperplastic mucosae of long-standing ulcerative colitis. Transition of juvenile polyps into adult ones was suggested by the cases with increase in numbers of glands and their orifices to the surface of the polyp and there were some polyps showing an intermediate form between juvenile polyps and adult ones. On the basis of histologic characteristics and age incidence of the patients, it may be said that a juvenile polyp is an immature variant of an adult polyp.", "PMID": 983709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_450", "title": "Adrenal pheochromocytoma with both benign and malignant components.", "content": "A case of adrenal pheochromocytoma is reported characterized by polygonal basophilic granular cells of benign type, plump eosinophilic granular cells of transitional type, and spindle-shaped cells of malignant type. In the primary tumor the neoplastic cells of each type revealed a distinctive topographical distribution. All gradations between the latter two varieties of cells were found, especially in the vicinity of the transitional cell area. Multiple metastases were present in the liver and lungs, where only anaplastic spindle-shaped cells could be found. Ultrastructurally, the benign cells contained predominantly large, rather light, secretory granules with a coarsely granulated core. In the malignant cells, the number, size, and intensity of granules varied considerably from cell to cell or even within a single cell. In general, the malignant cells had a higher frequency of smaller granules with electron-dense homogeneous cores. Moderate amounts of noradrenalin but not significant dopamine or adrenalin could be demonstrated from a metastatic nodule in liver. We postulate that this adrenal medullary pheochromocytoma was benign originally and underwent malignant transformation shortly before the patient's death. This is based upon the patient's clinical features and the peculiar structures of the primary tumor.", "contents": "Adrenal pheochromocytoma with both benign and malignant components. A case of adrenal pheochromocytoma is reported characterized by polygonal basophilic granular cells of benign type, plump eosinophilic granular cells of transitional type, and spindle-shaped cells of malignant type. In the primary tumor the neoplastic cells of each type revealed a distinctive topographical distribution. All gradations between the latter two varieties of cells were found, especially in the vicinity of the transitional cell area. Multiple metastases were present in the liver and lungs, where only anaplastic spindle-shaped cells could be found. Ultrastructurally, the benign cells contained predominantly large, rather light, secretory granules with a coarsely granulated core. In the malignant cells, the number, size, and intensity of granules varied considerably from cell to cell or even within a single cell. In general, the malignant cells had a higher frequency of smaller granules with electron-dense homogeneous cores. Moderate amounts of noradrenalin but not significant dopamine or adrenalin could be demonstrated from a metastatic nodule in liver. We postulate that this adrenal medullary pheochromocytoma was benign originally and underwent malignant transformation shortly before the patient's death. This is based upon the patient's clinical features and the peculiar structures of the primary tumor.", "PMID": 983710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_451", "title": "Anoxia-induced changes in the resting potential of the cerebellar cells in tissue culture.", "content": "Membrane potentials of Purkyn\u0115 cells, granular cells, astrocyte cells and oligodendrocyte cells were measured in the cerebral tissue culture under normal conditions and after anoxia. An increment of the membrane potential value with age of culture was found. After anoxia the resting potential decreased with exception of 2-week Purkyn\u0115 cells and granular cells. The highest anoxia-induced decrease of the membrane potential of all the cells studied was observed in 3-week tissue culture.", "contents": "Anoxia-induced changes in the resting potential of the cerebellar cells in tissue culture. Membrane potentials of Purkyn\u0115 cells, granular cells, astrocyte cells and oligodendrocyte cells were measured in the cerebral tissue culture under normal conditions and after anoxia. An increment of the membrane potential value with age of culture was found. After anoxia the resting potential decreased with exception of 2-week Purkyn\u0115 cells and granular cells. The highest anoxia-induced decrease of the membrane potential of all the cells studied was observed in 3-week tissue culture.", "PMID": 983712} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_452", "title": "The effect of activation of central adrenergic receptors by clonidine on the excitability of the solitary tract neurons in cats.", "content": "The effect of i.v. administered clonidine (10-15 mug/kg) on the evoked potential recorded in the dosal part of medulla oblongata, during carotid sinus nerve stimulation, was studied in chloralose-urethane anaesthetized cats. Clonidine influenced the amplitude and configuration of the evoked potential and the changes were parallel to the blood pressure depressor response. However, the blood pressure drops, evoked by i.v. infusion of papaverine, did not influence the potential. It is concluded that the synaptic transmission from the carotid sinus nerve to the second order neurons in the solatary tract area can be modulated by the clonidine-induced activation of central adrenergic receptors.", "contents": "The effect of activation of central adrenergic receptors by clonidine on the excitability of the solitary tract neurons in cats. The effect of i.v. administered clonidine (10-15 mug/kg) on the evoked potential recorded in the dosal part of medulla oblongata, during carotid sinus nerve stimulation, was studied in chloralose-urethane anaesthetized cats. Clonidine influenced the amplitude and configuration of the evoked potential and the changes were parallel to the blood pressure depressor response. However, the blood pressure drops, evoked by i.v. infusion of papaverine, did not influence the potential. It is concluded that the synaptic transmission from the carotid sinus nerve to the second order neurons in the solatary tract area can be modulated by the clonidine-induced activation of central adrenergic receptors.", "PMID": 983711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_453", "title": "Effects of electrical stimulation of the hippocampus on the behavior of cats and their defensive conditioned responses in a shuttle-box.", "content": "In seven cats the effect of posterior hippocampal stimulation on the number of passings over a transverse bar in a shuttle-box was determined before and after induction of a conditioned avoidance reaction in the same experimental situation. The effect of hippocampal stimulation on the reaction was also studied applying it during the conditioning stimulus. It was observed in these experiments that a behavior imitating the conditioned reaction acquired during training, appeared in most cases during stimulation. It was also found that only strong stimulation of the posterior hippocampus applied together with the conditioning stimulus inhibited the reaction.", "contents": "Effects of electrical stimulation of the hippocampus on the behavior of cats and their defensive conditioned responses in a shuttle-box. In seven cats the effect of posterior hippocampal stimulation on the number of passings over a transverse bar in a shuttle-box was determined before and after induction of a conditioned avoidance reaction in the same experimental situation. The effect of hippocampal stimulation on the reaction was also studied applying it during the conditioning stimulus. It was observed in these experiments that a behavior imitating the conditioned reaction acquired during training, appeared in most cases during stimulation. It was also found that only strong stimulation of the posterior hippocampus applied together with the conditioning stimulus inhibited the reaction.", "PMID": 983713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_454", "title": "Studies on the transmission of vibrations in human organism exposed to low-frequency whole-body vibration.", "content": "Investigations were carried out in a group of 20 males with a definite morpho-physiological type, at two selected ranges of acceleration values chosen according to ISO criteria in the range of 2-20 Hz. In the subjects exposed to vibration the values of vibration acceleration were measured in different points along the spine at the levels of S3, L3, Th7, C3 and at the vertex. The investigations demonstrated that the frequency is the parameter of crucial significance for the propagation of vibrations in the human organism. Vibration within the frequency range up to 12 Hz affects the whole human organism, while the vibrations above 12 Hz have only a local effect.", "contents": "Studies on the transmission of vibrations in human organism exposed to low-frequency whole-body vibration. Investigations were carried out in a group of 20 males with a definite morpho-physiological type, at two selected ranges of acceleration values chosen according to ISO criteria in the range of 2-20 Hz. In the subjects exposed to vibration the values of vibration acceleration were measured in different points along the spine at the levels of S3, L3, Th7, C3 and at the vertex. The investigations demonstrated that the frequency is the parameter of crucial significance for the propagation of vibrations in the human organism. Vibration within the frequency range up to 12 Hz affects the whole human organism, while the vibrations above 12 Hz have only a local effect.", "PMID": 983715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_455", "title": "The influence of minimal physical activity on some physiological parameters at rest in human subjects.", "content": "Minimal physical activity was used as a preliminary procedure before measuring some physiological parameters at rest. Minimal activity preceding the analyzed rest period causes a decrease in the mean heart rate (by 5.4%), respiratory rate (by 3.5%), O2 uptake (by 2.5%) and respiratory quotient in parallel determinations in the same individuals reducing particularly the standard deviations of mean values. These changes are similar to those found after prolonged training.", "contents": "The influence of minimal physical activity on some physiological parameters at rest in human subjects. Minimal physical activity was used as a preliminary procedure before measuring some physiological parameters at rest. Minimal activity preceding the analyzed rest period causes a decrease in the mean heart rate (by 5.4%), respiratory rate (by 3.5%), O2 uptake (by 2.5%) and respiratory quotient in parallel determinations in the same individuals reducing particularly the standard deviations of mean values. These changes are similar to those found after prolonged training.", "PMID": 983716} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_456", "title": "Studies on the exocrine function of healthy human pancreas: pancreatic juice and its certain components.", "content": "The exocrine function of healthy pancreas was studied continuously during 9 days in a 28-year-old man. Pancreatic juice was collected by means of a drain passed into Wirsung's duct. The 24-hour volume of the juice was 1118 +/- 117 ml. In daytime the mean rate of juice secretion was 56 ml/hour and in the night it decreased to 20 ml/hour. Amylase and lipase activity in the pancreatic juice was very high and significantly higher in nocturnal secretion. Administration of 2% HCL or secretin (1.5 mu/kg) increased the volume of juice by 30 ml in the following hour without changes in the activities of amylase and lipase. Atropine ephedrine and pancreatin reduced the juice volume by 20-40 ml but the enzymatic acitivity decreased only after atropine. The rise in the juice volume was associated with an increase in its HCO3 concentration and a fall in CL- concentration. The levels of Ca++, K+ and Na+ as well as protein were also determined and it was found that protein concentration in the juice ranges from 0.1 to 4.1 g/100 ml.", "contents": "Studies on the exocrine function of healthy human pancreas: pancreatic juice and its certain components. The exocrine function of healthy pancreas was studied continuously during 9 days in a 28-year-old man. Pancreatic juice was collected by means of a drain passed into Wirsung's duct. The 24-hour volume of the juice was 1118 +/- 117 ml. In daytime the mean rate of juice secretion was 56 ml/hour and in the night it decreased to 20 ml/hour. Amylase and lipase activity in the pancreatic juice was very high and significantly higher in nocturnal secretion. Administration of 2% HCL or secretin (1.5 mu/kg) increased the volume of juice by 30 ml in the following hour without changes in the activities of amylase and lipase. Atropine ephedrine and pancreatin reduced the juice volume by 20-40 ml but the enzymatic acitivity decreased only after atropine. The rise in the juice volume was associated with an increase in its HCO3 concentration and a fall in CL- concentration. The levels of Ca++, K+ and Na+ as well as protein were also determined and it was found that protein concentration in the juice ranges from 0.1 to 4.1 g/100 ml.", "PMID": 983714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_457", "title": "The effect of estradiol on carbohydrate utilization during prolonged exercise in rats.", "content": "Female--castrated and male-sham operated rats were subjected to five hours of swimming. It was found that estradiol administered to female rats promotes a supercompensatory pattern of glycogen recovery in the myocardium at the end of the fifth hour of exercise. The hormone markedly delayed the glycogen mobilization from the liver during the first hour of swimming. Glycogen level in m. biceps femoris was essentially unchanged by estradiol both at rest and during exercise. Estradiol signifcantly increased glycogen level in m. masseter of resting rats. Hypoglycaemia developing at the end of the fifth hour of exercise was less pronounced in the estradiol--treated female rats than in the animals from other groups. It may be concluded that estradiol exerts a \"sparing\" effect on carbohydrate reserves during exercise in rats.", "contents": "The effect of estradiol on carbohydrate utilization during prolonged exercise in rats. Female--castrated and male-sham operated rats were subjected to five hours of swimming. It was found that estradiol administered to female rats promotes a supercompensatory pattern of glycogen recovery in the myocardium at the end of the fifth hour of exercise. The hormone markedly delayed the glycogen mobilization from the liver during the first hour of swimming. Glycogen level in m. biceps femoris was essentially unchanged by estradiol both at rest and during exercise. Estradiol signifcantly increased glycogen level in m. masseter of resting rats. Hypoglycaemia developing at the end of the fifth hour of exercise was less pronounced in the estradiol--treated female rats than in the animals from other groups. It may be concluded that estradiol exerts a \"sparing\" effect on carbohydrate reserves during exercise in rats.", "PMID": 983717} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_458", "title": "Pharmacological analysis of the abomasum-rumen reflex in sheep.", "content": "Contractions of the dorsal sac of the rumen and abomasum were recorded in the sheep with chronic fistulae. It was found that during reflex inhibition of rumen contractions, induced with stimulation of chemoreceptors in the abomasum, an increased sympathicotonia plays an essential role and the beta-adrenergic receptors mediate the reflex.", "contents": "Pharmacological analysis of the abomasum-rumen reflex in sheep. Contractions of the dorsal sac of the rumen and abomasum were recorded in the sheep with chronic fistulae. It was found that during reflex inhibition of rumen contractions, induced with stimulation of chemoreceptors in the abomasum, an increased sympathicotonia plays an essential role and the beta-adrenergic receptors mediate the reflex.", "PMID": 983718} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_459", "title": "On the effects of gymnemic acid in the hamster and rat.", "content": "The gustatory activity of the chorda tympani proper nerve has been recorded before and after the application of gymnemic acid to the tongue of hamster and rat. Concentrations of pure gymnemic acid ranging from 1 mg/ml to 10 mg/ml have been used. In the hamster gymnemic acid suppressed the response to solutions of sucrose especially, but it also caused, at higher concentrations, a general suppression of the tast response. The depression caused in the response to sucrose was directly related to the strength of the gymnemic acid and inversely to that of the sucrose solution. In the rat a suppression of the response to saccharin was obtained but no suppression of the taste response to sucrose by gymnemic acid was observed.", "contents": "On the effects of gymnemic acid in the hamster and rat. The gustatory activity of the chorda tympani proper nerve has been recorded before and after the application of gymnemic acid to the tongue of hamster and rat. Concentrations of pure gymnemic acid ranging from 1 mg/ml to 10 mg/ml have been used. In the hamster gymnemic acid suppressed the response to solutions of sucrose especially, but it also caused, at higher concentrations, a general suppression of the tast response. The depression caused in the response to sucrose was directly related to the strength of the gymnemic acid and inversely to that of the sucrose solution. In the rat a suppression of the response to saccharin was obtained but no suppression of the taste response to sucrose by gymnemic acid was observed.", "PMID": 983724} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_460", "title": "Influence of trypsin on cytostatic effects of cyclophosphamide in rats with Guerin tumours.", "content": "Trypsin in a dose of 5 mg/kg had no significant effect on tumour growth. Given simultaneously with cyclophosphamide the enzyme was found to reduce considerably the weight of tumours and to decrease the levels of DNA and RNA as compared with the group of animals receiving only cyclosphosphamide. These effects were correlated with histological examinations of tumour tissue. Trypsin was also shown to prevent the development of toxic effects of cyclophosphamide on the haemopoetic system. Probable mechanisms of the observed changes are discussed.", "contents": "Influence of trypsin on cytostatic effects of cyclophosphamide in rats with Guerin tumours. Trypsin in a dose of 5 mg/kg had no significant effect on tumour growth. Given simultaneously with cyclophosphamide the enzyme was found to reduce considerably the weight of tumours and to decrease the levels of DNA and RNA as compared with the group of animals receiving only cyclosphosphamide. These effects were correlated with histological examinations of tumour tissue. Trypsin was also shown to prevent the development of toxic effects of cyclophosphamide on the haemopoetic system. Probable mechanisms of the observed changes are discussed.", "PMID": 983719} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_461", "title": "Dynamic properties of primary auditory fibers compared with cells in the cochlear nucleus.", "content": "The dynamic properties of the responses of single primary auditory fibers were compared with those of single cells in the cochlear nucleus. The stimuli were tones (at the unit's characteristic frequency, CF) that were amplitude-modulated with pseudorandom noise. The dynamic properties were described by the cross-covariance and integrated cross-covariance functions between the recorded discharge rate and the modulation. These two measures have earlier been shown to be valid approximations of the system's impulse and step response function, i.e. the change in discharge rate in response to a short impulsive increase (or decrease) in the stimulus intensity and a step increment (or decrement) in the stimulus intensity. The cross-covariance function computed from the responses of fibers had a narrower peak than that of cells indicating that a brief change in stimulus intensity gives rise to a faster change in the discharge rate of fibers than that of cells. The nodulation of the discharge rate of cells for a certain degree of amplitude modulation of the sound is usually greater than that of cells. The modulation of the discharge rate of cells for a certain degree of amplitude modulation of the sound is usually greater than that of fibers. The range of stimulus intensities where a change in stimulus intensity gives rise to a change in discharge rate rate is smaller for fibers (about 30 dB) than what was shown earlier for cells (70-80 dB). The cross-covariance function computed from the slow wave responses recorded from the surface of the cochlear nucleus in response to an amplitude-modulated tone has individual peaks that reflect distinct classes of units with regard to latency of unit dishcarges.", "contents": "Dynamic properties of primary auditory fibers compared with cells in the cochlear nucleus. The dynamic properties of the responses of single primary auditory fibers were compared with those of single cells in the cochlear nucleus. The stimuli were tones (at the unit's characteristic frequency, CF) that were amplitude-modulated with pseudorandom noise. The dynamic properties were described by the cross-covariance and integrated cross-covariance functions between the recorded discharge rate and the modulation. These two measures have earlier been shown to be valid approximations of the system's impulse and step response function, i.e. the change in discharge rate in response to a short impulsive increase (or decrease) in the stimulus intensity and a step increment (or decrement) in the stimulus intensity. The cross-covariance function computed from the responses of fibers had a narrower peak than that of cells indicating that a brief change in stimulus intensity gives rise to a faster change in the discharge rate of fibers than that of cells. The nodulation of the discharge rate of cells for a certain degree of amplitude modulation of the sound is usually greater than that of cells. The modulation of the discharge rate of cells for a certain degree of amplitude modulation of the sound is usually greater than that of fibers. The range of stimulus intensities where a change in stimulus intensity gives rise to a change in discharge rate rate is smaller for fibers (about 30 dB) than what was shown earlier for cells (70-80 dB). The cross-covariance function computed from the slow wave responses recorded from the surface of the cochlear nucleus in response to an amplitude-modulated tone has individual peaks that reflect distinct classes of units with regard to latency of unit dishcarges.", "PMID": 983725} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_462", "title": "Aggregation fo blood platelets and increased hydraulic conductivity of pulmonary exchange vessels.", "content": "Pulmonary microembolization secondary to platelet aggregation has been suggested to be a pathogenetic component of the shock lung syndrome. In vitro experiments have also shown that platelets can release factors with a permeability-enhancing activity. We studied the effect of collagen-induced platelet aggregation on the hydraulic conductivity of thexchange vessels in isolated, blood-perfused rabbit lungs. The net rate of fluid filtration in each pair of lungs was determined during standardized elevations of left atrial pressure before and after platelet aggregation induced by intraarterial collagen infusions. Such infusions were followed by a significant, but transient increase in the net rate of fluid filtration. These lungs were papaverinized so that collagen infusions caused only minor increases in inflow pressure. Separate experiments indicated that the observed increase in pulmonary arterial pressure could not explain the increase in net filtration rate after collagen infusion. When platelet-poor plasma was used as a perfusate no change in the net rate of fluid filtration was observed after collagen infusion. The conclusion from these experiments is then that intravascular platelet aggregation induced by collagen infusion caused a transient increase in the permeability of the pulmonary exchange vessels.", "contents": "Aggregation fo blood platelets and increased hydraulic conductivity of pulmonary exchange vessels. Pulmonary microembolization secondary to platelet aggregation has been suggested to be a pathogenetic component of the shock lung syndrome. In vitro experiments have also shown that platelets can release factors with a permeability-enhancing activity. We studied the effect of collagen-induced platelet aggregation on the hydraulic conductivity of thexchange vessels in isolated, blood-perfused rabbit lungs. The net rate of fluid filtration in each pair of lungs was determined during standardized elevations of left atrial pressure before and after platelet aggregation induced by intraarterial collagen infusions. Such infusions were followed by a significant, but transient increase in the net rate of fluid filtration. These lungs were papaverinized so that collagen infusions caused only minor increases in inflow pressure. Separate experiments indicated that the observed increase in pulmonary arterial pressure could not explain the increase in net filtration rate after collagen infusion. When platelet-poor plasma was used as a perfusate no change in the net rate of fluid filtration was observed after collagen infusion. The conclusion from these experiments is then that intravascular platelet aggregation induced by collagen infusion caused a transient increase in the permeability of the pulmonary exchange vessels.", "PMID": 983726} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_463", "title": "Influence of bradykinin and drugs blocking alpha and beta-adrenergic receptor on the stimulating effect of nialamide and L--DOPA.", "content": "It has been found that kinins increase psychostimulatory effects of Nialamide and L-DOPA as well as psychoinhibitory effects of propranolol without any changes in phentolamine action. Phentolamine and propranolol decrease stimulatory effects of Nialamide and L-DOPA only when they are given jointly with bradykinin.", "contents": "Influence of bradykinin and drugs blocking alpha and beta-adrenergic receptor on the stimulating effect of nialamide and L--DOPA. It has been found that kinins increase psychostimulatory effects of Nialamide and L-DOPA as well as psychoinhibitory effects of propranolol without any changes in phentolamine action. Phentolamine and propranolol decrease stimulatory effects of Nialamide and L-DOPA only when they are given jointly with bradykinin.", "PMID": 983720} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_464", "title": "The effect of some ions on the muscle fibre resting potential in the cricket Acheta domesticus.", "content": "Experiments were carried out on the skeletal muscle fibres of the cricket Acheta domesticus using conventional microelectrode methods. Both potassium and ammonium ions depolarized the fibres but with a considerable divergance from the slope of 58 mV. Calcium ions hyperpolarized the fibres. High concentrations of magnesium ions or dramatic increase in the osmotic pressure of the bathing medium exerted no influence on the resting potential. It seems likely that skeletal muscle fibres of Acheta domesticus at rest are multionic electrodes, but the role played by various ions needs further studies.", "contents": "The effect of some ions on the muscle fibre resting potential in the cricket Acheta domesticus. Experiments were carried out on the skeletal muscle fibres of the cricket Acheta domesticus using conventional microelectrode methods. Both potassium and ammonium ions depolarized the fibres but with a considerable divergance from the slope of 58 mV. Calcium ions hyperpolarized the fibres. High concentrations of magnesium ions or dramatic increase in the osmotic pressure of the bathing medium exerted no influence on the resting potential. It seems likely that skeletal muscle fibres of Acheta domesticus at rest are multionic electrodes, but the role played by various ions needs further studies.", "PMID": 983721} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_465", "title": "Choline acetyltransferase activity and weight of salivary glands in rats at different ages.", "content": "The choline acetyltranferase activity underwent marked changes during the life span: in the submaxillaries, the total enzyme activity increased 70-fold from birth up to the age of 3 months and it then remained constant throughout the rest of the observation period, i.e. up to 28-29 months; in the parotids, in contrast, it continued to rise beyond the age of 3 months and the highest value was reached at 24 months. The weights of the glands increased markedly up to 3 months. The gain in weight was less pronounced thereafter.", "contents": "Choline acetyltransferase activity and weight of salivary glands in rats at different ages. The choline acetyltranferase activity underwent marked changes during the life span: in the submaxillaries, the total enzyme activity increased 70-fold from birth up to the age of 3 months and it then remained constant throughout the rest of the observation period, i.e. up to 28-29 months; in the parotids, in contrast, it continued to rise beyond the age of 3 months and the highest value was reached at 24 months. The weights of the glands increased markedly up to 3 months. The gain in weight was less pronounced thereafter.", "PMID": 983727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_466", "title": "Influence of oxygen hyperbaria on the activity of complement in human's sera.", "content": "Studies on the effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on serum complement activity were carried out in 133 young men aged 20--22 years, quartered and given the same board. For this purpose the 50% hemolysis method was used, the determinations being made prior to the hyperbaric exposure and 72 hours, 5 days and 10 days thereafter. The exposure took place in a pressure chamber, where the respective groups studied underwent a 60 min oxygenation at normal pressure, highpressure oxygenation at 2.8 atmospheres and the effect of the air at the same pressure. For proper assessment of the results the studies were also performed in candidates for divers and frogmen, in trained divers and frogmen and in control, non-diving subjects in whom only complement activity determinations were made. It was found, that in the subjects who were never previously exposed to the effect of hyperbaric conditions, a rise in the complement activity occurred subsequently to the exposure to high-pressure oxygenation at 2.8 atmospheres; the complement level returned to normal limits within 10 days.", "contents": "Influence of oxygen hyperbaria on the activity of complement in human's sera. Studies on the effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on serum complement activity were carried out in 133 young men aged 20--22 years, quartered and given the same board. For this purpose the 50% hemolysis method was used, the determinations being made prior to the hyperbaric exposure and 72 hours, 5 days and 10 days thereafter. The exposure took place in a pressure chamber, where the respective groups studied underwent a 60 min oxygenation at normal pressure, highpressure oxygenation at 2.8 atmospheres and the effect of the air at the same pressure. For proper assessment of the results the studies were also performed in candidates for divers and frogmen, in trained divers and frogmen and in control, non-diving subjects in whom only complement activity determinations were made. It was found, that in the subjects who were never previously exposed to the effect of hyperbaric conditions, a rise in the complement activity occurred subsequently to the exposure to high-pressure oxygenation at 2.8 atmospheres; the complement level returned to normal limits within 10 days.", "PMID": 983722} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_467", "title": "The effect of CO2 on peripheral airways.", "content": "In each of ten healthy young subjects breathing different concentrations of CO2 in O2, four alveolar CO2-tension levels were obtained, ranging from about 20 mmHg when hyperventilating in O2 to 50 mmHg. Maximum expiratory flows at 60% total lung capacity were measured at each level and corrected for the influence of the expired gas on the flow. The corrected maximum flow decreased significantly when the alveolar CO2 tension was below 30-35 mmHg, while there was only slight or no influence of CO2 on the maximal flow when the tension was above 35 mmHg. The decrease is taken as evidence of a constrictor effect on peripheral bronchi of hypocapnia.", "contents": "The effect of CO2 on peripheral airways. In each of ten healthy young subjects breathing different concentrations of CO2 in O2, four alveolar CO2-tension levels were obtained, ranging from about 20 mmHg when hyperventilating in O2 to 50 mmHg. Maximum expiratory flows at 60% total lung capacity were measured at each level and corrected for the influence of the expired gas on the flow. The corrected maximum flow decreased significantly when the alveolar CO2 tension was below 30-35 mmHg, while there was only slight or no influence of CO2 on the maximal flow when the tension was above 35 mmHg. The decrease is taken as evidence of a constrictor effect on peripheral bronchi of hypocapnia.", "PMID": 983728} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_468", "title": "The effect of serotonin and transcapillary pressure on the capillary permeability in the rete mirabile of the eel (Anguilla vulgaris l.).", "content": "Measurements of transcapillary exchange of high-molecular dextrans, K+ and THO in the rete mirabile of eel (Anguilla vulgaris L.) have been made under steady-state conditions while the transcapillary pressure was varied and pharmaca added to the perfusates. Raising the transcapillary input pressure increased the exchange of dextrans and K+ but lowered that of THO. Histamine and ouabain had no effect on the transcapillary exchange of the test molecules. The highest dose (100 mug/ml) of serotonin reversibly increased the capillary permeability of D-75 000, K+ and THO while the medium dose (50 mug/ml) only raised the transcapillary exchange of K+ and THO. The lowest dose (10 mug/ml) had no permeability effect. Our main conclusion is that serotonin reversibly increases the area of the intercellular pores by affecting the capillary wall directly.", "contents": "The effect of serotonin and transcapillary pressure on the capillary permeability in the rete mirabile of the eel (Anguilla vulgaris l.). Measurements of transcapillary exchange of high-molecular dextrans, K+ and THO in the rete mirabile of eel (Anguilla vulgaris L.) have been made under steady-state conditions while the transcapillary pressure was varied and pharmaca added to the perfusates. Raising the transcapillary input pressure increased the exchange of dextrans and K+ but lowered that of THO. Histamine and ouabain had no effect on the transcapillary exchange of the test molecules. The highest dose (100 mug/ml) of serotonin reversibly increased the capillary permeability of D-75 000, K+ and THO while the medium dose (50 mug/ml) only raised the transcapillary exchange of K+ and THO. The lowest dose (10 mug/ml) had no permeability effect. Our main conclusion is that serotonin reversibly increases the area of the intercellular pores by affecting the capillary wall directly.", "PMID": 983729} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_469", "title": "Plasma renin activity following central infusion of angiotensin II and altered CSF sodium concentration in the conscious goat.", "content": "To study central influences on the renal release of renin, angiotensin II was infused into the lateral cerebral ventricle of conscious hydrated goats. CSF sodium concentrations was increased or lowered by similar infusions of hypertonic NaCl or of isotonic fructose solution. Infusion of angiotensin II in doses from 0.5 to 1 mug caused a drop in plasma renin activity (PRA) and elicited a rise in blood pressure, antidiuresis, natriuresis, and thirst. Intraventricular infusion of hypertonic NaCl also supressed PRA, induced antidiuresis, natriuresis, and an inconsistent rise in blood pressure. Lowering of CSF [Na+] by infusion of isotonic fructose caused a rise in PRA and was followed by a water diuresis in the non-hydrated animal. The fructose infusions caused some decrease in renal K+ excretion but no consistent change in renal Na+ excretion. The results indicate that angiotensin II and changes in sodium balance modulate renal renin release also via the central nervous system.", "contents": "Plasma renin activity following central infusion of angiotensin II and altered CSF sodium concentration in the conscious goat. To study central influences on the renal release of renin, angiotensin II was infused into the lateral cerebral ventricle of conscious hydrated goats. CSF sodium concentrations was increased or lowered by similar infusions of hypertonic NaCl or of isotonic fructose solution. Infusion of angiotensin II in doses from 0.5 to 1 mug caused a drop in plasma renin activity (PRA) and elicited a rise in blood pressure, antidiuresis, natriuresis, and thirst. Intraventricular infusion of hypertonic NaCl also supressed PRA, induced antidiuresis, natriuresis, and an inconsistent rise in blood pressure. Lowering of CSF [Na+] by infusion of isotonic fructose caused a rise in PRA and was followed by a water diuresis in the non-hydrated animal. The fructose infusions caused some decrease in renal K+ excretion but no consistent change in renal Na+ excretion. The results indicate that angiotensin II and changes in sodium balance modulate renal renin release also via the central nervous system.", "PMID": 983730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_470", "title": "Molecular forms of gastrin in antral mucosa, plasma and gastric juice during vagal stimulation of anesthetized cats.", "content": "Gastrin was released by electrical vagal stimulation in anesthetized cats. Antral mucosa, blood and gastric juice samples collected during vagal stimulation were subjected to gel filtration in order to characterize the different molecular forms of gastrin. In antral mucosa component III (gastrin-17) predominated. Besides, the antrum contained 5 per cent component II (gastrin-34, \"big\" gastrin), 1 per cent component I and trace amounts of component IV (gastrin-14 or \"mini\" gastrin). Immediately after vagal stimulation, component III (gastrin-17) appeared in the gastric venous effluent followed within a few minutes by component IV (gastrin-14). Component I and II (gastrin-34) were not detectable in any of the plasma samples. We suggest that component III (gastrin-17) is released from the antral mucosa and is then rapidly metabolized to component IV (gastrin-14) possibly to a significant extent in the fundic region of the stomach. Large amounts of component III (gastrin-17) were found in the vagally-induced gastric juice. Only very small amounts of degradation products were present, indicating that cat gastrin is relatively resistant to peptic degradation and acid hydrolysis.", "contents": "Molecular forms of gastrin in antral mucosa, plasma and gastric juice during vagal stimulation of anesthetized cats. Gastrin was released by electrical vagal stimulation in anesthetized cats. Antral mucosa, blood and gastric juice samples collected during vagal stimulation were subjected to gel filtration in order to characterize the different molecular forms of gastrin. In antral mucosa component III (gastrin-17) predominated. Besides, the antrum contained 5 per cent component II (gastrin-34, \"big\" gastrin), 1 per cent component I and trace amounts of component IV (gastrin-14 or \"mini\" gastrin). Immediately after vagal stimulation, component III (gastrin-17) appeared in the gastric venous effluent followed within a few minutes by component IV (gastrin-14). Component I and II (gastrin-34) were not detectable in any of the plasma samples. We suggest that component III (gastrin-17) is released from the antral mucosa and is then rapidly metabolized to component IV (gastrin-14) possibly to a significant extent in the fundic region of the stomach. Large amounts of component III (gastrin-17) were found in the vagally-induced gastric juice. Only very small amounts of degradation products were present, indicating that cat gastrin is relatively resistant to peptic degradation and acid hydrolysis.", "PMID": 983731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_471", "title": "Local reflex in microcirculation in human cutaneous tissue.", "content": "Blood flow in cutaneous tissue measured by the local 133Xenon washout technique decreased about 35 per cent during venous stasis of 40 mmHg in three normal subjects. The response was unaffected by block of the nerve three cm proximally to the labeled area. When the tissue was infiltrated with lidocaine or with phentolamine, blood flow remained constant, indicating that the decrease in blood flow is due to an arteriolar vasoconstrictor response to increase in venous transmural pressure. Local venous stasis elicited a vasoconstrictor response in an adjoining area not affected by the stasis. The response was blocked by lidocaine applied to the side of stasis. In 2 chronically sympathectomized patients, the vasoconstrictor response was abolished in the denervated limbs but present on the non-operated side (1 patient with unilateral sympathectomy). The results indicate that the vasoconstrictor response to an increase in venous transmural pressure is due to a local nervous mechanism involving sympathetic adrenergic fibres, most likely a sympathetic axon reflex.", "contents": "Local reflex in microcirculation in human cutaneous tissue. Blood flow in cutaneous tissue measured by the local 133Xenon washout technique decreased about 35 per cent during venous stasis of 40 mmHg in three normal subjects. The response was unaffected by block of the nerve three cm proximally to the labeled area. When the tissue was infiltrated with lidocaine or with phentolamine, blood flow remained constant, indicating that the decrease in blood flow is due to an arteriolar vasoconstrictor response to increase in venous transmural pressure. Local venous stasis elicited a vasoconstrictor response in an adjoining area not affected by the stasis. The response was blocked by lidocaine applied to the side of stasis. In 2 chronically sympathectomized patients, the vasoconstrictor response was abolished in the denervated limbs but present on the non-operated side (1 patient with unilateral sympathectomy). The results indicate that the vasoconstrictor response to an increase in venous transmural pressure is due to a local nervous mechanism involving sympathetic adrenergic fibres, most likely a sympathetic axon reflex.", "PMID": 983732} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_472", "title": "Effect of strength training on EMG of human skeletal muscle.", "content": "The effects of an 8 weeks period of systematic progressive strength training on the EMG activity of the leg extensor muscles (vastus lateralis and rectus femoris) were investigated in 8 healthy male subjects (22-31 yrs). After training there were indications (n.s.) of a decline in integrated EMG (IEMG) during maximal isometric knee extension as well as in the IEMG vs isometric force relationship. The averaged motor unit potential (AMUP) did not demonstrate any significant changes due to the strength training regimen. In conformity with earlier findings no or only minor alterations were observed in anthropometrics, muscle enzyme activities and fibre composition. The fibre area ratio indicated a specific effect of the training stimuli on the fast twitch muscle fibres. Thus, EMG-analyses, as employed in the present study, did not provide any conclusive additional explanation as to the mechanisms behind the well established gains in muscle strength performance induced by the applied strength training program.", "contents": "Effect of strength training on EMG of human skeletal muscle. The effects of an 8 weeks period of systematic progressive strength training on the EMG activity of the leg extensor muscles (vastus lateralis and rectus femoris) were investigated in 8 healthy male subjects (22-31 yrs). After training there were indications (n.s.) of a decline in integrated EMG (IEMG) during maximal isometric knee extension as well as in the IEMG vs isometric force relationship. The averaged motor unit potential (AMUP) did not demonstrate any significant changes due to the strength training regimen. In conformity with earlier findings no or only minor alterations were observed in anthropometrics, muscle enzyme activities and fibre composition. The fibre area ratio indicated a specific effect of the training stimuli on the fast twitch muscle fibres. Thus, EMG-analyses, as employed in the present study, did not provide any conclusive additional explanation as to the mechanisms behind the well established gains in muscle strength performance induced by the applied strength training program.", "PMID": 983733} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_473", "title": "Cerebral utilization of glucose, ketone bodies and oxygen in starving infant rats and the effect of intrauterine growth retardation.", "content": "Cerebral arteriovenous differences of acetoacetate, D-beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, lactate and oxygen and brain DNA content was measured at 20 days of age in intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) rats and normal littermates after 48 and 72 h of starvation. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured with labeled microspheres in other comparable groups of IUGR and control rats. CBF was similar in IUGR and normal littermates (0.57+/-0.09 and 0.58+/-0.10 ml/min respectively). After 48 h of starvation, arterial glucose was significantly lower in IUGR than control animals but the arterial concentrations of ketone bodies were similar. After 48 h of starvation, cerebral arteriovenous difference of beta-hydroxybutyrate was significantly higher in control than IUGR rats also when expressed per mg brain DNA as was the fractional uptake of D-beta-hydroxybutyrate. After 72 h of starvation, arterial concentrations of ketone bodies were significantly lower in IUGR rats than controls but the fractional uptake of D-beta-hydroxybutyrate was increased compared to IUGR rats starved for 48 h. The average percentage of calculated total substrate uptake (mumol/min) accounted for by ketone bodies increased in control animals from 31.1% after 48 h of starvation to 41.0% after 72 h of starvation. In IUGR rats these percentage values were 26.5 and 25.7 respectively. After 72 h of starvation the fraction of total cerebral uptake of substrates accounted for by ketone bodies was significantly higher in control that IUGR rats. As total cerebral uptake of substrates was similar between IUGR and control animals it is concluded that IUGR rats are more dependent on glucose as a substrate for the brain during starvation.", "contents": "Cerebral utilization of glucose, ketone bodies and oxygen in starving infant rats and the effect of intrauterine growth retardation. Cerebral arteriovenous differences of acetoacetate, D-beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, lactate and oxygen and brain DNA content was measured at 20 days of age in intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) rats and normal littermates after 48 and 72 h of starvation. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured with labeled microspheres in other comparable groups of IUGR and control rats. CBF was similar in IUGR and normal littermates (0.57+/-0.09 and 0.58+/-0.10 ml/min respectively). After 48 h of starvation, arterial glucose was significantly lower in IUGR than control animals but the arterial concentrations of ketone bodies were similar. After 48 h of starvation, cerebral arteriovenous difference of beta-hydroxybutyrate was significantly higher in control than IUGR rats also when expressed per mg brain DNA as was the fractional uptake of D-beta-hydroxybutyrate. After 72 h of starvation, arterial concentrations of ketone bodies were significantly lower in IUGR rats than controls but the fractional uptake of D-beta-hydroxybutyrate was increased compared to IUGR rats starved for 48 h. The average percentage of calculated total substrate uptake (mumol/min) accounted for by ketone bodies increased in control animals from 31.1% after 48 h of starvation to 41.0% after 72 h of starvation. In IUGR rats these percentage values were 26.5 and 25.7 respectively. After 72 h of starvation the fraction of total cerebral uptake of substrates accounted for by ketone bodies was significantly higher in control that IUGR rats. As total cerebral uptake of substrates was similar between IUGR and control animals it is concluded that IUGR rats are more dependent on glucose as a substrate for the brain during starvation.", "PMID": 983734} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_474", "title": "Cerebral metabolic state after discontinuation of nitrous oxide supply in artificially ventilated rats.", "content": "Previous results from this laboratory have shown that when administration of 70% nitrous oxide is discontinued in artificially ventilated rats, cerebral oxygen uptake increases by about 40% at 5 min and by about 80-90% at 30 min, and that this increase is blocked by previous adrenalectomy. In the present experiments, nitrous oxide was withdrawn for 45 s, 2 min 45 s, or 15 min, in non-adrenalectomized animals, and for 5 min in adrenalectomized animals, and the tissue was frozen in situ for subsequent measurements of labile phosphates, glycolytic metabolites, citric acid cycle intermediates and associated amino acids and ammonia. The results allow the conclusion that upon withdrawal of nitrous oxide in non-adrenalectomized animals, there is an increase in metabolic rate at an essentially unchanged metabolic state. In adrenalectomized animals, discontinuation of nitrous oxide supply did not induce changes in any of the tissue metabolites measured. We conclude that 70% N2O neither influences the metabolic rate of the tissue, nor its metabolic state.", "contents": "Cerebral metabolic state after discontinuation of nitrous oxide supply in artificially ventilated rats. Previous results from this laboratory have shown that when administration of 70% nitrous oxide is discontinued in artificially ventilated rats, cerebral oxygen uptake increases by about 40% at 5 min and by about 80-90% at 30 min, and that this increase is blocked by previous adrenalectomy. In the present experiments, nitrous oxide was withdrawn for 45 s, 2 min 45 s, or 15 min, in non-adrenalectomized animals, and for 5 min in adrenalectomized animals, and the tissue was frozen in situ for subsequent measurements of labile phosphates, glycolytic metabolites, citric acid cycle intermediates and associated amino acids and ammonia. The results allow the conclusion that upon withdrawal of nitrous oxide in non-adrenalectomized animals, there is an increase in metabolic rate at an essentially unchanged metabolic state. In adrenalectomized animals, discontinuation of nitrous oxide supply did not induce changes in any of the tissue metabolites measured. We conclude that 70% N2O neither influences the metabolic rate of the tissue, nor its metabolic state.", "PMID": 983735} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_475", "title": "Liver hemodynamics and liver function in cats during graded hypoxic hypoxemia.", "content": "In 15 cats, anesthetized with chloralose and curarized, liver hemodynamics and liver function were followed during graded hypoxic hypoxemia. Hepatic arterial and intrahepatic portal venous conductance were not influenced by hypoxia, whereas severe hypoxemia increased gastrointestinal conductance. Total liver blood flow remained constant and hypoxemia was compensated for by an increase in hepatic extraction of oxygen approaching 100%. Only when the hepatic venous pO2 fell below 5-10 mmHg did hypoxemia decrease liver function. The results indicate that the sinusoidal perfusion is homogeneous.", "contents": "Liver hemodynamics and liver function in cats during graded hypoxic hypoxemia. In 15 cats, anesthetized with chloralose and curarized, liver hemodynamics and liver function were followed during graded hypoxic hypoxemia. Hepatic arterial and intrahepatic portal venous conductance were not influenced by hypoxia, whereas severe hypoxemia increased gastrointestinal conductance. Total liver blood flow remained constant and hypoxemia was compensated for by an increase in hepatic extraction of oxygen approaching 100%. Only when the hepatic venous pO2 fell below 5-10 mmHg did hypoxemia decrease liver function. The results indicate that the sinusoidal perfusion is homogeneous.", "PMID": 983736} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_476", "title": "[Reconsideration of the Latin lover. An etno-communicational vignette with a moral].", "content": "The latin lover is a model of the self-fulfilling prophecy: you have to believe in him to be able to find him. The sequence that produces the latin lover includes the following ingredients: a) the \"neutral\" face-to-face distance for Latins is similar to the \"seductive\" face-to-face distance of non-Latins (more specifically, of Anglo-Saxons and Nord-Europeans); b) non-Latins do not detect the influence of their own cultural stereotype, the \"Latin Lover\", in their perception of the other's behavior; c) if the non-Latin choses to contribute his/her own share of seductive behavior, he/she will label that performance as a \"response\" to the message attributed to the Latin; d) the Latin, in turn, is forced by the pressures of his own cultural stereotypes to respond to a seductive advance with more seductive behavior; he labels his own behavior as a \"response\" to uncalled for behavior on the part of the non-Latin; e) that readiness to escalate seduction reinforces, in the eyes of the non-Latin, the first meaning attributed to that spacial choice behavior of the Latin. The case illustrates certain notions of communication theory, especially issues of \"punctuation\" and text-context relationships.", "contents": "[Reconsideration of the Latin lover. An etno-communicational vignette with a moral]. The latin lover is a model of the self-fulfilling prophecy: you have to believe in him to be able to find him. The sequence that produces the latin lover includes the following ingredients: a) the \"neutral\" face-to-face distance for Latins is similar to the \"seductive\" face-to-face distance of non-Latins (more specifically, of Anglo-Saxons and Nord-Europeans); b) non-Latins do not detect the influence of their own cultural stereotype, the \"Latin Lover\", in their perception of the other's behavior; c) if the non-Latin choses to contribute his/her own share of seductive behavior, he/she will label that performance as a \"response\" to the message attributed to the Latin; d) the Latin, in turn, is forced by the pressures of his own cultural stereotypes to respond to a seductive advance with more seductive behavior; he labels his own behavior as a \"response\" to uncalled for behavior on the part of the non-Latin; e) that readiness to escalate seduction reinforces, in the eyes of the non-Latin, the first meaning attributed to that spacial choice behavior of the Latin. The case illustrates certain notions of communication theory, especially issues of \"punctuation\" and text-context relationships.", "PMID": 983739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_477", "title": "[Policy of mental health in Latin America].", "content": "The author reviews the current epidemiological concepts in Latin America, assesses the general mental health levels and sets forth some basic proposals aiming at the allocation and use of scarce resources, incorporating as an important one the community itself. The classic models for Mental Health Programs, defined through their basic infrastructures are analyzed: a) The Institution-Pscychiatric Hospital, aimed mainly at tertiary prevention, custody, and biologic therapy, and having high costs with reduced benefits; b) The Mental Health Unit, aimed mainly at secondary prevention, providing several services, and having high costs with good benefits; and c) The Comprehensive Program, aiming mainly at primary prevention, providing several specialized services together with the use of the resources of the community itself, and having low costs with high benefits. An overview of Mental Health indicators shows the following rates of prevalence: a) neurosis, 15%; b) alcoholism, 5%; c) epilepsy, 2%; d) psychosis, 1%; e) dementia, 1%; f) mental retardation, 1%. The total prevalence rate for the six basic psychopathological entities is 25%, in the population of more than 15 years of age. The minimal requirement of psychiatrists for that degree of prevalence is about 80/one million inhabitants, that is, an increase fourfold to fivefold of the present number. To attain this goal, at least 50 years are required, during which mental health services are likely to maintain their present deficits, unless a new conception of mental health services is used. The author proposes the generalized use of Comprehensive Programs, as the only possibility of providing within periods reasonably short an adequate service. The importance of incorporating the mental health resources of the community is stressed. The experiences made in Chile during three different governments, having different political and ideological basis, are briefed, showing the evidence of a number of advantages to be gained with the proposed system, in a relatively short timespan--less than 10 years.", "contents": "[Policy of mental health in Latin America]. The author reviews the current epidemiological concepts in Latin America, assesses the general mental health levels and sets forth some basic proposals aiming at the allocation and use of scarce resources, incorporating as an important one the community itself. The classic models for Mental Health Programs, defined through their basic infrastructures are analyzed: a) The Institution-Pscychiatric Hospital, aimed mainly at tertiary prevention, custody, and biologic therapy, and having high costs with reduced benefits; b) The Mental Health Unit, aimed mainly at secondary prevention, providing several services, and having high costs with good benefits; and c) The Comprehensive Program, aiming mainly at primary prevention, providing several specialized services together with the use of the resources of the community itself, and having low costs with high benefits. An overview of Mental Health indicators shows the following rates of prevalence: a) neurosis, 15%; b) alcoholism, 5%; c) epilepsy, 2%; d) psychosis, 1%; e) dementia, 1%; f) mental retardation, 1%. The total prevalence rate for the six basic psychopathological entities is 25%, in the population of more than 15 years of age. The minimal requirement of psychiatrists for that degree of prevalence is about 80/one million inhabitants, that is, an increase fourfold to fivefold of the present number. To attain this goal, at least 50 years are required, during which mental health services are likely to maintain their present deficits, unless a new conception of mental health services is used. The author proposes the generalized use of Comprehensive Programs, as the only possibility of providing within periods reasonably short an adequate service. The importance of incorporating the mental health resources of the community is stressed. The experiences made in Chile during three different governments, having different political and ideological basis, are briefed, showing the evidence of a number of advantages to be gained with the proposed system, in a relatively short timespan--less than 10 years.", "PMID": 983740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_478", "title": "[Protofantasy].", "content": "The author reviews Freud's postulations on proto-phantasies, and traces the evolution of several concepts related to them, in the aim of showing that there is a common purpose along the whole theoretical development: to uncover or to explain the innate archaic legacy, its role and its effects within the Psychic Apparatus of men. The first formulations of the idea of proto-phantasies in Freud's works are as early as his letters to Fliess and the Traumdeutung (1900), where it is stated the hope that the interpretation of dreams can lead to the discovery of innate elements received from ancestors. The idea is reformulated in further works, among which, \"A Souvenir of Leonardo da Vinci Infant\", \"Totem and Tabu\", and \"Three Essays\", \"The Loss of Reality in Neuroses and Psychosis\", \"The History of a Child's Neurosis\", Mass Psychology and Ego Analysis\", \"The Ego and the Id\", \"An Outline of Psychoanalysis\", and \"The Malaise in Culture\". The author spots the successive developments, and proposes an order based on the everpresent assumption that man has an important legacy: the primal imagery bequeathed by the species, constituting the unconscious organized memories shared by all members of the human race. The final conclusions stress the importance of primal phantasies and the possibility that its study broadens the scope of psychoanalitic theoretical and clinical developments.", "contents": "[Protofantasy]. The author reviews Freud's postulations on proto-phantasies, and traces the evolution of several concepts related to them, in the aim of showing that there is a common purpose along the whole theoretical development: to uncover or to explain the innate archaic legacy, its role and its effects within the Psychic Apparatus of men. The first formulations of the idea of proto-phantasies in Freud's works are as early as his letters to Fliess and the Traumdeutung (1900), where it is stated the hope that the interpretation of dreams can lead to the discovery of innate elements received from ancestors. The idea is reformulated in further works, among which, \"A Souvenir of Leonardo da Vinci Infant\", \"Totem and Tabu\", and \"Three Essays\", \"The Loss of Reality in Neuroses and Psychosis\", \"The History of a Child's Neurosis\", Mass Psychology and Ego Analysis\", \"The Ego and the Id\", \"An Outline of Psychoanalysis\", and \"The Malaise in Culture\". The author spots the successive developments, and proposes an order based on the everpresent assumption that man has an important legacy: the primal imagery bequeathed by the species, constituting the unconscious organized memories shared by all members of the human race. The final conclusions stress the importance of primal phantasies and the possibility that its study broadens the scope of psychoanalitic theoretical and clinical developments.", "PMID": 983741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_479", "title": "[Treatment of depressive and anxiety neurosis with a new psychotropic drug: Nomifensin].", "content": "The effect of Nomifensin (Hoechst 36984), a new psychotropic agent different from tricyclics and MAO inhibitors, was studied in patients with depressive-anxiety syndromes. Thirty three patients (22 female, 11 male), average age 40 years, were studied for five weeks in an open trial. The educational and occupational levels of the samples were determined. Follow-up was carried out with Wittenborn Psychiatric Rating Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Zung Self-Rating Scale and PEN Personality Inventory. No other drug was allowed to be taken along with Nomifensin, except for a benzodiazepine derivate in case of disturbed sleep. The average dose was 67 mg/day. The changes in Hamilton and Zung Scales were statistically significant, after the first week of treatment with Nomifensin. Only the N Scale of the PEN showed a a before/after treatment significant difference. The r=0.63 correlation obtained between Zung and Hamilton Scales is discussed. The drug showed to have thymoleptic action within the first week of treatment and an additional on the anxiety symptoms, frequently associated to reactive depressions.", "contents": "[Treatment of depressive and anxiety neurosis with a new psychotropic drug: Nomifensin]. The effect of Nomifensin (Hoechst 36984), a new psychotropic agent different from tricyclics and MAO inhibitors, was studied in patients with depressive-anxiety syndromes. Thirty three patients (22 female, 11 male), average age 40 years, were studied for five weeks in an open trial. The educational and occupational levels of the samples were determined. Follow-up was carried out with Wittenborn Psychiatric Rating Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Zung Self-Rating Scale and PEN Personality Inventory. No other drug was allowed to be taken along with Nomifensin, except for a benzodiazepine derivate in case of disturbed sleep. The average dose was 67 mg/day. The changes in Hamilton and Zung Scales were statistically significant, after the first week of treatment with Nomifensin. Only the N Scale of the PEN showed a a before/after treatment significant difference. The r=0.63 correlation obtained between Zung and Hamilton Scales is discussed. The drug showed to have thymoleptic action within the first week of treatment and an additional on the anxiety symptoms, frequently associated to reactive depressions.", "PMID": 983742} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_480", "title": "[Medical discharge from a hospital].", "content": "Admission and discharge procedures are prominent aspects in the assistential care of hospitalized patients. A great deal of attention has been paid to the reasons why they stay overtime when they apparently are ready for discharge. Lab routine delays and other technical difficulties have been traditionally blamed for failing to operate on schedule. However, even when studies are completed and diagnosis and treatment performed, the patient still remains overtime. This paper presents a research on discharge from a medical ward of a general hospital. According to rules, they were not supposed to stay more than two weeks, time enough for usual diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. However, 18 out of 121 patients were exceeding the limit and were subject to the present investigation. The Medical-Psychological Interconsult was the research instrument. The patient, the family, the doctor and the nurses were interviewed in each case. In every one of the 18 cases, problems were found in the doctor-patient relationship, as well as other difficulties in different institutional levels. The value of a multidisciplinary approach in problems of this kind is emphatically stated (clinicians, psychologists and medical auditors).", "contents": "[Medical discharge from a hospital]. Admission and discharge procedures are prominent aspects in the assistential care of hospitalized patients. A great deal of attention has been paid to the reasons why they stay overtime when they apparently are ready for discharge. Lab routine delays and other technical difficulties have been traditionally blamed for failing to operate on schedule. However, even when studies are completed and diagnosis and treatment performed, the patient still remains overtime. This paper presents a research on discharge from a medical ward of a general hospital. According to rules, they were not supposed to stay more than two weeks, time enough for usual diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. However, 18 out of 121 patients were exceeding the limit and were subject to the present investigation. The Medical-Psychological Interconsult was the research instrument. The patient, the family, the doctor and the nurses were interviewed in each case. In every one of the 18 cases, problems were found in the doctor-patient relationship, as well as other difficulties in different institutional levels. The value of a multidisciplinary approach in problems of this kind is emphatically stated (clinicians, psychologists and medical auditors).", "PMID": 983743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_481", "title": "[A scientific-cultural approach to the Gestalt concept].", "content": "In the descriptions of the gestalt process formulated by F. S. Perls (Gestalt Therapy Verbatim, Real People Press, Lafayette, 1969) and other gestalt psychologists, it appears as if the gestalt formation was a general and universal tendency of living and non living matter as well. Broadly speaking, they state that a gestalt is something that in itself wants to be formed and completed, something which emerges as a distinct entity (figure) from a undifferentiated environment (background). From experience we know that perceptions of any kind, have this as a prerequisite: the perceived object or process has to out of equilibrium with the environment, otherwise it remains undetectable. On the other hand, the second law of thermodynamics prescribes that the tendency for spontaneous isolated processes is exactly the opposite. With time, processes tend towards equilibrium, things tend to equalize, heterogeneity tends to become homogeneity, order into disorder. Thus these two very important \"rules of the game\" for natural processes are seemingly contradictory. While one states that matter tends to differentiate into figure and ground, the other states that exactly the opposite is what will occur - with time, all distinction and differentiation will disappear. Of the many problems posed by biological entities to the physical sciences, their obvious differentiation within the growth span of the organism, is a flagrant violation of the second law and hence they, as a whole, escape the realm of thermodynamics. Only living organisms can go against the second law. Living organisms tend to form gestalts and they perceive the world through the formation of gestalt pairs. However, the first man-made creature that knowingly could obviate the results prescribed by the second law, was Maxwell's Demon. He can produce heterogeneity from homogeneity since he can handle information. In Maxwell's hypothetical experiment, his Demon can pick out fast molecules from slow molecules taking a system initially in equilibrium to a new state in which there are differences. Information, in its mathematical context or neg-entropy is thus essential to systems that are out of equilibrium with their environment. In particular this is true of biological organisms. At an early stage genetic information is all that is required to produce differentiation. With growth and differentiation other forms of information come into play. From an engineer's point of view, energy without information does not serve in the production of work. From a psychotherapist's point of view, energy without information does not serve in the production of growth. In all schools of psychotherapy, the therapist can be considered as a Maxwell Demon; the outcome depending on the particular bias of his school. Gestalt Therapy with its strong emphasis on the \"awareness of the ongoing process\" relies heavily on all organismic functions as the means of producing information relevant to the patient...", "contents": "[A scientific-cultural approach to the Gestalt concept]. In the descriptions of the gestalt process formulated by F. S. Perls (Gestalt Therapy Verbatim, Real People Press, Lafayette, 1969) and other gestalt psychologists, it appears as if the gestalt formation was a general and universal tendency of living and non living matter as well. Broadly speaking, they state that a gestalt is something that in itself wants to be formed and completed, something which emerges as a distinct entity (figure) from a undifferentiated environment (background). From experience we know that perceptions of any kind, have this as a prerequisite: the perceived object or process has to out of equilibrium with the environment, otherwise it remains undetectable. On the other hand, the second law of thermodynamics prescribes that the tendency for spontaneous isolated processes is exactly the opposite. With time, processes tend towards equilibrium, things tend to equalize, heterogeneity tends to become homogeneity, order into disorder. Thus these two very important \"rules of the game\" for natural processes are seemingly contradictory. While one states that matter tends to differentiate into figure and ground, the other states that exactly the opposite is what will occur - with time, all distinction and differentiation will disappear. Of the many problems posed by biological entities to the physical sciences, their obvious differentiation within the growth span of the organism, is a flagrant violation of the second law and hence they, as a whole, escape the realm of thermodynamics. Only living organisms can go against the second law. Living organisms tend to form gestalts and they perceive the world through the formation of gestalt pairs. However, the first man-made creature that knowingly could obviate the results prescribed by the second law, was Maxwell's Demon. He can produce heterogeneity from homogeneity since he can handle information. In Maxwell's hypothetical experiment, his Demon can pick out fast molecules from slow molecules taking a system initially in equilibrium to a new state in which there are differences. Information, in its mathematical context or neg-entropy is thus essential to systems that are out of equilibrium with their environment. In particular this is true of biological organisms. At an early stage genetic information is all that is required to produce differentiation. With growth and differentiation other forms of information come into play. From an engineer's point of view, energy without information does not serve in the production of work. From a psychotherapist's point of view, energy without information does not serve in the production of growth. In all schools of psychotherapy, the therapist can be considered as a Maxwell Demon; the outcome depending on the particular bias of his school. Gestalt Therapy with its strong emphasis on the \"awareness of the ongoing process\" relies heavily on all organismic functions as the means of producing information relevant to the patient...", "PMID": 983745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_482", "title": "[The unmasking of consciousness by means of criticism of illusion and ideology].", "content": "The author contends that the constitution of Psychology as a Science requires the elucidation of the conceptual instruments to be used in the approach of its specific theoretical object. In order to meet that requirement, three main methodological subjects are considered: I. The image, conceived as embodiment of the illusory and the deceptive, vs. the image as \"the imaginary\". Images are defined as representations determined a priori as the sole possibility of understanding reality. The distinction is made between two modes of this gnoseological process: the one, apparent, the other real. The first one, image as a representation having no correspondence whatsoever with reality, conveys only deceptive features: illusion at the individual level, and ideology at the broader scale of the socioeconomical class. Illusion and ideology are subject to parallel in that both mask reality, uncovering a part of it in order to hide the whole; and they imply each other in that to each illusion of individual consciousness corresponds a single socio-economical ideology. The unmasking must be performed both at the individual (illusion) and the collective (ideology) levels, through a conceptual work under a clear conception of knowledge and its methods, leading to an actually objectivating neutral act-Husserl. II. The imaginary as a project of irreality. Accepting that the image has a double function: a) an essential (gnoseological) one, and b) an unesential, supplementary one, as the support of illusion and ideology, there is yet a double manner for the concealment: a) subjective or belonging to the psychological level, and b) objective-intersubjective level, or actual social level. The image provides the object for the \"belief\", being thus the basis for the creation of a super-reality, an invention over another invention, with the goal of fulfilling desire. This goal implies failure in itself, as desire is always beyond the reality that seeks its fulfillment. The process of illusion can be explained by the triple link: desire-imagination-illusion, leading to belief. In desire there is a double work: a) a positive one, or trend towards the appropriation of the object; and b) a negative one, or the all-present frustration leading, precisely, to illusion. III. Desire and discourse: dialectics of possibility. Reality provides a limit-border to desire: it sets the frontiers of impossibility. Only the discourse provides a program, a planification of the being-desire. But desire exceeds the limits of possibility, and sets the underlying framework on which the impossibility of desire is expressed. Two different answers have been attempted from a logical-gnoseological-methodological stand point, consisting of reductionisms or pseudo-answers. Firstly, intellectualism, professing to reduce everything to rational cathegories and their logico-formal methods; and secondly, naturalism, professing to reduce everything to a factic-empirical scheme and to its experimental method...", "contents": "[The unmasking of consciousness by means of criticism of illusion and ideology]. The author contends that the constitution of Psychology as a Science requires the elucidation of the conceptual instruments to be used in the approach of its specific theoretical object. In order to meet that requirement, three main methodological subjects are considered: I. The image, conceived as embodiment of the illusory and the deceptive, vs. the image as \"the imaginary\". Images are defined as representations determined a priori as the sole possibility of understanding reality. The distinction is made between two modes of this gnoseological process: the one, apparent, the other real. The first one, image as a representation having no correspondence whatsoever with reality, conveys only deceptive features: illusion at the individual level, and ideology at the broader scale of the socioeconomical class. Illusion and ideology are subject to parallel in that both mask reality, uncovering a part of it in order to hide the whole; and they imply each other in that to each illusion of individual consciousness corresponds a single socio-economical ideology. The unmasking must be performed both at the individual (illusion) and the collective (ideology) levels, through a conceptual work under a clear conception of knowledge and its methods, leading to an actually objectivating neutral act-Husserl. II. The imaginary as a project of irreality. Accepting that the image has a double function: a) an essential (gnoseological) one, and b) an unesential, supplementary one, as the support of illusion and ideology, there is yet a double manner for the concealment: a) subjective or belonging to the psychological level, and b) objective-intersubjective level, or actual social level. The image provides the object for the \"belief\", being thus the basis for the creation of a super-reality, an invention over another invention, with the goal of fulfilling desire. This goal implies failure in itself, as desire is always beyond the reality that seeks its fulfillment. The process of illusion can be explained by the triple link: desire-imagination-illusion, leading to belief. In desire there is a double work: a) a positive one, or trend towards the appropriation of the object; and b) a negative one, or the all-present frustration leading, precisely, to illusion. III. Desire and discourse: dialectics of possibility. Reality provides a limit-border to desire: it sets the frontiers of impossibility. Only the discourse provides a program, a planification of the being-desire. But desire exceeds the limits of possibility, and sets the underlying framework on which the impossibility of desire is expressed. Two different answers have been attempted from a logical-gnoseological-methodological stand point, consisting of reductionisms or pseudo-answers. Firstly, intellectualism, professing to reduce everything to rational cathegories and their logico-formal methods; and secondly, naturalism, professing to reduce everything to a factic-empirical scheme and to its experimental method...", "PMID": 983746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_483", "title": "[International pilot study on schizophrenia, its implications for Latin America].", "content": "This is a succint description of the International Pilot Study on Schizophrenia, sponsored by the World Health Organization and conducted in field research centers located in 9 different countries. The main objective of this study was the development of standard procedures for case finding, assessment of damage caused by Schizophrenia and observation of the course and outcome of the disorder. Starting in 1968, groups of approximately 120 patients who met the criteria both for inclusion and exclusion were studied in each center. They were subject to study by means of several instruments and were given a clinical diagnosis. On that basis, comparative analysis within and between centers were conducted, as well as reliability tests for the procedures used. Two follow-ups took place at 2 and 5 year intervals in order to obtain information about the course and outcome of cases. The emphasis of this presentation is placed on the findings at the Cali (Colombia) field reserach center and their comparison with the global results of centers in the rest of the world. In that context, the findings show that centers in developping countries are at least as capable for conducting research work as those in the developped countries. There is also the suggestion that mental disorders in developping countries apparently tend to more benign course and outcome.", "contents": "[International pilot study on schizophrenia, its implications for Latin America]. This is a succint description of the International Pilot Study on Schizophrenia, sponsored by the World Health Organization and conducted in field research centers located in 9 different countries. The main objective of this study was the development of standard procedures for case finding, assessment of damage caused by Schizophrenia and observation of the course and outcome of the disorder. Starting in 1968, groups of approximately 120 patients who met the criteria both for inclusion and exclusion were studied in each center. They were subject to study by means of several instruments and were given a clinical diagnosis. On that basis, comparative analysis within and between centers were conducted, as well as reliability tests for the procedures used. Two follow-ups took place at 2 and 5 year intervals in order to obtain information about the course and outcome of cases. The emphasis of this presentation is placed on the findings at the Cali (Colombia) field reserach center and their comparison with the global results of centers in the rest of the world. In that context, the findings show that centers in developping countries are at least as capable for conducting research work as those in the developped countries. There is also the suggestion that mental disorders in developping countries apparently tend to more benign course and outcome.", "PMID": 983747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_484", "title": "[Secondary prevention of alcoholism in an urban area. An evaluation of 3 models: asylum, integration and incorporation into mental health].", "content": "Three models for the secondary prevention of alcoholism were considered: Asylum or Institution, Mental Health Unit and Comprehensive Program. All three were carried out using similar resources, at the same urban area, in succesion. Data were gathered from two sources: daily registers of Outpatient Services and clinical records, being the former of better quality. The Comprehensive Program, whose main characteristic is the integration of the community in the effort to solve its mental health problems, proved to have the greatest efficacity, according to the items selected for evaluation. The detection of new alcoholic patients was three or fourfold the two other models had; the detection was produced at much earlier stages, and the therapeutic performance and results were significantly higher. The costs, global as well as per capita, were much lower, and the use of institutional resources much more rational. The Mental Health Unit model meant a good professional performance at the specialized Psychiatric Services but showed rather poor results in detecting new cases, and costs much higher than those of the Comprehensive Program. The Asylum or Institution model showed the poorest levels of efficacity in all items, and the higher costs. The paper also analyzes some possible biases stemming from the general assumptions at the basis of the chosen evaluation system. It emphasizes the importance of general community leaders in primary prevention in reducing secondary prevention needs through education of the general population.", "contents": "[Secondary prevention of alcoholism in an urban area. An evaluation of 3 models: asylum, integration and incorporation into mental health]. Three models for the secondary prevention of alcoholism were considered: Asylum or Institution, Mental Health Unit and Comprehensive Program. All three were carried out using similar resources, at the same urban area, in succesion. Data were gathered from two sources: daily registers of Outpatient Services and clinical records, being the former of better quality. The Comprehensive Program, whose main characteristic is the integration of the community in the effort to solve its mental health problems, proved to have the greatest efficacity, according to the items selected for evaluation. The detection of new alcoholic patients was three or fourfold the two other models had; the detection was produced at much earlier stages, and the therapeutic performance and results were significantly higher. The costs, global as well as per capita, were much lower, and the use of institutional resources much more rational. The Mental Health Unit model meant a good professional performance at the specialized Psychiatric Services but showed rather poor results in detecting new cases, and costs much higher than those of the Comprehensive Program. The Asylum or Institution model showed the poorest levels of efficacity in all items, and the higher costs. The paper also analyzes some possible biases stemming from the general assumptions at the basis of the chosen evaluation system. It emphasizes the importance of general community leaders in primary prevention in reducing secondary prevention needs through education of the general population.", "PMID": 983748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_485", "title": "[General aspects of planning and care in mental health].", "content": "This paper reviews some general concepts on Planning, especially in public and welfare sectors, stressing those concerning the major flaws in the argentine system of mental health. The author considers the definition of planning levels, and sets forth three: general plan, program and project. The correlative implementation is also considered. The importance of feed-back from adequate evaluation is stressed, emphasizing three aspects: a) evaluation of dynamics, rate and extent of decrease, increase or stagnation; b) assessment of efficacity of factors involved; c) control and stabilization of goals already attained. The necessity to develop a human ecology, encompassing socio-cultural and psycho-social factors is stressed, together with fostering theoretical research and the use of its results by implementation agents. Several differences among prevailing mental health actions are pointed out which allow a distinction between two typical models: clinical and sanitarist. The main differences between them lye on: standard location of working sites, nature of basic actions, field of action, hypothesis for working, including ethiological and ecological assumptions, theoretical and methodological framework. A series of criteria for evaluating sanitary techniques and strategies are set forth, among which: operative procedures, length of treatments, degree of therapeutic concentration, and general pragmatic criteria. The indicators reviewed are: degree of efficacity, covering, degree of perseverance in treatments, cultural barriers between patient and therapist, delegation of functions into special, first-rate sanitary agents, needs for the training of mental health workers. An attempt is made at developping general evaluation criteria for mental health planning, and several indicators are proposed, among which: a) cost/efficacity ratio, including in costs the use of economical, human and physical resources; b) preventive capacities of the community; c) capacities for the community to generate new types of organization and social dynamics able to cope with increasing mental health demands; first-rate personnel and mental health agents performance and training; e) assessment of \"distances\" between theoretical planning and actual implementation outlines; f) requirements of time for the implementation of programs.", "contents": "[General aspects of planning and care in mental health]. This paper reviews some general concepts on Planning, especially in public and welfare sectors, stressing those concerning the major flaws in the argentine system of mental health. The author considers the definition of planning levels, and sets forth three: general plan, program and project. The correlative implementation is also considered. The importance of feed-back from adequate evaluation is stressed, emphasizing three aspects: a) evaluation of dynamics, rate and extent of decrease, increase or stagnation; b) assessment of efficacity of factors involved; c) control and stabilization of goals already attained. The necessity to develop a human ecology, encompassing socio-cultural and psycho-social factors is stressed, together with fostering theoretical research and the use of its results by implementation agents. Several differences among prevailing mental health actions are pointed out which allow a distinction between two typical models: clinical and sanitarist. The main differences between them lye on: standard location of working sites, nature of basic actions, field of action, hypothesis for working, including ethiological and ecological assumptions, theoretical and methodological framework. A series of criteria for evaluating sanitary techniques and strategies are set forth, among which: operative procedures, length of treatments, degree of therapeutic concentration, and general pragmatic criteria. The indicators reviewed are: degree of efficacity, covering, degree of perseverance in treatments, cultural barriers between patient and therapist, delegation of functions into special, first-rate sanitary agents, needs for the training of mental health workers. An attempt is made at developping general evaluation criteria for mental health planning, and several indicators are proposed, among which: a) cost/efficacity ratio, including in costs the use of economical, human and physical resources; b) preventive capacities of the community; c) capacities for the community to generate new types of organization and social dynamics able to cope with increasing mental health demands; first-rate personnel and mental health agents performance and training; e) assessment of \"distances\" between theoretical planning and actual implementation outlines; f) requirements of time for the implementation of programs.", "PMID": 983749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_486", "title": "[Activity of a new neuroleptic, penfluridol (R-16341) in long-term treatments].", "content": "The difficulties of regular drug intake in long term treatments for psychotic patients gave rise to the need of using medicines at the longest possible intervals, facilitating thus adequate control and regularity. Penfluridol is a neuroleptic meeting that requirement: it is necessary only one dose per week. This paper reviews the results of Penfluridol in 26 patients (20 inpatients and 6 outpatients), ages between 17 and 54 with a mean of 36.8, sex feminine, and the following diagnoses: schizophrenia, paranoid: 14, simple: 8, hebephrenic: 3, catatonic: 1. The patients, divided in two groups of 13 each, had one oral dose a week, of between 10 and 100 mg, during 90 days. The first group took only Penfluridol, suppressing any other medicaments. The other group added Penfluridol to the prescriptions already in use. The results, as described in tables I and II, were evaluated according to 36 items. The general evaluation was positive with no negative biases. The side effects were scarce and temporary: insomnia in 7 cases during the first week, and extra-pyramidal symptoms in another 7 cases, that were controlled with antiparkinsonians. The conclusion is that Penfluridol is a valuable contribution to longterm treatments in psychoses.", "contents": "[Activity of a new neuroleptic, penfluridol (R-16341) in long-term treatments]. The difficulties of regular drug intake in long term treatments for psychotic patients gave rise to the need of using medicines at the longest possible intervals, facilitating thus adequate control and regularity. Penfluridol is a neuroleptic meeting that requirement: it is necessary only one dose per week. This paper reviews the results of Penfluridol in 26 patients (20 inpatients and 6 outpatients), ages between 17 and 54 with a mean of 36.8, sex feminine, and the following diagnoses: schizophrenia, paranoid: 14, simple: 8, hebephrenic: 3, catatonic: 1. The patients, divided in two groups of 13 each, had one oral dose a week, of between 10 and 100 mg, during 90 days. The first group took only Penfluridol, suppressing any other medicaments. The other group added Penfluridol to the prescriptions already in use. The results, as described in tables I and II, were evaluated according to 36 items. The general evaluation was positive with no negative biases. The side effects were scarce and temporary: insomnia in 7 cases during the first week, and extra-pyramidal symptoms in another 7 cases, that were controlled with antiparkinsonians. The conclusion is that Penfluridol is a valuable contribution to longterm treatments in psychoses.", "PMID": 983750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_487", "title": "[Jacques Lacan: The turn of the Obligado or the return of the unavoidable].", "content": "\"La Vuelta de Obligado\" (Obligado bend of Paran\u00e1 river) is the name of a battle fought by local rebels against the colonial invading navy. The victory was due to a witty device: the patriots stretched a cable across the river and succeded in stopping the foreign float. The event is the paradigm of the everlasting fight of under-developped countries against powerful colonial metropolis. The author examines the conditions of local fight against colonizing cultural and scientific ideas, being his main content that scientific advancement needs not be an instrument of scientific imperialism. He analyzes in detail several factors currently impeding the use of scientific discoveries and improvements, focusing into concrete \"obstacles\" (in Bachelard's meaning) to betterment of Psychoanalytic knowledge. The obstacles are: 1. All-pervading transference. The rule adapted from Melanie Klein theories emphasizing hic et nunc validity of materials from the patient, neglects the fact that the analyst is also moved by desire, and that the patient's productions are not fragments of behavior able to be reduced to the present situation, but vectorial motions, always open and always re-opening into something defined since the beginning as forever lost. 2. Increasing activity for the analyst. The current hypothesis concerning the possibility of analyzing everything, encouraging the analyst's hyperactivity, does not allow for theoretical evaluation of the means and ways of manifestation of unconscious drives through gaps in the discourse. 3. Pan-counter-transference. The conception of counter-transference as an instrument is against Freud's contention, defining it as a reciprocal transference that must be fought in the same way as the patient's. 4. Belittling of theory. The thesis against theory, on the grounds that Psychoanalysis deals with affects and the affective life of patients, forgets that there is always some system for understanding the world and, for want of a theory, an ideological system is always ready to provide the grid underlying all concepts used. 5. Not-analyzing. The automatic \"translation\", lacking the search for new links to replace the ones that analysis dismantles, leads to denaturalizing the practice and keeping intact the patient's imaginary consistent universe. 6. Intergrationism. Other theories cannot be integrated to Psychoanalysis as they have different objects and different frameworks. Conversely, Psychoanalitic concepts cannot be formulated in other theories conceptual corpus for the same reason. The exception are the sciences having similar fields and methods of analysis, such as Semiotics or Linguistics. In their case the articulation of concepts becomes possible, but still requires the previous command of Psychoanalytic Theory in its full depth. 7. Communicationalism. The most common of all integrations with other sciences is the one linking Psychoanalysis with Communications Theory...", "contents": "[Jacques Lacan: The turn of the Obligado or the return of the unavoidable]. \"La Vuelta de Obligado\" (Obligado bend of Paran\u00e1 river) is the name of a battle fought by local rebels against the colonial invading navy. The victory was due to a witty device: the patriots stretched a cable across the river and succeded in stopping the foreign float. The event is the paradigm of the everlasting fight of under-developped countries against powerful colonial metropolis. The author examines the conditions of local fight against colonizing cultural and scientific ideas, being his main content that scientific advancement needs not be an instrument of scientific imperialism. He analyzes in detail several factors currently impeding the use of scientific discoveries and improvements, focusing into concrete \"obstacles\" (in Bachelard's meaning) to betterment of Psychoanalytic knowledge. The obstacles are: 1. All-pervading transference. The rule adapted from Melanie Klein theories emphasizing hic et nunc validity of materials from the patient, neglects the fact that the analyst is also moved by desire, and that the patient's productions are not fragments of behavior able to be reduced to the present situation, but vectorial motions, always open and always re-opening into something defined since the beginning as forever lost. 2. Increasing activity for the analyst. The current hypothesis concerning the possibility of analyzing everything, encouraging the analyst's hyperactivity, does not allow for theoretical evaluation of the means and ways of manifestation of unconscious drives through gaps in the discourse. 3. Pan-counter-transference. The conception of counter-transference as an instrument is against Freud's contention, defining it as a reciprocal transference that must be fought in the same way as the patient's. 4. Belittling of theory. The thesis against theory, on the grounds that Psychoanalysis deals with affects and the affective life of patients, forgets that there is always some system for understanding the world and, for want of a theory, an ideological system is always ready to provide the grid underlying all concepts used. 5. Not-analyzing. The automatic \"translation\", lacking the search for new links to replace the ones that analysis dismantles, leads to denaturalizing the practice and keeping intact the patient's imaginary consistent universe. 6. Intergrationism. Other theories cannot be integrated to Psychoanalysis as they have different objects and different frameworks. Conversely, Psychoanalitic concepts cannot be formulated in other theories conceptual corpus for the same reason. The exception are the sciences having similar fields and methods of analysis, such as Semiotics or Linguistics. In their case the articulation of concepts becomes possible, but still requires the previous command of Psychoanalytic Theory in its full depth. 7. Communicationalism. The most common of all integrations with other sciences is the one linking Psychoanalysis with Communications Theory...", "PMID": 983751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_488", "title": "[Psychological approach to the prevention of war].", "content": "War is a complex social situation due to the interplay of multiple factors. Economical and political ones are of utmost importance, but human attitudes and motivations must be also taken into account. Being desirable to modify human transactions in such a way that they do not interfere with the basic right of everyone to a condition of physical and mental well-being, war must be abolished. The author contends that an understanding of behaviour through Psychology can be helpful in that aim. Aggression is considered the principal psychological cause of war. It is worth while to differentiate between aggression as an instrument for attaining a special end, and as pure hostility. Only in the first form, it is held here, does it play an important role in war. Psychogists must deal also with a wide range of states of mind that can be \"served\" by aggression: feelings of inferiority or insecurity, fear, greed, projections, compensations, rationalizations, etc. Scientific approach is not the only one Physiology brings to war prevention. It is equally important the wide dissemination of its conclusions among the general public. Information on the dynamics that prompt people to decide war would make it easier to control. This applies not only to political or military leaders, but also to civil populations. Concerning those two possible contributions of psychologists, scientific and educative, it is suggested the extensive use of psychodramatic techniques. Their richness lie in the lifelike experiences they convey to the participants, and particular aptitude to promote changes of attitudes. Investigation and information on the psychological processes related to war should be undertaken by international organizations of social scientists, acting simultaneously in several countries. Some of the initial steps they could further: 1) that prevention of war be a current subject matter in psychological courses; 2) that the World Health Organization take interest in this subject; 3) that psychologists participate in international political and economical bodies in order to clarify the psychological factors leading to war.", "contents": "[Psychological approach to the prevention of war]. War is a complex social situation due to the interplay of multiple factors. Economical and political ones are of utmost importance, but human attitudes and motivations must be also taken into account. Being desirable to modify human transactions in such a way that they do not interfere with the basic right of everyone to a condition of physical and mental well-being, war must be abolished. The author contends that an understanding of behaviour through Psychology can be helpful in that aim. Aggression is considered the principal psychological cause of war. It is worth while to differentiate between aggression as an instrument for attaining a special end, and as pure hostility. Only in the first form, it is held here, does it play an important role in war. Psychogists must deal also with a wide range of states of mind that can be \"served\" by aggression: feelings of inferiority or insecurity, fear, greed, projections, compensations, rationalizations, etc. Scientific approach is not the only one Physiology brings to war prevention. It is equally important the wide dissemination of its conclusions among the general public. Information on the dynamics that prompt people to decide war would make it easier to control. This applies not only to political or military leaders, but also to civil populations. Concerning those two possible contributions of psychologists, scientific and educative, it is suggested the extensive use of psychodramatic techniques. Their richness lie in the lifelike experiences they convey to the participants, and particular aptitude to promote changes of attitudes. Investigation and information on the psychological processes related to war should be undertaken by international organizations of social scientists, acting simultaneously in several countries. Some of the initial steps they could further: 1) that prevention of war be a current subject matter in psychological courses; 2) that the World Health Organization take interest in this subject; 3) that psychologists participate in international political and economical bodies in order to clarify the psychological factors leading to war.", "PMID": 983752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_489", "title": "[Trends of mental health in Latin America].", "content": "The paper attempts at a general assessment of mental health conditions in Latin America. Starting from methodological considerations the author points out at the difficulties for obtaining reliable data, gathered with compatible basis and the basical hindrances for building the concepts of health and illness, and for finding indicators reflecting the real health and welfare levels. The available data are discussed, together with their significance and scope. Stress is laid upon the meaning of prevalence and assistance data, which reflect only the problems of one sector of the population. The meaning of suicide and homicide is also discussed, and their use as indicators, together with data on occident rate, is suggested. The prevalence of alcoholism, psychosis and neuroses is examined, together with their role in the procedures for assessing mental health levels. Mental retardation and epilepsy are also considered. The author examines also human, technical and physical resources and facilities devoted to mental health, as well as training of personnel in the field. On the basis of statistical figures, it is showed a general deficit in all areas. As a conclusion, the author stresses the need to pay more attention to mental health problems and proposes a series of criteria in that sense.", "contents": "[Trends of mental health in Latin America]. The paper attempts at a general assessment of mental health conditions in Latin America. Starting from methodological considerations the author points out at the difficulties for obtaining reliable data, gathered with compatible basis and the basical hindrances for building the concepts of health and illness, and for finding indicators reflecting the real health and welfare levels. The available data are discussed, together with their significance and scope. Stress is laid upon the meaning of prevalence and assistance data, which reflect only the problems of one sector of the population. The meaning of suicide and homicide is also discussed, and their use as indicators, together with data on occident rate, is suggested. The prevalence of alcoholism, psychosis and neuroses is examined, together with their role in the procedures for assessing mental health levels. Mental retardation and epilepsy are also considered. The author examines also human, technical and physical resources and facilities devoted to mental health, as well as training of personnel in the field. On the basis of statistical figures, it is showed a general deficit in all areas. As a conclusion, the author stresses the need to pay more attention to mental health problems and proposes a series of criteria in that sense.", "PMID": 983753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_490", "title": "Simultaneous arthrography of the talocrural and talonavicular joints in children. I. Technique.", "content": "A method is described by which simultaneous arthrography of the talocrural and talonavicular joints is performed on neonates and small infants with a high degree of success and a very low risk of complications. From films exposed in exact, standardized projections, valuable and highly reproducible information is obtained about the configuration of the talus, the shapes and mutual relationships of the joint surfaces, and any obliteration of the recesses. One disadvantage of the method is the need for general anaesthesia.", "contents": "Simultaneous arthrography of the talocrural and talonavicular joints in children. I. Technique. A method is described by which simultaneous arthrography of the talocrural and talonavicular joints is performed on neonates and small infants with a high degree of success and a very low risk of complications. From films exposed in exact, standardized projections, valuable and highly reproducible information is obtained about the configuration of the talus, the shapes and mutual relationships of the joint surfaces, and any obliteration of the recesses. One disadvantage of the method is the need for general anaesthesia.", "PMID": 983756} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_491", "title": "Simultaneous arthrography of the talocrural and talonavicular joints in children. II. Comparison between anatomic and arthrographic measurements.", "content": "Simultaneous arthrography of the talocrural and talonavicular joints was performed on 32 autopsy foot specimens from 19 children of ages up to 3 years. Measurements concerning the size and shape of the talus were made on the films and the results were compared with corresponding measurements made on the anatomic specimens. The differences between the results and the reliability of the radiographic method as analysed by duplicate and triplicate examinations are discussed.", "contents": "Simultaneous arthrography of the talocrural and talonavicular joints in children. II. Comparison between anatomic and arthrographic measurements. Simultaneous arthrography of the talocrural and talonavicular joints was performed on 32 autopsy foot specimens from 19 children of ages up to 3 years. Measurements concerning the size and shape of the talus were made on the films and the results were compared with corresponding measurements made on the anatomic specimens. The differences between the results and the reliability of the radiographic method as analysed by duplicate and triplicate examinations are discussed.", "PMID": 983757} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_492", "title": "Normal width of cranial sutures in the neonate and infant. An objective method of assessment.", "content": "A material of 107 normal skull films have been used to determine the normal range of the cranial sutures in the age group 0 to 45 days of age. Assessment is based on the lateral view and includes evaluation of both coronal and lambdoid sutures as well as the degree of V-shape of the coronal sutures. Values obtained are easily classified as normal, borderline or pathologic by use of a simple diagram.", "contents": "Normal width of cranial sutures in the neonate and infant. An objective method of assessment. A material of 107 normal skull films have been used to determine the normal range of the cranial sutures in the age group 0 to 45 days of age. Assessment is based on the lateral view and includes evaluation of both coronal and lambdoid sutures as well as the degree of V-shape of the coronal sutures. Values obtained are easily classified as normal, borderline or pathologic by use of a simple diagram.", "PMID": 983758} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_493", "title": "Angiography of the femoral artery following percutaneous catheterization in infants and children.", "content": "Iliac and femoral arteries previously exposed to percutaneous catheterization were examined by angiography in conjunction with re-catheterization in 44 infants and children, most of them with heart disease. Frequency and extension of thrombotic changes were analysed, as well as the relationship between occurrence of thrombotic complications and age, haematocrit value, catheterization time, and tendency to arterial spasm. Only age and arterial spasm were significant for the occurrence of thrombotic complications. Injury of the intima was considered to be the primary cause of these complications.", "contents": "Angiography of the femoral artery following percutaneous catheterization in infants and children. Iliac and femoral arteries previously exposed to percutaneous catheterization were examined by angiography in conjunction with re-catheterization in 44 infants and children, most of them with heart disease. Frequency and extension of thrombotic changes were analysed, as well as the relationship between occurrence of thrombotic complications and age, haematocrit value, catheterization time, and tendency to arterial spasm. Only age and arterial spasm were significant for the occurrence of thrombotic complications. Injury of the intima was considered to be the primary cause of these complications.", "PMID": 983761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_494", "title": "Mucosal folding in upper urinary pathways following ureterolithiasis.", "content": "Mucosal folds in the ureter or renal pelvis were demonstrated in 2 children and 27 adults with urolithiasis. It appeared from the sequence of events observed in these cases that the folds occurred in a redundant mucosa following an episode of mural stretching. Urinalysis, including bacterial culture in the majority of cases, showed infection in only 3 of the adults.", "contents": "Mucosal folding in upper urinary pathways following ureterolithiasis. Mucosal folds in the ureter or renal pelvis were demonstrated in 2 children and 27 adults with urolithiasis. It appeared from the sequence of events observed in these cases that the folds occurred in a redundant mucosa following an episode of mural stretching. Urinalysis, including bacterial culture in the majority of cases, showed infection in only 3 of the adults.", "PMID": 983762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_495", "title": "Kidney size in children. A method of assessment.", "content": "A method for assessment of kidney size in pediatric practice is presented. Length of the kidney is correlated to length of the lumbar segment L1 to L3 including the intervertebral spaces comprised by these vertebrae. The result may either be expressed in standard deviations or as a kidney ratio. The method makes comparison with films from previous examinations or other hospitals feasible without access to any other data than those available in the film. The method also serves the purpose of properly assessing the growth of the kidneys.", "contents": "Kidney size in children. A method of assessment. A method for assessment of kidney size in pediatric practice is presented. Length of the kidney is correlated to length of the lumbar segment L1 to L3 including the intervertebral spaces comprised by these vertebrae. The result may either be expressed in standard deviations or as a kidney ratio. The method makes comparison with films from previous examinations or other hospitals feasible without access to any other data than those available in the film. The method also serves the purpose of properly assessing the growth of the kidneys.", "PMID": 983763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_496", "title": "Kidney size in children with unilateral urinary duplication.", "content": "Absolute kidney length and the ratio of right to left kidney lengths were estimated by the method of Ekl\u00f6f & Ringertz in a series of 142 patients with unilateral renal duplication. The anomalous kidney was frequently found to be larger than the contralateral one, particularly when associated with ectopic ureterocele, which was present in 34 patients. Nevertheless, a substantial number of reduplicated kidneys had a length below mean, some of them actually below -2SD.", "contents": "Kidney size in children with unilateral urinary duplication. Absolute kidney length and the ratio of right to left kidney lengths were estimated by the method of Ekl\u00f6f & Ringertz in a series of 142 patients with unilateral renal duplication. The anomalous kidney was frequently found to be larger than the contralateral one, particularly when associated with ectopic ureterocele, which was present in 34 patients. Nevertheless, a substantial number of reduplicated kidneys had a length below mean, some of them actually below -2SD.", "PMID": 983764} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_497", "title": "Lymphoid hyperplasia of the colon in childhood.", "content": "A retrospective inspection of films from colon examinations revealed evidence of lymphoid hyperplasia in 24 of 229 infants and children. The condition is more frequently demonstrated at double contrast examination than with the conventional barium enema. Analysis of symptoms and signs and information obtained at follow-up suggests that this condition is usually, if not always, benign in childhood.", "contents": "Lymphoid hyperplasia of the colon in childhood. A retrospective inspection of films from colon examinations revealed evidence of lymphoid hyperplasia in 24 of 229 infants and children. The condition is more frequently demonstrated at double contrast examination than with the conventional barium enema. Analysis of symptoms and signs and information obtained at follow-up suggests that this condition is usually, if not always, benign in childhood.", "PMID": 983765} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_498", "title": "Heart volume and haematocrit value following aorto-pulmonary anastomosis in children with Fallot's anomaly.", "content": "In 16 children with Fallot's anomaly and Waterston anastomosis, the effect of the shunt was examined repeatedly up to 2 years after operation. Change in heart volume was correlated with the haematocrit value. In 14 of the cases the function of the anastomosis was also evaluated on cardioangiography. Serial heart volume measurements were found useful to evaluate the function of the anastomosis.", "contents": "Heart volume and haematocrit value following aorto-pulmonary anastomosis in children with Fallot's anomaly. In 16 children with Fallot's anomaly and Waterston anastomosis, the effect of the shunt was examined repeatedly up to 2 years after operation. Change in heart volume was correlated with the haematocrit value. In 14 of the cases the function of the anastomosis was also evaluated on cardioangiography. Serial heart volume measurements were found useful to evaluate the function of the anastomosis.", "PMID": 983766} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_499", "title": "Spinal cord vascularity. V. The venous drainage of the spinal cord in the rat.", "content": "The anatomy of the spinal cord venous system has been investigated by stereomicroscopy in rats subjected to arterial or venous injections of a coloured contrast medium. The results demonstrate the arrangement of the intrinsic and the extrinsic spinal cord veins to be different from that of the arteries, a feature consistent with previous descriptions in man. An exact knowledge of the venous anatomy is considered essential in evaluating the origin of experimental vascular lesions associated with impaired spinal cord circulation.", "contents": "Spinal cord vascularity. V. The venous drainage of the spinal cord in the rat. The anatomy of the spinal cord venous system has been investigated by stereomicroscopy in rats subjected to arterial or venous injections of a coloured contrast medium. The results demonstrate the arrangement of the intrinsic and the extrinsic spinal cord veins to be different from that of the arteries, a feature consistent with previous descriptions in man. An exact knowledge of the venous anatomy is considered essential in evaluating the origin of experimental vascular lesions associated with impaired spinal cord circulation.", "PMID": 983767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_500", "title": "Lymphatics of the diaphragm in the dog.", "content": "Lymphography of the diaphragm was performed in 35 dogs. A main diaphragmatic duct passed in a postero-anterior direction, receiving several branches from the diaphragm. It passed to a double mammary internal channel ending at the upper end of the sternum, where a group of nodes were constantly present, and beyond this a lymphatic plexus was filled.", "contents": "Lymphatics of the diaphragm in the dog. Lymphography of the diaphragm was performed in 35 dogs. A main diaphragmatic duct passed in a postero-anterior direction, receiving several branches from the diaphragm. It passed to a double mammary internal channel ending at the upper end of the sternum, where a group of nodes were constantly present, and beyond this a lymphatic plexus was filled.", "PMID": 983768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_501", "title": "Abnormal basal angle of the skull in sex chromosome aberrations.", "content": "The basal angle was measured on skull films in 252 patients with hormonal disorders and sex chromosome aberrations. In cases of hormonal disturbance the basal angle was normal. In patients with Turner's syndrome (45,X chromosomes) the basal angle was enlarged while in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome (47,XXY chromosomes) and in those with extra X or Y chromosomes it was definitely reduced. A close relationship exists between the sex chromosome number and the size of the basal angle.", "contents": "Abnormal basal angle of the skull in sex chromosome aberrations. The basal angle was measured on skull films in 252 patients with hormonal disorders and sex chromosome aberrations. In cases of hormonal disturbance the basal angle was normal. In patients with Turner's syndrome (45,X chromosomes) the basal angle was enlarged while in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome (47,XXY chromosomes) and in those with extra X or Y chromosomes it was definitely reduced. A close relationship exists between the sex chromosome number and the size of the basal angle.", "PMID": 983769} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_502", "title": "Angiography in carcinoma of the renal pelvis and the ureter.", "content": "Angiographic findings in 21 cases of renal pelvic carcinoma are presented. Important characteristics include neovascularity, visible capillary phase, vascular encasement, wide pelviureteric artery and absence of arteriovenous shunting. Angiography may also be of value for the differential diagnosis of ureteric obstruction as demonstrated in 5 of 6 patients with carcinoma of the ureter.", "contents": "Angiography in carcinoma of the renal pelvis and the ureter. Angiographic findings in 21 cases of renal pelvic carcinoma are presented. Important characteristics include neovascularity, visible capillary phase, vascular encasement, wide pelviureteric artery and absence of arteriovenous shunting. Angiography may also be of value for the differential diagnosis of ureteric obstruction as demonstrated in 5 of 6 patients with carcinoma of the ureter.", "PMID": 983770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_503", "title": "Gastric motility and emptying following parietal cell vagotomy and selective gastric vagotomy. Experimental investigation.", "content": "After parietal cell vagotomy in dogs antral motility and gastric emptying time is unaffected. Addition of a drainage procedure changed the motility considerably by decreasing the force of contractions and diminishing the number of peridtaltic waves. After cutting the antral nerves complete atony occurred, but emptying rate was unaltered as the contrast meal passed passively through the anastomosis. Selective gastric vagotomy without drainage caused atony and significantly prolonged emptying time.", "contents": "Gastric motility and emptying following parietal cell vagotomy and selective gastric vagotomy. Experimental investigation. After parietal cell vagotomy in dogs antral motility and gastric emptying time is unaffected. Addition of a drainage procedure changed the motility considerably by decreasing the force of contractions and diminishing the number of peridtaltic waves. After cutting the antral nerves complete atony occurred, but emptying rate was unaltered as the contrast meal passed passively through the anastomosis. Selective gastric vagotomy without drainage caused atony and significantly prolonged emptying time.", "PMID": 983772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_504", "title": "Xeroradiography and conventional radiography in examination of the larynx.", "content": "Comparison of the visibility and radiation dose at xeroradiography and ordinary conventional radiography have been made in experimental and clinical examinations of the larynx. The investigation indicates that xeroradiography cannot replace positive contrast examination and gives a considerably higher radiation dose than conventional radiography.", "contents": "Xeroradiography and conventional radiography in examination of the larynx. Comparison of the visibility and radiation dose at xeroradiography and ordinary conventional radiography have been made in experimental and clinical examinations of the larynx. The investigation indicates that xeroradiography cannot replace positive contrast examination and gives a considerably higher radiation dose than conventional radiography.", "PMID": 983773} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_505", "title": "Adverse effects of stationary grids.", "content": "By means of simple tests, the mechanisms of image impairment due to stationary grids were demonstrated. Several contributing factors were found. The fact that the grid strips are not clearly visible in the film does not indicate that image quality is not lowered by the grid. To a certain degree it demonstrates that the image quality is so low that not even the grid lines are perceptible.", "contents": "Adverse effects of stationary grids. By means of simple tests, the mechanisms of image impairment due to stationary grids were demonstrated. Several contributing factors were found. The fact that the grid strips are not clearly visible in the film does not indicate that image quality is not lowered by the grid. To a certain degree it demonstrates that the image quality is so low that not even the grid lines are perceptible.", "PMID": 983776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_506", "title": "Uptake and retention of 133Ba and 140Ba-140La in mouse tissues.", "content": "The distribution of barium in the mouse has been determined qualitatively by whole-body autoradiography after i.v. administration of 133BaCl2 solution. The quantitative distribution of 104Ba and 140La has been analyzed after i.p. injections of the two nuclides in equilibrium by measuring the activity in excised organs in a two-channel scintillation counter. Approximate doses to the eyes and different parts of the skeleton have been calculated.", "contents": "Uptake and retention of 133Ba and 140Ba-140La in mouse tissues. The distribution of barium in the mouse has been determined qualitatively by whole-body autoradiography after i.v. administration of 133BaCl2 solution. The quantitative distribution of 104Ba and 140La has been analyzed after i.p. injections of the two nuclides in equilibrium by measuring the activity in excised organs in a two-channel scintillation counter. Approximate doses to the eyes and different parts of the skeleton have been calculated.", "PMID": 983777} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_507", "title": "Epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx. VI. Histologic grading in the clinical evaluation.", "content": "A multifactorial microscopic grading of malignancy was performed on a clinically well examined series of 129 patients with laryngeal carcinoma. The microscopic score was statistically significantly correlated to the frequency or regional lymph-node metastases and to the death rate. It afforded important supplementary information for the T-classification and for the prognosis. Microscopic grading is an essential supplement to the clinical evaluation of risk groups.", "contents": "Epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx. VI. Histologic grading in the clinical evaluation. A multifactorial microscopic grading of malignancy was performed on a clinically well examined series of 129 patients with laryngeal carcinoma. The microscopic score was statistically significantly correlated to the frequency or regional lymph-node metastases and to the death rate. It afforded important supplementary information for the T-classification and for the prognosis. Microscopic grading is an essential supplement to the clinical evaluation of risk groups.", "PMID": 983778} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_508", "title": "Radiation therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in East Africa.", "content": "Results of irradiation, 1 to 3 years after treatment, are presented in 64 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in East Africans. Two types of anatomic point indices are presented. Both correlate well with the results. Prophylactic irradiation of the mediastinum and both axillae was not followed by any evident improvement of the results.", "contents": "Radiation therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in East Africa. Results of irradiation, 1 to 3 years after treatment, are presented in 64 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in East Africans. Two types of anatomic point indices are presented. Both correlate well with the results. Prophylactic irradiation of the mediastinum and both axillae was not followed by any evident improvement of the results.", "PMID": 983779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_509", "title": "Local prognosis after combined external and interstitial radiation therapy for carcinoma of the tongue.", "content": "Of 36 patients with early carcinoma of the tongue treated with interstitial irradiation, 25 were controlled, 10 recurred and one developed local necrosis. Of 57 advanced cases treated with telecobalt therapy followed by interstitial irradiation, 15 were controlled, 20 recurred and 22 developed local necrosis. The frequency of necrosis following the combined irradiation was unacceptably high. Interstitial therapy alone may be a more adequate method for the primary tumour.", "contents": "Local prognosis after combined external and interstitial radiation therapy for carcinoma of the tongue. Of 36 patients with early carcinoma of the tongue treated with interstitial irradiation, 25 were controlled, 10 recurred and one developed local necrosis. Of 57 advanced cases treated with telecobalt therapy followed by interstitial irradiation, 15 were controlled, 20 recurred and 22 developed local necrosis. The frequency of necrosis following the combined irradiation was unacceptably high. Interstitial therapy alone may be a more adequate method for the primary tumour.", "PMID": 983780} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_510", "title": "Diagnostic value of gallium-67 in malignant lymphoma.", "content": "The results of lymphangiography and other radiologic procedures are compared with those obtained by 67Ga scintigraphy in staging of 27 patients with Hodgkin's disease and 31 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A high degree of correlation was found between lymphangiography and 67Ga scintigraphy. Exact localization, however, was only possible by lymphangiography. In some cases, the extent of disease found on scanning appeared to be smaller compared to radiography. Within the chest 67Ga scintigraphy and conventional radiography give almost similar results. Differentiation between neoplastic and inflammatory lymph node involvement is impossible.", "contents": "Diagnostic value of gallium-67 in malignant lymphoma. The results of lymphangiography and other radiologic procedures are compared with those obtained by 67Ga scintigraphy in staging of 27 patients with Hodgkin's disease and 31 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A high degree of correlation was found between lymphangiography and 67Ga scintigraphy. Exact localization, however, was only possible by lymphangiography. In some cases, the extent of disease found on scanning appeared to be smaller compared to radiography. Within the chest 67Ga scintigraphy and conventional radiography give almost similar results. Differentiation between neoplastic and inflammatory lymph node involvement is impossible.", "PMID": 983781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_511", "title": "Pulmonary contraction following 60Co irradiation of mammary carcinoma.", "content": "Pulmonary contraction, as measured by elevation of the right superior interlobar fissure, was investigated in 38 patients with carcinoma of the right breast, treated by radical mastectomy followed by irradiation with 60Co. Contraction of the right upper lobe was observed to extend over a minimum of four years although at a diminishing rate.", "contents": "Pulmonary contraction following 60Co irradiation of mammary carcinoma. Pulmonary contraction, as measured by elevation of the right superior interlobar fissure, was investigated in 38 patients with carcinoma of the right breast, treated by radical mastectomy followed by irradiation with 60Co. Contraction of the right upper lobe was observed to extend over a minimum of four years although at a diminishing rate.", "PMID": 983782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_512", "title": "Mantle treatment. Absorbed dose measurements in patients compared with dose planning.", "content": "In vivo dose measurements were performed in the hypopharnyx-oesophagus for 60 adult patients receiving mantle treatment with 60Co. The measurements of absorbed dose in more than 1 600 points were analysed and compared with dose plans for the same patients. For the technique used the mean difference between in vivo measured and planned absorbed dose is within +0.4 and -1.3 per cent with a standard error of the mean of 0.4 per cent.", "contents": "Mantle treatment. Absorbed dose measurements in patients compared with dose planning. In vivo dose measurements were performed in the hypopharnyx-oesophagus for 60 adult patients receiving mantle treatment with 60Co. The measurements of absorbed dose in more than 1 600 points were analysed and compared with dose plans for the same patients. For the technique used the mean difference between in vivo measured and planned absorbed dose is within +0.4 and -1.3 per cent with a standard error of the mean of 0.4 per cent.", "PMID": 983784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_513", "title": "Acute poisoning with dextropropoxyphene. Clinical symptoms and plasma concentrations.", "content": "Out of 14 cases of poisoning assumed to be due to dextropropoxyphene-containing drugs, propoxyphene and its main metabolite norpropoxyphene could be demonstrated in 11. The concentrations of the drugs were determined shortly after admission and then after 2, 4, 6 and 10 hours (in four cases also after 16 hours). The highest plasma concentration of propoxyphene, 0.74 mug/ml, was found in one case of fatal poisoning. Another patient with a plasma concentration of 0.51 mug/ml showed signs of severe respiratory depression but survived after respirator therapy. In the patients with lower plasma concentrations the poisoning had a benign course. In most cases the plasma concentration of norpropoxyphene exceeded that of propoxyphene even in the first blood sample.", "contents": "Acute poisoning with dextropropoxyphene. Clinical symptoms and plasma concentrations. Out of 14 cases of poisoning assumed to be due to dextropropoxyphene-containing drugs, propoxyphene and its main metabolite norpropoxyphene could be demonstrated in 11. The concentrations of the drugs were determined shortly after admission and then after 2, 4, 6 and 10 hours (in four cases also after 16 hours). The highest plasma concentration of propoxyphene, 0.74 mug/ml, was found in one case of fatal poisoning. Another patient with a plasma concentration of 0.51 mug/ml showed signs of severe respiratory depression but survived after respirator therapy. In the patients with lower plasma concentrations the poisoning had a benign course. In most cases the plasma concentration of norpropoxyphene exceeded that of propoxyphene even in the first blood sample.", "PMID": 983792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_514", "title": "Relationship between plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma potassium in patients with essential hypertension during alprenolol treatment.", "content": "Plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin concentration (PRC), plasma potassium, plasma sodium and blood pressure (BP) have been measured in 22 patients with essential hypertension before and after treatment for one month with alprenolol. PAC, PRC and BP decreased and plasma potassium increased significantly during treatment. Plasma sodium, however, was unchanged. Changes in PAC were inversely correlated to changes in plasma potassium. No relationship could be demonstrated between PAC and plasma sodium. Mean BP was inversely correlated to PAC during alprenolol treatment, but bot before treatment. No relationship was found between changes in BP and changes in PRC. The results suggest that plasma potassium is an important regulatory factor for aldosterone secretion during alprenolol treatment. Other factors, however, must have a modulating influence and since the renin- angiotensin system is not suppressed to very low values, this system is possibly the most important of these factors. It is suggested that aldosterone secretion is not of primary importance in BP regulation during alprenolol treatment.", "contents": "Relationship between plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma potassium in patients with essential hypertension during alprenolol treatment. Plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin concentration (PRC), plasma potassium, plasma sodium and blood pressure (BP) have been measured in 22 patients with essential hypertension before and after treatment for one month with alprenolol. PAC, PRC and BP decreased and plasma potassium increased significantly during treatment. Plasma sodium, however, was unchanged. Changes in PAC were inversely correlated to changes in plasma potassium. No relationship could be demonstrated between PAC and plasma sodium. Mean BP was inversely correlated to PAC during alprenolol treatment, but bot before treatment. No relationship was found between changes in BP and changes in PRC. The results suggest that plasma potassium is an important regulatory factor for aldosterone secretion during alprenolol treatment. Other factors, however, must have a modulating influence and since the renin- angiotensin system is not suppressed to very low values, this system is possibly the most important of these factors. It is suggested that aldosterone secretion is not of primary importance in BP regulation during alprenolol treatment.", "PMID": 983793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_515", "title": "The effects of different dose regimens of niceritrol of serum lipid concentrations in man.", "content": "The lipid-lowering effects of 3 g of the nicotinic acid derivative pentaerythritoltetranicotinate (niceritrol) given either 1 g X 3 or 1.5 g X 2 have been evaluated in 18 subjects with hyperlipoproteinaemia. When 1 g niceritrol was given three times daily, the serum TG concentration fell from 3.14 +/- 0.48 to 1.86 +/- 0.18 mmol/1 (41% reduction) and the serum cholesterol concentration from 282 +/- 9 to 227 +/- 11 mg/100 ml (20% reduction). The same daily dose, given 1.5 g twice, did not significantly lower the serum TG concentration, and serum cholesterol was lowered by only 12%. Niceritrol tablets prepared with a dissolution time of 60 or 90 min had identical lipid-lowering properties. Although patients may find it practical to take niceritrol only twice daily, such a dose regimen has considerably less effect on elevated serum lipids than a thrice-daily regimen.", "contents": "The effects of different dose regimens of niceritrol of serum lipid concentrations in man. The lipid-lowering effects of 3 g of the nicotinic acid derivative pentaerythritoltetranicotinate (niceritrol) given either 1 g X 3 or 1.5 g X 2 have been evaluated in 18 subjects with hyperlipoproteinaemia. When 1 g niceritrol was given three times daily, the serum TG concentration fell from 3.14 +/- 0.48 to 1.86 +/- 0.18 mmol/1 (41% reduction) and the serum cholesterol concentration from 282 +/- 9 to 227 +/- 11 mg/100 ml (20% reduction). The same daily dose, given 1.5 g twice, did not significantly lower the serum TG concentration, and serum cholesterol was lowered by only 12%. Niceritrol tablets prepared with a dissolution time of 60 or 90 min had identical lipid-lowering properties. Although patients may find it practical to take niceritrol only twice daily, such a dose regimen has considerably less effect on elevated serum lipids than a thrice-daily regimen.", "PMID": 983794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_516", "title": "Extreme elevation of transaminase levels in acute heart disease-a problem in differential diagnosis?", "content": "Five patients admitted to the Coronary Care Unit at the Department of Medicine, Serafimerlasarettet, who developed extreme elevation of transaminase levels, are discussed in terms of problems in differential diagnosis. All five had manifest right ventricular failure on admission and four also had hypotension. Three of the patients died, two survived. The three post-mortem examinations showed extensive infarctions of the left ventricle and septum. The two survivors had had a prolonged ventricular tachycardia and a probable silent infarct, respectively. It is concluded that the extremely high transaminase levels sometimes seen in acute cardiac disease are predominantly due to sizeable amounts released by the liver as a result of central necrosis of the liver cells. The probable prerequisite for the development of central necrosis of the liver in acute cardiac disease is usually the combination of right ventricular failure and hypotension, which in turn are most often due to extensive left ventricular infarcts.", "contents": "Extreme elevation of transaminase levels in acute heart disease-a problem in differential diagnosis? Five patients admitted to the Coronary Care Unit at the Department of Medicine, Serafimerlasarettet, who developed extreme elevation of transaminase levels, are discussed in terms of problems in differential diagnosis. All five had manifest right ventricular failure on admission and four also had hypotension. Three of the patients died, two survived. The three post-mortem examinations showed extensive infarctions of the left ventricle and septum. The two survivors had had a prolonged ventricular tachycardia and a probable silent infarct, respectively. It is concluded that the extremely high transaminase levels sometimes seen in acute cardiac disease are predominantly due to sizeable amounts released by the liver as a result of central necrosis of the liver cells. The probable prerequisite for the development of central necrosis of the liver in acute cardiac disease is usually the combination of right ventricular failure and hypotension, which in turn are most often due to extensive left ventricular infarcts.", "PMID": 983795} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_517", "title": "Hyperlipidaemia and reduced fibrinolytic activity associated with thromboembolic complications in a family.", "content": "Although not significantly correlated, the occurrence of reduced fibrinolytic activity and capacity in hyperlipidaemics has often been described. Hyperlipidaemia and reduced fibrinolysis might well enhance the possibility of thromboembolism. Such a coincidence of risk factors has probably caused thrombotic disease in a family, as described in this case report and family investigation.", "contents": "Hyperlipidaemia and reduced fibrinolytic activity associated with thromboembolic complications in a family. Although not significantly correlated, the occurrence of reduced fibrinolytic activity and capacity in hyperlipidaemics has often been described. Hyperlipidaemia and reduced fibrinolysis might well enhance the possibility of thromboembolism. Such a coincidence of risk factors has probably caused thrombotic disease in a family, as described in this case report and family investigation.", "PMID": 983796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_518", "title": "A comparison of two methods for estimating bone loss.", "content": "The presence or absence of osteopenia, as judged by routine X-ray examination of the lumbar spine supplemented by X-ray evaluation of calcaneus, has been investigated in 73 female subjects who also had photon absorptiometry done on calcaneus and antebrachi\u00fam. Comparison of the two methods reveals that there is no close relationship between the results. Photon absorptiometry for evaluating bone mineral content has proven its precision and accuracy, while conventional X-ray film evaluation of bone mineral seems to lack a proper foundation.", "contents": "A comparison of two methods for estimating bone loss. The presence or absence of osteopenia, as judged by routine X-ray examination of the lumbar spine supplemented by X-ray evaluation of calcaneus, has been investigated in 73 female subjects who also had photon absorptiometry done on calcaneus and antebrachi\u00fam. Comparison of the two methods reveals that there is no close relationship between the results. Photon absorptiometry for evaluating bone mineral content has proven its precision and accuracy, while conventional X-ray film evaluation of bone mineral seems to lack a proper foundation.", "PMID": 983797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_519", "title": "Serum glucose determination with dextrostix and the eyetone reflectance meter.", "content": "A simple, modified procedure for the Dextrostix-Eyetone system has been evaluated in order to enable the system to measure the concentration of glucose in serum as well as in whole blood. A reduction of the ordinary time of reaction on the Dextrostix from 60 to 45 sec gave serum glucose determinations by the Dextrostix-Eyetone system that correlated almost perfectly with those obtained by a specific conventional laboratory procedure. Thus, the coefficient of correlation was 0.99 and the regression line very close to the ideal line. As the modification is very simple and does not involve any changes in the adjustment of the instrument, it is recommendable in all cases where only serum samples are available.", "contents": "Serum glucose determination with dextrostix and the eyetone reflectance meter. A simple, modified procedure for the Dextrostix-Eyetone system has been evaluated in order to enable the system to measure the concentration of glucose in serum as well as in whole blood. A reduction of the ordinary time of reaction on the Dextrostix from 60 to 45 sec gave serum glucose determinations by the Dextrostix-Eyetone system that correlated almost perfectly with those obtained by a specific conventional laboratory procedure. Thus, the coefficient of correlation was 0.99 and the regression line very close to the ideal line. As the modification is very simple and does not involve any changes in the adjustment of the instrument, it is recommendable in all cases where only serum samples are available.", "PMID": 983798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_520", "title": "Serum vitamin B12 levels in the aged.", "content": "In an attempt to throw light on the question of age-related variations in the normal blood content of cobalamin and on the frequency of deficiencies of antimegaloblastic nutriments in the elderly, 273 geriatric patients have been investigated. Low serum vitamin B12 values were found in one third of these patients, due to latent pernicious anaemia in five and malabsorption in seven cases, and probably caused by nutritional deficiency of folate or cobalamin in 78 cases. In that part of the series with apparently normal vitamin B12 levels, the mean value (379+/-14 pg/ml) was lower than the mean (456+/-20 pg/ml) for a younger control group. However, this cannot be taken as a sign of a physiological lowering of the cobalamin values with age, as nutritional deficiencies could not be ruled out in this part of the series. It is concluded that serum vitamin B12 assays should be performed rather liberally in the aged. Patients with nutritional deficiency of cobalamin or folate should be treated, even if frank megaloblastic anaemia is not present.", "contents": "Serum vitamin B12 levels in the aged. In an attempt to throw light on the question of age-related variations in the normal blood content of cobalamin and on the frequency of deficiencies of antimegaloblastic nutriments in the elderly, 273 geriatric patients have been investigated. Low serum vitamin B12 values were found in one third of these patients, due to latent pernicious anaemia in five and malabsorption in seven cases, and probably caused by nutritional deficiency of folate or cobalamin in 78 cases. In that part of the series with apparently normal vitamin B12 levels, the mean value (379+/-14 pg/ml) was lower than the mean (456+/-20 pg/ml) for a younger control group. However, this cannot be taken as a sign of a physiological lowering of the cobalamin values with age, as nutritional deficiencies could not be ruled out in this part of the series. It is concluded that serum vitamin B12 assays should be performed rather liberally in the aged. Patients with nutritional deficiency of cobalamin or folate should be treated, even if frank megaloblastic anaemia is not present.", "PMID": 983799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_521", "title": "Iron therapy in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.", "content": "Twelve patients in maintenance hemodialysis, receiving long-term oral iron therapy, have been treated with i.v. iron dextran, in order to evaluate the effect on the Hb level. Both Hb and hematocrit were unchanged before and after the iron dextran infusion (p greater than 0.5, p greater than 0.7, respectively). Oral iron therapy is usually sufficient to maintain an adequate iron balance in dialysed patients and should be preferred to parenteral iron in view of the better utilization and absence of side-effects. The indication for parenteral iron should be limited to patients with impaired gastrointestinal iron absorption.", "contents": "Iron therapy in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Twelve patients in maintenance hemodialysis, receiving long-term oral iron therapy, have been treated with i.v. iron dextran, in order to evaluate the effect on the Hb level. Both Hb and hematocrit were unchanged before and after the iron dextran infusion (p greater than 0.5, p greater than 0.7, respectively). Oral iron therapy is usually sufficient to maintain an adequate iron balance in dialysed patients and should be preferred to parenteral iron in view of the better utilization and absence of side-effects. The indication for parenteral iron should be limited to patients with impaired gastrointestinal iron absorption.", "PMID": 983800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_522", "title": "Hemodynamic influence of multiple congenital arteriovenous fistulas. Report of a case.", "content": "A 16-year-old girl complained of sensations of weight, swelling warmth and freqeunt sweating from her right arm and hand. Varicose veins were seen on the dorsal aspect of her right hand, her right arm was longer than the left. Since birth she had a capillary hemangioma involving her right shoulder. Right arm and aortocervical arteriograms disclosed large arteriovenous fistulas. Cardiac output was markedly increased. No cardiac enlargement was seen at X-ray examination. The prognosis and future management of the patient are discussed.", "contents": "Hemodynamic influence of multiple congenital arteriovenous fistulas. Report of a case. A 16-year-old girl complained of sensations of weight, swelling warmth and freqeunt sweating from her right arm and hand. Varicose veins were seen on the dorsal aspect of her right hand, her right arm was longer than the left. Since birth she had a capillary hemangioma involving her right shoulder. Right arm and aortocervical arteriograms disclosed large arteriovenous fistulas. Cardiac output was markedly increased. No cardiac enlargement was seen at X-ray examination. The prognosis and future management of the patient are discussed.", "PMID": 983801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_523", "title": "Immediate and long-term results of emergency aortic valve replacement in acute bacterial endocarditis.", "content": "A surgically treated material comprising 18 patinets with heart failure from aortic insufficiency during acute endocarditis has been reviewed. At the time of operation the mean duration of heart failure was 3 weeks and duration of endocarditis 9 weeks. Blood culture was positive in half of the patients, 39% had predisposing valve disease, 14 (78%) had a preoperative heart catheterization. The peroperatively measured regurgitation averaged 55%. All 18 patients had an artifical valve implanted, and the mean observation time for 13 long-term survivors was 3 1/3 years. There were 3 postoperative and 2 late deaths. A long-term survival rate of 73% strongly supports early surgical treatment in patients with aortic insufficiency and heart failure during acute endocarditis.", "contents": "Immediate and long-term results of emergency aortic valve replacement in acute bacterial endocarditis. A surgically treated material comprising 18 patinets with heart failure from aortic insufficiency during acute endocarditis has been reviewed. At the time of operation the mean duration of heart failure was 3 weeks and duration of endocarditis 9 weeks. Blood culture was positive in half of the patients, 39% had predisposing valve disease, 14 (78%) had a preoperative heart catheterization. The peroperatively measured regurgitation averaged 55%. All 18 patients had an artifical valve implanted, and the mean observation time for 13 long-term survivors was 3 1/3 years. There were 3 postoperative and 2 late deaths. A long-term survival rate of 73% strongly supports early surgical treatment in patients with aortic insufficiency and heart failure during acute endocarditis.", "PMID": 983802} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_524", "title": "Sarcoidosis of the spleen.", "content": "To determine the frequency of splenic involvement in sarcoidosis, fine-needle aspiration biopsies of the spleen have been performed on 71 patients and enlarged in 6. Splenic sarcoidosis was demonstrated in 53% of all patinets, and in 67% of those with and in 47% of those without known extrathoracic manifestations. No complications occurred with this simple bedside procedure. In sarcoidosis, fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the spleen is a valuable diagnostic tool, especially when visible or palpable lesions are absent. Its use is recommended before the use of mediastinoscopy, bronchoscopy, lung biopsy or laparoscopy.", "contents": "Sarcoidosis of the spleen. To determine the frequency of splenic involvement in sarcoidosis, fine-needle aspiration biopsies of the spleen have been performed on 71 patients and enlarged in 6. Splenic sarcoidosis was demonstrated in 53% of all patinets, and in 67% of those with and in 47% of those without known extrathoracic manifestations. No complications occurred with this simple bedside procedure. In sarcoidosis, fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the spleen is a valuable diagnostic tool, especially when visible or palpable lesions are absent. Its use is recommended before the use of mediastinoscopy, bronchoscopy, lung biopsy or laparoscopy.", "PMID": 983803} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_525", "title": "Observations on the different calcium metabolic patterns in sarcoidosis. A metabolic and kinetic study.", "content": "Combined calcium balance and 47Ca turnover studies in sarcoidosis (4 patients) and vitamin D intoxication (1 patient) disclosed three different patterns of calcium metabolism. On patient with sarcoidosis had a normal metabolism of calcium, and two patients presented the usual pattern of intestinal hyperabsorption, hypercalcemia, and hypercalciuria. The fourth patient with sarcoidosis and the patient with vitamin D intoxication, both studied during spontaneous remissions, presented the third pattern. The main features here were hypercalcemia despite normal intestinal absorption of calcium, enlarged exchangeable calcium pool, accelerated accretion and resorption rates, hypercalciuria, and a distinctly negative calcium balance. This pattern of remission seems to represent a mobilization of extraosseous or metastatic calcifications, rather than a resorption of bone calcium.", "contents": "Observations on the different calcium metabolic patterns in sarcoidosis. A metabolic and kinetic study. Combined calcium balance and 47Ca turnover studies in sarcoidosis (4 patients) and vitamin D intoxication (1 patient) disclosed three different patterns of calcium metabolism. On patient with sarcoidosis had a normal metabolism of calcium, and two patients presented the usual pattern of intestinal hyperabsorption, hypercalcemia, and hypercalciuria. The fourth patient with sarcoidosis and the patient with vitamin D intoxication, both studied during spontaneous remissions, presented the third pattern. The main features here were hypercalcemia despite normal intestinal absorption of calcium, enlarged exchangeable calcium pool, accelerated accretion and resorption rates, hypercalciuria, and a distinctly negative calcium balance. This pattern of remission seems to represent a mobilization of extraosseous or metastatic calcifications, rather than a resorption of bone calcium.", "PMID": 983804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_526", "title": "1-Alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol-induced changes in the renal heandling of phosphate and the serum parathyroid hormone level.", "content": "The effect of 1-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1alpha-OH-D3) on the renal handling of phosphate and the immunoreactive parathyroid hormone in serum (i-PTH) has been studied in 10 patients with a wide range of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), maximal tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TmP) and i-PTH. The patients were treated with 2 mug 1alpha-OH-D3 per day for approximately 80 days. Before and after this period of treatment, the TmP, i-PTH, 51Cr EDTA clearance, extracellular volume, standard bicarbonate, and serum calcium were measured in each patient. The TmP/GFR ratio was used as an index of the renal handling of phosphate. The index increased significantly (mean 26.5%, p less than 0.01) during the treatment, while i-PTH decreased significantly (mean 37.0%. p less than 0.01). An inverse significant correlation was demonstrated between TmP/GFR index and i-PTH both before (r = -0.87, p less than 0.001) and after (r = -0.79, p less than 0.01) the administration o alpha-OH-D3, while none of the other factors investigated were correlated to the index. It is concluded that 1alpha-OH-D3 increases the TmP/GFR index and reduces i-PTH in a parallel manner and it is therefore suggested that the 1alpha-OH-D3-induced changes in the renal handling of phosphate may be explained as being mediated solely via the suppression of i-PTH.", "contents": "1-Alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol-induced changes in the renal heandling of phosphate and the serum parathyroid hormone level. The effect of 1-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1alpha-OH-D3) on the renal handling of phosphate and the immunoreactive parathyroid hormone in serum (i-PTH) has been studied in 10 patients with a wide range of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), maximal tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TmP) and i-PTH. The patients were treated with 2 mug 1alpha-OH-D3 per day for approximately 80 days. Before and after this period of treatment, the TmP, i-PTH, 51Cr EDTA clearance, extracellular volume, standard bicarbonate, and serum calcium were measured in each patient. The TmP/GFR ratio was used as an index of the renal handling of phosphate. The index increased significantly (mean 26.5%, p less than 0.01) during the treatment, while i-PTH decreased significantly (mean 37.0%. p less than 0.01). An inverse significant correlation was demonstrated between TmP/GFR index and i-PTH both before (r = -0.87, p less than 0.001) and after (r = -0.79, p less than 0.01) the administration o alpha-OH-D3, while none of the other factors investigated were correlated to the index. It is concluded that 1alpha-OH-D3 increases the TmP/GFR index and reduces i-PTH in a parallel manner and it is therefore suggested that the 1alpha-OH-D3-induced changes in the renal handling of phosphate may be explained as being mediated solely via the suppression of i-PTH.", "PMID": 983805} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_527", "title": "Clinical and laboratory findings in subjects with hypercalcaemia. A study including cases with primary hyperparathyroidism detected in a health screening.", "content": "Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) was the most likely diagnosis in 68 non-thiazide-treated patients with hypercalcaemia detected in a health screening. The group comprised 55 females and 13 males, with a mean age of 55.0 +/- 0.7 (S.E.M.) years. On a pair basis these patients (the observation group) were compared with a series of 68 age- and sex-matched normocalcaemic subjects (the control group) selected from the health screening register. Renal calcui and reduced creatinine clearance were encountered less frequently in the observation group than in many reports of hospitalized patients with PHPT. Compared with the control group, the observation group comprised a greater number of subjects with renal calculi (usually multiple and bilateral), constipation, mental depression and reduced creatinine clearance. The ECG Q-T interval was shorter in the observation group than in the control group. No differences were found with respect to the occurrence of gastritis and/or peptic ulcer, poly-dipsia, polyuria and general muscle weakness. On the basis of this and a previous study it was concluded that at least 3% of the 15903 subjects participating in the health screening suffered from \"asymptomatic\" hypercalcaemia and most probably from \"asymptomatic\" PHPT.", "contents": "Clinical and laboratory findings in subjects with hypercalcaemia. A study including cases with primary hyperparathyroidism detected in a health screening. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) was the most likely diagnosis in 68 non-thiazide-treated patients with hypercalcaemia detected in a health screening. The group comprised 55 females and 13 males, with a mean age of 55.0 +/- 0.7 (S.E.M.) years. On a pair basis these patients (the observation group) were compared with a series of 68 age- and sex-matched normocalcaemic subjects (the control group) selected from the health screening register. Renal calcui and reduced creatinine clearance were encountered less frequently in the observation group than in many reports of hospitalized patients with PHPT. Compared with the control group, the observation group comprised a greater number of subjects with renal calculi (usually multiple and bilateral), constipation, mental depression and reduced creatinine clearance. The ECG Q-T interval was shorter in the observation group than in the control group. No differences were found with respect to the occurrence of gastritis and/or peptic ulcer, poly-dipsia, polyuria and general muscle weakness. On the basis of this and a previous study it was concluded that at least 3% of the 15903 subjects participating in the health screening suffered from \"asymptomatic\" hypercalcaemia and most probably from \"asymptomatic\" PHPT.", "PMID": 983806} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_528", "title": "Menopausal age of females with hypercalcaemia. A study including cases with primary hyperparathyroidism, detected in a health screening.", "content": "The mean age at natural menopause of 7 328 women participating in a health screening conducted by the Stockholm City and County Council was 50.2 years. The corresponding age encountered for a subgroup of 49 women with hypercalcaemia (very probably due to primary hyperparathyroidism) confirmed in repeated determinations was 45.7 +/- 0.4 (mean +/- S.E.M.) and significantly lower than that (50.1 +/- 0.4 years) of a normocalcaemic age-martched control group (p less than 0.001). The health screening was performed about eight years after the women's menopause. The observation and control groups showed a significant difference with regard to the serum calcium level but no difference was found with respect to marital, parital or socio-economic status or disorders that may result in early or late menopause.", "contents": "Menopausal age of females with hypercalcaemia. A study including cases with primary hyperparathyroidism, detected in a health screening. The mean age at natural menopause of 7 328 women participating in a health screening conducted by the Stockholm City and County Council was 50.2 years. The corresponding age encountered for a subgroup of 49 women with hypercalcaemia (very probably due to primary hyperparathyroidism) confirmed in repeated determinations was 45.7 +/- 0.4 (mean +/- S.E.M.) and significantly lower than that (50.1 +/- 0.4 years) of a normocalcaemic age-martched control group (p less than 0.001). The health screening was performed about eight years after the women's menopause. The observation and control groups showed a significant difference with regard to the serum calcium level but no difference was found with respect to marital, parital or socio-economic status or disorders that may result in early or late menopause.", "PMID": 983807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_529", "title": "Acetylator phenotype in patients with hydralazine-induced lupoid syndrome.", "content": "The acteylator phenotype has been determined (isoniazid half-life) in 31 patients, 25 of them women, who had exhibited a lupus erythematosus-like syndrome during treatment with hydralazine. Twenty-nine patients were slow acetylators, one was rapid (probably spontaneous SLE) and one uncertain. Only two patients had been given more than 200 mg of hydralazine daily. The mean duration of therapy was 32 months at the onset of symtoms. These were not serious but rather long-standing. Our study confirms that patients who risk developing hydralazine lupus are slow acetylators, especially females, treated with more than 100 mg daily. Rapid acetylators seem to develop this side-effect rarely, if at all.", "contents": "Acetylator phenotype in patients with hydralazine-induced lupoid syndrome. The acteylator phenotype has been determined (isoniazid half-life) in 31 patients, 25 of them women, who had exhibited a lupus erythematosus-like syndrome during treatment with hydralazine. Twenty-nine patients were slow acetylators, one was rapid (probably spontaneous SLE) and one uncertain. Only two patients had been given more than 200 mg of hydralazine daily. The mean duration of therapy was 32 months at the onset of symtoms. These were not serious but rather long-standing. Our study confirms that patients who risk developing hydralazine lupus are slow acetylators, especially females, treated with more than 100 mg daily. Rapid acetylators seem to develop this side-effect rarely, if at all.", "PMID": 983808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_530", "title": "Problems encountered in long-term treatment with anticoagulants.", "content": "The course of long-term anticoagulant therapy in 114 out-patients has been evaluated over a three-month period. The evaluation was based on the registration of information from the clinical records and from two personal interviews with each patient. The patients had attended the Anticoagulation Clinic for 141 weeks on the average. The prothrombin complex activity (PP%) level was siginificantly lower in patients with bleeding episodes. An apparently higher PP% level in patients with thromboembolic manifestations was not significant. No bleeding was observed when the PP% was above 25. Warfarin resulted in relatively bleeding episodes and more PP% values within the desired range (10-25) than phenprocoumon and bishydroxycoumarin. The role of age, but not of moderate hypertension, as a risk factor was confirmed. A probable adverse interaction of the anticoagulant and other drugs was found in 37.5% of the situations in which an interaction could be expected according to the literature.", "contents": "Problems encountered in long-term treatment with anticoagulants. The course of long-term anticoagulant therapy in 114 out-patients has been evaluated over a three-month period. The evaluation was based on the registration of information from the clinical records and from two personal interviews with each patient. The patients had attended the Anticoagulation Clinic for 141 weeks on the average. The prothrombin complex activity (PP%) level was siginificantly lower in patients with bleeding episodes. An apparently higher PP% level in patients with thromboembolic manifestations was not significant. No bleeding was observed when the PP% was above 25. Warfarin resulted in relatively bleeding episodes and more PP% values within the desired range (10-25) than phenprocoumon and bishydroxycoumarin. The role of age, but not of moderate hypertension, as a risk factor was confirmed. A probable adverse interaction of the anticoagulant and other drugs was found in 37.5% of the situations in which an interaction could be expected according to the literature.", "PMID": 983809} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_531", "title": "Oesophageal dysfunction in male patients with angina-like pain.", "content": "Twenty-eight male patients referred to work ECG due to chest pain, all with a positive oesophageal symptom questionnaire believed to detect oesophageal dysfunction (OD), have been subjected to a graded work test and an oesophageal manometry test and answered a questionnaire believed to detect effort angina. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) was defined as earlier infarction on ECG at rest or a pathological effort ECG. OD was defined as a positive acid perfusion test, hernia or a clear dysmotility in combination with a lower sphincter incompetence. Twenty patients had a positive effort angina questionnaire. Among these, OD was more common (n = 13) than IHD (n = 8). Five of the 20 patients had signs of both IHD and OD. Eight patients had a negative effort angina questionnaire; OD was found in 7 and IHD in 1 of these patients. It is concluded that in cases with angina-like chest pain OD should be considered.", "contents": "Oesophageal dysfunction in male patients with angina-like pain. Twenty-eight male patients referred to work ECG due to chest pain, all with a positive oesophageal symptom questionnaire believed to detect oesophageal dysfunction (OD), have been subjected to a graded work test and an oesophageal manometry test and answered a questionnaire believed to detect effort angina. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) was defined as earlier infarction on ECG at rest or a pathological effort ECG. OD was defined as a positive acid perfusion test, hernia or a clear dysmotility in combination with a lower sphincter incompetence. Twenty patients had a positive effort angina questionnaire. Among these, OD was more common (n = 13) than IHD (n = 8). Five of the 20 patients had signs of both IHD and OD. Eight patients had a negative effort angina questionnaire; OD was found in 7 and IHD in 1 of these patients. It is concluded that in cases with angina-like chest pain OD should be considered.", "PMID": 983810} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_532", "title": "Plasma levels and effect on heart rate and blood pressure of metoprolol after acute oral administration in 12 geriatric patients.", "content": "Metoprolol, a cardioselective beta-blocking agent, has been given orally to 12 geriatric patients with moderate hypertension. Drug levels of metoprolol as well as the effect of the drug on resting heart rate and BP were studied. Metoprolol was given in a dose of 20 mg, and 8 of the 12 patients also received a 50 mg dose. After the 20 mg dose the peak drug plasma concentration varied between 5 and 80 ng/ml (mean 33), and after the 50 mg dose between 14 and 212 ng/ml (mean 111). This variation is much greater than that seen in earlier studies on healthy volunteers and on a group of non-geriatric hypertensive patients. Plasma half-life of metoprolol averaged about 3.5 hours after both the 20 mg and the 50 mg dose; this does not differe from the plasma half-life in earlier studies in younger age groups. The variability observed in the study might be explained multifactorially, e.g. by different body weight, absorption and/or first-pass effect of the drug.", "contents": "Plasma levels and effect on heart rate and blood pressure of metoprolol after acute oral administration in 12 geriatric patients. Metoprolol, a cardioselective beta-blocking agent, has been given orally to 12 geriatric patients with moderate hypertension. Drug levels of metoprolol as well as the effect of the drug on resting heart rate and BP were studied. Metoprolol was given in a dose of 20 mg, and 8 of the 12 patients also received a 50 mg dose. After the 20 mg dose the peak drug plasma concentration varied between 5 and 80 ng/ml (mean 33), and after the 50 mg dose between 14 and 212 ng/ml (mean 111). This variation is much greater than that seen in earlier studies on healthy volunteers and on a group of non-geriatric hypertensive patients. Plasma half-life of metoprolol averaged about 3.5 hours after both the 20 mg and the 50 mg dose; this does not differe from the plasma half-life in earlier studies in younger age groups. The variability observed in the study might be explained multifactorially, e.g. by different body weight, absorption and/or first-pass effect of the drug.", "PMID": 983811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_533", "title": "Clinical diagnosis in patients with smooth muscle antibodies. A study of a one-year material.", "content": "Out of 17 109 sera tested for autoantibodies by indirect immunofluorescence, 236 contained smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) with a titre of greater than or equal to 1/25. The majority of these sera, from 190 patients, reacted both with smooth muscle and renal glomeruli and the specificity of these SMA is against actin. 91% of high-titred sera (greater than or equal to 1/100) with IgG antibodies giving this staining pattern were derived from patients with chronic inflammatory liver disease, mainly chronic active hepatitis. In the group with a titre of 1/25, non-liver diseases such as joint diseases were more common and liver conditions occurred only in 55%. Sera with SMA of IgM class weremostly derived from patients with acute viral hepatitis.", "contents": "Clinical diagnosis in patients with smooth muscle antibodies. A study of a one-year material. Out of 17 109 sera tested for autoantibodies by indirect immunofluorescence, 236 contained smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) with a titre of greater than or equal to 1/25. The majority of these sera, from 190 patients, reacted both with smooth muscle and renal glomeruli and the specificity of these SMA is against actin. 91% of high-titred sera (greater than or equal to 1/100) with IgG antibodies giving this staining pattern were derived from patients with chronic inflammatory liver disease, mainly chronic active hepatitis. In the group with a titre of 1/25, non-liver diseases such as joint diseases were more common and liver conditions occurred only in 55%. Sera with SMA of IgM class weremostly derived from patients with acute viral hepatitis.", "PMID": 983812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_534", "title": "Serum triglycerides and fatty acid incorporation into human adipose tissue (TIAT). Their relations with adipose tissue characteristics and glucose tolerance.", "content": "Fatty acid incorporation into adipose tissue (FIAT), the metabolic process assimilating plasma triglyceride fatty acids liberated by lipoprotein lipase, was recently found to be lower in hyper- than in normotriglyceridaemia. In the present report, the relation of FIAT to glucose tolerance and adipose tissue morphology and fatty acid composition has been studied in a popoulation of men with normo- and hypertriglyceridaemia, using needle biopsy specimens. In addition, the associations between plasma triglyceride concentration and these factors as well as FIAT were examined by statistical methods. FIAT and GLIAT (glucose incorporation into adipose tissue) activities per cell were positively correlated with fat cell diameter but not with fat cell number. FIAT activities per cell and per unit surface area were lower in hyper- than in normo-triglyceridaemic subjects. The k-value of the i.v.glucose tolerance test and glycerol release from adipose tissue did not correlate with FIAT or GLIAT activities. The proportion of stearic acid in adipose tissue was negatively correlated with the serum triglyceride level and with fat cell diameter, but positively correlated with FIAT. Linolenic acid in adipose tissue correlated positively with the k-value. The negative correlation between serum triglycerides and FIAT remained when the other variables which were significantly correlated with FIAT or the serum triglycerides were entered in partial correlat-on analysis. These results suggest that although low FIAT activity is related in part to other characteristics, it occurs in hypertriglyceridaemia independent of glucose tolerance or various characteristics in fat. With serum triglyceride concentration as dependent variable, stepwise regression analysis was performed, entering all other variables as independent ones. The highest multiple --value was 0.76 (p less than 0.001) and it was obtained with three adipose tissue parameters: FIAT (or GLIAT), content of linolenic acid and of stearic acid. The other parameters did not give rise to any further improvement in the prediction of the serum triglyceride concentration which is better than 50% (R2 = 0.57).", "contents": "Serum triglycerides and fatty acid incorporation into human adipose tissue (TIAT). Their relations with adipose tissue characteristics and glucose tolerance. Fatty acid incorporation into adipose tissue (FIAT), the metabolic process assimilating plasma triglyceride fatty acids liberated by lipoprotein lipase, was recently found to be lower in hyper- than in normotriglyceridaemia. In the present report, the relation of FIAT to glucose tolerance and adipose tissue morphology and fatty acid composition has been studied in a popoulation of men with normo- and hypertriglyceridaemia, using needle biopsy specimens. In addition, the associations between plasma triglyceride concentration and these factors as well as FIAT were examined by statistical methods. FIAT and GLIAT (glucose incorporation into adipose tissue) activities per cell were positively correlated with fat cell diameter but not with fat cell number. FIAT activities per cell and per unit surface area were lower in hyper- than in normo-triglyceridaemic subjects. The k-value of the i.v.glucose tolerance test and glycerol release from adipose tissue did not correlate with FIAT or GLIAT activities. The proportion of stearic acid in adipose tissue was negatively correlated with the serum triglyceride level and with fat cell diameter, but positively correlated with FIAT. Linolenic acid in adipose tissue correlated positively with the k-value. The negative correlation between serum triglycerides and FIAT remained when the other variables which were significantly correlated with FIAT or the serum triglycerides were entered in partial correlat-on analysis. These results suggest that although low FIAT activity is related in part to other characteristics, it occurs in hypertriglyceridaemia independent of glucose tolerance or various characteristics in fat. With serum triglyceride concentration as dependent variable, stepwise regression analysis was performed, entering all other variables as independent ones. The highest multiple --value was 0.76 (p less than 0.001) and it was obtained with three adipose tissue parameters: FIAT (or GLIAT), content of linolenic acid and of stearic acid. The other parameters did not give rise to any further improvement in the prediction of the serum triglyceride concentration which is better than 50% (R2 = 0.57).", "PMID": 983813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_535", "title": "Extreme digitalis intoxication.", "content": "A case of massive digoxin intoxication is described. The concentration of digoxin in plasma, 15.5 ng/ml, is one of the highest observed in an individual not having heart diease who survived the intoxication. During the first two days there was complete heart block but only moderate hyperkalaemia. The advantage of temporary pacemaker treatment under these conditions is emphasized.", "contents": "Extreme digitalis intoxication. A case of massive digoxin intoxication is described. The concentration of digoxin in plasma, 15.5 ng/ml, is one of the highest observed in an individual not having heart diease who survived the intoxication. During the first two days there was complete heart block but only moderate hyperkalaemia. The advantage of temporary pacemaker treatment under these conditions is emphasized.", "PMID": 983814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_536", "title": "Nephrotic syndrome due to subacute glomerulonephritis -- association with hydrocarbon exposure?", "content": "A 59-year-old man developed a nephrotic syndrome 40 days after hydrocarbon exposure of 3 days' duration. Renal biopsy gave evidence of a subacute proliferative glomerulonephritis. A lasting remission was obtained with immunosuppressive therapy. The case history is discussed in the light of recent studies indicating a causal relationship between hydrocarbon exposure and glomerulonephritis. The reversible nature of the disease in the present case is discussed in relation to the disease in experimental animals induced by a single administration of heterologus antigen.", "contents": "Nephrotic syndrome due to subacute glomerulonephritis -- association with hydrocarbon exposure? A 59-year-old man developed a nephrotic syndrome 40 days after hydrocarbon exposure of 3 days' duration. Renal biopsy gave evidence of a subacute proliferative glomerulonephritis. A lasting remission was obtained with immunosuppressive therapy. The case history is discussed in the light of recent studies indicating a causal relationship between hydrocarbon exposure and glomerulonephritis. The reversible nature of the disease in the present case is discussed in relation to the disease in experimental animals induced by a single administration of heterologus antigen.", "PMID": 983815} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_537", "title": "Electrophoretic patterns of insoluble proteins in the sensory cerebral cortex of visually deprived and normal kittens.", "content": "Insoluble proteins were investigated in the visual cortex (area 17) and somatic sensory cortex of one month old kittens. Visual deprivation did not affect the electrophoretic pattern but changed percentage distribution of proteins in both cortices. Some of the alterations seemed to appear only in the visual cortex, which is morphologically and functionally deficient in deprived kittens. Electrophoretic patterns of normal kittens differed from those of normal adult cats.", "contents": "Electrophoretic patterns of insoluble proteins in the sensory cerebral cortex of visually deprived and normal kittens. Insoluble proteins were investigated in the visual cortex (area 17) and somatic sensory cortex of one month old kittens. Visual deprivation did not affect the electrophoretic pattern but changed percentage distribution of proteins in both cortices. Some of the alterations seemed to appear only in the visual cortex, which is morphologically and functionally deficient in deprived kittens. Electrophoretic patterns of normal kittens differed from those of normal adult cats.", "PMID": 983817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_538", "title": "Relationship between the peculiarities of elaboration and retention of brightness discrimination and the serotonin content in the rat brain.", "content": "The role of serotonin in memory consolidation was investigated by comparing the serotonin content in the brain of young and old animals which differed in the duration of consolidation process and by comparing the serotonin content in the brain with the efficiency of retrieval of memory traces in animals of the same age. Old rats had the serotonin content higher in the hippocampus and lower in the hemispheres, diencephalon, midbrain and medulla as compared with young ones. Elaboration of brightness discrimination increased the brain serotonin content in old animals and decreased it in young ones. Inverse correlation occurred between the serotonin content in the hippocampus, midbrain and the medulla and retention of conditioned reflexes in rats of the same age. No correlation occurred between the serotonin content in the cerebral structures and the rate of conditioning.", "contents": "Relationship between the peculiarities of elaboration and retention of brightness discrimination and the serotonin content in the rat brain. The role of serotonin in memory consolidation was investigated by comparing the serotonin content in the brain of young and old animals which differed in the duration of consolidation process and by comparing the serotonin content in the brain with the efficiency of retrieval of memory traces in animals of the same age. Old rats had the serotonin content higher in the hippocampus and lower in the hemispheres, diencephalon, midbrain and medulla as compared with young ones. Elaboration of brightness discrimination increased the brain serotonin content in old animals and decreased it in young ones. Inverse correlation occurred between the serotonin content in the hippocampus, midbrain and the medulla and retention of conditioned reflexes in rats of the same age. No correlation occurred between the serotonin content in the cerebral structures and the rate of conditioning.", "PMID": 983818} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_539", "title": "Differentiation learning as a function of stimulus intensity and previous experience with the CS.", "content": "Discrimination between 50- and 70-dB white noise was investigated in rats under three training procedures employing a conditioned emotional response (CER) technique. When a CER was initially established to the CS(+) and then the CS(-) was introduced, clear generalization of the CER from CS(+) to CS(-) was observed at the beginning of differentiation learning. When both CSi were simultaneously introduced from the beginning of training, subjects acquired the CER to both intensities. Only then, did differential response to intensities occur as an effect of CER extinction to the CS(-). Habituation of the white noise intensity used during differentiation learning as the CS(+) exerted only a small effect on the course of training. Under all training procedures differentiation of the 50-dB CS(+) and 70-dB CS(-) was more difficult than between the 70-dB CS(+) and 50-dB CS(-). This finding was related to both slower. acquisition of the CER when the less intense CS was paired with shock and to a marked decrease of suppressive properties of the weak CS(+) together with CER extinction to the more intense CS(-). Even by the end of differentiation learning intensity relations between CSi during criterion sessions exerted a strong effect on the magnitudes of suppression ratios.", "contents": "Differentiation learning as a function of stimulus intensity and previous experience with the CS. Discrimination between 50- and 70-dB white noise was investigated in rats under three training procedures employing a conditioned emotional response (CER) technique. When a CER was initially established to the CS(+) and then the CS(-) was introduced, clear generalization of the CER from CS(+) to CS(-) was observed at the beginning of differentiation learning. When both CSi were simultaneously introduced from the beginning of training, subjects acquired the CER to both intensities. Only then, did differential response to intensities occur as an effect of CER extinction to the CS(-). Habituation of the white noise intensity used during differentiation learning as the CS(+) exerted only a small effect on the course of training. Under all training procedures differentiation of the 50-dB CS(+) and 70-dB CS(-) was more difficult than between the 70-dB CS(+) and 50-dB CS(-). This finding was related to both slower. acquisition of the CER when the less intense CS was paired with shock and to a marked decrease of suppressive properties of the weak CS(+) together with CER extinction to the more intense CS(-). Even by the end of differentiation learning intensity relations between CSi during criterion sessions exerted a strong effect on the magnitudes of suppression ratios.", "PMID": 983819} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_540", "title": "The effect of bovine fibrinopeptides on the central action of chlorpromazine and amphetamine in rats.", "content": "A mixture of fibrinopeptides A and B did not evoke any significant central effects when given by intraperitoneal injection, whereas it increased psychomotor activity when injected into a cerebral ventricle. The fibrinopeptides when given by intraperitoneal injection interacted with amphetamine to increase locomotor activity and with chlorpromazine to decrease both locomotor activity and body temperature. It is suggested that the release of fibrinopeptides in various clinical conditions where there is increased fibrinogen-fibrin conversion may lead to an altered sensitivity to centrally acting drugs.", "contents": "The effect of bovine fibrinopeptides on the central action of chlorpromazine and amphetamine in rats. A mixture of fibrinopeptides A and B did not evoke any significant central effects when given by intraperitoneal injection, whereas it increased psychomotor activity when injected into a cerebral ventricle. The fibrinopeptides when given by intraperitoneal injection interacted with amphetamine to increase locomotor activity and with chlorpromazine to decrease both locomotor activity and body temperature. It is suggested that the release of fibrinopeptides in various clinical conditions where there is increased fibrinogen-fibrin conversion may lead to an altered sensitivity to centrally acting drugs.", "PMID": 983820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_541", "title": "Transfer from extero-to interoceptive reinforcement in the course of instrumental conditioning in rats.", "content": "The possibility of maintaining an ingestive instrumental reflex following the transfer from oral food reinforcement to different kinds of intragastric reinforcements (liquid food, water, hypertonic NaCl and morphine) was investigated. The experiment carried out on male hooded rats with previously implanted nasopharyngeal gastric tube showed that in all but the morphine reinforced group the performance gradually decreased showing a pattern of extinction similar to nonreinforced control group. Instrumental response was maintained in morphine reinforced rats although they were not drug addicted. The results obtained contradict the possibility of instrumental conditioning of ingestive reflexes reinforced interoceptively. They also question the drive-reduction hypothesis of instrumental conditioning, supplying further evidence in favor of the hedonistic view.", "contents": "Transfer from extero-to interoceptive reinforcement in the course of instrumental conditioning in rats. The possibility of maintaining an ingestive instrumental reflex following the transfer from oral food reinforcement to different kinds of intragastric reinforcements (liquid food, water, hypertonic NaCl and morphine) was investigated. The experiment carried out on male hooded rats with previously implanted nasopharyngeal gastric tube showed that in all but the morphine reinforced group the performance gradually decreased showing a pattern of extinction similar to nonreinforced control group. Instrumental response was maintained in morphine reinforced rats although they were not drug addicted. The results obtained contradict the possibility of instrumental conditioning of ingestive reflexes reinforced interoceptively. They also question the drive-reduction hypothesis of instrumental conditioning, supplying further evidence in favor of the hedonistic view.", "PMID": 983821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_542", "title": "The role of paraprofessional: an administrative dilemma.", "content": "Changing a paraprofessional's title will do little to improve his or her position. If they are to compete successfully in the status and power sweepstakes, paraprofessionals must continue their education. Administrators should make career development opportunities available if they hire paraprofessionals.", "contents": "The role of paraprofessional: an administrative dilemma. Changing a paraprofessional's title will do little to improve his or her position. If they are to compete successfully in the status and power sweepstakes, paraprofessionals must continue their education. Administrators should make career development opportunities available if they hire paraprofessionals.", "PMID": 983832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_543", "title": "The characteristics of administrators and the effectiveness of community mental health centers.", "content": "Using a methodology developed for industry, the personality traits, abilities, and motivations of CMHC administrators are assessed. The characteristics of these administrators do not appear to be significantly related to the effectiveness of their organization. This finding differs from those in other organizations and may be caused by the uniqueness of the CMHC.", "contents": "The characteristics of administrators and the effectiveness of community mental health centers. Using a methodology developed for industry, the personality traits, abilities, and motivations of CMHC administrators are assessed. The characteristics of these administrators do not appear to be significantly related to the effectiveness of their organization. This finding differs from those in other organizations and may be caused by the uniqueness of the CMHC.", "PMID": 983833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_544", "title": "Incomplete technology and the organizational dynamics of a state mental hospital.", "content": "Inadequate clinical knowledge has a profound effect on the organization and administration of a state mental hospital. The official goal of active treatment is displaced by the operative goal of custody and there is a reliance upon hierarchy rather than expertise as the source of authority.", "contents": "Incomplete technology and the organizational dynamics of a state mental hospital. Inadequate clinical knowledge has a profound effect on the organization and administration of a state mental hospital. The official goal of active treatment is displaced by the operative goal of custody and there is a reliance upon hierarchy rather than expertise as the source of authority.", "PMID": 983834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_545", "title": "Standards and quality control: problems and pitfalls.", "content": "The proliferation of standards and quality assurance programs is posing a major problem for mental health administrators. The authors review some of these problems and emphasize the differences between cost and quality controls. They propose that quality controls be judged on their ability to improve patient care and suggest that administrators consider the establishment of quality control offices.", "contents": "Standards and quality control: problems and pitfalls. The proliferation of standards and quality assurance programs is posing a major problem for mental health administrators. The authors review some of these problems and emphasize the differences between cost and quality controls. They propose that quality controls be judged on their ability to improve patient care and suggest that administrators consider the establishment of quality control offices.", "PMID": 983835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_546", "title": "Demographic data and mental health planning.", "content": "The use of readily available demographic data in mental health planning is discussed and illustrated. Four indices are identified as important in setting priorities for mental health services: social class, family organization, population mobility, and population heterogeneity.", "contents": "Demographic data and mental health planning. The use of readily available demographic data in mental health planning is discussed and illustrated. Four indices are identified as important in setting priorities for mental health services: social class, family organization, population mobility, and population heterogeneity.", "PMID": 983836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_547", "title": "Cash planning in community mental health agencies.", "content": "Community mental health agencies often receive funds from a number of different sources with varying restrictions. Cash planning can help them manage these funds properly and avoid serious problems. The use of a projected cash flow statement may even help produce additional income for them.", "contents": "Cash planning in community mental health agencies. Community mental health agencies often receive funds from a number of different sources with varying restrictions. Cash planning can help them manage these funds properly and avoid serious problems. The use of a projected cash flow statement may even help produce additional income for them.", "PMID": 983837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_548", "title": "Fiscal resource development for state mental health agencies.", "content": "As funds for human service programs grow scarcer, state mental health departments must become more aggressive in seeking out new funding sources. The development of a fiscal resource development unit at the state level is proposed as one approach to the problem.", "contents": "Fiscal resource development for state mental health agencies. As funds for human service programs grow scarcer, state mental health departments must become more aggressive in seeking out new funding sources. The development of a fiscal resource development unit at the state level is proposed as one approach to the problem.", "PMID": 983838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_549", "title": "How accurate are client reports?", "content": "Information reported by clients on their previous contacts with community agencies is not accurate. A study of hospital and clinic records indicates that these reports contain omissions significant enough to jeopardize continuity of care.", "contents": "How accurate are client reports? Information reported by clients on their previous contacts with community agencies is not accurate. A study of hospital and clinic records indicates that these reports contain omissions significant enough to jeopardize continuity of care.", "PMID": 983839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_550", "title": "Mental health training for the middle manager.", "content": "Training in administration for middle managers is an important but much neglected area. While middle mangers such as unit chiefs, supervisors, and team leaders have significant administrative responsibilities along with their clinical work, they are seldom trained in administration. The authors describe a program to train full and part time students for middle management positions.", "contents": "Mental health training for the middle manager. Training in administration for middle managers is an important but much neglected area. While middle mangers such as unit chiefs, supervisors, and team leaders have significant administrative responsibilities along with their clinical work, they are seldom trained in administration. The authors describe a program to train full and part time students for middle management positions.", "PMID": 983840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_551", "title": "Aerobic exercise as a therapeutic modality in the relief of stress.", "content": "This paper reviews the pathophysiologic influences of 20th century emotional stress. The physiologic consequences of cardiovascular conditioning by aerobic techniques are also reviewed. It would appear that cardiovascular conditioning has physiologic characteristics which would counterbalance those induced by such stress. Accordingly, it appears logical that cardiovascular conditioning by aerobic exercise techniques is an effective therapeutic and prophylactic tool. Future investigative efforts must take two directions. First, the extent to which exercise may be used in ameliorating the pathologic consequences of chronic stress must be scientifically documented. Secondly, in those instances where exercise is undertaken imprudently, evidence must be gathered as to the extent that physical activity precipitates maladaptive responses in humans.", "contents": "Aerobic exercise as a therapeutic modality in the relief of stress. This paper reviews the pathophysiologic influences of 20th century emotional stress. The physiologic consequences of cardiovascular conditioning by aerobic techniques are also reviewed. It would appear that cardiovascular conditioning has physiologic characteristics which would counterbalance those induced by such stress. Accordingly, it appears logical that cardiovascular conditioning by aerobic exercise techniques is an effective therapeutic and prophylactic tool. Future investigative efforts must take two directions. First, the extent to which exercise may be used in ameliorating the pathologic consequences of chronic stress must be scientifically documented. Secondly, in those instances where exercise is undertaken imprudently, evidence must be gathered as to the extent that physical activity precipitates maladaptive responses in humans.", "PMID": 983850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_552", "title": "Gastric secretory and motor inhibition induced by certain methyl analogues of prostaglandin E2 in healthy male volunteers and in patients with duodenal ulcer disease.", "content": "The present investigation shows that the 15(S)-15-methyl and 16,16-dimethyl analogues of PGE2 given orally are potent inhibitors of gastric acid secretion. The inhibition of acid output is mainly due to a reduction in volume output. The effect on acid secretion was shown to be less pronounced in a group of duodenal ulcer patients than among healthy volunteers. Only the 15-methyl analogue gave any significant secretory inhibition following intestinal administration. The results from the experiments in dogs indicate that a local action on the oxyntic glands could be the main reason for secretory inhibition following oral administration. The results from the studies on motor activity show that the prostaglandins inhibit both antral and duodenal pressure activity. However, with our experimental design, only with doses exceeding those required for secretory inhibition.", "contents": "Gastric secretory and motor inhibition induced by certain methyl analogues of prostaglandin E2 in healthy male volunteers and in patients with duodenal ulcer disease. The present investigation shows that the 15(S)-15-methyl and 16,16-dimethyl analogues of PGE2 given orally are potent inhibitors of gastric acid secretion. The inhibition of acid output is mainly due to a reduction in volume output. The effect on acid secretion was shown to be less pronounced in a group of duodenal ulcer patients than among healthy volunteers. Only the 15-methyl analogue gave any significant secretory inhibition following intestinal administration. The results from the experiments in dogs indicate that a local action on the oxyntic glands could be the main reason for secretory inhibition following oral administration. The results from the studies on motor activity show that the prostaglandins inhibit both antral and duodenal pressure activity. However, with our experimental design, only with doses exceeding those required for secretory inhibition.", "PMID": 983859} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_553", "title": "Renal prostaglandin synthesis in experimental renal clip hypertension in the rat.", "content": "1. The hypothesis that suppression of prostaglandin E (PGE) synthesis by indomethacin exacerbates renal clip hypertension in the rat was investigated. 2. Indomethacin exacerbated hypertension in renal clip rats. 3. In vitro PGE synthesis determined by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) was suppressed in medullary tissue from the hypertensive animals irrespective of indomethacin treatment. 4. The findings support the concept that PGs participate in blood pressure regulation in experimental renal hypertension.", "contents": "Renal prostaglandin synthesis in experimental renal clip hypertension in the rat. 1. The hypothesis that suppression of prostaglandin E (PGE) synthesis by indomethacin exacerbates renal clip hypertension in the rat was investigated. 2. Indomethacin exacerbated hypertension in renal clip rats. 3. In vitro PGE synthesis determined by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) was suppressed in medullary tissue from the hypertensive animals irrespective of indomethacin treatment. 4. The findings support the concept that PGs participate in blood pressure regulation in experimental renal hypertension.", "PMID": 983862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_554", "title": "Synthesis and metabolism of prostaglandins in rat placenta, uterus, and ovary during various stages of pregnancy.", "content": "1. In the rat, during days 8 to 21 of pregnancy there exists distinct patterns for prostaglandin synthesis and metabolism in the placenta, uterus, and ovaries. These patterns are different in each of the organs. 2. The ratios between PGF and PGF2alpha synthesized or metabolized changes for each of the reproductive tissues studied. 3. Day 11 of gestation represents a critical period as reflected by a highly elevated synthesis and metabolism of prostaglandins. 4. Uterine prostaglandin synthesis increases progressively during the last trimester of pregnancy being maximal on the day of parturition.", "contents": "Synthesis and metabolism of prostaglandins in rat placenta, uterus, and ovary during various stages of pregnancy. 1. In the rat, during days 8 to 21 of pregnancy there exists distinct patterns for prostaglandin synthesis and metabolism in the placenta, uterus, and ovaries. These patterns are different in each of the organs. 2. The ratios between PGF and PGF2alpha synthesized or metabolized changes for each of the reproductive tissues studied. 3. Day 11 of gestation represents a critical period as reflected by a highly elevated synthesis and metabolism of prostaglandins. 4. Uterine prostaglandin synthesis increases progressively during the last trimester of pregnancy being maximal on the day of parturition.", "PMID": 983865} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_555", "title": "The effect of infusions with two analogues of prostaglandin F2alpha on corpus luteum function.", "content": "With the exception of one volunteer given the prostaglandin during ovulation, a transient decline in progesterone during the infusion was observed with both compounds. It is likely that the marked declines that were observed cannot be attributed solely to diurnal variation. Although the menstrual cycle was shortened in some cases after the infusion, this was not well-correlated with the acute effects seen at the time of infusion. Under the experimental conditions of this study, neither analogue appeared to be luteolytic. However, infusions with both compounds did alter serum progesterone transiently. It seems likely that both compounds do exert a potent effect on the corpus luteum and may in fact be luteolytic when given at some other time in the menstrual cycle.", "contents": "The effect of infusions with two analogues of prostaglandin F2alpha on corpus luteum function. With the exception of one volunteer given the prostaglandin during ovulation, a transient decline in progesterone during the infusion was observed with both compounds. It is likely that the marked declines that were observed cannot be attributed solely to diurnal variation. Although the menstrual cycle was shortened in some cases after the infusion, this was not well-correlated with the acute effects seen at the time of infusion. Under the experimental conditions of this study, neither analogue appeared to be luteolytic. However, infusions with both compounds did alter serum progesterone transiently. It seems likely that both compounds do exert a potent effect on the corpus luteum and may in fact be luteolytic when given at some other time in the menstrual cycle.", "PMID": 983868} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_556", "title": "Intrauterine prostaglandin E2 as an postconceptional abortifacient.", "content": "1. Thirty-eight pregnant women, 2 to 33 days overdue with a menstrual period, were treated with a single intrauterine injection of PGE2. 2. Abortion occurred in 7 of 12 patients (58.3%) treated with PGE2 100 mug and in 22 of 26 patients (84.6%) given PGE2 500 mug. 3. The only side effect was uterine pain requiring analgesia in four of the former and 15 of the latter. Four patients required curettage to control bleeding.", "contents": "Intrauterine prostaglandin E2 as an postconceptional abortifacient. 1. Thirty-eight pregnant women, 2 to 33 days overdue with a menstrual period, were treated with a single intrauterine injection of PGE2. 2. Abortion occurred in 7 of 12 patients (58.3%) treated with PGE2 100 mug and in 22 of 26 patients (84.6%) given PGE2 500 mug. 3. The only side effect was uterine pain requiring analgesia in four of the former and 15 of the latter. Four patients required curettage to control bleeding.", "PMID": 983869} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_557", "title": "Platelet prostaglandin production and its implications.", "content": "Both aspirin and indomethacin abolish platelet shape change and aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, indicating that these effects are due to prostaglandin production. An unstable prostaglandin endoperoxide (PGG2 or PGH2) is probably the mediator of the arachidonic acid effects, and they can be mimicked by the stable synthetic prostaglandin, 11-deoxy-15-methyl-15RS-PGE2 (Wy-17, 186). All three of these prostaglandins induce platelet aggregation in the presence of aspirin. Neither aspirin nor indomethacin inhibits shape change or primary aggregation induced by ADP, which indicates that these effects are not due to prostaglandin production. Arachidonic acid, Wy-17, 186, and ADP require fibrinogen as a cofactor in order to aggregate washed human platelets. However, the combination of ADP and arachidonic acid or of ADP and Wy-17, 186 is synergistic and will aggregate washed human platelets in the absence of added fibrinogen. No synergism is observed between arachidonic acnd and Wy-17, 186. During platelet degranulation (i.e., the platelet-release reaction) induced by collagen both ADP and prostaglandin endoperoxides are made available, and collagen can induce the aggregation of washed human platelets in the absence of added fibrinogen. Prostaglandin endoperoxides, ADP, and fibrinogen probably act in concert to aggregate platelets in normal hemostasis since the absence of any one of these principles usually has an effect on the bleeding time.", "contents": "Platelet prostaglandin production and its implications. Both aspirin and indomethacin abolish platelet shape change and aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, indicating that these effects are due to prostaglandin production. An unstable prostaglandin endoperoxide (PGG2 or PGH2) is probably the mediator of the arachidonic acid effects, and they can be mimicked by the stable synthetic prostaglandin, 11-deoxy-15-methyl-15RS-PGE2 (Wy-17, 186). All three of these prostaglandins induce platelet aggregation in the presence of aspirin. Neither aspirin nor indomethacin inhibits shape change or primary aggregation induced by ADP, which indicates that these effects are not due to prostaglandin production. Arachidonic acid, Wy-17, 186, and ADP require fibrinogen as a cofactor in order to aggregate washed human platelets. However, the combination of ADP and arachidonic acid or of ADP and Wy-17, 186 is synergistic and will aggregate washed human platelets in the absence of added fibrinogen. No synergism is observed between arachidonic acnd and Wy-17, 186. During platelet degranulation (i.e., the platelet-release reaction) induced by collagen both ADP and prostaglandin endoperoxides are made available, and collagen can induce the aggregation of washed human platelets in the absence of added fibrinogen. Prostaglandin endoperoxides, ADP, and fibrinogen probably act in concert to aggregate platelets in normal hemostasis since the absence of any one of these principles usually has an effect on the bleeding time.", "PMID": 983875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_558", "title": "Benign esophageal strictures.", "content": "For the treatment of esophageal strictures caused by reflux, dilation alone is rarely curative, as a reflux is not prevented. Standard antireflux repairs are the 1st procedures to be used whenever possible. If esophageal damage and shortening is more severe, the Collis gastroplasty operation coupled with an antireflux repair is effective, but the selection of patients is important. The gastroplasty should not be used if the stricture cannot be dilated easily or if several previous operations have been performed at the cardia. If the Thal fundic patch operation is used, a skin graft and full fundoplication should be employed as well. The results from a fundoplication left in the chest are encouraging from initial reports. Further follow-up of all 3 of these approaches is required. For patients with the most difficult strictures, especially following multiple previous failed operations, resection of the stricture and intestinal interposition is the operation of choice.", "contents": "Benign esophageal strictures. For the treatment of esophageal strictures caused by reflux, dilation alone is rarely curative, as a reflux is not prevented. Standard antireflux repairs are the 1st procedures to be used whenever possible. If esophageal damage and shortening is more severe, the Collis gastroplasty operation coupled with an antireflux repair is effective, but the selection of patients is important. The gastroplasty should not be used if the stricture cannot be dilated easily or if several previous operations have been performed at the cardia. If the Thal fundic patch operation is used, a skin graft and full fundoplication should be employed as well. The results from a fundoplication left in the chest are encouraging from initial reports. Further follow-up of all 3 of these approaches is required. For patients with the most difficult strictures, especially following multiple previous failed operations, resection of the stricture and intestinal interposition is the operation of choice.", "PMID": 983882} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_559", "title": "Development of humoral immunity system of the small bowel.", "content": "The study was performed in 24 children aged 2 months to 6 years, without intestinal or immunological diseases. Intestinal biopsies were obtained by a Crosby's capsule, pediatric size. The number of immunoglobulin forming cells of lamina propria was measured by planimetry. Under 12 months of age there are increased levels of IgM forming cells and a low IgA forming cells/IgM forming cells quotient, but over 1 year the difference disappears. This suggests that the maturity process is very rapid. There are no correlation between serum IgA, IgM, and IgG levels and its respective forming cells number of lamina propria. It seems to support that the participation of intestinal lymphoid tissue in serum pool of immunoglobulin is very poor and that systemic and intestinal immunity maturation are completely independent.", "contents": "Development of humoral immunity system of the small bowel. The study was performed in 24 children aged 2 months to 6 years, without intestinal or immunological diseases. Intestinal biopsies were obtained by a Crosby's capsule, pediatric size. The number of immunoglobulin forming cells of lamina propria was measured by planimetry. Under 12 months of age there are increased levels of IgM forming cells and a low IgA forming cells/IgM forming cells quotient, but over 1 year the difference disappears. This suggests that the maturity process is very rapid. There are no correlation between serum IgA, IgM, and IgG levels and its respective forming cells number of lamina propria. It seems to support that the participation of intestinal lymphoid tissue in serum pool of immunoglobulin is very poor and that systemic and intestinal immunity maturation are completely independent.", "PMID": 983899} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_560", "title": "Immunologic aspects of malignancy. II. Host immunocompetence and relationship to the clinical stage in patients with prostatic cancer.", "content": "As knowledge of the stage and grade of tumour are essential to the selection of the appropriate therapeutic modality and subsequent management of the patient, the patient's immunological competence is equally significant. In the present communication a broad spectrum of cellular and humorally-mediated parameters of immunologic responsiveness reflecting more or less general immunocompetence rather than tumour-specific immunity were evaluated in 28 patients with the prostatic cancer. The immunocompetence of these patient's was then \"immunostaged\" independently without prior knowledge of their clinical stage, and the correlation and significance of these determinations evaluated. In this present preliminary report, a statistically significant correlation (P less than 0.05) was observed between the patients' \"immunostage\" and clinical stage.", "contents": "Immunologic aspects of malignancy. II. Host immunocompetence and relationship to the clinical stage in patients with prostatic cancer. As knowledge of the stage and grade of tumour are essential to the selection of the appropriate therapeutic modality and subsequent management of the patient, the patient's immunological competence is equally significant. In the present communication a broad spectrum of cellular and humorally-mediated parameters of immunologic responsiveness reflecting more or less general immunocompetence rather than tumour-specific immunity were evaluated in 28 patients with the prostatic cancer. The immunocompetence of these patient's was then \"immunostaged\" independently without prior knowledge of their clinical stage, and the correlation and significance of these determinations evaluated. In this present preliminary report, a statistically significant correlation (P less than 0.05) was observed between the patients' \"immunostage\" and clinical stage.", "PMID": 983900} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_561", "title": "Vertigo.", "content": "Vertigo, with or without nystagmus, may accompany many diseases. Most causes are transient and benign. A systematic approach saves valuable time. Nonrotational dizziness must be distinguished from true vertigo in which a sensation of motion is involved. Careful evaluation of nystagmus is essential, as is a complete cardiovascular examination. Meniere's syndrome, while common, is overdiagnosed.", "contents": "Vertigo. Vertigo, with or without nystagmus, may accompany many diseases. Most causes are transient and benign. A systematic approach saves valuable time. Nonrotational dizziness must be distinguished from true vertigo in which a sensation of motion is involved. Careful evaluation of nystagmus is essential, as is a complete cardiovascular examination. Meniere's syndrome, while common, is overdiagnosed.", "PMID": 983924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_562", "title": "Intramyocardial small-vessel disease in chronic alcoholism.", "content": "A morphologic study of the small (50 to 200 micron) intramyocardial coronary arteries was performed. The cases chosen for study were selected from a relatively young group of patients without clinical evidence of alcoholic cardiomyopathy or pathologic evidence of large coronary artery disease, in order to evaluate alterations in the small vessels which could possibly be attributed to the chronic alcoholic state. Five basic vascular abnormalities were described. The most common alteration found in all nine cases was vascular wall edema (48 per cent), followed by perivascular fibrosis (42 per cent), vascular sclerosis (36 per cent), subendothelial humps (13 per cent), and vascular wall inflammation (11 per cent). The significance and pathogenesis of these changes were discussed. Primary endothelial cell damage was proposed as a common pathogenic mechanism for all five types of vascular abnormality. It was suggested that following endothelial damage, fluid and macromolecules penetrate into the vessel wall or into the perivascular space where, by incompletely understood processes, they induce vascular wall myocytes to produce collagen, elastin, and basement membrane-like substances. Evidence supporting this mechanism was derived from the common observation of vascular wall edema, from the occasional presence of erythrocytes and leukocytes within the vessel wall, and from experimental data in the literature. Several possible etiologic agents were implicated in the pathogenesis of endothelial and vessel wall injury. These included alcohol itself, acetaldehyde, biogenic amines, and magnesium deficiency. It is probable, however, that there are multiple etiologic factors which affect the small cardiac vessels of the chronic alcoholic. Finally, the proposal was advanced that the nonspecific pathology of the myocardium in chronic alcoholism may be a result of ischemia secondary to disease of the small intramyocardial coronary ateries.", "contents": "Intramyocardial small-vessel disease in chronic alcoholism. A morphologic study of the small (50 to 200 micron) intramyocardial coronary arteries was performed. The cases chosen for study were selected from a relatively young group of patients without clinical evidence of alcoholic cardiomyopathy or pathologic evidence of large coronary artery disease, in order to evaluate alterations in the small vessels which could possibly be attributed to the chronic alcoholic state. Five basic vascular abnormalities were described. The most common alteration found in all nine cases was vascular wall edema (48 per cent), followed by perivascular fibrosis (42 per cent), vascular sclerosis (36 per cent), subendothelial humps (13 per cent), and vascular wall inflammation (11 per cent). The significance and pathogenesis of these changes were discussed. Primary endothelial cell damage was proposed as a common pathogenic mechanism for all five types of vascular abnormality. It was suggested that following endothelial damage, fluid and macromolecules penetrate into the vessel wall or into the perivascular space where, by incompletely understood processes, they induce vascular wall myocytes to produce collagen, elastin, and basement membrane-like substances. Evidence supporting this mechanism was derived from the common observation of vascular wall edema, from the occasional presence of erythrocytes and leukocytes within the vessel wall, and from experimental data in the literature. Several possible etiologic agents were implicated in the pathogenesis of endothelial and vessel wall injury. These included alcohol itself, acetaldehyde, biogenic amines, and magnesium deficiency. It is probable, however, that there are multiple etiologic factors which affect the small cardiac vessels of the chronic alcoholic. Finally, the proposal was advanced that the nonspecific pathology of the myocardium in chronic alcoholism may be a result of ischemia secondary to disease of the small intramyocardial coronary ateries.", "PMID": 983932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_563", "title": "Elevated arterial pressure and postexertional ST-segment depression in middle-aged women.", "content": "Of ten healthy women, 43 to 61 years of age, four exhibited 1 mm. or more of upsloping ST-segment depression after maximal exercise, using the Bruce multistage treadmill protocol; the other six did not. Cardiac output (direct Fick) was not different in the two groups, wither at rest or during exercise. The women with ST-positive responses were older (56 vs. 51 years) and heavier (relative weights 109 per cent vs. 102 per cent), and their resting mean systemic pressures were higher. Their systemic and pulmonary mean arterial pressures during the last five minutes of upright exercise were significantly higher (P less than 0.001) than those in the ST-negative group. Although the ratio of systemic to pulmonary mean arterial pressures was higher at rest, it progressively fell during exercise in the ST-positive group. Polarcardiographic display of the Frank ECG during the first 3 minutes of recovery after maximal exercise showed significant differences between the ST and T of the two groups. At initial recovery, MS-phi greatly exceeded 10.6 mV. which is sensitive PCG ischemic exercise criterion in the ST-positive group. Although the number of observations is limited, it is concluded that greater hemodynamic stress imposed on the subendocardium by elevated pressures, rather than by any significant functional evidence of restriction in coronary blood flow, probably explains much of the postexertional ST-segment depression after maximal exercise.", "contents": "Elevated arterial pressure and postexertional ST-segment depression in middle-aged women. Of ten healthy women, 43 to 61 years of age, four exhibited 1 mm. or more of upsloping ST-segment depression after maximal exercise, using the Bruce multistage treadmill protocol; the other six did not. Cardiac output (direct Fick) was not different in the two groups, wither at rest or during exercise. The women with ST-positive responses were older (56 vs. 51 years) and heavier (relative weights 109 per cent vs. 102 per cent), and their resting mean systemic pressures were higher. Their systemic and pulmonary mean arterial pressures during the last five minutes of upright exercise were significantly higher (P less than 0.001) than those in the ST-negative group. Although the ratio of systemic to pulmonary mean arterial pressures was higher at rest, it progressively fell during exercise in the ST-positive group. Polarcardiographic display of the Frank ECG during the first 3 minutes of recovery after maximal exercise showed significant differences between the ST and T of the two groups. At initial recovery, MS-phi greatly exceeded 10.6 mV. which is sensitive PCG ischemic exercise criterion in the ST-positive group. Although the number of observations is limited, it is concluded that greater hemodynamic stress imposed on the subendocardium by elevated pressures, rather than by any significant functional evidence of restriction in coronary blood flow, probably explains much of the postexertional ST-segment depression after maximal exercise.", "PMID": 983933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_564", "title": "Effects of unilateral stellate ganglion blockade on the arrhythmias associated with coronary occlusion.", "content": "In anesthetized dogs the circumflex and/or the anterior descending coronary artery were briefly occluded (10 to 90 seconds) and ectopic beats occurring during the occlusion or for 60 seconds following release were counted. Control occlusions were alternated with occlusions performed during complete, reversible, unilateral blockade of either the right or the left stellate ganglion. This was achieved with thermodes through which coolant was circulated. In this way the shortcomings associated with stellectomy, which is irreversible, are avoided. Blockade of the right stellate ganglion increased the number of ectopic beats associated with coronary occlusion. The occurrence of episodes of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation was also greater. By contrast, blockade of the left stellate ganglion reduced or abolished occlusion-induced arrhythmias. These effects are independent of changes in heart rate or vegal activity; they depend solely upon unilateral alteration in sympathetic tone, and are not demonstrable when such tone is low. We suggest that the right and left cardiac sympathetic nerves have a different influence upon cardiac excitability.", "contents": "Effects of unilateral stellate ganglion blockade on the arrhythmias associated with coronary occlusion. In anesthetized dogs the circumflex and/or the anterior descending coronary artery were briefly occluded (10 to 90 seconds) and ectopic beats occurring during the occlusion or for 60 seconds following release were counted. Control occlusions were alternated with occlusions performed during complete, reversible, unilateral blockade of either the right or the left stellate ganglion. This was achieved with thermodes through which coolant was circulated. In this way the shortcomings associated with stellectomy, which is irreversible, are avoided. Blockade of the right stellate ganglion increased the number of ectopic beats associated with coronary occlusion. The occurrence of episodes of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation was also greater. By contrast, blockade of the left stellate ganglion reduced or abolished occlusion-induced arrhythmias. These effects are independent of changes in heart rate or vegal activity; they depend solely upon unilateral alteration in sympathetic tone, and are not demonstrable when such tone is low. We suggest that the right and left cardiac sympathetic nerves have a different influence upon cardiac excitability.", "PMID": 983934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_565", "title": "The effect of acute hypoxia on the viscoelastic properties of the myocardium.", "content": "The viscoelastic properties of the isolated rabbit papillary muscle were studied by constructing a semilogarithmic length-tension curve before and after it had undergone 5 minutes of stress relaxation before, during, and after exposure to a solution aerated with 95 per cent nitrogen and 5 per cent carbon dioxide. Stress relaxation was accomplished in each treatment group by a reduction in the tension intercept of the log length-tension curve without significant change in its slope. There was no significant change in either of these parameters between the control, hypoxia, and recovery groups. These findings lead to the conclusions that: (1) the loss of muscle tension during stress relaxation is not due to a change in the elastic properties of the myocardium and (2) hypoxia does not increase the fundamental stiffness characteristics of the cardiac muscle.", "contents": "The effect of acute hypoxia on the viscoelastic properties of the myocardium. The viscoelastic properties of the isolated rabbit papillary muscle were studied by constructing a semilogarithmic length-tension curve before and after it had undergone 5 minutes of stress relaxation before, during, and after exposure to a solution aerated with 95 per cent nitrogen and 5 per cent carbon dioxide. Stress relaxation was accomplished in each treatment group by a reduction in the tension intercept of the log length-tension curve without significant change in its slope. There was no significant change in either of these parameters between the control, hypoxia, and recovery groups. These findings lead to the conclusions that: (1) the loss of muscle tension during stress relaxation is not due to a change in the elastic properties of the myocardium and (2) hypoxia does not increase the fundamental stiffness characteristics of the cardiac muscle.", "PMID": 983935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_566", "title": "Effects of acetylsalicylic acid, dipyridamole, and hydrocortisone on epinephrine-induced myocardial injury in dogs.", "content": "A reproducible model for producing diffuse myocardial injury (epinephrine infusion) has been developed to study the cardioprotective effects of agents or maneuvers which might alter the evolution of acute myocardial infarction. Infusions of epinephrine (4 mug per kilogram per minute for 6 hours) increased radiocalcium uptakes into intact myocardium and each of its subcellular components with the mitochondrial fraction showing the most consistent changes when compared to saline-infused control animals (4,957 vs. 827 counts per minute per gram of dried tissue or fraction). Myocardial concentrations of calcium also increased significantly (12.0 vs. 5.0 mg.per 100 Gm. of fat-free dry weight). Infusions of calcium chloride sufficient to raise serum calcium concentrations 2 mEq. per liter failed to increase calcium influx into the myocardial cell. Mitochondrial radiocalcium uptakes were significantly decreased in animals pretreated with acetylsalicylic acid or dipyridamole or when hydrocortisone was added to the epinephrine infusion (2,682,2,803, and 3,424 counts per minute per gram of dried fraction, respectively). Myocardial calcium concentrations also were decreased (11.2, 8.3, and 8.9 mg. per 100 Gm. of fat-free dry weight, respectively) in the three treatment groups, being significantly decreased only in the last two. Evidence of microscopic damage was graded as less severe in the three treatment groups. Acetylsalicylic acid, dipyridamole, and hydrocortisone all appear to have cardioprotective effects when tested in this model.", "contents": "Effects of acetylsalicylic acid, dipyridamole, and hydrocortisone on epinephrine-induced myocardial injury in dogs. A reproducible model for producing diffuse myocardial injury (epinephrine infusion) has been developed to study the cardioprotective effects of agents or maneuvers which might alter the evolution of acute myocardial infarction. Infusions of epinephrine (4 mug per kilogram per minute for 6 hours) increased radiocalcium uptakes into intact myocardium and each of its subcellular components with the mitochondrial fraction showing the most consistent changes when compared to saline-infused control animals (4,957 vs. 827 counts per minute per gram of dried tissue or fraction). Myocardial concentrations of calcium also increased significantly (12.0 vs. 5.0 mg.per 100 Gm. of fat-free dry weight). Infusions of calcium chloride sufficient to raise serum calcium concentrations 2 mEq. per liter failed to increase calcium influx into the myocardial cell. Mitochondrial radiocalcium uptakes were significantly decreased in animals pretreated with acetylsalicylic acid or dipyridamole or when hydrocortisone was added to the epinephrine infusion (2,682,2,803, and 3,424 counts per minute per gram of dried fraction, respectively). Myocardial calcium concentrations also were decreased (11.2, 8.3, and 8.9 mg. per 100 Gm. of fat-free dry weight, respectively) in the three treatment groups, being significantly decreased only in the last two. Evidence of microscopic damage was graded as less severe in the three treatment groups. Acetylsalicylic acid, dipyridamole, and hydrocortisone all appear to have cardioprotective effects when tested in this model.", "PMID": 983936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_567", "title": "Spontaneous cardiac tamponade due to sternotomy wire suture.", "content": "The first case of spontaneous cardiac tamponade caused by wire suture for sternotomy closure is presented. The proper analysis of bloody pericardial fluid, including simultaneous aspirate and venous hematocrit, oxygen content, and coagulation studies, is emphasized. In addition, the causes of acute hemopericardium are reviewed. Spontaneous cardiac tamponade as a potential late complication of cardiac surgery should be considered in the postoperative patient who presents with pericarditis or a sudden change in cardiac status.", "contents": "Spontaneous cardiac tamponade due to sternotomy wire suture. The first case of spontaneous cardiac tamponade caused by wire suture for sternotomy closure is presented. The proper analysis of bloody pericardial fluid, including simultaneous aspirate and venous hematocrit, oxygen content, and coagulation studies, is emphasized. In addition, the causes of acute hemopericardium are reviewed. Spontaneous cardiac tamponade as a potential late complication of cardiac surgery should be considered in the postoperative patient who presents with pericarditis or a sudden change in cardiac status.", "PMID": 983937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_568", "title": "A comparison of two impact noise measurement techniques.", "content": "An impact noise analyzer has been tested to determine its accuracy and precision. Results showed that peak estimation when corrected by a suitable correction factor were good and the confidence limits on the corrected peak determination were less than +/- 1.0 dB. Determination of pulse duration with the meter proved to be poor. At present it is useful for making only general estimations of duration. For exact pulse duration measurements, it appears that development of a small, portable oscilloscope holds the most promise for a field instrument with the necessary accuracy and precision.", "contents": "A comparison of two impact noise measurement techniques. An impact noise analyzer has been tested to determine its accuracy and precision. Results showed that peak estimation when corrected by a suitable correction factor were good and the confidence limits on the corrected peak determination were less than +/- 1.0 dB. Determination of pulse duration with the meter proved to be poor. At present it is useful for making only general estimations of duration. For exact pulse duration measurements, it appears that development of a small, portable oscilloscope holds the most promise for a field instrument with the necessary accuracy and precision.", "PMID": 983944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_569", "title": "Chrome alloy welding fume study.", "content": "Breathing zone samples obtained at a production arc welding operation employing approximately 90 welders demonstrated excessive exposure to chromium from the welding of high chromium alloy steel. Breathing zone samples were collected inside welding helmets. Methods considered for reducing employee exposure included local exhaust ventilation and the use of air-supplied helmets. Air-supplied helmets were chosen as best suited for the production scheme and suitable devices were subsequently developed that reduced breathing zone contaminant levels well below applicable standards.", "contents": "Chrome alloy welding fume study. Breathing zone samples obtained at a production arc welding operation employing approximately 90 welders demonstrated excessive exposure to chromium from the welding of high chromium alloy steel. Breathing zone samples were collected inside welding helmets. Methods considered for reducing employee exposure included local exhaust ventilation and the use of air-supplied helmets. Air-supplied helmets were chosen as best suited for the production scheme and suitable devices were subsequently developed that reduced breathing zone contaminant levels well below applicable standards.", "PMID": 983945} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_570", "title": "Personal sampler for nitrogen dioxide.", "content": "A new type of personal sampler for gases in air, originally reported from this laboratory, has been adapted to measurement of NO2. The sampler depends on the transfer of NO2 by diffusion to a triethanolamine coated collector at the sealed end of a tube; the open end of the tube is exposed to the test environment. The devices are accurate, light, simple to use and have very good shelf life before and after sampling.", "contents": "Personal sampler for nitrogen dioxide. A new type of personal sampler for gases in air, originally reported from this laboratory, has been adapted to measurement of NO2. The sampler depends on the transfer of NO2 by diffusion to a triethanolamine coated collector at the sealed end of a tube; the open end of the tube is exposed to the test environment. The devices are accurate, light, simple to use and have very good shelf life before and after sampling.", "PMID": 983946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_571", "title": "The effects of anemia on heme synthesis parameters during lead exposure.", "content": "The effects of anemia during lead exposures were studied using an infant baboon animal model. When the hemoglobin concentration was reduced to less than 70% of normal, a marked blood lead increase was observed and the free erythrocyte porphyrin value, aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity and reticulocyte counts increased. Special emphasis should be placed on nutritional effects in lead exposures.", "contents": "The effects of anemia on heme synthesis parameters during lead exposure. The effects of anemia during lead exposures were studied using an infant baboon animal model. When the hemoglobin concentration was reduced to less than 70% of normal, a marked blood lead increase was observed and the free erythrocyte porphyrin value, aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity and reticulocyte counts increased. Special emphasis should be placed on nutritional effects in lead exposures.", "PMID": 983947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_572", "title": "Development of an air purifier for personnel cubicles.", "content": "An air purifier was developed for tunnel, toll and garage booths or cubicles. Catalytic oxidation, activated carbon and a HEPA filter are used to scrub out CO, hydrocarbons, NO2 and particulates. Tunnel tests showed these air impurities were adequately removed.", "contents": "Development of an air purifier for personnel cubicles. An air purifier was developed for tunnel, toll and garage booths or cubicles. Catalytic oxidation, activated carbon and a HEPA filter are used to scrub out CO, hydrocarbons, NO2 and particulates. Tunnel tests showed these air impurities were adequately removed.", "PMID": 983948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_573", "title": "Methods of measuring and rating hearing protector performance.", "content": "This paper reviews various methods that have been used to measure and rate the performance characteristics of hearing protectors. Subjective and objective measurements methods will be discussed with respect to test method, environment and stimuli. A variety of methods for relating protector attenuation data to the requirements of a specific environment will be presented and discussed. The paper includes suggestions for use of this information with environmental data developed from octave band analysis or sound pressure level measured in dBA.", "contents": "Methods of measuring and rating hearing protector performance. This paper reviews various methods that have been used to measure and rate the performance characteristics of hearing protectors. Subjective and objective measurements methods will be discussed with respect to test method, environment and stimuli. A variety of methods for relating protector attenuation data to the requirements of a specific environment will be presented and discussed. The paper includes suggestions for use of this information with environmental data developed from octave band analysis or sound pressure level measured in dBA.", "PMID": 983949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_574", "title": "The benzenediols: catechol, resorcinol and hydroquinone--a review of the industrial toxicology and current industrial exposure limits.", "content": "A review of the published industrial toxicology for the benzenediols, catechol, resorcinol and hydroquinone was made to evaluate their proposed or established occupational exposure levels. Acute animal toxicity data for catecholand resorcinol are presented, along with that for phenol because of its analogous signs of illness and intoxication. The comparative acute toxicity data for catechol and phenol are anomalous, but suggest a TLV for catechol similar to that of phenol. The comparative acute toxicity data for resorcinol and phenol clearly show that resorcinol is significantly less toxic than phenol which has a 5 ppm TLV. These data, along with production plant exposures as high as 9.6 ppm without reported effects, suggest an industrial exposure level (TLV) for resorcinol of at least 10 ppm, perhaps 20 ppm or higher. The established 2 mg/M3 TLV for hydroquinone appears to be proper.", "contents": "The benzenediols: catechol, resorcinol and hydroquinone--a review of the industrial toxicology and current industrial exposure limits. A review of the published industrial toxicology for the benzenediols, catechol, resorcinol and hydroquinone was made to evaluate their proposed or established occupational exposure levels. Acute animal toxicity data for catecholand resorcinol are presented, along with that for phenol because of its analogous signs of illness and intoxication. The comparative acute toxicity data for catechol and phenol are anomalous, but suggest a TLV for catechol similar to that of phenol. The comparative acute toxicity data for resorcinol and phenol clearly show that resorcinol is significantly less toxic than phenol which has a 5 ppm TLV. These data, along with production plant exposures as high as 9.6 ppm without reported effects, suggest an industrial exposure level (TLV) for resorcinol of at least 10 ppm, perhaps 20 ppm or higher. The established 2 mg/M3 TLV for hydroquinone appears to be proper.", "PMID": 983950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_575", "title": "Cardiac amyloidosis, contrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy.", "content": "Cardiac amyloidosis is not characterized by a single hemodynamic pattern. Some of the cases present the clinical findings of restrictive cardiomyopathy and in these differentiation from constrictive pericarditis remains difficult in spite of the introduction of techniques designed to assess myocardial contractility and ventricular diastolic compliance. The clinical features and the demonstration of left ventricular diastolic pressure greater than right remain the most useful means of distinguishing restrictive cardiomyopathy from constrictive pericarditis. In other cases of cardiac amyloidosis the diastolic pressure is elevated throughout diastole and ventricular ejectile ability is lost. These cases do not simulate constrictive pericarditis and should not be classified as restrictive cardiomyopathy.", "contents": "Cardiac amyloidosis, contrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Cardiac amyloidosis is not characterized by a single hemodynamic pattern. Some of the cases present the clinical findings of restrictive cardiomyopathy and in these differentiation from constrictive pericarditis remains difficult in spite of the introduction of techniques designed to assess myocardial contractility and ventricular diastolic compliance. The clinical features and the demonstration of left ventricular diastolic pressure greater than right remain the most useful means of distinguishing restrictive cardiomyopathy from constrictive pericarditis. In other cases of cardiac amyloidosis the diastolic pressure is elevated throughout diastole and ventricular ejectile ability is lost. These cases do not simulate constrictive pericarditis and should not be classified as restrictive cardiomyopathy.", "PMID": 983951} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_576", "title": "Incidence of right ventricular asynergy in patients with coronary artery disease.", "content": "The effects of coronary artery disease on patterns of left ventricular contractility have been thoroughly investigated. In contrast, little is known about the incidence of right ventricular dysfunction induced by this disease. To evaluate the frequency of right ventricular asynergy, biplane right ventricular cineangiograms were obtained in 26 patients. Seven segmental axes of shortening were analyzed in each end-systolic and end-diastolic frame and normalized as percent decrease (or increase) in axis from end-diastolic length. Of 26 patients, 8 (Group I) served as normal (control) subjects. The remaining 18 patients had significant coronary artery disease; 6 of these (Group II) had no significant disease of the right coronary artery, whereas 12 (Group III) had significant obstruction of this artery. Four patients in Group II had a previous anteroseptal myocardial infarction, and six in Group III had a previous inferior myocardial infarction. There was a progressive decrease in segmental axes of shortening from Group I to II and from Group II to II, but the decrease was not significant at the level P less than 0.01. Only one patient in Group II had frank dyskinetic segmental motion of the interventricular septum (this patient had had a previous anteroseptal myocardial infarction), whereas two patients in Group III had dyskinetic segmental motion of the free right ventricular wall (both had previous inferior myocardial infarction). Therefore, coronary artery disease seldom produces significant right ventricular asynergy. Abnormal septal motion is associated with previous anteroseptal myocardial infarction; however, dyskinetic motion of the free right ventricular wall occurs only in patients with a right coronary arterial lesion and previous inferior myocardial infarction.", "contents": "Incidence of right ventricular asynergy in patients with coronary artery disease. The effects of coronary artery disease on patterns of left ventricular contractility have been thoroughly investigated. In contrast, little is known about the incidence of right ventricular dysfunction induced by this disease. To evaluate the frequency of right ventricular asynergy, biplane right ventricular cineangiograms were obtained in 26 patients. Seven segmental axes of shortening were analyzed in each end-systolic and end-diastolic frame and normalized as percent decrease (or increase) in axis from end-diastolic length. Of 26 patients, 8 (Group I) served as normal (control) subjects. The remaining 18 patients had significant coronary artery disease; 6 of these (Group II) had no significant disease of the right coronary artery, whereas 12 (Group III) had significant obstruction of this artery. Four patients in Group II had a previous anteroseptal myocardial infarction, and six in Group III had a previous inferior myocardial infarction. There was a progressive decrease in segmental axes of shortening from Group I to II and from Group II to II, but the decrease was not significant at the level P less than 0.01. Only one patient in Group II had frank dyskinetic segmental motion of the interventricular septum (this patient had had a previous anteroseptal myocardial infarction), whereas two patients in Group III had dyskinetic segmental motion of the free right ventricular wall (both had previous inferior myocardial infarction). Therefore, coronary artery disease seldom produces significant right ventricular asynergy. Abnormal septal motion is associated with previous anteroseptal myocardial infarction; however, dyskinetic motion of the free right ventricular wall occurs only in patients with a right coronary arterial lesion and previous inferior myocardial infarction.", "PMID": 983952} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_577", "title": "Afterload reduction therapy with nitroprusside in severe aortic regurgitation: improved cardiac performance and reduced regurgitant volume.", "content": "To assess the hemodynamic effects of afterload reduction in severe aortic regurgitation, nitroprusside was infused at cardiac catheterization in 12 patients with aortic regurgitation. Cardiac hemodynamics, angiographic variables and regurgitant volumes were quantified during control periods, and nitroprusside was infused to reduce systemic systolic pressure to 110 to 125 mm Hg. The following were reduced by the drug: systolic arterial pressure (from 154 +/- 6.4 to 115 +/- 2.3 mm Hg, P less than 0.001); left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (from 23 +/- 2.2 to 11 +/- 1.0 mm Hg, P less than 0.001); systemic vascular resistance (from 1,782 +/- 133 to 1,148 +/- 94 dynes sec cm-5, P less than 0.001); left ventricular end-diastolic volume (from 242 +/- 25 to 196 +/- 19 ml, P less than 0.001); aortic regurgitant fraction (from 0.53 +/- 0.05 to 0.44 +/- 0.06, P less than 0.01); and aortic regurgitant minute volume (from 5.5 +/- 0.10 to 4.3 +/- 0.09 liters/min, P less than 0.01). Effective cardiac index increased (from 2.49 +/- 0.19 to 3.10 +/- 0.24 liters/min per m2, P less than 0.01), and left ventricular ejection fraction rose (from 0.55 +/- 0.03 to 0.61 +/- 0.03, P less than 0.005). These data indicate that afterload reduction with nitroprusside in severe aortic regurgitation improves cardiac performance, greatly decreases left ventricular preload and reduces aortic regurgitant volume. Thus, nitroprusside therapy has special value in severe aortic regurgitation that is of particular benefit in critical clinical conditions.", "contents": "Afterload reduction therapy with nitroprusside in severe aortic regurgitation: improved cardiac performance and reduced regurgitant volume. To assess the hemodynamic effects of afterload reduction in severe aortic regurgitation, nitroprusside was infused at cardiac catheterization in 12 patients with aortic regurgitation. Cardiac hemodynamics, angiographic variables and regurgitant volumes were quantified during control periods, and nitroprusside was infused to reduce systemic systolic pressure to 110 to 125 mm Hg. The following were reduced by the drug: systolic arterial pressure (from 154 +/- 6.4 to 115 +/- 2.3 mm Hg, P less than 0.001); left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (from 23 +/- 2.2 to 11 +/- 1.0 mm Hg, P less than 0.001); systemic vascular resistance (from 1,782 +/- 133 to 1,148 +/- 94 dynes sec cm-5, P less than 0.001); left ventricular end-diastolic volume (from 242 +/- 25 to 196 +/- 19 ml, P less than 0.001); aortic regurgitant fraction (from 0.53 +/- 0.05 to 0.44 +/- 0.06, P less than 0.01); and aortic regurgitant minute volume (from 5.5 +/- 0.10 to 4.3 +/- 0.09 liters/min, P less than 0.01). Effective cardiac index increased (from 2.49 +/- 0.19 to 3.10 +/- 0.24 liters/min per m2, P less than 0.01), and left ventricular ejection fraction rose (from 0.55 +/- 0.03 to 0.61 +/- 0.03, P less than 0.005). These data indicate that afterload reduction with nitroprusside in severe aortic regurgitation improves cardiac performance, greatly decreases left ventricular preload and reduces aortic regurgitant volume. Thus, nitroprusside therapy has special value in severe aortic regurgitation that is of particular benefit in critical clinical conditions.", "PMID": 983953} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_578", "title": "Vectorcardiographic diagnosis of diaphragmatic myocardial infarction.", "content": "Vectorcardiograms of 31 patients with arteriographic evidence of complete occlusion of the right coronary artery were analyzed in order to evaluate and attempt to improve the vectorcardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of an old diaphragmatic myocardial infarction. The electrocardiogram showed no evidence of a diaphragmatic infarction in 48 percent of these patients. This was advantageous, since the intent of the study was to develop vectorcardiographic criteria that exceeded the capability of the electrocardiogram. The criteria that appeared optimal were: (1) an instantaneous 0.02 second QRS vector equal or superior to 315 degrees (-45 degrees) in the sagittal plane, or (2) ratio of voltages of 0 to left x-intercept to maximal QRS vector greater than 0.22 in the frontal plane. These criteria identified a diaphragmatic infarction in 77 percent of patients (24 of 31) with complete occlusion of the right coronary artery. There were no false positive findings in 40 normal subjects. A group of criteria previously defined by others, based upon rotation, contour of initial forces, duration of superior forces relative to the contour, magnitude of 0 to left x-intercept, and maximal QRS vecotr, was equally sensitive. Other previously defined criteria were less sensitive. The criteria developed in this study, when tested in 22 patients with prominent Q waves indicative of an old diaphragmatic infarction, properly diagnosed the infarction in all 22 patients. All previous criteria also successfully detected infarction in these patients. However, the new criteria identified a greater number of patients without electrocardiographic evidence of diaphragmatic infarction than were identified with previously defined vectorcardiographic criteria unless the latter were complex.", "contents": "Vectorcardiographic diagnosis of diaphragmatic myocardial infarction. Vectorcardiograms of 31 patients with arteriographic evidence of complete occlusion of the right coronary artery were analyzed in order to evaluate and attempt to improve the vectorcardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of an old diaphragmatic myocardial infarction. The electrocardiogram showed no evidence of a diaphragmatic infarction in 48 percent of these patients. This was advantageous, since the intent of the study was to develop vectorcardiographic criteria that exceeded the capability of the electrocardiogram. The criteria that appeared optimal were: (1) an instantaneous 0.02 second QRS vector equal or superior to 315 degrees (-45 degrees) in the sagittal plane, or (2) ratio of voltages of 0 to left x-intercept to maximal QRS vector greater than 0.22 in the frontal plane. These criteria identified a diaphragmatic infarction in 77 percent of patients (24 of 31) with complete occlusion of the right coronary artery. There were no false positive findings in 40 normal subjects. A group of criteria previously defined by others, based upon rotation, contour of initial forces, duration of superior forces relative to the contour, magnitude of 0 to left x-intercept, and maximal QRS vecotr, was equally sensitive. Other previously defined criteria were less sensitive. The criteria developed in this study, when tested in 22 patients with prominent Q waves indicative of an old diaphragmatic infarction, properly diagnosed the infarction in all 22 patients. All previous criteria also successfully detected infarction in these patients. However, the new criteria identified a greater number of patients without electrocardiographic evidence of diaphragmatic infarction than were identified with previously defined vectorcardiographic criteria unless the latter were complex.", "PMID": 983954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_579", "title": "Correlation of electrocardiogram and vectorcardiogram with coronary occlusion and myocardial contraction abnormality.", "content": "Electrocardiograms and Frank vectorcardiograms were recorded in 156 consecutive patients with total occlusion of at least one coronary artery (on arteriography) and associated left ventricular contraction abnormality (on ventriculography). The angiograms and cardiograms were independently reviewed. In the presence of single vessel occlusion, appropriate vectorcardiographic diagnosis of myocardial infarction was determined in 118 of 156 cases (76 percent) compared with a lower electrocardiographic detection rate in 77 of 156 cases (49 percent). Findings diagnostic of two coexisting infarctions were observed in 71 percent of vectorcardiograms and 37 percent of electrocardiograms in 51 patients with double vessel occlusion and two areas of left ventricular dyskinesia. The vectorcardiographic detection rate was similarly superior to the electrocardiographic rate in the presence of subtotal coronary occlusion and myocardial asynergy in single (73 percent versus 53 percent) and double (53 percent versus 28 percent) vessel disease. The incidence rate of false positive diagnoses was 3 percent for electrocardiography and 4 percent for vectorcardiography. It is concluded that the vectorcardiogram is superior to the electrocardiogram in the diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease and left ventricular contraction abnormality.", "contents": "Correlation of electrocardiogram and vectorcardiogram with coronary occlusion and myocardial contraction abnormality. Electrocardiograms and Frank vectorcardiograms were recorded in 156 consecutive patients with total occlusion of at least one coronary artery (on arteriography) and associated left ventricular contraction abnormality (on ventriculography). The angiograms and cardiograms were independently reviewed. In the presence of single vessel occlusion, appropriate vectorcardiographic diagnosis of myocardial infarction was determined in 118 of 156 cases (76 percent) compared with a lower electrocardiographic detection rate in 77 of 156 cases (49 percent). Findings diagnostic of two coexisting infarctions were observed in 71 percent of vectorcardiograms and 37 percent of electrocardiograms in 51 patients with double vessel occlusion and two areas of left ventricular dyskinesia. The vectorcardiographic detection rate was similarly superior to the electrocardiographic rate in the presence of subtotal coronary occlusion and myocardial asynergy in single (73 percent versus 53 percent) and double (53 percent versus 28 percent) vessel disease. The incidence rate of false positive diagnoses was 3 percent for electrocardiography and 4 percent for vectorcardiography. It is concluded that the vectorcardiogram is superior to the electrocardiogram in the diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease and left ventricular contraction abnormality.", "PMID": 983955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_580", "title": "Dermatoglyphic patterns in patients with mitral valve prolapse: a clue to pathogenesis.", "content": "Fingerprints were obtained from 100 patients with mitral valve prolapse and compared with those of 100 control subjects matched for sex and race. Arches were found in 16.8 percent of all digital patterns in patients with mitral valve prolapse but in only 2.5 percent of all digits in the control group. Whereas no patient in the control group had four or more arches, 19 percent of patients with mitral valve prolapse had this finding. In addition, arches were found on 16 and 9 percent, respectively, of digits IV and V in patients with mitral valve prolapse but were not found on these digits in the control group. The finding of four or more arches or arches on digits IV or V may be important supportive evidence of mitral valve prolapse when evaluating patients with atypical chest pain and palpitations. Antenatal factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of mitral valve prolapse since it is possible that a genetic or environmental factor that interferes with the development of the mitral valve may also influence epidermal ridge patterns.", "contents": "Dermatoglyphic patterns in patients with mitral valve prolapse: a clue to pathogenesis. Fingerprints were obtained from 100 patients with mitral valve prolapse and compared with those of 100 control subjects matched for sex and race. Arches were found in 16.8 percent of all digital patterns in patients with mitral valve prolapse but in only 2.5 percent of all digits in the control group. Whereas no patient in the control group had four or more arches, 19 percent of patients with mitral valve prolapse had this finding. In addition, arches were found on 16 and 9 percent, respectively, of digits IV and V in patients with mitral valve prolapse but were not found on these digits in the control group. The finding of four or more arches or arches on digits IV or V may be important supportive evidence of mitral valve prolapse when evaluating patients with atypical chest pain and palpitations. Antenatal factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of mitral valve prolapse since it is possible that a genetic or environmental factor that interferes with the development of the mitral valve may also influence epidermal ridge patterns.", "PMID": 983956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_581", "title": "Coronary arterial reperfusion. III. Early and late effects on regional myocardial function and dimensions in conscious dogs.", "content": "Regional myocardial function was studied in five conscious chronically instrumented dogs for 4 weeks after coronary reperfusion following a 2 hour period of occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. A cuff and flowmeter were placed around the left circumflex coronary artery, and a micromanometer and three pairs of ultrasonic crystals were implanted 1 cm apart subendocardially in control, marginal and ischemic segments of the left ventricle. Control normal segments showed progressive increases in end-diastolic length and extent of active shortening. Ischemic segments tended to show slight improvement early after reperfusion, but in succeeding weeks, despite some improvement in shortening, they showed progressive decreases in end-diastolic length compatible with subendocardial tissue loss. In marginally ischemic segments, shortening initially remained depressed after reperfusion, but showed late recovery so that shortening and end-diastolic length were not different from control values by 4 weeks. These results contrasted with findings in five similarly studied dogs subjected to permanent coronary occlusion; in that group the data suggested greater tissue loss and less recovery of function in marginal and ischemic segments. The late return of segmental function and reduced loss of subendocardial tissue several weeks after coronary reperfusion suggest that substantial time periods may be required to assess the ultimate effect of therapeutic interventions. The findings further indicate that in this experimental model the usual time constraints for occurrence of irreversible tissue damage do not apply to all of the myocardium within the ischemic zone.", "contents": "Coronary arterial reperfusion. III. Early and late effects on regional myocardial function and dimensions in conscious dogs. Regional myocardial function was studied in five conscious chronically instrumented dogs for 4 weeks after coronary reperfusion following a 2 hour period of occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. A cuff and flowmeter were placed around the left circumflex coronary artery, and a micromanometer and three pairs of ultrasonic crystals were implanted 1 cm apart subendocardially in control, marginal and ischemic segments of the left ventricle. Control normal segments showed progressive increases in end-diastolic length and extent of active shortening. Ischemic segments tended to show slight improvement early after reperfusion, but in succeeding weeks, despite some improvement in shortening, they showed progressive decreases in end-diastolic length compatible with subendocardial tissue loss. In marginally ischemic segments, shortening initially remained depressed after reperfusion, but showed late recovery so that shortening and end-diastolic length were not different from control values by 4 weeks. These results contrasted with findings in five similarly studied dogs subjected to permanent coronary occlusion; in that group the data suggested greater tissue loss and less recovery of function in marginal and ischemic segments. The late return of segmental function and reduced loss of subendocardial tissue several weeks after coronary reperfusion suggest that substantial time periods may be required to assess the ultimate effect of therapeutic interventions. The findings further indicate that in this experimental model the usual time constraints for occurrence of irreversible tissue damage do not apply to all of the myocardium within the ischemic zone.", "PMID": 983957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_582", "title": "Rechargeable silver-modified mercuric oxide-zinc cell for cardiac pacemakers.", "content": "Tests were conducted on rechargeable mercury-zinc pacemaker batteries under simulated and actual biologic conditions, using a variety of discharge rates and charging schedules. In tests on 96 cells at a 6.4 milliampere (ma) discharge, recharging once every 15 months of simulated pacing at a 25 microampere (mua) drain, the earliest cell failure occurred after an equivalent of 50 years of pacing. The mean pacing equivalent for all 96 cells was more than 140 years. In 6.4 ma discharge tests on 24 cells, recharging once every 8 days of simulated pacing, only 1 cell in 24 failed after an equivalent of more than 500 years of pacing (actual time 2 years). In tests on 13 cells pacing at a 200 mua drain without recharging, the simulated mean duration of pacing before total discharge was 4.8 years. Seven other cells at a 200 mua drain with periodic recharging continue to function normally after more than 7 years of actual time, simulating 56 years of pacing at a 25 mua drain. Cardiac pacemakers using the rechargeable mercury-zinc cell have been implanted in animals for more than 2 1/2 years and in patients for more than 1 year with all units continuing to function satisfactorily. It has been demonstrated unequivocally that a rechargeable mercury-zinc pacemaker will function continuously for more than 4 years without recharging and that periodic recharging will extend pacing life far beyond that predicted for lithium and nuclear primary power sources.", "contents": "Rechargeable silver-modified mercuric oxide-zinc cell for cardiac pacemakers. Tests were conducted on rechargeable mercury-zinc pacemaker batteries under simulated and actual biologic conditions, using a variety of discharge rates and charging schedules. In tests on 96 cells at a 6.4 milliampere (ma) discharge, recharging once every 15 months of simulated pacing at a 25 microampere (mua) drain, the earliest cell failure occurred after an equivalent of 50 years of pacing. The mean pacing equivalent for all 96 cells was more than 140 years. In 6.4 ma discharge tests on 24 cells, recharging once every 8 days of simulated pacing, only 1 cell in 24 failed after an equivalent of more than 500 years of pacing (actual time 2 years). In tests on 13 cells pacing at a 200 mua drain without recharging, the simulated mean duration of pacing before total discharge was 4.8 years. Seven other cells at a 200 mua drain with periodic recharging continue to function normally after more than 7 years of actual time, simulating 56 years of pacing at a 25 mua drain. Cardiac pacemakers using the rechargeable mercury-zinc cell have been implanted in animals for more than 2 1/2 years and in patients for more than 1 year with all units continuing to function satisfactorily. It has been demonstrated unequivocally that a rechargeable mercury-zinc pacemaker will function continuously for more than 4 years without recharging and that periodic recharging will extend pacing life far beyond that predicted for lithium and nuclear primary power sources.", "PMID": 983958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_583", "title": "Left ventricular function by echocardiography in children with fixed aortic stenosis.", "content": "Left ventricular function was evaluated echocardiographically within 24 hours of cardiac catheterization in 45 children with fixed aortic stenosis. Left ventricular systolic time intervals, mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, left ventricular end-diastolic volume and shortening fraction were evaluated. Some patients with severe aortic stenosis had a shortened preejection period, prolonged ejection time and increased mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening in comparison with normal subjects, but these findings were not consistent within the group with severe aortic stenosis or apparent in patients with mild or moderate aortic stenosis. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume was smaller in children with severe obstruction than in normal children. Evaluation of the shortening fraction provided good separation of patients with significant obstruction from those with mild disease. Further, there was a linear correlation between the shortening fraction and the left ventricular-aortic gradient demonstrated at cardiac catheterization. This correlation was also of use in evaluating the response of patients to surgical relief of obstruction. Pre- and postoperative echocardiographic evaluation of the shortening fraction appears to provide a readily available noninvasive method of assessing the course and severity of obstruction in fixed aortic stenosis in children.", "contents": "Left ventricular function by echocardiography in children with fixed aortic stenosis. Left ventricular function was evaluated echocardiographically within 24 hours of cardiac catheterization in 45 children with fixed aortic stenosis. Left ventricular systolic time intervals, mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, left ventricular end-diastolic volume and shortening fraction were evaluated. Some patients with severe aortic stenosis had a shortened preejection period, prolonged ejection time and increased mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening in comparison with normal subjects, but these findings were not consistent within the group with severe aortic stenosis or apparent in patients with mild or moderate aortic stenosis. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume was smaller in children with severe obstruction than in normal children. Evaluation of the shortening fraction provided good separation of patients with significant obstruction from those with mild disease. Further, there was a linear correlation between the shortening fraction and the left ventricular-aortic gradient demonstrated at cardiac catheterization. This correlation was also of use in evaluating the response of patients to surgical relief of obstruction. Pre- and postoperative echocardiographic evaluation of the shortening fraction appears to provide a readily available noninvasive method of assessing the course and severity of obstruction in fixed aortic stenosis in children.", "PMID": 983959} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_584", "title": "The binding of calcium within the Golgi saccules of the rat odontoblast.", "content": "Odontoblasts of developing rat molar teeth were treated with OsO4-pyroantimonate to ascertain the localization of calcium. In addition, some tooth germs were incubated in solutions which were intended to allow for the escape of diffusible ions prior to fixation in OsO4-pyroantimonate. In tissues treated directly with OsO4-pyroantimonate, antimonate reaction product was found chiefly in abacus bodies and secretory granules of the Golgi region and in secretory granules in the distal pole of the cell. Lesser amounts of reaction product were found in the extracellular space, mitochondria, nucleus and generally throughout the cell. Tissues pre treated to allow for the escape of diffusible ions showed reaction product, identified as containing calcium, only in the abacus bodies and secretory granules. These results are considered to reflect the binding of calcium within the Golgi apparatus of the odontoblast. Moreover, since it has been shown by others that the abacus bodies and secretory granules contain collagen precursor, it is suggested that the collagen precursor is being seeded with calcium within the Golgi apparatus and that this intracellular calcium binding will play a role in facilitating the major wave of extracellular mineralization of the dentin which is to follow.", "contents": "The binding of calcium within the Golgi saccules of the rat odontoblast. Odontoblasts of developing rat molar teeth were treated with OsO4-pyroantimonate to ascertain the localization of calcium. In addition, some tooth germs were incubated in solutions which were intended to allow for the escape of diffusible ions prior to fixation in OsO4-pyroantimonate. In tissues treated directly with OsO4-pyroantimonate, antimonate reaction product was found chiefly in abacus bodies and secretory granules of the Golgi region and in secretory granules in the distal pole of the cell. Lesser amounts of reaction product were found in the extracellular space, mitochondria, nucleus and generally throughout the cell. Tissues pre treated to allow for the escape of diffusible ions showed reaction product, identified as containing calcium, only in the abacus bodies and secretory granules. These results are considered to reflect the binding of calcium within the Golgi apparatus of the odontoblast. Moreover, since it has been shown by others that the abacus bodies and secretory granules contain collagen precursor, it is suggested that the collagen precursor is being seeded with calcium within the Golgi apparatus and that this intracellular calcium binding will play a role in facilitating the major wave of extracellular mineralization of the dentin which is to follow.", "PMID": 983969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_585", "title": "Tight and gap junctions in a vertebrate inner ear.", "content": "The auditory organ of the alligator lizard has been investigated with the transmission electron microscope using methods which distinguish between tight and gap junctions. There is a continuous zone of tight junctions located near the endolymphatic surface of the organ forming a boundary between the endolymph in scala media and the interstitial spaces between the cells. No such tight junctions were observed between the perilymph of scala tympani and the interstitial fluid within the organ. Small gap junctions occur between hair cells and supporting cells and large gap junctions occur between adjacent supporting cells. The locations of the tight junctions suggest that the composition of the intercellular fluid in the receptor organ is probably more like perilymph than like endolymph. The presence of gap junctions between hair cells and supporting cells provides a possible morphological basis for the occurrence of intracellular responses to sound in supporting cells, and for elctric coupling of receptor cells.", "contents": "Tight and gap junctions in a vertebrate inner ear. The auditory organ of the alligator lizard has been investigated with the transmission electron microscope using methods which distinguish between tight and gap junctions. There is a continuous zone of tight junctions located near the endolymphatic surface of the organ forming a boundary between the endolymph in scala media and the interstitial spaces between the cells. No such tight junctions were observed between the perilymph of scala tympani and the interstitial fluid within the organ. Small gap junctions occur between hair cells and supporting cells and large gap junctions occur between adjacent supporting cells. The locations of the tight junctions suggest that the composition of the intercellular fluid in the receptor organ is probably more like perilymph than like endolymph. The presence of gap junctions between hair cells and supporting cells provides a possible morphological basis for the occurrence of intracellular responses to sound in supporting cells, and for elctric coupling of receptor cells.", "PMID": 983970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_586", "title": "Specific response of ovarian and uterine veins of mice to sex hormones.", "content": "Pellets of glass (control), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and estradiol-17beta (E) were placed on the mesentery or subcutaneously in the flank in ovariectomized (O) and ovariectomized-hysterectomized (OH) mice, insuring that all or most of the hormone would pass through the superior mesinteric or circumflex iliac veins. After 21 days the diameters of these and of the ovarian, uterine, and femoral veins and inferior vena cava were measured at autopsy. T and E caused significant enlargement of the uteri; E was also responsible for bladder distention. The ovarian and uterine veins enlarged significantly in mice treated with T and E as compared to the controls. All other veins failed to respond to P, T, and E. The evidence demonstrates a specific response of ovarian and uterine veins in O and OH mice to T and E.", "contents": "Specific response of ovarian and uterine veins of mice to sex hormones. Pellets of glass (control), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and estradiol-17beta (E) were placed on the mesentery or subcutaneously in the flank in ovariectomized (O) and ovariectomized-hysterectomized (OH) mice, insuring that all or most of the hormone would pass through the superior mesinteric or circumflex iliac veins. After 21 days the diameters of these and of the ovarian, uterine, and femoral veins and inferior vena cava were measured at autopsy. T and E caused significant enlargement of the uteri; E was also responsible for bladder distention. The ovarian and uterine veins enlarged significantly in mice treated with T and E as compared to the controls. All other veins failed to respond to P, T, and E. The evidence demonstrates a specific response of ovarian and uterine veins in O and OH mice to T and E.", "PMID": 983971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_587", "title": "The fine structure of the digital corpuscle of the mouse toe pad, with special reference to nerve fibers.", "content": "Digital corpuscles in the dermal papillae of the mouse toe pad have been studied using light and electron microscopy of serial thick and thin sections, and silver impregnations of frozen sections. These corpuscles are ellipsoid in shape and approximately 10-30 mum in diameter. They consist of one to three lamellar cells, nerve fibers and a capsule. These digital corpuscles are regarded as small Meissner corpuscles. The capsule is perineural epithelium. One or two myelinated nerve fibers and occasionally an unmyelinated nerve fiber enter the corpuscle. The axon terminals contain many mitochondria and a variable population of vesicular profiles. These terminals are ellipsoid or discoid in shape with the long axis parallel to the skin surface. The cytoplasmic plates (or lamellae) of the lamellar cells are arranged parallel to the skin surface, as is the cleft between the bilaterally symmetrical stacks of lamellae. Small processes extend from the expanded terminal of the neurite into the cleft between the lamellae. The relationship of the neurite terminal and associated lamellar cells resembles in some respects the organization of the inner core of Pacinian corpuscles. Intraepidermal fibers derived from myelinated neurites of the corpuscle may extend to the superficial epidermis. Intraepidermal fibers derived from unmyelinated neurites usually terminate in the basal regions of the epidermis.", "contents": "The fine structure of the digital corpuscle of the mouse toe pad, with special reference to nerve fibers. Digital corpuscles in the dermal papillae of the mouse toe pad have been studied using light and electron microscopy of serial thick and thin sections, and silver impregnations of frozen sections. These corpuscles are ellipsoid in shape and approximately 10-30 mum in diameter. They consist of one to three lamellar cells, nerve fibers and a capsule. These digital corpuscles are regarded as small Meissner corpuscles. The capsule is perineural epithelium. One or two myelinated nerve fibers and occasionally an unmyelinated nerve fiber enter the corpuscle. The axon terminals contain many mitochondria and a variable population of vesicular profiles. These terminals are ellipsoid or discoid in shape with the long axis parallel to the skin surface. The cytoplasmic plates (or lamellae) of the lamellar cells are arranged parallel to the skin surface, as is the cleft between the bilaterally symmetrical stacks of lamellae. Small processes extend from the expanded terminal of the neurite into the cleft between the lamellae. The relationship of the neurite terminal and associated lamellar cells resembles in some respects the organization of the inner core of Pacinian corpuscles. Intraepidermal fibers derived from myelinated neurites of the corpuscle may extend to the superficial epidermis. Intraepidermal fibers derived from unmyelinated neurites usually terminate in the basal regions of the epidermis.", "PMID": 983972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_588", "title": "Dissociation of epithelial cells from rabbit trachea and small intestine with demonstration of APUD endocrine cells.", "content": "In this study the entire epithelial lining of tracheas and a 15-cm segments of small intestine were dissociated into individual cell components after 45-minute incubation with 1% pronase. Light and electron microscopy of isolated cells confirmed good morphologic preservation of various epithelial cell types dissociated from the trachea and small intestinal mucosa. Of particular interest was the recovery and preservation of APUD endocrine cells, which are known to be widely dispersed amongst various non-endocrine epithelial cells in both the trachea and small intestine. The APUD cells were demonstrated in dissociated cell preparations by a formaldehyde-induced fluorescence method, Grimelius' silver nitrate stain, and electron microscopy. The isolated APUD cells retained their characteristic features, e.g., amine-handling properties, argyrophilia and cytoplasmic dense-core vesicles. The cell dissociation method described in this report provides high yields of viable epithelial cells in single cell suspensions which are suitable for further cell separation into homogeneous populations of single kinds of cells, including the APUD endocrine cells. Availability of methods for isolation of tracheal and intestinal APUD cells will facilitate further studies, in vitro, on secretory, metabolic and functional aspects of these cells.", "contents": "Dissociation of epithelial cells from rabbit trachea and small intestine with demonstration of APUD endocrine cells. In this study the entire epithelial lining of tracheas and a 15-cm segments of small intestine were dissociated into individual cell components after 45-minute incubation with 1% pronase. Light and electron microscopy of isolated cells confirmed good morphologic preservation of various epithelial cell types dissociated from the trachea and small intestinal mucosa. Of particular interest was the recovery and preservation of APUD endocrine cells, which are known to be widely dispersed amongst various non-endocrine epithelial cells in both the trachea and small intestine. The APUD cells were demonstrated in dissociated cell preparations by a formaldehyde-induced fluorescence method, Grimelius' silver nitrate stain, and electron microscopy. The isolated APUD cells retained their characteristic features, e.g., amine-handling properties, argyrophilia and cytoplasmic dense-core vesicles. The cell dissociation method described in this report provides high yields of viable epithelial cells in single cell suspensions which are suitable for further cell separation into homogeneous populations of single kinds of cells, including the APUD endocrine cells. Availability of methods for isolation of tracheal and intestinal APUD cells will facilitate further studies, in vitro, on secretory, metabolic and functional aspects of these cells.", "PMID": 983973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_589", "title": "Secretion by parafollicular cells beginning at birth: ultrastructural evidence from developing canine thyroid.", "content": "The ultrastructure of developing canine parafollicular cells has been examined. The hypothesis that secretion is relatively inactive prior to birth but very active at and following birth was tested. Parafollicular cells develop and accumulate characteristic secretory granules prior to birth. However, there is little or no evidence of exocytosis at this time. At birth and during the neonatal period, but not in adult thyroids, signs of exocytosis of granular contents by parafollicular cells are abundant. Just prior to the expected date of birth and before evidence of exocytosis appears, parafollicular cells accumulate intracisternal granules within rough endoplasmic reticulum. These observations are consistent with the view that parafollicular cells first become actively secretory around the time of birth and are more active at this time than in early fetal or later adult life.", "contents": "Secretion by parafollicular cells beginning at birth: ultrastructural evidence from developing canine thyroid. The ultrastructure of developing canine parafollicular cells has been examined. The hypothesis that secretion is relatively inactive prior to birth but very active at and following birth was tested. Parafollicular cells develop and accumulate characteristic secretory granules prior to birth. However, there is little or no evidence of exocytosis at this time. At birth and during the neonatal period, but not in adult thyroids, signs of exocytosis of granular contents by parafollicular cells are abundant. Just prior to the expected date of birth and before evidence of exocytosis appears, parafollicular cells accumulate intracisternal granules within rough endoplasmic reticulum. These observations are consistent with the view that parafollicular cells first become actively secretory around the time of birth and are more active at this time than in early fetal or later adult life.", "PMID": 983974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_590", "title": "Effect of puromycin on the ultrastructure of keratohyalin granules.", "content": "Keratohyalin granules (KHG) from control and puromycin-treated hamster cheek pouch epithelium were studied by electron microscopy. The animals were killed 1-4 hours after injection with 75-100 microgram puromycin per gram body weight; controls were injected with saline. The KHG from control animals were round or oval and consisted of a finely granular background matrix containing many small, round, homogeneous electron-dense deposits. The KHG from puromycin-treated animals showed marked variation in morphology and size. They consisted of a coarse granular or speckled matrix and round, club-shaped or comma-shaped electron-dense deposits. Since puromycin is known to inhibit protein synthesis, alterations in KHG structure support previous reports suggesting the protein nature of KHG.", "contents": "Effect of puromycin on the ultrastructure of keratohyalin granules. Keratohyalin granules (KHG) from control and puromycin-treated hamster cheek pouch epithelium were studied by electron microscopy. The animals were killed 1-4 hours after injection with 75-100 microgram puromycin per gram body weight; controls were injected with saline. The KHG from control animals were round or oval and consisted of a finely granular background matrix containing many small, round, homogeneous electron-dense deposits. The KHG from puromycin-treated animals showed marked variation in morphology and size. They consisted of a coarse granular or speckled matrix and round, club-shaped or comma-shaped electron-dense deposits. Since puromycin is known to inhibit protein synthesis, alterations in KHG structure support previous reports suggesting the protein nature of KHG.", "PMID": 983975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_591", "title": "Isoantigen ABH in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.", "content": "The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between the histologic findings and the presence or absence of ABH isoantigens in intraepithelial neoplasia of the cervix. After the lesions were graded by four pathologists, the Red Cell Adherence (RCA) test was done to demonstrate the ABH antigens, and the results of the two were compared. The correlation between the morphologic diagnosis and the results of the RCA test was limited. The percentages of tissues giving positive (+) or positive-negative (+/-) reactions were very similar in intraepithelial neoplsia (59.2%) and normal squamous epithelium (58.4%). The relationship of the RCA test results and behavior of the lesion was not studied.", "contents": "Isoantigen ABH in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between the histologic findings and the presence or absence of ABH isoantigens in intraepithelial neoplasia of the cervix. After the lesions were graded by four pathologists, the Red Cell Adherence (RCA) test was done to demonstrate the ABH antigens, and the results of the two were compared. The correlation between the morphologic diagnosis and the results of the RCA test was limited. The percentages of tissues giving positive (+) or positive-negative (+/-) reactions were very similar in intraepithelial neoplsia (59.2%) and normal squamous epithelium (58.4%). The relationship of the RCA test results and behavior of the lesion was not studied.", "PMID": 983985} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_592", "title": "Carcinoma of the cervix. Clinicopathologic correlation of 196 cases.", "content": "One hundred ninety-six cases of patients with invasive squamous carcinoma of the cervix treated at the Mayo Clinic from 1960 to 1970 were evaluated for survival. All patients had been followed for at least five years; treatment was surgical, irradiation, or a combination of the two. The probability of survival was compared with grade and histologic type, with clinical staging taken into consideration. No significant difference in prognoses was found between grades or histologic type of tumors within any stage. As expected, advanced stages were associated with poorer survival rates than localized disease. Within patients who had Stage 1 disease, metastatically involved lymph nodes did not significantly diminish the probability of survival.", "contents": "Carcinoma of the cervix. Clinicopathologic correlation of 196 cases. One hundred ninety-six cases of patients with invasive squamous carcinoma of the cervix treated at the Mayo Clinic from 1960 to 1970 were evaluated for survival. All patients had been followed for at least five years; treatment was surgical, irradiation, or a combination of the two. The probability of survival was compared with grade and histologic type, with clinical staging taken into consideration. No significant difference in prognoses was found between grades or histologic type of tumors within any stage. As expected, advanced stages were associated with poorer survival rates than localized disease. Within patients who had Stage 1 disease, metastatically involved lymph nodes did not significantly diminish the probability of survival.", "PMID": 983986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_593", "title": "Two cases of enteric myiasis in man. Pseudomyiasis and true intestinal myiasis.", "content": "Dipterous larvae were found in the appendices from two postmortem examinations. The single maggot in the first case was not immediately identified in the sections. However, when the posterior end of the larva was recovered from the unsectioned portion of the appendix, it was identified as a maggot of the genus Sarcophaga. The first case was believed to be a case of \"pseudomyiasis,+ i.e., the accidental entrapment of a swallowed larva passing through the digestive tract. In the second case, the appendix contained numerous larvae with great variation in sizes and stages of development of the mouth hooks, pharyngeal sclerites, and spiracular breathing plates. Such development was considered to have occurred within the intestinal tract, which indicated that this was a case of true intestinal myiasis.", "contents": "Two cases of enteric myiasis in man. Pseudomyiasis and true intestinal myiasis. Dipterous larvae were found in the appendices from two postmortem examinations. The single maggot in the first case was not immediately identified in the sections. However, when the posterior end of the larva was recovered from the unsectioned portion of the appendix, it was identified as a maggot of the genus Sarcophaga. The first case was believed to be a case of \"pseudomyiasis,+ i.e., the accidental entrapment of a swallowed larva passing through the digestive tract. In the second case, the appendix contained numerous larvae with great variation in sizes and stages of development of the mouth hooks, pharyngeal sclerites, and spiracular breathing plates. Such development was considered to have occurred within the intestinal tract, which indicated that this was a case of true intestinal myiasis.", "PMID": 983987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_594", "title": "Lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the lung, associated with a long history of benign lymphoepithelial lesions of the salivary glands and lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis. Report of a case.", "content": "A case of a man who had bilateral benign lymphoepithelial lesions of major salivary glands, subsequently had lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis at the age of 26 years, and progressed to lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the lung at the age of 42 years is reported, A labial gland biopsy was consistent with Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome, which the patient was clinically suspected of having although his disease lacked many of the classic clinical features of that disorder. There was no evidence of malignant lymphoma of lymph nodes. Immunoglobulin distribances were minor, limited to slightly elevated IgG.", "contents": "Lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the lung, associated with a long history of benign lymphoepithelial lesions of the salivary glands and lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis. Report of a case. A case of a man who had bilateral benign lymphoepithelial lesions of major salivary glands, subsequently had lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis at the age of 26 years, and progressed to lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the lung at the age of 42 years is reported, A labial gland biopsy was consistent with Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome, which the patient was clinically suspected of having although his disease lacked many of the classic clinical features of that disorder. There was no evidence of malignant lymphoma of lymph nodes. Immunoglobulin distribances were minor, limited to slightly elevated IgG.", "PMID": 983988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_595", "title": "Pulmonary cytopathology of former asbestos workers. Report of the first year.", "content": "Five hundred fifty-four workers, 84% of whom are chronic cigarette smokers, have been examined during the past year with emphasis on the role of sputum cytopathology in the early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer. Of the 554, 232 (42%) have shown squamous metaplasia, 44 (8%), mild to moderate atypias, 18 (3.2%), severe atypias, and two (0.4%), squamous carcinoma. Both of the carcinomas were in x-ray negative, cytopathology-positive elderly cigarette smokers. Ferruginous bodies have been found in the sputa of 187 (33%) workers. Ferruginous bodies in the sputum do not appear to be a marker for severe atypias; rather, their presence correlates best with duration and extent of industrial exposure to asbestos.", "contents": "Pulmonary cytopathology of former asbestos workers. Report of the first year. Five hundred fifty-four workers, 84% of whom are chronic cigarette smokers, have been examined during the past year with emphasis on the role of sputum cytopathology in the early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer. Of the 554, 232 (42%) have shown squamous metaplasia, 44 (8%), mild to moderate atypias, 18 (3.2%), severe atypias, and two (0.4%), squamous carcinoma. Both of the carcinomas were in x-ray negative, cytopathology-positive elderly cigarette smokers. Ferruginous bodies have been found in the sputa of 187 (33%) workers. Ferruginous bodies in the sputum do not appear to be a marker for severe atypias; rather, their presence correlates best with duration and extent of industrial exposure to asbestos.", "PMID": 983989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_596", "title": "Ultraviolet spectrophotometric analysis of barbiturates. Current assessment as an emergency screening procedure.", "content": "Several laboratory methods are currently available for the detection of barbiturates, but few are suitable for emergency use, The authors evaluated use of an ultraviolet spectrophotometric method as a screening procedure and compared the results with results obtained by other barbiturate methods (colorimetric, gas-liquid chromatographic, and immunochemical), Procedure time was approximately 40 minutes, sensitivity 0.2 mg/dl, precision (coefficient of variation) 5.4%, recovery 97.8% for phenobarbital, and there was good correlation with results obtained by gas-liquid chromatography and the EMIT system for phenobarbital. The authors recommend ultraviolet spectrophotometry as an excellent screening procedure for assessing the severity of barbiturate intoxication.", "contents": "Ultraviolet spectrophotometric analysis of barbiturates. Current assessment as an emergency screening procedure. Several laboratory methods are currently available for the detection of barbiturates, but few are suitable for emergency use, The authors evaluated use of an ultraviolet spectrophotometric method as a screening procedure and compared the results with results obtained by other barbiturate methods (colorimetric, gas-liquid chromatographic, and immunochemical), Procedure time was approximately 40 minutes, sensitivity 0.2 mg/dl, precision (coefficient of variation) 5.4%, recovery 97.8% for phenobarbital, and there was good correlation with results obtained by gas-liquid chromatography and the EMIT system for phenobarbital. The authors recommend ultraviolet spectrophotometry as an excellent screening procedure for assessing the severity of barbiturate intoxication.", "PMID": 983990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_597", "title": "Levels of immunoreactive glycine-conjugated bile acids in health and hepatobiliary disease.", "content": "A sensitive radioimmunoassay for cholylglycine, chenodeoxycholylglycine, deoxycholylglycine, and sulfolithocholylglycine was established using antibodies obtained from rabbits injected with albumin conjugates of these bile acids. Glycine-conjugated bile acid levels were measured in sera from 25 control subjects and 110 patients who had hepatic disease (alcoholic cirrhosis, hepatitis, cholestasis, and hepatic malignancy). Sulfolithocholylglycine was elevated in the sera of all 110 patients with hepatic disease. Cholylglucine was within normal range in only three. Chenodeoxycholylglycine was elevated in most sera of patients who had hepatitis, cholestasis, or hepatic malignancy. It was normal in most sera of patients who had alcoholic cirrhosis, suggesting that chenodeoxycholic acid may be subject to further biotransformations in these patients. Deoxycholylglycine was elevated in a minority of patients, none of whom had cholestasis. The data suggest that serum bile acids, particularly sulfolithocholylglycine, are a highly sensitive index for hepatic dysfunction.", "contents": "Levels of immunoreactive glycine-conjugated bile acids in health and hepatobiliary disease. A sensitive radioimmunoassay for cholylglycine, chenodeoxycholylglycine, deoxycholylglycine, and sulfolithocholylglycine was established using antibodies obtained from rabbits injected with albumin conjugates of these bile acids. Glycine-conjugated bile acid levels were measured in sera from 25 control subjects and 110 patients who had hepatic disease (alcoholic cirrhosis, hepatitis, cholestasis, and hepatic malignancy). Sulfolithocholylglycine was elevated in the sera of all 110 patients with hepatic disease. Cholylglucine was within normal range in only three. Chenodeoxycholylglycine was elevated in most sera of patients who had hepatitis, cholestasis, or hepatic malignancy. It was normal in most sera of patients who had alcoholic cirrhosis, suggesting that chenodeoxycholic acid may be subject to further biotransformations in these patients. Deoxycholylglycine was elevated in a minority of patients, none of whom had cholestasis. The data suggest that serum bile acids, particularly sulfolithocholylglycine, are a highly sensitive index for hepatic dysfunction.", "PMID": 983991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_598", "title": "A quality control program for the radioimmunoassay laboratory.", "content": "The major problems in applying quality control to radioimmunoassay measurements are (a) nonlinearity of the dose-response curve, and (b) nonuniformity of the residual variance. A logit-log transformation of the dose-response variables combined with an iterative weighted regression analysis appears to overcome most of the difficulties. This technic is particularly helpful when applied to substandard runs where extraneous standard points tend to distort assay results. The authors describe a quality control program that involves recording control values on calendar and histogram formats, monitoring assay variables by charting, and comparing the computer-calculated slope with the graphic plot to reveal \"outliers.\" This program is useful in guiding technologists to locate possible causes for \"out-of-limits\" runs.", "contents": "A quality control program for the radioimmunoassay laboratory. The major problems in applying quality control to radioimmunoassay measurements are (a) nonlinearity of the dose-response curve, and (b) nonuniformity of the residual variance. A logit-log transformation of the dose-response variables combined with an iterative weighted regression analysis appears to overcome most of the difficulties. This technic is particularly helpful when applied to substandard runs where extraneous standard points tend to distort assay results. The authors describe a quality control program that involves recording control values on calendar and histogram formats, monitoring assay variables by charting, and comparing the computer-calculated slope with the graphic plot to reveal \"outliers.\" This program is useful in guiding technologists to locate possible causes for \"out-of-limits\" runs.", "PMID": 983992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_599", "title": "Radioisotopic assay of vitamin B12 in tissues.", "content": "The present study delineates the application of the radioisotopic competitive-inhibition assay for the measurement of vitamin B12 in tissues. The extraction of endogenous B12 from tissues was shown to be simple and complete. Proportional dilution studies suggest that tissue factors do not interfere with the assay. Although some variability exists when multiple areas of an organ are sampled, the differences between B12 levels in tissues obtained from normal individuals and B12-deprived individuals are so wide that individual intra-organ variability is trivial, As this tissue B12 assay is similar to the widely utilized radioisotopic assays for serum B12, it is applicable for routine use.", "contents": "Radioisotopic assay of vitamin B12 in tissues. The present study delineates the application of the radioisotopic competitive-inhibition assay for the measurement of vitamin B12 in tissues. The extraction of endogenous B12 from tissues was shown to be simple and complete. Proportional dilution studies suggest that tissue factors do not interfere with the assay. Although some variability exists when multiple areas of an organ are sampled, the differences between B12 levels in tissues obtained from normal individuals and B12-deprived individuals are so wide that individual intra-organ variability is trivial, As this tissue B12 assay is similar to the widely utilized radioisotopic assays for serum B12, it is applicable for routine use.", "PMID": 983993} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_600", "title": "Routine erythrocyte measurements in diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia and thalassemia minor.", "content": "A study was made of the routine electronic measurements of erythrocyte size and hemoglobin concentration in blood samples from 122 patients with decreased transferrin saturation and 66 patients with elevated levels of hemoglobin A2 or F. The medical histories of these patients were reviewed to identify 52 cases of uncomplicated iron-deficiency anemia and 39 cases of uncomplicated thalassemia minor. Four decision functions were compared for separating these two disorders. The functions evaluated were: D.F'. = MCV--[5 X Hb]-RBC; ratio MCV/RBC; ratio MCH/RBC, and RBC. The rules performed better in the uncomplicated cases than in the routine laboratory defined cases. Only minor differences in the performances of the various decision functions were observed. None was sufficiently accurate for final diagnosis, but they should have value in screening patients and in determining which additional test should be considered.", "contents": "Routine erythrocyte measurements in diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia and thalassemia minor. A study was made of the routine electronic measurements of erythrocyte size and hemoglobin concentration in blood samples from 122 patients with decreased transferrin saturation and 66 patients with elevated levels of hemoglobin A2 or F. The medical histories of these patients were reviewed to identify 52 cases of uncomplicated iron-deficiency anemia and 39 cases of uncomplicated thalassemia minor. Four decision functions were compared for separating these two disorders. The functions evaluated were: D.F'. = MCV--[5 X Hb]-RBC; ratio MCV/RBC; ratio MCH/RBC, and RBC. The rules performed better in the uncomplicated cases than in the routine laboratory defined cases. Only minor differences in the performances of the various decision functions were observed. None was sufficiently accurate for final diagnosis, but they should have value in screening patients and in determining which additional test should be considered.", "PMID": 983994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_601", "title": "Effects of hemoglobin F levels, KCN, and storage on the isopropanol precipitation test for unstable hemoglobins.", "content": "Although the isopropanol precipitation test is a commonly used and sensitive test for detecting unstable hemoglobins, false-positive reactions are frequently observed. In this study, the storage temperature of the test samples, type of stored sample amount of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) in the sample, and presence of potassium cyanide (KCN) in the hemolysate preparation all affected the accuracy of the test. The addition of 2% KCN to samples before testing eliminated or greatly reduced false-positive reactions. Hb F levels greater than 4% caused false-positive results. When specimens with Hb F levels less than 4% were stored at 4C and as whole blood, they showed no false-positive reaction for as long as two weeks. However, duplicate specimens stored as whole blood but unrefrigerated and those stored as hemolysates showed false-positive reactions after three days.", "contents": "Effects of hemoglobin F levels, KCN, and storage on the isopropanol precipitation test for unstable hemoglobins. Although the isopropanol precipitation test is a commonly used and sensitive test for detecting unstable hemoglobins, false-positive reactions are frequently observed. In this study, the storage temperature of the test samples, type of stored sample amount of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) in the sample, and presence of potassium cyanide (KCN) in the hemolysate preparation all affected the accuracy of the test. The addition of 2% KCN to samples before testing eliminated or greatly reduced false-positive reactions. Hb F levels greater than 4% caused false-positive results. When specimens with Hb F levels less than 4% were stored at 4C and as whole blood, they showed no false-positive reaction for as long as two weeks. However, duplicate specimens stored as whole blood but unrefrigerated and those stored as hemolysates showed false-positive reactions after three days.", "PMID": 983995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_602", "title": "An evaluation of the Haema-Count MK-40 blood counting system.", "content": "The Haema-Count MK-40, a semiautomated blood counting system, determines hemoglobin, erthrocyte count, leukocyte count, and hematocrit values of blood cell suspensions prepared with a small automatic pipetter-diluter. It is similar to the MK-3, which the authors previously evaluated, but has automatic coincidence correlation and a modified prime and rinse cycle. Its performance was compared with those of standard methods, i.e., the single-channel Coulter Counter and manual cyanmethemoglobin and microhematocrit methods. Precisions for hemoglobin determinations and for leukocyte and erythrocyte counts were equal to those of the reference (comparative) methods. Patients comparisons for those determinations had only small intermethod variability and small clinically insignificant biases. The hematocrit channel was the least precise. With a modified method of calibration, the authors obtained patient comparisons without statistically significant bias from the microhematocrit. Calibration was stable for all channels during the course of the study.", "contents": "An evaluation of the Haema-Count MK-40 blood counting system. The Haema-Count MK-40, a semiautomated blood counting system, determines hemoglobin, erthrocyte count, leukocyte count, and hematocrit values of blood cell suspensions prepared with a small automatic pipetter-diluter. It is similar to the MK-3, which the authors previously evaluated, but has automatic coincidence correlation and a modified prime and rinse cycle. Its performance was compared with those of standard methods, i.e., the single-channel Coulter Counter and manual cyanmethemoglobin and microhematocrit methods. Precisions for hemoglobin determinations and for leukocyte and erythrocyte counts were equal to those of the reference (comparative) methods. Patients comparisons for those determinations had only small intermethod variability and small clinically insignificant biases. The hematocrit channel was the least precise. With a modified method of calibration, the authors obtained patient comparisons without statistically significant bias from the microhematocrit. Calibration was stable for all channels during the course of the study.", "PMID": 983996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_603", "title": "Progress report: the activated coagulation time of whole blood (ACT).", "content": "The activated coagulation time of whole blood (ACT) has, in the nearly ten years since its first description in the literature, proven itself one of the best laboratory tests for the control of heparin therapy, both for patients undergoing treatment for thromboembolic disease and for those on extracorporeal circulation. It is simple, largely free from subjective variation, precise, and quick. Prolongation of the ACT in the heparinized individual is directly proportional to the concentration of heparin in the blood, and the test accurately reflects the semilogarithmic disappearance of the anticoagulant effect in most patients. In addition, the test serves well as a bedside screening test for deficiencies of the intrinsic coagulation mechanism. The author summarizes the sutdies that have been carried out on this technic since its original description, and briefly presents three protocols for heparinization of patients who have thromboembolic disease.", "contents": "Progress report: the activated coagulation time of whole blood (ACT). The activated coagulation time of whole blood (ACT) has, in the nearly ten years since its first description in the literature, proven itself one of the best laboratory tests for the control of heparin therapy, both for patients undergoing treatment for thromboembolic disease and for those on extracorporeal circulation. It is simple, largely free from subjective variation, precise, and quick. Prolongation of the ACT in the heparinized individual is directly proportional to the concentration of heparin in the blood, and the test accurately reflects the semilogarithmic disappearance of the anticoagulant effect in most patients. In addition, the test serves well as a bedside screening test for deficiencies of the intrinsic coagulation mechanism. The author summarizes the sutdies that have been carried out on this technic since its original description, and briefly presents three protocols for heparinization of patients who have thromboembolic disease.", "PMID": 983997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_604", "title": "A modified leukocyte nitroblue tetrazolium test in acute bacterial infection.", "content": "The increased ability to leukocytes to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) has been used to detect the presence of systemic bacterial infection. This test has been utilized to evaluate infections and leukocyte dysfunction in children, but has not been extensively applied to traumatized patients or infected volunteers. Moreover, the technic as originally described presented methodologic difficulties. In this study of 889 such patients, a modified NBT test provided excellent differentiation of 63 systemic bacterial infections (NBT score greater than or equal to 10%) from non-infectious fevers, local enteric diseases, and certain viral and plasmodial infections (NBT score less than or equal to 9%). Splenectomy was associated with a transient false-positive score and clinical typhoid fever with a false-negative response", "contents": "A modified leukocyte nitroblue tetrazolium test in acute bacterial infection. The increased ability to leukocytes to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) has been used to detect the presence of systemic bacterial infection. This test has been utilized to evaluate infections and leukocyte dysfunction in children, but has not been extensively applied to traumatized patients or infected volunteers. Moreover, the technic as originally described presented methodologic difficulties. In this study of 889 such patients, a modified NBT test provided excellent differentiation of 63 systemic bacterial infections (NBT score greater than or equal to 10%) from non-infectious fevers, local enteric diseases, and certain viral and plasmodial infections (NBT score less than or equal to 9%). Splenectomy was associated with a transient false-positive score and clinical typhoid fever with a false-negative response", "PMID": 983998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_605", "title": "Haemophilus paraphrophilus endocarditis in a prolapsed mitral valve.", "content": "A case of Haemophilus paraphrophilus endocarditis successfully treated with ampicillin is described. The patient, a 24-year-old woman, had a prolapsed mitral valve. The organism was initally misidentified as H. parainfluenzae, which it closely resembles. H. paraphrophilus is distinguished by its requirement of 10% CO2 for growth on NaCl-free medium and its inability to ferment xylose.", "contents": "Haemophilus paraphrophilus endocarditis in a prolapsed mitral valve. A case of Haemophilus paraphrophilus endocarditis successfully treated with ampicillin is described. The patient, a 24-year-old woman, had a prolapsed mitral valve. The organism was initally misidentified as H. parainfluenzae, which it closely resembles. H. paraphrophilus is distinguished by its requirement of 10% CO2 for growth on NaCl-free medium and its inability to ferment xylose.", "PMID": 983999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_606", "title": "Sudden infant death syndrome. A prospective study.", "content": "One hundred twenty-five sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) victims followed up since birth from a large prospective study were compared with matched controls. Some of the future SIDS victims showed evidences of neonatal brain dysfunction including abnormalities in respiration, feeding, temperature regulation, and specific neurologic tests. These abnormalities could not be ralated to events in labor or delivery. A greater proportion of the future victims were mildly underweight for gestational age. The gestations that produced the SIDS victims were characterized by a greater frequency of mothers who smoked cigarettes and had anemia. The demographic profile of SIDS families proved to be indentical to the profile for families with excessive perinatal mortality. Many of the SIDS victims showed a retardation in postnatal growth prior to death.", "contents": "Sudden infant death syndrome. A prospective study. One hundred twenty-five sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) victims followed up since birth from a large prospective study were compared with matched controls. Some of the future SIDS victims showed evidences of neonatal brain dysfunction including abnormalities in respiration, feeding, temperature regulation, and specific neurologic tests. These abnormalities could not be ralated to events in labor or delivery. A greater proportion of the future victims were mildly underweight for gestational age. The gestations that produced the SIDS victims were characterized by a greater frequency of mothers who smoked cigarettes and had anemia. The demographic profile of SIDS families proved to be indentical to the profile for families with excessive perinatal mortality. Many of the SIDS victims showed a retardation in postnatal growth prior to death.", "PMID": 984002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_607", "title": "Screening for cell-mediated immunity in children.", "content": "Skin testing and in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis with Monilia and tetanus toxoid were examined as methods of screening cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in infants and children. With increasing age, all assays were more likely to be positive. Tetanus toxoid was a better single screening antigen than Monilia, particularly for young infants. Combining all assays, at least one was positive in 88% of children over 6 weeks of age. Combining the two skin tests, at least one was positive in 73% of children in the same age range. Results for the blastogenic assays indicated that this in vitro test is more sensitive than the in vivo skin test for demonstrating CMI to these two antigens. Infants with documented histories for Monilia diaper rash had a significantly higher probability of having a positive skin or blastogenic reaction with Monilia.", "contents": "Screening for cell-mediated immunity in children. Skin testing and in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis with Monilia and tetanus toxoid were examined as methods of screening cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in infants and children. With increasing age, all assays were more likely to be positive. Tetanus toxoid was a better single screening antigen than Monilia, particularly for young infants. Combining all assays, at least one was positive in 88% of children over 6 weeks of age. Combining the two skin tests, at least one was positive in 73% of children in the same age range. Results for the blastogenic assays indicated that this in vitro test is more sensitive than the in vivo skin test for demonstrating CMI to these two antigens. Infants with documented histories for Monilia diaper rash had a significantly higher probability of having a positive skin or blastogenic reaction with Monilia.", "PMID": 984003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_608", "title": "Radionuclide imaging of airway obstruction following assisted ventilation.", "content": "Radioaerosol lung scintigraphy was performed in five infants in whom obstructive airway complications developed following assisted ventilation. These studies suggest that a primary functional defect was obstruction to airflow at the level of the major airways, which occurred during expiration. Perfusion lung scintigraphy showed areas of diminished or redistributed pulmonary blood flow, which, like the results of the radioaerosol scintigraphic studies, are findings often associated with adult chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.", "contents": "Radionuclide imaging of airway obstruction following assisted ventilation. Radioaerosol lung scintigraphy was performed in five infants in whom obstructive airway complications developed following assisted ventilation. These studies suggest that a primary functional defect was obstruction to airflow at the level of the major airways, which occurred during expiration. Perfusion lung scintigraphy showed areas of diminished or redistributed pulmonary blood flow, which, like the results of the radioaerosol scintigraphic studies, are findings often associated with adult chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.", "PMID": 984004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_609", "title": "Erythrocyte survival in children as studied by labeling with stable 50Cr.", "content": "The survival of 50Cr- and 51Cr-labeled autologous and/or homologous erythrocytes was compared simultaneously in eight pediatric patients and one adult. 50Cr, a stable, nonradioactive nuclide, had values comparable to those of standard radioactive 51Cr labeling. The data also demonstrated the capability of 50Cr-51Cr labeling to reveal differences in survival between two populations of erythrocytes monitored simultaneously in the same individual. The technique permitted the use of the nonradioactive isotope in volumes of blood that are appropriate for the pediatric age group.", "contents": "Erythrocyte survival in children as studied by labeling with stable 50Cr. The survival of 50Cr- and 51Cr-labeled autologous and/or homologous erythrocytes was compared simultaneously in eight pediatric patients and one adult. 50Cr, a stable, nonradioactive nuclide, had values comparable to those of standard radioactive 51Cr labeling. The data also demonstrated the capability of 50Cr-51Cr labeling to reveal differences in survival between two populations of erythrocytes monitored simultaneously in the same individual. The technique permitted the use of the nonradioactive isotope in volumes of blood that are appropriate for the pediatric age group.", "PMID": 984005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_610", "title": "The 2p partial trisomy syndrome. Duplication of region 2p23 leads to 2pter in two members of a t(2;7) translocation kindred.", "content": "Strikingly similar abnormalities were present in two severely retarded children, an 8-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl, who were first cousins once removed. Dysmorphic features included high bulging forehead with frontal upsweep of hair, flat, wide glabella and nasal bridge, maxillary hypoplasia, ptosis, dacryostenosis, dolichostenomelia, hyperextensible fingers with subluxation in proximal interphalangeal joints, hypoplastic external genitalia, and overconstriction of the shafts of all long bones. Both patients had unbalanced karyotypes, with duplication of the distal third of the short arm of chromosome 2, resulting from the same balanced reciprocal translocation prestne in both mothers: der (2), t(2;7)(p23;q36)mat. Seven additional translocation carriers were identified in four generations of this kindred.", "contents": "The 2p partial trisomy syndrome. Duplication of region 2p23 leads to 2pter in two members of a t(2;7) translocation kindred. Strikingly similar abnormalities were present in two severely retarded children, an 8-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl, who were first cousins once removed. Dysmorphic features included high bulging forehead with frontal upsweep of hair, flat, wide glabella and nasal bridge, maxillary hypoplasia, ptosis, dacryostenosis, dolichostenomelia, hyperextensible fingers with subluxation in proximal interphalangeal joints, hypoplastic external genitalia, and overconstriction of the shafts of all long bones. Both patients had unbalanced karyotypes, with duplication of the distal third of the short arm of chromosome 2, resulting from the same balanced reciprocal translocation prestne in both mothers: der (2), t(2;7)(p23;q36)mat. Seven additional translocation carriers were identified in four generations of this kindred.", "PMID": 984008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_611", "title": "Heat stroke in infancy.", "content": "We observed a 16-month-old infant with residual brain damage following a heat stroke from being left in a parked automobile. In contrast with adults, in whom heat stroke usually follows strenuous exercise, the condition in infants usually results from excessive environmental temperature and/or dehydration. Early recognition of the illness is imperative. Three cardinal freatures are hot, dry skin, central nervous system disturbance, and hyperpyrexia. Immediate treatment should be aimed at improving circulation with volume expanders and rapid cooling. Other supportive measures may be necessary to control seizures, renal failure, hematologic abnormalities, or hepatic involvement.", "contents": "Heat stroke in infancy. We observed a 16-month-old infant with residual brain damage following a heat stroke from being left in a parked automobile. In contrast with adults, in whom heat stroke usually follows strenuous exercise, the condition in infants usually results from excessive environmental temperature and/or dehydration. Early recognition of the illness is imperative. Three cardinal freatures are hot, dry skin, central nervous system disturbance, and hyperpyrexia. Immediate treatment should be aimed at improving circulation with volume expanders and rapid cooling. Other supportive measures may be necessary to control seizures, renal failure, hematologic abnormalities, or hepatic involvement.", "PMID": 984009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_612", "title": "Malignant pheochromocytoma in childhood.", "content": "A child had malignant pheochromocytoma. Her tumor originally was thought to be a benign one, but persistent elevation of catecholamine values in the post operative period, and consequent appearance of lytic bone lesions, proved her disease to be metastatic. Malignancy is rare in this tumor, and difficult to diagnose even with sophisticated biochemical radiologic techniques. Treatment with chemotherapy and radiation failed to halt the spread and growth of this patient's tumor.", "contents": "Malignant pheochromocytoma in childhood. A child had malignant pheochromocytoma. Her tumor originally was thought to be a benign one, but persistent elevation of catecholamine values in the post operative period, and consequent appearance of lytic bone lesions, proved her disease to be metastatic. Malignancy is rare in this tumor, and difficult to diagnose even with sophisticated biochemical radiologic techniques. Treatment with chemotherapy and radiation failed to halt the spread and growth of this patient's tumor.", "PMID": 984010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_613", "title": "Gastroesophageal reflux with protein-losing enteropathy and finger clubbing.", "content": "Finger clubbing, protein-losing enteropathy, and iron deficiency were documented in three children with severe gastroesophageal reflux. One patient had Sandifer syndrome and the other two had the rumination syndrome. In each case, surgical repair of the gastroesophageal reflux resulted in immediate clearing of signs of the Sandifer syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, and anemia and the return of serum protein levels to normal. There was definite regression of the finger clubbing during the ensuing year. It is suggested that finger clubbing, protein-losing enteropathy, Sandifer syndrome, and rumination be viewed as parts of an extended syndrome of unusual presentations of gastroesophageal reflux.", "contents": "Gastroesophageal reflux with protein-losing enteropathy and finger clubbing. Finger clubbing, protein-losing enteropathy, and iron deficiency were documented in three children with severe gastroesophageal reflux. One patient had Sandifer syndrome and the other two had the rumination syndrome. In each case, surgical repair of the gastroesophageal reflux resulted in immediate clearing of signs of the Sandifer syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, and anemia and the return of serum protein levels to normal. There was definite regression of the finger clubbing during the ensuing year. It is suggested that finger clubbing, protein-losing enteropathy, Sandifer syndrome, and rumination be viewed as parts of an extended syndrome of unusual presentations of gastroesophageal reflux.", "PMID": 984011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_614", "title": "Calcified right ventricular fibroma causing outflow obstruction. Report of a case with successful excision.", "content": "A 5-year-old boy with clinical findings of pulmonic stenosis was found to have a large calcified mass in the right ventricular outflow region and a gradient of 120 mm Hg between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. At surgery, an ovalshaped tumor attached to the interventricular septum and obstructing the right ventricular outflow tract was removed. The child survived and is doing well. Histologically, the tumor had the characteristics of fibroma. A hemodynamic study three months after surgery showed almost complete abolishment of the gradient. To our knowledge this is the fifth reported case of calcified right ventricular fibroma with successful operation. In childhood intracardiac calcifications, together with obstruction, are highly suggestive of this lesion.", "contents": "Calcified right ventricular fibroma causing outflow obstruction. Report of a case with successful excision. A 5-year-old boy with clinical findings of pulmonic stenosis was found to have a large calcified mass in the right ventricular outflow region and a gradient of 120 mm Hg between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. At surgery, an ovalshaped tumor attached to the interventricular septum and obstructing the right ventricular outflow tract was removed. The child survived and is doing well. Histologically, the tumor had the characteristics of fibroma. A hemodynamic study three months after surgery showed almost complete abolishment of the gradient. To our knowledge this is the fifth reported case of calcified right ventricular fibroma with successful operation. In childhood intracardiac calcifications, together with obstruction, are highly suggestive of this lesion.", "PMID": 984012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_615", "title": "Myelopathy in infancy complicating congenital atlantoaxial dislocation.", "content": "Two infants had congenital atlantoaxial dislocation associated with myelopathy. One of them, a 3-month-old girl, showed anterior dislocation of the atlas on the axis, and had extreme weakness of the extremities. Another patient, an 8-month-old boy, showed tetraplegia, and posterior dislocation with absent odontoid process was demonstrated radiologically. These cases add another cause to the varied etiologies of floppiness in early infancy.", "contents": "Myelopathy in infancy complicating congenital atlantoaxial dislocation. Two infants had congenital atlantoaxial dislocation associated with myelopathy. One of them, a 3-month-old girl, showed anterior dislocation of the atlas on the axis, and had extreme weakness of the extremities. Another patient, an 8-month-old boy, showed tetraplegia, and posterior dislocation with absent odontoid process was demonstrated radiologically. These cases add another cause to the varied etiologies of floppiness in early infancy.", "PMID": 984013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_616", "title": "Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux: incidence and precipitating factors.", "content": "The incidence and precipitating factors associated with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux were evaluated by a questionnaire in 446 hospitalized and 558 nonhospitalized subjects. Of 385 control subjects 7% experienced heartburn daily, 14% noted heartburn weekly, and 15% experienced it once a month, giving a total of 36% of subjects having heartburn at least monthly. Daily heartburn occurred at a significantly greater (P less than 0.05) rate for 246 medical inpatients (14%) and for 121 patients seen in outpatient gastroenterological clinic (15%). Pregnant women seen in uncomplicated obstetrical clinic had symptoms of significantly greater (P less than 0.01) incidence: daily (25%) and at least once monthly (52%). Age, sex, or hospitalization did not significantly affect incidence. Fried foods, \"spicy\" foods, and alcohol were the most common precipitating factors.", "contents": "Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux: incidence and precipitating factors. The incidence and precipitating factors associated with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux were evaluated by a questionnaire in 446 hospitalized and 558 nonhospitalized subjects. Of 385 control subjects 7% experienced heartburn daily, 14% noted heartburn weekly, and 15% experienced it once a month, giving a total of 36% of subjects having heartburn at least monthly. Daily heartburn occurred at a significantly greater (P less than 0.05) rate for 246 medical inpatients (14%) and for 121 patients seen in outpatient gastroenterological clinic (15%). Pregnant women seen in uncomplicated obstetrical clinic had symptoms of significantly greater (P less than 0.01) incidence: daily (25%) and at least once monthly (52%). Age, sex, or hospitalization did not significantly affect incidence. Fried foods, \"spicy\" foods, and alcohol were the most common precipitating factors.", "PMID": 984016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_617", "title": "Sugar absorption by small bowel biopsy samples from patients with primary lactase deficiency and with adult celiac disease.", "content": "The present study was undertaken to compare the 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3MG) absorption by jejunal biopsies from normal human subjects (N = 3) with that by the jejunum of the rat (N = 8) and of the hamster (N = 8), and to examine whether jejunal biopsies from normal subjects (N = 3), patients with primary lactase deficiency (N = 5) and from patients with celiac sprue (N = 5) follow the same pattern of sugar absorption as usually observed in vivo. The results indicate that under the conditions of our experiments the estimated affinity of carrier for 3MG (ie, apparent Km) in the biopsies from normal subjects did not differ significantly from that in rat or hamster jejunum. The estimated capacity of carriers for 3MG absorption (ie, Vmax) appeared to be similar in biopsies from normal subjects and in hamster jejunum, but significantly lower in rat jejunum. There was no difference in apparent Km between the biopsies from normal subjects and those from the patients with lactase deficiency. Although the Vmax for the lactase deficient patients was substantially higher than that for the normal subjects, the difference was not statistically significant. The absorption of 3MG by the biopsies from patients with celiac sprue did not follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics and was compatible with that of passive diffusion or low saturation conditions. Since the intracellular concentration of 3MG in all biopsies from celiac patients exceeded the concentration of the media, sugar transport could not have occurred by diffusion, and it is concluded that the absence of Michaelis-Menten kinetics was the result of low saturation conditions. This active transport with low saturation kinetics in patients with celiac disease suggests that in these patients not only the number of functioning carrier molecules is diminished but also the affinity of the existing carrier for sugar molecule is reduced. This situation, at least in some patients, seems to improve after treatment with gluten-free diet.", "contents": "Sugar absorption by small bowel biopsy samples from patients with primary lactase deficiency and with adult celiac disease. The present study was undertaken to compare the 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3MG) absorption by jejunal biopsies from normal human subjects (N = 3) with that by the jejunum of the rat (N = 8) and of the hamster (N = 8), and to examine whether jejunal biopsies from normal subjects (N = 3), patients with primary lactase deficiency (N = 5) and from patients with celiac sprue (N = 5) follow the same pattern of sugar absorption as usually observed in vivo. The results indicate that under the conditions of our experiments the estimated affinity of carrier for 3MG (ie, apparent Km) in the biopsies from normal subjects did not differ significantly from that in rat or hamster jejunum. The estimated capacity of carriers for 3MG absorption (ie, Vmax) appeared to be similar in biopsies from normal subjects and in hamster jejunum, but significantly lower in rat jejunum. There was no difference in apparent Km between the biopsies from normal subjects and those from the patients with lactase deficiency. Although the Vmax for the lactase deficient patients was substantially higher than that for the normal subjects, the difference was not statistically significant. The absorption of 3MG by the biopsies from patients with celiac sprue did not follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics and was compatible with that of passive diffusion or low saturation conditions. Since the intracellular concentration of 3MG in all biopsies from celiac patients exceeded the concentration of the media, sugar transport could not have occurred by diffusion, and it is concluded that the absence of Michaelis-Menten kinetics was the result of low saturation conditions. This active transport with low saturation kinetics in patients with celiac disease suggests that in these patients not only the number of functioning carrier molecules is diminished but also the affinity of the existing carrier for sugar molecule is reduced. This situation, at least in some patients, seems to improve after treatment with gluten-free diet.", "PMID": 984015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_618", "title": "The effects of VIP on intestinal motility: study on ex vivo perfused isolated canine jejunal loops.", "content": "The effects of VIP on intestinal motility were studied on isolated canine jejunal loops ex vivo perfused at normothermia, under pulsatile flow with heparinized, oxygenated and nonrecirculated canine whole blood, by means of an intraluminal balloon. VIP was administered intraarterially either by 1 min injections or by long-time infusions. The results showed that for arterial concentrations of the polypeptide ranging between 25 pg/ml and 300-500 pg/ml a fast but short-lasting relaxant effect was observed. For higher concentrations VIP usually produced a biphasic response: The relaxant effect is followed by an increase of the basal muscular tone often accompanied, for concentrations higher than about 25 ng/ml, by a marked and transient increase in amplitude of the intestinal rhythmic contractions. During long-time infusions a biphasic response was also observed but both effects were of short duration. A cholingeric origin of the secondary contracting phase was expected but could not be demonstrated because, at blood concentrations at which atropine affected the biphasic response, not only was the contractile effect abolished but also the initial relaxing phase. It is suggested that the secondary contraction may be a \"rebound excitation\" of myogenic nature or a result of noncholingeric excitatory fiber stimulations. The short-lasting relaxant effect observed under the present experimental conditions, even during long-time infusion of the polypeptide, fails to argue for an important physiological role of VIP as an hormonal inhibitor of intestinal motility. The biphasic response, however, might have a physiological significance in so far as the aboral propulsion of the intestinal content requires a muscular inhibition which rapidly changes to contraction.", "contents": "The effects of VIP on intestinal motility: study on ex vivo perfused isolated canine jejunal loops. The effects of VIP on intestinal motility were studied on isolated canine jejunal loops ex vivo perfused at normothermia, under pulsatile flow with heparinized, oxygenated and nonrecirculated canine whole blood, by means of an intraluminal balloon. VIP was administered intraarterially either by 1 min injections or by long-time infusions. The results showed that for arterial concentrations of the polypeptide ranging between 25 pg/ml and 300-500 pg/ml a fast but short-lasting relaxant effect was observed. For higher concentrations VIP usually produced a biphasic response: The relaxant effect is followed by an increase of the basal muscular tone often accompanied, for concentrations higher than about 25 ng/ml, by a marked and transient increase in amplitude of the intestinal rhythmic contractions. During long-time infusions a biphasic response was also observed but both effects were of short duration. A cholingeric origin of the secondary contracting phase was expected but could not be demonstrated because, at blood concentrations at which atropine affected the biphasic response, not only was the contractile effect abolished but also the initial relaxing phase. It is suggested that the secondary contraction may be a \"rebound excitation\" of myogenic nature or a result of noncholingeric excitatory fiber stimulations. The short-lasting relaxant effect observed under the present experimental conditions, even during long-time infusion of the polypeptide, fails to argue for an important physiological role of VIP as an hormonal inhibitor of intestinal motility. The biphasic response, however, might have a physiological significance in so far as the aboral propulsion of the intestinal content requires a muscular inhibition which rapidly changes to contraction.", "PMID": 984017} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_619", "title": "Effect of nicotine on serum secretin and exocrine pancreatic secretion.", "content": "The effect of nicotine (100 mug/kg hr-1) on serum secretin and pancreatic secretions was studied in dogs with chronic pancreatic fistulas. Release of immunoreactive secretin (IRS) was stimulated by intraduodenal infusion of HCl (9.6 mEq/30 min). Pancreatic flow rate and bicarbonate and protein secretions were stimulated either by intestinal acidification or infusion of exogenous secretin (1.0 IU/kg hr-1). It was found that nicotine delayed the appearance of peak IRS concentrations in response to intraduodenal HCl by about 20 min. However, nicotine had no effect on the total amount of IRS released nor was this delay accompanied by a similar delay in the appearance of peak bicarbonate output. Furthermore, nicotine did not affect pancreatic secretory function stimulated by either HCl or exogenous secretin. These data do not support the thesis that nicotine plays an important role in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcers in smokers by inhibiting the pancreatic secretion of bicarbonate.", "contents": "Effect of nicotine on serum secretin and exocrine pancreatic secretion. The effect of nicotine (100 mug/kg hr-1) on serum secretin and pancreatic secretions was studied in dogs with chronic pancreatic fistulas. Release of immunoreactive secretin (IRS) was stimulated by intraduodenal infusion of HCl (9.6 mEq/30 min). Pancreatic flow rate and bicarbonate and protein secretions were stimulated either by intestinal acidification or infusion of exogenous secretin (1.0 IU/kg hr-1). It was found that nicotine delayed the appearance of peak IRS concentrations in response to intraduodenal HCl by about 20 min. However, nicotine had no effect on the total amount of IRS released nor was this delay accompanied by a similar delay in the appearance of peak bicarbonate output. Furthermore, nicotine did not affect pancreatic secretory function stimulated by either HCl or exogenous secretin. These data do not support the thesis that nicotine plays an important role in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcers in smokers by inhibiting the pancreatic secretion of bicarbonate.", "PMID": 984018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_620", "title": "Acinar pancreatic tumor with metastatic fat necrosis: report of a case and review of rheumatic manifestations.", "content": "This report deals with a pancreatic tumor associated with metastatic fat necrosis. Our patient displayed the full gamut of nodular panniculitis, polyarthritis, fever, eosinophilia, hyperlipasemia, lytic bones lesions, and marrow fat necrosis. The rheumatologic features are reviewed. Elevated serum lipase is a most helpful laboratory confirmation. The tumor in our patient presented a difficult problem in classification. Although the appearance under light microscopy was most compatible with islet cell carcinoma or islet cell carcinoid, the ultrastructural characteristics were those of acinar carcinoma.", "contents": "Acinar pancreatic tumor with metastatic fat necrosis: report of a case and review of rheumatic manifestations. This report deals with a pancreatic tumor associated with metastatic fat necrosis. Our patient displayed the full gamut of nodular panniculitis, polyarthritis, fever, eosinophilia, hyperlipasemia, lytic bones lesions, and marrow fat necrosis. The rheumatologic features are reviewed. Elevated serum lipase is a most helpful laboratory confirmation. The tumor in our patient presented a difficult problem in classification. Although the appearance under light microscopy was most compatible with islet cell carcinoma or islet cell carcinoid, the ultrastructural characteristics were those of acinar carcinoma.", "PMID": 984019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_621", "title": "Electrical spike potentials of the small bowel: a comparative study of recordings obtained from muscular implanted and intraluminal suction electrodes.", "content": "Electrical spike potentials from the canine duodenum have been recorded from intramuscular implanted and intraluminal suction electrodes. There was a significantly greater amplitude of the spike potentials recorded from implanted electrodes, otherwise the potentials were identical in number, duration and time of onset. Thus spike potentials recorded from suction electrodes, as used in clinical motility studies, accurately represent the event within the muscular layer.", "contents": "Electrical spike potentials of the small bowel: a comparative study of recordings obtained from muscular implanted and intraluminal suction electrodes. Electrical spike potentials from the canine duodenum have been recorded from intramuscular implanted and intraluminal suction electrodes. There was a significantly greater amplitude of the spike potentials recorded from implanted electrodes, otherwise the potentials were identical in number, duration and time of onset. Thus spike potentials recorded from suction electrodes, as used in clinical motility studies, accurately represent the event within the muscular layer.", "PMID": 984022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_622", "title": "The effect of regression to the mean in epidemiologic and clinical studies.", "content": "In this paper, we have noted the ways in which regression to the mean can affect the measurement of treatment effects in clinical and epidemiologic studies. It is apparent that regression can have a sizeable effect and may lead to erroneous conclusions concerning treatment effects. Thus, the procedures outlined here should be useful in taking regression into account at the planning stage as well as at the time of analysis.", "contents": "The effect of regression to the mean in epidemiologic and clinical studies. In this paper, we have noted the ways in which regression to the mean can affect the measurement of treatment effects in clinical and epidemiologic studies. It is apparent that regression can have a sizeable effect and may lead to erroneous conclusions concerning treatment effects. Thus, the procedures outlined here should be useful in taking regression into account at the planning stage as well as at the time of analysis.", "PMID": 984023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_623", "title": "The descriptive epidemiology of primary intracranial neoplasms: the Connecticut experience.", "content": "The age-specific incidence pattern for tumors of the brain and cranial meninges in Connecticut over a 30-year period shows an early peak followed by a taller and sharper peak with a maximum in the 55-65 year age group. This overall curve reflects the pattern shown for glioblastoma, the tumor accounting for the majority of the histologically confirmed cases. The reported rates are probably underestimates of the actual rates. The various histologic types of brain tumors reveal sufficiently distinct epidemiologic patterns to be considered as separate diseases.", "contents": "The descriptive epidemiology of primary intracranial neoplasms: the Connecticut experience. The age-specific incidence pattern for tumors of the brain and cranial meninges in Connecticut over a 30-year period shows an early peak followed by a taller and sharper peak with a maximum in the 55-65 year age group. This overall curve reflects the pattern shown for glioblastoma, the tumor accounting for the majority of the histologically confirmed cases. The reported rates are probably underestimates of the actual rates. The various histologic types of brain tumors reveal sufficiently distinct epidemiologic patterns to be considered as separate diseases.", "PMID": 984024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_624", "title": "A statistical note on the association of colorectal cancer and lymphoma.", "content": "Four patients are presented who were ascertained to have synchronous primary neoplasms-adenocarcinoma of the colon and lymphoma. The age-specific incidence of these lesions is used to compute the expected incidence of this joint occurrence in the aggregate. A hypothesis is proposed to explain the association between adenocarcinoma of the colon and lymphoma. The available data concerning the incidence of multiple primary malignancy of different organs is briefly discussed. It is suggested that data pertaining to multiple primary malignancies of different organs is confused as a result of pooling heterogeneous groups.", "contents": "A statistical note on the association of colorectal cancer and lymphoma. Four patients are presented who were ascertained to have synchronous primary neoplasms-adenocarcinoma of the colon and lymphoma. The age-specific incidence of these lesions is used to compute the expected incidence of this joint occurrence in the aggregate. A hypothesis is proposed to explain the association between adenocarcinoma of the colon and lymphoma. The available data concerning the incidence of multiple primary malignancy of different organs is briefly discussed. It is suggested that data pertaining to multiple primary malignancies of different organs is confused as a result of pooling heterogeneous groups.", "PMID": 984025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_625", "title": "Cancer mortality and asbestos deposits.", "content": "Asbestos deposits are found in many parts of the United States. In this paper the question is asked: Is there an increase in risk from cancer associated with naturally-occurring asbestos? In an attempt to control for the urban effect, geographic gradient and socioeconomic class, each county in the United States with asbestos deposits was matched for percent of area that was urban and for median years in school with two nearby counties that did not have known asbestos deposits. The study of cancer mortality rates in these matched counties provides no evidence that naturally-occurring asbestos is a great hazard to the general population of counties with asbestos depostis.", "contents": "Cancer mortality and asbestos deposits. Asbestos deposits are found in many parts of the United States. In this paper the question is asked: Is there an increase in risk from cancer associated with naturally-occurring asbestos? In an attempt to control for the urban effect, geographic gradient and socioeconomic class, each county in the United States with asbestos deposits was matched for percent of area that was urban and for median years in school with two nearby counties that did not have known asbestos deposits. The study of cancer mortality rates in these matched counties provides no evidence that naturally-occurring asbestos is a great hazard to the general population of counties with asbestos depostis.", "PMID": 984026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_626", "title": "Sex, birth order, and maternal age characteristics of infants with congenital heart defects.", "content": "The records of the New England Regional Infant Cardiac Program, a service program covering all of New England, provide a useful source of information about the characteristics of children born with congenital heart defects. Data were analyzed on more than 2000 children born in New England who were diagnosed with a congenital heart defect before the first birthday. Children with arterio-venous fistula, aortic stenosis, transposition of the great arteries or hypoplastic left ventricle were predominantly male; children with persistent ductus arteriosus and endocardial cushion defect were predominantly female. Positive trends in risk with increasing birth order were present for pulmonic stenosis and transposition of the great arteries, and a negative trend was seen for persistent ductus arteriosus. What evidence there was for associations with maternal age was greatly reduced after controlling for confounding by birth order.", "contents": "Sex, birth order, and maternal age characteristics of infants with congenital heart defects. The records of the New England Regional Infant Cardiac Program, a service program covering all of New England, provide a useful source of information about the characteristics of children born with congenital heart defects. Data were analyzed on more than 2000 children born in New England who were diagnosed with a congenital heart defect before the first birthday. Children with arterio-venous fistula, aortic stenosis, transposition of the great arteries or hypoplastic left ventricle were predominantly male; children with persistent ductus arteriosus and endocardial cushion defect were predominantly female. Positive trends in risk with increasing birth order were present for pulmonic stenosis and transposition of the great arteries, and a negative trend was seen for persistent ductus arteriosus. What evidence there was for associations with maternal age was greatly reduced after controlling for confounding by birth order.", "PMID": 984027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_627", "title": "Comparative incidence of gonorrhea and nongonococcal urethritis in the United States Navy.", "content": "The relative frequency of gonorrhea and nongonococcal urethritis was studied among all active duty US Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Between 1966 and 1974, the incidence of the two diseases increased in parallel fashion, reaching 80.2 cases of gonorrhea and 61.8 cases of nongonococcal urethritis per 1000 average strength in 1974. The 56,457 cases of gonorrhea and 43,538 cases of nongonococcal urethritis reported in 1974 were unevenly distributed geographically. In the United States that year, nongonococcal urethritis was the more commonly reported condition, with 32.9 cases per 1000 average strength per year compared to 28.6 for gonorrhea; and, for the last four years, the ratio of the two was 1.05 cases of nongonococcal urethritis for each case of gonorrhea. These findings imply that nongonococcal urethritis is a significantly greater problem than has been generally recognized.", "contents": "Comparative incidence of gonorrhea and nongonococcal urethritis in the United States Navy. The relative frequency of gonorrhea and nongonococcal urethritis was studied among all active duty US Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Between 1966 and 1974, the incidence of the two diseases increased in parallel fashion, reaching 80.2 cases of gonorrhea and 61.8 cases of nongonococcal urethritis per 1000 average strength in 1974. The 56,457 cases of gonorrhea and 43,538 cases of nongonococcal urethritis reported in 1974 were unevenly distributed geographically. In the United States that year, nongonococcal urethritis was the more commonly reported condition, with 32.9 cases per 1000 average strength per year compared to 28.6 for gonorrhea; and, for the last four years, the ratio of the two was 1.05 cases of nongonococcal urethritis for each case of gonorrhea. These findings imply that nongonococcal urethritis is a significantly greater problem than has been generally recognized.", "PMID": 984028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_628", "title": "The risk of meningitis among classroom contacts during an epidemic of meningococcal disease.", "content": "During an epidemic of meningococcal disease in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, a retrospective survey was carried out to assess the risk of meningitis associated with exposure in a schoolroom. Forty-seven of 17,012 students reportedly had meningitis in August-November 1974, an incidence of 276 per 100,000. Four of 1356 students with classroom exposure to a case contracted meningitis (secondary attack rate, 295 per 100,000). The results indicate that in the population surveyed, 95% of whom were from 7 to 14 years of age, there is no significantly increased risk associated with classroom exposure to a student with meningitis. Antibiotic prophylaxis of classroom contacts is therefore not indicated and should be reserved for contacts known to be at increased risk, such as members of the patient's household or those having direct contact with the patient's oral secretions.", "contents": "The risk of meningitis among classroom contacts during an epidemic of meningococcal disease. During an epidemic of meningococcal disease in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, a retrospective survey was carried out to assess the risk of meningitis associated with exposure in a schoolroom. Forty-seven of 17,012 students reportedly had meningitis in August-November 1974, an incidence of 276 per 100,000. Four of 1356 students with classroom exposure to a case contracted meningitis (secondary attack rate, 295 per 100,000). The results indicate that in the population surveyed, 95% of whom were from 7 to 14 years of age, there is no significantly increased risk associated with classroom exposure to a student with meningitis. Antibiotic prophylaxis of classroom contacts is therefore not indicated and should be reserved for contacts known to be at increased risk, such as members of the patient's household or those having direct contact with the patient's oral secretions.", "PMID": 984029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_629", "title": "A longitudinal study of Mycoplasma pneumoniae: infections in Navy recruits by isolation and seroepidemiology.", "content": "A longitudinal serologic study of M. pneumoniae infections in two recruit training centers with grossly different climates showed that the frequency of this infection peaks in the late summer-early fall and to a lesser degree in the spring at both training centers. Seroconversions (four-fold or greater increase in titer) were as high as 45-57% in some recruit companies during the late summer peak. M. pneumoniae isolations from men admitted to the dispensary or hospital with pneumonia during the major peak season were as high as 32%. While M. pneumoniae infections are not generally life-threatening, the high incidence of infections observed in personnel during recruit training is of major concern and warrants consideration of effective control measures.", "contents": "A longitudinal study of Mycoplasma pneumoniae: infections in Navy recruits by isolation and seroepidemiology. A longitudinal serologic study of M. pneumoniae infections in two recruit training centers with grossly different climates showed that the frequency of this infection peaks in the late summer-early fall and to a lesser degree in the spring at both training centers. Seroconversions (four-fold or greater increase in titer) were as high as 45-57% in some recruit companies during the late summer peak. M. pneumoniae isolations from men admitted to the dispensary or hospital with pneumonia during the major peak season were as high as 32%. While M. pneumoniae infections are not generally life-threatening, the high incidence of infections observed in personnel during recruit training is of major concern and warrants consideration of effective control measures.", "PMID": 984030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_630", "title": "Hemodialysis-associated hepatitis: report of an epidemic with further evidence on mechanisms of transmission.", "content": "In the period January-September 1974, 50 cases of hepatitis B infection occurred among a nephrology center's hemodialysis patients and staff. The in-center patient population had an attack rate of 96%. Epidemiologic analysis of risk factors for patients revealed an association between the receipt of intravenous medication and the subsequent development of hepatitis, suggesting that parenteral inoculation was a mode of spread among patients (p equals .008). Nineteen per cent of the staff contracted hepatitis, and all of these personnel had had close contact with patients (p equals .005). The prevalence of hepatitis B infection in staff was related to the failure to use gloves (p less than .01), and accidental needle puncture was associated with the development of clinical hepatitis. These data suggested that disease was transmitted to staff by contact with contaminated blood or close personal contact with patients. Additional data showed that the presence of endogenous antibody protected both patients and staff from antigenemia (p equals .002). These data support the hypothesis that contact with blood is the primary mechanism of spread of hepatitis B in dialysis units, and suggest that, as preventive measures, gloves should be used and antibody-positive staff should dialyze antigen-positive patients.", "contents": "Hemodialysis-associated hepatitis: report of an epidemic with further evidence on mechanisms of transmission. In the period January-September 1974, 50 cases of hepatitis B infection occurred among a nephrology center's hemodialysis patients and staff. The in-center patient population had an attack rate of 96%. Epidemiologic analysis of risk factors for patients revealed an association between the receipt of intravenous medication and the subsequent development of hepatitis, suggesting that parenteral inoculation was a mode of spread among patients (p equals .008). Nineteen per cent of the staff contracted hepatitis, and all of these personnel had had close contact with patients (p equals .005). The prevalence of hepatitis B infection in staff was related to the failure to use gloves (p less than .01), and accidental needle puncture was associated with the development of clinical hepatitis. These data suggested that disease was transmitted to staff by contact with contaminated blood or close personal contact with patients. Additional data showed that the presence of endogenous antibody protected both patients and staff from antigenemia (p equals .002). These data support the hypothesis that contact with blood is the primary mechanism of spread of hepatitis B in dialysis units, and suggest that, as preventive measures, gloves should be used and antibody-positive staff should dialyze antigen-positive patients.", "PMID": 984031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_631", "title": "Tables and formulas for extended use of the Ederer-Myers-Mantel disease-clustering procedure.", "content": "The principles of the Ederer-Myers-Mantel procedure for seeking evidence of disease clustering are reviewed. The procedure is based on cumulative empirical clusters, i.e., the largest frequency in a single time period or in two successive time periods, and comparing that cumulation with the expected cumulation of largest frequencies under random occurrence. Original tabulations covered totals of up to 15 cases distributed among three, four or five time periods. Present tabulations of expectations and variances cover up to 500 cases distributed among two or three time periods and 200 cases distributed among four or five time periods. Asymptotic formulas are provided for the expectation and variance of the largest frequency in a single period when arbitrarily many cases are distributed at random among two, three, four or five time periods.", "contents": "Tables and formulas for extended use of the Ederer-Myers-Mantel disease-clustering procedure. The principles of the Ederer-Myers-Mantel procedure for seeking evidence of disease clustering are reviewed. The procedure is based on cumulative empirical clusters, i.e., the largest frequency in a single time period or in two successive time periods, and comparing that cumulation with the expected cumulation of largest frequencies under random occurrence. Original tabulations covered totals of up to 15 cases distributed among three, four or five time periods. Present tabulations of expectations and variances cover up to 500 cases distributed among two or three time periods and 200 cases distributed among four or five time periods. Asymptotic formulas are provided for the expectation and variance of the largest frequency in a single period when arbitrarily many cases are distributed at random among two, three, four or five time periods.", "PMID": 984032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_632", "title": "Arteriovenous shunts in the human spleen.", "content": "The mission of this study was to determine whether or not arteriovenous connections, indicative of a \"closed\" type of circulation, existed in the human spleen. Spleens from four patients requiring therapeutic splenectomy were the basis for this report. Scanning electron microscopy of plastic corrosion casts, prepared from these four spleens, revealed direct vascular conduits between splenic pulp arteries or arterial capillaries and the venous sinuses in the red pulp. Also demonstrated were a few arteriovenous shunts between pulp arteries or arterial capillaries and pulp or trabecular veins. Inclusion of sized microspheres in low-viscosity perfusion plastic illustrated that some diameters of the connecting shunts were 7-10 mum, with other shunts even smaller. Not only do arteriovenous connections exist in human spleens, but their frequency, as revealed by methods accentuating three-dimensional aspects of the splenic microcirculation, justify future reconsiderations of the functional significance of this closed type of circulation. Examination of samples of the same intact spleens, prepared by freeze-fracture and conventional critical-point drying, also revealed an \"open\" type circulation structure, namely, pore-patterned sinus walls that could facilitate blood cell movement from pulp cords into venous sinuses. Scanning electron microscopy thus has provided direct evidence that human spleens have both \"open\" and \"closed\" circulatory pathways in their microvasculature.", "contents": "Arteriovenous shunts in the human spleen. The mission of this study was to determine whether or not arteriovenous connections, indicative of a \"closed\" type of circulation, existed in the human spleen. Spleens from four patients requiring therapeutic splenectomy were the basis for this report. Scanning electron microscopy of plastic corrosion casts, prepared from these four spleens, revealed direct vascular conduits between splenic pulp arteries or arterial capillaries and the venous sinuses in the red pulp. Also demonstrated were a few arteriovenous shunts between pulp arteries or arterial capillaries and pulp or trabecular veins. Inclusion of sized microspheres in low-viscosity perfusion plastic illustrated that some diameters of the connecting shunts were 7-10 mum, with other shunts even smaller. Not only do arteriovenous connections exist in human spleens, but their frequency, as revealed by methods accentuating three-dimensional aspects of the splenic microcirculation, justify future reconsiderations of the functional significance of this closed type of circulation. Examination of samples of the same intact spleens, prepared by freeze-fracture and conventional critical-point drying, also revealed an \"open\" type circulation structure, namely, pore-patterned sinus walls that could facilitate blood cell movement from pulp cords into venous sinuses. Scanning electron microscopy thus has provided direct evidence that human spleens have both \"open\" and \"closed\" circulatory pathways in their microvasculature.", "PMID": 984033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_633", "title": "The activities of uroporphyrinogen synthetase and cosynthetase in congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP).", "content": "Normal or increased amounts of series III porphyrins with greater amounts of series I were observed on incubation of PBG in hemolysates of congenital erythropoietic porphyria vs. normal erythrocytes, human or bovine. Correlation with reticulocyte percentage was poor, in the aggregate a general trend toward increased values of both isomers I and III was noted with increasing reticulocytes. When the percent of type III was low the net amount was increased as compared with normal. Hemolysates of non-porphyric, reticulocyte-rich red cells (hemolytic or posthemorrhagic anemia) formed only minute amounts of type I porphyrin but at the same time no more, or even less type III than the porphyric hemolysates, although representing red cells of greater reticulocyte content. No evidence of deficient heme synthesis was observed in porphyric hemolysates incubayed with [14C]-porphobilinogen or 59Fe. Other studies of porphyric hemolysates incubated with and without added mouse spleen synthetase failed to reveal evidence of an absolute UPG-III cosynthetase (Co-S) deficiency. The large increases of type I porphyrin with normal or increased formation of type III, both in the disease and in the hemolysates, are believed due to a primary increase of ALA-S or UPG-S activity rather than a decrease of Co-S. Possible mutations which might be responsible for this increase are considered.", "contents": "The activities of uroporphyrinogen synthetase and cosynthetase in congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP). Normal or increased amounts of series III porphyrins with greater amounts of series I were observed on incubation of PBG in hemolysates of congenital erythropoietic porphyria vs. normal erythrocytes, human or bovine. Correlation with reticulocyte percentage was poor, in the aggregate a general trend toward increased values of both isomers I and III was noted with increasing reticulocytes. When the percent of type III was low the net amount was increased as compared with normal. Hemolysates of non-porphyric, reticulocyte-rich red cells (hemolytic or posthemorrhagic anemia) formed only minute amounts of type I porphyrin but at the same time no more, or even less type III than the porphyric hemolysates, although representing red cells of greater reticulocyte content. No evidence of deficient heme synthesis was observed in porphyric hemolysates incubayed with [14C]-porphobilinogen or 59Fe. Other studies of porphyric hemolysates incubated with and without added mouse spleen synthetase failed to reveal evidence of an absolute UPG-III cosynthetase (Co-S) deficiency. The large increases of type I porphyrin with normal or increased formation of type III, both in the disease and in the hemolysates, are believed due to a primary increase of ALA-S or UPG-S activity rather than a decrease of Co-S. Possible mutations which might be responsible for this increase are considered.", "PMID": 984034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_634", "title": "Clinical, hematologic and biosynthetic studies in sickle cell-betao-thalassemia: a comparison with sickle cell anemia.", "content": "The diseases commonly confused with sickle cell anemia include sickle cell beta-thalassemia in which synthesis of betaA-chains are completely suppressed (HbS-betao-thalassemia). We obtained hematologic measurements and studied globin biosynthesis in five patients with this disorder and compared the results with those obtained in five patients with \"mild\" sickle cell anemia and seven individuals with sickle cell-beta-thalassemia having hemoglobin A levels of 20-30% (HbS-beta+-thalassemia). A distinction between HbS-betao-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia was not always possible on clinical, hematologic, or electrophoretic grounds. Thalassemia heterozygotes had hypochromia and microcytosis, not generally a feature of sickle cell anemia, although overlap of values did exist. The ratio of alpha to non-alpha, or alpha to betaS-chains in sickle cell anemia approximated unity, whereas patients with HbS-betao-thalassemia had a deficit of beta-chain production relative to that of the alpha-chain. The differentiation of HbS-betao-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia can be best made on the basis of family or biosynthetic study. We estimated the regional prevalence of HbS-betao-thalassemia to be 1:23,000 of the black population.", "contents": "Clinical, hematologic and biosynthetic studies in sickle cell-betao-thalassemia: a comparison with sickle cell anemia. The diseases commonly confused with sickle cell anemia include sickle cell beta-thalassemia in which synthesis of betaA-chains are completely suppressed (HbS-betao-thalassemia). We obtained hematologic measurements and studied globin biosynthesis in five patients with this disorder and compared the results with those obtained in five patients with \"mild\" sickle cell anemia and seven individuals with sickle cell-beta-thalassemia having hemoglobin A levels of 20-30% (HbS-beta+-thalassemia). A distinction between HbS-betao-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia was not always possible on clinical, hematologic, or electrophoretic grounds. Thalassemia heterozygotes had hypochromia and microcytosis, not generally a feature of sickle cell anemia, although overlap of values did exist. The ratio of alpha to non-alpha, or alpha to betaS-chains in sickle cell anemia approximated unity, whereas patients with HbS-betao-thalassemia had a deficit of beta-chain production relative to that of the alpha-chain. The differentiation of HbS-betao-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia can be best made on the basis of family or biosynthetic study. We estimated the regional prevalence of HbS-betao-thalassemia to be 1:23,000 of the black population.", "PMID": 984035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_635", "title": "Zinc in the treatment of homozygous sickle cell anemia: studies in an animal model.", "content": "We have studied the effects of zinc on the 51Cr survival of red blood cells (RBC) from patients with homozygous sickle cell anemia (SCA) using an animal model in which the RBC were transfused into specially prepared rats. The slope (lambdas) of a standard 51Cr RBC survival curve was used as a measure of the rate of RBC sequestration. The effects of intravenous zinc were of considerable therapeutic interest from the standpoint of setting guidelines for effective blood levels of zinc in patients. SCA RBC were transfused into rats whose plasma zinc levels had been raised 3-6 times above normal (300-600 mug/100 ml) by prior iv injection of zinc acetate; in three experiments the mean lambdas in zinc-treated animals breathing 15-16% oxygen was significantly lower (meaning lessened sequestration and greater survival) than saline-treated controls. A possible explanation for the requirement to lower ambient oxygen tension in order to see this zinc effect is discussed. We have further observed an increased mean lambdas for RBC from 10 SCA patients compared to 4 normal controls (0.134 vs 0.030; t = 2.8, p less than 0.01). The lambdas values are quite patient specific (4 patients studied; F = 18.2, P = 0.002). In vitro pretransfusion treatment of SCA RBC with 1.5 mM zinc resulted in a significant increase in hemoglobin oxygen affinity and a marked reduction in lambdas (0.073 vs 0.120; t = 4.5, p less than 0.01). The mean lambdas was not affected by in vitro 0.3 mM zinc treatment; this level did not change hemoglobin oxygen affinity. We conclude that systemic zinc therapy in the animal model described, at plasma levels only slightly higher than those presently obtained in patients, prolongs SCA RBC survival. This animal model is a sensitive measure of the sicklability of SCA RBC and is useful in the testing of in vitro and in vivo antisickling agents.", "contents": "Zinc in the treatment of homozygous sickle cell anemia: studies in an animal model. We have studied the effects of zinc on the 51Cr survival of red blood cells (RBC) from patients with homozygous sickle cell anemia (SCA) using an animal model in which the RBC were transfused into specially prepared rats. The slope (lambdas) of a standard 51Cr RBC survival curve was used as a measure of the rate of RBC sequestration. The effects of intravenous zinc were of considerable therapeutic interest from the standpoint of setting guidelines for effective blood levels of zinc in patients. SCA RBC were transfused into rats whose plasma zinc levels had been raised 3-6 times above normal (300-600 mug/100 ml) by prior iv injection of zinc acetate; in three experiments the mean lambdas in zinc-treated animals breathing 15-16% oxygen was significantly lower (meaning lessened sequestration and greater survival) than saline-treated controls. A possible explanation for the requirement to lower ambient oxygen tension in order to see this zinc effect is discussed. We have further observed an increased mean lambdas for RBC from 10 SCA patients compared to 4 normal controls (0.134 vs 0.030; t = 2.8, p less than 0.01). The lambdas values are quite patient specific (4 patients studied; F = 18.2, P = 0.002). In vitro pretransfusion treatment of SCA RBC with 1.5 mM zinc resulted in a significant increase in hemoglobin oxygen affinity and a marked reduction in lambdas (0.073 vs 0.120; t = 4.5, p less than 0.01). The mean lambdas was not affected by in vitro 0.3 mM zinc treatment; this level did not change hemoglobin oxygen affinity. We conclude that systemic zinc therapy in the animal model described, at plasma levels only slightly higher than those presently obtained in patients, prolongs SCA RBC survival. This animal model is a sensitive measure of the sicklability of SCA RBC and is useful in the testing of in vitro and in vivo antisickling agents.", "PMID": 984036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_636", "title": "The effect of thrombin on the uptake and transformation of arachidonic acid by human platelets.", "content": "Washed human platelets take up arachidonic acid from plasma and incorporate the fatty acid into the major classes of complex lipids. Thrombin impairs net incorporation. It activates endogenous phospholipases which liberate arachidonic acid from phospholipids. As a consequence of thrombin induced aggregation platelets release arachidonic acid intermediates formed by the action of platelet fatty acid cyclooxygenase and by platelet fatty acid lipoxygenase. Cyclooxygenase, but not lipoxygenase, is inhibited by aspirin and indomethicin. Analysis of the pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism may furnish new insight into platelet function and into disorders of primary hemostasis.", "contents": "The effect of thrombin on the uptake and transformation of arachidonic acid by human platelets. Washed human platelets take up arachidonic acid from plasma and incorporate the fatty acid into the major classes of complex lipids. Thrombin impairs net incorporation. It activates endogenous phospholipases which liberate arachidonic acid from phospholipids. As a consequence of thrombin induced aggregation platelets release arachidonic acid intermediates formed by the action of platelet fatty acid cyclooxygenase and by platelet fatty acid lipoxygenase. Cyclooxygenase, but not lipoxygenase, is inhibited by aspirin and indomethicin. Analysis of the pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism may furnish new insight into platelet function and into disorders of primary hemostasis.", "PMID": 984037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_637", "title": "Effects of single and combined chemotherapeutic agents on hemopoietic stem cells in mice.", "content": "Bone marrow cell responses to injections of nitrogen mustard, oncovin, procarbazine, hydrocortisone, and a regimen of all four drugs (MOPH) were evaluated in CRF1 and C57B1/6 mice by determining bone marrow cellularity and content of transplantable colony forming units (CFU) after treatment. The study was done to determine whether the combined regimen, which is widely used clinically in treatment of disseminated Hodgkin's disease, is more or less detrimental to the hemopoietic system than the same drugs used as single agents. Nitrogen mustard and procarbazine used clinically as single drugs are given in three and two times, respectively, greater doses than in the combined regimen. Hydrocortisone, given singly, was least toxic of the drugs, reducing the CFU/femur to 63% and 71% of control values. MOPH appeared slightly more toxic than hydrocortisone, resulting in 41% and 52% of the CFU/femur surviving, and was about equally as toxic as oncovin alone. Nitrogen mustard and procarbazine, administered as single drugs in high doses, were highly suppressive, resulting in only 10-19% survival of CFU/femur, whereas, reduced doses of the two drugs as used in the MOPH regimen spared 30-45% of the CFU/femur. Survival of CFU after MOPH treatment was three to four times greater than after high doses of nitrogen mustard or procarbazine alone. The component drugs of the combined regimen did not act on separate populations of stem cells to produce an additive effect but appeared to inactivate the same population of cells.", "contents": "Effects of single and combined chemotherapeutic agents on hemopoietic stem cells in mice. Bone marrow cell responses to injections of nitrogen mustard, oncovin, procarbazine, hydrocortisone, and a regimen of all four drugs (MOPH) were evaluated in CRF1 and C57B1/6 mice by determining bone marrow cellularity and content of transplantable colony forming units (CFU) after treatment. The study was done to determine whether the combined regimen, which is widely used clinically in treatment of disseminated Hodgkin's disease, is more or less detrimental to the hemopoietic system than the same drugs used as single agents. Nitrogen mustard and procarbazine used clinically as single drugs are given in three and two times, respectively, greater doses than in the combined regimen. Hydrocortisone, given singly, was least toxic of the drugs, reducing the CFU/femur to 63% and 71% of control values. MOPH appeared slightly more toxic than hydrocortisone, resulting in 41% and 52% of the CFU/femur surviving, and was about equally as toxic as oncovin alone. Nitrogen mustard and procarbazine, administered as single drugs in high doses, were highly suppressive, resulting in only 10-19% survival of CFU/femur, whereas, reduced doses of the two drugs as used in the MOPH regimen spared 30-45% of the CFU/femur. Survival of CFU after MOPH treatment was three to four times greater than after high doses of nitrogen mustard or procarbazine alone. The component drugs of the combined regimen did not act on separate populations of stem cells to produce an additive effect but appeared to inactivate the same population of cells.", "PMID": 984038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_638", "title": "Platelet injury during phototherapy.", "content": "Phototherapy with blue fluorescent light is widely employed for treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Functional, biochemical, and morphologic changes produced by blue fluorescent light in human platelets were identified and characterized. Platelet-rich plasma was exposed for up to 170 min to amounts of light equivalent to that used in phototherapy of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Within 110 min of light exposure, platelets were essentially no longer aggregable by ADP and connective tissue suspension and were depleted of ADP, ATP, and glycogen. Electron photomicrographs revealed these platelets to be swollen, depleted of glycogen granules and organelles, and to have ill-defined membranes. Platelet injury could be accelerated by adding a photosensitizing agent, hematoporphyrin, to platelet samples before exposure. In contrast, control platelets kept in the dark for 170 min or nonirradiated platelets resuspended in irradiated plasma maintained their integrity. The results indicate that platelets are damaged in vitro when exposed to amounts of blue light used in phototherapy.", "contents": "Platelet injury during phototherapy. Phototherapy with blue fluorescent light is widely employed for treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Functional, biochemical, and morphologic changes produced by blue fluorescent light in human platelets were identified and characterized. Platelet-rich plasma was exposed for up to 170 min to amounts of light equivalent to that used in phototherapy of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Within 110 min of light exposure, platelets were essentially no longer aggregable by ADP and connective tissue suspension and were depleted of ADP, ATP, and glycogen. Electron photomicrographs revealed these platelets to be swollen, depleted of glycogen granules and organelles, and to have ill-defined membranes. Platelet injury could be accelerated by adding a photosensitizing agent, hematoporphyrin, to platelet samples before exposure. In contrast, control platelets kept in the dark for 170 min or nonirradiated platelets resuspended in irradiated plasma maintained their integrity. The results indicate that platelets are damaged in vitro when exposed to amounts of blue light used in phototherapy.", "PMID": 984039} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_639", "title": "Estimation of age and rate of increase of rare variants.", "content": "The problem considered is that of estimating the age or rate of increase of a variant on the basis of the present number of replicates observed in a population. In place of previous diffusion equation analyses of age probability distributions, the likelihood for the age is studied on the basis of a discrete branching process model. It is shown that variations inherent in the process of gene evolution in natural populations make it impossible to provide a reliable point estimate of the age of a specified variant, although the likelihood analysis provides a confidence interval which may place useful bounds on the period in which a variant originated. The observed distribution of numbers of several variants may also provide useful information. The problems of estimation are discussed with reference to rare variants arising in American Indian populations.", "contents": "Estimation of age and rate of increase of rare variants. The problem considered is that of estimating the age or rate of increase of a variant on the basis of the present number of replicates observed in a population. In place of previous diffusion equation analyses of age probability distributions, the likelihood for the age is studied on the basis of a discrete branching process model. It is shown that variations inherent in the process of gene evolution in natural populations make it impossible to provide a reliable point estimate of the age of a specified variant, although the likelihood analysis provides a confidence interval which may place useful bounds on the period in which a variant originated. The observed distribution of numbers of several variants may also provide useful information. The problems of estimation are discussed with reference to rare variants arising in American Indian populations.", "PMID": 984040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_640", "title": "Analysis of genetic and environmental sources of variation in serum cholesterol in Tecumseh, Michigan. III. Identification of genetic effects using 12 polymorphic genetic blood marker systems.", "content": "Four of 12 unlinked polymorphic marker systems were identified as predictors of normal serum cholesterol levels. Consistent effects between males and females and with other studies suggest that these marker loci are themselves involved in cholesterol determination or are closely linked to the involved loci. Two-locus combinations suggest that an 8-9 mg/100 ml difference in nonfasting serum cholesterol may be predicted between phenotypic classes which are not rare in frequency.", "contents": "Analysis of genetic and environmental sources of variation in serum cholesterol in Tecumseh, Michigan. III. Identification of genetic effects using 12 polymorphic genetic blood marker systems. Four of 12 unlinked polymorphic marker systems were identified as predictors of normal serum cholesterol levels. Consistent effects between males and females and with other studies suggest that these marker loci are themselves involved in cholesterol determination or are closely linked to the involved loci. Two-locus combinations suggest that an 8-9 mg/100 ml difference in nonfasting serum cholesterol may be predicted between phenotypic classes which are not rare in frequency.", "PMID": 984041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_641", "title": "Specific chromosome aberrations in senescent fibroblast cell lines derived from human embryos.", "content": "In senescent fibroblast cell lines derived from human embryos, the number of chromosome aberrations were found to increase rapidly. In addition to an increase in aneuploidy and polyploidy, a high frequency of dicentrics occurred, but the number of other chromosome abnormalities remained approximately constant. Banding revealed that many of the dicentrics appeared to be end-to-end fusions of whole chromosomes. The involvement of chromosomes was nonrandom. This \"telomeric binding\" may reflect a progressive decrease in the stability of telomeric sequences or associated enzymes which may also occur in vivo.", "contents": "Specific chromosome aberrations in senescent fibroblast cell lines derived from human embryos. In senescent fibroblast cell lines derived from human embryos, the number of chromosome aberrations were found to increase rapidly. In addition to an increase in aneuploidy and polyploidy, a high frequency of dicentrics occurred, but the number of other chromosome abnormalities remained approximately constant. Banding revealed that many of the dicentrics appeared to be end-to-end fusions of whole chromosomes. The involvement of chromosomes was nonrandom. This \"telomeric binding\" may reflect a progressive decrease in the stability of telomeric sequences or associated enzymes which may also occur in vivo.", "PMID": 984042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_642", "title": "A new pyruvate kinase variant (PK Osaka) demonstrated by partial purification and condensation.", "content": "A qualitative variant of erythrocyte and liver pyruvate kinases (PK Osaka) was detected in a family in which two siblings have extremely low PK activity by semipurification with DEAE cellulose chromatography and subsequent concentration of the enzyme solutions. This was previously reported to be a quantitative variant based on studies of crude tissue preparations. The molecular aberrations were characterized by slow mobility upon electrophoresis, abnormal kinetics for phosphoenolpyruvate, and low affinity for anti-human erythrocyte PK serum. The mutant PK L was similar both electrophoretically and immunologically to PK R.", "contents": "A new pyruvate kinase variant (PK Osaka) demonstrated by partial purification and condensation. A qualitative variant of erythrocyte and liver pyruvate kinases (PK Osaka) was detected in a family in which two siblings have extremely low PK activity by semipurification with DEAE cellulose chromatography and subsequent concentration of the enzyme solutions. This was previously reported to be a quantitative variant based on studies of crude tissue preparations. The molecular aberrations were characterized by slow mobility upon electrophoresis, abnormal kinetics for phosphoenolpyruvate, and low affinity for anti-human erythrocyte PK serum. The mutant PK L was similar both electrophoretically and immunologically to PK R.", "PMID": 984043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_643", "title": "The phenotypic range of hemophilia A carriers.", "content": "We have described the study of a small kindred with X-linked hemophilia A. It was ascertained through a clinically affected female, the daughter of a man with moderately severe hemophilia. The pedigree and the proband's phenotype suggest that she may be a heterozygote in whom most of the normal alleles at the VIII-1 locus are not active. She has two sisters, also obligatory carriers. The three sisters exhibit the three phenotypes possible for heterozygous females: clinically affected, clinically normal but phenotypically abnormal as determined by laboratory tests, and clinically and phenotypically normal.", "contents": "The phenotypic range of hemophilia A carriers. We have described the study of a small kindred with X-linked hemophilia A. It was ascertained through a clinically affected female, the daughter of a man with moderately severe hemophilia. The pedigree and the proband's phenotype suggest that she may be a heterozygote in whom most of the normal alleles at the VIII-1 locus are not active. She has two sisters, also obligatory carriers. The three sisters exhibit the three phenotypes possible for heterozygous females: clinically affected, clinically normal but phenotypically abnormal as determined by laboratory tests, and clinically and phenotypically normal.", "PMID": 984044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_644", "title": "Variability of red cell phenotypes between and within individuals in an unbiased sample of 77 heterozygotes for G6PD deficiency in Sardinia.", "content": "The distribution of G6PD red blood phenotypes in an unbiased sample of 77 Sardinian certain heterozygotes for the GdMediterranean mutant was found to be skewed in favor of the G6PD (+) cells. Four of these individuals exhibited the normal hemizygous phenotype in all of their cells, but two of them had a mosaic population of G6PD (+) and (-) red blood cells when reexamined after 1 year. These findings suggest that somatic selection may be the main factor determining the phenotype variability of individual somatic cells in highly differentiated tissues of heterozygotes at the G6PD locozygotes for the GdMediterranean mutant should not be used as a criterion for precise estimation of the embryonic or stem tissue cell pool at X inactivation.", "contents": "Variability of red cell phenotypes between and within individuals in an unbiased sample of 77 heterozygotes for G6PD deficiency in Sardinia. The distribution of G6PD red blood phenotypes in an unbiased sample of 77 Sardinian certain heterozygotes for the GdMediterranean mutant was found to be skewed in favor of the G6PD (+) cells. Four of these individuals exhibited the normal hemizygous phenotype in all of their cells, but two of them had a mosaic population of G6PD (+) and (-) red blood cells when reexamined after 1 year. These findings suggest that somatic selection may be the main factor determining the phenotype variability of individual somatic cells in highly differentiated tissues of heterozygotes at the G6PD locozygotes for the GdMediterranean mutant should not be used as a criterion for precise estimation of the embryonic or stem tissue cell pool at X inactivation.", "PMID": 984045} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_645", "title": "Hair root versus red cell individual phenotype in Sardinian heterozygotes for G6PD deficiency (Mediterranean type).", "content": "G6PD activity was assayed in 20 Sardinian heterozygotes for G6PD deficiency and related to that of LDH and MDH. One of these heterozygotes showed a deficient phenotype in all her follicles, while the remaining 19 had different proportions of deficient, intermediate, and normal follicles. This is in accordance with a previous estimate. Because of the broad fiducial limits at the 5% level and because of some developmental considerations, this value cannot be interpreted as indicative of the number of primordial cells for scalp epidermis at the time of X-chromosome inactivation, as previously stated. The assay of single hair follicles is, however, a very valuable tool for establishing the role of cell selection in the same or in a different tissue, like peripheral blood.", "contents": "Hair root versus red cell individual phenotype in Sardinian heterozygotes for G6PD deficiency (Mediterranean type). G6PD activity was assayed in 20 Sardinian heterozygotes for G6PD deficiency and related to that of LDH and MDH. One of these heterozygotes showed a deficient phenotype in all her follicles, while the remaining 19 had different proportions of deficient, intermediate, and normal follicles. This is in accordance with a previous estimate. Because of the broad fiducial limits at the 5% level and because of some developmental considerations, this value cannot be interpreted as indicative of the number of primordial cells for scalp epidermis at the time of X-chromosome inactivation, as previously stated. The assay of single hair follicles is, however, a very valuable tool for establishing the role of cell selection in the same or in a different tissue, like peripheral blood.", "PMID": 984046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_646", "title": "The physicochemical properties of hair in the BIDS syndrome.", "content": "The physicochemical properties of hair from a new recessive syndrome associated with brittle hair, intellectual impairment, decreased fertility, and short stature have been studied. Electrophoresis of the SCM-structural proteins showed that the alpha polypeptides appeared normal, but the matrix component was markedly reduced. This was confirmed by finding a normal alpha X-ray diffraction pattern but a reduced 1/2 cystine content of hair and an abnormal stress-strain curve. Electron-microscopic studies revealed extreme disorganization of the filaments which most likely resulted from the absence of normal cross-linking. Nails, which contain structural proteins similar to hair, also showed the abnormality. Since the matrix component seen by electrophoresis consists of more than one component the defect cannot be explained as a single structural gene abnormality.", "contents": "The physicochemical properties of hair in the BIDS syndrome. The physicochemical properties of hair from a new recessive syndrome associated with brittle hair, intellectual impairment, decreased fertility, and short stature have been studied. Electrophoresis of the SCM-structural proteins showed that the alpha polypeptides appeared normal, but the matrix component was markedly reduced. This was confirmed by finding a normal alpha X-ray diffraction pattern but a reduced 1/2 cystine content of hair and an abnormal stress-strain curve. Electron-microscopic studies revealed extreme disorganization of the filaments which most likely resulted from the absence of normal cross-linking. Nails, which contain structural proteins similar to hair, also showed the abnormality. Since the matrix component seen by electrophoresis consists of more than one component the defect cannot be explained as a single structural gene abnormality.", "PMID": 984047} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_647", "title": "Hospital formularies: organizational aspects and supplementary components.", "content": "The organizational aspects and supplementary components of 44 formularies in teaching hospitals of 500 beds or more were compared. The aspects of formularies studied included prescribing regulations and technical aids, economic considerations, information on pharmacy services and procedures, information regarding drug products, hospital regulations, and format and readability. Many inconsistencies were found in the organization of the formularies and in the types of supplementary sections they included. It is suggested that the formulary has not been employed effectively as a document for transmitting drug information and hospital regulations.", "contents": "Hospital formularies: organizational aspects and supplementary components. The organizational aspects and supplementary components of 44 formularies in teaching hospitals of 500 beds or more were compared. The aspects of formularies studied included prescribing regulations and technical aids, economic considerations, information on pharmacy services and procedures, information regarding drug products, hospital regulations, and format and readability. Many inconsistencies were found in the organization of the formularies and in the types of supplementary sections they included. It is suggested that the formulary has not been employed effectively as a document for transmitting drug information and hospital regulations.", "PMID": 984056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_648", "title": "State-of-the-art of drug usage review.", "content": "Drug usage review (DUR) studies reported in 16 medical, allied health and pharmaceutical journals from 1970 to 1975 are analyzed. The studies cited included systematic data collection of prescription orders and an evaluation of these orders on at least one of the following: daily dose, length of therapy or quantity dispensed, or appropriateness of the drug itself. Gaps in both content and methodology of the DUR programs were discovered, and methods for improving future studies are discussed.", "contents": "State-of-the-art of drug usage review. Drug usage review (DUR) studies reported in 16 medical, allied health and pharmaceutical journals from 1970 to 1975 are analyzed. The studies cited included systematic data collection of prescription orders and an evaluation of these orders on at least one of the following: daily dose, length of therapy or quantity dispensed, or appropriateness of the drug itself. Gaps in both content and methodology of the DUR programs were discovered, and methods for improving future studies are discussed.", "PMID": 984057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_649", "title": "Development of patient medication instruction cards.", "content": "The development of patient medication instruction cards for use in patient education is described. Writing of the cards, their use in practice and predischarge teaching are discussed.", "contents": "Development of patient medication instruction cards. The development of patient medication instruction cards for use in patient education is described. Writing of the cards, their use in practice and predischarge teaching are discussed.", "PMID": 984058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_650", "title": "The Federal Drug and Devices Act and the Drug Safety Amendments of 1976.", "content": "The proposed Federal Drug and Devices Act and the Drug Safety Amendments of 1976 are discussed, including their potential impact on pharmacists.", "contents": "The Federal Drug and Devices Act and the Drug Safety Amendments of 1976. The proposed Federal Drug and Devices Act and the Drug Safety Amendments of 1976 are discussed, including their potential impact on pharmacists.", "PMID": 984059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_651", "title": "Tardive dyskinesia with low-dose, short-term neuroleptic therapy.", "content": "The development, treatment, and outcome of a case of tardive dyskinesia following short-term, low-dose neuroleptic therapy is described. Thirty weeks of treatment with haloperidol, in doses never exceeding 10 mg daily, produced tardive dyskinesia symptomatology. Upon discontinuing haloperidol, the symptoms decreased significantly in severity within the first four weeks and disappeared completely within 12.5 weeks. This case is compared with the classical description of tardive dyskinesia symptomatology, etiology, response to treatment and degree of reversibility. Atypical features are explained and clinical implications of the case are offered.", "contents": "Tardive dyskinesia with low-dose, short-term neuroleptic therapy. The development, treatment, and outcome of a case of tardive dyskinesia following short-term, low-dose neuroleptic therapy is described. Thirty weeks of treatment with haloperidol, in doses never exceeding 10 mg daily, produced tardive dyskinesia symptomatology. Upon discontinuing haloperidol, the symptoms decreased significantly in severity within the first four weeks and disappeared completely within 12.5 weeks. This case is compared with the classical description of tardive dyskinesia symptomatology, etiology, response to treatment and degree of reversibility. Atypical features are explained and clinical implications of the case are offered.", "PMID": 984060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_652", "title": "Pulmonary aspergilloma. A rational approach to treatment.", "content": "A prospective study of 15 patients with pulmonary aspergilloma was undertaken over an 11 year period. Serious underlying diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and alcoholic cirrhosis, were present in 12 of them. Eight of 15 patients whose clinical and roentgenographic course was followed for an average of 50 months, received no specific therapy. There were four deaths in this group, none attributable to aspergilloma. The aspergilloma had lysed spontaneously in two, decreased in size in one and was unchanged in one. In the four surviving patients who had no treatment, the aspergilloma lysed spontaneously in one, remained unchanged in two and increased in size in one. Of the seven patients who were treated medically or surgically, three died. Among the seven deaths (untreated and treated patients combined), six were clearly related to underlying disease. The prognosis of aspergilloma is related primarily to the nature and severity of the underlying disease(s). Contrary to the conclusions of previous reports, the experience in our series of patients suggests that routine surgical excision of aspergilloma is not indicated.", "contents": "Pulmonary aspergilloma. A rational approach to treatment. A prospective study of 15 patients with pulmonary aspergilloma was undertaken over an 11 year period. Serious underlying diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and alcoholic cirrhosis, were present in 12 of them. Eight of 15 patients whose clinical and roentgenographic course was followed for an average of 50 months, received no specific therapy. There were four deaths in this group, none attributable to aspergilloma. The aspergilloma had lysed spontaneously in two, decreased in size in one and was unchanged in one. In the four surviving patients who had no treatment, the aspergilloma lysed spontaneously in one, remained unchanged in two and increased in size in one. Of the seven patients who were treated medically or surgically, three died. Among the seven deaths (untreated and treated patients combined), six were clearly related to underlying disease. The prognosis of aspergilloma is related primarily to the nature and severity of the underlying disease(s). Contrary to the conclusions of previous reports, the experience in our series of patients suggests that routine surgical excision of aspergilloma is not indicated.", "PMID": 984061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_653", "title": "Intravascular coagulation associated with the adult respiratory distress syndrome.", "content": "In seven of 30 consecutive patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) developed. Increasing respiratory dysfunction characterized by decreased effective static compliance and increased hypoxemia coincided with the development of DIC. Patients in whom DIC developed were characterized by a high incidence of bleeding, gangrene of the extremities, renal dysfunction, mortality and autopsy evidence of fibrin microthrombi in the lungs, kidney and skin. In 12 of 23 patients who did not meet the criteria for DIC, the platelet count decreased by at least 50 per cent of the initial values at some time during their illness. Fibrin microthrombi were found in the lungs in the majority of the patients subjected to autopsy. These data support the concept that depostion of platelet on damaged pulmonary capillary endothelium may be more common in the adult respiratory distress syndrome than the DIC syndrome.", "contents": "Intravascular coagulation associated with the adult respiratory distress syndrome. In seven of 30 consecutive patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) developed. Increasing respiratory dysfunction characterized by decreased effective static compliance and increased hypoxemia coincided with the development of DIC. Patients in whom DIC developed were characterized by a high incidence of bleeding, gangrene of the extremities, renal dysfunction, mortality and autopsy evidence of fibrin microthrombi in the lungs, kidney and skin. In 12 of 23 patients who did not meet the criteria for DIC, the platelet count decreased by at least 50 per cent of the initial values at some time during their illness. Fibrin microthrombi were found in the lungs in the majority of the patients subjected to autopsy. These data support the concept that depostion of platelet on damaged pulmonary capillary endothelium may be more common in the adult respiratory distress syndrome than the DIC syndrome.", "PMID": 984062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_654", "title": "Diagnosis and evaluation of patients with an enlarged sella turcica.", "content": "A prospective analysis of the roentgenographic and laboratory parameters in 100 patients with an enlarged sella turcica was made. Seventy-five patients had no visual symptoms: 27 had primary intrasellar tumor; 25 had the empty sella syndrome: 13 had an extrasellar process; and in 10, no final diagnosis was made because air study was omitted. However, these patients remained asymptomatic for up to three years. Eighteen of the patients with a primary intrasellar tumor had symptomatic pituitary dysfunction; nine were asymptomatic. Five of 14 patients studied had elevated plasmaproa prolactin levels. of the 25 patients with the empty sella syndrome and the 10 patients in whom no final diagnosis was made, none had any clinical endocrine or visual abnormalities, although in 10 of these 35 patients, results of laboratory studies were compatible with pituitary dysfunction. In these cases, air study was necessary to differentiate a clinically silent pituitary tumor from the empty sella syndrome. This emphasizes the high incidence of the empty sella syndrome in patients with enlarged sella, and also confirms the high incidence of hyperprolactinemia in patients with pituitary tumors.", "contents": "Diagnosis and evaluation of patients with an enlarged sella turcica. A prospective analysis of the roentgenographic and laboratory parameters in 100 patients with an enlarged sella turcica was made. Seventy-five patients had no visual symptoms: 27 had primary intrasellar tumor; 25 had the empty sella syndrome: 13 had an extrasellar process; and in 10, no final diagnosis was made because air study was omitted. However, these patients remained asymptomatic for up to three years. Eighteen of the patients with a primary intrasellar tumor had symptomatic pituitary dysfunction; nine were asymptomatic. Five of 14 patients studied had elevated plasmaproa prolactin levels. of the 25 patients with the empty sella syndrome and the 10 patients in whom no final diagnosis was made, none had any clinical endocrine or visual abnormalities, although in 10 of these 35 patients, results of laboratory studies were compatible with pituitary dysfunction. In these cases, air study was necessary to differentiate a clinically silent pituitary tumor from the empty sella syndrome. This emphasizes the high incidence of the empty sella syndrome in patients with enlarged sella, and also confirms the high incidence of hyperprolactinemia in patients with pituitary tumors.", "PMID": 984063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_655", "title": "The effect of anti-inflammatory agents and inflammation on granulocyte adherence. Evidence for regulation by plasma factors.", "content": "Significant inhibition of granulocyte adherence to nylon fiber columns followed the administration of alcohol, aspirin, sodium salicylate, acetaminophen, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, colchicine or prednisone to normal subjects. The addition of salicylates and glucocorticoids to blood in vitro had no effect on adherence, but plasma from volunteer subjects treated with either drug contained a factor which inhibited the adherence of normal granulocytes. The factor is heat stable, nondialyzable and not present in serum; it produces a linear dose response in normal cells. When mixed with the adherence-increasing factor found in inflammatory diseases, it neutralizes the augmenting effect and normal granulocyte adherence results. The effect of anti-inflammatory therapy on inflammatory disease was studied in aspirin-treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Their granulocyte adherence fell into two categories based on the clinical control of their disease; patients in good control had only slightly increased granulocyte adherence, but those in poor control had an average adherence more than twice normal. Mean blood aspirin levels were equivalent for the two groups (11.0 mg/100 ml for the well controlled and 13.4 mg/100 ml for those poorly controlled). Thus, clinical response to anti-inflammatory therapy correlates well with granulocyte adherence, not with aspirin levels. The potential pathogenetic role of adherence-modifying factors in inflammatory diseases remains to be determined.", "contents": "The effect of anti-inflammatory agents and inflammation on granulocyte adherence. Evidence for regulation by plasma factors. Significant inhibition of granulocyte adherence to nylon fiber columns followed the administration of alcohol, aspirin, sodium salicylate, acetaminophen, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, colchicine or prednisone to normal subjects. The addition of salicylates and glucocorticoids to blood in vitro had no effect on adherence, but plasma from volunteer subjects treated with either drug contained a factor which inhibited the adherence of normal granulocytes. The factor is heat stable, nondialyzable and not present in serum; it produces a linear dose response in normal cells. When mixed with the adherence-increasing factor found in inflammatory diseases, it neutralizes the augmenting effect and normal granulocyte adherence results. The effect of anti-inflammatory therapy on inflammatory disease was studied in aspirin-treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Their granulocyte adherence fell into two categories based on the clinical control of their disease; patients in good control had only slightly increased granulocyte adherence, but those in poor control had an average adherence more than twice normal. Mean blood aspirin levels were equivalent for the two groups (11.0 mg/100 ml for the well controlled and 13.4 mg/100 ml for those poorly controlled). Thus, clinical response to anti-inflammatory therapy correlates well with granulocyte adherence, not with aspirin levels. The potential pathogenetic role of adherence-modifying factors in inflammatory diseases remains to be determined.", "PMID": 984064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_656", "title": "A nationwide outbreak of Reye's Syndrome. Its epidemiologic relationship of influenza B.", "content": "Between December 15 and June 30, 1974, 379 cases of confirmed Reye's syndrome were reported to the Center for Disease Control. Of these, 316 occurred during February and March 1974. A simultaneous surveillance system for influenza B indicated that this clustering of cases of Reye's syndrome correlated both temporally and geographically with influenza B outbreaks. The incidence of Reye's syndrome was higher in rural than in urban centers. Epidemiologically, two groups of cases of Reye's syndrome emerge: those which occur in older children (median age 11 years), cluster in time and geographic region, and are associated with antecedent influenza B infection; and those which occur sporadically thoughout the year, are isolated in occurrence, occur in younger children (median age 6 years), and are associated with a wide variety of antecedent viral illnesses.", "contents": "A nationwide outbreak of Reye's Syndrome. Its epidemiologic relationship of influenza B. Between December 15 and June 30, 1974, 379 cases of confirmed Reye's syndrome were reported to the Center for Disease Control. Of these, 316 occurred during February and March 1974. A simultaneous surveillance system for influenza B indicated that this clustering of cases of Reye's syndrome correlated both temporally and geographically with influenza B outbreaks. The incidence of Reye's syndrome was higher in rural than in urban centers. Epidemiologically, two groups of cases of Reye's syndrome emerge: those which occur in older children (median age 11 years), cluster in time and geographic region, and are associated with antecedent influenza B infection; and those which occur sporadically thoughout the year, are isolated in occurrence, occur in younger children (median age 6 years), and are associated with a wide variety of antecedent viral illnesses.", "PMID": 984065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_657", "title": "Visceral fungal infections due to Petriellidium boydii (allescheria boydii). In vitro drug sensitivity studies.", "content": "Four patients with visceral infections due to the fungus Petriellidium boydii, who were recently hospitalized in our institutions, are described. Three of the patients were compromised hosts; in the fourth patient, infection occurred after trauma. All had received prior steroid and antibiotic therapy. Studies of patients with mycetoma or secondary infection of a pulmonary cavity due to this organism and of patients with visceral infections are reviewed. Because of histologic similarities to Aspergillus species, infections due to P. boydii may have been misdiagnosed in the past if the infecting fungus was not isolated in culture. The fungus has been shown to be resistant in vitro to currently available antifungal agents. Resistance to amphotericin and 5-fluorocytosine is demonstrated in our studies. There are few reports of successful chemotherapy of any manifestation of this infection, and no such reports of visceral disease. We demonstrate in vitro sensitivity of isolates in our cases and in others to micronazole, a new antimicrobial agent; this drug may be indicated for treatment of disease due to P. boydii.", "contents": "Visceral fungal infections due to Petriellidium boydii (allescheria boydii). In vitro drug sensitivity studies. Four patients with visceral infections due to the fungus Petriellidium boydii, who were recently hospitalized in our institutions, are described. Three of the patients were compromised hosts; in the fourth patient, infection occurred after trauma. All had received prior steroid and antibiotic therapy. Studies of patients with mycetoma or secondary infection of a pulmonary cavity due to this organism and of patients with visceral infections are reviewed. Because of histologic similarities to Aspergillus species, infections due to P. boydii may have been misdiagnosed in the past if the infecting fungus was not isolated in culture. The fungus has been shown to be resistant in vitro to currently available antifungal agents. Resistance to amphotericin and 5-fluorocytosine is demonstrated in our studies. There are few reports of successful chemotherapy of any manifestation of this infection, and no such reports of visceral disease. We demonstrate in vitro sensitivity of isolates in our cases and in others to micronazole, a new antimicrobial agent; this drug may be indicated for treatment of disease due to P. boydii.", "PMID": 984066} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_658", "title": "Atrial pacing in patients with sinus node dysfunction.", "content": "Sinus nod recovery time (SNRT) at paced atrial rates of 100 (SNRT100) and 120 (SNRT120) beats/min, atrial effective refractory periods at spontaneous heart rates (AERP) and at paced rates of 100 (AERP100) and 120 (AERP120) beats/min, and premature atrial stimulation were among the studies in evaluating 33 patients with symptomatic sinus node disease and 42 normal subjects. Although mean SNRT100 and SNRT120 were statistically significantly greater in patients than in control subjects, there was a significant overlap between patient and control groups, and SNRT100 or SNRT120 was associated with a 30.3 per cent false-negative and 5 per cent false-positive incidence. Correction for heart rate (SNRT-spontaneous cycle length) failed to improve the sensitivity or specificity of this test. There was no significant difference in mean AERP, AERP100 or AERP120, or in sinoatrial conduction time in patients compared with control subjects. Analyses of curves derived from plots of test and return cycles showed abnormal curves in only five of the 24 patients studied by progressively premature atrial stimulation. Two of these five patients showed normal zone I and II phenomena followed by a progressive linear increase in the return cycle that was thought to be due to abnormal refractoriness of the perinodal fibers.", "contents": "Atrial pacing in patients with sinus node dysfunction. Sinus nod recovery time (SNRT) at paced atrial rates of 100 (SNRT100) and 120 (SNRT120) beats/min, atrial effective refractory periods at spontaneous heart rates (AERP) and at paced rates of 100 (AERP100) and 120 (AERP120) beats/min, and premature atrial stimulation were among the studies in evaluating 33 patients with symptomatic sinus node disease and 42 normal subjects. Although mean SNRT100 and SNRT120 were statistically significantly greater in patients than in control subjects, there was a significant overlap between patient and control groups, and SNRT100 or SNRT120 was associated with a 30.3 per cent false-negative and 5 per cent false-positive incidence. Correction for heart rate (SNRT-spontaneous cycle length) failed to improve the sensitivity or specificity of this test. There was no significant difference in mean AERP, AERP100 or AERP120, or in sinoatrial conduction time in patients compared with control subjects. Analyses of curves derived from plots of test and return cycles showed abnormal curves in only five of the 24 patients studied by progressively premature atrial stimulation. Two of these five patients showed normal zone I and II phenomena followed by a progressive linear increase in the return cycle that was thought to be due to abnormal refractoriness of the perinodal fibers.", "PMID": 984067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_659", "title": "Local characteristics of the normal and asynergic left ventricle in man.", "content": "The significance of ventricular asynergy in determining medical prognosis and surgical risk in patients with coronary artery disease and its delineation by ventriculography have been of increasing interest. To determine the underlying histopathologic and electrographic features of left ventricular asynergy, 39 patients undergoing open heart surgery were studied. Thirty-six histopathologic specimens were obtained in 31 patients (26 as transmural needle biopsies and 10 as aneurysm resections). In four normally contracting areas and 12 hypokinetic areas, neither fibrosis nor early changes of myocardial damage was evident. In contrast, of eight akinetic areas there was more than 50 per cent muscle loss in four and from 30 to 35 per cent muscle loss in three, in only one area was there less than 10 per cent muscle loss. Of 12 dyskinetic zones there was more than 75 per cent muscle loss in 10 zones, 35 per cent in one and no pathologic abnormalities in one. Epicardial electrograms were obtained from 35 areas in 29 patients. Of 10 normally contracting ventricles, in one, pathologic Q waves were demonstrated only over the inferior area. Progressive increases in the severity of asynergy were associated with a progressive increase in frequency of initial abnormal Q waves. In only one of nine hypokinetic areas were epicardial Q waves exhibited, but they were present in six of 10 akinetic and five of six dyskinetic areas. Both histopathologic and electrographic data were available from 20 asynergic areas in 16 patients. Initial epicardial R waves were associated with normal biopsy specimens in seven of eight hypokinetic areas. Of seven akinetic areas, initial R waves were associated with 30 to 35 per cent muscle loss in three; of four areas with initial Q waves, there was a 35 per cent muscle loss in one and more than 50 per cent muscle loss in three. Similarly, of five dyskinetic segments, a QS pattern was associated with more than 75 per cent fibrosis in four. In one dyskinetic area there was an intial R wave in association with a normal appearing biopsy specimen. In summary, a good correlation exists between the severity of asynergy by ventriculography, the degree of muscle loss and the presence of epicardial Q waves. However, a significant amount of histologically and electrographically normal myocardium may be present even in severely asynergic areas.", "contents": "Local characteristics of the normal and asynergic left ventricle in man. The significance of ventricular asynergy in determining medical prognosis and surgical risk in patients with coronary artery disease and its delineation by ventriculography have been of increasing interest. To determine the underlying histopathologic and electrographic features of left ventricular asynergy, 39 patients undergoing open heart surgery were studied. Thirty-six histopathologic specimens were obtained in 31 patients (26 as transmural needle biopsies and 10 as aneurysm resections). In four normally contracting areas and 12 hypokinetic areas, neither fibrosis nor early changes of myocardial damage was evident. In contrast, of eight akinetic areas there was more than 50 per cent muscle loss in four and from 30 to 35 per cent muscle loss in three, in only one area was there less than 10 per cent muscle loss. Of 12 dyskinetic zones there was more than 75 per cent muscle loss in 10 zones, 35 per cent in one and no pathologic abnormalities in one. Epicardial electrograms were obtained from 35 areas in 29 patients. Of 10 normally contracting ventricles, in one, pathologic Q waves were demonstrated only over the inferior area. Progressive increases in the severity of asynergy were associated with a progressive increase in frequency of initial abnormal Q waves. In only one of nine hypokinetic areas were epicardial Q waves exhibited, but they were present in six of 10 akinetic and five of six dyskinetic areas. Both histopathologic and electrographic data were available from 20 asynergic areas in 16 patients. Initial epicardial R waves were associated with normal biopsy specimens in seven of eight hypokinetic areas. Of seven akinetic areas, initial R waves were associated with 30 to 35 per cent muscle loss in three; of four areas with initial Q waves, there was a 35 per cent muscle loss in one and more than 50 per cent muscle loss in three. Similarly, of five dyskinetic segments, a QS pattern was associated with more than 75 per cent fibrosis in four. In one dyskinetic area there was an intial R wave in association with a normal appearing biopsy specimen. In summary, a good correlation exists between the severity of asynergy by ventriculography, the degree of muscle loss and the presence of epicardial Q waves. However, a significant amount of histologically and electrographically normal myocardium may be present even in severely asynergic areas.", "PMID": 984068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_660", "title": "Pulmonary hypertension and foreign body granulomas in intravenous drug abusers. Documentation by cardiac catheterization and lung biopsy.", "content": "In this report we confirm the presence of pulmonary hypertension by cardiac catheterization in four intravenous drug abusers with biopsy-documented foreign body granulomas in the pulmonary vessels and interstitium. Each patient had a history of intravenous injections of alpha-sympathomimetic agents obtained from nasal inhalers. There agents may have contributed to the disease by constricting small vessels when simultaneously injected foreign bodies were passing through the vasculature of the lung. The severity of the pulmonary hypertension correlated well with the decrease in single breath diffusing capacity in each case. Pulmonary hypertension may contribute significantly to the increased morbidity and mortality observed in intravenous drug users.", "contents": "Pulmonary hypertension and foreign body granulomas in intravenous drug abusers. Documentation by cardiac catheterization and lung biopsy. In this report we confirm the presence of pulmonary hypertension by cardiac catheterization in four intravenous drug abusers with biopsy-documented foreign body granulomas in the pulmonary vessels and interstitium. Each patient had a history of intravenous injections of alpha-sympathomimetic agents obtained from nasal inhalers. There agents may have contributed to the disease by constricting small vessels when simultaneously injected foreign bodies were passing through the vasculature of the lung. The severity of the pulmonary hypertension correlated well with the decrease in single breath diffusing capacity in each case. Pulmonary hypertension may contribute significantly to the increased morbidity and mortality observed in intravenous drug users.", "PMID": 984069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_661", "title": "Influenza A viral infection associated with acute renal failure.", "content": "The clinical and laboratory findings in four cases of acute renal failure following the onset of influenza A viral infection (Port Chalmers/1/73) are presented. Although the pathophysiologic mechanisms affecting the kidney in these cases varied, the ensuing renal failure in each patient was severe. Findings suggestive of acute myoglobinuria developed in one patient, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurred in another. The role of viruses in the pathogenesis of renal disease is reviewed. Despite inconclusive evidence that the influenza virus can cause human renal disease, the secondary pathways that can be triggered by viral infections may be even more significant in producing various degrees of renal dysfunction. The occurrence of renal failure during an episode of influenza represents a serious complication which may influence significantly the morbidity and mortality of patients with this viral infection.", "contents": "Influenza A viral infection associated with acute renal failure. The clinical and laboratory findings in four cases of acute renal failure following the onset of influenza A viral infection (Port Chalmers/1/73) are presented. Although the pathophysiologic mechanisms affecting the kidney in these cases varied, the ensuing renal failure in each patient was severe. Findings suggestive of acute myoglobinuria developed in one patient, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurred in another. The role of viruses in the pathogenesis of renal disease is reviewed. Despite inconclusive evidence that the influenza virus can cause human renal disease, the secondary pathways that can be triggered by viral infections may be even more significant in producing various degrees of renal dysfunction. The occurrence of renal failure during an episode of influenza represents a serious complication which may influence significantly the morbidity and mortality of patients with this viral infection.", "PMID": 984071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_662", "title": "Hypertension associated with early stage kidney disease. Complementary roles of circulating renin, the body sodium/volume state and duration of hypertension.", "content": "Interrelations among blood pressure, exchangeable sodium, blood volume and plasma renin activity were studied in 40 normal subjects and in 40 patients with early stage kidney disease (mean plasma creatinine, 2 mg/100 ml). Findings in eight normotensive patients did not differ significantly from those in normal subjects. However, 32 hypertensive patients showed increases (p less than 0.05) in mean exchangeable sodium and in the products of the logarithm of plasma renin activity and exchangeable sodium or blood volume. In normal subjects, blood pressure did not correlate with any of the parameters measured. In the patients, it correlated significantly (p less than 0.05) with duration of hypertension (r = 0.70), exchangeable sodium (r = 0.34) and with sodium-renin (r = 0.38) or volume-renin (r = 0.30) products, but not with blood volume or circulating renin individually. Multiple regression analysis with blood pressure as a dependent variable, and duration of hypertension and the sodium-renin or volume-renin products as independent variables, revealed correlation coefficients of 0.77 and 0.76, respectively. These findings suggest that hypertension accompanying early stage kidney disease may depend at least partly on subtle abnormalities in the sodium volume-renin feedback mechanism as well as on a factor related to the duration of preexisting hypertension.", "contents": "Hypertension associated with early stage kidney disease. Complementary roles of circulating renin, the body sodium/volume state and duration of hypertension. Interrelations among blood pressure, exchangeable sodium, blood volume and plasma renin activity were studied in 40 normal subjects and in 40 patients with early stage kidney disease (mean plasma creatinine, 2 mg/100 ml). Findings in eight normotensive patients did not differ significantly from those in normal subjects. However, 32 hypertensive patients showed increases (p less than 0.05) in mean exchangeable sodium and in the products of the logarithm of plasma renin activity and exchangeable sodium or blood volume. In normal subjects, blood pressure did not correlate with any of the parameters measured. In the patients, it correlated significantly (p less than 0.05) with duration of hypertension (r = 0.70), exchangeable sodium (r = 0.34) and with sodium-renin (r = 0.38) or volume-renin (r = 0.30) products, but not with blood volume or circulating renin individually. Multiple regression analysis with blood pressure as a dependent variable, and duration of hypertension and the sodium-renin or volume-renin products as independent variables, revealed correlation coefficients of 0.77 and 0.76, respectively. These findings suggest that hypertension accompanying early stage kidney disease may depend at least partly on subtle abnormalities in the sodium volume-renin feedback mechanism as well as on a factor related to the duration of preexisting hypertension.", "PMID": 984072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_663", "title": "Elevation of serum lipid levels during diuretic therapy of hypertension.", "content": "In a study attempting to improve coronary risk status, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured before and during treatment of 74 patients with mild primary hypertension. In 35 patients there was a satisfactory reduction in elevated blood pressure levels with diet therapy alone. In the remaining 39 patients a diuretic drug was required in addition to the diet. Diet therapy alone was followed by a decrease of 11 mg/100 ml in mean serum cholesterol (p less than 0.01 versus pretreatment value) and no change in serum triglyceride. The sue of diuretics was accompanied by an average increase of 11 mg/100 ml in serum cholesterol and of 34 mg/100 ml in serum triglyceride (p less than 0.01 versus pretreatment level for both). In a subgroup of 21 patients with greatest elevations in lipid levels during the administration of diuretics, little improvement in coronary risk status occurred because the increase in serum cholesterol balanced the decrease in systolic blood pressure, according to Framingham risk tables. If the level of serum lipids is a factor in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis then the observed effect of diuretic drugs to elevate serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels may explain, in part, the continuing high rate of occurrence of myocardial infarction during the treatment of hypertension.", "contents": "Elevation of serum lipid levels during diuretic therapy of hypertension. In a study attempting to improve coronary risk status, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured before and during treatment of 74 patients with mild primary hypertension. In 35 patients there was a satisfactory reduction in elevated blood pressure levels with diet therapy alone. In the remaining 39 patients a diuretic drug was required in addition to the diet. Diet therapy alone was followed by a decrease of 11 mg/100 ml in mean serum cholesterol (p less than 0.01 versus pretreatment value) and no change in serum triglyceride. The sue of diuretics was accompanied by an average increase of 11 mg/100 ml in serum cholesterol and of 34 mg/100 ml in serum triglyceride (p less than 0.01 versus pretreatment level for both). In a subgroup of 21 patients with greatest elevations in lipid levels during the administration of diuretics, little improvement in coronary risk status occurred because the increase in serum cholesterol balanced the decrease in systolic blood pressure, according to Framingham risk tables. If the level of serum lipids is a factor in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis then the observed effect of diuretic drugs to elevate serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels may explain, in part, the continuing high rate of occurrence of myocardial infarction during the treatment of hypertension.", "PMID": 984073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_664", "title": "Spinner films for reticulocyte counts.", "content": "The widely practiced method for performing a reticulocyte count includes counting 1000 normal erythrocytes while searching for a relatively small population of reticulocytes. A method is presented using a spinner reticulocyte preparation which avoids the need to count the normal erythrocytes, thereby eliminating most of the tedium from the test. The accuracy and reproducibility of this new method, as compared to the currently practiced method, is presented, along with the results of an on-line comparison.", "contents": "Spinner films for reticulocyte counts. The widely practiced method for performing a reticulocyte count includes counting 1000 normal erythrocytes while searching for a relatively small population of reticulocytes. A method is presented using a spinner reticulocyte preparation which avoids the need to count the normal erythrocytes, thereby eliminating most of the tedium from the test. The accuracy and reproducibility of this new method, as compared to the currently practiced method, is presented, along with the results of an on-line comparison.", "PMID": 984074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_665", "title": "Career planning of medical laboratory science students.", "content": "The purpose of this study was to determine the most influential people in the career choices of medical laboratory science students. Methods of investigation used by these students were also explored. A questionnaire survey indicated that students were influenced more by professionals in the field, and that high-school guidance counselors were unable to furnish current and accurate information for decision making. Results of the study have implications for improvements in all areas of guidance. Based on the findings, the best interests of the students are served when both guidance counselors and professionals in the medical laboratory science field provide students with understanding, encouragement, and factual information.", "contents": "Career planning of medical laboratory science students. The purpose of this study was to determine the most influential people in the career choices of medical laboratory science students. Methods of investigation used by these students were also explored. A questionnaire survey indicated that students were influenced more by professionals in the field, and that high-school guidance counselors were unable to furnish current and accurate information for decision making. Results of the study have implications for improvements in all areas of guidance. Based on the findings, the best interests of the students are served when both guidance counselors and professionals in the medical laboratory science field provide students with understanding, encouragement, and factual information.", "PMID": 984075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_666", "title": "Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis: a medical technologist's diagnosis.", "content": "Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis (LRE) or \"hairy cell leukemia\" is a unique form of leukemia which possesses features of both a chronic and acute leukemia. Its characteristic morphology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment are discussed. A high index of suspicion should make this entity easily diagnosed by the medical technologist.", "contents": "Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis: a medical technologist's diagnosis. Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis (LRE) or \"hairy cell leukemia\" is a unique form of leukemia which possesses features of both a chronic and acute leukemia. Its characteristic morphology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment are discussed. A high index of suspicion should make this entity easily diagnosed by the medical technologist.", "PMID": 984076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_667", "title": "Technique of handling neonatal blood samples for zinc analysis.", "content": "Short segments of Chemfluor flexible Teflon tubing (2.38 mm ID) previously coated with sodium heparin (1,000 units/ml) serve as ideal containers in which blood from neonates can be collected for zinc analysis. The ends of the tube are plugged with Teflon TFE round beading so that the sample comes in contact only with Teflon and the risk of contamination is minimized. The heparin coating facilitates easy collection of the sample and separation of plasma by centrifugation. It does not contribute zinc to the specimen.", "contents": "Technique of handling neonatal blood samples for zinc analysis. Short segments of Chemfluor flexible Teflon tubing (2.38 mm ID) previously coated with sodium heparin (1,000 units/ml) serve as ideal containers in which blood from neonates can be collected for zinc analysis. The ends of the tube are plugged with Teflon TFE round beading so that the sample comes in contact only with Teflon and the risk of contamination is minimized. The heparin coating facilitates easy collection of the sample and separation of plasma by centrifugation. It does not contribute zinc to the specimen.", "PMID": 984078} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_668", "title": "Revised laboratory manual helps solve problems.", "content": "This paper describes a project to design a laboratory manual which could be easily understood and used by both those who work in and those who utilize the laboratory in a large teaching hospital complex. Results indicated increased employee knowledge of laboratory policies and procedures, and an improved relationship between patient units and the laboratory.", "contents": "Revised laboratory manual helps solve problems. This paper describes a project to design a laboratory manual which could be easily understood and used by both those who work in and those who utilize the laboratory in a large teaching hospital complex. Results indicated increased employee knowledge of laboratory policies and procedures, and an improved relationship between patient units and the laboratory.", "PMID": 984079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_669", "title": "Parametrial phlebectasia: a clinical-pathologic entity.", "content": "A unique group of patients, representing 110 consecutive abdominal hysterectomies wherein parametrial varicosities were associated with pelvic transudate, mild uterine engorgement, cervical engorgement, and ovarian cystic enlargement, were studied conjointly by the pathologist and surgeon. A diagnosis of pathologic phlebectasia was assigned after appropriate criteria were applied. Speculation regarding pathogenesis and descriptions of results of therapy are given.", "contents": "Parametrial phlebectasia: a clinical-pathologic entity. A unique group of patients, representing 110 consecutive abdominal hysterectomies wherein parametrial varicosities were associated with pelvic transudate, mild uterine engorgement, cervical engorgement, and ovarian cystic enlargement, were studied conjointly by the pathologist and surgeon. A diagnosis of pathologic phlebectasia was assigned after appropriate criteria were applied. Speculation regarding pathogenesis and descriptions of results of therapy are given.", "PMID": 984081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_670", "title": "Intensive care of the pregnant diabetic.", "content": "Over the last 2 years at Metropolitan Hospital Medical Center 245 diabetic women have been seen on the obstetric service. This complication of pregnancy comprises 7.9 per cent of 3,076 deliveries, resulting in an over-all uncorrected perinatal mortality rate of 2.9 per cent. We believe that early detection and strict rigid control of diabetes is the key to improved perinatal outcome. This article presents the classification, diagnosis, and management which have led to these results.", "contents": "Intensive care of the pregnant diabetic. Over the last 2 years at Metropolitan Hospital Medical Center 245 diabetic women have been seen on the obstetric service. This complication of pregnancy comprises 7.9 per cent of 3,076 deliveries, resulting in an over-all uncorrected perinatal mortality rate of 2.9 per cent. We believe that early detection and strict rigid control of diabetes is the key to improved perinatal outcome. This article presents the classification, diagnosis, and management which have led to these results.", "PMID": 984082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_671", "title": "Effects of large doses of estrogen on prolactin and growth hormone release.", "content": "The effects of large doses of estrogen on prolactin (PRL) release were assessed. Circulating PRL levels in response to intravenous infusion of 17 beta-estradiol (E2), at a rate of 50 mug per hour for 4 hours, were studied in 10 subjects, and a chronic administration of ethinyl estradiol (EE) at a dose of 400 mug per day, for 1 week, was evaluated in five hypogonadal subjects. There was a significant depression of serum level of PRL during the E2 infusion and a significant increase in PRL release after discontinuation of the infusion. The chronic treatment of large doses of EE induced a more rapid (within 36 hours) and a significantly greater elevation of PRL levels at the end of 1 week treatment than those found during smaller doses of EE administration, as reported previously. These data suggest that acute treatment of estrogen may have a biphasic action on the pituitary PRL section and that the augmentatory effect of estrogen on PRL secretion is dose-dependent in human beings.", "contents": "Effects of large doses of estrogen on prolactin and growth hormone release. The effects of large doses of estrogen on prolactin (PRL) release were assessed. Circulating PRL levels in response to intravenous infusion of 17 beta-estradiol (E2), at a rate of 50 mug per hour for 4 hours, were studied in 10 subjects, and a chronic administration of ethinyl estradiol (EE) at a dose of 400 mug per day, for 1 week, was evaluated in five hypogonadal subjects. There was a significant depression of serum level of PRL during the E2 infusion and a significant increase in PRL release after discontinuation of the infusion. The chronic treatment of large doses of EE induced a more rapid (within 36 hours) and a significantly greater elevation of PRL levels at the end of 1 week treatment than those found during smaller doses of EE administration, as reported previously. These data suggest that acute treatment of estrogen may have a biphasic action on the pituitary PRL section and that the augmentatory effect of estrogen on PRL secretion is dose-dependent in human beings.", "PMID": 984083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_672", "title": "The prevalence of cervical cancer screening iin the United States in 1970.", "content": "The Papanicolaou smear history of 6,752 ever-married women under 45 years old residing in the United States, was obtained by the 1970 National Fertility Study, conducted by the Office of Population Research at Princeton University. An epidemiologic analysis of these data is presented, and women who had never had a Papanicolaou smear, those who had had a smear more than 12 months before interview, and those who had had a smear during the previous 12 months are described.", "contents": "The prevalence of cervical cancer screening iin the United States in 1970. The Papanicolaou smear history of 6,752 ever-married women under 45 years old residing in the United States, was obtained by the 1970 National Fertility Study, conducted by the Office of Population Research at Princeton University. An epidemiologic analysis of these data is presented, and women who had never had a Papanicolaou smear, those who had had a smear more than 12 months before interview, and those who had had a smear during the previous 12 months are described.", "PMID": 984084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_673", "title": "Amniocentesis for antenatal diagnosis. Review of problems and outcomes in a large series.", "content": "The results of amniocentesis for diagnostic genetic studies on 242 patients are presented in detail. These suggest that obtaining fluid free from contaminating red blood cells is important to successful cell culture. The data also suggest that it is technically more difficult to obtain such fluid tham might be expected, despite the use of ultrasonic localization and experienced operators. Nevertheless, 97 per cent of patients who elect to complete antenatal diagnosis will ultimately obtain the information sought, in time to intervene medically if desired. Moreover, the act of obtaining this information is shown to be without significant risk to the ultimate outcome of pregnancy.", "contents": "Amniocentesis for antenatal diagnosis. Review of problems and outcomes in a large series. The results of amniocentesis for diagnostic genetic studies on 242 patients are presented in detail. These suggest that obtaining fluid free from contaminating red blood cells is important to successful cell culture. The data also suggest that it is technically more difficult to obtain such fluid tham might be expected, despite the use of ultrasonic localization and experienced operators. Nevertheless, 97 per cent of patients who elect to complete antenatal diagnosis will ultimately obtain the information sought, in time to intervene medically if desired. Moreover, the act of obtaining this information is shown to be without significant risk to the ultimate outcome of pregnancy.", "PMID": 984085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_674", "title": "Studies on blood pressure during pregnancy. I. Influence of parity and age.", "content": "Routine prenatal visit blood pressure measurements were used to examine the differences in blood pressure by age and parity in a cohort of 6,662 white gravidas. Both age and parity were observed to have significant effects on blood pressure during pregnancy. For a given age, nulliparas were observed to have higher mean blood pressures than parous gravidas, irrespective of the inclusion or exclusion of gravidas who were diagnosed to have hypertensive disorders during their pregnancies.", "contents": "Studies on blood pressure during pregnancy. I. Influence of parity and age. Routine prenatal visit blood pressure measurements were used to examine the differences in blood pressure by age and parity in a cohort of 6,662 white gravidas. Both age and parity were observed to have significant effects on blood pressure during pregnancy. For a given age, nulliparas were observed to have higher mean blood pressures than parous gravidas, irrespective of the inclusion or exclusion of gravidas who were diagnosed to have hypertensive disorders during their pregnancies.", "PMID": 984086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_675", "title": "The susceptibility of the postpartum and postabortal cervix and uterine cavity to infection with attenuated rubella virus.", "content": "To determine the susceptibility of the postpartum and postabortal genital tract to infection with attenuated rubella virus, 30 patients with negative hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers were studied. Following inoculation with Cendehill or RA 27/3 vaccine, viral cultures of the cervix and uterine cavity were obtained with blood specimens to evaluate serologic conversion. Attenuated rubella virus was not isolated in any patient; seropositive conversion was achieved in 24 women. The significance of these findings related to wild rubella virus infection is discussed.", "contents": "The susceptibility of the postpartum and postabortal cervix and uterine cavity to infection with attenuated rubella virus. To determine the susceptibility of the postpartum and postabortal genital tract to infection with attenuated rubella virus, 30 patients with negative hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers were studied. Following inoculation with Cendehill or RA 27/3 vaccine, viral cultures of the cervix and uterine cavity were obtained with blood specimens to evaluate serologic conversion. Attenuated rubella virus was not isolated in any patient; seropositive conversion was achieved in 24 women. The significance of these findings related to wild rubella virus infection is discussed.", "PMID": 984087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_676", "title": "Effect of length of gestation on maternal cellular immunity to human trophoblast antigens.", "content": "Maternal lymphocyte reactivity to human trophoblast antigens was studied in placentas of gestational ages 8 to 14 weeks and 32 to 34 weeks, respectively. Significant trophoblast lysis became apparent after 24 hours' incubation in the latter case compared with a time lag of 72 hours in the terminated gestations. Maternal cellular immunity, therefore, was not detected during the first 3 1/2 months of pregnancy, but was detectable by the time of parturition. The possible significance is discussed with respect to the antigenic stimulus and survival of the fetal allograft.", "contents": "Effect of length of gestation on maternal cellular immunity to human trophoblast antigens. Maternal lymphocyte reactivity to human trophoblast antigens was studied in placentas of gestational ages 8 to 14 weeks and 32 to 34 weeks, respectively. Significant trophoblast lysis became apparent after 24 hours' incubation in the latter case compared with a time lag of 72 hours in the terminated gestations. Maternal cellular immunity, therefore, was not detected during the first 3 1/2 months of pregnancy, but was detectable by the time of parturition. The possible significance is discussed with respect to the antigenic stimulus and survival of the fetal allograft.", "PMID": 984088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_677", "title": "Computer interpreted fetal electroencephalogram. I. Relative frequency of patterns.", "content": "Fetal electroencephalography (FEEG) is a clinical research technique for monitoring the electrical activity of the fetal brain during labor. Because of the massive volume of data, it has not previously been practicable to quantify the frequency of occurrence of the various patterns by visual analysis. With the use of a computer program, which has been shown to be consistent with visual interpretations, records for 11 fetuses, known to be neurologically normal at 1 year of age, were analyzed. Adequate FEEG had been recorded 73.6 per cent of the time during which the fetuses were monitored. In 10,511 10 second epochs of adequate FEEG, the Mixed pattern was found to be dominant, with a relative frequency of 41.2 per cent. The relative frequencies of Trace Alternant and High Voltage Slow activity were 32.3 per cent and 21.5 per cent, respectively. Low Voltage Irregular, Voltage Depression, and Isoelectricity occurred infrequently, accounting for approximately 4.6 per cent of the epochs. The relative frequencies of the various patterns were stable from the onset of monitoring of FEEG through neonatal EEG obtained in the delivery room. These data will form the basis for subsequent studies of FEEG changes associated with various endogenous and exogenous factors.", "contents": "Computer interpreted fetal electroencephalogram. I. Relative frequency of patterns. Fetal electroencephalography (FEEG) is a clinical research technique for monitoring the electrical activity of the fetal brain during labor. Because of the massive volume of data, it has not previously been practicable to quantify the frequency of occurrence of the various patterns by visual analysis. With the use of a computer program, which has been shown to be consistent with visual interpretations, records for 11 fetuses, known to be neurologically normal at 1 year of age, were analyzed. Adequate FEEG had been recorded 73.6 per cent of the time during which the fetuses were monitored. In 10,511 10 second epochs of adequate FEEG, the Mixed pattern was found to be dominant, with a relative frequency of 41.2 per cent. The relative frequencies of Trace Alternant and High Voltage Slow activity were 32.3 per cent and 21.5 per cent, respectively. Low Voltage Irregular, Voltage Depression, and Isoelectricity occurred infrequently, accounting for approximately 4.6 per cent of the epochs. The relative frequencies of the various patterns were stable from the onset of monitoring of FEEG through neonatal EEG obtained in the delivery room. These data will form the basis for subsequent studies of FEEG changes associated with various endogenous and exogenous factors.", "PMID": 984089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_678", "title": "Computer interpreted fetal electroencephalogram. II. Patterns in infants who were neurologically abnormal at 1 year of age.", "content": "A computer program for pattern recognition of fetal electroencephalogram has been used to analyze the records of nine fetuses, known to be neurologically abnormal at 1 year of age. In 4,913 10 second epochs of adequate FEEG, Low Voltage Irregular (LVI) accounted for 17.8 per cent, Mixed activity (MIX) for 30.5 per cent, High Voltage Slow (HVS) for 18.1 per cent, and Trace Alternant (T/A) for 33.2 per cent of the epochs. The numbers of observed FEEG patterns in these abnormal cases appear to be significantly different from those in 11 normal cases (p less than 0.001)3. Specifically, the relative frequency of LVI was found to be increased in the abnormal cases (p congruent to 0.05). Moreover, LVI was significantly associated with visually interpreted prolonged voltage suppression (p less than 0.025) and lowered one-minute Apgar score (p congruent to 0.025). Using discriminant function analysis for LVI, MIX, HVS, and T/A patterns from FEEG recorded during labor, 10 of 11 infants were correctly classified as being neurologically normal at one year of age and 6 of 9 infants were correctly classified as being neurologically abnormal at 1 year of age. These studies confirm previous associations based on visual analysis of FEEG and suggest that the relative frequencies of FEEG patterns may be useful in the prediction of neurologic outcome 1 year later.", "contents": "Computer interpreted fetal electroencephalogram. II. Patterns in infants who were neurologically abnormal at 1 year of age. A computer program for pattern recognition of fetal electroencephalogram has been used to analyze the records of nine fetuses, known to be neurologically abnormal at 1 year of age. In 4,913 10 second epochs of adequate FEEG, Low Voltage Irregular (LVI) accounted for 17.8 per cent, Mixed activity (MIX) for 30.5 per cent, High Voltage Slow (HVS) for 18.1 per cent, and Trace Alternant (T/A) for 33.2 per cent of the epochs. The numbers of observed FEEG patterns in these abnormal cases appear to be significantly different from those in 11 normal cases (p less than 0.001)3. Specifically, the relative frequency of LVI was found to be increased in the abnormal cases (p congruent to 0.05). Moreover, LVI was significantly associated with visually interpreted prolonged voltage suppression (p less than 0.025) and lowered one-minute Apgar score (p congruent to 0.025). Using discriminant function analysis for LVI, MIX, HVS, and T/A patterns from FEEG recorded during labor, 10 of 11 infants were correctly classified as being neurologically normal at one year of age and 6 of 9 infants were correctly classified as being neurologically abnormal at 1 year of age. These studies confirm previous associations based on visual analysis of FEEG and suggest that the relative frequencies of FEEG patterns may be useful in the prediction of neurologic outcome 1 year later.", "PMID": 984090} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_679", "title": "Breathing movements in the human fetus.", "content": "Simultaneous observations of the movements of opposite sides of the human fetal trunk were made by an ultrasonic device. Rhythmical excursions that were in time but out of phase were recorded from the lateral chest walls. These movements are considered to be the result of changes in the shape of the chest and are consistent with breathing movements. Large excursions of the antior abdominal wall compared to the chest movements suggest that the diaphragm shares in the breathing movement.", "contents": "Breathing movements in the human fetus. Simultaneous observations of the movements of opposite sides of the human fetal trunk were made by an ultrasonic device. Rhythmical excursions that were in time but out of phase were recorded from the lateral chest walls. These movements are considered to be the result of changes in the shape of the chest and are consistent with breathing movements. Large excursions of the antior abdominal wall compared to the chest movements suggest that the diaphragm shares in the breathing movement.", "PMID": 984091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_680", "title": "A proposed system whereby a (colcemid-induced) S2 phase is responsible for the tetraploidy found in cultured human amniotic fluid cells.", "content": "The results of this study, using cultured amniotic fluid cells (AFC) and colcemid, together with results of several other investigators who worked with colcemid and DNA synthesis, have led to the proposal of a hypothesis suggesting a mechanism by which tetraploidy may be induced. Data from this study of 24,455 mitotic spreads indicate increased concentrations of colcemid, as well as extended exposure times, results in a higher incidence of tetraploidy in cultured AFC, with no concomitant increase in the unexposed control cells.", "contents": "A proposed system whereby a (colcemid-induced) S2 phase is responsible for the tetraploidy found in cultured human amniotic fluid cells. The results of this study, using cultured amniotic fluid cells (AFC) and colcemid, together with results of several other investigators who worked with colcemid and DNA synthesis, have led to the proposal of a hypothesis suggesting a mechanism by which tetraploidy may be induced. Data from this study of 24,455 mitotic spreads indicate increased concentrations of colcemid, as well as extended exposure times, results in a higher incidence of tetraploidy in cultured AFC, with no concomitant increase in the unexposed control cells.", "PMID": 984092} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_681", "title": "Decreasing postpartum sexual abstinence time.", "content": "Postpartum sexual abstinence time can be safely shortened for most patients when episiotomy repair is done meticulously with fine PGA suture on small needles. The time preferred by patients for resumption of intercourse seems to be between the second and third postpartum week. We have seen no ill effects from this, and we feel that sexual intercourse at these early dates does not influence the healing of the episiotomy in any way.", "contents": "Decreasing postpartum sexual abstinence time. Postpartum sexual abstinence time can be safely shortened for most patients when episiotomy repair is done meticulously with fine PGA suture on small needles. The time preferred by patients for resumption of intercourse seems to be between the second and third postpartum week. We have seen no ill effects from this, and we feel that sexual intercourse at these early dates does not influence the healing of the episiotomy in any way.", "PMID": 984101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_682", "title": "Abnormal cervical cytology in the teen-ager: a continuing problem.", "content": "Abnormal cervical cytology is being discovered in an alarming number of sexually active teen-agers. Over an 18 month period, cytology consistent with mild dysplasia or worse was noted in 188 of 2,655 teen-agers screened. This represents a rate of 70.8 per thousand. Colposcopically directed biopsies in 65 patients revealed 15 cases of severe dysplasia-carcinoma in situ. Cryosurgery was the principle method of treatment and, combined with colposcopy, is a safe and effective means of managing these patients.", "contents": "Abnormal cervical cytology in the teen-ager: a continuing problem. Abnormal cervical cytology is being discovered in an alarming number of sexually active teen-agers. Over an 18 month period, cytology consistent with mild dysplasia or worse was noted in 188 of 2,655 teen-agers screened. This represents a rate of 70.8 per thousand. Colposcopically directed biopsies in 65 patients revealed 15 cases of severe dysplasia-carcinoma in situ. Cryosurgery was the principle method of treatment and, combined with colposcopy, is a safe and effective means of managing these patients.", "PMID": 984102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_683", "title": "Virucidal effect of certain chemical contraceptives on Type 2 herpesvirus.", "content": "The virucidal effect of several chemical contraceptives was investigated and the findings are rrported. The supension of Type 2 herpes simplex virus, containing 10(6) to 10(7) tissue culture infectious doses per 0.1 ml., was inactivated on exposure to five different chemical contraceptives. For quantitative estimates of virucidal effect, 10 per cent solutions of these chemical contraceptives were tested with an exposure time of 10 minutes at room temperature. The methods for determination of residual infectivity included both virus assays in cultures of Vero cells and human embryo fibroblasts, as well as the intracranial inoculation of mice. Virus infectivity decreased 1,000- to 10,000-fold after contact with chemical contraceptives, indicating a substantial virucidal effect.", "contents": "Virucidal effect of certain chemical contraceptives on Type 2 herpesvirus. The virucidal effect of several chemical contraceptives was investigated and the findings are rrported. The supension of Type 2 herpes simplex virus, containing 10(6) to 10(7) tissue culture infectious doses per 0.1 ml., was inactivated on exposure to five different chemical contraceptives. For quantitative estimates of virucidal effect, 10 per cent solutions of these chemical contraceptives were tested with an exposure time of 10 minutes at room temperature. The methods for determination of residual infectivity included both virus assays in cultures of Vero cells and human embryo fibroblasts, as well as the intracranial inoculation of mice. Virus infectivity decreased 1,000- to 10,000-fold after contact with chemical contraceptives, indicating a substantial virucidal effect.", "PMID": 984103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_684", "title": "Plasma testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in ovulatory and anovulatory cycles.", "content": "Daily plasma testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as well as plasma lueteinizing hormone, plasma estradiol (E2) and plasma progestrone (P) were measured by radioimmunoassay in seven ovulatory cycles and in three anovulatory cycles. In ovulatory cycles, plasma T ranged from 110 to 637 pg. per milliliter, while plasma DNT ranged from 10 to 246 pg. per milliliter. There is an increase in the mean plasma T during the early follicular phase of the cycle with a fall on the day of ovulation. Plasma T levels rise again during the early luteal phase and drop during the late luteal phase of the cycle. Plasma E2 rises during the follicular phase with a preovulatory surge followed by a drop after ovulation and a subsequent secondary rise. Plasma P was less than 1 ng. per milliliter during the follicular phase and increased to above 5 ng. per milliliter after ovulation, reaching levels of 20 to 25 ng. per milliliter during the luteal phase. In anovulatory cycles, there is random fluctuation with no well-defined patterns. Plasma P remained below 1 ng. per milliliter throughout the cycle. The finding of maximum T levels prior to midcycle may reflect increased T production by the ovaries in response to increasing levels of follicle-stimulating hormone. There is little fluctuation in the levels of T during the menstrual cycle. These findings obviate the need for multiple plasma T estimations in the assessment of women with hirsutism, polycystic ovarian disease, and the testicular feminization syndrome.", "contents": "Plasma testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in ovulatory and anovulatory cycles. Daily plasma testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as well as plasma lueteinizing hormone, plasma estradiol (E2) and plasma progestrone (P) were measured by radioimmunoassay in seven ovulatory cycles and in three anovulatory cycles. In ovulatory cycles, plasma T ranged from 110 to 637 pg. per milliliter, while plasma DNT ranged from 10 to 246 pg. per milliliter. There is an increase in the mean plasma T during the early follicular phase of the cycle with a fall on the day of ovulation. Plasma T levels rise again during the early luteal phase and drop during the late luteal phase of the cycle. Plasma E2 rises during the follicular phase with a preovulatory surge followed by a drop after ovulation and a subsequent secondary rise. Plasma P was less than 1 ng. per milliliter during the follicular phase and increased to above 5 ng. per milliliter after ovulation, reaching levels of 20 to 25 ng. per milliliter during the luteal phase. In anovulatory cycles, there is random fluctuation with no well-defined patterns. Plasma P remained below 1 ng. per milliliter throughout the cycle. The finding of maximum T levels prior to midcycle may reflect increased T production by the ovaries in response to increasing levels of follicle-stimulating hormone. There is little fluctuation in the levels of T during the menstrual cycle. These findings obviate the need for multiple plasma T estimations in the assessment of women with hirsutism, polycystic ovarian disease, and the testicular feminization syndrome.", "PMID": 984104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_685", "title": "Three-day therapy of vulvovaginal candidiasis with econazole: a multicentric study comprising 996 cases.", "content": "Within the scope of three open multicentric studies, effect and tolerability of 150 mg. econazole vaginal suppositories were tested in a total of 996 women, 13 to 74 years old (mean age, 29 years). Vaginal candidiasis had been mycologically demonstrated in every patient prior to therapy, and the total cure rate of 93.4 per cent in Studies I and II (880 patients) was also mycologically confirmed. The tolerability was tested by checking of 30 laboratory variables before and after the treatment of 116 patients (Study III); no therapy-related adverse changes were recorded. Connections between therapeutic results, age distribution, initial hormonal situation, and conception of the therapy are pointed out.", "contents": "Three-day therapy of vulvovaginal candidiasis with econazole: a multicentric study comprising 996 cases. Within the scope of three open multicentric studies, effect and tolerability of 150 mg. econazole vaginal suppositories were tested in a total of 996 women, 13 to 74 years old (mean age, 29 years). Vaginal candidiasis had been mycologically demonstrated in every patient prior to therapy, and the total cure rate of 93.4 per cent in Studies I and II (880 patients) was also mycologically confirmed. The tolerability was tested by checking of 30 laboratory variables before and after the treatment of 116 patients (Study III); no therapy-related adverse changes were recorded. Connections between therapeutic results, age distribution, initial hormonal situation, and conception of the therapy are pointed out.", "PMID": 984105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_686", "title": "Familial allergic seminal vulvovaginitis.", "content": "Vulvovaginal reactions to seminal fluid occurred in all four women in a family. The reactions consisted of stinging, burning, and pain in the vagina, starting during coitus or immediately after ejaculation, and persisting for 2 to 72 hours. The vagina and vulva were red and swollen, with urticaria on the labia. Although skin tests showed a positive reaction in two of three women tested, no sperm agglutination antibody was detected. Benadryl was effective in preventing the development of vulvovaginal reactions completely in one woman and partially in two others.", "contents": "Familial allergic seminal vulvovaginitis. Vulvovaginal reactions to seminal fluid occurred in all four women in a family. The reactions consisted of stinging, burning, and pain in the vagina, starting during coitus or immediately after ejaculation, and persisting for 2 to 72 hours. The vagina and vulva were red and swollen, with urticaria on the labia. Although skin tests showed a positive reaction in two of three women tested, no sperm agglutination antibody was detected. Benadryl was effective in preventing the development of vulvovaginal reactions completely in one woman and partially in two others.", "PMID": 984106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_687", "title": "Sexual experimentation and pregnancy in young black adolescents.", "content": "Young black adolescents (13 to 16 years of age) and their parents were interviewed and psychological tests were administered. They were divided into three groups; (1) abortion group, (2) pregnancy to term group, and (3) a control group of never-pregnant adolescents matched by age and socioeconomic status. We focus the present report on their performance in school and educational goals, sexual experimentation to intercourse, their use of contraceptives, theirs and their parents' attitudes toward abortion, their reaction to their pregnancy in the two pregnant groups, and their attitudes in choosing for or against abortion.", "contents": "Sexual experimentation and pregnancy in young black adolescents. Young black adolescents (13 to 16 years of age) and their parents were interviewed and psychological tests were administered. They were divided into three groups; (1) abortion group, (2) pregnancy to term group, and (3) a control group of never-pregnant adolescents matched by age and socioeconomic status. We focus the present report on their performance in school and educational goals, sexual experimentation to intercourse, their use of contraceptives, theirs and their parents' attitudes toward abortion, their reaction to their pregnancy in the two pregnant groups, and their attitudes in choosing for or against abortion.", "PMID": 984107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_688", "title": "A prerecorded program for the Ball pelvimetry technique.", "content": "Pelvimetry can be simplified by a recently devised computer program. The program can be used with any of several advanced programmable pocket or desk-top calculators. This approach is more accurate than either the nomogram or the slide rule, and demands much less time and attention.", "contents": "A prerecorded program for the Ball pelvimetry technique. Pelvimetry can be simplified by a recently devised computer program. The program can be used with any of several advanced programmable pocket or desk-top calculators. This approach is more accurate than either the nomogram or the slide rule, and demands much less time and attention.", "PMID": 984108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_689", "title": "Sonar biparietal diameter. I. Analysis of percentile growth differences in two normal populations using same methodology.", "content": "BPD measurements were obtained from 107 white and 91 black normal gravid women, with established dates, between weeks 16 to 40 of pregnancy. The sonar methodology used is uniform, employing nonpersistent image scanning with electronic calipers. It is noted that the BPD percentile growth patterns derived from these racially different fetuses are alike. Similarly, the fetal age distributions corresponding to white vs. black fetal BPD's show minor differences. From a clinical standpoint, therefore, one percentile curve is constructed for both populations. It is concluded that the BPD differences observed in the currently used growth curves, reported by different investigators, are related to nonuniformity in sonar BPD methodology.", "contents": "Sonar biparietal diameter. I. Analysis of percentile growth differences in two normal populations using same methodology. BPD measurements were obtained from 107 white and 91 black normal gravid women, with established dates, between weeks 16 to 40 of pregnancy. The sonar methodology used is uniform, employing nonpersistent image scanning with electronic calipers. It is noted that the BPD percentile growth patterns derived from these racially different fetuses are alike. Similarly, the fetal age distributions corresponding to white vs. black fetal BPD's show minor differences. From a clinical standpoint, therefore, one percentile curve is constructed for both populations. It is concluded that the BPD differences observed in the currently used growth curves, reported by different investigators, are related to nonuniformity in sonar BPD methodology.", "PMID": 984109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_690", "title": "Sonar biparietal diameter. II. Predictive of three fetal growth patterns leading to a closer assessment of gestational age and neonatal weight.", "content": "Serial BPD readings were obtained from 142 normal parturients, with established dates, between 20 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. It is noted that fetal BPD's can be separated into one of three percentile rankings: large (i.e. above the seventy-fifth percentile), average (i.e. twenty-fifth to seventy-fifth percentile), and small (i.e. below the twenty-fifth percentile). In addition, it is shown that, under normal conditions, fetuses intially placed in any one of these cephalic levels will continue to grow within the confines of the same percentile range. This biologic phenomenon has not been previously reported in human fetal growth. It is important because it leads to a closer prediction of fetal age and a better assessment of neonatal weight and outcome.", "contents": "Sonar biparietal diameter. II. Predictive of three fetal growth patterns leading to a closer assessment of gestational age and neonatal weight. Serial BPD readings were obtained from 142 normal parturients, with established dates, between 20 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. It is noted that fetal BPD's can be separated into one of three percentile rankings: large (i.e. above the seventy-fifth percentile), average (i.e. twenty-fifth to seventy-fifth percentile), and small (i.e. below the twenty-fifth percentile). In addition, it is shown that, under normal conditions, fetuses intially placed in any one of these cephalic levels will continue to grow within the confines of the same percentile range. This biologic phenomenon has not been previously reported in human fetal growth. It is important because it leads to a closer prediction of fetal age and a better assessment of neonatal weight and outcome.", "PMID": 984110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_691", "title": "Current practices in antepartum and intrapartum fetal monitoring.", "content": "Survey forms were sent to 360 Ob./Gyn, residency programs in the United States and Canada with responses from 279 concerning usage of various types of fetal monitoring. The results are presented and discussed.", "contents": "Current practices in antepartum and intrapartum fetal monitoring. Survey forms were sent to 360 Ob./Gyn, residency programs in the United States and Canada with responses from 279 concerning usage of various types of fetal monitoring. The results are presented and discussed.", "PMID": 984111} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_692", "title": "Microcirculation of the rat placenta. Scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations on fetal blood vessels.", "content": "The fetal circulation of normal rat placenta was studied by parallel examination with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the transmission electron microscope (TEM). By examining casts of vessels injected with latex and prepared by corrosion in hypochlorite solutions, the fetal arteries, veins, and capillaries of the placenta could be traced in the scanning electron microscope and, in addition, the ultrastructural details of microcirculation and luminal surfaces could be studied. Cast specimens showed fetal arteries entering the center of the placenta and branching into long, thin vessels which traversed almost the entire thickness of the placenta before dividing into a markedly tortuous capillary network. The smooth-surfaced capillary vessels located at the arteriolar end flowed into a much less tortuous prevenous capillary network which conducted the blood into collecting venules and veins. Placental blood vessels examined by the TEM provided evidence that details observed by the SEM were accurate for the ultrastructural appearance of fetal arteries, capillaries, and veins.", "contents": "Microcirculation of the rat placenta. Scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations on fetal blood vessels. The fetal circulation of normal rat placenta was studied by parallel examination with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the transmission electron microscope (TEM). By examining casts of vessels injected with latex and prepared by corrosion in hypochlorite solutions, the fetal arteries, veins, and capillaries of the placenta could be traced in the scanning electron microscope and, in addition, the ultrastructural details of microcirculation and luminal surfaces could be studied. Cast specimens showed fetal arteries entering the center of the placenta and branching into long, thin vessels which traversed almost the entire thickness of the placenta before dividing into a markedly tortuous capillary network. The smooth-surfaced capillary vessels located at the arteriolar end flowed into a much less tortuous prevenous capillary network which conducted the blood into collecting venules and veins. Placental blood vessels examined by the TEM provided evidence that details observed by the SEM were accurate for the ultrastructural appearance of fetal arteries, capillaries, and veins.", "PMID": 984112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_693", "title": "Cesarean section in present-day obstetrics. Presidential address.", "content": "Two thousand five hundred and sixty-three cesarean sections performed at Charlotte Memorial Hospital during 1963 through the first six months of 1975 were reviewed. The cesarean section rate was 6 per cent. The results of two earlier studies, starting with the opening of the hospital in 1940, were compared. The total number of cesarean sections from 1940 through 1975 was 3,717. The present study shows that significant improvement has been made in reducing cesarean section deaths, morbidity, and complications, as well as fetal deaths. There have been no maternal deaths in the last 2,225 cesarean sections. Questionnaire returns from 50 representative medical schools and obstetricians throughout the United States discuss the increased cesarean section rate, the reasons for the increase, and the predicted cesarean section incidence of the future.", "contents": "Cesarean section in present-day obstetrics. Presidential address. Two thousand five hundred and sixty-three cesarean sections performed at Charlotte Memorial Hospital during 1963 through the first six months of 1975 were reviewed. The cesarean section rate was 6 per cent. The results of two earlier studies, starting with the opening of the hospital in 1940, were compared. The total number of cesarean sections from 1940 through 1975 was 3,717. The present study shows that significant improvement has been made in reducing cesarean section deaths, morbidity, and complications, as well as fetal deaths. There have been no maternal deaths in the last 2,225 cesarean sections. Questionnaire returns from 50 representative medical schools and obstetricians throughout the United States discuss the increased cesarean section rate, the reasons for the increase, and the predicted cesarean section incidence of the future.", "PMID": 984121} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_694", "title": "Accurate amniotic fluid bilirubin analysis from the \"bloody tap\". A preliminary report.", "content": "The quantitation of bilirubin in amniotic fluid is of paramount importance in prognosticating the severity of Rh isoimmunization. Amniotic fluid contaminated by maternal blood can result in erroneous results when direct spectrophotemetric analysis is performed on such fluid. The technique and results of a one-step chloroform extraction performed on \"bloody\" amniotic fluid is presented. Results confirm that chloroform extraction yields more accurate clinical information in regard to Rh isoimmunized patients in whom a \"bloody tap\" is obtained.", "contents": "Accurate amniotic fluid bilirubin analysis from the \"bloody tap\". A preliminary report. The quantitation of bilirubin in amniotic fluid is of paramount importance in prognosticating the severity of Rh isoimmunization. Amniotic fluid contaminated by maternal blood can result in erroneous results when direct spectrophotemetric analysis is performed on such fluid. The technique and results of a one-step chloroform extraction performed on \"bloody\" amniotic fluid is presented. Results confirm that chloroform extraction yields more accurate clinical information in regard to Rh isoimmunized patients in whom a \"bloody tap\" is obtained.", "PMID": 984122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_695", "title": "The individual at high risk for endometrial carcinoma.", "content": "Epidemiologic studies can help us recognize high-risk factors in endometrial carcinoma. The definition of high-risk factors, especially at the menopause,can lead to prophylactic measures that may aid in the control of this disease. This recognition of the high-risk patient in the perimenopausal years may be aided by aspiration curettage of ambulatory women, for such a strategy of surveillance is practical and efficient. Increasing acceptance of hormone sensitivity in neoplastic abnormality of the endometrium can also influence us in identifying the patient at risk.", "contents": "The individual at high risk for endometrial carcinoma. Epidemiologic studies can help us recognize high-risk factors in endometrial carcinoma. The definition of high-risk factors, especially at the menopause,can lead to prophylactic measures that may aid in the control of this disease. This recognition of the high-risk patient in the perimenopausal years may be aided by aspiration curettage of ambulatory women, for such a strategy of surveillance is practical and efficient. Increasing acceptance of hormone sensitivity in neoplastic abnormality of the endometrium can also influence us in identifying the patient at risk.", "PMID": 984123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_696", "title": "Cancer risk in diethylstilbestrol-exposed offspring.", "content": "The occurrence of columnar epithelium in the vagina (vaginal adenosis) in young women with intrauterine exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) during the first trimester of pregnancy was observed in 231 patients (82 per cent of 280 cases who underwent colposcopic study). Extension of columnar epithelium onto the portio of the cervix was present in the remaining 18 per cent of the cases. Abnormal colposcopic findings were present in the transformation zone in 96 per cent of the patients with vaginal adenosis. Directed biopsy revealed four cases of vaginal and/or cervical squamous carcinoma in situ (CIS), two cases of severe dysplasia, five cases of moderate, and 29 cases of mild dysplasia. The prevalence of CIS in DES-exposed girls (1.4 per cent) was nearly five times the prevalence rate of CIS in a control group of 5,808 DES-unexposed women (0.44 per cent). This finding correlates well with the hypothesis that the genesis of squamous intraepithelial neoplasia is specifically related to the extent and surface area of the vaginal transformation zone. An unusual case of invasive squamous carcinoma in a DES-exposed young girl is presented, which represents the initial observation of this association to date.", "contents": "Cancer risk in diethylstilbestrol-exposed offspring. The occurrence of columnar epithelium in the vagina (vaginal adenosis) in young women with intrauterine exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) during the first trimester of pregnancy was observed in 231 patients (82 per cent of 280 cases who underwent colposcopic study). Extension of columnar epithelium onto the portio of the cervix was present in the remaining 18 per cent of the cases. Abnormal colposcopic findings were present in the transformation zone in 96 per cent of the patients with vaginal adenosis. Directed biopsy revealed four cases of vaginal and/or cervical squamous carcinoma in situ (CIS), two cases of severe dysplasia, five cases of moderate, and 29 cases of mild dysplasia. The prevalence of CIS in DES-exposed girls (1.4 per cent) was nearly five times the prevalence rate of CIS in a control group of 5,808 DES-unexposed women (0.44 per cent). This finding correlates well with the hypothesis that the genesis of squamous intraepithelial neoplasia is specifically related to the extent and surface area of the vaginal transformation zone. An unusual case of invasive squamous carcinoma in a DES-exposed young girl is presented, which represents the initial observation of this association to date.", "PMID": 984124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_697", "title": "A comparison of oral prostaglandin E2 and intravenous oxytocin for induction of labor in normal and high-risk pregnancies.", "content": "The efficacy of oral prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) for induction of labor has been compared to that of intravenous oxytocin. There were 49 patients in each series. The over-all success rate with PGE2 is 82 per cent; with oxytocin, 65 per cent. PGE2 is at least as effective as oxytocin regardless of Bishop score or gravidity. There was no difference in the duration of labor in successful inductions with PGE2 or oxytocin. Nausea and diarrhea are more common with PGE2 but in only one case was this severe enough to warrent discontinuing the medication. One case of uterine hypertonus occurred in each series. No serious harmful effects on mother or fetus were noted with PGE2. These data support the concept that oral PGE2 administration is a safe and effective alternative to intravenous oxytocin for induction of labor in normal and high-risk pregnancies.", "contents": "A comparison of oral prostaglandin E2 and intravenous oxytocin for induction of labor in normal and high-risk pregnancies. The efficacy of oral prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) for induction of labor has been compared to that of intravenous oxytocin. There were 49 patients in each series. The over-all success rate with PGE2 is 82 per cent; with oxytocin, 65 per cent. PGE2 is at least as effective as oxytocin regardless of Bishop score or gravidity. There was no difference in the duration of labor in successful inductions with PGE2 or oxytocin. Nausea and diarrhea are more common with PGE2 but in only one case was this severe enough to warrent discontinuing the medication. One case of uterine hypertonus occurred in each series. No serious harmful effects on mother or fetus were noted with PGE2. These data support the concept that oral PGE2 administration is a safe and effective alternative to intravenous oxytocin for induction of labor in normal and high-risk pregnancies.", "PMID": 984125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_698", "title": "A standard of fetal growth for the United States of America.", "content": "The appropriate interpretation of monitored fetal growth throughout pregnancy in individual patients and populations is dependent upon the availability of adequate standards. There is no adequate standard of fetal weight throughout pregnancy that is suitable for patients in the U.S.A. To determine such a standard for infants delivered at about sea level the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles of fetal weight for each menstrual week of gestation were calculated from 430 fetuses at 8 to 20 menstrual weeks' gestation aborted with prostaglandins and from 30,772 liveborn infants delivered of patients at 21 to 44 menstrual weeks' gestation. Median fetal crown-to-rump lengths and crown-to-heel lengths were derived from measurements of 496 aborted fetuses of 8 to 21 weeks' gestation. Fetal weight correction factors for parity, race (socioeconomic status), and fetal sex were calculated. The derived fetal growth curves are useful for clinical, public health, and investigational purposes.", "contents": "A standard of fetal growth for the United States of America. The appropriate interpretation of monitored fetal growth throughout pregnancy in individual patients and populations is dependent upon the availability of adequate standards. There is no adequate standard of fetal weight throughout pregnancy that is suitable for patients in the U.S.A. To determine such a standard for infants delivered at about sea level the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles of fetal weight for each menstrual week of gestation were calculated from 430 fetuses at 8 to 20 menstrual weeks' gestation aborted with prostaglandins and from 30,772 liveborn infants delivered of patients at 21 to 44 menstrual weeks' gestation. Median fetal crown-to-rump lengths and crown-to-heel lengths were derived from measurements of 496 aborted fetuses of 8 to 21 weeks' gestation. Fetal weight correction factors for parity, race (socioeconomic status), and fetal sex were calculated. The derived fetal growth curves are useful for clinical, public health, and investigational purposes.", "PMID": 984126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_699", "title": "A new look at pelvic relaxation.", "content": "The concept is presented that most cystoceles and/or urethroceles result from insolated defects in the connective tissue supports of the anterior quadrant of the pelvis. Four areas in which defects have been found to occur are identified. Sixty patients are presented who were found to have isolated defects in the endopelvic fascia at the lateral sidewall of the pelvis with significant cystourethroceles and stress urinary incontinence. The surgical treatment consisted only of a direct approach to and closure of the isolated defect. The operative results at 3 to 48 months were excellent in 91.7 per cent, improved in 5 per cent, and failed in 3.3 per cent. Discussion is offered of the possibility of the study of the pelvic floor from the viewpoint of a mechanical engineer.", "contents": "A new look at pelvic relaxation. The concept is presented that most cystoceles and/or urethroceles result from insolated defects in the connective tissue supports of the anterior quadrant of the pelvis. Four areas in which defects have been found to occur are identified. Sixty patients are presented who were found to have isolated defects in the endopelvic fascia at the lateral sidewall of the pelvis with significant cystourethroceles and stress urinary incontinence. The surgical treatment consisted only of a direct approach to and closure of the isolated defect. The operative results at 3 to 48 months were excellent in 91.7 per cent, improved in 5 per cent, and failed in 3.3 per cent. Discussion is offered of the possibility of the study of the pelvic floor from the viewpoint of a mechanical engineer.", "PMID": 984127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_700", "title": "Corynebacterium vaginale (Haemophilus vaginalis) in women with leukorrhea.", "content": "Corynebacterium vaginale was recovered from vaginal-cervical swab specimens in 164 of 288 women with leukorrhea and in four of 30 women without signs or symptoms of lower genital tract infection. The amount and character of the leukorrhea observed in association with C. vaginale infection were variable; in typical cases the discharge had the appearance of a thin paste. In a series of 100 patients studied to determine the apparent causes of leukorrhea, noninfectious causes were inferred in seven patients and no cause ascertained in six. Candida or other yeasts, C. vaginale, and Trichomonas vaginalis were identified alone or in combination in 87 patients; 53 had yeasts, 35 had C. vaginale, and 15 had T. vaginalis.", "contents": "Corynebacterium vaginale (Haemophilus vaginalis) in women with leukorrhea. Corynebacterium vaginale was recovered from vaginal-cervical swab specimens in 164 of 288 women with leukorrhea and in four of 30 women without signs or symptoms of lower genital tract infection. The amount and character of the leukorrhea observed in association with C. vaginale infection were variable; in typical cases the discharge had the appearance of a thin paste. In a series of 100 patients studied to determine the apparent causes of leukorrhea, noninfectious causes were inferred in seven patients and no cause ascertained in six. Candida or other yeasts, C. vaginale, and Trichomonas vaginalis were identified alone or in combination in 87 patients; 53 had yeasts, 35 had C. vaginale, and 15 had T. vaginalis.", "PMID": 984128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_701", "title": "Gonadoblastoma: clinicopathologic correlation in six patients.", "content": "Six patients with a total of nine gonadoblastomas are presented; three--and possibly a fourth--had dysgerminomatous overgrowth which was massive in two patients. Calcification detected by abdominal films was present in three sufficient for preoperative diagnosis. All patients were found to have a Y stem line on peripheral leukocyte chromosome cultures except one patient, who had a 46 XX/45 XO karyotype. She was found to have Y chromatin bodies in the germ cells of her tumor which was in a normal ovary found at exploration for an ectopic pregnancy. Three were found in virilized phenotypic females investigated for amenorrhea, and two for therapy of pelvic masses due to dysgerminomatous overgrowth. Y chromatin studies are reported on gonadal tissue.", "contents": "Gonadoblastoma: clinicopathologic correlation in six patients. Six patients with a total of nine gonadoblastomas are presented; three--and possibly a fourth--had dysgerminomatous overgrowth which was massive in two patients. Calcification detected by abdominal films was present in three sufficient for preoperative diagnosis. All patients were found to have a Y stem line on peripheral leukocyte chromosome cultures except one patient, who had a 46 XX/45 XO karyotype. She was found to have Y chromatin bodies in the germ cells of her tumor which was in a normal ovary found at exploration for an ectopic pregnancy. Three were found in virilized phenotypic females investigated for amenorrhea, and two for therapy of pelvic masses due to dysgerminomatous overgrowth. Y chromatin studies are reported on gonadal tissue.", "PMID": 984129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_702", "title": "Clinical experience with the copper-7 intrauterine contraceptive device. A preliminary report.", "content": "There have been 203 copper-7 IUD insertions performed in 199 women. The data from 2,230 woman-months of use have been analyzed and compared with other published reports. The copper-7 IUD was an acceptable contraceptive method in regard to effectiveness, continuation, and lack of serious complications.", "contents": "Clinical experience with the copper-7 intrauterine contraceptive device. A preliminary report. There have been 203 copper-7 IUD insertions performed in 199 women. The data from 2,230 woman-months of use have been analyzed and compared with other published reports. The copper-7 IUD was an acceptable contraceptive method in regard to effectiveness, continuation, and lack of serious complications.", "PMID": 984130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_703", "title": "A composite vaginal vault suspension using fascia lata.", "content": "A description of a composite procedure is offered as a further effort to have a safe, relatively easy, and dependable surgical operation for complete vaginal prolapse in the sexually active woman. The fact is generally accepted that the combination vaginal and surgical approach done at the same sitting gives a better chance for cure where either single approach has proved to be less dependable. Nothing startling new is claimed, but the selection of the homologous fascia lata as the suspending material used technically in a simple, safe manner is outlined. Twelve patients have had this procedure done in the past 4 years with no recurrence of the prolapsed vault and no complaint of dyspareunia by either partner. One patient has had recurrent enterocele even though effort had been made to prevent this. There has been no death in this series.", "contents": "A composite vaginal vault suspension using fascia lata. A description of a composite procedure is offered as a further effort to have a safe, relatively easy, and dependable surgical operation for complete vaginal prolapse in the sexually active woman. The fact is generally accepted that the combination vaginal and surgical approach done at the same sitting gives a better chance for cure where either single approach has proved to be less dependable. Nothing startling new is claimed, but the selection of the homologous fascia lata as the suspending material used technically in a simple, safe manner is outlined. Twelve patients have had this procedure done in the past 4 years with no recurrence of the prolapsed vault and no complaint of dyspareunia by either partner. One patient has had recurrent enterocele even though effort had been made to prevent this. There has been no death in this series.", "PMID": 984131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_704", "title": "The critical control of progesterone levels and pregnancy by antiprogesterone.", "content": "Circulating plasma progesterone (P) has been quantitatively controlled in the rat \"model\" through highly specific binding by treatment with anti-P (A-P). Knowing the constant, which characterizes the binding of P to A-P in plasma, sequential assays of circulating A-P and A-P bound total P (Pt) revealed the levels of the biologically active unbound P (Pu). The studies showed that at different stages of gestation the mechanisms through which A-P reduces Pu and terminates pregnancy are the same. However, the doses of AP which effectively reduce Pu and also the critical levels of Pu at which pregnancy terminates are different. The moderate and transient physiologic P-withdrawal (Pw) at midterm permits the continuation of normal gestation, but pregnancy is terminated by a drastic and sustained reduction in Pu. In contrast, when Pu is only slightly and briefly reduced below physiologic levels, pregnancy continues and only retarded conceptus growth signals that Pw occurred. Apparently Pw has to be controlled and measured with \"razor's-edge\" precision to fully expose and define the regulatory significance of this steroid in the maintenance and termination of pregnancy. Short of this precision, the key regulator of the pregnant uterus will remain buried, as it has been during 40 years, in controversial findings.", "contents": "The critical control of progesterone levels and pregnancy by antiprogesterone. Circulating plasma progesterone (P) has been quantitatively controlled in the rat \"model\" through highly specific binding by treatment with anti-P (A-P). Knowing the constant, which characterizes the binding of P to A-P in plasma, sequential assays of circulating A-P and A-P bound total P (Pt) revealed the levels of the biologically active unbound P (Pu). The studies showed that at different stages of gestation the mechanisms through which A-P reduces Pu and terminates pregnancy are the same. However, the doses of AP which effectively reduce Pu and also the critical levels of Pu at which pregnancy terminates are different. The moderate and transient physiologic P-withdrawal (Pw) at midterm permits the continuation of normal gestation, but pregnancy is terminated by a drastic and sustained reduction in Pu. In contrast, when Pu is only slightly and briefly reduced below physiologic levels, pregnancy continues and only retarded conceptus growth signals that Pw occurred. Apparently Pw has to be controlled and measured with \"razor's-edge\" precision to fully expose and define the regulatory significance of this steroid in the maintenance and termination of pregnancy. Short of this precision, the key regulator of the pregnant uterus will remain buried, as it has been during 40 years, in controversial findings.", "PMID": 984132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_705", "title": "Obstetrician-gynecologists are primary physicians to women. I. Practice patterns of Michigan obstetrician-gynecologists.", "content": "Michigan obstetrician-gynecologists were asked to complete questionnaires designed to determine what kinds of medical services they provide their patients. The questionnaires completed by 369 doctors, who had graduated from medical school between 1930 and 1964 and who are in active practice, form the basis of this report. More than 50% treat common non-obstetric-gynecologic disorders in their own patients and smaller numbers treat more serious medical conditions. This study confirms a previous one, derived from information obtained from patients, that obstetricians-gynecologists serve as primary physicians to women, not exclusively as specialist-consultants.", "contents": "Obstetrician-gynecologists are primary physicians to women. I. Practice patterns of Michigan obstetrician-gynecologists. Michigan obstetrician-gynecologists were asked to complete questionnaires designed to determine what kinds of medical services they provide their patients. The questionnaires completed by 369 doctors, who had graduated from medical school between 1930 and 1964 and who are in active practice, form the basis of this report. More than 50% treat common non-obstetric-gynecologic disorders in their own patients and smaller numbers treat more serious medical conditions. This study confirms a previous one, derived from information obtained from patients, that obstetricians-gynecologists serve as primary physicians to women, not exclusively as specialist-consultants.", "PMID": 984135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_706", "title": "Plasma levels of fractionated estrogens and pituitary hormones in endometrial carcinoma.", "content": "Plasma levels of estrone (E1), estradiol-17beta (E2), and estriol (E3), as well as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin were measured in 30 control subjects and in 20 postmenopausal patients with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. Within the sensitivity of the assay (5 to 10 pg.), no E3 was found. Mean levels of E1 and E2 in the patients with carcinoma (42.64+/-3.8 (S.E.M.) and 17.3+/-1.7 (S.E.M.) pg. per mililiter) were significantly higher than those measured in the control subjects (E1=26.97+/-2.4 (S.E.M.) pg. per mililiter, p less than 0.001; E2=12.08+/-1.2 (S.E.M.) pg. per milliliter, p less than 0.02). Effects of age, diabetic status, and obesity were taken into consideration. Significant differences in FSH and marginally significant differences in prolactin levels were observed between the two groups. Mean levels of FSH, LH, and prolactin in the control group and the group with adenocarcinoma, respectively, were as follows: FSH=152.3+/-7.0 (S.E.M.) versus 98.1+/-8.9 (S.E.M.) mI.U. per milliliter, p less than 0.001; LH=64.7+/-3.1 (S.E.M.) versus 66.5+/-5.2 mI.U. per milliliter, difference not significant; and prolactin=14.3+/-0.9 (S.E.M.) versus 17.8+/1.7 (S.E.M.) ng. per milliliter, p less than 0.06. These results, as well as previously reported alterations in human growth hormone secretion, suggest aberrations in hypothalamic function in endometrial carcinoma.", "contents": "Plasma levels of fractionated estrogens and pituitary hormones in endometrial carcinoma. Plasma levels of estrone (E1), estradiol-17beta (E2), and estriol (E3), as well as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin were measured in 30 control subjects and in 20 postmenopausal patients with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. Within the sensitivity of the assay (5 to 10 pg.), no E3 was found. Mean levels of E1 and E2 in the patients with carcinoma (42.64+/-3.8 (S.E.M.) and 17.3+/-1.7 (S.E.M.) pg. per mililiter) were significantly higher than those measured in the control subjects (E1=26.97+/-2.4 (S.E.M.) pg. per mililiter, p less than 0.001; E2=12.08+/-1.2 (S.E.M.) pg. per milliliter, p less than 0.02). Effects of age, diabetic status, and obesity were taken into consideration. Significant differences in FSH and marginally significant differences in prolactin levels were observed between the two groups. Mean levels of FSH, LH, and prolactin in the control group and the group with adenocarcinoma, respectively, were as follows: FSH=152.3+/-7.0 (S.E.M.) versus 98.1+/-8.9 (S.E.M.) mI.U. per milliliter, p less than 0.001; LH=64.7+/-3.1 (S.E.M.) versus 66.5+/-5.2 mI.U. per milliliter, difference not significant; and prolactin=14.3+/-0.9 (S.E.M.) versus 17.8+/1.7 (S.E.M.) ng. per milliliter, p less than 0.06. These results, as well as previously reported alterations in human growth hormone secretion, suggest aberrations in hypothalamic function in endometrial carcinoma.", "PMID": 984136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_707", "title": "Untreated endocervical gonorrhea and endometritis following elective abortion.", "content": "A matched-pair analysis of 228 cases of endometritis occurring over a two-year period in 4,823 elective abortion patients was carried out. Patients with postabortal endometritis were matched with control subjects for age, parity, race, pay status, time of abortion, and type of abortion procedure. The prevalence of endocervical gonorrhea was 2.7% in the entire group seeking abortion, with 14.7% of patients with gonorrhea subsequently developing endometritis. The matched-pair analysis detected a threefold increased risk for endometritis in patients with untreated gonoccocal endocervicitis when compared with control subjects (p less than 0.05). The significance of these findings to centers performing abortions is discussed.", "contents": "Untreated endocervical gonorrhea and endometritis following elective abortion. A matched-pair analysis of 228 cases of endometritis occurring over a two-year period in 4,823 elective abortion patients was carried out. Patients with postabortal endometritis were matched with control subjects for age, parity, race, pay status, time of abortion, and type of abortion procedure. The prevalence of endocervical gonorrhea was 2.7% in the entire group seeking abortion, with 14.7% of patients with gonorrhea subsequently developing endometritis. The matched-pair analysis detected a threefold increased risk for endometritis in patients with untreated gonoccocal endocervicitis when compared with control subjects (p less than 0.05). The significance of these findings to centers performing abortions is discussed.", "PMID": 984137} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_708", "title": "Amylases of the genital tract. I. Isoamylases of genital tract tissue homogenates and peritoneal fluid.", "content": "Homogenates of tissue from the female genital tract contain isoamylases which are, to a certain extent, electrophoretically distinguishable from the pancreatic and salivary isoamylases. In healthy nonpregnant women, high levels of activity of genital isoamylases were found in tissue homogenates of cervical and Fallopian tube mucosa, whereas activity was weak or absent in homogenates of endometrium. The isoamylases of the cervical mucosa had an electrophoretic migration rate toward the anode identical to that of the salivary main fraction, whereas the isoamylases of the Fallopian tube migrated faster. Specific genital isoamylase activities were also demonstrable in peritoneal fluid collected from the cul-de-sac. During the menstrual cycle, these activities showed a midcycle peak. In pregnant women, the levels of activity of the genital isoamylases in peritoneal fluid were lower than in nonpregnant women. In homogenates of the male accessory genital glands, the isoamylases specific for the genital tract were present in minute amounts. The isoamylases specific for the genital tract were not detectable in serum in either sex.", "contents": "Amylases of the genital tract. I. Isoamylases of genital tract tissue homogenates and peritoneal fluid. Homogenates of tissue from the female genital tract contain isoamylases which are, to a certain extent, electrophoretically distinguishable from the pancreatic and salivary isoamylases. In healthy nonpregnant women, high levels of activity of genital isoamylases were found in tissue homogenates of cervical and Fallopian tube mucosa, whereas activity was weak or absent in homogenates of endometrium. The isoamylases of the cervical mucosa had an electrophoretic migration rate toward the anode identical to that of the salivary main fraction, whereas the isoamylases of the Fallopian tube migrated faster. Specific genital isoamylase activities were also demonstrable in peritoneal fluid collected from the cul-de-sac. During the menstrual cycle, these activities showed a midcycle peak. In pregnant women, the levels of activity of the genital isoamylases in peritoneal fluid were lower than in nonpregnant women. In homogenates of the male accessory genital glands, the isoamylases specific for the genital tract were present in minute amounts. The isoamylases specific for the genital tract were not detectable in serum in either sex.", "PMID": 984138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_709", "title": "Amylases of the genital tract. II. Peritoneal fluid isoamylases in acute salpingitis.", "content": "The activities of the specific genital isoamylases in peritoneal fluid were diminished or absent in acute salpingitis. The decrease was proportional to the severity of the tubal inflammatory reactions but could not be related to a closure of the abdominal tubal ostia. In women with infections of the lower genital tract in whom the Fallopian tubes were normal at laparoscopy, the peritoneal fluid isoamylase activities were as high as in healthy women. Determination of the activities of specific genital isoamylases in peritoneal fluid obtained by cul-de-sac puncture would seem to constitute a specific diagnostic method for acute salpingitis.", "contents": "Amylases of the genital tract. II. Peritoneal fluid isoamylases in acute salpingitis. The activities of the specific genital isoamylases in peritoneal fluid were diminished or absent in acute salpingitis. The decrease was proportional to the severity of the tubal inflammatory reactions but could not be related to a closure of the abdominal tubal ostia. In women with infections of the lower genital tract in whom the Fallopian tubes were normal at laparoscopy, the peritoneal fluid isoamylase activities were as high as in healthy women. Determination of the activities of specific genital isoamylases in peritoneal fluid obtained by cul-de-sac puncture would seem to constitute a specific diagnostic method for acute salpingitis.", "PMID": 984139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_710", "title": "Fertility in women with gonadal dysgenesis.", "content": "A successful pregnancy in a patient with a 45,X/47,XXX karyotype who had premature menopause is described. Review of the literature revealed an additional 24 cases of fertility in women with gonadal dysgenesis associated with a 45,X chromosomal line. Their reproductive history showed a total of 58 pregnancies. However, abortion, stillbirth, and abnormal progeny, including five with chromosomal errors, were common. Therefore, such patients should be advised regarding their reduced fertility potential and the possibility of abnormal offspring.", "contents": "Fertility in women with gonadal dysgenesis. A successful pregnancy in a patient with a 45,X/47,XXX karyotype who had premature menopause is described. Review of the literature revealed an additional 24 cases of fertility in women with gonadal dysgenesis associated with a 45,X chromosomal line. Their reproductive history showed a total of 58 pregnancies. However, abortion, stillbirth, and abnormal progeny, including five with chromosomal errors, were common. Therefore, such patients should be advised regarding their reduced fertility potential and the possibility of abnormal offspring.", "PMID": 984140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_711", "title": "Maternal cardiovascular dynamics. VII. Intrapartum blood volume changes.", "content": "Blood volume was measured in 75 normal pregnant women at term and serially at 10 and 60 minutes and on Days 1 and 3 post partum in women delivered vaginally and on Days 1, 3, and 5 in women who underwent cesarean section. The mean blood volume at term was 5.95 L. and 83.3 c.c. per kilogram, an increase of 44 and 16%, respectively, over nonpregnant values. The increment appeared to be related to lean body mass and the weight of the neonate alone and to the combined weights of the neonate and placenta, but the wide range of values precluded statistical significance. The blood volume loss at 60 minutes post partum was 610 c.c. (10.2%) for patients delivered vaginally and 1,030 c.c. (17.4%) for those delivered by cesarean section. The blood volume showed a steady decline to Day 3 post partum in the vaginal delivery group, whereas it remained fairly stable from 60 minutes to Day 5 post partum in the surgically delivered group. Remarkably, the volume had declined by the amount, 16.2%, in both groups on the third postpartum day. On the other hand, the hematocrit showed a rise of 5.2% in the former group and a decline of 5.8% in the latter. A remarkable tolerance for blood loss at delivery was demonstrated. A more realistic definition of postpartum hemorrhage is strongly recommended.", "contents": "Maternal cardiovascular dynamics. VII. Intrapartum blood volume changes. Blood volume was measured in 75 normal pregnant women at term and serially at 10 and 60 minutes and on Days 1 and 3 post partum in women delivered vaginally and on Days 1, 3, and 5 in women who underwent cesarean section. The mean blood volume at term was 5.95 L. and 83.3 c.c. per kilogram, an increase of 44 and 16%, respectively, over nonpregnant values. The increment appeared to be related to lean body mass and the weight of the neonate alone and to the combined weights of the neonate and placenta, but the wide range of values precluded statistical significance. The blood volume loss at 60 minutes post partum was 610 c.c. (10.2%) for patients delivered vaginally and 1,030 c.c. (17.4%) for those delivered by cesarean section. The blood volume showed a steady decline to Day 3 post partum in the vaginal delivery group, whereas it remained fairly stable from 60 minutes to Day 5 post partum in the surgically delivered group. Remarkably, the volume had declined by the amount, 16.2%, in both groups on the third postpartum day. On the other hand, the hematocrit showed a rise of 5.2% in the former group and a decline of 5.8% in the latter. A remarkable tolerance for blood loss at delivery was demonstrated. A more realistic definition of postpartum hemorrhage is strongly recommended.", "PMID": 984141} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_712", "title": "Serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels throughout normal pregnancy.", "content": "Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels were measured in the sera of 443 pregnant women by the beta-hCG radioimmunoassay in order to determine if the third-trimester secondary peak in hCG levels observed by less specific immunoassays was due to cross-reacting substances. hCG was detected as early as six days after presumed conception and peaked between 56 and 68 days, with a nadir at 18 weeks. No secondary rise in hCG levels was demonstrated, indicating that the nonspecific hCG immunoassays give spuriously high values for hCG during the last trimester of pregnancy.", "contents": "Serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels throughout normal pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels were measured in the sera of 443 pregnant women by the beta-hCG radioimmunoassay in order to determine if the third-trimester secondary peak in hCG levels observed by less specific immunoassays was due to cross-reacting substances. hCG was detected as early as six days after presumed conception and peaked between 56 and 68 days, with a nadir at 18 weeks. No secondary rise in hCG levels was demonstrated, indicating that the nonspecific hCG immunoassays give spuriously high values for hCG during the last trimester of pregnancy.", "PMID": 984142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_713", "title": "Uterine activity in the multiparous patient.", "content": "There were 149 parous patients with normal cervical dilatation patterns studied. The purpose was to quantitate and characterize uterine activity in a group of multiparous patients with normal labor using our present on-line method and to evaluate our method against pervious work done on uterine activity. A mean total of 5,299 uterine activity units (UAU) was required to progress from 4 cm. through delivery. In the patients receiving oxytocin 5,907 UAU were required and 4,498 UAU for those not receiving oxytocin. Of the total uterine work from 4 cm. to delivery, 49.4% was required to progress from 4 to 6 cm. 38.7% to progress from 6 to 10 cm., and 11.9% for the second stage. This study establishes in a quantitative way, using on-line methods, the patterns of uterine activity expended by the parous patient in normal labor and can be compared to previous off-line and manual evaluations. These data can be compared with the on-line observations previously made in a primiparous group, and will be fundamental to automated evaluations including definitions of abnormal labor.", "contents": "Uterine activity in the multiparous patient. There were 149 parous patients with normal cervical dilatation patterns studied. The purpose was to quantitate and characterize uterine activity in a group of multiparous patients with normal labor using our present on-line method and to evaluate our method against pervious work done on uterine activity. A mean total of 5,299 uterine activity units (UAU) was required to progress from 4 cm. through delivery. In the patients receiving oxytocin 5,907 UAU were required and 4,498 UAU for those not receiving oxytocin. Of the total uterine work from 4 cm. to delivery, 49.4% was required to progress from 4 to 6 cm. 38.7% to progress from 6 to 10 cm., and 11.9% for the second stage. This study establishes in a quantitative way, using on-line methods, the patterns of uterine activity expended by the parous patient in normal labor and can be compared to previous off-line and manual evaluations. These data can be compared with the on-line observations previously made in a primiparous group, and will be fundamental to automated evaluations including definitions of abnormal labor.", "PMID": 984143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_714", "title": "Maternal deaths in Texas, 1969 to 1973. A report of 501 consecutive maternal deaths from the Texas Medical Association's Committee on Maternal Health.", "content": "The Texas Medical Association's Committee on Maternal Health reports its experience with 501 consecutive maternal deaths. The committee structure and procedures are explained. Demographic and pathologic data are presented and discussed. The defects which allowed complications to proceed to death are analyzed and recommendations are made to reduce the number of these deaths.", "contents": "Maternal deaths in Texas, 1969 to 1973. A report of 501 consecutive maternal deaths from the Texas Medical Association's Committee on Maternal Health. The Texas Medical Association's Committee on Maternal Health reports its experience with 501 consecutive maternal deaths. The committee structure and procedures are explained. Demographic and pathologic data are presented and discussed. The defects which allowed complications to proceed to death are analyzed and recommendations are made to reduce the number of these deaths.", "PMID": 984144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_715", "title": "A new, more sensitive tube test for pregnancy evaluated with a selected hospital population.", "content": "A new tube test for pregnancy, having a sensitivity of 0.5 I.U. of human chorionic gonadotropin per milliliter, was evaluated, along with two other commercially available kits, in a hospital patient population. Of 586 patients in the study, 302 were in nonobstetric services and many were acutely ill. Approximately one fourth of the women were age 40 or older. The medical records of 66% of the patients were retrieved to obtain information on the drugs administered prior to pregnancy testing. A small number of problems did occur in the pregnancy test procedures. Inconclusive results were recorded for both pregnant and nonpregnant patients and could not be correlated with disease states and/or medications. The importance of a reagent control for tube test procedures is discussed.", "contents": "A new, more sensitive tube test for pregnancy evaluated with a selected hospital population. A new tube test for pregnancy, having a sensitivity of 0.5 I.U. of human chorionic gonadotropin per milliliter, was evaluated, along with two other commercially available kits, in a hospital patient population. Of 586 patients in the study, 302 were in nonobstetric services and many were acutely ill. Approximately one fourth of the women were age 40 or older. The medical records of 66% of the patients were retrieved to obtain information on the drugs administered prior to pregnancy testing. A small number of problems did occur in the pregnancy test procedures. Inconclusive results were recorded for both pregnant and nonpregnant patients and could not be correlated with disease states and/or medications. The importance of a reagent control for tube test procedures is discussed.", "PMID": 984145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_716", "title": "Screening for detecting twin pregnancy.", "content": "Estimation of HPL during the twenty-ninths to the thirtieth week of pregnancy is a simple and safe method for detecting twins. Nine out of 10 pregnant women have a value below 5.0 mug per milliliter, which excludes the suspicion of twins. In the remaining women with higher values the diagnosis can be confirmed or excluded by ultrasound or x-ray.", "contents": "Screening for detecting twin pregnancy. Estimation of HPL during the twenty-ninths to the thirtieth week of pregnancy is a simple and safe method for detecting twins. Nine out of 10 pregnant women have a value below 5.0 mug per milliliter, which excludes the suspicion of twins. In the remaining women with higher values the diagnosis can be confirmed or excluded by ultrasound or x-ray.", "PMID": 984146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_717", "title": "Nonstressed fetal heart rate monitoring in the antepartum period.", "content": "The role of nonstressed monitoring of the fetal heart rate (HR) in determining fetal well-being during the antepartum period was assessed in 125 high-risk patients. Observations on HR, variability, and HR response to fetal movement (FM) and uterine contractions (UC) over a 30 minute period were made with an external microphone and tocotransducer. A total of 625 tests were performed; the earliest gestation tested was 28 weeks, and the latest was 46 weeks. A reactive pattern (variability greater than 6 b.p.m. and accelerations with FM) appears to be a reliable indicator of fetal well-being. All the 51 fetuses exhibiting this pattern survived. This group also had the lowest incidence of neonatal complications. On the other hand, of the babies who failed to show variability greater than 6 b.p.m. or accelerations with FM (nonreactive pattern), 40% died in the perinatal period. Thirty-five patients showed features of both a reactive and nonreactive pattern (combined pattern). Poor outcome in this group was confined to those in whom the majority of the pattern was nonreactive. An undulating HR pattern with virtually absent variability (sinusoidal pattern) was found in 20 Rh-sensitized fetuses, 50% of whom died in the perinatal period. Bradycardia and tachycardia were not found to be reliable signs of fetal distress antepartum. Of the 12 fetuses who died during observation, six showed late decelerations with spontaneous UC but all showed diminished variability. The close correlation between nonstressed patterns and neonatal outcome demonstrated by this preliminary study warrants further use of this technique for fetal evaluation.", "contents": "Nonstressed fetal heart rate monitoring in the antepartum period. The role of nonstressed monitoring of the fetal heart rate (HR) in determining fetal well-being during the antepartum period was assessed in 125 high-risk patients. Observations on HR, variability, and HR response to fetal movement (FM) and uterine contractions (UC) over a 30 minute period were made with an external microphone and tocotransducer. A total of 625 tests were performed; the earliest gestation tested was 28 weeks, and the latest was 46 weeks. A reactive pattern (variability greater than 6 b.p.m. and accelerations with FM) appears to be a reliable indicator of fetal well-being. All the 51 fetuses exhibiting this pattern survived. This group also had the lowest incidence of neonatal complications. On the other hand, of the babies who failed to show variability greater than 6 b.p.m. or accelerations with FM (nonreactive pattern), 40% died in the perinatal period. Thirty-five patients showed features of both a reactive and nonreactive pattern (combined pattern). Poor outcome in this group was confined to those in whom the majority of the pattern was nonreactive. An undulating HR pattern with virtually absent variability (sinusoidal pattern) was found in 20 Rh-sensitized fetuses, 50% of whom died in the perinatal period. Bradycardia and tachycardia were not found to be reliable signs of fetal distress antepartum. Of the 12 fetuses who died during observation, six showed late decelerations with spontaneous UC but all showed diminished variability. The close correlation between nonstressed patterns and neonatal outcome demonstrated by this preliminary study warrants further use of this technique for fetal evaluation.", "PMID": 984147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_718", "title": "Serum levels of human placental lactogen and human chorionic gonadotropin in early pregnancy: a maturational index of the placenta.", "content": "Between weeks 10 and 20 of gestation, there are rapid and opposing changes in blood levels of two hormones produced by the syncytiotrophoblast; hPL increases and hCG decreases. In this study, the relationship between these two changing hormone levels was examined, rather than the serum concentrations themselves, as a potential test for placental maturation. The relationship between the hCG and hPL concentrations and GA determined in a selected group of patients was described by the following equation: GA (in days)=97.3 + 24.8 ln [hPL]-14.5 LN [HCG]. The endocrine evaluation of placental maturation by comparison of [hCG] and [hPL] in early pregnancy shows promise as a simple, safe, and inexpensive clinical tool for GA assessment.", "contents": "Serum levels of human placental lactogen and human chorionic gonadotropin in early pregnancy: a maturational index of the placenta. Between weeks 10 and 20 of gestation, there are rapid and opposing changes in blood levels of two hormones produced by the syncytiotrophoblast; hPL increases and hCG decreases. In this study, the relationship between these two changing hormone levels was examined, rather than the serum concentrations themselves, as a potential test for placental maturation. The relationship between the hCG and hPL concentrations and GA determined in a selected group of patients was described by the following equation: GA (in days)=97.3 + 24.8 ln [hPL]-14.5 LN [HCG]. The endocrine evaluation of placental maturation by comparison of [hCG] and [hPL] in early pregnancy shows promise as a simple, safe, and inexpensive clinical tool for GA assessment.", "PMID": 984148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_719", "title": "Combined obstetric and pediatric approach to prevent meconium aspiration syndrome.", "content": "Routine intrapartum pharyngeal suctioning with a DeLee catheter of infants with meconium staining has significantly reduced the incidence and severity of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). There have been no adverse sequelae to this procedure, which is carried out while the infant's head is on the perineum, prior to the onset of respirations. Routine suctioning of the trachea under direct vision after delivery is rarely necessary but should be done if meconium is visualized at the vocal cords. Tracheobronchial lavage with saline may add to the respiratory morbidity. No deaths or severe cases of MAS have occurred since institution of the obstetric suctioning procedure.", "contents": "Combined obstetric and pediatric approach to prevent meconium aspiration syndrome. Routine intrapartum pharyngeal suctioning with a DeLee catheter of infants with meconium staining has significantly reduced the incidence and severity of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). There have been no adverse sequelae to this procedure, which is carried out while the infant's head is on the perineum, prior to the onset of respirations. Routine suctioning of the trachea under direct vision after delivery is rarely necessary but should be done if meconium is visualized at the vocal cords. Tracheobronchial lavage with saline may add to the respiratory morbidity. No deaths or severe cases of MAS have occurred since institution of the obstetric suctioning procedure.", "PMID": 984149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_720", "title": "Scalp abscess: a complication of the spiral fetal electrode.", "content": "During the period from September, 1974, to January, 1975, we performed 276 deliveries, of which 54% were internally monitored with a spiral type of fetal electrode. Eight of the infants monitored (incidence, 5.4%) developed scalp abscesses. We had had no previous complications associated with the electrodes. An intensive investigation was conducted to detect the causative factor(s) of the fetal scalp infections. Case histories of the mothers and infants were scrutinized, instruments were examined, the environment and techniques were analyzed. A survey of maternal and infant complications during the period from September, 1973, to August, 1974, served as control. The findings indicated that a different type of coil electrode had been substituted for the brand we had used previously. The new coil electrode had a barb at the tip, presumably to prevent its falling out of the scalp. We discontinued the use of the coil which had become suspect and returned to the type we had used previously. We have not had another incidence of fetal scalp infection associated with intrapartum monitoring.", "contents": "Scalp abscess: a complication of the spiral fetal electrode. During the period from September, 1974, to January, 1975, we performed 276 deliveries, of which 54% were internally monitored with a spiral type of fetal electrode. Eight of the infants monitored (incidence, 5.4%) developed scalp abscesses. We had had no previous complications associated with the electrodes. An intensive investigation was conducted to detect the causative factor(s) of the fetal scalp infections. Case histories of the mothers and infants were scrutinized, instruments were examined, the environment and techniques were analyzed. A survey of maternal and infant complications during the period from September, 1973, to August, 1974, served as control. The findings indicated that a different type of coil electrode had been substituted for the brand we had used previously. The new coil electrode had a barb at the tip, presumably to prevent its falling out of the scalp. We discontinued the use of the coil which had become suspect and returned to the type we had used previously. We have not had another incidence of fetal scalp infection associated with intrapartum monitoring.", "PMID": 984150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_721", "title": "Adverse effect of amniofetography on fetal thyroid function.", "content": "Amniofetography is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of fetal malformations. This technique is being used routinely in pregnancies carrying a high risk of external fetal malformations. There are very few published data concerning the effect of radiopaque dyes, containing large amounts of iodide, on fetal thyroid function. We have performed serial determinations of serum thyrotropin and thyroxine in seven newborn infants to assess the effect of amniofetogrpahy on fetal thyroid function. This work demonstrates that amniofetography induces a transient impairment of fetal thyroid function.", "contents": "Adverse effect of amniofetography on fetal thyroid function. Amniofetography is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of fetal malformations. This technique is being used routinely in pregnancies carrying a high risk of external fetal malformations. There are very few published data concerning the effect of radiopaque dyes, containing large amounts of iodide, on fetal thyroid function. We have performed serial determinations of serum thyrotropin and thyroxine in seven newborn infants to assess the effect of amniofetogrpahy on fetal thyroid function. This work demonstrates that amniofetography induces a transient impairment of fetal thyroid function.", "PMID": 984151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_722", "title": "Eye movements during reading: case reports.", "content": "Since the time of Javal, it has been well established that normal reading eye movement patterns have 3 principal components: (1) small saccades that move the eyes from word to word, (2) large saccades that return the eyes to the beginning of the next line, and (3) fixation pauses between each saccade for information processing. We discuss the vision analysis results and show the quantitative reading eye movement records, measured with the infrared photoelectric method, of 5 patients examined in the Neuro-optometry Clinic. The reading records showed a wide variety of behavior: 1 patient performed normal reading movements, 1 \"slow reader\" manifested an excessive number of fixations as well as extended fixational durations, another \"slow\" reader only exhibited an excessive number of fixations, a patient with dyslexia performed backward reading movements, and 1 patient exhibited nystagmus superimposed upon the reading pattern.", "contents": "Eye movements during reading: case reports. Since the time of Javal, it has been well established that normal reading eye movement patterns have 3 principal components: (1) small saccades that move the eyes from word to word, (2) large saccades that return the eyes to the beginning of the next line, and (3) fixation pauses between each saccade for information processing. We discuss the vision analysis results and show the quantitative reading eye movement records, measured with the infrared photoelectric method, of 5 patients examined in the Neuro-optometry Clinic. The reading records showed a wide variety of behavior: 1 patient performed normal reading movements, 1 \"slow reader\" manifested an excessive number of fixations as well as extended fixational durations, another \"slow\" reader only exhibited an excessive number of fixations, a patient with dyslexia performed backward reading movements, and 1 patient exhibited nystagmus superimposed upon the reading pattern.", "PMID": 984163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_723", "title": "An interpretation of the drop ball test in terms of a statistical model for fracture.", "content": "Some well known statistical models for fracture were applied to the problem of impact of glass ophthalmic lenses. Parameters for a flaw distribution function were chosen to fit some previously published results of drop ball testing. The concept of an impact-resistant lens was reformulated in terms of minimizing the most severe flaws. Formulas were derived for the detection parameter, a convenient measure of the ability of any mechanical test to identify those lenses with the worst flaws. It was shown that the fraction of such lenses identified by the drop ball test is very small. As a side note, it was found that it is not significantly more difficult to expose \"bad\" lenses when they are tested in plastic bags. A method of obtaining useful information from the results of drop ball testing was outlined.", "contents": "An interpretation of the drop ball test in terms of a statistical model for fracture. Some well known statistical models for fracture were applied to the problem of impact of glass ophthalmic lenses. Parameters for a flaw distribution function were chosen to fit some previously published results of drop ball testing. The concept of an impact-resistant lens was reformulated in terms of minimizing the most severe flaws. Formulas were derived for the detection parameter, a convenient measure of the ability of any mechanical test to identify those lenses with the worst flaws. It was shown that the fraction of such lenses identified by the drop ball test is very small. As a side note, it was found that it is not significantly more difficult to expose \"bad\" lenses when they are tested in plastic bags. A method of obtaining useful information from the results of drop ball testing was outlined.", "PMID": 984164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_724", "title": "The management view of the future of occupational therapy in mental health.", "content": "The dramatic changes in the field of mental health and their impact over the past ten years are reviewed in this article. The community mental health movement, the decline of the state hospital, court decisions, and new laws have resulted in a new atmosphere in psychiatric practice. The future role of the state hospital is examined, particularly in view of the scandalous situation of the long-term chronic patient. Some clear implications for the field of occupational therapy are drawn from this background. Challenges are given in the areas of training and research, innovative programming, management, and for the professional association.", "contents": "The management view of the future of occupational therapy in mental health. The dramatic changes in the field of mental health and their impact over the past ten years are reviewed in this article. The community mental health movement, the decline of the state hospital, court decisions, and new laws have resulted in a new atmosphere in psychiatric practice. The future role of the state hospital is examined, particularly in view of the scandalous situation of the long-term chronic patient. Some clear implications for the field of occupational therapy are drawn from this background. Challenges are given in the areas of training and research, innovative programming, management, and for the professional association.", "PMID": 984158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_725", "title": "Image motion on the retina.", "content": "It is shown that angular image motion depends on the refractive state and geometry of the eye, as well as the object angular motion. Results valid for small angles are derived, and a model test is described.", "contents": "Image motion on the retina. It is shown that angular image motion depends on the refractive state and geometry of the eye, as well as the object angular motion. Results valid for small angles are derived, and a model test is described.", "PMID": 984165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_726", "title": "An educational strategy for occupational therapy community service.", "content": "In response to the increasing trend toward community health care, a model of training that prepares students for community practice was incorporated into the occupational therapy curriculum at the University of Southern California. During academic training students are placed in a part-time community assignment where no occupational therapy services are offered. Training students for the role of community health specialist produces a dilemma for curriculum design. A balance must be achieved between providing traditional clinical content and providing the knowledge and expertise necessary for community practice. However, this training is considered necessary for maintaining the viability of the profession in a changing health system. Significantly, during the four-year period using this model, many graduates have sought employment in \"nontraditional\" community roles.", "contents": "An educational strategy for occupational therapy community service. In response to the increasing trend toward community health care, a model of training that prepares students for community practice was incorporated into the occupational therapy curriculum at the University of Southern California. During academic training students are placed in a part-time community assignment where no occupational therapy services are offered. Training students for the role of community health specialist produces a dilemma for curriculum design. A balance must be achieved between providing traditional clinical content and providing the knowledge and expertise necessary for community practice. However, this training is considered necessary for maintaining the viability of the profession in a changing health system. Significantly, during the four-year period using this model, many graduates have sought employment in \"nontraditional\" community roles.", "PMID": 984159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_727", "title": "A planning group for psychiatric outpatients.", "content": "Planning leisure time successfully can contribute to a patient's ability to function in the spheres of work and family as well. A leisure-time planning group for psychiatric out-patients is described in this article and includes the treatment principles upon which the group is based, the format of the sessions, and the goal-setting techniques employed. A concrete, highly structured, and self-actualizing approach was used to help patients discover and develop their interests. Members often encountered similar problems in their attempts to plan leisure time despite their varied backgrounds and skills in planning, which led to the use of specific approaches in dealing with these common problems, and also suggested a wider application for the Planning Group.", "contents": "A planning group for psychiatric outpatients. Planning leisure time successfully can contribute to a patient's ability to function in the spheres of work and family as well. A leisure-time planning group for psychiatric out-patients is described in this article and includes the treatment principles upon which the group is based, the format of the sessions, and the goal-setting techniques employed. A concrete, highly structured, and self-actualizing approach was used to help patients discover and develop their interests. Members often encountered similar problems in their attempts to plan leisure time despite their varied backgrounds and skills in planning, which led to the use of specific approaches in dealing with these common problems, and also suggested a wider application for the Planning Group.", "PMID": 984160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_728", "title": "A hypothesis for the formation of vertical corneal striae as observed in the wearing of softlens contact lenses and in keratoconus.", "content": "It is postulated that vertical striae are created in the central corneal area by way of mild edema in the posterior layers, which causes a buckling in the shorter, thinner vertical meridia.", "contents": "A hypothesis for the formation of vertical corneal striae as observed in the wearing of softlens contact lenses and in keratoconus. It is postulated that vertical striae are created in the central corneal area by way of mild edema in the posterior layers, which causes a buckling in the shorter, thinner vertical meridia.", "PMID": 984166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_729", "title": "A quarterway house for adult psychiatric patients.", "content": "An intermediate step between living on a hospital ward and living in the community was considered necessary for many acute and chronic patients preparing to leave Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center in New York. A quarterway house program was initiated to help patients acquire the skills and coping mechanisms they could not easily acquire on a ward setting, but which they would need to meet the demands of living in the community. The quarterway house program described may offer ideas to others who are attempting to help patients prepare for living outside a state hospital.", "contents": "A quarterway house for adult psychiatric patients. An intermediate step between living on a hospital ward and living in the community was considered necessary for many acute and chronic patients preparing to leave Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center in New York. A quarterway house program was initiated to help patients acquire the skills and coping mechanisms they could not easily acquire on a ward setting, but which they would need to meet the demands of living in the community. The quarterway house program described may offer ideas to others who are attempting to help patients prepare for living outside a state hospital.", "PMID": 984161} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_730", "title": "Drug-induced myopia: a case report.", "content": "A case report is presented in which an acute, transient myopia of 3 diopters is induced by Hygroton (chlorthalidone), a monosulfamyl diuretic and antihypertensive drug.", "contents": "Drug-induced myopia: a case report. A case report is presented in which an acute, transient myopia of 3 diopters is induced by Hygroton (chlorthalidone), a monosulfamyl diuretic and antihypertensive drug.", "PMID": 984167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_731", "title": "A field work experience in mental retardation.", "content": "A graduate student specializing in mental retardation found few pertinent electives as well as little opportunity for field work experience. A special arrangement was made for appropriate field work experiences in three types of settings--a large residential institution, school programs, and nursing care facilities. There was little time to view client changes, and rapport with patients and staff was difficult to develop. The advantages included more time with her supervisor, more exposure to organizational and administrative duties, and more exposure to a variety of settings and to the professional roles of numerous therapists. More such field work experiences should be developed to encourage new therapists to choose mental retardation as a specialty.", "contents": "A field work experience in mental retardation. A graduate student specializing in mental retardation found few pertinent electives as well as little opportunity for field work experience. A special arrangement was made for appropriate field work experiences in three types of settings--a large residential institution, school programs, and nursing care facilities. There was little time to view client changes, and rapport with patients and staff was difficult to develop. The advantages included more time with her supervisor, more exposure to organizational and administrative duties, and more exposure to a variety of settings and to the professional roles of numerous therapists. More such field work experiences should be developed to encourage new therapists to choose mental retardation as a specialty.", "PMID": 984162} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_732", "title": "Management of intractable diplopia in small angle, non-fusing squint.", "content": "A treatment method is presented for eliminating perception of diplopia in patients with intractable diplopia and horror fusionis. Treatment emphasizes creating awareness of singleness in the periphery. Two cases are described.", "contents": "Management of intractable diplopia in small angle, non-fusing squint. A treatment method is presented for eliminating perception of diplopia in patients with intractable diplopia and horror fusionis. Treatment emphasizes creating awareness of singleness in the periphery. Two cases are described.", "PMID": 984168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_733", "title": "Preventable hazard of soft lens wear.", "content": "Recurrent pseudomonal conjunctivitis, caused by poor soft contact lens care and the use of contaminated saline, is described. This problem can easily be avoided by proper sterilization, with boiling being the method of choice.", "contents": "Preventable hazard of soft lens wear. Recurrent pseudomonal conjunctivitis, caused by poor soft contact lens care and the use of contaminated saline, is described. This problem can easily be avoided by proper sterilization, with boiling being the method of choice.", "PMID": 984169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_734", "title": "National health and optometry: a follow-up study.", "content": "A stratified probability sample of the Houston, Texas population was interviewed with a previously described questionnaire (Allen, D., and D. Levi, National Health and Optometry--a survey of public attitudes. Am. J. Optom., 52 (4): 291-300, (1975) to assess present opinion of national health care and public awareness of vision care and its role in a national health care system. Of the population surveyed, 72% favored a national health care bill, some 10% lower than reported 1 year previously. A large percentage of the population sampled favored inclusion of vision care. The results are described in terms of demographic trends for those who have received optometric and ophthalmological care.", "contents": "National health and optometry: a follow-up study. A stratified probability sample of the Houston, Texas population was interviewed with a previously described questionnaire (Allen, D., and D. Levi, National Health and Optometry--a survey of public attitudes. Am. J. Optom., 52 (4): 291-300, (1975) to assess present opinion of national health care and public awareness of vision care and its role in a national health care system. Of the population surveyed, 72% favored a national health care bill, some 10% lower than reported 1 year previously. A large percentage of the population sampled favored inclusion of vision care. The results are described in terms of demographic trends for those who have received optometric and ophthalmological care.", "PMID": 984170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_735", "title": "Validity of the laser refraction technique for meridional measurement.", "content": "This study assessed the validity of the laser refraction technique for determining the refractive status of a given meridian of the eye. A subjective-to-BVA finding was taken on a total of 75 eyes, and the laser technique was then used to refract each of the 2 principal meridians that had been located by the subjective procedure. Correlations between laser and nonlaser findings indicated that the laser technique is a valid method for meridional refraction. Differential findings for against-the-rule astigmatism are also discussed.", "contents": "Validity of the laser refraction technique for meridional measurement. This study assessed the validity of the laser refraction technique for determining the refractive status of a given meridian of the eye. A subjective-to-BVA finding was taken on a total of 75 eyes, and the laser technique was then used to refract each of the 2 principal meridians that had been located by the subjective procedure. Correlations between laser and nonlaser findings indicated that the laser technique is a valid method for meridional refraction. Differential findings for against-the-rule astigmatism are also discussed.", "PMID": 984172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_736", "title": "An experimental study of the efficacy of perceptual-motor training.", "content": "The efficacy of 40 h of perceptual-motor training among a group of culturally disadvantaged kindergarten children was investigated. The training procedures produced a significant improvement in perceptual-motor abilities such that each group was raised to a \"non-dysfunctioning\" level as evaluated by the Rosner-Richman Perceptual Motor Survey. In terms of the design of this study, the effects observed and the differences obtained cannot be attributed either to maturation or to attendance in school per se.", "contents": "An experimental study of the efficacy of perceptual-motor training. The efficacy of 40 h of perceptual-motor training among a group of culturally disadvantaged kindergarten children was investigated. The training procedures produced a significant improvement in perceptual-motor abilities such that each group was raised to a \"non-dysfunctioning\" level as evaluated by the Rosner-Richman Perceptual Motor Survey. In terms of the design of this study, the effects observed and the differences obtained cannot be attributed either to maturation or to attendance in school per se.", "PMID": 984173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_737", "title": "The effect of hard and soft contact lenses (SoflensTM) on the spherical aberration of the human eye.", "content": "An attempt was made in this study to determine experimentally the relative effects of hard and soft contact lenses on the spherical aberration of the human eye. Results of this study indicate that there is very little difference in the value of spherical aberration between wearing soft or hard contact lenses.", "contents": "The effect of hard and soft contact lenses (SoflensTM) on the spherical aberration of the human eye. An attempt was made in this study to determine experimentally the relative effects of hard and soft contact lenses on the spherical aberration of the human eye. Results of this study indicate that there is very little difference in the value of spherical aberration between wearing soft or hard contact lenses.", "PMID": 984174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_738", "title": "Visual field expanders.", "content": "Diminishing telescope systems designed to widen the field of view of patients with tunnel vision are described. Theoretical analysis suggests that telescope systems will greatly improve visual search times and diminish the difficulties of such patients. This can be considered quantitatively, and it is suggested that the optimum amount of minifying power can be calculated by applying established formulations on visual efficiency. The inadequacies of previous designs have inhibited development, and further improvements to bioptic systems may be necessary before the final assessment of the clinical value of these devices can be made.", "contents": "Visual field expanders. Diminishing telescope systems designed to widen the field of view of patients with tunnel vision are described. Theoretical analysis suggests that telescope systems will greatly improve visual search times and diminish the difficulties of such patients. This can be considered quantitatively, and it is suggested that the optimum amount of minifying power can be calculated by applying established formulations on visual efficiency. The inadequacies of previous designs have inhibited development, and further improvements to bioptic systems may be necessary before the final assessment of the clinical value of these devices can be made.", "PMID": 984175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_739", "title": "Clinical management of hydrogel-induced edema.", "content": "Clinical techniques and guidelines are discussed to manage manifestations of edema induced by hydrogels. Emphasis is on the pathogenesis of folds in Descemet's membrane (striate keratopathy) accompanying vertical striae that have been found to occur horizontally as well as vertically.", "contents": "Clinical management of hydrogel-induced edema. Clinical techniques and guidelines are discussed to manage manifestations of edema induced by hydrogels. Emphasis is on the pathogenesis of folds in Descemet's membrane (striate keratopathy) accompanying vertical striae that have been found to occur horizontally as well as vertically.", "PMID": 984176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_740", "title": "Identifying the potential rural optometrist.", "content": "Rural optometrists were found to differ from urban optometrists in background, environmental attitude, and interest patterns. Attitude toward the urban environment and place of origin were the best predictors of an optometrist's practice location. When \"urbanism\" and \"origin\" were scaled and placed in a multiple regression equation to predict practice location, identification of an optometrist's location as rural or urban was highly accurate. Most importantly, scores on the equation were predictive of optometry students' future practice locations. A single cut-off point on the equation correctly identified 79% of students who entered rural or isolated small city practice and 81% of those who entered urban practice. The findings suggest that optometry students most likely to enter rural (or indeed urban) practice can be objectively identified early in, or even prior to, training. Such identification may assist educators in selecting and training optometrists who will deliver vision care to people in areas of greatest need.", "contents": "Identifying the potential rural optometrist. Rural optometrists were found to differ from urban optometrists in background, environmental attitude, and interest patterns. Attitude toward the urban environment and place of origin were the best predictors of an optometrist's practice location. When \"urbanism\" and \"origin\" were scaled and placed in a multiple regression equation to predict practice location, identification of an optometrist's location as rural or urban was highly accurate. Most importantly, scores on the equation were predictive of optometry students' future practice locations. A single cut-off point on the equation correctly identified 79% of students who entered rural or isolated small city practice and 81% of those who entered urban practice. The findings suggest that optometry students most likely to enter rural (or indeed urban) practice can be objectively identified early in, or even prior to, training. Such identification may assist educators in selecting and training optometrists who will deliver vision care to people in areas of greatest need.", "PMID": 984177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_741", "title": "Static postural control in children.", "content": "The purpose of this study was to investigate \"static\" balance characteristics in four and eight year old children performing six developmental tasks leading to upright stance. The data were evaluated with electromyographic, center of gravity and photographic procedures. The results of the study indicated that the older age group of children demonstrated higher degrees of motor control in all the balance tasks involving upper and/or lower extremity support of the trunk. The eight year old children showed less postural sway, more definitive muscular localizations and smaller degrees of motor activity occurring during the execution of the developmental tasks.", "contents": "Static postural control in children. The purpose of this study was to investigate \"static\" balance characteristics in four and eight year old children performing six developmental tasks leading to upright stance. The data were evaluated with electromyographic, center of gravity and photographic procedures. The results of the study indicated that the older age group of children demonstrated higher degrees of motor control in all the balance tasks involving upper and/or lower extremity support of the trunk. The eight year old children showed less postural sway, more definitive muscular localizations and smaller degrees of motor activity occurring during the execution of the developmental tasks.", "PMID": 984183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_742", "title": "An hepatic osmoreceptor mechanism in the rat: electrophysiological and behavioral studies.", "content": "Rat liver was perfused with Ringer solution through the portal vein by use of a perfusion system which was designed to switch from standard Ringer solution to hypertonic or hypotonic Ringer solution. Neural responses to the osmotic change in the perfusion solutions were analyzed. They showed that two different types of osmosensitive afferent fibers exist in the hepatic vagus; one is characterized by increasing the frequency of spike discharges responding to higher osmotic pressure, while the other shows the same response to lower osmotic pressure. Behavioral changes caused by hepatic vagotomy were also observed. Though no differences could be detected in routine behavior (e.g., daily intakes of food and water, body-weight increase) between the vagotomized and the sham-operated rats, the former lost the ability to adjust urine concentration immediately in response to osmotic changes in the internal environment. These results provide evidence for the hypothesis that hepatic osmoreceptors exist in the rat.", "contents": "An hepatic osmoreceptor mechanism in the rat: electrophysiological and behavioral studies. Rat liver was perfused with Ringer solution through the portal vein by use of a perfusion system which was designed to switch from standard Ringer solution to hypertonic or hypotonic Ringer solution. Neural responses to the osmotic change in the perfusion solutions were analyzed. They showed that two different types of osmosensitive afferent fibers exist in the hepatic vagus; one is characterized by increasing the frequency of spike discharges responding to higher osmotic pressure, while the other shows the same response to lower osmotic pressure. Behavioral changes caused by hepatic vagotomy were also observed. Though no differences could be detected in routine behavior (e.g., daily intakes of food and water, body-weight increase) between the vagotomized and the sham-operated rats, the former lost the ability to adjust urine concentration immediately in response to osmotic changes in the internal environment. These results provide evidence for the hypothesis that hepatic osmoreceptors exist in the rat.", "PMID": 984191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_743", "title": "Failure of NaHCO3 and KHCO3 to inhibit renin in the rat.", "content": "To evaluate the contribution of chloride to NaCl- and KCl-induced renin inhibition, renin responses to NaCl or NaHCO3 and to KCl or KHCO3 loading were compared in NaCl-deprived rats. Sodium balance in animals drinking isotonic NaHCO3 and NaCl for 9 days did not differ (P greater than 0.40); K+ balance was less positive in NaHCO3-drinking animals (P less than 0.005). Plasma renin activity (PRA) in NaCl-loaded (16.5 ng/ml per h +/- 4.4 SE), but not in NaHCO3-loaded rats (57.2 +/- 9.8), was lower (P less than 0.005) than in NaCl-deprived controls (44.8 +/- 4.7). Renal renin content (RRC) of NaCl but not of NaHCO3-drinking animals was also decreased (P less than 0.02). Both PRA and RRC of KCl- but not of KHCO3-loaded rats (5 meq K+/10 g diet) were lower (P less than 0.01) than in NaCl-deprived controls. After acute intravenous expansion with isotonic NaCl or NaHCO3, increases of plasma volume and plasma K+ did not differ (P greater than 0.05). However, PRA of NaCl-expanded rats (11.8 +/- 3.8) was lower (P less than 0.05) than in NaHCO3-expanded animals (29.7 +/- 8.5). The failure of NaHCO3 and KHCO3 to inhibit renin suggests a role for chloride in mediating the renin responses to Na+ and K+.", "contents": "Failure of NaHCO3 and KHCO3 to inhibit renin in the rat. To evaluate the contribution of chloride to NaCl- and KCl-induced renin inhibition, renin responses to NaCl or NaHCO3 and to KCl or KHCO3 loading were compared in NaCl-deprived rats. Sodium balance in animals drinking isotonic NaHCO3 and NaCl for 9 days did not differ (P greater than 0.40); K+ balance was less positive in NaHCO3-drinking animals (P less than 0.005). Plasma renin activity (PRA) in NaCl-loaded (16.5 ng/ml per h +/- 4.4 SE), but not in NaHCO3-loaded rats (57.2 +/- 9.8), was lower (P less than 0.005) than in NaCl-deprived controls (44.8 +/- 4.7). Renal renin content (RRC) of NaCl but not of NaHCO3-drinking animals was also decreased (P less than 0.02). Both PRA and RRC of KCl- but not of KHCO3-loaded rats (5 meq K+/10 g diet) were lower (P less than 0.01) than in NaCl-deprived controls. After acute intravenous expansion with isotonic NaCl or NaHCO3, increases of plasma volume and plasma K+ did not differ (P greater than 0.05). However, PRA of NaCl-expanded rats (11.8 +/- 3.8) was lower (P less than 0.05) than in NaHCO3-expanded animals (29.7 +/- 8.5). The failure of NaHCO3 and KHCO3 to inhibit renin suggests a role for chloride in mediating the renin responses to Na+ and K+.", "PMID": 984192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_744", "title": "Gastric A-cell function in normal dogs.", "content": "Glucagon release from the gastric fundus and pancreas were compared in normal dogs by measuring glucagon in plasma from a major gastroepiploic vein, the superior pancreaticoduodenal vein, and the inferior vena cava. In 32 dogs in the basal state, gastric vein glucagon averaged 97 +/- 40 pg/ml, not significantly different from the 93 +/- 41 pg/ml level in the vena cava. Pancreaticoduodenal vein glucagon averaged 250 +/- 32 pg/ml (P less than 0.001). Intravenous arginine infused in four dogs caused a rise in mean gastric vein glucagon to 210 +/- 33 pg/ml within 3 min, and glucagon remained between 53 and 98 pg/ml above the vena caval level thereafter. In the gastric vein, the rise in glucagon was significantly greater than in the vena cava at 3, 5, and 10 min (P less than 0.05), but was far less than in the pancreaticoduodenal vein where glucagon rose to 1,295 +/- 379 pg/ml at 1.5 min. Evidence of modest gastric glucagon release was observed after the intragastric instillation of arginine, but not during insulin or phloridzin-induced hypoglycemia. It was concluded that in normal dogs under the circumstances studied, the gastric fundus is not a major source of circulating glucagon.", "contents": "Gastric A-cell function in normal dogs. Glucagon release from the gastric fundus and pancreas were compared in normal dogs by measuring glucagon in plasma from a major gastroepiploic vein, the superior pancreaticoduodenal vein, and the inferior vena cava. In 32 dogs in the basal state, gastric vein glucagon averaged 97 +/- 40 pg/ml, not significantly different from the 93 +/- 41 pg/ml level in the vena cava. Pancreaticoduodenal vein glucagon averaged 250 +/- 32 pg/ml (P less than 0.001). Intravenous arginine infused in four dogs caused a rise in mean gastric vein glucagon to 210 +/- 33 pg/ml within 3 min, and glucagon remained between 53 and 98 pg/ml above the vena caval level thereafter. In the gastric vein, the rise in glucagon was significantly greater than in the vena cava at 3, 5, and 10 min (P less than 0.05), but was far less than in the pancreaticoduodenal vein where glucagon rose to 1,295 +/- 379 pg/ml at 1.5 min. Evidence of modest gastric glucagon release was observed after the intragastric instillation of arginine, but not during insulin or phloridzin-induced hypoglycemia. It was concluded that in normal dogs under the circumstances studied, the gastric fundus is not a major source of circulating glucagon.", "PMID": 984193} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_745", "title": "Hemodynamic responses to stellate ganglion stimulation in mongrels and greyhounds.", "content": "A comparison of the effects of left stellate ganglion stimulation (SGS) on central and aortic hemodynamics has been made in chloralose-anesthetized mongrel (M), and greyhound (GH) dogs. Measurements of aortic pressure and flow, and left ventricular pressure were made during stimulation of the decentralized left SG at different frequencies from 0 to 20 Hz. The increases in aortic pressure and flow with SGS were larger in the GH, especially for low frequencies of stimulation. Stroke volume was increased with SGS in the GH at all stimulation rates, whereas in the M it was unchanged. A greater decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure with SGS was found in the GH. These results suggest that differences exist in both the intrinsic and extrinsic control of cardiac output in the greyhound dog compared to the mongrel. These differences may be in part responsible for the elevated arterial blood pressure in the greyhound compared to the mongrel.", "contents": "Hemodynamic responses to stellate ganglion stimulation in mongrels and greyhounds. A comparison of the effects of left stellate ganglion stimulation (SGS) on central and aortic hemodynamics has been made in chloralose-anesthetized mongrel (M), and greyhound (GH) dogs. Measurements of aortic pressure and flow, and left ventricular pressure were made during stimulation of the decentralized left SG at different frequencies from 0 to 20 Hz. The increases in aortic pressure and flow with SGS were larger in the GH, especially for low frequencies of stimulation. Stroke volume was increased with SGS in the GH at all stimulation rates, whereas in the M it was unchanged. A greater decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure with SGS was found in the GH. These results suggest that differences exist in both the intrinsic and extrinsic control of cardiac output in the greyhound dog compared to the mongrel. These differences may be in part responsible for the elevated arterial blood pressure in the greyhound compared to the mongrel.", "PMID": 984194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_746", "title": "Surgical reduction of adipose tissue in the male Sprague-Dawley rat.", "content": "The lipostatic theory of regulation of adipose tissue mass was tested by a method for surgical reduction (adipectomy) of 24% of the total body fat of nonobese adult Sprague-Dawley rats, as judged from carcass analyses. The reduction persisted during an observation period of 12 wk without any evidence of altered food intake, weight gain, or compensatory hypertrophy or hyperplasia of adipose tissue compared with sham-operated controls. No changes were found in serum free fatty acids, glycerol, triglycerides, cholesterol, or insulin between adipectomized and control animals, implying an intact quantitative function of the remaining adipose tissue. It is concluded that the size of the adipocytes rather than the number is important for a presumed lipostatic regulation of adipose tissue mass in the adult male Sprague-Dawley rat.", "contents": "Surgical reduction of adipose tissue in the male Sprague-Dawley rat. The lipostatic theory of regulation of adipose tissue mass was tested by a method for surgical reduction (adipectomy) of 24% of the total body fat of nonobese adult Sprague-Dawley rats, as judged from carcass analyses. The reduction persisted during an observation period of 12 wk without any evidence of altered food intake, weight gain, or compensatory hypertrophy or hyperplasia of adipose tissue compared with sham-operated controls. No changes were found in serum free fatty acids, glycerol, triglycerides, cholesterol, or insulin between adipectomized and control animals, implying an intact quantitative function of the remaining adipose tissue. It is concluded that the size of the adipocytes rather than the number is important for a presumed lipostatic regulation of adipose tissue mass in the adult male Sprague-Dawley rat.", "PMID": 984195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_747", "title": "Angiotensin II in antinatriuresis of low-level renal nerve stimulation.", "content": "Low-level direct renal nerve stimulation increases both renal tubular sodium reabsorption and renal renin secretion rate without changing arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, or intrarenal blood flow distribution. The possibility was considered that intrarenal angiotensin II formation might mediate the antinatriuretic effect by directly enhancing renal tubular sodium reabsorption. Low-level direct renal nerve stimulation was performed in anesthetized saline-loaded dogs before and after intrarenal blockade to angiotensin II with [1-sarcosine, 8-alanine]angiotensin II. The antinatriuretic response to low-level direct renal nerve stimulation was not altered by intrarenal blockade to angiotensin II. Renal renin secretion rate was increased by low-level direct renal nerve stimulation in the absence of changes in systemic or renal hemodynamics. The antinatriuretic effect of low-level direct renal nerve stimulation does not depend on the intrarenal action of angiotensin II.", "contents": "Angiotensin II in antinatriuresis of low-level renal nerve stimulation. Low-level direct renal nerve stimulation increases both renal tubular sodium reabsorption and renal renin secretion rate without changing arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, or intrarenal blood flow distribution. The possibility was considered that intrarenal angiotensin II formation might mediate the antinatriuretic effect by directly enhancing renal tubular sodium reabsorption. Low-level direct renal nerve stimulation was performed in anesthetized saline-loaded dogs before and after intrarenal blockade to angiotensin II with [1-sarcosine, 8-alanine]angiotensin II. The antinatriuretic response to low-level direct renal nerve stimulation was not altered by intrarenal blockade to angiotensin II. Renal renin secretion rate was increased by low-level direct renal nerve stimulation in the absence of changes in systemic or renal hemodynamics. The antinatriuretic effect of low-level direct renal nerve stimulation does not depend on the intrarenal action of angiotensin II.", "PMID": 984196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_748", "title": "The laboratory rat as a model for hyperthermic syndromes in humans.", "content": "To assess the lethal effects of work-induced hyperthermia on exercising animals, untrained rats were run to exhaustion at 5 and 20-26 degrees C or restrained at 41.5 degrees C. An exercise-induced core temperature of 40.4 degrees C represented a base line above which mortalities occurred. With increasing core temperature at exhaustion (between 40.4 and 43 degrees C), mortality increased within 24 h. A dose-respones curve with an LD50 equivalent to a core temperature of 41.5 +/- 0.1 degrees C was calculated. Although differences in body weight loss, core temperature at exhaustion, and cooling rate will clearly distinguish between survivors and fatalities, the severity of heat injury as inferred from survival times is best measured by the time versus intensity of hyperthermia in degree-minutes.", "contents": "The laboratory rat as a model for hyperthermic syndromes in humans. To assess the lethal effects of work-induced hyperthermia on exercising animals, untrained rats were run to exhaustion at 5 and 20-26 degrees C or restrained at 41.5 degrees C. An exercise-induced core temperature of 40.4 degrees C represented a base line above which mortalities occurred. With increasing core temperature at exhaustion (between 40.4 and 43 degrees C), mortality increased within 24 h. A dose-respones curve with an LD50 equivalent to a core temperature of 41.5 +/- 0.1 degrees C was calculated. Although differences in body weight loss, core temperature at exhaustion, and cooling rate will clearly distinguish between survivors and fatalities, the severity of heat injury as inferred from survival times is best measured by the time versus intensity of hyperthermia in degree-minutes.", "PMID": 984197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_749", "title": "Bile acid conjugation in fetal hepatic organ cultures.", "content": "A new technique has been developed in which mammalian fetal liver can be maintained in organ culture for prolonged periods with intact structure and function. Near-term rat fetal liver explants were incubated in vitro for periods of up to 3 wk with preservation of normal cellular morphology and intercellular (organ) relationships. [14C]cholate was incorporated into tissue and medium conjugates at a constant rate during 21 days in vitro. During a 24-h incubation with radioactively labeled cholic acid, bile acid conjugates accumulated in tissues to a maximum value by 6 h and maintained this value through 24 h. During the same 24-h incubation with [14C]cholate, conjugates were secreted into the medium at a constant rate. Addition of 8 X 10(-4) M taurine to the medium during a 4-day incubation produced a threefold enhancement in the rate of conjugate formation in tissues and medium. Enhanced conjugation in the presence of additional taurine was due almost entirely to increased taurocholate formation and no significant difference was observed in the amount of glycocholate formed. Exposure of explants to 3.6 X 10(-4) M cycloheximide for prolonged periods resulted in inhibition of conjugate formation, but when this concentration of cycloheximide was maintained for only 24 h a significantly (P less than 0.001) increased rate of conjugate formation was observed. The results indicate that metabolic processes in the organ-culture system are in a state of dynamic equilibrium and that morphologic integrity and specific hepatocytic function are maintained after 21 days in vitro. Preferential taurocholate formation was demonstrated in rat fetal liver, and the data suggest that glycine and taurine interact with separate enzymatic systems in bile acid conjugation. The possible mechanisms that mediate the effect of cycloheximide are discussed.", "contents": "Bile acid conjugation in fetal hepatic organ cultures. A new technique has been developed in which mammalian fetal liver can be maintained in organ culture for prolonged periods with intact structure and function. Near-term rat fetal liver explants were incubated in vitro for periods of up to 3 wk with preservation of normal cellular morphology and intercellular (organ) relationships. [14C]cholate was incorporated into tissue and medium conjugates at a constant rate during 21 days in vitro. During a 24-h incubation with radioactively labeled cholic acid, bile acid conjugates accumulated in tissues to a maximum value by 6 h and maintained this value through 24 h. During the same 24-h incubation with [14C]cholate, conjugates were secreted into the medium at a constant rate. Addition of 8 X 10(-4) M taurine to the medium during a 4-day incubation produced a threefold enhancement in the rate of conjugate formation in tissues and medium. Enhanced conjugation in the presence of additional taurine was due almost entirely to increased taurocholate formation and no significant difference was observed in the amount of glycocholate formed. Exposure of explants to 3.6 X 10(-4) M cycloheximide for prolonged periods resulted in inhibition of conjugate formation, but when this concentration of cycloheximide was maintained for only 24 h a significantly (P less than 0.001) increased rate of conjugate formation was observed. The results indicate that metabolic processes in the organ-culture system are in a state of dynamic equilibrium and that morphologic integrity and specific hepatocytic function are maintained after 21 days in vitro. Preferential taurocholate formation was demonstrated in rat fetal liver, and the data suggest that glycine and taurine interact with separate enzymatic systems in bile acid conjugation. The possible mechanisms that mediate the effect of cycloheximide are discussed.", "PMID": 984198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_750", "title": "Cycle-length-dependent properties of AV nodal activation in rabbit hearts.", "content": "Cycle-length-dependent changes in AV nodal cell activation were studied in isolated preparations from rabbit hearts. Transmembrane action potentials were recorded from the node while it was propagating impulses initiated in the atrium with an accelerating train of stimuli. This train consisting of five successive stimuli separated by progressively shorter intervals was uniformly repeated at every 10th basic beat, each time reproducing a sequence of five different increasing AV nodal delays. The AN and NH cells were found to contribute only slightly to the cycle-length-dependent AV nodal delay which developed mainly in the small N zone, located centrally in the AV node. With the increasing delay, the action potentials from this N zone typically dissociated into two components synchronous with late AN and early NH activity, respectively. The amplitude of the first component decreased, wheareas that of the second increased progressively in N cells activated progressively later. No cells were activated at an intermediate time between the two components. This dissociation was not accompanied by changes in the activation pattern of the AV node. The different nodal cells classified according to their response to the accelerating train delineated functional zones corresponding to different anatomic structures. The possible mechanisms which would explain the cycle-length-dependent AV nodal delay are discussed.", "contents": "Cycle-length-dependent properties of AV nodal activation in rabbit hearts. Cycle-length-dependent changes in AV nodal cell activation were studied in isolated preparations from rabbit hearts. Transmembrane action potentials were recorded from the node while it was propagating impulses initiated in the atrium with an accelerating train of stimuli. This train consisting of five successive stimuli separated by progressively shorter intervals was uniformly repeated at every 10th basic beat, each time reproducing a sequence of five different increasing AV nodal delays. The AN and NH cells were found to contribute only slightly to the cycle-length-dependent AV nodal delay which developed mainly in the small N zone, located centrally in the AV node. With the increasing delay, the action potentials from this N zone typically dissociated into two components synchronous with late AN and early NH activity, respectively. The amplitude of the first component decreased, wheareas that of the second increased progressively in N cells activated progressively later. No cells were activated at an intermediate time between the two components. This dissociation was not accompanied by changes in the activation pattern of the AV node. The different nodal cells classified according to their response to the accelerating train delineated functional zones corresponding to different anatomic structures. The possible mechanisms which would explain the cycle-length-dependent AV nodal delay are discussed.", "PMID": 984199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_751", "title": "Hereditary variation in uric acid transport by avian kidney slices.", "content": "Uric acid transport in renal cortical slices from a selected line of hyperuricemic chickens was investigated. Slices from the hyperuricemic (HUA) line accumulated less than half as much uric acid as slices from a control (LUA) line when uric acid in the medium varied from 0.01 to 5 mM. Uric acid uptake by both lines increased as the uric acid concentration in the medium was raised from 0.1 to 0.5 mM, but was markedly inhibited in the HUA line at 3-5 mM. Omission of sodium or potassium from the incubation medium inhibited uric acid uptake by slices from both lines. Ouabain inhibited uric acid uptake in the LUA line. The sodium and potassium requirements for initiation of uric acid uptake were higher, and the potassium requirement for maximal uptake was lower, for slices of the HUA line. No genetic differences in potassium or sodium contents of slices were observed when the potassium content of the incubation medium was altered or when the medium contained ouabain. These studies indicate that hereditary hyperuricemia in chickens may be due to a qualitative change in renal uric acid transport which involves the interaction of cations in the transport process.", "contents": "Hereditary variation in uric acid transport by avian kidney slices. Uric acid transport in renal cortical slices from a selected line of hyperuricemic chickens was investigated. Slices from the hyperuricemic (HUA) line accumulated less than half as much uric acid as slices from a control (LUA) line when uric acid in the medium varied from 0.01 to 5 mM. Uric acid uptake by both lines increased as the uric acid concentration in the medium was raised from 0.1 to 0.5 mM, but was markedly inhibited in the HUA line at 3-5 mM. Omission of sodium or potassium from the incubation medium inhibited uric acid uptake by slices from both lines. Ouabain inhibited uric acid uptake in the LUA line. The sodium and potassium requirements for initiation of uric acid uptake were higher, and the potassium requirement for maximal uptake was lower, for slices of the HUA line. No genetic differences in potassium or sodium contents of slices were observed when the potassium content of the incubation medium was altered or when the medium contained ouabain. These studies indicate that hereditary hyperuricemia in chickens may be due to a qualitative change in renal uric acid transport which involves the interaction of cations in the transport process.", "PMID": 984200} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_752", "title": "Parathyroid hormone and renal excretion of phosphate and calcium in normal starlings.", "content": "The renal handling of calcium, phosphate, sodium, and potassium was studied in normal and parathyroid extract (PTE)-injected starlings, Sturnus vulgaris. The birds were anesthetized with Equi-Thesin and infused intravenously with 2.5% mannitol containing [14C]inulin. Normal starlings actively reabsorb all four of these substances. After intravenous administration of 50 IU PTE/100 g body wt, the relative phosphate clearance (CPO4/CIn) as well as tubular transfer of phosphate (TPO4) increased significantly. Phosphate secretion occurred and usually persisted longer than 2 h. The relative calcium clearance also rose after PTE, but the TCa did not shift. This probably indicates that the tubular transport maximum (Tm) for calcium had been exceeded. The relative clearances of sodium and potassium also increased after PTE; however, only the rise in CNa/CIn was significantly different from the controls. The glomerular filtration rate (CIn) also increased significantly after PTE, but this effect was transient and cannot explain the longer lasting effects of PTE on excretion of phosphate, calcium, or sodium.", "contents": "Parathyroid hormone and renal excretion of phosphate and calcium in normal starlings. The renal handling of calcium, phosphate, sodium, and potassium was studied in normal and parathyroid extract (PTE)-injected starlings, Sturnus vulgaris. The birds were anesthetized with Equi-Thesin and infused intravenously with 2.5% mannitol containing [14C]inulin. Normal starlings actively reabsorb all four of these substances. After intravenous administration of 50 IU PTE/100 g body wt, the relative phosphate clearance (CPO4/CIn) as well as tubular transfer of phosphate (TPO4) increased significantly. Phosphate secretion occurred and usually persisted longer than 2 h. The relative calcium clearance also rose after PTE, but the TCa did not shift. This probably indicates that the tubular transport maximum (Tm) for calcium had been exceeded. The relative clearances of sodium and potassium also increased after PTE; however, only the rise in CNa/CIn was significantly different from the controls. The glomerular filtration rate (CIn) also increased significantly after PTE, but this effect was transient and cannot explain the longer lasting effects of PTE on excretion of phosphate, calcium, or sodium.", "PMID": 984201} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_753", "title": "Subcellular calcium transport in failing hearts due to calcium deficiency and overload.", "content": "Mitochondrial and heavy microsomal fractions were isolated from rat hearts perfused for different intervals with Ca2+-free medium, as well as from hearts reperfused with control medium after perfusion with Ca2+-free medium. Contractile failure due to intracellular calcium deficiency produced by perfusing the isolated rat hearts with Ca2+-free medium resulted in a marked decline of calcium binding and uptake activities of the mitochondrial fraction without any effect on the microsomal fraction. On the other hand, inability of the rat hearts to recover their contractile force due to intracellular calcium overload produced by reperfusion for 10 min with control medium after 5-20 min of perfusion with Ca2+-free medium was associated with decreased microsomal calcium-binding and uptake activities and increased mitochondrial calcium-binding and uptake activities. When the hearts perfused with Ca2+-free medium in the presence of low sodium (35 mM) for 5 min were reperfused with control medium, the contractile force recovered completely, and appreciable augmentation in mitochondrial calcium transport or depression in microsomal calcium transport as seen in conditions of intracellular calcium overload did not occur. These results suggest dramatic alterations in calcium-transporting properties of mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum in hearts failing due to intracellular calcium deficiency and calcium overload, respectively.", "contents": "Subcellular calcium transport in failing hearts due to calcium deficiency and overload. Mitochondrial and heavy microsomal fractions were isolated from rat hearts perfused for different intervals with Ca2+-free medium, as well as from hearts reperfused with control medium after perfusion with Ca2+-free medium. Contractile failure due to intracellular calcium deficiency produced by perfusing the isolated rat hearts with Ca2+-free medium resulted in a marked decline of calcium binding and uptake activities of the mitochondrial fraction without any effect on the microsomal fraction. On the other hand, inability of the rat hearts to recover their contractile force due to intracellular calcium overload produced by reperfusion for 10 min with control medium after 5-20 min of perfusion with Ca2+-free medium was associated with decreased microsomal calcium-binding and uptake activities and increased mitochondrial calcium-binding and uptake activities. When the hearts perfused with Ca2+-free medium in the presence of low sodium (35 mM) for 5 min were reperfused with control medium, the contractile force recovered completely, and appreciable augmentation in mitochondrial calcium transport or depression in microsomal calcium transport as seen in conditions of intracellular calcium overload did not occur. These results suggest dramatic alterations in calcium-transporting properties of mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum in hearts failing due to intracellular calcium deficiency and calcium overload, respectively.", "PMID": 984202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_754", "title": "Single-nephron function and renal oxygen consumption during rapid volume expansion.", "content": "Isotonic volume expansion reduces net filtrate reabsorption in the proximal tubule while increasing it in Henle's loop. To determine the role oxidative metabolism plays in these processes, experiments were performed on rats initially hydropenic and then rapidly volume expanded with isotonic Ringer solution. Whole-kidney sodium reabsorption, oxygen consumption, and single-nephron function were measured simultaneously. During volume expansion, net renal sodium reabsorption increased concomitantly with a fall in oxygen consumption and a reduction in proximal tubular absolute filtrate reabsorption. The increase in quantity of nonreabsorbed filtrate delivered into the loop of Henle greatly exceeded the amount excreted in the urine. Thus, filtrate reabsorption by the distal nephron segments increased. These data provide evidence that acute volume expansion reduces oxygen-dependent active solute transport in the proximal tubule. The increase noted in distal nephron sodium reabsorption appears nonoxygen dependent, energized by anaerobic glycolysis or occurring passively.", "contents": "Single-nephron function and renal oxygen consumption during rapid volume expansion. Isotonic volume expansion reduces net filtrate reabsorption in the proximal tubule while increasing it in Henle's loop. To determine the role oxidative metabolism plays in these processes, experiments were performed on rats initially hydropenic and then rapidly volume expanded with isotonic Ringer solution. Whole-kidney sodium reabsorption, oxygen consumption, and single-nephron function were measured simultaneously. During volume expansion, net renal sodium reabsorption increased concomitantly with a fall in oxygen consumption and a reduction in proximal tubular absolute filtrate reabsorption. The increase in quantity of nonreabsorbed filtrate delivered into the loop of Henle greatly exceeded the amount excreted in the urine. Thus, filtrate reabsorption by the distal nephron segments increased. These data provide evidence that acute volume expansion reduces oxygen-dependent active solute transport in the proximal tubule. The increase noted in distal nephron sodium reabsorption appears nonoxygen dependent, energized by anaerobic glycolysis or occurring passively.", "PMID": 984203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_755", "title": "Influence of potassium on renal ammonia production.", "content": "The influence of potassium homeostasis on ammonia production was investigated with both cortical and medullary slices from rat kidney. Renal cortical slices from rats depleted of potassium by dietary restriction produced 31% more NH3 than slices from pair-fed controls. A high-potassium diet for 1 wk diminished ammonia production in cortical slices by 5% in comparison with rats pair fed a normal diet (161 vs. 169 mumol/90 min per g wet wt; P less than 0.05). Pair feeding did not introduce an experimental artifact, since animals ingesting similar K+ diets showed no difference in NH3 production. In contrast to cortex, NH3 production by outer medullary slices from K+-depleted animals was similar to pair-fed controls. Medulla from potassium-loaded rats exhibited an impressive inhibition in NH3 production averaging 36%. These striking differences between cortex and medulla suggest that specific alterations in potassium homeostasis may influence NH3 production selectively at different tubular sites. In vitro manipulation of K+ homeostasis produced by varying bathing media K+ from 0 to 144 mM, with concomitant changes in intracellular K+ from 30 to 130 mM, had no detectable influence on NH3 production by cortical slices. Hence altered cortical ammoniagenesis is not the direct result of acute changes in extracellular or intracellular cortical fluid K+ or in the transcellular gradient for K+. Although the specific cellular mechanisms whereby K+ alters ammoniagenesis remains undefined, the observation that K+ loading diminishes while K+ depletion enhances NH3 production supports the supposition that K+ and NH3 are linked in a physiologic control system.", "contents": "Influence of potassium on renal ammonia production. The influence of potassium homeostasis on ammonia production was investigated with both cortical and medullary slices from rat kidney. Renal cortical slices from rats depleted of potassium by dietary restriction produced 31% more NH3 than slices from pair-fed controls. A high-potassium diet for 1 wk diminished ammonia production in cortical slices by 5% in comparison with rats pair fed a normal diet (161 vs. 169 mumol/90 min per g wet wt; P less than 0.05). Pair feeding did not introduce an experimental artifact, since animals ingesting similar K+ diets showed no difference in NH3 production. In contrast to cortex, NH3 production by outer medullary slices from K+-depleted animals was similar to pair-fed controls. Medulla from potassium-loaded rats exhibited an impressive inhibition in NH3 production averaging 36%. These striking differences between cortex and medulla suggest that specific alterations in potassium homeostasis may influence NH3 production selectively at different tubular sites. In vitro manipulation of K+ homeostasis produced by varying bathing media K+ from 0 to 144 mM, with concomitant changes in intracellular K+ from 30 to 130 mM, had no detectable influence on NH3 production by cortical slices. Hence altered cortical ammoniagenesis is not the direct result of acute changes in extracellular or intracellular cortical fluid K+ or in the transcellular gradient for K+. Although the specific cellular mechanisms whereby K+ alters ammoniagenesis remains undefined, the observation that K+ loading diminishes while K+ depletion enhances NH3 production supports the supposition that K+ and NH3 are linked in a physiologic control system.", "PMID": 984204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_756", "title": "Influence of dietary sodium on renin activity and arterial pressure during anesthesia.", "content": "The effect of pentobarbital anesthesia on plasma renin activity (PRA) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was studied in chronically catheterized dogs maintained on normal or low-sodium intake. Within 1 min of administration, pentobarbital caused a rapid fall in MAP which was followed by a restoration of MAP toward control within 5 min. Thirty minutes after induction of anesthesia, PRA was unchanged in sodium-replete dogs and elevated two-fold in sodium-depleted dogs. MAP was significantly lowered (20 mmHg) in normal salt dogs and only slightly decreased in low-salt dogs 30 min after pentobarbital. MAP returned to preanesthetic control value in dogs given converting enzyme inhibitor before anesthesia. Surgical stress or cutaneous electrical stimulation causey hexamethonium. These results indicate that change in PRA and MAP of pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs is significantly influenced by the sodium intake of the animal and by the degree of surgical stress.", "contents": "Influence of dietary sodium on renin activity and arterial pressure during anesthesia. The effect of pentobarbital anesthesia on plasma renin activity (PRA) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was studied in chronically catheterized dogs maintained on normal or low-sodium intake. Within 1 min of administration, pentobarbital caused a rapid fall in MAP which was followed by a restoration of MAP toward control within 5 min. Thirty minutes after induction of anesthesia, PRA was unchanged in sodium-replete dogs and elevated two-fold in sodium-depleted dogs. MAP was significantly lowered (20 mmHg) in normal salt dogs and only slightly decreased in low-salt dogs 30 min after pentobarbital. MAP returned to preanesthetic control value in dogs given converting enzyme inhibitor before anesthesia. Surgical stress or cutaneous electrical stimulation causey hexamethonium. These results indicate that change in PRA and MAP of pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs is significantly influenced by the sodium intake of the animal and by the degree of surgical stress.", "PMID": 984205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_757", "title": "Cellular hypertrophy and renal function during compensatory renal growth.", "content": "Simultaneous measurements of biochemical and physiological events of compensatory renal hypertrophy were made in groups of white Spartan rats. Thirty hours following right unilateral nephrectomy, the left kidney had an increased rate of renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, and potassium excretion when compared to sham-nephrectomized rats. Kidney cells were also hypertrophied as evidenced by an increase in the ratio of ribonucleic to deoxyribonucleic acid. The effects of a single injection of cycloheximide and actinomycin D on compensatory growth were studied. Both drugs prevented the rise in glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow 30 h postnephrectomy while having no inhibitory effect on cell hypertrophy. The maintenance of nephrectomized rats on a low-sodium diet also interfered with the physiological components of the response while having no effect on ribonucleic or deoxyribonucleic acid. These suggest that the physiological and biochemical aspects of compensatory renal hypertrophy may be under separate control systems.", "contents": "Cellular hypertrophy and renal function during compensatory renal growth. Simultaneous measurements of biochemical and physiological events of compensatory renal hypertrophy were made in groups of white Spartan rats. Thirty hours following right unilateral nephrectomy, the left kidney had an increased rate of renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, and potassium excretion when compared to sham-nephrectomized rats. Kidney cells were also hypertrophied as evidenced by an increase in the ratio of ribonucleic to deoxyribonucleic acid. The effects of a single injection of cycloheximide and actinomycin D on compensatory growth were studied. Both drugs prevented the rise in glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow 30 h postnephrectomy while having no inhibitory effect on cell hypertrophy. The maintenance of nephrectomized rats on a low-sodium diet also interfered with the physiological components of the response while having no effect on ribonucleic or deoxyribonucleic acid. These suggest that the physiological and biochemical aspects of compensatory renal hypertrophy may be under separate control systems.", "PMID": 984206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_758", "title": "Intracellular potassium activities in Amphiuma small intestine.", "content": "Intracellular potassium activity (aKi) has been determined in absorptive cells lining the villi of isolated, stripped proximal segments of Amphiuma small intestine. With single-barreled liquid ion-exchanger microelectrodes aKi = 41.6 +/- 1.5 mM in normal chloride buffer; with double-barreled microelectrodes constructed by a new method aKi = 38.5 +/- 2.4 mM. Also, by the latter approach aKi = 41.1 +/- 2.1 mM in buffer in which potassium was elevated to 5 meq/liter and aKi = 44.2 +/- 1.3 mM in sulfate buffer with the same bath potassium concentration. Since the calculated potassium equilibrium potential exceeds the membrane potential this ion is accumulated by the intestinal absorptive cell. A major portion of cellular potassium is bound or compartmentalized since the intracellular potassium activity coefficient is very low. A layer exists near the villi in which the potassium activity exceeds that in the bath buffer solution.", "contents": "Intracellular potassium activities in Amphiuma small intestine. Intracellular potassium activity (aKi) has been determined in absorptive cells lining the villi of isolated, stripped proximal segments of Amphiuma small intestine. With single-barreled liquid ion-exchanger microelectrodes aKi = 41.6 +/- 1.5 mM in normal chloride buffer; with double-barreled microelectrodes constructed by a new method aKi = 38.5 +/- 2.4 mM. Also, by the latter approach aKi = 41.1 +/- 2.1 mM in buffer in which potassium was elevated to 5 meq/liter and aKi = 44.2 +/- 1.3 mM in sulfate buffer with the same bath potassium concentration. Since the calculated potassium equilibrium potential exceeds the membrane potential this ion is accumulated by the intestinal absorptive cell. A major portion of cellular potassium is bound or compartmentalized since the intracellular potassium activity coefficient is very low. A layer exists near the villi in which the potassium activity exceeds that in the bath buffer solution.", "PMID": 984207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_759", "title": "Ischemia in isolated interventricular septa: mechanical events.", "content": "Isolated blood-perfused rabbit interventricular septa were adapted for studies of global ischemia by enclosure in a constant-humidity nitrogen atmosphere. During ischemia, developed tension (DT) and maximal rate of relaxation (-dP/dt) declined monoexponentially, lambda = 0.39 min-1 at 37 degrees C and 72 beats/min with a Q10 of 1.4 for DT and a Q10 of 1.9 for -dP/dt. After a 60- to 90-s delay the maximal rate of tension development (+dP/dt) declined at the same rate as DT. Time-to-peak tension (TPT) shortened immediately with ischemia but action potential duration shortened after 60-90 s. Calcium at a concentration of 5 mM slowed the rate of decline of +dP/dt to lambda = 0.26 min-1. Upon reperfusion after 10 min of ischemia the rates of recovery of DT, +dP/dt, and -dP/dt were similar, lambda = 0.21-0.23 min-1, and were not temperature dependent. The magnitude of recovery was 10-17% less at 37 degrees C than 28 degrees C. Potassium at a concentration of 10 mM did not alter the rate of decline of mechanical function, but significantly (P less than 0.01) increased the magnitude of mechanical recovery. The results suggest depletion and/or repletion of single compartments as the rate-limiting steps in ischemia and reperfusion.", "contents": "Ischemia in isolated interventricular septa: mechanical events. Isolated blood-perfused rabbit interventricular septa were adapted for studies of global ischemia by enclosure in a constant-humidity nitrogen atmosphere. During ischemia, developed tension (DT) and maximal rate of relaxation (-dP/dt) declined monoexponentially, lambda = 0.39 min-1 at 37 degrees C and 72 beats/min with a Q10 of 1.4 for DT and a Q10 of 1.9 for -dP/dt. After a 60- to 90-s delay the maximal rate of tension development (+dP/dt) declined at the same rate as DT. Time-to-peak tension (TPT) shortened immediately with ischemia but action potential duration shortened after 60-90 s. Calcium at a concentration of 5 mM slowed the rate of decline of +dP/dt to lambda = 0.26 min-1. Upon reperfusion after 10 min of ischemia the rates of recovery of DT, +dP/dt, and -dP/dt were similar, lambda = 0.21-0.23 min-1, and were not temperature dependent. The magnitude of recovery was 10-17% less at 37 degrees C than 28 degrees C. Potassium at a concentration of 10 mM did not alter the rate of decline of mechanical function, but significantly (P less than 0.01) increased the magnitude of mechanical recovery. The results suggest depletion and/or repletion of single compartments as the rate-limiting steps in ischemia and reperfusion.", "PMID": 984208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_760", "title": "Lower esophageal sphincter pressures and serum gastrin levels after cholinergic stimulation.", "content": "To define the role of gastrin, if any, in the response of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to bethanechol, serum gastrin determinations and LES pressure measurements were made in controls, patients with vagotomy and antrectomy (V&A), and patients with vagotomy and pyloroplasty (V&P). Despite significant differences in mean basal serum gastrin levels no differences were found in mean resting LES pressures among these groups. In controls significant increases in LES pressure occurred after subcutaneous bethanechol, but serum gastrin levels did not change from basal values. Subcutaneous injections of bethanechol produced significantly greater increases in LES pressures in V&P patients than in V&A patients. Serum gastrin levels did not change in either group; however, background serum gastrin concentrations were significantly greater for V&P patients than V&A patients throughout the study. Intravenous infusion of human gastrin I heptadecapeptide in controls significantly increased sphincter responses to bethanechol. Thus, these studies provide evidence to suggest that the LES response to bethanechol is affected by background serum gastrin levels.", "contents": "Lower esophageal sphincter pressures and serum gastrin levels after cholinergic stimulation. To define the role of gastrin, if any, in the response of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to bethanechol, serum gastrin determinations and LES pressure measurements were made in controls, patients with vagotomy and antrectomy (V&A), and patients with vagotomy and pyloroplasty (V&P). Despite significant differences in mean basal serum gastrin levels no differences were found in mean resting LES pressures among these groups. In controls significant increases in LES pressure occurred after subcutaneous bethanechol, but serum gastrin levels did not change from basal values. Subcutaneous injections of bethanechol produced significantly greater increases in LES pressures in V&P patients than in V&A patients. Serum gastrin levels did not change in either group; however, background serum gastrin concentrations were significantly greater for V&P patients than V&A patients throughout the study. Intravenous infusion of human gastrin I heptadecapeptide in controls significantly increased sphincter responses to bethanechol. Thus, these studies provide evidence to suggest that the LES response to bethanechol is affected by background serum gastrin levels.", "PMID": 984209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_761", "title": "Postsplenectomy blood values, marrow cytology, erythrocyte life-span, and sequestration in mice.", "content": "Studies in mice indicated that splenectomy influenced neither the erythrocyte and leukocyte total and differential values nor the erythrocyte survival. The right femoral marrow erythrocyte and nucleated cell counts were also not altered by splenectomy, and compensation for the important splenic contribution to erythropoiesis was in the form of marrow erythroid hyperplasia with a drop in the myeloid:erythroid ratio from 2.79:1.00 in intact mice to 1.44:1.00 in splenectomized mice. The spleen was the most important site for the sequestration of erythrocytes as monitored by tissue localization of 51Cr-labeled erythrocytes, and this function was assumed by the liver in splenectomized mice by almost doubling its activity. The total residual body count was, however, significantly decreased (P less than 0.01) by splenectomy.", "contents": "Postsplenectomy blood values, marrow cytology, erythrocyte life-span, and sequestration in mice. Studies in mice indicated that splenectomy influenced neither the erythrocyte and leukocyte total and differential values nor the erythrocyte survival. The right femoral marrow erythrocyte and nucleated cell counts were also not altered by splenectomy, and compensation for the important splenic contribution to erythropoiesis was in the form of marrow erythroid hyperplasia with a drop in the myeloid:erythroid ratio from 2.79:1.00 in intact mice to 1.44:1.00 in splenectomized mice. The spleen was the most important site for the sequestration of erythrocytes as monitored by tissue localization of 51Cr-labeled erythrocytes, and this function was assumed by the liver in splenectomized mice by almost doubling its activity. The total residual body count was, however, significantly decreased (P less than 0.01) by splenectomy.", "PMID": 984210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_762", "title": "Effect of ammonia via prepyriform cortex on regulation of food intake in the rat.", "content": "Studies were made on whether ammonia, which is an obligatory intermediate of amino acid metabolism, depresses the food intake of rats fed a low-casein (basal) diet containing imbalanced amino acid mixtures (imbalanced diets). Bilateral lesions in the prepyriform cortex caused normalization of food intake of rats fed amino acid-imbalanced diets, confirming the work of Leung and Rogers (Am. J. Physiol. 221:929-935, 1971). Unlike normal rats, animals with prepyriform cortical lesions consumed as much of a diet containing 3% NH4Cl as they did of the basal diet. However, like normal rats, they rejected a diet containing a mixture of keto acids. Unilateral injection of NH4Cl into prepyriform cortical areas reduced the food intake to a greater extent than injection of NaCl into these areas or injection of NH4Cl into other parts of the brain. These results suggest that ammonium ions influence the appetite through their effect on prepyriform cortical areas.", "contents": "Effect of ammonia via prepyriform cortex on regulation of food intake in the rat. Studies were made on whether ammonia, which is an obligatory intermediate of amino acid metabolism, depresses the food intake of rats fed a low-casein (basal) diet containing imbalanced amino acid mixtures (imbalanced diets). Bilateral lesions in the prepyriform cortex caused normalization of food intake of rats fed amino acid-imbalanced diets, confirming the work of Leung and Rogers (Am. J. Physiol. 221:929-935, 1971). Unlike normal rats, animals with prepyriform cortical lesions consumed as much of a diet containing 3% NH4Cl as they did of the basal diet. However, like normal rats, they rejected a diet containing a mixture of keto acids. Unilateral injection of NH4Cl into prepyriform cortical areas reduced the food intake to a greater extent than injection of NaCl into these areas or injection of NH4Cl into other parts of the brain. These results suggest that ammonium ions influence the appetite through their effect on prepyriform cortical areas.", "PMID": 984211} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_763", "title": "Effect of angiotensin II antagonist infusion on autoregulation of renal blood flow.", "content": "The role of the renin-angiotensin system in the autoregulation of renal blood flow was examined in the anesthetized dog. The angiotensin II antagonist, [1-sarcosine, 8-isoleucine]angiotensin II, was continuously infused into the renal artery at rates of 1 and 3 mug/min, and renin secretion rate and intrarenal distribution of blood flow as well as total renal blood flow were measured during acute reductions in renal perfusion pressure within and below the range of autoregulation. Renal autoregulation and redistribution of blood flow by pressure reduction were not disturbed by the angiotensin II antagonist. This result does not provide any evidence for a primary role of the renin-angiotensin system in renal autoregulation. Redistribution of blood flow by pressure reduction occurred independently of the renin-angiotensin system. It might depend on the differences in the resting tone among the zones.", "contents": "Effect of angiotensin II antagonist infusion on autoregulation of renal blood flow. The role of the renin-angiotensin system in the autoregulation of renal blood flow was examined in the anesthetized dog. The angiotensin II antagonist, [1-sarcosine, 8-isoleucine]angiotensin II, was continuously infused into the renal artery at rates of 1 and 3 mug/min, and renin secretion rate and intrarenal distribution of blood flow as well as total renal blood flow were measured during acute reductions in renal perfusion pressure within and below the range of autoregulation. Renal autoregulation and redistribution of blood flow by pressure reduction were not disturbed by the angiotensin II antagonist. This result does not provide any evidence for a primary role of the renin-angiotensin system in renal autoregulation. Redistribution of blood flow by pressure reduction occurred independently of the renin-angiotensin system. It might depend on the differences in the resting tone among the zones.", "PMID": 984212} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_764", "title": "Cardiac responses to stimulation of thoracic afferents in the primate and canine.", "content": "Excitatory cardiovascular responses to electrically stimulated upper thoracic sympathetic afferent nerves were observed in halothane-anesthetized mongrel dogs and monkeys. The central end of the transected ventral limb of the left ansa subclavia was stimulated before and after several types of denervation. Significant increases in right and left ventricular maximum systolic pressures, systolic and diastolic systemic blood pressures, and aortic flow were observed. The carotid sinuses were denervated bilaterally and stimulation of the ansa was repeated. The cardiovascular responses to stimulation of the ventral ansa after carotid sinus denervation were greater in magnitude than those observed prior to denervation. This carotid sinus modulation of cardiovascular responses was observed in dogs and monkeys. Cardiovascular responses to stimulation of the ventral ansa after bilateral vagotomy were significantly less than the responses observed after carotid sinus denervation prior to vagotomy. However, the responses after vagotomy were statistically identical to responses obtained while stimulating the ventral ansa when the carotid sinuses and vagi remained intact.", "contents": "Cardiac responses to stimulation of thoracic afferents in the primate and canine. Excitatory cardiovascular responses to electrically stimulated upper thoracic sympathetic afferent nerves were observed in halothane-anesthetized mongrel dogs and monkeys. The central end of the transected ventral limb of the left ansa subclavia was stimulated before and after several types of denervation. Significant increases in right and left ventricular maximum systolic pressures, systolic and diastolic systemic blood pressures, and aortic flow were observed. The carotid sinuses were denervated bilaterally and stimulation of the ansa was repeated. The cardiovascular responses to stimulation of the ventral ansa after carotid sinus denervation were greater in magnitude than those observed prior to denervation. This carotid sinus modulation of cardiovascular responses was observed in dogs and monkeys. Cardiovascular responses to stimulation of the ventral ansa after bilateral vagotomy were significantly less than the responses observed after carotid sinus denervation prior to vagotomy. However, the responses after vagotomy were statistically identical to responses obtained while stimulating the ventral ansa when the carotid sinuses and vagi remained intact.", "PMID": 984213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_765", "title": "Renin-angiotensin system in spontaneously hypertensive rats.", "content": "Plasma and kidney renin activities (PRA, KRA) were determined in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the inbred strain of F27-30. Blood samples of 0.5 ml for PRA determination were obtained through a cannula inserted into the abdominal aorta without anesthesia to minimize renin release from the kidney. The PRA was 30 wk. The KRA of SHR at age 10, 20, and 30 wk was also lower, confirming a previous report. At 5 wk of age, KRA was slightly higher than that of normal controls. At 50 wk of age, PRA and KRA were significantly lower in SHR (F25) from a random-bred colony than in normal Donryu rats. It is suggested that the renin-angiotensin system is suppressed in SHR as a compensatory reaction against blood pressure elevation.", "contents": "Renin-angiotensin system in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Plasma and kidney renin activities (PRA, KRA) were determined in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the inbred strain of F27-30. Blood samples of 0.5 ml for PRA determination were obtained through a cannula inserted into the abdominal aorta without anesthesia to minimize renin release from the kidney. The PRA was 30 wk. The KRA of SHR at age 10, 20, and 30 wk was also lower, confirming a previous report. At 5 wk of age, KRA was slightly higher than that of normal controls. At 50 wk of age, PRA and KRA were significantly lower in SHR (F25) from a random-bred colony than in normal Donryu rats. It is suggested that the renin-angiotensin system is suppressed in SHR as a compensatory reaction against blood pressure elevation.", "PMID": 984214} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_766", "title": "Renin response and angiotensinogen control during graded hemorrhage and shock in the dog.", "content": "Hemorrhage and hemorrhagic hypotension have been shown to be potent stimulators of renin release. However, the relationship between angiotensinogen consumption and angiotensinogen production has yet to be completely defined during this type of circulatory stress. Peripheral renin activity increased progressively as the blood pressure was decreased stepwise by hemorrhage to 50 mmHg and remained elevated throughout the shock phase of the experiment. Angiotensinogen did not change from control (809 ng/ml) throughout hemorrhabic hypotension and shock. During hemorrhagic hypotension, with the infusion of the angiotensin antagonist, [1-sarcosine, 8-alanine]angiotensin II, angiotensinogen concentration fell progressively from 693 to 208 ng/ml at 50 mmHg. Intravenous angiotensin II infused continuously after the mean blood pressure reached 50 mmHg significantly elevated plasma angiotensinogen concentration. In conclusion, during hemorrhagic hypotension and shock, the kidney and the liver appeared capable of maintaining elevated plasma renin activity and adequate plasma renin substrate, angiotensinogen, respectively. The mechanism responsible for the maintenance of plasma angiotensinogen is suggested to involve a positive-feedback effect of angiotensin II on the liver.", "contents": "Renin response and angiotensinogen control during graded hemorrhage and shock in the dog. Hemorrhage and hemorrhagic hypotension have been shown to be potent stimulators of renin release. However, the relationship between angiotensinogen consumption and angiotensinogen production has yet to be completely defined during this type of circulatory stress. Peripheral renin activity increased progressively as the blood pressure was decreased stepwise by hemorrhage to 50 mmHg and remained elevated throughout the shock phase of the experiment. Angiotensinogen did not change from control (809 ng/ml) throughout hemorrhabic hypotension and shock. During hemorrhagic hypotension, with the infusion of the angiotensin antagonist, [1-sarcosine, 8-alanine]angiotensin II, angiotensinogen concentration fell progressively from 693 to 208 ng/ml at 50 mmHg. Intravenous angiotensin II infused continuously after the mean blood pressure reached 50 mmHg significantly elevated plasma angiotensinogen concentration. In conclusion, during hemorrhagic hypotension and shock, the kidney and the liver appeared capable of maintaining elevated plasma renin activity and adequate plasma renin substrate, angiotensinogen, respectively. The mechanism responsible for the maintenance of plasma angiotensinogen is suggested to involve a positive-feedback effect of angiotensin II on the liver.", "PMID": 984215} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_767", "title": "Postpsychotic state, convalescent environment, and therapeutic relationship in schizophrenic outcome.", "content": "The authors evaluated the following variables in the 2-3-year outcomes of 30 schizophrenic patients: the acute/chronic dichotomy, the presence of a postpsychotic regressive state, the quality of the convalescent environment, and the formation of a therapeutic relationship. They found that the presence of a postpsychotic regressive state was not associated with either good or poor short-term outcome; that the diagnosis of acute schizophrenia was almost invariably followed by good outcome, but a diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia had little predictive value; and that a favorable convalescent environment and the presence of a therapeutic relationship were signigicantly associated with good outcome.", "contents": "Postpsychotic state, convalescent environment, and therapeutic relationship in schizophrenic outcome. The authors evaluated the following variables in the 2-3-year outcomes of 30 schizophrenic patients: the acute/chronic dichotomy, the presence of a postpsychotic regressive state, the quality of the convalescent environment, and the formation of a therapeutic relationship. They found that the presence of a postpsychotic regressive state was not associated with either good or poor short-term outcome; that the diagnosis of acute schizophrenia was almost invariably followed by good outcome, but a diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia had little predictive value; and that a favorable convalescent environment and the presence of a therapeutic relationship were signigicantly associated with good outcome.", "PMID": 984216} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_768", "title": "Strategies and risks in psychotherapy with bilingual patients: the phenomenon of language independence.", "content": "The presence of two separate languages, each with its own lexical, syntactic, semantic, and ideational components, can complicate psychotherapy with proficient bilingual patients. If only one language is used in therapy, some aspects of the patients emotional experience may be unavailable to treatment; if both languages are used, the patient may use language switching as a form of resistance to affectively charged material. The authors suggest that monolingual therapists should carefully assess the degree of language independence in bilinguals in order to minimize its impact on therapy. They conclude that study of bilingual patients may provide important insights into the nature of the therapeutic process.", "contents": "Strategies and risks in psychotherapy with bilingual patients: the phenomenon of language independence. The presence of two separate languages, each with its own lexical, syntactic, semantic, and ideational components, can complicate psychotherapy with proficient bilingual patients. If only one language is used in therapy, some aspects of the patients emotional experience may be unavailable to treatment; if both languages are used, the patient may use language switching as a form of resistance to affectively charged material. The authors suggest that monolingual therapists should carefully assess the degree of language independence in bilinguals in order to minimize its impact on therapy. They conclude that study of bilingual patients may provide important insights into the nature of the therapeutic process.", "PMID": 984217} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_769", "title": "Patient privacy and confidentiality at mental health centers.", "content": "The authors studied potential violations by mental health centers of individuals' rights to privacy and confidentiality by sending questionnaires to state directors of mental health programs and to mental health centers in all the 50 United States and its teritories. The questionnaires assessed the extent to which information that could identify a patient is reported to state offices; it also addressed issues of mental health center discretion in reporting information, the life span of patient files, and the access of outside agencies to mental health center files. The authors conclude that legislative action prohibiting the reporting of identifying information appears desirable.", "contents": "Patient privacy and confidentiality at mental health centers. The authors studied potential violations by mental health centers of individuals' rights to privacy and confidentiality by sending questionnaires to state directors of mental health programs and to mental health centers in all the 50 United States and its teritories. The questionnaires assessed the extent to which information that could identify a patient is reported to state offices; it also addressed issues of mental health center discretion in reporting information, the life span of patient files, and the access of outside agencies to mental health center files. The authors conclude that legislative action prohibiting the reporting of identifying information appears desirable.", "PMID": 984218} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_770", "title": "Patients' perceptions of the therapeutic relationship and group therapy outcome.", "content": "The authors review the empirical literature examining the hypothesized relationship between the patient's perception of the therapeutic relationship and treatment outcome in group therapy and describe studies of both inpatient and outpatient group therapy. Their review indicates that, in contrast to the overwhelming evidence in support of the perceived relationship-outcome hypothesis in individual psychotherapy, there is no persuasive evidence in favor of the proposed relationship between the therapist-patient relationship and the efficacy of group treatment. The authors discuss the clinical and theoretical differences between individual and group therapy that would contribute to this result.", "contents": "Patients' perceptions of the therapeutic relationship and group therapy outcome. The authors review the empirical literature examining the hypothesized relationship between the patient's perception of the therapeutic relationship and treatment outcome in group therapy and describe studies of both inpatient and outpatient group therapy. Their review indicates that, in contrast to the overwhelming evidence in support of the perceived relationship-outcome hypothesis in individual psychotherapy, there is no persuasive evidence in favor of the proposed relationship between the therapist-patient relationship and the efficacy of group treatment. The authors discuss the clinical and theoretical differences between individual and group therapy that would contribute to this result.", "PMID": 984219} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_771", "title": "In search of the true amok: amok as viewed with the Malay culture.", "content": "In an attempt to discover how the phenomenon of amok is viewed within its indigenous culture, the authors studied and interviewed 21 subjects in West Malaysia who were labeled as amok. This investigation showed that both the subjects and the Malay culture view amok as psychopathology, that amok cases are disposed of in line with this view, and that the behavior of the amok person conforms to social expectations of the phenomenon. Despite cultural proscriptions, however, the act is purposive and motivated and is subtly sanctioned by Malay society.", "contents": "In search of the true amok: amok as viewed with the Malay culture. In an attempt to discover how the phenomenon of amok is viewed within its indigenous culture, the authors studied and interviewed 21 subjects in West Malaysia who were labeled as amok. This investigation showed that both the subjects and the Malay culture view amok as psychopathology, that amok cases are disposed of in line with this view, and that the behavior of the amok person conforms to social expectations of the phenomenon. Despite cultural proscriptions, however, the act is purposive and motivated and is subtly sanctioned by Malay society.", "PMID": 984220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_772", "title": "Cancer, emotions and mental illness: the present state of understanding.", "content": "The authors review recent and current literature on the relationship between psychological factors and cancer. They discuss the roles of predisposing personality patterns and emotional stress in the development, site, and course of cancer; the influence of awareness of terminal illness on the behavior of cancer patients; and the management of psychiatric symptoms in these patients.", "contents": "Cancer, emotions and mental illness: the present state of understanding. The authors review recent and current literature on the relationship between psychological factors and cancer. They discuss the roles of predisposing personality patterns and emotional stress in the development, site, and course of cancer; the influence of awareness of terminal illness on the behavior of cancer patients; and the management of psychiatric symptoms in these patients.", "PMID": 984221} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_773", "title": "Studies of adoptees from psychiatrically disturbed biological parents. III. Medical symptoms and illnesses in childhood and adolescence.", "content": "Analysis of data gathered from interviews with adoptive parents supports the hypothesis that female adoptees of antisocial biological backgrounds might have higher percentages of somatic symptoms. The authors compared female adoptees of antisocial parentage with male and female controls, male adoptees of antisocial parentage, and male and female adoptees whose biological parents had other psychiatric conditions. They stress the importance of this hypothesis in the diagnosis and management of childhood and adolescent \"medical\" and behavioral problems.", "contents": "Studies of adoptees from psychiatrically disturbed biological parents. III. Medical symptoms and illnesses in childhood and adolescence. Analysis of data gathered from interviews with adoptive parents supports the hypothesis that female adoptees of antisocial biological backgrounds might have higher percentages of somatic symptoms. The authors compared female adoptees of antisocial parentage with male and female controls, male adoptees of antisocial parentage, and male and female adoptees whose biological parents had other psychiatric conditions. They stress the importance of this hypothesis in the diagnosis and management of childhood and adolescent \"medical\" and behavioral problems.", "PMID": 984222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_774", "title": "Male transsexuals in the homosexual subculture.", "content": "The author describes 20 male transsexuals who differ from most discussed in professional studies and from those in media portrayals in that they live in the male homosexual subculture. Furthermore, interviews with these individuals indicated that transsexuals are no more sexually or socially homogeneous than heterosexuals or homosexuals. In general, these men entered the homosexual subculture in their teens; they knew they were not heterosexual and therefore assumed they must be homosexual. As their gender identity crystallized, homosexual activity became repugnant and they rejected and were rejected by male homosexuals. Being unable to attract heterosexual men, they sought bisexual partners in a futile effort to confirm their identity as females. The author suggests that in addition to efforts to help transsexuals shift their gender identity, psychiatrists should emphasize prevention of this psychopathologic symptom.", "contents": "Male transsexuals in the homosexual subculture. The author describes 20 male transsexuals who differ from most discussed in professional studies and from those in media portrayals in that they live in the male homosexual subculture. Furthermore, interviews with these individuals indicated that transsexuals are no more sexually or socially homogeneous than heterosexuals or homosexuals. In general, these men entered the homosexual subculture in their teens; they knew they were not heterosexual and therefore assumed they must be homosexual. As their gender identity crystallized, homosexual activity became repugnant and they rejected and were rejected by male homosexuals. Being unable to attract heterosexual men, they sought bisexual partners in a futile effort to confirm their identity as females. The author suggests that in addition to efforts to help transsexuals shift their gender identity, psychiatrists should emphasize prevention of this psychopathologic symptom.", "PMID": 984223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_775", "title": "Problems in the differential diagnosis of narcolepsy versus schizophrenia.", "content": "The authors discuss the problems of accurately diagnosing narcolepsy when patients manifest the auxiliary symptoms of this disorder, i.e., cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis, which conclude that misdiagnosis of narcolepsy can be avoided if clinicians are aware that this illness can simulate a psychiatric disorder and if they give careful attention to the histroy of the patient's illness.", "contents": "Problems in the differential diagnosis of narcolepsy versus schizophrenia. The authors discuss the problems of accurately diagnosing narcolepsy when patients manifest the auxiliary symptoms of this disorder, i.e., cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis, which conclude that misdiagnosis of narcolepsy can be avoided if clinicians are aware that this illness can simulate a psychiatric disorder and if they give careful attention to the histroy of the patient's illness.", "PMID": 984224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_776", "title": "Characteristics of \"erotic\" practitioners.", "content": "Using the responses of 460 physicians to a questionnaire survey regarding sexual contact with patients (1), the authors attempt to statistically differentiate two groups--erotic practitioners and nonerotic practitioners. Analysis of data suggests that the freer a physician is with nonerotic contact with patients, the more statistically likely he is to engage in erotic contact.", "contents": "Characteristics of \"erotic\" practitioners. Using the responses of 460 physicians to a questionnaire survey regarding sexual contact with patients (1), the authors attempt to statistically differentiate two groups--erotic practitioners and nonerotic practitioners. Analysis of data suggests that the freer a physician is with nonerotic contact with patients, the more statistically likely he is to engage in erotic contact.", "PMID": 984225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_777", "title": "The why of fragging.", "content": "The author studied 28 men convicted and confined for use of explosives in assaults on superior officers during the Viet Nam war. There were several predominant characteristics in this group, including deprivation and/or brutality in family backgrounds, poor self-image, lack of critical self-observation, the use of externalization, and feelings of insecurity or vulnerability. Drug use joined with these and several other factors related to the situation of these men in Viet Nam in a lethal combination that led to the perpetration of an indirect assault with an explosive device on a figure perceived as powerful and threatening.", "contents": "The why of fragging. The author studied 28 men convicted and confined for use of explosives in assaults on superior officers during the Viet Nam war. There were several predominant characteristics in this group, including deprivation and/or brutality in family backgrounds, poor self-image, lack of critical self-observation, the use of externalization, and feelings of insecurity or vulnerability. Drug use joined with these and several other factors related to the situation of these men in Viet Nam in a lethal combination that led to the perpetration of an indirect assault with an explosive device on a figure perceived as powerful and threatening.", "PMID": 984226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_778", "title": "Occurence of psychiatric disorder in a county jail population.", "content": "The authors report on a year's experience in providing psychiatric services in a county jail setting. Of 545 inmates evaluated, 22% were diagnosed as psychotic and 23% had a history of long-term or multiple hospitalizations. The authors discuss the implications of these data in terms of the problem of providing adequate psychiatric care for such a population.", "contents": "Occurence of psychiatric disorder in a county jail population. The authors report on a year's experience in providing psychiatric services in a county jail setting. Of 545 inmates evaluated, 22% were diagnosed as psychotic and 23% had a history of long-term or multiple hospitalizations. The authors discuss the implications of these data in terms of the problem of providing adequate psychiatric care for such a population.", "PMID": 984227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_779", "title": "The cessation of marital intercourse.", "content": "The authors found that marital coitus had ceased for a definable period (median=8 weeks) in one-third of a sample of 144 men and 221 women who were relatively young and had been married an average of 11 years. An analysis of factors related to the social background and marital relationship of the respondents indicated that the cessation behavior of men is more highly predictable than that of women and that antecedents of this behavior differ markedly between the sexes. The authors suggest that, even among relatively young couples, marital intercourse is discontinous and problematic.", "contents": "The cessation of marital intercourse. The authors found that marital coitus had ceased for a definable period (median=8 weeks) in one-third of a sample of 144 men and 221 women who were relatively young and had been married an average of 11 years. An analysis of factors related to the social background and marital relationship of the respondents indicated that the cessation behavior of men is more highly predictable than that of women and that antecedents of this behavior differ markedly between the sexes. The authors suggest that, even among relatively young couples, marital intercourse is discontinous and problematic.", "PMID": 984228} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_780", "title": "Digit-symbol performance in methadone-treated ex-heroin addicts.", "content": "The digit-symbol substituion task (DSST) of the WAIS was given to working (MW) and nonworking (MNW) patients on high-dose methadone maintenance and to two comparison groups to assess the function of attention in these patients. Mean DSST scores were significantly lower for the MNW group than for the other three groups, which did not differ. However, the scores for the MNW group were within the normal range. DSST scores and lenght of methadon treatment (range: 11 months to 8 years) were positively correlated, providing no evidence of deterioration with increasing duration of treatment.", "contents": "Digit-symbol performance in methadone-treated ex-heroin addicts. The digit-symbol substituion task (DSST) of the WAIS was given to working (MW) and nonworking (MNW) patients on high-dose methadone maintenance and to two comparison groups to assess the function of attention in these patients. Mean DSST scores were significantly lower for the MNW group than for the other three groups, which did not differ. However, the scores for the MNW group were within the normal range. DSST scores and lenght of methadon treatment (range: 11 months to 8 years) were positively correlated, providing no evidence of deterioration with increasing duration of treatment.", "PMID": 984229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_781", "title": "Portable electromyograph monitoring of unilateral ECT.", "content": "The authors describe a portable electromyograph (EMG) designed for use in monitoring unilateral ECT. Administration of muscle relaxants in conjunction with ECT often makes it difficult to determine that an adequate response has been elicited. The authors feel that this adaptation of the EMG provides a useful and easy means of monitoring the presence, bilateralism, and length of the seizure.", "contents": "Portable electromyograph monitoring of unilateral ECT. The authors describe a portable electromyograph (EMG) designed for use in monitoring unilateral ECT. Administration of muscle relaxants in conjunction with ECT often makes it difficult to determine that an adequate response has been elicited. The authors feel that this adaptation of the EMG provides a useful and easy means of monitoring the presence, bilateralism, and length of the seizure.", "PMID": 984230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_782", "title": "The treatment of pathological panic states with propranolol.", "content": "The authors report on the effects of propranolol, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent, on 10 patients with pathological panic states. Propranolol was effective in treating acute pathological panic, but modest doses of the drug administered for brief periods of time did not alleviate chronic panic attacks associated with agoraphobia. The drug suppressed panic associated with depressive syndromes but did not affect the depression and had no clear effect on anticipatory anxiety. The authors suggest that further study of these findings may clarify other clinical problems.", "contents": "The treatment of pathological panic states with propranolol. The authors report on the effects of propranolol, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent, on 10 patients with pathological panic states. Propranolol was effective in treating acute pathological panic, but modest doses of the drug administered for brief periods of time did not alleviate chronic panic attacks associated with agoraphobia. The drug suppressed panic associated with depressive syndromes but did not affect the depression and had no clear effect on anticipatory anxiety. The authors suggest that further study of these findings may clarify other clinical problems.", "PMID": 984238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_783", "title": "Delinquency, psychomotor epileptic symptoms and paranoid ideation: a triad.", "content": "In a retrospective chart-review study, the author found psychomotor epileptic symptoms in 6% (N=18) of children referred to a juvenile court over a 2-year period. Abnormalities appeared in 11 of the 14 available EEGs, but temporal lobe foci were noted in only 3 cases. Of these 18 children, 16 experienced paranoid symptoms that led to aggressive behavior. The incidence of offenses against persons was 50% in this sample, compared to 2--3% in the population of children referred to the juvenile court. The author suggests that psychomotor epilepsy may be far more common among delinquent children than has been reported previously and should therefore be included in the differential diagnosis of court-referred children.", "contents": "Delinquency, psychomotor epileptic symptoms and paranoid ideation: a triad. In a retrospective chart-review study, the author found psychomotor epileptic symptoms in 6% (N=18) of children referred to a juvenile court over a 2-year period. Abnormalities appeared in 11 of the 14 available EEGs, but temporal lobe foci were noted in only 3 cases. Of these 18 children, 16 experienced paranoid symptoms that led to aggressive behavior. The incidence of offenses against persons was 50% in this sample, compared to 2--3% in the population of children referred to the juvenile court. The author suggests that psychomotor epilepsy may be far more common among delinquent children than has been reported previously and should therefore be included in the differential diagnosis of court-referred children.", "PMID": 984239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_784", "title": "Effects of legal pressure on prognosis for treatment of drug dependence.", "content": "The authors found that four measures of legal pressure were either unrelated or negatively related to retention and outcome in five drug abuse treatment modalities. This suggests that nonvolunteer clients are likely to be insufficiently motivated to benefit fully from treatment and their presence may adversely affect staff morale and prognosis of volunteer clients. The authors recommend that legal pressure not be used as a basis for assigning applicants to treatment modalities and suggest that treatment outcome might be improved by procedures that 1) deal clinically with motivational differences between volunteers and nonvolunteers, 2) establish stricter motivational criteria for admitting nonvolunteers, or 3) encourage enforcement of existing sanctions against violations of stipulations to treatment.", "contents": "Effects of legal pressure on prognosis for treatment of drug dependence. The authors found that four measures of legal pressure were either unrelated or negatively related to retention and outcome in five drug abuse treatment modalities. This suggests that nonvolunteer clients are likely to be insufficiently motivated to benefit fully from treatment and their presence may adversely affect staff morale and prognosis of volunteer clients. The authors recommend that legal pressure not be used as a basis for assigning applicants to treatment modalities and suggest that treatment outcome might be improved by procedures that 1) deal clinically with motivational differences between volunteers and nonvolunteers, 2) establish stricter motivational criteria for admitting nonvolunteers, or 3) encourage enforcement of existing sanctions against violations of stipulations to treatment.", "PMID": 984240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_785", "title": "The effect of lithium on impulsive aggressive behavior in man.", "content": "The authors conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effect of lithium on aggressive behavior. The 66 subjects, who were prisoners in a medium security institution, ranged in age from 16 to 24 years, were physically healthy and nonpsychotic, and had histories of chronic impulsive aggressive behavior. Subjects received lithium or placebo daily for up to 3 months. There was a significant reduction in aggressive behavior in the lithium group as measured by a decrease in infractions involving violence. The authors suggest that lithium can have a clinically useful effect upon impulsive aggressive behavior when this behavior is not associated with psychosis.", "contents": "The effect of lithium on impulsive aggressive behavior in man. The authors conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effect of lithium on aggressive behavior. The 66 subjects, who were prisoners in a medium security institution, ranged in age from 16 to 24 years, were physically healthy and nonpsychotic, and had histories of chronic impulsive aggressive behavior. Subjects received lithium or placebo daily for up to 3 months. There was a significant reduction in aggressive behavior in the lithium group as measured by a decrease in infractions involving violence. The authors suggest that lithium can have a clinically useful effect upon impulsive aggressive behavior when this behavior is not associated with psychosis.", "PMID": 984241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_786", "title": "An interpersonal approach to hysteria.", "content": "The author defines hysteria in terms of specific observable classes of interpersonal behaviors and examines the impact of these behaviors on the receiver. The hysteric communicates frailty and helplessness, thus structuring the interpersonal environment to ensure attention and inhibit aggression. The development of these roles is shown in histories of female hysterics, who were selectively reinforced for frailty, seductiveness, and passivity as children. The major classes of symptoms shown by adult hysterics--conversion symptoms and dissociative reactions--reflect these interpersonal roles. The author concludes that hysteria is a relatively specific interpersonal style that results from cultural, social, and interpersonal influences.", "contents": "An interpersonal approach to hysteria. The author defines hysteria in terms of specific observable classes of interpersonal behaviors and examines the impact of these behaviors on the receiver. The hysteric communicates frailty and helplessness, thus structuring the interpersonal environment to ensure attention and inhibit aggression. The development of these roles is shown in histories of female hysterics, who were selectively reinforced for frailty, seductiveness, and passivity as children. The major classes of symptoms shown by adult hysterics--conversion symptoms and dissociative reactions--reflect these interpersonal roles. The author concludes that hysteria is a relatively specific interpersonal style that results from cultural, social, and interpersonal influences.", "PMID": 984242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_787", "title": "Presence and persistence of depressive symptoms in patient and community populations.", "content": "The authors used a questionnaire to assess presence and persistence of 16 depression-associated symptoms in two inpatient groups and a random community sample. Nondepressed inpatients were more likely than the community population to experience psychological symptoms of depression, but persistence of the symptoms was the same for both groups. In contrast, significantly more depressed patients than community respondents indicated presence for all but 2 symptoms and persistence for all but 1. Thus persistence of symptoms may be more specific to depression than mere presence.", "contents": "Presence and persistence of depressive symptoms in patient and community populations. The authors used a questionnaire to assess presence and persistence of 16 depression-associated symptoms in two inpatient groups and a random community sample. Nondepressed inpatients were more likely than the community population to experience psychological symptoms of depression, but persistence of the symptoms was the same for both groups. In contrast, significantly more depressed patients than community respondents indicated presence for all but 2 symptoms and persistence for all but 1. Thus persistence of symptoms may be more specific to depression than mere presence.", "PMID": 984243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_788", "title": "Clinical depression among narcotic addicts maintained on methadone in the community.", "content": "In a study of 106 predominantly young, lower-social-class men participating in a methadone maintenance program, the authors found that about one-third were moderately to severely depressed as assessed on standard rating scales of depression. The depressive symptoms were associated with a decrease in social functioning, increase in stress in the past 6 months, and a history of alcohol abuse. Because the combination of depression and drug addiction creates a high risk for suicide, depressive symptoms require early detection and treatment. The authors point to the need for more research on treatment approaches, particularly the use of psychotropic drugs.", "contents": "Clinical depression among narcotic addicts maintained on methadone in the community. In a study of 106 predominantly young, lower-social-class men participating in a methadone maintenance program, the authors found that about one-third were moderately to severely depressed as assessed on standard rating scales of depression. The depressive symptoms were associated with a decrease in social functioning, increase in stress in the past 6 months, and a history of alcohol abuse. Because the combination of depression and drug addiction creates a high risk for suicide, depressive symptoms require early detection and treatment. The authors point to the need for more research on treatment approaches, particularly the use of psychotropic drugs.", "PMID": 984244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_789", "title": "Rate of psychiatric morbidity in a metropolitan county jail population.", "content": "The author describes social-psychiatric characteristics of 122 jail inmates examined while awaiting trail, 80% of them on felony charges. The estimated overall rate of psychiatric illness was 4.6%. The patient sample was significantly older and contained significantly more minority group men than the jail population as a whole. Thirty-six percent of the patients diagnosed as schizophrenic were arrested on misdemeanor charges. Drug dependency was diagnosed in 51% of the men but in only 15% of the women. Psychosis was diagnosed more frequently and alcoholism, anxiety neurosis, and antisocial personality less frequently than in studies of prison populations using similar diagnostic criteria.", "contents": "Rate of psychiatric morbidity in a metropolitan county jail population. The author describes social-psychiatric characteristics of 122 jail inmates examined while awaiting trail, 80% of them on felony charges. The estimated overall rate of psychiatric illness was 4.6%. The patient sample was significantly older and contained significantly more minority group men than the jail population as a whole. Thirty-six percent of the patients diagnosed as schizophrenic were arrested on misdemeanor charges. Drug dependency was diagnosed in 51% of the men but in only 15% of the women. Psychosis was diagnosed more frequently and alcoholism, anxiety neurosis, and antisocial personality less frequently than in studies of prison populations using similar diagnostic criteria.", "PMID": 984245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_790", "title": "The psychotherapist and informed consent.", "content": "The authors points out that psychotherapists are being increasingly required by law to function as instruments of social control. He believes it is incumbent on therapists to employ full and informed consent procedures with their patients in regard to the effects of providing psychiatric information to potential employers, insurance carriers, and other third parties.", "contents": "The psychotherapist and informed consent. The authors points out that psychotherapists are being increasingly required by law to function as instruments of social control. He believes it is incumbent on therapists to employ full and informed consent procedures with their patients in regard to the effects of providing psychiatric information to potential employers, insurance carriers, and other third parties.", "PMID": 984246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_791", "title": "Patients' expectations of therapeutic improvement and their outcomes.", "content": "The authors studied the relationship between patients' expectations of therapeutic improvement and their actual outcomes after 8 and 12 months of group psychotherapy. Using patients' self-evaluations and assessments by therapists and independent judges, they found a positive relationship between expectations and outcomes only when assessments were derived from patients. The authors discuss the possibility of a continuing expectational set in patients toward psychotherapy.", "contents": "Patients' expectations of therapeutic improvement and their outcomes. The authors studied the relationship between patients' expectations of therapeutic improvement and their actual outcomes after 8 and 12 months of group psychotherapy. Using patients' self-evaluations and assessments by therapists and independent judges, they found a positive relationship between expectations and outcomes only when assessments were derived from patients. The authors discuss the possibility of a continuing expectational set in patients toward psychotherapy.", "PMID": 984247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_792", "title": "Attitudes of psychiatric residents toward payment of psychotherapy fees.", "content": "A preliminary exploration of psychiatric residents' thinking on the subject of psychotherapy fees revealed a pattern of inconsistencies in attitudes and a divergence between attitudes and practice. The author discusses these findings in the light of theoretical considerations and the effect of such attitudes on clinic administration and patient treatment. He emphasizes education about and discussion of fees as important aspects of residency training.", "contents": "Attitudes of psychiatric residents toward payment of psychotherapy fees. A preliminary exploration of psychiatric residents' thinking on the subject of psychotherapy fees revealed a pattern of inconsistencies in attitudes and a divergence between attitudes and practice. The author discusses these findings in the light of theoretical considerations and the effect of such attitudes on clinic administration and patient treatment. He emphasizes education about and discussion of fees as important aspects of residency training.", "PMID": 984248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_793", "title": "Inspiration of psychotherapists by patients.", "content": "Many patients possess such exemplary traits and virtues that their psychotherapists are inspired to emulate them. This process can benefit the clinician and reinforce the therapeutic alliance, rapport, and the spirit of reciprocity; however, it can also arouse responses by the clinician that are therapeutically detrimental. Awareness of this hazard can enable the clinican to avert it and enhance the benefits provided by the patient's outstanding strengths.", "contents": "Inspiration of psychotherapists by patients. Many patients possess such exemplary traits and virtues that their psychotherapists are inspired to emulate them. This process can benefit the clinician and reinforce the therapeutic alliance, rapport, and the spirit of reciprocity; however, it can also arouse responses by the clinician that are therapeutically detrimental. Awareness of this hazard can enable the clinican to avert it and enhance the benefits provided by the patient's outstanding strengths.", "PMID": 984249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_794", "title": "Patient and staff reactions to a strike by essential hospital employees.", "content": "The authors sampled the feelings and attitudes of patients and staff toward an 8-day strike by 2,500 health care employees of a metropolitan hospital. The strike had a major impact, and most respondents felt angry at one of the parties of the strike. Sympathies toward the strikers and the hospital management were equally divided.", "contents": "Patient and staff reactions to a strike by essential hospital employees. The authors sampled the feelings and attitudes of patients and staff toward an 8-day strike by 2,500 health care employees of a metropolitan hospital. The strike had a major impact, and most respondents felt angry at one of the parties of the strike. Sympathies toward the strikers and the hospital management were equally divided.", "PMID": 984250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_795", "title": "Mania and schizo-affective disorder, main type: a comparison.", "content": "The authors report data gathered from a consecutive sample of 88 psychiatric inpatients who were diagnosed as having either manic disorder or schizo-affective disorder, manic type, according to Research Diagnostic Criteria (1) similar to those proposed for DSM-III. There were no differences between diagnostic groups on clinical psychopathological or demographic variables, individual or family history, or treatment response.", "contents": "Mania and schizo-affective disorder, main type: a comparison. The authors report data gathered from a consecutive sample of 88 psychiatric inpatients who were diagnosed as having either manic disorder or schizo-affective disorder, manic type, according to Research Diagnostic Criteria (1) similar to those proposed for DSM-III. There were no differences between diagnostic groups on clinical psychopathological or demographic variables, individual or family history, or treatment response.", "PMID": 984258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_796", "title": "Bilinguals in psychotherapy: language as an emotional barrier.", "content": "The English-speaking clinician frequently evaluates and treats patients whose mother tongue is not English. This paper summarizes some of the evidence supporting an emotional-detachment effect associated with speaking in a second language and describes its implications for the psychotherapy of this population.", "contents": "Bilinguals in psychotherapy: language as an emotional barrier. The English-speaking clinician frequently evaluates and treats patients whose mother tongue is not English. This paper summarizes some of the evidence supporting an emotional-detachment effect associated with speaking in a second language and describes its implications for the psychotherapy of this population.", "PMID": 984259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_797", "title": "Psychotherapy of the chronically suicidal patient.", "content": "A major issue in the psychotherapy of the chronically suicidal is the patient's avoidance of his responsibility. If the patient is not helped to recognize this avoidance, the therapist's efforts may be consigned to future attempts to either assume responsibility for the patient or to rescue him.", "contents": "Psychotherapy of the chronically suicidal patient. A major issue in the psychotherapy of the chronically suicidal is the patient's avoidance of his responsibility. If the patient is not helped to recognize this avoidance, the therapist's efforts may be consigned to future attempts to either assume responsibility for the patient or to rescue him.", "PMID": 984260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_798", "title": "Psychiatric problems within the satellite-extended families of Turkey.", "content": "The many Turkish villagers who now migrate to large Turkish cities or enter the European labor force try to create models of the extended families they leave behind. Their satellite families necessarily drift away from tradition, however, in the direction of greater independence. This process often triggers psychiatric symptom formation.", "contents": "Psychiatric problems within the satellite-extended families of Turkey. The many Turkish villagers who now migrate to large Turkish cities or enter the European labor force try to create models of the extended families they leave behind. Their satellite families necessarily drift away from tradition, however, in the direction of greater independence. This process often triggers psychiatric symptom formation.", "PMID": 984261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_799", "title": "Sex role psychodynamics in psychotherapy supervision.", "content": "Supervision of the female psychotherapy neophyte is discussed in relation to sex role-exacerbated ambivalence toward the transition from classroom passive-dependency to self-reliance as a professional clinician. Supervisors are alerted to hostile-dependent strategies, such as seductive flattery, that serve immediate ego-protective needs but ultimately block the attainment of fuller professional functioning.", "contents": "Sex role psychodynamics in psychotherapy supervision. Supervision of the female psychotherapy neophyte is discussed in relation to sex role-exacerbated ambivalence toward the transition from classroom passive-dependency to self-reliance as a professional clinician. Supervisors are alerted to hostile-dependent strategies, such as seductive flattery, that serve immediate ego-protective needs but ultimately block the attainment of fuller professional functioning.", "PMID": 984262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_800", "title": "Survivor themes in the supervision of psychotherapy.", "content": "Some themes of survivorhood are discussed in relation to their effects on the supervisory process. The focus of this paper is on the intrusive themes of survivor shame, survivor rage, and survivor panic. Three illustrative case examples are presented.", "contents": "Survivor themes in the supervision of psychotherapy. Some themes of survivorhood are discussed in relation to their effects on the supervisory process. The focus of this paper is on the intrusive themes of survivor shame, survivor rage, and survivor panic. Three illustrative case examples are presented.", "PMID": 984263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_801", "title": "The hard-of-hearing psychotherapist.", "content": "The hard-of-hearing psychotherapist is faced with special problems not faced by other therapists. This paper discusses these in a framework of reality, transference, and countertransference difficulties. Possible solutions are offered. The need of the therapist to work through his own feelings about his hearing deficit is discussed.", "contents": "The hard-of-hearing psychotherapist. The hard-of-hearing psychotherapist is faced with special problems not faced by other therapists. This paper discusses these in a framework of reality, transference, and countertransference difficulties. Possible solutions are offered. The need of the therapist to work through his own feelings about his hearing deficit is discussed.", "PMID": 984264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_802", "title": "Copsychotherapy of the individual patient: indications and operative factors.", "content": "The study analyzes the treatment by copsychotherapy of 56 individual patients carried out by a male-female therapist pair. The therapeutic contributions of the female cotherapist are scored (from evidence in the process notes) in terms of thirteen factors, and are listed in order of importance. Her contributions are greatest in the treatment of borderline psychotic personality disorders.", "contents": "Copsychotherapy of the individual patient: indications and operative factors. The study analyzes the treatment by copsychotherapy of 56 individual patients carried out by a male-female therapist pair. The therapeutic contributions of the female cotherapist are scored (from evidence in the process notes) in terms of thirteen factors, and are listed in order of importance. Her contributions are greatest in the treatment of borderline psychotic personality disorders.", "PMID": 984265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_803", "title": "The question of neutrality in psychotherapy.", "content": "The question of neutrality in psychotherapy is considered in the light of original historical psychoanalytic attitudes, and present usual practices. A disparity between what is reported and what is done is examined, and explanations for its existence are put forward.", "contents": "The question of neutrality in psychotherapy. The question of neutrality in psychotherapy is considered in the light of original historical psychoanalytic attitudes, and present usual practices. A disparity between what is reported and what is done is examined, and explanations for its existence are put forward.", "PMID": 984266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_804", "title": "Sadism revisited.", "content": "Sadism has been for a long time, among psychoanalytic and other writers, the subject of extensive theorizing and controversy. This paper takes a fresh look at the many dimensions (sexual, characterological, neurotic, psychotic, neurological) of this old aberrations.", "contents": "Sadism revisited. Sadism has been for a long time, among psychoanalytic and other writers, the subject of extensive theorizing and controversy. This paper takes a fresh look at the many dimensions (sexual, characterological, neurotic, psychotic, neurological) of this old aberrations.", "PMID": 984267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_805", "title": "The practice of dynamic pscyhotherapy in a circumscribed community.", "content": "The paper describes the changes produced in the practice of dynamic psychotherapy when conducted within a circumscribed region. The authors discuss changes in anonymity, roles, and transference relationships for both therapist and patient. The paper demonstrates these effects on the therapist's professional training, his practice, and his family.", "contents": "The practice of dynamic pscyhotherapy in a circumscribed community. The paper describes the changes produced in the practice of dynamic psychotherapy when conducted within a circumscribed region. The authors discuss changes in anonymity, roles, and transference relationships for both therapist and patient. The paper demonstrates these effects on the therapist's professional training, his practice, and his family.", "PMID": 984269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_806", "title": "The collapsing perimeter. A commentary on life, death, and death-in-life.", "content": "The individual is encased in an existential, phenomenological space that has the capacity to contract or expand, to isolate itself, or to join with others. An analysis is provided of how this individual space capsule functions under varying circumstances, such as depression, schizophrenia, sociopathy, divorce, child-battery, aging, death, overpopulation, cultural disruption, and execution.", "contents": "The collapsing perimeter. A commentary on life, death, and death-in-life. The individual is encased in an existential, phenomenological space that has the capacity to contract or expand, to isolate itself, or to join with others. An analysis is provided of how this individual space capsule functions under varying circumstances, such as depression, schizophrenia, sociopathy, divorce, child-battery, aging, death, overpopulation, cultural disruption, and execution.", "PMID": 984268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_807", "title": "Obsessive-compulsive neurosis after viewing the fetus during therapeutic abortion.", "content": "A case of obsessive-compulsive neurosis which developed in a young woman after she had viewed the fetus expelled during a therapeutic abortion with hypertonic saline is reported. The treatment, involving both psychodynamic psychotherapy and behavior therapy, illustrates the use and possible interaction of these therapies in the same patient.", "contents": "Obsessive-compulsive neurosis after viewing the fetus during therapeutic abortion. A case of obsessive-compulsive neurosis which developed in a young woman after she had viewed the fetus expelled during a therapeutic abortion with hypertonic saline is reported. The treatment, involving both psychodynamic psychotherapy and behavior therapy, illustrates the use and possible interaction of these therapies in the same patient.", "PMID": 984270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_808", "title": "Family planning services for persons handicapped by mental retardation.", "content": "The National Children's Center, Inc., and Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington joined in organizing a special family planning service for persons handicapped with mental retardation. The limited utilization, despite considerable community recruitment efforts, and the few problems encountered with patients served suggest that handicapped individuals can be seen at lower cost and at greater efficiency in regularly scheduled clinics, provided staff are attuned to their special needs. Informal interviews with residential center and clinic staff, with parents, and with clients confirm the need for (a) strengthening in-service training in sex education and contraception to prepare potential clients for more effective use of family planning services; (b) counseling with parents who place a high priority on training for independent community living but are reluctant to face the sexuality of their dependent offspring; and (c) increasing community awareness of the legitimate needs and rights of hard-to-reach handicapped persons in preventing unwanted pregnancies.", "contents": "Family planning services for persons handicapped by mental retardation. The National Children's Center, Inc., and Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington joined in organizing a special family planning service for persons handicapped with mental retardation. The limited utilization, despite considerable community recruitment efforts, and the few problems encountered with patients served suggest that handicapped individuals can be seen at lower cost and at greater efficiency in regularly scheduled clinics, provided staff are attuned to their special needs. Informal interviews with residential center and clinic staff, with parents, and with clients confirm the need for (a) strengthening in-service training in sex education and contraception to prepare potential clients for more effective use of family planning services; (b) counseling with parents who place a high priority on training for independent community living but are reluctant to face the sexuality of their dependent offspring; and (c) increasing community awareness of the legitimate needs and rights of hard-to-reach handicapped persons in preventing unwanted pregnancies.", "PMID": 984273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_809", "title": "A comparison of suicide and non-suicide deaths involving psychotropic drugs in four major U.S. cities.", "content": "By use of a standard reporting form, extensive data were gathered on 651 deaths involving psychotropic drugs and recorded with the Coroner's or Medical Examiner's Office in each of four major U.S. cities. Thirty-six per cent of these deaths were listed as \"Definitely Suicide\" and 44% were listed as \"Non-Suicide.\" A comparison was made of the age, sex, race, occupational category, and type of drug involved for each of these two groups, by city. In general, the Suicide group tended to be older, from higher occupational levels, and more often female. Blacks were under-represented among the Suicides but over-represented among the Non-Suicides. Suicide deaths tended to be associated with barbiturates, analgesics, and/or sedatives, while the Non-Suicides usually died from an accidental abuse of narcotics, usually heroin. These findings tended to be similar for each city, although some inter-city differences were noted.", "contents": "A comparison of suicide and non-suicide deaths involving psychotropic drugs in four major U.S. cities. By use of a standard reporting form, extensive data were gathered on 651 deaths involving psychotropic drugs and recorded with the Coroner's or Medical Examiner's Office in each of four major U.S. cities. Thirty-six per cent of these deaths were listed as \"Definitely Suicide\" and 44% were listed as \"Non-Suicide.\" A comparison was made of the age, sex, race, occupational category, and type of drug involved for each of these two groups, by city. In general, the Suicide group tended to be older, from higher occupational levels, and more often female. Blacks were under-represented among the Suicides but over-represented among the Non-Suicides. Suicide deaths tended to be associated with barbiturates, analgesics, and/or sedatives, while the Non-Suicides usually died from an accidental abuse of narcotics, usually heroin. These findings tended to be similar for each city, although some inter-city differences were noted.", "PMID": 984274} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_810", "title": "A study of volunteer ambulance squads.", "content": "A study of all 37 ambulance squads in two Pennsylvania counties (Lehigh and Northampton), an area known to be served largely by volunteer units, was carried out by personal on-site interviews in 1973. The objectives were to determine the structure and functions of the squads and to devise some preliminary estimates of effectiveness as a base for regional planning. Topics examined include population and geographic area served, numbers and training of personnel, vehicles, equipment, record keeping, finances, communications capabilities, and squad organization. The 34 volunteer squads were found to vary greatly in resources and sophistication. The rural squads in particular tended to be underfinanced, to have low call loads and a delayed response to calls. In some squads personnel were inadequate in numbers and training. The advantages and disadvantages of maintaining volunteer services in rural areas are discussed and some possible approaches to the problem of providing high-quality services in rural areas outlined.", "contents": "A study of volunteer ambulance squads. A study of all 37 ambulance squads in two Pennsylvania counties (Lehigh and Northampton), an area known to be served largely by volunteer units, was carried out by personal on-site interviews in 1973. The objectives were to determine the structure and functions of the squads and to devise some preliminary estimates of effectiveness as a base for regional planning. Topics examined include population and geographic area served, numbers and training of personnel, vehicles, equipment, record keeping, finances, communications capabilities, and squad organization. The 34 volunteer squads were found to vary greatly in resources and sophistication. The rural squads in particular tended to be underfinanced, to have low call loads and a delayed response to calls. In some squads personnel were inadequate in numbers and training. The advantages and disadvantages of maintaining volunteer services in rural areas are discussed and some possible approaches to the problem of providing high-quality services in rural areas outlined.", "PMID": 984275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_811", "title": "Pathways to the hospital for the geriatric psychiatric patient in New York and London.", "content": "This communication examines the pathways of geriatric psychiatric patients in New York and London from the time of onset of a psychiatric episode to hospitalization. Informants of 50 patients in each city were interviewed with a semi-structured interview covering the events and the patient's activities prior to hospitalization. The results show that the time from the onset of the episode to hospitalization is significantly shorter in London than it is in New York. The major portion of this difference is accounted for by the longer time spent London the doctor is significantly more involved in New York between episode onset and initial medical contact. In the decision to hospitalize. In New York the main reason for hospitalization is harmful behavior, while in London it is psychiatric symptoms.", "contents": "Pathways to the hospital for the geriatric psychiatric patient in New York and London. This communication examines the pathways of geriatric psychiatric patients in New York and London from the time of onset of a psychiatric episode to hospitalization. Informants of 50 patients in each city were interviewed with a semi-structured interview covering the events and the patient's activities prior to hospitalization. The results show that the time from the onset of the episode to hospitalization is significantly shorter in London than it is in New York. The major portion of this difference is accounted for by the longer time spent London the doctor is significantly more involved in New York between episode onset and initial medical contact. In the decision to hospitalize. In New York the main reason for hospitalization is harmful behavior, while in London it is psychiatric symptoms.", "PMID": 984276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_812", "title": "A comparative evaluation of the Scrub and Bass Methods of toothbrushing with flossing as an adjunct (in fifth and sixth graders).", "content": "The Scrub and Bass Methods of toothbrushing with flossing as an adjunct were evaluated to determine which is most effective in eliminating or reducing plaque and gingivitis in 5th and 6th grade school children. Three hundred and eleven children were randomly selected and placed in five groups (Scrub, Scrub-Floss, Bass, Bass-Floss, Comparison). Four Method groups went through four weeks of daily supervised toothbrushing with four dental hygienists, while the Comparison group received no supervised instructions. There was a marked effect on oral hygiene and gingival conditions at the end of the experimental period in all four groups with no one method superior to another. Peer group intercommunication probably accounts for the improvement in the comparison group.", "contents": "A comparative evaluation of the Scrub and Bass Methods of toothbrushing with flossing as an adjunct (in fifth and sixth graders). The Scrub and Bass Methods of toothbrushing with flossing as an adjunct were evaluated to determine which is most effective in eliminating or reducing plaque and gingivitis in 5th and 6th grade school children. Three hundred and eleven children were randomly selected and placed in five groups (Scrub, Scrub-Floss, Bass, Bass-Floss, Comparison). Four Method groups went through four weeks of daily supervised toothbrushing with four dental hygienists, while the Comparison group received no supervised instructions. There was a marked effect on oral hygiene and gingival conditions at the end of the experimental period in all four groups with no one method superior to another. Peer group intercommunication probably accounts for the improvement in the comparison group.", "PMID": 984277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_813", "title": "Lymphocytic choriomeningitis from pet hamster exposure: a local public health experience.", "content": "Eleven cases of hamster associated lymphocytic choriomeningitis occurred within a space of four months in Jefferson County, Alabama residents. A single Birmingham breeder was the source of the infected hamsters. Ten cases experienced an illness of one to three weeks duration with grippe-like symptoms being most frequent. Complaints of nine cases suggested meningeal involvement, and one was asymptomatic. All patients recovered uneventfully. Frequent hamster contact had occurred in most cases, although three individuals reported infrequent or room exposure to the animals. The holding of hamsters for observation prior to sale, random testing of all breeders' stock, and the distribution of printed information with each hamster sold are suggested as precautions against future outbreaks of this nature.", "contents": "Lymphocytic choriomeningitis from pet hamster exposure: a local public health experience. Eleven cases of hamster associated lymphocytic choriomeningitis occurred within a space of four months in Jefferson County, Alabama residents. A single Birmingham breeder was the source of the infected hamsters. Ten cases experienced an illness of one to three weeks duration with grippe-like symptoms being most frequent. Complaints of nine cases suggested meningeal involvement, and one was asymptomatic. All patients recovered uneventfully. Frequent hamster contact had occurred in most cases, although three individuals reported infrequent or room exposure to the animals. The holding of hamsters for observation prior to sale, random testing of all breeders' stock, and the distribution of printed information with each hamster sold are suggested as precautions against future outbreaks of this nature.", "PMID": 984278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_814", "title": "Patient responses to request for written permission to review medical records.", "content": "2,163 patients of 55 physicians in one county, were sent letters asking for their written permission to have their medical records audited by the University of Michigan research team. The overall positive response rate was 64.1% for one county. Differences in response rates were statistically significant among specialties, among diagnoses, and among individual physicians.", "contents": "Patient responses to request for written permission to review medical records. 2,163 patients of 55 physicians in one county, were sent letters asking for their written permission to have their medical records audited by the University of Michigan research team. The overall positive response rate was 64.1% for one county. Differences in response rates were statistically significant among specialties, among diagnoses, and among individual physicians.", "PMID": 984279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_815", "title": "Leukemia incidence and ethnicity in Nassau County, New York.", "content": "The religious distribution of Nassau County resident leukemia cases diagnosed between 1966 and 1974 was studied to see if the elevated incidence of the disease among Jews reported in the 1950s and early 1960s was persisting. The results showed, for both males and females, virtually no difference in attack rates between the Jewish and \"other white\" populations of the County.", "contents": "Leukemia incidence and ethnicity in Nassau County, New York. The religious distribution of Nassau County resident leukemia cases diagnosed between 1966 and 1974 was studied to see if the elevated incidence of the disease among Jews reported in the 1950s and early 1960s was persisting. The results showed, for both males and females, virtually no difference in attack rates between the Jewish and \"other white\" populations of the County.", "PMID": 984280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_816", "title": "Epidemiologic studies of Reye's syndrome: cases seen in Pittsburgh, October 1973-April 1975.", "content": "Twenty-seven cases of Reye's syndrome (RS) were admitted over a 19-month period to one urban hospital. All lived in a suburban or rural location and 23 cases occurred during two influenza outbreaks. Two to three months following the last cases of RS, 24 families of RS cases and 21 control families representing neighbors or friends were interviewed for factors which could predispose to RS. Children with RS had an illness immediately preceding the onset of RS more frequently than did controls (p less than .001). No other clinical, familial, or environmental factors distinguished RS children and families from controls. Water samples, collected during the interviews, from 34 homes showed no potential toxins. The geographic pattern of RS cases with localization exclusively to rural areas suggests that an as yet unidentified environmental factor may be related to the development of RS.", "contents": "Epidemiologic studies of Reye's syndrome: cases seen in Pittsburgh, October 1973-April 1975. Twenty-seven cases of Reye's syndrome (RS) were admitted over a 19-month period to one urban hospital. All lived in a suburban or rural location and 23 cases occurred during two influenza outbreaks. Two to three months following the last cases of RS, 24 families of RS cases and 21 control families representing neighbors or friends were interviewed for factors which could predispose to RS. Children with RS had an illness immediately preceding the onset of RS more frequently than did controls (p less than .001). No other clinical, familial, or environmental factors distinguished RS children and families from controls. Water samples, collected during the interviews, from 34 homes showed no potential toxins. The geographic pattern of RS cases with localization exclusively to rural areas suggests that an as yet unidentified environmental factor may be related to the development of RS.", "PMID": 984281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_817", "title": "Infectious hepatitis in a college football player.", "content": "The diagnosis of infectious hepatitis was made in a football player at East Carolina University in the 3rd week of fall practice in 1974. Clinical and laboratory evaluation of all persons involved in the program followed. All participants received immune serum globulin. No further cases were identified. Serum chemistry and enzyme levels were determined under uncontrolled conditions. Lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase were generally elevated.", "contents": "Infectious hepatitis in a college football player. The diagnosis of infectious hepatitis was made in a football player at East Carolina University in the 3rd week of fall practice in 1974. Clinical and laboratory evaluation of all persons involved in the program followed. All participants received immune serum globulin. No further cases were identified. Serum chemistry and enzyme levels were determined under uncontrolled conditions. Lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase were generally elevated.", "PMID": 984285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_818", "title": "Broken necks from diving accidents: a summer epidemic in young men.", "content": "Four years (1973-1973) of experience in the management of fractured cervical spine from diving accidents is examined with reference to clinical findings, radiology, prognosis, and socioeconomic aspects.", "contents": "Broken necks from diving accidents: a summer epidemic in young men. Four years (1973-1973) of experience in the management of fractured cervical spine from diving accidents is examined with reference to clinical findings, radiology, prognosis, and socioeconomic aspects.", "PMID": 984286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_819", "title": "Treatment of myositis ossificans traumatica in athletes.", "content": "Myositis ossificans traumatica, although it is one of a number of heterotopic bone formation entities, is a specific lesion with a clearly recognized etiology and natural evolutionary pattern. Early conservative treatment with rest, elevation, and immobilization minimizes additional trauma and decreases the likelihood of incapacitating bone formation. Subsequently, active range of motion exercises progressing to resistive exercises usually effect a satisfactory recovery and return to full athletic participation. With this treatment regimen, few athletes will be left with significant functional impairment. However, surgery does have a definite role in the treatment of this condition and is indicated in those athletes who develop a large mass of mature lamellar bone which is painful and is associated with muscle weakness and a significant loss of joint motion. Four patients are presented in which surgery resulted in satisfactory recovery and return to full participation in football.", "contents": "Treatment of myositis ossificans traumatica in athletes. Myositis ossificans traumatica, although it is one of a number of heterotopic bone formation entities, is a specific lesion with a clearly recognized etiology and natural evolutionary pattern. Early conservative treatment with rest, elevation, and immobilization minimizes additional trauma and decreases the likelihood of incapacitating bone formation. Subsequently, active range of motion exercises progressing to resistive exercises usually effect a satisfactory recovery and return to full athletic participation. With this treatment regimen, few athletes will be left with significant functional impairment. However, surgery does have a definite role in the treatment of this condition and is indicated in those athletes who develop a large mass of mature lamellar bone which is painful and is associated with muscle weakness and a significant loss of joint motion. Four patients are presented in which surgery resulted in satisfactory recovery and return to full participation in football.", "PMID": 984287} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_820", "title": "Isolated tear of the anterior cruciate ligament: 5-year follow-up study.", "content": "During the period 1967 to 1971, 64 cadets at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, had surgical repair for isolated tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. In a 5-year follow-up study to determine the functional impairment, present disability, and reinjury to the knee, 32 of the 64 patients were located and evaluated by radiographic examination and either by interview or by questionnaire. Twenty-two were commissioned to full duty. 23 had attended ranger or airborne school, and 16 had been in combat. Impairment of ordinary activities was noted by 12 and impairment of athletic endeavors by 24; pain by 71%; swelling by 66%; stiffness by 71%; and instability by 94%. Seventeen of the 32 had had a significant reinjury after the repair of the anterior cruciate ligament. Clinically, we can diagnose the isolated tear of the anterior cruciate ligament by four essential ingredients--a pop at time of injury, inability to continue participation, gross swelling of knee, and maximal swelling within 12 hr. The mechanism of injury is usually deceleration and change of direction, not contact with another player. The follow-up study on this small series indicates that the patients have progressive deterioration of the knee.", "contents": "Isolated tear of the anterior cruciate ligament: 5-year follow-up study. During the period 1967 to 1971, 64 cadets at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, had surgical repair for isolated tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. In a 5-year follow-up study to determine the functional impairment, present disability, and reinjury to the knee, 32 of the 64 patients were located and evaluated by radiographic examination and either by interview or by questionnaire. Twenty-two were commissioned to full duty. 23 had attended ranger or airborne school, and 16 had been in combat. Impairment of ordinary activities was noted by 12 and impairment of athletic endeavors by 24; pain by 71%; swelling by 66%; stiffness by 71%; and instability by 94%. Seventeen of the 32 had had a significant reinjury after the repair of the anterior cruciate ligament. Clinically, we can diagnose the isolated tear of the anterior cruciate ligament by four essential ingredients--a pop at time of injury, inability to continue participation, gross swelling of knee, and maximal swelling within 12 hr. The mechanism of injury is usually deceleration and change of direction, not contact with another player. The follow-up study on this small series indicates that the patients have progressive deterioration of the knee.", "PMID": 984289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_821", "title": "Surgical management of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum.", "content": "Ten cases of osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum which were treated surgically are reviewed. All 10 cases were males and involved the dominant side. The ages at surgery ranged from 13 to 17 years. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 7 years. All of the youths had competed in organized athletics, either baseball or football. By position there were three pitchers, two catchers, two infielders, and one outfielder; in addition there were one quarterback and one linebacker. Only one patient presented with locking of the elbow, whereas the others presented with pain and limitation of extension. The locked elbow was explored immediately and the others were explored after immobilization failed to relieve their symptoms. In seven of the joints a loose fragment of the capitellum was found lying either in the joint or in a defect in the capitellum. The fragment had multiple small holes. In three cases there was no loose fragment. In this situation a corticol window was cut above the capitellum. The capitellum was then drilled and bone was grafted from above. Over all, there were one excellent, six good, one fair, and two poor results. There seemed to be little difference between curretting alone or curetting and drilling. The cases with the cartilage intact and bone grafted from above did worse, with one fair and one poor result of three cases. The two poor results required further surgery, which consisted of partial excision of the capitellum. All cases lacked elbow extension before and after surgery, but nine of 10 gained some motion after surgery. Pre- and postoperative x-rays are shown in this report and a brief review of the literature concerning osteochondritis dissecans is presented.", "contents": "Surgical management of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum. Ten cases of osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum which were treated surgically are reviewed. All 10 cases were males and involved the dominant side. The ages at surgery ranged from 13 to 17 years. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 7 years. All of the youths had competed in organized athletics, either baseball or football. By position there were three pitchers, two catchers, two infielders, and one outfielder; in addition there were one quarterback and one linebacker. Only one patient presented with locking of the elbow, whereas the others presented with pain and limitation of extension. The locked elbow was explored immediately and the others were explored after immobilization failed to relieve their symptoms. In seven of the joints a loose fragment of the capitellum was found lying either in the joint or in a defect in the capitellum. The fragment had multiple small holes. In three cases there was no loose fragment. In this situation a corticol window was cut above the capitellum. The capitellum was then drilled and bone was grafted from above. Over all, there were one excellent, six good, one fair, and two poor results. There seemed to be little difference between curretting alone or curetting and drilling. The cases with the cartilage intact and bone grafted from above did worse, with one fair and one poor result of three cases. The two poor results required further surgery, which consisted of partial excision of the capitellum. All cases lacked elbow extension before and after surgery, but nine of 10 gained some motion after surgery. Pre- and postoperative x-rays are shown in this report and a brief review of the literature concerning osteochondritis dissecans is presented.", "PMID": 984288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_822", "title": "Alkaline reflux gastritis. A study in forty postoperative duodenal ulcer patients.", "content": "A study to determine the incidence of alkaline reflux gastritis in forty postoperative duodenal ulcer patients has been presented. Since the majority of patients had evidence of gastritis, the precise role that gastritis plays in the production of symptoms is discussed but needs further clarification. It is suggested that the presence of gastritis may only represent an incidental or associated finding in many patients presenting with symptoms presumably characteristics of alkaline reflux gastritis.", "contents": "Alkaline reflux gastritis. A study in forty postoperative duodenal ulcer patients. A study to determine the incidence of alkaline reflux gastritis in forty postoperative duodenal ulcer patients has been presented. Since the majority of patients had evidence of gastritis, the precise role that gastritis plays in the production of symptoms is discussed but needs further clarification. It is suggested that the presence of gastritis may only represent an incidental or associated finding in many patients presenting with symptoms presumably characteristics of alkaline reflux gastritis.", "PMID": 984295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_823", "title": "Contact cholangiography.", "content": "A technic of intraoperative contact cholangiography is described in which a sterile wrapped film is placed behind the mobilized duodenum and common bile duct. In series of 120 cholecystectomies this technic, in conjunction with conventional cholangiography, allowed a low rate of exploration of the common bile duct (15 per cent) and has detected otherwise unsuspected stones in two patients.", "contents": "Contact cholangiography. A technic of intraoperative contact cholangiography is described in which a sterile wrapped film is placed behind the mobilized duodenum and common bile duct. In series of 120 cholecystectomies this technic, in conjunction with conventional cholangiography, allowed a low rate of exploration of the common bile duct (15 per cent) and has detected otherwise unsuspected stones in two patients.", "PMID": 984296} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_824", "title": "The patient's view of the pes anserinus transfer operation for rotatory instability of the knee.", "content": "A review of 82 patients was performed to ascertain their subjective evaluations of the pes anserinus transfer procedure for rotatory instability of the knee. Analysis demonstrated a slow improvement in symptoms which occurred over a 12-month period. At that time, 62% of the patients had regained 90% of their preinjury confidence in knee stability.", "contents": "The patient's view of the pes anserinus transfer operation for rotatory instability of the knee. A review of 82 patients was performed to ascertain their subjective evaluations of the pes anserinus transfer procedure for rotatory instability of the knee. Analysis demonstrated a slow improvement in symptoms which occurred over a 12-month period. At that time, 62% of the patients had regained 90% of their preinjury confidence in knee stability.", "PMID": 984290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_825", "title": "Perforated gastroduodenal ulcers. Factors affecting morbidity and mortality and the role of definitive surgery.", "content": "Retrospective analysis of twenty-eight patients with perforated gastric ulcers and 141 patients with perforated duodenal ulcer showed that delay in surgery increased operative mortality. Gastrectomy is advocated for gastric ulcers, and definitive ulcer surgery, not plication, for duodenal ulcers.", "contents": "Perforated gastroduodenal ulcers. Factors affecting morbidity and mortality and the role of definitive surgery. Retrospective analysis of twenty-eight patients with perforated gastric ulcers and 141 patients with perforated duodenal ulcer showed that delay in surgery increased operative mortality. Gastrectomy is advocated for gastric ulcers, and definitive ulcer surgery, not plication, for duodenal ulcers.", "PMID": 984297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_826", "title": "Methods and rationale for closed treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures.", "content": "A method of closed treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures by casting, utilizing a long leg cast for 6 weeks and a short leg cast for 4 additional weeks, is presented. An experimental model using rabbits supports the clinical contention that closed approximation and immobilization of Achilles tendons allows tendon healing to progress, at least in the early stages. Observations made on the tendon sheath during early healing attribute a very positive role to it in providing needed blood supply to the tendon. The importance of maintaining a smooth gliding surface as well suggests that the tendon sheath should not be violated by surgical repair on the Achilles tendon.", "contents": "Methods and rationale for closed treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures. A method of closed treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures by casting, utilizing a long leg cast for 6 weeks and a short leg cast for 4 additional weeks, is presented. An experimental model using rabbits supports the clinical contention that closed approximation and immobilization of Achilles tendons allows tendon healing to progress, at least in the early stages. Observations made on the tendon sheath during early healing attribute a very positive role to it in providing needed blood supply to the tendon. The importance of maintaining a smooth gliding surface as well suggests that the tendon sheath should not be violated by surgical repair on the Achilles tendon.", "PMID": 984292} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_827", "title": "Changes in carbohydrate metabolism and endocrine function of remnant pancreas after major pancreatic resection.", "content": "Changes of glucose tolerance after partial pancreatectomy were divided into three types depending on the extent of resection. When 88 per cent or more of the pancreas was resected, hyperglycemia developed immediately, and when 70 to 88 per cent of the pancreas was resected, diabetes occurred after six weeks or more, but diabetes did not develop at all when less than 70 per cent of the pancreas was removed. The secretion of glucagon was maintained well, but that of insulin was easily impaired after resection of 70 per cent or more of the entire pancreas.", "contents": "Changes in carbohydrate metabolism and endocrine function of remnant pancreas after major pancreatic resection. Changes of glucose tolerance after partial pancreatectomy were divided into three types depending on the extent of resection. When 88 per cent or more of the pancreas was resected, hyperglycemia developed immediately, and when 70 to 88 per cent of the pancreas was resected, diabetes occurred after six weeks or more, but diabetes did not develop at all when less than 70 per cent of the pancreas was removed. The secretion of glucagon was maintained well, but that of insulin was easily impaired after resection of 70 per cent or more of the entire pancreas.", "PMID": 984298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_828", "title": "Electrocoagulation as primary therapy for rectal carcinoma.", "content": "The survival of forty-seven patients with cancer of the rectum treated by electrocoagulation is compared with thirty-seven patients treated by abdominoperineal resection. The one to ten year survival for the electrocoagulationgroup was 48 per cent and the one to eight year survival for the abdominoperineal resection group was 46 per cent. We believe that electrocoagulation when selectively applied has a place in the management of cancer of the rectum.", "contents": "Electrocoagulation as primary therapy for rectal carcinoma. The survival of forty-seven patients with cancer of the rectum treated by electrocoagulation is compared with thirty-seven patients treated by abdominoperineal resection. The one to ten year survival for the electrocoagulationgroup was 48 per cent and the one to eight year survival for the abdominoperineal resection group was 46 per cent. We believe that electrocoagulation when selectively applied has a place in the management of cancer of the rectum.", "PMID": 984299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_829", "title": "Ovarian teratomas in children. A thirty-three year experience.", "content": "During the thirty-three years from 1941 through 1973, forty-two children with ovarian teratomas were seen. The most common complaint was that of abdominal pain and the most common physical finding was palpable lower abdominal mass. Thirty-seven patients had ovarian teratomas with nature tissues only. Of these, two patients have been lost to follow-up and the remainder are alive and well. One patient had teratoma containing mature and immature tissues (embryonic); this patient has remained well since operation. Four patients had malignant teratoma. Of these, two patients are dead due to the tumor and the two are living and well for six and nine years, respectively.", "contents": "Ovarian teratomas in children. A thirty-three year experience. During the thirty-three years from 1941 through 1973, forty-two children with ovarian teratomas were seen. The most common complaint was that of abdominal pain and the most common physical finding was palpable lower abdominal mass. Thirty-seven patients had ovarian teratomas with nature tissues only. Of these, two patients have been lost to follow-up and the remainder are alive and well. One patient had teratoma containing mature and immature tissues (embryonic); this patient has remained well since operation. Four patients had malignant teratoma. Of these, two patients are dead due to the tumor and the two are living and well for six and nine years, respectively.", "PMID": 984300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_830", "title": "The injury problem in wrestling.", "content": "This paper presents an over-all view of the injuries associated with intercollegiate and interscholastic wrestling as conducted in the United States. It classifies injuries according to the mechanism of injury in wrestling and analyzes these mechanisms together with recommendations for treatment and prevention of these conditions.", "contents": "The injury problem in wrestling. This paper presents an over-all view of the injuries associated with intercollegiate and interscholastic wrestling as conducted in the United States. It classifies injuries according to the mechanism of injury in wrestling and analyzes these mechanisms together with recommendations for treatment and prevention of these conditions.", "PMID": 984294} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_831", "title": "Noninvasive measurement of pulsatile blood volume changes. Its usefulness in peripheral vascular disease.", "content": "A clinical trial was made of a new noninvasive technic for the measurement of arterial blood volume changes in a limb segment. The instrument employed is small, portable, provides a digital display in cc/min, is readily calibrated, gives reproducible values of the segmental phen be used to screen patients with peripheral vascular disease and to assess postoperative results.", "contents": "Noninvasive measurement of pulsatile blood volume changes. Its usefulness in peripheral vascular disease. A clinical trial was made of a new noninvasive technic for the measurement of arterial blood volume changes in a limb segment. The instrument employed is small, portable, provides a digital display in cc/min, is readily calibrated, gives reproducible values of the segmental phen be used to screen patients with peripheral vascular disease and to assess postoperative results.", "PMID": 984301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_832", "title": "The fate of patients with intermittent claudication managed nonoperatively.", "content": "Of 100 patients with intermittent claudication, followed an average of six years, a surprising 78 per cent either showed improvement or remained stable regarding the presenting complaint. However, 39 per cent showed evidence of further progression of atherosclerosis. In patients with femoropopliteal occlusion in one leg, almost 40 per cent had occlusion in the one leg, almost 40 per cent had occlusion in the other leg after two to six years. The amputation rate was 7 per cent but six of these seven patients had severe diabetes. This study suggests that we are not causing limb loss by adhering to stringent criteria for bypass grafting. It also suggests that the patient with intermittent claudication without associated grave signs has a better than 50 per cent chance of improving and a better than 60 per cent chance that his disease will not show evidence of significant progression during a five to six year period. Such data should be taken into consideration when patients are considered for arterial reconstruction.", "contents": "The fate of patients with intermittent claudication managed nonoperatively. Of 100 patients with intermittent claudication, followed an average of six years, a surprising 78 per cent either showed improvement or remained stable regarding the presenting complaint. However, 39 per cent showed evidence of further progression of atherosclerosis. In patients with femoropopliteal occlusion in one leg, almost 40 per cent had occlusion in the one leg, almost 40 per cent had occlusion in the other leg after two to six years. The amputation rate was 7 per cent but six of these seven patients had severe diabetes. This study suggests that we are not causing limb loss by adhering to stringent criteria for bypass grafting. It also suggests that the patient with intermittent claudication without associated grave signs has a better than 50 per cent chance of improving and a better than 60 per cent chance that his disease will not show evidence of significant progression during a five to six year period. Such data should be taken into consideration when patients are considered for arterial reconstruction.", "PMID": 984302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_833", "title": "Delayed mastectomy after outpatient breast biopsy. Long-term survival study.", "content": "Forty-one patients who had outpatient biopsy and delayed mastectomy (most within 3 days) were subjected to long-term survival study. The ten year and longer survival studies revealed no deleterious effects from this procedure. The improved statistics were believed due to operation on lesions considered clinically benign, the short period of delay, and a low incidence of axillary metastasis.", "contents": "Delayed mastectomy after outpatient breast biopsy. Long-term survival study. Forty-one patients who had outpatient biopsy and delayed mastectomy (most within 3 days) were subjected to long-term survival study. The ten year and longer survival studies revealed no deleterious effects from this procedure. The improved statistics were believed due to operation on lesions considered clinically benign, the short period of delay, and a low incidence of axillary metastasis.", "PMID": 984303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_834", "title": "The Post-Mastectomy Rehabilitation Group program. Structure, procedure, and population demography.", "content": "Memorial Hospital, New York City, clinical section of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, has developed a Post-Mastectomy Rehabilitation Group (PMRG) which provides a comprehensive structure program to enable the mastectomy patient to regain functional use of her arm and shoulder on the affected side, and to adapt functionally, psychologically, and emotionally to the loss of her breast and the diagnosis of cancer in the shortest time possible. This first segment of an evaluation of the program outlines the PMRG structure and operating procedures and presents basic demographic data (age, type of mastectomy, preoperative activity status) for 863 of the 1,400 mastectomy patients who attended the program since inception in 1970. Additional reports will focus on the physical and psychologic aspects of recovery and readjustment.", "contents": "The Post-Mastectomy Rehabilitation Group program. Structure, procedure, and population demography. Memorial Hospital, New York City, clinical section of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, has developed a Post-Mastectomy Rehabilitation Group (PMRG) which provides a comprehensive structure program to enable the mastectomy patient to regain functional use of her arm and shoulder on the affected side, and to adapt functionally, psychologically, and emotionally to the loss of her breast and the diagnosis of cancer in the shortest time possible. This first segment of an evaluation of the program outlines the PMRG structure and operating procedures and presents basic demographic data (age, type of mastectomy, preoperative activity status) for 863 of the 1,400 mastectomy patients who attended the program since inception in 1970. Additional reports will focus on the physical and psychologic aspects of recovery and readjustment.", "PMID": 984304} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_835", "title": "Scar contracture after neck dissection. Causes, prevention, and treatment.", "content": "Every effort should be made to employ neck incisions that allow for the accomplishment of surgical extirpative goals and at the same time provide maximal functional and aesthetic rehabilitation. Incisions parallel to the normal skin tension lines best fulfill these criteria. When vertical incisions are used, they should be anteriorly directed so as to cross the skin crease lines at an acute angle rather than a perpendicular angle. Such incisions perpendicular to the normal skin crease lines usually result in the greatest degree of scar contracture. Significant improvement in both major and minor scar contractures can be achieved with conventional Z-plasty technics to redistribute the skin tension. A wide resection of the subcutaneous cicatrix in such cases is imperative for a successful result.", "contents": "Scar contracture after neck dissection. Causes, prevention, and treatment. Every effort should be made to employ neck incisions that allow for the accomplishment of surgical extirpative goals and at the same time provide maximal functional and aesthetic rehabilitation. Incisions parallel to the normal skin tension lines best fulfill these criteria. When vertical incisions are used, they should be anteriorly directed so as to cross the skin crease lines at an acute angle rather than a perpendicular angle. Such incisions perpendicular to the normal skin crease lines usually result in the greatest degree of scar contracture. Significant improvement in both major and minor scar contractures can be achieved with conventional Z-plasty technics to redistribute the skin tension. A wide resection of the subcutaneous cicatrix in such cases is imperative for a successful result.", "PMID": 984305} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_836", "title": "Management of thyroid nodules in the elderly.", "content": "Eleven malignant thyroid tumors were found in 100 consecutive patients more than sixty years old having thyroid operations. Based on preoperative findings, these 100 patients could be separated into two groups according to high and low risk for malignancy. Clinical manifestations in the high risk group were presence of a discrete cold thyroid nodule, hoarseness, dysphagia, an enlarging mass, or palpable ipsilateral cervical adenopathy; and in the low risk group, asymptomatic multinodular goiter, diffusely enlarged glands with elevated antithyroid antibody titers, and a family history of goiter. All eleven patients with malignant thyroid tumors were found in the sixty-six patients considered at high risk, whereas no malignant lesions were found in the low risk patients. Six of the malignant thyroid tumors were undifferentiated and in three of these a thyroid nodule had been present for more than fifteen years. There were no operative deaths and only one significant complication, a recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Thyroidectomy is indicated for elderly patients with thyroid nudules who have features of the high risk group, whereas patients in the low risk group can be safely followed.", "contents": "Management of thyroid nodules in the elderly. Eleven malignant thyroid tumors were found in 100 consecutive patients more than sixty years old having thyroid operations. Based on preoperative findings, these 100 patients could be separated into two groups according to high and low risk for malignancy. Clinical manifestations in the high risk group were presence of a discrete cold thyroid nodule, hoarseness, dysphagia, an enlarging mass, or palpable ipsilateral cervical adenopathy; and in the low risk group, asymptomatic multinodular goiter, diffusely enlarged glands with elevated antithyroid antibody titers, and a family history of goiter. All eleven patients with malignant thyroid tumors were found in the sixty-six patients considered at high risk, whereas no malignant lesions were found in the low risk patients. Six of the malignant thyroid tumors were undifferentiated and in three of these a thyroid nodule had been present for more than fifteen years. There were no operative deaths and only one significant complication, a recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Thyroidectomy is indicated for elderly patients with thyroid nudules who have features of the high risk group, whereas patients in the low risk group can be safely followed.", "PMID": 984306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_837", "title": "Thyroid angiography.", "content": "Twelve patients were studied by selective thyroid angiography for the evaluation of solitary thyroid nodule. Under aseptic conditions with local anesthesia a No 7 preshaped catheter was introduced through the femoral artery and guided to the thyrocervical trunk and inferior thyroid artery. Selectively, 2 to 6 cc of the contrast material was injected and a series of radiographs were taken. Striking differences were noticed in vessels in abnormal thyroid gland. In colloid goiter there was no filling of the vessels in the nodule. In fetal adenoma there was unusual branching of the vessels but no arteriovenous communications. In carcinoma, along with increased vascularities and abnormal branching, arteriovenous communications were noted.", "contents": "Thyroid angiography. Twelve patients were studied by selective thyroid angiography for the evaluation of solitary thyroid nodule. Under aseptic conditions with local anesthesia a No 7 preshaped catheter was introduced through the femoral artery and guided to the thyrocervical trunk and inferior thyroid artery. Selectively, 2 to 6 cc of the contrast material was injected and a series of radiographs were taken. Striking differences were noticed in vessels in abnormal thyroid gland. In colloid goiter there was no filling of the vessels in the nodule. In fetal adenoma there was unusual branching of the vessels but no arteriovenous communications. In carcinoma, along with increased vascularities and abnormal branching, arteriovenous communications were noted.", "PMID": 984307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_838", "title": "Prediction of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodules in a country with endemic goiter.", "content": "From January 1962 through October 1975, 455 patients with single thyroid nodules were operated on at King Paul Hospital. Malignancy was proved in forty-three patients. The overall incidence of carcinoma was 9.5 per cent. A higher incidence of cancer was found in patients less than ten years of age (40 per cent), between eleven and twenty years of age (20 per cent), and more than sixty-one years of age (17.4 per cent). Malignant nodules were more frequent in males (17.5 per cent) than in females (8.3 per cent). Radioactive iodine scanning does not distinguish benign from malignant nodule. Solitary thyroid nodules require operative excision supplemented with replacement therapy.", "contents": "Prediction of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodules in a country with endemic goiter. From January 1962 through October 1975, 455 patients with single thyroid nodules were operated on at King Paul Hospital. Malignancy was proved in forty-three patients. The overall incidence of carcinoma was 9.5 per cent. A higher incidence of cancer was found in patients less than ten years of age (40 per cent), between eleven and twenty years of age (20 per cent), and more than sixty-one years of age (17.4 per cent). Malignant nodules were more frequent in males (17.5 per cent) than in females (8.3 per cent). Radioactive iodine scanning does not distinguish benign from malignant nodule. Solitary thyroid nodules require operative excision supplemented with replacement therapy.", "PMID": 984308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_839", "title": "Intra-arterial sympathetic blockade in the treatment of clinical frostbite.", "content": "Regional medical sympathectomy achieved by the intra-arterial injection of reserpine appeared to be of benefit in the treatment of five patients with acute or chronic frostbite injuries. Clinical improvement was associated with a significant increase in arteriographically determined regional perfusion.", "contents": "Intra-arterial sympathetic blockade in the treatment of clinical frostbite. Regional medical sympathectomy achieved by the intra-arterial injection of reserpine appeared to be of benefit in the treatment of five patients with acute or chronic frostbite injuries. Clinical improvement was associated with a significant increase in arteriographically determined regional perfusion.", "PMID": 984309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_840", "title": "Immunotherapy of cancer with \"immune\" RNA. A preliminary report.", "content": "A phase I clinical trial of immunotherapy with \"Immune\" RNA was undertaken fifteen months ago. Twenty-six cancer patients were treated with RNA extracted from the lymphoid organs of sheep immunized with either autologous tumor cells or allogeneic tumor cells of the same histologic type. Eighteen patients had gross disease and eight had minimum residual disease. RNA was administered weekly, intradermally, at doses up to 9 mg/week without any significant local or systemic toxicity. Four patients improved, thirteen achieved stability of disease or possible improvement, seven were treatment failures, and two are indeterminate. Lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity to allogeneic tumor target cells of the same histologic type were monitored in eleven patients. In seven patients, cytotoxicity increased after \"Immune\" RNA therapy; no change was observed in three patients; a decrease was noted in one patient. There appeared to be a possible correlation between cytotoxicity assessed in vitro and clinical response. There is some evidence that these responses may be specific for the particular tumor used to immunize the RNA donor.", "contents": "Immunotherapy of cancer with \"immune\" RNA. A preliminary report. A phase I clinical trial of immunotherapy with \"Immune\" RNA was undertaken fifteen months ago. Twenty-six cancer patients were treated with RNA extracted from the lymphoid organs of sheep immunized with either autologous tumor cells or allogeneic tumor cells of the same histologic type. Eighteen patients had gross disease and eight had minimum residual disease. RNA was administered weekly, intradermally, at doses up to 9 mg/week without any significant local or systemic toxicity. Four patients improved, thirteen achieved stability of disease or possible improvement, seven were treatment failures, and two are indeterminate. Lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity to allogeneic tumor target cells of the same histologic type were monitored in eleven patients. In seven patients, cytotoxicity increased after \"Immune\" RNA therapy; no change was observed in three patients; a decrease was noted in one patient. There appeared to be a possible correlation between cytotoxicity assessed in vitro and clinical response. There is some evidence that these responses may be specific for the particular tumor used to immunize the RNA donor.", "PMID": 984310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_841", "title": "Pelvic fractures: an anatomic guide to severity of injury. Review of 100 cases.", "content": "A series of 100 cases of pelvic fracture secondary to violent trauma were reviewed and divided into two anatomic groups, those with pure anterior arch fractures (57 patients) and those with posterior fractures (43 patients). By this classification, mortality and associated injury are shown to be markedly increased in those patients with posterior fractures. A detailed study of the major complications has shown that a conservative approach to these injuries is probably the safest for the patient. Major blood loss is the rule rather than the exception and restoration of an adequate circulating volume by transfusion should precede operative attempts to control continuing retroperitoneal hemorrhage.", "contents": "Pelvic fractures: an anatomic guide to severity of injury. Review of 100 cases. A series of 100 cases of pelvic fracture secondary to violent trauma were reviewed and divided into two anatomic groups, those with pure anterior arch fractures (57 patients) and those with posterior fractures (43 patients). By this classification, mortality and associated injury are shown to be markedly increased in those patients with posterior fractures. A detailed study of the major complications has shown that a conservative approach to these injuries is probably the safest for the patient. Major blood loss is the rule rather than the exception and restoration of an adequate circulating volume by transfusion should precede operative attempts to control continuing retroperitoneal hemorrhage.", "PMID": 984311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_842", "title": "Fatal drug reactions in patients admitted to surgical services.", "content": "In a defined group of 10,281 generally healthy inpatients admitted to surgical services, two deaths were identified as being due in part to an adverse effect of a drug, for a rate of 0.19 drug-related dealths/1,000 surgical patients (approximate 95 per cent confidence limits, 0.02 to 0.71/1,000). Both deaths occurred in women more than sixty years old and were due to hemorrhage associated with heparin therapy.", "contents": "Fatal drug reactions in patients admitted to surgical services. In a defined group of 10,281 generally healthy inpatients admitted to surgical services, two deaths were identified as being due in part to an adverse effect of a drug, for a rate of 0.19 drug-related dealths/1,000 surgical patients (approximate 95 per cent confidence limits, 0.02 to 0.71/1,000). Both deaths occurred in women more than sixty years old and were due to hemorrhage associated with heparin therapy.", "PMID": 984312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_843", "title": "Choledochocele of the common bile duct.", "content": "The eighth report case of choledochocele is described. This lesion is a cyst communicating with the terminal portion of the common bile duct. It is characteristically lined with duodenal mucosa and is probably a form of duplication of the duodenum. The surgical treatment is marsupialization of the cyst to the interior of the duodenum.", "contents": "Choledochocele of the common bile duct. The eighth report case of choledochocele is described. This lesion is a cyst communicating with the terminal portion of the common bile duct. It is characteristically lined with duodenal mucosa and is probably a form of duplication of the duodenum. The surgical treatment is marsupialization of the cyst to the interior of the duodenum.", "PMID": 984313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_844", "title": "Hyperparathyroidism with coexisting hyperthyroidism.", "content": "Diagnosis of parathyroid disease in patients with hyperthyroidism may be difficult on clinical findings alone. Radiologic examination of the bones suggested the possibility of parathyroid disease in this patient. Confirmation of the diagnosis was made when serum calcium levels remained elevated in spite of adequate antithyroid medication. Measurement of serum parathyroid hormone levels may prove to be of greatest value. Of additional interest is the fact that the patient, before her symptoms became apparent, delivered an infant with congenital hypoparathyroidism.", "contents": "Hyperparathyroidism with coexisting hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis of parathyroid disease in patients with hyperthyroidism may be difficult on clinical findings alone. Radiologic examination of the bones suggested the possibility of parathyroid disease in this patient. Confirmation of the diagnosis was made when serum calcium levels remained elevated in spite of adequate antithyroid medication. Measurement of serum parathyroid hormone levels may prove to be of greatest value. Of additional interest is the fact that the patient, before her symptoms became apparent, delivered an infant with congenital hypoparathyroidism.", "PMID": 984314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_845", "title": "Pancreatic duct obstruction by a benign polypoid adenoma of the ampulla of Vater.", "content": "An unusual presentation of polyp of the ampulla of Vater is described. The patient initially had a chronic relapsing pancreatitis. Pancreatocholangiography revealed a tumor in the main pancreatic duct that proved to be a pedunculated polyp of the ampulla of Vater by operation. Transduodenal excision and sphincteroplasty may cure the lesion and relieve the symptoms of this disease.", "contents": "Pancreatic duct obstruction by a benign polypoid adenoma of the ampulla of Vater. An unusual presentation of polyp of the ampulla of Vater is described. The patient initially had a chronic relapsing pancreatitis. Pancreatocholangiography revealed a tumor in the main pancreatic duct that proved to be a pedunculated polyp of the ampulla of Vater by operation. Transduodenal excision and sphincteroplasty may cure the lesion and relieve the symptoms of this disease.", "PMID": 984315} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_846", "title": "Significance of selective arteriographic patterns in the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery in portal hypertension.", "content": "Selective celiac and superior mesenteric arteriographies were performed in patients with portal hypertension. An arterioarterial (A-A) shunt between the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac axis via pancreatic arcades was found in fifteen of forty-three patients with associated massive splenomegaly. A mild A-A shunt disappeared after portacaval anastomosis alone, whereas a prominent A-A shunt was reduced but persisted. The persisting A-A shunt disappeared after splenectomy. These findings led us to suggest that the paucity of the blood flow in the common hepatic artery concomitant with increased splenic arterial flow to the massively enlarged spleen may result in a compensatory supply to the liver from the superior mesenteric artery via the shunt.", "contents": "Significance of selective arteriographic patterns in the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery in portal hypertension. Selective celiac and superior mesenteric arteriographies were performed in patients with portal hypertension. An arterioarterial (A-A) shunt between the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac axis via pancreatic arcades was found in fifteen of forty-three patients with associated massive splenomegaly. A mild A-A shunt disappeared after portacaval anastomosis alone, whereas a prominent A-A shunt was reduced but persisted. The persisting A-A shunt disappeared after splenectomy. These findings led us to suggest that the paucity of the blood flow in the common hepatic artery concomitant with increased splenic arterial flow to the massively enlarged spleen may result in a compensatory supply to the liver from the superior mesenteric artery via the shunt.", "PMID": 984316} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_847", "title": "Motility of gastric tubes.", "content": "In gastric tubes interposed between small bowel a clear wave pattern was found, differing markedly from the bowl above and below. The gastric tube appears to be not an inert conduit since it continues to exhibit automatic rhythmic contraction. The possibility of slowing intestinal transit by the interposition of an antiperistaltic gastric tube seems to be supported by the demonstration of regular contraction.", "contents": "Motility of gastric tubes. In gastric tubes interposed between small bowel a clear wave pattern was found, differing markedly from the bowl above and below. The gastric tube appears to be not an inert conduit since it continues to exhibit automatic rhythmic contraction. The possibility of slowing intestinal transit by the interposition of an antiperistaltic gastric tube seems to be supported by the demonstration of regular contraction.", "PMID": 984317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_848", "title": "The use of drains in subcutaneous surgical procedures.", "content": "Continuous suction, negative pressure drains serve as an excellent \"atmospheric bandage\" in subcutaneous surgical procedures while helping to expedite wound healing and impede complications secondary to tissue plane dissection.", "contents": "The use of drains in subcutaneous surgical procedures. Continuous suction, negative pressure drains serve as an excellent \"atmospheric bandage\" in subcutaneous surgical procedures while helping to expedite wound healing and impede complications secondary to tissue plane dissection.", "PMID": 984318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_849", "title": "Use of the nephrocholedochoscope in vascular surgery.", "content": "The nephrocholedochoscope designed for inspection of the ductal system of the urinary and bladder tracts has proved to be a useful method for examining the denuded vessel wall after limited blind endarterectomy. This technic is especially helpful in endarterectomy of the common iliac arteries and also has application in surgery of the profunda femoris, renal artery, and internal carotid artery.", "contents": "Use of the nephrocholedochoscope in vascular surgery. The nephrocholedochoscope designed for inspection of the ductal system of the urinary and bladder tracts has proved to be a useful method for examining the denuded vessel wall after limited blind endarterectomy. This technic is especially helpful in endarterectomy of the common iliac arteries and also has application in surgery of the profunda femoris, renal artery, and internal carotid artery.", "PMID": 984320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_850", "title": "A needle holder for vascular and plastic surgery.", "content": "A needle holder is described that can be oriented to both the long and transverse axes of the hand, can be used with equal facility in either hand, and because of its narrow configuration is less apt to obscure the operative field.", "contents": "A needle holder for vascular and plastic surgery. A needle holder is described that can be oriented to both the long and transverse axes of the hand, can be used with equal facility in either hand, and because of its narrow configuration is less apt to obscure the operative field.", "PMID": 984321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_851", "title": "Pentobarbitone premedication for anaesthesia. The influence of the preparation and route of administration on its clinical action.", "content": "Studies were carried out in the pre-operative period on patients premedicated with 100 mg pentobarbitone given by mouth or by intramuscular injection into the buttock. The injections were given by doctors using a 4 cm needle or by nurses using the needle of their choosing and two preparations were used. One was a freshly prepared aqueous solution and the other the commercially available organic solution (Nembutal) with propylene glycol, alcohol and water as solvents. An unacceptably high incidence of persistent injection site pain occurred after the use of the organic preparation but not with the aqueous solution. Otherwise no difference was detected between the effects of the two preparations. Drugs injected by doctors were, on the whole, more effective as premedicants than those injected by nurses. Oral pentobarbitone was not as effective a premedicant as the intramuscular preparation and its anxiolytic action did not differ from that of the placebo. Relief of apprehension was disappointing with all preparations of 100 mg pentobarbitone and was not as good as with diazepam. This may be attributed to the use of too small doses but larger injection volumes would have caused their own problems.", "contents": "Pentobarbitone premedication for anaesthesia. The influence of the preparation and route of administration on its clinical action. Studies were carried out in the pre-operative period on patients premedicated with 100 mg pentobarbitone given by mouth or by intramuscular injection into the buttock. The injections were given by doctors using a 4 cm needle or by nurses using the needle of their choosing and two preparations were used. One was a freshly prepared aqueous solution and the other the commercially available organic solution (Nembutal) with propylene glycol, alcohol and water as solvents. An unacceptably high incidence of persistent injection site pain occurred after the use of the organic preparation but not with the aqueous solution. Otherwise no difference was detected between the effects of the two preparations. Drugs injected by doctors were, on the whole, more effective as premedicants than those injected by nurses. Oral pentobarbitone was not as effective a premedicant as the intramuscular preparation and its anxiolytic action did not differ from that of the placebo. Relief of apprehension was disappointing with all preparations of 100 mg pentobarbitone and was not as good as with diazepam. This may be attributed to the use of too small doses but larger injection volumes would have caused their own problems.", "PMID": 984352} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_852", "title": "Plasma pentobarbitone levels. Estimation by gas-liquid chromatography after clinical doses.", "content": "A simple and relatively quick method of estimating pentobarbitone in plasma samples is reported using an ether extraction and gas-liquid chromatography. Glutethimide was used as the internal standard and proved reliable. Reproducible results were obtained in plasma following 100 mg pentobarbitone given by mouth or intramuscular injection. Evaporation in a heating block at 37 degrees C and storage of samples at -20 degrees C prior to analysis is recommended.", "contents": "Plasma pentobarbitone levels. Estimation by gas-liquid chromatography after clinical doses. A simple and relatively quick method of estimating pentobarbitone in plasma samples is reported using an ether extraction and gas-liquid chromatography. Glutethimide was used as the internal standard and proved reliable. Reproducible results were obtained in plasma following 100 mg pentobarbitone given by mouth or intramuscular injection. Evaporation in a heating block at 37 degrees C and storage of samples at -20 degrees C prior to analysis is recommended.", "PMID": 984353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_853", "title": "Plasma pentobarbitone levels. Influence of the preparation, route and method of administration.", "content": "In fit women plasma pentobarbitone was measured by gas-liquid chromatography after 100 mg given by mouth or intramuscular injection in the buttock using aqueous and organic solutions. Differences in plasma levels with the two solutions were not striking. Considerable inter-administrator difference occurred with significantly higher plasma levels when the drug was injected by a doctor using a 4 cm 21 s.w.g. needle as compared with nurses who used no specified injection technique. The oral route gave significantly higher plasma levels than nurse-given injections.", "contents": "Plasma pentobarbitone levels. Influence of the preparation, route and method of administration. In fit women plasma pentobarbitone was measured by gas-liquid chromatography after 100 mg given by mouth or intramuscular injection in the buttock using aqueous and organic solutions. Differences in plasma levels with the two solutions were not striking. Considerable inter-administrator difference occurred with significantly higher plasma levels when the drug was injected by a doctor using a 4 cm 21 s.w.g. needle as compared with nurses who used no specified injection technique. The oral route gave significantly higher plasma levels than nurse-given injections.", "PMID": 984354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_854", "title": "An approach to programmed anaesthesia.", "content": "This approach to programmed anaesthesia uses a pharmakokinetic model to predict the rate at which halothane must be administered to achieve and maintain a preselected tension within the brain. 'In-course' corrections are also applied to this predictive regime on the basis of variations in the respired minute volume which is taken as an indicator of the depth of anaesthesia. Experimental data on the accuracy of the model and the performance of the corrective control unit are presented.", "contents": "An approach to programmed anaesthesia. This approach to programmed anaesthesia uses a pharmakokinetic model to predict the rate at which halothane must be administered to achieve and maintain a preselected tension within the brain. 'In-course' corrections are also applied to this predictive regime on the basis of variations in the respired minute volume which is taken as an indicator of the depth of anaesthesia. Experimental data on the accuracy of the model and the performance of the corrective control unit are presented.", "PMID": 984355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_855", "title": "Anaesthetist in Salalah. Experience in a field surgical team.", "content": "A tour of 4 months with a static Field Surgical Team supporting military operations is described. Some of the problems of resuscitation and anaesthesia which were encountered are discussed. The anaesthetist's training in intensive care and the management of acute medical problems have a major part to play in a field hospital particularly in an isolated area. The management of coagulation disorders remains a major problem.", "contents": "Anaesthetist in Salalah. Experience in a field surgical team. A tour of 4 months with a static Field Surgical Team supporting military operations is described. Some of the problems of resuscitation and anaesthesia which were encountered are discussed. The anaesthetist's training in intensive care and the management of acute medical problems have a major part to play in a field hospital particularly in an isolated area. The management of coagulation disorders remains a major problem.", "PMID": 984356} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_856", "title": "Perinatal mortality after epidural analgesia.", "content": "A retrospective survey has been carried out of 6442 births during 1973-1974 in Cardiff. Lumbar epidural block had been administered to the mothers of 13-7% (885) of the births, the principle indication being relief of pain. In the management of the mother special emphasis was laid upon avoiding aorto-caval compression. The perinatal mortality associated with epidural block (14-8 per 1000) was not significantly different from that after other forms of analgesia (19-2 per 1000). There were less first week deaths in babies weighing less than 2-5 kg after epidural block (0 of 45) than in those who had other methods of pain relief (41 of 414) (P = 0-023). The choice of maternal medication did not influence the perinatal mortality rate of the immature baby, but there is a positive but non-significant, trend in favour of epidural block in the premature baby. This improvement in mortality could simply be related to the increased use of forceps delivery associated with epidural block. A controlled trial of epidural block is therefore indicated in the management of the premature fetus. In babies over 2-5 kg, or, those who were immature, epidural block was not associated with a reduction or increase in perinatal mortality.", "contents": "Perinatal mortality after epidural analgesia. A retrospective survey has been carried out of 6442 births during 1973-1974 in Cardiff. Lumbar epidural block had been administered to the mothers of 13-7% (885) of the births, the principle indication being relief of pain. In the management of the mother special emphasis was laid upon avoiding aorto-caval compression. The perinatal mortality associated with epidural block (14-8 per 1000) was not significantly different from that after other forms of analgesia (19-2 per 1000). There were less first week deaths in babies weighing less than 2-5 kg after epidural block (0 of 45) than in those who had other methods of pain relief (41 of 414) (P = 0-023). The choice of maternal medication did not influence the perinatal mortality rate of the immature baby, but there is a positive but non-significant, trend in favour of epidural block in the premature baby. This improvement in mortality could simply be related to the increased use of forceps delivery associated with epidural block. A controlled trial of epidural block is therefore indicated in the management of the premature fetus. In babies over 2-5 kg, or, those who were immature, epidural block was not associated with a reduction or increase in perinatal mortality.", "PMID": 984357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_857", "title": "Regional hip blockade. A simplified technique for the relief of intractable osteoarthritic pain.", "content": "A regional anaesthetic technique is described using a blind anatomical approach to the obturator nerve and nerve to quadratus femoris, as a means of alleviating the disabling pain of chronic osteoarthritis of the hip, when arthroplasty is not available.", "contents": "Regional hip blockade. A simplified technique for the relief of intractable osteoarthritic pain. A regional anaesthetic technique is described using a blind anatomical approach to the obturator nerve and nerve to quadratus femoris, as a means of alleviating the disabling pain of chronic osteoarthritis of the hip, when arthroplasty is not available.", "PMID": 984358} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_858", "title": "Chemical lumbar sympathectomy.", "content": "The technique of injection and the results of a series of 124 chemical lumbar sympathectomies, performed on 97 patients, are described. Sixty-eight patients, over 60 years of age, had their sympathectomy because of peripheral arteriosclerotic disease. Fifty-two of these patients benefited in terms of pain relief and only one required amputation. Sixteen patients, under 60 years of age, had their sympathectomy because of peripheral arteriosclerotic disease. Ten of these patients benefited but it is recommended that, where possible, other methods of treatment should be used in this younger age group. Thirteen patients, mostly elderly, had their sympathectomy because of diabetic ischaemic disease. Six only of these patients benefited, but it is felt that chemical sympathectomy can be recommended as a way of helping some of these patients who would otherwise have amputation.", "contents": "Chemical lumbar sympathectomy. The technique of injection and the results of a series of 124 chemical lumbar sympathectomies, performed on 97 patients, are described. Sixty-eight patients, over 60 years of age, had their sympathectomy because of peripheral arteriosclerotic disease. Fifty-two of these patients benefited in terms of pain relief and only one required amputation. Sixteen patients, under 60 years of age, had their sympathectomy because of peripheral arteriosclerotic disease. Ten of these patients benefited but it is recommended that, where possible, other methods of treatment should be used in this younger age group. Thirteen patients, mostly elderly, had their sympathectomy because of diabetic ischaemic disease. Six only of these patients benefited, but it is felt that chemical sympathectomy can be recommended as a way of helping some of these patients who would otherwise have amputation.", "PMID": 984359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_859", "title": "Recurrent hallucinations following ketamine.", "content": "Recurrent hallucinations appeared in an 11-year-old boy during 5 days following ketamine anaesthesia. Previous anaesthesia with ketamine and adequate diazepam supplementation did not produce any such effect. The phenomenon of delayed recurring hallucinations is a rare but dangerous side-effect of ketamine, not unlike LSD flashbacks. The described case lends support to previous reports on the value of diazepam in the prevention of post-ketamine perceptual abnormalities.", "contents": "Recurrent hallucinations following ketamine. Recurrent hallucinations appeared in an 11-year-old boy during 5 days following ketamine anaesthesia. Previous anaesthesia with ketamine and adequate diazepam supplementation did not produce any such effect. The phenomenon of delayed recurring hallucinations is a rare but dangerous side-effect of ketamine, not unlike LSD flashbacks. The described case lends support to previous reports on the value of diazepam in the prevention of post-ketamine perceptual abnormalities.", "PMID": 984361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_860", "title": "Accidental intra-arterial injection of ketamine.", "content": "A case of accidental intra-arterial injection of ketamine is reported. Necrosis of the skin proximal to the site of injection and transient foot drop followed the injection.", "contents": "Accidental intra-arterial injection of ketamine. A case of accidental intra-arterial injection of ketamine is reported. Necrosis of the skin proximal to the site of injection and transient foot drop followed the injection.", "PMID": 984362} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_861", "title": "Securing the endotracheal tube. A method for use with the plastic 'Nosworthy' connector.", "content": "A method of securing the endotracheal tube using a plastic 'Nosworthy' connector and a commercially available 'O' ring is described.", "contents": "Securing the endotracheal tube. A method for use with the plastic 'Nosworthy' connector. A method of securing the endotracheal tube using a plastic 'Nosworthy' connector and a commercially available 'O' ring is described.", "PMID": 984363} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_862", "title": "A double-lumen tube connector.", "content": "A connector for double-lumen tubes, that is simple and safe, is described. There are no separate attachments that may be lost and it is easily dismantled for sterilisation.", "contents": "A double-lumen tube connector. A connector for double-lumen tubes, that is simple and safe, is described. There are no separate attachments that may be lost and it is easily dismantled for sterilisation.", "PMID": 984364} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_863", "title": "A simple mask for nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia.", "content": "The construction and use of a disposable mask for post-operative nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia are described.", "contents": "A simple mask for nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia. The construction and use of a disposable mask for post-operative nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia are described.", "PMID": 984365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_864", "title": "An economic power spray.", "content": "A simple adaptation which can be made to enable a manually operated spray to be used and controlled with low-flow oxygen is described.", "contents": "An economic power spray. A simple adaptation which can be made to enable a manually operated spray to be used and controlled with low-flow oxygen is described.", "PMID": 984366} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_865", "title": "Anaesthesia in a plastic surgery unit before the Fall of Saigon.", "content": "The staffing and anaesthetic techniques in use at the Children's Medical Relief International Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit in Saigon between 1972 and 1975 are considered. The special value of the use of spontaneously respired trichloroethylene and halothane with air enriched with oxygen on the draw-over principle is discussed.", "contents": "Anaesthesia in a plastic surgery unit before the Fall of Saigon. The staffing and anaesthetic techniques in use at the Children's Medical Relief International Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit in Saigon between 1972 and 1975 are considered. The special value of the use of spontaneously respired trichloroethylene and halothane with air enriched with oxygen on the draw-over principle is discussed.", "PMID": 984367} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_866", "title": "Anaesthesia in Africa. The effect of the African cultural background on the practice of anaesthesia.", "content": "This paper describes the effect of an African cultural background on normal anaesthetic practice. Attitudes of African people to illness, hospital, pain and medicine are explained.", "contents": "Anaesthesia in Africa. The effect of the African cultural background on the practice of anaesthesia. This paper describes the effect of an African cultural background on normal anaesthetic practice. Attitudes of African people to illness, hospital, pain and medicine are explained.", "PMID": 984368} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_867", "title": "Anaesthesia in a developing country. A review of anaesthesia in Lesotho based on a recent survey.", "content": "The background to the anaesthesia being practised in Lesotho, a developing country in southern Africa is described. The results of a recent survey covering the anaesthetic apparatus and techniques currently employed in the country's sixteen district hospitals are discussed, and consideration is given to possible anaesthetic developments for the future.", "contents": "Anaesthesia in a developing country. A review of anaesthesia in Lesotho based on a recent survey. The background to the anaesthesia being practised in Lesotho, a developing country in southern Africa is described. The results of a recent survey covering the anaesthetic apparatus and techniques currently employed in the country's sixteen district hospitals are discussed, and consideration is given to possible anaesthetic developments for the future.", "PMID": 984369} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_868", "title": "Diazepam-ketamine anaesthesia for open heart surgery \"micro-mini\" drip administration technique.", "content": "Two hundred open heart cases anaesthetized with a combination of diazepam-ketamine using \"Micro-Mini\" drip administration technique were presented. The results were eminently desirable, and in the opinion of the authors are a notable improvement over other methods for all types of cardiovascular surgery including most advanced heart diseases. The advantages of this anaesthetic method for cardiovascular surgery are as follows: 1. Effects on cardiovascular system are minimal.--2. Respiratory depression is negligible.--3. There is no increase in salivation or muscle tone.--4. Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia are simple and smooth.--5. Anaesthesia can be maintained, using a high concentration of oxygen alone, by a slight increase in rate of ketamine administration whenever necessary.--6. Post-anaesthetic psychotomimetic effects are negligible.--7. Nearly 100% of patients have excellent amnesia.--8. It has a wide margin of safety.--9. This technique has proved highly acceptable to patients and surgeons. We feel ketamine should be used in small dosages continuously administered with either \"Micro-Mini\" drip infusion or infusion pump. Ketamine given in this fashion should be regarded as an analgesic.", "contents": "Diazepam-ketamine anaesthesia for open heart surgery \"micro-mini\" drip administration technique. Two hundred open heart cases anaesthetized with a combination of diazepam-ketamine using \"Micro-Mini\" drip administration technique were presented. The results were eminently desirable, and in the opinion of the authors are a notable improvement over other methods for all types of cardiovascular surgery including most advanced heart diseases. The advantages of this anaesthetic method for cardiovascular surgery are as follows: 1. Effects on cardiovascular system are minimal.--2. Respiratory depression is negligible.--3. There is no increase in salivation or muscle tone.--4. Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia are simple and smooth.--5. Anaesthesia can be maintained, using a high concentration of oxygen alone, by a slight increase in rate of ketamine administration whenever necessary.--6. Post-anaesthetic psychotomimetic effects are negligible.--7. Nearly 100% of patients have excellent amnesia.--8. It has a wide margin of safety.--9. This technique has proved highly acceptable to patients and surgeons. We feel ketamine should be used in small dosages continuously administered with either \"Micro-Mini\" drip infusion or infusion pump. Ketamine given in this fashion should be regarded as an analgesic.", "PMID": 984372} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_869", "title": "[The effect of different ventilation under anaesthesia upon intracerebral x-ray findings (author's transl)].", "content": "In 35 patients carotid angiography was performed under general anaesthesia (Halothane or NLA) under hyper- and hypoventilation conditions. Hyperventilation led to arterial vasoconstriction. The changes in vessel diameter correlated with the difference from hyper- to hypoventilation. Under hypoventilation the veins were filled earlier and better. In case of tumour and in case of insult with angiographically verified blush the pathological vessels were better stained with hyperventilation. Anaesthetics did not influence the X-Ray findings. Patients should be hyperventilated during carotid angiography. Only in certain cases an angiogram under hypoventilation allows a clearer X-Ray interpretation.", "contents": "[The effect of different ventilation under anaesthesia upon intracerebral x-ray findings (author's transl)]. In 35 patients carotid angiography was performed under general anaesthesia (Halothane or NLA) under hyper- and hypoventilation conditions. Hyperventilation led to arterial vasoconstriction. The changes in vessel diameter correlated with the difference from hyper- to hypoventilation. Under hypoventilation the veins were filled earlier and better. In case of tumour and in case of insult with angiographically verified blush the pathological vessels were better stained with hyperventilation. Anaesthetics did not influence the X-Ray findings. Patients should be hyperventilated during carotid angiography. Only in certain cases an angiogram under hypoventilation allows a clearer X-Ray interpretation.", "PMID": 984373} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_870", "title": "[Studies on the palpable intensity of the radial pulse (author's transl)].", "content": "Depending on the pressure of the palpating finger the radial pulse may be found differently \"large\" in spite of unchanged intravasal pulse pressure. In this paper the amplitude of the extravasal volume pulse is examined related to a continually diminished coupling pressure of a foto-electrical pulse detector. First, the amplitudes increase with the declining external pressure, reach a maximum and then diminish again. This is exactly the same course one gets palpating the radial pulse with the finger. The intravasal pressure amplitudes however show at the same time a different kind of course. These differences between extra- and intravasal pulsation usually can be seen in patients with undistrubed circulation. Having a vasoconstriction in the radial artery the course of the extravasal volume pulse-curve appears different and the sensation of the palpating finger, too. In this case the pulse is palpable evenly small. The differences can be explained by the changes in the pressure-builded elastic tension of the arterial wall and the stronger contraction of the vessels muscles in vasconstriction. Thus, the diagnosis vasoconstriction can be made palpating the radial pulse.", "contents": "[Studies on the palpable intensity of the radial pulse (author's transl)]. Depending on the pressure of the palpating finger the radial pulse may be found differently \"large\" in spite of unchanged intravasal pulse pressure. In this paper the amplitude of the extravasal volume pulse is examined related to a continually diminished coupling pressure of a foto-electrical pulse detector. First, the amplitudes increase with the declining external pressure, reach a maximum and then diminish again. This is exactly the same course one gets palpating the radial pulse with the finger. The intravasal pressure amplitudes however show at the same time a different kind of course. These differences between extra- and intravasal pulsation usually can be seen in patients with undistrubed circulation. Having a vasoconstriction in the radial artery the course of the extravasal volume pulse-curve appears different and the sensation of the palpating finger, too. In this case the pulse is palpable evenly small. The differences can be explained by the changes in the pressure-builded elastic tension of the arterial wall and the stronger contraction of the vessels muscles in vasconstriction. Thus, the diagnosis vasoconstriction can be made palpating the radial pulse.", "PMID": 984374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_871", "title": "[Quantitative morphological investigation of the effect of ether anaesthesia on the kidney of the rat (author's transl)].", "content": "In the proximal and distal convoluted segments and the collecting tubule of the kidneys of 24 male albino rats, type Wistar TNO W 70 SPF, the nuclear volume was measured after the animals had been anaesthetized with ether for 15, 40 and 80 min. In contrast to nontreated controls there was a decrease in average nuclear size of 12.6% and 11.1% after 15 and 40 min in the proximal convoluted segment. Changes in nuclear size could not be detected in the distal convoluted segment and in the collecting tubules. While the decrease in the nuclear volume in the proximal convolution is considered to be a direct effect of ether, the enhanced reabsorption of sodium mentioned in other studies could be explained by an alpha-receptor mediated transport effect of the narcotic agent.", "contents": "[Quantitative morphological investigation of the effect of ether anaesthesia on the kidney of the rat (author's transl)]. In the proximal and distal convoluted segments and the collecting tubule of the kidneys of 24 male albino rats, type Wistar TNO W 70 SPF, the nuclear volume was measured after the animals had been anaesthetized with ether for 15, 40 and 80 min. In contrast to nontreated controls there was a decrease in average nuclear size of 12.6% and 11.1% after 15 and 40 min in the proximal convoluted segment. Changes in nuclear size could not be detected in the distal convoluted segment and in the collecting tubules. While the decrease in the nuclear volume in the proximal convolution is considered to be a direct effect of ether, the enhanced reabsorption of sodium mentioned in other studies could be explained by an alpha-receptor mediated transport effect of the narcotic agent.", "PMID": 984375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_872", "title": "[Investigation on the morphokinetic reactions of the rat liver to ether anaesthesia of different length (author's transl)].", "content": "The nuclear volumes were measured in the central, intermediate and peripheral zone of the classic liver lobule of adult male albino rats exposed to ether anaesthesia lasting 15, 40 and 80 min. Related to control animals there was a significantly lower nuclear size after a 40 min duration of narcosis and a significant higher volume after 80 min in the central part of the lobule. With a slight but not significant decrease of nuclear volume in the intermediate zone after 15 min and a significant increase after 80 min respectively, the peripheral lobular region constantly showed significantly smaller nuclei. But here, too, a disappearance of decrease was recorded after 80 min. The interpretation of the data is based upon a typical distribution of cell organelles, enzymatic pathways, and metabolites in the different zones of the hepatic lobule. The intensity of reaction and appearance of diminution in nuclear volume, indicating a functional depression and probably accentuated by a circular dependent low O2-tension of tissue, is interpreted in connection with different local concentrations of ether. An improvement of the blood flow by augmental local metabolites and an increased arterial influx presumably support the recovery and favour a concentration-dependent induction of microsomal enzymes in the central part of the lobule especially.", "contents": "[Investigation on the morphokinetic reactions of the rat liver to ether anaesthesia of different length (author's transl)]. The nuclear volumes were measured in the central, intermediate and peripheral zone of the classic liver lobule of adult male albino rats exposed to ether anaesthesia lasting 15, 40 and 80 min. Related to control animals there was a significantly lower nuclear size after a 40 min duration of narcosis and a significant higher volume after 80 min in the central part of the lobule. With a slight but not significant decrease of nuclear volume in the intermediate zone after 15 min and a significant increase after 80 min respectively, the peripheral lobular region constantly showed significantly smaller nuclei. But here, too, a disappearance of decrease was recorded after 80 min. The interpretation of the data is based upon a typical distribution of cell organelles, enzymatic pathways, and metabolites in the different zones of the hepatic lobule. The intensity of reaction and appearance of diminution in nuclear volume, indicating a functional depression and probably accentuated by a circular dependent low O2-tension of tissue, is interpreted in connection with different local concentrations of ether. An improvement of the blood flow by augmental local metabolites and an increased arterial influx presumably support the recovery and favour a concentration-dependent induction of microsomal enzymes in the central part of the lobule especially.", "PMID": 984376} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_873", "title": "[The synthetic saliva--a supplement to the premedication (author's transl)].", "content": "An undesirable side-effect of the anticholinergic drugs used in the premedication is an unpleasent drying of the mouth and pharynx. According to the experience of the authors, this often distressing feeling can be successfully relieved by means of application of synthetic saliva. This is of special importance for patients operated under reginal anaesthesia.", "contents": "[The synthetic saliva--a supplement to the premedication (author's transl)]. An undesirable side-effect of the anticholinergic drugs used in the premedication is an unpleasent drying of the mouth and pharynx. According to the experience of the authors, this often distressing feeling can be successfully relieved by means of application of synthetic saliva. This is of special importance for patients operated under reginal anaesthesia.", "PMID": 984377} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_874", "title": "[Volume and pressure changes due to nitrousoxide diffusion in costumary and in low-pressure cuffs of endotracheal tubes (author's transl)].", "content": "Changes of volume and pressure due to N2O-diffusion into PVC and Latex cuffs of endotracheal tubes were measured. Endotracheal tubes with a small-volume cuff (Magill and Portex) and one type of a large-volume, low-pressure cuff (Lanz) were examined. Within 48 h significant changes of volume and pressure were registered at different starting volumes and different N2O-concentrations. In the small-volume cuffs of the Portex and Magill tubes very high pressures were always noted; increases of volume were always seen, which were accompanied by increases, in some cases also by decreases of pressure. In the large-volume cuffs of the Lanz tube there were increases of volume and pressure; the measured pressures where however, in a clinical unimportant range. These changes are caused by N2O-diffusion into the cuff, slowed N2-diffusion out of the cuff, prestretching of the cuff membrane by the starting volume and further stretching by N2O diffusing into the cuff. These measurements are of practical clinical significance: This high-pressures due to starting volume and N2O-diffusion in small-volume cuffs explains the higher rate of trauma to the trachea, even after short term intubation, in contrast to the extremely low pressures in large-volume, low-pressure cuffs.", "contents": "[Volume and pressure changes due to nitrousoxide diffusion in costumary and in low-pressure cuffs of endotracheal tubes (author's transl)]. Changes of volume and pressure due to N2O-diffusion into PVC and Latex cuffs of endotracheal tubes were measured. Endotracheal tubes with a small-volume cuff (Magill and Portex) and one type of a large-volume, low-pressure cuff (Lanz) were examined. Within 48 h significant changes of volume and pressure were registered at different starting volumes and different N2O-concentrations. In the small-volume cuffs of the Portex and Magill tubes very high pressures were always noted; increases of volume were always seen, which were accompanied by increases, in some cases also by decreases of pressure. In the large-volume cuffs of the Lanz tube there were increases of volume and pressure; the measured pressures where however, in a clinical unimportant range. These changes are caused by N2O-diffusion into the cuff, slowed N2-diffusion out of the cuff, prestretching of the cuff membrane by the starting volume and further stretching by N2O diffusing into the cuff. These measurements are of practical clinical significance: This high-pressures due to starting volume and N2O-diffusion in small-volume cuffs explains the higher rate of trauma to the trachea, even after short term intubation, in contrast to the extremely low pressures in large-volume, low-pressure cuffs.", "PMID": 984380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_875", "title": "Aims and objectives for postgraduate learning in anaesthesia.", "content": "This paper describes the statement of aims and objectives of postgraduate training for the Faculty of Anaesthetists of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The objectives of the authors are that after study of this paper, the readers will: (a) Understand the importance of both \"stated\" and \"informal\" objectives in teaching and learning. (b) Understand the important terms used in the Faculty of Anaesthetists' Document on objectives. (c) Know the strategies using in writing the Faculty's Document of Objectives.", "contents": "Aims and objectives for postgraduate learning in anaesthesia. This paper describes the statement of aims and objectives of postgraduate training for the Faculty of Anaesthetists of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The objectives of the authors are that after study of this paper, the readers will: (a) Understand the importance of both \"stated\" and \"informal\" objectives in teaching and learning. (b) Understand the important terms used in the Faculty of Anaesthetists' Document on objectives. (c) Know the strategies using in writing the Faculty's Document of Objectives.", "PMID": 984382} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_876", "title": "The role of formal courses in the vocational training of anaesthetists.", "content": "Some of the factors which influence the conduct and the effectiveness of formal courses are discussed. It is considered that the needs and the aims of the trainees and teachers are especially relevant, but sometimes a difference in priorities exists. It is suggested that there should be careful definition of the needs to be satisfied by the formal course and that the educational body conducting the course and the geographical location of the course should be based on those needs. The role of the course supervisor in the organizer-teacher-trainee communication system is especially important.", "contents": "The role of formal courses in the vocational training of anaesthetists. Some of the factors which influence the conduct and the effectiveness of formal courses are discussed. It is considered that the needs and the aims of the trainees and teachers are especially relevant, but sometimes a difference in priorities exists. It is suggested that there should be careful definition of the needs to be satisfied by the formal course and that the educational body conducting the course and the geographical location of the course should be based on those needs. The role of the course supervisor in the organizer-teacher-trainee communication system is especially important.", "PMID": 984385} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_877", "title": "Organizing an educational exercise.", "content": "The satisfactory organization of an educational exercise is dependent on the organizer having a precise understanding of the needs of his students, their present level of knowledge and understanding, the motives which govern their will to learn, and on the organizer's ability to draw together people with intellectual resources capable of satisfying those needs of the students. Both students and tutors must be placed in an environment which encourages communication and interaction and adequate physical resources for teaching must be provided.", "contents": "Organizing an educational exercise. The satisfactory organization of an educational exercise is dependent on the organizer having a precise understanding of the needs of his students, their present level of knowledge and understanding, the motives which govern their will to learn, and on the organizer's ability to draw together people with intellectual resources capable of satisfying those needs of the students. Both students and tutors must be placed in an environment which encourages communication and interaction and adequate physical resources for teaching must be provided.", "PMID": 984386} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_878", "title": "Tutor-student interaction in the operating theatre.", "content": "This paper examines the view that productive teaching in the operating theatre requires a recognition of the unique set of factors which may influence the process of communication. For tutor-student interaction to occur in a productive manner, the tutor's behaviour will need to be modified to suit the demands of the other tasks in which both tutor and student are involved. The particular value of recognizing the role of nonverbal behaviours during interaction is discussed, with the use of specific examples related to the positioning of the tutor and student, and their use of facial expression, the eyes and voice.", "contents": "Tutor-student interaction in the operating theatre. This paper examines the view that productive teaching in the operating theatre requires a recognition of the unique set of factors which may influence the process of communication. For tutor-student interaction to occur in a productive manner, the tutor's behaviour will need to be modified to suit the demands of the other tasks in which both tutor and student are involved. The particular value of recognizing the role of nonverbal behaviours during interaction is discussed, with the use of specific examples related to the positioning of the tutor and student, and their use of facial expression, the eyes and voice.", "PMID": 984387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_879", "title": "Teaching and learning in the operating theatre.", "content": "The anaesthetist's role during an anaesthetic is one of vigilance. Any interaction between tutor and student in this situation must be structured around the vigilance task. Teaching that recognizes this role may be educationally fruitful and may even improve vigilance. Teaching which disregards this function is less likely to result in learning and may interfere with patient care. Some of the types of teaching that are likely to be appropriate or inappropriate to different phases of an anaesthetic are indicated.", "contents": "Teaching and learning in the operating theatre. The anaesthetist's role during an anaesthetic is one of vigilance. Any interaction between tutor and student in this situation must be structured around the vigilance task. Teaching that recognizes this role may be educationally fruitful and may even improve vigilance. Teaching which disregards this function is less likely to result in learning and may interfere with patient care. Some of the types of teaching that are likely to be appropriate or inappropriate to different phases of an anaesthetic are indicated.", "PMID": 984388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_880", "title": "Medical writing.", "content": "Attempts to transfer information are often frustrated by errors in English. A few of these are analysed and some suggestions are made for avoiding them.", "contents": "Medical writing. Attempts to transfer information are often frustrated by errors in English. A few of these are analysed and some suggestions are made for avoiding them.", "PMID": 984389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_881", "title": "The use of summary answers as the basis for tutorials.", "content": "The use of summary answers to a question as an aid to introducing and guiding a tutorial is described using as an example a question about the physiological changes associated with pyrexia. It illustrates a method that involves all the students and develops a logical comprehensive answer that can also be helpful to students preparing for examinations.", "contents": "The use of summary answers as the basis for tutorials. The use of summary answers to a question as an aid to introducing and guiding a tutorial is described using as an example a question about the physiological changes associated with pyrexia. It illustrates a method that involves all the students and develops a logical comprehensive answer that can also be helpful to students preparing for examinations.", "PMID": 984390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_882", "title": "Continuing education.", "content": "One view of the aims and objectives of continuing education is presented. Problems in the form of educational material and access to present educational opportunities are outlined together with some suggestions for overcoming these problems. Self evaluation is emphasised as an important means of maintaining educational standards rather than \"re-licensure\". Several new approaches are presented which attempt to increase access and acceptability in continuing education.", "contents": "Continuing education. One view of the aims and objectives of continuing education is presented. Problems in the form of educational material and access to present educational opportunities are outlined together with some suggestions for overcoming these problems. Self evaluation is emphasised as an important means of maintaining educational standards rather than \"re-licensure\". Several new approaches are presented which attempt to increase access and acceptability in continuing education.", "PMID": 984393} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_883", "title": "The value of anaesthesia training in the first two postgraduate years.", "content": "The value of an anaesthetic attachment during the first two postgraduate years is considered under three major headings, the value to the recent graduate, the value to the specialty, and the value to the community. The anaesthetic attachment offers all recent graduates an opportunity to perfect practical skills which should from part of the armamentarium of all doctors, and for some there is the option to acquire the ability to administer a safe anaesthetic. Exposure to the specialty at this time is important for recruitment to the specialist ranks.", "contents": "The value of anaesthesia training in the first two postgraduate years. The value of an anaesthetic attachment during the first two postgraduate years is considered under three major headings, the value to the recent graduate, the value to the specialty, and the value to the community. The anaesthetic attachment offers all recent graduates an opportunity to perfect practical skills which should from part of the armamentarium of all doctors, and for some there is the option to acquire the ability to administer a safe anaesthetic. Exposure to the specialty at this time is important for recruitment to the specialist ranks.", "PMID": 984394} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_884", "title": "Acute appendicitis and continuous peritoneal lavage.", "content": "In a series of 117 patients of all ages who were found to have acute appendicitis with perforation, it was found that continuous peritoneal lavage started immediately after appendicectomy had a significant effect in reducing the morbidity and complication rate of this condition. The treatment lasted on average 18 hours and approximately 40 litres of dialysate were used per patients. Treatment was continued until the effluent was macroscopically clean.", "contents": "Acute appendicitis and continuous peritoneal lavage. In a series of 117 patients of all ages who were found to have acute appendicitis with perforation, it was found that continuous peritoneal lavage started immediately after appendicectomy had a significant effect in reducing the morbidity and complication rate of this condition. The treatment lasted on average 18 hours and approximately 40 litres of dialysate were used per patients. Treatment was continued until the effluent was macroscopically clean.", "PMID": 984395} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_885", "title": "Reversal of the anaesthetic action of sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate.", "content": "Physostigmine was administered intravenously to 25 patients, anaesthetised with sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and their emergence from anesthesia was studied. Physostigmine (2 mg) brought about rapid, safe, reliable and sustained awakening after a \"latent period\" varying from 2-10 minutes (mean 6-2 minutes+/-S.D. 2-2) in 24 patients. In the one patient not awake at 10 minutes, a second dose of physostigmine produced awakening in an additional 8 minutes. No serious side effects were attributable to the physostigmine. This finding may warrant a reconsideration of the place of GHB in anaesthetic practice.", "contents": "Reversal of the anaesthetic action of sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Physostigmine was administered intravenously to 25 patients, anaesthetised with sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and their emergence from anesthesia was studied. Physostigmine (2 mg) brought about rapid, safe, reliable and sustained awakening after a \"latent period\" varying from 2-10 minutes (mean 6-2 minutes+/-S.D. 2-2) in 24 patients. In the one patient not awake at 10 minutes, a second dose of physostigmine produced awakening in an additional 8 minutes. No serious side effects were attributable to the physostigmine. This finding may warrant a reconsideration of the place of GHB in anaesthetic practice.", "PMID": 984396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_886", "title": "A new blood administration set.", "content": "A new blood administration set is described. It incorporates an in-line hand pump and a heat exchange coil and has a number of advantages over separate heating coils. The blood warming efficiency of the unit has been measured.", "contents": "A new blood administration set. A new blood administration set is described. It incorporates an in-line hand pump and a heat exchange coil and has a number of advantages over separate heating coils. The blood warming efficiency of the unit has been measured.", "PMID": 984397} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_887", "title": "Fine structure of the esophagus lining epithelials cells of the snake Xenodon merremii Wagler, 1824 (Ophidia).", "content": "The authors studied the ultrastructure of the esophagus lining epithelial cells of the snake Xenodon merremii. The initial shows ciliated wedge shaped cells and goblet cells which are gradually displaced by columnar ones in the posterior third of the organ. Other cellular types, such as basal, argentaffin and argyrophil cells can be found throughout the esophagus mucosa.", "contents": "Fine structure of the esophagus lining epithelials cells of the snake Xenodon merremii Wagler, 1824 (Ophidia). The authors studied the ultrastructure of the esophagus lining epithelial cells of the snake Xenodon merremii. The initial shows ciliated wedge shaped cells and goblet cells which are gradually displaced by columnar ones in the posterior third of the organ. Other cellular types, such as basal, argentaffin and argyrophil cells can be found throughout the esophagus mucosa.", "PMID": 984425} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_888", "title": "Cytologic changes in the pars distalis of male buffalo following emasculation.", "content": "The effects of emasculation in the pars distalis of the pituitary gland were studied in male buffalo. Following castration, no size or percentage value changes could be noted in the acidophila and thyrotrophs of the pars distalis. The acidophils were found in greater numbers in the peripheral area of the pars distalis as compared to the central area. However, the frequency of thyrotroph distribution was observed to be more so in the central zone. As for the gonadotrophs, a significant increase in the cell size (P less than 0.05) and percentage value (P less than 0.01) was observed in animals castrated by the Burdizzo method. This points to a state of hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the gonadotrophs as a result of this method of emasculation.", "contents": "Cytologic changes in the pars distalis of male buffalo following emasculation. The effects of emasculation in the pars distalis of the pituitary gland were studied in male buffalo. Following castration, no size or percentage value changes could be noted in the acidophila and thyrotrophs of the pars distalis. The acidophils were found in greater numbers in the peripheral area of the pars distalis as compared to the central area. However, the frequency of thyrotroph distribution was observed to be more so in the central zone. As for the gonadotrophs, a significant increase in the cell size (P less than 0.05) and percentage value (P less than 0.01) was observed in animals castrated by the Burdizzo method. This points to a state of hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the gonadotrophs as a result of this method of emasculation.", "PMID": 984426} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_889", "title": "The role of reticulo-endothelial cells in hemopoiesis in the adult liver.", "content": "Form their sinusoidal position in the properly stimulated adult liver, the reticulo-endothelial cell invades the hepatic cords. Here, their cytoplasmic processes come in direct contact with the cytoplasm of the hepatic cells. Ferritin is transferred from cord cells to the reticulo-endothelial cell, initiating extravascular hemopoiesis. As the reticulo-endothelial cell regains an intravascular position, it takes on the characteristics of a proerythroblast. The activity described for the adult liver follows the pattern observed in the fetal liver where proerythroblasts appear within the hepatic sinusoids only after hemopoiesis is established in the adjacent extravascular hepatic cords.", "contents": "The role of reticulo-endothelial cells in hemopoiesis in the adult liver. Form their sinusoidal position in the properly stimulated adult liver, the reticulo-endothelial cell invades the hepatic cords. Here, their cytoplasmic processes come in direct contact with the cytoplasm of the hepatic cells. Ferritin is transferred from cord cells to the reticulo-endothelial cell, initiating extravascular hemopoiesis. As the reticulo-endothelial cell regains an intravascular position, it takes on the characteristics of a proerythroblast. The activity described for the adult liver follows the pattern observed in the fetal liver where proerythroblasts appear within the hepatic sinusoids only after hemopoiesis is established in the adjacent extravascular hepatic cords.", "PMID": 984427} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_890", "title": "Histomorphological and histochemical studies on the female genitalia of aging goat. I. Lipid histochemistry of ovary.", "content": "Paraffin sections of ovaries from 24 goats stained by Acetone Sudan Black B method for bound lipids and Copper-Phthalocyanin method for phospholipids revealed at least two categories of interstitial cells containing sudanophilic lipids with phospholipids. First category were those which were assumed to be formed from theca interna cells of atretic follicles. Second category included those originating probably from the granulosa cells of primordial follicles and form a continuous zone under the tunica albuginea. Another zone of interstitial gland cells presumed to be originated from the germinal epithelium has also been recognized under the latter. Appearance of sudanophilic material in relation to atresia of follicles in goat ovary has been reported.", "contents": "Histomorphological and histochemical studies on the female genitalia of aging goat. I. Lipid histochemistry of ovary. Paraffin sections of ovaries from 24 goats stained by Acetone Sudan Black B method for bound lipids and Copper-Phthalocyanin method for phospholipids revealed at least two categories of interstitial cells containing sudanophilic lipids with phospholipids. First category were those which were assumed to be formed from theca interna cells of atretic follicles. Second category included those originating probably from the granulosa cells of primordial follicles and form a continuous zone under the tunica albuginea. Another zone of interstitial gland cells presumed to be originated from the germinal epithelium has also been recognized under the latter. Appearance of sudanophilic material in relation to atresia of follicles in goat ovary has been reported.", "PMID": 984430} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_891", "title": "The fine structure of the parathyroid glands of rats with disuse osteoporosis.", "content": "The parathyroid glands were studied ultrastructurally in two groups of rats: one control group and one group with an immobilized hindleg. The aim was to see whether immobilization has any effect on the fine structural appearance of the parathyroid glands. No morphological differences were recorded between the two groups. Nor were any signs of increased functional activity observed. The results denote that no increased parathyroid activity occurs after immobilization of an extremity in rats.", "contents": "The fine structure of the parathyroid glands of rats with disuse osteoporosis. The parathyroid glands were studied ultrastructurally in two groups of rats: one control group and one group with an immobilized hindleg. The aim was to see whether immobilization has any effect on the fine structural appearance of the parathyroid glands. No morphological differences were recorded between the two groups. Nor were any signs of increased functional activity observed. The results denote that no increased parathyroid activity occurs after immobilization of an extremity in rats.", "PMID": 984431} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_892", "title": "Tannic acid induced hepatic injury in Clarias batrachus.", "content": "The effect of intraperitoneal administration of an aqueous solution of tannic acid was examined after different intervals of time. The results showed a gradual and progressive destruction of the liver cells and transformation of its architecture. The histological signs of liver damage appeared 2 hrs after the intoxication. Mild necrosis at periphery was noted even after 1 hour. After 2 hrs hepatocytes were swollen and sinusoids were contracted. These changes became more pronounced after 12 hrs and by 24 hrs extensive centrolobular and perilobular necroses and severe hydropic degeneration of liver cells were observed. Nuclear volume increased at the very first stage of necrosis but after 48 hrs binucleate and multinucleate cells were also visible. The nucleolus was hypertropied and divided into two or more portions after 1 hour. Connective tissue was degnerated after 24 hrs. Hepatic fibrosis was observed after five days of treatment. In all the present experiments vascular lesions and bile duct hyperplasia were the common phenomena.", "contents": "Tannic acid induced hepatic injury in Clarias batrachus. The effect of intraperitoneal administration of an aqueous solution of tannic acid was examined after different intervals of time. The results showed a gradual and progressive destruction of the liver cells and transformation of its architecture. The histological signs of liver damage appeared 2 hrs after the intoxication. Mild necrosis at periphery was noted even after 1 hour. After 2 hrs hepatocytes were swollen and sinusoids were contracted. These changes became more pronounced after 12 hrs and by 24 hrs extensive centrolobular and perilobular necroses and severe hydropic degeneration of liver cells were observed. Nuclear volume increased at the very first stage of necrosis but after 48 hrs binucleate and multinucleate cells were also visible. The nucleolus was hypertropied and divided into two or more portions after 1 hour. Connective tissue was degnerated after 24 hrs. Hepatic fibrosis was observed after five days of treatment. In all the present experiments vascular lesions and bile duct hyperplasia were the common phenomena.", "PMID": 984432} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_893", "title": "An autoradiographic study on the localization of 131I-labeled thyroid hormones in the tissues of the pig.", "content": "Autoradiographic studies on the localization of 131I-labeled thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the various organs and tissues of the pig have been conducted. The isotopes were compared as to the intensity of radioactivity on the basis of the concentration of developed silver grains in the tissues following the respective radioactive hormone injections. In general, for an identical dose of the isotope and with analogous processing procedures, the autoradiographs of most of the tissues after triiodothyronine were relatively more radioactive than after thyroxine. In both the hormone treatments, the tissues from younger pigs were relatively more radioactive than the tissues of older pigs. The various tissormones. Based on differential localization of radioactivity, the pigs excreted more radioiodine through bile, pancreatic and salivary secretions and in urine.", "contents": "An autoradiographic study on the localization of 131I-labeled thyroid hormones in the tissues of the pig. Autoradiographic studies on the localization of 131I-labeled thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the various organs and tissues of the pig have been conducted. The isotopes were compared as to the intensity of radioactivity on the basis of the concentration of developed silver grains in the tissues following the respective radioactive hormone injections. In general, for an identical dose of the isotope and with analogous processing procedures, the autoradiographs of most of the tissues after triiodothyronine were relatively more radioactive than after thyroxine. In both the hormone treatments, the tissues from younger pigs were relatively more radioactive than the tissues of older pigs. The various tissormones. Based on differential localization of radioactivity, the pigs excreted more radioiodine through bile, pancreatic and salivary secretions and in urine.", "PMID": 984433} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_894", "title": "Thyroid follicles in the head-kidney of teleosts.", "content": "Out of five species of fishes, selected for this investigation, only two have shown the presence of thyroid follicles in their head-kidneys. In Tor tor the thyroid follicles are larger than those of Cyprinus carpio. They are elliptical in shape in T. tor while spherical in C. carpio. The follicular epithelium in T. tor is thick and prominently built while in C. carpio it is weak in its appearance and structure. The colloid of the follicles in both the cases is uniformely homogeneous, non-vacuolated ans acidophilic in nature. The follicles are almost always located in close proximity to the posterior cardinal veins and their branches. It is, for this reason, argued that they might have migrated along these blood vessels. there is no any regular distribution and proper arrangement of these follicles.", "contents": "Thyroid follicles in the head-kidney of teleosts. Out of five species of fishes, selected for this investigation, only two have shown the presence of thyroid follicles in their head-kidneys. In Tor tor the thyroid follicles are larger than those of Cyprinus carpio. They are elliptical in shape in T. tor while spherical in C. carpio. The follicular epithelium in T. tor is thick and prominently built while in C. carpio it is weak in its appearance and structure. The colloid of the follicles in both the cases is uniformely homogeneous, non-vacuolated ans acidophilic in nature. The follicles are almost always located in close proximity to the posterior cardinal veins and their branches. It is, for this reason, argued that they might have migrated along these blood vessels. there is no any regular distribution and proper arrangement of these follicles.", "PMID": 984434} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_895", "title": "Comparative morphology, anatomy and histology of the alimentary canal of an Indian freshwater major carp, Labeo calbasu (Hamilton) during the different life-history stages in relation to food and feeding habits.", "content": "1. The early life-history stages of Labeo calcasu (Hamilton) viz., the fries, are zooplankton-feeders (carnivorous). The morphology, anatomy and histology of the alimentary canal during this stage is adapted accordingly. 2. With increase in age, size and body-length, the food and feeding habits of the fish undergo changes from the carnivorous to the herbivorous type (adult) through the omnivorous type (fingerlung). 3. The morphology, anatomy and histology of the alimentary canal gets modified accordingly in the fingerlings and adults.", "contents": "Comparative morphology, anatomy and histology of the alimentary canal of an Indian freshwater major carp, Labeo calbasu (Hamilton) during the different life-history stages in relation to food and feeding habits. 1. The early life-history stages of Labeo calcasu (Hamilton) viz., the fries, are zooplankton-feeders (carnivorous). The morphology, anatomy and histology of the alimentary canal during this stage is adapted accordingly. 2. With increase in age, size and body-length, the food and feeding habits of the fish undergo changes from the carnivorous to the herbivorous type (adult) through the omnivorous type (fingerlung). 3. The morphology, anatomy and histology of the alimentary canal gets modified accordingly in the fingerlings and adults.", "PMID": 984436} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_896", "title": "Effect of hydrocortisone acetate on interrenal cells in the normal and hypophysectomized catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, (Bloch).", "content": "The interrenal gland of the Heteropneustes fossilis occupies three fourth area of the kidney and shows two types of cells histologically. The cells are arranged as cortical strands. Hypophysectomy resulted in regressive changes in the interrenal gland, as seen from the significant reduction in the nuclear diameter within fifteen days. A single injection of hydrocortisone brought about further reduction in the size of interrenal cell and the nuclear diameter in the hypophysectomized animals, but not in the intact fish. It is concluded that the amount of hydrocortisone added was sufficient to cause reduced functioning of the interrenal gland in the absence of ACTH.", "contents": "Effect of hydrocortisone acetate on interrenal cells in the normal and hypophysectomized catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, (Bloch). The interrenal gland of the Heteropneustes fossilis occupies three fourth area of the kidney and shows two types of cells histologically. The cells are arranged as cortical strands. Hypophysectomy resulted in regressive changes in the interrenal gland, as seen from the significant reduction in the nuclear diameter within fifteen days. A single injection of hydrocortisone brought about further reduction in the size of interrenal cell and the nuclear diameter in the hypophysectomized animals, but not in the intact fish. It is concluded that the amount of hydrocortisone added was sufficient to cause reduced functioning of the interrenal gland in the absence of ACTH.", "PMID": 984437} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_897", "title": "The fine structure of the placenta of the impala Aepyceros melampus (Lichtenstein, 1812).", "content": "The ultrastructure of the placenta was investigated at various stages of gestation. The nonplacental areas of the maternal epithelium continue to show considerable secretory activity long after implantation. The placental barrier is of the epithelio-chorial type.", "contents": "The fine structure of the placenta of the impala Aepyceros melampus (Lichtenstein, 1812). The ultrastructure of the placenta was investigated at various stages of gestation. The nonplacental areas of the maternal epithelium continue to show considerable secretory activity long after implantation. The placental barrier is of the epithelio-chorial type.", "PMID": 984438} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_898", "title": "The morpho-histology of the pituitary glands in two freshwater major carps of India, Labeo rohita (Ham.) and Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.).", "content": "1. The pituitary gland in Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala is a small, pear-shaped, whitish, soft body situated in a cavity -- the sella turcica. The gland is of the lepto-dorso basic type. 2. It consists of the neurohypophysis and adenohypophysis. The latter comprises three lobes viz., the rostral pars distalis, the proximal pars distalis and the pars intermedia. 3. The neurohypophysis branches into the pars distalis, extends into the pars intermedia and ramifies extensively. It is composed of loosely arranged fibres among which are present nuclei of the neurones and a few droplets of neurosecretory material. 4. The rostral pars distalis is antero-dorsal in position and is the smallest portion of the gland. It consists of two types of acidophils a few cyanophils and chromophobes. 5. The proximal pars distalis occupies the central region and is the largest portion of the gland. It comprises two types of acidophils two types of cyanophils and a few chromophobes. 6. The cyanophils of the proximal pars distalis may also contain acidophilic or cyanophilic globules of varying sizes. These globules may be either situated inside the nucleus or on its periphery. 7. The presence of cyanophilic material in the blood sinuses indicates a possible pathway through which the secretory products are conducted into the general circulation. 8. The pars intermedia is the posterior most region of the gland and is large. It is composed of two types of acidophils and a few chromophobes. During the breeding season some of the cyanophils resent in the pars intermedia behave like the gonadotrophs of the proximal pars distalis.", "contents": "The morpho-histology of the pituitary glands in two freshwater major carps of India, Labeo rohita (Ham.) and Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.). 1. The pituitary gland in Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala is a small, pear-shaped, whitish, soft body situated in a cavity -- the sella turcica. The gland is of the lepto-dorso basic type. 2. It consists of the neurohypophysis and adenohypophysis. The latter comprises three lobes viz., the rostral pars distalis, the proximal pars distalis and the pars intermedia. 3. The neurohypophysis branches into the pars distalis, extends into the pars intermedia and ramifies extensively. It is composed of loosely arranged fibres among which are present nuclei of the neurones and a few droplets of neurosecretory material. 4. The rostral pars distalis is antero-dorsal in position and is the smallest portion of the gland. It consists of two types of acidophils a few cyanophils and chromophobes. 5. The proximal pars distalis occupies the central region and is the largest portion of the gland. It comprises two types of acidophils two types of cyanophils and a few chromophobes. 6. The cyanophils of the proximal pars distalis may also contain acidophilic or cyanophilic globules of varying sizes. These globules may be either situated inside the nucleus or on its periphery. 7. The presence of cyanophilic material in the blood sinuses indicates a possible pathway through which the secretory products are conducted into the general circulation. 8. The pars intermedia is the posterior most region of the gland and is large. It is composed of two types of acidophils and a few chromophobes. During the breeding season some of the cyanophils resent in the pars intermedia behave like the gonadotrophs of the proximal pars distalis.", "PMID": 984440} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_899", "title": "Distribution and density of goblet cells in the middle ear in children.", "content": "On dissected mucosa stained by the PAS-alcian blue whole-mount method the density and distribution of goblet cells in various parts of the middle ear was determined in 13 children, ranging in age from 9 days to 14 years. Goblet cells, of an irregular distribution, were found in all parts of the middle ear, but in varying density, decreasing in a given sequence from the hypotympanum anteriorly, posteriorly, promontory anteriorly and in the middle, niches of the oval and round windows, epitympanum, antrum, posterior part of the promontory, and mastoid process. During pathological actions, especially tubal occlusion, the goblet-cell density increases in all parts, simultaneously with epithelial metaplasia and new-formation of mucous glands. When the pathological stimulus ceases, the goblet-cell density again falls. In entirely normal infants and in children aged 2-4 years the goblet-cell density was found to be somewhat higher than in normal adults.", "contents": "Distribution and density of goblet cells in the middle ear in children. On dissected mucosa stained by the PAS-alcian blue whole-mount method the density and distribution of goblet cells in various parts of the middle ear was determined in 13 children, ranging in age from 9 days to 14 years. Goblet cells, of an irregular distribution, were found in all parts of the middle ear, but in varying density, decreasing in a given sequence from the hypotympanum anteriorly, posteriorly, promontory anteriorly and in the middle, niches of the oval and round windows, epitympanum, antrum, posterior part of the promontory, and mastoid process. During pathological actions, especially tubal occlusion, the goblet-cell density increases in all parts, simultaneously with epithelial metaplasia and new-formation of mucous glands. When the pathological stimulus ceases, the goblet-cell density again falls. In entirely normal infants and in children aged 2-4 years the goblet-cell density was found to be somewhat higher than in normal adults.", "PMID": 984442} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_900", "title": "[Structure of the attachment of the vocal ligament to the perichondrium of the thyroid cartilage].", "content": "The ventral attachement of the ligamentum vocale of eleven larynges (new-born and adults has been studied in sagittal, frontal and horizontal sections. 1. Supplementary to the known structure of the ventral attachement of the ligamentum vocale we have noticed collagen fibers which ascend in the inner angle of the thyroid cartilage and which partly cross to the other side. Sometimes a few fibers which are running downward have been observed. This structure of the attachement must be more firm than the known structure. 2. Moreover it has been observed that a lot of the angles of the crossing collagen fibers in the cartilage of the lamina mediana (near the attachement of the ligamentum vocale) are right-angled, whereas the angles of the fibers which lie in the laminae laterales in their majority are acute-angled. This phenomenon also is interpreted as a structure which makes the lamina mediana firmer. The fact, that this structure is not so evident in the specimens of the new-born as in those of the adults indicates that there are postnatal changes in the structure of the lamina mediana.", "contents": "[Structure of the attachment of the vocal ligament to the perichondrium of the thyroid cartilage]. The ventral attachement of the ligamentum vocale of eleven larynges (new-born and adults has been studied in sagittal, frontal and horizontal sections. 1. Supplementary to the known structure of the ventral attachement of the ligamentum vocale we have noticed collagen fibers which ascend in the inner angle of the thyroid cartilage and which partly cross to the other side. Sometimes a few fibers which are running downward have been observed. This structure of the attachement must be more firm than the known structure. 2. Moreover it has been observed that a lot of the angles of the crossing collagen fibers in the cartilage of the lamina mediana (near the attachement of the ligamentum vocale) are right-angled, whereas the angles of the fibers which lie in the laminae laterales in their majority are acute-angled. This phenomenon also is interpreted as a structure which makes the lamina mediana firmer. The fact, that this structure is not so evident in the specimens of the new-born as in those of the adults indicates that there are postnatal changes in the structure of the lamina mediana.", "PMID": 984443} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_901", "title": "Aplasia of the trachea in a malformed human foetus with single umbilical artery.", "content": "Aplasia of the trachea associated with multiple congenital anomalies is described in a stillborn male foetus with single umbilical artery. The tracheal anomaly conformed to the usual anatomic pattern consisting of absence of the trachea from the cricoid to slightly above the main stem bronchi where lay a fistula with the oesophagus. The larynx was normal externally but had a deformed cricoid and a narrow, blind lumen. The single umbilical artery was possibly responsible for causing the cardiovascular and tracheo-oesophageal anomalies by disturbing the haemodynamics, and the remaining caudal defects of the body by replacing the abdominal aorta below the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery.", "contents": "Aplasia of the trachea in a malformed human foetus with single umbilical artery. Aplasia of the trachea associated with multiple congenital anomalies is described in a stillborn male foetus with single umbilical artery. The tracheal anomaly conformed to the usual anatomic pattern consisting of absence of the trachea from the cricoid to slightly above the main stem bronchi where lay a fistula with the oesophagus. The larynx was normal externally but had a deformed cricoid and a narrow, blind lumen. The single umbilical artery was possibly responsible for causing the cardiovascular and tracheo-oesophageal anomalies by disturbing the haemodynamics, and the remaining caudal defects of the body by replacing the abdominal aorta below the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery.", "PMID": 984444} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_902", "title": "[Musculature of the pelvic limb of the American weasel (Mustela nigripes, Audubon and Bachman)].", "content": "The origins and insertions of the muscles of the pelvic limb of the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) are illustrated and described. The results based on the dissection of two adult specimens are compared with those of other investigations on the myology of the Mustelids. The musculature of the pelvic limb of Mustela nigripes is substantially similar to that of other Mustelids investigated except for slight differences of individual muscles. The most obvious differences involve the tendons of the mm. fibularis longus, fibularis brevis and extensor digitalis lateralis. The tendon of the m. fibularis longus contains a small sesamoid bone.", "contents": "[Musculature of the pelvic limb of the American weasel (Mustela nigripes, Audubon and Bachman)]. The origins and insertions of the muscles of the pelvic limb of the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) are illustrated and described. The results based on the dissection of two adult specimens are compared with those of other investigations on the myology of the Mustelids. The musculature of the pelvic limb of Mustela nigripes is substantially similar to that of other Mustelids investigated except for slight differences of individual muscles. The most obvious differences involve the tendons of the mm. fibularis longus, fibularis brevis and extensor digitalis lateralis. The tendon of the m. fibularis longus contains a small sesamoid bone.", "PMID": 984445} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_903", "title": "Connections of the sympathetic trunk and spinal cord with the pelvic plexus in the sheep.", "content": "On 16 specimens of sheep of either sex the connections of the lumbo-sacral portion of the synpathetic trunk and of the spinal cord with the pelvic plexus were investigated bilaterally. On the basis of the studies it was found that the sympathetic branches proceed from the ganglia L3-L7 and S1-S4 of the sympathetic trunk, including in the lumbar portion 62.5% from L3-L6, 18.7% from L3-L5, 12.5% from L4-L6 and 6.2% from L4-L7, while in the sacral portion 56.2% from S1-S4, 31.2% from S2-S4 and 12.5% from S1S2S4. The parasympathetic branches proceed from the abdominal branches of the sacral spinal nerves (n. pudendus et n. haemorrhoidalis, fig. 3) at the height of S2-S4, including 75% from S3-S4 and 25% from S2S3S4.", "contents": "Connections of the sympathetic trunk and spinal cord with the pelvic plexus in the sheep. On 16 specimens of sheep of either sex the connections of the lumbo-sacral portion of the synpathetic trunk and of the spinal cord with the pelvic plexus were investigated bilaterally. On the basis of the studies it was found that the sympathetic branches proceed from the ganglia L3-L7 and S1-S4 of the sympathetic trunk, including in the lumbar portion 62.5% from L3-L6, 18.7% from L3-L5, 12.5% from L4-L6 and 6.2% from L4-L7, while in the sacral portion 56.2% from S1-S4, 31.2% from S2-S4 and 12.5% from S1S2S4. The parasympathetic branches proceed from the abdominal branches of the sacral spinal nerves (n. pudendus et n. haemorrhoidalis, fig. 3) at the height of S2-S4, including 75% from S3-S4 and 25% from S2S3S4.", "PMID": 984446} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_904", "title": "[3 anatomical observations of a right subclavian artery originating from the aortic arch (arteria lusoria)].", "content": "1. The dissection of 223 subjects has revealed 3 cases of A. lusoria (1.06%). In all these cases, the A. lusoria was the last branch of the aortic arch. 2. X-ray pictures were taken after injection of radio-opaque substance to elicit the topographical relations of A. lusoria with esophagus. 3. There were only small variations in the calibre and in the way of its branches. Right common carotid artery directly arose from the aortic arch. 4. The three Aa. lusoriae crossed the dorsal face of esophagus between the 4th and 2nd cervical vertebrae where they provoked at neat natch. 5. In one case, there was a marked narrowing at the origin of the artery. In another case, there was an initial widening of the artery. 6. Histological examination of the arterial wall from the portion between oesophagus and vertebral column demonstrated a decrease in number of elastic fibres towards the column. 7. In all cases, there was around A. lusoria a normal Ansa subclavia from the sympathetic trunk. 8. In one case, recurrent nervus were topographically normal on both sides. In both other cases, the right recurrent nerve did not pass under the right subclavian artery but went directly to the larynx without touching the right inferior thyroid artery and its branches.", "contents": "[3 anatomical observations of a right subclavian artery originating from the aortic arch (arteria lusoria)]. 1. The dissection of 223 subjects has revealed 3 cases of A. lusoria (1.06%). In all these cases, the A. lusoria was the last branch of the aortic arch. 2. X-ray pictures were taken after injection of radio-opaque substance to elicit the topographical relations of A. lusoria with esophagus. 3. There were only small variations in the calibre and in the way of its branches. Right common carotid artery directly arose from the aortic arch. 4. The three Aa. lusoriae crossed the dorsal face of esophagus between the 4th and 2nd cervical vertebrae where they provoked at neat natch. 5. In one case, there was a marked narrowing at the origin of the artery. In another case, there was an initial widening of the artery. 6. Histological examination of the arterial wall from the portion between oesophagus and vertebral column demonstrated a decrease in number of elastic fibres towards the column. 7. In all cases, there was around A. lusoria a normal Ansa subclavia from the sympathetic trunk. 8. In one case, recurrent nervus were topographically normal on both sides. In both other cases, the right recurrent nerve did not pass under the right subclavian artery but went directly to the larynx without touching the right inferior thyroid artery and its branches.", "PMID": 984447} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_905", "title": "[The structure of meningeal granules based on light- and scanning electron microscopic studies].", "content": "The granula meningica of man (medium and advanced age) were investigated by means of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We established the following: 1. The endothel of the sinus durae matris of man only seldom shows the blind tubes of endothel which were described by Andres (1967)1 after investigations made in cats and dogs. 2. a) There are no tube systems lined with mesothelial cells in the tissue of the granula meningica. Usually the cellcords and cellclusters are solid. Only in exceptional cases do they have a cavity. b) There are wide spaces between the collagen fibrebundles. These spaces are filled with a thinly liquid amorphous ground substance. We observed many free cells there (especially macrophages). 3. The construction of the connective tissue of the granula meningea lead us to conclude, that they are capable of changing their volume and shape considerably. The possible functional consequences of these results were discussed.", "contents": "[The structure of meningeal granules based on light- and scanning electron microscopic studies]. The granula meningica of man (medium and advanced age) were investigated by means of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We established the following: 1. The endothel of the sinus durae matris of man only seldom shows the blind tubes of endothel which were described by Andres (1967)1 after investigations made in cats and dogs. 2. a) There are no tube systems lined with mesothelial cells in the tissue of the granula meningica. Usually the cellcords and cellclusters are solid. Only in exceptional cases do they have a cavity. b) There are wide spaces between the collagen fibrebundles. These spaces are filled with a thinly liquid amorphous ground substance. We observed many free cells there (especially macrophages). 3. The construction of the connective tissue of the granula meningea lead us to conclude, that they are capable of changing their volume and shape considerably. The possible functional consequences of these results were discussed.", "PMID": 984448} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_906", "title": "Morphological differences in longissimus dorsi muscle of pig, buffalo, sheep, goat and poultry.", "content": "With a view to establish morphological differences between the muscles of pig, buffalo, sheep, goat and poultry, longissimus dorsi were examined. The average fibre cross-sectional area, average fibre diameter, number of fibres per unit area, fascicle size and number of fascicles per unit area have been studied. The size of the muscle fibres showed a decrease in the following order: pig, buffalo, sheep, goat and poultry. In poultry the muscle fibres were thinner and the fibre density values were greater in comparison to other species. The fibres were the coarsest in the pig. A slight difference in the fascicle size between the different species could be appreciated, the pig fascicles being generally large.", "contents": "Morphological differences in longissimus dorsi muscle of pig, buffalo, sheep, goat and poultry. With a view to establish morphological differences between the muscles of pig, buffalo, sheep, goat and poultry, longissimus dorsi were examined. The average fibre cross-sectional area, average fibre diameter, number of fibres per unit area, fascicle size and number of fascicles per unit area have been studied. The size of the muscle fibres showed a decrease in the following order: pig, buffalo, sheep, goat and poultry. In poultry the muscle fibres were thinner and the fibre density values were greater in comparison to other species. The fibres were the coarsest in the pig. A slight difference in the fascicle size between the different species could be appreciated, the pig fascicles being generally large.", "PMID": 984449} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_907", "title": "The ultrastructure of the rabbit submandibular gland.", "content": "The secretory granules of the terminal and pre-terminal tracts of the rabbit submandibular gland display distinct features, while the cell morphology is quite similar. Among these cells, some smaller ones presenting an highly dilated endoplasmic reticulum have been identified in the pre-terminal tracts. Some hypothesis have been formulated concerning the function of these cells.", "contents": "The ultrastructure of the rabbit submandibular gland. The secretory granules of the terminal and pre-terminal tracts of the rabbit submandibular gland display distinct features, while the cell morphology is quite similar. Among these cells, some smaller ones presenting an highly dilated endoplasmic reticulum have been identified in the pre-terminal tracts. Some hypothesis have been formulated concerning the function of these cells.", "PMID": 984452} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_908", "title": "Histomorphological and histochemical studies on systemic and pulmonary arteries of goat with advancing age. III. Calcium deposition in different arteries of ageing goat.", "content": "Thirty three goats, ranging from twenty days to over five years, were included in present investigation which revealed calcification of the different layers of seventeen different collateral arterial branches as well as various aortic segments. The initial appearance of calcium deposition and its progression with advancing age in goats was noted. The calcium deposition in the elastic elements, smooth muscle cells of tunica media, and constituents of tunica adventitia was observed and discussed in light of the available literature in domestic animals.", "contents": "Histomorphological and histochemical studies on systemic and pulmonary arteries of goat with advancing age. III. Calcium deposition in different arteries of ageing goat. Thirty three goats, ranging from twenty days to over five years, were included in present investigation which revealed calcification of the different layers of seventeen different collateral arterial branches as well as various aortic segments. The initial appearance of calcium deposition and its progression with advancing age in goats was noted. The calcium deposition in the elastic elements, smooth muscle cells of tunica media, and constituents of tunica adventitia was observed and discussed in light of the available literature in domestic animals.", "PMID": 984454} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_909", "title": "[Karyometric studies on primary optic and hypothalamic nuclear regions in unilaterally blinded rats].", "content": "Six days after bilateral experimental ablation of the rat retina the nuclear diameter of the suprachiasmatic neurons decreased by 10.3% (Wenisch und Hartwig 1973). From these results it has been postulated that a direct retinohypothalamic connection exists between the eye and the suprachiasmatic nuclei. When unilateral retinal ablation was performed, a decrease in nuclear diameter was only observed in the contralateral suprachiasmatic nucleus (11.3% decrease, similar to that in bilaterally blinded rats). In the ipsilateral nucleus, as was the case in the sham-operated animals, no change in nuclear diameter occured. The nuclear diameter of the supraoptic nucleus, the medial geniculate nucleus and the ipsilateral geniculate nucleus 6 days after unilateral retinal ablation did not show any change, as was the case for these same nuclei in the sham-operated rats. However in the contralateral lateral geniculate nucleus an increase of 10.9% in nuclear diameter was observed. This apparent difference in the observed response of the lateral geniculate nucleus, as compared to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, could possibly be related to the greater distance of this area from the retina; the degeneration of the suprachiasmatic nucleus having been initiated earlier. From the silver-impregnation methods of Nauta-Fink-Heimer and Bodian-Ziemer applied to demonstrate degenerating nerve fibers and terminals 10 days after unilateral and bilateral ablation of the retina no definite conclusions could be drawn for the existence of a direct retinohypothalamic pathway.", "contents": "[Karyometric studies on primary optic and hypothalamic nuclear regions in unilaterally blinded rats]. Six days after bilateral experimental ablation of the rat retina the nuclear diameter of the suprachiasmatic neurons decreased by 10.3% (Wenisch und Hartwig 1973). From these results it has been postulated that a direct retinohypothalamic connection exists between the eye and the suprachiasmatic nuclei. When unilateral retinal ablation was performed, a decrease in nuclear diameter was only observed in the contralateral suprachiasmatic nucleus (11.3% decrease, similar to that in bilaterally blinded rats). In the ipsilateral nucleus, as was the case in the sham-operated animals, no change in nuclear diameter occured. The nuclear diameter of the supraoptic nucleus, the medial geniculate nucleus and the ipsilateral geniculate nucleus 6 days after unilateral retinal ablation did not show any change, as was the case for these same nuclei in the sham-operated rats. However in the contralateral lateral geniculate nucleus an increase of 10.9% in nuclear diameter was observed. This apparent difference in the observed response of the lateral geniculate nucleus, as compared to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, could possibly be related to the greater distance of this area from the retina; the degeneration of the suprachiasmatic nucleus having been initiated earlier. From the silver-impregnation methods of Nauta-Fink-Heimer and Bodian-Ziemer applied to demonstrate degenerating nerve fibers and terminals 10 days after unilateral and bilateral ablation of the retina no definite conclusions could be drawn for the existence of a direct retinohypothalamic pathway.", "PMID": 984455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_910", "title": "Contractile endothelial cells in terminal segments of certain hypophyseal anterior lobe veins.", "content": "A dual system of hypophyseal anterior lobe veins is suggested for bovine. One system is associated with the gland at large and utilizes the capsular plexus of veins, while the other, not utilizing the capsular plexus, is associated with the sinusoids of the hypophyseal portal veins. As they reach the capsule of the gland, those veins not utilizing the capsular plexus, are lined, at their terminal segment by endothelial cells with contractile and secretory elements. The contractile endothelial cells subserve a valve-like action on demand of glandular function.", "contents": "Contractile endothelial cells in terminal segments of certain hypophyseal anterior lobe veins. A dual system of hypophyseal anterior lobe veins is suggested for bovine. One system is associated with the gland at large and utilizes the capsular plexus of veins, while the other, not utilizing the capsular plexus, is associated with the sinusoids of the hypophyseal portal veins. As they reach the capsule of the gland, those veins not utilizing the capsular plexus, are lined, at their terminal segment by endothelial cells with contractile and secretory elements. The contractile endothelial cells subserve a valve-like action on demand of glandular function.", "PMID": 984456} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_911", "title": "Bipedal posture in rats and its effect on litter size.", "content": "Sixty female rats were divided into three groups: twenth were converted to bipeds, twenty to asymmetrics and twenty were raised as a control group. Results of this study show reduction in litter size in the amputated groups, with greater reduction of offspring among the biped group, than in the asymmetric group. The cause of this phenomenon is not clear, but the erect posture and its higher pressure imposed on uterus, and stressed coitus, are the main factors suggested for these disorders.", "contents": "Bipedal posture in rats and its effect on litter size. Sixty female rats were divided into three groups: twenth were converted to bipeds, twenty to asymmetrics and twenty were raised as a control group. Results of this study show reduction in litter size in the amputated groups, with greater reduction of offspring among the biped group, than in the asymmetric group. The cause of this phenomenon is not clear, but the erect posture and its higher pressure imposed on uterus, and stressed coitus, are the main factors suggested for these disorders.", "PMID": 984457} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_912", "title": "Aberrant retropharyngeal lymph nodes of a horse (Equus caballus).", "content": "The occurrence of aberrant lymph nodes, on both sides of the head of a horse, belonging to the retropharyngeal lymphocenter has been reported.", "contents": "Aberrant retropharyngeal lymph nodes of a horse (Equus caballus). The occurrence of aberrant lymph nodes, on both sides of the head of a horse, belonging to the retropharyngeal lymphocenter has been reported.", "PMID": 984459} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_913", "title": "Anatomical and neurohistological observations on the heart of the rose ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri.", "content": "Anatomy, histology and innervation of the heart of the rose ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri have been studied in the present investigation. The sinuatrial node is found to be well-developed. It is located towards the right side of the cephalic end of the interatrial septum and composed of a few nucleated cells and a large fibrous mass. The atrioventricular node is poorly defined, present at the caudal end of the interatrial septum. The node is somewhat triangular in shape and is composed of elongated and multinucleated specialized fibres. The node is not covered by any connective tissue sheath. The poor development of the atrio ventricular node and the absence of any sheath around it may be correlated with the fast rate of the heart beat. The atrioventricular bundle is observed at the cephalic end of the interventricular septum. A branch from the right limb of the atrioventricular bundle is noted to pass directly into the right atrioventricular valve. The heart is richly innervated. Ganglion cells along with nerve fibres have been observed at the sulcus terminalis and the atrioventricular junction. A direct nervous connection could be observed between the sinuatrial and atrioventricular nodes. It is argued that the impulse which originates in the sinuatrial node would reach the atrioventricular node through the unspecialized muscle fibres and nerve fibres of the interatrial septum. Nerve cells could not be traced in the substance of the sinuatrial node, atrioventricular node and atrioventricular bundle.", "contents": "Anatomical and neurohistological observations on the heart of the rose ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri. Anatomy, histology and innervation of the heart of the rose ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri have been studied in the present investigation. The sinuatrial node is found to be well-developed. It is located towards the right side of the cephalic end of the interatrial septum and composed of a few nucleated cells and a large fibrous mass. The atrioventricular node is poorly defined, present at the caudal end of the interatrial septum. The node is somewhat triangular in shape and is composed of elongated and multinucleated specialized fibres. The node is not covered by any connective tissue sheath. The poor development of the atrio ventricular node and the absence of any sheath around it may be correlated with the fast rate of the heart beat. The atrioventricular bundle is observed at the cephalic end of the interventricular septum. A branch from the right limb of the atrioventricular bundle is noted to pass directly into the right atrioventricular valve. The heart is richly innervated. Ganglion cells along with nerve fibres have been observed at the sulcus terminalis and the atrioventricular junction. A direct nervous connection could be observed between the sinuatrial and atrioventricular nodes. It is argued that the impulse which originates in the sinuatrial node would reach the atrioventricular node through the unspecialized muscle fibres and nerve fibres of the interatrial septum. Nerve cells could not be traced in the substance of the sinuatrial node, atrioventricular node and atrioventricular bundle.", "PMID": 984460} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_914", "title": "Morphometric studies on the relationship between myelin sheath and axon area in the sciatic nerve of adult rats.", "content": "The myelin sheath and axon areas in the sciatic nerve of 20 adult rats were studied using the video-point-counting method (Quantimet). This automatic measurement procedure allows an exact and rapid determination of the above mentioned areas as a result of the differing intensities of the structures. The electron-microscopic pictures are projected at a magnification of 3500 onto the monitor through a lens system from a Vidikon-TV-tube, objective 32 mm. The areas of single nerve cross-sections, myelin sheath areas and total area are then measured. These area values are stated in picture points which can be calculated to absolute values. The statistical evaluation of both parameters shows a linear regression with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. These values are compared with the results obtained using the conventional manual methods of other authors, e.g. determination of lamellae number or myelin sheath thickness as well as axon circumference or axon diameter. The special advantages of this procedure are thereby pointed out.", "contents": "Morphometric studies on the relationship between myelin sheath and axon area in the sciatic nerve of adult rats. The myelin sheath and axon areas in the sciatic nerve of 20 adult rats were studied using the video-point-counting method (Quantimet). This automatic measurement procedure allows an exact and rapid determination of the above mentioned areas as a result of the differing intensities of the structures. The electron-microscopic pictures are projected at a magnification of 3500 onto the monitor through a lens system from a Vidikon-TV-tube, objective 32 mm. The areas of single nerve cross-sections, myelin sheath areas and total area are then measured. These area values are stated in picture points which can be calculated to absolute values. The statistical evaluation of both parameters shows a linear regression with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. These values are compared with the results obtained using the conventional manual methods of other authors, e.g. determination of lamellae number or myelin sheath thickness as well as axon circumference or axon diameter. The special advantages of this procedure are thereby pointed out.", "PMID": 984461} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_915", "title": "Anatomical studies on the prediaphragmatic portion of systema nervosum pars sympathica of the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).", "content": "The gross disposition of the prediaphragmatic portion of systema nervosum pars sympathica was studied in six male buffalo calves after careful dissection. The cranial cervical ganglion, the cervicothoracic ganglion and the ansa subclavia were present bilaterally. Rarely a middle cervical ganglion was also encountered. The vertebral ganglia were present in most of the animals. The cranial cervical sympathetic trunk joined the N. Vagus at the level of atlas and the caudal cervical sympathetic trunk separated from the N. vagus at the sixth cervical vertebral level. The ansa subclavia joined the vertebral and the cervicothoracic ganglia. The myelinated fibres in the sympathetic trunk showed a fascicular arrangement. They were mostly of 2 to 4 mum in external diameter. The number (mean value) of myelinated fibres in the cranial cervical trunk was 8,981 +/- 2,016 and their density was 3,379/mm2. In the caudal cervical trunk, there was 10,345 +/- 3,424 myelinated fibres with a density of 3,679/mm2. In the ansa subclavia, the corresponding values were 3,301 +/- 421 and 2,456/mm2 respectively. The interganglionic trunk between the vertebral and the cervicothoracic ganglia revealed 9,843 +/- 4,602 myelinated fibres and their density was 3,698/mm2. In the interganglionic trunks between the third and the fourth and the fourth and fifth thoracic ganglia, the total number of myelinated nerve fibres was 10,540 +/- 4,127 and 9,217 +/- 1,367 respectively and their density values were 2,750/mm2 and 2,808/mm2 respectively. The corresponding values for the N. transversarius were 26,140 +/- 3,807 and 2,433/mm2 respectively. Ganglion cells were found along the caudal cervical sympathetic trunk and the thoracic sympathetic trunk. A fascicle of umnyelinated fibres was also found in the cervical sympathetic trunks.", "contents": "Anatomical studies on the prediaphragmatic portion of systema nervosum pars sympathica of the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). The gross disposition of the prediaphragmatic portion of systema nervosum pars sympathica was studied in six male buffalo calves after careful dissection. The cranial cervical ganglion, the cervicothoracic ganglion and the ansa subclavia were present bilaterally. Rarely a middle cervical ganglion was also encountered. The vertebral ganglia were present in most of the animals. The cranial cervical sympathetic trunk joined the N. Vagus at the level of atlas and the caudal cervical sympathetic trunk separated from the N. vagus at the sixth cervical vertebral level. The ansa subclavia joined the vertebral and the cervicothoracic ganglia. The myelinated fibres in the sympathetic trunk showed a fascicular arrangement. They were mostly of 2 to 4 mum in external diameter. The number (mean value) of myelinated fibres in the cranial cervical trunk was 8,981 +/- 2,016 and their density was 3,379/mm2. In the caudal cervical trunk, there was 10,345 +/- 3,424 myelinated fibres with a density of 3,679/mm2. In the ansa subclavia, the corresponding values were 3,301 +/- 421 and 2,456/mm2 respectively. The interganglionic trunk between the vertebral and the cervicothoracic ganglia revealed 9,843 +/- 4,602 myelinated fibres and their density was 3,698/mm2. In the interganglionic trunks between the third and the fourth and the fourth and fifth thoracic ganglia, the total number of myelinated nerve fibres was 10,540 +/- 4,127 and 9,217 +/- 1,367 respectively and their density values were 2,750/mm2 and 2,808/mm2 respectively. The corresponding values for the N. transversarius were 26,140 +/- 3,807 and 2,433/mm2 respectively. Ganglion cells were found along the caudal cervical sympathetic trunk and the thoracic sympathetic trunk. A fascicle of umnyelinated fibres was also found in the cervical sympathetic trunks.", "PMID": 984462} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_916", "title": "Anatomical and neurohistological observations on the tongue of 60 mm embryo of opossum, Didetphis marsupialis.", "content": "The anatomy, histology and innervation of the tongue of 60 mm embryo of opossum, Didelphis marsupialis have been described. The tongue measures 13 mm in length and 4.5 mm in breadth. The tip of the tongue is somewhat pointed and bordered by soft fringe of simple filiform papillae which are probably tactile in function. The fungiform papillae are small rounded bead-like structures scattered over the dorsum. The circumvallate papillae are three in number and arranged in an inverted V-shape. Taste buds are developed over the dorsum of fungiform papillae. The foliate papillae are concealed. The filiform papillae in various stages of development are seen over the entire dorsum. The circumvallate papillae are not fully developed. Mucous glands and their ducts are well-developed. The innervation of the tongue of 60 mm embryo of opossum is almost similar to that of other mammals. The dorsal side of the tongue is covered with thick squamous epithelium and is innervated by thick nerve fibres. The ventral surface is thin and comparatively poor in nerve supply. The skeletal muscles and connective tissue are richly innervated by thick and thin nerve fibres. A large number of ganglion cells lie singly or in irregular groups in the plexuses of the intermingling nerve fibres. The filiform papillae are heavily innervated by thick nerve fibres. Nerve elements could not be observed in the circumvallate papillae. Fungiform papillae are also provided with fine nerve fibres. A few nerve fibres and nerve bundles are seen in the gullet region.", "contents": "Anatomical and neurohistological observations on the tongue of 60 mm embryo of opossum, Didetphis marsupialis. The anatomy, histology and innervation of the tongue of 60 mm embryo of opossum, Didelphis marsupialis have been described. The tongue measures 13 mm in length and 4.5 mm in breadth. The tip of the tongue is somewhat pointed and bordered by soft fringe of simple filiform papillae which are probably tactile in function. The fungiform papillae are small rounded bead-like structures scattered over the dorsum. The circumvallate papillae are three in number and arranged in an inverted V-shape. Taste buds are developed over the dorsum of fungiform papillae. The foliate papillae are concealed. The filiform papillae in various stages of development are seen over the entire dorsum. The circumvallate papillae are not fully developed. Mucous glands and their ducts are well-developed. The innervation of the tongue of 60 mm embryo of opossum is almost similar to that of other mammals. The dorsal side of the tongue is covered with thick squamous epithelium and is innervated by thick nerve fibres. The ventral surface is thin and comparatively poor in nerve supply. The skeletal muscles and connective tissue are richly innervated by thick and thin nerve fibres. A large number of ganglion cells lie singly or in irregular groups in the plexuses of the intermingling nerve fibres. The filiform papillae are heavily innervated by thick nerve fibres. Nerve elements could not be observed in the circumvallate papillae. Fungiform papillae are also provided with fine nerve fibres. A few nerve fibres and nerve bundles are seen in the gullet region.", "PMID": 984463} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_917", "title": "The retinal morphology and retinal histochemistry of a twilight fish Corydoras paleatus (J.).", "content": "1. The retinas of Corydoras paleatus were studied by histology (HE) and histochemistry (PAS and Nucleic acid). 2. Three types of visual cells were observed, namely rod, single cone and twin cone. All of them are PAS positive. 3. The histochemical PAS pattern of these visual cells differs from those species which are not of a twilight habitat. 4. Significant amount of RNA were not detected in the inner segments of visual cells in this species indicating a possible slow renewal of outer segments.", "contents": "The retinal morphology and retinal histochemistry of a twilight fish Corydoras paleatus (J.). 1. The retinas of Corydoras paleatus were studied by histology (HE) and histochemistry (PAS and Nucleic acid). 2. Three types of visual cells were observed, namely rod, single cone and twin cone. All of them are PAS positive. 3. The histochemical PAS pattern of these visual cells differs from those species which are not of a twilight habitat. 4. Significant amount of RNA were not detected in the inner segments of visual cells in this species indicating a possible slow renewal of outer segments.", "PMID": 984464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_918", "title": "A photometric method for quantitative estimation of the area of irregular microscopic objects.", "content": "The area of small irregular microscopic objects can be estimated by projecting the image of the objects on to tracing paper, making a tracing using a fibre tipped sketch pen, eluting the ink from the paper, and estimating the colour photometrically. Similarly treated spots of known area are used as standards. The method can also be used to measure the lengths of lines that are too complicated to be measured by other means.", "contents": "A photometric method for quantitative estimation of the area of irregular microscopic objects. The area of small irregular microscopic objects can be estimated by projecting the image of the objects on to tracing paper, making a tracing using a fibre tipped sketch pen, eluting the ink from the paper, and estimating the colour photometrically. Similarly treated spots of known area are used as standards. The method can also be used to measure the lengths of lines that are too complicated to be measured by other means.", "PMID": 984465} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_919", "title": "Morphostructure and topography of the pelvic plexus in the sheep, with particular consideration of the hypogastric nerve.", "content": "The anatomical structure and topography of the pelvic plexus were studied in 16 bodies of sheep of both sexes (9 males and 7 females). The studies showed that this plexus originates from sympathetic fibres running from the L3-L7 and S1-S4 ganglia of the lumbosacral section of the sympathetic trunk and parasympathetic fibres (S2-S4) given off by the abdominal branches of the sacral spinal nerves. Distinct individual differences were found in its structure and topography, especially as regards the vegetative ganglia, which are not a constant element of the plexus and show variations. This has provided a basis for the differentiation of two anatomical types of plexus: I, the ganglionic, appearing in 68.7% of specimens and II, the non-ganglionic, present in only 31.2% of specimens.", "contents": "Morphostructure and topography of the pelvic plexus in the sheep, with particular consideration of the hypogastric nerve. The anatomical structure and topography of the pelvic plexus were studied in 16 bodies of sheep of both sexes (9 males and 7 females). The studies showed that this plexus originates from sympathetic fibres running from the L3-L7 and S1-S4 ganglia of the lumbosacral section of the sympathetic trunk and parasympathetic fibres (S2-S4) given off by the abdominal branches of the sacral spinal nerves. Distinct individual differences were found in its structure and topography, especially as regards the vegetative ganglia, which are not a constant element of the plexus and show variations. This has provided a basis for the differentiation of two anatomical types of plexus: I, the ganglionic, appearing in 68.7% of specimens and II, the non-ganglionic, present in only 31.2% of specimens.", "PMID": 984466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_920", "title": "An analysis of muscle weight variations in the wing and leg of Sturnus vulgaris.", "content": "Dry weights of 18 wing and 23 leg muscles from both sides of 15 adult male starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were determined. By means of factor analysis it is calculated which part of the variance in a muscle's weight can be accounted for by common factors and which part by the characteristics of the muscle itself (residual variance). Wing and leg muscles are analysed separately. From the wing muscle analysis one can draw the following inferences: 1. Three hierarchically ordered factors represent 66%, 8% and 6% of the total variance in the wing muscles. The first common factor will most likely reflect the size variation of the starlings. 2. It appeared advisable to perform rotation of the original factor solution because the second and third factor are bipolar. 3. The three rotated factors can not be interpreted as embryological sources of weight variations and are not related to the segmental or peripheral innervation of the muscles, but generally correspond with three groups of actions that the wing muscles perform. 4. Muscles correlated with the first rotated factor generally move the humerus, while muscles that move the forearm and (parts of) the hand are correlated with the third and second rotated factor, respectively. From the leg muscle analysis it follows that: 1. Five hierarchically ordered factors represent 57%, 13%, 7%, 6% and 4% of the total variance in the leg muscles. Body size (factor 1) plays a more important role in the wing than it does in the leg. 2. It was advisable to rotate the original factor solution since four bipolar factors are present. 3. As in the wing, residual variance shows no particular relation with the mean weight of a muscle. 4. As in the wing, the five rotated factors can only be related to five groups of muscle actions. 5. Muscles correlated with the five rotated factor cause protraction, adduction or inward rotation of the leg or combinations of these movements, whereas muscles correlated with the fourth rotated factor can perform the antagonistic actions. Muscles related to the third rotated factor flex the tarsometatarsus of flex more digits simultaneously, while muscles related to the second rotated factor flex a single digit or extend the tarsometatarus. The fifth rotated factor is a peculiar one since only the mm. peronei are correlated with it. The possibility to apply factor analysis also to experimental stimulated hypertrophy studies and to interspecific muscle weight analyses is discussed.", "contents": "An analysis of muscle weight variations in the wing and leg of Sturnus vulgaris. Dry weights of 18 wing and 23 leg muscles from both sides of 15 adult male starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were determined. By means of factor analysis it is calculated which part of the variance in a muscle's weight can be accounted for by common factors and which part by the characteristics of the muscle itself (residual variance). Wing and leg muscles are analysed separately. From the wing muscle analysis one can draw the following inferences: 1. Three hierarchically ordered factors represent 66%, 8% and 6% of the total variance in the wing muscles. The first common factor will most likely reflect the size variation of the starlings. 2. It appeared advisable to perform rotation of the original factor solution because the second and third factor are bipolar. 3. The three rotated factors can not be interpreted as embryological sources of weight variations and are not related to the segmental or peripheral innervation of the muscles, but generally correspond with three groups of actions that the wing muscles perform. 4. Muscles correlated with the first rotated factor generally move the humerus, while muscles that move the forearm and (parts of) the hand are correlated with the third and second rotated factor, respectively. From the leg muscle analysis it follows that: 1. Five hierarchically ordered factors represent 57%, 13%, 7%, 6% and 4% of the total variance in the leg muscles. Body size (factor 1) plays a more important role in the wing than it does in the leg. 2. It was advisable to rotate the original factor solution since four bipolar factors are present. 3. As in the wing, residual variance shows no particular relation with the mean weight of a muscle. 4. As in the wing, the five rotated factors can only be related to five groups of muscle actions. 5. Muscles correlated with the five rotated factor cause protraction, adduction or inward rotation of the leg or combinations of these movements, whereas muscles correlated with the fourth rotated factor can perform the antagonistic actions. Muscles related to the third rotated factor flex the tarsometatarsus of flex more digits simultaneously, while muscles related to the second rotated factor flex a single digit or extend the tarsometatarus. The fifth rotated factor is a peculiar one since only the mm. peronei are correlated with it. The possibility to apply factor analysis also to experimental stimulated hypertrophy studies and to interspecific muscle weight analyses is discussed.", "PMID": 984467} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_921", "title": "Simultaneous changes of the perivascular contact area and HIMOT activity in the pineal organ after bilateral adrenalectomy in the rat.", "content": "In the pineal organ of the female rat, proportional changes in the area of contact of pinealocyte processes and glial processes with the perivascular space were found after bilateral adrenalectomy. The contact area was evaluated by measuring the length of pinealocyte and glial cell membranes directly abutting on the basal lamina. In the normal female rat, 40% of the contact area is occupied by pinealocyte and 60% by glial cell processes. Fourteen days after bilateral adrenalectomy, this proportion is reversed. In addition, cell counts demonstrate that more pinealocytes gain access to the pericapillary space due to the experimental conditions. In order to prove whether or not these results indicate an increase of pineal endocrine activity, the melatonin-forming enzyme hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT, E.C. 2.1.1.4) was assayed. After bilateral adrenalectomy the HIOMT activity was found to significantly increase.", "contents": "Simultaneous changes of the perivascular contact area and HIMOT activity in the pineal organ after bilateral adrenalectomy in the rat. In the pineal organ of the female rat, proportional changes in the area of contact of pinealocyte processes and glial processes with the perivascular space were found after bilateral adrenalectomy. The contact area was evaluated by measuring the length of pinealocyte and glial cell membranes directly abutting on the basal lamina. In the normal female rat, 40% of the contact area is occupied by pinealocyte and 60% by glial cell processes. Fourteen days after bilateral adrenalectomy, this proportion is reversed. In addition, cell counts demonstrate that more pinealocytes gain access to the pericapillary space due to the experimental conditions. In order to prove whether or not these results indicate an increase of pineal endocrine activity, the melatonin-forming enzyme hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT, E.C. 2.1.1.4) was assayed. After bilateral adrenalectomy the HIOMT activity was found to significantly increase.", "PMID": 984468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_922", "title": "Studies on intra-arterial cushions. II. Distribution of horseradish peroxidase in cushions at the origins of intercostal arteries in mice.", "content": "The distribution of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in intraarterial cushions at the origins of intercostal arteries was studied in mice 30 min after intravenous injection of the tracer. HRP is found to be evenly distributed in the extracellular space of the entire arterial wall. Basal lamina material is penetrated by the tracer protein. This is not the case with collagenic fibrils, elastic material and intercellular granular deposits which occur regularly in cushions of adult mice but not in those of newborn animals (granules 300 to 800 A in diameter, probably cell debris). However, the elastic sheets do not act as diffusion barriers. HRP is not phagocytized in significant amounts by ramified smooth muscle cells within the time intervals tested. It is therefore assumed that granular deposits are also not phagocytized by smooth muscle cells.", "contents": "Studies on intra-arterial cushions. II. Distribution of horseradish peroxidase in cushions at the origins of intercostal arteries in mice. The distribution of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in intraarterial cushions at the origins of intercostal arteries was studied in mice 30 min after intravenous injection of the tracer. HRP is found to be evenly distributed in the extracellular space of the entire arterial wall. Basal lamina material is penetrated by the tracer protein. This is not the case with collagenic fibrils, elastic material and intercellular granular deposits which occur regularly in cushions of adult mice but not in those of newborn animals (granules 300 to 800 A in diameter, probably cell debris). However, the elastic sheets do not act as diffusion barriers. HRP is not phagocytized in significant amounts by ramified smooth muscle cells within the time intervals tested. It is therefore assumed that granular deposits are also not phagocytized by smooth muscle cells.", "PMID": 984469} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_923", "title": "The ultrastructure of the nucleus of the oculomotor nerve (somatic efferent portion) of the cat.", "content": "The ultrastructure of the somatic efferent portion of the nucleus of the oculomotor nerve was studied in four adult cats. The neuronal population is composed of neurons of variable size. A continuous pattern of morphological aspects is evident between the large neurons, which show abundant cytoplasm with well developed organelles, and the small neurons which have a reduced amount of cytoplasm. The dendrites are generally smooth, with few short spines. Axo-dendritic synapses are numerous. Synaptic boutons are also present on the axon hillock. The neuropil is characterized by the occurrence of small groups of dendrites which may be in direct touch with their membranes. Direct membrane appositions may also occur between neighbouring neurons and between the cell somata and tangentially running dendrites. Generally beneath the site of apposition there is accumulation of mitochondria, multivesicular bodies, coated vesicles and moderately dense amorphous material. The morphological features suggest the possibility of cellular interchanges at the sites of direct membrane apposition. Five types of synaptic boutons were recognized on the basis of their vesicular content, the presence of abundant filaments in the pre-synaptic bag, the occurrence of post-synaptic specializations. The different synaptic types and their distribution are similar to those reported in the spinal motor nuclei. Many of the synapses make synaptic contacts with two or more post-synaptic elements. Axo-axonic synapses were also observed.", "contents": "The ultrastructure of the nucleus of the oculomotor nerve (somatic efferent portion) of the cat. The ultrastructure of the somatic efferent portion of the nucleus of the oculomotor nerve was studied in four adult cats. The neuronal population is composed of neurons of variable size. A continuous pattern of morphological aspects is evident between the large neurons, which show abundant cytoplasm with well developed organelles, and the small neurons which have a reduced amount of cytoplasm. The dendrites are generally smooth, with few short spines. Axo-dendritic synapses are numerous. Synaptic boutons are also present on the axon hillock. The neuropil is characterized by the occurrence of small groups of dendrites which may be in direct touch with their membranes. Direct membrane appositions may also occur between neighbouring neurons and between the cell somata and tangentially running dendrites. Generally beneath the site of apposition there is accumulation of mitochondria, multivesicular bodies, coated vesicles and moderately dense amorphous material. The morphological features suggest the possibility of cellular interchanges at the sites of direct membrane apposition. Five types of synaptic boutons were recognized on the basis of their vesicular content, the presence of abundant filaments in the pre-synaptic bag, the occurrence of post-synaptic specializations. The different synaptic types and their distribution are similar to those reported in the spinal motor nuclei. Many of the synapses make synaptic contacts with two or more post-synaptic elements. Axo-axonic synapses were also observed.", "PMID": 984470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_924", "title": "Zonulae occludentes of the rat nephron under conditions of experimental expansion of blood and/or fluid volume.", "content": "The zonula occludens (Z.O.) has been implicated as a major pathway for passive fluid movement from lateral intercellular spaces to lumen in response to an expansion of blood or fluid volume. The present study examines to Z.O. of adult rat nephrons in control and Ringer-Locke or while blood infused animals to determine whether varying the conditions of passive fluid movement would influence the structure of the Z.O. Rats were infused over 20 minutes with Ringer-Locke (7% body weight) or while blood (2.3% body weight). In the controls, 92%-94% of all Z.O. observed in proximal tubules and 100% of Z.O. from distal tubules and collecting ducts had fused outer leaflets. The approximate linear extent of the Z.O. was 140 A for proximal tubules, 2,500 A for distal tubules and 3,000 A for collecting ducts. There was no significant difference in any of these values following the infusion with either Ringer-Locke or whole blood. We conclude that expansion of blood or fluid volume causes no detectable alteration in the fine structure of Z.O. under the conditions used in the present study.", "contents": "Zonulae occludentes of the rat nephron under conditions of experimental expansion of blood and/or fluid volume. The zonula occludens (Z.O.) has been implicated as a major pathway for passive fluid movement from lateral intercellular spaces to lumen in response to an expansion of blood or fluid volume. The present study examines to Z.O. of adult rat nephrons in control and Ringer-Locke or while blood infused animals to determine whether varying the conditions of passive fluid movement would influence the structure of the Z.O. Rats were infused over 20 minutes with Ringer-Locke (7% body weight) or while blood (2.3% body weight). In the controls, 92%-94% of all Z.O. observed in proximal tubules and 100% of Z.O. from distal tubules and collecting ducts had fused outer leaflets. The approximate linear extent of the Z.O. was 140 A for proximal tubules, 2,500 A for distal tubules and 3,000 A for collecting ducts. There was no significant difference in any of these values following the infusion with either Ringer-Locke or whole blood. We conclude that expansion of blood or fluid volume causes no detectable alteration in the fine structure of Z.O. under the conditions used in the present study.", "PMID": 984471} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_925", "title": "The hematopoietic microenvironment of the bone marrow: an ultrastructural study of the stroma in rats.", "content": "The bone marrow contains branching vascular sinuses lying in a fibroblastic stroma which supports hematopoiesis. This paper describes the stroma and vascular sinuses by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and in freeze-fracture etch replicas in normal fat femoral marrow and in rats made eosinophilic by larvae of trichinella spiralis. The stroma consists primarily of reticular cells which ensheath sinuses as adventitial cells and branch into the surrounding hematopoietic space. They form a spongework on which hematopoietic cells are arranged. Erythroblasts, clustered into islets, and megakaryocytes lie just outside sinuses. Granulocytes, until the metamyelocyte stage, lie in the midst of the hematopoietic cords. Lymphocytes, monocytes and likely stem cells, are clustered about arterial vessels. Macrophages occur throughout the marrow. Fat cells occur adventitial to vascular sinuses and appear to be reticular cells which accumulate fat. Processes of reticular cells closely envelope hematopoietic cells or protrude into them. Reticular cells contain rough ER and are likely fibroblastic. The argyrophilic reticular fibers of the marrow are, however, slender and scanty. Reticular cells are rich in filaments and they may contain many microtubules. They are not phagocytic and possess few lysosomes. The reticular cell cover of a vascular sinus is lifted away as maturing hematopoietic cells approach the sinus, preparatory to crossing the endothelium and entering the circulation. Maturing granulocytes often show microvilli on reaching the basal endothelial surface. The level of eosinophils in the marrow may increase from approximately four to more than 20% after injection of trichinella larvae. Close distinctive association of reticular cells and eosinophils are marked. Reticular cells provide a physical spongwork on which hematopoietic cells are supported. But I postulate that they also trap and induce differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells, and sort the differentiating hematopoietic cells into characteristic locations in their spongework.", "contents": "The hematopoietic microenvironment of the bone marrow: an ultrastructural study of the stroma in rats. The bone marrow contains branching vascular sinuses lying in a fibroblastic stroma which supports hematopoiesis. This paper describes the stroma and vascular sinuses by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and in freeze-fracture etch replicas in normal fat femoral marrow and in rats made eosinophilic by larvae of trichinella spiralis. The stroma consists primarily of reticular cells which ensheath sinuses as adventitial cells and branch into the surrounding hematopoietic space. They form a spongework on which hematopoietic cells are arranged. Erythroblasts, clustered into islets, and megakaryocytes lie just outside sinuses. Granulocytes, until the metamyelocyte stage, lie in the midst of the hematopoietic cords. Lymphocytes, monocytes and likely stem cells, are clustered about arterial vessels. Macrophages occur throughout the marrow. Fat cells occur adventitial to vascular sinuses and appear to be reticular cells which accumulate fat. Processes of reticular cells closely envelope hematopoietic cells or protrude into them. Reticular cells contain rough ER and are likely fibroblastic. The argyrophilic reticular fibers of the marrow are, however, slender and scanty. Reticular cells are rich in filaments and they may contain many microtubules. They are not phagocytic and possess few lysosomes. The reticular cell cover of a vascular sinus is lifted away as maturing hematopoietic cells approach the sinus, preparatory to crossing the endothelium and entering the circulation. Maturing granulocytes often show microvilli on reaching the basal endothelial surface. The level of eosinophils in the marrow may increase from approximately four to more than 20% after injection of trichinella larvae. Close distinctive association of reticular cells and eosinophils are marked. Reticular cells provide a physical spongwork on which hematopoietic cells are supported. But I postulate that they also trap and induce differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells, and sort the differentiating hematopoietic cells into characteristic locations in their spongework.", "PMID": 984472} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_926", "title": "Monosodium glutamate induced lesions of the arcuate nucleus. I. Endocrine deficiency and ultrastructure of the median eminence.", "content": "Monosodium glutamate was administered daily on days 5 through 10 postnatally at a dose of 2.5 mg/gm body weight. Counts of remaining perikarya in the arcuate nucleus of adult mice indicated approximately an 80% decrease in the number of perikarya. The arcuate lesion resulted in endocrine deficits; reporductive capacity was reduced, animals were smaller in stature and obese, and the weights of the anterior pituitary, ovaries and testes were significantly decreased while adrenals were unaffected. Light microscopic studies revealed no significant changes in thickness or general histological appearance of the median eminence. At the electron microscope level, there were no alterations in the number of nerve terminals or dense core vesicles per unit area in the contact zone. These observations suggest that afferents to the median eminence from the arcuate nucleus may form a relatively small portion of its total nerve terminal population.", "contents": "Monosodium glutamate induced lesions of the arcuate nucleus. I. Endocrine deficiency and ultrastructure of the median eminence. Monosodium glutamate was administered daily on days 5 through 10 postnatally at a dose of 2.5 mg/gm body weight. Counts of remaining perikarya in the arcuate nucleus of adult mice indicated approximately an 80% decrease in the number of perikarya. The arcuate lesion resulted in endocrine deficits; reporductive capacity was reduced, animals were smaller in stature and obese, and the weights of the anterior pituitary, ovaries and testes were significantly decreased while adrenals were unaffected. Light microscopic studies revealed no significant changes in thickness or general histological appearance of the median eminence. At the electron microscope level, there were no alterations in the number of nerve terminals or dense core vesicles per unit area in the contact zone. These observations suggest that afferents to the median eminence from the arcuate nucleus may form a relatively small portion of its total nerve terminal population.", "PMID": 984473} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_927", "title": "Monosodium glutamate induced lesions of the arcurate nucleus. II. Fluorescence histochemistry of catecholamines.", "content": "The effect of the monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced lesion of the arcuate nucleus on catecholamines in the arcuate nucleus and median eminence of the mouse hypothalamus was determined using the Falck-Hillarp histofluorescence technique. The number of fluorescent perikarya in the arcuate nucleus of treated animals was decreased approximately 60%; the fluorescence intensity of surviving neurons was notably reduced. These changes were accompanied by a reduction in the intensity of fluorescence in the median eminence. Pretreatment of control and MSG-lesioned animals with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (pargyline) greatly increased fluroescence in the median eminence and arcuate nucleus of both groups. However, the number of fluorescing perikarya of the arcuate nucleus of the normal pargyline treated group far exceeded that of the pargyline MSG animals. It is concluded that neonatally administered MSG caused destruction of a large number of dopaminergic arcuate perikarya.", "contents": "Monosodium glutamate induced lesions of the arcurate nucleus. II. Fluorescence histochemistry of catecholamines. The effect of the monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced lesion of the arcuate nucleus on catecholamines in the arcuate nucleus and median eminence of the mouse hypothalamus was determined using the Falck-Hillarp histofluorescence technique. The number of fluorescent perikarya in the arcuate nucleus of treated animals was decreased approximately 60%; the fluorescence intensity of surviving neurons was notably reduced. These changes were accompanied by a reduction in the intensity of fluorescence in the median eminence. Pretreatment of control and MSG-lesioned animals with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (pargyline) greatly increased fluroescence in the median eminence and arcuate nucleus of both groups. However, the number of fluorescing perikarya of the arcuate nucleus of the normal pargyline treated group far exceeded that of the pargyline MSG animals. It is concluded that neonatally administered MSG caused destruction of a large number of dopaminergic arcuate perikarya.", "PMID": 984474} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_928", "title": "Analysis of the geographical distribution of anesthesia manpower in the United States.", "content": "The 1970 geographical distributions of total anesthesia manpower, anesthesiologists, and nurse anesthetists by state were analyzed by multiple regression to account for their unevenness. Independent variables included factors relating to prior professional contact in the state, professional satisfaction, practice income, demand for services, and environment. The distribution of training programs accounted for 41 per cent of the variance in the distribution of total manpower, but 55 per cent was explained by the number of operations, location of nurse anesthesia schools, and proportion of total state employment in service occupations (a proxy for the availability of consumer services). Location of training programs and the absence of the other type of personnel were good predictors for the manpower subgroups. The distribution of nurse anesthesia schools, anesthesiologists, number of surgical operations, and the relative value schedule conversion factor together accounted for 60 per cent of the variance in the nurses' distribution. The location of residency programs (or positions) was a better predictor for the anesthesiologists' location than medical schools or factors characterizing the demand for services. The distribution of nurse anesthetists, hospital cost per day (considered a proxy for a satisfying professional life and for regionalization of services), and residency programs explained 81 per cent of the variance in the anesthesiologists' distribution. Although the regression predicts that increasing the number of residency programs in an underserved state should be associated with an increase the number of anesthesiologists, such a policy may be infeasible dur to pending federal health manpower legislation unless matched by decreasing a greater number of programs in relatively oversupplied states.", "contents": "Analysis of the geographical distribution of anesthesia manpower in the United States. The 1970 geographical distributions of total anesthesia manpower, anesthesiologists, and nurse anesthetists by state were analyzed by multiple regression to account for their unevenness. Independent variables included factors relating to prior professional contact in the state, professional satisfaction, practice income, demand for services, and environment. The distribution of training programs accounted for 41 per cent of the variance in the distribution of total manpower, but 55 per cent was explained by the number of operations, location of nurse anesthesia schools, and proportion of total state employment in service occupations (a proxy for the availability of consumer services). Location of training programs and the absence of the other type of personnel were good predictors for the manpower subgroups. The distribution of nurse anesthesia schools, anesthesiologists, number of surgical operations, and the relative value schedule conversion factor together accounted for 60 per cent of the variance in the nurses' distribution. The location of residency programs (or positions) was a better predictor for the anesthesiologists' location than medical schools or factors characterizing the demand for services. The distribution of nurse anesthetists, hospital cost per day (considered a proxy for a satisfying professional life and for regionalization of services), and residency programs explained 81 per cent of the variance in the anesthesiologists' distribution. Although the regression predicts that increasing the number of residency programs in an underserved state should be associated with an increase the number of anesthesiologists, such a policy may be infeasible dur to pending federal health manpower legislation unless matched by decreasing a greater number of programs in relatively oversupplied states.", "PMID": 984476} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_929", "title": "Alterations of normal left ventricular performance by general anesthesia.", "content": "Serial invasive and noninvasive (systolic time interval) measurements of left ventricular performance were obtained in six healthy volunteers during general anesthesia employing the following sequence: thiopental induction, succinylcholine (prior to endotracheal intubation), and halothane--100 per cent oxygen at 1.25 and 1.75 MAC. Heart rate (HR), mean pulmonary arterial \"wedge\" pressure (PAW) and mean systemic arterial pressure (MAP) were measured continuously; cardiac index and systolic time intervals (STI's) were measured during each intervention. At both levels of halothane, MAP and stroke work index decreased (both P less than 0.02), while HR and systemic vascular resistance did not change. At 1.25 MAC halothane PAW was unchanged, but at 1.75 MAC PAW increased from 8 +/- 4 (SD) to 11 +/- 5 torr (P less than 0.02). Preload was altered at 1.25 MAC by administration of 600-1,000 ml lactated Ringer's solution; PAW increased from 9 +/- 4 to 17 +/- 3 torr (P less than 0.01). At 1.75 MAC halothane, volume expansion increased PAW in a similar manner, but the resultant ventricular function curve was depressed compared with 1.25 MAC halothane. In additon, at each level of halothane anesthesia, the ventricular function curve was depressed compared with results obtained in awake normal subjects. Afterload was altered at 1.25 MAC halothane by infusion of phenylephrine sufficient to raise MAP by 30 per cent. This intervention resulted in a greater depression of cardiac performance than that observed at 1.75 MAC halothane alone. Although alterations in STI's were directionally similar to changes observed in invasive hemodynamic measurements, STI's were sensitive to acute alternations in loading conditions. It is concluded that the levels of halothane commonly employed for general anesthesia significantly depress left ventricular performance in normal subjects, as evidenced by abnormal responses to alterations in preload and afterload, and that STI's should not be employed for routine measurement of left ventricular performance during anesthesia unless both the afterload and the preload on the myocardium are known.", "contents": "Alterations of normal left ventricular performance by general anesthesia. Serial invasive and noninvasive (systolic time interval) measurements of left ventricular performance were obtained in six healthy volunteers during general anesthesia employing the following sequence: thiopental induction, succinylcholine (prior to endotracheal intubation), and halothane--100 per cent oxygen at 1.25 and 1.75 MAC. Heart rate (HR), mean pulmonary arterial \"wedge\" pressure (PAW) and mean systemic arterial pressure (MAP) were measured continuously; cardiac index and systolic time intervals (STI's) were measured during each intervention. At both levels of halothane, MAP and stroke work index decreased (both P less than 0.02), while HR and systemic vascular resistance did not change. At 1.25 MAC halothane PAW was unchanged, but at 1.75 MAC PAW increased from 8 +/- 4 (SD) to 11 +/- 5 torr (P less than 0.02). Preload was altered at 1.25 MAC by administration of 600-1,000 ml lactated Ringer's solution; PAW increased from 9 +/- 4 to 17 +/- 3 torr (P less than 0.01). At 1.75 MAC halothane, volume expansion increased PAW in a similar manner, but the resultant ventricular function curve was depressed compared with 1.25 MAC halothane. In additon, at each level of halothane anesthesia, the ventricular function curve was depressed compared with results obtained in awake normal subjects. Afterload was altered at 1.25 MAC halothane by infusion of phenylephrine sufficient to raise MAP by 30 per cent. This intervention resulted in a greater depression of cardiac performance than that observed at 1.75 MAC halothane alone. Although alterations in STI's were directionally similar to changes observed in invasive hemodynamic measurements, STI's were sensitive to acute alternations in loading conditions. It is concluded that the levels of halothane commonly employed for general anesthesia significantly depress left ventricular performance in normal subjects, as evidenced by abnormal responses to alterations in preload and afterload, and that STI's should not be employed for routine measurement of left ventricular performance during anesthesia unless both the afterload and the preload on the myocardium are known.", "PMID": 984477} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_930", "title": "An animal model of hepatotoxicity associated with halothane anesthesia.", "content": "Hepatic necrosis was induced in rats by a single exposure to 1 per cent halothane in oxygen following pretreatment with a single dose of Aroclor 1254, a polychlorinated biphenyl. The hepatic lesion was centrilobular and multifocal, and morphologically similar to that reported to occur in man. In-vitro incubation with 14C-halothane indicated an enhanced covalent binding of halothane metabolites to hepatic microsomal macromolecules, particularly lipids, following Aroclor 1254 pretreatment. Lipoperoxidation of microsomal unsaturated fatty acids was not observed with these animals.", "contents": "An animal model of hepatotoxicity associated with halothane anesthesia. Hepatic necrosis was induced in rats by a single exposure to 1 per cent halothane in oxygen following pretreatment with a single dose of Aroclor 1254, a polychlorinated biphenyl. The hepatic lesion was centrilobular and multifocal, and morphologically similar to that reported to occur in man. In-vitro incubation with 14C-halothane indicated an enhanced covalent binding of halothane metabolites to hepatic microsomal macromolecules, particularly lipids, following Aroclor 1254 pretreatment. Lipoperoxidation of microsomal unsaturated fatty acids was not observed with these animals.", "PMID": 984478} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_931", "title": "Prolongation of anesthetic action by BNPP (bis-[p-nitrophenyl] phosphate).", "content": "Bis-[p-nitrophenyl] phosphate, BNPP, an enzyme inhibitor of the organophosphate class, has been used to inhibit the enzyme, carboxylic ester hydrolase EC 3.1.1.1. Esterases play a major role in the rapid metabolism of propanidid in vivo; in fact, the short duration of action of this intravenous anesthetic agent is due to this rapid hydrolysis. The duration of anesthesia with propanidid alone in healthy mongrel dogs was 10.1 +/- 2.1 (SEM) minutes. When the dogs were pretreated with BNPP, propanidid anesthesia time was prolonged to 38.2 +/- 7.9 (SEM) minutes. Measurements of serum propanidid concentration demonstrated that prolonged high levels of propanidid were associated with the extended anesthesia time. Therefore, BNPP can significantly alter the anesthetic action of propanidid by inhibition of the enzyme system responsible for the rapid hydrolysis of the agent. The experimental model used in the present study provides a means for investigation of effects of certain drugs when their metabolism is impaired.", "contents": "Prolongation of anesthetic action by BNPP (bis-[p-nitrophenyl] phosphate). Bis-[p-nitrophenyl] phosphate, BNPP, an enzyme inhibitor of the organophosphate class, has been used to inhibit the enzyme, carboxylic ester hydrolase EC 3.1.1.1. Esterases play a major role in the rapid metabolism of propanidid in vivo; in fact, the short duration of action of this intravenous anesthetic agent is due to this rapid hydrolysis. The duration of anesthesia with propanidid alone in healthy mongrel dogs was 10.1 +/- 2.1 (SEM) minutes. When the dogs were pretreated with BNPP, propanidid anesthesia time was prolonged to 38.2 +/- 7.9 (SEM) minutes. Measurements of serum propanidid concentration demonstrated that prolonged high levels of propanidid were associated with the extended anesthesia time. Therefore, BNPP can significantly alter the anesthetic action of propanidid by inhibition of the enzyme system responsible for the rapid hydrolysis of the agent. The experimental model used in the present study provides a means for investigation of effects of certain drugs when their metabolism is impaired.", "PMID": 984479} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_932", "title": "Binding of thiopental to plasma proteins: effects on distribution in the brain and heart.", "content": "Thiopental-14C (30 mg and 10 muCi/kg) was injected intravenously into rats 36-48 hours following bilateral nephrectomy and one minute after pretreatment with sulfadimethoxine (30 mg/kg, iv). Control groups of normal and sham-operated animals were used. The distributions of radioactivity in plasma, brain, and heart 1, 5, and 30 minutes after injection were examined. Uremic and sulfonamide-pretreated rats showed significantly higher levels of 14C in brain and heart and more free thiopental in plasma at each time than did control animals. There was a significant correlation between the free thiopental in plasma and total drug concentrations in the brain and heart. Uremic rats bound less thiopental in plasma compared with controls in spite of normal total plasma protein and albumin concentrations. It is concluded that reduced protein binding of thiopental leads to accelerated distribution and increased drug concentrations in the brain and and heart.", "contents": "Binding of thiopental to plasma proteins: effects on distribution in the brain and heart. Thiopental-14C (30 mg and 10 muCi/kg) was injected intravenously into rats 36-48 hours following bilateral nephrectomy and one minute after pretreatment with sulfadimethoxine (30 mg/kg, iv). Control groups of normal and sham-operated animals were used. The distributions of radioactivity in plasma, brain, and heart 1, 5, and 30 minutes after injection were examined. Uremic and sulfonamide-pretreated rats showed significantly higher levels of 14C in brain and heart and more free thiopental in plasma at each time than did control animals. There was a significant correlation between the free thiopental in plasma and total drug concentrations in the brain and heart. Uremic rats bound less thiopental in plasma compared with controls in spite of normal total plasma protein and albumin concentrations. It is concluded that reduced protein binding of thiopental leads to accelerated distribution and increased drug concentrations in the brain and and heart.", "PMID": 984480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_933", "title": "Gas chromatographic assay of volatile anesthetics: some problems and a solution.", "content": "A modification of the gas chromatographic procedure of Fink and Morikawa (ANESTHESIOLOGY 32:451-455, 1970) for measuring inhalation anesthetics is presented. Emphasis is placed on separating vehicular gas from anesthetic vapor by using appropriate column packing material and assay conditions.", "contents": "Gas chromatographic assay of volatile anesthetics: some problems and a solution. A modification of the gas chromatographic procedure of Fink and Morikawa (ANESTHESIOLOGY 32:451-455, 1970) for measuring inhalation anesthetics is presented. Emphasis is placed on separating vehicular gas from anesthetic vapor by using appropriate column packing material and assay conditions.", "PMID": 984481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_934", "title": "Gas chromatographic assay for free and total plasma levels of thiopental.", "content": "A rapid gas chromatographic assay for the determination of free and total plasma thiopental is described. Free thiopental was obtained by ultrafiltration through Amicon Centroflo membrane cones. Gas chromatographic assay utilized secobarbital as an internal standard and employed on-column methylation of the barbiturates to improve peak resolution. In 73 blood samples from 22 patients total thiopental concentrations ranged from 4.2 to 134 mug/ml plasma, with a mean of 28 mug/ml. Free thiopental values ranged from 8.6 to 22.7 per cent of total, with a mean of 13.7 per cent free thiopental and a standard deviation of 3.2 per cent. At a total thiopental level of 10 mug/ml, unbound thiopental averaged 10.7 per cent with ultrafiltration, compared with 11.5 per cent with equilibrium dialysis. Assays of thiopental by gas chromatography and 14C scintillation counting gave similar results. There were progressive increases in the percentages of thiopental that were unbound when thiopental was added to plasma, purified crystalline albumin (4.5 g/l), and normal serum albumin (5 g/l), and a solution of purified protein fractions (5 g/l). Differences in protein binding determined by this method and previously reported methods are discussed.", "contents": "Gas chromatographic assay for free and total plasma levels of thiopental. A rapid gas chromatographic assay for the determination of free and total plasma thiopental is described. Free thiopental was obtained by ultrafiltration through Amicon Centroflo membrane cones. Gas chromatographic assay utilized secobarbital as an internal standard and employed on-column methylation of the barbiturates to improve peak resolution. In 73 blood samples from 22 patients total thiopental concentrations ranged from 4.2 to 134 mug/ml plasma, with a mean of 28 mug/ml. Free thiopental values ranged from 8.6 to 22.7 per cent of total, with a mean of 13.7 per cent free thiopental and a standard deviation of 3.2 per cent. At a total thiopental level of 10 mug/ml, unbound thiopental averaged 10.7 per cent with ultrafiltration, compared with 11.5 per cent with equilibrium dialysis. Assays of thiopental by gas chromatography and 14C scintillation counting gave similar results. There were progressive increases in the percentages of thiopental that were unbound when thiopental was added to plasma, purified crystalline albumin (4.5 g/l), and normal serum albumin (5 g/l), and a solution of purified protein fractions (5 g/l). Differences in protein binding determined by this method and previously reported methods are discussed.", "PMID": 984482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_935", "title": "Failure of enflurane and halothane anesthesia to inhibit lymphocyte transformation in volunteers.", "content": "Changes in the peripheral blood leukocyte count and in the ability of lymphocytes to transform in response to phytohemagglutinin were studied in healthy volunteers undergoing prolonged enflurane or halothane anesthesia without coincident surgical operation. Anesthesia was associated with a modest leukocytosis that persisted into the first post-anesthesic day, primarily due to an influx of neutrophils into the circulation. There was no significant alteration, either during or following anesthesia, in the ability of the volunteers' lymphocytes to transform in response to phytohemagglutinin when compared with either preanesthetic values or unanesthetized controls. Depression of lymphocyte transformation does not appear to follow prolonged enflurane or halothane anesthesia in the absence of a surgical procedure.", "contents": "Failure of enflurane and halothane anesthesia to inhibit lymphocyte transformation in volunteers. Changes in the peripheral blood leukocyte count and in the ability of lymphocytes to transform in response to phytohemagglutinin were studied in healthy volunteers undergoing prolonged enflurane or halothane anesthesia without coincident surgical operation. Anesthesia was associated with a modest leukocytosis that persisted into the first post-anesthesic day, primarily due to an influx of neutrophils into the circulation. There was no significant alteration, either during or following anesthesia, in the ability of the volunteers' lymphocytes to transform in response to phytohemagglutinin when compared with either preanesthetic values or unanesthetized controls. Depression of lymphocyte transformation does not appear to follow prolonged enflurane or halothane anesthesia in the absence of a surgical procedure.", "PMID": 984483} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_936", "title": "[Intradermal toxoplasmin tests in Nigeria].", "content": "The occurrence of the positivity of an intracutaneous test with Toxoplasmin was followed among a normal urban population of Kaduna (men and women being included). The positivity of males showed a higher frequency in comparison with that of females. The positivity of males however did not increase so fast with the increasing age, as that of females, where the difference between the last two age groups was found to be statistically significant.", "contents": "[Intradermal toxoplasmin tests in Nigeria]. The occurrence of the positivity of an intracutaneous test with Toxoplasmin was followed among a normal urban population of Kaduna (men and women being included). The positivity of males showed a higher frequency in comparison with that of females. The positivity of males however did not increase so fast with the increasing age, as that of females, where the difference between the last two age groups was found to be statistically significant.", "PMID": 984494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_937", "title": "[Pests at Baltic Sea coast. II. Summary of most important groups on insects besides Coleoptera and Diptera].", "content": "In the special holiday situations at the Baltic coast of GDR, species of very different insect groups may become annoying to man. Own experiences in this field are reported (excepting Coleoptera and Diptera). The earwig, Forficula auricularia, has many varying aspects of a health pest (also in the respect of social hygiene). This species, too, may pinch painfully with his pincers. The lice species Pediculus capitis and Pthirus pubis are met with sometimes. Limothrips cerealium may be annoying not only when swarming in mass, but also individual specimens (crawling on the skin or piercing it). Ants may be a pest in varying manners. A special example of this is if they invade sand castles [sun bathing places on the beaches surrounded by sand walls]. Wasps are attracted by different ways to childrens' holiday camps. In 1973, they were even aggressive on the beach of Hiddensee. Caterpillars of Thaumatopaea pinivora may become a serious health pest in individual cases. The real cause is not always detected by laymen. Fleas occur more or less regularly. Sometimes they are incorrectly diagnosed or reported.", "contents": "[Pests at Baltic Sea coast. II. Summary of most important groups on insects besides Coleoptera and Diptera]. In the special holiday situations at the Baltic coast of GDR, species of very different insect groups may become annoying to man. Own experiences in this field are reported (excepting Coleoptera and Diptera). The earwig, Forficula auricularia, has many varying aspects of a health pest (also in the respect of social hygiene). This species, too, may pinch painfully with his pincers. The lice species Pediculus capitis and Pthirus pubis are met with sometimes. Limothrips cerealium may be annoying not only when swarming in mass, but also individual specimens (crawling on the skin or piercing it). Ants may be a pest in varying manners. A special example of this is if they invade sand castles [sun bathing places on the beaches surrounded by sand walls]. Wasps are attracted by different ways to childrens' holiday camps. In 1973, they were even aggressive on the beach of Hiddensee. Caterpillars of Thaumatopaea pinivora may become a serious health pest in individual cases. The real cause is not always detected by laymen. Fleas occur more or less regularly. Sometimes they are incorrectly diagnosed or reported.", "PMID": 984495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_938", "title": "[A complex large scale cockroach control model. I. Organization].", "content": "The modern human living conditions are said to prospect to new ways of spreading cockroaches. Thus, the control measures applied nowadays are practically ineffective. Accordingly, the following control strategy is recommended, consisting in of: 1. The time range needed for performing the control procedures is to be determined; 2. The competent leading organs of the Civil Service and those of the national economy responsible for a correct performance of control procedures should be determined; 3. The involvement in the control procedures of people working in establishments harbouring cockroaches should be guaranteed; 4. It regulates the introduction of control measures and procedures. Such a control system based on an experience gained in the district of Potsdam (GDR) will be proposed as a \"complex largespace control of cockroaches\". The conception of a pattern of the modern control methods of cockroaches is based on principles of the scientific labour organization.", "contents": "[A complex large scale cockroach control model. I. Organization]. The modern human living conditions are said to prospect to new ways of spreading cockroaches. Thus, the control measures applied nowadays are practically ineffective. Accordingly, the following control strategy is recommended, consisting in of: 1. The time range needed for performing the control procedures is to be determined; 2. The competent leading organs of the Civil Service and those of the national economy responsible for a correct performance of control procedures should be determined; 3. The involvement in the control procedures of people working in establishments harbouring cockroaches should be guaranteed; 4. It regulates the introduction of control measures and procedures. Such a control system based on an experience gained in the district of Potsdam (GDR) will be proposed as a \"complex largespace control of cockroaches\". The conception of a pattern of the modern control methods of cockroaches is based on principles of the scientific labour organization.", "PMID": 984496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_939", "title": "Migration, extinction, and alary morphism in water-striders (Gerris Fabr.)", "content": "A migration-extinction model has been developed for the analysis of alary polymorphism and its adaptive significance in univoltine populations of water-striders (Gerris). It is assumed that all actual and potential population sites are identical with respect to all relevant variables, i.e. that populations do not live in a 'harlequin' environment. The model can be applied to other groups with alary polymorphism. The effects of isolation, environmental stability, and environmental productivity are discussed, with numerical examples. Isolation and stability enhance the optimality of short-wingedness, while temporariness of population sites selects for long-wingedness. Optima cannot always be realized. The models reveal several critical variables which are of interest in the ecological genetics of Gerris and which should be measured in natural populations: (a) extinction probabilities (a distinction being drawn between extinction due to drying up of the population site and extinction due to other causes), (b) extent of passive dispersal, and (c) the proportion of colonized population sites in a large geographical region.", "contents": "Migration, extinction, and alary morphism in water-striders (Gerris Fabr.). A migration-extinction model has been developed for the analysis of alary polymorphism and its adaptive significance in univoltine populations of water-striders (Gerris). It is assumed that all actual and potential population sites are identical with respect to all relevant variables, i.e. that populations do not live in a 'harlequin' environment. The model can be applied to other groups with alary polymorphism. The effects of isolation, environmental stability, and environmental productivity are discussed, with numerical examples. Isolation and stability enhance the optimality of short-wingedness, while temporariness of population sites selects for long-wingedness. Optima cannot always be realized. The models reveal several critical variables which are of interest in the ecological genetics of Gerris and which should be measured in natural populations: (a) extinction probabilities (a distinction being drawn between extinction due to drying up of the population site and extinction due to other causes), (b) extent of passive dispersal, and (c) the proportion of colonized population sites in a large geographical region.", "PMID": 984504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_940", "title": "Etiologic factors in infantile asthma.", "content": "In a group of 83 infants with asthma the major etiologic factors were found to be foods, environmental inhalants and respiratory infections. Airborne pollens and molds were found to be important in a small number of patients during the latter part of infancy. IgA deficiency and general anesthesia under the age of two years played a less well defined role in the pathogenesis of infantile asthma.", "contents": "Etiologic factors in infantile asthma. In a group of 83 infants with asthma the major etiologic factors were found to be foods, environmental inhalants and respiratory infections. Airborne pollens and molds were found to be important in a small number of patients during the latter part of infancy. IgA deficiency and general anesthesia under the age of two years played a less well defined role in the pathogenesis of infantile asthma.", "PMID": 984506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_941", "title": "Relative value of peripheral blood, secretion and tissue eosinophilia in the diagnosis of different patterns of allergic rhinitis.", "content": "Eosinophil count in peripheral blood, nasal secretion and nasal mucosa were studied in 20 controls and 38 patients with different patterns of allergic rhinits. Secretion and tissue eosinophilia were pathologically high in a greater number of patients than peripheral blood eosinophilia. This trend was seen in all patterns of allergic rhinitis but was more evident in seasonal allergic rhinitis. The conclusion was reached that examination of local site and local secretions for eosinophilia is helpful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.", "contents": "Relative value of peripheral blood, secretion and tissue eosinophilia in the diagnosis of different patterns of allergic rhinitis. Eosinophil count in peripheral blood, nasal secretion and nasal mucosa were studied in 20 controls and 38 patients with different patterns of allergic rhinits. Secretion and tissue eosinophilia were pathologically high in a greater number of patients than peripheral blood eosinophilia. This trend was seen in all patterns of allergic rhinitis but was more evident in seasonal allergic rhinitis. The conclusion was reached that examination of local site and local secretions for eosinophilia is helpful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.", "PMID": 984509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_942", "title": "[Immunosuppressive activity of halothane. A study using the lymphoblastic transformation test (LTT)].", "content": "Halothane in concentration of 1p. 100 or 2p. 100 blocked DNA synthesis in lymphocytes cultured with 0.4 mg of PHA in seven subjects out of nine. Although statistically insufficient, these results confirm those of BRUCE, CULLEN and co workers, and thus demonstrate the immunodepressant properties of this saturated halogenated hydrocarbon.", "contents": "[Immunosuppressive activity of halothane. A study using the lymphoblastic transformation test (LTT)]. Halothane in concentration of 1p. 100 or 2p. 100 blocked DNA synthesis in lymphocytes cultured with 0.4 mg of PHA in seven subjects out of nine. Although statistically insufficient, these results confirm those of BRUCE, CULLEN and co workers, and thus demonstrate the immunodepressant properties of this saturated halogenated hydrocarbon.", "PMID": 984514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_943", "title": "[Effect of general anesthesia on complement. Effect of the atmosphere in the operating room on the immune response of anesthesiologists].", "content": "Variations in the C3 and C4 fractions of complement were studied in 15 patients who underwent surgery with either spinal anesthesia (5 cases) or general anesthesia using nitruos oxyde and a halogen compound (10 cases). Little peroperative variation was observed. An increase in C4 was observed in all cases postoperatively. Only a slight increase in C3 was observed after spinal anesthesia. The immune response of anesthetists exposed to halothane was investigated using PHA-induced lymphocyte stimulation (normal in males, elevated in females) and lymphocyte transformation to halothane and its metabolites (no evidence of allergy was observed).", "contents": "[Effect of general anesthesia on complement. Effect of the atmosphere in the operating room on the immune response of anesthesiologists]. Variations in the C3 and C4 fractions of complement were studied in 15 patients who underwent surgery with either spinal anesthesia (5 cases) or general anesthesia using nitruos oxyde and a halogen compound (10 cases). Little peroperative variation was observed. An increase in C4 was observed in all cases postoperatively. Only a slight increase in C3 was observed after spinal anesthesia. The immune response of anesthetists exposed to halothane was investigated using PHA-induced lymphocyte stimulation (normal in males, elevated in females) and lymphocyte transformation to halothane and its metabolites (no evidence of allergy was observed).", "PMID": 984516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_944", "title": "[Relevance of clinical signs of hypersensitivity in cases of halothane hepatitis].", "content": "142 patients with postoperative jaundice following anaesthesia with halothane were divided into two groups:-group A (76 cases) in which halothane appeared to be the sole responsible agent for jaundice, and- group B (66 cases) in which other causes were detected. The incidence of clinical signs considered to be specific for halothane-induced hepatitis (skin rash, arthralgia, bronchospasm, fever of unexplained origin, leukocytosis) was the same in both groups. Only a high eosinophil count was more common in group A. The author found a clear-cut relationship between the frequency of exposure and the onset of hepatitis as well as a shortening of the latent period with increasing numbers of exposures.", "contents": "[Relevance of clinical signs of hypersensitivity in cases of halothane hepatitis]. 142 patients with postoperative jaundice following anaesthesia with halothane were divided into two groups:-group A (76 cases) in which halothane appeared to be the sole responsible agent for jaundice, and- group B (66 cases) in which other causes were detected. The incidence of clinical signs considered to be specific for halothane-induced hepatitis (skin rash, arthralgia, bronchospasm, fever of unexplained origin, leukocytosis) was the same in both groups. Only a high eosinophil count was more common in group A. The author found a clear-cut relationship between the frequency of exposure and the onset of hepatitis as well as a shortening of the latent period with increasing numbers of exposures.", "PMID": 984517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_945", "title": "[Biotransformation of halogen anesthetics and liver toxicity].", "content": "The authors attempt to explain halothane-induced hepatitis by a mechanism involving direct toxicity of a metabolite of this halogen compound. This implies a genetically determined metabolic disturbance or an increase in metabolic rate through previous enzyme induction (repeated anesthesia with halogen compounds).", "contents": "[Biotransformation of halogen anesthetics and liver toxicity]. The authors attempt to explain halothane-induced hepatitis by a mechanism involving direct toxicity of a metabolite of this halogen compound. This implies a genetically determined metabolic disturbance or an increase in metabolic rate through previous enzyme induction (repeated anesthesia with halogen compounds).", "PMID": 984518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_946", "title": "[Treatment of septicemia and severe infections with a cefradine-tobramycin combination].", "content": "The cefradine-tobramycine association was used in 11 cases of septicaemia and in 10 cases of non-septicaemic severe poly-infections. In 15 cases, the treatment was undertaken because of the serious state of the patients before the bacteriologic results were known. This association is characterized by its great effectiveness and its very good tolerance, mainly from the renal point of view. The results shown here corroborate those two elements.", "contents": "[Treatment of septicemia and severe infections with a cefradine-tobramycin combination]. The cefradine-tobramycine association was used in 11 cases of septicaemia and in 10 cases of non-septicaemic severe poly-infections. In 15 cases, the treatment was undertaken because of the serious state of the patients before the bacteriologic results were known. This association is characterized by its great effectiveness and its very good tolerance, mainly from the renal point of view. The results shown here corroborate those two elements.", "PMID": 984519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_947", "title": "[Role of drug combinations in the facilitation of or protection against allergic complications caused by drugs used in anesthesiology].", "content": "The author first reviews the types of interaction between medications and their possible influence upon the chemical intermediaries of the allergic reaction, which leads to a study of these interactions in terms of their mode of action on the allergic reaction. Finally, attention is directed towards general problem posed by the relationship between biotransformation and sensitisation, with particular reference to allergic complications occurring in patients recieving several medications simultaneously.", "contents": "[Role of drug combinations in the facilitation of or protection against allergic complications caused by drugs used in anesthesiology]. The author first reviews the types of interaction between medications and their possible influence upon the chemical intermediaries of the allergic reaction, which leads to a study of these interactions in terms of their mode of action on the allergic reaction. Finally, attention is directed towards general problem posed by the relationship between biotransformation and sensitisation, with particular reference to allergic complications occurring in patients recieving several medications simultaneously.", "PMID": 984520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_948", "title": "[Hemostatic disorders in septicemia. Apropos of 65 cases].", "content": "In the course of a restrospective study, some hemostatic parameters were studied in connection with 65 cases of septicaemia. From this study, it follows that coagulation troubles are more frequent in septicaemiae induced by negative Gram germs, but that this frequency is actually linked with circulatory troubles. Besides, as for the biological diagnosis of the disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome in this instance, it is not possible to take strictly into account the fibrinogen values or the rate of thrombocytes.", "contents": "[Hemostatic disorders in septicemia. Apropos of 65 cases]. In the course of a restrospective study, some hemostatic parameters were studied in connection with 65 cases of septicaemia. From this study, it follows that coagulation troubles are more frequent in septicaemiae induced by negative Gram germs, but that this frequency is actually linked with circulatory troubles. Besides, as for the biological diagnosis of the disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome in this instance, it is not possible to take strictly into account the fibrinogen values or the rate of thrombocytes.", "PMID": 984521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_949", "title": "[Clinical and anatomopathologic effect of Bisolvon in respiratory resuscitation].", "content": "N cyclohexyl-N-methyl-2 amino -3.5 dibromobenzyl, amine hydrochloride or Bisolvon is an alkaloid derived from vasicine whose fluidizing effects on bronchial secretions are well-known. This study which consisted in a randomization involved 40 patients that were being submitted to a respiratory reanimation, half of whom received Bisolvon intravenously. The patients were improved by the treatment with Bisolvon as can be seen from the following: - fewer bronchial aspirations; - less fluid secretions; - a decrease in alveolar cells; - an increase in bronchial cells; - a reduced increase in total mucus. These results evidence an original action ascribable to Bisolvon on the bronchial cell.", "contents": "[Clinical and anatomopathologic effect of Bisolvon in respiratory resuscitation]. N cyclohexyl-N-methyl-2 amino -3.5 dibromobenzyl, amine hydrochloride or Bisolvon is an alkaloid derived from vasicine whose fluidizing effects on bronchial secretions are well-known. This study which consisted in a randomization involved 40 patients that were being submitted to a respiratory reanimation, half of whom received Bisolvon intravenously. The patients were improved by the treatment with Bisolvon as can be seen from the following: - fewer bronchial aspirations; - less fluid secretions; - a decrease in alveolar cells; - an increase in bronchial cells; - a reduced increase in total mucus. These results evidence an original action ascribable to Bisolvon on the bronchial cell.", "PMID": 984522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_950", "title": "[Analysis of in vivo and in vitro radioisotopic tests for studying hypothyroidism. Statistical study of parameters coming from routine investigations in normal subjects and hypothyroid patients].", "content": "This report analyses quantitative data collected during spontaneous examination in normal subjects and in hypothyroid subjects, attempting to determine what figures obtained in this way can provide in the diagnosis of this disease. 125I tests in vitro today play a very important role and suffice der detection provided radio-immunoassay is carried out, whether the latter concerns iodine hormones or the thyreotropic pituitary hormone and provided the diagnosis is not confirmed by one single examination. The 131I kinetic test helps in classification of the hypothyroidism. Naturally, only further tests will permit us to determine certain causes (thyroid scan, Querido's test, TRF test, anionic competition, immunological study, etc.). Chemical estimations of stable iodine (127I) no longer have any place in this routine assessment, except that the total iodine is essential to interpret the kinetics in vivo.", "contents": "[Analysis of in vivo and in vitro radioisotopic tests for studying hypothyroidism. Statistical study of parameters coming from routine investigations in normal subjects and hypothyroid patients]. This report analyses quantitative data collected during spontaneous examination in normal subjects and in hypothyroid subjects, attempting to determine what figures obtained in this way can provide in the diagnosis of this disease. 125I tests in vitro today play a very important role and suffice der detection provided radio-immunoassay is carried out, whether the latter concerns iodine hormones or the thyreotropic pituitary hormone and provided the diagnosis is not confirmed by one single examination. The 131I kinetic test helps in classification of the hypothyroidism. Naturally, only further tests will permit us to determine certain causes (thyroid scan, Querido's test, TRF test, anionic competition, immunological study, etc.). Chemical estimations of stable iodine (127I) no longer have any place in this routine assessment, except that the total iodine is essential to interpret the kinetics in vivo.", "PMID": 984524} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_951", "title": "[Radioimmunoassay of thyroid stimulating hormone by sequential saturation].", "content": "The practice of sequential incubation in radio-immunoassay of TSH improves the sensitivity and precision without affecting the specificity compared with the method using simultaneous incubation of the constituents of the radio-immunological reaction. The determination of basic levels of TSH is more sensitive and more precise.", "contents": "[Radioimmunoassay of thyroid stimulating hormone by sequential saturation]. The practice of sequential incubation in radio-immunoassay of TSH improves the sensitivity and precision without affecting the specificity compared with the method using simultaneous incubation of the constituents of the radio-immunological reaction. The determination of basic levels of TSH is more sensitive and more precise.", "PMID": 984525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_952", "title": "[Automation of urine hydroxyproline assay after isolation hydrolysis of hypropeptides on ion exchange resin].", "content": "Urinary hydroxyproline is mainly in the form of oligopeptide and polypeptide, with a low proportion of free amino acid. Overall or partial estimation of hydroxyprolinuria may be carried out after isolation and hydrolysis of the peptides on ion exchange resin, by an automatic, continuous flow technique. This method presents a certain number of advantages, such as, selectivity, sensitivity and practicability, compared with that which we proposed in 1968. Determination of the criteria of quality of the method shows that it is suitable for exploration of variations in hydroxyprolinuria in diseases of bone and collagen. The reference values in relation to age and sex are also reported.", "contents": "[Automation of urine hydroxyproline assay after isolation hydrolysis of hypropeptides on ion exchange resin]. Urinary hydroxyproline is mainly in the form of oligopeptide and polypeptide, with a low proportion of free amino acid. Overall or partial estimation of hydroxyprolinuria may be carried out after isolation and hydrolysis of the peptides on ion exchange resin, by an automatic, continuous flow technique. This method presents a certain number of advantages, such as, selectivity, sensitivity and practicability, compared with that which we proposed in 1968. Determination of the criteria of quality of the method shows that it is suitable for exploration of variations in hydroxyprolinuria in diseases of bone and collagen. The reference values in relation to age and sex are also reported.", "PMID": 984526} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_953", "title": "[Estimation of the activity of an antiseptic agent on skin microbial flora under various conditions].", "content": "The bacterial flora of the skin of the fore-arm was studied in fifteen normal subjects by a modified Williamson and Kligman technique. The quantitative results were in agreement with those found in other laboratories which indicates the reproducibility of the method. The action of an antiseptic containing 0.5 p. cent of benzalkonium chloride was studied under three conditions or single application of the antiseptic for five consecutive days and for 24 hours after the application of an occlusive dressing. The bacterial flora of the skin showed marked quantitative variations from one subject to another and, in the same subject, from one time to another. Evaluation of the activity of an antiseptic should take into consideration these physiological variations and also various conditions of use in practice. Are discussed also the factors leading to standardisation of the methods and the criteria of evaluation of the activity of antiseptics on the skin.", "contents": "[Estimation of the activity of an antiseptic agent on skin microbial flora under various conditions]. The bacterial flora of the skin of the fore-arm was studied in fifteen normal subjects by a modified Williamson and Kligman technique. The quantitative results were in agreement with those found in other laboratories which indicates the reproducibility of the method. The action of an antiseptic containing 0.5 p. cent of benzalkonium chloride was studied under three conditions or single application of the antiseptic for five consecutive days and for 24 hours after the application of an occlusive dressing. The bacterial flora of the skin showed marked quantitative variations from one subject to another and, in the same subject, from one time to another. Evaluation of the activity of an antiseptic should take into consideration these physiological variations and also various conditions of use in practice. Are discussed also the factors leading to standardisation of the methods and the criteria of evaluation of the activity of antiseptics on the skin.", "PMID": 984527} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_954", "title": "[Automatic assay of plasma and urinary calcium, inorganic phosphate, creatinine and uric acid. Comparison between continuous flow analysis on a single microsample and low speed centrifugation].", "content": "A device is described allowing the association on a single microsample of assay by means of continuous flow analysis. The preparation of standards, the evaluation citeria of the method are presented. The preparation of standards, the evaluation criteria of the method are presented. The results are compared to those obtained by low speed centrifugation, i.e. by means of quite different analytical prinicples -- both dynamics and chemicals. These results are discussed : they allow to observe, as a whole, an excellent concordance.", "contents": "[Automatic assay of plasma and urinary calcium, inorganic phosphate, creatinine and uric acid. Comparison between continuous flow analysis on a single microsample and low speed centrifugation]. A device is described allowing the association on a single microsample of assay by means of continuous flow analysis. The preparation of standards, the evaluation citeria of the method are presented. The preparation of standards, the evaluation criteria of the method are presented. The results are compared to those obtained by low speed centrifugation, i.e. by means of quite different analytical prinicples -- both dynamics and chemicals. These results are discussed : they allow to observe, as a whole, an excellent concordance.", "PMID": 984528} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_955", "title": "Studies of mechanisms of action of secretin and pancreozymin on rumen motility.", "content": "Rapid intravenous administration of a single bolus of secretin caused a marked decrease in both amplitude and frequency of rumen contractions, whereas pancreozymin administration caused a decrease in frequency but an increase in amplitude of rumen contractions. Alpha receptor blockade with phenoxybenzamine or beta receptor blockade with propranolol did not alter secretin or pancreozymin effects on rumen motility. Blockade of histamine receptor sites with tripelennamine did not prevent the secretin-induced decrease of rumen motility. A marked similarity in the decreased rumen motility pattern was observed when secretin effects were compared to aminophylline effects.", "contents": "Studies of mechanisms of action of secretin and pancreozymin on rumen motility. Rapid intravenous administration of a single bolus of secretin caused a marked decrease in both amplitude and frequency of rumen contractions, whereas pancreozymin administration caused a decrease in frequency but an increase in amplitude of rumen contractions. Alpha receptor blockade with phenoxybenzamine or beta receptor blockade with propranolol did not alter secretin or pancreozymin effects on rumen motility. Blockade of histamine receptor sites with tripelennamine did not prevent the secretin-induced decrease of rumen motility. A marked similarity in the decreased rumen motility pattern was observed when secretin effects were compared to aminophylline effects.", "PMID": 984536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_956", "title": "Oxygen-hemoglobin equilibrium of normal and glutathione-deficient sheep.", "content": "The affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen did not differ significantly between normal and glutathione-deficient sheep. Although phlebotomy in sheep of both types did not significantly alter the partial pressure values at which hemoglobin is 50% saturated with oxygen, it did increase significantly the erythrocyte glutathione and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (GSH) and (DPG) concentrations. Because DPG does not bind to sheep hemoglobin, its increase in hypoxic sheep must mean DPG is metabolically controlled in the absence of physiologic effect.", "contents": "Oxygen-hemoglobin equilibrium of normal and glutathione-deficient sheep. The affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen did not differ significantly between normal and glutathione-deficient sheep. Although phlebotomy in sheep of both types did not significantly alter the partial pressure values at which hemoglobin is 50% saturated with oxygen, it did increase significantly the erythrocyte glutathione and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (GSH) and (DPG) concentrations. Because DPG does not bind to sheep hemoglobin, its increase in hypoxic sheep must mean DPG is metabolically controlled in the absence of physiologic effect.", "PMID": 984537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_957", "title": "Effect of fetal thymectomy on IgG, IgM, and IgA concentrations in sheep.", "content": "Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins (Ig) IgG, IgG, IgM, and IgA were compared for normal and thymectomized lambs. Fetal thymectomies were performed in utero from 55 to 67 days of gestation. High serum IgG, IgM, and IgA concentrations occurred in all lambs after they ingested colostrum; however, the concentration of these Ig, as measured by single radial immunodiffusion, decreased exponentially during the first 16 days after birth. The half-life values for IgG, IgM, and IgA during this period in both normal and thymectomized lambs were about 25, 6, and 2 days, respectively. Increasing amounts of IgG were not detected in the serums of either group until 1 month of age. At 64 to 128 days, significantly smaller quantities of IgG and IgG were found in thymectomized lambs, whereas concentrations of IgA and IgM were similar in both groups. The results indicate that the thymus may regulate production of IgG in sheep.", "contents": "Effect of fetal thymectomy on IgG, IgM, and IgA concentrations in sheep. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins (Ig) IgG, IgG, IgM, and IgA were compared for normal and thymectomized lambs. Fetal thymectomies were performed in utero from 55 to 67 days of gestation. High serum IgG, IgM, and IgA concentrations occurred in all lambs after they ingested colostrum; however, the concentration of these Ig, as measured by single radial immunodiffusion, decreased exponentially during the first 16 days after birth. The half-life values for IgG, IgM, and IgA during this period in both normal and thymectomized lambs were about 25, 6, and 2 days, respectively. Increasing amounts of IgG were not detected in the serums of either group until 1 month of age. At 64 to 128 days, significantly smaller quantities of IgG and IgG were found in thymectomized lambs, whereas concentrations of IgA and IgM were similar in both groups. The results indicate that the thymus may regulate production of IgG in sheep.", "PMID": 984538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_958", "title": "Influence of dietary protein on the effect of coumaphos and triflupromazine interaction in sheep.", "content": "Coumaphos (8 or 15 mg/kg of body weight), triflupromazine HCl (1.1 mg/kg of body weight), or isotonic saline solution were given to 8 groups of sheep (5 per group) fed a low-or normal-dietary protein ration. One set of clinical signs, mortality rate, mean survival time, necropsy lesions, and plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase (ChE) activity were monitored for each group. Observations suggested potentiation effect between the administered compounds. Inhibition of ChE activity was enhanced in groups given both drugs. Feeding of low-dietary protein ration adversely affected the development of clinical signs, mortality rate, mean survival time, and ChE activity. Recovery of ChE activity of triflupromazine HCl-treated animals was faster than in their respective controls, and sheep fed normal-dietary protein ration had faster ChE recovery than those fed the low-dietary protein ration. Inhibition of erythrocyte ChE found was a better index of organophosphorus toxicosis than that of plasma ChE.", "contents": "Influence of dietary protein on the effect of coumaphos and triflupromazine interaction in sheep. Coumaphos (8 or 15 mg/kg of body weight), triflupromazine HCl (1.1 mg/kg of body weight), or isotonic saline solution were given to 8 groups of sheep (5 per group) fed a low-or normal-dietary protein ration. One set of clinical signs, mortality rate, mean survival time, necropsy lesions, and plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase (ChE) activity were monitored for each group. Observations suggested potentiation effect between the administered compounds. Inhibition of ChE activity was enhanced in groups given both drugs. Feeding of low-dietary protein ration adversely affected the development of clinical signs, mortality rate, mean survival time, and ChE activity. Recovery of ChE activity of triflupromazine HCl-treated animals was faster than in their respective controls, and sheep fed normal-dietary protein ration had faster ChE recovery than those fed the low-dietary protein ration. Inhibition of erythrocyte ChE found was a better index of organophosphorus toxicosis than that of plasma ChE.", "PMID": 984539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_959", "title": "Enzyme polymorphism in Fasciola hepatica L.: esterases.", "content": "Homogenates of individual adult Fasciola hepatica, collected from bile ducts of sheep, were subjected to isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide flat-bed gels after which zymograms were made by enzymatic and staining reactions. Seven identifiable isozymes that hydrolyzed alpha-naphthyl acetate were found. These 7 isozymes were identified by their isoelectric points as 5.10, 5.15, 5.25, 5.40, 5.55, 5.65, and 5.75. None of these isozymes was common to all F hepatica examined. Combinations of these isozymes in individual flukes revealed 7 distinct phenotypes, the frequency of which varied between local populations, i.e., populations of flukes obtained from individual sheep of different origin. In addition to these 7 isozymes, there were weak staining bands of enzyme activity, between pH 5.8 and the cathode end of the gels, which could not be accurately identified. The method of isoelectric focusing and zymogram preparation used in the present study did not reveal cholinesterase activity, even though the presence of activity in homogenates was demonstrated by polyacrylamide disc-gel electrophoresis. Strong activity of acid phosphatase between pH 5 and 6 was found, but poor resolution prevented obtaining accurate identification of isozymes. Weak activity with poor resolution of isozymes of alkaline phosphatase was observed between pH 4.4 and 5.75.", "contents": "Enzyme polymorphism in Fasciola hepatica L.: esterases. Homogenates of individual adult Fasciola hepatica, collected from bile ducts of sheep, were subjected to isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide flat-bed gels after which zymograms were made by enzymatic and staining reactions. Seven identifiable isozymes that hydrolyzed alpha-naphthyl acetate were found. These 7 isozymes were identified by their isoelectric points as 5.10, 5.15, 5.25, 5.40, 5.55, 5.65, and 5.75. None of these isozymes was common to all F hepatica examined. Combinations of these isozymes in individual flukes revealed 7 distinct phenotypes, the frequency of which varied between local populations, i.e., populations of flukes obtained from individual sheep of different origin. In addition to these 7 isozymes, there were weak staining bands of enzyme activity, between pH 5.8 and the cathode end of the gels, which could not be accurately identified. The method of isoelectric focusing and zymogram preparation used in the present study did not reveal cholinesterase activity, even though the presence of activity in homogenates was demonstrated by polyacrylamide disc-gel electrophoresis. Strong activity of acid phosphatase between pH 5 and 6 was found, but poor resolution prevented obtaining accurate identification of isozymes. Weak activity with poor resolution of isozymes of alkaline phosphatase was observed between pH 4.4 and 5.75.", "PMID": 984540} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_960", "title": "Pharmacology of procaine in the horse: procaine esterase properties of equine plasma and synovial fluid.", "content": "Procaine added to whole equine blood or diluted plasma was hydrolyzed with half times of approximately 9 and 12 minutes, respectively, at 37 C. This hydrolytic activity was sensitive to heating and physostigmine, but did not affect procainamide. At pharmacologic concentrations of procaine, the rate of the hydrolytic reaction depended directly on the concentrations of plasma or procaine in the system and was less in whole blood than in plasma. These properties are consistent with hydrolysis being due to plasma esterases operating at less than saturating procaine concentrations. These esterases were also inhibited cooling, sodium fluoride, or arsenite. Synovial fluid had approximately 20% of the procaine esterase activity of plasma. Comparison of hydrolytic activities of plasmas from Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and other breeds of horses showed statistically significant differences in the rates at which individual plasmas hydrolyzed procaine. A frequency distribution of these rates showed unimodal distribution, indicating that all horses tested may be regarded as members of a single population.", "contents": "Pharmacology of procaine in the horse: procaine esterase properties of equine plasma and synovial fluid. Procaine added to whole equine blood or diluted plasma was hydrolyzed with half times of approximately 9 and 12 minutes, respectively, at 37 C. This hydrolytic activity was sensitive to heating and physostigmine, but did not affect procainamide. At pharmacologic concentrations of procaine, the rate of the hydrolytic reaction depended directly on the concentrations of plasma or procaine in the system and was less in whole blood than in plasma. These properties are consistent with hydrolysis being due to plasma esterases operating at less than saturating procaine concentrations. These esterases were also inhibited cooling, sodium fluoride, or arsenite. Synovial fluid had approximately 20% of the procaine esterase activity of plasma. Comparison of hydrolytic activities of plasmas from Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and other breeds of horses showed statistically significant differences in the rates at which individual plasmas hydrolyzed procaine. A frequency distribution of these rates showed unimodal distribution, indicating that all horses tested may be regarded as members of a single population.", "PMID": 984541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_961", "title": "Digital vascular responses and permeability in equine alimentary laminitis.", "content": "Digital vascular pressures, blood flow, and vascular resistances were measured in 11 control ponies and in 8 animals (7 ponies and 1 horse) affected with laminitis created by feeding a high starch ration. Animals with laminitis had increased digital blood flow, increased arterial, small vein, and large vein pressures, and decreased vascular resistances. Comparison of digital lymph flow rates and protein concentrations in animals with laminitis and control animals revealed no differences. Digital vascular responses of the 2 groups to acetylcholine, epinephrine, histamine, or serotonin also did not differ. Thus, the increased digital blood flow observed in animals with laminitis could not be attributed to altered responsivenss to the previously mentioned vasoactive agents. The studies also provided no evidence for increased capillary permeability in digits of animals affected with laminitis.", "contents": "Digital vascular responses and permeability in equine alimentary laminitis. Digital vascular pressures, blood flow, and vascular resistances were measured in 11 control ponies and in 8 animals (7 ponies and 1 horse) affected with laminitis created by feeding a high starch ration. Animals with laminitis had increased digital blood flow, increased arterial, small vein, and large vein pressures, and decreased vascular resistances. Comparison of digital lymph flow rates and protein concentrations in animals with laminitis and control animals revealed no differences. Digital vascular responses of the 2 groups to acetylcholine, epinephrine, histamine, or serotonin also did not differ. Thus, the increased digital blood flow observed in animals with laminitis could not be attributed to altered responsivenss to the previously mentioned vasoactive agents. The studies also provided no evidence for increased capillary permeability in digits of animals affected with laminitis.", "PMID": 984542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_962", "title": "Acute hemodynamic effects of furosemide administered intravenously in the horse.", "content": "Intravenous administration of furosemide in the horse resulted in an immediate and significant decrease in right atrial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary arterial wedge pressure, cardiac output, and stroke volume (P less than 0.05). There was a significant increase in total systemic vascular resistance and heart rate (P less than 0.05). There were no significant alterations in mean arterial pressure. Coincidental with these hemodynamic changes were increased urine production and associated increase in packed cell volume and total serum protein. All variables except cardiac output, stroke volume, packed cell volume, and total solids returned to base line levels within 105 minutes after furosemide was injected. It is suggested that the effects of intravnously administered furosemide in the horse are transitory and dependent upon the decrease in plasma volume from diuresis.", "contents": "Acute hemodynamic effects of furosemide administered intravenously in the horse. Intravenous administration of furosemide in the horse resulted in an immediate and significant decrease in right atrial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary arterial wedge pressure, cardiac output, and stroke volume (P less than 0.05). There was a significant increase in total systemic vascular resistance and heart rate (P less than 0.05). There were no significant alterations in mean arterial pressure. Coincidental with these hemodynamic changes were increased urine production and associated increase in packed cell volume and total serum protein. All variables except cardiac output, stroke volume, packed cell volume, and total solids returned to base line levels within 105 minutes after furosemide was injected. It is suggested that the effects of intravnously administered furosemide in the horse are transitory and dependent upon the decrease in plasma volume from diuresis.", "PMID": 984543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_963", "title": "Abomasal displacement in cattle: influence of concentrates in the ration on fatty acid concentrations in ruminal, abomasal, and duodenal contents.", "content": "The primary causative factor in abomasal displacement appears to be atony or hypotony of the abomasum. Seemingly, high-concentrate feeding inhibits abomasal motility by increasing the amount of fatty acids which enter the abomasum. In the present study, cows with ruminal, abomasal, and duodenal fistulas were fed a hay ad libitum ration or a hay and concentration ration and were compared. It was shown that a considerable increase in ruminal volatile free fatty acid (VFFA) concentrations was not followed by a subsequent increase in abomasal VFFA concentrations. Differences in abomasal VFFA levels between the 2 rations could not be found. There was a slight, but insignificant, increase in duodenal VFFA concentrations after cows were fed the hay ration. One cow given the hay and concentrate diet had a small, but significant, increase in duodenal VFFA concentrations during the first 2 hours after feeding. The VFFA concentrations in duodenal fluid were too low to support the hypothesis that changes in duodenal VFFA concentrations could be responsible for abomasal hypotony.", "contents": "Abomasal displacement in cattle: influence of concentrates in the ration on fatty acid concentrations in ruminal, abomasal, and duodenal contents. The primary causative factor in abomasal displacement appears to be atony or hypotony of the abomasum. Seemingly, high-concentrate feeding inhibits abomasal motility by increasing the amount of fatty acids which enter the abomasum. In the present study, cows with ruminal, abomasal, and duodenal fistulas were fed a hay ad libitum ration or a hay and concentration ration and were compared. It was shown that a considerable increase in ruminal volatile free fatty acid (VFFA) concentrations was not followed by a subsequent increase in abomasal VFFA concentrations. Differences in abomasal VFFA levels between the 2 rations could not be found. There was a slight, but insignificant, increase in duodenal VFFA concentrations after cows were fed the hay ration. One cow given the hay and concentrate diet had a small, but significant, increase in duodenal VFFA concentrations during the first 2 hours after feeding. The VFFA concentrations in duodenal fluid were too low to support the hypothesis that changes in duodenal VFFA concentrations could be responsible for abomasal hypotony.", "PMID": 984544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_964", "title": "Blood leukocytes, neutrophil phagocytosis, and plasma corticosteroids in colostrum-fed and colostrum-deprived calves.", "content": "Blood leukocyte patterns, neutrophil phagocytosis of killed Escherichia coli in vitro, and plasma corticosteroids were studied in colostrum-fed (CF) and colostrum-deprived (CD) calves during the 1st 144 hours after birth. There was a marked increase in neutrophil numbers between 6 and 12 hours in CF but not CD calves, apparently as a result of colostrum ingestion. Phagocytosis was inactive at birth but increased quickly thereafter. Phagocytosis was more efficient in CF than in CD calves. Plasma corticosteroid concentrations were high at birth and decreased quickly thereafter in both groups of calves.", "contents": "Blood leukocytes, neutrophil phagocytosis, and plasma corticosteroids in colostrum-fed and colostrum-deprived calves. Blood leukocyte patterns, neutrophil phagocytosis of killed Escherichia coli in vitro, and plasma corticosteroids were studied in colostrum-fed (CF) and colostrum-deprived (CD) calves during the 1st 144 hours after birth. There was a marked increase in neutrophil numbers between 6 and 12 hours in CF but not CD calves, apparently as a result of colostrum ingestion. Phagocytosis was inactive at birth but increased quickly thereafter. Phagocytosis was more efficient in CF than in CD calves. Plasma corticosteroid concentrations were high at birth and decreased quickly thereafter in both groups of calves.", "PMID": 984545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_965", "title": "Effects of parturition and lactation on blood and milk cell concentrations, corticosteroids, and neutrophil phagocytosis in the cow.", "content": "Blood differential leukocytes, erythrocytes, milk somatic cells, and neutrophil phagocytosis in 14 Holstein-Friesian cows were measured at 2-day intervals for 2 weeks before parturition, on the day of parturition, on postpartum days 1,2,5,10,15, and 30, and at monthly intervals throughout lactation. Circulating corticosteroids were measured in 6 cows on days -6, -4, -2, on the day of parturition, and on days +1, +2, +5, +10, +15, +30, and +60. Circulating neutrophils on day -2 on the day of parturition, on days 2, 10, and 15 averaged 3,363, 5,889, 3,085, 4,116, and 3,558/mm, respectively. The increase in neutrophils at parturition was accompanined by an increase in corticosteroids (2.7, 9.0, 11.1, 6.1, and 5.4 ng/ml of blood plasma on days -4 and -2, on the day of parturition, and on days +1 and +2, respectively). The phagocytic ability of circulating neutrophils was determined by incubating yeast cells with whole blood (30 minutes, 37 C) and microscopically counting yeast cells per neutrophil. Mean yeast cells per neutrophil decreased (P less than 0.01) during the 2nd week after parturition (7.4, 6.5, 6.6, and 7.2 on days +2, +10, +15, and +30, respectively). But this decrease was compensated for by an increase in circulating neutrophils during the same period.", "contents": "Effects of parturition and lactation on blood and milk cell concentrations, corticosteroids, and neutrophil phagocytosis in the cow. Blood differential leukocytes, erythrocytes, milk somatic cells, and neutrophil phagocytosis in 14 Holstein-Friesian cows were measured at 2-day intervals for 2 weeks before parturition, on the day of parturition, on postpartum days 1,2,5,10,15, and 30, and at monthly intervals throughout lactation. Circulating corticosteroids were measured in 6 cows on days -6, -4, -2, on the day of parturition, and on days +1, +2, +5, +10, +15, +30, and +60. Circulating neutrophils on day -2 on the day of parturition, on days 2, 10, and 15 averaged 3,363, 5,889, 3,085, 4,116, and 3,558/mm, respectively. The increase in neutrophils at parturition was accompanined by an increase in corticosteroids (2.7, 9.0, 11.1, 6.1, and 5.4 ng/ml of blood plasma on days -4 and -2, on the day of parturition, and on days +1 and +2, respectively). The phagocytic ability of circulating neutrophils was determined by incubating yeast cells with whole blood (30 minutes, 37 C) and microscopically counting yeast cells per neutrophil. Mean yeast cells per neutrophil decreased (P less than 0.01) during the 2nd week after parturition (7.4, 6.5, 6.6, and 7.2 on days +2, +10, +15, and +30, respectively). But this decrease was compensated for by an increase in circulating neutrophils during the same period.", "PMID": 984546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_966", "title": "Preliminary characterization and pathogenicity studies of a virus isolated from ticks (Ornithodoros coriaceus) and from tick-exposed cattle.", "content": "Several viral isolates from ticks (Ornithodoros coriaceus) and from the blood of cattle which aborted after exposure to these ticks were found to be identical by reciprocal cross serum-neutralization tests. Characterization studies indicate that the virus is a member of the Togaviridae family, although specific identification is still incomplete. Whether its natural host is the tick or bovine animals is also unknown. Pregnant cows inoculated with the agent by all conventional parenteral routes, including intrafetal, delivered healthy calves at term. It was concluded, therefore, that it was not a bovine pathogen and that the abortions which occurred after tick-exposure were due to a 2nd agent in O coriaceus ticks which also harbor the virus. While several ciruses believed to be tick-borne have been isolated from cattle in various parts of the world, it is believed that the present report describes the first isolation in the Western Hemisphere for a viral agent from Argasid ticks which has been demonstrated to replicate in cattle.", "contents": "Preliminary characterization and pathogenicity studies of a virus isolated from ticks (Ornithodoros coriaceus) and from tick-exposed cattle. Several viral isolates from ticks (Ornithodoros coriaceus) and from the blood of cattle which aborted after exposure to these ticks were found to be identical by reciprocal cross serum-neutralization tests. Characterization studies indicate that the virus is a member of the Togaviridae family, although specific identification is still incomplete. Whether its natural host is the tick or bovine animals is also unknown. Pregnant cows inoculated with the agent by all conventional parenteral routes, including intrafetal, delivered healthy calves at term. It was concluded, therefore, that it was not a bovine pathogen and that the abortions which occurred after tick-exposure were due to a 2nd agent in O coriaceus ticks which also harbor the virus. While several ciruses believed to be tick-borne have been isolated from cattle in various parts of the world, it is believed that the present report describes the first isolation in the Western Hemisphere for a viral agent from Argasid ticks which has been demonstrated to replicate in cattle.", "PMID": 984547} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_967", "title": "Efficacy of oxibendazole against gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle.", "content": "In 3 separate studies, oxibendazole in drench and premix formulation was shown efficacious against larvae and adults of the genera Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus, Strongyloides, Nematodirus, Cooperia, Bunostomum, Capillaria, Oesophagostomum, and Trichuris. In the first study, artificially infected calves were cleared of virtually all histotrophic larvae and adult parasites after medication with oxibendazole drench at a dose level of 10 mg/kg of body weight. Smaller doses (7.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) expelled 84 to 100% of the parasites. Oxibendazole at a dose level of 15 mg/kg in premix form was given to artificially infected calves 3, 7, or 42 days after infection in a 2nd study. Third stage and 4th stage Cooperia oncophora larvae were, respectively, 92 and 98% susceptible to the drug at day 3 and day 7 after infection; neither larval stages of Ostertagia ostertagi and of Oesophagostomum radiatum were susceptible. Premix given on day 42 after infection removed 83 to 100% of adult O ostertagi, Nematodirus spp, C oncophora, O radiatum, and Trichuris spp. In a 3rd study, calves harboring a mixture of parasitic stages from artificial and pasture-acquired infections were medicated with oxibendazole at a dose of 15 mg/kg in premix form. The burdens of larvae from the abomasum and small intestines were reduced 93 to 95%, respectively; the burdens of adults of 11 species of worms were reduced 87 to 100%.", "contents": "Efficacy of oxibendazole against gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle. In 3 separate studies, oxibendazole in drench and premix formulation was shown efficacious against larvae and adults of the genera Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus, Strongyloides, Nematodirus, Cooperia, Bunostomum, Capillaria, Oesophagostomum, and Trichuris. In the first study, artificially infected calves were cleared of virtually all histotrophic larvae and adult parasites after medication with oxibendazole drench at a dose level of 10 mg/kg of body weight. Smaller doses (7.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) expelled 84 to 100% of the parasites. Oxibendazole at a dose level of 15 mg/kg in premix form was given to artificially infected calves 3, 7, or 42 days after infection in a 2nd study. Third stage and 4th stage Cooperia oncophora larvae were, respectively, 92 and 98% susceptible to the drug at day 3 and day 7 after infection; neither larval stages of Ostertagia ostertagi and of Oesophagostomum radiatum were susceptible. Premix given on day 42 after infection removed 83 to 100% of adult O ostertagi, Nematodirus spp, C oncophora, O radiatum, and Trichuris spp. In a 3rd study, calves harboring a mixture of parasitic stages from artificial and pasture-acquired infections were medicated with oxibendazole at a dose of 15 mg/kg in premix form. The burdens of larvae from the abomasum and small intestines were reduced 93 to 95%, respectively; the burdens of adults of 11 species of worms were reduced 87 to 100%.", "PMID": 984548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_968", "title": "Cell-mediated immune response in anaplasmosis as measured by a micro cell-mediated cytotoxicity assay and leukocyte migration-inhibition test.", "content": "Two in vitro assay systems to measure cell-mediated immunity in experimentally induced anaplasmosis in splenectomized and intact calves were compared. In intact calves, the cell-mediated cytotoxic assay detected a cell-mediated immunity response early, which subsequently decreased during the recovery phase of the disease, whereas the leukocyte migration-inhibition test was negative initially and became positive during the recovery phase of the disease. In splenectomized calves, the 2 test results were not as conclusive. Positive values with the cell-mediated cytotoxic assay were noticed later in the experimental period, but higher and persistent values were observed. The leukocyte migration-inhibition test was positive at various times during the experimental period. The 2 assay systems did not correlate.", "contents": "Cell-mediated immune response in anaplasmosis as measured by a micro cell-mediated cytotoxicity assay and leukocyte migration-inhibition test. Two in vitro assay systems to measure cell-mediated immunity in experimentally induced anaplasmosis in splenectomized and intact calves were compared. In intact calves, the cell-mediated cytotoxic assay detected a cell-mediated immunity response early, which subsequently decreased during the recovery phase of the disease, whereas the leukocyte migration-inhibition test was negative initially and became positive during the recovery phase of the disease. In splenectomized calves, the 2 test results were not as conclusive. Positive values with the cell-mediated cytotoxic assay were noticed later in the experimental period, but higher and persistent values were observed. The leukocyte migration-inhibition test was positive at various times during the experimental period. The 2 assay systems did not correlate.", "PMID": 984549} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_969", "title": "Evaluation of the efficacy of fospirate-treated collars against the brown dog tick.", "content": "Experimental tick infestations on dogs were done to determine the initial kill and residual effectiveness of a 15% fospirate-treated plastic colar against the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille). The mean initial kill, determined 4 days after collar application (day 4), was 56.4%. The mean residual effectiveness of fospirate collars on test days 18, 33, 45, 61, 74, 88, and 112 was 89.1, 77.4, 89.5, 78.6, 73.2, 69.0, and 55.0% control, respectively.", "contents": "Evaluation of the efficacy of fospirate-treated collars against the brown dog tick. Experimental tick infestations on dogs were done to determine the initial kill and residual effectiveness of a 15% fospirate-treated plastic colar against the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille). The mean initial kill, determined 4 days after collar application (day 4), was 56.4%. The mean residual effectiveness of fospirate collars on test days 18, 33, 45, 61, 74, 88, and 112 was 89.1, 77.4, 89.5, 78.6, 73.2, 69.0, and 55.0% control, respectively.", "PMID": 984550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_970", "title": "Experimental acute aflatoxicosis in mink (Mustela vison).", "content": "Susceptibility of mink to intoxication by aflatoxins was studied by giving mink single doses (300, 600, and 900 mug of aflatoxins B1 and G1 (40:60)/kg of body weight) and observing them for 8 weeks. One, 2, and 4 of 5 mink in each group died within 4 days after ingesting the small, medium, and large doses, respectively. Enlarged liver with pale yellow to yellowish pink spots was the most consistent lesion observed in mink that died of acute aflatoxicosis. Some lobules of liver also appeared hemorrhagic and fragile, whereas others showed fatty metamorphosis. Histopathologic examination of the liver showed different degrees of fat infiltration, bile duct proliferation, and necrosis of liver cells. Hematologically, mink that survived were not appreciably different from control mink in terms of hemoglobin content, packed cell volume, and white blood cell count. Liver specimen from aflatoxin-treated mink contained more fat, was larger, and contained less protein, RNA and DNA than did liver from control mink. Aflatoxin residue (only B1 ) was recovered from liver of 6 mink and were between 0.1 and 7.6 mug of the original dose.", "contents": "Experimental acute aflatoxicosis in mink (Mustela vison). Susceptibility of mink to intoxication by aflatoxins was studied by giving mink single doses (300, 600, and 900 mug of aflatoxins B1 and G1 (40:60)/kg of body weight) and observing them for 8 weeks. One, 2, and 4 of 5 mink in each group died within 4 days after ingesting the small, medium, and large doses, respectively. Enlarged liver with pale yellow to yellowish pink spots was the most consistent lesion observed in mink that died of acute aflatoxicosis. Some lobules of liver also appeared hemorrhagic and fragile, whereas others showed fatty metamorphosis. Histopathologic examination of the liver showed different degrees of fat infiltration, bile duct proliferation, and necrosis of liver cells. Hematologically, mink that survived were not appreciably different from control mink in terms of hemoglobin content, packed cell volume, and white blood cell count. Liver specimen from aflatoxin-treated mink contained more fat, was larger, and contained less protein, RNA and DNA than did liver from control mink. Aflatoxin residue (only B1 ) was recovered from liver of 6 mink and were between 0.1 and 7.6 mug of the original dose.", "PMID": 984551} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_971", "title": "Mortality and some biochemical changes in mink (Mustela vison) given sublethal doses of aflatoxin each day.", "content": "Two feeding trials were done to study the susceptibility of mink (Mustela vison) to multiple sublethal doses of aflatoxins. In the 1st trial, twenty 3-month-old male mink were divided equally among groups. Each mink in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 was given a meatball daily that contained 15, 30, 45, or 0 mug of aflatoxins (B1:G1, 40:60), respectively. All mink in group 3 died between the 25th and the 30th days of the feeding trial. Each mink had ingested 1,035 to 1,480 mug of aflatoxins. Four of the mink in group 2 died almost as soon as did mink in group 3. Four mink in group 1 died between 40 and 59 days after the start of the feeding trial. Generally, a marked increase in plasma cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase activity appeared before mink died. The liver from animals that died of aflatoxicosis showed prominent pathologic changes which included hemorrhages and appearance of pink yellow spots. Histopathologic examination of liver from dead mink revealed fatty infiltration, bile duct proliferation, bile stasis, pseudotubular formation, congestion, and fibrosis. The feeding trial was repeated with 20 mink (8 males and 12 females) that were 1.5 to 2 years old. In this instance, 0, 20, 40, and 60 mug of aflatoxins were administered each day. All treated animals, except 1, were dead within 37 days after the experiment started. The survivor was given the lowest dosage of toxins and died after 52 days by which time 960 mug of aflatoxins were consumed. Plasma cholesterol content and alkaline phosphatase activity generally were similar to those observed in younger mink of the 1st feeding trial.", "contents": "Mortality and some biochemical changes in mink (Mustela vison) given sublethal doses of aflatoxin each day. Two feeding trials were done to study the susceptibility of mink (Mustela vison) to multiple sublethal doses of aflatoxins. In the 1st trial, twenty 3-month-old male mink were divided equally among groups. Each mink in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 was given a meatball daily that contained 15, 30, 45, or 0 mug of aflatoxins (B1:G1, 40:60), respectively. All mink in group 3 died between the 25th and the 30th days of the feeding trial. Each mink had ingested 1,035 to 1,480 mug of aflatoxins. Four of the mink in group 2 died almost as soon as did mink in group 3. Four mink in group 1 died between 40 and 59 days after the start of the feeding trial. Generally, a marked increase in plasma cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase activity appeared before mink died. The liver from animals that died of aflatoxicosis showed prominent pathologic changes which included hemorrhages and appearance of pink yellow spots. Histopathologic examination of liver from dead mink revealed fatty infiltration, bile duct proliferation, bile stasis, pseudotubular formation, congestion, and fibrosis. The feeding trial was repeated with 20 mink (8 males and 12 females) that were 1.5 to 2 years old. In this instance, 0, 20, 40, and 60 mug of aflatoxins were administered each day. All treated animals, except 1, were dead within 37 days after the experiment started. The survivor was given the lowest dosage of toxins and died after 52 days by which time 960 mug of aflatoxins were consumed. Plasma cholesterol content and alkaline phosphatase activity generally were similar to those observed in younger mink of the 1st feeding trial.", "PMID": 984552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_972", "title": "Electrophoretic separation of serum proteins from gray squirrels.", "content": "Serum proteins of gray squirrels were electrophoretically separated into 7 fractions as compared with the 5 fractions obtained from human serum. The mobility of the albumin fraction was approximately the same for both human and squirrel serums. The prealbumin fraction did not vary significantly in the percentage for squirrels bled at different times of the year. Immunoelectrophoresis patterns showed squirrel serum had a small number of fractions with the same antigenic characteristics as human serum.", "contents": "Electrophoretic separation of serum proteins from gray squirrels. Serum proteins of gray squirrels were electrophoretically separated into 7 fractions as compared with the 5 fractions obtained from human serum. The mobility of the albumin fraction was approximately the same for both human and squirrel serums. The prealbumin fraction did not vary significantly in the percentage for squirrels bled at different times of the year. Immunoelectrophoresis patterns showed squirrel serum had a small number of fractions with the same antigenic characteristics as human serum.", "PMID": 984553} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_973", "title": "Force plate studies of equine biomechanics.", "content": "The force plate can measure a wide range of effects in the horse. The same instrument can record forces from more than a ton in the galloping animal to 25 g associated with the action of the heart. In all probability, the force plate will develop into a valuable clinical instrument.", "contents": "Force plate studies of equine biomechanics. The force plate can measure a wide range of effects in the horse. The same instrument can record forces from more than a ton in the galloping animal to 25 g associated with the action of the heart. In all probability, the force plate will develop into a valuable clinical instrument.", "PMID": 984554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_974", "title": "Use of bumetanide, a potent diuretic, to obtain urinary samples for dope testing in horses.", "content": "Use of the potent, high-ceiling diuretic bumetanide made it possible to obtain urinary samples for dope testing of trotters within the 1st hour after the race. The drug was injected intravenously at a dose level of 10 mug/kg during the cold season of the year, but on warm days, a dose of 20 mug/kg was more reliable. These doses did not produce any side-effects and did not interfere with the detection of doping drugs, since bumetanide is not metabolized to a detectable degree and the unchanged drug appears only in extracts from acidic urine. By enhancing the clearance of drugs used for doping, bumetanide even provides favorable conditions for detection of such drugs.", "contents": "Use of bumetanide, a potent diuretic, to obtain urinary samples for dope testing in horses. Use of the potent, high-ceiling diuretic bumetanide made it possible to obtain urinary samples for dope testing of trotters within the 1st hour after the race. The drug was injected intravenously at a dose level of 10 mug/kg during the cold season of the year, but on warm days, a dose of 20 mug/kg was more reliable. These doses did not produce any side-effects and did not interfere with the detection of doping drugs, since bumetanide is not metabolized to a detectable degree and the unchanged drug appears only in extracts from acidic urine. By enhancing the clearance of drugs used for doping, bumetanide even provides favorable conditions for detection of such drugs.", "PMID": 984555} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_975", "title": "Regional coronary blood flow in ponies.", "content": "Regional coronary blood flow was measured by injecting radioactive microspheres (15 mum +/- 5 in diameter) into the left atrium of anesthetized ponies with surgically prepared open thorax before and during occlusion of the coronary arteries. The normal blood flow to the myocardium of the interventricular septum and the left ventricular wall were highest, followed in decreasing order by the right ventricular wall, the interatrial septum, the atrial walls, and the valves. Measurement of transmural blood flow in the normal left ventricle yielded a mean endocardial/epicardial flow ratio of 1.36 in the free wall. The left ventricular flow ratio was 1.33 in the septal wall. The percentage of the left ventricular myocardium made ischemic during occlusion of the right coronary artery or of the left coronary artery (cranial descending and circumflex arteries) was approximately equal. Blood flow to the ischemic areas of the left ventricle after occlusion of coronary arteries ranged from 3.8 to 20.6% of the normal flow. A disproportionate decrease in flow to the endocardial regions of the left ventricle was also observed in ischemic areas (mean inner/outer left ventricular wall flow ratio was 68.89% of the normal flow ratio).", "contents": "Regional coronary blood flow in ponies. Regional coronary blood flow was measured by injecting radioactive microspheres (15 mum +/- 5 in diameter) into the left atrium of anesthetized ponies with surgically prepared open thorax before and during occlusion of the coronary arteries. The normal blood flow to the myocardium of the interventricular septum and the left ventricular wall were highest, followed in decreasing order by the right ventricular wall, the interatrial septum, the atrial walls, and the valves. Measurement of transmural blood flow in the normal left ventricle yielded a mean endocardial/epicardial flow ratio of 1.36 in the free wall. The left ventricular flow ratio was 1.33 in the septal wall. The percentage of the left ventricular myocardium made ischemic during occlusion of the right coronary artery or of the left coronary artery (cranial descending and circumflex arteries) was approximately equal. Blood flow to the ischemic areas of the left ventricle after occlusion of coronary arteries ranged from 3.8 to 20.6% of the normal flow. A disproportionate decrease in flow to the endocardial regions of the left ventricle was also observed in ischemic areas (mean inner/outer left ventricular wall flow ratio was 68.89% of the normal flow ratio).", "PMID": 984556} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_976", "title": "Nonlactating-cow therapy with a formulation of penicillin and novobiocin: therapeutic and prophylactic effects.", "content": "An experimental product incorporating 500,000 IU of procaine penicillin G and 600 mg of sodium novobiocin in 2% aluminum monostearate-peanut oil gel (10-ml dose) was used to treat all quarters of 56 cows which were infected in at least 1 quarter at time of final mild-out at end of lactation. Treatment was withheld from 89 cows uninfected in all quarters. Quarter infection was determined by bacteriologic culturing of milk samples collected at the last regular milking, at intervals up to final milk-out (7 or 12 days later), at calving, and 1 week later. Clearance rates against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae, and coliform bacteria in treated quarters were 83, 94, 88, and 71%, respectively. Subtraction of the spontaneous clearance rate of about 50% in untreated quarters resulted in values of 35 to 45% for drug efficacy against existing staphylococcal and streptococcal infections. Prophylactic efficacy was examined. In cows entering the true nonlactating period with 1 or more quarters infected, new infection rates across the period aming quarters uninfected at the beginning were 36.0% among untreated cows and 6.3% among treated cows (P less than 0.005). The comparable rates for cows entering the nonlactating period uninfected in all quarters were 5.7 and 0%. Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci, which comprised 38.5% of new period infections among untreated cows, were completely lacking among treated cows (P less than 0.025). Within the treated group of cows, 83.1% of infected quarters were cleared, and new infection rate in the non-lactating period was 50% less than the rate among untreated cows. Because the frequency of intramammary infection in this herd was quite low at \"drying-off\" (10.5% of quarters), the net effect on herd health of selective therapy of cows infected at end of lactation was a reduction in total quarter infection from 19.8 to 13.6%.", "contents": "Nonlactating-cow therapy with a formulation of penicillin and novobiocin: therapeutic and prophylactic effects. An experimental product incorporating 500,000 IU of procaine penicillin G and 600 mg of sodium novobiocin in 2% aluminum monostearate-peanut oil gel (10-ml dose) was used to treat all quarters of 56 cows which were infected in at least 1 quarter at time of final mild-out at end of lactation. Treatment was withheld from 89 cows uninfected in all quarters. Quarter infection was determined by bacteriologic culturing of milk samples collected at the last regular milking, at intervals up to final milk-out (7 or 12 days later), at calving, and 1 week later. Clearance rates against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae, and coliform bacteria in treated quarters were 83, 94, 88, and 71%, respectively. Subtraction of the spontaneous clearance rate of about 50% in untreated quarters resulted in values of 35 to 45% for drug efficacy against existing staphylococcal and streptococcal infections. Prophylactic efficacy was examined. In cows entering the true nonlactating period with 1 or more quarters infected, new infection rates across the period aming quarters uninfected at the beginning were 36.0% among untreated cows and 6.3% among treated cows (P less than 0.005). The comparable rates for cows entering the nonlactating period uninfected in all quarters were 5.7 and 0%. Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci, which comprised 38.5% of new period infections among untreated cows, were completely lacking among treated cows (P less than 0.025). Within the treated group of cows, 83.1% of infected quarters were cleared, and new infection rate in the non-lactating period was 50% less than the rate among untreated cows. Because the frequency of intramammary infection in this herd was quite low at \"drying-off\" (10.5% of quarters), the net effect on herd health of selective therapy of cows infected at end of lactation was a reduction in total quarter infection from 19.8 to 13.6%.", "PMID": 984557} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_977", "title": "Nonlactating-cow therapy with a formulation of penicillin and novobiocin: mammary irritation and residues.", "content": "An experimental product incorporating 500,000 IU of procaine penicillin G and 600 mg of sodium novobiocin in 2% aluminum monostearate-peanut oil gel (10-ml dose) was infused after the final milk-out at end of lactation into all 4 mammary quarters of 56 cows that were infected in at least 1 quarter. The therapeutic and prophylactic efficacies were published in the companion report. Infusion of the product in all quarters of 5 lactating cows resulted in only slight irritation. Penicillin was eliminated by the 11th milking and novobiocin by the 5th. After infusion in the dry udder, the antibiotics were no longer detectable in serous secretion after 14 days and failed to appear in urine at the earliest (7-day) sampling after administration. Neither antibiotic was detectable in the 1st postpartum milking after nonlactating periods as short as 3 weeks.", "contents": "Nonlactating-cow therapy with a formulation of penicillin and novobiocin: mammary irritation and residues. An experimental product incorporating 500,000 IU of procaine penicillin G and 600 mg of sodium novobiocin in 2% aluminum monostearate-peanut oil gel (10-ml dose) was infused after the final milk-out at end of lactation into all 4 mammary quarters of 56 cows that were infected in at least 1 quarter. The therapeutic and prophylactic efficacies were published in the companion report. Infusion of the product in all quarters of 5 lactating cows resulted in only slight irritation. Penicillin was eliminated by the 11th milking and novobiocin by the 5th. After infusion in the dry udder, the antibiotics were no longer detectable in serous secretion after 14 days and failed to appear in urine at the earliest (7-day) sampling after administration. Neither antibiotic was detectable in the 1st postpartum milking after nonlactating periods as short as 3 weeks.", "PMID": 984558} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_978", "title": "Efficacy of oxibendazole against adult and larval nematodes of cattle.", "content": "Calves which were artificially infected with Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus, Cooperia, and Oesophagostomum but which were also carrying natural infections of Nematodirus and Trichuris were treated with 15.0 mg of oxibendazole (methyl-5-n-propoxy-2-benzimidazole-carbamate)/kg of body weight at 3 days, 7 days, and 42 days after exposure to the infective trichostrongylid and strongylid larvae. Efficacies against adult populations of these genera treated on day 42, except Trichostrongylus, exceeded 98%. The chemical was highly effective against immature nematodes of the genera, except Oesophagostomum (0%). Data were not obtained on Trichostrongylus. The oxibendazole premix was palatable, and toxicosis due to the chemical was not seen in these calves.", "contents": "Efficacy of oxibendazole against adult and larval nematodes of cattle. Calves which were artificially infected with Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus, Cooperia, and Oesophagostomum but which were also carrying natural infections of Nematodirus and Trichuris were treated with 15.0 mg of oxibendazole (methyl-5-n-propoxy-2-benzimidazole-carbamate)/kg of body weight at 3 days, 7 days, and 42 days after exposure to the infective trichostrongylid and strongylid larvae. Efficacies against adult populations of these genera treated on day 42, except Trichostrongylus, exceeded 98%. The chemical was highly effective against immature nematodes of the genera, except Oesophagostomum (0%). Data were not obtained on Trichostrongylus. The oxibendazole premix was palatable, and toxicosis due to the chemical was not seen in these calves.", "PMID": 984559} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_979", "title": "Metabolic disposition of radioactive phenothiazine in calves: a balance study.", "content": "Three Charolais calves were treated orally with [14C] phenothiazine. The amount of radioactivity excreted in the urine and feces was measured. The average quantity of the excreted dose recovered was divided equally between the urine and the feces. The radioactivity found in the feces and gastrointestinal tract was variable between the animals, but the urinary radioactivity was constant. Only a small amount of the administered dose was retained by selected organs, with the liver and kidneys accounting for most of that amount. These organs also had tissue-to-blood ratios of radioactivity greater than unity, whereas the other tissues had ratios close to unity. Essentially complete recovery of the administered radioactive dose was achieved.", "contents": "Metabolic disposition of radioactive phenothiazine in calves: a balance study. Three Charolais calves were treated orally with [14C] phenothiazine. The amount of radioactivity excreted in the urine and feces was measured. The average quantity of the excreted dose recovered was divided equally between the urine and the feces. The radioactivity found in the feces and gastrointestinal tract was variable between the animals, but the urinary radioactivity was constant. Only a small amount of the administered dose was retained by selected organs, with the liver and kidneys accounting for most of that amount. These organs also had tissue-to-blood ratios of radioactivity greater than unity, whereas the other tissues had ratios close to unity. Essentially complete recovery of the administered radioactive dose was achieved.", "PMID": 984560} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_980", "title": "Effects of vaccination with a Moraxella bovis bacterin on the subsequent development of signs of corneal disease and infection with M bovis in calves under natural environmental conditions.", "content": "A vaccination study was conducted for infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) in 440 purebred Hereford cattle (cows and their newborn calves) of the USDA Meat Animal Research Center cattle herd at Clay Center, Ne. The cattle were allotted to 4 groups: 60 calves were vaccinated with an autogenous Moraxella bovis bacterin (group 1); 60 calves that were matched with group 1 calves were designated nonvaccinated matched controls (group 2); 99 calves were peer group nonvaccinated controls (group 3); and 219 cows, the dams of the calves, were nonvaccinated consorts (group 4). The infection rates in cattle groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 during the summer were 96.6, 98.3, 100, and 79.1%, respectively, and the disease rates were 90, 93, 85, and 20%. The infection and the disease rates were significantly (P less than 0.01) different between claves and cows. The disease rate was also significantly different between older and younger cows. A larger percentage of the affected calves and cows had mild or moderate (61%) signs of IBK rather than severe (39%) signs. The rate of body weight gain was reduced in calves with severe signs of IBK. The results seemed to indicate that little would be gained by vaccinating cattle against IBK under the conditions of study.", "contents": "Effects of vaccination with a Moraxella bovis bacterin on the subsequent development of signs of corneal disease and infection with M bovis in calves under natural environmental conditions. A vaccination study was conducted for infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) in 440 purebred Hereford cattle (cows and their newborn calves) of the USDA Meat Animal Research Center cattle herd at Clay Center, Ne. The cattle were allotted to 4 groups: 60 calves were vaccinated with an autogenous Moraxella bovis bacterin (group 1); 60 calves that were matched with group 1 calves were designated nonvaccinated matched controls (group 2); 99 calves were peer group nonvaccinated controls (group 3); and 219 cows, the dams of the calves, were nonvaccinated consorts (group 4). The infection rates in cattle groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 during the summer were 96.6, 98.3, 100, and 79.1%, respectively, and the disease rates were 90, 93, 85, and 20%. The infection and the disease rates were significantly (P less than 0.01) different between claves and cows. The disease rate was also significantly different between older and younger cows. A larger percentage of the affected calves and cows had mild or moderate (61%) signs of IBK rather than severe (39%) signs. The rate of body weight gain was reduced in calves with severe signs of IBK. The results seemed to indicate that little would be gained by vaccinating cattle against IBK under the conditions of study.", "PMID": 984561} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_981", "title": "Multiplication of Staphylococci in vitro in normal and mastitic milk from vaccinated and nonvaccinated cows.", "content": "Mastitis was induced by injection of cell walls of Staphylococcus aureus into the mammary glands of normal cows and of cows which had been vaccinated parenterally with a staphylococcal bacterin in adjuvant. Multiplication of S aureus in normal milk and in mastitic milk from vaccinated and nonvaccinated cows was determined in constant volume cultures. Growth was significantly inhibited during the 1st 6 hours of incubation, regardless of the nature of the milk or the vaccination status of the cows. Growth was inhibited for 24 hours in normal milk, and the organisms grew exponentially in mastitic milk regardless of the vaccination status of the cows.", "contents": "Multiplication of Staphylococci in vitro in normal and mastitic milk from vaccinated and nonvaccinated cows. Mastitis was induced by injection of cell walls of Staphylococcus aureus into the mammary glands of normal cows and of cows which had been vaccinated parenterally with a staphylococcal bacterin in adjuvant. Multiplication of S aureus in normal milk and in mastitic milk from vaccinated and nonvaccinated cows was determined in constant volume cultures. Growth was significantly inhibited during the 1st 6 hours of incubation, regardless of the nature of the milk or the vaccination status of the cows. Growth was inhibited for 24 hours in normal milk, and the organisms grew exponentially in mastitic milk regardless of the vaccination status of the cows.", "PMID": 984562} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_982", "title": "Sensitivity of swine buffy coat culture to infection with hog cholera virus.", "content": "The susceptibility of swine buffy coat (BC) cultures inoculated with hog cholera (HC) virus in the presence of homologous antiserum was greater than that of a pig kidney (PK-15) cell line similarly inoculated. The virus was isolated from BC cultures grown in the presence of 0.1% hyperimmune serum, whereas it could not be consistently recovered from the PK-15 cell line in which hyperimmune serum concentrations exceeded 0.025%. Maximal viral titers in BC culture were reached between postinoculation days 4 and 8. Peak titers were not influenced by the age of cells at infection or dose of virus. Data were present in support of the hypothesis that the decrease of HC viral isolations in BC cultures from HC epizootics was related to lessened use of attenuated vaccines.", "contents": "Sensitivity of swine buffy coat culture to infection with hog cholera virus. The susceptibility of swine buffy coat (BC) cultures inoculated with hog cholera (HC) virus in the presence of homologous antiserum was greater than that of a pig kidney (PK-15) cell line similarly inoculated. The virus was isolated from BC cultures grown in the presence of 0.1% hyperimmune serum, whereas it could not be consistently recovered from the PK-15 cell line in which hyperimmune serum concentrations exceeded 0.025%. Maximal viral titers in BC culture were reached between postinoculation days 4 and 8. Peak titers were not influenced by the age of cells at infection or dose of virus. Data were present in support of the hypothesis that the decrease of HC viral isolations in BC cultures from HC epizootics was related to lessened use of attenuated vaccines.", "PMID": 984563} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_983", "title": "Anthelmintic activity of diuredosan in dogs experimentally infected with Ancylostoma caninum and Trichuris vulpis.", "content": "The efficacy of diuredosan was determined in dogs experimentally infected with Ancylostoma caninum and Trichuris vulpis. Diuredosan at dosages of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg was 99% effective against A caninum. Efficacies against T vulpis were 88, 85, and 94% at dosages of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively.", "contents": "Anthelmintic activity of diuredosan in dogs experimentally infected with Ancylostoma caninum and Trichuris vulpis. The efficacy of diuredosan was determined in dogs experimentally infected with Ancylostoma caninum and Trichuris vulpis. Diuredosan at dosages of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg was 99% effective against A caninum. Efficacies against T vulpis were 88, 85, and 94% at dosages of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively.", "PMID": 984564} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_984", "title": "Growth of mink (Mustela vison) kits when nursing dams given aflatoxin G1.", "content": "During lactation, 5 female mink (Mustela vison) were given 50 mug of aflatoxin B1 orally twice, 2 weeks apart. Another group of 5 lactating mink were used as controls, Milk was collected 24 hours after each treatment with toxin. Aflatoxin B1 and M1 could not be detected in the milk. There was no appreciable difference in body weight among kits that nursed treated mink and those that nursed untreated mink.", "contents": "Growth of mink (Mustela vison) kits when nursing dams given aflatoxin G1. During lactation, 5 female mink (Mustela vison) were given 50 mug of aflatoxin B1 orally twice, 2 weeks apart. Another group of 5 lactating mink were used as controls, Milk was collected 24 hours after each treatment with toxin. Aflatoxin B1 and M1 could not be detected in the milk. There was no appreciable difference in body weight among kits that nursed treated mink and those that nursed untreated mink.", "PMID": 984565} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_985", "title": "Dexamethasone treatment during hemorrhagic shock: changes in extracellular fluid volume and cell membrane transport.", "content": "Changes in extracellular fluid volume and cell membrane transport during hemorrhagic shock and the effects of dexamethasone treatment on these changes were measured. It is well known that prolonged hemorrhagic shock leads to irreversible changes and a progressive decrease in blood pressure despite reinfusion for lost blood. Pharmacologic doses of glucocorticoids provide some protection against these changes. Therefore, one purpose in the present study was to identify possible sites of glucocorticoid action whicy may prevent the irreversible changes from occurring. The extracellular fluid volume in normal control, nontreated dogs in shock, and dexamethasone-treated dogs in shock were measured by a dilution technique, using [35S] sodium sulfate. Cell membrane cation transport capabilities were measured in liver slices, diaphragm slices, and red blood cells taken from normal control, nontreated rats in shock, and dexamethasone-treated rats in shock. The accumulation of radioactivity by the tissues incubated with 22Na served as an indicator of cell membrane ion transport capabilities. The results indicate that in animals subjected to prolonged hemorrhagic shock, there is a fluid shift from the extracellular space into intracellular spaces, reducing blood volume. Cell membranes are damaged and transport mechanisms are altered; therefore, the cells are unable to extrude ions along with water. Dexamethasone treatment was shown to prevent extracellular fluid volumes from decreasing below that amount due to the plasma lost during hemorrhage. Also, it prevented some cell membrane damage and maintained membrane transport mechanisms near normal. In addition, at the onset of dexamethasone injection, blood pressure increased, and urine output was restored.", "contents": "Dexamethasone treatment during hemorrhagic shock: changes in extracellular fluid volume and cell membrane transport. Changes in extracellular fluid volume and cell membrane transport during hemorrhagic shock and the effects of dexamethasone treatment on these changes were measured. It is well known that prolonged hemorrhagic shock leads to irreversible changes and a progressive decrease in blood pressure despite reinfusion for lost blood. Pharmacologic doses of glucocorticoids provide some protection against these changes. Therefore, one purpose in the present study was to identify possible sites of glucocorticoid action whicy may prevent the irreversible changes from occurring. The extracellular fluid volume in normal control, nontreated dogs in shock, and dexamethasone-treated dogs in shock were measured by a dilution technique, using [35S] sodium sulfate. Cell membrane cation transport capabilities were measured in liver slices, diaphragm slices, and red blood cells taken from normal control, nontreated rats in shock, and dexamethasone-treated rats in shock. The accumulation of radioactivity by the tissues incubated with 22Na served as an indicator of cell membrane ion transport capabilities. The results indicate that in animals subjected to prolonged hemorrhagic shock, there is a fluid shift from the extracellular space into intracellular spaces, reducing blood volume. Cell membranes are damaged and transport mechanisms are altered; therefore, the cells are unable to extrude ions along with water. Dexamethasone treatment was shown to prevent extracellular fluid volumes from decreasing below that amount due to the plasma lost during hemorrhage. Also, it prevented some cell membrane damage and maintained membrane transport mechanisms near normal. In addition, at the onset of dexamethasone injection, blood pressure increased, and urine output was restored.", "PMID": 984566} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_986", "title": "Influence of pentobarbital sodium anesthesia on hematologic values in the dog.", "content": "The effects of intravenously administered commercial pentobarbital sodium, pentobarbital sodium in saline solution, 40% propylene glycol in saline solution, 10% ethanol in saline solution, and saline solution on erythrocyte fragility and blood coagulation variables were studied in the dog. The pentobarbital solution and the 40% propylene glycol caused erythrocyte lysis and obvious hemoglobin release into the plasma. They also caused a shortening of the whole blood clotting time and partial thromboplastin time tests, evidence of increased procoagulant activity involving the intrinsic coagulation system. Alterations in these variables were not noticed after pentobarbital sodium in saline solution, 10% ethanol in saline solution, and saline solution injections. Changes were not noticed in the extrinsic coagulation system or in platelet function.", "contents": "Influence of pentobarbital sodium anesthesia on hematologic values in the dog. The effects of intravenously administered commercial pentobarbital sodium, pentobarbital sodium in saline solution, 40% propylene glycol in saline solution, 10% ethanol in saline solution, and saline solution on erythrocyte fragility and blood coagulation variables were studied in the dog. The pentobarbital solution and the 40% propylene glycol caused erythrocyte lysis and obvious hemoglobin release into the plasma. They also caused a shortening of the whole blood clotting time and partial thromboplastin time tests, evidence of increased procoagulant activity involving the intrinsic coagulation system. Alterations in these variables were not noticed after pentobarbital sodium in saline solution, 10% ethanol in saline solution, and saline solution injections. Changes were not noticed in the extrinsic coagulation system or in platelet function.", "PMID": 984567} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_987", "title": "Normal canine lipid profiles and effects of experimentally induced pancreatitis and hepatic necrosis on lipids.", "content": "Normal lipid profiles (total lipids, total cholesterol, phospholipids, free fatty acids, triglycerides, and lipoproteins) were determined in 23 clinic-reared dogs and 26 client-owned dogs. A significantly higher concentration of cholesterol was found in client-owned dogs as compared with clinic-reared dogs. Hepatic necorosis, induced by CCl4, resulted only in a significant decrease in triglycerides. Acute pancreatitis, induced by major and minor pancreatic duct ligations, resulted in a significant increase in free fatty acids and low-density lipoprotein with a decrease in high-density lipoprotein-2.", "contents": "Normal canine lipid profiles and effects of experimentally induced pancreatitis and hepatic necrosis on lipids. Normal lipid profiles (total lipids, total cholesterol, phospholipids, free fatty acids, triglycerides, and lipoproteins) were determined in 23 clinic-reared dogs and 26 client-owned dogs. A significantly higher concentration of cholesterol was found in client-owned dogs as compared with clinic-reared dogs. Hepatic necorosis, induced by CCl4, resulted only in a significant decrease in triglycerides. Acute pancreatitis, induced by major and minor pancreatic duct ligations, resulted in a significant increase in free fatty acids and low-density lipoprotein with a decrease in high-density lipoprotein-2.", "PMID": 984568} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_988", "title": "Activated coagulation time (ACT) of whole blood in normal dogs.", "content": "The activated coagulation time (ACT) test is technically simple, inexpensive, and commercially available and provides a rapid, accurate assessment of canine whole blood clotting time. The medium ACT for 72 normal dogs ranging in age from 6 monhts to 11 years was 75 seconds, with a range of from less than 60 seconds to 125 seconds and a mean of 77.5 seconds. Significant difference in the ACT due to sex or age of the animals tested was not found.", "contents": "Activated coagulation time (ACT) of whole blood in normal dogs. The activated coagulation time (ACT) test is technically simple, inexpensive, and commercially available and provides a rapid, accurate assessment of canine whole blood clotting time. The medium ACT for 72 normal dogs ranging in age from 6 monhts to 11 years was 75 seconds, with a range of from less than 60 seconds to 125 seconds and a mean of 77.5 seconds. Significant difference in the ACT due to sex or age of the animals tested was not found.", "PMID": 984569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_989", "title": "Mucosal morphologic alterations in Thiry-Vella fistulas.", "content": "Three Thiry-Vella fistulas were surgically placed in each of 9 dogs to study the effects of x-irradiation on isolated loops of small intestine. Mucosal biopsy samples were removed from the fistulas for 5 days at 24-hour intervals after surgical operation to assess the morphologic alterations that occurred in the fistula mucosa following surgical isolation. There was a reduction of villus height during the 1st day, reduction of crypt depth on days 2 and 3, and stabilization of villus height and crypt depth during days 3 to 5 after surgical operation. The surgical technique and morphologic alterations observed in the mucosa of the fistulas during the 5 days after surgery are described.", "contents": "Mucosal morphologic alterations in Thiry-Vella fistulas. Three Thiry-Vella fistulas were surgically placed in each of 9 dogs to study the effects of x-irradiation on isolated loops of small intestine. Mucosal biopsy samples were removed from the fistulas for 5 days at 24-hour intervals after surgical operation to assess the morphologic alterations that occurred in the fistula mucosa following surgical isolation. There was a reduction of villus height during the 1st day, reduction of crypt depth on days 2 and 3, and stabilization of villus height and crypt depth during days 3 to 5 after surgical operation. The surgical technique and morphologic alterations observed in the mucosa of the fistulas during the 5 days after surgery are described.", "PMID": 984570} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_990", "title": "A new self-retaining vascular indwelling catheter.", "content": "Specifications are presented for design and construction of a chronically indwelling vascular catheter. Implantation and use in fetal, neonatal, and adult sheep are described. A special feature of the catheter was the tissue-retaining lugs that ensured a high degree of stability in situ. The system was exceedingly reliable in limiting infection and thrombus formation.", "contents": "A new self-retaining vascular indwelling catheter. Specifications are presented for design and construction of a chronically indwelling vascular catheter. Implantation and use in fetal, neonatal, and adult sheep are described. A special feature of the catheter was the tissue-retaining lugs that ensured a high degree of stability in situ. The system was exceedingly reliable in limiting infection and thrombus formation.", "PMID": 984571} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_991", "title": "Smoking and cough frequency.", "content": "The number of coughs occurring in small groups of subjects was noted by observers who also noted the time of lighting a cigarette by each member of the group. Those who smoked during the periods of observation coughed twice as often as those who did not; men coughed twice as often as did women.", "contents": "Smoking and cough frequency. The number of coughs occurring in small groups of subjects was noted by observers who also noted the time of lighting a cigarette by each member of the group. Those who smoked during the periods of observation coughed twice as often as those who did not; men coughed twice as often as did women.", "PMID": 984572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_992", "title": "Hemodynamic and alveolar protein studies in noncardiac pulmonary edema.", "content": "Hemodynamic data were obtained within 15 hours of admission in 11 previously healthy patients (20 to 51 years of age, 7 men and 4 women) who had developed transient, reversible pulmonary edema without cardiac dilation in association with near-death from freshwater drowning (2 cases), pentobarbital overdose, heroin overdose (2 cases), smoke inhalation, chest trauma, sepsis (2 cases), pancreatitis, or prolonged abdominal surgery with suspected sepsis. Using a balloon-tipped flow-directed catheter, the pulmonary artery systolic/diastolic pressures (in mm Hg) were 25/12, 22/9, 31/11, 26/15, 20/10, 35/15, 40/15, 32/18, 20/10, 24/10, and 20/7; the corresponding pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (in mm Hg) were 8, 9, 6, 14, 6, 6, 15, 15, 10, 10, and 5, respectively. Plasma colloidal osmotic pressures measured in the latter 5 cases were 26, 18, 18, 18, and 15 mm Hg, respectively. In addition, the protein content of the alveolar fluid was 5.1, 3.4, 4.0, and 7.1 g per 100 ml in 4 patients. The concentration and distribution of the protein in plasma and alveolar fluid were very similar. These findings provide strong efidence that altered capillary permeability is responsible for the pulmonary edema.", "contents": "Hemodynamic and alveolar protein studies in noncardiac pulmonary edema. Hemodynamic data were obtained within 15 hours of admission in 11 previously healthy patients (20 to 51 years of age, 7 men and 4 women) who had developed transient, reversible pulmonary edema without cardiac dilation in association with near-death from freshwater drowning (2 cases), pentobarbital overdose, heroin overdose (2 cases), smoke inhalation, chest trauma, sepsis (2 cases), pancreatitis, or prolonged abdominal surgery with suspected sepsis. Using a balloon-tipped flow-directed catheter, the pulmonary artery systolic/diastolic pressures (in mm Hg) were 25/12, 22/9, 31/11, 26/15, 20/10, 35/15, 40/15, 32/18, 20/10, 24/10, and 20/7; the corresponding pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (in mm Hg) were 8, 9, 6, 14, 6, 6, 15, 15, 10, 10, and 5, respectively. Plasma colloidal osmotic pressures measured in the latter 5 cases were 26, 18, 18, 18, and 15 mm Hg, respectively. In addition, the protein content of the alveolar fluid was 5.1, 3.4, 4.0, and 7.1 g per 100 ml in 4 patients. The concentration and distribution of the protein in plasma and alveolar fluid were very similar. These findings provide strong efidence that altered capillary permeability is responsible for the pulmonary edema.", "PMID": 984576} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_993", "title": "Mucous blanket of rat bronchus: an ultrastructural study.", "content": "The tracheobronchial tree of rats was fixed by fixative vapor \"from the front\", thus preserving the mucous blanket for morphologic study. Electron microscopic examination of bronchi revealed the existence of osmiophilic myelin-figured lamellae in the lower zone of the mucous blanket. The meaning of this finding is discussed in terms of a 2-layer model of the mucous blanket.", "contents": "Mucous blanket of rat bronchus: an ultrastructural study. The tracheobronchial tree of rats was fixed by fixative vapor \"from the front\", thus preserving the mucous blanket for morphologic study. Electron microscopic examination of bronchi revealed the existence of osmiophilic myelin-figured lamellae in the lower zone of the mucous blanket. The meaning of this finding is discussed in terms of a 2-layer model of the mucous blanket.", "PMID": 984577} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_994", "title": "Isolation and characterization of a unique glycoprotein from lavage of chicken lungs and lamellar organelles.", "content": "A major glycoprotein with an estimated molecular weight by sodium dodecylsulfate-acrylamide gel electrophoresis of 36,000 daltons has been found in lavage material of normal chicken lung. Amino acid and carbohydrate analyses of this glycoprotein indicated the presence of hydroxyproline, a high percentage of glycine, sialic acid, mannose, galactose, fucose, and glucosamine. Threonine is the NH2-terminal residue of the glycoprotein. A similar glycoprotein of the same molecular weight, NH2-terminus, amino acid, and carbohydrate composition has been found in lamellar organelles isolated from normal chicken lung. The data indicate that this unique collagen-like glycoprotein, which is similar to a major alveolar glycoprotein found in mammals, including patients with alveolar proteinosis, is also a major protein of avian airways. Because avian airways contain no Clara, ciliated, or goblet cells but do contain type II cells as the only secretory airway cells with lamellar organelles, it is likely that in birds this glycoprotein may be a product of type II cells.", "contents": "Isolation and characterization of a unique glycoprotein from lavage of chicken lungs and lamellar organelles. A major glycoprotein with an estimated molecular weight by sodium dodecylsulfate-acrylamide gel electrophoresis of 36,000 daltons has been found in lavage material of normal chicken lung. Amino acid and carbohydrate analyses of this glycoprotein indicated the presence of hydroxyproline, a high percentage of glycine, sialic acid, mannose, galactose, fucose, and glucosamine. Threonine is the NH2-terminal residue of the glycoprotein. A similar glycoprotein of the same molecular weight, NH2-terminus, amino acid, and carbohydrate composition has been found in lamellar organelles isolated from normal chicken lung. The data indicate that this unique collagen-like glycoprotein, which is similar to a major alveolar glycoprotein found in mammals, including patients with alveolar proteinosis, is also a major protein of avian airways. Because avian airways contain no Clara, ciliated, or goblet cells but do contain type II cells as the only secretory airway cells with lamellar organelles, it is likely that in birds this glycoprotein may be a product of type II cells.", "PMID": 984578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_995", "title": "The influence of clinical factors on site of airway obstruction in asthma.", "content": "The effect of breathing a gas mixture less dense than room air (80% helium, 20% 02) on the maximal expiratory flow-volume curve was used to determine the influence of clinical factors on the site and nature of the airway obstruction in asthmatics. If an asthmatic did not smoke or have chronic bronchitis or recurrent respiratory infections, the site of obstruction was in more central airways than it was in the presence of these factors, when the main site was more likely to be in more peripheral airways. Both the peripheral and the central airway obstruction were at least in part due to bronchoconstriction and could be reversed with bronchodilators. Comparison of maximal expiratory flow-volume curves when the subject was breathing air and when he or she was breathing a less dense gas mixture may indicate change in the mechanical properties of the lung after the use of bronchodilators that are not apparent breathing air alone. In some instances, bronchodilators produced no change in the maximal expiratory flow-volume curve when the subject was breathing air, but there were substantial changes when he or she was breathing a mixture of helium and O2.", "contents": "The influence of clinical factors on site of airway obstruction in asthma. The effect of breathing a gas mixture less dense than room air (80% helium, 20% 02) on the maximal expiratory flow-volume curve was used to determine the influence of clinical factors on the site and nature of the airway obstruction in asthmatics. If an asthmatic did not smoke or have chronic bronchitis or recurrent respiratory infections, the site of obstruction was in more central airways than it was in the presence of these factors, when the main site was more likely to be in more peripheral airways. Both the peripheral and the central airway obstruction were at least in part due to bronchoconstriction and could be reversed with bronchodilators. Comparison of maximal expiratory flow-volume curves when the subject was breathing air and when he or she was breathing a less dense gas mixture may indicate change in the mechanical properties of the lung after the use of bronchodilators that are not apparent breathing air alone. In some instances, bronchodilators produced no change in the maximal expiratory flow-volume curve when the subject was breathing air, but there were substantial changes when he or she was breathing a mixture of helium and O2.", "PMID": 984579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_996", "title": "Site of action of inhaled 6 per cent carbon dioxide in the lungs of asthmatic subjects before and after exercise.", "content": "We studied 10 nonsmoking young adults before and after inducing asthmatic attacks by treadmill exercise. We used body plethysmography, flow-volume curves with air and a mixture of 80% helium and 20% oxygen, pressure-volume diagrams, and arterial blood gas analyses to characterize the effects of exercise and acute inhalation of 6% CO2. Even when exercise produced no change in arterial CO2 tension, inhalation of 6% CO2 relieved obstruction to airflow. It also altered the volume-pressure ralationship of the lungs so that total lung capacity was reduced within minutes, and elastic recoil was increased at fixed lung volume. A large increase in density dependence of airflow was seen in some cases, suggesting relief of obstruction in peripheral airways. Atropine sulfate did not prevent obstruction after exercise and did not prevent relief during CO2 inhalation. We concluded that CO2 inhalation can relax both central and peripheral airways in young asthmatic adults, both at rest and after exercise, and that both total lung capacity and density dependence of airflow can change acutely in these subjects.", "contents": "Site of action of inhaled 6 per cent carbon dioxide in the lungs of asthmatic subjects before and after exercise. We studied 10 nonsmoking young adults before and after inducing asthmatic attacks by treadmill exercise. We used body plethysmography, flow-volume curves with air and a mixture of 80% helium and 20% oxygen, pressure-volume diagrams, and arterial blood gas analyses to characterize the effects of exercise and acute inhalation of 6% CO2. Even when exercise produced no change in arterial CO2 tension, inhalation of 6% CO2 relieved obstruction to airflow. It also altered the volume-pressure ralationship of the lungs so that total lung capacity was reduced within minutes, and elastic recoil was increased at fixed lung volume. A large increase in density dependence of airflow was seen in some cases, suggesting relief of obstruction in peripheral airways. Atropine sulfate did not prevent obstruction after exercise and did not prevent relief during CO2 inhalation. We concluded that CO2 inhalation can relax both central and peripheral airways in young asthmatic adults, both at rest and after exercise, and that both total lung capacity and density dependence of airflow can change acutely in these subjects.", "PMID": 984580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_997", "title": "Aerosol deposition and airway obstruction.", "content": "Intrapulmonary deposition of 1-mum-diameter particles of dioctyl sebacate was studied in 58 working coalminers. Total deposition was found to be significantly correlated with lung function measurements characterizing airway obstruction. The closest relationship was between deposition and the mean maximal flow rate in the third quarter of a forced expiration. The shape of the exhaled aerosol recovery curve was also found to be related to the degree of airway obstruction; 3 basic types are described. The concave type was more common in smokers, in whom deposition was significantly greater. The presence of simple pneumoconiosis was not associated with the degree of aerosol deposition. The significance of the findings of aerosol deposition and its recovery pattern are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of lung disease.", "contents": "Aerosol deposition and airway obstruction. Intrapulmonary deposition of 1-mum-diameter particles of dioctyl sebacate was studied in 58 working coalminers. Total deposition was found to be significantly correlated with lung function measurements characterizing airway obstruction. The closest relationship was between deposition and the mean maximal flow rate in the third quarter of a forced expiration. The shape of the exhaled aerosol recovery curve was also found to be related to the degree of airway obstruction; 3 basic types are described. The concave type was more common in smokers, in whom deposition was significantly greater. The presence of simple pneumoconiosis was not associated with the degree of aerosol deposition. The significance of the findings of aerosol deposition and its recovery pattern are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of lung disease.", "PMID": 984581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_998", "title": "Properties of aerosols produced with three nebulizers.", "content": "Investigations on the physical factors influencing the efficiency of 3 kinds of nebulizers (Wiesbadener Doppelinhalator, Heyer jet nebulizer, and Monaghan ultrasonic nebulizer) used to administer pharmaceutical agents are described. The airflow, the waterflow, and the concentration of the nebulized pharmaceutical agents in the air were determined. It was found that, for the jet nebulizers, the concentration of nebulized pharmaceuticals decreased considerably during the vaporization. The particle size distribution was measured with spiral centrifuge. The mass median diameter of the unevaporated aerosols was 3.4 mum for the Wiesbadener, 7.4 mum for the Heyer, and 5.2 mum for the Monaghan. The deposition of an aerosol produced with the Wiesbadener was measured in a glass model of the upper airways (mouth, trachea, and bifurcation). An estimate of the fraction of the aerosol that can pass the bifurcation was made. A correction for the change in the aerosol particle diameter due to the high humidity in the human lung was introduced. It was found that 35 per cent of the mass of the aerosol produced with this nebulizer can pass the human bifurcation (tidal volume, 500 ml; inhalation frequency, 12 per min).", "contents": "Properties of aerosols produced with three nebulizers. Investigations on the physical factors influencing the efficiency of 3 kinds of nebulizers (Wiesbadener Doppelinhalator, Heyer jet nebulizer, and Monaghan ultrasonic nebulizer) used to administer pharmaceutical agents are described. The airflow, the waterflow, and the concentration of the nebulized pharmaceutical agents in the air were determined. It was found that, for the jet nebulizers, the concentration of nebulized pharmaceuticals decreased considerably during the vaporization. The particle size distribution was measured with spiral centrifuge. The mass median diameter of the unevaporated aerosols was 3.4 mum for the Wiesbadener, 7.4 mum for the Heyer, and 5.2 mum for the Monaghan. The deposition of an aerosol produced with the Wiesbadener was measured in a glass model of the upper airways (mouth, trachea, and bifurcation). An estimate of the fraction of the aerosol that can pass the bifurcation was made. A correction for the change in the aerosol particle diameter due to the high humidity in the human lung was introduced. It was found that 35 per cent of the mass of the aerosol produced with this nebulizer can pass the human bifurcation (tidal volume, 500 ml; inhalation frequency, 12 per min).", "PMID": 984582} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_999", "title": "The mechanism of rapid, shallow breathing after inhaling histamine aerosol in exercising dogs.", "content": "In 4 unsedated, exercising dogs, we studied the effects of inhaled histamine aerosol on minute volume of ventilation, respiratory frequency, tidal volume, total pulmonary resistance, and dynamic pulmonary compliance. Inhalation (5 breaths) of 1 to 2 per cent histamine aerosols increased minute ventilation (mean, 50 per cent; p less than 0.001) by increasing respiratory frequency (mean, 166 percent; P less than 0.001), despite decreasing tidal volume (mean, 42 percent; P less than 0.0001). Total pulmonary resistance increased (mean, 200 per cent; P less than 0.001.) Breathing supplemental O2 did not affect the ventilatory response to histamine. Adding external resistive loads to a dog's airway did not simulate the pattern of rapid, shallow breathing produced by histamine. Inhalation of terbutaline prevented the changes in total pulmonary resistance and dynamic pulmonary compliance but did not alter the ventilatory response to histamine. When conduction in the cervical vagus nerves (which were implanted chronically in skin loops) was blocked by cooling, the ventilatory response to histamine was abolished. We concluded that histamine stimulates breathing by stimulation of receptors whose afferent pathways are in the vagus nerves; the effective stimulus is not bronchoconstriction but is presumably due to direct stimulation of airway receptors.", "contents": "The mechanism of rapid, shallow breathing after inhaling histamine aerosol in exercising dogs. In 4 unsedated, exercising dogs, we studied the effects of inhaled histamine aerosol on minute volume of ventilation, respiratory frequency, tidal volume, total pulmonary resistance, and dynamic pulmonary compliance. Inhalation (5 breaths) of 1 to 2 per cent histamine aerosols increased minute ventilation (mean, 50 per cent; p less than 0.001) by increasing respiratory frequency (mean, 166 percent; P less than 0.001), despite decreasing tidal volume (mean, 42 percent; P less than 0.0001). Total pulmonary resistance increased (mean, 200 per cent; P less than 0.001.) Breathing supplemental O2 did not affect the ventilatory response to histamine. Adding external resistive loads to a dog's airway did not simulate the pattern of rapid, shallow breathing produced by histamine. Inhalation of terbutaline prevented the changes in total pulmonary resistance and dynamic pulmonary compliance but did not alter the ventilatory response to histamine. When conduction in the cervical vagus nerves (which were implanted chronically in skin loops) was blocked by cooling, the ventilatory response to histamine was abolished. We concluded that histamine stimulates breathing by stimulation of receptors whose afferent pathways are in the vagus nerves; the effective stimulus is not bronchoconstriction but is presumably due to direct stimulation of airway receptors.", "PMID": 984583} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1000", "title": "Occlusion pressure responses in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.", "content": "During CO2 rebreathing we measured ventilation and the pressure generated during the first 0.1 sec of inspiratory effort against a closed airway (P 0.1) in 12 asthmatics during acute exacerbation, 10 normal subjects, and 10 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In normal subjects, the ventilatory responst to CO2 correlated with the P 0.1 response measured as delta In P 0.1. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease showed depressed responses to CO2 in terms of both ventilation and deltaIn P0.1. However, P 0.1 values in the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were greater than those of the normal subjects when they were compared at an alveolar PCO2 of 60 mm Hg. Asthmatics' responses to CO2 were similar to those of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. When measured at an alveolar PCO2 of 60 mm Hg, asthmatics' P 0.1 values were greater than those of both normal subjects and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As the asthmatics' airway obstruction decreased so did their P 0.1. The asthmatics, and to a lesser extent the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, demonstrated increased inspiratory muscle activity that could not be explained on the basis of chemical drive or alterations in functional residual capacity. In the case of the asthmatics it was possible that the increased inspiratory muscle activity was a response to airway obstruction.", "contents": "Occlusion pressure responses in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. During CO2 rebreathing we measured ventilation and the pressure generated during the first 0.1 sec of inspiratory effort against a closed airway (P 0.1) in 12 asthmatics during acute exacerbation, 10 normal subjects, and 10 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In normal subjects, the ventilatory responst to CO2 correlated with the P 0.1 response measured as delta In P 0.1. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease showed depressed responses to CO2 in terms of both ventilation and deltaIn P0.1. However, P 0.1 values in the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were greater than those of the normal subjects when they were compared at an alveolar PCO2 of 60 mm Hg. Asthmatics' responses to CO2 were similar to those of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. When measured at an alveolar PCO2 of 60 mm Hg, asthmatics' P 0.1 values were greater than those of both normal subjects and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As the asthmatics' airway obstruction decreased so did their P 0.1. The asthmatics, and to a lesser extent the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, demonstrated increased inspiratory muscle activity that could not be explained on the basis of chemical drive or alterations in functional residual capacity. In the case of the asthmatics it was possible that the increased inspiratory muscle activity was a response to airway obstruction.", "PMID": 984584} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1001", "title": "Lung function among black and white children.", "content": "Racial differences in ventilatory lung function were evaluated in a community study of 393 children (158 blacks, 235 whites). Mean forced vital capacity was 18 per cent larger in nonsmoking white males than in nonsmoking black males, and 11 per cent larger in nonsmoking white females than in nonsmoking black females. Similar differences were observed for the 1-sec forced expiratory volume and for the maximal expiratory flow at 50 per cent of the vital capacity. However, when adjusted for lung size (on the basis of forced vital capacity), 1-sec forced expiratory volume and maximal expiratory flow at 50 per cent of the forced vital capacity were larger in the black children compared to the white children. Lung function prediction equations based on race, sex, age, height and weight are presented for healthy nonsmoking children; these allow for an evaluation of normal lung function in both black and white children.", "contents": "Lung function among black and white children. Racial differences in ventilatory lung function were evaluated in a community study of 393 children (158 blacks, 235 whites). Mean forced vital capacity was 18 per cent larger in nonsmoking white males than in nonsmoking black males, and 11 per cent larger in nonsmoking white females than in nonsmoking black females. Similar differences were observed for the 1-sec forced expiratory volume and for the maximal expiratory flow at 50 per cent of the vital capacity. However, when adjusted for lung size (on the basis of forced vital capacity), 1-sec forced expiratory volume and maximal expiratory flow at 50 per cent of the forced vital capacity were larger in the black children compared to the white children. Lung function prediction equations based on race, sex, age, height and weight are presented for healthy nonsmoking children; these allow for an evaluation of normal lung function in both black and white children.", "PMID": 984585} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1002", "title": "IgE-induced respiratory and circulatory changes during systemic anaphylaxis in the rabbit.", "content": "We studied systemic anaphylaxis induced by the administration of 200 mug of horseradish peroxidase into 11 anesthetized rabbits known to be producing anti-horseradish peroxidase antibodies only of the IgE class. Ventilatory changes included a transient, abrupt decrease in breathing frequency followed by increased minute ventilation; lung mechanical changes included decreased dynamic lung compliance and increased total pulmonary resistance; cardiovascular changes included pulmonary hypertension, systemic hypotension, and, frequently, a transient bradycardia. Recovery from these physiologic changes took place within 60 min. After recovery, the administration of 2 mg of horseradish peroxidase into 6 of the rabbits induced a second reaction indistinguishable from the first with respect to ventilatory and circulatory alterations; however, lung mechanical changes were less prominent. No histologic evidence of pulmonary edema or intraluminal plugging of the pulmonary edema or intraluminal plugging of the pulmonary circulation was observed by light microscopy. Although the first anaphylactic reaction was accompanied by disappearance of stainable basophils from the circulating blood, the second reaction occurred despite the absence of circulating basophils. These studies characterize further the effects of antigen challenge in rabbits producing detectable concentrations of IgE, but not other classes of antibody to the antigen.", "contents": "IgE-induced respiratory and circulatory changes during systemic anaphylaxis in the rabbit. We studied systemic anaphylaxis induced by the administration of 200 mug of horseradish peroxidase into 11 anesthetized rabbits known to be producing anti-horseradish peroxidase antibodies only of the IgE class. Ventilatory changes included a transient, abrupt decrease in breathing frequency followed by increased minute ventilation; lung mechanical changes included decreased dynamic lung compliance and increased total pulmonary resistance; cardiovascular changes included pulmonary hypertension, systemic hypotension, and, frequently, a transient bradycardia. Recovery from these physiologic changes took place within 60 min. After recovery, the administration of 2 mg of horseradish peroxidase into 6 of the rabbits induced a second reaction indistinguishable from the first with respect to ventilatory and circulatory alterations; however, lung mechanical changes were less prominent. No histologic evidence of pulmonary edema or intraluminal plugging of the pulmonary edema or intraluminal plugging of the pulmonary circulation was observed by light microscopy. Although the first anaphylactic reaction was accompanied by disappearance of stainable basophils from the circulating blood, the second reaction occurred despite the absence of circulating basophils. These studies characterize further the effects of antigen challenge in rabbits producing detectable concentrations of IgE, but not other classes of antibody to the antigen.", "PMID": 984586} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1003", "title": "Localization of nonpalpable breast lesions detected by xeromammography.", "content": "A technique for localizing nonpalpable lesions of the breast using methylene blue dye is described. This technique is recommended for its accuracy, patient acceptance, and reduction in size of the biopsy specimen.", "contents": "Localization of nonpalpable breast lesions detected by xeromammography. A technique for localizing nonpalpable lesions of the breast using methylene blue dye is described. This technique is recommended for its accuracy, patient acceptance, and reduction in size of the biopsy specimen.", "PMID": 984589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1004", "title": "Occurrence of gastric ulcer after Nissen fundoplication.", "content": "Of 160 patients who underwent Nissen fundoplication for treatment of symptomatic peptic reflux esophagitis, five patients (3.1%) developed gastric ulcers. Four of these five patients experienced the \"gas-bloat\" syndrome. All ulcers were located on the lesser curvature of the stomach. Analyses of our experience with use of various types of hiatal hernia repair suggests that creation of the valvuloplastic mechanism unique to the Nissen procedure may be of etiologic significance in the development of gastric ulcers following this procedure.", "contents": "Occurrence of gastric ulcer after Nissen fundoplication. Of 160 patients who underwent Nissen fundoplication for treatment of symptomatic peptic reflux esophagitis, five patients (3.1%) developed gastric ulcers. Four of these five patients experienced the \"gas-bloat\" syndrome. All ulcers were located on the lesser curvature of the stomach. Analyses of our experience with use of various types of hiatal hernia repair suggests that creation of the valvuloplastic mechanism unique to the Nissen procedure may be of etiologic significance in the development of gastric ulcers following this procedure.", "PMID": 984590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1005", "title": "Transenteric rupture of pancreatic pseudocysts: management of pseudocystenteric fistulas.", "content": "Among the protean presentations of pancreatic pseudocyst, spontaneous transenteric perforation is being reported with increasing frequency. Review of the literature revealed 37 cases in which the diagnosis of transenteric perforation of a pseudocyst could be substantiated, 21 reported since 1960. Five additional cases are described, including the first case of pseudocystesophageal fistulization. Of the 26 recent cases, chronic alcoholism was associated with fistulization in 73 per cent (19/26), males outnumbered females 2:1, and the age at diagnosis ranged from 23-74. No predilection for any particular segment of intestine was apparent. All the patients had symptomatology suggestive of pancreatic disease. In addition, 54 per cent (14/26) had intestinal hemorrhage. In that group of patients with a palpable abdominal mass, the sudden disappearance of the mass as transenteric decompression occurred was pathognomonic. Defivitive diagnosis was best established by a combination of ultrasound and barium intestinal studies. The overall mortality rate was 27 per cent (7/26), all of the deaths occurring in those patients with hemorrhage complicating the pseudocystenteric fistula. Since spontaneous closure of the fistula may be expected, surgery should be reserved for those patients with incomplete spontaneous drainage or uncontrollable hemorrhage.", "contents": "Transenteric rupture of pancreatic pseudocysts: management of pseudocystenteric fistulas. Among the protean presentations of pancreatic pseudocyst, spontaneous transenteric perforation is being reported with increasing frequency. Review of the literature revealed 37 cases in which the diagnosis of transenteric perforation of a pseudocyst could be substantiated, 21 reported since 1960. Five additional cases are described, including the first case of pseudocystesophageal fistulization. Of the 26 recent cases, chronic alcoholism was associated with fistulization in 73 per cent (19/26), males outnumbered females 2:1, and the age at diagnosis ranged from 23-74. No predilection for any particular segment of intestine was apparent. All the patients had symptomatology suggestive of pancreatic disease. In addition, 54 per cent (14/26) had intestinal hemorrhage. In that group of patients with a palpable abdominal mass, the sudden disappearance of the mass as transenteric decompression occurred was pathognomonic. Defivitive diagnosis was best established by a combination of ultrasound and barium intestinal studies. The overall mortality rate was 27 per cent (7/26), all of the deaths occurring in those patients with hemorrhage complicating the pseudocystenteric fistula. Since spontaneous closure of the fistula may be expected, surgery should be reserved for those patients with incomplete spontaneous drainage or uncontrollable hemorrhage.", "PMID": 984591} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1006", "title": "Wound infection: a prospective study of 7519 operations.", "content": "Wound infection was prospectively studied in 7,519 consecutive operations after preoperative classification as clean, clean-contaminated, and infected. The overall infection rate was 3.9 per cent. Clean, 3.2 per cent; clean-contaminated, 4.4 per cent; contaminated, 12.4 per cent; infected, 16.2 per cent. Wound infection was not seasonally related or dependent on changes in house staff. In clean cases, the predominant role of Staphylococcus aureus (37%) has been superceded by enterococci (44%). In clean-contaminated cases, enterococci (43.5%) were the most common, followed by Escherichia coli (40.0%). In contaminated wounds, E. coli was most common (40.0%). The infected case category grew mixed flora (E. coli, 82 per cent; enterococci, 54 per cent, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 43 per cent). Nosocomial organisms were important only in the contaminated (14%) and infected (43%) categories. Antibiotic therapy before cultures are available should include agents with activity against enterococci as well as S aureus, and E. coli in clean cases.", "contents": "Wound infection: a prospective study of 7519 operations. Wound infection was prospectively studied in 7,519 consecutive operations after preoperative classification as clean, clean-contaminated, and infected. The overall infection rate was 3.9 per cent. Clean, 3.2 per cent; clean-contaminated, 4.4 per cent; contaminated, 12.4 per cent; infected, 16.2 per cent. Wound infection was not seasonally related or dependent on changes in house staff. In clean cases, the predominant role of Staphylococcus aureus (37%) has been superceded by enterococci (44%). In clean-contaminated cases, enterococci (43.5%) were the most common, followed by Escherichia coli (40.0%). In contaminated wounds, E. coli was most common (40.0%). The infected case category grew mixed flora (E. coli, 82 per cent; enterococci, 54 per cent, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 43 per cent). Nosocomial organisms were important only in the contaminated (14%) and infected (43%) categories. Antibiotic therapy before cultures are available should include agents with activity against enterococci as well as S aureus, and E. coli in clean cases.", "PMID": 984592} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1007", "title": "Ultrasound diagnosis of popliteal arterial aneurysms.", "content": "\"B\" mode ultrasound scanning is useful in the diagnosis of popliteal arterial aneurysms. It offers advantages over physical examination and arteriography, since these aneurysms are sometimes difficult to palpate and may be partially filled with laminated clot. The technique is noninvasive and without known hazard in this location. \"B\" mode ultrasound scanning promises to be useful in the diagnosis of aneurysms of other extremity arteries. It has already been useful in confirming the presence of femoral false aneurysms. Greater familiarity with the technique and improvepd technology will result in even greater reliance on ultrasound diagnosis.", "contents": "Ultrasound diagnosis of popliteal arterial aneurysms. \"B\" mode ultrasound scanning is useful in the diagnosis of popliteal arterial aneurysms. It offers advantages over physical examination and arteriography, since these aneurysms are sometimes difficult to palpate and may be partially filled with laminated clot. The technique is noninvasive and without known hazard in this location. \"B\" mode ultrasound scanning promises to be useful in the diagnosis of aneurysms of other extremity arteries. It has already been useful in confirming the presence of femoral false aneurysms. Greater familiarity with the technique and improvepd technology will result in even greater reliance on ultrasound diagnosis.", "PMID": 984593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1008", "title": "Complications and management of methods of dialysis access for renal failure.", "content": "The management of dialysis access requires the awareness that any single access site is finite. A commitment to maintain access is reasonable with a planned approach. Dialysis for the end-stage renal disease patient must continue acutely during the management of access complications, and chronically. The goal of treatment is to return the patient to a routine dialysis regimen as soon as possible. Suspected infections should be treated immediately with systemic antibiotics specific for resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Systemic infection should be controlled before a new foreign body is implanted. My personal philosophy of access includes the following principles. (1) distal is good, (2) preserve all possible sites, (3) arm is better than leg, and (4) everything is relative.", "contents": "Complications and management of methods of dialysis access for renal failure. The management of dialysis access requires the awareness that any single access site is finite. A commitment to maintain access is reasonable with a planned approach. Dialysis for the end-stage renal disease patient must continue acutely during the management of access complications, and chronically. The goal of treatment is to return the patient to a routine dialysis regimen as soon as possible. Suspected infections should be treated immediately with systemic antibiotics specific for resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Systemic infection should be controlled before a new foreign body is implanted. My personal philosophy of access includes the following principles. (1) distal is good, (2) preserve all possible sites, (3) arm is better than leg, and (4) everything is relative.", "PMID": 984594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1009", "title": "Irrigation removal of retained gallstone following cholecystostomy.", "content": "A case is presented in which a patient, treated for acute cholecystitis by cholesystostomy, has a retained gallbladder stone removed by saline irrigation. A brief discussion is given on the indication for cholecystostomy and its use as definitive versus temporizing therapy. In performing cholecystostomy, a catheter of diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of any stone which may be left is recommended.", "contents": "Irrigation removal of retained gallstone following cholecystostomy. A case is presented in which a patient, treated for acute cholecystitis by cholesystostomy, has a retained gallbladder stone removed by saline irrigation. A brief discussion is given on the indication for cholecystostomy and its use as definitive versus temporizing therapy. In performing cholecystostomy, a catheter of diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of any stone which may be left is recommended.", "PMID": 984595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1010", "title": "[Birth weight in twins (author's transl)].", "content": "Birth weight of 1,134 twin pairs have been studied in the Maternity \"La Paz\" (Madrid) along years 1969-74. Mean weight among twin pairs of the like sex is 2,493.78 +/- 20.89 for males and 2,425.16 +/- 19.16 for females. Among the unlike sexes the means were 2,631.07 +/- 28.38 for males and 2,488.16 +/- 26.05 for females. Differences among the means were all statistically significative. This results have been compared with those obtained in other populations. Variability of mean weights acording with gestational age has been studied also (from 28 to 43 weeks). Curves obtained in this way were supperposed to those of single birth; until the 37 week, twins are comprised between the means and on standard deviation corresponding to single birth distributions. Increment weight per week among twins is higher than those corbresponding to single births until the 34 week. From these week growth becames slow. From the 39 week twins lost weight in a fast way. Weights differences among twin pairs grow with gestational age, being very significant from the 36 week.", "contents": "[Birth weight in twins (author's transl)]. Birth weight of 1,134 twin pairs have been studied in the Maternity \"La Paz\" (Madrid) along years 1969-74. Mean weight among twin pairs of the like sex is 2,493.78 +/- 20.89 for males and 2,425.16 +/- 19.16 for females. Among the unlike sexes the means were 2,631.07 +/- 28.38 for males and 2,488.16 +/- 26.05 for females. Differences among the means were all statistically significative. This results have been compared with those obtained in other populations. Variability of mean weights acording with gestational age has been studied also (from 28 to 43 weeks). Curves obtained in this way were supperposed to those of single birth; until the 37 week, twins are comprised between the means and on standard deviation corresponding to single birth distributions. Increment weight per week among twins is higher than those corbresponding to single births until the 34 week. From these week growth becames slow. From the 39 week twins lost weight in a fast way. Weights differences among twin pairs grow with gestational age, being very significant from the 36 week.", "PMID": 984597} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1011", "title": "[Jaundice associated with congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (author's transl)].", "content": "The clinical and biological findings in six infants with congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis with associated jaundice are described. Pathogenesis of this association is not known but current hypothesis are based on either a decrease in the activity of hepatic glucuronyl transferase or an increase in the activity of intestinal glucuronidase. Correction of dehydration and alkalosis does not modify the hyperbilirubinemia which only disappears after pyloromiotomy.", "contents": "[Jaundice associated with congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (author's transl)]. The clinical and biological findings in six infants with congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis with associated jaundice are described. Pathogenesis of this association is not known but current hypothesis are based on either a decrease in the activity of hepatic glucuronyl transferase or an increase in the activity of intestinal glucuronidase. Correction of dehydration and alkalosis does not modify the hyperbilirubinemia which only disappears after pyloromiotomy.", "PMID": 984599} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1012", "title": "[Idiopathic primary pulmonary hemosiderosis. Report of three cases (author's transl)].", "content": "Three cases of idiopathic primary pulmonary hemosiderosis are reported. Hemosiderin was demonstrated in macrophages (siderophages) in all three cases. In one of them, isotopic examination with radioiron and in an other one, a pulmonary biopsy were performed. All the patients received corticosteroids. The first case had a good evolution in spite of five years without therapy. The second case showed a bad therapeutic response and required immunosuppressive drugs. The third case with a short follow-up is doing well. Literature is reviewed, and considerations about etiopathogeny, clinical features, roentgenographic and therapeutic aspects of the disease are made.", "contents": "[Idiopathic primary pulmonary hemosiderosis. Report of three cases (author's transl)]. Three cases of idiopathic primary pulmonary hemosiderosis are reported. Hemosiderin was demonstrated in macrophages (siderophages) in all three cases. In one of them, isotopic examination with radioiron and in an other one, a pulmonary biopsy were performed. All the patients received corticosteroids. The first case had a good evolution in spite of five years without therapy. The second case showed a bad therapeutic response and required immunosuppressive drugs. The third case with a short follow-up is doing well. Literature is reviewed, and considerations about etiopathogeny, clinical features, roentgenographic and therapeutic aspects of the disease are made.", "PMID": 984601} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1013", "title": "Acute myocardial infarction: prognosis after recovery.", "content": "A prognostic index for 2-year survival after recovery from acute myocardial infarction was constructed from variables obtained during its course. One hundred ten of 143 patients survived 2 years, and 27 of 33 patients died of cardiac-related causes. Univariate analysis showed that 12 variables were significantly different between the surviving and nonsurviving groups. Discriminant analysis indicated five variables with meaningful predictive value to be included in a prognostic index: admission systolic blood pressure; highest blood urea nitrogen level in the cardiac care unit: atrial arrhythmias in the cardiac care unit; angina pectoris for more than 3 months or a previous myocardial infarction; and more than one ventricular ectopic beat per hour recorded on a dynamic electrocardiogram during the 17th to 24th hospital day. The prognostic index emphasizes the importance of extensive myocardial impairment and provides a means for identifying patients at risk of early mortality.", "contents": "Acute myocardial infarction: prognosis after recovery. A prognostic index for 2-year survival after recovery from acute myocardial infarction was constructed from variables obtained during its course. One hundred ten of 143 patients survived 2 years, and 27 of 33 patients died of cardiac-related causes. Univariate analysis showed that 12 variables were significantly different between the surviving and nonsurviving groups. Discriminant analysis indicated five variables with meaningful predictive value to be included in a prognostic index: admission systolic blood pressure; highest blood urea nitrogen level in the cardiac care unit: atrial arrhythmias in the cardiac care unit; angina pectoris for more than 3 months or a previous myocardial infarction; and more than one ventricular ectopic beat per hour recorded on a dynamic electrocardiogram during the 17th to 24th hospital day. The prognostic index emphasizes the importance of extensive myocardial impairment and provides a means for identifying patients at risk of early mortality.", "PMID": 984607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1014", "title": "[Neonatal gastric perforation (author's transl)].", "content": "Three cases of neonatal gastric perforation of unknown etiology are presented. All three patients are female, one of them a second twin and two of them less than 2,000 g. in weight. All the patients were born under anoxic deliveries and needed resuscitative treatment. Digestive and respiratory symptoms started in all between the 2nd and the 4th days of life. Diagnosis, clinically suspected, is established radiologically. Perforations were surgically closed in all three patients. Two remain alive.", "contents": "[Neonatal gastric perforation (author's transl)]. Three cases of neonatal gastric perforation of unknown etiology are presented. All three patients are female, one of them a second twin and two of them less than 2,000 g. in weight. All the patients were born under anoxic deliveries and needed resuscitative treatment. Digestive and respiratory symptoms started in all between the 2nd and the 4th days of life. Diagnosis, clinically suspected, is established radiologically. Perforations were surgically closed in all three patients. Two remain alive.", "PMID": 984602} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1015", "title": "[Radiological and angiocardiographical aspects of primary endocardial fibroelastosis in children (author's transl)].", "content": "In this article we try to show the value of radiography and angiocardiography in primary endocardial fibroelastosis. The 20 CASEs studied in this report, were angiocardiographically and/or necropsically proved. In spite of different opinions, we think that it is possible to reach an approximate diagnosis of this condition if we use the clinical and angiohemodinamic examinations. On the other hand, it is necessary to point out that pathology is characteristic. The most important radiological signs were cardiomegaly, together with venocapilar congestion, both of variable magnitude, and dependent on the degree of cardiac insufficiency. By means of angiocardiography we could appreciate a great dilatation and hypertrophy of the left ventricle and a reduction of the mobility and distensibility of this cavity along the cardiac cycle.", "contents": "[Radiological and angiocardiographical aspects of primary endocardial fibroelastosis in children (author's transl)]. In this article we try to show the value of radiography and angiocardiography in primary endocardial fibroelastosis. The 20 CASEs studied in this report, were angiocardiographically and/or necropsically proved. In spite of different opinions, we think that it is possible to reach an approximate diagnosis of this condition if we use the clinical and angiohemodinamic examinations. On the other hand, it is necessary to point out that pathology is characteristic. The most important radiological signs were cardiomegaly, together with venocapilar congestion, both of variable magnitude, and dependent on the degree of cardiac insufficiency. By means of angiocardiography we could appreciate a great dilatation and hypertrophy of the left ventricle and a reduction of the mobility and distensibility of this cavity along the cardiac cycle.", "PMID": 984598} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1016", "title": "Nosocomial viral hepatitis B. A cluster among staff with subsequent transmission to patients.", "content": "In a 2-month period four cases of hepatitis B occurred in hospital staff. Three months later two patients, hospitalized for open-heart surgery when the staff members had been infected, developed acute hepatitis B. Sera from all six ill individuals were subtype ayw and e-determinant positive. Epidemiologic investigation showed that the four staff had been exposed 3 months earlier to an asymptomatic hepatitis B surface antigen-positive (HBsAg) patient who was also e positive. To determine transmission from staff to patients study of 17 open-heart surgery patients was undertaken. Four of 17 were either HBsAg or anti-HBs positive. No correlation between infection and contact with three of four ill staff members or receipt of blood products was noted; however, 22 (46%) of 48 arterial blood gas specimens had been obtained from infected patients by one staff member, an inhalation therapist; this compared with seven (4%) of 157 specimens she obtained from control subjects (P less than 0.001). Furthermore, she handled indwelling arterial cannulae 25 (76%) of 33 times in infected patients compared with three (3%) of 95 times in control subjects (P less than 0.001). Transmission may have occurred via the arterial cannulae from a severe exudative dermatitis on the therapist's hands.", "contents": "Nosocomial viral hepatitis B. A cluster among staff with subsequent transmission to patients. In a 2-month period four cases of hepatitis B occurred in hospital staff. Three months later two patients, hospitalized for open-heart surgery when the staff members had been infected, developed acute hepatitis B. Sera from all six ill individuals were subtype ayw and e-determinant positive. Epidemiologic investigation showed that the four staff had been exposed 3 months earlier to an asymptomatic hepatitis B surface antigen-positive (HBsAg) patient who was also e positive. To determine transmission from staff to patients study of 17 open-heart surgery patients was undertaken. Four of 17 were either HBsAg or anti-HBs positive. No correlation between infection and contact with three of four ill staff members or receipt of blood products was noted; however, 22 (46%) of 48 arterial blood gas specimens had been obtained from infected patients by one staff member, an inhalation therapist; this compared with seven (4%) of 157 specimens she obtained from control subjects (P less than 0.001). Furthermore, she handled indwelling arterial cannulae 25 (76%) of 33 times in infected patients compared with three (3%) of 95 times in control subjects (P less than 0.001). Transmission may have occurred via the arterial cannulae from a severe exudative dermatitis on the therapist's hands.", "PMID": 984608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1017", "title": "Complications with heparin-lock needles. A prospective evaluation.", "content": "Because the frequency of complications related to heparin-lock needle usage is unknown, 221 heparin-lock needle insertions in 78 patients were observed for the development of complications. Upon removal of 119 heparin-lock needles from 42 patients, specimens were obtained for culture. Phlebitis was associated with 27 (12%) heparin-lock needle insertions. Only a positive flush culture of the heparin-lock needle system correlated with the development of phlebitis. Phlebitis developed during the first 4 days after heparin-lock needle insertion in two instances and later than 4 days after insertion in 25 instances. All positive flush cultures were obtained from heparin-lock needles in use for longer than 4 days. No patient developed clinically apparent systemic infection. These data suggest that heparin-lock needles should not be used for more than 4 days because, after 4 days of use, there is a significant risk of developing phlebitis, a lesser risk of developing contamination of the infusate in the heparin-lock needle system, and a potential risk of developing nosocomial infection.", "contents": "Complications with heparin-lock needles. A prospective evaluation. Because the frequency of complications related to heparin-lock needle usage is unknown, 221 heparin-lock needle insertions in 78 patients were observed for the development of complications. Upon removal of 119 heparin-lock needles from 42 patients, specimens were obtained for culture. Phlebitis was associated with 27 (12%) heparin-lock needle insertions. Only a positive flush culture of the heparin-lock needle system correlated with the development of phlebitis. Phlebitis developed during the first 4 days after heparin-lock needle insertion in two instances and later than 4 days after insertion in 25 instances. All positive flush cultures were obtained from heparin-lock needles in use for longer than 4 days. No patient developed clinically apparent systemic infection. These data suggest that heparin-lock needles should not be used for more than 4 days because, after 4 days of use, there is a significant risk of developing phlebitis, a lesser risk of developing contamination of the infusate in the heparin-lock needle system, and a potential risk of developing nosocomial infection.", "PMID": 984609} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1018", "title": "[Long term evolution in Blackfan-Diamond hypoplastic anemia (author's transl)].", "content": "Six cases of Blackfan-Diamond hypoplastic anemia are reported. Five were initiated within six months of life. All cases showed intense anemia, severe reticulopenia and hypersideremia. Two of them had associated malformations. Treatment was established with Dexametasone at high doses, followed by a maintenance treatment at lower doses. A partial response was obtained in all cases. Treatment with deforroxiamine was used in order to paliate hemosiderosis. Two cases developped microangiopathic hemolitic anemia; relations with primary disease could not be determined.", "contents": "[Long term evolution in Blackfan-Diamond hypoplastic anemia (author's transl)]. Six cases of Blackfan-Diamond hypoplastic anemia are reported. Five were initiated within six months of life. All cases showed intense anemia, severe reticulopenia and hypersideremia. Two of them had associated malformations. Treatment was established with Dexametasone at high doses, followed by a maintenance treatment at lower doses. A partial response was obtained in all cases. Treatment with deforroxiamine was used in order to paliate hemosiderosis. Two cases developped microangiopathic hemolitic anemia; relations with primary disease could not be determined.", "PMID": 984600} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1019", "title": "[Epidemiologic comments on hypertonic dehydration in Madrid (author's transl)].", "content": "The epidemiologic factors are studied in 584 cases of Hypertonic Dehydration (H.D.) admitted to the Children's Clinic \"La Paz\" over a period of 5 years. The overall monthly mean (MMT) resulted in 9.75 children a month with a standard deviation of +/- 2.1. The overall monthly evolution is analysed according to the sex, the seasonal incidence, as well as the more relevant etiologic factors: Concentrated diet, diarrhoea, vomiting, respiratory pathology and fever. The epidemiologic peculiarities are discussed according to age.", "contents": "[Epidemiologic comments on hypertonic dehydration in Madrid (author's transl)]. The epidemiologic factors are studied in 584 cases of Hypertonic Dehydration (H.D.) admitted to the Children's Clinic \"La Paz\" over a period of 5 years. The overall monthly mean (MMT) resulted in 9.75 children a month with a standard deviation of +/- 2.1. The overall monthly evolution is analysed according to the sex, the seasonal incidence, as well as the more relevant etiologic factors: Concentrated diet, diarrhoea, vomiting, respiratory pathology and fever. The epidemiologic peculiarities are discussed according to age.", "PMID": 984604} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1020", "title": "Arizona hinshawii infections. New cases, antimicrobial sensitivities, and literature review.", "content": "Although disease caused by Arizona hinshawii is known to resemble the spectrum of clinical syndromes seen with Salmonella infections, little is known of their sensitivity to antimicrobials. We present three cases that are illustrative of Arizona sepsis, localized infection, or both; review the literature; and report sensitivities to 12 antimicrobials for 32 human and animal isolates of Arizona hinshawii from various geographic areas. With the exception of erythromycin and streptomycin, most strains were sensitive to many of the commonly used antibiotics. As with Salmonella infections, ampicillin or chloramphenicol appear to be the initial antimicrobial agents of choice for severe infections with A. hinshawii. Definitive antimicrobial therapy must be individualized on the basis of sensitivity testing and with regard to host factors.", "contents": "Arizona hinshawii infections. New cases, antimicrobial sensitivities, and literature review. Although disease caused by Arizona hinshawii is known to resemble the spectrum of clinical syndromes seen with Salmonella infections, little is known of their sensitivity to antimicrobials. We present three cases that are illustrative of Arizona sepsis, localized infection, or both; review the literature; and report sensitivities to 12 antimicrobials for 32 human and animal isolates of Arizona hinshawii from various geographic areas. With the exception of erythromycin and streptomycin, most strains were sensitive to many of the commonly used antibiotics. As with Salmonella infections, ampicillin or chloramphenicol appear to be the initial antimicrobial agents of choice for severe infections with A. hinshawii. Definitive antimicrobial therapy must be individualized on the basis of sensitivity testing and with regard to host factors.", "PMID": 984610} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1021", "title": "[Incomplete Digeorge syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "A newborn with multiple malformations, recurrent infections and hypocalcemic tetany is presented. The malformations included: Facial asymmetry, micrognathia, epicantus, low set nose, peculiar ears, club-feet and heart disease. The immunologic work-up disclosed a cellular immunodeficiency, but normal humoral immunity, and a diagnosis of \"incomplete DiGeorge syndrome\" was made. No thymus, nor parathyroid glands were found at autopsy. The disagreement between the analytical data and the pathological findings of \"complete DiGeorge syndrome\" are discussed. The existence of vestigial ectopic thymus not found in the dissected organs is considered the most likely hypothesis. Finally some considerations are made about a possible role of the rubeola virus on its etiology and the actual therapeutic possibilities.", "contents": "[Incomplete Digeorge syndrome (author's transl)]. A newborn with multiple malformations, recurrent infections and hypocalcemic tetany is presented. The malformations included: Facial asymmetry, micrognathia, epicantus, low set nose, peculiar ears, club-feet and heart disease. The immunologic work-up disclosed a cellular immunodeficiency, but normal humoral immunity, and a diagnosis of \"incomplete DiGeorge syndrome\" was made. No thymus, nor parathyroid glands were found at autopsy. The disagreement between the analytical data and the pathological findings of \"complete DiGeorge syndrome\" are discussed. The existence of vestigial ectopic thymus not found in the dissected organs is considered the most likely hypothesis. Finally some considerations are made about a possible role of the rubeola virus on its etiology and the actual therapeutic possibilities.", "PMID": 984606} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1022", "title": "Gonadal function abnormalities in sickle cell anemia. Studies in adult male patients.", "content": "Thirty-two adult patients with sickle cell anemia were evaluated endocrinologically. Secondary sex characteristics were abnormal in 29, and eunuchoidal skeletal proportions were present in all except one. The age at which different stages of pubic hair growth were attained in these patients was delayed in comparison to normals (P less than 0.005). Hormonal assays were carried out in 14 patients. Basal serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and androstenedione values were lower (P less than 0.02) in patients than controls. Serum LH and FSH levels before and after stimulation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone were consistent with primary testicular failure. Erythrocyte and hair zinc concentrations were significantly decreased, and there was positive correlation between erythrocyte zinc and serum testosterone (r = 0.61, P less than 0.01) in sickle cell anemia. Our study shows that androgen deficiency in this disease is a result of primary rather than secondary hypogondadism. Further studies are required to establish the role of zinc in the pathogenesis of testicular failure in sickle cell anemia.", "contents": "Gonadal function abnormalities in sickle cell anemia. Studies in adult male patients. Thirty-two adult patients with sickle cell anemia were evaluated endocrinologically. Secondary sex characteristics were abnormal in 29, and eunuchoidal skeletal proportions were present in all except one. The age at which different stages of pubic hair growth were attained in these patients was delayed in comparison to normals (P less than 0.005). Hormonal assays were carried out in 14 patients. Basal serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and androstenedione values were lower (P less than 0.02) in patients than controls. Serum LH and FSH levels before and after stimulation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone were consistent with primary testicular failure. Erythrocyte and hair zinc concentrations were significantly decreased, and there was positive correlation between erythrocyte zinc and serum testosterone (r = 0.61, P less than 0.01) in sickle cell anemia. Our study shows that androgen deficiency in this disease is a result of primary rather than secondary hypogondadism. Further studies are required to establish the role of zinc in the pathogenesis of testicular failure in sickle cell anemia.", "PMID": 984611} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1023", "title": "Miliary tuberculosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.", "content": "Three patients with miliary tuberculosis developed the adult respiratory distress syndrome. In two patients this complication developed despite treatment with antituberculous drugs. The third patient developed the syndrome, but miliary tuberculosis was not suspected. The presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation in all three cases suggests a possible pathophysiologic relation. Miliary tuberculosis should be considered in patients presenting with adult respiratory distress syndrome of unknown cause.", "contents": "Miliary tuberculosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome. Three patients with miliary tuberculosis developed the adult respiratory distress syndrome. In two patients this complication developed despite treatment with antituberculous drugs. The third patient developed the syndrome, but miliary tuberculosis was not suspected. The presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation in all three cases suggests a possible pathophysiologic relation. Miliary tuberculosis should be considered in patients presenting with adult respiratory distress syndrome of unknown cause.", "PMID": 984612} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1024", "title": "[Remnants of the embryologic sinus venosus valves. \"Cor triatriatum dexter\" (author's transl)].", "content": "Remnants of the embryologic sinus venosus valves are not uncommon. However, persistent venous valves in the right atrium, which are large enough to obstruct the blood flow through the tricuspid valve (the so called cor triatriatum dexter) are very rare. There are 3 different types according to the location of the right atrial membrane. Right heart chambers hyoplasia is the most common association. Concurrent lesions of lesser degree have also been described. Although isolated cor triatriatum dexter could be symptomatic, both the clinical features and the prognosis usually are the consequence of the associated malformations. A review of the embryological aspects is offered.", "contents": "[Remnants of the embryologic sinus venosus valves. \"Cor triatriatum dexter\" (author's transl)]. Remnants of the embryologic sinus venosus valves are not uncommon. However, persistent venous valves in the right atrium, which are large enough to obstruct the blood flow through the tricuspid valve (the so called cor triatriatum dexter) are very rare. There are 3 different types according to the location of the right atrial membrane. Right heart chambers hyoplasia is the most common association. Concurrent lesions of lesser degree have also been described. Although isolated cor triatriatum dexter could be symptomatic, both the clinical features and the prognosis usually are the consequence of the associated malformations. A review of the embryological aspects is offered.", "PMID": 984603} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1025", "title": "[Lupus erithematosus and kidney disease in a three year old girl (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of systemic lupus erythematosus in a 3-year-old girl is presented. The diagnosis is based on the systemic involvement and repeated positivity for anti-DNA antibodies and L.E. phenomenon. A renal biopsy under optic and electron microscopy, disclosed diffuse glomerular cell proliferation and electron-dense deposits along the basal membrane. Increased basement membrane-like material is present between mesangial cells. Hematoxilinic bodies or virus-like inclusions were not found. Treatment with corticosteroids gave good results. A trial with antimalarial drugs had to be discontinued due to gastric intolerance and alopecia.", "contents": "[Lupus erithematosus and kidney disease in a three year old girl (author's transl)]. A case of systemic lupus erythematosus in a 3-year-old girl is presented. The diagnosis is based on the systemic involvement and repeated positivity for anti-DNA antibodies and L.E. phenomenon. A renal biopsy under optic and electron microscopy, disclosed diffuse glomerular cell proliferation and electron-dense deposits along the basal membrane. Increased basement membrane-like material is present between mesangial cells. Hematoxilinic bodies or virus-like inclusions were not found. Treatment with corticosteroids gave good results. A trial with antimalarial drugs had to be discontinued due to gastric intolerance and alopecia.", "PMID": 984605} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1026", "title": "Immunization for the internist.", "content": "The emphasis of immunization programs and schedules has traditionally been directed to infants and children, since most of the vaccine-preventable diseases are seen predominantly in these age groups. Immunization procedures in adults are less well defined but still of importance. Diseases for which immunizations are given before disease exposure include tetanus, diphtheria, influenza, rubella, and mumps; travelers to foreign countries may need immunizations against typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, typhus, poliomyelitis, plague, and viral hepatitis; other vaccines are available before disease exposure in unusual epidemiologic situations. After exposure to disease but before onset of symptoms, immunizations are available for rabies, viral hepatitis, and measles. After the onset of clinical illness, passive immunization should be given for tetanus, diphtheria, and botulism. This paper summarizes current practices for active and passive immunization against these diseases in adults.", "contents": "Immunization for the internist. The emphasis of immunization programs and schedules has traditionally been directed to infants and children, since most of the vaccine-preventable diseases are seen predominantly in these age groups. Immunization procedures in adults are less well defined but still of importance. Diseases for which immunizations are given before disease exposure include tetanus, diphtheria, influenza, rubella, and mumps; travelers to foreign countries may need immunizations against typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, typhus, poliomyelitis, plague, and viral hepatitis; other vaccines are available before disease exposure in unusual epidemiologic situations. After exposure to disease but before onset of symptoms, immunizations are available for rabies, viral hepatitis, and measles. After the onset of clinical illness, passive immunization should be given for tetanus, diphtheria, and botulism. This paper summarizes current practices for active and passive immunization against these diseases in adults.", "PMID": 984617} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1027", "title": "Spironolactone and endocrine dysfunction.", "content": "Therapy with spironolactone is often associated with estrogenlike side-effects, including impotence and gynecomastia in men and menstrual irregularity in women. Several possible mechanisms by which spironolactone could cause these side-effects have been identified. Spironolactone has been shown to affect both gonadal and adrenal steroidogenesis, to elevate plasma gonadotrophin levels in children, and to act as an antiandrogen at the target tissue level. This conference presents a discussion of how these effects might interact to produce the endocrine side effects associated with spironolactone therapy.", "contents": "Spironolactone and endocrine dysfunction. Therapy with spironolactone is often associated with estrogenlike side-effects, including impotence and gynecomastia in men and menstrual irregularity in women. Several possible mechanisms by which spironolactone could cause these side-effects have been identified. Spironolactone has been shown to affect both gonadal and adrenal steroidogenesis, to elevate plasma gonadotrophin levels in children, and to act as an antiandrogen at the target tissue level. This conference presents a discussion of how these effects might interact to produce the endocrine side effects associated with spironolactone therapy.", "PMID": 984618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1028", "title": "A geriatric medical residency program. A four-year experience.", "content": "Geriatricians are needed to further improve the health care of elderly Americans. The first formalized geriatric residency program in the United States was developed at the Mount Sinai City Hospital Center in New York, and this has produced a second program at the Jewish Institute for Geriatric Care at Long Island Jewish-Hillside Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York. The goals of this training are to develop special clinical skills to deal with the medical and psychosocial problems of the elderly, and to achieve the ability to develop health care systems for the elderly. Emphasis is on a multileveled system, including home, outpatient, acute hospital, convalescent unit, and long-term institution care. The training period is 12 to 24 months, after an initial 24 to 36 months of standard internal medicine, thus fulfilling the requirements for board eligibility in internal medicine.", "contents": "A geriatric medical residency program. A four-year experience. Geriatricians are needed to further improve the health care of elderly Americans. The first formalized geriatric residency program in the United States was developed at the Mount Sinai City Hospital Center in New York, and this has produced a second program at the Jewish Institute for Geriatric Care at Long Island Jewish-Hillside Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York. The goals of this training are to develop special clinical skills to deal with the medical and psychosocial problems of the elderly, and to achieve the ability to develop health care systems for the elderly. Emphasis is on a multileveled system, including home, outpatient, acute hospital, convalescent unit, and long-term institution care. The training period is 12 to 24 months, after an initial 24 to 36 months of standard internal medicine, thus fulfilling the requirements for board eligibility in internal medicine.", "PMID": 984619} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1029", "title": "Precursors of premature disease and death. The predictive potential of habits and family attitudes.", "content": "The youthful habits and family attitudes of medical students who later developed or died from one of five disease states were different from those of healthy classmate controls to begin with. In medical school, the total disorder group had significantly more nervous tension, anxiety, and anger under stress, had more insomnia, smoked more cigarettes, and took alcoholic drinks more frequently. Individual disorder group means were significantly different from each other. The mental illness group showed the most nervous tension, depression, and anger under stress and the malignant tumor group the least. The malignant tumor group resembled the healthy control group in these respects. The suicide, mental illness, and malignant tumor groups had low mean scores for closeness to parents, while the hypertension and coronary occlusion group means were slightly higher than the control group mean. Thus psychologic differences in youth have predictive potential in regard to premature disease and death.", "contents": "Precursors of premature disease and death. The predictive potential of habits and family attitudes. The youthful habits and family attitudes of medical students who later developed or died from one of five disease states were different from those of healthy classmate controls to begin with. In medical school, the total disorder group had significantly more nervous tension, anxiety, and anger under stress, had more insomnia, smoked more cigarettes, and took alcoholic drinks more frequently. Individual disorder group means were significantly different from each other. The mental illness group showed the most nervous tension, depression, and anger under stress and the malignant tumor group the least. The malignant tumor group resembled the healthy control group in these respects. The suicide, mental illness, and malignant tumor groups had low mean scores for closeness to parents, while the hypertension and coronary occlusion group means were slightly higher than the control group mean. Thus psychologic differences in youth have predictive potential in regard to premature disease and death.", "PMID": 984620} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1030", "title": "Human values in medical education.", "content": "Attitudes and values in medicine vary with the nature of the individual, his education and training, and the circumstances of his professional life. Comparisons are drawn between medical education in Britain 40 years ago and today. Though education has changed, British students are still mainly motivated by a desire to care for sick people. The impact of personal medicine on a country that has long accepted the need for some kind of national health service is described. It is postulated that as government and public become increasingly involved in health care, it is of paramount importance that medical education should provide a clear understanding of what a profession is and inculcate a determination to maintain true professional status. New responsibilities of the profession, to the public at large and to society, are suggested. The ability of medical education to exert a good influence on concern for human values in medicine depends in the final analysis on the ability to show excellence to medical students.", "contents": "Human values in medical education. Attitudes and values in medicine vary with the nature of the individual, his education and training, and the circumstances of his professional life. Comparisons are drawn between medical education in Britain 40 years ago and today. Though education has changed, British students are still mainly motivated by a desire to care for sick people. The impact of personal medicine on a country that has long accepted the need for some kind of national health service is described. It is postulated that as government and public become increasingly involved in health care, it is of paramount importance that medical education should provide a clear understanding of what a profession is and inculcate a determination to maintain true professional status. New responsibilities of the profession, to the public at large and to society, are suggested. The ability of medical education to exert a good influence on concern for human values in medicine depends in the final analysis on the ability to show excellence to medical students.", "PMID": 984621} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1031", "title": "Medical oncology in journals of internal medicine.", "content": "The coverage of medical oncology in internal medicine journals was evaluated by reviewing the contents of the 1974 and 1975 issues of three leading American internal medicine journals. The percentage of articles relevant to medical oncology compared favorably with figures for the other subspecialties of internal medicine. The subject matter of the medical oncology articles in the three journals was found to be complementary to the content spectrum of the subspecialty journal, Cancer. This distribution may be useful to the medical oncologist but may present a skewed view of recent developments in medical oncology to the nononcologist internist who relies largely on internal medicine journals for information regarding new trends in medical oncology. The implications of these findings are discussed, particularly with regard to the possibility that a similar situation exists for the other subspecialties of internal medicine.", "contents": "Medical oncology in journals of internal medicine. The coverage of medical oncology in internal medicine journals was evaluated by reviewing the contents of the 1974 and 1975 issues of three leading American internal medicine journals. The percentage of articles relevant to medical oncology compared favorably with figures for the other subspecialties of internal medicine. The subject matter of the medical oncology articles in the three journals was found to be complementary to the content spectrum of the subspecialty journal, Cancer. This distribution may be useful to the medical oncologist but may present a skewed view of recent developments in medical oncology to the nononcologist internist who relies largely on internal medicine journals for information regarding new trends in medical oncology. The implications of these findings are discussed, particularly with regard to the possibility that a similar situation exists for the other subspecialties of internal medicine.", "PMID": 984635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1032", "title": "The exfoliation syndrome.", "content": "A clinical and ultramicroscopic review, including discussion of both scanning and transmission microscopy of the exfoliation syndrome, suggests that the term pseudoexfoliation be replaced by exfoliation syndrome. Involvement of the lens epithelium and, particularly, the pigment epithelium of the iris and the ciliary body epithelium are emphasized as being the likely sources of the exfoliative fibrils. A case of exfoliation syndrome in an eye with an eccentric pupil revealed that the granular material seen on the lens capsule occurs only where the iris is in contact with the lens surface and the process may even involve the central anterior capsule under proper conditions. This finding, together with the evidence of continuing deposits after intracapsular cataract extraction, suggests that the granular material is deposited from the iris and that the material formed by the lens epithelium remains within the lens capsule.", "contents": "The exfoliation syndrome. A clinical and ultramicroscopic review, including discussion of both scanning and transmission microscopy of the exfoliation syndrome, suggests that the term pseudoexfoliation be replaced by exfoliation syndrome. Involvement of the lens epithelium and, particularly, the pigment epithelium of the iris and the ciliary body epithelium are emphasized as being the likely sources of the exfoliative fibrils. A case of exfoliation syndrome in an eye with an eccentric pupil revealed that the granular material seen on the lens capsule occurs only where the iris is in contact with the lens surface and the process may even involve the central anterior capsule under proper conditions. This finding, together with the evidence of continuing deposits after intracapsular cataract extraction, suggests that the granular material is deposited from the iris and that the material formed by the lens epithelium remains within the lens capsule.", "PMID": 984637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1033", "title": "Ocular alkali burns in a large urban area.", "content": "A retrospective study of 63 ocular alkali burn victims revealed that black males in the 30 to 49 year age group were at highest risk, and that the burns were most commonly sustained via assault. One hundred eyes were involved, and in 38 cases there was bilateral involvement. There were 116 hospital admissions and 125 surgical procedures, yet 58% of the injured eyes had a final visual acuity of less than 20/200. Other demographic and socioeconomic factors were characterized to identify this event as a public health problem with well-defined risk factors and unsatisfactory treatment. Primary preventive measures are, therefore, necessary.", "contents": "Ocular alkali burns in a large urban area. A retrospective study of 63 ocular alkali burn victims revealed that black males in the 30 to 49 year age group were at highest risk, and that the burns were most commonly sustained via assault. One hundred eyes were involved, and in 38 cases there was bilateral involvement. There were 116 hospital admissions and 125 surgical procedures, yet 58% of the injured eyes had a final visual acuity of less than 20/200. Other demographic and socioeconomic factors were characterized to identify this event as a public health problem with well-defined risk factors and unsatisfactory treatment. Primary preventive measures are, therefore, necessary.", "PMID": 984638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1034", "title": "Ganglionic neuroretinal aplasia and hypoplasia: aplasia and hypoplasia of optic nerve.", "content": "A new clinical feature, DM/DD (distance between the centers of the disc and the macula/disc diameter) ratio, of the hypoplasia of the optic nerve is described. Two cases of hypoplasia, one unilateral and one bilateral, and one case of pseudohypoplasia or micropapilla (small discs with normal function) are reported. On the basis of the underlying defect (the failure of the development of the ganglion cells in the retina), it is suggested that this entity should be called ganglionic neuroretinal hypoplasia and aplasia (when all the ganglion cells are missing). For the same reason it is proposed that this entity should be included in the discussion of the retinal disorders. Also this entity should be differentiated from the small discs with normal function (pseudo-hypoplasia or micropapilla). A classification of ganglionic neuro-retinal hypoplasia is given and associated ocular anomalies are mentioned.", "contents": "Ganglionic neuroretinal aplasia and hypoplasia: aplasia and hypoplasia of optic nerve. A new clinical feature, DM/DD (distance between the centers of the disc and the macula/disc diameter) ratio, of the hypoplasia of the optic nerve is described. Two cases of hypoplasia, one unilateral and one bilateral, and one case of pseudohypoplasia or micropapilla (small discs with normal function) are reported. On the basis of the underlying defect (the failure of the development of the ganglion cells in the retina), it is suggested that this entity should be called ganglionic neuroretinal hypoplasia and aplasia (when all the ganglion cells are missing). For the same reason it is proposed that this entity should be included in the discussion of the retinal disorders. Also this entity should be differentiated from the small discs with normal function (pseudo-hypoplasia or micropapilla). A classification of ganglionic neuro-retinal hypoplasia is given and associated ocular anomalies are mentioned.", "PMID": 984639} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1035", "title": "Traumatic hyphema.", "content": "This report contains a study in retrospect of 50 patients treated for traumatic hyphema between 1964 and 1974 at the Kern Medical Center, Bakersfield, California. The prognosis for visual acuity is summarized in 3 distinct groups. The 50 patients studied were all treated in a similar manner by conservative method of bed rest with elevation of the head from 20 to 30 degrees and binocular patching. A review of our statistics, we believe, warrants this conservative method of treatment.", "contents": "Traumatic hyphema. This report contains a study in retrospect of 50 patients treated for traumatic hyphema between 1964 and 1974 at the Kern Medical Center, Bakersfield, California. The prognosis for visual acuity is summarized in 3 distinct groups. The 50 patients studied were all treated in a similar manner by conservative method of bed rest with elevation of the head from 20 to 30 degrees and binocular patching. A review of our statistics, we believe, warrants this conservative method of treatment.", "PMID": 984640} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1036", "title": "Transposition of vertical recti for residual tropias.", "content": "Transposition of vertical muscles for residual tropia was performed: nasal displacement for exotropia and temporal displacement for esotropia. Five millimeter equal displacement of superior and inferior recti corrected 10 to 14 prism diopter while equal displacement of 7 to 8 mm resulted in correction of 25 prism diopter. Special indications of this procedure may be: (1) residual tropia in cases with severe intractable ambylopia or pathology in one eye where patient and surgeon may be reluctant to operate on the sound eye, or (2) residual tropias of the alternating type in patients who underwent operations in all horizontal muscles of both eyes.", "contents": "Transposition of vertical recti for residual tropias. Transposition of vertical muscles for residual tropia was performed: nasal displacement for exotropia and temporal displacement for esotropia. Five millimeter equal displacement of superior and inferior recti corrected 10 to 14 prism diopter while equal displacement of 7 to 8 mm resulted in correction of 25 prism diopter. Special indications of this procedure may be: (1) residual tropia in cases with severe intractable ambylopia or pathology in one eye where patient and surgeon may be reluctant to operate on the sound eye, or (2) residual tropias of the alternating type in patients who underwent operations in all horizontal muscles of both eyes.", "PMID": 984643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1037", "title": "[An unusual and dangerous clinical form: chronic osteomatous otitis].", "content": "Some chronic otites result in local or diffuse attico-antral osseous outgrowths. These may complicate all sorts of chronic otites: cholesteatomatous or otherwise, suppurative or merely inflammatory, with the tympanum open or closed. They should be distinguisged from tympanosclerosis and condensation or osseous eburnation lesions. They seem to result from post-inflammatory irritation causing metaplastic bone growth or from an exostosis. The key to their diagnosis lies in radio-tomography. From the surgical point of view, diffuse attico-antral forms are particularly dangerous and deadly. It is essential that the kopho-surgeon should be aware of their existence which, as far as we know, does not seem to have been noted so far.", "contents": "[An unusual and dangerous clinical form: chronic osteomatous otitis]. Some chronic otites result in local or diffuse attico-antral osseous outgrowths. These may complicate all sorts of chronic otites: cholesteatomatous or otherwise, suppurative or merely inflammatory, with the tympanum open or closed. They should be distinguisged from tympanosclerosis and condensation or osseous eburnation lesions. They seem to result from post-inflammatory irritation causing metaplastic bone growth or from an exostosis. The key to their diagnosis lies in radio-tomography. From the surgical point of view, diffuse attico-antral forms are particularly dangerous and deadly. It is essential that the kopho-surgeon should be aware of their existence which, as far as we know, does not seem to have been noted so far.", "PMID": 984644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1038", "title": "[Deafness in the Muckle-Wells syndrome].", "content": "Typical of the syndrome described by Muckle and Wells is a combination of progressive perceptive deafness appearing at various ages in a family, but usually at the same age in the same family, arthralgia, urticarious eruption and renal amyloidosis. The existence of incomplete forms, either without deafness or without renal amyloidosis should be known. This perceptive deafness is very probably due to lesion of the internal ear but the histological characteristics do not seem to be very clear at the present time. Finally, as certain of our observations show, in a few cases, conduction may be impaired, either in isolation, or associated with impairment of perception. Only an analysis of a large number of cases will enable the audiological characteristics of this curious syndrome to be defined.", "contents": "[Deafness in the Muckle-Wells syndrome]. Typical of the syndrome described by Muckle and Wells is a combination of progressive perceptive deafness appearing at various ages in a family, but usually at the same age in the same family, arthralgia, urticarious eruption and renal amyloidosis. The existence of incomplete forms, either without deafness or without renal amyloidosis should be known. This perceptive deafness is very probably due to lesion of the internal ear but the histological characteristics do not seem to be very clear at the present time. Finally, as certain of our observations show, in a few cases, conduction may be impaired, either in isolation, or associated with impairment of perception. Only an analysis of a large number of cases will enable the audiological characteristics of this curious syndrome to be defined.", "PMID": 984645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1039", "title": "Acute epiglottitis in infants and children.", "content": "Sixty-one cases of acute epiglottitis at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Sydney, from July 1968 to December 1974 are reviewed. The average age of 2.7 years is lower than previously reported. The average time from the initial symptom to arrival at the hospital was 14 hours. The average time from arrival to performance of tracheotomy was two hours. The diagnosis was made when first seen and assessed in 50 of the 61 cases. There were eight respiratory arrests in the Casualty and five of these were successfully resuscitated. We believe that an artificial airway is necessary in most cases, and in this series, tracheotomy was performed, with minimal complications. Particular emphasis is given to diagnosis from the history, and a detailed description is given of physical examination of the oropharynx. Although x-ray examination is usually unnecessary when the diagnosis is in doubt, a plain lateral x-ray may be useful, with due precaution not to increase the respiratory obstruction. We consider that a patient with acute epiglottitis should be transferred immediately to a major pediatric hospital, and that in almost every case an artificial airway should be established.", "contents": "Acute epiglottitis in infants and children. Sixty-one cases of acute epiglottitis at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Sydney, from July 1968 to December 1974 are reviewed. The average age of 2.7 years is lower than previously reported. The average time from the initial symptom to arrival at the hospital was 14 hours. The average time from arrival to performance of tracheotomy was two hours. The diagnosis was made when first seen and assessed in 50 of the 61 cases. There were eight respiratory arrests in the Casualty and five of these were successfully resuscitated. We believe that an artificial airway is necessary in most cases, and in this series, tracheotomy was performed, with minimal complications. Particular emphasis is given to diagnosis from the history, and a detailed description is given of physical examination of the oropharynx. Although x-ray examination is usually unnecessary when the diagnosis is in doubt, a plain lateral x-ray may be useful, with due precaution not to increase the respiratory obstruction. We consider that a patient with acute epiglottitis should be transferred immediately to a major pediatric hospital, and that in almost every case an artificial airway should be established.", "PMID": 984651} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1040", "title": "Acquired and congenital subglottic stenosis in the infant.", "content": "During the calendar year of 1974, the Intermountain Newborn Intensive Care Center at the University of Utah Medical Center had 603 admissions. A representative group of 293 charts were reviewed which indicated that 44% of these children were intubated from hours to weeks. The overall mortality rate for the 293 children was 29%. Eighteen of the 603 children were diagnosed as having subglottic stenosis. Fifteen of these children appeared to have acquired subglottic stenosis secondary to endotracheal intubation. Three children had congenital subglottic stenosis. Tracheostomy was necessary in the management of 15 patients. Ten of the 18 patients have survived and two of these patients still have tracheostomy tubes in place. The survival and thickness of the stenotic area are inversely proportional to the birth weight and the duration of intubation. Endoscopic excision, dilatation and stenting were techniques utilized in the treatment of these stenotic lesions. The extubation technique utilized is described. The factors involved in the production of acquired subglottic stenosis are presented along with suggestions to decrease the incidence of this problem in the intubated child.", "contents": "Acquired and congenital subglottic stenosis in the infant. During the calendar year of 1974, the Intermountain Newborn Intensive Care Center at the University of Utah Medical Center had 603 admissions. A representative group of 293 charts were reviewed which indicated that 44% of these children were intubated from hours to weeks. The overall mortality rate for the 293 children was 29%. Eighteen of the 603 children were diagnosed as having subglottic stenosis. Fifteen of these children appeared to have acquired subglottic stenosis secondary to endotracheal intubation. Three children had congenital subglottic stenosis. Tracheostomy was necessary in the management of 15 patients. Ten of the 18 patients have survived and two of these patients still have tracheostomy tubes in place. The survival and thickness of the stenotic area are inversely proportional to the birth weight and the duration of intubation. Endoscopic excision, dilatation and stenting were techniques utilized in the treatment of these stenotic lesions. The extubation technique utilized is described. The factors involved in the production of acquired subglottic stenosis are presented along with suggestions to decrease the incidence of this problem in the intubated child.", "PMID": 984652} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1041", "title": "Repair of laryngeal stenosis with nasal septal grafts.", "content": "Autogenous nasal septal grafts were utilized in 18 dogs. The availability, method of transfer, placement, take, stability and long-term survival of these grafts are presented. Transfer of septal cartilage or composite grafts of nasal mucosa and cartilage to surgically created defects of cricoid and thyroid cartilage was performed on eight animals. Ten animals had composite grafts three months after stenosing procedures. Results were excellent in all grafts to the cricoid and subglottic areas. Grafts to the thyroid and glottic regions were characterized by severe resorption of cartilage and fibrosis. Composite grafts to the glottic area were successful in improving the airway. Results are documented by microlaryngeal photographs and histologic sections. A literature review accompanies the presentation with emphasis on clinical utilization of composite nasal septal grafts. Twelve previously reported cases of repair by this method for laryngeal and upper tracheal stenosis are discussed. A patient with severe traumatic laryngeal stenosis successfully rehabilitated is added to this list and details the clinical value of these grafts.", "contents": "Repair of laryngeal stenosis with nasal septal grafts. Autogenous nasal septal grafts were utilized in 18 dogs. The availability, method of transfer, placement, take, stability and long-term survival of these grafts are presented. Transfer of septal cartilage or composite grafts of nasal mucosa and cartilage to surgically created defects of cricoid and thyroid cartilage was performed on eight animals. Ten animals had composite grafts three months after stenosing procedures. Results were excellent in all grafts to the cricoid and subglottic areas. Grafts to the thyroid and glottic regions were characterized by severe resorption of cartilage and fibrosis. Composite grafts to the glottic area were successful in improving the airway. Results are documented by microlaryngeal photographs and histologic sections. A literature review accompanies the presentation with emphasis on clinical utilization of composite nasal septal grafts. Twelve previously reported cases of repair by this method for laryngeal and upper tracheal stenosis are discussed. A patient with severe traumatic laryngeal stenosis successfully rehabilitated is added to this list and details the clinical value of these grafts.", "PMID": 984653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1042", "title": "Clinical experience with the tracheoesophageal anastomosis for intractable aspiration.", "content": "Clinical experience in six patients in whom the tracheoesophageal diversion procedure or a modification thereof has been performed is presented. Two of these patients have been reconstructed with resulting normal laryngeal and esophageal function. Three of the patients have successfully undergone tracheoesophageal anastomosis and are candidates for reconstruction. One patient in whom the tracheoesophageal anastomosis has been present for 2 1/2 years may never demonstrate neurological return sufficient for reversal of the procedure. On the basis of these six cases, we consider the tracheoesophageal anastomosis to be an effective, yet reversible, procedure for intractable aspiration.", "contents": "Clinical experience with the tracheoesophageal anastomosis for intractable aspiration. Clinical experience in six patients in whom the tracheoesophageal diversion procedure or a modification thereof has been performed is presented. Two of these patients have been reconstructed with resulting normal laryngeal and esophageal function. Three of the patients have successfully undergone tracheoesophageal anastomosis and are candidates for reconstruction. One patient in whom the tracheoesophageal anastomosis has been present for 2 1/2 years may never demonstrate neurological return sufficient for reversal of the procedure. On the basis of these six cases, we consider the tracheoesophageal anastomosis to be an effective, yet reversible, procedure for intractable aspiration.", "PMID": 984654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1043", "title": "Congenital tracheoesophageal fistulas in adults.", "content": "Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula without esophageal atresia is commonly known as \"H\" type. This is an extremely rare anomaly in infants and accounts for approximately 1 1/2-4% of all congenital tracheoesophageal malformations. An anomaly should be described by its anatomical defect, not by a number or letter. There are five main anatomical categories with 85-95% being of the esophageal atresia and distal tracheoesophageal fistula type. About 1 1/2% are of the \"H\" type. Although today tracheoesophageal fistula is a well-recognized entity, a few of the \"H\" type have passed through the pediatric period without diagnosis. Those undetected fistulas have successfully masqueraded as chronic lung disease of unknown etiology. Congenital \"H\" type tracheoesophageal fistulas assume an oblique orientation with the growth of the host to adulthood. This helps to explain the difficulty in diagnosis plus the ability of the host to survive to adult life. Treatment is surgical, consisting of simple ligation via cervical or thoracic approach depending upon location. The 12 previously reported cases in the English literature are reviewed, and a 13th case has been added.", "contents": "Congenital tracheoesophageal fistulas in adults. Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula without esophageal atresia is commonly known as \"H\" type. This is an extremely rare anomaly in infants and accounts for approximately 1 1/2-4% of all congenital tracheoesophageal malformations. An anomaly should be described by its anatomical defect, not by a number or letter. There are five main anatomical categories with 85-95% being of the esophageal atresia and distal tracheoesophageal fistula type. About 1 1/2% are of the \"H\" type. Although today tracheoesophageal fistula is a well-recognized entity, a few of the \"H\" type have passed through the pediatric period without diagnosis. Those undetected fistulas have successfully masqueraded as chronic lung disease of unknown etiology. Congenital \"H\" type tracheoesophageal fistulas assume an oblique orientation with the growth of the host to adulthood. This helps to explain the difficulty in diagnosis plus the ability of the host to survive to adult life. Treatment is surgical, consisting of simple ligation via cervical or thoracic approach depending upon location. The 12 previously reported cases in the English literature are reviewed, and a 13th case has been added.", "PMID": 984655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1044", "title": "Tracheal resection and mucociliary clearance.", "content": "Mucociliary transport following tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis was evaluated in beagle dogs, using the movement of 99MTC labeled sodium pertechnetate solution as a marker. Preoperatively, mucociliary clearance was stable, but a three-fold decrease in tracheal mucus movement was found three days postoperatively. Clearance rates had returned to normal by 31 days postoperatively and remained stable over a ten week period of observation. By histological examination, normal ciliated epithelium was seen within six months following resection and anastomosis. Since up to 25% (4 cm or seven tracheal rings) of tracheal length was removed, significant longitudinal loss can take place without functional impairment of mucociliary clearance. Circumferential narrowing, however, was associated with a significant decrease in clearance.", "contents": "Tracheal resection and mucociliary clearance. Mucociliary transport following tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis was evaluated in beagle dogs, using the movement of 99MTC labeled sodium pertechnetate solution as a marker. Preoperatively, mucociliary clearance was stable, but a three-fold decrease in tracheal mucus movement was found three days postoperatively. Clearance rates had returned to normal by 31 days postoperatively and remained stable over a ten week period of observation. By histological examination, normal ciliated epithelium was seen within six months following resection and anastomosis. Since up to 25% (4 cm or seven tracheal rings) of tracheal length was removed, significant longitudinal loss can take place without functional impairment of mucociliary clearance. Circumferential narrowing, however, was associated with a significant decrease in clearance.", "PMID": 984656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1045", "title": "Flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscope.", "content": "A new practical flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscope is introduced. This instrument allows for a completeness of examination heretofore not totally possible in all cases as an office or bedside procedure. The ease of examination and patient tolerance make for a superior new clinical tool.", "contents": "Flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscope. A new practical flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscope is introduced. This instrument allows for a completeness of examination heretofore not totally possible in all cases as an office or bedside procedure. The ease of examination and patient tolerance make for a superior new clinical tool.", "PMID": 984657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1046", "title": "Test-retest reliability in clinical electrocochleography.", "content": "The intratest test-retest reliability in clinical electrocochleography was studied by measuring the difference between amplitude of the test and retest and latency of the test and retest. Eighty-four comparisons were made in 40 patients with different types of hearing losses. The type of hearing loss and whether test and retest were performed in sequence or not did not affect the variability of the amplitude. The test and retest correlation between amplitudes was good. Small amplitudes mainly found near the action potential (AP) \"threshold\" showed less absolute variability than larger amplitudes found at higher intensities. The correlation between the intratest latencies was excellent. The latency showed less variability at higher intensities than near AP \"threshold\".", "contents": "Test-retest reliability in clinical electrocochleography. The intratest test-retest reliability in clinical electrocochleography was studied by measuring the difference between amplitude of the test and retest and latency of the test and retest. Eighty-four comparisons were made in 40 patients with different types of hearing losses. The type of hearing loss and whether test and retest were performed in sequence or not did not affect the variability of the amplitude. The test and retest correlation between amplitudes was good. Small amplitudes mainly found near the action potential (AP) \"threshold\" showed less absolute variability than larger amplitudes found at higher intensities. The correlation between the intratest latencies was excellent. The latency showed less variability at higher intensities than near AP \"threshold\".", "PMID": 984659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1047", "title": "Tracheal afferent nerves.", "content": "The individual fibers of the inferior laryngeal nerve and anastomosing branch of the superior laryngeal nerve arising from the upper five to six tracheal rings were studied. In 30 mongrel dogs using simple and multifiber nerve preparations, afferent nerve activity was studied both in the intact trachea and in an isolated segment of trachea with artificial stimuli of graded pressure and flow. The adaptation rate, threshold, spontaneous firing frequency, maximum firing frequency, and rate of change in afferent discharge were recorded. Subsequently, these fibers were electrically stimulated to determine what reflex effects could be produced. Afferent nerve activity recorded from the upper trachea was found to be sensitive to tracheal pressure changes of 0.5 to 12 mm Hg. Nerve activity paralleled the frequency of pressure changes. Electrical stimulation of these fibers demonstrated reflex bradycardia, bradypnea and alteration of blood pressure. These data and that of other investigators indicate that upper airway mechano-receptors may be significant, not only in the initiation of upper airway protective reflexes, but also in the regulation of normal respiration.", "contents": "Tracheal afferent nerves. The individual fibers of the inferior laryngeal nerve and anastomosing branch of the superior laryngeal nerve arising from the upper five to six tracheal rings were studied. In 30 mongrel dogs using simple and multifiber nerve preparations, afferent nerve activity was studied both in the intact trachea and in an isolated segment of trachea with artificial stimuli of graded pressure and flow. The adaptation rate, threshold, spontaneous firing frequency, maximum firing frequency, and rate of change in afferent discharge were recorded. Subsequently, these fibers were electrically stimulated to determine what reflex effects could be produced. Afferent nerve activity recorded from the upper trachea was found to be sensitive to tracheal pressure changes of 0.5 to 12 mm Hg. Nerve activity paralleled the frequency of pressure changes. Electrical stimulation of these fibers demonstrated reflex bradycardia, bradypnea and alteration of blood pressure. These data and that of other investigators indicate that upper airway mechano-receptors may be significant, not only in the initiation of upper airway protective reflexes, but also in the regulation of normal respiration.", "PMID": 984658} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1048", "title": "Survey of the development of laryngeal epithelium.", "content": "An overview of the developing laryngeal epithelium has been presented to establish the norm. The sequential relationships of the formation of the protective laryngeal covering, cellular and glandular, have been reviewed. The topographical distribution of the epithelial elements in the human larynx are illustrated in the adult and contrasted in the child. Unique and previously undescribed cellular ultrastructure and transition areas have been identified. Biological integrationof form and function is again well illustrated in the epithelium of the human larynx.", "contents": "Survey of the development of laryngeal epithelium. An overview of the developing laryngeal epithelium has been presented to establish the norm. The sequential relationships of the formation of the protective laryngeal covering, cellular and glandular, have been reviewed. The topographical distribution of the epithelial elements in the human larynx are illustrated in the adult and contrasted in the child. Unique and previously undescribed cellular ultrastructure and transition areas have been identified. Biological integrationof form and function is again well illustrated in the epithelium of the human larynx.", "PMID": 984661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1049", "title": "[Embryonic development of 2 Phyllobothriidae (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea)].", "content": "Caulobothrium longicolle (Linton, 1890) and Phyllobothrium gracile (Weld, 1855) (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea, Phyllobothriidae) have the same embryonic development with the following characteristic data: --a small number of vitelline cells (2 or 3) pass with the zygote in the ootype;--a non operculate thin egg-shell;--the entire and equal zyhote cleavage following by unequal divisions leading to the formation of four blastomere types (Macromeres, secondary Macromere, Mesomeres and Micromeres);--the differentiation of two syncytial embryonic envelopes during the preoncospheral phase. The outer envelope encloses the vitelline material remnant and three Macromeres among which the secondary Macromere. The inner envelope or embryophore, originates from five or six Mesomeres;--the presence of the oncospheral membrane;--the Phyllobothriidae ontogenesis is similar to that of the Onchobothriidae. By their embryonic features, the Tetraphyllidea are close to the Cyclophyllidea. This similarity suggests a phylogenic relationship between those two Cestoda orders.", "contents": "[Embryonic development of 2 Phyllobothriidae (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea)]. Caulobothrium longicolle (Linton, 1890) and Phyllobothrium gracile (Weld, 1855) (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea, Phyllobothriidae) have the same embryonic development with the following characteristic data: --a small number of vitelline cells (2 or 3) pass with the zygote in the ootype;--a non operculate thin egg-shell;--the entire and equal zyhote cleavage following by unequal divisions leading to the formation of four blastomere types (Macromeres, secondary Macromere, Mesomeres and Micromeres);--the differentiation of two syncytial embryonic envelopes during the preoncospheral phase. The outer envelope encloses the vitelline material remnant and three Macromeres among which the secondary Macromere. The inner envelope or embryophore, originates from five or six Mesomeres;--the presence of the oncospheral membrane;--the Phyllobothriidae ontogenesis is similar to that of the Onchobothriidae. By their embryonic features, the Tetraphyllidea are close to the Cyclophyllidea. This similarity suggests a phylogenic relationship between those two Cestoda orders.", "PMID": 984663} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1050", "title": "Fine structures of the normal mucosa in developing rat middle ear.", "content": "Forty-two fetal and 90 developing young rats were studied electron microscopically to obtain a normal cellular distribution pattern of middle ear mucosa. The results showed that while ciliated columnar or cuboidal cells interspersed with secretory cells were predominantly distributed around the tympanic orifice and transitional zone, cuboidal or squamous nonciliated cells without secretory granules were numerous in the remaining part of the bulla. Development of ciliated cells started at the 17th or 18 th fetal day,paralleling that of secretory cells. The number of ciliated and secretory cells increased rapidly after birth. Glands were not found in the osseous tube, tympanic orifice, or other portions of the middle ear cavity in fetal, newborn, or suckling rats, while they are abundant in the cartilaginous portion of the tube. The findings of this study indicate that both secretory and ciliated cells are normal components of middle ear mucosa although these cells are restricted to the tympanic orifice and transitional zone, and that the mucociliary defense system starts to develop during the fetal stage.", "contents": "Fine structures of the normal mucosa in developing rat middle ear. Forty-two fetal and 90 developing young rats were studied electron microscopically to obtain a normal cellular distribution pattern of middle ear mucosa. The results showed that while ciliated columnar or cuboidal cells interspersed with secretory cells were predominantly distributed around the tympanic orifice and transitional zone, cuboidal or squamous nonciliated cells without secretory granules were numerous in the remaining part of the bulla. Development of ciliated cells started at the 17th or 18 th fetal day,paralleling that of secretory cells. The number of ciliated and secretory cells increased rapidly after birth. Glands were not found in the osseous tube, tympanic orifice, or other portions of the middle ear cavity in fetal, newborn, or suckling rats, while they are abundant in the cartilaginous portion of the tube. The findings of this study indicate that both secretory and ciliated cells are normal components of middle ear mucosa although these cells are restricted to the tympanic orifice and transitional zone, and that the mucociliary defense system starts to develop during the fetal stage.", "PMID": 984662} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1051", "title": "[Description of the supposed adult of Bursotrema tetracotyloides Szidat, 1960, and of a new species of the genus Didelphodiplostomum Dubois, 1944, parasites from Didelphis azarae Temminck, 1825 (Trematoda: Alariinae) (author's transl].", "content": "The author describes two South American trematodes (Diplostomidae: Alariinae) collected by Dra Margarita O. de N\u00fa\u00f1ez from a opossum, Didelphis azarae Temminick, 1825, in the vicinity of Buenos Aires. One of them permits to define the larval genus Bursotrema Szidat, 1960. The other one is a new species of the genus Didelphodiplostomum Dubois, 1944.", "contents": "[Description of the supposed adult of Bursotrema tetracotyloides Szidat, 1960, and of a new species of the genus Didelphodiplostomum Dubois, 1944, parasites from Didelphis azarae Temminck, 1825 (Trematoda: Alariinae) (author's transl]. The author describes two South American trematodes (Diplostomidae: Alariinae) collected by Dra Margarita O. de N\u00fa\u00f1ez from a opossum, Didelphis azarae Temminick, 1825, in the vicinity of Buenos Aires. One of them permits to define the larval genus Bursotrema Szidat, 1960. The other one is a new species of the genus Didelphodiplostomum Dubois, 1944.", "PMID": 984665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1052", "title": "[The life cycle of Plagiorchis neomidis Brendow, 1970, digenean parasite of Neomys fodiens in the Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es. Chronobiology of cercarial emergence (author's transl)].", "content": "The first host in the life cycle of Plagiorchis neomidis in the Pyrenees is the Mollusc Radix limosa var, glacialis. The cercariae encyst in the aquatic larvae of the Insect Sialis lutaria (Megaloptera). The adult parasite is found in the rectum of Neomys fodiens. The chetotaxy and the rhythm of cercarial emergence are described in detail as is the development of the metacercaria in its second intermediate host. Comparison of the life cycle of P. neomidis in the Pyrenees with that described in Germany demonstrates differences in the biology at both larval and adult stage.", "contents": "[The life cycle of Plagiorchis neomidis Brendow, 1970, digenean parasite of Neomys fodiens in the Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es. Chronobiology of cercarial emergence (author's transl)]. The first host in the life cycle of Plagiorchis neomidis in the Pyrenees is the Mollusc Radix limosa var, glacialis. The cercariae encyst in the aquatic larvae of the Insect Sialis lutaria (Megaloptera). The adult parasite is found in the rectum of Neomys fodiens. The chetotaxy and the rhythm of cercarial emergence are described in detail as is the development of the metacercaria in its second intermediate host. Comparison of the life cycle of P. neomidis in the Pyrenees with that described in Germany demonstrates differences in the biology at both larval and adult stage.", "PMID": 984664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1053", "title": "[Coexistence of nematodes Trichostrongyloidea in marsupials from French Guyana (author's transl)].", "content": "Analysis of the helminthofauna of two Didelphis marsupialis, compared to that of a Metachirops opossum from the same area, studied by Durette-Desset, 1974. Except for their similarities in the general repartition of the species, the two Marsupials are easily differentiated: the dominant species is not the same. The location of common or \"vicariant\" species is stable. In opposition to former notions, the fauna appears to be composed of but one lineage, except for Moennigia, which would appear as captures from Xenarthes.", "contents": "[Coexistence of nematodes Trichostrongyloidea in marsupials from French Guyana (author's transl)]. Analysis of the helminthofauna of two Didelphis marsupialis, compared to that of a Metachirops opossum from the same area, studied by Durette-Desset, 1974. Except for their similarities in the general repartition of the species, the two Marsupials are easily differentiated: the dominant species is not the same. The location of common or \"vicariant\" species is stable. In opposition to former notions, the fauna appears to be composed of but one lineage, except for Moennigia, which would appear as captures from Xenarthes.", "PMID": 984667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1054", "title": "[Anomotaenia brevis (Clerc, 1902) Fuhrmann, 1908, Cestoda Cyclophyllidae, parasite of Leptothorax nylanderi (Forster), Hymenopterous, Formicidae (author's transl)].", "content": "Cysticercoids recovered from hemocoele of the ant Letothorax nylanderi are examinated by light and electron microscopy. This examination proves that the Cestode is a Dilepididae. The structure of the cysticercoids is the same that another Dilepididae, Anomotaenia constricta. The cysticercoids observed are those of A. brevis, parasite of three species of birds, Dendrocopos major, D. minor and Garrulus infaustus. The contamination of L. nylanderi by A. brevis occurs before metamorphosis of the Ant. The adults of L. nylanderi infested by A. brevis cysticercoids are morphologically different from the others; their physiology and behaviour are also different. The mechanisms of the parasitic action on the larval stages of L. nylanderi are discussed.", "contents": "[Anomotaenia brevis (Clerc, 1902) Fuhrmann, 1908, Cestoda Cyclophyllidae, parasite of Leptothorax nylanderi (Forster), Hymenopterous, Formicidae (author's transl)]. Cysticercoids recovered from hemocoele of the ant Letothorax nylanderi are examinated by light and electron microscopy. This examination proves that the Cestode is a Dilepididae. The structure of the cysticercoids is the same that another Dilepididae, Anomotaenia constricta. The cysticercoids observed are those of A. brevis, parasite of three species of birds, Dendrocopos major, D. minor and Garrulus infaustus. The contamination of L. nylanderi by A. brevis occurs before metamorphosis of the Ant. The adults of L. nylanderi infested by A. brevis cysticercoids are morphologically different from the others; their physiology and behaviour are also different. The mechanisms of the parasitic action on the larval stages of L. nylanderi are discussed.", "PMID": 984669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1055", "title": "[The life cycle of Maritrema misenensis (A. Palombi, 1940), n. comb. (Trematoda: Microphallidae, Travassos, 1920) from French Mediterranean coast (author's transl)].", "content": "The life cycle of Maritrema misenensis (A. Palombi, 1940) n. comb. is described with illustrations. The sporocysts parasite the digestive gland of the Prosobranch snail Cerithium mediterraneum. The cercariae are the same as Cercaria misenensis, A. Palombi, 1940 described from Italian coast. The adults have been obtained by artificial infestations of Larus argentatus michaellis. Their morphological features are same as those of the caribbean species Maritrema patulus W.H. Coil, 1955. When the life cycle of the American species is pointed out, it will be possible to know whether there are two or only one species.", "contents": "[The life cycle of Maritrema misenensis (A. Palombi, 1940), n. comb. (Trematoda: Microphallidae, Travassos, 1920) from French Mediterranean coast (author's transl)]. The life cycle of Maritrema misenensis (A. Palombi, 1940) n. comb. is described with illustrations. The sporocysts parasite the digestive gland of the Prosobranch snail Cerithium mediterraneum. The cercariae are the same as Cercaria misenensis, A. Palombi, 1940 described from Italian coast. The adults have been obtained by artificial infestations of Larus argentatus michaellis. Their morphological features are same as those of the caribbean species Maritrema patulus W.H. Coil, 1955. When the life cycle of the American species is pointed out, it will be possible to know whether there are two or only one species.", "PMID": 984671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1056", "title": "[Findings on the life cycle of Pseudoleucochloridium soricis (Soltys, 1952) in the Pyrenees (author's transl)].", "content": "Pseudoleucochloridium soricis develops to the sporocyst stage in the digestive gland of the terrestrial Pulmonate Cepaea hortensis. The cercaria, microcercous in type, is liberated and actively penetrates a second terrestrial pulmonate where development to the free metacercarial stage takes place in the pericardial cavity. Ecologically, the cycle of P. soricis in the Pyrenees, exhibits two characteristics which require particular attention: --the transmission of the parasite to the second host, which, although experimentally possible, and with equal success, in two species of Helicide (C. hortensis and Euomphalia strigella) occurs in the wild preferentially in E. strigella. The differing trophic behaviour of the two molluscs is thought to be the factor responsible for this selection;--the level of infection in shrews appears to be extremely low (never more than 1%) in all sampling areas, a character which contraste with the persistantly high level of infection in the second host (at least 50%). This epidemiological character points to the probable evolution of P. soricis in a definitive host (almost certainly a Bird) which has not yet been discovered.", "contents": "[Findings on the life cycle of Pseudoleucochloridium soricis (Soltys, 1952) in the Pyrenees (author's transl)]. Pseudoleucochloridium soricis develops to the sporocyst stage in the digestive gland of the terrestrial Pulmonate Cepaea hortensis. The cercaria, microcercous in type, is liberated and actively penetrates a second terrestrial pulmonate where development to the free metacercarial stage takes place in the pericardial cavity. Ecologically, the cycle of P. soricis in the Pyrenees, exhibits two characteristics which require particular attention: --the transmission of the parasite to the second host, which, although experimentally possible, and with equal success, in two species of Helicide (C. hortensis and Euomphalia strigella) occurs in the wild preferentially in E. strigella. The differing trophic behaviour of the two molluscs is thought to be the factor responsible for this selection;--the level of infection in shrews appears to be extremely low (never more than 1%) in all sampling areas, a character which contraste with the persistantly high level of infection in the second host (at least 50%). This epidemiological character points to the probable evolution of P. soricis in a definitive host (almost certainly a Bird) which has not yet been discovered.", "PMID": 984670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1057", "title": "[Massive presence of Schistosoma mansoni in the lungs of rats trapped in Guadeloupe (author's transl)].", "content": "Examination of rats (Rattus norvegicus) trapped in Guadeloupe and naturally infected by Schistosoma mansoni reveals the massive presence of these parasites (adults and eggs) in the lungs.", "contents": "[Massive presence of Schistosoma mansoni in the lungs of rats trapped in Guadeloupe (author's transl)]. Examination of rats (Rattus norvegicus) trapped in Guadeloupe and naturally infected by Schistosoma mansoni reveals the massive presence of these parasites (adults and eggs) in the lungs.", "PMID": 984666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1058", "title": "[Experimental trichinasis (IV), study of the action of cyclophosphamide on the transplantation of 18 days old adults of T. spiralis (author's transl)].", "content": "The survival and the transplantation of adult trichinae collected in cyclophosphamide treated and untreated mice were studied. 1) The worms'burden harbored by treated mice on the 18th day after the infestation is from 4 to 5 times higher than in untreated ones. The sex ratio is here around one instead of 1/2 in the control lot of mice. 2) The female worms parasitic in treated mice continue to lay larvae. When these adult are transplanted in the gut of treated mice they seem give a greater number of larvae than if they are put in the gut of normal mice.", "contents": "[Experimental trichinasis (IV), study of the action of cyclophosphamide on the transplantation of 18 days old adults of T. spiralis (author's transl)]. The survival and the transplantation of adult trichinae collected in cyclophosphamide treated and untreated mice were studied. 1) The worms'burden harbored by treated mice on the 18th day after the infestation is from 4 to 5 times higher than in untreated ones. The sex ratio is here around one instead of 1/2 in the control lot of mice. 2) The female worms parasitic in treated mice continue to lay larvae. When these adult are transplanted in the gut of treated mice they seem give a greater number of larvae than if they are put in the gut of normal mice.", "PMID": 984672} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1059", "title": "[Study of free living amoebae in the waters of Strasbourg. Preliminary report (author's transl)].", "content": "75 strains of free living amoebae were isolated from public drinking water supplies, swimming pools and official swimming ponds in Strasbourg. 42 strains were identified till now. No pathogenic strain of Naegleria fowleri was found.", "contents": "[Study of free living amoebae in the waters of Strasbourg. Preliminary report (author's transl)]. 75 strains of free living amoebae were isolated from public drinking water supplies, swimming pools and official swimming ponds in Strasbourg. 42 strains were identified till now. No pathogenic strain of Naegleria fowleri was found.", "PMID": 984668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1060", "title": "[Further description of two African bovine's Onchocerca (author's transl)].", "content": "The synonymy of O. dermata with O. ochengi Bwangamoi, 1969, is established. Further description of O. ochengi and O. dukei Bain, Bussi\u00e9ras and Am\u00e9g\u00e9e, 1974.", "contents": "[Further description of two African bovine's Onchocerca (author's transl)]. The synonymy of O. dermata with O. ochengi Bwangamoi, 1969, is established. Further description of O. ochengi and O. dukei Bain, Bussi\u00e9ras and Am\u00e9g\u00e9e, 1974.", "PMID": 984674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1061", "title": "[Presence in a rodent of Chili of the nematode Inglamidinae (sub. fam. nov.) belonging to Amidostomatidae, a family known to be found in mammals of Australia].", "content": "The Inglamidinae n. sub-fam., a new sub-family of Amidostomatidae from chilean Cricetidae is described with Inglamidum akodon gen. et sp. n. as the type genus and species. Out of the 23 Akodon captured in the same area, three samples of this nematode have been collected from two different species. These findings confirm that we are dealing with a well-adapted parasite and exclude the possibility of a fortuitous catch or an accidental transfer. This family displays two significant groups of taxonomic characters, including archaic characters such as cephalic structures which unite them to the Amidostomatidae, and on the other hand some more recently elaborated characters such as monodelphism and shape of synlophe and spicules which relate them to the Heligmosoms and more significantly to the line Viannaia-Viannella parasite of South-American Marsupials. We interpret this species as a \"parasite of capture\" and we assume that very similar species might occur in other endemic Mammals, mostly Marsupials. On a paleobiogeographical point of view this interpretation would make due allowance for postulating that the Amidostomatidae from Mammals have originated during the Secondary concurrently with the Marsupial expansion. These ancestral Nematodes would have given birth to the other Trichostrongyloidea through reduction of buccal cavity, and to the Ancylostomatoidea by further elaboration of buccal apparatus. Contrary to Inglis's hypothesis we are in favour of the genera Globocephaloides and Hypodontus to be assigned to the Globocephalinae and Uncinariinae (Ancylostomatidae) respectively, rather than to the Amidostomatidae. The occurrence of an Amidostomatidae in a South American Cricetidae is somewhat quite unexpected, mostly because this family is known to occur from australian Mammals only and also because the parasited Mammals are the most primitive of the group (Monotremes and Marsupials).", "contents": "[Presence in a rodent of Chili of the nematode Inglamidinae (sub. fam. nov.) belonging to Amidostomatidae, a family known to be found in mammals of Australia]. The Inglamidinae n. sub-fam., a new sub-family of Amidostomatidae from chilean Cricetidae is described with Inglamidum akodon gen. et sp. n. as the type genus and species. Out of the 23 Akodon captured in the same area, three samples of this nematode have been collected from two different species. These findings confirm that we are dealing with a well-adapted parasite and exclude the possibility of a fortuitous catch or an accidental transfer. This family displays two significant groups of taxonomic characters, including archaic characters such as cephalic structures which unite them to the Amidostomatidae, and on the other hand some more recently elaborated characters such as monodelphism and shape of synlophe and spicules which relate them to the Heligmosoms and more significantly to the line Viannaia-Viannella parasite of South-American Marsupials. We interpret this species as a \"parasite of capture\" and we assume that very similar species might occur in other endemic Mammals, mostly Marsupials. On a paleobiogeographical point of view this interpretation would make due allowance for postulating that the Amidostomatidae from Mammals have originated during the Secondary concurrently with the Marsupial expansion. These ancestral Nematodes would have given birth to the other Trichostrongyloidea through reduction of buccal cavity, and to the Ancylostomatoidea by further elaboration of buccal apparatus. Contrary to Inglis's hypothesis we are in favour of the genera Globocephaloides and Hypodontus to be assigned to the Globocephalinae and Uncinariinae (Ancylostomatidae) respectively, rather than to the Amidostomatidae. The occurrence of an Amidostomatidae in a South American Cricetidae is somewhat quite unexpected, mostly because this family is known to occur from australian Mammals only and also because the parasited Mammals are the most primitive of the group (Monotremes and Marsupials).", "PMID": 984673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1062", "title": "[Presence of Haematomyzus hopkinsi Clay, 1963, in Ethiopia (author's transl)].", "content": "The author records the presence of H. hopkinsi Clay, 1963, parasitic of wart-hog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) in South-Eastern Ethiopia (collected by E. Brumpt in 1901).", "contents": "[Presence of Haematomyzus hopkinsi Clay, 1963, in Ethiopia (author's transl)]. The author records the presence of H. hopkinsi Clay, 1963, parasitic of wart-hog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) in South-Eastern Ethiopia (collected by E. Brumpt in 1901).", "PMID": 984675} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1063", "title": "[Aedes (Ochlerotatus) surcoufi (Theobald, 1912). Restoration of the binomen; morphological analysis; position in the holarctic \"excrucians\" complex (author's transl)].", "content": "The study of the morphology of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults of Aedes excrucians from Germany, Italy and France has led the authors to rise again the binomen Aedes surcoufi (Theobald, 1912) to particularize the european populations. At the same time, the characteristics of the different species of the Aedes excrucians complex are discussed.", "contents": "[Aedes (Ochlerotatus) surcoufi (Theobald, 1912). Restoration of the binomen; morphological analysis; position in the holarctic \"excrucians\" complex (author's transl)]. The study of the morphology of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults of Aedes excrucians from Germany, Italy and France has led the authors to rise again the binomen Aedes surcoufi (Theobald, 1912) to particularize the european populations. At the same time, the characteristics of the different species of the Aedes excrucians complex are discussed.", "PMID": 984676} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1064", "title": "Long posterior flap amputation in geriatric patients with ischaemic disease.", "content": "A series of 165 primary amputations performed on 148 patients at Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton, from 1967 to 1975 is reported. The average age of these patients was 70 years, the oldest being 95. Those aged 70 years and over are considered in special detail. The problems of management of these elderly patients are complex, involving medical, surgical, and social problems. The object of treatment is to restore these patients to their previous way of life with the shortest possible time in hospital. Every patient is assessed with a view to arterial surgery, and amputation is avoided where possible by a lumbar sympathetic block or direct arterial surgery. When amputation cannot be avoided a below-knee level is selected if possible. A long posterior flap technique is used which forms a myoplasty of the gastrocnemius muscle; thus the ischaemic anterior tibial skin is avoided. Before the operation the patient is assessed by a specialist team and the management is discussed in detail. Every patient is kept in hospital until rehabilitation is achieved to the point of independence inside the home. Of the 90 patients in the group aged 70 years and over, 22% had above-knee amputations and 75% had below-knee amputations, with the result that 69% of the latter were discharged home walking. This result is contrasted with the smaller number who had an above-knee amputation. Below-knee amputation gives the elderly patient a better chance of walking because of the use of the patellar tendon bearing prosthesis. When followed up 36% of those patients with below-knee amputation were fully independent for periods exceeding six months. The price of a below-knee level of amputation is a longer hospital stay, but the quality of function and mobility obtained by the patient makes this worth while.", "contents": "Long posterior flap amputation in geriatric patients with ischaemic disease. A series of 165 primary amputations performed on 148 patients at Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton, from 1967 to 1975 is reported. The average age of these patients was 70 years, the oldest being 95. Those aged 70 years and over are considered in special detail. The problems of management of these elderly patients are complex, involving medical, surgical, and social problems. The object of treatment is to restore these patients to their previous way of life with the shortest possible time in hospital. Every patient is assessed with a view to arterial surgery, and amputation is avoided where possible by a lumbar sympathetic block or direct arterial surgery. When amputation cannot be avoided a below-knee level is selected if possible. A long posterior flap technique is used which forms a myoplasty of the gastrocnemius muscle; thus the ischaemic anterior tibial skin is avoided. Before the operation the patient is assessed by a specialist team and the management is discussed in detail. Every patient is kept in hospital until rehabilitation is achieved to the point of independence inside the home. Of the 90 patients in the group aged 70 years and over, 22% had above-knee amputations and 75% had below-knee amputations, with the result that 69% of the latter were discharged home walking. This result is contrasted with the smaller number who had an above-knee amputation. Below-knee amputation gives the elderly patient a better chance of walking because of the use of the patellar tendon bearing prosthesis. When followed up 36% of those patients with below-knee amputation were fully independent for periods exceeding six months. The price of a below-knee level of amputation is a longer hospital stay, but the quality of function and mobility obtained by the patient makes this worth while.", "PMID": 984688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1065", "title": "Exploration of the abdomen.", "content": "The findings at 1500 consecutive laparotomies are reported. The likelihood of finding an alternative condition to the preoperative diagnosis and of discovering important incidental findings is so high that complete abdominal exploration should be carried out whenever possible at routine abdominal operations. However, laparotomy is no substitute for careful preoperative investigation. Routine preoperative endoscopy is recommended before all operations on the upper gastrointestinal tract. If no cause for symptoms is found at operation no procedure should be carried out; the placebo effect of laparotomy and subsequent assurance often leads to alleviation of the symptoms.", "contents": "Exploration of the abdomen. The findings at 1500 consecutive laparotomies are reported. The likelihood of finding an alternative condition to the preoperative diagnosis and of discovering important incidental findings is so high that complete abdominal exploration should be carried out whenever possible at routine abdominal operations. However, laparotomy is no substitute for careful preoperative investigation. Routine preoperative endoscopy is recommended before all operations on the upper gastrointestinal tract. If no cause for symptoms is found at operation no procedure should be carried out; the placebo effect of laparotomy and subsequent assurance often leads to alleviation of the symptoms.", "PMID": 984689} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1066", "title": "The importance of plasma fibrinogen in vascular surgery.", "content": "The plasma fibrinogen concentration is directly related to blood viscosity, which in turn is inversely related to blood flow. The way in which the plasma fibrinogen level affects the clinical status of patients with peripheral vascular disease is discussed with reference to both retrospective and prospective studies of patients undergoing major arterial surgery. Animal experiments are described in which the effect of reducing the plasma fibrinogen level with oral clofibrate and parenteral Arvin (ancrod) on the patency of Dacron arterial grafts was studied.", "contents": "The importance of plasma fibrinogen in vascular surgery. The plasma fibrinogen concentration is directly related to blood viscosity, which in turn is inversely related to blood flow. The way in which the plasma fibrinogen level affects the clinical status of patients with peripheral vascular disease is discussed with reference to both retrospective and prospective studies of patients undergoing major arterial surgery. Animal experiments are described in which the effect of reducing the plasma fibrinogen level with oral clofibrate and parenteral Arvin (ancrod) on the patency of Dacron arterial grafts was studied.", "PMID": 984690} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1067", "title": "Sclerosing peritonitis and practolol therapy.", "content": "The case is described of a patient who presented with the characteristic symptoms and signs of sclerosing peritonitis due to practolol therapy. The clinical features, operative findings, and management are discussed.", "contents": "Sclerosing peritonitis and practolol therapy. The case is described of a patient who presented with the characteristic symptoms and signs of sclerosing peritonitis due to practolol therapy. The clinical features, operative findings, and management are discussed.", "PMID": 984691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1068", "title": "Traumatic haemobilia: value of ultrasonography.", "content": "A case of post-traumatic haemobilia treated by right hepatic artery ligation is described. The role of 'B'-mode grey-scale ultrasonography in the investigation of hepatic trauma is discussed.", "contents": "Traumatic haemobilia: value of ultrasonography. A case of post-traumatic haemobilia treated by right hepatic artery ligation is described. The role of 'B'-mode grey-scale ultrasonography in the investigation of hepatic trauma is discussed.", "PMID": 984693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1069", "title": "[Control of the efficiency of ligature of the pancreatic canal in rabbit (author's transl)].", "content": "The purpose of this work is to determine whether ligature of the pancreatic canal effectively stops exocrine secretion by the pancreas. Two methods of study were used: histology of the pancreatic gland and enzymology in the intestine. Optical microscope results, for rabbits with the pancreatic canal ligatured during 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 60 days, showed clearly pancreatic degeneration followed by regeneration phenomena. However search for trypsic activity in the intestine has given only negative results.", "contents": "[Control of the efficiency of ligature of the pancreatic canal in rabbit (author's transl)]. The purpose of this work is to determine whether ligature of the pancreatic canal effectively stops exocrine secretion by the pancreas. Two methods of study were used: histology of the pancreatic gland and enzymology in the intestine. Optical microscope results, for rabbits with the pancreatic canal ligatured during 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 60 days, showed clearly pancreatic degeneration followed by regeneration phenomena. However search for trypsic activity in the intestine has given only negative results.", "PMID": 984712} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1070", "title": "Partition and absorption of valatile fatty acids in the alimentary canal of the rat.", "content": "The partition and absorption of volatile fatty acids (VFA) have been studied in the rat using a non purified diet comprising mainly a mixture of cereals and soya-bean meal. 2. The concentration of acetic and lactic acid was compared in non secretory (cul-de-sac) and secretory regions of the stomach. The greatest concentrations of both acids were found in the cul-de-sac region where the pH was highest (pH 5.0). 3. Concentration and absorption of VFA were negligible in the small intestine. 4. High VFA concentrations were found in the caecal contents, while lactic acid concentrations were lower. The volume and concentrations of the caecum contents varied little during the day and decreased rapidly during the first 24 h of fasting. 5. The concentrations of VFA, particularly that of butyric acid, were lower in the proximal colon than in the caecum. Caecumectomy caused a considerable decrease in VFA concentrations in the colon. 6. Arteriovenous differences in VFA and detone bodies were studied for the caecal and colon veins in rats. A close parallel between VFA concentration in the caecal contents and the arteriovenous differences was observed. In rat, ketogenesis was weak in the caecal wall (12 p. 100 of butyric acid absorption) and negligible in the colon wall. VFA are absorbed entirely in ionized form when caecal PH attains 7.5 in fasted rats. Special mechanism for caecal absorption should therefore be considered, perhaps linked with the large sodium transport in the caecum. 7. The relatively high VFA concentrations measured in the portal vein suggested that they are important in the digestive processes.", "contents": "Partition and absorption of valatile fatty acids in the alimentary canal of the rat. The partition and absorption of volatile fatty acids (VFA) have been studied in the rat using a non purified diet comprising mainly a mixture of cereals and soya-bean meal. 2. The concentration of acetic and lactic acid was compared in non secretory (cul-de-sac) and secretory regions of the stomach. The greatest concentrations of both acids were found in the cul-de-sac region where the pH was highest (pH 5.0). 3. Concentration and absorption of VFA were negligible in the small intestine. 4. High VFA concentrations were found in the caecal contents, while lactic acid concentrations were lower. The volume and concentrations of the caecum contents varied little during the day and decreased rapidly during the first 24 h of fasting. 5. The concentrations of VFA, particularly that of butyric acid, were lower in the proximal colon than in the caecum. Caecumectomy caused a considerable decrease in VFA concentrations in the colon. 6. Arteriovenous differences in VFA and detone bodies were studied for the caecal and colon veins in rats. A close parallel between VFA concentration in the caecal contents and the arteriovenous differences was observed. In rat, ketogenesis was weak in the caecal wall (12 p. 100 of butyric acid absorption) and negligible in the colon wall. VFA are absorbed entirely in ionized form when caecal PH attains 7.5 in fasted rats. Special mechanism for caecal absorption should therefore be considered, perhaps linked with the large sodium transport in the caecum. 7. The relatively high VFA concentrations measured in the portal vein suggested that they are important in the digestive processes.", "PMID": 984713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1071", "title": "Sub-clinical swine fever: a survey of neutralizing antibodies in ther sera of pigs from herds having reproductive failures.", "content": "Sera harvested from breeding farms where reproductive failures were observed but where swine fever vaccination was not carried out, where tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies specific for swine fever virus. Neutralization tests were performed in tissue culture using two viruses strains: the american serological variant \"331\" strain isolated by MENGELING (1969) and the virulent \"normal strain\" Alfort. For comparison, sera harvested from healthy, vaccinated and unvaccinated breeding farms were also tested. Results show absence of antibodies against these two strains in healthy and unvaccinated animals. All sera harvested from healthy and vaccinated breeding farms have high levels of neutralizing activity against the two strains. From 1,251 harvested unvaccinated breeding farms have reproductive failures, 6.2 p. 100 had neutralizing antibodies against the \"Alfort\" strain and 17.1 p. 100 contained neutralizing antibodies against the \"331\" strain. In 87 out of these 189 breeding farms, positive serological reactions were observed. Considering the respective intensity of neutralizing activity against the two strains , the vaccination with live virus vaccines (\"Chinese strain\" or \"Thiverval\" strain) induces high levels of antibodies but a higher titer against \"Alfort\" strain. Inversely, low virulent strains responsible for sub-clinical swine fever induce low or moderate levels against the \"331\" strain and nil or low levels against the \"Alfort\" strain. These results suggest that low virulent strains having common antigenic properties with the serological variant \"331\" strain are circulating among pigs in unvaccinated breeding farms having reproductive failures. These features are important for future development and establishment of routine serological checking for diagnosis and herd testing.", "contents": "Sub-clinical swine fever: a survey of neutralizing antibodies in ther sera of pigs from herds having reproductive failures. Sera harvested from breeding farms where reproductive failures were observed but where swine fever vaccination was not carried out, where tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies specific for swine fever virus. Neutralization tests were performed in tissue culture using two viruses strains: the american serological variant \"331\" strain isolated by MENGELING (1969) and the virulent \"normal strain\" Alfort. For comparison, sera harvested from healthy, vaccinated and unvaccinated breeding farms were also tested. Results show absence of antibodies against these two strains in healthy and unvaccinated animals. All sera harvested from healthy and vaccinated breeding farms have high levels of neutralizing activity against the two strains. From 1,251 harvested unvaccinated breeding farms have reproductive failures, 6.2 p. 100 had neutralizing antibodies against the \"Alfort\" strain and 17.1 p. 100 contained neutralizing antibodies against the \"331\" strain. In 87 out of these 189 breeding farms, positive serological reactions were observed. Considering the respective intensity of neutralizing activity against the two strains , the vaccination with live virus vaccines (\"Chinese strain\" or \"Thiverval\" strain) induces high levels of antibodies but a higher titer against \"Alfort\" strain. Inversely, low virulent strains responsible for sub-clinical swine fever induce low or moderate levels against the \"331\" strain and nil or low levels against the \"Alfort\" strain. These results suggest that low virulent strains having common antigenic properties with the serological variant \"331\" strain are circulating among pigs in unvaccinated breeding farms having reproductive failures. These features are important for future development and establishment of routine serological checking for diagnosis and herd testing.", "PMID": 984714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1072", "title": "Vaccination against bovine brucellosis with a low dose of strain 19 administered by the conjunctival route. III. -- Serological response and immunity in the pregnant cow.", "content": "Seventy-four heifers, 7 to 12 months old, were randomized in four groups: group A, 8 heifers as controls; group B, 19 heifers vaccinated subcutaneously with 9 X 10(10) Brucella abortus strain B 19; group C, 19 heifers vaccinated as in group B, then revaccinated by the conjunctival route 6 to 8 months later with 5 X 10(9) bacteria; group D, 28 heifers vaccinated twice by the conjunctival route with the same dose and time intervals as in group C. Serological responses in agglutination, complement fixation and Rose Bengal tests were typical of those following standard vaccination with Strain B 19 in group B. Iu group C after the booster vaccination, there was a transient rise in titers which lasted about 3 months. Iu group D, titers were infrequent, low, and lasted no more than 8 weeks, after both primary and secondary vaccination. Fifty of the heifers, when 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 months pregnant, were challenged by the conjunctival route, with 16 X 10(6) B. abortus strain 544. Calves were born at full term (greater than or equal to 264 days) to 1/7 heifers in group A, 6/12 in group B, 8/II in group C and 14/19 in group D. Serological tests every two weeks after challenge; bacteriological examination of vaginal mucus, colostrum, foetuses and dead calves; bacterial enumeration of ten mixed samples of lymph nodes and organs taken at slaughter about 6 weeks after parturition, were made to determine the infection status of the heifers. Brucella was isolated at some time from 7/7 heifers in group A, II/I2 in group B, 6/I2 in group C and I4/I9 in group D. Five heifers (2 in B, I in C, 2 in D) cleared themselves of infection between parturition and slaughter, The average degree of infection per group at slaughter, expressed as a logarithmic index of the number of Brucella isolated from the ten samples, was significantly lower in the three vaccinated groups than in the controls, and in groups C and D than in groups B, and it was not significantly different in group C and D. For field vaccination, a booster vaccination by the conjunctival route, as in group C, would provide more protection than the standard vaccination without serious interference in routine diagnostic tests. Two vaccinations by the conjunctival route, as in group D, would be simpler, more economical and at least as effective as the standard system of vaccination, and would have the advantage that vaccination could be done at nay age without risk of serological response.", "contents": "Vaccination against bovine brucellosis with a low dose of strain 19 administered by the conjunctival route. III. -- Serological response and immunity in the pregnant cow. Seventy-four heifers, 7 to 12 months old, were randomized in four groups: group A, 8 heifers as controls; group B, 19 heifers vaccinated subcutaneously with 9 X 10(10) Brucella abortus strain B 19; group C, 19 heifers vaccinated as in group B, then revaccinated by the conjunctival route 6 to 8 months later with 5 X 10(9) bacteria; group D, 28 heifers vaccinated twice by the conjunctival route with the same dose and time intervals as in group C. Serological responses in agglutination, complement fixation and Rose Bengal tests were typical of those following standard vaccination with Strain B 19 in group B. Iu group C after the booster vaccination, there was a transient rise in titers which lasted about 3 months. Iu group D, titers were infrequent, low, and lasted no more than 8 weeks, after both primary and secondary vaccination. Fifty of the heifers, when 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 months pregnant, were challenged by the conjunctival route, with 16 X 10(6) B. abortus strain 544. Calves were born at full term (greater than or equal to 264 days) to 1/7 heifers in group A, 6/12 in group B, 8/II in group C and 14/19 in group D. Serological tests every two weeks after challenge; bacteriological examination of vaginal mucus, colostrum, foetuses and dead calves; bacterial enumeration of ten mixed samples of lymph nodes and organs taken at slaughter about 6 weeks after parturition, were made to determine the infection status of the heifers. Brucella was isolated at some time from 7/7 heifers in group A, II/I2 in group B, 6/I2 in group C and I4/I9 in group D. Five heifers (2 in B, I in C, 2 in D) cleared themselves of infection between parturition and slaughter, The average degree of infection per group at slaughter, expressed as a logarithmic index of the number of Brucella isolated from the ten samples, was significantly lower in the three vaccinated groups than in the controls, and in groups C and D than in groups B, and it was not significantly different in group C and D. For field vaccination, a booster vaccination by the conjunctival route, as in group C, would provide more protection than the standard vaccination without serious interference in routine diagnostic tests. Two vaccinations by the conjunctival route, as in group D, would be simpler, more economical and at least as effective as the standard system of vaccination, and would have the advantage that vaccination could be done at nay age without risk of serological response.", "PMID": 984715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1073", "title": "In vitro transformation of ochratoxin A by animal microbioal floras.", "content": "Ochratoxin A is hydrolysed to ochratoxin alpha by the centrifugal pellet of rat caecal contents containing the microbial flora. The supernatant liquid is however, completely lacking in detoxifying enzymatic activity. The large proportion of toxin lost suggest that degradation of the active principe to non-fluorescent metabolites occurs. The rumen fluid of cows and sheep obtained at a slaughterhouse can hydrolyse the toxin and also, in certain cases, esterifies it to the equally toxic ochratoxin C. Cow rumen fluid obtained by oesophageal sounding does not have the latter activity but hydrolyses more intensively ochratoxin A. In this case the fraction responsible for this transformation contains mainly protozoa.", "contents": "In vitro transformation of ochratoxin A by animal microbioal floras. Ochratoxin A is hydrolysed to ochratoxin alpha by the centrifugal pellet of rat caecal contents containing the microbial flora. The supernatant liquid is however, completely lacking in detoxifying enzymatic activity. The large proportion of toxin lost suggest that degradation of the active principe to non-fluorescent metabolites occurs. The rumen fluid of cows and sheep obtained at a slaughterhouse can hydrolyse the toxin and also, in certain cases, esterifies it to the equally toxic ochratoxin C. Cow rumen fluid obtained by oesophageal sounding does not have the latter activity but hydrolyses more intensively ochratoxin A. In this case the fraction responsible for this transformation contains mainly protozoa.", "PMID": 984716} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1074", "title": "New systems for dental maturity based on seven and four teeth.", "content": "An updated system for estimating dental maturity is presented. It extends the original system (Demirjian et al., 1973) based on radiographs of 7 teeth by including two extra stages, and by enlarging the standardizing sample to include 2407 boys and 2349 girls. Percentile standards from ages 2-5 to 17-0 years are presented separately for boys and girls. Scoring systems and percentile standards are presented for two different sets of 4 teeth and a comparison of all three systems is made. It is suggested that these systems may measure somewhat different aspects of dental maturity.", "contents": "New systems for dental maturity based on seven and four teeth. An updated system for estimating dental maturity is presented. It extends the original system (Demirjian et al., 1973) based on radiographs of 7 teeth by including two extra stages, and by enlarging the standardizing sample to include 2407 boys and 2349 girls. Percentile standards from ages 2-5 to 17-0 years are presented separately for boys and girls. Scoring systems and percentile standards are presented for two different sets of 4 teeth and a comparison of all three systems is made. It is suggested that these systems may measure somewhat different aspects of dental maturity.", "PMID": 984727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1075", "title": "Effect of family size and mother's longevity.", "content": "A prospective study of the mother's longevity and of her completed family size has been conducted on the basis of historical demographic records. We show that 1 to 5 pregnancies is associated with the greatest longevity in weakly inbred women and 11 pregnancies is associated with greatest longevity in more inbred women. Taking into account maternal inbreeding, completely sterile women and those who had a large number of pregnancies have an equal mean longevity. It is suggested that repeated pregnancies produce a cumulative hormonal effect, the distribution of which, following family size, should be bell-shaped.", "contents": "Effect of family size and mother's longevity. A prospective study of the mother's longevity and of her completed family size has been conducted on the basis of historical demographic records. We show that 1 to 5 pregnancies is associated with the greatest longevity in weakly inbred women and 11 pregnancies is associated with greatest longevity in more inbred women. Taking into account maternal inbreeding, completely sterile women and those who had a large number of pregnancies have an equal mean longevity. It is suggested that repeated pregnancies produce a cumulative hormonal effect, the distribution of which, following family size, should be bell-shaped.", "PMID": 984728} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1076", "title": "Androgyny of physique in female track and field athletes.", "content": "Androgyny scores (3 x biacromial breadth - bicristal breadth) were calculated for 66 female track and field five event categories and 76 female non-athletes. Runners (distance and sprinters) did not differ significantly from the non-athletes in androgyny. However, jumpers, discus/javelin throwers, and shotputters were significantly more androgynous in physique. Androgyny scores for participants in jumping and throwing events overlapped considerably those for college-age males.", "contents": "Androgyny of physique in female track and field athletes. Androgyny scores (3 x biacromial breadth - bicristal breadth) were calculated for 66 female track and field five event categories and 76 female non-athletes. Runners (distance and sprinters) did not differ significantly from the non-athletes in androgyny. However, jumpers, discus/javelin throwers, and shotputters were significantly more androgynous in physique. Androgyny scores for participants in jumping and throwing events overlapped considerably those for college-age males.", "PMID": 984729} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1077", "title": "An assessment of a stereophotogrammetric technique for the study of facial morphology in the child.", "content": "An assessment has been made of a stereophotogrammetric technique (Beard and Burke, 1967) for measuring and contouring the face. Its contouring capabilities depend on the skin surface texture of the subject. Adults have good skin texture and accurate contours can be drawn. Young children cannot be contoured satisfactorily because they lack adequate skin texture, and only linear measurements can be obtained with precision. The disadvantage of incomplete facial coverage was eliminated by using a pair of oblique exposures instead of the conventional frontal exposure. The need for mechanical head positioning was avoided by use of a sighting device incorporated in the system to orientate each exposure to a common datum.", "contents": "An assessment of a stereophotogrammetric technique for the study of facial morphology in the child. An assessment has been made of a stereophotogrammetric technique (Beard and Burke, 1967) for measuring and contouring the face. Its contouring capabilities depend on the skin surface texture of the subject. Adults have good skin texture and accurate contours can be drawn. Young children cannot be contoured satisfactorily because they lack adequate skin texture, and only linear measurements can be obtained with precision. The disadvantage of incomplete facial coverage was eliminated by using a pair of oblique exposures instead of the conventional frontal exposure. The need for mechanical head positioning was avoided by use of a sighting device incorporated in the system to orientate each exposure to a common datum.", "PMID": 984730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1078", "title": "[Lymphocytes HLA antigens expressivity after neuraminidase treatment (author's transl)].", "content": "Neuraminidase treatment of lymphoid cells increases the cytotoxic action of antibodies and complement on these cells. We have studied the action of 25 human alloantisera on lymphocytes of 26 healthy subjects by the Trypan blue lymphocytotoxicity technic, before and after neuraminidase treatment of cells. The results show, as a rule, an increased cytotoxicity of sera, with a higher titer and/or a more important number of positive cells. In some sera a specific cytotoxic activity is found only with neuraminidase treated cells. The antibodies often reveal an anti-HLA specificity: that specificity was previously known in the serum or, in several cases, has been found only with neuraminidase treated cells. But in some cases the new specificity does not seem to be related to the HLA system. Different hypotheses are discussed in order to explain these results and the action of neuraminidase on membranes; lastly, applications of our neuraminidase treatment method to practical problems are presented.", "contents": "[Lymphocytes HLA antigens expressivity after neuraminidase treatment (author's transl)]. Neuraminidase treatment of lymphoid cells increases the cytotoxic action of antibodies and complement on these cells. We have studied the action of 25 human alloantisera on lymphocytes of 26 healthy subjects by the Trypan blue lymphocytotoxicity technic, before and after neuraminidase treatment of cells. The results show, as a rule, an increased cytotoxicity of sera, with a higher titer and/or a more important number of positive cells. In some sera a specific cytotoxic activity is found only with neuraminidase treated cells. The antibodies often reveal an anti-HLA specificity: that specificity was previously known in the serum or, in several cases, has been found only with neuraminidase treated cells. But in some cases the new specificity does not seem to be related to the HLA system. Different hypotheses are discussed in order to explain these results and the action of neuraminidase on membranes; lastly, applications of our neuraminidase treatment method to practical problems are presented.", "PMID": 984732} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1079", "title": "[Relationship between temperatures behavior following short-term exposure of fingers to heat and cold and various anthropometric index values. Contribution on the problem of temperature regulation in man].", "content": "On a sample of n=201 male students between 18 and 30 years cold resp. heat tolerance tests were carried out in order to examine, how far correlations to anthropometric traits are present. No correlation between body height and heat resp. cold tolerance were found. Against that body weight, ROHRER-Index, subcutaneous fat tissue, weight/surface-ratio and surface/weight-ratio showed marked correlations with variations in body temperature. Particularly in the cold tolerance test more heavy and fatty individuals were characterist by a greater ability to store body heat as the decrease of temperature in them was obviously lower. The anthropological significance of these observations is discussed.", "contents": "[Relationship between temperatures behavior following short-term exposure of fingers to heat and cold and various anthropometric index values. Contribution on the problem of temperature regulation in man]. On a sample of n=201 male students between 18 and 30 years cold resp. heat tolerance tests were carried out in order to examine, how far correlations to anthropometric traits are present. No correlation between body height and heat resp. cold tolerance were found. Against that body weight, ROHRER-Index, subcutaneous fat tissue, weight/surface-ratio and surface/weight-ratio showed marked correlations with variations in body temperature. Particularly in the cold tolerance test more heavy and fatty individuals were characterist by a greater ability to store body heat as the decrease of temperature in them was obviously lower. The anthropological significance of these observations is discussed.", "PMID": 984737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1080", "title": "The complete sequence of the murine monoclonal immunoglobulin MOPC 173 (IgG2a): genetic implications.", "content": "The complete amino acid sequence of the murine monoclonal immunoglobulin MOPC 173 (IgG2a, kappa) is reported. The heavy chain contains 447 amino-acid residues, and one carbohydrate prosthetic group attached to the ASX residue 299. The kappa light chain is composed of 214 residues. The H chains are covalently linked by 3 interchain disulfide bridges. The H-L bond-forming cysteine of the H chain is between the VH and the CH1 domain. Intrachain bridges are disposed linearly, according to the classical model. There is no simple relationship between the primary structure and any given function of a particular domain. This is presumably due to the fact that the selection pressure exerts itself on the three-dimensional structure which may retain a conserved general organization as a result of balanced multiple mutations. Selection seems to act in two ways: --horizontally, in a multigene system such as the immunoglobulin classes (C domains of the heavy chains), leading to interclass homologies which are particularly marked for all the COOH-terminal domains of H and L chains which have, in addition a fair degree of homology with human beta2 microglobulin (about 30% identities); --vertically, in which case strictly homologous domains appear extremely conserved between distinct animal species. Conservation of the VH domains seems just as high as conservation of the CH domains. The VH region contains 3 types of positions: invariant and subgroup characteristic (\"framework\") which may be accounted for by a rather small number of germ-line genes, and hypervariable for which the origin of diversity, somatic or germinal, cannot be decided from sequence data alone. Murine VK domains, although basically built according to the same pattern, show a much more marked polymorphism of the framework, which might necessitate a higher number of basic germ-line genes. Finally, a hypothetical model of the switch mechanism is proposed. Rotational symmetry regions can be deduced at the DNA level from the known amino acid sequences of the switch peptides for the three translocational systems: H, kappa and lambda. These would provide recognition signals for restriction-like enzymes such as those which operate in prokaryotes. An implication of this model is the definition of an exact limit between the V and the C regions of all immunoglobulin chains.", "contents": "The complete sequence of the murine monoclonal immunoglobulin MOPC 173 (IgG2a): genetic implications. The complete amino acid sequence of the murine monoclonal immunoglobulin MOPC 173 (IgG2a, kappa) is reported. The heavy chain contains 447 amino-acid residues, and one carbohydrate prosthetic group attached to the ASX residue 299. The kappa light chain is composed of 214 residues. The H chains are covalently linked by 3 interchain disulfide bridges. The H-L bond-forming cysteine of the H chain is between the VH and the CH1 domain. Intrachain bridges are disposed linearly, according to the classical model. There is no simple relationship between the primary structure and any given function of a particular domain. This is presumably due to the fact that the selection pressure exerts itself on the three-dimensional structure which may retain a conserved general organization as a result of balanced multiple mutations. Selection seems to act in two ways: --horizontally, in a multigene system such as the immunoglobulin classes (C domains of the heavy chains), leading to interclass homologies which are particularly marked for all the COOH-terminal domains of H and L chains which have, in addition a fair degree of homology with human beta2 microglobulin (about 30% identities); --vertically, in which case strictly homologous domains appear extremely conserved between distinct animal species. Conservation of the VH domains seems just as high as conservation of the CH domains. The VH region contains 3 types of positions: invariant and subgroup characteristic (\"framework\") which may be accounted for by a rather small number of germ-line genes, and hypervariable for which the origin of diversity, somatic or germinal, cannot be decided from sequence data alone. Murine VK domains, although basically built according to the same pattern, show a much more marked polymorphism of the framework, which might necessitate a higher number of basic germ-line genes. Finally, a hypothetical model of the switch mechanism is proposed. Rotational symmetry regions can be deduced at the DNA level from the known amino acid sequences of the switch peptides for the three translocational systems: H, kappa and lambda. These would provide recognition signals for restriction-like enzymes such as those which operate in prokaryotes. An implication of this model is the definition of an exact limit between the V and the C regions of all immunoglobulin chains.", "PMID": 984731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1081", "title": "A selective theory for the epigenetic specification of the monospecific antibody production in single cell lines.", "content": "A new selective theory for the specification of the antibody production is presented. It is grounded on the following postulates: (a) the antigen stimulus triggers the synthesis of antibodies having a wide variety of specificities in a given immunocompetent cell and its progeny; (b) only these antibodies having affinity for the antigen have their synthesis stabilized, and competition between the diverse syntheses will favor the antibodies having the highest affinity; (c) there existes a threshold synthesis such that when the production of an antibody becomes lower than the threshold, it will go to zero. As a consequence, one should observe, immediately after the antigen stimulus, the transient appearance of a large number of seemingly unspecific immunoglobulins, followed by specific antibodies. The apparent binding constant of these antibodies should also increase during the specification period. Besides, one should observe a small, but detectable amount of self antibodies during the early period of specification. Finally, in the presence of several antigens, one should find cells which appear to produce antibodies against several antigens during a transient period.", "contents": "A selective theory for the epigenetic specification of the monospecific antibody production in single cell lines. A new selective theory for the specification of the antibody production is presented. It is grounded on the following postulates: (a) the antigen stimulus triggers the synthesis of antibodies having a wide variety of specificities in a given immunocompetent cell and its progeny; (b) only these antibodies having affinity for the antigen have their synthesis stabilized, and competition between the diverse syntheses will favor the antibodies having the highest affinity; (c) there existes a threshold synthesis such that when the production of an antibody becomes lower than the threshold, it will go to zero. As a consequence, one should observe, immediately after the antigen stimulus, the transient appearance of a large number of seemingly unspecific immunoglobulins, followed by specific antibodies. The apparent binding constant of these antibodies should also increase during the specification period. Besides, one should observe a small, but detectable amount of self antibodies during the early period of specification. Finally, in the presence of several antigens, one should find cells which appear to produce antibodies against several antigens during a transient period.", "PMID": 984733} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1082", "title": "[Pilometric methods-contributions and critical aspects].", "content": "On the basis of 13,000 single-hair-measurements and their statistical data a sample-size of 100 hair-measurements could be proved as an absolute minimum for the determination of the individual hair-thickness. If the standard deviation of a hair sample exceeds 15 mu its size should be increased accordingly. All the individual determinations of hair-thickness basing on samples consisting of less than 100 single hairs will lead to false results. In order to test if the measurements of hair-cross-section and of longitudinal top plan view result in approximately equal, constant, individual means, one part of the hairs of each of the samples was measured according to the cross-section, the other part according to the longitudinal method; into more than 10,000 single hairs thus have been studied. The means of the corresponding samples are within the expected confidence intervals. There exists consequently no difference between the results of the two measuring methods. Nevertheless both procedures require at least measurements of 100 unselected single hairs per sample in order to obtain individual representative means. Practicability of direct square-measurements and indirect calculation methods are shown, their advantages as well as their disadvantages discussed. Attention is drawn to much more correct calculation formula.", "contents": "[Pilometric methods-contributions and critical aspects]. On the basis of 13,000 single-hair-measurements and their statistical data a sample-size of 100 hair-measurements could be proved as an absolute minimum for the determination of the individual hair-thickness. If the standard deviation of a hair sample exceeds 15 mu its size should be increased accordingly. All the individual determinations of hair-thickness basing on samples consisting of less than 100 single hairs will lead to false results. In order to test if the measurements of hair-cross-section and of longitudinal top plan view result in approximately equal, constant, individual means, one part of the hairs of each of the samples was measured according to the cross-section, the other part according to the longitudinal method; into more than 10,000 single hairs thus have been studied. The means of the corresponding samples are within the expected confidence intervals. There exists consequently no difference between the results of the two measuring methods. Nevertheless both procedures require at least measurements of 100 unselected single hairs per sample in order to obtain individual representative means. Practicability of direct square-measurements and indirect calculation methods are shown, their advantages as well as their disadvantages discussed. Attention is drawn to much more correct calculation formula.", "PMID": 984740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1083", "title": "Beta-lactamase activity in anaerobic bacteria.", "content": "A diverse group of anaerobic bacteria representing a spectrum of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics was studied to characterize their beta-lactamase activity and relate it to resistance. The Bacteroides fragilis organisms had moderate resistance and produced a cephalosporinase with low activity. The Clostridium ramosum was intermediate in resistance and had intermediate, inducible beta-lactamase activity. The B. clostridiiformis organism was highly resistant, produced a potent inducible penicillinase, and had a barrier to the penicillin substrates. Only the beta-lactamase of C. ramosum fit Richmond's classification (class IV). Although there was a rough correlation between beta-lactamase activity and antibiotic resistance, other mechanisms are undoubtedly involved in determining resistance levels.", "contents": "Beta-lactamase activity in anaerobic bacteria. A diverse group of anaerobic bacteria representing a spectrum of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics was studied to characterize their beta-lactamase activity and relate it to resistance. The Bacteroides fragilis organisms had moderate resistance and produced a cephalosporinase with low activity. The Clostridium ramosum was intermediate in resistance and had intermediate, inducible beta-lactamase activity. The B. clostridiiformis organism was highly resistant, produced a potent inducible penicillinase, and had a barrier to the penicillin substrates. Only the beta-lactamase of C. ramosum fit Richmond's classification (class IV). Although there was a rough correlation between beta-lactamase activity and antibiotic resistance, other mechanisms are undoubtedly involved in determining resistance levels.", "PMID": 984742} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1084", "title": "Susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria with 100-microg carbenicillin disks.", "content": "A total of 245 strains of anaerobic bacteria were examined for their susceptibility to carbenicillin by the disk test method and by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations. Standard-curve studies with a strain of Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis that was minimally susceptible to carbenicillin and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) demonstrated that a disk containing 100 mug of carbenicillin was suitable for testing susceptibility of anaerobes to carbenicillin. Thus, the diameter of zones around the 100-mug carbenicillin disks and MIC values were determined under the following test conditions: Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with sheep blood, vitamin K(1), and hemin; an incubation temperature of 35 C; and an atmosphere of 80% N(2), 10% H(2), and 10% CO(2). The strains were separated into two populations by correlating zone diameters and geometric mean MICs. The disk test more clearly separated the resistant and susceptible populations and was more reproducible than the MIC test. Thus, a statistical analysis based on the distribution of zone diameters of susceptible and resistant strains was used to derive an interpretive scheme for anaerobic bacteria tested with 100-mug carbenicillin disks. The following interpretive scheme is recommended for testing anaerobes with 100-mug disks of carbenicillin: resistant, 8 mm or less; indeterminate, 9 to 12 mm; and susceptible, 13 mm or greater.", "contents": "Susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria with 100-microg carbenicillin disks. A total of 245 strains of anaerobic bacteria were examined for their susceptibility to carbenicillin by the disk test method and by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations. Standard-curve studies with a strain of Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis that was minimally susceptible to carbenicillin and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) demonstrated that a disk containing 100 mug of carbenicillin was suitable for testing susceptibility of anaerobes to carbenicillin. Thus, the diameter of zones around the 100-mug carbenicillin disks and MIC values were determined under the following test conditions: Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with sheep blood, vitamin K(1), and hemin; an incubation temperature of 35 C; and an atmosphere of 80% N(2), 10% H(2), and 10% CO(2). The strains were separated into two populations by correlating zone diameters and geometric mean MICs. The disk test more clearly separated the resistant and susceptible populations and was more reproducible than the MIC test. Thus, a statistical analysis based on the distribution of zone diameters of susceptible and resistant strains was used to derive an interpretive scheme for anaerobic bacteria tested with 100-mug carbenicillin disks. The following interpretive scheme is recommended for testing anaerobes with 100-mug disks of carbenicillin: resistant, 8 mm or less; indeterminate, 9 to 12 mm; and susceptible, 13 mm or greater.", "PMID": 984743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1085", "title": "Antimicrobial susceptibility of group B streptococci isolated from a variety of clinical sources.", "content": "The minimal inhibitory concentration of 10 antibiotics for 244 isolates of group B streptococci was determined. Susceptibility to penicillin G, ampicillin, cephalothin, chloramphenicol, and carbenicillin was uniform. Tetracycline and bacitracin resistance among these isolates was frequent (87.5 and 97.9%, respectively). Three strains (1.2%) failed to be inhibited by 100 mug of lincomycin or clindamycin per ml. Susceptibility of these 244 strains to the agents tested was unrelated to source of the isolate, year of isolation, or strain serotype. No apparent change in the suceptibility of group B streptococci to penicillin G has occurred during the past 2 decades.", "contents": "Antimicrobial susceptibility of group B streptococci isolated from a variety of clinical sources. The minimal inhibitory concentration of 10 antibiotics for 244 isolates of group B streptococci was determined. Susceptibility to penicillin G, ampicillin, cephalothin, chloramphenicol, and carbenicillin was uniform. Tetracycline and bacitracin resistance among these isolates was frequent (87.5 and 97.9%, respectively). Three strains (1.2%) failed to be inhibited by 100 mug of lincomycin or clindamycin per ml. Susceptibility of these 244 strains to the agents tested was unrelated to source of the isolate, year of isolation, or strain serotype. No apparent change in the suceptibility of group B streptococci to penicillin G has occurred during the past 2 decades.", "PMID": 984744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1086", "title": "Laboratory evaluation of 3-(5-tetrazolyl) penam, a new semisynthetic beta-lactam antibacterial agent with extended broad-spectrum activity.", "content": "In the new agent 3-(5-tetrazolyl)penam, hereafter referred to as CP-35,587, the carboxyl function at C3 in the penicillin nucleus has been replaced with the 5-tetrazolyl moiety. Marked changes in spectrum and resistance to gram-negative beta-lactamases, particularly with regard to Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, were conferred by this modification. The anti-Klebsiella activity clearly distinguishes the antibacterial spectrum of CP-35,587 from any known broad-spectrum penicillin. Compared to orally active cephalosporins, the spectrum advantage of CP-35,587 encompasses Enterobacter, Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter, Providencia, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus faecalis, both in vitro and in murine infections produced by many of the above-named microorganisms. Thus, CP-35,587 combines and extends the antibacterial activity of broad-spectrum penicillins and orally active cephalosporins.", "contents": "Laboratory evaluation of 3-(5-tetrazolyl) penam, a new semisynthetic beta-lactam antibacterial agent with extended broad-spectrum activity. In the new agent 3-(5-tetrazolyl)penam, hereafter referred to as CP-35,587, the carboxyl function at C3 in the penicillin nucleus has been replaced with the 5-tetrazolyl moiety. Marked changes in spectrum and resistance to gram-negative beta-lactamases, particularly with regard to Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, were conferred by this modification. The anti-Klebsiella activity clearly distinguishes the antibacterial spectrum of CP-35,587 from any known broad-spectrum penicillin. Compared to orally active cephalosporins, the spectrum advantage of CP-35,587 encompasses Enterobacter, Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter, Providencia, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus faecalis, both in vitro and in murine infections produced by many of the above-named microorganisms. Thus, CP-35,587 combines and extends the antibacterial activity of broad-spectrum penicillins and orally active cephalosporins.", "PMID": 984745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1087", "title": "Antiviral and interferon-inducing activity of a new glutarimide antibiotic, 9-methylstreptimidone.", "content": "The antiviral effect of 9-methylstreptimidone (9-MS) was examined in mice infected with mouse-adapted influenza A(2) (H(2)N(2)) virus. Both a single and continuous prophylactic administration of 9-MS protected mice from virus infection, and comparison between the minimal effective and the 50% lethal dose gave a therapeutic index of 60. When the treatment was started after infection, however, no antiviral effect was demonstrated. After a single intraperitoneal administration of 9-MS, a highly potent virus-inhibitory factor was detected in the lungs (10 h later) and the sera (16 h later) of uninfected mice, which was assumed to be an interferon on the basis of the biological characteristics. These results suggest that the protective activity of the antibiotic is due to interferon induction in mice.", "contents": "Antiviral and interferon-inducing activity of a new glutarimide antibiotic, 9-methylstreptimidone. The antiviral effect of 9-methylstreptimidone (9-MS) was examined in mice infected with mouse-adapted influenza A(2) (H(2)N(2)) virus. Both a single and continuous prophylactic administration of 9-MS protected mice from virus infection, and comparison between the minimal effective and the 50% lethal dose gave a therapeutic index of 60. When the treatment was started after infection, however, no antiviral effect was demonstrated. After a single intraperitoneal administration of 9-MS, a highly potent virus-inhibitory factor was detected in the lungs (10 h later) and the sera (16 h later) of uninfected mice, which was assumed to be an interferon on the basis of the biological characteristics. These results suggest that the protective activity of the antibiotic is due to interferon induction in mice.", "PMID": 984746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1088", "title": "In vitro antimicrobial activity of cinoxacin against 2,968 clinical bacterial isolates.", "content": "Cinoxacin demonstrated effective in vitro antimicrobial activity against the Enterobacteriaceae, but negligible activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and gram-positive cocci. The activity of cinoxacin was slightly greater than that of nalidixic acid.", "contents": "In vitro antimicrobial activity of cinoxacin against 2,968 clinical bacterial isolates. Cinoxacin demonstrated effective in vitro antimicrobial activity against the Enterobacteriaceae, but negligible activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and gram-positive cocci. The activity of cinoxacin was slightly greater than that of nalidixic acid.", "PMID": 984747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1089", "title": "Acute diffuse interstitial nephritis related to chemotherapy of tuberculosis.", "content": "Acute renal insufficiency developed in three patients receiving chemotherapy for tuberculosis. It is proposed that acute diffuse interstitial nephritis related to the drugs was responsible for the renal injury. Recovery of renal function was slow and incomplete. Physicians administering chemotherapy to patients with tuberculosis must be aware of the potential nephrotoxicity of the common treatment regimens.", "contents": "Acute diffuse interstitial nephritis related to chemotherapy of tuberculosis. Acute renal insufficiency developed in three patients receiving chemotherapy for tuberculosis. It is proposed that acute diffuse interstitial nephritis related to the drugs was responsible for the renal injury. Recovery of renal function was slow and incomplete. Physicians administering chemotherapy to patients with tuberculosis must be aware of the potential nephrotoxicity of the common treatment regimens.", "PMID": 984748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1090", "title": "Triple crossover study on absorption and excretion of ampicillin, talampicillin, and amoxycillin.", "content": "Talampicillin and amoxycillin were shown to be absorbed twice as well as ampicillin in a triple crossover experiment.", "contents": "Triple crossover study on absorption and excretion of ampicillin, talampicillin, and amoxycillin. Talampicillin and amoxycillin were shown to be absorbed twice as well as ampicillin in a triple crossover experiment.", "PMID": 984749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1091", "title": "Photoinactivation of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus mediated by tetracyclines.", "content": "Demethylchlortetracycline and, to a lesser extent, chlortetracycline were found to mediate the in vitro photoinactivation of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus.", "contents": "Photoinactivation of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus mediated by tetracyclines. Demethylchlortetracycline and, to a lesser extent, chlortetracycline were found to mediate the in vitro photoinactivation of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus.", "PMID": 984750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1092", "title": "Inhibition of L5178Y cells in culture by methotrexate and antibiotics.", "content": "Methotrexate, tetracycline, gentamicin, streptomycin, and penicillin inhibited the growth of L5178Y murine leukemia cells in culture with I(50) (concentration of drug that caused a 50% inhibition of growth at 72 h) values of 0.0028 mug/ml (6.2 x 10(-9) M), 7.9 mug/ml, 200 mug/ml, 1,700 mug/ml, and 3,000 mug/ml (5,000 U/ml), respectively. At concentrations achieved clinically or utilized in the laboratory, the antibiotics did not alter the I(50) of methotrexate.", "contents": "Inhibition of L5178Y cells in culture by methotrexate and antibiotics. Methotrexate, tetracycline, gentamicin, streptomycin, and penicillin inhibited the growth of L5178Y murine leukemia cells in culture with I(50) (concentration of drug that caused a 50% inhibition of growth at 72 h) values of 0.0028 mug/ml (6.2 x 10(-9) M), 7.9 mug/ml, 200 mug/ml, 1,700 mug/ml, and 3,000 mug/ml (5,000 U/ml), respectively. At concentrations achieved clinically or utilized in the laboratory, the antibiotics did not alter the I(50) of methotrexate.", "PMID": 984751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1093", "title": "In vitro activity of josamycin and rosamicin against Bacteroides fragilis compared with clindamycin, erythromycin, and metronidazole.", "content": "The inhibitory and bactericidal activities of josamycin and rosamicin against 29 clinical isolates of Bacteroides fragilis were compared with those of clindamycin, erythromycin, and metronidazole by a broth dilution technique. Josamycin and rosamicin had similar inhibitory activity to metronidazole and clindamycin. Rosamicin had similar bactericidal activity to clindamycin but was less bactericidal than metronidazole (the most bactericidal agent tested). Josamycin was slightly more bactericidal than erythromycin (the least bactericidal agent tested), but less so than rosamicin and clindamycin.", "contents": "In vitro activity of josamycin and rosamicin against Bacteroides fragilis compared with clindamycin, erythromycin, and metronidazole. The inhibitory and bactericidal activities of josamycin and rosamicin against 29 clinical isolates of Bacteroides fragilis were compared with those of clindamycin, erythromycin, and metronidazole by a broth dilution technique. Josamycin and rosamicin had similar inhibitory activity to metronidazole and clindamycin. Rosamicin had similar bactericidal activity to clindamycin but was less bactericidal than metronidazole (the most bactericidal agent tested). Josamycin was slightly more bactericidal than erythromycin (the least bactericidal agent tested), but less so than rosamicin and clindamycin.", "PMID": 984752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1094", "title": "Bioevaluation of the antibacterial flumequine for urinary tract use.", "content": "The antimicrobial activity of flumequine (R-802) was characterized by in vitro and in vivo procedures. Assay of the minimal inhibitory concentrations for 321 recent clinical isolates revealed that 88% of the gram-negative bacteria were inhibited by an R-802 concentration of 6.2 mug/ml or less. Cross-resistance in laboratory-derived mutants of Proteus vulgaris was essentially complete for R-802, nalidixic acid, and oxolinic acid, although quantitative differences were evident. R-802 was more effective than either of these quinolone antibacterials in preventing the development of experimental murine pyelonephritis (P. vulgaris). R-802 and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (1:5) were equally effective in resolving a P. mirabilis-induced prostatitis of rats.", "contents": "Bioevaluation of the antibacterial flumequine for urinary tract use. The antimicrobial activity of flumequine (R-802) was characterized by in vitro and in vivo procedures. Assay of the minimal inhibitory concentrations for 321 recent clinical isolates revealed that 88% of the gram-negative bacteria were inhibited by an R-802 concentration of 6.2 mug/ml or less. Cross-resistance in laboratory-derived mutants of Proteus vulgaris was essentially complete for R-802, nalidixic acid, and oxolinic acid, although quantitative differences were evident. R-802 was more effective than either of these quinolone antibacterials in preventing the development of experimental murine pyelonephritis (P. vulgaris). R-802 and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (1:5) were equally effective in resolving a P. mirabilis-induced prostatitis of rats.", "PMID": 984753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1095", "title": "Pharmacokinetic parameters of sisomicin.", "content": "Sisomicin in doses of 1 mg/kg was administered intramuscularly to 10 healthy volunteers, and 1 week later the same volunteers received sisomicin at the same dose intravenously. A peak serum concentration of sisomicin of 3.08 mug/ml was obtained 1 h after intramuscular injection, and a peak serum concentration of 7.12 mug/ml was achieved 30 min after a 30-min intravenous infusion. The sisomicin elimination data were analyzed according to a two-compartment model. Pharmacokinetic parameters derived from the intramuscular and intravenous studies were quite similar.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetic parameters of sisomicin. Sisomicin in doses of 1 mg/kg was administered intramuscularly to 10 healthy volunteers, and 1 week later the same volunteers received sisomicin at the same dose intravenously. A peak serum concentration of sisomicin of 3.08 mug/ml was obtained 1 h after intramuscular injection, and a peak serum concentration of 7.12 mug/ml was achieved 30 min after a 30-min intravenous infusion. The sisomicin elimination data were analyzed according to a two-compartment model. Pharmacokinetic parameters derived from the intramuscular and intravenous studies were quite similar.", "PMID": 984754} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1096", "title": "In vitro activity of gentamicin and minocycline alone and in combination against bacteria associated with intra-abdominal sepsis.", "content": "The minimal inhibitory concentrations of gentamicin and minocycline alone and in combination were determined by a broth microdilution method for 100 aerobic, facultative, and anaerobic isolates representative of pathogens recovered from patients with intra-abdominal sepsis. Gentamicin inhibited all strains of Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in concentrations of 0.4 to 3.1 mug/ml and all strains of Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis in concentrations of 0.8 to 12.5 mug/ml. Whereas minocycline did not consistently inhibit these organisms in concentrations of 1.6 mug or less/ml, it did act synergistically with gentamicin against 43% of the Enterobacteriaceae tested in clinically achievable concentrations; significant synergy was most common with E. coli (60%). Minocycline inhibited 62% of Bacteroides fragilis, 71% of Clostridium, 40% of anaerobic cocci, and 40% of enterococci tested in concentrations of 1.6 mug or less/ml. Whereas gentamicin rarely inhibited these organisms in concentrations of 6.2 mug or less/ml, it did act synergistically with minocycline against 20% of B. fragilis, 67% of Clostridium, 22% of anaerobic cocci, and 22% of enterococci (which had minimal inhibitory concentrations of minocycline within the range tested) at clinically achievable concentrations. Although only four (13%) of the 30 isolates resistant to both gentamicin and minocycline alone were inhibited by clinically achievable concentrations of the combination, the observed synergy, particularly against strains of E. coli, was considered to be of potential clinical usefulness. Antagonism between gentamicin and minocycline was not observed at the concentrations tested.", "contents": "In vitro activity of gentamicin and minocycline alone and in combination against bacteria associated with intra-abdominal sepsis. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of gentamicin and minocycline alone and in combination were determined by a broth microdilution method for 100 aerobic, facultative, and anaerobic isolates representative of pathogens recovered from patients with intra-abdominal sepsis. Gentamicin inhibited all strains of Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in concentrations of 0.4 to 3.1 mug/ml and all strains of Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis in concentrations of 0.8 to 12.5 mug/ml. Whereas minocycline did not consistently inhibit these organisms in concentrations of 1.6 mug or less/ml, it did act synergistically with gentamicin against 43% of the Enterobacteriaceae tested in clinically achievable concentrations; significant synergy was most common with E. coli (60%). Minocycline inhibited 62% of Bacteroides fragilis, 71% of Clostridium, 40% of anaerobic cocci, and 40% of enterococci tested in concentrations of 1.6 mug or less/ml. Whereas gentamicin rarely inhibited these organisms in concentrations of 6.2 mug or less/ml, it did act synergistically with minocycline against 20% of B. fragilis, 67% of Clostridium, 22% of anaerobic cocci, and 22% of enterococci (which had minimal inhibitory concentrations of minocycline within the range tested) at clinically achievable concentrations. Although only four (13%) of the 30 isolates resistant to both gentamicin and minocycline alone were inhibited by clinically achievable concentrations of the combination, the observed synergy, particularly against strains of E. coli, was considered to be of potential clinical usefulness. Antagonism between gentamicin and minocycline was not observed at the concentrations tested.", "PMID": 984755} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1097", "title": "Characterization and quantitation of experimental surgical-wound infections used to evaluate topical antibacterial agents.", "content": "Reproducible experimental surgical-wound infections in mice for use in the evaluation of topical antibacterial agents are described. The experimental would was created on the backs of mice by means of a midline incision and was infected by means of cotton sutures monocontaminated with Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The course of these wound infections was followed by quantitation of surface bacteria through use of a surface rinse technique. Surface wound counts of the infecting organisms thus obtained appeared to reflect the dynamics of the total wound count, as determined by homogenization of biopsied tissue. Treatment of infected wounds with a placebo cream had only a slight effect on surface wound counts and on mortality in the case of the S. aureus infection but enhanced markedly the lethality of the P. aeruginosa infection.", "contents": "Characterization and quantitation of experimental surgical-wound infections used to evaluate topical antibacterial agents. Reproducible experimental surgical-wound infections in mice for use in the evaluation of topical antibacterial agents are described. The experimental would was created on the backs of mice by means of a midline incision and was infected by means of cotton sutures monocontaminated with Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The course of these wound infections was followed by quantitation of surface bacteria through use of a surface rinse technique. Surface wound counts of the infecting organisms thus obtained appeared to reflect the dynamics of the total wound count, as determined by homogenization of biopsied tissue. Treatment of infected wounds with a placebo cream had only a slight effect on surface wound counts and on mortality in the case of the S. aureus infection but enhanced markedly the lethality of the P. aeruginosa infection.", "PMID": 984756} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1098", "title": "Responsiveness of experimental surgical-wound infections to topical chemotherapy.", "content": "Topical agents freshly formulated in a cream base vehicle as well as commercial topical preparations were used to evaluate in mice the responsiveness of experimental surgical wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa to chemotherapy. The responsiveness of the infections to therapy or the efficacy of a topical agent was assessed primarily by means of wound counts of the infecting organism before and after the employment of an immediate (prophylactic) or delayed (therapeutic) treatment regimen. From tests of several concentrations of an agent formulated in the vehicle, a median effective dose could be determined. In the case of the lethal P. aeruginosa infection, a median protective dose could be determined. Both infections were found to be quite susceptible to treatment with those topical agents that demonstrated good activity in vitro against the test organisms. The results of the investigation indicated that the model infections were suitable for the screening of potential topical agents in vivo.", "contents": "Responsiveness of experimental surgical-wound infections to topical chemotherapy. Topical agents freshly formulated in a cream base vehicle as well as commercial topical preparations were used to evaluate in mice the responsiveness of experimental surgical wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa to chemotherapy. The responsiveness of the infections to therapy or the efficacy of a topical agent was assessed primarily by means of wound counts of the infecting organism before and after the employment of an immediate (prophylactic) or delayed (therapeutic) treatment regimen. From tests of several concentrations of an agent formulated in the vehicle, a median effective dose could be determined. In the case of the lethal P. aeruginosa infection, a median protective dose could be determined. Both infections were found to be quite susceptible to treatment with those topical agents that demonstrated good activity in vitro against the test organisms. The results of the investigation indicated that the model infections were suitable for the screening of potential topical agents in vivo.", "PMID": 984757} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1099", "title": "Susceptibility of Prototheca species to antifungal agents.", "content": "Twenty isolates of Prototheca filamenta, Prototheca moriformis, Prototheca stagnora, Prototheca wickerhamii, and Prototheca zopfii were tested for in vitro susceptibility to five commonly used antifungal agents: amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, griseofulvin, miconazole, and nystatin. The results revealed resistance to griseofulvin of all the Prototheca isolates tested and an inhibitory effect on P. filamenta by high 5-fluorocytosine concentrations (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 12.5 to 100 mug/ml; minimal fungicidal or algacidal concentration [MFC/MAC] = 50 to 100 mug/ml). P. filamenta isolates were also susceptible to miconazole (MIC = 0.1 to 0.5 mug/ml, MFC/MAC = 0.5 to 1 mug/ml); isolates of the other Prototheca species varied in regard to miconazole activity from susceptible to resistant (MIC = 1 - >100 mug/ml, MFC/MAC = 5 - >100 mug/ml). The Prototheca isolates revealed an in vitro susceptibility to the polyene antifungal agents, amphotericin B, and nystatin (MIC = 0.09 to 3.12 mug/ml and 0.19 to 12.5 mug/ml, respectively; MFC/MAC = 0.19 to 25 mug/ml and 0.75 to 25 mug/ml, respectively).", "contents": "Susceptibility of Prototheca species to antifungal agents. Twenty isolates of Prototheca filamenta, Prototheca moriformis, Prototheca stagnora, Prototheca wickerhamii, and Prototheca zopfii were tested for in vitro susceptibility to five commonly used antifungal agents: amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, griseofulvin, miconazole, and nystatin. The results revealed resistance to griseofulvin of all the Prototheca isolates tested and an inhibitory effect on P. filamenta by high 5-fluorocytosine concentrations (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 12.5 to 100 mug/ml; minimal fungicidal or algacidal concentration [MFC/MAC] = 50 to 100 mug/ml). P. filamenta isolates were also susceptible to miconazole (MIC = 0.1 to 0.5 mug/ml, MFC/MAC = 0.5 to 1 mug/ml); isolates of the other Prototheca species varied in regard to miconazole activity from susceptible to resistant (MIC = 1 - >100 mug/ml, MFC/MAC = 5 - >100 mug/ml). The Prototheca isolates revealed an in vitro susceptibility to the polyene antifungal agents, amphotericin B, and nystatin (MIC = 0.09 to 3.12 mug/ml and 0.19 to 12.5 mug/ml, respectively; MFC/MAC = 0.19 to 25 mug/ml and 0.75 to 25 mug/ml, respectively).", "PMID": 984758} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1100", "title": "Gentamicin- and cephalothin-associated rises in blood urea nitrogen.", "content": "Standardized rates of drug-attributed rises in blood urea nitrogen were 8.6%, 2.9%, and 9.3%, respectively, in patients receiving gentamicin alone, cephalothin alone, and both drugs together. These results provide evidence against a substantial synergism between the two drugs in the production of impaired renal function.", "contents": "Gentamicin- and cephalothin-associated rises in blood urea nitrogen. Standardized rates of drug-attributed rises in blood urea nitrogen were 8.6%, 2.9%, and 9.3%, respectively, in patients receiving gentamicin alone, cephalothin alone, and both drugs together. These results provide evidence against a substantial synergism between the two drugs in the production of impaired renal function.", "PMID": 984759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1101", "title": "Inactivation of the enveloped bacteriophage phi6 by butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole.", "content": "Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a potent inactivator of the enveloped bacterial virus \u00f86 at concentrations as low as 3 x 10(-5) M. The viral envelope is not removed by BHT treatment, in contrast to the effects of exposure to the detergent Triton X-100. BHT-treated viruses are morphologically indistinguishable from controls but are defective in their ability to attach to the host cell. Temperature at the time of exposure was found to be a crucial factor in the effectiveness of BHT against \u00f86. A precipitous drop in the degree of inactivation by 3 x 10(-5) M BHT occurred when the temperature was lowered from 20 to 15 C. Calcium ions were found to potentiate the effect of BHT, particularly at lower temperatures where BHT alone was relatively ineffective. Barium and strontium, but not magnesium, were also effective in enhancing the activity of BHT. A structurally related molecule, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), was also found to inactivate \u00f86 virus, but higher concentrations were required than with BHT. Both BHT and BHA are commonly used as food additives, have apparent low toxicity to humans and other animals, and are potentially useful as antiviral agents.", "contents": "Inactivation of the enveloped bacteriophage phi6 by butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a potent inactivator of the enveloped bacterial virus \u00f86 at concentrations as low as 3 x 10(-5) M. The viral envelope is not removed by BHT treatment, in contrast to the effects of exposure to the detergent Triton X-100. BHT-treated viruses are morphologically indistinguishable from controls but are defective in their ability to attach to the host cell. Temperature at the time of exposure was found to be a crucial factor in the effectiveness of BHT against \u00f86. A precipitous drop in the degree of inactivation by 3 x 10(-5) M BHT occurred when the temperature was lowered from 20 to 15 C. Calcium ions were found to potentiate the effect of BHT, particularly at lower temperatures where BHT alone was relatively ineffective. Barium and strontium, but not magnesium, were also effective in enhancing the activity of BHT. A structurally related molecule, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), was also found to inactivate \u00f86 virus, but higher concentrations were required than with BHT. Both BHT and BHA are commonly used as food additives, have apparent low toxicity to humans and other animals, and are potentially useful as antiviral agents.", "PMID": 984760} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1102", "title": "Effect of long-term therapies with penicillin and sulfadiazine on Streptococcus mutans and lactobaccilli in dental plaque.", "content": "Plaque samples were obtained from 13 children receiving long-term therapy with benzathine penicillin for the prevention of rheumatic fever recurrences, 31 children receiving oral sulfadiazine for the same purpose, and 29 untreated siblings. The therapies were found to have no effect upon the proportions of Streptococcus mutans or lactobacilli in dental plaque, upon the percentage of children harboring the organisms, nor upon the susceptibility of the organisms to penicillin and sulfadiazine. Of the S. mutans strains tested, 97% had a minimal inhibitory concentration of penicillin G of less than 48 ng/ml and, of the lactobacillus strains tested, 96.8% had a minimal inhibitory concentration of less than 1,600 ng/ml. All strains of both organisms were profoundly resistant to sulfadiazine.", "contents": "Effect of long-term therapies with penicillin and sulfadiazine on Streptococcus mutans and lactobaccilli in dental plaque. Plaque samples were obtained from 13 children receiving long-term therapy with benzathine penicillin for the prevention of rheumatic fever recurrences, 31 children receiving oral sulfadiazine for the same purpose, and 29 untreated siblings. The therapies were found to have no effect upon the proportions of Streptococcus mutans or lactobacilli in dental plaque, upon the percentage of children harboring the organisms, nor upon the susceptibility of the organisms to penicillin and sulfadiazine. Of the S. mutans strains tested, 97% had a minimal inhibitory concentration of penicillin G of less than 48 ng/ml and, of the lactobacillus strains tested, 96.8% had a minimal inhibitory concentration of less than 1,600 ng/ml. All strains of both organisms were profoundly resistant to sulfadiazine.", "PMID": 984761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1103", "title": "Amikacin in newborn infants: comparative pharmacology with kanamycin and clinical efficacy in 45 neonates with bacterial diseases.", "content": "The pharmacokinetic properties of amikacin (BBK8) were similar to those of kanamycin in newborn infants. Peak serum concentrations of both drugs were in the range of 15 to 25 mug/ml with the exception of kanamycin in babies weighing greater than 2,000 g at birth where peak levels were 12.5 to 15 mug/ml. Volumes of distribution, plasma clearances, and serum half-life values were comparable for the two drugs. The clinical and bacteriological responses to amikacin therapy were assessed in 45 neonates with bacterial diseases. A case fatality rate of 26% was observed in infants with septicemia and/or meningitis, whereas no deaths occurred among 22 infants with urinary tract and mucocutaneous infections. Cultures from infected sites were sterile within 72 h of initiating amikacin therapy in 47% of the infants, continued positive for greater than 72 h in 31%, and were not reevaluated during therapy in 22%. The clinical response was judged to be satisfactory in 92% of the surviving infants. The efficacy of amikacin was comparable to that of kanamycin or gentamicin in neonatal bacterial diseases.", "contents": "Amikacin in newborn infants: comparative pharmacology with kanamycin and clinical efficacy in 45 neonates with bacterial diseases. The pharmacokinetic properties of amikacin (BBK8) were similar to those of kanamycin in newborn infants. Peak serum concentrations of both drugs were in the range of 15 to 25 mug/ml with the exception of kanamycin in babies weighing greater than 2,000 g at birth where peak levels were 12.5 to 15 mug/ml. Volumes of distribution, plasma clearances, and serum half-life values were comparable for the two drugs. The clinical and bacteriological responses to amikacin therapy were assessed in 45 neonates with bacterial diseases. A case fatality rate of 26% was observed in infants with septicemia and/or meningitis, whereas no deaths occurred among 22 infants with urinary tract and mucocutaneous infections. Cultures from infected sites were sterile within 72 h of initiating amikacin therapy in 47% of the infants, continued positive for greater than 72 h in 31%, and were not reevaluated during therapy in 22%. The clinical response was judged to be satisfactory in 92% of the surviving infants. The efficacy of amikacin was comparable to that of kanamycin or gentamicin in neonatal bacterial diseases.", "PMID": 984762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1104", "title": "Comparison of direct and standardized antimicrobial susceptibility testing of positive blood cultures.", "content": "In an effort to determine the feasibility and accuracy of performing direct susceptibility tests from positive blood cultures, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), determined by the agar dilution method, of direct and standardized tests with seven antibiotics were compared. Results were analyzed as to the number of very major (change in MIC from susceptible in preliminary direct testing to resistant in final standardized testing), major (change in MIC from resistant to susceptible), and minor (change in MIC without change in interpretation) discrepancies. The results for gram-positive cocci and for gram-negative bacilli were 5, 6, and 82 of 162 strains tested and 3, 12, and 79 of 90 strains tested, respectively. Of the total number of susceptibility tests compared, major and very major discrepancies occurred in only 1 and 2.4% of instances with gram-positive and -negative isolates, respectively. The majority of discrepancies were noted with Staphylococcus epidermidis (four very major, five major), Klebsiella (two very major, four major), and Alcaligenes (five major). The antibiotics most often exhibiting discrepancies were penicillin, ampicillin, and cephalothin. The results indicate that preliminary susceptibility testing directly from positive blood culture bottles is generally both feasible and accurate.", "contents": "Comparison of direct and standardized antimicrobial susceptibility testing of positive blood cultures. In an effort to determine the feasibility and accuracy of performing direct susceptibility tests from positive blood cultures, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), determined by the agar dilution method, of direct and standardized tests with seven antibiotics were compared. Results were analyzed as to the number of very major (change in MIC from susceptible in preliminary direct testing to resistant in final standardized testing), major (change in MIC from resistant to susceptible), and minor (change in MIC without change in interpretation) discrepancies. The results for gram-positive cocci and for gram-negative bacilli were 5, 6, and 82 of 162 strains tested and 3, 12, and 79 of 90 strains tested, respectively. Of the total number of susceptibility tests compared, major and very major discrepancies occurred in only 1 and 2.4% of instances with gram-positive and -negative isolates, respectively. The majority of discrepancies were noted with Staphylococcus epidermidis (four very major, five major), Klebsiella (two very major, four major), and Alcaligenes (five major). The antibiotics most often exhibiting discrepancies were penicillin, ampicillin, and cephalothin. The results indicate that preliminary susceptibility testing directly from positive blood culture bottles is generally both feasible and accurate.", "PMID": 984763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1105", "title": "Comparative activity in vitro of ticarcillin, BL-P1654, and carbenicillin.", "content": "The activity of ticarcillin, BL-P1654, and carbenicillin was compared in vitro using a microtiter tube dilution test in Mueller-Hinton broth against 50 recent clinical isolates each of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species, Proteus species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bactericidal end points were determined using a modified Steers replicator. Ticarcillin was generally two to four times more active against all organisms tested except S. epidermidis against which BL-P1654 was most active. Median minimum inhibitory concentrations in micrograms per milliliter were for S. aureus: ticarcillin (6.2), carbenicillin (12.5), BL-P1654 (25); for S. epidermidis: BL-P1654 (1.6), ticarcillin (3.2), carbenicillin (3.2); for E. coli: ticarcillin (3.2), BL-P1654 (6.2), carbenicillin (6.2); for Klebsiella sp.: >100 for all three drugs; for Enterobacter sp.: ticarcillin (3.2), carbenicillin (6.2), BL-P1654 (12.5); for Proteus sp.: ticarcillin (1.6), carbenicillin (1.6), BL-P1654 (3.2); for P. aeruginosa: ticarcillin (31), BL-P1654 (62), carbenicillin (125). Bactericidal end points were dependent on both the drug and the species but were in general no more than twofold more than the minimum inhibitory concentration with the exception of BL-P1654 against P. aeruginosa. BL-P1654 was bactericidal for only 60% of the strains tested at a concentration of 500 mug/ml.", "contents": "Comparative activity in vitro of ticarcillin, BL-P1654, and carbenicillin. The activity of ticarcillin, BL-P1654, and carbenicillin was compared in vitro using a microtiter tube dilution test in Mueller-Hinton broth against 50 recent clinical isolates each of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species, Proteus species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bactericidal end points were determined using a modified Steers replicator. Ticarcillin was generally two to four times more active against all organisms tested except S. epidermidis against which BL-P1654 was most active. Median minimum inhibitory concentrations in micrograms per milliliter were for S. aureus: ticarcillin (6.2), carbenicillin (12.5), BL-P1654 (25); for S. epidermidis: BL-P1654 (1.6), ticarcillin (3.2), carbenicillin (3.2); for E. coli: ticarcillin (3.2), BL-P1654 (6.2), carbenicillin (6.2); for Klebsiella sp.: >100 for all three drugs; for Enterobacter sp.: ticarcillin (3.2), carbenicillin (6.2), BL-P1654 (12.5); for Proteus sp.: ticarcillin (1.6), carbenicillin (1.6), BL-P1654 (3.2); for P. aeruginosa: ticarcillin (31), BL-P1654 (62), carbenicillin (125). Bactericidal end points were dependent on both the drug and the species but were in general no more than twofold more than the minimum inhibitory concentration with the exception of BL-P1654 against P. aeruginosa. BL-P1654 was bactericidal for only 60% of the strains tested at a concentration of 500 mug/ml.", "PMID": 984764} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1106", "title": "A new cephalosporin with a dual mode of action.", "content": "A cephalosporin, (6R,7R)-7-[(2R)-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetamido]-3-(pyrid-2-yl-N-oxide) thiomethylceph-3-em-4-carboxylic acid (MCO), that could lead to a novel approach to the problem of beta-lactamase destruction is described. The compound is slightly more resistant to some beta-lactamases than is cephalothin, but it is still hydrolyzed by many to a varying degree. Hydrolysis of the beta-lactam bond of a cephalosporin releases the 3-substituent, which in MCO is itself an antibacterial agent, 2-mercaptopyridine-N-oxide. Thus, MCO has a dual mode of action, and bacteria that do not produce an effective amount of a beta-lactamase are inhibited by the intact cephalosporin, whereas those that do hydrolyze it are inhibited by the released antibacterial compound.", "contents": "A new cephalosporin with a dual mode of action. A cephalosporin, (6R,7R)-7-[(2R)-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetamido]-3-(pyrid-2-yl-N-oxide) thiomethylceph-3-em-4-carboxylic acid (MCO), that could lead to a novel approach to the problem of beta-lactamase destruction is described. The compound is slightly more resistant to some beta-lactamases than is cephalothin, but it is still hydrolyzed by many to a varying degree. Hydrolysis of the beta-lactam bond of a cephalosporin releases the 3-substituent, which in MCO is itself an antibacterial agent, 2-mercaptopyridine-N-oxide. Thus, MCO has a dual mode of action, and bacteria that do not produce an effective amount of a beta-lactamase are inhibited by the intact cephalosporin, whereas those that do hydrolyze it are inhibited by the released antibacterial compound.", "PMID": 984765} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1107", "title": "In vitro susceptibility of common clinical anaerobic and aerobic isolates against josamycin.", "content": "The in vitro susceptibility of 145 anaerobic clinical isolates and 96 gram-positive aerobic clinical isolates to josamycin, a new macrolide antibiotic, was studied using the agar dilution technique. Ninety-five of the aerobes were susceptible to 1.56 mug or less of josamycin per ml. The median minimal inhibitory concentration of these organisms was </=0.39 mug/ml. The in vitro activity of josamycin against the anaerobes was compared with that of erythromycin, clindamycin, penicillin, and chloramphenicol. At concentrations </=3.12 mug/ml, 100% of strains of Bacteroides species and Bacteroides fragilis were susceptible to josamycin. At low concentrations (</=0.39 mug/ml), clindamycin was more active than josamycin against the anaerobes. However, at concentrations </=3.12 mug/ml, the activities of josamycin and clindamycin were similar except against the Fusobacterium species, which was quite resistant to josamycin.", "contents": "In vitro susceptibility of common clinical anaerobic and aerobic isolates against josamycin. The in vitro susceptibility of 145 anaerobic clinical isolates and 96 gram-positive aerobic clinical isolates to josamycin, a new macrolide antibiotic, was studied using the agar dilution technique. Ninety-five of the aerobes were susceptible to 1.56 mug or less of josamycin per ml. The median minimal inhibitory concentration of these organisms was </=0.39 mug/ml. The in vitro activity of josamycin against the anaerobes was compared with that of erythromycin, clindamycin, penicillin, and chloramphenicol. At concentrations </=3.12 mug/ml, 100% of strains of Bacteroides species and Bacteroides fragilis were susceptible to josamycin. At low concentrations (</=0.39 mug/ml), clindamycin was more active than josamycin against the anaerobes. However, at concentrations </=3.12 mug/ml, the activities of josamycin and clindamycin were similar except against the Fusobacterium species, which was quite resistant to josamycin.", "PMID": 984766} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1108", "title": "New plasmid-mediated nucleotidylation of aminoglycoside antibiotics in Staphlococcus aureus.", "content": "A wild-type strain of Staphylococcus aureus, which inactivates a wide variety of aminoglycosides (except the gentamicin components), has been found to harbor a plasmid (RAp01) that mediates the biosynthesis of a nucleotidyltransferase. This enzyme modifies the 4'-hydroxy function of these antibiotics. The plasmid has been studied, the enzyme responsible for this resistance pattern has been isolated by affinity chromatography, and its kinetics and physicochemistry have been characterized. The target of this enzyme has also been located by demonstrating the structure of one inactivated compound, 4'-(O)-adenylyltobramycin.", "contents": "New plasmid-mediated nucleotidylation of aminoglycoside antibiotics in Staphlococcus aureus. A wild-type strain of Staphylococcus aureus, which inactivates a wide variety of aminoglycosides (except the gentamicin components), has been found to harbor a plasmid (RAp01) that mediates the biosynthesis of a nucleotidyltransferase. This enzyme modifies the 4'-hydroxy function of these antibiotics. The plasmid has been studied, the enzyme responsible for this resistance pattern has been isolated by affinity chromatography, and its kinetics and physicochemistry have been characterized. The target of this enzyme has also been located by demonstrating the structure of one inactivated compound, 4'-(O)-adenylyltobramycin.", "PMID": 984767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1109", "title": "Susceptibility of Streptococcus mutans to antimicrobial agents.", "content": "Fifty strains of Streptococcus mutans, including defined strains and clinical isolates, were tested for susceptibility to 20 different antimicrobial agents. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by a liquid microtiter procedure. Antibiotics that were most effective in concentrations below 0.1 mug/ml included penicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, cephalothin, and methicillin. Antibiotics effective in concentrations between 0.1 mug and 10 mug/ml included rifampin, lincomycin, thiostrepton, spiromycin, vancomycin, streptolydigan, novobiocin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, spectinomycin, and gentamicin. Antibiotics effective at higher concentrations ranging from 10 mug/ml to 400 mug/ml included the aminoglycosides kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, and kasugamycin. Although most antibiotics exhibited inhibitory effects in a narrow range of concentrations, antibiotics such as tetracycline, thiostrepton, and spiromycin had a 1,000-fold range from the lowest to highest concentrations required for growth inhibition.", "contents": "Susceptibility of Streptococcus mutans to antimicrobial agents. Fifty strains of Streptococcus mutans, including defined strains and clinical isolates, were tested for susceptibility to 20 different antimicrobial agents. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by a liquid microtiter procedure. Antibiotics that were most effective in concentrations below 0.1 mug/ml included penicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, cephalothin, and methicillin. Antibiotics effective in concentrations between 0.1 mug and 10 mug/ml included rifampin, lincomycin, thiostrepton, spiromycin, vancomycin, streptolydigan, novobiocin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, spectinomycin, and gentamicin. Antibiotics effective at higher concentrations ranging from 10 mug/ml to 400 mug/ml included the aminoglycosides kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, and kasugamycin. Although most antibiotics exhibited inhibitory effects in a narrow range of concentrations, antibiotics such as tetracycline, thiostrepton, and spiromycin had a 1,000-fold range from the lowest to highest concentrations required for growth inhibition.", "PMID": 984768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1110", "title": "Renal extraction of gentamicin in anesthetized dogs.", "content": "The tubular handling of gentamicin (G) and its intrarenal distribution were determined to elucidate the mechanism of G accumulation in the kidney. At a serum level of 11.1 +/- 0.5 mug/ml (10 animals), as maintained by constant infusion for 5 h, serum Na(+) and K(+), arterial pressure, effective renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate remained undisturbed. The clearance values in milliliters per minute for G, inulin, and p-aminohippuric acid were 40.3 +/- 1.8, 49.9 +/- 2.8, and 132 +/- 14, respectively. The ratio of clearance of G to clearance of inulin was 0.82 +/- 0.04 (P < 0.005), suggesting net reabsorption of G by the renal tubules. The renal cortex/serum ratio for G was 11.9 +/- 2.1, and the medulla/serum ratio was 2.7 +/- 0.4, indicating greater uptake of G by the cortex. The extraction ratio of p-aminohippuric acid was 0.74 +/- 0.03. In contrast, the extraction ratio of G was 0.20 +/- 0.03, which was significantly lower than that of inulin (0.30 +/- 0.04). It is concluded that the accumulation of G in the cortex was due to tubular reabsorption. Probably some of the reabsorbed G became trapped in the epithelial cells after crossing the luminal membrane, whereas some returned to the circulation.", "contents": "Renal extraction of gentamicin in anesthetized dogs. The tubular handling of gentamicin (G) and its intrarenal distribution were determined to elucidate the mechanism of G accumulation in the kidney. At a serum level of 11.1 +/- 0.5 mug/ml (10 animals), as maintained by constant infusion for 5 h, serum Na(+) and K(+), arterial pressure, effective renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate remained undisturbed. The clearance values in milliliters per minute for G, inulin, and p-aminohippuric acid were 40.3 +/- 1.8, 49.9 +/- 2.8, and 132 +/- 14, respectively. The ratio of clearance of G to clearance of inulin was 0.82 +/- 0.04 (P < 0.005), suggesting net reabsorption of G by the renal tubules. The renal cortex/serum ratio for G was 11.9 +/- 2.1, and the medulla/serum ratio was 2.7 +/- 0.4, indicating greater uptake of G by the cortex. The extraction ratio of p-aminohippuric acid was 0.74 +/- 0.03. In contrast, the extraction ratio of G was 0.20 +/- 0.03, which was significantly lower than that of inulin (0.30 +/- 0.04). It is concluded that the accumulation of G in the cortex was due to tubular reabsorption. Probably some of the reabsorbed G became trapped in the epithelial cells after crossing the luminal membrane, whereas some returned to the circulation.", "PMID": 984769} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1111", "title": "Pharmacokinetic interpretation of cephradine levels in serum after intravenous and extravascular administration in humans.", "content": "Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from intravenous data based upon a two-compartment open model. These parameters were subsequently used to determine the absorption rates and bioavailability of cephradine administered intramuscularly and orally. The results indicate that cephradine obeys dose-independent kinetics and that biological availability is complete from all dosage forms.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetic interpretation of cephradine levels in serum after intravenous and extravascular administration in humans. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from intravenous data based upon a two-compartment open model. These parameters were subsequently used to determine the absorption rates and bioavailability of cephradine administered intramuscularly and orally. The results indicate that cephradine obeys dose-independent kinetics and that biological availability is complete from all dosage forms.", "PMID": 984770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1112", "title": "In vitro evaluation of the new oral cephalosporin cefatrizine: comparison with other cephalosporins.", "content": "Cefatrizine (BL-S640), a semisynthetic, orally administered cephalosporin, was found to have an in vitro spectrum of activity comparable to those of four other cephalosporins tested. It is as effective as cephalexin, the other orally administered cephalosporin evaluated, against most species, and it appears to be more effective than cephalexin against many Enterobacter, Haemophilus, and Proteus strains isolated in our hospital. It is not inactivated by the plasmid-determined beta-lactamases of 14 strains of ampicillin-resistant Salmonella typhimurium or the ampicillin resistance determinant of an H. influenza strain from the Center for Disease Control. No synergy was observed between cefatrizine and gentamicin, kanamycin, carbenicillin, or polymyxin when tested against selected strains.", "contents": "In vitro evaluation of the new oral cephalosporin cefatrizine: comparison with other cephalosporins. Cefatrizine (BL-S640), a semisynthetic, orally administered cephalosporin, was found to have an in vitro spectrum of activity comparable to those of four other cephalosporins tested. It is as effective as cephalexin, the other orally administered cephalosporin evaluated, against most species, and it appears to be more effective than cephalexin against many Enterobacter, Haemophilus, and Proteus strains isolated in our hospital. It is not inactivated by the plasmid-determined beta-lactamases of 14 strains of ampicillin-resistant Salmonella typhimurium or the ampicillin resistance determinant of an H. influenza strain from the Center for Disease Control. No synergy was observed between cefatrizine and gentamicin, kanamycin, carbenicillin, or polymyxin when tested against selected strains.", "PMID": 984771} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1113", "title": "Mode of action of a purified antitumor protein from the proteinaceous crystal of Baccillus thuringiensis subsp. thuringiensis on Yoshida ascites sarcoma cells.", "content": "A purified antitumor protein from the proteinaceous crystal of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. thuringiensis inhibits the growth of Yoshida ascites sarcoma both in vivo and in vitro. Exogenous respiration of the tumor cells was unaffected by the protein at a concentration as high as 500 mug/ml. The antitumor protein inhibits the uptake and incorporation of labeled precursors into macromolecules. However, the ratio of incorporation over uptake is not affected by the protein. Further, the protein brings about the leakage of 260-nm-absorbing material, proteins, and (32)P-labeled cellular constituents from the Yoshida ascites sarcoma cells. The results show that the action of the antitumor protein appears to alter the cellular permeability of the tumor cells.", "contents": "Mode of action of a purified antitumor protein from the proteinaceous crystal of Baccillus thuringiensis subsp. thuringiensis on Yoshida ascites sarcoma cells. A purified antitumor protein from the proteinaceous crystal of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. thuringiensis inhibits the growth of Yoshida ascites sarcoma both in vivo and in vitro. Exogenous respiration of the tumor cells was unaffected by the protein at a concentration as high as 500 mug/ml. The antitumor protein inhibits the uptake and incorporation of labeled precursors into macromolecules. However, the ratio of incorporation over uptake is not affected by the protein. Further, the protein brings about the leakage of 260-nm-absorbing material, proteins, and (32)P-labeled cellular constituents from the Yoshida ascites sarcoma cells. The results show that the action of the antitumor protein appears to alter the cellular permeability of the tumor cells.", "PMID": 984772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1114", "title": "Genetic basis of streptococcin A-FF22 production.", "content": "Spontaneous, low-frequency loss of ability to produce streptococcin A-FF22 (SA) by group A streptococcus strain FF22 was observed. The proportion of non-SA-producing (SA(-)) derivatives occurring in strain FF22 cultures grown in Todd Hewitt broth supplemented with 1% of yeast extract (THBY) was increased on treatment with ethidium bromide, acriflavin, or rifampin. The highest incidence of SA(-) organisms, however, was found in untreated THBY cultures that had been aging by incubation at 37 degrees C for several months. The possibility of selective effects in these experiments, operating to enhance the apparent frequency of SA(-) bacteria, was discounted. The survival of SA(-) derivatives in association with populations of SA(+) bacteria was dependent upon the use of culture conditions inimical to SA activity, since a consistent finding was that the loss of ability to produce SA was associated with loss of immunity to the killing action of this bacteriocin. Whereas selective killing of SA(-) derivatives was evident in mixed cultures of SA(+) and SA(-) strains in tryptic soy broth, no such effect was demonstrable in THBY. In these experiments, elimination of SA(-) cells seemed directly related to the presence of active SA. Purified clones of SA(-) substrains did not seem revertible to SA production, either spontaneously or on treatment with nitrosoguanidine. It is suggested that the property of production of SA by group A streptococcus strain FF22, together with that of host cell immunity to the homologous bacteriocin, may be mediated by plasmid-borne genetic determinants.", "contents": "Genetic basis of streptococcin A-FF22 production. Spontaneous, low-frequency loss of ability to produce streptococcin A-FF22 (SA) by group A streptococcus strain FF22 was observed. The proportion of non-SA-producing (SA(-)) derivatives occurring in strain FF22 cultures grown in Todd Hewitt broth supplemented with 1% of yeast extract (THBY) was increased on treatment with ethidium bromide, acriflavin, or rifampin. The highest incidence of SA(-) organisms, however, was found in untreated THBY cultures that had been aging by incubation at 37 degrees C for several months. The possibility of selective effects in these experiments, operating to enhance the apparent frequency of SA(-) bacteria, was discounted. The survival of SA(-) derivatives in association with populations of SA(+) bacteria was dependent upon the use of culture conditions inimical to SA activity, since a consistent finding was that the loss of ability to produce SA was associated with loss of immunity to the killing action of this bacteriocin. Whereas selective killing of SA(-) derivatives was evident in mixed cultures of SA(+) and SA(-) strains in tryptic soy broth, no such effect was demonstrable in THBY. In these experiments, elimination of SA(-) cells seemed directly related to the presence of active SA. Purified clones of SA(-) substrains did not seem revertible to SA production, either spontaneously or on treatment with nitrosoguanidine. It is suggested that the property of production of SA by group A streptococcus strain FF22, together with that of host cell immunity to the homologous bacteriocin, may be mediated by plasmid-borne genetic determinants.", "PMID": 984773} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1115", "title": "Comparative pharmacokinetics and metabolism of cephapirin in laboratory animals and humans.", "content": "Comparative drug disposition studies in mice, rats, dogs, and humans indicate that cephapirin, a new semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, is metabolized to desacetylcephapirin in these species. Pharmacokinetic analyses of the concentrations of cephapirin and desacetylcephapirin in plasma and urine reveal that the rate and extent of deacetylation decreases from rodents to dogs to humans. The kinetic analyses also suggest that the kidney performs a role not only in the excretion but also in the metabolism of cephapirin to desacetylcephapirin.", "contents": "Comparative pharmacokinetics and metabolism of cephapirin in laboratory animals and humans. Comparative drug disposition studies in mice, rats, dogs, and humans indicate that cephapirin, a new semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, is metabolized to desacetylcephapirin in these species. Pharmacokinetic analyses of the concentrations of cephapirin and desacetylcephapirin in plasma and urine reveal that the rate and extent of deacetylation decreases from rodents to dogs to humans. The kinetic analyses also suggest that the kidney performs a role not only in the excretion but also in the metabolism of cephapirin to desacetylcephapirin.", "PMID": 984774} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1116", "title": "Effect of gentamicin on growth of viral, chlamydial, and rickettsial agents in mice and embryonated eggs.", "content": "Gentamicin, at concentrations up to 500 mug/ml, showed no effect on the replication, yield, or infectivity of seven viruses or on the agents of psittacosis and meningopneumonitis when grown in mice or embryonated eggs. At the 500 mug/ml level, lymphogranuloma venereum cultures had a slight reduction in infectivity. Rickettsia akari demonstrated susceptibility at the 5 mug/ml level, whereas R. rickettsii, R. mooseri, and R. canada grown in embryonated eggs were susceptible in varying degrees to gentamicin at or above the 50 mug/ml concentration.", "contents": "Effect of gentamicin on growth of viral, chlamydial, and rickettsial agents in mice and embryonated eggs. Gentamicin, at concentrations up to 500 mug/ml, showed no effect on the replication, yield, or infectivity of seven viruses or on the agents of psittacosis and meningopneumonitis when grown in mice or embryonated eggs. At the 500 mug/ml level, lymphogranuloma venereum cultures had a slight reduction in infectivity. Rickettsia akari demonstrated susceptibility at the 5 mug/ml level, whereas R. rickettsii, R. mooseri, and R. canada grown in embryonated eggs were susceptible in varying degrees to gentamicin at or above the 50 mug/ml concentration.", "PMID": 984775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1117", "title": "Formation of methylated and phosphorylated metabolites during the fermentation process of verdamicin.", "content": "In an attempt to understand the biosynthetic processes leading to the formation of verdamicin (end product), we have examined the patterns of the formation of methylated and phosphorylated metabolites, which resulted from either the addition of l-[methyl-(14)C]methionine or [(32)P]KH(2)PO(4) to the fermentation. Incorporation of label from l-[methyl-(14)C]methionine into the bioactive sisomicin, verdamicin, and the chromatographically polar components increased with the progression of time. Two methylated bioinactive metabolites were found in the culture broth after removal of the methylated bioactive metabolites. In contrast to the bioactive metabolites, incorporation of the methyl-(14)C label into the two methylated bioinactive metabolites decreased with the progression of time. A phosphorylated bioinactive metabolite (nonmethylated) was also found in the culture broth, fermented in the presence of [(32)P]KH(2)PO(4). The role of the phosphorylated metabolite in the biosynthesis of the bioactive metabolites cannot yet be explained.", "contents": "Formation of methylated and phosphorylated metabolites during the fermentation process of verdamicin. In an attempt to understand the biosynthetic processes leading to the formation of verdamicin (end product), we have examined the patterns of the formation of methylated and phosphorylated metabolites, which resulted from either the addition of l-[methyl-(14)C]methionine or [(32)P]KH(2)PO(4) to the fermentation. Incorporation of label from l-[methyl-(14)C]methionine into the bioactive sisomicin, verdamicin, and the chromatographically polar components increased with the progression of time. Two methylated bioinactive metabolites were found in the culture broth after removal of the methylated bioactive metabolites. In contrast to the bioactive metabolites, incorporation of the methyl-(14)C label into the two methylated bioinactive metabolites decreased with the progression of time. A phosphorylated bioinactive metabolite (nonmethylated) was also found in the culture broth, fermented in the presence of [(32)P]KH(2)PO(4). The role of the phosphorylated metabolite in the biosynthesis of the bioactive metabolites cannot yet be explained.", "PMID": 984776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1118", "title": "In vitro susceptibility of pathogenic Naegleria and Acanthamoeba speicies to a variety of therapeutic agents.", "content": "Six pathogenic strains of Naegleria fowleri, two of Acanthamoeba castellanii, and three of Acanthamoeba polyphaga were tested in vitro for susceptibility to a variety of potentially useful therapeutic agents. Minimal motility inhibitory concentrations and minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by a technique of subculturing pure clones of amoebae in plastic tissue culture chamber slides containing liquid axenic media and serially diluted drug, incubating at 30 degrees C for Acanthamoeba and at 37 degrees C for Naegleria, and observing on an inverted microscope at 6 h for inhibition of motility and at 24 and 48 h for inhibition of growth. Drug concentrations were selected on the basis of fluid levels achievable in humans. Amphotericin B, clotrimazole, and miconazole were the most effective drugs against Naegleria, whereas polymyxin B sulfate and pentamidine isethionate were somewhat effective against pathogenic Acanthamoeba. Our results suggest that amphotericin B is the most effective agent against Naegleria, but few agents are effective against Acanthamoeba.", "contents": "In vitro susceptibility of pathogenic Naegleria and Acanthamoeba speicies to a variety of therapeutic agents. Six pathogenic strains of Naegleria fowleri, two of Acanthamoeba castellanii, and three of Acanthamoeba polyphaga were tested in vitro for susceptibility to a variety of potentially useful therapeutic agents. Minimal motility inhibitory concentrations and minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by a technique of subculturing pure clones of amoebae in plastic tissue culture chamber slides containing liquid axenic media and serially diluted drug, incubating at 30 degrees C for Acanthamoeba and at 37 degrees C for Naegleria, and observing on an inverted microscope at 6 h for inhibition of motility and at 24 and 48 h for inhibition of growth. Drug concentrations were selected on the basis of fluid levels achievable in humans. Amphotericin B, clotrimazole, and miconazole were the most effective drugs against Naegleria, whereas polymyxin B sulfate and pentamidine isethionate were somewhat effective against pathogenic Acanthamoeba. Our results suggest that amphotericin B is the most effective agent against Naegleria, but few agents are effective against Acanthamoeba.", "PMID": 984777} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1119", "title": "Change in susceptibility of group B streptococci to penicillin G from 1968 through 1975.", "content": "This report describes a study of 212 isolates of group B streptococci from sore throats over an 8-year period. A small but increasing percentage showed increased resistance to penicillin G when tested in an in vitro system.", "contents": "Change in susceptibility of group B streptococci to penicillin G from 1968 through 1975. This report describes a study of 212 isolates of group B streptococci from sore throats over an 8-year period. A small but increasing percentage showed increased resistance to penicillin G when tested in an in vitro system.", "PMID": 984778} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1120", "title": "Comparison of activity of sisomicin and gentamicin in mouse protection tests with gram-negative bacilli.", "content": "The efficacy of sisomicin and gentamicin was compared in mouse protection studies against strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Enterobacter aerogenes, Serratia marcescens, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There was no significant difference in mortality of the mice in any of the protocol groups when five different dosages of sisomicin and gentamicin given by three separate schedules were compared for each bacterial inoculum in each antibiotic protocol. The mean protective dose values of sisomicin were at least one-half those of gentamicin for each protocol against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.", "contents": "Comparison of activity of sisomicin and gentamicin in mouse protection tests with gram-negative bacilli. The efficacy of sisomicin and gentamicin was compared in mouse protection studies against strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Enterobacter aerogenes, Serratia marcescens, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There was no significant difference in mortality of the mice in any of the protocol groups when five different dosages of sisomicin and gentamicin given by three separate schedules were compared for each bacterial inoculum in each antibiotic protocol. The mean protective dose values of sisomicin were at least one-half those of gentamicin for each protocol against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.", "PMID": 984779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1121", "title": "Evolution of transferable antibiotic resistance in coliform bacteria from remote environments.", "content": "The influence of a mission hospital on the evolution of antibiotic resistance in coliform bacteria from a remote antibiotic-free Xhosa community and environment is described.", "contents": "Evolution of transferable antibiotic resistance in coliform bacteria from remote environments. The influence of a mission hospital on the evolution of antibiotic resistance in coliform bacteria from a remote antibiotic-free Xhosa community and environment is described.", "PMID": 984780} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1122", "title": "Antimicrobiol susceptibility of Propinibacterium acnes and related microbial species.", "content": "The minimal inhibitory concentrations of 32 antimicrobial agents were established for 73 strains of Propionibacterium acnes and four related species (P. granulosum, P. avidum, Corynebacterium minutissimum, and C. parvum). Most strains showed good susceptibility to those agents usually considered active against gram-positive organisms. With the exception of C. minutissimum, the strains tested revealed more or less identical susceptibility ranges. The lowest minimal inhibitory concentrations were observed with benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, cephalothin, rifampin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and minocycline. C. minutissimum was more susceptible to gentamicin, sisomicin, tobramycin, and fusidic acid but more resistant to most other drugs than were the other species examined.", "contents": "Antimicrobiol susceptibility of Propinibacterium acnes and related microbial species. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of 32 antimicrobial agents were established for 73 strains of Propionibacterium acnes and four related species (P. granulosum, P. avidum, Corynebacterium minutissimum, and C. parvum). Most strains showed good susceptibility to those agents usually considered active against gram-positive organisms. With the exception of C. minutissimum, the strains tested revealed more or less identical susceptibility ranges. The lowest minimal inhibitory concentrations were observed with benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, cephalothin, rifampin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and minocycline. C. minutissimum was more susceptible to gentamicin, sisomicin, tobramycin, and fusidic acid but more resistant to most other drugs than were the other species examined.", "PMID": 984781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1123", "title": "Pharmacological study of cefazolin during intermittent and continuous infusion: a crossover investigation in humans.", "content": "Levels of cefazolin were determined in plasma, urine, bile, and cerebrospinal fluid in humans after a bolus intravenous injection and during a controlled, continuous intravenous infusion. All the patients were studied in a steady-state and crossover fashion. In plasma, the mean peak level after bolus injection (1.5 g) studied in 12 patients was 206.5 mug/ml; during continuous infusion (6 g daily), the mean level remained stable at 52.6 mug/ml. With bolus injection and continuous infusion, respectively, 89.7 and 86.3% of the administered dose of cefazolin were excreted in the urine of nine patients over the 6-h period considered. The levels of cefazolin in common bile duct bile were studied in six cholecystectomized patients. In bile collected during the two 3-h periods of the experiment, the mean concentration of the drug in the bile after bolus injection was 66.9 and 22.0 mug/ml, respectively; during continuous infusion, the corresponding biliary levels were 50.7 and 51.3 mug/ml, respectively. In four neurosurgical patients with an intraventricular catheter, neither bolus injection nor continuous infusion resulted in a demonstrable concentration of cefazolin in the cerebrospinal fluid. The continuous intravenous administration of cefazolin might have some advantage over the intravenous bolus intermittent injections. In plasma, the area under the curve is greater with continuous infusion than with bolus injection. In bile, the levels of cefazolin are more sustained with continuous infusion than with bolus injection. This approach to intravenous administration of cefazolin deserves more pharmacological and clinical trials.", "contents": "Pharmacological study of cefazolin during intermittent and continuous infusion: a crossover investigation in humans. Levels of cefazolin were determined in plasma, urine, bile, and cerebrospinal fluid in humans after a bolus intravenous injection and during a controlled, continuous intravenous infusion. All the patients were studied in a steady-state and crossover fashion. In plasma, the mean peak level after bolus injection (1.5 g) studied in 12 patients was 206.5 mug/ml; during continuous infusion (6 g daily), the mean level remained stable at 52.6 mug/ml. With bolus injection and continuous infusion, respectively, 89.7 and 86.3% of the administered dose of cefazolin were excreted in the urine of nine patients over the 6-h period considered. The levels of cefazolin in common bile duct bile were studied in six cholecystectomized patients. In bile collected during the two 3-h periods of the experiment, the mean concentration of the drug in the bile after bolus injection was 66.9 and 22.0 mug/ml, respectively; during continuous infusion, the corresponding biliary levels were 50.7 and 51.3 mug/ml, respectively. In four neurosurgical patients with an intraventricular catheter, neither bolus injection nor continuous infusion resulted in a demonstrable concentration of cefazolin in the cerebrospinal fluid. The continuous intravenous administration of cefazolin might have some advantage over the intravenous bolus intermittent injections. In plasma, the area under the curve is greater with continuous infusion than with bolus injection. In bile, the levels of cefazolin are more sustained with continuous infusion than with bolus injection. This approach to intravenous administration of cefazolin deserves more pharmacological and clinical trials.", "PMID": 984782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1124", "title": "Comparative pharmacokinetics of cefamandole, cephapirin, and cephalothin in healthy subjects and effect of repeated dosing.", "content": "Cefamandole nafate, cephapirin, and cephalothin were administered intravenously in crossover fashion to 12 volunteers, in dosages of 2 g every 6 h for 16 doses. Mean peak levels of cefamandole were approximately 50% higher than those of the other agents. The serum concentration curves appeared to decline bi-exponentially, suggesting that a two-compartment model was most applicable for pharmacokinetic analysis; accordingly, the t((1/2)) of cefamandole was significantly longer when the serum peak was omitted from the analysis (0.86 versus 0.73 h, P < 0.05). The half-lives of cephalothin and cephapirin, 0.34 and 0.36 h, respectively, were probably underestimates reflecting the inclusion of distribution-phase values in the calculation. Repeated dosing had no effect on the peak serum levels, half-life, serum clearance, or apparent volume of distribution with one exception: peak serum levels of cephapirin were significantly lower after the sixteenth than after the first dose. Marked variations within a given subject were noted in the half-life and apparent volume of distribution of cefamandole in several instances. Renal clearances of cefamandole exhibited saturation kinetics similar to those of penicillin G.", "contents": "Comparative pharmacokinetics of cefamandole, cephapirin, and cephalothin in healthy subjects and effect of repeated dosing. Cefamandole nafate, cephapirin, and cephalothin were administered intravenously in crossover fashion to 12 volunteers, in dosages of 2 g every 6 h for 16 doses. Mean peak levels of cefamandole were approximately 50% higher than those of the other agents. The serum concentration curves appeared to decline bi-exponentially, suggesting that a two-compartment model was most applicable for pharmacokinetic analysis; accordingly, the t((1/2)) of cefamandole was significantly longer when the serum peak was omitted from the analysis (0.86 versus 0.73 h, P < 0.05). The half-lives of cephalothin and cephapirin, 0.34 and 0.36 h, respectively, were probably underestimates reflecting the inclusion of distribution-phase values in the calculation. Repeated dosing had no effect on the peak serum levels, half-life, serum clearance, or apparent volume of distribution with one exception: peak serum levels of cephapirin were significantly lower after the sixteenth than after the first dose. Marked variations within a given subject were noted in the half-life and apparent volume of distribution of cefamandole in several instances. Renal clearances of cefamandole exhibited saturation kinetics similar to those of penicillin G.", "PMID": 984783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1125", "title": "Laboratory evaluation of BL-S786, a cephalosporin with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.", "content": "Biological and physicochemical properties of BL-S786 were compared with those of cephalothin, cephaloridine, and cefazolin. With few exceptions, BL-S786 was more active than the reference compounds against major gram-negative pathogenic species and its antibacterial spectrum was broader than that of cephalosporins currently available for clinical use. Although BL-S786 was generally less active than the control cephalosporins against gram-positive pathogens, it inhibited their growth at concentrations that should readily be achieved in humans after standard parenteral dosage. Streptococcus faecalis, a species relatively unsusceptible to cephalosporins in general, was an exception. BL-S786 was an effective bactericidal agent for strains of various gram-negative organisms. After intramuscular administration to mice, BL-S786 achieved high concentrations in blood, and its biological half-life was longer than that of the other three cephalosporins.", "contents": "Laboratory evaluation of BL-S786, a cephalosporin with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Biological and physicochemical properties of BL-S786 were compared with those of cephalothin, cephaloridine, and cefazolin. With few exceptions, BL-S786 was more active than the reference compounds against major gram-negative pathogenic species and its antibacterial spectrum was broader than that of cephalosporins currently available for clinical use. Although BL-S786 was generally less active than the control cephalosporins against gram-positive pathogens, it inhibited their growth at concentrations that should readily be achieved in humans after standard parenteral dosage. Streptococcus faecalis, a species relatively unsusceptible to cephalosporins in general, was an exception. BL-S786 was an effective bactericidal agent for strains of various gram-negative organisms. After intramuscular administration to mice, BL-S786 achieved high concentrations in blood, and its biological half-life was longer than that of the other three cephalosporins.", "PMID": 984784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1126", "title": "Reversible thrombocytosis and anemia due to miconazole therapy.", "content": "Miconazole was administered intravenously in six consecutive patients with, active coccidioidal infection. Such treatment was associated with progressive anemia and thrombocytosis. The hematological abnormalities appeared to be dose related and potentially reversible. Bone marrow studies demonstrated erythroid hypoplasia and increased or active platelet production in three subjects. No hemorrhagic or thrombotic episodes were identified. It is suggested that careful hematological monitoring be performed in subjects undergoing systemic miconazole therapy.", "contents": "Reversible thrombocytosis and anemia due to miconazole therapy. Miconazole was administered intravenously in six consecutive patients with, active coccidioidal infection. Such treatment was associated with progressive anemia and thrombocytosis. The hematological abnormalities appeared to be dose related and potentially reversible. Bone marrow studies demonstrated erythroid hypoplasia and increased or active platelet production in three subjects. No hemorrhagic or thrombotic episodes were identified. It is suggested that careful hematological monitoring be performed in subjects undergoing systemic miconazole therapy.", "PMID": 984785} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1127", "title": "Comparative pharmacology of josamycin and erythromycin stearate.", "content": "Two macrolide antibiotics, josamycin and erythromycin stearate, were administered orally to healthy, adult male volunteers for a comparative study of their pharmacological properties. In comparable doses, josamycin and erythromycin produced similar plasma concentrations, with similar half-lives and elimination constants. An initial loading dose of 1.5 g of josamycin produced greater peak concentrations of antibiotic throughout a 10-day period with a regimen of every 6 h. In addition, josamycin tended to reach higher peak and trough concentrations after regimens of every 6 or 8 h were maintained for 2 days. Josamycin penetrated into saliva, sweat, and tears, and it was better tolerated in fasting subjects than was erythromycin stearate.", "contents": "Comparative pharmacology of josamycin and erythromycin stearate. Two macrolide antibiotics, josamycin and erythromycin stearate, were administered orally to healthy, adult male volunteers for a comparative study of their pharmacological properties. In comparable doses, josamycin and erythromycin produced similar plasma concentrations, with similar half-lives and elimination constants. An initial loading dose of 1.5 g of josamycin produced greater peak concentrations of antibiotic throughout a 10-day period with a regimen of every 6 h. In addition, josamycin tended to reach higher peak and trough concentrations after regimens of every 6 or 8 h were maintained for 2 days. Josamycin penetrated into saliva, sweat, and tears, and it was better tolerated in fasting subjects than was erythromycin stearate.", "PMID": 984786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1128", "title": "Pharmacokinetics of cefamandole in patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.", "content": "The pharmacokinetics of cefamandole nafate, a new parenteral cephalosporin derivative, were evaluated in 11 patients with chronic renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 5 ml/min), including five patients during hemodialysis, four patients during routine peritoneal dialysis, and two patients during the interdialytic period. Peak serum levels of cefamandole were comparable to those observed in patients with normal renal function. Clearance of the drug during the interdialytic period and during hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis was minimal, with a resultant significant prolongation of serum half-life. The nondialyzability of cefamandole is in contrast with reported studies of cephalothin, where significant reduction of the serum half-life was achieved during hemodialysis but not peritoneal dialysis. The concentration of cefamandole in the peritoneal dialysate after parenteral administration was observed to be bactericidal for many gram-negative pathogens and, with the exception of Streptococcus faecalis, most gram-positive organisms found in bacterial peritonitis in patients with severe renal failure. The present data suggest that if stable bactericidal serum levels of cefamandole are to be maintained during hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, a parenteral loading dose must be administered followed by one-half the loading dose every half-life.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetics of cefamandole in patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The pharmacokinetics of cefamandole nafate, a new parenteral cephalosporin derivative, were evaluated in 11 patients with chronic renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 5 ml/min), including five patients during hemodialysis, four patients during routine peritoneal dialysis, and two patients during the interdialytic period. Peak serum levels of cefamandole were comparable to those observed in patients with normal renal function. Clearance of the drug during the interdialytic period and during hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis was minimal, with a resultant significant prolongation of serum half-life. The nondialyzability of cefamandole is in contrast with reported studies of cephalothin, where significant reduction of the serum half-life was achieved during hemodialysis but not peritoneal dialysis. The concentration of cefamandole in the peritoneal dialysate after parenteral administration was observed to be bactericidal for many gram-negative pathogens and, with the exception of Streptococcus faecalis, most gram-positive organisms found in bacterial peritonitis in patients with severe renal failure. The present data suggest that if stable bactericidal serum levels of cefamandole are to be maintained during hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, a parenteral loading dose must be administered followed by one-half the loading dose every half-life.", "PMID": 984787} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1129", "title": "Concentrations of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in blood after a single, large oral dose.", "content": "Concentrations of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) in blood were determined in seven healthy volunteers after ingestion of 720 mg of TMP and 3,600 mg of SMZ (nine tablets of TMP-SMZ, 1:5 ratio) as a single oral dose. The mean levels of drug in blood achieved during the first 8 h after drug administration ranged from 6.12 to 8.32 mug/ml for TMP and 98 to 120 mug/ml for SMZ. These concentrations easily exceeded the previously reported minimal inhibitory concentrations for clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The combination of TMP-SMZ given as a single, large oral dose may be a useful therapeutic regimen for patients with uncomplicated gonorrhea and susceptible microorganisms.", "contents": "Concentrations of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in blood after a single, large oral dose. Concentrations of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) in blood were determined in seven healthy volunteers after ingestion of 720 mg of TMP and 3,600 mg of SMZ (nine tablets of TMP-SMZ, 1:5 ratio) as a single oral dose. The mean levels of drug in blood achieved during the first 8 h after drug administration ranged from 6.12 to 8.32 mug/ml for TMP and 98 to 120 mug/ml for SMZ. These concentrations easily exceeded the previously reported minimal inhibitory concentrations for clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The combination of TMP-SMZ given as a single, large oral dose may be a useful therapeutic regimen for patients with uncomplicated gonorrhea and susceptible microorganisms.", "PMID": 984788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1130", "title": "Effect of renal failure and dialysis on the serum concentration of the aminoglycoside amikacin.", "content": "Serum and dialysate levels of amikacin were determined at appropriate intervals after a 300-mg intravenous dose as a continuous infusion in six patients with end-stage renal failure undergoing hemodialysis and in three patients on peritoneal dialysis. The mean serum half-life of amikacin was 3.75 h during (or after) hemodialysis and 29 h during (or after) peritoneal dialysis. Although not on hemodialysis in the same six patients, the serum half-life was 28 h. The results indicate that the maintenance dose of amikacin should be markedly decreased in patients with severe renal failure even if they are treated with peritoneal dialysis, and that serial serum antibiotic concentrations are essential to prevent cumulative toxicity of the drug.", "contents": "Effect of renal failure and dialysis on the serum concentration of the aminoglycoside amikacin. Serum and dialysate levels of amikacin were determined at appropriate intervals after a 300-mg intravenous dose as a continuous infusion in six patients with end-stage renal failure undergoing hemodialysis and in three patients on peritoneal dialysis. The mean serum half-life of amikacin was 3.75 h during (or after) hemodialysis and 29 h during (or after) peritoneal dialysis. Although not on hemodialysis in the same six patients, the serum half-life was 28 h. The results indicate that the maintenance dose of amikacin should be markedly decreased in patients with severe renal failure even if they are treated with peritoneal dialysis, and that serial serum antibiotic concentrations are essential to prevent cumulative toxicity of the drug.", "PMID": 984789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1131", "title": "Substrate inhibition of beta-lactamases, a method for predicting enzymatic stability of cephalosporins.", "content": "Selected cephalosporins, including cefamandole, cephaloridine, cephaloglycin, and cefoxitin, were examined for their ability to inhibit the enzymatic activity of and act as substrates for beta-lactamases produced by Enterobacter cloacae and Staphylococcus aureus. Enzyme inhibition was determined by Michaelis-Menten kinetic measurements and by a spot plate assay using a chromogenic substrate (Glaxo compound 87/312). These two methods provide comparable estimates of kinetic parameters. Inhibition of beta-lactamase, as measured by these two methods, was generally found to correlate with resistance to hydrolysis and is proposed as a preliminary method of assessing susceptibility of cephalosporins to beta-lactamase hydrolysis. Four 7-alphaOCH(3), 7-alphaH cephalosporin analogue pairs were also examined. The presence of the 7-alphaOCH(3) substituent invariably resulted in reduced susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis, regardless of the other C7 substituent. The 7-alphaOCH(3) compounds were also better inhibitors than were their 7-alphaH analogues, with the exception that 7-alphaOCH(3) compounds having C7 adipic acid substituents were less inhibitory to the S. aureus enzyme than were the corresponding 7-alphaH analogues. Response of these two enzymes to 7-alphaOCH(3) and 7-alphaH cephalosporins suggests that beta-lactamase hydrolysis of these compounds involves attack at the alpha side of the betalactam ring.", "contents": "Substrate inhibition of beta-lactamases, a method for predicting enzymatic stability of cephalosporins. Selected cephalosporins, including cefamandole, cephaloridine, cephaloglycin, and cefoxitin, were examined for their ability to inhibit the enzymatic activity of and act as substrates for beta-lactamases produced by Enterobacter cloacae and Staphylococcus aureus. Enzyme inhibition was determined by Michaelis-Menten kinetic measurements and by a spot plate assay using a chromogenic substrate (Glaxo compound 87/312). These two methods provide comparable estimates of kinetic parameters. Inhibition of beta-lactamase, as measured by these two methods, was generally found to correlate with resistance to hydrolysis and is proposed as a preliminary method of assessing susceptibility of cephalosporins to beta-lactamase hydrolysis. Four 7-alphaOCH(3), 7-alphaH cephalosporin analogue pairs were also examined. The presence of the 7-alphaOCH(3) substituent invariably resulted in reduced susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis, regardless of the other C7 substituent. The 7-alphaOCH(3) compounds were also better inhibitors than were their 7-alphaH analogues, with the exception that 7-alphaOCH(3) compounds having C7 adipic acid substituents were less inhibitory to the S. aureus enzyme than were the corresponding 7-alphaH analogues. Response of these two enzymes to 7-alphaOCH(3) and 7-alphaH cephalosporins suggests that beta-lactamase hydrolysis of these compounds involves attack at the alpha side of the betalactam ring.", "PMID": 984790} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1132", "title": "Pirbenicillin: pharmacokinetic parameters in mice.", "content": "The rapid intravenous administration to mice of pirbenicillin, carbenicillin, and ampicillin produced biexponential blood concentration-time curves when assessed by frequent blood samplings at short intervals. The pharmacokinetic behavior of pirbenicillin and the other penicillins was analyzed by the two-compartment open model. This is thought to be the first study giving detailed pharmacokinetic values of penicillins in mice. Some significant differences were noted between the pharmacokinetic values of pirbenicillin, ampicillin, and carbenicillin. These values suggest that the interchange of pirbenicillin between the central and peripheral body compartments of the mouse was slower than that of either carbenicillin or ampicillin and indicated that a greater fraction of the pirbenicillin than the ampicillin dose reached the peripheral compartment.", "contents": "Pirbenicillin: pharmacokinetic parameters in mice. The rapid intravenous administration to mice of pirbenicillin, carbenicillin, and ampicillin produced biexponential blood concentration-time curves when assessed by frequent blood samplings at short intervals. The pharmacokinetic behavior of pirbenicillin and the other penicillins was analyzed by the two-compartment open model. This is thought to be the first study giving detailed pharmacokinetic values of penicillins in mice. Some significant differences were noted between the pharmacokinetic values of pirbenicillin, ampicillin, and carbenicillin. These values suggest that the interchange of pirbenicillin between the central and peripheral body compartments of the mouse was slower than that of either carbenicillin or ampicillin and indicated that a greater fraction of the pirbenicillin than the ampicillin dose reached the peripheral compartment.", "PMID": 984791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1133", "title": "Chemical nature of agrocin 84 and its effect on a virulent strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens.", "content": "Agrocin 84, produced by Agrobacterium radiobacter K84, inhibited ribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid, and protein synthesis and amino acid transport in a susceptible, virulent strain of A. tumefaciens H-38-9. Cell motility was immediately stopped by action of the agrocin, 50% of the cells were killed within 15 min of contact, and the remainder were inhibited. Agrocin 84 is trypsin and pepsin resistant, but chemical analysis indicated a small peptide with a molecular weight of 2,500 containing six different amino acids, including nine molecules of glutamine or glutamic acid and seven molecules of serine.", "contents": "Chemical nature of agrocin 84 and its effect on a virulent strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Agrocin 84, produced by Agrobacterium radiobacter K84, inhibited ribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid, and protein synthesis and amino acid transport in a susceptible, virulent strain of A. tumefaciens H-38-9. Cell motility was immediately stopped by action of the agrocin, 50% of the cells were killed within 15 min of contact, and the remainder were inhibited. Agrocin 84 is trypsin and pepsin resistant, but chemical analysis indicated a small peptide with a molecular weight of 2,500 containing six different amino acids, including nine molecules of glutamine or glutamic acid and seven molecules of serine.", "PMID": 984792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1134", "title": "Comparison of the in vitro activity of several cephalosporin antibiotics against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria resistant to cephaloridine.", "content": "The in vitro activity of each of two oral [cefatrizine (BL-S640), cephalexin] and three parenteral (cefamandole, cefazolin, cephapirin) cephalosporin antibiotics was compared with that of cephalothin against 168 clinical isolates of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria selected as resistant to 20 mug of cephaloridine per ml on the basis of agar dilution susceptibility test data. Each of the five other cephalosporins inhibited a greater percentage of gram-negative bacillary isolates than did cephalothin or cephaloridine, with minimal inhibitory concentration values ranging 2- to 50-fold lower. Significant differences between minimal inhibitory concentrations of the compounds tested were also observed in tests against strains of Streptococcus faecalis and of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Potential advantages of including more than a single cephalosporin antibiotic in the panel of antibiotics used for routine susceptibility testing, suggested by these observations, are discussed.", "contents": "Comparison of the in vitro activity of several cephalosporin antibiotics against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria resistant to cephaloridine. The in vitro activity of each of two oral [cefatrizine (BL-S640), cephalexin] and three parenteral (cefamandole, cefazolin, cephapirin) cephalosporin antibiotics was compared with that of cephalothin against 168 clinical isolates of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria selected as resistant to 20 mug of cephaloridine per ml on the basis of agar dilution susceptibility test data. Each of the five other cephalosporins inhibited a greater percentage of gram-negative bacillary isolates than did cephalothin or cephaloridine, with minimal inhibitory concentration values ranging 2- to 50-fold lower. Significant differences between minimal inhibitory concentrations of the compounds tested were also observed in tests against strains of Streptococcus faecalis and of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Potential advantages of including more than a single cephalosporin antibiotic in the panel of antibiotics used for routine susceptibility testing, suggested by these observations, are discussed.", "PMID": 984793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1135", "title": "Selection and characterization of strains of Staphylococcus aureus displaying unusual resistance to aminoglycosides.", "content": "Susceptibility tests with aminoglycosides against Staphylococcus aureus have revealed discrepancies between the minimal inhibitory concentrations and the minimal bactericidal concentrations. To further evaluate these discrepancies, kill curves were performed against a susceptible strain of S. aureus with five different aminoglycosides (amikacin, kanamycin, tobramycin, gentamicin, sisomicin) at concentrations up to 16-fold above the minimal inhibitory concentration. Results revealed the presence of small subpopulations of cells capable of growth within 24 h in concentrations of aminoglycoside up to eightfold above the minimal inhibitory concentration for the parent strain. These subpopulations occurred at a frequency of >/=10(-7) parent cells, were not physiologically different from the susceptible parent strains, and were present in approximately one-half of 30 strains of S. aureus tested. The resistance of these subpopulations was approximately eightfold higher than that of the parent for all five aminoglycosides and was independent of concentration or type of aminoglycoside used to select them. This resistance was not due to extracellular degradation of drug and was stable over eight transfers in drug-free medium, except when selected by gentamicin or sisomicin.", "contents": "Selection and characterization of strains of Staphylococcus aureus displaying unusual resistance to aminoglycosides. Susceptibility tests with aminoglycosides against Staphylococcus aureus have revealed discrepancies between the minimal inhibitory concentrations and the minimal bactericidal concentrations. To further evaluate these discrepancies, kill curves were performed against a susceptible strain of S. aureus with five different aminoglycosides (amikacin, kanamycin, tobramycin, gentamicin, sisomicin) at concentrations up to 16-fold above the minimal inhibitory concentration. Results revealed the presence of small subpopulations of cells capable of growth within 24 h in concentrations of aminoglycoside up to eightfold above the minimal inhibitory concentration for the parent strain. These subpopulations occurred at a frequency of >/=10(-7) parent cells, were not physiologically different from the susceptible parent strains, and were present in approximately one-half of 30 strains of S. aureus tested. The resistance of these subpopulations was approximately eightfold higher than that of the parent for all five aminoglycosides and was independent of concentration or type of aminoglycoside used to select them. This resistance was not due to extracellular degradation of drug and was stable over eight transfers in drug-free medium, except when selected by gentamicin or sisomicin.", "PMID": 984794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1136", "title": "Synergy of mecillinam, a beta-amidinopenicillanic acid derivative, combined with beta-lactam antibiotics.", "content": "Mecillinam, a beta-amidinopenicillanic acid derivative, was combined with ampicillin, amoxicillin, carbenicillin, cephalothin, cefamandole, and cefoxitin and tested against most members of the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas. Synergy was demonstrated with selected isolates of most of the organisms tested. Isolates highly susceptible to mecillinam (minimum inhibitory concentration, <0.8 mug/ml) were not synergistically inhibited by addition of another beta-lactam antibiotic. Synergy of mecillinam and a beta-lactamase-resistant penicillin, cloxacillin, was demonstrated. In media of osmolality >10 mOsm or of conductivity >6 mS, mecillinam and beta-lactam antibiotics showed synergy in most instances, whereas at low osmolality and conductivity the activity of mecillinam is so great that synergy cannot be demonstrated. The proportion of mecillinam to beta-lactam antibiotic that will be synergistic ranged from 100:1 to 1:1 to 1:100. Mecillinam did not increase the activity, minimum inhibitory concentration or minimum bactericidal concentration values, of beta-lactam compounds against streptococci, staphylococci, clostridia, listeria, or bacteroides. Synergy was not demonstrated with combinations of mecillinam and aminoglycosides (kanamycin, gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin), chloramphenicol, tetracycline, or polymyxins.", "contents": "Synergy of mecillinam, a beta-amidinopenicillanic acid derivative, combined with beta-lactam antibiotics. Mecillinam, a beta-amidinopenicillanic acid derivative, was combined with ampicillin, amoxicillin, carbenicillin, cephalothin, cefamandole, and cefoxitin and tested against most members of the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas. Synergy was demonstrated with selected isolates of most of the organisms tested. Isolates highly susceptible to mecillinam (minimum inhibitory concentration, <0.8 mug/ml) were not synergistically inhibited by addition of another beta-lactam antibiotic. Synergy of mecillinam and a beta-lactamase-resistant penicillin, cloxacillin, was demonstrated. In media of osmolality >10 mOsm or of conductivity >6 mS, mecillinam and beta-lactam antibiotics showed synergy in most instances, whereas at low osmolality and conductivity the activity of mecillinam is so great that synergy cannot be demonstrated. The proportion of mecillinam to beta-lactam antibiotic that will be synergistic ranged from 100:1 to 1:1 to 1:100. Mecillinam did not increase the activity, minimum inhibitory concentration or minimum bactericidal concentration values, of beta-lactam compounds against streptococci, staphylococci, clostridia, listeria, or bacteroides. Synergy was not demonstrated with combinations of mecillinam and aminoglycosides (kanamycin, gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin), chloramphenicol, tetracycline, or polymyxins.", "PMID": 984795} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1137", "title": "Therapeutic effects of ribavirin given by the intraperitoneal or aerosol route against influenza virus infections in mice.", "content": "Ribavirin (1-beta-d-ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide) is an effective antiviral agent against type A influenza infection of mice. Therapy was most effective when administered as a small-particle aerosol early in the infection. Treatment was also effective by either the intraperitoneal or aerosol route in mice with histological evidence of pneumonia. Ribavirin increased the percent survival, lowered lung virus titers, and decreased the development of lung pathology when therapy was initiated at 6 h as a small-particle aerosol. There was no evidence of pulmonary toxicity or immunosuppressive effects.", "contents": "Therapeutic effects of ribavirin given by the intraperitoneal or aerosol route against influenza virus infections in mice. Ribavirin (1-beta-d-ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide) is an effective antiviral agent against type A influenza infection of mice. Therapy was most effective when administered as a small-particle aerosol early in the infection. Treatment was also effective by either the intraperitoneal or aerosol route in mice with histological evidence of pneumonia. Ribavirin increased the percent survival, lowered lung virus titers, and decreased the development of lung pathology when therapy was initiated at 6 h as a small-particle aerosol. There was no evidence of pulmonary toxicity or immunosuppressive effects.", "PMID": 984796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1138", "title": "Inhibition of antibiotic activity in vitro by synthetic melanin.", "content": "Synthetic melanin (100 to 1,000 mug/ml) markedly inhibited the in vitro activity of aminoglycosides and tetracyclines but did not affect the activity of betalactam antibiotics, erythromycin, or clindamycin.", "contents": "Inhibition of antibiotic activity in vitro by synthetic melanin. Synthetic melanin (100 to 1,000 mug/ml) markedly inhibited the in vitro activity of aminoglycosides and tetracyclines but did not affect the activity of betalactam antibiotics, erythromycin, or clindamycin.", "PMID": 984797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1139", "title": "Antiviral effects of virazole in chronic hepatitis B surface antigen-seropositive chimpanzees.", "content": "Virazole (Ribavirin, ICN 1229), a broad-spectrum, antiviral chemotherapeutic agent was used to treat two adult chronically hepatitis B surface antigen (HB(s) Ag)-seropositive chimpanzees. No significant change in serum hepatitis B surface antigen was noted and no adverse reactions were observed. The role of viral replication in the chronic carrier state of hepatitis B is discussed.", "contents": "Antiviral effects of virazole in chronic hepatitis B surface antigen-seropositive chimpanzees. Virazole (Ribavirin, ICN 1229), a broad-spectrum, antiviral chemotherapeutic agent was used to treat two adult chronically hepatitis B surface antigen (HB(s) Ag)-seropositive chimpanzees. No significant change in serum hepatitis B surface antigen was noted and no adverse reactions were observed. The role of viral replication in the chronic carrier state of hepatitis B is discussed.", "PMID": 984798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1140", "title": "Pharmacokinetics of cefamandole in the presence of renal failure in patients undergoing hemodialysis.", "content": "The pharmacology of cefamandole in seven patients with stable renal insufficiency and in eight patients undergoing hemodialysis was determined. All patients had creatinine clearances less than 5 ml/min. The half-life of cefamandole in those patients with stable chronic renal failure was 7.7 +/- 2.2 h. The mean venous level 1 h after intravenous injection of a 1-g dose was 85.3 +/- 32.0 mug/ml. The mean venous half-life of cefamandole during hemodialysis was 6.1 h. The venous serum level after 5.5 of hemodialysis was 50.4 +/- 20.8 mug/ml. The mean coefficient of extraction was 0.155, and the mean clearance was 34.7 ml/min. The time interval between doses of cefamandole administered intravenously should be lengthened to 24 h in the presence of stable renal failure. No major change in dosage schedule is necessary for patients undergoing dialysis.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetics of cefamandole in the presence of renal failure in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The pharmacology of cefamandole in seven patients with stable renal insufficiency and in eight patients undergoing hemodialysis was determined. All patients had creatinine clearances less than 5 ml/min. The half-life of cefamandole in those patients with stable chronic renal failure was 7.7 +/- 2.2 h. The mean venous level 1 h after intravenous injection of a 1-g dose was 85.3 +/- 32.0 mug/ml. The mean venous half-life of cefamandole during hemodialysis was 6.1 h. The venous serum level after 5.5 of hemodialysis was 50.4 +/- 20.8 mug/ml. The mean coefficient of extraction was 0.155, and the mean clearance was 34.7 ml/min. The time interval between doses of cefamandole administered intravenously should be lengthened to 24 h in the presence of stable renal failure. No major change in dosage schedule is necessary for patients undergoing dialysis.", "PMID": 984799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1141", "title": "Metabolism of (14C) cefaclor, a cephalosporin antibiotic, in three species of laboratory animals.", "content": "The metabolic fate of the orally effective cephalosporin antibiotic cefaclor (Lilly 99638) has been studied in rats, mice, and dogs. Cefaclor is efficiently absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract as the intact antibiotic. In rats and mice, cefaclor, for the most part, escapes metabolism in the body and is eliminated unchanged as unaltered antibiotic, primarily by renal excretion. In dogs, however, cefaclor is more labile to metabolism and only a portion of the administered antibiotic is eliminated unchanged via the kidney.", "contents": "Metabolism of (14C) cefaclor, a cephalosporin antibiotic, in three species of laboratory animals. The metabolic fate of the orally effective cephalosporin antibiotic cefaclor (Lilly 99638) has been studied in rats, mice, and dogs. Cefaclor is efficiently absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract as the intact antibiotic. In rats and mice, cefaclor, for the most part, escapes metabolism in the body and is eliminated unchanged as unaltered antibiotic, primarily by renal excretion. In dogs, however, cefaclor is more labile to metabolism and only a portion of the administered antibiotic is eliminated unchanged via the kidney.", "PMID": 984800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1142", "title": "Comparison of the antibacterial activity of nine cephalosporins against Enterobacteriaceae and nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli.", "content": "The in vitro antibacterial activity of nine cephalosporins (cephalothin, cephaloridine, cephalexin, cefazolin, cefamandole, cefuroxime, cefatrizine, cefoxitin, and cefazaflur) was determined against 344 strains of Enterobacteriaceae and 99 nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli. Cefamandole, cefazaflur, and cefuroxime were the most active cephalosporins against the Enterobacteriaceae (with the exception of Serratia marcescens). However, cefoxitin was the only cephalosporin that inhibited all 30 S. marcescens strains in a concentration of 16 mug/ml and was by far the most active compound against selected cephalothin-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Proteus mirabilis. Acinetobacter spp. were inhibited best by cefuroxime, but none of the cephalosporins had appreciable activity against the Pseudomonas spp.", "contents": "Comparison of the antibacterial activity of nine cephalosporins against Enterobacteriaceae and nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli. The in vitro antibacterial activity of nine cephalosporins (cephalothin, cephaloridine, cephalexin, cefazolin, cefamandole, cefuroxime, cefatrizine, cefoxitin, and cefazaflur) was determined against 344 strains of Enterobacteriaceae and 99 nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli. Cefamandole, cefazaflur, and cefuroxime were the most active cephalosporins against the Enterobacteriaceae (with the exception of Serratia marcescens). However, cefoxitin was the only cephalosporin that inhibited all 30 S. marcescens strains in a concentration of 16 mug/ml and was by far the most active compound against selected cephalothin-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Proteus mirabilis. Acinetobacter spp. were inhibited best by cefuroxime, but none of the cephalosporins had appreciable activity against the Pseudomonas spp.", "PMID": 984801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1143", "title": "Enzymatic adenylylation by aminoglycoside 4'-adenylytransferase and 2\"-adenylyltransferase as a means of determining concentrations of aminoglycoside antibiotics in serum.", "content": "A fast and accurate enzymatic estimation of the concentration of aminoglycoside antiobiotics in serum is given by aminoglycoside 4'-adenylyltransferase (synonym: tobramycin adenylyltransferase), a new enzyme recently found in tobramycin-resistant staphylococci (P. Santanam and F. H. Kayser, J. Infect. Dis. [Suppl.], in press). This enzyme is useful in assaying the kanamycins, the butirosins, amikacin, ribostamycin and, if required, the neomycins, tobramycin, and paromomycin. In combination with the assay using aminoglycoside 2''-adenylyltransferase (synonym: gentamicin adenylyltransferase) to determine the level of gentamicin, sisomicin, and tobramycin, a convenient method to estimate a wide range of aminoglycoside antibiotics in patients' sera is described.", "contents": "Enzymatic adenylylation by aminoglycoside 4'-adenylytransferase and 2\"-adenylyltransferase as a means of determining concentrations of aminoglycoside antibiotics in serum. A fast and accurate enzymatic estimation of the concentration of aminoglycoside antiobiotics in serum is given by aminoglycoside 4'-adenylyltransferase (synonym: tobramycin adenylyltransferase), a new enzyme recently found in tobramycin-resistant staphylococci (P. Santanam and F. H. Kayser, J. Infect. Dis. [Suppl.], in press). This enzyme is useful in assaying the kanamycins, the butirosins, amikacin, ribostamycin and, if required, the neomycins, tobramycin, and paromomycin. In combination with the assay using aminoglycoside 2''-adenylyltransferase (synonym: gentamicin adenylyltransferase) to determine the level of gentamicin, sisomicin, and tobramycin, a convenient method to estimate a wide range of aminoglycoside antibiotics in patients' sera is described.", "PMID": 984802} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1144", "title": "Comparative toxicological studies of amphotericin B methyl ester and amphotericin B in mice, rats, and dogs.", "content": "In acute and subacute toxicological studies, amphotericin B methyl ester was shown to be much less toxic than the parent antibiotic. As a single intravenous dose in mice, the methyl ester was approximately 20 times less toxic than amphotericin B. Also, the acute toxicity of the methyl ester in mice was not enhanced by the presence of chemically induced hepatic or renal damage or by the concurrent administration of amphotericin B or flucytosine. In a 1-month intraperitoneal study in rats, the methyl ester was about one-fourth as nephrotoxic as amphotericin B. In a 1-month intravenous study in dogs, the methyl ester was about one-eighth as nephrotoxic and one-fourth to one-half as hepatotoxic as the parent compound. In addition, the methyl ester, unlike amphotericin B, produced minimal renal effects, which did not increase in severity with increasing dosage. Based on the results of these studies, it is concluded that amphotericin B methyl ester has the potential for an improved therapeutic ratio in the treatment of systemic mycoses.", "contents": "Comparative toxicological studies of amphotericin B methyl ester and amphotericin B in mice, rats, and dogs. In acute and subacute toxicological studies, amphotericin B methyl ester was shown to be much less toxic than the parent antibiotic. As a single intravenous dose in mice, the methyl ester was approximately 20 times less toxic than amphotericin B. Also, the acute toxicity of the methyl ester in mice was not enhanced by the presence of chemically induced hepatic or renal damage or by the concurrent administration of amphotericin B or flucytosine. In a 1-month intraperitoneal study in rats, the methyl ester was about one-fourth as nephrotoxic as amphotericin B. In a 1-month intravenous study in dogs, the methyl ester was about one-eighth as nephrotoxic and one-fourth to one-half as hepatotoxic as the parent compound. In addition, the methyl ester, unlike amphotericin B, produced minimal renal effects, which did not increase in severity with increasing dosage. Based on the results of these studies, it is concluded that amphotericin B methyl ester has the potential for an improved therapeutic ratio in the treatment of systemic mycoses.", "PMID": 984803} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1145", "title": "Variation in the susceptibility of strains of Staphylococcus aureus to oxacillin, cephalothin, and gentamicin.", "content": "Three cases of staphylococcal bacteremia caused by organisms that were inhibited by low concentrations of oxacillin, but were resistant to the killing effects of oxacillin, stimulated us to screen 60 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus for their susceptibility to oxacillin, cephalothin, and gentamicin. All 60 strains were inhibited by low concentrations of the antibiotics. The antibiotics were bactericidal against 27 of the 60 strains and only bacteriostatic against the other 33 after 24 h of incubation. However, after 48 h of incubation, the antibiotics were also bactericidal against the latter group.", "contents": "Variation in the susceptibility of strains of Staphylococcus aureus to oxacillin, cephalothin, and gentamicin. Three cases of staphylococcal bacteremia caused by organisms that were inhibited by low concentrations of oxacillin, but were resistant to the killing effects of oxacillin, stimulated us to screen 60 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus for their susceptibility to oxacillin, cephalothin, and gentamicin. All 60 strains were inhibited by low concentrations of the antibiotics. The antibiotics were bactericidal against 27 of the 60 strains and only bacteriostatic against the other 33 after 24 h of incubation. However, after 48 h of incubation, the antibiotics were also bactericidal against the latter group.", "PMID": 984804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1146", "title": "Susceptibility of respiratory tract anaerobes to orally administered penicillins and cephalosporins.", "content": "Anaerobic bacteria recovered from airway-related infections were tested by agar dilution against selected penicillins and cephalosporins available for oral administration. Against 136 isolates, penicillins G and V showed comparable activity, particularly when pharmacological differences were considered. Although many isolates were exquisitely susceptible to the penicillins, only 55% of the Bacteroides species and 72% of all isolates were inhibited at 0.5 mug of penicillin G per ml. Results for penicillin V at 1 mug/ml were similar (59 and 73%). The two cephalosporins were more active at achievable levels, inhibiting 94 to 95% of Bacteroides and 95 to 96% of all isolates at 8 mug/ml. These levels represent approximately 50% of the reported peak serum levels after oral administration of 625 mg of the penicillins and 500 mg of the cephalosporins. Dicloxacillin and nafcillin were tested against 50 isolates. The two were comparably active on a weight basis; dicloxacillin was more active when pharmacological differences were considered, but did not match the other penicillins or the cephalosporins.", "contents": "Susceptibility of respiratory tract anaerobes to orally administered penicillins and cephalosporins. Anaerobic bacteria recovered from airway-related infections were tested by agar dilution against selected penicillins and cephalosporins available for oral administration. Against 136 isolates, penicillins G and V showed comparable activity, particularly when pharmacological differences were considered. Although many isolates were exquisitely susceptible to the penicillins, only 55% of the Bacteroides species and 72% of all isolates were inhibited at 0.5 mug of penicillin G per ml. Results for penicillin V at 1 mug/ml were similar (59 and 73%). The two cephalosporins were more active at achievable levels, inhibiting 94 to 95% of Bacteroides and 95 to 96% of all isolates at 8 mug/ml. These levels represent approximately 50% of the reported peak serum levels after oral administration of 625 mg of the penicillins and 500 mg of the cephalosporins. Dicloxacillin and nafcillin were tested against 50 isolates. The two were comparably active on a weight basis; dicloxacillin was more active when pharmacological differences were considered, but did not match the other penicillins or the cephalosporins.", "PMID": 984805} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1147", "title": "Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of yeasts: a turbidimetric technique independent of inoculum size.", "content": "The current development of potent antifungal drugs necessitates reliable methods of in vitro susceptibility testing of clinical isolates. Other laboratories have noted with some antimicrobials that conventional tube dilution visual end points for determining minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) vary markedly with the inoculum. With seven isolates (four species) we compared the conventional method with one developed with a spectrophotometer. Yeasts were diluted to inocula of 10(2) to 10(5) cells/ml and incubated at 37 degrees C with 5-fluorocytosine or miconazole or without drug in a synthetic defined medium. At frequent intervals MICs were determined by the lowest drug concentration without visible turbidity. Concurrently, the percent transmission of each tube was measured and an inhibitory concentration (IC((1/2))) was calculated from the turbidimetric measurements. MICs of both drugs for all strains varied with the inoculum. Intrastrain differences averaged 128-fold for miconazole and greater than 8-fold with 5-fluorocytosine. This variability in MIC occurred when readings were made after 12 to 48 h of incubation. In contrast, IC((1/2)) values of all isolates varied less than two-fold with the same range of inocula. Most isolates showed this independence when measured at 48 h. Fast-growing yeasts showed greater IC((1/2)) variability unless the turbidimetric measurements were taken earlier while the drug-free growth was still in a rapid growth phase. This method is reproducible, inoculum independent, rapid, free from subjectivity and observer variability, and suitable for adaptation to a clinical setting.", "contents": "Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of yeasts: a turbidimetric technique independent of inoculum size. The current development of potent antifungal drugs necessitates reliable methods of in vitro susceptibility testing of clinical isolates. Other laboratories have noted with some antimicrobials that conventional tube dilution visual end points for determining minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) vary markedly with the inoculum. With seven isolates (four species) we compared the conventional method with one developed with a spectrophotometer. Yeasts were diluted to inocula of 10(2) to 10(5) cells/ml and incubated at 37 degrees C with 5-fluorocytosine or miconazole or without drug in a synthetic defined medium. At frequent intervals MICs were determined by the lowest drug concentration without visible turbidity. Concurrently, the percent transmission of each tube was measured and an inhibitory concentration (IC((1/2))) was calculated from the turbidimetric measurements. MICs of both drugs for all strains varied with the inoculum. Intrastrain differences averaged 128-fold for miconazole and greater than 8-fold with 5-fluorocytosine. This variability in MIC occurred when readings were made after 12 to 48 h of incubation. In contrast, IC((1/2)) values of all isolates varied less than two-fold with the same range of inocula. Most isolates showed this independence when measured at 48 h. Fast-growing yeasts showed greater IC((1/2)) variability unless the turbidimetric measurements were taken earlier while the drug-free growth was still in a rapid growth phase. This method is reproducible, inoculum independent, rapid, free from subjectivity and observer variability, and suitable for adaptation to a clinical setting.", "PMID": 984806} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1148", "title": "Aerobically incubated thioglycolate broth disk method for antibiotic susceptibility testing of anaerobes.", "content": "The anaerobic broth disk (AnBD) method of Wilkins and Thiel and a new modification, designated the thioglycolate broth disk method, were compared with an agar dilution technique. The thioglycolate broth disk method was incubated aerobically (AeTBD) or anaerobically (AnTBD). One hundred anaerobic bacteria representing 15 species were tested with clindamycin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, penicillin, and tetracycline. Agreement of results by the two methods with minimal inhibitory concentration determinations were: AnBD, 95.2%; AnTBD, 91.5%; AeTBD, 94.5%. With clindamycin, chloramphenicol, and penicillin, the agreement of the AeTBD and agar dilution results was 100%, 100%, and 95%, respectively. Using the AeTBD method, only 1.1% of all tests gave false susceptible readings, whereas 4.4% gave false resistant readings. All susceptibility testing errors occurred with tetracycline, erythromycin, and, to a lesser extent, penicillin. For each method, the changes in designation of bacteria as being susceptible or resistant to an antibiotic between trials primarily involved strains with minimal inhibitory concentrations which were +/- one dilution of the respective breakpoint value. The same situation was true for most bacteria that yielded false resistant readings within each trial. False resistant readings with tetracycline were determined to be unrelated to excess cation content of test media. These results reaffirm the reliability of the AnBD method and indicate that the AeTBD modification is equally reliable. The greater convenience and lower cost of the AeTBD method should make possible more widespread performance of susceptibility testing for anaerobic bacteria in hospital laboratories.", "contents": "Aerobically incubated thioglycolate broth disk method for antibiotic susceptibility testing of anaerobes. The anaerobic broth disk (AnBD) method of Wilkins and Thiel and a new modification, designated the thioglycolate broth disk method, were compared with an agar dilution technique. The thioglycolate broth disk method was incubated aerobically (AeTBD) or anaerobically (AnTBD). One hundred anaerobic bacteria representing 15 species were tested with clindamycin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, penicillin, and tetracycline. Agreement of results by the two methods with minimal inhibitory concentration determinations were: AnBD, 95.2%; AnTBD, 91.5%; AeTBD, 94.5%. With clindamycin, chloramphenicol, and penicillin, the agreement of the AeTBD and agar dilution results was 100%, 100%, and 95%, respectively. Using the AeTBD method, only 1.1% of all tests gave false susceptible readings, whereas 4.4% gave false resistant readings. All susceptibility testing errors occurred with tetracycline, erythromycin, and, to a lesser extent, penicillin. For each method, the changes in designation of bacteria as being susceptible or resistant to an antibiotic between trials primarily involved strains with minimal inhibitory concentrations which were +/- one dilution of the respective breakpoint value. The same situation was true for most bacteria that yielded false resistant readings within each trial. False resistant readings with tetracycline were determined to be unrelated to excess cation content of test media. These results reaffirm the reliability of the AnBD method and indicate that the AeTBD modification is equally reliable. The greater convenience and lower cost of the AeTBD method should make possible more widespread performance of susceptibility testing for anaerobic bacteria in hospital laboratories.", "PMID": 984807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1149", "title": "Concentration of cefamandole in serum interstitial fluid, bile, and urine.", "content": "Cefamandole readily diffuses from the serum into soft tissue interstitial fluid. The rate of diffusion differs little from that of cephalothin. The concentrations of antibiotic were greater in bile and urine during the entire period of study than is necessary to kill susceptible pathogenic bacteria present in these fluids.", "contents": "Concentration of cefamandole in serum interstitial fluid, bile, and urine. Cefamandole readily diffuses from the serum into soft tissue interstitial fluid. The rate of diffusion differs little from that of cephalothin. The concentrations of antibiotic were greater in bile and urine during the entire period of study than is necessary to kill susceptible pathogenic bacteria present in these fluids.", "PMID": 984808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1150", "title": "Susceptibility of anaerobic bacteria to 23 antimicrobial agents.", "content": "The antimicrobial susceptibility of 492 anaerobic bacteria, the majority of which were recent clinical isolates, was determined by the agar dilution technique. Penicillin G was active against most of the strains tested at 32 U or less/ml, but only 72% of Bacteroides fragilis strains were susceptible at this level and 9% required 256 U or more/ml. Ampicillin was effective against most of the strains except B. fragilis at 16 mug or less/ml. Amoxicillin was active against only 31% of B. fragilis, 76% of other Bacteroides species, and 67% of Fusobacterium species at 8 mug/ml. Two new penicillins, mezlocillin and azlocillin, were similar to ampicillin in their activity. Carbenicillin and ticarcillin inhibited all but a few strains at 128 mug or less/ml. BLP 1654 was somewhat more active than penicillin G against B. fragilis but had similar activity against other anaerobes. Cephalothin was inactive against B. fragilis, and only 65% of other Bacteroides species were inhibited by 32 mug or less/ml. It was effective against all other anaerobes at that level. Cefamandole showed somewhat greater activity than cephalothin against B. fragilis but generally less activity against gram-positive organisms. Cefazaflur (SKF 59962) was comparable to cephalothin against B. fragilis. Cefoxitin was distinctly more active than cephalothin against B. fragilis. These latter two agents were less active than cephalothin against the gram-positive anaerobes. Chloramphenicol remains active against anaerobic bacteria at 16 mug or less/ml, with rare exceptions. Thiamphenicol was similar to chloramphenicol in its activity. Clindamycin was very active against most of the anaerobes at 8 mug or less/ml. Erythromycin and josamycin were also tested, with josamycin showing greater activity against B. fragilis than either erythromycin or clindamycin. A new oligosaccharide, everninomicin B, was less active than clindamycin against B. fragilis but more active against clostridia and some of the other strains tested. Most of the groups of bacteria tested demonstrated a trend toward resistance to tetracycline. Doxycycline and minocycline were somewhat more active than was tetracycline. Metronidazole was active against the majority of the anaerobes tested; resistance ws demonstrated by some of the gram-positive cocci and gram-positive, non-sporeforming bacilli.", "contents": "Susceptibility of anaerobic bacteria to 23 antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial susceptibility of 492 anaerobic bacteria, the majority of which were recent clinical isolates, was determined by the agar dilution technique. Penicillin G was active against most of the strains tested at 32 U or less/ml, but only 72% of Bacteroides fragilis strains were susceptible at this level and 9% required 256 U or more/ml. Ampicillin was effective against most of the strains except B. fragilis at 16 mug or less/ml. Amoxicillin was active against only 31% of B. fragilis, 76% of other Bacteroides species, and 67% of Fusobacterium species at 8 mug/ml. Two new penicillins, mezlocillin and azlocillin, were similar to ampicillin in their activity. Carbenicillin and ticarcillin inhibited all but a few strains at 128 mug or less/ml. BLP 1654 was somewhat more active than penicillin G against B. fragilis but had similar activity against other anaerobes. Cephalothin was inactive against B. fragilis, and only 65% of other Bacteroides species were inhibited by 32 mug or less/ml. It was effective against all other anaerobes at that level. Cefamandole showed somewhat greater activity than cephalothin against B. fragilis but generally less activity against gram-positive organisms. Cefazaflur (SKF 59962) was comparable to cephalothin against B. fragilis. Cefoxitin was distinctly more active than cephalothin against B. fragilis. These latter two agents were less active than cephalothin against the gram-positive anaerobes. Chloramphenicol remains active against anaerobic bacteria at 16 mug or less/ml, with rare exceptions. Thiamphenicol was similar to chloramphenicol in its activity. Clindamycin was very active against most of the anaerobes at 8 mug or less/ml. Erythromycin and josamycin were also tested, with josamycin showing greater activity against B. fragilis than either erythromycin or clindamycin. A new oligosaccharide, everninomicin B, was less active than clindamycin against B. fragilis but more active against clostridia and some of the other strains tested. Most of the groups of bacteria tested demonstrated a trend toward resistance to tetracycline. Doxycycline and minocycline were somewhat more active than was tetracycline. Metronidazole was active against the majority of the anaerobes tested; resistance ws demonstrated by some of the gram-positive cocci and gram-positive, non-sporeforming bacilli.", "PMID": 984809} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1151", "title": "Inhibition of bacteriophage lambda, T1, and T7 development by R plasmids of the H incompatibility group.", "content": "R plasmids from chloramphenicol-resistant salmonella from Ontario are shown to belong to the H(2) incompatibility subgroup and to mediate a broad-spectrum, phage inhibition function.", "contents": "Inhibition of bacteriophage lambda, T1, and T7 development by R plasmids of the H incompatibility group. R plasmids from chloramphenicol-resistant salmonella from Ontario are shown to belong to the H(2) incompatibility subgroup and to mediate a broad-spectrum, phage inhibition function.", "PMID": 984810} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1152", "title": "Josamycin and rosamicin: in vitro comparisons with erythromycin and clindamycin.", "content": "The macrolide antibiotics josamycin and rosamicin were compared in vitro with erythromycin for activity against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and enterococci and with clindamycin for activity against a variety of anaerobic organisms. Rosamicin and erythromycin were similar in activity and superior to josamycin against aerobic cocci. Most isolates of S. aureus (96%), S. epidermidis (79%), and the enterococci (87%) were inhibited by 1.56 mug of either of the new macrolide compounds per ml. Clindamycin was the most active compound against the anaerobic organisms.", "contents": "Josamycin and rosamicin: in vitro comparisons with erythromycin and clindamycin. The macrolide antibiotics josamycin and rosamicin were compared in vitro with erythromycin for activity against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and enterococci and with clindamycin for activity against a variety of anaerobic organisms. Rosamicin and erythromycin were similar in activity and superior to josamycin against aerobic cocci. Most isolates of S. aureus (96%), S. epidermidis (79%), and the enterococci (87%) were inhibited by 1.56 mug of either of the new macrolide compounds per ml. Clindamycin was the most active compound against the anaerobic organisms.", "PMID": 984811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1153", "title": "Inactivation of Semliki Forest Virus in aerosols.", "content": "Purified Semliki forest virus in aerosols is inactivated rapidly at 40% and above 70% relative humidity. At all humidities tested the decay of virus infectivity runs parallel with the decrease in hemagglutination activity, whereas the biological integrity of the virus ribonucleic acid is preserved. Also, free infectious ribonucleic acid is stable after spraying at all relative humidities. Evidence is presented for the hypothesis that above 20% relative humidity, virus inactivation in aersols is mainly due to surface-dependent factors, damaging the virus coat.", "contents": "Inactivation of Semliki Forest Virus in aerosols. Purified Semliki forest virus in aerosols is inactivated rapidly at 40% and above 70% relative humidity. At all humidities tested the decay of virus infectivity runs parallel with the decrease in hemagglutination activity, whereas the biological integrity of the virus ribonucleic acid is preserved. Also, free infectious ribonucleic acid is stable after spraying at all relative humidities. Evidence is presented for the hypothesis that above 20% relative humidity, virus inactivation in aersols is mainly due to surface-dependent factors, damaging the virus coat.", "PMID": 984812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1154", "title": "An obligate osmophilic yeast from honey.", "content": "An obligate osmophilic yeast that requires high sugar concentrations (10 to 20% glucose) for growth was identified as Saccharomyces bisporus var. mellis. Optimum growth for this strain was at 60% glucose. Several non-assimilable compounds permitted growth at glucose concentrations below the minimum requirement and stimulated growth at glucose concentrations above the minimum. No correlation existed between growth stimulation and spheroplast stabilization capacities of the compounds examined.", "contents": "An obligate osmophilic yeast from honey. An obligate osmophilic yeast that requires high sugar concentrations (10 to 20% glucose) for growth was identified as Saccharomyces bisporus var. mellis. Optimum growth for this strain was at 60% glucose. Several non-assimilable compounds permitted growth at glucose concentrations below the minimum requirement and stimulated growth at glucose concentrations above the minimum. No correlation existed between growth stimulation and spheroplast stabilization capacities of the compounds examined.", "PMID": 984813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1155", "title": "Inhibition of aflatoxin formation by 2-mercaptoethanol.", "content": "2-Mercaptoethanol inhibits growth of Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 3240 and aflatoxin formation by the fungus. When added to the resuspended medium, 2-mercaptoethanol inhibited [1-14C]acetate incorporation into both aflatoxins and neutral lipids, thereby showing that it acts at an early stage of aflatoxin biosynthesis. The inhibition is probably due to its chelating action on zinc, which is essential for aflatoxin production. It is proposed that any chelating agent that selectively binds to zinc will inhibit aflatoxin formation.", "contents": "Inhibition of aflatoxin formation by 2-mercaptoethanol. 2-Mercaptoethanol inhibits growth of Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 3240 and aflatoxin formation by the fungus. When added to the resuspended medium, 2-mercaptoethanol inhibited [1-14C]acetate incorporation into both aflatoxins and neutral lipids, thereby showing that it acts at an early stage of aflatoxin biosynthesis. The inhibition is probably due to its chelating action on zinc, which is essential for aflatoxin production. It is proposed that any chelating agent that selectively binds to zinc will inhibit aflatoxin formation.", "PMID": 984814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1156", "title": "Recovery of Yersinia enterocolitica from streams and lakes of California.", "content": "Stream and lake water from the Mammoth Lakes region of California was sampled for Yersinia enterocolitica. From 10 of the 34 sites examined, organisms were isolated that were biochemically identified as Y. enterocolitica. Only one of the ten strains could be serologically confirmed. This strain was identified as Y. enterocolitica serotype 16. Although an outbreak of enteritis in the area prompted this study, no correlation with gastrointestinal disease could be established since the majority of the strains were untypeable.", "contents": "Recovery of Yersinia enterocolitica from streams and lakes of California. Stream and lake water from the Mammoth Lakes region of California was sampled for Yersinia enterocolitica. From 10 of the 34 sites examined, organisms were isolated that were biochemically identified as Y. enterocolitica. Only one of the ten strains could be serologically confirmed. This strain was identified as Y. enterocolitica serotype 16. Although an outbreak of enteritis in the area prompted this study, no correlation with gastrointestinal disease could be established since the majority of the strains were untypeable.", "PMID": 984815} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1157", "title": "Use of activated charcoal for the removal of patulin from cider.", "content": "Penicillium urticae (NRRL 2159A) was grown in culture broth containing 1 muCi of [1-14C-A1acetate to produce [14C]patulin. [14C]patulin was purified from the broth and added to apple cider. After the patulin concentration of the cider was adjusted to 30 mug/ml with unlabeled patulin, the cider was subjected to various charcoal treatments. [14C]patulin was completely removed by shaking the cider with 20 mg of activated charcoal per ml and by eluting the cider through a 40- to 60-mesh charcoal column. Activated charcola at 5 mg/ml reduced patulin in naturally contaminated cider to nondetectable levels.", "contents": "Use of activated charcoal for the removal of patulin from cider. Penicillium urticae (NRRL 2159A) was grown in culture broth containing 1 muCi of [1-14C-A1acetate to produce [14C]patulin. [14C]patulin was purified from the broth and added to apple cider. After the patulin concentration of the cider was adjusted to 30 mug/ml with unlabeled patulin, the cider was subjected to various charcoal treatments. [14C]patulin was completely removed by shaking the cider with 20 mg of activated charcoal per ml and by eluting the cider through a 40- to 60-mesh charcoal column. Activated charcola at 5 mg/ml reduced patulin in naturally contaminated cider to nondetectable levels.", "PMID": 984816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1158", "title": "Screeing of toxic isolates of Fusarium poae and Fusarium sporotrichiodes involved in causing alimentary toxic aleukia.", "content": "A total of 131 isolates of Fusarium poae and F. sporotrichioides from overwintered cereals, which were associated with the alimentary toxic aleukia toxicoses in the Soviet Union, were tested for their ability to produce T-2 toxin [4 beta, 15 diacetoxy-8alpha-(3-methylbutyryloxy)-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-en 3alpha-ol]. The presence of T-2 toxin was determined by thin-layer chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, spectroscopic analyses, and the rabbit skin test. A good correlation was demonstrated between T-2 toxin dectetion by thin-layer chromatography and inflammatory skin reactions of rabbits.", "contents": "Screeing of toxic isolates of Fusarium poae and Fusarium sporotrichiodes involved in causing alimentary toxic aleukia. A total of 131 isolates of Fusarium poae and F. sporotrichioides from overwintered cereals, which were associated with the alimentary toxic aleukia toxicoses in the Soviet Union, were tested for their ability to produce T-2 toxin [4 beta, 15 diacetoxy-8alpha-(3-methylbutyryloxy)-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-en 3alpha-ol]. The presence of T-2 toxin was determined by thin-layer chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, spectroscopic analyses, and the rabbit skin test. A good correlation was demonstrated between T-2 toxin dectetion by thin-layer chromatography and inflammatory skin reactions of rabbits.", "PMID": 984817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1159", "title": "Use of hydroxyapatite-coasted glass beads for preclinical testing of potential antiplaque agents.", "content": "Methods for rapid preclinical testing of antiplaque agents in vitro using hydroxyapatite (HT)-coated glass beads are described. The assays developed could reliably detect (i) prevention of growth in the culture fluid or on the HT surfaces, (ii) the effect of transient exposure of a bactericidal agent on the viability of cells in a preformed bacterial mat, (iii) reversible adsorption of a bactericidal agent on an HT surface, and (iv) the ability of an agent to inhibit adsorption of Streptococcus sanguis to an HT surface or to salivary proteins adsorbed to an HT surface.", "contents": "Use of hydroxyapatite-coasted glass beads for preclinical testing of potential antiplaque agents. Methods for rapid preclinical testing of antiplaque agents in vitro using hydroxyapatite (HT)-coated glass beads are described. The assays developed could reliably detect (i) prevention of growth in the culture fluid or on the HT surfaces, (ii) the effect of transient exposure of a bactericidal agent on the viability of cells in a preformed bacterial mat, (iii) reversible adsorption of a bactericidal agent on an HT surface, and (iv) the ability of an agent to inhibit adsorption of Streptococcus sanguis to an HT surface or to salivary proteins adsorbed to an HT surface.", "PMID": 984818} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1160", "title": "Protoplasts of Cosmarium as a potential protein source.", "content": "Cosmarium turpinii, a fast-growing desmid alga, transforms into protoplasts in 4 h when incubated in a mineral medium + 0.4 M mannitol + 0.5% Cellulysin.", "contents": "Protoplasts of Cosmarium as a potential protein source. Cosmarium turpinii, a fast-growing desmid alga, transforms into protoplasts in 4 h when incubated in a mineral medium + 0.4 M mannitol + 0.5% Cellulysin.", "PMID": 984819} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1161", "title": "Tremorgenic mycotoxin from Penicillium paraherquei.", "content": "A tremorgenic mycotoxin was isolated from Penicillium paraherquei Abe ex G. Smith and identified as verruculogen. It was produced at the rate of approximately 1 mg/g of the dried fungal mycelium cultured on peptone-enriched Czapek-Dox medium at 28 degrees C.", "contents": "Tremorgenic mycotoxin from Penicillium paraherquei. A tremorgenic mycotoxin was isolated from Penicillium paraherquei Abe ex G. Smith and identified as verruculogen. It was produced at the rate of approximately 1 mg/g of the dried fungal mycelium cultured on peptone-enriched Czapek-Dox medium at 28 degrees C.", "PMID": 984820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1162", "title": "Comparison of various brands of membrane filters for their ability to recover fungi from water.", "content": "Five brands of ethylene oxide- and autoclave-sterilized membrane filters were examined for their ability to recover fungi from natural waters. Results showed that the recovery on Gelman membranes was consistently higher than on the other brands tested.", "contents": "Comparison of various brands of membrane filters for their ability to recover fungi from water. Five brands of ethylene oxide- and autoclave-sterilized membrane filters were examined for their ability to recover fungi from natural waters. Results showed that the recovery on Gelman membranes was consistently higher than on the other brands tested.", "PMID": 984821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1163", "title": "Analysis of the exudate produced by Streptococcus mutans SL-1 colonies of sucrose-containing agar media.", "content": "The watery exudate produced by Streptococcus mutans SL-1 colonies on sucrose-containing agar media was found to contain about 7% (wt/vol) of a water-soluble, branched dextran, 4% sucrose, and smaller (less than 1%) amounts of fructose, Folin-phenol-positive material, and lactic acid.", "contents": "Analysis of the exudate produced by Streptococcus mutans SL-1 colonies of sucrose-containing agar media. The watery exudate produced by Streptococcus mutans SL-1 colonies on sucrose-containing agar media was found to contain about 7% (wt/vol) of a water-soluble, branched dextran, 4% sucrose, and smaller (less than 1%) amounts of fructose, Folin-phenol-positive material, and lactic acid.", "PMID": 984822} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1164", "title": "Computer-assisted analysis of adenosine triphosphate data.", "content": "A computer program has been written to assist in the analysis of adenosine 5'-triphosphate data. The program is designed to calculate a dilution curve and to correct sample and adenosine 5'-triphosphate standard data for background and dilution effects. In addition, basic statistical parameters and estimates of biomass carbon are also calculated for each group of samples and printed in a convenient format. The versatility of the program to analyze data from both qauatic and terrestrial samples is noted as well as its potential use with various types of instrumentation and extraction techniques.", "contents": "Computer-assisted analysis of adenosine triphosphate data. A computer program has been written to assist in the analysis of adenosine 5'-triphosphate data. The program is designed to calculate a dilution curve and to correct sample and adenosine 5'-triphosphate standard data for background and dilution effects. In addition, basic statistical parameters and estimates of biomass carbon are also calculated for each group of samples and printed in a convenient format. The versatility of the program to analyze data from both qauatic and terrestrial samples is noted as well as its potential use with various types of instrumentation and extraction techniques.", "PMID": 984823} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1165", "title": "Comparison of different purification procedure for extraction of staphylococcal enterotoxin A from foods.", "content": "Different procedures commonly used for extraction, purification, and concentration of staphylococcal enterotoxins from foods were investigated with 131I- and 125I-labeled staphylococcal enterotoxin A. Loss of labeled enterotoxin A was compared with loss of total nitrogen. The results showed that in most of the common procedures, such as gel filtration, ion exchange, and heat treatment, the percentage of loss of labeled enterotoxin A was greater than the loss of total nitrogen. Chloroform extraction and acid precipitation with hydrochloric acid had nearly the same effect on the purification of both labeled enterotoxin A and total nitrogen. Ammonium sulfate precipitation proved to be practical and was successfully used for purification of enterotoxin A from sausage extract. Simultaneous use of trypsin and Pseudomonas peptidase for treatment of food extracts considerably reduced food proteins capable of interfering with serological detection of enterotoxins but did not essentailly influence the loss of enterotoxin A.", "contents": "Comparison of different purification procedure for extraction of staphylococcal enterotoxin A from foods. Different procedures commonly used for extraction, purification, and concentration of staphylococcal enterotoxins from foods were investigated with 131I- and 125I-labeled staphylococcal enterotoxin A. Loss of labeled enterotoxin A was compared with loss of total nitrogen. The results showed that in most of the common procedures, such as gel filtration, ion exchange, and heat treatment, the percentage of loss of labeled enterotoxin A was greater than the loss of total nitrogen. Chloroform extraction and acid precipitation with hydrochloric acid had nearly the same effect on the purification of both labeled enterotoxin A and total nitrogen. Ammonium sulfate precipitation proved to be practical and was successfully used for purification of enterotoxin A from sausage extract. Simultaneous use of trypsin and Pseudomonas peptidase for treatment of food extracts considerably reduced food proteins capable of interfering with serological detection of enterotoxins but did not essentailly influence the loss of enterotoxin A.", "PMID": 984824} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1166", "title": "Presence of bifidobacteria in the rumen of calves fed different rations.", "content": "A study was made on the numbers and species of bifidobacteria present in the rumen of calves fed high-roughage and high-concentrate diets. With the roughage ration the bifidobacteria were not detectable in a 10(-3) dilution, whereas with the concentrate ration their number was high, usually in the order of 10(8) to 10(9)/ml of rumen fluid. The species most represented, identified by means of deoxyribonucleic acid-deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization tests, included Bifidobacterium ruminale, Bifidobacterium globosum, and an apparently new species.", "contents": "Presence of bifidobacteria in the rumen of calves fed different rations. A study was made on the numbers and species of bifidobacteria present in the rumen of calves fed high-roughage and high-concentrate diets. With the roughage ration the bifidobacteria were not detectable in a 10(-3) dilution, whereas with the concentrate ration their number was high, usually in the order of 10(8) to 10(9)/ml of rumen fluid. The species most represented, identified by means of deoxyribonucleic acid-deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization tests, included Bifidobacterium ruminale, Bifidobacterium globosum, and an apparently new species.", "PMID": 984825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1167", "title": "Regulation of nitrogen fixation in Rhizobium sp.", "content": "Regulation of nitrogen fixation by ammonium and glutamate was examined in Rhizobium sp. 32H1 growing in defined liquid media. Whereas nitrogenase synthesis in Klebsiella pneunoniae is normally completely repressed during growth on NH4+, nitrogenase activity was detected in cultures of Rhizobium sp. grown with excess NH4+. However, an \"ammonium effect\" on activity was invariably observed in cultures grown on NH4+ as sole nitrogen source; the nitrogenase activity was, depending on conditions, 14 to 36% of that of comparable glutamate-grown cultures. Glutamate inhibited utilization of exogenous NH4+ and, in one of two procedures described, glutamate partially alleviated the ammonium effect on nitrogenase activity. NH4+, apparently produced from N2, was excreted into the culture medium when growth was initiated on glutamate, but not when NH4+ was thesole source of fixed nitrogen for growth. These findings are discussed in relation to nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium bacteroids.", "contents": "Regulation of nitrogen fixation in Rhizobium sp. Regulation of nitrogen fixation by ammonium and glutamate was examined in Rhizobium sp. 32H1 growing in defined liquid media. Whereas nitrogenase synthesis in Klebsiella pneunoniae is normally completely repressed during growth on NH4+, nitrogenase activity was detected in cultures of Rhizobium sp. grown with excess NH4+. However, an \"ammonium effect\" on activity was invariably observed in cultures grown on NH4+ as sole nitrogen source; the nitrogenase activity was, depending on conditions, 14 to 36% of that of comparable glutamate-grown cultures. Glutamate inhibited utilization of exogenous NH4+ and, in one of two procedures described, glutamate partially alleviated the ammonium effect on nitrogenase activity. NH4+, apparently produced from N2, was excreted into the culture medium when growth was initiated on glutamate, but not when NH4+ was thesole source of fixed nitrogen for growth. These findings are discussed in relation to nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium bacteroids.", "PMID": 984826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1168", "title": "Studies on glucose isomerase from a Streptomyces species.", "content": "Production and properties of glucose isomerase from a Co2+-sensitive Streptomyces species were studied. After 4 days of shaking cultivation at 30 degrees C and 200 rpm, a maximum of 1.1 enzyme units per ml of broth was obtained. Cell-free glucose isomerase, obtained from mycelia heat-treated in the presence of 0.5 mM Co2+, showed a 3.5-fold increase in specific activity over enzyme obtained from untreated mycelia. The optimum pH and temperature for the glucose isomerase were 7 to 8 and 80 degrees C, respectively. The Michaelis constant for fructose was 0.40 M. Mg2+ was found to enhance the glucose isomerase activity, whereas the effect of Co2+ on enzyme activity depended on the manner in which the enzyme was prepared. This glucose isomerase was quite heat stable, with a half-life of 120 h at 70 degrees C.", "contents": "Studies on glucose isomerase from a Streptomyces species. Production and properties of glucose isomerase from a Co2+-sensitive Streptomyces species were studied. After 4 days of shaking cultivation at 30 degrees C and 200 rpm, a maximum of 1.1 enzyme units per ml of broth was obtained. Cell-free glucose isomerase, obtained from mycelia heat-treated in the presence of 0.5 mM Co2+, showed a 3.5-fold increase in specific activity over enzyme obtained from untreated mycelia. The optimum pH and temperature for the glucose isomerase were 7 to 8 and 80 degrees C, respectively. The Michaelis constant for fructose was 0.40 M. Mg2+ was found to enhance the glucose isomerase activity, whereas the effect of Co2+ on enzyme activity depended on the manner in which the enzyme was prepared. This glucose isomerase was quite heat stable, with a half-life of 120 h at 70 degrees C.", "PMID": 984827} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1169", "title": "Commercial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis for control of Indian meal moth.", "content": "Doses of four commercial formulations and one experimental formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner were mixed with the diet used to rear colonies of the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella (H\u00fcbner). Indian meal moth eggs were introduced to the treated diet, and the resultant adult emergence was tabulated. The experimental formulations ranked as follows in efficacy in controlling the Indian meal moth: Dipel (50% lethal concentration [LC50], 25 mg/kg) greater than Bactospeine WP (LC50, 100 mg/kg) greater than Thuricide (LC50, 150 mg/kg) greater than IMC 90007 (LC30, 180 mg/kg) greater than Bactospeine Flowable (LC50, 440 mg/kg).", "contents": "Commercial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis for control of Indian meal moth. Doses of four commercial formulations and one experimental formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner were mixed with the diet used to rear colonies of the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella (H\u00fcbner). Indian meal moth eggs were introduced to the treated diet, and the resultant adult emergence was tabulated. The experimental formulations ranked as follows in efficacy in controlling the Indian meal moth: Dipel (50% lethal concentration [LC50], 25 mg/kg) greater than Bactospeine WP (LC50, 100 mg/kg) greater than Thuricide (LC50, 150 mg/kg) greater than IMC 90007 (LC30, 180 mg/kg) greater than Bactospeine Flowable (LC50, 440 mg/kg).", "PMID": 984828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1170", "title": "Natural occurrence of Fusarium toxins in feedstuff.", "content": "The mycotoxins diacetoxyscirpenol, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone, produced by Fusarium roseum, were found naturally occuring in mixed feed samples. In all cases analyzed, deoxynivalenol occurred together with zearalenone. The natural occurrence of zearalenone in sesame seed is reported for the first time. Strains of F. roseum isolated in various parts of the world form feed implicated in animal mycotoxicosis produced monoacetoxyscirpenol, diacetoxyscirpenol, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone.", "contents": "Natural occurrence of Fusarium toxins in feedstuff. The mycotoxins diacetoxyscirpenol, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone, produced by Fusarium roseum, were found naturally occuring in mixed feed samples. In all cases analyzed, deoxynivalenol occurred together with zearalenone. The natural occurrence of zearalenone in sesame seed is reported for the first time. Strains of F. roseum isolated in various parts of the world form feed implicated in animal mycotoxicosis produced monoacetoxyscirpenol, diacetoxyscirpenol, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone.", "PMID": 984829} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1171", "title": "Biodegradability of [14C]methylcellulose by activated sludge.", "content": "Three Methocel methylcellulose ethers of 1.9 degree of substitution with [14C]methyl labels were shown to be biodegradable using batch-type activated sludge tests. The maximum rate for conversion to 14CO2, attained after 1 week, was only 0.62 mg of methylcellulose/g of mixed liquor volatile solids per day. In 20 days, 55 to 73% of the radioactivity had been removed from solution as 14CO2, and the suspended solids contained 12 to 15% of the original radioactivity. Only 4% of the original methylcellulose appeared to be polymeric after the 20-day period. Thin-layer chromatography of supernatant liquid indicated at least two degradation products.", "contents": "Biodegradability of [14C]methylcellulose by activated sludge. Three Methocel methylcellulose ethers of 1.9 degree of substitution with [14C]methyl labels were shown to be biodegradable using batch-type activated sludge tests. The maximum rate for conversion to 14CO2, attained after 1 week, was only 0.62 mg of methylcellulose/g of mixed liquor volatile solids per day. In 20 days, 55 to 73% of the radioactivity had been removed from solution as 14CO2, and the suspended solids contained 12 to 15% of the original radioactivity. Only 4% of the original methylcellulose appeared to be polymeric after the 20-day period. Thin-layer chromatography of supernatant liquid indicated at least two degradation products.", "PMID": 984830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1172", "title": "Quantitative requirements for exponential growth of Alcaligenes eutrophus.", "content": "Quantitative nutrient requirements for unrestricted autotrophic growth of Alcaligenes eutrophus were determined. Minimum saturating concentrations of Mg2+, SO42-, PO43-, Fe3+, and Na2+ for an optical density increase of 2 were 10(-4) M 8 X10(-5) M, 5 X 10(-4) to 6 X 10(-4) M, 10(-5) M, and 10(-7) to 2 X 10(-7) M, respectively. Trace metal requirements for cobalt, chromium, and copper were also demonstrated, but minimum concentrations could not be determined because other reagents contributed a high background of these metals. Under certain conditions an apparent response to zinc was observed, although other experiments suggest the zinc salt contained another metal that was required for growth. Poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate biosynthesis was shown to be initiated by a magnesium or sulfate deficiency as well as by a nitrogen or phosphate deficiency.", "contents": "Quantitative requirements for exponential growth of Alcaligenes eutrophus. Quantitative nutrient requirements for unrestricted autotrophic growth of Alcaligenes eutrophus were determined. Minimum saturating concentrations of Mg2+, SO42-, PO43-, Fe3+, and Na2+ for an optical density increase of 2 were 10(-4) M 8 X10(-5) M, 5 X 10(-4) to 6 X 10(-4) M, 10(-5) M, and 10(-7) to 2 X 10(-7) M, respectively. Trace metal requirements for cobalt, chromium, and copper were also demonstrated, but minimum concentrations could not be determined because other reagents contributed a high background of these metals. Under certain conditions an apparent response to zinc was observed, although other experiments suggest the zinc salt contained another metal that was required for growth. Poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate biosynthesis was shown to be initiated by a magnesium or sulfate deficiency as well as by a nitrogen or phosphate deficiency.", "PMID": 984831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1173", "title": "Desulfovibrio of the sheep rumen.", "content": "A sulfate-reducing bacterium has been isolated in pure culture from sheep rumen contents. Its properties agree in all respects tested with those ascribed to Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. The populations observed (about 10(8)/ml) are sufficient to account for published rates of ruminal sulfide production.", "contents": "Desulfovibrio of the sheep rumen. A sulfate-reducing bacterium has been isolated in pure culture from sheep rumen contents. Its properties agree in all respects tested with those ascribed to Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. The populations observed (about 10(8)/ml) are sufficient to account for published rates of ruminal sulfide production.", "PMID": 984832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1174", "title": "Morphological characterization of small cells resulting from nutrient starvation of a psychrophilic marine vibrio.", "content": "Upon starvation, Ant-300, a psychrophilic marine vibrio, was observed to decrease in size and change in shape from a rod to a coccus. After 3 weeks of starvation 50% of the starved population was able to pass through a filter with a pore size of 0.4 mum. Electron microscopy of thin sections of the small cells revealed normal cell structure except for an enlarged periplasmic space. When inoculated into a fresh medium, starved cells growth without a significant lag and regained \"normal\" size and shape within 48 h.", "contents": "Morphological characterization of small cells resulting from nutrient starvation of a psychrophilic marine vibrio. Upon starvation, Ant-300, a psychrophilic marine vibrio, was observed to decrease in size and change in shape from a rod to a coccus. After 3 weeks of starvation 50% of the starved population was able to pass through a filter with a pore size of 0.4 mum. Electron microscopy of thin sections of the small cells revealed normal cell structure except for an enlarged periplasmic space. When inoculated into a fresh medium, starved cells growth without a significant lag and regained \"normal\" size and shape within 48 h.", "PMID": 984833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1175", "title": "Morphological and physiological characteristics of Gemmiger formicilis isolated from chicken ceca.", "content": "Morphological and physiological studies were made on chicken cecal isolates of the strictly anaerobic bacterial species Gemmiger formicilis. Structural features (phase-contrast and electron microscopy) of these microorganisms indicate they (i) are highly pleomorphic, (ii) possess a trilaminar cell wall like gram-negative bacteria, (iii) exhibit an unusual growth process characterized by polar swelling (resembling budding bacteria), and (iv) grow into elongated cells when exposed to a subinhibitory concentration of penicillin. The morphological data presented suggest that this species has a rod-shaped structure. These bacteria ferment a variety of sugars to produce formic, butyric, and lactic acids. There appear to be two groups of Gemmiger, one producing primarily lactate and the other producing formate as major fermentation metabolites. Growth of six strains in a basal medium, consisting of Trypticase, minerals, carbohydrate, Na2CO3 buffer, and cysteine as reducing agent, was stimulated by rumen fluid and yeast extract. Volatile fatty acids partially replaced the requirement for rumen fluid with some strains. Single deletions of vitamins (from a defined vitamin mixture) indicated that pantothenate, riboflavin, and thiamine were highly stimulatory to growth of the organism in a medium containing rumen fluid and Trypticase as source of vitamins. Other vitamin requirements were not studied.", "contents": "Morphological and physiological characteristics of Gemmiger formicilis isolated from chicken ceca. Morphological and physiological studies were made on chicken cecal isolates of the strictly anaerobic bacterial species Gemmiger formicilis. Structural features (phase-contrast and electron microscopy) of these microorganisms indicate they (i) are highly pleomorphic, (ii) possess a trilaminar cell wall like gram-negative bacteria, (iii) exhibit an unusual growth process characterized by polar swelling (resembling budding bacteria), and (iv) grow into elongated cells when exposed to a subinhibitory concentration of penicillin. The morphological data presented suggest that this species has a rod-shaped structure. These bacteria ferment a variety of sugars to produce formic, butyric, and lactic acids. There appear to be two groups of Gemmiger, one producing primarily lactate and the other producing formate as major fermentation metabolites. Growth of six strains in a basal medium, consisting of Trypticase, minerals, carbohydrate, Na2CO3 buffer, and cysteine as reducing agent, was stimulated by rumen fluid and yeast extract. Volatile fatty acids partially replaced the requirement for rumen fluid with some strains. Single deletions of vitamins (from a defined vitamin mixture) indicated that pantothenate, riboflavin, and thiamine were highly stimulatory to growth of the organism in a medium containing rumen fluid and Trypticase as source of vitamins. Other vitamin requirements were not studied.", "PMID": 984834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1176", "title": "Electrochemical sterilization of beer.", "content": "Electrochemical inactivation of microorganisms was not achieved in beer but was achieved in physiological saline. Addition of carbohydrates or proteins to physiological saline prevented inactivation in this medium.", "contents": "Electrochemical sterilization of beer. Electrochemical inactivation of microorganisms was not achieved in beer but was achieved in physiological saline. Addition of carbohydrates or proteins to physiological saline prevented inactivation in this medium.", "PMID": 984835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1177", "title": "Autoflora in the upper respiratory tract of Apollo astronauts.", "content": "The typical microbial inhabitants of the oral and nasal cavities of Apollo astronauts were identified before space flight and generally found to be similar to those previously reported for healthy male adults. Additional analyses of samples collected immediately after return of the Apollo 13, 14, 15, and 16 crew members to earth were performed to evaluate the effects of space travel on the microbial bioburden of the upper respiratory tract. In-flight cross-contamination and buildup of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus were noted, although significant increases in nonpathogenic species were absent. Other proposed alterations, such as dysbacteriosis (flooding of the mouth with a single species) and simplification of the autoflora, did not occur. Generally, the incidence and quantitation of each species after flight was within the preflight range, although the number of viable Haemophilus cells recovered from the mouth decreased significantly after space flight. Except for those minor alterations listed above, the aerobic and anaerobic bacterial components of the upper respiratory autoflora of Apollo astronauts was found to be stable after space flight of up to 295 h.", "contents": "Autoflora in the upper respiratory tract of Apollo astronauts. The typical microbial inhabitants of the oral and nasal cavities of Apollo astronauts were identified before space flight and generally found to be similar to those previously reported for healthy male adults. Additional analyses of samples collected immediately after return of the Apollo 13, 14, 15, and 16 crew members to earth were performed to evaluate the effects of space travel on the microbial bioburden of the upper respiratory tract. In-flight cross-contamination and buildup of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus were noted, although significant increases in nonpathogenic species were absent. Other proposed alterations, such as dysbacteriosis (flooding of the mouth with a single species) and simplification of the autoflora, did not occur. Generally, the incidence and quantitation of each species after flight was within the preflight range, although the number of viable Haemophilus cells recovered from the mouth decreased significantly after space flight. Except for those minor alterations listed above, the aerobic and anaerobic bacterial components of the upper respiratory autoflora of Apollo astronauts was found to be stable after space flight of up to 295 h.", "PMID": 984836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1178", "title": "Membrane filter procedure for enumeration of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.", "content": "A membrane filtration procedure has been developed for the enumeration of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in marine waters. Background microbial growth on the primary medium was decreased through the use of sodium cholate and copper sulfate, high pH, 3% NaCl, and an elevated incubation temperature. A series of in situ tests was employed to obviate the picking of colonies for identification; thereby, the enumeration of V. parahaemolyticus was accomplished within 30 h. Confirmation of typical colonies approached 95%. Relative to immediate plating on brain heart infusion agar spread plates, the recovery of V. parahaemolyticus cells suspended in phosphate-buffered saline or in seawater held for 24 h at 4 to 6 degrees C was about 90%. Assay variability did not exceed that expected by chance. Recoveries of V. parahaemolyticus from coastal and estuarine surface waters exceeded those obtainable by other methods examined.", "contents": "Membrane filter procedure for enumeration of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A membrane filtration procedure has been developed for the enumeration of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in marine waters. Background microbial growth on the primary medium was decreased through the use of sodium cholate and copper sulfate, high pH, 3% NaCl, and an elevated incubation temperature. A series of in situ tests was employed to obviate the picking of colonies for identification; thereby, the enumeration of V. parahaemolyticus was accomplished within 30 h. Confirmation of typical colonies approached 95%. Relative to immediate plating on brain heart infusion agar spread plates, the recovery of V. parahaemolyticus cells suspended in phosphate-buffered saline or in seawater held for 24 h at 4 to 6 degrees C was about 90%. Assay variability did not exceed that expected by chance. Recoveries of V. parahaemolyticus from coastal and estuarine surface waters exceeded those obtainable by other methods examined.", "PMID": 984837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1179", "title": "Inactivation of Clostridium botulinum toxin by ruminal microbes from cattle and sheep.", "content": "Toxin from Clostridium botulinum type C was rapidly inactivated during incubation in vitro with ruminal contents from either a cow or a sheep. Fractions of ruminal contents from which cells had been removed by high-speed centrifugation did not inactivate toxin. Inactivation was associated with fractions containing bacteria, whereas fractions containing protozoa and relatively few bacteria were much less active. This activity may help explain the relatively greater tolerance by ruminants to oral doses of botulinum toxin than to toxin administered by other routes. The results are also pertinent to assays for botulinum toxin from gastrointestinal samples obtained postmortem.", "contents": "Inactivation of Clostridium botulinum toxin by ruminal microbes from cattle and sheep. Toxin from Clostridium botulinum type C was rapidly inactivated during incubation in vitro with ruminal contents from either a cow or a sheep. Fractions of ruminal contents from which cells had been removed by high-speed centrifugation did not inactivate toxin. Inactivation was associated with fractions containing bacteria, whereas fractions containing protozoa and relatively few bacteria were much less active. This activity may help explain the relatively greater tolerance by ruminants to oral doses of botulinum toxin than to toxin administered by other routes. The results are also pertinent to assays for botulinum toxin from gastrointestinal samples obtained postmortem.", "PMID": 984838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1180", "title": "Bacteria within ovules and seeds.", "content": "Surface-sterilized ovules and seeds of 27 species of plants were cultured in the water of syneresis of a nutrient medium low in agar content. Bacteria were obtained from 30% of the ovules, 15% of the seeds of herbaceous plants, 16% of the seeds of woody plants, 5.4% of the overwintered noncereal seeds, and 13.5% of overwintered cereal seeds. In no instance did every ovule or seed of a plant species contain bacteria. No bacteria were obtained from the hard, waxy seeds of mimosa or yellowwood. They were not obtained from ovules with unbroken coats or from seeds with coats that were not ruptured during the swelling of the seed. Only one species of bacteria was recovered in 93% of the instances in which bacteria were obtained. Bacteria were obtained from seeds that were embedded in the acidic parenchyma of the lemon or surrounded by the thickened flesh of the cucurbits. The bacteria were distributed among 19 genera and 46 species. The species isolated in greatest numbers were Bacillus megaterium, B. cereus, Erwinia herbicola, Flavobacterium devorans, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Bacteria recovered less frequently were in the genera Achromobacter, Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Cytophaga, Leuconostoc, Micrococcus, Nocardia, Proteus, Streptococcus, Streptomyces, and Xanthomonas. Members of 11 genera and 15 species of bacteria were isolated once.", "contents": "Bacteria within ovules and seeds. Surface-sterilized ovules and seeds of 27 species of plants were cultured in the water of syneresis of a nutrient medium low in agar content. Bacteria were obtained from 30% of the ovules, 15% of the seeds of herbaceous plants, 16% of the seeds of woody plants, 5.4% of the overwintered noncereal seeds, and 13.5% of overwintered cereal seeds. In no instance did every ovule or seed of a plant species contain bacteria. No bacteria were obtained from the hard, waxy seeds of mimosa or yellowwood. They were not obtained from ovules with unbroken coats or from seeds with coats that were not ruptured during the swelling of the seed. Only one species of bacteria was recovered in 93% of the instances in which bacteria were obtained. Bacteria were obtained from seeds that were embedded in the acidic parenchyma of the lemon or surrounded by the thickened flesh of the cucurbits. The bacteria were distributed among 19 genera and 46 species. The species isolated in greatest numbers were Bacillus megaterium, B. cereus, Erwinia herbicola, Flavobacterium devorans, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Bacteria recovered less frequently were in the genera Achromobacter, Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Cytophaga, Leuconostoc, Micrococcus, Nocardia, Proteus, Streptococcus, Streptomyces, and Xanthomonas. Members of 11 genera and 15 species of bacteria were isolated once.", "PMID": 984839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1181", "title": "Ultrastructural examination of Aeromonas cultured in the presence of organic lead.", "content": "Aeromonas sp. will methylate trimethyl lead acetate (Me3PbOAc) to volatile tetramethyl lead (Me4Pb). Examination of cultures grown in the presence of Me3PbOAc revealed no major irregularities between cells of the treated and untreated cultures. Some cells, however, showed evidence that intracytoplasmic materials had been leached from the cells. The lead-treated cells were interpreted to contain lead ions on the basis of energy-dispersive X-ray analysis.", "contents": "Ultrastructural examination of Aeromonas cultured in the presence of organic lead. Aeromonas sp. will methylate trimethyl lead acetate (Me3PbOAc) to volatile tetramethyl lead (Me4Pb). Examination of cultures grown in the presence of Me3PbOAc revealed no major irregularities between cells of the treated and untreated cultures. Some cells, however, showed evidence that intracytoplasmic materials had been leached from the cells. The lead-treated cells were interpreted to contain lead ions on the basis of energy-dispersive X-ray analysis.", "PMID": 984840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1182", "title": "Microbiological hydroxylation of carbons 18 and 19 in 9-oxo-13(cis and trans)-prostenoic acids.", "content": "dl-9-Oxo-13 (cis and trans)-prostenoic acids were converted in high yields into their 18- and 19-hydroxy derivatives by cultures of Microascus trigonosporus. The structure elucidation of the microbial products is described.", "contents": "Microbiological hydroxylation of carbons 18 and 19 in 9-oxo-13(cis and trans)-prostenoic acids. dl-9-Oxo-13 (cis and trans)-prostenoic acids were converted in high yields into their 18- and 19-hydroxy derivatives by cultures of Microascus trigonosporus. The structure elucidation of the microbial products is described.", "PMID": 984841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1183", "title": "Photochemotherapy of vitiligo. Use of orally administered psoralens and a high-intensity long-wave ultraviolet light system.", "content": "A new light source that provides high-intensity ultraviolet light (UVA) (300 to 400 nm) to the entire body surface makes orally administered psoralen treatment of vitilligo with an artificial light practical. In the 26 patients studied, the degree of repigmentation with either trioxsalen (TMP) or methoxsalen (8-MOP) and high intensity UVA was at least as great as that with the same oral agents and sunlight. With artificial UVA and similar treatment conditions, the two psoralen derivatives were compared in the treatment of vitiligo; TMP stimulated repigmentation as well as 8-MOP and caused fewer side effects.", "contents": "Photochemotherapy of vitiligo. Use of orally administered psoralens and a high-intensity long-wave ultraviolet light system. A new light source that provides high-intensity ultraviolet light (UVA) (300 to 400 nm) to the entire body surface makes orally administered psoralen treatment of vitilligo with an artificial light practical. In the 26 patients studied, the degree of repigmentation with either trioxsalen (TMP) or methoxsalen (8-MOP) and high intensity UVA was at least as great as that with the same oral agents and sunlight. With artificial UVA and similar treatment conditions, the two psoralen derivatives were compared in the treatment of vitiligo; TMP stimulated repigmentation as well as 8-MOP and caused fewer side effects.", "PMID": 984858} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1184", "title": "Dermatologic manifestations of Schistosomiasis mansoni.", "content": "Schistosomiasis mansoni, a potentially severe disease that victimizes an appreciable number of US citizens in this hemisphere, shows cutaneous changes corresponding to various stages in the life cycle of the causative parasite within its definitive host. A transient pruritus or dermatitis, probably irritative, characterizes the stage of cercarial penetration. Urticaria, periorbital edema, and rarely a purpuric eruption may occur four to six weeks later, shortly after oviposition by adult worms, probably as an expression of hypersensitivity to ova and their products. Papulonodular lesions, similar to but not as devasting as those developing internally, may rarely appear months later at the perineum or distant cutaneous sites as a manifestation of granulomatous hypersensitivity to eggs and, very rarely, worms, accidentally carried there through collateral and anastomosing vascular pathways.", "contents": "Dermatologic manifestations of Schistosomiasis mansoni. Schistosomiasis mansoni, a potentially severe disease that victimizes an appreciable number of US citizens in this hemisphere, shows cutaneous changes corresponding to various stages in the life cycle of the causative parasite within its definitive host. A transient pruritus or dermatitis, probably irritative, characterizes the stage of cercarial penetration. Urticaria, periorbital edema, and rarely a purpuric eruption may occur four to six weeks later, shortly after oviposition by adult worms, probably as an expression of hypersensitivity to ova and their products. Papulonodular lesions, similar to but not as devasting as those developing internally, may rarely appear months later at the perineum or distant cutaneous sites as a manifestation of granulomatous hypersensitivity to eggs and, very rarely, worms, accidentally carried there through collateral and anastomosing vascular pathways.", "PMID": 984859} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1185", "title": "Skin capillary changes in early systemic scleroderma. Electron microscopy and \"in vitro\" autoradiography with tritiated thymidine.", "content": "Skin biopsy specimens obtained from involved and noninvolved areas in a patient with early diffuse systemic scleroderma were processed for histology, electron microscopy, and \"in vitro\" autoradiography with tritiated thymidine. The affected area revealed cellular infiltrates around the eccrine sweat glands, consisting of plasma cells and lymphocytes. The capillaries showed thickening of the basement lamina, damage of endothelial cells, and obstruction of their lumens. However, in some vessels, endothelial cells were preserved and appeared in prophase. Autoradiography with tritiated thymidine showed a marked increase in endothelial and periendothelial cell labeling. Blood immunological studies revealed an increase in B-lymphocytes, IgG, and IgA and the presence of antinuclear and antismooth muscle antibodies.", "contents": "Skin capillary changes in early systemic scleroderma. Electron microscopy and \"in vitro\" autoradiography with tritiated thymidine. Skin biopsy specimens obtained from involved and noninvolved areas in a patient with early diffuse systemic scleroderma were processed for histology, electron microscopy, and \"in vitro\" autoradiography with tritiated thymidine. The affected area revealed cellular infiltrates around the eccrine sweat glands, consisting of plasma cells and lymphocytes. The capillaries showed thickening of the basement lamina, damage of endothelial cells, and obstruction of their lumens. However, in some vessels, endothelial cells were preserved and appeared in prophase. Autoradiography with tritiated thymidine showed a marked increase in endothelial and periendothelial cell labeling. Blood immunological studies revealed an increase in B-lymphocytes, IgG, and IgA and the presence of antinuclear and antismooth muscle antibodies.", "PMID": 984860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1186", "title": "Pacinian neurofibroma.", "content": "A 40-year-old woman developed a tender, greyish-white nodule of the index finger. Histologic examination disclosed mature and immature pacinian corpuscles.", "contents": "Pacinian neurofibroma. A 40-year-old woman developed a tender, greyish-white nodule of the index finger. Histologic examination disclosed mature and immature pacinian corpuscles.", "PMID": 984861} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1187", "title": "Induction of glycosuria and hyperglycemia by topical corticosteroid therapy.", "content": "A patient with psoriasis is described who had an abnormal response to the glucose tolerance test without other evidence of diabetes and then developed postprandial hyperglycemia and glycosuria during a period of topical administration of a corticosteroid cream, halcinonide cream 0.1%, under occlusion. A second patient with a similar glucose tolerance test result showed postprandial hyperglycemia when treated similarly with betamethasone valerate cream 0.1%. Two additional patients with midly abnormal responses to glucose tolerance tests showed no evidence of altered glucose metabolism when treated with halcinonide cream in a similar manner.", "contents": "Induction of glycosuria and hyperglycemia by topical corticosteroid therapy. A patient with psoriasis is described who had an abnormal response to the glucose tolerance test without other evidence of diabetes and then developed postprandial hyperglycemia and glycosuria during a period of topical administration of a corticosteroid cream, halcinonide cream 0.1%, under occlusion. A second patient with a similar glucose tolerance test result showed postprandial hyperglycemia when treated similarly with betamethasone valerate cream 0.1%. Two additional patients with midly abnormal responses to glucose tolerance tests showed no evidence of altered glucose metabolism when treated with halcinonide cream in a similar manner.", "PMID": 984862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1188", "title": "Malignant angioendothelioma.", "content": "We have seen six cases of malignant angioendothelioma of face and scalp. This condition occurs most commonly in older individuals and is rapidly progressing. Large areas of infiltration of the skin appear showing purpura and foci of superficial erosions. Internal metastasis and death may occur within three months to two years.", "contents": "Malignant angioendothelioma. We have seen six cases of malignant angioendothelioma of face and scalp. This condition occurs most commonly in older individuals and is rapidly progressing. Large areas of infiltration of the skin appear showing purpura and foci of superficial erosions. Internal metastasis and death may occur within three months to two years.", "PMID": 984863} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1189", "title": "Coexistence of benign familial pemphigus and psoriasis vulgaris.", "content": "The treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in a 67-year-old woman was complicated by the presence of an acantholytic diathesis. The clinical and histologic evidence showed that the patient had an atypical phenotype of familial benign chronic pemphigus (FBCP) as well as psoriasis. Consideration of the possible effects of psoriasis and FBCP on each other may help explain some of the typical features noted in this patient.", "contents": "Coexistence of benign familial pemphigus and psoriasis vulgaris. The treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in a 67-year-old woman was complicated by the presence of an acantholytic diathesis. The clinical and histologic evidence showed that the patient had an atypical phenotype of familial benign chronic pemphigus (FBCP) as well as psoriasis. Consideration of the possible effects of psoriasis and FBCP on each other may help explain some of the typical features noted in this patient.", "PMID": 984864} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1190", "title": "Disseminated granuloma faciale.", "content": "Granuloma faciale is a well-defined entity that almost exclusively involves the face, although it has been reported in extrafacial locations. The infrequent reports of extrafacial lesions may reflect the inconspicuous nature of extrafacial lesions or a failure to specifically examine the patient for such lesions.", "contents": "Disseminated granuloma faciale. Granuloma faciale is a well-defined entity that almost exclusively involves the face, although it has been reported in extrafacial locations. The infrequent reports of extrafacial lesions may reflect the inconspicuous nature of extrafacial lesions or a failure to specifically examine the patient for such lesions.", "PMID": 984865} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1191", "title": "Disorders of phagocyte function.", "content": "An increasing number of phagocytic defects with cutaneous manifestations and signs in humans are being reported. With the increasing availability of phagocyte assays, detection of phagocyte defects will allow us to dissect the component events and more clearly understand the central role of the phagocytic leukocyte in host defenses of the skin.", "contents": "Disorders of phagocyte function. An increasing number of phagocytic defects with cutaneous manifestations and signs in humans are being reported. With the increasing availability of phagocyte assays, detection of phagocyte defects will allow us to dissect the component events and more clearly understand the central role of the phagocytic leukocyte in host defenses of the skin.", "PMID": 984866} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1192", "title": "Isolation and physicochemical characterisation of the DNA from normal human skin and psoriatic scales.", "content": "In psoriatic parakeratosis preserved nuclei are found in the epidermal horny layer. The question arises, whether the components of the nuclei remain unchanged. Thus we isolated and purified the DNA of psoriatic scales and normal skin. Comparing the melting points and circular dichroism of both DNAs no significant difference could be detected. These data indicate the same guanine-cytosine content as well as comparabel helical compositions of the isolated DNAs.", "contents": "Isolation and physicochemical characterisation of the DNA from normal human skin and psoriatic scales. In psoriatic parakeratosis preserved nuclei are found in the epidermal horny layer. The question arises, whether the components of the nuclei remain unchanged. Thus we isolated and purified the DNA of psoriatic scales and normal skin. Comparing the melting points and circular dichroism of both DNAs no significant difference could be detected. These data indicate the same guanine-cytosine content as well as comparabel helical compositions of the isolated DNAs.", "PMID": 984875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1193", "title": "Influences of retinoic acid and retinoid on skin metabolism. Investigations of oxygen consumption and enzymatic activities of human skin.", "content": "All-trans retinoic acid and its derivative retinoid, two new compounds with expanding therapeutic spectrum in dermatology, were investigated in biochemical assays. Both substances provoke an increase in oxygen consumption of rat skin whereas in human skin only retinoid was found active in this respect. In resting yeast cells, both substances failed to exert any significant influence on oxygen consumption.--Pure G-6-PDH was inhibited by retinoic acid and retinoid in concentrations as low as 5 mug/ml. In human skin homogenates, LDH-, GAPDH-, and G-6-PDH-activities were inhibited by retinoic acid whereas GOT-, LAP-, and ALD-activites remained practically unchanged following an incubation with retinoic acid in concentrations between 1 and 100 mug/ml for 60 min.--The data collected in this study were briefly discussed with regard to the use of retinoic acid and its derivatives in psoriasis.", "contents": "Influences of retinoic acid and retinoid on skin metabolism. Investigations of oxygen consumption and enzymatic activities of human skin. All-trans retinoic acid and its derivative retinoid, two new compounds with expanding therapeutic spectrum in dermatology, were investigated in biochemical assays. Both substances provoke an increase in oxygen consumption of rat skin whereas in human skin only retinoid was found active in this respect. In resting yeast cells, both substances failed to exert any significant influence on oxygen consumption.--Pure G-6-PDH was inhibited by retinoic acid and retinoid in concentrations as low as 5 mug/ml. In human skin homogenates, LDH-, GAPDH-, and G-6-PDH-activities were inhibited by retinoic acid whereas GOT-, LAP-, and ALD-activites remained practically unchanged following an incubation with retinoic acid in concentrations between 1 and 100 mug/ml for 60 min.--The data collected in this study were briefly discussed with regard to the use of retinoic acid and its derivatives in psoriasis.", "PMID": 984876} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1194", "title": "Measurement of dermal thickness with the Harpenden skinfold caliper.", "content": "A simple method of determining skin thickness using the Harpenden Skinfold Caliper is described. Using this technique the atrophy caused by the topical application of Fluocinolone acetonide in normal volunteers has been detected. As a comparison the skin thickness was also measured in the same individuals by an established x-ray technique. Not only was a similar degree of atrophy observed but also a high degree of correlation (r=0.82, n=32, P less than 0.001) was found between the values obtained with both techniques.", "contents": "Measurement of dermal thickness with the Harpenden skinfold caliper. A simple method of determining skin thickness using the Harpenden Skinfold Caliper is described. Using this technique the atrophy caused by the topical application of Fluocinolone acetonide in normal volunteers has been detected. As a comparison the skin thickness was also measured in the same individuals by an established x-ray technique. Not only was a similar degree of atrophy observed but also a high degree of correlation (r=0.82, n=32, P less than 0.001) was found between the values obtained with both techniques.", "PMID": 984877} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1195", "title": "Metabolism of testosterone 4-14C in skin of castrated rats.", "content": "Testosterone metabolism was studied in the skin and preputial glands of normal and prepuberally castrated male rats during the 2nd hair cycle. In catagen-telogen the 17-beta-OHSDH of dorsal skin was higher in castrated than in control animals; 5-alpha-reductase instead, remained unchanged through out the hair cycle. Also in the preputial glands of castrated rats 17-beta-OHSDH was higher than in normal rats. So was 5-alpha-reductase. A possible direct control of a substrate, like Testosterone, and/or of a hypophyseal tropin, like prolactin, on enzymes that direct the metabolism of steroids in target tissues is conceivable.", "contents": "Metabolism of testosterone 4-14C in skin of castrated rats. Testosterone metabolism was studied in the skin and preputial glands of normal and prepuberally castrated male rats during the 2nd hair cycle. In catagen-telogen the 17-beta-OHSDH of dorsal skin was higher in castrated than in control animals; 5-alpha-reductase instead, remained unchanged through out the hair cycle. Also in the preputial glands of castrated rats 17-beta-OHSDH was higher than in normal rats. So was 5-alpha-reductase. A possible direct control of a substrate, like Testosterone, and/or of a hypophyseal tropin, like prolactin, on enzymes that direct the metabolism of steroids in target tissues is conceivable.", "PMID": 984878} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1196", "title": "Studies on rat hair cultures. IV. The effects of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.", "content": "By means of two different quantification techniques the Authors were able to show that the addition of increasing concentrations of testosterone to the medium of hair-cultures simultaneously provokes an increased volume of epidermis as well as of hair-follicles and a better differentiation of hair follicles. The addition of dihydrotestosterone, on the contrary, does not induce any change.", "contents": "Studies on rat hair cultures. IV. The effects of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. By means of two different quantification techniques the Authors were able to show that the addition of increasing concentrations of testosterone to the medium of hair-cultures simultaneously provokes an increased volume of epidermis as well as of hair-follicles and a better differentiation of hair follicles. The addition of dihydrotestosterone, on the contrary, does not induce any change.", "PMID": 984879} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1197", "title": "[Erythropoietic protoporphyria: porphyrin content of a gall-stone (author's transl)].", "content": "In the case of a 48 year old woman with characteristic signs of erythropoetic protoporphyria, a solitary gall-stone which had persisted over a period of 10 years was removed. Porphyrin-concentration of this gall-stone was found to be 22.6 mcg/g, which is almost twenty times the concentration of other cholestrol-stones. Besides protoporphyrin, porphyrins with a higher degree of carboxylation were discovered in four different samples by thin layer chromatography. It is postulated that the increased bile-concentration of protoporphyrin in the liver causes the cristallisation of cholestrol and the formation and growth of gall-stones. The biochemical finding of porphyrins with a higher degree of carboxylation indicates that the porphyrins of the gall-stone may not only come from hemolysed erythrocytes but possibly also from metabolites of disturbed hepatic porphyrin biosynthesis.", "contents": "[Erythropoietic protoporphyria: porphyrin content of a gall-stone (author's transl)]. In the case of a 48 year old woman with characteristic signs of erythropoetic protoporphyria, a solitary gall-stone which had persisted over a period of 10 years was removed. Porphyrin-concentration of this gall-stone was found to be 22.6 mcg/g, which is almost twenty times the concentration of other cholestrol-stones. Besides protoporphyrin, porphyrins with a higher degree of carboxylation were discovered in four different samples by thin layer chromatography. It is postulated that the increased bile-concentration of protoporphyrin in the liver causes the cristallisation of cholestrol and the formation and growth of gall-stones. The biochemical finding of porphyrins with a higher degree of carboxylation indicates that the porphyrins of the gall-stone may not only come from hemolysed erythrocytes but possibly also from metabolites of disturbed hepatic porphyrin biosynthesis.", "PMID": 984880} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1198", "title": "Langerhans cells in human apocrine ducts.", "content": "Electron microscopic observations revealed for the first time a few number of Langerhans cells within the intradermal apocrine duct of the normal human axillary skin. In many respects the fine structural features of Langerhans cells were noted to be identical with those described in the epidermis. Our present results suggest that Langerhans cells could be a stable and constant cellular constituent for the normal apocrine ducts. The significance of this presence of Langerhans cells remains to be investigated.", "contents": "Langerhans cells in human apocrine ducts. Electron microscopic observations revealed for the first time a few number of Langerhans cells within the intradermal apocrine duct of the normal human axillary skin. In many respects the fine structural features of Langerhans cells were noted to be identical with those described in the epidermis. Our present results suggest that Langerhans cells could be a stable and constant cellular constituent for the normal apocrine ducts. The significance of this presence of Langerhans cells remains to be investigated.", "PMID": 984881} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1199", "title": "The effect of X-ray irradiation upon the epithelial melanin unit of the hair bulb in hooded rat.", "content": "A marked increase in the quantity of pigment in the upper bulb, penetration of melanosomes into the papillae and vacuolisation of the bulb keratinocytes occurred as early as 4--6 h after irradiation with a dose 600--1200 R. Afterwards considerable hyperpigmentations appeared in the proximal segments of dystrophic and catagen hairs and melanin was found in the catagen columns and beyond them. In most animals within 4--6 h after irradiation occurred a distinct vacuolisation of the Malpighian layer and the granular layer became more prominent.", "contents": "The effect of X-ray irradiation upon the epithelial melanin unit of the hair bulb in hooded rat. A marked increase in the quantity of pigment in the upper bulb, penetration of melanosomes into the papillae and vacuolisation of the bulb keratinocytes occurred as early as 4--6 h after irradiation with a dose 600--1200 R. Afterwards considerable hyperpigmentations appeared in the proximal segments of dystrophic and catagen hairs and melanin was found in the catagen columns and beyond them. In most animals within 4--6 h after irradiation occurred a distinct vacuolisation of the Malpighian layer and the granular layer became more prominent.", "PMID": 984882} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1200", "title": "Adenyl-cyclase activity in rat-hair-cycle.", "content": "In the skin of rat, during telogen phase, a high adenyl-cyclase activity coincides with maximal catecholamines content, minimal histamine level and blocking of mitoses in epithelial cells. These events suggest that in telogen the control of mitotic activity in rat hair follicles may operate through a block of G1 cells as already suggested for epidermal cells.", "contents": "Adenyl-cyclase activity in rat-hair-cycle. In the skin of rat, during telogen phase, a high adenyl-cyclase activity coincides with maximal catecholamines content, minimal histamine level and blocking of mitoses in epithelial cells. These events suggest that in telogen the control of mitotic activity in rat hair follicles may operate through a block of G1 cells as already suggested for epidermal cells.", "PMID": 984883} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1201", "title": "Vascular changes of chronic lupus erythematosus. Electron microscopic studies.", "content": "Vascular changes in the course of chronic lupus erythematosus were mainly characterized by a large, yet varying degree of proliferation of endothelial cells. In all cases examined the presence of tubular forms similar to paramyxoviruses was noted. The vascular basal membrane was noted to be either widened, segmentally separated or absent in places. Collagen fibres in these cases adhered directly to the endothelial cells. In the nuclei of endothelial cells of the infiltrate, \"nuclear bodies\" could be observed. In area surrounding capillaries oval concentrations of fibrilles 80 A in diameter were noticed.", "contents": "Vascular changes of chronic lupus erythematosus. Electron microscopic studies. Vascular changes in the course of chronic lupus erythematosus were mainly characterized by a large, yet varying degree of proliferation of endothelial cells. In all cases examined the presence of tubular forms similar to paramyxoviruses was noted. The vascular basal membrane was noted to be either widened, segmentally separated or absent in places. Collagen fibres in these cases adhered directly to the endothelial cells. In the nuclei of endothelial cells of the infiltrate, \"nuclear bodies\" could be observed. In area surrounding capillaries oval concentrations of fibrilles 80 A in diameter were noticed.", "PMID": 984884} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1202", "title": "Scleroderma in childhood.", "content": "Scleroderma in childhood is a rare but confusing disorder. Systemic and diffuse disease do occur but are uncommon. Much more common are local lesions of different types which can be multiple; these are often associated with joint symptoms and the development of joint contractures and tendon contractures due to nodule formation. In such circumstances the condition mimics juvenile chronic polyarthritis (Still's disease). A third, rare variant, sclerodermatous fasciitis, has also been described in one young patient.", "contents": "Scleroderma in childhood. Scleroderma in childhood is a rare but confusing disorder. Systemic and diffuse disease do occur but are uncommon. Much more common are local lesions of different types which can be multiple; these are often associated with joint symptoms and the development of joint contractures and tendon contractures due to nodule formation. In such circumstances the condition mimics juvenile chronic polyarthritis (Still's disease). A third, rare variant, sclerodermatous fasciitis, has also been described in one young patient.", "PMID": 984898} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1203", "title": "Review of septic arthritis throughout the antibiotic era.", "content": "134 patients with septic arthritis who have been treated at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre during a 30-year period have been reviewed. There has been little change in the overall incidence during the last 20 years, but recently the disease has become more common among the elderly and patients tend to be less ill on presentation. The problems and necessity of rapidly establishing a diagnosis are stressed. Overall, 70% attained a good result though infection in infants' hips and all joints in the elderly carried a poor prognosis. Once a good result was achieved the joint did not deteriorate with the passage of time.", "contents": "Review of septic arthritis throughout the antibiotic era. 134 patients with septic arthritis who have been treated at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre during a 30-year period have been reviewed. There has been little change in the overall incidence during the last 20 years, but recently the disease has become more common among the elderly and patients tend to be less ill on presentation. The problems and necessity of rapidly establishing a diagnosis are stressed. Overall, 70% attained a good result though infection in infants' hips and all joints in the elderly carried a poor prognosis. Once a good result was achieved the joint did not deteriorate with the passage of time.", "PMID": 984899} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1204", "title": "Psoriatic arthritis. Follow-up study.", "content": "227 patients with psoriasis and various forms of arthritis have been kept under review. Psoriasis and inflammatory arthropathy was present in 168 patients, of whom 94 have been followed up for more than 10 years. An arthritis indistinguishable from rheumatoid disease was present in 78%, distal joint arthritis in 16-6%, and deforming arthritis in 4-8%. There was a female predominance in the sex ratio of patients, although males predominated in the distal joint group (male:female 1-5:1). The peak age of onset was between 36 and 45 years, although in the deforming group the arthritis began before the age of 20 three times as commonly as it did in the indistinguishable group. Onset was acute in nearly half of the patients. At onset the distal joints were affected in one-third of the distal joint group. A synchronous onset of skin and joint changes was uncommon. Skin lesions usually preceded the arthritis but occurred after onset in 16%. Apart from in the deforming group, the arthritis was mild, judged by the number of admissions to hospital for treatment of the joint disease, and the time off work. Deterioration clinically and radiographically occurred in only a small portion of the distal joint and indistinguishable groups. Antimalarial drugs have been used in 7 patients, with deterioration of the skin condition in 4. Uveitis occurred particularly in the men of all three groups, but was most frequent in those with deforming arthritis. A family history of psoriasis was obtained in 26% of first-degree relatives and 13% of second-degree relatives. A history of polyarthritis was most common in patients in the deforming group. The sheep cell agglutination test was negative in the majority, but was positive in 16% of the indistinguishable group, fluctuating in a further 10%. A small number of joints only deteriorated radiographically (10% of the distal and indistinguishable groups). The men in the distal group showed greater radiographic changes and more deterioration in the terminal interphalangeal joints of the fingers than the women. Similarly they showed more deterioration of the metatarsophalangeal joints than the women. 18 patients died, one with gastric haemorrhage resulting from treatment of exfoliative psoriasis with immunosuppressive therapy, and 2 from bronchopneumonia thought to be related to immobility caused by the arthritis.", "contents": "Psoriatic arthritis. Follow-up study. 227 patients with psoriasis and various forms of arthritis have been kept under review. Psoriasis and inflammatory arthropathy was present in 168 patients, of whom 94 have been followed up for more than 10 years. An arthritis indistinguishable from rheumatoid disease was present in 78%, distal joint arthritis in 16-6%, and deforming arthritis in 4-8%. There was a female predominance in the sex ratio of patients, although males predominated in the distal joint group (male:female 1-5:1). The peak age of onset was between 36 and 45 years, although in the deforming group the arthritis began before the age of 20 three times as commonly as it did in the indistinguishable group. Onset was acute in nearly half of the patients. At onset the distal joints were affected in one-third of the distal joint group. A synchronous onset of skin and joint changes was uncommon. Skin lesions usually preceded the arthritis but occurred after onset in 16%. Apart from in the deforming group, the arthritis was mild, judged by the number of admissions to hospital for treatment of the joint disease, and the time off work. Deterioration clinically and radiographically occurred in only a small portion of the distal joint and indistinguishable groups. Antimalarial drugs have been used in 7 patients, with deterioration of the skin condition in 4. Uveitis occurred particularly in the men of all three groups, but was most frequent in those with deforming arthritis. A family history of psoriasis was obtained in 26% of first-degree relatives and 13% of second-degree relatives. A history of polyarthritis was most common in patients in the deforming group. The sheep cell agglutination test was negative in the majority, but was positive in 16% of the indistinguishable group, fluctuating in a further 10%. A small number of joints only deteriorated radiographically (10% of the distal and indistinguishable groups). The men in the distal group showed greater radiographic changes and more deterioration in the terminal interphalangeal joints of the fingers than the women. Similarly they showed more deterioration of the metatarsophalangeal joints than the women. 18 patients died, one with gastric haemorrhage resulting from treatment of exfoliative psoriasis with immunosuppressive therapy, and 2 from bronchopneumonia thought to be related to immobility caused by the arthritis.", "PMID": 984900} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1205", "title": "Periarthritis of the shoulder. I. Aetiological considerations with particular reference to personality factors.", "content": "186 patients with periarthritis of the shoulder have been studied. The sex ratio was female:male, 1-52:1. The peak age of onset was 54-59 years in both sexes. Over 40% of the patients were referred to the clinic after 6 months had elapsed from the time of onset of the disease. The right shoulder was more frequently involved than the left, particularly in the men. One shoulder only was affected in 75% of patients. There was frequently a previous history of 'rheumatism' before the episode of periarthritis. In one-third of the women 'nonspecific rheumatism' had occurred. Cervicobrachial pain and a previous episode of shoulder pain had occurred more often in the women. There were a number of associated diseases, ischaemic heart disease, thyroid disease among women, diabetes among women, hemiplegia, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, and epilepsy. Acute trauma was rarely a precipitating factor. Manual workers were more frequently seen than sedentary workers in the sample, and there were more in the sample than in the general population of Leeds. The general psychological background was no different from a control group. The Maudsley Personality Inventory gave no different results among patients with periarthritis of the shoulder than among a control group and among the general population. It is suggested that there is no evidence in this study for a 'periarthritic personality'. It is suggested that the cause of periarthritis of the shoulder is likely to be related to chronic trauma occurring in an age range when changes in connective tissue are occurring. Certain associated diseases may predispose the patient to this disorder.", "contents": "Periarthritis of the shoulder. I. Aetiological considerations with particular reference to personality factors. 186 patients with periarthritis of the shoulder have been studied. The sex ratio was female:male, 1-52:1. The peak age of onset was 54-59 years in both sexes. Over 40% of the patients were referred to the clinic after 6 months had elapsed from the time of onset of the disease. The right shoulder was more frequently involved than the left, particularly in the men. One shoulder only was affected in 75% of patients. There was frequently a previous history of 'rheumatism' before the episode of periarthritis. In one-third of the women 'nonspecific rheumatism' had occurred. Cervicobrachial pain and a previous episode of shoulder pain had occurred more often in the women. There were a number of associated diseases, ischaemic heart disease, thyroid disease among women, diabetes among women, hemiplegia, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, and epilepsy. Acute trauma was rarely a precipitating factor. Manual workers were more frequently seen than sedentary workers in the sample, and there were more in the sample than in the general population of Leeds. The general psychological background was no different from a control group. The Maudsley Personality Inventory gave no different results among patients with periarthritis of the shoulder than among a control group and among the general population. It is suggested that there is no evidence in this study for a 'periarthritic personality'. It is suggested that the cause of periarthritis of the shoulder is likely to be related to chronic trauma occurring in an age range when changes in connective tissue are occurring. Certain associated diseases may predispose the patient to this disorder.", "PMID": 984901} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1206", "title": "Periarthritis of the shoulder. II. Radiological features.", "content": "A group of 113 women and 73 men with periarthritis of the shoulder have been studied in detail. Electromyography showed 4 patients with neuralgic amyotrophy who had been referred for the shoulder study but were excluded on this basis. Nerve conduction studies showed little difference between the periarthritic group and a control group, apart from some reduction in amplitude and potential, and in women a suggestion of an increased latency. Duration of the action potential was equal. 6 patients had an undoubtedly long latency compatible with median nerve compression. Degenerative changes were found in the glenohumeral joints in 6-9%. Degenerative changes were found at the acromioclavicular joints in 31% of the men and 44% of the women. Calcification was found around 11 of the shoulder joints. There was frequently a previous history of 'rheumatism' before the episode of periarthritis. In one-third of the women 'nonspecific rheumatism' had occurred. Cervicobrachial pain and a previous episode of shoulder pain had occurred more often in the women. Arthrography was performed in 7 patients and there was a reduction in volume of material that could be injected in only one patient. There was obliteration of the axillary fold in that patient, and a torn capsule in a patient who had previously been manipulated. Lateral cervical spine x-rays were compared with films from an epidemiological survey. The disc space/vertebral body height ratio was taken, overcoming the magnification effects shown by technical alterations in the method of taking films. Good intra- and interobserver correlation was found for this ratio, but not for the width of the canal. There was no difference in the disc/body ratio between the periarthritic and control group in the upper cervical region. In the C5/6 and C6/7 intervertebral discs there was evidence of more disc degeneration in the periarthritic group. The differences from the control group were not great because of the high incidence of disc space narrowing and osteophytosis after the age of 45 years in the general population.", "contents": "Periarthritis of the shoulder. II. Radiological features. A group of 113 women and 73 men with periarthritis of the shoulder have been studied in detail. Electromyography showed 4 patients with neuralgic amyotrophy who had been referred for the shoulder study but were excluded on this basis. Nerve conduction studies showed little difference between the periarthritic group and a control group, apart from some reduction in amplitude and potential, and in women a suggestion of an increased latency. Duration of the action potential was equal. 6 patients had an undoubtedly long latency compatible with median nerve compression. Degenerative changes were found in the glenohumeral joints in 6-9%. Degenerative changes were found at the acromioclavicular joints in 31% of the men and 44% of the women. Calcification was found around 11 of the shoulder joints. There was frequently a previous history of 'rheumatism' before the episode of periarthritis. In one-third of the women 'nonspecific rheumatism' had occurred. Cervicobrachial pain and a previous episode of shoulder pain had occurred more often in the women. Arthrography was performed in 7 patients and there was a reduction in volume of material that could be injected in only one patient. There was obliteration of the axillary fold in that patient, and a torn capsule in a patient who had previously been manipulated. Lateral cervical spine x-rays were compared with films from an epidemiological survey. The disc space/vertebral body height ratio was taken, overcoming the magnification effects shown by technical alterations in the method of taking films. Good intra- and interobserver correlation was found for this ratio, but not for the width of the canal. There was no difference in the disc/body ratio between the periarthritic and control group in the upper cervical region. In the C5/6 and C6/7 intervertebral discs there was evidence of more disc degeneration in the periarthritic group. The differences from the control group were not great because of the high incidence of disc space narrowing and osteophytosis after the age of 45 years in the general population.", "PMID": 984902} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1207", "title": "Avascular necrosis in SLE. An apparent predilection for young patients.", "content": "Recent reports of avascular necrosis (AN) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have suggested that its occurrence may be most frequent in young patients. In our population of 99 patients with SLE, 7 young patients have developed AN. Patterns of prednisone therapy had no apparent relationship to the development of AN. AN may become apparent in patients who have relatively inactive lupus, when increased physical activity precipitates articular collapse. A diagnosis of AN should be considered in young patients with localized joint pain.", "contents": "Avascular necrosis in SLE. An apparent predilection for young patients. Recent reports of avascular necrosis (AN) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have suggested that its occurrence may be most frequent in young patients. In our population of 99 patients with SLE, 7 young patients have developed AN. Patterns of prednisone therapy had no apparent relationship to the development of AN. AN may become apparent in patients who have relatively inactive lupus, when increased physical activity precipitates articular collapse. A diagnosis of AN should be considered in young patients with localized joint pain.", "PMID": 984903} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1208", "title": "Detection of IgG rheumatoid factor by concanavalin A treatment and complement fixation with IgG rheumatoid factor.", "content": "Concanavalin A (Con A) froms precipitates with carbohydrate-rich protein such as IgM, IgD, IgE, and IgA. Since IgG contains little carbohydrate and does not react with Con A, the activity of IgG-rheumatoid factor (RF) can be measured in the supernate of the Con A-treated serum. When the latex fixation test (LFT) and the sensitized sheep cell agglutination test (SSCA) were perfromed in the supernate for the detection of IgG-RF, LFT was positive in 32-1% of sera, out of 137 sera originally positive for LFT, and SSCA was positive in 18-5% of sera, out of 119 sera originally positive for SSCA. IgG-RF exhibited lower complement fixing ability than IgM-RF and correlated with agglutination titres of IgG-RF, while the CH50 of the original serum did not correlate with haemolytic activities of either IgM-RF or IgG-RF.", "contents": "Detection of IgG rheumatoid factor by concanavalin A treatment and complement fixation with IgG rheumatoid factor. Concanavalin A (Con A) froms precipitates with carbohydrate-rich protein such as IgM, IgD, IgE, and IgA. Since IgG contains little carbohydrate and does not react with Con A, the activity of IgG-rheumatoid factor (RF) can be measured in the supernate of the Con A-treated serum. When the latex fixation test (LFT) and the sensitized sheep cell agglutination test (SSCA) were perfromed in the supernate for the detection of IgG-RF, LFT was positive in 32-1% of sera, out of 137 sera originally positive for LFT, and SSCA was positive in 18-5% of sera, out of 119 sera originally positive for SSCA. IgG-RF exhibited lower complement fixing ability than IgM-RF and correlated with agglutination titres of IgG-RF, while the CH50 of the original serum did not correlate with haemolytic activities of either IgM-RF or IgG-RF.", "PMID": 984904} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1209", "title": "Serum immunoreactive gastrin in rheumatoid arthritis. Further observations on its identity, clinical specificity, and relationship to gastric function.", "content": "Serum immunoreactive gastrin is raised in some patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this paper paired samples taken within 30 minutes of each other show that this phenomenon is reproducible. Dilution curves show identity between gastrin from RA patients and from patients with no RA, and the raised immunoreactive gastrin concentration is demonstrable in patients who do not have chronic atrophic gastritis and in whom both basal and stimulated acid output concentrations are normal. Samples of gastric mucous membrane obtained from the body of the stomach and gastroscopy under direct vision in 18 patients with raised serum immunoreactive gastrin concentrations were normal.", "contents": "Serum immunoreactive gastrin in rheumatoid arthritis. Further observations on its identity, clinical specificity, and relationship to gastric function. Serum immunoreactive gastrin is raised in some patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this paper paired samples taken within 30 minutes of each other show that this phenomenon is reproducible. Dilution curves show identity between gastrin from RA patients and from patients with no RA, and the raised immunoreactive gastrin concentration is demonstrable in patients who do not have chronic atrophic gastritis and in whom both basal and stimulated acid output concentrations are normal. Samples of gastric mucous membrane obtained from the body of the stomach and gastroscopy under direct vision in 18 patients with raised serum immunoreactive gastrin concentrations were normal.", "PMID": 984905} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1210", "title": "Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis associated with decreased diffusion capacity of the lung.", "content": "Sixty-two patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis were subjected to lung function analysis. The various parameters--spirography, plethysmography, blood gas analysis, measurement of lung compliance, and diffusion capacity--were correlated with duration and stage of disease, and with rheumatoid factor titres. A statistically significant correlation was found to exist between Rose-Waaler titre and specific diffusion capacity. Similar results between Rose-Waaler titre and lung compliance, however, were not statistically significant.", "contents": "Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis associated with decreased diffusion capacity of the lung. Sixty-two patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis were subjected to lung function analysis. The various parameters--spirography, plethysmography, blood gas analysis, measurement of lung compliance, and diffusion capacity--were correlated with duration and stage of disease, and with rheumatoid factor titres. A statistically significant correlation was found to exist between Rose-Waaler titre and specific diffusion capacity. Similar results between Rose-Waaler titre and lung compliance, however, were not statistically significant.", "PMID": 984906} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1211", "title": "Clinical diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis in women and relation to presence of HLA-B27.", "content": "Thirty-nine Caucasian women with definite or probable ankylosing spondylitis were tissue typed and the radiographic and clinical features were correlated with the presence of B27 (formerly W27). This investigation showed that the same strong positive correlation observed in men obtains in women between B27 and unequivocal radiographic changes. As such changes develop slowly in women, clinical and laboratory features were identified which were sufficiently characteristic to enable the diagnosis to be reached in advance of decreased spinal mobility. Immobility pain and stiffness and bilateral sacroiliac pain are the most characteristic features, but additional support is provided by the presence of any of the following: onset by age 30, a raised sedimentation rate, peripheral joint involvement, circumthoracic pain, family history, and iritis.", "contents": "Clinical diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis in women and relation to presence of HLA-B27. Thirty-nine Caucasian women with definite or probable ankylosing spondylitis were tissue typed and the radiographic and clinical features were correlated with the presence of B27 (formerly W27). This investigation showed that the same strong positive correlation observed in men obtains in women between B27 and unequivocal radiographic changes. As such changes develop slowly in women, clinical and laboratory features were identified which were sufficiently characteristic to enable the diagnosis to be reached in advance of decreased spinal mobility. Immobility pain and stiffness and bilateral sacroiliac pain are the most characteristic features, but additional support is provided by the presence of any of the following: onset by age 30, a raised sedimentation rate, peripheral joint involvement, circumthoracic pain, family history, and iritis.", "PMID": 984907} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1212", "title": "HLA frequencies in less common arthropathies.", "content": "There was no increased incidence of HLA-B27 in patients suffering from rubella arthropathy, when compared to both the Westminster controls and a group of patients with arthritis secondary to dysentery who nearly all possessed this allele.", "contents": "HLA frequencies in less common arthropathies. There was no increased incidence of HLA-B27 in patients suffering from rubella arthropathy, when compared to both the Westminster controls and a group of patients with arthritis secondary to dysentery who nearly all possessed this allele.", "PMID": 984908} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1213", "title": "Osteoarthrosis in a rural South African Negro population.", "content": "The prevalence and distribution of osteoarthrosis has been studied in a South African Negro population. One or more joints were affected in 60% of the males and 48% of the females, compared with a prevalence of 55% in males and 63% in females in a comparable English population. Multiple osteoarthrosis was significantly less common in the African than in the English population, the difference here being greatest in females. Clinical Heberden's nodes were also very infrequent in the African population. However, the Tswana males had significantly more osteoarthrosis of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints than was encountered in English males. This is attributed to the traumatic effect of hard manual work which is carried on into old age among most African populations.", "contents": "Osteoarthrosis in a rural South African Negro population. The prevalence and distribution of osteoarthrosis has been studied in a South African Negro population. One or more joints were affected in 60% of the males and 48% of the females, compared with a prevalence of 55% in males and 63% in females in a comparable English population. Multiple osteoarthrosis was significantly less common in the African than in the English population, the difference here being greatest in females. Clinical Heberden's nodes were also very infrequent in the African population. However, the Tswana males had significantly more osteoarthrosis of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints than was encountered in English males. This is attributed to the traumatic effect of hard manual work which is carried on into old age among most African populations.", "PMID": 984909} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1214", "title": "Familial Felty's syndrome.", "content": "A family is described in which the mother and 2 of the 5 children had Felty's syndrome, a pattern of inheritance suggesting a dominant defect and one which has not previously been reported. The family is also of interest in that the other sib had rheumatoid arthritis.", "contents": "Familial Felty's syndrome. A family is described in which the mother and 2 of the 5 children had Felty's syndrome, a pattern of inheritance suggesting a dominant defect and one which has not previously been reported. The family is also of interest in that the other sib had rheumatoid arthritis.", "PMID": 984910} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1215", "title": "Measurement of circumference of the knee with ordinary tape measure.", "content": "The circumference of the knees and thighs at three locations was measured in 10 patients on two consecutive occasions by three observers. Analysis of the results for interobserver, intraobserver and among-patient variation established that a change in circumference noted by different observers on two different days is significant if it exceeds 1-5 cm at the midpatella, 2-7 cm at 7 cm above, and 3-5 cm at 15 cm above the patella. If a single observer performs both measurements, the change need exceed only 1-0, 2-0, and 2-7 cm, respectively, to be significant.", "contents": "Measurement of circumference of the knee with ordinary tape measure. The circumference of the knees and thighs at three locations was measured in 10 patients on two consecutive occasions by three observers. Analysis of the results for interobserver, intraobserver and among-patient variation established that a change in circumference noted by different observers on two different days is significant if it exceeds 1-5 cm at the midpatella, 2-7 cm at 7 cm above, and 3-5 cm at 15 cm above the patella. If a single observer performs both measurements, the change need exceed only 1-0, 2-0, and 2-7 cm, respectively, to be significant.", "PMID": 984911} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1216", "title": "The accuracy of predicting lymph nodes metastases in malignant melanoma by clinical examination and microstaging.", "content": "Since 1971, a prospective treatment regimen for primary cutaneous malignant melanoma performed by a single clinician has revealed the following early observations: 1) A significantly higher number of females with level II disease; 2) No recurrences or metastases to date in 29 patients with level II lesions treated by appropriate surgery; 3) The apparent clinical predictability of lymph node metastases in the group microstaged at level III. 4) An inability to predict lymph node metastases (or their delayed development) in patients with level IV disease; 5) A correlation between lymph node metastases and the development of disseminated disease.", "contents": "The accuracy of predicting lymph nodes metastases in malignant melanoma by clinical examination and microstaging. Since 1971, a prospective treatment regimen for primary cutaneous malignant melanoma performed by a single clinician has revealed the following early observations: 1) A significantly higher number of females with level II disease; 2) No recurrences or metastases to date in 29 patients with level II lesions treated by appropriate surgery; 3) The apparent clinical predictability of lymph node metastases in the group microstaged at level III. 4) An inability to predict lymph node metastases (or their delayed development) in patients with level IV disease; 5) A correlation between lymph node metastases and the development of disseminated disease.", "PMID": 984922} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1217", "title": "Changing clinical, pathologic, therapeutic, and survival patterns in differentiated thyroid carcinoma.", "content": "Records of 792 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma seen at the Lahey Clinic Foundation over a 40-year period were analyzed; 631 patients had a minimum followup period of 15 years. Differentiated types currently constitute nearly 90% of thyroid carcinomas. The clinical presentation has improved substantially through the years, and the results of treatment generally have improved. The per cent of patients with primarily incurable and locally unresectable disease or distant metastases has decreased from 7% before 1950 to 1% currently, and this group resulted in almost one third of the total fatalities and one half of fatalities within the first 5 years after treatment. Clear relationships were demonstrated between older age, men, extraglandular extension, blood vessel invasion, major capsular involvement, multifocal disease, and higher mortality rates. Lymph node metastases were found to exert a protective effect in all categories of disease analyzed, and this effect was directly related to the number of lymph node metastases present such that no deaths occurred in those patients who had more than 10 node metastases. Surgical treatment recommended is subtotal thyroidectomy for patients at high risk of death from disease as defined by combinations of age, sex, and extraglandular extension. Patients at low risk or with small carcinomas can be treated satisfactorily by lobectomy. Lymph node resections should be of a limited type or a modified neck dissection and should be performed only therapeutically. No improvement, as judged by mortality or recurrence rates, could be demonstrated by the use of radio therapy after surgery, and its use should be discouraged. Thyroid hormone administered for suppression of endogenous thyroid-stimulating hormone production improved mortality rates significantly in patients with papillary and mixed forms of carcinoma in all age groups but did not affect survival in patients with follicular carcinoma of the thyroid.20", "contents": "Changing clinical, pathologic, therapeutic, and survival patterns in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Records of 792 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma seen at the Lahey Clinic Foundation over a 40-year period were analyzed; 631 patients had a minimum followup period of 15 years. Differentiated types currently constitute nearly 90% of thyroid carcinomas. The clinical presentation has improved substantially through the years, and the results of treatment generally have improved. The per cent of patients with primarily incurable and locally unresectable disease or distant metastases has decreased from 7% before 1950 to 1% currently, and this group resulted in almost one third of the total fatalities and one half of fatalities within the first 5 years after treatment. Clear relationships were demonstrated between older age, men, extraglandular extension, blood vessel invasion, major capsular involvement, multifocal disease, and higher mortality rates. Lymph node metastases were found to exert a protective effect in all categories of disease analyzed, and this effect was directly related to the number of lymph node metastases present such that no deaths occurred in those patients who had more than 10 node metastases. Surgical treatment recommended is subtotal thyroidectomy for patients at high risk of death from disease as defined by combinations of age, sex, and extraglandular extension. Patients at low risk or with small carcinomas can be treated satisfactorily by lobectomy. Lymph node resections should be of a limited type or a modified neck dissection and should be performed only therapeutically. No improvement, as judged by mortality or recurrence rates, could be demonstrated by the use of radio therapy after surgery, and its use should be discouraged. Thyroid hormone administered for suppression of endogenous thyroid-stimulating hormone production improved mortality rates significantly in patients with papillary and mixed forms of carcinoma in all age groups but did not affect survival in patients with follicular carcinoma of the thyroid.20", "PMID": 984923} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1218", "title": "Operative correction of pectus excavatum: an evolving perspective.", "content": "From 1949 to 1975, 220 children have undergone surgical reconstruction of pectus excavatum using a variety of operations on our Pediatric Surgical Service. The first 183 were previously reported and have had subsequent, careful followup evaluation. From 1970 to 1975, an identifiable group of 45 children had a standard operation, a modified Ravitch repair, with the addition of a three-point or tripod internal fixation technique for support of the sternum. These children have all obtained satisfactory reconstruction without prosthetic support of any kind. We have thus avoided the possible danger of foreign material within the chest and have obviated the need for another procedure to remove a supporting stent. The two groups have been analyzed and compared with respect to age distribution, postoperative complications and end results to see if we could detect any trends in the evolving management of children with this condition. The main indications for surgical correction remain cosmetic and postural. Specific trends which have emerged from our experience include an increased percentage of patients between 3 and 8 years of age (average 5.8 years); a decreased need for blood transfusion (10%); a near resolution of postoperative seromas with the use of substernal and subcutaneous suction drains; and in the last 45 children, a 100% excellent or acceptable result to date. We feel that age selection is an important factor in the improved operative result and in the emotional impact on these young patients. Eighty per cent of the children in the recent series were between 3 and 8 years of age at the time of repair. On the basis of this experience, we now feel confident in recommending our standardized operation for pectus excavatum at an elective age of 4 to 6 years.", "contents": "Operative correction of pectus excavatum: an evolving perspective. From 1949 to 1975, 220 children have undergone surgical reconstruction of pectus excavatum using a variety of operations on our Pediatric Surgical Service. The first 183 were previously reported and have had subsequent, careful followup evaluation. From 1970 to 1975, an identifiable group of 45 children had a standard operation, a modified Ravitch repair, with the addition of a three-point or tripod internal fixation technique for support of the sternum. These children have all obtained satisfactory reconstruction without prosthetic support of any kind. We have thus avoided the possible danger of foreign material within the chest and have obviated the need for another procedure to remove a supporting stent. The two groups have been analyzed and compared with respect to age distribution, postoperative complications and end results to see if we could detect any trends in the evolving management of children with this condition. The main indications for surgical correction remain cosmetic and postural. Specific trends which have emerged from our experience include an increased percentage of patients between 3 and 8 years of age (average 5.8 years); a decreased need for blood transfusion (10%); a near resolution of postoperative seromas with the use of substernal and subcutaneous suction drains; and in the last 45 children, a 100% excellent or acceptable result to date. We feel that age selection is an important factor in the improved operative result and in the emotional impact on these young patients. Eighty per cent of the children in the recent series were between 3 and 8 years of age at the time of repair. On the basis of this experience, we now feel confident in recommending our standardized operation for pectus excavatum at an elective age of 4 to 6 years.", "PMID": 984924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1219", "title": "Craniofacial surgery: present and future.", "content": "The possibilities for radical craniofacial restructuring have increased dramatically in the past 6 years with the development of craniofacial surgery. The field developed from a background of patients with major craniofacial birth defects allowing orderly planning and expansion to correction of a multitude of other craniofacial structural problems. The procedures concentrate upon changing the skeletal structures using extensive subperiostial dissection of soft tissue, and adding bone to fill in areas of deficiency. There are three grades of complexity in craniofacial procedures. After extensive soft tissue sub-periostial stripping about the orbits and upper face, the simplest form consists of onlay bone grafts. The next most complicated involves osteotomies to shift the face into a more normal position. In its most complicated form, abnormal proportions of bone are removed and the orbits or cranium are shifted into a new or normal position. We have had experience with 69 patients since September, 1972. Thirty-six have had intracranial procedures. Infection has been the most serious problem, and there have been no instances of death or blindness. A number of lesser problems occur. Future applications of craniofacial surgery are appearing with great frequency as more experience is gained with its uses. It has particular application in acute and late reconstruction of patients with traumatic defects about the face. Preventive osteotomies are an area with great potential, by releasing stenotic areas of bone and allowing the developing brain to mold the upper face and orbits. There is also applicability in surgery of tumors about the craniofacial structure and in cosmetic surgery.", "contents": "Craniofacial surgery: present and future. The possibilities for radical craniofacial restructuring have increased dramatically in the past 6 years with the development of craniofacial surgery. The field developed from a background of patients with major craniofacial birth defects allowing orderly planning and expansion to correction of a multitude of other craniofacial structural problems. The procedures concentrate upon changing the skeletal structures using extensive subperiostial dissection of soft tissue, and adding bone to fill in areas of deficiency. There are three grades of complexity in craniofacial procedures. After extensive soft tissue sub-periostial stripping about the orbits and upper face, the simplest form consists of onlay bone grafts. The next most complicated involves osteotomies to shift the face into a more normal position. In its most complicated form, abnormal proportions of bone are removed and the orbits or cranium are shifted into a new or normal position. We have had experience with 69 patients since September, 1972. Thirty-six have had intracranial procedures. Infection has been the most serious problem, and there have been no instances of death or blindness. A number of lesser problems occur. Future applications of craniofacial surgery are appearing with great frequency as more experience is gained with its uses. It has particular application in acute and late reconstruction of patients with traumatic defects about the face. Preventive osteotomies are an area with great potential, by releasing stenotic areas of bone and allowing the developing brain to mold the upper face and orbits. There is also applicability in surgery of tumors about the craniofacial structure and in cosmetic surgery.", "PMID": 984925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1220", "title": "Further experience with peritoneo-venous shunt for ascites.", "content": "A specially devised pressure-sensitive valve forms the basis for a new peritoneo-venous shunt operation which delivers ascitic fluid continuously into the venous system. It is effective in ascites attributed to different causes. The procedure is simple and brings a long lasting relief with recovery in strength and nutrition and improved kidney function. Hepatorenal syndrome in ascites is reversed.", "contents": "Further experience with peritoneo-venous shunt for ascites. A specially devised pressure-sensitive valve forms the basis for a new peritoneo-venous shunt operation which delivers ascitic fluid continuously into the venous system. It is effective in ascites attributed to different causes. The procedure is simple and brings a long lasting relief with recovery in strength and nutrition and improved kidney function. Hepatorenal syndrome in ascites is reversed.", "PMID": 984926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1221", "title": "Internal pancreatic fistulas: pancreatic ascites and pleural effusions.", "content": "Thirty-four patients seen over a 10-year period with internal pancreatic fistulas are reported. In 22 patients the fistula was into the peritoneal cavity and they presented with pancreatic ascits. In 7 patients the fistula tracked up through the mediastinum into a pleural cavity, and they presented with pancreatic pleural effusions. Five patients presented with both pancreatic ascites and pancreatic pleural effusions. Diagnosis was made by finding a markedly elevated amylase and protein content in the ascitic and pleural fluids. Serum amylase was usually, but not always, elevated. Over one half of the patients had no history of inflammatory pancreatic disease. Initial treatment was non-operative using nasogastric suction, diamox, atropine, and multiple paracenteses or thoracenteses. This was successful in 48% (12/25). If non-operative therapy failed, surgery was performed to drain or resect the internal fistula. Surgery was successful in 82% (14/17). The internal pancreatic fistula was successfully demontrated in most instances by preoperative, operative, or postmortem pancreatography, or by gross observation at the time of surgery.", "contents": "Internal pancreatic fistulas: pancreatic ascites and pleural effusions. Thirty-four patients seen over a 10-year period with internal pancreatic fistulas are reported. In 22 patients the fistula was into the peritoneal cavity and they presented with pancreatic ascits. In 7 patients the fistula tracked up through the mediastinum into a pleural cavity, and they presented with pancreatic pleural effusions. Five patients presented with both pancreatic ascites and pancreatic pleural effusions. Diagnosis was made by finding a markedly elevated amylase and protein content in the ascitic and pleural fluids. Serum amylase was usually, but not always, elevated. Over one half of the patients had no history of inflammatory pancreatic disease. Initial treatment was non-operative using nasogastric suction, diamox, atropine, and multiple paracenteses or thoracenteses. This was successful in 48% (12/25). If non-operative therapy failed, surgery was performed to drain or resect the internal fistula. Surgery was successful in 82% (14/17). The internal pancreatic fistula was successfully demontrated in most instances by preoperative, operative, or postmortem pancreatography, or by gross observation at the time of surgery.", "PMID": 984927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1222", "title": "Perforations and foreign bodies of the rectum: report of 28 cases.", "content": "A series comprised of 28 patients (five with perforations of the recto-sigmoid colon and 23 with lodged rectal foreign bodies) is presented. The symptomatology, physical, laboratory and x-ray findings are described. Methods of management are discussed, with emphasis on the operative management of perforations and the conservative approach to retained foreign bodies. It is felt that these protocols will be useful to physicians who see this practice less frequently. X-rays of two more unusual cases are depicted. A thorough review of the literature is also presented. This is the largest reported series of patients with retained rectal foreign bodies and/or perforations. The series includes two female patients, a heretofore unreported occurrence.", "contents": "Perforations and foreign bodies of the rectum: report of 28 cases. A series comprised of 28 patients (five with perforations of the recto-sigmoid colon and 23 with lodged rectal foreign bodies) is presented. The symptomatology, physical, laboratory and x-ray findings are described. Methods of management are discussed, with emphasis on the operative management of perforations and the conservative approach to retained foreign bodies. It is felt that these protocols will be useful to physicians who see this practice less frequently. X-rays of two more unusual cases are depicted. A thorough review of the literature is also presented. This is the largest reported series of patients with retained rectal foreign bodies and/or perforations. The series includes two female patients, a heretofore unreported occurrence.", "PMID": 984928} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1223", "title": "Effect of irradiation on the canine exocrine pancreas.", "content": "Effects of irradiation on the pancreas was studied in 6 dogs receiving a dose equivalent to the biologic effect of 4000 R/6 weeks (with a nominal stnadard dose of 1175 rets) given to patients with Hodgkins disease. After control secretory, histologic and pancreatographic studies, 6 Thomas fistula dogs were subjected to 2400 R tumor dose over two weeks. There was a biphasic response to secretin alone or secretin with cholecystokininpancreozymin. An initial hypersecretion occurred at 2 weeks --volume was increased, but bicarbonate and enzyme output remained unchanged. Thereafter there was a progressive reduction in volume, bicarbonate and enzyme outputs ( greater than 90% after 3 months). Histology showed early ductal reduplication but with progressive fibrosis, features compatible with chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatic insufficiency may contribute to post-irradiation gastrointestinal symptomatology. Close field irradiation of the pancreas results in actual destruction of the parenchyma.", "contents": "Effect of irradiation on the canine exocrine pancreas. Effects of irradiation on the pancreas was studied in 6 dogs receiving a dose equivalent to the biologic effect of 4000 R/6 weeks (with a nominal stnadard dose of 1175 rets) given to patients with Hodgkins disease. After control secretory, histologic and pancreatographic studies, 6 Thomas fistula dogs were subjected to 2400 R tumor dose over two weeks. There was a biphasic response to secretin alone or secretin with cholecystokininpancreozymin. An initial hypersecretion occurred at 2 weeks --volume was increased, but bicarbonate and enzyme output remained unchanged. Thereafter there was a progressive reduction in volume, bicarbonate and enzyme outputs ( greater than 90% after 3 months). Histology showed early ductal reduplication but with progressive fibrosis, features compatible with chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatic insufficiency may contribute to post-irradiation gastrointestinal symptomatology. Close field irradiation of the pancreas results in actual destruction of the parenchyma.", "PMID": 984929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1224", "title": "A simple test to identify coarctation of the aorta.", "content": "Despite the widespread recognition of coartation of the aorta there are still many patients in whome the diagnosis is not made. A simple clinical test which is useful in making the diagnosis in infants and adults, is described. It depends upon the differential color changes between fingers and toes after releasing a manual compression of feet and hands in the elevated position.", "contents": "A simple test to identify coarctation of the aorta. Despite the widespread recognition of coartation of the aorta there are still many patients in whome the diagnosis is not made. A simple clinical test which is useful in making the diagnosis in infants and adults, is described. It depends upon the differential color changes between fingers and toes after releasing a manual compression of feet and hands in the elevated position.", "PMID": 984930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1225", "title": "Acute bacterial endocarditis: a silent source of sepsis in the burn patient.", "content": "In the past six years, 35 patients with thermal injuries have died with a diagnosis of endocarditis. The cause of death in 21 of the 22 patients with acute bacterial endocarditis (ABE) was directly related to complications arising from the ongoing sepsis. In only three cases was the diagnosis considered pre-mortem. The endocarditis was located in the right heart in 18, left heart in 9, and both sides in 8 cases. Associated venous thrombi were present in 14 instances, and 10 of these were septic thrombi. Staphylococcus was the primary organism in the blood in 17 of 22 patients with ABE. Clinically audible murmurs were present in only two patients. In no instance was ABE superimposed upon previously existing valvular disease. ABE can serve as a silent source of sepsis in the burn patient. The diagnosis should be suspected with persistantly positive blood cultures, especially for Staphylococcus aureus, in any burn patient in whom no other foci of sepsis can be identified. Vigorous methods of diagnosis and specific treatment are recommended.", "contents": "Acute bacterial endocarditis: a silent source of sepsis in the burn patient. In the past six years, 35 patients with thermal injuries have died with a diagnosis of endocarditis. The cause of death in 21 of the 22 patients with acute bacterial endocarditis (ABE) was directly related to complications arising from the ongoing sepsis. In only three cases was the diagnosis considered pre-mortem. The endocarditis was located in the right heart in 18, left heart in 9, and both sides in 8 cases. Associated venous thrombi were present in 14 instances, and 10 of these were septic thrombi. Staphylococcus was the primary organism in the blood in 17 of 22 patients with ABE. Clinically audible murmurs were present in only two patients. In no instance was ABE superimposed upon previously existing valvular disease. ABE can serve as a silent source of sepsis in the burn patient. The diagnosis should be suspected with persistantly positive blood cultures, especially for Staphylococcus aureus, in any burn patient in whom no other foci of sepsis can be identified. Vigorous methods of diagnosis and specific treatment are recommended.", "PMID": 984931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1226", "title": "Use of an arteriovenous fistula for treatment of the severely ischemic extremity: experimental evaluation.", "content": "Experiments were performed on obligatory bipeds to study the effects of an arteriovenous fistula on a devascularized ischemic limb. Retrograde flow of arterial blood entering the venous system by way of an arteriovenous fistula was demonstrated. Venous valves appeared not to interfere with retrograde arterial flow. The data from these experiments indicate that a \"Y\" type arteriovenous fistula can lead to functional revascularization in the ischemic limb with arterial obstruction. The dual mechanism of retrograde arterial flow in venous channels and the stimulation of collateral flow adjacent to the fistula seemed to be critical factors. Since a peripheral arteriovenous fistula is a potent stimulus to arterial collateralization in the extremity, its application is worthy of consideration in certain selected patients with advanced and otherwise inoperable arterial occlusive disease.", "contents": "Use of an arteriovenous fistula for treatment of the severely ischemic extremity: experimental evaluation. Experiments were performed on obligatory bipeds to study the effects of an arteriovenous fistula on a devascularized ischemic limb. Retrograde flow of arterial blood entering the venous system by way of an arteriovenous fistula was demonstrated. Venous valves appeared not to interfere with retrograde arterial flow. The data from these experiments indicate that a \"Y\" type arteriovenous fistula can lead to functional revascularization in the ischemic limb with arterial obstruction. The dual mechanism of retrograde arterial flow in venous channels and the stimulation of collateral flow adjacent to the fistula seemed to be critical factors. Since a peripheral arteriovenous fistula is a potent stimulus to arterial collateralization in the extremity, its application is worthy of consideration in certain selected patients with advanced and otherwise inoperable arterial occlusive disease.", "PMID": 984932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1227", "title": "A clinical and anatomical study of anomalous terminations of the common bile duct into the duodenum.", "content": "Termination of the common bile duct into the duodenum was studied in 1000 patients by operative cholangiograms obtained from 5 different San Francisco Bay Area hospitals. The results indicate the strong probability that the duodenal biliary papilla is anomalously placed in at least 13% of the 1000 patients studied. Comments relative to the importance of this fact to surgeons and radiologists are made, and suggestion of a possible causative factor for the anomalies is proposed.", "contents": "A clinical and anatomical study of anomalous terminations of the common bile duct into the duodenum. Termination of the common bile duct into the duodenum was studied in 1000 patients by operative cholangiograms obtained from 5 different San Francisco Bay Area hospitals. The results indicate the strong probability that the duodenal biliary papilla is anomalously placed in at least 13% of the 1000 patients studied. Comments relative to the importance of this fact to surgeons and radiologists are made, and suggestion of a possible causative factor for the anomalies is proposed.", "PMID": 984933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1228", "title": "Clinical and laboratory experience with heparin-impregnated silicone shunts for carotid endarterectomy.", "content": "Our experience with use of a Silastic shunt for carotid endarterectomy is reviewed briefly, and the complication of shunt thrombosis despite intraoperative administration of heparin is noted. Of obvious importance are the reduction of blood flow and the possibility of embolization caused by accumulating thrombus. Shunt thrombosis has been abolished by the use of heparin-impregnated Silastic shunts. In experiments in dogs, such heparin-treated shunts showed greater thromboresistance than did untreated shunts.", "contents": "Clinical and laboratory experience with heparin-impregnated silicone shunts for carotid endarterectomy. Our experience with use of a Silastic shunt for carotid endarterectomy is reviewed briefly, and the complication of shunt thrombosis despite intraoperative administration of heparin is noted. Of obvious importance are the reduction of blood flow and the possibility of embolization caused by accumulating thrombus. Shunt thrombosis has been abolished by the use of heparin-impregnated Silastic shunts. In experiments in dogs, such heparin-treated shunts showed greater thromboresistance than did untreated shunts.", "PMID": 984934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1229", "title": "The effect that time, touch and environment have upon bacterial contamination of instruments during surgery.", "content": "Hemostats were evaluated for frequency of contamination and such contamination was correlated with increasing operating room exposure time. The studies were performed under surgical conditions in operating rooms with and without laminar air flow. The study was also designed to show whether contamination of hemostats were influenced by the scrub nurse's handling. Hemostats were more frequently contaminated in the conventional operating room without laminar air flow (P less than 0.001). Handling by the scrub nurse's gloved hand statistically increased the number of contaminated hemostats (P less than 0.01). Laminar air flow reduced the frequency of contamination statistically (P less than 0.001) to a point where time and touch by a gloved hand of the scrub nurse were not important factors.", "contents": "The effect that time, touch and environment have upon bacterial contamination of instruments during surgery. Hemostats were evaluated for frequency of contamination and such contamination was correlated with increasing operating room exposure time. The studies were performed under surgical conditions in operating rooms with and without laminar air flow. The study was also designed to show whether contamination of hemostats were influenced by the scrub nurse's handling. Hemostats were more frequently contaminated in the conventional operating room without laminar air flow (P less than 0.001). Handling by the scrub nurse's gloved hand statistically increased the number of contaminated hemostats (P less than 0.01). Laminar air flow reduced the frequency of contamination statistically (P less than 0.001) to a point where time and touch by a gloved hand of the scrub nurse were not important factors.", "PMID": 984935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1230", "title": "Retrograde venous cardiac perfusion for myocardial revascularization: an experimental evaluation.", "content": "This study evaluates cardiac function in dogs during retrograde perfusion through the coronary sinus. Five hearts perfused retrograde in an ex vivo apparatus demonstrated rapid and marked increases in weight and perfusion pressure, became hemorrhagic, and contracted poorly within one hour. Five similarly perfused hearts treated with phenoxybenzamine experienced no increase in weight or perfusion pressure and maintained good color and contractions for up to one hour. Five additional hearts treated with phenoxybenzamine did not develop hemorrhage, edema, increased weight, or increased perfusion pressure but could maintain the systemic circulation for only brief periods after 15 minutes of intermittent cardiopulmonary bypass support. We conclude that cardiac viability can be maintained with retrograde perfusion enhanced with alpha blocking agents. However, hearts so perfused cannot maintain adequate systemic pressure. The data suggests that extensive myocardial revascularization through the retrograde venous route would be ineffective.", "contents": "Retrograde venous cardiac perfusion for myocardial revascularization: an experimental evaluation. This study evaluates cardiac function in dogs during retrograde perfusion through the coronary sinus. Five hearts perfused retrograde in an ex vivo apparatus demonstrated rapid and marked increases in weight and perfusion pressure, became hemorrhagic, and contracted poorly within one hour. Five similarly perfused hearts treated with phenoxybenzamine experienced no increase in weight or perfusion pressure and maintained good color and contractions for up to one hour. Five additional hearts treated with phenoxybenzamine did not develop hemorrhage, edema, increased weight, or increased perfusion pressure but could maintain the systemic circulation for only brief periods after 15 minutes of intermittent cardiopulmonary bypass support. We conclude that cardiac viability can be maintained with retrograde perfusion enhanced with alpha blocking agents. However, hearts so perfused cannot maintain adequate systemic pressure. The data suggests that extensive myocardial revascularization through the retrograde venous route would be ineffective.", "PMID": 984941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1231", "title": "Comparison of patients with coronary artery or valve disease: intraoperative differences in blood volume and observations of vasomotor response.", "content": "A review of 296 patients undergoing cardiac operations has shown that those with coronary artery disease have a blood volume deficit. The 148 patients with valve disease had a normal blood volume of 78 ml/kg (normal range, 68--88 ml/kg), while the 148 coronary artery disease had a blood volume of 69 ml/kg (p less than 0.001). Infusion of plasma prior to cardiopulmonary bypass as well as the total transfusion required afterward to maintain blood pressure indicated an important clinical difference in these two groups. Another finding was that the requirement for a drug to control blood pressure prior to use of cardiopulmonary bypass was greater in the coronary patients (p less than 0.01). Comparison of the requirement for a hypotensive agent before and after bypass showed a greater predictability in the valve group. This experience leads us to conclude that patients with coronary artery disease and angina not only have a low blood volume, but they also have a marked vasoactive lability which shows up in their hemodynamic response to the conduct of an operation and to anesthesia.", "contents": "Comparison of patients with coronary artery or valve disease: intraoperative differences in blood volume and observations of vasomotor response. A review of 296 patients undergoing cardiac operations has shown that those with coronary artery disease have a blood volume deficit. The 148 patients with valve disease had a normal blood volume of 78 ml/kg (normal range, 68--88 ml/kg), while the 148 coronary artery disease had a blood volume of 69 ml/kg (p less than 0.001). Infusion of plasma prior to cardiopulmonary bypass as well as the total transfusion required afterward to maintain blood pressure indicated an important clinical difference in these two groups. Another finding was that the requirement for a drug to control blood pressure prior to use of cardiopulmonary bypass was greater in the coronary patients (p less than 0.01). Comparison of the requirement for a hypotensive agent before and after bypass showed a greater predictability in the valve group. This experience leads us to conclude that patients with coronary artery disease and angina not only have a low blood volume, but they also have a marked vasoactive lability which shows up in their hemodynamic response to the conduct of an operation and to anesthesia.", "PMID": 984942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1232", "title": "Constant-pressure coronary artery perfusion during aortic valve operations.", "content": "We considered the theoretical differences between the normal relationships of coronary blood flow and perfusion pressure in the working heart and those obtained with continuous, steady-flow perfusion by a roller pump during aortic valve replacement. Steady pump perfusion should deliver less blood flow to the endocardium because: 1. For the same mean artery perfusion pressure, the average coronary blood flow is less with constant-flow pump perfusion. 2. With constant pump perfusion, pressure would be excessively high during systole, and during diastole it would be significantly lower than the mean perfusion pressure. Instantaneous pressure and flow were measured in the left coronary artery in 8 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement, employing either roller pump perfusion or a gravity flow system to provide a steady pressure source. Although we did not attempt to demonstrate improved endocardial flow, the mean left coronary flow was always greater with gravity perfusion (297 versus 153 ml/min), lending support to the theoretically proposed differences between the two perfusion methods.", "contents": "Constant-pressure coronary artery perfusion during aortic valve operations. We considered the theoretical differences between the normal relationships of coronary blood flow and perfusion pressure in the working heart and those obtained with continuous, steady-flow perfusion by a roller pump during aortic valve replacement. Steady pump perfusion should deliver less blood flow to the endocardium because: 1. For the same mean artery perfusion pressure, the average coronary blood flow is less with constant-flow pump perfusion. 2. With constant pump perfusion, pressure would be excessively high during systole, and during diastole it would be significantly lower than the mean perfusion pressure. Instantaneous pressure and flow were measured in the left coronary artery in 8 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement, employing either roller pump perfusion or a gravity flow system to provide a steady pressure source. Although we did not attempt to demonstrate improved endocardial flow, the mean left coronary flow was always greater with gravity perfusion (297 versus 153 ml/min), lending support to the theoretically proposed differences between the two perfusion methods.", "PMID": 984943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1233", "title": "Method of managing the small aortic annulus during valve replacement.", "content": "In a series of 130 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement, 20 had the ascending aorta enlarged with a Dacron patch. Eight of these required division of the annulus with extension of the incision inferiorly to the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The resulting separation of the annulus allowed a larger size valve to be inserted. Glutaraldehyde-fixed procine heterografts were used in all patients having the annulus enlarged. No deaths occurred in those patients having annular enlargement, and the post-operative studies show no evidence of mitral valve dysfunction.", "contents": "Method of managing the small aortic annulus during valve replacement. In a series of 130 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement, 20 had the ascending aorta enlarged with a Dacron patch. Eight of these required division of the annulus with extension of the incision inferiorly to the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The resulting separation of the annulus allowed a larger size valve to be inserted. Glutaraldehyde-fixed procine heterografts were used in all patients having the annulus enlarged. No deaths occurred in those patients having annular enlargement, and the post-operative studies show no evidence of mitral valve dysfunction.", "PMID": 984944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1234", "title": "The superior approach for correction of the supracardiac type of total anomalous pulmonary venous return.", "content": "An alternative approach for correction of supracardiac (type I) total anomalous pulmonary venous return is described. A median sternotomy is used. The posterior wall of the left atrium and the common pulmonary venous trunk are exposed through the transverse sinus. A direct anastomosis between these structures, ligation of the systemic-venous connection (vertical vein), and closure of the interatrial septal defect results in a one-stage repair. In our experience with the supracardiac anomaly in 20 patients, we have found that this approach consistently affords better exposure than other techniques currently in use for surgical correction of this anomaly.", "contents": "The superior approach for correction of the supracardiac type of total anomalous pulmonary venous return. An alternative approach for correction of supracardiac (type I) total anomalous pulmonary venous return is described. A median sternotomy is used. The posterior wall of the left atrium and the common pulmonary venous trunk are exposed through the transverse sinus. A direct anastomosis between these structures, ligation of the systemic-venous connection (vertical vein), and closure of the interatrial septal defect results in a one-stage repair. In our experience with the supracardiac anomaly in 20 patients, we have found that this approach consistently affords better exposure than other techniques currently in use for surgical correction of this anomaly.", "PMID": 984945} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1235", "title": "Intraoperative placement of central venous pressure monitoring cannulas.", "content": "A method for placement of central venous pressure monitoring and fluid administration catheters is described which we have found quite useful in our practice for the past three years in patients undergoing sternotomy incisions, most commonly for cardiac procedures.", "contents": "Intraoperative placement of central venous pressure monitoring cannulas. A method for placement of central venous pressure monitoring and fluid administration catheters is described which we have found quite useful in our practice for the past three years in patients undergoing sternotomy incisions, most commonly for cardiac procedures.", "PMID": 984946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1236", "title": "Left ventricular wall rupture after mitral valve replacement: report of successful repair in 2 patients.", "content": "Left ventricular wall rupture after mitral valve replacement, though uncommon, is a disastrous complication when it does occur. We have experienced this problem in 2 separate instances. Successful treatment was accomplished by suturing a large prosthetic patch over the entire area of laceration and hematoma.", "contents": "Left ventricular wall rupture after mitral valve replacement: report of successful repair in 2 patients. Left ventricular wall rupture after mitral valve replacement, though uncommon, is a disastrous complication when it does occur. We have experienced this problem in 2 separate instances. Successful treatment was accomplished by suturing a large prosthetic patch over the entire area of laceration and hematoma.", "PMID": 984947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1237", "title": "Giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus.", "content": "A case of giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus with a review of the literature is presented. The lesion is benign and pedunculated and may attain giant proportions. Symptoms are related to esophageal obstruction. Death by asphyxia can occur. Small lesions can be removed endoscopically with a snare. Larger lesions should be excised using a formal surgical approach.", "contents": "Giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus. A case of giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus with a review of the literature is presented. The lesion is benign and pedunculated and may attain giant proportions. Symptoms are related to esophageal obstruction. Death by asphyxia can occur. Small lesions can be removed endoscopically with a snare. Larger lesions should be excised using a formal surgical approach.", "PMID": 984948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1238", "title": "Failure of the Jatene procedure in a patient with D-transposition and intact ventricular septum.", "content": "Anatomical correction by arterial \"switch\" procedure was performed in a patient with transposition of the great arteries, intact ventricular septum, and left ventricular hypertension due to distal pulmonary stenosis. The patient died from left ventricular failure. The reasons for the failure of this procedure are discussed.", "contents": "Failure of the Jatene procedure in a patient with D-transposition and intact ventricular septum. Anatomical correction by arterial \"switch\" procedure was performed in a patient with transposition of the great arteries, intact ventricular septum, and left ventricular hypertension due to distal pulmonary stenosis. The patient died from left ventricular failure. The reasons for the failure of this procedure are discussed.", "PMID": 984949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1239", "title": "[Observations on varions electrovectocardiographic aspects of the W-P-W syndrome].", "content": "The purpose of this study was to clarify certain electrovectorcardiographic aspects suggestive of heart disease associated with W-P-W syndrome. Seventy-six vectorcardiograms with W-P-W features were analyzed. The curves were obtained by Grishman's cube system and in 8 cases by Frank's method, as well. In addition, the conventional electrocardiograms corresponding to 55 vectorcardiograms, were studied. Not all the electrocardiographic and vectorcardiographic tracings were recorded simultaneously. The W-P-W syndrome was classified as type A when the electrical records suggested a pre-excitation phenomenon in the left postero-superior septal mass, probably with a partial \"wave jumping\" toward the right anterior septal mass. The W-P-W syndrome was judged to be of type B when the electrical tracings showed a pre-excitation in the right anterior septal mass, probably with a partial \"wave jumping\" toward the left posterior septal mass. The results of this study permit the following conclusions: 1. It seems justified to assert that the calssification of the W-P-W syndrome must be realized deductively on the basis of the sequence of the ventricular activation and of the heart position. 2. An interval of 30 msec. or more between the end of initial slurring and the vertex or middle point of the R loop permits inferring the coexistence of left ventricle hypertrophy. 3. The presence of an inactivable zone due to myocardial infarction should be suspected on the basis of segmentary irregularities or distortions of the electrical curves, while extensive deformations are more suggestive of myocardiopathy. 4. The duration of terminal slurrings does not depend on that of the initial ones. However, when the initial slurrings are very prolonged, the terminal ones are relatively short. 5. In the presence of W-P-W syndrome, the primary ventricular repolarization changes cannot be considered as pathognomonic of any associated cardiopathy because they are often provoked by drugs.", "contents": "[Observations on varions electrovectocardiographic aspects of the W-P-W syndrome]. The purpose of this study was to clarify certain electrovectorcardiographic aspects suggestive of heart disease associated with W-P-W syndrome. Seventy-six vectorcardiograms with W-P-W features were analyzed. The curves were obtained by Grishman's cube system and in 8 cases by Frank's method, as well. In addition, the conventional electrocardiograms corresponding to 55 vectorcardiograms, were studied. Not all the electrocardiographic and vectorcardiographic tracings were recorded simultaneously. The W-P-W syndrome was classified as type A when the electrical records suggested a pre-excitation phenomenon in the left postero-superior septal mass, probably with a partial \"wave jumping\" toward the right anterior septal mass. The W-P-W syndrome was judged to be of type B when the electrical tracings showed a pre-excitation in the right anterior septal mass, probably with a partial \"wave jumping\" toward the left posterior septal mass. The results of this study permit the following conclusions: 1. It seems justified to assert that the calssification of the W-P-W syndrome must be realized deductively on the basis of the sequence of the ventricular activation and of the heart position. 2. An interval of 30 msec. or more between the end of initial slurring and the vertex or middle point of the R loop permits inferring the coexistence of left ventricle hypertrophy. 3. The presence of an inactivable zone due to myocardial infarction should be suspected on the basis of segmentary irregularities or distortions of the electrical curves, while extensive deformations are more suggestive of myocardiopathy. 4. The duration of terminal slurrings does not depend on that of the initial ones. However, when the initial slurrings are very prolonged, the terminal ones are relatively short. 5. In the presence of W-P-W syndrome, the primary ventricular repolarization changes cannot be considered as pathognomonic of any associated cardiopathy because they are often provoked by drugs.", "PMID": 984954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1240", "title": "[Modifications of the left ventricular function as the result of severe and chronic reduction of the preload].", "content": "In order to evaluate the effect which the cronic, severe, and constant decrease of the preload of the left ventricle has on the contractile function of this chamber, 15 cases, with the strict technical conditions and permitted the planned measurements, were taken from 86 studies of ventricular function in patients with tight mitral stenosis. The following parameters were calculated; the ejection fraction, the maximum DP/dt, the zero point diastolic pressure, the final diastolic pressure, the diastolic AP, the mid-diastolic pressure, the diastolic compliance index, and the passive elastic module of the left ventricle, the pulmonary pressure, the cardiac output, systolic output, and the changes produced by the infusion of Isopropilaminoetanol. It was concluded that the effects of cronic and severe pre-load decrease are: 1. Moderate decrease of the cardiac output with low systolic output and high cardiac frequency. 2. Conserved inotropic reserve. 3. Normal ejection fraction. 4. Normal diastolic tension behavior. 5. Increased compliance and special behavior of the passive elastic module.", "contents": "[Modifications of the left ventricular function as the result of severe and chronic reduction of the preload]. In order to evaluate the effect which the cronic, severe, and constant decrease of the preload of the left ventricle has on the contractile function of this chamber, 15 cases, with the strict technical conditions and permitted the planned measurements, were taken from 86 studies of ventricular function in patients with tight mitral stenosis. The following parameters were calculated; the ejection fraction, the maximum DP/dt, the zero point diastolic pressure, the final diastolic pressure, the diastolic AP, the mid-diastolic pressure, the diastolic compliance index, and the passive elastic module of the left ventricle, the pulmonary pressure, the cardiac output, systolic output, and the changes produced by the infusion of Isopropilaminoetanol. It was concluded that the effects of cronic and severe pre-load decrease are: 1. Moderate decrease of the cardiac output with low systolic output and high cardiac frequency. 2. Conserved inotropic reserve. 3. Normal ejection fraction. 4. Normal diastolic tension behavior. 5. Increased compliance and special behavior of the passive elastic module.", "PMID": 984955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1241", "title": "[Hemodynamic evaluation in acute myocardial infarct. Application to the treatment of contractile insufficiency syndromes of the left ventricle].", "content": "Even though the coronary care units have reduced to a minimum the mortality due to arrhythmias, the syndromes of left ventricular failure are responsible for the greatest part of hospital deaths in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The poor results depend upon the extensive destruction of left ventricular mass. The management in these cases should be directed to improve the performance of viable muscle as well as to preserve thejeopardized ischemic myocardium that is potentially viable. These goals may be adequately pursued by continuous hemodynamic characterization of left ventricular function. The experience of the Coronary Care Unit of the Instituto Nacional de Cardiolog\u00eda de M\u00e9xico in the study of 30 of these patients is presented. Hemodynamic evaluations were performed by means of a Swan-Ganz catheter and cardiac output determinations by the thermodilution technique. The studies may be performed with a minimum of risk. Central venous pressure measurements do not adequately indicate the status of the left ventricle. Its function may be evaluated by the use of end diastolic pulmonary artery pressure which reflects, quite accurately, the left ventricular filling pressure in these patients. Continuous hemodynamic monitorization facilitates the proper manipulation of the determinants of ventricular performance (preload, afterload, cardiac rate and contractility) and permits an attempt to improve the balance between available oxygen and myocardial oxygen requirements. Hemodynamic studies and ventricular function curves are presented in selected patients with acute myocardial infarction. The mortality due to left ventricular failure and cardiogenic shock in patients with acute myocardial infarction remains extremely high. However, it is only through the early recognition by continuous hemodynamic monitorization and the aggressive management of the patient with incipient left ventricular failure that the number of survivors may be increased.", "contents": "[Hemodynamic evaluation in acute myocardial infarct. Application to the treatment of contractile insufficiency syndromes of the left ventricle]. Even though the coronary care units have reduced to a minimum the mortality due to arrhythmias, the syndromes of left ventricular failure are responsible for the greatest part of hospital deaths in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The poor results depend upon the extensive destruction of left ventricular mass. The management in these cases should be directed to improve the performance of viable muscle as well as to preserve thejeopardized ischemic myocardium that is potentially viable. These goals may be adequately pursued by continuous hemodynamic characterization of left ventricular function. The experience of the Coronary Care Unit of the Instituto Nacional de Cardiolog\u00eda de M\u00e9xico in the study of 30 of these patients is presented. Hemodynamic evaluations were performed by means of a Swan-Ganz catheter and cardiac output determinations by the thermodilution technique. The studies may be performed with a minimum of risk. Central venous pressure measurements do not adequately indicate the status of the left ventricle. Its function may be evaluated by the use of end diastolic pulmonary artery pressure which reflects, quite accurately, the left ventricular filling pressure in these patients. Continuous hemodynamic monitorization facilitates the proper manipulation of the determinants of ventricular performance (preload, afterload, cardiac rate and contractility) and permits an attempt to improve the balance between available oxygen and myocardial oxygen requirements. Hemodynamic studies and ventricular function curves are presented in selected patients with acute myocardial infarction. The mortality due to left ventricular failure and cardiogenic shock in patients with acute myocardial infarction remains extremely high. However, it is only through the early recognition by continuous hemodynamic monitorization and the aggressive management of the patient with incipient left ventricular failure that the number of survivors may be increased.", "PMID": 984956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1242", "title": "Further investigations on the effects of ergometrine and other ergot derivatives following injection into the nucleus accumbens of the rat.", "content": "The influence of different pretreatments upon locomotor stimulation, induced by injection of ergometrine into the nucleus accumbens of rats, was investigated. The noradrenergic antagonists phenoxybenzamine and propranolol and the serotonin antagonist methysergide produced no clear changes. Reserpine, alone or in combination with alpha-MPT, considerably shortened the delay between injection of ergometrine and start of locomotor stimulation. Ro-DOPA, but not Ro-5-HTP, clearly antagonized the locomotor stimulation. The effect of ergometrine was strongly diminished following injection of haloperidol directly into the nucleus accumbens. A strong inhibition was also observedfollowing intracerebral administration of the imidazoline derivative (3,4-dihydroxy-phenylamino)-2-imidazoline (DPI), but not after injection of the structurally related compound clonidine. DPI by itself and also the ergot derivatives ergocornine, bromocryptine, LSD, dihydroergotamine and methysergide in doses 5--10 times as high as that of ergometrine failed to produce locomotor stimulation following injection into the nucleus accumbens. The results are discussed, especially with regard to the role of dopamine.", "contents": "Further investigations on the effects of ergometrine and other ergot derivatives following injection into the nucleus accumbens of the rat. The influence of different pretreatments upon locomotor stimulation, induced by injection of ergometrine into the nucleus accumbens of rats, was investigated. The noradrenergic antagonists phenoxybenzamine and propranolol and the serotonin antagonist methysergide produced no clear changes. Reserpine, alone or in combination with alpha-MPT, considerably shortened the delay between injection of ergometrine and start of locomotor stimulation. Ro-DOPA, but not Ro-5-HTP, clearly antagonized the locomotor stimulation. The effect of ergometrine was strongly diminished following injection of haloperidol directly into the nucleus accumbens. A strong inhibition was also observedfollowing intracerebral administration of the imidazoline derivative (3,4-dihydroxy-phenylamino)-2-imidazoline (DPI), but not after injection of the structurally related compound clonidine. DPI by itself and also the ergot derivatives ergocornine, bromocryptine, LSD, dihydroergotamine and methysergide in doses 5--10 times as high as that of ergometrine failed to produce locomotor stimulation following injection into the nucleus accumbens. The results are discussed, especially with regard to the role of dopamine.", "PMID": 984962} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1243", "title": "[Systolic intervals in disorders of intraventricular conduction].", "content": "The duration of the systolic intervals in 50 patients was studied. They were divided into the following groups of 10 each: 1) with normal intraventricular conduction; 2) with advanced right bundle branch block; 3) with advanced left bundle branch block; 4) with left anterior fascicular block, and 5) endocardial pacemaker in the right ventricle. The systolic intervals do not suffer modification in the presence of a right bundle branch block or a left anterior fasicular block. The left bundle branch block produces changes fundamentally in the preejection period at the expense of its two components. There also exists elevation of the systolic quotient. If the results obtained in various studies in the same patient are compared, it is possible to follow the evolution of ventricular alteration, but it is not valid, to make a comparison with the ideal values obtained in subjects with normal conduction. For those patients with a pacemaker in the right ventricular endocardium, the same criteria are applied as for the left bundle branch block. The shortening of the ejection period suggests a decrease in the volume of ventricular ejection.", "contents": "[Systolic intervals in disorders of intraventricular conduction]. The duration of the systolic intervals in 50 patients was studied. They were divided into the following groups of 10 each: 1) with normal intraventricular conduction; 2) with advanced right bundle branch block; 3) with advanced left bundle branch block; 4) with left anterior fascicular block, and 5) endocardial pacemaker in the right ventricle. The systolic intervals do not suffer modification in the presence of a right bundle branch block or a left anterior fasicular block. The left bundle branch block produces changes fundamentally in the preejection period at the expense of its two components. There also exists elevation of the systolic quotient. If the results obtained in various studies in the same patient are compared, it is possible to follow the evolution of ventricular alteration, but it is not valid, to make a comparison with the ideal values obtained in subjects with normal conduction. For those patients with a pacemaker in the right ventricular endocardium, the same criteria are applied as for the left bundle branch block. The shortening of the ejection period suggests a decrease in the volume of ventricular ejection.", "PMID": 984957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1244", "title": "Anaphylactic hypersensitivity in sheep lung in vitro: (vascular Schultz-Dale response and bioamine liberation).", "content": "Two aspects of anaphylactic hypersensitivity in sheep lung were studied. Isolated pulmonary vein constricted in response to histamine, acetylcholine, dopamine and bradykinin, whereas serotonin or specific antigen in sensitized tissue caused relaxation of the vessel. Tryptaminergic antagonists did not inhibit vessel relaxation caused by either serotonin or antigen. Antigenic challenge of chopped sheep lung caused significant liberation of serotonin and dopamine but not of histamine. It is suggested that anaphylactic release of serotonin may counteract the inflammatory response in sheep lung; which may explain the relative resistance of sheep to pulmonary hypersensitivity and tryptamine toxicity compared with other species.", "contents": "Anaphylactic hypersensitivity in sheep lung in vitro: (vascular Schultz-Dale response and bioamine liberation). Two aspects of anaphylactic hypersensitivity in sheep lung were studied. Isolated pulmonary vein constricted in response to histamine, acetylcholine, dopamine and bradykinin, whereas serotonin or specific antigen in sensitized tissue caused relaxation of the vessel. Tryptaminergic antagonists did not inhibit vessel relaxation caused by either serotonin or antigen. Antigenic challenge of chopped sheep lung caused significant liberation of serotonin and dopamine but not of histamine. It is suggested that anaphylactic release of serotonin may counteract the inflammatory response in sheep lung; which may explain the relative resistance of sheep to pulmonary hypersensitivity and tryptamine toxicity compared with other species.", "PMID": 984963} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1245", "title": "Echocardiography of ventricular septal movement in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.", "content": "Four patients, three with type B Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome and right ventricular preexcitation and one with type A Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome with left ventricular preexcitation, were studied echocardiographically. One of the patients with type B Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome was also studied while in intermittent normal conduction and right ventricular posterior preexcitation. Three patients with right ventricular preexcitation demonstrated early posterior systolic ventricular septal motion shortly after the on set of the delta wave of the QRS complex and later systolic paradoxic ventricular septal motion. During normal conduction in the patient with intermitten right ventricular preexcitation the early systolic posterior septal movement disappeared and the later systolic septal movement became posterior; ventricular septal systolic movement became normal. The type a Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome patient demonstrated normal systolic ventricular septal movement while in preexcitation.", "contents": "Echocardiography of ventricular septal movement in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Four patients, three with type B Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome and right ventricular preexcitation and one with type A Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome with left ventricular preexcitation, were studied echocardiographically. One of the patients with type B Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome was also studied while in intermittent normal conduction and right ventricular posterior preexcitation. Three patients with right ventricular preexcitation demonstrated early posterior systolic ventricular septal motion shortly after the on set of the delta wave of the QRS complex and later systolic paradoxic ventricular septal motion. During normal conduction in the patient with intermitten right ventricular preexcitation the early systolic posterior septal movement disappeared and the later systolic septal movement became posterior; ventricular septal systolic movement became normal. The type a Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome patient demonstrated normal systolic ventricular septal movement while in preexcitation.", "PMID": 984959} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1246", "title": "[Gammagraphy of the carotid glomus].", "content": "Using the colorant proteic complex labell with Tc-99 m. we visualize--by the first time--the carotideal glomus in the human in 6 volunteers and one patient with tumor. The results are very encorageous: the method was simple and safe (one single dose endovenously) and hardless (no radiotoxicity presents in 3 months of clinical and laboratory controls) and there is a good visualization by scan of carotideal bodies \"in vivo\", in human being. We think this new method and labell compound could be useful in research and medical diagnoses.", "contents": "[Gammagraphy of the carotid glomus]. Using the colorant proteic complex labell with Tc-99 m. we visualize--by the first time--the carotideal glomus in the human in 6 volunteers and one patient with tumor. The results are very encorageous: the method was simple and safe (one single dose endovenously) and hardless (no radiotoxicity presents in 3 months of clinical and laboratory controls) and there is a good visualization by scan of carotideal bodies \"in vivo\", in human being. We think this new method and labell compound could be useful in research and medical diagnoses.", "PMID": 984958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1247", "title": "Neurotoxicity and CSF level of three penicillins.", "content": "The electrocortical activity and the antibiotic concentration in serum and CSF were investigated in rabbits after i.v. administration of benzylpenicillin, ampicillin and oxacillin. In contrast to ampicillin and oxacillin, benzylpenicillin induced a pronounced epileptogenic activity. The different epileptogenic activity of the three penicillins cannot be explained by the difference in the CSF level of these agents only. The intensity of the epileptogenic activity and the CSF level after benzylpenicillin administration were markedly influenced by the experimental procedure in that curarized animals exhibited both higher CSF levels and more intense seizure activities than non-curarized animals. Factors are discussed which may be responsible for the different neurotoxic potency of the three penicillins and for the dependence of the benzylpenicillin-induced seizure intensity on the experimental procedure.", "contents": "Neurotoxicity and CSF level of three penicillins. The electrocortical activity and the antibiotic concentration in serum and CSF were investigated in rabbits after i.v. administration of benzylpenicillin, ampicillin and oxacillin. In contrast to ampicillin and oxacillin, benzylpenicillin induced a pronounced epileptogenic activity. The different epileptogenic activity of the three penicillins cannot be explained by the difference in the CSF level of these agents only. The intensity of the epileptogenic activity and the CSF level after benzylpenicillin administration were markedly influenced by the experimental procedure in that curarized animals exhibited both higher CSF levels and more intense seizure activities than non-curarized animals. Factors are discussed which may be responsible for the different neurotoxic potency of the three penicillins and for the dependence of the benzylpenicillin-induced seizure intensity on the experimental procedure.", "PMID": 984964} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1248", "title": "Heterogeneity of pig liver and pig brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase.", "content": "Pig liver and pig brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase were inhibited by increasing concentrations of clorgyline (selective inhibitor for the \"A\" form of monoamine oxidase) and deprenil (selective inhibitor for the \"B\" form of the enzyme) and the activities were then estimated with serotonin, tyramine and beta-phenylethylamine as substrates. The results indicate that both the \"A\" and the \"B\" forms are present in these tissues. Serotonin and tyramine are shown to be oxidized by both the \"A\" and the \"B\" forms of the enzyme, whereas beta-phenylethylamine appears to be oxidized almost exclusively by the \"B\" form. Lipid-depletion of the mitochondrial preparation from these tissues by extraction with aqueous methyl ethyl ketone eliminated almost all of the \"A\" form activity while most of the \"B\" form activity remained.", "contents": "Heterogeneity of pig liver and pig brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase. Pig liver and pig brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase were inhibited by increasing concentrations of clorgyline (selective inhibitor for the \"A\" form of monoamine oxidase) and deprenil (selective inhibitor for the \"B\" form of the enzyme) and the activities were then estimated with serotonin, tyramine and beta-phenylethylamine as substrates. The results indicate that both the \"A\" and the \"B\" forms are present in these tissues. Serotonin and tyramine are shown to be oxidized by both the \"A\" and the \"B\" forms of the enzyme, whereas beta-phenylethylamine appears to be oxidized almost exclusively by the \"B\" form. Lipid-depletion of the mitochondrial preparation from these tissues by extraction with aqueous methyl ethyl ketone eliminated almost all of the \"A\" form activity while most of the \"B\" form activity remained.", "PMID": 984965} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1249", "title": "An analysis of the postjunctional component of denervation supersensitivity in the isolated vas deferens of the guinea-pig.", "content": "An attempt was made to devise evidences for a role of calcium ions in the postjunctional component of denervation supersensitivity. The evidences obtained are: chronic postganglionic denervation increases sensitivity and maximum response of the vas deferens to cumulative concentrations of calcium and alters the pattern of response to low-calcium, potassium-rich Krebs solution; denervation supersensitivity could not be demonstrated after depolarization, and in KC1-Ringer or in Ca2+/--free Krebs solution the rate of loss of responsiveness to acetylcholine was delayed after denervation whereas the rate of loss of responsiveness to noradrenaline was unaffected. It is suggested that the postjunctional component of denervation supersensitivity in the isolated vas deferens of the guinea-pig is due, at least partially, to an increased availability of a membrane-bound calcium store(s) associated to an enhanced cell membrane permeability to the ion.", "contents": "An analysis of the postjunctional component of denervation supersensitivity in the isolated vas deferens of the guinea-pig. An attempt was made to devise evidences for a role of calcium ions in the postjunctional component of denervation supersensitivity. The evidences obtained are: chronic postganglionic denervation increases sensitivity and maximum response of the vas deferens to cumulative concentrations of calcium and alters the pattern of response to low-calcium, potassium-rich Krebs solution; denervation supersensitivity could not be demonstrated after depolarization, and in KC1-Ringer or in Ca2+/--free Krebs solution the rate of loss of responsiveness to acetylcholine was delayed after denervation whereas the rate of loss of responsiveness to noradrenaline was unaffected. It is suggested that the postjunctional component of denervation supersensitivity in the isolated vas deferens of the guinea-pig is due, at least partially, to an increased availability of a membrane-bound calcium store(s) associated to an enhanced cell membrane permeability to the ion.", "PMID": 984966} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1250", "title": "[Aortic prosthesis, long-term results and evolution].", "content": "The results and evolution of 126 aortic prosthesis implanted from 1964 to 1971 were reported. The results are appraised according to the criteria of the NYHA. The hospital mortality in the first five years was 40%; in those operated on in the following 3 it fell to 21% and finally those treated in the last 2 years had 16%. The delayed mortality was 19%. Depending on the type of valvular lesion, the stenosis have the highest mortality (50%). The group II and II of the NYHA had less mortality. In the evolution of the survivors at ten years, the incidence of actual survivors shows that after the first two years of prosthetic change, the survival rate tends to stabilize staying at 77% at the end of 10 years; of which 75% evolve well and 17% badly. A separate analysis was made of the factors which modify the results and evolution such as calcifications, associated mitraltricuspid lesions, and myocardial damage. The most frequent complications were embolisms 14%, prosthetic dysfunction 12.8%, endocarditis 3.8%, and hemolysis 2.5%.", "contents": "[Aortic prosthesis, long-term results and evolution]. The results and evolution of 126 aortic prosthesis implanted from 1964 to 1971 were reported. The results are appraised according to the criteria of the NYHA. The hospital mortality in the first five years was 40%; in those operated on in the following 3 it fell to 21% and finally those treated in the last 2 years had 16%. The delayed mortality was 19%. Depending on the type of valvular lesion, the stenosis have the highest mortality (50%). The group II and II of the NYHA had less mortality. In the evolution of the survivors at ten years, the incidence of actual survivors shows that after the first two years of prosthetic change, the survival rate tends to stabilize staying at 77% at the end of 10 years; of which 75% evolve well and 17% badly. A separate analysis was made of the factors which modify the results and evolution such as calcifications, associated mitraltricuspid lesions, and myocardial damage. The most frequent complications were embolisms 14%, prosthetic dysfunction 12.8%, endocarditis 3.8%, and hemolysis 2.5%.", "PMID": 984960} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1251", "title": "[Primary fibrosarcoma of the right ventricle].", "content": "Mexican literature has information of two fibrosarcomas in the atria. In the present work the first fibrosarcoma of the present work the first fibrosarcoma of the right ventricle found in Mexico is presented. This case behaved clinically, electrocardiographically, and phonomechanocardiographically like an Ebstein's disease, with the exception that in the phono a giant \"a\" wave was found. A review is mad of the clinical history, EKG, radiologic, and phono findings, as well as the laboratory analysis and data found in the autopsy.", "contents": "[Primary fibrosarcoma of the right ventricle]. Mexican literature has information of two fibrosarcomas in the atria. In the present work the first fibrosarcoma of the present work the first fibrosarcoma of the right ventricle found in Mexico is presented. This case behaved clinically, electrocardiographically, and phonomechanocardiographically like an Ebstein's disease, with the exception that in the phono a giant \"a\" wave was found. A review is mad of the clinical history, EKG, radiologic, and phono findings, as well as the laboratory analysis and data found in the autopsy.", "PMID": 984961} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1252", "title": "[The action of tiadenol on compensatory hypertrophy of the liver in the rat].", "content": "The regenerating rat liver after partial hepatectomy was used as a model to study the effects of an hypolipidaemic drugs, tiadenol (bis hydroxyethylthio 1--10 decane). Seven days after partial hepatectomy, liver weight, DNA, RNA, total protein and cytochrome P-450 were increased in tiadenol treated rats, relative to hepatectomized controls. Tiadenol displaying similar effects on the intact liver, it is concluded that this hypolipidaemic drug maintains its hepatomegalic action on the regenerating rat liver.", "contents": "[The action of tiadenol on compensatory hypertrophy of the liver in the rat]. The regenerating rat liver after partial hepatectomy was used as a model to study the effects of an hypolipidaemic drugs, tiadenol (bis hydroxyethylthio 1--10 decane). Seven days after partial hepatectomy, liver weight, DNA, RNA, total protein and cytochrome P-450 were increased in tiadenol treated rats, relative to hepatectomized controls. Tiadenol displaying similar effects on the intact liver, it is concluded that this hypolipidaemic drug maintains its hepatomegalic action on the regenerating rat liver.", "PMID": 984967} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1253", "title": "F-461, 3-diethylamino-2,2-dimethylpropyl 5-(p-nitrophenyl)-2-furoate hydrochloride, a new non-anticholinergic spasmolytic and gastric acid inhibitor.", "content": "Compound F-461, 3-diethylamino-2,2-dimethylpropyl 5-(p-nitrophenyl)-2-furoate hydrochloride, was evaluated pharmacologically and was found to exert non-anticholinergic smooth muscle spasmolytic activity along the gastrointestinal tract of animals. F-461 was additionally discovered to inhibit gastric acid secretion and to prevent cold + restraint stress-induced ulcers. Local anesthesia, both surface and infiltration, was also elicited by F-461. The pharmacologic properties of F-461, as revealed in this study, are indicative of potential usefulness of this drug in the therapy of spastic colon and/or peptic ulcers.", "contents": "F-461, 3-diethylamino-2,2-dimethylpropyl 5-(p-nitrophenyl)-2-furoate hydrochloride, a new non-anticholinergic spasmolytic and gastric acid inhibitor. Compound F-461, 3-diethylamino-2,2-dimethylpropyl 5-(p-nitrophenyl)-2-furoate hydrochloride, was evaluated pharmacologically and was found to exert non-anticholinergic smooth muscle spasmolytic activity along the gastrointestinal tract of animals. F-461 was additionally discovered to inhibit gastric acid secretion and to prevent cold + restraint stress-induced ulcers. Local anesthesia, both surface and infiltration, was also elicited by F-461. The pharmacologic properties of F-461, as revealed in this study, are indicative of potential usefulness of this drug in the therapy of spastic colon and/or peptic ulcers.", "PMID": 984968} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1254", "title": "Dopamine receptors and dopaminergic nerves in the vas deferens of the rat.", "content": "Phentolamine antagonized competitively the effects of noradrenaline (pA2 = 7.1), dopamine (pA2 = 8.0) and tyramine (pA2 = 8.2). Haloperidol had a pA2 value of 7.3 against dopamine and 6.5 against noradrenaline. Apomorphine antagonized competitively dopamine (pA 2 = 4.8) and tyramine (pA2 = 5.1) and noncompetitively antagonized noradrenaline (pD'2 = 3.6). From these data it is concluded that these antagonists interact with dopamine receptors and alpha-adrenergic receptors. Apomorphine (10-4 M) attenuated the maximal response to dopamine and field stimulation, whereas the same concentration of apomorphine potentiated the maximal response to noradrenaline. Assuming that tyramine and field stimulation release the naturally occurring neurohumoral transmitter from adrenergic nerve endings, it is concluded that dopamine is the physiologically functional neurohumoral transmitter in the rat vas deferens which, when released, stimulates specific dopamine receptors.", "contents": "Dopamine receptors and dopaminergic nerves in the vas deferens of the rat. Phentolamine antagonized competitively the effects of noradrenaline (pA2 = 7.1), dopamine (pA2 = 8.0) and tyramine (pA2 = 8.2). Haloperidol had a pA2 value of 7.3 against dopamine and 6.5 against noradrenaline. Apomorphine antagonized competitively dopamine (pA 2 = 4.8) and tyramine (pA2 = 5.1) and noncompetitively antagonized noradrenaline (pD'2 = 3.6). From these data it is concluded that these antagonists interact with dopamine receptors and alpha-adrenergic receptors. Apomorphine (10-4 M) attenuated the maximal response to dopamine and field stimulation, whereas the same concentration of apomorphine potentiated the maximal response to noradrenaline. Assuming that tyramine and field stimulation release the naturally occurring neurohumoral transmitter from adrenergic nerve endings, it is concluded that dopamine is the physiologically functional neurohumoral transmitter in the rat vas deferens which, when released, stimulates specific dopamine receptors.", "PMID": 984969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1255", "title": "The effect of difenoxin on the lower esophageal sphincter pressure in man.", "content": "Difenoxin, a new antidiarrheal agent, had no effect on lower esophageal sphincter pressure in man when given at an oral dose of 2 mg. Thus, this drug does not appear to cause or aggravate symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux and may safely be used in reflux patients.", "contents": "The effect of difenoxin on the lower esophageal sphincter pressure in man. Difenoxin, a new antidiarrheal agent, had no effect on lower esophageal sphincter pressure in man when given at an oral dose of 2 mg. Thus, this drug does not appear to cause or aggravate symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux and may safely be used in reflux patients.", "PMID": 984970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1256", "title": "Effects of iodoacetate and anoxia on phosphate metabolism in isolated perfused rat hearts.", "content": "When perfused with a solution equilibrated with 95% N2 and 5% CO2, the isolated rat heart was gradually depressed but continued to beat for longer than 30 min. Creatine phosphate content strikingly decreased, but lactate content was markedly elevated. When perfused with a fully oxygenated solution containing 0.5 mM of sodium iodoacetate (IAA) of the myocardial contractile force was almost unaltered and the heart rate decreased slightly within 10 min. Thereafter, the heart rate rapidly decreased, and soon cardiac arrest followed. Myocardial content of high-energy phosphates still remained at a considerably high level. The heart arrested by IAA responded to electrical stimulation, contracted and high-energy phosphates were well utilized. Addition of lactate to an oxygenated perfusate containing IAA improved myocardial performance. Citrate and palmitate did not restore the IAA-treated cardiac impairment. The results show that IAA disturbed cardiac conduction more markedly than contractility by blocking cytoplasmic glycolysis and that lactate, unlike citrate and palmitate, produced enough energy to recover cardiac activities in IAA-treated hearts.", "contents": "Effects of iodoacetate and anoxia on phosphate metabolism in isolated perfused rat hearts. When perfused with a solution equilibrated with 95% N2 and 5% CO2, the isolated rat heart was gradually depressed but continued to beat for longer than 30 min. Creatine phosphate content strikingly decreased, but lactate content was markedly elevated. When perfused with a fully oxygenated solution containing 0.5 mM of sodium iodoacetate (IAA) of the myocardial contractile force was almost unaltered and the heart rate decreased slightly within 10 min. Thereafter, the heart rate rapidly decreased, and soon cardiac arrest followed. Myocardial content of high-energy phosphates still remained at a considerably high level. The heart arrested by IAA responded to electrical stimulation, contracted and high-energy phosphates were well utilized. Addition of lactate to an oxygenated perfusate containing IAA improved myocardial performance. Citrate and palmitate did not restore the IAA-treated cardiac impairment. The results show that IAA disturbed cardiac conduction more markedly than contractility by blocking cytoplasmic glycolysis and that lactate, unlike citrate and palmitate, produced enough energy to recover cardiac activities in IAA-treated hearts.", "PMID": 984971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1257", "title": "Chronotropic effects of droperidol.", "content": "To study the mechanism of action by which droperidol exerts a negative chronotropic effect, 3 series of experiments were performed: a) on isolated right atria of rabbits, b) on the isolated vas deferens of guinea-pigs and c) by injecting the drug directly into the sinus node artery of anesthetized dogs. Isolated tissue results include: lack of cholinergic action or beta-adrenergic antagonism: a calcium ion flux interference could not be demonstrated. Alpha adrenergic antagonism of the drug (pA2) was ascertained in the vas deferens. Injections of droperidol in the sinus node artery caused a negative chrontropic effect proportional to the dose and arrest ensued with the largest dose followed by His escape rhythm. Droperidol could not inhibit isoproterenol or dopamine-induced tachycardia and showed similar negative chronotropism in vagotomized and atropinized dogs. Negative chronotropic effects of the drug appear to be caused by an exit blockade of sinus impulses.", "contents": "Chronotropic effects of droperidol. To study the mechanism of action by which droperidol exerts a negative chronotropic effect, 3 series of experiments were performed: a) on isolated right atria of rabbits, b) on the isolated vas deferens of guinea-pigs and c) by injecting the drug directly into the sinus node artery of anesthetized dogs. Isolated tissue results include: lack of cholinergic action or beta-adrenergic antagonism: a calcium ion flux interference could not be demonstrated. Alpha adrenergic antagonism of the drug (pA2) was ascertained in the vas deferens. Injections of droperidol in the sinus node artery caused a negative chrontropic effect proportional to the dose and arrest ensued with the largest dose followed by His escape rhythm. Droperidol could not inhibit isoproterenol or dopamine-induced tachycardia and showed similar negative chronotropism in vagotomized and atropinized dogs. Negative chronotropic effects of the drug appear to be caused by an exit blockade of sinus impulses.", "PMID": 984972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1258", "title": "The ability of pimozide to prevent inhibition by dopamine analogs of cardioaccelerator nerves in cat hearts.", "content": "The dopamine receptor blocking agent, pimozide, antagonized inhibitory actions of apomorphine, N,N-dimethyldopamine and 5,6-dihydroxy-2-dimethyl-aminotetralin (M-7) on stimulation-induced positive chronotropic responses of cat hearts in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Pimozide did not antagonize the inhibitory effect of clonidine in vitro experiments. Phentolamine, an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent, antagonized the inhibitory actions of dopamine analogs at 1.10 mug/ml concentration in in vitro experiments. Phentolamine, 0.3 mug/ml, only attenuated the response of N, N-dimethyldopamine but did not antagonize the effects of apomorphine and M-7. Lower concentration of phentolamine, 0.1 mug/ml, showed marked inhibition to the inhibitory effect of clonidine. Both phentolamine and pimozide potentiated stimulation-induced positive chronotropic responses of cat right atria. Possibility of the presence of dopaminergic inhibitory system near the alpha-adrenergic inhibitory system in cardioaccelerator nerve terminal is discussed.", "contents": "The ability of pimozide to prevent inhibition by dopamine analogs of cardioaccelerator nerves in cat hearts. The dopamine receptor blocking agent, pimozide, antagonized inhibitory actions of apomorphine, N,N-dimethyldopamine and 5,6-dihydroxy-2-dimethyl-aminotetralin (M-7) on stimulation-induced positive chronotropic responses of cat hearts in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Pimozide did not antagonize the inhibitory effect of clonidine in vitro experiments. Phentolamine, an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent, antagonized the inhibitory actions of dopamine analogs at 1.10 mug/ml concentration in in vitro experiments. Phentolamine, 0.3 mug/ml, only attenuated the response of N, N-dimethyldopamine but did not antagonize the effects of apomorphine and M-7. Lower concentration of phentolamine, 0.1 mug/ml, showed marked inhibition to the inhibitory effect of clonidine. Both phentolamine and pimozide potentiated stimulation-induced positive chronotropic responses of cat right atria. Possibility of the presence of dopaminergic inhibitory system near the alpha-adrenergic inhibitory system in cardioaccelerator nerve terminal is discussed.", "PMID": 984973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1259", "title": "Betadrenoceptors in urinary bladder.", "content": "In presence of dibenzyline, isoproterenol and adrenaline produced impairment of the responses of the guniea-pig urinary bladder to hypogastric nerve stimulation. Submaximal responses of isolated rat and guinea-pig urinary bladders to exogenous acytylcholine were similarly inhibited by these drugs. The inhibitory effects were reversed in presence of propranolol. The extent of maximal inhibition ranged between 60 and 80 per cent. The results provide evidence for the presence of inhibitory beta adrenoceptors in the urinary bladder of rats and guinea-pigs.", "contents": "Betadrenoceptors in urinary bladder. In presence of dibenzyline, isoproterenol and adrenaline produced impairment of the responses of the guniea-pig urinary bladder to hypogastric nerve stimulation. Submaximal responses of isolated rat and guinea-pig urinary bladders to exogenous acytylcholine were similarly inhibited by these drugs. The inhibitory effects were reversed in presence of propranolol. The extent of maximal inhibition ranged between 60 and 80 per cent. The results provide evidence for the presence of inhibitory beta adrenoceptors in the urinary bladder of rats and guinea-pigs.", "PMID": 984974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1260", "title": "Sympathomimetic drugs: evaluation for acute central hypotensive activity in alpha-chloralose-anesthetized dogs and cats intravertebral artery administration,.", "content": "dl-Amphetamine, phentermine and their para-chloro derivatives were tested for acute central hypotensive activity after intra-vertebral artery (iva) infusions in alpha-chloralose-anesthetized cats and intact and carotid sinus denervated dogs. Iva clonidine (reference standard) caused immediate reductions in blood pressure and heart rate and carotid sinus denervation (CSD) enhanced the clonidine response. dl-Amphetamine and phentermine did not cause acute hypotensive responses in the dog or cat whereas their para-chloro derivatives did. The vasodepressor response to para-chloramphetamine was inconsistent and transient and not modified by CSD. The magnitude and duration of the chlorphentermine vasodepressor response was minimal in the intact and CSD dog compared to clonidine. In contrast, chlorphentermine in the cat (140-300 mug/kg) caused an acute hypotensive response comparable in magnitude to clonidine (0.6-1.0 mug/kg). The bradycardias observed after iva chlorphentermine were much less pronounced than those associated with iva clonidine at comparable vasodepressor doses. By the i.v. route, each drug caused only pressor responses in the dog and cat. Suppression of the pressor response (resulting from \"spill-over\" of these alpha-stimulants into the systemic circulation after iva dosing) in the dog with small doses of i.v. phenoxybenzamine did not unmask or enhance the vasodepressor or bradycardic actions to iva administration of drugs. Methysergide prevented the hypotensive response to chlorphentermine in the cat and partially suppressed the response to clonidine; the reverse was true after piperoxan. Lilly 110140 and para-chlorophenylalanine reduced or abolished the effects of iva chlorphentermine. In summary, (1) iva chlorphentermine and clonidine were the only alpha-sympathomimetics tested which were effective as hypotensive substances; (2) the cat was considerably more responsive to iva chlorphentermine than the intact or CSD dog; (3) iva clonidine was more bradycardic than iva chlorphentermine; and (4) both adrenergic and serotonergic components appear to be among the mechanisms involved in the acute iva hypotensive response to chlorphentermine in the cat.", "contents": "Sympathomimetic drugs: evaluation for acute central hypotensive activity in alpha-chloralose-anesthetized dogs and cats intravertebral artery administration,. dl-Amphetamine, phentermine and their para-chloro derivatives were tested for acute central hypotensive activity after intra-vertebral artery (iva) infusions in alpha-chloralose-anesthetized cats and intact and carotid sinus denervated dogs. Iva clonidine (reference standard) caused immediate reductions in blood pressure and heart rate and carotid sinus denervation (CSD) enhanced the clonidine response. dl-Amphetamine and phentermine did not cause acute hypotensive responses in the dog or cat whereas their para-chloro derivatives did. The vasodepressor response to para-chloramphetamine was inconsistent and transient and not modified by CSD. The magnitude and duration of the chlorphentermine vasodepressor response was minimal in the intact and CSD dog compared to clonidine. In contrast, chlorphentermine in the cat (140-300 mug/kg) caused an acute hypotensive response comparable in magnitude to clonidine (0.6-1.0 mug/kg). The bradycardias observed after iva chlorphentermine were much less pronounced than those associated with iva clonidine at comparable vasodepressor doses. By the i.v. route, each drug caused only pressor responses in the dog and cat. Suppression of the pressor response (resulting from \"spill-over\" of these alpha-stimulants into the systemic circulation after iva dosing) in the dog with small doses of i.v. phenoxybenzamine did not unmask or enhance the vasodepressor or bradycardic actions to iva administration of drugs. Methysergide prevented the hypotensive response to chlorphentermine in the cat and partially suppressed the response to clonidine; the reverse was true after piperoxan. Lilly 110140 and para-chlorophenylalanine reduced or abolished the effects of iva chlorphentermine. In summary, (1) iva chlorphentermine and clonidine were the only alpha-sympathomimetics tested which were effective as hypotensive substances; (2) the cat was considerably more responsive to iva chlorphentermine than the intact or CSD dog; (3) iva clonidine was more bradycardic than iva chlorphentermine; and (4) both adrenergic and serotonergic components appear to be among the mechanisms involved in the acute iva hypotensive response to chlorphentermine in the cat.", "PMID": 984975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1261", "title": "Modification of venous stasis thrombosis in the rat by platelet-active drugs and by heparin.", "content": "In rats, stasis thrombosis of a renal vein was produced by the occlusion of a vascular segment after induction of systemic hypercoagulability by i.v. injection of ellagic acid. Prostaglandin E1, at doses which reduced platelet retention by glass beads (6 mug/min/300 g i.v.) only slightly reduced the thrombus size. The platelet release inhibitors suprofen and indomethacin, at doses which prolonged tail bleeding time in rats (50 mg/kg i.v.) had no effect on the thrombus size. Heparin (10 and 20 U/kg i.v.) produced a marked, dose-related reduction of venous thrombosis. The platelet-active compound VK774, at the dose levels of 50 to 10 mg/kg i.v., also reduced the thrombus size to about half that of controls. Lower doses (5, 2.5 mg/kg i.v.) had a progressively weaker effect. Binding to ellagic acid or induction of coagulation changes by VK774 are proposed as possible mechanisms of action. It is concluded that, in comparison with the contribution of plasma coagulation, the participation of the aspects of platelet function we measured in the development of venous stasis thrombosis is comparatively small.", "contents": "Modification of venous stasis thrombosis in the rat by platelet-active drugs and by heparin. In rats, stasis thrombosis of a renal vein was produced by the occlusion of a vascular segment after induction of systemic hypercoagulability by i.v. injection of ellagic acid. Prostaglandin E1, at doses which reduced platelet retention by glass beads (6 mug/min/300 g i.v.) only slightly reduced the thrombus size. The platelet release inhibitors suprofen and indomethacin, at doses which prolonged tail bleeding time in rats (50 mg/kg i.v.) had no effect on the thrombus size. Heparin (10 and 20 U/kg i.v.) produced a marked, dose-related reduction of venous thrombosis. The platelet-active compound VK774, at the dose levels of 50 to 10 mg/kg i.v., also reduced the thrombus size to about half that of controls. Lower doses (5, 2.5 mg/kg i.v.) had a progressively weaker effect. Binding to ellagic acid or induction of coagulation changes by VK774 are proposed as possible mechanisms of action. It is concluded that, in comparison with the contribution of plasma coagulation, the participation of the aspects of platelet function we measured in the development of venous stasis thrombosis is comparatively small.", "PMID": 984976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1262", "title": "Effects of hypoxia and hypercapnia on non-esterified free fatty acid and cortisol levels.", "content": "In the dog, FFA (free fatty acid) and cortisol levels in arterial blood plasma are lowered by anesthesia. Induced hypercapnia does not alter the cortisol levels but increases FFA levels. Hypoxia tends to raise the FFA levels. Possible causes of modifications in the FFA and cortisol levels are briefly discussed.", "contents": "Effects of hypoxia and hypercapnia on non-esterified free fatty acid and cortisol levels. In the dog, FFA (free fatty acid) and cortisol levels in arterial blood plasma are lowered by anesthesia. Induced hypercapnia does not alter the cortisol levels but increases FFA levels. Hypoxia tends to raise the FFA levels. Possible causes of modifications in the FFA and cortisol levels are briefly discussed.", "PMID": 984977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1263", "title": "Effect of intraventricular administration of isoprenaline on urinary function in the goat.", "content": "Intraventricular infusion of small doses of isoprenaline (ISO) in conscious non-hydrated goats produced a significant diuretic response, as well as a decrease in the excretion rate of Na+, K+ and Cl- in the urine; these effects were dose-dependent. An increase in free water clearance was observed as well. Pretreatment with propranolol, injected into the 3rd ventricle, completely abolished the ISO-induced diuretic effects, whereas phentolamine was ineffective. The data suggest that hypothalamic beta-adrenoreceptors are concerned with an inhibition of vasopressin release, inducing a diuretic response.", "contents": "Effect of intraventricular administration of isoprenaline on urinary function in the goat. Intraventricular infusion of small doses of isoprenaline (ISO) in conscious non-hydrated goats produced a significant diuretic response, as well as a decrease in the excretion rate of Na+, K+ and Cl- in the urine; these effects were dose-dependent. An increase in free water clearance was observed as well. Pretreatment with propranolol, injected into the 3rd ventricle, completely abolished the ISO-induced diuretic effects, whereas phentolamine was ineffective. The data suggest that hypothalamic beta-adrenoreceptors are concerned with an inhibition of vasopressin release, inducing a diuretic response.", "PMID": 984978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1264", "title": "Acute central effects of 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine in fowl.", "content": "In adult hens (Gallus domesticus) infusion into the IIIrd cerebral ventricle of 5,6-DHT (50, 75 and 100 mug) produced, after 5-10 min behavioural and electrocortical sedation and sleep lasting about 6-8 hr,and a monophasic or biphasic increase in body temperature for about 8 hr, Two and a half hr after 5,6-DHT administration, the histochemical picture showed a sustained decrease in yellow and green fluorescence in areas adjacent to the IIIrd ventricle, in the anterior hypothalamus and in the preoptic area, whereas no significant changes were detected in fluorescence of the tegmental cell-bodies. The present experiments suggest that behavioural and electrocortical effects evoked by 5,6-DHT seem to be due to a synergistic action of 5-HT and catecholamines displaced and released by this compound, whereas hyperthermic effects seem to be due to a more sustained release of 5-HT and/or to a direct action on 5-HT receptors and/or inhibition of 5-HT reuptake.", "contents": "Acute central effects of 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine in fowl. In adult hens (Gallus domesticus) infusion into the IIIrd cerebral ventricle of 5,6-DHT (50, 75 and 100 mug) produced, after 5-10 min behavioural and electrocortical sedation and sleep lasting about 6-8 hr,and a monophasic or biphasic increase in body temperature for about 8 hr, Two and a half hr after 5,6-DHT administration, the histochemical picture showed a sustained decrease in yellow and green fluorescence in areas adjacent to the IIIrd ventricle, in the anterior hypothalamus and in the preoptic area, whereas no significant changes were detected in fluorescence of the tegmental cell-bodies. The present experiments suggest that behavioural and electrocortical effects evoked by 5,6-DHT seem to be due to a synergistic action of 5-HT and catecholamines displaced and released by this compound, whereas hyperthermic effects seem to be due to a more sustained release of 5-HT and/or to a direct action on 5-HT receptors and/or inhibition of 5-HT reuptake.", "PMID": 984979} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1265", "title": "The effect of steroid contraceptives on the concentrations of brain monoamines in rats and mice.", "content": "The effect of three estrogen-progestin combinations on biogenic amines in discrete brain areas of rats and mice has been investigated. With the exception of a significant decrease of brain 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid in the rats treated for 30 days with the combination norethynodrel + mestranol, no significant changes in the levels of serotonin, noradrenaline or dopamine in the rat brain were found following the administration of the compounds under study. On the other hand, in mice moderate but significant changes in the levels of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid were found in various brain areas depending on the estrogen-progestin combination used. The potential importance of these effects for the contraceptive as well as for some central actions of these compounds is discussed.", "contents": "The effect of steroid contraceptives on the concentrations of brain monoamines in rats and mice. The effect of three estrogen-progestin combinations on biogenic amines in discrete brain areas of rats and mice has been investigated. With the exception of a significant decrease of brain 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid in the rats treated for 30 days with the combination norethynodrel + mestranol, no significant changes in the levels of serotonin, noradrenaline or dopamine in the rat brain were found following the administration of the compounds under study. On the other hand, in mice moderate but significant changes in the levels of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid were found in various brain areas depending on the estrogen-progestin combination used. The potential importance of these effects for the contraceptive as well as for some central actions of these compounds is discussed.", "PMID": 984980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1266", "title": "Drug metabolism and morphologic changes in the liver of nafenopin-treated rats.", "content": "Nafenopin (2-methyl-2[p-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthyl) phenoxy] propionic acid), a phenolic ether with hypolipidemic properties, given to rats of both sexes for 3 or 14 days, caused an increase in liver weight, peroxisome (microbody) proliferation and smooth endoplasmic reticulum accumulation in hepatocytes. In females, 3 days of nafenopin administration elicited a significant reduction of zoxazolamine paralysis time and an enhancement of its metabolism by the 9,000 g supernatant fraction of the liver. In contrast, treatment of males resulted in a prolongation of paralysis and a decrease of zoxazolamine hydroxylation. The serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not changed by short-term administration of the hypolipidemic drug to female rats, but there was a lowering of triglycerides in the males. Given for 14 days, nafenopin reduced paralysis time to the same extent in both sexes. The in vitro metabolism of zoxazolamine was similar to that observed after short-term nafenopin administration. A significant fall in serum triglycerides was noted in both females and males. The sex difference in zoxazolamine metabolism was not dependent on endogenous testosterone.", "contents": "Drug metabolism and morphologic changes in the liver of nafenopin-treated rats. Nafenopin (2-methyl-2[p-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthyl) phenoxy] propionic acid), a phenolic ether with hypolipidemic properties, given to rats of both sexes for 3 or 14 days, caused an increase in liver weight, peroxisome (microbody) proliferation and smooth endoplasmic reticulum accumulation in hepatocytes. In females, 3 days of nafenopin administration elicited a significant reduction of zoxazolamine paralysis time and an enhancement of its metabolism by the 9,000 g supernatant fraction of the liver. In contrast, treatment of males resulted in a prolongation of paralysis and a decrease of zoxazolamine hydroxylation. The serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not changed by short-term administration of the hypolipidemic drug to female rats, but there was a lowering of triglycerides in the males. Given for 14 days, nafenopin reduced paralysis time to the same extent in both sexes. The in vitro metabolism of zoxazolamine was similar to that observed after short-term nafenopin administration. A significant fall in serum triglycerides was noted in both females and males. The sex difference in zoxazolamine metabolism was not dependent on endogenous testosterone.", "PMID": 984981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1267", "title": "Blood levels in methaqualone in man following chronic therapeutic doses.", "content": "Human serum was analyzed for methaqualone (MTQ) and hydroxylated metabolites by gas liquid chromatographic (GLC), ultraviolet spectrophotometric (UV) and spectrofluorimetric (SF) procedures. Intact methaqualone was found to be the major circulating drug component after administration of multiple 300 mg daily doses over a 28-day period. Hydroxylated methaqualone metabolites, if present, were estimated to be in extremely low concentrations. After acute ingestion of large quantities of methaqualone (2.4-3.0 g), at least one methaqualone metabolite, [2-methyl-3-(2' hydroxymethylphenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone] was present in serum obtained from subjects with a history of chronic drug abuse.", "contents": "Blood levels in methaqualone in man following chronic therapeutic doses. Human serum was analyzed for methaqualone (MTQ) and hydroxylated metabolites by gas liquid chromatographic (GLC), ultraviolet spectrophotometric (UV) and spectrofluorimetric (SF) procedures. Intact methaqualone was found to be the major circulating drug component after administration of multiple 300 mg daily doses over a 28-day period. Hydroxylated methaqualone metabolites, if present, were estimated to be in extremely low concentrations. After acute ingestion of large quantities of methaqualone (2.4-3.0 g), at least one methaqualone metabolite, [2-methyl-3-(2' hydroxymethylphenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone] was present in serum obtained from subjects with a history of chronic drug abuse.", "PMID": 984982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1268", "title": "[Reversal by naloxone of the effects of morphine on the unanesthetized dog].", "content": "In unasthetized dogs naloxone induced effects opposed to those of morphine (tachycardia, agitation, hyperthermia, tachypnea) and mydriasis. These effects were moderate and transient; some of them were elicited with low doses being border-line after 0.03 mg.kg-1 s.c., statistically significant after 0.1 mg.kg-1 s.c.; they increased slightly with the dose. After repeated administrations, acute tolerance developed and some moderate morphine-like effects (miosis, sedation) were observed. The stimulatory effects described here may result from antagonism of a morphinomimetic natural ligand,and represent thus indirect arguments in favour of normal functions of this ligand; these functions would be to temper not only algesic but also other stimulant reactions. The limitation of the effects might result from the limited release of this ligand in normal dogs and (or) from interfering morphinomimetic properties of naloxone, which are apparently unmasked when administrations are repeated. Both, stimulatory and inhibitory effects of naloxone are not liable to represent noticeable side-effects of this drug, but they both might play some role in the mechanisms of precipitated abstinence.", "contents": "[Reversal by naloxone of the effects of morphine on the unanesthetized dog]. In unasthetized dogs naloxone induced effects opposed to those of morphine (tachycardia, agitation, hyperthermia, tachypnea) and mydriasis. These effects were moderate and transient; some of them were elicited with low doses being border-line after 0.03 mg.kg-1 s.c., statistically significant after 0.1 mg.kg-1 s.c.; they increased slightly with the dose. After repeated administrations, acute tolerance developed and some moderate morphine-like effects (miosis, sedation) were observed. The stimulatory effects described here may result from antagonism of a morphinomimetic natural ligand,and represent thus indirect arguments in favour of normal functions of this ligand; these functions would be to temper not only algesic but also other stimulant reactions. The limitation of the effects might result from the limited release of this ligand in normal dogs and (or) from interfering morphinomimetic properties of naloxone, which are apparently unmasked when administrations are repeated. Both, stimulatory and inhibitory effects of naloxone are not liable to represent noticeable side-effects of this drug, but they both might play some role in the mechanisms of precipitated abstinence.", "PMID": 984983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1269", "title": "Vitamin D metabolism in man. Effect of corticosteroids.", "content": "This study evaluated the effects of acute intravenous calcium supplementation on vitamin D metabolism in nine patients maintained on long-term prednisone therapy for chronic obstructive lung disease. Vitamin D turnover studies, employing 1,2-(3)H,4(14)C vitamin D3, and coincident measurement of serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHCC) concentrations demonstration (P less than .05) and half-time (P less than .05) in the prednisone-treated patients when compared with the mean 25-OHCC concentration and half-time found in these patients prior to calcium infusion. However, there was no significant difference in the amounts of 24,25-(OH)2CC) or 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2CC) appearing after calcium infusion. The results of the study showed that the intravenous administration of calcium to corticosteroid-treated patients accelerated the disappearance of 25-OHCC from the plasma of these patients without parallel increases in the production of 1,25-(OH)2CC or 24-25-(OH)2CC.", "contents": "Vitamin D metabolism in man. Effect of corticosteroids. This study evaluated the effects of acute intravenous calcium supplementation on vitamin D metabolism in nine patients maintained on long-term prednisone therapy for chronic obstructive lung disease. Vitamin D turnover studies, employing 1,2-(3)H,4(14)C vitamin D3, and coincident measurement of serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHCC) concentrations demonstration (P less than .05) and half-time (P less than .05) in the prednisone-treated patients when compared with the mean 25-OHCC concentration and half-time found in these patients prior to calcium infusion. However, there was no significant difference in the amounts of 24,25-(OH)2CC) or 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2CC) appearing after calcium infusion. The results of the study showed that the intravenous administration of calcium to corticosteroid-treated patients accelerated the disappearance of 25-OHCC from the plasma of these patients without parallel increases in the production of 1,25-(OH)2CC or 24-25-(OH)2CC.", "PMID": 984986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1270", "title": "Adult acute leukemia. The Rochester (NY) Experience.", "content": "A ten-year retrospective study of adult acute leukemia was performed in nonieukemia-specialized centers to determine prognostic factors, length and quality of survival, cause of death, and response to different modes of therapy. Of 200 patients, 9.5% achieved complete remission, 14.0% obtained partial remission, and no response was present in 76.5%. Patients who were 50 years old or more (64.5%) had a significantly lower response rate (P less than .005) and survival (P less than .05) than the younger age group. Aggressive chemotherapy significantly improved the response rate, as well as survival (P less than .001). Quality of life was similar for responders and nonresponders, both spending only one fourth of their survival time in the hospital. Infection as the leading cause of death. The overall ten-year response rate of 23.5% represents a realistic rate in nonleukemia-specialized centers in which the treatment of adult acute leukemia is variable.", "contents": "Adult acute leukemia. The Rochester (NY) Experience. A ten-year retrospective study of adult acute leukemia was performed in nonieukemia-specialized centers to determine prognostic factors, length and quality of survival, cause of death, and response to different modes of therapy. Of 200 patients, 9.5% achieved complete remission, 14.0% obtained partial remission, and no response was present in 76.5%. Patients who were 50 years old or more (64.5%) had a significantly lower response rate (P less than .005) and survival (P less than .05) than the younger age group. Aggressive chemotherapy significantly improved the response rate, as well as survival (P less than .001). Quality of life was similar for responders and nonresponders, both spending only one fourth of their survival time in the hospital. Infection as the leading cause of death. The overall ten-year response rate of 23.5% represents a realistic rate in nonleukemia-specialized centers in which the treatment of adult acute leukemia is variable.", "PMID": 984987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1271", "title": "Calciphylaxis in man. A syndrome of tissue necrosis and vascular calcification in 11 patients with chronic renal failure.", "content": "Eleven patients with chronic renal failure and presumed secondary hyperparathyroidism developed a syndrome of medial calcinosis of the arteries and painful ischemic ulcers of the fingers, legs, or thighs, or any combination of the three. Five patients required maintenance hemodialysis; six had functioning renal homografts. Severe hyperphosphatemia had existed in each; seven showed roentgenographic evidence of subperiosteal resorption. Similarities are evident between the lesions and experimentally produced calciphylaxix. The lesions demonstrated a relentless, progressive course, with serious morbidity and mortality. Hyperplastic or adenomatours parathyroid tissue was removed from ten of 11 patients unergoing surgical procedures; healing followed in seven patients. Treatment with phosphate-binding antacids to lower serum phosphorus levels may prevent this syndrome. Total or subtotal parathyroidectomy should be considered when ischemic skin lesions appear in uremic patients or in renal transplant recipients.", "contents": "Calciphylaxis in man. A syndrome of tissue necrosis and vascular calcification in 11 patients with chronic renal failure. Eleven patients with chronic renal failure and presumed secondary hyperparathyroidism developed a syndrome of medial calcinosis of the arteries and painful ischemic ulcers of the fingers, legs, or thighs, or any combination of the three. Five patients required maintenance hemodialysis; six had functioning renal homografts. Severe hyperphosphatemia had existed in each; seven showed roentgenographic evidence of subperiosteal resorption. Similarities are evident between the lesions and experimentally produced calciphylaxix. The lesions demonstrated a relentless, progressive course, with serious morbidity and mortality. Hyperplastic or adenomatours parathyroid tissue was removed from ten of 11 patients unergoing surgical procedures; healing followed in seven patients. Treatment with phosphate-binding antacids to lower serum phosphorus levels may prevent this syndrome. Total or subtotal parathyroidectomy should be considered when ischemic skin lesions appear in uremic patients or in renal transplant recipients.", "PMID": 984988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1272", "title": "Spontaneous pseudocystogastrostomy associated with pancreatitis. Detection by endoscopy.", "content": "A pseudocystogastrostomy complicating the course of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis was detected by upper endoscopy. Aspiration of the cyst contents during endoscopy showed greatly elevated amylase values confirming the diagnosis. Peritoneal lavage therapy was used in the acute phase of the patient's illness with dramatic clearing of the peritoneal fluid, reduction of ascitic fluid amylase values, and subjective clinical improvement.", "contents": "Spontaneous pseudocystogastrostomy associated with pancreatitis. Detection by endoscopy. A pseudocystogastrostomy complicating the course of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis was detected by upper endoscopy. Aspiration of the cyst contents during endoscopy showed greatly elevated amylase values confirming the diagnosis. Peritoneal lavage therapy was used in the acute phase of the patient's illness with dramatic clearing of the peritoneal fluid, reduction of ascitic fluid amylase values, and subjective clinical improvement.", "PMID": 984989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1273", "title": "Segmental renin sampling and partial nephrectomy in renal hypertension.", "content": "Selective renin sampling from renal vein tributaries identified a high-renin source in the lower pole of the left kidney in a 16-year-old boy who had gradually developed hypertension after blunt left renal trauma. Localized renin secretion from the ischemic pole was associated with suppression of renin secretion from both the contralateral kidney and the normal part of the affected kidney. Removal of ischemic tissue by partial nephrectomy produced sustained correction of hypertension. The findings indicate that segmental renin sampling can define indications for partial nephrectomy in renal hypertension.", "contents": "Segmental renin sampling and partial nephrectomy in renal hypertension. Selective renin sampling from renal vein tributaries identified a high-renin source in the lower pole of the left kidney in a 16-year-old boy who had gradually developed hypertension after blunt left renal trauma. Localized renin secretion from the ischemic pole was associated with suppression of renin secretion from both the contralateral kidney and the normal part of the affected kidney. Removal of ischemic tissue by partial nephrectomy produced sustained correction of hypertension. The findings indicate that segmental renin sampling can define indications for partial nephrectomy in renal hypertension.", "PMID": 984990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1274", "title": "Myeloma-like lesions of the kidney. Occurrence in a case of acinic cell adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.", "content": "A 54-year-old man with acinic cell adenocarcinoma of the pancreas died of oliguric renal failure associated with myeloma-like renal lesions. Electron microscopical study of the tumor cells disclosed rich rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and membrane-bound secretory granules, which indicated active protein synthesis and suggested that abnormal proteins produced by the tumor cells were the underlying cause of the renal lesions. Rapid deterioration of renal function ensued after intravenous pyelography, as is usual in the syndrome of myeloma-like lesions of the kidneys. This case presents further evidence for the occurrence of \"myeloma kidney\" in association with tumors other than plasma cell myeloma.", "contents": "Myeloma-like lesions of the kidney. Occurrence in a case of acinic cell adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. A 54-year-old man with acinic cell adenocarcinoma of the pancreas died of oliguric renal failure associated with myeloma-like renal lesions. Electron microscopical study of the tumor cells disclosed rich rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and membrane-bound secretory granules, which indicated active protein synthesis and suggested that abnormal proteins produced by the tumor cells were the underlying cause of the renal lesions. Rapid deterioration of renal function ensued after intravenous pyelography, as is usual in the syndrome of myeloma-like lesions of the kidneys. This case presents further evidence for the occurrence of \"myeloma kidney\" in association with tumors other than plasma cell myeloma.", "PMID": 984991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1275", "title": "Hemodialysis of acute arsenic intoxication with transient renal failure.", "content": "A striking reduction in serum arsenic level was achieved after four hours of hemodialysis in a patient with acute arsenic intoxication and transient renal failure. Quantitative dialysance of arsenic and a comparison of daily urinary excretion of arsenic with amount removed by dialysis suggested that hemodialysis is indicated in the treatment of acute arsenic intoxication if there is concomitant renal failure. In the presence of normal renal function, supportive measures, including dimercaprol (BAL in Oil) therapy, constitute the best available treatment.", "contents": "Hemodialysis of acute arsenic intoxication with transient renal failure. A striking reduction in serum arsenic level was achieved after four hours of hemodialysis in a patient with acute arsenic intoxication and transient renal failure. Quantitative dialysance of arsenic and a comparison of daily urinary excretion of arsenic with amount removed by dialysis suggested that hemodialysis is indicated in the treatment of acute arsenic intoxication if there is concomitant renal failure. In the presence of normal renal function, supportive measures, including dimercaprol (BAL in Oil) therapy, constitute the best available treatment.", "PMID": 984992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1276", "title": "Yersinia enterocolitica septicemia with septic arthritis.", "content": "We report a case of Yersinia enterocolitica septicemia with septic arthritis. Gentamicin administration controlled the septicemia but failed to eradicate the organisms in the joint, in spite of a synovial fluid level four times its minimal inhibitory concentration after four days of therapy. Development of azotemia necessitated change of antibiotic therapy to chloramphenicol, which eradicated the infection. While Y enterocolitica infection in the United States is uncommon, it must be added to the list of organisms causing suppurative arthritis and septicemia in susceptible hosts. Septic arthritis must be distinguished from the much more common reactive theumatic polyarthritis associated with Y enterocolimica infection, for which antibiotic therapy is neither needed nor helpful.", "contents": "Yersinia enterocolitica septicemia with septic arthritis. We report a case of Yersinia enterocolitica septicemia with septic arthritis. Gentamicin administration controlled the septicemia but failed to eradicate the organisms in the joint, in spite of a synovial fluid level four times its minimal inhibitory concentration after four days of therapy. Development of azotemia necessitated change of antibiotic therapy to chloramphenicol, which eradicated the infection. While Y enterocolitica infection in the United States is uncommon, it must be added to the list of organisms causing suppurative arthritis and septicemia in susceptible hosts. Septic arthritis must be distinguished from the much more common reactive theumatic polyarthritis associated with Y enterocolimica infection, for which antibiotic therapy is neither needed nor helpful.", "PMID": 984993} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1277", "title": "Regulation of amino acid transport in growing cells of Streptomyces hydrogenans. I. Modulation of transport capacity and amino acid pool composition during the growth cycle.", "content": "(1) The active uptake of different amino acids by growing cells of Streptomyces hydrogenans was shown to be correlated with the physiological age of the cells. During the lag phase of growth the transport capacity increased and attained its highest level when the growth rate was maximum. During further growth the transport capacity declined progressively. The lowest transport activity was observed when the culture shifted into the stationary growth phase. (2) Such modulation of transport capacity was independent on the presence or absence of amino acids in the growth medium of the cells. (3) The size and the composition of the pool of free intracellular amino acids was also undergoing substantial variations during the growth cycle of the culture. In the lag phase, the levels of all amino acids decreased markedly and attained their lowest values at the end of this phase. During further growth the pool size was slowly replenished. (4) Removal of the pool resulted in a considerable gain of transport capacity. Therefore, it was concluded that active amino acid transport in growing Streptomyces hydrogenans is under feedback control by intracellular amino acids. (5) Quantitatively, the modulation of the pool size could not fully account for the variation of the transport capacity. Since a pool-independent stimulation of transport was found to be correlated with the increase of the growth rate of the cells, the possibility is discussed that the stimulation of transport is either due to increased levels of distinct RNA species, which might provide positive feedback signals for transport, or by increased rates of de novo synthesis of transport limiting proteins.", "contents": "Regulation of amino acid transport in growing cells of Streptomyces hydrogenans. I. Modulation of transport capacity and amino acid pool composition during the growth cycle. (1) The active uptake of different amino acids by growing cells of Streptomyces hydrogenans was shown to be correlated with the physiological age of the cells. During the lag phase of growth the transport capacity increased and attained its highest level when the growth rate was maximum. During further growth the transport capacity declined progressively. The lowest transport activity was observed when the culture shifted into the stationary growth phase. (2) Such modulation of transport capacity was independent on the presence or absence of amino acids in the growth medium of the cells. (3) The size and the composition of the pool of free intracellular amino acids was also undergoing substantial variations during the growth cycle of the culture. In the lag phase, the levels of all amino acids decreased markedly and attained their lowest values at the end of this phase. During further growth the pool size was slowly replenished. (4) Removal of the pool resulted in a considerable gain of transport capacity. Therefore, it was concluded that active amino acid transport in growing Streptomyces hydrogenans is under feedback control by intracellular amino acids. (5) Quantitatively, the modulation of the pool size could not fully account for the variation of the transport capacity. Since a pool-independent stimulation of transport was found to be correlated with the increase of the growth rate of the cells, the possibility is discussed that the stimulation of transport is either due to increased levels of distinct RNA species, which might provide positive feedback signals for transport, or by increased rates of de novo synthesis of transport limiting proteins.", "PMID": 984997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1278", "title": "The development patterns of lysosomal enzyme activities during Ca2+-induced sporangium formation in Achyla bisexualis. III. Ribonucleases.", "content": "The present paper describes intracellular changes in ribonuclease specific activity during Ca2+-induced sporangium formation in the water mold Achyla bisexualis. The enzymes undergo a decrease in activity prior to crosswall formation followed by an increase in activity during spore cleavage. As spore discharge occurs the RNase activity again decreases. A large percentage of the nuclease activity is associated with a lysosomal-like fraction of the cell, but there is also considerably activity associated with nuclear and microsomal fractions. Addition of cycloheximide or actinomycin D at various times during development prevents further decrease or increase in the enzyme activity. Mixing of cell extracts from different developmental stages provides evidence that inhibitors or activators of the enzyme activity are not responsible for the activity levels evident at the different stages. There is a change in the total levels of presumptive mRNA during Ca2+-induced sporangial formation which appears to be associated with the patterns of RNase activity. Utilizing total cellular RNA and Poly(A)+ RNA with the crude ribonuclease preparations, no substrate specificity could be ascertained.", "contents": "The development patterns of lysosomal enzyme activities during Ca2+-induced sporangium formation in Achyla bisexualis. III. Ribonucleases. The present paper describes intracellular changes in ribonuclease specific activity during Ca2+-induced sporangium formation in the water mold Achyla bisexualis. The enzymes undergo a decrease in activity prior to crosswall formation followed by an increase in activity during spore cleavage. As spore discharge occurs the RNase activity again decreases. A large percentage of the nuclease activity is associated with a lysosomal-like fraction of the cell, but there is also considerably activity associated with nuclear and microsomal fractions. Addition of cycloheximide or actinomycin D at various times during development prevents further decrease or increase in the enzyme activity. Mixing of cell extracts from different developmental stages provides evidence that inhibitors or activators of the enzyme activity are not responsible for the activity levels evident at the different stages. There is a change in the total levels of presumptive mRNA during Ca2+-induced sporangial formation which appears to be associated with the patterns of RNase activity. Utilizing total cellular RNA and Poly(A)+ RNA with the crude ribonuclease preparations, no substrate specificity could be ascertained.", "PMID": 984998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1279", "title": "On the possible role of respiratory activity of Acholeplasma laidlawii cells in sugar transport.", "content": "1. Out of 20 exogeneous substrates only ethanol and, to a much lesser extent, lactate and pyruvate were shown to be capable of stimulating the respiration of Acholeplasma laidlawii cells. However, none of these substrates changed the initial rate of active transport of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3-O-MG). 2. From inhibitory analyses and spectroscopic data, it is apparent that the respiratory chain of A. laidlawii has no cytochromes and is probably not responsible for oxidative phosphorylation. 3. Valinomycin and nigericin stimulated cell respiration only in the presence of K+-ions, while monensin stimulated it in the presence of Na+-ions. 4. 3-O-MG transport was shown to be sensitive to uncouplers, ATPase inhibitors and arsenate are resistant to a majority of respiratory inhibitors tested. This suggested that there was no relationship between respiration and carbohydrate transport in the A. laidlawii cells. Further evidence was provided by the absence of respiratory stimulation during the transport of non-metabolizing carbohydrates.", "contents": "On the possible role of respiratory activity of Acholeplasma laidlawii cells in sugar transport. 1. Out of 20 exogeneous substrates only ethanol and, to a much lesser extent, lactate and pyruvate were shown to be capable of stimulating the respiration of Acholeplasma laidlawii cells. However, none of these substrates changed the initial rate of active transport of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3-O-MG). 2. From inhibitory analyses and spectroscopic data, it is apparent that the respiratory chain of A. laidlawii has no cytochromes and is probably not responsible for oxidative phosphorylation. 3. Valinomycin and nigericin stimulated cell respiration only in the presence of K+-ions, while monensin stimulated it in the presence of Na+-ions. 4. 3-O-MG transport was shown to be sensitive to uncouplers, ATPase inhibitors and arsenate are resistant to a majority of respiratory inhibitors tested. This suggested that there was no relationship between respiration and carbohydrate transport in the A. laidlawii cells. Further evidence was provided by the absence of respiratory stimulation during the transport of non-metabolizing carbohydrates.", "PMID": 984999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1280", "title": "The use of stable sulfur isotope labelling to elucidate sulfur metabolism by Clostridium pasteurianum.", "content": "An unique isotope labelling experiment was conducted whereby mixtures of sulfate and sulfite of different isotopic compositions were metabolized by Clostridium pasteurianum. The results showed during reduction of 1 mM SO3= plus 1 mM SO4=, essentially all evolved H2S arose from the sulfite whereas in the case of cellular sulfur, 85% was derived from sulfite and the remainder from sulfate.", "contents": "The use of stable sulfur isotope labelling to elucidate sulfur metabolism by Clostridium pasteurianum. An unique isotope labelling experiment was conducted whereby mixtures of sulfate and sulfite of different isotopic compositions were metabolized by Clostridium pasteurianum. The results showed during reduction of 1 mM SO3= plus 1 mM SO4=, essentially all evolved H2S arose from the sulfite whereas in the case of cellular sulfur, 85% was derived from sulfite and the remainder from sulfate.", "PMID": 985000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1281", "title": "[On the essential oil of green algae. III. The oils of some Chlorella mutants (author's transl)].", "content": "The stability against mutation of essential oil formation in the genus Chlorella is similar to that of hydrogenase. Both characters are therefore of special value in Chlorella taxonomy. All the 21 mutants of C. fusca C-1.1.10 produce essential oils, but only a few of them produce proazulenes. Two mutants of C. kessleri C-1.1.12 produce essential oils and proazulenes like the wild type.", "contents": "[On the essential oil of green algae. III. The oils of some Chlorella mutants (author's transl)]. The stability against mutation of essential oil formation in the genus Chlorella is similar to that of hydrogenase. Both characters are therefore of special value in Chlorella taxonomy. All the 21 mutants of C. fusca C-1.1.10 produce essential oils, but only a few of them produce proazulenes. Two mutants of C. kessleri C-1.1.12 produce essential oils and proazulenes like the wild type.", "PMID": 985001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1282", "title": "[Histological studies on the capillarization of various muscles in industrially raised rabbits].", "content": "The longissimus dorsi, semitendinosus, psoas major and biceps femoris muscles of 40 industrially kept rabbits were studied in regard to their numbers of capillaries per square mm. The relation between the number of capillaries and muscle fibres is narrower in a red muscle than in a white one. The total body mass is of more influence on the number of capillaries per square mm than the age.", "contents": "[Histological studies on the capillarization of various muscles in industrially raised rabbits]. The longissimus dorsi, semitendinosus, psoas major and biceps femoris muscles of 40 industrially kept rabbits were studied in regard to their numbers of capillaries per square mm. The relation between the number of capillaries and muscle fibres is narrower in a red muscle than in a white one. The total body mass is of more influence on the number of capillaries per square mm than the age.", "PMID": 985007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1283", "title": "[Studies on endocrine and spermiogenic testis function. III. Relationships between the quality of dietary proteins, testosterone content of the testes and cell nucleus volume of the Leydig cells during postnatal developme-t of rats].", "content": "Male Wistar rats, aged 15 days, received different qualities of feed proteins through 80 days (absorbable crude protein-rRP = ten per cent). For experimentation, the animals were subdivded into four groups. The first group was given casein plus four per cent methionine (K), the second maize gluten with amino acid added (M + As), the third maize gluten only (M), and the fourth casein plus four per cent methionine mixed one to three with gelatin (K/G). Live weight increases after ten days of feeding were 34+/-13.9 g (K), 24+/-8.5 g (M + As), 8+/-5.7 g (M), and 0+/-3.6 g (K/G). The same trend was recorded from testicular weight which was measured as well in ten-day intervals. The eight cyclic phases of the germinal epithelium were completely developed as of the 45th day of age in animals on K and M+/-As rations and as rations and as the 95th day of age in animals on K/G ration (followed improvement to 2:3). Spermatide transformation still was a bit differentiated by histological examination of animals on M diet on the 95th day of experimentation. The testosterone levels in testicular tissue were about 220 ng/100 g live weight after 80 days of K or M + As diets, but only 100 ng/100 g live weight after K/G or M feeding. The nuclear volumes of the interstitial cells of Leydig exhibited significant variation (p less than 0.01) between the 35th and 45th days of age, but went stable to approximately 50 mum3, independent of feed protein quality, at the onset of suxual maturity, on the 95th day of age. Complete formation of all eight cyclic phases of the germinal epithelium seems to depend on limiting values relating to testosterone per gram of testis, testicular weight nuclear volume of the interstitial cells of Leydig and live weight.", "contents": "[Studies on endocrine and spermiogenic testis function. III. Relationships between the quality of dietary proteins, testosterone content of the testes and cell nucleus volume of the Leydig cells during postnatal developme-t of rats]. Male Wistar rats, aged 15 days, received different qualities of feed proteins through 80 days (absorbable crude protein-rRP = ten per cent). For experimentation, the animals were subdivded into four groups. The first group was given casein plus four per cent methionine (K), the second maize gluten with amino acid added (M + As), the third maize gluten only (M), and the fourth casein plus four per cent methionine mixed one to three with gelatin (K/G). Live weight increases after ten days of feeding were 34+/-13.9 g (K), 24+/-8.5 g (M + As), 8+/-5.7 g (M), and 0+/-3.6 g (K/G). The same trend was recorded from testicular weight which was measured as well in ten-day intervals. The eight cyclic phases of the germinal epithelium were completely developed as of the 45th day of age in animals on K and M+/-As rations and as rations and as the 95th day of age in animals on K/G ration (followed improvement to 2:3). Spermatide transformation still was a bit differentiated by histological examination of animals on M diet on the 95th day of experimentation. The testosterone levels in testicular tissue were about 220 ng/100 g live weight after 80 days of K or M + As diets, but only 100 ng/100 g live weight after K/G or M feeding. The nuclear volumes of the interstitial cells of Leydig exhibited significant variation (p less than 0.01) between the 35th and 45th days of age, but went stable to approximately 50 mum3, independent of feed protein quality, at the onset of suxual maturity, on the 95th day of age. Complete formation of all eight cyclic phases of the germinal epithelium seems to depend on limiting values relating to testosterone per gram of testis, testicular weight nuclear volume of the interstitial cells of Leydig and live weight.", "PMID": 985008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1284", "title": "[Haptoglobin in domestic mammals. V. Plasma haptoglobin level in cattle under pathological conditions].", "content": "The haptoglobine concentration in the blood plasma of cattle tends to rise to more than 10 mg/100 ml in the presence of acute inflammation anywhere in the organism. They were 40 mg/100 ml and above in the presence of traumatic reticuloperitonitis. The absence of haptoglobin multiplication in the plasma is a high-probability indicator to the absence of that inflammatory process. chronic inflammation will only in exceptional cases entail plasma-haptoglobin multiplication. Concentrations will not be pathologically increased in cattle with positive reaction to haematological testing for leucosis.", "contents": "[Haptoglobin in domestic mammals. V. Plasma haptoglobin level in cattle under pathological conditions]. The haptoglobine concentration in the blood plasma of cattle tends to rise to more than 10 mg/100 ml in the presence of acute inflammation anywhere in the organism. They were 40 mg/100 ml and above in the presence of traumatic reticuloperitonitis. The absence of haptoglobin multiplication in the plasma is a high-probability indicator to the absence of that inflammatory process. chronic inflammation will only in exceptional cases entail plasma-haptoglobin multiplication. Concentrations will not be pathologically increased in cattle with positive reaction to haematological testing for leucosis.", "PMID": 985009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1285", "title": "[Late lesions in cerebrocortical necrosis (CCN) of cattle].", "content": "The brains of three young fattening bulls in which cerebrocortical necrosis had been cured by intensive vitamin-B1 treatment were histologically examined six, eight, and ten months after the clinical outbreak of the disease. Shrinkage foci were detected in the cerebral cortex, their localisation and extension depending on the course of the past disease. Part of the cerebrocortical centre was void, with differentiated amounts of fatty granular cells being scattered in regions of it. The findings were taken to indicate almost complete decomposition and resorption of the liquefied necrotic tissue. Glios cicatrisation occurred in places. A vacumn that had resulted from depression of the brain surface was filled up by proliferating loose connective tissue and vessels in the leptomeningeal region. The weight increase of fattening bulls with a case history of cerebrocortical nectosis was found to be much worse than that recordable from animals with no pathological record. Continued keeping of such cured animals, therefore, seems to be of poor economy.", "contents": "[Late lesions in cerebrocortical necrosis (CCN) of cattle]. The brains of three young fattening bulls in which cerebrocortical necrosis had been cured by intensive vitamin-B1 treatment were histologically examined six, eight, and ten months after the clinical outbreak of the disease. Shrinkage foci were detected in the cerebral cortex, their localisation and extension depending on the course of the past disease. Part of the cerebrocortical centre was void, with differentiated amounts of fatty granular cells being scattered in regions of it. The findings were taken to indicate almost complete decomposition and resorption of the liquefied necrotic tissue. Glios cicatrisation occurred in places. A vacumn that had resulted from depression of the brain surface was filled up by proliferating loose connective tissue and vessels in the leptomeningeal region. The weight increase of fattening bulls with a case history of cerebrocortical nectosis was found to be much worse than that recordable from animals with no pathological record. Continued keeping of such cured animals, therefore, seems to be of poor economy.", "PMID": 985010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1286", "title": "[R and S-streptococcal infections in swine].", "content": "Some 115 R- and 143 S-streptococcal strains were isolated from 258 pigs that had died or been killed for disease, between 1969 and 1973. They were cultured and biochemically tested for sensitivity to chemotherapeutics. All R- and S-strains were of normal sensitivity to penicillin and, with few exceptions, to chloramphenicol and oxytetracycline as well. Most of the strains caused primary Sc.-infection, such as septicaemia, leptomeningitis, endocarditis, and arthritis. R-Sc.-infections were contracted mainly by store pigs and animals in advenced age, while S-Sc.-infections affected mainly piglets.", "contents": "[R and S-streptococcal infections in swine]. Some 115 R- and 143 S-streptococcal strains were isolated from 258 pigs that had died or been killed for disease, between 1969 and 1973. They were cultured and biochemically tested for sensitivity to chemotherapeutics. All R- and S-strains were of normal sensitivity to penicillin and, with few exceptions, to chloramphenicol and oxytetracycline as well. Most of the strains caused primary Sc.-infection, such as septicaemia, leptomeningitis, endocarditis, and arthritis. R-Sc.-infections were contracted mainly by store pigs and animals in advenced age, while S-Sc.-infections affected mainly piglets.", "PMID": 985011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1287", "title": "[Anatomical studies on the quantitative development of liver, heart and adrenal glands in white New Zealand rabbits].", "content": "Five male and five female pure-bred White New Zealanders, including newborns and young animals, one, two, and three months of age, were examined. No sex-dependent difference was established for the parameters tested (weight of liver, heart, and adrenal gland). Significant weight differences were found to exist between the age groups. The relative weights of the organs under review declined along with growing age. Correlations were found to exist between the weights of liver, heart, and adrenal gland.", "contents": "[Anatomical studies on the quantitative development of liver, heart and adrenal glands in white New Zealand rabbits]. Five male and five female pure-bred White New Zealanders, including newborns and young animals, one, two, and three months of age, were examined. No sex-dependent difference was established for the parameters tested (weight of liver, heart, and adrenal gland). Significant weight differences were found to exist between the age groups. The relative weights of the organs under review declined along with growing age. Correlations were found to exist between the weights of liver, heart, and adrenal gland.", "PMID": 985012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1288", "title": "[Electronmicroscopic findings in the skeletal muscles of newborn swine with congenital splayleg].", "content": "Pathomorphological studies were taken of 104 muscle samples (including M. longissimus dorsi, adductor, semimembranaceus) obtained from 26 piglets, aged between one and three days and received from six stocks (large whites, land race, hybrids), which exhibited symptoms of congenital splayleg. Presence of myofibrillar hypoplasia or disseminated necrotisation of fibre was established by light microscopy. Some of the piglets, however, failed to exhibit substantive changes at all. Four types of fibre were differentiated by electron microscopy: (1) the normal type (with intact fibrils, plenty of lipids etc.), (2) the hypoplastic type (inhibition of protein synthesis, lack and immaturity of fibrils, disorder of paraplasmatic substances), (3) the dystrophic type (variable defects of fibrils, decay), (4) the primitive type (myoplastlike cell elements with precipitate fibrillogenesis). While those types were of variegated intramuscular occurrence, some predominance was established of dystrophic changes. Hence, spraddle-legged piglets seem to be afflicted with disorder of muscular development accompanied by signs of myopathy. Outbreak and intensity of clinical symptoms are believed to depend on exogenous factors.", "contents": "[Electronmicroscopic findings in the skeletal muscles of newborn swine with congenital splayleg]. Pathomorphological studies were taken of 104 muscle samples (including M. longissimus dorsi, adductor, semimembranaceus) obtained from 26 piglets, aged between one and three days and received from six stocks (large whites, land race, hybrids), which exhibited symptoms of congenital splayleg. Presence of myofibrillar hypoplasia or disseminated necrotisation of fibre was established by light microscopy. Some of the piglets, however, failed to exhibit substantive changes at all. Four types of fibre were differentiated by electron microscopy: (1) the normal type (with intact fibrils, plenty of lipids etc.), (2) the hypoplastic type (inhibition of protein synthesis, lack and immaturity of fibrils, disorder of paraplasmatic substances), (3) the dystrophic type (variable defects of fibrils, decay), (4) the primitive type (myoplastlike cell elements with precipitate fibrillogenesis). While those types were of variegated intramuscular occurrence, some predominance was established of dystrophic changes. Hence, spraddle-legged piglets seem to be afflicted with disorder of muscular development accompanied by signs of myopathy. Outbreak and intensity of clinical symptoms are believed to depend on exogenous factors.", "PMID": 985013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1289", "title": "An autoradiographic study of DNA synthesis in lymphoid cells of leucotic and healthy cattle.", "content": "The present study on 3H-thymidine incorporation using the histouatoradiographic method showed that spontaneous DNA synthesis occurred, on average, in 0.526 (+/- 0.233) per cent of lymphoid cells in 19 cattle with the normal blood picture (6,355+/-1,866 leucocytes/cu. mm). In 17 leucotic cattle with persistent leuco- and lymphocytosis (19,138+/-8,817 leucocytes/cu. mm) the proportion of these cells was insignificantly different, hovering about 0.554 (+/-0.191) per cent. The present sample did not include cases with marked changes in the blood picture (50,000-600,000 leucocytes/cu. mm) which occur in only 5-10 per cent of leucotic animals. This fact, however, could not influence the conclusion that even when used in conjunction with other methods, the determination of spontaneous DNA synthesis in peripheral lymphocytes is not a useful tool for the detection of preclinical phases of bovine leucosis.", "contents": "An autoradiographic study of DNA synthesis in lymphoid cells of leucotic and healthy cattle. The present study on 3H-thymidine incorporation using the histouatoradiographic method showed that spontaneous DNA synthesis occurred, on average, in 0.526 (+/- 0.233) per cent of lymphoid cells in 19 cattle with the normal blood picture (6,355+/-1,866 leucocytes/cu. mm). In 17 leucotic cattle with persistent leuco- and lymphocytosis (19,138+/-8,817 leucocytes/cu. mm) the proportion of these cells was insignificantly different, hovering about 0.554 (+/-0.191) per cent. The present sample did not include cases with marked changes in the blood picture (50,000-600,000 leucocytes/cu. mm) which occur in only 5-10 per cent of leucotic animals. This fact, however, could not influence the conclusion that even when used in conjunction with other methods, the determination of spontaneous DNA synthesis in peripheral lymphocytes is not a useful tool for the detection of preclinical phases of bovine leucosis.", "PMID": 985014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1290", "title": "[Studies on biotechnical ovulation synchronization in young cows. 1. Ovulation periods, ovarian findings and fertilization results after use of Metallibur, 750 IE PMS and 250 or 500 IE HCG].", "content": "The following treatment was applied to 50 mature young sows in two experiments (22 and 28 animals) throughout 20 days: Turisynchron-Pr\u00e4mix (Turi.), 5 g/animal, and 750 IU PMS (Prolosan serum) 28 hours after Turi. In the first experiment. 250 IU HCG (Gonabion) were additionally injected to each of twelve animals 100 hours after Turi., while in the second experiment each of ten animals recieved 500 IU HCG 103 hours after Turi. The remaining animals of the two groups were used as controls. Inseminations took place 101 and 104 hours (fourth day) after Turi. in the first experiment and 125, 149, as well as 173 hours (fifth, sixth, and seventh days) after Turi. in the second. Onset of ovulation was brought forward to the sixth day after Turi. in response to 500 IU HCG by laparotomy performed in the mornings and evenings of the fourth through seventh days. Most of the controls and test animals with 250 IU HCG ovulated on the sixth or seventh day after Turi. Ovulation was stimulated by both HCG dosages, in comparison to the controls, which was established by slaughtering the animals between the seventh and twelfth days after Turi. The percentage of ovulations was higher among the test animals and that of ovarian cysts lower. Fertilisation of the second group was clearly better than that in the first where insemination had taken place two days prior to ovulation, that is too early. The latter results were secured by tubal douche and ovocyte tests.", "contents": "[Studies on biotechnical ovulation synchronization in young cows. 1. Ovulation periods, ovarian findings and fertilization results after use of Metallibur, 750 IE PMS and 250 or 500 IE HCG]. The following treatment was applied to 50 mature young sows in two experiments (22 and 28 animals) throughout 20 days: Turisynchron-Pr\u00e4mix (Turi.), 5 g/animal, and 750 IU PMS (Prolosan serum) 28 hours after Turi. In the first experiment. 250 IU HCG (Gonabion) were additionally injected to each of twelve animals 100 hours after Turi., while in the second experiment each of ten animals recieved 500 IU HCG 103 hours after Turi. The remaining animals of the two groups were used as controls. Inseminations took place 101 and 104 hours (fourth day) after Turi. in the first experiment and 125, 149, as well as 173 hours (fifth, sixth, and seventh days) after Turi. in the second. Onset of ovulation was brought forward to the sixth day after Turi. in response to 500 IU HCG by laparotomy performed in the mornings and evenings of the fourth through seventh days. Most of the controls and test animals with 250 IU HCG ovulated on the sixth or seventh day after Turi. Ovulation was stimulated by both HCG dosages, in comparison to the controls, which was established by slaughtering the animals between the seventh and twelfth days after Turi. The percentage of ovulations was higher among the test animals and that of ovarian cysts lower. Fertilisation of the second group was clearly better than that in the first where insemination had taken place two days prior to ovulation, that is too early. The latter results were secured by tubal douche and ovocyte tests.", "PMID": 985015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1291", "title": "[Studies on endocrine and spermiogenic testis function. IV. Relations between the testosterone content of the testes cell nucleus volume of the Leydig cells and rat spermatogenesis (deduced from studies on the effect of the dietary protein quality on the function of the testes)].", "content": "The following relations were derived from large-scale testing of feed protein quality and its bearings on testicular function in growing Wistar rats: testicle weights and live weights r = 0.77 for juvenile animals and r = 0.36 for adult animals; nuclear volumes of Leydig's cells to testicle weights r = 0.84 for juvenile animals and r = 0.43 for adult animals; testosterone in testicular tissue, ng/g, to testicle weights r = 0.55 for juvenile animals and r = 0.80 for adult animals; testosterone per live weight, ng/100 g, to nuclear volumes of Leydig's cells r = 0.76 for juvenile animals and r = 0.46 for adult animals. Critical thresholds above which complete spermatogenesis is always ensured may be established for testosterone (50+/-5 ng/100 g live weight) and for the nuclear volume of Leydig's cells (30 mum3). Another conclusions drawn from the above results is that high testosterone levels in the testes of adult animals were not attributable to high testosterone biogenesis of Leydig's cells, as might have been assumed from high activities of that kind recordable from some nuclear volumes.", "contents": "[Studies on endocrine and spermiogenic testis function. IV. Relations between the testosterone content of the testes cell nucleus volume of the Leydig cells and rat spermatogenesis (deduced from studies on the effect of the dietary protein quality on the function of the testes)]. The following relations were derived from large-scale testing of feed protein quality and its bearings on testicular function in growing Wistar rats: testicle weights and live weights r = 0.77 for juvenile animals and r = 0.36 for adult animals; nuclear volumes of Leydig's cells to testicle weights r = 0.84 for juvenile animals and r = 0.43 for adult animals; testosterone in testicular tissue, ng/g, to testicle weights r = 0.55 for juvenile animals and r = 0.80 for adult animals; testosterone per live weight, ng/100 g, to nuclear volumes of Leydig's cells r = 0.76 for juvenile animals and r = 0.46 for adult animals. Critical thresholds above which complete spermatogenesis is always ensured may be established for testosterone (50+/-5 ng/100 g live weight) and for the nuclear volume of Leydig's cells (30 mum3). Another conclusions drawn from the above results is that high testosterone levels in the testes of adult animals were not attributable to high testosterone biogenesis of Leydig's cells, as might have been assumed from high activities of that kind recordable from some nuclear volumes.", "PMID": 985016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1292", "title": "[Culture media for Salmonella dublin on a chemically defined basis].", "content": "The nutrient demand of S-dublin strains was investigated. Media on chemically defined basis for culturing of S. dublin are recommended with reference to the above studies. The definition includes Na2HPO4, KH2PO4, NaCl, glucose, the amino acids L-asparaginic acid, L-cystine, L-glutamic acid, serine, and L-threonine, and nicotinamide as vitamin component. Such media will be quite favourable for certain culturing problems, but complex substrate (yeast extract, peptone, tryptone) should be added for high yields.", "contents": "[Culture media for Salmonella dublin on a chemically defined basis]. The nutrient demand of S-dublin strains was investigated. Media on chemically defined basis for culturing of S. dublin are recommended with reference to the above studies. The definition includes Na2HPO4, KH2PO4, NaCl, glucose, the amino acids L-asparaginic acid, L-cystine, L-glutamic acid, serine, and L-threonine, and nicotinamide as vitamin component. Such media will be quite favourable for certain culturing problems, but complex substrate (yeast extract, peptone, tryptone) should be added for high yields.", "PMID": 985017} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1293", "title": "[The course of plasma concentrations of cathecholamines and corticosteroids and of plasma--bound iodine (PBJ) in swine under the effect of noise and of various methods of raising].", "content": "Plasma concentrations of 11-OHKS were transitorily increased with significance in pigs, 25 kg to 45 kg in live weight, exposed to short-time engine noise (120 dB, 60 to 8,000 Hz, 60 minutes). Intensity of noise application and duration did not cause significant variation of plasma concentrations in catecholamines nor in P.B.J. The catecholamines were on a rising trend. Those results supported the conclusion that both quality and quantity of applied noise are perceived by store pigs as factors of disturbance. Their noise nature is comparable to that perceived by man and laboratory animals. Decline in 11-OHKS after 55 minutes of exposure to noise was recorded also by other authors who had exposed other species to long-time noise. It seems to reflect adaptation mechanisms in the information-processing system. The reactivity to noise of the adrenal cortext of swine was found to depend on the form of keeping. Animals kept in groups responded to noise in the same way in which they would respond to acute cold, by significantly increasing rise of plasma concentrations of 11-OHKS. The above results were taken to support the conclusion that organic response to a specific stimulus depended on the level of each control circuit at the time of stimulation.", "contents": "[The course of plasma concentrations of cathecholamines and corticosteroids and of plasma--bound iodine (PBJ) in swine under the effect of noise and of various methods of raising]. Plasma concentrations of 11-OHKS were transitorily increased with significance in pigs, 25 kg to 45 kg in live weight, exposed to short-time engine noise (120 dB, 60 to 8,000 Hz, 60 minutes). Intensity of noise application and duration did not cause significant variation of plasma concentrations in catecholamines nor in P.B.J. The catecholamines were on a rising trend. Those results supported the conclusion that both quality and quantity of applied noise are perceived by store pigs as factors of disturbance. Their noise nature is comparable to that perceived by man and laboratory animals. Decline in 11-OHKS after 55 minutes of exposure to noise was recorded also by other authors who had exposed other species to long-time noise. It seems to reflect adaptation mechanisms in the information-processing system. The reactivity to noise of the adrenal cortext of swine was found to depend on the form of keeping. Animals kept in groups responded to noise in the same way in which they would respond to acute cold, by significantly increasing rise of plasma concentrations of 11-OHKS. The above results were taken to support the conclusion that organic response to a specific stimulus depended on the level of each control circuit at the time of stimulation.", "PMID": 985018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1294", "title": "[Changes in various physiological parameters in chickens after entomoxan administration].", "content": "Eight weeks of Entomoxan administration to chickens (15 mg/kg live weight) were followed by significant change of certain physiological parameters relating to the blood, liver, suprarenal bodies, and sexual glands. Such variation was taken to indicate the presence of stress suffered by the animals' impairment of carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and defects of hormonal regulation.", "contents": "[Changes in various physiological parameters in chickens after entomoxan administration]. Eight weeks of Entomoxan administration to chickens (15 mg/kg live weight) were followed by significant change of certain physiological parameters relating to the blood, liver, suprarenal bodies, and sexual glands. Such variation was taken to indicate the presence of stress suffered by the animals' impairment of carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and defects of hormonal regulation.", "PMID": 985019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1295", "title": "[Quantitative-morphological studies on the Berlin miniature pig heart. 1. Report: absolute and relative heart weight].", "content": "Body dimensions, carcass weight, as well as absolute and relative heart weight of 29 Berlin miniature pigs were assessed and statistically evaluated. The correlations between all variables were checked. Significant correlation coefficients were established between absolute heart weight and live or carcass weight as well as between live and carcass weight. The trend towards a relationship between absolute heart and live weight is given by the major axis function. The mean value of relative heart weight was 0.314 per cent. The results are discussed.", "contents": "[Quantitative-morphological studies on the Berlin miniature pig heart. 1. Report: absolute and relative heart weight]. Body dimensions, carcass weight, as well as absolute and relative heart weight of 29 Berlin miniature pigs were assessed and statistically evaluated. The correlations between all variables were checked. Significant correlation coefficients were established between absolute heart weight and live or carcass weight as well as between live and carcass weight. The trend towards a relationship between absolute heart and live weight is given by the major axis function. The mean value of relative heart weight was 0.314 per cent. The results are discussed.", "PMID": 985020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1296", "title": "[A contribution to the relationship between electric systole and hypocalcemia in cattle].", "content": "Strong correlations between electric systole (QT time) and calcium-serum concentration can be statistically secured. In this context, all-transistor direct-printing electrocardiographs were used for indirect determination of calcium concentrations with the view to assessing QT time. The approach is described with reference to the need for safe and independent diagnosis of hypocalcaemic hysteroparalysis in concomitance with parturition against the background of industrialised cattle farming.", "contents": "[A contribution to the relationship between electric systole and hypocalcemia in cattle]. Strong correlations between electric systole (QT time) and calcium-serum concentration can be statistically secured. In this context, all-transistor direct-printing electrocardiographs were used for indirect determination of calcium concentrations with the view to assessing QT time. The approach is described with reference to the need for safe and independent diagnosis of hypocalcaemic hysteroparalysis in concomitance with parturition against the background of industrialised cattle farming.", "PMID": 985022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1297", "title": "[The effect of flying ash immissions on performance and health of broilers].", "content": "Up to 500 mg fly ash from a soft-coal based power station were intratracheally administered to 353 broilers in ten test series. No detrimental impact on the animals' performance was recorded measurements of live weight curves, feed consumption, and feed conversion. Dust contamination of the animals' lungs was a pathologico-anatomic finding made in differentiated degrees. Erythrocyte and leucocyte counts as well as staining indices were normal and did not show any statistically significant deviations from the values in animals that had not been treated with fly ash. In most of the experimental animals haemoglobin values were significantly below those recorded from the controls. No compensatory reactions were recordable from staining index 1, for example, no rise of erythrocytes and haemoglobin. The above experiments and their results seem to suggest that fly ash emission is not a factor to rule out close neighbourhood of industralised broiler units to large-scale power stations.", "contents": "[The effect of flying ash immissions on performance and health of broilers]. Up to 500 mg fly ash from a soft-coal based power station were intratracheally administered to 353 broilers in ten test series. No detrimental impact on the animals' performance was recorded measurements of live weight curves, feed consumption, and feed conversion. Dust contamination of the animals' lungs was a pathologico-anatomic finding made in differentiated degrees. Erythrocyte and leucocyte counts as well as staining indices were normal and did not show any statistically significant deviations from the values in animals that had not been treated with fly ash. In most of the experimental animals haemoglobin values were significantly below those recorded from the controls. No compensatory reactions were recordable from staining index 1, for example, no rise of erythrocytes and haemoglobin. The above experiments and their results seem to suggest that fly ash emission is not a factor to rule out close neighbourhood of industralised broiler units to large-scale power stations.", "PMID": 985023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1298", "title": "Influence of ethionine on the ultrastructural morphology of the porcine hepatocyte.", "content": "In the present study the morphological alterations induced by ethionine poisoning in the porcine liver were examined by electron microscopy. It was found that the most prominent ultrastructural changes were: accumulation of fat drops in the cytoplasm, disappearance of polysomes, fragmentation and vesiculisation of the endoplasmic reticulum, altered glycogen distribution and mitochondrial swelling. These closely resembled the pathological changes found in rat parenchymal cells under the same circumstances. In addition, moreover fat deposits were found in the nucleoplasm. The microbodies showed an altered morphology.", "contents": "Influence of ethionine on the ultrastructural morphology of the porcine hepatocyte. In the present study the morphological alterations induced by ethionine poisoning in the porcine liver were examined by electron microscopy. It was found that the most prominent ultrastructural changes were: accumulation of fat drops in the cytoplasm, disappearance of polysomes, fragmentation and vesiculisation of the endoplasmic reticulum, altered glycogen distribution and mitochondrial swelling. These closely resembled the pathological changes found in rat parenchymal cells under the same circumstances. In addition, moreover fat deposits were found in the nucleoplasm. The microbodies showed an altered morphology.", "PMID": 985024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1299", "title": "[Degradation and elimination of the anthelminitic 131I-rafoxanid in cattle and sheep].", "content": "Rafoxanide, labelled by 131J, was applied orally in oily solution to cattle and sheep, 12 and 17 mg/kg bodymass, resp. The half time of 131J in blood in 12,5 and 10,5 d for sheep and cattle, resp., the compound is adsorbed to proteins in blood. In the milk a maximal level of 3-3,5 ppm (calculated as total 131J) after 4-6 d was measured. More detailed results regarding the metabolism of rafoxanide are hitherto not possible.", "contents": "[Degradation and elimination of the anthelminitic 131I-rafoxanid in cattle and sheep]. Rafoxanide, labelled by 131J, was applied orally in oily solution to cattle and sheep, 12 and 17 mg/kg bodymass, resp. The half time of 131J in blood in 12,5 and 10,5 d for sheep and cattle, resp., the compound is adsorbed to proteins in blood. In the milk a maximal level of 3-3,5 ppm (calculated as total 131J) after 4-6 d was measured. More detailed results regarding the metabolism of rafoxanide are hitherto not possible.", "PMID": 985025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1300", "title": "[Studies on biotechnical ovulation synchronization in young sows. 2. Report: effect of laparotomy on ovarian findings after Zn-metallibur, 750 IU PMS, with and without 500 IU HCG].", "content": "A group of 72 gilts, aged between eight and nine months, were treated 20 days each by administration of 5 g Suisynchronpr\u00e4mix (Zinc Metallibur/Sui), followed by 24-hour treatment with 750 IU PMS (Prolosanserum). Fifty per cent of the group received 500 IU per animal of HCG (Gonabion) at 11 a.m., on the fourth day after Sui. All animals were artificially inseminated at 3.30 p.m. on the fifth day after Sui. and at 7.30 a.m. on the sixth day after Sui. Laparotomy was performed on 50 per cent of the HCG-treated and untreated animals in the afternoon of the sixth day after Sui. Animals with no recordable ovulation had to undergo another laparotomy in the morning of the seventh day. The above approach resulted in regrouping by four therapeutic categories: 1. HCG with laparotomy, 2. No HCG, 3. HCG with no laparotomy, 4. No HCG and no laparotomy. In the afternoon of the sixth day after Sui (51-56 hours after HCG) ovulation had begun in all 17 measurable animals of the first group, but only in one of 18 animals of the second. The animals were slaughtered between the seventh and twelfth days after Sui, and the following ovulation percentages were established: 100 per cent in the first group, 83.3 per cent in the second, 55.6 per cent in the third, and 72.2 per cent in the fourth. The animals that had been given HCG treatment (Groups 1 and 3) were found to be superior in terms of percentual ovulation to the untreated animals (Groups 2 and 4). However, Group 2 was the only group that had been exposed to the extraordinary stress of two laparotomies, and this should be borne in mind for evaluation. Ovarian cysts (more than 10 mm) began to develop on the eighth day on the laparotomised groups (1 and 2) and on the tenth day on the non-laparotomized groups (3 and 4). Cysts developed in 41.1 per cent of all animals in Group 1, 38.9 per cent in Group 2, 27.8 per cent in Group 3, and 22.2 per cent in Group 4. Therefore, cyst formation is thought to have been stimulated by laparotomy. Ovocyte tests suggested fertilisation of all animals in the first group. The embryonation rates of the second, third, and fourth groups are discussed with reference to the dates of insemination.", "contents": "[Studies on biotechnical ovulation synchronization in young sows. 2. Report: effect of laparotomy on ovarian findings after Zn-metallibur, 750 IU PMS, with and without 500 IU HCG]. A group of 72 gilts, aged between eight and nine months, were treated 20 days each by administration of 5 g Suisynchronpr\u00e4mix (Zinc Metallibur/Sui), followed by 24-hour treatment with 750 IU PMS (Prolosanserum). Fifty per cent of the group received 500 IU per animal of HCG (Gonabion) at 11 a.m., on the fourth day after Sui. All animals were artificially inseminated at 3.30 p.m. on the fifth day after Sui. and at 7.30 a.m. on the sixth day after Sui. Laparotomy was performed on 50 per cent of the HCG-treated and untreated animals in the afternoon of the sixth day after Sui. Animals with no recordable ovulation had to undergo another laparotomy in the morning of the seventh day. The above approach resulted in regrouping by four therapeutic categories: 1. HCG with laparotomy, 2. No HCG, 3. HCG with no laparotomy, 4. No HCG and no laparotomy. In the afternoon of the sixth day after Sui (51-56 hours after HCG) ovulation had begun in all 17 measurable animals of the first group, but only in one of 18 animals of the second. The animals were slaughtered between the seventh and twelfth days after Sui, and the following ovulation percentages were established: 100 per cent in the first group, 83.3 per cent in the second, 55.6 per cent in the third, and 72.2 per cent in the fourth. The animals that had been given HCG treatment (Groups 1 and 3) were found to be superior in terms of percentual ovulation to the untreated animals (Groups 2 and 4). However, Group 2 was the only group that had been exposed to the extraordinary stress of two laparotomies, and this should be borne in mind for evaluation. Ovarian cysts (more than 10 mm) began to develop on the eighth day on the laparotomised groups (1 and 2) and on the tenth day on the non-laparotomized groups (3 and 4). Cysts developed in 41.1 per cent of all animals in Group 1, 38.9 per cent in Group 2, 27.8 per cent in Group 3, and 22.2 per cent in Group 4. Therefore, cyst formation is thought to have been stimulated by laparotomy. Ovocyte tests suggested fertilisation of all animals in the first group. The embryonation rates of the second, third, and fourth groups are discussed with reference to the dates of insemination.", "PMID": 985026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1301", "title": "[Studies on biotechnical ovulation synchronization in young sows. 3. Report: ovulation onset, ovarian findings and results of fertilization after metallibur, 750 IU PMS, with and without 500 IU HCG with varied treatment time].", "content": "Fourty-eight gilts were treated with Turisynchron-Pr\u00e4mix (Turi.) and PMS (750 IU; 24-hours a. Turi.). One-half of the animals receaved additionally 500 IU HCG (fourth day a. Turi.). Performing treatments (Turi., PMS, HCG) either between 8 and 9 a.m. or 3 and 4 p.m. resulted in 2 experimental (HCG) and 2 control (without HCG) groups, each consisting of 12 animals. Double insemination took place according to treatment times at the fifth or the fifth and sixth day a. Turi. The experimental animals underwent laparotomy at the sixth day between 9 and 12 a.m., the conerols between 1 and 4 p.m. at the sixth or 9 and 12 a.m., at the seventh day a. Turi. Oviducts were flushed either at laparatomy or on slaughter to establish fertilization. From 24 experimental animals 20 ones had ovulated between 42-53 h p. HCG, and at slaughter 22 did so. The period of ovulation is mainly assumed near and immediately after 42 h p. HCG. In controls ovulation could be established in 3 of 15 animals laparotomized up to 152 h a. Turi. and in 8 of 9 animals laparotomized up to 168 h a. Turi. At slaughter there were in all 22 animals of the 2 control groups which had ovulated. In the rate of ovarian cysts (25-33%) and fertilized ova no remarkable differences were found between the groups.", "contents": "[Studies on biotechnical ovulation synchronization in young sows. 3. Report: ovulation onset, ovarian findings and results of fertilization after metallibur, 750 IU PMS, with and without 500 IU HCG with varied treatment time]. Fourty-eight gilts were treated with Turisynchron-Pr\u00e4mix (Turi.) and PMS (750 IU; 24-hours a. Turi.). One-half of the animals receaved additionally 500 IU HCG (fourth day a. Turi.). Performing treatments (Turi., PMS, HCG) either between 8 and 9 a.m. or 3 and 4 p.m. resulted in 2 experimental (HCG) and 2 control (without HCG) groups, each consisting of 12 animals. Double insemination took place according to treatment times at the fifth or the fifth and sixth day a. Turi. The experimental animals underwent laparotomy at the sixth day between 9 and 12 a.m., the conerols between 1 and 4 p.m. at the sixth or 9 and 12 a.m., at the seventh day a. Turi. Oviducts were flushed either at laparatomy or on slaughter to establish fertilization. From 24 experimental animals 20 ones had ovulated between 42-53 h p. HCG, and at slaughter 22 did so. The period of ovulation is mainly assumed near and immediately after 42 h p. HCG. In controls ovulation could be established in 3 of 15 animals laparotomized up to 152 h a. Turi. and in 8 of 9 animals laparotomized up to 168 h a. Turi. At slaughter there were in all 22 animals of the 2 control groups which had ovulated. In the rate of ovarian cysts (25-33%) and fertilized ova no remarkable differences were found between the groups.", "PMID": 985027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1302", "title": "[Mannosidosis: a simple diagnosis].", "content": "Mannosidosis is a new and rare disorder. The following clinical symptoms should evolve its diagnosis: facial dysmorphy with slight mental retardation; bone deformities with abnormal L2 vertebra and craniosynostosis; biological abnormalities with vacuolized lymphocytes and absence of urinary mucopolysaccharides. Definite diagnosis relies upon detection of mannose oligosaccharides in the urine and serum deficiency of alpha-D-mannosidase.", "contents": "[Mannosidosis: a simple diagnosis]. Mannosidosis is a new and rare disorder. The following clinical symptoms should evolve its diagnosis: facial dysmorphy with slight mental retardation; bone deformities with abnormal L2 vertebra and craniosynostosis; biological abnormalities with vacuolized lymphocytes and absence of urinary mucopolysaccharides. Definite diagnosis relies upon detection of mannose oligosaccharides in the urine and serum deficiency of alpha-D-mannosidase.", "PMID": 985028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1303", "title": "[Hazards and complications of pneumoencephalography in children].", "content": "In a series of 1334 consecutive pneumoencephalographies in children 0-15 years, there were 2 deaths, 3 severe apneas and 1 pneumomediastinum. Respiratory insufficiency, due to contention of the patient with resulting impairment of the motion of thoracic muscles was an important mechanism and pneumoencephalography is contra-indicated in children with respiratory difficulties prior to the examination. In 90 consecutive patients submitted to pneymoencephalography CSF changes and fundus oculi abnormalities were studied prospectively. Aseptic meningitis of a mild degree is common following the examination, whereas significant meningeal haemorrhage is rare. Haemorrhages in the fundi were noted in 10% of the patients. The general tolerance of the examination was good.", "contents": "[Hazards and complications of pneumoencephalography in children]. In a series of 1334 consecutive pneumoencephalographies in children 0-15 years, there were 2 deaths, 3 severe apneas and 1 pneumomediastinum. Respiratory insufficiency, due to contention of the patient with resulting impairment of the motion of thoracic muscles was an important mechanism and pneumoencephalography is contra-indicated in children with respiratory difficulties prior to the examination. In 90 consecutive patients submitted to pneymoencephalography CSF changes and fundus oculi abnormalities were studied prospectively. Aseptic meningitis of a mild degree is common following the examination, whereas significant meningeal haemorrhage is rare. Haemorrhages in the fundi were noted in 10% of the patients. The general tolerance of the examination was good.", "PMID": 985029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1304", "title": "[Intravascular coagulation and severe hepatic failure in infants].", "content": "Diagnostic criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulation occurring in severe liver failure were reviewed by analyzing 11 pediatric cases. In this series, intravascular coagulation was often latent, but became overt following inconsiderate administration of procoagulant concentrates. Exchange-transfusion of infusion of fresh-frozen plasma, with or without addition of heparin, appeared to be the best mode for correcting potential bleeding tendencies.", "contents": "[Intravascular coagulation and severe hepatic failure in infants]. Diagnostic criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulation occurring in severe liver failure were reviewed by analyzing 11 pediatric cases. In this series, intravascular coagulation was often latent, but became overt following inconsiderate administration of procoagulant concentrates. Exchange-transfusion of infusion of fresh-frozen plasma, with or without addition of heparin, appeared to be the best mode for correcting potential bleeding tendencies.", "PMID": 985030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1305", "title": "[Attempt at potentiation of the action of L-dopa on the secretion of growth hormone by benserazide, disulfiram and propranolol].", "content": "Two tests of stimulation of growth hormone secretion were performed in 3 groups of normal children. In the first test L-Dopa was used on its own; in the second, L-Dopa was combined with Benserazide (group A), with Disulfirame (group B), or with Propranolol (group C). In group A the mean peak value after L-Dopa was 9.1 +/- 1.6 ng/ml; with the combination of L-Dopa and Benserazide it was 12.4 +/- 2.4 ng/ml. The difference between the means is not significant. In group B the mean peak value after L-Dopa was 8.9 +/- 3.6 ng/ml; with the combination of L-Dopa and Disulfirame it was 14.5 +/- 4.4 ng/ml. The difference is not significant. In group C the mean peak value after L-Dopa was 9.8 +/- 2.6 ng/ml; with the combination of L-Dopa and Propranolol, it was 10.1 +/- 1.9 ng/ml. Again the difference is not significant. These findings do not provide evidence in favour of the effect of L-Dopa on the secretion of growth hormone being facilitated by an inhibitor of L-Dopa decarboxylase (Benserazide) or of Dopamine beta hydroxylase (Disulfirame), or by a beta blocking agent (Propranolol). The mechanisms of action of L-Dopa and of the various combinations studied are discussed.", "contents": "[Attempt at potentiation of the action of L-dopa on the secretion of growth hormone by benserazide, disulfiram and propranolol]. Two tests of stimulation of growth hormone secretion were performed in 3 groups of normal children. In the first test L-Dopa was used on its own; in the second, L-Dopa was combined with Benserazide (group A), with Disulfirame (group B), or with Propranolol (group C). In group A the mean peak value after L-Dopa was 9.1 +/- 1.6 ng/ml; with the combination of L-Dopa and Benserazide it was 12.4 +/- 2.4 ng/ml. The difference between the means is not significant. In group B the mean peak value after L-Dopa was 8.9 +/- 3.6 ng/ml; with the combination of L-Dopa and Disulfirame it was 14.5 +/- 4.4 ng/ml. The difference is not significant. In group C the mean peak value after L-Dopa was 9.8 +/- 2.6 ng/ml; with the combination of L-Dopa and Propranolol, it was 10.1 +/- 1.9 ng/ml. Again the difference is not significant. These findings do not provide evidence in favour of the effect of L-Dopa on the secretion of growth hormone being facilitated by an inhibitor of L-Dopa decarboxylase (Benserazide) or of Dopamine beta hydroxylase (Disulfirame), or by a beta blocking agent (Propranolol). The mechanisms of action of L-Dopa and of the various combinations studied are discussed.", "PMID": 985031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1306", "title": "[Hypopituitarism with hypoplasia of the optic nerve (Kaplan, Grumbach and Hoyt syndrome].", "content": "Two new cases of the syndrome described by Kaplan, Grumbach and Hoyt are reported. The two children were hypopituitary dwarfs, with congenital nystagmus and small optic discs with double border. Pneumoencephalography showed malformations of the median structures, with trans-sphenoidal encephalocele in one case. The definition of this syndrome and its relation to De Morsier's septooptical dysplasia are briefly discussed.", "contents": "[Hypopituitarism with hypoplasia of the optic nerve (Kaplan, Grumbach and Hoyt syndrome]. Two new cases of the syndrome described by Kaplan, Grumbach and Hoyt are reported. The two children were hypopituitary dwarfs, with congenital nystagmus and small optic discs with double border. Pneumoencephalography showed malformations of the median structures, with trans-sphenoidal encephalocele in one case. The definition of this syndrome and its relation to De Morsier's septooptical dysplasia are briefly discussed.", "PMID": 985032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1307", "title": "[Intralobar sequestration causing heart failure in a new born infant. Surgical correction].", "content": "The authors report the occurrence of an intralobar pulmonary sequestration in a neonate with symptoms of congestive heart failure, due to a fistula effect in the sequestrated area. The venous drainage was directed mainly to the superior caval vein via azygos vein and accessorily to the left atrium. The patient became asymptomatic after lobectomy performed at the age of 11 days.", "contents": "[Intralobar sequestration causing heart failure in a new born infant. Surgical correction]. The authors report the occurrence of an intralobar pulmonary sequestration in a neonate with symptoms of congestive heart failure, due to a fistula effect in the sequestrated area. The venous drainage was directed mainly to the superior caval vein via azygos vein and accessorily to the left atrium. The patient became asymptomatic after lobectomy performed at the age of 11 days.", "PMID": 985033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1308", "title": "[Neonatal pneumothorax and urinary tract malformation. 3 cases].", "content": "Three newborn male infants are reported who presented with a tension pneumothorax in the first few hours of life. Early in one case and after intervals of one month and eight months in the others attention was drawn to the urinary tract. Radiological investigations revealed morphological abnormalities of the kidneys and the urinary tract itself. The pathogenesis is discussed and an intravenous pyelogram is recommended before the development of clinical features. In this way early diagnosis might allow treatment prior to renal involvement.", "contents": "[Neonatal pneumothorax and urinary tract malformation. 3 cases]. Three newborn male infants are reported who presented with a tension pneumothorax in the first few hours of life. Early in one case and after intervals of one month and eight months in the others attention was drawn to the urinary tract. Radiological investigations revealed morphological abnormalities of the kidneys and the urinary tract itself. The pathogenesis is discussed and an intravenous pyelogram is recommended before the development of clinical features. In this way early diagnosis might allow treatment prior to renal involvement.", "PMID": 985037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1309", "title": "[Isovaleric acidemia. Study and treatment in 3 brothers].", "content": "The cases of 3 sibs presenting with isovaleric acidemia are reported. The first infant died when he was 9 day-old. The two others appear to have benefited from a controlled leucine diet which was introduced from the first days on of life. The clinical symptomatology, highly typical of the disease, is described. Diagnosis was not assessed on amino-acids chromatography but on the chromatography of volatile fatty acids. The mode of treatment is described: peritoneal dialysis, with the object of rounding a crucial cape, and overall controlled leucine diet, but supplemented by essential amino-acids.", "contents": "[Isovaleric acidemia. Study and treatment in 3 brothers]. The cases of 3 sibs presenting with isovaleric acidemia are reported. The first infant died when he was 9 day-old. The two others appear to have benefited from a controlled leucine diet which was introduced from the first days on of life. The clinical symptomatology, highly typical of the disease, is described. Diagnosis was not assessed on amino-acids chromatography but on the chromatography of volatile fatty acids. The mode of treatment is described: peritoneal dialysis, with the object of rounding a crucial cape, and overall controlled leucine diet, but supplemented by essential amino-acids.", "PMID": 985038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1310", "title": "Contemporary views of negative effects in psychotherapy. An integrated account.", "content": "As part of a larger investigation into negative effects in psychotherapy, we conducted a survey of researchers and practitioners in psychotherapy. We now present an integrated account of the consensus of these experts on the following issues: (1) Is there a problem of negative effects? (2) What constitutes a negative effect? (3) What factors are prominently associated with negative effects? There was an overwhelming affirmation of the reality of negative effects among the respondents. Furthermore, they urged that negative effects be subjected to systematic research scrutiny, a strategy made more feasible by the identifying criteria and possible causative factors cited by these experts. It is suggested that there is need for research into therapeutic actions and psychotherapy outcomes in general, with special reference to negative effects.", "contents": "Contemporary views of negative effects in psychotherapy. An integrated account. As part of a larger investigation into negative effects in psychotherapy, we conducted a survey of researchers and practitioners in psychotherapy. We now present an integrated account of the consensus of these experts on the following issues: (1) Is there a problem of negative effects? (2) What constitutes a negative effect? (3) What factors are prominently associated with negative effects? There was an overwhelming affirmation of the reality of negative effects among the respondents. Furthermore, they urged that negative effects be subjected to systematic research scrutiny, a strategy made more feasible by the identifying criteria and possible causative factors cited by these experts. It is suggested that there is need for research into therapeutic actions and psychotherapy outcomes in general, with special reference to negative effects.", "PMID": 985040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1311", "title": "Group psychotherapy. A long-term follow-up study.", "content": "Forty-two randomly selected patients were interviewed 2 to 14 years after termination of psychoanalytic group therapy. Comparison of psychodynamic changes in patients who stayed less than six months with those in patients who stayed more than two years gave a null result. The majority of patients were highly dissatisfied with their group experiences. However, there was a very strong positive correlation between favorable outcome and previous individual psychotherapy. Thirteen patients were then studied who were selected by their group therapists as having done well. These patients gave strong evidence of beneficial therapeutic effects, but such patients appear to be rare. These results (1) suggest how this form of treatment might be improved, and (2) raise questions about the appropriateness of transferring to group treatment the strictly psychoanalytic approach as used with individuals.", "contents": "Group psychotherapy. A long-term follow-up study. Forty-two randomly selected patients were interviewed 2 to 14 years after termination of psychoanalytic group therapy. Comparison of psychodynamic changes in patients who stayed less than six months with those in patients who stayed more than two years gave a null result. The majority of patients were highly dissatisfied with their group experiences. However, there was a very strong positive correlation between favorable outcome and previous individual psychotherapy. Thirteen patients were then studied who were selected by their group therapists as having done well. These patients gave strong evidence of beneficial therapeutic effects, but such patients appear to be rare. These results (1) suggest how this form of treatment might be improved, and (2) raise questions about the appropriateness of transferring to group treatment the strictly psychoanalytic approach as used with individuals.", "PMID": 985041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1312", "title": "Clinical effectiveness of \"short\" vs \"long\" psychiatric hospitalization. I. Inpatient results.", "content": "To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of short-term (three month maximum length of stay) and long-term (discharge based on clinical judgement) hospitalization, the inhospital course of 68 \"short-\" and 58 \"long-term\" psychiatric patients was studied. The results indicate that patients assigned without bias to short-term patterns, however, indicated that these results could be entirely accounted for by the significantly greater use of group therapy as an additional treatment modality in the short-term units. The need for a more systematic exploration of the effect of restricted hospital stay on the treatment patterns of the clinician and the effect of these differential treatment patterns on inhospital improvement is emphasized. The necessity for follow-up data to gain a complete picture of these treatment contrasts is clear.", "contents": "Clinical effectiveness of \"short\" vs \"long\" psychiatric hospitalization. I. Inpatient results. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of short-term (three month maximum length of stay) and long-term (discharge based on clinical judgement) hospitalization, the inhospital course of 68 \"short-\" and 58 \"long-term\" psychiatric patients was studied. The results indicate that patients assigned without bias to short-term patterns, however, indicated that these results could be entirely accounted for by the significantly greater use of group therapy as an additional treatment modality in the short-term units. The need for a more systematic exploration of the effect of restricted hospital stay on the treatment patterns of the clinician and the effect of these differential treatment patterns on inhospital improvement is emphasized. The necessity for follow-up data to gain a complete picture of these treatment contrasts is clear.", "PMID": 985042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1313", "title": "Illness in a therapist--loss of omnipotence.", "content": "This article describes one psychotherapist's discovery through his own acute illness, of his use of omnipotence as an unconscious defense mechanism while working with patients. It includes his patients' reactions to his \"loss of omnipotence\" and the insights he gained from the experience.", "contents": "Illness in a therapist--loss of omnipotence. This article describes one psychotherapist's discovery through his own acute illness, of his use of omnipotence as an unconscious defense mechanism while working with patients. It includes his patients' reactions to his \"loss of omnipotence\" and the insights he gained from the experience.", "PMID": 985043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1314", "title": "Postcombat violent behavior in psychiatrically maladjusting soldiers.", "content": "Thirty-one psychiatrically maladjusting combat veterans, referred for psychiatric evaluation either for administrative reasons or because of specific psychiatric symptoms, were interviewed while still on active duty two months to 1 1/2 years after returning from Vietnam. Thirteen of the 31 reported at least one act of violence against another person since returning from combat. The soldiers with postcombat violence more frequently than the nonviolent had a history of fighting in childhood or adolescence, of volunteering for Vietnam, of reporting thay they had killed four or more persons, and of reenlisting for additional tours of duty in Vietnam. Maladjusting soldiers who are violent following combat may as a group be more violence-prone both before and during combat than soldiers who are not, but definitive studies are lacking.", "contents": "Postcombat violent behavior in psychiatrically maladjusting soldiers. Thirty-one psychiatrically maladjusting combat veterans, referred for psychiatric evaluation either for administrative reasons or because of specific psychiatric symptoms, were interviewed while still on active duty two months to 1 1/2 years after returning from Vietnam. Thirteen of the 31 reported at least one act of violence against another person since returning from combat. The soldiers with postcombat violence more frequently than the nonviolent had a history of fighting in childhood or adolescence, of volunteering for Vietnam, of reporting thay they had killed four or more persons, and of reenlisting for additional tours of duty in Vietnam. Maladjusting soldiers who are violent following combat may as a group be more violence-prone both before and during combat than soldiers who are not, but definitive studies are lacking.", "PMID": 985044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1315", "title": "Stress films, emotion, and cognitive response.", "content": "The clinical theory of the repetition compulsion is sometimes taken to mean that neurotic persons, when traumatized, will develop compulsive repetitions of the trauma. Our experiment suggests that there is a more general effect--that various types of persons, after a variety of stressful events, will tend to develop intrusive and stimulus-repetitive thought; the stress itself does not necessarily have to have a negative valence. Equivalent effects were noted after stimuli that aroused positive emotions and after those stimuli that aroused dysphoric affects.", "contents": "Stress films, emotion, and cognitive response. The clinical theory of the repetition compulsion is sometimes taken to mean that neurotic persons, when traumatized, will develop compulsive repetitions of the trauma. Our experiment suggests that there is a more general effect--that various types of persons, after a variety of stressful events, will tend to develop intrusive and stimulus-repetitive thought; the stress itself does not necessarily have to have a negative valence. Equivalent effects were noted after stimuli that aroused positive emotions and after those stimuli that aroused dysphoric affects.", "PMID": 985045} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1316", "title": "The double-bind theory and hemodialysis.", "content": "A review of the literature on the psychosocial problems attending hemodialysis provides no coherent theory or approach to explain the high incidence of psychiatric morbidity in this medical population. The literature is characterized in the main by the assumption that the problems lie either in the patients or in the stresses consequent to the treatment. Little recognition is given the fact that hemodialysis patients, unlike patients in other medical categories, are involved in intense, ongoing, and in many cases permanent, interpersonal relationships with medical professionals. Instead of looking at the personalities, predispositions, or capacities of patients, or how these responded to handicap and stress, the focus here is on the structure or pattern of the staff-patient relationships in this context.", "contents": "The double-bind theory and hemodialysis. A review of the literature on the psychosocial problems attending hemodialysis provides no coherent theory or approach to explain the high incidence of psychiatric morbidity in this medical population. The literature is characterized in the main by the assumption that the problems lie either in the patients or in the stresses consequent to the treatment. Little recognition is given the fact that hemodialysis patients, unlike patients in other medical categories, are involved in intense, ongoing, and in many cases permanent, interpersonal relationships with medical professionals. Instead of looking at the personalities, predispositions, or capacities of patients, or how these responded to handicap and stress, the focus here is on the structure or pattern of the staff-patient relationships in this context.", "PMID": 985046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1317", "title": "Linguistic analysis of speech in affective disorders.", "content": "Various aspects of speech and language were compared, using psycholinguistic techniques, in a group of 15 depressed patients and 16 manic patients: lexical diversity, syntactical complexity, syntactical elements, and content analysis. Contrary to anticipation, the manic patients did not show more varied word choice or complexity of sentence structure than the depressives. In particular, they did not differ significantly in type-token ratio. The greatest difference was in syntactical elements, with manics using more action verbs, adjectives, and concrete nouns, while the depressed patients used more state of being verbs, modifying adverbs, first-person pronouns, and personal pronouns. When compared by content analysis, the manics used more words reflecting a concern with power and achievement. These results imply that depressive speech tends to be more vague and qualified and to show considerable self-preoccupation, while manic speech tends to be colorful and concrete and to show more concern with things than with people.", "contents": "Linguistic analysis of speech in affective disorders. Various aspects of speech and language were compared, using psycholinguistic techniques, in a group of 15 depressed patients and 16 manic patients: lexical diversity, syntactical complexity, syntactical elements, and content analysis. Contrary to anticipation, the manic patients did not show more varied word choice or complexity of sentence structure than the depressives. In particular, they did not differ significantly in type-token ratio. The greatest difference was in syntactical elements, with manics using more action verbs, adjectives, and concrete nouns, while the depressed patients used more state of being verbs, modifying adverbs, first-person pronouns, and personal pronouns. When compared by content analysis, the manics used more words reflecting a concern with power and achievement. These results imply that depressive speech tends to be more vague and qualified and to show considerable self-preoccupation, while manic speech tends to be colorful and concrete and to show more concern with things than with people.", "PMID": 985047} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1318", "title": "Platelet monamine oxidase in chronic schizophrenia. Some enzyme characteristics relevant to reduced activity.", "content": "To evaluate further the basis for the reduced activity of platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) found in chronic schizophrenic patients, a number of characteristics of the enzyme were compared between patients and controls. Equivalent and statistically significant reductions in activity of the enzyme were found in the patients when tyramine and benzylamine were used as the substrates in comparison to previously reported reductions with tryptamine as the substrate. Michaelis constants for platelet MAO from chronic schizophrenic patients with reduced enzyme activity were not different from controls. Dialysis of the enzyme from patients and controls yielded no changes in activity. Studies of other platelet enzymes, including succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome C reductase, and lactate dehydrogenase in patients, normal controls, and a subgroup of normal controls with reduced MAO activity, showed no parallel reductions in activity in patients or controls with low MAO activity. These findings suggest that the reduced MAO activity found in chronic schizophrenic patients is apparently not accounted for by nonspecific changes in platelets or platelet mitochondria.", "contents": "Platelet monamine oxidase in chronic schizophrenia. Some enzyme characteristics relevant to reduced activity. To evaluate further the basis for the reduced activity of platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) found in chronic schizophrenic patients, a number of characteristics of the enzyme were compared between patients and controls. Equivalent and statistically significant reductions in activity of the enzyme were found in the patients when tyramine and benzylamine were used as the substrates in comparison to previously reported reductions with tryptamine as the substrate. Michaelis constants for platelet MAO from chronic schizophrenic patients with reduced enzyme activity were not different from controls. Dialysis of the enzyme from patients and controls yielded no changes in activity. Studies of other platelet enzymes, including succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome C reductase, and lactate dehydrogenase in patients, normal controls, and a subgroup of normal controls with reduced MAO activity, showed no parallel reductions in activity in patients or controls with low MAO activity. These findings suggest that the reduced MAO activity found in chronic schizophrenic patients is apparently not accounted for by nonspecific changes in platelets or platelet mitochondria.", "PMID": 985048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1319", "title": "Potentiation of the antidepressant action of clomipramine by tryptophan.", "content": "In a double-blind study of 24 patients with endogenous depressiona group treated with clomipramine hydrochloride (chlorimipramine) plus tryptophan was compared with a group treated with clomipramine plus placebo. The sum of the ratings for depressed mood, suicidal intent, depressive thought content, and anxiety showed a more rapid improvement in the former group, the difference being already significant after 12 days of treatment. On the other hand, the ratings for retardation decreased about equally in both groups during the three-week treatment period. Side-effect ratings showed no significant increase but seemed to be partly influenced by the improvement of depressive symptoms. Plasma levels of clomipramine appeared to reach a plateau within a few days, whereas the monodesmethylated metabolite continued to rise for a longer period of time, and reached considerably higher values than the parent compound. In the tryptophan group the degree of improvement seemed to be positively correlated to these levels, suggesting that further improvement might have been reached in some patients by increasing the dose of clomipramine. The levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid appeared to be reduced by clomipramine administration. This effect was prevented by the additional treatment with tryptophan.", "contents": "Potentiation of the antidepressant action of clomipramine by tryptophan. In a double-blind study of 24 patients with endogenous depressiona group treated with clomipramine hydrochloride (chlorimipramine) plus tryptophan was compared with a group treated with clomipramine plus placebo. The sum of the ratings for depressed mood, suicidal intent, depressive thought content, and anxiety showed a more rapid improvement in the former group, the difference being already significant after 12 days of treatment. On the other hand, the ratings for retardation decreased about equally in both groups during the three-week treatment period. Side-effect ratings showed no significant increase but seemed to be partly influenced by the improvement of depressive symptoms. Plasma levels of clomipramine appeared to reach a plateau within a few days, whereas the monodesmethylated metabolite continued to rise for a longer period of time, and reached considerably higher values than the parent compound. In the tryptophan group the degree of improvement seemed to be positively correlated to these levels, suggesting that further improvement might have been reached in some patients by increasing the dose of clomipramine. The levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid appeared to be reduced by clomipramine administration. This effect was prevented by the additional treatment with tryptophan.", "PMID": 985049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1320", "title": "Undergraduate education in rehabilitation medicine: trends in curriculum development and the impact on specialty manpower and delivery of service.", "content": "One hundred thirteen medical schools which offered full degree programs were identified and surveyed by questionnaires to obtain information which identified the existence, characteristics and involvement of physical medicine or rehabilitation medicine programs. The survey also attempted to identify specific changes which have occurred in undergraduate medical education in rehabilitation medicine since the Commission of Education and Rehabilitation Medicine survey of 1963-64. The results suggest that growth of the programs has not followed the expansion in the number of medical schools nor in the number of students enrolled. The programs have however, improved their administrative standing and involvement in medical schools. The impact on the undergraduate medical student is not satisfactory as judged by elective enrollment and recruiting of residents. Lack of funding was found to be one of the major obstacles to curriculum development, along with a marked shortage of academic physiatrists. The impact of the changes in undergraduate medical school curricula on rehabilitation medicine has produced considerable conjoint teaching in conjunction with a large number of basic science and clinical departments.", "contents": "Undergraduate education in rehabilitation medicine: trends in curriculum development and the impact on specialty manpower and delivery of service. One hundred thirteen medical schools which offered full degree programs were identified and surveyed by questionnaires to obtain information which identified the existence, characteristics and involvement of physical medicine or rehabilitation medicine programs. The survey also attempted to identify specific changes which have occurred in undergraduate medical education in rehabilitation medicine since the Commission of Education and Rehabilitation Medicine survey of 1963-64. The results suggest that growth of the programs has not followed the expansion in the number of medical schools nor in the number of students enrolled. The programs have however, improved their administrative standing and involvement in medical schools. The impact on the undergraduate medical student is not satisfactory as judged by elective enrollment and recruiting of residents. Lack of funding was found to be one of the major obstacles to curriculum development, along with a marked shortage of academic physiatrists. The impact of the changes in undergraduate medical school curricula on rehabilitation medicine has produced considerable conjoint teaching in conjunction with a large number of basic science and clinical departments.", "PMID": 985050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1321", "title": "Team care in chronic illness: a critical review of the literature of the past 25 years.", "content": "Accumulated literature over the past 25 years about the team approach to chronic disease can be divided into three broad categories: (1) the opinion base which reflects statements of belief and faith, (2) the descriptive base which contains details and personal testimony of programs using team concepts and (3) the study base which includes serious research efforts to investigate the effectiveness of team care in various settings. An analysis of the articles in the last category provides a useful insight into the problems and possibilities associated with this neglected area of health care research. The populations studied include patients with heart disease, hypertension, stroke, hip fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and groups referred for comprehensive rehabilitation. The majority of the studies demonstrated improved outcomes in one or more areas for patients receiving coordinated team care when compared with control groups. Although these studies serve as a useful guide, the extent to which the findings can be generalized is open to serious question. In the absence of additional research, team care will remain as it is today, largely a matter of faith and the subject of many platitudes. An outline is proposed of the major methodological features which should be considered in the planning and/or evaluation of future studies in this area.", "contents": "Team care in chronic illness: a critical review of the literature of the past 25 years. Accumulated literature over the past 25 years about the team approach to chronic disease can be divided into three broad categories: (1) the opinion base which reflects statements of belief and faith, (2) the descriptive base which contains details and personal testimony of programs using team concepts and (3) the study base which includes serious research efforts to investigate the effectiveness of team care in various settings. An analysis of the articles in the last category provides a useful insight into the problems and possibilities associated with this neglected area of health care research. The populations studied include patients with heart disease, hypertension, stroke, hip fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and groups referred for comprehensive rehabilitation. The majority of the studies demonstrated improved outcomes in one or more areas for patients receiving coordinated team care when compared with control groups. Although these studies serve as a useful guide, the extent to which the findings can be generalized is open to serious question. In the absence of additional research, team care will remain as it is today, largely a matter of faith and the subject of many platitudes. An outline is proposed of the major methodological features which should be considered in the planning and/or evaluation of future studies in this area.", "PMID": 985051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1322", "title": "[Significance of sibling constellations for the origin of systematic schizophrenias (author's transl)].", "content": "In previous examinations of twins the author found that, surprisingly, \"systematic schizophrenias\" did not occur in identical twins, whereas they did in binovular twins. Even though the term systematic schizophrenia may not be accepted, the results, in any case, remain valid because they are based on a classification that had been defined and described prior to the present investigation. From the findings in twins the question arised as to whether the constellation of siblings who are not twins might also be significant in preventing the outbreak of systematic schizophrenias. Therefore, in a sample of 500 patients examined earlier we stated how many siblings, older siblings, younger siblings, brothers, sisters were to be found in systematic schizophrenias and their special types. There were many findings, in part being statistically significant, in part suggesting, at least, that they be taken into consideration. As a result of the findings it seems clear that sibling constellations are important for the origin of systematic schizophrenias. Thus, whereas psychosocial factors proved prominent, we found the heredity rate especially low in these forms of schizophrenia.", "contents": "[Significance of sibling constellations for the origin of systematic schizophrenias (author's transl)]. In previous examinations of twins the author found that, surprisingly, \"systematic schizophrenias\" did not occur in identical twins, whereas they did in binovular twins. Even though the term systematic schizophrenia may not be accepted, the results, in any case, remain valid because they are based on a classification that had been defined and described prior to the present investigation. From the findings in twins the question arised as to whether the constellation of siblings who are not twins might also be significant in preventing the outbreak of systematic schizophrenias. Therefore, in a sample of 500 patients examined earlier we stated how many siblings, older siblings, younger siblings, brothers, sisters were to be found in systematic schizophrenias and their special types. There were many findings, in part being statistically significant, in part suggesting, at least, that they be taken into consideration. As a result of the findings it seems clear that sibling constellations are important for the origin of systematic schizophrenias. Thus, whereas psychosocial factors proved prominent, we found the heredity rate especially low in these forms of schizophrenia.", "PMID": 985054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1323", "title": "Prevention of paraplegia associated with resection of extensive thoracic aneurysms.", "content": "A review of the literature suggests that paraplegia associated with thoracic aortic surgery is preventable if intraoperative hypotension is eliminated, the distal aorta perfused adequately, and the intercostal arteries below T-8 level preserved. A surgical technique has been developed that leaves the posterior aortic wall, preserving the intercostal arteries below the level of T-8, and interspersing a diagonally tailored prosthesis with the aid of left atrial-to-femoral arterial bypass without heparinization. Seven patients with extensive aneurysms involving the entire descending thoracic aorta were operated on successfully by this technique without neurological complications.", "contents": "Prevention of paraplegia associated with resection of extensive thoracic aneurysms. A review of the literature suggests that paraplegia associated with thoracic aortic surgery is preventable if intraoperative hypotension is eliminated, the distal aorta perfused adequately, and the intercostal arteries below T-8 level preserved. A surgical technique has been developed that leaves the posterior aortic wall, preserving the intercostal arteries below the level of T-8, and interspersing a diagonally tailored prosthesis with the aid of left atrial-to-femoral arterial bypass without heparinization. Seven patients with extensive aneurysms involving the entire descending thoracic aorta were operated on successfully by this technique without neurological complications.", "PMID": 985065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1324", "title": "Vascular complications of intra-aortic balloon pumping.", "content": "Vascular injury or occlusion from intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) that results in actual or potential limb ischemia occurs more frequently than reported. In a series of 79 IABP patients, 36 lived long enough to have the balloon catheter removed; thirteen (36%) of them had vascular complications. The complications were in three patients with an injury at the insertion site, eight patients with arterial thromboses, and two with arterial occlusion by the large balloon catheter. Local artery revision, thrombectomy alone, or thrombectomy with femorofemoral cross-over grafting was required in 11 patients. Femorofemoral crossover graft was utilized when arterial occlusion would have ordinarily required premature balloon removal or when immediate arterial occlusion by the catheter was recognized at the time of balloon insertion. This was preferable to transferring, replacing, or discontinuing IABP, since the same factors that led to thrombosis in the first place would have eventually come into play again. Patients should be observed frequently and have Doppler limb pulse determinations every four hours to avoid ischemic catastrophies. Proper IABP weaning and the use of a Fogarty catheter at the time of balloon removal is mandatory to prevent complications. Femorofemoral crossover graft is indicated for ischemic limbs when IABP must be continued.", "contents": "Vascular complications of intra-aortic balloon pumping. Vascular injury or occlusion from intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) that results in actual or potential limb ischemia occurs more frequently than reported. In a series of 79 IABP patients, 36 lived long enough to have the balloon catheter removed; thirteen (36%) of them had vascular complications. The complications were in three patients with an injury at the insertion site, eight patients with arterial thromboses, and two with arterial occlusion by the large balloon catheter. Local artery revision, thrombectomy alone, or thrombectomy with femorofemoral cross-over grafting was required in 11 patients. Femorofemoral crossover graft was utilized when arterial occlusion would have ordinarily required premature balloon removal or when immediate arterial occlusion by the catheter was recognized at the time of balloon insertion. This was preferable to transferring, replacing, or discontinuing IABP, since the same factors that led to thrombosis in the first place would have eventually come into play again. Patients should be observed frequently and have Doppler limb pulse determinations every four hours to avoid ischemic catastrophies. Proper IABP weaning and the use of a Fogarty catheter at the time of balloon removal is mandatory to prevent complications. Femorofemoral crossover graft is indicated for ischemic limbs when IABP must be continued.", "PMID": 985066} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1325", "title": "Selective intracavitary and coronary hypothermic cardioplegia for myocardial preservation.Clinical, physiologic, and ultrastructural evaluation.", "content": "Intraoperative myocardial protection was evaluated in two groups of patients undergoing coronary surgery in whom different techniques for cardiac arrest were utilized. In group A, profound selective myocardial hypothermic (15 to 18 C) arrest was achieved by perfusing a coolant (7 to 10 C) into the left ventricular cavity and the coronary circulation. The average anoxic arrest time was 82.5 +/- 27 minutes. In group B, ventricular fibrillation and moderate hypothermia were used. Group A patients showed rapid physiologic recovery, low average myocardial creatinine phosphokinase (MB-CK) isoenzyme levels (7.8 IU) , and a well-preserved myocardial ultrastructure. In group B, three patients showed abnormal physiologic recovery; six patients needed postoperative inotropic support; and in seven patients, electron-microscopy revealed irreversible focal changes. The average MB-CK isoenzyme level was 85.6 IU. Analysis of our data demonstrates that when myocardial protection during coronary bypass grafting is achieved by selective profound intracavitary and coronary cooling, there is physiological, ultrastructural, and biochemical evidence of less intraoperative myocardial damage than when ventricular fibrillation is applied.", "contents": "Selective intracavitary and coronary hypothermic cardioplegia for myocardial preservation.Clinical, physiologic, and ultrastructural evaluation. Intraoperative myocardial protection was evaluated in two groups of patients undergoing coronary surgery in whom different techniques for cardiac arrest were utilized. In group A, profound selective myocardial hypothermic (15 to 18 C) arrest was achieved by perfusing a coolant (7 to 10 C) into the left ventricular cavity and the coronary circulation. The average anoxic arrest time was 82.5 +/- 27 minutes. In group B, ventricular fibrillation and moderate hypothermia were used. Group A patients showed rapid physiologic recovery, low average myocardial creatinine phosphokinase (MB-CK) isoenzyme levels (7.8 IU) , and a well-preserved myocardial ultrastructure. In group B, three patients showed abnormal physiologic recovery; six patients needed postoperative inotropic support; and in seven patients, electron-microscopy revealed irreversible focal changes. The average MB-CK isoenzyme level was 85.6 IU. Analysis of our data demonstrates that when myocardial protection during coronary bypass grafting is achieved by selective profound intracavitary and coronary cooling, there is physiological, ultrastructural, and biochemical evidence of less intraoperative myocardial damage than when ventricular fibrillation is applied.", "PMID": 985067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1326", "title": "Myocardial revascularization after acute myocardial infarction.", "content": "Revascularization of the myocardium was performed in 25 patients two to eight hours after acute myocardial infarction (MI). The intra-aortic balloon pump was used in 11 patients. Thirteen patients received revascularization within four hours of onset of MI; all survived the operation. Seven patients were studied postoperatively; ten of 12 grafts (83%) were patent. There was a considerable decrease in left ventricular (LV) dyskinesis and an improvement in LV function. Among 12 patients in whom revascularization was performed for more than four hours' duration after the onset of MI, ten survived. Six were studied postoperatively; six of nine grafts (66%) were patent. There was an increase in LV dyskinesis, with deterioration in LV function. In three patients, ECG evidence of Q wave persisted in spite of absence of dyskinesis postoperatively. The interval during which revascularization of acute infarction produces acceptable results in less than four hours.", "contents": "Myocardial revascularization after acute myocardial infarction. Revascularization of the myocardium was performed in 25 patients two to eight hours after acute myocardial infarction (MI). The intra-aortic balloon pump was used in 11 patients. Thirteen patients received revascularization within four hours of onset of MI; all survived the operation. Seven patients were studied postoperatively; ten of 12 grafts (83%) were patent. There was a considerable decrease in left ventricular (LV) dyskinesis and an improvement in LV function. Among 12 patients in whom revascularization was performed for more than four hours' duration after the onset of MI, ten survived. Six were studied postoperatively; six of nine grafts (66%) were patent. There was an increase in LV dyskinesis, with deterioration in LV function. In three patients, ECG evidence of Q wave persisted in spite of absence of dyskinesis postoperatively. The interval during which revascularization of acute infarction produces acceptable results in less than four hours.", "PMID": 985068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1327", "title": "Prolonged pulseless perfusion in unanesthetized calves.", "content": "Nonpulsatile left ventricular (LV) bypass was achieved in nine alert, active calves for periods of up to two weeks using a centrifugal blood pump. Data were compared to prebypass control values and to results obtained from seven calves that underwent nonthoracotomy, retrograde LV cannulation, and pulsatile bypass for up to 35 days. Nonpulsatile flow produced an increase in heart rate of 20% (P less than .05) and an increase in aortic pressure of 10% (P less than .05). Cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance were similar in both groups for three days; thereafter, vascular resistance decreased as cardiac output progressively increased. Serum renin, lactate, and pyruvate values remained normal; creatinine clearances were not significantly different than control values, and there were no significant changes in body weight. These data indicate no untoward effects as a result of prolonged pulseless perfusion.", "contents": "Prolonged pulseless perfusion in unanesthetized calves. Nonpulsatile left ventricular (LV) bypass was achieved in nine alert, active calves for periods of up to two weeks using a centrifugal blood pump. Data were compared to prebypass control values and to results obtained from seven calves that underwent nonthoracotomy, retrograde LV cannulation, and pulsatile bypass for up to 35 days. Nonpulsatile flow produced an increase in heart rate of 20% (P less than .05) and an increase in aortic pressure of 10% (P less than .05). Cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance were similar in both groups for three days; thereafter, vascular resistance decreased as cardiac output progressively increased. Serum renin, lactate, and pyruvate values remained normal; creatinine clearances were not significantly different than control values, and there were no significant changes in body weight. These data indicate no untoward effects as a result of prolonged pulseless perfusion.", "PMID": 985069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1328", "title": "Chronic testing of a pacemaker that needs recharging only once every four years.", "content": "Since 1967, three series of rechargeable single-cell silver-mercuric oxide-zinc pacemakers have been implanted in dogs with complete heart block. The five nonhermetic units in series 1 failed after less than or equal to 18 months, primarily due to prototype cell deficiencies, although one cell functioned for eight years. The six units in series II contained improved cells, but failed due to gradual transepoxy fluid absorption after less than or equal to 31 months. All rechargeable cells were salvaged and dried, and, seven years after their manufacture, they continue to power pacing circuits. Series III now totals 20 doubly hermetically sealed units, tested for up to three years (total more than 300 months or 26 years), with no pacemaker failures. Accelerated tests indicate a minimum life of more than 50 years. A clinical trial is in progress.", "contents": "Chronic testing of a pacemaker that needs recharging only once every four years. Since 1967, three series of rechargeable single-cell silver-mercuric oxide-zinc pacemakers have been implanted in dogs with complete heart block. The five nonhermetic units in series 1 failed after less than or equal to 18 months, primarily due to prototype cell deficiencies, although one cell functioned for eight years. The six units in series II contained improved cells, but failed due to gradual transepoxy fluid absorption after less than or equal to 31 months. All rechargeable cells were salvaged and dried, and, seven years after their manufacture, they continue to power pacing circuits. Series III now totals 20 doubly hermetically sealed units, tested for up to three years (total more than 300 months or 26 years), with no pacemaker failures. Accelerated tests indicate a minimum life of more than 50 years. A clinical trial is in progress.", "PMID": 985070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1329", "title": "The value of scintiangiography in arterial disease.", "content": "Arterial visualization using the gamma camera was achieved by peripheral intravenous injection of technetium pertechnetate Tc 99m 253 times in 200 patients. This technique, which successfully images the arterial tree to the level of the wrist and ankle, was validated by blind comparison of the scintiangiograms with contrast arteriograms or surgical findings or both in 93 studies. Although scintiangiography has less resolution than contrast arteriography, it provides quantitative and other important supplementary information in the diagnosis and management of patients with arterial disease. Scintiangiography has accurately diagnosed arterial occlusions (atherosclerotic, traumatic, and embolic), true and false aneurysms, and arterial stenoses. Patients sustaining trauma to the extremities may be evaluated by scintiangiography as a screening technique. Postoperatively, scintiangiography has replaced contrast arteriography for assessing patency of grafts and completeness of thromboembolectomy and for the long-term follow-up of these patients.", "contents": "The value of scintiangiography in arterial disease. Arterial visualization using the gamma camera was achieved by peripheral intravenous injection of technetium pertechnetate Tc 99m 253 times in 200 patients. This technique, which successfully images the arterial tree to the level of the wrist and ankle, was validated by blind comparison of the scintiangiograms with contrast arteriograms or surgical findings or both in 93 studies. Although scintiangiography has less resolution than contrast arteriography, it provides quantitative and other important supplementary information in the diagnosis and management of patients with arterial disease. Scintiangiography has accurately diagnosed arterial occlusions (atherosclerotic, traumatic, and embolic), true and false aneurysms, and arterial stenoses. Patients sustaining trauma to the extremities may be evaluated by scintiangiography as a screening technique. Postoperatively, scintiangiography has replaced contrast arteriography for assessing patency of grafts and completeness of thromboembolectomy and for the long-term follow-up of these patients.", "PMID": 985071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1330", "title": "Predictability of surgical response in renovascular hypertension.", "content": "One hundred sixteen patients underwent operation for renovascular hypertension from 1962 through 1975; 64% had aortorenal reconstruction and 36% had nephrectomy. Sixty-six percent were cured and 19% were improved. Rapid sequence intravenous pyelography, radioisotope renography, and renal arteriography were equal in ability to detect renovascular hypertension. Bilateral renal biopsy specimens had excellent prognostic value when performed in a graded semiquantitative manner. Plasma renin activity was the most consistently useful criterion for prediction of surgical cure if the following requirements were used: (1) elevated peripheral plasma renin activity, (2) elevated renin from the affected kidney, and (3) suppressed renin secretion from the contralateral kidney. An angiotensin II antagonist, saralasin acetate, used in six patients before operation in an attempt to identify those whose hypertension depended on angiotensin II activity, produced a depressor response correlating well with the surgical result.", "contents": "Predictability of surgical response in renovascular hypertension. One hundred sixteen patients underwent operation for renovascular hypertension from 1962 through 1975; 64% had aortorenal reconstruction and 36% had nephrectomy. Sixty-six percent were cured and 19% were improved. Rapid sequence intravenous pyelography, radioisotope renography, and renal arteriography were equal in ability to detect renovascular hypertension. Bilateral renal biopsy specimens had excellent prognostic value when performed in a graded semiquantitative manner. Plasma renin activity was the most consistently useful criterion for prediction of surgical cure if the following requirements were used: (1) elevated peripheral plasma renin activity, (2) elevated renin from the affected kidney, and (3) suppressed renin secretion from the contralateral kidney. An angiotensin II antagonist, saralasin acetate, used in six patients before operation in an attempt to identify those whose hypertension depended on angiotensin II activity, produced a depressor response correlating well with the surgical result.", "PMID": 985072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1331", "title": "Is 80 years too old for aneurysmectomy?", "content": "The records of 111 patients, 80 years of age or older, with a primary diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA) showed that 86 patients underwent aneurysm resection and grafting. Ruptured AAAs (n=30) were associated with an operative mortality of 74%. By contrast, AAA resection in the expanding aneurysm group (n=19) and in the elective surgery group (n=44) was associated with a 10% and 2% mortality, respectively. Thus, resection of a nonruptured AAA in 63 octogenarians was carried out with an overall mortality of 4.7%. While nearly half of the patients had cardiac disease detected preoperatively, the elective group demonstrated a low incidence of previous myocardial infarction (7%) and congestive heart failure (8%). Concomitantly, the incidence of myocardial infarction (6%) and congestive heart failure was relatively low after AAA resection. Significant postoperative oliguric azotemia was observed in only 5% of the nonruptured patients. Long-term survival was comparable to that of the general population over the age of 80 years. The quality of life enjoyed by these patients was not adversely affected by AAA resection. By contrast, 50% of patients treated conservatively died of ruptured AAA. Physiologic rather than chronologic age should determine selection for AAA resection in the octogenarian.", "contents": "Is 80 years too old for aneurysmectomy? The records of 111 patients, 80 years of age or older, with a primary diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA) showed that 86 patients underwent aneurysm resection and grafting. Ruptured AAAs (n=30) were associated with an operative mortality of 74%. By contrast, AAA resection in the expanding aneurysm group (n=19) and in the elective surgery group (n=44) was associated with a 10% and 2% mortality, respectively. Thus, resection of a nonruptured AAA in 63 octogenarians was carried out with an overall mortality of 4.7%. While nearly half of the patients had cardiac disease detected preoperatively, the elective group demonstrated a low incidence of previous myocardial infarction (7%) and congestive heart failure (8%). Concomitantly, the incidence of myocardial infarction (6%) and congestive heart failure was relatively low after AAA resection. Significant postoperative oliguric azotemia was observed in only 5% of the nonruptured patients. Long-term survival was comparable to that of the general population over the age of 80 years. The quality of life enjoyed by these patients was not adversely affected by AAA resection. By contrast, 50% of patients treated conservatively died of ruptured AAA. Physiologic rather than chronologic age should determine selection for AAA resection in the octogenarian.", "PMID": 985073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1332", "title": "Abdominal aortic resection in thoracic dissection.", "content": "Dissection nearly always begins in the thorax, but it commonly extends into the abdominal aorta, which may become the focal point of the disease. We report five patients who illustrate the surgical management of this disease variant. Clinical manifestations included retroperitoneal rupture, expanding false aneurysm, and lower aortic occlusion. All patients had an aortic bifurcation graft, with reentry of the false lumen at the renal level. Two patients also had thoracic-aortic resection or plasty or both. Although one patient had thoracic aortic rupture at the five-year interval, these abdominal aortic resections provided effective palliation in all. This successful experience in managing complex dissections shows that when aortic dissection extends into the abdomen, resection of the distal aorta with a reentry procedure may be appropriate therapy.", "contents": "Abdominal aortic resection in thoracic dissection. Dissection nearly always begins in the thorax, but it commonly extends into the abdominal aorta, which may become the focal point of the disease. We report five patients who illustrate the surgical management of this disease variant. Clinical manifestations included retroperitoneal rupture, expanding false aneurysm, and lower aortic occlusion. All patients had an aortic bifurcation graft, with reentry of the false lumen at the renal level. Two patients also had thoracic-aortic resection or plasty or both. Although one patient had thoracic aortic rupture at the five-year interval, these abdominal aortic resections provided effective palliation in all. This successful experience in managing complex dissections shows that when aortic dissection extends into the abdomen, resection of the distal aorta with a reentry procedure may be appropriate therapy.", "PMID": 985074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1333", "title": "\"Blue toe\" syndrome. An indication for limb salvage surgery.", "content": "We describe 31 patients in whom proximal lesions in the arterial tree were identified as probable sources of emboli causing the \"blue toe\" syndrome. This syndrome consists of acute digital ischemia caused by microembolization to the digital arteries from a proximal source via a patent arterial tree, as evidenced by an otherwise well-perfused foot. It is closely analogous to the transient ischemic attacks of the brain, and carries the same potential for serious tissue loss because of repeated embolic showers. The prompt delineation and eradication of the embolic source is of prime importance, in addition to restoration of arterial continuity. Along with the other well-known features of chronic severe ischemia, that is, rest pain, gangrene, etc, the \"blue toe\" syndrome is therefore an indication for limb salvage surgery.", "contents": "\"Blue toe\" syndrome. An indication for limb salvage surgery. We describe 31 patients in whom proximal lesions in the arterial tree were identified as probable sources of emboli causing the \"blue toe\" syndrome. This syndrome consists of acute digital ischemia caused by microembolization to the digital arteries from a proximal source via a patent arterial tree, as evidenced by an otherwise well-perfused foot. It is closely analogous to the transient ischemic attacks of the brain, and carries the same potential for serious tissue loss because of repeated embolic showers. The prompt delineation and eradication of the embolic source is of prime importance, in addition to restoration of arterial continuity. Along with the other well-known features of chronic severe ischemia, that is, rest pain, gangrene, etc, the \"blue toe\" syndrome is therefore an indication for limb salvage surgery.", "PMID": 985075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1334", "title": "Pediatric vascular trauma. Manifestations, management, and sequelae of extremity arterial injury in patients undergoing surgical treatment.", "content": "Twenty pediatric patients with a mean age of 9.2 years exhibited 21 injuries to arteries of an extremity and underwent operation. Included were 12 iatrogenic injuries and nine non-iatrogenic penetrating injuries. Femoral, brachial, popliteal, radial, axillary, iliac, and tibial arteries were sites of vascular trauma. Long-term follow-up, averaging 36 months, was possible in 14 patients. Postoperative scanograms, digital impedance plethysmographic studies, and bone age roentgenograms were routinely obtained. Limb length disparities greater than 5 mm, extremity blood pressure differentials greater than 10 mm Hg, and bone age retardation were encountered. Proper treatment of pediatric patients with acute arterial injuries of an extremity requires early operative intervention and continuous postoperative follow-up during years of active growth. If chronic arterial insufficiency ensues, arteriographic studies should be obtained and arterial reconstruction undertaken.", "contents": "Pediatric vascular trauma. Manifestations, management, and sequelae of extremity arterial injury in patients undergoing surgical treatment. Twenty pediatric patients with a mean age of 9.2 years exhibited 21 injuries to arteries of an extremity and underwent operation. Included were 12 iatrogenic injuries and nine non-iatrogenic penetrating injuries. Femoral, brachial, popliteal, radial, axillary, iliac, and tibial arteries were sites of vascular trauma. Long-term follow-up, averaging 36 months, was possible in 14 patients. Postoperative scanograms, digital impedance plethysmographic studies, and bone age roentgenograms were routinely obtained. Limb length disparities greater than 5 mm, extremity blood pressure differentials greater than 10 mm Hg, and bone age retardation were encountered. Proper treatment of pediatric patients with acute arterial injuries of an extremity requires early operative intervention and continuous postoperative follow-up during years of active growth. If chronic arterial insufficiency ensues, arteriographic studies should be obtained and arterial reconstruction undertaken.", "PMID": 985076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1335", "title": "Emergency carotid artery surgery in neurologically unstable patients.", "content": "Although angiography and carotid artery surgery are illadvised in patients with acute, profound stroke, there is no consensus on the management of patients with stroke in evolution, waxing and waning neurologic deficits, or crescendo transient ischemic attacks. This type of clinical picture was associated with a critical, unstable lesion of the internal carotid artery in each of 12 patients. Emergency angiography permitted identification of the lesions responsible for the varying neurologic manifestations, and emergency carotid thromboendarterectomy produced prompt, complete recovery in all but one patient, who had a total carotid occlusion, received no operation, and died of a cerebral infarction. Based on our experience with these 12 patients, an aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach is recommended for patients with acute unstable cerebrovascular disease.", "contents": "Emergency carotid artery surgery in neurologically unstable patients. Although angiography and carotid artery surgery are illadvised in patients with acute, profound stroke, there is no consensus on the management of patients with stroke in evolution, waxing and waning neurologic deficits, or crescendo transient ischemic attacks. This type of clinical picture was associated with a critical, unstable lesion of the internal carotid artery in each of 12 patients. Emergency angiography permitted identification of the lesions responsible for the varying neurologic manifestations, and emergency carotid thromboendarterectomy produced prompt, complete recovery in all but one patient, who had a total carotid occlusion, received no operation, and died of a cerebral infarction. Based on our experience with these 12 patients, an aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach is recommended for patients with acute unstable cerebrovascular disease.", "PMID": 985077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1336", "title": "Spontaneous dissection of the internal carotid artery.", "content": "The arteriographic diagnosis of spontaneous, nontraumatic dissection of the internal carotid artery was made in 19 patients and confirmed at operation in ten. The tapered narrowing beginning in or about the carotid bulb and ending at the bony canal was a consistent finding. Four patients had associated aneurysm formation. All but one patient developed an acute hemispheric neurologic deficit as the initial symptom. The deficit was transient in ten and prolonged in eight. The dissection occurred in the outer layers of the media. None of the surgical specimens showed atherosclerosis. Surgical methods of management included segmental resection and grafting, thrombectomy and intimectomy, dilation, and simple ligation. Considerable improvement of luminal diameter occurred in six of seven patients whose arteries were left undisturbed.", "contents": "Spontaneous dissection of the internal carotid artery. The arteriographic diagnosis of spontaneous, nontraumatic dissection of the internal carotid artery was made in 19 patients and confirmed at operation in ten. The tapered narrowing beginning in or about the carotid bulb and ending at the bony canal was a consistent finding. Four patients had associated aneurysm formation. All but one patient developed an acute hemispheric neurologic deficit as the initial symptom. The deficit was transient in ten and prolonged in eight. The dissection occurred in the outer layers of the media. None of the surgical specimens showed atherosclerosis. Surgical methods of management included segmental resection and grafting, thrombectomy and intimectomy, dilation, and simple ligation. Considerable improvement of luminal diameter occurred in six of seven patients whose arteries were left undisturbed.", "PMID": 985078} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1337", "title": "Simultaneous bilateral carotid endarterectomies.", "content": "Twelve patients with bilateral symptomatic lesions of internal carotid arteries have had bilateral carotid endarterectomy at single operations without complications. These were patients up to age 80 who had prior mycardial infarction, stroke with recovery, and hemispheric and nonhemispheric episodes. Neurologist's clearance and three- or four-vessel intracranial-extracranial angiography preceded all operations, which were performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Stump pressure measurements were the principal guideline of adequacy of collateral flow and predictor of safe outcome. The safety of this concept of bilateral operations during one anesthesia can eliminate uncertainties of sequence and timing, obviate delay and indecision, and avoid the hazards of a second anesthetic-operative experience.", "contents": "Simultaneous bilateral carotid endarterectomies. Twelve patients with bilateral symptomatic lesions of internal carotid arteries have had bilateral carotid endarterectomy at single operations without complications. These were patients up to age 80 who had prior mycardial infarction, stroke with recovery, and hemispheric and nonhemispheric episodes. Neurologist's clearance and three- or four-vessel intracranial-extracranial angiography preceded all operations, which were performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Stump pressure measurements were the principal guideline of adequacy of collateral flow and predictor of safe outcome. The safety of this concept of bilateral operations during one anesthesia can eliminate uncertainties of sequence and timing, obviate delay and indecision, and avoid the hazards of a second anesthetic-operative experience.", "PMID": 985079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1338", "title": "[Basic changes in neurons in the peripheral regions of the human nervous system during pathologic processes (electron microscopic study)].", "content": "Compensatory-adaptational and reparative reactions were studied in bodies, processes, receptors and synapses of the human peripheral nervous system and in the innervated substrate (myocardium, kidney, liver) by means of electron microscopy. An extreme increase of the electron density of macromolecular protein formations of specific elementary particles was revealed, in particular, in the outer layers of the hypertrophid mitochondria cryst membranes at 50000.000 magnification. These particles are considered as mitochondria precursors.", "contents": "[Basic changes in neurons in the peripheral regions of the human nervous system during pathologic processes (electron microscopic study)]. Compensatory-adaptational and reparative reactions were studied in bodies, processes, receptors and synapses of the human peripheral nervous system and in the innervated substrate (myocardium, kidney, liver) by means of electron microscopy. An extreme increase of the electron density of macromolecular protein formations of specific elementary particles was revealed, in particular, in the outer layers of the hypertrophid mitochondria cryst membranes at 50000.000 magnification. These particles are considered as mitochondria precursors.", "PMID": 985086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1339", "title": "[Nervous apparatus of the walls of the celiac trunk and its branches in man].", "content": "The impregnation methods in total laminated preparations and histological sections were used to study the nervous apparatus of the celiac trunk and its branches in humans of either sex and different age. It consists of milti- and unipolar cells, periadventitial, adventitial and muscular nervous plexuses, separate nerve trunks and plexuses and single myelinated and non-myelinated nerve fibres terminating with non-encapsulated and encapsulated nerve endings.", "contents": "[Nervous apparatus of the walls of the celiac trunk and its branches in man]. The impregnation methods in total laminated preparations and histological sections were used to study the nervous apparatus of the celiac trunk and its branches in humans of either sex and different age. It consists of milti- and unipolar cells, periadventitial, adventitial and muscular nervous plexuses, separate nerve trunks and plexuses and single myelinated and non-myelinated nerve fibres terminating with non-encapsulated and encapsulated nerve endings.", "PMID": 985087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1340", "title": "[Effect of vagal denervation of the cerebral vessels on cerebellar neurons].", "content": "Under study were the neurons of the cerebellum cortex of adult cats after a right-side transection of the vagus nerve cranially to its ganglion. The neuron structure was studied in frontal 10-20 mu thick paraffin sections stained with thionine after Nissl 1, 2, 10, 20 days and 1, 2, 3 months after operation. Pathomorphological alterations of neurons were revealed in all layers of the cerebellum cortex. The alterations were of bilateral character, but were more pronounced in the operation side.", "contents": "[Effect of vagal denervation of the cerebral vessels on cerebellar neurons]. Under study were the neurons of the cerebellum cortex of adult cats after a right-side transection of the vagus nerve cranially to its ganglion. The neuron structure was studied in frontal 10-20 mu thick paraffin sections stained with thionine after Nissl 1, 2, 10, 20 days and 1, 2, 3 months after operation. Pathomorphological alterations of neurons were revealed in all layers of the cerebellum cortex. The alterations were of bilateral character, but were more pronounced in the operation side.", "PMID": 985088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1341", "title": "[Senile changes in the intraorganic lymphatic bed of human facial skin].", "content": "The alterations in the intraorganic lymphatic bed of the skin of human cheeks, lips, the red edge included, were studied macro-microscopically in cleared preparations with preliminary injection taken from human corpses of either sex from 55 to 89 years of age. Considerable atrophic processes were established to take place in the lymphatic bed of the face skin after 55 years of age. The superficial lymph capillary network can not be detected completely by the age of 70. The reduction of the profound capillary network and intraorganic lymph vessels proceeds. Diverticula of various shape make their appearance on the rest of lymph capillaries and vessels, the contours of the lymph capillaries and vessels undergo considerable changes.", "contents": "[Senile changes in the intraorganic lymphatic bed of human facial skin]. The alterations in the intraorganic lymphatic bed of the skin of human cheeks, lips, the red edge included, were studied macro-microscopically in cleared preparations with preliminary injection taken from human corpses of either sex from 55 to 89 years of age. Considerable atrophic processes were established to take place in the lymphatic bed of the face skin after 55 years of age. The superficial lymph capillary network can not be detected completely by the age of 70. The reduction of the profound capillary network and intraorganic lymph vessels proceeds. Diverticula of various shape make their appearance on the rest of lymph capillaries and vessels, the contours of the lymph capillaries and vessels undergo considerable changes.", "PMID": 985089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1342", "title": "[Cellular ultrastructure of developing conglomerates of fresh water sponges].", "content": "The fine structure of cells of the conglomerates formed after dissociation of tissues of fresh-water sponges has been studied. In the development of the conglomerates of Ephydatia fluviatilis an important role is played by amoebocytes and choanocytes. In amoebocytes the shape of the nucleus, the mitochondria structure, the Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum have been found to change. In choanocytes, in addition to changes of organoids, the structure of the collar and flagella are subjected to desorganization. They have great plasticity and are able to re-differentiate in pinacocytes according to their position in the conglomerates. The transformation of amoebocytes and choanocytes into pinacocytes is accompanied by a successive modification of the nucleus and the cytoplasmic structures. In redifferentiation of amoebocytes the amount of Golgi apparatus zones decreased, the content of vacuoles of different size and the amount of elements of the agranular endoplasmic reticulum increased, and the defined nucleus disappeared.", "contents": "[Cellular ultrastructure of developing conglomerates of fresh water sponges]. The fine structure of cells of the conglomerates formed after dissociation of tissues of fresh-water sponges has been studied. In the development of the conglomerates of Ephydatia fluviatilis an important role is played by amoebocytes and choanocytes. In amoebocytes the shape of the nucleus, the mitochondria structure, the Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum have been found to change. In choanocytes, in addition to changes of organoids, the structure of the collar and flagella are subjected to desorganization. They have great plasticity and are able to re-differentiate in pinacocytes according to their position in the conglomerates. The transformation of amoebocytes and choanocytes into pinacocytes is accompanied by a successive modification of the nucleus and the cytoplasmic structures. In redifferentiation of amoebocytes the amount of Golgi apparatus zones decreased, the content of vacuoles of different size and the amount of elements of the agranular endoplasmic reticulum increased, and the defined nucleus disappeared.", "PMID": 985091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1343", "title": "[Development of the ultrastructural organization of the rat neurohypophysis during postnatal ontogenesis].", "content": "The development of structural components of the posterior hypopysis lobe of rats, the development of the neurosecretory activity of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal nervous system and the establishment of its function as a single system within the first three weeks after birth (1, 7, 14 and 21 days) as well as embryos of the 20th and 21st days of development were studied electron-microscopically. It has been established that the pituicytes of the posterior lobe of the hypophysis of newborn rats are represented by a single type of cells and are completely differentiated. On the 21st day they are in different morpho-functional states and consist of dark and light cells. By the 14th day of development a considerably increased amount of the neurosecretion is observed. By the 21st day the density of neurosecretion granules per a preparation unit does not change. The basal layer of the capillaries is formed not definitely by the birth time; on the 14th day the organization of the vessel wall is almost similar to that of mature animals. The Herring bodies make their appearance on the 21st day after birth. The hypothalamus and neurohypophysis of rats are functionally active before birth. After birth their neurosecretion activity is well pronounced while the hypothalamo-hypophyseal nervous system is not mature yet. By the time of getting sight this system is almost formed and sufficiently active.", "contents": "[Development of the ultrastructural organization of the rat neurohypophysis during postnatal ontogenesis]. The development of structural components of the posterior hypopysis lobe of rats, the development of the neurosecretory activity of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal nervous system and the establishment of its function as a single system within the first three weeks after birth (1, 7, 14 and 21 days) as well as embryos of the 20th and 21st days of development were studied electron-microscopically. It has been established that the pituicytes of the posterior lobe of the hypophysis of newborn rats are represented by a single type of cells and are completely differentiated. On the 21st day they are in different morpho-functional states and consist of dark and light cells. By the 14th day of development a considerably increased amount of the neurosecretion is observed. By the 21st day the density of neurosecretion granules per a preparation unit does not change. The basal layer of the capillaries is formed not definitely by the birth time; on the 14th day the organization of the vessel wall is almost similar to that of mature animals. The Herring bodies make their appearance on the 21st day after birth. The hypothalamus and neurohypophysis of rats are functionally active before birth. After birth their neurosecretion activity is well pronounced while the hypothalamo-hypophyseal nervous system is not mature yet. By the time of getting sight this system is almost formed and sufficiently active.", "PMID": 985092} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1344", "title": "[Structural characteristics of the axons of nerve cells of the cat motor cortex].", "content": "The axons of both pyramid and stellate neurons have a great number of ramifying collaterals which are considered in a comparative aspect. The both types of nerve cells are characterized by almost similar systems of the branching of axons, types of collaterals and end structures. The neurons are distinguished due to progressive development of one features of the axon structure and to a certain reduction of the others. In extreme forms the stellate cells have a well developed pericellular network, not coming outside the limits of the branching of their dendrites, while the pyramid cells are characterized by the mighty development of the main trunk and the absence of recurrent collaterals. Between these forms there are transitional forms.", "contents": "[Structural characteristics of the axons of nerve cells of the cat motor cortex]. The axons of both pyramid and stellate neurons have a great number of ramifying collaterals which are considered in a comparative aspect. The both types of nerve cells are characterized by almost similar systems of the branching of axons, types of collaterals and end structures. The neurons are distinguished due to progressive development of one features of the axon structure and to a certain reduction of the others. In extreme forms the stellate cells have a well developed pericellular network, not coming outside the limits of the branching of their dendrites, while the pyramid cells are characterized by the mighty development of the main trunk and the absence of recurrent collaterals. Between these forms there are transitional forms.", "PMID": 985093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1345", "title": "[Electron microscopic study of the rat submaxillary gland during development].", "content": "Cytological changes in the submaxillary glands of rat embryos of the 14th-21st days of the intrauterine development and of 7-day-old rats were studied electron microscopically. The cytoplasm of the salivary gland primordium cells of the 14-day embryo was found to possess multiple polysomes, the canals of the granular cytoplasmic network (GCN) being solitary. The latter elongated in the process of embryonic development, and later predominant development of GCN was observed in basal portions of the acinar cells. At early stages of the gland development the GCN was often observed to approximate mitochindria. The laminar complex in the course of embryonic development enlarges its size and at later stages it has a well differentiated appearance in the acinar cells. Secretory inclusions make their appearance in the forming cells of acinuses long before birth, the composition of the embryo gland secretion being somewhat different from that of adult animals. Differentiation of acinuses and striated parts of the salivary tubules is well pronounced in the embryonic period while no signs of appearance of granular portions of the salivary tubules are observed both in light and electron microscopy either in embryos or in 1-week-old rats.", "contents": "[Electron microscopic study of the rat submaxillary gland during development]. Cytological changes in the submaxillary glands of rat embryos of the 14th-21st days of the intrauterine development and of 7-day-old rats were studied electron microscopically. The cytoplasm of the salivary gland primordium cells of the 14-day embryo was found to possess multiple polysomes, the canals of the granular cytoplasmic network (GCN) being solitary. The latter elongated in the process of embryonic development, and later predominant development of GCN was observed in basal portions of the acinar cells. At early stages of the gland development the GCN was often observed to approximate mitochindria. The laminar complex in the course of embryonic development enlarges its size and at later stages it has a well differentiated appearance in the acinar cells. Secretory inclusions make their appearance in the forming cells of acinuses long before birth, the composition of the embryo gland secretion being somewhat different from that of adult animals. Differentiation of acinuses and striated parts of the salivary tubules is well pronounced in the embryonic period while no signs of appearance of granular portions of the salivary tubules are observed both in light and electron microscopy either in embryos or in 1-week-old rats.", "PMID": 985094} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1346", "title": "[Period of degeneration and features of the laminar distribution of the visual nerve endings in the midbrain tectum of the steppe turtle (Testudo horsfieldi, Gray)].", "content": "A study of ultrastructural changes in the neuronal terminals of optic fibres at the level of tectum opticum (TO) in different periods after unilateral enucleation has revealed the process of degeneration in the optic system of Testudo horsfieldii as well as in Emysorbicularis L. to take a considerable time: from two weeks to six months. The character of destructive changes and the mode of utilization of desintegrated elements are dissimilar in different groups of retinal axons in the optic nerve and their terminals in TO. A comparison of the degeneration periods and the character of the changes in the optic fibres has made it possible to establish the following approximate correlations: all the nerve terminals of myelinated fibres degenerate after the \"dark\" type, whereas the terminals of non-myelinated axons are subjected to other kinds of transformations (\"light\", vesicular\", neurofilamentous\", \"glycogen\"). The analysis of the distribution of degenerating nerve terminals in the TO layers has demonstrated that there is a regularity in localization of different nerve terminals at certain levels of TO which is indicative of the layered organization of retino-tectile connections. Considerable differences in the neuronal and synaptic organization of TO have been revealed as well as in the character and the time of destructive changes of retino-tectile fibres after enucleation in T. horsfieldii and E. orbicularis.", "contents": "[Period of degeneration and features of the laminar distribution of the visual nerve endings in the midbrain tectum of the steppe turtle (Testudo horsfieldi, Gray)]. A study of ultrastructural changes in the neuronal terminals of optic fibres at the level of tectum opticum (TO) in different periods after unilateral enucleation has revealed the process of degeneration in the optic system of Testudo horsfieldii as well as in Emysorbicularis L. to take a considerable time: from two weeks to six months. The character of destructive changes and the mode of utilization of desintegrated elements are dissimilar in different groups of retinal axons in the optic nerve and their terminals in TO. A comparison of the degeneration periods and the character of the changes in the optic fibres has made it possible to establish the following approximate correlations: all the nerve terminals of myelinated fibres degenerate after the \"dark\" type, whereas the terminals of non-myelinated axons are subjected to other kinds of transformations (\"light\", vesicular\", neurofilamentous\", \"glycogen\"). The analysis of the distribution of degenerating nerve terminals in the TO layers has demonstrated that there is a regularity in localization of different nerve terminals at certain levels of TO which is indicative of the layered organization of retino-tectile connections. Considerable differences in the neuronal and synaptic organization of TO have been revealed as well as in the character and the time of destructive changes of retino-tectile fibres after enucleation in T. horsfieldii and E. orbicularis.", "PMID": 985095} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1347", "title": "[Cytoarchitectonics of the vestibular nucleic of the brain of the dolphin (Delphinus delphis)].", "content": "Specific features of the structure of the vestibular complex of Cetaceans correlating with specific features of the structural functional organization of these representatives of aquatic mammals were detected in a cytoarchitectonic investigation of the topography and strucutral organization of nuclei of the vestibular complex performed in Delphinus delphis and compared with the organization of the corresponding structures of the brain of man and chimpanzee.", "contents": "[Cytoarchitectonics of the vestibular nucleic of the brain of the dolphin (Delphinus delphis)]. Specific features of the structure of the vestibular complex of Cetaceans correlating with specific features of the structural functional organization of these representatives of aquatic mammals were detected in a cytoarchitectonic investigation of the topography and strucutral organization of nuclei of the vestibular complex performed in Delphinus delphis and compared with the organization of the corresponding structures of the brain of man and chimpanzee.", "PMID": 985096} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1348", "title": "[Comparative morphometric study of sensory neurons of the cerebral and spinal cord ganglia following transection of their processes].", "content": "The morphometrical study of sensory neurons g. nodosum of the vagus nerve and spinal ganglia after transection of central and peripheral processes has established similar reactions of the neurons of these ganglia. The sensory neurons respond to the transection of peripheral processes by phenomena of retrograde degeneration. No retrograde degeneration was observed in the neurons after transection of central processes. The diminution of the size of the nerve cell bodies, their nuclei and nucleoli was noted at the period of maximally pronounced phenomena of retrograde degeneration as well as fragmentation and peripheral displacement of the Golgi apparatus, increased amount of satellites adjacent to retrogradely changed neurons.", "contents": "[Comparative morphometric study of sensory neurons of the cerebral and spinal cord ganglia following transection of their processes]. The morphometrical study of sensory neurons g. nodosum of the vagus nerve and spinal ganglia after transection of central and peripheral processes has established similar reactions of the neurons of these ganglia. The sensory neurons respond to the transection of peripheral processes by phenomena of retrograde degeneration. No retrograde degeneration was observed in the neurons after transection of central processes. The diminution of the size of the nerve cell bodies, their nuclei and nucleoli was noted at the period of maximally pronounced phenomena of retrograde degeneration as well as fragmentation and peripheral displacement of the Golgi apparatus, increased amount of satellites adjacent to retrogradely changed neurons.", "PMID": 985097} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1349", "title": "[Comparative cytologic study of nephron structure in higher vertebrates].", "content": "A comparative study of the cytological characteristics of the epithelial lining of the nephron and collecting tubules was performed in 9 species of reptiles, 19 species of birds and 12 species of mammals. Representatives of each class of higher vertebrates were shown to have certain specific features of the epithelial lining of different parts of the nephron. Differentiation of various areas of the proximal part of the nephron proceded in phylogeny with different intensity and the maximum specialization was characteristic of the most proximal portion of this part of the nephron. In the cells of the proximal parts of nephrons of some reptiles there were phenomena of apocrine secretion. Evolution of the distal part of the nephron developed to form a loop and differentiation of the distal convoluted segment. The higher differentiation of the epithelial lining of the nephron distal part in birds and mammals, unlike in reptiles, seems to be associated with a more considerable functional specilization of this part. In the cytochemical characteristics of the epithelium of the uriniferous and collecting tubules of kidneys of higher vertebrate animals there are common regularities in the distribution of RNA, proteins and some enzymes. The polysaccharide content is maximum in the epithelial cells of kidneys of reptiles.", "contents": "[Comparative cytologic study of nephron structure in higher vertebrates]. A comparative study of the cytological characteristics of the epithelial lining of the nephron and collecting tubules was performed in 9 species of reptiles, 19 species of birds and 12 species of mammals. Representatives of each class of higher vertebrates were shown to have certain specific features of the epithelial lining of different parts of the nephron. Differentiation of various areas of the proximal part of the nephron proceded in phylogeny with different intensity and the maximum specialization was characteristic of the most proximal portion of this part of the nephron. In the cells of the proximal parts of nephrons of some reptiles there were phenomena of apocrine secretion. Evolution of the distal part of the nephron developed to form a loop and differentiation of the distal convoluted segment. The higher differentiation of the epithelial lining of the nephron distal part in birds and mammals, unlike in reptiles, seems to be associated with a more considerable functional specilization of this part. In the cytochemical characteristics of the epithelium of the uriniferous and collecting tubules of kidneys of higher vertebrate animals there are common regularities in the distribution of RNA, proteins and some enzymes. The polysaccharide content is maximum in the epithelial cells of kidneys of reptiles.", "PMID": 985098} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1350", "title": "[Effect of thyrotropic hormone on the ultrastructure of the endothelium of thyroid gland perifolicular capillaries].", "content": "Under study was the alteration in the ultrastructure of the thyroid epithelium and endothelium of perifollicular capillaries influenced by exogenous thyrotropic hormone. The results obtained show that there is a direct relationship between the dosage of the injected thyrotopic hormone, the degree of the ultrastructural changes in the time of their appearance. It has been established that the alterations in the perifollicular capillary endothelium ultrastructure make their appearance and become maximum practically simulataneously with the alterations in the thyroid epithelium ultrastructure. The increased functional activity of the endothelium, thinner walls of capillaries and the appearnace of a greater amount of fenestrations against the background of the thyroid stimulation are likely to be factors contributing to penetration of non-hormonal iodine products (iodine tyrosines and products of incomplete hydrolysis of thyroglobulins) into the circulation, which can be observed under certain pathological conditions accompanied by increased thyrotropic stimulation--such as diffused toxic goiter and diffuse non-toxic goiter.", "contents": "[Effect of thyrotropic hormone on the ultrastructure of the endothelium of thyroid gland perifolicular capillaries]. Under study was the alteration in the ultrastructure of the thyroid epithelium and endothelium of perifollicular capillaries influenced by exogenous thyrotropic hormone. The results obtained show that there is a direct relationship between the dosage of the injected thyrotopic hormone, the degree of the ultrastructural changes in the time of their appearance. It has been established that the alterations in the perifollicular capillary endothelium ultrastructure make their appearance and become maximum practically simulataneously with the alterations in the thyroid epithelium ultrastructure. The increased functional activity of the endothelium, thinner walls of capillaries and the appearnace of a greater amount of fenestrations against the background of the thyroid stimulation are likely to be factors contributing to penetration of non-hormonal iodine products (iodine tyrosines and products of incomplete hydrolysis of thyroglobulins) into the circulation, which can be observed under certain pathological conditions accompanied by increased thyrotropic stimulation--such as diffused toxic goiter and diffuse non-toxic goiter.", "PMID": 985100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1351", "title": "[Age and dynamics of protein and RNA concentration in sheep oocytes].", "content": "There exists a definite age rhythm of the amount of RNA and protein in Graaf's vesicle oocytes in the postnatal life of the sheep. The lowest quantities of these components were found in the prepubertal lambs; maximum was recorded in 1,5-2,5 year ewes and later the amount of these components decreased and the oocyte of 8,5 year ewes contained 24% less general protein and 69% less RNA than 1,5-2,5 year ewes. As the oocyte grows the amounts of the protein and RNA change. A primordial follicle oocyte contains 250 +/- 15 rel. units of general protein while a Graff's follicle oocytes has three times more (767 +/- 67 rel. unit). The corresponding data for the cytoplasm RNA are: 87,5 +/- 5 rel. units and 163 +/- 18 rel. units which means a 2 times increase.", "contents": "[Age and dynamics of protein and RNA concentration in sheep oocytes]. There exists a definite age rhythm of the amount of RNA and protein in Graaf's vesicle oocytes in the postnatal life of the sheep. The lowest quantities of these components were found in the prepubertal lambs; maximum was recorded in 1,5-2,5 year ewes and later the amount of these components decreased and the oocyte of 8,5 year ewes contained 24% less general protein and 69% less RNA than 1,5-2,5 year ewes. As the oocyte grows the amounts of the protein and RNA change. A primordial follicle oocyte contains 250 +/- 15 rel. units of general protein while a Graff's follicle oocytes has three times more (767 +/- 67 rel. unit). The corresponding data for the cytoplasm RNA are: 87,5 +/- 5 rel. units and 163 +/- 18 rel. units which means a 2 times increase.", "PMID": 985101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1352", "title": "[Structure and cellular organization of the osphradium of Limnea stagnalis L].", "content": "Light microscopy was used to study the structure and cellular organization of the osphradial organ of the pulmonary mollusque L. stagnalis. The osphradium unites the epithelial canal and the ganglion consisting of two cell populations. On the internal surface of the V-shaped osphradial canal there are three zones of cells: secretory, villous and epithelial. The villous zone of the canal is related with sensory bipolar and multipolar neurons of the ganglion. The irritation percepted by these cells seems to be transferred through numerous zones of neuropile to large unipolar neurons of the ganglion cortical layer.", "contents": "[Structure and cellular organization of the osphradium of Limnea stagnalis L]. Light microscopy was used to study the structure and cellular organization of the osphradial organ of the pulmonary mollusque L. stagnalis. The osphradium unites the epithelial canal and the ganglion consisting of two cell populations. On the internal surface of the V-shaped osphradial canal there are three zones of cells: secretory, villous and epithelial. The villous zone of the canal is related with sensory bipolar and multipolar neurons of the ganglion. The irritation percepted by these cells seems to be transferred through numerous zones of neuropile to large unipolar neurons of the ganglion cortical layer.", "PMID": 985102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1353", "title": "[Structure of the collagenous framework of skeletal muscle].", "content": "The architectonics of the collagenous framework of skeletal muscles of man and rats was studied by methods of rastral and translucent electron microscopy. The structure of the collagenous framework in the field of endomysium, perimysium and muscular tendinous connection is shown to be different which is determined by the morphological features of these structural components of the skeletal muscle. In the endomysium and perimysium the collagenous framework consists of fibrils and fibres of different thickness which form a complicated anastomosing network around muscular fibres and, penetrating the basal membrane, sustain the structural interrelation between them. In the area of the muscular-tendinous connection the collagenous fibres invade the basal membrane between the sarcleemma protrusions and from ramifying endings on its surface. The obtained data suggest that the functional role of the collagenous framework is to unite the muscle fibres into a single system, to synchronously transfer contractions of muscle fibres to the tendon and possibly to partly participate in the process of relaxation of the muscle after contraction.", "contents": "[Structure of the collagenous framework of skeletal muscle]. The architectonics of the collagenous framework of skeletal muscles of man and rats was studied by methods of rastral and translucent electron microscopy. The structure of the collagenous framework in the field of endomysium, perimysium and muscular tendinous connection is shown to be different which is determined by the morphological features of these structural components of the skeletal muscle. In the endomysium and perimysium the collagenous framework consists of fibrils and fibres of different thickness which form a complicated anastomosing network around muscular fibres and, penetrating the basal membrane, sustain the structural interrelation between them. In the area of the muscular-tendinous connection the collagenous fibres invade the basal membrane between the sarcleemma protrusions and from ramifying endings on its surface. The obtained data suggest that the functional role of the collagenous framework is to unite the muscle fibres into a single system, to synchronously transfer contractions of muscle fibres to the tendon and possibly to partly participate in the process of relaxation of the muscle after contraction.", "PMID": 985103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1354", "title": "[Holography and the possibility of its use in applied anatomy].", "content": "The article deals with some methods of holography (holograms with inclined reference beam, in three-dimensional media after Yu. N. Denisiuk, holographic interferometry) as applied to studying anatomical objects. Approximate optical schemes and photographic copies of holograms of separate objects are presented. The comparative analysis of different methods enabled the authors to recommened for practical use the method of obtaining holograms in three-dimensional media for documentation of anatomical investigation and storage of information, holographic method of obtaining contour maps of the surface for quantitative characteristics of individual properties of the object and the method of double exposure for studying static and dynamic deformities.", "contents": "[Holography and the possibility of its use in applied anatomy]. The article deals with some methods of holography (holograms with inclined reference beam, in three-dimensional media after Yu. N. Denisiuk, holographic interferometry) as applied to studying anatomical objects. Approximate optical schemes and photographic copies of holograms of separate objects are presented. The comparative analysis of different methods enabled the authors to recommened for practical use the method of obtaining holograms in three-dimensional media for documentation of anatomical investigation and storage of information, holographic method of obtaining contour maps of the surface for quantitative characteristics of individual properties of the object and the method of double exposure for studying static and dynamic deformities.", "PMID": 985104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1355", "title": "[Lacrimal glands of dogs and cattle in the light of histologic and histochemical findings].", "content": "The secretion of the lacrimal glands and the glands of the third eyelid of dogs and cattle contain neutral polysaccharides, sialic acids, chondroitin sulfate acids A,B and C. In dogs the secretory cycle including the phase of hydratation occurs inside acinuses in the cattle the phase of hydratation takes place in excretory ducts. The stroma of the eye orbit glands contains a great amount of active plasmocytes providing the secretion with immunological activity.", "contents": "[Lacrimal glands of dogs and cattle in the light of histologic and histochemical findings]. The secretion of the lacrimal glands and the glands of the third eyelid of dogs and cattle contain neutral polysaccharides, sialic acids, chondroitin sulfate acids A,B and C. In dogs the secretory cycle including the phase of hydratation occurs inside acinuses in the cattle the phase of hydratation takes place in excretory ducts. The stroma of the eye orbit glands contains a great amount of active plasmocytes providing the secretion with immunological activity.", "PMID": 985105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1356", "title": "[Double system of ganglionic neurons in the retina].", "content": "The work is devoted to an unusual distribution of large neurons of the ganglionic layer of the retina in the cow and horse-in the shape of double systems. The cells forming the double system are referred to the morphological type of alphacells comprising the minority of the total number of all ganglionic cells, being found mainly in peripheral parts of the retina. The methods used were silver impregnation, cytological, histochemical and biometrical techniques. General morphological parameters are established with relatively close disposition of perikaryons from one another. Functional mutual substitution of \"twin-cells\" of adaptational character is supposed resulting from the necessity of rapid and exact visual analysis.", "contents": "[Double system of ganglionic neurons in the retina]. The work is devoted to an unusual distribution of large neurons of the ganglionic layer of the retina in the cow and horse-in the shape of double systems. The cells forming the double system are referred to the morphological type of alphacells comprising the minority of the total number of all ganglionic cells, being found mainly in peripheral parts of the retina. The methods used were silver impregnation, cytological, histochemical and biometrical techniques. General morphological parameters are established with relatively close disposition of perikaryons from one another. Functional mutual substitution of \"twin-cells\" of adaptational character is supposed resulting from the necessity of rapid and exact visual analysis.", "PMID": 985106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1357", "title": "[DNA synthesis in cells of mouse corneal epithelium].", "content": "Method of autoradiography was used in order to study the kinetics of population of the cornea epithelium cells of mice. Intervals of different duration were found to exist in the DNA synthesis within the limits of S-period of one mitotic cycle. On the basis of personal and literature data a hypothesis has been put forward of a successive pattern of replication in the cells of eukaryots according to which synthesis of a fragment of the DNA daughter thread (or a chromosome subunit) occurs at each moment in a restricted site of a single matrix thread of DNA (matrix chromosome subunit). No DNA synthesis takes place at this moment in the complementary site of the second matrix thread (matrix chromosome subunit), the fragment (chromosome subunit) of one matrix thread being somewhat larger than the complementary fragment (chromosome subunit of the other matrix thread.", "contents": "[DNA synthesis in cells of mouse corneal epithelium]. Method of autoradiography was used in order to study the kinetics of population of the cornea epithelium cells of mice. Intervals of different duration were found to exist in the DNA synthesis within the limits of S-period of one mitotic cycle. On the basis of personal and literature data a hypothesis has been put forward of a successive pattern of replication in the cells of eukaryots according to which synthesis of a fragment of the DNA daughter thread (or a chromosome subunit) occurs at each moment in a restricted site of a single matrix thread of DNA (matrix chromosome subunit). No DNA synthesis takes place at this moment in the complementary site of the second matrix thread (matrix chromosome subunit), the fragment (chromosome subunit) of one matrix thread being somewhat larger than the complementary fragment (chromosome subunit of the other matrix thread.", "PMID": 985107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1358", "title": "[Changes in the ultrastructure of the anterior lobe of the pituitary after subjecting animals to cooling].", "content": "Stress reactions caused by extreme factors have a common nonspecific main component-a release of ACTH into the blood stream and increased functional activity of corticotropic cells of the anterior lobe of the hypophysis. Qualitative properties of the acting agents depending on their nature determine other adaptive changes of hormonal and metabolic processes in the organism after the interference. The study of the dynamics of the ultrastructure of glandular cells of the rat's hypophysis anterior lobe after a single severe cooling has revealed a sharply pronounced early mobilization of thyreotrops. The increased thyreotropic activity is an additional specific component of stressor reaction which is caused by cooling. The electron microscopic study of the structure and topography of glandular elements has revealed a cycle of functional-morphological changes completed within a day after the exposure.", "contents": "[Changes in the ultrastructure of the anterior lobe of the pituitary after subjecting animals to cooling]. Stress reactions caused by extreme factors have a common nonspecific main component-a release of ACTH into the blood stream and increased functional activity of corticotropic cells of the anterior lobe of the hypophysis. Qualitative properties of the acting agents depending on their nature determine other adaptive changes of hormonal and metabolic processes in the organism after the interference. The study of the dynamics of the ultrastructure of glandular cells of the rat's hypophysis anterior lobe after a single severe cooling has revealed a sharply pronounced early mobilization of thyreotrops. The increased thyreotropic activity is an additional specific component of stressor reaction which is caused by cooling. The electron microscopic study of the structure and topography of glandular elements has revealed a cycle of functional-morphological changes completed within a day after the exposure.", "PMID": 985108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1359", "title": "[Effect of temporary ischemia with subsequent recirculation on the ultrastructure of glomerular capillaries and nephrons].", "content": "The influence of temporary ischemia followed by recirculation on the ultrastructure of glomerular capillaries and some portions of the nephron was studied in 20 albino rats which were subjected to compression of the vascular bundle of the left kidney for 30 min., 1, 2 and 3 hours followed by recovery of the blood stream in the ischemic organ for 3 hours (with a simultaneous nephrectomy of the right kidney). The electron microscopic analysis has established that the amount of micropinocytic vesicles become markedly increased within 3 hours following 30-min. ischemia of the kidney with the recovery of blood circulation in the cytoplasm of endotheliocytes of glomerular blood capillaries. With increased terms of the left kidney ischemia (1, 2, 3 hs) the ultrastructural changes in endotheliocytes increased. There appeared microclasmatosis of the internal plasmalemma of endotheliocytes, the flattened peripheral part of the cytoplasm underwent considerable destruction. Swelling of microvilli of the brush border and vacuolization of the cytoplasm were observed in nephrocytes of the proximal part of the nephron in short-term ischemia (30 min) followed by the recovery of circulation for 3 hours. Longer periods of ischemia (1, 2, 3 hs) casued destruction of the brush border. There appeared secondary lysosomes, in mitochondria there occurred discomplexation and lysis of cristae.", "contents": "[Effect of temporary ischemia with subsequent recirculation on the ultrastructure of glomerular capillaries and nephrons]. The influence of temporary ischemia followed by recirculation on the ultrastructure of glomerular capillaries and some portions of the nephron was studied in 20 albino rats which were subjected to compression of the vascular bundle of the left kidney for 30 min., 1, 2 and 3 hours followed by recovery of the blood stream in the ischemic organ for 3 hours (with a simultaneous nephrectomy of the right kidney). The electron microscopic analysis has established that the amount of micropinocytic vesicles become markedly increased within 3 hours following 30-min. ischemia of the kidney with the recovery of blood circulation in the cytoplasm of endotheliocytes of glomerular blood capillaries. With increased terms of the left kidney ischemia (1, 2, 3 hs) the ultrastructural changes in endotheliocytes increased. There appeared microclasmatosis of the internal plasmalemma of endotheliocytes, the flattened peripheral part of the cytoplasm underwent considerable destruction. Swelling of microvilli of the brush border and vacuolization of the cytoplasm were observed in nephrocytes of the proximal part of the nephron in short-term ischemia (30 min) followed by the recovery of circulation for 3 hours. Longer periods of ischemia (1, 2, 3 hs) casued destruction of the brush border. There appeared secondary lysosomes, in mitochondria there occurred discomplexation and lysis of cristae.", "PMID": 985109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1360", "title": "[Efferent projections of the ventral portion of the putamen to the frontal, parietal and temporal regions of the cat cerebral cortex].", "content": "Following the electrolytic lesion of putamen (rostral and caudal parts of the ventral field) of the cat's brain, degenerating endings of axons in the cerebral cortex were revealed ipsi and heterolaterally in frontal sections of the brain impregnated after Nauta--Gygax and Wiitanen. The projections were organized topically: the rostal part of putamen was projected to anterior parts of the cortex (motor and premotor, orbito-insular and S zones), while the caudal part sended the fibres to the occipital and auditory fields of the cortex and S2 zone.", "contents": "[Efferent projections of the ventral portion of the putamen to the frontal, parietal and temporal regions of the cat cerebral cortex]. Following the electrolytic lesion of putamen (rostral and caudal parts of the ventral field) of the cat's brain, degenerating endings of axons in the cerebral cortex were revealed ipsi and heterolaterally in frontal sections of the brain impregnated after Nauta--Gygax and Wiitanen. The projections were organized topically: the rostal part of putamen was projected to anterior parts of the cortex (motor and premotor, orbito-insular and S zones), while the caudal part sended the fibres to the occipital and auditory fields of the cortex and S2 zone.", "PMID": 985110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1361", "title": "[Associative connections of the visual area of the neuronally-isolated cat cortex].", "content": "The associative pathways of the visual zone (fields 17 and 18) of the neuronal-isolated cortex of the cat were studied by the methods of Nauta-Gygax and Fink-Heimer. The cortex was isolated by the method proposed by M. M. Khananashvili (1961) by means of transection of projectional systems of the fibres connecting the cortex with subcortical structures in the site of their maximum concentration-in the internal capsule. Fields 17 and 18 were shown to have short associative pathways running both within the limits of the fields proper and to fields 17, 7 and to Clara-Bishop region disposed in the depth of the suprasylvian fissure. The site of termination of the associative libres was all layers of the cortex in some degree. It is assumed that the cytoarchitectonical fields in the neuronal-isolated cortex during conditioning interacts by means of intracortical fibres shown in the present investigation.", "contents": "[Associative connections of the visual area of the neuronally-isolated cat cortex]. The associative pathways of the visual zone (fields 17 and 18) of the neuronal-isolated cortex of the cat were studied by the methods of Nauta-Gygax and Fink-Heimer. The cortex was isolated by the method proposed by M. M. Khananashvili (1961) by means of transection of projectional systems of the fibres connecting the cortex with subcortical structures in the site of their maximum concentration-in the internal capsule. Fields 17 and 18 were shown to have short associative pathways running both within the limits of the fields proper and to fields 17, 7 and to Clara-Bishop region disposed in the depth of the suprasylvian fissure. The site of termination of the associative libres was all layers of the cortex in some degree. It is assumed that the cytoarchitectonical fields in the neuronal-isolated cortex during conditioning interacts by means of intracortical fibres shown in the present investigation.", "PMID": 985111} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1362", "title": "[Sex-specific features of the construction and cellular composition of the superior tracheo-bronchial lymph nodes in adults].", "content": "Specific features of the internal structure and the cellular composition of the superior tracheobronchial regional lymphatic nodes in man under normal conditions with reference to sex were studied in 18 corpses of men and 14 corpses of women from 21 to 60 years of age. Conventional histological methods were used. The superior tracheobronchial lymphatic nodes in men and women were found to be arranged according to a common plan, but to differ in a number of signs. In humans of either sex the cortical plateau prevailed over the medullary substance in the section made though the hilus of the node, but the ratio of the cortical and medullary substances is different in men and women. In men there are less follicles both containing and not containing the light centers than in women. The cellular composition of the superior tracheobronchial lymphatic nodes is extremely polymorphic but is more or less constant in each structural component in men and women.", "contents": "[Sex-specific features of the construction and cellular composition of the superior tracheo-bronchial lymph nodes in adults]. Specific features of the internal structure and the cellular composition of the superior tracheobronchial regional lymphatic nodes in man under normal conditions with reference to sex were studied in 18 corpses of men and 14 corpses of women from 21 to 60 years of age. Conventional histological methods were used. The superior tracheobronchial lymphatic nodes in men and women were found to be arranged according to a common plan, but to differ in a number of signs. In humans of either sex the cortical plateau prevailed over the medullary substance in the section made though the hilus of the node, but the ratio of the cortical and medullary substances is different in men and women. In men there are less follicles both containing and not containing the light centers than in women. The cellular composition of the superior tracheobronchial lymphatic nodes is extremely polymorphic but is more or less constant in each structural component in men and women.", "PMID": 985112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1363", "title": "[Plastic properties of the venous bed of the brain following disengagement of the external jugular veins at different stages of ontogenesis].", "content": "The capacity of the venous bed in the brain being great, even inconsiderable changes of the vein lumen can cause severe changes in the blood circulation without an enlargement of the cranial cavity volume. The progressing venous stagnation in the brain is a severe disease of not only the brain but also the whole organism. So, we attempted to study the character of compensatory redistribution of the pial venous system of the cerebrum in occlusion of both exterior jugular veins and to establish its developmental accomodative properties. The work has been performed on 45 dogs. The plasticity of the cerebral pial veins was found to drop with age, their reserving capacity-to grow and their carrying capacity-to decrease. Three successive phases are characteristic of the compensatory-adaptational changes: diffuse dilatation of the venous network, appearance of collaterals and their development against the background of reduction of the surrounding venous network.", "contents": "[Plastic properties of the venous bed of the brain following disengagement of the external jugular veins at different stages of ontogenesis]. The capacity of the venous bed in the brain being great, even inconsiderable changes of the vein lumen can cause severe changes in the blood circulation without an enlargement of the cranial cavity volume. The progressing venous stagnation in the brain is a severe disease of not only the brain but also the whole organism. So, we attempted to study the character of compensatory redistribution of the pial venous system of the cerebrum in occlusion of both exterior jugular veins and to establish its developmental accomodative properties. The work has been performed on 45 dogs. The plasticity of the cerebral pial veins was found to drop with age, their reserving capacity-to grow and their carrying capacity-to decrease. Three successive phases are characteristic of the compensatory-adaptational changes: diffuse dilatation of the venous network, appearance of collaterals and their development against the background of reduction of the surrounding venous network.", "PMID": 985113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1364", "title": "[Hypokinetic chamber].", "content": "The proposed construction of the hypokinetic chamber provides a sufficient restriction of the motor activity in a natural position of the animal for investigating the state and functions of organs, and systems under hypokinesia, does not disturb the function of vitally important organs, does not mispresent the results of experiments, allows to change the size of the chamber according to the changing size of the animal. The chamber is simple in using lasting, hygienic, requires the least labour and time to take care of animals.", "contents": "[Hypokinetic chamber]. The proposed construction of the hypokinetic chamber provides a sufficient restriction of the motor activity in a natural position of the animal for investigating the state and functions of organs, and systems under hypokinesia, does not disturb the function of vitally important organs, does not mispresent the results of experiments, allows to change the size of the chamber according to the changing size of the animal. The chamber is simple in using lasting, hygienic, requires the least labour and time to take care of animals.", "PMID": 985114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1365", "title": "[Method of natural periodization of processes].", "content": "The method of natural periodization of processes based on objective quantitative account of the dynamics of changing of certain parameters is described. The natural periodization has been established by analysis of the data dynamic series, the distribution of observation terms being made with regard for the a priori taken rate of changes of the parameters under study. The possibility to compare different parameters has been achieved by using centrated approximated data. The discovering of natural periods can be performed by analysis of the group of centrated data. The variation of the variation coefficient of centrated ordinates in each temporal point can be calculated for objectivization of the evaluation. The investigation of developmental changes of the thyroid of A/H mice with employment of methods of morphometry and quantitative histochemistry is taken as an example.", "contents": "[Method of natural periodization of processes]. The method of natural periodization of processes based on objective quantitative account of the dynamics of changing of certain parameters is described. The natural periodization has been established by analysis of the data dynamic series, the distribution of observation terms being made with regard for the a priori taken rate of changes of the parameters under study. The possibility to compare different parameters has been achieved by using centrated approximated data. The discovering of natural periods can be performed by analysis of the group of centrated data. The variation of the variation coefficient of centrated ordinates in each temporal point can be calculated for objectivization of the evaluation. The investigation of developmental changes of the thyroid of A/H mice with employment of methods of morphometry and quantitative histochemistry is taken as an example.", "PMID": 985115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1366", "title": "[Study of aseptic inflammation using the scanning electron microscope].", "content": "A focus of inflammation in the subcutaneous connective tissue in white rats was investigated in a scanning electron microscope. Lymphocytes, polyblasts, macrophages, fibroblasts, collagenous fibres, gigantic multinuclear cells, vessels are described. Similiarity in the form and structure of the surface in agranulocytes of the blood, polyblasts and macrophages was established. A considerable change in morphology of fibroblasts, particularly in the period of synthesis os of the cell, was observed. Collagenous fibres and fibroblasts played a leading role in the creation of the supporting-mechanical carcass and in spatial structure of the regenerating connective tissue.", "contents": "[Study of aseptic inflammation using the scanning electron microscope]. A focus of inflammation in the subcutaneous connective tissue in white rats was investigated in a scanning electron microscope. Lymphocytes, polyblasts, macrophages, fibroblasts, collagenous fibres, gigantic multinuclear cells, vessels are described. Similiarity in the form and structure of the surface in agranulocytes of the blood, polyblasts and macrophages was established. A considerable change in morphology of fibroblasts, particularly in the period of synthesis os of the cell, was observed. Collagenous fibres and fibroblasts played a leading role in the creation of the supporting-mechanical carcass and in spatial structure of the regenerating connective tissue.", "PMID": 985133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1367", "title": "[Ultrastructural changes in articular cartilage in rheumatoid arthritis].", "content": "Electron microscope studies of the articular cartilages removed in the course of the operation on 6 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were carried out. The processes of destruction of chondrocytes and the cartilaginous matrix in different regions of the articular cartilage were traced. In the surface areas of the drastically changed cartilage there were observed leucocytes of the synovial fluid, and in deeper areas--disintegration of chondrocytes and extracellular disposition of lysosomes and altered organellas, destroyed cartilaginous cells. In these areas destruction of collagenous fibres was particularly intensive. In areas of the tissue remote from the destuction hypertrophy of chondrocytes due to hyperplasia of various organellas and the Golgi complex in particular were noted. In the Golgi zone granules of glycogen were detected. No mitoses were observed. Apparently, the enzymatic destruction of the cartilaginous matrix in rheumatoid arthritis could proceed at the expense of the activazation of the synovial fluid lysosomes and lysosomes of chondrocytes themselves. A reparative regeneration of the disintegrating matrix was realized mainly because of hypertrophy of the functionally preserved chondrocytes.", "contents": "[Ultrastructural changes in articular cartilage in rheumatoid arthritis]. Electron microscope studies of the articular cartilages removed in the course of the operation on 6 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were carried out. The processes of destruction of chondrocytes and the cartilaginous matrix in different regions of the articular cartilage were traced. In the surface areas of the drastically changed cartilage there were observed leucocytes of the synovial fluid, and in deeper areas--disintegration of chondrocytes and extracellular disposition of lysosomes and altered organellas, destroyed cartilaginous cells. In these areas destruction of collagenous fibres was particularly intensive. In areas of the tissue remote from the destuction hypertrophy of chondrocytes due to hyperplasia of various organellas and the Golgi complex in particular were noted. In the Golgi zone granules of glycogen were detected. No mitoses were observed. Apparently, the enzymatic destruction of the cartilaginous matrix in rheumatoid arthritis could proceed at the expense of the activazation of the synovial fluid lysosomes and lysosomes of chondrocytes themselves. A reparative regeneration of the disintegrating matrix was realized mainly because of hypertrophy of the functionally preserved chondrocytes.", "PMID": 985134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1368", "title": "[Repair processes in the liver in viral hepatitis].", "content": "Reparative processe were studied on bioptic specimens taken from 190 patients with virus hepatitis. Figures of nitosis, amounts of binuclear and polyloid hepatocytes served as criteria of regneration. Phenomena of regeneration were shown to continue during the entire period of the disease. They were most pronounced in the areas adjacent to the zone of lesion of the parenchyma. A leading reparative process was intracellulr regneration.", "contents": "[Repair processes in the liver in viral hepatitis]. Reparative processe were studied on bioptic specimens taken from 190 patients with virus hepatitis. Figures of nitosis, amounts of binuclear and polyloid hepatocytes served as criteria of regneration. Phenomena of regeneration were shown to continue during the entire period of the disease. They were most pronounced in the areas adjacent to the zone of lesion of the parenchyma. A leading reparative process was intracellulr regneration.", "PMID": 985135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1369", "title": "[Changes in the adrenal glands in menigococcemia].", "content": "Post-mortem morphological, histochemical, and morphometric investigations of the adrenals in 46 deceased patients who suffered from meningococcemia with and without lesions of the meninges were carried out. The control group was composed of 7 practically healthy persons who had perished suddenly as a result of craniocerebral trauma. It was shown that the adrenals might often be seriously damaged in meningococcemia without clinical and morphological signs of meningitis. Hemodynamic disorders, in particular, involvement of the vessels of the microcirculatory bed, contributed considerably to the lesions of the adrenals. However, even in meningococcemia free from signs of meningitis, in a number of cases individual areas of the cortex retained a high functional activity. In meningococcemia combined with lesions of the meninges, despite considerable damage of the cortical layer, in the majority of cases there were evidences of the tense functioning of the adrenal cells.", "contents": "[Changes in the adrenal glands in menigococcemia]. Post-mortem morphological, histochemical, and morphometric investigations of the adrenals in 46 deceased patients who suffered from meningococcemia with and without lesions of the meninges were carried out. The control group was composed of 7 practically healthy persons who had perished suddenly as a result of craniocerebral trauma. It was shown that the adrenals might often be seriously damaged in meningococcemia without clinical and morphological signs of meningitis. Hemodynamic disorders, in particular, involvement of the vessels of the microcirculatory bed, contributed considerably to the lesions of the adrenals. However, even in meningococcemia free from signs of meningitis, in a number of cases individual areas of the cortex retained a high functional activity. In meningococcemia combined with lesions of the meninges, despite considerable damage of the cortical layer, in the majority of cases there were evidences of the tense functioning of the adrenal cells.", "PMID": 985136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1370", "title": "[Morphology of pneumopathies and their role in the development of asphyxia neonatorum].", "content": "Histories of deliveries and development records of 44 newborns with penumopathies who had died on the first days of life in the presence of phenomena of the syndrome of respiratory disorder were analysed and the newborns' lungs were morphologically investigated. The investigation made it possible to single out the following forms of pneumopathy in newborns: edematous-hemorrhagic, hyaline, atelectatic, aspirated, and mixed. In the majority of cases the syndrome of respiratory disorder was a sequela of hypoxia of the intrauterine origin which continued during the first hours and days of life after birth. Such \"primary asphyxia\" may lead to the development of pneumopathy in a neonate. On the other hand, \"secondary asphyxia\" in many cases represent sequelae of penumopathy destructural and functional immaturity of the pulmonary tissue, hypoxia, a higher permeability of vessels of the microcirculatory bed, spasm of small pulmonary arteris contributed considerably to the development of penumopathies.", "contents": "[Morphology of pneumopathies and their role in the development of asphyxia neonatorum]. Histories of deliveries and development records of 44 newborns with penumopathies who had died on the first days of life in the presence of phenomena of the syndrome of respiratory disorder were analysed and the newborns' lungs were morphologically investigated. The investigation made it possible to single out the following forms of pneumopathy in newborns: edematous-hemorrhagic, hyaline, atelectatic, aspirated, and mixed. In the majority of cases the syndrome of respiratory disorder was a sequela of hypoxia of the intrauterine origin which continued during the first hours and days of life after birth. Such \"primary asphyxia\" may lead to the development of pneumopathy in a neonate. On the other hand, \"secondary asphyxia\" in many cases represent sequelae of penumopathy destructural and functional immaturity of the pulmonary tissue, hypoxia, a higher permeability of vessels of the microcirculatory bed, spasm of small pulmonary arteris contributed considerably to the development of penumopathies.", "PMID": 985137} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1371", "title": "[Malignant giant cell tumors of soft tissue].", "content": "Clinco-morphological characteristics of malignant giant cell tumours of soft tissues in 31 patients are presented. Microscopically, the tumours consisted of histiocyte-like mononuclear cells possessing a phagocytic capacity, stretched out fibroblast-like cells forming collagen fibres, multinuclear giant cells of the type of osteoclasts. Three morphological variants were singled out: 1/ predominantly round-polygonal-cellular (histiocyte-like), 2/ predominantly spindle cell (fibroblast-like) and 3/ mixed. Clinically the tumours were divided into 2 groups: superficial (in 8 patients) and deep ones (in 23 patients) developed in skeletal musculature, deep fasciae and tendons, retroperitoneally, as well as in the mammary gland, mesentery of the small intestine, the stomach. The superficial tumours were characterized by relatively low malignancy. Prognosis in the majority of patients with deep tumours of soft tissues was unfavourable. The authors share the opinion of the investigators who consider these tumours to be a malignant variant of giant cell tumours of vagina tendinis and, bearing in mind the unestablished histogenesis of these tumours, think it expedient to retain the term \"malignant giant cell tumours of soft tissues\".", "contents": "[Malignant giant cell tumors of soft tissue]. Clinco-morphological characteristics of malignant giant cell tumours of soft tissues in 31 patients are presented. Microscopically, the tumours consisted of histiocyte-like mononuclear cells possessing a phagocytic capacity, stretched out fibroblast-like cells forming collagen fibres, multinuclear giant cells of the type of osteoclasts. Three morphological variants were singled out: 1/ predominantly round-polygonal-cellular (histiocyte-like), 2/ predominantly spindle cell (fibroblast-like) and 3/ mixed. Clinically the tumours were divided into 2 groups: superficial (in 8 patients) and deep ones (in 23 patients) developed in skeletal musculature, deep fasciae and tendons, retroperitoneally, as well as in the mammary gland, mesentery of the small intestine, the stomach. The superficial tumours were characterized by relatively low malignancy. Prognosis in the majority of patients with deep tumours of soft tissues was unfavourable. The authors share the opinion of the investigators who consider these tumours to be a malignant variant of giant cell tumours of vagina tendinis and, bearing in mind the unestablished histogenesis of these tumours, think it expedient to retain the term \"malignant giant cell tumours of soft tissues\".", "PMID": 985138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1372", "title": "[Functional morphology of the lymphoid apparatus in experimental mammary cancer (quantitative histochemical study)].", "content": "A histological investigation of the mammary glands and lymph nodes as well as a quantitative histoenzymological investigation of the content of nucleic acids and the activity of a number of enzymes were carried out. A reaction of the lymph nodes to tumour growth was established. A uniform type of this reaction justifies the assumption about a generalized response of the peripheral lymphoid tissue. The quantitative histochemical investigation revealed the specificity of the regional node response. A clear-cut dynamics on functional-morphological indices in the zones of T- and B-lymphocytes distribution with early activation of hydrolytic enzymes was observed. At the development stage of tumours a reverse ratio of nucleic acids contents and the activity of enzymes of eneryg metabolism was detected. This dissociation seems to be of importnace in realization of tumour growth in the mammary gland.", "contents": "[Functional morphology of the lymphoid apparatus in experimental mammary cancer (quantitative histochemical study)]. A histological investigation of the mammary glands and lymph nodes as well as a quantitative histoenzymological investigation of the content of nucleic acids and the activity of a number of enzymes were carried out. A reaction of the lymph nodes to tumour growth was established. A uniform type of this reaction justifies the assumption about a generalized response of the peripheral lymphoid tissue. The quantitative histochemical investigation revealed the specificity of the regional node response. A clear-cut dynamics on functional-morphological indices in the zones of T- and B-lymphocytes distribution with early activation of hydrolytic enzymes was observed. At the development stage of tumours a reverse ratio of nucleic acids contents and the activity of enzymes of eneryg metabolism was detected. This dissociation seems to be of importnace in realization of tumour growth in the mammary gland.", "PMID": 985139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1373", "title": "[Characteristics of morphological manifestations of the leukemic process developing against a background of regenerating hematopoietic tissue].", "content": "Cyto- and histological changes in the spleen, liver, and other organs of mice of 2 lines with leukosis transplanted against the background of regeneration of the hemopoietic tissue were studied. The reparative regeneration of the hemopoietic organs was caused by preliminary administered hydrocortison. The regeneration of the hemopoietic tissue temporary inhibited proliferation of leukemic cells. Moreover, less pronounced leukemic infiltration was noted in the organs, their size increased more slowly and retained longer the histological structure. Better results were obtained on the experimental model of leukosis with a moderate rate of growth and at early stages of regeneration. Basing on the analysis of the morphological substrate, interaction between regeneration of the hemopoietic tissue and leukemic growth the authors draw a conclusion about the activation in the regenerating tissue of mechanisms of natural anti-tumour protection.", "contents": "[Characteristics of morphological manifestations of the leukemic process developing against a background of regenerating hematopoietic tissue]. Cyto- and histological changes in the spleen, liver, and other organs of mice of 2 lines with leukosis transplanted against the background of regeneration of the hemopoietic tissue were studied. The reparative regeneration of the hemopoietic organs was caused by preliminary administered hydrocortison. The regeneration of the hemopoietic tissue temporary inhibited proliferation of leukemic cells. Moreover, less pronounced leukemic infiltration was noted in the organs, their size increased more slowly and retained longer the histological structure. Better results were obtained on the experimental model of leukosis with a moderate rate of growth and at early stages of regeneration. Basing on the analysis of the morphological substrate, interaction between regeneration of the hemopoietic tissue and leukemic growth the authors draw a conclusion about the activation in the regenerating tissue of mechanisms of natural anti-tumour protection.", "PMID": 985140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1374", "title": "[Cryptococcosis of the central nervous system].", "content": "A case of cryptococcosis of the brain in a male patient 47 years of age is described. Duration of the disease--about one year. Clincally it was accompanied by epileptic seizures with loss of consciousness. Diagnosis of cryptococcosis was made following the histological investigation of a part of the brain removed in connection with tumour. Morphologically, there was detected an area of necrosis and aggregation of yeast-like fungi with the typical of cryptococcus oval form and felatinous capsule showing intensive colouration when stained by Hochkiss' method. The pathogenic agent was detected in the spinal fluid of the patient and in the tissue culture.", "contents": "[Cryptococcosis of the central nervous system]. A case of cryptococcosis of the brain in a male patient 47 years of age is described. Duration of the disease--about one year. Clincally it was accompanied by epileptic seizures with loss of consciousness. Diagnosis of cryptococcosis was made following the histological investigation of a part of the brain removed in connection with tumour. Morphologically, there was detected an area of necrosis and aggregation of yeast-like fungi with the typical of cryptococcus oval form and felatinous capsule showing intensive colouration when stained by Hochkiss' method. The pathogenic agent was detected in the spinal fluid of the patient and in the tissue culture.", "PMID": 985141} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1375", "title": "[Thanatogenesis].", "content": "The analysis of classifications of causes of death contained in handbooks and manuals of pathological anatomy and forensic medicine revealed their contradictory character, inconsistency with the principles of logic, division according to one basis only; in these classifications of causes and circumstances leading to death. The author recommends to distinguish: a classification of causes of death (biological) and a classification of circumstances accompanying death (of social-legislative character).", "contents": "[Thanatogenesis]. The analysis of classifications of causes of death contained in handbooks and manuals of pathological anatomy and forensic medicine revealed their contradictory character, inconsistency with the principles of logic, division according to one basis only; in these classifications of causes and circumstances leading to death. The author recommends to distinguish: a classification of causes of death (biological) and a classification of circumstances accompanying death (of social-legislative character).", "PMID": 985142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1376", "title": "[Graphical recording of the state of the basal cerebral vessels and focal changes in the brain].", "content": "A method of graphic registration of the length and diameter of vessels of basis cerebri is suggested. The registration is carried out on special cards--punch cards with due account of the structure of the circle of Willis, with subsequent collation of these indices with focal changes in the brain. The method is graphically clear and may be used in research work, as well as in the practice of a pathoanatomist in documentation of an autopsy report and for demonstrations in clinico-anatomical conferences.", "contents": "[Graphical recording of the state of the basal cerebral vessels and focal changes in the brain]. A method of graphic registration of the length and diameter of vessels of basis cerebri is suggested. The registration is carried out on special cards--punch cards with due account of the structure of the circle of Willis, with subsequent collation of these indices with focal changes in the brain. The method is graphically clear and may be used in research work, as well as in the practice of a pathoanatomist in documentation of an autopsy report and for demonstrations in clinico-anatomical conferences.", "PMID": 985143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1377", "title": "[Total proteins of the cerebrospinal fluid obtained by punction of the cisterna magna: normal values. Variations related to sex].", "content": "The total protein content of CSF collected from the cisterna magna (cisternal fluid) of 98 patients (58 males and 40 females) with no neurological diseases was determined by the colorimetric method devised by Lowry and co-workers. This method has been previously chosen based mainly on it's sensitivity, accuracy and low fluid consumption. The CSF samples were normal with regard to pressure, color, citology and it's content in glucose, chloride and urea. Complement fixation tests for syphilis and cisticercosis, as well as the globulin tests (Pandy, Nonne--Appelt and Takata-Ara) were negative. The average value and the normal range of cisternal fluid total protein was calculated for the mixed population (males and females). The mean protein value was 26.78 mg/100 ml, the lower and upper limits were respectively 13.20 and 40.36 mg/100 ml. These data are higher than those stated in some publications, and factors that could interfere in the different results mentioned in the literature are briefly discussed. Since the statistical analysis of the results showed that the mean total protein concentration in males (28.76 mg/100 ml) was higher than in females (23.91 mg/100 ml), normal limits for each sex were established: 16.96 to 47.13 mg/100 ml for males and 14.76 to 42.76 mg/100 ml for females.", "contents": "[Total proteins of the cerebrospinal fluid obtained by punction of the cisterna magna: normal values. Variations related to sex]. The total protein content of CSF collected from the cisterna magna (cisternal fluid) of 98 patients (58 males and 40 females) with no neurological diseases was determined by the colorimetric method devised by Lowry and co-workers. This method has been previously chosen based mainly on it's sensitivity, accuracy and low fluid consumption. The CSF samples were normal with regard to pressure, color, citology and it's content in glucose, chloride and urea. Complement fixation tests for syphilis and cisticercosis, as well as the globulin tests (Pandy, Nonne--Appelt and Takata-Ara) were negative. The average value and the normal range of cisternal fluid total protein was calculated for the mixed population (males and females). The mean protein value was 26.78 mg/100 ml, the lower and upper limits were respectively 13.20 and 40.36 mg/100 ml. These data are higher than those stated in some publications, and factors that could interfere in the different results mentioned in the literature are briefly discussed. Since the statistical analysis of the results showed that the mean total protein concentration in males (28.76 mg/100 ml) was higher than in females (23.91 mg/100 ml), normal limits for each sex were established: 16.96 to 47.13 mg/100 ml for males and 14.76 to 42.76 mg/100 ml for females.", "PMID": 985144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1378", "title": "Cephalic measures in normal pre-school children 3 to 7-years of age.", "content": "In a study designed to determine standards for the Developmental Neurological Examination (DNE) several measures of the head were also recorded. The study consisted in the examination of 200 children, half from each sex, 40 from each age group (3 to 7-years of age). These children were selected among 755 normal pre-school-age children, living in the city of S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil). The criteria for selection were both anamnestic and clinic. The following measures of the head were recorded: cephalic perimeter, biauricular and antero-posterior distances (Diament, 1967). A new cephalic index (nCI) was also determined (Diament, 1968). This index is useful in detecting changes in head shape mainly in cases of precocious cranioestenosis (Diament, 1968; Facure, 1972). The statistical analysis consisted in determining means and standard errors for each measure. For the new cephalic index it was shown through the Kruskal-Wallis test that there were no significant difference between age and sex. Therefore we considered all groups together to find out the tolerance region for the new index which turned out to be given by the interval: 0.848-1.002. This result is based in 186 cases since 14 were excluded because of some problems in the recording process. Therefore we expect with a conficence of 95% that the above interval covers 90% of the population, in the 3 to 7 years age-groups independently of sex.", "contents": "Cephalic measures in normal pre-school children 3 to 7-years of age. In a study designed to determine standards for the Developmental Neurological Examination (DNE) several measures of the head were also recorded. The study consisted in the examination of 200 children, half from each sex, 40 from each age group (3 to 7-years of age). These children were selected among 755 normal pre-school-age children, living in the city of S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil). The criteria for selection were both anamnestic and clinic. The following measures of the head were recorded: cephalic perimeter, biauricular and antero-posterior distances (Diament, 1967). A new cephalic index (nCI) was also determined (Diament, 1968). This index is useful in detecting changes in head shape mainly in cases of precocious cranioestenosis (Diament, 1968; Facure, 1972). The statistical analysis consisted in determining means and standard errors for each measure. For the new cephalic index it was shown through the Kruskal-Wallis test that there were no significant difference between age and sex. Therefore we considered all groups together to find out the tolerance region for the new index which turned out to be given by the interval: 0.848-1.002. This result is based in 186 cases since 14 were excluded because of some problems in the recording process. Therefore we expect with a conficence of 95% that the above interval covers 90% of the population, in the 3 to 7 years age-groups independently of sex.", "PMID": 985145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1379", "title": "[Neurologic evolution of children of low birth weight].", "content": "The prematurity is still an important problem for either pediatricians and neuropediatricinas. All the mechanisms that can produce lowbirth weight, are not known, although many of them are related to genetics and environmental intra-uterine factors. Having in mind tha study of the development of such type of children, a group of investigators has been working for 9 years now, envolving aspects related to the Pediatry, Social Pediatry, Neuropediatry, Psychiatry, Otorhynolaringology, Ophtalmology and Odontology. In this study they are trying to envolve all the possible aspects on growth and development of children with lowbirth weight. In 189 children, 129 were followed during several years. Most of them were observed up to 5 years of age and few of them up to 9 years of age. The children were divided into three groups as follow: Group I-Children with weights under 1.750 g; Group II-Children with weights between 1.751 and 2.000 g; Group III-Children with weights over 2.001 g and under 2.500 g. The neurol-gical tests were done according to the used system at the Neurologic Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine (University of S\u00e3o Paulo). The present work starts with a general revision on the most important existent papers on the prematures neurological evolution. After presenting his own results, the authors make a correlaction of the neurologic evolution with the developmental quotient (DQ), which were gotten through Gesell's tests and its variations, in order to verify the existence of what is known as \"continuum of lesion\" of Knobloch and col.", "contents": "[Neurologic evolution of children of low birth weight]. The prematurity is still an important problem for either pediatricians and neuropediatricinas. All the mechanisms that can produce lowbirth weight, are not known, although many of them are related to genetics and environmental intra-uterine factors. Having in mind tha study of the development of such type of children, a group of investigators has been working for 9 years now, envolving aspects related to the Pediatry, Social Pediatry, Neuropediatry, Psychiatry, Otorhynolaringology, Ophtalmology and Odontology. In this study they are trying to envolve all the possible aspects on growth and development of children with lowbirth weight. In 189 children, 129 were followed during several years. Most of them were observed up to 5 years of age and few of them up to 9 years of age. The children were divided into three groups as follow: Group I-Children with weights under 1.750 g; Group II-Children with weights between 1.751 and 2.000 g; Group III-Children with weights over 2.001 g and under 2.500 g. The neurol-gical tests were done according to the used system at the Neurologic Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine (University of S\u00e3o Paulo). The present work starts with a general revision on the most important existent papers on the prematures neurological evolution. After presenting his own results, the authors make a correlaction of the neurologic evolution with the developmental quotient (DQ), which were gotten through Gesell's tests and its variations, in order to verify the existence of what is known as \"continuum of lesion\" of Knobloch and col.", "PMID": 985146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1380", "title": "An electrophysiological investigation of skeletal muscles in polymyositis.", "content": "An electrophysiological study has been made of the extensor digitorum brevis, thenar and hypothenar muscles in 25 patients with chronic and acute polymyositis. It was found a reduction of the number of functioning motor units in some patients with chronic polymyositis and only in one of those affected by acute polymyositis and only in one of those affected by acute polymyositis. The sizes of the surviving units suggested that the results could be explained in terms of a primary muscle involvement mainly in acute polymyositis, while in chronic polymyositis a combination of primary and neurogenic involvement of muscle fibers might take place.", "contents": "An electrophysiological investigation of skeletal muscles in polymyositis. An electrophysiological study has been made of the extensor digitorum brevis, thenar and hypothenar muscles in 25 patients with chronic and acute polymyositis. It was found a reduction of the number of functioning motor units in some patients with chronic polymyositis and only in one of those affected by acute polymyositis and only in one of those affected by acute polymyositis. The sizes of the surviving units suggested that the results could be explained in terms of a primary muscle involvement mainly in acute polymyositis, while in chronic polymyositis a combination of primary and neurogenic involvement of muscle fibers might take place.", "PMID": 985147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1381", "title": "The spectrum of myopathies in the city of S\u00e3o Paulo.", "content": "A review of all myopathic patients treated at the Neurologic Clinic of the Medical School of the University of S\u00e3o Paulo during the past 15 years is reported. A total of 466 cases were examined and distributed as follows: 56% of progressive muscular dystrophy; 31% of myasthenia gravis; 6% of polymyositis; 4% of myotonic dystrophy; and the remainder of several different diseases (central core disease, Kearn-syndrome, myotonia congenita, adynamia episodica hereditaria, diabetic myopathy and Eaton-Lambert syndrome). Enzymatic dosages, electromyography, muscle biopsy, electrocardiography and genetic counselling are also reported.", "contents": "The spectrum of myopathies in the city of S\u00e3o Paulo. A review of all myopathic patients treated at the Neurologic Clinic of the Medical School of the University of S\u00e3o Paulo during the past 15 years is reported. A total of 466 cases were examined and distributed as follows: 56% of progressive muscular dystrophy; 31% of myasthenia gravis; 6% of polymyositis; 4% of myotonic dystrophy; and the remainder of several different diseases (central core disease, Kearn-syndrome, myotonia congenita, adynamia episodica hereditaria, diabetic myopathy and Eaton-Lambert syndrome). Enzymatic dosages, electromyography, muscle biopsy, electrocardiography and genetic counselling are also reported.", "PMID": 985148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1382", "title": "[Considerations on low pressure hydrocephalus].", "content": "The physiopathological conditions of the normal pressure hydrocephalus syndrome are analysed. Within a group of 21 patients with clinical sintomathology pertaining this entity, only were 10 selected with a clinical, radiological and cisternografic indubitable diagnosis. It has been noticed that in spite of the stricked selection only a 50% of them have been beneficed by the application of a low pressure valve. Then, the hypothesis that the disease is a multicausal syndrome appears, which by an identical physiopathologic process produces or exhibits a similar clinical, radiological and cisternographic picture. Only those patients on whom the mechanical problem is solved would be beneficed by neurosurgery.", "contents": "[Considerations on low pressure hydrocephalus]. The physiopathological conditions of the normal pressure hydrocephalus syndrome are analysed. Within a group of 21 patients with clinical sintomathology pertaining this entity, only were 10 selected with a clinical, radiological and cisternografic indubitable diagnosis. It has been noticed that in spite of the stricked selection only a 50% of them have been beneficed by the application of a low pressure valve. Then, the hypothesis that the disease is a multicausal syndrome appears, which by an identical physiopathologic process produces or exhibits a similar clinical, radiological and cisternographic picture. Only those patients on whom the mechanical problem is solved would be beneficed by neurosurgery.", "PMID": 985149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1383", "title": "[Association of neuromotor retardation and chromosome lqH report of a case].", "content": "A case of neuromotor retardation in association with chromosome 1qh's reported. Chromosomes analysis of the patient and three relatives showed increased long arm on the n. degrees 1 chromosome, in all of them. However it is wmphasized that the clinical feautre could be secondary to various non genetics factors, also.", "contents": "[Association of neuromotor retardation and chromosome lqH report of a case]. A case of neuromotor retardation in association with chromosome 1qh's reported. Chromosomes analysis of the patient and three relatives showed increased long arm on the n. degrees 1 chromosome, in all of them. However it is wmphasized that the clinical feautre could be secondary to various non genetics factors, also.", "PMID": 985150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1384", "title": "[Werdnig-Hoffmann disease: report of two cases?].", "content": "Two cases of familial spinal muscular atrophy with onset in infancy are reported. The author makes an attempt to categorize them and concludes by Werdnig-Hoffmann disease.", "contents": "[Werdnig-Hoffmann disease: report of two cases?]. Two cases of familial spinal muscular atrophy with onset in infancy are reported. The author makes an attempt to categorize them and concludes by Werdnig-Hoffmann disease.", "PMID": 985151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1385", "title": "Adjuvant nitrosourea therapy for glioblastoma.", "content": "An attempt was made to evaluate the potential advantages of chemotherapy in the treatment of 62 patients with glioblastoma. Twenty-four of the 62 patients received adjuvant nitrosourea chemotherapy with carmustine (BCNU), lomustine (CCNU), or semustine (methyl CCCNU) in addition to surgery and radiotherapy. Thirty-three of the 62 patients were involved in a controlled, prospective, randomly allocated study. Quality or quantity of survival was not prolonged in patients who received chemotherapy. Age greater than 64 years, a severe postoperative neurological deficit, or the onset of symptoms less than 12 months prior to surgery were associated with a worse prognosis. The valid evaluation of the effect of a form of treatment on survival in patients with glioblastoma is contingent on the regorous avoidance of preselected factors that may predispose the treated group to a more favorable prognosis.", "contents": "Adjuvant nitrosourea therapy for glioblastoma. An attempt was made to evaluate the potential advantages of chemotherapy in the treatment of 62 patients with glioblastoma. Twenty-four of the 62 patients received adjuvant nitrosourea chemotherapy with carmustine (BCNU), lomustine (CCNU), or semustine (methyl CCCNU) in addition to surgery and radiotherapy. Thirty-three of the 62 patients were involved in a controlled, prospective, randomly allocated study. Quality or quantity of survival was not prolonged in patients who received chemotherapy. Age greater than 64 years, a severe postoperative neurological deficit, or the onset of symptoms less than 12 months prior to surgery were associated with a worse prognosis. The valid evaluation of the effect of a form of treatment on survival in patients with glioblastoma is contingent on the regorous avoidance of preselected factors that may predispose the treated group to a more favorable prognosis.", "PMID": 985152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1386", "title": "Thiamine triphosphate levels and histopathology. Correlation in Leigh disease.", "content": "Thiamine and thiamine triphosphate (TTP) values were assayed in various brain regions in 11 controls and 13 patients with subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy (SNE, Leigh disease). The TTP values of normal brain were 5% of the total thiamine value. The relative TTP (or % TTP) level was consistently low in the pons, midbrain, and cerebellum of all the SNE brains. Twenty-five percent of the SNE brains had normal TTP levels in the frontal region. The TTP values correlated with the degrees of pathologic involvement in all sampled regions of the brain except the cerebellum. The concentration of thiamine in the mammillary bodies exceeded its concentration elsewhere in both control and SNE brains. The finding of low TTP levels in morphologically abnormal regions supports the hypothesis that TTP deficiency is etiologically related to SNE.", "contents": "Thiamine triphosphate levels and histopathology. Correlation in Leigh disease. Thiamine and thiamine triphosphate (TTP) values were assayed in various brain regions in 11 controls and 13 patients with subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy (SNE, Leigh disease). The TTP values of normal brain were 5% of the total thiamine value. The relative TTP (or % TTP) level was consistently low in the pons, midbrain, and cerebellum of all the SNE brains. Twenty-five percent of the SNE brains had normal TTP levels in the frontal region. The TTP values correlated with the degrees of pathologic involvement in all sampled regions of the brain except the cerebellum. The concentration of thiamine in the mammillary bodies exceeded its concentration elsewhere in both control and SNE brains. The finding of low TTP levels in morphologically abnormal regions supports the hypothesis that TTP deficiency is etiologically related to SNE.", "PMID": 985153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1387", "title": "Fluorometric determination of pyruvate and alpha-ketoglutarate in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of infants and children. A simple test that screen for metabolic disorders.", "content": "Levels of pyruvate and alpha-ketoglutarate in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 26 children, aged 4 months to 5 1/2 years, with febrile seizures and of 19 children, aged 4 months to 14 years, with the diagnosis of epilepsy were not different from values seen in 119 \"normal\" children 8 days to 14 years of age. The CSF samples from 24 adults, 24 to 81 years of age, suspected of having a herniated disk were also examined. In the pediatric age group, the data showed a highly significant downward trend of CSF and plasma alpha-ketoglutarate values with age; pyruvate values did not change. A correlation of the values of the two keto acids in the blood and CSF of 42 other children without apparent neurologic disease was also made. Findings in a child with thiamine deficiency suggest that CSF alpha-ketoglutarate may be a more sensitive indicator of deficiency than plasma alpha-ketoglutarate or pyruvate. Measurements of these keto acids in plasma and CSF may be diagnostically useful in a variety of metabolic disorders. Findings in 155 children from birth (20 minutes) to 17 years of age without neurologic disease are submitted as a standard of reference.", "contents": "Fluorometric determination of pyruvate and alpha-ketoglutarate in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of infants and children. A simple test that screen for metabolic disorders. Levels of pyruvate and alpha-ketoglutarate in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 26 children, aged 4 months to 5 1/2 years, with febrile seizures and of 19 children, aged 4 months to 14 years, with the diagnosis of epilepsy were not different from values seen in 119 \"normal\" children 8 days to 14 years of age. The CSF samples from 24 adults, 24 to 81 years of age, suspected of having a herniated disk were also examined. In the pediatric age group, the data showed a highly significant downward trend of CSF and plasma alpha-ketoglutarate values with age; pyruvate values did not change. A correlation of the values of the two keto acids in the blood and CSF of 42 other children without apparent neurologic disease was also made. Findings in a child with thiamine deficiency suggest that CSF alpha-ketoglutarate may be a more sensitive indicator of deficiency than plasma alpha-ketoglutarate or pyruvate. Measurements of these keto acids in plasma and CSF may be diagnostically useful in a variety of metabolic disorders. Findings in 155 children from birth (20 minutes) to 17 years of age without neurologic disease are submitted as a standard of reference.", "PMID": 985154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1388", "title": "Hypersomnia with periodic apneas in acquired micrognathia. A bird-like face syndrome.", "content": "We describe a syndrome characterized by acquired micrognathia, hypersomnia, and periodic apneas during sleep. Six patients affected with the syndrome underwent nocturnal and diurnal polygraphic recordings that demonstrated that during sleep there is an uninterrupted succession of apneas, primarily the obstructive type, analogous to those observed in Pickwickian syndrome. Simultaneous recording of pulmonary and systemic arterial pressure during sleep and repeated blood gas analyses have shown that as soon as the apneas appear there is a decisive increase in pulmonary and systemic pressure and serious alveolar hypoventilation. The hemodynamic and ventilatory changes are even more intense during rapid eye movement sleep. Tracheostomy, performed on five of our patients, is the only treatment producing complete clinical remission of the syndrome.", "contents": "Hypersomnia with periodic apneas in acquired micrognathia. A bird-like face syndrome. We describe a syndrome characterized by acquired micrognathia, hypersomnia, and periodic apneas during sleep. Six patients affected with the syndrome underwent nocturnal and diurnal polygraphic recordings that demonstrated that during sleep there is an uninterrupted succession of apneas, primarily the obstructive type, analogous to those observed in Pickwickian syndrome. Simultaneous recording of pulmonary and systemic arterial pressure during sleep and repeated blood gas analyses have shown that as soon as the apneas appear there is a decisive increase in pulmonary and systemic pressure and serious alveolar hypoventilation. The hemodynamic and ventilatory changes are even more intense during rapid eye movement sleep. Tracheostomy, performed on five of our patients, is the only treatment producing complete clinical remission of the syndrome.", "PMID": 985155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1389", "title": "Cerebral ischemic events associated with prolapsing mitral valve.", "content": "Twelve patients who had no evidence of arteriosclerotic cerebral vascular disease, lacked hypertension or coagulation defect, and had not been receiving contraceptive therapy had recurrent transient cerebral ischemic attacks (TIAs) and partial nonprogressive strokes. All had prolapsing mitral valve proved by angiocardiography. The average age was 38 years, compared with 62 years in a larger series of patients with TIA associated with arteriosclerosis. We propose that the ischemic events are related to emboli emanating from the abnormal mitral valve with or without an associated paroxysmal cardiac arrhythmia.", "contents": "Cerebral ischemic events associated with prolapsing mitral valve. Twelve patients who had no evidence of arteriosclerotic cerebral vascular disease, lacked hypertension or coagulation defect, and had not been receiving contraceptive therapy had recurrent transient cerebral ischemic attacks (TIAs) and partial nonprogressive strokes. All had prolapsing mitral valve proved by angiocardiography. The average age was 38 years, compared with 62 years in a larger series of patients with TIA associated with arteriosclerosis. We propose that the ischemic events are related to emboli emanating from the abnormal mitral valve with or without an associated paroxysmal cardiac arrhythmia.", "PMID": 985156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1390", "title": "Medullary actions of tetanus toxin. An electrophysiological study in man.", "content": "Brain-stem reflexes have been studied in four patients with generalized tetanus. Inhibitory cutaneous reflexes were abolished or severely depressed. The same held true, to a lesser degree, for excitatory cutaneous reflexes with long polysynaptic pathways. Proprioceptive reflexes behaved variably. The observations are discussed in regard to the possible sources of enhanced motoneuronal activity in tetanus. It is concluded that, besides depression of inhibitory synapses on motoneurons, interneuronal damage may contribute to the tetanus symptomatology.", "contents": "Medullary actions of tetanus toxin. An electrophysiological study in man. Brain-stem reflexes have been studied in four patients with generalized tetanus. Inhibitory cutaneous reflexes were abolished or severely depressed. The same held true, to a lesser degree, for excitatory cutaneous reflexes with long polysynaptic pathways. Proprioceptive reflexes behaved variably. The observations are discussed in regard to the possible sources of enhanced motoneuronal activity in tetanus. It is concluded that, besides depression of inhibitory synapses on motoneurons, interneuronal damage may contribute to the tetanus symptomatology.", "PMID": 985157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1391", "title": "Postradiation motor neuron syndrome.", "content": "We report an unusual case of selective lower motor neuron syndrome (MNS) complicating whole neuraxis radiation therapy. Only three well-documented similar cases have been found in a thorough review of the literature. The syndrome has a stereotyped time course and is self-limited. We discuss here possible pathogenetic mechanisms and their relationship to motor neuron disease.", "contents": "Postradiation motor neuron syndrome. We report an unusual case of selective lower motor neuron syndrome (MNS) complicating whole neuraxis radiation therapy. Only three well-documented similar cases have been found in a thorough review of the literature. The syndrome has a stereotyped time course and is self-limited. We discuss here possible pathogenetic mechanisms and their relationship to motor neuron disease.", "PMID": 985158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1392", "title": "Mercury poisoning in a dentist.", "content": "We examined a dentist with chronic elemental mercury poisoning electrophysiologically. Motor conduction in the upper and lower limbs was normal. Sensory nerve action potentials in the ulnar and median nerves were normal, but could not be elicited in the superfical peroneal nerves. Conduction velocity of the sural nerves was normal, but the action potential amplitude was abnormal. Following treatment with penicillamine, sensory conductions in the lower limbs returned to normal.", "contents": "Mercury poisoning in a dentist. We examined a dentist with chronic elemental mercury poisoning electrophysiologically. Motor conduction in the upper and lower limbs was normal. Sensory nerve action potentials in the ulnar and median nerves were normal, but could not be elicited in the superfical peroneal nerves. Conduction velocity of the sural nerves was normal, but the action potential amplitude was abnormal. Following treatment with penicillamine, sensory conductions in the lower limbs returned to normal.", "PMID": 985159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1393", "title": "The effect of acidosis in hypokalemic periodic paralysis.", "content": "Metabolic acidosis was produced in two patients with hypokalemic periodic paralysis by the administration of ammonium chloride over a period of three days. The challenging test of glucose and insulin produced a substantially smaller reduction of both serum potassium concentration and muscle strength than when the patients were tested in normal acid-base balance. The findings agree with earlier work on acetazolamide, suggesting that metabolic acidosis provides protection against episodes of muscle weakness in periodic paralysis.", "contents": "The effect of acidosis in hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Metabolic acidosis was produced in two patients with hypokalemic periodic paralysis by the administration of ammonium chloride over a period of three days. The challenging test of glucose and insulin produced a substantially smaller reduction of both serum potassium concentration and muscle strength than when the patients were tested in normal acid-base balance. The findings agree with earlier work on acetazolamide, suggesting that metabolic acidosis provides protection against episodes of muscle weakness in periodic paralysis.", "PMID": 985160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1394", "title": "X-linked ocular albinism. An oculocutaneous macromelanosomal disorder.", "content": "Three unrelated kindreds with the Nettleship-Falls type of X-linked ocular albinism were studied. Postmortem examination of the eyes of an affected man revealed the presence of macromelanosomes in the pigment epithelia. Skin biopsy specimens of this patient, seven other affected male, and nine carrier female kindred members revealed the presence of Fontana-positive and dopa oxidase-positive macromelanosomes within the epidermis and dermis. Although clinically this disorder has been considered to be a form of albinism confined to the eyes, these findings indicate that an unusual disturbance in melanosome production characterized by macromelanosome formation affects the skin and the eyes. Histopathologic study of the skin is a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of X-linked ocular albinism, both in the affected and the carrier states. Linkage studies confirmed the close association of the Xg blood group with this disorder.", "contents": "X-linked ocular albinism. An oculocutaneous macromelanosomal disorder. Three unrelated kindreds with the Nettleship-Falls type of X-linked ocular albinism were studied. Postmortem examination of the eyes of an affected man revealed the presence of macromelanosomes in the pigment epithelia. Skin biopsy specimens of this patient, seven other affected male, and nine carrier female kindred members revealed the presence of Fontana-positive and dopa oxidase-positive macromelanosomes within the epidermis and dermis. Although clinically this disorder has been considered to be a form of albinism confined to the eyes, these findings indicate that an unusual disturbance in melanosome production characterized by macromelanosome formation affects the skin and the eyes. Histopathologic study of the skin is a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of X-linked ocular albinism, both in the affected and the carrier states. Linkage studies confirmed the close association of the Xg blood group with this disorder.", "PMID": 985163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1395", "title": "Platelet function, blood coagulability, and fibrinolysis in patients with low tension glaucoma.", "content": "Platelet function in vitro and in vivo and certain measurements of blood coagulability and fibrinolysis were examined in 12 patients with low tension glaucoma and the results were compared with those obtained in 12 normal subjects matched for age, race, and sex. The data obtained seem to indicate that patients with low tension glaucoma cannot be readily distinguished from individuals of similar age and sex not afflicted with this disorder by measuring these variables. Thus, a \"hypercoagulable state,\" ie, a thrombotic tendency, does not appear to be of major importance in the pathogenesis of this disorder.", "contents": "Platelet function, blood coagulability, and fibrinolysis in patients with low tension glaucoma. Platelet function in vitro and in vivo and certain measurements of blood coagulability and fibrinolysis were examined in 12 patients with low tension glaucoma and the results were compared with those obtained in 12 normal subjects matched for age, race, and sex. The data obtained seem to indicate that patients with low tension glaucoma cannot be readily distinguished from individuals of similar age and sex not afflicted with this disorder by measuring these variables. Thus, a \"hypercoagulable state,\" ie, a thrombotic tendency, does not appear to be of major importance in the pathogenesis of this disorder.", "PMID": 985164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1396", "title": "Past pointing in comitant strabismus.", "content": "Faulty egocentric localization or \"past pointing\" has been reported in the literature only in association with paralysis or paresis of extraocular muscles, or mechanical restrictions of the globe. A case of past pointing associated with comitant strabismus, without evidence of extraocular muscle paralysis, paresis, or restriction is presented. This is believed to be the first reported case of past pointing in a patient with a comitant deviation.", "contents": "Past pointing in comitant strabismus. Faulty egocentric localization or \"past pointing\" has been reported in the literature only in association with paralysis or paresis of extraocular muscles, or mechanical restrictions of the globe. A case of past pointing associated with comitant strabismus, without evidence of extraocular muscle paralysis, paresis, or restriction is presented. This is believed to be the first reported case of past pointing in a patient with a comitant deviation.", "PMID": 985165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1397", "title": "Acute dacryocystic retention.", "content": "Acute dacryocystic retention is a disease of adults under 50 years old due to a noninfective foreign body blocking the nasolacrimal duct. It is characterized by the sudden onset of severe unilateral facial pain without significant localized swelling or erythema. Palpation of the involved lacrimal sac reveals slight induration and marked tenderness. Percutaneous aspiration of lacrimal sac contents, followed by probing of the nasolacrimal duct, is usually curative.", "contents": "Acute dacryocystic retention. Acute dacryocystic retention is a disease of adults under 50 years old due to a noninfective foreign body blocking the nasolacrimal duct. It is characterized by the sudden onset of severe unilateral facial pain without significant localized swelling or erythema. Palpation of the involved lacrimal sac reveals slight induration and marked tenderness. Percutaneous aspiration of lacrimal sac contents, followed by probing of the nasolacrimal duct, is usually curative.", "PMID": 985166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1398", "title": "Sympathetic pupillary tone in old age.", "content": "In an attempt to determine whether autonomic neural factors might be involved in senile miosis, we tested pupillary responses to agents acting on the ocular sympathetic system in old subjects and compared them to responses in young adults. Our results suggest that sympathetic tone is decreased in the elderly. The dilator pupillae muscle does not lose its sensitivity to norepinephrine with age.", "contents": "Sympathetic pupillary tone in old age. In an attempt to determine whether autonomic neural factors might be involved in senile miosis, we tested pupillary responses to agents acting on the ocular sympathetic system in old subjects and compared them to responses in young adults. Our results suggest that sympathetic tone is decreased in the elderly. The dilator pupillae muscle does not lose its sensitivity to norepinephrine with age.", "PMID": 985167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1399", "title": "An unusual case of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium.", "content": "Photographic documentation of enlargement of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium is shown in a 42-year-old white woman. No other reports of enlargement have been made and previous articles have stated that these lesions do not grow.", "contents": "An unusual case of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. Photographic documentation of enlargement of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium is shown in a 42-year-old white woman. No other reports of enlargement have been made and previous articles have stated that these lesions do not grow.", "PMID": 985168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1400", "title": "Accommodative esotropia during the first year of life.", "content": "Two infants developed accommodative esotropia during their first six months of life. One infant, whose age at onset was 4 1/2 months, had 4.50 diopters of hyperopia. The second infant, whose age at onset was 5 months, had 3.50 diopters of hyperopia. In both infants, the eyes completely aligned with hyperopic correction. Two points are stressed. First, when the amount of hyperopia exceeds +3.00, consideration should be given to an accommodative element as the cause of the esotropia, even if the child is only 4 to 6 months old. Second, even with small angles of esotropia, an accommodative element should be considered, if there is a substantial amount of hyperopia.", "contents": "Accommodative esotropia during the first year of life. Two infants developed accommodative esotropia during their first six months of life. One infant, whose age at onset was 4 1/2 months, had 4.50 diopters of hyperopia. The second infant, whose age at onset was 5 months, had 3.50 diopters of hyperopia. In both infants, the eyes completely aligned with hyperopic correction. Two points are stressed. First, when the amount of hyperopia exceeds +3.00, consideration should be given to an accommodative element as the cause of the esotropia, even if the child is only 4 to 6 months old. Second, even with small angles of esotropia, an accommodative element should be considered, if there is a substantial amount of hyperopia.", "PMID": 985169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1401", "title": "Ectopic meningioma of the superior orbital rim.", "content": "An ectopic meningioma occurred on the upper orbital rim in a 33-year-old man. Removal of this tumor was difficult because of its wood-like consistency and numerous calcifications, but excision led to a good cosmetic and functional result.", "contents": "Ectopic meningioma of the superior orbital rim. An ectopic meningioma occurred on the upper orbital rim in a 33-year-old man. Removal of this tumor was difficult because of its wood-like consistency and numerous calcifications, but excision led to a good cosmetic and functional result.", "PMID": 985170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1402", "title": "Cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome of Zellweger. Ocular histopathologic findings.", "content": "An infant who was the product of a full-term pregnancy was born with multiple congenital defects, including diffuse bilateral corneal opacification. He failed to thrive and died at the age of 4 days. Autopsy findings were consistent with those seen in the cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome. Histopathologic examination of both eyes, obtained at autopsy, demonstrated similar changes. The main pathologic findings in the anterior segment were bilateral, diffuse corneal edema associated with paracentral iridocorneal adhesions and focal attenuation of Descemet membrane. Both retinas disclosed a selective degeneration of the outer nuclear layers and photoreceptors, confined mainly to the macular region. Atrophy of the optic disc and nerve, with reactive gliosis and demyelination, were consistent with findings in the central nervous system described in this syndrome.", "contents": "Cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome of Zellweger. Ocular histopathologic findings. An infant who was the product of a full-term pregnancy was born with multiple congenital defects, including diffuse bilateral corneal opacification. He failed to thrive and died at the age of 4 days. Autopsy findings were consistent with those seen in the cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome. Histopathologic examination of both eyes, obtained at autopsy, demonstrated similar changes. The main pathologic findings in the anterior segment were bilateral, diffuse corneal edema associated with paracentral iridocorneal adhesions and focal attenuation of Descemet membrane. Both retinas disclosed a selective degeneration of the outer nuclear layers and photoreceptors, confined mainly to the macular region. Atrophy of the optic disc and nerve, with reactive gliosis and demyelination, were consistent with findings in the central nervous system described in this syndrome.", "PMID": 985171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1403", "title": "Endothelialization of filtering bleb in iris nevus syndrome.", "content": "Late failure of a filtering cicatrix occurred in a patient who had had surgery to control the glaucoma associated with the iris nevus syndrome (Cogan-Reese). The internal surface of the filtration site, as well as the anterior chamber angle, proved to be lined by corneal endothelium that had laid down a new, thick basement membrane (Descemet). The new endothelium-basement membrane probably obstructed the flow of aqueous into the bleb. Endothelialization of a filtering bleb is not unique to the iris nevus syndrome; other causes are discussed.", "contents": "Endothelialization of filtering bleb in iris nevus syndrome. Late failure of a filtering cicatrix occurred in a patient who had had surgery to control the glaucoma associated with the iris nevus syndrome (Cogan-Reese). The internal surface of the filtration site, as well as the anterior chamber angle, proved to be lined by corneal endothelium that had laid down a new, thick basement membrane (Descemet). The new endothelium-basement membrane probably obstructed the flow of aqueous into the bleb. Endothelialization of a filtering bleb is not unique to the iris nevus syndrome; other causes are discussed.", "PMID": 985172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1404", "title": "Differential reactivity of rabbit iris and ciliary process to topically applied prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone).", "content": "The topical application of prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) is followed by massive swelling of the ciliary process, leading to substantial leakage of marker dye into the posterior chamber and directly into the region of the iris, where the primary ciliary processes insert. In contrast, blood vessels of the iris proper retain most of their normal barrier quality and do not leak Evans blue dye. The adrenergic innervation of the anterior segment remains normal in density and in quality after the topical application of PGE.", "contents": "Differential reactivity of rabbit iris and ciliary process to topically applied prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone). The topical application of prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) is followed by massive swelling of the ciliary process, leading to substantial leakage of marker dye into the posterior chamber and directly into the region of the iris, where the primary ciliary processes insert. In contrast, blood vessels of the iris proper retain most of their normal barrier quality and do not leak Evans blue dye. The adrenergic innervation of the anterior segment remains normal in density and in quality after the topical application of PGE.", "PMID": 985173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1405", "title": "Tomographic measurements of in vivo cataracts by slit-lamp photography.", "content": "A practical method for detecting in vivo cataracts has been developed using a commercially available slit-lamp camera and by utilizing a measuring grid photographic technique. The basis of the method is to photograph a series of slit-beam sections through a lens at varying angles to the optic axis. The areas of opacity show up as localized regions of light back-scatter where the opacities intersect the path of the beam. A set of measuring grids compensated for angle distortion have been prepared. These are superimposed on the appropriate photograph. By taking a sufficient number of sections through a cataractous lens, a tomographic representation of the opacities can be constructed using a lens map. An example of the procedure of three-dimensional mapping is presented using actual lens pictures. The photographic parameters used in this method are explained in detail. The method achieves the goals of ease of use, reproducibility, and applicability to research and clinical studies.", "contents": "Tomographic measurements of in vivo cataracts by slit-lamp photography. A practical method for detecting in vivo cataracts has been developed using a commercially available slit-lamp camera and by utilizing a measuring grid photographic technique. The basis of the method is to photograph a series of slit-beam sections through a lens at varying angles to the optic axis. The areas of opacity show up as localized regions of light back-scatter where the opacities intersect the path of the beam. A set of measuring grids compensated for angle distortion have been prepared. These are superimposed on the appropriate photograph. By taking a sufficient number of sections through a cataractous lens, a tomographic representation of the opacities can be constructed using a lens map. An example of the procedure of three-dimensional mapping is presented using actual lens pictures. The photographic parameters used in this method are explained in detail. The method achieves the goals of ease of use, reproducibility, and applicability to research and clinical studies.", "PMID": 985174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1406", "title": "Simplified photogrammetry of the optic disc.", "content": "Simplified photogrammetry of the optic disc depends on axis-correct fundus photography. The evaluation can be initiated by a time-based method of photogrammetry that proves presence or absence of change of the object. The degree of change can be simply measured by a telemetric device that permits one to evaluate the third dimension from stereophotographs.", "contents": "Simplified photogrammetry of the optic disc. Simplified photogrammetry of the optic disc depends on axis-correct fundus photography. The evaluation can be initiated by a time-based method of photogrammetry that proves presence or absence of change of the object. The degree of change can be simply measured by a telemetric device that permits one to evaluate the third dimension from stereophotographs.", "PMID": 985175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1407", "title": "[\"Zuggurtungs\"-hip joint endoprosthesis (author's transl)].", "content": "On the basis of theoretical and experimental investigations to the problem of endoprosthetic replacement of the hip joint and the forces concerning the anchorage of the prosthesis a new model of prosthesis was developed and realized for practical use. In this paper this new \"Zuggurtungs-H\u00fcftendoprothese\" and the biomechanical principles are described in detail. The biomechanically derived postulations realized in the new prosthesis which are of primary importance to avoid the mechanical complications of loosening and breaking of the prosthesis are also decisive when optimal materials are used. They allow the implantation without bone cement by the primary acievable stable anchorage.", "contents": "[\"Zuggurtungs\"-hip joint endoprosthesis (author's transl)]. On the basis of theoretical and experimental investigations to the problem of endoprosthetic replacement of the hip joint and the forces concerning the anchorage of the prosthesis a new model of prosthesis was developed and realized for practical use. In this paper this new \"Zuggurtungs-H\u00fcftendoprothese\" and the biomechanical principles are described in detail. The biomechanically derived postulations realized in the new prosthesis which are of primary importance to avoid the mechanical complications of loosening and breaking of the prosthesis are also decisive when optimal materials are used. They allow the implantation without bone cement by the primary acievable stable anchorage.", "PMID": 985177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1408", "title": "[Studies on the surface and new joint capsule of McKee-Farrar prosthesis implanted for several years (author's transl)].", "content": "These studies are intended as a critical contribution to the question, wether the McKee-Farrar (MF) prosthesis, on account of its stronger friction and the consequences of this, as compared to other models, still has its justification or wether these \"secundary\" manifestations indicate that this prosthesis should be abandoned. Studies on primary and secundary alteration of the surface were carried out on exchanged MF prosthesis with the aid of the grid electron microscope. The signs of wear are clearly visible and can be differenciated from production artefacts. The movement and deposit of abraded particles into the new joint capsule was studied qualitatively and quantitatively with the aid of radioisotopes. All samples showed an increased accumulation of chrome in the tissues as compared to cobalt. There is no indication of significant damage. On the basis of the results of these studies and on account of the favourable personal experience from a surgical and clinical point of view -- particulary with reference to minimal preparation of the acetabulum and ready replacement, the MF prosthesis will continue to hold its place as the standard model for total prosthetic hip joint replacement.", "contents": "[Studies on the surface and new joint capsule of McKee-Farrar prosthesis implanted for several years (author's transl)]. These studies are intended as a critical contribution to the question, wether the McKee-Farrar (MF) prosthesis, on account of its stronger friction and the consequences of this, as compared to other models, still has its justification or wether these \"secundary\" manifestations indicate that this prosthesis should be abandoned. Studies on primary and secundary alteration of the surface were carried out on exchanged MF prosthesis with the aid of the grid electron microscope. The signs of wear are clearly visible and can be differenciated from production artefacts. The movement and deposit of abraded particles into the new joint capsule was studied qualitatively and quantitatively with the aid of radioisotopes. All samples showed an increased accumulation of chrome in the tissues as compared to cobalt. There is no indication of significant damage. On the basis of the results of these studies and on account of the favourable personal experience from a surgical and clinical point of view -- particulary with reference to minimal preparation of the acetabulum and ready replacement, the MF prosthesis will continue to hold its place as the standard model for total prosthetic hip joint replacement.", "PMID": 985178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1409", "title": "[Total hip replacement with isoelastic prosthesis in animals (author's transl)].", "content": "Uncemented fixation and low-fraction materials are the basis of this experiment. Plastics with an elasticity similar to the bone (\"isoelasticity\") show very propitious material qualities. The direct cementless incorporation of test bodies must be checked. In 63 sheep isoelastic total hip joints were implanted. After 2 till 51 weeks the animals were sacrificed and 44 specimen of hips and organs were explored macroscopically, radiologically, spherimetrically and histologically. The result was: 1. Plastic hip prosthesis are incorporated in the bone, but the boundary layer is built by a collagenous fiber tissue. 2. Loosening brings resoption of the bone and expansion of the structural changed soft tissue. 3. The transformation of the femoral cortex to osteoporosis is considered possibly as the consequence of an insufficient biological transfer of the weight. 4. Fractures of the femoral prosthesis-stem could not be observed. 5. The radiology allows at the pelvis prosthesis a concret statement concerning stability, on the femoral part a probable one. 6. The abrasion is minimal, the tissue reaction to abrasion products is unessential. 7. Small abrasion particles are carried of by the lymph tract and stored in the first regional gland. A more distant spreading is not demonstrable.", "contents": "[Total hip replacement with isoelastic prosthesis in animals (author's transl)]. Uncemented fixation and low-fraction materials are the basis of this experiment. Plastics with an elasticity similar to the bone (\"isoelasticity\") show very propitious material qualities. The direct cementless incorporation of test bodies must be checked. In 63 sheep isoelastic total hip joints were implanted. After 2 till 51 weeks the animals were sacrificed and 44 specimen of hips and organs were explored macroscopically, radiologically, spherimetrically and histologically. The result was: 1. Plastic hip prosthesis are incorporated in the bone, but the boundary layer is built by a collagenous fiber tissue. 2. Loosening brings resoption of the bone and expansion of the structural changed soft tissue. 3. The transformation of the femoral cortex to osteoporosis is considered possibly as the consequence of an insufficient biological transfer of the weight. 4. Fractures of the femoral prosthesis-stem could not be observed. 5. The radiology allows at the pelvis prosthesis a concret statement concerning stability, on the femoral part a probable one. 6. The abrasion is minimal, the tissue reaction to abrasion products is unessential. 7. Small abrasion particles are carried of by the lymph tract and stored in the first regional gland. A more distant spreading is not demonstrable.", "PMID": 985179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1410", "title": "[Problems and results of Arthroplasty of the Knee Joint].", "content": "Since 1970 43 total knee arthroplasties were performed and the results of 34 operations reviewed. The average follow-up period was 2.4 years with a minimum of 6 months. We used 2 McIntosh, 8 Sledge, 9 Shiers, 8 Guepar, 3 Geomedic, 4 GSB prosthesis. The clinical results were very good in 56.2%. The failure and the high rate of loosening of the Shiers-Joint are stressed.", "contents": "[Problems and results of Arthroplasty of the Knee Joint]. Since 1970 43 total knee arthroplasties were performed and the results of 34 operations reviewed. The average follow-up period was 2.4 years with a minimum of 6 months. We used 2 McIntosh, 8 Sledge, 9 Shiers, 8 Guepar, 3 Geomedic, 4 GSB prosthesis. The clinical results were very good in 56.2%. The failure and the high rate of loosening of the Shiers-Joint are stressed.", "PMID": 985180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1411", "title": "[Silent hip dysplasias (author's transl)].", "content": "Clinical and X-ray examinations for hip dysplasias in 500 babies in one ward showed 40% wrongly positive and 5.6% wrongly negativ (silent or masked) results, control of which necessiates roentgenograms in the second or third month or coltrolled spreading immediately after birth.", "contents": "[Silent hip dysplasias (author's transl)]. Clinical and X-ray examinations for hip dysplasias in 500 babies in one ward showed 40% wrongly positive and 5.6% wrongly negativ (silent or masked) results, control of which necessiates roentgenograms in the second or third month or coltrolled spreading immediately after birth.", "PMID": 985181} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1412", "title": "[Osseous bridging of the distraction gap in leg lengthening procedures (author's transl)].", "content": "The bony refill of the distraction-space in leg-lengthening operations is analysed by X-ray control and histological technic as well in animal experiments as clinical patients. Based on our observations a theory of the formation of bone is postulated: We figured out, that a) presumable besides the periosteal potentials of bone formation there are also other active mechanisms of bone growth to be found. b) frequently histological recognised formations of bones cannot yet be proved by X-ray, that means, that the X-ray changes follow the histological ones. c) optimal formation of callus needs most possible stability during the time of consolidation. d) most careful distraction prevents deformities.", "contents": "[Osseous bridging of the distraction gap in leg lengthening procedures (author's transl)]. The bony refill of the distraction-space in leg-lengthening operations is analysed by X-ray control and histological technic as well in animal experiments as clinical patients. Based on our observations a theory of the formation of bone is postulated: We figured out, that a) presumable besides the periosteal potentials of bone formation there are also other active mechanisms of bone growth to be found. b) frequently histological recognised formations of bones cannot yet be proved by X-ray, that means, that the X-ray changes follow the histological ones. c) optimal formation of callus needs most possible stability during the time of consolidation. d) most careful distraction prevents deformities.", "PMID": 985182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1413", "title": "[Wrist stabilization (author's transl)].", "content": "Based on our series of 48 wrist stabilization, the operative procedure and our modifications are described and the limits of this procedure discussed.", "contents": "[Wrist stabilization (author's transl)]. Based on our series of 48 wrist stabilization, the operative procedure and our modifications are described and the limits of this procedure discussed.", "PMID": 985183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1414", "title": "[Influence of age of the recipient on 85Sr uptake of tibia transplants in mice (author's transl)].", "content": "The 85Sr retention of syngeneic and allogeneic tibia grafts taken from 16-day-old mice was investigated using recipients of 16 days, 12 weeks and 1 year of age. 85Sr retentions of syngeneic grafts of the tibia were generally higher than those of allogeneic ones. Additionally, there was in all grafts an increased 85Sr uptake with increasing age of the recipients. Simultaneously an increased excretion of 85Sr was observed in the older recipients. This finding may be explained by the decreasing uptake of 85Sr by the whole skeleton of the older recipients, which was recorded by the decreasing 85Sr uptake of recipient tibiae, leaving more 85Sr in the common pool to be taken up by the grafts or to be excreted. However, the proportion of 85Sr uptake of syngeneic and allogeneic grafts was also changed with age of the recipients, leading to a decrease of the ratio 85Sr in syngeneic grafts versus 85Sr in allogeneic grafts of older recipients. This points to a decrease of the immunological response with increasing age of the recipients.", "contents": "[Influence of age of the recipient on 85Sr uptake of tibia transplants in mice (author's transl)]. The 85Sr retention of syngeneic and allogeneic tibia grafts taken from 16-day-old mice was investigated using recipients of 16 days, 12 weeks and 1 year of age. 85Sr retentions of syngeneic grafts of the tibia were generally higher than those of allogeneic ones. Additionally, there was in all grafts an increased 85Sr uptake with increasing age of the recipients. Simultaneously an increased excretion of 85Sr was observed in the older recipients. This finding may be explained by the decreasing uptake of 85Sr by the whole skeleton of the older recipients, which was recorded by the decreasing 85Sr uptake of recipient tibiae, leaving more 85Sr in the common pool to be taken up by the grafts or to be excreted. However, the proportion of 85Sr uptake of syngeneic and allogeneic grafts was also changed with age of the recipients, leading to a decrease of the ratio 85Sr in syngeneic grafts versus 85Sr in allogeneic grafts of older recipients. This points to a decrease of the immunological response with increasing age of the recipients.", "PMID": 985184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1415", "title": "[Symptomatology in osteoarthrosis of the hip (author's transl)].", "content": "The pain symptom is examined in 91 hospitalized patients with osteoarthrosis of the hip. The impaired hipfunction, as determined by hip-rotation is compared to the severity of the arthrosis as determined by X-ray. Elected severe cases are contrasted as to their symptoms with patients suffering from still mild osteoarthrosis of the hip. Both groups consisted only of patients in whom the clinical severity grade conformed with the results of the X-ray. The differences between both groups are worked out.", "contents": "[Symptomatology in osteoarthrosis of the hip (author's transl)]. The pain symptom is examined in 91 hospitalized patients with osteoarthrosis of the hip. The impaired hipfunction, as determined by hip-rotation is compared to the severity of the arthrosis as determined by X-ray. Elected severe cases are contrasted as to their symptoms with patients suffering from still mild osteoarthrosis of the hip. Both groups consisted only of patients in whom the clinical severity grade conformed with the results of the X-ray. The differences between both groups are worked out.", "PMID": 985185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1416", "title": "[The operative treatment of recurrent and simple traumatic dislocations of the elbow by the method of Osborne and Cotterill (author's transl)].", "content": "The essential pathological defect causing dislocation of the elbow is failure of the postero-lateral ligamentous and capsular structures. A pocket of the capsule is created into which the head of the radius is received as it slides off its articulation with the humerus. Damage to the osteochondral surface of the radius and capitulum humeri is often significant in recurrent and also simple traumatic dislocations of the elbow joint. An osteochondral fracture may occur in simple dislocation happening but once and predispose for recurrent dislocation. For treatment of recurrent dislocation we prefer the simple method of Osborne and Cotterill because in our opinion it attacks the essential lesion. More complicated techniques such as bone blocks or tendon transfers, are believed to be less effective and unnecessary. Four patients with recurrent dislocation of the elbow joint were treated successfully by this method, based on an follow-ups of from 2 to 4 years. Encouraged by the results we transferred the method to the treatment of simple traumatic dislocations in 10 patients. A follow-up of these patients has shown that an early operation will give satisfactory functional results. In the meanwhile the method of Osborne and Cotterill has become a standard technique for the treatment of osteochondrosis dissecans too by the authors.", "contents": "[The operative treatment of recurrent and simple traumatic dislocations of the elbow by the method of Osborne and Cotterill (author's transl)]. The essential pathological defect causing dislocation of the elbow is failure of the postero-lateral ligamentous and capsular structures. A pocket of the capsule is created into which the head of the radius is received as it slides off its articulation with the humerus. Damage to the osteochondral surface of the radius and capitulum humeri is often significant in recurrent and also simple traumatic dislocations of the elbow joint. An osteochondral fracture may occur in simple dislocation happening but once and predispose for recurrent dislocation. For treatment of recurrent dislocation we prefer the simple method of Osborne and Cotterill because in our opinion it attacks the essential lesion. More complicated techniques such as bone blocks or tendon transfers, are believed to be less effective and unnecessary. Four patients with recurrent dislocation of the elbow joint were treated successfully by this method, based on an follow-ups of from 2 to 4 years. Encouraged by the results we transferred the method to the treatment of simple traumatic dislocations in 10 patients. A follow-up of these patients has shown that an early operation will give satisfactory functional results. In the meanwhile the method of Osborne and Cotterill has become a standard technique for the treatment of osteochondrosis dissecans too by the authors.", "PMID": 985186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1417", "title": "[Data on the pathogenesis of solitary juvenile bone cysts (author's transl)].", "content": "On the basis of the histologic analysis of 45 solitary (juvenile) bone-cysts the author reveals new aspects of the pathogenesis. I. Data on sex-age-localisation are referred to. II. Due to the hemosiderosis regularly manifesting itself in the loose connective tissue layer lining the cyst and owing to the similarity to the liquified hematomas to be found elsewhere in the organism, as well as on the basis of the specific blood-supply conditions of the spongiosa of the increasing metaphysis the author presumes the intramedullary hemorrhage--possibly occurring also without fracture--to be the primary change. III. In the lining layer of the cyst, as well as in the adjacent bony tissue the author frequently observed capillary stase and to a considerable degree lymphedemas (resorption insufficiency). On the basis of these data the author presumes that the following mechanism might be hold responsible for the persisting of the cyst: The congestive (anoxic) wall of the capillary gets permeable for the proteins. Hence the fluid of high protein content, filling the cyst is constantly replaced. It is emphasized that solely the lymphatic vessels are apt to convey proteins. On the basis, however, of the histologic phenomena (lymphedema) observed, the pericystic lymphatic system is in the stage of relative insufficiency.", "contents": "[Data on the pathogenesis of solitary juvenile bone cysts (author's transl)]. On the basis of the histologic analysis of 45 solitary (juvenile) bone-cysts the author reveals new aspects of the pathogenesis. I. Data on sex-age-localisation are referred to. II. Due to the hemosiderosis regularly manifesting itself in the loose connective tissue layer lining the cyst and owing to the similarity to the liquified hematomas to be found elsewhere in the organism, as well as on the basis of the specific blood-supply conditions of the spongiosa of the increasing metaphysis the author presumes the intramedullary hemorrhage--possibly occurring also without fracture--to be the primary change. III. In the lining layer of the cyst, as well as in the adjacent bony tissue the author frequently observed capillary stase and to a considerable degree lymphedemas (resorption insufficiency). On the basis of these data the author presumes that the following mechanism might be hold responsible for the persisting of the cyst: The congestive (anoxic) wall of the capillary gets permeable for the proteins. Hence the fluid of high protein content, filling the cyst is constantly replaced. It is emphasized that solely the lymphatic vessels are apt to convey proteins. On the basis, however, of the histologic phenomena (lymphedema) observed, the pericystic lymphatic system is in the stage of relative insufficiency.", "PMID": 985187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1418", "title": "[Biomechanics of human tendons: connection between stress relaxation and stress recovery (author's transl)].", "content": "108 tendons of the m. extensor hallucis longus were examined with a tensile testing machine within 36 h after death. The specimen were kept at a resting length of 20 mm. After the \"steady state\" was reached by cyclic loading, the tendons were stretched up to a maximum load of 18 kp, then deloaded to a certain level and after that the elongation was kept constant. At high loading level the tension of the tendon decreases with time (relaxation). At medium and low loading level the tension increases slightly (mechanical recovery). Between that two regions there is a certain load, where the tension will not change with time (isorheological point). The position of the isorheological point depends on the velocity of the elongation. At low velocity (2 mm/min) the isorheological point is situated at 70%, at high velocity (12 mm/min) at 60% of the maximum load. One will find the maximum relaxation, when no deloading occurs. The mechanical recovery, however, has its maximum at 5--25% of the maximum load. But when the tendon is totally deloaded, there seems to occur no recovery. The maximum relaxation is 5 to 6 times larger than the maximum recovery. Supposingly the relaxation- and recovery-processses will happen at the same time but with different intensity depending on the loading level. At least the relaxation-process consists of different relaxation components with different relaxation times. This will explain the phenomenon of a \"secondary relaxation\": After a long time of registration the recovery will turn into a slight relaxation.", "contents": "[Biomechanics of human tendons: connection between stress relaxation and stress recovery (author's transl)]. 108 tendons of the m. extensor hallucis longus were examined with a tensile testing machine within 36 h after death. The specimen were kept at a resting length of 20 mm. After the \"steady state\" was reached by cyclic loading, the tendons were stretched up to a maximum load of 18 kp, then deloaded to a certain level and after that the elongation was kept constant. At high loading level the tension of the tendon decreases with time (relaxation). At medium and low loading level the tension increases slightly (mechanical recovery). Between that two regions there is a certain load, where the tension will not change with time (isorheological point). The position of the isorheological point depends on the velocity of the elongation. At low velocity (2 mm/min) the isorheological point is situated at 70%, at high velocity (12 mm/min) at 60% of the maximum load. One will find the maximum relaxation, when no deloading occurs. The mechanical recovery, however, has its maximum at 5--25% of the maximum load. But when the tendon is totally deloaded, there seems to occur no recovery. The maximum relaxation is 5 to 6 times larger than the maximum recovery. Supposingly the relaxation- and recovery-processses will happen at the same time but with different intensity depending on the loading level. At least the relaxation-process consists of different relaxation components with different relaxation times. This will explain the phenomenon of a \"secondary relaxation\": After a long time of registration the recovery will turn into a slight relaxation.", "PMID": 985188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1419", "title": "[What has brought us the Colonna plastic? (author's transl)].", "content": "From 1960--1967 a series of 34 hip joints with high dislocation were treated by Colonna capsular arthroplasty. 28 hip joints were followed up. Clinical results revealed excellent results in 3 hip joints, good results in 5 hip joints, fair results in 14 hip joints and poor results in 6 hip joints. 15 hip joints were without complaints. Radiologically there was only one hip with an excellent result, 8 times the result was good, 10 times fair and 9 times poor. Poor results tended to occur in hip joints with bilateral involvement and when deformation of the epiphysis developed. The capsular arthroplasty may be a useful operation if there is a consequent preoperative traction, a consequent splinting after the operation, a good technique according to Colonna's regimen and if the child is between 3 and 7 years old.", "contents": "[What has brought us the Colonna plastic? (author's transl)]. From 1960--1967 a series of 34 hip joints with high dislocation were treated by Colonna capsular arthroplasty. 28 hip joints were followed up. Clinical results revealed excellent results in 3 hip joints, good results in 5 hip joints, fair results in 14 hip joints and poor results in 6 hip joints. 15 hip joints were without complaints. Radiologically there was only one hip with an excellent result, 8 times the result was good, 10 times fair and 9 times poor. Poor results tended to occur in hip joints with bilateral involvement and when deformation of the epiphysis developed. The capsular arthroplasty may be a useful operation if there is a consequent preoperative traction, a consequent splinting after the operation, a good technique according to Colonna's regimen and if the child is between 3 and 7 years old.", "PMID": 985189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1420", "title": "The fate of the articular cartilage in intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck (articular cartilage in femoral neck fracture).", "content": "The fate of the articular cartilage of the hip joint with intracapsular neck fracture was studied by histological, histochemical and autoradiographic techniques and by using a polarized microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Cartilage specimens from 93 femoral heads and 7 acetabula were obtained from fractured hips 2 days to 4 1/3 years postfracture and from control hips with various disorders. The cartilage degeneration appeared 2 weeks after fracture and advanced steadily with time. The matrix was covered, invaded and ultimately replaced by the fibrous tissue. Chondrocyte viability, though it was lost from the surface, was recognized in the deep matrix even in the oldest fracture examined. It is concluded that the humoral factor directly caused by the injury as well as the biomechanical impairment, i.e. a loss of physical stress, may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of the degeneration. The possibility of regeneration was discussed.", "contents": "The fate of the articular cartilage in intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck (articular cartilage in femoral neck fracture). The fate of the articular cartilage of the hip joint with intracapsular neck fracture was studied by histological, histochemical and autoradiographic techniques and by using a polarized microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Cartilage specimens from 93 femoral heads and 7 acetabula were obtained from fractured hips 2 days to 4 1/3 years postfracture and from control hips with various disorders. The cartilage degeneration appeared 2 weeks after fracture and advanced steadily with time. The matrix was covered, invaded and ultimately replaced by the fibrous tissue. Chondrocyte viability, though it was lost from the surface, was recognized in the deep matrix even in the oldest fracture examined. It is concluded that the humoral factor directly caused by the injury as well as the biomechanical impairment, i.e. a loss of physical stress, may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of the degeneration. The possibility of regeneration was discussed.", "PMID": 985190} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1421", "title": "[Aplasia of the tibia and reduplication of the femur (author's transl)].", "content": "Reduplication of femur has been reported previously in literature only in 11 cases. Two more cases are described and the etiology of this disease is discussed.", "contents": "[Aplasia of the tibia and reduplication of the femur (author's transl)]. Reduplication of femur has been reported previously in literature only in 11 cases. Two more cases are described and the etiology of this disease is discussed.", "PMID": 985191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1422", "title": "On modeling the ligamentous spine philosophy and implementation.", "content": "The body's equilibrium is possible thanks to the integration of skeletal structure, vertebrae, ligaments and muscles to form one functional unity. The forces which determine posture are composed of two complementary systems, the ligamentary and the muscular systems, which together determine a dynamic act of balance. The ligaments operate mainly against the visco-hydraulic pressure of the nucleus pulposus and bind the vertebral bodies together, whereas the muscles exhibit an antigravity function and support spinal stability. A mathematical model based on a mixed theory of directed and oriented curves is proposed. Through this model it is possible to develop an exact theory governing the deformation of the ligamentous spine. This theory should be universal in the sense that it can be used to supply the spine in any of its environments.", "contents": "On modeling the ligamentous spine philosophy and implementation. The body's equilibrium is possible thanks to the integration of skeletal structure, vertebrae, ligaments and muscles to form one functional unity. The forces which determine posture are composed of two complementary systems, the ligamentary and the muscular systems, which together determine a dynamic act of balance. The ligaments operate mainly against the visco-hydraulic pressure of the nucleus pulposus and bind the vertebral bodies together, whereas the muscles exhibit an antigravity function and support spinal stability. A mathematical model based on a mixed theory of directed and oriented curves is proposed. Through this model it is possible to develop an exact theory governing the deformation of the ligamentous spine. This theory should be universal in the sense that it can be used to supply the spine in any of its environments.", "PMID": 985192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1423", "title": "[Bilateral fracture of the scapulae caused by a convulsive seizure (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors report a case of bilateral communicated fractures of the scapulae caused by a seizure of unknown etiology. The differential diagnostic problems and the mechanism of inquiry are being discussed.", "contents": "[Bilateral fracture of the scapulae caused by a convulsive seizure (author's transl)]. The authors report a case of bilateral communicated fractures of the scapulae caused by a seizure of unknown etiology. The differential diagnostic problems and the mechanism of inquiry are being discussed.", "PMID": 985193} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1424", "title": "[Behaviour of pertrochanteric fractures of the femur after condylar nailing under dynamical stress (author's transl)].", "content": "In continuation of our studies on dynamic tolerance after condylar nailing in pertrochanteric fractures, we have examined the femora of patients who died within the first 2 weeks after surgery and studied their stress tolerance. We appreciated the lack of the weight bearing medial cortical bone and the need for abduction at the fracture site by the behaviour under stress. The results under stress could be compared with an experimental fracture model. From these experiments conclusions have been made for the correct placement of condylar nails for their best static advantage.", "contents": "[Behaviour of pertrochanteric fractures of the femur after condylar nailing under dynamical stress (author's transl)]. In continuation of our studies on dynamic tolerance after condylar nailing in pertrochanteric fractures, we have examined the femora of patients who died within the first 2 weeks after surgery and studied their stress tolerance. We appreciated the lack of the weight bearing medial cortical bone and the need for abduction at the fracture site by the behaviour under stress. The results under stress could be compared with an experimental fracture model. From these experiments conclusions have been made for the correct placement of condylar nails for their best static advantage.", "PMID": 985194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1425", "title": "Special audiometric test battery in 121 proved acoustic tumors.", "content": "The usefulness of a special audiometric test battery was analyzed in relation to overall and individual test efficiency for the diagnosis of retrocochlear disease. Data were collected and analyzed from 118 patients with 121 surgically confirmed acoustic neuromas and were compared with an earlier report of 200 similar cases. While audiologic testing plays a major role in the identification of retrocochlear disease, the test battery is not highly efficient. Eleven percent of our neuromas had no audiologic signs and, therefore, escaped audiologic detection. The efficiency of individual tests range from 47% to 77%, while the difference in efficiency between the tone-decay test (77%) and the entire battery (89%) indicates the continued need for more than one test. The low efficiency of some of the components justifies reappraisal and revision of the present test battery.", "contents": "Special audiometric test battery in 121 proved acoustic tumors. The usefulness of a special audiometric test battery was analyzed in relation to overall and individual test efficiency for the diagnosis of retrocochlear disease. Data were collected and analyzed from 118 patients with 121 surgically confirmed acoustic neuromas and were compared with an earlier report of 200 similar cases. While audiologic testing plays a major role in the identification of retrocochlear disease, the test battery is not highly efficient. Eleven percent of our neuromas had no audiologic signs and, therefore, escaped audiologic detection. The efficiency of individual tests range from 47% to 77%, while the difference in efficiency between the tone-decay test (77%) and the entire battery (89%) indicates the continued need for more than one test. The low efficiency of some of the components justifies reappraisal and revision of the present test battery.", "PMID": 985196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1426", "title": "[Homologous articular cartilage transplantation in animal experiments. Preliminary studies on sheep (author's transl)].", "content": "Homologous articular cartilage without subchondral bone instead of the usual osteochondral grafts was transplanted in sheep. The transplants were fixed to the host by a biological tissue adhesive based on fibrinogen clotting. Light- and electronmicroscopic studies showed viable transplants up to 7 months and a stable bony union with the host through endochondral bone formation. A additional external fixation of the joint after transplantation or the use of a conventional cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive failed to achieve positive results. The relations of these preliminary findings for restorative techniques of articular cartilage defects are discussed.", "contents": "[Homologous articular cartilage transplantation in animal experiments. Preliminary studies on sheep (author's transl)]. Homologous articular cartilage without subchondral bone instead of the usual osteochondral grafts was transplanted in sheep. The transplants were fixed to the host by a biological tissue adhesive based on fibrinogen clotting. Light- and electronmicroscopic studies showed viable transplants up to 7 months and a stable bony union with the host through endochondral bone formation. A additional external fixation of the joint after transplantation or the use of a conventional cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive failed to achieve positive results. The relations of these preliminary findings for restorative techniques of articular cartilage defects are discussed.", "PMID": 985195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1427", "title": "Cholesteatoma of the middle ear in human patients. An ultrastructural study.", "content": "The structure of middle ear cholesteatoma obtained at surgical interventions in 12 patients was investigated by light and electron microscopy. Keratinizing squamous epithelium with underlying granulomatous, partly necrotic tissue showing signs of an acute or chronic inflammatory reaction was observed. Cholesterol clefts were only observed in two specimens in which a chronic hemorrhage was present. It is proposed that a cholesteatoma starts by immigration of epidermal tissue from the tympanic membrane. Destruction of the middle ear components and of the neighboring osseous walls results from invasion of squamous epithelium, underlying necrotizing connective tissue, and keratin.", "contents": "Cholesteatoma of the middle ear in human patients. An ultrastructural study. The structure of middle ear cholesteatoma obtained at surgical interventions in 12 patients was investigated by light and electron microscopy. Keratinizing squamous epithelium with underlying granulomatous, partly necrotic tissue showing signs of an acute or chronic inflammatory reaction was observed. Cholesterol clefts were only observed in two specimens in which a chronic hemorrhage was present. It is proposed that a cholesteatoma starts by immigration of epidermal tissue from the tympanic membrane. Destruction of the middle ear components and of the neighboring osseous walls results from invasion of squamous epithelium, underlying necrotizing connective tissue, and keratin.", "PMID": 985197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1428", "title": "The phenomenon of paradoxical nasal obstruction.", "content": "Some patients with a fixed uninasal obstruction in whom the normal or patent side becomes temporarily obstructed because of the nasal cycle, and in whom the total nasal resistance is elevated, complain of nasal obstruction. It is when the normal side responds to the congestive phase of the nasal cycle that the patient becomes symptomatic; hence, the term \"paradoxical nasal obstruction.\" Rhinomanometric tests, serial tomography, and direct patient observation allow confirmation of the phenomenon of paradoxical nasal obstruction.", "contents": "The phenomenon of paradoxical nasal obstruction. Some patients with a fixed uninasal obstruction in whom the normal or patent side becomes temporarily obstructed because of the nasal cycle, and in whom the total nasal resistance is elevated, complain of nasal obstruction. It is when the normal side responds to the congestive phase of the nasal cycle that the patient becomes symptomatic; hence, the term \"paradoxical nasal obstruction.\" Rhinomanometric tests, serial tomography, and direct patient observation allow confirmation of the phenomenon of paradoxical nasal obstruction.", "PMID": 985198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1429", "title": "Secretory otitis media. Late results of treatment with grommets.", "content": "In 108 children (184 ears) with chronic secretory otitis treated with grommets, the condition at one-to-five years follow-up was compared with that at five-to-eight years follow-up. At the latter time, hearing was extremely good, 97.5% of the ears having a speech reception threshold (SRT) of 20 dB or less. However, only 67% of patients could be classified as cured by normal tympanometry. The remaining ears showed a negative middle-ear pressure of 100 to 300 mm H2O (25%), recurrent accumulation of secretion (1.6%), adhesive otitis (3.3%), perforation (1.7%), or cholesteatoma (1%). The eardrum was normal in 44% of patients, while in 25% it was diffusely atrophic, lax, or retracted.", "contents": "Secretory otitis media. Late results of treatment with grommets. In 108 children (184 ears) with chronic secretory otitis treated with grommets, the condition at one-to-five years follow-up was compared with that at five-to-eight years follow-up. At the latter time, hearing was extremely good, 97.5% of the ears having a speech reception threshold (SRT) of 20 dB or less. However, only 67% of patients could be classified as cured by normal tympanometry. The remaining ears showed a negative middle-ear pressure of 100 to 300 mm H2O (25%), recurrent accumulation of secretion (1.6%), adhesive otitis (3.3%), perforation (1.7%), or cholesteatoma (1%). The eardrum was normal in 44% of patients, while in 25% it was diffusely atrophic, lax, or retracted.", "PMID": 985199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1430", "title": "An implantable electromagnetic sound source for speech production.", "content": "Many operative and nonsurgical procedures have been designed for vocal rehabilitation following laryngectomy, but as yet a consistently successful solution with a negligible complication rate has failed to materialize. In our laboratory during the last two years, experiments have been carried out in dogs using active electromagnetic devices placed in the retropharynx as an energy source for speech production. An implantable porous coated stainless steel electromagnetic device energized from an externally controlled oscillator has been developed. Factors under investigation included biocompatibility of materials, durability, noise quality and intensity, together with the efficiency of the system. As a result of the favorable findings, it is envisaged that this system will soon be used in a carefully designed restricted clinical trial as a secondary procedure in those consenting cured laryngeal cancer patients who have failed to develop esophageal speech.", "contents": "An implantable electromagnetic sound source for speech production. Many operative and nonsurgical procedures have been designed for vocal rehabilitation following laryngectomy, but as yet a consistently successful solution with a negligible complication rate has failed to materialize. In our laboratory during the last two years, experiments have been carried out in dogs using active electromagnetic devices placed in the retropharynx as an energy source for speech production. An implantable porous coated stainless steel electromagnetic device energized from an externally controlled oscillator has been developed. Factors under investigation included biocompatibility of materials, durability, noise quality and intensity, together with the efficiency of the system. As a result of the favorable findings, it is envisaged that this system will soon be used in a carefully designed restricted clinical trial as a secondary procedure in those consenting cured laryngeal cancer patients who have failed to develop esophageal speech.", "PMID": 985200} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1431", "title": "Osmolality changes in perilymph after systemic administration of glycerin.", "content": "Blood osmolality was altered in guinea pigs by intravenous administration of glycerin (glycerol). After glycerin administration, serum osmolality increased rapidly, reaching a plateau within 15 minutes. Perilymph osmolality lagged significantly behind the increase of serum osmolality and equalled serum osmolality only after one hour. While perilymph osmolality responded to changes of serum osmolality, there was some time lag noted in the response of perilymph, suggesting the existence of a blood-labyrinth barrier. It was observed that this barrier is permeably to glycerin and water, suggesting the possibility of transient reduction of hydrostatic pressure in the labyrinth by the injection of an osmotic agent into the systemic circulation.", "contents": "Osmolality changes in perilymph after systemic administration of glycerin. Blood osmolality was altered in guinea pigs by intravenous administration of glycerin (glycerol). After glycerin administration, serum osmolality increased rapidly, reaching a plateau within 15 minutes. Perilymph osmolality lagged significantly behind the increase of serum osmolality and equalled serum osmolality only after one hour. While perilymph osmolality responded to changes of serum osmolality, there was some time lag noted in the response of perilymph, suggesting the existence of a blood-labyrinth barrier. It was observed that this barrier is permeably to glycerin and water, suggesting the possibility of transient reduction of hydrostatic pressure in the labyrinth by the injection of an osmotic agent into the systemic circulation.", "PMID": 985201} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1432", "title": "Carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx. A review of 221 cases.", "content": "Between 1962 and 1971, 221 patients (197 men and 24 women) with carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx were treated at our institution. Most of the patients were in the sixth and seventh decades of life. In 89% of the patients, the epiglottis was involved. One hundred ninety patients underwent surgery, 161 for cure initially and 29 for salvage after radiation failure. Definitive surgery included laryngectomy in 117 patients and conservation procedures in 40. Fifty-five patients were treated by radiation for cure. Survival rates after laryngectomy or supraglottic laryngectomy were similar, but radiation therapy carried a poorer prognosis than did definitive surgery. Routine neck dissection was not necessary in all patients with supraglottic carcinoma.", "contents": "Carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx. A review of 221 cases. Between 1962 and 1971, 221 patients (197 men and 24 women) with carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx were treated at our institution. Most of the patients were in the sixth and seventh decades of life. In 89% of the patients, the epiglottis was involved. One hundred ninety patients underwent surgery, 161 for cure initially and 29 for salvage after radiation failure. Definitive surgery included laryngectomy in 117 patients and conservation procedures in 40. Fifty-five patients were treated by radiation for cure. Survival rates after laryngectomy or supraglottic laryngectomy were similar, but radiation therapy carried a poorer prognosis than did definitive surgery. Routine neck dissection was not necessary in all patients with supraglottic carcinoma.", "PMID": 985202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1433", "title": "Comparative study of pure-tone, impedance, and otoscopic hearing screening methods. A survey of native Indian children in British Columbia.", "content": "A survey of 1,109 native Indian children in five communities in British Columbia was conducted to determine incidence of middle ear pathologic features and to compare impedance and pure-tone audiometry as hearing screening methods. Survey teams included a public health nurse, two otologists, and two audiologists. On ear, nose, and throat (ENT) otoscopic examination, the incidence of middle ear disease requiring treatment was 12%. Disease was most prevalent in the preschool- and primary school-aged children. Pure-tone audiometry yielded 62% normal and 19% abnormal results. Nineteen percent of the children could not be tested by this method. Impedance audiometry yielded 54% normal and 38% abnormal results on the stringent criteria used to define the parameters of normality. Eight percent of the children could not be tested. Since there was a high incidence of middle ear pathologic features in the preschool group of children who could not be successfully evaluated by pure-tone audiometry, it is suggested that further investigation of impedance audiometry be undertaken in order to define parameters that will provide the most reliable referral criteria.", "contents": "Comparative study of pure-tone, impedance, and otoscopic hearing screening methods. A survey of native Indian children in British Columbia. A survey of 1,109 native Indian children in five communities in British Columbia was conducted to determine incidence of middle ear pathologic features and to compare impedance and pure-tone audiometry as hearing screening methods. Survey teams included a public health nurse, two otologists, and two audiologists. On ear, nose, and throat (ENT) otoscopic examination, the incidence of middle ear disease requiring treatment was 12%. Disease was most prevalent in the preschool- and primary school-aged children. Pure-tone audiometry yielded 62% normal and 19% abnormal results. Nineteen percent of the children could not be tested by this method. Impedance audiometry yielded 54% normal and 38% abnormal results on the stringent criteria used to define the parameters of normality. Eight percent of the children could not be tested. Since there was a high incidence of middle ear pathologic features in the preschool group of children who could not be successfully evaluated by pure-tone audiometry, it is suggested that further investigation of impedance audiometry be undertaken in order to define parameters that will provide the most reliable referral criteria.", "PMID": 985203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1434", "title": "The nasal bony dorsum and cartilaginous vault. Pitfalls in management.", "content": "Our literature is replete with technical descriptions of rhinoplasty techniques designed to avoid certain complications. Analysis of 153 secondary rhinoplasties indicates that no procedure is immune to undesirable results and no specific technique can be employed to manage all potential problems. Critical scrutiny of these cases both preoperatively and intraoperatively indicated a decided recurrence of certain complications in the nasal bony dorsum and cartilaginous vault. Fifty-eight defects of the bony dorsum were encountered. These defects included open vault, wide dorsum, asymmetry, excessive or inadequate hump removal, abnormal nasofrontal angle, step deformities, and bony irregularities. Defects in the cartilaginous middle third of the nose occurred 91 times. These consisted to supratip prominence, valve collapse, asymmetry, and saddle deformity.", "contents": "The nasal bony dorsum and cartilaginous vault. Pitfalls in management. Our literature is replete with technical descriptions of rhinoplasty techniques designed to avoid certain complications. Analysis of 153 secondary rhinoplasties indicates that no procedure is immune to undesirable results and no specific technique can be employed to manage all potential problems. Critical scrutiny of these cases both preoperatively and intraoperatively indicated a decided recurrence of certain complications in the nasal bony dorsum and cartilaginous vault. Fifty-eight defects of the bony dorsum were encountered. These defects included open vault, wide dorsum, asymmetry, excessive or inadequate hump removal, abnormal nasofrontal angle, step deformities, and bony irregularities. Defects in the cartilaginous middle third of the nose occurred 91 times. These consisted to supratip prominence, valve collapse, asymmetry, and saddle deformity.", "PMID": 985204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1435", "title": "Postirradiation malignant salivary gland tumor.", "content": "Information concerning the relationship between salivary gland tumors and prior exposure to radiation for benign conditions or by accident is slowly being gathered. As yet, no statistical confidence can be established in this relationship. Very likely, this confidence will require studies akin to those done on the problem of thyroid cancer and irradiation. Including the case reported here, 50 tumors of the salivary glands have been reported to have followed prior radiation exposure. Twenty-three of these tumors have been malignant, with the mucoepidermoid carcinoma the most frequent histological type. The latent period in salivary tissues is 20 or more years.", "contents": "Postirradiation malignant salivary gland tumor. Information concerning the relationship between salivary gland tumors and prior exposure to radiation for benign conditions or by accident is slowly being gathered. As yet, no statistical confidence can be established in this relationship. Very likely, this confidence will require studies akin to those done on the problem of thyroid cancer and irradiation. Including the case reported here, 50 tumors of the salivary glands have been reported to have followed prior radiation exposure. Twenty-three of these tumors have been malignant, with the mucoepidermoid carcinoma the most frequent histological type. The latent period in salivary tissues is 20 or more years.", "PMID": 985205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1436", "title": "Internal jugular phlebectasia. A clinicoroentgenographic diagnosis.", "content": "The most common cause of a mass in the neck that appears only on straining is a laryngocele. However, internal jugular phlebectasia may manifest in a similar manner. Dilation of the internal jugular vein with any maneuver that increases intrathoracic pressure suggests mechanical obstruction in the neck or the mediastinum, but the cause is still in doubt. Dilated internal jugular veins have been excised and have been found to have thinning of the wall of the vein, but have not been found to have a congenital abnormality.", "contents": "Internal jugular phlebectasia. A clinicoroentgenographic diagnosis. The most common cause of a mass in the neck that appears only on straining is a laryngocele. However, internal jugular phlebectasia may manifest in a similar manner. Dilation of the internal jugular vein with any maneuver that increases intrathoracic pressure suggests mechanical obstruction in the neck or the mediastinum, but the cause is still in doubt. Dilated internal jugular veins have been excised and have been found to have thinning of the wall of the vein, but have not been found to have a congenital abnormality.", "PMID": 985206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1437", "title": "Internal jugular phlebectasis. A clinicoroentgenographic diagnosis.", "content": "The most common cause of a mass in the neck that appears only on straining is a laryngocete. However, internal jugular phlebectasia may manifest in a similar manner. Dilation of the internal jugular vein with any maneuver that increases intrathoracic pressure suggests mechanical obstruction in the neck or the mediastinum, but the cause is still in doubt. Dilated internal jugular veins have been excised and have been found to have thinning of the wall of the vein, but have not been found to have a congenital abnormality.", "contents": "Internal jugular phlebectasis. A clinicoroentgenographic diagnosis. The most common cause of a mass in the neck that appears only on straining is a laryngocete. However, internal jugular phlebectasia may manifest in a similar manner. Dilation of the internal jugular vein with any maneuver that increases intrathoracic pressure suggests mechanical obstruction in the neck or the mediastinum, but the cause is still in doubt. Dilated internal jugular veins have been excised and have been found to have thinning of the wall of the vein, but have not been found to have a congenital abnormality.", "PMID": 985207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1438", "title": "The mouth in health and disease.", "content": "Medical, dental and psychiatric conditions may cause dysfunction of the mouth in health and disease. The principle of clinical assessment of the patient, which includes a thorough assessment of the physical, social and psychological factors, is of paramount importance. This paper has attempted to describe some of the more common conditions affecting the mouth in general practice, and to underline important causes of pain which can occur in the face arising from conditions in the mouth.", "contents": "The mouth in health and disease. Medical, dental and psychiatric conditions may cause dysfunction of the mouth in health and disease. The principle of clinical assessment of the patient, which includes a thorough assessment of the physical, social and psychological factors, is of paramount importance. This paper has attempted to describe some of the more common conditions affecting the mouth in general practice, and to underline important causes of pain which can occur in the face arising from conditions in the mouth.", "PMID": 985213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1439", "title": "Community health centre evaluation -- a two year follow up study. The southern memorial hospital.", "content": "The Community Health Programme has been responsible for the provision of more resources at the primary health care level, and it was forecast that these initiatives would give general practitioners expanded opportunities to develop their skills. An attempt to evaluate this forecast is reported here in a study which surveyed a sample of general practitioners practising in the area now served by the Southern Memorial Hospital Community Care Centre. The results of this study are compared with the results of an earlier study which was completed before the Community Care Centre was established.", "contents": "Community health centre evaluation -- a two year follow up study. The southern memorial hospital. The Community Health Programme has been responsible for the provision of more resources at the primary health care level, and it was forecast that these initiatives would give general practitioners expanded opportunities to develop their skills. An attempt to evaluate this forecast is reported here in a study which surveyed a sample of general practitioners practising in the area now served by the Southern Memorial Hospital Community Care Centre. The results of this study are compared with the results of an earlier study which was completed before the Community Care Centre was established.", "PMID": 985214} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1440", "title": "Principles of management of maturity onset diabetes.", "content": "By far the largest group of diabetics coming under treatment are those falling into the category maturity onset. While symptoms of thirst and polyuria, or symptoms or signs of complications may bring cases to attention, many are asymptomatic. The final proof, glycosuria being the presentation, should be sought by glucose tolerance test since it is essential to have confirmation of diagnosis prior to commitment by doctor and patient to life long treatment.", "contents": "Principles of management of maturity onset diabetes. By far the largest group of diabetics coming under treatment are those falling into the category maturity onset. While symptoms of thirst and polyuria, or symptoms or signs of complications may bring cases to attention, many are asymptomatic. The final proof, glycosuria being the presentation, should be sought by glucose tolerance test since it is essential to have confirmation of diagnosis prior to commitment by doctor and patient to life long treatment.", "PMID": 985216} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1441", "title": "St.Agnes--the first year as the team sees it.", "content": "The St. Agnes Community Health Centre was established in October 1974, in the rapidly growing area of Tea Tree Gully, South Australia. It was built to provide additional facilities to an already existing comprehensive medical centre. The embryo centre is described during the first year of operation through the eyes of the health team.", "contents": "St.Agnes--the first year as the team sees it. The St. Agnes Community Health Centre was established in October 1974, in the rapidly growing area of Tea Tree Gully, South Australia. It was built to provide additional facilities to an already existing comprehensive medical centre. The embryo centre is described during the first year of operation through the eyes of the health team.", "PMID": 985217} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1442", "title": "The Jukes of Van Diemen's land? or, a Tasmanian problem family.", "content": "A longitudinal survey into the membership distribution of a Tasmanian family is described. A search of most available sources was made to establish the full name and relationship of everyone with that family name born or landed in the colony since 1803. Over 450 names were collected and a family tree constructed containing, to date, 285 of the names. To begin with, research was based on the idea that this family was unchanged by time and formed a large homogenous group, potentially hopeless and difficult to help. The problem members were identified from social and other records and were found to form only a small proportion of the whole. None of the social agencies, private or State, corrective or remedial, helping or educational, had a true idea of the size of this family group or of the validity of their ideas about the constituent family members. This preliminary study suggests that most of their present ideas are incorrect, and are founded on honest but false impressions.", "contents": "The Jukes of Van Diemen's land? or, a Tasmanian problem family. A longitudinal survey into the membership distribution of a Tasmanian family is described. A search of most available sources was made to establish the full name and relationship of everyone with that family name born or landed in the colony since 1803. Over 450 names were collected and a family tree constructed containing, to date, 285 of the names. To begin with, research was based on the idea that this family was unchanged by time and formed a large homogenous group, potentially hopeless and difficult to help. The problem members were identified from social and other records and were found to form only a small proportion of the whole. None of the social agencies, private or State, corrective or remedial, helping or educational, had a true idea of the size of this family group or of the validity of their ideas about the constituent family members. This preliminary study suggests that most of their present ideas are incorrect, and are founded on honest but false impressions.", "PMID": 985219} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1443", "title": "Instability of DTNB-treated globin or haemoglobin.", "content": "Human haemoglobin or globin in its native form reacts with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) with uptake of two 3-carboxylato-4-nitrothiophenol groups, one for each of the reactive thiols at the beta93 positions. Attempts to isolate the DTNB-treated globin by the acetone-HC1 method, which unfolds the protein chains, result in disulphide interchange and oxidation of almost all the uncoupled \"masked\" thiol groups. This modification is in marked contrast to the stability of haemoglobin or globin treated with reagents such as iodoacetic acid or N-ethylmaleimide that do not form disulphide bonds in blocking the thiol groups. The derivatized globin chains have been separated by urea-thiol buffer chromatography on carboxymethycellulose columns. Amino acid analysis and peptide mapping established the presence and location of disulphide bonds, whilst gel filtration in urea buffers and sodium dodecyl sulphate acrylamide gel electrophoresis defined the size of the products.", "contents": "Instability of DTNB-treated globin or haemoglobin. Human haemoglobin or globin in its native form reacts with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) with uptake of two 3-carboxylato-4-nitrothiophenol groups, one for each of the reactive thiols at the beta93 positions. Attempts to isolate the DTNB-treated globin by the acetone-HC1 method, which unfolds the protein chains, result in disulphide interchange and oxidation of almost all the uncoupled \"masked\" thiol groups. This modification is in marked contrast to the stability of haemoglobin or globin treated with reagents such as iodoacetic acid or N-ethylmaleimide that do not form disulphide bonds in blocking the thiol groups. The derivatized globin chains have been separated by urea-thiol buffer chromatography on carboxymethycellulose columns. Amino acid analysis and peptide mapping established the presence and location of disulphide bonds, whilst gel filtration in urea buffers and sodium dodecyl sulphate acrylamide gel electrophoresis defined the size of the products.", "PMID": 985220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1444", "title": "Inhibition of wool follicle DNA synthesis by mimosine and related 4(1H)-pyridones.", "content": "The in vitro incorporation of [3H]thymidine has been examined in thin slices of sheep skin. Most of the radioactivity (88%) was incorporated into the bulb cells of the wool follicles, and the technique is therefore suitable for the study of some aspects of wool follicle DNA synthesis. The effect of mimosine and a number of related 4(1H)-pyridones on [3H]thymidine incorporation into sheep skin slices was examined. Mimosine was shown to inhibit the incorporation at a concentration of 0-2 mM. At this concentration, the incorporation of [3H]uridine or [14C]leucine was not affected. The inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation was time dependent, 2 h of incubation being required for maximal inhibition of DNA synthesis, and was readily reversible by removal of mimosine from the incubation medium. The 3-hydroxyl-4-oxo function of the pyridone ring appears to be directly involved in DNA synthesis inhibition. The amino acid side chain is not a toxophoric centre, but changes in its polarity have been shown to affect the inhibitory activity. The results suggest that the primary action of mimosine on the inhibition of wool biosynthesis in vivo is the inhibition of follicle bulb cell DNA synthesis and consequently of cell division.", "contents": "Inhibition of wool follicle DNA synthesis by mimosine and related 4(1H)-pyridones. The in vitro incorporation of [3H]thymidine has been examined in thin slices of sheep skin. Most of the radioactivity (88%) was incorporated into the bulb cells of the wool follicles, and the technique is therefore suitable for the study of some aspects of wool follicle DNA synthesis. The effect of mimosine and a number of related 4(1H)-pyridones on [3H]thymidine incorporation into sheep skin slices was examined. Mimosine was shown to inhibit the incorporation at a concentration of 0-2 mM. At this concentration, the incorporation of [3H]uridine or [14C]leucine was not affected. The inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation was time dependent, 2 h of incubation being required for maximal inhibition of DNA synthesis, and was readily reversible by removal of mimosine from the incubation medium. The 3-hydroxyl-4-oxo function of the pyridone ring appears to be directly involved in DNA synthesis inhibition. The amino acid side chain is not a toxophoric centre, but changes in its polarity have been shown to affect the inhibitory activity. The results suggest that the primary action of mimosine on the inhibition of wool biosynthesis in vivo is the inhibition of follicle bulb cell DNA synthesis and consequently of cell division.", "PMID": 985221} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1445", "title": "Methane production and digestibility measurements in the grey kangaroo and sheep.", "content": "Three grey knagaroos and three sheep were given a diet of lucerne chaff and measurements were made of feed intake, digestibility coefficients, methane production rate and volatile fatty acid content of the \"stomach\" and caecum for each animal. The kangaroos had lower intakes of digestible dry matter and organic matter than the sheep; this was related to lower intakes of dry matter and lower apparent digestibility coefficients particularly of the crude fibre fraction. Methane production in the sheep (collected in respired air through a mask) was 0-81 litre/h; no methane was collected in the respired air from kangaroos. Anal release of methane in sheep and kangaroos indicated that some methane was produced in the hind gut of kangaroos and that all of this methane was lost via the anus. This finding was different to the sheep which apparently excreted 80-90% of the hind gut methane via the lungs. Thus in both sites of apparent high microbial growth in the gut of kangaroos methane production is negligible or lower than in the same sites in sheep. Possible explanations for the absence of measurable methane production in the kangaroo fore-stomachs are discussed.", "contents": "Methane production and digestibility measurements in the grey kangaroo and sheep. Three grey knagaroos and three sheep were given a diet of lucerne chaff and measurements were made of feed intake, digestibility coefficients, methane production rate and volatile fatty acid content of the \"stomach\" and caecum for each animal. The kangaroos had lower intakes of digestible dry matter and organic matter than the sheep; this was related to lower intakes of dry matter and lower apparent digestibility coefficients particularly of the crude fibre fraction. Methane production in the sheep (collected in respired air through a mask) was 0-81 litre/h; no methane was collected in the respired air from kangaroos. Anal release of methane in sheep and kangaroos indicated that some methane was produced in the hind gut of kangaroos and that all of this methane was lost via the anus. This finding was different to the sheep which apparently excreted 80-90% of the hind gut methane via the lungs. Thus in both sites of apparent high microbial growth in the gut of kangaroos methane production is negligible or lower than in the same sites in sheep. Possible explanations for the absence of measurable methane production in the kangaroo fore-stomachs are discussed.", "PMID": 985222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1446", "title": "Glucose and acetate metabolism in sheep at rest and during exercise.", "content": "Total entry rate of blood glucose and the rate of irreversible loss of blood acetate and its oxidation have been examined in sheep at rest and while walking on a horizontal treadmill at 5 km/h for 2 h. Sheep were given their daily ration of 1000 g chaff in 24 eaual portions at hourly intervals and received multiple intravenous injections of [2-3H]glucose and intravenous infusions of [1-14C]acetate and NaH14CO3. At rest the total entry rate of blood glucose was 0-44 +/- 0-03 mmol/min (values given as mean +/- s.e.m. for four sheep), the glucose pool was 23 +/- 1 mmol and the rate of irreversible loss of blood acetate was 2-3 +/- 0-1 mmol/min. During exercise, the total entry rate of blood glucose was 0-84 +/- 0-04 mmol/min, the glucose pool was 27 +/- 2 mmol and the rate of irreversible loss of blood acetate was 2-6 +/- 0-1 mmol/min. Gluconeogenesis apparently increased markedly in response to exercise as indicated by the incorporation of 14C from blood bicarbonate into blood glucose. Despite the substantial increase in the rate of irreversible loss of blood bicarbonate (from 11-6 +/- 1 to 20-2 +/- 2 mmol C/min), and hence energy expenditure with exercise, only a slight change was recorded in the proportion of the irreversible loss rate of acetate that was oxidized.", "contents": "Glucose and acetate metabolism in sheep at rest and during exercise. Total entry rate of blood glucose and the rate of irreversible loss of blood acetate and its oxidation have been examined in sheep at rest and while walking on a horizontal treadmill at 5 km/h for 2 h. Sheep were given their daily ration of 1000 g chaff in 24 eaual portions at hourly intervals and received multiple intravenous injections of [2-3H]glucose and intravenous infusions of [1-14C]acetate and NaH14CO3. At rest the total entry rate of blood glucose was 0-44 +/- 0-03 mmol/min (values given as mean +/- s.e.m. for four sheep), the glucose pool was 23 +/- 1 mmol and the rate of irreversible loss of blood acetate was 2-3 +/- 0-1 mmol/min. During exercise, the total entry rate of blood glucose was 0-84 +/- 0-04 mmol/min, the glucose pool was 27 +/- 2 mmol and the rate of irreversible loss of blood acetate was 2-6 +/- 0-1 mmol/min. Gluconeogenesis apparently increased markedly in response to exercise as indicated by the incorporation of 14C from blood bicarbonate into blood glucose. Despite the substantial increase in the rate of irreversible loss of blood bicarbonate (from 11-6 +/- 1 to 20-2 +/- 2 mmol C/min), and hence energy expenditure with exercise, only a slight change was recorded in the proportion of the irreversible loss rate of acetate that was oxidized.", "PMID": 985223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1447", "title": "Studies on metatherian sex chromosomes II. The improbability of a stable balanced polymorphism at an X-linked locus with the paternal X inactivation system of kangaroos.", "content": "Female kangaroos and perhaps other female marsupials have a unique form of dosage compensation for X-linked genes in their soma. In these animals the paternal X is inactive. Heterozygote females therefore have the phenotype of one or the other of the homozygotes, with the allele which is expressed coming from their mother. The unexpressed paternally derived allele may, however, be transmitted to the next generation in the usual Mendelian manner and there be expressed. Such a combination of haploid phenotypic expression and diploid genotypic behaviour on the part of X-linked genes in kangaroos makes their population genetics unique. This paper examines the possibilities for balancing selection in the kangaroo X chromosome system and shows that balanced polymorphisms are unlikely to occur. If 1 - a, 1, 1 - b and 1 are the selection coefficients of the alpha1 females, alpha2 females, alpha1 males and alpha2 males respectively (where alpha1 is the phenotype when A1 is expressed and alpha2 the phenotype when A2 is expressed), then the equilibrium is reached when the gene frequency of A1 in females = 0-5(a-1 + b-1), which takes values between 0 and 1 for only a few of the biologically likely values of a and b.", "contents": "Studies on metatherian sex chromosomes II. The improbability of a stable balanced polymorphism at an X-linked locus with the paternal X inactivation system of kangaroos. Female kangaroos and perhaps other female marsupials have a unique form of dosage compensation for X-linked genes in their soma. In these animals the paternal X is inactive. Heterozygote females therefore have the phenotype of one or the other of the homozygotes, with the allele which is expressed coming from their mother. The unexpressed paternally derived allele may, however, be transmitted to the next generation in the usual Mendelian manner and there be expressed. Such a combination of haploid phenotypic expression and diploid genotypic behaviour on the part of X-linked genes in kangaroos makes their population genetics unique. This paper examines the possibilities for balancing selection in the kangaroo X chromosome system and shows that balanced polymorphisms are unlikely to occur. If 1 - a, 1, 1 - b and 1 are the selection coefficients of the alpha1 females, alpha2 females, alpha1 males and alpha2 males respectively (where alpha1 is the phenotype when A1 is expressed and alpha2 the phenotype when A2 is expressed), then the equilibrium is reached when the gene frequency of A1 in females = 0-5(a-1 + b-1), which takes values between 0 and 1 for only a few of the biologically likely values of a and b.", "PMID": 985224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1448", "title": "Linkage and dominance characteristics of genes for resistance to organophosphorus acaricides and allelic inheritance of decreased brain cholinesterase activity in three strains of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus.", "content": "Resistance to the organophosphorus acaricides diazinon, dimethoate and formothion in the Biarra (B), Mackay (M) and Ridgelands (R) strains respectively of the cattle tick B. microplus has been shown previously to be controlled in each strain by a single incompletely dominant autosomal genetic factor. A very similar mode of inheritance of fenthion resistance in strain B has now been demonstrated with no departure in degree of dominance of resistance from the mean value of +0-57 common to these strains exposed to these chemicals. No F1 larval progeny from the following crossings were appreciably more resistant than their parents to these chemicals: R x B--bromophos ethyl and fenthion; B x M--carbaryl, chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dimethoate, ethion, fenthion and formothion; M x R--chlorfenvinphos, diazinon, dimethoate, ethion, formothion. The field importance of this absence of overdominance is discussed. There were no susceptible double recessive F2 larval progeny of B x M crossings of F2 or F3 larval progeny of R x M crossings when tested against dimethoate to which the three parental types were similarly resistant; 1/16 of the larval progeny would be expected to be completely susceptible if the resistance genes were unlinked. F1 adult progeny of B x M and R x M crossings exhibited the incompletely recessive mutant-type decreased brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity common to strains B, M and R, thus satisfying the test for allelism. No ticks with normal levels of brain AChE were detected in F2 adult progeny of B x M or R x M crossings. This evidence was strongly suggestive of a series of closely linked genes or alleles controlling dimethoate resistance and a series of alleles controlling decreased brain AChE activity in strains B, M and R.", "contents": "Linkage and dominance characteristics of genes for resistance to organophosphorus acaricides and allelic inheritance of decreased brain cholinesterase activity in three strains of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus. Resistance to the organophosphorus acaricides diazinon, dimethoate and formothion in the Biarra (B), Mackay (M) and Ridgelands (R) strains respectively of the cattle tick B. microplus has been shown previously to be controlled in each strain by a single incompletely dominant autosomal genetic factor. A very similar mode of inheritance of fenthion resistance in strain B has now been demonstrated with no departure in degree of dominance of resistance from the mean value of +0-57 common to these strains exposed to these chemicals. No F1 larval progeny from the following crossings were appreciably more resistant than their parents to these chemicals: R x B--bromophos ethyl and fenthion; B x M--carbaryl, chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dimethoate, ethion, fenthion and formothion; M x R--chlorfenvinphos, diazinon, dimethoate, ethion, formothion. The field importance of this absence of overdominance is discussed. There were no susceptible double recessive F2 larval progeny of B x M crossings of F2 or F3 larval progeny of R x M crossings when tested against dimethoate to which the three parental types were similarly resistant; 1/16 of the larval progeny would be expected to be completely susceptible if the resistance genes were unlinked. F1 adult progeny of B x M and R x M crossings exhibited the incompletely recessive mutant-type decreased brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity common to strains B, M and R, thus satisfying the test for allelism. No ticks with normal levels of brain AChE were detected in F2 adult progeny of B x M or R x M crossings. This evidence was strongly suggestive of a series of closely linked genes or alleles controlling dimethoate resistance and a series of alleles controlling decreased brain AChE activity in strains B, M and R.", "PMID": 985225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1449", "title": "Biochemical genetics of resistance to organophosphorus acaricides in three strains of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus.", "content": "Three aspects of the biochemical genetics of resistance to organophosphorus compounds in the Biarra (B), Mackay (M) and Ridgelands (R) strains of the cattle tick B. microplus were studied. These were: decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in adult brains of strains B and M; decreased AChE sensitivity to inhibitors in adult brains and in larvae of strains B, M and R; and increased detoxication in larvae and adult females of strain M. Comparisons were made with a susceptible reference strain (S). Microspectrophotometric estimations of AChE activity in histochemical preparations of whole brains showed that hybrids had levels of activity approximately intermediate between those of the parental strains. Homogenates of brains from hybrids assayed biochemically gave similar but more precise results which indicated that decreased brain AChE activity was neither recessive nor dominant (degree of dominance, D = +0-02) in strain B and incompletely recessive (D = -0-26) in strain M. The proportions of brains showing decreased AChE activity in testcross and F2 progenies indicated that decreased AChE activity in strains B and M is controlled by single autosomal genes. Inhibition of AChE at diagnostic concentrations of coroxon in brains of B, B x S hybrid and S types suggested that decreased sensitivity of AChE in strain B is incompletely dominant (D = +0-10). Kinetic studies on coroxon inhibition of AChE in brain homogenates of B, B x S hybrid and S types revealed the presence of each parental AChE component in hybrids in equal amounts and the absence of a hybrid enzyme. Dimethoxon inhibition of AChE in brains, their homogenates and larval homogenates of B, M and R types showed that decreased AChE sensitivity was a major mechanism of resistance to dimethoate strongly expressed in B x S and M x S hybrids. The proportion of brains showing decreased AChE sensitivity to coroxon in testocross and F2 progenies indicated that decreased AChE sensitivity in strain B is controlled by a single autosomal gene. The degree of dominance of increased degradative metabolism of coumaphos in strain M was variable; the hydrolytic rate in all M x S hybrids was similar to that of M but the overall detoxication rate in hybrids was lower. Genetic control of detoxication is discussed.", "contents": "Biochemical genetics of resistance to organophosphorus acaricides in three strains of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus. Three aspects of the biochemical genetics of resistance to organophosphorus compounds in the Biarra (B), Mackay (M) and Ridgelands (R) strains of the cattle tick B. microplus were studied. These were: decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in adult brains of strains B and M; decreased AChE sensitivity to inhibitors in adult brains and in larvae of strains B, M and R; and increased detoxication in larvae and adult females of strain M. Comparisons were made with a susceptible reference strain (S). Microspectrophotometric estimations of AChE activity in histochemical preparations of whole brains showed that hybrids had levels of activity approximately intermediate between those of the parental strains. Homogenates of brains from hybrids assayed biochemically gave similar but more precise results which indicated that decreased brain AChE activity was neither recessive nor dominant (degree of dominance, D = +0-02) in strain B and incompletely recessive (D = -0-26) in strain M. The proportions of brains showing decreased AChE activity in testcross and F2 progenies indicated that decreased AChE activity in strains B and M is controlled by single autosomal genes. Inhibition of AChE at diagnostic concentrations of coroxon in brains of B, B x S hybrid and S types suggested that decreased sensitivity of AChE in strain B is incompletely dominant (D = +0-10). Kinetic studies on coroxon inhibition of AChE in brain homogenates of B, B x S hybrid and S types revealed the presence of each parental AChE component in hybrids in equal amounts and the absence of a hybrid enzyme. Dimethoxon inhibition of AChE in brains, their homogenates and larval homogenates of B, M and R types showed that decreased AChE sensitivity was a major mechanism of resistance to dimethoate strongly expressed in B x S and M x S hybrids. The proportion of brains showing decreased AChE sensitivity to coroxon in testocross and F2 progenies indicated that decreased AChE sensitivity in strain B is controlled by a single autosomal gene. The degree of dominance of increased degradative metabolism of coumaphos in strain M was variable; the hydrolytic rate in all M x S hybrids was similar to that of M but the overall detoxication rate in hybrids was lower. Genetic control of detoxication is discussed.", "PMID": 985226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1450", "title": "An indirect haemolysis test (IHLT) for bovine brucellosis.", "content": "A simple indirect haemolysis test (IHLT) was developed to avoid the problem of prozones in the complement fixation test (CFT) for bovine brucellosis. It makes use of a sheep or bovine erythrocytes, treated with a crude lipopolysaccharide fraction of Br. abortus, which are lysed by specific antibody in the presence of excess complement (C'). A number of bovine serum which gave large prozones in the warm CFT, and some in which C'-fixation was completely blocked, were found to react to high titre, without prozones, in the IHLT. Following primary vaccination with Br. abortus strain 19, fewer animals gave positive reactions in the IHLT than in the CFT. Following two doses of 45/20 vaccine, however, positive reactions were more frequent in the IHLT than in the CFT. Preliminary studies of serums from animals known to be infected indicate that the IHLT may be of diagnostic value. The test is easy to carry out, especially when bovine erythrocytes are used, since very few bovine serums require preliminary absorption.", "contents": "An indirect haemolysis test (IHLT) for bovine brucellosis. A simple indirect haemolysis test (IHLT) was developed to avoid the problem of prozones in the complement fixation test (CFT) for bovine brucellosis. It makes use of a sheep or bovine erythrocytes, treated with a crude lipopolysaccharide fraction of Br. abortus, which are lysed by specific antibody in the presence of excess complement (C'). A number of bovine serum which gave large prozones in the warm CFT, and some in which C'-fixation was completely blocked, were found to react to high titre, without prozones, in the IHLT. Following primary vaccination with Br. abortus strain 19, fewer animals gave positive reactions in the IHLT than in the CFT. Following two doses of 45/20 vaccine, however, positive reactions were more frequent in the IHLT than in the CFT. Preliminary studies of serums from animals known to be infected indicate that the IHLT may be of diagnostic value. The test is easy to carry out, especially when bovine erythrocytes are used, since very few bovine serums require preliminary absorption.", "PMID": 985227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1451", "title": "Ovine cysticercosis in the Albany region of Western Australia. 1. Survey of tapeworms of rural dogs.", "content": "A survey of the cestode infections of 304 dogs from 134 properties in the Albany area of Western Australia was performed. Purgation was induced by oral administration of arecoline and the purge examined for cestodes. The cestodes found and their infection rates were: Dipylidium caninum 16.4%; Taenia spp 36.5%; T. ovis 8.9%; T. hydatigena 15.1%; T. pisiformis 15.1%; T. serialis 2.3%; Echinococcus granulosus 0.7%; Questionnaires completed on 133 of the 134 properties at the time the dogs were purged showed that:--73.6% of farmers were feeding raw sheep-meat and 24.8% were feeding raw offal to their dogs; dogs were treated on a regular basis with a cestocide on 23.3% of properties; dogs were allowed to roam on 21.8% of the properties and stray dogs were considered prevalent on 23.3% of properties. Suggestions for control of Cysticercus ovis are made based on an interpretation of the significance of these findings.", "contents": "Ovine cysticercosis in the Albany region of Western Australia. 1. Survey of tapeworms of rural dogs. A survey of the cestode infections of 304 dogs from 134 properties in the Albany area of Western Australia was performed. Purgation was induced by oral administration of arecoline and the purge examined for cestodes. The cestodes found and their infection rates were: Dipylidium caninum 16.4%; Taenia spp 36.5%; T. ovis 8.9%; T. hydatigena 15.1%; T. pisiformis 15.1%; T. serialis 2.3%; Echinococcus granulosus 0.7%; Questionnaires completed on 133 of the 134 properties at the time the dogs were purged showed that:--73.6% of farmers were feeding raw sheep-meat and 24.8% were feeding raw offal to their dogs; dogs were treated on a regular basis with a cestocide on 23.3% of properties; dogs were allowed to roam on 21.8% of the properties and stray dogs were considered prevalent on 23.3% of properties. Suggestions for control of Cysticercus ovis are made based on an interpretation of the significance of these findings.", "PMID": 985232} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1452", "title": "Ovine cysticercosis in the Albany region of Western Australia. 2. Trial control program.", "content": "The effect of a program to control Teania ovis cysticercosis was investigated on 32 adjacent farms at Mt Manypeaks in Western Australia. Farmers were advised not to feed dogs any raw sheep meat or offal and they were supplied with sufficient cestocide to treat all their dogs every 2 months. Other aspects such as the need for control of the movement of dogs and the correct disposal of offal from home killing of sheep were discussed and recommendations made. The success of the program was determined by recording the incidence of Cysticercus ovis in lambs born on the farms and killed at a local abattoir, and the incidence of T. ovis in dogs on the farms. Before the trial 6.9% of lambs were infected with C. ovis and 11 of the 32 farms had a T. ovis infected dog. The C. ovis incidence figures fell to 2.8%, 0.5%, 1.8% and 0.3% for the four years of the trial, and only 1 dog, a recently introduced puppy, was found to be infected with T. ovis. The results are discussed and reasons for the success of the program as a whole and apparent individual farm failures are discussed.", "contents": "Ovine cysticercosis in the Albany region of Western Australia. 2. Trial control program. The effect of a program to control Teania ovis cysticercosis was investigated on 32 adjacent farms at Mt Manypeaks in Western Australia. Farmers were advised not to feed dogs any raw sheep meat or offal and they were supplied with sufficient cestocide to treat all their dogs every 2 months. Other aspects such as the need for control of the movement of dogs and the correct disposal of offal from home killing of sheep were discussed and recommendations made. The success of the program was determined by recording the incidence of Cysticercus ovis in lambs born on the farms and killed at a local abattoir, and the incidence of T. ovis in dogs on the farms. Before the trial 6.9% of lambs were infected with C. ovis and 11 of the 32 farms had a T. ovis infected dog. The C. ovis incidence figures fell to 2.8%, 0.5%, 1.8% and 0.3% for the four years of the trial, and only 1 dog, a recently introduced puppy, was found to be infected with T. ovis. The results are discussed and reasons for the success of the program as a whole and apparent individual farm failures are discussed.", "PMID": 985233} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1453", "title": "Observations on the epidemiology of porcine parvovirus.", "content": "Evidence presented suggests that porcine parvovirus is highly stable and infective. Introduction of virus to susceptible herds results in 100% infection rate within the following 3 months. Active immunity is associated with high persistent levels of haemagglutination-inhibitating (HI) antibody (greater than 256), piglets suckling immune sows acquiring HI titres between 10,000 and 40,000. Loss of passive immunity, measured by HI, occurs in a majority of pigs between 14 and 26 weeks of age (mean 21 weeks), whilst an average of 25% (2-47%) of pigs lose HI titres between 26 and 36 weeks of age. Susceptibility to challenge with virus does not occur until 3-5 weeks following loss of HI titres. In endemically infected herds 98-100% of adult pigs show serological evidence of active immunity. A significant proportion of gilts may not be actively immune to porcine parvovirus at the time of first service, and subsequent infection may occur while these gilts are pregnant.", "contents": "Observations on the epidemiology of porcine parvovirus. Evidence presented suggests that porcine parvovirus is highly stable and infective. Introduction of virus to susceptible herds results in 100% infection rate within the following 3 months. Active immunity is associated with high persistent levels of haemagglutination-inhibitating (HI) antibody (greater than 256), piglets suckling immune sows acquiring HI titres between 10,000 and 40,000. Loss of passive immunity, measured by HI, occurs in a majority of pigs between 14 and 26 weeks of age (mean 21 weeks), whilst an average of 25% (2-47%) of pigs lose HI titres between 26 and 36 weeks of age. Susceptibility to challenge with virus does not occur until 3-5 weeks following loss of HI titres. In endemically infected herds 98-100% of adult pigs show serological evidence of active immunity. A significant proportion of gilts may not be actively immune to porcine parvovirus at the time of first service, and subsequent infection may occur while these gilts are pregnant.", "PMID": 985234} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1454", "title": "A survey of the attitudes of Sydney pet owners to veterinary services.", "content": "One thousand questionnaires were distributed to a random sample of Sydney pet owners in 1974 by a market research organisation. A response rate of 37.5% was obtained. Respondents were most likely to use a veterinary practice because it was conveniently located (27%), recommended by someone (22%),or they had been dissatisfied elsewhere (8%). The majority of pet owners preferred veterinary practices to be multiman (65%), unassociated with other services (61%), and run on an open clinic system (52%) with consultation hours between 6 pm and 8 pm on weekdays (45%), and 9 am and 11 am at weekends (about 50%). 91% had no preference regarding the sex of practitioner who treated their pet. 46% of cat owners and 25% of dog owners said that they would be unwilling to spend over +30 to save their pets life while 34% of cat owners and 55% of dog owners were willing to spend over $100. Professional competence and concern for animals were the qualities pet owners desired most in veterinary surgeons and veterinary practices. After these, pet owners rated prompt attention, 24 hour emergency service and modern professional equipment as the next most important features.", "contents": "A survey of the attitudes of Sydney pet owners to veterinary services. One thousand questionnaires were distributed to a random sample of Sydney pet owners in 1974 by a market research organisation. A response rate of 37.5% was obtained. Respondents were most likely to use a veterinary practice because it was conveniently located (27%), recommended by someone (22%),or they had been dissatisfied elsewhere (8%). The majority of pet owners preferred veterinary practices to be multiman (65%), unassociated with other services (61%), and run on an open clinic system (52%) with consultation hours between 6 pm and 8 pm on weekdays (45%), and 9 am and 11 am at weekends (about 50%). 91% had no preference regarding the sex of practitioner who treated their pet. 46% of cat owners and 25% of dog owners said that they would be unwilling to spend over +30 to save their pets life while 34% of cat owners and 55% of dog owners were willing to spend over $100. Professional competence and concern for animals were the qualities pet owners desired most in veterinary surgeons and veterinary practices. After these, pet owners rated prompt attention, 24 hour emergency service and modern professional equipment as the next most important features.", "PMID": 985237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1455", "title": "A clinincal evaluation of abdominal paracentesis in the horse.", "content": "This paper evaluates the usefulness of abdominal paracentesis as a diagnostic aid in abdominal disease in the horse and in particular considers whether or not it can be effectively utilised as an indication for surgical intervention in cases of colic. The results are based upon peritoneal fluid samples collected from 20 normal horses and from 20 cases of colic and peritonitis. Peritoneal fluid was collected from standing horses by inserting a bovine teat cannula into the horses abdomen through the linea alba after desensitisation of the skin on the ventral midline with local anaesthetic. Usually, from 3-5 ml of fluid could be collected from a normal horse. This was either clear or cloudy white or yellow in colour and contained 3310 +/- 703 leucocytes/ml consisting of 63.81% neutrophils, 1.4 +/- 1.3% monocytes, 13.5 +/- 4.3% mesothelial cells and 21.25% +/- 6.2% lymphocytes. Protein content was 1.29 +/- .4g/100ml. Changes in the volume, colour, cellular constituents and protein content of fluid, characterised abdominal disease. In cases of colic, discolouration of the abdominal fluid was found to be the most consistent, reliable and useful indication of bowel necrosis. This in turn indicated the need for urgent surgical intervention rather than conservative treatment. Discolouration commenced early in the course of the disease even while the segment of bowel involved was still viable. Increased volume of fluid, elevated leucocyte count (statistically significant at the 5% level), increased neutrophil percentage and elevated protein levels were less useful criteria for determining the integrity of the bowel. Similar changes from the normal were also found in cases of peritonitis. Here, however, microscopic examination of cells in a smear of the fluid was more useful, as phagocytosis and abnormal cell types indicating infection or inflammation could be seen readily, and a diagnosis based upon these findings. It was concluded that abdominal paracentesis, although no substitute for thorough clinical examination, was a valuable diagnostic aid for abdominal conditions of the horse.", "contents": "A clinincal evaluation of abdominal paracentesis in the horse. This paper evaluates the usefulness of abdominal paracentesis as a diagnostic aid in abdominal disease in the horse and in particular considers whether or not it can be effectively utilised as an indication for surgical intervention in cases of colic. The results are based upon peritoneal fluid samples collected from 20 normal horses and from 20 cases of colic and peritonitis. Peritoneal fluid was collected from standing horses by inserting a bovine teat cannula into the horses abdomen through the linea alba after desensitisation of the skin on the ventral midline with local anaesthetic. Usually, from 3-5 ml of fluid could be collected from a normal horse. This was either clear or cloudy white or yellow in colour and contained 3310 +/- 703 leucocytes/ml consisting of 63.81% neutrophils, 1.4 +/- 1.3% monocytes, 13.5 +/- 4.3% mesothelial cells and 21.25% +/- 6.2% lymphocytes. Protein content was 1.29 +/- .4g/100ml. Changes in the volume, colour, cellular constituents and protein content of fluid, characterised abdominal disease. In cases of colic, discolouration of the abdominal fluid was found to be the most consistent, reliable and useful indication of bowel necrosis. This in turn indicated the need for urgent surgical intervention rather than conservative treatment. Discolouration commenced early in the course of the disease even while the segment of bowel involved was still viable. Increased volume of fluid, elevated leucocyte count (statistically significant at the 5% level), increased neutrophil percentage and elevated protein levels were less useful criteria for determining the integrity of the bowel. Similar changes from the normal were also found in cases of peritonitis. Here, however, microscopic examination of cells in a smear of the fluid was more useful, as phagocytosis and abnormal cell types indicating infection or inflammation could be seen readily, and a diagnosis based upon these findings. It was concluded that abdominal paracentesis, although no substitute for thorough clinical examination, was a valuable diagnostic aid for abdominal conditions of the horse.", "PMID": 985238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1456", "title": "Incidence of Cysticercus ovis in sheep and lambs at Albany, Western Australia.", "content": "A record was made of the prevalence of Cysticercus ovis in sheep and lambs killed at Albany, Waroona and Geraldton from 1970 until 1973. Detailed dissection of 292 carcases which had passed routine inspection revealed C. ovis in 60 (20.5%). A record of all C. ovis cysts found during routine boning of 102,262 carcases which passed normal inspection showed 10.4 cysts per 100 carcases, and in 6,863 carcases rejected for export because of the presence of C. ovis an average of 24.0 cysts per 100 carcases. An attempt was made to relate the incidence of carcases infected with C. ovis in a line of sheep with the incidence of undetected cysts in carcases from that line which had passed routine inspection. No relationship was established. The relative incidence of C. ovis and C. tenuicollis was recorded in 57,426 sheep to show C. ovis in 2,312 (4.0%) and C. tenuicollis in 15,123 (26.3%). Only 21 (0.1%) sheep in 26,774 were found with hydatid cysts. In 3,823 lambs from 40 farms 486 lambs from 6 farms did not show either C. ovis or C. tenuicollis and lambs from 9 farms did not show tenuicollis and lambs from 25 farms did not show C. ovis. In 604 C. ovis cysts from the hearts and diaphragms of lambs, 36 (6.0%) were considered to be alive.", "contents": "Incidence of Cysticercus ovis in sheep and lambs at Albany, Western Australia. A record was made of the prevalence of Cysticercus ovis in sheep and lambs killed at Albany, Waroona and Geraldton from 1970 until 1973. Detailed dissection of 292 carcases which had passed routine inspection revealed C. ovis in 60 (20.5%). A record of all C. ovis cysts found during routine boning of 102,262 carcases which passed normal inspection showed 10.4 cysts per 100 carcases, and in 6,863 carcases rejected for export because of the presence of C. ovis an average of 24.0 cysts per 100 carcases. An attempt was made to relate the incidence of carcases infected with C. ovis in a line of sheep with the incidence of undetected cysts in carcases from that line which had passed routine inspection. No relationship was established. The relative incidence of C. ovis and C. tenuicollis was recorded in 57,426 sheep to show C. ovis in 2,312 (4.0%) and C. tenuicollis in 15,123 (26.3%). Only 21 (0.1%) sheep in 26,774 were found with hydatid cysts. In 3,823 lambs from 40 farms 486 lambs from 6 farms did not show either C. ovis or C. tenuicollis and lambs from 9 farms did not show tenuicollis and lambs from 25 farms did not show C. ovis. In 604 C. ovis cysts from the hearts and diaphragms of lambs, 36 (6.0%) were considered to be alive.", "PMID": 985239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1457", "title": "An analysis of leg abnormalities of boars in the Queensland performance testing station.", "content": "An analysis was made of the results of leg inspections of boars in the Queensland boar testing station at the start and end of their performance tests. The frequency among boars of 12 specific faults ranged from zero to 90% at the start and 7% to 73% and the end of testing. Of the 362 boars examined, 20% suffered from leg weakness. 11% of these had to be slaughtered and 9% recovered after return to the farm. The only faults significantly associated with leg weakness were: \"up on toes\" of the front feet and excessive flexion of the front knees (\"over at knee\"). The sire, breed and herd of origin of a boar had little effect on its having any one of the 12 faults. However, herds were found to differ in the total number of faults per boar and Large White had more front leg faults than Landrace. The correlation between number of leg faults and growth rate of a boar during test was + 0.12. Although lef weakness was an important cause of boar wastage, neither it nor leg faults were significant sources of error in evaluating the performance of boars which completed testing.", "contents": "An analysis of leg abnormalities of boars in the Queensland performance testing station. An analysis was made of the results of leg inspections of boars in the Queensland boar testing station at the start and end of their performance tests. The frequency among boars of 12 specific faults ranged from zero to 90% at the start and 7% to 73% and the end of testing. Of the 362 boars examined, 20% suffered from leg weakness. 11% of these had to be slaughtered and 9% recovered after return to the farm. The only faults significantly associated with leg weakness were: \"up on toes\" of the front feet and excessive flexion of the front knees (\"over at knee\"). The sire, breed and herd of origin of a boar had little effect on its having any one of the 12 faults. However, herds were found to differ in the total number of faults per boar and Large White had more front leg faults than Landrace. The correlation between number of leg faults and growth rate of a boar during test was + 0.12. Although lef weakness was an important cause of boar wastage, neither it nor leg faults were significant sources of error in evaluating the performance of boars which completed testing.", "PMID": 985240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1458", "title": "Helminth parasites of the fox (Vulpes vulpes) in New South Wales.", "content": "A total of 930 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from New South Wales were examined for the presence of gastro-intestinal helminth parasites. The cestodes were represented by Taenia pisiformis with a prevalence of 15.7%, T. serialis (22.6%), T. taeniaeformis (0.1%), Spirometra erinacei (28.7%) and Dipylidium caninum (8.3%). No specimens of T. ovis, T. hydatigena or Echinococcus granulosus were encountered. Toxocara canis was the most prevalent nematode and occurred in 35.2% of foxes. Other nematodes encountered were Uncinaria stenocephala with a prevalence of 30.6%, Ancylostoma caninum (7.5%), Trichuris vulpis (2.7%) and Cyathospirura dasyuridis (0.3%). Oncicola sp was found in 1 fox. The prevalence of various parasites in foxes varied between different regions of New South Wales. All parasites, except S. erinacei and D. caninum were less prevalent in the western regions of the State. T. serialis and T. canis were more prevalent in male than female foxes. Of the parasites found T. serialis had the highest average burden per infected fox (17.9) and T. pisiformis had the lowest (2.8).", "contents": "Helminth parasites of the fox (Vulpes vulpes) in New South Wales. A total of 930 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from New South Wales were examined for the presence of gastro-intestinal helminth parasites. The cestodes were represented by Taenia pisiformis with a prevalence of 15.7%, T. serialis (22.6%), T. taeniaeformis (0.1%), Spirometra erinacei (28.7%) and Dipylidium caninum (8.3%). No specimens of T. ovis, T. hydatigena or Echinococcus granulosus were encountered. Toxocara canis was the most prevalent nematode and occurred in 35.2% of foxes. Other nematodes encountered were Uncinaria stenocephala with a prevalence of 30.6%, Ancylostoma caninum (7.5%), Trichuris vulpis (2.7%) and Cyathospirura dasyuridis (0.3%). Oncicola sp was found in 1 fox. The prevalence of various parasites in foxes varied between different regions of New South Wales. All parasites, except S. erinacei and D. caninum were less prevalent in the western regions of the State. T. serialis and T. canis were more prevalent in male than female foxes. Of the parasites found T. serialis had the highest average burden per infected fox (17.9) and T. pisiformis had the lowest (2.8).", "PMID": 985241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1459", "title": "Cineradiography of the reticular groove mechanism.", "content": "The use of cineradiographic studies in the interpretation of how sucked liquid passes to the abomasum in young sucking ruminants is described with special reference to experimental studies in lambs and calves. The work involved an examination of the movements of stainless steel wire or clips inserted via a gastrostomy into the mucosa of the caudal thoracic oesophagus, lips of the reticular groove and margins of the reticulo-omasal orifice. This assisted the interpretation of how these structures are involved in the passage into the abomasum of sucked liquid and into the reticulo-rumen of liquid or solid ingesta or saliva swallowed independently of sucking. An understanding of contributions made by the oesophagus, reticular groove and reticulo-omasal orifice to the passage of sucked liquid into the abomasum was aided by the use of the autonomic blocking agents, atropine and hexamethonium.", "contents": "Cineradiography of the reticular groove mechanism. The use of cineradiographic studies in the interpretation of how sucked liquid passes to the abomasum in young sucking ruminants is described with special reference to experimental studies in lambs and calves. The work involved an examination of the movements of stainless steel wire or clips inserted via a gastrostomy into the mucosa of the caudal thoracic oesophagus, lips of the reticular groove and margins of the reticulo-omasal orifice. This assisted the interpretation of how these structures are involved in the passage into the abomasum of sucked liquid and into the reticulo-rumen of liquid or solid ingesta or saliva swallowed independently of sucking. An understanding of contributions made by the oesophagus, reticular groove and reticulo-omasal orifice to the passage of sucked liquid into the abomasum was aided by the use of the autonomic blocking agents, atropine and hexamethonium.", "PMID": 985242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1460", "title": "Infectivity of Ancylostoma caninum larvae after freezing over liquid nitrogen.", "content": "Third-stage larvae of Ancyclostoma caninum were exsheathed either by carbon dioxide or sodium hypochlorite treatment. Exsheathment per se reduced the infectivity of third-stage larvae by 45% to 59% without affecting larval motility. Both ensheathed and exsheathed larvae were frozen over liquid nitrogen for 90 days, and thawed. Frozen ensheathed larvae were all killed; but frozen exsheathed larvae were 40-54% as infective as non-frozen exsheathed larvae, and the addition of 10% dimethyl sulphoxide raised the infectivity to 89%, relative to non-frozen exsheathed larvae. Taken together, the deleterious effects of exsheathment and freezing resulted in an infectivity of 16-37%, relative to normal larvae.", "contents": "Infectivity of Ancylostoma caninum larvae after freezing over liquid nitrogen. Third-stage larvae of Ancyclostoma caninum were exsheathed either by carbon dioxide or sodium hypochlorite treatment. Exsheathment per se reduced the infectivity of third-stage larvae by 45% to 59% without affecting larval motility. Both ensheathed and exsheathed larvae were frozen over liquid nitrogen for 90 days, and thawed. Frozen ensheathed larvae were all killed; but frozen exsheathed larvae were 40-54% as infective as non-frozen exsheathed larvae, and the addition of 10% dimethyl sulphoxide raised the infectivity to 89%, relative to non-frozen exsheathed larvae. Taken together, the deleterious effects of exsheathment and freezing resulted in an infectivity of 16-37%, relative to normal larvae.", "PMID": 985243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1461", "title": "Interpretation of bond radiographs: some hazards for the unwary.", "content": "Four aspects of normal radiographic anatomy are discussed in relation to the diagnosis of bone pathology. Where two bones are superimposed the observer may perceive a phantom radiolucent line parallel and close to one of the bones. The radiolucent line is a Mach band and is an illusion which may simulate a fracture. Nutrient canals may also simulate fractures. Although subject to typical site, number and direction, exceptions are frequent. They are commonly seen in the bones which participate in the elbow and knee joints of the dog and cat, and are most likely to be misinterpreted in the tibia and humerus. The thickness of cortical bone is not easily predicted from first principles and is of similar dimensions in both toy dogs and giant breeds. It may prompt a diagnosis of osteoporosis in the latter. The normal appearance of cancellous bone varies from species to species. In the cat and wheep the spongiosa is coarse and sparing and may falsely tempt a diagnosis of osteoporosis. The trabeculae are delicate in the pig and abundant in the horse. To aid correct interpretation it is recommended that a comprehensive library of normal films should be collected and used for empirical comparison where doubt exists.", "contents": "Interpretation of bond radiographs: some hazards for the unwary. Four aspects of normal radiographic anatomy are discussed in relation to the diagnosis of bone pathology. Where two bones are superimposed the observer may perceive a phantom radiolucent line parallel and close to one of the bones. The radiolucent line is a Mach band and is an illusion which may simulate a fracture. Nutrient canals may also simulate fractures. Although subject to typical site, number and direction, exceptions are frequent. They are commonly seen in the bones which participate in the elbow and knee joints of the dog and cat, and are most likely to be misinterpreted in the tibia and humerus. The thickness of cortical bone is not easily predicted from first principles and is of similar dimensions in both toy dogs and giant breeds. It may prompt a diagnosis of osteoporosis in the latter. The normal appearance of cancellous bone varies from species to species. In the cat and wheep the spongiosa is coarse and sparing and may falsely tempt a diagnosis of osteoporosis. The trabeculae are delicate in the pig and abundant in the horse. To aid correct interpretation it is recommended that a comprehensive library of normal films should be collected and used for empirical comparison where doubt exists.", "PMID": 985244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1462", "title": "A survey of blood lead levels in dogs and cats.", "content": "The blood of 206 dogs and 26 cats was analyzed for lead by non-flame atomic absorption giving mean levels of 6.4 mug/100 ml for dogs and 5.2 mug/100 ml for cats. Statistical treatment of the results using a paired Students' t-test showed significant differences by age for dogs but not for cats. Urban dogs had significantly higher blood lead levels than country dogs (P less than 0.05) thus indicating that dogs can be regarded as useful environmental monitors for lead pollution.", "contents": "A survey of blood lead levels in dogs and cats. The blood of 206 dogs and 26 cats was analyzed for lead by non-flame atomic absorption giving mean levels of 6.4 mug/100 ml for dogs and 5.2 mug/100 ml for cats. Statistical treatment of the results using a paired Students' t-test showed significant differences by age for dogs but not for cats. Urban dogs had significantly higher blood lead levels than country dogs (P less than 0.05) thus indicating that dogs can be regarded as useful environmental monitors for lead pollution.", "PMID": 985245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1463", "title": "Internal parasites of feral cats from the Tasmanian Midlands and King Island.", "content": "Eighty-six feral cats from a sheep grazing area in the Tasmanian Midlands and 21 from King Island were examined for internal parasites. Major food items in order of decreasing prevalence in stomach contents were insects, lizards, birds, rodents and frogs in the Midlands, and rodents, birds, insects, and lizards on King Island. Feral cats from the Midlands had 4 cestode, 7 nematode, 2 trematode and 3 protozoan parasites as follows: Spirometra erinacei (66.3%), Taenia taeniaeformis (2.3%), Dipylidium caninum (1.2%), Toxocara cati (86.0%), spiruroid nodules containing Cylicospirura felineus and Cyathospirura dasyuridis (57.0%), Ollulanus tricuspis (11.4%), Uncinaria stenocephala (2.3%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (39.2%), Capillaris aerophila (30.0%), Echinoparyphium sp (27.1%), Fibricola minor (6.8%), Isospora felis (12.7%), I. rivolta (5.4%), and Sarcocystis sp (1.8%). Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were found in 51 of 53 serums. Three cestode and 5 nematode parasites were found in cats from King Island: T. taeniaeformis (49.2%), D. caninum (23.8%), S. erinacei (19.0%), T. cati (90.5%), C. felineus (42.9%), C dasyuridis (9.5%), O. tricuspis (4.8%) and C. aerophila (9.5%). This is the first record of Cylicospirura felineus, Fibricola minor and Echinoparyphium sp in cats in Australia.", "contents": "Internal parasites of feral cats from the Tasmanian Midlands and King Island. Eighty-six feral cats from a sheep grazing area in the Tasmanian Midlands and 21 from King Island were examined for internal parasites. Major food items in order of decreasing prevalence in stomach contents were insects, lizards, birds, rodents and frogs in the Midlands, and rodents, birds, insects, and lizards on King Island. Feral cats from the Midlands had 4 cestode, 7 nematode, 2 trematode and 3 protozoan parasites as follows: Spirometra erinacei (66.3%), Taenia taeniaeformis (2.3%), Dipylidium caninum (1.2%), Toxocara cati (86.0%), spiruroid nodules containing Cylicospirura felineus and Cyathospirura dasyuridis (57.0%), Ollulanus tricuspis (11.4%), Uncinaria stenocephala (2.3%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (39.2%), Capillaris aerophila (30.0%), Echinoparyphium sp (27.1%), Fibricola minor (6.8%), Isospora felis (12.7%), I. rivolta (5.4%), and Sarcocystis sp (1.8%). Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were found in 51 of 53 serums. Three cestode and 5 nematode parasites were found in cats from King Island: T. taeniaeformis (49.2%), D. caninum (23.8%), S. erinacei (19.0%), T. cati (90.5%), C. felineus (42.9%), C dasyuridis (9.5%), O. tricuspis (4.8%) and C. aerophila (9.5%). This is the first record of Cylicospirura felineus, Fibricola minor and Echinoparyphium sp in cats in Australia.", "PMID": 985246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1464", "title": "Factors affecting the detection of infestations of Boophilus microplus in tick control programs.", "content": "Factors affecting the probability of detecting infestations of Boophilus microplus when herds of cattle are examined were studied. The probability of detecting a tick depends on the number of infested cattle in the herd, the probability of ticks being present on the areas of the beast examined, the efficiency of the examination and the proportion of the herd examined. A mathematical expression relating these factors was derived, and a range of values calculated to demonstrate the relative importance of each factor. It was evident that the efficiency of the examination should be kept better than 75%, and that it is necessary to employ a high sampling rate, preferably 100% of the herd. The probabilities of ticks being present on 6 predilection sites and 4 combinations of sites of an infested animal were determined experimentally. The tail butt, esutcheon, belly, dewlap and to a lesser degree neck and ear were all very suitable sites on which to find cattle ticks. A combination of tail butt, escutcheon and neck produced probabilities (0.58 and above) considered adequate to form the basis of an examination system. Examination systems used in New South Wales, Queensland, Argentina and at the United States-Mexico border are described. As a result of this study a new standardised system has been adopted by the Board of Tick Control for use by all New South Wales inspectors.", "contents": "Factors affecting the detection of infestations of Boophilus microplus in tick control programs. Factors affecting the probability of detecting infestations of Boophilus microplus when herds of cattle are examined were studied. The probability of detecting a tick depends on the number of infested cattle in the herd, the probability of ticks being present on the areas of the beast examined, the efficiency of the examination and the proportion of the herd examined. A mathematical expression relating these factors was derived, and a range of values calculated to demonstrate the relative importance of each factor. It was evident that the efficiency of the examination should be kept better than 75%, and that it is necessary to employ a high sampling rate, preferably 100% of the herd. The probabilities of ticks being present on 6 predilection sites and 4 combinations of sites of an infested animal were determined experimentally. The tail butt, esutcheon, belly, dewlap and to a lesser degree neck and ear were all very suitable sites on which to find cattle ticks. A combination of tail butt, escutcheon and neck produced probabilities (0.58 and above) considered adequate to form the basis of an examination system. Examination systems used in New South Wales, Queensland, Argentina and at the United States-Mexico border are described. As a result of this study a new standardised system has been adopted by the Board of Tick Control for use by all New South Wales inspectors.", "PMID": 985247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1465", "title": "Blowfly strike in the breech region of sheep in relation to helminth infection.", "content": "The incidence of breech strike in radically mulesed weaner sheep was reduced from about 50% to about 5% by suppression of helminth infection. Prediposition of sheep to flystrike appeared to result from the helminths causing diarrhoea and soiling of the wool in the breech region. Wethers were struck more frequently than ewes. The efficiency of control of breech strike in mulesed weaners is considered in relation to helminth control and crutching.", "contents": "Blowfly strike in the breech region of sheep in relation to helminth infection. The incidence of breech strike in radically mulesed weaner sheep was reduced from about 50% to about 5% by suppression of helminth infection. Prediposition of sheep to flystrike appeared to result from the helminths causing diarrhoea and soiling of the wool in the breech region. Wethers were struck more frequently than ewes. The efficiency of control of breech strike in mulesed weaners is considered in relation to helminth control and crutching.", "PMID": 985248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1466", "title": "Effect of nutrition in the rearing and laying phases on mortality and egg composition of crossbred layers.", "content": "Crossbred pullets reared on a low plane of nutrition had a lower mortality rate due to Marek's disease and lymphoid leucosis in the laying phase and had smaller livers with less fat than those reared on a high plane of nutrition. On the other hand, the addition of 0.06% methionine to the laying diet increased the incidence of deaths due to Marek's disease and lymphoid leucosis. The spleen weight of birds fed the diet supplemented with methionine was greater than that of those fed the unsupplemented diet. The source of cereals in the laying diet had no effect on mortality, but birds fed diets with barley had larger livers and spleens. The gizzards and intestinal tracts of the birds fed the diet with oats were larger than that of birds fed diets based on barley. The inclusion of 2.5% rapeseed oil in the laying diet resulted in haemorrhage of ovarian follicles and reduced the proportion of yolk in the egg.", "contents": "Effect of nutrition in the rearing and laying phases on mortality and egg composition of crossbred layers. Crossbred pullets reared on a low plane of nutrition had a lower mortality rate due to Marek's disease and lymphoid leucosis in the laying phase and had smaller livers with less fat than those reared on a high plane of nutrition. On the other hand, the addition of 0.06% methionine to the laying diet increased the incidence of deaths due to Marek's disease and lymphoid leucosis. The spleen weight of birds fed the diet supplemented with methionine was greater than that of those fed the unsupplemented diet. The source of cereals in the laying diet had no effect on mortality, but birds fed diets with barley had larger livers and spleens. The gizzards and intestinal tracts of the birds fed the diet with oats were larger than that of birds fed diets based on barley. The inclusion of 2.5% rapeseed oil in the laying diet resulted in haemorrhage of ovarian follicles and reduced the proportion of yolk in the egg.", "PMID": 985249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1467", "title": "Specific gravity and osmolality as measures of urine concentration in the calf.", "content": "Specific gravity and osmolality were determined for daily urine output from 8 male calves that developed diarrhoea. Both factors increased significantly during diarrhoea. From the correlation (r = 0.724) between them and the range of predicted osmolality values for any particular SG the use of osmolality was confirmed as a precise measure of urine concentration in the calf.", "contents": "Specific gravity and osmolality as measures of urine concentration in the calf. Specific gravity and osmolality were determined for daily urine output from 8 male calves that developed diarrhoea. Both factors increased significantly during diarrhoea. From the correlation (r = 0.724) between them and the range of predicted osmolality values for any particular SG the use of osmolality was confirmed as a precise measure of urine concentration in the calf.", "PMID": 985250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1468", "title": "Treatment of pregnancy toxaemia in ewes by induction of parturition.", "content": "Treatment of pregnancy toxaemia in ewes by induction of parturition is reported. The efficacy of 3 formulations of dexamethasone, at different dosages, is recorded and discussed.", "contents": "Treatment of pregnancy toxaemia in ewes by induction of parturition. Treatment of pregnancy toxaemia in ewes by induction of parturition is reported. The efficacy of 3 formulations of dexamethasone, at different dosages, is recorded and discussed.", "PMID": 985251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1469", "title": "Persistent pupillary membrane in the Basenji.", "content": "One hundred and five Basenjis of varying ages were examined for the presence of persistent pupillary membrane. Lesions were detected in 75 individuals and were judged to be of minor significance in 26 cases, and of major significance in 49 cases. A system of scoring individuals for breeding merit was devised. The condition would appear to be a major problem in the breed in Victoria and some control measures are warranted.", "contents": "Persistent pupillary membrane in the Basenji. One hundred and five Basenjis of varying ages were examined for the presence of persistent pupillary membrane. Lesions were detected in 75 individuals and were judged to be of minor significance in 26 cases, and of major significance in 49 cases. A system of scoring individuals for breeding merit was devised. The condition would appear to be a major problem in the breed in Victoria and some control measures are warranted.", "PMID": 985254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1470", "title": "The use of synthetic prostaglandin analogue to induce oestrus in mares.", "content": "A clinical trial involving 359 mares was conducted to ascertain the clinical value of a synthetic prostaglandin analogue (fluprostenol, ICI-81,008) structurally related to PGF2oc for treating mares in prolonged dioestrus. Some 263 mares (73.3%) displayed oestrus within 5 days of a first intramuscular injection of 250 mug fluprostenol and, of those mares later examined for pregnancy, 108 (40%) were found to have conceived during the first induced oestrus. A further 21 mares (8%) cycled normally and conceived to services during the second oestrus. Most (80.3%) of the plasma samples obtained from 242 mares prior to treatment showed a progesterone concentration greater than 1 ng/ml, thereby indicating the presence of functional luteal tissue in the ovaries. The results support earlier observations that most non-pregnant mares which fail to cycle during the breeding season are in a state of prolonged dioestrus rather than anoesturs.", "contents": "The use of synthetic prostaglandin analogue to induce oestrus in mares. A clinical trial involving 359 mares was conducted to ascertain the clinical value of a synthetic prostaglandin analogue (fluprostenol, ICI-81,008) structurally related to PGF2oc for treating mares in prolonged dioestrus. Some 263 mares (73.3%) displayed oestrus within 5 days of a first intramuscular injection of 250 mug fluprostenol and, of those mares later examined for pregnancy, 108 (40%) were found to have conceived during the first induced oestrus. A further 21 mares (8%) cycled normally and conceived to services during the second oestrus. Most (80.3%) of the plasma samples obtained from 242 mares prior to treatment showed a progesterone concentration greater than 1 ng/ml, thereby indicating the presence of functional luteal tissue in the ovaries. The results support earlier observations that most non-pregnant mares which fail to cycle during the breeding season are in a state of prolonged dioestrus rather than anoesturs.", "PMID": 985255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1471", "title": "Immunisation against bovine vibriosis due to Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus biotype intermedius.", "content": "A vaccine prepared from Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus biotype venerealis gave only partial protection to heifers and bulls against genital infection with C. fetus subsp. fetus biotype intermedius. Heifers and bulls were fully immunised against C. fetus subsp. venerealis biotype intermedius by administration of a vaccine prepared from homologous organisms.", "contents": "Immunisation against bovine vibriosis due to Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus biotype intermedius. A vaccine prepared from Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus biotype venerealis gave only partial protection to heifers and bulls against genital infection with C. fetus subsp. fetus biotype intermedius. Heifers and bulls were fully immunised against C. fetus subsp. venerealis biotype intermedius by administration of a vaccine prepared from homologous organisms.", "PMID": 985256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1472", "title": "\"Woolly everlasting daisy\" (Helichrysum blandoskianum) toxicity in cattle and sheep.", "content": "Investigations into cattle mortalities suspected of being caused by the Woolly Everlasting Daisy (Helichrysum blandowskianum) revealed lesions of marked periacinar liver necrosis, vascular degeneration, widespread haemorrhages and oedema. Brains showed status spongiosus. These lesions were reproduced in cattle and sheep fed Helichrysum and in cattle given an intravenous injection of an extract of the plant.", "contents": "\"Woolly everlasting daisy\" (Helichrysum blandoskianum) toxicity in cattle and sheep. Investigations into cattle mortalities suspected of being caused by the Woolly Everlasting Daisy (Helichrysum blandowskianum) revealed lesions of marked periacinar liver necrosis, vascular degeneration, widespread haemorrhages and oedema. Brains showed status spongiosus. These lesions were reproduced in cattle and sheep fed Helichrysum and in cattle given an intravenous injection of an extract of the plant.", "PMID": 985257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1473", "title": "The identification of Taenia species from Australian carnivores.", "content": "An investigation into the reliability of various morphological criteria in differentiating species of Taenia in Australia showed that both the anatomy of the mature proglottis and the gross morphology of the worms were reliable methods if suitably relaxed anf fixed specimens were available. Measurements of rostellar hoods were useful but did not provide unequivocal identification due to overlap in sizes; urine branch numbers were found to be of little use.", "contents": "The identification of Taenia species from Australian carnivores. An investigation into the reliability of various morphological criteria in differentiating species of Taenia in Australia showed that both the anatomy of the mature proglottis and the gross morphology of the worms were reliable methods if suitably relaxed anf fixed specimens were available. Measurements of rostellar hoods were useful but did not provide unequivocal identification due to overlap in sizes; urine branch numbers were found to be of little use.", "PMID": 985258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1474", "title": "Reduction of anticoccidial drug resistance by massive introduction of drug-sensitive coccidia.", "content": "Massive introduction of a drug-sensitive attenuated strain of Eimeria tenella in a floor-pen heavily contaminated with a drug-resistant strain produced a marked reduction in the proportion of drug-resistant oocytsts in the litter. This provides a useful adjunct to planned immunization programs since the procedure protects the birds against subsequent challenge through immunity imparted by the introduced strain while restoring the effectiveness of the anticoccidial drug which was previously ineffective because of the predominance of drug-resistant coccidia.", "contents": "Reduction of anticoccidial drug resistance by massive introduction of drug-sensitive coccidia. Massive introduction of a drug-sensitive attenuated strain of Eimeria tenella in a floor-pen heavily contaminated with a drug-resistant strain produced a marked reduction in the proportion of drug-resistant oocytsts in the litter. This provides a useful adjunct to planned immunization programs since the procedure protects the birds against subsequent challenge through immunity imparted by the introduced strain while restoring the effectiveness of the anticoccidial drug which was previously ineffective because of the predominance of drug-resistant coccidia.", "PMID": 985266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1475", "title": "Evidence of genetic heterogeneity of some lentogenic Newcastle disease virus strains.", "content": "Two distinguishable subpopulations were recovered from chickens infected with lentogenic strains of Newcastle disease virus originally ioslated from chickens in Australia and Ireland. In both instances, a subpopulation that rapidly eluted from chicken erythrocytes was recovered predominantly from tracheal swabs, and a slow-eluting subpopulation from cloacal swabs. The two subpopulations differed in thermostability of the hemagglutinatin and mean survival time of infected chicken embryos, as well as in elution pattern. The heterogeneity characteristic of the Aust-V4 strain and NI-Ulster strain could not be demonstrated in B1, NJ-LaSota, and ENG-F, lentogenic strains commonly used in vaccines. The question is discussed of whether standard vaccine strains are also hetrogeneous if a technique for separating stock populations is found, and the significance of possible heterogeneity to the effectivenss of the vaccines.", "contents": "Evidence of genetic heterogeneity of some lentogenic Newcastle disease virus strains. Two distinguishable subpopulations were recovered from chickens infected with lentogenic strains of Newcastle disease virus originally ioslated from chickens in Australia and Ireland. In both instances, a subpopulation that rapidly eluted from chicken erythrocytes was recovered predominantly from tracheal swabs, and a slow-eluting subpopulation from cloacal swabs. The two subpopulations differed in thermostability of the hemagglutinatin and mean survival time of infected chicken embryos, as well as in elution pattern. The heterogeneity characteristic of the Aust-V4 strain and NI-Ulster strain could not be demonstrated in B1, NJ-LaSota, and ENG-F, lentogenic strains commonly used in vaccines. The question is discussed of whether standard vaccine strains are also hetrogeneous if a technique for separating stock populations is found, and the significance of possible heterogeneity to the effectivenss of the vaccines.", "PMID": 985267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1476", "title": "Readability of approach charts as a function of visual acuity, luminance, and printing format.", "content": "This study determined the ability of 12 presbyopic subjects to read numerals from aeronautical approach procedure charts. The readability of chart numerals was determined for 15 size and contrast combinations as a function of near visual acuity (equivalent 20/20, 20/40, and 20/60) and chart brightness (100 and 1.0 ft L). Test subjects were evaluated at the normal near-visual-acuity level (20/20) and the minal near-visual-acuity levels (20/40) for Classes I and II and 20/60 for Class III) as specified in the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners. The results indicated that subjects with 20/20 near visual acuity could read all chart numerals under bright and dim luminance conditions. Subjects with 20/40 and 20/60 levels of near visual acuity experienced reading difficulty under bright conditions and increased difficulty under dim luminance.", "contents": "Readability of approach charts as a function of visual acuity, luminance, and printing format. This study determined the ability of 12 presbyopic subjects to read numerals from aeronautical approach procedure charts. The readability of chart numerals was determined for 15 size and contrast combinations as a function of near visual acuity (equivalent 20/20, 20/40, and 20/60) and chart brightness (100 and 1.0 ft L). Test subjects were evaluated at the normal near-visual-acuity level (20/20) and the minal near-visual-acuity levels (20/40) for Classes I and II and 20/60 for Class III) as specified in the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners. The results indicated that subjects with 20/20 near visual acuity could read all chart numerals under bright and dim luminance conditions. Subjects with 20/40 and 20/60 levels of near visual acuity experienced reading difficulty under bright conditions and increased difficulty under dim luminance.", "PMID": 985273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1477", "title": "Familial differences in antibody response of broiler chickens to vaccination with attenuated and inactivated Newcastle disease virus vaccine.", "content": "Genetic differences in immune response to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were studied in 4-week-old broilers, vaccinated with attenuated (live) or inactivated NDV. The experiment included 370 chicks from two farms distributed among 22 sire families and 60 dam families. Results in chicks from both farms were similar. Survival after challenge was closely related to titer level. The genetic correlation between day-7 and day-12 titers (attenuated virus) was 1.0. Significant differences were found between sire families in both sorts of vaccinations. Heritabilities based on the sire variance components for attenuated and inactivated virus vaccinations were respectively 0.31 and 0.60. The genetic correlation between them was 0.49. Nevertheless, it is concluded that selection for response to NDV based on inactivated virus may be most effective in improving response to attenuated NDV vaccinations.", "contents": "Familial differences in antibody response of broiler chickens to vaccination with attenuated and inactivated Newcastle disease virus vaccine. Genetic differences in immune response to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were studied in 4-week-old broilers, vaccinated with attenuated (live) or inactivated NDV. The experiment included 370 chicks from two farms distributed among 22 sire families and 60 dam families. Results in chicks from both farms were similar. Survival after challenge was closely related to titer level. The genetic correlation between day-7 and day-12 titers (attenuated virus) was 1.0. Significant differences were found between sire families in both sorts of vaccinations. Heritabilities based on the sire variance components for attenuated and inactivated virus vaccinations were respectively 0.31 and 0.60. The genetic correlation between them was 0.49. Nevertheless, it is concluded that selection for response to NDV based on inactivated virus may be most effective in improving response to attenuated NDV vaccinations.", "PMID": 985268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1478", "title": "Pulmonary gas exchange in acute mountain sickness.", "content": "The severity of acute mountain sickness (AMS) was investigated in healthy volunteers, airlifted to high altitude (5,360 m). Blood gases were measured at 2,990 m and 5,360 m. Symptoms of AMS were found in all subjects, but ranged from malaise to vomiting with intractable headache. The clinical severity of AMS was directly related to the arterial PCO2 and inversely to pH, but unrelated to the PO2 on arrival at high altitude. However, PO2 fell and was lowest 48 h after arrival at high altitude in those subjects with the most severe AMS. These were the only subjects to show an increase in the alveolar-arterial PO2 difference and in the venous admixture ratio during the first 48 h. These abnormalities in gas exchange, which developed in the subjects with the most marked cerebral symptoms, suggest that the manifestations of cerebral and pulmonary dysfunction at altitude develop simultaneously, a finding that suggests coexisting cerebral and pulmonary edema.", "contents": "Pulmonary gas exchange in acute mountain sickness. The severity of acute mountain sickness (AMS) was investigated in healthy volunteers, airlifted to high altitude (5,360 m). Blood gases were measured at 2,990 m and 5,360 m. Symptoms of AMS were found in all subjects, but ranged from malaise to vomiting with intractable headache. The clinical severity of AMS was directly related to the arterial PCO2 and inversely to pH, but unrelated to the PO2 on arrival at high altitude. However, PO2 fell and was lowest 48 h after arrival at high altitude in those subjects with the most severe AMS. These were the only subjects to show an increase in the alveolar-arterial PO2 difference and in the venous admixture ratio during the first 48 h. These abnormalities in gas exchange, which developed in the subjects with the most marked cerebral symptoms, suggest that the manifestations of cerebral and pulmonary dysfunction at altitude develop simultaneously, a finding that suggests coexisting cerebral and pulmonary edema.", "PMID": 985274} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1479", "title": "Measurement of change in plasma volume during heat exposure and exercise.", "content": "The application of radio-iodinated human serum albumin (RISA) to the measurement of a continuously changing plasma volume, such as that occurring during heat exposure and exercise, has been considered in terms of the exchange dynamics of albumin between the intravascular and extravascular compartments. In six male subjects resting supine for 2 h in a hot environment, or exercising for 50 min in a thermoneutral or hot environment, there was no statistically significant alteration in the rate of protein efflux from the intravascular space. However, following exercise, protein was added to the circulation at a greater rate than it was lost through the capillary walls. A technique for calculating plasma volume from a single measurement of plasma RISA activity is described. This may be used in conjunction with measurements of changes in haemoglobin concentration of determining plasma volume in situations where alterations in protein exchange dynamics do occur.", "contents": "Measurement of change in plasma volume during heat exposure and exercise. The application of radio-iodinated human serum albumin (RISA) to the measurement of a continuously changing plasma volume, such as that occurring during heat exposure and exercise, has been considered in terms of the exchange dynamics of albumin between the intravascular and extravascular compartments. In six male subjects resting supine for 2 h in a hot environment, or exercising for 50 min in a thermoneutral or hot environment, there was no statistically significant alteration in the rate of protein efflux from the intravascular space. However, following exercise, protein was added to the circulation at a greater rate than it was lost through the capillary walls. A technique for calculating plasma volume from a single measurement of plasma RISA activity is described. This may be used in conjunction with measurements of changes in haemoglobin concentration of determining plasma volume in situations where alterations in protein exchange dynamics do occur.", "PMID": 985275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1480", "title": "Effect of gentamicin on early mortality and later performance of broiler and Leghorn chickens.", "content": "Field and floor-pen trials demonstrated that subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mg gentamicin at one day old reduced bacteria-caused deaths in White Leghorn and broiler-type chicks. Growth, feed efficiency, and condemnation data from broiler trials suggested an advantage for treated chickens over unmedicated controls. Ninety-nine percent of clinical isolates were susceptible to gentamicin (10 mug) when tested by the modified Kirby-Bauer method. In vitro susceptibilities of these isolates to neomycin, nitrofurazone, chloramphenicol, and kanamycin varied from 90 to 94%. About half of the isolates were susceptible to dihydrostreptomycin or tetracycline in vitro, while less than 10% were susceptible to penicillin or clindamycin. In vitro tests to determine the lowest concentration of antibiotics required to inhibit the growth of 31 bacterial isolates demonstrated that less gentamicin is required than neomycin, spectinomycin, or oxytetracycline.", "contents": "Effect of gentamicin on early mortality and later performance of broiler and Leghorn chickens. Field and floor-pen trials demonstrated that subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mg gentamicin at one day old reduced bacteria-caused deaths in White Leghorn and broiler-type chicks. Growth, feed efficiency, and condemnation data from broiler trials suggested an advantage for treated chickens over unmedicated controls. Ninety-nine percent of clinical isolates were susceptible to gentamicin (10 mug) when tested by the modified Kirby-Bauer method. In vitro susceptibilities of these isolates to neomycin, nitrofurazone, chloramphenicol, and kanamycin varied from 90 to 94%. About half of the isolates were susceptible to dihydrostreptomycin or tetracycline in vitro, while less than 10% were susceptible to penicillin or clindamycin. In vitro tests to determine the lowest concentration of antibiotics required to inhibit the growth of 31 bacterial isolates demonstrated that less gentamicin is required than neomycin, spectinomycin, or oxytetracycline.", "PMID": 985269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1481", "title": "Comparison of six methods of detecting Salmonella typhimurium infection of chickens.", "content": "Six methods were used in testing for prior exposure of chickens to Salmonella typhimurium (ST). The most sensitive and reliable was the microantiglobulin (MAG) TEST; LESS RELIABLE WERE THE TUBE AGGLUTINATION, MICROAGGLUtination, rapid-whole-blood, and rapid-serum-plate tests. It was assumed that the agglutinins demonstrated by the MAG test method were the direct result of exposure to ST, and that the MAG test detected the maximum number of birds previously exposed to ST. The cloacal swab culture method was inadequate.", "contents": "Comparison of six methods of detecting Salmonella typhimurium infection of chickens. Six methods were used in testing for prior exposure of chickens to Salmonella typhimurium (ST). The most sensitive and reliable was the microantiglobulin (MAG) TEST; LESS RELIABLE WERE THE TUBE AGGLUTINATION, MICROAGGLUtination, rapid-whole-blood, and rapid-serum-plate tests. It was assumed that the agglutinins demonstrated by the MAG test method were the direct result of exposure to ST, and that the MAG test detected the maximum number of birds previously exposed to ST. The cloacal swab culture method was inadequate.", "PMID": 985271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1482", "title": "Medical experiment M-171: results from the second manned Skylab mission.", "content": "Preflight, inflight, and postflight exercise response tests were conducted on the astronauts of the second Skylab mission (Skylab 3) as part of an evaluation of physiological adaptation to long-term weightlessness. The flight phase of this mission was 59 d in duration. An exercise protocol was designed around a bicycle ergometer which was used to apply work loads approximating 25, 50, and 75% of each crewman's measured maximum aerobic capacity (VO2 max). Respiratory gas exchange (VO2, VCO2, and VE), heart rate, and blood pressure were measured during all tests; cardiac output was measured at selected times during preflight and postflight tests. Data obtained both at rest and during exercise in flight showed no consistent changes which would indicate a degraded physical work capacity. In fact, heart rate during exercise actually decreased for all crewmen in flight. This response indicated improved physical fitness in flight relative to preflight. The improved physical condition of this crew relative to that of the first Skylab crew is attributed to frequent performance of high levels of aerobic exercise in flight. The postflight period of readaptation of 1 G was characterized by a marked tachycardia, during which time stroke volume was decreased. This response returned to normal within 5 d postflight.", "contents": "Medical experiment M-171: results from the second manned Skylab mission. Preflight, inflight, and postflight exercise response tests were conducted on the astronauts of the second Skylab mission (Skylab 3) as part of an evaluation of physiological adaptation to long-term weightlessness. The flight phase of this mission was 59 d in duration. An exercise protocol was designed around a bicycle ergometer which was used to apply work loads approximating 25, 50, and 75% of each crewman's measured maximum aerobic capacity (VO2 max). Respiratory gas exchange (VO2, VCO2, and VE), heart rate, and blood pressure were measured during all tests; cardiac output was measured at selected times during preflight and postflight tests. Data obtained both at rest and during exercise in flight showed no consistent changes which would indicate a degraded physical work capacity. In fact, heart rate during exercise actually decreased for all crewmen in flight. This response indicated improved physical fitness in flight relative to preflight. The improved physical condition of this crew relative to that of the first Skylab crew is attributed to frequent performance of high levels of aerobic exercise in flight. The postflight period of readaptation of 1 G was characterized by a marked tachycardia, during which time stroke volume was decreased. This response returned to normal within 5 d postflight.", "PMID": 985276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1483", "title": "Development of cold agglutinin to chicken red blood cells in Mycoplasma synoviae infection.", "content": "Serum from birds chronically infected with Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) evidenced a cold agglutinin (CA) which agglutinated chicken, cat, dog, and guinea pig red blood cells (RBC) but did not agglutinate bovine and sheep RBC. Agglutinin to dog RBC was widespread in serums of birds, whether or not infected with MS.", "contents": "Development of cold agglutinin to chicken red blood cells in Mycoplasma synoviae infection. Serum from birds chronically infected with Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) evidenced a cold agglutinin (CA) which agglutinated chicken, cat, dog, and guinea pig red blood cells (RBC) but did not agglutinate bovine and sheep RBC. Agglutinin to dog RBC was widespread in serums of birds, whether or not infected with MS.", "PMID": 985270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1484", "title": "Free amino acids in human blood plasma during space flights.", "content": "The present investigation presents results of studying free amino acids of peripheral plasma in cosmonauts who made space flights of different duration onboard the spacecraft Soyuz-12, Soyuz-16 and the orbital station Salyut-4. The study showed changes in the content of free amino acids which varied for different amino acids. Most pronounced changes were found in the content of glutamic and aspartic acids, sulfur-containing amino acids and arginine.", "contents": "Free amino acids in human blood plasma during space flights. The present investigation presents results of studying free amino acids of peripheral plasma in cosmonauts who made space flights of different duration onboard the spacecraft Soyuz-12, Soyuz-16 and the orbital station Salyut-4. The study showed changes in the content of free amino acids which varied for different amino acids. Most pronounced changes were found in the content of glutamic and aspartic acids, sulfur-containing amino acids and arginine.", "PMID": 985277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1485", "title": "Teratoma in a chicken (Gallus domesticus).", "content": "A large mass composed of multiple tissue elements was observed in the abdominal cavity of a chicken. The tumor mass was tridermic microscopically, and therefore classified as a teratoma.", "contents": "Teratoma in a chicken (Gallus domesticus). A large mass composed of multiple tissue elements was observed in the abdominal cavity of a chicken. The tumor mass was tridermic microscopically, and therefore classified as a teratoma.", "PMID": 985272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1486", "title": "Effects of head-down tilt on fluid and electrolyte balance.", "content": "The metabolic effects of -5degrees tilt were studied in eight normal individuals. Exposure to tilt for 24 h increased solution excretion and decreased plasma volume. Plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone levels were not significantly different from supine values during the first 6 h of tilting, but were increased significantly at the end of the 24-h tilt period. Creatinine clearance and potassium balance were not affected by the tilt. These findings indicate that head-down tilt induces a sodium diuresis and stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.", "contents": "Effects of head-down tilt on fluid and electrolyte balance. The metabolic effects of -5degrees tilt were studied in eight normal individuals. Exposure to tilt for 24 h increased solution excretion and decreased plasma volume. Plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone levels were not significantly different from supine values during the first 6 h of tilting, but were increased significantly at the end of the 24-h tilt period. Creatinine clearance and potassium balance were not affected by the tilt. These findings indicate that head-down tilt induces a sodium diuresis and stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.", "PMID": 985278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1487", "title": "Increased 2,3-diphosphoglycerate during normocapnic hypobaric hypoxia.", "content": "The effect of 96 h of exposure to hypobaric hypoxia with and without 3.8% CO2 supplementation was studied in two groups of subjects. Five subjects (CO2) were exposed to 440-465 mm Hg barometric pressure (4000-4400 m), and 4 subjects (no-CO2) were exposed to 455-492 mm Hg (3500-1400 m) in order to produce similar levels of resting end-tidal PO2. After 24 h, 2,3-DPG levels of both groups significantly increased and remained elevated. The CO2 group had higher levels than the non-CO2 group after 48 and 72 h. Concurrent measurements of P50 showed similar changes over the same time course. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations remained normal for 48 h and then decreased in both groups, the CO2 group showing the larger decrease. We conclude that altitude exposure may produce an increase in 2,3-DPG without the presence of respiratory alkalosis previously thought necessary.", "contents": "Increased 2,3-diphosphoglycerate during normocapnic hypobaric hypoxia. The effect of 96 h of exposure to hypobaric hypoxia with and without 3.8% CO2 supplementation was studied in two groups of subjects. Five subjects (CO2) were exposed to 440-465 mm Hg barometric pressure (4000-4400 m), and 4 subjects (no-CO2) were exposed to 455-492 mm Hg (3500-1400 m) in order to produce similar levels of resting end-tidal PO2. After 24 h, 2,3-DPG levels of both groups significantly increased and remained elevated. The CO2 group had higher levels than the non-CO2 group after 48 and 72 h. Concurrent measurements of P50 showed similar changes over the same time course. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations remained normal for 48 h and then decreased in both groups, the CO2 group showing the larger decrease. We conclude that altitude exposure may produce an increase in 2,3-DPG without the presence of respiratory alkalosis previously thought necessary.", "PMID": 985279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1488", "title": "Injectable agent for the treatment of air emboli-induced paraplegia in rats.", "content": "Rats with air emboli-induced paraplegia were treated with dialy levodopa injections (intra-arterially or intraperitoneally). Of the control animals, 20% fully recovered from paraplegia during a period of 7 d. Of the levodopa treated animals, 85% fully recovered during the same period. It appears, therefore, that levodopa might be one of the few injectable agents enhancing recovery from air-induced paraplegia, suggesting its possible use in decompression sickness.", "contents": "Injectable agent for the treatment of air emboli-induced paraplegia in rats. Rats with air emboli-induced paraplegia were treated with dialy levodopa injections (intra-arterially or intraperitoneally). Of the control animals, 20% fully recovered from paraplegia during a period of 7 d. Of the levodopa treated animals, 85% fully recovered during the same period. It appears, therefore, that levodopa might be one of the few injectable agents enhancing recovery from air-induced paraplegia, suggesting its possible use in decompression sickness.", "PMID": 985280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1489", "title": "Responses of the autonomic nervous system during acclimatization tp high altitude in man.", "content": "A study has been conducted on 20 sojourners, between the ages of 20-30 years, to evaluate responses of the autonomic nervous system during acclimatization to high altitude. The responses measured consisted of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), oral temperature (Tor), mean skin temperature (Tsk), cold pressor response (CPR), orthostatic tolerance to tilt, and urinary catecholamines. The subjects were tested initially at Delhi (altitude 260 m) and thereafter, on acute induction to an altitude of 3500 m periodically for 3 weeks. For comparison, the same responses were studied on 10 acclimatized lowlanders (AL) who had been staying at the same altitude for more than a year and on 10 high-altitude natives (HAN). The studies showed a rise in HR, BP, Tor, and urinary catecholamines, and a fall in Tsk, CPR, and orthostatic tolerance immediately on arrival at HA, indicating a relative hyperactivity of the sympathetic system. After a stay of 1 week, there was a gradual recovery in all the responses, though sympathetic hyperactivity was still maintained throughout the 3 weeks of stay. In AL also there was a preponderance of sympathetic activity, though of relatively lesser magnitude than that seen in sojourners. In HAN, on the other hand, there was a relative parasympathetic predomination. It has been concluded that in lowlanders it takes more than a year of stay at altitude for complete recovery of autonomic balance.", "contents": "Responses of the autonomic nervous system during acclimatization tp high altitude in man. A study has been conducted on 20 sojourners, between the ages of 20-30 years, to evaluate responses of the autonomic nervous system during acclimatization to high altitude. The responses measured consisted of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), oral temperature (Tor), mean skin temperature (Tsk), cold pressor response (CPR), orthostatic tolerance to tilt, and urinary catecholamines. The subjects were tested initially at Delhi (altitude 260 m) and thereafter, on acute induction to an altitude of 3500 m periodically for 3 weeks. For comparison, the same responses were studied on 10 acclimatized lowlanders (AL) who had been staying at the same altitude for more than a year and on 10 high-altitude natives (HAN). The studies showed a rise in HR, BP, Tor, and urinary catecholamines, and a fall in Tsk, CPR, and orthostatic tolerance immediately on arrival at HA, indicating a relative hyperactivity of the sympathetic system. After a stay of 1 week, there was a gradual recovery in all the responses, though sympathetic hyperactivity was still maintained throughout the 3 weeks of stay. In AL also there was a preponderance of sympathetic activity, though of relatively lesser magnitude than that seen in sojourners. In HAN, on the other hand, there was a relative parasympathetic predomination. It has been concluded that in lowlanders it takes more than a year of stay at altitude for complete recovery of autonomic balance.", "PMID": 985281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1490", "title": "Effect of penetrating radiation on skeletal muscles of rats in weightlessness.", "content": "The isoenzyme composition of lactate dehydrogenase of soleus and plantaris muscles of rats flown for 20.5 d aboard the biosatellite Cosmos-690 and irradiated with a dose of 800 rad was investigated. The muscles exposed to weightlessness per se and weightlessness combined with radiation showed similar changes in their carbohydrate metabolism. On return to 1 G, readaptation of irradiated rats developed less rapidly than of animals exposed to weightlessness alone.", "contents": "Effect of penetrating radiation on skeletal muscles of rats in weightlessness. The isoenzyme composition of lactate dehydrogenase of soleus and plantaris muscles of rats flown for 20.5 d aboard the biosatellite Cosmos-690 and irradiated with a dose of 800 rad was investigated. The muscles exposed to weightlessness per se and weightlessness combined with radiation showed similar changes in their carbohydrate metabolism. On return to 1 G, readaptation of irradiated rats developed less rapidly than of animals exposed to weightlessness alone.", "PMID": 985282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1491", "title": "Antiorthostatic hypokinesia as a method of weightlessness simulation.", "content": "Physiological effects seen in eight test subjects during a 5-d bedrest experiment in the head-down position (0,-4,-8,-12degrees) were studied. It was shown that the antiorthostatic hypokinesia at -12degrees could reproduce physiological responses shown by space crewmembers more closely than recumbent bedrest. Our observations help to stimulate an acute stage of human adaptation to the weightless state and to assess the part played by gravity-induced blood redistribution in the development of physiological changes.", "contents": "Antiorthostatic hypokinesia as a method of weightlessness simulation. Physiological effects seen in eight test subjects during a 5-d bedrest experiment in the head-down position (0,-4,-8,-12degrees) were studied. It was shown that the antiorthostatic hypokinesia at -12degrees could reproduce physiological responses shown by space crewmembers more closely than recumbent bedrest. Our observations help to stimulate an acute stage of human adaptation to the weightless state and to assess the part played by gravity-induced blood redistribution in the development of physiological changes.", "PMID": 985283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1492", "title": "Psychologic and psychophysiologic response to 105 days of social isolation.", "content": "The responses of nine subjects to 105 d of social isolation are reported. The study reveals that crew selection plus ongoing support by psychiatric staff permits continued function in an exotic milieu. Prediction of psychophysiologic symptoms was possible using paper and pencil tests. Trait anxiety was altered by the isolation in a psychologically healthy direction. Sudden time shifts of 8 h led to an immediate significant increase in depression, aggression, and hostility, and are accompanied by marked increases in physical symptoms. During the first free-running phase of the experiment, significant shifts were found on four psychological measures. The shifts indicate that subjects became less trusting, more orderly, more routinized, less energetic, and more depressed. A reducer-augmenter scale predicted the number of psychophysiologic complaints reported by individual subjects while isolated. A group interaction effect on circadian rhythms was isolated but needs further examination.", "contents": "Psychologic and psychophysiologic response to 105 days of social isolation. The responses of nine subjects to 105 d of social isolation are reported. The study reveals that crew selection plus ongoing support by psychiatric staff permits continued function in an exotic milieu. Prediction of psychophysiologic symptoms was possible using paper and pencil tests. Trait anxiety was altered by the isolation in a psychologically healthy direction. Sudden time shifts of 8 h led to an immediate significant increase in depression, aggression, and hostility, and are accompanied by marked increases in physical symptoms. During the first free-running phase of the experiment, significant shifts were found on four psychological measures. The shifts indicate that subjects became less trusting, more orderly, more routinized, less energetic, and more depressed. A reducer-augmenter scale predicted the number of psychophysiologic complaints reported by individual subjects while isolated. A group interaction effect on circadian rhythms was isolated but needs further examination.", "PMID": 985284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1493", "title": "Idealized inflight airline medical kit: a committe report.", "content": "A list of individual items for the contents of an inflight medical kit for airline use has been prepared by the Air Transport Medicine Committee of the Aerospace Medical Association. Each item is described along with its primary purpose. A short discussion of the operational factors relating to an inflight medical kit is contained in the paper.", "contents": "Idealized inflight airline medical kit: a committe report. A list of individual items for the contents of an inflight medical kit for airline use has been prepared by the Air Transport Medicine Committee of the Aerospace Medical Association. Each item is described along with its primary purpose. A short discussion of the operational factors relating to an inflight medical kit is contained in the paper.", "PMID": 985285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1494", "title": "Effects of rapid round trips against time displacement on adrenal cortical-medullary circadian rhythms.", "content": "The effects of rapid round trips against time displacement on circadian rhythms was investigated. The study was carried out on three occasions using one volunteer healthy physician on east-west trips (Tokyo-San Francisco-Tokyo) of short and prolonged stays. The control study was performed on a north-south trip (Tokyo-Sydney-Tokyo) which had practically no time displacement. The circadian rhythms of urinary 17-OHCS, 17-KS, and noradrenaline excretions and plasma cortisol in short-stay trips were disrupted and not synchronized; however, the recovery was rapid with the circadian rhythms returning to normal within 1 to 2 d. On the other hand, the circadian rhythms of these variables in the control study were not disrupted. These results suggest that a short, overnight stay during the trip minimizes the ill effects due to time displacement.", "contents": "Effects of rapid round trips against time displacement on adrenal cortical-medullary circadian rhythms. The effects of rapid round trips against time displacement on circadian rhythms was investigated. The study was carried out on three occasions using one volunteer healthy physician on east-west trips (Tokyo-San Francisco-Tokyo) of short and prolonged stays. The control study was performed on a north-south trip (Tokyo-Sydney-Tokyo) which had practically no time displacement. The circadian rhythms of urinary 17-OHCS, 17-KS, and noradrenaline excretions and plasma cortisol in short-stay trips were disrupted and not synchronized; however, the recovery was rapid with the circadian rhythms returning to normal within 1 to 2 d. On the other hand, the circadian rhythms of these variables in the control study were not disrupted. These results suggest that a short, overnight stay during the trip minimizes the ill effects due to time displacement.", "PMID": 985286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1495", "title": "Food sanitation and air safety.", "content": "This paper summarizes six ways that poor food hygiene or unsanitary food disposal practices can influence safety. It was prepared in response to a request by the Air Transport Medicine Committee of the Aerospace Medical Association. Fifteen key safety steps than can be taken are given for the use of aviation medicine workers and aircraft operators, especially the airlines.", "contents": "Food sanitation and air safety. This paper summarizes six ways that poor food hygiene or unsanitary food disposal practices can influence safety. It was prepared in response to a request by the Air Transport Medicine Committee of the Aerospace Medical Association. Fifteen key safety steps than can be taken are given for the use of aviation medicine workers and aircraft operators, especially the airlines.", "PMID": 985287} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1496", "title": "Transportation in commerical aircraft of passengers having contagious diseases.", "content": "Most airlines refuse to board passengers known or believed to have contagious diseases. Such rigor can scarcely be justified by reference to either laws or regulations. It introduces the risk of arbitrary, mistaken, or prejudiced conduct in areas in which international organizations recommend the greatest liberalization, and it can cause serious harm to certain patients. Finally, it does not seem logical, for airlines learn about only a small fraction of the contagious persons who travel, and public health is much more greatly endangered by unknown contagious persons. Normal hygienic conditions aboard planes suppress the risks of contagion concerning most diseases transmitted by insects or through contact with the skin, with mucuous membranes, with the faeces, or with urine. Airlines should continue to refuse to transport only those passengers having diseases which are characterized by vomiting or serious diarrhoea or which are transmitted through the air if it is impossible by simple means to avoid the risk of contaminating other travellers and any members of the flight crew who might be receptive.", "contents": "Transportation in commerical aircraft of passengers having contagious diseases. Most airlines refuse to board passengers known or believed to have contagious diseases. Such rigor can scarcely be justified by reference to either laws or regulations. It introduces the risk of arbitrary, mistaken, or prejudiced conduct in areas in which international organizations recommend the greatest liberalization, and it can cause serious harm to certain patients. Finally, it does not seem logical, for airlines learn about only a small fraction of the contagious persons who travel, and public health is much more greatly endangered by unknown contagious persons. Normal hygienic conditions aboard planes suppress the risks of contagion concerning most diseases transmitted by insects or through contact with the skin, with mucuous membranes, with the faeces, or with urine. Airlines should continue to refuse to transport only those passengers having diseases which are characterized by vomiting or serious diarrhoea or which are transmitted through the air if it is impossible by simple means to avoid the risk of contaminating other travellers and any members of the flight crew who might be receptive.", "PMID": 985288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1497", "title": "Exercise in an hypoxic environment as a screening test for ischaemic heart disease.", "content": "Submaximal and maximal exercise testing have been used to predict coronary events but these tests do not give reliable information regarding employability of subjects with abnormal electrocardiogram. In 30 subjects with stabilized ischaemic heart disease (Group A) and 70 subjects with abnormal resting electrocardiogram (Group B), resting electrocardiograms--at ground level and at a simulated height of 4592 m (15000 ft)--after 40-min exposures were recorded. The double Master's two-step exercise test (DM) was performed at ground level as well as at stimulated height (DMH). In the ischaemic group, exercise combined with hypoxia did not yield better results than exercise alone; but among the asymptomatic subjects, exercise in an hypoxic environment gave significantly better results than exercise alone (p less than 0.005) or hypoxia alone (p less than 0.01). Those with negative responses to the test have been employed on strenous duties, including employment at high altitude for the last 3 years. None of them have manifested any objective or subjective evidence of ischaemic heart disease. DM exercise testing in an hypoxic environment is a reliable method to assess subjects with abnormal electrocardiogram and evaluate their functional status.", "contents": "Exercise in an hypoxic environment as a screening test for ischaemic heart disease. Submaximal and maximal exercise testing have been used to predict coronary events but these tests do not give reliable information regarding employability of subjects with abnormal electrocardiogram. In 30 subjects with stabilized ischaemic heart disease (Group A) and 70 subjects with abnormal resting electrocardiogram (Group B), resting electrocardiograms--at ground level and at a simulated height of 4592 m (15000 ft)--after 40-min exposures were recorded. The double Master's two-step exercise test (DM) was performed at ground level as well as at stimulated height (DMH). In the ischaemic group, exercise combined with hypoxia did not yield better results than exercise alone; but among the asymptomatic subjects, exercise in an hypoxic environment gave significantly better results than exercise alone (p less than 0.005) or hypoxia alone (p less than 0.01). Those with negative responses to the test have been employed on strenous duties, including employment at high altitude for the last 3 years. None of them have manifested any objective or subjective evidence of ischaemic heart disease. DM exercise testing in an hypoxic environment is a reliable method to assess subjects with abnormal electrocardiogram and evaluate their functional status.", "PMID": 985289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1498", "title": "Selective breeding for acoustic priming.", "content": "Data on eight generations of selective breeding for acoustic priming efficacy are reported. The realized heritability of this trait is approximately 0.2-0.3, indicating that the trait is determined in part by genetic factors. Animals selectively bred for acoustic priming do not differ in terms of first-trial (i.e., non-priming-induced) audiogenic seizures. These data suggest that acoustic priming and first-trial audiogenic seizures are controlled by different genetic mechanisms.", "contents": "Selective breeding for acoustic priming. Data on eight generations of selective breeding for acoustic priming efficacy are reported. The realized heritability of this trait is approximately 0.2-0.3, indicating that the trait is determined in part by genetic factors. Animals selectively bred for acoustic priming do not differ in terms of first-trial (i.e., non-priming-induced) audiogenic seizures. These data suggest that acoustic priming and first-trial audiogenic seizures are controlled by different genetic mechanisms.", "PMID": 985295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1499", "title": "[DNA in growing hearts of children. Biochemical and cytophotometric investigations (author's transl)].", "content": "In order to clarify the question of an age-dependent polyploidisation of the myocardium during normal cardiac growth, the DNA-content of 39 hearts of infants and children was investigated. After autopsy the total cardiac weights were estimated and thereafter, following the preparation of the hearts, the pure weight of the myocardium (preparation weight) was determined. Using the diphenylamine reaction according to Dische and Burton, the DNA-concentrations and total amounts of DNA in the heart muscle were estimated. The DNA-content of the heart muscle cell nuclei (ploidy classes) was measured cytophotometrically on Feulgen-stained smears of heart muscle cells. DNA measurements were performed on tissue samples from 6-8 different sites of both heart chambers. Growing human hearts of all ages were investigated including 3 fetal hearts and 3 hearts with malformations.", "contents": "[DNA in growing hearts of children. Biochemical and cytophotometric investigations (author's transl)]. In order to clarify the question of an age-dependent polyploidisation of the myocardium during normal cardiac growth, the DNA-content of 39 hearts of infants and children was investigated. After autopsy the total cardiac weights were estimated and thereafter, following the preparation of the hearts, the pure weight of the myocardium (preparation weight) was determined. Using the diphenylamine reaction according to Dische and Burton, the DNA-concentrations and total amounts of DNA in the heart muscle were estimated. The DNA-content of the heart muscle cell nuclei (ploidy classes) was measured cytophotometrically on Feulgen-stained smears of heart muscle cells. DNA measurements were performed on tissue samples from 6-8 different sites of both heart chambers. Growing human hearts of all ages were investigated including 3 fetal hearts and 3 hearts with malformations.", "PMID": 985296} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1500", "title": "Eosinophilic infiltration of the gastro-intestinal tract (eosinophilic gastroenteritis).", "content": "Two further cases of eosinophilic infiltration of the gastro-intestinal tract (eosinophilic gastroenteritis) are presented, involving the small intestine of a 73-year old male and the stomach of a 39-year old male. Peripheral blood eosinophilia was present in one case. Clinico-pathological correlations are discussed.", "contents": "Eosinophilic infiltration of the gastro-intestinal tract (eosinophilic gastroenteritis). Two further cases of eosinophilic infiltration of the gastro-intestinal tract (eosinophilic gastroenteritis) are presented, involving the small intestine of a 73-year old male and the stomach of a 39-year old male. Peripheral blood eosinophilia was present in one case. Clinico-pathological correlations are discussed.", "PMID": 985297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1501", "title": "Lethal complications of typhoid-cholera-vaccination. (Case report and review of the literature).", "content": "Simultaneous parenteral vaccination against typhoid and cholera lead to death through either anaphylactic shock or endotoxic shock in a 36-year-old male. At autopsy the charactertic features of shock as well as chronic interstitial myocarditis were noted. Moreover, fresh histiocytic and lymphocytic nodules were found in the liver, heart and meninges. A review of the literature dealing with lethal complications following parenteral tyhoid vaccinations shows an increased risk in debilitated persons (emaciation, stress, cold). Most of the fatalities occurred in persons who had previous disturbances of the cardiovascular system, as in the case reviewed here. Cardiac failure, Landry's paralysis, renal failure and disturbances of skin, joints and intestines may also follow typhoid vaccinations. However, these latter complications are usually not lethal. The patients presented here had many of the conditions which are known to aggravate the situation and to lead to a lethal culmination. The review of this case and the disucussion following it shows that only healthy persons should receive the parenteral typhoid vaccination. Hopefully, the presentation of this material will help prevent fatalities of this type in the future.", "contents": "Lethal complications of typhoid-cholera-vaccination. (Case report and review of the literature). Simultaneous parenteral vaccination against typhoid and cholera lead to death through either anaphylactic shock or endotoxic shock in a 36-year-old male. At autopsy the charactertic features of shock as well as chronic interstitial myocarditis were noted. Moreover, fresh histiocytic and lymphocytic nodules were found in the liver, heart and meninges. A review of the literature dealing with lethal complications following parenteral tyhoid vaccinations shows an increased risk in debilitated persons (emaciation, stress, cold). Most of the fatalities occurred in persons who had previous disturbances of the cardiovascular system, as in the case reviewed here. Cardiac failure, Landry's paralysis, renal failure and disturbances of skin, joints and intestines may also follow typhoid vaccinations. However, these latter complications are usually not lethal. The patients presented here had many of the conditions which are known to aggravate the situation and to lead to a lethal culmination. The review of this case and the disucussion following it shows that only healthy persons should receive the parenteral typhoid vaccination. Hopefully, the presentation of this material will help prevent fatalities of this type in the future.", "PMID": 985298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1502", "title": "Implications of the monoclonal character of human atherosclerotic plaques.", "content": "The evidence for the monoclonal nature of human atherosclerotic plaques is briefly reviewed. The interpretation of the cellular monotypy found in a large percentage (75 to 80%) of discrete raised atherosclerotic plaques as being monoclonal in origin appear firm since the size of patches of cells of the same type appears to be very small (ca. 10(-4) cu mm and 10 +/- cells). Evidence for explanations other than single cell origins of each plaque do not appear, at the moment, to be compelling. If we assume then that there is reason to accept the monoclonal character of atherosclerotic plaques in human beings then we are led to a search for the presence of factors that could \"initiate\" the monoclonal proliferation as well as factors that may promote the growth of the plaques. Evidence is presented that increased risk of atherosclerosis found with cigarette smoking is due to absorption from the lung and circulation in the blood of aryl hydrocarbons. Experiments show that these are preferentially carried in the same parts of the serum that transport cholesterol. The possibility of intrinsic initiators derived from cholesterol is discussed. A possible mechanism for the role of hypertension in promoting atherosclerosis is considered. Finally the evidence for a possible role of viruses in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is discussed.", "contents": "Implications of the monoclonal character of human atherosclerotic plaques. The evidence for the monoclonal nature of human atherosclerotic plaques is briefly reviewed. The interpretation of the cellular monotypy found in a large percentage (75 to 80%) of discrete raised atherosclerotic plaques as being monoclonal in origin appear firm since the size of patches of cells of the same type appears to be very small (ca. 10(-4) cu mm and 10 +/- cells). Evidence for explanations other than single cell origins of each plaque do not appear, at the moment, to be compelling. If we assume then that there is reason to accept the monoclonal character of atherosclerotic plaques in human beings then we are led to a search for the presence of factors that could \"initiate\" the monoclonal proliferation as well as factors that may promote the growth of the plaques. Evidence is presented that increased risk of atherosclerosis found with cigarette smoking is due to absorption from the lung and circulation in the blood of aryl hydrocarbons. Experiments show that these are preferentially carried in the same parts of the serum that transport cholesterol. The possibility of intrinsic initiators derived from cholesterol is discussed. A possible mechanism for the role of hypertension in promoting atherosclerosis is considered. Finally the evidence for a possible role of viruses in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is discussed.", "PMID": 985299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1503", "title": "[Development of specialized cooperative animal production units of the agro-industrial type in the USSR].", "content": "The development of Soviet agriculture, especially the animal production, is outlined. It proceeded from the formation of socialist large farms with a versatile production profile--mostly comprising all kinds of animals--towards establishing specialized departments (farms) in these cooperatives and, in recent years, towards the development of large production units with a specialized production profile on an industrialized basis (animal farming complexes). Specific probelms of the transition towards specialized production of and with cattle in large units are discussed. The formation of cattle-fatening enterprises is outlined on the basis of experiences gained in the Southern part of the European part of the RSFSR in the Krasnodar region since that middle of the 1960s. The effectiveness of beef production in this new type of enterprise lies well beyond the results reached in the traditional collective and state farms, although it has not yet reached the target set of the state animal production complexes. The cooperative cattle fattening farms can be considered part of future agro-industrial complexes and can actually become part of these.", "contents": "[Development of specialized cooperative animal production units of the agro-industrial type in the USSR]. The development of Soviet agriculture, especially the animal production, is outlined. It proceeded from the formation of socialist large farms with a versatile production profile--mostly comprising all kinds of animals--towards establishing specialized departments (farms) in these cooperatives and, in recent years, towards the development of large production units with a specialized production profile on an industrialized basis (animal farming complexes). Specific probelms of the transition towards specialized production of and with cattle in large units are discussed. The formation of cattle-fatening enterprises is outlined on the basis of experiences gained in the Southern part of the European part of the RSFSR in the Krasnodar region since that middle of the 1960s. The effectiveness of beef production in this new type of enterprise lies well beyond the results reached in the traditional collective and state farms, although it has not yet reached the target set of the state animal production complexes. The cooperative cattle fattening farms can be considered part of future agro-industrial complexes and can actually become part of these.", "PMID": 985300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1504", "title": "[Significance of animal feed within the animal hygiene in the warm countries].", "content": "Based on the role of nutrition within the relations between the animals and their surroundings the importance is outlined of animal nutrition as part of animal health in tropical and subtropical countries. The author describes damages caused by feeding, foodstuff and wrong nutrition in extensive and intensive production of various types of animal farming (located and nomad) and breeds (indigenous and specialized). If natural pastures are used, extensive animal farming is especially prone to seasonal wrong nutrition. This is exemplified from the sheep production (utilization of the desert steppe under the conditions of the subtropical winter rain climate) and from the cattle production (utilization of the savannah under the conditions of the alternate humid tropical zone). The nutrition damages encountered under intensive locs in moderate zones. The author includes examples of damages caused by foodstuff. Finally the relations are discussed between nutrition and resistance to infections.", "contents": "[Significance of animal feed within the animal hygiene in the warm countries]. Based on the role of nutrition within the relations between the animals and their surroundings the importance is outlined of animal nutrition as part of animal health in tropical and subtropical countries. The author describes damages caused by feeding, foodstuff and wrong nutrition in extensive and intensive production of various types of animal farming (located and nomad) and breeds (indigenous and specialized). If natural pastures are used, extensive animal farming is especially prone to seasonal wrong nutrition. This is exemplified from the sheep production (utilization of the desert steppe under the conditions of the subtropical winter rain climate) and from the cattle production (utilization of the savannah under the conditions of the alternate humid tropical zone). The nutrition damages encountered under intensive locs in moderate zones. The author includes examples of damages caused by foodstuff. Finally the relations are discussed between nutrition and resistance to infections.", "PMID": 985301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1505", "title": "The effect of light and temperature on the growth of two subtropical and two temperate grass species.", "content": "The effect of light intensity and temperature on the growth of young plants of two temperate (Lolium perenne, Festuca arundinacea) and two subtropical (Lolium rigidum, Bromus unioloides) grass species was studied in the northern part of the GDR under open-air conditions. It was found that the subtropical species reacted highly sensitive to changes in the two environmental factors and showed absolutely higher growth performance during the summer as compared with the temperate species. The multiple regression analysis showed positive correlations between the relative growth rate (RGR) and the net assimilation rate (NAR) on the one hand and temperature and light intensity on the other hand. For most regression functions the range of variation was found to be between 63.5 and 91.3 per cent. No clear proof could be found of the dependence of the leaf area ratio (LAR) on light and temperature. The results are discussed and compared with similar investigations.", "contents": "The effect of light and temperature on the growth of two subtropical and two temperate grass species. The effect of light intensity and temperature on the growth of young plants of two temperate (Lolium perenne, Festuca arundinacea) and two subtropical (Lolium rigidum, Bromus unioloides) grass species was studied in the northern part of the GDR under open-air conditions. It was found that the subtropical species reacted highly sensitive to changes in the two environmental factors and showed absolutely higher growth performance during the summer as compared with the temperate species. The multiple regression analysis showed positive correlations between the relative growth rate (RGR) and the net assimilation rate (NAR) on the one hand and temperature and light intensity on the other hand. For most regression functions the range of variation was found to be between 63.5 and 91.3 per cent. No clear proof could be found of the dependence of the leaf area ratio (LAR) on light and temperature. The results are discussed and compared with similar investigations.", "PMID": 985302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1506", "title": "[Possible use of growth regulators for plant processes in selected grain pod-vegetables].", "content": "The cultivation of beans and peas as grain legumes in large-scale production requires plants with a high yield and suitable for machine harvesting. Growth regulators for plant processes can also be applied to achieve these properties. The effect on the yield by growth regulators, as demonstrated in pot and field trials, seems to enable their application in an established intensive cultivation of beans and peas. Prior to this, however, it has to be demonstrated that these positive effects of growth regulator application can reproduced economically in different locations and with different species.", "contents": "[Possible use of growth regulators for plant processes in selected grain pod-vegetables]. The cultivation of beans and peas as grain legumes in large-scale production requires plants with a high yield and suitable for machine harvesting. Growth regulators for plant processes can also be applied to achieve these properties. The effect on the yield by growth regulators, as demonstrated in pot and field trials, seems to enable their application in an established intensive cultivation of beans and peas. Prior to this, however, it has to be demonstrated that these positive effects of growth regulator application can reproduced economically in different locations and with different species.", "PMID": 985303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1507", "title": "[Studies on the physiological behavior of Pinus merkusii Jungh. and Pinus massoniana Lamb].", "content": "The formation and the function of the resin channels result from processes in the history of development; differences between various pine varieties must be traced to differentiation processes in the history of development. Longer flowing duration, higher reformation speed and reduced crystallization are properties which make Pinus merkusii especially suited for systematic resin production. Pinus merkusii does not react to treatment with weak acids or biologically effective stimulants, like yeast extract solution, which can be used to increase the yield of Pinus massoniana up to 30%. This means specific stimulants for Pinus merkusii still have to be found.", "contents": "[Studies on the physiological behavior of Pinus merkusii Jungh. and Pinus massoniana Lamb]. The formation and the function of the resin channels result from processes in the history of development; differences between various pine varieties must be traced to differentiation processes in the history of development. Longer flowing duration, higher reformation speed and reduced crystallization are properties which make Pinus merkusii especially suited for systematic resin production. Pinus merkusii does not react to treatment with weak acids or biologically effective stimulants, like yeast extract solution, which can be used to increase the yield of Pinus massoniana up to 30%. This means specific stimulants for Pinus merkusii still have to be found.", "PMID": 985304} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1508", "title": "Comparative investigations into the content of available molybdenum in important soils of the arid and humid tropics.", "content": "The determination of the content of available molybdenum in 196 soil samples from different geographical (Yemen, Sudan, Tanzania, Ghana, Cuba, and Sri Lanka) and climatic (annual precipitation 30-3000 mm) regions gave these results: 1. Arid and subarid soils of dry regions as well as rendzina-type soils contained the highest amount of available molybdenum (0.216 ppm respectively). The lowest content was determined in the ferrallitic soils of the humid tropics (0.045 ppm). These differences are mainly attributed to high pH values and CaCO3 content in aridisols and rendzina-type soils and to a strongly acid soil reaction in ferrallitic soils. 2. The content of available molybdenum was significantly positively correlated with the pH, percentage base saturation, CEC and exchangeable Ca; it was negatively correlated with the clay content. 3. Deficiency of molybdenum is hardly to be expected in arid and subarid soils (24 per cent of all samples deficient). The proportion of samples with a low Mo content and the probability of Mo deficiency increases in this order: vertisols (40%) leads to fersiallitic soils (64%) leads to ferallitic soils (89%).", "contents": "Comparative investigations into the content of available molybdenum in important soils of the arid and humid tropics. The determination of the content of available molybdenum in 196 soil samples from different geographical (Yemen, Sudan, Tanzania, Ghana, Cuba, and Sri Lanka) and climatic (annual precipitation 30-3000 mm) regions gave these results: 1. Arid and subarid soils of dry regions as well as rendzina-type soils contained the highest amount of available molybdenum (0.216 ppm respectively). The lowest content was determined in the ferrallitic soils of the humid tropics (0.045 ppm). These differences are mainly attributed to high pH values and CaCO3 content in aridisols and rendzina-type soils and to a strongly acid soil reaction in ferrallitic soils. 2. The content of available molybdenum was significantly positively correlated with the pH, percentage base saturation, CEC and exchangeable Ca; it was negatively correlated with the clay content. 3. Deficiency of molybdenum is hardly to be expected in arid and subarid soils (24 per cent of all samples deficient). The proportion of samples with a low Mo content and the probability of Mo deficiency increases in this order: vertisols (40%) leads to fersiallitic soils (64%) leads to ferallitic soils (89%).", "PMID": 985305} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1509", "title": "Sulfate reduction in poorly-drained soils as influenced by organic matter and soil texture.", "content": "Investigations of the influence of added organic matter content (rice straw or clover) on the reduction of added sulfate (8 meq/100 g soil) following submergence and incubation of 120 days gave these results: 1. In soils with native organic matter (humus) the rate of sulfate reduction was very low; it slightly increased with increased clay content of the soils. 2. The addition of undecomposed organic matter led to a complete reduction of the added sulfates within 120 days. 3. The varying C/N ratio of the added organic matter appeared to have no influence on the sulfate reduction. 4. As a qualitative indication of the reduction the soil darkened after three weeks of incubation, and an odour of H2S was detected.", "contents": "Sulfate reduction in poorly-drained soils as influenced by organic matter and soil texture. Investigations of the influence of added organic matter content (rice straw or clover) on the reduction of added sulfate (8 meq/100 g soil) following submergence and incubation of 120 days gave these results: 1. In soils with native organic matter (humus) the rate of sulfate reduction was very low; it slightly increased with increased clay content of the soils. 2. The addition of undecomposed organic matter led to a complete reduction of the added sulfates within 120 days. 3. The varying C/N ratio of the added organic matter appeared to have no influence on the sulfate reduction. 4. As a qualitative indication of the reduction the soil darkened after three weeks of incubation, and an odour of H2S was detected.", "PMID": 985306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1510", "title": "A preliminary study of the genital organs of indigenous cows in Uganda.", "content": "As a basis for the clinical diagnoses of reproduction disturbances in indigenous cows in Uganda the normal and diseases conditions of the reproductive organs of 438 Ankola and Nganda cows slaughtered at Mukono were examined. Gravid genitals formed 30.13% of the whole material, the proportion of abnormal genitals was 39.28%. Bursitis, salpingitis, and ovario-bursal adhesions were the most prevalent abnormalities. Genital tuberculosis was found in 3.02% of the material. Ovarian dysfunctions were frequent in otherwise normal genitals: anovulation 31.44%, inactive ovaries 12.16%, follicular cysts 3.9%, cystic corpora lutea 0.56%, ovarian hypoplasia 1.12%. The individual findings are summed up in 7 tables. Four figures are added showing ovario-bursal adhesions and uterus ovarian tuberculosis. 54 references.", "contents": "A preliminary study of the genital organs of indigenous cows in Uganda. As a basis for the clinical diagnoses of reproduction disturbances in indigenous cows in Uganda the normal and diseases conditions of the reproductive organs of 438 Ankola and Nganda cows slaughtered at Mukono were examined. Gravid genitals formed 30.13% of the whole material, the proportion of abnormal genitals was 39.28%. Bursitis, salpingitis, and ovario-bursal adhesions were the most prevalent abnormalities. Genital tuberculosis was found in 3.02% of the material. Ovarian dysfunctions were frequent in otherwise normal genitals: anovulation 31.44%, inactive ovaries 12.16%, follicular cysts 3.9%, cystic corpora lutea 0.56%, ovarian hypoplasia 1.12%. The individual findings are summed up in 7 tables. Four figures are added showing ovario-bursal adhesions and uterus ovarian tuberculosis. 54 references.", "PMID": 985307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1511", "title": "[Cryotherapy of skin diseases (preliminary report)].", "content": "The cryotherapy is a simple, elegant and reliable method that can often be applied in out-patients, without anesthesia. The initial apparent failures were mainly due to the fact that the time of application of the cold had been too short, or that the region in which it had been brought to bearing was too small. Clinical and histological examinations have confirmed the good cosmetic results of the method despite an extraordinary deep action. The method has only two minor disadvantages: histological controls cannot be performed, and the non-bloody artifical necrosis must be protected for 2-3 weeks by the local administration of antibiotics.", "contents": "[Cryotherapy of skin diseases (preliminary report)]. The cryotherapy is a simple, elegant and reliable method that can often be applied in out-patients, without anesthesia. The initial apparent failures were mainly due to the fact that the time of application of the cold had been too short, or that the region in which it had been brought to bearing was too small. Clinical and histological examinations have confirmed the good cosmetic results of the method despite an extraordinary deep action. The method has only two minor disadvantages: histological controls cannot be performed, and the non-bloody artifical necrosis must be protected for 2-3 weeks by the local administration of antibiotics.", "PMID": 985308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1512", "title": "A comparison of three methods of detecting ventricular incoordination in man, and the relation of their results to the amount of coronary arteriosclerosis.", "content": "The results secured by three tests for cardiac incoordination have been compared in over 100 cardiac cases. The Bcg found the abnormality more frequently than did Vgm and PDmax, the probable reasons for this are discussed. The cases in which cardiac incoordination was detected showed, on the average, more coronary arteriosclerosis than those whose hearts beat normally.", "contents": "A comparison of three methods of detecting ventricular incoordination in man, and the relation of their results to the amount of coronary arteriosclerosis. The results secured by three tests for cardiac incoordination have been compared in over 100 cardiac cases. The Bcg found the abnormality more frequently than did Vgm and PDmax, the probable reasons for this are discussed. The cases in which cardiac incoordination was detected showed, on the average, more coronary arteriosclerosis than those whose hearts beat normally.", "PMID": 985338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1513", "title": "The Bcg for measuring cardiac output in a California Gray Whale.", "content": "Resting cardiac output can be predicted reasonably accurately from body mass in man and other mammals. We measured the stroke volume of a 4,500-kg whale and found that Iberall's formula holds true even when body mass is very large. In addition, the Bcg acceleration trace and cardiac indices were remarkably similar to those of 20-gram and 70-kg mammals, mouse and man.", "contents": "The Bcg for measuring cardiac output in a California Gray Whale. Resting cardiac output can be predicted reasonably accurately from body mass in man and other mammals. We measured the stroke volume of a 4,500-kg whale and found that Iberall's formula holds true even when body mass is very large. In addition, the Bcg acceleration trace and cardiac indices were remarkably similar to those of 20-gram and 70-kg mammals, mouse and man.", "PMID": 985341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1514", "title": "On the classification of ballistocardiograms.", "content": "An improvement of Brown's classification is described... The new classification reflects the amplitude and time-relation changes of the Bcg. A method for estimating the mean values of Bcg elements, based on the principle of calculation of all corresponding values during the complete 2-3 respiratory cycles is described", "contents": "On the classification of ballistocardiograms. An improvement of Brown's classification is described... The new classification reflects the amplitude and time-relation changes of the Bcg. A method for estimating the mean values of Bcg elements, based on the principle of calculation of all corresponding values during the complete 2-3 respiratory cycles is described", "PMID": 985346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1515", "title": "Cardiac typing and the diagnostic challenge of the preinfarction state by direct body ballistocardiography.", "content": "The proposed sensitivity of the DB-Bcg enables its gradation into four types-two normal, two abnormal. Their response to exercise shows specificity-amplified in the former, decreased in the latter. Illustrative material reveals deterioration of DB-Bcg forms with the earliest signs of cardiac symptomatology and is correlated with arteriographic evidence of coronary disease. This could not be corroborated either by the ECG, even post exercise, or changes in the PEP/LVET ratio. Improvement of the DB-Bcg following bed rest and/or therapy and by-pass grafting have been observed. Early application of the DB-Bcg, particularly in the young individual, may help meet the challenge of cardiac mortality.", "contents": "Cardiac typing and the diagnostic challenge of the preinfarction state by direct body ballistocardiography. The proposed sensitivity of the DB-Bcg enables its gradation into four types-two normal, two abnormal. Their response to exercise shows specificity-amplified in the former, decreased in the latter. Illustrative material reveals deterioration of DB-Bcg forms with the earliest signs of cardiac symptomatology and is correlated with arteriographic evidence of coronary disease. This could not be corroborated either by the ECG, even post exercise, or changes in the PEP/LVET ratio. Improvement of the DB-Bcg following bed rest and/or therapy and by-pass grafting have been observed. Early application of the DB-Bcg, particularly in the young individual, may help meet the challenge of cardiac mortality.", "PMID": 985347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1516", "title": "Mathematical model of Bcg: comparison of ULF and DB.", "content": "The DB and ULF accelerations are expressed in terms of arbitary time-dependent forces acting on the heart and on the body frame. For an appropriate choice of these forces, a normal DB and ULF and acceleration Bcg is reproduced. By reducing the coupling, between the subject and platform, the DB Bcg is changed successively until it is identical with the ULF Bcg.", "contents": "Mathematical model of Bcg: comparison of ULF and DB. The DB and ULF accelerations are expressed in terms of arbitary time-dependent forces acting on the heart and on the body frame. For an appropriate choice of these forces, a normal DB and ULF and acceleration Bcg is reproduced. By reducing the coupling, between the subject and platform, the DB Bcg is changed successively until it is identical with the ULF Bcg.", "PMID": 985357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1517", "title": "Studies on the effects of furazolidon and P-rosaniline on the kinetoplast of Trypanosoma gambiense in mice.", "content": "p-Rosaniline-sensitive and -resistant strains of Trypanosoma gambiense were separately passaged in mice treated with furazolidon. After 10 serial passages in mice, the trypanosomes were found to be resistant to furazolidon when tested in mice. The rate of appearance of AK forms after injection of furazolidon into mice infected with a clone obtained from the p-rosaniline resistant strain by repeated treatment with furazolidon (WRF) was lower than that in mice infected with a clone obtained from the p-rosaniline sensitive strain by the same treatment with furazolidon (WSF). Moreover, WSF was resistant to p-rosaniline, although it had not been exposed to it. These results indicate that there is an interaction between the actions of furazolidon and p-rosaniline on the kinetoplast. The existence of this interaction was supported by electron microscopic observations on the kinetoplasts of trypanosomes after the injection with p-rosaniline and furazolidon into mice infected with the p-rosaniline resistant clones, WSF and WRF.", "contents": "Studies on the effects of furazolidon and P-rosaniline on the kinetoplast of Trypanosoma gambiense in mice. p-Rosaniline-sensitive and -resistant strains of Trypanosoma gambiense were separately passaged in mice treated with furazolidon. After 10 serial passages in mice, the trypanosomes were found to be resistant to furazolidon when tested in mice. The rate of appearance of AK forms after injection of furazolidon into mice infected with a clone obtained from the p-rosaniline resistant strain by repeated treatment with furazolidon (WRF) was lower than that in mice infected with a clone obtained from the p-rosaniline sensitive strain by the same treatment with furazolidon (WSF). Moreover, WSF was resistant to p-rosaniline, although it had not been exposed to it. These results indicate that there is an interaction between the actions of furazolidon and p-rosaniline on the kinetoplast. The existence of this interaction was supported by electron microscopic observations on the kinetoplasts of trypanosomes after the injection with p-rosaniline and furazolidon into mice infected with the p-rosaniline resistant clones, WSF and WRF.", "PMID": 985375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1518", "title": "Maple syrup urine disease: branched-chain amino acid concentrations and metabolism in cultured human lymphoblasts.", "content": "The intracellular concentration of free leucine, isoleucine, and valine and their metabolism were studied in lymphoblast cultures established from peripheral blood of an individual with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) and a control subject. Branched-chain alpha-keto acid decarboxylase activity in the MSUD cells was 10% or less of the control value as measured by the ability of the cells to release 14CO2 from the corresponding [1-14C]labeled branched-chain amino acid. The intracellular concentrations of free leucine and isoleucine were increased three-fold in MSUD lymphoblasts as compared to control cells. Free valine was present in only trace amounts of less than 0.1 mM in both cell lines. Exposure of normal and mutant cells to a 10 mM load of leucine, isoleucine, and valine revealed in a comparable concentration within cells after 24 hr. Concentrations returned to base values in normal cells 12 hr after removal of load, but leucine remained elevated in MSUD cells after 3 days. Leucine and its keto acid, alpha-ketoisocaproic acid, added to the culture medium gave significant growth inhibition of MSUD lymphoblasts but not of normal cells, in the millimolar range. Isoleucine, valine, and their keto acids had no effect.", "contents": "Maple syrup urine disease: branched-chain amino acid concentrations and metabolism in cultured human lymphoblasts. The intracellular concentration of free leucine, isoleucine, and valine and their metabolism were studied in lymphoblast cultures established from peripheral blood of an individual with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) and a control subject. Branched-chain alpha-keto acid decarboxylase activity in the MSUD cells was 10% or less of the control value as measured by the ability of the cells to release 14CO2 from the corresponding [1-14C]labeled branched-chain amino acid. The intracellular concentrations of free leucine and isoleucine were increased three-fold in MSUD lymphoblasts as compared to control cells. Free valine was present in only trace amounts of less than 0.1 mM in both cell lines. Exposure of normal and mutant cells to a 10 mM load of leucine, isoleucine, and valine revealed in a comparable concentration within cells after 24 hr. Concentrations returned to base values in normal cells 12 hr after removal of load, but leucine remained elevated in MSUD cells after 3 days. Leucine and its keto acid, alpha-ketoisocaproic acid, added to the culture medium gave significant growth inhibition of MSUD lymphoblasts but not of normal cells, in the millimolar range. Isoleucine, valine, and their keto acids had no effect.", "PMID": 985377} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1519", "title": "Characterization of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase from shrunken-2 and brittle-2 mutants of maize.", "content": "Electrophoretic characterization of adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase from the developing endosperms of nine shrunken-2 and four brittle-2 mutants revealed that (1) all mutants had low but detectable levels of activity, (2) mutation at either locus decreased activity of pyrophosphorylases A and B, and (3) differences in mobility were not found. However, pyrophosphorylase B extracted from several shrunken-2 and brittle-2 mutants differed from normal in extent of urea denaturation, Km (glucose-1-phosphate) or type of glucose-1-phosphaociation with the sh2 locus) appears to differ from normal in Km (glucose-1-phosphate).", "contents": "Characterization of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase from shrunken-2 and brittle-2 mutants of maize. Electrophoretic characterization of adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase from the developing endosperms of nine shrunken-2 and four brittle-2 mutants revealed that (1) all mutants had low but detectable levels of activity, (2) mutation at either locus decreased activity of pyrophosphorylases A and B, and (3) differences in mobility were not found. However, pyrophosphorylase B extracted from several shrunken-2 and brittle-2 mutants differed from normal in extent of urea denaturation, Km (glucose-1-phosphate) or type of glucose-1-phosphaociation with the sh2 locus) appears to differ from normal in Km (glucose-1-phosphate).", "PMID": 985379} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1520", "title": "Genetic variation in two widespread species of salamanders, Taricha granulosa and Taricha torosa.", "content": "Two species of the genus Taricha are widely distributed. T. granulosa ranges from southern Alaska to central California. T. torosa is comprised of two described subspecies, T. t. torosa, which occupies much of the coast ranges of California, and T. t. sierrae, which inhabits the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A starch gel electrophoretic survey for genetic variation at 34 loci in four population samples of T. granulosa and at 40 loci in five population samples of T. torosa reveals differences among these taxa both in amounts of intrapopulational variability and in patterns of geographic variation. Average observed heterozygosity is 9.6% +/- 0.3% in T. granulosa, 3.3% +/- 0.5% in T. t. torosa, and 7.2% +/- 1.2% in T. t. sierrae. Average numbers of alleles per lon T. t. sierrae, and lowest in T. t. torosa. Oregon and California granulosa are genetically nearly as different as the subspecies of torosa, but geographic variation is continuous in the former. T. torosa on the other hand is comprised of three distinct gene pools--T. t. sierrae and northern and southern races of T. t. torosa. Strikingly different amounts of intrapopulational genetic variation and patterns of geographic variation may be explained by steady-state species differences, but historical causes may also exist.", "contents": "Genetic variation in two widespread species of salamanders, Taricha granulosa and Taricha torosa. Two species of the genus Taricha are widely distributed. T. granulosa ranges from southern Alaska to central California. T. torosa is comprised of two described subspecies, T. t. torosa, which occupies much of the coast ranges of California, and T. t. sierrae, which inhabits the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A starch gel electrophoretic survey for genetic variation at 34 loci in four population samples of T. granulosa and at 40 loci in five population samples of T. torosa reveals differences among these taxa both in amounts of intrapopulational variability and in patterns of geographic variation. Average observed heterozygosity is 9.6% +/- 0.3% in T. granulosa, 3.3% +/- 0.5% in T. t. torosa, and 7.2% +/- 1.2% in T. t. sierrae. Average numbers of alleles per lon T. t. sierrae, and lowest in T. t. torosa. Oregon and California granulosa are genetically nearly as different as the subspecies of torosa, but geographic variation is continuous in the former. T. torosa on the other hand is comprised of three distinct gene pools--T. t. sierrae and northern and southern races of T. t. torosa. Strikingly different amounts of intrapopulational genetic variation and patterns of geographic variation may be explained by steady-state species differences, but historical causes may also exist.", "PMID": 985380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1521", "title": "Developmental specificity and evolution of the acid phosphatase isozymes of Triticum aestivum and its progenitor species.", "content": "The tissue and developmental specificities of the acid phosphatase (ACPH) isozymes of Triticum aestivum and its progenitor species T. turgidum and T. tauschii have been determined and compared using the zymogram technique. Tissue and/or developmental variation in relative staining intensity, suggestive of variation in the quantity of active enzyme present, was observed for each of the seven major isozymes expressed. Isozymes homologous to each of the major isozymes of the hexaploid were detected in one or the other of the progenitor species. No difference in the pattern of developmental or tissue specificity was observed between the species for any isozyme. However, ACPH-4, encoded by ACph4, a structural gene linked to chromosome 4A, differs in electrophoretic mobility between T. aestivum and T. turgidum, indicating that divergence has occurred between these species at the Acph4 locus since the origin of the hexaploid. The molecular weight of each of five ACPH isozymes of the hexaploid was determined to be approximately 58,000. This finding, plus the results of the developmental study and the earlier demonstration that the structural genes for six isozymes (includinomosomes, provides evidence in support of the suggestion that the ACPH structural genes of hexaploid wheat are homoeologous related.", "contents": "Developmental specificity and evolution of the acid phosphatase isozymes of Triticum aestivum and its progenitor species. The tissue and developmental specificities of the acid phosphatase (ACPH) isozymes of Triticum aestivum and its progenitor species T. turgidum and T. tauschii have been determined and compared using the zymogram technique. Tissue and/or developmental variation in relative staining intensity, suggestive of variation in the quantity of active enzyme present, was observed for each of the seven major isozymes expressed. Isozymes homologous to each of the major isozymes of the hexaploid were detected in one or the other of the progenitor species. No difference in the pattern of developmental or tissue specificity was observed between the species for any isozyme. However, ACPH-4, encoded by ACph4, a structural gene linked to chromosome 4A, differs in electrophoretic mobility between T. aestivum and T. turgidum, indicating that divergence has occurred between these species at the Acph4 locus since the origin of the hexaploid. The molecular weight of each of five ACPH isozymes of the hexaploid was determined to be approximately 58,000. This finding, plus the results of the developmental study and the earlier demonstration that the structural genes for six isozymes (includinomosomes, provides evidence in support of the suggestion that the ACPH structural genes of hexaploid wheat are homoeologous related.", "PMID": 985382} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1522", "title": "Genetic regulation of storaage protein content in maize endosperm.", "content": "Sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals that zein prepared from normal maize inbred (Zea mays L.) contains six separable components. Z1 and Z2 are the predominant species, with molecular weights of 21,800 and 19,000 daltons. Amino acid analysis of these two components shows that both are rich in glutamic acid, leucine, and proline, but low in lysine. Of the four minor bands, Z3, Z4, Z5, and Z6, the latter two exist only in trace amounts. A mutation at the opaque-2 locus severely suppresses the synthesis of Z1. The nonallelic mutant, opaque-7, strongly suppresses the synthesis of Z3 and Z4, while slightly reducing Z2. On the other hand, the floury-2 mutant appears to reduce the synthesis of these six proteins in the same relative proportion. In the double mutant combinations, opaque-2 apparently is epistatic to opaque-7 and floury-2 in the synthesis of zein components. The glutelin fraction shows a more complex banding pattern; however, qualitative differences are not apparent among the mutant lines examined.", "contents": "Genetic regulation of storaage protein content in maize endosperm. Sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals that zein prepared from normal maize inbred (Zea mays L.) contains six separable components. Z1 and Z2 are the predominant species, with molecular weights of 21,800 and 19,000 daltons. Amino acid analysis of these two components shows that both are rich in glutamic acid, leucine, and proline, but low in lysine. Of the four minor bands, Z3, Z4, Z5, and Z6, the latter two exist only in trace amounts. A mutation at the opaque-2 locus severely suppresses the synthesis of Z1. The nonallelic mutant, opaque-7, strongly suppresses the synthesis of Z3 and Z4, while slightly reducing Z2. On the other hand, the floury-2 mutant appears to reduce the synthesis of these six proteins in the same relative proportion. In the double mutant combinations, opaque-2 apparently is epistatic to opaque-7 and floury-2 in the synthesis of zein components. The glutelin fraction shows a more complex banding pattern; however, qualitative differences are not apparent among the mutant lines examined.", "PMID": 985383} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1523", "title": "Pressure-flow-volume relationships in pulmonary circulation of normal highlanders.", "content": "Pulmonary vascular pressures and blood flow were measured with and without unilateral pulmonary arterial occlusion (UPAO) at rest and during exercise in 10 normal highlanders at La Paz, Bolivia (altitude, 3,750 m). In 6 other highlanders at rest and during exercise, pulmonary pressures, flow, and blood volume were measured during air breathing (PIO2 congruent to 100 Torr) and 29-30% oxygen (PIO2 congruent to 150 Torr). During air breathing, pulmonary vascular resistance was elevated at rest and did not change with exercise. Pulmonary arterial pressure rose less at rest with UPAO than during exercise without UPAO, and pulmonary vascular resistance was less in the former. Raising PaO2 to normal sea-level values had no effects on the pulmonary circulation at rest but prevented to a large extent the rise in pulmonary arterial pressure during exercise. Hence pulmonary vascular resistance during exercise was lower with oxygen than without. Thus, hypoxic vasoconstriction contributed to the pulmonary hypertension during exercise in normal highlanders. Circumstantial evidence suggests that this is related to the profound mixed venous hypoxemia caused by exercise in a hypoxic environment.", "contents": "Pressure-flow-volume relationships in pulmonary circulation of normal highlanders. Pulmonary vascular pressures and blood flow were measured with and without unilateral pulmonary arterial occlusion (UPAO) at rest and during exercise in 10 normal highlanders at La Paz, Bolivia (altitude, 3,750 m). In 6 other highlanders at rest and during exercise, pulmonary pressures, flow, and blood volume were measured during air breathing (PIO2 congruent to 100 Torr) and 29-30% oxygen (PIO2 congruent to 150 Torr). During air breathing, pulmonary vascular resistance was elevated at rest and did not change with exercise. Pulmonary arterial pressure rose less at rest with UPAO than during exercise without UPAO, and pulmonary vascular resistance was less in the former. Raising PaO2 to normal sea-level values had no effects on the pulmonary circulation at rest but prevented to a large extent the rise in pulmonary arterial pressure during exercise. Hence pulmonary vascular resistance during exercise was lower with oxygen than without. Thus, hypoxic vasoconstriction contributed to the pulmonary hypertension during exercise in normal highlanders. Circumstantial evidence suggests that this is related to the profound mixed venous hypoxemia caused by exercise in a hypoxic environment.", "PMID": 985384} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1524", "title": "Sodium and potassium metabolism in the dehydrated and rehydrated Bedouin camel.", "content": "The effects of 10 days dehydration and rapid rehydration on the sodium and potassium metabolism in the one-humped camel were examined. The research was carried out during two periods in the summer, a cool and a hot period. In the hot period the effects of dehydration were found to be more severe. The potassium metabolism was more affected than that of the sodium. The concentrations of potassium in the urine declined while those of sodium increased. There were also marked changes in the filtered loads, excreted loads, and reabsorption of the two cations. Following rehydration significant changes in the cation metabolism were recorded within 15-45 min. It is suggested that antidiuretic hormone and not aldosterone caused the changes in the two-cation metabolism.", "contents": "Sodium and potassium metabolism in the dehydrated and rehydrated Bedouin camel. The effects of 10 days dehydration and rapid rehydration on the sodium and potassium metabolism in the one-humped camel were examined. The research was carried out during two periods in the summer, a cool and a hot period. In the hot period the effects of dehydration were found to be more severe. The potassium metabolism was more affected than that of the sodium. The concentrations of potassium in the urine declined while those of sodium increased. There were also marked changes in the filtered loads, excreted loads, and reabsorption of the two cations. Following rehydration significant changes in the cation metabolism were recorded within 15-45 min. It is suggested that antidiuretic hormone and not aldosterone caused the changes in the two-cation metabolism.", "PMID": 985385} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1525", "title": "Plasma angiotensin II levels in hypoxic and hypovolemic stress in unanesthetized rabbits.", "content": "Plasma levels of angiotensin II were determined by radioimmunoassay in unanesthetized white rabbits exposed to acute hypoxia (FIO2 10% for 10 min), chronic hypoxia (0.5 atm up to 16 days), or hypovolemic stress (bleeding 20 ml/kg). Angiotensin II levels significantly decreased after 10 min of acute hypoxia in normal rabbits and significantly increased when the same procedure was applied to animals previously exposed to hypoxia by 6-8 days of permanence in the hypobaric chamber or sodium deprivation. Chronic hypoxia resulted in a temporary increase of angiotensin II already evident on the 3rd day, but maximal at the 9th day with return to normal values within 16 days. Hypovolemic stress resulted in the expected rise of angiotensin II levels 10 min postbleeding both in normal and acclimatized rabbits. The response of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to hypoxic and hypovolemic stress is different. The direction and magnitude of the response to hypoxia depends on the underlying state of activation of the system and the cardiovascular condition of the animal at the time of hypoxic stress.", "contents": "Plasma angiotensin II levels in hypoxic and hypovolemic stress in unanesthetized rabbits. Plasma levels of angiotensin II were determined by radioimmunoassay in unanesthetized white rabbits exposed to acute hypoxia (FIO2 10% for 10 min), chronic hypoxia (0.5 atm up to 16 days), or hypovolemic stress (bleeding 20 ml/kg). Angiotensin II levels significantly decreased after 10 min of acute hypoxia in normal rabbits and significantly increased when the same procedure was applied to animals previously exposed to hypoxia by 6-8 days of permanence in the hypobaric chamber or sodium deprivation. Chronic hypoxia resulted in a temporary increase of angiotensin II already evident on the 3rd day, but maximal at the 9th day with return to normal values within 16 days. Hypovolemic stress resulted in the expected rise of angiotensin II levels 10 min postbleeding both in normal and acclimatized rabbits. The response of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to hypoxic and hypovolemic stress is different. The direction and magnitude of the response to hypoxia depends on the underlying state of activation of the system and the cardiovascular condition of the animal at the time of hypoxic stress.", "PMID": 985386} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1526", "title": "Cyclic hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction induced by concomitant carbon dioxide changes.", "content": "We examined the stability of acute lobar hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. In 12 mongrel dogs the left lower lobe (LLL) was selectively ventilated with a constant minute molume with nitrogen and the electromagnetically measured fraction of the cardiac output perfusing the LLL and the LLL end-tidal CO2 concentration were observed for 1 h. We found that both the fraction of the cardiac output perfusing the LLL and the LLL end-tidal CO2 concentration initially decreased during LLL hypoxia and then oxcillated in a progressively damped fashion. When LLL end-tidal CO2 was kept constant by CO2 infusion during LLL hypoxia or when LLL hypoxia was induced by LLL atelectasis, no oscillations were observed. We conclude that if minute ventilation of a hypoxic area of lung is kept constant, then decreased regional blood flow decreases regional alveolar PCO2. As a consequence of these two opposing influences, blood flow to an acutely hypoxic area will be oscillatory.", "contents": "Cyclic hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction induced by concomitant carbon dioxide changes. We examined the stability of acute lobar hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. In 12 mongrel dogs the left lower lobe (LLL) was selectively ventilated with a constant minute molume with nitrogen and the electromagnetically measured fraction of the cardiac output perfusing the LLL and the LLL end-tidal CO2 concentration were observed for 1 h. We found that both the fraction of the cardiac output perfusing the LLL and the LLL end-tidal CO2 concentration initially decreased during LLL hypoxia and then oxcillated in a progressively damped fashion. When LLL end-tidal CO2 was kept constant by CO2 infusion during LLL hypoxia or when LLL hypoxia was induced by LLL atelectasis, no oscillations were observed. We conclude that if minute ventilation of a hypoxic area of lung is kept constant, then decreased regional blood flow decreases regional alveolar PCO2. As a consequence of these two opposing influences, blood flow to an acutely hypoxic area will be oscillatory.", "PMID": 985387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1527", "title": "Premotion silent period in rapid voluntary movement.", "content": "The silent period in the agonist prior to rapid voluntary movement (premotion silent period) was observed in the lower limb muscles. The subject was asked to respond to the flashing light by performing a vertical jump as quickly as possible. The most consistent results were obtained in the extensors, particularly the quadriceps. The frequency of the silence of six subjects was 53% in the rectus femoris, 61% in the vastus medialis, and 72% in the vastus lateralis. A neural switching mechanism, directing excitation from preparation phase of jumping into rapid contraction phase, seemed to be attributable to the occurrence of the premotion silent period.", "contents": "Premotion silent period in rapid voluntary movement. The silent period in the agonist prior to rapid voluntary movement (premotion silent period) was observed in the lower limb muscles. The subject was asked to respond to the flashing light by performing a vertical jump as quickly as possible. The most consistent results were obtained in the extensors, particularly the quadriceps. The frequency of the silence of six subjects was 53% in the rectus femoris, 61% in the vastus medialis, and 72% in the vastus lateralis. A neural switching mechanism, directing excitation from preparation phase of jumping into rapid contraction phase, seemed to be attributable to the occurrence of the premotion silent period.", "PMID": 985388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1528", "title": "Effect of posture on the single-breath oxygen test in normal subjects.", "content": "The effect of posture on phase III (alveolar nitrogen plateau) and phase IV (closing capacity) of the single-breath oxygen test was examined in 10 normal people. In part 1 of the study, subjects inspired and expired in the standing, supine, prone, and right lateral decubitus positions; there was no effect of posture on phase IV but slopes of phase III were higher when subjects were in the supine and lateral positions. In part 2, subjects inspired in the standing position and expired in one of the recumbent positions. Phase IV occurred infrequently except in the prone position (6 of 10 subj); slopes of phase III in part 2 were not consistently altered by changing posture. It is difficult to explain the failure of posture to alter phase IV solely on a model requiring a linear gradient of pleural pressure. The slope of phase III appears to depend more on the emptying patterns of small regions with widely varying volume-to-ventilation ratios than on gravity-dependent sequences of emptying. Finally, the data suggest a considerable similarity between the upright and prone positions in terms of lung filling and emptying.", "contents": "Effect of posture on the single-breath oxygen test in normal subjects. The effect of posture on phase III (alveolar nitrogen plateau) and phase IV (closing capacity) of the single-breath oxygen test was examined in 10 normal people. In part 1 of the study, subjects inspired and expired in the standing, supine, prone, and right lateral decubitus positions; there was no effect of posture on phase IV but slopes of phase III were higher when subjects were in the supine and lateral positions. In part 2, subjects inspired in the standing position and expired in one of the recumbent positions. Phase IV occurred infrequently except in the prone position (6 of 10 subj); slopes of phase III in part 2 were not consistently altered by changing posture. It is difficult to explain the failure of posture to alter phase IV solely on a model requiring a linear gradient of pleural pressure. The slope of phase III appears to depend more on the emptying patterns of small regions with widely varying volume-to-ventilation ratios than on gravity-dependent sequences of emptying. Finally, the data suggest a considerable similarity between the upright and prone positions in terms of lung filling and emptying.", "PMID": 985389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1529", "title": "Influence of posture on flow dependence of distribution of inhaled 133Xe boli.", "content": "The second 100 ml of gas inspired at constant flow rates (V) from 0.1 to 2.5 l/s was tagged with 133Xe to determine the apicobasal bolus distribution ratio (VAlvA/VAlvB) for seven normal subjects in both the upright and supine postures. Gas was preferentially distributed to the base at low V. As V increased, redistribution to the apex occurred but was greater in the supine posture. As apicobasal time constant differences should be minimal in the supine posture, the greater flow dependence of bolus distribution suggests that the pressure swing was greater over apical zones than basal zones. Model studies indicate that the pressure differences (deltaPd) necessary to predict the measured VAlvA/VAlvB at all flow rates are less than 1.0 cmH2O. Such sensitivity of gas distribution to deltaPd at both low and high flow rates makes it appear relatively insensitive to regional compliance and resistance.", "contents": "Influence of posture on flow dependence of distribution of inhaled 133Xe boli. The second 100 ml of gas inspired at constant flow rates (V) from 0.1 to 2.5 l/s was tagged with 133Xe to determine the apicobasal bolus distribution ratio (VAlvA/VAlvB) for seven normal subjects in both the upright and supine postures. Gas was preferentially distributed to the base at low V. As V increased, redistribution to the apex occurred but was greater in the supine posture. As apicobasal time constant differences should be minimal in the supine posture, the greater flow dependence of bolus distribution suggests that the pressure swing was greater over apical zones than basal zones. Model studies indicate that the pressure differences (deltaPd) necessary to predict the measured VAlvA/VAlvB at all flow rates are less than 1.0 cmH2O. Such sensitivity of gas distribution to deltaPd at both low and high flow rates makes it appear relatively insensitive to regional compliance and resistance.", "PMID": 985390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1530", "title": "Effect of water temperature during cold exposure on thermogenic drinking in rats.", "content": "Availability of water at temperatures higher than ambient (15, 25, 35 degrees C) failed both to affect the ratio of water to food intake during exposure to cold air (5 degrees C) and to influence the thermogenic (postcold exposure) drinking response of rats which characteristically occurs immediately after removal from cold air. Thus, availability of warm water during exposure to cold appeared to have no influence on cold-induced dehydration in rats. A specially constructed drinking apparatus was used in this study. It was designed to maintain water at temperatures greater than ambient during exposure to cold. Details for construction of the apparatus are provided.", "contents": "Effect of water temperature during cold exposure on thermogenic drinking in rats. Availability of water at temperatures higher than ambient (15, 25, 35 degrees C) failed both to affect the ratio of water to food intake during exposure to cold air (5 degrees C) and to influence the thermogenic (postcold exposure) drinking response of rats which characteristically occurs immediately after removal from cold air. Thus, availability of warm water during exposure to cold appeared to have no influence on cold-induced dehydration in rats. A specially constructed drinking apparatus was used in this study. It was designed to maintain water at temperatures greater than ambient during exposure to cold. Details for construction of the apparatus are provided.", "PMID": 985391} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1531", "title": "Sighing in newborn human infants: role of inflation-augmenting reflex.", "content": "To investigate the reflex mechanisms of sighs (spontaneous large breaths) (VT greater than 2 X control VT) in infants, recordings of respiratory flow and tidal volume (VT) were made during sleep. The frequency of sighs was greater at 1 than at 5 days of age, while respiratory frequency and control VT did not change. Most sighs (93%) had a biphasic pattern of inspiratory flow characterized by an inspiratory duration nearly twice that of control breaths, with an abrupt change in flow rate halfway through inspiration. Interruption of ventilation (3-7 s of airway occlusion) appeared to generate a stimulus for biphasic sighs, since sighs occurred during the first breath after termination of airway occlusion more frequently after long than after brief occlusions. However, a biphasic inspiratory pattern in airway pressure was rarely observed while the airways were occluded, regardless of occlusion duration. This suggests that increase in lung volume during the initial part of the biphasic inspiration following occlusion is a stimulus for the second part. Thus the underlying reflex mechanism of sighs in human infants appears to be the same as occurs in the so-called Head's paradoxical response to lung inflation.", "contents": "Sighing in newborn human infants: role of inflation-augmenting reflex. To investigate the reflex mechanisms of sighs (spontaneous large breaths) (VT greater than 2 X control VT) in infants, recordings of respiratory flow and tidal volume (VT) were made during sleep. The frequency of sighs was greater at 1 than at 5 days of age, while respiratory frequency and control VT did not change. Most sighs (93%) had a biphasic pattern of inspiratory flow characterized by an inspiratory duration nearly twice that of control breaths, with an abrupt change in flow rate halfway through inspiration. Interruption of ventilation (3-7 s of airway occlusion) appeared to generate a stimulus for biphasic sighs, since sighs occurred during the first breath after termination of airway occlusion more frequently after long than after brief occlusions. However, a biphasic inspiratory pattern in airway pressure was rarely observed while the airways were occluded, regardless of occlusion duration. This suggests that increase in lung volume during the initial part of the biphasic inspiration following occlusion is a stimulus for the second part. Thus the underlying reflex mechanism of sighs in human infants appears to be the same as occurs in the so-called Head's paradoxical response to lung inflation.", "PMID": 985392} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1532", "title": "Ventilatory muscle strength and endurance training.", "content": "We studied respiratory mechanics in young volunteers before and after 5-wk training programs limited to the ventilatory muscles. Four strength trainers (S) performed repeated static maximum inspiratory and expiratory maneuvers against obstructed airways. Four endurance trainers (E) performed voluntary normocarbic hyperpnea to exhaustion. Subjects spent 30-45 min each day in these exercises, 5 days a week. Four control subjects (C) did no training. We attempted to minimize the effect of learning. S increased pressure maximums by about 55%, but vital capacity and total lung capacity by only about 4%. Initially all subjects could sustain hyperpnea at about 81% of their control 15-s maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) for 15 min; E increased this to about 96% and increased their MVV by 14% as well. No other statistically significant changes were recognized in any group. We conclude that ventilatory muscle strength or endurance can be specifically increased by appropriate ventilatory muscle training programs.", "contents": "Ventilatory muscle strength and endurance training. We studied respiratory mechanics in young volunteers before and after 5-wk training programs limited to the ventilatory muscles. Four strength trainers (S) performed repeated static maximum inspiratory and expiratory maneuvers against obstructed airways. Four endurance trainers (E) performed voluntary normocarbic hyperpnea to exhaustion. Subjects spent 30-45 min each day in these exercises, 5 days a week. Four control subjects (C) did no training. We attempted to minimize the effect of learning. S increased pressure maximums by about 55%, but vital capacity and total lung capacity by only about 4%. Initially all subjects could sustain hyperpnea at about 81% of their control 15-s maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) for 15 min; E increased this to about 96% and increased their MVV by 14% as well. No other statistically significant changes were recognized in any group. We conclude that ventilatory muscle strength or endurance can be specifically increased by appropriate ventilatory muscle training programs.", "PMID": 985393} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1533", "title": "Terminal nitrogen rise.", "content": "Eighteen-breath nitrogen washouts were performed on eight subjects. Each washout could be simulated by a four-compartment model, each compartment with a different ventilation-to-volume ratio and a variable contribution to expiratory flow. In large breaths initiated near residual volume, a terminal nitrogen rise (TNR) was seen. To account for the TNR with this model, there were relatively small changes in flow from compartments with markedly different nitrogen concentration. Reasons are given for believing these compartments could not be the upper and lower lung. Three of these subjects were studied in the supine, seated, and head-down positions. The TNR was seen at the same lung volume in all positions. At routine bronchospirometry in a second group of subjects, sampling with small catheters during a nitrogen washout showed a TNR in the expirate of lungs, lobes, segments, and subsegments in the upright and supine positions. Apparently a large vertical hydrostatic gradient is unnecessary to produce a TNR. Finally, the TNR was shown to occur at that lung volume where transpulmonary pressure is very small and changing rapidly with volume. This TNR was often followed by a terminal nitrogen fall while the lung was continuing to empty. The TNR occurs when flow from a large poorly ventilated compartment increases relative to the flow from other compartments. A model of lung in which the poorly ventilated compartment develops high specific compliance at low lung volume explains these data.", "contents": "Terminal nitrogen rise. Eighteen-breath nitrogen washouts were performed on eight subjects. Each washout could be simulated by a four-compartment model, each compartment with a different ventilation-to-volume ratio and a variable contribution to expiratory flow. In large breaths initiated near residual volume, a terminal nitrogen rise (TNR) was seen. To account for the TNR with this model, there were relatively small changes in flow from compartments with markedly different nitrogen concentration. Reasons are given for believing these compartments could not be the upper and lower lung. Three of these subjects were studied in the supine, seated, and head-down positions. The TNR was seen at the same lung volume in all positions. At routine bronchospirometry in a second group of subjects, sampling with small catheters during a nitrogen washout showed a TNR in the expirate of lungs, lobes, segments, and subsegments in the upright and supine positions. Apparently a large vertical hydrostatic gradient is unnecessary to produce a TNR. Finally, the TNR was shown to occur at that lung volume where transpulmonary pressure is very small and changing rapidly with volume. This TNR was often followed by a terminal nitrogen fall while the lung was continuing to empty. The TNR occurs when flow from a large poorly ventilated compartment increases relative to the flow from other compartments. A model of lung in which the poorly ventilated compartment develops high specific compliance at low lung volume explains these data.", "PMID": 985394} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1534", "title": "Growth hormone in exercise: comparison of physiological and pharmacological stimuli.", "content": "This study was designed to compare the serum growth hormone (GH) response with quantified exercise to that obtained with other stimuli. In eight normal males, aged 21-24 yr, we studied the serum GH response to 20 min cycle ergometer exercise at 300, 600, and 900 kpm/min on three separate occasions and compared the results with those found during sleep, insulin hypoglycemia, arginine infusion, and L-DOPA. Exercise at 900 kpm/min and insulin hypoglycemia resulted in the greatest elevations in serum GH which were significantly greater than those found with sleep, arginine or L-DOPA. The 20-min exercise at 900 kpm/min represented 75-90% of the subjects' maximal oxygen uptake and is a suitable provocative test for GH secretion. As a screening test for pituitary GH reserve, exercise compares favorably with insulin hypoglycemia and is superior to sleep, arginine, and L-DOPA.", "contents": "Growth hormone in exercise: comparison of physiological and pharmacological stimuli. This study was designed to compare the serum growth hormone (GH) response with quantified exercise to that obtained with other stimuli. In eight normal males, aged 21-24 yr, we studied the serum GH response to 20 min cycle ergometer exercise at 300, 600, and 900 kpm/min on three separate occasions and compared the results with those found during sleep, insulin hypoglycemia, arginine infusion, and L-DOPA. Exercise at 900 kpm/min and insulin hypoglycemia resulted in the greatest elevations in serum GH which were significantly greater than those found with sleep, arginine or L-DOPA. The 20-min exercise at 900 kpm/min represented 75-90% of the subjects' maximal oxygen uptake and is a suitable provocative test for GH secretion. As a screening test for pituitary GH reserve, exercise compares favorably with insulin hypoglycemia and is superior to sleep, arginine, and L-DOPA.", "PMID": 985395} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1535", "title": "Metabolic cost of grade running in dogs.", "content": "Dogs (Canis familiaris) were run up and down 7.4, 11.8, and 20.4% grades as well as on the horizontal at speeds of 3 and 6 km/h while their steady-state oxygen comsumption was measured. On positive grades the metabolism was directly dependent on both grade and speed. On the negative grades the metabolic rates were dependent only on speed and for each dog were depressed about the same amount below the metabolism needed for horizontal running at each speed. The clustering of the metabolic rates for the downhill slopes means that to cover a given distance gorizontally and downhill the dog will use the minimum energy if it descends via the gentlest grade. This is so because such a route allows the animal to maintain the lowest metabolism for the longest time. There is no best uphill route. The grade metabolism of the dogs was an almost exact duplicate of that found for humans running on grades which implies similarity of mechanical and biochemical aspects of running.", "contents": "Metabolic cost of grade running in dogs. Dogs (Canis familiaris) were run up and down 7.4, 11.8, and 20.4% grades as well as on the horizontal at speeds of 3 and 6 km/h while their steady-state oxygen comsumption was measured. On positive grades the metabolism was directly dependent on both grade and speed. On the negative grades the metabolic rates were dependent only on speed and for each dog were depressed about the same amount below the metabolism needed for horizontal running at each speed. The clustering of the metabolic rates for the downhill slopes means that to cover a given distance gorizontally and downhill the dog will use the minimum energy if it descends via the gentlest grade. This is so because such a route allows the animal to maintain the lowest metabolism for the longest time. There is no best uphill route. The grade metabolism of the dogs was an almost exact duplicate of that found for humans running on grades which implies similarity of mechanical and biochemical aspects of running.", "PMID": 985396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1536", "title": "Phrenic nerve activity and occlusion pressure changes during CO2 rebreathing in cats.", "content": "Changes in phrenic nerve activity, quantified as a moving time average, PNG(t), were characterized during complete airway occlusion at functional residual capacity (FRC) and compared to simultaneously occurring changes in intratracheal pressure. In anesthetized cats breathing room air and during CO2 breathing, PNG(t) during occlusion was the same as that found during unobstructed breathing until it reached a value approximately corresponding to that at peak inspiration in the preceding unoccluded breath, the rate of change of PNG(t) usually remained the same but in a few cases (2 out of 11) increased. When intratracheal occlusion pressure was plotted as a function of PNG(t), both while breathing room air and during CO2 rebreathing, an approximately linear relationship was obtained. Thus, changes in intratracheas occlusion pressure obtained at FRC parallel changes in phrenic motor nerve activity. Quantification of electrical activity of respiratory nerves as a moving time average provides a means of characterizing changes in the average level of electrical activity during an inspiratory effort.", "contents": "Phrenic nerve activity and occlusion pressure changes during CO2 rebreathing in cats. Changes in phrenic nerve activity, quantified as a moving time average, PNG(t), were characterized during complete airway occlusion at functional residual capacity (FRC) and compared to simultaneously occurring changes in intratracheal pressure. In anesthetized cats breathing room air and during CO2 breathing, PNG(t) during occlusion was the same as that found during unobstructed breathing until it reached a value approximately corresponding to that at peak inspiration in the preceding unoccluded breath, the rate of change of PNG(t) usually remained the same but in a few cases (2 out of 11) increased. When intratracheal occlusion pressure was plotted as a function of PNG(t), both while breathing room air and during CO2 rebreathing, an approximately linear relationship was obtained. Thus, changes in intratracheas occlusion pressure obtained at FRC parallel changes in phrenic motor nerve activity. Quantification of electrical activity of respiratory nerves as a moving time average provides a means of characterizing changes in the average level of electrical activity during an inspiratory effort.", "PMID": 985397} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1537", "title": "The unactivated form of the first component of human complement, C1.", "content": "The first component of complement, C1, was isolated unactivated from human serum by repeated additions of di-isopropyl phosphorofluoridate during isolation. The unactivated subcomponents were also isolated, and evidence is given that the three subcomponents C1q, C1r and C1s account wholly for the activity of component C1 in serum. No evidence could be found for a fourth subcomponent, C1t. The approximate molar proportions of the subcomponents in serum are C1q/C1r/C1s = 1:2:2. Optimum activity by haemolytic assay was found at approximate molar proportions C1q/C1r/C1s of 1:4:4. No activity was found when subcomponents were assayed singly or in pairs, except for subcomponents C1q and C1s, which in molar ratio 1:4 gave 15-20% of the activity of the mixture C1q + C1r + C1s. The proteolytic activity of the isolated subcomponent C1s varied according to the method of activation used. Subcomponents C1q + C1r + C1s and C1q + C1s in the presence of antibody-antigen aggregates were activated and inactivated simultaneously, showing a peak of activity and subsequent loss of activity. Both reactions are probably due to proteolysis, and analysis of the peptide bonds split will be necessary to distinguish these two phenomena.", "contents": "The unactivated form of the first component of human complement, C1. The first component of complement, C1, was isolated unactivated from human serum by repeated additions of di-isopropyl phosphorofluoridate during isolation. The unactivated subcomponents were also isolated, and evidence is given that the three subcomponents C1q, C1r and C1s account wholly for the activity of component C1 in serum. No evidence could be found for a fourth subcomponent, C1t. The approximate molar proportions of the subcomponents in serum are C1q/C1r/C1s = 1:2:2. Optimum activity by haemolytic assay was found at approximate molar proportions C1q/C1r/C1s of 1:4:4. No activity was found when subcomponents were assayed singly or in pairs, except for subcomponents C1q and C1s, which in molar ratio 1:4 gave 15-20% of the activity of the mixture C1q + C1r + C1s. The proteolytic activity of the isolated subcomponent C1s varied according to the method of activation used. Subcomponents C1q + C1r + C1s and C1q + C1s in the presence of antibody-antigen aggregates were activated and inactivated simultaneously, showing a peak of activity and subsequent loss of activity. Both reactions are probably due to proteolysis, and analysis of the peptide bonds split will be necessary to distinguish these two phenomena.", "PMID": 985398} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1538", "title": "Anaerobic threshold and maximal aerobic power for three modes of exercise.", "content": "Alterations in selected respiratory gas exchange parameters have been proposed as sensitive, noninvasive indices of the onset of metabolic acidosis (anaerobic threshold (AT) during incremental exercise. Our purposes were to investigate the validity and feasibility of AT detection using routine laboratory measures of gas exchange, i.e., nonlinear increases in VE and VCO2 and abrupt increases in FEO2. Additionally, we examined the comparability of the AT and VO2 max among three modes of exercise (arm cranking, leg cycling, and treadmill walk-running) with double determinations obtained from 30 college-age, male volunteer subjects. The AT's for arm cranking, leg cycling, and treadmill walk-running occurred at 46.5 +/- 8.9 (means +/- SD), 63.8 +/- 9.0, and 58.6 +/- 5.8% of VO2 max, respectively. No significant difference was found between the leg exercise modes (cycling and walk-running) for the AT while all pairwise arm versus leg comparisons were significantly different. Using nine additional subjects performing leg cycling tests, a significant correlation of r = 0.95 was found between gas exchange AT measurements (expressed as % VO2 max) and venous blood lactate AT measurements (% VO2 max). We conclude that the gas exchange AT is a valid and valuable indirect method for the detection of the development of lactic acidosis during incremental exercise.", "contents": "Anaerobic threshold and maximal aerobic power for three modes of exercise. Alterations in selected respiratory gas exchange parameters have been proposed as sensitive, noninvasive indices of the onset of metabolic acidosis (anaerobic threshold (AT) during incremental exercise. Our purposes were to investigate the validity and feasibility of AT detection using routine laboratory measures of gas exchange, i.e., nonlinear increases in VE and VCO2 and abrupt increases in FEO2. Additionally, we examined the comparability of the AT and VO2 max among three modes of exercise (arm cranking, leg cycling, and treadmill walk-running) with double determinations obtained from 30 college-age, male volunteer subjects. The AT's for arm cranking, leg cycling, and treadmill walk-running occurred at 46.5 +/- 8.9 (means +/- SD), 63.8 +/- 9.0, and 58.6 +/- 5.8% of VO2 max, respectively. No significant difference was found between the leg exercise modes (cycling and walk-running) for the AT while all pairwise arm versus leg comparisons were significantly different. Using nine additional subjects performing leg cycling tests, a significant correlation of r = 0.95 was found between gas exchange AT measurements (expressed as % VO2 max) and venous blood lactate AT measurements (% VO2 max). We conclude that the gas exchange AT is a valid and valuable indirect method for the detection of the development of lactic acidosis during incremental exercise.", "PMID": 985399} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1539", "title": "Freezing temperature of finger skin.", "content": "In 45 subjects, 154 frostnips of the finger were induced by cooling in air at -15 degrees C with various wind speeds. The mean supercooled skin temperature at which frostnip appeared was -9.4 degrees C. The mean skin temperature rise due to heat of fusion at ice crystallization was 5.3 degrees C. The skin temperature rose to what was termed the apparent freezing point. The relation of this point to the supercooled skin temperature was analyzed for the three wind speeds used. An apparent freezing point for a condition of no supercooling was calculated, estimating the highest temperature at which skin freezes at a given wind speed. The validity of the obtained differences in apparent freezing point was tested by an analysis of covariance. Although not statistically significant, the data suggest that the apparent freezing point with no supercooling decreases with increasing wind velocity. The highest calculated apparent freezing point at -15 degrees C and 6.8 m/s was 1.2 degrees C lower than the true freezing point for skin previously determined in brine, which is a statistically significant difference.", "contents": "Freezing temperature of finger skin. In 45 subjects, 154 frostnips of the finger were induced by cooling in air at -15 degrees C with various wind speeds. The mean supercooled skin temperature at which frostnip appeared was -9.4 degrees C. The mean skin temperature rise due to heat of fusion at ice crystallization was 5.3 degrees C. The skin temperature rose to what was termed the apparent freezing point. The relation of this point to the supercooled skin temperature was analyzed for the three wind speeds used. An apparent freezing point for a condition of no supercooling was calculated, estimating the highest temperature at which skin freezes at a given wind speed. The validity of the obtained differences in apparent freezing point was tested by an analysis of covariance. Although not statistically significant, the data suggest that the apparent freezing point with no supercooling decreases with increasing wind velocity. The highest calculated apparent freezing point at -15 degrees C and 6.8 m/s was 1.2 degrees C lower than the true freezing point for skin previously determined in brine, which is a statistically significant difference.", "PMID": 985400} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1540", "title": "Drug modification of hypothermia induced by CNS glucopenia in the mouse.", "content": "2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), insulin, or norepinephrine (NE), when injected into the cerebral ventricles of conscious mice, produce decreased rates of O2 consumption and hypothermia. These changes are accompanied by hyperglycemia with 2-DG, hypoglycemia with insulin, and normoglycemia with NE. Desipramine blocks the reduction in body temperature and O2 consumption produced by each of these agents, but does not modify significantly their effects on plasma glucose. The latter suggests that the thermal and oxidative responses to central glucopenia can be dissociated from concurrent alterations in circulating glucose. Propranolol enhances the hypothermic response produced by administered 2-DG, insulin, or NE. Phentolamine, however, antagonizes the hypothermia only with NE, indicating the 2-DG and insulin are probably not acting through the release of endogenous NE.", "contents": "Drug modification of hypothermia induced by CNS glucopenia in the mouse. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), insulin, or norepinephrine (NE), when injected into the cerebral ventricles of conscious mice, produce decreased rates of O2 consumption and hypothermia. These changes are accompanied by hyperglycemia with 2-DG, hypoglycemia with insulin, and normoglycemia with NE. Desipramine blocks the reduction in body temperature and O2 consumption produced by each of these agents, but does not modify significantly their effects on plasma glucose. The latter suggests that the thermal and oxidative responses to central glucopenia can be dissociated from concurrent alterations in circulating glucose. Propranolol enhances the hypothermic response produced by administered 2-DG, insulin, or NE. Phentolamine, however, antagonizes the hypothermia only with NE, indicating the 2-DG and insulin are probably not acting through the release of endogenous NE.", "PMID": 985401} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1541", "title": "Effects of arterial versus venous sampling on analysis of glucose kinetics in man.", "content": "A compartmental model is presented to account for transient and steady-state changes in blood glucose concentration which result from transit through the forearm and hand in man. This model permits the inter-conversion of arterial and venous data and the derivation of arterial equivalent total body glucose models from venous data. Data were obtained from subjects in the basal state following a pulse injection of [1-14C]glucose tracer. An artery, an antecubital vein, and a dorsal vein of a heated hand (68 degrees C environment) were sampled. Blood transit time is shorter 0.3 vs. 1.0 min) and irreversible glucose loss is reduced (1.9 vs. 2.9%) in the heated hand preparation when compared to the antecubital vein preparation. Because of the smaller correction required and the smaller variation among individuals when heated hand rather than antecubital vein data are obtained, we suggest that for analysis of whole-body kinetics such data should be used along with the compartmental model correction when arterial data cannot be obtained.", "contents": "Effects of arterial versus venous sampling on analysis of glucose kinetics in man. A compartmental model is presented to account for transient and steady-state changes in blood glucose concentration which result from transit through the forearm and hand in man. This model permits the inter-conversion of arterial and venous data and the derivation of arterial equivalent total body glucose models from venous data. Data were obtained from subjects in the basal state following a pulse injection of [1-14C]glucose tracer. An artery, an antecubital vein, and a dorsal vein of a heated hand (68 degrees C environment) were sampled. Blood transit time is shorter 0.3 vs. 1.0 min) and irreversible glucose loss is reduced (1.9 vs. 2.9%) in the heated hand preparation when compared to the antecubital vein preparation. Because of the smaller correction required and the smaller variation among individuals when heated hand rather than antecubital vein data are obtained, we suggest that for analysis of whole-body kinetics such data should be used along with the compartmental model correction when arterial data cannot be obtained.", "PMID": 985402} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1542", "title": "Cerebellar pressor response in the dog.", "content": "A fastigial pressor response has been elicited in the anesthetized mongrel dog. Stimulation within the rostral portions of this nucleus results in mean arterial pressure rises up to 150 mmHg above control. A proportional tachycardia is simultaneously evoked which may rapidly attain heart rates of 190 beats/min above control levels. Peak tachycardias immediately suside and often the heart rate declines below control values during stimulation while arterial pressure remains elevated. When either the carotid sinuses were isolated by ligation or a bilateral vagotomy was performed, the fastigial tachycardia was sustained. Thresholds for the response are near 0.05 mA and the stimulus intensity curve is linear to 0.4 mA whereupon the pressure rise and tachycardia begin to approach a plateau value. The response could still be attained when submaximal doses of alpha-chloralose anesthesia or high levels of barbiturates (30-40 mg/kg) were given. Both portions of the response result from widespread sympathetic activation; however, buffering of the response through the baroreceptor reflexes is only demonstrated in the cardiac segment of the response.", "contents": "Cerebellar pressor response in the dog. A fastigial pressor response has been elicited in the anesthetized mongrel dog. Stimulation within the rostral portions of this nucleus results in mean arterial pressure rises up to 150 mmHg above control. A proportional tachycardia is simultaneously evoked which may rapidly attain heart rates of 190 beats/min above control levels. Peak tachycardias immediately suside and often the heart rate declines below control values during stimulation while arterial pressure remains elevated. When either the carotid sinuses were isolated by ligation or a bilateral vagotomy was performed, the fastigial tachycardia was sustained. Thresholds for the response are near 0.05 mA and the stimulus intensity curve is linear to 0.4 mA whereupon the pressure rise and tachycardia begin to approach a plateau value. The response could still be attained when submaximal doses of alpha-chloralose anesthesia or high levels of barbiturates (30-40 mg/kg) were given. Both portions of the response result from widespread sympathetic activation; however, buffering of the response through the baroreceptor reflexes is only demonstrated in the cardiac segment of the response.", "PMID": 985403} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1543", "title": "The kinetics of rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase. Initial-velocity, substrate- and product-inhibition and isotopic-exchange studies of the reverse reaction.", "content": "1. An assay, based on the transfer of label from [gamma-32P]ATP to [32P]phosphoenolpyruvate, suitable for a steady-state kinetic analysis of pyruvate kinase in the reverse direction (i.e. phosphoenolpyruvate synthesis), is described. 2. This assay was used in a kinetic investigation of the rabbit muscle enzyme including initial-rate and product-inhibition experiments, at a pH of 7.4 and constant concentrations of total K+ and free Mg2+. 3. These studies indicate that there is a random release of ADP and phosphoenolpyruvate from the enzyme and that there is a competitive substrate inhibition by ATP. Some of the results were suggestive that the rapid-equilibrium assumption, generally used for this enzyme was not valid. 4. Techniques were developed to measure the rate of isotopic exchange between all the substrate-product pairs. 5. By using these techniques the rates of isotopic exchange at chemical equilibrium were measured. The results indicate that this enzyme does not catalyse a truly rapid-equilibrium random mechanism, although in the forward reaction all initial-rate data obtained to date are consistent with this assumption.", "contents": "The kinetics of rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase. Initial-velocity, substrate- and product-inhibition and isotopic-exchange studies of the reverse reaction. 1. An assay, based on the transfer of label from [gamma-32P]ATP to [32P]phosphoenolpyruvate, suitable for a steady-state kinetic analysis of pyruvate kinase in the reverse direction (i.e. phosphoenolpyruvate synthesis), is described. 2. This assay was used in a kinetic investigation of the rabbit muscle enzyme including initial-rate and product-inhibition experiments, at a pH of 7.4 and constant concentrations of total K+ and free Mg2+. 3. These studies indicate that there is a random release of ADP and phosphoenolpyruvate from the enzyme and that there is a competitive substrate inhibition by ATP. Some of the results were suggestive that the rapid-equilibrium assumption, generally used for this enzyme was not valid. 4. Techniques were developed to measure the rate of isotopic exchange between all the substrate-product pairs. 5. By using these techniques the rates of isotopic exchange at chemical equilibrium were measured. The results indicate that this enzyme does not catalyse a truly rapid-equilibrium random mechanism, although in the forward reaction all initial-rate data obtained to date are consistent with this assumption.", "PMID": 985404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1544", "title": "Effect of vagal tone on airway diameters and on lung volume in anesthetized dogs.", "content": "In 18 open-chest dogs we obtained pressure-diameter (P-D) curves from tantalum bronchograms and pressure-volume (P-V) curves by plethysmography. After vagotomy most of the decrease in diameter with decreasing transpulmonary pressure (Ptp) occured below 10 cmH2O and there was no P-D hysteresis. Smaller airways narrowed more with decreasing Ptp than larger ones. Bronchodilators did not increase diameters after vagotomy (P less than 0.2). With vagi intact, diameters were smaller at all Ptp (P less than 0.01) and exhibited hysteresis, but the lung P-V curve was unchanged. Vagal stimulation narrowed airways further at all Ptp and hysteresis was marked. Smaller airways narrowed more with vagal stimulation than larger ones. Vagal stimulation did not change the deflation limb of the P-V curve but decreased inflation volumes slightly at all Ptp (P less than 0.01). We conclude that in vivo tone is vagal and that it affects the physical properties of airways, but not of lungs, making the airways remarkably independent from lung parenchyma.", "contents": "Effect of vagal tone on airway diameters and on lung volume in anesthetized dogs. In 18 open-chest dogs we obtained pressure-diameter (P-D) curves from tantalum bronchograms and pressure-volume (P-V) curves by plethysmography. After vagotomy most of the decrease in diameter with decreasing transpulmonary pressure (Ptp) occured below 10 cmH2O and there was no P-D hysteresis. Smaller airways narrowed more with decreasing Ptp than larger ones. Bronchodilators did not increase diameters after vagotomy (P less than 0.2). With vagi intact, diameters were smaller at all Ptp (P less than 0.01) and exhibited hysteresis, but the lung P-V curve was unchanged. Vagal stimulation narrowed airways further at all Ptp and hysteresis was marked. Smaller airways narrowed more with vagal stimulation than larger ones. Vagal stimulation did not change the deflation limb of the P-V curve but decreased inflation volumes slightly at all Ptp (P less than 0.01). We conclude that in vivo tone is vagal and that it affects the physical properties of airways, but not of lungs, making the airways remarkably independent from lung parenchyma.", "PMID": 985405} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1545", "title": "Endotracheal tube as a factor in measurement of respiratory mechanics.", "content": "The measurement of respiratory mechanics is frequently performed on intubated patients. This study shows the effect which the turbulent and inertial characteristics of an endotracheal tube have on the accuracy of the measurement. Two techniques are examined utilizing a mechanical model: the least-squares and the phasor technique. It is concluded that both techniques will give erroneous results if the characteristics of the tube are not accounted for. The error is markedly reduced if the turbulent and inertial terms are accounted for in the analysis.", "contents": "Endotracheal tube as a factor in measurement of respiratory mechanics. The measurement of respiratory mechanics is frequently performed on intubated patients. This study shows the effect which the turbulent and inertial characteristics of an endotracheal tube have on the accuracy of the measurement. Two techniques are examined utilizing a mechanical model: the least-squares and the phasor technique. It is concluded that both techniques will give erroneous results if the characteristics of the tube are not accounted for. The error is markedly reduced if the turbulent and inertial terms are accounted for in the analysis.", "PMID": 985406} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1546", "title": "Pyrenebutyric acid as an optical oxygen probe in the intact cerebral cortex.", "content": "The application of the fluorochrome pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) as an in vivo quantitative probe for intracellular oxygen tension (iPO2) is reported. PBA is nontoxic, noninvasive, nonconsumptive, and allows optical monitoring of iPO2 on line. Cats were anesthetized with ether and lesioned midcollicularly to produce cerveau isol\u00e9 preparations with optical monitoring via a compensated microfluorometer. The \"normal\" iPO2 was determined to be 42.8 /- 8.6 (SD) mmHg. Decrease in cerebral perfusion results in observing a decreased iPO2. This method of monitoring iPO2 was found to overcome drawbacks inherent in the polarographic technique and to posess additional advantages.", "contents": "Pyrenebutyric acid as an optical oxygen probe in the intact cerebral cortex. The application of the fluorochrome pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) as an in vivo quantitative probe for intracellular oxygen tension (iPO2) is reported. PBA is nontoxic, noninvasive, nonconsumptive, and allows optical monitoring of iPO2 on line. Cats were anesthetized with ether and lesioned midcollicularly to produce cerveau isol\u00e9 preparations with optical monitoring via a compensated microfluorometer. The \"normal\" iPO2 was determined to be 42.8 /- 8.6 (SD) mmHg. Decrease in cerebral perfusion results in observing a decreased iPO2. This method of monitoring iPO2 was found to overcome drawbacks inherent in the polarographic technique and to posess additional advantages.", "PMID": 985407} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1547", "title": "Measurement of tissue oxygen with a fluorescent probe.", "content": "Evidence is presented that pyrenebutyric acid is nontoxic at the concentrations required for the measurement of fluorescence quenching by physiological concentrations of oxygen. It appears that this molecule can be used to measure tissue oxygen since it does not interfere with oxygen consumption. Equally, tissue components do not interfere with the quenching of fluorescence to such an extent as to invalidate the method. The spatial resolution of the technique is limited by some tissue geometrical factors which do not, however, appear to be great enough to prevent its use to measure intercapillary oxygen gradients.", "contents": "Measurement of tissue oxygen with a fluorescent probe. Evidence is presented that pyrenebutyric acid is nontoxic at the concentrations required for the measurement of fluorescence quenching by physiological concentrations of oxygen. It appears that this molecule can be used to measure tissue oxygen since it does not interfere with oxygen consumption. Equally, tissue components do not interfere with the quenching of fluorescence to such an extent as to invalidate the method. The spatial resolution of the technique is limited by some tissue geometrical factors which do not, however, appear to be great enough to prevent its use to measure intercapillary oxygen gradients.", "PMID": 985408} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1548", "title": "Blood-perfused working isolated rat heart.", "content": "We describe a method for perfusion of a working isolated rat heart with washed erythrocytes suspended in a Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer containing bovine albumin (fraction V). With washed pig red cells, as hematocrit was varied between 0 and 40%, coronary flow (CF), aortic flow (AF), external work (W), and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) were measured. Hemodynamic data at a hematocrit of 30% (CF = 5.4 +/- 0.7 ml/min per g, AF = 75 +/- 8 ml/min per g) were identical with those reported for the intact animal. Coronary sinus PO2 was highest with a red cell-free perfusate suggesting that coronary flow is partially shunted. Human red cells obtained from banked blood, were tried also with success. With careful filtration, the preparation is stable for 2 h and well suited for study of the dynamics of myocardial oxygen delivery.", "contents": "Blood-perfused working isolated rat heart. We describe a method for perfusion of a working isolated rat heart with washed erythrocytes suspended in a Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer containing bovine albumin (fraction V). With washed pig red cells, as hematocrit was varied between 0 and 40%, coronary flow (CF), aortic flow (AF), external work (W), and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) were measured. Hemodynamic data at a hematocrit of 30% (CF = 5.4 +/- 0.7 ml/min per g, AF = 75 +/- 8 ml/min per g) were identical with those reported for the intact animal. Coronary sinus PO2 was highest with a red cell-free perfusate suggesting that coronary flow is partially shunted. Human red cells obtained from banked blood, were tried also with success. With careful filtration, the preparation is stable for 2 h and well suited for study of the dynamics of myocardial oxygen delivery.", "PMID": 985409} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1549", "title": "Methylated purines in the deoxyribonucleic acid of various Syrian-golden-hamster tissues after administration of a hepatocarcinogenic dose of dimethylnitrosamine.", "content": "1. DNA was extracted from livers, kidneys and lungs of Syrian golden hamsters at various times (up to 96h) after injection of a hepatocarcinogenic dose of [14C]dimethylnitrosamine. Purine bases were released from the DNA by mild acid hydrolysis and separated by Sephadex G-10 chromatography. 2. At 7h after dimethylnitrosamine administration liver DNA was alkylated to the greatest extent, followed by that of lung and kidney, the values for which were 8 and 3% respectively of those for liver. 3. The O6-methylguanine/7-methylguanine ratios were initially the same in all three organs and in the liver DNA of rats under similar conditions of dose. 4. O6-Methylguanine was the most persistent alkylated purine in all three hamster tissues. There was evidence for excision of 7-methyl-guanine, the highest activity for this being present in the liver. 5. Detectable amounts of the minor products 3-methyladenine, 1-methyladenine, 3-methylguanine and 7-methyladenine were present in most hamster tissues, and their individual rates of loss from liver DNA were determined. 6. Ring-labelling of the normal purines in DNA was highest in the liver, followed closely by the lung (80% of that in liver) whereas the kidney had very low incorporation (3% of that in liver). 7. The results are discussed with respect to the hepatotoxicity of dimethylnitrosamine, the miscoding potential of the various alkylation products and the induction of liver tumours in hamsters.", "contents": "Methylated purines in the deoxyribonucleic acid of various Syrian-golden-hamster tissues after administration of a hepatocarcinogenic dose of dimethylnitrosamine. 1. DNA was extracted from livers, kidneys and lungs of Syrian golden hamsters at various times (up to 96h) after injection of a hepatocarcinogenic dose of [14C]dimethylnitrosamine. Purine bases were released from the DNA by mild acid hydrolysis and separated by Sephadex G-10 chromatography. 2. At 7h after dimethylnitrosamine administration liver DNA was alkylated to the greatest extent, followed by that of lung and kidney, the values for which were 8 and 3% respectively of those for liver. 3. The O6-methylguanine/7-methylguanine ratios were initially the same in all three organs and in the liver DNA of rats under similar conditions of dose. 4. O6-Methylguanine was the most persistent alkylated purine in all three hamster tissues. There was evidence for excision of 7-methyl-guanine, the highest activity for this being present in the liver. 5. Detectable amounts of the minor products 3-methyladenine, 1-methyladenine, 3-methylguanine and 7-methyladenine were present in most hamster tissues, and their individual rates of loss from liver DNA were determined. 6. Ring-labelling of the normal purines in DNA was highest in the liver, followed closely by the lung (80% of that in liver) whereas the kidney had very low incorporation (3% of that in liver). 7. The results are discussed with respect to the hepatotoxicity of dimethylnitrosamine, the miscoding potential of the various alkylation products and the induction of liver tumours in hamsters.", "PMID": 985411} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1550", "title": "Rabbit muscle myogen. Interactions with phosphate as the source of non-enantiography in moving-boundary electrophoresis.", "content": "Rabbit muscle myogen has been subjected to moving-boundary electrophoresis and velocity sedimentation in 0.0187 M-potassium phosphate buffer, pH7.7, I = 0.05. The ascending and descending and descending electrophoretic patterns are sufficiently non-enantiographic to suggest the existence of rapid, reversible interactions in the myogen solutions. However, no evidence of pronounced macromolecular association was obtained in velocity-sedimentation experiments. The source of the non-enantiography in electrophoresis has been traced to interactions of phosphate with components of myogen, which should therefore be considered as a mixutre, rather than a complex, of glycolytic enzymes.", "contents": "Rabbit muscle myogen. Interactions with phosphate as the source of non-enantiography in moving-boundary electrophoresis. Rabbit muscle myogen has been subjected to moving-boundary electrophoresis and velocity sedimentation in 0.0187 M-potassium phosphate buffer, pH7.7, I = 0.05. The ascending and descending and descending electrophoretic patterns are sufficiently non-enantiographic to suggest the existence of rapid, reversible interactions in the myogen solutions. However, no evidence of pronounced macromolecular association was obtained in velocity-sedimentation experiments. The source of the non-enantiography in electrophoresis has been traced to interactions of phosphate with components of myogen, which should therefore be considered as a mixutre, rather than a complex, of glycolytic enzymes.", "PMID": 985412} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1551", "title": "The binding of echinomycin to deoxyribonucleic acid.", "content": "Echinomycin is a peptide antibiotic which binds strongly to double-helical DNA up to a limit of approximately one molecule per five base-pairs. There is no detectable interaction with rRNA and only extremely feeble non-specific interaction with poly(rA)-poly(rU). Heat denaturation of DNA greatly decreases the binding, and similarly limited interaction is observed with naturally occurring single-stranded DNA. Association constants for binding to nine double-helical DNA species from different sources are presented; they vary by a factor of approximately 10, but are not simply related to the gross base composition. The interaction with DNA is ionic-strength-dependent, the binding constant falling by a factor of 4 when the ionic strength is raised from 0.01 to 0.10mol/litre. From the effect of temperature on the association constant for calf thymus DNA, the enthalpy of interaction is calculated to be about -13kJ/mol (-3kcal/mol). Binding of echinomycin persists in CsCl gradients and the buoyant density of nicked bacteriophage PM2 DNA is decreased by 25 mg/ml. Echinomycin interacts strongly with certain synthetic poly-deoxynucleotides, the binding constant decreasing in the order poly(dG)-poly(dC) greater than poly(dG-dC) greater than poly(dA-dT). For the latter two polymers the number of base-pairs occluded per bound antibiotic molecule is calculated to be three, whereas for poly(dG)-poly(dC) it is estimated to be four to five. Poly(dA)-poly(dT) and poly(dI)-poly(dC) interact only very weakly with the antibiotic. Poly(dI-dC) interacts to a slightly greater extent, but the binding curve is quite unlike that seen with the three strongly binding synthetic polynucleotides. Echinomycin affects the supercoiling of closed circular duplex bacteriophage PM2 DNA in the characteristic fashion of intercalating drugs. At low ionic strength the unwinding angle is almost twice that of ethidium. Likewise the extension of the helix, determined from changes in the viscosity of rod-like sonicated DNA fragments, is nearly double that expected for a simple (monofunctional) intercalation process. On this basis the interaction process is characterized as bifunctional intercalation. At higher ionic strength the unwinding angle relative to that of ethidium and the helix extension per bound echinomycin molecule fall, indicating a smooth progression towards more nearly monofunctional intercalation. Two simpler compounds which act as analogues of the quinoxaline chromophores of echinomycin, quinoxaline-2-carboxamide and the trypanocidal drug Bayer 7602, interact with DNA very much more weakly than does echinomycin, showing that the peptide portion of the antibiotic plays an essential role in determining the strength and specificity of the interaction.", "contents": "The binding of echinomycin to deoxyribonucleic acid. Echinomycin is a peptide antibiotic which binds strongly to double-helical DNA up to a limit of approximately one molecule per five base-pairs. There is no detectable interaction with rRNA and only extremely feeble non-specific interaction with poly(rA)-poly(rU). Heat denaturation of DNA greatly decreases the binding, and similarly limited interaction is observed with naturally occurring single-stranded DNA. Association constants for binding to nine double-helical DNA species from different sources are presented; they vary by a factor of approximately 10, but are not simply related to the gross base composition. The interaction with DNA is ionic-strength-dependent, the binding constant falling by a factor of 4 when the ionic strength is raised from 0.01 to 0.10mol/litre. From the effect of temperature on the association constant for calf thymus DNA, the enthalpy of interaction is calculated to be about -13kJ/mol (-3kcal/mol). Binding of echinomycin persists in CsCl gradients and the buoyant density of nicked bacteriophage PM2 DNA is decreased by 25 mg/ml. Echinomycin interacts strongly with certain synthetic poly-deoxynucleotides, the binding constant decreasing in the order poly(dG)-poly(dC) greater than poly(dG-dC) greater than poly(dA-dT). For the latter two polymers the number of base-pairs occluded per bound antibiotic molecule is calculated to be three, whereas for poly(dG)-poly(dC) it is estimated to be four to five. Poly(dA)-poly(dT) and poly(dI)-poly(dC) interact only very weakly with the antibiotic. Poly(dI-dC) interacts to a slightly greater extent, but the binding curve is quite unlike that seen with the three strongly binding synthetic polynucleotides. Echinomycin affects the supercoiling of closed circular duplex bacteriophage PM2 DNA in the characteristic fashion of intercalating drugs. At low ionic strength the unwinding angle is almost twice that of ethidium. Likewise the extension of the helix, determined from changes in the viscosity of rod-like sonicated DNA fragments, is nearly double that expected for a simple (monofunctional) intercalation process. On this basis the interaction process is characterized as bifunctional intercalation. At higher ionic strength the unwinding angle relative to that of ethidium and the helix extension per bound echinomycin molecule fall, indicating a smooth progression towards more nearly monofunctional intercalation. Two simpler compounds which act as analogues of the quinoxaline chromophores of echinomycin, quinoxaline-2-carboxamide and the trypanocidal drug Bayer 7602, interact with DNA very much more weakly than does echinomycin, showing that the peptide portion of the antibiotic plays an essential role in determining the strength and specificity of the interaction.", "PMID": 985413} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1552", "title": "The occurrence of cis-octadec-15-enoic acid as a major biohydrogenation product from methyl linolenate in bovine rumen liquor.", "content": "The biohydrogenation products from methyl linolenate varied according to its concentration in the rumen. At low concentrations, over 60% of the biohydrogenated products was stearic acid, but when the concentration was raised above 100 mg/100 ml of rumen liquor, monoenoic acids, including cis-octadec-15-enoic acid, were the major products.", "contents": "The occurrence of cis-octadec-15-enoic acid as a major biohydrogenation product from methyl linolenate in bovine rumen liquor. The biohydrogenation products from methyl linolenate varied according to its concentration in the rumen. At low concentrations, over 60% of the biohydrogenated products was stearic acid, but when the concentration was raised above 100 mg/100 ml of rumen liquor, monoenoic acids, including cis-octadec-15-enoic acid, were the major products.", "PMID": 985414} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1553", "title": "The chemical constitution of the proteoglycan of human intervertebral disc.", "content": "Proteoglycan was prepared from three pools of normal human intervertebral discs by extraction with buffered 4M-guanidinium chloride followed by CsCl-density-gradient ultracentrifugation. Chromatography on agarose (Bio-Gel A-150m) and on DEAE-cellulose suggested a single polydisperse proteoglycan species. The intrinsic viscosities of three preparations were 166, 122 and 168 ml/g. After degradation with 0.5M-KOH containing 0.02M-NaBH4, the glycosaminoglycans were recovered quantitatively and their Ca2+ salts separated into a hexuronate-rich fraction (fraction 1), which was precipitated in 0-45% (v/v) ethanol, and a hexose-rich fraction (fraction2), which was precipitated in 45-70% (v/v) ethanol. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the glycosaminoglycans revealed fraction 1 to be chondroitin sulphate, and fraction 2 to be keratan sulphate; the latter was contaminated with protein and possibly a small amount of another glycosaminoglycan. For both glycosaminoglycans, plots of log(mol.wt.) against weight fell close to a normal distribution. The mode for chondroitin sulphate was close to 20000; that for keratan sulphate, 10000. A threefold range of molecular weight included the central 16-84% [+/- 1 S.D. of log(mol.wt.)] of the weight of both fractions.", "contents": "The chemical constitution of the proteoglycan of human intervertebral disc. Proteoglycan was prepared from three pools of normal human intervertebral discs by extraction with buffered 4M-guanidinium chloride followed by CsCl-density-gradient ultracentrifugation. Chromatography on agarose (Bio-Gel A-150m) and on DEAE-cellulose suggested a single polydisperse proteoglycan species. The intrinsic viscosities of three preparations were 166, 122 and 168 ml/g. After degradation with 0.5M-KOH containing 0.02M-NaBH4, the glycosaminoglycans were recovered quantitatively and their Ca2+ salts separated into a hexuronate-rich fraction (fraction 1), which was precipitated in 0-45% (v/v) ethanol, and a hexose-rich fraction (fraction2), which was precipitated in 45-70% (v/v) ethanol. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the glycosaminoglycans revealed fraction 1 to be chondroitin sulphate, and fraction 2 to be keratan sulphate; the latter was contaminated with protein and possibly a small amount of another glycosaminoglycan. For both glycosaminoglycans, plots of log(mol.wt.) against weight fell close to a normal distribution. The mode for chondroitin sulphate was close to 20000; that for keratan sulphate, 10000. A threefold range of molecular weight included the central 16-84% [+/- 1 S.D. of log(mol.wt.)] of the weight of both fractions.", "PMID": 985415} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1554", "title": "The subunit structure of thyroglobulin.", "content": "Human and rat thyroglobulin were reduced and alkylated in aqueous alkaline conditions in the absence of denaturants; the product of reduction in both cases has been found to have mol.wt. about 165000, or one-quarter that of the native molecule.", "contents": "The subunit structure of thyroglobulin. Human and rat thyroglobulin were reduced and alkylated in aqueous alkaline conditions in the absence of denaturants; the product of reduction in both cases has been found to have mol.wt. about 165000, or one-quarter that of the native molecule.", "PMID": 985416} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1555", "title": "A new type of representation of dipeptide conformation.", "content": "The possibility of representing the conformations of a pair of peptide units in terms of two parameters, namely angle (nu) between the two peptide planes and the virtual-bond angle delta (C(alpha)i-1, C(alpha)i, C(alpha)i+1), and its usefulness in recognizing unfavourable conformations, is discussed. To exemplify the concept, the local conformations in lysozyme have been plotted in the (nu,delta) plane.", "contents": "A new type of representation of dipeptide conformation. The possibility of representing the conformations of a pair of peptide units in terms of two parameters, namely angle (nu) between the two peptide planes and the virtual-bond angle delta (C(alpha)i-1, C(alpha)i, C(alpha)i+1), and its usefulness in recognizing unfavourable conformations, is discussed. To exemplify the concept, the local conformations in lysozyme have been plotted in the (nu,delta) plane.", "PMID": 985417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1556", "title": "The separation and sequencing of permethylated peptides by mass spectrometry directly coupled to gas-liquid chromatography.", "content": "The use of g.l.c. coupled to mass spectrometry to separate and sequence permethylated acetyl- and trifluoroacetyl-peptides in a single operation is described. Both electron impact and chemical ionization were used to induce fragmentation, and the latter was found to be more sensitive. Chromatographic retention data are presented which suggest that peptide derivatives of molecular weight of at least 750 are accessible to the technique. The application of our methods to the determination of the primary sequence of proteins is discussed.", "contents": "The separation and sequencing of permethylated peptides by mass spectrometry directly coupled to gas-liquid chromatography. The use of g.l.c. coupled to mass spectrometry to separate and sequence permethylated acetyl- and trifluoroacetyl-peptides in a single operation is described. Both electron impact and chemical ionization were used to induce fragmentation, and the latter was found to be more sensitive. Chromatographic retention data are presented which suggest that peptide derivatives of molecular weight of at least 750 are accessible to the technique. The application of our methods to the determination of the primary sequence of proteins is discussed.", "PMID": 985418} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1557", "title": "Activation by cholera toxin of adenylate cyclase solubilized from rat liver.", "content": "Cholera toxin, or peptide A1 from the toxin, activates adenylate cyclase solubilized from rat liver with Lubrol PX, provided that cell sap, NAD+, ATP and thiol-group-containing compounds are present. The activation is abolished by antisera to whole toxin, but not to subunit B.", "contents": "Activation by cholera toxin of adenylate cyclase solubilized from rat liver. Cholera toxin, or peptide A1 from the toxin, activates adenylate cyclase solubilized from rat liver with Lubrol PX, provided that cell sap, NAD+, ATP and thiol-group-containing compounds are present. The activation is abolished by antisera to whole toxin, but not to subunit B.", "PMID": 985419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1558", "title": "Response of poly(adenylic acid) polymerase in rat liver nuclei and mitochondria to stravation and re-feeding with amino acids.", "content": "Poly(adenylic acid) polymerase was extracted from liver nuclei and mitochondria of rats either fed ad libitum, starved overnight or starved and then re-fed with a complete amino acid mixture for 1-3 h. The enzymes were partially purified and assayed by using exogenous primers. Starvation resulted in an 80% decrease in the total activity of the purified nuclear enzyme, and the mitochondrial enzyme activity diminished to almost zero after overnight starvation. Measurements of the protein content of whole nuclei or mitochondria and of the enzyme extracts from these organelles indicated that the decrease in enzyme activity on starvation was not caused by incomplete extraction of the enzyme from the starved animals. Re-feeding the animals with the complete amino acid mixture increased the total activity of poly(A) polymerase from the nuclei and mitochondria by 1.9-fold and 63-fold respectively. Under these conditions, the total protein content of the nuclei and mitochondria increased by only 13 and 32% respectively. These data indicate that poly(A) polymerase is one of the cellular proteins specifically regulated by amino acid supply.", "contents": "Response of poly(adenylic acid) polymerase in rat liver nuclei and mitochondria to stravation and re-feeding with amino acids. Poly(adenylic acid) polymerase was extracted from liver nuclei and mitochondria of rats either fed ad libitum, starved overnight or starved and then re-fed with a complete amino acid mixture for 1-3 h. The enzymes were partially purified and assayed by using exogenous primers. Starvation resulted in an 80% decrease in the total activity of the purified nuclear enzyme, and the mitochondrial enzyme activity diminished to almost zero after overnight starvation. Measurements of the protein content of whole nuclei or mitochondria and of the enzyme extracts from these organelles indicated that the decrease in enzyme activity on starvation was not caused by incomplete extraction of the enzyme from the starved animals. Re-feeding the animals with the complete amino acid mixture increased the total activity of poly(A) polymerase from the nuclei and mitochondria by 1.9-fold and 63-fold respectively. Under these conditions, the total protein content of the nuclei and mitochondria increased by only 13 and 32% respectively. These data indicate that poly(A) polymerase is one of the cellular proteins specifically regulated by amino acid supply.", "PMID": 985420} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1559", "title": "Effect of 2-allyl-2-isopropylacetamide on poly(adenylic acid)-containing ribonucleic acid.", "content": "A single administration of 2-allyl-2-isopropylacetamide, a porphyrinogenic drug, enhanced the 32P-labelling of nucleoplasmic as well as cytoplasmic poly(A)-containing RNA in rat liver. The synthesis of total microsomal RNA is only marginally increased under these conditions. The drug enhances the labelling of a variety of cytoplasmic poly(A)-containing RNA species, and this effect is counteracted by the simultaneous administration of haemin. 2-Allyl-2-isopropylacetamide also enhanced the release of RNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.", "contents": "Effect of 2-allyl-2-isopropylacetamide on poly(adenylic acid)-containing ribonucleic acid. A single administration of 2-allyl-2-isopropylacetamide, a porphyrinogenic drug, enhanced the 32P-labelling of nucleoplasmic as well as cytoplasmic poly(A)-containing RNA in rat liver. The synthesis of total microsomal RNA is only marginally increased under these conditions. The drug enhances the labelling of a variety of cytoplasmic poly(A)-containing RNA species, and this effect is counteracted by the simultaneous administration of haemin. 2-Allyl-2-isopropylacetamide also enhanced the release of RNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.", "PMID": 985421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1560", "title": "The effect of glucose, insulin and adrenaline on glycerol metabolism in vitro in rat adipose tissue.", "content": "The uptake and utilization of [1-14C]glycerol was determined in pieces of rat epididymal fat-pads incubated in Krebs--Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing albumin. Insulin (200 muunits/ml), adrenaline (epinephrine; 0.5 mug/ml) and glucose (0, 5, 15 and 20 mM) were added to the medium. Changes in the specific radioactivity of the tracer during the incubation were taken into account in calculating the rate of glycerol utilization. Adrenaline decreased glycerol uptake, whereas insulin plus adrenaline increased it. The rate of incorporation of glycerol into glycerides was decreased by adrenaline and insulin, singly or together. Insulin increased the rate of formation of CO2 and fatty acids from glycerol. The formation of CO2 and fatty acids was further enhanced by insulin plus adrenaline. The decrease in glycerol uptake induced by adrenaline, the decrease in incorporation of glycerol into glycerides induced by insulin and insulin plus adrenaline and the synthesis of fatty acids were dependent on the presence of glucose in the medium. Thus insulin and adrenaline act on glycerol utilization in adipose tissue and some of their effects are mediated by action on glucose metabolism, but others are independent of this.", "contents": "The effect of glucose, insulin and adrenaline on glycerol metabolism in vitro in rat adipose tissue. The uptake and utilization of [1-14C]glycerol was determined in pieces of rat epididymal fat-pads incubated in Krebs--Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing albumin. Insulin (200 muunits/ml), adrenaline (epinephrine; 0.5 mug/ml) and glucose (0, 5, 15 and 20 mM) were added to the medium. Changes in the specific radioactivity of the tracer during the incubation were taken into account in calculating the rate of glycerol utilization. Adrenaline decreased glycerol uptake, whereas insulin plus adrenaline increased it. The rate of incorporation of glycerol into glycerides was decreased by adrenaline and insulin, singly or together. Insulin increased the rate of formation of CO2 and fatty acids from glycerol. The formation of CO2 and fatty acids was further enhanced by insulin plus adrenaline. The decrease in glycerol uptake induced by adrenaline, the decrease in incorporation of glycerol into glycerides induced by insulin and insulin plus adrenaline and the synthesis of fatty acids were dependent on the presence of glucose in the medium. Thus insulin and adrenaline act on glycerol utilization in adipose tissue and some of their effects are mediated by action on glucose metabolism, but others are independent of this.", "PMID": 985422} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1561", "title": "The biochemical pathway for the breakdown of methyl cyanide (acetonitrile) in bacteria.", "content": "[2-14C]Methyl cyanide (acetonitrile) is metabolized to citrate, succinate, fumarate, malate, glutamate, pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid and aspartate. Non-radioactive acetamide and acetate compete with 14C from methyl cyanide, and [2-14C]acetate and [2-14C]methyl cyanide are metabolized at similar rates, giving identical products. This evidence, combined with the inhibitory effect of fluoroacetate and arsenite on methyl cyanide metabolism, indicates that the pathway is: methyl cyanide leads to acetamide leads to acetate leads to tricarboxylic acid-cycle intermediates. The pathway was investigated in a species of Pseudomonas (group III; N.C.I.B. 10477), but comparison of labelling patterns suggests that it also exists in several higher plants.", "contents": "The biochemical pathway for the breakdown of methyl cyanide (acetonitrile) in bacteria. [2-14C]Methyl cyanide (acetonitrile) is metabolized to citrate, succinate, fumarate, malate, glutamate, pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid and aspartate. Non-radioactive acetamide and acetate compete with 14C from methyl cyanide, and [2-14C]acetate and [2-14C]methyl cyanide are metabolized at similar rates, giving identical products. This evidence, combined with the inhibitory effect of fluoroacetate and arsenite on methyl cyanide metabolism, indicates that the pathway is: methyl cyanide leads to acetamide leads to acetate leads to tricarboxylic acid-cycle intermediates. The pathway was investigated in a species of Pseudomonas (group III; N.C.I.B. 10477), but comparison of labelling patterns suggests that it also exists in several higher plants.", "PMID": 985423} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1562", "title": "Uptake of mevalonate and acetate during plastid development.", "content": "1. The envelopes of etioplasts and 1-2h etiochloroplasts are permeable to mevalonate, but plastids from etiolated tissue illuminated for longer than 4h show progressive impermeability towards mevalonate. 2. Acetate permeates the envelopes of 1-4h etiochloroplasts but does not significantly cross the envelopes of etioplasts or 8-24h etiochloroplasts. 3. A translocator system exists within the plastid envelopes for mevalonate which relies on malate as a counter-exchange anion.", "contents": "Uptake of mevalonate and acetate during plastid development. 1. The envelopes of etioplasts and 1-2h etiochloroplasts are permeable to mevalonate, but plastids from etiolated tissue illuminated for longer than 4h show progressive impermeability towards mevalonate. 2. Acetate permeates the envelopes of 1-4h etiochloroplasts but does not significantly cross the envelopes of etioplasts or 8-24h etiochloroplasts. 3. A translocator system exists within the plastid envelopes for mevalonate which relies on malate as a counter-exchange anion.", "PMID": 985424} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1563", "title": "Comparison of renal and hepatic glutathione S-transferases in the rat.", "content": "Renal and hepatic GSH (reduced glutathione) S-transferase were compared with respect to substrate and inhibitory kinetics and hormonal influences in vivo. An example of each of five classes of substrates (aryl, aralkyl, epoxide, alkyl and alkene) was used. In the gel filtration of renal or hepatic cytosol, an identical elution volume was found for all the transferase activities. Close correspondence in Km values was found for aryl, epoxide- and alkyl-transferase activities, with only the aralkyl activity significantly lower in kidney. Probenecid and p-aminohippurate were competitive inhibitors of renal aryl-, aralkyl-, epoxide- and alkyl-transferase activities and inhibited renal alkene activity. Close correspondence in Ki values for inhibition by probenecid of these activities in kidney and liver was found. In addition, furosemide was a potent competitive inhibitor of renal alkyl-transferase activity. Hypophysectomy resulted in significant increases in aryl-, araklyl-, and expoxide-transferase activities in liver and kidney. The hypophysectomy-induced increases in renal aryl- and aralkyl-transferase activities (approx. 100%) were more than twofold greater than increases in hepatic activities (approx. 40%). Administration of thyroxine prevented the hypophysectomy-induced increase in aryltransferase activity in both kidney and liver. The renal GSH S-transferases, in view of similarities to the hepatic activities, may play a role as cytoplasmic organic-anion receptors, as previously proposed for the hepatic enzymes.", "contents": "Comparison of renal and hepatic glutathione S-transferases in the rat. Renal and hepatic GSH (reduced glutathione) S-transferase were compared with respect to substrate and inhibitory kinetics and hormonal influences in vivo. An example of each of five classes of substrates (aryl, aralkyl, epoxide, alkyl and alkene) was used. In the gel filtration of renal or hepatic cytosol, an identical elution volume was found for all the transferase activities. Close correspondence in Km values was found for aryl, epoxide- and alkyl-transferase activities, with only the aralkyl activity significantly lower in kidney. Probenecid and p-aminohippurate were competitive inhibitors of renal aryl-, aralkyl-, epoxide- and alkyl-transferase activities and inhibited renal alkene activity. Close correspondence in Ki values for inhibition by probenecid of these activities in kidney and liver was found. In addition, furosemide was a potent competitive inhibitor of renal alkyl-transferase activity. Hypophysectomy resulted in significant increases in aryl-, araklyl-, and expoxide-transferase activities in liver and kidney. The hypophysectomy-induced increases in renal aryl- and aralkyl-transferase activities (approx. 100%) were more than twofold greater than increases in hepatic activities (approx. 40%). Administration of thyroxine prevented the hypophysectomy-induced increase in aryltransferase activity in both kidney and liver. The renal GSH S-transferases, in view of similarities to the hepatic activities, may play a role as cytoplasmic organic-anion receptors, as previously proposed for the hepatic enzymes.", "PMID": 985425} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1564", "title": "Phosphatidic acid biosynthesis in rat liver mitochondria and microsomal fractions. Regulation of fatty acid positional specificity.", "content": "The positional and fatty acid specificity of phosphatidic acid biosynthesis in rat liver mitochondria and microsomal fractions was studied by using acylcarnitines, CoA and an excess of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.21) as the source of acyl-CoA. In the mitochondria, the preference for palmitic acid at the 1-position is increased at high acyl-CoA concentrations, whereas it is decreased in the microsomal fraction. There was no change in the fatty acid specificity at the 2-position with different acyl-CoA concentrations in any of the factions. The preference in mitochondria for linoleic acid at the 2-position is strongly increased at high concentrations of lysophosphatidic acid.", "contents": "Phosphatidic acid biosynthesis in rat liver mitochondria and microsomal fractions. Regulation of fatty acid positional specificity. The positional and fatty acid specificity of phosphatidic acid biosynthesis in rat liver mitochondria and microsomal fractions was studied by using acylcarnitines, CoA and an excess of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.21) as the source of acyl-CoA. In the mitochondria, the preference for palmitic acid at the 1-position is increased at high acyl-CoA concentrations, whereas it is decreased in the microsomal fraction. There was no change in the fatty acid specificity at the 2-position with different acyl-CoA concentrations in any of the factions. The preference in mitochondria for linoleic acid at the 2-position is strongly increased at high concentrations of lysophosphatidic acid.", "PMID": 985426} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1565", "title": "Androgen-dependent synthesis of basic secretory proteins by the rat seminal vesicle.", "content": "1. Two basic proteins were purified from secretions of rat seminal vesicles by using Sephadex G-200 chromatography and polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions. 2. It is not certain that these two proteins are distinct species and not subunits of a larger protein, but their properties are similar. Highly basic (pI = 9.7), they migrate to the cathode at high pH and their amino acid composition shows them to be rich in basic residues and serine. Threonine and hydrophobic residues are few. Both proteins are glycoproteins and have mol.wts. of 17000 and 18500. 3. Together these two proteins account for 25-30% of the protein synthesized by the vesicles, but they are absent from other tissues. 4. Changes in androgen status of the animal markedly affect these proteins. After castration, a progressive decrease in the basic proteins is observed and the synthesis of the two proteins as measured by [35S]methionine incorporation in vitro is is decreased. Testosterone administration in vivo rapidly restores their rates of synthesis. 5. These effects on specific protein synthesis are also observed for total cellular protein, and it is suggested that testosterone acts generally on the total protein-synthetic capacity of the cell and not specifically on individual proteins. Proliferative responses in the secretory epithelium may also be involved. 6. The extreme steroid specificity of the induction process suggests that the synthesis of these basic proteins is mediated by the androgen-receptor system. 7. The biological function of these proteins is not clear, but they do not appear to be involved in the formation of the copulatory plug.", "contents": "Androgen-dependent synthesis of basic secretory proteins by the rat seminal vesicle. 1. Two basic proteins were purified from secretions of rat seminal vesicles by using Sephadex G-200 chromatography and polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions. 2. It is not certain that these two proteins are distinct species and not subunits of a larger protein, but their properties are similar. Highly basic (pI = 9.7), they migrate to the cathode at high pH and their amino acid composition shows them to be rich in basic residues and serine. Threonine and hydrophobic residues are few. Both proteins are glycoproteins and have mol.wts. of 17000 and 18500. 3. Together these two proteins account for 25-30% of the protein synthesized by the vesicles, but they are absent from other tissues. 4. Changes in androgen status of the animal markedly affect these proteins. After castration, a progressive decrease in the basic proteins is observed and the synthesis of the two proteins as measured by [35S]methionine incorporation in vitro is is decreased. Testosterone administration in vivo rapidly restores their rates of synthesis. 5. These effects on specific protein synthesis are also observed for total cellular protein, and it is suggested that testosterone acts generally on the total protein-synthetic capacity of the cell and not specifically on individual proteins. Proliferative responses in the secretory epithelium may also be involved. 6. The extreme steroid specificity of the induction process suggests that the synthesis of these basic proteins is mediated by the androgen-receptor system. 7. The biological function of these proteins is not clear, but they do not appear to be involved in the formation of the copulatory plug.", "PMID": 985427} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1566", "title": "Arachidonic acid release from diacyl phosphatidylethanolamine by human platelet membranes.", "content": "At pH9.5 in the presence of 10 mM-Ca2+, human platelet membranes released 22% (167 of 785 nmol) of arachidonic acid that was esterified to phospholipids. With the use of synthetic choline (dinonadecanoyl) and ethanolamine (diheptadecanoyl) phosphoglycerides as internal reference compounds, 115 nmol of the released arachidonic acid was shown to be derived from endogenous breakdown of the phosphatidylethanolamine fraction. Further, the lysophosphatidylethanolamine that was released along with the arachidonic acid was shown virtually to lack fatty aldehydes and to contain a preponderance of fatty acids that have a preference for esterification at the 1-position of naturally occurring phosphatidylethanolamine of human platelets. These findings ruled out plasmalogen phosphatidylethanolamine as the source of the released arachidonic acid. We conclude that diacyl phosphatidylethanolamine was the principal source of arachidonic acid released by human platelet membranes under the conditions described.", "contents": "Arachidonic acid release from diacyl phosphatidylethanolamine by human platelet membranes. At pH9.5 in the presence of 10 mM-Ca2+, human platelet membranes released 22% (167 of 785 nmol) of arachidonic acid that was esterified to phospholipids. With the use of synthetic choline (dinonadecanoyl) and ethanolamine (diheptadecanoyl) phosphoglycerides as internal reference compounds, 115 nmol of the released arachidonic acid was shown to be derived from endogenous breakdown of the phosphatidylethanolamine fraction. Further, the lysophosphatidylethanolamine that was released along with the arachidonic acid was shown virtually to lack fatty aldehydes and to contain a preponderance of fatty acids that have a preference for esterification at the 1-position of naturally occurring phosphatidylethanolamine of human platelets. These findings ruled out plasmalogen phosphatidylethanolamine as the source of the released arachidonic acid. We conclude that diacyl phosphatidylethanolamine was the principal source of arachidonic acid released by human platelet membranes under the conditions described.", "PMID": 985428} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1567", "title": "The effect of lead on the calcium-handling capacity of rat heart mitochondria.", "content": "1. Very low concentrations of Pb2+ decrease the capacity of rat heart mitochondria, oxidizing pyruvate plus malate, to remove Ca2+ from the medium. 2. The primary effect is on the rate of Ca2+ sequestration; this is reflected in the overall extent of Ca2+ removal. 3. Pb2+ has at least two separate actions. Below about 0.5 nmol/mg of protein, it acts solely by competing with Ca2+ (Ki = 0.4 muM); above this concentration it also inhibits the production or use of respiratory energy, so that at 1 nmol of Pb2+/mg of protein, Ca2+ removal is almost completely abolished. 4. Pb2+ inhibits coupled and uncoupled respiratory O2 use by mitochondria oxidizing pyruvate plus malate, but at higher concentrations than those that affect Ca2+ removal; similar concentrations of Pb2+ inhibit pyruvate uptake, but not malate uptake, by the mitochondria. 5. Mg2+ only decreases Ca2+ removal by competition, and is a far-less effective competitor than Pb2+ (Ki = 0.15 mM). It is possible that the primary cause of the second effect of Pb2+ is displacement of membrane Mg2+. 6. The consequences of these results are discussed in terms of the possible involvement of heart mitochondria in excitation-contraction coupling, and the Pb2+ levels that might occur in heart tissue in vivo.", "contents": "The effect of lead on the calcium-handling capacity of rat heart mitochondria. 1. Very low concentrations of Pb2+ decrease the capacity of rat heart mitochondria, oxidizing pyruvate plus malate, to remove Ca2+ from the medium. 2. The primary effect is on the rate of Ca2+ sequestration; this is reflected in the overall extent of Ca2+ removal. 3. Pb2+ has at least two separate actions. Below about 0.5 nmol/mg of protein, it acts solely by competing with Ca2+ (Ki = 0.4 muM); above this concentration it also inhibits the production or use of respiratory energy, so that at 1 nmol of Pb2+/mg of protein, Ca2+ removal is almost completely abolished. 4. Pb2+ inhibits coupled and uncoupled respiratory O2 use by mitochondria oxidizing pyruvate plus malate, but at higher concentrations than those that affect Ca2+ removal; similar concentrations of Pb2+ inhibit pyruvate uptake, but not malate uptake, by the mitochondria. 5. Mg2+ only decreases Ca2+ removal by competition, and is a far-less effective competitor than Pb2+ (Ki = 0.15 mM). It is possible that the primary cause of the second effect of Pb2+ is displacement of membrane Mg2+. 6. The consequences of these results are discussed in terms of the possible involvement of heart mitochondria in excitation-contraction coupling, and the Pb2+ levels that might occur in heart tissue in vivo.", "PMID": 985429} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1568", "title": "A kinetic analysis of the changes in fluorescence on the interaction of 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonate with submitochondrial particles.", "content": "A comparison of the fluorescence change on the addition of 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonate to succinate-energized submitochondrial particles with that on the addition of succinate to submitochondrial particles incubated with 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonate shows that these changes in fluorescence may be explained solely in terms of 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonate binding. This comparison does not support the proposal of an 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonate-monitored change in the conformation of submitochondrial-particle membranes [Brocklehurst, Freedman, Hancock & Radda (1970) Biochem. J.116, 721-731]. The biphasic nature of the decrease in fluorescence, which was found to follow the addition of uncoupler to submitochondrial particles incubated with ATP or succinate, or of antimycin A to submitochondrial particles incubated with succinate, does not support the existence of 'aplectic' and 'symplectic' states of the mitochondrial membrane [Barrett-Bee & Radda (1972) Biochim, Biophys. Acta 267, 211-215].", "contents": "A kinetic analysis of the changes in fluorescence on the interaction of 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonate with submitochondrial particles. A comparison of the fluorescence change on the addition of 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonate to succinate-energized submitochondrial particles with that on the addition of succinate to submitochondrial particles incubated with 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonate shows that these changes in fluorescence may be explained solely in terms of 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonate binding. This comparison does not support the proposal of an 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonate-monitored change in the conformation of submitochondrial-particle membranes [Brocklehurst, Freedman, Hancock & Radda (1970) Biochem. J.116, 721-731]. The biphasic nature of the decrease in fluorescence, which was found to follow the addition of uncoupler to submitochondrial particles incubated with ATP or succinate, or of antimycin A to submitochondrial particles incubated with succinate, does not support the existence of 'aplectic' and 'symplectic' states of the mitochondrial membrane [Barrett-Bee & Radda (1972) Biochim, Biophys. Acta 267, 211-215].", "PMID": 985430} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1569", "title": "The effects of diphenyleneiodonium on mitochondrial reactions. Relation of binding of diphenylene[125I]iodonium to mitochondria to the extent of inhibition of oxygen uptake.", "content": "1. Several ring-substituted derivatives of diphenyleneiodonium catalyse the exchange of Cl- and OH- ions across the inner membrane of rat liver mitochondria. They also inhibit state 3 and state 3u oxidations of glutamate plus malate in the presence of Cl- more than in its absence. Most have activities similar to diphenyleneiodonium, although 2,4-dichlorodiphenyleneiodonium is up to 50 times more active. 2. Diphenyleneiodonium inhibits soluble rat liver NADH dehydrogenase and NADH oxidation by rat liver sub-mitochondrial particles directly; 2,4-dichlorodiphenyleneiodonium is only about twice as inhibitory. 3. Liver mitochondria contain two classes of binding sites for diphenylene[125I]iodonium, namely high-affinity sites with an affinity constant of 3 X 10(5) M-1 (1--2 nmol/mg of protein), and low-affinity sites with an affinity constant of 1.3 X 10(3) M-1 (80 nmol/mg of protein). Both sites occur in hepatocytes with a relative enrichment of the low-affinity site. Nadh dehydrogenase preparations only apparently contain high-affinity binding sites. Only low-affinity sites occur in erythrocytes. 4. 2,4-Dichlorodiphenyleneiodonium competes with diphenylene[125I]iodonium for both low- and high-affinity sites, whereas tri-n-propyltin only competes for the low-affinity sites. 5. The high-affinity sites are apparently associated with NADH dehydrogenase and the low-affinity sites probably represent electrostatic binding of diphenylene[125I]iodonium to phospholipids. The high-affinity site does not appear to be associated with a rate-limiting stage of NADH oxidation.", "contents": "The effects of diphenyleneiodonium on mitochondrial reactions. Relation of binding of diphenylene[125I]iodonium to mitochondria to the extent of inhibition of oxygen uptake. 1. Several ring-substituted derivatives of diphenyleneiodonium catalyse the exchange of Cl- and OH- ions across the inner membrane of rat liver mitochondria. They also inhibit state 3 and state 3u oxidations of glutamate plus malate in the presence of Cl- more than in its absence. Most have activities similar to diphenyleneiodonium, although 2,4-dichlorodiphenyleneiodonium is up to 50 times more active. 2. Diphenyleneiodonium inhibits soluble rat liver NADH dehydrogenase and NADH oxidation by rat liver sub-mitochondrial particles directly; 2,4-dichlorodiphenyleneiodonium is only about twice as inhibitory. 3. Liver mitochondria contain two classes of binding sites for diphenylene[125I]iodonium, namely high-affinity sites with an affinity constant of 3 X 10(5) M-1 (1--2 nmol/mg of protein), and low-affinity sites with an affinity constant of 1.3 X 10(3) M-1 (80 nmol/mg of protein). Both sites occur in hepatocytes with a relative enrichment of the low-affinity site. Nadh dehydrogenase preparations only apparently contain high-affinity binding sites. Only low-affinity sites occur in erythrocytes. 4. 2,4-Dichlorodiphenyleneiodonium competes with diphenylene[125I]iodonium for both low- and high-affinity sites, whereas tri-n-propyltin only competes for the low-affinity sites. 5. The high-affinity sites are apparently associated with NADH dehydrogenase and the low-affinity sites probably represent electrostatic binding of diphenylene[125I]iodonium to phospholipids. The high-affinity site does not appear to be associated with a rate-limiting stage of NADH oxidation.", "PMID": 985431} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1570", "title": "The regulation of folate and methionine metabolism.", "content": "1. The isolated perfused rat liver and suspensions of isolated rat hepatocytes fail to form glucose from histidine, in contrast with the liver in vivo. Both rat liver preparations readily metabolize histidine. The main end product is N-formiminoglutamate. In this respect the liver preparations behave like the liver of cobalamin- or folate-deficient mammals. 2. Additions of L-methionine in physiological concentrations (or of ethionine [2-amino-4-(ethylthio)butyric acid]) promotes the degradation of formiminoglutamate, as is already known to be the case in cobalamin of folate deficiency. Added methionine also promotes glucose formation from histidine. 3. Addition of methionine accelerates the oxidation of formate to bicarbonate by hepatocytes. 4. A feature common to cobalamin-deficient liver and the isolated liver preparations is taken to be a low tissue methionine concentration, to be expected in cobalamin deficiency through a decreased synthesis of methionine and caused in liver preparations by a washing out of amino acids during the handling of the tissue. 5. The available evidence is in accordance with the assumption that methionine does not directly increase the catalytic capacity of formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase; rather, that an increased methionine concentration raises the concentration of S-adenosylmethionine, thus leading to the inhibition of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase activity [Kutzbach & Stokstad (1967) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 139, 217-220; Kutzbach & Stokstad (1971) Methods Enzymol. 18B, 793-798], that this inhibition causes an increase in the concentration of methylenetetrahydrofolate and the C1 tetrahydrofolate derivatives in equilibrium with methylenetetrahydrofolate, including 10-formyltetrahydrofolate; that the increased concentration of the latter accelerates the formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase reaction, because the normal concentration of the substrate is far below the Km value of the enzyme for the substrate. 6. The findings are relevant to the understanding of the regulation of both folate and methionine metabolism. When the methionine concentration is low, C1 units are preserved by the decreased activity of formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase and are utilized for the synthesis of methionine, purines and pyrimidines. On the other hand when the concentration of methionine, and hence adenosylmethionine, is high and there is a surplus of C1 units as a result of excess of dietary supply, formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase disposes of the excess. When ample dietary supply causes an excess of methionine, which has to be disposed of by degradation, the increased activity of formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase decreases the supply of methyltetrahydrofolate. Thus homocysteine, instead of being remethylated, enters the pathway of degradation via cystathionine. 7. The findings throw light on the biochemical abnormalities associated with cobalamin deficiency (megaloblastic anaemia), especially on the 'methylfolate-trap hypothesis'. This is discussed. 8...", "contents": "The regulation of folate and methionine metabolism. 1. The isolated perfused rat liver and suspensions of isolated rat hepatocytes fail to form glucose from histidine, in contrast with the liver in vivo. Both rat liver preparations readily metabolize histidine. The main end product is N-formiminoglutamate. In this respect the liver preparations behave like the liver of cobalamin- or folate-deficient mammals. 2. Additions of L-methionine in physiological concentrations (or of ethionine [2-amino-4-(ethylthio)butyric acid]) promotes the degradation of formiminoglutamate, as is already known to be the case in cobalamin of folate deficiency. Added methionine also promotes glucose formation from histidine. 3. Addition of methionine accelerates the oxidation of formate to bicarbonate by hepatocytes. 4. A feature common to cobalamin-deficient liver and the isolated liver preparations is taken to be a low tissue methionine concentration, to be expected in cobalamin deficiency through a decreased synthesis of methionine and caused in liver preparations by a washing out of amino acids during the handling of the tissue. 5. The available evidence is in accordance with the assumption that methionine does not directly increase the catalytic capacity of formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase; rather, that an increased methionine concentration raises the concentration of S-adenosylmethionine, thus leading to the inhibition of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase activity [Kutzbach & Stokstad (1967) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 139, 217-220; Kutzbach & Stokstad (1971) Methods Enzymol. 18B, 793-798], that this inhibition causes an increase in the concentration of methylenetetrahydrofolate and the C1 tetrahydrofolate derivatives in equilibrium with methylenetetrahydrofolate, including 10-formyltetrahydrofolate; that the increased concentration of the latter accelerates the formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase reaction, because the normal concentration of the substrate is far below the Km value of the enzyme for the substrate. 6. The findings are relevant to the understanding of the regulation of both folate and methionine metabolism. When the methionine concentration is low, C1 units are preserved by the decreased activity of formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase and are utilized for the synthesis of methionine, purines and pyrimidines. On the other hand when the concentration of methionine, and hence adenosylmethionine, is high and there is a surplus of C1 units as a result of excess of dietary supply, formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase disposes of the excess. When ample dietary supply causes an excess of methionine, which has to be disposed of by degradation, the increased activity of formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase decreases the supply of methyltetrahydrofolate. Thus homocysteine, instead of being remethylated, enters the pathway of degradation via cystathionine. 7. The findings throw light on the biochemical abnormalities associated with cobalamin deficiency (megaloblastic anaemia), especially on the 'methylfolate-trap hypothesis'. This is discussed. 8...", "PMID": 985432} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1571", "title": "Effects of hormones on protein and amino acid metabolism in mammary-gland explants of mice.", "content": "The effects of insulin, cortisol and prolactin on amino acid uptake and protein biosynthesis were determined in mammary-gland explants from mid-pregnant mice. Insulin stimulated [3H]leucine incorporation into protein within 15 min of adding insulin to the incubation medium. Insulin also had a rapid stimulatory effect on the rate of aminoiso[14C]butyric acid uptake, but it had no effect on the intracellular accumulation of [3H]leucine. Cortisol inhibited the rate of [3H]leucine incorporation into protein during the initial 4h of incubation, but it had no effect at subsequent times. [3H]Leucine uptake was unaffected by cortisol, but amino[14C]isobutyric acid uptake was inhibited after a 4h exposure period to this hormone. Prolactin stimulated the rate of [3H]leucine incorporation into protein when tissues were exposed to this hormone for 4h or more; up to 4h, however, no effect of prolactin was detected. At all times tested, prolactin had no effect on the uptake of either amino[14C]isobutyric acid or [3H]leucine. Incubation with actinomycin D abolished the prolactin stimulation of protein biosynthesis, but this antibiotic did not affect the insulin response. A distinct difference in the mechanism of action of these hormones on protein biosynthesis in the mammary gland is thus apparent.", "contents": "Effects of hormones on protein and amino acid metabolism in mammary-gland explants of mice. The effects of insulin, cortisol and prolactin on amino acid uptake and protein biosynthesis were determined in mammary-gland explants from mid-pregnant mice. Insulin stimulated [3H]leucine incorporation into protein within 15 min of adding insulin to the incubation medium. Insulin also had a rapid stimulatory effect on the rate of aminoiso[14C]butyric acid uptake, but it had no effect on the intracellular accumulation of [3H]leucine. Cortisol inhibited the rate of [3H]leucine incorporation into protein during the initial 4h of incubation, but it had no effect at subsequent times. [3H]Leucine uptake was unaffected by cortisol, but amino[14C]isobutyric acid uptake was inhibited after a 4h exposure period to this hormone. Prolactin stimulated the rate of [3H]leucine incorporation into protein when tissues were exposed to this hormone for 4h or more; up to 4h, however, no effect of prolactin was detected. At all times tested, prolactin had no effect on the uptake of either amino[14C]isobutyric acid or [3H]leucine. Incubation with actinomycin D abolished the prolactin stimulation of protein biosynthesis, but this antibiotic did not affect the insulin response. A distinct difference in the mechanism of action of these hormones on protein biosynthesis in the mammary gland is thus apparent.", "PMID": 985433} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1572", "title": "Studies on the relative biopotencies and intestinal absorption of different apo-beta-carotenoids in rats and chickens.", "content": "1. The biopotencies relative to beta-carotene of several apocarotenoids, such as 8'-, 10'- and 12'-apo-beta-carotenal and methyl 8'-apo-beta-carotenoate, were investigated in rats, on a molar basis, by both curative-growth assay and liver-storage tests. 2. In the curative-growth assays, on a molar basis the biopotencies of 8'-, 10'- and 12'-apo-beta-carotenal and methyl 8'-apo-beta-carotenoate were 72, 78, 72 and 53% respectively, whereas on a weight basis the corresponding values were 93, 111, 111 and 63%, with respect to beta-carotene taken as 100%. In terms of yield of vitamin A, these values were much lower in the liver-storage tests. 3. When 8'-apo-beta-carotenal was fed, the unchanged aldehyde together with small amounts of the corresponding alcohol and larger proportions of the acid rapidly appeared in the tissues of both rats and chickens. The 8'-apocarotenol, 8'-apocarotenoic acid and its methyl ester were absorbed unchanged. The free acid disappeared most rapidly from the tissues, but its methyl ester persisted in the tissues longest. 4. On the basis of these observations it is suggested that most of an apocarotenal is oxidized to the corresponding acid, which, in turn, is mostly degraded to retinoic acid, with small proportions of it being attacked by the dioxygenase system giving retinal.", "contents": "Studies on the relative biopotencies and intestinal absorption of different apo-beta-carotenoids in rats and chickens. 1. The biopotencies relative to beta-carotene of several apocarotenoids, such as 8'-, 10'- and 12'-apo-beta-carotenal and methyl 8'-apo-beta-carotenoate, were investigated in rats, on a molar basis, by both curative-growth assay and liver-storage tests. 2. In the curative-growth assays, on a molar basis the biopotencies of 8'-, 10'- and 12'-apo-beta-carotenal and methyl 8'-apo-beta-carotenoate were 72, 78, 72 and 53% respectively, whereas on a weight basis the corresponding values were 93, 111, 111 and 63%, with respect to beta-carotene taken as 100%. In terms of yield of vitamin A, these values were much lower in the liver-storage tests. 3. When 8'-apo-beta-carotenal was fed, the unchanged aldehyde together with small amounts of the corresponding alcohol and larger proportions of the acid rapidly appeared in the tissues of both rats and chickens. The 8'-apocarotenol, 8'-apocarotenoic acid and its methyl ester were absorbed unchanged. The free acid disappeared most rapidly from the tissues, but its methyl ester persisted in the tissues longest. 4. On the basis of these observations it is suggested that most of an apocarotenal is oxidized to the corresponding acid, which, in turn, is mostly degraded to retinoic acid, with small proportions of it being attacked by the dioxygenase system giving retinal.", "PMID": 985434} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1573", "title": "Role of protein degradation in the growth of livers after a nutritional shift.", "content": "Fractional rates of synthesis and degradation of liver porteins were estimated during the rapid restoration of liver mass observed in protein-depleted mice when they are fed with an adequate diet. 1. Net protein gain was fastest 12h after the nutritional shift, when it reached a rate of 48% per day. 2. The RNA/protein ratio in livers of protein-depleted animals was essentially the same as in normal livers; it increased by a maximum of 13% 12h after the nutritional shift. 3. Rates of protein synthesis in vivo were measured by the incorporation into liver protein of massive amounts of L-[1-14C]leucine. In protein-depleted animals, the rate of synthesis per mg of RNA was 72% of that in normal livers. Normal rates were recovered within 12h of the nutritional shift. 4. The fraction of newly synthesized protein retained by the liver was studied after they were pulse-labelled by the intravenous injection of radioactive leucine, and, 5 min later, pactamycin (an inhibitor of the initiation of protein synthesis); 3h later the livers in both experimental situations retained 58% of the newly synthesized protein. 5. Fractional rates of protein degradation were estimated either from the difference between the synthesis of stable liver proteins and the net protein increase, or by the disappearance of radioactivity from the liver protein previously labelled by the administration to the mice of NaH14CO3. Both procedures demonstrated a large decrease in the rate of protein degradation during liver growth.", "contents": "Role of protein degradation in the growth of livers after a nutritional shift. Fractional rates of synthesis and degradation of liver porteins were estimated during the rapid restoration of liver mass observed in protein-depleted mice when they are fed with an adequate diet. 1. Net protein gain was fastest 12h after the nutritional shift, when it reached a rate of 48% per day. 2. The RNA/protein ratio in livers of protein-depleted animals was essentially the same as in normal livers; it increased by a maximum of 13% 12h after the nutritional shift. 3. Rates of protein synthesis in vivo were measured by the incorporation into liver protein of massive amounts of L-[1-14C]leucine. In protein-depleted animals, the rate of synthesis per mg of RNA was 72% of that in normal livers. Normal rates were recovered within 12h of the nutritional shift. 4. The fraction of newly synthesized protein retained by the liver was studied after they were pulse-labelled by the intravenous injection of radioactive leucine, and, 5 min later, pactamycin (an inhibitor of the initiation of protein synthesis); 3h later the livers in both experimental situations retained 58% of the newly synthesized protein. 5. Fractional rates of protein degradation were estimated either from the difference between the synthesis of stable liver proteins and the net protein increase, or by the disappearance of radioactivity from the liver protein previously labelled by the administration to the mice of NaH14CO3. Both procedures demonstrated a large decrease in the rate of protein degradation during liver growth.", "PMID": 985435} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1574", "title": "Synthesis of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase by isolated liver polyribosomes.", "content": "1. Postmitochondrial supernatants were prepared from the livers of chick embryos and were incubated under conditions that supported protein synthesis. delta-Aminolaevulinate synthase (EC 2.3.1.37) was synthesized by supernatants from livers treated with the porphyrinogenic drugs 2-allyl-2-isopropylacetamide and/or 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine, but synthesis by supernatants from normal livers could not be detected. Synthesis of enzyme released from polyribosomes was measured by immunoprecipitation with specific antibody to the mitochondrial enzyme, and the specificity of the reaction was established by electrophoresis of dissociated immunoprecipitates on sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gels. 2. The relative synthesis of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase in vitro was comparable with that previously measured in vivo, and was correlated with the enzyme activity of the liver. 3. Enzyme synthesis in vitro occurred predominantly on free rather than membrane-bound polyribosomes. 4. The mol.wt. of the product synthesized in vitro was 7000 +/- 7000 by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. However, pulse-labelling of the enzyme in vivo confirmed its mol.wt. to be 49000 +/- 5000 when isolated from the mitochondrion. A small amount of immunoprecipitable enzyme of mol.wt. 70000 was detected in the cytosol in vivo. In chick embryo liver, delta-aminolaevulinate synthase therefore appears to be synthesized on cytoplasmic polyribosomes as a polypeptide of mol.wt. 70000, which in vivo is rapidly incorporated into the mitochondrion, and is then extracted as a lower-molecular-weight form. 5. Haemin added to the postmitochondrial supernatant-containing incubation mixture at concentrations up to 10 muM had no effect on general protein synthesis or the synthesis of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase. On the other hand, haemin treatment of induced chick embryo livers in vivo for 3h markedly decreased the relative synthesis of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase in vitro. These results suggest that haemin represses the synthesis of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase by decreasing the amount of mRNA for the enzyme available for translation.", "contents": "Synthesis of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase by isolated liver polyribosomes. 1. Postmitochondrial supernatants were prepared from the livers of chick embryos and were incubated under conditions that supported protein synthesis. delta-Aminolaevulinate synthase (EC 2.3.1.37) was synthesized by supernatants from livers treated with the porphyrinogenic drugs 2-allyl-2-isopropylacetamide and/or 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine, but synthesis by supernatants from normal livers could not be detected. Synthesis of enzyme released from polyribosomes was measured by immunoprecipitation with specific antibody to the mitochondrial enzyme, and the specificity of the reaction was established by electrophoresis of dissociated immunoprecipitates on sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gels. 2. The relative synthesis of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase in vitro was comparable with that previously measured in vivo, and was correlated with the enzyme activity of the liver. 3. Enzyme synthesis in vitro occurred predominantly on free rather than membrane-bound polyribosomes. 4. The mol.wt. of the product synthesized in vitro was 7000 +/- 7000 by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. However, pulse-labelling of the enzyme in vivo confirmed its mol.wt. to be 49000 +/- 5000 when isolated from the mitochondrion. A small amount of immunoprecipitable enzyme of mol.wt. 70000 was detected in the cytosol in vivo. In chick embryo liver, delta-aminolaevulinate synthase therefore appears to be synthesized on cytoplasmic polyribosomes as a polypeptide of mol.wt. 70000, which in vivo is rapidly incorporated into the mitochondrion, and is then extracted as a lower-molecular-weight form. 5. Haemin added to the postmitochondrial supernatant-containing incubation mixture at concentrations up to 10 muM had no effect on general protein synthesis or the synthesis of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase. On the other hand, haemin treatment of induced chick embryo livers in vivo for 3h markedly decreased the relative synthesis of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase in vitro. These results suggest that haemin represses the synthesis of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase by decreasing the amount of mRNA for the enzyme available for translation.", "PMID": 985436} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1575", "title": "Liposomal retention of a modified anti-inflammatory steroid.", "content": "In studies with synthetic lecithins, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine was found to be the preferred form for liposomal retention of cortisol esters at 37 degrees C. Cortisol palmitate was retained longer than cortisol octanoate, whereas unesterified cortisol escaped readily from liposomes. Such a liposome composition may allow the controlled release of modified anti-inflammatory agents, particularly when used for intra-articular administration.", "contents": "Liposomal retention of a modified anti-inflammatory steroid. In studies with synthetic lecithins, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine was found to be the preferred form for liposomal retention of cortisol esters at 37 degrees C. Cortisol palmitate was retained longer than cortisol octanoate, whereas unesterified cortisol escaped readily from liposomes. Such a liposome composition may allow the controlled release of modified anti-inflammatory agents, particularly when used for intra-articular administration.", "PMID": 985438} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1576", "title": "Ribonucleic acid synthesis in the renal cortex at the initiation of compensatory growth.", "content": "The mechanisms responsible for the increase in RNA per cell during the first 48h of renal compensatory growth were studied in the renal cortex. Unilaterally nephrectomized, sham-operated or non-operated rats were used. Incorporation into RNA of labelled precursors was studied in vivo and in vitro. Sham-operation produced significant changes in precursor incorporation, absolute amounts of UTP and RNA, and the rate of RNA synthesis. At 6h after surgery, the amount of RNA decreased in sham-operated controls, whereas that in growing cortex remained unchanged. Incorporation into RNA in vivo was greater in the growing cortex, although the rate of RNA synthesis was not increased. At 24h, precursor incorporation into RNA and UTP and RNA synthesis were all increased in the growing cortex. In contrast with results obtained in vivo, slices of growing cortex incorporated less labelled precursor into RNA than did cortex slices from sham-operated controls, from 3 to 48h. Maximal differences were found from 6 to 24h. An attempt was made to equalize endogenous precursor pool sizes by increasing the concentration of unlabelled uridine in the media; incorporation differences were narrowed significantly. Serum from nephrectomized animals did not increase precursor incorporation into RNA in vitro. An increase in RNA synthesis is an important factor in RNA accretion in the renal cortex beyond 12h of compensatory growth. This is accompanied by increased UTP content and preceded by expansion of other pools. The amount of labelled precursor incorporated into RNA is greatly influenced by its delivery rate to the growing kidney in vivo and by intracellular dilution of expanded precursor pools in vitro.", "contents": "Ribonucleic acid synthesis in the renal cortex at the initiation of compensatory growth. The mechanisms responsible for the increase in RNA per cell during the first 48h of renal compensatory growth were studied in the renal cortex. Unilaterally nephrectomized, sham-operated or non-operated rats were used. Incorporation into RNA of labelled precursors was studied in vivo and in vitro. Sham-operation produced significant changes in precursor incorporation, absolute amounts of UTP and RNA, and the rate of RNA synthesis. At 6h after surgery, the amount of RNA decreased in sham-operated controls, whereas that in growing cortex remained unchanged. Incorporation into RNA in vivo was greater in the growing cortex, although the rate of RNA synthesis was not increased. At 24h, precursor incorporation into RNA and UTP and RNA synthesis were all increased in the growing cortex. In contrast with results obtained in vivo, slices of growing cortex incorporated less labelled precursor into RNA than did cortex slices from sham-operated controls, from 3 to 48h. Maximal differences were found from 6 to 24h. An attempt was made to equalize endogenous precursor pool sizes by increasing the concentration of unlabelled uridine in the media; incorporation differences were narrowed significantly. Serum from nephrectomized animals did not increase precursor incorporation into RNA in vitro. An increase in RNA synthesis is an important factor in RNA accretion in the renal cortex beyond 12h of compensatory growth. This is accompanied by increased UTP content and preceded by expansion of other pools. The amount of labelled precursor incorporated into RNA is greatly influenced by its delivery rate to the growing kidney in vivo and by intracellular dilution of expanded precursor pools in vitro.", "PMID": 985437} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1577", "title": "Localization of thyroid peroxidase and the site of iodination in rat thyroid gland.", "content": "The iodinated protein was localized in thyroid tissue slices by using radioautography. In unfixed tissue, the labelled protein was localized in the colloid, whereas, in tissue that was fixed before the 125I addition, the label was within the follicular cell. This localizes thyroid peroxidase largely on the endoplasmic reticulum of the cell.", "contents": "Localization of thyroid peroxidase and the site of iodination in rat thyroid gland. The iodinated protein was localized in thyroid tissue slices by using radioautography. In unfixed tissue, the labelled protein was localized in the colloid, whereas, in tissue that was fixed before the 125I addition, the label was within the follicular cell. This localizes thyroid peroxidase largely on the endoplasmic reticulum of the cell.", "PMID": 985439} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1578", "title": "Mammary glucocorticoid receptor of mice in pregnancy and in lactation.", "content": "Activity of glucocorticoid receptor in mouse mammary cytosol changes during lactogenesis. The highest receptor activity is observed in the second half of pregnancy. The receptor from mammary glands from lactating and pregnant mice exhibits the same sedimentation pattern, as well as the same specificity and affinity for binding of steroid hormones.", "contents": "Mammary glucocorticoid receptor of mice in pregnancy and in lactation. Activity of glucocorticoid receptor in mouse mammary cytosol changes during lactogenesis. The highest receptor activity is observed in the second half of pregnancy. The receptor from mammary glands from lactating and pregnant mice exhibits the same sedimentation pattern, as well as the same specificity and affinity for binding of steroid hormones.", "PMID": 985440} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1579", "title": "Inhibition of polyamine accumulation and deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in regenerating rat liver.", "content": "Repeated injections of 1,3-diaminopropane into rats after partial hepatectomy caused a repression-type inhibiton of liver ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17) and totally prevented the marked increases in liver putrescine and spermidine concentrations that normally occur in response to partial hepatectomy. The inhibition of polyamine synthesis by diaminopropane was accompanied by a profound decrease (about 80%) in the synthesis of DNA in the regenerating rat liver without any changes in the synthesis of RNA and total liver protein.", "contents": "Inhibition of polyamine accumulation and deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in regenerating rat liver. Repeated injections of 1,3-diaminopropane into rats after partial hepatectomy caused a repression-type inhibiton of liver ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17) and totally prevented the marked increases in liver putrescine and spermidine concentrations that normally occur in response to partial hepatectomy. The inhibition of polyamine synthesis by diaminopropane was accompanied by a profound decrease (about 80%) in the synthesis of DNA in the regenerating rat liver without any changes in the synthesis of RNA and total liver protein.", "PMID": 985441} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1580", "title": "Failure of a cell-free system from rabbit reticulocytes to remove iron from transferrin.", "content": "1. Cell-free solutions prepared from rabbit reticulocytes were not able to release iron from rabbit transferrin. 2. The results, which differ from those obtained with Rana catesbeiana immature erythrocytes, indicate that cellular integrity is a requirement for this process in the rabbit reticulocyte system.", "contents": "Failure of a cell-free system from rabbit reticulocytes to remove iron from transferrin. 1. Cell-free solutions prepared from rabbit reticulocytes were not able to release iron from rabbit transferrin. 2. The results, which differ from those obtained with Rana catesbeiana immature erythrocytes, indicate that cellular integrity is a requirement for this process in the rabbit reticulocyte system.", "PMID": 985442} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1581", "title": "Identification of a sialoglycopeptide released by self-digestion from human erythrocyte membranes.", "content": "Membranes from human O Rhesus-positive erythrocyte 'ghosts' were tested in vitro for their ability to digest their own glycoproteins. 'Ghost' membranes incubated in Tris/HCl buffer, pH 7.4, release a sialoglycopeptide, which contains glucosamine, galactosamine, galactose and mainly polar amino acids. Chemical composition, molecular size and aggregation properties suggest that this glycopeptide may be a fragment of glycophorin.", "contents": "Identification of a sialoglycopeptide released by self-digestion from human erythrocyte membranes. Membranes from human O Rhesus-positive erythrocyte 'ghosts' were tested in vitro for their ability to digest their own glycoproteins. 'Ghost' membranes incubated in Tris/HCl buffer, pH 7.4, release a sialoglycopeptide, which contains glucosamine, galactosamine, galactose and mainly polar amino acids. Chemical composition, molecular size and aggregation properties suggest that this glycopeptide may be a fragment of glycophorin.", "PMID": 985443} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1582", "title": "Leucine and D-3-hydroxybutyrate as lipid precursors in developing rat spinal cord and liver.", "content": "By using a labelled ketone body, D-3-hydroxy[3-14C]butyrate, or a ketone-body precursor, L-[4,5-3H]leucine, preferential labelling of spinal-cord cholesterol was demonstrated. In contrast, the phospholipid fraction was more heavily labelled in the liver. In both tissues phosphatidylcholine was the major labelled complex lipid. Incorporation ob both substrates into total lipid, on a tissue-weight basis, was appreciably greater for spinal cord.", "contents": "Leucine and D-3-hydroxybutyrate as lipid precursors in developing rat spinal cord and liver. By using a labelled ketone body, D-3-hydroxy[3-14C]butyrate, or a ketone-body precursor, L-[4,5-3H]leucine, preferential labelling of spinal-cord cholesterol was demonstrated. In contrast, the phospholipid fraction was more heavily labelled in the liver. In both tissues phosphatidylcholine was the major labelled complex lipid. Incorporation ob both substrates into total lipid, on a tissue-weight basis, was appreciably greater for spinal cord.", "PMID": 985444} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1583", "title": "Cholinergically stimulated phosphatidylinositol breakdown in parotid-gland fragments is independent of the ionic environment.", "content": "Carbamoylcholine stimulated phosphatidylinositol breakdown in rat parotid-gland fragments incubated in either a Krebs--Ringer medium or an ion-depleted iso-osmotic sucrose medium. This suggest that phosphatidylinositol breakdown is not initiated by a change in the intracellular concentration of Na+ or of K+, and previous experiments have already indicated that it is independent of cyclic nucleotides and Ca2+. Thus it seems that this reaction may be initiated by a direct interaction at the plasma membrane between the activated muscarinic cholinergic receptor system and the enzyme that catalyses phosphatidylinositol breakdown.", "contents": "Cholinergically stimulated phosphatidylinositol breakdown in parotid-gland fragments is independent of the ionic environment. Carbamoylcholine stimulated phosphatidylinositol breakdown in rat parotid-gland fragments incubated in either a Krebs--Ringer medium or an ion-depleted iso-osmotic sucrose medium. This suggest that phosphatidylinositol breakdown is not initiated by a change in the intracellular concentration of Na+ or of K+, and previous experiments have already indicated that it is independent of cyclic nucleotides and Ca2+. Thus it seems that this reaction may be initiated by a direct interaction at the plasma membrane between the activated muscarinic cholinergic receptor system and the enzyme that catalyses phosphatidylinositol breakdown.", "PMID": 985445} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1584", "title": "Neuronal N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase. Evidence for its biosynthesis in vitro.", "content": "Neuronal cell bodies, isolated in bulk from 8-day-old rat cerebral cortices, were incubated in the presence of a 3H-labelled amino acid mixture, and subcellular fractions isolated by differential centrifugation. The particulate fractions were frozen/thawed in 0.20 M-sucrose/0.1 M-KCl [Selling et al. (1973) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 315, 128-146] and the profiles of acid-insoluble radioactivity and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (glucosaminidase) activity compared in the resulting non-sedimentable fractions by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Radioactivity and glucosaminidase activity co-migrated to a significant extent. Electrophoresis revealed that after 1 min of incubation 42% of the radioactivity of the non-sedimentable microsomal fraction after freezing and thawing co-migrated with an intensely fluorescent band of glucosaminidase activity. Since the pellet fraction obtained on freezing/thawing the microsomal fraction contained up to 75% of the RNA, 95% of the radioactivity and 45% of the glucosaminidase, a detailed study of the association between its radioactivity and nascent glucosaminidase activity was undertaken. After 1 and 2 min of incubation, followed by centrifugation of the microsomal pellet on 35-60% (w/v) sucrose density gradients, radioactivity and glucosaminidase activity exhibited parallel profiles in the region of heavy polyribosomes and at the top of the gradient which contains spontaneously released nascent polypeptide chains. DEAE-cellulose chromatography of these chains revealed glucosaminidase A to be the principal nascent glucosaminidase component, with glucosaminidases B and C as minor peaks. After 2 min of incubation, all of the glucosaminidase components appeared labelled, and glucosaminidase A exhibited two distinct sub-components. The pattern of glucosaminidase labelling in the soluble and microsomal fractions suggested that newly formed glucosaminidase molecules traverse both the cellular sap and the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. Only glucosaminidase A reacted specifically with concanavalin A and radioactive glucosaminidase A could be successfully regenerated by treatment with alpha-methyl-D-glucoside. Glucosaminidase A and a substantial portion of the radioactivity associating with it could be readily converted into glucosaminidase B by re-chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and by reaction of the concanavalin A-glucosaminidase A complex with methyl glucosides.", "contents": "Neuronal N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase. Evidence for its biosynthesis in vitro. Neuronal cell bodies, isolated in bulk from 8-day-old rat cerebral cortices, were incubated in the presence of a 3H-labelled amino acid mixture, and subcellular fractions isolated by differential centrifugation. The particulate fractions were frozen/thawed in 0.20 M-sucrose/0.1 M-KCl [Selling et al. (1973) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 315, 128-146] and the profiles of acid-insoluble radioactivity and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (glucosaminidase) activity compared in the resulting non-sedimentable fractions by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Radioactivity and glucosaminidase activity co-migrated to a significant extent. Electrophoresis revealed that after 1 min of incubation 42% of the radioactivity of the non-sedimentable microsomal fraction after freezing and thawing co-migrated with an intensely fluorescent band of glucosaminidase activity. Since the pellet fraction obtained on freezing/thawing the microsomal fraction contained up to 75% of the RNA, 95% of the radioactivity and 45% of the glucosaminidase, a detailed study of the association between its radioactivity and nascent glucosaminidase activity was undertaken. After 1 and 2 min of incubation, followed by centrifugation of the microsomal pellet on 35-60% (w/v) sucrose density gradients, radioactivity and glucosaminidase activity exhibited parallel profiles in the region of heavy polyribosomes and at the top of the gradient which contains spontaneously released nascent polypeptide chains. DEAE-cellulose chromatography of these chains revealed glucosaminidase A to be the principal nascent glucosaminidase component, with glucosaminidases B and C as minor peaks. After 2 min of incubation, all of the glucosaminidase components appeared labelled, and glucosaminidase A exhibited two distinct sub-components. The pattern of glucosaminidase labelling in the soluble and microsomal fractions suggested that newly formed glucosaminidase molecules traverse both the cellular sap and the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. Only glucosaminidase A reacted specifically with concanavalin A and radioactive glucosaminidase A could be successfully regenerated by treatment with alpha-methyl-D-glucoside. Glucosaminidase A and a substantial portion of the radioactivity associating with it could be readily converted into glucosaminidase B by re-chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and by reaction of the concanavalin A-glucosaminidase A complex with methyl glucosides.", "PMID": 985446} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1585", "title": "Altered polyamine metabolism in the PRO/Re strain of inbred mice.", "content": "The PRO/Re strain of inbred mice are characterized by abnormally high concentrations of proline in both blood (hyperprolinaemia) and urine (prolinuria). They excrete increased amounts of polyamines in their urine. Male PRO/Re mice excreted putrescine at 175% and spermidine at 300% the amount of male C57BL/6J controls. Female PRO/Re mice excreted putrescine at 115% and spermidine at 150% of the amount in the urine of female controls. Examination of the enzymes involved in polyamine biosynthesis revealed that ornithine decarboxylase, the initial enzyme in the polyamine-biosynthetic pathway, was increased by 150% in the kidneys and by 100% in the liver of male PRO/Re mice. There was no significant difference between PRO/Re and C57BL/6J male mice for either putrescine- or spermidine-stimulated S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase activity. Female PRO/Re mice showed no significant difference from female C57BL/6J mice for any of the enzymes examined. When the concentrations of the polyamines in the tissues of the PRO/Re mice were determined, spermidine and spermine concentrations in the kidneys of the male PRO/Re mice were twice those of the controls. Spermidine concentration in the livers of both male and female PRO/Re mice was approx. 130% that of the controls. Polyamine concentrations in the brains were similar in controls and mutants. The increased polyamine biosynthesis and excretion in the PRO/Re mutant mice may be a mechanism to decrease the extent of proline accumulation.", "contents": "Altered polyamine metabolism in the PRO/Re strain of inbred mice. The PRO/Re strain of inbred mice are characterized by abnormally high concentrations of proline in both blood (hyperprolinaemia) and urine (prolinuria). They excrete increased amounts of polyamines in their urine. Male PRO/Re mice excreted putrescine at 175% and spermidine at 300% the amount of male C57BL/6J controls. Female PRO/Re mice excreted putrescine at 115% and spermidine at 150% of the amount in the urine of female controls. Examination of the enzymes involved in polyamine biosynthesis revealed that ornithine decarboxylase, the initial enzyme in the polyamine-biosynthetic pathway, was increased by 150% in the kidneys and by 100% in the liver of male PRO/Re mice. There was no significant difference between PRO/Re and C57BL/6J male mice for either putrescine- or spermidine-stimulated S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase activity. Female PRO/Re mice showed no significant difference from female C57BL/6J mice for any of the enzymes examined. When the concentrations of the polyamines in the tissues of the PRO/Re mice were determined, spermidine and spermine concentrations in the kidneys of the male PRO/Re mice were twice those of the controls. Spermidine concentration in the livers of both male and female PRO/Re mice was approx. 130% that of the controls. Polyamine concentrations in the brains were similar in controls and mutants. The increased polyamine biosynthesis and excretion in the PRO/Re mutant mice may be a mechanism to decrease the extent of proline accumulation.", "PMID": 985447} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1586", "title": "The effects of added purines on urate and purine synthesis de novo by isolated chick liver, kidney and lymphoid cells.", "content": "1. Isolated chick lymphoid cells, together with isolated chick liver and kidney cells, incorporate [1-14C]glycine or [14C]formate into urate. 2. Of the cell types used, bursal cells incorporate 14C into urate at the fastest rate, although the output of total urate by bursal cells is only 10% that of liver cells. 3. When suspended in Eagle's medium the incorporation of 14C into urate is inhibited by adenine and guanine up to 1 mM. In contrast, the addition of 1 mM-AMP or -GMP results in a relatively large stimulation of this incorporation. 4. Added adenine is rapidly taken up by liver cells and then released in an unmetabolized form; AMP is taken up more slowly and is rapidly metabolized. The metabolites (possibly including adenine) are then released. 5. Intracellular liver 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate is approx. 0.7mM and remains constant or falls slightly during a 3 h incubation of the cells. 6. The addition of adenine or guanine, AMP or GMP, does not alter liver intracellular 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate concentrations. Added 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate is not taken up by liver cells. 7. The results are discussed in the context of the control of urate and purine synthesis de novo in the chick.", "contents": "The effects of added purines on urate and purine synthesis de novo by isolated chick liver, kidney and lymphoid cells. 1. Isolated chick lymphoid cells, together with isolated chick liver and kidney cells, incorporate [1-14C]glycine or [14C]formate into urate. 2. Of the cell types used, bursal cells incorporate 14C into urate at the fastest rate, although the output of total urate by bursal cells is only 10% that of liver cells. 3. When suspended in Eagle's medium the incorporation of 14C into urate is inhibited by adenine and guanine up to 1 mM. In contrast, the addition of 1 mM-AMP or -GMP results in a relatively large stimulation of this incorporation. 4. Added adenine is rapidly taken up by liver cells and then released in an unmetabolized form; AMP is taken up more slowly and is rapidly metabolized. The metabolites (possibly including adenine) are then released. 5. Intracellular liver 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate is approx. 0.7mM and remains constant or falls slightly during a 3 h incubation of the cells. 6. The addition of adenine or guanine, AMP or GMP, does not alter liver intracellular 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate concentrations. Added 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate is not taken up by liver cells. 7. The results are discussed in the context of the control of urate and purine synthesis de novo in the chick.", "PMID": 985448} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1587", "title": "The synthesis of glycosaminoglycans by cultures of rabbit corneal endothelial and stromal cells.", "content": "Confluent monolayer cultures of rabbit corneal endothelial and stromal cells were incubated independently with [35S]sulphate and [3H]glucosamine for 3 days. AFter incubation, labelled glycosaminoglycans were isolated from the growth medium and from a cellular fraction. These glycosaminoglycans were further characterized by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography and by sequential treatment with various glycosamino-glycan-degrading enzymes. Both endothelial and stromal cultures synthesized hyaluronic acid as the principal product. The cell fraction from the stromal cultures, however, had significantly less hyaluronic acid than that from the endothelial cultures. In addition, both types of cells synthesized a variety of sulphated glycosaminoglycans. The relative amounts of each sulphated glycosaminoglycan in the two cell lines were similar, with chondroitin 4-sulphate, chondroitin 6-sulphate and dermatan sulphate as the major components. Heparan sulphate was present in smaller amounts. Keratan sulphate was also identified, but only in very small amounts (1-3%). The presence of dermatan sulphate and the high content of hyaluronic acid are similar to the pattern of glycosaminoglycans seen in regenerating or developing tissues, including cornea.", "contents": "The synthesis of glycosaminoglycans by cultures of rabbit corneal endothelial and stromal cells. Confluent monolayer cultures of rabbit corneal endothelial and stromal cells were incubated independently with [35S]sulphate and [3H]glucosamine for 3 days. AFter incubation, labelled glycosaminoglycans were isolated from the growth medium and from a cellular fraction. These glycosaminoglycans were further characterized by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography and by sequential treatment with various glycosamino-glycan-degrading enzymes. Both endothelial and stromal cultures synthesized hyaluronic acid as the principal product. The cell fraction from the stromal cultures, however, had significantly less hyaluronic acid than that from the endothelial cultures. In addition, both types of cells synthesized a variety of sulphated glycosaminoglycans. The relative amounts of each sulphated glycosaminoglycan in the two cell lines were similar, with chondroitin 4-sulphate, chondroitin 6-sulphate and dermatan sulphate as the major components. Heparan sulphate was present in smaller amounts. Keratan sulphate was also identified, but only in very small amounts (1-3%). The presence of dermatan sulphate and the high content of hyaluronic acid are similar to the pattern of glycosaminoglycans seen in regenerating or developing tissues, including cornea.", "PMID": 985449} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1588", "title": "Adenosine triphosphate-evoked catecholamine release in chromatin granules. Osmotic lysis as a consequence of proton translocation.", "content": "Chromaffin granules suspended in C1-containing media release catecholamine and protein when ATP is added. This phenomenon is inhibited in hyperosmotic media and in the presence of uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation. Release requires a permeant anion in the medium, but is independent of the cation. The release process appears to be driven by an inwardly directed proton-translocating adenosine triphosphatase. The resulting proton-anion influx causes osmotic lysis of the chromaffin granules.", "contents": "Adenosine triphosphate-evoked catecholamine release in chromatin granules. Osmotic lysis as a consequence of proton translocation. Chromaffin granules suspended in C1-containing media release catecholamine and protein when ATP is added. This phenomenon is inhibited in hyperosmotic media and in the presence of uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation. Release requires a permeant anion in the medium, but is independent of the cation. The release process appears to be driven by an inwardly directed proton-translocating adenosine triphosphatase. The resulting proton-anion influx causes osmotic lysis of the chromaffin granules.", "PMID": 985450} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1589", "title": "Glucosamine metabolism in regenerating rat liver.", "content": "1. Glycoprotein synthesis was investigated with [1-14C]glucosamine in vivo. [14C]Glucosamine was administered intravenously 24h after hepatectomy to rats. 2. Incorporation into the acid-soluble fraction was maximum at 15 min after injection both in sham-operated and hepatectomized rats. 3. Enhancement of incorporation into UDP-N-acetylhexosamine in regenerating liver was observed. However, its specific activity was lower, because of a greater enhancement of synthesis de novo of the amino sugar. 4. In the liver acid-insoluble fraction, maximum incorporation of [14C]glucosamine was at 30 min in sham-operated rats and 2 h in hepatectomized rats respectively. 5. In sham-operated rats, incorporation into the plasma acid-insoluble fraction followed that of the liver acid-insoluble fraction, but hepatectomy resulted in a rapid enchancement of incorporation into plasma. 6. It is concluded that synthesis of liver glycoproteins is stimulated after partial hepatectomy and that glycoproteins synthesized are released rapidly into the plasma.", "contents": "Glucosamine metabolism in regenerating rat liver. 1. Glycoprotein synthesis was investigated with [1-14C]glucosamine in vivo. [14C]Glucosamine was administered intravenously 24h after hepatectomy to rats. 2. Incorporation into the acid-soluble fraction was maximum at 15 min after injection both in sham-operated and hepatectomized rats. 3. Enhancement of incorporation into UDP-N-acetylhexosamine in regenerating liver was observed. However, its specific activity was lower, because of a greater enhancement of synthesis de novo of the amino sugar. 4. In the liver acid-insoluble fraction, maximum incorporation of [14C]glucosamine was at 30 min in sham-operated rats and 2 h in hepatectomized rats respectively. 5. In sham-operated rats, incorporation into the plasma acid-insoluble fraction followed that of the liver acid-insoluble fraction, but hepatectomy resulted in a rapid enchancement of incorporation into plasma. 6. It is concluded that synthesis of liver glycoproteins is stimulated after partial hepatectomy and that glycoproteins synthesized are released rapidly into the plasma.", "PMID": 985451} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1590", "title": "High rates of [1-14C]acetate incorporation into the lipid of isolated spinach chloroplasts.", "content": "Spinach chloroplasts, isolated by techniques yielding preparations with high O2- evolving activity, showed rates of light-dependent acetate incorporation into lipids 3-4 fold higher than any previously reported. Incorporation rates as high as 500 nmol of acetate/h per mg of chlorophyll were measured in buffered sorbitol solutions containing only NaHCO3 and [1-14C]acetate, and as high as 800 nmol/h per mg of chlorophyll when 0.13 mM-Triton X-100 was also included in the reaction media. The fatty acids synthesized were predominantly oleic (70-80% of the total fatty acid radioactivity) and palmitic (20-25%) with only minor amounts (1-5%) of linoleic acid. Linolenic acid synthesis was not detected in the system in vitro. Free fatty acids accounted for 70-90% of the radioactivity incorporated and the remainder was shared fairly evenly between 1,2-diacylglycerols and polar lipids. Oleic acid constituted 80-90% of the free fatty acids synthesized, but the diacylglycerols and polar lipids contained slightly more palmitic acid than oleic acid. Triton X-100 stimulated the synthesis of diacylglycerols 3-6 fold, but stimulated free fatty acid synthesis only 1-1.5-fold. Added glycerol 1-phosphate stimulated both the synthesis of diacylglycerols and palmitic acid relative to oleic acid, but did not increase acetate incorporation into total chloroplast lipids. CoA and ATP, when added separately, stimulated acetate incorporation into chloroplast lipids to variable extents and had no effect on the types of lipid synthesized, but when added together resulted in 34% of the incorporated acetate appearing in long-chain acyl-CoA. Pyruvate was a much less effective precursor of chloroplast fatty acids than was acetate.", "contents": "High rates of [1-14C]acetate incorporation into the lipid of isolated spinach chloroplasts. Spinach chloroplasts, isolated by techniques yielding preparations with high O2- evolving activity, showed rates of light-dependent acetate incorporation into lipids 3-4 fold higher than any previously reported. Incorporation rates as high as 500 nmol of acetate/h per mg of chlorophyll were measured in buffered sorbitol solutions containing only NaHCO3 and [1-14C]acetate, and as high as 800 nmol/h per mg of chlorophyll when 0.13 mM-Triton X-100 was also included in the reaction media. The fatty acids synthesized were predominantly oleic (70-80% of the total fatty acid radioactivity) and palmitic (20-25%) with only minor amounts (1-5%) of linoleic acid. Linolenic acid synthesis was not detected in the system in vitro. Free fatty acids accounted for 70-90% of the radioactivity incorporated and the remainder was shared fairly evenly between 1,2-diacylglycerols and polar lipids. Oleic acid constituted 80-90% of the free fatty acids synthesized, but the diacylglycerols and polar lipids contained slightly more palmitic acid than oleic acid. Triton X-100 stimulated the synthesis of diacylglycerols 3-6 fold, but stimulated free fatty acid synthesis only 1-1.5-fold. Added glycerol 1-phosphate stimulated both the synthesis of diacylglycerols and palmitic acid relative to oleic acid, but did not increase acetate incorporation into total chloroplast lipids. CoA and ATP, when added separately, stimulated acetate incorporation into chloroplast lipids to variable extents and had no effect on the types of lipid synthesized, but when added together resulted in 34% of the incorporated acetate appearing in long-chain acyl-CoA. Pyruvate was a much less effective precursor of chloroplast fatty acids than was acetate.", "PMID": 985452} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1591", "title": "Protein synthesis in salivary glands of Drosophila hydei after experimental gene induction.", "content": "Several treatments, namely incubation at 37 degrees C, in the presence of arsenite, 2,4-dinitrophenol or vitamin B-6, or release from anaerobiosis induce the same set of puffs in the polythene chromosomes of salivary glands of Drosophila hydei. Analysis of changes in protein-synthetic patterns (as determined by radioautography of sodium dodecyl sulphate-gel electrophoretograms of extracts from [35S]methionine-labelled salivary glands) showed that concomitant with puff induction by these various treatments the same six strongly labelled polypeptide bands appeared. The amount of radioactive label in these peptides accounted for 25% of the total incorporation of [35S]methionine, except during incubation at 37 degrees C when it accounted for about 50%. The rate of synthesis of these peptides was maximal 1 h after the start of the puff-inducing treatment. The rate of decay of the rate of synthesis showed first-order kinetics both after removal of the puff-inducing stimulus or in the presence of actinomycin, with a half-life of approx. 4h.", "contents": "Protein synthesis in salivary glands of Drosophila hydei after experimental gene induction. Several treatments, namely incubation at 37 degrees C, in the presence of arsenite, 2,4-dinitrophenol or vitamin B-6, or release from anaerobiosis induce the same set of puffs in the polythene chromosomes of salivary glands of Drosophila hydei. Analysis of changes in protein-synthetic patterns (as determined by radioautography of sodium dodecyl sulphate-gel electrophoretograms of extracts from [35S]methionine-labelled salivary glands) showed that concomitant with puff induction by these various treatments the same six strongly labelled polypeptide bands appeared. The amount of radioactive label in these peptides accounted for 25% of the total incorporation of [35S]methionine, except during incubation at 37 degrees C when it accounted for about 50%. The rate of synthesis of these peptides was maximal 1 h after the start of the puff-inducing treatment. The rate of decay of the rate of synthesis showed first-order kinetics both after removal of the puff-inducing stimulus or in the presence of actinomycin, with a half-life of approx. 4h.", "PMID": 985453} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1592", "title": "The intracellular distribution of arylsulphatase C and oestrogen sulphatase activities in rat kidney and spleen.", "content": "The arylsulphatase C of rat kidney and spleen is localized predominantly in the microsomal fraction. The distribution pattern is paralleled by that of oestrogen sulphatase, as in rat liver. The general usefulness of arylsulphatase C as a microsomal marker enzyme is indicated.", "contents": "The intracellular distribution of arylsulphatase C and oestrogen sulphatase activities in rat kidney and spleen. The arylsulphatase C of rat kidney and spleen is localized predominantly in the microsomal fraction. The distribution pattern is paralleled by that of oestrogen sulphatase, as in rat liver. The general usefulness of arylsulphatase C as a microsomal marker enzyme is indicated.", "PMID": 985454} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1593", "title": "Selective resistance to desiccation of nuclear ribonucleic acid synthesis in isolated nuclei of Artemia salina embryos during pre-emergence development.", "content": "The developing gastrula embryos of Artemia salina are resistant to a complete redesiccation during a period of pre-emergence development. Isolated nuclei from these dehydrated embryos could retain a transcriptional activity in vitro comparable with that of non-desiccated controls. On the other hand, redesiccation of both prenauplii and nauplii completely destroys their viability as well as the nuclear transcriptional activity. However, those gastrula embryos that did not develop in a first incubation period could remain viable and develop with a considerable time-lag after a subsequent second incubation.", "contents": "Selective resistance to desiccation of nuclear ribonucleic acid synthesis in isolated nuclei of Artemia salina embryos during pre-emergence development. The developing gastrula embryos of Artemia salina are resistant to a complete redesiccation during a period of pre-emergence development. Isolated nuclei from these dehydrated embryos could retain a transcriptional activity in vitro comparable with that of non-desiccated controls. On the other hand, redesiccation of both prenauplii and nauplii completely destroys their viability as well as the nuclear transcriptional activity. However, those gastrula embryos that did not develop in a first incubation period could remain viable and develop with a considerable time-lag after a subsequent second incubation.", "PMID": 985455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1594", "title": "Binding of diethylstilboestrol to deoxyribonucleic acid by rat liver microsomal fractions in vitro and in mouse foetal cells in culture.", "content": "Diethylstillboestrol, a synthetic and carcinogenic hormone, binds to DNA as a result of incubation with a liver microsomal preparation in vitro and on incubation with primary mouse foetal cells in culture. Enzymic digestion of DNA samples thus prepared gives several covalent deoxyribonucleoside-diethylstilboestrol products from the microsomal system. One of these is produced in small but significant yield in the tissue-culture system.", "contents": "Binding of diethylstilboestrol to deoxyribonucleic acid by rat liver microsomal fractions in vitro and in mouse foetal cells in culture. Diethylstillboestrol, a synthetic and carcinogenic hormone, binds to DNA as a result of incubation with a liver microsomal preparation in vitro and on incubation with primary mouse foetal cells in culture. Enzymic digestion of DNA samples thus prepared gives several covalent deoxyribonucleoside-diethylstilboestrol products from the microsomal system. One of these is produced in small but significant yield in the tissue-culture system.", "PMID": 985456} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1595", "title": "Poly(ethylene glycol), surface potential and cell fusion.", "content": "Poly(ethylene glycol), glycerol and dimethyl sulphoxide markedly decrease the surface potentials of monolayers of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. This finding is discussed in relation to the properties of hen erythrocytes undergoing fusion induced by poly(ethylene glycol).", "contents": "Poly(ethylene glycol), surface potential and cell fusion. Poly(ethylene glycol), glycerol and dimethyl sulphoxide markedly decrease the surface potentials of monolayers of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. This finding is discussed in relation to the properties of hen erythrocytes undergoing fusion induced by poly(ethylene glycol).", "PMID": 985457} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1596", "title": "Increase in sialic acids removable by neuraminidase during the shape change of platelets.", "content": "Human or rabbit platelets were activated by ADP or 5-hydroxytrypatamine and rapidly fixed with glutaraldehyde. The shape change associated with activation gave rise to an increase in sialic acids removable by neuraminidase. This increase, like the shape change, was prevented by adenosine or methysergide added before ADP or 5-hydroxytryptamine respectively. The results indicate the exposure of additional glycoprotein(s) on the platelet surface.", "contents": "Increase in sialic acids removable by neuraminidase during the shape change of platelets. Human or rabbit platelets were activated by ADP or 5-hydroxytrypatamine and rapidly fixed with glutaraldehyde. The shape change associated with activation gave rise to an increase in sialic acids removable by neuraminidase. This increase, like the shape change, was prevented by adenosine or methysergide added before ADP or 5-hydroxytryptamine respectively. The results indicate the exposure of additional glycoprotein(s) on the platelet surface.", "PMID": 985458} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1597", "title": "Light- and electron-microscopic characteristics of artrial smooth muscle cell cultures subjected to hypoxia or carbon monoxide.", "content": "Smooth muscle cells from the tunica media of piglet aortae grown under hypoxic conditions undergo the following changes: First, they become modified by partial loss of myofilaments and proliferation of organelles, which are characteristics of young primitive cells. Second, an increase in number of pinocytotic vesicles at and below the cell surface, indicating increased extracellular uptake of material, can be detected. This is followed by accumulation of Oil Red O positive intracytoplasmic granules and vacuoles as well as the subsequent formation of mount-like protrusions. The latter consist of a core of extracellular material and necrotic debris covered with a cap of viable cells. A third feature of the cells subjected to hypoxia is a conspicuous rise in the number of lysosomes. This is considered to be a manifestation of a defense mechanism of the cells to remove undesirable material from cytoplasm. Cells exposed to an atmosphere rich in carbon monoxide exhibit basically the same alterations as those grown under hypoxic conditions; however, formation of mound-like aggregates is less prominent, while the rise in the number of lysosomes is more evident than in the hypoxic cells. The above alterations are similar to changes observed in smooth muscle cells of rabbit with experimental atherosclerosis. It is suggested that whereever the arterial smooth muscle cell is subjected to adverse conditions basically the same mechanism, consisting of dedifferentiation, increased permeability and lysosomal defense reaction, takes place.", "contents": "Light- and electron-microscopic characteristics of artrial smooth muscle cell cultures subjected to hypoxia or carbon monoxide. Smooth muscle cells from the tunica media of piglet aortae grown under hypoxic conditions undergo the following changes: First, they become modified by partial loss of myofilaments and proliferation of organelles, which are characteristics of young primitive cells. Second, an increase in number of pinocytotic vesicles at and below the cell surface, indicating increased extracellular uptake of material, can be detected. This is followed by accumulation of Oil Red O positive intracytoplasmic granules and vacuoles as well as the subsequent formation of mount-like protrusions. The latter consist of a core of extracellular material and necrotic debris covered with a cap of viable cells. A third feature of the cells subjected to hypoxia is a conspicuous rise in the number of lysosomes. This is considered to be a manifestation of a defense mechanism of the cells to remove undesirable material from cytoplasm. Cells exposed to an atmosphere rich in carbon monoxide exhibit basically the same alterations as those grown under hypoxic conditions; however, formation of mound-like aggregates is less prominent, while the rise in the number of lysosomes is more evident than in the hypoxic cells. The above alterations are similar to changes observed in smooth muscle cells of rabbit with experimental atherosclerosis. It is suggested that whereever the arterial smooth muscle cell is subjected to adverse conditions basically the same mechanism, consisting of dedifferentiation, increased permeability and lysosomal defense reaction, takes place.", "PMID": 985593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1598", "title": "Effects of hypophysectomy on alloxan-diabetic, arteriosclerotic, breeder vs. non-arteriosclerotic, virgin rats.", "content": "A single s.c. injection (10 mg/100 g bw of alloxan) was given to nonarteriosclerotic, virgin, Sprague--Dawley rats and to breeder rats with preexisting arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. All of the animals promptly developed severe diabetes with ketosis, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Insulin therapy was deliberately withheld. Mortality was high. Seven days later one group was subjected to hypophysectomy and 30 days later, all of the animals were autopsied. The diabetes + hypophysectomy animals maintained their body weight better, did not have hypertrophied adrenal glands, showed the least elevation of serum enzymes, e.g., CPK, SGOT, SGPT and LDH, less hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia and reduced corticosterone production than the animals with untreated severe diabetes. Despite the relative amelioration of metabolic derangements prognostic of cardiovascular degenerative changes, the diabetes + hypophysectomy animals manifested extensive renovascular damage and the breeder rats with pre-existing arteriosclerosis showed definite exacerbation of their arterial disease in response to the severe alloxan diabetes regardless of hypophysectomy. It is suggested that although hypophysectomy may alleviate certain metabolic derangements attributed to growth hormone, ACTH and adrenal steroids, the angiopathic damage proceeds inexorably.", "contents": "Effects of hypophysectomy on alloxan-diabetic, arteriosclerotic, breeder vs. non-arteriosclerotic, virgin rats. A single s.c. injection (10 mg/100 g bw of alloxan) was given to nonarteriosclerotic, virgin, Sprague--Dawley rats and to breeder rats with preexisting arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. All of the animals promptly developed severe diabetes with ketosis, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Insulin therapy was deliberately withheld. Mortality was high. Seven days later one group was subjected to hypophysectomy and 30 days later, all of the animals were autopsied. The diabetes + hypophysectomy animals maintained their body weight better, did not have hypertrophied adrenal glands, showed the least elevation of serum enzymes, e.g., CPK, SGOT, SGPT and LDH, less hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia and reduced corticosterone production than the animals with untreated severe diabetes. Despite the relative amelioration of metabolic derangements prognostic of cardiovascular degenerative changes, the diabetes + hypophysectomy animals manifested extensive renovascular damage and the breeder rats with pre-existing arteriosclerosis showed definite exacerbation of their arterial disease in response to the severe alloxan diabetes regardless of hypophysectomy. It is suggested that although hypophysectomy may alleviate certain metabolic derangements attributed to growth hormone, ACTH and adrenal steroids, the angiopathic damage proceeds inexorably.", "PMID": 985594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1599", "title": "Susceptibility to experimental atherosclerosis: relation to mast cells and heparin.", "content": "Fifteen chicken tissues were examined for mast cells. Numerous mast cells were found in peritoneum and spleen. The sulfated mucopolysaccharides extracted from these two tissues, corresponding in amount to that in mast cells, were found to be dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and heparitin sulfate but no evidence of heparin. We have shown a similar situation occurs in the rabbit which is also highly susceptible to the production of atherosclerosis by diet. These observations provide further evidence of a role for heparin and mast cells in limiting atherogenesis.", "contents": "Susceptibility to experimental atherosclerosis: relation to mast cells and heparin. Fifteen chicken tissues were examined for mast cells. Numerous mast cells were found in peritoneum and spleen. The sulfated mucopolysaccharides extracted from these two tissues, corresponding in amount to that in mast cells, were found to be dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and heparitin sulfate but no evidence of heparin. We have shown a similar situation occurs in the rabbit which is also highly susceptible to the production of atherosclerosis by diet. These observations provide further evidence of a role for heparin and mast cells in limiting atherogenesis.", "PMID": 985595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1600", "title": "Composition of acidic glycosaminoglycans in human cerebral arteries.", "content": "(1) The composition of acidic glycosaminoglycans (AGAG) in the pooled human cerebral arteries was investigated by electrophoretic characterization before and after digestion with chondroitinases. Constitution of the chondroitin sulfate (CS) family was determined qualitatively on the basis of the disaccharide subunits of the CS chains after depolymerization with the enzymes. (2) The data obtained indicated that the AGAG in cerebral arteries consisted of, in order of amount, heparan sulfates, chondroitin-6-sulfate, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin-4-sulfate and hyaluronic acid. (3) The existence of oversulfated CS and undersulfated CS in the cerebral AGAG was supported by the detection of unsaturated di-sulfated and non-sulfated disaccharides on paper chromatography. In addition, the presence of hyaluronic acid was indicated by electrophoretic and enzymatic separation. (4) The distribution of the individual AGAG in cerebral arteries was also examined on the basis of molecular weight by gel filtration on a Sephadex G-100 column.", "contents": "Composition of acidic glycosaminoglycans in human cerebral arteries. (1) The composition of acidic glycosaminoglycans (AGAG) in the pooled human cerebral arteries was investigated by electrophoretic characterization before and after digestion with chondroitinases. Constitution of the chondroitin sulfate (CS) family was determined qualitatively on the basis of the disaccharide subunits of the CS chains after depolymerization with the enzymes. (2) The data obtained indicated that the AGAG in cerebral arteries consisted of, in order of amount, heparan sulfates, chondroitin-6-sulfate, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin-4-sulfate and hyaluronic acid. (3) The existence of oversulfated CS and undersulfated CS in the cerebral AGAG was supported by the detection of unsaturated di-sulfated and non-sulfated disaccharides on paper chromatography. In addition, the presence of hyaluronic acid was indicated by electrophoretic and enzymatic separation. (4) The distribution of the individual AGAG in cerebral arteries was also examined on the basis of molecular weight by gel filtration on a Sephadex G-100 column.", "PMID": 985597} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1601", "title": "Radio and microwave radiation and experimental atherosclerosis.", "content": "The effect of radio and microwave radiation on dietary atherosclerosis of rabbits was tested. 16 New Zealand white rabbits were exposed to microwave (2.45 GHz) radiation at a power density of 20--30 mW/cm2 for 4 h a day, 5 days a week for 8 to 10 weeks. Irradiated animals had serum cholesterol concentrations, aortic wall cholesterol concentrations and percentage of intimal surface involved in atherosclerotic lesions which were not different from age and weight matched controls. Continuous radio frequency irradiation (1 MHz) for 8 to 11 weeks with a field strength of 30 V/cm also failed to change these indices of atherogenesis. We conclude that under the conditions of these experiments radio and microwave irradiation do not affect the course of diet induced atherogenesis.", "contents": "Radio and microwave radiation and experimental atherosclerosis. The effect of radio and microwave radiation on dietary atherosclerosis of rabbits was tested. 16 New Zealand white rabbits were exposed to microwave (2.45 GHz) radiation at a power density of 20--30 mW/cm2 for 4 h a day, 5 days a week for 8 to 10 weeks. Irradiated animals had serum cholesterol concentrations, aortic wall cholesterol concentrations and percentage of intimal surface involved in atherosclerotic lesions which were not different from age and weight matched controls. Continuous radio frequency irradiation (1 MHz) for 8 to 11 weeks with a field strength of 30 V/cm also failed to change these indices of atherogenesis. We conclude that under the conditions of these experiments radio and microwave irradiation do not affect the course of diet induced atherogenesis.", "PMID": 985598} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1602", "title": "Ascorbic acid metabolism in rats fed high fat cholesterol diet.", "content": "The synthesis and catabolism of ascorbic acid has been studied in rats fed an atherogenic diet as also has the relation between the concentration of ascorbic acid and concentration of lipids in the tissues. The concentration of ascorbic acid was found to decrease in the serum, liver, spleen and adrenals, but not in the kidney, in the animals fed an atherogenic diet when compared with those fed normal diet. An inverse relationship was found between the concentration of ascorbic acid in the tissue and the concentration of lipids. The synthesis of ascorbic acid from D-glucuronalactone did not significantly differ in the liver and kidney, but decreased in the spleen in the animals fed the atherogenic diet. On the other hand, the catabolism of ascorbic acid significantly increased in the liver and spleen.", "contents": "Ascorbic acid metabolism in rats fed high fat cholesterol diet. The synthesis and catabolism of ascorbic acid has been studied in rats fed an atherogenic diet as also has the relation between the concentration of ascorbic acid and concentration of lipids in the tissues. The concentration of ascorbic acid was found to decrease in the serum, liver, spleen and adrenals, but not in the kidney, in the animals fed an atherogenic diet when compared with those fed normal diet. An inverse relationship was found between the concentration of ascorbic acid in the tissue and the concentration of lipids. The synthesis of ascorbic acid from D-glucuronalactone did not significantly differ in the liver and kidney, but decreased in the spleen in the animals fed the atherogenic diet. On the other hand, the catabolism of ascorbic acid significantly increased in the liver and spleen.", "PMID": 985599} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1603", "title": "Emotional history and pathogenesis of cancer.", "content": "Emotional history was evaluated in a sample of cancer patients and a sample of noncancer patients who were hospitalized for treatment. An in-depth interview was conducted with each S to identify the frequency, duration, and intensity of each emotion-provoking event that he could remember across his life history. Evaluations of the interview information identified more frequent and intense emotional events in the Ss with cancer than in the controls who did not have cancer.", "contents": "Emotional history and pathogenesis of cancer. Emotional history was evaluated in a sample of cancer patients and a sample of noncancer patients who were hospitalized for treatment. An in-depth interview was conducted with each S to identify the frequency, duration, and intensity of each emotion-provoking event that he could remember across his life history. Evaluations of the interview information identified more frequent and intense emotional events in the Ss with cancer than in the controls who did not have cancer.", "PMID": 985602} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1604", "title": "Combination effects in chemical carcinogenesis (experimental results).", "content": "Most of the malignant tumors of man are not caused by only one specific carcinogen, but have to be attributed to additive effects of various carcinogenic factors, predominantly from the environment. Experimental studies in rats and mice showed syncarcinogenic effects of small doses of different carcinogens with the same organotropy, given either simultaneously or consecutively. These effects were proved in both local and systemic carcinogens. Extensive studies carried out in some thousand rats showed that the action of pre-or postnatally applied chemical carcinogens is not influenced by immunostimulating or immunodepressive measures. In view of the topicality of combination effects of chemical carcinogens and lacking influences by regulative mechanisms of the host organism, it is recommended to eliminate chemical carcinogens as far as possible from the human environment.", "contents": "Combination effects in chemical carcinogenesis (experimental results). Most of the malignant tumors of man are not caused by only one specific carcinogen, but have to be attributed to additive effects of various carcinogenic factors, predominantly from the environment. Experimental studies in rats and mice showed syncarcinogenic effects of small doses of different carcinogens with the same organotropy, given either simultaneously or consecutively. These effects were proved in both local and systemic carcinogens. Extensive studies carried out in some thousand rats showed that the action of pre-or postnatally applied chemical carcinogens is not influenced by immunostimulating or immunodepressive measures. In view of the topicality of combination effects of chemical carcinogens and lacking influences by regulative mechanisms of the host organism, it is recommended to eliminate chemical carcinogens as far as possible from the human environment.", "PMID": 985603} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1605", "title": "Growth hormone's role in diabetic microangiopathy.", "content": "The state of the blood vessels is normal at the clinical onset of juvenile diabetes. Vascular changes develop slowly and progressively. According to the growth hormone hypothesis, elevated serum growth hormone is one casual factor in the development of diabetic angiopathy. The hypothesis proposes an effect of growth hormone not on blood glucose but directly on blood vessels. This hypothesis is based on serum growth hormone studies and on a controlled clinical trial of the effect of hypophysectomy on small blood vessels. An animal model of large-vessel disease in diabetes is briefly described. There is a large molecule in diabetic serum causing proliferation of aortic myomedial cells in culture. Growth hormone causes a similar proliferation. A short summary is given of the present situation in somatostatin research relating to diabetes mellitus.", "contents": "Growth hormone's role in diabetic microangiopathy. The state of the blood vessels is normal at the clinical onset of juvenile diabetes. Vascular changes develop slowly and progressively. According to the growth hormone hypothesis, elevated serum growth hormone is one casual factor in the development of diabetic angiopathy. The hypothesis proposes an effect of growth hormone not on blood glucose but directly on blood vessels. This hypothesis is based on serum growth hormone studies and on a controlled clinical trial of the effect of hypophysectomy on small blood vessels. An animal model of large-vessel disease in diabetes is briefly described. There is a large molecule in diabetic serum causing proliferation of aortic myomedial cells in culture. Growth hormone causes a similar proliferation. A short summary is given of the present situation in somatostatin research relating to diabetes mellitus.", "PMID": 985606} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1606", "title": "Regulation of renin release and intrarenal formation of angiotensin. Studies in the isolated perfused rat kidney.", "content": "1. Isolated rat kidneys were perfused at a constant pressure of 90 mmHg in a single-pass system with either a cell-free medium or a suspension of washed bovine red blood cells, free of the components of the renin-angiotensin system. In red blood cell perfused kidneys renal haemodynamics and sodium reabsorption corresponded closer to values observed in the intact rat than in cell-free perfused kidneys. 2. In red blood cell-perfused kidneys in the absence of plasma renin substrate autoregulation of renal blood flow was almost complete at pressures above 90 mmHg, provided that perfusion pressure was changed rapidly. 3. Renin release varied inversely with perfusion pressure within a pressure range from 50 to 150 mmHg; the greatest changes of renin release occurred, when perfusion pressure was reduced from 90 to 70 mmHg; maximal stimulation of renin release was observed at 50 mmHg. After reduction of perfusion pressure, renin release immediately started to rise and reached a new level within 5 min. Local reduction of perfusion pressure in small arteries and arterioles by the injection of microspheres induced a short-lasting decrease in renal plasma flow and a transient stimulation of renin release. 4. High concentrations of furosemide stimulated renin release by a direct intrarenal mechanism. 5. Isoproterenol stimulated renin release in low concentrations without a concomitant vasodilation, whereas high concentrations induced an increase in both renal plasma flow and renin release. The effects of isoproterenol were completely blocked by propranolol. 6. Sodium nitroprusside induced similar increases in renal plasma flow, as did high concentrations of isoproterenol, but only a small and slow increase in renin release was observed. 7. Angiotensin II (AII) suppressed renin release in concentrations corresponding to plasma levels measured in the intact rat independently of its vasoconstrictor effects, whereas vasopressin in antidiuretic concentrations did not affect renin release. 8. AII, AI, synthetic tetradecapeptide renin substrate (TDP), crude and purified rat plasma renin substrate induced a dose-dependent reduction in renal plasma flow. SQ 20 881, a competitive inhibitor of converting enzyme, and low doses of 1-Sar-8-Ala-AII (saralasin), a competitive antagonist of AII, did not change renal plasma flow, whereas high concentrations of saralasin had a vasoconstrictor effect on their own. 9. Saralasin inhibited the vasoconstrictor effects of AII and TDP to a similar degree. SQ 20 881 inhibited the vasoconstrictor effects of AI and purified renin substrate, but did not influence the actions of TDP and the crude renin substrate preparation. 10. From these data it is concluded, that AI is converted into AII within the kidney at a rate of 1-2%. The vasoconstriction induced by the crude renin substrate probably does not involve the AII receptors. TDP may act by itself on the AII receptors or via the direct intrarenal formation of AII...", "contents": "Regulation of renin release and intrarenal formation of angiotensin. Studies in the isolated perfused rat kidney. 1. Isolated rat kidneys were perfused at a constant pressure of 90 mmHg in a single-pass system with either a cell-free medium or a suspension of washed bovine red blood cells, free of the components of the renin-angiotensin system. In red blood cell perfused kidneys renal haemodynamics and sodium reabsorption corresponded closer to values observed in the intact rat than in cell-free perfused kidneys. 2. In red blood cell-perfused kidneys in the absence of plasma renin substrate autoregulation of renal blood flow was almost complete at pressures above 90 mmHg, provided that perfusion pressure was changed rapidly. 3. Renin release varied inversely with perfusion pressure within a pressure range from 50 to 150 mmHg; the greatest changes of renin release occurred, when perfusion pressure was reduced from 90 to 70 mmHg; maximal stimulation of renin release was observed at 50 mmHg. After reduction of perfusion pressure, renin release immediately started to rise and reached a new level within 5 min. Local reduction of perfusion pressure in small arteries and arterioles by the injection of microspheres induced a short-lasting decrease in renal plasma flow and a transient stimulation of renin release. 4. High concentrations of furosemide stimulated renin release by a direct intrarenal mechanism. 5. Isoproterenol stimulated renin release in low concentrations without a concomitant vasodilation, whereas high concentrations induced an increase in both renal plasma flow and renin release. The effects of isoproterenol were completely blocked by propranolol. 6. Sodium nitroprusside induced similar increases in renal plasma flow, as did high concentrations of isoproterenol, but only a small and slow increase in renin release was observed. 7. Angiotensin II (AII) suppressed renin release in concentrations corresponding to plasma levels measured in the intact rat independently of its vasoconstrictor effects, whereas vasopressin in antidiuretic concentrations did not affect renin release. 8. AII, AI, synthetic tetradecapeptide renin substrate (TDP), crude and purified rat plasma renin substrate induced a dose-dependent reduction in renal plasma flow. SQ 20 881, a competitive inhibitor of converting enzyme, and low doses of 1-Sar-8-Ala-AII (saralasin), a competitive antagonist of AII, did not change renal plasma flow, whereas high concentrations of saralasin had a vasoconstrictor effect on their own. 9. Saralasin inhibited the vasoconstrictor effects of AII and TDP to a similar degree. SQ 20 881 inhibited the vasoconstrictor effects of AI and purified renin substrate, but did not influence the actions of TDP and the crude renin substrate preparation. 10. From these data it is concluded, that AI is converted into AII within the kidney at a rate of 1-2%. The vasoconstriction induced by the crude renin substrate probably does not involve the AII receptors. TDP may act by itself on the AII receptors or via the direct intrarenal formation of AII...", "PMID": 985607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1607", "title": "Hospital-treated myocardial infarction and the general practitioner.", "content": "Patients who had a myocardial infarction were interviewed with their spouses in hospital and after returning home. Advice about rehabilitation, such as that recently recommended by the Working Party of the Royal College of Physicians, was often not received. General practitioners have great opportunities for organising a graded programme of rehabilitation and may often communicate ideas more easily to their patients than hospital staff. However, some practitioners are reluctant to do this work.", "contents": "Hospital-treated myocardial infarction and the general practitioner. Patients who had a myocardial infarction were interviewed with their spouses in hospital and after returning home. Advice about rehabilitation, such as that recently recommended by the Working Party of the Royal College of Physicians, was often not received. General practitioners have great opportunities for organising a graded programme of rehabilitation and may often communicate ideas more easily to their patients than hospital staff. However, some practitioners are reluctant to do this work.", "PMID": 985616} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1608", "title": "Combination chemotherapy with adriamycin and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum in patients with neoplastic diseases.", "content": "Forty-eight patients with a variety of advanced solid tumors were treated with a combination of adriamycin 50 mg/m2, and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum 50 mg/m2, every 2 to 4 weeks. Fifteen patients responded with a greater than 50% regression of measurable tumor; six with lung cancer; one, carcinoma of the breast; one, ovary; one, cervix; one, prostate; one, testis; one, maxillary sinus; and one, salivary gland, plus one patient with chemodectoma and one with adenocarcinoma of unknown primary. Responses lasted 1 to 18 months, with a median of 6 months. An additional six patients, including two with adenocarcinoma of the lung three with carcinoma of the cervix, and one with embryonal cell testicular carcinoma improved (25-50% regression of the tumor). Toxicity encountered included myelosuppression, azotemia, alopecia, nausea, vomitting, and stomatitis. Severe hematologic toxicity occurred only in those with compromised marrow function or with concurrent active hepatitis. Major potentiation of toxicity by the combination does not appear to have occurred.", "contents": "Combination chemotherapy with adriamycin and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum in patients with neoplastic diseases. Forty-eight patients with a variety of advanced solid tumors were treated with a combination of adriamycin 50 mg/m2, and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum 50 mg/m2, every 2 to 4 weeks. Fifteen patients responded with a greater than 50% regression of measurable tumor; six with lung cancer; one, carcinoma of the breast; one, ovary; one, cervix; one, prostate; one, testis; one, maxillary sinus; and one, salivary gland, plus one patient with chemodectoma and one with adenocarcinoma of unknown primary. Responses lasted 1 to 18 months, with a median of 6 months. An additional six patients, including two with adenocarcinoma of the lung three with carcinoma of the cervix, and one with embryonal cell testicular carcinoma improved (25-50% regression of the tumor). Toxicity encountered included myelosuppression, azotemia, alopecia, nausea, vomitting, and stomatitis. Severe hematologic toxicity occurred only in those with compromised marrow function or with concurrent active hepatitis. Major potentiation of toxicity by the combination does not appear to have occurred.", "PMID": 985619} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1609", "title": "[Planning work for the week for the purpose of more rational and effective use of available beds].", "content": "Planning the discharge and hospitalization of patients a week in advance, organization of checking up its fulfilment made it possible to improve the quality of investigation and treatment of patients, to settle the problems of hospitalization and to shorten preoperative stay of patients in the hospital. This was also promoted by the fact that patients entering the hospital underwent complete investigation in polyclinic conditions according to the patterns suggested by the hospital staff.", "contents": "[Planning work for the week for the purpose of more rational and effective use of available beds]. Planning the discharge and hospitalization of patients a week in advance, organization of checking up its fulfilment made it possible to improve the quality of investigation and treatment of patients, to settle the problems of hospitalization and to shorten preoperative stay of patients in the hospital. This was also promoted by the fact that patients entering the hospital underwent complete investigation in polyclinic conditions according to the patterns suggested by the hospital staff.", "PMID": 985612} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1610", "title": "Clinical and dosimetric considerations in the radiation treatment of breast cancer.", "content": "Preliminary results indicate that film dosimetry is a simple and precise method of determining volume dose distributions. Calculated dose distributions using computers or estimations of surface dose using TLD dosimeters are within 5% of the measured dose. Initial attempts to find suitable alternate techniques tailored to each clinical situation are encouraging.", "contents": "Clinical and dosimetric considerations in the radiation treatment of breast cancer. Preliminary results indicate that film dosimetry is a simple and precise method of determining volume dose distributions. Calculated dose distributions using computers or estimations of surface dose using TLD dosimeters are within 5% of the measured dose. Initial attempts to find suitable alternate techniques tailored to each clinical situation are encouraging.", "PMID": 985620} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1611", "title": "A model of spinal cord injury.", "content": "We report here a model of submaximal spinal cord injury, employing direct thoracic cord compression in ferrets. This yields consistent and reproducible long term consequences on local cellular structure and on locomotive function. We show also that both the anatomical and functional losses can be measured objectively using simple techniques, and that useful long-tract mediated locomotion is preserved after severe axonal losses at the site of injury.", "contents": "A model of spinal cord injury. We report here a model of submaximal spinal cord injury, employing direct thoracic cord compression in ferrets. This yields consistent and reproducible long term consequences on local cellular structure and on locomotive function. We show also that both the anatomical and functional losses can be measured objectively using simple techniques, and that useful long-tract mediated locomotion is preserved after severe axonal losses at the site of injury.", "PMID": 985622} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1612", "title": "Studies of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor protein from rat brain.", "content": "Specific binding of 125I-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin to a 34800 X g pellet of a whole rat brain homogenate has been obtained at levels of 2 pmol toxin per g of whole brain with a Kd of 8-10(-9) M. Binding is reduced 90% by 10(-5) M (+)-tubocurarine chloride and 10(-4) M nicotine, whereas concentrations of 10(-4) M choline chloride, atropine sulfate and eserine sulfate have essentially no effect on toxin binding. These results compare closely with those obtained from binding studies with 125I-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin and soluble acetylcholine receptor protein preparations from Torpedo nobiliana; suggesting that this mammalian receptor protein is nicotinic in character. Extraction of the 34800 X g pellet with 1% Emulphogene yields a soluble fraction with specifically binds 125I-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin with a Kd of 5-10(-9) M. Nicotine and alpha-bungarotoxin at concentrations of 10(-5) M abolish toxin-receptor complex formation and carbachol and (+)-tubocurarine chloride reduce complex formation 35-40% at similar concentrations. Eserine sulfate, atropine sulfate, decamethonium, and pilocarpine had no effect on complex formation at concentrations of 10(-5) M.", "contents": "Studies of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor protein from rat brain. Specific binding of 125I-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin to a 34800 X g pellet of a whole rat brain homogenate has been obtained at levels of 2 pmol toxin per g of whole brain with a Kd of 8-10(-9) M. Binding is reduced 90% by 10(-5) M (+)-tubocurarine chloride and 10(-4) M nicotine, whereas concentrations of 10(-4) M choline chloride, atropine sulfate and eserine sulfate have essentially no effect on toxin binding. These results compare closely with those obtained from binding studies with 125I-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin and soluble acetylcholine receptor protein preparations from Torpedo nobiliana; suggesting that this mammalian receptor protein is nicotinic in character. Extraction of the 34800 X g pellet with 1% Emulphogene yields a soluble fraction with specifically binds 125I-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin with a Kd of 5-10(-9) M. Nicotine and alpha-bungarotoxin at concentrations of 10(-5) M abolish toxin-receptor complex formation and carbachol and (+)-tubocurarine chloride reduce complex formation 35-40% at similar concentrations. Eserine sulfate, atropine sulfate, decamethonium, and pilocarpine had no effect on complex formation at concentrations of 10(-5) M.", "PMID": 985624} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1613", "title": "Bilateral projection of the canine tooth pulp to bulbar trigeminal neurons.", "content": "Unit activity was recorded extracellulary from neurons of the cat medulla following electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral and/or contralateral cannine tooth pulps. The majority of the cells (67%) were only responsive to ipsilateral stimulation. However, many (28%) responded to stimulation of either canine pulp and a few (5%) responsed to contralateral stimulation alone. The neurons were localized histologically in the necleus proprius of the rostral trigeminal nucleus caudalis (NVCaud) and in dorsal portions of the ventromedially contiguous lateral reticular formation (LRF). Cells exclusively responsive to ipsilateral stimuli had a relatively wide dorsoventral distribution. In contrast, 'bilateral' and 'contralateral' cells were situated only in the deep NVCaud-LRF border zone or in immediately adjacent portions of the LRF. Generally, ipsilateral stimuli evoked response bursts with shorter latencies, more spike potentials and briefer interspike intervals than equivalent contralateral stimuli. In experiments designed to study afferent interactions, a conditioning stimulus, applied to either the ipsilateral or the contralateral canine, preceded a test stimulus applied to the other canine at predetermined interstimulus intervals. Responses to the test stimulus were either totally or partially suppressed when intervals of moderate duration (90-500 msec) were used. However, responses to the test stimulus frequently were enhanced when the intervals were breif (less than or equal to 60 msec) or when the teeth were stimulated simultaneously. The results reveal that bilateral afferents from the pulps of the canine teeth converge upon neurons of bulbar trigeminal structures, that the neurons are differentially responsive to the activation of ipsilateral and contralateral pulpal receptors and that bilateral afferent barrages originating in the canine pulps interact to modulate the firing patterns of the neurons.", "contents": "Bilateral projection of the canine tooth pulp to bulbar trigeminal neurons. Unit activity was recorded extracellulary from neurons of the cat medulla following electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral and/or contralateral cannine tooth pulps. The majority of the cells (67%) were only responsive to ipsilateral stimulation. However, many (28%) responded to stimulation of either canine pulp and a few (5%) responsed to contralateral stimulation alone. The neurons were localized histologically in the necleus proprius of the rostral trigeminal nucleus caudalis (NVCaud) and in dorsal portions of the ventromedially contiguous lateral reticular formation (LRF). Cells exclusively responsive to ipsilateral stimuli had a relatively wide dorsoventral distribution. In contrast, 'bilateral' and 'contralateral' cells were situated only in the deep NVCaud-LRF border zone or in immediately adjacent portions of the LRF. Generally, ipsilateral stimuli evoked response bursts with shorter latencies, more spike potentials and briefer interspike intervals than equivalent contralateral stimuli. In experiments designed to study afferent interactions, a conditioning stimulus, applied to either the ipsilateral or the contralateral canine, preceded a test stimulus applied to the other canine at predetermined interstimulus intervals. Responses to the test stimulus were either totally or partially suppressed when intervals of moderate duration (90-500 msec) were used. However, responses to the test stimulus frequently were enhanced when the intervals were breif (less than or equal to 60 msec) or when the teeth were stimulated simultaneously. The results reveal that bilateral afferents from the pulps of the canine teeth converge upon neurons of bulbar trigeminal structures, that the neurons are differentially responsive to the activation of ipsilateral and contralateral pulpal receptors and that bilateral afferent barrages originating in the canine pulps interact to modulate the firing patterns of the neurons.", "PMID": 985625} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1614", "title": "Genetic regulation of the antibody response to H-2Db alloantigens in mice. III. Inhibition of the IgG Response to noncongenic cells by preimmunization with congenic cells.", "content": "When B10.A (5R) mice (H-12i5) are immunized with spleen cells from congenic B10 mice (H-12b), they respond to alloantigens of the H-2Db region by producing antibodies of only IgM type. In contrast, they produce both IgM and IgG antibodies when immunized with A.BY cells (H-2b) that carry other foreign cell surface antigens (non-H-2) in addition to H-2Db. Preimmunization of 5R mice with two injections of congenic cells leads to an H-2Db specific inhibition of the IgG response to a subsequent immunization with A.BY cells. It is concluded that congenic B10 cells fail to activate helper T cells which are necessary to induce the switch from IgM to IgG production. Instead T- or B-cell tolerance may be induced with prohibits the subsequent IgG response to A.BY cells, possibly by way of suppressor T cells which may act either on B cells directly or via helper T cells.", "contents": "Genetic regulation of the antibody response to H-2Db alloantigens in mice. III. Inhibition of the IgG Response to noncongenic cells by preimmunization with congenic cells. When B10.A (5R) mice (H-12i5) are immunized with spleen cells from congenic B10 mice (H-12b), they respond to alloantigens of the H-2Db region by producing antibodies of only IgM type. In contrast, they produce both IgM and IgG antibodies when immunized with A.BY cells (H-2b) that carry other foreign cell surface antigens (non-H-2) in addition to H-2Db. Preimmunization of 5R mice with two injections of congenic cells leads to an H-2Db specific inhibition of the IgG response to a subsequent immunization with A.BY cells. It is concluded that congenic B10 cells fail to activate helper T cells which are necessary to induce the switch from IgM to IgG production. Instead T- or B-cell tolerance may be induced with prohibits the subsequent IgG response to A.BY cells, possibly by way of suppressor T cells which may act either on B cells directly or via helper T cells.", "PMID": 985627} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1615", "title": "Fate in humans of the plasticizer, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, arising from transfusion of platelets stored in vinyl plastic bags.", "content": "Platelet concentrates were shown to contain 18 to 38 mg/dl of a phthalate plasticizer (DEHP) which arose by migration from the vinyl plastic packs in which the platelets were prepared and stored. Transfusion of these platelets into six adult patients with leukemia resulted in peak blood plasma levels of DEHP ranging from 0.34 to 0.83 mg/dl (approximately 0.02 mg/dl plasma per mg DEHP administered per square meter of surface area). The blood levels fell monoexponentially with a mean rate of 2.83 per cent per minute and a half-life of 28.0 minutes. Urine was assayed by a method that would measure unchanged DEHP as well as all phthalic acid-containing metabolites. In two patients, at most 60 and 90 per cent of the infused dose, respectively, was excreted in the urine collected for 24 hours posttransfusion. These estimates, however, could be high due to the simultaneous excretion of DEHP remaining from previous transfusions or arising from uncontrolled environmental exposures.", "contents": "Fate in humans of the plasticizer, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, arising from transfusion of platelets stored in vinyl plastic bags. Platelet concentrates were shown to contain 18 to 38 mg/dl of a phthalate plasticizer (DEHP) which arose by migration from the vinyl plastic packs in which the platelets were prepared and stored. Transfusion of these platelets into six adult patients with leukemia resulted in peak blood plasma levels of DEHP ranging from 0.34 to 0.83 mg/dl (approximately 0.02 mg/dl plasma per mg DEHP administered per square meter of surface area). The blood levels fell monoexponentially with a mean rate of 2.83 per cent per minute and a half-life of 28.0 minutes. Urine was assayed by a method that would measure unchanged DEHP as well as all phthalic acid-containing metabolites. In two patients, at most 60 and 90 per cent of the infused dose, respectively, was excreted in the urine collected for 24 hours posttransfusion. These estimates, however, could be high due to the simultaneous excretion of DEHP remaining from previous transfusions or arising from uncontrolled environmental exposures.", "PMID": 985623} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1616", "title": "Truncus arteriosus communis. Clinical, angiocardiographic, and pathologic findings in 100 patients.", "content": "Salient clinical, hemodynamic, angiocardiographic, and pathologic findings are presented in 100 patients with truncus arteriosus communis, 79 of whom were studied at autopsy. In this study of typical truncus, all had a ventricular septal defect (type A). Truncus with a partially formed aorticopulmonary septum (type A1) was much the commonest form (50%). Cases with no remnant of aorticopulmonary septum (type A2) were second in frequency (21%). The distinction between types A1 and A2 could not be made with certainty in 9%, because these types merge into one another. Cases with absence of either pulmonary artery branch (type A3) were the least frequent form (8%). Truncus with interruption, atresia, preductal coarctation, or severe hypoplasia of the aortic arch (type A4) constituted 12%. The diagnosis of truncus is primarily angiocardiographic. The plane of the truncal valve in the lateral projection is distinctive. It tilts anteriorly, facing the patient's toes, which can be of assistance in differential diagnosis. The angiocardiographic features of type A4, although unfamiliar, are pathognomonic. Since the median age at death was only 5 weeks, and in view of the difficulties associated with pulmonary artery banding, our goal should be the surgical correction of truncus during the first and second months of life.", "contents": "Truncus arteriosus communis. Clinical, angiocardiographic, and pathologic findings in 100 patients. Salient clinical, hemodynamic, angiocardiographic, and pathologic findings are presented in 100 patients with truncus arteriosus communis, 79 of whom were studied at autopsy. In this study of typical truncus, all had a ventricular septal defect (type A). Truncus with a partially formed aorticopulmonary septum (type A1) was much the commonest form (50%). Cases with no remnant of aorticopulmonary septum (type A2) were second in frequency (21%). The distinction between types A1 and A2 could not be made with certainty in 9%, because these types merge into one another. Cases with absence of either pulmonary artery branch (type A3) were the least frequent form (8%). Truncus with interruption, atresia, preductal coarctation, or severe hypoplasia of the aortic arch (type A4) constituted 12%. The diagnosis of truncus is primarily angiocardiographic. The plane of the truncal valve in the lateral projection is distinctive. It tilts anteriorly, facing the patient's toes, which can be of assistance in differential diagnosis. The angiocardiographic features of type A4, although unfamiliar, are pathognomonic. Since the median age at death was only 5 weeks, and in view of the difficulties associated with pulmonary artery banding, our goal should be the surgical correction of truncus during the first and second months of life.", "PMID": 985630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1617", "title": "The immunologic identification of abnormal hemoglobins.", "content": "Guinea pig antisera against human hemoglobin contain antibodies to multiple antigenic determinants. Hemoglobin variants having single amino acid substitutions affecting these determinants are recognized as antigenically deficient in a radioimmunoassay system. The multivalent antisera may be made more selective by appropriate absorption with hemoglobin variants. Three such antisera containing antibodies specific, respectively, for the beta-chain of Hb A, Hb S, and Hb C are described. They can differentiate among the hemoglobins of individuals who possess these variants alone or in any paired combination. Their discriminating ability is not hindered by the presence of 1,000-fold concentrations of Hb F and may therefore be extended to the early prenatal diagnosis of sickling disorders. The antisera described also detect several other variants of Hb A. The approximate location of the substitution in variants so detected can be determined by a complementation test. This is based on the finding that two antigenically deficient hemoglobins will complement each other in mixture provided their amino acid substitutions involve different determinants.", "contents": "The immunologic identification of abnormal hemoglobins. Guinea pig antisera against human hemoglobin contain antibodies to multiple antigenic determinants. Hemoglobin variants having single amino acid substitutions affecting these determinants are recognized as antigenically deficient in a radioimmunoassay system. The multivalent antisera may be made more selective by appropriate absorption with hemoglobin variants. Three such antisera containing antibodies specific, respectively, for the beta-chain of Hb A, Hb S, and Hb C are described. They can differentiate among the hemoglobins of individuals who possess these variants alone or in any paired combination. Their discriminating ability is not hindered by the presence of 1,000-fold concentrations of Hb F and may therefore be extended to the early prenatal diagnosis of sickling disorders. The antisera described also detect several other variants of Hb A. The approximate location of the substitution in variants so detected can be determined by a complementation test. This is based on the finding that two antigenically deficient hemoglobins will complement each other in mixture provided their amino acid substitutions involve different determinants.", "PMID": 985632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1618", "title": "Evidence for dimensional independence in short-term memory of retarded individuals.", "content": "This experiment was designed to assess the relative importance of dimensional similarity between test and interpolated problems and absolute difficulty of interpolated material as variables influencing short-term retention in the discrimination learning of retarded persons. Twenty moderate-to-borderline retarded individuals were taught a mixed series of two-trial discriminations consisting of: (a) relatively easy multidimensional (\"junk\") problems and (b) more difficult, form-relevant dotpattern discriminations. Test problems and interpolations were either dimensionally similar (both junk or both dot-pattern problems) or dissimilar (train one type of problem, interpolate the other). The major finding was that short-term forgetting occurred only when test and interpolated stimuli were dimensionally similar. Absolute difficulty of interpolations had no effect on retention. These results were interpreted as supporting Fisher and Zeaman's (1973) assumption of dimensional independence of memory processes in retarded persons. A secondary finding was that performance on dot-pattern discriminations varied with intelligence.", "contents": "Evidence for dimensional independence in short-term memory of retarded individuals. This experiment was designed to assess the relative importance of dimensional similarity between test and interpolated problems and absolute difficulty of interpolated material as variables influencing short-term retention in the discrimination learning of retarded persons. Twenty moderate-to-borderline retarded individuals were taught a mixed series of two-trial discriminations consisting of: (a) relatively easy multidimensional (\"junk\") problems and (b) more difficult, form-relevant dotpattern discriminations. Test problems and interpolations were either dimensionally similar (both junk or both dot-pattern problems) or dissimilar (train one type of problem, interpolate the other). The major finding was that short-term forgetting occurred only when test and interpolated stimuli were dimensionally similar. Absolute difficulty of interpolations had no effect on retention. These results were interpreted as supporting Fisher and Zeaman's (1973) assumption of dimensional independence of memory processes in retarded persons. A secondary finding was that performance on dot-pattern discriminations varied with intelligence.", "PMID": 985634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1619", "title": "Abnormal or absent beta mRNA in betao Ferrara and gene deletion in delta beta thalassaemia.", "content": "In patients with betao thalassaemia from Ferrara, beta globin mRNA sequences are either absent or structurally abnormal while in betao thalassaemia in Catania, beta globin mRNA sequences are present. In deltabeta thalassaemia there is a deletion of beta-like globin genes, while in betao Catania DNA, no beta globin gene deletion is detectable.", "contents": "Abnormal or absent beta mRNA in betao Ferrara and gene deletion in delta beta thalassaemia. In patients with betao thalassaemia from Ferrara, beta globin mRNA sequences are either absent or structurally abnormal while in betao thalassaemia in Catania, beta globin mRNA sequences are present. In deltabeta thalassaemia there is a deletion of beta-like globin genes, while in betao Catania DNA, no beta globin gene deletion is detectable.", "PMID": 985635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1620", "title": "Effects of reserpine on tissue calcium and contractility of rat and rabbit aorta.", "content": "Possible effects of reserpine on disposition and availability of tissue calcium, stores for excitation-contraction coupling in isolated rat and rabbit aortae were examined. Contral 40Ca uptake, 45Ca washout, and contraction in Ca2+-free medium (Ca2+-free PSS) indicate species differences in binding or disposition, apparent functional importance, and differential use of tissue calcium by adrenaline (Epi) and high K+. Rat aortae, normally refractory to Epi or high K+ after 7 min in Ca2+-free PSS, can gain labile calcium after brief exposure to Ca2+-rich PSS which supports short-lived responses to high K+ in Ca2+-free PSS. Rabbit aortae contain calcium stores which may sustain either Epi or high-K+ responses as well as more tightly held (or sequestered) stores released by Epi for contraction. After reserpine, decreased 45Ca uptake in a kinetically defined \"fast\" compartment likely to include membrane calcium could enhance availability of bound tissue as well as free Ca2+ in both species. Enhanced Epi response in Ca2+-free PSS is evidence of the former. Results suggest that increased availability of bound and possibly free calcium contribute to reserpine-induced supersensitivity, but supporting evidence will be required from tissue behavior after less rigorous treatment.", "contents": "Effects of reserpine on tissue calcium and contractility of rat and rabbit aorta. Possible effects of reserpine on disposition and availability of tissue calcium, stores for excitation-contraction coupling in isolated rat and rabbit aortae were examined. Contral 40Ca uptake, 45Ca washout, and contraction in Ca2+-free medium (Ca2+-free PSS) indicate species differences in binding or disposition, apparent functional importance, and differential use of tissue calcium by adrenaline (Epi) and high K+. Rat aortae, normally refractory to Epi or high K+ after 7 min in Ca2+-free PSS, can gain labile calcium after brief exposure to Ca2+-rich PSS which supports short-lived responses to high K+ in Ca2+-free PSS. Rabbit aortae contain calcium stores which may sustain either Epi or high-K+ responses as well as more tightly held (or sequestered) stores released by Epi for contraction. After reserpine, decreased 45Ca uptake in a kinetically defined \"fast\" compartment likely to include membrane calcium could enhance availability of bound tissue as well as free Ca2+ in both species. Enhanced Epi response in Ca2+-free PSS is evidence of the former. Results suggest that increased availability of bound and possibly free calcium contribute to reserpine-induced supersensitivity, but supporting evidence will be required from tissue behavior after less rigorous treatment.", "PMID": 985636} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1621", "title": "Effect of salicylate on the surgical inducement of joint degeneration in rabbit knees.", "content": "Degenerative joint changes were produced in one knee of each of fourteen rabbits by surgical induction of instability. The involved knee in rabbits with and without systemic salicylate treatment was compared with the knee not operated on. Salicylate did not significantly change the activities of lysosomal enzymes in cartilage or synovial fluid, the uptake of tritiated thymidine, glycine, or 35S-inorganic sulphate by cartilage, or the histological manifestations of cartilage degeneration.", "contents": "Effect of salicylate on the surgical inducement of joint degeneration in rabbit knees. Degenerative joint changes were produced in one knee of each of fourteen rabbits by surgical induction of instability. The involved knee in rabbits with and without systemic salicylate treatment was compared with the knee not operated on. Salicylate did not significantly change the activities of lysosomal enzymes in cartilage or synovial fluid, the uptake of tritiated thymidine, glycine, or 35S-inorganic sulphate by cartilage, or the histological manifestations of cartilage degeneration.", "PMID": 985639} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1622", "title": "Mapping of the influenza virus genome. III. Identification of genes coding for nucleoprotein, membrane protein, and nonstructural protein.", "content": "In previous communications we reported that the eight RNA segments of influenza A/PR/8/34 (HON1) virus could be distinguished from corresponding segments of influenza A/Hong Kong/8/68 (H3N2) virus by migration on polyacrylamide-urea gels. Examination of the RNA patterns of the two parent viruses and recombinants derived from them in concert with serological identification of surface proteins and analysis of the other proteins on sodium dodecyl sulfate gradient gels permitted the identification of the genes coding for hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and the P1, P2, and P3 proteins (Palese and Schulman, 1976; P. Palese et al., Virology, in press). In the present report we have extended these observations using similar techniques to examine other recombinants and have identified the genes coding for the remaining virus-specific moving RNA segment as 1) and segment 6 of Hong Kong virus coding for the respective nucleoproteins, and that segment 7 of both viruses codes for the membtane protein and RNA segment 8 codes for the nonstructural protein. This completes the mapping of the influenza A virus genome.", "contents": "Mapping of the influenza virus genome. III. Identification of genes coding for nucleoprotein, membrane protein, and nonstructural protein. In previous communications we reported that the eight RNA segments of influenza A/PR/8/34 (HON1) virus could be distinguished from corresponding segments of influenza A/Hong Kong/8/68 (H3N2) virus by migration on polyacrylamide-urea gels. Examination of the RNA patterns of the two parent viruses and recombinants derived from them in concert with serological identification of surface proteins and analysis of the other proteins on sodium dodecyl sulfate gradient gels permitted the identification of the genes coding for hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and the P1, P2, and P3 proteins (Palese and Schulman, 1976; P. Palese et al., Virology, in press). In the present report we have extended these observations using similar techniques to examine other recombinants and have identified the genes coding for the remaining virus-specific moving RNA segment as 1) and segment 6 of Hong Kong virus coding for the respective nucleoproteins, and that segment 7 of both viruses codes for the membtane protein and RNA segment 8 codes for the nonstructural protein. This completes the mapping of the influenza A virus genome.", "PMID": 985644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1623", "title": "Possible association between maternal indomethacin therapy and primary pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.", "content": "Indomethacin purportedly arrests premature labor by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Animal experimentation has demonstrated that prostaglandins are involved in the neonatal rerouting of the circulation. Experience with two neonates with disorders circulatory adjustment at birth following prenatal exposure to indomethacin indicates that indomethacin may interfere with these adjustments in man and favor the development of the serious oxygen dependency known as primary pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.", "contents": "Possible association between maternal indomethacin therapy and primary pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Indomethacin purportedly arrests premature labor by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Animal experimentation has demonstrated that prostaglandins are involved in the neonatal rerouting of the circulation. Experience with two neonates with disorders circulatory adjustment at birth following prenatal exposure to indomethacin indicates that indomethacin may interfere with these adjustments in man and favor the development of the serious oxygen dependency known as primary pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.", "PMID": 985646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1624", "title": "Percutaneous trephine lung biopsy: evolving role.", "content": "The Steele trephine was employed to perform 134 transthoracic biopsies in 120 patients. Resultant cores of tissue and \"lung juice\" provided a diagnosis in 89 percent (107) of the patients. Complications occurred in 41 percent (49) of the patients, the incidence being greatest in those with diffuse parenchymal disease. Most complications were of a minor nature. Although the precise role of trephine lung biopsy in the physician's diagnostic armamentarium remains to be defined, there is no doubt that it is a useful and safe technique in the elucidation of intrathoracic disease.", "contents": "Percutaneous trephine lung biopsy: evolving role. The Steele trephine was employed to perform 134 transthoracic biopsies in 120 patients. Resultant cores of tissue and \"lung juice\" provided a diagnosis in 89 percent (107) of the patients. Complications occurred in 41 percent (49) of the patients, the incidence being greatest in those with diffuse parenchymal disease. Most complications were of a minor nature. Although the precise role of trephine lung biopsy in the physician's diagnostic armamentarium remains to be defined, there is no doubt that it is a useful and safe technique in the elucidation of intrathoracic disease.", "PMID": 985651} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1625", "title": "Major pulmonary resection for bronchogenic carcinoma in the elderly.", "content": "The results of major pulmonary resection in 58 patients greater than 70 years of age were reviewed. The histological distribution and extent of nodal metastases in this age group are the same as in younger patients. The absolute five-year survival rate for the 55 patients undergoing curative resection was 30% (17 patients). It was 36% (11 patients) for those patients with squamous cell carcinoma and 22% (5 patients) for those with adenocarcinoma. The operative mortality was only 14% (8 patients). Of the 49 patients treated by lobectomy, 17 lived five years or more free of disease, whereas none of the 6 patients treated by pneumonectomy survived five years. The five-year survival rate of 30% in this series of elderly patients treated by major pulmonary resection makes resections in such patients with bronchogenic carcinoma worthwhile.", "contents": "Major pulmonary resection for bronchogenic carcinoma in the elderly. The results of major pulmonary resection in 58 patients greater than 70 years of age were reviewed. The histological distribution and extent of nodal metastases in this age group are the same as in younger patients. The absolute five-year survival rate for the 55 patients undergoing curative resection was 30% (17 patients). It was 36% (11 patients) for those patients with squamous cell carcinoma and 22% (5 patients) for those with adenocarcinoma. The operative mortality was only 14% (8 patients). Of the 49 patients treated by lobectomy, 17 lived five years or more free of disease, whereas none of the 6 patients treated by pneumonectomy survived five years. The five-year survival rate of 30% in this series of elderly patients treated by major pulmonary resection makes resections in such patients with bronchogenic carcinoma worthwhile.", "PMID": 985655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1626", "title": "Psychiatric disturbances of aged patients in skilled nursing homes.", "content": "The authors found that 85% of 74 patients supported by Medicaid in two skilled nursing facilities had significant psychiatric disorders in addition to serious multiple medical illnesses. Almost two-thirds of the psychiatric disturbances had not been diagnosed. Although staff were more concerned with the psychosocial than the physical aspects of patients' problems in more than half of the cases, they often had difficulty recognizing the legitimacy of psychological complaints and relating to patients with psychological disturbances. Staff were not clear about the orders for psychotropic medications that were prescribed for more than half of the patients. The authors point out that more psychiatric consultation is needed to ensure appropriate and effective care for psychiatric patients in such facilities.", "contents": "Psychiatric disturbances of aged patients in skilled nursing homes. The authors found that 85% of 74 patients supported by Medicaid in two skilled nursing facilities had significant psychiatric disorders in addition to serious multiple medical illnesses. Almost two-thirds of the psychiatric disturbances had not been diagnosed. Although staff were more concerned with the psychosocial than the physical aspects of patients' problems in more than half of the cases, they often had difficulty recognizing the legitimacy of psychological complaints and relating to patients with psychological disturbances. Staff were not clear about the orders for psychotropic medications that were prescribed for more than half of the patients. The authors point out that more psychiatric consultation is needed to ensure appropriate and effective care for psychiatric patients in such facilities.", "PMID": 985657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1627", "title": "Generalized urticaria to cyclophosphamide: Type I hypersensitivity to an immunosuppressive agent.", "content": "A 6-yr-old white boy, Patient L. B., who was receiving cyclophosphamide (CY) for chemotherapy of a localized undifferentiated small cell sarcoma of the chest wall, developed generalized urticaria on three separate occasions immediately after CY administration. Serum samples were obtained 2 and 5 wk after the patient's last reaction and were examined for reaginic activity to the drug. Homocytotropic antibody activity to CY was found in the 2-wk postreaction sample by Prausnitz-K\u00fcstner type passive transfer skin testing to chimpanzees. This homocytotropic antibody was found to be of the IgE type, by means of an in vitro double-antibody coprecipitation assay measuring binding of free 14C-CY by specific immunoglobulin E and G fractions. Sera from 3 CY-treated patients who did not have adverse reactions to the drug and 6 normal, age-matched volunteers were used as control samples for the coprecipitation assay. None of the 3 CY-treated control patients had significant binding of 14C-CY by IgE when compared to normal individuals. However, it was found that all CY-treated patients had significant binding of 14C-CY by their IgG fraction when compared to normal subjects.", "contents": "Generalized urticaria to cyclophosphamide: Type I hypersensitivity to an immunosuppressive agent. A 6-yr-old white boy, Patient L. B., who was receiving cyclophosphamide (CY) for chemotherapy of a localized undifferentiated small cell sarcoma of the chest wall, developed generalized urticaria on three separate occasions immediately after CY administration. Serum samples were obtained 2 and 5 wk after the patient's last reaction and were examined for reaginic activity to the drug. Homocytotropic antibody activity to CY was found in the 2-wk postreaction sample by Prausnitz-K\u00fcstner type passive transfer skin testing to chimpanzees. This homocytotropic antibody was found to be of the IgE type, by means of an in vitro double-antibody coprecipitation assay measuring binding of free 14C-CY by specific immunoglobulin E and G fractions. Sera from 3 CY-treated patients who did not have adverse reactions to the drug and 6 normal, age-matched volunteers were used as control samples for the coprecipitation assay. None of the 3 CY-treated control patients had significant binding of 14C-CY by IgE when compared to normal individuals. However, it was found that all CY-treated patients had significant binding of 14C-CY by their IgG fraction when compared to normal subjects.", "PMID": 985658} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1628", "title": "Rapid intravenous injection of tobramycin: suggested dosage schedule and concentrations in serum.", "content": "A single, rapid intravenous injection of tobramycin in doses of 1.5 mg/kg or 80 mg administered to subjects with normal renal function produced a wide range of concentrations in serum. Serum concentrations peaked at greater than 20mug/ml in one third of the subjects, but these peaks were transitory. At 6 hr the serum levels were less than 2 mug/ml in all but one subject and were less than 0.1 mug/ml in 50% of the subjects. A dosage interval of 6 hr with a total dosage of 6 mg/kg per day is recommended. The variation in individual dose responses emphasizes the need for monitoring of levels of tobramycin in serum during treatment. Serum concentrations of 4-6 mug/ml 1 hr after injection can be considered indicative of adequate therapy. Levels in serum 6 hr after administration should also be monitored, particularly in the elderly. No immediate or delayed toxic effects were observed after intravenous injection of tobramycin.", "contents": "Rapid intravenous injection of tobramycin: suggested dosage schedule and concentrations in serum. A single, rapid intravenous injection of tobramycin in doses of 1.5 mg/kg or 80 mg administered to subjects with normal renal function produced a wide range of concentrations in serum. Serum concentrations peaked at greater than 20mug/ml in one third of the subjects, but these peaks were transitory. At 6 hr the serum levels were less than 2 mug/ml in all but one subject and were less than 0.1 mug/ml in 50% of the subjects. A dosage interval of 6 hr with a total dosage of 6 mg/kg per day is recommended. The variation in individual dose responses emphasizes the need for monitoring of levels of tobramycin in serum during treatment. Serum concentrations of 4-6 mug/ml 1 hr after injection can be considered indicative of adequate therapy. Levels in serum 6 hr after administration should also be monitored, particularly in the elderly. No immediate or delayed toxic effects were observed after intravenous injection of tobramycin.", "PMID": 985661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1629", "title": "Sensitivity of 15-day mouse fetal liver cells to erythropoietin (ESF). Its practical application to in vitro methods of ESF bioassay.", "content": "Demonstration was made of equal reactivity of 13-, 14- and 15-day mouse fetal livers to graded concentrations of Erythropoietin \"in vitro\". In consequence, replacement by 15-day fetal liver of 13-day liver, currently used as material in Erythropoietin bioassays \"in vitro\", is proposed as a technical improvement on the method.", "contents": "Sensitivity of 15-day mouse fetal liver cells to erythropoietin (ESF). Its practical application to in vitro methods of ESF bioassay. Demonstration was made of equal reactivity of 13-, 14- and 15-day mouse fetal livers to graded concentrations of Erythropoietin \"in vitro\". In consequence, replacement by 15-day fetal liver of 13-day liver, currently used as material in Erythropoietin bioassays \"in vitro\", is proposed as a technical improvement on the method.", "PMID": 985663} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1630", "title": "Normal values for ventilatory function in Rhodesian Africans.", "content": "Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow were measured in 141 African men and 102 African women aged 20 and above. Prediction formulae relating each measurement to height and age were drawn up and are presented. Rhodesian Africans have lower values for these measurements than subjects in some Europen and North American series, but broadly similar values to those of Africans elsewhere.", "contents": "Normal values for ventilatory function in Rhodesian Africans. Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow were measured in 141 African men and 102 African women aged 20 and above. Prediction formulae relating each measurement to height and age were drawn up and are presented. Rhodesian Africans have lower values for these measurements than subjects in some Europen and North American series, but broadly similar values to those of Africans elsewhere.", "PMID": 985664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1631", "title": "[Substitution of protein animal feed through lysine-supplemented high-protein wheat during the breeding and laying periods of hens. 5. Influence of graded lysine supplements fed during the laying period on the production characteristics of hens].", "content": "A large-scale trial was performed with 1500 laying hens which were kept under conditions of industrial egg production. The trial was carried out to investigate whether supplements of L-lysine would increase the food value of high-protein wheat and in which way a proportional decrease of dietary protein by 50% would affect the egg production of the hens. Additionally, studies were made to investigate whether the egg production of the hens was influenced by changes in the plane of feeding of the young hens during their rearing period. Both the young hens and the laying hens received isonitrogenous and isocaloric rations containing 4 graded levels of lysine. All of the 16 groups of the hens received a different diet. This was achieved by suitable combinations within the feeding regime. The control animals received, at all periods of age, food prepared on the basis of government-controlled standard rations. No significant differences in the level of food consumption were observed between the experimental groups whereas the control birds consumed more food (124 g per bird/day) than the experimental hens (120 g per bird/day; alpha less than 0.05). The levels of production were in all groups associated with the lysine content of the ration. The lysine-deficient birds produced the smallest eggs, layed the smallest number of eggs and consumed the largest quantity of food per 100 g of egg weight. The egg production of the hens in groups 11 and 12 (receiving a fish meal ration during the rearing period and a fish meal or wheat ration + 0.15% L-lysine during the laying period) was 70% of that of the birds in the control groups. The results of the present trial suggest that lysine-supplemented high-protein wheat rations for laying hens could be used but care should be taken that the plane of feeding for the young hens will not be too much restricted.", "contents": "[Substitution of protein animal feed through lysine-supplemented high-protein wheat during the breeding and laying periods of hens. 5. Influence of graded lysine supplements fed during the laying period on the production characteristics of hens]. A large-scale trial was performed with 1500 laying hens which were kept under conditions of industrial egg production. The trial was carried out to investigate whether supplements of L-lysine would increase the food value of high-protein wheat and in which way a proportional decrease of dietary protein by 50% would affect the egg production of the hens. Additionally, studies were made to investigate whether the egg production of the hens was influenced by changes in the plane of feeding of the young hens during their rearing period. Both the young hens and the laying hens received isonitrogenous and isocaloric rations containing 4 graded levels of lysine. All of the 16 groups of the hens received a different diet. This was achieved by suitable combinations within the feeding regime. The control animals received, at all periods of age, food prepared on the basis of government-controlled standard rations. No significant differences in the level of food consumption were observed between the experimental groups whereas the control birds consumed more food (124 g per bird/day) than the experimental hens (120 g per bird/day; alpha less than 0.05). The levels of production were in all groups associated with the lysine content of the ration. The lysine-deficient birds produced the smallest eggs, layed the smallest number of eggs and consumed the largest quantity of food per 100 g of egg weight. The egg production of the hens in groups 11 and 12 (receiving a fish meal ration during the rearing period and a fish meal or wheat ration + 0.15% L-lysine during the laying period) was 70% of that of the birds in the control groups. The results of the present trial suggest that lysine-supplemented high-protein wheat rations for laying hens could be used but care should be taken that the plane of feeding for the young hens will not be too much restricted.", "PMID": 985665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1632", "title": "Biological controls in mixed trichostrongyle infections.", "content": "The parasite reaction phenotype of 80 lambs was determined with natural infection on pasture. These lambs were then assigned to outcome groups and randomized into treatment groups. Developing some simple but unusual analytical techniques it was possible to demonstrate that mixed natural infections of trichostrongyles with the chief biomass component Haemonchus contortus cayugensis protected against superinfections with 35000 infective larvae but protected against superinfections with 1000 infective larvae per day only within the limits characteristic of the enclosing barn ecosystem. The limits of the barn ecosystem were less constraining on more diathetic sheep than the natural pasture infection. Internal evidence from the experiment suggests that the interaction of sheep X pasture X infective trichostrongylid larvae constrains the parasite biomass in the host in more diathetic animals at significantly lower levels. Anaphylactoid 'self-cure' did not occur in this experiment but something like premunition certainly did.", "contents": "Biological controls in mixed trichostrongyle infections. The parasite reaction phenotype of 80 lambs was determined with natural infection on pasture. These lambs were then assigned to outcome groups and randomized into treatment groups. Developing some simple but unusual analytical techniques it was possible to demonstrate that mixed natural infections of trichostrongyles with the chief biomass component Haemonchus contortus cayugensis protected against superinfections with 35000 infective larvae but protected against superinfections with 1000 infective larvae per day only within the limits characteristic of the enclosing barn ecosystem. The limits of the barn ecosystem were less constraining on more diathetic sheep than the natural pasture infection. Internal evidence from the experiment suggests that the interaction of sheep X pasture X infective trichostrongylid larvae constrains the parasite biomass in the host in more diathetic animals at significantly lower levels. Anaphylactoid 'self-cure' did not occur in this experiment but something like premunition certainly did.", "PMID": 985666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1633", "title": "[Nitrogen metabolism of broilers fed 15-N labeled wheat.5. Skin, feathers and 15-N balance].", "content": "In the present study 17 four-week-old broilers received a ration supplemented with 15N labelled wheat for a period of 2 days. The 15N excess was 295mg. 3 birds each were killed 3, 6, 12, 60 and 108 hours after administration of the last 15N dose. The present communication provides data on the N and 15N content of the bone skin, feathers and data on the 15N balance. On an average, 11% of the amount of 15N administered were found in medullar bones. A fairly uniform pattern of 15N labelling was observed at the different test points of the skin while the time pattern of 15N frequencies in the feathers was non-directional. 15N' balance showed that at all the 6 test point the range of error for the recovery rates was less than 3%. The present study substantiated the suitability of the stable N isotope for use in N metabolism trials.", "contents": "[Nitrogen metabolism of broilers fed 15-N labeled wheat.5. Skin, feathers and 15-N balance]. In the present study 17 four-week-old broilers received a ration supplemented with 15N labelled wheat for a period of 2 days. The 15N excess was 295mg. 3 birds each were killed 3, 6, 12, 60 and 108 hours after administration of the last 15N dose. The present communication provides data on the N and 15N content of the bone skin, feathers and data on the 15N balance. On an average, 11% of the amount of 15N administered were found in medullar bones. A fairly uniform pattern of 15N labelling was observed at the different test points of the skin while the time pattern of 15N frequencies in the feathers was non-directional. 15N' balance showed that at all the 6 test point the range of error for the recovery rates was less than 3%. The present study substantiated the suitability of the stable N isotope for use in N metabolism trials.", "PMID": 985667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1634", "title": "Active immunization against tetanus of children suffering with diabetes mellitus.", "content": "The authors report on the anti-tatanus reimmunization of 76 diabetic children and adolescents hospitalized in the Diabetic Ward for Children in Varshetz. All patients had insulin-deficient diabetes and they were treatedwith insulin Lente. The diet was limited and physiological. Thirty-n-ne of the patients had diabetes in a state of compensation, while the remaining 37 patients were in a state of decompensation without acetonuria. The reimmunization was well tolerated and no strong general and local reactions were observed. The authors do not establish statistically significant differences during an overnight period in the blood sugar level and the degree of glucosuria before and after reimmunization. They conclude that the immunization does not disturb the metabolic processes. On the 20th day after the reimmunization 98.6% of the children showed a high antitoxic titre, which suggests that the capacity of diabetics to elaborate a good anti-tetanus immunity is unimpaired. It is recommended that patients with diabetes should be immunized against tetanus during a stage of stabilized diabetes metabolism.", "contents": "Active immunization against tetanus of children suffering with diabetes mellitus. The authors report on the anti-tatanus reimmunization of 76 diabetic children and adolescents hospitalized in the Diabetic Ward for Children in Varshetz. All patients had insulin-deficient diabetes and they were treatedwith insulin Lente. The diet was limited and physiological. Thirty-n-ne of the patients had diabetes in a state of compensation, while the remaining 37 patients were in a state of decompensation without acetonuria. The reimmunization was well tolerated and no strong general and local reactions were observed. The authors do not establish statistically significant differences during an overnight period in the blood sugar level and the degree of glucosuria before and after reimmunization. They conclude that the immunization does not disturb the metabolic processes. On the 20th day after the reimmunization 98.6% of the children showed a high antitoxic titre, which suggests that the capacity of diabetics to elaborate a good anti-tetanus immunity is unimpaired. It is recommended that patients with diabetes should be immunized against tetanus during a stage of stabilized diabetes metabolism.", "PMID": 985669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1635", "title": "Renal localization of 67Ga-citrate in renal amyloidosis: case reports.", "content": "In scans taken 72 hr after intravenous administration of 5 mCi of 67Ga-citrate, both kidneys were clearly visible in two cases of histologically proven renal amyloidosis. Neither patient had clinical manifestations or laboratory evidence of concurrent inflammatory disease or tumor involving the kidneys. Increased renal concentration of lysosomal organelles and increased affinity of 67Ga for amyloid material contained in the organelles could explain the renal uptake of 67Ga in amyloidosis.", "contents": "Renal localization of 67Ga-citrate in renal amyloidosis: case reports. In scans taken 72 hr after intravenous administration of 5 mCi of 67Ga-citrate, both kidneys were clearly visible in two cases of histologically proven renal amyloidosis. Neither patient had clinical manifestations or laboratory evidence of concurrent inflammatory disease or tumor involving the kidneys. Increased renal concentration of lysosomal organelles and increased affinity of 67Ga for amyloid material contained in the organelles could explain the renal uptake of 67Ga in amyloidosis.", "PMID": 985673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1636", "title": "Diagnosis and epidural hematoma by brain scan and perfusion study: case report.", "content": "By using the arterial and venous phases of an anterior cerebral perfusion study, which showed downward displacement of the sagittal sinus, and the finding of a \"rim\" on the delayed scans, the specific diagnosis of epidural hematoma was established.", "contents": "Diagnosis and epidural hematoma by brain scan and perfusion study: case report. By using the arterial and venous phases of an anterior cerebral perfusion study, which showed downward displacement of the sagittal sinus, and the finding of a \"rim\" on the delayed scans, the specific diagnosis of epidural hematoma was established.", "PMID": 985674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1637", "title": "[Transfusion of blood with HL-A type. A study with 2,380 donors (author's transl)].", "content": "Patients receiving repeated transfusions sooner or later develop an anti-HL-A immunization. To prevent or to delay this immunization by transfusing \"deleucocyted\" blood appears in the long run, to be a vague hope. So, it became essential to use blood from donors typed for the HL-A system. In this study we have examined what would happen if a pool of 2,380 HL-A type donors were available for 110 recipients. Twenty five per cent of the recipients will have blood available from more than 5 donors with the same HL-A types as themselves, and 71% of them can receive blood from more than 5 donors sharing at least one antigen at each locus (and with no antigen known to be different between them).", "contents": "[Transfusion of blood with HL-A type. A study with 2,380 donors (author's transl)]. Patients receiving repeated transfusions sooner or later develop an anti-HL-A immunization. To prevent or to delay this immunization by transfusing \"deleucocyted\" blood appears in the long run, to be a vague hope. So, it became essential to use blood from donors typed for the HL-A system. In this study we have examined what would happen if a pool of 2,380 HL-A type donors were available for 110 recipients. Twenty five per cent of the recipients will have blood available from more than 5 donors with the same HL-A types as themselves, and 71% of them can receive blood from more than 5 donors sharing at least one antigen at each locus (and with no antigen known to be different between them).", "PMID": 985685} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1638", "title": "Factor structure of locus of control in children.", "content": "The purpose of the present study was to identify the factor structure of the Children's Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Control scale. To this end, the responses of Ss at the elementary (n = 449), junior high (n = 388) and high school (n = 389) were subjected to factor analysis procedures. Both general and specific factors were found. It was suggested that locus of control scales be prepared so as to yield a general as well as specific, score to allow the investigator to choose the appropriate measure of locus of control for his purposes.", "contents": "Factor structure of locus of control in children. The purpose of the present study was to identify the factor structure of the Children's Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Control scale. To this end, the responses of Ss at the elementary (n = 449), junior high (n = 388) and high school (n = 389) were subjected to factor analysis procedures. Both general and specific factors were found. It was suggested that locus of control scales be prepared so as to yield a general as well as specific, score to allow the investigator to choose the appropriate measure of locus of control for his purposes.", "PMID": 985686} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1639", "title": "Low frequency dynamic viscoelastic properties of human mitral valve tissue.", "content": "The dynamic viscoelasticity of the anterior leaflet of human mitral valves was investigated by subjecting the ventricular aspect of membranous samples of the tissue to sinusoidal fluid pressures. The frequency range of the stressing function used was from 0.5 Hz to 5 Hz. The storage modulus of the tissue was found to be independent of the stressing frequency and an average value of 2.55 (SE = 0-12) X 10(8) dyn cm-2 was observed. Losses were small and the phase shift between stressing function and resulting strain and hence the loss modulus increased with frequency. For the frequency range investigated the phase shift varied from 0.04 to 0.06 rad and the loss modulus was of the order of 10(7) dyn cm-2. From the observed data it was concluded that any tissue substitute used in mitral valve replacement should be rather inextensible and have a low loss modulus. Also under normal physiological conditions, the mitral valve cannot bulge into the left atrium during peak ventricular systole and hence events in the cardiac cycle, such as the presence of the atrial pressure 'c' wave, that involve the distensibility of the valve need to be re-examined.", "contents": "Low frequency dynamic viscoelastic properties of human mitral valve tissue. The dynamic viscoelasticity of the anterior leaflet of human mitral valves was investigated by subjecting the ventricular aspect of membranous samples of the tissue to sinusoidal fluid pressures. The frequency range of the stressing function used was from 0.5 Hz to 5 Hz. The storage modulus of the tissue was found to be independent of the stressing frequency and an average value of 2.55 (SE = 0-12) X 10(8) dyn cm-2 was observed. Losses were small and the phase shift between stressing function and resulting strain and hence the loss modulus increased with frequency. For the frequency range investigated the phase shift varied from 0.04 to 0.06 rad and the loss modulus was of the order of 10(7) dyn cm-2. From the observed data it was concluded that any tissue substitute used in mitral valve replacement should be rather inextensible and have a low loss modulus. Also under normal physiological conditions, the mitral valve cannot bulge into the left atrium during peak ventricular systole and hence events in the cardiac cycle, such as the presence of the atrial pressure 'c' wave, that involve the distensibility of the valve need to be re-examined.", "PMID": 985687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1640", "title": "Use of levamisole in the treatment of parasitic tracheobronchitis in the dog.", "content": "Of 36 dogs with a history of chronic coughing or dysponea examined by bronchoscopy, eight were found to have parasitic tracheobronchitis. Oral treatment with the anthelmintic levamisole at a rate of 7.5 mg per kg bodyweight was found to be successful in every case.", "contents": "Use of levamisole in the treatment of parasitic tracheobronchitis in the dog. Of 36 dogs with a history of chronic coughing or dysponea examined by bronchoscopy, eight were found to have parasitic tracheobronchitis. Oral treatment with the anthelmintic levamisole at a rate of 7.5 mg per kg bodyweight was found to be successful in every case.", "PMID": 985691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1641", "title": "Seasonal changes in the plasma retinol-binding holoprotein concentration of sheep.", "content": "1. Seasonal variations in plasma retinol-binding holoprotein concentration have been found in two groups of entire ewes and in a control group of wethers (castrated rams). 2. In each group retinol-binding holoprotein level was minimal in summer and increased to peak values in September just before the autumn breeding season.", "contents": "Seasonal changes in the plasma retinol-binding holoprotein concentration of sheep. 1. Seasonal variations in plasma retinol-binding holoprotein concentration have been found in two groups of entire ewes and in a control group of wethers (castrated rams). 2. In each group retinol-binding holoprotein level was minimal in summer and increased to peak values in September just before the autumn breeding season.", "PMID": 985696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1642", "title": "Complexity and specificity of polysomal poly(A+) RNA in mouse tissues.", "content": "Base sequence complexities of polysomal poly(A+)RNA from mouse embryo, brain, and liver have been estimated by hybridization to homologous cDNA to be approximately 7 x 109, 1.5 x 1010, and 7 x109 daltons, respectively. By annealing each cDNA with a large excess of total mouse embryo DNA, the genes coding for the polysomal poly(A+) sequences were shown to be unique. Heterologous hybridization experiments showed that the high abundance class of poly(A+) sequences in one tissue is not identical with the high abundance class in other tissues. However, at least 55%, and possibly more, of the poly(A+) RNA in one tissue is present in the poly(A+) RNA of another tissue.", "contents": "Complexity and specificity of polysomal poly(A+) RNA in mouse tissues. Base sequence complexities of polysomal poly(A+)RNA from mouse embryo, brain, and liver have been estimated by hybridization to homologous cDNA to be approximately 7 x 109, 1.5 x 1010, and 7 x109 daltons, respectively. By annealing each cDNA with a large excess of total mouse embryo DNA, the genes coding for the polysomal poly(A+) sequences were shown to be unique. Heterologous hybridization experiments showed that the high abundance class of poly(A+) sequences in one tissue is not identical with the high abundance class in other tissues. However, at least 55%, and possibly more, of the poly(A+) RNA in one tissue is present in the poly(A+) RNA of another tissue.", "PMID": 985697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1643", "title": "Crystalline 3-phospho-d-glycerate kinase from horse muscle.", "content": "Phosphoglycerate kinase has been isolated in crystalline form from horse muscle. A convenient isolation procedure is described that yields homogeneous enzyme of specific activity 700 units/mg (30 degrees C). The enzyme is monomeric, and has a molecular weight 47 000. Of the eight cysteine residues in the protein, two react rapidly with Nbs21 with the concomitant loss of the catalytic activity. Since the isolation of phosphoglycerate kinase from yeast (B\u00fccher, 1955) there have been several reports of purification methods yielding enzyme approaching molecular homogeneity, from rabbit muscle (Beisenherz et al., 1953; Czok and B\u00fccher, 1960; Rao and Oesper, 1961; Avramov and Repin, 1965; and Scopes, 1969) and from chicken muscle (Gosselin-Rey, 1965). Crystalline material has been isolated from human erythrocytes (Hashimoto and Yoshikawa, 1962), and from yeast and rabbit muscle (Krietsch and B\u00fccher, 1970). Cystallographic work on phosphoglycerate kinase from horse muscle by Blake et al. (1972) and Blake and Evans (1974) has prompted mechanistic interest in the enzyme, and we report here a simplified isolation procedure and some properties of the crystalline material from this source.", "contents": "Crystalline 3-phospho-d-glycerate kinase from horse muscle. Phosphoglycerate kinase has been isolated in crystalline form from horse muscle. A convenient isolation procedure is described that yields homogeneous enzyme of specific activity 700 units/mg (30 degrees C). The enzyme is monomeric, and has a molecular weight 47 000. Of the eight cysteine residues in the protein, two react rapidly with Nbs21 with the concomitant loss of the catalytic activity. Since the isolation of phosphoglycerate kinase from yeast (B\u00fccher, 1955) there have been several reports of purification methods yielding enzyme approaching molecular homogeneity, from rabbit muscle (Beisenherz et al., 1953; Czok and B\u00fccher, 1960; Rao and Oesper, 1961; Avramov and Repin, 1965; and Scopes, 1969) and from chicken muscle (Gosselin-Rey, 1965). Crystalline material has been isolated from human erythrocytes (Hashimoto and Yoshikawa, 1962), and from yeast and rabbit muscle (Krietsch and B\u00fccher, 1970). Cystallographic work on phosphoglycerate kinase from horse muscle by Blake et al. (1972) and Blake and Evans (1974) has prompted mechanistic interest in the enzyme, and we report here a simplified isolation procedure and some properties of the crystalline material from this source.", "PMID": 985698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1644", "title": "Inactivation of bovine liver 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate aldolase by cyanide in the presence of aldehydes.", "content": "Kinetic data show that the irreversible inactivation of liver 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate aldolase observed when the enzyme is incubated with an aldehydic substrate (or substrate analogue) in the presence of cyanide is a biphasic process and can, under certain conditions, involve a direct interaction between the enzyme and cyanide. The kinetic data are consistent with a scheme consisting of three competing reactions: (1) irreversible addition of cyanide to the enzyme-substrate Schiff base intermediate, (2) reversible cyanohydrin formation between cyanide and the aldehydic substrate (or substrate analogue), and (3) an interaction of cyanide with the enzyme which is not substrate dependent. Approximately 0.4 mol of cyanide is associated with 1 mol (120 000 g) of enzyme when 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate aldolase is incubated with [14-C]-cyanide followed by exhaustive dialysis; an ionic attachment possibly at a carboxylate binding site, is suggested. Whereas native enzyme, not treated with cyanide, has ten Nbs2-titratable sulfhydryl groups, approximately one less such group reacts with Nbs2 when the aldolase is incubated with cyanide (in the absence of aldehydic substrate). It is suggested that the binding of cyanide results in a conformational change of the enzyme; conformational changes in the presence of cyanide are confirmed by circular dichroism spectra.", "contents": "Inactivation of bovine liver 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate aldolase by cyanide in the presence of aldehydes. Kinetic data show that the irreversible inactivation of liver 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate aldolase observed when the enzyme is incubated with an aldehydic substrate (or substrate analogue) in the presence of cyanide is a biphasic process and can, under certain conditions, involve a direct interaction between the enzyme and cyanide. The kinetic data are consistent with a scheme consisting of three competing reactions: (1) irreversible addition of cyanide to the enzyme-substrate Schiff base intermediate, (2) reversible cyanohydrin formation between cyanide and the aldehydic substrate (or substrate analogue), and (3) an interaction of cyanide with the enzyme which is not substrate dependent. Approximately 0.4 mol of cyanide is associated with 1 mol (120 000 g) of enzyme when 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate aldolase is incubated with [14-C]-cyanide followed by exhaustive dialysis; an ionic attachment possibly at a carboxylate binding site, is suggested. Whereas native enzyme, not treated with cyanide, has ten Nbs2-titratable sulfhydryl groups, approximately one less such group reacts with Nbs2 when the aldolase is incubated with cyanide (in the absence of aldehydic substrate). It is suggested that the binding of cyanide results in a conformational change of the enzyme; conformational changes in the presence of cyanide are confirmed by circular dichroism spectra.", "PMID": 985699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1645", "title": "Biosynthesis of prostaglandin F2alpha from arachidonic acid and prostaglandin endoperoxides in the uterus.", "content": "Formation of prostaglandin F2Alpha in the cow and guinea pig uterus microsomes was studied using 14C-labeled arachidonic acid and prostaglandin H2. The total conversion of arachidonic acid was of a low order and underwent fluctuations during the estrous cycle of the guinea pig, being highest towards the end of the cycle. Injections of beta-estradiol-3-benzoate also resulted in higher activity of the uterine prostaglandin synthetase. The uterine prostaglandin synthesizing system appeared to differ in several respects from that present in seminal vesicles, with regard to the proportions of the products formed and the effects of various agents, e.g. reduced glutathione. An inhibiting factor which supressed the fatty acid cyclo-oxygenase was found to be present in uterine preparations. Prostaglandin endoperoxide (prostaglandin H2) was very efficiently reduced to prostaglandin F2alpha by cow and guinea-pig uterus microsomes. Prostaglandin G2 also gave rise to prostaglandin F2alpha. Prostaglandin E2, on the other hand, was not reduced. Both the inhibiting factor and the endoperoxide reducing activity are likely to be parts of a highly specialized mechanism that modulates prostaglandin F2alpha formation in the uterus.", "contents": "Biosynthesis of prostaglandin F2alpha from arachidonic acid and prostaglandin endoperoxides in the uterus. Formation of prostaglandin F2Alpha in the cow and guinea pig uterus microsomes was studied using 14C-labeled arachidonic acid and prostaglandin H2. The total conversion of arachidonic acid was of a low order and underwent fluctuations during the estrous cycle of the guinea pig, being highest towards the end of the cycle. Injections of beta-estradiol-3-benzoate also resulted in higher activity of the uterine prostaglandin synthetase. The uterine prostaglandin synthesizing system appeared to differ in several respects from that present in seminal vesicles, with regard to the proportions of the products formed and the effects of various agents, e.g. reduced glutathione. An inhibiting factor which supressed the fatty acid cyclo-oxygenase was found to be present in uterine preparations. Prostaglandin endoperoxide (prostaglandin H2) was very efficiently reduced to prostaglandin F2alpha by cow and guinea-pig uterus microsomes. Prostaglandin G2 also gave rise to prostaglandin F2alpha. Prostaglandin E2, on the other hand, was not reduced. Both the inhibiting factor and the endoperoxide reducing activity are likely to be parts of a highly specialized mechanism that modulates prostaglandin F2alpha formation in the uterus.", "PMID": 985700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1646", "title": "A high-resolution NMR study (1H, 13C, 31P) of the interaction of paramagnetic ions with phospholipids in aqueous dispersions.", "content": "1H-, 13C- and 31P-NMR spectra of egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidic acid (PA) and cosonicated mixtures of these phospholipids were obtained from ultrasonicated dispersions containing Pr3+, Eu3+, Gd3+ and Mn2+ ions. The differences in chemical shift values, deltaN, between the \"inner\" and \"outer\" resonance signals for the different nuclei of the polar head group of egg-yolk phosphatidyl choline provide information about the average distances of the paramagnetic ion within the polar groups of the phospholipid molecules. In the Pr(2H2O)3+n/egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine system the ions are nearest to the phosphate and -CH2CH2 group, respectively but relatively far from the N(CH3)3 group of the polar head group of the lipid. The integral analysis of the 1H-NMR spectra obtained from dispersions containing Pr3+ and Mn2+ ions enables us to calculate the number of the polar groups in both sides of the egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine bilayer, the size of lipid vesicle and to give some features of the arrangement of the phospholipid molecules in cosonicated egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylserine vesicles. At p2H 8.3 in PC/PS mixtures an extreme asymmetry is observed with PS preferentially in the outer side of the membrane. This side contains approximately three times more PS than PC molecules. Some comments are made concerning the quantitative integral analysis of proton-noise decoupled 31P-NMR spectra as obtained from similar phospholipid mixtures by Michaelson et al. and Berden et al.", "contents": "A high-resolution NMR study (1H, 13C, 31P) of the interaction of paramagnetic ions with phospholipids in aqueous dispersions. 1H-, 13C- and 31P-NMR spectra of egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidic acid (PA) and cosonicated mixtures of these phospholipids were obtained from ultrasonicated dispersions containing Pr3+, Eu3+, Gd3+ and Mn2+ ions. The differences in chemical shift values, deltaN, between the \"inner\" and \"outer\" resonance signals for the different nuclei of the polar head group of egg-yolk phosphatidyl choline provide information about the average distances of the paramagnetic ion within the polar groups of the phospholipid molecules. In the Pr(2H2O)3+n/egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine system the ions are nearest to the phosphate and -CH2CH2 group, respectively but relatively far from the N(CH3)3 group of the polar head group of the lipid. The integral analysis of the 1H-NMR spectra obtained from dispersions containing Pr3+ and Mn2+ ions enables us to calculate the number of the polar groups in both sides of the egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine bilayer, the size of lipid vesicle and to give some features of the arrangement of the phospholipid molecules in cosonicated egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylserine vesicles. At p2H 8.3 in PC/PS mixtures an extreme asymmetry is observed with PS preferentially in the outer side of the membrane. This side contains approximately three times more PS than PC molecules. Some comments are made concerning the quantitative integral analysis of proton-noise decoupled 31P-NMR spectra as obtained from similar phospholipid mixtures by Michaelson et al. and Berden et al.", "PMID": 985701} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1647", "title": "[Role of the adenyl cyclase system in achieving the immunogenesis-stimulating action of bacterial lipopolysaccharides--pyrogenal and endogenous serum pyrogen].", "content": "Experiments were conducted on rabbits immunized intraperitoneally with corpuscular typhoid vaccine; the number of antibody-forming cells in the spleen proved to increase after tha administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)--pyropeneal, and endogenous serum pyrogen (EPS) together with theopylline. The data obtained indicated that the adenylcyclase system played a certain role in the mechanism of the stimulating action of LPS and EPS.", "contents": "[Role of the adenyl cyclase system in achieving the immunogenesis-stimulating action of bacterial lipopolysaccharides--pyrogenal and endogenous serum pyrogen]. Experiments were conducted on rabbits immunized intraperitoneally with corpuscular typhoid vaccine; the number of antibody-forming cells in the spleen proved to increase after tha administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)--pyropeneal, and endogenous serum pyrogen (EPS) together with theopylline. The data obtained indicated that the adenylcyclase system played a certain role in the mechanism of the stimulating action of LPS and EPS.", "PMID": 985702} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1648", "title": "[Correction of the immune response to sheep erythrocytes in mice of different strains using polyelectrolytes].", "content": "Inbred mice--C57BL, A, C57BR, C3H and CBA strains with a high, medium and low response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were injected with polymeres--poly-4-vinylpyridine (P-4-VP) and polyacrilic acid (PAA), and were immunized with SRBC; production of antibody-forming cells in their spleen was determined. It was shown that the administration of P-4-VP to C57BL mice was followed by a 5--fold increase of the immune response and injection of PAA--by a 4-fold increase. Injection of P-4-VP and PAA to CBA mice increase the immune response 2.5- and 2.8-fold, respectively. In the C57BR mice P-4-VP increased the immune response 4 times, and PAA--4.7 times. Treatment of C3H mice with P-4VP was followed by a 2-fold and with PAA by a 2.4-fold increase of the immune response. Injection of P-4-VP and PAA to CBA mice had no effect on the immune response. Thus, with the increase of the immunological reactivity to sheep erythrocytes in the mentioned strains of mice there was observed a reduction of the enhancing effect of the polymeres to the immune response.", "contents": "[Correction of the immune response to sheep erythrocytes in mice of different strains using polyelectrolytes]. Inbred mice--C57BL, A, C57BR, C3H and CBA strains with a high, medium and low response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were injected with polymeres--poly-4-vinylpyridine (P-4-VP) and polyacrilic acid (PAA), and were immunized with SRBC; production of antibody-forming cells in their spleen was determined. It was shown that the administration of P-4-VP to C57BL mice was followed by a 5--fold increase of the immune response and injection of PAA--by a 4-fold increase. Injection of P-4-VP and PAA to CBA mice increase the immune response 2.5- and 2.8-fold, respectively. In the C57BR mice P-4-VP increased the immune response 4 times, and PAA--4.7 times. Treatment of C3H mice with P-4VP was followed by a 2-fold and with PAA by a 2.4-fold increase of the immune response. Injection of P-4-VP and PAA to CBA mice had no effect on the immune response. Thus, with the increase of the immunological reactivity to sheep erythrocytes in the mentioned strains of mice there was observed a reduction of the enhancing effect of the polymeres to the immune response.", "PMID": 985703} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1649", "title": "Factor XI activity and factor XI antigen in homozygous and heterozygous factor XI deficiency.", "content": "A relatively potent antiserum against highly purified, unactivated human factor XI antigen was raised in a rabbit. This antiserum, after concentration, neutralized 50% of the factor XI clotting activity of a standard normal plasma at an antiserum dilution of 1/900. The antiserum was used in a neutralization-inhibition assay to study the relation between factor XI clotting activity and factor XI antigen in plasma from ten unrelated patients with homozygous factor XI deficiency and from 12 heterozygous family members of these patients. No evidence of factor XI antigen significantly in excess of factor XI activity was found in either group. All data to date have been consistent with the hypothesis that hereditary factor XI deficiency represents a genetic disorder resulting from the absence of factor XI molecule. Severity of bleeding in factor XI deficiency could not be correlated with the level of factor XI activity or factor XI antigen.", "contents": "Factor XI activity and factor XI antigen in homozygous and heterozygous factor XI deficiency. A relatively potent antiserum against highly purified, unactivated human factor XI antigen was raised in a rabbit. This antiserum, after concentration, neutralized 50% of the factor XI clotting activity of a standard normal plasma at an antiserum dilution of 1/900. The antiserum was used in a neutralization-inhibition assay to study the relation between factor XI clotting activity and factor XI antigen in plasma from ten unrelated patients with homozygous factor XI deficiency and from 12 heterozygous family members of these patients. No evidence of factor XI antigen significantly in excess of factor XI activity was found in either group. All data to date have been consistent with the hypothesis that hereditary factor XI deficiency represents a genetic disorder resulting from the absence of factor XI molecule. Severity of bleeding in factor XI deficiency could not be correlated with the level of factor XI activity or factor XI antigen.", "PMID": 985704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1650", "title": "Diencephalic dopamine receptors and regulation of pituitary-testicular system.", "content": "Injection of dopamine, DOPA or apomorphine into the third brain ventricle resulted in an increase in the plasma testosterone level. Pimozide, blocking dopamine receptors, as well as complete, long-posterior and posterior but not anterior deafferentation of the MBH abolished the stimulating action of dopamine. After direct injection of dopamine into the arcuate nucleus there was no stimulating effect on the pituitary-gonadal system. At the same time, local injections of dopamine and apomorphine into the medial part of the subthalamus or periventricular gray matter of the caudal thalamus were followed by a distinct increase in the plasms testosterone level. The conclusion is drawn that the brain dopaminergic neurons activating the pituitary-gonadal system in the male are localized outside the hypophyseotrophic area of hypothalamus in zona incerta and caudal part of the thalamus. After stimulation of diencephalic dopamine receptors, nervous impulses are transmitted to the MBH through the posterior hypothalamic pathways.", "contents": "Diencephalic dopamine receptors and regulation of pituitary-testicular system. Injection of dopamine, DOPA or apomorphine into the third brain ventricle resulted in an increase in the plasma testosterone level. Pimozide, blocking dopamine receptors, as well as complete, long-posterior and posterior but not anterior deafferentation of the MBH abolished the stimulating action of dopamine. After direct injection of dopamine into the arcuate nucleus there was no stimulating effect on the pituitary-gonadal system. At the same time, local injections of dopamine and apomorphine into the medial part of the subthalamus or periventricular gray matter of the caudal thalamus were followed by a distinct increase in the plasms testosterone level. The conclusion is drawn that the brain dopaminergic neurons activating the pituitary-gonadal system in the male are localized outside the hypophyseotrophic area of hypothalamus in zona incerta and caudal part of the thalamus. After stimulation of diencephalic dopamine receptors, nervous impulses are transmitted to the MBH through the posterior hypothalamic pathways.", "PMID": 985708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1651", "title": "Free-operant avoidance behavior in rats with lateral septal lesions: Effect of shock intensity.", "content": "The purpose of experiment 1 was to examine the relationship between shock intensity and normal rats' free-operant (Sidman) avoidance performance on a 3-component, multiple schedule. The results showed an inverted U-shaped relation between response rate and shock intensity, but no consistent relation between shock rate and shock intensity was found. Experiment 2 showed that lateral sptal lesions produced a bidirectional change in reactivity to electric shock. An increased reactivity was observed in the initial sessions starting on the 11th day after the surgery, while a reduced reactivity was observed in the final sessions when stable performance had been reacquired. These changes were not a function of the waning of general hyperreactivity with post-operative recovery: the septal lesions in this study did not produce any \"sham rage\". From 40 to 80% of the variance in response rates was accounted for by this bidirectional change in the reactivity to shock.", "contents": "Free-operant avoidance behavior in rats with lateral septal lesions: Effect of shock intensity. The purpose of experiment 1 was to examine the relationship between shock intensity and normal rats' free-operant (Sidman) avoidance performance on a 3-component, multiple schedule. The results showed an inverted U-shaped relation between response rate and shock intensity, but no consistent relation between shock rate and shock intensity was found. Experiment 2 showed that lateral sptal lesions produced a bidirectional change in reactivity to electric shock. An increased reactivity was observed in the initial sessions starting on the 11th day after the surgery, while a reduced reactivity was observed in the final sessions when stable performance had been reacquired. These changes were not a function of the waning of general hyperreactivity with post-operative recovery: the septal lesions in this study did not produce any \"sham rage\". From 40 to 80% of the variance in response rates was accounted for by this bidirectional change in the reactivity to shock.", "PMID": 985709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1652", "title": "Interaction between radiation and drug damage in mammalian cells. II. The effect of actinomycin-D on the repair of the sublethal radiation damage in plateau phase cells.", "content": "The effect of actinomycin-D (AMD) on radiation damage repair was studied in plateau phase V79 Chinese hamster cells. Sublethal radiation damage repair, as demonstrated by survival fluctuations following two x-ray exposures separted by time, was observed in our plateau phase cells. Plateau phase cells exposed to 0.01-0.04 mug/ml AMD (a nontoxic regimen to 8 hours) between x-ray exposures were less able to repair sublethal damage. If plateau phase cells were plated at low dilutions into fresh medium (conditions for resuming exponential growth) immediately after the first x-ray dose, and exposed to 0.01--0.04 mug/ml AMD until the second dose, inhibition of sublethal damage repair and additional cell killing were observed particularly at 0.04 mug/ml AMD. It is suggested that radiation-drug damage interactions should be studied in plateau phase cells and in cells resuming exponential growth after plateau phase (possibly analogous to \"recruitment\"), as well as in exponential phase cultures.", "contents": "Interaction between radiation and drug damage in mammalian cells. II. The effect of actinomycin-D on the repair of the sublethal radiation damage in plateau phase cells. The effect of actinomycin-D (AMD) on radiation damage repair was studied in plateau phase V79 Chinese hamster cells. Sublethal radiation damage repair, as demonstrated by survival fluctuations following two x-ray exposures separted by time, was observed in our plateau phase cells. Plateau phase cells exposed to 0.01-0.04 mug/ml AMD (a nontoxic regimen to 8 hours) between x-ray exposures were less able to repair sublethal damage. If plateau phase cells were plated at low dilutions into fresh medium (conditions for resuming exponential growth) immediately after the first x-ray dose, and exposed to 0.01--0.04 mug/ml AMD until the second dose, inhibition of sublethal damage repair and additional cell killing were observed particularly at 0.04 mug/ml AMD. It is suggested that radiation-drug damage interactions should be studied in plateau phase cells and in cells resuming exponential growth after plateau phase (possibly analogous to \"recruitment\"), as well as in exponential phase cultures.", "PMID": 985734} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1653", "title": "Immunodiagnosis and monitoring of gonadotrophin-producing metastases in the central nervous system.", "content": "Measurements of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) concentration in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been made on patients with gonadotrophin-producing tumors. In the absence of brain metastases the spinal fluid concentration is, within wide limits, proportional to that in the plasma. In 73 patients with gestational choriocarcinoma the mean plasma/spinal fluid ratio was 286 with a lowest value of 64. In five patients with gonadotrophin-producing teratomas the mean ratio was 208 with a lowest value of 104. In 29/33 patients with brain metastases the plasma:CSF ratio was less than 60 at the time confirmatory evidence of brain metastases was obtained. One patient with a gonadotrophin-producing teratoma had a brain metastasis that apparently failed to produce HCG and this metastasis failed to show the histologic features of choriocarcinoma. Monitoring the plasma:CSF ratio provided evidence of brain metastases in 13/18 patients who were undergoing chemotherapy for extensive metastatic disease before confirmatory evidence was obtained by other methods. The lead-in time between assay diagnosis and diagnosis by other methods ranged from 1-20 weeks. Monitoring the plasma:CSF ratio provided a means of observing the response of cerebral metastases to therapy. In some patients the CSF HCG concentration exceeded the plasma concentration indicating that the higher CSF values in patients with CNS metastases cannot be attributed to impairment of the blood-brain barrier. Direct secretion of tumor products into CSF or indirect secretion into CSF via cerebral extracellular fluid evidently occurs. In contrast with radiographic and radionucleide detection methods, a chemical marker indicates the metabolic activity of tumor cells within the central nervous system and provides a basis for monitoring that activity.", "contents": "Immunodiagnosis and monitoring of gonadotrophin-producing metastases in the central nervous system. Measurements of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) concentration in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been made on patients with gonadotrophin-producing tumors. In the absence of brain metastases the spinal fluid concentration is, within wide limits, proportional to that in the plasma. In 73 patients with gestational choriocarcinoma the mean plasma/spinal fluid ratio was 286 with a lowest value of 64. In five patients with gonadotrophin-producing teratomas the mean ratio was 208 with a lowest value of 104. In 29/33 patients with brain metastases the plasma:CSF ratio was less than 60 at the time confirmatory evidence of brain metastases was obtained. One patient with a gonadotrophin-producing teratoma had a brain metastasis that apparently failed to produce HCG and this metastasis failed to show the histologic features of choriocarcinoma. Monitoring the plasma:CSF ratio provided evidence of brain metastases in 13/18 patients who were undergoing chemotherapy for extensive metastatic disease before confirmatory evidence was obtained by other methods. The lead-in time between assay diagnosis and diagnosis by other methods ranged from 1-20 weeks. Monitoring the plasma:CSF ratio provided a means of observing the response of cerebral metastases to therapy. In some patients the CSF HCG concentration exceeded the plasma concentration indicating that the higher CSF values in patients with CNS metastases cannot be attributed to impairment of the blood-brain barrier. Direct secretion of tumor products into CSF or indirect secretion into CSF via cerebral extracellular fluid evidently occurs. In contrast with radiographic and radionucleide detection methods, a chemical marker indicates the metabolic activity of tumor cells within the central nervous system and provides a basis for monitoring that activity.", "PMID": 985735} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1654", "title": "Immunochemical detection of human enzymes in hybrid cells.", "content": "Rabbit antisera have been produced against each of three purified human enzymes: a cytoplasmic form of NADP-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH, EC 1.1.1.42), phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI, EC 5.3.1.9), and hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT, EC 2.4.2.8), and they have been used for immunoprecipitation reactions to detect human-specific enzymes in various human-mouse somatic cell hybrids. Under optimal conditions, enzyme activity was eliminated from human cell lysate, but no reduction of enzyme activity was found in the mouse cell lysate. Differential enzyme precipitation by these human-specific antisera was observed in human-mouse hybrid cells. Analysis on starch gel electrophoresis revealed that not only the human homodimer, but also human-mouse heterodimer molecules, in cases of PGI and IDH, were precipitated. Thus this method is sensitive and allows quantitative determination of human-specific enzymes. The presence of a human-specific enzyme identified by this method correlated with the presence of a particular human chromosome permitting assignments of the human cytoplasmic forms of NADP-linked IDH, human PGI, and human HGPRT genes to chromosomes 2, 19, and X, respectively. These assignments are consistent with published data (Ruddle, 1973).", "contents": "Immunochemical detection of human enzymes in hybrid cells. Rabbit antisera have been produced against each of three purified human enzymes: a cytoplasmic form of NADP-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH, EC 1.1.1.42), phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI, EC 5.3.1.9), and hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT, EC 2.4.2.8), and they have been used for immunoprecipitation reactions to detect human-specific enzymes in various human-mouse somatic cell hybrids. Under optimal conditions, enzyme activity was eliminated from human cell lysate, but no reduction of enzyme activity was found in the mouse cell lysate. Differential enzyme precipitation by these human-specific antisera was observed in human-mouse hybrid cells. Analysis on starch gel electrophoresis revealed that not only the human homodimer, but also human-mouse heterodimer molecules, in cases of PGI and IDH, were precipitated. Thus this method is sensitive and allows quantitative determination of human-specific enzymes. The presence of a human-specific enzyme identified by this method correlated with the presence of a particular human chromosome permitting assignments of the human cytoplasmic forms of NADP-linked IDH, human PGI, and human HGPRT genes to chromosomes 2, 19, and X, respectively. These assignments are consistent with published data (Ruddle, 1973).", "PMID": 985736} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1655", "title": "Partial purification of the ovalbumin gene.", "content": "Cellulose-bound DNA complementary to ovalbumin mRNA was used in a continous hybridization system to isolate single-stranded DNA molecules containing the ovalbumin gene. Fragmented DNA segments containing the ovalbumin gene were enriched 300-350 fold in one cycle of purification. Two cycles of purification resulted in a DNA fraction which was enriched 2300 fold in the ovalbumin sequence. The method is suitable for purification of the ovalbumin sequence from both sheared DNA fragments, as well as larger molecular weight DNA containing more than twice the number of nucleotides necessary to code for ovalbumin mRNA. The chromatographic procedures were specific and reproducible. In addition, the recovery of ovalbumin DNA was essentially quantitative (80-100%), even when large amounts of starting DNA (70-75 mg) were used. This purification scheme should also be useful for the enrichment of other unique sequence gened form eucaryotic DNA.", "contents": "Partial purification of the ovalbumin gene. Cellulose-bound DNA complementary to ovalbumin mRNA was used in a continous hybridization system to isolate single-stranded DNA molecules containing the ovalbumin gene. Fragmented DNA segments containing the ovalbumin gene were enriched 300-350 fold in one cycle of purification. Two cycles of purification resulted in a DNA fraction which was enriched 2300 fold in the ovalbumin sequence. The method is suitable for purification of the ovalbumin sequence from both sheared DNA fragments, as well as larger molecular weight DNA containing more than twice the number of nucleotides necessary to code for ovalbumin mRNA. The chromatographic procedures were specific and reproducible. In addition, the recovery of ovalbumin DNA was essentially quantitative (80-100%), even when large amounts of starting DNA (70-75 mg) were used. This purification scheme should also be useful for the enrichment of other unique sequence gened form eucaryotic DNA.", "PMID": 985737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1656", "title": "Pseudoejection sound in hypertrophic subaortic stenosis: an echocardiographic correlative study.", "content": "Phonoechocardiographic studies were performed in 23 patients with hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. In ten patients a distinct systolic sound was recorded, usually along the lower left sternal border. In eight of these cases the sound was low or medium frequency. Unlike the ejection click of valvular aortic stenosis, the sound began 40-100 msec after the upstroke of the indirect carotid pulse and occurred close to the initial peak of the carotid pulse. This sound, termed pseudoejection sound, was associated with systolic anterior movement (SAM) of the anterior mitral leaflet on the echocardiogram. In all six patients studied with simultaneous phonoechocardiograms, the pseudoejection sound coincided with the sudden halting of SAM of the anterior mitral leaflet. Following provocative maneuvers the sound became louder, and its timing, as well as the sharp halting of SAM of the mitral leaflet, occurred earlier in systole. The pseudoejection sound probably results either from impact of the anterior mitral leaflet against the interventricular septum or more likely from deceleration of blood flow in the left ventricular outflow tract. The echo data support the association of the pseudoejection sound with significant left aventricular outflow obstruction,", "contents": "Pseudoejection sound in hypertrophic subaortic stenosis: an echocardiographic correlative study. Phonoechocardiographic studies were performed in 23 patients with hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. In ten patients a distinct systolic sound was recorded, usually along the lower left sternal border. In eight of these cases the sound was low or medium frequency. Unlike the ejection click of valvular aortic stenosis, the sound began 40-100 msec after the upstroke of the indirect carotid pulse and occurred close to the initial peak of the carotid pulse. This sound, termed pseudoejection sound, was associated with systolic anterior movement (SAM) of the anterior mitral leaflet on the echocardiogram. In all six patients studied with simultaneous phonoechocardiograms, the pseudoejection sound coincided with the sudden halting of SAM of the anterior mitral leaflet. Following provocative maneuvers the sound became louder, and its timing, as well as the sharp halting of SAM of the mitral leaflet, occurred earlier in systole. The pseudoejection sound probably results either from impact of the anterior mitral leaflet against the interventricular septum or more likely from deceleration of blood flow in the left ventricular outflow tract. The echo data support the association of the pseudoejection sound with significant left aventricular outflow obstruction,", "PMID": 985739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1657", "title": "Use of a cholesterol-rich bovine lipoprotein to enhance cholesterol concentrations in the preparation of serum control materials.", "content": "We describe a process for preparing a cholesterol-rich lipoprotein extract from bovine serum. The material is used to enhance cholestrol concentration up to 3.5 g/liter in a clear control material from human serum. The optical clarity of the enriched serum is only slightly affected by lyophilization and reconstitution. The lipoprotein additive neither produces any evidnet interference in the measurement of the commonly analyzed consitutents nor affects the stability of components after lyophilization and reconstitution.", "contents": "Use of a cholesterol-rich bovine lipoprotein to enhance cholesterol concentrations in the preparation of serum control materials. We describe a process for preparing a cholesterol-rich lipoprotein extract from bovine serum. The material is used to enhance cholestrol concentration up to 3.5 g/liter in a clear control material from human serum. The optical clarity of the enriched serum is only slightly affected by lyophilization and reconstitution. The lipoprotein additive neither produces any evidnet interference in the measurement of the commonly analyzed consitutents nor affects the stability of components after lyophilization and reconstitution.", "PMID": 985740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1658", "title": "Pigeon breeders disease. III. A study of a family exposed to doves.", "content": "A family of five individuals exposed to doves in their home were studied to evaluate possible factors leading to sympotmatic hypersensitivity pneumonitis documented in one member of the family, while the other exposed members remained asymptomatic. Antbodies against pigeon serum were domenstrated by radioimmunoassay in all subjects, and significant lymphocyte reactivity against pigeon antigens was demonstrable in three of the five members. The presence of serum antibody activity or lymphocyte reactivity against avian antigens or both did not differentiate the sick from the well family subjects. However, the possibility that increased exposure to antigen may correlate with higher degrees of antibody and lymphocyte reactivity as well as clinical disease is suggested from observation made in this family. No correlation was found between HL-A type and either symptomatic disease or immunological reactivity in these subjects.", "contents": "Pigeon breeders disease. III. A study of a family exposed to doves. A family of five individuals exposed to doves in their home were studied to evaluate possible factors leading to sympotmatic hypersensitivity pneumonitis documented in one member of the family, while the other exposed members remained asymptomatic. Antbodies against pigeon serum were domenstrated by radioimmunoassay in all subjects, and significant lymphocyte reactivity against pigeon antigens was demonstrable in three of the five members. The presence of serum antibody activity or lymphocyte reactivity against avian antigens or both did not differentiate the sick from the well family subjects. However, the possibility that increased exposure to antigen may correlate with higher degrees of antibody and lymphocyte reactivity as well as clinical disease is suggested from observation made in this family. No correlation was found between HL-A type and either symptomatic disease or immunological reactivity in these subjects.", "PMID": 985742} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1659", "title": "In vitro sensitivity of enteric bacteria to epicillin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin and furazolidone.", "content": "Strains of Salmonella typhi (148) and Salmonella paratyphi A (27) isolated from the blood of patients with clinical features of enteric fever were tested in vitro for their sensitivity to epicillin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol and furazolidone. Results from both the disc and tube dilution methods showed that greater percentages of the two strains were sensitive to epicillin than to the other antibiotics.", "contents": "In vitro sensitivity of enteric bacteria to epicillin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin and furazolidone. Strains of Salmonella typhi (148) and Salmonella paratyphi A (27) isolated from the blood of patients with clinical features of enteric fever were tested in vitro for their sensitivity to epicillin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol and furazolidone. Results from both the disc and tube dilution methods showed that greater percentages of the two strains were sensitive to epicillin than to the other antibiotics.", "PMID": 985743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1660", "title": "Ultrastructure of cytoplasmic nucleolus-like bodies and nuclear RNP particles in late prophase of tipulid spermatocytes.", "content": "Late prophase stages of Pales ferruginea (Tipulidae) spermatocytes were examined by means of conventional electron microscopic section technique, combined with cytochemical methods. The cytoplasm of cells in diakinesis contains nucleolus-like bodies (NLB) 1 mum in diameter which are formed in diplotene at the pores of the nuclear membrane. They are compound structures consisting of fibro-granular RNP material which is associated wth one or two electron-dense gobules. The RNP material has a hollow core which contains polyribosomes. The NLBs possibly indicate rRNA gene amplification. At diakinesis the nucleus contains numerous electron-dense RNP particles scattered throughout the chromatin-free karyoplasm, and associated with the condensed chromosomes. The diameter of the chromation associated particles is markedly higher (mean 630 A) than that of the free particles (mean 540 A). The RNP particles seem to be aggregates of 200 A subunits. They are regarded as transcription products of chromosomal genes.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of cytoplasmic nucleolus-like bodies and nuclear RNP particles in late prophase of tipulid spermatocytes. Late prophase stages of Pales ferruginea (Tipulidae) spermatocytes were examined by means of conventional electron microscopic section technique, combined with cytochemical methods. The cytoplasm of cells in diakinesis contains nucleolus-like bodies (NLB) 1 mum in diameter which are formed in diplotene at the pores of the nuclear membrane. They are compound structures consisting of fibro-granular RNP material which is associated wth one or two electron-dense gobules. The RNP material has a hollow core which contains polyribosomes. The NLBs possibly indicate rRNA gene amplification. At diakinesis the nucleus contains numerous electron-dense RNP particles scattered throughout the chromatin-free karyoplasm, and associated with the condensed chromosomes. The diameter of the chromation associated particles is markedly higher (mean 630 A) than that of the free particles (mean 540 A). The RNP particles seem to be aggregates of 200 A subunits. They are regarded as transcription products of chromosomal genes.", "PMID": 985745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1661", "title": "Studies on the role and mode of operation of the very-lysine-rich histones in eukaryote chromatin. Nuclear-magnetic-resonance studies on nucleoprotein and histone phi 1-DNA complexes from marine invertebrate sperm.", "content": "Proton magnetic resonance and other measurements have been carried out in order to study the behaviour of the lysine-rich histones phi 1 in the sperm chromatin of certain marine invertebrates. Well defined particles (12 S) have been obtained from this chromatin by nuclease treatment. Chromatin solubility as a function of ionic strength shows a relaxation at salt concentrations higher than in the case of calf thymus nucleoprotein. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies show that the release of histone from DNA occurs both in chromatin and in the reconstituted complexes at practically the same ionic strength as solubility relaxation. The higher the arginine content of a given phi 1, the higher the ionic strength at which both effects take place. The NMR results demonstrate that arginine residues are bound more strongly than lysine residues. The data overall show that phi 1 histones play a role in the contraction mechanism of sperm chromatin similar to that of H 1 histone in calf thymus chromatin. The highly contracted state of sperm chromatin is directly related to the increased arginine content of the phi 1 histone.", "contents": "Studies on the role and mode of operation of the very-lysine-rich histones in eukaryote chromatin. Nuclear-magnetic-resonance studies on nucleoprotein and histone phi 1-DNA complexes from marine invertebrate sperm. Proton magnetic resonance and other measurements have been carried out in order to study the behaviour of the lysine-rich histones phi 1 in the sperm chromatin of certain marine invertebrates. Well defined particles (12 S) have been obtained from this chromatin by nuclease treatment. Chromatin solubility as a function of ionic strength shows a relaxation at salt concentrations higher than in the case of calf thymus nucleoprotein. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies show that the release of histone from DNA occurs both in chromatin and in the reconstituted complexes at practically the same ionic strength as solubility relaxation. The higher the arginine content of a given phi 1, the higher the ionic strength at which both effects take place. The NMR results demonstrate that arginine residues are bound more strongly than lysine residues. The data overall show that phi 1 histones play a role in the contraction mechanism of sperm chromatin similar to that of H 1 histone in calf thymus chromatin. The highly contracted state of sperm chromatin is directly related to the increased arginine content of the phi 1 histone.", "PMID": 985747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1662", "title": "Deleterious effects of copulation in Drosophila females as a function of growth temperature of both sexes.", "content": "In Drosophila females, copulation always results in a reduction of longevity but the gravity of the phenomenon varies according to growth temperature. The harmful effect of adult males, or aggressiveness, is maximum when growth took place at a middle temperature. Female sensitivity, on the other hand, is at a maximum when larvae were reared at exteme, low or high, temperatures.", "contents": "Deleterious effects of copulation in Drosophila females as a function of growth temperature of both sexes. In Drosophila females, copulation always results in a reduction of longevity but the gravity of the phenomenon varies according to growth temperature. The harmful effect of adult males, or aggressiveness, is maximum when growth took place at a middle temperature. Female sensitivity, on the other hand, is at a maximum when larvae were reared at exteme, low or high, temperatures.", "PMID": 985755} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1663", "title": "Characteristics of the nucleolini observed under the electron microscope.", "content": "Observations with the electron microscope permitted us to ascertain that in molluscs and echnioderms oocytes and in malignat tumour cells, the nucleolini, already seen with the phonton microscope, correspond to the \"clear fibrillar zones/. These present fibrils 40-60 A thick, spread throughout a very clear matrix. All around these zones there are other closely thickened and interlacing fibrils.", "contents": "Characteristics of the nucleolini observed under the electron microscope. Observations with the electron microscope permitted us to ascertain that in molluscs and echnioderms oocytes and in malignat tumour cells, the nucleolini, already seen with the phonton microscope, correspond to the \"clear fibrillar zones/. These present fibrils 40-60 A thick, spread throughout a very clear matrix. All around these zones there are other closely thickened and interlacing fibrils.", "PMID": 985756} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1664", "title": "Effect of delta-THC on ethanol withdrawal in mice.", "content": "Delta-THC (10 mg/kg, i.p.) administered to mice immediately after withdrawal from a 3-day exposure to ethanol vapor was found to intensify withdrawal reactions. No effect was seen when delta-THC was administered chronically during the exposure to ethanol.", "contents": "Effect of delta-THC on ethanol withdrawal in mice. Delta-THC (10 mg/kg, i.p.) administered to mice immediately after withdrawal from a 3-day exposure to ethanol vapor was found to intensify withdrawal reactions. No effect was seen when delta-THC was administered chronically during the exposure to ethanol.", "PMID": 985757} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1665", "title": "Large translocation t(3q-;4p+) as probable cause for semisterility.", "content": "A couple with one phenotypically normal son and two recorded abortions complained of apparent inability to have more children. The father, and also his son, proved to be carriers of the translocation t(3q-;4p+). Almost certainly, the length of the translocated segment, practically the whole 3q, would cause either translocation chromosome by itself to lead to prenatal death. Furthermore, the fertility of the carrier father may be considerably decreased if in a sufficient number of spermatocytes the meiotic orientation of the chain or, less probably, the ring formed by 3, 3q-,4p+, and 4 is such that the two 3-centromeres go to one pole and the two 4-centromeres to the other, not to mention an even more abnormal 1:3 segregation.", "contents": "Large translocation t(3q-;4p+) as probable cause for semisterility. A couple with one phenotypically normal son and two recorded abortions complained of apparent inability to have more children. The father, and also his son, proved to be carriers of the translocation t(3q-;4p+). Almost certainly, the length of the translocated segment, practically the whole 3q, would cause either translocation chromosome by itself to lead to prenatal death. Furthermore, the fertility of the carrier father may be considerably decreased if in a sufficient number of spermatocytes the meiotic orientation of the chain or, less probably, the ring formed by 3, 3q-,4p+, and 4 is such that the two 3-centromeres go to one pole and the two 4-centromeres to the other, not to mention an even more abnormal 1:3 segregation.", "PMID": 985759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1666", "title": "Atropine-induced inhibition of the enhanced CCK release observed in alcoholic dogs.", "content": "As it has been previously shown, the pancreatic secretory response to an intraduodenal infusion of oleic acid is increased in animals accustomed to daily ethanol consumption compared to matched controls. This action has been verified in dogs provided with a Thomas cannula and consuming 2 g kg-1 ethanol or not, daily since 3 years. An intravenous infusion of 0.75 mg kg-1 h-1 of atropine suppresses the difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic animals. Therefore, the increased release of CCK-PZ in response to meal, which is characteristic of chronic alcoholic animals, is under cholinergic control.", "contents": "Atropine-induced inhibition of the enhanced CCK release observed in alcoholic dogs. As it has been previously shown, the pancreatic secretory response to an intraduodenal infusion of oleic acid is increased in animals accustomed to daily ethanol consumption compared to matched controls. This action has been verified in dogs provided with a Thomas cannula and consuming 2 g kg-1 ethanol or not, daily since 3 years. An intravenous infusion of 0.75 mg kg-1 h-1 of atropine suppresses the difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic animals. Therefore, the increased release of CCK-PZ in response to meal, which is characteristic of chronic alcoholic animals, is under cholinergic control.", "PMID": 985773} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1667", "title": "Chronic gastric ulcer in the rat produced by wounding at the fundo-antral junction.", "content": "Standardized 8-mm mucosal wounds were made in the rat stomach at the rumeno-fundic junction, fundus, fundo-antral junction, and antrum, and examined at intervals up to 8 months. All wounds at the rumeno-fundic junction and fundus were healed within 4 weeks and at the antrum within 12 weeks. The majority of wounds at the fundo-antral junction remained chronic and at 8 months 41 of 50 rats still had ulcers 2 mm or greater in diameter. These findings suggest that the fundo-antral junction is an area which is susceptible to the development of chronic ulcers. This is a simple and reliable method of producing chronic gastric ulcers and does not alter the continuity or disturb the function of the gastrointestinal tract.", "contents": "Chronic gastric ulcer in the rat produced by wounding at the fundo-antral junction. Standardized 8-mm mucosal wounds were made in the rat stomach at the rumeno-fundic junction, fundus, fundo-antral junction, and antrum, and examined at intervals up to 8 months. All wounds at the rumeno-fundic junction and fundus were healed within 4 weeks and at the antrum within 12 weeks. The majority of wounds at the fundo-antral junction remained chronic and at 8 months 41 of 50 rats still had ulcers 2 mm or greater in diameter. These findings suggest that the fundo-antral junction is an area which is susceptible to the development of chronic ulcers. This is a simple and reliable method of producing chronic gastric ulcers and does not alter the continuity or disturb the function of the gastrointestinal tract.", "PMID": 985774} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1668", "title": "The effect of metiamide, an H2-receptor antagonist, in the prevention of experimental stress ulcers.", "content": "Because of evidence that Metiamide, an H2-receptor antagonist, strongly inhibits gastric acid secretion, the present study was designed to test the hypothesis that Metiamide will prevent bile salt-induced stress ulcers during hemorrhagic shock. Forty dogs were bled and maintained for 4 1/2 hr at a mean blood pressure of 40 to 50 mm Hg. In group A, 10 dogs received 300 mg of Metiamide orally 45 min before bleeding and 10 dogs received normal saline. The pylorus was occluded before bleeding and 100 ml of 15 mM bile salt were instilled into the stomach and aspirated at the end of 4 1/2 hr. At the time the animal was killed after 48 hr, no ulcers were seen in the stomachs of dogs treated with Metiamide. Sixty per cent of the dogs in the untreated group developed multiple gross ulcers. In group B the effect of Metiamide on the disappearance rate of H+ ion was measured by instillation of 50 mM HCl + 15 mM bile acid. No difference was noted in the rate of H+ ion disappearance between Metiamide-treated and control dogs. Also, in 5 normotensive dogs the rate of H+ ion disappearance was measured before and after treatment with Metiamide, and the loss of H+ was identical for both periods. Metiamide was effective in preventing stress ulcer in this experimental model. The protective effect of Metiamide is probably due to its inhibitory effect of H+ ion secretion.", "contents": "The effect of metiamide, an H2-receptor antagonist, in the prevention of experimental stress ulcers. Because of evidence that Metiamide, an H2-receptor antagonist, strongly inhibits gastric acid secretion, the present study was designed to test the hypothesis that Metiamide will prevent bile salt-induced stress ulcers during hemorrhagic shock. Forty dogs were bled and maintained for 4 1/2 hr at a mean blood pressure of 40 to 50 mm Hg. In group A, 10 dogs received 300 mg of Metiamide orally 45 min before bleeding and 10 dogs received normal saline. The pylorus was occluded before bleeding and 100 ml of 15 mM bile salt were instilled into the stomach and aspirated at the end of 4 1/2 hr. At the time the animal was killed after 48 hr, no ulcers were seen in the stomachs of dogs treated with Metiamide. Sixty per cent of the dogs in the untreated group developed multiple gross ulcers. In group B the effect of Metiamide on the disappearance rate of H+ ion was measured by instillation of 50 mM HCl + 15 mM bile acid. No difference was noted in the rate of H+ ion disappearance between Metiamide-treated and control dogs. Also, in 5 normotensive dogs the rate of H+ ion disappearance was measured before and after treatment with Metiamide, and the loss of H+ was identical for both periods. Metiamide was effective in preventing stress ulcer in this experimental model. The protective effect of Metiamide is probably due to its inhibitory effect of H+ ion secretion.", "PMID": 985775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1669", "title": "Factors in the etiology of restraint erosions in parabiotic rats.", "content": "Rats joined in surgical parabiosis for 25 to 30 days were tested by restraining one member of the pair on a movable cart while allowing the second member to remain free to move about. These rats were compared with other rats joined in pseudoparabiosis for 25 to 30 days so that the behavioral aspects of parabiosis were reproduced but blood sharing did not occur. Pseudoparabiotic rats were also tested on the movable cart at the end of the recovery and adaptation period. Gastric erosions formed in the unrestrained members of both the parabiotic and pseudoparabiotic pairs with an incidence and severity that did not differ statistically. The experimental results fail to support the hypothesis that humoral factor(s) are critical in restraint ulcer pathogenesis in the rat.", "contents": "Factors in the etiology of restraint erosions in parabiotic rats. Rats joined in surgical parabiosis for 25 to 30 days were tested by restraining one member of the pair on a movable cart while allowing the second member to remain free to move about. These rats were compared with other rats joined in pseudoparabiosis for 25 to 30 days so that the behavioral aspects of parabiosis were reproduced but blood sharing did not occur. Pseudoparabiotic rats were also tested on the movable cart at the end of the recovery and adaptation period. Gastric erosions formed in the unrestrained members of both the parabiotic and pseudoparabiotic pairs with an incidence and severity that did not differ statistically. The experimental results fail to support the hypothesis that humoral factor(s) are critical in restraint ulcer pathogenesis in the rat.", "PMID": 985776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1670", "title": "Rostellar development in the larva of Multiceps endothoracicus (Kirschenblat, 1948).", "content": "The bladder of the larval M. endothoracicus bears several anlages which bulge in the shape of cellular buds in to the bladder cavity. A canal is differentiated from the thickened tegument which invaginates into these buds. The position of the tegument covering the bottom of the cellular anlage is more or less horizontal. The subtegumental layer is distinct. The rostellar cone differentiates from an increased number of cells situated below the tegument which covers the bottom of the canal. The tegument of the cone is covered with fine hooklets which break off gradually into the lumen of the canal. After the division of the cone into a bulb and praebulb we observed that the latter becomes overgrown by a lateral extension of the adjoining canal wall). Larger hooklets with a differently staining base were found in the thickened fold separating the praebulb from the bulb. The blade of the definitive hook differentiates from the modified tegument of this area, and from the larger hooklets after the formation of the hook organ. The lumen of the canal, and later also the spiral canal, harbour leukocytes from the tissue of the host; these attack the superficial microtrix border seen with the electron microscope. The tegument of the canal consists of a microtrix border (depth 6--7 mum), of a thick zone of distal cytoplasm with oval and rod-shaped electron dense bodies. The cytoplasm traverses the basal fibrillar membrane between the sub tegumental muscles and joins the subtegumental cells.", "contents": "Rostellar development in the larva of Multiceps endothoracicus (Kirschenblat, 1948). The bladder of the larval M. endothoracicus bears several anlages which bulge in the shape of cellular buds in to the bladder cavity. A canal is differentiated from the thickened tegument which invaginates into these buds. The position of the tegument covering the bottom of the cellular anlage is more or less horizontal. The subtegumental layer is distinct. The rostellar cone differentiates from an increased number of cells situated below the tegument which covers the bottom of the canal. The tegument of the cone is covered with fine hooklets which break off gradually into the lumen of the canal. After the division of the cone into a bulb and praebulb we observed that the latter becomes overgrown by a lateral extension of the adjoining canal wall). Larger hooklets with a differently staining base were found in the thickened fold separating the praebulb from the bulb. The blade of the definitive hook differentiates from the modified tegument of this area, and from the larger hooklets after the formation of the hook organ. The lumen of the canal, and later also the spiral canal, harbour leukocytes from the tissue of the host; these attack the superficial microtrix border seen with the electron microscope. The tegument of the canal consists of a microtrix border (depth 6--7 mum), of a thick zone of distal cytoplasm with oval and rod-shaped electron dense bodies. The cytoplasm traverses the basal fibrillar membrane between the sub tegumental muscles and joins the subtegumental cells.", "PMID": 985781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1671", "title": "Cytological and chemical changes in cell walls of Rhodotorula gracilis. III. Characteristics and life cycle of the yeast.", "content": "The phenotype and genotype of six strains of the genus Rhodotorula Harrison and of one strain of the genus Cryptococcus Phaff et Fell, with anomalous thickening of cell walls were investigated. The present studies showed that the strains investigated represent different stages of the life cycles of the genus Rhodosporidium Banno. The anomalous thickening of the cell walls can be explained by extreme conditions resulting in the formation of surviving forms (teliospores, chlamydospores).", "contents": "Cytological and chemical changes in cell walls of Rhodotorula gracilis. III. Characteristics and life cycle of the yeast. The phenotype and genotype of six strains of the genus Rhodotorula Harrison and of one strain of the genus Cryptococcus Phaff et Fell, with anomalous thickening of cell walls were investigated. The present studies showed that the strains investigated represent different stages of the life cycles of the genus Rhodosporidium Banno. The anomalous thickening of the cell walls can be explained by extreme conditions resulting in the formation of surviving forms (teliospores, chlamydospores).", "PMID": 985783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1672", "title": "[Forensic significance of the fate of ingested ethanol (author's transl)].", "content": "Distribution and disappearance of ethylalcohol (ethanol) were studied using either human blood in vitro or blood sampling or corpse blood after premortal ethanol ingestion. 1) Ethanol is distributed among plasma and blood cells according to a partition law. The partition coefficient was found to vary depending upon ethanol concentration and corpse phenomenon post mortum. 2) Ratio of plasma ethanol concentration to blood cells increases below 0.5 mg/ml and decreases above 0.5 mg/ml of ethanol concentration in the whole blood. The ratio was found to be more smaller in the corpse blood. The concentration ratio in blood cells to whole blood varies in a similar fashion. 3) Accuracy of determination of ethanol levels in the corpse whole blood was not always satisfactory, partly because distribution of ethanol in the blood varies postmortum and partly because ratio of plasma to blood cells also varies. Some attempts were made using statistical manipulations of hematocrit values or ratios of plasma to whole blood, to correct the errors without recommendable success. 4) After deliberabe evaluation of errors, possibly incurred when the value post mortum is used instead of the premortal values, it is concluded that the postmortal value can be used as an indicator of premortal ebriety within the reasonable limit of errors. 5) No changes in the distribution of ethanol were observed within 24 hours when the blood is kept in ice box immediately after sampling, and also in the blood ethanol concentration for at least 20 days under similar conditions. In contrast, blood samples, if left at room temperature, deteriorate rapidly within 5 days.", "contents": "[Forensic significance of the fate of ingested ethanol (author's transl)]. Distribution and disappearance of ethylalcohol (ethanol) were studied using either human blood in vitro or blood sampling or corpse blood after premortal ethanol ingestion. 1) Ethanol is distributed among plasma and blood cells according to a partition law. The partition coefficient was found to vary depending upon ethanol concentration and corpse phenomenon post mortum. 2) Ratio of plasma ethanol concentration to blood cells increases below 0.5 mg/ml and decreases above 0.5 mg/ml of ethanol concentration in the whole blood. The ratio was found to be more smaller in the corpse blood. The concentration ratio in blood cells to whole blood varies in a similar fashion. 3) Accuracy of determination of ethanol levels in the corpse whole blood was not always satisfactory, partly because distribution of ethanol in the blood varies postmortum and partly because ratio of plasma to blood cells also varies. Some attempts were made using statistical manipulations of hematocrit values or ratios of plasma to whole blood, to correct the errors without recommendable success. 4) After deliberabe evaluation of errors, possibly incurred when the value post mortum is used instead of the premortal values, it is concluded that the postmortal value can be used as an indicator of premortal ebriety within the reasonable limit of errors. 5) No changes in the distribution of ethanol were observed within 24 hours when the blood is kept in ice box immediately after sampling, and also in the blood ethanol concentration for at least 20 days under similar conditions. In contrast, blood samples, if left at room temperature, deteriorate rapidly within 5 days.", "PMID": 985791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1673", "title": "[Studies on esterification of fatty acids in rat liver mitochondria (author's transl)].", "content": "Esterification of fatty acids in rat liver mitochondria was studied following portal or intraperitoneal administration of various 14C-fatty acids. Incorporation of the labelled fatty acid was most marked into phospholipids (especially, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine) and triglycerides in intact mitochondria and the inner mitochondrial membranes. In contrast, in the outer membranes the injected fatty acids remained free without esterification. It is concluded that esterification of fatty acids occurs in the inner membranes of rat liver mitochondria.", "contents": "[Studies on esterification of fatty acids in rat liver mitochondria (author's transl)]. Esterification of fatty acids in rat liver mitochondria was studied following portal or intraperitoneal administration of various 14C-fatty acids. Incorporation of the labelled fatty acid was most marked into phospholipids (especially, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine) and triglycerides in intact mitochondria and the inner mitochondrial membranes. In contrast, in the outer membranes the injected fatty acids remained free without esterification. It is concluded that esterification of fatty acids occurs in the inner membranes of rat liver mitochondria.", "PMID": 985793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1674", "title": "[Chronological changes in leukemias in Hokkaido (author's transl)].", "content": "The various leukemias in Hokkaido for the past 20 years are analysed in its change of the mortality rate, the type of leukemia, and the clinical picture. The observation years are divided into 4 periods: I (1951-1957), II (1958-1962), III (1963-1967), IV (1968-1972). 1. The adjusted mortality rate of leukemia shows a rising tendency through these periods: I (1.7), II (3.0), III (3.5), IV (3.6). 2. The adjusted age-specific mortality rate of leukemia in period II, III, and IV, show a remarkable increase in all age brackets compared with period I, especially in older age brackets. The rate of the \"60-69 years old\" bracket gradually rises as I (3.1), II (4.8), III (5.9), IV (7.2). The rate of the \"over 70 years old\" bracket is I (1.3), II (1.8), III (5.0), IV (9.3). It is characteristic that these brackets has the highest mortality rate in period IV. 3. Some comparisons between period I and IV are described as follows: (1). Monocytic leukemia had decreased from 10.6% (I) to 1.4% (IV) and chronic myelogenous leukemia has slightly increased in period IV. (2). In acute type, the cases of aleukemic leukemia tends to increase in period IV and its initial symptoms changes into mild gradually. (3). In chronic type in period IV, splenomagaly is common in the initial symptom and while blood cell counts in these cases are above 10 x 10(4)/cmm.", "contents": "[Chronological changes in leukemias in Hokkaido (author's transl)]. The various leukemias in Hokkaido for the past 20 years are analysed in its change of the mortality rate, the type of leukemia, and the clinical picture. The observation years are divided into 4 periods: I (1951-1957), II (1958-1962), III (1963-1967), IV (1968-1972). 1. The adjusted mortality rate of leukemia shows a rising tendency through these periods: I (1.7), II (3.0), III (3.5), IV (3.6). 2. The adjusted age-specific mortality rate of leukemia in period II, III, and IV, show a remarkable increase in all age brackets compared with period I, especially in older age brackets. The rate of the \"60-69 years old\" bracket gradually rises as I (3.1), II (4.8), III (5.9), IV (7.2). The rate of the \"over 70 years old\" bracket is I (1.3), II (1.8), III (5.0), IV (9.3). It is characteristic that these brackets has the highest mortality rate in period IV. 3. Some comparisons between period I and IV are described as follows: (1). Monocytic leukemia had decreased from 10.6% (I) to 1.4% (IV) and chronic myelogenous leukemia has slightly increased in period IV. (2). In acute type, the cases of aleukemic leukemia tends to increase in period IV and its initial symptoms changes into mild gradually. (3). In chronic type in period IV, splenomagaly is common in the initial symptom and while blood cell counts in these cases are above 10 x 10(4)/cmm.", "PMID": 985794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1675", "title": "Effect of long-chain acyl-CoA on the omega-oxidation of monocarboxylic acid.", "content": "In vitro addition of stearoyl-CoA in 10,000 x g supernatant of rat livers, first enhanced the rate of omega-oxidation of free [1-14C] stearate, until a concentration of the acyl-CoA reached to the same level of that of the substrate. Further addition of stearoly-CoA decreased gradually the oxidation rate.", "contents": "Effect of long-chain acyl-CoA on the omega-oxidation of monocarboxylic acid. In vitro addition of stearoyl-CoA in 10,000 x g supernatant of rat livers, first enhanced the rate of omega-oxidation of free [1-14C] stearate, until a concentration of the acyl-CoA reached to the same level of that of the substrate. Further addition of stearoly-CoA decreased gradually the oxidation rate.", "PMID": 985795} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1676", "title": "[A case of the A. Vertebralis sinistra direct arising from the arcus aorta (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of the left vertebral artery direct arising from the Arcus aorta, falling under C-type in ADACHI (1928), was encountered among the corpses dissected for practice in Hokkaido University, school of medicine. The Arcus aorta has four branches; Truncus brachiocephalicus, A. carotis communis sinistra, A. vertebralis sinistra, and A. subclavia sinistra. The A.vertebralis sinistra has passed through at first into Foramen transvwrsarium of the vertebra cervicales quintus (C5). The length of this artery between the origin of the Arcus aorta and the fifth cervicales was 120 mm. The other measurements of arteries were shown in table 1.", "contents": "[A case of the A. Vertebralis sinistra direct arising from the arcus aorta (author's transl)]. A case of the left vertebral artery direct arising from the Arcus aorta, falling under C-type in ADACHI (1928), was encountered among the corpses dissected for practice in Hokkaido University, school of medicine. The Arcus aorta has four branches; Truncus brachiocephalicus, A. carotis communis sinistra, A. vertebralis sinistra, and A. subclavia sinistra. The A.vertebralis sinistra has passed through at first into Foramen transvwrsarium of the vertebra cervicales quintus (C5). The length of this artery between the origin of the Arcus aorta and the fifth cervicales was 120 mm. The other measurements of arteries were shown in table 1.", "PMID": 985798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1677", "title": "Effect of testosterone on long-term organ cultures of canine prostate.", "content": "Organ cultures of rodent and human prostate glands have shown marked differences in their morphological response to testosterone. In this study, explants from 19 canine prostate glands were cultivated for a minimum of 9 days in Trowell's T-8 medium. Groups of explants were exposed to media containing from 0.05 to 100 mum testosterone. While the higher testosterone levels (50 and 100 mum) markedly decreased explant viability, explants cultivated at lower levels (0.05 to 5 mum) appeared similar to control explants in testosterone-free Trowell's T-8 medium. Atmospheric mixtures containing either 95% or 50% oxygen were equally effective. Shortly after the cultures were initiated, large amounts of secretory product were liberated into the lumen. After 9 or more days in vitro, glandular epithelium appeared cuboidal and never revealed the acid phosphatase-rich secretory granules seen in the preculture control. However, the epithelium exhibited an increase in alkaline phosphatase and lipid content following cultivation.", "contents": "Effect of testosterone on long-term organ cultures of canine prostate. Organ cultures of rodent and human prostate glands have shown marked differences in their morphological response to testosterone. In this study, explants from 19 canine prostate glands were cultivated for a minimum of 9 days in Trowell's T-8 medium. Groups of explants were exposed to media containing from 0.05 to 100 mum testosterone. While the higher testosterone levels (50 and 100 mum) markedly decreased explant viability, explants cultivated at lower levels (0.05 to 5 mum) appeared similar to control explants in testosterone-free Trowell's T-8 medium. Atmospheric mixtures containing either 95% or 50% oxygen were equally effective. Shortly after the cultures were initiated, large amounts of secretory product were liberated into the lumen. After 9 or more days in vitro, glandular epithelium appeared cuboidal and never revealed the acid phosphatase-rich secretory granules seen in the preculture control. However, the epithelium exhibited an increase in alkaline phosphatase and lipid content following cultivation.", "PMID": 985799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1678", "title": "Interaction of Mycoplasma dispar and Mycoplasma agalactiae subsp. bovis with bovine alveolar macrophages and bovine lacteal polymorphonuclear leukocytes.", "content": "Mycoplasma dispar and Mycoplasma agalactiae subsp. bovis survived or grew in cultures of bovine lacteal polymorphonuclear leukocytes or bovine alveolar macrophages. In the presence of specific bovine antibody, macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes appeared to kill both species of mycoplasma. Specific rabbit antisera also promoted the killing of these mycoplasmas by bovine macrophages but had no demonstrable activity for bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes. It is suggested that phagocytosis of these mycoplasmas by bovine cells occurs only in the presence of specific antibody. The experiments also indicate that differences exist between bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages with regard to their receptor sites for immunoglobulins.", "contents": "Interaction of Mycoplasma dispar and Mycoplasma agalactiae subsp. bovis with bovine alveolar macrophages and bovine lacteal polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Mycoplasma dispar and Mycoplasma agalactiae subsp. bovis survived or grew in cultures of bovine lacteal polymorphonuclear leukocytes or bovine alveolar macrophages. In the presence of specific bovine antibody, macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes appeared to kill both species of mycoplasma. Specific rabbit antisera also promoted the killing of these mycoplasmas by bovine macrophages but had no demonstrable activity for bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes. It is suggested that phagocytosis of these mycoplasmas by bovine cells occurs only in the presence of specific antibody. The experiments also indicate that differences exist between bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages with regard to their receptor sites for immunoglobulins.", "PMID": 985802} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1679", "title": "Interaction of virulent Mycoplasma pneumoniae with hamster tracheal organ cultures.", "content": "Exposure of hamster tracheal organ cultures to virulent Mycoplasma pneumoniae leads to alterations in ribonucleic acid (RNA) and protein biosynthesis and metabolism of the respiratory epithelium. An examination of the turnover rates of RNA and protein in infected tracheal organ cultures indicates that the rates of degradation of both prelabeled host cell RNA and protein are similar to those of uninfected controls. Infected tracheal organ cultures shifted to a nonpermissive medium within 24 h after infection and further incubated in the nonpermissive medium for 72 or 96 h behaved as normal uninfected cultures in terms of metabolic precursor uptake. Under these conditions, mycoplasmas remained attached to the respiratory epithelium. Cell membranes prepared from virulent mycoplasmas by several procedures neither attached to nor altered the metabolic activity of tracheal cultures. These data indicate that the intimate contact between virulent mycoplasmas and the respiratory epithelium does not alone account for the subsequent interruption of host cell metabolism but must be accompanied by continued multiplication and biochemical function of attached mycoplasmas.", "contents": "Interaction of virulent Mycoplasma pneumoniae with hamster tracheal organ cultures. Exposure of hamster tracheal organ cultures to virulent Mycoplasma pneumoniae leads to alterations in ribonucleic acid (RNA) and protein biosynthesis and metabolism of the respiratory epithelium. An examination of the turnover rates of RNA and protein in infected tracheal organ cultures indicates that the rates of degradation of both prelabeled host cell RNA and protein are similar to those of uninfected controls. Infected tracheal organ cultures shifted to a nonpermissive medium within 24 h after infection and further incubated in the nonpermissive medium for 72 or 96 h behaved as normal uninfected cultures in terms of metabolic precursor uptake. Under these conditions, mycoplasmas remained attached to the respiratory epithelium. Cell membranes prepared from virulent mycoplasmas by several procedures neither attached to nor altered the metabolic activity of tracheal cultures. These data indicate that the intimate contact between virulent mycoplasmas and the respiratory epithelium does not alone account for the subsequent interruption of host cell metabolism but must be accompanied by continued multiplication and biochemical function of attached mycoplasmas.", "PMID": 985803} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1680", "title": "Adhesive properties of Vibrio cholerae: adhesion to isolated rabbit brush border membranes and hemagglutinating activity.", "content": "Adhesion of vibrios to the small intestine may occur (i) by association of the bacteria with secreted mucus gel or (ii) by adherence of the bacteria to the surface of epithelial cells. In the present study, vibrios readily adhered to isolated brush border membranes obtained from rabbit intestinal epithelial cells. Adhesion was temperature dependent and required the presence of divalent cations such as calcium. The agglutination of human O erythrocytes by Vibrio cholerae was observed also, and the hemagglutination test appeared to detect the same mechanism that was involved in the adhesion of vibrios to brush borders. When the bacteria were grown in broth they were adhesive and hemagglutinating, but vibrios grown on agar plates or suspended in buffer for 15 min at 37 C lacked these abilities, even though they retained undiminished motility. These two model systems differed, however, in that strontium promoted only adhesion to brush borders. The significance of this difference remains to be determined. Vibrios were observed to penetrate intestinal mucus gel and occasionally to become entrapped in it. However, there was no evidence that vibrios attached to mucus gel.", "contents": "Adhesive properties of Vibrio cholerae: adhesion to isolated rabbit brush border membranes and hemagglutinating activity. Adhesion of vibrios to the small intestine may occur (i) by association of the bacteria with secreted mucus gel or (ii) by adherence of the bacteria to the surface of epithelial cells. In the present study, vibrios readily adhered to isolated brush border membranes obtained from rabbit intestinal epithelial cells. Adhesion was temperature dependent and required the presence of divalent cations such as calcium. The agglutination of human O erythrocytes by Vibrio cholerae was observed also, and the hemagglutination test appeared to detect the same mechanism that was involved in the adhesion of vibrios to brush borders. When the bacteria were grown in broth they were adhesive and hemagglutinating, but vibrios grown on agar plates or suspended in buffer for 15 min at 37 C lacked these abilities, even though they retained undiminished motility. These two model systems differed, however, in that strontium promoted only adhesion to brush borders. The significance of this difference remains to be determined. Vibrios were observed to penetrate intestinal mucus gel and occasionally to become entrapped in it. However, there was no evidence that vibrios attached to mucus gel.", "PMID": 985804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1681", "title": "Adhesive properties of Vibrio cholerae: nature of the interaction with isolated rabbit brush border membranes and human erythrocytes.", "content": "Nonmotile vibrio mutants lacked the ability to adhere to rabbit intestinal brush border membranes and to agglutinate human group O erythrocytes, but motile revertant vibrios isolated from such strains expressed adhesiveness equivalent to that of the original parent. Two possible explanations for the relation between vibrio motility and adhesion in these assays systems are (i) that the rate of adhesion depends on the rate of chance contact brought about by motility, and (ii) that the flagellum either acts as a carrier for the bacterial adhesin or may itself be the adhesin. The present study indicates, however, that the lack of adhesion by nonmotile vibrios did not depend on motility as such and did not involve greater rates of elution. Increasing the rate of contact between nonmotile vibrio mutants and brush border membranes by compaction did not restore the adhesive properties of the defective strains. Accordingly, we speculate that the flagellum may function in some indirect way that allows the expression of the adhesive properties, such as by acting as a carrier for a specific vibrio adhesin. Adhesion to brush borders and agglutination of human group O erythrocytes was specifically inhibited by L-fucose and various glycosides of L-fucose and to a lesser extent by D-mannose. Vibrios adhered specifically to agarose beads that carried covalently linked L-fucose on their surfaces. The results suggest that L-fucose-containing structures of eukaryotic cell surfaces may function as receptors for the vibrio adhesin and may therefore be an important determinant of host susceptibility.", "contents": "Adhesive properties of Vibrio cholerae: nature of the interaction with isolated rabbit brush border membranes and human erythrocytes. Nonmotile vibrio mutants lacked the ability to adhere to rabbit intestinal brush border membranes and to agglutinate human group O erythrocytes, but motile revertant vibrios isolated from such strains expressed adhesiveness equivalent to that of the original parent. Two possible explanations for the relation between vibrio motility and adhesion in these assays systems are (i) that the rate of adhesion depends on the rate of chance contact brought about by motility, and (ii) that the flagellum either acts as a carrier for the bacterial adhesin or may itself be the adhesin. The present study indicates, however, that the lack of adhesion by nonmotile vibrios did not depend on motility as such and did not involve greater rates of elution. Increasing the rate of contact between nonmotile vibrio mutants and brush border membranes by compaction did not restore the adhesive properties of the defective strains. Accordingly, we speculate that the flagellum may function in some indirect way that allows the expression of the adhesive properties, such as by acting as a carrier for a specific vibrio adhesin. Adhesion to brush borders and agglutination of human group O erythrocytes was specifically inhibited by L-fucose and various glycosides of L-fucose and to a lesser extent by D-mannose. Vibrios adhered specifically to agarose beads that carried covalently linked L-fucose on their surfaces. The results suggest that L-fucose-containing structures of eukaryotic cell surfaces may function as receptors for the vibrio adhesin and may therefore be an important determinant of host susceptibility.", "PMID": 985805} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1682", "title": "Immediate toxicity of high multiplicities of Chlamydia psittaci for mouse fibroblasts (L cells).", "content": "One hour after suspensions of mouse fibroblasts (L cells) were exposed to 500 to 1,000 L-cell 50% infectious doses of Chlamydia psittaci (6BC), the L cells failed to attach to and spread out on solid substrates, phagocytosed polystyrene latex spheres at reduced rates, incorporated less [14C]isoleucine into protein, and had smaller soluble pools of nucleoside triphosphates. The infected L cells began to die at 8 h and were all dead by 20 h. Lower multiplicities of infection took correspondingly longer to kill the L cells. These effects of high multiplicities of C. psittaci on L cells will be referred to collectively as immediate toxicity. Similar effects were obtained with other strains of C. psittaci and C. trachomatis and with other cell lines. Ultraviolet-inactivated C. psittaci retained the ability to cause immediate toxicity, but heat-inactivated chlamydiae did not. C.psittaci cells had to be ingested by L cells before they were immediately toxic but, once they were phagocytosed, they did not need to multiply or to synthesize macromolecules in order to cause immediate injury to their hosts. Immediate toxicity was not the result of depression of energy metabolism, changes in the levels of intracellular cyclic nucleotides, or release of hydrolases from lysosomes. It was suggested that a lesion is produced in the plasma membrane of the L cell every time it ingests a chlamydial cell, that each act of ingestion produces an independent lesion, and that their injurious effects are additive. Thus, the more ingestion lesions there are, the faster the host cell dies. It was also suggested that induced phagocytosis, inhibition of lysosomal fusion, and death of mice and of cells in culture may all depend on a single activity of C. psittaci.", "contents": "Immediate toxicity of high multiplicities of Chlamydia psittaci for mouse fibroblasts (L cells). One hour after suspensions of mouse fibroblasts (L cells) were exposed to 500 to 1,000 L-cell 50% infectious doses of Chlamydia psittaci (6BC), the L cells failed to attach to and spread out on solid substrates, phagocytosed polystyrene latex spheres at reduced rates, incorporated less [14C]isoleucine into protein, and had smaller soluble pools of nucleoside triphosphates. The infected L cells began to die at 8 h and were all dead by 20 h. Lower multiplicities of infection took correspondingly longer to kill the L cells. These effects of high multiplicities of C. psittaci on L cells will be referred to collectively as immediate toxicity. Similar effects were obtained with other strains of C. psittaci and C. trachomatis and with other cell lines. Ultraviolet-inactivated C. psittaci retained the ability to cause immediate toxicity, but heat-inactivated chlamydiae did not. C.psittaci cells had to be ingested by L cells before they were immediately toxic but, once they were phagocytosed, they did not need to multiply or to synthesize macromolecules in order to cause immediate injury to their hosts. Immediate toxicity was not the result of depression of energy metabolism, changes in the levels of intracellular cyclic nucleotides, or release of hydrolases from lysosomes. It was suggested that a lesion is produced in the plasma membrane of the L cell every time it ingests a chlamydial cell, that each act of ingestion produces an independent lesion, and that their injurious effects are additive. Thus, the more ingestion lesions there are, the faster the host cell dies. It was also suggested that induced phagocytosis, inhibition of lysosomal fusion, and death of mice and of cells in culture may all depend on a single activity of C. psittaci.", "PMID": 985806} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1683", "title": "Characteristics of streptolysin S hemolysis.", "content": "The characteristics of hemolysis produced by streptolysin S (SLS) were investigated in rabbit erythrocytes. Treatment of erythrocytes with SLS at various temperatures prior to incubation at 37 C revealed an initial temperature-dependent interaction between toxin and the cells. No subsequent hemolysis occurred when erythrocytes were exposed to SLS at 0 to 10 C; exposure to toxin at temperatures above 10 C gradually increased the amount of hemolysis that occurred at 37 C. Very little binding of toxin to erythrocytes or their ghosts, as detected by a decrease of hemolytic activity from toxin preparations, could be demonstrated at any temperature. The release of hemoglobin after the temperature-dependent process occur at virtually the same rate at 0, 22, or 37 C. The loss of intracellular rubidium-86 (Rb) and hemoglobin from SLS-treated erythrocytes was studied. Rb+ release significantly preceded the escape of hemoglobin, suggesting that colloid-osmotic processes play a role in SLS hemolysis.", "contents": "Characteristics of streptolysin S hemolysis. The characteristics of hemolysis produced by streptolysin S (SLS) were investigated in rabbit erythrocytes. Treatment of erythrocytes with SLS at various temperatures prior to incubation at 37 C revealed an initial temperature-dependent interaction between toxin and the cells. No subsequent hemolysis occurred when erythrocytes were exposed to SLS at 0 to 10 C; exposure to toxin at temperatures above 10 C gradually increased the amount of hemolysis that occurred at 37 C. Very little binding of toxin to erythrocytes or their ghosts, as detected by a decrease of hemolytic activity from toxin preparations, could be demonstrated at any temperature. The release of hemoglobin after the temperature-dependent process occur at virtually the same rate at 0, 22, or 37 C. The loss of intracellular rubidium-86 (Rb) and hemoglobin from SLS-treated erythrocytes was studied. Rb+ release significantly preceded the escape of hemoglobin, suggesting that colloid-osmotic processes play a role in SLS hemolysis.", "PMID": 985807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1684", "title": "Induction of interferon in ovine and human lymphocyte cultures by mycoplasmas.", "content": "Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Acholeplasma laidlawii, M. arthritidis, and M. pulmonis were shown to induce interferon in the lymphocyte fraction of ovine peripheral blood leukocytes, but not in the polymorphonuclear leukocyte fraction. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes produced significant levels of interferon in response to infection with M. pneumoniae and M. synoviae. The antiviral substance induced by the mycoplasmas in human lymphocytes was characterized as interferon by the usual criteria.", "contents": "Induction of interferon in ovine and human lymphocyte cultures by mycoplasmas. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Acholeplasma laidlawii, M. arthritidis, and M. pulmonis were shown to induce interferon in the lymphocyte fraction of ovine peripheral blood leukocytes, but not in the polymorphonuclear leukocyte fraction. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes produced significant levels of interferon in response to infection with M. pneumoniae and M. synoviae. The antiviral substance induced by the mycoplasmas in human lymphocytes was characterized as interferon by the usual criteria.", "PMID": 985808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1685", "title": "Topographical relationship between sucrase and leucine beta-naphthylamidase on the microvilli membrane of rabbit intestinal mucosal cells.", "content": "The topographical relationship between sucrase [EC 3.2.1.26] and leucine beta-naphthylamidase (LNAase) on the microvilli membrane of rabbit small-intestinal mucosal cells was studied assuming that where enzymes with different antigenicities, A and B, are situated in close proximity on the surface of microvilli vesicles, the agglutination of vesicles by anti-A antibody is inhibited by the previous binding of monovalent fragments of anti-B antibody to enzyme B on the surface of vesicles. Like anti-sucrase antibody, anti-LNAase antibody quantitatively agglutinated microvilli vesicles. It inhibited the membrane-bound LNAase activity in the same manner as the detergent-solubilized activity. This inhibitory effect of anti-LNAase antibody was not interfered with by monovalent fragments of anti-sucrase antibody. However, the monovalent fragments inhibited vesicle agglutination by anti-LNAase antibody as well as by anti-sucrase antibody. These results indicate that LNAase is located on the outer surface of microvilli vesicles and suggest that LNAase and sucrase are situated in close proximity on the membrane surface of microvilli vesicles.", "contents": "Topographical relationship between sucrase and leucine beta-naphthylamidase on the microvilli membrane of rabbit intestinal mucosal cells. The topographical relationship between sucrase [EC 3.2.1.26] and leucine beta-naphthylamidase (LNAase) on the microvilli membrane of rabbit small-intestinal mucosal cells was studied assuming that where enzymes with different antigenicities, A and B, are situated in close proximity on the surface of microvilli vesicles, the agglutination of vesicles by anti-A antibody is inhibited by the previous binding of monovalent fragments of anti-B antibody to enzyme B on the surface of vesicles. Like anti-sucrase antibody, anti-LNAase antibody quantitatively agglutinated microvilli vesicles. It inhibited the membrane-bound LNAase activity in the same manner as the detergent-solubilized activity. This inhibitory effect of anti-LNAase antibody was not interfered with by monovalent fragments of anti-sucrase antibody. However, the monovalent fragments inhibited vesicle agglutination by anti-LNAase antibody as well as by anti-sucrase antibody. These results indicate that LNAase is located on the outer surface of microvilli vesicles and suggest that LNAase and sucrase are situated in close proximity on the membrane surface of microvilli vesicles.", "PMID": 985811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1686", "title": "The subunit structure of myosin from skeletal muscle of the early chick embryo.", "content": "The subunit composition and immunological properties of two types of myosins, the 3S and 6S myosin components, from skeletal muscle of early chick embryos were studied by SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunodiffusion techniques. It was shown that the 6S myosin in the early embryonic stage was composed of two heavy chains and three kinds of light chains, as is well-known in the complete myosin molecule, having the same molecular weights and the same antigenicities as corresponding subunits of the myosin from adult chicken skeletal muscle. The heavy chain of 6S myosin was also reactive with the antibody against the heavy chain of cardiac myosin. The embryonic 3S myosin was shown to be composed of a heavy chain which was roughly the same in molecular weight but not the same in antigenicity as those of adult or embryonic 6S myosin. No light chains were detected either electrophoretically or immunologically in the 3S myosin component.", "contents": "The subunit structure of myosin from skeletal muscle of the early chick embryo. The subunit composition and immunological properties of two types of myosins, the 3S and 6S myosin components, from skeletal muscle of early chick embryos were studied by SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunodiffusion techniques. It was shown that the 6S myosin in the early embryonic stage was composed of two heavy chains and three kinds of light chains, as is well-known in the complete myosin molecule, having the same molecular weights and the same antigenicities as corresponding subunits of the myosin from adult chicken skeletal muscle. The heavy chain of 6S myosin was also reactive with the antibody against the heavy chain of cardiac myosin. The embryonic 3S myosin was shown to be composed of a heavy chain which was roughly the same in molecular weight but not the same in antigenicity as those of adult or embryonic 6S myosin. No light chains were detected either electrophoretically or immunologically in the 3S myosin component.", "PMID": 985812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1687", "title": "Relationship between the structures of S-acyl thiol compounds and their rates of hydrolysis by pancreatic lipase and hepatic carboxylic esterase.", "content": "About 100 S-fatty acyl thiol compounds designed as substrates for pancreatic lipase [EC 3.1.1.3] were synthesized and tested for susceptibility to hydrolysis by hog pancreatic lipase and hog hepatic carboxylic esterase [EC 3.1.1.1] using 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) as a chromogenic reagent to determine the hydrolytic rates of their S-acyl bonds. In general, the hydrolytic rates of S-acyl bonds by the lipase were fast with thioglycerol type thiol moieties, slow with dithioethyleneglycol type or monothiol type, and negligible with thiopolyol type. As for the acyl moieties, the hydrolysis of the S-acyl bonds was fast with C3-5 acyl groups, followed by C6-8 acyl groups, and the rate decreased as the acyl chain length deviated from these values or branched. On the other hand, the hydrolysis of S-acyl bonds by the esterase occurred with all types of S-acyl esters except for esters of long S-acyl chains. Of all the compounds tested with the lipase, the rate of hydrolysis of S-acyl bond was maximum with 2,3-dimercaptopropan-1-ol tributyroate [I], high with 3-mercaptopropane-1,2-diol tributyroate [II], but negligible with the analogous compound, 1,3-dimercaptopropan-2-ol tributyroate. Compounds [I] and [II] may be practically useful as substrates for lipase assay in human serum samples pretreated with phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, a potent inhibitor against both serum arylesterase [EC 3.1.1.2] and hepatic esterase, which attack [I] and [II].", "contents": "Relationship between the structures of S-acyl thiol compounds and their rates of hydrolysis by pancreatic lipase and hepatic carboxylic esterase. About 100 S-fatty acyl thiol compounds designed as substrates for pancreatic lipase [EC 3.1.1.3] were synthesized and tested for susceptibility to hydrolysis by hog pancreatic lipase and hog hepatic carboxylic esterase [EC 3.1.1.1] using 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) as a chromogenic reagent to determine the hydrolytic rates of their S-acyl bonds. In general, the hydrolytic rates of S-acyl bonds by the lipase were fast with thioglycerol type thiol moieties, slow with dithioethyleneglycol type or monothiol type, and negligible with thiopolyol type. As for the acyl moieties, the hydrolysis of the S-acyl bonds was fast with C3-5 acyl groups, followed by C6-8 acyl groups, and the rate decreased as the acyl chain length deviated from these values or branched. On the other hand, the hydrolysis of S-acyl bonds by the esterase occurred with all types of S-acyl esters except for esters of long S-acyl chains. Of all the compounds tested with the lipase, the rate of hydrolysis of S-acyl bond was maximum with 2,3-dimercaptopropan-1-ol tributyroate [I], high with 3-mercaptopropane-1,2-diol tributyroate [II], but negligible with the analogous compound, 1,3-dimercaptopropan-2-ol tributyroate. Compounds [I] and [II] may be practically useful as substrates for lipase assay in human serum samples pretreated with phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, a potent inhibitor against both serum arylesterase [EC 3.1.1.2] and hepatic esterase, which attack [I] and [II].", "PMID": 985813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1688", "title": "Chemical composition and properties of soybean beta-amylase.", "content": "The molecular weight of soybean beta-amylase [EC 3.2.1.2] was determined to be 57,000 daltons by the sedimentation equilibrium method, and the enzyme was found to consist of 494 amino acid residues. No difference was found in molecular weight or composition between two components of beta-amylase separated by ion-exchange chromatography. The N-terminus of the enzyme was not detectable by the fluorodinitrobenzene method or phenylisothiocyanate method, and the C-terminus was determined to be alanine by the carboxypeptidase [EC 3.4.12.2] method. Five half-cystine residues were found in the form of cysteine; all the sulfhydryl groups could be titrated by p-chloromercuribenzoate after denaturation of the enzyme with guanidine hydrochloride, but only some in the native enzyme. The rates of mercaptide formation of these groups were dependent on pH and were different from each other, all being much lower than the rate for the free sulfhydryl group in mercaptoethanol. Differential titration experiments at different pH's and in the presence of maltose showed that mercaptide formation by only one sulfhydryl group caused loss of activity, and the reaction was accompanied by changes in the environment around aromatic side chains in the enzyme, which were detected by difference spectra and fluorescence emission spectra. These facts suggest that modification of the sulfhydryl groups causes a conformational change of the enzyme. Some preliminary crystallographic data for crystals formed at pH 4.0 were obtained, and inactivation by heavy metal salts was examined in relation to the preparation of isomorphous heavy atom derivatives.", "contents": "Chemical composition and properties of soybean beta-amylase. The molecular weight of soybean beta-amylase [EC 3.2.1.2] was determined to be 57,000 daltons by the sedimentation equilibrium method, and the enzyme was found to consist of 494 amino acid residues. No difference was found in molecular weight or composition between two components of beta-amylase separated by ion-exchange chromatography. The N-terminus of the enzyme was not detectable by the fluorodinitrobenzene method or phenylisothiocyanate method, and the C-terminus was determined to be alanine by the carboxypeptidase [EC 3.4.12.2] method. Five half-cystine residues were found in the form of cysteine; all the sulfhydryl groups could be titrated by p-chloromercuribenzoate after denaturation of the enzyme with guanidine hydrochloride, but only some in the native enzyme. The rates of mercaptide formation of these groups were dependent on pH and were different from each other, all being much lower than the rate for the free sulfhydryl group in mercaptoethanol. Differential titration experiments at different pH's and in the presence of maltose showed that mercaptide formation by only one sulfhydryl group caused loss of activity, and the reaction was accompanied by changes in the environment around aromatic side chains in the enzyme, which were detected by difference spectra and fluorescence emission spectra. These facts suggest that modification of the sulfhydryl groups causes a conformational change of the enzyme. Some preliminary crystallographic data for crystals formed at pH 4.0 were obtained, and inactivation by heavy metal salts was examined in relation to the preparation of isomorphous heavy atom derivatives.", "PMID": 985814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1689", "title": "Kinetics of conformational change of troponin C induced by calcium.", "content": "The kinetics of conformational change of troponin C (TN-C) induced by binding and removal of calcium ions were studied by measuring the fluorescence of tyrosine by stopped-flow spectrofluorometry. When the concentration of free calcium ions in the solution [Ca2+] was increased rapidly from 4X10(-9)M to 1X10(-3)M at neutral pH, a first-order reaction with a rate constant of 13.7 sec-1, which was preceded by a much faster reaction, was observed. In contrast, when [Ca2+] was reduced from 2X10(-3)M to 4.4X10(-8)M, two first-order reactions with rate constants of 7.4 and 0.78 sec-1, preceded by a much faster reaction, were observed.", "contents": "Kinetics of conformational change of troponin C induced by calcium. The kinetics of conformational change of troponin C (TN-C) induced by binding and removal of calcium ions were studied by measuring the fluorescence of tyrosine by stopped-flow spectrofluorometry. When the concentration of free calcium ions in the solution [Ca2+] was increased rapidly from 4X10(-9)M to 1X10(-3)M at neutral pH, a first-order reaction with a rate constant of 13.7 sec-1, which was preceded by a much faster reaction, was observed. In contrast, when [Ca2+] was reduced from 2X10(-3)M to 4.4X10(-8)M, two first-order reactions with rate constants of 7.4 and 0.78 sec-1, preceded by a much faster reaction, were observed.", "PMID": 985815} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1690", "title": "Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Induction and purification from yeast and clearance in mammals.", "content": "Yeast phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.5) catalyzes the deamination of L-phenylalanine to form trans-cinnamic acid and tyrosine to trans-coumaric acid. Maximal enzyme activity in Rhodotorula glutinis (2 units/g, wet weight, of yeast) was induced in late-log phase (12 to 14 hours) of growth in a culture medium containing 1.0% malt extract, 0.1% yeast extract, and 0.1% L-phenylalanine. A highly purified enzyme was obtained by fractionation with ammonium sulfate and sodium citrate followed by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-200. The active preparation yielded a major component on three different polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic systems. Antisera to phenylalanine ammonia-lyase was raised in rabbits and detected by double immunodiffusion. The antigen-antibody complex was enzymatically active in vitro. The biological half-life of the enzyme was approximately 21 hours in several mammalian species (mice without and with BW10232 adenocarcinoma and B16 melanoma, rats, and monkeys) after a single injection; however, upon repeated administration, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase had a much shorter biological half-life. The onset of rapid clearance occurred earlier in tumor-bearing than in nontumor-bearing mice indicating a direct or indirect influence by the tumor on the biological half-life of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase.", "contents": "Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Induction and purification from yeast and clearance in mammals. Yeast phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.5) catalyzes the deamination of L-phenylalanine to form trans-cinnamic acid and tyrosine to trans-coumaric acid. Maximal enzyme activity in Rhodotorula glutinis (2 units/g, wet weight, of yeast) was induced in late-log phase (12 to 14 hours) of growth in a culture medium containing 1.0% malt extract, 0.1% yeast extract, and 0.1% L-phenylalanine. A highly purified enzyme was obtained by fractionation with ammonium sulfate and sodium citrate followed by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-200. The active preparation yielded a major component on three different polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic systems. Antisera to phenylalanine ammonia-lyase was raised in rabbits and detected by double immunodiffusion. The antigen-antibody complex was enzymatically active in vitro. The biological half-life of the enzyme was approximately 21 hours in several mammalian species (mice without and with BW10232 adenocarcinoma and B16 melanoma, rats, and monkeys) after a single injection; however, upon repeated administration, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase had a much shorter biological half-life. The onset of rapid clearance occurred earlier in tumor-bearing than in nontumor-bearing mice indicating a direct or indirect influence by the tumor on the biological half-life of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase.", "PMID": 985816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1691", "title": "Comparison of candicidin, levorin and trichomycin by means of high-performance liquid chromatography.", "content": "A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the separation of individual components of polyene macrolide antibiotics has been developed. The three heptaene macrolide antibiotics, candicidin, levorin and trichomycin, have been investigated and compared. In all instances these compounds proved to be complex mixtures. It is demonstrated that candicidin and levorin are identical, whereas trichomycin differs in composition from these two substances.", "contents": "Comparison of candicidin, levorin and trichomycin by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the separation of individual components of polyene macrolide antibiotics has been developed. The three heptaene macrolide antibiotics, candicidin, levorin and trichomycin, have been investigated and compared. In all instances these compounds proved to be complex mixtures. It is demonstrated that candicidin and levorin are identical, whereas trichomycin differs in composition from these two substances.", "PMID": 985823} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1692", "title": "Recurrent goiter, hyperthyroidism, galactorrhea and amenorrhea due to a thyrotropin and prolactin-producing pituitary tumor.", "content": "A 22-year-old woman with recurrent goiter, hyperthyroidism, galactorrhea, and amenorrhea due to a pituitary tumor is described. She had been treated surgically twice for recurrent goiter with tracheal compression. Despite clinical signs of hyperthyroidism and slightly elevated plasma thyroid hormone levels (T4: 11 mug/dl; T3: 189 ng/dl), without thyroid hormone replacement therapy the basal TSH level was elevated up to 23 muU/ml and could not be suppressed by exogenous thyroid hormones: even when the serum thyroid hormone levels were raised into the thyrotoxic range (T4: 16.2 mug/dl T3: 392 ng/dl), the basal TSH fluctuated between 12 and 29 muU/ml. The basal PRL level was elevated up to 6000 muU/ml. The administration of TRH (200 mug iv) led only to small increments of TSH and PRL levels. Bromocriptin (5 mg p.o.) or l-dopa (0.5 g p.o.) suppressed TSH and PRL values significantly. After transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, TSH and PRL were below normal and the patient development panhypopituitarism. The adenoma showed two cell types which could be identified as lactotrophs and thyrotrophs by electronmicroscopy and immunofluorescence. From these data we conclude that the patient had a pituitary tumor with an overproduction of thyrotropin and prolactin.", "contents": "Recurrent goiter, hyperthyroidism, galactorrhea and amenorrhea due to a thyrotropin and prolactin-producing pituitary tumor. A 22-year-old woman with recurrent goiter, hyperthyroidism, galactorrhea, and amenorrhea due to a pituitary tumor is described. She had been treated surgically twice for recurrent goiter with tracheal compression. Despite clinical signs of hyperthyroidism and slightly elevated plasma thyroid hormone levels (T4: 11 mug/dl; T3: 189 ng/dl), without thyroid hormone replacement therapy the basal TSH level was elevated up to 23 muU/ml and could not be suppressed by exogenous thyroid hormones: even when the serum thyroid hormone levels were raised into the thyrotoxic range (T4: 16.2 mug/dl T3: 392 ng/dl), the basal TSH fluctuated between 12 and 29 muU/ml. The basal PRL level was elevated up to 6000 muU/ml. The administration of TRH (200 mug iv) led only to small increments of TSH and PRL levels. Bromocriptin (5 mg p.o.) or l-dopa (0.5 g p.o.) suppressed TSH and PRL values significantly. After transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, TSH and PRL were below normal and the patient development panhypopituitarism. The adenoma showed two cell types which could be identified as lactotrophs and thyrotrophs by electronmicroscopy and immunofluorescence. From these data we conclude that the patient had a pituitary tumor with an overproduction of thyrotropin and prolactin.", "PMID": 985824} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1693", "title": "Diural TSH variations in hypothyroidism.", "content": "There is a circadian variation in serum TSH in euthyroid subjects. A similar diurnal variation has been demonstrated in patients with hypothyroidism. In the present study the 24-hour pattern of serum TSH was investigated in eight patients with hypothyroidism of varying severity and in five hypothyroid patients treated with thyroxine (T4). There was a circadian variation in serum TSH in patients with hypothyroidism of moderate degree, and in patients treated for severe hypothyrodism with thyroxine. The pattern was similar to that found in normal subjects, i.e., low TSH levels in the daytime and higher levels at night. In severely hypothyroid patients, no diurnal variation in serum TSH was observed. A practical consequence is that blood samples for TSH measurements in patients with moderately elevated TSH levels are best taken after 1100 h, when the low day levels are reached.", "contents": "Diural TSH variations in hypothyroidism. There is a circadian variation in serum TSH in euthyroid subjects. A similar diurnal variation has been demonstrated in patients with hypothyroidism. In the present study the 24-hour pattern of serum TSH was investigated in eight patients with hypothyroidism of varying severity and in five hypothyroid patients treated with thyroxine (T4). There was a circadian variation in serum TSH in patients with hypothyroidism of moderate degree, and in patients treated for severe hypothyrodism with thyroxine. The pattern was similar to that found in normal subjects, i.e., low TSH levels in the daytime and higher levels at night. In severely hypothyroid patients, no diurnal variation in serum TSH was observed. A practical consequence is that blood samples for TSH measurements in patients with moderately elevated TSH levels are best taken after 1100 h, when the low day levels are reached.", "PMID": 985825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1694", "title": "Microrespirometer chamber for determinations of viability in cell and organ cultures.", "content": "The effects of chemical, physical, and infectious cytotoxic agents on primary and cultured cells were evaluated by measurements of oxygen uptake for various time periods. A newly developed respirometer used a Clark oxygen electrode in a 1.0-ml chamber, with provisions for constant mixing and for temperature control of both the sample and electrode chambers. The device was unique because the electrode and instrumentation were provided by a clinical blood-gas analyzer. Oxygen uptake by blank controls was negligible, whereas cells and tissue consumed oxygen at rates of approximately 1 to 5 mul/h in a dose- and temperature-dependent fashion. Cyanide, heat, and freeze-thaw lysis reduced the oxygen uptake to less than 0.6 mul/mg per h. Infection of trachea organ cultures with Mycoplasma pneumoniae significantly reduced relative ciliary activity, tetrazolium reduction capacity, and oxygen consumption in a coordinated fashion.", "contents": "Microrespirometer chamber for determinations of viability in cell and organ cultures. The effects of chemical, physical, and infectious cytotoxic agents on primary and cultured cells were evaluated by measurements of oxygen uptake for various time periods. A newly developed respirometer used a Clark oxygen electrode in a 1.0-ml chamber, with provisions for constant mixing and for temperature control of both the sample and electrode chambers. The device was unique because the electrode and instrumentation were provided by a clinical blood-gas analyzer. Oxygen uptake by blank controls was negligible, whereas cells and tissue consumed oxygen at rates of approximately 1 to 5 mul/h in a dose- and temperature-dependent fashion. Cyanide, heat, and freeze-thaw lysis reduced the oxygen uptake to less than 0.6 mul/mg per h. Infection of trachea organ cultures with Mycoplasma pneumoniae significantly reduced relative ciliary activity, tetrazolium reduction capacity, and oxygen consumption in a coordinated fashion.", "PMID": 985826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1695", "title": "Renal handling of Zn-alpha2-glycoprotein as compared with that of albumin and the retinol-binding protein.", "content": "An unusual electrophoretic pattern of the urine from a patient with malignant lymphoma was observed. One of the major proteins, identified Zn-alpha2-glycoprotein (Zn-alpha2), was isolated from the urine and partly characterized. The Stokes radius was found to be 3.24 nm and the molecular weight, determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis, 42,000. The plasma level in healthy individuals was 39 +/- 7 (SD) mg/liter. In 12 of 25 healthy individuals, Zn-alpha2 was measurable in the urine and was found to be 1.0 +/- 1.1 mg/liter. In 23 patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN), in 9 with proximal tubular dysfunction (PTD), in 23 with various renal diseases (VRD), and in 10 with malignant lymphoma, the plasma level and the urinary excretion were compared with those of albumin (mol wt 67,000) and of the retinol-binding protein (RBP, mol wt 21,000). A close correlation was found between the urine-to-plasma (U/P) ratios of Zn-alpha2 and albumin in the patients with CGN, whereas in the PTD patients the U/P ratios of Zn-alpha2 and RBP were correlated. No significant renal arteriovenous difference in Zn-alpha2 could be demonstrated. The Zn-alpha2 excretion was increased also in two patients with malignant lymphoma and proteinuria of a tubular pattern. The plasma Zn-alpha2 varied inversely with the glomerular filtration rate in the patients with renal disease, but was normal in those with malignant lymphoma. The results are consistent with the assumption of a sieving coefficient of Zn-alpha2, substantially exceeding that of albumin, but notably lower than that of smaller low-molecular-weight proteins. An increased excretion of Zn-alpha2 may be due to increased glomerular permeability as well as to defective proximal tubular reabsorption.", "contents": "Renal handling of Zn-alpha2-glycoprotein as compared with that of albumin and the retinol-binding protein. An unusual electrophoretic pattern of the urine from a patient with malignant lymphoma was observed. One of the major proteins, identified Zn-alpha2-glycoprotein (Zn-alpha2), was isolated from the urine and partly characterized. The Stokes radius was found to be 3.24 nm and the molecular weight, determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis, 42,000. The plasma level in healthy individuals was 39 +/- 7 (SD) mg/liter. In 12 of 25 healthy individuals, Zn-alpha2 was measurable in the urine and was found to be 1.0 +/- 1.1 mg/liter. In 23 patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN), in 9 with proximal tubular dysfunction (PTD), in 23 with various renal diseases (VRD), and in 10 with malignant lymphoma, the plasma level and the urinary excretion were compared with those of albumin (mol wt 67,000) and of the retinol-binding protein (RBP, mol wt 21,000). A close correlation was found between the urine-to-plasma (U/P) ratios of Zn-alpha2 and albumin in the patients with CGN, whereas in the PTD patients the U/P ratios of Zn-alpha2 and RBP were correlated. No significant renal arteriovenous difference in Zn-alpha2 could be demonstrated. The Zn-alpha2 excretion was increased also in two patients with malignant lymphoma and proteinuria of a tubular pattern. The plasma Zn-alpha2 varied inversely with the glomerular filtration rate in the patients with renal disease, but was normal in those with malignant lymphoma. The results are consistent with the assumption of a sieving coefficient of Zn-alpha2, substantially exceeding that of albumin, but notably lower than that of smaller low-molecular-weight proteins. An increased excretion of Zn-alpha2 may be due to increased glomerular permeability as well as to defective proximal tubular reabsorption.", "PMID": 985827} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1696", "title": "Effect of 1-deamino-5-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) on plasma cortisol (hydrocortisone).", "content": "The influence of 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), the new antidiutetic polypeptide without any side effects on plasma cortisol, was investigated in 30 healthy persons. A dose of 4 mug DDAVP administered intravenously induced a rise in plasma cortisol (hydrocortisone) levels greater than 3.5 mug/100 ml in 12 out of 20 persons studied. In this group (group I), the average increase at 15 minutes was 6.92+/-1.74 mug/100 ml (P less than 0.005), while in the remaining eight persons (group II) plasma cortisol levels decreased according to the usual normal daily rhythm. DDAVP, 80 mug, administered intranasally had no demonstrable influence on physiologic plasma cortisol regulation. On the basis of the present findings with relatively low doses, pituitary responsiveness (ACTH release) might be expected to occur in a higher percentage of persons after giving high intravenous doses of DDAVP. Further efforts are necessary to develop a safe vasopressin test for clinical examination of adenohypophyseal function.", "contents": "Effect of 1-deamino-5-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) on plasma cortisol (hydrocortisone). The influence of 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), the new antidiutetic polypeptide without any side effects on plasma cortisol, was investigated in 30 healthy persons. A dose of 4 mug DDAVP administered intravenously induced a rise in plasma cortisol (hydrocortisone) levels greater than 3.5 mug/100 ml in 12 out of 20 persons studied. In this group (group I), the average increase at 15 minutes was 6.92+/-1.74 mug/100 ml (P less than 0.005), while in the remaining eight persons (group II) plasma cortisol levels decreased according to the usual normal daily rhythm. DDAVP, 80 mug, administered intranasally had no demonstrable influence on physiologic plasma cortisol regulation. On the basis of the present findings with relatively low doses, pituitary responsiveness (ACTH release) might be expected to occur in a higher percentage of persons after giving high intravenous doses of DDAVP. Further efforts are necessary to develop a safe vasopressin test for clinical examination of adenohypophyseal function.", "PMID": 985828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1697", "title": "Interactions of amygdala lesions with effects of pilocarpine and d-amphetamine on mouse killing, feeding, and drinking in rats.", "content": "Repeated injections of 7.5 mg/kg pilocarpine induced mouse killing in both amygdala-lesioned and sham-operated rats, but more injections were required in the lesioned animals. Killing was evoked least readily in rats that showed substantial weight loss after surgery and that had damage to more medial regions of the amygdala. d-Amphetamine (.75, 1.50, or 3.00 mg/kg), administered either before or after a killing test, inhibited pilocarpine-induced killing in both surgical groups. Amygdala lesions attenuated pilocarpine-facilitated drinking in sated animals but did not alter the inhibitory effects of either pilocarpine or d-amphetamine on feeding or drinking.", "contents": "Interactions of amygdala lesions with effects of pilocarpine and d-amphetamine on mouse killing, feeding, and drinking in rats. Repeated injections of 7.5 mg/kg pilocarpine induced mouse killing in both amygdala-lesioned and sham-operated rats, but more injections were required in the lesioned animals. Killing was evoked least readily in rats that showed substantial weight loss after surgery and that had damage to more medial regions of the amygdala. d-Amphetamine (.75, 1.50, or 3.00 mg/kg), administered either before or after a killing test, inhibited pilocarpine-induced killing in both surgical groups. Amygdala lesions attenuated pilocarpine-facilitated drinking in sated animals but did not alter the inhibitory effects of either pilocarpine or d-amphetamine on feeding or drinking.", "PMID": 985829} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1698", "title": "A copulatory system in the hypothalamus and tegmentum of the domestic chick.", "content": "A tract in the chick is described that runs from the posterior nucleus paraventricularis magnocellularis (PVM) through the lateral hypothalamus to a small area of the anterior tegmentum, which is adjacent to the ventral tegmental area. Bilateral lesions of the posterior PVM or of the PVM tract or of its tegmental destination abolish the facilitation of copulation in male chicks by testosterone. The effect is specific in that the facilitation of attack is either unaffected or only slightly depressed by such lesions, while being itself specifically depressed by other hypothalamic lesions. No other hypothalamic tracts were found that were necessary for the facilitation of copulation. An equivalent copulatory system probably exists in the mammal, with a more diffuse distribution in the preoptic area but with similar connections back to the tegmentum.", "contents": "A copulatory system in the hypothalamus and tegmentum of the domestic chick. A tract in the chick is described that runs from the posterior nucleus paraventricularis magnocellularis (PVM) through the lateral hypothalamus to a small area of the anterior tegmentum, which is adjacent to the ventral tegmental area. Bilateral lesions of the posterior PVM or of the PVM tract or of its tegmental destination abolish the facilitation of copulation in male chicks by testosterone. The effect is specific in that the facilitation of attack is either unaffected or only slightly depressed by such lesions, while being itself specifically depressed by other hypothalamic lesions. No other hypothalamic tracts were found that were necessary for the facilitation of copulation. An equivalent copulatory system probably exists in the mammal, with a more diffuse distribution in the preoptic area but with similar connections back to the tegmentum.", "PMID": 985830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1699", "title": "Another hamster paradox: more males carry pups and fewer kill and cannibalize young than do females.", "content": "The response of virgin male and female golden hamsters to young was studied. In contrast to most species, males are more likely to carry pups than are females. All males carried pups, but approximately 50% of females cannibalized the young. The females that did not cannibalize the pups carried them with less hesitation and after shorter latencies than did the males. The response of females to young was not correlated with the aggressiveness displayed toward adult males during separate tests. Tests with gonadectomized females indicated that the maintenance of pup-killing behavior is not dependent on concurrent gonadal hormones. Progesterone injections did not significantly increase pup killing in males that had previously carried young. Speculations on the adaptive significance of the male and female hamster's response to pups are presented.", "contents": "Another hamster paradox: more males carry pups and fewer kill and cannibalize young than do females. The response of virgin male and female golden hamsters to young was studied. In contrast to most species, males are more likely to carry pups than are females. All males carried pups, but approximately 50% of females cannibalized the young. The females that did not cannibalize the pups carried them with less hesitation and after shorter latencies than did the males. The response of females to young was not correlated with the aggressiveness displayed toward adult males during separate tests. Tests with gonadectomized females indicated that the maintenance of pup-killing behavior is not dependent on concurrent gonadal hormones. Progesterone injections did not significantly increase pup killing in males that had previously carried young. Speculations on the adaptive significance of the male and female hamster's response to pups are presented.", "PMID": 985831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1700", "title": "Cellular studies of mammary tissue from cows hormonally induced into lactation: lactose and fatty acid synthesis.", "content": "Temporal changes in ability of mammary gland to synthesize lactose and fatty acids were identified during the treatment of cows hormonally induced to lactate, and animal differences were compared to subsequent milk production. Hormonal treatment involved 17 beta-estradiol + progesterone on days 1 to 7 and dexamethasone on days 17 to 19. Mammary tissue obtained by biopsy on days 0, 8, 16, and 26 of treatment was examined for biosynthetic capacity by tissue slice incubations. In terms of peak daily milk yield, one cow was very successful (greater than 30 kg), two were intermediate (9 to 10 kg), and one cow was unsuccessful (less than 3 kg). Differences between cows in the capability to synthesize lactose and fatty acids were evident as early as day 8 and were further magnified by day 16. In particular, the tissue from the successful cow was undergoing lactogenesis by day 8 while this was not evident until the day 16 biopsy sample in the less successful cows. In contrast to the other cows, tissues from the unsuccessful animal regressed in its ability to synthesize lactose and fatty acids between day 16 and 26. Relative differences between animals in measurements of metabolic capacity were consistent with subsequent milk production.", "contents": "Cellular studies of mammary tissue from cows hormonally induced into lactation: lactose and fatty acid synthesis. Temporal changes in ability of mammary gland to synthesize lactose and fatty acids were identified during the treatment of cows hormonally induced to lactate, and animal differences were compared to subsequent milk production. Hormonal treatment involved 17 beta-estradiol + progesterone on days 1 to 7 and dexamethasone on days 17 to 19. Mammary tissue obtained by biopsy on days 0, 8, 16, and 26 of treatment was examined for biosynthetic capacity by tissue slice incubations. In terms of peak daily milk yield, one cow was very successful (greater than 30 kg), two were intermediate (9 to 10 kg), and one cow was unsuccessful (less than 3 kg). Differences between cows in the capability to synthesize lactose and fatty acids were evident as early as day 8 and were further magnified by day 16. In particular, the tissue from the successful cow was undergoing lactogenesis by day 8 while this was not evident until the day 16 biopsy sample in the less successful cows. In contrast to the other cows, tissues from the unsuccessful animal regressed in its ability to synthesize lactose and fatty acids between day 16 and 26. Relative differences between animals in measurements of metabolic capacity were consistent with subsequent milk production.", "PMID": 985832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1701", "title": "Cellular studies of mammary tissue from cows hormonally induced into lactation: histology and ultrastructure.", "content": "Cytological changes were investigated in mammary parenchyma of cows hormonally induced to lactate. Four cows were induced with injections of 17 beta-estradiol plus progesterone (days 1 to 7) and dexamethasone (days 17 to 19). Tissue biopsies were obtained on days 0, 8, 16, and 26; and milking commenced on day 18 or 21 of the treatment period. Mammary tissue of cow A, the most successful animal, showed marked cellular proliferation and differentiation by day 8. By day 16, the parenchyma of cow A had undergone lactogenesis and exhibited histological and ultrastructural characteristics associated with actively secreting mammary tissue. Mammary epithelia of cow D, the least successful animal, showed minimal development by day 8 and ultrastructurally resembled nondifferentiated mammary cells. Mammary parenchyma of cow D had not undergone differentiation and was involuting by day 16. Mammary tissues of cow B and C showed intermediate responses with only slight development by day 16 and only limited areas of secretory activity by day 26. Results suggest that animals successfully induced into lactation undergo critical periods of cellular proliferation and differentiation which unsuccessful animals do not experience. Cytological differences were first evident by day 8, further magnified by day 16 of the treatment period, and subsequently expressed in terms of milk production (peak milk yield equaled 30.5, 10.0, 9.2, and 2.4 kg/day for cows A, B, C, and D).", "contents": "Cellular studies of mammary tissue from cows hormonally induced into lactation: histology and ultrastructure. Cytological changes were investigated in mammary parenchyma of cows hormonally induced to lactate. Four cows were induced with injections of 17 beta-estradiol plus progesterone (days 1 to 7) and dexamethasone (days 17 to 19). Tissue biopsies were obtained on days 0, 8, 16, and 26; and milking commenced on day 18 or 21 of the treatment period. Mammary tissue of cow A, the most successful animal, showed marked cellular proliferation and differentiation by day 8. By day 16, the parenchyma of cow A had undergone lactogenesis and exhibited histological and ultrastructural characteristics associated with actively secreting mammary tissue. Mammary epithelia of cow D, the least successful animal, showed minimal development by day 8 and ultrastructurally resembled nondifferentiated mammary cells. Mammary parenchyma of cow D had not undergone differentiation and was involuting by day 16. Mammary tissues of cow B and C showed intermediate responses with only slight development by day 16 and only limited areas of secretory activity by day 26. Results suggest that animals successfully induced into lactation undergo critical periods of cellular proliferation and differentiation which unsuccessful animals do not experience. Cytological differences were first evident by day 8, further magnified by day 16 of the treatment period, and subsequently expressed in terms of milk production (peak milk yield equaled 30.5, 10.0, 9.2, and 2.4 kg/day for cows A, B, C, and D).", "PMID": 985833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1702", "title": "Plasma progestins, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone following prostaglandin F2 alpha injection.", "content": "Dairy animals, ranging from days 8 to 13 of the estrous cycle, were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters 1 day prior to either intramuscular injection of prostaglandin F2alpha free acid (30 mg, n=4) or intrauterine deposition of prostaglandin F2alpha free acid (10 mg, n = 3). Blood samples were collected at 6, 4, 2, and 0 h prior to administration of prostaglandin F2alpha and at 1, 3, and every 2 h thereafter until ovulation. Progestins, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone in plasma were measured by radioimmunoassay. Hormonal changes and interrelationships within animals were evaluated by least squares analyses. Decreases in progestins of plasma within 24 h indicated prostaglandin F2alpha induced luteolysis in six of the seven animals. Estradiol increased linearly from time of injection to 52 h postinjection. Intervals from administration of prostaglandin to onset of estrus, peak of luteinizing hormone, and ovulation were 74.9 +/- 21, 78.8 +/- 21, and 99.5 +/- 19 h.", "contents": "Plasma progestins, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone following prostaglandin F2 alpha injection. Dairy animals, ranging from days 8 to 13 of the estrous cycle, were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters 1 day prior to either intramuscular injection of prostaglandin F2alpha free acid (30 mg, n=4) or intrauterine deposition of prostaglandin F2alpha free acid (10 mg, n = 3). Blood samples were collected at 6, 4, 2, and 0 h prior to administration of prostaglandin F2alpha and at 1, 3, and every 2 h thereafter until ovulation. Progestins, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone in plasma were measured by radioimmunoassay. Hormonal changes and interrelationships within animals were evaluated by least squares analyses. Decreases in progestins of plasma within 24 h indicated prostaglandin F2alpha induced luteolysis in six of the seven animals. Estradiol increased linearly from time of injection to 52 h postinjection. Intervals from administration of prostaglandin to onset of estrus, peak of luteinizing hormone, and ovulation were 74.9 +/- 21, 78.8 +/- 21, and 99.5 +/- 19 h.", "PMID": 985834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1703", "title": "Variability of Alternaria alternata: biochemical and immunological characteristics of culture filtrates from seven isolates.", "content": "Biochemical variability of culture filtrates from the common allergenic mold Alternaria alternata was studied. Differences between culture filtrates from 7 different isolates and between 4 batches of culture filtrate from the same isolate were observed, suggesting the unreliability of presently employed biochemical methods in the routine standardization of mold allergens and the possibility of difficulties in developing standard techniques for their purification. Dextranases, cellulases, and agarases, found in one culture filtrate, may be a further source of problems in laboratory techniques employing A. alternata. The proportions of nitrogen:carbohydrate:dialyzed dry weight were different in culture filtrates from each isolate. Polysaccharides in culture filtrates from 3 of the 7 isolated contained glucose, mannose, xylose, galactose, and a fifth, unidentified sugar. Polysaccharides from one isolate lacked xylose, and the fifth sugar was not demonstrable in 4 of the isolates. Despite the biochemical differences, extensive antigenic cross-reactivity between different isolates was found in precipitin studies and inhibition of antibody binding.", "contents": "Variability of Alternaria alternata: biochemical and immunological characteristics of culture filtrates from seven isolates. Biochemical variability of culture filtrates from the common allergenic mold Alternaria alternata was studied. Differences between culture filtrates from 7 different isolates and between 4 batches of culture filtrate from the same isolate were observed, suggesting the unreliability of presently employed biochemical methods in the routine standardization of mold allergens and the possibility of difficulties in developing standard techniques for their purification. Dextranases, cellulases, and agarases, found in one culture filtrate, may be a further source of problems in laboratory techniques employing A. alternata. The proportions of nitrogen:carbohydrate:dialyzed dry weight were different in culture filtrates from each isolate. Polysaccharides in culture filtrates from 3 of the 7 isolated contained glucose, mannose, xylose, galactose, and a fifth, unidentified sugar. Polysaccharides from one isolate lacked xylose, and the fifth sugar was not demonstrable in 4 of the isolates. Despite the biochemical differences, extensive antigenic cross-reactivity between different isolates was found in precipitin studies and inhibition of antibody binding.", "PMID": 985835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1704", "title": "Biological strandard for electron microprobe analysis of intracellular sodium concentration.", "content": "A method is described for the determination of the intracellular concentration of sodium in individual cells using the electron microprobe analyzer. This method gives an accuracy equal to that obtained by using flame photometry on tissues with large cell populations. Intracellular sodium was precipitated in the cell by a fixative containing pyroantimonate. Cartilaginous needles from shark fins which were equilibrated in saline solutions of differing concentrations were used as biological standards.", "contents": "Biological strandard for electron microprobe analysis of intracellular sodium concentration. A method is described for the determination of the intracellular concentration of sodium in individual cells using the electron microprobe analyzer. This method gives an accuracy equal to that obtained by using flame photometry on tissues with large cell populations. Intracellular sodium was precipitated in the cell by a fixative containing pyroantimonate. Cartilaginous needles from shark fins which were equilibrated in saline solutions of differing concentrations were used as biological standards.", "PMID": 985836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1705", "title": "Regulation of the immune system by synthetic polynucleotides. VI. Amplification of the immune response in young and aging mice.", "content": "Model systems for study of the action of adjuvants in immunodeficient states were developed in 10- to 14-day-old BALB/aj mice and aging BALB/aj mice (12 to 16 months). With sheep red blood cells as antigen polyadenylicpolyuridylic acid complexes (poly A:U) were found to be stimulatory in both the neonatal and aging mice. The effect of poly A:U was similar to that seen when 5 X 10(6) thymocytes from immunologically mature mice were given with antigen. Cell-free supernatant fluids induced by incubation of poly A:U with thymocytes likewise were capable of restoring the number of antibody-forming cells to normalcy in aging mice.", "contents": "Regulation of the immune system by synthetic polynucleotides. VI. Amplification of the immune response in young and aging mice. Model systems for study of the action of adjuvants in immunodeficient states were developed in 10- to 14-day-old BALB/aj mice and aging BALB/aj mice (12 to 16 months). With sheep red blood cells as antigen polyadenylicpolyuridylic acid complexes (poly A:U) were found to be stimulatory in both the neonatal and aging mice. The effect of poly A:U was similar to that seen when 5 X 10(6) thymocytes from immunologically mature mice were given with antigen. Cell-free supernatant fluids induced by incubation of poly A:U with thymocytes likewise were capable of restoring the number of antibody-forming cells to normalcy in aging mice.", "PMID": 985837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1706", "title": "Receptor-blocking factor present in immune serum resembling auto-anti-idiotype antibody.", "content": "Previous studies have shown that rabbit antibody-forming cells in the primary and secondary response possess cell-associated antigen-binding receptors. In the present study, we demonstrate that a factor appears in the serum of rabbits following immunization which inhibits the antigen binding of up to 60% of the receptor-bearing antibody-forming cells in both the primary and secondary response. These observations were made on lymph node cells from rabbits primed with either sheep red blood cells (SRBC)3 or 3-nitro-4-hydroxy-5-iodophenylacetic acid coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (NIP-KLH). The inhibitory activity is not associated with anti-SRBC or anti-NIP antibody. In the primary response to SRBC, the antigen binding by day 6 antibody-forming cells is inhibited by the autologous days 7 to 10 inactivated and absorbed serum. In the secondary response to SRBC, the inhibitory factor peaks in the serum around day 10. Later, in both the primary and secondary immune response to SRBC, the inhibitory activity of the serum decreases rapidly. In the primary response to NIP-KLH, the inhibitory activity of the immune sera increased from day 7 through day 14. The receptor-inhibiting factor is antigen specific since the serum from SRBC-primed rabbits inhibits SRBC binding by anti-SRBC antibody-forming cells, but it does not inhibit NIP binding by anti-NIP antibody-forming cells. Similarly, serum from NIP-KLH-primed rabbits inhibits NIP binding by anti-NIP antibody-forming cells, but does not inhibit the SRBC receptor on the anti-SRBC antibody-forming cells. The inhibition is not due to the presence of antihapten or anti-SRBC antibody competing with receptor sites, since the immune sera from one SRBC-primed animal inhibit antigen binding of its own antibody-forming cells, but do not inhibit the antigen binding of antibody-forming cells from other SRBC-primed rabbits.", "contents": "Receptor-blocking factor present in immune serum resembling auto-anti-idiotype antibody. Previous studies have shown that rabbit antibody-forming cells in the primary and secondary response possess cell-associated antigen-binding receptors. In the present study, we demonstrate that a factor appears in the serum of rabbits following immunization which inhibits the antigen binding of up to 60% of the receptor-bearing antibody-forming cells in both the primary and secondary response. These observations were made on lymph node cells from rabbits primed with either sheep red blood cells (SRBC)3 or 3-nitro-4-hydroxy-5-iodophenylacetic acid coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (NIP-KLH). The inhibitory activity is not associated with anti-SRBC or anti-NIP antibody. In the primary response to SRBC, the antigen binding by day 6 antibody-forming cells is inhibited by the autologous days 7 to 10 inactivated and absorbed serum. In the secondary response to SRBC, the inhibitory factor peaks in the serum around day 10. Later, in both the primary and secondary immune response to SRBC, the inhibitory activity of the serum decreases rapidly. In the primary response to NIP-KLH, the inhibitory activity of the immune sera increased from day 7 through day 14. The receptor-inhibiting factor is antigen specific since the serum from SRBC-primed rabbits inhibits SRBC binding by anti-SRBC antibody-forming cells, but it does not inhibit NIP binding by anti-NIP antibody-forming cells. Similarly, serum from NIP-KLH-primed rabbits inhibits NIP binding by anti-NIP antibody-forming cells, but does not inhibit the SRBC receptor on the anti-SRBC antibody-forming cells. The inhibition is not due to the presence of antihapten or anti-SRBC antibody competing with receptor sites, since the immune sera from one SRBC-primed animal inhibit antigen binding of its own antibody-forming cells, but do not inhibit the antigen binding of antibody-forming cells from other SRBC-primed rabbits.", "PMID": 985838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1707", "title": "Enzymatic degradation of tumor cells damaged by antibody plus complement.", "content": "Rapid degradation of ascites tumor cells damaged by the action of antibody plus complement was found to be accomplished by all proteolytic enzymes active at physiologic pH that were tested. For three types of murine ascites tumor cells (Ehrlich ascites, sarcoma-180, and L1210 leukemia), this rate of degradation at low trypsin concentrations was proportional to a high power of enzyme concentration. This suggests that the simultaneous action of two or more enzyme molecules at adjacent cell surface sites is necessary. Cell degradation was assayed by determination of cell volume distribution with a Coulter multi-channel particle size analyzer. The present study may offer clues to in vivo mechanisms of cell degradation.", "contents": "Enzymatic degradation of tumor cells damaged by antibody plus complement. Rapid degradation of ascites tumor cells damaged by the action of antibody plus complement was found to be accomplished by all proteolytic enzymes active at physiologic pH that were tested. For three types of murine ascites tumor cells (Ehrlich ascites, sarcoma-180, and L1210 leukemia), this rate of degradation at low trypsin concentrations was proportional to a high power of enzyme concentration. This suggests that the simultaneous action of two or more enzyme molecules at adjacent cell surface sites is necessary. Cell degradation was assayed by determination of cell volume distribution with a Coulter multi-channel particle size analyzer. The present study may offer clues to in vivo mechanisms of cell degradation.", "PMID": 985839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1708", "title": "Quantitative analysis of brain galactosylceramides by high performance liquid chromatography of their perbenzoyl derivatives.", "content": "A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for analysis of galactosylceramides as their benzyol derivates has been devised. Samples containing 10-150 nmoles of monohexoslceramides are benzoylated by heating for 60 min at 60 degree C in 0.5 ml of 10% (v/v) Benzoyl chloride in pyridine. The products are purified by solvent distribution and analyzed by SPLC. The benzoylated cerebrosides with nonhydroxy fatty acids are separated from those with hydroxy fatty acids on a Zipax column with 7% ethyl acetate in hexane as a solvent and UV absorption at 280 nm is recorded. This isocratic procedure can be applied directly to chloroform-methanol procedure can be applied directly to chloroform-methanol extracts of adult brain with a relative standard deviation of 3.0% for cerebrosides with nonhydroxy fatty acids and 4.0% for cerebrosides with hydroxy fatty acids. Sulfatides do not interfere in the assay and can be converted to cerebrosides after desulfation by mild acid methanolysis. Benzoylated glucosyl- and galactosylceramides can be separated on a MicroPak NH2 column with 1.5% 2-propanol in cyclopentane as the chromatographic solvent.", "contents": "Quantitative analysis of brain galactosylceramides by high performance liquid chromatography of their perbenzoyl derivatives. A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for analysis of galactosylceramides as their benzyol derivates has been devised. Samples containing 10-150 nmoles of monohexoslceramides are benzoylated by heating for 60 min at 60 degree C in 0.5 ml of 10% (v/v) Benzoyl chloride in pyridine. The products are purified by solvent distribution and analyzed by SPLC. The benzoylated cerebrosides with nonhydroxy fatty acids are separated from those with hydroxy fatty acids on a Zipax column with 7% ethyl acetate in hexane as a solvent and UV absorption at 280 nm is recorded. This isocratic procedure can be applied directly to chloroform-methanol procedure can be applied directly to chloroform-methanol extracts of adult brain with a relative standard deviation of 3.0% for cerebrosides with nonhydroxy fatty acids and 4.0% for cerebrosides with hydroxy fatty acids. Sulfatides do not interfere in the assay and can be converted to cerebrosides after desulfation by mild acid methanolysis. Benzoylated glucosyl- and galactosylceramides can be separated on a MicroPak NH2 column with 1.5% 2-propanol in cyclopentane as the chromatographic solvent.", "PMID": 985841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1709", "title": "Recovery of pituitary secretion of gonadotrophins and prolactin during re-feeding after chronic restricted feeding in female rats.", "content": "The effects on reproductive function of restriction to one half Of the normal food intake for 30 or 60 days and subsequent unrestricted feeding were investigated in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. Restricted feeding resulted in the cessation of oestrous cycles within 9 to 28 days, associated with decreased pituitary, ovarian and uterine weights. Pituitary content and concentration of FSH were increased by restricted feeding and the levels of FSH in 60 day underfed rats were about twice as high as those of the controls at dioestrus. There was little difference in pituitary LH content between the underfed groups and the controls at the end of restricted feeding. Pituitary LH concentration was significantly higher in rats underfed for 60 days than in the control rats. Pituitary prolactin content was one half and one third of that in control rats in rats underfed for 30 and 60 days respectively. Pituitary prolactin concentration was also decreased by restricted feeding. At the end of restricted feeding, no differences in serum LH and prolactin levels were found between the groups, whereas the serum FSH level in 60 day underfed rats was higher than that in the controls at dioestrus. After re-feeding, normal oestrous cycles returned within 3-5 days in almost all rats, regardless of the length of the previous cessation of oestrous cycles. Ptuitary contents of FSH and LH in underfed rats decreased after re-feeding following the return of oestrous cycles. The rate of decrease was much greater in 60 day underfed rats than that in 30 day underfed rats. On the other hand, serum levels of FSH, LH and prolactin in these underfed rats were increased by re-feeding and the levels in the evening of the first pro-oestrus were higher than those in the morning of dioestrus and pro-oestrus. Serum levels of these hormones increased more in 60 day underfed rats than in the other groups at any stage. After re-feeding, pituitary, ovarian and uterine weights increased and the uterine epithelial layer was clearly repaired in both underfed groups, although not always to the control levels by the first oestrus. The end-bud system of the mammary gland which degenerated during restricted feeding was comparable to that of the controls at the first oestrus after re-feeding in 30 day underfed rats, but not in 60 day underfed rats.", "contents": "Recovery of pituitary secretion of gonadotrophins and prolactin during re-feeding after chronic restricted feeding in female rats. The effects on reproductive function of restriction to one half Of the normal food intake for 30 or 60 days and subsequent unrestricted feeding were investigated in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. Restricted feeding resulted in the cessation of oestrous cycles within 9 to 28 days, associated with decreased pituitary, ovarian and uterine weights. Pituitary content and concentration of FSH were increased by restricted feeding and the levels of FSH in 60 day underfed rats were about twice as high as those of the controls at dioestrus. There was little difference in pituitary LH content between the underfed groups and the controls at the end of restricted feeding. Pituitary LH concentration was significantly higher in rats underfed for 60 days than in the control rats. Pituitary prolactin content was one half and one third of that in control rats in rats underfed for 30 and 60 days respectively. Pituitary prolactin concentration was also decreased by restricted feeding. At the end of restricted feeding, no differences in serum LH and prolactin levels were found between the groups, whereas the serum FSH level in 60 day underfed rats was higher than that in the controls at dioestrus. After re-feeding, normal oestrous cycles returned within 3-5 days in almost all rats, regardless of the length of the previous cessation of oestrous cycles. Ptuitary contents of FSH and LH in underfed rats decreased after re-feeding following the return of oestrous cycles. The rate of decrease was much greater in 60 day underfed rats than that in 30 day underfed rats. On the other hand, serum levels of FSH, LH and prolactin in these underfed rats were increased by re-feeding and the levels in the evening of the first pro-oestrus were higher than those in the morning of dioestrus and pro-oestrus. Serum levels of these hormones increased more in 60 day underfed rats than in the other groups at any stage. After re-feeding, pituitary, ovarian and uterine weights increased and the uterine epithelial layer was clearly repaired in both underfed groups, although not always to the control levels by the first oestrus. The end-bud system of the mammary gland which degenerated during restricted feeding was comparable to that of the controls at the first oestrus after re-feeding in 30 day underfed rats, but not in 60 day underfed rats.", "PMID": 985844} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1710", "title": "Immunological studies on the incorporation of radioactive leucine into sea urchin embryonic proteins: extractability and turn-over of newly synthesized proteins.", "content": "This study was undertaken in order to investigate the turn-over of newly synthesized sea urchin embryonic proteins, the distribution of these proteins in the cell and their changes in solubility with time. Refined immunological methods providing unique possibilities for studies of individual proteins were utilized. The proteins were obtained in two soluble fractions: a concentrate of proteins from the cytosol was obtained by homogenization in a hypotonic medium and another fraction constituting membrane-associated proteins was solubilized by detergent treatment of the residual pellet; 75% of the total protein content in early and 60% in later developmental stages was thus solubilized. The proteins solubilized by these mild methods retained their antigenicity and could be analyzed by immunodiffusion methods. The fate of newly synthesized embryonic proteins was studied by incorporation of a radioactive amino acid using two different incubation procedures. The results of these studies indicated that newly synthesized proteins changed their solubility properties with time. Proteins were thus transfered from the soluble to the insoluble fraction. The findings that more proteins became insoluble during development mentioned above also supports such an interpretation. The synthesis of individual proteins was studied by immunodiffusion and autoradiography. Most of the antigens in the two soluble fractions were identical. Experiments with absorbed antisera revealed that only two to four antigens were present exclusively in one of the two soluble fractions. Three groups of antigens differing in regard to their metabolic activities were distinguished. Some antigens were labeled after both procedures without substantially increasing in concentration during development. Thus, their labeling was probably sustained by turn-over. Other antigens were labeled only after one of the two incubation procedures indicating large variations in regard to synthesizing rates of individual proteins.", "contents": "Immunological studies on the incorporation of radioactive leucine into sea urchin embryonic proteins: extractability and turn-over of newly synthesized proteins. This study was undertaken in order to investigate the turn-over of newly synthesized sea urchin embryonic proteins, the distribution of these proteins in the cell and their changes in solubility with time. Refined immunological methods providing unique possibilities for studies of individual proteins were utilized. The proteins were obtained in two soluble fractions: a concentrate of proteins from the cytosol was obtained by homogenization in a hypotonic medium and another fraction constituting membrane-associated proteins was solubilized by detergent treatment of the residual pellet; 75% of the total protein content in early and 60% in later developmental stages was thus solubilized. The proteins solubilized by these mild methods retained their antigenicity and could be analyzed by immunodiffusion methods. The fate of newly synthesized embryonic proteins was studied by incorporation of a radioactive amino acid using two different incubation procedures. The results of these studies indicated that newly synthesized proteins changed their solubility properties with time. Proteins were thus transfered from the soluble to the insoluble fraction. The findings that more proteins became insoluble during development mentioned above also supports such an interpretation. The synthesis of individual proteins was studied by immunodiffusion and autoradiography. Most of the antigens in the two soluble fractions were identical. Experiments with absorbed antisera revealed that only two to four antigens were present exclusively in one of the two soluble fractions. Three groups of antigens differing in regard to their metabolic activities were distinguished. Some antigens were labeled after both procedures without substantially increasing in concentration during development. Thus, their labeling was probably sustained by turn-over. Other antigens were labeled only after one of the two incubation procedures indicating large variations in regard to synthesizing rates of individual proteins.", "PMID": 985848} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1711", "title": "Abnormalities in somite segmentation following heat shock to Xenopus embryos.", "content": "The typical abnormality induced by a 15 min shock at 37degreesC is a single discrete length along the somite file within which segmental boundaries are absent or irregular. The two sides of the same embryo present a similar but not necessarily identical appearance. Usually all the embryos in a treated batch show abnormalities of similar severity. Survival of treated embryos, the details of the visible malformations, and temporal aspects of the phenomenon have been studied. The results indicate a temperature sensitive period that traverses the neurula, from head to tail at about the same rate as the somites form, but some hours beforehand. The temperature sensitive process is not associated with cell determination and differentiation, and there are reasons for thinking that the specification of the normal somite number occurs independently. The results are discussed in relation to Cooke & Zeeman's model of a wave front interacting with an oscillator.", "contents": "Abnormalities in somite segmentation following heat shock to Xenopus embryos. The typical abnormality induced by a 15 min shock at 37degreesC is a single discrete length along the somite file within which segmental boundaries are absent or irregular. The two sides of the same embryo present a similar but not necessarily identical appearance. Usually all the embryos in a treated batch show abnormalities of similar severity. Survival of treated embryos, the details of the visible malformations, and temporal aspects of the phenomenon have been studied. The results indicate a temperature sensitive period that traverses the neurula, from head to tail at about the same rate as the somites form, but some hours beforehand. The temperature sensitive process is not associated with cell determination and differentiation, and there are reasons for thinking that the specification of the normal somite number occurs independently. The results are discussed in relation to Cooke & Zeeman's model of a wave front interacting with an oscillator.", "PMID": 985849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1712", "title": "Evolution of the nucleolar apparatus during oogenesis in Acipenseridae.", "content": "Evolution of the nucleoli has been followed during oogenesis in the Acipenserid fishes, Acipenser ruthenus (the sterlet) and A. guidenstadti (the sturgeon) using light and electron microscopes. In the ovaries of adults, the oogonial nuclei usually have a single nucleolus with an adjacent mass of paranucleolar fibrillar material. The cytoplasm of the oogonia contains two dense bodies peculiar only to gonocytes, one being electron dense and containing RNA and the otherbeing electron-lucent and lacking RNA...", "contents": "Evolution of the nucleolar apparatus during oogenesis in Acipenseridae. Evolution of the nucleoli has been followed during oogenesis in the Acipenserid fishes, Acipenser ruthenus (the sterlet) and A. guidenstadti (the sturgeon) using light and electron microscopes. In the ovaries of adults, the oogonial nuclei usually have a single nucleolus with an adjacent mass of paranucleolar fibrillar material. The cytoplasm of the oogonia contains two dense bodies peculiar only to gonocytes, one being electron dense and containing RNA and the otherbeing electron-lucent and lacking RNA...", "PMID": 985850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1713", "title": "Cultural factors influencing the utilization or production of acetate by Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens.", "content": "Utilization of acetate by four strains of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens was influenced by the composition of their growth medium. Growth-limiting glucose concentrations, low availability of CO2 and the presence of sodium lactate all stimulated acetate uptake by three strains. The type strain, D1, utilized acetate if the concentration of acetate added to the medium was at least 15 mumol ml-1. In batch culture, all strains produced acetate before entering a phase of acetate uptake. Continuous-culture studies with one strain showed that acetate uptake was dependent upon growth rate. The amount of n-butyrate produced in batch or continuous culture was closely linked to the amount of acetate taken up.", "contents": "Cultural factors influencing the utilization or production of acetate by Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens. Utilization of acetate by four strains of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens was influenced by the composition of their growth medium. Growth-limiting glucose concentrations, low availability of CO2 and the presence of sodium lactate all stimulated acetate uptake by three strains. The type strain, D1, utilized acetate if the concentration of acetate added to the medium was at least 15 mumol ml-1. In batch culture, all strains produced acetate before entering a phase of acetate uptake. Continuous-culture studies with one strain showed that acetate uptake was dependent upon growth rate. The amount of n-butyrate produced in batch or continuous culture was closely linked to the amount of acetate taken up.", "PMID": 985851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1714", "title": "Ultrastructure of mumps virus replication in organotypic cultures of hamster choroid plexus.", "content": "Organotypic cultures of newborn hamster choroid plexus were inoculated with equal titre doses of newly isolated or hamster adapted strains of mumps virus. The ultrastructure of virus replication in choroid epithelial cells of the cultures was compared. No qualitative differences were observed; however, the adapted strain produced significantly greater numbers of virions and earlier destruction of the cultures. These findings are consistent with previous in vivo observations of the ultrastructure of the replication of these strains in the newborn hamster central nervous system. This in vitro study leads further support to the hypothesis that differences in the in vivo biological effects of the virus strains are primarily the result of virus-cell rather than virus-host interactions.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of mumps virus replication in organotypic cultures of hamster choroid plexus. Organotypic cultures of newborn hamster choroid plexus were inoculated with equal titre doses of newly isolated or hamster adapted strains of mumps virus. The ultrastructure of virus replication in choroid epithelial cells of the cultures was compared. No qualitative differences were observed; however, the adapted strain produced significantly greater numbers of virions and earlier destruction of the cultures. These findings are consistent with previous in vivo observations of the ultrastructure of the replication of these strains in the newborn hamster central nervous system. This in vitro study leads further support to the hypothesis that differences in the in vivo biological effects of the virus strains are primarily the result of virus-cell rather than virus-host interactions.", "PMID": 985852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1715", "title": "Multicore disease in twins.", "content": "Multicore disease in identical twin boys presented in infancy as generalized weakness and torticollis. Motor milestones such as sitting, standing, and running were delayed, although by the age of 6 years marked improvement in muscle strength had occurred. Serum enzymes were normal. Muscle biopsy revealed multifocal areas of decreased oxidative enzyme activity. Ultrastructurally, these areas were characterized by myofilament disruption and Z-band streaming.", "contents": "Multicore disease in twins. Multicore disease in identical twin boys presented in infancy as generalized weakness and torticollis. Motor milestones such as sitting, standing, and running were delayed, although by the age of 6 years marked improvement in muscle strength had occurred. Serum enzymes were normal. Muscle biopsy revealed multifocal areas of decreased oxidative enzyme activity. Ultrastructurally, these areas were characterized by myofilament disruption and Z-band streaming.", "PMID": 985853} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1716", "title": "Electrophysiological technique for evaluating lesions of the conus medullaris and cauda equina.", "content": "The authors describe the use of evoked electromyographic responses recorded in the anal sphincter induced by stimulation of the bladder wall and urethra in evaluating lesions of the conus medullaris and cauda equina in 110 patients. This reflex response took effect by way of the pelvic nerves and cauda equina to the sacral cord where the pudendal nerve nucleus was activated, resulting in a contraction of the external anal sphincter. Various lesions along this pathway have been shown to produce either increased latencies and depressed responses or complete loss of response depending on the extent of the lesion. The correlation of results of this technique with clinical, myelographic, and operative findings indicate it to be a useful clinical tool.", "contents": "Electrophysiological technique for evaluating lesions of the conus medullaris and cauda equina. The authors describe the use of evoked electromyographic responses recorded in the anal sphincter induced by stimulation of the bladder wall and urethra in evaluating lesions of the conus medullaris and cauda equina in 110 patients. This reflex response took effect by way of the pelvic nerves and cauda equina to the sacral cord where the pudendal nerve nucleus was activated, resulting in a contraction of the external anal sphincter. Various lesions along this pathway have been shown to produce either increased latencies and depressed responses or complete loss of response depending on the extent of the lesion. The correlation of results of this technique with clinical, myelographic, and operative findings indicate it to be a useful clinical tool.", "PMID": 985854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1717", "title": "A study of the nycthemeral cycle of behavioural temperature regulation in man.", "content": "1. Four human subjects were rendered hyperthermic and hypothermic by immersion in warm and cool water, at 02.00, 08.00, 14.00 and 20.00 hr. Bath and oesophageal temperatures and pulse rate were recorded. Temperature preference was determined by operant behaviour and vote. The core temperature set-point for behavioural thermoregulation was estimated from the behavioural results. 2. The results are in accord with those of previous studies of the nyethemeral cycling of autonomic responsiveness to heat and cold with a heating up phase before noon and a cooling down phase during the early night. 3. Subjective sensations and behavioural responses were also found to follow a nycthemeral cycle with a minimum before noon and a maximum at 20.00 hr. 4. The core temperature set point was 0-7 degrees C higher after noon than before noon with a small phase advance from resting core temperature. This result suggests that the nycthemeral cyclic change in body temperature is due to a nycthemeral cyclic change in the set-point near to which body temperature is kept by both autonomic and behavioural thermoregulatory responses.", "contents": "A study of the nycthemeral cycle of behavioural temperature regulation in man. 1. Four human subjects were rendered hyperthermic and hypothermic by immersion in warm and cool water, at 02.00, 08.00, 14.00 and 20.00 hr. Bath and oesophageal temperatures and pulse rate were recorded. Temperature preference was determined by operant behaviour and vote. The core temperature set-point for behavioural thermoregulation was estimated from the behavioural results. 2. The results are in accord with those of previous studies of the nyethemeral cycling of autonomic responsiveness to heat and cold with a heating up phase before noon and a cooling down phase during the early night. 3. Subjective sensations and behavioural responses were also found to follow a nycthemeral cycle with a minimum before noon and a maximum at 20.00 hr. 4. The core temperature set point was 0-7 degrees C higher after noon than before noon with a small phase advance from resting core temperature. This result suggests that the nycthemeral cyclic change in body temperature is due to a nycthemeral cyclic change in the set-point near to which body temperature is kept by both autonomic and behavioural thermoregulatory responses.", "PMID": 985881} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1718", "title": "[Relationship between potential and impedance change associated with excitation of the nerve (author's transl)].", "content": "The action potential or the potential change and the impedance change associated with excitation of the sciatic nerve and electric nerve model (ENM, the equivalent circuit of the nerve fiber), were recorded by means of AC bridge supplied of AC of 13 kHz. Records were taken in excitation at the stimulated site by the square current of different duration, exponentially increasing current of different increasing gradient. Records were also taken in propagated excitation, in excitation elicited in refractory period and at the polarized site of the inactive nerve and ENM. By observation of these records, the following results were obtained.1. With respect to potential changes in nerve, two kinds of changes were found, namely, the one was in cause and effect relationship with the impedance change and the other was without relation to impedance change. 2. In the course of the action potential, both kinds of potential changes were found.", "contents": "[Relationship between potential and impedance change associated with excitation of the nerve (author's transl)]. The action potential or the potential change and the impedance change associated with excitation of the sciatic nerve and electric nerve model (ENM, the equivalent circuit of the nerve fiber), were recorded by means of AC bridge supplied of AC of 13 kHz. Records were taken in excitation at the stimulated site by the square current of different duration, exponentially increasing current of different increasing gradient. Records were also taken in propagated excitation, in excitation elicited in refractory period and at the polarized site of the inactive nerve and ENM. By observation of these records, the following results were obtained.1. With respect to potential changes in nerve, two kinds of changes were found, namely, the one was in cause and effect relationship with the impedance change and the other was without relation to impedance change. 2. In the course of the action potential, both kinds of potential changes were found.", "PMID": 985882} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1719", "title": "Oxytocin analogues with combined high smooth muscle and negligible antidiuretic activities. Investigation of position 7 in neurohypophyseal hormones.", "content": "The proline residue in position 7 of oxytocin occupies one of the four corner positions in the two beta turns proposed for the preferred conformation of the pituitary hormone. It has been suggested that synthetic modifications of the residues in these corner positions will yield analogues in which one or more of the biological activities of the parent hormone is highly accentuated in terms of potency relative to other activities. In a continued effort to test this hypothesis the following analogues of oxytocin were prepared: [7-glycine]oxytocin, [1-beta-mercaptopropionic acid,7-glycine]oxytocin, [7-alanine]oxytocin, and [1-beta-mercaptopropionic acid,7-alanine]oxytocin. These peptides were found to possess the following specific activities, respectively: rat uterotonic, 65 +/- 2, 355 +/- 3, 22 +/- 1, 123 +/- 4; avian vasodepressor, 5.3 +/- 0.8, 17 +/- 0.4, 4.8 +/- 0.1, 9.8 +/- 0.5; rat antidiuretic, less than0.01, 0.062, 0.081 +/- 0.01, 0.17 +/- 0.01; rat pressor, 0.3, 0.5, 0.4, 0.5 unit/mg. Thus the analogues retain high uterotonic activity but exhibit strongly diminished renal and vascular activities relative to oxytocin. Especially noteworthy is [1-beta-mercaptopropionic acid,7-glycine]oxytocin with its high uterotonic activity but very low antidiuretic and pressor activities. The activity profile of this analogue combined with the fact that it is only slowly enzymatically degraded warrants further investigations of this peptide for clinical applications.", "contents": "Oxytocin analogues with combined high smooth muscle and negligible antidiuretic activities. Investigation of position 7 in neurohypophyseal hormones. The proline residue in position 7 of oxytocin occupies one of the four corner positions in the two beta turns proposed for the preferred conformation of the pituitary hormone. It has been suggested that synthetic modifications of the residues in these corner positions will yield analogues in which one or more of the biological activities of the parent hormone is highly accentuated in terms of potency relative to other activities. In a continued effort to test this hypothesis the following analogues of oxytocin were prepared: [7-glycine]oxytocin, [1-beta-mercaptopropionic acid,7-glycine]oxytocin, [7-alanine]oxytocin, and [1-beta-mercaptopropionic acid,7-alanine]oxytocin. These peptides were found to possess the following specific activities, respectively: rat uterotonic, 65 +/- 2, 355 +/- 3, 22 +/- 1, 123 +/- 4; avian vasodepressor, 5.3 +/- 0.8, 17 +/- 0.4, 4.8 +/- 0.1, 9.8 +/- 0.5; rat antidiuretic, less than0.01, 0.062, 0.081 +/- 0.01, 0.17 +/- 0.01; rat pressor, 0.3, 0.5, 0.4, 0.5 unit/mg. Thus the analogues retain high uterotonic activity but exhibit strongly diminished renal and vascular activities relative to oxytocin. Especially noteworthy is [1-beta-mercaptopropionic acid,7-glycine]oxytocin with its high uterotonic activity but very low antidiuretic and pressor activities. The activity profile of this analogue combined with the fact that it is only slowly enzymatically degraded warrants further investigations of this peptide for clinical applications.", "PMID": 985884} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1720", "title": "Microviscosity of togavirus membranes studied by fluorescence depolarization: influence of envelope proteins and the host cell.", "content": "The microviscosities of the hydrophobic regions of the membranes of intact Semliki forest and Sindbis viruses grown on BHK-21 cells, of liposomes derived from the extracted viral lipids, and of protease-treated virions were measured by fluorescence depolorization using the fluorescence probe 1, 6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. The intact virus membranes were found to have a higher microviscosity than did virus-derived liposomes, indicating the viral envelope proteins contribute to microviscosity. However, protease-treated virus, devoid of protruding spikes but with residual lipophilic peptide tails, was found to have a microviscosity more similar to that of the intact virus than to that of protein-free liposomes. Sindbis virus grown in BHK-21 cells at 37 C had a much higher microviscosity than did Sindbis virus grown on Aedes albopicuts cells at 22 C. Sindbis virus grwon in A. albopictus and BHK-21 cells also gave higher microviscosity values than did the intact host cells. These data indicate that both the virion proteins and the cellular lipids selected during viral growth and maturation contribute to the increased microviscosity of togavirus membranes.", "contents": "Microviscosity of togavirus membranes studied by fluorescence depolarization: influence of envelope proteins and the host cell. The microviscosities of the hydrophobic regions of the membranes of intact Semliki forest and Sindbis viruses grown on BHK-21 cells, of liposomes derived from the extracted viral lipids, and of protease-treated virions were measured by fluorescence depolorization using the fluorescence probe 1, 6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. The intact virus membranes were found to have a higher microviscosity than did virus-derived liposomes, indicating the viral envelope proteins contribute to microviscosity. However, protease-treated virus, devoid of protruding spikes but with residual lipophilic peptide tails, was found to have a microviscosity more similar to that of the intact virus than to that of protein-free liposomes. Sindbis virus grown in BHK-21 cells at 37 C had a much higher microviscosity than did Sindbis virus grown on Aedes albopicuts cells at 22 C. Sindbis virus grwon in A. albopictus and BHK-21 cells also gave higher microviscosity values than did the intact host cells. These data indicate that both the virion proteins and the cellular lipids selected during viral growth and maturation contribute to the increased microviscosity of togavirus membranes.", "PMID": 985887} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1721", "title": "Urethrosphincteric reconstruction for congenitally absent urethra.", "content": "Three female patients with complete urinary incontinence owing to congenital absence of the urethra associated with complex congenital anomalies involving the caudal end of the urogenital sinus are reported. A sphincteric tube constructed from a flap of the anterior bladder wall was positioned in place of the missing urethra. Abundance of circularly oriented fibers in this neourethra provided sphincteric function sufficient to maintain continence and eliminate the need for urinary diversion. Details of the congenital anomalies and reconstructive techniques are discussed.", "contents": "Urethrosphincteric reconstruction for congenitally absent urethra. Three female patients with complete urinary incontinence owing to congenital absence of the urethra associated with complex congenital anomalies involving the caudal end of the urogenital sinus are reported. A sphincteric tube constructed from a flap of the anterior bladder wall was positioned in place of the missing urethra. Abundance of circularly oriented fibers in this neourethra provided sphincteric function sufficient to maintain continence and eliminate the need for urinary diversion. Details of the congenital anomalies and reconstructive techniques are discussed.", "PMID": 985889} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1722", "title": "Attenuation of pathogenicity of fowl plague virus by recombination with other influenza A viruses nonpathogenic for fowl: nonexculsive dependence of pathogenicity on hemagglutinin and neuraminidase of the virus.", "content": "A number of antigenic hybrids of influenza A viruses were produced possessing either the hemagglutinin or the neuraminidase of fowl plague virus and the corresponding antigen derived from another influenza A virus. Other recombinants were obtained carrying both surface antigens of fowl plague virus but differing from the parent in certain biological properties. None of the recombinants isolated were pathogenic for adult chickens. Most recombinants obtained after crosses between reciprocal recombinants carrying both fowl plague virus surface antigens were also apathogenic for chickens. Using the same parent recombinants for double infection some of the progeny \"back-recombinants\" were pathogenic, whereas others were not. From these results it is concluded that the surface components do not by themselves determine the pathogenicity of influenza A viruses.", "contents": "Attenuation of pathogenicity of fowl plague virus by recombination with other influenza A viruses nonpathogenic for fowl: nonexculsive dependence of pathogenicity on hemagglutinin and neuraminidase of the virus. A number of antigenic hybrids of influenza A viruses were produced possessing either the hemagglutinin or the neuraminidase of fowl plague virus and the corresponding antigen derived from another influenza A virus. Other recombinants were obtained carrying both surface antigens of fowl plague virus but differing from the parent in certain biological properties. None of the recombinants isolated were pathogenic for adult chickens. Most recombinants obtained after crosses between reciprocal recombinants carrying both fowl plague virus surface antigens were also apathogenic for chickens. Using the same parent recombinants for double infection some of the progeny \"back-recombinants\" were pathogenic, whereas others were not. From these results it is concluded that the surface components do not by themselves determine the pathogenicity of influenza A viruses.", "PMID": 985888} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1723", "title": "Late recurrence of testicular tumor (choriocarcinoma).", "content": "A case is presented in which a large choriocarcinoma was excised from the contralateral retroperitoneal area 15 years after a radical orchiectomy for seminoma with elements of embryonal carcinoma.", "contents": "Late recurrence of testicular tumor (choriocarcinoma). A case is presented in which a large choriocarcinoma was excised from the contralateral retroperitoneal area 15 years after a radical orchiectomy for seminoma with elements of embryonal carcinoma.", "PMID": 985890} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1724", "title": "Continuing medical education and the Professional Standards Review Organizations.", "content": "The history of continuing medical education (CME) activities in the United States originates in the early years of this century. CME programs have increased markedly in recent decades, but these activities have come to be viewed from many perspectives as inadequate. Recently, the Professional Standards Review Organization (PSRO's) have been proposed as a \"solution\" to the problems of CME. PSRO's may provide useful data to CME programs and could serve as mechanisms for evaluating these activities. Features of medical care problems which identify them as suitable subjects for CME activities using PSRO data are presented and discussed.", "contents": "Continuing medical education and the Professional Standards Review Organizations. The history of continuing medical education (CME) activities in the United States originates in the early years of this century. CME programs have increased markedly in recent decades, but these activities have come to be viewed from many perspectives as inadequate. Recently, the Professional Standards Review Organization (PSRO's) have been proposed as a \"solution\" to the problems of CME. PSRO's may provide useful data to CME programs and could serve as mechanisms for evaluating these activities. Features of medical care problems which identify them as suitable subjects for CME activities using PSRO data are presented and discussed.", "PMID": 985991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1725", "title": "Lipid synthesis by perfused lung.", "content": "An isolated lung ventilated with pulses of negative pressure and perfused through the pulmonary vasculature was utilized for the study of 3-sn-phosphatidylcholine synthesis. The perfusion fluid consisted of a Krebs-Ringer phosphate buffer with 6% bovine serum albumin, pH 7.4, and the appropriate substrate. The simultaneous incorporation of (1-14C) palmitate and (2-3H) glycerol and the simultaneous incorporation of (CH3-14C) choline and (CH3-3H) methionine were examined. From these experiments it is concluded: 1) lung tissue incorporates (2-3H) glycerol into 3-sn-phosphatidylcholine to a greater extent than any other lipid examined; 2) both choline and methionine contribute to the synthesis of 3-sn-phosphatidylcholine, and 50-70% of the label in its nitrogen base is derived from choline and 30-50% from methionine; and 3) a high PO2 appears to reduce the synthesis of 3-sn-phosphatidylcholine.", "contents": "Lipid synthesis by perfused lung. An isolated lung ventilated with pulses of negative pressure and perfused through the pulmonary vasculature was utilized for the study of 3-sn-phosphatidylcholine synthesis. The perfusion fluid consisted of a Krebs-Ringer phosphate buffer with 6% bovine serum albumin, pH 7.4, and the appropriate substrate. The simultaneous incorporation of (1-14C) palmitate and (2-3H) glycerol and the simultaneous incorporation of (CH3-14C) choline and (CH3-3H) methionine were examined. From these experiments it is concluded: 1) lung tissue incorporates (2-3H) glycerol into 3-sn-phosphatidylcholine to a greater extent than any other lipid examined; 2) both choline and methionine contribute to the synthesis of 3-sn-phosphatidylcholine, and 50-70% of the label in its nitrogen base is derived from choline and 30-50% from methionine; and 3) a high PO2 appears to reduce the synthesis of 3-sn-phosphatidylcholine.", "PMID": 986001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1726", "title": "Toxic metabolites of Amanita pantherina, A. cothurnata, A. muscaria and other Amanita species.", "content": "Forty-seven specimens representing 35 species or varieties of Amanita were examined for the presence of ibotenic acid, muscimol, stizolobic acid, stizolobinic acid, aminohexadienoic acid and chlorocrotylglycine. In addition, crude extracts of A. muscaria were examined chromatographically for the presence of methyltetrahydrocarboline carboxylic acid (MTC). Ibotenic acid and muscimol were found in clearly detectable concentrations in extracts of A. cothurnata, all specimens of A. muscaria, all specimens of A. pantherina and in lower concentrations in A. gemmata. Stizolobic acid and stizobinic acid were found in detectable concentrations in one variety of A. muscaria, in all specimens of A. pantherina and in trace levels after additional purification of the extracts in A. gemmata and in the remaining specimens of A. muscaria. Aminohexadienoic acid and chlorocrotylglycine were detected only in crude extracts of A. smithiana. MTC could not be detected in crude extracts of A. muscaria. Crystalline ibotenic acid (820 mg) was isolated from 17 kg of a specimen of A. pantherina collected in western Washington State.", "contents": "Toxic metabolites of Amanita pantherina, A. cothurnata, A. muscaria and other Amanita species. Forty-seven specimens representing 35 species or varieties of Amanita were examined for the presence of ibotenic acid, muscimol, stizolobic acid, stizolobinic acid, aminohexadienoic acid and chlorocrotylglycine. In addition, crude extracts of A. muscaria were examined chromatographically for the presence of methyltetrahydrocarboline carboxylic acid (MTC). Ibotenic acid and muscimol were found in clearly detectable concentrations in extracts of A. cothurnata, all specimens of A. muscaria, all specimens of A. pantherina and in lower concentrations in A. gemmata. Stizolobic acid and stizobinic acid were found in detectable concentrations in one variety of A. muscaria, in all specimens of A. pantherina and in trace levels after additional purification of the extracts in A. gemmata and in the remaining specimens of A. muscaria. Aminohexadienoic acid and chlorocrotylglycine were detected only in crude extracts of A. smithiana. MTC could not be detected in crude extracts of A. muscaria. Crystalline ibotenic acid (820 mg) was isolated from 17 kg of a specimen of A. pantherina collected in western Washington State.", "PMID": 985999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1727", "title": "Biological and phytochemical evaluation of plants. XIV. Antiinflammatory evaluation of 163 species of plants.", "content": "One hundred and seventy-seven plant extracts, representing 163 species of plants and/or fungi, were evaluated in rats to determine their antiinflammatory activity using the carrageenin-induced pedal edema assay. Of the 163 species of plants and/or fungi tested, 17 exhibited between 30--39 per cent inhibition of inflammation, 21 between 40-49 per cent, 15 between 50--59 per cent, four between 60--69 per cent, and two gave greater than 70 per cent inhibition of carrageenin-induced pedal edema.", "contents": "Biological and phytochemical evaluation of plants. XIV. Antiinflammatory evaluation of 163 species of plants. One hundred and seventy-seven plant extracts, representing 163 species of plants and/or fungi, were evaluated in rats to determine their antiinflammatory activity using the carrageenin-induced pedal edema assay. Of the 163 species of plants and/or fungi tested, 17 exhibited between 30--39 per cent inhibition of inflammation, 21 between 40-49 per cent, 15 between 50--59 per cent, four between 60--69 per cent, and two gave greater than 70 per cent inhibition of carrageenin-induced pedal edema.", "PMID": 986000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1728", "title": "Orphan data and the unclosed loop: a dilemma in PSRO and medical audit.", "content": "The experience of the Utah Professional Review Organization in conducting medical audit as a PSRO prototype, and later a PSRO, suggests that usage of diagnosis-oriented process audits, using criteria similar to those supplied by the American Medical Association, will result in accumulation of vast amounts of unusable data. Even studies based on outcome data may fail to change physician behavior substantially because of communication difficulties between the PSRO or hospital conducting the evaluation and the physicians subject to the audit. UPRO's experience suggests that medical audit can be made more effective if it employs a special study format that looks at a particular element of care, selected for its importance to patient welfare and potential for improvement. The study should be based on criteria solidly validated by clinical research, and should involve a direct and personal interaction between the review body and the physician being reviewed.", "contents": "Orphan data and the unclosed loop: a dilemma in PSRO and medical audit. The experience of the Utah Professional Review Organization in conducting medical audit as a PSRO prototype, and later a PSRO, suggests that usage of diagnosis-oriented process audits, using criteria similar to those supplied by the American Medical Association, will result in accumulation of vast amounts of unusable data. Even studies based on outcome data may fail to change physician behavior substantially because of communication difficulties between the PSRO or hospital conducting the evaluation and the physicians subject to the audit. UPRO's experience suggests that medical audit can be made more effective if it employs a special study format that looks at a particular element of care, selected for its importance to patient welfare and potential for improvement. The study should be based on criteria solidly validated by clinical research, and should involve a direct and personal interaction between the review body and the physician being reviewed.", "PMID": 986006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1729", "title": "Supersensitivity of cortical neurones of the rat to acetylcholine and L-glutamate following chronic morphine treatment.", "content": "the effect of microelectrophoretically applied L-glutamate and acetylcholine on discharge activity of cortical neurones was studied in naive and in morphine-tolerant/dependent rats. The thresholds for increase in discharge activity elicited by these 2 putative neurotransmitters were 3 times lower in the tolerant/dependent rats than in the naive rats, indicating the development of supersensitivity.", "contents": "Supersensitivity of cortical neurones of the rat to acetylcholine and L-glutamate following chronic morphine treatment. the effect of microelectrophoretically applied L-glutamate and acetylcholine on discharge activity of cortical neurones was studied in naive and in morphine-tolerant/dependent rats. The thresholds for increase in discharge activity elicited by these 2 putative neurotransmitters were 3 times lower in the tolerant/dependent rats than in the naive rats, indicating the development of supersensitivity.", "PMID": 986007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1730", "title": "Circular dichroism studies on the interaction of sulfonylureas with insulin.", "content": "The interaction of 5 sulfonylurea derivatives with insuline was investigated by means of circular dichroism measurements. It was found that all sulfonylureas investigated decrease the ellipticity band of insulin at 208 nm, whereas the band at 222 nm remains unaffected. It is suggested that these observations are due to a change of the insulin conformation, provoked by the interaction of the drugs with insulin. It is assumed that such an effect on the insulin conformation can influence the binding properties of insulin, e.g. in respect to the insulin aggregation, to the binding to insulin antibodies and to a bound, inactive form of insulin in the plasma. Some other drugs have similar, but mostly smaller effects on the CD spectrum of insulin. Therefore, the importance of these observations for the hypoglycaemic action of the sulfonylureas is not yet clear.", "contents": "Circular dichroism studies on the interaction of sulfonylureas with insulin. The interaction of 5 sulfonylurea derivatives with insuline was investigated by means of circular dichroism measurements. It was found that all sulfonylureas investigated decrease the ellipticity band of insulin at 208 nm, whereas the band at 222 nm remains unaffected. It is suggested that these observations are due to a change of the insulin conformation, provoked by the interaction of the drugs with insulin. It is assumed that such an effect on the insulin conformation can influence the binding properties of insulin, e.g. in respect to the insulin aggregation, to the binding to insulin antibodies and to a bound, inactive form of insulin in the plasma. Some other drugs have similar, but mostly smaller effects on the CD spectrum of insulin. Therefore, the importance of these observations for the hypoglycaemic action of the sulfonylureas is not yet clear.", "PMID": 986008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1731", "title": "[Disturbance in fluid and electrolytes metabolism with central origin with special reference to sodium (author's transl)].", "content": "Clinical aspects with disturbances in fluid and electrolytes metabolism in brain diseases were discussed reviewing 41 cases experienced in our department. These 41 cases were found in 377 patients with diseases of the central nervous system in our hospital during recent 14 months. Hyponatremia was found in 19 cases and aneurysms of A-C, A1 and A2 had the majority of the cases. The cerebral angiography suggested an unstable blood supply to the anterior portion of the hypothalamus, for instance, showing remarkable shift, spasm or obstruction A-C, A1 or A2. The duration of hyponatremia was transient and mostly less than 2 weeks after the last attack of subarachnoid hemorrhage. On the contrary, hypernatremia was seen in 9 cases and 6 of them were found in cases of tumors in the pineal region and A-C, A1 and A2 were intact angiographically. The hypernatremia was continuous and did not response to V-P shunt or any kinds of infusion therapy. The hypernatremia due to cerebral disease is thought to be a result of destruction of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei or adjacent area in the anterior potion of the hypothalamus in most of presumed these cases. It might be that the decreased blood supply to the anterior position of the hypothalamus offers an information not of hypoosmolarity but of hypovolemic state, and this information increases the secretion of ADH. This mechanism of hyponatremia could play an important role in S.I.A.D.H.", "contents": "[Disturbance in fluid and electrolytes metabolism with central origin with special reference to sodium (author's transl)]. Clinical aspects with disturbances in fluid and electrolytes metabolism in brain diseases were discussed reviewing 41 cases experienced in our department. These 41 cases were found in 377 patients with diseases of the central nervous system in our hospital during recent 14 months. Hyponatremia was found in 19 cases and aneurysms of A-C, A1 and A2 had the majority of the cases. The cerebral angiography suggested an unstable blood supply to the anterior portion of the hypothalamus, for instance, showing remarkable shift, spasm or obstruction A-C, A1 or A2. The duration of hyponatremia was transient and mostly less than 2 weeks after the last attack of subarachnoid hemorrhage. On the contrary, hypernatremia was seen in 9 cases and 6 of them were found in cases of tumors in the pineal region and A-C, A1 and A2 were intact angiographically. The hypernatremia was continuous and did not response to V-P shunt or any kinds of infusion therapy. The hypernatremia due to cerebral disease is thought to be a result of destruction of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei or adjacent area in the anterior potion of the hypothalamus in most of presumed these cases. It might be that the decreased blood supply to the anterior position of the hypothalamus offers an information not of hypoosmolarity but of hypovolemic state, and this information increases the secretion of ADH. This mechanism of hyponatremia could play an important role in S.I.A.D.H.", "PMID": 986014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1732", "title": "Endocrinological evaluation of sellar and suprasellar tumor cases (the eighth report)--on growth hormone secretion of acromegalic patients before treatment (author's transl).", "content": "Serum GH levels were measured in 14 acromegalic patients in ITT, TRH test, LH-RH test, arginine test, OGTT, exercise test, CPZ test and PEG. More than 50% increase of serum GH level was observed in 3 of 13 ITT, 8 of 14 TRH test, 6 of 14 LH-RH test, 2 of 12 arginine test, 2 of 9 OGTT and 2 of 7 PEG. Only 2 out of 7 cases showed more than 50% decrease of serum GH level in CPZ test. Striking GH responses were observed in TRH and LH-RH test. Five of 14 cases showed more than 100% increase of serum GH level in TRH test but they did not have a significant response to LH-RH. Four of 14 cases also had more than 100% increase in LH-RH test with no significant response to TRH. The rest of the cases (5 cases) did not have marked response to either TRH or LH-RH. According to these results, serum GH responses of acromegalic patients could be devided into 30 types, 1) TRH responding type, 2) LH-RH responding type, 3) no response type.", "contents": "Endocrinological evaluation of sellar and suprasellar tumor cases (the eighth report)--on growth hormone secretion of acromegalic patients before treatment (author's transl). Serum GH levels were measured in 14 acromegalic patients in ITT, TRH test, LH-RH test, arginine test, OGTT, exercise test, CPZ test and PEG. More than 50% increase of serum GH level was observed in 3 of 13 ITT, 8 of 14 TRH test, 6 of 14 LH-RH test, 2 of 12 arginine test, 2 of 9 OGTT and 2 of 7 PEG. Only 2 out of 7 cases showed more than 50% decrease of serum GH level in CPZ test. Striking GH responses were observed in TRH and LH-RH test. Five of 14 cases showed more than 100% increase of serum GH level in TRH test but they did not have a significant response to LH-RH. Four of 14 cases also had more than 100% increase in LH-RH test with no significant response to TRH. The rest of the cases (5 cases) did not have marked response to either TRH or LH-RH. According to these results, serum GH responses of acromegalic patients could be devided into 30 types, 1) TRH responding type, 2) LH-RH responding type, 3) no response type.", "PMID": 986015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1733", "title": "[Method of superimposing the angiographically located supratentorial lesion on the scalp prior to craniotomy].", "content": "One of the important points in operation of the intracranial supratentorial lesion is appropriate site and size of bony window made by craniotomy and this matter is also important first step in procedure of craniotomy. On the other hand, the site and size of bony window made in craniotomy for supratentorial lesion has relationship with perfectibility of operation. The detail intracranial situation and extent of supratentorial lesion is decided from the datas of various examinations and the findings in cerebral angiogram give a most important and valuable information to the neurosurgeon at present. The neurosurgeons used to decide the area of craniotomy from the findings of cerebral angiogram but there are some difficulty in transfer of findings related with situation of supratentorial lesion in angiogram to the patient's scalp, because the film of cerebral angiography is a projected picture of spheric head by X-ray to the plane. The author devised the planning method of site and size of bony window in craniotomy by transfer the location and extent of supratentorial lesion in cerebral angiogram to the patient's scalp and the author have been recognized for the past five years that this method is simple one and has clinical accuracy. The principle of the author's method are as follows. The film of cerebral angiography in lateral projection and the patient's scalp are divided into nine parts by same manner and the relation of the site and extent of lesion in cerebral angiogram with divided parts transfer to the division of the patient's scalp under special care to make minimize errors due to use the cerebral angiogram which is picture made by projection in a plane from spheric intracranial supratentorial space. Five points and seven lines are used to divide the film of cerebral angiography and the patient's scalp. Five divide points are most upper part of margin of external acoustic meatus, most posterior edge of auricle, upper, lower and lateral edge of orbit. The following divide lines are drawn by use of these five divide points. Two horizontal lines are eye-ear horizontal line and superior eye horizontal line. Three vertical line are external acoustic meatus vertical line, auricular vertical line and temporal orbital margine vertical line. Two oblique lines are anterior and posterior oblique lines. The film of lateral cerebral angiography and patient's scalp are divided into nine parts by these seven divide lines. In the areas above the superior eye horizontal line, following procedure for correction of error due to transfer the point of X-ray film to the patient's scalp is needed because of strong curved brain surface. One end of celluloid or steel scale place closely with the scalp below the superior eye horizontal line and the other end of scale make freely from curved scalp surface. The point of lesion on the divide line of X-ray film marks at correspond point on the scale...", "contents": "[Method of superimposing the angiographically located supratentorial lesion on the scalp prior to craniotomy]. One of the important points in operation of the intracranial supratentorial lesion is appropriate site and size of bony window made by craniotomy and this matter is also important first step in procedure of craniotomy. On the other hand, the site and size of bony window made in craniotomy for supratentorial lesion has relationship with perfectibility of operation. The detail intracranial situation and extent of supratentorial lesion is decided from the datas of various examinations and the findings in cerebral angiogram give a most important and valuable information to the neurosurgeon at present. The neurosurgeons used to decide the area of craniotomy from the findings of cerebral angiogram but there are some difficulty in transfer of findings related with situation of supratentorial lesion in angiogram to the patient's scalp, because the film of cerebral angiography is a projected picture of spheric head by X-ray to the plane. The author devised the planning method of site and size of bony window in craniotomy by transfer the location and extent of supratentorial lesion in cerebral angiogram to the patient's scalp and the author have been recognized for the past five years that this method is simple one and has clinical accuracy. The principle of the author's method are as follows. The film of cerebral angiography in lateral projection and the patient's scalp are divided into nine parts by same manner and the relation of the site and extent of lesion in cerebral angiogram with divided parts transfer to the division of the patient's scalp under special care to make minimize errors due to use the cerebral angiogram which is picture made by projection in a plane from spheric intracranial supratentorial space. Five points and seven lines are used to divide the film of cerebral angiography and the patient's scalp. Five divide points are most upper part of margin of external acoustic meatus, most posterior edge of auricle, upper, lower and lateral edge of orbit. The following divide lines are drawn by use of these five divide points. Two horizontal lines are eye-ear horizontal line and superior eye horizontal line. Three vertical line are external acoustic meatus vertical line, auricular vertical line and temporal orbital margine vertical line. Two oblique lines are anterior and posterior oblique lines. The film of lateral cerebral angiography and patient's scalp are divided into nine parts by these seven divide lines. In the areas above the superior eye horizontal line, following procedure for correction of error due to transfer the point of X-ray film to the patient's scalp is needed because of strong curved brain surface. One end of celluloid or steel scale place closely with the scalp below the superior eye horizontal line and the other end of scale make freely from curved scalp surface. The point of lesion on the divide line of X-ray film marks at correspond point on the scale...", "PMID": 986016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1734", "title": "[Observation of the epicerebral microcirculation studied by fluorescein angiography (author's transl)].", "content": "Fluorescein angiography was carried out by modification of method as described by Feindel et al. The hemisphere was widely exposed to allow visualization of surface blood vessels. In the experimental room, the dye was injected rapidly either through a fine polyethylen catheter placed in the lingual artery or thorough the cannula in the femoral vein. For \"lingual\" angiography 1.6 ml of 1% sodium fluorescein were used, while for \"femoral\" angiography, 4 ml of 10% solution were injected. In the operating room 4 ml of 1% sodium fluorescein are rapidly injected into an internal carotid catheter. Serial photographs of the passage of the dye through the surface vessels of the hemisphere were taken with a motor-drive Nikon camera at interval of 0.4 seconds, or longer when indicated, starting at the time of the injection. The shutter was synchronized with the discharge of a rapid re-charging stroboscopic light. A wratten gelatin filter 47A (Kodak) was used over the light and a Nikon filter Y52 over the camera lens for Kodak high speed ektachrome film to obtain color photographs. The timing of the interval between photographs was measured to within in 0.4 seconds by recording from a ink written oscillography synchronized with the shutter. Thus the velocity of flow in individual vessels could be calculated from the serial photographs.", "contents": "[Observation of the epicerebral microcirculation studied by fluorescein angiography (author's transl)]. Fluorescein angiography was carried out by modification of method as described by Feindel et al. The hemisphere was widely exposed to allow visualization of surface blood vessels. In the experimental room, the dye was injected rapidly either through a fine polyethylen catheter placed in the lingual artery or thorough the cannula in the femoral vein. For \"lingual\" angiography 1.6 ml of 1% sodium fluorescein were used, while for \"femoral\" angiography, 4 ml of 10% solution were injected. In the operating room 4 ml of 1% sodium fluorescein are rapidly injected into an internal carotid catheter. Serial photographs of the passage of the dye through the surface vessels of the hemisphere were taken with a motor-drive Nikon camera at interval of 0.4 seconds, or longer when indicated, starting at the time of the injection. The shutter was synchronized with the discharge of a rapid re-charging stroboscopic light. A wratten gelatin filter 47A (Kodak) was used over the light and a Nikon filter Y52 over the camera lens for Kodak high speed ektachrome film to obtain color photographs. The timing of the interval between photographs was measured to within in 0.4 seconds by recording from a ink written oscillography synchronized with the shutter. Thus the velocity of flow in individual vessels could be calculated from the serial photographs.", "PMID": 986017} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1735", "title": "[Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma during pregnancy is reported. Although we operated the patient 14 hours after the initial symptoms, the functional prognosis was poor. It is believed that the spinal cord was damaged irreversibility because of the rapid development of spinal cord edema. Referring to the reported cases we discussed symptoms, diagnosis and therapy as well as etiology. As to our case it is supposed that the rise of epidural venous pressure due to the pregnancy caused the rupture of the epidural venous plexus. About spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma during pregnancy, so long as we examined, there is only one case report, which Bidzinski reported in 1966.", "contents": "[Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (author's transl)]. A case of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma during pregnancy is reported. Although we operated the patient 14 hours after the initial symptoms, the functional prognosis was poor. It is believed that the spinal cord was damaged irreversibility because of the rapid development of spinal cord edema. Referring to the reported cases we discussed symptoms, diagnosis and therapy as well as etiology. As to our case it is supposed that the rise of epidural venous pressure due to the pregnancy caused the rupture of the epidural venous plexus. About spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma during pregnancy, so long as we examined, there is only one case report, which Bidzinski reported in 1966.", "PMID": 986018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1736", "title": "[Homonymous hemianopsia due to chiasmal compression by intracranial aneurysm (author's transl)].", "content": "Eight cases of homonymous hemianopsia due to chiasmal compression by intracranial aneurysms have been reported in the literatures. Two similar cases were experienced in our clinic and reported. Of the total 10 cases, 8 were giant aneurysms--over 2 cm in diameter--and 9 cases were aneurysm developing medially from the internal carotid artery. Visual disturbances in all the 10 cases were incongruous homonymous hemianopsia without macula sparing. It should be noted that the existence of aneurysm is possible, in patients with homonymous hemianopsia, even when there is no other clinical evidence of mass lesion.", "contents": "[Homonymous hemianopsia due to chiasmal compression by intracranial aneurysm (author's transl)]. Eight cases of homonymous hemianopsia due to chiasmal compression by intracranial aneurysms have been reported in the literatures. Two similar cases were experienced in our clinic and reported. Of the total 10 cases, 8 were giant aneurysms--over 2 cm in diameter--and 9 cases were aneurysm developing medially from the internal carotid artery. Visual disturbances in all the 10 cases were incongruous homonymous hemianopsia without macula sparing. It should be noted that the existence of aneurysm is possible, in patients with homonymous hemianopsia, even when there is no other clinical evidence of mass lesion.", "PMID": 986019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1737", "title": "[Nasopharyngeal extension of a large chromophobe adenoma of the pituitary (author's transl)].", "content": "It is not common to have experienced the nasopharyngeal extension of pituitary adenomas. Recently we have experienced such a case. A man, aged 18, height 168 cm, weight 66 kg, who admitted to the hospital with the complaints of headache, left nasal obstruction, loss of visual acuity and defect of his temporal fields. On examination of both fundi there was primary optic atrophy. At this time large tumor could be seen in the nasopharyngeal cavity. Plain X-ray showed that the pituitary fossa was definitely enlarged and that there was considerable destruction of the sella and the clivus. Definite soft tissue mass could be visualised clearly by tomography. Via transoral and transsphenoidal approach, total removal of the nasopharyngeal tumor and intracapsulary subtotal resection of the tumor were performed. Microscopical examination established the diagnosis of chromophobe adenoma. On postoperative examination of hypothalamopituitary function he had no responces to insulin hypoglycemia and arginine infusion in growth hormone. 60Co irradiation, totally 6,000 rad, was given. Two years postoperatively he showed fairly good deal of improvement of his visual field defect. There was no serious complaints other than visual impairment on the left eye.", "contents": "[Nasopharyngeal extension of a large chromophobe adenoma of the pituitary (author's transl)]. It is not common to have experienced the nasopharyngeal extension of pituitary adenomas. Recently we have experienced such a case. A man, aged 18, height 168 cm, weight 66 kg, who admitted to the hospital with the complaints of headache, left nasal obstruction, loss of visual acuity and defect of his temporal fields. On examination of both fundi there was primary optic atrophy. At this time large tumor could be seen in the nasopharyngeal cavity. Plain X-ray showed that the pituitary fossa was definitely enlarged and that there was considerable destruction of the sella and the clivus. Definite soft tissue mass could be visualised clearly by tomography. Via transoral and transsphenoidal approach, total removal of the nasopharyngeal tumor and intracapsulary subtotal resection of the tumor were performed. Microscopical examination established the diagnosis of chromophobe adenoma. On postoperative examination of hypothalamopituitary function he had no responces to insulin hypoglycemia and arginine infusion in growth hormone. 60Co irradiation, totally 6,000 rad, was given. Two years postoperatively he showed fairly good deal of improvement of his visual field defect. There was no serious complaints other than visual impairment on the left eye.", "PMID": 986020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1738", "title": "[Successfully operated case of posterior fossa tuberculoma in childhood (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of intracerebellar tuberculoma is described in which a tuberculoma was removed successfully through the administration of antituberculous agents, and a full recovery was obtained. The patient was a 3-year-old boy who had been receiving antituberculous agents for about 4 months because of acute inflammation followed by osteomyelitis of his right big toe, which was suspected to be tuberculous, and because of pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosed in a chest roentgenogram taken about 1 month after osteomyelitis was cured. While his osteomyelitis was being treated, disturbance in his gait, due to progressive spastic paraparesis, was not iced, and thereafter left cerebellar symptoms with impairment of equilibrium appeared additionally. Then, he was reffered to our clinic for further neurosurgical examination, and was admitted on November 1, 1974 after right carotid and vertebral angiography was performed via the right axillar artery, in which findings suggesting left cerebellar tumor and internal hydrocephalus were obtained. After he was admitted to our clinic, a diagnosis of tumor of the left cerebellum and internal hydrocephalus was more precisely confirmed by pneumoventriculography. Suboccipital craniectomy was then carried out and the tumor, weighing 60 gm, was completely removed from the left cerbellar hemisphere. The tumor was confirmed as tuberculoma not only by histological findings but also by the vertification of tuberculous bacilli in it. Though, moderate fever lasted for about 2 weeks postoperatively, no obvious meningitic signs or new neurological deficits were noted. The patient showed marked improvement especially in his gait disturbance, and was discharged ambulatory 40 days after the operation, and has since been asymptomatic except for slight ataxic gait. The antituberculous agents have been continuously administered postoperatively.", "contents": "[Successfully operated case of posterior fossa tuberculoma in childhood (author's transl)]. A case of intracerebellar tuberculoma is described in which a tuberculoma was removed successfully through the administration of antituberculous agents, and a full recovery was obtained. The patient was a 3-year-old boy who had been receiving antituberculous agents for about 4 months because of acute inflammation followed by osteomyelitis of his right big toe, which was suspected to be tuberculous, and because of pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosed in a chest roentgenogram taken about 1 month after osteomyelitis was cured. While his osteomyelitis was being treated, disturbance in his gait, due to progressive spastic paraparesis, was not iced, and thereafter left cerebellar symptoms with impairment of equilibrium appeared additionally. Then, he was reffered to our clinic for further neurosurgical examination, and was admitted on November 1, 1974 after right carotid and vertebral angiography was performed via the right axillar artery, in which findings suggesting left cerebellar tumor and internal hydrocephalus were obtained. After he was admitted to our clinic, a diagnosis of tumor of the left cerebellum and internal hydrocephalus was more precisely confirmed by pneumoventriculography. Suboccipital craniectomy was then carried out and the tumor, weighing 60 gm, was completely removed from the left cerbellar hemisphere. The tumor was confirmed as tuberculoma not only by histological findings but also by the vertification of tuberculous bacilli in it. Though, moderate fever lasted for about 2 weeks postoperatively, no obvious meningitic signs or new neurological deficits were noted. The patient showed marked improvement especially in his gait disturbance, and was discharged ambulatory 40 days after the operation, and has since been asymptomatic except for slight ataxic gait. The antituberculous agents have been continuously administered postoperatively.", "PMID": 986021} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1739", "title": "Optimal utilization of computerized cranial tomography and radionuclide brain imaging.", "content": "The results of computerized cranial tomography and radionuclide brain imaging in 490 patients were compared in relationship to the patients' clinical presentation. In 195 patients with focal neurologic abnormalities, both tests detected most lesions, but computerized cranial tomography was slightly more accurate overall. Results of both studies were normal in 69 percent of 295 patients with nonfocal neurologic presentations, and radionuclide imaging failed to detect lesions in only five patients with nonfocal presentations. These results suggest that radionuclide imaging can be used to accurately screen most patients with nonfocal neurologic presentations. An exception is the patient presenting with dementia, in whom computerized cranial tomography provides details of the anatomy of the ventricular cavities and cerebral cortex. This study demonstrates a continuing role of importance for radionuclide imaging in the evaluation of patients with neurologic disease and provides data to allow a rational approach to the optimum use of both techniques.", "contents": "Optimal utilization of computerized cranial tomography and radionuclide brain imaging. The results of computerized cranial tomography and radionuclide brain imaging in 490 patients were compared in relationship to the patients' clinical presentation. In 195 patients with focal neurologic abnormalities, both tests detected most lesions, but computerized cranial tomography was slightly more accurate overall. Results of both studies were normal in 69 percent of 295 patients with nonfocal neurologic presentations, and radionuclide imaging failed to detect lesions in only five patients with nonfocal presentations. These results suggest that radionuclide imaging can be used to accurately screen most patients with nonfocal neurologic presentations. An exception is the patient presenting with dementia, in whom computerized cranial tomography provides details of the anatomy of the ventricular cavities and cerebral cortex. This study demonstrates a continuing role of importance for radionuclide imaging in the evaluation of patients with neurologic disease and provides data to allow a rational approach to the optimum use of both techniques.", "PMID": 986022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1740", "title": "Postural hypoxemia in quadriplegic patients.", "content": "Quadriplegic patients frequently undergo unusual positional changes, including head-down tilt. To determine if hypoxemia develops in this position and whether it is related to the duration of quadriplegia, five patients were studied within 1 year of injury (group A) and five after 1 year from injury (group B). Arterial blood gases were obtained in the seated and 45-degree head-down position. Group A patients had a decrease in arterial partial pressure of oxygen in the head-down position (p less than 0.025), while group B patients did not (p greater than 0.4). This study demonstrated that quadriplegic patients have positional hypoxemia early in their course. This probably results from relative hypoventilation of the upper lung fields caused by flaccid paralysis of the intercostal muscles. The positional hypoxemia disappears with time, presumably because of the change from flaccid to spastic paralysis of the intercostal muscles.", "contents": "Postural hypoxemia in quadriplegic patients. Quadriplegic patients frequently undergo unusual positional changes, including head-down tilt. To determine if hypoxemia develops in this position and whether it is related to the duration of quadriplegia, five patients were studied within 1 year of injury (group A) and five after 1 year from injury (group B). Arterial blood gases were obtained in the seated and 45-degree head-down position. Group A patients had a decrease in arterial partial pressure of oxygen in the head-down position (p less than 0.025), while group B patients did not (p greater than 0.4). This study demonstrated that quadriplegic patients have positional hypoxemia early in their course. This probably results from relative hypoventilation of the upper lung fields caused by flaccid paralysis of the intercostal muscles. The positional hypoxemia disappears with time, presumably because of the change from flaccid to spastic paralysis of the intercostal muscles.", "PMID": 986023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1741", "title": "Sex difference of multiple sclerosis in Japan.", "content": "Sex differences in the clinical course of multiple sclerosis were investigated in 947 patients with multiple sclerosis collected from all over Japan through the nationwide survey undertaken by the Multiple Sclerosis Research Committee of Japan from 1972 through 1973. A course of remissions and exacerbations, more frequent involvement of optic nerves, and more severe motor and visual disability were present in a higher proportion of women than men. These features corresponded to those which have been considered to characterize Oriental multiple sclerosis patients.", "contents": "Sex difference of multiple sclerosis in Japan. Sex differences in the clinical course of multiple sclerosis were investigated in 947 patients with multiple sclerosis collected from all over Japan through the nationwide survey undertaken by the Multiple Sclerosis Research Committee of Japan from 1972 through 1973. A course of remissions and exacerbations, more frequent involvement of optic nerves, and more severe motor and visual disability were present in a higher proportion of women than men. These features corresponded to those which have been considered to characterize Oriental multiple sclerosis patients.", "PMID": 986024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1742", "title": "Normocalcemic tetany. A problem of erethism.", "content": "A boy with neonatal and childhood convulsions had prolonged attacks of tetany in adolescence. There was no abnormality of serum calcium or magnesium, and treatment with these cations was ineffective. There was no respiratory alkalosis, and attacks occurred when the patient had not taken anticonvulsant drugs for years. Serum parathormone content and renal responses to the administration of parathormone were normal. \"Normocalcemic tetany\" seems an appropriate name for the condition, which was probably genetic since the patient's brother and mother had signs of latent tetany and the brother had a convulsive disorder. The cause of the syndrome is not known, but it seems to be an abnormal response of neural membranes rather than an abnormality of calcium homeostasis.", "contents": "Normocalcemic tetany. A problem of erethism. A boy with neonatal and childhood convulsions had prolonged attacks of tetany in adolescence. There was no abnormality of serum calcium or magnesium, and treatment with these cations was ineffective. There was no respiratory alkalosis, and attacks occurred when the patient had not taken anticonvulsant drugs for years. Serum parathormone content and renal responses to the administration of parathormone were normal. \"Normocalcemic tetany\" seems an appropriate name for the condition, which was probably genetic since the patient's brother and mother had signs of latent tetany and the brother had a convulsive disorder. The cause of the syndrome is not known, but it seems to be an abnormal response of neural membranes rather than an abnormality of calcium homeostasis.", "PMID": 986025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1743", "title": "Cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity and conductance in patients awake and under general anesthesia.", "content": "Paired cerebral blood flow measurements at two levels of arterial carbon dioxide (CO2) tension were made in 36 awake patients and 85 patients under general anesthesia to measure the percent change in flow per mm Hg change in PaCO2 (CO2 reactivity). CO2 reactivity was significantly greater in the generally anesthetized (5.96) than in the awake group (3.65). In both groups, a linear correlation was found between mean percent CO2 reactivity and conductance (the reciprocal of resistance), up to a level of conductance of 0.85 in awake and 0.95 in unconscious patients. When the CO2 reactivity of 18 awake patients and 59 unconscious patients was compared with that of respective control groups, only 11 patients were found to have abnormal CO2 reactivities for their conductance levels.", "contents": "Cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity and conductance in patients awake and under general anesthesia. Paired cerebral blood flow measurements at two levels of arterial carbon dioxide (CO2) tension were made in 36 awake patients and 85 patients under general anesthesia to measure the percent change in flow per mm Hg change in PaCO2 (CO2 reactivity). CO2 reactivity was significantly greater in the generally anesthetized (5.96) than in the awake group (3.65). In both groups, a linear correlation was found between mean percent CO2 reactivity and conductance (the reciprocal of resistance), up to a level of conductance of 0.85 in awake and 0.95 in unconscious patients. When the CO2 reactivity of 18 awake patients and 59 unconscious patients was compared with that of respective control groups, only 11 patients were found to have abnormal CO2 reactivities for their conductance levels.", "PMID": 986026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1744", "title": "Recovery in rats after spinal cord injury.", "content": "Previous studies from this laboratory have shown evidence of regeneration of long descending spinal motor tracts in rats after spinal cord transection and treatment to modify the animals' immune response. In this study, less extensive surgical lesions were combined with the most favorable drug treatment (75 mg per kilogram of cyclophosphamide in a single dose) in an effort to improve the prospects for regeneration. Less than complete spinal cord transections in the rat were frequently followed by clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of return of function. Such return of function appears to depend on a reorganization of the nervous system that results in the use of the few remaining fibers to transmit motor information rather than on regeneration. Immunosuppressive treatment had no effect on these results.", "contents": "Recovery in rats after spinal cord injury. Previous studies from this laboratory have shown evidence of regeneration of long descending spinal motor tracts in rats after spinal cord transection and treatment to modify the animals' immune response. In this study, less extensive surgical lesions were combined with the most favorable drug treatment (75 mg per kilogram of cyclophosphamide in a single dose) in an effort to improve the prospects for regeneration. Less than complete spinal cord transections in the rat were frequently followed by clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of return of function. Such return of function appears to depend on a reorganization of the nervous system that results in the use of the few remaining fibers to transmit motor information rather than on regeneration. Immunosuppressive treatment had no effect on these results.", "PMID": 986027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1745", "title": "Quantitative histochemical evaluation of normal human skeletal muscle.", "content": "Skeletal muscle tissue was obtained by open biopsy from the vastus lateralis and peroneus brevis muscles from 12 and 16 healthy paid volunteers, respectively. Frozen sections were examined with standard histochemical methods. Central nuclei, small and large angular fibers, and small round fibers were the most common \"abnormalities\" present. The number of fibers of these types were quantified, along with other more rare deviations from normal morphology. Several of the abnormalities were more common in the peroneus brevis than in the vastus lateralis.", "contents": "Quantitative histochemical evaluation of normal human skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle tissue was obtained by open biopsy from the vastus lateralis and peroneus brevis muscles from 12 and 16 healthy paid volunteers, respectively. Frozen sections were examined with standard histochemical methods. Central nuclei, small and large angular fibers, and small round fibers were the most common \"abnormalities\" present. The number of fibers of these types were quantified, along with other more rare deviations from normal morphology. Several of the abnormalities were more common in the peroneus brevis than in the vastus lateralis.", "PMID": 986028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1746", "title": "Incidence of Z band streaming and myofibrillar disruptions in skeletal muscle from healthy young people.", "content": "Skeletal muscle tissue was obtained from the vastus lateralis or peroneus brevis muscles of 34 healthy volunteers. Focal and extensive areas of Z band streaming and disruption of myofibrillar architecture without Z band streaming were quantified in Araldite-embedded specimens examined in the phase microscope. Extensive areas of Z band streaming in more than 2.0 percent of fibers was present in only two of the 34 volunteers. Myofibrillar disruptions without Z band streaming was much less common than Z band streaming. The size of extensive areas of Z band streaming or myofibrillar disruptions was quantified by counting the number of adjacent fibrils and contiguous sarcomeres occupied by either type of lesion. These data should be of use in determining if such lesions are present in excessive amounts in suspected pathologic material.", "contents": "Incidence of Z band streaming and myofibrillar disruptions in skeletal muscle from healthy young people. Skeletal muscle tissue was obtained from the vastus lateralis or peroneus brevis muscles of 34 healthy volunteers. Focal and extensive areas of Z band streaming and disruption of myofibrillar architecture without Z band streaming were quantified in Araldite-embedded specimens examined in the phase microscope. Extensive areas of Z band streaming in more than 2.0 percent of fibers was present in only two of the 34 volunteers. Myofibrillar disruptions without Z band streaming was much less common than Z band streaming. The size of extensive areas of Z band streaming or myofibrillar disruptions was quantified by counting the number of adjacent fibrils and contiguous sarcomeres occupied by either type of lesion. These data should be of use in determining if such lesions are present in excessive amounts in suspected pathologic material.", "PMID": 986029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1747", "title": "Congenital retardation and central motor defect with later evolution of seizure disorder, orofacial dysplasia, and amyotrophy. A clinicopathologic report.", "content": "Retarded mental and motor development was observed during the first year of life of a full-term female who had been delivered with difficulty. Generalized psychomotor seizures and dysplastic \"acromegalic\" facial changes began to develop when she was 8 years old, and generalized amyotrophy developed over the next several years. The course was generally progressive, and she died at age 31. A variety of clinical laboratory studies were nondiagnostic. Autopsy findings showed normal brain weight and normal-appearing cerebral hemispheres, a peculiar atrophy of the inferior portion of the cerebellar hemispheres, a demyelinating process in the dorsal columns of the cervical and thoracic spinal cord, and lateral column and motor neuron degeneration. The pathogenesis of the syndrome is undetermined.", "contents": "Congenital retardation and central motor defect with later evolution of seizure disorder, orofacial dysplasia, and amyotrophy. A clinicopathologic report. Retarded mental and motor development was observed during the first year of life of a full-term female who had been delivered with difficulty. Generalized psychomotor seizures and dysplastic \"acromegalic\" facial changes began to develop when she was 8 years old, and generalized amyotrophy developed over the next several years. The course was generally progressive, and she died at age 31. A variety of clinical laboratory studies were nondiagnostic. Autopsy findings showed normal brain weight and normal-appearing cerebral hemispheres, a peculiar atrophy of the inferior portion of the cerebellar hemispheres, a demyelinating process in the dorsal columns of the cervical and thoracic spinal cord, and lateral column and motor neuron degeneration. The pathogenesis of the syndrome is undetermined.", "PMID": 986030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1748", "title": "Use of phenytoin serum levels in a case of status epilepticus.", "content": "Serum anticonvulsant determinations made possible the identification of an unusual cause of status epilepticus and assisted with appropriate therapy in an epileptic patient with second-degree burns. The seizures were associated with a serum phenytoin concentration of 3.5 mug per milliliter. This suboptimal concentration of drug developed despite continuation of the patient's customary oral dose of phenytoin led to the conclusion that the unexpected decrement in serum anticonvulsant concentration was related to an experiment in absorption of that drug, possibly caused by the concurrent administration of oral oxacillin.", "contents": "Use of phenytoin serum levels in a case of status epilepticus. Serum anticonvulsant determinations made possible the identification of an unusual cause of status epilepticus and assisted with appropriate therapy in an epileptic patient with second-degree burns. The seizures were associated with a serum phenytoin concentration of 3.5 mug per milliliter. This suboptimal concentration of drug developed despite continuation of the patient's customary oral dose of phenytoin led to the conclusion that the unexpected decrement in serum anticonvulsant concentration was related to an experiment in absorption of that drug, possibly caused by the concurrent administration of oral oxacillin.", "PMID": 986031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1749", "title": "Platelet aggregation, stroke, and transient ischemic attack in middle-aged and elderly patients.", "content": "Platelet aggregation was studied with optical density methods in a group of 39 patients with stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and in age, sex, and race-matched controls. The patients were divided at age 60 into young stroke patients and young controls (18 pairs) and old stroke patients and old controls (21 pairs). A semiquantitative measure of the threshold of phase II of platelet aggregation and distinct of disaggregation 3 minutes after peak aggregation were used as an index of platelet aggregability. Aggregability was significantly greater in young stroke patients than in young controls. Aggregability was similar in old stroke patients and old controls. Both old stroke patients and old controls were hyperaggregable compared with young controls, indicating that aggregability rises with age. This suggests that platelet aggregability is significant risk factor for stroke but is relatively more important in the younger than in the older stroke patient.", "contents": "Platelet aggregation, stroke, and transient ischemic attack in middle-aged and elderly patients. Platelet aggregation was studied with optical density methods in a group of 39 patients with stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and in age, sex, and race-matched controls. The patients were divided at age 60 into young stroke patients and young controls (18 pairs) and old stroke patients and old controls (21 pairs). A semiquantitative measure of the threshold of phase II of platelet aggregation and distinct of disaggregation 3 minutes after peak aggregation were used as an index of platelet aggregability. Aggregability was significantly greater in young stroke patients than in young controls. Aggregability was similar in old stroke patients and old controls. Both old stroke patients and old controls were hyperaggregable compared with young controls, indicating that aggregability rises with age. This suggests that platelet aggregability is significant risk factor for stroke but is relatively more important in the younger than in the older stroke patient.", "PMID": 986032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1750", "title": "Phosphorylase deficiency associated with isometric exercise intolerance.", "content": "In the patient reported here, most of the clinical and biochemical correlates of McArdle's disease were present; however, symptoms developed after isometric rather than after isotonic exercise. Histochemical reactions and assay of muscle homogenates confirmed the absence of phosphorylase; however, venous serum lactate increased in the arm after isometric and isotonic ischemic exercise, although the increase was significantly less than in a normal control. Although the symptoms differ significantly from those in McArdle's disease, this disorder could be a variant.", "contents": "Phosphorylase deficiency associated with isometric exercise intolerance. In the patient reported here, most of the clinical and biochemical correlates of McArdle's disease were present; however, symptoms developed after isometric rather than after isotonic exercise. Histochemical reactions and assay of muscle homogenates confirmed the absence of phosphorylase; however, venous serum lactate increased in the arm after isometric and isotonic ischemic exercise, although the increase was significantly less than in a normal control. Although the symptoms differ significantly from those in McArdle's disease, this disorder could be a variant.", "PMID": 986033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1751", "title": "Basophilic meningitis secondary to lymphoma.", "content": "In this case report of basophilic meningitis, the patient was a 5-year-old girl under treatment for a diffuse lymphocytic lymphoma. She presented with headache and bilateral papilledema. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed 60 percent basophils. Subsequent specimens showed a rare blast. It is postulated that after the lymphoma cells had spread to the meninges, a cell-mediated immune reaction was initiated with the appearance of basophils in the exudate.", "contents": "Basophilic meningitis secondary to lymphoma. In this case report of basophilic meningitis, the patient was a 5-year-old girl under treatment for a diffuse lymphocytic lymphoma. She presented with headache and bilateral papilledema. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed 60 percent basophils. Subsequent specimens showed a rare blast. It is postulated that after the lymphoma cells had spread to the meninges, a cell-mediated immune reaction was initiated with the appearance of basophils in the exudate.", "PMID": 986034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1752", "title": "[Primary lung neoplasm of rare incidence: giant cell carcinoma].", "content": "Primary giant-cell carcinoma of the lung is an infrequent observation. It is distinguished clinically solely its fairly rapid development but otherwise it does not seem to have any predilection for localization, age or sex. Histologically, differential diagnosis with othe tumours such as angiosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, chorioepithelioma and others is of interest. Three cases of primary giant-cell carcinoma of the lung are reported and the various clinical and anatomopathological aspects discussed.", "contents": "[Primary lung neoplasm of rare incidence: giant cell carcinoma]. Primary giant-cell carcinoma of the lung is an infrequent observation. It is distinguished clinically solely its fairly rapid development but otherwise it does not seem to have any predilection for localization, age or sex. Histologically, differential diagnosis with othe tumours such as angiosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, chorioepithelioma and others is of interest. Three cases of primary giant-cell carcinoma of the lung are reported and the various clinical and anatomopathological aspects discussed.", "PMID": 986035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1753", "title": "Severe lactic acidosis associated with intravenous alcohol for premature labor.", "content": "A patient receiving intravenous alcohol for premature labor developed mild aspiration pneumonia. In the course of her evaluation it was noted that she also had severe lactic acidosis. The patient responded well to hydration and intravenous sodium bicarbonate. Lactic acidosis represents a previously unrecognized danger of intravenous alcohol therapy.", "contents": "Severe lactic acidosis associated with intravenous alcohol for premature labor. A patient receiving intravenous alcohol for premature labor developed mild aspiration pneumonia. In the course of her evaluation it was noted that she also had severe lactic acidosis. The patient responded well to hydration and intravenous sodium bicarbonate. Lactic acidosis represents a previously unrecognized danger of intravenous alcohol therapy.", "PMID": 986036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1754", "title": "Applying management principles to the occupational health unit.", "content": "This paper presents the occupational health unit as a subsystem competing with other subsystems in the organization for limited resources. By applying management principles the nurse can design a program to show management its results in dollar terms. This will enable the health unit to compete more favorably with the other subsystems for limited resources. An example of how this approach can be applied to the problem of absenteeism is presented.", "contents": "Applying management principles to the occupational health unit. This paper presents the occupational health unit as a subsystem competing with other subsystems in the organization for limited resources. By applying management principles the nurse can design a program to show management its results in dollar terms. This will enable the health unit to compete more favorably with the other subsystems for limited resources. An example of how this approach can be applied to the problem of absenteeism is presented.", "PMID": 986037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1755", "title": "Microbiological quality of frozen fried chicekn product obtained from a retail store.", "content": "Two brands of frozen fried chicken products were purchased monthly from a local supermarket for six months. Microbiological qualities of these samples were studied. The log number of mesophilic counts ranged from 2.90/g. to 4.78/g; log psychrophilic counts varied from 2.74/g. to 4.66/g.; and log Staphylococcus- 110 medium counts ranged from 2.84/g. to 4.54/g. Mean log microbial counts were higher in brand A samples than in brand B samples. No yeast or mold was detected and all samples were Salmonella negative. Most samples were negative in coliform test, except five samples had coliform MPN ranging from 0.5/g to 0.8/g. A total of 144 isolates of psychrophiles from 12 samples was tentatively identified to be members of Staphylococcus species. About 82.2% of the isolates belong to the Subgroup VI Staphylococcus according to Baird-Parker's classification. Another 17.8% of the isolates resembled Subgroup vi Staphylococcus except in phosphatase test.", "contents": "Microbiological quality of frozen fried chicekn product obtained from a retail store. Two brands of frozen fried chicken products were purchased monthly from a local supermarket for six months. Microbiological qualities of these samples were studied. The log number of mesophilic counts ranged from 2.90/g. to 4.78/g; log psychrophilic counts varied from 2.74/g. to 4.66/g.; and log Staphylococcus- 110 medium counts ranged from 2.84/g. to 4.54/g. Mean log microbial counts were higher in brand A samples than in brand B samples. No yeast or mold was detected and all samples were Salmonella negative. Most samples were negative in coliform test, except five samples had coliform MPN ranging from 0.5/g to 0.8/g. A total of 144 isolates of psychrophiles from 12 samples was tentatively identified to be members of Staphylococcus species. About 82.2% of the isolates belong to the Subgroup VI Staphylococcus according to Baird-Parker's classification. Another 17.8% of the isolates resembled Subgroup vi Staphylococcus except in phosphatase test.", "PMID": 986046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1756", "title": "Schedule-controlled behavior in the morphine-dependent rat.", "content": "The behavioral effects of acute and chronic administration of morphine and its withdrawal were studied using schedule-controlled responsing in the rat under a differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL) schedule of food presentation. Acute morphine administration had a biphasic effect on response rate. Low dses (1.8-5.6 mg/kg) tended to produce a small increase and higher doses (10-30 mg/kg) decreased responding. Physical dependence was produced by twice daily injections, with an initial dose of 40 mg/kg/day which was increased by 80 mg/kg/day until reaching 600 mg/kg/day which was continued for 14 days. Throughout chronic administration the pattern of responding remained disrupted resulting in a 27-47 percent decrease in presentations of the reinforcer, while response rate was more variable and generally decreased. The effects of morphine withdrawal lasted 5 days and produced an initial maked decrease in reinforecements per hour and a biphasic change in response rate. A marked decrease in responding early in withdrawal (22.5 hr) was followed by a marked and more prolonged (70.5-118.5 hr) response rate increase.", "contents": "Schedule-controlled behavior in the morphine-dependent rat. The behavioral effects of acute and chronic administration of morphine and its withdrawal were studied using schedule-controlled responsing in the rat under a differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL) schedule of food presentation. Acute morphine administration had a biphasic effect on response rate. Low dses (1.8-5.6 mg/kg) tended to produce a small increase and higher doses (10-30 mg/kg) decreased responding. Physical dependence was produced by twice daily injections, with an initial dose of 40 mg/kg/day which was increased by 80 mg/kg/day until reaching 600 mg/kg/day which was continued for 14 days. Throughout chronic administration the pattern of responding remained disrupted resulting in a 27-47 percent decrease in presentations of the reinforcer, while response rate was more variable and generally decreased. The effects of morphine withdrawal lasted 5 days and produced an initial maked decrease in reinforecements per hour and a biphasic change in response rate. A marked decrease in responding early in withdrawal (22.5 hr) was followed by a marked and more prolonged (70.5-118.5 hr) response rate increase.", "PMID": 986048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1757", "title": "Behavioral and biochemical effects of neonatal treatment of rats with 6-hydroxydopa.", "content": "Rats receiving injection of either 6-hydroxydopa (60 mug/g) or saline on Days 1, 3, and 5 of life were studied in adulthood on a number of behavioral tasks before being sacrificed at 8 or 12 months for NE assay. The treated rats exhibited impaired passive avoidance, less shock-induced aggression, and more locomotor open-field activity than the control rats. There were no differences between the groups in male copulatory behavior, food and water intake, or thermoregulation. In comparison to the saline rats, 6-hydroxydopa rats showed elevated levels of endogenous NE in lower brainstem regions, e.g., midbrain and pons-medulla, as well as cerebellum. Hypothalamic NE level was not affected. Significant depletions of NE were obtained in the hippocampus and neocortex.", "contents": "Behavioral and biochemical effects of neonatal treatment of rats with 6-hydroxydopa. Rats receiving injection of either 6-hydroxydopa (60 mug/g) or saline on Days 1, 3, and 5 of life were studied in adulthood on a number of behavioral tasks before being sacrificed at 8 or 12 months for NE assay. The treated rats exhibited impaired passive avoidance, less shock-induced aggression, and more locomotor open-field activity than the control rats. There were no differences between the groups in male copulatory behavior, food and water intake, or thermoregulation. In comparison to the saline rats, 6-hydroxydopa rats showed elevated levels of endogenous NE in lower brainstem regions, e.g., midbrain and pons-medulla, as well as cerebellum. Hypothalamic NE level was not affected. Significant depletions of NE were obtained in the hippocampus and neocortex.", "PMID": 986049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1758", "title": "Sites of action of morphine involved in the development of physical dependence in rats. I. Comparison of precipitated morphine withdrawal after intraperitoneal and intraventricular injection of morphine antagonists.", "content": "In rats made dependent on morphine by implantation of morphine pellets, withdrawal, as precipitated by intraventricular injection of morphine antagonists, was compared to withdrawal as precipitated by systemic antagonist application. The results, most clearly those obtained with a hydrophilic compound, diallyl-nor-morphinium-bromide, point to periventricularly located sites of action for the release of most withdrawal signs by antagonists. Jumping, reaching only low levels after i.ventr. injection of levallorphan and nalorphine, was very pronounced when the benzomorphane derivative SH 254, was used. In the case of writhing and diarrhea, the situation is more complicated. Possibly, central as well as peripheral mechanisms are involved in the expression of these signs.", "contents": "Sites of action of morphine involved in the development of physical dependence in rats. I. Comparison of precipitated morphine withdrawal after intraperitoneal and intraventricular injection of morphine antagonists. In rats made dependent on morphine by implantation of morphine pellets, withdrawal, as precipitated by intraventricular injection of morphine antagonists, was compared to withdrawal as precipitated by systemic antagonist application. The results, most clearly those obtained with a hydrophilic compound, diallyl-nor-morphinium-bromide, point to periventricularly located sites of action for the release of most withdrawal signs by antagonists. Jumping, reaching only low levels after i.ventr. injection of levallorphan and nalorphine, was very pronounced when the benzomorphane derivative SH 254, was used. In the case of writhing and diarrhea, the situation is more complicated. Possibly, central as well as peripheral mechanisms are involved in the expression of these signs.", "PMID": 986051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1759", "title": "Sites of action of morphine involved in the development of physical dependence in rats. II. Morphine withdrawal precipitated by application of morphine antagonists into restricted parts of the ventricular system and by microinjection into various brain areas.", "content": "Morphine withdrawal was precipitated by injection of various morphine antagonists into restricted parts of the ventricular system or by microinjection of levallorphan into specific brain areas of rats made dependent on morphine by repeated pellet implantation. When the antagonists could spread only within the lateral ventricles and the 3rd ventricle, a weak withdrawal syndrome was induced; by antagonist administration into the restricted 4th ventricle, however, strong withdrawal signs like jumping were elicited even at small dosages. In microinjection experiments, structures in the midbrain and the lower brain stem proved to be the most sensitive to antagonist action. Although microinjections into thalamic nuclei also had some effect, it could not be excluded that the effects were due to uncontrolled spreading of the drug. This became especially clear from experiments with tritium-labeled levallorphan. It is concluded that brain structures located in the anterior parts of the floor of the 4th ventricle and/or caudal parts of the periaqueductal gray matter are important sites of action for the development of physical dependence on morphine.", "contents": "Sites of action of morphine involved in the development of physical dependence in rats. II. Morphine withdrawal precipitated by application of morphine antagonists into restricted parts of the ventricular system and by microinjection into various brain areas. Morphine withdrawal was precipitated by injection of various morphine antagonists into restricted parts of the ventricular system or by microinjection of levallorphan into specific brain areas of rats made dependent on morphine by repeated pellet implantation. When the antagonists could spread only within the lateral ventricles and the 3rd ventricle, a weak withdrawal syndrome was induced; by antagonist administration into the restricted 4th ventricle, however, strong withdrawal signs like jumping were elicited even at small dosages. In microinjection experiments, structures in the midbrain and the lower brain stem proved to be the most sensitive to antagonist action. Although microinjections into thalamic nuclei also had some effect, it could not be excluded that the effects were due to uncontrolled spreading of the drug. This became especially clear from experiments with tritium-labeled levallorphan. It is concluded that brain structures located in the anterior parts of the floor of the 4th ventricle and/or caudal parts of the periaqueductal gray matter are important sites of action for the development of physical dependence on morphine.", "PMID": 986052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1760", "title": "AMT catalepsy and hypokinesia: interaction with morphine and cocaine.", "content": "Acute morphine induced a dose-dependent hypokinesia and rigidity, but only mild and non-dose-dependent catalepsy. AMT, injected 1/2 h after morphine, slightly potentiated catalepsy but not hypokinesia during 3 h after morphine; in contrast, rigidity was decreased. The behavioral changes induced by AMT were accelerated in onset and reached their usual development, although AMT toxicity and hypothermia were completely antagonized; thus, it would appear that AMT hypokinesia/catalepsy are not the consequence of toxicity. When morphine was injected 4 h after AMT, a mutual potentiation of the two drugs on hypokinesia and catalepsy was observed, although previous biochemical measurements had shown no effect of morphine on CA depletion under these conditions. Rigidity appeared to be antagonized. After 17 days of repeated injections, morphine no longer elicited hypokinesia and catalepsy, but no cross-tolerance developed to the AMT behavioral changes. A similar lack of cross-tolerance to the effects of AMT or haloperidol was observed when morphine tolerance was induced by pellet implantation. Catalepsy and hypokinesia developed in a much more pronounced way after two large i.p. doses than after small, multiple administration of AMT; this difference was accompanied by a significantly lower concentration of brain DA, but not NA in the former group. The hyperthermic response observed after a 40 mg/kg s.c. injection of morphine was reversed to hypothermia when the same dose was given 4 or 10 h after CA synthesis inhibition. Cocaine strongly antagonized AMT hypokinesia and catalepsy when given 8 1/2 h after AMT, and, although to a lesser extent, even when injected 12 1/2 h after AMT.", "contents": "AMT catalepsy and hypokinesia: interaction with morphine and cocaine. Acute morphine induced a dose-dependent hypokinesia and rigidity, but only mild and non-dose-dependent catalepsy. AMT, injected 1/2 h after morphine, slightly potentiated catalepsy but not hypokinesia during 3 h after morphine; in contrast, rigidity was decreased. The behavioral changes induced by AMT were accelerated in onset and reached their usual development, although AMT toxicity and hypothermia were completely antagonized; thus, it would appear that AMT hypokinesia/catalepsy are not the consequence of toxicity. When morphine was injected 4 h after AMT, a mutual potentiation of the two drugs on hypokinesia and catalepsy was observed, although previous biochemical measurements had shown no effect of morphine on CA depletion under these conditions. Rigidity appeared to be antagonized. After 17 days of repeated injections, morphine no longer elicited hypokinesia and catalepsy, but no cross-tolerance developed to the AMT behavioral changes. A similar lack of cross-tolerance to the effects of AMT or haloperidol was observed when morphine tolerance was induced by pellet implantation. Catalepsy and hypokinesia developed in a much more pronounced way after two large i.p. doses than after small, multiple administration of AMT; this difference was accompanied by a significantly lower concentration of brain DA, but not NA in the former group. The hyperthermic response observed after a 40 mg/kg s.c. injection of morphine was reversed to hypothermia when the same dose was given 4 or 10 h after CA synthesis inhibition. Cocaine strongly antagonized AMT hypokinesia and catalepsy when given 8 1/2 h after AMT, and, although to a lesser extent, even when injected 12 1/2 h after AMT.", "PMID": 986053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1761", "title": "[Amantadine: aggressive effect; effect on apomorphine-induced aggressivity in the rat].", "content": "In rats characterized by aggressive behaviour induced by apomorphine, only amantadine in doses of 10 mg/kg i.v. and 50 mg/kg i.p. induces a very slight aggressive effect, but in doses of 30 and 50 mg/kg i.p. it inhibits the aggressive behaviour induced by 1 mg/kg apomorphine. The effect is dose-related and it is more pronounced when amantadine (50 mg/kg i.p.) is injected 30 min rather than 1 h before apomorphine.", "contents": "[Amantadine: aggressive effect; effect on apomorphine-induced aggressivity in the rat]. In rats characterized by aggressive behaviour induced by apomorphine, only amantadine in doses of 10 mg/kg i.v. and 50 mg/kg i.p. induces a very slight aggressive effect, but in doses of 30 and 50 mg/kg i.p. it inhibits the aggressive behaviour induced by 1 mg/kg apomorphine. The effect is dose-related and it is more pronounced when amantadine (50 mg/kg i.p.) is injected 30 min rather than 1 h before apomorphine.", "PMID": 986054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1762", "title": "Increased sensitivity to chronic ethanol in isolated mice.", "content": "Isolated C57BL/10 mice fed liquid diet as their only nutritional supply consumed 44% more diet than did grouped-housed mice. A similar increase due to isolation of 36% for C57BL/10 mice and 89% for DBA/1 mice was demonstrated when the sucrose in the liquid diet was replaced by an equicaloric (6% v/v) amount of ethanol. The ethanol-drinking isolated mice suffered a higher mortality rate than the grouped mice. When isolated mice were given a restricted amount of ethanol diet to match the consumption of the grouped mice, their death rate still remained higher. It was concluded that isolation increased the sensitivity to ethanol effects. The observed changes in the sensitivity to ethanol effects may have been mediated by the known isolation-induced changes in the levels of brain amines and corticosterone. Generally, DBA/1 mice were more susceptible to chronic ethanol than C57BL/10, and the young more susceptible than the adults.", "contents": "Increased sensitivity to chronic ethanol in isolated mice. Isolated C57BL/10 mice fed liquid diet as their only nutritional supply consumed 44% more diet than did grouped-housed mice. A similar increase due to isolation of 36% for C57BL/10 mice and 89% for DBA/1 mice was demonstrated when the sucrose in the liquid diet was replaced by an equicaloric (6% v/v) amount of ethanol. The ethanol-drinking isolated mice suffered a higher mortality rate than the grouped mice. When isolated mice were given a restricted amount of ethanol diet to match the consumption of the grouped mice, their death rate still remained higher. It was concluded that isolation increased the sensitivity to ethanol effects. The observed changes in the sensitivity to ethanol effects may have been mediated by the known isolation-induced changes in the levels of brain amines and corticosterone. Generally, DBA/1 mice were more susceptible to chronic ethanol than C57BL/10, and the young more susceptible than the adults.", "PMID": 986055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1763", "title": "Differential potency of taste and audiovisual stimuli in the conditioning of morphine withdrawal in rats.", "content": "Morphine dependent rats that underwent naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in the presence of both gustatory and audiovisual stimuli subsequently avoided the taste cue, but not the audiovisual one. All environmental stimuli do not associate equally with withdrawal in the rat. The role of stimulus factors should be investigated in other forms of narcotic-related conditioning.", "contents": "Differential potency of taste and audiovisual stimuli in the conditioning of morphine withdrawal in rats. Morphine dependent rats that underwent naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in the presence of both gustatory and audiovisual stimuli subsequently avoided the taste cue, but not the audiovisual one. All environmental stimuli do not associate equally with withdrawal in the rat. The role of stimulus factors should be investigated in other forms of narcotic-related conditioning.", "PMID": 986056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1764", "title": "Circadian rhythm of corticosterone in mice: the effect of chronic consumption of alcohol.", "content": "The effect of chronic consumption of alcohol on the circadian variations of the plasma corticosterone investigated in DBA/2J male mice. After 15 weeks of alcohol consumption (3.8%w/v for the first week and 7.5% for subsequent weeks) the alcohol groups exhibited a flattened circadian corticosterone curve, the level being intermediate between the peak and trough values of the water control groups. The diurnal patterns of food and liquid consumption were still present at the 10th week of alcohol treatment in the alcohol groups, although the absolute amount of food and liquid consumed at each of the 6-h intervals was somewhat different between the alcohol and water groups. The blood alcohol showed a peak at early morning with the mean of 100 mg/100 ml, but the levels of alcohol during the remaining periods were remarkably stable, the means ranging from 30 to 46 mg/100 ml. Chronic consumption of alcohol, even relatively low concentrations, appears to affect the neural sites in the CNS controlling the circadian rhythm of ACTH release.", "contents": "Circadian rhythm of corticosterone in mice: the effect of chronic consumption of alcohol. The effect of chronic consumption of alcohol on the circadian variations of the plasma corticosterone investigated in DBA/2J male mice. After 15 weeks of alcohol consumption (3.8%w/v for the first week and 7.5% for subsequent weeks) the alcohol groups exhibited a flattened circadian corticosterone curve, the level being intermediate between the peak and trough values of the water control groups. The diurnal patterns of food and liquid consumption were still present at the 10th week of alcohol treatment in the alcohol groups, although the absolute amount of food and liquid consumed at each of the 6-h intervals was somewhat different between the alcohol and water groups. The blood alcohol showed a peak at early morning with the mean of 100 mg/100 ml, but the levels of alcohol during the remaining periods were remarkably stable, the means ranging from 30 to 46 mg/100 ml. Chronic consumption of alcohol, even relatively low concentrations, appears to affect the neural sites in the CNS controlling the circadian rhythm of ACTH release.", "PMID": 986057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1765", "title": "Effect of cortisone, aldosterone and nialamide on \"amphetamine stereotypies\" and brain methamphetamine levels of adrenalectomized rats.", "content": "Cortisone, aldosterone or nialamide was administered to adrenalectomized or sham-operated rats for 7 days, and methamphetamine was injected 24 hrs after the last injection of these compounds. Stereotyped head movement and licking activity were scored 5 min, 30 min and 60 min after methamphetamine injection and, in parallel brain methamphetamine levels in similarly treated rats were measured 5 min, 30 min and 60 min after the methamphetamine injection. Adrenalectomy depressed stereotyped head movements but enhanced the brain amphetamine accumulation. Nialamide but not the hormones further increased the amphetamine accumulation in adrenalectomized rats. No drugs had any effect on the amphetamine-induced head movement suppressed by adrenalectomy.", "contents": "Effect of cortisone, aldosterone and nialamide on \"amphetamine stereotypies\" and brain methamphetamine levels of adrenalectomized rats. Cortisone, aldosterone or nialamide was administered to adrenalectomized or sham-operated rats for 7 days, and methamphetamine was injected 24 hrs after the last injection of these compounds. Stereotyped head movement and licking activity were scored 5 min, 30 min and 60 min after methamphetamine injection and, in parallel brain methamphetamine levels in similarly treated rats were measured 5 min, 30 min and 60 min after the methamphetamine injection. Adrenalectomy depressed stereotyped head movements but enhanced the brain amphetamine accumulation. Nialamide but not the hormones further increased the amphetamine accumulation in adrenalectomized rats. No drugs had any effect on the amphetamine-induced head movement suppressed by adrenalectomy.", "PMID": 986058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1766", "title": "Pigeon breeder's lung.", "content": "In the acute form of pigeon breeder's lung, chest X-rays often reveal micronodular changes, but 7 of the 16 patients examined showed no changes. In the subacute form, chest X-ray changes are exceedingly rare: they occurred in only 1 of the 17 patients. Pigeon breeder's lung differs from the condition known as bird breeder's lung in that it turns much less often into a chronic condition (pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema).", "contents": "Pigeon breeder's lung. In the acute form of pigeon breeder's lung, chest X-rays often reveal micronodular changes, but 7 of the 16 patients examined showed no changes. In the subacute form, chest X-ray changes are exceedingly rare: they occurred in only 1 of the 17 patients. Pigeon breeder's lung differs from the condition known as bird breeder's lung in that it turns much less often into a chronic condition (pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema).", "PMID": 986060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1767", "title": "The effect of pyrithioxine and pyridoxine on individual behavior, social interactions, and learning in rats malnourished in early postnatal life.", "content": "Low protein (LP) or low calorie (LC) dietary regimens were applied in early postnatal life(1st-40th day of life) in male rats. After nutritional rehabilitation, open-field behavior in larger more illuminated boxes (HI, high intensity stimulus), and smaller, less illuminated boxes (HI, high intensity stimulus), and smaller, less illuminated boxes (HI, high intensity stimulus), and smaller, less illuminated boxes (HI, high intensity stimulus), dyadic interactions, and learning ability were investigated in these animals as adults (between the 200th to 300th day of life). LP malnutrition induced an increase of open-field activity with features of sterotypy both in LI and HI situations, an increase number of intersignal reactions during learning procedures without changes in other registered criteria of learning ability (latency, number of correct responses), and an increase of aggressive behavior in pair interaction. LC rats revealed only significant inhibition in LI--open-field activity and a slightly increased number in intersignal reactions during avoidance learning. With the aim of preventing previously described long-term deviations in early malnourished rats, some groups of animals with the above-mentioned early calorie or protein deficits were treated with pyrithioxine (Encephabol Merck) or pyridoxine in 10 doses of 40 mg/kg i.p. administered in the period when nutritional rehabilitation was carried out (between the 40th--50th day of life). The treatment with pyrithioxine reduced significantly behavioral disturbances in adult LP rats except the increase of intersignal reactions which was even potentiated. Pyridoxine was less effective but normalized the increase number of intersignal reactions both in LP and LC rats. The effect of pyridoxine of adult LC rats was interesting. There was significant improvement in all registered parameters of avoidance learning and a significant increase of sexual acts was recorded.", "contents": "The effect of pyrithioxine and pyridoxine on individual behavior, social interactions, and learning in rats malnourished in early postnatal life. Low protein (LP) or low calorie (LC) dietary regimens were applied in early postnatal life(1st-40th day of life) in male rats. After nutritional rehabilitation, open-field behavior in larger more illuminated boxes (HI, high intensity stimulus), and smaller, less illuminated boxes (HI, high intensity stimulus), and smaller, less illuminated boxes (HI, high intensity stimulus), and smaller, less illuminated boxes (HI, high intensity stimulus), dyadic interactions, and learning ability were investigated in these animals as adults (between the 200th to 300th day of life). LP malnutrition induced an increase of open-field activity with features of sterotypy both in LI and HI situations, an increase number of intersignal reactions during learning procedures without changes in other registered criteria of learning ability (latency, number of correct responses), and an increase of aggressive behavior in pair interaction. LC rats revealed only significant inhibition in LI--open-field activity and a slightly increased number in intersignal reactions during avoidance learning. With the aim of preventing previously described long-term deviations in early malnourished rats, some groups of animals with the above-mentioned early calorie or protein deficits were treated with pyrithioxine (Encephabol Merck) or pyridoxine in 10 doses of 40 mg/kg i.p. administered in the period when nutritional rehabilitation was carried out (between the 40th--50th day of life). The treatment with pyrithioxine reduced significantly behavioral disturbances in adult LP rats except the increase of intersignal reactions which was even potentiated. Pyridoxine was less effective but normalized the increase number of intersignal reactions both in LP and LC rats. The effect of pyridoxine of adult LC rats was interesting. There was significant improvement in all registered parameters of avoidance learning and a significant increase of sexual acts was recorded.", "PMID": 986059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1768", "title": "Decrease of serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity in rat pineal organs after treatment with prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin.", "content": "Administration of indomethacin to rats abolished the cyclic AMP dependent, dark induced rise in serotonin N-acetyltransferase, presumably by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.", "contents": "Decrease of serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity in rat pineal organs after treatment with prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin. Administration of indomethacin to rats abolished the cyclic AMP dependent, dark induced rise in serotonin N-acetyltransferase, presumably by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.", "PMID": 986061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1769", "title": "Production of prostaglandin Falpha in ewes following luteal regression induced with a prostaglandin analogue, Estrumate (cloprostenol; I.C.I. 80996).", "content": "A single injection (100 mug i.m.) of Estrumate (I.C.I. 80996) was used to induce luteal regression on day 8 of the estrous cycle in 3 sheep. Progesterone levels in the utero-ovarian vein and femoral artery had fallen within 6 h to less than 50% of the concentrations seen before injection of the analogue. Luteolysis was not associated with endogenous production of PGF. The concentration of PGF in the uteroovarian vein began to increase 27-39 h after the administration of Estrumate, reaching a mean maximum concentration of 1455pg/ml 48 h after Estrumate. The mean concentration of PGF in the utero-ovarian vein between 36-69 h after Estrumate was significantly greater than during the 24 h before Estrumate (control period) or during the 0-30 h immediately after injection (both P less than 0.001). The maximum secretion of estradiol and the pre-ovulatory LH peak occurred during the period of elevated PGF concentrations in the utero-ovarian veins. The possible importance of endogenous PGF production at this time is discussed.", "contents": "Production of prostaglandin Falpha in ewes following luteal regression induced with a prostaglandin analogue, Estrumate (cloprostenol; I.C.I. 80996). A single injection (100 mug i.m.) of Estrumate (I.C.I. 80996) was used to induce luteal regression on day 8 of the estrous cycle in 3 sheep. Progesterone levels in the utero-ovarian vein and femoral artery had fallen within 6 h to less than 50% of the concentrations seen before injection of the analogue. Luteolysis was not associated with endogenous production of PGF. The concentration of PGF in the uteroovarian vein began to increase 27-39 h after the administration of Estrumate, reaching a mean maximum concentration of 1455pg/ml 48 h after Estrumate. The mean concentration of PGF in the utero-ovarian vein between 36-69 h after Estrumate was significantly greater than during the 24 h before Estrumate (control period) or during the 0-30 h immediately after injection (both P less than 0.001). The maximum secretion of estradiol and the pre-ovulatory LH peak occurred during the period of elevated PGF concentrations in the utero-ovarian veins. The possible importance of endogenous PGF production at this time is discussed.", "PMID": 986062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1770", "title": "In vitro production of prostaglandins E and F by the guinea pig ovarian tissue.", "content": "The ability of guinea pig ovarian tissue to biosynthesize prostaglandins E and F from endogenous precursors has been investigated in vitro. Estimations of prostaglandins were carried out using a sensitive radioimmuno assay during seven days preceding, and up to one day, following oestrous. Prostaglandins E and F were present in the ovarian tissue throughout the period investigated. Prostaglandin concentrations in samples incubated without enzymic inhibition were significantly higher than in samples incubated after enzymic inhibition with ethanol. This indicates that guinea pig ovarian tissue is able to synthesize prostaglandins from endogenous precursors.", "contents": "In vitro production of prostaglandins E and F by the guinea pig ovarian tissue. The ability of guinea pig ovarian tissue to biosynthesize prostaglandins E and F from endogenous precursors has been investigated in vitro. Estimations of prostaglandins were carried out using a sensitive radioimmuno assay during seven days preceding, and up to one day, following oestrous. Prostaglandins E and F were present in the ovarian tissue throughout the period investigated. Prostaglandin concentrations in samples incubated without enzymic inhibition were significantly higher than in samples incubated after enzymic inhibition with ethanol. This indicates that guinea pig ovarian tissue is able to synthesize prostaglandins from endogenous precursors.", "PMID": 986063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1771", "title": "Forest to pasture: development or destruction?", "content": "The expansion of artifical or planted pastures (repasto) at the expense of both natural forest and cropland has brought major changes to the landscape and economy of Central America in recent years. On the pioneer fronts at the forest margin agriculture is commonly a transitory stage between forest felling and the establishment of permanent pasture. In the past 15 years the area in planted pasture and the total numbers of beef cattle have nearly doubled in several Central American countries while the per capita consumption of beef has actually declined. The \"grassland revolution\" that is occuring in Central America and Panama has been based almost exclusively on grass species of African origin which have in most cases been introduced into Central America only in this century. Of these jaragua, guinea, pangola, and kikuyu are the most important. The ecologic consequences of the conversion of forest to pasture are little understood. Intensive management practices, including the application of high-cost and scarce fertilizers and carefully-manged rotational grazing, will probably be necessary to sustain the productivity of these lands under conditions of tropical climate.", "contents": "Forest to pasture: development or destruction? The expansion of artifical or planted pastures (repasto) at the expense of both natural forest and cropland has brought major changes to the landscape and economy of Central America in recent years. On the pioneer fronts at the forest margin agriculture is commonly a transitory stage between forest felling and the establishment of permanent pasture. In the past 15 years the area in planted pasture and the total numbers of beef cattle have nearly doubled in several Central American countries while the per capita consumption of beef has actually declined. The \"grassland revolution\" that is occuring in Central America and Panama has been based almost exclusively on grass species of African origin which have in most cases been introduced into Central America only in this century. Of these jaragua, guinea, pangola, and kikuyu are the most important. The ecologic consequences of the conversion of forest to pasture are little understood. Intensive management practices, including the application of high-cost and scarce fertilizers and carefully-manged rotational grazing, will probably be necessary to sustain the productivity of these lands under conditions of tropical climate.", "PMID": 986064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1772", "title": "Cervical mucus changes in infertile ewes previously exposed to oestrogenic subterranean clover.", "content": "Characteristics of cervical mucus were compared between groups of ewes which had previously grazed for long periods on either potently oestrogenic clover pasture (group A), mildly oestrogenic pasture (group B) or non-oestrogenic pasture (group C). No phytooestrogens were fed at the time of the study. The chloride content of mucus from group A ewes was significantly decreased, on a dry weight basis. The motility and survival of ram spermatozoa appeared similar in cervical mucus from groups A and B. There was no statistically significant difference between groups of ewes in either the total wet weight of mucus, the proportion of dry weight, or the degree of arborisation of mucus, at the time of oestrus. Mucus from group A ewes had a significantly decreased spinbarkheit, and a decreased ability to orientate sperum migration, when compared with group B. The group B ewes had a significantly smaller spinbarkheit than group C. Measurement of cervical mucus spinbarkheit offers promise as a diagnostic test for permanent clover infertility.", "contents": "Cervical mucus changes in infertile ewes previously exposed to oestrogenic subterranean clover. Characteristics of cervical mucus were compared between groups of ewes which had previously grazed for long periods on either potently oestrogenic clover pasture (group A), mildly oestrogenic pasture (group B) or non-oestrogenic pasture (group C). No phytooestrogens were fed at the time of the study. The chloride content of mucus from group A ewes was significantly decreased, on a dry weight basis. The motility and survival of ram spermatozoa appeared similar in cervical mucus from groups A and B. There was no statistically significant difference between groups of ewes in either the total wet weight of mucus, the proportion of dry weight, or the degree of arborisation of mucus, at the time of oestrus. Mucus from group A ewes had a significantly decreased spinbarkheit, and a decreased ability to orientate sperum migration, when compared with group B. The group B ewes had a significantly smaller spinbarkheit than group C. Measurement of cervical mucus spinbarkheit offers promise as a diagnostic test for permanent clover infertility.", "PMID": 986068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1773", "title": "The urethral pressure profile in female patients with meatal stenosis.", "content": "Urethral pressure profiles were recorded in a urodynamic study of 70 female patients with meatal stenosis before and after meatotomy. The study did not reveal any significant difference in the amplitude or contour, whereas a significantly longer urethra was observed in these patients than in normal women. Accordingly, the urethral pressure profile is not a diagnostic aid in deciding whether meatal stenosis is of pathogenic importance in the development of lower urinary-tract symptoms in women.", "contents": "The urethral pressure profile in female patients with meatal stenosis. Urethral pressure profiles were recorded in a urodynamic study of 70 female patients with meatal stenosis before and after meatotomy. The study did not reveal any significant difference in the amplitude or contour, whereas a significantly longer urethra was observed in these patients than in normal women. Accordingly, the urethral pressure profile is not a diagnostic aid in deciding whether meatal stenosis is of pathogenic importance in the development of lower urinary-tract symptoms in women.", "PMID": 986084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1774", "title": "[Disorders of the emotional behavior during cerebral lesions].", "content": "A systematic study of the emotional behavior of right and left brain-damage patients was conducted on large groups of patients with unilateral cerebral lesions. The incidence of \"catastrophic reactions\" was found to be significantly higher among the left brain-damaged patients, whereas \"indifference reactions\" were significantly more frequent in the group with right-sided lesions. The depressive-catastrophic reactions of left brain-damaged patients seemed due chiefly to marked difficulties in verbal expression, while the indifference reactions of the right brain-damaged patients were highly correlated with neglect phenomena for the opposite half of the body and of space. The meaning of the emotional reaction shown by left brain-damaged patients seems easy to understand, if we consider that these subjects are affected by aphasia and by a paresis of the right hand. More surprising and paradoxical is, on the contrary, the emotional behavior of the right brain-damaged patients. The hypothesis is advanced that the indifference of these subjects may be only apparent, and due to a strong need of denying illness. The prevalence of denial of illness among the right brain-damaged patients could be due to the \"non verbal\" functional organization which is supposed to be characteristic of this half of the brain.", "contents": "[Disorders of the emotional behavior during cerebral lesions]. A systematic study of the emotional behavior of right and left brain-damage patients was conducted on large groups of patients with unilateral cerebral lesions. The incidence of \"catastrophic reactions\" was found to be significantly higher among the left brain-damaged patients, whereas \"indifference reactions\" were significantly more frequent in the group with right-sided lesions. The depressive-catastrophic reactions of left brain-damaged patients seemed due chiefly to marked difficulties in verbal expression, while the indifference reactions of the right brain-damaged patients were highly correlated with neglect phenomena for the opposite half of the body and of space. The meaning of the emotional reaction shown by left brain-damaged patients seems easy to understand, if we consider that these subjects are affected by aphasia and by a paresis of the right hand. More surprising and paradoxical is, on the contrary, the emotional behavior of the right brain-damaged patients. The hypothesis is advanced that the indifference of these subjects may be only apparent, and due to a strong need of denying illness. The prevalence of denial of illness among the right brain-damaged patients could be due to the \"non verbal\" functional organization which is supposed to be characteristic of this half of the brain.", "PMID": 986085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1775", "title": "Diamond-Blackfan syndrome: lymphocyte-mediated suppression of erythropoiesis.", "content": "Peripheral blood lymphocytes from six patients with congenital hypoplastic anemia suppressed erythroid cell formation by normal human bone marrow cells in response to erythropoietin in vitro. The results suggest that the anemia in these children has an immunologic basis.", "contents": "Diamond-Blackfan syndrome: lymphocyte-mediated suppression of erythropoiesis. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from six patients with congenital hypoplastic anemia suppressed erythroid cell formation by normal human bone marrow cells in response to erythropoietin in vitro. The results suggest that the anemia in these children has an immunologic basis.", "PMID": 986086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1776", "title": "[Review of the incidence of antibodies to various serological groups of the species Leptospira interrogans in a number of farm animals in the Netherlands (author's transl)].", "content": "Report on the results of serological studies on the species Leptospira interrogans in cattle (19,607), swine (6,348), dogs (182) and horses (88) from the Netherlands during the period from 1969 to 1974. Living cultures of the serotypes of pomona, icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola, guidae (Tarassovi serological group), grippotyphosa and sejroe were used as antigen in the micro-agglutination test. The numerical findings showed that antibodies to serotypes of the species Leptospira interrogans were present in 7.67 per cent of the cattle, 22.21 per cent of the pigs, 36.81 per cent of the dogs and 92.05 per cent of the horses studied. Infection with the serotypes of icterohaemorrhagiae and grippotyphosa was most common in cattle and horses, icterohaemorrhagiae and tarassovi were most common in swine and icterohaemorrhagiae and canicola were most common in dogs. The presence of pomona is not a factor in the Netherlands. In view of statistical findings, grippotyphosa infections in cattle may be assumed to result in abortion.", "contents": "[Review of the incidence of antibodies to various serological groups of the species Leptospira interrogans in a number of farm animals in the Netherlands (author's transl)]. Report on the results of serological studies on the species Leptospira interrogans in cattle (19,607), swine (6,348), dogs (182) and horses (88) from the Netherlands during the period from 1969 to 1974. Living cultures of the serotypes of pomona, icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola, guidae (Tarassovi serological group), grippotyphosa and sejroe were used as antigen in the micro-agglutination test. The numerical findings showed that antibodies to serotypes of the species Leptospira interrogans were present in 7.67 per cent of the cattle, 22.21 per cent of the pigs, 36.81 per cent of the dogs and 92.05 per cent of the horses studied. Infection with the serotypes of icterohaemorrhagiae and grippotyphosa was most common in cattle and horses, icterohaemorrhagiae and tarassovi were most common in swine and icterohaemorrhagiae and canicola were most common in dogs. The presence of pomona is not a factor in the Netherlands. In view of statistical findings, grippotyphosa infections in cattle may be assumed to result in abortion.", "PMID": 986091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1777", "title": "[Characteristics of different sublines of VNK-21 cells].", "content": "Comparative cytological, histological, histochemical and partially karyological studies were carried out on 8 batches of BHK-21 cell kept at different conditons. It was found that cells adapted to suspension culture differed from monolayer culture cells both morphologically and cytochemically. Suspension cells transmitted into monolayer culture displayed smaller size, changeable form, increased glycogen accumulation, decreased enzymatic activity (acid phosphatase, succinate dehydrogenase), their karyotypes tending to hypodiploidy.", "contents": "[Characteristics of different sublines of VNK-21 cells]. Comparative cytological, histological, histochemical and partially karyological studies were carried out on 8 batches of BHK-21 cell kept at different conditons. It was found that cells adapted to suspension culture differed from monolayer culture cells both morphologically and cytochemically. Suspension cells transmitted into monolayer culture displayed smaller size, changeable form, increased glycogen accumulation, decreased enzymatic activity (acid phosphatase, succinate dehydrogenase), their karyotypes tending to hypodiploidy.", "PMID": 986094} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1778", "title": "Hemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti-N.", "content": "A Negro woman of phenotype M+, N-, S-, s-, U+, who produced anti-N, is described. The antibody in her serum caused hemolytic disease of the newborn in her M+, N+ infant.", "contents": "Hemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti-N. A Negro woman of phenotype M+, N-, S-, s-, U+, who produced anti-N, is described. The antibody in her serum caused hemolytic disease of the newborn in her M+, N+ infant.", "PMID": 986104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1779", "title": "Anti-Dia and the Dia blood group. Antigen found in an Austrian family.", "content": "In an Austrian family the Dia antigen was discovered by causing hemolytic disease of the newborn. No mongoloid admixture has so far been detected. No linkage to other blood groups, serum groups or red cell enzymes could be found.", "contents": "Anti-Dia and the Dia blood group. Antigen found in an Austrian family. In an Austrian family the Dia antigen was discovered by causing hemolytic disease of the newborn. No mongoloid admixture has so far been detected. No linkage to other blood groups, serum groups or red cell enzymes could be found.", "PMID": 986105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1780", "title": "[Primordial structures of feminine maturation as reflected in fairy tales. Contribution to the anthropology of sexuality].", "content": "Two maturation fairy-tales with a high resonance effect are analysed. The method of interpretation was that of depth psychology, with observation of results of modern biological-anthropological research. The interpretation revealed 'hymenal' or retarding primary structures in the young female subject. These structures postpone the onset of sexual desires to the time after the defloration.", "contents": "[Primordial structures of feminine maturation as reflected in fairy tales. Contribution to the anthropology of sexuality]. Two maturation fairy-tales with a high resonance effect are analysed. The method of interpretation was that of depth psychology, with observation of results of modern biological-anthropological research. The interpretation revealed 'hymenal' or retarding primary structures in the young female subject. These structures postpone the onset of sexual desires to the time after the defloration.", "PMID": 986107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1781", "title": "[Participation of the lungs in the formation of an immune response].", "content": "The process of accumulation of the antibody-forming cells (AFC) in the lungs after vaccination of rabbits with the typhoid antigen was studied. No AFC was revealed in the lungs after single aerosol and subcutaneous immunization; double administration of the antigen through the respiratory tracts was followed by significant AFC accumulation in the lung tissue; individual antibody-synthesizing cells were found in the lung after subcutaneous application. Revaccination was followed by intensification of the immune response of the lung in both methods of vaccination; the content of antibody-producing cells in the aerosol-immunized rabbits was much greater than in the animals vaccinated subcutaneously. This indicated a definite role of the lungs in the immunogenesis in the case of the antigen administration through the respiratory tract.", "contents": "[Participation of the lungs in the formation of an immune response]. The process of accumulation of the antibody-forming cells (AFC) in the lungs after vaccination of rabbits with the typhoid antigen was studied. No AFC was revealed in the lungs after single aerosol and subcutaneous immunization; double administration of the antigen through the respiratory tracts was followed by significant AFC accumulation in the lung tissue; individual antibody-synthesizing cells were found in the lung after subcutaneous application. Revaccination was followed by intensification of the immune response of the lung in both methods of vaccination; the content of antibody-producing cells in the aerosol-immunized rabbits was much greater than in the animals vaccinated subcutaneously. This indicated a definite role of the lungs in the immunogenesis in the case of the antigen administration through the respiratory tract.", "PMID": 986109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1782", "title": "Congenital contractural arachnodactyly.", "content": "Five cases of congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA) are reported. Three belong to the one family. CCA has often been mistaken for Marfan's disease and arthrogrypois multiplex. Because CCA has a more favourable prognosis, it is very important to be able to recognize this syndrome.", "contents": "Congenital contractural arachnodactyly. Five cases of congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA) are reported. Three belong to the one family. CCA has often been mistaken for Marfan's disease and arthrogrypois multiplex. Because CCA has a more favourable prognosis, it is very important to be able to recognize this syndrome.", "PMID": 986113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1783", "title": "The genetics and pathology of discrete subaortic stenosis in the Newfoundland dog.", "content": "Breeding experiments confirm that discrete subaortic stenosis (SAS) in Newfoundland dogs is a specific inherited trait. Specificity of the morphogenetic abnormality is not complete, however, since matings between Newfoundlands with SAS occasionally produced pups with valvular and subvalvular pulmonic stenosis as well as SAS. The spectrum of severity of SAS ranged from a subclinical forme fruste to a severe form causing death before maturity. Well-developed subvalvular stenotic rings consisted of a base of loosely arranged fibrous connective tissue and a subendocardial region of cartilagenous tissue. Severely affected dogs, some of which died suddenly, had foci of necrosis and fibrosis in the left ventricular myocardium, associated with thickening of the intramural coronary arteries. The lesions of SAS were not found in dogs before 3 weeks of age, and the mildest form was seen only in dogs between 3 and 12 weeks of age, suggesting that SAS is not a true congenital defect but develops postnatally. It is hypothesized that the fibrocartilagenous ring of SAS is derived from persistent embryonal endocardial tissue which retains its proliferative capacity and has chondrogenic potential for some time after birth. The results of breeding experiments were not consistent with any simple genetic hypothesis, and indicate that SAS is inherited as a polygenic trait or as an autosomal dominant trait with modifiers.", "contents": "The genetics and pathology of discrete subaortic stenosis in the Newfoundland dog. Breeding experiments confirm that discrete subaortic stenosis (SAS) in Newfoundland dogs is a specific inherited trait. Specificity of the morphogenetic abnormality is not complete, however, since matings between Newfoundlands with SAS occasionally produced pups with valvular and subvalvular pulmonic stenosis as well as SAS. The spectrum of severity of SAS ranged from a subclinical forme fruste to a severe form causing death before maturity. Well-developed subvalvular stenotic rings consisted of a base of loosely arranged fibrous connective tissue and a subendocardial region of cartilagenous tissue. Severely affected dogs, some of which died suddenly, had foci of necrosis and fibrosis in the left ventricular myocardium, associated with thickening of the intramural coronary arteries. The lesions of SAS were not found in dogs before 3 weeks of age, and the mildest form was seen only in dogs between 3 and 12 weeks of age, suggesting that SAS is not a true congenital defect but develops postnatally. It is hypothesized that the fibrocartilagenous ring of SAS is derived from persistent embryonal endocardial tissue which retains its proliferative capacity and has chondrogenic potential for some time after birth. The results of breeding experiments were not consistent with any simple genetic hypothesis, and indicate that SAS is inherited as a polygenic trait or as an autosomal dominant trait with modifiers.", "PMID": 986114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1784", "title": "Immunocytologic losses of isoantigens A, B, and H (O) in the endometrium and brain.", "content": "Formalin-fixed tissues from 100 endometria and 50 brains were grouped and studied by the technic of mixed-cell agglutination reaction (MCAR) for studying isoantigens A, B, and H (O). MCAR's were negative in all 45 of the endometria from subjects with endometrial carcinomas, where as MCAR's were positive in the epithelium of endometrial glands of the remaining 55 subjects (cyclic phases of endometrium and benign lesions). MCAR's were negative in all benign and malignant brain tumors and normal brain tissues used in this study. In view of the present findings and in the light of previous observations, the isonatigen loss in adenocarcinomas is greater than such losses in other types of malignancies so far studied. The cause of the negative MCAR's in normal brain tissue and brain tumours is not known, but they may be attributable to lack of isoantigens in normal brain tissue.", "contents": "Immunocytologic losses of isoantigens A, B, and H (O) in the endometrium and brain. Formalin-fixed tissues from 100 endometria and 50 brains were grouped and studied by the technic of mixed-cell agglutination reaction (MCAR) for studying isoantigens A, B, and H (O). MCAR's were negative in all 45 of the endometria from subjects with endometrial carcinomas, where as MCAR's were positive in the epithelium of endometrial glands of the remaining 55 subjects (cyclic phases of endometrium and benign lesions). MCAR's were negative in all benign and malignant brain tumors and normal brain tissues used in this study. In view of the present findings and in the light of previous observations, the isonatigen loss in adenocarcinomas is greater than such losses in other types of malignancies so far studied. The cause of the negative MCAR's in normal brain tissue and brain tumours is not known, but they may be attributable to lack of isoantigens in normal brain tissue.", "PMID": 986115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1785", "title": "Effects of carbenoxolone Na on acute and chronic gastric ulcer models in experimental animals.", "content": "Effects of carbenoxolone Na on acute or chronic types of gastric lesions or ulcer models produced in rats, guinea pigs, or dogs were studied. Carbenoxolone Na, given either orally or intraperitoneally, produced a significant inhibition of stress-induced gastric lesions in intact or in pylorus-ligated rats. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced or serotonin-induced gastric lesions in rats were also inhibited significantly by pretreatment with the drug. However, carbenoxolone Na did not affect the development of Shay ulceration in rats even though the peptic activity in gastric juices was markedly reduced by the drug. Histamine-induced gastric lesions in guinea pigs were not prevented by pretreatment with carbenoxolone Na. Although carbenoxolone Na, given for 10-20 days, did not promote the healing of stress-induced gastric lesions and acetic acid gastric jlcers in rats, it significantly accelerated the healing of chronic gastric ulcer produced in dogs by 3 weeks' treatment. Carbenoxolone Na prevented the acid back-diffusion caused by ASA without any influence on Na+ efflux in pylorus-ligated rats.", "contents": "Effects of carbenoxolone Na on acute and chronic gastric ulcer models in experimental animals. Effects of carbenoxolone Na on acute or chronic types of gastric lesions or ulcer models produced in rats, guinea pigs, or dogs were studied. Carbenoxolone Na, given either orally or intraperitoneally, produced a significant inhibition of stress-induced gastric lesions in intact or in pylorus-ligated rats. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced or serotonin-induced gastric lesions in rats were also inhibited significantly by pretreatment with the drug. However, carbenoxolone Na did not affect the development of Shay ulceration in rats even though the peptic activity in gastric juices was markedly reduced by the drug. Histamine-induced gastric lesions in guinea pigs were not prevented by pretreatment with carbenoxolone Na. Although carbenoxolone Na, given for 10-20 days, did not promote the healing of stress-induced gastric lesions and acetic acid gastric jlcers in rats, it significantly accelerated the healing of chronic gastric ulcer produced in dogs by 3 weeks' treatment. Carbenoxolone Na prevented the acid back-diffusion caused by ASA without any influence on Na+ efflux in pylorus-ligated rats.", "PMID": 986116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1786", "title": "Sampling the fetoplacental circulation. I. The pregnant ovine.", "content": "Intrauterine endoscopy (fetoscopy) was successfully accomplished in 26 specially prepared pregnant sheep at 85 to 110 days' gestational age, with the use of a conventional 2.7 mm. Hopkins straightforward wide-angle telescope (Stortz 27018A) encased in a prototype 3.1 mm. eccentric cannula which incorporates a 25 gauge needle channel. Fetal blood was aspirated in 12 lambs. Twenty-five animals were followed throughout the remainder of pregnancy: nine (36 per cent) aborted within three days-three weeks after endoscopy. The pregnant ovine appeared to be a useful experimental animal model for the development of an intrauterine endoscopy technique.", "contents": "Sampling the fetoplacental circulation. I. The pregnant ovine. Intrauterine endoscopy (fetoscopy) was successfully accomplished in 26 specially prepared pregnant sheep at 85 to 110 days' gestational age, with the use of a conventional 2.7 mm. Hopkins straightforward wide-angle telescope (Stortz 27018A) encased in a prototype 3.1 mm. eccentric cannula which incorporates a 25 gauge needle channel. Fetal blood was aspirated in 12 lambs. Twenty-five animals were followed throughout the remainder of pregnancy: nine (36 per cent) aborted within three days-three weeks after endoscopy. The pregnant ovine appeared to be a useful experimental animal model for the development of an intrauterine endoscopy technique.", "PMID": 986117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1787", "title": "Light and electron microscopic study of early lesions in angiomatosis retinae.", "content": "Multiple early untreated lesions of angiomatosis retinae in the peripheral retina and optic disk were discovered after death in both eyes of a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease. Each of the four peripheral angiomas was studied by a different technique: routine light microscopy of serial histologic sections, electron microscopy, flat mount and trypsin digestion, and frozen section with special stains for lipid. The large capillaries comprising the core of each angioma displayed normal endothelium, basement membrane, and pericytes. Thus, capillary hemangioma of the retina is a more correct histopathologic designation for the von Hippel angioma than terms such as hemangioblastoma or hemangioendothelioma. Interstitial cells separating the vascular channels of the angioma were identified as astrocytes that contain large lipid-filled cacuoles. Serial histologic sections demonstrated that both retinal and choroidal vessels communicate with vascular channels of the juxtapapillary capillary hemangiomas.", "contents": "Light and electron microscopic study of early lesions in angiomatosis retinae. Multiple early untreated lesions of angiomatosis retinae in the peripheral retina and optic disk were discovered after death in both eyes of a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease. Each of the four peripheral angiomas was studied by a different technique: routine light microscopy of serial histologic sections, electron microscopy, flat mount and trypsin digestion, and frozen section with special stains for lipid. The large capillaries comprising the core of each angioma displayed normal endothelium, basement membrane, and pericytes. Thus, capillary hemangioma of the retina is a more correct histopathologic designation for the von Hippel angioma than terms such as hemangioblastoma or hemangioendothelioma. Interstitial cells separating the vascular channels of the angioma were identified as astrocytes that contain large lipid-filled cacuoles. Serial histologic sections demonstrated that both retinal and choroidal vessels communicate with vascular channels of the juxtapapillary capillary hemangiomas.", "PMID": 986118} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1788", "title": "Recurrent tapioca melanoma of the iris and ciliary body treated with the argon laser.", "content": "A 25-year-old white woman underwent iridocyclectomy for an iris tumor. Clinically, histologically, and ultrastructurally this tumor was the same as a recently reported tapioca melanoma of the iris. During the next four months, there were recurrent growths on the ciliary body that we treated with the argon laser through a three-mirror lens. No further recurrences of the tumor were noted three years later.", "contents": "Recurrent tapioca melanoma of the iris and ciliary body treated with the argon laser. A 25-year-old white woman underwent iridocyclectomy for an iris tumor. Clinically, histologically, and ultrastructurally this tumor was the same as a recently reported tapioca melanoma of the iris. During the next four months, there were recurrent growths on the ciliary body that we treated with the argon laser through a three-mirror lens. No further recurrences of the tumor were noted three years later.", "PMID": 986119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1789", "title": "Chorioretinal anastomoses after argon laser photocoagulation.", "content": "Communication between the retinal and the choroidal circulation occurred in one case of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and one case of Leber's disease (multiple miliary aneurysms) after argon laser photocoagulation treatment to eliminate abnormal retinal vasculature. In both instances rapid-sequence fluorescein angiography documented the choroidal origin of the anastomoses. Such anastomoses developed in areas where an excessively dense laser beam aimed at occluding retinal vessels presumably destroyed the underlying Bruch's membrane and permitted invasion of the retina by fibrovascular growth from the choriod. The occurrence of such growths is a potential complication of argon laser photocoagulation directly related to the power density used.", "contents": "Chorioretinal anastomoses after argon laser photocoagulation. Communication between the retinal and the choroidal circulation occurred in one case of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and one case of Leber's disease (multiple miliary aneurysms) after argon laser photocoagulation treatment to eliminate abnormal retinal vasculature. In both instances rapid-sequence fluorescein angiography documented the choroidal origin of the anastomoses. Such anastomoses developed in areas where an excessively dense laser beam aimed at occluding retinal vessels presumably destroyed the underlying Bruch's membrane and permitted invasion of the retina by fibrovascular growth from the choriod. The occurrence of such growths is a potential complication of argon laser photocoagulation directly related to the power density used.", "PMID": 986120} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1790", "title": "Isolation and characterization of adeno-associated viruses from bovine adenovirus types 1 and 2.", "content": "Hemagglutinating DNA viruses of 20 nm diameter were isolated from bovine adenovirus types 1 and 2. The isolates were heat stable, chloroform resistant, and defective. Their densities were 1.38 to 1.39 g/cm3, and they were found to be serologically identical to the bovine adeno-associated virus strain X7. A partial antigenic relationship was found between these and the canine adeno-associated virus.", "contents": "Isolation and characterization of adeno-associated viruses from bovine adenovirus types 1 and 2. Hemagglutinating DNA viruses of 20 nm diameter were isolated from bovine adenovirus types 1 and 2. The isolates were heat stable, chloroform resistant, and defective. Their densities were 1.38 to 1.39 g/cm3, and they were found to be serologically identical to the bovine adeno-associated virus strain X7. A partial antigenic relationship was found between these and the canine adeno-associated virus.", "PMID": 986122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1791", "title": "Cyclic ultrastructural changes in ewe uterine tube (oviduct) infundibular epithelium.", "content": "Ultrastructural features of the uterine tube (oviduct) infundibulum of ewes have been studied, with special reference to cyclic changes in the ciliated and the secretory cells. Tissue from the uterine tube infundibulum was taken from 12 Rambouillet crossbreed ewes which were killed at intervals (days 1 (or estrus), 3, 9, 10, 12, and 16) throughout the estrous cycle. The presence of cilia was demonstrated throughout the estrous cycle, and true degeneration or loss of cilia was not apparent at any phase of the cycle. Presence of fibrous granules, which are supposedly related to basal body replication, was demonstrated in the apical cytoplasm of ciliated cells on day 1 of the estrous cycle. Small ciliary buds were especially present on day 1, indicating active formation of cilia during the follicular phase of the cycle. The presence of fibrous granules, basal bodies, and ciliary buds at estrus indicates that ciliogenesis in the ewe uterine tube is stimulated by high levels of endogenous estrogen. Rootlets were observed both during the follicular and the luteal phases of the cycle. The rootlets were about 1 mum long, and their fine structure indicates that they might function as anchoring structures for the motile cilia. The most striking feature during estrus was the occurrence of glycogen granules in the cytoplasm of ciliated and secretory cells. These granules were in the apical cytoplasm and basal region of some epithelial cells. They were minimal or absent during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. The presence of electron-dense glycogen particles was clearly demonstrated within basal bodies. Possibly the glycogen within the basal bodies functions as a source of energy for ciliary movement and the cytoplasmic glycogen as nourishment for the ovum. The secretory cells also showed characteristic cytologic changes which were correlated with the phase of the estrous cycle. Maximal secretory cell differentiation was apparent during the follicular phase, at which time these cells were characterized by well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous ribosomes, and secretory granules of varied size, shape, and density. A most remarkable feature of the granules was their membranous structure, consisting of concentric lamellae of equal dimensions. Typical extrusion of secretory granules into the tubal lumen was apparent during the follicular and the luteal phases of the estrous cycle. Cytoplasmic projections containing nuclei protruded into the tubal lumen and some were free in the lumen, especially during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. The presence of a well-developed endoplasmic reticulum and numerous secretory granules during estrus indicate that secretion in the ewe uterine tube is presumably under the control of circulating high plasma concentrations of estrogen.", "contents": "Cyclic ultrastructural changes in ewe uterine tube (oviduct) infundibular epithelium. Ultrastructural features of the uterine tube (oviduct) infundibulum of ewes have been studied, with special reference to cyclic changes in the ciliated and the secretory cells. Tissue from the uterine tube infundibulum was taken from 12 Rambouillet crossbreed ewes which were killed at intervals (days 1 (or estrus), 3, 9, 10, 12, and 16) throughout the estrous cycle. The presence of cilia was demonstrated throughout the estrous cycle, and true degeneration or loss of cilia was not apparent at any phase of the cycle. Presence of fibrous granules, which are supposedly related to basal body replication, was demonstrated in the apical cytoplasm of ciliated cells on day 1 of the estrous cycle. Small ciliary buds were especially present on day 1, indicating active formation of cilia during the follicular phase of the cycle. The presence of fibrous granules, basal bodies, and ciliary buds at estrus indicates that ciliogenesis in the ewe uterine tube is stimulated by high levels of endogenous estrogen. Rootlets were observed both during the follicular and the luteal phases of the cycle. The rootlets were about 1 mum long, and their fine structure indicates that they might function as anchoring structures for the motile cilia. The most striking feature during estrus was the occurrence of glycogen granules in the cytoplasm of ciliated and secretory cells. These granules were in the apical cytoplasm and basal region of some epithelial cells. They were minimal or absent during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. The presence of electron-dense glycogen particles was clearly demonstrated within basal bodies. Possibly the glycogen within the basal bodies functions as a source of energy for ciliary movement and the cytoplasmic glycogen as nourishment for the ovum. The secretory cells also showed characteristic cytologic changes which were correlated with the phase of the estrous cycle. Maximal secretory cell differentiation was apparent during the follicular phase, at which time these cells were characterized by well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous ribosomes, and secretory granules of varied size, shape, and density. A most remarkable feature of the granules was their membranous structure, consisting of concentric lamellae of equal dimensions. Typical extrusion of secretory granules into the tubal lumen was apparent during the follicular and the luteal phases of the estrous cycle. Cytoplasmic projections containing nuclei protruded into the tubal lumen and some were free in the lumen, especially during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. The presence of a well-developed endoplasmic reticulum and numerous secretory granules during estrus indicate that secretion in the ewe uterine tube is presumably under the control of circulating high plasma concentrations of estrogen.", "PMID": 986123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1792", "title": "Clinical pharmacokinetics of sisomicin: dosage schedules in renal-impaired patients.", "content": "The pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered sisomicin were studied in 33 patients with normal renal function and different degrees of renal impairment. In all patients, the serum disappearance of sisomicin, once distribution equilibrium had been achieved, followed first-order kinetics and percentage of hourly loss from serum decreased proportionally with decreasing renal function. Half-lives averaged 2.06 h in normal subjects (endogenous creatinine clearance greater than 80 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)) and reached 35.3 h in a virtually anephric subject. Linear relationships were defined between sisomicin serum half-life and the reciprocal of the endogenous creatinine clearance and serum creatinine concentration. The latter relationship indicates that the half-life of sisomicin may be approximated as twice the serum creatinine concentration and may be used for dosage adjustment in renal-impaired patients. Prediction of the extent of sisomicin removal by hemodialysis may be made from the relationship between the dialyzate of sisomicin and that of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Dosage schedules and methods of administration compatible with the pharmacokinetic properties of the antibiotic are finally proposed.", "contents": "Clinical pharmacokinetics of sisomicin: dosage schedules in renal-impaired patients. The pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered sisomicin were studied in 33 patients with normal renal function and different degrees of renal impairment. In all patients, the serum disappearance of sisomicin, once distribution equilibrium had been achieved, followed first-order kinetics and percentage of hourly loss from serum decreased proportionally with decreasing renal function. Half-lives averaged 2.06 h in normal subjects (endogenous creatinine clearance greater than 80 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)) and reached 35.3 h in a virtually anephric subject. Linear relationships were defined between sisomicin serum half-life and the reciprocal of the endogenous creatinine clearance and serum creatinine concentration. The latter relationship indicates that the half-life of sisomicin may be approximated as twice the serum creatinine concentration and may be used for dosage adjustment in renal-impaired patients. Prediction of the extent of sisomicin removal by hemodialysis may be made from the relationship between the dialyzate of sisomicin and that of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Dosage schedules and methods of administration compatible with the pharmacokinetic properties of the antibiotic are finally proposed.", "PMID": 986124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1793", "title": "Jaundice and bilirubin levels in Greek children with favism.", "content": "Jaundice and bilirubin levels varied widely in 85 children with favism. Low bilirubin levels (less than 2 mg/100 ml) with clinically undetectable jaundice were seen in 34 (40%), mild jaundice in 32 (38%), moderate in 16 (19%), and severe (greater than 8 mg/100 ml) in 3 (4%). Bilirubin levels were unrelated to the severity of anaemia or to reticulocytosis. The absence of bilirubinaemia and jaundice in a high proportion of the patients was attributed to the ability of the liver to conjugate large amounts of bilirubin. The extreme bilirubinaemia and jaundice observed in a minority of cases was attributed to the existence of an additional hereditary factor affecting the liver.", "contents": "Jaundice and bilirubin levels in Greek children with favism. Jaundice and bilirubin levels varied widely in 85 children with favism. Low bilirubin levels (less than 2 mg/100 ml) with clinically undetectable jaundice were seen in 34 (40%), mild jaundice in 32 (38%), moderate in 16 (19%), and severe (greater than 8 mg/100 ml) in 3 (4%). Bilirubin levels were unrelated to the severity of anaemia or to reticulocytosis. The absence of bilirubinaemia and jaundice in a high proportion of the patients was attributed to the ability of the liver to conjugate large amounts of bilirubin. The extreme bilirubinaemia and jaundice observed in a minority of cases was attributed to the existence of an additional hereditary factor affecting the liver.", "PMID": 986125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1794", "title": "Gamma-aminobutyric acid: selective inhibition of electrically induced head-turning following intracaudate administration.", "content": "GABA selectively antagonized head-turning elicited by electrical stimulation of the caudate nucleus in the rat when applied directly to the site of stimulation utilizing an electrode-cannula. Pretreatment with picrotoxin, a GABA antagonist, prevented the action of GABA on the head-turn response. This report provides in vivo evidence that GABA may play an inhibitory role in basal ganglia function. The findings are relevant to basal ganglia disorders in man.", "contents": "Gamma-aminobutyric acid: selective inhibition of electrically induced head-turning following intracaudate administration. GABA selectively antagonized head-turning elicited by electrical stimulation of the caudate nucleus in the rat when applied directly to the site of stimulation utilizing an electrode-cannula. Pretreatment with picrotoxin, a GABA antagonist, prevented the action of GABA on the head-turn response. This report provides in vivo evidence that GABA may play an inhibitory role in basal ganglia function. The findings are relevant to basal ganglia disorders in man.", "PMID": 986127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1795", "title": "Induction of lactation in virgin goats by perhenazine.", "content": "Chronic implantation of a small amount of perphenazine into the median eminence (M.E.) of virgin female goats caused mammary development and artificial induction of lactation. Sham implantations in the M.E. and implantation of perphenazine in other sites of the hypothalamus were ineffective.", "contents": "Induction of lactation in virgin goats by perhenazine. Chronic implantation of a small amount of perphenazine into the median eminence (M.E.) of virgin female goats caused mammary development and artificial induction of lactation. Sham implantations in the M.E. and implantation of perphenazine in other sites of the hypothalamus were ineffective.", "PMID": 986128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1796", "title": "Angiosarcoma of the heart. A case study.", "content": "Angiosarcoma of the heart is a rare neoplasm. The clinical manifestations are surprisingly consistent, but the diagnosis is rarely made before death. A patient with such a tumor was described here and the current literature was reviewed. Venous angiography and pericardiectomy are recommended in patients with hemorrhagic pericardial tamponade when the cause is unclear.", "contents": "Angiosarcoma of the heart. A case study. Angiosarcoma of the heart is a rare neoplasm. The clinical manifestations are surprisingly consistent, but the diagnosis is rarely made before death. A patient with such a tumor was described here and the current literature was reviewed. Venous angiography and pericardiectomy are recommended in patients with hemorrhagic pericardial tamponade when the cause is unclear.", "PMID": 986129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1797", "title": "Frequency of sexual dysfunction in a general gynecological clinic: an epidemiological approach.", "content": "Epidemiological data on female sexual functioning are presented. Fifty-nine 30- to 39-year-old Black women attending a gynecology clinic at University Hospitals of Cleveland for nonsexual complants were interviewed to determine the frequency of sexual dysfunction. Seventeen percent had difficulty achieving orgasm in partner sexual behavior. Most of these women had prior history of adequate sexual functioning; 5% had never been orgasmic. Ten of the 49 women who had no orgasmic difficulty were not satisfied with their sexual relationships. The relative risk of sexual dysfunction was 5 times greater in women who had undergone pelvic surgery.", "contents": "Frequency of sexual dysfunction in a general gynecological clinic: an epidemiological approach. Epidemiological data on female sexual functioning are presented. Fifty-nine 30- to 39-year-old Black women attending a gynecology clinic at University Hospitals of Cleveland for nonsexual complants were interviewed to determine the frequency of sexual dysfunction. Seventeen percent had difficulty achieving orgasm in partner sexual behavior. Most of these women had prior history of adequate sexual functioning; 5% had never been orgasmic. Ten of the 49 women who had no orgasmic difficulty were not satisfied with their sexual relationships. The relative risk of sexual dysfunction was 5 times greater in women who had undergone pelvic surgery.", "PMID": 986132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1798", "title": "Group therapy for nonorgasmic women: two age levels.", "content": "A group method of therapy was used for the treatment of primary orgasmic dysfunction ten women below and ten women above 35 years of age to determine the appropriateness of this therapy for younger and older females. The treatment combined a Masters and Johnson style of behavioral therapy and self-stimulation therapy. At termination, 70% of the younger women were orgasmic, with 80% orgasmic at 6-month follow-up. Zero percent was coitally orgasmic. Forty percent of the older women were orgasmic at therapy termination, with 60% orgasmic at 6-month follow-up. One women was orgasmic during intercourse. There was general enhancement of the sexual relationship in all participating couples. Group therapy may be less successful for older women, who may be more successfully treated individually.", "contents": "Group therapy for nonorgasmic women: two age levels. A group method of therapy was used for the treatment of primary orgasmic dysfunction ten women below and ten women above 35 years of age to determine the appropriateness of this therapy for younger and older females. The treatment combined a Masters and Johnson style of behavioral therapy and self-stimulation therapy. At termination, 70% of the younger women were orgasmic, with 80% orgasmic at 6-month follow-up. Zero percent was coitally orgasmic. Forty percent of the older women were orgasmic at therapy termination, with 60% orgasmic at 6-month follow-up. One women was orgasmic during intercourse. There was general enhancement of the sexual relationship in all participating couples. Group therapy may be less successful for older women, who may be more successfully treated individually.", "PMID": 986133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1799", "title": "An inventory for the measurement of female sexual arousability: the SAI.", "content": "This report describes the development of a self-report Sexual Arousability Inventory (SAI) for women. Sexual arousability was defined as the sum of a respondent's ratings of 28 erotic experience along a 7-point Likert arousal dimension. Multiple-regression and factor analyses were used to select valid items from a 131-item pool and build in factorial purity. The SAI has concurrent validity with respect to sexual experience, activity, and satisfaction, and discriminates between clinical and normal populations. In addition, the SAI is easy to administer and score, may be used with single, married, or lesbian women, is available with norms and in alternate forms, and possesses exceptional internal consistency. Although the SAI was designed primarily for clinical use, the construct it measures may have theoretical significance in future research.", "contents": "An inventory for the measurement of female sexual arousability: the SAI. This report describes the development of a self-report Sexual Arousability Inventory (SAI) for women. Sexual arousability was defined as the sum of a respondent's ratings of 28 erotic experience along a 7-point Likert arousal dimension. Multiple-regression and factor analyses were used to select valid items from a 131-item pool and build in factorial purity. The SAI has concurrent validity with respect to sexual experience, activity, and satisfaction, and discriminates between clinical and normal populations. In addition, the SAI is easy to administer and score, may be used with single, married, or lesbian women, is available with norms and in alternate forms, and possesses exceptional internal consistency. Although the SAI was designed primarily for clinical use, the construct it measures may have theoretical significance in future research.", "PMID": 986134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1800", "title": "Isolation of substances from human vaginal secretions previously shown to be sex attractant pheromones in higher primates.", "content": "Fractionation of vaginal secretions from sexually human females by partitioning and chromatographic procedures demonstrates the presence of short-chain fatty acids seen as crucial pheromonal components in previous higher primate studies. In addition, the appearance of these short-chain fatty acids suggests a possible correlation of the rise and fall of hormone levels during the female menstrual cycle.", "contents": "Isolation of substances from human vaginal secretions previously shown to be sex attractant pheromones in higher primates. Fractionation of vaginal secretions from sexually human females by partitioning and chromatographic procedures demonstrates the presence of short-chain fatty acids seen as crucial pheromonal components in previous higher primate studies. In addition, the appearance of these short-chain fatty acids suggests a possible correlation of the rise and fall of hormone levels during the female menstrual cycle.", "PMID": 986135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1801", "title": "The synthesis of polyadenylic acid-containing ribonucleic acid by isolated mitochondria from Ehrlich ascites cells.", "content": "The synthesis of poly(A)-containing RNA by isolated mitochondria from Ehrlich ascites cells was studied. Isolated mitochondria incorporate [3H]AMP or [3H]UTP into an RNA species that adsorbs on oligo (dT)-cellulose columns or Millipore filters. Hydrolysis of the poly(A)-containing RNA with pancreatic and T1 ribonucleases released a poly(A) sequence that had an electrophoretic mobility slightly faster than 4SE. In comparison, ascites-cell cytosolic poly(A)-containing RNA had a poly(A) tail that had an electrophoretic mobility of about 7SE. Sensitivity of the incorporation of [3H]AMP into poly(A)-containing RNA to ethidium bromide and to atractyloside and lack of sensitivity to immobilized ribonuclease added to the mitochondria after incubation indicated that the site of incorporation was mitochondrial. The poly(A)-containing RNA sedimented with a peak of about 18S, with much material of higher s value. After denaturation at 70 degrees C for 5 min the poly(A)-containing RNA separated into two components of 12S and 16S on a 5-20% (w/v) sucrose density gradient at 4 degrees C, or at 4 degrees and 25 degrees C in the presence of formaldehyde. Poly(A)-containing RNA synthesized in the presence of ethidium bromide sedimented at 5-10S in a 15-33% (w/v) sucrose density gradient at 24 degrees C. The poly(A) tail of this RNA was smaller than that synthesized in the absence of ethidium bromide. The size of the poly(A)-containing RNA (approx. 1300 nucleotides) is about the length necessary for that of mRNA species for the products of mitochondrial protein synthesis observed by ourselves and others.", "contents": "The synthesis of polyadenylic acid-containing ribonucleic acid by isolated mitochondria from Ehrlich ascites cells. The synthesis of poly(A)-containing RNA by isolated mitochondria from Ehrlich ascites cells was studied. Isolated mitochondria incorporate [3H]AMP or [3H]UTP into an RNA species that adsorbs on oligo (dT)-cellulose columns or Millipore filters. Hydrolysis of the poly(A)-containing RNA with pancreatic and T1 ribonucleases released a poly(A) sequence that had an electrophoretic mobility slightly faster than 4SE. In comparison, ascites-cell cytosolic poly(A)-containing RNA had a poly(A) tail that had an electrophoretic mobility of about 7SE. Sensitivity of the incorporation of [3H]AMP into poly(A)-containing RNA to ethidium bromide and to atractyloside and lack of sensitivity to immobilized ribonuclease added to the mitochondria after incubation indicated that the site of incorporation was mitochondrial. The poly(A)-containing RNA sedimented with a peak of about 18S, with much material of higher s value. After denaturation at 70 degrees C for 5 min the poly(A)-containing RNA separated into two components of 12S and 16S on a 5-20% (w/v) sucrose density gradient at 4 degrees C, or at 4 degrees and 25 degrees C in the presence of formaldehyde. Poly(A)-containing RNA synthesized in the presence of ethidium bromide sedimented at 5-10S in a 15-33% (w/v) sucrose density gradient at 24 degrees C. The poly(A) tail of this RNA was smaller than that synthesized in the absence of ethidium bromide. The size of the poly(A)-containing RNA (approx. 1300 nucleotides) is about the length necessary for that of mRNA species for the products of mitochondrial protein synthesis observed by ourselves and others.", "PMID": 986139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1802", "title": "Trace concentrations of halothane in human breast milk.", "content": "Halothane concentrations of 2 p.p.m. have been found in the breast milk of a lactating, practising anaesthetist. This concentration was consistent with the operating theatre environment. The authors fell that, in spite of the limited scope of the study, this is an additional reason for the elimination of waste anaesthetic agents from the operating theatre.", "contents": "Trace concentrations of halothane in human breast milk. Halothane concentrations of 2 p.p.m. have been found in the breast milk of a lactating, practising anaesthetist. This concentration was consistent with the operating theatre environment. The authors fell that, in spite of the limited scope of the study, this is an additional reason for the elimination of waste anaesthetic agents from the operating theatre.", "PMID": 986147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1803", "title": "The cytotoxicity of plasma from patients with acute hepatic failure to isolated rabbit hepatocytes.", "content": "The cytotoxicity of plasma from patients with various types of liver disease to rabbit hepatocytes maintained in vitro has been investigated using a microcytotoxicity assay system. Plasma from patients with fulminant hepatic failure and uncomplicated viral hepatitis showed significant cytotoxicity compared to controls. The cytotoxic effect of plasma from patients with fulminant hepatic failure was reduced by charcoal haemoperfusion, or heating and dialysis. The bile acids chenodeoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid were cytotoxic when added to control human plasma. Such toxic factors may be responsible for the delay in liver regeneration often seen in patients with fulminant hepatic failure.", "contents": "The cytotoxicity of plasma from patients with acute hepatic failure to isolated rabbit hepatocytes. The cytotoxicity of plasma from patients with various types of liver disease to rabbit hepatocytes maintained in vitro has been investigated using a microcytotoxicity assay system. Plasma from patients with fulminant hepatic failure and uncomplicated viral hepatitis showed significant cytotoxicity compared to controls. The cytotoxic effect of plasma from patients with fulminant hepatic failure was reduced by charcoal haemoperfusion, or heating and dialysis. The bile acids chenodeoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid were cytotoxic when added to control human plasma. Such toxic factors may be responsible for the delay in liver regeneration often seen in patients with fulminant hepatic failure.", "PMID": 986149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1804", "title": "Blood leucocyte enzymes. III. Diurnal rhythm of activity in isolated lymphocytes of normal subjects and chronic lymphatic leukaemia patients.", "content": "The activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (D-glucose-6-phosphate: NADP oxidoreductase, G6PD), 6 phosphate glucono dehydrogenase (6 phospho-D-gluconate: NADP oxidoreductase, 6PGD) lactate dehydrogenase (D-lactate: NAD oxidoreductase, LDH), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (L-aspartate: 2-oxo-glutarate aminotransferase, GOT) and hexokinase (ATP: D-hexo-6-phosphotrans-ferase, Hx) were measured over 24 h in isolated lymphocytes of normal subjects and in white cells of patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL). The activitty patterns of all enzymes in the normal lymphocytes were similar. A computed pattern of all the results exhibited a circadian rhythm of activity with the highest level at 16.00 hours. The oscillations in the activities of the same enzymes in the CLL cells differed among the patients, although all the enzymes of the same individual showed a similar diurnal rhythmic pattern. All peaks in this group appeared between 20.00 and 08.00 hours. The possible importance of these observations in setting up therapeutic schedules was raised.", "contents": "Blood leucocyte enzymes. III. Diurnal rhythm of activity in isolated lymphocytes of normal subjects and chronic lymphatic leukaemia patients. The activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (D-glucose-6-phosphate: NADP oxidoreductase, G6PD), 6 phosphate glucono dehydrogenase (6 phospho-D-gluconate: NADP oxidoreductase, 6PGD) lactate dehydrogenase (D-lactate: NAD oxidoreductase, LDH), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (L-aspartate: 2-oxo-glutarate aminotransferase, GOT) and hexokinase (ATP: D-hexo-6-phosphotrans-ferase, Hx) were measured over 24 h in isolated lymphocytes of normal subjects and in white cells of patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL). The activitty patterns of all enzymes in the normal lymphocytes were similar. A computed pattern of all the results exhibited a circadian rhythm of activity with the highest level at 16.00 hours. The oscillations in the activities of the same enzymes in the CLL cells differed among the patients, although all the enzymes of the same individual showed a similar diurnal rhythmic pattern. All peaks in this group appeared between 20.00 and 08.00 hours. The possible importance of these observations in setting up therapeutic schedules was raised.", "PMID": 986150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1805", "title": "Corneal neovascularization treated with argon laser.", "content": "The argon laser set at 50 mum, 100-150 mW, o-2 s occluded corneal blood vessels in pigmented Dutch rabbits provided the corneal responsible for inducing vascularization was inactive. After arterial treatment with the argon laser retrograde flow in untreated veins was demonstrated by fluorescein angiography. Therefore all corneal new vessels should be treated, not just arteries. Minimal iris damage complicated the laser therapy, but this was not thought necessarily to contraindicate the use of the argon laser to treat corneal blood vessels in man. The iris damage was associated with outpouring of aqueous from the ciliary processes, and it took up to a week for the blood-aqueous barrier to return to its normal state.", "contents": "Corneal neovascularization treated with argon laser. The argon laser set at 50 mum, 100-150 mW, o-2 s occluded corneal blood vessels in pigmented Dutch rabbits provided the corneal responsible for inducing vascularization was inactive. After arterial treatment with the argon laser retrograde flow in untreated veins was demonstrated by fluorescein angiography. Therefore all corneal new vessels should be treated, not just arteries. Minimal iris damage complicated the laser therapy, but this was not thought necessarily to contraindicate the use of the argon laser to treat corneal blood vessels in man. The iris damage was associated with outpouring of aqueous from the ciliary processes, and it took up to a week for the blood-aqueous barrier to return to its normal state.", "PMID": 986151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1806", "title": "[14C]leucine incorporation into proteins of pancreatic juice in rats fed soya-bean flour.", "content": "1. The effect of a diet containing a trypsin inhibitor on the incorporation of radioactively labelled leucine into the pancreatic proteins secreted during stimulation with cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK) was studied in rats. 2. The total output of protein was significantly greater in the rats given raw soya-bean flour (RSF) compared with those given heat-inactivated soya-bean flour (HSF) (controls) in response to the sub- and supramaximal stimulation with CCK, but similar responses were obtained to maximal stimulation with CCK. Total protein output decreased continuously with time after reaching peak values at 90--120 min after the start of stimulation with CCK. 3. The total output of radioactively labelled protein in RSF-fed rats was not different from that of the controls with sub- and supramaximal dose rats of CCK, but was significantly lower than that of the controls in response to the dose rate of CCK which produced maximal rates of pancreatic secretion. 4. The specific activity of radioactively labelled protein increased continuously, while the output attained a constant rate during stimulation with all doses of CCK. 5. We concluded that feeding the trypsin inhibitor-containing diet led to increased secretion of stored pancreatic protein, while secretion of newly synthesized protein was not altered. During the course of prolonged stimulation with CCK, irrespective of diet, there was increasing secretion of the newly synthesized protein compared with the pre-existing stored proteins of the pancreas, it was unable to compensate for the decreased secretion of pre-formed protein.", "contents": "[14C]leucine incorporation into proteins of pancreatic juice in rats fed soya-bean flour. 1. The effect of a diet containing a trypsin inhibitor on the incorporation of radioactively labelled leucine into the pancreatic proteins secreted during stimulation with cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK) was studied in rats. 2. The total output of protein was significantly greater in the rats given raw soya-bean flour (RSF) compared with those given heat-inactivated soya-bean flour (HSF) (controls) in response to the sub- and supramaximal stimulation with CCK, but similar responses were obtained to maximal stimulation with CCK. Total protein output decreased continuously with time after reaching peak values at 90--120 min after the start of stimulation with CCK. 3. The total output of radioactively labelled protein in RSF-fed rats was not different from that of the controls with sub- and supramaximal dose rats of CCK, but was significantly lower than that of the controls in response to the dose rate of CCK which produced maximal rates of pancreatic secretion. 4. The specific activity of radioactively labelled protein increased continuously, while the output attained a constant rate during stimulation with all doses of CCK. 5. We concluded that feeding the trypsin inhibitor-containing diet led to increased secretion of stored pancreatic protein, while secretion of newly synthesized protein was not altered. During the course of prolonged stimulation with CCK, irrespective of diet, there was increasing secretion of the newly synthesized protein compared with the pre-existing stored proteins of the pancreas, it was unable to compensate for the decreased secretion of pre-formed protein.", "PMID": 986152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1807", "title": "Properties of crystalline reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-adrenodoxin reductase from bovine adrenocortical mitochonria. I. Physicochemical properties of holo- and apo-NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase and interaction between non-heme iron proteins and the reductase.", "content": "A crystalline NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase was obtained from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria and its properties were investigated. Its molecular weights and isoelectric point were estimated to be 51 000 and 5.4, respectively. Amino acid and sugar contents and the interaction between the apo-reductase and flavin of NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase were investigated. Formation of a complex of bovine NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase with adrenodoxin, its apoadrenodoxin, or other non-heme iron proteins caused quenching of fluorescence of the tryptophanyl residue and bound FAD of the NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase. The results obatined suggest that adrenodoxin and apoadrenodoxin bind functionally to a site close to the tryptophanyl residue and the bound FAD of the reductase. The circular dichroism spectrum of oxidized NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase was measured in the ultraviolet and visible regions. This spectrum showed negative absorption in the visible region and was not appreciably influenced in either the ultraviolet or visible region by formation of a complex with adrenodoxin or apoadrenodoxin.", "contents": "Properties of crystalline reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-adrenodoxin reductase from bovine adrenocortical mitochonria. I. Physicochemical properties of holo- and apo-NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase and interaction between non-heme iron proteins and the reductase. A crystalline NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase was obtained from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria and its properties were investigated. Its molecular weights and isoelectric point were estimated to be 51 000 and 5.4, respectively. Amino acid and sugar contents and the interaction between the apo-reductase and flavin of NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase were investigated. Formation of a complex of bovine NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase with adrenodoxin, its apoadrenodoxin, or other non-heme iron proteins caused quenching of fluorescence of the tryptophanyl residue and bound FAD of the NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase. The results obatined suggest that adrenodoxin and apoadrenodoxin bind functionally to a site close to the tryptophanyl residue and the bound FAD of the reductase. The circular dichroism spectrum of oxidized NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase was measured in the ultraviolet and visible regions. This spectrum showed negative absorption in the visible region and was not appreciably influenced in either the ultraviolet or visible region by formation of a complex with adrenodoxin or apoadrenodoxin.", "PMID": 986153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1808", "title": "Nucleic acid polymerizing enzymes in developing Strongylocentrotus franciscanus embryos.", "content": "DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, DNA-Dependent DNA polymerase, and terminal riboadenylate transferase (TRT) activities have been measured after DEAE-Sephadex chromatography of whole cell extracts prepared from eggs and staged embryos of the urchin, Stronglyocentrotus franciscanus. Activity of each of these three polymerase classes is present in the egg, and the total activity per embryo is constant throughout embryogenesis to the pluteus stage (approximately 1000 cells). Thus the egg appears to contain sufficient DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase, and TRT TRT for embryogenesis. The increases in the synthesis of DNA, RNA and polyadenylated RNA tracts observed after fertilization must be due to the activation of the preexisting egg enzymes. Separation of the egg into nucleate and anucleate halves demonstrates that the RNA polymerases are not restricted to the egg nucleus. During development, the enzymes become progressively more associated with the cell nucleus. The egg extracts contain low activities (approximately 6% total) of RNA polymerase II as measured by sensitivity to alpha-amanitin. This is confirmed by resolution of the RNA polymerase forms I, II, and III by gradient sievorptive elution on DEAE-Sephadex. Later stage embryos contain more nearly equal activities of RNA polymerase, I, II, and III, although the total RNA polymerase activity per embryo is not changed. Additionally, two chromatographicallly distinct species of RNA polymerase III are detected, one of which is observed only in later stages. Thus interconversion of enzymes via addition of new subunits or coordinate synthesis and loss of enzyme species must occur.", "contents": "Nucleic acid polymerizing enzymes in developing Strongylocentrotus franciscanus embryos. DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, DNA-Dependent DNA polymerase, and terminal riboadenylate transferase (TRT) activities have been measured after DEAE-Sephadex chromatography of whole cell extracts prepared from eggs and staged embryos of the urchin, Stronglyocentrotus franciscanus. Activity of each of these three polymerase classes is present in the egg, and the total activity per embryo is constant throughout embryogenesis to the pluteus stage (approximately 1000 cells). Thus the egg appears to contain sufficient DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase, and TRT TRT for embryogenesis. The increases in the synthesis of DNA, RNA and polyadenylated RNA tracts observed after fertilization must be due to the activation of the preexisting egg enzymes. Separation of the egg into nucleate and anucleate halves demonstrates that the RNA polymerases are not restricted to the egg nucleus. During development, the enzymes become progressively more associated with the cell nucleus. The egg extracts contain low activities (approximately 6% total) of RNA polymerase II as measured by sensitivity to alpha-amanitin. This is confirmed by resolution of the RNA polymerase forms I, II, and III by gradient sievorptive elution on DEAE-Sephadex. Later stage embryos contain more nearly equal activities of RNA polymerase, I, II, and III, although the total RNA polymerase activity per embryo is not changed. Additionally, two chromatographicallly distinct species of RNA polymerase III are detected, one of which is observed only in later stages. Thus interconversion of enzymes via addition of new subunits or coordinate synthesis and loss of enzyme species must occur.", "PMID": 986154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1809", "title": "Effect of polylysine on the activation of prothrombin. Polylysine substitutes for calcium ions and factor V in the factor Xa catalyzed activation of prothrombin.", "content": "Polylysine has been demonstrated to dramatically accelerate the rate of the factor Xa catalyzed activation of both prothrombin and prethrombin 1. Under the present experimental conditions (pH 8.0, 23 C), no detectable activation of prothrombin or prethrombin 1 occurs with either factor Xa or polylysine alone. The activation of prethrombin 2, the direct precursor of alpha-thrombin, by factor Xa is not stimulated by polylysine. The activation of either prothrombin or prethrombin 1 by factor Xa in the presence of polylysine is partially inhibited by the presence of 5 mM CaCl2. Electrophoretic analysis in sodium dodecyl sulfate showed that the products that were formed in the above activation system comigrated with the reaction products derived from prothrombin activated by factor Xa in the presence of calcium ions and phospholipid. It is suggested that polylysine stimulates the factor Xa-catalyzes activation of prothrombin by replacing the combination of calcium ions and factor V.", "contents": "Effect of polylysine on the activation of prothrombin. Polylysine substitutes for calcium ions and factor V in the factor Xa catalyzed activation of prothrombin. Polylysine has been demonstrated to dramatically accelerate the rate of the factor Xa catalyzed activation of both prothrombin and prethrombin 1. Under the present experimental conditions (pH 8.0, 23 C), no detectable activation of prothrombin or prethrombin 1 occurs with either factor Xa or polylysine alone. The activation of prethrombin 2, the direct precursor of alpha-thrombin, by factor Xa is not stimulated by polylysine. The activation of either prothrombin or prethrombin 1 by factor Xa in the presence of polylysine is partially inhibited by the presence of 5 mM CaCl2. Electrophoretic analysis in sodium dodecyl sulfate showed that the products that were formed in the above activation system comigrated with the reaction products derived from prothrombin activated by factor Xa in the presence of calcium ions and phospholipid. It is suggested that polylysine stimulates the factor Xa-catalyzes activation of prothrombin by replacing the combination of calcium ions and factor V.", "PMID": 986155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1810", "title": "Extended RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei from rat pituitary tumor cells.", "content": "Nuclei of GH3 cells, isolated by detergent lysis, synthesized RNA for an extended period at 29 degrees C in the presence of rat liver ribonuclease inhibitor (RI). Extended RNA synthesis was dependent upon the presence of RI. Sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis of the cell-free reaction products showed that RNAs ranging from 4 S to greater than 28 S were synthesized. Further characterization of the RNA products was made by examining the sensitivity of synthesis to alpha-amanitin and actinomycin D as well as by oligo(dT)-cellulose binding properties. Evidence was obtained that RNA polymerases I, II, and III were functioning in isolated GH3 nuclei. Newly synthesized RNAs were found in both the nuclear pellet and postnuclear supernatant fractions. RNA polymerase I products remained associated with the nuclear pellet throughout a 60-min incubation period whereas RNAs synthesized by RNA polymerase III emerged rapidly into the supernatant fraction. RNA polymerase II products were distributed in both fractions and were found to contain poly(A). De novo poly(A) synthesis was demonstrated and found to be inhibited by cordvcepin triphosphate (3'-dATP). Supernatant RNAs synthesized by polymerase II contained a poly(A) segment of about 150 adenine residues; these transcripts sedimented heterogeneously with an apparent size distribution (under denaturing conditions) which was smaller than that of nuclear RNA polymerase II products and which resembled that of cellular mRNA. Qualitative differences in the nuclear and supernatant RNAs, the kinetics of appearance of the latter, and the differential effect of 3'-dATP on the extranuclear appearance of supernatant RNAs suggest that a process resembling nuclear-cytoplasmic RNA transport occurred in this cell-free nuclear system.", "contents": "Extended RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei from rat pituitary tumor cells. Nuclei of GH3 cells, isolated by detergent lysis, synthesized RNA for an extended period at 29 degrees C in the presence of rat liver ribonuclease inhibitor (RI). Extended RNA synthesis was dependent upon the presence of RI. Sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis of the cell-free reaction products showed that RNAs ranging from 4 S to greater than 28 S were synthesized. Further characterization of the RNA products was made by examining the sensitivity of synthesis to alpha-amanitin and actinomycin D as well as by oligo(dT)-cellulose binding properties. Evidence was obtained that RNA polymerases I, II, and III were functioning in isolated GH3 nuclei. Newly synthesized RNAs were found in both the nuclear pellet and postnuclear supernatant fractions. RNA polymerase I products remained associated with the nuclear pellet throughout a 60-min incubation period whereas RNAs synthesized by RNA polymerase III emerged rapidly into the supernatant fraction. RNA polymerase II products were distributed in both fractions and were found to contain poly(A). De novo poly(A) synthesis was demonstrated and found to be inhibited by cordvcepin triphosphate (3'-dATP). Supernatant RNAs synthesized by polymerase II contained a poly(A) segment of about 150 adenine residues; these transcripts sedimented heterogeneously with an apparent size distribution (under denaturing conditions) which was smaller than that of nuclear RNA polymerase II products and which resembled that of cellular mRNA. Qualitative differences in the nuclear and supernatant RNAs, the kinetics of appearance of the latter, and the differential effect of 3'-dATP on the extranuclear appearance of supernatant RNAs suggest that a process resembling nuclear-cytoplasmic RNA transport occurred in this cell-free nuclear system.", "PMID": 986156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1811", "title": "Purification of myosin translational control RNA and its interaction with myosin messenger RNA.", "content": "Myosin messenger ribonucleoprotein-translational control ribonucleic acid (mRNP-tcNA) from myosin mRNPs found in embryonic chick muscle has been further purified by Dowex chromatography and, from a number of controls, it is suggested that this small RNA is not an artifact produced through the degradation of RNA during its isolation. This highly purified myosin mRNP-tcRNA is shown to have a molecular weight of 10 000 on formamide-acrylamide gels, and reacts stoichometrically (on a 1:1 mole ratio) with myosin mRNA. The stoichiometric interaction between myosin mRNA and myosin mRNP-tcRNP is demonstrated by ists ability to increase the nuclease resistance of the messenger, as well as inhibit its translation in a cell-free amino acid incorporating system.", "contents": "Purification of myosin translational control RNA and its interaction with myosin messenger RNA. Myosin messenger ribonucleoprotein-translational control ribonucleic acid (mRNP-tcNA) from myosin mRNPs found in embryonic chick muscle has been further purified by Dowex chromatography and, from a number of controls, it is suggested that this small RNA is not an artifact produced through the degradation of RNA during its isolation. This highly purified myosin mRNP-tcRNA is shown to have a molecular weight of 10 000 on formamide-acrylamide gels, and reacts stoichometrically (on a 1:1 mole ratio) with myosin mRNA. The stoichiometric interaction between myosin mRNA and myosin mRNP-tcRNP is demonstrated by ists ability to increase the nuclease resistance of the messenger, as well as inhibit its translation in a cell-free amino acid incorporating system.", "PMID": 986157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1812", "title": "Messenger ribonucleic acid metabolism in mammalian mitochondria. Discrete poly(adenylic acid) lacking messenger ribonucleic acid species associated with mitochondrial polysomes.", "content": "The mRNA species released from mitochondrial polysomes prepared by the Mg2+ precipitation technique have been further characterized using various analytical techniques. Mitochondrial polysomes were dissociated by treatment with puromycin and chemically labeled with (3H) dimethyl sulfate. About 51% of steady-state mitochondrial mRNA bind to oligo(dT)-cellulose indicating the presence of poly(adenylic acid)(poly(A)) in this fraction. The poly(A)-containing mRNAs resolve into discrete bands of 9-16 Se, while the RNA fraction unable to bind to oligo(dT)-cellulose representing poly(A)-lacking mRNA contains 8-12 Se species. About 90% of poly(A) lacking RNA hybridizes with mitochondrial DNA and less than 7% hybridizes with nuclear DNA. The extent of hybridization of poly(A)-lacking RNA with mitochondrial DNA was not significantly affected by the presence of excess mitochondrial rRNA, cytoplasmic rRNA, or a tenfold concentration of poly(A)-containing RNA isolated from total mitochondrial RNA. Possible differences in sequence properties between poly(A)-containing and -lacking mitochondrial mRNAs were further verified using a solid phase-bound cDNA procedure. Poly(A)-containing mRNA released from mitochondrial polysomes shows over 85% sequance homology with oligo(dT)-cellulose-bound cDNA prepared against total mitochondrial poly(A)-lacking mitochondrial mRNA hybridizes with the cDNA providing direct evidence for the distinct sequence properties of the two mRNA species.", "contents": "Messenger ribonucleic acid metabolism in mammalian mitochondria. Discrete poly(adenylic acid) lacking messenger ribonucleic acid species associated with mitochondrial polysomes. The mRNA species released from mitochondrial polysomes prepared by the Mg2+ precipitation technique have been further characterized using various analytical techniques. Mitochondrial polysomes were dissociated by treatment with puromycin and chemically labeled with (3H) dimethyl sulfate. About 51% of steady-state mitochondrial mRNA bind to oligo(dT)-cellulose indicating the presence of poly(adenylic acid)(poly(A)) in this fraction. The poly(A)-containing mRNAs resolve into discrete bands of 9-16 Se, while the RNA fraction unable to bind to oligo(dT)-cellulose representing poly(A)-lacking mRNA contains 8-12 Se species. About 90% of poly(A) lacking RNA hybridizes with mitochondrial DNA and less than 7% hybridizes with nuclear DNA. The extent of hybridization of poly(A)-lacking RNA with mitochondrial DNA was not significantly affected by the presence of excess mitochondrial rRNA, cytoplasmic rRNA, or a tenfold concentration of poly(A)-containing RNA isolated from total mitochondrial RNA. Possible differences in sequence properties between poly(A)-containing and -lacking mitochondrial mRNAs were further verified using a solid phase-bound cDNA procedure. Poly(A)-containing mRNA released from mitochondrial polysomes shows over 85% sequance homology with oligo(dT)-cellulose-bound cDNA prepared against total mitochondrial poly(A)-lacking mitochondrial mRNA hybridizes with the cDNA providing direct evidence for the distinct sequence properties of the two mRNA species.", "PMID": 986158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1813", "title": "Conformation of immunoglobulin M. I. Characterization of anti-epsilon-1-dimethylamino-5-naphthalenesulfonyl-L-lysine immunoglobulin M antibodies from horse, pig, and shark.", "content": "IgM antibodies specific for the fluorophore epsiolon-1-dimethylamino-5-naphthalenesulfonyl-L-lysine(DNS-lysine) were elicited in the horse and nurse shark by immunization with a DNS-lysine streptococcal conjugate; the antibodies were purified by specific adsorption with an immunoadsorbent followed by gel filtration to select the IgM class (molecular weight 900 000). About 90% of the equine anti-DNS was IgM.DNS-Lysine, when bound in the combining sites of a population of these anti-DNS IgM antigodies from horse and nurse shark, as well as from pig, exhibited a marked fluorescence enhancement and shift of the emission spectrum to shorter wavelengths compared with emission in aqueous solution; these results indicate that the environments of the anti-DNS combining sites of this population were relatively hydrophovic. Approximately one-third of the ten possible combining sites in each of these anti-DNS IgM species bound DNS-lysine in this manner with an average intrinsic association constant (Ko) of greater than 10(6) M-1. Small differences were noted in binding behavior among the three species of antibodies. The enzymatic susceptibility of equine IgM was similar to that of human IgM. (Fab')2mu, Fab'mu, and Fabmu fragments were prepared following digestion with pepsin. These fragments could be clearly differentiated on the basis of molecular size. They bound DNS-lysine with the same affinity as intact IgM and the DNS-lysine-fragment complexes exhibited the same spectral properties as the parent IgM. It was concluded that the anti-dNs IgM antibodies from all three species, as well as the enzymatic fragments, were suitable for nanosecond depolarization studies which are reported in the accompanying paper Holowka, D.A., and Cathou, R.E. (1976), Biochemistry, the following papter in this issue.", "contents": "Conformation of immunoglobulin M. I. Characterization of anti-epsilon-1-dimethylamino-5-naphthalenesulfonyl-L-lysine immunoglobulin M antibodies from horse, pig, and shark. IgM antibodies specific for the fluorophore epsiolon-1-dimethylamino-5-naphthalenesulfonyl-L-lysine(DNS-lysine) were elicited in the horse and nurse shark by immunization with a DNS-lysine streptococcal conjugate; the antibodies were purified by specific adsorption with an immunoadsorbent followed by gel filtration to select the IgM class (molecular weight 900 000). About 90% of the equine anti-DNS was IgM.DNS-Lysine, when bound in the combining sites of a population of these anti-DNS IgM antigodies from horse and nurse shark, as well as from pig, exhibited a marked fluorescence enhancement and shift of the emission spectrum to shorter wavelengths compared with emission in aqueous solution; these results indicate that the environments of the anti-DNS combining sites of this population were relatively hydrophovic. Approximately one-third of the ten possible combining sites in each of these anti-DNS IgM species bound DNS-lysine in this manner with an average intrinsic association constant (Ko) of greater than 10(6) M-1. Small differences were noted in binding behavior among the three species of antibodies. The enzymatic susceptibility of equine IgM was similar to that of human IgM. (Fab')2mu, Fab'mu, and Fabmu fragments were prepared following digestion with pepsin. These fragments could be clearly differentiated on the basis of molecular size. They bound DNS-lysine with the same affinity as intact IgM and the DNS-lysine-fragment complexes exhibited the same spectral properties as the parent IgM. It was concluded that the anti-dNs IgM antibodies from all three species, as well as the enzymatic fragments, were suitable for nanosecond depolarization studies which are reported in the accompanying paper Holowka, D.A., and Cathou, R.E. (1976), Biochemistry, the following papter in this issue.", "PMID": 986159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1814", "title": "Conformation of immunoglobulin M. 2. Nanosecond fluorescence depolarization analysis of segmental flexibility in anti-epsilon-l-dimethylamino-5-naphthalenesulfonyl-L-lysine anti-immunoglobulin from horse, pig, and shark.", "content": "The rotational motions of immunoglobulin M (IgM) were investigated by the nanosecond fluorescence depolarization technique. The fluorophore epsilon-1-dimethylamino-5-naphthalenesulfonyl-L-lysine (DNS-lysine) was specifically bound in the combining sites of anti-DNS IgM antibodies from the horse, pig, and nurse shark. Fluorescence lifetime analysis showed the presence of a long lifetime component (21-27 ns) with antibodies from all three species. With the mammalian antibodies, the fluorophore appeared to be rigidly bound in the combining sites as judged by the presence of induced circular dichroism of DNS-lysine (equine antibodies) and single exponential anisotropy decay of the isolated Fabmu fragments (equine and porcine antibodies). The small amount of available purified nurse shark antibody did not allow preparation of fragments or induced circular dichroism measurements to directly determine rigidity of fluorophore binding. However, at least some of the hapten must have been rigidly bound since long rotational correlation times were measured for the shark DNS-lysine-anti-DNS complexes. When the emission anisotropy of the fluorophore-anti-DNS IgM complexes was measured as a function of time, it was found that all three antibody species exhibited restricted segmental flexibility in the nanosecond time range. Moreover, when the equine anti-DNS IgM was exposed to 1 M acetic acid for 1 h, the antibody underwent a conformational change which resulted in an increase in its overall flexibility. Comparison of the rotational correlation times of native equine IgM and of proteolytic fragments indicated that flexibility of IgM consists of either hindered rotation of the Fab'mu segment or a combination of at least two modes of motion: rotation of Fabmu and/or Fab'mu and bending of the entire (Fab')2mu region as a unit. Similar modes of flexibility also occur in native porcine IgM. In acid exposed equine IgM, the major contribution to depolarization is from independent rotation or wagging of the Fab'mu segments. Thus, acid apparently causes a conformational change in or near the Cmu2 domains. In contrast, flexibility in nurse shark IgM appears to involve only bending of (Fab')2mu as a unit. Our results suggest that segmental flexibility is an essential functional feature of all IgM antibodies and that control of this flexibility through domain interactions may play an important role in such conformationally sensitive functions as complement fixation.", "contents": "Conformation of immunoglobulin M. 2. Nanosecond fluorescence depolarization analysis of segmental flexibility in anti-epsilon-l-dimethylamino-5-naphthalenesulfonyl-L-lysine anti-immunoglobulin from horse, pig, and shark. The rotational motions of immunoglobulin M (IgM) were investigated by the nanosecond fluorescence depolarization technique. The fluorophore epsilon-1-dimethylamino-5-naphthalenesulfonyl-L-lysine (DNS-lysine) was specifically bound in the combining sites of anti-DNS IgM antibodies from the horse, pig, and nurse shark. Fluorescence lifetime analysis showed the presence of a long lifetime component (21-27 ns) with antibodies from all three species. With the mammalian antibodies, the fluorophore appeared to be rigidly bound in the combining sites as judged by the presence of induced circular dichroism of DNS-lysine (equine antibodies) and single exponential anisotropy decay of the isolated Fabmu fragments (equine and porcine antibodies). The small amount of available purified nurse shark antibody did not allow preparation of fragments or induced circular dichroism measurements to directly determine rigidity of fluorophore binding. However, at least some of the hapten must have been rigidly bound since long rotational correlation times were measured for the shark DNS-lysine-anti-DNS complexes. When the emission anisotropy of the fluorophore-anti-DNS IgM complexes was measured as a function of time, it was found that all three antibody species exhibited restricted segmental flexibility in the nanosecond time range. Moreover, when the equine anti-DNS IgM was exposed to 1 M acetic acid for 1 h, the antibody underwent a conformational change which resulted in an increase in its overall flexibility. Comparison of the rotational correlation times of native equine IgM and of proteolytic fragments indicated that flexibility of IgM consists of either hindered rotation of the Fab'mu segment or a combination of at least two modes of motion: rotation of Fabmu and/or Fab'mu and bending of the entire (Fab')2mu region as a unit. Similar modes of flexibility also occur in native porcine IgM. In acid exposed equine IgM, the major contribution to depolarization is from independent rotation or wagging of the Fab'mu segments. Thus, acid apparently causes a conformational change in or near the Cmu2 domains. In contrast, flexibility in nurse shark IgM appears to involve only bending of (Fab')2mu as a unit. Our results suggest that segmental flexibility is an essential functional feature of all IgM antibodies and that control of this flexibility through domain interactions may play an important role in such conformationally sensitive functions as complement fixation.", "PMID": 986160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1815", "title": "Formation of delta1-acetoxytryptophan-62 in the oxidation of tryptophan-62 of hen egg-white lysozyme by N-bromosuccinimide in acetate buffer.", "content": "The reaction of equimolar amounts of N-bromosuccinimide and hen egg-white lysozyme in acetate buffer, under the conditions of Hayashi et al. (Hayashi, K., Imoto, T., Funatsu, G., and Funatsu, M. (1965), J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 58, 227), yields a protein mixture that has a time-dependent 13C-NMR spectrum. The initial natural-abundance 13C-NMR spectrum indicates the presence of about equal amounts of [oxindolealanine-62]lysozyme and [delta1-acetoxytryptophan-62]lysozyme. The latter converts to [oxindolealanine-62]lysozyme with a half-life of about 2 days at 25 degrees C and pH 3.9. Two observations indicate that the source of the acetyl group of delta1-acetoxytryptophan-62 is the acetate buffer. First, the spectrum of a lysozyme sample treated with N-bromosuccinimide in the presence of [1-13C]acetate yields a very strong acetyl ester carbonyl resonance. The time dependence of the intensity of this resonance yields a half-life of 44 h for [delta1-acetoxytryptophan-62]lysozyme. Second, the initial natural-abundance 13C-NMR spectrum of a lysozyme sample treated with N-bromosuccinimide in the absence of acetate indicates essentially complete conversion of tryptophan-62 into oxindolealanine.", "contents": "Formation of delta1-acetoxytryptophan-62 in the oxidation of tryptophan-62 of hen egg-white lysozyme by N-bromosuccinimide in acetate buffer. The reaction of equimolar amounts of N-bromosuccinimide and hen egg-white lysozyme in acetate buffer, under the conditions of Hayashi et al. (Hayashi, K., Imoto, T., Funatsu, G., and Funatsu, M. (1965), J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 58, 227), yields a protein mixture that has a time-dependent 13C-NMR spectrum. The initial natural-abundance 13C-NMR spectrum indicates the presence of about equal amounts of [oxindolealanine-62]lysozyme and [delta1-acetoxytryptophan-62]lysozyme. The latter converts to [oxindolealanine-62]lysozyme with a half-life of about 2 days at 25 degrees C and pH 3.9. Two observations indicate that the source of the acetyl group of delta1-acetoxytryptophan-62 is the acetate buffer. First, the spectrum of a lysozyme sample treated with N-bromosuccinimide in the presence of [1-13C]acetate yields a very strong acetyl ester carbonyl resonance. The time dependence of the intensity of this resonance yields a half-life of 44 h for [delta1-acetoxytryptophan-62]lysozyme. Second, the initial natural-abundance 13C-NMR spectrum of a lysozyme sample treated with N-bromosuccinimide in the absence of acetate indicates essentially complete conversion of tryptophan-62 into oxindolealanine.", "PMID": 986161} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1816", "title": "Mechanism of hydrolysis by serine proteases: direct determination of the pKa's of aspartyl-102 and aspartyl-194 in bovine trypsin using difference infrared spectroscopy.", "content": "The pKa of aspartyl-102 in trypsin is shown to be 6.8+/-0.2 by difference infrared titration. All but 2.5 of the carboxyls in bovine trypsin were first modified with semicarbazide. The modified enzyme still retains full activity toward nonspecific substrates. The remaining free carboxyls include one equivalent each of Asp-102 and Asp-194. The absorbances associated with the C=O and C=O stretching modes at 1570 and 1710 cm-1 were used to monitor the proportion of ionized or protonated carboxyl present in the enzyme as a function of pD. The pKa of 6.8 was assigned to Asp-102 using copper ions that bind to trypsin between Asp-102 and histidine-57, so lowering the pKapp of Asp-102. The implication of this result for the ionization of the active site, and for the mechanism of serine proteases, is discussed. Asp-194 and the C terminus are shown to titrate with an average pKa of 2.9.", "contents": "Mechanism of hydrolysis by serine proteases: direct determination of the pKa's of aspartyl-102 and aspartyl-194 in bovine trypsin using difference infrared spectroscopy. The pKa of aspartyl-102 in trypsin is shown to be 6.8+/-0.2 by difference infrared titration. All but 2.5 of the carboxyls in bovine trypsin were first modified with semicarbazide. The modified enzyme still retains full activity toward nonspecific substrates. The remaining free carboxyls include one equivalent each of Asp-102 and Asp-194. The absorbances associated with the C=O and C=O stretching modes at 1570 and 1710 cm-1 were used to monitor the proportion of ionized or protonated carboxyl present in the enzyme as a function of pD. The pKa of 6.8 was assigned to Asp-102 using copper ions that bind to trypsin between Asp-102 and histidine-57, so lowering the pKapp of Asp-102. The implication of this result for the ionization of the active site, and for the mechanism of serine proteases, is discussed. Asp-194 and the C terminus are shown to titrate with an average pKa of 2.9.", "PMID": 986162} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1817", "title": "A spectroscopic technique for measuring slow rotational diffusion of macromolecules. 1: Preparation and properties of a triplet probe.", "content": "Slow rotational diffusion may be investigated by measuring the decay of dichroism of flash-induced transient absorption changes of suitable probes. The preparation of the covalent \"\"triplets\" probe eosin isothiocyanate is described together with investigations of spectroscopic properties of eosin-protein conjugates. Triplet state lifetimes of air-equilibrated solutions of eosin-protein conjugates are in the order of 10 mus, demonstrating that the probe is protected from oxygen quenching by the protein. Experiments with the sucrase-isomaltase complex from small intestine show that its enzymatic activity is little affected by binding up to 2 mol of eosin/mol of protein.", "contents": "A spectroscopic technique for measuring slow rotational diffusion of macromolecules. 1: Preparation and properties of a triplet probe. Slow rotational diffusion may be investigated by measuring the decay of dichroism of flash-induced transient absorption changes of suitable probes. The preparation of the covalent \"\"triplets\" probe eosin isothiocyanate is described together with investigations of spectroscopic properties of eosin-protein conjugates. Triplet state lifetimes of air-equilibrated solutions of eosin-protein conjugates are in the order of 10 mus, demonstrating that the probe is protected from oxygen quenching by the protein. Experiments with the sucrase-isomaltase complex from small intestine show that its enzymatic activity is little affected by binding up to 2 mol of eosin/mol of protein.", "PMID": 986163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1818", "title": "A spectroscopic technique for measuring slow rotational diffusion of macromolecules. 2: Determination of rotational correlation times of proteins in solution.", "content": "Experiments have been performed to test the validity of measurements of slow rotational diffusion using eosin isothiocyanate as a probe. When eosin-protein conjugates are covalently bound to Sepharose 4B, the dichroism of the flash-induced absorption transient does not decay with time. The magnitude of the dichroism is smaller than for eosin in solid solution. These results, together with measurements with highly viscous solutions, demonstrate the existence of a rapid but restricted independent motion of the eosin probe. This causes a partial loss of pf dochroism leaving a residual dichroism whose time dependence is determined by the rotational motion of the protein. Rotational correlation times in the microsecond-millisecond time range have been determined for eosinprotein conjugates dissolved in glycerol-water mixtures of varying viscosity. The measured values are in good agreement with theoretical predictions and show the correct dependence on the viscosity of the medium and the size and state of association of the protein.", "contents": "A spectroscopic technique for measuring slow rotational diffusion of macromolecules. 2: Determination of rotational correlation times of proteins in solution. Experiments have been performed to test the validity of measurements of slow rotational diffusion using eosin isothiocyanate as a probe. When eosin-protein conjugates are covalently bound to Sepharose 4B, the dichroism of the flash-induced absorption transient does not decay with time. The magnitude of the dichroism is smaller than for eosin in solid solution. These results, together with measurements with highly viscous solutions, demonstrate the existence of a rapid but restricted independent motion of the eosin probe. This causes a partial loss of pf dochroism leaving a residual dichroism whose time dependence is determined by the rotational motion of the protein. Rotational correlation times in the microsecond-millisecond time range have been determined for eosinprotein conjugates dissolved in glycerol-water mixtures of varying viscosity. The measured values are in good agreement with theoretical predictions and show the correct dependence on the viscosity of the medium and the size and state of association of the protein.", "PMID": 986164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1819", "title": "Isolation, physicochemical properties, and the macromolecular composition of the vitelline and fertilization envelopes from Xenopus laevis eggs.", "content": "As a step toward defining in molecular terms the sperm-triggered block to polyspermy reaction established by the egg at fertilization, vitelline (VE) and fertilization (FE) envelopes were isolated from eggs of the Sounth African clawed toad Xenopus laevis and some of their physicochemical properties determined. Envelopes were isolated after lysis of the fertilized or unfertilized eggs by sieving techniques; isolated envelopes retained their in situ morphology as determined by electron microscopy. The isolated envelopes had different solubility properties and, in general, VE was more readily dissolved by aqueous solvents than FE, although both could be completely dissolved by detergents or chaotropic agents. Changes in envelope solubility correlated with the progression of the cortical reaction implicating a role for cortical granule material in modifying the solubility properties of the envelope. The VE and FE were composed of protein and carbohydrate with no lipid components detected. As determined by immunodiffusion experiments, the FE contained the same antigens as the VE plus components derived from the cortical granules and the innermost jelly layer, J. The macromolecular composition of the envelopes was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. The VE contained at least 11 glycoproteins with molecular weights ranging from 125 000 to less than 16 000 with two components (40 000 and 33 000) accounting for almost two-thirds of the total stainable material. The FE contained ten glycoproteins that had the same molecular weights as those in the VE. One glycoprotein component underwent a reduction in molecular weight from 77 000 to 67 500 when the VE was converted to the FE. This molecular weight change was interpreted as the probable result of limited proteolysis. In addition, the FE gel electrophoresis patterns contained macromolecular components derived from the cortical granules and jelly layer, J, consistent with the immunodiffusion experiments. These components were absent when the FE was prepared in the absence of Ca2+, suggesting a role for Ca2+ in binding the VE, cortical granules, and J components together. We concluded that the conversion of the glycoproteinaceous VE to FE at fertilization is caused by interaction of the VE with components from the cortical granules and jelly layer J. These interactions are of both a chemical and physical nature.", "contents": "Isolation, physicochemical properties, and the macromolecular composition of the vitelline and fertilization envelopes from Xenopus laevis eggs. As a step toward defining in molecular terms the sperm-triggered block to polyspermy reaction established by the egg at fertilization, vitelline (VE) and fertilization (FE) envelopes were isolated from eggs of the Sounth African clawed toad Xenopus laevis and some of their physicochemical properties determined. Envelopes were isolated after lysis of the fertilized or unfertilized eggs by sieving techniques; isolated envelopes retained their in situ morphology as determined by electron microscopy. The isolated envelopes had different solubility properties and, in general, VE was more readily dissolved by aqueous solvents than FE, although both could be completely dissolved by detergents or chaotropic agents. Changes in envelope solubility correlated with the progression of the cortical reaction implicating a role for cortical granule material in modifying the solubility properties of the envelope. The VE and FE were composed of protein and carbohydrate with no lipid components detected. As determined by immunodiffusion experiments, the FE contained the same antigens as the VE plus components derived from the cortical granules and the innermost jelly layer, J. The macromolecular composition of the envelopes was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. The VE contained at least 11 glycoproteins with molecular weights ranging from 125 000 to less than 16 000 with two components (40 000 and 33 000) accounting for almost two-thirds of the total stainable material. The FE contained ten glycoproteins that had the same molecular weights as those in the VE. One glycoprotein component underwent a reduction in molecular weight from 77 000 to 67 500 when the VE was converted to the FE. This molecular weight change was interpreted as the probable result of limited proteolysis. In addition, the FE gel electrophoresis patterns contained macromolecular components derived from the cortical granules and jelly layer, J, consistent with the immunodiffusion experiments. These components were absent when the FE was prepared in the absence of Ca2+, suggesting a role for Ca2+ in binding the VE, cortical granules, and J components together. We concluded that the conversion of the glycoproteinaceous VE to FE at fertilization is caused by interaction of the VE with components from the cortical granules and jelly layer J. These interactions are of both a chemical and physical nature.", "PMID": 986165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1820", "title": "Stereochemistry of the reaction of sheep liver threonine dehydratase. A nuclear magnetic resonance and optical rotatory dispersion study of its reaction pathway and products.", "content": "Products, substrates, and inhibitors of the threonine dehydratase from sheep liver (EC 4.2.1.16) have been investigated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and optical rotation. The alpha-ketobutyrates produced from L-threonine and L-allothreonine in 2H2O have been shown to incorporate a single deuterium into the beta position. The dehydratase forms R-alpha-ketobutyrate-beta-d from L-threonine and L-allothreonine. The alpha protons of the substrates, threonine and allothreonine, do not exchange in the presence of the dehydratase. In the presence of dehydratase, the competitive inhibitors L-cysteine and L-alanine undergo alpha-proton exchange. Highly purified dehydratase has been used to determine kinetic parameters for the usbstrates L-threonine, L-allothreonine, L-serine, and L-chloroalanine. L-Chloroalanine, in addition to being a substrate, inhibits the dehydratase in a manner kinetically identical with that of L-serine.", "contents": "Stereochemistry of the reaction of sheep liver threonine dehydratase. A nuclear magnetic resonance and optical rotatory dispersion study of its reaction pathway and products. Products, substrates, and inhibitors of the threonine dehydratase from sheep liver (EC 4.2.1.16) have been investigated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and optical rotation. The alpha-ketobutyrates produced from L-threonine and L-allothreonine in 2H2O have been shown to incorporate a single deuterium into the beta position. The dehydratase forms R-alpha-ketobutyrate-beta-d from L-threonine and L-allothreonine. The alpha protons of the substrates, threonine and allothreonine, do not exchange in the presence of the dehydratase. In the presence of dehydratase, the competitive inhibitors L-cysteine and L-alanine undergo alpha-proton exchange. Highly purified dehydratase has been used to determine kinetic parameters for the usbstrates L-threonine, L-allothreonine, L-serine, and L-chloroalanine. L-Chloroalanine, in addition to being a substrate, inhibits the dehydratase in a manner kinetically identical with that of L-serine.", "PMID": 986166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1821", "title": "Mode of reconstitution of chicken erythrocyte and reticulocyte chromatin.", "content": "The mode of reconstitution of chicken erythrocyte and reticulocyte chromatin has been investigated. Chromatin was dissociated in 2 M NaCl, 5 M urea, and 0.01 M potassium phosphate (pH 7.2) and was dialyzed against various NaCl concentrations in 5 M urea and 0.01 M potassium phosphate (pH 7.2). Histone reassociation to DNA occurs with the binding of histone H5 at 0.5 M NaCl in 5 M urea, followed by histone H1 at 0.4 M NaCl in 5 M urea. All the classes of histones are reassociated with DNA at 0.2 M NaCl in 5 M urea and binding of all classes of histones is complete in 0.1 M NaCl and 5 M urea. Nonhistone proteins reassociate with DNA before and at the same time that histones reassociate with DNA. Binding of nonhistone proteins to DNA appears to be complete in 5 M urea and 0.01 M potassium phosphate (pH 7.2). There is also found in both erythrocyte and reticulocyte chromatin a nonhistone protein present in relatively high concentrations, which remains associated with DNA in 2 M NaCl and 5 M urea. This tightly bound protein appears as one major band when chromatographed on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, with a molecular weight of 95 000. This protein is soluble in phenol and sodium dodecyl sulfate but is insoluble in 5 M urea or 4 M guanidine hydrochloride. A fraction of reticulocyte nonhistone proteins was found to bind to DNA-cellulose in 5 M urea. The majority of these proteins elute at 0.15 M NaCl in 5 M urea but a significant fraction elutes at NaCl concentrations at which the bulk of the histones do not bind to DNA. The proteins that bind to free DNA have low molecular weights and do not show species speciificity. Approximatley 50% of the reticulocyte nonhistone protein does not bind to a DNA-cellulose column in 5 M urea and may require histones for complete reassociation.", "contents": "Mode of reconstitution of chicken erythrocyte and reticulocyte chromatin. The mode of reconstitution of chicken erythrocyte and reticulocyte chromatin has been investigated. Chromatin was dissociated in 2 M NaCl, 5 M urea, and 0.01 M potassium phosphate (pH 7.2) and was dialyzed against various NaCl concentrations in 5 M urea and 0.01 M potassium phosphate (pH 7.2). Histone reassociation to DNA occurs with the binding of histone H5 at 0.5 M NaCl in 5 M urea, followed by histone H1 at 0.4 M NaCl in 5 M urea. All the classes of histones are reassociated with DNA at 0.2 M NaCl in 5 M urea and binding of all classes of histones is complete in 0.1 M NaCl and 5 M urea. Nonhistone proteins reassociate with DNA before and at the same time that histones reassociate with DNA. Binding of nonhistone proteins to DNA appears to be complete in 5 M urea and 0.01 M potassium phosphate (pH 7.2). There is also found in both erythrocyte and reticulocyte chromatin a nonhistone protein present in relatively high concentrations, which remains associated with DNA in 2 M NaCl and 5 M urea. This tightly bound protein appears as one major band when chromatographed on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, with a molecular weight of 95 000. This protein is soluble in phenol and sodium dodecyl sulfate but is insoluble in 5 M urea or 4 M guanidine hydrochloride. A fraction of reticulocyte nonhistone proteins was found to bind to DNA-cellulose in 5 M urea. The majority of these proteins elute at 0.15 M NaCl in 5 M urea but a significant fraction elutes at NaCl concentrations at which the bulk of the histones do not bind to DNA. The proteins that bind to free DNA have low molecular weights and do not show species speciificity. Approximatley 50% of the reticulocyte nonhistone protein does not bind to a DNA-cellulose column in 5 M urea and may require histones for complete reassociation.", "PMID": 986167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1822", "title": "Comparison of the phosphorus magnetic resonance and circular dichroism properties of calf thymus DNA and chromatin.", "content": "Dual measurements of the 31P magnetic resonance spectra and the circular dichroism spectra have been made on calf thymus DNA and purified chromatin. The 31P magnetic resonance signals for all samples fell at 1.2 +/- 0.1 ppm relative to 85% orthophosphoric acid. The full width at half-height of the signal of samples in which the molecular weight of the native DNA component was in the 2-9 X 10(6) range was ca. 50 Hz. This bandwidth was reduced dramatically to ca. 20 Hz by reducing the molecular weight to 140 000 (by sonication) or by heat denaturation of the high-molecular-weight DNA. The position of the signal and the bandwidth of the chromatin samples did not differ significantly from that of the DNA samples of comparable molecular weight and state of nativity. The intensities of the chromatin signals, however, were all less than those of signals of DNA in companion runs conducted under comparable experimental conditions. The reduction of the intensity of the magnetic resonance signal paralleled the lowering of the intensity of the positive band above 260 nm in the circular dichroism spectrum of the given sample of chromatin relative to the spectrum of protein-free DNA. In fact, the percent reduction of the magnetic resonance signal of chromatin relative to protein-free DNA was, within experimental error, equal to the percentage of nucleotide residues in the Watson-Crick B secondary structure. Since the latter fraction of residues can be correlated with those in the interbead regions of the superstructure of chromatin, we have concluded that the signal of the nucleotide residues in the beads, or v bodies, has been broadened to the point of extinction by a packing arrangement which maximizes phosphate-protein interactions and structural rigidity.", "contents": "Comparison of the phosphorus magnetic resonance and circular dichroism properties of calf thymus DNA and chromatin. Dual measurements of the 31P magnetic resonance spectra and the circular dichroism spectra have been made on calf thymus DNA and purified chromatin. The 31P magnetic resonance signals for all samples fell at 1.2 +/- 0.1 ppm relative to 85% orthophosphoric acid. The full width at half-height of the signal of samples in which the molecular weight of the native DNA component was in the 2-9 X 10(6) range was ca. 50 Hz. This bandwidth was reduced dramatically to ca. 20 Hz by reducing the molecular weight to 140 000 (by sonication) or by heat denaturation of the high-molecular-weight DNA. The position of the signal and the bandwidth of the chromatin samples did not differ significantly from that of the DNA samples of comparable molecular weight and state of nativity. The intensities of the chromatin signals, however, were all less than those of signals of DNA in companion runs conducted under comparable experimental conditions. The reduction of the intensity of the magnetic resonance signal paralleled the lowering of the intensity of the positive band above 260 nm in the circular dichroism spectrum of the given sample of chromatin relative to the spectrum of protein-free DNA. In fact, the percent reduction of the magnetic resonance signal of chromatin relative to protein-free DNA was, within experimental error, equal to the percentage of nucleotide residues in the Watson-Crick B secondary structure. Since the latter fraction of residues can be correlated with those in the interbead regions of the superstructure of chromatin, we have concluded that the signal of the nucleotide residues in the beads, or v bodies, has been broadened to the point of extinction by a packing arrangement which maximizes phosphate-protein interactions and structural rigidity.", "PMID": 986168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1823", "title": "Near-ultraviolet tyrosyl circular dichroism of pig insulin monomers, dimers, and hexamers. Dipole-dipole coupling calculations in the monopole approximation.", "content": "The tyrosyl circular dichroism (CD) has been calculated using the conformation of pig insulin observed in rhombohedral crystals containing 2 zinc atoms per hexamer. These calculations predict that the tyrosyl CD at 275 nm will be enhanced disproportionally as monomers interact to form dimers and as dimers interact to form hexamers. This enhanced tyrosyl CD (delta epsilon per 5800 molecular weight) results from new coupling interactions generated in the regions of contact between monomers and between dimers. These calculations illustrate that a large CD enhancement may accompany aggregation even in the absence of a conformation change in eith monomer. The tyrosyl CD intensities calculated for monomers, dimers, and hexamers of 2-zinc pig insulin are compatible with the experimentally observed CD spectra which are enhanced about fourfold in the hexamer compared with the monomer. Zinc ions and other metals do not contribute directly to the tyrosyl CD but only influence the optical properties by promoting the hexameric state. The relation of the integrity of the molecule to dimer formation and the biological activity of the molecules are discussed. The largest calculated contributions to tryosyl CD arise from interactions with far-ultraviolet transitions of neighboring aromatic groups. In the hexamer, about half of the tyrosyl CD intensity is calculated to arise from Tyr-A14.", "contents": "Near-ultraviolet tyrosyl circular dichroism of pig insulin monomers, dimers, and hexamers. Dipole-dipole coupling calculations in the monopole approximation. The tyrosyl circular dichroism (CD) has been calculated using the conformation of pig insulin observed in rhombohedral crystals containing 2 zinc atoms per hexamer. These calculations predict that the tyrosyl CD at 275 nm will be enhanced disproportionally as monomers interact to form dimers and as dimers interact to form hexamers. This enhanced tyrosyl CD (delta epsilon per 5800 molecular weight) results from new coupling interactions generated in the regions of contact between monomers and between dimers. These calculations illustrate that a large CD enhancement may accompany aggregation even in the absence of a conformation change in eith monomer. The tyrosyl CD intensities calculated for monomers, dimers, and hexamers of 2-zinc pig insulin are compatible with the experimentally observed CD spectra which are enhanced about fourfold in the hexamer compared with the monomer. Zinc ions and other metals do not contribute directly to the tyrosyl CD but only influence the optical properties by promoting the hexameric state. The relation of the integrity of the molecule to dimer formation and the biological activity of the molecules are discussed. The largest calculated contributions to tryosyl CD arise from interactions with far-ultraviolet transitions of neighboring aromatic groups. In the hexamer, about half of the tyrosyl CD intensity is calculated to arise from Tyr-A14.", "PMID": 986169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1824", "title": "An investigation of the electronic and steric environments of tyrosyl residues in ribonuclease A and Erwinia carotovora L-asparaginase through fluorescence quenching by caesium, iodide and phosphate ions.", "content": "The fluorescence lifetimes and relative quantum yields of several derivatives of tyrosine are reported. The quenching of the fluorescence of these compounds by phosphate, caesium and iodide ions has been investigated; the encounter rate constants, calculated from the quenching parameters and lifetimes, show a clear dependence on the charges borne by the quenchers and fluorophores. The ratio of the Stern-Volmer constants of iodide and caesium, ions of similar size, defines an electrostatic parameter sensitive to the charge of the fluorophore which can be evaluated without knowledge of the fluorescent lifetimes. The mean of the encounter rate constants for caesium and iodide ions defines a rate constant which is largely charge-independent and is used to establish a steric parameter. The two parameters are used to investigate the tyrosine environment in bovine ribonuclease A (EC 3.1.4.23) and Erwinia carotovora L-asparaginase (EC 3.5.1.1). The quantum yield of L-asparaginase (0.12) is very high for a class A protein and may be associated with the absence of disulphide bridges. There was no evidence for more than one type of tyrosine residue from the quenching experiments with either enzyme, an observation which is attributed to efficient energy transfer amongst tyrosine residues. At pH values close to the isoelectric points of the enzymes the electrostatic parameter suggests that the environment of the quenchable tyrosines in L-asparaginase is somewhat more positive than in ribonuclease. In 1% sodium dodecyl sulphate the tyrosine environment of L-asparaginase becomes markedly negative as expected. The steric parameter indicates a lower accessibility of the tyrosine residues in L-asparaginase than in ribonuclease; an illustrative calculation is provided linking the steric parameter with the number of exposed tyrosine residues by taking into account the greater collision frequency of the larger protein molecules and the encounter distance for quenching determined from charge effects on the quenching of the model compounds. The calculation suggests that three tyrosyl residues are accessible in ribonuclease, in good agreement with other studies, but in L-asparaginase the number increases from 0.4 at pH 5.73 to 0.8 at pH 9.16 suggesting a loosening of the enzyme structure at high pH.", "contents": "An investigation of the electronic and steric environments of tyrosyl residues in ribonuclease A and Erwinia carotovora L-asparaginase through fluorescence quenching by caesium, iodide and phosphate ions. The fluorescence lifetimes and relative quantum yields of several derivatives of tyrosine are reported. The quenching of the fluorescence of these compounds by phosphate, caesium and iodide ions has been investigated; the encounter rate constants, calculated from the quenching parameters and lifetimes, show a clear dependence on the charges borne by the quenchers and fluorophores. The ratio of the Stern-Volmer constants of iodide and caesium, ions of similar size, defines an electrostatic parameter sensitive to the charge of the fluorophore which can be evaluated without knowledge of the fluorescent lifetimes. The mean of the encounter rate constants for caesium and iodide ions defines a rate constant which is largely charge-independent and is used to establish a steric parameter. The two parameters are used to investigate the tyrosine environment in bovine ribonuclease A (EC 3.1.4.23) and Erwinia carotovora L-asparaginase (EC 3.5.1.1). The quantum yield of L-asparaginase (0.12) is very high for a class A protein and may be associated with the absence of disulphide bridges. There was no evidence for more than one type of tyrosine residue from the quenching experiments with either enzyme, an observation which is attributed to efficient energy transfer amongst tyrosine residues. At pH values close to the isoelectric points of the enzymes the electrostatic parameter suggests that the environment of the quenchable tyrosines in L-asparaginase is somewhat more positive than in ribonuclease. In 1% sodium dodecyl sulphate the tyrosine environment of L-asparaginase becomes markedly negative as expected. The steric parameter indicates a lower accessibility of the tyrosine residues in L-asparaginase than in ribonuclease; an illustrative calculation is provided linking the steric parameter with the number of exposed tyrosine residues by taking into account the greater collision frequency of the larger protein molecules and the encounter distance for quenching determined from charge effects on the quenching of the model compounds. The calculation suggests that three tyrosyl residues are accessible in ribonuclease, in good agreement with other studies, but in L-asparaginase the number increases from 0.4 at pH 5.73 to 0.8 at pH 9.16 suggesting a loosening of the enzyme structure at high pH.", "PMID": 986170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1825", "title": "Biosynthesis of mammalian transfer RNA. Evidence for regulation by deacylated transfer RNA.", "content": "The rate of tRNA synthesis in cultured Friend leukemia cells has been examined as a function of the variation in polyribosome structure produced by treatment with a variety of inhibitors of protein synthesis. The results indicate, in contrast to the conclusions of B\u00f6lcsf\u00f6ldi (B\u00f6lcsf\u00f6ldi, G. (1974) Exp. Cell Res., 88, 231--240), that no necessary relationship exists between the ribosome distribution and the rate of tRNA synthesis. Alternatively, it is observed that inhibitors of tRNA aminoacylation cause, in all cases, a decrease in the rate of tRNA synthesis whereas drugs which may stimulate the aminoacylation of tRNA cause, in all cases, an elevation of the rate of tRNA synthesis. It is concluded that tRNA synthesis in mammalian cells may be regulated by the relative levels of acylated and deacylated tRNA.", "contents": "Biosynthesis of mammalian transfer RNA. Evidence for regulation by deacylated transfer RNA. The rate of tRNA synthesis in cultured Friend leukemia cells has been examined as a function of the variation in polyribosome structure produced by treatment with a variety of inhibitors of protein synthesis. The results indicate, in contrast to the conclusions of B\u00f6lcsf\u00f6ldi (B\u00f6lcsf\u00f6ldi, G. (1974) Exp. Cell Res., 88, 231--240), that no necessary relationship exists between the ribosome distribution and the rate of tRNA synthesis. Alternatively, it is observed that inhibitors of tRNA aminoacylation cause, in all cases, a decrease in the rate of tRNA synthesis whereas drugs which may stimulate the aminoacylation of tRNA cause, in all cases, an elevation of the rate of tRNA synthesis. It is concluded that tRNA synthesis in mammalian cells may be regulated by the relative levels of acylated and deacylated tRNA.", "PMID": 986171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1826", "title": "The adsorption of lysine vasopressin at ionized interfaces.", "content": "It has been shown by surface potential measurements that lysine vasopressin and oxytocin may be bound by ionic surfaces to very varied extents. To dodecyl sulphate and phosphatidylserine monolayers the binding is very strong and is comparable to that for biological receptors such as those in toad bladder. For dioleyl phosphate and the carboxyl group of the polypeptide alamethicin, the binding is rather weaker while, for the zwitterionic lipids phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, and for the erythrocyte surface, which contains two varieties of carboxylic acid group, no interaction seems to take place. In no system does the lysyl amino group of the vasopressin appear necessary for adsorption and, in the dodecyl sulphate monolayers, the interaction is strong even when the ionization of the terminal alpha-amino group is suppressed.", "contents": "The adsorption of lysine vasopressin at ionized interfaces. It has been shown by surface potential measurements that lysine vasopressin and oxytocin may be bound by ionic surfaces to very varied extents. To dodecyl sulphate and phosphatidylserine monolayers the binding is very strong and is comparable to that for biological receptors such as those in toad bladder. For dioleyl phosphate and the carboxyl group of the polypeptide alamethicin, the binding is rather weaker while, for the zwitterionic lipids phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, and for the erythrocyte surface, which contains two varieties of carboxylic acid group, no interaction seems to take place. In no system does the lysyl amino group of the vasopressin appear necessary for adsorption and, in the dodecyl sulphate monolayers, the interaction is strong even when the ionization of the terminal alpha-amino group is suppressed.", "PMID": 986172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1827", "title": "Cultured cells from renal cortex of hibernators and nonhibernators. Regulation of cell K+ at low temperature.", "content": "Cells were grown as primary monolayer cultures from kidney cortex of guinea pigs (nonhibernators), hamsters and ground squirrels (both hibernating species). When plates of cells were placed at 5 degrees C, cells of guinea pigs lost 37% of their K+ in 2 h and those of the hibernator lost about 10%. Uptake of 42K into the cells exhibited a simple, single exponential time course at both temperatures. Unidirectional efflux of K+ was equal to K+ influx in all cultures at 37 degrees C and, within limits of error, in hibernator cells at 5 degrees C. Efflux was 3-to 5-fold greater than influx in guinea pig cells at 5 degrees C. After 2 h in the cold the ouabain sensitive K+ influx remaining (7-15% of that at 37 degrees C) was about the same in the cells of the 3 species. Cells from active hamsters and from hibernating ground squirrels, however, exhibited significantly greater pump activity after 45 min in the cold (19 and 14%, respectively). The stimulation of K+ influx by increasing [K+] did not show an increase in Km+ at 5 degrees C in cells of guinea pigs and ground squirrels. Lowering [K+]c and/or raising [Na+]c by treatment in low- and high-K+ media caused only slight stimulation of K+ influx, except in cells of ground squirrels at 5 degrees C in which the stimulation was at least 11-times greater than at 37 degrees C or in cells of guinea pigs at either temperature. This altered kinetic response of K+ transport to cytoplasmic ion stimulation with cooling accounted for about one-third of the improved regulation of K+ at 5 degrees C in ground squirrel cells; the other two-thirds was attributable to a greater decrease in K+ leak with cooling. The inhibition of active transport by cold in all 3 species was much less severe than that previously seen in any (Na++K+)-ATPase of mammalian cells.", "contents": "Cultured cells from renal cortex of hibernators and nonhibernators. Regulation of cell K+ at low temperature. Cells were grown as primary monolayer cultures from kidney cortex of guinea pigs (nonhibernators), hamsters and ground squirrels (both hibernating species). When plates of cells were placed at 5 degrees C, cells of guinea pigs lost 37% of their K+ in 2 h and those of the hibernator lost about 10%. Uptake of 42K into the cells exhibited a simple, single exponential time course at both temperatures. Unidirectional efflux of K+ was equal to K+ influx in all cultures at 37 degrees C and, within limits of error, in hibernator cells at 5 degrees C. Efflux was 3-to 5-fold greater than influx in guinea pig cells at 5 degrees C. After 2 h in the cold the ouabain sensitive K+ influx remaining (7-15% of that at 37 degrees C) was about the same in the cells of the 3 species. Cells from active hamsters and from hibernating ground squirrels, however, exhibited significantly greater pump activity after 45 min in the cold (19 and 14%, respectively). The stimulation of K+ influx by increasing [K+] did not show an increase in Km+ at 5 degrees C in cells of guinea pigs and ground squirrels. Lowering [K+]c and/or raising [Na+]c by treatment in low- and high-K+ media caused only slight stimulation of K+ influx, except in cells of ground squirrels at 5 degrees C in which the stimulation was at least 11-times greater than at 37 degrees C or in cells of guinea pigs at either temperature. This altered kinetic response of K+ transport to cytoplasmic ion stimulation with cooling accounted for about one-third of the improved regulation of K+ at 5 degrees C in ground squirrel cells; the other two-thirds was attributable to a greater decrease in K+ leak with cooling. The inhibition of active transport by cold in all 3 species was much less severe than that previously seen in any (Na++K+)-ATPase of mammalian cells.", "PMID": 986173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1828", "title": "Subcellular distribution of DNA-binding proteins from cultured hamster fibroblasts.", "content": "The distribution between nuclei and cytoplasm of DNA-binding proteins from growing NIL cells was studied. To obtain the subcellular fractions, cell monolayers or cells previously detached from the culture dish were treated with non-ionic detergent N onidet P-40. Proteins with affinity for DNA were isolated from nuclear or cytoplasmic fractions by chromatography on DNA-cellulose columns and were further analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The results show that P8, one of the major components in the 0.15 M NaC1-eluted proteins, is found predominantly in the cytoplasmic fractions, whereas P6, the other main protein peak in this eluate, is more prominent in the nuclear fraction. Among the other proteins eluted at 0.15 M NaC1 from the DNA-cellulose column, P5 and P5' are detected in both nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. All the other proteins in the 0.15 M NaC1 eluate are present almost exclusively in the cytoplasmic fraction. On the other hand, most of the proteins with higher affinity for DNA, eluted from the column at 2 M NaC1, are present in the nuclear fraction, although they are also detected in the cytoplasm in amounts similar to those observed in the nuclei.", "contents": "Subcellular distribution of DNA-binding proteins from cultured hamster fibroblasts. The distribution between nuclei and cytoplasm of DNA-binding proteins from growing NIL cells was studied. To obtain the subcellular fractions, cell monolayers or cells previously detached from the culture dish were treated with non-ionic detergent N onidet P-40. Proteins with affinity for DNA were isolated from nuclear or cytoplasmic fractions by chromatography on DNA-cellulose columns and were further analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The results show that P8, one of the major components in the 0.15 M NaC1-eluted proteins, is found predominantly in the cytoplasmic fractions, whereas P6, the other main protein peak in this eluate, is more prominent in the nuclear fraction. Among the other proteins eluted at 0.15 M NaC1 from the DNA-cellulose column, P5 and P5' are detected in both nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. All the other proteins in the 0.15 M NaC1 eluate are present almost exclusively in the cytoplasmic fraction. On the other hand, most of the proteins with higher affinity for DNA, eluted from the column at 2 M NaC1, are present in the nuclear fraction, although they are also detected in the cytoplasm in amounts similar to those observed in the nuclei.", "PMID": 986175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1829", "title": "Comparative studies of human and chicken retinol-binding proteins and prealbumins.", "content": "Microheterogeneity of retinol-binding proteins of human plasma and urine, and of chicken plasma was studied by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. All three protein systems were found microheterogenous. Incorporation of retinol into the protein preparations on the one hand, and depletion of these proteins from retinol on the other hand, enabled us to clarify the extent to which the presence or absence of the ligand affects the apparent heterogeneity. Upon electrophoresis, each of the native proteins displayed two pairs of protein zones. It appeared that within each pair the fast moving band corresponded to aporetinol-binding protein which upon binding of retinol was converted to a holoprotein with a slightly lower mobility. However, it did not seem that proteins of one pair were converted to proteins of the second pair upon binding of retinol, substantiating ghe microheterogenous character of this protein system. A rapid, two step procedure for isolation of prealbumins from plasma is described. The method which consists of DEAE-cellulose chromatography follwed by preparative electrophoresis was utilized to separate human and chicken prealbumins. Routine dodecyl sulphate electrophoresis resulted in partial dissociation of human prealbumin but in no dissociation of the chicken protein. More drastic treatments prior to electrophoresis were needed to effect complete disruption of both proteins into subunits.", "contents": "Comparative studies of human and chicken retinol-binding proteins and prealbumins. Microheterogeneity of retinol-binding proteins of human plasma and urine, and of chicken plasma was studied by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. All three protein systems were found microheterogenous. Incorporation of retinol into the protein preparations on the one hand, and depletion of these proteins from retinol on the other hand, enabled us to clarify the extent to which the presence or absence of the ligand affects the apparent heterogeneity. Upon electrophoresis, each of the native proteins displayed two pairs of protein zones. It appeared that within each pair the fast moving band corresponded to aporetinol-binding protein which upon binding of retinol was converted to a holoprotein with a slightly lower mobility. However, it did not seem that proteins of one pair were converted to proteins of the second pair upon binding of retinol, substantiating ghe microheterogenous character of this protein system. A rapid, two step procedure for isolation of prealbumins from plasma is described. The method which consists of DEAE-cellulose chromatography follwed by preparative electrophoresis was utilized to separate human and chicken prealbumins. Routine dodecyl sulphate electrophoresis resulted in partial dissociation of human prealbumin but in no dissociation of the chicken protein. More drastic treatments prior to electrophoresis were needed to effect complete disruption of both proteins into subunits.", "PMID": 986176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1830", "title": "The interaction between retinol-binding proteins and prealbumins studied by fluorescence polarization.", "content": "The interaction between retinol-binding proteins and prealbumins of human and chicken was studied by fluorescence polarization techniques. The binding affinity between chicken plasma retinol-binding protein and chicken prealbumin was essentially the same as between the respective human proteins. Human urine retinol-binding protein displayed a similar affinity, though possibly slightly smaller than that of the human plasma protein, toward human prealbumin. Retinol-binding proteins and prealbumins of human and chicken have been found to cross-interact displaying an affinity similar to that displayed by the proteins of the same species. Solution of a binding equation which assumes identical, independent sites, indicated that the number of binding sites on prealbumin for retinol-binding protein is somewhat less than 2 with the human system, and in the neighborhood of 4 with the chicken system. A possible interpretation suggests that prealbumin possesses four identical binding sites for retinol-binding protein, one for each subunit, but that the binding is of a negative cooperative nature. A major share of the negative cooperativity is likely to result from steric hindrance induced by already bound retinol-binding protein molecules, which have a sizable volume compared to the volume of the prealbumin molecule. The cooperativity is likely to be more pronounced with the human system. Rotational relaxation times derived from Perrin plots suggest that 1:1 molecular complexes of retinol-binding proteins with prealbumins have a compact structure.", "contents": "The interaction between retinol-binding proteins and prealbumins studied by fluorescence polarization. The interaction between retinol-binding proteins and prealbumins of human and chicken was studied by fluorescence polarization techniques. The binding affinity between chicken plasma retinol-binding protein and chicken prealbumin was essentially the same as between the respective human proteins. Human urine retinol-binding protein displayed a similar affinity, though possibly slightly smaller than that of the human plasma protein, toward human prealbumin. Retinol-binding proteins and prealbumins of human and chicken have been found to cross-interact displaying an affinity similar to that displayed by the proteins of the same species. Solution of a binding equation which assumes identical, independent sites, indicated that the number of binding sites on prealbumin for retinol-binding protein is somewhat less than 2 with the human system, and in the neighborhood of 4 with the chicken system. A possible interpretation suggests that prealbumin possesses four identical binding sites for retinol-binding protein, one for each subunit, but that the binding is of a negative cooperative nature. A major share of the negative cooperativity is likely to result from steric hindrance induced by already bound retinol-binding protein molecules, which have a sizable volume compared to the volume of the prealbumin molecule. The cooperativity is likely to be more pronounced with the human system. Rotational relaxation times derived from Perrin plots suggest that 1:1 molecular complexes of retinol-binding proteins with prealbumins have a compact structure.", "PMID": 986177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1831", "title": "Fluorescence and the structure of proteins. XXII. Fluorescence of aminotyrosyl residues formed in ribonuclease A.", "content": "1. Tyrosyl residues on ribonuclease A were nitrated with tetranitromethane and then reduced to aminotyrosyl residues. By variation of reaction conditions and degree of exposure of tyrosyl residues it was possible to convert from 1 to all 6 tyrosyl to aminotyrosyl residues. 2. At the lower levels of 1-3 aminated tyrosyl residues/molecule the change in conformation seemed minor and 70% of the enzymatic activity was retained. When the three buried tyrosyl residues or all six residues were aminated only 5% of the enzymatic activity was retained. 3. Titration data, susceptibility to urea denaturation, and fluorescence characteristics indicated that some of the aminotyrosyl residues were buried in the interior and others were exposed on the surface of the protein. On the basis of the activation/emission wavelengths it was possible to distinguish buried (288/320 nm) and exposed (288/365-395 nm) aminotyrosyl residues as well as exposed tyrosyl residues (275-305 nm). 4. The modification of specific tyrosyl residues on a protein to aminotyrosyl residues appears to have some promise for observation of changes in environment of the residues that accompany various conformation changes by monitoring the fluorescence.", "contents": "Fluorescence and the structure of proteins. XXII. Fluorescence of aminotyrosyl residues formed in ribonuclease A. 1. Tyrosyl residues on ribonuclease A were nitrated with tetranitromethane and then reduced to aminotyrosyl residues. By variation of reaction conditions and degree of exposure of tyrosyl residues it was possible to convert from 1 to all 6 tyrosyl to aminotyrosyl residues. 2. At the lower levels of 1-3 aminated tyrosyl residues/molecule the change in conformation seemed minor and 70% of the enzymatic activity was retained. When the three buried tyrosyl residues or all six residues were aminated only 5% of the enzymatic activity was retained. 3. Titration data, susceptibility to urea denaturation, and fluorescence characteristics indicated that some of the aminotyrosyl residues were buried in the interior and others were exposed on the surface of the protein. On the basis of the activation/emission wavelengths it was possible to distinguish buried (288/320 nm) and exposed (288/365-395 nm) aminotyrosyl residues as well as exposed tyrosyl residues (275-305 nm). 4. The modification of specific tyrosyl residues on a protein to aminotyrosyl residues appears to have some promise for observation of changes in environment of the residues that accompany various conformation changes by monitoring the fluorescence.", "PMID": 986178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1832", "title": "Acyl-CoA synthetases in guinea-pig liver mitochondria. Purification and characterization of a distinct propionyl-CoA synthetase.", "content": "Guinea-pig liver mitochondria contain three soluble ATP-dependent acyl-CoA synthetases: (a) a medium-chain acyl-CoA synthetase, (b) a salicylate activating enzyme, and (c) a propionyl-CoA synthetase. A complete separation of these enzymes has been accomplished and the resulting preparation of propionyl-CoA synthetase (Spec. act. 4 units/mg protein) accepts acetate, propionate and butyrate as substrates with a high preference for propionate.", "contents": "Acyl-CoA synthetases in guinea-pig liver mitochondria. Purification and characterization of a distinct propionyl-CoA synthetase. Guinea-pig liver mitochondria contain three soluble ATP-dependent acyl-CoA synthetases: (a) a medium-chain acyl-CoA synthetase, (b) a salicylate activating enzyme, and (c) a propionyl-CoA synthetase. A complete separation of these enzymes has been accomplished and the resulting preparation of propionyl-CoA synthetase (Spec. act. 4 units/mg protein) accepts acetate, propionate and butyrate as substrates with a high preference for propionate.", "PMID": 986180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1833", "title": "Anti-L serum. Two populations of antibodies affecting cation transport in LK erythrocytes of sheep and goats.", "content": "Isoimmune sheep anti-L serum was fractionated, yielding two antibodies with different specificities of action on potassium transport in LK red cells of sheep and goats: anti-Lp, which stimulates active transport, and anti-L1, which inhibits passive transport.", "contents": "Anti-L serum. Two populations of antibodies affecting cation transport in LK erythrocytes of sheep and goats. Isoimmune sheep anti-L serum was fractionated, yielding two antibodies with different specificities of action on potassium transport in LK red cells of sheep and goats: anti-Lp, which stimulates active transport, and anti-L1, which inhibits passive transport.", "PMID": 986181} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1834", "title": "1-O-acyl derivatives of glucose as non-penetrating inhibitors of glucose transport by hamster small intestine in vitro.", "content": "1-O-acyl derivatives of glucose are not transported by the hamster small intestine in vitro. These derivatives, however, are potent inhibitors of the glucose transport system. 1-O-Decanoyl glucose is a competitive inhibitor of beta-methyl glucoside transport.", "contents": "1-O-acyl derivatives of glucose as non-penetrating inhibitors of glucose transport by hamster small intestine in vitro. 1-O-acyl derivatives of glucose are not transported by the hamster small intestine in vitro. These derivatives, however, are potent inhibitors of the glucose transport system. 1-O-Decanoyl glucose is a competitive inhibitor of beta-methyl glucoside transport.", "PMID": 986182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1835", "title": "Interaction of short chain and long chain fatty acid phosphoglycerides and bile salts with prothrombin.", "content": "An equimolar mixture of phosphatidylserine and (dioleoyl) phosphatidyl-ethanolamine could substitute for brain cephalin preparations in the single stage prothrombin assay. However, no clot promoting activity was observed on the addition of any of the individual long chain fatty acid-containing phospholipids. Short chain fatty acid-containing phospholipids, such as diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine, diheptanoylphosphatidylethanolamine, diheptanoylphosphatidic acid, and dihexanoylphosphatidylcholine, or dihexanoylphosphatidylethanolamine were inhibitory under all conditions studied. Similar effects of these two general classes of phospholipids were observed in a two-stage thrombin generation system, in which a mixture of bovine Factor Xa, Factor Va, and Ca2+ were interacted with prothrombin. In the presence of 25 mM Ca2+, dioleoylphosphatidic acid or brain phosphatidylserine alone, and with other long chain phospholipids, formed complexes with bovine plasma prothrombin. On the other hand, dioleoyl-, diheptanoyl- or dihexanoylphosphatidylcholine under comparable conditions showed no binding to prothrombin. There appeared to be a small degree of binding of diheptanoylphosphatidic acid to prothrombin, but it was insufficient to cause any significant change in apparent molecular weight of prothrombin. A mixture of prothrombin, Factor V, diheptanoylphosphatidic acid/diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine and Ca2+ eluted in the void volume of Sephadex G-200, but showed a much reduced coagulant activity. Though a net negative charge on the phospholipid surface is required for phospholipid-protein interactions, this does not necessarily promote coagulant activity. Bile acids and bile salts, such as cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, glycocholic acid, lithocholic acid and dehydrocholic acid, exerted varying levels of stimulation on the prothrombin assay and thrombin generation system, but were not as effective as the phospholipids. Interestingly, no interaction of these bile acids or salts with prothrombin was noted in the presence of Ca2+. The results of these experiments suggest that negatively charged micelles per se are not sufficient for binding alone and that other chemical and physical characteristics of phospholipids are of prime importance.", "contents": "Interaction of short chain and long chain fatty acid phosphoglycerides and bile salts with prothrombin. An equimolar mixture of phosphatidylserine and (dioleoyl) phosphatidyl-ethanolamine could substitute for brain cephalin preparations in the single stage prothrombin assay. However, no clot promoting activity was observed on the addition of any of the individual long chain fatty acid-containing phospholipids. Short chain fatty acid-containing phospholipids, such as diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine, diheptanoylphosphatidylethanolamine, diheptanoylphosphatidic acid, and dihexanoylphosphatidylcholine, or dihexanoylphosphatidylethanolamine were inhibitory under all conditions studied. Similar effects of these two general classes of phospholipids were observed in a two-stage thrombin generation system, in which a mixture of bovine Factor Xa, Factor Va, and Ca2+ were interacted with prothrombin. In the presence of 25 mM Ca2+, dioleoylphosphatidic acid or brain phosphatidylserine alone, and with other long chain phospholipids, formed complexes with bovine plasma prothrombin. On the other hand, dioleoyl-, diheptanoyl- or dihexanoylphosphatidylcholine under comparable conditions showed no binding to prothrombin. There appeared to be a small degree of binding of diheptanoylphosphatidic acid to prothrombin, but it was insufficient to cause any significant change in apparent molecular weight of prothrombin. A mixture of prothrombin, Factor V, diheptanoylphosphatidic acid/diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine and Ca2+ eluted in the void volume of Sephadex G-200, but showed a much reduced coagulant activity. Though a net negative charge on the phospholipid surface is required for phospholipid-protein interactions, this does not necessarily promote coagulant activity. Bile acids and bile salts, such as cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, glycocholic acid, lithocholic acid and dehydrocholic acid, exerted varying levels of stimulation on the prothrombin assay and thrombin generation system, but were not as effective as the phospholipids. Interestingly, no interaction of these bile acids or salts with prothrombin was noted in the presence of Ca2+. The results of these experiments suggest that negatively charged micelles per se are not sufficient for binding alone and that other chemical and physical characteristics of phospholipids are of prime importance.", "PMID": 986183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1836", "title": "Interactions of the components of the prothrombinase complex.", "content": "The interaction of components of the prothrombinase complex, i.e. bovine Factor X or Factor Xa, bovine Factor V or Factor Va, phospholipid, and Ca2+, in various combinations was studied primarily by a gel filtration technique. In experiments, in which phospholipids ranging from those isolated from naturally occurring sources to those long chain (18 : 1) as well as short chain 6 : 0 and 7 : 0 fatty acids prepared by chemical and enzymatic synthesis were used, it was evident that a net negative surface charge on the lipid dispersions was one of the important requirements for interaction. Though the short chain fatty acid phospholipids interacted with the proteins of the prothrombinase complex, there was invariably a diminution in the activity of the enzyme complex. It was established that Factor V or Va did not bind Ca2+ and that the binding of either of these factors with phospholipids (with a net negative charge) was not dependent on Ca2+. However, the interaction of Factor X or Factor Xa with phospholipids with a negative charge required Ca2+. It was shown that Factor X could bind to the same type of lipid of lipid surface as that noted for Factor Xa. Of interest was the apparent difference in the phospholipid binding characteristics of the two variant forms of bovine plasma Factor X, i.e. X1 and X2, which might in part explain the differences in their specific activities. Of importance was the lack of demonstrable complex formation between Factors II, X and V in the absence of phospholipids and/or in the presence or absence of Ca2+. The significance of these results as they might apply to the configuration of the prothrombinase complex and its interaction with prothrombin plus the usefulness of the short chain fatty acid phospholipid in exploring these lipid-protein interactions are discussed.", "contents": "Interactions of the components of the prothrombinase complex. The interaction of components of the prothrombinase complex, i.e. bovine Factor X or Factor Xa, bovine Factor V or Factor Va, phospholipid, and Ca2+, in various combinations was studied primarily by a gel filtration technique. In experiments, in which phospholipids ranging from those isolated from naturally occurring sources to those long chain (18 : 1) as well as short chain 6 : 0 and 7 : 0 fatty acids prepared by chemical and enzymatic synthesis were used, it was evident that a net negative surface charge on the lipid dispersions was one of the important requirements for interaction. Though the short chain fatty acid phospholipids interacted with the proteins of the prothrombinase complex, there was invariably a diminution in the activity of the enzyme complex. It was established that Factor V or Va did not bind Ca2+ and that the binding of either of these factors with phospholipids (with a net negative charge) was not dependent on Ca2+. However, the interaction of Factor X or Factor Xa with phospholipids with a negative charge required Ca2+. It was shown that Factor X could bind to the same type of lipid of lipid surface as that noted for Factor Xa. Of interest was the apparent difference in the phospholipid binding characteristics of the two variant forms of bovine plasma Factor X, i.e. X1 and X2, which might in part explain the differences in their specific activities. Of importance was the lack of demonstrable complex formation between Factors II, X and V in the absence of phospholipids and/or in the presence or absence of Ca2+. The significance of these results as they might apply to the configuration of the prothrombinase complex and its interaction with prothrombin plus the usefulness of the short chain fatty acid phospholipid in exploring these lipid-protein interactions are discussed.", "PMID": 986184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1837", "title": "Galactosyltransferase activities during embryonic development of chick neural tissue.", "content": "Galactosyltransferase specific activities in embryonic chick retina, optic tectum, and telencephalon were found to decline during embryonic development. Incorporation of galactose from nucleotide sugar into exogenously added glycoprotein acceptor was measured in the presence of excess of glycoprotein acceptor. This ensured that the specific activity measurements were reflections of tru enzyme specific activity rather than availability of acceptor. Moreover, we have shown that the decline in specific activity is not due to degradation of the nucleotide sugar, UDP-galactose, under our in vitro assay conditions. Enzymatic specific activity declined sharply with embryonic age for all tissues tested. This decline was not affected by the presence of 5-bromodeoxyuridine during in vitro culture of embryonic chick neural retina above that caused by the culturing alone. Galactosyltransferase activity was not found to be associated with the plasma membrane fraction from homogenized tissue but rather with the microsomal fraction. Thus, the changes in galactosyltransferase specific activity detected here do not reflect changes at the cell surface.", "contents": "Galactosyltransferase activities during embryonic development of chick neural tissue. Galactosyltransferase specific activities in embryonic chick retina, optic tectum, and telencephalon were found to decline during embryonic development. Incorporation of galactose from nucleotide sugar into exogenously added glycoprotein acceptor was measured in the presence of excess of glycoprotein acceptor. This ensured that the specific activity measurements were reflections of tru enzyme specific activity rather than availability of acceptor. Moreover, we have shown that the decline in specific activity is not due to degradation of the nucleotide sugar, UDP-galactose, under our in vitro assay conditions. Enzymatic specific activity declined sharply with embryonic age for all tissues tested. This decline was not affected by the presence of 5-bromodeoxyuridine during in vitro culture of embryonic chick neural retina above that caused by the culturing alone. Galactosyltransferase activity was not found to be associated with the plasma membrane fraction from homogenized tissue but rather with the microsomal fraction. Thus, the changes in galactosyltransferase specific activity detected here do not reflect changes at the cell surface.", "PMID": 986185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1838", "title": "Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed lipid peroxidation of microsomal and artificial membranes.", "content": "Lactoperoxidase, in the presence of H2O2, I-, and rat liver microsomes, will peroxidize membrane lipids, as evidenced by malondialdehyde formation. Fe3+ assists in the formation of malondialdehyde. Fe3+ can be added at the end of the reaction period as well as at the beginning with equal effectiveness, suggesting that it only acts to assist in the conversion of lipid peroxides, previously formed by lactoperoxidase, to malondialdehyde. The addition of EDTA to the microsomal reaction mixture results in a 40% decrease in malondialdehyde formation. The antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene will completely block the formation of malondialdehyde. Malondialdehyde formation is not dependent upon the production of superoxide, singlet oxygen, or hydroxyl radicals. Peroxidation of membrane lipids by this system is equally effective in both intact microsomes and in liposomes, indicating that iodination of microsomal protein is not required for lipid peroxidation to occur.", "contents": "Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed lipid peroxidation of microsomal and artificial membranes. Lactoperoxidase, in the presence of H2O2, I-, and rat liver microsomes, will peroxidize membrane lipids, as evidenced by malondialdehyde formation. Fe3+ assists in the formation of malondialdehyde. Fe3+ can be added at the end of the reaction period as well as at the beginning with equal effectiveness, suggesting that it only acts to assist in the conversion of lipid peroxides, previously formed by lactoperoxidase, to malondialdehyde. The addition of EDTA to the microsomal reaction mixture results in a 40% decrease in malondialdehyde formation. The antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene will completely block the formation of malondialdehyde. Malondialdehyde formation is not dependent upon the production of superoxide, singlet oxygen, or hydroxyl radicals. Peroxidation of membrane lipids by this system is equally effective in both intact microsomes and in liposomes, indicating that iodination of microsomal protein is not required for lipid peroxidation to occur.", "PMID": 986186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1839", "title": "Approximately 70% of fucose-labeled glycopeptides from the cell surface and cellular material of rat.", "content": "Approximately 70% of fucose-labeled glycopeptides from the cell surface and cellular material of rat fibroblasts (3Y1B cells) were hydrolyzed by endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase D in the presence of neuraminidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase. Structure of the susceptible glycopeptides were found to be very similar to non-membrane glycopeptides of the complex heteropolysaccharide unit, such as the sialylated glycopeptides of thyroglobulin. On the other hand, the resistant glycopeptides were also refractory toward endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H and alpha-mannosidase, and appeared to be a mixture of glycopeptides with unique structures.", "contents": "Approximately 70% of fucose-labeled glycopeptides from the cell surface and cellular material of rat. Approximately 70% of fucose-labeled glycopeptides from the cell surface and cellular material of rat fibroblasts (3Y1B cells) were hydrolyzed by endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase D in the presence of neuraminidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase. Structure of the susceptible glycopeptides were found to be very similar to non-membrane glycopeptides of the complex heteropolysaccharide unit, such as the sialylated glycopeptides of thyroglobulin. On the other hand, the resistant glycopeptides were also refractory toward endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H and alpha-mannosidase, and appeared to be a mixture of glycopeptides with unique structures.", "PMID": 986187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1840", "title": "Reaction of rhodanese with dithiothreitol.", "content": "The reaction between bovine rhodanese (thiosulfate:cyanide sulfurtransferase, EC 2.8.1.1) and reduced dithiothreitol has been studied. This reagent, in the absence of thiosulfate, reduces the amount of sulfur carried by rhodanese with formation of sulfide and oxidized dithiothreitol: E-S-SH + reduced dithiothreitol replaced by E-SH + HS- + oxidized dithiothreitol, (E = enzyme). An inactivation was observed at high dithiothreitol/enzyme ratios or at very low enzyme concentrations. The inactivation was not observed in the presence of thiosulfate and can be reversed by cyanide or thiosulfate. A thiosulfate reduction activity of rhodanese was also found using dithiothreitol as reductant.", "contents": "Reaction of rhodanese with dithiothreitol. The reaction between bovine rhodanese (thiosulfate:cyanide sulfurtransferase, EC 2.8.1.1) and reduced dithiothreitol has been studied. This reagent, in the absence of thiosulfate, reduces the amount of sulfur carried by rhodanese with formation of sulfide and oxidized dithiothreitol: E-S-SH + reduced dithiothreitol replaced by E-SH + HS- + oxidized dithiothreitol, (E = enzyme). An inactivation was observed at high dithiothreitol/enzyme ratios or at very low enzyme concentrations. The inactivation was not observed in the presence of thiosulfate and can be reversed by cyanide or thiosulfate. A thiosulfate reduction activity of rhodanese was also found using dithiothreitol as reductant.", "PMID": 986188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1841", "title": "Chemotactic activity from rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. Lack of identity with N-acetyl-DL-phenylalanine beta-napthyl esterase.", "content": "The chemotactic and N-acetyl-DL-phenylalanine beta-naphthyl esterase activities of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils are separable from each other by both DEAE cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. Partially purified esterase obtained from DEAE-cellulose chromatography had molecular weight of 70 000. However, the partially purified fraction contained chemotactic activities with major activity in molecular weight of 28000 and minor activities in the molecular weights of 45000, 21900, 14500 and 10500. Esterase activity is inhibited by 10(-7) M p-nitrophenylethyl-5-chloropentylphosphonate but chemotactic activity is not.", "contents": "Chemotactic activity from rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. Lack of identity with N-acetyl-DL-phenylalanine beta-napthyl esterase. The chemotactic and N-acetyl-DL-phenylalanine beta-naphthyl esterase activities of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils are separable from each other by both DEAE cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. Partially purified esterase obtained from DEAE-cellulose chromatography had molecular weight of 70 000. However, the partially purified fraction contained chemotactic activities with major activity in molecular weight of 28000 and minor activities in the molecular weights of 45000, 21900, 14500 and 10500. Esterase activity is inhibited by 10(-7) M p-nitrophenylethyl-5-chloropentylphosphonate but chemotactic activity is not.", "PMID": 986189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1842", "title": "Postnatal effects of chemically induced intrauterine growth retardation on some hematological values in the rat.", "content": "The effects of artificially induced intrauterine growth retardation on hematological values of the rat are manifest only temporarily in the red blood cell number, the amount of hemoglobin, and the 2,3-DPG. These three elements reached normal levels after the fifth day of postnatal life. We believe that this temporary effect may be the consequence of the short-term effect of hydroxyurea (the drug used to produce intrauterine growth retardation) upon DNA synthesis in the hematopoietic system. The animals compensate for the low red cell number and low hemoglobin by raising the levels of 2,3-DPG brought about by the temporary anoxia.", "contents": "Postnatal effects of chemically induced intrauterine growth retardation on some hematological values in the rat. The effects of artificially induced intrauterine growth retardation on hematological values of the rat are manifest only temporarily in the red blood cell number, the amount of hemoglobin, and the 2,3-DPG. These three elements reached normal levels after the fifth day of postnatal life. We believe that this temporary effect may be the consequence of the short-term effect of hydroxyurea (the drug used to produce intrauterine growth retardation) upon DNA synthesis in the hematopoietic system. The animals compensate for the low red cell number and low hemoglobin by raising the levels of 2,3-DPG brought about by the temporary anoxia.", "PMID": 986191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1843", "title": "Postnatal decline of maternally acquired antibodies in the rat.", "content": "The decline (half-life) of maternally acquired antibodies of two different specificities (diphtheria and tetanus) was studied in rats. Essentially similar half-lives for antibody of each specificity were found in young rats from the same litter. In contrast, half-lives varied from 2 to 10 days in individuals of different litters. Significant differences in half-lives were demonstrated in young rats possessing markedly different initial titres of antibodies of the two specificities. It was established that there was a relationship between the half-life and the initial titre of antibody of each specificity which could be described by a rectangular hyperbola. These findings are in close aggreement with previous studies in human infants.", "contents": "Postnatal decline of maternally acquired antibodies in the rat. The decline (half-life) of maternally acquired antibodies of two different specificities (diphtheria and tetanus) was studied in rats. Essentially similar half-lives for antibody of each specificity were found in young rats from the same litter. In contrast, half-lives varied from 2 to 10 days in individuals of different litters. Significant differences in half-lives were demonstrated in young rats possessing markedly different initial titres of antibodies of the two specificities. It was established that there was a relationship between the half-life and the initial titre of antibody of each specificity which could be described by a rectangular hyperbola. These findings are in close aggreement with previous studies in human infants.", "PMID": 986192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1844", "title": "An application of the clumped binomial model to the analysis of clustered attribute data.", "content": "This paper is concerned with the statistical analysis of situations where the experimental units are clusters of subjects, each of whom is classified with respect to the presence of a particular (binary response) attribute. For this purpose, the clumped binomial probability model is used to define an underlying mean rate parameter in terms of which the effects of certain treatments as well as cluster size itself can be investigated. The resulting methodology involves a synthesis of certain maximum likelihood and weighted least squares procedures; it is illustrated for a three-dimensional contingency table pertaining to numbers of deaths in litters of baby mice.", "contents": "An application of the clumped binomial model to the analysis of clustered attribute data. This paper is concerned with the statistical analysis of situations where the experimental units are clusters of subjects, each of whom is classified with respect to the presence of a particular (binary response) attribute. For this purpose, the clumped binomial probability model is used to define an underlying mean rate parameter in terms of which the effects of certain treatments as well as cluster size itself can be investigated. The resulting methodology involves a synthesis of certain maximum likelihood and weighted least squares procedures; it is illustrated for a three-dimensional contingency table pertaining to numbers of deaths in litters of baby mice.", "PMID": 986196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1845", "title": "Lymphocytopoiesis in vitro. Production of small lymphocytes and plasma cells in the isolated perfused spleen.", "content": "The production of small lymphocytes and mature plasma cells could be shown in the isolated perfused pig spleen using labelling with 3H-TdR. Within the first day the labelling index for lymphocytes increased to up to 10% and the labelling index for mature plasma cells to up to 60%.", "contents": "Lymphocytopoiesis in vitro. Production of small lymphocytes and plasma cells in the isolated perfused spleen. The production of small lymphocytes and mature plasma cells could be shown in the isolated perfused pig spleen using labelling with 3H-TdR. Within the first day the labelling index for lymphocytes increased to up to 10% and the labelling index for mature plasma cells to up to 60%.", "PMID": 986197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1846", "title": "Anti-M\u00fcllerian hormone: estimation of molecular weight by gel filtration.", "content": "Incubation medium of calf fetal testes was submitted to gel filtration on Sephades G 200 and Bio-Gel A-5 M, IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF THE ANTIMULLERIAN HORmone (A.M.H.) RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REGRESSION OF MULLERIAN DUCTS IN MALE FETUSES. Results from both series of experiments indicate a molecular weight in the range between 200,000 and 295,000 daltons, even in the presence of high concentration of a reducing agent.", "contents": "Anti-M\u00fcllerian hormone: estimation of molecular weight by gel filtration. Incubation medium of calf fetal testes was submitted to gel filtration on Sephades G 200 and Bio-Gel A-5 M, IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF THE ANTIMULLERIAN HORmone (A.M.H.) RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REGRESSION OF MULLERIAN DUCTS IN MALE FETUSES. Results from both series of experiments indicate a molecular weight in the range between 200,000 and 295,000 daltons, even in the presence of high concentration of a reducing agent.", "PMID": 986198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1847", "title": "The propulsive mechanism of the dinoflagellate transverse flagellum reconsidered.", "content": "As a result of the recent discovery that the transverse flagellum of dinoflagellates does not beat helically within the cingulum it has been necessary to formulate a new model for the manner in which this flagellum can impart a forward motion to the cell. It is theorised that the contribution to forward propulsion by the transverse flagellum can only arise directly from an asymmetry of the flagellar wave. In addition we have drawn attention to topographic features of the cell, and particularly of the left sulcal list, which may augment this thrust by redirecting cingular flow down the sulcus.", "contents": "The propulsive mechanism of the dinoflagellate transverse flagellum reconsidered. As a result of the recent discovery that the transverse flagellum of dinoflagellates does not beat helically within the cingulum it has been necessary to formulate a new model for the manner in which this flagellum can impart a forward motion to the cell. It is theorised that the contribution to forward propulsion by the transverse flagellum can only arise directly from an asymmetry of the flagellar wave. In addition we have drawn attention to topographic features of the cell, and particularly of the left sulcal list, which may augment this thrust by redirecting cingular flow down the sulcus.", "PMID": 986199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1848", "title": "[Role of interoceptive signalization in modulating emotional-behavioral responses].", "content": "Chronic experiments were conducted on rabbits; electrodes were implanted into the deep structures of the brain. Stimulation of gastric receptors led to modulation of the emotional-behavioristic reactions induced by electric stimulation of the hypothalamus, the amygdala and the hypocampus. The effect depended on the intensity of interoceptive stimulation and peculiarities of the emotional reaction with own cerebral control systems.", "contents": "[Role of interoceptive signalization in modulating emotional-behavioral responses]. Chronic experiments were conducted on rabbits; electrodes were implanted into the deep structures of the brain. Stimulation of gastric receptors led to modulation of the emotional-behavioristic reactions induced by electric stimulation of the hypothalamus, the amygdala and the hypocampus. The effect depended on the intensity of interoceptive stimulation and peculiarities of the emotional reaction with own cerebral control systems.", "PMID": 986202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1849", "title": "[Facilitation of the effects of L-DOPA by alpha-methyldopa].", "content": "Alpha-methyl-DOPA increased the duration of excitation induced by L-DOPA in mice, alpha-methyl-DOPA potentiated the anticataleptogenic activity of L-DOPA in mice pretreated with reserpine or haloperidol. Alpha-methyl-DOPA given to cats 30 min prior to L-DOPA diminished the influence of L-DOPA on the blood pressure and the contraction of the nictitating membrane. When given 4 to 6 hours prior to L-DOPA alpha-methyl DOPA enhanced the reaction of the blood pressure and contraction of the nictitating membrane induced by L-DOPA or dopamine.", "contents": "[Facilitation of the effects of L-DOPA by alpha-methyldopa]. Alpha-methyl-DOPA increased the duration of excitation induced by L-DOPA in mice, alpha-methyl-DOPA potentiated the anticataleptogenic activity of L-DOPA in mice pretreated with reserpine or haloperidol. Alpha-methyl-DOPA given to cats 30 min prior to L-DOPA diminished the influence of L-DOPA on the blood pressure and the contraction of the nictitating membrane. When given 4 to 6 hours prior to L-DOPA alpha-methyl DOPA enhanced the reaction of the blood pressure and contraction of the nictitating membrane induced by L-DOPA or dopamine.", "PMID": 986203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1850", "title": "[Mechanism of antibody formation suppression in high density suspension cultures].", "content": "There was a sharp decrease in the number of antibody producing cells formed in induction of primary immune reaction in vitro with increase of surface density (number of cells per 1 cm2 of the bottom of the incubation vessel); the cause of this phenomenon was studied. It was shown that depression of antibody formation in dense cultures was associated not with disturbance of the induction of the clone of antibody-forming cells, but with the inhibition of the subsequent proliferation of the cells of this clone. Disturbance of proliferation was reversible: a reduction of the density of the cultures 1 or 3 days after the beginning of the incubation led to the restoration of the growth of the number of antibody-producing cells. The depressive effect could not be transferred by humoral way from the cultures with a high density to the cultures with a low density; it could not be eliminated by daily replacement of the incubation medium in dense cultures for a fresh nutrient medium.", "contents": "[Mechanism of antibody formation suppression in high density suspension cultures]. There was a sharp decrease in the number of antibody producing cells formed in induction of primary immune reaction in vitro with increase of surface density (number of cells per 1 cm2 of the bottom of the incubation vessel); the cause of this phenomenon was studied. It was shown that depression of antibody formation in dense cultures was associated not with disturbance of the induction of the clone of antibody-forming cells, but with the inhibition of the subsequent proliferation of the cells of this clone. Disturbance of proliferation was reversible: a reduction of the density of the cultures 1 or 3 days after the beginning of the incubation led to the restoration of the growth of the number of antibody-producing cells. The depressive effect could not be transferred by humoral way from the cultures with a high density to the cultures with a low density; it could not be eliminated by daily replacement of the incubation medium in dense cultures for a fresh nutrient medium.", "PMID": 986204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1851", "title": "[Metastasis of sarcoma 45 and 536 following different methods of inoculation].", "content": "Intertesticular inoculation to rats of 1 ml of sarcoma suspension was accompanied by a rapid growth of the tumour at the site of inoculation and the spread of the tumour nodes to the omentum majus, porta hepatis, mesentery and the abdominal walls. After intraperitoneal inoculation the spread of the tumour nodes was similar. In these experiments animals died in 13-15 days. One month after the intratesticular inoculation of 0.2 ml of the tumour suspension-lung metastases were revealed in 74% of the animals with sarcoma-45 and in 90% of those with sarcoma-536. It was shown that tumour cells appeared in the blood stream already during the inoculation. However, laying of lung metastases occurred only after the formation of a primary tumour node at the site of transplantation. A conclusion was drawn that this system was a suitable experimental model for the study of the lung metastases development in rats.", "contents": "[Metastasis of sarcoma 45 and 536 following different methods of inoculation]. Intertesticular inoculation to rats of 1 ml of sarcoma suspension was accompanied by a rapid growth of the tumour at the site of inoculation and the spread of the tumour nodes to the omentum majus, porta hepatis, mesentery and the abdominal walls. After intraperitoneal inoculation the spread of the tumour nodes was similar. In these experiments animals died in 13-15 days. One month after the intratesticular inoculation of 0.2 ml of the tumour suspension-lung metastases were revealed in 74% of the animals with sarcoma-45 and in 90% of those with sarcoma-536. It was shown that tumour cells appeared in the blood stream already during the inoculation. However, laying of lung metastases occurred only after the formation of a primary tumour node at the site of transplantation. A conclusion was drawn that this system was a suitable experimental model for the study of the lung metastases development in rats.", "PMID": 986205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1852", "title": "[Quantitative immunochemical differentiation of creatine kinase isoenzymes. Use of antiserum to isoenzyme MM].", "content": "A possibility of quantitative differentiation of human isoenzymes of creatine kinase by using the antiserum to isoenzyme MM was studied. Rabbit antiserum to human isoenzyme MM proved to specifically inhibit its activity, without altering the isoenzyme BB activity. The use of antiserum to isoenzyme MM as a specific inhibitor makes possible differential determination of the isoenzymes of creatine-kinase or their subunits in the artificial isoenzyme mixtures, and also in the human blood serum and human tissue homogenates.", "contents": "[Quantitative immunochemical differentiation of creatine kinase isoenzymes. Use of antiserum to isoenzyme MM]. A possibility of quantitative differentiation of human isoenzymes of creatine kinase by using the antiserum to isoenzyme MM was studied. Rabbit antiserum to human isoenzyme MM proved to specifically inhibit its activity, without altering the isoenzyme BB activity. The use of antiserum to isoenzyme MM as a specific inhibitor makes possible differential determination of the isoenzymes of creatine-kinase or their subunits in the artificial isoenzyme mixtures, and also in the human blood serum and human tissue homogenates.", "PMID": 986206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1853", "title": "[Interaction of 17beta-estradiol with histones. Effect of the hormone on partially reconstructed mucleohistones].", "content": "Binding of 17beta-estradiol with histones of calf thymus and the influence of the hormone on heart denaturing of partially reconstructed nucleohistones were investigated. By the degree of the hormone binding histone fractions could be arranged in the following order: F2a greater than F3 greater than F1 greater than or equal F2b. Addition of 17beta-estradiol gave rise to increase of the first and a corresponding decrease of the second melting phase of partially reconstructed nucleohistones F2a, F3 and F2b. Addition of the hormone to the partially reconstructed nucleohistone F1 gave rise to the opposite changes in the heat denaturing profile.", "contents": "[Interaction of 17beta-estradiol with histones. Effect of the hormone on partially reconstructed mucleohistones]. Binding of 17beta-estradiol with histones of calf thymus and the influence of the hormone on heart denaturing of partially reconstructed nucleohistones were investigated. By the degree of the hormone binding histone fractions could be arranged in the following order: F2a greater than F3 greater than F1 greater than or equal F2b. Addition of 17beta-estradiol gave rise to increase of the first and a corresponding decrease of the second melting phase of partially reconstructed nucleohistones F2a, F3 and F2b. Addition of the hormone to the partially reconstructed nucleohistone F1 gave rise to the opposite changes in the heat denaturing profile.", "PMID": 986207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1854", "title": "[Role of different types of cells in the effect of immunoglobulin synthesis stimulation in mixed cultures].", "content": "The radioisotopic method with the use of immunosorbents was applied to the study of the synthesis of antibodies and nonspecific immunoglobulins in the mono- and mixed cultures of cells of the immune lymph nodes and intact bone marrow in removal of the adherent or T-cells. Treatment of the lymph node cell population with anti-O-serum decreased the antibody synthesis to 30%, whereas removal of the adherent cells - to 70%. In combined cultivation of the cells of immune lymph nodes, devoid of adherent cells, with the intact bone marrow cells the effect of stimulation of immunoglobulin synthesis was not eliminated, whereas treatment of cells of the immune lymph nodes with anti-O-serum doubled this effect. Possible mechanisms of the effect of stimulation of the immunoglobulin synthesis in mixed culture is discussed, and a conclusion was drawn on the necessity of cooperation between the individual types of cells during the productive phase of the immune response.", "contents": "[Role of different types of cells in the effect of immunoglobulin synthesis stimulation in mixed cultures]. The radioisotopic method with the use of immunosorbents was applied to the study of the synthesis of antibodies and nonspecific immunoglobulins in the mono- and mixed cultures of cells of the immune lymph nodes and intact bone marrow in removal of the adherent or T-cells. Treatment of the lymph node cell population with anti-O-serum decreased the antibody synthesis to 30%, whereas removal of the adherent cells - to 70%. In combined cultivation of the cells of immune lymph nodes, devoid of adherent cells, with the intact bone marrow cells the effect of stimulation of immunoglobulin synthesis was not eliminated, whereas treatment of cells of the immune lymph nodes with anti-O-serum doubled this effect. Possible mechanisms of the effect of stimulation of the immunoglobulin synthesis in mixed culture is discussed, and a conclusion was drawn on the necessity of cooperation between the individual types of cells during the productive phase of the immune response.", "PMID": 986208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1855", "title": "[Changes in the number of stem cells during mouse bone marrow cultivation on a sublayer of fibroblast-like cells].", "content": "A determination was made of the number of colonies in the spleen of irradiated mice after administration to them of a culture of mouse bone marrow cells. Colony-forming units proved to persist in the culture only for a short time. Use of preliminarily grown underlayer of fibroblasts of bone marrow origin had no effect on the perservation and dynamics of the changes in the number oc colony-forming units.", "contents": "[Changes in the number of stem cells during mouse bone marrow cultivation on a sublayer of fibroblast-like cells]. A determination was made of the number of colonies in the spleen of irradiated mice after administration to them of a culture of mouse bone marrow cells. Colony-forming units proved to persist in the culture only for a short time. Use of preliminarily grown underlayer of fibroblasts of bone marrow origin had no effect on the perservation and dynamics of the changes in the number oc colony-forming units.", "PMID": 986209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1856", "title": "[Cytogenetic characteristics of lung tumors induced by exposing BALB/C mice to transplacental N-nitrosoethylurea].", "content": "Chromosome pattern of lung adenocarcinomas in BALB/c mice exposed to N-nitrosoethylurea during prenatal life (transplacental action) was studied; it appeared that 121 of 145 metaphases examined contained 40 chromosomes. Along with this, there were revealed individual hypo-, hyperdiploid and tetraploid cells. Chromosomes possessed the usual telecentric structure in all the cells. The problem of possible changes of kariotypes of the tumours under study indetectable by the routine staining techniques is discussed.", "contents": "[Cytogenetic characteristics of lung tumors induced by exposing BALB/C mice to transplacental N-nitrosoethylurea]. Chromosome pattern of lung adenocarcinomas in BALB/c mice exposed to N-nitrosoethylurea during prenatal life (transplacental action) was studied; it appeared that 121 of 145 metaphases examined contained 40 chromosomes. Along with this, there were revealed individual hypo-, hyperdiploid and tetraploid cells. Chromosomes possessed the usual telecentric structure in all the cells. The problem of possible changes of kariotypes of the tumours under study indetectable by the routine staining techniques is discussed.", "PMID": 986210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1857", "title": "[Concentration of monoamines and activity of several enzymes in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus in young and aging rats during the estrous cycle].", "content": "The arcuate nucleus (AN) and the median eminence (ME) of the hypothalamus were investigated in young and ageing female rats. During the estral cycle (EC) the monoamine (MA) content, the monoaminoxidase (MAO), NADP and NAD-diaphorase activities were determined in the AN, and the MA content and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AP) -- in the ME. In young rats in the proestrus-estrus there was an increase in the activity of the NADP and NAD-diaphorase and of the MA content, but a decrease of the MAO activity. This indicated an intensified function of the nucleus at these stages of the EC. Accumulation of the MA in the ME was noted in the diestrus, while in the proestrus their concentration sharply fell; on the other hand, the activity of the AP was considerably increased. In the ageing rats the dynamics of the indices under study during the EC were largely unchanged. However, the functional activity of the AN proved to increase, and in the ME and elevation of the MA concentration and disturbance of its release from the nerve terminals was seen.", "contents": "[Concentration of monoamines and activity of several enzymes in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus in young and aging rats during the estrous cycle]. The arcuate nucleus (AN) and the median eminence (ME) of the hypothalamus were investigated in young and ageing female rats. During the estral cycle (EC) the monoamine (MA) content, the monoaminoxidase (MAO), NADP and NAD-diaphorase activities were determined in the AN, and the MA content and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AP) -- in the ME. In young rats in the proestrus-estrus there was an increase in the activity of the NADP and NAD-diaphorase and of the MA content, but a decrease of the MAO activity. This indicated an intensified function of the nucleus at these stages of the EC. Accumulation of the MA in the ME was noted in the diestrus, while in the proestrus their concentration sharply fell; on the other hand, the activity of the AP was considerably increased. In the ageing rats the dynamics of the indices under study during the EC were largely unchanged. However, the functional activity of the AN proved to increase, and in the ME and elevation of the MA concentration and disturbance of its release from the nerve terminals was seen.", "PMID": 986211} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1858", "title": "[Disorders in the development of offspring following exposure of rats to hydrogen chloride].", "content": "Female Wistar rats were subjected to the influence of hydrogen chloride before and on the ninth day of pregnancy. Apart from marked lung lesions there were functional disturbances in the kidneys and the liver in both groups of the experimental animals. Changes in the state of maternal organs caused changes in the development of organs in the progeny (functional derangement of these organs during the postnatal period). Disturbances in the lungs (after an additional load) and in the kidneys were noted in the male progeny of both groups; there were also disturbances of the hepatic function in the male progeny when their mothers were acted upon by HC1 before the occurrence of pregnancy.", "contents": "[Disorders in the development of offspring following exposure of rats to hydrogen chloride]. Female Wistar rats were subjected to the influence of hydrogen chloride before and on the ninth day of pregnancy. Apart from marked lung lesions there were functional disturbances in the kidneys and the liver in both groups of the experimental animals. Changes in the state of maternal organs caused changes in the development of organs in the progeny (functional derangement of these organs during the postnatal period). Disturbances in the lungs (after an additional load) and in the kidneys were noted in the male progeny of both groups; there were also disturbances of the hepatic function in the male progeny when their mothers were acted upon by HC1 before the occurrence of pregnancy.", "PMID": 986212} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1859", "title": "Relationship between childhood infections and measured intelligence.", "content": "The possibility that some of the common childhood infections lead to unrecognized impairments of neurological function was examined in 43 820 Birmingham children whose intelligence was assessed in the 11-plus examination. Mean verbal reasoning scores were lower for children who had had measles or pertussis than for those who had had neither of these diseases. However, since attack rates and measured intelligence are related inversely to social class, the lower scores of children with measles and pertussis may be due to class differences which are not eliminated completely by standardization for maternal age and birth order. Mean scores were a little higher for children who had had rubella than for those who had not, and it is suggested that this difference may be due to more frequent reporting of the disease by the more intelligent mothers.", "contents": "Relationship between childhood infections and measured intelligence. The possibility that some of the common childhood infections lead to unrecognized impairments of neurological function was examined in 43 820 Birmingham children whose intelligence was assessed in the 11-plus examination. Mean verbal reasoning scores were lower for children who had had measles or pertussis than for those who had had neither of these diseases. However, since attack rates and measured intelligence are related inversely to social class, the lower scores of children with measles and pertussis may be due to class differences which are not eliminated completely by standardization for maternal age and birth order. Mean scores were a little higher for children who had had rubella than for those who had not, and it is suggested that this difference may be due to more frequent reporting of the disease by the more intelligent mothers.", "PMID": 986213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1860", "title": "Follow-up study of small-for-dates babies.", "content": "A group of small-for-dates full-term babies whose intra-uterine growth was followed by serial ultrasonic cephalometry were examined at a mean age of 4 years. Those children whose skull growth had begun to slow in utero before 34 weeks' menstrual age were more likely to have a height and weight less than the 10th centile. When the onset of growth failure had occurred before 26 weeks there was a lower developmental quotient at follow-up using the Griffiths extended scales. Prolonged slow growth in utero therefore seems to be followed by slow growth and development after birth.", "contents": "Follow-up study of small-for-dates babies. A group of small-for-dates full-term babies whose intra-uterine growth was followed by serial ultrasonic cephalometry were examined at a mean age of 4 years. Those children whose skull growth had begun to slow in utero before 34 weeks' menstrual age were more likely to have a height and weight less than the 10th centile. When the onset of growth failure had occurred before 26 weeks there was a lower developmental quotient at follow-up using the Griffiths extended scales. Prolonged slow growth in utero therefore seems to be followed by slow growth and development after birth.", "PMID": 986220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1861", "title": "Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis in traumatic intracranial haematoma.", "content": "Out of 51 patients with traumatic intracranial haematoma admitted to a teaching hospital 11 (22%) died undiagnosed, and out of 307 such patients transferred to the West of Scotland Regional Neurosurgical Centre 111 (36%) had been deteriorating for more than 12 hours in another hospital. In two-thirds of these cases the delay was due to an erroneous diagnosis, either of cerebrovascular accident or of alcoholic intoxication.", "contents": "Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis in traumatic intracranial haematoma. Out of 51 patients with traumatic intracranial haematoma admitted to a teaching hospital 11 (22%) died undiagnosed, and out of 307 such patients transferred to the West of Scotland Regional Neurosurgical Centre 111 (36%) had been deteriorating for more than 12 hours in another hospital. In two-thirds of these cases the delay was due to an erroneous diagnosis, either of cerebrovascular accident or of alcoholic intoxication.", "PMID": 986221} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1862", "title": "Olfactory stimulation and olfactory bulb removal: effects on territorial aggression in male Syrian golden hamsters.", "content": "The Syrian golden hamster exhibits territorial aggression in a laboratory setting, attacking much more when in the home cage than in the cage of another hamster. In expt. 1 it was found that female hamster vaginal discharge (FHVD) greatly inhibits the territorial aggression of males. In expt. 2 it was found that hamster territorial aggression is almost completely eliminated by bilateral olfactory bulbectomy but is unaffected by unilateral olfactory bulbectomy. However, bilateral olfactory bulbectomized (BOB) hamsters fought back normally if attacked first. Blinding increased the territorial aggression of male hamsters. In expt. 3 a peripheral means of impairing olfaction was used. The results suggest that it is the olfactory impairment, rather than the loss of some hypothetical non-sensory functions of the olfactory bulbs, that causes the elimination of territorial aggression after olfactory bulbectomy. Because of the extensive secondary and tertiary olfactory projections to the limbic forebrain and hypothalamus, and because most laboratory mammals are macro-osmatic, the nature and degree of olfactory control should be an important consideration in studies on the neural basis of social behavior.", "contents": "Olfactory stimulation and olfactory bulb removal: effects on territorial aggression in male Syrian golden hamsters. The Syrian golden hamster exhibits territorial aggression in a laboratory setting, attacking much more when in the home cage than in the cage of another hamster. In expt. 1 it was found that female hamster vaginal discharge (FHVD) greatly inhibits the territorial aggression of males. In expt. 2 it was found that hamster territorial aggression is almost completely eliminated by bilateral olfactory bulbectomy but is unaffected by unilateral olfactory bulbectomy. However, bilateral olfactory bulbectomized (BOB) hamsters fought back normally if attacked first. Blinding increased the territorial aggression of male hamsters. In expt. 3 a peripheral means of impairing olfaction was used. The results suggest that it is the olfactory impairment, rather than the loss of some hypothetical non-sensory functions of the olfactory bulbs, that causes the elimination of territorial aggression after olfactory bulbectomy. Because of the extensive secondary and tertiary olfactory projections to the limbic forebrain and hypothalamus, and because most laboratory mammals are macro-osmatic, the nature and degree of olfactory control should be an important consideration in studies on the neural basis of social behavior.", "PMID": 986227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1863", "title": "Effects of morphine and naloxone on Renshaw cells and spinal interneurones in morphine dependent and non-dependent rats.", "content": "The effects of microelectrophoretically administered morphine, naloxone, levorphanol and dextrorphan have been investigated on Renshaw cells and interneurones in the spinal cord of morphine-dependent and non-dependent anaesthetized rats. Morphine excited cholinoceptive neurones and enhanced the excitatory actins of acetylcholine and L-glutamate. This action of morphine appeared to be stereospecific and was antagonized by naloxone. Naloxone also antagonized acetylcholine-induced excitation but not L-glutamate-induced excitation. In dependent rats morphine was a more effective excitant of cholinoceptive neurones and naloxone was more effective as an antagonist of acetylcholine-induced excitations. These observations were interpreted as indicating that cholinergic mechanisms may be involved in morphine dependence and naloxone-precipitated abstinence.", "contents": "Effects of morphine and naloxone on Renshaw cells and spinal interneurones in morphine dependent and non-dependent rats. The effects of microelectrophoretically administered morphine, naloxone, levorphanol and dextrorphan have been investigated on Renshaw cells and interneurones in the spinal cord of morphine-dependent and non-dependent anaesthetized rats. Morphine excited cholinoceptive neurones and enhanced the excitatory actins of acetylcholine and L-glutamate. This action of morphine appeared to be stereospecific and was antagonized by naloxone. Naloxone also antagonized acetylcholine-induced excitation but not L-glutamate-induced excitation. In dependent rats morphine was a more effective excitant of cholinoceptive neurones and naloxone was more effective as an antagonist of acetylcholine-induced excitations. These observations were interpreted as indicating that cholinergic mechanisms may be involved in morphine dependence and naloxone-precipitated abstinence.", "PMID": 986228} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1864", "title": "Histone-histone interactions. I. An electrophoretic study.", "content": "Whole histone extracted from chromatin by either acid or protamine displacement was found by gel electrophoresis at pH7 to contain only two histone complexes, H2A-H2B and H3-H4, and uncomplexed histone H1. Although both complexes are dissociated at low pH or with high urea concentrations, removal of the denaturant resulted in complete complex reformation within minutes at the most. A syntematic investigation of binary, ternary and quaternary histone mixtures revealed that interactions also occur between histones H2B-H4 and H2A-H4. No evidence however was found for the formation of ternary and quaternary histone complexes.", "contents": "Histone-histone interactions. I. An electrophoretic study. Whole histone extracted from chromatin by either acid or protamine displacement was found by gel electrophoresis at pH7 to contain only two histone complexes, H2A-H2B and H3-H4, and uncomplexed histone H1. Although both complexes are dissociated at low pH or with high urea concentrations, removal of the denaturant resulted in complete complex reformation within minutes at the most. A syntematic investigation of binary, ternary and quaternary histone mixtures revealed that interactions also occur between histones H2B-H4 and H2A-H4. No evidence however was found for the formation of ternary and quaternary histone complexes.", "PMID": 986229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1865", "title": "Effects of alterations in maternal thyroid metabolism on embryonic thyroid development in the chick.", "content": "The cause of embryonic thyroidal enlargement in the progeny of chickens fed goitrogenic rapeseed meal (RSM) has been investigated. It has been found that eggs from birds fed RSM are low in iodine. The low concentration of iodine in the eggs of the goitrous birds is apparently due to diversion of a large proportion of the circulating iodine into the thyroid glands with the result that the amounts reaching the developing ova are reduced.", "contents": "Effects of alterations in maternal thyroid metabolism on embryonic thyroid development in the chick. The cause of embryonic thyroidal enlargement in the progeny of chickens fed goitrogenic rapeseed meal (RSM) has been investigated. It has been found that eggs from birds fed RSM are low in iodine. The low concentration of iodine in the eggs of the goitrous birds is apparently due to diversion of a large proportion of the circulating iodine into the thyroid glands with the result that the amounts reaching the developing ova are reduced.", "PMID": 986230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1866", "title": "Masson's \"vegetant intravascular hemangioendothelioma:\" a lesion often mistaken for angiosarcoma: study of seventeen cases located in the skin and soft tissues.", "content": "The occurrence of Masson's \"hemangio-endotheliome vegetant intravasculaire\" (Masson's pseudoangiosarcoma) in the skin and soft tissues is illustrated with 17 surgically excised specimens. Two forms are recognized; it may appear either as a pure lesion or as a focal condition in a pre-existing vascular process, such as pyogenic granuloma or hemangioma. The clinical appearance is not specific and the diagnosis can only be established by microscopic examination. It shows a predilection for the head and extremities. Its characteristic morphologic appearance makes possible its differentiation from a group of benign and malignant vascular proliferations. The key microscopic feature is the presence of a papillary growth composed of hyperplastic endothelial cells supported by delicate fibrous stalks entirely confined within the vascular lumen. The lesion should not be mistaken for angiosarcoma, since its clinical behavior is invariably benign.", "contents": "Masson's \"vegetant intravascular hemangioendothelioma:\" a lesion often mistaken for angiosarcoma: study of seventeen cases located in the skin and soft tissues. The occurrence of Masson's \"hemangio-endotheliome vegetant intravasculaire\" (Masson's pseudoangiosarcoma) in the skin and soft tissues is illustrated with 17 surgically excised specimens. Two forms are recognized; it may appear either as a pure lesion or as a focal condition in a pre-existing vascular process, such as pyogenic granuloma or hemangioma. The clinical appearance is not specific and the diagnosis can only be established by microscopic examination. It shows a predilection for the head and extremities. Its characteristic morphologic appearance makes possible its differentiation from a group of benign and malignant vascular proliferations. The key microscopic feature is the presence of a papillary growth composed of hyperplastic endothelial cells supported by delicate fibrous stalks entirely confined within the vascular lumen. The lesion should not be mistaken for angiosarcoma, since its clinical behavior is invariably benign.", "PMID": 986234} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1867", "title": "DNA synthesis of human, mouse, and rat mammary carcinomas in vitro: influence of insulin and prolactin.", "content": "Carcinomatous mammary tissues, derived from six spontaneously arising mouse mammary tumors, six DMBA-induced rat mammary tumors, and 26 biopsy specimens of human breast tumors, were processed into slices and each tumor was inidvidually cultured for two days in Medium 199. The influence of bovine insulin (5.0 mug/ml) and ovine prolactin (10.0 mug/ml) on H3-thymidine incorporation into DNA was determined on the cultured tumor slices. Insulin consistenly (p less than 0.05-0.01) increased the incorporation of H3-thymidine into DNA of the organ cultures of mouse, rat, and human mammary carcinoma slices. The stimulatory effect of insulin was quantitatively more prominent in the mouse tumor slices than in the rat or human slices. The addition of prolaction to the insulin-containing culture medium further increased significantly (p less than 0.001) the incorporation of H3-thymidine into DNA of rat mammary carcinoma slices but had no significant effect on cultures of either mouse or human mammary carcinomas. The addition of prolactin to insulin and hydrocortisone-enriched medium containing slices of 20 individually cultured human breast carcinomas did not significantly influence the mean incorporation of H3-thymidine into DNA. However, a very small fraction (approximately equal to 15%) of these human breast carcinomas responded to prolactin by increasing the incorporation of H3-thymidine into DNA to a degree quantitatively comparable to the prolactin-sensitive, DMBA-induced rat mammary carcinoma. These results suggest that a very small fraction of human breast malignancies may respond to the growth-stimulatory effects of prolactin, but that the vast majority mimic more closely the prolactin-independent mouse mammary carcinoma.", "contents": "DNA synthesis of human, mouse, and rat mammary carcinomas in vitro: influence of insulin and prolactin. Carcinomatous mammary tissues, derived from six spontaneously arising mouse mammary tumors, six DMBA-induced rat mammary tumors, and 26 biopsy specimens of human breast tumors, were processed into slices and each tumor was inidvidually cultured for two days in Medium 199. The influence of bovine insulin (5.0 mug/ml) and ovine prolactin (10.0 mug/ml) on H3-thymidine incorporation into DNA was determined on the cultured tumor slices. Insulin consistenly (p less than 0.05-0.01) increased the incorporation of H3-thymidine into DNA of the organ cultures of mouse, rat, and human mammary carcinoma slices. The stimulatory effect of insulin was quantitatively more prominent in the mouse tumor slices than in the rat or human slices. The addition of prolaction to the insulin-containing culture medium further increased significantly (p less than 0.001) the incorporation of H3-thymidine into DNA of rat mammary carcinoma slices but had no significant effect on cultures of either mouse or human mammary carcinomas. The addition of prolactin to insulin and hydrocortisone-enriched medium containing slices of 20 individually cultured human breast carcinomas did not significantly influence the mean incorporation of H3-thymidine into DNA. However, a very small fraction (approximately equal to 15%) of these human breast carcinomas responded to prolactin by increasing the incorporation of H3-thymidine into DNA to a degree quantitatively comparable to the prolactin-sensitive, DMBA-induced rat mammary carcinoma. These results suggest that a very small fraction of human breast malignancies may respond to the growth-stimulatory effects of prolactin, but that the vast majority mimic more closely the prolactin-independent mouse mammary carcinoma.", "PMID": 986235} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1868", "title": "Enzymes in peripheral and bone marrow serum in patients with cancer.", "content": "Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities in bone marrow and in cubital vein serum were compared. For patients without cancer, marrow serum LDH attained levels four times as high, and GOT and alkaline phosphatase, levels twice as high as those normal for cubital vein serum; levels of acid phosphatase were the same for both sources. For patients with cancer, significant increase of enzyme levels over reference levels depends on the tumor origin and on the presence and localization of metastases. Marrow enzyme levels may become elevated with or without concurrent elevation in cubital vein serum. Concurrent elevations were found with colonic carcinoma and lymphoid leukemia, and noncurrent elevations, with prostatic cancer, myeloid leukemia, and myeloma. A nonconcurrent elevation of marrow enzymes indicates that the origin of the enzyme is in the marrow, whereas with concurrent elevation, the source of the enzyme may be another organ.", "contents": "Enzymes in peripheral and bone marrow serum in patients with cancer. Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities in bone marrow and in cubital vein serum were compared. For patients without cancer, marrow serum LDH attained levels four times as high, and GOT and alkaline phosphatase, levels twice as high as those normal for cubital vein serum; levels of acid phosphatase were the same for both sources. For patients with cancer, significant increase of enzyme levels over reference levels depends on the tumor origin and on the presence and localization of metastases. Marrow enzyme levels may become elevated with or without concurrent elevation in cubital vein serum. Concurrent elevations were found with colonic carcinoma and lymphoid leukemia, and noncurrent elevations, with prostatic cancer, myeloid leukemia, and myeloma. A nonconcurrent elevation of marrow enzymes indicates that the origin of the enzyme is in the marrow, whereas with concurrent elevation, the source of the enzyme may be another organ.", "PMID": 986236} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1869", "title": "Hemangiosarcoma of liver and spleen treated by hepatic artery ligation, intraportal infusion chemotherapy, and splenectomy.", "content": "Hepatic artery ligation is useful as a palliation of irressectable hepatic tumors, but does not always produce a satisfactory result. Hepatic tumor with high vascularity is expected to respond more favorably. In this context, primary liver cell carcinoma and carcinoid tumor or leiomyosarcoma of the liver have been satistfactorily treated by hepatic artery ligation. A case is presented of hemangiosarcoma of theliver and spleen treated effectively by hepatic artery ligation, splenectomy, and postoperative intraportal infusion of 5-fluorouracil, as indicated by the regression of hepatic tumors on postoperative scanning and arteriograpms.", "contents": "Hemangiosarcoma of liver and spleen treated by hepatic artery ligation, intraportal infusion chemotherapy, and splenectomy. Hepatic artery ligation is useful as a palliation of irressectable hepatic tumors, but does not always produce a satisfactory result. Hepatic tumor with high vascularity is expected to respond more favorably. In this context, primary liver cell carcinoma and carcinoid tumor or leiomyosarcoma of the liver have been satistfactorily treated by hepatic artery ligation. A case is presented of hemangiosarcoma of theliver and spleen treated effectively by hepatic artery ligation, splenectomy, and postoperative intraportal infusion of 5-fluorouracil, as indicated by the regression of hepatic tumors on postoperative scanning and arteriograpms.", "PMID": 986237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1870", "title": "Effect of l-asparaginase and asparagine deprivation on RNA metabolism in mouse leukemia L 5178Y cells in suspension culture.", "content": "We analyzed the effect of asparagine starvation and L-asparaginase on RNA metabolism of mouse leukemia cell lines L5178Y, whose growth is dependent on the presence of asparagine, and L5178Y-R, whose growth is independent of the presence of asparagine. The deprivation of asparagine from the medium inhibited cellular protein synthesis by 30 to 40% of the control value in L5178Y cells, but not in L5178Y-R cells, whereas L-asparaginase inhibited synthesis by more than 80% in both L5178Y and L5178Y-R cells. The decrease in protein synthesis caused by asparagine starvation in L5178Y cells was accompanied by a decrease in ribosomal RNA synthesis. The synthesis of rRNA was also markedly blocked when L5178Y and L5178Y-R cells were exposed to L-asparaginase. The rate of synthesis of pulse-labeled RNA decreased significantly in the cells treated with L-asparaginase, and smaller pieces of polyadenylate containing pulse-labeled RNA (presumptive messenger RNA) appeared among monosomes and polysomes. However, the rate of messenger RNA synthesis was constant during asparagine starvation, and a marked accumulation of monosome was observed.", "contents": "Effect of l-asparaginase and asparagine deprivation on RNA metabolism in mouse leukemia L 5178Y cells in suspension culture. We analyzed the effect of asparagine starvation and L-asparaginase on RNA metabolism of mouse leukemia cell lines L5178Y, whose growth is dependent on the presence of asparagine, and L5178Y-R, whose growth is independent of the presence of asparagine. The deprivation of asparagine from the medium inhibited cellular protein synthesis by 30 to 40% of the control value in L5178Y cells, but not in L5178Y-R cells, whereas L-asparaginase inhibited synthesis by more than 80% in both L5178Y and L5178Y-R cells. The decrease in protein synthesis caused by asparagine starvation in L5178Y cells was accompanied by a decrease in ribosomal RNA synthesis. The synthesis of rRNA was also markedly blocked when L5178Y and L5178Y-R cells were exposed to L-asparaginase. The rate of synthesis of pulse-labeled RNA decreased significantly in the cells treated with L-asparaginase, and smaller pieces of polyadenylate containing pulse-labeled RNA (presumptive messenger RNA) appeared among monosomes and polysomes. However, the rate of messenger RNA synthesis was constant during asparagine starvation, and a marked accumulation of monosome was observed.", "PMID": 986238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1871", "title": "Major proteins and secretory character of the rough endoplasmic reticulum of a mouse mammary adenocarcinoma.", "content": "The major protein composition and secretory character of rough microsomes isolated from the C3HBA mammary adenocarcinoma have been determined for the tumor borne in virgin female and lactating mice. Rough microsomes isolated from tumors have an equilibrium density distribution in a linear 1.0 to 2.0 M sucrose gradient similar to that exhibited by rough microsomes isolated from normal epithelium during lactation. Fractionation of the rough microsomal proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals that, although the molecular weights of the major proteins are the same in normal and neoplastic rough microsomes, the relative levels at which these major proteins occur in neoplastic rough microsomes are distinct from those observed in normal rough microsomes isolated at various stages of differentiation. The most significant change in protein composition following neoplastic transformation is the presence of a high level of protein with a molecular weight of 200,000. There are changes in the relative levels of the major proteins of the rough endoplasmic reticulum attending transplantation of the tumor from virgin female to lactating mice; these changes, however, are quite different from those that occur in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of normal epithelium at the time of parturition. Rough microsomes isolated from tumors borne in virgin female mice discharge more than 90% of their nascent polypeptide chains extravesicularly upon premature termination by puromycin; there is no change in the vectorial discharge of these puromycyl peptides following implantation of the tumor into lactating mice. Thus, by a functional criterion, the rough endoplasmic reticulum of mammary adenocarcinoma cells appears similar to that found in normal, nonsecretory epithelium.", "contents": "Major proteins and secretory character of the rough endoplasmic reticulum of a mouse mammary adenocarcinoma. The major protein composition and secretory character of rough microsomes isolated from the C3HBA mammary adenocarcinoma have been determined for the tumor borne in virgin female and lactating mice. Rough microsomes isolated from tumors have an equilibrium density distribution in a linear 1.0 to 2.0 M sucrose gradient similar to that exhibited by rough microsomes isolated from normal epithelium during lactation. Fractionation of the rough microsomal proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals that, although the molecular weights of the major proteins are the same in normal and neoplastic rough microsomes, the relative levels at which these major proteins occur in neoplastic rough microsomes are distinct from those observed in normal rough microsomes isolated at various stages of differentiation. The most significant change in protein composition following neoplastic transformation is the presence of a high level of protein with a molecular weight of 200,000. There are changes in the relative levels of the major proteins of the rough endoplasmic reticulum attending transplantation of the tumor from virgin female to lactating mice; these changes, however, are quite different from those that occur in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of normal epithelium at the time of parturition. Rough microsomes isolated from tumors borne in virgin female mice discharge more than 90% of their nascent polypeptide chains extravesicularly upon premature termination by puromycin; there is no change in the vectorial discharge of these puromycyl peptides following implantation of the tumor into lactating mice. Thus, by a functional criterion, the rough endoplasmic reticulum of mammary adenocarcinoma cells appears similar to that found in normal, nonsecretory epithelium.", "PMID": 986239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1872", "title": "Effects of actinomycin D on cell cycle kinetics and the DNA of Chinese hamster and mouse mammary tumor cells cultivated in vitro.", "content": "Actinomycin D produces changes in the cell cycle kinetics of Chinese hamster (HA1) and mouse mammary tumor cells (EMT6) cultivated in vitro. There was a reduced rate of progression of the cells through S phase and a G2 arrest, the duration and degree of which were drug dose dependent. The lethal effects of the drug on the two cell lines were comparable. At the molecular level, DNA single-strand breaks (true breaks and/or alkali-labile bonds) appear initially. After drug removal, the extent of disappearance of these DNA strand breaks was drug dose dependent. Similar results were obtained for the two cell lines. However, at the lower drug concentration (0.1 mug/ml), although the DNA strand breaks appeared to disappear after drug free incubation, about 60% of this cell population was not viable.", "contents": "Effects of actinomycin D on cell cycle kinetics and the DNA of Chinese hamster and mouse mammary tumor cells cultivated in vitro. Actinomycin D produces changes in the cell cycle kinetics of Chinese hamster (HA1) and mouse mammary tumor cells (EMT6) cultivated in vitro. There was a reduced rate of progression of the cells through S phase and a G2 arrest, the duration and degree of which were drug dose dependent. The lethal effects of the drug on the two cell lines were comparable. At the molecular level, DNA single-strand breaks (true breaks and/or alkali-labile bonds) appear initially. After drug removal, the extent of disappearance of these DNA strand breaks was drug dose dependent. Similar results were obtained for the two cell lines. However, at the lower drug concentration (0.1 mug/ml), although the DNA strand breaks appeared to disappear after drug free incubation, about 60% of this cell population was not viable.", "PMID": 986240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1873", "title": "Hypoxia-dependent reduction of 1-(2-nitro-1-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol by Chinese hamster ovary cells and KHT tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.", "content": "Incubation of Chinese hamster ovary cells and KHT murine fibrosarcoma tumor cells in the absence of oxygen with 1-[2-14C]nitro-1-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol, one of the most effective radiation sensitizers of hypoxic cells, results in the preferential reduction of 1-[2-14C]nitro-1-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol. The radioactivity associated with the acid-insoluble precipitate from cells incubated in nitrogen is about four times higher than that of cells incubated in air. When aqueous extracts of tissues of a C3H mouse bearing the KHT tumor, after i.p. injection with 1-[2-14C]nitro-1-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol, are analyzed, a reduction product is found in relatively higher yields in the tumor than in normal tissues. The relative radioactivity in the pellet from the tumor homogenate is also high in comparison with those of most normal tissues. These results provide suggestive evidence for a higher degree of hypoxic in the tumor than in most normal tissues. The formation of reduction products and their subsequent binding to macromolecules may explain the preferential toxicity of nitro compounds to mammalian cells under hypoxia conditions. These results suggest that some nitro compounds may be useful for the treatment of tumors having a high fraction of hypoxic cells even in the absence of radiation.", "contents": "Hypoxia-dependent reduction of 1-(2-nitro-1-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol by Chinese hamster ovary cells and KHT tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Incubation of Chinese hamster ovary cells and KHT murine fibrosarcoma tumor cells in the absence of oxygen with 1-[2-14C]nitro-1-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol, one of the most effective radiation sensitizers of hypoxic cells, results in the preferential reduction of 1-[2-14C]nitro-1-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol. The radioactivity associated with the acid-insoluble precipitate from cells incubated in nitrogen is about four times higher than that of cells incubated in air. When aqueous extracts of tissues of a C3H mouse bearing the KHT tumor, after i.p. injection with 1-[2-14C]nitro-1-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol, are analyzed, a reduction product is found in relatively higher yields in the tumor than in normal tissues. The relative radioactivity in the pellet from the tumor homogenate is also high in comparison with those of most normal tissues. These results provide suggestive evidence for a higher degree of hypoxic in the tumor than in most normal tissues. The formation of reduction products and their subsequent binding to macromolecules may explain the preferential toxicity of nitro compounds to mammalian cells under hypoxia conditions. These results suggest that some nitro compounds may be useful for the treatment of tumors having a high fraction of hypoxic cells even in the absence of radiation.", "PMID": 986241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1874", "title": "The effect of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine on cell viability, DNA synthesis, and chromatid breakage in synchronized hamster fibrosarcoma cells.", "content": "Hamster fibrosarcoma cells were synchronized by mitotic selection and exposed to varying concentrations of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) for 2 hr in mid-S phase. There was a direct relationship between DNA synthesis inhibition and cytotoxicity produced by ara-C once DNA synthesis was decreased by over 85%. The noncytotoxic concentration of 10(-5) M ara-C produced little chromatid breakage; but extensive chromatid breakage and chromosomal rearrangement were seen in cells treated with the cytotoxic concentration of 10(-3) M ara-C, thus supporting earlier observations that chromatid breakage is highly correlated with cytotoxicity. Predominantly small DNA was synthesized when cells were treated with both 10(-5) and 10(-3) M ara-C, and this DNA could be completely chased into high-molecular-weight DNA after addition of deoxycytidine. Both concentrations of ara-C also inhibited, to different degrees, the joining of intermediate-size DNA fragments into larger DNA; thus neither parameter appeared directly related to the ara-C-produced cytotoxicity.", "contents": "The effect of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine on cell viability, DNA synthesis, and chromatid breakage in synchronized hamster fibrosarcoma cells. Hamster fibrosarcoma cells were synchronized by mitotic selection and exposed to varying concentrations of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) for 2 hr in mid-S phase. There was a direct relationship between DNA synthesis inhibition and cytotoxicity produced by ara-C once DNA synthesis was decreased by over 85%. The noncytotoxic concentration of 10(-5) M ara-C produced little chromatid breakage; but extensive chromatid breakage and chromosomal rearrangement were seen in cells treated with the cytotoxic concentration of 10(-3) M ara-C, thus supporting earlier observations that chromatid breakage is highly correlated with cytotoxicity. Predominantly small DNA was synthesized when cells were treated with both 10(-5) and 10(-3) M ara-C, and this DNA could be completely chased into high-molecular-weight DNA after addition of deoxycytidine. Both concentrations of ara-C also inhibited, to different degrees, the joining of intermediate-size DNA fragments into larger DNA; thus neither parameter appeared directly related to the ara-C-produced cytotoxicity.", "PMID": 986242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1875", "title": "The effects of mercury on the structure and function of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis in the hamster.", "content": "The neurons of the arcuate nucleus were studied ultrastructurally in female hamsters that were given saline or 1 mg mercuric chloride/day during one estrous cycle. Membranous whorls, composed of 4-26 concentric layers of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, were found in 7-8% of the neurons of control animals in diestrus (D3) and in proestrus (D3) and in proestrus (D4). Whorls were found in 5-16% of the neurons in mercury-treated animals on all days of the experimental period. The whorls appeared to be associated with RER and Golgi bodies. The levels of FSH and LH were measured in the plasma and pituitaries of both groups of animals. There was a significantly higher concentration of FSH in the pituitaries of experimental animals on D3 and of LH on D1C2 of the subsequent cycle; plasma levels of FSH and LH were similar in both groups throughout the experimental period. The relationship between the levels of gonadotropins and the presence of membranous whorls is discussed.", "contents": "The effects of mercury on the structure and function of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis in the hamster. The neurons of the arcuate nucleus were studied ultrastructurally in female hamsters that were given saline or 1 mg mercuric chloride/day during one estrous cycle. Membranous whorls, composed of 4-26 concentric layers of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, were found in 7-8% of the neurons of control animals in diestrus (D3) and in proestrus (D3) and in proestrus (D4). Whorls were found in 5-16% of the neurons in mercury-treated animals on all days of the experimental period. The whorls appeared to be associated with RER and Golgi bodies. The levels of FSH and LH were measured in the plasma and pituitaries of both groups of animals. There was a significantly higher concentration of FSH in the pituitaries of experimental animals on D3 and of LH on D1C2 of the subsequent cycle; plasma levels of FSH and LH were similar in both groups throughout the experimental period. The relationship between the levels of gonadotropins and the presence of membranous whorls is discussed.", "PMID": 986244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1876", "title": "Mouse globin gene expression in erythroid and non-erythroid tissues.", "content": "Using cDNA hybridization, mouse globin RNA sequences can be detected in the nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA not only from erythroid cells (fetal liver and reticulocytes), but also in low amounts in non-erythroid tissues (adult brain and liver, and cultured lymphoma, untransformed, and transformed fibroblast cell lines). For the nuclear RNAs, melting curve, density, and size determinations on the hybrids confirmed the presence of an RNA species indistinguishable by cDNA hybridization from reticulocyte globin mRNA. Thus the genes coding for alpha- and beta-globin, proteins thought to be found only in a restricted range of differentiated cell types, may nonetheless be transcribed at very low levels in all mouse cells. The proportion of the globin RNA sequences in the nuclear RNA that are found associated with poly(A) sequences does not vary markedly from one tissue or cell line to another. In erythroid cells, however, the proportion of the cellular globin RNA sequences that are found in the cytoplasm is very much higher than in non-erythroid cells. This suggests the existence of messenger-specific nuclear post-transcriptional control mechanisms which do not use poly(A) as a signal, and which allow the cytoplasmic accumulation of globin mRNA only in erythroid tissues.", "contents": "Mouse globin gene expression in erythroid and non-erythroid tissues. Using cDNA hybridization, mouse globin RNA sequences can be detected in the nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA not only from erythroid cells (fetal liver and reticulocytes), but also in low amounts in non-erythroid tissues (adult brain and liver, and cultured lymphoma, untransformed, and transformed fibroblast cell lines). For the nuclear RNAs, melting curve, density, and size determinations on the hybrids confirmed the presence of an RNA species indistinguishable by cDNA hybridization from reticulocyte globin mRNA. Thus the genes coding for alpha- and beta-globin, proteins thought to be found only in a restricted range of differentiated cell types, may nonetheless be transcribed at very low levels in all mouse cells. The proportion of the globin RNA sequences in the nuclear RNA that are found associated with poly(A) sequences does not vary markedly from one tissue or cell line to another. In erythroid cells, however, the proportion of the cellular globin RNA sequences that are found in the cytoplasm is very much higher than in non-erythroid cells. This suggests the existence of messenger-specific nuclear post-transcriptional control mechanisms which do not use poly(A) as a signal, and which allow the cytoplasmic accumulation of globin mRNA only in erythroid tissues.", "PMID": 986246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1877", "title": "Repeating units of Xenopus laevis oocyte-type 5S DNA are heterogeneous in length.", "content": "The restriction enzymes Hind III and Hae III cleave Xenopus laevis 5S DNA at one and three sites, respectively, in each repeating unit of approximately 700 base pairs. The cleavage sites for both enzymes have been located within the repeating unit by denaturation mapping of the restriction fragments. The Hind III products and one of the Hae III fragments are variable in length, indicating heterogeneity in the length of the repeating unit in 5S DNA. This length heterogeneity is confined to the major A + T-rich spacer region. Repeating units differ from each other by discrete quanta of approximately 15 base pairs. The A + T-rich spacer has been shown to consist largely of tandem subrepeats of just this size (Brownlee, Cartwright, and Brown, 1974). We suggest that the repeat-length heterogeneity is due to variable numbers of these subrepeats in the spacer regions of the major repeating units.", "contents": "Repeating units of Xenopus laevis oocyte-type 5S DNA are heterogeneous in length. The restriction enzymes Hind III and Hae III cleave Xenopus laevis 5S DNA at one and three sites, respectively, in each repeating unit of approximately 700 base pairs. The cleavage sites for both enzymes have been located within the repeating unit by denaturation mapping of the restriction fragments. The Hind III products and one of the Hae III fragments are variable in length, indicating heterogeneity in the length of the repeating unit in 5S DNA. This length heterogeneity is confined to the major A + T-rich spacer region. Repeating units differ from each other by discrete quanta of approximately 15 base pairs. The A + T-rich spacer has been shown to consist largely of tandem subrepeats of just this size (Brownlee, Cartwright, and Brown, 1974). We suggest that the repeat-length heterogeneity is due to variable numbers of these subrepeats in the spacer regions of the major repeating units.", "PMID": 986247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1878", "title": "Structural gene sets active in embryos and adult tissues of the sea urchin.", "content": "Structural gene sequences active in a variety of sea urchin adult and embryo tissues are compared. A single-copy 3H-DNA fraction, termed mDNA, was isolated, which contains sequences complementary to the messenger RNA present on gastrula stage polysomes. Gastrula message sequences are 50 fold concentrated in the mDNA compared to total single-copy DNA. mDNA reactions were carried out with excess mRNA from blastula, pluteus, exogastrula, adult ovary, tubefoot, intestine, and coelomocytes, and with excess total mature oocyte RNA. A single-copy 3H-DNA fraction totally devoid of gastrula message sequences, termed null mDNA, was also reacted with these RNAs. Large differences in the extent of both mDNA and null mDNA reaction with the various RNAs were observed, indicating that in each state of differention a distinct set of structural genes is active, generally characterized by several thousand specific sequences. The complexity of gastrula mRNA was shown in previous work to be about 17 X 10(6) nucleotides. In units of 10(6) nucleotides, the complexities of the RNA sequence reacting with mDNA and with null mDNA in each tissue are, respectively, as follows: intestine mRNA: 2.1 and 3.7; coelomocyte mRNA: 3.5 and less than or equal to 1.4; tubefoot mRNA: 2.7 and less than or equal to 0.4; ovary mRNA: 13 and 6.7; oocyte total RNA: 17 and 20; blastula mRNA: 12 and 15; pluteus mRNA: 14 and less than or equal to 0.6; exogastrula mRNA: 14 and less than or equal to 0.6. The total complexity of each mRNA polulation is the sum of these values, as verified for several cases by reactions with total single-copy DNA. A relatively small set of mRNAs, the complexity of which is about 2.1 X 10(6) nucleotides, appears to be shared by several of the tissues studied.", "contents": "Structural gene sets active in embryos and adult tissues of the sea urchin. Structural gene sequences active in a variety of sea urchin adult and embryo tissues are compared. A single-copy 3H-DNA fraction, termed mDNA, was isolated, which contains sequences complementary to the messenger RNA present on gastrula stage polysomes. Gastrula message sequences are 50 fold concentrated in the mDNA compared to total single-copy DNA. mDNA reactions were carried out with excess mRNA from blastula, pluteus, exogastrula, adult ovary, tubefoot, intestine, and coelomocytes, and with excess total mature oocyte RNA. A single-copy 3H-DNA fraction totally devoid of gastrula message sequences, termed null mDNA, was also reacted with these RNAs. Large differences in the extent of both mDNA and null mDNA reaction with the various RNAs were observed, indicating that in each state of differention a distinct set of structural genes is active, generally characterized by several thousand specific sequences. The complexity of gastrula mRNA was shown in previous work to be about 17 X 10(6) nucleotides. In units of 10(6) nucleotides, the complexities of the RNA sequence reacting with mDNA and with null mDNA in each tissue are, respectively, as follows: intestine mRNA: 2.1 and 3.7; coelomocyte mRNA: 3.5 and less than or equal to 1.4; tubefoot mRNA: 2.7 and less than or equal to 0.4; ovary mRNA: 13 and 6.7; oocyte total RNA: 17 and 20; blastula mRNA: 12 and 15; pluteus mRNA: 14 and less than or equal to 0.6; exogastrula mRNA: 14 and less than or equal to 0.6. The total complexity of each mRNA polulation is the sum of these values, as verified for several cases by reactions with total single-copy DNA. A relatively small set of mRNAs, the complexity of which is about 2.1 X 10(6) nucleotides, appears to be shared by several of the tissues studied.", "PMID": 986248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1879", "title": "A study of foldback DNA.", "content": "Nuclear DNA from eucaryotes contains a significant fraction which forms duplexes very rapidly and also independently of the DNA concentration. This fraction can be isolated by adsorption to hydroxylapatite and has been called foldback DNA (Britten and Smith, 1970). Here we extend previous studies to show that the foldback fraction is due to the existence of a finite number of foldback foci in each genome equivalent of DNA, approximately 10(5) in the case of Xenopus laevis. More significantly, we have isolated the foldback fraction in quantity from DNA of such a size (in one case broken randomly and in another digested with a restriction endonuclease) that only about 10% of the total DNA has foldback properties. If the foldback foci were located in precisely the same positions in all sets of the Xenopus laevis genome, the prediction would be that these foldback fractions would contain sequences representing 20% (random shear) and 10% (restriction endonuclease) of the total genome. In contrast, our results show that in both cases the foldback fraction contains the entire Xenopus laevis DNA sequence. One possible explanation of these observations is that as in procaryotes, eucaryotic DNA is randomly cross-linked. We show that cross-linkage of Xenopus laevis DNA is not sufficient to explain our observations. In consequence, we have adopted the hypothesis that the formation of foldback DNA is mainly an intrastrand phenomenon, but nevertheless occurs at different sites in different sets of the Xenopus laevis genome.", "contents": "A study of foldback DNA. Nuclear DNA from eucaryotes contains a significant fraction which forms duplexes very rapidly and also independently of the DNA concentration. This fraction can be isolated by adsorption to hydroxylapatite and has been called foldback DNA (Britten and Smith, 1970). Here we extend previous studies to show that the foldback fraction is due to the existence of a finite number of foldback foci in each genome equivalent of DNA, approximately 10(5) in the case of Xenopus laevis. More significantly, we have isolated the foldback fraction in quantity from DNA of such a size (in one case broken randomly and in another digested with a restriction endonuclease) that only about 10% of the total DNA has foldback properties. If the foldback foci were located in precisely the same positions in all sets of the Xenopus laevis genome, the prediction would be that these foldback fractions would contain sequences representing 20% (random shear) and 10% (restriction endonuclease) of the total genome. In contrast, our results show that in both cases the foldback fraction contains the entire Xenopus laevis DNA sequence. One possible explanation of these observations is that as in procaryotes, eucaryotic DNA is randomly cross-linked. We show that cross-linkage of Xenopus laevis DNA is not sufficient to explain our observations. In consequence, we have adopted the hypothesis that the formation of foldback DNA is mainly an intrastrand phenomenon, but nevertheless occurs at different sites in different sets of the Xenopus laevis genome.", "PMID": 986250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1880", "title": "Cesium chloride gradients of chromatin after treatment with micrococcal nuclease.", "content": "Cesium chloride equilibrium density centrifugation shows that treatment of rat liver nuclei with low concentrations of micrococcal nuclease for extremely short periods of time results in the appearance of chromatin fractions of low protein/DNA ratio and even free DNA. The DNA of these chromatin fractions is shorter than the DNA moiety of one chromatin subunit. The amount of high buoyant density material is decreased with increasing digestion time. We conclude that this material belongs to the minor chromatin fraction which is not organized according to the subunit model.", "contents": "Cesium chloride gradients of chromatin after treatment with micrococcal nuclease. Cesium chloride equilibrium density centrifugation shows that treatment of rat liver nuclei with low concentrations of micrococcal nuclease for extremely short periods of time results in the appearance of chromatin fractions of low protein/DNA ratio and even free DNA. The DNA of these chromatin fractions is shorter than the DNA moiety of one chromatin subunit. The amount of high buoyant density material is decreased with increasing digestion time. We conclude that this material belongs to the minor chromatin fraction which is not organized according to the subunit model.", "PMID": 986251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1881", "title": "The organization of histones and DNA in chromatin: evidence for an arginine-rich histone kernel.", "content": "We have examined the role played by various histones in the organization of the DNA of the nucleosome, using staphylococcal nuclease as a probe of DNA conformation. When this enzyme attacks chromatin, a series of fragments evenly spaced at 10 base pair intervals is generated, reflecting the histone-DNA interactions within the nucleosome structure. To determine what contribution the various histones make to DNA organization, we have studied the staphylococcal nuclease digestion patterns of complexes of DNA with purified histones. Virtually all possible combinations of homogeneous histones were reconstituted onto DNA. Exhaustive digestion of a complex containing the four histones H2A, H2B,H3, and H4 yields a DNA fragment pattern very similar to that of whole chromatin. The only other combinations of histones capable of inducing chromatin-like DNA organization are H2A/H2B/H4 and those mixtures containing both H3 and H4. From an examination of the kinetics of digestion of H3/H4 reconstitutes, we conclude that although the other histones have a role in DNA organization within the nucleosome, the arginine-rich histone pair, H3/H4, can organize DNA segments the length of the nucleosome core in the absence of all other histones.", "contents": "The organization of histones and DNA in chromatin: evidence for an arginine-rich histone kernel. We have examined the role played by various histones in the organization of the DNA of the nucleosome, using staphylococcal nuclease as a probe of DNA conformation. When this enzyme attacks chromatin, a series of fragments evenly spaced at 10 base pair intervals is generated, reflecting the histone-DNA interactions within the nucleosome structure. To determine what contribution the various histones make to DNA organization, we have studied the staphylococcal nuclease digestion patterns of complexes of DNA with purified histones. Virtually all possible combinations of homogeneous histones were reconstituted onto DNA. Exhaustive digestion of a complex containing the four histones H2A, H2B,H3, and H4 yields a DNA fragment pattern very similar to that of whole chromatin. The only other combinations of histones capable of inducing chromatin-like DNA organization are H2A/H2B/H4 and those mixtures containing both H3 and H4. From an examination of the kinetics of digestion of H3/H4 reconstitutes, we conclude that although the other histones have a role in DNA organization within the nucleosome, the arginine-rich histone pair, H3/H4, can organize DNA segments the length of the nucleosome core in the absence of all other histones.", "PMID": 986252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1882", "title": "Glycoproteins of the plasma membrane of Dictyostelium discoideum during development.", "content": "Differential binding of 125I-Con A to whole cells throughout the life cycle of dictyostelim discoideum indicates that the appearance of Con A binding proteins on the plasma membrane is under developmental regulation. Con A-Sepharose affinity chromatography of radio-iodinated plasma membrane preparations, followed by analysis with SDS-PAGE, revealed that there are at least 15 Con a binding proteins associated with the surface of 0 hr cells. Between 6 and 18 hr of development, the relative intensity of one of the bands, which corresponds to a protein of molecular weight of 150,000 daltons, increases dramatically.", "contents": "Glycoproteins of the plasma membrane of Dictyostelium discoideum during development. Differential binding of 125I-Con A to whole cells throughout the life cycle of dictyostelim discoideum indicates that the appearance of Con A binding proteins on the plasma membrane is under developmental regulation. Con A-Sepharose affinity chromatography of radio-iodinated plasma membrane preparations, followed by analysis with SDS-PAGE, revealed that there are at least 15 Con a binding proteins associated with the surface of 0 hr cells. Between 6 and 18 hr of development, the relative intensity of one of the bands, which corresponds to a protein of molecular weight of 150,000 daltons, increases dramatically.", "PMID": 986253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1883", "title": "The 5' leads to 3' polarity of the Xenopus Ribosomal RNA precursor molecule.", "content": "Evidence is presented that in Xenopus laevis the 18S rRNA sequence is proximal to the 5' end of the rRNA precursor molecule and the 28S secquence is proximal to the 3' end. This assignment was made by digesting amplified ribosomal gene transcription complexes with EcoRI restriction endonuclease and spreading the cleaved transcription complexes for electron microscopy. From the known location of the EcoRI cutting sites within the transcribed region and the length of nascent chains on the cleaved transcription complexes, it was possible to make an unambiguous assignment of polarity.", "contents": "The 5' leads to 3' polarity of the Xenopus Ribosomal RNA precursor molecule. Evidence is presented that in Xenopus laevis the 18S rRNA sequence is proximal to the 5' end of the rRNA precursor molecule and the 28S secquence is proximal to the 3' end. This assignment was made by digesting amplified ribosomal gene transcription complexes with EcoRI restriction endonuclease and spreading the cleaved transcription complexes for electron microscopy. From the known location of the EcoRI cutting sites within the transcribed region and the length of nascent chains on the cleaved transcription complexes, it was possible to make an unambiguous assignment of polarity.", "PMID": 986254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1884", "title": "Sequences of 5S ribosomal RNA from Xenopus mulleri and the evolution of 5S gene-coding sequences.", "content": "Sequences for 5S RNA from somatic cells and oocytes of Xenopus mulleri are presented. Comparison with sequences previously given for Xenopus laevis indicates that the somatic 5S RNA genes of each species are more closely related to each other than either is to its own set of oocyte genes, suggesting that somatic and oocyte genes within each species are evolving independently. However, detailed analysis of sequence variants in each species suggests that there is a mechanism which allows occasional genetic exchanges between somatic and oocyte-specific genes. Possible genetic mechanisms which allows such an exchange are discussed.", "contents": "Sequences of 5S ribosomal RNA from Xenopus mulleri and the evolution of 5S gene-coding sequences. Sequences for 5S RNA from somatic cells and oocytes of Xenopus mulleri are presented. Comparison with sequences previously given for Xenopus laevis indicates that the somatic 5S RNA genes of each species are more closely related to each other than either is to its own set of oocyte genes, suggesting that somatic and oocyte genes within each species are evolving independently. However, detailed analysis of sequence variants in each species suggests that there is a mechanism which allows occasional genetic exchanges between somatic and oocyte-specific genes. Possible genetic mechanisms which allows such an exchange are discussed.", "PMID": 986255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1885", "title": "[Malignant apudoma (argyrophilie carcinoma) of the uterine cervix in a 24-year-old woman in pregnancy].", "content": "Report on a case of the malignant APUDOMAP (argyrophil cell carcinoma) of the uterine cervix in a 24-years old women. The tumor appeared during the third pregnancy and fatal generalization resulted cca three month after operative delivery and panhysterectomy. Histologically argyrophil cells were proved both in the primary localization and distant metastases (liver, lymph nodes, ovaries, brain, meninges, skeleton). In the electron microscope of the bioptic specimen specific granules and microfilaments were identified in some tumour cells supporting the diagnosis of a cancer of the APUD-series. Some general features of primary cervical APUDOMAS also outlined.", "contents": "[Malignant apudoma (argyrophilie carcinoma) of the uterine cervix in a 24-year-old woman in pregnancy]. Report on a case of the malignant APUDOMAP (argyrophil cell carcinoma) of the uterine cervix in a 24-years old women. The tumor appeared during the third pregnancy and fatal generalization resulted cca three month after operative delivery and panhysterectomy. Histologically argyrophil cells were proved both in the primary localization and distant metastases (liver, lymph nodes, ovaries, brain, meninges, skeleton). In the electron microscope of the bioptic specimen specific granules and microfilaments were identified in some tumour cells supporting the diagnosis of a cancer of the APUD-series. Some general features of primary cervical APUDOMAS also outlined.", "PMID": 986257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1886", "title": "Protein-bound carbohydrates in breast cancer. Liquid-chromatographic analysis for mannose, galactose, fucose, and sialic acid in serum.", "content": "We describr high-resolution chromatographic analysis for protein-bound sialic acid in serum, with use of a cerate oxidimetric detector. Values for sera from normal women averaged 680.5 mg/liter, with a coefficient of variation of 23%. Including data obtained by previously developed chromatographic procedures for protein-bound mannose, galactose, and fucsoe, we assessed sera from breast-cancer patients whose malignancy had been categorized as either stable, responsive, or progressive (based on clinical observations spaced from two to five months apart). All of 12 responsive patients had decreases of protein-bound fucose averaging 34.5% (SD, 16.1) and all of 10 patients with progressive disease had increases averaging 38.3% (SD 21.5). Changes in fucose averaged less than 6.7% (SD, 4.9) for eight patients with clinically stable breast cancer. Changes in protein-bound mannose, galactose, and sialic acid did not correlate as well as did fucose with the clinical disease status of the patients.", "contents": "Protein-bound carbohydrates in breast cancer. Liquid-chromatographic analysis for mannose, galactose, fucose, and sialic acid in serum. We describr high-resolution chromatographic analysis for protein-bound sialic acid in serum, with use of a cerate oxidimetric detector. Values for sera from normal women averaged 680.5 mg/liter, with a coefficient of variation of 23%. Including data obtained by previously developed chromatographic procedures for protein-bound mannose, galactose, and fucsoe, we assessed sera from breast-cancer patients whose malignancy had been categorized as either stable, responsive, or progressive (based on clinical observations spaced from two to five months apart). All of 12 responsive patients had decreases of protein-bound fucose averaging 34.5% (SD, 16.1) and all of 10 patients with progressive disease had increases averaging 38.3% (SD 21.5). Changes in fucose averaged less than 6.7% (SD, 4.9) for eight patients with clinically stable breast cancer. Changes in protein-bound mannose, galactose, and sialic acid did not correlate as well as did fucose with the clinical disease status of the patients.", "PMID": 986259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1887", "title": "Twins in the sibships and parental sibships of women with Turner's syndrome.", "content": "The twin birth frequency in the sibships of 45 females with Turner's syndrome was 3.7% for the 21 females with 45,X and 5.7% for the 24 with other karyotypes. The 5.7% is significantly higher than the expected mean frequency of 1.4% in the Danish population from 1900 to 1974. The twin birth frequency in the sibships of the mothers of the 24 females with karyotypes other than 45 X was 4.7% which is also significantly higher than expected. The twin birth frequency in the sibships of the 21 mothers of 45,X females did not deviate significantly from the expected frequency, and nor did that of the father's sibships. It is concluded that these findings indicate that there might be an association between the increased risk of X chromosome aberration in the progeny due to mitotic non-disjunction, isochromosome or ring chromosome formation on one hand, and twin formation on the other hand. Such X chromosome aberration and twin formation might thus have some common aetiological factors, and some of the possibilities are discussed.", "contents": "Twins in the sibships and parental sibships of women with Turner's syndrome. The twin birth frequency in the sibships of 45 females with Turner's syndrome was 3.7% for the 21 females with 45,X and 5.7% for the 24 with other karyotypes. The 5.7% is significantly higher than the expected mean frequency of 1.4% in the Danish population from 1900 to 1974. The twin birth frequency in the sibships of the mothers of the 24 females with karyotypes other than 45 X was 4.7% which is also significantly higher than expected. The twin birth frequency in the sibships of the 21 mothers of 45,X females did not deviate significantly from the expected frequency, and nor did that of the father's sibships. It is concluded that these findings indicate that there might be an association between the increased risk of X chromosome aberration in the progeny due to mitotic non-disjunction, isochromosome or ring chromosome formation on one hand, and twin formation on the other hand. Such X chromosome aberration and twin formation might thus have some common aetiological factors, and some of the possibilities are discussed.", "PMID": 986261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1888", "title": "Inhibition of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) as a means of detection of immune complexes in the sera of patients with thyroid disorders and bronchogenic carcinoma.", "content": "Circulating immune complexes in the sera of patients with thyroid disorders or bronchogenic carcinoma were investigated using an assay system based on the inhibition of the ADCC activity of rat spleen cells. Increased inhibition, as compared with that of the sera of age and sex matched controls, was found in patients with thashimoto thyroiditis, primary hypothyroidism and bronchogenic carcinoma. The degree of inhibition in the first two groups was markedly increased compared with control sera of the same IgG content. However, the results in the lung cancer group were slightly but not significantly greater than in controls with the same level of IgG. Increased IgG levels were found in patients with thashimoto thyroiditis and thyrotoxicosis, and also in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma who had mediastinal gland involvement. The lower level of sensitivity of the assay system was approximately 600 ng added aggregated IgG, corresponding to a concentration of 6mu g/ml in the sample assayed. It is possible that circulating immune complexes may exist in lung cancer, but at a level below that of the present assay system.", "contents": "Inhibition of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) as a means of detection of immune complexes in the sera of patients with thyroid disorders and bronchogenic carcinoma. Circulating immune complexes in the sera of patients with thyroid disorders or bronchogenic carcinoma were investigated using an assay system based on the inhibition of the ADCC activity of rat spleen cells. Increased inhibition, as compared with that of the sera of age and sex matched controls, was found in patients with thashimoto thyroiditis, primary hypothyroidism and bronchogenic carcinoma. The degree of inhibition in the first two groups was markedly increased compared with control sera of the same IgG content. However, the results in the lung cancer group were slightly but not significantly greater than in controls with the same level of IgG. Increased IgG levels were found in patients with thashimoto thyroiditis and thyrotoxicosis, and also in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma who had mediastinal gland involvement. The lower level of sensitivity of the assay system was approximately 600 ng added aggregated IgG, corresponding to a concentration of 6mu g/ml in the sample assayed. It is possible that circulating immune complexes may exist in lung cancer, but at a level below that of the present assay system.", "PMID": 986262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1889", "title": "Recurrent stress incontinence of urine: preoperative assessment and surgical management.", "content": "Surgical correction of stress incontinence in the female remains a complex and distressing problem. Just as there is no single etiologic factor present in all patients with stress incontinence, so ther is no single uniformly corrective operative procedure, as attested by the continued reports of new operative techniques or malfunctions of old procedures. Every therapeutic effort for stress incontinence, whether by means of medication, exercise, plication, suspension, sling, or some combination of these, effectively increases urethral resistance by tightening the musculofasical planes and supporting the urethra. Regrettably, none of these methods can be 100% effective. The patient who does not have good urethral smooth muscle, qualitatively and quantitatively, will remain incontinent. Regardless of its length, caliber, angle, or axis, a fixed, fibrotic, noncontractile urethra will not provide urinary control. I prefer to use the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz procedure in patients who had previous operatons and have persistent or recurrent incontinence.", "contents": "Recurrent stress incontinence of urine: preoperative assessment and surgical management. Surgical correction of stress incontinence in the female remains a complex and distressing problem. Just as there is no single etiologic factor present in all patients with stress incontinence, so ther is no single uniformly corrective operative procedure, as attested by the continued reports of new operative techniques or malfunctions of old procedures. Every therapeutic effort for stress incontinence, whether by means of medication, exercise, plication, suspension, sling, or some combination of these, effectively increases urethral resistance by tightening the musculofasical planes and supporting the urethra. Regrettably, none of these methods can be 100% effective. The patient who does not have good urethral smooth muscle, qualitatively and quantitatively, will remain incontinent. Regardless of its length, caliber, angle, or axis, a fixed, fibrotic, noncontractile urethra will not provide urinary control. I prefer to use the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz procedure in patients who had previous operatons and have persistent or recurrent incontinence.", "PMID": 986264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1890", "title": "Enhancement of alcohol withdrawal convulsions in mice by haloperidol.", "content": "Based on the data presented here and the clinical observations cited it would appear that although haloperidol has been used with a certain degree of success for the treatment of acute alcohol abstinence the authors would like to caution the clinician against widespread use of heloperidol for treatment of alcohol withdrawal. In experimentally induced ethanol withdrawal, chlordiazepoxide appears to be a more effective and safer agent for ameliorating symptoms associated with excitation such as tremor, insomnia, anxiety, and hyperexcitability. A double blind comparative clinical investigation between chlordiazepoxide and haloperidol for treatment of alcohol withdrawal is warranted.", "contents": "Enhancement of alcohol withdrawal convulsions in mice by haloperidol. Based on the data presented here and the clinical observations cited it would appear that although haloperidol has been used with a certain degree of success for the treatment of acute alcohol abstinence the authors would like to caution the clinician against widespread use of heloperidol for treatment of alcohol withdrawal. In experimentally induced ethanol withdrawal, chlordiazepoxide appears to be a more effective and safer agent for ameliorating symptoms associated with excitation such as tremor, insomnia, anxiety, and hyperexcitability. A double blind comparative clinical investigation between chlordiazepoxide and haloperidol for treatment of alcohol withdrawal is warranted.", "PMID": 986285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1891", "title": "Subunit structure of chromosomes in mitotic nuclei of physarum polycephalum.", "content": "We have investigated the subunit structure of mitotic chromosomes of the acellular slime mould Physarum polycephalum, using the nuclease susceptibility of isolated mitotic nuclei as a probe. A characteristic pattern of DNA digestion products is obtained, containing approximately integral multiples of a basic 140 base pair DNA segment that resembles very closely the pattern in G2 phase nuclei of Physarum and of calf lymphocyte nuclei. These results demonstrate that during the process of chromosome condensation there is no alteration at the primary level of chromatin structure that is responsible for the characteristic DNA digestion pattern.", "contents": "Subunit structure of chromosomes in mitotic nuclei of physarum polycephalum. We have investigated the subunit structure of mitotic chromosomes of the acellular slime mould Physarum polycephalum, using the nuclease susceptibility of isolated mitotic nuclei as a probe. A characteristic pattern of DNA digestion products is obtained, containing approximately integral multiples of a basic 140 base pair DNA segment that resembles very closely the pattern in G2 phase nuclei of Physarum and of calf lymphocyte nuclei. These results demonstrate that during the process of chromosome condensation there is no alteration at the primary level of chromatin structure that is responsible for the characteristic DNA digestion pattern.", "PMID": 986286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1892", "title": "Manic depressive illness: onset, diurnal temperature and season of birth.", "content": "Fifty-six carefully diagnosed manic-depressive patients were evaluated seeking a relationship between onset of the illness, diurnal temperature variation, and month and season of birth. With respect to diurnal temperature variation, we were able to discover no significant change in the difference between the high and low temperature as the time of onset of each episode of the illness approached, but there was a trend for the high-low temperature difference to decrease as time of onset approached. Occurrence of episodes was seasonally distributed with significantly more hospitalizations in winter and spring and fewer in summer and fall. The cohort of manic-depressive patients was not different from the Indiana population generally with respect to season of birth.", "contents": "Manic depressive illness: onset, diurnal temperature and season of birth. Fifty-six carefully diagnosed manic-depressive patients were evaluated seeking a relationship between onset of the illness, diurnal temperature variation, and month and season of birth. With respect to diurnal temperature variation, we were able to discover no significant change in the difference between the high and low temperature as the time of onset of each episode of the illness approached, but there was a trend for the high-low temperature difference to decrease as time of onset approached. Occurrence of episodes was seasonally distributed with significantly more hospitalizations in winter and spring and fewer in summer and fall. The cohort of manic-depressive patients was not different from the Indiana population generally with respect to season of birth.", "PMID": 986288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1893", "title": "Lithium carbonate versus E.C.T. in the treatment of the manic state of identical twins with bipolar affective disease.", "content": "Scientific evidence accumulated to date of the efficacy of lithium in the treatment and prophylaxis of bipolar affective states rests primarily on quantitative vector analysis and some double blind studies. To our knowledge, no clinical studies similar to this one exist in literature wherein indentical twins were subjected to the variables of electroconvulsive therapy and phenothiazines versus lithium carbonate and phenothiazines. The only other variable in the study was the hospital settings involved. The twins' course of treatment over a period of 12 years prior to their presentation wherein they received phenothiazines in various hospital settings is presented in detail. The current study would seem to suggest that E.C.T. and phenothiazines are superior to phenothiazines alone in shortening hospital course and perhaps in improving post-hospital adjustment. Further, prior to the advent of lithium, it may be evident that psychiatrists were not attuned to the diagnosis of affective states. Finally, lithium carbonate and phenothiazines, while requiring a significantly longer period of hospitalization than E.C.T. and phenothiazines, appear to be associated with preventing re-hospitalization for manic states, but a slightly decreased level of occupational adjustment. The author discusses the potential value of these patients in determining the clinical efficacy of future drugs in bipolar affective states, as well as the necessity to obtain future studies of the creatinine phosphokinase level.", "contents": "Lithium carbonate versus E.C.T. in the treatment of the manic state of identical twins with bipolar affective disease. Scientific evidence accumulated to date of the efficacy of lithium in the treatment and prophylaxis of bipolar affective states rests primarily on quantitative vector analysis and some double blind studies. To our knowledge, no clinical studies similar to this one exist in literature wherein indentical twins were subjected to the variables of electroconvulsive therapy and phenothiazines versus lithium carbonate and phenothiazines. The only other variable in the study was the hospital settings involved. The twins' course of treatment over a period of 12 years prior to their presentation wherein they received phenothiazines in various hospital settings is presented in detail. The current study would seem to suggest that E.C.T. and phenothiazines are superior to phenothiazines alone in shortening hospital course and perhaps in improving post-hospital adjustment. Further, prior to the advent of lithium, it may be evident that psychiatrists were not attuned to the diagnosis of affective states. Finally, lithium carbonate and phenothiazines, while requiring a significantly longer period of hospitalization than E.C.T. and phenothiazines, appear to be associated with preventing re-hospitalization for manic states, but a slightly decreased level of occupational adjustment. The author discusses the potential value of these patients in determining the clinical efficacy of future drugs in bipolar affective states, as well as the necessity to obtain future studies of the creatinine phosphokinase level.", "PMID": 986289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1894", "title": "[Demonstration of hepatitis-B(surface) antigen with the Hepatest: a new passive haemagglutination test (author's transl)].", "content": "The Hepatest, a passive haemagglutination test, proved to be, like other tests of this group, significantly more sensitive for routine examination of hepatitis B(surface) antigen than tests of the first and second generation, but was not as sensitive as the Ausria II 125 test. The lowest HBs antigen concentration demonstrable in the Hepatest was 31 ng/ml for the subtype ad and 47 ng/ml for subtype ay (in the Ausria II 125 test lowest concentrations were 1.0 and 1.5 ng/ml, respectively). There were several false-positive reactions in the specificity test. Thus all positive reactions would need to be checked, more often than with the Ausria test. But the Hepatest proved to be the most practicable of all the third generation tests, both with regard to shortness of reaction time, technical requirements and ease of reading off the results.", "contents": "[Demonstration of hepatitis-B(surface) antigen with the Hepatest: a new passive haemagglutination test (author's transl)]. The Hepatest, a passive haemagglutination test, proved to be, like other tests of this group, significantly more sensitive for routine examination of hepatitis B(surface) antigen than tests of the first and second generation, but was not as sensitive as the Ausria II 125 test. The lowest HBs antigen concentration demonstrable in the Hepatest was 31 ng/ml for the subtype ad and 47 ng/ml for subtype ay (in the Ausria II 125 test lowest concentrations were 1.0 and 1.5 ng/ml, respectively). There were several false-positive reactions in the specificity test. Thus all positive reactions would need to be checked, more often than with the Ausria test. But the Hepatest proved to be the most practicable of all the third generation tests, both with regard to shortness of reaction time, technical requirements and ease of reading off the results.", "PMID": 986291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1895", "title": "Erythropoietin production by human renal carcinoma cells in culture.", "content": "Cells from human renal tumors were grown in monolayer cultures, and the media obtained at each medium change were assayed for erythropoietin activity. The medium from carcinoma I (a granular cell tumor) contained a high level of activity initially. The concentration of erythropoietin activity decreased with time in culture, but was significantly higher than that in controls after four months in vitro. There was , in addition, evidence of an inhibitory material present in the culture media. The activity formed by the tumor cells could be neutralized by an antibody to human urinary erythropoietin. The difference between activity measured in marrow cell cultures and that found by in vitro assay, and the chromatographic properties of the active preparation, suggest that the tumor-derived activity may be largely asialoerthropoietin. Two other renal carcinomas, of a different cellular type, produced significant erythropoietic activity.", "contents": "Erythropoietin production by human renal carcinoma cells in culture. Cells from human renal tumors were grown in monolayer cultures, and the media obtained at each medium change were assayed for erythropoietin activity. The medium from carcinoma I (a granular cell tumor) contained a high level of activity initially. The concentration of erythropoietin activity decreased with time in culture, but was significantly higher than that in controls after four months in vitro. There was , in addition, evidence of an inhibitory material present in the culture media. The activity formed by the tumor cells could be neutralized by an antibody to human urinary erythropoietin. The difference between activity measured in marrow cell cultures and that found by in vitro assay, and the chromatographic properties of the active preparation, suggest that the tumor-derived activity may be largely asialoerthropoietin. Two other renal carcinomas, of a different cellular type, produced significant erythropoietic activity.", "PMID": 986292} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1896", "title": "Studies on the role of the preoptic area in the control of reproductive function in the rat.", "content": "The present study was designed to determine the effects of bilateral lesions restricted to the medial preoptic area on reproductive function in rats. Adult female rats were placed in a stereotaxic instrument, and bilateral lesions were made in the medial preoptic area of the diencephalon using an anodic current and platinum or stainless steel electrodes. Both types of lesions produced identical effects. Most animals with lesions restricted to the medial preoptic area showed repeated periods of pseudopregnancy for the duration of their lives. Ova were detected in the oviducts on the day of estrus between pseudopregnancies, and deciduomata could be produced by uterine traumatization during pseudopregnancy. Daily administration of lergotrile mesylate, a dopamine agonist, for about two weeks, to the pseudopregnant rats with lesions resulted in the appearance of normal 4 or 5-day estrous cycles. These results suggest that the medial preoptic area may not be necessary for ovulation in the rat, and that the normal function of the preoptic area in the control of reproductive cyclicity may be mediated via dopaminergic neurons. In agreement with earlier studies, we found that lesions that extended into the anterior hypothalamus resulted in constant estrus.", "contents": "Studies on the role of the preoptic area in the control of reproductive function in the rat. The present study was designed to determine the effects of bilateral lesions restricted to the medial preoptic area on reproductive function in rats. Adult female rats were placed in a stereotaxic instrument, and bilateral lesions were made in the medial preoptic area of the diencephalon using an anodic current and platinum or stainless steel electrodes. Both types of lesions produced identical effects. Most animals with lesions restricted to the medial preoptic area showed repeated periods of pseudopregnancy for the duration of their lives. Ova were detected in the oviducts on the day of estrus between pseudopregnancies, and deciduomata could be produced by uterine traumatization during pseudopregnancy. Daily administration of lergotrile mesylate, a dopamine agonist, for about two weeks, to the pseudopregnant rats with lesions resulted in the appearance of normal 4 or 5-day estrous cycles. These results suggest that the medial preoptic area may not be necessary for ovulation in the rat, and that the normal function of the preoptic area in the control of reproductive cyclicity may be mediated via dopaminergic neurons. In agreement with earlier studies, we found that lesions that extended into the anterior hypothalamus resulted in constant estrus.", "PMID": 986293} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1897", "title": "Ovarian regulation of postcoital gonadotropin release in the rabbit: reexamination of a functional role for 20 alphadihydroprogesterone.", "content": "In the rabbit, it has proposed that an ovarian progestin, 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone (20alphaP), released at mating, is essential for a normal postcoital LH surge. However, we measured plasma levels of LH and 20alphaP after mating in rabbits and observed that the frequency, magnitude and time-course of changes in circulating levels of 20alphaP seemed inappropiate to account for the rapid and major surge of LH secretion. This prompted us to re-evalute the role of the ovary in regulating postcoital LH secretion. In chronically ovariectomized (greater than 30 days) does pretreated with estrogen, mating induced a normal LH surge in only 1 of 10 animals, indicating that an ovarian product in addition to estrogen is required for a normal postcoital LH surge. However, when 20alphaP was injected soon after mating in chronically ovariectomized does pretreated with estrogen, only 2 of 9 displayed normal LH surges; this proportion is not different from that (1/10) observed with estrogen treatment alone. To demonstrate that the estrogen treatment, which produced supraphysiologic plasma estradiol levels, did not itself block LH release, 6 intact anestrus females were treated with the same estrogen regimen. Estrus was induced in 5 and each displayed a large post-coital LH surge and ovulated. As a final test of the 20alphaP hypothesis, 5 spontaneously estrous does were ovariectomized within 15 min post coitum to abolish acute increases in circulating ovarian hormones. Three animals released LH in amounts and temporal pattern indistinguishable from intact estrous does. A fourth released smaller amounts of LH. Two of 4 sham-operated does also had normal LH surges. These findings indicate that ovarian hormones are required before mating to support the capacity of the LH secretory mechanism to respond to coitus. Chronic alteration in the hormonal milieu by ovariectomy appears to produce a change in the hypothalamo-hypophysial complex that is not reversed by estrogen, alone. More importantly, these results demonstrate clearly that neither 20alphaP nor any other ovarian hormone is required post coitum, at least after 15 min, for normal LH release.", "contents": "Ovarian regulation of postcoital gonadotropin release in the rabbit: reexamination of a functional role for 20 alphadihydroprogesterone. In the rabbit, it has proposed that an ovarian progestin, 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone (20alphaP), released at mating, is essential for a normal postcoital LH surge. However, we measured plasma levels of LH and 20alphaP after mating in rabbits and observed that the frequency, magnitude and time-course of changes in circulating levels of 20alphaP seemed inappropiate to account for the rapid and major surge of LH secretion. This prompted us to re-evalute the role of the ovary in regulating postcoital LH secretion. In chronically ovariectomized (greater than 30 days) does pretreated with estrogen, mating induced a normal LH surge in only 1 of 10 animals, indicating that an ovarian product in addition to estrogen is required for a normal postcoital LH surge. However, when 20alphaP was injected soon after mating in chronically ovariectomized does pretreated with estrogen, only 2 of 9 displayed normal LH surges; this proportion is not different from that (1/10) observed with estrogen treatment alone. To demonstrate that the estrogen treatment, which produced supraphysiologic plasma estradiol levels, did not itself block LH release, 6 intact anestrus females were treated with the same estrogen regimen. Estrus was induced in 5 and each displayed a large post-coital LH surge and ovulated. As a final test of the 20alphaP hypothesis, 5 spontaneously estrous does were ovariectomized within 15 min post coitum to abolish acute increases in circulating ovarian hormones. Three animals released LH in amounts and temporal pattern indistinguishable from intact estrous does. A fourth released smaller amounts of LH. Two of 4 sham-operated does also had normal LH surges. These findings indicate that ovarian hormones are required before mating to support the capacity of the LH secretory mechanism to respond to coitus. Chronic alteration in the hormonal milieu by ovariectomy appears to produce a change in the hypothalamo-hypophysial complex that is not reversed by estrogen, alone. More importantly, these results demonstrate clearly that neither 20alphaP nor any other ovarian hormone is required post coitum, at least after 15 min, for normal LH release.", "PMID": 986294} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1898", "title": "Changes in body weight, milk production, food and water consumptions and vaginal smears in rats during prolonged lactation.", "content": "Concurrent observations were made in the rat on the changes in the milk production, body and organ weight, food and water consumptions and in the ovarian function in two separate series of experiments in which the period of lactation was prolonged to 60 and 45 days, respectively, by replacing suckling pups by younger ones. In most of the variable examined, marked changes occured between day 20 and 30 of lactation, that is, at the stage correspondong to the end of the normal lactation period. Milk production rate during prolonged lactation expressed by daily gain in weight of litters decreased to 60% of the level before day 20, and was associated with a great reduction of nucleic acid contents of the mammary gland. Definite decreases in weight of the anterior pituitary and the adrenal glands were observed. The food intake remained constant from day 15 of lactation onwards, therefore, the feed efficiency for milk production declined gradually during the period of normal lactatation remaining at a low level thereafter.. After the first recurrence of vaginal estrus which also occured between day 20 and 30, the replacement of litters was followed by the appearance of estrus, whereas replacement before day 15 did not affect the ovarian function. In addtition to these changes, a depressing effect of estrus on the milk production was observed.", "contents": "Changes in body weight, milk production, food and water consumptions and vaginal smears in rats during prolonged lactation. Concurrent observations were made in the rat on the changes in the milk production, body and organ weight, food and water consumptions and in the ovarian function in two separate series of experiments in which the period of lactation was prolonged to 60 and 45 days, respectively, by replacing suckling pups by younger ones. In most of the variable examined, marked changes occured between day 20 and 30 of lactation, that is, at the stage correspondong to the end of the normal lactation period. Milk production rate during prolonged lactation expressed by daily gain in weight of litters decreased to 60% of the level before day 20, and was associated with a great reduction of nucleic acid contents of the mammary gland. Definite decreases in weight of the anterior pituitary and the adrenal glands were observed. The food intake remained constant from day 15 of lactation onwards, therefore, the feed efficiency for milk production declined gradually during the period of normal lactatation remaining at a low level thereafter.. After the first recurrence of vaginal estrus which also occured between day 20 and 30, the replacement of litters was followed by the appearance of estrus, whereas replacement before day 15 did not affect the ovarian function. In addtition to these changes, a depressing effect of estrus on the milk production was observed.", "PMID": 986295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1899", "title": "Duration of diestrous period and secretion of progestins during prolonged lactation in the rat.", "content": "The duration of the diestrous period in vaginal smears and the levels of progestins in ovarian venous blood were investigated in rats whose lactation period was prolonged by replacing pups at appropriate intervals. In prolonged lactating rats, the first diestrous period after the pospartum ovulation (21.7 +/- 0.8 days) was similar to that occurring in normal lactating rats. Subsequently proestrous or estrous vaginal smears reappeared at intervals during prolonged lactation. A total of 19 rats were studied during this period of prolonged lactation and 44 diestrous periods were observed. Forty-eight % of these periods ranged in length from 11 to 16 days (mean of 12.7). Very short diestrous periods lasting less than 3 days were observed 25% of the time. Diestrous periods lasting more than 17 days were observed only infrequently (7%). Progesterone concentration in the ovarian vein during the 2nd diestrous period reached a peak 4 days after the 1st estrus and the level was maintained until 11 days after the 1st estrus. The level of 20alpha-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one remained fairly constant throughout the 2nd diestrous period.", "contents": "Duration of diestrous period and secretion of progestins during prolonged lactation in the rat. The duration of the diestrous period in vaginal smears and the levels of progestins in ovarian venous blood were investigated in rats whose lactation period was prolonged by replacing pups at appropriate intervals. In prolonged lactating rats, the first diestrous period after the pospartum ovulation (21.7 +/- 0.8 days) was similar to that occurring in normal lactating rats. Subsequently proestrous or estrous vaginal smears reappeared at intervals during prolonged lactation. A total of 19 rats were studied during this period of prolonged lactation and 44 diestrous periods were observed. Forty-eight % of these periods ranged in length from 11 to 16 days (mean of 12.7). Very short diestrous periods lasting less than 3 days were observed 25% of the time. Diestrous periods lasting more than 17 days were observed only infrequently (7%). Progesterone concentration in the ovarian vein during the 2nd diestrous period reached a peak 4 days after the 1st estrus and the level was maintained until 11 days after the 1st estrus. The level of 20alpha-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one remained fairly constant throughout the 2nd diestrous period.", "PMID": 986296} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1900", "title": "Recurrence of estrous cycles in the light-induced persistent estrous rats by reserpine.", "content": "Effect of continuous illumination (LL) on ovarian functions was compared at various ages between the rats exposed to LL from 70 days of age (LL-70) and exposed to LL from the day of birth (LL-0). LL-0 rats retained corpora lutea in their ovaries in higher incidence than LL-70 rats. Effect of reserpine on the restoration of cyclicity was studied in LL-0 and LL-70 rats shortly after they became persistent-estrous. LL-0 rats restored cyclicity in higher incidence than in LL-70 rats.", "contents": "Recurrence of estrous cycles in the light-induced persistent estrous rats by reserpine. Effect of continuous illumination (LL) on ovarian functions was compared at various ages between the rats exposed to LL from 70 days of age (LL-70) and exposed to LL from the day of birth (LL-0). LL-0 rats retained corpora lutea in their ovaries in higher incidence than LL-70 rats. Effect of reserpine on the restoration of cyclicity was studied in LL-0 and LL-70 rats shortly after they became persistent-estrous. LL-0 rats restored cyclicity in higher incidence than in LL-70 rats.", "PMID": 986297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1901", "title": "In vitro transfer rate of 14C from acetate-1-14C into ovarian steroids in the rat ovary during the estrous cycle and effects of LH and FSH.", "content": "Fluctuations of ovarian biosynthetic activity and effects of exogenous LH and FSH on it during the estrous cycle were investigated by measuring in vitro transfer rates of 14C from 14C-1-acetate into progesterone (P), 20 alpha-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (20 alpha-OH-P) and estrogen (estradiol and estrone, E) in the ovarian homogenates from rats autopsied at 2 hour intervals. The transfer rate of 14C from 14C-1-acetate into P was lowest in the afternoon of estrus and increased from the morning of diestrus 1, making its peaks during the afternoon of diestrus 2 and in the midnight of proestrus. The transfer of 14C into 20 alpha-OH-P was high on the days of diestrus 2 and proestrus with its peak in the afternoon of the latter day. The maximum transfer of 14C into E in the afternoon of proestrus and a high rate in the morning of estrus with relatively low one in the midnight were observed. Exogenously injected LH (150 mug) or FSH (150 mug) was either stimulatory or inhiibitory to the transfer rates of 14C from 14C-1-acetate into ovarian steroids. During day time of diestrus 2 and midnight between proestrus and estrus, the transfer of 14C into P and 20 alpha-OH-P increased by LH, and during day time of proestrus and from the afternoon of estrus to the morning of diestrus 1 decreased. The transfer of 14C into E increased by LH from the afternoon of diestrus 2 to the morning of proestrus, and decreased during the afternoon of proestrus and from the afternoon of estrus to the morning of diestrus 2. Administration of FSH was also stimulatory or inhibitory. The 14C transfer into P and 20 alpha-OH-P increased by FSH from the afternoon of estrus to the morning of proestrus, but in the afternoon of proestrus they decreased. Transfer of 14C into E increased by FSH significantly on the days of diestrus 2 and proestrus, and slightly on the day of estrus, while it decreased in the afternoon of diestrus 1.", "contents": "In vitro transfer rate of 14C from acetate-1-14C into ovarian steroids in the rat ovary during the estrous cycle and effects of LH and FSH. Fluctuations of ovarian biosynthetic activity and effects of exogenous LH and FSH on it during the estrous cycle were investigated by measuring in vitro transfer rates of 14C from 14C-1-acetate into progesterone (P), 20 alpha-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (20 alpha-OH-P) and estrogen (estradiol and estrone, E) in the ovarian homogenates from rats autopsied at 2 hour intervals. The transfer rate of 14C from 14C-1-acetate into P was lowest in the afternoon of estrus and increased from the morning of diestrus 1, making its peaks during the afternoon of diestrus 2 and in the midnight of proestrus. The transfer of 14C into 20 alpha-OH-P was high on the days of diestrus 2 and proestrus with its peak in the afternoon of the latter day. The maximum transfer of 14C into E in the afternoon of proestrus and a high rate in the morning of estrus with relatively low one in the midnight were observed. Exogenously injected LH (150 mug) or FSH (150 mug) was either stimulatory or inhiibitory to the transfer rates of 14C from 14C-1-acetate into ovarian steroids. During day time of diestrus 2 and midnight between proestrus and estrus, the transfer of 14C into P and 20 alpha-OH-P increased by LH, and during day time of proestrus and from the afternoon of estrus to the morning of diestrus 1 decreased. The transfer of 14C into E increased by LH from the afternoon of diestrus 2 to the morning of proestrus, and decreased during the afternoon of proestrus and from the afternoon of estrus to the morning of diestrus 2. Administration of FSH was also stimulatory or inhibitory. The 14C transfer into P and 20 alpha-OH-P increased by FSH from the afternoon of estrus to the morning of proestrus, but in the afternoon of proestrus they decreased. Transfer of 14C into E increased by FSH significantly on the days of diestrus 2 and proestrus, and slightly on the day of estrus, while it decreased in the afternoon of diestrus 1.", "PMID": 986298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1902", "title": "Rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch: a case report.", "content": "A horse with rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch was found to have a bilaterally symmetrical deformity of the laryngeal area. Both left and right cricopharyngeal muscles were absent. The shape of the thyroid cartilage was grossly abnormal and vestiges of the cricothyroid muscles were attached only to the cricoid cartilage. It was suggested that such an anomaly could have resulted from aberrant development of the fourth branchial arch.", "contents": "Rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch: a case report. A horse with rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch was found to have a bilaterally symmetrical deformity of the laryngeal area. Both left and right cricopharyngeal muscles were absent. The shape of the thyroid cartilage was grossly abnormal and vestiges of the cricothyroid muscles were attached only to the cricoid cartilage. It was suggested that such an anomaly could have resulted from aberrant development of the fourth branchial arch.", "PMID": 986300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1903", "title": "Urethral sphincterotomy for delivery of vesical calculus in the mare: a case report.", "content": "A case of vesical calculus in which haematuria was not a presenting sign is described. Methods of removal of vesical calculi are discussed. In this case, urethral sphincterotomy facilitated delivery.", "contents": "Urethral sphincterotomy for delivery of vesical calculus in the mare: a case report. A case of vesical calculus in which haematuria was not a presenting sign is described. Methods of removal of vesical calculi are discussed. In this case, urethral sphincterotomy facilitated delivery.", "PMID": 986301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1904", "title": "Dopamine receptors: selective agonists and antagonists of functionally distinct types within the feline brain.", "content": "Unilateral injections of agents that are useful tools for differentiating electrophysiologically distinct dopamine receptors within the snail Helix aspersa are given into behaviourally distinct dopamine sensitive areas within the caudate nucleus of cats. Dopamine-elicited contralateral head-turning is selectively mimicked by apomorphine and selectively inhibited by haloperidol, whereas dopamine-elicited homolateral head-turning including oro-facial dyskinesias is selectively mimicked by (3, 4-dihydroxy-phenylamino)-2-imidazoline (DPI) and selectively inhibited by ergometrine, piribedil and noradrenaline. These results indicate that the caudate nucleus of cats contains two functionally and pharmalogically distinct dopamine receptors and that Helix aspersa dopamine sensitive neurons can be used as model for the design of drugs selectively interfering with each type of receptor. The implications of these findings are considered in view of the efficacy of piribedil, L-DOPA and neuroleptics in psychomotor diseases in man.", "contents": "Dopamine receptors: selective agonists and antagonists of functionally distinct types within the feline brain. Unilateral injections of agents that are useful tools for differentiating electrophysiologically distinct dopamine receptors within the snail Helix aspersa are given into behaviourally distinct dopamine sensitive areas within the caudate nucleus of cats. Dopamine-elicited contralateral head-turning is selectively mimicked by apomorphine and selectively inhibited by haloperidol, whereas dopamine-elicited homolateral head-turning including oro-facial dyskinesias is selectively mimicked by (3, 4-dihydroxy-phenylamino)-2-imidazoline (DPI) and selectively inhibited by ergometrine, piribedil and noradrenaline. These results indicate that the caudate nucleus of cats contains two functionally and pharmalogically distinct dopamine receptors and that Helix aspersa dopamine sensitive neurons can be used as model for the design of drugs selectively interfering with each type of receptor. The implications of these findings are considered in view of the efficacy of piribedil, L-DOPA and neuroleptics in psychomotor diseases in man.", "PMID": 986303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1905", "title": "Ergot alkaloids as dopamine agonists: comparison in two rodent models.", "content": "A series of ergot alkaloids, together with the DA agonists apomorphine and piribedil, were tested for protective effects against audiogenic seizures in an inbred strain of mice (DBA/2) and for induction of circling behaviour in mice with unilateral destruction of one nigrostriatal DA pathway. The order of potency against audiogenic seizures was apomorphine greater than ergocornine greater than bromocryptine greater than ergometrine greater than LSD greater than methysergide greater than piribedil while that observed in the rotating mouse model was apomorphine greater than ergometrine greater than ergocornine greater than bromocryptine greater than piribedil. LSD caused only weak circling behaviour even when administered in high doses (greater than 1 mg/kg). Methysergide was ineffective. Prior administration of the neuroleptic agent haloperidol blocked the effect of DA agonists and of ergot alkaloids in both animal models. The possible action of ergot alkaloids as DA agonists is discussed.", "contents": "Ergot alkaloids as dopamine agonists: comparison in two rodent models. A series of ergot alkaloids, together with the DA agonists apomorphine and piribedil, were tested for protective effects against audiogenic seizures in an inbred strain of mice (DBA/2) and for induction of circling behaviour in mice with unilateral destruction of one nigrostriatal DA pathway. The order of potency against audiogenic seizures was apomorphine greater than ergocornine greater than bromocryptine greater than ergometrine greater than LSD greater than methysergide greater than piribedil while that observed in the rotating mouse model was apomorphine greater than ergometrine greater than ergocornine greater than bromocryptine greater than piribedil. LSD caused only weak circling behaviour even when administered in high doses (greater than 1 mg/kg). Methysergide was ineffective. Prior administration of the neuroleptic agent haloperidol blocked the effect of DA agonists and of ergot alkaloids in both animal models. The possible action of ergot alkaloids as DA agonists is discussed.", "PMID": 986304} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1906", "title": "Circling behavior in rats with 6-hydroxydopamine or electrolytic nigral lesions,.", "content": "Unilateral destruction of dopaminergic cell bodies in the substantia nigra zona compacta (SNC) was performed in rats using either electrocoagulation or chemical lesioning (6-hydroxydopamine, 6-OHDA). Neostriatal dopamine concentration ipsilateral to an electrolytic lesion was 34% of the contralateral side 2-3 weeks after operation; serotonin and noradrenaline brain levels were not altered. In contrast, dopamine and noradrenaline forebrain concentrations ipsilateral to a 6-OHDA lesion were 20 and 31%, respectively, of the contralateral side. After 6-OHDA, dopamine concentrations in the ipsilateral neostriatum were reduced to levels below the sensitivity of the fluorometric assay; cortical, brainstem and neostriatal serotonin levels, on the other hand, were not altered after 6-OHDA. Ipsilateral circling behavior was elicited by d-amphetamine after electrolytic and chemical lesioning. In contrast, the direction of circling produced after apomorphine differed between the two lesion models: contralateral circling behavior was exhibited by 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, whereas ipsilateral circling was produced in animals with electrolytic lesions. Contralateral circling was induced in both lesion-type models by haloperidol or pimozide. S.c. atropine administration induced ipsilateral circling in rats with 6-OHDA lesions, whereas contralateral circling was observed after arecoline. Animals with electrolytic SNC lesions turn ipsilaterally after s.c. administrations of either arecoline or atropine. The data indicate that the electrolytic and 6-OHDA circling behavior models represent two different neuropharmacological states and it is, therefore, suggested that comparisons of data obtained from models using different methods of lesioning be made with caution.", "contents": "Circling behavior in rats with 6-hydroxydopamine or electrolytic nigral lesions,. Unilateral destruction of dopaminergic cell bodies in the substantia nigra zona compacta (SNC) was performed in rats using either electrocoagulation or chemical lesioning (6-hydroxydopamine, 6-OHDA). Neostriatal dopamine concentration ipsilateral to an electrolytic lesion was 34% of the contralateral side 2-3 weeks after operation; serotonin and noradrenaline brain levels were not altered. In contrast, dopamine and noradrenaline forebrain concentrations ipsilateral to a 6-OHDA lesion were 20 and 31%, respectively, of the contralateral side. After 6-OHDA, dopamine concentrations in the ipsilateral neostriatum were reduced to levels below the sensitivity of the fluorometric assay; cortical, brainstem and neostriatal serotonin levels, on the other hand, were not altered after 6-OHDA. Ipsilateral circling behavior was elicited by d-amphetamine after electrolytic and chemical lesioning. In contrast, the direction of circling produced after apomorphine differed between the two lesion models: contralateral circling behavior was exhibited by 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, whereas ipsilateral circling was produced in animals with electrolytic lesions. Contralateral circling was induced in both lesion-type models by haloperidol or pimozide. S.c. atropine administration induced ipsilateral circling in rats with 6-OHDA lesions, whereas contralateral circling was observed after arecoline. Animals with electrolytic SNC lesions turn ipsilaterally after s.c. administrations of either arecoline or atropine. The data indicate that the electrolytic and 6-OHDA circling behavior models represent two different neuropharmacological states and it is, therefore, suggested that comparisons of data obtained from models using different methods of lesioning be made with caution.", "PMID": 986305} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1907", "title": "Dopaminergic-cholinergic interactions in naloxone-induced circling in morphine-dependent rats with nigral lesions.", "content": "3-4 weeks after placement of a unilateral, electrolytic lesion of the substantia nigra zona compacta, rats were highly dependent on morphine by the s.c. morphine pellet implantation technique. Following challenge with a supramaximal naloxone dose of 20 mg/kg i.p., both continuous contralateral circling behavior and severe withdrawal signs in morphine-dependent, lesioned rats were elicited. After various drug pretreatments, the contralaeral circling behavior precipitated by naloxone was: (a) reversed to ipsilateral circling by i.p. apomorphine or d-amphetamine, (b) unaltered by i.p. haloperidol or intraneostriatal arecoline administered into the intact neostriatum, and (c) reversed to ipsilateral circling by the administration of atropine into the intact neostriatum. Atropine, apomorphine and amphetamine all interfered with the manifestation of naloxone-precipitated abstinence. These data suggest that a diminution of dopaminergic or an enhancement of cholinergic activities, or both, occur at the level of the neostriatum during naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in morphine-dependent rats.", "contents": "Dopaminergic-cholinergic interactions in naloxone-induced circling in morphine-dependent rats with nigral lesions. 3-4 weeks after placement of a unilateral, electrolytic lesion of the substantia nigra zona compacta, rats were highly dependent on morphine by the s.c. morphine pellet implantation technique. Following challenge with a supramaximal naloxone dose of 20 mg/kg i.p., both continuous contralateral circling behavior and severe withdrawal signs in morphine-dependent, lesioned rats were elicited. After various drug pretreatments, the contralaeral circling behavior precipitated by naloxone was: (a) reversed to ipsilateral circling by i.p. apomorphine or d-amphetamine, (b) unaltered by i.p. haloperidol or intraneostriatal arecoline administered into the intact neostriatum, and (c) reversed to ipsilateral circling by the administration of atropine into the intact neostriatum. Atropine, apomorphine and amphetamine all interfered with the manifestation of naloxone-precipitated abstinence. These data suggest that a diminution of dopaminergic or an enhancement of cholinergic activities, or both, occur at the level of the neostriatum during naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in morphine-dependent rats.", "PMID": 986306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1908", "title": "Effect of pargyline on morphine tolerance and physical dependence development in mice.", "content": "The effects of single and repeated pargyline administration on morphine antinociception in both naive and morphine-tolerant mice and on naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in morphine tolerant-dependent animals were investigated. Adult, male Swiss-Webster mice were rendered tolerant to and dependent on morphine by the s.c. pellet implantion technique. Morphine analgesia, as assessed by the tail-flick antinociceptive test, was potentiated in tolerant animals by acute adminstration of pargyline but antagonized by repeated pargyline administration; pargyline produced similar effects in non-tolerant mice and to the same relative degree. Repeated pargyline treatment during morphine pellet implantation enhanced the withdrawal jumping response precipitated by naloxone in dependent mice. Pargyline also, after a single injection, exacerbated jumping in mice undergoing abrupt withdrawal. Neither acute nor chronic pargyline administration altered the brain distribution of injected morphine in non-tolerant mice. It was concluded that pargyline may modify acute morphine actions and withdrawal without materially altering the process(es) involved in the development of tolerance and physical dependence.", "contents": "Effect of pargyline on morphine tolerance and physical dependence development in mice. The effects of single and repeated pargyline administration on morphine antinociception in both naive and morphine-tolerant mice and on naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in morphine tolerant-dependent animals were investigated. Adult, male Swiss-Webster mice were rendered tolerant to and dependent on morphine by the s.c. pellet implantion technique. Morphine analgesia, as assessed by the tail-flick antinociceptive test, was potentiated in tolerant animals by acute adminstration of pargyline but antagonized by repeated pargyline administration; pargyline produced similar effects in non-tolerant mice and to the same relative degree. Repeated pargyline treatment during morphine pellet implantation enhanced the withdrawal jumping response precipitated by naloxone in dependent mice. Pargyline also, after a single injection, exacerbated jumping in mice undergoing abrupt withdrawal. Neither acute nor chronic pargyline administration altered the brain distribution of injected morphine in non-tolerant mice. It was concluded that pargyline may modify acute morphine actions and withdrawal without materially altering the process(es) involved in the development of tolerance and physical dependence.", "PMID": 986307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1909", "title": "Methylphenidate-like effects of the new antidepressant drug nomifensine (HOE 984).", "content": "Nomifensine (HOE 984) belongs to a chemically new class of drugs with reported antidepressant properties. Nomifensine, like methylphemidate, d-amphetamine and apomorphine, induces strong, intense stereotypes behaviour in the rat. The nomifensine-induced stereotyped behaviour was completely antagonized by pretreatment with reserpine (7.5 mg/kg, 18 h) but not by short-time pretreatment with alpha-methyltyrosine (250 mg/kg, 2 h.) Nomifensine thus differs from d-amphetamine and apomorphine but resembles methylphenidate on stereotyped behaviour. Nominfensine, M1 (8-amino-2-methyl-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline fumarate) (Hoechst), methylphenidate and d-amphetamine induced a strong increase in the brain level of homovanillec acid (HVA), whereas the dopamine uptake inhibitor benztropine induced no changes in HVA and cocaine induced only a small increase. Nomifensine and the M1 metabolite, like methylphenidate, also increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) whereas amphetamine, apomorphine, benztropine and cocaine decreased this dopamine metabolite. This suggests that the stereotyped licking and/or biting activities in the rat are related to dopamine releasing properties of nomifensine, methylphenidate and amphetamine. This is further supported by an inverse relationship between the in vitro dopamine uptake inhibitory concentrations and the sterotypy-inducing dose levels of nomifensine and d-amphetamine. Amphetamine caused a strong, and nomifensine and apormorphine a week increase in brain 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MOPEG).", "contents": "Methylphenidate-like effects of the new antidepressant drug nomifensine (HOE 984). Nomifensine (HOE 984) belongs to a chemically new class of drugs with reported antidepressant properties. Nomifensine, like methylphemidate, d-amphetamine and apomorphine, induces strong, intense stereotypes behaviour in the rat. The nomifensine-induced stereotyped behaviour was completely antagonized by pretreatment with reserpine (7.5 mg/kg, 18 h) but not by short-time pretreatment with alpha-methyltyrosine (250 mg/kg, 2 h.) Nomifensine thus differs from d-amphetamine and apomorphine but resembles methylphenidate on stereotyped behaviour. Nominfensine, M1 (8-amino-2-methyl-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline fumarate) (Hoechst), methylphenidate and d-amphetamine induced a strong increase in the brain level of homovanillec acid (HVA), whereas the dopamine uptake inhibitor benztropine induced no changes in HVA and cocaine induced only a small increase. Nomifensine and the M1 metabolite, like methylphenidate, also increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) whereas amphetamine, apomorphine, benztropine and cocaine decreased this dopamine metabolite. This suggests that the stereotyped licking and/or biting activities in the rat are related to dopamine releasing properties of nomifensine, methylphenidate and amphetamine. This is further supported by an inverse relationship between the in vitro dopamine uptake inhibitory concentrations and the sterotypy-inducing dose levels of nomifensine and d-amphetamine. Amphetamine caused a strong, and nomifensine and apormorphine a week increase in brain 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MOPEG).", "PMID": 986308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1910", "title": "On the origin of the protein yolk in the oocytes of Aplysia depilans (Gastropoda, Opistobranchia).", "content": "In the oocytes of Aplysia depilans it has been observed electronmicroscopically that \"gemmae\" or \"daughter-nucleoli\" separate from the nucleolus. These \"gemmae\" after having overcome the nuclear membrane, would aggregate together, even after transformation, into yolk globules. These observations seem to give plausibility to the hypothesis that there is a close relationship between production of ribonucleoproteic material by the nucleolus and yolk production.", "contents": "On the origin of the protein yolk in the oocytes of Aplysia depilans (Gastropoda, Opistobranchia). In the oocytes of Aplysia depilans it has been observed electronmicroscopically that \"gemmae\" or \"daughter-nucleoli\" separate from the nucleolus. These \"gemmae\" after having overcome the nuclear membrane, would aggregate together, even after transformation, into yolk globules. These observations seem to give plausibility to the hypothesis that there is a close relationship between production of ribonucleoproteic material by the nucleolus and yolk production.", "PMID": 986314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1911", "title": "[A progesterone-dependent pheromone of the female mouse (author's transl)].", "content": "Female mice kept in groups exhibit less oestrous smears than females kept singly. Ovariectomized females have only slightly reduced number of oestrous smears, but ovariectomized females injected with progesterone act on other females like intact ones. It is concluded that a progesterone-dependent pheromone excreted by dioestrous females acts oestrus-depressing on other females.", "contents": "[A progesterone-dependent pheromone of the female mouse (author's transl)]. Female mice kept in groups exhibit less oestrous smears than females kept singly. Ovariectomized females have only slightly reduced number of oestrous smears, but ovariectomized females injected with progesterone act on other females like intact ones. It is concluded that a progesterone-dependent pheromone excreted by dioestrous females acts oestrus-depressing on other females.", "PMID": 986315} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1912", "title": "The relative distribution of soluble and insoluble cholinesterases in rat excitable tissues.", "content": "Three ratios were studied here: bound to free AChE (R1), bound to free BChE (R2), and the ratios between these two (R3). The first one proved relevant in that it contributed to the division of the cholinergic tissues into 3 classes: high values (nicotinic tissues: skeletal muscle), low values (muscarinic tissues: small intestine, uterus, heart), and middle values (mixed, nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic innervation: brain). The third ratio (R3) showed different values in the muscarinic tissues studied; no significant differences could, however, be found between the ratios of brain and skeletal muscle. Further exploration of this ratio should indicate whether it is of some importance for the characterization of excitable tissues.", "contents": "The relative distribution of soluble and insoluble cholinesterases in rat excitable tissues. Three ratios were studied here: bound to free AChE (R1), bound to free BChE (R2), and the ratios between these two (R3). The first one proved relevant in that it contributed to the division of the cholinergic tissues into 3 classes: high values (nicotinic tissues: skeletal muscle), low values (muscarinic tissues: small intestine, uterus, heart), and middle values (mixed, nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic innervation: brain). The third ratio (R3) showed different values in the muscarinic tissues studied; no significant differences could, however, be found between the ratios of brain and skeletal muscle. Further exploration of this ratio should indicate whether it is of some importance for the characterization of excitable tissues.", "PMID": 986316} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1913", "title": "[Pharmacological study of a non-steroid compound with progestin-like activity (M.G. 6236)].", "content": "The detailed pharmacological study of 1-acetyl-4-phenylcyclohexanol (isomer with equatorial hydroxyl - M.G. 6236 - see formula) is reported. This compound was found to have progestin-like activity particularly as regards increase in carbonic anhydrase activity and increase in the proliferative activity of the mucosa of the rabbit uterus.", "contents": "[Pharmacological study of a non-steroid compound with progestin-like activity (M.G. 6236)]. The detailed pharmacological study of 1-acetyl-4-phenylcyclohexanol (isomer with equatorial hydroxyl - M.G. 6236 - see formula) is reported. This compound was found to have progestin-like activity particularly as regards increase in carbonic anhydrase activity and increase in the proliferative activity of the mucosa of the rabbit uterus.", "PMID": 986318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1914", "title": "Prematurity and orgasmic coitus during pregnancy: data on a small sample.", "content": "Nineteen mothers of premature infants were interviewed in an attempt to determine a possible relationship between prematurity and orgasmic coitus during pregnancy. Although the limited number of subjects precludes tests of statistical significance and definite conclusions, the findings do suggest possible associations. While there appeared to be no relationship between prematurity and coitus per se during pregnancy, the association of frequent or intense orgasm with prematurity does raise some questions that further investigation might answer. Because of the hazard of prematurity to the subsequent development of the child, further exploration of the possible relationship of prematurity to orgasmic coitus during pregnancy appears warranted.", "contents": "Prematurity and orgasmic coitus during pregnancy: data on a small sample. Nineteen mothers of premature infants were interviewed in an attempt to determine a possible relationship between prematurity and orgasmic coitus during pregnancy. Although the limited number of subjects precludes tests of statistical significance and definite conclusions, the findings do suggest possible associations. While there appeared to be no relationship between prematurity and coitus per se during pregnancy, the association of frequent or intense orgasm with prematurity does raise some questions that further investigation might answer. Because of the hazard of prematurity to the subsequent development of the child, further exploration of the possible relationship of prematurity to orgasmic coitus during pregnancy appears warranted.", "PMID": 986321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1915", "title": "In vitro response of rabbit utero-ovarian ligament to catecholamines.", "content": "The response of the rabbit utero-ovarian ligament to catecholamines has been studied in vitro, with contractile activity being recorded isometrically from whole rabbit ligaments obtained under various hormonal conditions. Both the catecholamines norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI) produced dose-dependent (10(-2) mug/ml threshold; 10(2) mug/ml maximum) tetanic contractions of rabbit ligament. There was no difference (P less than 0.05) between estrous and ovulatory ligaments either in terms of the dose-response curves or maximal force of contraction. Both agonists were 100% antagonized by the alpha-blockers, phentolamine and phenoxybenzamine. The beta-agonist, isoproterenol, had little effect on ligament tonus but did inhibit spontaneous activity and attenuated the response to both NE and EPI. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, slightly (less than 10%) potentiated the stimulatory effects of NE and EPI. It is concluded that the utero-ovarian ligament of the rabbit contains predominately alpha-stimulatory and possibly weak beta-inhibitory receptors analogous to receptors in ovarian and oviductal smooth muscles.", "contents": "In vitro response of rabbit utero-ovarian ligament to catecholamines. The response of the rabbit utero-ovarian ligament to catecholamines has been studied in vitro, with contractile activity being recorded isometrically from whole rabbit ligaments obtained under various hormonal conditions. Both the catecholamines norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI) produced dose-dependent (10(-2) mug/ml threshold; 10(2) mug/ml maximum) tetanic contractions of rabbit ligament. There was no difference (P less than 0.05) between estrous and ovulatory ligaments either in terms of the dose-response curves or maximal force of contraction. Both agonists were 100% antagonized by the alpha-blockers, phentolamine and phenoxybenzamine. The beta-agonist, isoproterenol, had little effect on ligament tonus but did inhibit spontaneous activity and attenuated the response to both NE and EPI. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, slightly (less than 10%) potentiated the stimulatory effects of NE and EPI. It is concluded that the utero-ovarian ligament of the rabbit contains predominately alpha-stimulatory and possibly weak beta-inhibitory receptors analogous to receptors in ovarian and oviductal smooth muscles.", "PMID": 986322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1916", "title": "Use and abuse of topical steroids.", "content": "Review of the history of topical steroid treatment, explaining the high acceptance and discussing the complications. Special attention is drawn to the fact that-though extremely rare- sensitization to various steroids is described. In 1 patient cross-sensitization occurred against six different corticosteroids, all fluorinated.", "contents": "Use and abuse of topical steroids. Review of the history of topical steroid treatment, explaining the high acceptance and discussing the complications. Special attention is drawn to the fact that-though extremely rare- sensitization to various steroids is described. In 1 patient cross-sensitization occurred against six different corticosteroids, all fluorinated.", "PMID": 986326} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1917", "title": "Non-parenteral vaccines for veterinary use in the United Kingdom.", "content": "The first vaccine specifically formulated for non-parenteral administration was licensed for use in the United Kingdom over 15 years ago. Since that time there has been a dramatic increase in the use of this type of product, particularly within the last five years, and at present no fewer than 46 of the 220 currently licensed vaccines are recommended for administration by the non-parenteral route. The majority (42) of these products are for use in poultry with the remainder being for cattle, pigs and mink (1 vaccine each). All except two of the products are viral vaccines, the exceptions being a cattle helminth vaccine and the pig vaccine which is used for the control of intestinal E. coli infections in the young animal. Administration is principally by mouth, the vaccines being given either directly by the oral route to individual animals or incorporated in drinking water or feedstuffs for mass medication purposes but spray and eye-drop administration methods are also used.", "contents": "Non-parenteral vaccines for veterinary use in the United Kingdom. The first vaccine specifically formulated for non-parenteral administration was licensed for use in the United Kingdom over 15 years ago. Since that time there has been a dramatic increase in the use of this type of product, particularly within the last five years, and at present no fewer than 46 of the 220 currently licensed vaccines are recommended for administration by the non-parenteral route. The majority (42) of these products are for use in poultry with the remainder being for cattle, pigs and mink (1 vaccine each). All except two of the products are viral vaccines, the exceptions being a cattle helminth vaccine and the pig vaccine which is used for the control of intestinal E. coli infections in the young animal. Administration is principally by mouth, the vaccines being given either directly by the oral route to individual animals or incorporated in drinking water or feedstuffs for mass medication purposes but spray and eye-drop administration methods are also used.", "PMID": 986328} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1918", "title": "Newcastle disease. Environmental and host influences on immunity induced by non-parenteral vaccination.", "content": "Many millions of doses of Newcastle disease vaccine have been given to chickens by two non-parenteral routes; in aerosols and in drinking water. These vaccines, that reach either or both the respiratory and digestive tracts, have afforded protection against disabling disease for millions of chickens but not without irregularity in the adequacy and duration of the response induced. Among the factors that affect the response are the nature of the delivery system (i.e. aerosol particle size), the dose received, the time involved in delivery, the environmental circumstances (i.e. ambient temperature) and the precondition of the host from the withholding of feed and water and from handling and crowding. The site of initial replication is critical, presumably because by inducing nonspecific or specific blockage of other replication sites, it shapes the immune response. Most events in the development of a vaccine-induced infection are dependent upon both thresholds and inherent periodicities. Individual host responsiveness is an interplay between the virus, environmental factors and intrinsic systems of the host.", "contents": "Newcastle disease. Environmental and host influences on immunity induced by non-parenteral vaccination. Many millions of doses of Newcastle disease vaccine have been given to chickens by two non-parenteral routes; in aerosols and in drinking water. These vaccines, that reach either or both the respiratory and digestive tracts, have afforded protection against disabling disease for millions of chickens but not without irregularity in the adequacy and duration of the response induced. Among the factors that affect the response are the nature of the delivery system (i.e. aerosol particle size), the dose received, the time involved in delivery, the environmental circumstances (i.e. ambient temperature) and the precondition of the host from the withholding of feed and water and from handling and crowding. The site of initial replication is critical, presumably because by inducing nonspecific or specific blockage of other replication sites, it shapes the immune response. Most events in the development of a vaccine-induced infection are dependent upon both thresholds and inherent periodicities. Individual host responsiveness is an interplay between the virus, environmental factors and intrinsic systems of the host.", "PMID": 986329} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1919", "title": "Immune response to orally administered calf reovirus-like agent and coronavirus vaccine.", "content": "Twenty 6-to 7-hour-old gnotobiotic calves inoculated orally with attenuated calf diarrhea reovirus-like agent and challenge-inoculated with virulent virus 48-72 h post-inoculation (PI) remained clinically normal during the post-vaccination observation period; one developed mild diarrhea after challenge inoculation. Four non-vaccinated challenge control calves developed severe diarrhea. Twenty 6-to 7-hour-old gnotobiotic calves inoculated orally with attenuated calf diarrhea coronavirus and challenge inoculated with virulent virus 96 h later remained clinically normal during the post-vaccination and post-challenge observation period. Four non-vaccinated challenge control calves developed severe diarrhea and 2 of these died. Five-foot long isolated loops prepared in the lower ileum (Thiry-Vella loop) of newborn colostrum-deprived calves were inoculated with attenuated coronavirus. Daily loop washings were cultured for virus and tested for neutralizing antibody. Peak viral titers of 10(6.5) to 10(7) occurred 3-4 days PI and descended rapidly to 0 between 6 and 8 days PI. Neutralizing antibody was first detected in the washings 6-8 days PI and reached a titer of 128-256 7 to 9 days PI. Loop immunoglobulin separated by gel filtration and identified by immunodiffusion were primarily IgM and IgA. Initial resistance to virulent viral infection is thought to be due to an interference phenomenon, with later resistance due to local antibody.", "contents": "Immune response to orally administered calf reovirus-like agent and coronavirus vaccine. Twenty 6-to 7-hour-old gnotobiotic calves inoculated orally with attenuated calf diarrhea reovirus-like agent and challenge-inoculated with virulent virus 48-72 h post-inoculation (PI) remained clinically normal during the post-vaccination observation period; one developed mild diarrhea after challenge inoculation. Four non-vaccinated challenge control calves developed severe diarrhea. Twenty 6-to 7-hour-old gnotobiotic calves inoculated orally with attenuated calf diarrhea coronavirus and challenge inoculated with virulent virus 96 h later remained clinically normal during the post-vaccination and post-challenge observation period. Four non-vaccinated challenge control calves developed severe diarrhea and 2 of these died. Five-foot long isolated loops prepared in the lower ileum (Thiry-Vella loop) of newborn colostrum-deprived calves were inoculated with attenuated coronavirus. Daily loop washings were cultured for virus and tested for neutralizing antibody. Peak viral titers of 10(6.5) to 10(7) occurred 3-4 days PI and descended rapidly to 0 between 6 and 8 days PI. Neutralizing antibody was first detected in the washings 6-8 days PI and reached a titer of 128-256 7 to 9 days PI. Loop immunoglobulin separated by gel filtration and identified by immunodiffusion were primarily IgM and IgA. Initial resistance to virulent viral infection is thought to be due to an interference phenomenon, with later resistance due to local antibody.", "PMID": 986330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1920", "title": "Puberal status and sex differences: activity and maze behavior in rats.", "content": "This study assessed sex differences in spontaneous wheel running and maze performance in relation to puberal status in rats. No sex differences were found prepuberally in either task whereas, postpuberally, females exceeded males in wheel running and males made fewer maze errors than females. Postpuberal males and females were less active than independent groups of prepuberal males and females, respectively. Although mature females made more errors than prepuberal females, no differences were found between independent groups of pre- and postpuberal males.", "contents": "Puberal status and sex differences: activity and maze behavior in rats. This study assessed sex differences in spontaneous wheel running and maze performance in relation to puberal status in rats. No sex differences were found prepuberally in either task whereas, postpuberally, females exceeded males in wheel running and males made fewer maze errors than females. Postpuberal males and females were less active than independent groups of prepuberal males and females, respectively. Although mature females made more errors than prepuberal females, no differences were found between independent groups of pre- and postpuberal males.", "PMID": 986331} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1921", "title": "The behavioral effects of prenatal hypoxia in the rat.", "content": "Pregnant rats were exposed to an oxygen depleted atmosphere (13% oxygen in nitrogen) at normal pressure in 2-hr daily sessions extending over approximately the last 14 days of pregnancy. Their progeny were compared with control progeny in terms of age of eye-opening, open-field behavior, and Hebb-Williams maze problem solving ability. The groups were not distinguishable by their performance in the open-field, but the experimental animals opened their eyes significantly earlier and made significantly more errors on Hebb-Williams maze problems.", "contents": "The behavioral effects of prenatal hypoxia in the rat. Pregnant rats were exposed to an oxygen depleted atmosphere (13% oxygen in nitrogen) at normal pressure in 2-hr daily sessions extending over approximately the last 14 days of pregnancy. Their progeny were compared with control progeny in terms of age of eye-opening, open-field behavior, and Hebb-Williams maze problem solving ability. The groups were not distinguishable by their performance in the open-field, but the experimental animals opened their eyes significantly earlier and made significantly more errors on Hebb-Williams maze problems.", "PMID": 986332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1922", "title": "Peripheral nerve maturation in English, West Indian and Turkish newborn infants.", "content": "The ulnar and posterior tibial conduction velocities were measured in a group of normal full-term English, West Indian and Turkish infants. The English infants had a faster mean ulnar nerve conduction velocity than the West Indian and Turkish infants, but when the sex of the infants was taken into account only the male West Indian infant was found to have slower mean velocities. By three months of age the velocities were similar between the West Indian and English infants. This study emphasises the importance of taking account of the sex of infants in any developmental study.", "contents": "Peripheral nerve maturation in English, West Indian and Turkish newborn infants. The ulnar and posterior tibial conduction velocities were measured in a group of normal full-term English, West Indian and Turkish infants. The English infants had a faster mean ulnar nerve conduction velocity than the West Indian and Turkish infants, but when the sex of the infants was taken into account only the male West Indian infant was found to have slower mean velocities. By three months of age the velocities were similar between the West Indian and English infants. This study emphasises the importance of taking account of the sex of infants in any developmental study.", "PMID": 986333} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1923", "title": "\"Play mobile\" for blind infants.", "content": "The \"Play Mobile\" has been designed to help develop cognitive and motor skills in blind infants. It consists of an expandable metal rod which fits varying widths of cot, play-pen or doorway. Two hollow, ridged tubes are attached to the rod by springs, and from these are suspended four interchangeable objects which vary in shape and texture. The function of the \"Play Mobile\" is to provide a stimulating environment for the infant and to encourage him to expolre and to learn from the different properties and structures in his environmetn.", "contents": "\"Play mobile\" for blind infants. The \"Play Mobile\" has been designed to help develop cognitive and motor skills in blind infants. It consists of an expandable metal rod which fits varying widths of cot, play-pen or doorway. Two hollow, ridged tubes are attached to the rod by springs, and from these are suspended four interchangeable objects which vary in shape and texture. The function of the \"Play Mobile\" is to provide a stimulating environment for the infant and to encourage him to expolre and to learn from the different properties and structures in his environmetn.", "PMID": 986334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1924", "title": "Scintillation splenoportography: hemodynamic and morphological study of the portal circulation.", "content": "The intrasplenic injection of 99mTc-labeled albumin microspheres, followed 30 sec later by an injection of 99mTc-labeled red blood cells with recording of the progression of the two tracers, were performed in 110 patients. This also enabled the plotting of activity versus time curves on splenic, hepatic, cardiac, and pulmonary areas of interest, there by giving access to several hemodynamic variables. Scintillation image demonstrated splenoportal obstruction in 8 cases. Intrahepatic obstruction with reflux via collaterals were observed in 53 cases, 14 with umbilical reflux. In 13 cases, the patency of surgical portacaval anastomoses were verified. The splenoportal blood flow velocity was not significantly different in patients with cirrhosis (V = 10.1 cm per sec +/- 3.0 SD) and in normal subjects (V = 13.2 cm per sec +/- 5.8 SD). The fraction of shunted splenic flow in the case of cirrhosis varied from 0 to 100%; there was no relationship between this percentage and the seriousness of the clinical status. In 3 cases, the presence of intrahepatic shunts was detected. There was a very significant difference between mean transit time (MTT) of red blood cells in patients with cirrhosis (t = 12.2 sec +/- 4.4 SD) and those without cirrhosis (t = 19.9 sec +/- 3.7 SD). Among patients with cirrhosis, those with a history of jaundice had a shorter MTT than those without such a history. On the other hand, the MTT was not significantly different whether the patients with cirrhosis had or did not have hemorrhage, ascites or encephalopathy. There was a positive correlation (P less than 0.01) between MTT and plasma albumin concentration,and between MTT and prothrombin (P less than 0.01). Finally, there was a high negative correlation (P less than 0.001) between MTT and total serum bilirubin. Scintillation splenoportography is a useful technique for assessing hepatic hemodynamics and for demonstrating abnormalities of the intrahepatic circulation.", "contents": "Scintillation splenoportography: hemodynamic and morphological study of the portal circulation. The intrasplenic injection of 99mTc-labeled albumin microspheres, followed 30 sec later by an injection of 99mTc-labeled red blood cells with recording of the progression of the two tracers, were performed in 110 patients. This also enabled the plotting of activity versus time curves on splenic, hepatic, cardiac, and pulmonary areas of interest, there by giving access to several hemodynamic variables. Scintillation image demonstrated splenoportal obstruction in 8 cases. Intrahepatic obstruction with reflux via collaterals were observed in 53 cases, 14 with umbilical reflux. In 13 cases, the patency of surgical portacaval anastomoses were verified. The splenoportal blood flow velocity was not significantly different in patients with cirrhosis (V = 10.1 cm per sec +/- 3.0 SD) and in normal subjects (V = 13.2 cm per sec +/- 5.8 SD). The fraction of shunted splenic flow in the case of cirrhosis varied from 0 to 100%; there was no relationship between this percentage and the seriousness of the clinical status. In 3 cases, the presence of intrahepatic shunts was detected. There was a very significant difference between mean transit time (MTT) of red blood cells in patients with cirrhosis (t = 12.2 sec +/- 4.4 SD) and those without cirrhosis (t = 19.9 sec +/- 3.7 SD). Among patients with cirrhosis, those with a history of jaundice had a shorter MTT than those without such a history. On the other hand, the MTT was not significantly different whether the patients with cirrhosis had or did not have hemorrhage, ascites or encephalopathy. There was a positive correlation (P less than 0.01) between MTT and plasma albumin concentration,and between MTT and prothrombin (P less than 0.01). Finally, there was a high negative correlation (P less than 0.001) between MTT and total serum bilirubin. Scintillation splenoportography is a useful technique for assessing hepatic hemodynamics and for demonstrating abnormalities of the intrahepatic circulation.", "PMID": 986335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1925", "title": "[Hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea. Clinical relevance, endocrine features, therapy (author's transl)].", "content": "1. Hyperprolactinemia was found in 73 out of 445 patients as the underlying cause of primary or secondary amenorrhea, There was only in 65 cases both amenorrhea and galactorrhea. 2. Pituitary tumors were found in 21 cases. The causes of hyperprolactinemia in the other patients remained unclear. 3. Concentration of LH and FSH in serum was normal or lowered. Stimulation of LH and FSH by LHRH was possible only in part. 4. Regardless of the cause of hyperprolactinemia in all patients hPRL-levels were lowered significantly by 2.5 mg CB 154 within 4 hours. 5. Longtime suppression of hPRL by CB 154 normalized LH- and FSH- concentrations in serum and its response to LHRH. 6. Ovulatory cycles were observed in all cases treated by CB 154 (N = 25), 11 patients became pregnant.", "contents": "[Hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea. Clinical relevance, endocrine features, therapy (author's transl)]. 1. Hyperprolactinemia was found in 73 out of 445 patients as the underlying cause of primary or secondary amenorrhea, There was only in 65 cases both amenorrhea and galactorrhea. 2. Pituitary tumors were found in 21 cases. The causes of hyperprolactinemia in the other patients remained unclear. 3. Concentration of LH and FSH in serum was normal or lowered. Stimulation of LH and FSH by LHRH was possible only in part. 4. Regardless of the cause of hyperprolactinemia in all patients hPRL-levels were lowered significantly by 2.5 mg CB 154 within 4 hours. 5. Longtime suppression of hPRL by CB 154 normalized LH- and FSH- concentrations in serum and its response to LHRH. 6. Ovulatory cycles were observed in all cases treated by CB 154 (N = 25), 11 patients became pregnant.", "PMID": 986336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1926", "title": "[Spontaneous and induced mutagenesis in a culture of Chinese hamster cells].", "content": "Spontaneous and nitrosoguanidine (NG)-induced rate of reversions to glutamine independence was studied in cultured temperature-sensitive glutamine auxotrophs of Chinese hamster cells. In 3 experiments the spontaneous rate of reversions varied from 0.8-10(-6) to 3.84-10(-6) per cell per generation. A dependence of the yield of NG-induced back mutations upon the time interval between the mutagenic treatment and the transfer to selective conditions (glutamine deficient medium, 40 degrees C) was established. No induced revertants were detected when cells were transferred to selective conditions immediately after the treatment with NG. After 2--3 days cultivation in glutamine containing medium at 36 degrees C and the sunsequent transfer to selective conditions the frequency of induced reversions varied from 0.56-10(-4) to 10.55-10(-4) in different experiments; after 6 days -- from 0.05-10(-4) to 4.0-10(-4). In all cases where induction was detected, the difference, between the frequency of glutamine prototrophs in treated and control plates was significant. Glutamine independence proved to be stable after prolonged cultivation under non-selective conditions, the degree of prototrophy being greatly unequal in different clones. No differnce in this respect was detected between spontaneous and NG-induced revertants. The proposed system of reverse mutations can be used for studying diverse problems of somatic cell genetics.", "contents": "[Spontaneous and induced mutagenesis in a culture of Chinese hamster cells]. Spontaneous and nitrosoguanidine (NG)-induced rate of reversions to glutamine independence was studied in cultured temperature-sensitive glutamine auxotrophs of Chinese hamster cells. In 3 experiments the spontaneous rate of reversions varied from 0.8-10(-6) to 3.84-10(-6) per cell per generation. A dependence of the yield of NG-induced back mutations upon the time interval between the mutagenic treatment and the transfer to selective conditions (glutamine deficient medium, 40 degrees C) was established. No induced revertants were detected when cells were transferred to selective conditions immediately after the treatment with NG. After 2--3 days cultivation in glutamine containing medium at 36 degrees C and the sunsequent transfer to selective conditions the frequency of induced reversions varied from 0.56-10(-4) to 10.55-10(-4) in different experiments; after 6 days -- from 0.05-10(-4) to 4.0-10(-4). In all cases where induction was detected, the difference, between the frequency of glutamine prototrophs in treated and control plates was significant. Glutamine independence proved to be stable after prolonged cultivation under non-selective conditions, the degree of prototrophy being greatly unequal in different clones. No differnce in this respect was detected between spontaneous and NG-induced revertants. The proposed system of reverse mutations can be used for studying diverse problems of somatic cell genetics.", "PMID": 986338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1927", "title": "[Genetic analysis of the rate of sexual maturation in female mice].", "content": "In studies of the female progeny of complete diallel crossing of BALB/c, C3H/He, C57BL/6, AKR/J mice a considerable influence of the genotype on the variability for such characters as the age of the vagina opening and the weight at that time, the age of the first oestrus and the weight at that time, the weight at 6 weeks was observed. The analysis of the effects of the general and specific combining ability demonstrated that non-additive gene effects play the major role in the determination of the day the begining oestral activity and the weight on this day. The age and the weight on the day of vaginal opening are inherited additively. It is demonstrated that the females of BALB/c and C3H/He (mammary tumour susceptible strains) are characterized by higher rate of sexual maturation than those of C57BL/6 and AKR/J in which the tumours of this localization are rare.", "contents": "[Genetic analysis of the rate of sexual maturation in female mice]. In studies of the female progeny of complete diallel crossing of BALB/c, C3H/He, C57BL/6, AKR/J mice a considerable influence of the genotype on the variability for such characters as the age of the vagina opening and the weight at that time, the age of the first oestrus and the weight at that time, the weight at 6 weeks was observed. The analysis of the effects of the general and specific combining ability demonstrated that non-additive gene effects play the major role in the determination of the day the begining oestral activity and the weight on this day. The age and the weight on the day of vaginal opening are inherited additively. It is demonstrated that the females of BALB/c and C3H/He (mammary tumour susceptible strains) are characterized by higher rate of sexual maturation than those of C57BL/6 and AKR/J in which the tumours of this localization are rare.", "PMID": 986339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1928", "title": "[Mechanism of the contracting actions of K, acetylcholine and Ba on the isolated rat rectum, with special reference to its relationship to Ca].", "content": "The contractile mechanism of K, ACh and Ba were investigated in relation to the mobilization of Ca in the rat's isolated rectum. Contractions by K, ACh and Ba consisted of the phasic contraction and the subsequent tonic contraction. From the effects of metabolic inhibition (anoxia, DNP) and Ca removal from bath solution on the contractions by these three agents, the following assumptions have been made: the phasic contractions by K and ACh are iduced by the release of Ca from the store sites and the passive influx of Ca, whereas that by Ba is induced by the release of Ca. Tht tonic contractions by K and ACh are maintained mainly by the active influx of Ca, whereas that by Ba is maintained by the active influx of Ca and the release of Ca. In addition, the direct stimulation to the contractile elements of muscle is partly concerned with the Ba-induced contraction. In the muscle cell membrane, three divisions of Ca store; the first is the store where Ca is most easily released, the second is the store where Ca is comparatively easily released and the third is the store where Ca is not easily released. K releases Ca from the first store, ACh does so from the first and second stores, and Ba does so from these three stores for producing contraction. These assumption were further supported by the analysis of the concentration action curves of the influence of Ca removal from bath solution on the phasic contractions and the tonic contractions induced by the three agents.", "contents": "[Mechanism of the contracting actions of K, acetylcholine and Ba on the isolated rat rectum, with special reference to its relationship to Ca]. The contractile mechanism of K, ACh and Ba were investigated in relation to the mobilization of Ca in the rat's isolated rectum. Contractions by K, ACh and Ba consisted of the phasic contraction and the subsequent tonic contraction. From the effects of metabolic inhibition (anoxia, DNP) and Ca removal from bath solution on the contractions by these three agents, the following assumptions have been made: the phasic contractions by K and ACh are iduced by the release of Ca from the store sites and the passive influx of Ca, whereas that by Ba is induced by the release of Ca. Tht tonic contractions by K and ACh are maintained mainly by the active influx of Ca, whereas that by Ba is maintained by the active influx of Ca and the release of Ca. In addition, the direct stimulation to the contractile elements of muscle is partly concerned with the Ba-induced contraction. In the muscle cell membrane, three divisions of Ca store; the first is the store where Ca is most easily released, the second is the store where Ca is comparatively easily released and the third is the store where Ca is not easily released. K releases Ca from the first store, ACh does so from the first and second stores, and Ba does so from these three stores for producing contraction. These assumption were further supported by the analysis of the concentration action curves of the influence of Ca removal from bath solution on the phasic contractions and the tonic contractions induced by the three agents.", "PMID": 986344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1929", "title": "[Neuropharmacological studies of perimetazine].", "content": "Neuropharmacological studies were undertaken to investigate the mode of action of perimetazine. 1) Sedation, hypothermia, muscle relaxation and other signs of central depressant effects were observed after perimetazine administration in the rabbit. 2) Neuro-muscular transmission was not affected by intravnous injection of perimetazine, but was slightly facilitated by a large dose of intraarterial injection of the drug 3) Perimetazine slightly depressed spinal reflex potentials in the spinal cat and markedly reduced them in the anaesthetized cat and the decerebrate cat. 4) Permetazine reduced decerebrate rigidity in the rabbit, and decreased muscle spindle discharges in the decrebrate cat. 5) Perimetazine had no effect on the response of superior cervical ganglion but suppressed the response of the cat nictitating membrane. 6) In the rabbit, perimetazine elicited a drowsy pattern in the spontaneous EEG and inhibited the EEG arousal response induced by auditory stimulation, but failed to depress the EEG arousal response induced by electric stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation. These results suggest that perimetazine has central nervous system depressent effects such as sedative and muscle relaxant effects, and its mode of action is similar to that of chlorpromazine.", "contents": "[Neuropharmacological studies of perimetazine]. Neuropharmacological studies were undertaken to investigate the mode of action of perimetazine. 1) Sedation, hypothermia, muscle relaxation and other signs of central depressant effects were observed after perimetazine administration in the rabbit. 2) Neuro-muscular transmission was not affected by intravnous injection of perimetazine, but was slightly facilitated by a large dose of intraarterial injection of the drug 3) Perimetazine slightly depressed spinal reflex potentials in the spinal cat and markedly reduced them in the anaesthetized cat and the decerebrate cat. 4) Permetazine reduced decerebrate rigidity in the rabbit, and decreased muscle spindle discharges in the decrebrate cat. 5) Perimetazine had no effect on the response of superior cervical ganglion but suppressed the response of the cat nictitating membrane. 6) In the rabbit, perimetazine elicited a drowsy pattern in the spontaneous EEG and inhibited the EEG arousal response induced by auditory stimulation, but failed to depress the EEG arousal response induced by electric stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation. These results suggest that perimetazine has central nervous system depressent effects such as sedative and muscle relaxant effects, and its mode of action is similar to that of chlorpromazine.", "PMID": 986345} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1930", "title": "[Mechanism of catecholamine release from the sympathetic nerve endings, particularly in its relation tovacetylcholine an experiment on the isolated vas deferens of rats].", "content": "The mechanism of catecholamine (CA) release induced by transmural stimulation (TS) and the participation of acetylcholine (ACh) in this mechanism were studied using isotonic contraction of excised vas defernse of rats. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of bretylium (Br) on sympathetic activity was observed. 1) The effects of various kinds of drugs on isotonic contractions induced by TS, exogenous ACh and exogenous noradrenaline (NA) were observed with the results shown in Table 1. The following has been concluded: (1) TS-induced contraction is due to stimulation of the endings of hypogastric nerve (sympathetic nerve), resulting in CA release from adrenergic fiber (AF) and ACh release from cholinergic fiber (CF) in this nerve. (2) The participation of ACh is not indispensable in the CA release from AF induced by TS. (3) Endogenous ACh release from CF by TS brings about CA release under eserine application. (4) CA release by exogenous ACh is not inhibited by ganglion blockade, but is inhibited by atropine, indicating the muscarinic receptor to be in AF endings. 2) Br exerted preferentially the irreversible inhibition on CA release from AF rather than that on ACh release from CF, while it caused a mild reversible inhibition on CA release by exogenous ACh. 3) On the TS contraction that had been abolished irreversibly by Br, NA incubation showed a mild lasting recovery, while methamphetamine (MAP) or calcium (Ca) incubation showed a strong lasting recovery. Furthermore, in this recovery of TS contraction, the incubation with NA or MAP exerted only the recovery of CA release while the Ca incubation exerted the recovery of both CA release and ACH release. It would appear that Br blocks both AF and CF by inhibiting the transmitter-releasing action of Ca.", "contents": "[Mechanism of catecholamine release from the sympathetic nerve endings, particularly in its relation tovacetylcholine an experiment on the isolated vas deferens of rats]. The mechanism of catecholamine (CA) release induced by transmural stimulation (TS) and the participation of acetylcholine (ACh) in this mechanism were studied using isotonic contraction of excised vas defernse of rats. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of bretylium (Br) on sympathetic activity was observed. 1) The effects of various kinds of drugs on isotonic contractions induced by TS, exogenous ACh and exogenous noradrenaline (NA) were observed with the results shown in Table 1. The following has been concluded: (1) TS-induced contraction is due to stimulation of the endings of hypogastric nerve (sympathetic nerve), resulting in CA release from adrenergic fiber (AF) and ACh release from cholinergic fiber (CF) in this nerve. (2) The participation of ACh is not indispensable in the CA release from AF induced by TS. (3) Endogenous ACh release from CF by TS brings about CA release under eserine application. (4) CA release by exogenous ACh is not inhibited by ganglion blockade, but is inhibited by atropine, indicating the muscarinic receptor to be in AF endings. 2) Br exerted preferentially the irreversible inhibition on CA release from AF rather than that on ACh release from CF, while it caused a mild reversible inhibition on CA release by exogenous ACh. 3) On the TS contraction that had been abolished irreversibly by Br, NA incubation showed a mild lasting recovery, while methamphetamine (MAP) or calcium (Ca) incubation showed a strong lasting recovery. Furthermore, in this recovery of TS contraction, the incubation with NA or MAP exerted only the recovery of CA release while the Ca incubation exerted the recovery of both CA release and ACH release. It would appear that Br blocks both AF and CF by inhibiting the transmitter-releasing action of Ca.", "PMID": 986346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1931", "title": "[Protective effect of tocopheryl esters on pulmonary edema induced by epinephrine].", "content": "The present study was performed in order to determine protective effect of dl-alpha-tocopheryl nictonate (EN) and dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (EA) on pulmonary edema induced by epinephrine (Epi) in mice. The tocopheryl esters were orally administered once a day for 10 days. Epi was then infused to induce pulmonary edema 3 hr after the final dosing. One or three min infusion of 0.01% Epi at a rate of 0.1 ml/min provoked toxic syndromes as pilorection, exophthalmos and salivation. Some animals died of respiratory failure. The lung weight either wet or dry increased after the EPi infusion and diffuse hemorrhage into alveoles was microscopically recognized in untreated animals. However, these findings were of lesser degree in animals receiving NE (20, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day) and Ea (corresponding doses with EN in molecular weight basis). When comparing the effect of EN with that of EA on the increase of lung weight and death from the Epi infusion, EN was more protective than EA. Although the mechanism of protecting action of these tocopheryl esters remains obscure, the interpretation is that these compounds did not affect the pressor response to Epi.", "contents": "[Protective effect of tocopheryl esters on pulmonary edema induced by epinephrine]. The present study was performed in order to determine protective effect of dl-alpha-tocopheryl nictonate (EN) and dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (EA) on pulmonary edema induced by epinephrine (Epi) in mice. The tocopheryl esters were orally administered once a day for 10 days. Epi was then infused to induce pulmonary edema 3 hr after the final dosing. One or three min infusion of 0.01% Epi at a rate of 0.1 ml/min provoked toxic syndromes as pilorection, exophthalmos and salivation. Some animals died of respiratory failure. The lung weight either wet or dry increased after the EPi infusion and diffuse hemorrhage into alveoles was microscopically recognized in untreated animals. However, these findings were of lesser degree in animals receiving NE (20, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day) and Ea (corresponding doses with EN in molecular weight basis). When comparing the effect of EN with that of EA on the increase of lung weight and death from the Epi infusion, EN was more protective than EA. Although the mechanism of protecting action of these tocopheryl esters remains obscure, the interpretation is that these compounds did not affect the pressor response to Epi.", "PMID": 986347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1932", "title": "[Acute toxicity and the central effect of 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-3-N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl-5-methoxypyrazole (PZ-177)].", "content": "In a previous paper, we reported that PZ-177 had potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. In the present work, acute toxicity and action of PZ-177 on the central nervous system were tested in comparison with PZ-222, one of metabolites of PZ-177, and mepirizole. Acute toxicity of PZ-177 was slightly less than that of aminopyrine and the same as that of mepirizole in mice and rats. PZ-177 produced from sedation to loss of righting reflex with the increase of dose. At a low dose with which the righting reflex was hot lost, PZ-177 decreased spontaneous locomotion of mice in the Animex test, produced muscle relaxation in rotarod and inclined screen tests, produced sleeping-pattern in electroencephalogram of rabbit, potentiated hypnosis of barbiturates and exerted an anti-convulsive effect in mice. In these depressive effects on the central nervous system, PZ-222 was very much lower and mepirizole slightly lower than PZ-177. It would thus appear that PZ-177 has more potent analgesic, antipyretic and anti-tussive actions than do PZ-222 and mepirizole.", "contents": "[Acute toxicity and the central effect of 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-3-N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl-5-methoxypyrazole (PZ-177)]. In a previous paper, we reported that PZ-177 had potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. In the present work, acute toxicity and action of PZ-177 on the central nervous system were tested in comparison with PZ-222, one of metabolites of PZ-177, and mepirizole. Acute toxicity of PZ-177 was slightly less than that of aminopyrine and the same as that of mepirizole in mice and rats. PZ-177 produced from sedation to loss of righting reflex with the increase of dose. At a low dose with which the righting reflex was hot lost, PZ-177 decreased spontaneous locomotion of mice in the Animex test, produced muscle relaxation in rotarod and inclined screen tests, produced sleeping-pattern in electroencephalogram of rabbit, potentiated hypnosis of barbiturates and exerted an anti-convulsive effect in mice. In these depressive effects on the central nervous system, PZ-222 was very much lower and mepirizole slightly lower than PZ-177. It would thus appear that PZ-177 has more potent analgesic, antipyretic and anti-tussive actions than do PZ-222 and mepirizole.", "PMID": 986348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1933", "title": "[General pharmacological actions of l-(m-chlorophenyl)-3-N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl-5-methoxypyrazole (PZ-177)].", "content": "PZ-177 was found to have potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory and mild central depressive actions. In the present work, the general pharmacological actions of PZ-177 were tested in order to investigate other significant actions and to determine the side effects. PZ-177 showed no significant pharmacological activities on the respiratory and cardiovascular system, on the renal function, on the autonomic nervous system, on the sugar level and coagulation in blood and on local irritation. Volume and acidity of gastric juice were decreased and turn over was not inhibited in the connective tissure. Thus PZ-177 was considered to have no ulcerogenic action on the gastric mucosa. The compound relaxed the tonus of isolated small intestine, tracheal muscles and uterus and stopped spontaneous movement. Moreover the contraction of those smooth muscles by such spasmogens as acetylcholine, histamine serotonin, BaCl2 and oxytocin was inhibited by PZ-177 and the activity was almost the same with each spasmogen. It was found therefore to have spasmolytic activity and no specific antagonistic action on the chemical mediators. PZ-177 showed also wear relaxant activity on the skeletal muscle. Those actions on the muscles may have a curative effect on inflammation in bronchotracheal and gastrointestinal tracts or on pain with contraction of skeletal muscle. From the above results, it may be considered that PZ-177 is a relatively safe and useful analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound.", "contents": "[General pharmacological actions of l-(m-chlorophenyl)-3-N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl-5-methoxypyrazole (PZ-177)]. PZ-177 was found to have potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory and mild central depressive actions. In the present work, the general pharmacological actions of PZ-177 were tested in order to investigate other significant actions and to determine the side effects. PZ-177 showed no significant pharmacological activities on the respiratory and cardiovascular system, on the renal function, on the autonomic nervous system, on the sugar level and coagulation in blood and on local irritation. Volume and acidity of gastric juice were decreased and turn over was not inhibited in the connective tissure. Thus PZ-177 was considered to have no ulcerogenic action on the gastric mucosa. The compound relaxed the tonus of isolated small intestine, tracheal muscles and uterus and stopped spontaneous movement. Moreover the contraction of those smooth muscles by such spasmogens as acetylcholine, histamine serotonin, BaCl2 and oxytocin was inhibited by PZ-177 and the activity was almost the same with each spasmogen. It was found therefore to have spasmolytic activity and no specific antagonistic action on the chemical mediators. PZ-177 showed also wear relaxant activity on the skeletal muscle. Those actions on the muscles may have a curative effect on inflammation in bronchotracheal and gastrointestinal tracts or on pain with contraction of skeletal muscle. From the above results, it may be considered that PZ-177 is a relatively safe and useful analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound.", "PMID": 986349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1934", "title": "[Effects of drugs on leukocyte migration].", "content": "The effects of various drugs on chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's) in vitro have been studied. Response of rabbit PNM's in vitro to the chemotaxis was found to be suppressed by hydrocortisone succinate, chloroquine hydrochloride, cytochalasin B, colchicine and dibutyl cyclic AMP. On the other hand, 8-bromo-cyclic GMP enhanced the chemotaxis of PMN's.", "contents": "[Effects of drugs on leukocyte migration]. The effects of various drugs on chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's) in vitro have been studied. Response of rabbit PNM's in vitro to the chemotaxis was found to be suppressed by hydrocortisone succinate, chloroquine hydrochloride, cytochalasin B, colchicine and dibutyl cyclic AMP. On the other hand, 8-bromo-cyclic GMP enhanced the chemotaxis of PMN's.", "PMID": 986350} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1935", "title": "[Influences of deviations of thyroid functions on the effects of MAOI in rats--changes of 5-HT, 5-HIAA and norepinephrine contents and tyramine uptake by the brain and fluctuation of the rectal temperature].", "content": "Influences of hyper- and hypothyroidism on MAOI (tranylcypromine) were studied by measuring the effects on rectal temperature and 5-HT, 5-HIAA and norepiniphrine levels and tyramine uptake in the brain. Hyperthyroidism was accomplished in rats injected with triiodothyronine 0.2 mg/kg i.p. every two days for 70 days (long period group) or every day for 5 days (short period group) and hypothyroidism induced by feeding rats a diet to which 0.3% propylthiouracil had been added for 70 days (long period group) or 30 days (short period group). Those controls were treated with a triiodothyronine vehicle 1.0 ml/kg i.p. and fed a normal-balanced diet for each period. All the long period groups were decapitated on the last day and the brains were used for the determination of steady levels of above-cited monoamines. The 5-HT content in hypothyroid rats was considerably higher than euthyroid rats but other determinations in both hyper- and hypothyroid rats did not differ significantly in comparison with euthyroid controls. Each short term group was treated with tranylcypromine 10 mg/kg i.p. on the last day. Tranylcypromine brought about a marked hyperthermia in hyperthyroid rats but conversely hypothermia in hypothyroid rats, while \"MAOI-induced 5-HT and norepinephrine increase, 5-HIAA decrease and tyramine uptake inhibition in the brain\" of hyper- and hypothyroid rats were almost to the same in degree as in euthyroid rats.", "contents": "[Influences of deviations of thyroid functions on the effects of MAOI in rats--changes of 5-HT, 5-HIAA and norepinephrine contents and tyramine uptake by the brain and fluctuation of the rectal temperature]. Influences of hyper- and hypothyroidism on MAOI (tranylcypromine) were studied by measuring the effects on rectal temperature and 5-HT, 5-HIAA and norepiniphrine levels and tyramine uptake in the brain. Hyperthyroidism was accomplished in rats injected with triiodothyronine 0.2 mg/kg i.p. every two days for 70 days (long period group) or every day for 5 days (short period group) and hypothyroidism induced by feeding rats a diet to which 0.3% propylthiouracil had been added for 70 days (long period group) or 30 days (short period group). Those controls were treated with a triiodothyronine vehicle 1.0 ml/kg i.p. and fed a normal-balanced diet for each period. All the long period groups were decapitated on the last day and the brains were used for the determination of steady levels of above-cited monoamines. The 5-HT content in hypothyroid rats was considerably higher than euthyroid rats but other determinations in both hyper- and hypothyroid rats did not differ significantly in comparison with euthyroid controls. Each short term group was treated with tranylcypromine 10 mg/kg i.p. on the last day. Tranylcypromine brought about a marked hyperthermia in hyperthyroid rats but conversely hypothermia in hypothyroid rats, while \"MAOI-induced 5-HT and norepinephrine increase, 5-HIAA decrease and tyramine uptake inhibition in the brain\" of hyper- and hypothyroid rats were almost to the same in degree as in euthyroid rats.", "PMID": 986351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1936", "title": "[Influence of denervation on metabolism of phospholipid in the rat vas deferens].", "content": "Influence of denervation on phospholipid metabolism in the vas deferens and effect of phospholipase C treatment on sensitivity of the vas deferens for noradrenaline were studied. The incorporation of 32P-orthophosphate into phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine was markedly increased by denervation. Incorporation of 32P-orthophosphate into proteolipid was accelerated more than that of 3H-leucine. Sensitivity of the denervated vas deferens for noradrenaline was strongly reduced by phospholipase C treatment. These data suggest that the supersensitivity of the denervated vas deferens for noradrenaline was mainly due to the increase in phospholipids.", "contents": "[Influence of denervation on metabolism of phospholipid in the rat vas deferens]. Influence of denervation on phospholipid metabolism in the vas deferens and effect of phospholipase C treatment on sensitivity of the vas deferens for noradrenaline were studied. The incorporation of 32P-orthophosphate into phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine was markedly increased by denervation. Incorporation of 32P-orthophosphate into proteolipid was accelerated more than that of 3H-leucine. Sensitivity of the denervated vas deferens for noradrenaline was strongly reduced by phospholipase C treatment. These data suggest that the supersensitivity of the denervated vas deferens for noradrenaline was mainly due to the increase in phospholipids.", "PMID": 986352} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1937", "title": "[Studies on antitumor activities of Basidiomycetes-antitumor activity of polysaccharides and sex factors].", "content": "We have already reported antitumor activities of fungal and bacterial polysaccharides on mice. In the present experiment, the influence of the sex on antitumor effects on such material from Grifola umbellata, Coriolus versicolor Fries or Sargassum thumbergii and the immunity of mice against tumor were investigated. The growth velocities of Sarcoma 180, Ehrlich solid carcinoma, Pulmonary tumor 7423 and MF-sarcoma bearing mice both without treatment and those treated with polysaccharides were more rapid in males than in females. The regression rates in mice with the above tumors were higher in females than in males. However, a few DS Mie mice with Sarcoma 180 and A/Jax Mie mice with Ehrlich solid carcinoma regressed spontaneously. The growth velocity of Shionogi carcinoma 42 was not influenced by the sex. On other hand, both males and females which had experienced a regression of ascites tumor after the administration of polysaccharides rejected the re-implanted Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, Sarcoma 180, NF-sarcomma and Shionogi carcinoma 42. These results suggest that a strong ehancement of immune response occurs in the tumor implanted in the host animal by the administration of polysacchrides. The combination of X-ray irradiation Ehrlich ascites cells and polysacchrides strengthens the antitumor effect of NF-sarcoma and Shionogi carcinoma 42. Peritoneal exudate cells and lymphocytes were compared between the male and female mice after being treated with ATSO and P.GU-1. Such cells were present to a much greater extent in females.", "contents": "[Studies on antitumor activities of Basidiomycetes-antitumor activity of polysaccharides and sex factors]. We have already reported antitumor activities of fungal and bacterial polysaccharides on mice. In the present experiment, the influence of the sex on antitumor effects on such material from Grifola umbellata, Coriolus versicolor Fries or Sargassum thumbergii and the immunity of mice against tumor were investigated. The growth velocities of Sarcoma 180, Ehrlich solid carcinoma, Pulmonary tumor 7423 and MF-sarcoma bearing mice both without treatment and those treated with polysaccharides were more rapid in males than in females. The regression rates in mice with the above tumors were higher in females than in males. However, a few DS Mie mice with Sarcoma 180 and A/Jax Mie mice with Ehrlich solid carcinoma regressed spontaneously. The growth velocity of Shionogi carcinoma 42 was not influenced by the sex. On other hand, both males and females which had experienced a regression of ascites tumor after the administration of polysaccharides rejected the re-implanted Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, Sarcoma 180, NF-sarcomma and Shionogi carcinoma 42. These results suggest that a strong ehancement of immune response occurs in the tumor implanted in the host animal by the administration of polysacchrides. The combination of X-ray irradiation Ehrlich ascites cells and polysacchrides strengthens the antitumor effect of NF-sarcoma and Shionogi carcinoma 42. Peritoneal exudate cells and lymphocytes were compared between the male and female mice after being treated with ATSO and P.GU-1. Such cells were present to a much greater extent in females.", "PMID": 986353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1938", "title": "[Mechanism of the contracting actions of K, acetylcholine and Ba and of the antispasmodic actions of Cd and Mn in the pyloric antrum strip of the rat, with special reference to their relationship to Ca].", "content": "Action mechanisms of the contractile agents, K ACh and Ba and of the antispasmodics, Cd and Mn were investigated. The contractions by K,ACh and Ba are exponential in shape, but consisted of phasic contraction (PC) and the subsequent tonic contraction (TC). PC by K and ACh are inititated by the release and the passive influx of Ca, whereas the PC by BA is due to the release of Ca. On the other hand, TC by these three agents is maintained by the active influx of Ca requiring energy. Since only the contraction by Ba remains constant in Ca(-) bath solution, it is assumed that the direct stimulation to muscle contractile elements without the mediation of Ca mobilization is also partly related to the contracting mechanism of Ba. Storage sites of Ca in the cell membrane of this preparation are distinguished into three divisions, the first, the second and the third, which contains loosely-, less lossely-, and tightly-bound Ca, respectively. K releases Ca to elicit contraction from the first divisions, ACh does so from the first and the second divisions, and Ba does so from all of the three divisions. The following assumption was obtained on the antispasmodic action of Cd and Mn, on the basis of the influence of Ca removed from bath solution and of addition of high K to bath solution and the analysis with concentration-action curves. The antispasmodic mechanism Cd and Mn is due to inhibition of cell membrane (competitive inhibition of influx and then release of Ca and subsequently competitive and non-competitive inhibition of influx and release of Ca) followed by the non-competitive inhibition of muscle contractile system, with the increase of dosage.", "contents": "[Mechanism of the contracting actions of K, acetylcholine and Ba and of the antispasmodic actions of Cd and Mn in the pyloric antrum strip of the rat, with special reference to their relationship to Ca]. Action mechanisms of the contractile agents, K ACh and Ba and of the antispasmodics, Cd and Mn were investigated. The contractions by K,ACh and Ba are exponential in shape, but consisted of phasic contraction (PC) and the subsequent tonic contraction (TC). PC by K and ACh are inititated by the release and the passive influx of Ca, whereas the PC by BA is due to the release of Ca. On the other hand, TC by these three agents is maintained by the active influx of Ca requiring energy. Since only the contraction by Ba remains constant in Ca(-) bath solution, it is assumed that the direct stimulation to muscle contractile elements without the mediation of Ca mobilization is also partly related to the contracting mechanism of Ba. Storage sites of Ca in the cell membrane of this preparation are distinguished into three divisions, the first, the second and the third, which contains loosely-, less lossely-, and tightly-bound Ca, respectively. K releases Ca to elicit contraction from the first divisions, ACh does so from the first and the second divisions, and Ba does so from all of the three divisions. The following assumption was obtained on the antispasmodic action of Cd and Mn, on the basis of the influence of Ca removed from bath solution and of addition of high K to bath solution and the analysis with concentration-action curves. The antispasmodic mechanism Cd and Mn is due to inhibition of cell membrane (competitive inhibition of influx and then release of Ca and subsequently competitive and non-competitive inhibition of influx and release of Ca) followed by the non-competitive inhibition of muscle contractile system, with the increase of dosage.", "PMID": 986354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1939", "title": "Production of antisera to synthetic benzyloxycarbonyl-C-peptide of human proinsulin.", "content": "Antisera to the C-peptide of human proinsulin were obtained by immunizing guinea pigs with synthetic benzyloxycarbonyl-C-peptide conjugated to human albumin with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide. In three series of 10, the animals were injected with C-peptide conjugated to albumin in the molar ratio of 23 : 1, 15 : 1, and 4 : 1, respectively. Antibodies to human C-peptide were present in all the surviving 25 animals. Fifteen of the antisera were suitable for measuring C-peptide concentrations lower than 0.10 pmol/ml. The antisera demonstrated an increasing immunogenicity with increasing molar ratio of C-peptide to albumin in the conjugate. In the fourth series, ten guinea pigs immunized with benzyloxycarbonyl-C-peptide ionically bound to QAE-Sephadex A-25 did not produce detectable antibodies to C-peptide. A qualitative evaluation of the radioimmunoassay by use of the antiserum with the highest titer and sensitivity, \"M 1230\", revealed a mean intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient of variance of 3.2 and 9.6%, respectively.", "contents": "Production of antisera to synthetic benzyloxycarbonyl-C-peptide of human proinsulin. Antisera to the C-peptide of human proinsulin were obtained by immunizing guinea pigs with synthetic benzyloxycarbonyl-C-peptide conjugated to human albumin with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide. In three series of 10, the animals were injected with C-peptide conjugated to albumin in the molar ratio of 23 : 1, 15 : 1, and 4 : 1, respectively. Antibodies to human C-peptide were present in all the surviving 25 animals. Fifteen of the antisera were suitable for measuring C-peptide concentrations lower than 0.10 pmol/ml. The antisera demonstrated an increasing immunogenicity with increasing molar ratio of C-peptide to albumin in the conjugate. In the fourth series, ten guinea pigs immunized with benzyloxycarbonyl-C-peptide ionically bound to QAE-Sephadex A-25 did not produce detectable antibodies to C-peptide. A qualitative evaluation of the radioimmunoassay by use of the antiserum with the highest titer and sensitivity, \"M 1230\", revealed a mean intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient of variance of 3.2 and 9.6%, respectively.", "PMID": 986357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1940", "title": "Multiple forms of human acrosin: isolation and properties.", "content": "Human acrosin was purified to electrophoretically homogeneous forms by acidic extraction of washed ejaculated spermatozoa and gel filtration of the acidic extracts on Sephadex G-75, followed by affinity chromatography on p-amino-benzamidine Sepharose. Human acrosin exists in at least four molecular forms. The apparent molecular weights of three forms were determined to be 64 000, 38 000 and 25 000, respectively. The high molecular weight form is transformed to the low molecular weight forms by incubation of the acrosin preparation obtained from freshly ejaculated spermatozoa in solutions of pH near 7. Like boar acrosin, human acrosin is also a glycoprotein and therefore reversibly bound to Concanavalin A-Sepharose. The amino acid composition of the 25 000 molecular weight form is similar to that of human trypsin. Rabbit anti-boar-acrosin gamma-globulins form a precipitate with human acrosin, but not with porcine trypsin or human plasmin. The relationship between the occurrence of multiple acrosin forms and proenzyme activation by limited proteolysis is discussed.", "contents": "Multiple forms of human acrosin: isolation and properties. Human acrosin was purified to electrophoretically homogeneous forms by acidic extraction of washed ejaculated spermatozoa and gel filtration of the acidic extracts on Sephadex G-75, followed by affinity chromatography on p-amino-benzamidine Sepharose. Human acrosin exists in at least four molecular forms. The apparent molecular weights of three forms were determined to be 64 000, 38 000 and 25 000, respectively. The high molecular weight form is transformed to the low molecular weight forms by incubation of the acrosin preparation obtained from freshly ejaculated spermatozoa in solutions of pH near 7. Like boar acrosin, human acrosin is also a glycoprotein and therefore reversibly bound to Concanavalin A-Sepharose. The amino acid composition of the 25 000 molecular weight form is similar to that of human trypsin. Rabbit anti-boar-acrosin gamma-globulins form a precipitate with human acrosin, but not with porcine trypsin or human plasmin. The relationship between the occurrence of multiple acrosin forms and proenzyme activation by limited proteolysis is discussed.", "PMID": 986358} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1941", "title": "Possible assignment of the glyoxalase I (GLO) gene to chromosome 6 using man-mouse somatic cell hybrids.", "content": "A correlation between the expression or absence of human glyoxalase I and chromosome 6 (as well its markers ME1, IPO-B, and PGM3) was observed in man-mouse somatic cell hybrids. This segregation pattern indicates that the GLO gene is situated on chromosome 6.", "contents": "Possible assignment of the glyoxalase I (GLO) gene to chromosome 6 using man-mouse somatic cell hybrids. A correlation between the expression or absence of human glyoxalase I and chromosome 6 (as well its markers ME1, IPO-B, and PGM3) was observed in man-mouse somatic cell hybrids. This segregation pattern indicates that the GLO gene is situated on chromosome 6.", "PMID": 986362} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1942", "title": "A twin study of the structure of human hair medulla.", "content": "The genetic basis of hair medulla was studied by the twin method. Hair samples from 17 pairs of monozygotic (9 female and 8 male), 23 pairs of like-sex dizygotic (6 female and 17 male) and 8 pairs of unlike-sex dizygotic twins were utilized and the number of hair strands examined was 9,600. The mean intrapair differences indicate the presence of a strong genetic basis of the character concerned.", "contents": "A twin study of the structure of human hair medulla. The genetic basis of hair medulla was studied by the twin method. Hair samples from 17 pairs of monozygotic (9 female and 8 male), 23 pairs of like-sex dizygotic (6 female and 17 male) and 8 pairs of unlike-sex dizygotic twins were utilized and the number of hair strands examined was 9,600. The mean intrapair differences indicate the presence of a strong genetic basis of the character concerned.", "PMID": 986363} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1943", "title": "Morphological and genetic study of seam figures in the hallucal area.", "content": "The seam figure was defined in this paper as a number of ridges ending on the same line in right-angled relation to a part of the system. This characteristic occurs in various types of hallucal patterns and most frequently in whorls. In Japanese material, the frequency of the seam figure on the left sole (16.7%) is significantly higher than on the right sole (8.2%), but no sex difference was found. It is revealed from twin material that the presence of this trait is genetically controlled. Similar phenomena in areas other than the hallucal and in the 'ridges-off-the-end' syndrome were discussed.", "contents": "Morphological and genetic study of seam figures in the hallucal area. The seam figure was defined in this paper as a number of ridges ending on the same line in right-angled relation to a part of the system. This characteristic occurs in various types of hallucal patterns and most frequently in whorls. In Japanese material, the frequency of the seam figure on the left sole (16.7%) is significantly higher than on the right sole (8.2%), but no sex difference was found. It is revealed from twin material that the presence of this trait is genetically controlled. Similar phenomena in areas other than the hallucal and in the 'ridges-off-the-end' syndrome were discussed.", "PMID": 986364} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1944", "title": "Defined nutrient medium for the in vitro maintenance of Xenopus laevis oocytes.", "content": "A procedure is described for the isolation and culture of large numbers of follicle cell-free Xenopus laevis oocytes in all stages of development. The isolation procedure involves the incubation of pieces of ovary in a calcium-free solution OR2 containing 0.2% collagenase. A defined nutrient medium for the maintenace of the oocytes in vitro is presented. It is shown that this medium, referred to as DNOM, can maintain certain morpological and functional characteristics of oocytes for periods up to 3 weeks.", "contents": "Defined nutrient medium for the in vitro maintenance of Xenopus laevis oocytes. A procedure is described for the isolation and culture of large numbers of follicle cell-free Xenopus laevis oocytes in all stages of development. The isolation procedure involves the incubation of pieces of ovary in a calcium-free solution OR2 containing 0.2% collagenase. A defined nutrient medium for the maintenace of the oocytes in vitro is presented. It is shown that this medium, referred to as DNOM, can maintain certain morpological and functional characteristics of oocytes for periods up to 3 weeks.", "PMID": 986365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1945", "title": "Chemically-defined medium for growth and differentiation of mixed epithelial and connective tissues in organ culture.", "content": "The effect on tissue differentiation and growth in vitro of certain of the factors implicated in collagen synthesis (ascorbic acid, alpha-ketoglutarate and oxygen) and the influence of hydrocortisone was studied using organ cultures of fetal mouse mandible as a mixed epithelial and connective tissue system. Using serum-free Waymouth's MB 752/1 chemically-defined medium, addition of high levels of ascorbic acid (300mug per ml), hydrocortisone (1mug per ml) and oxygen (95%) enhanced differentiation in a number of tissues, in particular skin and appendages, tooth germs and bone, while osteoid and dentine production were noticeable promoted. It is suggested that an essential aspect of media design for organ culture involves the incorporaation of collagen-promoting factors to the in vitro enviornment particularly with regard to the controlling role implicated for collagen in a variety of biological processess.", "contents": "Chemically-defined medium for growth and differentiation of mixed epithelial and connective tissues in organ culture. The effect on tissue differentiation and growth in vitro of certain of the factors implicated in collagen synthesis (ascorbic acid, alpha-ketoglutarate and oxygen) and the influence of hydrocortisone was studied using organ cultures of fetal mouse mandible as a mixed epithelial and connective tissue system. Using serum-free Waymouth's MB 752/1 chemically-defined medium, addition of high levels of ascorbic acid (300mug per ml), hydrocortisone (1mug per ml) and oxygen (95%) enhanced differentiation in a number of tissues, in particular skin and appendages, tooth germs and bone, while osteoid and dentine production were noticeable promoted. It is suggested that an essential aspect of media design for organ culture involves the incorporaation of collagen-promoting factors to the in vitro enviornment particularly with regard to the controlling role implicated for collagen in a variety of biological processess.", "PMID": 986366} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1946", "title": "Rosette plaques with lymphoid cells from heterozygous rabbits. Ani-hapten antibody-forming cells displaying either one or both b locus surface allelic markers.", "content": "A rosette-plaque model was employed to test for the expression of b locus allelic markers at the surface of lymph node lymphocytes (LNL) from heterozygous (b4,6) rabbits, 5 days after immunization with NIP-diphtheria toxoid. Before immunization, in all animals examined, LNL displaying both b4 and b6 determinants at the surface (range 5-20 per cent) were detected, the remainder consisting of cells exhibiting only one or the other determinant. After immunization, five of the thirteen heterozygotes apparently had gone into allelic exclusion as LNL from these animals showed only b4 or b6 rosettes which secreted anti-NIP antibody in the plaque. The eight remaining rabbits remained in allelic inclusion. Since cytophilic uptake of allotype might have contributed to double expression, LNL from immunized animals were treated with pronase to remove surface immunoglobulin. When the stripped cells were cultured overnight in serum-free medium, reappearance of b4, b6, and b4 plus b6 expressing cells was seen. When pronase-stripped cells were incubated in cycloheximide (20 mug/ml) for 5 hr, no allotype synthesis was found but inhibition was relieved when the cells were washed free of the antibiotic. Regrowth resulted in rosette levels similar to those found originally in the three allotype-bearing populations. Stripping the cell surface allotype with pronase, and allowing regrowth of allotype overnight also resulted in one of four animals regaining the ability to express both allotypes at the surface in the plaque-forming situation. Lymphocytes from homozygous controls (b4,4 and b6,6) displayed their own individual allelic markers either when the cells from each were tested alone or in combination, unimmunized or immunized. An additional finding was the apparent lack of allelic preference for NIP in the heterozygotes as approximately similar numbers of cells were found bearing the b4 and b6 marker at the surface in the NIP plaque.", "contents": "Rosette plaques with lymphoid cells from heterozygous rabbits. Ani-hapten antibody-forming cells displaying either one or both b locus surface allelic markers. A rosette-plaque model was employed to test for the expression of b locus allelic markers at the surface of lymph node lymphocytes (LNL) from heterozygous (b4,6) rabbits, 5 days after immunization with NIP-diphtheria toxoid. Before immunization, in all animals examined, LNL displaying both b4 and b6 determinants at the surface (range 5-20 per cent) were detected, the remainder consisting of cells exhibiting only one or the other determinant. After immunization, five of the thirteen heterozygotes apparently had gone into allelic exclusion as LNL from these animals showed only b4 or b6 rosettes which secreted anti-NIP antibody in the plaque. The eight remaining rabbits remained in allelic inclusion. Since cytophilic uptake of allotype might have contributed to double expression, LNL from immunized animals were treated with pronase to remove surface immunoglobulin. When the stripped cells were cultured overnight in serum-free medium, reappearance of b4, b6, and b4 plus b6 expressing cells was seen. When pronase-stripped cells were incubated in cycloheximide (20 mug/ml) for 5 hr, no allotype synthesis was found but inhibition was relieved when the cells were washed free of the antibiotic. Regrowth resulted in rosette levels similar to those found originally in the three allotype-bearing populations. Stripping the cell surface allotype with pronase, and allowing regrowth of allotype overnight also resulted in one of four animals regaining the ability to express both allotypes at the surface in the plaque-forming situation. Lymphocytes from homozygous controls (b4,4 and b6,6) displayed their own individual allelic markers either when the cells from each were tested alone or in combination, unimmunized or immunized. An additional finding was the apparent lack of allelic preference for NIP in the heterozygotes as approximately similar numbers of cells were found bearing the b4 and b6 marker at the surface in the NIP plaque.", "PMID": 986367} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1947", "title": "[Selective quantitative determination of single endogenously liberated nonesterified fatty acids in the blood of surgical patients].", "content": "Under defined external conditions of metabolism, a selective and quantitative determination of the single nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) in serum allows the characterization of the interrelationship between the adipose tissue as a deposit of substrates for longterm energy production and the energy consumpting cells on the one side, as also the estimation of the extent of the stress itself. Compared with the amount of the whole lipidfraction, the very low concentrated NEFA may indicate the status of the endogenous delivery of energy-substrates only when analyzed with a high efficient selective, quantitative and direct method. The main question of the presented investigations on 14 surgical patients was the influence of an acute event of aggression on quality and quantity of fatty acid mobilization. After detailed characterization of experimental methodological conditions, the concentration-profiles and amounts of the mobilized NEFA and their modifications by the stress-reaction are reported.", "contents": "[Selective quantitative determination of single endogenously liberated nonesterified fatty acids in the blood of surgical patients]. Under defined external conditions of metabolism, a selective and quantitative determination of the single nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) in serum allows the characterization of the interrelationship between the adipose tissue as a deposit of substrates for longterm energy production and the energy consumpting cells on the one side, as also the estimation of the extent of the stress itself. Compared with the amount of the whole lipidfraction, the very low concentrated NEFA may indicate the status of the endogenous delivery of energy-substrates only when analyzed with a high efficient selective, quantitative and direct method. The main question of the presented investigations on 14 surgical patients was the influence of an acute event of aggression on quality and quantity of fatty acid mobilization. After detailed characterization of experimental methodological conditions, the concentration-profiles and amounts of the mobilized NEFA and their modifications by the stress-reaction are reported.", "PMID": 986369} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1948", "title": "[Preparation for colonoscopy with a new fully balanced bulk-free peptide diet].", "content": "A new, totally balanced bulkage-free peptide diet was imposed on 20 patients preparing ror coloscopy. Because of the entire absorption of the oligopeptides by way of the intestinal mucous membrane, the application of this diet brings about the same good results as the administration of the bulkage-free diets containing pure L-aminoacids (\"astronaut's nutrients\"), which so far were provided for this purpose. Apart from a lower osmolarity and lower costs, the bulkage-free peptide diet offers, above all, the advantages of a definitely better flavor. Therefore, new possibilities for a long-term nutrition with a bulkage-free diet are seen.", "contents": "[Preparation for colonoscopy with a new fully balanced bulk-free peptide diet]. A new, totally balanced bulkage-free peptide diet was imposed on 20 patients preparing ror coloscopy. Because of the entire absorption of the oligopeptides by way of the intestinal mucous membrane, the application of this diet brings about the same good results as the administration of the bulkage-free diets containing pure L-aminoacids (\"astronaut's nutrients\"), which so far were provided for this purpose. Apart from a lower osmolarity and lower costs, the bulkage-free peptide diet offers, above all, the advantages of a definitely better flavor. Therefore, new possibilities for a long-term nutrition with a bulkage-free diet are seen.", "PMID": 986370} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1949", "title": "[Diet in urinary calculi].", "content": "After some prefactory notes on the import, effectiveness and the exacting of an imposed diet as a supporting expedient for the attempt at urolitholysis, respectively for the prevention of recidivation, some general recommendations regarding fluid supply and nutrition for urolith patients are given. Apart from reference to special medicaments, it is discussed for the diverse calculi which liquid- and nutrients-intake should be recommended, respectively decreased. It is discussed, too, how the effectiveness of the varying methods is to be explained.", "contents": "[Diet in urinary calculi]. After some prefactory notes on the import, effectiveness and the exacting of an imposed diet as a supporting expedient for the attempt at urolitholysis, respectively for the prevention of recidivation, some general recommendations regarding fluid supply and nutrition for urolith patients are given. Apart from reference to special medicaments, it is discussed for the diverse calculi which liquid- and nutrients-intake should be recommended, respectively decreased. It is discussed, too, how the effectiveness of the varying methods is to be explained.", "PMID": 986371} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1950", "title": "Importance of progesterone in DNA synthesis of pregnancy-dependent mammary tumors in mice.", "content": "Hormone responsiveness of pregnancy-independent mammary tumors in SHN mice and pregnancy-dependent tumors in GR/A mice and in F1-hybrids between these strains was studied. Force-bred female mice with palpable mammary tumors were given subcutaneous injections of several hormones singly or in combination twice daily from 1 day before to 1 day after parturition. One group received a graft of three pituitary glands under the kidney capsule (3AP) during days 12-14 of pregnancy. One day after parturition, the in vivo incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA of normal and neoplastic mammary glands was determined as the index of DNA synthesis. Plasma prolactin in some groups of GR/A mice was assayed by radioimmunoassay. In GR/A mice, estradiol benzoate (EB: 0.5 mug X 2/day) or 3AP had no effect on either normal glands or tumors, despite an increase in plasma prolactin level. Progesterone (P:100 or 1,000 mug X 2/day) significantly increased DNA synthesis of both normal and neoplastic glands when compared to the controls, while the plasma prolactin level in this group was low. The administration of human placental lactogen (HPL: 100 mug X 2/day) stimulated DNA synthesis of normal glands only. P plus HPL promoted DNA synthesis of tumors more than P alone, but not P plus EB. While DNA synthesis of the tumors of SHN was never affected by these hormone treatments, the hormone responsiveness of tumors of F1-hybrids was almost the same as that of GR/A mice; the effect of P was prominent. Correlation of DNA synthesis between pregnancy-dependent mammary tumors and normal glands was significant only in groups treated with P alone or in combination with other hormones.", "contents": "Importance of progesterone in DNA synthesis of pregnancy-dependent mammary tumors in mice. Hormone responsiveness of pregnancy-independent mammary tumors in SHN mice and pregnancy-dependent tumors in GR/A mice and in F1-hybrids between these strains was studied. Force-bred female mice with palpable mammary tumors were given subcutaneous injections of several hormones singly or in combination twice daily from 1 day before to 1 day after parturition. One group received a graft of three pituitary glands under the kidney capsule (3AP) during days 12-14 of pregnancy. One day after parturition, the in vivo incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA of normal and neoplastic mammary glands was determined as the index of DNA synthesis. Plasma prolactin in some groups of GR/A mice was assayed by radioimmunoassay. In GR/A mice, estradiol benzoate (EB: 0.5 mug X 2/day) or 3AP had no effect on either normal glands or tumors, despite an increase in plasma prolactin level. Progesterone (P:100 or 1,000 mug X 2/day) significantly increased DNA synthesis of both normal and neoplastic glands when compared to the controls, while the plasma prolactin level in this group was low. The administration of human placental lactogen (HPL: 100 mug X 2/day) stimulated DNA synthesis of normal glands only. P plus HPL promoted DNA synthesis of tumors more than P alone, but not P plus EB. While DNA synthesis of the tumors of SHN was never affected by these hormone treatments, the hormone responsiveness of tumors of F1-hybrids was almost the same as that of GR/A mice; the effect of P was prominent. Correlation of DNA synthesis between pregnancy-dependent mammary tumors and normal glands was significant only in groups treated with P alone or in combination with other hormones.", "PMID": 986372} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1951", "title": "Related issues in childbearing and work: two clinical studies of professional women.", "content": "A common structure is described in two women's experience in central aspects of their professions and in their thoughts and feelings about motherhood. For example, a scientist's fascination in experimentation with cells in developing embryos is linked with wishes to experiment with the fertility of her own body, and an artist describes connections between the conflicts in finishing and showing her paintings and the conflicts in allowing her infant to separate from her body in the birth process. Historical clinical material from once-weekly psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy is used to trace some of the dynamics common to the major themes.", "contents": "Related issues in childbearing and work: two clinical studies of professional women. A common structure is described in two women's experience in central aspects of their professions and in their thoughts and feelings about motherhood. For example, a scientist's fascination in experimentation with cells in developing embryos is linked with wishes to experiment with the fertility of her own body, and an artist describes connections between the conflicts in finishing and showing her paintings and the conflicts in allowing her infant to separate from her body in the birth process. Historical clinical material from once-weekly psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy is used to trace some of the dynamics common to the major themes.", "PMID": 986374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1952", "title": "\"Pop\" psychoanalysis, kitsch, and the \"as if\" theater: further notes on Peter Shaffer's Equus.", "content": "This paper is intended as an examination of Dr. Stamm's (1975) paper and of Dr. Jules Glenn's discussion of Peter Shaffer's previous work. Its premise is the futility of subjecting Equus to a traditional psychoanalytic investigation, as a product of the playwright's unconscious, when the play represents a skillful, highly conscious use of analytic cliches to manipulate the audience. This phenomenon, however, and the play's great popularity prompt some reflections on the nature of kitsch, or false art, and its differences from authentic drama. The experience of kitsch can be identified when the spectator feels coerced by exaggerated, unconvincing theatrical devices, and fails to experience genuine empathy with the characters in a play. In the experience of authentic tragedy there is some element of voluntary surrender, of suspension of disbelief with full consent of will, as in the Aristotelian concept of catharsis. Shaffer's play is discussed as an illustration of this distinction and its relation to pseudoemotionality, the impostor syndrome, and the \"as if\" personality. In conclusion, the play's failure to evoke a genuine emotional response is explained by interpreting Equus as an \"as if\" tragedy.", "contents": "\"Pop\" psychoanalysis, kitsch, and the \"as if\" theater: further notes on Peter Shaffer's Equus. This paper is intended as an examination of Dr. Stamm's (1975) paper and of Dr. Jules Glenn's discussion of Peter Shaffer's previous work. Its premise is the futility of subjecting Equus to a traditional psychoanalytic investigation, as a product of the playwright's unconscious, when the play represents a skillful, highly conscious use of analytic cliches to manipulate the audience. This phenomenon, however, and the play's great popularity prompt some reflections on the nature of kitsch, or false art, and its differences from authentic drama. The experience of kitsch can be identified when the spectator feels coerced by exaggerated, unconvincing theatrical devices, and fails to experience genuine empathy with the characters in a play. In the experience of authentic tragedy there is some element of voluntary surrender, of suspension of disbelief with full consent of will, as in the Aristotelian concept of catharsis. Shaffer's play is discussed as an illustration of this distinction and its relation to pseudoemotionality, the impostor syndrome, and the \"as if\" personality. In conclusion, the play's failure to evoke a genuine emotional response is explained by interpreting Equus as an \"as if\" tragedy.", "PMID": 986375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1953", "title": "Uptake of microperoxidase by segmenting rat ova in vitro.", "content": "Uptake and incidence of microperoxidase (Sigma) in the rat ova during cleavage at the 1-, 2-, 8-cell and blastocyst stages were studied after 30 min incubation with the enzyme (molecular weight of 1,900 and size of molecule of 2 nm). Evidence was furnished of the presence of a small amount of reaction product of microperoxidase in the zona pellucida and its local concentration in some parts of the perivitelline space. The larger part of surface of the ovum, however, was free of microperoxidase. In the cytoplasm microperoxidase was found in pinocytotic vesicles, less frequently in large vascuoles and starting with the eight-cell stage in secondary lysosomes. The largest amount of microperoxidase was ascertained at the stage of blastocyst, chiefly in the cells of the trophoblast. In the cells of the embryoblast, on the contrary, microperoxidase was found but occasionally. The reaction product of microperoxidase was also present in the intercellular space of ova in negligible amount, and likewise on the side of blastocysts' cavity. In comparison with the ingestion of horseradish peroxidase the incidence of microperoxidase in the segmenting rat ova was less frequent.", "contents": "Uptake of microperoxidase by segmenting rat ova in vitro. Uptake and incidence of microperoxidase (Sigma) in the rat ova during cleavage at the 1-, 2-, 8-cell and blastocyst stages were studied after 30 min incubation with the enzyme (molecular weight of 1,900 and size of molecule of 2 nm). Evidence was furnished of the presence of a small amount of reaction product of microperoxidase in the zona pellucida and its local concentration in some parts of the perivitelline space. The larger part of surface of the ovum, however, was free of microperoxidase. In the cytoplasm microperoxidase was found in pinocytotic vesicles, less frequently in large vascuoles and starting with the eight-cell stage in secondary lysosomes. The largest amount of microperoxidase was ascertained at the stage of blastocyst, chiefly in the cells of the trophoblast. In the cells of the embryoblast, on the contrary, microperoxidase was found but occasionally. The reaction product of microperoxidase was also present in the intercellular space of ova in negligible amount, and likewise on the side of blastocysts' cavity. In comparison with the ingestion of horseradish peroxidase the incidence of microperoxidase in the segmenting rat ova was less frequent.", "PMID": 986379} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1954", "title": "Noninfectious canine arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis.", "content": "Chronic unremitting, generally symmetric, erosive polyarthritis was studied in 8 dogs. The disease had clinical, serologic, radiographic, and pathologic changes similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis of man. The condition occurred mainly in smaller breeds of dogs, with time of onset from 8 months to 8 years of age, Characteristic radiographic changes were seen in the joints several weeks to several months after the appearance of the initial lameness. Synovial fluid contained an increased number of neutrophils, and synovial fluid and synovial tissues were sterile for anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, mycoplasma, chlamydia, and viruses. Corticosteroids were therapeutically ineffective in all of the cases; however, corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and azathioprine were effective when used in combination in several dogs.", "contents": "Noninfectious canine arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic unremitting, generally symmetric, erosive polyarthritis was studied in 8 dogs. The disease had clinical, serologic, radiographic, and pathologic changes similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis of man. The condition occurred mainly in smaller breeds of dogs, with time of onset from 8 months to 8 years of age, Characteristic radiographic changes were seen in the joints several weeks to several months after the appearance of the initial lameness. Synovial fluid contained an increased number of neutrophils, and synovial fluid and synovial tissues were sterile for anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, mycoplasma, chlamydia, and viruses. Corticosteroids were therapeutically ineffective in all of the cases; however, corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and azathioprine were effective when used in combination in several dogs.", "PMID": 986380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1955", "title": "Embolic pulmonary aneurysms in yearling feedlot cattle.", "content": "Throughout all of 1974, we surveyed, for illnesses and deaths, about 407,000 yearling feedlot cattle. Of 1,988 cattle necropsied, 25 (1.3%) had ruptured pulmonary aneurysms and an additional 4 had gross pulmonary emboli without rupture. The emboli originated from thrombi in the caudal vena cava where that vessel closely applies to the left border of the liver and where parenchymal abscesses had developed. The emboli had lodged in the pulmonary artery, weakened its wall, and led to saccular aneurysms. Infection weakened and blood pressure ruptured the saccule and opened the adjacent bronchi. Extravasated blood dissected the tunica adventitia, formed hematomas, poured into the bronchus, and was expelled from the larynx. A portion was swallowed into the rumen, and some was coughed and blown from the nose and mouth. Deaths were attributed to exsanguination and pulmonary incapacitation.", "contents": "Embolic pulmonary aneurysms in yearling feedlot cattle. Throughout all of 1974, we surveyed, for illnesses and deaths, about 407,000 yearling feedlot cattle. Of 1,988 cattle necropsied, 25 (1.3%) had ruptured pulmonary aneurysms and an additional 4 had gross pulmonary emboli without rupture. The emboli originated from thrombi in the caudal vena cava where that vessel closely applies to the left border of the liver and where parenchymal abscesses had developed. The emboli had lodged in the pulmonary artery, weakened its wall, and led to saccular aneurysms. Infection weakened and blood pressure ruptured the saccule and opened the adjacent bronchi. Extravasated blood dissected the tunica adventitia, formed hematomas, poured into the bronchus, and was expelled from the larynx. A portion was swallowed into the rumen, and some was coughed and blown from the nose and mouth. Deaths were attributed to exsanguination and pulmonary incapacitation.", "PMID": 986383} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1956", "title": "Esophageal elastance in awake and anesthetized recumbent dogs.", "content": "Esophageal elastance was measured in trained dogs placed in the prone, supine, and left lateral postures before and during sodium thiopental anesthesia. Esophageal elastance was measured from static pressure-volume curves and during spontaneous breathing at functional residual capacity. There was a significant decrease in esophageal elastance, estimated from the pressure-volume curves, during anesthesia in both prone and lateral positions but not in the supine posture. Changes in vagal tone produced by stimulation of the vagal nerves did not alter esophageal elastance. Therefore, underlying mechanisms for these changes in esophageal elastance are not fully understood. There was an increase in esophageal elastance when lung volumes increased from 55 to 80% total lung capacity. However, we did not find a significant change in esophageal elastance between awake and anesthetized conditions or between positions during spontaneous breathing at functional residual capacity.", "contents": "Esophageal elastance in awake and anesthetized recumbent dogs. Esophageal elastance was measured in trained dogs placed in the prone, supine, and left lateral postures before and during sodium thiopental anesthesia. Esophageal elastance was measured from static pressure-volume curves and during spontaneous breathing at functional residual capacity. There was a significant decrease in esophageal elastance, estimated from the pressure-volume curves, during anesthesia in both prone and lateral positions but not in the supine posture. Changes in vagal tone produced by stimulation of the vagal nerves did not alter esophageal elastance. Therefore, underlying mechanisms for these changes in esophageal elastance are not fully understood. There was an increase in esophageal elastance when lung volumes increased from 55 to 80% total lung capacity. However, we did not find a significant change in esophageal elastance between awake and anesthetized conditions or between positions during spontaneous breathing at functional residual capacity.", "PMID": 986387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1957", "title": "Ineffective and non-nodulating mutant strains of Rhizobium japonicum.", "content": "Mutant strains of Rhizobium japonicum that were unable to allow the Corsoy cultivar of soybean to reduce acetylene or fix N2 were isolated. These strains grow as well as the wild type in a variety of media. Mutant strains SM1 and SM2 did not form nodules on the host plant; however, they reduced acetylene in the nonsymbiotic assay. Strains SM3 and SM4 produced nodules that did not have the characteristic pink pigment caused by leghemoglobin. The nodules formed by these strains also were small. One mutant strain, SM5, produced large pink nodules. The lesion in this strain seems to be in the gene that specifies nitrogenase component II.", "contents": "Ineffective and non-nodulating mutant strains of Rhizobium japonicum. Mutant strains of Rhizobium japonicum that were unable to allow the Corsoy cultivar of soybean to reduce acetylene or fix N2 were isolated. These strains grow as well as the wild type in a variety of media. Mutant strains SM1 and SM2 did not form nodules on the host plant; however, they reduced acetylene in the nonsymbiotic assay. Strains SM3 and SM4 produced nodules that did not have the characteristic pink pigment caused by leghemoglobin. The nodules formed by these strains also were small. One mutant strain, SM5, produced large pink nodules. The lesion in this strain seems to be in the gene that specifies nitrogenase component II.", "PMID": 986388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1958", "title": "Midpoint potentials of the mitochondrial cytochromes of Crithidia fasciculata.", "content": "The midpoint potentials of the mitochondrial respiratory chain cytochromes of the protozoan Crithidia fasciculata at pH 7.2, Em7.2, show great similarity to those measured in higher organisms. Values of Em7.2 for cytochromes a and a3 are +165 and +340 mV. Both c cytochromes have Em7.2 = +230 mV. There are two b cytochromes with the same spectral characteristics with Em7.2 = -20 and -135 mV. These values are compatible with two sites of energy conservation for oxidative phosphorylation in these mitochondria. All cytochrome components show potentiometric titrations with n = 1. There is a fluorescent flavoprotein in these mitochondria with Em7.2 = -40 mV and n =2, whose function is not known.", "contents": "Midpoint potentials of the mitochondrial cytochromes of Crithidia fasciculata. The midpoint potentials of the mitochondrial respiratory chain cytochromes of the protozoan Crithidia fasciculata at pH 7.2, Em7.2, show great similarity to those measured in higher organisms. Values of Em7.2 for cytochromes a and a3 are +165 and +340 mV. Both c cytochromes have Em7.2 = +230 mV. There are two b cytochromes with the same spectral characteristics with Em7.2 = -20 and -135 mV. These values are compatible with two sites of energy conservation for oxidative phosphorylation in these mitochondria. All cytochrome components show potentiometric titrations with n = 1. There is a fluorescent flavoprotein in these mitochondria with Em7.2 = -40 mV and n =2, whose function is not known.", "PMID": 986389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1959", "title": "Presence of polyphosphate of low molecular weight in zygomycetes.", "content": "Polyphosphate of average chain length corresponding to 10 phosphate units was detected in the mycelial extract of zygomycetes. Gel electrophoresis techniques commonly used for the separation and characterization of acidic mucopolysaccharides were successfully used for the detection, purification, and characterization of the polyphosphate.", "contents": "Presence of polyphosphate of low molecular weight in zygomycetes. Polyphosphate of average chain length corresponding to 10 phosphate units was detected in the mycelial extract of zygomycetes. Gel electrophoresis techniques commonly used for the separation and characterization of acidic mucopolysaccharides were successfully used for the detection, purification, and characterization of the polyphosphate.", "PMID": 986390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1960", "title": "Stereospecificity of conversion of uric acid into allantoic acid by enzymes of Canadida utilis.", "content": "1. Allantoinase [EC 3.5.2.5] was isolated from cells of Candida utilis and unpurified by chromatography on columns of DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-200 after treatment with urea to remove urate oxidase [EC 1.7.3.3.]. 2. The purified allantoinase catalyzed the hydrolysis of allantoin into allantoic acid. However, only half of the allantoin produced from uric acid by urate oxidase was converted. The rest of the allantoin was unchanged, and showed a negative optical rotation. 3. On the other hand, the combined action of crude urate oxidase and allantoinase resulted in nearly complete conversion of uric acid into allantoic acid. Furthermore, the unpurified allantoinase preparation hydrolyzed racemic allantoin to allantoic acid completely. 4. These results indicate that the urate oxidase produces racemic allantoin from uric acid and that the allantoinase attacks only allantoin of positive optical rotation. The results also suggest that allantoin racemase is present in the yeast cells.", "contents": "Stereospecificity of conversion of uric acid into allantoic acid by enzymes of Canadida utilis. 1. Allantoinase [EC 3.5.2.5] was isolated from cells of Candida utilis and unpurified by chromatography on columns of DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-200 after treatment with urea to remove urate oxidase [EC 1.7.3.3.]. 2. The purified allantoinase catalyzed the hydrolysis of allantoin into allantoic acid. However, only half of the allantoin produced from uric acid by urate oxidase was converted. The rest of the allantoin was unchanged, and showed a negative optical rotation. 3. On the other hand, the combined action of crude urate oxidase and allantoinase resulted in nearly complete conversion of uric acid into allantoic acid. Furthermore, the unpurified allantoinase preparation hydrolyzed racemic allantoin to allantoic acid completely. 4. These results indicate that the urate oxidase produces racemic allantoin from uric acid and that the allantoinase attacks only allantoin of positive optical rotation. The results also suggest that allantoin racemase is present in the yeast cells.", "PMID": 986391} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1961", "title": "Properties of liposomal membranes containing lysolecithin.", "content": "Liposomes have been prepared with lysolecithin (1-acyl-sn-3-glycerylphosphorylcholine), egg lecithin (3-sn-phosphatidylcholine), dicetyl phosphate, and cholesterol. The ability to function as a barrier to the diffusion of glucose marker and the sensitivities of the liposomes to hypotonic treatment and other reagents which modified the permeability were examined. Generally, lysolecithin incorporation decreased the effectiveness of the membranes as a barrier to glucose and made the membranes more \"osmotically fragile.\" Cholesterol incorporation counteracted the effect of incorporated lysolecithin. The more cholesterol incorporated into liposomes, the more lysolecthin could be incorporated into the membrane without loss of function as a barrier. With more than 50 mole% of colesterol, lysolecithin alone could form membranes which were practically impermeable to glucose. The hemolytic activity of lysolecithin was affected by mixing with various lecithins or cholesterol. Liposomes containing lysolecithin, which have the ability to trap glucose marker, showed poor hemolytic activity, while lipid micelles with lysolecithin (which could trap little glucose) showed almost the same hemolytic activity as lysolecithin itself. There seems to be a close correlation between hemolytic activity and barrier function of lipid micelles.", "contents": "Properties of liposomal membranes containing lysolecithin. Liposomes have been prepared with lysolecithin (1-acyl-sn-3-glycerylphosphorylcholine), egg lecithin (3-sn-phosphatidylcholine), dicetyl phosphate, and cholesterol. The ability to function as a barrier to the diffusion of glucose marker and the sensitivities of the liposomes to hypotonic treatment and other reagents which modified the permeability were examined. Generally, lysolecithin incorporation decreased the effectiveness of the membranes as a barrier to glucose and made the membranes more \"osmotically fragile.\" Cholesterol incorporation counteracted the effect of incorporated lysolecithin. The more cholesterol incorporated into liposomes, the more lysolecthin could be incorporated into the membrane without loss of function as a barrier. With more than 50 mole% of colesterol, lysolecithin alone could form membranes which were practically impermeable to glucose. The hemolytic activity of lysolecithin was affected by mixing with various lecithins or cholesterol. Liposomes containing lysolecithin, which have the ability to trap glucose marker, showed poor hemolytic activity, while lipid micelles with lysolecithin (which could trap little glucose) showed almost the same hemolytic activity as lysolecithin itself. There seems to be a close correlation between hemolytic activity and barrier function of lipid micelles.", "PMID": 986392} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1962", "title": "Synthesis of elastin. A rapid formation of lysine-derived crosslinks by chick embryo aorta.", "content": "Aortas of 13-day-old chick embryo were labeled for 0.5 hr with [14C]lysine and subjected to a serial extraction after chase for 1-24 hr with [12C]lysine. Substantial radioactivity was found in insoluble elastin after 3 hr chase. The effect of beta-amino-propionitrile on labeling with [14C]lysine was also examined. Each fraction was hydrolyzed and applied to a short column on an amino acid analyzer. Radioactivity was found in desmosine and isodesmosine of insoluble elastin as early as 1 hr after the beginning of chase. The radioactivity increased rapidly at 2 hr and very slowly thereafter. A large count, which was separated into five peaks on a long column, was observed in other lysine derivatives at 2 hr and increased steadily up to 24 hr, while the lysine count decreased from 1 : 0.5 to 1 : 6 against lysine derivatives and from 1 : 0.04 to 1 : 0.9 against quarter-desmosine after 24 hr. The oxidation of lysine residues incorporated during the 0.5 hr pulse was almost completed during the first 1 hr of chase, and these oxidized residues were incorporated into crosslinks during the following 1 hr. It is suggested that poorly crosslinked elastin accumulated in the soluble fractions. The presence of crosslinking derived from lysine residues was also indicated in the microfibril fraction.", "contents": "Synthesis of elastin. A rapid formation of lysine-derived crosslinks by chick embryo aorta. Aortas of 13-day-old chick embryo were labeled for 0.5 hr with [14C]lysine and subjected to a serial extraction after chase for 1-24 hr with [12C]lysine. Substantial radioactivity was found in insoluble elastin after 3 hr chase. The effect of beta-amino-propionitrile on labeling with [14C]lysine was also examined. Each fraction was hydrolyzed and applied to a short column on an amino acid analyzer. Radioactivity was found in desmosine and isodesmosine of insoluble elastin as early as 1 hr after the beginning of chase. The radioactivity increased rapidly at 2 hr and very slowly thereafter. A large count, which was separated into five peaks on a long column, was observed in other lysine derivatives at 2 hr and increased steadily up to 24 hr, while the lysine count decreased from 1 : 0.5 to 1 : 6 against lysine derivatives and from 1 : 0.04 to 1 : 0.9 against quarter-desmosine after 24 hr. The oxidation of lysine residues incorporated during the 0.5 hr pulse was almost completed during the first 1 hr of chase, and these oxidized residues were incorporated into crosslinks during the following 1 hr. It is suggested that poorly crosslinked elastin accumulated in the soluble fractions. The presence of crosslinking derived from lysine residues was also indicated in the microfibril fraction.", "PMID": 986393} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1963", "title": "Steroidogenesis in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. II. Distribution of cytochrome P-450 in the zona glomerulosa of the bovine adrenal cortex.", "content": "Microsomes were obtained from the zona glomerulosa of the bovine adrenal cortex. Contamination of microsomes with other cellular organelles was examined using various marker enzymes and the electron microscope. Distribution of cytochrome P-450 in mitochondria and in microsomes was determined to be 0.73 and 0.32 nmol/mg protein, respectively. The CO difference spectrum was affected not only by the concentration of added deoxycholate but also by the incubation time after addition. Approximately 40-50% of cytochrome P-450 in the samples was converted to cytochrome P-420 within 20-30 sec of incubation with deoxycholate. The content of RNA, phospholipids, and cytochrome b5 in microsomes obtained from the zona glomerulosa is also evaluated in comparison to that in microsomes obtained from the zona fasciculoreticularis.", "contents": "Steroidogenesis in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. II. Distribution of cytochrome P-450 in the zona glomerulosa of the bovine adrenal cortex. Microsomes were obtained from the zona glomerulosa of the bovine adrenal cortex. Contamination of microsomes with other cellular organelles was examined using various marker enzymes and the electron microscope. Distribution of cytochrome P-450 in mitochondria and in microsomes was determined to be 0.73 and 0.32 nmol/mg protein, respectively. The CO difference spectrum was affected not only by the concentration of added deoxycholate but also by the incubation time after addition. Approximately 40-50% of cytochrome P-450 in the samples was converted to cytochrome P-420 within 20-30 sec of incubation with deoxycholate. The content of RNA, phospholipids, and cytochrome b5 in microsomes obtained from the zona glomerulosa is also evaluated in comparison to that in microsomes obtained from the zona fasciculoreticularis.", "PMID": 986394} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1964", "title": "Quantitative ultrastructural autoradiographic studies of iodinated plasma membranes of lymphocytes during segregation and internalization of surface immunoglobulins.", "content": "Rat spleen lymphocytes were iodinated (125 I) with lactoperoxidase. Quantitative autoradiographic studies on cells fixed immediately after iodination showed 19-24% of intracytoplasmic grains at 3HD and over from the plasma membrane. Normalization of grain density distribution and comparison of resulting curves with the universal curve of grain scatter of 125 I showed that a significant percentage of intracytoplasmic grains (36%) originates from intracytoplasmic labeled sources rather than from scattering from the heavily labeled plasma membrane. Damaged cells had a threefold grain density than intact cells. Radioactivity counts in sliced polyacrylamide gels of iodinated cells revealed 65-72% of total radioactivity in five peaks of apparent mol wt of 44, 50, 57, 90 and 195 thousand daltons. Segregation and internalization of anti-immunoglobulin-Ig-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) complexes from the iodinated plasma membrane proteins of lymphocytes was studied with quantitative autoradiography (125 I) and peroxidase cytochemistry; 64% of grains at 1.5HD (1,500 A) from the plasma membrane were within the cap zone, and 36% of grains remained outside the capped immunoglobulins; 45-57% of grains internalized together with Fab-anti-Ig-Ig-HRP, and 68% of grains internalized together with anti-Ig-Ig-HRP. These studies indicate that (a) iodination of rat spleen lymphocytes results in a significant internal labeling and that (b) immunoglobulins segregate into caps and internalize together with other iodinated plasma membrane proteins while a significant percentage of iodinated proteins (36%) are excluded from the immunoglobulin caps or internalization sites (32-55%).", "contents": "Quantitative ultrastructural autoradiographic studies of iodinated plasma membranes of lymphocytes during segregation and internalization of surface immunoglobulins. Rat spleen lymphocytes were iodinated (125 I) with lactoperoxidase. Quantitative autoradiographic studies on cells fixed immediately after iodination showed 19-24% of intracytoplasmic grains at 3HD and over from the plasma membrane. Normalization of grain density distribution and comparison of resulting curves with the universal curve of grain scatter of 125 I showed that a significant percentage of intracytoplasmic grains (36%) originates from intracytoplasmic labeled sources rather than from scattering from the heavily labeled plasma membrane. Damaged cells had a threefold grain density than intact cells. Radioactivity counts in sliced polyacrylamide gels of iodinated cells revealed 65-72% of total radioactivity in five peaks of apparent mol wt of 44, 50, 57, 90 and 195 thousand daltons. Segregation and internalization of anti-immunoglobulin-Ig-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) complexes from the iodinated plasma membrane proteins of lymphocytes was studied with quantitative autoradiography (125 I) and peroxidase cytochemistry; 64% of grains at 1.5HD (1,500 A) from the plasma membrane were within the cap zone, and 36% of grains remained outside the capped immunoglobulins; 45-57% of grains internalized together with Fab-anti-Ig-Ig-HRP, and 68% of grains internalized together with anti-Ig-Ig-HRP. These studies indicate that (a) iodination of rat spleen lymphocytes results in a significant internal labeling and that (b) immunoglobulins segregate into caps and internalize together with other iodinated plasma membrane proteins while a significant percentage of iodinated proteins (36%) are excluded from the immunoglobulin caps or internalization sites (32-55%).", "PMID": 986396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1965", "title": "Lipid vesicle-cell interactions. II. Induction of cell fusion.", "content": "The ability of lipid vesicles of simple composition (lecithin, lysolecithin, and stearylamine) to induce cells of various types to fuse has been investigated. One in every three or four cells in monolayer cultures can be induced to fuse with a vesicle dose of about 100 per cell. At such dosages and for exposures of 15 min to 1 h, vesicles have essentially no effect on cell viability. Under anaerobic conditions, these cells lyse rather than fuse. Avian erythrocytes are readily fused with lipid vesicles in the presence of dextran. Fusion indices increase linearly with the zeta potential of the vesicles (increasing stearylamine content), indicating that contact between vesicle and cell membrane is required. Fusion indices increase sublinearly with increasing lysolecithin content. Divalent cations increase fusion indices at high vesicle doses. The data presented are consistent with the hypothesis that cell fusion occurs via simultaneous fusion of a vesicle with two adhering cell membranes.", "contents": "Lipid vesicle-cell interactions. II. Induction of cell fusion. The ability of lipid vesicles of simple composition (lecithin, lysolecithin, and stearylamine) to induce cells of various types to fuse has been investigated. One in every three or four cells in monolayer cultures can be induced to fuse with a vesicle dose of about 100 per cell. At such dosages and for exposures of 15 min to 1 h, vesicles have essentially no effect on cell viability. Under anaerobic conditions, these cells lyse rather than fuse. Avian erythrocytes are readily fused with lipid vesicles in the presence of dextran. Fusion indices increase linearly with the zeta potential of the vesicles (increasing stearylamine content), indicating that contact between vesicle and cell membrane is required. Fusion indices increase sublinearly with increasing lysolecithin content. Divalent cations increase fusion indices at high vesicle doses. The data presented are consistent with the hypothesis that cell fusion occurs via simultaneous fusion of a vesicle with two adhering cell membranes.", "PMID": 986397} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1966", "title": "A modified procedure for the isolation of a pore complex-lamina fraction from rat liver nuclei.", "content": "A modified procedure for the isolation of a nuclear pore complex-lamina fraction from rat liver nuclei is described. Evidence is provided that the isolated lamina, a 150-A thick, proteinaceous structure, apposes the inner nuclear envelope membrane, connecting nuclear pore complexes and surrounding the entire nucleus.", "contents": "A modified procedure for the isolation of a pore complex-lamina fraction from rat liver nuclei. A modified procedure for the isolation of a nuclear pore complex-lamina fraction from rat liver nuclei is described. Evidence is provided that the isolated lamina, a 150-A thick, proteinaceous structure, apposes the inner nuclear envelope membrane, connecting nuclear pore complexes and surrounding the entire nucleus.", "PMID": 986398} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1967", "title": "Absorption of inorganic phosphate in the human jejunum and its inhibition by salmon calcitonin.", "content": "The jejunal absorption of inorganic phosphate (P) was studied under basal conditions and during the intravenous infusion of synthetic salmon calcitonin (SCT) in normal subjects. Net P absorption increased as the intraluminal P concentration was raised. At intraluminal P concentrations equal to or above the plasma P level P absorption manifested first order kinetics. At intraluminal P concentrations below the plasma P level, net P absorption was non-linear presumably due to the movement of P from plasma to the lumen down a chemical gradient. A net secretion of water and electrolytes occurred in six normal subjects given SCT (250 ng/kg/hr) while saline infusion instead of SCT had no effect on jejunal absorption. Along with the secretory effect SCT reduced calcium and P absorption by 58% and 62% respectively, without any significant fall in the serum levels of calcium or P. The jejunal response to SCT was reproduced twice in a hypoparathyroid subject showing that endogenous parathyroid hormone was not involved in this effect. Calcium and P absorption were positively correlated with water movement suggesting that the observed changes in calcium and P absorption are due primarily to SCT-induced secretion of water. It is concluded that SCT induces a net secretion of water and ions while simultaneously reducing calcium and P absorption.", "contents": "Absorption of inorganic phosphate in the human jejunum and its inhibition by salmon calcitonin. The jejunal absorption of inorganic phosphate (P) was studied under basal conditions and during the intravenous infusion of synthetic salmon calcitonin (SCT) in normal subjects. Net P absorption increased as the intraluminal P concentration was raised. At intraluminal P concentrations equal to or above the plasma P level P absorption manifested first order kinetics. At intraluminal P concentrations below the plasma P level, net P absorption was non-linear presumably due to the movement of P from plasma to the lumen down a chemical gradient. A net secretion of water and electrolytes occurred in six normal subjects given SCT (250 ng/kg/hr) while saline infusion instead of SCT had no effect on jejunal absorption. Along with the secretory effect SCT reduced calcium and P absorption by 58% and 62% respectively, without any significant fall in the serum levels of calcium or P. The jejunal response to SCT was reproduced twice in a hypoparathyroid subject showing that endogenous parathyroid hormone was not involved in this effect. Calcium and P absorption were positively correlated with water movement suggesting that the observed changes in calcium and P absorption are due primarily to SCT-induced secretion of water. It is concluded that SCT induces a net secretion of water and ions while simultaneously reducing calcium and P absorption.", "PMID": 986400} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1968", "title": "Fatty acid binding protein. Role in esterification of absorbed long chain fatty acid in rat intestine.", "content": "Fatty acid binding protein (FABP) is a protein of 12,000 mol wt found in cytosol of intestinal mucosa and other tissues, which exhibits high affinity for long chain fatty acids. It has been suggested that FABP (which may comprise a group of closely related proteins of 12,000 mol wt) participates in cellular fatty acid transport and metabolism. Although earlier findings were consistent with this concept, the present studies were designed to examine its physiological function more directly. Everted jejunal sacs were incubated in mixed fatty acid-monoglyceride-bile acid micelles, in the presence or absence of equimolar concentrations of either of two compounds which inhibit oleate binding to FABP:flavaspidic acid-N-methyl-glucaminate and alpha-bromopalmitate. Oleate uptake, mucosal morphology, and oxidation of [14C]acetate remained unaffected by these agents, but oleate incorporation into triglyceride was inhibited by 62-64% after 4 min. The inhibition by flavaspidic acid was reversible with higher oleate concentrations. The effect of these compounds on enzymes of triglyceride biosynthesis was examined in intestinal microsomes. Neither flavaspidic acid nor alpha-bromopalmitate inhibited acyl CoA:monoglyceride acyl-transferase. Fatty acid:coenzyme A ligase activity was significantly enhanced in the presence of partially purified FABP, probably reflecting a physical effect on the fatty acid substrate or on the formation of the enzyme-substrate complex. Activity of the enzyme in the presence of 0.1 mM oleate was only modestly inhibited by equimolar flavaspidic acid and alpha-bromopalmitate, and this effect was blunted or prevented by FABP. We conclude that in everted gut sacs, inhibition of triglyceride synthesis by flavaspidic acid and alpha-bromopalmitate could not be explained as an effect on fatty acid uptake or on esterifying enzymes in the endoplasmic reticulum but rather can be interpreted as reflecting inhibition of fatty acid binding to FABP. These findings lend further support to the concept that FABP participates in cellular fatty acid transport and metabolism. It is also possible that FABP, by effecting an intracellular compartmentalization of fatty acids and acyl CoA, may play a broader role in cellular lipid metabolism.", "contents": "Fatty acid binding protein. Role in esterification of absorbed long chain fatty acid in rat intestine. Fatty acid binding protein (FABP) is a protein of 12,000 mol wt found in cytosol of intestinal mucosa and other tissues, which exhibits high affinity for long chain fatty acids. It has been suggested that FABP (which may comprise a group of closely related proteins of 12,000 mol wt) participates in cellular fatty acid transport and metabolism. Although earlier findings were consistent with this concept, the present studies were designed to examine its physiological function more directly. Everted jejunal sacs were incubated in mixed fatty acid-monoglyceride-bile acid micelles, in the presence or absence of equimolar concentrations of either of two compounds which inhibit oleate binding to FABP:flavaspidic acid-N-methyl-glucaminate and alpha-bromopalmitate. Oleate uptake, mucosal morphology, and oxidation of [14C]acetate remained unaffected by these agents, but oleate incorporation into triglyceride was inhibited by 62-64% after 4 min. The inhibition by flavaspidic acid was reversible with higher oleate concentrations. The effect of these compounds on enzymes of triglyceride biosynthesis was examined in intestinal microsomes. Neither flavaspidic acid nor alpha-bromopalmitate inhibited acyl CoA:monoglyceride acyl-transferase. Fatty acid:coenzyme A ligase activity was significantly enhanced in the presence of partially purified FABP, probably reflecting a physical effect on the fatty acid substrate or on the formation of the enzyme-substrate complex. Activity of the enzyme in the presence of 0.1 mM oleate was only modestly inhibited by equimolar flavaspidic acid and alpha-bromopalmitate, and this effect was blunted or prevented by FABP. We conclude that in everted gut sacs, inhibition of triglyceride synthesis by flavaspidic acid and alpha-bromopalmitate could not be explained as an effect on fatty acid uptake or on esterifying enzymes in the endoplasmic reticulum but rather can be interpreted as reflecting inhibition of fatty acid binding to FABP. These findings lend further support to the concept that FABP participates in cellular fatty acid transport and metabolism. It is also possible that FABP, by effecting an intracellular compartmentalization of fatty acids and acyl CoA, may play a broader role in cellular lipid metabolism.", "PMID": 986401} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1969", "title": "A comparative study of passive haemagglutination methods for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen in routine hospital practice.", "content": "Two passive haemagglutination methods for detecting HBsAg were compared. In general, the method using turkey erythrocytes was found preferable to the method employing sheep cells since it is more rapid and more sensitive, and less frequently gave rise to false positive reactions with sera from staff, blood donors, and patients not receiving haemodialysis. The turkey cell test gives rise to more false positive screen tests than the sheep cell test when monitoring renal dialysis patients since approximately 10% of the sera of these patients were found to contain turkey cell agglutinins, but this presents no particular difficulty if the recommended absorption procedures are used.", "contents": "A comparative study of passive haemagglutination methods for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen in routine hospital practice. Two passive haemagglutination methods for detecting HBsAg were compared. In general, the method using turkey erythrocytes was found preferable to the method employing sheep cells since it is more rapid and more sensitive, and less frequently gave rise to false positive reactions with sera from staff, blood donors, and patients not receiving haemodialysis. The turkey cell test gives rise to more false positive screen tests than the sheep cell test when monitoring renal dialysis patients since approximately 10% of the sera of these patients were found to contain turkey cell agglutinins, but this presents no particular difficulty if the recommended absorption procedures are used.", "PMID": 986402} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1970", "title": "Acetate utilization by the isolated perfused guinea-pig mammary gland.", "content": "Acetate uptake by isolated perfused guinea-pig mammary glands was approximately 1.0 mg g-1 h-1 when perfusate acetate concentrations were in the physiological range (5-11 mg/100 ml plasma). At perfusate concentrations below this range (mean 3.62 mg/100 ml plasma) the uptake was not significantly different, but in one experiment in which the mean acetate concentration was 14.5 mg/100 ml plasma the uptake was markedly elevated. Radioactivity from Na (1-14C) acetate was incorporated into CO2 and milk and tissue fat, being largely present in C16 and C18 fatty acids. The guinea-pig is atypical of non-ruminants and similar to ruminants in respect of the blood concentration and mammary utilization acetate.", "contents": "Acetate utilization by the isolated perfused guinea-pig mammary gland. Acetate uptake by isolated perfused guinea-pig mammary glands was approximately 1.0 mg g-1 h-1 when perfusate acetate concentrations were in the physiological range (5-11 mg/100 ml plasma). At perfusate concentrations below this range (mean 3.62 mg/100 ml plasma) the uptake was not significantly different, but in one experiment in which the mean acetate concentration was 14.5 mg/100 ml plasma the uptake was markedly elevated. Radioactivity from Na (1-14C) acetate was incorporated into CO2 and milk and tissue fat, being largely present in C16 and C18 fatty acids. The guinea-pig is atypical of non-ruminants and similar to ruminants in respect of the blood concentration and mammary utilization acetate.", "PMID": 986403} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1971", "title": "Effect of feeding fat to dairy cows receiving a fat-deficient basal diet. I. Milk yield and composition.", "content": "The effects of supplementing a basal diet, in which the low level of fatty acids limited milk production, with soya oil, a palm oil/palmitic acid mixture and tallow, on the yield of milk and of its constituents, and on the composition of the milk, are reported. The yields of milk and milk fat were greatly increased by all the oil-supplemented diets; the mean daily yield of solids-not-fat (SNF) was also increased, but supplementation with soya oil caused the yield of crude protein (CP) to decrease, whereas the other fat-rich concentrate mixtures gave the same mean yield of protein as did the low-fat, control diet. All 3 oil-supplemented diets lowered the proportion of CP in the milk, but the SNF content was unchanged by any treatment. Dietary soya oil tended to lower the proportion of fat in the milk, whilst the palm oil/palmitic acid mixture raised it, with the tallow exerting no effect. The results are discussed in relation to previous work in which these dietary oils have been used, but in which the intake of fatty acids from the control diets did not limit milk production to the extent reported here.", "contents": "Effect of feeding fat to dairy cows receiving a fat-deficient basal diet. I. Milk yield and composition. The effects of supplementing a basal diet, in which the low level of fatty acids limited milk production, with soya oil, a palm oil/palmitic acid mixture and tallow, on the yield of milk and of its constituents, and on the composition of the milk, are reported. The yields of milk and milk fat were greatly increased by all the oil-supplemented diets; the mean daily yield of solids-not-fat (SNF) was also increased, but supplementation with soya oil caused the yield of crude protein (CP) to decrease, whereas the other fat-rich concentrate mixtures gave the same mean yield of protein as did the low-fat, control diet. All 3 oil-supplemented diets lowered the proportion of CP in the milk, but the SNF content was unchanged by any treatment. Dietary soya oil tended to lower the proportion of fat in the milk, whilst the palm oil/palmitic acid mixture raised it, with the tallow exerting no effect. The results are discussed in relation to previous work in which these dietary oils have been used, but in which the intake of fatty acids from the control diets did not limit milk production to the extent reported here.", "PMID": 986404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1972", "title": "Effect of feeding fat to dairy cows receiving a fat-deficient basal diet. II. Fatty acid composition of the milk fat.", "content": "The effects on the fatty acid composition of milk fat of feeding various oil-enriched diets (soya oil, red palm oil/palmitic acid and tallow) to dairy cows receiving a fat-deficient basal diet are reported. It was found that a linear relation was obtained between the dietary intake of C18 fatty acids and their output in milk fat. A similar relation, applicable only to the oil-rich diets, was found for the C16 acids. The significance of these relations is discussed. Fatty acid compositions and yields are discussed and compared with literature examples in which similar oil-rich diets were fed, but in which the low amount of fat in the basal diet did not markedly depress milk yield. The proportion of trans-isomer in the octadecnoic acid was found to increase appreciably on feeding soya oil, and to a lesser extent with dietary tallow. A linear relation between the 18:0 and 18:1 contents of milk fat was found, and its significance is discussed.", "contents": "Effect of feeding fat to dairy cows receiving a fat-deficient basal diet. II. Fatty acid composition of the milk fat. The effects on the fatty acid composition of milk fat of feeding various oil-enriched diets (soya oil, red palm oil/palmitic acid and tallow) to dairy cows receiving a fat-deficient basal diet are reported. It was found that a linear relation was obtained between the dietary intake of C18 fatty acids and their output in milk fat. A similar relation, applicable only to the oil-rich diets, was found for the C16 acids. The significance of these relations is discussed. Fatty acid compositions and yields are discussed and compared with literature examples in which similar oil-rich diets were fed, but in which the low amount of fat in the basal diet did not markedly depress milk yield. The proportion of trans-isomer in the octadecnoic acid was found to increase appreciably on feeding soya oil, and to a lesser extent with dietary tallow. A linear relation between the 18:0 and 18:1 contents of milk fat was found, and its significance is discussed.", "PMID": 986405} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1973", "title": "The quantitative measurement of whey proteins using polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis.", "content": "A method is described for the quantitative estimation of a mixture of whey proteins by spectrophotometric scanning of the stained protein bands following polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. The incorporation of beta-lactoglobulin A as an internal standard improves the accuracy of the technique. The method has been used to measure residual native whey proteins in milk after heating. Results are presented for whey protein denaturation in skim-milk after heat treatment at 130 and 140 degrees C for various periods of time.", "contents": "The quantitative measurement of whey proteins using polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. A method is described for the quantitative estimation of a mixture of whey proteins by spectrophotometric scanning of the stained protein bands following polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. The incorporation of beta-lactoglobulin A as an internal standard improves the accuracy of the technique. The method has been used to measure residual native whey proteins in milk after heating. Results are presented for whey protein denaturation in skim-milk after heat treatment at 130 and 140 degrees C for various periods of time.", "PMID": 986406} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1974", "title": "Hormone induced lactation in the cow. IV. Relationships between lactational performance and hormone concentrations in blood plasma.", "content": "Concentrations of progesterone, estrogen, and prolactin in plasma were compared among lactations induced in 29 cows by daily subcutaneous injections of .25 mg progesterone and .1 mg estradiol-17beta per kg body weight for 7 days. Superior, median, and inferior lactations were identified by ranking both weightage adjusted maximum milk yields in 7 consecutive days (average 144 +/- 9 kg) and days for milk yield to increase from 5 to 10 kg/day (15 +/- 3 days). Superior and inferior of the former averaged 189 and 101 kg, and their latter averaged 2 and 42 days. Plasma hormones were measured on day 0 before first treatment (day 1), and on days 7, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, and 35. Superior lactations were associated with below-average progesterone and estrogen in plasma on day 0, rapid decreases in progesterone after day 7 and in estrogen after day 14, and increased prolactin after 7. In comparison, median lactations were associated with elevated progesterone and estrogen after day 17, but prolactin was similar to that of superior lactations. Inferior lactations were associated with decreased prolactin in plasma from days 21 to 35. We hypothesized that (a) first treatment should start 3 to 8 days after estrus, (b) daily doses of estradiol-17beta should be decreased with progesterone unchanged for the 7 days, and (c) estradiol-17beta alone should be continued for 7 days to improve hormonally induced lactations.", "contents": "Hormone induced lactation in the cow. IV. Relationships between lactational performance and hormone concentrations in blood plasma. Concentrations of progesterone, estrogen, and prolactin in plasma were compared among lactations induced in 29 cows by daily subcutaneous injections of .25 mg progesterone and .1 mg estradiol-17beta per kg body weight for 7 days. Superior, median, and inferior lactations were identified by ranking both weightage adjusted maximum milk yields in 7 consecutive days (average 144 +/- 9 kg) and days for milk yield to increase from 5 to 10 kg/day (15 +/- 3 days). Superior and inferior of the former averaged 189 and 101 kg, and their latter averaged 2 and 42 days. Plasma hormones were measured on day 0 before first treatment (day 1), and on days 7, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, and 35. Superior lactations were associated with below-average progesterone and estrogen in plasma on day 0, rapid decreases in progesterone after day 7 and in estrogen after day 14, and increased prolactin after 7. In comparison, median lactations were associated with elevated progesterone and estrogen after day 17, but prolactin was similar to that of superior lactations. Inferior lactations were associated with decreased prolactin in plasma from days 21 to 35. We hypothesized that (a) first treatment should start 3 to 8 days after estrus, (b) daily doses of estradiol-17beta should be decreased with progesterone unchanged for the 7 days, and (c) estradiol-17beta alone should be continued for 7 days to improve hormonally induced lactations.", "PMID": 986408} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1975", "title": "Failure of soybean trypsin inhibitor to exert deleterious effects in calves.", "content": "To evaluate nutritional effects induced in calves by feeding soybean trypsin inhibitor, 16 calves were fed 1) raw soybeans, 2) heated soybeans, 3) heated soybeans plus soybean trypsin inhibitor, 4) heated (raw soybeans plus soybean trypsin inhibitor). Ration 1 caused depression of growth and reduced digestibility of protein and fat as compared to Ration 2. No differences were significant in calves fed Rations 3 and 4. The weights and enzymatic activities of pancreas were similar in all groups. Soybean trypsin inhibitor plays a minor role, if any, in calf nutrition.", "contents": "Failure of soybean trypsin inhibitor to exert deleterious effects in calves. To evaluate nutritional effects induced in calves by feeding soybean trypsin inhibitor, 16 calves were fed 1) raw soybeans, 2) heated soybeans, 3) heated soybeans plus soybean trypsin inhibitor, 4) heated (raw soybeans plus soybean trypsin inhibitor). Ration 1 caused depression of growth and reduced digestibility of protein and fat as compared to Ration 2. No differences were significant in calves fed Rations 3 and 4. The weights and enzymatic activities of pancreas were similar in all groups. Soybean trypsin inhibitor plays a minor role, if any, in calf nutrition.", "PMID": 986409} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1976", "title": "Plasma progesterone concentrations in cows and steers after Repositol Progesterone treatment.", "content": "Repositol progesterone was injected intramuscularly into 4 steers and 17 postpartum cows at a dose of 2.2 mg/kg body weight. In steers the plasma progesterone concentration rose to 6.8 ng/ml 1 day postinjection and declined to a mean concentration of 2.1 ng/ml on days 3 and 4 postinjection. Postpartum, presumed anestrus, cows reached a lesser progesterone concentration of 2.9 ng/ml 1 day postinjection and then declined to a lower mean of .7 ng/ml on days 3 and 4 postinjection. These data suggest different rates of metabolism and/or excretion of progesterone by cows and steers.", "contents": "Plasma progesterone concentrations in cows and steers after Repositol Progesterone treatment. Repositol progesterone was injected intramuscularly into 4 steers and 17 postpartum cows at a dose of 2.2 mg/kg body weight. In steers the plasma progesterone concentration rose to 6.8 ng/ml 1 day postinjection and declined to a mean concentration of 2.1 ng/ml on days 3 and 4 postinjection. Postpartum, presumed anestrus, cows reached a lesser progesterone concentration of 2.9 ng/ml 1 day postinjection and then declined to a lower mean of .7 ng/ml on days 3 and 4 postinjection. These data suggest different rates of metabolism and/or excretion of progesterone by cows and steers.", "PMID": 986410} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1977", "title": "Guidelines for determining and reporting food yields.", "content": "The author discusses problems in compiling and evaluating data and recommends a standard protocol for determing yield of food. The recent extensive revision of Agriculture Handbook No. 102, Food Yields Summarized by Different Stages of Preparation, points up the urgent need for guidelines and a standard protocol.", "contents": "Guidelines for determining and reporting food yields. The author discusses problems in compiling and evaluating data and recommends a standard protocol for determing yield of food. The recent extensive revision of Agriculture Handbook No. 102, Food Yields Summarized by Different Stages of Preparation, points up the urgent need for guidelines and a standard protocol.", "PMID": 986411} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1978", "title": "Circadian rhythmic plaque-forming cell response of spleens from mice immunized with SRBC.", "content": "Studies under controlled conditions of lighting and temperature revealed clear evidence of circadian periodicity with respect to the number of PFC present in the spleens of BALB/c mice 3 or 4 days after immunization with SRBC. Striking differences in proliferative responses of spleen lymphocytes to PHA or Con A were also observed at two different circadian times. Large proliferative responses occurred at the time when injection of antigen and/or sampling for PFC yielded a low PFC formation (early in the daily dark span) and small proliferative responses occurred at the time when antigen injection and sampling yielded high formation of PFC (early in the daily light span). These findings indicate that care should be taken to control the circadian timing of stimulation and sampling in studies of immune responses, and that rhythmically varying aspects constitute a new dimension of immunologic processes awaiting further analysis in both the circadian and weekly spectral regions.", "contents": "Circadian rhythmic plaque-forming cell response of spleens from mice immunized with SRBC. Studies under controlled conditions of lighting and temperature revealed clear evidence of circadian periodicity with respect to the number of PFC present in the spleens of BALB/c mice 3 or 4 days after immunization with SRBC. Striking differences in proliferative responses of spleen lymphocytes to PHA or Con A were also observed at two different circadian times. Large proliferative responses occurred at the time when injection of antigen and/or sampling for PFC yielded a low PFC formation (early in the daily dark span) and small proliferative responses occurred at the time when antigen injection and sampling yielded high formation of PFC (early in the daily light span). These findings indicate that care should be taken to control the circadian timing of stimulation and sampling in studies of immune responses, and that rhythmically varying aspects constitute a new dimension of immunologic processes awaiting further analysis in both the circadian and weekly spectral regions.", "PMID": 986413} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1979", "title": "In vitro evaluation of immunity to Coxiella burnetii.", "content": "The rickettsial organism, Coxiella burnetii, is readily phagocytized by macrophages maintained in vitro. This phagocytosis does not lead to destruction of the organism but rather to intracellular multiplication within the macrophage. Specific antiserum added to the macrophage culture before or after infection, or reacted directly with C. burnetii organisms, fails to control subsequent intracellular replication. Macrophage cultures can be treated with lymphocyte products so that intracellular multiplication by C. burnetii is resisted. These lymphocyte products can be obtained from the culture supernatants of sensitized lymphocytes and antigens or from culture supernatants of Concanavalin A and normal lymphocytes. The activation activity of the lymphocyte supernatants paralleled their content of MIF.", "contents": "In vitro evaluation of immunity to Coxiella burnetii. The rickettsial organism, Coxiella burnetii, is readily phagocytized by macrophages maintained in vitro. This phagocytosis does not lead to destruction of the organism but rather to intracellular multiplication within the macrophage. Specific antiserum added to the macrophage culture before or after infection, or reacted directly with C. burnetii organisms, fails to control subsequent intracellular replication. Macrophage cultures can be treated with lymphocyte products so that intracellular multiplication by C. burnetii is resisted. These lymphocyte products can be obtained from the culture supernatants of sensitized lymphocytes and antigens or from culture supernatants of Concanavalin A and normal lymphocytes. The activation activity of the lymphocyte supernatants paralleled their content of MIF.", "PMID": 986414} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1980", "title": "Metabolism of L-threonine and its relationship to sclerotium formation in Sclerotium rolfsii.", "content": "The activities of L-threonine dehydrogenase (I), 2-amino-3-oxybutyrate:CoA ligase (II), malate synthetase (III), isocitrate lyase (IV), glyoxylate dehydrogenase (V), glycine decarboxylase (VI), L-serine hydroxymethyltransferase (VII), glucan synthetase (VIII), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (IX) and succinic dehydrogenase (X) were detected in cell-free extracts prepared from the mycelium of the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii type R. Transfer of S. rolfsii to a threonine-containing medium resulted in a significant increase in the intracellular concentrations of L-threonine, glycine, serine and glyoxylate, and a decrease in oxalate. Incubation with 14C-labelled L-threonine resulted in an immediate output of 14CO2, and an accumulation of labelled glycine and serine in the mycelium. L-Threonine (10(-2)M) increased branching, favoured formation of sclerotia, and induced the formation of enzymes I to VIII, but not IX and X. Sodium oxalate (1-5 X 10(-2)M) inhibited branching, sclerotium formation and the activity of enzymes III and IV. Glycine (10(-1) M) inhibited branching, sclerotium formation and activity of I and II. Ammonium chloride (10(-1) to 10(-2) M) inhibited formation of sclerotia, threonine uptake and activity of III. Acetyl-CoA inhibited V and L-cysteine inhibited I as well as sclerotium formation and branching. It is suggested that hyphal morphogenesis and formation of sclerotia in S. rolfsii require an increased supply of carbohydrate intermediates and energy and that these are mainly supplied by the glyoxylate pathway.", "contents": "Metabolism of L-threonine and its relationship to sclerotium formation in Sclerotium rolfsii. The activities of L-threonine dehydrogenase (I), 2-amino-3-oxybutyrate:CoA ligase (II), malate synthetase (III), isocitrate lyase (IV), glyoxylate dehydrogenase (V), glycine decarboxylase (VI), L-serine hydroxymethyltransferase (VII), glucan synthetase (VIII), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (IX) and succinic dehydrogenase (X) were detected in cell-free extracts prepared from the mycelium of the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii type R. Transfer of S. rolfsii to a threonine-containing medium resulted in a significant increase in the intracellular concentrations of L-threonine, glycine, serine and glyoxylate, and a decrease in oxalate. Incubation with 14C-labelled L-threonine resulted in an immediate output of 14CO2, and an accumulation of labelled glycine and serine in the mycelium. L-Threonine (10(-2)M) increased branching, favoured formation of sclerotia, and induced the formation of enzymes I to VIII, but not IX and X. Sodium oxalate (1-5 X 10(-2)M) inhibited branching, sclerotium formation and the activity of enzymes III and IV. Glycine (10(-1) M) inhibited branching, sclerotium formation and activity of I and II. Ammonium chloride (10(-1) to 10(-2) M) inhibited formation of sclerotia, threonine uptake and activity of III. Acetyl-CoA inhibited V and L-cysteine inhibited I as well as sclerotium formation and branching. It is suggested that hyphal morphogenesis and formation of sclerotia in S. rolfsii require an increased supply of carbohydrate intermediates and energy and that these are mainly supplied by the glyoxylate pathway.", "PMID": 986416} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1981", "title": "[Chromosomal study of 65 couples with spontaneous abortions].", "content": "A Robertsonian translocation and two reciprocal translocations were found in chromosome analysis of 65 couples attending for fetal wastage. The possible pathological significance of hyperdiploid cells which were observed is discussed.", "contents": "[Chromosomal study of 65 couples with spontaneous abortions]. A Robertsonian translocation and two reciprocal translocations were found in chromosome analysis of 65 couples attending for fetal wastage. The possible pathological significance of hyperdiploid cells which were observed is discussed.", "PMID": 986412} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1982", "title": "RNA virus in Allomyces arbuscula: ultrastructural localization during the life-cycle.", "content": "Strain Bali I of Allomyces arbuscula is infected with a RNA virus; strain North Carolina is not. The virus appears to be avirulent, for strain Bali I showed no signs of pathogenicity. Virus aggregates occurred mostly in the cytoplasm during different stages of the gametophytic and sporophytic generations. Small intra-nuclear aggregates were found only in differentiating gametophytic hyphae and immature gametangia. In motile cells (gametes and zoospores) the aggregates are exclusively contained within the nuclear cap. This represents a reliable mechanism of transmission throughout the life-cycle.", "contents": "RNA virus in Allomyces arbuscula: ultrastructural localization during the life-cycle. Strain Bali I of Allomyces arbuscula is infected with a RNA virus; strain North Carolina is not. The virus appears to be avirulent, for strain Bali I showed no signs of pathogenicity. Virus aggregates occurred mostly in the cytoplasm during different stages of the gametophytic and sporophytic generations. Small intra-nuclear aggregates were found only in differentiating gametophytic hyphae and immature gametangia. In motile cells (gametes and zoospores) the aggregates are exclusively contained within the nuclear cap. This represents a reliable mechanism of transmission throughout the life-cycle.", "PMID": 986417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1983", "title": "Effect of inhibitors on the morphology and growth of Allomyces macrogynus.", "content": "The ability of 18 compounds to inhibit morphogenesis and/or growth of the diploid stage of Allomyces macrogymus was assayed. Of the three stages of development -- germination, vegetative growth, and sporogenesis -- germination appeared to be the most sensitive to inhibition and vegetative growth the least sensitive. Sporogenesis was sensitive to most of the inhibitors tested, but high concentrations were required for effective activity. Inhibitors could be grouped according to the stage of germination (cyst or rhizoid) at which they blocked development; those effective at the rhizoid stage, could be divided further on the basis of the resultant morphology of the germling.", "contents": "Effect of inhibitors on the morphology and growth of Allomyces macrogynus. The ability of 18 compounds to inhibit morphogenesis and/or growth of the diploid stage of Allomyces macrogymus was assayed. Of the three stages of development -- germination, vegetative growth, and sporogenesis -- germination appeared to be the most sensitive to inhibition and vegetative growth the least sensitive. Sporogenesis was sensitive to most of the inhibitors tested, but high concentrations were required for effective activity. Inhibitors could be grouped according to the stage of germination (cyst or rhizoid) at which they blocked development; those effective at the rhizoid stage, could be divided further on the basis of the resultant morphology of the germling.", "PMID": 986418} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1984", "title": "Infectivity titration of guinea-pig inclusion conjunctivitis agent in irradiated McCoy cells.", "content": "Estimation of the infectivity of the agent of guinea-pig inclusion conjunctivitis for irradiated McCoy cells, assayed as inclusion-forming units, was influenced by the age of cells after irradiation, the maturation time of the inclusions, the centrifugal force and the centrifugation temperature. Agent passaged through irradiated McCoy cells or guinea-pig conjunctivae showed a greater capacity to infect irradiated McCoy cells without centrifuging than agent grown in a chick embryo. The nature of the change and the mechanism of infectivity enhancement by centrifuging are discussed.", "contents": "Infectivity titration of guinea-pig inclusion conjunctivitis agent in irradiated McCoy cells. Estimation of the infectivity of the agent of guinea-pig inclusion conjunctivitis for irradiated McCoy cells, assayed as inclusion-forming units, was influenced by the age of cells after irradiation, the maturation time of the inclusions, the centrifugal force and the centrifugation temperature. Agent passaged through irradiated McCoy cells or guinea-pig conjunctivae showed a greater capacity to infect irradiated McCoy cells without centrifuging than agent grown in a chick embryo. The nature of the change and the mechanism of infectivity enhancement by centrifuging are discussed.", "PMID": 986419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1985", "title": "Presence of haemagglutinin in the envelope of extracellular vaccinia virus particles.", "content": "The relationship of vaccinia haemagglutinin (HA) to extracellular enveloped virus (EEV) was examined. EEV banded in caesium chloride gradients at a density of 1.23 to 1.24 g/ml coincident with a peak of HA activity. EEV of an HA+ vaccinia strain showed greater than 90% adsorption to rooster red blood cells (RBCs) as detected by infectivity and 3H-thymidine labelling whereas intracellular naked virus (INV) of the HA+ strain and EEV of an HA- strain failed to show significant adsorption. The adsorption was specifically inhibited by antiserum to vaccinia. Adsorption kinetic experiments demonstrated a lack of temperature dependence on the total amount of EEV adsorbed. No elution of EEV from RBCs could be detected. The capacity of EEV to adsorb to RBCs was found to be stable at 56 degrees C for 30 min.", "contents": "Presence of haemagglutinin in the envelope of extracellular vaccinia virus particles. The relationship of vaccinia haemagglutinin (HA) to extracellular enveloped virus (EEV) was examined. EEV banded in caesium chloride gradients at a density of 1.23 to 1.24 g/ml coincident with a peak of HA activity. EEV of an HA+ vaccinia strain showed greater than 90% adsorption to rooster red blood cells (RBCs) as detected by infectivity and 3H-thymidine labelling whereas intracellular naked virus (INV) of the HA+ strain and EEV of an HA- strain failed to show significant adsorption. The adsorption was specifically inhibited by antiserum to vaccinia. Adsorption kinetic experiments demonstrated a lack of temperature dependence on the total amount of EEV adsorbed. No elution of EEV from RBCs could be detected. The capacity of EEV to adsorb to RBCs was found to be stable at 56 degrees C for 30 min.", "PMID": 986420} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1986", "title": "A factor analysis of creativity in fraternal and identical twins.", "content": "The relationship between intelligence and creativity and their factorial structure have been extensively discussed, with little empirical evidence and less agreement as to the meaning. A study of 117 pairs of like sexed fraternal and identical twins was undertaken, with each twin participating in an extensive battery of creativity tests.A factor analysis indicated three factors for the fraternal twins and two for the identical twins, the results supporting both (a) the notion that the common variance of creativity measures may be accounted for by a general intelligence factor, and (b) the division of creativity into a verbal and a figural domain.", "contents": "A factor analysis of creativity in fraternal and identical twins. The relationship between intelligence and creativity and their factorial structure have been extensively discussed, with little empirical evidence and less agreement as to the meaning. A study of 117 pairs of like sexed fraternal and identical twins was undertaken, with each twin participating in an extensive battery of creativity tests.A factor analysis indicated three factors for the fraternal twins and two for the identical twins, the results supporting both (a) the notion that the common variance of creativity measures may be accounted for by a general intelligence factor, and (b) the division of creativity into a verbal and a figural domain.", "PMID": 986421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1987", "title": "Effects of early severe malnutrition on heart and skeletal muscle lactate dehydrogenase.", "content": "Following weaning, rats from litter sizes of 15 to 20 were subjected to severe food restriction for 10 weeks, and compared to rats from litter size 5 fed ad libitum. Percent M (muscle type) lactate dehydrogenase, M and H (heart type) subunit activity and lactate dehydrogenase activity (per g wet weight) determined both electrophoretically and spectrophotometrically were all significantly lower in separated left and right ventricles of the malnourished rats. There were no differences in skeletal muscle lactate dehydrogenase activity. Following 5 weeks of ad libitum feeding, the previously malnourished rats showed large increases in body weight. Now only the right ventricle showed slight decreases in H subunit and lactate dehydrogenase activity; other measurements in the right ventricle and all in the left ventricle had returned to control levels. Skeletal muscle lactate dehydrogenase activity was not different from controls.", "contents": "Effects of early severe malnutrition on heart and skeletal muscle lactate dehydrogenase. Following weaning, rats from litter sizes of 15 to 20 were subjected to severe food restriction for 10 weeks, and compared to rats from litter size 5 fed ad libitum. Percent M (muscle type) lactate dehydrogenase, M and H (heart type) subunit activity and lactate dehydrogenase activity (per g wet weight) determined both electrophoretically and spectrophotometrically were all significantly lower in separated left and right ventricles of the malnourished rats. There were no differences in skeletal muscle lactate dehydrogenase activity. Following 5 weeks of ad libitum feeding, the previously malnourished rats showed large increases in body weight. Now only the right ventricle showed slight decreases in H subunit and lactate dehydrogenase activity; other measurements in the right ventricle and all in the left ventricle had returned to control levels. Skeletal muscle lactate dehydrogenase activity was not different from controls.", "PMID": 986423} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1988", "title": "Nitrogen retention in men fed isolated soybean protein supplemented with L-methionine, D-methionine, N-acetyl-L-methionine, or inorganic sulfate.", "content": "The ability of various sulfur-containing compounds to replace L-methionine (L-Met) was investigated by metabolic balance studies in man. N-acetyl-L-Methionine (AcMet), D-methionine (D-Met), and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) were used to supplement a diet deficient in sulfur amino acids. The daily diet contained 4.5 g nitrogen (N) from isolated soybean protein (SB) and 4.5 g from glycine and alanine (9 g total N). SB diet was given alone or supplemented to six adult men for periods of 9 days after a standardization period with an equal N eggwhite diet, preceded by a 2-day zero N adaptation period. Supplements provided equivalent amounts of sulfur to that present in 420 ml L-Met, the amount added to SB to bring the total sulfur amino acid content to 900 mg/day. AcMet was as benfeficial as L-Met in improving N balance but D-Met was not as effective as L-Met. Difference between balances obtained with L-Met and Na2SO4 was not significant due to large variation in response to Na2SO4. While addition of D-Met to SB did not result in significantly greater N retention than unsupplemented SB, NA2SO4 addition did cause increased N retention.", "contents": "Nitrogen retention in men fed isolated soybean protein supplemented with L-methionine, D-methionine, N-acetyl-L-methionine, or inorganic sulfate. The ability of various sulfur-containing compounds to replace L-methionine (L-Met) was investigated by metabolic balance studies in man. N-acetyl-L-Methionine (AcMet), D-methionine (D-Met), and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) were used to supplement a diet deficient in sulfur amino acids. The daily diet contained 4.5 g nitrogen (N) from isolated soybean protein (SB) and 4.5 g from glycine and alanine (9 g total N). SB diet was given alone or supplemented to six adult men for periods of 9 days after a standardization period with an equal N eggwhite diet, preceded by a 2-day zero N adaptation period. Supplements provided equivalent amounts of sulfur to that present in 420 ml L-Met, the amount added to SB to bring the total sulfur amino acid content to 900 mg/day. AcMet was as benfeficial as L-Met in improving N balance but D-Met was not as effective as L-Met. Difference between balances obtained with L-Met and Na2SO4 was not significant due to large variation in response to Na2SO4. While addition of D-Met to SB did not result in significantly greater N retention than unsupplemented SB, NA2SO4 addition did cause increased N retention.", "PMID": 986424} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1989", "title": "Plasma amino acids of infants consuming soybean proteins with and without added methionine.", "content": "Fasting plasma free amino acids were determined in 54 convalescent malnourished infants: seven infants while consuming a diet based on isolated soybean protein, containing 4.0% to 5.3% of dietary metabolizable energy (calories) as protein (A), 20 at 6.4% to 6.7% protein calories (B), 23 at 6.4% to 6.7% protein calories with added DL-methionine (C), and four with 8.0% to 12.3% protein calories (D). There were no differences in total amino acid concentration (TAA) among the four groups; the molar fraction of essential amino acids (EAA:TAA) was lower for group A; there were no differences among the four groups in Lys:EAA or 1/2 cystine:EAA ratios or in Met concentration. Met:EAA was higher in C than B, with considerable overlap of individual values. In 10 of 13 infants who were represented in both B and C, Met concentration and Met:EAA ratio were higher in group C. Fasting plasma AA levels are not consistently reliable for field or clinical assessment of dietary Met adequacy. Fasting and postprandial (3- and 4-hour) plasma AA were determined in 29 infants: in 12 the preceding diet and the test meal were both Met-deficient with less than 6.7% protein calories (E), in five the preceding diet was milk-based but the test meal was Met-deficient at less than 6.7% (F), in five the preceding diet and test meal were based on isolated soybean protein at less than 6.7% with DL-Met added (G), and in seven the test meal was soy-based with greater than 9.0% protein calories (H). Plasma Met concentration and Met:EAA fell significantly at 3 and 4 hours in groups E and F, but not in groups G and H, suggesting that a postprandial fall in Met:EAA ratio can be used to identify dietary Met deficiency in field situations.", "contents": "Plasma amino acids of infants consuming soybean proteins with and without added methionine. Fasting plasma free amino acids were determined in 54 convalescent malnourished infants: seven infants while consuming a diet based on isolated soybean protein, containing 4.0% to 5.3% of dietary metabolizable energy (calories) as protein (A), 20 at 6.4% to 6.7% protein calories (B), 23 at 6.4% to 6.7% protein calories with added DL-methionine (C), and four with 8.0% to 12.3% protein calories (D). There were no differences in total amino acid concentration (TAA) among the four groups; the molar fraction of essential amino acids (EAA:TAA) was lower for group A; there were no differences among the four groups in Lys:EAA or 1/2 cystine:EAA ratios or in Met concentration. Met:EAA was higher in C than B, with considerable overlap of individual values. In 10 of 13 infants who were represented in both B and C, Met concentration and Met:EAA ratio were higher in group C. Fasting plasma AA levels are not consistently reliable for field or clinical assessment of dietary Met adequacy. Fasting and postprandial (3- and 4-hour) plasma AA were determined in 29 infants: in 12 the preceding diet and the test meal were both Met-deficient with less than 6.7% protein calories (E), in five the preceding diet was milk-based but the test meal was Met-deficient at less than 6.7% (F), in five the preceding diet and test meal were based on isolated soybean protein at less than 6.7% with DL-Met added (G), and in seven the test meal was soy-based with greater than 9.0% protein calories (H). Plasma Met concentration and Met:EAA fell significantly at 3 and 4 hours in groups E and F, but not in groups G and H, suggesting that a postprandial fall in Met:EAA ratio can be used to identify dietary Met deficiency in field situations.", "PMID": 986425} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1990", "title": "Platelet survival in childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in remission.", "content": "Mean platelet survival was significantly decreased (P less than 0.01) in three children with chronic and five children with acute ITP in remission. Sera from these patients sensitized normal platelets, as demonstrated by increased phagocytosis by autologous granulocytes. These results may suggest that the remission in some patients with ITP is obtained by compensatory platelet production.", "contents": "Platelet survival in childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in remission. Mean platelet survival was significantly decreased (P less than 0.01) in three children with chronic and five children with acute ITP in remission. Sera from these patients sensitized normal platelets, as demonstrated by increased phagocytosis by autologous granulocytes. These results may suggest that the remission in some patients with ITP is obtained by compensatory platelet production.", "PMID": 986428} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1991", "title": "Adverse drug reactions leading to hospitalization in children.", "content": "During a three-year period of prospective epidemiologic surveillance for adverse drug reactions in a pediatric population, 72 (2.0%) of 3,556 medical admissions were the result of adverse drug reactions. Antineoplastic drugs were most frequently cited as causing a reaction leading to admission. Approximately 40% of the reactions were severe, and four reactions contributed to death.", "contents": "Adverse drug reactions leading to hospitalization in children. During a three-year period of prospective epidemiologic surveillance for adverse drug reactions in a pediatric population, 72 (2.0%) of 3,556 medical admissions were the result of adverse drug reactions. Antineoplastic drugs were most frequently cited as causing a reaction leading to admission. Approximately 40% of the reactions were severe, and four reactions contributed to death.", "PMID": 986429} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1992", "title": "Further studies on the transmission of Hammonia hammondi in cats.", "content": "Sporulated Hammondia hammondi oocysts were fed to 66 mice. Beginning the 1st day after feeding and continuing for 11 days, 6 mice were killed each day and fed to a different cat. Feces of cats fed mice were examined for oocysts. The first 9 cats, fed 6 mice each from day 1 to 9, did not shed oocysts within 50 days. Cats fed mice on days 10 and 11, shed H. hammondi oocysts after 6 days. These data indicate that tachyzoites are not infectious to cats and that the cysts are formed by the 10th day in mice fed oocysts. In other experiments, it was shown that in mice fed oocysts, H. hammondi occurred less frequently in the spleen, liver, lungs, and mesenteric lymph nodes than in the brain and muscle. Muscle was found to be more heavily infected than brain. Further, pregnant mice were fed H. hammondi oocysts and the mice delivered were raised by their mothers, weaned, and then fed to cats. The cats did not shed oocysts indicating the absence of congenital infection. H. hammondi oocysts were noninfectious to chickens.", "contents": "Further studies on the transmission of Hammonia hammondi in cats. Sporulated Hammondia hammondi oocysts were fed to 66 mice. Beginning the 1st day after feeding and continuing for 11 days, 6 mice were killed each day and fed to a different cat. Feces of cats fed mice were examined for oocysts. The first 9 cats, fed 6 mice each from day 1 to 9, did not shed oocysts within 50 days. Cats fed mice on days 10 and 11, shed H. hammondi oocysts after 6 days. These data indicate that tachyzoites are not infectious to cats and that the cysts are formed by the 10th day in mice fed oocysts. In other experiments, it was shown that in mice fed oocysts, H. hammondi occurred less frequently in the spleen, liver, lungs, and mesenteric lymph nodes than in the brain and muscle. Muscle was found to be more heavily infected than brain. Further, pregnant mice were fed H. hammondi oocysts and the mice delivered were raised by their mothers, weaned, and then fed to cats. The cats did not shed oocysts indicating the absence of congenital infection. H. hammondi oocysts were noninfectious to chickens.", "PMID": 986432} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1993", "title": "Structure and function of the fibrillar coat of Leptorhynchoides thecatus eggs.", "content": "Leptorhynchoides thecatus eggs in fish feces were discovered to lack a thin, outer membrane present on eggs removed from body cavities of freashly collected worms; and to possess external structures which, with a light microscope, appeared as numerous fibrils. Scanning electron microscopy revealed to fibrils to be portions of a broad band of unwound fibrillar coat exposed after loss of the outer membrane. Fibrillar bands can entabgle in filamentous algae, anchoring eggs at the feeding sites of amphipod intermediate hosts. Amphipods fed in containers of algae over which eggs with exposed fibrillar bands had been added developed a significantly greater prevalence and intensity of acanthocephalan infection than did those fed in containers to which eggs had been added before the algae.", "contents": "Structure and function of the fibrillar coat of Leptorhynchoides thecatus eggs. Leptorhynchoides thecatus eggs in fish feces were discovered to lack a thin, outer membrane present on eggs removed from body cavities of freashly collected worms; and to possess external structures which, with a light microscope, appeared as numerous fibrils. Scanning electron microscopy revealed to fibrils to be portions of a broad band of unwound fibrillar coat exposed after loss of the outer membrane. Fibrillar bands can entabgle in filamentous algae, anchoring eggs at the feeding sites of amphipod intermediate hosts. Amphipods fed in containers of algae over which eggs with exposed fibrillar bands had been added developed a significantly greater prevalence and intensity of acanthocephalan infection than did those fed in containers to which eggs had been added before the algae.", "PMID": 986433} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1994", "title": "Distribution and movement of infective-stage larvae of Dipetalonema viteae (Filarioidea) in the vector tick, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi (Argasidae).", "content": "Histological sections and dissection of infected ticks, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi, showed that in the resting tick the 3rd-stage larvae of Dipetalonema viteae were distributed in clumps throughout the hemocoel. In the biting tick, larvae moved anteriorly and congregated especially in the capitulum; and the forward migration occurred even though no blood was ingested. This suggests that the act of biting and not the ingestion of blood is the critical factor in migration. The larvae may reach the buccal cavity through 4 possible avenues: 1) the junction of the pharynx with the buccal cavity; 2) the esophagus; 3) the salivary ducts; and 4) the roof of the hypostome. Developing forms produce direct injury to muscle fibers, and the migrating larvae further disorganize the muscles, affecting to some extent the normal activities of the ticks.", "contents": "Distribution and movement of infective-stage larvae of Dipetalonema viteae (Filarioidea) in the vector tick, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi (Argasidae). Histological sections and dissection of infected ticks, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi, showed that in the resting tick the 3rd-stage larvae of Dipetalonema viteae were distributed in clumps throughout the hemocoel. In the biting tick, larvae moved anteriorly and congregated especially in the capitulum; and the forward migration occurred even though no blood was ingested. This suggests that the act of biting and not the ingestion of blood is the critical factor in migration. The larvae may reach the buccal cavity through 4 possible avenues: 1) the junction of the pharynx with the buccal cavity; 2) the esophagus; 3) the salivary ducts; and 4) the roof of the hypostome. Developing forms produce direct injury to muscle fibers, and the migrating larvae further disorganize the muscles, affecting to some extent the normal activities of the ticks.", "PMID": 986434} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1995", "title": "Behavior of Dipetalonema viteae (Filarioidea) during escape from the vector tick, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi (Argasidae).", "content": "To determine the behavior of Dipetalonema viteae in its tick vector, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi, the ticks were fed on jirds at successive intervals of 30 to 35 days after a single infective blood meal, and the number of larvae passing from the tick during each bite was determined by recovery of: 1) adult worms from the jirds' tissues; 2) larvae from skin snips taken at the feeding site immediately after the bite; and 3) larvae from serum and tissue after artificial feeding through a skin-membrane. All methods gave similar results. Ticks harboring few larvae released most of them (82%) during the first bite, and required only 2 bites to transmit all. Ticks with moderate or heavy infections required 3 or 4 bites to transfer all larvae. Factors which may explain this are: 1) relatively short duration of the bite of heavily infected ticks due to irritation and damage to the muscles of mouthparts and pharynx by the larvae; 2) resistance of the anterior alimentary tract to penetration by the larvae; and 3) retarding effects of crowding on development and migration of larvae. Aging of infection in the tick apparently did not influence the rate of transfer of larvae. Infection adversely affected the feeding and retarded the molting of young nymphs, but with the loss of larvae in successive bites the ability to suck blood was regained.", "contents": "Behavior of Dipetalonema viteae (Filarioidea) during escape from the vector tick, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi (Argasidae). To determine the behavior of Dipetalonema viteae in its tick vector, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi, the ticks were fed on jirds at successive intervals of 30 to 35 days after a single infective blood meal, and the number of larvae passing from the tick during each bite was determined by recovery of: 1) adult worms from the jirds' tissues; 2) larvae from skin snips taken at the feeding site immediately after the bite; and 3) larvae from serum and tissue after artificial feeding through a skin-membrane. All methods gave similar results. Ticks harboring few larvae released most of them (82%) during the first bite, and required only 2 bites to transmit all. Ticks with moderate or heavy infections required 3 or 4 bites to transfer all larvae. Factors which may explain this are: 1) relatively short duration of the bite of heavily infected ticks due to irritation and damage to the muscles of mouthparts and pharynx by the larvae; 2) resistance of the anterior alimentary tract to penetration by the larvae; and 3) retarding effects of crowding on development and migration of larvae. Aging of infection in the tick apparently did not influence the rate of transfer of larvae. Infection adversely affected the feeding and retarded the molting of young nymphs, but with the loss of larvae in successive bites the ability to suck blood was regained.", "PMID": 986435} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1996", "title": "Genetic correlates and sex differences in Holtzman Inkblot Technique responses of twins.", "content": "Holtzman Inkblot Technique (HIT) responses of 36 monozygotic (MZ), 18 dizygotic same-sex (DZ-S) and 29 dizygotic opposite-sex (DZ-O) college student twin pairs were analyzed. MZ group twins were significantly more alike across a variety of HIT response dimensions than DZ-S or DZ-O group twins. The following variables indicated a possible significant genetic contribution to response determination: Movement, Abstract Content, Hostility, Pathognomic Verbalization and Popular Responses. DZ-O groups data (representing a high degree of control for environmental influences) indicated significant sex differences on the following variables: M less than F -- Rejection, Form Appropriateness, Anatomical Content, and Balance; F less than M -- Human Content and Popular. The results are discussed in terms of (a) comparable genetic determination studies with Rorschach responses and (b) the necessity for separate male and female norms on several HIT scored response scales.", "contents": "Genetic correlates and sex differences in Holtzman Inkblot Technique responses of twins. Holtzman Inkblot Technique (HIT) responses of 36 monozygotic (MZ), 18 dizygotic same-sex (DZ-S) and 29 dizygotic opposite-sex (DZ-O) college student twin pairs were analyzed. MZ group twins were significantly more alike across a variety of HIT response dimensions than DZ-S or DZ-O group twins. The following variables indicated a possible significant genetic contribution to response determination: Movement, Abstract Content, Hostility, Pathognomic Verbalization and Popular Responses. DZ-O groups data (representing a high degree of control for environmental influences) indicated significant sex differences on the following variables: M less than F -- Rejection, Form Appropriateness, Anatomical Content, and Balance; F less than M -- Human Content and Popular. The results are discussed in terms of (a) comparable genetic determination studies with Rorschach responses and (b) the necessity for separate male and female norms on several HIT scored response scales.", "PMID": 986437} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1997", "title": "The effect of premenstrual anxiety and depression on cognitive function.", "content": "The Depression Adjective Check List, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a battery of factor analytically derived cognitive tests sensitive to anxiety or depression were administered to 50 women between the ages of 30 and 45 during the 4 days prior to the onset of menstruation and again 2 weeks later. Testing sessions were scheduled on the basis of a previously completed Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. There were significant increases in anxiety and depression during the premenstruum. However, no statistically significant differences were found in cognitive test performance, and correlation data failed to support any consistent relationship between premenstrual mood and cognitive function. Moreover, no significant correlations were found between premenstrual complaints on the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire and either cognitive test performance or mood scores obtained during the premenstrual testing sessions. It was concluded that the magnitude of the premenstrual mood change was not great enough to affect intellectual function. Alternative explanations of the absence of decrements in performance are discussed.", "contents": "The effect of premenstrual anxiety and depression on cognitive function. The Depression Adjective Check List, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a battery of factor analytically derived cognitive tests sensitive to anxiety or depression were administered to 50 women between the ages of 30 and 45 during the 4 days prior to the onset of menstruation and again 2 weeks later. Testing sessions were scheduled on the basis of a previously completed Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. There were significant increases in anxiety and depression during the premenstruum. However, no statistically significant differences were found in cognitive test performance, and correlation data failed to support any consistent relationship between premenstrual mood and cognitive function. Moreover, no significant correlations were found between premenstrual complaints on the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire and either cognitive test performance or mood scores obtained during the premenstrual testing sessions. It was concluded that the magnitude of the premenstrual mood change was not great enough to affect intellectual function. Alternative explanations of the absence of decrements in performance are discussed.", "PMID": 986438} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1998", "title": "Functional characteristics of lateral interactions between rods in the retina of the snapping turtle.", "content": "1. Intracellular recordings were made of the slow hyperpolarizing light responses of single rods in the retina of the snapping turtle. Physiological criteria used to identify rods were verified by intracellular injections of Procion Yellow. 2. The amplitudes of the responses elicited by fixed intensity flashes increased as the stimulus was enlarged to a diameter of 300 mum. Scattered light was found incapable of accounting for this effect, which must result from summative interaction of rods with neighbouring receptors. Effects of summative interaction were observed even at stimulus intensities that produced maximal responses. Enlarging the diameter of the higher intensity stimuli from 100 to 300 mum increased the peak response amplitude by almost 50%; it also produced a distinct initial peak of the response which we term overshoot. The amplitude of this overshoot was graded with stimulus size. 3. Complete intensity-response relationships were determined using stimulus diameters of 100 and 750 mum for each rod. With the smaller stimulus the intensity response range was 4-5 log units, and with the larger stimulus this was increased to 5-0 log units. For intensities below about 60 quanta/mum2 per flash (514 nm) the amplitudes elicited by the large stimulus followed a sigmoid-shaped curve. However, at higher intensities an additional lobe appeared on the intensity-response relationship. The appearance of this lobe correlated with the emergence of the overshoot on the response wave form. 4. Determinations of rod flash sensitivity (mV per quantum per mum2) showed that it increased with stimulus size up to a stimulus diameter of about 300 mum. With diameters between 50 and 150 mum, a linear relationship existed between the flash sensitivity and stimulus area. Absolute quantal sensitivities increased with stimulus area by a factor of 26, from a value of 28 muV per photoisomerization per rod with a stimulus 25 mum in diameter, to 720 muV per photoisomerization per rod with a stimulus 300 mum in diameter. 5. By comparison, red-sensitive cones showed increased sensitivity as a function of stimulus size only up to a stimulus diameter of 120 mum. Their over-all sensitivity was lower than that of rods and proved linear with stimulus diameter rather than with stimulus area. 6. Simultaneous recordings were made from rod-cone pairs to determine whether the overshoot, and hence the lobe on the amplitude-intensity function, could result from a cone input to the rod response. The time course of the cone response proved much too rapid to fit the overshoot of the rod response. 7. The spectral sensitivity of the dark-adapted rod response closely followed the difference spectrum of the rod photopigment for wave-lengths greater than 450 nm. This was true throughout the intensity range of the response, including low intensities where response averaging was necessary. 8. At low response amplitudes (approximately 1 mV), about 70% of the 40 rods tested showed responses to long wave-length stimuli consisting of two components...", "contents": "Functional characteristics of lateral interactions between rods in the retina of the snapping turtle. 1. Intracellular recordings were made of the slow hyperpolarizing light responses of single rods in the retina of the snapping turtle. Physiological criteria used to identify rods were verified by intracellular injections of Procion Yellow. 2. The amplitudes of the responses elicited by fixed intensity flashes increased as the stimulus was enlarged to a diameter of 300 mum. Scattered light was found incapable of accounting for this effect, which must result from summative interaction of rods with neighbouring receptors. Effects of summative interaction were observed even at stimulus intensities that produced maximal responses. Enlarging the diameter of the higher intensity stimuli from 100 to 300 mum increased the peak response amplitude by almost 50%; it also produced a distinct initial peak of the response which we term overshoot. The amplitude of this overshoot was graded with stimulus size. 3. Complete intensity-response relationships were determined using stimulus diameters of 100 and 750 mum for each rod. With the smaller stimulus the intensity response range was 4-5 log units, and with the larger stimulus this was increased to 5-0 log units. For intensities below about 60 quanta/mum2 per flash (514 nm) the amplitudes elicited by the large stimulus followed a sigmoid-shaped curve. However, at higher intensities an additional lobe appeared on the intensity-response relationship. The appearance of this lobe correlated with the emergence of the overshoot on the response wave form. 4. Determinations of rod flash sensitivity (mV per quantum per mum2) showed that it increased with stimulus size up to a stimulus diameter of about 300 mum. With diameters between 50 and 150 mum, a linear relationship existed between the flash sensitivity and stimulus area. Absolute quantal sensitivities increased with stimulus area by a factor of 26, from a value of 28 muV per photoisomerization per rod with a stimulus 25 mum in diameter, to 720 muV per photoisomerization per rod with a stimulus 300 mum in diameter. 5. By comparison, red-sensitive cones showed increased sensitivity as a function of stimulus size only up to a stimulus diameter of 120 mum. Their over-all sensitivity was lower than that of rods and proved linear with stimulus diameter rather than with stimulus area. 6. Simultaneous recordings were made from rod-cone pairs to determine whether the overshoot, and hence the lobe on the amplitude-intensity function, could result from a cone input to the rod response. The time course of the cone response proved much too rapid to fit the overshoot of the rod response. 7. The spectral sensitivity of the dark-adapted rod response closely followed the difference spectrum of the rod photopigment for wave-lengths greater than 450 nm. This was true throughout the intensity range of the response, including low intensities where response averaging was necessary. 8. At low response amplitudes (approximately 1 mV), about 70% of the 40 rods tested showed responses to long wave-length stimuli consisting of two components...", "PMID": 986460} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_1999", "title": "The influence of gastric distension and the duodenal infusate on the pattern of stomach (abomasal) emptying in the preruminant calf.", "content": "1. In the conscious calf it is possible to use duodenal re-entrant cannulae to measure the output of a gastric test meal directly from the proximal cannula placed near the pylorus. At the same time the duodenum can be isolated from the stomach and maintained under constant stimulus by a continual infusion at regulated pressure, volume and temperature into the distal cannula. 2. Under these experimental conditions the pattern of gastric emptying is exponential in form. Thus direct recording of gastric emptying validates indirect methods, such as the serial test meal, where volume markers are used. It appears likely that the exponential pattern of gastric emptying is common to man, dog, cat and calf. 3. When the isolated duodenum was infused with water, the exponential pattern of gastric emptying was maintained even when the volume of meal instilled was increased substantially from 1 to 41. 4. Distension of the stomach by larger test meals did not affect the relative rate of emptying so that the half-time of emptying of all meals was about the same. 5. When the isolated duodenum was infused with 0-06 M-HCl gastric emptying of the smaller meals was almost completely inhibited. The inhibition of gastric evacuation was accompanied by inhibition of the gastric e.m.g. 6. Infusion of the duodenum with acid also produced marked, but not complete, inhibition of emptying the larger test meals but the distension produced by the larger meals appeared to partially overcome the inhibitory effect of the acid duodenal infusate so that a small efflux occurred from the stomach. This small efflux was usually associated with some slight degree of gastric e.m.g. activity. 7. We are still investigating the mechanisms whereby the duodenum affects gastric emptying, but it is clearly demonstrable from our present results that the inhibitory effects of acid duodenal infusate are sufficiently powerful to overcome the forces, both physical and reflex, which normally aid gastric evacuation.", "contents": "The influence of gastric distension and the duodenal infusate on the pattern of stomach (abomasal) emptying in the preruminant calf. 1. In the conscious calf it is possible to use duodenal re-entrant cannulae to measure the output of a gastric test meal directly from the proximal cannula placed near the pylorus. At the same time the duodenum can be isolated from the stomach and maintained under constant stimulus by a continual infusion at regulated pressure, volume and temperature into the distal cannula. 2. Under these experimental conditions the pattern of gastric emptying is exponential in form. Thus direct recording of gastric emptying validates indirect methods, such as the serial test meal, where volume markers are used. It appears likely that the exponential pattern of gastric emptying is common to man, dog, cat and calf. 3. When the isolated duodenum was infused with water, the exponential pattern of gastric emptying was maintained even when the volume of meal instilled was increased substantially from 1 to 41. 4. Distension of the stomach by larger test meals did not affect the relative rate of emptying so that the half-time of emptying of all meals was about the same. 5. When the isolated duodenum was infused with 0-06 M-HCl gastric emptying of the smaller meals was almost completely inhibited. The inhibition of gastric evacuation was accompanied by inhibition of the gastric e.m.g. 6. Infusion of the duodenum with acid also produced marked, but not complete, inhibition of emptying the larger test meals but the distension produced by the larger meals appeared to partially overcome the inhibitory effect of the acid duodenal infusate so that a small efflux occurred from the stomach. This small efflux was usually associated with some slight degree of gastric e.m.g. activity. 7. We are still investigating the mechanisms whereby the duodenum affects gastric emptying, but it is clearly demonstrable from our present results that the inhibitory effects of acid duodenal infusate are sufficiently powerful to overcome the forces, both physical and reflex, which normally aid gastric evacuation.", "PMID": 986461} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2000", "title": "Mechanosensitive afferent units in the hypogastric nerve of the cat.", "content": "1. Recordings have been made from ninety single afferent units in the hypogastric and lumbar splanchnic nerves of the cat. 2. The majority of units examined had properties similar to those previously described in the splanchnic nerve: they were slowly adapting mechanoreceptors with one to six punctate mechanosensitive sites distributed mainly along blood vessels as they approached the viscera in peritoneal ligaments; they had a wide range of mechanical thresholds and conduction velocities in the range 0.5-24 m s-1. 3. Receptive fields were found over the bladder base or its peritoneal ligaments or both, on the uterus or broad ligament or both, on the colon or mesocolon or both, and in association with the ureter, vas deferens, prostate or pelvic fat pads. 4. Discharges from afferent units associated with the bladder were investigated during spontaneous (or reflex) bladder contractions, passive distensions, and tetanic contractions induced by electrical stimulation of the sacral spinal cord. The mean spike rates of the adapted (tonic) discharges, observed during distensions and induced tetani, differed over part of the range of intravesical pressures examined. Their behaviour is discussed in relation to the concept of 'in series' tension receptors within the bladder wall.", "contents": "Mechanosensitive afferent units in the hypogastric nerve of the cat. 1. Recordings have been made from ninety single afferent units in the hypogastric and lumbar splanchnic nerves of the cat. 2. The majority of units examined had properties similar to those previously described in the splanchnic nerve: they were slowly adapting mechanoreceptors with one to six punctate mechanosensitive sites distributed mainly along blood vessels as they approached the viscera in peritoneal ligaments; they had a wide range of mechanical thresholds and conduction velocities in the range 0.5-24 m s-1. 3. Receptive fields were found over the bladder base or its peritoneal ligaments or both, on the uterus or broad ligament or both, on the colon or mesocolon or both, and in association with the ureter, vas deferens, prostate or pelvic fat pads. 4. Discharges from afferent units associated with the bladder were investigated during spontaneous (or reflex) bladder contractions, passive distensions, and tetanic contractions induced by electrical stimulation of the sacral spinal cord. The mean spike rates of the adapted (tonic) discharges, observed during distensions and induced tetani, differed over part of the range of intravesical pressures examined. Their behaviour is discussed in relation to the concept of 'in series' tension receptors within the bladder wall.", "PMID": 986462} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2001", "title": "Electrical properties of the starfish oocyte membranes.", "content": "The electrical parameters of both vitelline and plasma membranes have been measured in Marthasterias glacialis oocytes. Voltage-current relationship was studied by an original method using a single intracellular micro-electrode. The analysis of V-I curves obtained by this method reveals rectifying properties of the plasma membrane. Bath application of 1-methyladenine, the hormone wich controls meiosis reinitiation, triggers without lag a partial depolarization of the plasma membrane, whereas the total ionic conductance undergoes typical variations.", "contents": "Electrical properties of the starfish oocyte membranes. The electrical parameters of both vitelline and plasma membranes have been measured in Marthasterias glacialis oocytes. Voltage-current relationship was studied by an original method using a single intracellular micro-electrode. The analysis of V-I curves obtained by this method reveals rectifying properties of the plasma membrane. Bath application of 1-methyladenine, the hormone wich controls meiosis reinitiation, triggers without lag a partial depolarization of the plasma membrane, whereas the total ionic conductance undergoes typical variations.", "PMID": 986463} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2002", "title": "Dynamic studies of prostaglandin F-2 alpha in the utero-ovarian circulation of the sheep.", "content": "The concentration of prostaglandin (PG) F-2alpha in ovarian arterial blood was compared to that in aortic and carotid blood at different stages of the ovine oestrous cycle, and its concentration measured in the ovarian artery following the infusion of radioactive PGF-2alpha to the uterine vein. In all cases the concentration of PGF-2alpha increased during passage through the ovarian artery, and the increase was proportional to the log of the concentration in the uterine vein. No such change was observed in the concentration of progesterone in the ovarian artery or of PGF in the uterine artery. It was concluded that PGF-2alpha can be and is normally transferred from the uterine vein to the ovarian artery. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that PGF-2alpha of uterine origin is the normal luteolytic agent in the sheep.", "contents": "Dynamic studies of prostaglandin F-2 alpha in the utero-ovarian circulation of the sheep. The concentration of prostaglandin (PG) F-2alpha in ovarian arterial blood was compared to that in aortic and carotid blood at different stages of the ovine oestrous cycle, and its concentration measured in the ovarian artery following the infusion of radioactive PGF-2alpha to the uterine vein. In all cases the concentration of PGF-2alpha increased during passage through the ovarian artery, and the increase was proportional to the log of the concentration in the uterine vein. No such change was observed in the concentration of progesterone in the ovarian artery or of PGF in the uterine artery. It was concluded that PGF-2alpha can be and is normally transferred from the uterine vein to the ovarian artery. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that PGF-2alpha of uterine origin is the normal luteolytic agent in the sheep.", "PMID": 986466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2003", "title": "Serum-induced head-to-head agglutination of bovine spermatozoa.", "content": "Addition of cow serum to diluted bull spermatozoa induced marked head-to-head agglutination which declined during incubation for 9 hr at 37 degrees C. Maintenance of the acrosomal cap during incubation was not adversely affected by serum. Agglutinating cells were those with intact acrosomal and cell membranes, as determined by differential interference-contrast and electron microscopy. Single cells in the same treatment groups experienced more rapid acrosomal deterioration than did untreated spermatozoa. Ultrastructurally, agglutinated cells were associated by a close apposition of the cell membranes in the acrosomal region. Structural integrity of the cell membrane and acrosome of agglutinated cells was the same after 9 hr of incubation as at the onset of the incubation period.", "contents": "Serum-induced head-to-head agglutination of bovine spermatozoa. Addition of cow serum to diluted bull spermatozoa induced marked head-to-head agglutination which declined during incubation for 9 hr at 37 degrees C. Maintenance of the acrosomal cap during incubation was not adversely affected by serum. Agglutinating cells were those with intact acrosomal and cell membranes, as determined by differential interference-contrast and electron microscopy. Single cells in the same treatment groups experienced more rapid acrosomal deterioration than did untreated spermatozoa. Ultrastructurally, agglutinated cells were associated by a close apposition of the cell membranes in the acrosomal region. Structural integrity of the cell membrane and acrosome of agglutinated cells was the same after 9 hr of incubation as at the onset of the incubation period.", "PMID": 986467} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2004", "title": "Fructose metabolism in the rat endometrium under normal and experimental conditions.", "content": "Fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FDP) hydrolysis, which was measured in tissue extracts from mature rat endometrium, was maximal during late dioestrus and early pro-oestrus and reflected the variations in the plasma levels of ovarian steroids. Treatment of ovariectomized animals with oestradiol or medroxyprogesterone acetate increased FDP hydrolysis when compared with control animals, although oestradiol was the more effective. FDP hydrolysis was greater in extracts of endometrial tissue from uterine horns containing a silk IUD or of deciduomal tissue from pseudo-pregnant rats, in which the peak was on Day 9, than in extracts of endometrium from the control contralateral horn. These findings are interpreted as linking glycogen metabolism in normal endometrium, IUD-containing horns, and decidual tissue to the role of FDP in gluconeogenesis and the promotion of glycogen storage.", "contents": "Fructose metabolism in the rat endometrium under normal and experimental conditions. Fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FDP) hydrolysis, which was measured in tissue extracts from mature rat endometrium, was maximal during late dioestrus and early pro-oestrus and reflected the variations in the plasma levels of ovarian steroids. Treatment of ovariectomized animals with oestradiol or medroxyprogesterone acetate increased FDP hydrolysis when compared with control animals, although oestradiol was the more effective. FDP hydrolysis was greater in extracts of endometrial tissue from uterine horns containing a silk IUD or of deciduomal tissue from pseudo-pregnant rats, in which the peak was on Day 9, than in extracts of endometrium from the control contralateral horn. These findings are interpreted as linking glycogen metabolism in normal endometrium, IUD-containing horns, and decidual tissue to the role of FDP in gluconeogenesis and the promotion of glycogen storage.", "PMID": 986468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2005", "title": "Induction of the cortical reaction in hamster eggs by membrane-active agents.", "content": "Fusion of capacitated spermatozoa with the vitelline membrane, but not actual penetration, appears to initiate the cortical reaction in hamster eggs. The reaction can be artificially induced by the application of positively charged particles to the vitelline surface, a situation which may normally be prevented by the zona pellucida. Exposure of hamster eggs to neuraminidase, to lectins (concanavalin A and phytohaemagglutinin-P), to a monovalent ionophore (boromycin) and to 1,3-bis(4-chlorocinnamylideneamino)guanidine elicits a cortical granule discharge resulting in a block to fertilization. These agents all appear to act by inducing depolarization of the vitelline membrane.", "contents": "Induction of the cortical reaction in hamster eggs by membrane-active agents. Fusion of capacitated spermatozoa with the vitelline membrane, but not actual penetration, appears to initiate the cortical reaction in hamster eggs. The reaction can be artificially induced by the application of positively charged particles to the vitelline surface, a situation which may normally be prevented by the zona pellucida. Exposure of hamster eggs to neuraminidase, to lectins (concanavalin A and phytohaemagglutinin-P), to a monovalent ionophore (boromycin) and to 1,3-bis(4-chlorocinnamylideneamino)guanidine elicits a cortical granule discharge resulting in a block to fertilization. These agents all appear to act by inducing depolarization of the vitelline membrane.", "PMID": 986469} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2006", "title": "Effect of ovariectomy on serum prolactin concentrations in old and young rats.", "content": "Changes in endogenous prolactin levels in rats with age and after ovariectomy varied according to the reproductive state, emphasizing the different mechanisms underlying infertility in rats in constant oestrus and prolonged dioestrus.", "contents": "Effect of ovariectomy on serum prolactin concentrations in old and young rats. Changes in endogenous prolactin levels in rats with age and after ovariectomy varied according to the reproductive state, emphasizing the different mechanisms underlying infertility in rats in constant oestrus and prolonged dioestrus.", "PMID": 986470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2007", "title": "Genetic analyses of pyloric stenosis suggesting a specific maternal effect.", "content": "Data on pyloric stenosis are analysed by multiple threshold methods that incorporate the sex effect. The polygenic model of inheritance is rejected; the single major locus model can only account for 37% of the cases having a genetic aetiology, requiring an environmental effect to account for the remainder of the cases. A maternal-fetal interaction for gastrin production and sensitivity is postulated to explain all the existing data. The empirical risk figures given are considered to be the most accurate basis for genetic counselling until additional studies provide a sound biological basis for a quantitative genetic model.", "contents": "Genetic analyses of pyloric stenosis suggesting a specific maternal effect. Data on pyloric stenosis are analysed by multiple threshold methods that incorporate the sex effect. The polygenic model of inheritance is rejected; the single major locus model can only account for 37% of the cases having a genetic aetiology, requiring an environmental effect to account for the remainder of the cases. A maternal-fetal interaction for gastrin production and sensitivity is postulated to explain all the existing data. The empirical risk figures given are considered to be the most accurate basis for genetic counselling until additional studies provide a sound biological basis for a quantitative genetic model.", "PMID": 986474} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2008", "title": "Protracted infection with Salmonella bareilly in a maternity hospital.", "content": "The paper describes a protracted outbreak of Salmonella bareilly in a maternity hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The disease affected the premature babies who suffered from gastroenterities. The infection started in one premature baby room and soon spread to all other premature baby rooms in the hospital. Though the disease affected only the premature babies, there was widespread contamination of the environment and a large reservoir of asymptomatic infections amongst the staff and healthy babies. Initially the spread of infection would have been by person-to-person transfer, but subsequently the rapid spread was probably through the piped water supply contaminated as a result of suction of waste water into the water mains. The organism appeared to grow in the interior of the water tap in that zone which is in contact with the atmosphere and also in the walls of the water tanks at the water level. When the plumbing defect which permitted the contamination was rectified, the organism disappeared from the taps and the infection rapidly subsided. Subsequently all the tanks were cleaned and disinfected. There was no recurrence of infection after this.", "contents": "Protracted infection with Salmonella bareilly in a maternity hospital. The paper describes a protracted outbreak of Salmonella bareilly in a maternity hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The disease affected the premature babies who suffered from gastroenterities. The infection started in one premature baby room and soon spread to all other premature baby rooms in the hospital. Though the disease affected only the premature babies, there was widespread contamination of the environment and a large reservoir of asymptomatic infections amongst the staff and healthy babies. Initially the spread of infection would have been by person-to-person transfer, but subsequently the rapid spread was probably through the piped water supply contaminated as a result of suction of waste water into the water mains. The organism appeared to grow in the interior of the water tap in that zone which is in contact with the atmosphere and also in the walls of the water tanks at the water level. When the plumbing defect which permitted the contamination was rectified, the organism disappeared from the taps and the infection rapidly subsided. Subsequently all the tanks were cleaned and disinfected. There was no recurrence of infection after this.", "PMID": 986476} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2009", "title": "Failure of defective interfering particles of Sindbis virus produced in BHK or chicken cells to affect viral replication in Aedes albopictus cells.", "content": "Whereas defective interfering particles of Sindbis virus are readily produced in BHK-21 cells or chicken embryo fibroblasts by the techniques of serial undiluted passage, similar methods failed to generate such particles in Aedes albopictus cell cultures. In addition, Sindbis virus stocks produced in BHK-21 cells or chicken embryo fibroblasts and which contained defective interfering particles, when tested in A. albopictus cells, failed (i) to interfere with the replication of standard Sindbis virus and (ii) to change the pattern of intracellular viral RNA synthesis from that produced by infection with standard Sindbis virus alone. We conclude that defective interfering particles of Sindbis virus generated in chicken or hamster cells are silent or inert in mosquito cells.", "contents": "Failure of defective interfering particles of Sindbis virus produced in BHK or chicken cells to affect viral replication in Aedes albopictus cells. Whereas defective interfering particles of Sindbis virus are readily produced in BHK-21 cells or chicken embryo fibroblasts by the techniques of serial undiluted passage, similar methods failed to generate such particles in Aedes albopictus cell cultures. In addition, Sindbis virus stocks produced in BHK-21 cells or chicken embryo fibroblasts and which contained defective interfering particles, when tested in A. albopictus cells, failed (i) to interfere with the replication of standard Sindbis virus and (ii) to change the pattern of intracellular viral RNA synthesis from that produced by infection with standard Sindbis virus alone. We conclude that defective interfering particles of Sindbis virus generated in chicken or hamster cells are silent or inert in mosquito cells.", "PMID": 986481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2010", "title": "Malignant germ cell tumor of the testis: spontaneous regression of pulmonary metastases with 7-year survival.", "content": "A case of a malignant germ cell tumor of the testis in a 28-year-old man is reported. The patient showed spontaneous regression of pulmonary metastasis and is well 7 years after orchiectomy and irradiation of abdominal lymph nodes. A plea is made for further documentation of such cases.", "contents": "Malignant germ cell tumor of the testis: spontaneous regression of pulmonary metastases with 7-year survival. A case of a malignant germ cell tumor of the testis in a 28-year-old man is reported. The patient showed spontaneous regression of pulmonary metastasis and is well 7 years after orchiectomy and irradiation of abdominal lymph nodes. A plea is made for further documentation of such cases.", "PMID": 986482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2011", "title": "[The study of control of posture by frequency analysis of surface electromyogram: an analysis of changes in muscular activity under the controlled posture (author's transl)].", "content": "In order to examine the function of muscle for control of posture a frequency analysis was performed of surface EMGs taken from the arm (M. deltoideus) held at the shoulder level. The results indicate that: (a) Power spectra first with a dominant especially with respect to 45-55 Hz component changed significantly 2 components of 5-60 Hz and 65-75 Hz when a 5 min experiment were repeated 3 times, and (b) the ratios of increased power was remarkable in both bands of 10-15 Hz and 30-35 Hz with repeating trials. The control of posture was discussed from the standpoint of behavioral psychology.", "contents": "[The study of control of posture by frequency analysis of surface electromyogram: an analysis of changes in muscular activity under the controlled posture (author's transl)]. In order to examine the function of muscle for control of posture a frequency analysis was performed of surface EMGs taken from the arm (M. deltoideus) held at the shoulder level. The results indicate that: (a) Power spectra first with a dominant especially with respect to 45-55 Hz component changed significantly 2 components of 5-60 Hz and 65-75 Hz when a 5 min experiment were repeated 3 times, and (b) the ratios of increased power was remarkable in both bands of 10-15 Hz and 30-35 Hz with repeating trials. The control of posture was discussed from the standpoint of behavioral psychology.", "PMID": 986488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2012", "title": "[Genetic analysis of open-field behavior in mice (author's transl)].", "content": "505 mice of BB and C 57 BL/6 as parental strains, as well as derived F 1, F 2 and backcrosses were tested for spontaneous motor activities and eliminations in 4 different apparatus. A component being highly associated expecially with open-field measures was obtained from the principal component analysis. This suggests that an individual score on this composite variable represents a certain unique open-field behavioral pattern. Relatively low heritabilities in broad sense (coefficient of genetic determination) were given by classic genetic analysis, indicating the substantially great effects of the environmental factors of this behavioral character. Further, albino mice in BB, F 2 and B X B showed a very inactive open-field behavioral pattern than pigmented mice.", "contents": "[Genetic analysis of open-field behavior in mice (author's transl)]. 505 mice of BB and C 57 BL/6 as parental strains, as well as derived F 1, F 2 and backcrosses were tested for spontaneous motor activities and eliminations in 4 different apparatus. A component being highly associated expecially with open-field measures was obtained from the principal component analysis. This suggests that an individual score on this composite variable represents a certain unique open-field behavioral pattern. Relatively low heritabilities in broad sense (coefficient of genetic determination) were given by classic genetic analysis, indicating the substantially great effects of the environmental factors of this behavioral character. Further, albino mice in BB, F 2 and B X B showed a very inactive open-field behavioral pattern than pigmented mice.", "PMID": 986489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2013", "title": "[Association of Posner-Schlossman-syndrome with Adisson's disease (author's transl)].", "content": "After introductory remarks concerning the Posner-Schlossman-syndrome (syndrome of glaucomatocyclitic crises) a case is reviewed. The concurrence with Addison's disease in this patient gives rise to speculations as to possible connections between the two conditions, but the conclusion is that the simultaneous occurrence of the two diseases at present must be regarded as coincidental.", "contents": "[Association of Posner-Schlossman-syndrome with Adisson's disease (author's transl)]. After introductory remarks concerning the Posner-Schlossman-syndrome (syndrome of glaucomatocyclitic crises) a case is reviewed. The concurrence with Addison's disease in this patient gives rise to speculations as to possible connections between the two conditions, but the conclusion is that the simultaneous occurrence of the two diseases at present must be regarded as coincidental.", "PMID": 986512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2014", "title": "[Diathermy procedures, light and laser coagulation, cryocoagulation. Experimental and clinical considerations].", "content": "The clinical and experimental results from the methods of coagulation currently in use are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of trans-scleral methods (diathermy and cryopexy) and trans-ocular methods (Xenon arc and argon laser) are discussed. Experiments on absorption, the mode of action of intense light, the optimal time and method of application, the necessary intensity and the extent of the coagulated area are communicated. Of the trans-scleral methods, cryopexy is to be prefered. The trans-ocular methods have the advantage of a more exact localisation and dosage. Either route can often be chosen in any particular case, though at present no overriding advantage has been shown for either.", "contents": "[Diathermy procedures, light and laser coagulation, cryocoagulation. Experimental and clinical considerations]. The clinical and experimental results from the methods of coagulation currently in use are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of trans-scleral methods (diathermy and cryopexy) and trans-ocular methods (Xenon arc and argon laser) are discussed. Experiments on absorption, the mode of action of intense light, the optimal time and method of application, the necessary intensity and the extent of the coagulated area are communicated. Of the trans-scleral methods, cryopexy is to be prefered. The trans-ocular methods have the advantage of a more exact localisation and dosage. Either route can often be chosen in any particular case, though at present no overriding advantage has been shown for either.", "PMID": 986513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2015", "title": "Total correction of Ebstein's anomaly by replacement with a biological aortic valve without plication of the atrialized ventricle.", "content": "For the surgical management of Ebstein's anomaly, the preferred operation will be Hardy's procedure, which preserves the patient's valve. However, we have encountered 3 cases of this disease in which the downward displacement of the tricuspid valve was so severe and the functioning right ventricle was so small that Hardy's method could not be adapted without causing tricuspid regurgitation and making the right ventricular chamber more narrow. We treated these patients by replacing the tricuspid valve with an inverted aortic valve with a stent and not plicating the atrialized ventricle. The results have been proved satisfactory through about 7 years' follow-up, suggesting that our technique will be remarkably effective as a radical corrective operation for Ebstein's anomaly with severe intracardiac abnormalities.", "contents": "Total correction of Ebstein's anomaly by replacement with a biological aortic valve without plication of the atrialized ventricle. For the surgical management of Ebstein's anomaly, the preferred operation will be Hardy's procedure, which preserves the patient's valve. However, we have encountered 3 cases of this disease in which the downward displacement of the tricuspid valve was so severe and the functioning right ventricle was so small that Hardy's method could not be adapted without causing tricuspid regurgitation and making the right ventricular chamber more narrow. We treated these patients by replacing the tricuspid valve with an inverted aortic valve with a stent and not plicating the atrialized ventricle. The results have been proved satisfactory through about 7 years' follow-up, suggesting that our technique will be remarkably effective as a radical corrective operation for Ebstein's anomaly with severe intracardiac abnormalities.", "PMID": 986518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2016", "title": "Surgical treatment of atypical pulmonary tuberculosis.", "content": "During a 12 year period from January 1962 to December 1973, 48 patients with atypical mycobacterial infection of the lung were treated surgically with excellent results. There were no deaths, and sputum conversion was achieved in all of them. The considerable drug resistance of the atypical mycobacteria and the possible ill effects of prolonged conservative treatment in cases with active disease and drug resistant organisms are pointed out. Early surgical treatment is recommended in such circumstances. Some bacterioligical and biological characteristics of atypical mycobacteria are also discussed.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of atypical pulmonary tuberculosis. During a 12 year period from January 1962 to December 1973, 48 patients with atypical mycobacterial infection of the lung were treated surgically with excellent results. There were no deaths, and sputum conversion was achieved in all of them. The considerable drug resistance of the atypical mycobacteria and the possible ill effects of prolonged conservative treatment in cases with active disease and drug resistant organisms are pointed out. Early surgical treatment is recommended in such circumstances. Some bacterioligical and biological characteristics of atypical mycobacteria are also discussed.", "PMID": 986519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2017", "title": "The lymphatic vessels of the uterus during the sexual cycles of the mice.", "content": "Orthograde delineation and characterization of the lymph vascular system in the uterus of the mouse during the sexual cycle was achieved by absorption of Patent Blue Violet and Japan ink. The lymph vessels in the endometrium are dilated by about 8-10 times and of varying calibre during oestrus. A reticular arrangement is characteristic of the subsequent stages, while the picture during pre-oestrus resembles that of oestrus. The dye is carried away very rapidly through the larger lymph vessels in the mesometrium which have their typical string of pearls appearance.", "contents": "The lymphatic vessels of the uterus during the sexual cycles of the mice. Orthograde delineation and characterization of the lymph vascular system in the uterus of the mouse during the sexual cycle was achieved by absorption of Patent Blue Violet and Japan ink. The lymph vessels in the endometrium are dilated by about 8-10 times and of varying calibre during oestrus. A reticular arrangement is characteristic of the subsequent stages, while the picture during pre-oestrus resembles that of oestrus. The dye is carried away very rapidly through the larger lymph vessels in the mesometrium which have their typical string of pearls appearance.", "PMID": 986520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2018", "title": "Effect of neonatal thymectomy on follicle numbers in the post-natal mouse ovary.", "content": "1. Surgical removal of the thymus gland within 48 hours of birth has no effect upon the numbers of small, medium and large ovarian follicles in Bagg albino strain mice during the first 12 weeks of life. 2. 20% of thymectomised mice more than 12 weeks of age developed ovarian atrophy which included the disappearance of corpora lutea and an overall reduction in all fractions of the follicle population. 3. These results do not support the proposal of Nishizuka and Sakakura that the thymus gland specifically maintains the non-growing, small (primordial) follicle pool in the mouse ovary during post-natal and reproductive life.", "contents": "Effect of neonatal thymectomy on follicle numbers in the post-natal mouse ovary. 1. Surgical removal of the thymus gland within 48 hours of birth has no effect upon the numbers of small, medium and large ovarian follicles in Bagg albino strain mice during the first 12 weeks of life. 2. 20% of thymectomised mice more than 12 weeks of age developed ovarian atrophy which included the disappearance of corpora lutea and an overall reduction in all fractions of the follicle population. 3. These results do not support the proposal of Nishizuka and Sakakura that the thymus gland specifically maintains the non-growing, small (primordial) follicle pool in the mouse ovary during post-natal and reproductive life.", "PMID": 986522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2019", "title": "[Effects and mechanism of a locally combined treatment with radiation and heat therapy (author's transl)].", "content": "An animal experimental study on solid Walker-tumors was undertaken to determine the therapeutic effects utilizing hyperthermy in the form of combined decimeter wave megavolt treatment. Noted was the superior effect of combination therapy as compared to exclusive use of radiation therapy. Hyperthermy therapy alone does inhibit tumor growth but not involution. This inhibiting characteristic of hyperthermy probably changes cellular mitotic rhythm in the form of cellular synchronisation. The indications for combined hyperthermy megavolt treatment is hypoxic malignant tumors of low radiation sensitivity, especially in superficial and shallow tissue regions. The above treatment is tolerated well and no serious side effects have been observed.", "contents": "[Effects and mechanism of a locally combined treatment with radiation and heat therapy (author's transl)]. An animal experimental study on solid Walker-tumors was undertaken to determine the therapeutic effects utilizing hyperthermy in the form of combined decimeter wave megavolt treatment. Noted was the superior effect of combination therapy as compared to exclusive use of radiation therapy. Hyperthermy therapy alone does inhibit tumor growth but not involution. This inhibiting characteristic of hyperthermy probably changes cellular mitotic rhythm in the form of cellular synchronisation. The indications for combined hyperthermy megavolt treatment is hypoxic malignant tumors of low radiation sensitivity, especially in superficial and shallow tissue regions. The above treatment is tolerated well and no serious side effects have been observed.", "PMID": 986537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2020", "title": "Cosolvent-buffer mixtures as models for the cytoplasmic mileu: the enzymology of adenosine aminohydrolase.", "content": "Adenosine aminohydrolase from calf intestinal mucosa is sensitive to changes in its environment produced by small mole fractions of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). At a mole fraction of 0.1 where the dielectric constant is lowered from that of 78 of neat water to about 76.5, Vmax was reduced by 65% and affinity for substrate (adenosine) and the two competitive inhibitors, insine and N6-benzyladenosine, was decreased markedly. However, this decreased affinity was such that Ki/Km remained virtually constant for both inhibitors. DMSO itself showed the kinetics of a mixed inhibitor with Ki decreasing with increasing mole fraction. This cosolvent also decreased the heat stability of the enzyme which suggests that enzyme conformation is altered by DMSO. Comparison of data in the presence of DMSO with previously obtained data with dioxane shows that heat stability as well as Vmax, at a given value of dielectric constant, is independent of the amount or nature of cosolvent used to achieve that dielectric constant. However, cosolvent induced changes in Ki indicate that colligative as well as dielectric constant effects contribute to the observed changes in kinetic behavior. These experiments may be considered as models for the behavior of enzymes in the medium of lowered dielectric constant expected in the vicinity of cytoplasmic membranes. The results indicate that in such an environment, adenosine aminohydrolase would be expected to be less efficient a catalyst, but equally susceptible to product inhibition, as compared to media of dielectric constant approaching that of water.", "contents": "Cosolvent-buffer mixtures as models for the cytoplasmic mileu: the enzymology of adenosine aminohydrolase. Adenosine aminohydrolase from calf intestinal mucosa is sensitive to changes in its environment produced by small mole fractions of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). At a mole fraction of 0.1 where the dielectric constant is lowered from that of 78 of neat water to about 76.5, Vmax was reduced by 65% and affinity for substrate (adenosine) and the two competitive inhibitors, insine and N6-benzyladenosine, was decreased markedly. However, this decreased affinity was such that Ki/Km remained virtually constant for both inhibitors. DMSO itself showed the kinetics of a mixed inhibitor with Ki decreasing with increasing mole fraction. This cosolvent also decreased the heat stability of the enzyme which suggests that enzyme conformation is altered by DMSO. Comparison of data in the presence of DMSO with previously obtained data with dioxane shows that heat stability as well as Vmax, at a given value of dielectric constant, is independent of the amount or nature of cosolvent used to achieve that dielectric constant. However, cosolvent induced changes in Ki indicate that colligative as well as dielectric constant effects contribute to the observed changes in kinetic behavior. These experiments may be considered as models for the behavior of enzymes in the medium of lowered dielectric constant expected in the vicinity of cytoplasmic membranes. The results indicate that in such an environment, adenosine aminohydrolase would be expected to be less efficient a catalyst, but equally susceptible to product inhibition, as compared to media of dielectric constant approaching that of water.", "PMID": 986542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2021", "title": "Transfer RNA of a collagen producing tissue, chick-embryo calvaria.", "content": "Transfer RNA was isolated from calvaria prepared from chick embryos incubated for 15-17 days. The chargeability of the unfractionated tRNA with ten amino acids tested was very similar to that of unfractionated tRNA from adult chicken liver when data were expressed on the basis of pmoles of amino acceptance per A260 unit of tRNA. However, the relative amount of tRNA in calvaria is only about one-fourth the amount in liver. Analysis of individual species of tRNA by two-dimensional electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels shows that there are fewer isoaccepting species of tRNA in calvaria than in liver.", "contents": "Transfer RNA of a collagen producing tissue, chick-embryo calvaria. Transfer RNA was isolated from calvaria prepared from chick embryos incubated for 15-17 days. The chargeability of the unfractionated tRNA with ten amino acids tested was very similar to that of unfractionated tRNA from adult chicken liver when data were expressed on the basis of pmoles of amino acceptance per A260 unit of tRNA. However, the relative amount of tRNA in calvaria is only about one-fourth the amount in liver. Analysis of individual species of tRNA by two-dimensional electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels shows that there are fewer isoaccepting species of tRNA in calvaria than in liver.", "PMID": 986543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2022", "title": "Serologic detection of a y-linked gene in xx males and xx true hermaphrodites.", "content": "To test the hypothesis that H-Y antigen (present on both somatic and germ cells in normal males but not normal females) is essential for testicular differentiation, we studied four XX males and three XX true hermaphrodites. Blood cells from six subjects and cultured gonadal fibroblasts from a seventh expressed H-Y antigen. Since expression of this antigen requires the presence of a gene normally carried by the Y chromosome, this gene, and perhaps additional Y chromosomal material, should have been present in the genome of these subjects. In one patient this presence is accounted for by a Y-to-X translocation, detectable by chromosome banding. In another a normal Y chromosome was present in a minor population of cells. In the remaining five, no karyotypic abnormality was detectable. Immunologic detection of H-Y antigen is a sensitive test for the presence of the Y chromosome or of its male-determining segment.", "contents": "Serologic detection of a y-linked gene in xx males and xx true hermaphrodites. To test the hypothesis that H-Y antigen (present on both somatic and germ cells in normal males but not normal females) is essential for testicular differentiation, we studied four XX males and three XX true hermaphrodites. Blood cells from six subjects and cultured gonadal fibroblasts from a seventh expressed H-Y antigen. Since expression of this antigen requires the presence of a gene normally carried by the Y chromosome, this gene, and perhaps additional Y chromosomal material, should have been present in the genome of these subjects. In one patient this presence is accounted for by a Y-to-X translocation, detectable by chromosome banding. In another a normal Y chromosome was present in a minor population of cells. In the remaining five, no karyotypic abnormality was detectable. Immunologic detection of H-Y antigen is a sensitive test for the presence of the Y chromosome or of its male-determining segment.", "PMID": 986548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2023", "title": "[Structure of chromosomal deoxyribonucleoproteins. VII. Free dna in preparation of fragmented chromatin].", "content": "Chromatin which was hydrodynamically sheared in a low ionic strength buffer lacking divalent cations (mu = 0.005) contains a heterogeneous set of DNP particles but no molecules of free DNA. The main finding is that a transference of sheared chromatin to 1-2 mM MgCl2 or to 0.1-0.2M NaCl results in the appearance of completely free DNA molecules. A salt-induced rearrangementof DNA-bound histones, but not a partial loss of them is responsible for the observed phenomenon. Formation of free DNA molecules is accompanied by aggregation of the majority of remaining DNP particles. Percentage of free DNA molecules in the chromatin which was sheared to an average DNA length of approx. 400 base pairs is increased from zero in the initial DNP sample to 8-9% in 1 mM MgCl2 and further to 30-31% of the total DNA in 0.30 M NaCl, 2 mM MgCl2. Free DNA molecules in the sheared chromatin are observed not only upon isopycnic banding of formaldehyde-fixed DNP in CsCl gradients but also in non-ionic Metrizamide gradients with either fixed or unfixed DNP samples. Process of free DNA formation is a reversible one; its direction and the equilibrium state depend in particular on the ionic conditions of the medium. Percentage of free DNA molecules in the sheared chromatin at a given ionic strength of solution is strongly decreased upon an increase of the average length of DNA in the DNP particles. Several lines of evidence suggest that free DNA molecules are formed in the sheared chromatin as a result of cooperative rearrangements of histones in salt-induced DNP aggregates. A dynamical model of chromosomal fiber is proposed on the basis of the present and earlier experimental data [1]. According to the model histones are arranged on DNA in clusters separated by stretches of free DNA. A salt-induced migration of histones along or between DNP fibers can result in unification of different clusters, thereby generating longer stretches of free DNA, the total amount of free DNA being approximately constant. Possible in vivo significance of such a dynamical structure is discussed.", "contents": "[Structure of chromosomal deoxyribonucleoproteins. VII. Free dna in preparation of fragmented chromatin]. Chromatin which was hydrodynamically sheared in a low ionic strength buffer lacking divalent cations (mu = 0.005) contains a heterogeneous set of DNP particles but no molecules of free DNA. The main finding is that a transference of sheared chromatin to 1-2 mM MgCl2 or to 0.1-0.2M NaCl results in the appearance of completely free DNA molecules. A salt-induced rearrangementof DNA-bound histones, but not a partial loss of them is responsible for the observed phenomenon. Formation of free DNA molecules is accompanied by aggregation of the majority of remaining DNP particles. Percentage of free DNA molecules in the chromatin which was sheared to an average DNA length of approx. 400 base pairs is increased from zero in the initial DNP sample to 8-9% in 1 mM MgCl2 and further to 30-31% of the total DNA in 0.30 M NaCl, 2 mM MgCl2. Free DNA molecules in the sheared chromatin are observed not only upon isopycnic banding of formaldehyde-fixed DNP in CsCl gradients but also in non-ionic Metrizamide gradients with either fixed or unfixed DNP samples. Process of free DNA formation is a reversible one; its direction and the equilibrium state depend in particular on the ionic conditions of the medium. Percentage of free DNA molecules in the sheared chromatin at a given ionic strength of solution is strongly decreased upon an increase of the average length of DNA in the DNP particles. Several lines of evidence suggest that free DNA molecules are formed in the sheared chromatin as a result of cooperative rearrangements of histones in salt-induced DNP aggregates. A dynamical model of chromosomal fiber is proposed on the basis of the present and earlier experimental data [1]. According to the model histones are arranged on DNA in clusters separated by stretches of free DNA. A salt-induced migration of histones along or between DNP fibers can result in unification of different clusters, thereby generating longer stretches of free DNA, the total amount of free DNA being approximately constant. Possible in vivo significance of such a dynamical structure is discussed.", "PMID": 986544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2024", "title": "[Fat stabilizing action of phosphatides. Part 3. Synergistic action of various phosphatides].", "content": "Phosphatides do not regnerate tocopherol worn with supplying oxygen; their synergistic action seems to be a reaction competing with that of hydroperoxide with tocopherol and, consequently, it must be regarded as \"tocopherol-saving\". Phosphatide mixtures act to some extent as metal capturers. Their effects are functions of the heavy metal contents of the substrates and of their contents of specific metallic pro-oxidants and must be attributed to more complex carbohydrate-containing compounds; phosphatidyl choline and ethanolamine are not able to form metal complexes.", "contents": "[Fat stabilizing action of phosphatides. Part 3. Synergistic action of various phosphatides]. Phosphatides do not regnerate tocopherol worn with supplying oxygen; their synergistic action seems to be a reaction competing with that of hydroperoxide with tocopherol and, consequently, it must be regarded as \"tocopherol-saving\". Phosphatide mixtures act to some extent as metal capturers. Their effects are functions of the heavy metal contents of the substrates and of their contents of specific metallic pro-oxidants and must be attributed to more complex carbohydrate-containing compounds; phosphatidyl choline and ethanolamine are not able to form metal complexes.", "PMID": 986550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2025", "title": "[Conformational isomers of low-molecular nuclear RNA].", "content": "We have shown that 8S and U2 fractions of low molecular weight nuclear RNA lmwn RNA) have tow stable conformational states with different electrophoretic mobilities. We have shown also that fractions UIa and UIb are conformational isomers. Fractions 8S and U2 are present only in one conformational state during electrophoresis, while UI RNA is always represented by both conformations. The conformation of lmwn RNAs is dependent upon conditions of isolation of nuclei and of extraction of RNA. It may change during storage of water solution of RNA at -20 degrees. Conformational changes discovered are not the result of degradation. Only one of two stable conformations of any lmwn RNA may be physiologically active, as it is the case of 5S rRNA and tRNAS. One ought to keep this in mind while studying the functions of low molecular weight nuclear RNAs.", "contents": "[Conformational isomers of low-molecular nuclear RNA]. We have shown that 8S and U2 fractions of low molecular weight nuclear RNA lmwn RNA) have tow stable conformational states with different electrophoretic mobilities. We have shown also that fractions UIa and UIb are conformational isomers. Fractions 8S and U2 are present only in one conformational state during electrophoresis, while UI RNA is always represented by both conformations. The conformation of lmwn RNAs is dependent upon conditions of isolation of nuclei and of extraction of RNA. It may change during storage of water solution of RNA at -20 degrees. Conformational changes discovered are not the result of degradation. Only one of two stable conformations of any lmwn RNA may be physiologically active, as it is the case of 5S rRNA and tRNAS. One ought to keep this in mind while studying the functions of low molecular weight nuclear RNAs.", "PMID": 986545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2026", "title": "[Transcription of ribosomal genes in nuclei of different ploidy].", "content": "It has been shown previously that the production of \"mature\" (27S and 18S) ribosomal RNA's (rRNA) at late stages of embryonic development of the loach (Misgurnus fossilis) does not depend on the degree of ploidy, the haploid (1n) embryos making, per cell, as much rRNA as do the diploid (2n) ones. In order to investigate the mechanims of the compensation of rRNA production in 1n embryos, incorporation of labelled nucleosides in different RNA fractions was compared in two genetical variants. The kinetic and sedimentation analysis showed that in 1n cells a compensatory increase in the production of 36S precursor of rRNA (pre-rRNA) takes place. Chase experiments showed that the rate of the processing and decay of the pre-rRNA was similar in the two genetic forms. Saturation hybridization of labelled, purified 27S rRNA with DNA isolated from the nuclei of 1n and 2n embryos failed to reveal any significant differential increase (amplification) in the proportion of ribosomal cistrons (rDNA) in the haploid genome. It is concluded that the compensation of the production of rRNA in the haploid embryos is accounted for by a greater rate of transcription of the totality of the ribosomal cistrons per single chromosome set.", "contents": "[Transcription of ribosomal genes in nuclei of different ploidy]. It has been shown previously that the production of \"mature\" (27S and 18S) ribosomal RNA's (rRNA) at late stages of embryonic development of the loach (Misgurnus fossilis) does not depend on the degree of ploidy, the haploid (1n) embryos making, per cell, as much rRNA as do the diploid (2n) ones. In order to investigate the mechanims of the compensation of rRNA production in 1n embryos, incorporation of labelled nucleosides in different RNA fractions was compared in two genetical variants. The kinetic and sedimentation analysis showed that in 1n cells a compensatory increase in the production of 36S precursor of rRNA (pre-rRNA) takes place. Chase experiments showed that the rate of the processing and decay of the pre-rRNA was similar in the two genetic forms. Saturation hybridization of labelled, purified 27S rRNA with DNA isolated from the nuclei of 1n and 2n embryos failed to reveal any significant differential increase (amplification) in the proportion of ribosomal cistrons (rDNA) in the haploid genome. It is concluded that the compensation of the production of rRNA in the haploid embryos is accounted for by a greater rate of transcription of the totality of the ribosomal cistrons per single chromosome set.", "PMID": 986546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2027", "title": "Lipid oxidation. Part 3. Oxidation of egg phosphatidylethanolamine.", "content": "Phosphatidylamine isolated from egg yolk phospholipids was autoxidized at 60 degrees C. Oxidation products were separated by thin layer chromatography on silica gel and by column chromatography of DEAE-cellulose. The fractions were characterized by UV and IR spectra and by chemical analysis. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were destroyed during the oxidation, the content of primary amino groups decreased and imine derivatives appeared.", "contents": "Lipid oxidation. Part 3. Oxidation of egg phosphatidylethanolamine. Phosphatidylamine isolated from egg yolk phospholipids was autoxidized at 60 degrees C. Oxidation products were separated by thin layer chromatography on silica gel and by column chromatography of DEAE-cellulose. The fractions were characterized by UV and IR spectra and by chemical analysis. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were destroyed during the oxidation, the content of primary amino groups decreased and imine derivatives appeared.", "PMID": 986554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2028", "title": "Lipid oxidation. Part 4. Products of thermooxidative polymerization of vegetable oils.", "content": "The thermal treatment of vegetable oils was studied by gel chromatography on packings of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers. Unlike oils with a lower content of polyene acids, those with a high content of polyene acids contained a larger amount of higher oligomers of fatty acids. The gel chromatography of fatty acid methyl esters from heated oils allowed the determination of the ratio of intra- and intermolecular bonds arising by polymerization reactions. The results of determination of the iodine value of products were correlated with the data obtained by gel chromatography.", "contents": "Lipid oxidation. Part 4. Products of thermooxidative polymerization of vegetable oils. The thermal treatment of vegetable oils was studied by gel chromatography on packings of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers. Unlike oils with a lower content of polyene acids, those with a high content of polyene acids contained a larger amount of higher oligomers of fatty acids. The gel chromatography of fatty acid methyl esters from heated oils allowed the determination of the ratio of intra- and intermolecular bonds arising by polymerization reactions. The results of determination of the iodine value of products were correlated with the data obtained by gel chromatography.", "PMID": 986555} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2029", "title": "[Gas chromatographic methods for flavor testing in cooked pork (M. semimembranosus)].", "content": "The authors elaborated a gas chromatographic method for the separation and partial identification of ether-soluble volatile flavour constituents obtained from the semimembranous muscles of raw and cooked (100 degree C) pork by distillation and subsequent extraction and condensation. The different constituents were identified using KOVATS index values. The KOVATS indices of the flavour constituents were calculated from the mean values of triplicate measurements performed at different temperatures, and compared with the values for test substances. The isothermal chromatograms of the samples tested at various temperatures were combined in such a manner that they contained of each isothermal record only the parts with the best separation and without superpositions and non-appearences of peaks. By means of the KOVATS index, 32 volatile constituents could be identified with great probability in the ether extract of the meat flavour. The presence of 8 of these constituents was also confirmed by thin-layer chromatography.", "contents": "[Gas chromatographic methods for flavor testing in cooked pork (M. semimembranosus)]. The authors elaborated a gas chromatographic method for the separation and partial identification of ether-soluble volatile flavour constituents obtained from the semimembranous muscles of raw and cooked (100 degree C) pork by distillation and subsequent extraction and condensation. The different constituents were identified using KOVATS index values. The KOVATS indices of the flavour constituents were calculated from the mean values of triplicate measurements performed at different temperatures, and compared with the values for test substances. The isothermal chromatograms of the samples tested at various temperatures were combined in such a manner that they contained of each isothermal record only the parts with the best separation and without superpositions and non-appearences of peaks. By means of the KOVATS index, 32 volatile constituents could be identified with great probability in the ether extract of the meat flavour. The presence of 8 of these constituents was also confirmed by thin-layer chromatography.", "PMID": 986556} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2030", "title": "Membrane action of DMSO and other chemical inducers of Friend leukaemic cell differentiation.", "content": "DMSO and other cryoprotective agents produce a pronounced increase on the phase transition temperature of phospholipid membranes, indicating an increased stability. The effects of DMSO and other cryoprotective agents, divalent cations, and local anaesthetics on the transition temperature of phospholipid membranes seem to correlate with their effects on the differentiation of Friend leukaemic cells in vitro. These studies suggest that the induction of differentiation by cryoprotective agents may be the result of the interaction of these agents with cell membranes.", "contents": "Membrane action of DMSO and other chemical inducers of Friend leukaemic cell differentiation. DMSO and other cryoprotective agents produce a pronounced increase on the phase transition temperature of phospholipid membranes, indicating an increased stability. The effects of DMSO and other cryoprotective agents, divalent cations, and local anaesthetics on the transition temperature of phospholipid membranes seem to correlate with their effects on the differentiation of Friend leukaemic cells in vitro. These studies suggest that the induction of differentiation by cryoprotective agents may be the result of the interaction of these agents with cell membranes.", "PMID": 986559} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2031", "title": "[A new modified wick catheter for measurement of the brain tissue pressure-an evaluation of static and dynamic properties of the catheter (author's transl)].", "content": "The interstitial pressure of the brain was measured with wick catheter by Lassen in 1972. But original wick catheter inserted into the brain tissue does not always measure the real interstitial pressure as indicated by experimental results of Brodersen, because, the interstitial pressure is always affected by solid pressure such as cells in the brain tissue, in the condition of which surrounded by positive CSF pressure in the semiclosed skull box. It is not yet clarified what kinds of the pressure are measured by wick catheter method in the brain tissue. The size of wick catheter is 300-500 times as large as the width of interspace of the brain tissue and the catheter is easily obstructed by brain tissue. Therefore, a new, modified wick catheter is made for improvement of these problems which is observed by using original wick catheter. The new, modified catheter has 0.4 mm inside diameter and 10 cm length. The tip of catheter is closed and 6 small side holes(0.1 mm0)are made. Inside the catheter, several pieces of 0.04 mm diameter nylon threads are inserted as shown in figure 1, and the catheter is filled up with the cerebrospinal fluid. In this paper, the structure of the new, modified catheter is demonstrated, and the brain tissue pressure is measured, comparing with the results of the original wick catheter to test the function of the new, modified catheter. The results of measurement of the brain tissue fluid pressure with the new, modified catheter are as follows; 1) The brain tissue fluid pressure is relatively constant and shows a positive pressure of 5.2 mmHg. 2) As there are few blocking effects in the catheter, the new, modified catheter is useful for the measurement of the brain tissue fluid pressure for a long time. 3) The brain tissue fluid pressure is not altered by the number's of nylon threads in the catheter at static condition, but movement of brain tissue fluid pressure with respiration is a little dumped by the increased conductancy with the numbers of nylon threads in the catheter. 4) The tissue fluid pressure affected by the viscosity and osmolarity of the fluid in the catheter, CSF should be used for correct measurement. According to these results, it might be concluded that the new, modified wick catheter is better than the original wick catheter regarding prevention of obstruction of the catheter by brain tissue fragments, artifacts which causet by movement of wick fibers, measurement of brain tissue fluid pressure for a long time and clarify the resistance of catheter to pressure conductancy.", "contents": "[A new modified wick catheter for measurement of the brain tissue pressure-an evaluation of static and dynamic properties of the catheter (author's transl)]. The interstitial pressure of the brain was measured with wick catheter by Lassen in 1972. But original wick catheter inserted into the brain tissue does not always measure the real interstitial pressure as indicated by experimental results of Brodersen, because, the interstitial pressure is always affected by solid pressure such as cells in the brain tissue, in the condition of which surrounded by positive CSF pressure in the semiclosed skull box. It is not yet clarified what kinds of the pressure are measured by wick catheter method in the brain tissue. The size of wick catheter is 300-500 times as large as the width of interspace of the brain tissue and the catheter is easily obstructed by brain tissue. Therefore, a new, modified wick catheter is made for improvement of these problems which is observed by using original wick catheter. The new, modified catheter has 0.4 mm inside diameter and 10 cm length. The tip of catheter is closed and 6 small side holes(0.1 mm0)are made. Inside the catheter, several pieces of 0.04 mm diameter nylon threads are inserted as shown in figure 1, and the catheter is filled up with the cerebrospinal fluid. In this paper, the structure of the new, modified catheter is demonstrated, and the brain tissue pressure is measured, comparing with the results of the original wick catheter to test the function of the new, modified catheter. The results of measurement of the brain tissue fluid pressure with the new, modified catheter are as follows; 1) The brain tissue fluid pressure is relatively constant and shows a positive pressure of 5.2 mmHg. 2) As there are few blocking effects in the catheter, the new, modified catheter is useful for the measurement of the brain tissue fluid pressure for a long time. 3) The brain tissue fluid pressure is not altered by the number's of nylon threads in the catheter at static condition, but movement of brain tissue fluid pressure with respiration is a little dumped by the increased conductancy with the numbers of nylon threads in the catheter. 4) The tissue fluid pressure affected by the viscosity and osmolarity of the fluid in the catheter, CSF should be used for correct measurement. According to these results, it might be concluded that the new, modified wick catheter is better than the original wick catheter regarding prevention of obstruction of the catheter by brain tissue fragments, artifacts which causet by movement of wick fibers, measurement of brain tissue fluid pressure for a long time and clarify the resistance of catheter to pressure conductancy.", "PMID": 986568} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2032", "title": "[CSF enzyme activities in patients with head injury--especially on GOT, GPT, LDH, and CPK (AUTHOR'S TRANSL)].", "content": "In our studies on patients with head injury, it was noted that there are some correlations between their clinical courses and the urinary excretion of creatine (cr), creatinine (Crn), 17-ketosteroid and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid. We observed the high urinary excretion of Cr in patients with severe head injury while almost negative in a mild case. We reported those facts in 1974. Also noted in patients with head injury is the relationship between the enzyme-activities (GOT, GPT, LDH and CPK) in the cerebrospinal fluid and their clinical courses. In this paper, we reported 34 cases of head injured patients (simple type: 2, concussion: 9, contusion: 8, acute intracranial hematoma: 7 and chronic intra-cranial hematoma: 8). The control values of CSF enzyme-activities were determined in these 14 cases (simple head injury, whip-lash injury and osteoma of the skull) as GOT less that 15, GPT less than 7, LDH less than 12 and CPK less than 8 units. In the moderate cases, a slight increase in activities of 4 enzymes in CSF were observed, while in severe or comatose cases, the enzyme-activities (especially LDH and CPK) were greater than in the controls. In the dead cases these values were five times as high as the normal case. In the patients recovering from a serious stage, these activities decreased to normal. High CSF enzyme-levels tend to indicate a poor prognosis and low levels a favorable progrosis. In the patients with a significant elevation of CSF enzymes, a high urinary excretion of Cr [normal range: 0-150 (ca. 50)mg/day] was often observed. There was no apparent correlation between the enzyme level in CSF and that in serum and the increase or decrease of these 4 enzymes are not always proprotionate with each other. As reported by Green (1958) and Lending (1961), cerebral cell necrosis and increased permeability of BLB, BBB or cerebral cell membrane can be related to the increase of enzymeactivities. With these observations, it can be considered that severe head injury gives influence on metabolic function in the hypothalamus and may cause in the levels of CSF enzymes and/or the urinary excretions of Cr, Crn and corticosteroids. And the examinations of enzyme activities in the patients with head injury may become a useful aid to make an outlook of their clinical coure and prognosis.", "contents": "[CSF enzyme activities in patients with head injury--especially on GOT, GPT, LDH, and CPK (AUTHOR'S TRANSL)]. In our studies on patients with head injury, it was noted that there are some correlations between their clinical courses and the urinary excretion of creatine (cr), creatinine (Crn), 17-ketosteroid and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid. We observed the high urinary excretion of Cr in patients with severe head injury while almost negative in a mild case. We reported those facts in 1974. Also noted in patients with head injury is the relationship between the enzyme-activities (GOT, GPT, LDH and CPK) in the cerebrospinal fluid and their clinical courses. In this paper, we reported 34 cases of head injured patients (simple type: 2, concussion: 9, contusion: 8, acute intracranial hematoma: 7 and chronic intra-cranial hematoma: 8). The control values of CSF enzyme-activities were determined in these 14 cases (simple head injury, whip-lash injury and osteoma of the skull) as GOT less that 15, GPT less than 7, LDH less than 12 and CPK less than 8 units. In the moderate cases, a slight increase in activities of 4 enzymes in CSF were observed, while in severe or comatose cases, the enzyme-activities (especially LDH and CPK) were greater than in the controls. In the dead cases these values were five times as high as the normal case. In the patients recovering from a serious stage, these activities decreased to normal. High CSF enzyme-levels tend to indicate a poor prognosis and low levels a favorable progrosis. In the patients with a significant elevation of CSF enzymes, a high urinary excretion of Cr [normal range: 0-150 (ca. 50)mg/day] was often observed. There was no apparent correlation between the enzyme level in CSF and that in serum and the increase or decrease of these 4 enzymes are not always proprotionate with each other. As reported by Green (1958) and Lending (1961), cerebral cell necrosis and increased permeability of BLB, BBB or cerebral cell membrane can be related to the increase of enzymeactivities. With these observations, it can be considered that severe head injury gives influence on metabolic function in the hypothalamus and may cause in the levels of CSF enzymes and/or the urinary excretions of Cr, Crn and corticosteroids. And the examinations of enzyme activities in the patients with head injury may become a useful aid to make an outlook of their clinical coure and prognosis.", "PMID": 986569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2033", "title": "[Angiographical extravasation of contrast material in traumatic epidural hematomas--the clinical significance and surgical indication (author's transl)].", "content": "During the last 17 years since 1958, 108 cases with traumatic epidural hematomas were treated in our clinics, and the extravasation from the middle meningeal artery was observed in 20 cases (18%) out of them. The clinical significance of the extravasation will be discussed in association with the indication of surgical intervention. Common carotid angiographies were performed in all of 20 cases, and selective external carotid angiographies were also performed in 2 of them. The time interval from the injury to the angiographical confirmation of extravasation ranged from an hour to ten days. In 14 cases, it was confirmed at the acute stage less than 3 days after the injury, and in the remaining 6 cases it was confirmed at the subacute stage more than 3 days after the injury. Surgical removal of the hematomas was performed in 16 cases, and no surgery was done in the other 4 cases mainly because of slight hemorrhage in the cranial cavity. The extravasation from the middle meningeal artery, which was usually observed to overlap the fracture line or in the neighbourhood of it, was classified into the following three types according to the angiographic contours: 1. Estravasation of contrast material into the perivascular tissue (11 cases): Though it was stated in the literatures that this type of extravasation was usually observed less than 6 hours after the injury, it was confirmed at the subacute stage in our 3 cases out of 11, and even ten days later in a case. Angiographically, it is demonstrated to be an irregular band-like configuration (3 cases), scattered spots (2 cases), round shadow (2 cases), semicircular contour (2 cases) or irregular maplike shadow (2 cases), all of which changed in shape and density through the arterial phase to the end of the venous phase. All of the 11 cases showed large epidural hematomas, and the angiographical extravasation coincided with the site of actual bleeding which was confirmed at the operation. 2. A berry-shaped well-defined round shadow of high density communicating with the arterial lumen--pseudo-aneurysm-like shadow (2 cases): In one, a berry-shaped shadow was discovered in the angiography performed 17 hours after the injury. A small cavity which was surrounded by epidural clot and communicated with the middle meningeal artery was discovered at the operation, and considered to be the site of actual bleeding, since an arterial bleeding through the cavity was noticed. In the other, a berry-shaped shadow which appeared as soon as the middle meningeal artery was demonstrated and disappeared by the late venous phase was angiographically discovered 10 days after the injury. A epidural hematoma was slightly formed and operation was not performed. Two months later, the pseudoaneurysm-like shadow was not demonstrated angiographically. 3...", "contents": "[Angiographical extravasation of contrast material in traumatic epidural hematomas--the clinical significance and surgical indication (author's transl)]. During the last 17 years since 1958, 108 cases with traumatic epidural hematomas were treated in our clinics, and the extravasation from the middle meningeal artery was observed in 20 cases (18%) out of them. The clinical significance of the extravasation will be discussed in association with the indication of surgical intervention. Common carotid angiographies were performed in all of 20 cases, and selective external carotid angiographies were also performed in 2 of them. The time interval from the injury to the angiographical confirmation of extravasation ranged from an hour to ten days. In 14 cases, it was confirmed at the acute stage less than 3 days after the injury, and in the remaining 6 cases it was confirmed at the subacute stage more than 3 days after the injury. Surgical removal of the hematomas was performed in 16 cases, and no surgery was done in the other 4 cases mainly because of slight hemorrhage in the cranial cavity. The extravasation from the middle meningeal artery, which was usually observed to overlap the fracture line or in the neighbourhood of it, was classified into the following three types according to the angiographic contours: 1. Estravasation of contrast material into the perivascular tissue (11 cases): Though it was stated in the literatures that this type of extravasation was usually observed less than 6 hours after the injury, it was confirmed at the subacute stage in our 3 cases out of 11, and even ten days later in a case. Angiographically, it is demonstrated to be an irregular band-like configuration (3 cases), scattered spots (2 cases), round shadow (2 cases), semicircular contour (2 cases) or irregular maplike shadow (2 cases), all of which changed in shape and density through the arterial phase to the end of the venous phase. All of the 11 cases showed large epidural hematomas, and the angiographical extravasation coincided with the site of actual bleeding which was confirmed at the operation. 2. A berry-shaped well-defined round shadow of high density communicating with the arterial lumen--pseudo-aneurysm-like shadow (2 cases): In one, a berry-shaped shadow was discovered in the angiography performed 17 hours after the injury. A small cavity which was surrounded by epidural clot and communicated with the middle meningeal artery was discovered at the operation, and considered to be the site of actual bleeding, since an arterial bleeding through the cavity was noticed. In the other, a berry-shaped shadow which appeared as soon as the middle meningeal artery was demonstrated and disappeared by the late venous phase was angiographically discovered 10 days after the injury. A epidural hematoma was slightly formed and operation was not performed. Two months later, the pseudoaneurysm-like shadow was not demonstrated angiographically. 3...", "PMID": 986570} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2034", "title": "[Intracranial definitive aneurysm surgery under normothermia and normotension--utilizing temporary occlusion of major cerebral arteries and preoperative mannitol administration (author's transl)].", "content": "The permissible occlusion time of brain arteries and surgical results were discussed, based on 181 aneurysm cases, which received definitive aneurysm surgery by utilizing temporary clipping of brain arteries, preoperative mannitol administration and under normothermic, normotensive condition. 1) In order to analyze the influence of artery occlusion under mannitol administration, the causes of sequelae and deaths were examined together with the follow up studies which were taken from 6 months to 6 years and 4 months postoperatively in all cases. Of the total 181 cases, there were 16 cases with sequelae and 7 deaths. These causes were attributable to non-artery occlusion factors, such as postoperative vasospasm, surgical complications or infections, excepting in 3 cases or 1.7% in which possible effect of temporary occlusion cannot be completely ruled out. 2) The maximum occlusion times of each artery without suquelae were 80, 61, 50 and 30 minutes, respectively for the unilateral A1 portion, bilateral A1 portions (simultaneously occluded), intracranial internal carotid artery and M1 portion. 3) Surgical results at discharge showed a mortality rate of 3.8% and a morbidity rate of 7.0%. On follow up studies, taken from 6 months to 6 years and 4 months, more than 79% of the total 181 cases which received aneurysm surgery utilizing temporary occlusions, were reported in good health and working.", "contents": "[Intracranial definitive aneurysm surgery under normothermia and normotension--utilizing temporary occlusion of major cerebral arteries and preoperative mannitol administration (author's transl)]. The permissible occlusion time of brain arteries and surgical results were discussed, based on 181 aneurysm cases, which received definitive aneurysm surgery by utilizing temporary clipping of brain arteries, preoperative mannitol administration and under normothermic, normotensive condition. 1) In order to analyze the influence of artery occlusion under mannitol administration, the causes of sequelae and deaths were examined together with the follow up studies which were taken from 6 months to 6 years and 4 months postoperatively in all cases. Of the total 181 cases, there were 16 cases with sequelae and 7 deaths. These causes were attributable to non-artery occlusion factors, such as postoperative vasospasm, surgical complications or infections, excepting in 3 cases or 1.7% in which possible effect of temporary occlusion cannot be completely ruled out. 2) The maximum occlusion times of each artery without suquelae were 80, 61, 50 and 30 minutes, respectively for the unilateral A1 portion, bilateral A1 portions (simultaneously occluded), intracranial internal carotid artery and M1 portion. 3) Surgical results at discharge showed a mortality rate of 3.8% and a morbidity rate of 7.0%. On follow up studies, taken from 6 months to 6 years and 4 months, more than 79% of the total 181 cases which received aneurysm surgery utilizing temporary occlusions, were reported in good health and working.", "PMID": 986571} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2035", "title": "[Two cases of craniolacunia associated with meningocele and meningoencephalocele (author's transl)-a1].", "content": "Craniolacunia (lacunar skull, Luckenschadel) is characterized by multiple, round or oval, radiolucent defects, sharply separated by dense strip of bone (honey comb like configuration) which tend to cluster in the cranial vault on plain skull film. Craniolacunia is present at birth and frequently associated with myelomeningocele, encephalocele or other congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system. Patients with carniolacunia have high mortality due to these associated lesions, and to the secondary effects of these neurological lesions. Recently, it is interested that the presence of carniolacunia can be used as an early indicator of intellectual capacity or recommendation of early indicator of intellectual capacity or recommendation of early surgery for associated lesions. Two cases of craniolacunia with meningocele in the lumbar region and encephalocele in the frontal region are presented and the etiology, clinical significance, prognosis of craniolacunia are discussed. Case 1 (Fig. 1, 2, 3), who had a soft tumor in the lumbar region since birth, was admitted to Saiseikai Yahata Hospital under the diagnosis of meningocele on October 26, 1973. The circumference of the head was 32.5 cm, and the lumbar tumor was infant fist growth, oval, brownish and soft in appearance. The patient had no neurological positive signs or other abnormalities including chest, abdomen and extremities. Plain skull film showed typical craniolacunia in the parietal, frontal and occipital region of the vault. Three days after admission, the patient had opisthotonus like posture at times and convulsive seizure of extremities. Suspected of meningitis, ventricle tap was performed. From the findings of obtained cloud xanthchromic cerebrospinal fluid which was revealed pleocytosis and many Klebsiella or other Gram (-) bacilli on bacterial culture, the diagnosis of ventriculitis was made...", "contents": "[Two cases of craniolacunia associated with meningocele and meningoencephalocele (author's transl)-a1]. Craniolacunia (lacunar skull, Luckenschadel) is characterized by multiple, round or oval, radiolucent defects, sharply separated by dense strip of bone (honey comb like configuration) which tend to cluster in the cranial vault on plain skull film. Craniolacunia is present at birth and frequently associated with myelomeningocele, encephalocele or other congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system. Patients with carniolacunia have high mortality due to these associated lesions, and to the secondary effects of these neurological lesions. Recently, it is interested that the presence of carniolacunia can be used as an early indicator of intellectual capacity or recommendation of early indicator of intellectual capacity or recommendation of early surgery for associated lesions. Two cases of craniolacunia with meningocele in the lumbar region and encephalocele in the frontal region are presented and the etiology, clinical significance, prognosis of craniolacunia are discussed. Case 1 (Fig. 1, 2, 3), who had a soft tumor in the lumbar region since birth, was admitted to Saiseikai Yahata Hospital under the diagnosis of meningocele on October 26, 1973. The circumference of the head was 32.5 cm, and the lumbar tumor was infant fist growth, oval, brownish and soft in appearance. The patient had no neurological positive signs or other abnormalities including chest, abdomen and extremities. Plain skull film showed typical craniolacunia in the parietal, frontal and occipital region of the vault. Three days after admission, the patient had opisthotonus like posture at times and convulsive seizure of extremities. Suspected of meningitis, ventricle tap was performed. From the findings of obtained cloud xanthchromic cerebrospinal fluid which was revealed pleocytosis and many Klebsiella or other Gram (-) bacilli on bacterial culture, the diagnosis of ventriculitis was made...", "PMID": 986572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2036", "title": "[\"Colloid cyst\" of the lateral ventricle--report of a case (author's transl)].", "content": "Colloid cyst is a relatively rare benign tumor which is usually found in the third ventricle. A patient who had a \"colloid cyst\" in his right lateral ventricle was experienced. A 33-year-old man had suffered from intermittent attacks of headache and vomiting for five months. On July 22, 1974, he was hospitalized to our clinic because of headache, memory and gait disturbance. At the time of admission his consciousness was clear but he had slight memory disturbance and urinary incontinence. Incipient papilledma was noted and the deep tendon reflexes of the lower extrimities were slightly accentuated. Lumbar puncture revealed a clear CSF and its pressure was within normal limit and the protein was 59 mg/dl. The plain skull films showed no abnormal findings. EEG showed an asymmetry of alpha-wave, and paroxysmal high voltage of slow wave was found in the right frontal area. Right cerebral angiography demonstrated an unrolling of the pericallosal arteries suggesting dilatation of the lateral ventricles. On the 9th hospital day, he suddenly began to complain of severe headache and became drowsy. Mannitol and hydrocortisone were injected intravenously without producing any remarkable effects. A ventricular drainage was done, and the patient recovered rapidly. A conray ventriculography revealed a round filling defect in the right lateral ventricle. A transventricular approach through a short linear incision in the right frontal cortex was preformed on the 25th hospital day. A cyst containing colloid substance, about 5x4 cm in size, was found to be attached to the medial wall of the right lateral ventricle anterior to the foramen of Monro. This cyst was almost completely removed. Histological findings revealed inner lining of epithelial cells, He died on the 25th postoperative day from bacterial meningitis. Autopsy confirmed the cyst to have originated from the right lateral ventricle. A review of the literature was made and the pathogenesis and diagnosis of this disease and the mechanism of development of the symptoms were discussed.", "contents": "[\"Colloid cyst\" of the lateral ventricle--report of a case (author's transl)]. Colloid cyst is a relatively rare benign tumor which is usually found in the third ventricle. A patient who had a \"colloid cyst\" in his right lateral ventricle was experienced. A 33-year-old man had suffered from intermittent attacks of headache and vomiting for five months. On July 22, 1974, he was hospitalized to our clinic because of headache, memory and gait disturbance. At the time of admission his consciousness was clear but he had slight memory disturbance and urinary incontinence. Incipient papilledma was noted and the deep tendon reflexes of the lower extrimities were slightly accentuated. Lumbar puncture revealed a clear CSF and its pressure was within normal limit and the protein was 59 mg/dl. The plain skull films showed no abnormal findings. EEG showed an asymmetry of alpha-wave, and paroxysmal high voltage of slow wave was found in the right frontal area. Right cerebral angiography demonstrated an unrolling of the pericallosal arteries suggesting dilatation of the lateral ventricles. On the 9th hospital day, he suddenly began to complain of severe headache and became drowsy. Mannitol and hydrocortisone were injected intravenously without producing any remarkable effects. A ventricular drainage was done, and the patient recovered rapidly. A conray ventriculography revealed a round filling defect in the right lateral ventricle. A transventricular approach through a short linear incision in the right frontal cortex was preformed on the 25th hospital day. A cyst containing colloid substance, about 5x4 cm in size, was found to be attached to the medial wall of the right lateral ventricle anterior to the foramen of Monro. This cyst was almost completely removed. Histological findings revealed inner lining of epithelial cells, He died on the 25th postoperative day from bacterial meningitis. Autopsy confirmed the cyst to have originated from the right lateral ventricle. A review of the literature was made and the pathogenesis and diagnosis of this disease and the mechanism of development of the symptoms were discussed.", "PMID": 986573} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2037", "title": "[Transfixion of cervical cord by a glass fragment--report of a case (author's transl)].", "content": "Stab wound of the spinal cord caused by accident occurred in the home life is rare absolutely. One case of stab wound of the cervical spinal cord caused by penetrated and retained glass fragment within the spinal canal was reported. A 30-year-old woman was hospitarized on August 16, 1971. with complaint of left hemiparesis, gait disturbance and sensory impairment on the right side. A glass door fell down on the patient's neck on April 14, 1971. and one glass fragment was removed from the patient's left neck by one of the patient's family and no immediate spinal cord symptom appeared and no physician was consulted at that time. One and a half month after the injury the patient rod a motor bicycle and pain and severe stiffness in the shoulder and neck, and headache. These subjective symptom disappeared by rest and same subjective symptom repeated in following five days. Three and a half months after the injury the patient found sensation loss in the right foot and gait distrubance appeared. After the sensory impairment extended to the cervical level which was accompanied by left hemiparesis. On examination, the patient was found to have merked weakness of left limbs, spastic gait and severe impairment of touchpain- and thermosensation below the fifth cervical level but deep sensation was preserved. All tendon reflexes showed marked exaggeration and pathological reflexes were proved. Roentgenograms of the cervical spine revealed a long triangular glass fragment which had been retained in the spinal canal between the first and second cervical vertebrae. The air myelogram suggested the glass fragment had transfixed the cervical spinal cord. Laminectomy was performed and the glass fragment which had a shape of a sharp pointed surgical knife was removed by gentle move in the opposite direction of invation. Following removal of the foreign body, the patient's left hemiparesis recovered to normal state at four months after the operation and right sensory impairment also improved. The cervical spinal cord may be injured in the following way: the right lateral spinothalamic tract may be injured by the skewer injury due to glass fragment but injury of the left same tract may be avoided because of oblique direction of penetration of the glass fragment in the spinal cord. On the other hand, the left pyramidal tract may be compressed by glass fragment and not injured, because left hemiparesis recovered very well postoperatively.", "contents": "[Transfixion of cervical cord by a glass fragment--report of a case (author's transl)]. Stab wound of the spinal cord caused by accident occurred in the home life is rare absolutely. One case of stab wound of the cervical spinal cord caused by penetrated and retained glass fragment within the spinal canal was reported. A 30-year-old woman was hospitarized on August 16, 1971. with complaint of left hemiparesis, gait disturbance and sensory impairment on the right side. A glass door fell down on the patient's neck on April 14, 1971. and one glass fragment was removed from the patient's left neck by one of the patient's family and no immediate spinal cord symptom appeared and no physician was consulted at that time. One and a half month after the injury the patient rod a motor bicycle and pain and severe stiffness in the shoulder and neck, and headache. These subjective symptom disappeared by rest and same subjective symptom repeated in following five days. Three and a half months after the injury the patient found sensation loss in the right foot and gait distrubance appeared. After the sensory impairment extended to the cervical level which was accompanied by left hemiparesis. On examination, the patient was found to have merked weakness of left limbs, spastic gait and severe impairment of touchpain- and thermosensation below the fifth cervical level but deep sensation was preserved. All tendon reflexes showed marked exaggeration and pathological reflexes were proved. Roentgenograms of the cervical spine revealed a long triangular glass fragment which had been retained in the spinal canal between the first and second cervical vertebrae. The air myelogram suggested the glass fragment had transfixed the cervical spinal cord. Laminectomy was performed and the glass fragment which had a shape of a sharp pointed surgical knife was removed by gentle move in the opposite direction of invation. Following removal of the foreign body, the patient's left hemiparesis recovered to normal state at four months after the operation and right sensory impairment also improved. The cervical spinal cord may be injured in the following way: the right lateral spinothalamic tract may be injured by the skewer injury due to glass fragment but injury of the left same tract may be avoided because of oblique direction of penetration of the glass fragment in the spinal cord. On the other hand, the left pyramidal tract may be compressed by glass fragment and not injured, because left hemiparesis recovered very well postoperatively.", "PMID": 986574} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2038", "title": "[Cystic meningioma--report of two cases (author's transl)].", "content": "Cystic changes are rare in meningioma. The authors reported two cases of the cystic meningioma. 1) The first case was 56-year-old female, whose complaints were motor weakness and hypesthesia on the right side. At the operation, a hen egg-sized tumor with a large cyst was removed totally from the left frontoparietal mid-convexity. Multiple cystic cavities were contained in the tumor. Histologically the tumor was compatible with meningocytic meningioma with angiomatous component and showed numerous myxomatous degeneration and swollen vessel-walls. 2) The second case was 17-year-girl complaining of headache, blurred vision, right hemiparesis and episodes of Jacksonian seizure. At the operation, a goose egg-sized tumor in the left parietal lobe was removed and the tumor contained a large cyst. Histologically the tumor was a malignant meningioma, associating with relatively fresh necroses adjacent the cyst. 3) The pathogenesis of the cystic changes in meningioma was discussed.", "contents": "[Cystic meningioma--report of two cases (author's transl)]. Cystic changes are rare in meningioma. The authors reported two cases of the cystic meningioma. 1) The first case was 56-year-old female, whose complaints were motor weakness and hypesthesia on the right side. At the operation, a hen egg-sized tumor with a large cyst was removed totally from the left frontoparietal mid-convexity. Multiple cystic cavities were contained in the tumor. Histologically the tumor was compatible with meningocytic meningioma with angiomatous component and showed numerous myxomatous degeneration and swollen vessel-walls. 2) The second case was 17-year-girl complaining of headache, blurred vision, right hemiparesis and episodes of Jacksonian seizure. At the operation, a goose egg-sized tumor in the left parietal lobe was removed and the tumor contained a large cyst. Histologically the tumor was a malignant meningioma, associating with relatively fresh necroses adjacent the cyst. 3) The pathogenesis of the cystic changes in meningioma was discussed.", "PMID": 986575} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2039", "title": "[A case of brain cysticerosis].", "content": "A 59-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with the history of epileptick attack of six years' duration. The seizure was associated with Jacksonian march starting in the right hand and then generalized. Todd's paresis of the right arm followed occasionally to the seizure. He was admitted to neurosurgical unit of other hospital in 1968 and 1971, but on each occasion no tumor or vascular abnormality was detected by extensive examiniations such as brain angiography, pneumoencephalography or brain scanning. He continued his hob as an engineer with anticonvulsant. He once lived in Manchuria in 1930s and had history of pulmonary tuberculosis. He was suffering from diabetes mellitus and chronic otitis media. Recentry he developed headache, forgetfulness, speech disturbance and right hemiparesis and was admitted to our department through psychiatric unit. On examination he was fully conscious but showed typical Gerstmann's syndrome and conduction aphasia. He also revealed bilateral choked disc, right hemiparesis, right hemihypesthesia and right homonymous hemianopsia. The cerebral angiograms and peneumoencephalogram suggested a left parietal cystic tumor. Brain scan with technetium 99m was negative. The spinal fluid was clear but showed slight pleocytosis (99/3/ml). Leucocyte count in the peripheral blood was 6600 per cubic meter with eosinophils of 3%. On craniotomy, small white patches were scattered at the subarachnoidal space suggesting of history of some meningitis. In the left parietooccipital region at Brodmann's area 19, a greyish yellow transparent cystic tumor was found in the subarachnoidal space which was confirmed to be one of the multilocular grape-like cystic tumors extending from area 19, gyrus angularis towards the arcuate fasciculus without continuity with the left lateral ventricle. Microscopic examination showed the racemosal type of cysticercus but no scolex was found. The fluid of the cysts was similar to the spinal fluid. He is totally symptome-free after five months' lapse from the operation except for sporadic spikes on the electroencephalogram. Although some neurosurgeons are against direct operation of the cerebral cysticercosis, we are sure it is possible to cure these patients suffering from chronic cysticercosis with tumor-like symptoms i.e. the tumor type of Stepien. But it is essential not to rupture the cysts during the operative procedure to avoid dissemination of worms which might lead to acute severe cerebral edema. Besides, echinococcus cysts harbouring many worms are often hardly differenciated macroscopically from the cysts of cysticercosis.", "contents": "[A case of brain cysticerosis]. A 59-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with the history of epileptick attack of six years' duration. The seizure was associated with Jacksonian march starting in the right hand and then generalized. Todd's paresis of the right arm followed occasionally to the seizure. He was admitted to neurosurgical unit of other hospital in 1968 and 1971, but on each occasion no tumor or vascular abnormality was detected by extensive examiniations such as brain angiography, pneumoencephalography or brain scanning. He continued his hob as an engineer with anticonvulsant. He once lived in Manchuria in 1930s and had history of pulmonary tuberculosis. He was suffering from diabetes mellitus and chronic otitis media. Recentry he developed headache, forgetfulness, speech disturbance and right hemiparesis and was admitted to our department through psychiatric unit. On examination he was fully conscious but showed typical Gerstmann's syndrome and conduction aphasia. He also revealed bilateral choked disc, right hemiparesis, right hemihypesthesia and right homonymous hemianopsia. The cerebral angiograms and peneumoencephalogram suggested a left parietal cystic tumor. Brain scan with technetium 99m was negative. The spinal fluid was clear but showed slight pleocytosis (99/3/ml). Leucocyte count in the peripheral blood was 6600 per cubic meter with eosinophils of 3%. On craniotomy, small white patches were scattered at the subarachnoidal space suggesting of history of some meningitis. In the left parietooccipital region at Brodmann's area 19, a greyish yellow transparent cystic tumor was found in the subarachnoidal space which was confirmed to be one of the multilocular grape-like cystic tumors extending from area 19, gyrus angularis towards the arcuate fasciculus without continuity with the left lateral ventricle. Microscopic examination showed the racemosal type of cysticercus but no scolex was found. The fluid of the cysts was similar to the spinal fluid. He is totally symptome-free after five months' lapse from the operation except for sporadic spikes on the electroencephalogram. Although some neurosurgeons are against direct operation of the cerebral cysticercosis, we are sure it is possible to cure these patients suffering from chronic cysticercosis with tumor-like symptoms i.e. the tumor type of Stepien. But it is essential not to rupture the cysts during the operative procedure to avoid dissemination of worms which might lead to acute severe cerebral edema. Besides, echinococcus cysts harbouring many worms are often hardly differenciated macroscopically from the cysts of cysticercosis.", "PMID": 986576} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2040", "title": "Neuropharmacological study on the induction of hypothalamic masculinization in female mice.", "content": "82% of female mice, that had received a single injection of 50 mug testosterone propionate (TP) at 4 days of age, became persistent estrous by 90 days. If 50 mug pentobarbital or 10 mug reserpine was given simultaneously with TP, the incidence of hypothalamic masculinization (persistent estrus (PE) and polyfollicular ovaries lacking corpora lutea) at 90 days dropped to 33 and 30%, respectively. Phenoxybenzamine (50 mug) also decreased the incidence of PE to 20 and 30% at 60 and 90 days of age, respectively. However, propranolol failed to nullify the masculinization caused by TP. These results seem to suggest that a monoaminergic mechanism is involved in the hypothalamic masculinization of neonatal mice.", "contents": "Neuropharmacological study on the induction of hypothalamic masculinization in female mice. 82% of female mice, that had received a single injection of 50 mug testosterone propionate (TP) at 4 days of age, became persistent estrous by 90 days. If 50 mug pentobarbital or 10 mug reserpine was given simultaneously with TP, the incidence of hypothalamic masculinization (persistent estrus (PE) and polyfollicular ovaries lacking corpora lutea) at 90 days dropped to 33 and 30%, respectively. Phenoxybenzamine (50 mug) also decreased the incidence of PE to 20 and 30% at 60 and 90 days of age, respectively. However, propranolol failed to nullify the masculinization caused by TP. These results seem to suggest that a monoaminergic mechanism is involved in the hypothalamic masculinization of neonatal mice.", "PMID": 986577} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2041", "title": "Studies on the puberty-controlling function of the mediocortical amygdala in the immature female rat.", "content": "The puberty-controlling function of the mediocortical amygdala in immature female rats was investigated by lesioning this region at different ages and by studying the effects on the onset of spontaneous and experimentally-induced precocious puberty. At 21 days of age, bilateral lesions in the anterior mediocortical amygdala (AMCA) caused precocious puberty and enhanced the puberty-accelerating effect of bilateral lesions produced simultaneously in the medial preoptic area (MPA). Similar lesions, ineffective on day 26, delayed the onset of puberty when produced on day 32 in otherwise untreated rats. Lesions in the posterior mediocortical amygdala (PMCA) at 26 or 32 days of age postponed puberty in untreated rats and inhibited the advancement of their 1st pubertal ovulation that resulted from damage to the ventromedial-arcuate region (VAH) or daily administration of 0.05 mug estradiol benzoate (EB) per 100 g b.w. The results confirm earlier findings of different gonadotropin-controlling activities of the AMCA and PMCA in immature female rats and suggest maturational changes in the function of both areas. The gonadotropin-inhibiting action exerted by the AMCA at 3 weeks of age is lost when puberty approaches; a gonadotropin-stimulating activity seems to develop in both the AMCA and PMCA.", "contents": "Studies on the puberty-controlling function of the mediocortical amygdala in the immature female rat. The puberty-controlling function of the mediocortical amygdala in immature female rats was investigated by lesioning this region at different ages and by studying the effects on the onset of spontaneous and experimentally-induced precocious puberty. At 21 days of age, bilateral lesions in the anterior mediocortical amygdala (AMCA) caused precocious puberty and enhanced the puberty-accelerating effect of bilateral lesions produced simultaneously in the medial preoptic area (MPA). Similar lesions, ineffective on day 26, delayed the onset of puberty when produced on day 32 in otherwise untreated rats. Lesions in the posterior mediocortical amygdala (PMCA) at 26 or 32 days of age postponed puberty in untreated rats and inhibited the advancement of their 1st pubertal ovulation that resulted from damage to the ventromedial-arcuate region (VAH) or daily administration of 0.05 mug estradiol benzoate (EB) per 100 g b.w. The results confirm earlier findings of different gonadotropin-controlling activities of the AMCA and PMCA in immature female rats and suggest maturational changes in the function of both areas. The gonadotropin-inhibiting action exerted by the AMCA at 3 weeks of age is lost when puberty approaches; a gonadotropin-stimulating activity seems to develop in both the AMCA and PMCA.", "PMID": 986578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2042", "title": "The role of pheromones in the regulation of estrous cycle duration in the guinea pig.", "content": "A decrease in estrous cycle duration, due to shortening of the period of vaginal closure (VC), has been observed in female guinea pigs exposed to the odor of urine from males of the same species. VC shortening was also observed in females exposed to the odor of female urine collected during the period of vaginal opening (VO). No alteration in VC duration occurred, however, in females exposed to urine collected in the 1st 7 days of VC. Also VC shortening did not occur in bulbectomized females exposed to the odor of male urine. Therefore, it was concluded that guinea pig urine, when highly concentrated, contains pheromones capable of shortening estrous cycle VC.", "contents": "The role of pheromones in the regulation of estrous cycle duration in the guinea pig. A decrease in estrous cycle duration, due to shortening of the period of vaginal closure (VC), has been observed in female guinea pigs exposed to the odor of urine from males of the same species. VC shortening was also observed in females exposed to the odor of female urine collected during the period of vaginal opening (VO). No alteration in VC duration occurred, however, in females exposed to urine collected in the 1st 7 days of VC. Also VC shortening did not occur in bulbectomized females exposed to the odor of male urine. Therefore, it was concluded that guinea pig urine, when highly concentrated, contains pheromones capable of shortening estrous cycle VC.", "PMID": 986579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2043", "title": "Diurnal rhythms in pineal N-acetyltransferase and hippocampal norepinephrine: effects of water deprivation, blinding and hypothalamic lesions.", "content": "The pineal gland in the rat exhibits a diurnal rhythm in activity of the enzyme serotonin N-acetyltransferase (N-AT) with peak values during the dark period of a diurnal lighting schedule approximately 100-fold those during the light period. After blinding the rhythm becomes free-running. It is abolished by partial hypothalamic deafferentation with a knife cut made caudal to the optic chiasm. Water deprivation for 23 h daily has no effect on the pineal rhythm in either intact, blinded or deafferented animals. In contrast to this, there is a diurnal rhythm in hippocampal formation in norepinephrine content which can be entrained by a water deprivation schedule in both intact and blinded animals. These observations indicate that in the same animals 1 diurnal rhythm may remain entrained to the light-dark cycle while another rhythm is entrained to a secondary synchronizer, the water deprivation schedule.", "contents": "Diurnal rhythms in pineal N-acetyltransferase and hippocampal norepinephrine: effects of water deprivation, blinding and hypothalamic lesions. The pineal gland in the rat exhibits a diurnal rhythm in activity of the enzyme serotonin N-acetyltransferase (N-AT) with peak values during the dark period of a diurnal lighting schedule approximately 100-fold those during the light period. After blinding the rhythm becomes free-running. It is abolished by partial hypothalamic deafferentation with a knife cut made caudal to the optic chiasm. Water deprivation for 23 h daily has no effect on the pineal rhythm in either intact, blinded or deafferented animals. In contrast to this, there is a diurnal rhythm in hippocampal formation in norepinephrine content which can be entrained by a water deprivation schedule in both intact and blinded animals. These observations indicate that in the same animals 1 diurnal rhythm may remain entrained to the light-dark cycle while another rhythm is entrained to a secondary synchronizer, the water deprivation schedule.", "PMID": 986580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2044", "title": "Influence of monoamine oxidase inhibitor on the induction of persistent estrus by androgen in the rat.", "content": "Effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) on the induction of persistent estrus by testosterone propionate (TP) was studied in Wistar strain female rats. Daily treatment with MAOI for the 1st 10 days of life accelerated the occurrence of persistent estrus in rats given TP at 8 days of age. The onset of persistent estrus occurred at 57.3+/2.0 days of age in these animals compared to 92.6+/5.5 days in saline-treated controls. The contribution of hypothalamic monoamines to the induction of persistent estrus by TP treatment in neonatal rats will be discussed.", "contents": "Influence of monoamine oxidase inhibitor on the induction of persistent estrus by androgen in the rat. Effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) on the induction of persistent estrus by testosterone propionate (TP) was studied in Wistar strain female rats. Daily treatment with MAOI for the 1st 10 days of life accelerated the occurrence of persistent estrus in rats given TP at 8 days of age. The onset of persistent estrus occurred at 57.3+/2.0 days of age in these animals compared to 92.6+/5.5 days in saline-treated controls. The contribution of hypothalamic monoamines to the induction of persistent estrus by TP treatment in neonatal rats will be discussed.", "PMID": 986581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2045", "title": "Central monoamines and hyperkinase of childhood.", "content": "Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid levels of homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, the major metabolites of dopamine and serotonin, respectively, in hyperactive children did not differ significantly from those of age-matched controls. Dextroamphetamine treatment substantially reduced the spinal fluid content of homovanillic acid but not of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. No change in levels of either monoamine metabolite occurred with placebo therapy. In hyperactive children receiving dextroamphetamine, the amount of homovanillic acid decline correlated closely with the degree of clinical improvement. These results support the view that an alteration in central dopamine-mediated synaptic function may occur in children manifesting the hyperactive syndrome.", "contents": "Central monoamines and hyperkinase of childhood. Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid levels of homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, the major metabolites of dopamine and serotonin, respectively, in hyperactive children did not differ significantly from those of age-matched controls. Dextroamphetamine treatment substantially reduced the spinal fluid content of homovanillic acid but not of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. No change in levels of either monoamine metabolite occurred with placebo therapy. In hyperactive children receiving dextroamphetamine, the amount of homovanillic acid decline correlated closely with the degree of clinical improvement. These results support the view that an alteration in central dopamine-mediated synaptic function may occur in children manifesting the hyperactive syndrome.", "PMID": 986582} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2046", "title": "Computerized axial transverse tomography in cerebrovascular disease.", "content": "One hundred eleven patients with supratentorial cerebrovascular disease were studied by computerized axial tomography (CT scanning). With one exception, every patient who had a normal scan 48 hours after the onset of symptoms was ultimately diagnosed as having had transient ischemic attack, although in nearly one-third, the clinical diagnoses at the time of the scan was infarction. A normal CT scan, therefore, augurs a good outcome of supratentorial cerebrovascular disease. Ninety-eight percent of the patients with infarction had abnormal scans, with areas of decreased density in a vascular distribution. Pitfalls in the diagnosis of infarction were (1) initially normal CT scans that changed to abnormal after 48 hours, and (2) mass effect of infarction leading to misdiagnosis of brain tumor. Serial studies eliminated both pitfalls. Intracerebral hemorrhages had a distinctive high density appearance. In 43 percent of patients whose scans showed hemorrhage, the clinical diagnosis was thrombosis. Many did not have symptoms, signs, or outcome of cerebral hemorrhage, and the diagnosis would not have been suspect were it not for the CT scan.", "contents": "Computerized axial transverse tomography in cerebrovascular disease. One hundred eleven patients with supratentorial cerebrovascular disease were studied by computerized axial tomography (CT scanning). With one exception, every patient who had a normal scan 48 hours after the onset of symptoms was ultimately diagnosed as having had transient ischemic attack, although in nearly one-third, the clinical diagnoses at the time of the scan was infarction. A normal CT scan, therefore, augurs a good outcome of supratentorial cerebrovascular disease. Ninety-eight percent of the patients with infarction had abnormal scans, with areas of decreased density in a vascular distribution. Pitfalls in the diagnosis of infarction were (1) initially normal CT scans that changed to abnormal after 48 hours, and (2) mass effect of infarction leading to misdiagnosis of brain tumor. Serial studies eliminated both pitfalls. Intracerebral hemorrhages had a distinctive high density appearance. In 43 percent of patients whose scans showed hemorrhage, the clinical diagnosis was thrombosis. Many did not have symptoms, signs, or outcome of cerebral hemorrhage, and the diagnosis would not have been suspect were it not for the CT scan.", "PMID": 986583} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2047", "title": "Further observations on carbamazepine plasma levels in epileptic patients. Relationships with therapeutic and side effects.", "content": "Plasma levels of carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital were monitored weekly over a period of 9 weeks in 20 epileptic patients unresponsive to treatment. No attempts were made to modify phenytoin and/or phenobarbital plasma levels; emphasis was on achieving carbamazepine plasma levels of 4 to 10 mug per milliliter. A remarkable drop in seizure frequency was attained within 2 to 3 weeks of monitoring, with carbamazepine plasma and concentrations within the desired range. Children disposed of the drug faster than adults. No effects of phenytoin and phenobarbital on carbamazepine plasma levels could be observed, while phenobarbital on carbamazepine plasma levels fluctuated remarkably without any relationship to carbamazepine levels. Transient leukopenia was present in most of the patients, while a significant reversible drop in red blood cells was observed in eight patients. The data reported confirm that with a careful monitoring of drug plasma levels, carbamazepine may exert a definite passive effect on seizure frequency in epileptic patients poorly responsive to therapy.", "contents": "Further observations on carbamazepine plasma levels in epileptic patients. Relationships with therapeutic and side effects. Plasma levels of carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital were monitored weekly over a period of 9 weeks in 20 epileptic patients unresponsive to treatment. No attempts were made to modify phenytoin and/or phenobarbital plasma levels; emphasis was on achieving carbamazepine plasma levels of 4 to 10 mug per milliliter. A remarkable drop in seizure frequency was attained within 2 to 3 weeks of monitoring, with carbamazepine plasma and concentrations within the desired range. Children disposed of the drug faster than adults. No effects of phenytoin and phenobarbital on carbamazepine plasma levels could be observed, while phenobarbital on carbamazepine plasma levels fluctuated remarkably without any relationship to carbamazepine levels. Transient leukopenia was present in most of the patients, while a significant reversible drop in red blood cells was observed in eight patients. The data reported confirm that with a careful monitoring of drug plasma levels, carbamazepine may exert a definite passive effect on seizure frequency in epileptic patients poorly responsive to therapy.", "PMID": 986584} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2048", "title": "Guanidine and germine in Eaton-Lambert syndrome.", "content": "A 43-year-old man with Eaton-Lambert syndrome developed chronic interstitial nephritis after 4 years of guanidine hydrochloride therapy. The diagnosis of Eaton-Lambert syndrome was confirmed by clinical neurophysiologic studies and by intracellular electrode studies of end-plate potentials from an intercostal muscle biopsy. Because guanidine had toxic effects in this patient, an alternative form of therapy was tried. Germine-3-acetate (500 mg per day orally) resulted in clinical and electric improvement of the myasthenic syndrome. However, the sensory side effects of numbness of the limbs and unpleasant taste were sufficiently annoying that germine was discontinued.", "contents": "Guanidine and germine in Eaton-Lambert syndrome. A 43-year-old man with Eaton-Lambert syndrome developed chronic interstitial nephritis after 4 years of guanidine hydrochloride therapy. The diagnosis of Eaton-Lambert syndrome was confirmed by clinical neurophysiologic studies and by intracellular electrode studies of end-plate potentials from an intercostal muscle biopsy. Because guanidine had toxic effects in this patient, an alternative form of therapy was tried. Germine-3-acetate (500 mg per day orally) resulted in clinical and electric improvement of the myasthenic syndrome. However, the sensory side effects of numbness of the limbs and unpleasant taste were sufficiently annoying that germine was discontinued.", "PMID": 986585} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2049", "title": "Neuropathologic changes in ataxia-telangiectasia.", "content": "The neuropathologic findings in a 17-year-old boy with ataxia-telangiectasia are described. In agreement with previous reports, pathologic changes were present in the cerebellum, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, and straited muscle. The lesions in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were more severe than previously described. Abnormalities were also seen in several brain stem nuclei, including the mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminus and the substantia nigra. In addition, a small hamartomatous tumor was found in that thalamus.", "contents": "Neuropathologic changes in ataxia-telangiectasia. The neuropathologic findings in a 17-year-old boy with ataxia-telangiectasia are described. In agreement with previous reports, pathologic changes were present in the cerebellum, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, and straited muscle. The lesions in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were more severe than previously described. Abnormalities were also seen in several brain stem nuclei, including the mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminus and the substantia nigra. In addition, a small hamartomatous tumor was found in that thalamus.", "PMID": 986586} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2050", "title": "Imipramine-serotonin induced myopathy.", "content": "Imipramine and serotonin (5-HT) were used to produce a myopathy in rats. Imipramine was used to stimulate a defect in transport of 5-HT observed in the platelets of Duchenne's dystrophy patients. The most effective dosage schedule was imipramine, 10 mg per kilogram, for 7 days followed by 5-HT, 100 mg per kilogram, 6 hours after the final imipramine dose. A single series of injections produced focal groups of necrotic and regenerating muscle fibers. In some rats, multiple series of injections resulted in a chronic myopathy with a predilection for proximal muscles, particularly quadriceps. In addition to skeletal muscle lesions, focal areas of myocardial damage were seen. The affected rats had a marked elevation of plasma creatine phosphokinase (including MB isoenzyme), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and lactic dehydrogenase. Femoral nerve section did not affect the development of muscle lesions.", "contents": "Imipramine-serotonin induced myopathy. Imipramine and serotonin (5-HT) were used to produce a myopathy in rats. Imipramine was used to stimulate a defect in transport of 5-HT observed in the platelets of Duchenne's dystrophy patients. The most effective dosage schedule was imipramine, 10 mg per kilogram, for 7 days followed by 5-HT, 100 mg per kilogram, 6 hours after the final imipramine dose. A single series of injections produced focal groups of necrotic and regenerating muscle fibers. In some rats, multiple series of injections resulted in a chronic myopathy with a predilection for proximal muscles, particularly quadriceps. In addition to skeletal muscle lesions, focal areas of myocardial damage were seen. The affected rats had a marked elevation of plasma creatine phosphokinase (including MB isoenzyme), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and lactic dehydrogenase. Femoral nerve section did not affect the development of muscle lesions.", "PMID": 986587} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2051", "title": "Effects of neonatal status epilepticus on rat brain development.", "content": "A single, 2-hour episode of status epilepticus induced by flurothyl (1,500 mul) in 4-day-old rats irreversibly curtailed brain weight and brain DNA. Status epilepticus inhibited DNA synthesis but did not increase DNA breakdown and produced no histologic lesions. Rats with status epilepticus showed delayed behavioral milestones and reduced seizure thresholds several weeks after status. After milder convulsions (flurothyl 750 mul, bicuculline), brain DNA was curtailed at 7 days but returned to normal at 30 days. These results suggest that, in the immature brain, epileptic seizures too mild to cause cell necrosis can inhibit DNA synthesis and permanently curtail brain DNA content. This may account for the great vulnerability of the immature brain to epileptic seizures.", "contents": "Effects of neonatal status epilepticus on rat brain development. A single, 2-hour episode of status epilepticus induced by flurothyl (1,500 mul) in 4-day-old rats irreversibly curtailed brain weight and brain DNA. Status epilepticus inhibited DNA synthesis but did not increase DNA breakdown and produced no histologic lesions. Rats with status epilepticus showed delayed behavioral milestones and reduced seizure thresholds several weeks after status. After milder convulsions (flurothyl 750 mul, bicuculline), brain DNA was curtailed at 7 days but returned to normal at 30 days. These results suggest that, in the immature brain, epileptic seizures too mild to cause cell necrosis can inhibit DNA synthesis and permanently curtail brain DNA content. This may account for the great vulnerability of the immature brain to epileptic seizures.", "PMID": 986588} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2052", "title": "PSROs, the medical profession, and the public interest.", "content": "The federal legislation mandating Professional Standards Review Organizations to monitor the decision making of physicians regarding their patients is a method unique to the United States to control medical care costs according to prevailing professional criteria. Other countries, so far, depend largely on health service structures, reimbursement methods, and arbitrary government budget limitations. Our dislike of highly structured delivery systems has pragmatically moved us in the direction of monitoring diagnostic and therapeutic decision making. PSRO is mandated at a time when there is no systematic methodology with validated criteria for monitoring medical practice. This will likely lead to subtle sabotage of PSRO by the medical profession justified by quality standards which are the professions' prerogative. It is conceivable that quality standards will rise and, therefore, costs. The drive for monitoring physician decision making is understandable even when there is no methodology. It then behooves medical schools to conduct research on methodologies of monitoring services, a possible favorable side-effect of the legislation. An unfavorable side-effect may likely be that the criteria will be based exclusively on technical medical considerations and ignore the personal and social attributes of patients which should affect the decision making of physicians. Medicine will then become even more technocratic than it is now. All countries are converging at various degrees of intensity in establishing planned limits to expansion, examining possibilities of monitoring physician decision making and capping this off with arbitrary budget ceilings. The state of the art of health services management appears to permit no other recourse.", "contents": "PSROs, the medical profession, and the public interest. The federal legislation mandating Professional Standards Review Organizations to monitor the decision making of physicians regarding their patients is a method unique to the United States to control medical care costs according to prevailing professional criteria. Other countries, so far, depend largely on health service structures, reimbursement methods, and arbitrary government budget limitations. Our dislike of highly structured delivery systems has pragmatically moved us in the direction of monitoring diagnostic and therapeutic decision making. PSRO is mandated at a time when there is no systematic methodology with validated criteria for monitoring medical practice. This will likely lead to subtle sabotage of PSRO by the medical profession justified by quality standards which are the professions' prerogative. It is conceivable that quality standards will rise and, therefore, costs. The drive for monitoring physician decision making is understandable even when there is no methodology. It then behooves medical schools to conduct research on methodologies of monitoring services, a possible favorable side-effect of the legislation. An unfavorable side-effect may likely be that the criteria will be based exclusively on technical medical considerations and ignore the personal and social attributes of patients which should affect the decision making of physicians. Medicine will then become even more technocratic than it is now. All countries are converging at various degrees of intensity in establishing planned limits to expansion, examining possibilities of monitoring physician decision making and capping this off with arbitrary budget ceilings. The state of the art of health services management appears to permit no other recourse.", "PMID": 986589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2053", "title": "Influence of maternal dietary gamma-linolenic acid on the milk and liver lipids of suckling rats.", "content": "In lactating rats, the dietary essential fatty acids influence the composition of the milk. Feeding gamma-linolenic acid increased not only the level of this acid but also that of the 20 and 22 carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from it, both in the milk and the liver triglyceride lipids of the suckling pups. Maternal nutrition, therefore, would play an important role in providing these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids during the active phase of growth in the rat.", "contents": "Influence of maternal dietary gamma-linolenic acid on the milk and liver lipids of suckling rats. In lactating rats, the dietary essential fatty acids influence the composition of the milk. Feeding gamma-linolenic acid increased not only the level of this acid but also that of the 20 and 22 carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from it, both in the milk and the liver triglyceride lipids of the suckling pups. Maternal nutrition, therefore, would play an important role in providing these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids during the active phase of growth in the rat.", "PMID": 986590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2054", "title": "Further vision deterioration after argon laser photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy.", "content": "Out of 222 eyes with diabetic retinopathy, observed during a period of 6-42 months after argon laser photocoagulation, 66 (30%) became worse. The most common complication was a fast increase of previous existing macular oedema due to extensive and heavy macular treatment. Another complication was an increase of the neovascularisation due to the inadequate treatment of avascular zones and heavy-leaking areas and to the growth of the neovascular tuft after the feeder vessel technique without previous peripheral ablation. Retinal and vitreal haemorrhages were frequent in this group. Fibrous tissue formation and vascular pseudopapillitis were less frequent complications. Large coagulations outside the macular area (peripheral ablation) are necessary to destroy the zones of borderline nutritional supply, which probably are closely related to the new vessel formation. The feeder vessel technique must not be used without a peripheral ablation although it may be of great help in destroying prepapillary or large neovascularisation.", "contents": "Further vision deterioration after argon laser photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy. Out of 222 eyes with diabetic retinopathy, observed during a period of 6-42 months after argon laser photocoagulation, 66 (30%) became worse. The most common complication was a fast increase of previous existing macular oedema due to extensive and heavy macular treatment. Another complication was an increase of the neovascularisation due to the inadequate treatment of avascular zones and heavy-leaking areas and to the growth of the neovascular tuft after the feeder vessel technique without previous peripheral ablation. Retinal and vitreal haemorrhages were frequent in this group. Fibrous tissue formation and vascular pseudopapillitis were less frequent complications. Large coagulations outside the macular area (peripheral ablation) are necessary to destroy the zones of borderline nutritional supply, which probably are closely related to the new vessel formation. The feeder vessel technique must not be used without a peripheral ablation although it may be of great help in destroying prepapillary or large neovascularisation.", "PMID": 986599} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2055", "title": "Differential thermosensitivity and electric prepolarization of the ampullae of Lorenzini.", "content": "In a single-fibre preparations the afferent discharges from prepolarized ampullae of Lorenzini responding to graded temperature steps were investigated in the dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula). The transformation characteristics of the ampullary receptors, especially their differential thermosensitivity interfering with electrosensitivity, were analyzed. Prepolarization significantly influenced the dynamic component of differential thermosensitivity, while the static component remained practically unchanged. Hyperpolarization reduced positive and negative dynamic thermal responses; depolarization amplified them. Biological consequences of this bimodal interference for receptor transformation of superimposed thermal and electric stimuli and for decoding afferent ampullary impulse patterns are discussed.", "contents": "Differential thermosensitivity and electric prepolarization of the ampullae of Lorenzini. In a single-fibre preparations the afferent discharges from prepolarized ampullae of Lorenzini responding to graded temperature steps were investigated in the dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula). The transformation characteristics of the ampullary receptors, especially their differential thermosensitivity interfering with electrosensitivity, were analyzed. Prepolarization significantly influenced the dynamic component of differential thermosensitivity, while the static component remained practically unchanged. Hyperpolarization reduced positive and negative dynamic thermal responses; depolarization amplified them. Biological consequences of this bimodal interference for receptor transformation of superimposed thermal and electric stimuli and for decoding afferent ampullary impulse patterns are discussed.", "PMID": 986605} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2056", "title": "A comparative study of the effects of norepinephrine and vasopressin on Na transport and O2 consumption in frog skin.", "content": "Experiments were designed to compare the effects of two hormones-vasopressin and norepinephrine-on the energetics of Na transport in frog skin. Simultaneous measurements of O2 consumption and net Na flux were performed in the same skins by means of O2 cathodes and the short circuit current technique. The results showed that both hormones induced similar increments in Na transport. In contrast, there was a conspicuous difference in O2 consumption values, norepinephrine having a very small stimulatory effect compared to the one induced by vasopressin. Thus, despite the fact that both hormones increase Na permeability of frog skin by similar mechanisms and to a similar extent, they appear to exert very different effects on cell metabolism.", "contents": "A comparative study of the effects of norepinephrine and vasopressin on Na transport and O2 consumption in frog skin. Experiments were designed to compare the effects of two hormones-vasopressin and norepinephrine-on the energetics of Na transport in frog skin. Simultaneous measurements of O2 consumption and net Na flux were performed in the same skins by means of O2 cathodes and the short circuit current technique. The results showed that both hormones induced similar increments in Na transport. In contrast, there was a conspicuous difference in O2 consumption values, norepinephrine having a very small stimulatory effect compared to the one induced by vasopressin. Thus, despite the fact that both hormones increase Na permeability of frog skin by similar mechanisms and to a similar extent, they appear to exert very different effects on cell metabolism.", "PMID": 986606} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2057", "title": "Hydrostatic pressures within the vascular structures of the rat kidney.", "content": "The pressure conditions at the distal end of the interlobular arteries and in the interlobular veins were investigated from the pressures obtained in superficial small arteries and veins, accidentally found on the kidney surface, during the subsequent blockade of the blood stream in the down-stream and up-stream direction, respectively. The results suggested a hydrostatic pressure in the distal end of the interlobular arteries of about 85 mm Hg under normotensive conditions-a pressure which remained fairly constant when the perfusion pressure in the renal artery was decreased within the autoregulation range. The results indicate a considerable pressure drop of about 40 mm Hg along the interlobular arteries. During hypotension this pressure drop decreased, implying a decreased resistance in the interlobular arteries, i.e. a typical autoregulative response. The pressure in the interlobular veins amounted to about 5 mm Hg, which is a few mm Hg higher than that in the renal vein and about 7 mm lower than that in the peritubular capillary network. The results suggest a flow resistance located somewhere between the peritubular capillaries and the intrarenal veins. This resistance is not influenced by vasoactive substances but it is decreased when the systemic venous pressure is raised above 10 mm Hg. The resistance seems to act in the direction of protecting the peritubular capillaries from minor changes in the central venous pressure.", "contents": "Hydrostatic pressures within the vascular structures of the rat kidney. The pressure conditions at the distal end of the interlobular arteries and in the interlobular veins were investigated from the pressures obtained in superficial small arteries and veins, accidentally found on the kidney surface, during the subsequent blockade of the blood stream in the down-stream and up-stream direction, respectively. The results suggested a hydrostatic pressure in the distal end of the interlobular arteries of about 85 mm Hg under normotensive conditions-a pressure which remained fairly constant when the perfusion pressure in the renal artery was decreased within the autoregulation range. The results indicate a considerable pressure drop of about 40 mm Hg along the interlobular arteries. During hypotension this pressure drop decreased, implying a decreased resistance in the interlobular arteries, i.e. a typical autoregulative response. The pressure in the interlobular veins amounted to about 5 mm Hg, which is a few mm Hg higher than that in the renal vein and about 7 mm lower than that in the peritubular capillary network. The results suggest a flow resistance located somewhere between the peritubular capillaries and the intrarenal veins. This resistance is not influenced by vasoactive substances but it is decreased when the systemic venous pressure is raised above 10 mm Hg. The resistance seems to act in the direction of protecting the peritubular capillaries from minor changes in the central venous pressure.", "PMID": 986607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2058", "title": "[Development of the preimaginal phases of the flea, Ctenophthalmus wladimiri Is.-Gurv., 1948].", "content": "The time required for the development and survival rate of preimaginal phases of C. wladimiri were studied. Experiments were conducted at a temperature from 0 degrees to 30 degrees C and relative air humidity from 60 to 100%. Temperatures between 18 degrees and 30 degrees C and humidity between 90 and 100% are most favourable for the complete developmental cycle of these insects; imagos hatched under these conditions accounted for 9 to 46% of eggs used in experiments.", "contents": "[Development of the preimaginal phases of the flea, Ctenophthalmus wladimiri Is.-Gurv., 1948]. The time required for the development and survival rate of preimaginal phases of C. wladimiri were studied. Experiments were conducted at a temperature from 0 degrees to 30 degrees C and relative air humidity from 60 to 100%. Temperatures between 18 degrees and 30 degrees C and humidity between 90 and 100% are most favourable for the complete developmental cycle of these insects; imagos hatched under these conditions accounted for 9 to 46% of eggs used in experiments.", "PMID": 986603} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2059", "title": "Is the chemomechanical energy transformation reversible?", "content": "In glycerol-extracted insect fibrillar muscle suspended in ATP salt solution the incorporation of 32Pi into ATP was studied during the performance of positive or negative oscillatory work and under a variety of mechanical and ionic conditions. An increase in calcium ion concentration from 10(-8)--10(-5) M increased the incorporation rate in proportion to the increase in ATPase activity, mean tension and immediate stiffness, which is a measure of the extent of actin-myosin interaction. Sinusoidal stretches (at 1% Lo) performed at 5 Hz induced the fibres to perform optimal positive oscillatory work and it caused a doubling of the incorporation rate (ant ATPase activity). A decrease or increase of the frequency below or above the optimum of 5 Hz always decreased the power output as well as the incorporation rate which, however, was still noticeable even under conditions where work was done on the fibres. A similar frequency dependence was found when square-wave rather than sinusoidal stretches were applied and this effect could be related to the finding that the rate of stretch-induced incorporation was highest shortly after stretching and then declined to low values (after about 100 ms). These results suggest the formation of an energy-rich intermediate (actomyosin-ADP?) during the contraction process induced by stretching and this intermediate must be assumed to accumulate transiently after stretching.", "contents": "Is the chemomechanical energy transformation reversible? In glycerol-extracted insect fibrillar muscle suspended in ATP salt solution the incorporation of 32Pi into ATP was studied during the performance of positive or negative oscillatory work and under a variety of mechanical and ionic conditions. An increase in calcium ion concentration from 10(-8)--10(-5) M increased the incorporation rate in proportion to the increase in ATPase activity, mean tension and immediate stiffness, which is a measure of the extent of actin-myosin interaction. Sinusoidal stretches (at 1% Lo) performed at 5 Hz induced the fibres to perform optimal positive oscillatory work and it caused a doubling of the incorporation rate (ant ATPase activity). A decrease or increase of the frequency below or above the optimum of 5 Hz always decreased the power output as well as the incorporation rate which, however, was still noticeable even under conditions where work was done on the fibres. A similar frequency dependence was found when square-wave rather than sinusoidal stretches were applied and this effect could be related to the finding that the rate of stretch-induced incorporation was highest shortly after stretching and then declined to low values (after about 100 ms). These results suggest the formation of an energy-rich intermediate (actomyosin-ADP?) during the contraction process induced by stretching and this intermediate must be assumed to accumulate transiently after stretching.", "PMID": 986608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2060", "title": "[Pathological changes in fleas caused by the action of Bacillus thuringiensis exotoxin].", "content": "Pathogenic effect of the crystalline exotoxine of Bacillus thuringiensis on the larvae of fleas was investigated. Deformities and changes in the functions of organs and tissues caused by the exotoxin in larvae and imago developed from the latter result in the premature death of the individuals (to 100%) or in the sterility of the remaining fleas.", "contents": "[Pathological changes in fleas caused by the action of Bacillus thuringiensis exotoxin]. Pathogenic effect of the crystalline exotoxine of Bacillus thuringiensis on the larvae of fleas was investigated. Deformities and changes in the functions of organs and tissues caused by the exotoxin in larvae and imago developed from the latter result in the premature death of the individuals (to 100%) or in the sterility of the remaining fleas.", "PMID": 986601} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2061", "title": "Adipose tissue blood flow during prolonged, heavy exercise.", "content": "Subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF) was examined in 8 subjects during 6 h exercise on a bicycle ergometer. The initial work load was 118 W corresponding to about 50% of maximal work capacity. The oxygen uptake increased from 0.261 - min-1 at rest to about 1.61-min-1 during work. In 7 subjects ATBF increased, in 1 it remained constant. After 3 h exercise ATBF at an average reached values 3--4 times the control value. This increase was maintained for the remaining work periods. The increase was significant at the 5% level. Plasma free fatty acids increased 7-, plasma glycerol 10-fold during work.", "contents": "Adipose tissue blood flow during prolonged, heavy exercise. Subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF) was examined in 8 subjects during 6 h exercise on a bicycle ergometer. The initial work load was 118 W corresponding to about 50% of maximal work capacity. The oxygen uptake increased from 0.261 - min-1 at rest to about 1.61-min-1 during work. In 7 subjects ATBF increased, in 1 it remained constant. After 3 h exercise ATBF at an average reached values 3--4 times the control value. This increase was maintained for the remaining work periods. The increase was significant at the 5% level. Plasma free fatty acids increased 7-, plasma glycerol 10-fold during work.", "PMID": 986609} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2062", "title": "Body temperature and adrenal function in heat-exposed hypothalamic disconnected rats.", "content": "The effects of hypothalamic disconnection on body temperature and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal activity following acute and repeated exposures to heat were studied. Intact male rats, or animals with complete posterior or anterior hypothalamic disconnection, were exposed to a temperature of 36 degrees C and a relative humidity of 35-45%. In the complete posterior and anterior hypothalamic disconnected rats the basal Tre was higher than that of the intact rats; the rise in Tre following heat exposure was lower in the operated rats than in the intact animals. All the experimental animals, except for those with anterior hypothalamic disconnection, showed a significant inhibition of corticosterone release on exposure to heat for 30 min, but no inhibition was observed in any of the disconnected rats when they were exposed to heat for 120 min. These results suggest that the main stimulus for ACTH release, during the first 30 min of heat exposure, is mediated by a neural input through the posteroir hypothalamus and this is followed by a nerural and/or humoral mechanism which enables the animals to increase their corticosterone secretion.", "contents": "Body temperature and adrenal function in heat-exposed hypothalamic disconnected rats. The effects of hypothalamic disconnection on body temperature and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal activity following acute and repeated exposures to heat were studied. Intact male rats, or animals with complete posterior or anterior hypothalamic disconnection, were exposed to a temperature of 36 degrees C and a relative humidity of 35-45%. In the complete posterior and anterior hypothalamic disconnected rats the basal Tre was higher than that of the intact rats; the rise in Tre following heat exposure was lower in the operated rats than in the intact animals. All the experimental animals, except for those with anterior hypothalamic disconnection, showed a significant inhibition of corticosterone release on exposure to heat for 30 min, but no inhibition was observed in any of the disconnected rats when they were exposed to heat for 120 min. These results suggest that the main stimulus for ACTH release, during the first 30 min of heat exposure, is mediated by a neural input through the posteroir hypothalamus and this is followed by a nerural and/or humoral mechanism which enables the animals to increase their corticosterone secretion.", "PMID": 986610} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2063", "title": "Interactions between carotid sinus mechanoreceptor and chemoreceptor reflex loops.", "content": "Our experiments were designed to evaluate the combined influence of the mechanoreceptor and chemoreceptor control loops on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Both carotid sinus areas were isolated by a complete blind sac preparation in chloralose anesthetized dogs in which a flow probe had been implanted previously on the ascending aorta. The following variables were continuously monitored: central aortic pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, vascular resistance of a hind limb, tidal volume, respiratory rate, and oxygen consumption. While one sinus was submitted to step changes of pressure, the opposite sinus was kept at constant mean pressure. In addition, one sinus was perfused with either oxygenated of deoxygenated blood at constant flow rate. These studies show a definite interaction between the control loops initiated by the carotid sinus mechanoreceptors and those initiated by the chemoreceptors. The influence of the chemoreceptors is most marked in the peripheral beds, where it shifts the whole response curve of the mechanoreceptor control loop upward. This response accounts for most of the upward shift of the pressure response curve. On the other hand, the mechanoreceptor loop affects the ventilation, but this effect is range dependent, being most marked for the low pressure perfusion of the carotid sinus.", "contents": "Interactions between carotid sinus mechanoreceptor and chemoreceptor reflex loops. Our experiments were designed to evaluate the combined influence of the mechanoreceptor and chemoreceptor control loops on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Both carotid sinus areas were isolated by a complete blind sac preparation in chloralose anesthetized dogs in which a flow probe had been implanted previously on the ascending aorta. The following variables were continuously monitored: central aortic pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, vascular resistance of a hind limb, tidal volume, respiratory rate, and oxygen consumption. While one sinus was submitted to step changes of pressure, the opposite sinus was kept at constant mean pressure. In addition, one sinus was perfused with either oxygenated of deoxygenated blood at constant flow rate. These studies show a definite interaction between the control loops initiated by the carotid sinus mechanoreceptors and those initiated by the chemoreceptors. The influence of the chemoreceptors is most marked in the peripheral beds, where it shifts the whole response curve of the mechanoreceptor control loop upward. This response accounts for most of the upward shift of the pressure response curve. On the other hand, the mechanoreceptor loop affects the ventilation, but this effect is range dependent, being most marked for the low pressure perfusion of the carotid sinus.", "PMID": 986611} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2064", "title": "[Effect of the temperature regimen on the kinetic and thermodynamic functions of the enzyme urease in the helminths of warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals].", "content": "The determination of the constant of the urea fission rate and study of the temperature dependence (activation energy) of the urease activity on warm- and cold-blooded animals in Ascaris suum and Contracaecum aduncum were undertaken. It has been shown that the constant of the urea fission rate in C. aduncum is more than an order of magnitude higher than that in A. suum. At a temperature of 17 degrees the rate of this process in C. aduncum changes but little while in A. suum it practically ceases. On the contrary, at 47 degrees the urease ferment activity in A. suum increases considerably while in C. aduncum the process rate does not rise as compared to that at 37 degrees. The subsequent calculations of the energy activation have shown that a certain adaptation to definite conditions of ferments functioning can take place.", "contents": "[Effect of the temperature regimen on the kinetic and thermodynamic functions of the enzyme urease in the helminths of warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals]. The determination of the constant of the urea fission rate and study of the temperature dependence (activation energy) of the urease activity on warm- and cold-blooded animals in Ascaris suum and Contracaecum aduncum were undertaken. It has been shown that the constant of the urea fission rate in C. aduncum is more than an order of magnitude higher than that in A. suum. At a temperature of 17 degrees the rate of this process in C. aduncum changes but little while in A. suum it practically ceases. On the contrary, at 47 degrees the urease ferment activity in A. suum increases considerably while in C. aduncum the process rate does not rise as compared to that at 37 degrees. The subsequent calculations of the energy activation have shown that a certain adaptation to definite conditions of ferments functioning can take place.", "PMID": 986602} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2065", "title": "Method for the analysis of the entrainment between heart rate and ventilation rate.", "content": "A digital computer program was developed which allows to continuously represent the relation between heart rate and ventilation rate. Using this program, experiments in anesthetized rabbits were performed. We found periods of synchronization, periods of transient entrainment and escape, and periods of complete desynchronization. By testing the respective roles for the entrainment mechanism of ventilation rate and heart rate it was found that spontaneous adjustments of the ventilation rate play a more pronounced role. Thus, as soon as spontaneous or induced variations of the heart rate and/or the ventilation rate shift both rhythms close to synchronization, variations of the ventilation pattern, which seem to be of reflex nature, tend to induce entrainment.", "contents": "Method for the analysis of the entrainment between heart rate and ventilation rate. A digital computer program was developed which allows to continuously represent the relation between heart rate and ventilation rate. Using this program, experiments in anesthetized rabbits were performed. We found periods of synchronization, periods of transient entrainment and escape, and periods of complete desynchronization. By testing the respective roles for the entrainment mechanism of ventilation rate and heart rate it was found that spontaneous adjustments of the ventilation rate play a more pronounced role. Thus, as soon as spontaneous or induced variations of the heart rate and/or the ventilation rate shift both rhythms close to synchronization, variations of the ventilation pattern, which seem to be of reflex nature, tend to induce entrainment.", "PMID": 986612} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2066", "title": "Effect of central thermal stimulation on the thermoregulatory behavior of the pigeon.", "content": "Pigeons, trained to work for cooling reinforcement under an ambient heat load, were centrally thermostinulated. Warming the spinal cord and/or the rostral brain stem led to an increase in response rate, while cooling produced a reduction in response rate.", "contents": "Effect of central thermal stimulation on the thermoregulatory behavior of the pigeon. Pigeons, trained to work for cooling reinforcement under an ambient heat load, were centrally thermostinulated. Warming the spinal cord and/or the rostral brain stem led to an increase in response rate, while cooling produced a reduction in response rate.", "PMID": 986613} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2067", "title": "Simultaneous recording of circular and longitudinal muscle contractions of the canine jejunum.", "content": "A method has been developed for monitoring the mechanical activities of individual longitudinal and circular muscles in a 5 millimeters long segment of intact intestine in the anesthetized dog. The longitudinal contractions were recorded by means of a new movement transducer. The circular contractions were recorded simultaneously using a water-filled intraluminal balloon. A precise separation of longitudinal and circular motor activities was obtained with this method. The two muscle layers manifested motor activity most of the time, but their contractions were out of phase. Phase locking was observed only during short periods of time. The contractions were then sequential, the circular one being first.", "contents": "Simultaneous recording of circular and longitudinal muscle contractions of the canine jejunum. A method has been developed for monitoring the mechanical activities of individual longitudinal and circular muscles in a 5 millimeters long segment of intact intestine in the anesthetized dog. The longitudinal contractions were recorded by means of a new movement transducer. The circular contractions were recorded simultaneously using a water-filled intraluminal balloon. A precise separation of longitudinal and circular motor activities was obtained with this method. The two muscle layers manifested motor activity most of the time, but their contractions were out of phase. Phase locking was observed only during short periods of time. The contractions were then sequential, the circular one being first.", "PMID": 986614} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2068", "title": "Changes in respiratory frequency and end-expiratory volume accompanying augmented breaths in cats.", "content": "We have studied the pattern of breathing before, during and after augmented breaths in spontaneously breathing, anesthetized cats with the larynx both in and out of the breathing circuit. Following augmented breaths we consistently observed increases in end-expiratory lung volume (EEV), end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure, dynamic lung compliance and respiratory frequency. These changes were of similar magnitude whether the larynx was in or out of circiut and were uninfluenced by section of the superior laryngeal nerves. Laryngeal resistance, measured under constant flow conditions with the larynx removed from the breathing circuit, showed an exaggerated inspiratory decrease during augmented breaths. Passive lung inflations, performed so as to mimic the pattern of augmented breaths, increased dynamic lung compliance but did not elicit changes in EEV or respiratory frequency. The results indicate that the increase in EEV cannot be attributed to increased lung compliance but results from a change in end-expiratory respiratory muscle tone. This change, and the change in respiratory frequency appear to be part of a reflexly evoked central response that includes the augmented breath itself. The larynx participates in the augmented breath, but its mechanical importance is small.", "contents": "Changes in respiratory frequency and end-expiratory volume accompanying augmented breaths in cats. We have studied the pattern of breathing before, during and after augmented breaths in spontaneously breathing, anesthetized cats with the larynx both in and out of the breathing circuit. Following augmented breaths we consistently observed increases in end-expiratory lung volume (EEV), end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure, dynamic lung compliance and respiratory frequency. These changes were of similar magnitude whether the larynx was in or out of circiut and were uninfluenced by section of the superior laryngeal nerves. Laryngeal resistance, measured under constant flow conditions with the larynx removed from the breathing circuit, showed an exaggerated inspiratory decrease during augmented breaths. Passive lung inflations, performed so as to mimic the pattern of augmented breaths, increased dynamic lung compliance but did not elicit changes in EEV or respiratory frequency. The results indicate that the increase in EEV cannot be attributed to increased lung compliance but results from a change in end-expiratory respiratory muscle tone. This change, and the change in respiratory frequency appear to be part of a reflexly evoked central response that includes the augmented breath itself. The larynx participates in the augmented breath, but its mechanical importance is small.", "PMID": 986615} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2069", "title": "Intraluminal pressure of the small intestine of the unanesthetized dog.", "content": "Intraluminal pressure recordings have been performed in 14 unanesthetized dogs via a Mann-Bollman fistula by means of an air-filled balloon catheter system and a water-filled catheter system. The dynamic response is adequate for studying intraluminal pressures of the small intestine. Resting pressures in the proximal, middle and distal jejunum averaged approximately 6 mm Hg above atmosphere and no appreciable differences were noted between the different areas. The contraction time of simple, monophasic waves was fairly constant (approximately 1.0 s in duration) and usually unrelated to amplitude of the wave. Propulsion of intraluminal contents occurred in the absence of complex (type III) waves. A pressure wave in a proximal segment of jejunum was temporally related to a wave occurring 5 cm distally. The mean intervals between the proximal and distal contractions were: 0.42 s in the proximal jejunum; 0.74 s in the middle jejunum; 1.56 s in the distal jejunum; 2.79 s in the ileum. These time lags have a log normal distribution. The length of the physiologic segment in the jejunum of the dog varied from 1.0-8.0 cm and was usually 2-4 cm.", "contents": "Intraluminal pressure of the small intestine of the unanesthetized dog. Intraluminal pressure recordings have been performed in 14 unanesthetized dogs via a Mann-Bollman fistula by means of an air-filled balloon catheter system and a water-filled catheter system. The dynamic response is adequate for studying intraluminal pressures of the small intestine. Resting pressures in the proximal, middle and distal jejunum averaged approximately 6 mm Hg above atmosphere and no appreciable differences were noted between the different areas. The contraction time of simple, monophasic waves was fairly constant (approximately 1.0 s in duration) and usually unrelated to amplitude of the wave. Propulsion of intraluminal contents occurred in the absence of complex (type III) waves. A pressure wave in a proximal segment of jejunum was temporally related to a wave occurring 5 cm distally. The mean intervals between the proximal and distal contractions were: 0.42 s in the proximal jejunum; 0.74 s in the middle jejunum; 1.56 s in the distal jejunum; 2.79 s in the ileum. These time lags have a log normal distribution. The length of the physiologic segment in the jejunum of the dog varied from 1.0-8.0 cm and was usually 2-4 cm.", "PMID": 986616} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2070", "title": "Membrane currents in the rabbit sinoatrial node cell as studied by the double microelectrode method.", "content": "When a strand of the rabbit sinoatrial node tissue was shortened by ligation, the spatial decay of electrotonic potential decreased and the input impedance increased. In a piece of the tissue 0.2-0.3 mm in diameter apparently uniform current spread was obtained. Action potentials recorded from three different sites in this small piece occurred simultaneously and were superimposable. In voltage clamp experiments using the double microelectrode method, the membrane potential was usually held at -30 to -40 mV, where no net current flowed. When membrane potential was suddenly changed from the holding potential, the sign and the time course of the ionic current varied with membrane potential. Hyperpolarization gave an inward current which increased with time. Depolarization gave a transient inward current followed by sustained outward current, and repolarization gave an outward current tail which exponentially subsided with a time constant of 0.37 s. The membrane time constant was 12.0 ms. When the specific membrane capacitance was assumed to be 1 muF/cm2, the specific membrane resistance at the resting potential was 12 Komega cm2. The peak of the transient inward current on depolarization was 1.3 X 10(-5) A/cm2.", "contents": "Membrane currents in the rabbit sinoatrial node cell as studied by the double microelectrode method. When a strand of the rabbit sinoatrial node tissue was shortened by ligation, the spatial decay of electrotonic potential decreased and the input impedance increased. In a piece of the tissue 0.2-0.3 mm in diameter apparently uniform current spread was obtained. Action potentials recorded from three different sites in this small piece occurred simultaneously and were superimposable. In voltage clamp experiments using the double microelectrode method, the membrane potential was usually held at -30 to -40 mV, where no net current flowed. When membrane potential was suddenly changed from the holding potential, the sign and the time course of the ionic current varied with membrane potential. Hyperpolarization gave an inward current which increased with time. Depolarization gave a transient inward current followed by sustained outward current, and repolarization gave an outward current tail which exponentially subsided with a time constant of 0.37 s. The membrane time constant was 12.0 ms. When the specific membrane capacitance was assumed to be 1 muF/cm2, the specific membrane resistance at the resting potential was 12 Komega cm2. The peak of the transient inward current on depolarization was 1.3 X 10(-5) A/cm2.", "PMID": 986617} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2071", "title": "Renal control of intestinal sodium and water transport in the dog.", "content": "The influence of an intravenous infusion of saline on the absorption of water and sodium by the jejunum has been investigated in dogs previously submitted to sodium-rich or poor diets. While the net intestinal transport was reduced in sodium-loaded animals, no response was observed in the sodium-deprived dogs, despite identical changes in arterial pressure, intravascular volume and blood dilution indexes. The intestinal response of sodium-deprived dogs became positive after transplanting to their neck vessels the kidneys removed from sodium-loaded animals, thus demonstrating that the presence in the blood of a humoral message of renal origin is required to permit the inhibition of net transport. The difference of the responses depended on the variations of the mucosa-to-serosa unidirectional flux. The net potassium transport did not change significantly. The experimental conditions made unlikely an interference of mineralocorticosteroids, angiotensin or antidiuretic hormone. The present results suggest that the kidney might modulate sodium transport in the jejunum, and perhaps elsewhere in the body, by the way of an additional endocrine function.", "contents": "Renal control of intestinal sodium and water transport in the dog. The influence of an intravenous infusion of saline on the absorption of water and sodium by the jejunum has been investigated in dogs previously submitted to sodium-rich or poor diets. While the net intestinal transport was reduced in sodium-loaded animals, no response was observed in the sodium-deprived dogs, despite identical changes in arterial pressure, intravascular volume and blood dilution indexes. The intestinal response of sodium-deprived dogs became positive after transplanting to their neck vessels the kidneys removed from sodium-loaded animals, thus demonstrating that the presence in the blood of a humoral message of renal origin is required to permit the inhibition of net transport. The difference of the responses depended on the variations of the mucosa-to-serosa unidirectional flux. The net potassium transport did not change significantly. The experimental conditions made unlikely an interference of mineralocorticosteroids, angiotensin or antidiuretic hormone. The present results suggest that the kidney might modulate sodium transport in the jejunum, and perhaps elsewhere in the body, by the way of an additional endocrine function.", "PMID": 986618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2072", "title": "Renal test dyes IV. Intravital Fluorescence microscopy and microphotometry of the tubularly secreted dye sulfonefluorescein.", "content": "The present study describes for the first time the use of the fluorescent dye sulfonefluorescein for intravital microscopy and microphotometry on the renal surface of rats. With help of this dye tubular secretion can be observed in mammalian kidney in vivo. Tubular secretion can further be quantified with microphotometrical measurements. The molecular structure of sulfonefluorescein is closely related to phenol red, which is known for its tubular secretion. Clearance experiments also show a secretion of sulfonefluorescein. The secretion can be inhibited by probenecid. Ureter ligation causes a strong increase in tubular concentration of the dye. After a temporary ischemia dye accumulation in tubular lumen is greatly reduced.", "contents": "Renal test dyes IV. Intravital Fluorescence microscopy and microphotometry of the tubularly secreted dye sulfonefluorescein. The present study describes for the first time the use of the fluorescent dye sulfonefluorescein for intravital microscopy and microphotometry on the renal surface of rats. With help of this dye tubular secretion can be observed in mammalian kidney in vivo. Tubular secretion can further be quantified with microphotometrical measurements. The molecular structure of sulfonefluorescein is closely related to phenol red, which is known for its tubular secretion. Clearance experiments also show a secretion of sulfonefluorescein. The secretion can be inhibited by probenecid. Ureter ligation causes a strong increase in tubular concentration of the dye. After a temporary ischemia dye accumulation in tubular lumen is greatly reduced.", "PMID": 986619} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2073", "title": "Effects of electrical stimulation in the lower brainstem on temperature regulation in the unanaesthetized guinea-pig.", "content": "Electrical stimulation in lower brainstem areas presumed to be parts of the ascending noradrenergic system was carried out in the unanaesthetized guinea-pig. In the same animals noradrenaline (NA) was also injected into the anterior hypothalamus. Certain points in the lower brainstem were found, the stimulation of which resulted in a rise of oxygen uptake (more than 60% over the resting level), of body temperature and of electrical muscle activity at an ambient temperature of 29-30 degrees C. Respiratory rate also rose on stimulation, while heart rate did not show a consistent change. All these changes were found to be very similar to those obtained after an intrahypothalamic injection of NA. When the electrical stimulations at the same sites were repeated several times the extent of rise in oxygen uptake became gradually smaller, amounting to only half of the initial response after four periods of stimulation. An intrahypothalamic injection of NA restored the effectiveness of electrical stimulation in the lower brainstem to the original extent. These results suggest that the thermogenesis evoked by the electrical stimulation of these lower brainstem areas may be ascribed to the activation of ascending noradrenergic pathways terminating in the hypothalamus.", "contents": "Effects of electrical stimulation in the lower brainstem on temperature regulation in the unanaesthetized guinea-pig. Electrical stimulation in lower brainstem areas presumed to be parts of the ascending noradrenergic system was carried out in the unanaesthetized guinea-pig. In the same animals noradrenaline (NA) was also injected into the anterior hypothalamus. Certain points in the lower brainstem were found, the stimulation of which resulted in a rise of oxygen uptake (more than 60% over the resting level), of body temperature and of electrical muscle activity at an ambient temperature of 29-30 degrees C. Respiratory rate also rose on stimulation, while heart rate did not show a consistent change. All these changes were found to be very similar to those obtained after an intrahypothalamic injection of NA. When the electrical stimulations at the same sites were repeated several times the extent of rise in oxygen uptake became gradually smaller, amounting to only half of the initial response after four periods of stimulation. An intrahypothalamic injection of NA restored the effectiveness of electrical stimulation in the lower brainstem to the original extent. These results suggest that the thermogenesis evoked by the electrical stimulation of these lower brainstem areas may be ascribed to the activation of ascending noradrenergic pathways terminating in the hypothalamus.", "PMID": 986620} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2074", "title": "Changes in the blood supply of the gastrointestinal tract in rats with age.", "content": "Regional blood flow of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and cardiac output have been determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing from 30-726 g. The cardiac output (ml/min per kg) was highest in rats weighing 80-100 g. In heavier rats the cardiac output decreased proportionally with the body weight. The gradient of blood flow to the different parts of the GI tract develops step by step. In the weaning period the blood flow (ml/min per g tissue) through the stomach was less than that through the distal parts of the GI tract. However, the blood flow through the small intestine, cecum and large intestine was uniform at this age. In rats weighing 80-100 g the blood flow through both the cecum and large intestine was less than that through the small intestine. The gradient in blood flow through the various segments of small intestine developed last.", "contents": "Changes in the blood supply of the gastrointestinal tract in rats with age. Regional blood flow of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and cardiac output have been determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing from 30-726 g. The cardiac output (ml/min per kg) was highest in rats weighing 80-100 g. In heavier rats the cardiac output decreased proportionally with the body weight. The gradient of blood flow to the different parts of the GI tract develops step by step. In the weaning period the blood flow (ml/min per g tissue) through the stomach was less than that through the distal parts of the GI tract. However, the blood flow through the small intestine, cecum and large intestine was uniform at this age. In rats weighing 80-100 g the blood flow through both the cecum and large intestine was less than that through the small intestine. The gradient in blood flow through the various segments of small intestine developed last.", "PMID": 986621} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2075", "title": "Block of gating currents by ultraviolet radiation in the membrane of myelinated nerve.", "content": "The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the asymmetrical displacement currents in the membrane of the node of Ranvier was measured and compared with the ultraviolet blocking of the sodium current. Ultraviolet radiation irreversibly reduced the peak sodium current and the charge displaced during a depolarizing test pulse, the relative reduction being independent of potential. The ratio of the ultraviolet sensitivities of the sodium and the asymmetrical displacement currents is 2.3+/- 0.2. This result suggests two independent identical gating particles per sodium channel in the membrane of myelinated nerve.", "contents": "Block of gating currents by ultraviolet radiation in the membrane of myelinated nerve. The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the asymmetrical displacement currents in the membrane of the node of Ranvier was measured and compared with the ultraviolet blocking of the sodium current. Ultraviolet radiation irreversibly reduced the peak sodium current and the charge displaced during a depolarizing test pulse, the relative reduction being independent of potential. The ratio of the ultraviolet sensitivities of the sodium and the asymmetrical displacement currents is 2.3+/- 0.2. This result suggests two independent identical gating particles per sodium channel in the membrane of myelinated nerve.", "PMID": 986622} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2076", "title": "Spectral analysis of spontaneous contractions of the isolated portal vein of rats.", "content": "The spontaneous contractions of segments of rat portal veins have been examined in vitro under isotonic and isometric conditions. The power density spectra of recorded time series lasting 10-60 min were calculated. The spectra usually consist of harmonic frequency components. Only during shorter periods of analysis (10 min time series) we sometimes found additional non-harmonic components. All frequency components are proportionally shifted by changes of the bath temperature according to an average Q10 of 2.0. Increase of the load decreases the frequency of the contractons. The results of the spectral analysi, indicating a preponderance of a single source of periodicity, were supported by direct evidence of a pacemaker region. By recording contractions after systematic dissections of the portal vein segment, we found that spontaneous activity is generated at the central end of the segment.", "contents": "Spectral analysis of spontaneous contractions of the isolated portal vein of rats. The spontaneous contractions of segments of rat portal veins have been examined in vitro under isotonic and isometric conditions. The power density spectra of recorded time series lasting 10-60 min were calculated. The spectra usually consist of harmonic frequency components. Only during shorter periods of analysis (10 min time series) we sometimes found additional non-harmonic components. All frequency components are proportionally shifted by changes of the bath temperature according to an average Q10 of 2.0. Increase of the load decreases the frequency of the contractons. The results of the spectral analysi, indicating a preponderance of a single source of periodicity, were supported by direct evidence of a pacemaker region. By recording contractions after systematic dissections of the portal vein segment, we found that spontaneous activity is generated at the central end of the segment.", "PMID": 986624} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2077", "title": "Studies on the lithium transport across the red cell membrane. I. Li+ uphill transport by the Na+-dependent Li+ counter-transport system of human erythrocytes.", "content": "Li+ net-transfer across cell membranes was studied on human erythrocytes and ghosts preloaded with 1-2 mM Li+ and incubated in saline media of varying composition at initial thermodynamic equilibrium for Li+. The following results were obtained: 1. Li+ is extruded from glycolyzing erythrocytes against an electrochemical gradient until a steady-state Li+ distribution is established after 24-28 h. 2. The initial rate of Li+ extrusion is not altered by ouabain or by reduction of ATP levels to less than 25% of the normal value. 3. Replacement of external Na+ by K+ or choline+ abolishes the establishment of an electrochemical Li+ gradient. 4. The Li+ distribution ratio Lie+/Lii+ increases proportional to the ratio Nae+/Nai+ at constant extravellular K+ concentrations. 5. In ghost suspension an uphill Li+ transport is driven by an oppositely directed Na+ gradient. The direction of the Li+ uphill transport can be reversed by reversing the Na+ gradient. From the results it is concluded that the Li+ uphill transport across human red cell membranes is mediated by a Na+-dependent Li+ counter-transport system. This system is not inhibited by ouabain and does not appear to be identical to the Na+-Na+ exchange system described by Garrahan and Glynn.", "contents": "Studies on the lithium transport across the red cell membrane. I. Li+ uphill transport by the Na+-dependent Li+ counter-transport system of human erythrocytes. Li+ net-transfer across cell membranes was studied on human erythrocytes and ghosts preloaded with 1-2 mM Li+ and incubated in saline media of varying composition at initial thermodynamic equilibrium for Li+. The following results were obtained: 1. Li+ is extruded from glycolyzing erythrocytes against an electrochemical gradient until a steady-state Li+ distribution is established after 24-28 h. 2. The initial rate of Li+ extrusion is not altered by ouabain or by reduction of ATP levels to less than 25% of the normal value. 3. Replacement of external Na+ by K+ or choline+ abolishes the establishment of an electrochemical Li+ gradient. 4. The Li+ distribution ratio Lie+/Lii+ increases proportional to the ratio Nae+/Nai+ at constant extravellular K+ concentrations. 5. In ghost suspension an uphill Li+ transport is driven by an oppositely directed Na+ gradient. The direction of the Li+ uphill transport can be reversed by reversing the Na+ gradient. From the results it is concluded that the Li+ uphill transport across human red cell membranes is mediated by a Na+-dependent Li+ counter-transport system. This system is not inhibited by ouabain and does not appear to be identical to the Na+-Na+ exchange system described by Garrahan and Glynn.", "PMID": 986623} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2078", "title": "Partial dissociation between salivary secretion and active potassium transport in the perfused cat submandibular gland.", "content": "Isolated cat submandibular glands were perfused with Locke solutions in a thermostated chamber. Passive loss of potassium and uptake of sodium was achieved either by increasing the permeability of the cell membranes by acetylcholine (ACh) or by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump reversibly by cooling or by removal of extracellular potassium. Irrespective of the way by which the cells were potassium depleted and sodium loaded, re-establishment of normal conditions was sufficient to cause an active net uptake of potassium (probably coupled to net extrusion of sodium). However, while ACh-induced changes in intracellular concentrations of monovalent cations were accompanied by salivary secretion, virtually no secretion was observed when normal conditions were re-established after concentration changes caused by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump. It is concluded that while the transport mechanisms responsible for the maintenaance of the intracellular concentrations of monovalent cations undoubtedly is a (Na+-K+)-activated ATPase, the transport mechanism responsible for the formation of the primary saliva is probably of a different type, since it apparently is not directly activated by the intracellular sodium concentration.", "contents": "Partial dissociation between salivary secretion and active potassium transport in the perfused cat submandibular gland. Isolated cat submandibular glands were perfused with Locke solutions in a thermostated chamber. Passive loss of potassium and uptake of sodium was achieved either by increasing the permeability of the cell membranes by acetylcholine (ACh) or by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump reversibly by cooling or by removal of extracellular potassium. Irrespective of the way by which the cells were potassium depleted and sodium loaded, re-establishment of normal conditions was sufficient to cause an active net uptake of potassium (probably coupled to net extrusion of sodium). However, while ACh-induced changes in intracellular concentrations of monovalent cations were accompanied by salivary secretion, virtually no secretion was observed when normal conditions were re-established after concentration changes caused by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump. It is concluded that while the transport mechanisms responsible for the maintenaance of the intracellular concentrations of monovalent cations undoubtedly is a (Na+-K+)-activated ATPase, the transport mechanism responsible for the formation of the primary saliva is probably of a different type, since it apparently is not directly activated by the intracellular sodium concentration.", "PMID": 986625} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2079", "title": "Comparison of the visco-elastic properties of the tail artery in spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats.", "content": "The quasistatic and dynamic elastic behaviour of the tail artery of male normotensive (NCR) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats was determined in vitro. The tone of the smooth muscle was enhanced by norepinephrine and diminished by papaverine. The circumferential wall stress was changed by varying the transmural pressure level. The experimental procedure was the same as that used in a previous investigation (Bauer and Pasch, 1971). The circumferential (tangential) elastic wall modulus Et was calculated from the mean internal and external radii determined at each pressure level and from dynamic pressure-volume recordings in the frequency range between 0.03 and 20 HZ. The calculation was based on a formula valid for thick-walled, longitudinally constrained vessels.", "contents": "Comparison of the visco-elastic properties of the tail artery in spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats. The quasistatic and dynamic elastic behaviour of the tail artery of male normotensive (NCR) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats was determined in vitro. The tone of the smooth muscle was enhanced by norepinephrine and diminished by papaverine. The circumferential wall stress was changed by varying the transmural pressure level. The experimental procedure was the same as that used in a previous investigation (Bauer and Pasch, 1971). The circumferential (tangential) elastic wall modulus Et was calculated from the mean internal and external radii determined at each pressure level and from dynamic pressure-volume recordings in the frequency range between 0.03 and 20 HZ. The calculation was based on a formula valid for thick-walled, longitudinally constrained vessels.", "PMID": 986626} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2080", "title": "Recovery of ultrastructural changes accompanying caffeine contractures in isolated muscle fibres of the crayfish.", "content": "Reversible caffeine contractures in isolated muscle fibres of the crayfish (Astacus fluviatilis; m. extensor carpopoditi) are accompanied by swelling of the diadic cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and by constriction of the T-system tubules. The membranes of the tubules may coalesce and form pentalaminar structures. These changes in the diadic region can be found already in fibres fixed 10 s after the sudden introduction of 4 mM or 6 mM caffeine solution. The changes are completely reversible. The recovery period after a 6 mM caffeine contracture lasts 20 min. The restitution of ultrastructural changes induced by caffeine correlates well with the recovery of responsiveness to a repeated application of caffeine. The pretreatment of fibres with procaine prevents both the generation of caffeine contractures and the occurrence of changes in the ultrastructure. No changes or a very slight enlargement of diadic cisternae were found during potassium contractures of comparable size and duration to caffeine contractures. The effect of procaine as well as the restitution of ultrastructural changes after the recovery of responsiveness to caffeine support the view that the cisternal swelling is a direct consequence of the calcium releasing action of caffeine. Isolated swelling of diadic cisternae and the absence of any changes in the remaining parts of the sarcoplasmic reticulum during reversible caffeine contractures could point to the existence of functional differentiation of the respective parts of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The absence of ultrastructural changes during potassium contractures might indicate a different source of the activating calcium for contraction and/or a different mechanism of its release.", "contents": "Recovery of ultrastructural changes accompanying caffeine contractures in isolated muscle fibres of the crayfish. Reversible caffeine contractures in isolated muscle fibres of the crayfish (Astacus fluviatilis; m. extensor carpopoditi) are accompanied by swelling of the diadic cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and by constriction of the T-system tubules. The membranes of the tubules may coalesce and form pentalaminar structures. These changes in the diadic region can be found already in fibres fixed 10 s after the sudden introduction of 4 mM or 6 mM caffeine solution. The changes are completely reversible. The recovery period after a 6 mM caffeine contracture lasts 20 min. The restitution of ultrastructural changes induced by caffeine correlates well with the recovery of responsiveness to a repeated application of caffeine. The pretreatment of fibres with procaine prevents both the generation of caffeine contractures and the occurrence of changes in the ultrastructure. No changes or a very slight enlargement of diadic cisternae were found during potassium contractures of comparable size and duration to caffeine contractures. The effect of procaine as well as the restitution of ultrastructural changes after the recovery of responsiveness to caffeine support the view that the cisternal swelling is a direct consequence of the calcium releasing action of caffeine. Isolated swelling of diadic cisternae and the absence of any changes in the remaining parts of the sarcoplasmic reticulum during reversible caffeine contractures could point to the existence of functional differentiation of the respective parts of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The absence of ultrastructural changes during potassium contractures might indicate a different source of the activating calcium for contraction and/or a different mechanism of its release.", "PMID": 986627} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2081", "title": "A new device to derive the force-velocity relationship of the isolated papillary muscle using a sonomicrometer and an electromagnet.", "content": "This report deals with a simplified and improved method for measuring the force-velocity relationship of the cat papillary muscle by means of a coil-type galvanometer and a horizontally oriented lever system. The pre- and afterload generator consists of a rotor coil and a D.C. electromagnet. Because of its variable magnetic field it can easily be adapted to the tolerances of different coils and mounting systems. The ultrasound reflection method is used to measure displacements. This gives a linear and stable measurement of changes of muscle length without physical contact.", "contents": "A new device to derive the force-velocity relationship of the isolated papillary muscle using a sonomicrometer and an electromagnet. This report deals with a simplified and improved method for measuring the force-velocity relationship of the cat papillary muscle by means of a coil-type galvanometer and a horizontally oriented lever system. The pre- and afterload generator consists of a rotor coil and a D.C. electromagnet. Because of its variable magnetic field it can easily be adapted to the tolerances of different coils and mounting systems. The ultrasound reflection method is used to measure displacements. This gives a linear and stable measurement of changes of muscle length without physical contact.", "PMID": 986628} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2082", "title": "A window amplitude discriminator with adjustable upper and lower thresholds.", "content": "An amplitude window discriminator is described which permits selection of spikes from a multi-unit recording, provided the signal-to-noise ratio is high enough. The device can be built at relatively low cost and time. The circuitry permits analysis of the positive or the negative deflections of the recorded signals. In Part One of the circuitry, the signals are pre-amplified and may be inverted in polarity. In Part Two, the pulses are compared to a variable lower threshold voltage, and low amplitude noise is eliminated. Part Three depicts a logic circuit for elimination of disturbing high-amplitude signals, whose output delivers digital pulses, each corresponding to an original signal (e.g. a neuronal spike) of a certain amplitude.", "contents": "A window amplitude discriminator with adjustable upper and lower thresholds. An amplitude window discriminator is described which permits selection of spikes from a multi-unit recording, provided the signal-to-noise ratio is high enough. The device can be built at relatively low cost and time. The circuitry permits analysis of the positive or the negative deflections of the recorded signals. In Part One of the circuitry, the signals are pre-amplified and may be inverted in polarity. In Part Two, the pulses are compared to a variable lower threshold voltage, and low amplitude noise is eliminated. Part Three depicts a logic circuit for elimination of disturbing high-amplitude signals, whose output delivers digital pulses, each corresponding to an original signal (e.g. a neuronal spike) of a certain amplitude.", "PMID": 986629} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2083", "title": "The role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the pure frequency potentiation: the effect of ryanodine.", "content": "The dependence of the contraction amplitude of the isolated papillary muscle of the guinea pig on the stimulation pattern is probably caused by a well working sarcoplasmic reticulum. This view is supported by the finding that the alkaloid ryanodine flattens the curve of the force-frequency relationship and abolishes the pure frequency potentiation. Ryanodine is said to destroy exclusively the connection between T-tubulus and sarcoplasmic reticulum.", "contents": "The role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the pure frequency potentiation: the effect of ryanodine. The dependence of the contraction amplitude of the isolated papillary muscle of the guinea pig on the stimulation pattern is probably caused by a well working sarcoplasmic reticulum. This view is supported by the finding that the alkaloid ryanodine flattens the curve of the force-frequency relationship and abolishes the pure frequency potentiation. Ryanodine is said to destroy exclusively the connection between T-tubulus and sarcoplasmic reticulum.", "PMID": 986630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2084", "title": "Responses of Midbrain raphe neurons to local temperature.", "content": "The effect of heating and cooling in the midbrain on the unit activities of midbrain raphe neurons in the rat was observed. Out of 24 raphe units studied, 14 units responded to a rise in midbrain temperature with an increased rate of firing. The remaining 10 units did not respond to temperature changes between 34 and 41 degrees C. The result is consistent with the idea that the heat-induced increase in brain serotonin turnover is mediated by an increased firing rate of midbrain raphe neurons.", "contents": "Responses of Midbrain raphe neurons to local temperature. The effect of heating and cooling in the midbrain on the unit activities of midbrain raphe neurons in the rat was observed. Out of 24 raphe units studied, 14 units responded to a rise in midbrain temperature with an increased rate of firing. The remaining 10 units did not respond to temperature changes between 34 and 41 degrees C. The result is consistent with the idea that the heat-induced increase in brain serotonin turnover is mediated by an increased firing rate of midbrain raphe neurons.", "PMID": 986631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2085", "title": "Distal Tubule [Na+] and juxtaglomerular apparatus Renin activity in uranyl nitrate induced acute renal failure in the rat. An evaluation of the role of tubuloglomerular feedback.", "content": "It has been previously demonstrated that single neophron filtration rate, whole kidney glomerular filtration rate and total renal blood flow decreased by 30-35% 6 h after uranyl nitrate induced acute renal failure in the rat. In order to evaluate a role of the renin-angiotensin system in the initiating phase (0-6 h) of this model of acute renal failure determinations of plasma renin activity, superficial (S) and deep (D) juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) renin activity and distal nephron [Na+] were obtained. Plasma renin activity increased from the control value of 1.5 +/- 0.3 (S.E.M.) to 2.9 +/- 0.4 ng/ml/h (P less than 0.005) at 6 h. Mean renin activity in S- and D-JGA's of control rats was 6.99 +/- 0.41 and 2.67 +/- 0.21 ng/JGA/h, respectively. After uranyl nitrate, renin activity in S-JGA's increased to 13.62 +/- 0.80 ng/JGA/h (P less than 0.001) at 2 h and remained elevated, 12.56 +/- 0.90 and 12.75 +/- 0.87 ng/JGA/h at 4 and 6 h. D-JGA renin activity increased (P less than 0.05) to 7.04 +/- 0.53, 6.23 +/- 0.31 and 3.44 +/- 0.33 ng/JGA/h at 2, 4 and 6 h after uranyl nitrate. Distal tubule [Na+], 27 samples in 6 rats, increased from a mean control value of 53.7 +/- 1.2 mEq/l to 116.9 +/- 2.5 mEq/l, 24 samples in 6 rats (P less than 0.001). Prompt increases in JGA renin activity were observed in the initiating phase of acute renal failure, suggesting a role for the renin-angiotensin system in the pathophysiology of this nephrotoxic model. The association of increased JGA renin activity and increased distal [Na+] is consistent with a role for the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism in the initiating phase of uranyl nitrate induced acute renal failure in the rat.", "contents": "Distal Tubule [Na+] and juxtaglomerular apparatus Renin activity in uranyl nitrate induced acute renal failure in the rat. An evaluation of the role of tubuloglomerular feedback. It has been previously demonstrated that single neophron filtration rate, whole kidney glomerular filtration rate and total renal blood flow decreased by 30-35% 6 h after uranyl nitrate induced acute renal failure in the rat. In order to evaluate a role of the renin-angiotensin system in the initiating phase (0-6 h) of this model of acute renal failure determinations of plasma renin activity, superficial (S) and deep (D) juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) renin activity and distal nephron [Na+] were obtained. Plasma renin activity increased from the control value of 1.5 +/- 0.3 (S.E.M.) to 2.9 +/- 0.4 ng/ml/h (P less than 0.005) at 6 h. Mean renin activity in S- and D-JGA's of control rats was 6.99 +/- 0.41 and 2.67 +/- 0.21 ng/JGA/h, respectively. After uranyl nitrate, renin activity in S-JGA's increased to 13.62 +/- 0.80 ng/JGA/h (P less than 0.001) at 2 h and remained elevated, 12.56 +/- 0.90 and 12.75 +/- 0.87 ng/JGA/h at 4 and 6 h. D-JGA renin activity increased (P less than 0.05) to 7.04 +/- 0.53, 6.23 +/- 0.31 and 3.44 +/- 0.33 ng/JGA/h at 2, 4 and 6 h after uranyl nitrate. Distal tubule [Na+], 27 samples in 6 rats, increased from a mean control value of 53.7 +/- 1.2 mEq/l to 116.9 +/- 2.5 mEq/l, 24 samples in 6 rats (P less than 0.001). Prompt increases in JGA renin activity were observed in the initiating phase of acute renal failure, suggesting a role for the renin-angiotensin system in the pathophysiology of this nephrotoxic model. The association of increased JGA renin activity and increased distal [Na+] is consistent with a role for the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism in the initiating phase of uranyl nitrate induced acute renal failure in the rat.", "PMID": 986632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2086", "title": "Four types of GABA receptors in crayfish leg muscles characterized by desensitization and specific antagonist.", "content": "The effects of application of GABA were studied in the closer and stretcher muscle of crayfish walking legs and compared to those on the opener muscle. EPSPs were measured intracellularly and extracellularly at single synaptic spots, and the input resistance of the muscle fiber was determined. In contrast to the opener muscle, in the closer and stretcher GABA receptors desensitized nearly completely within 5-10 min in the presence of GABA. The presynaptic receptors desensitized more slowly than the postsynaptic ones. While in the opener muscle betaguanidino propionic acid (betaGPA) activates only the presynaptic GABA receptors, in the closer and stretcher muscles both the pre- and the postsynaptic receptors are activated by betaGPA. The postsynaptic GABA receptor on the closer muscle desensitizes in the presence of betaGPA. The results show that with respect to desensitization and the effect of betaGPA four types of GABA receptors can be distinguished. As far as is known from the literature, the homologous synapses in lobster and crab can be assumed to have the same receptor types as those found in crayfish.", "contents": "Four types of GABA receptors in crayfish leg muscles characterized by desensitization and specific antagonist. The effects of application of GABA were studied in the closer and stretcher muscle of crayfish walking legs and compared to those on the opener muscle. EPSPs were measured intracellularly and extracellularly at single synaptic spots, and the input resistance of the muscle fiber was determined. In contrast to the opener muscle, in the closer and stretcher GABA receptors desensitized nearly completely within 5-10 min in the presence of GABA. The presynaptic receptors desensitized more slowly than the postsynaptic ones. While in the opener muscle betaguanidino propionic acid (betaGPA) activates only the presynaptic GABA receptors, in the closer and stretcher muscles both the pre- and the postsynaptic receptors are activated by betaGPA. The postsynaptic GABA receptor on the closer muscle desensitizes in the presence of betaGPA. The results show that with respect to desensitization and the effect of betaGPA four types of GABA receptors can be distinguished. As far as is known from the literature, the homologous synapses in lobster and crab can be assumed to have the same receptor types as those found in crayfish.", "PMID": 986633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2087", "title": "Active Ca2+ reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the rat kidney. Dependence on sodium- and buffer transport.", "content": "Using the stop flow microperfusion technique with simultaneous capillary perfusion the rate active Ca2+ reabsorption was evaluated by measuring the static head electrochemical potential difference as well as the permeability of the tubular wall for Ca2+ ions. Under control conditions the active Ca2+ transport was calculated to be 3.35 X 10(-13) mol/cm - s. It declined toward zero if the ambient Na+ was replaced by choline or lithium. Parallel experiments in the golden hamster showed that active Ca2+ transport, vanished completely if active Na+ transport was blocked by ouabain (1 mM). These data indicate that the active Ca2+ reabsorption from the proximal tubule depends on the active reabsorption of Na2+ presumably via a Na+-Ca2+ countertransport at the contraluminal cell membrane. The static head electrochemical potential difference of Ca2+ is the same in late and early proximal tubules. It is also not affected by the presence of acetazolamide (10(-4) M) by the absence of bicarbonate or glycodiazine buffer or by the absence or presence of phosphate (2 mM).", "contents": "Active Ca2+ reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the rat kidney. Dependence on sodium- and buffer transport. Using the stop flow microperfusion technique with simultaneous capillary perfusion the rate active Ca2+ reabsorption was evaluated by measuring the static head electrochemical potential difference as well as the permeability of the tubular wall for Ca2+ ions. Under control conditions the active Ca2+ transport was calculated to be 3.35 X 10(-13) mol/cm - s. It declined toward zero if the ambient Na+ was replaced by choline or lithium. Parallel experiments in the golden hamster showed that active Ca2+ transport, vanished completely if active Na+ transport was blocked by ouabain (1 mM). These data indicate that the active Ca2+ reabsorption from the proximal tubule depends on the active reabsorption of Na2+ presumably via a Na+-Ca2+ countertransport at the contraluminal cell membrane. The static head electrochemical potential difference of Ca2+ is the same in late and early proximal tubules. It is also not affected by the presence of acetazolamide (10(-4) M) by the absence of bicarbonate or glycodiazine buffer or by the absence or presence of phosphate (2 mM).", "PMID": 986634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2088", "title": "The bulbar respiratory centre in the rabbit. I. Changes of respiratory parameters caused by intermittent electrical bulbar stimulation during inspiration or expiration.", "content": "In anesthetized rabbits, spirogram and diaphragmatic activity were examined during electrical stimulation of regions of the medulla oblongata. The stimulating volleys were triggered by the phase transitions of the animal's own respiration. 1. Each early inspiratory volley of 120 ms duration at 100 pulses per second caused an immediate and transient inhibition of the diaphragmatic activity. Respiration was slowed down due to prolongation of inspiration. The tidal volume increased above control. Stimuli delivered after 30-40% of a control inspiration had elapsed cut short this phase and entailed a shortening of the following expiration, too. Respiration was thus accelerated. 2. Each early expiratory volley caused an inspiratory twitch after a short latency. The respiratory rate was slightly increased due to shortening of expiration. The spirogram exhibited a distinct inspiratory effect (elevation of the end-inspiratory and end-expiratory levels). Stimuli delivered after 60--70% of a control expiration had elapsed slowed down respiration due to prolongation of inspiration but did not alter the end-expiratory level. The expiration remained almost unaltered. The effects were still observed while an artificial state of lung distension or collapse was maintained. 3. Volleys of increasing duration were delivered, starting with onset of expiration. The initial respiratory acceleration (shortening of both phases) and elevation of the end-expiratory level, observed when short volleys were applied, changed into slowing down of respiration (prolongation of both phases) and a shift of the end-expiratory level towards active expirations when the duration of the volley was somewhat longer than a normal expiration. The end-inspiratory level remained slightly elevated. Results suggest that during inspiration a progressively increasing inhibitory state is built up. During expiration, both an increasing inspiratory and an expiratory tendency are present as revealed by mixed inexpiratory stimulation effects.", "contents": "The bulbar respiratory centre in the rabbit. I. Changes of respiratory parameters caused by intermittent electrical bulbar stimulation during inspiration or expiration. In anesthetized rabbits, spirogram and diaphragmatic activity were examined during electrical stimulation of regions of the medulla oblongata. The stimulating volleys were triggered by the phase transitions of the animal's own respiration. 1. Each early inspiratory volley of 120 ms duration at 100 pulses per second caused an immediate and transient inhibition of the diaphragmatic activity. Respiration was slowed down due to prolongation of inspiration. The tidal volume increased above control. Stimuli delivered after 30-40% of a control inspiration had elapsed cut short this phase and entailed a shortening of the following expiration, too. Respiration was thus accelerated. 2. Each early expiratory volley caused an inspiratory twitch after a short latency. The respiratory rate was slightly increased due to shortening of expiration. The spirogram exhibited a distinct inspiratory effect (elevation of the end-inspiratory and end-expiratory levels). Stimuli delivered after 60--70% of a control expiration had elapsed slowed down respiration due to prolongation of inspiration but did not alter the end-expiratory level. The expiration remained almost unaltered. The effects were still observed while an artificial state of lung distension or collapse was maintained. 3. Volleys of increasing duration were delivered, starting with onset of expiration. The initial respiratory acceleration (shortening of both phases) and elevation of the end-expiratory level, observed when short volleys were applied, changed into slowing down of respiration (prolongation of both phases) and a shift of the end-expiratory level towards active expirations when the duration of the volley was somewhat longer than a normal expiration. The end-inspiratory level remained slightly elevated. Results suggest that during inspiration a progressively increasing inhibitory state is built up. During expiration, both an increasing inspiratory and an expiratory tendency are present as revealed by mixed inexpiratory stimulation effects.", "PMID": 986635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2089", "title": "Pulse wave reflection at the collapsed segment of an artery in Riva-Rocci's method.", "content": "The contours of pressure and flow of a pulse wave arriving at the entrance of a collapsed segment of an elastic tube can be described by application of the basic laws of reflection. The collapsed segment acts like a valve. It is opened by the pressure of the pulse wave when the pressure within the tube becomes higher than the \"collapse pressure\", i.e. the pressure exerted on the segment from outside. This opening of the collapsed segment suddenly changes the sign of the pulse wave reflection from positive to negative; thus a typical contour change of the pulse proximal to the segment is observed. The most obvious effect is a reduction of the pulse pressure. The extent of this reduction is a function of the collapse pressure. A typical example of this phenomenon can be observed in an artery proximal to the segment which is collapsed due to pressure exerted by an inflated Riva-Rocci cuff. The effect is explained by the assumption that the sign of reflection changes when the pressure of the pulse wave crosses the level of the cuff pressure. This explanation is supported by the results of model experiments.", "contents": "Pulse wave reflection at the collapsed segment of an artery in Riva-Rocci's method. The contours of pressure and flow of a pulse wave arriving at the entrance of a collapsed segment of an elastic tube can be described by application of the basic laws of reflection. The collapsed segment acts like a valve. It is opened by the pressure of the pulse wave when the pressure within the tube becomes higher than the \"collapse pressure\", i.e. the pressure exerted on the segment from outside. This opening of the collapsed segment suddenly changes the sign of the pulse wave reflection from positive to negative; thus a typical contour change of the pulse proximal to the segment is observed. The most obvious effect is a reduction of the pulse pressure. The extent of this reduction is a function of the collapse pressure. A typical example of this phenomenon can be observed in an artery proximal to the segment which is collapsed due to pressure exerted by an inflated Riva-Rocci cuff. The effect is explained by the assumption that the sign of reflection changes when the pressure of the pulse wave crosses the level of the cuff pressure. This explanation is supported by the results of model experiments.", "PMID": 986636} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2090", "title": "Changes in interstitial pressure during and after blood volume expansion in rats.", "content": "Interstitial fluid pressure was measured via a chronically implanted capsule before, during and after acute isotonic, iso-oncotic blood volume expansion in normal or in 48-h dehydrated rats. At the same time, the patterns of body fluid distribution, of selected renal responses and of mean arterial and mean central venous pressure responses were studied. Dry tissue weight (DTW) was subsequently determined by freeze drying of the shaved carcass. Dehydration decreased plasma volume and interstitial fluid volume significantly below normal values. The initial intracapsular pressure in dehydrated animals (-3.7 +/- 0.6 mm Hg) was not significantly different from that in normal rats (-2.5 +/- 0.5), but dehydrated rats showed initially a very significantly lower effective interstitial compliance (0.0005 ml/mm Hg per gram DTW) than did the normal group (0.0704). In the course of the renal response to the volume load, effective interstitial compliance increased to 0.0350 in dehydrated rats but showed no change in normal rats. Neither group completely corrected its elevated blood volume; both returned their central venous pressures to pre-infusion levels; both decreased their interstitial fluid volumes below pre-infusion levels and both decreased their intracapsular fluid pressures 1 mm Hg below the level prevailing in non-infused animals at that time. It is concluded that a reduction in interstitial hydrostatic pressure can be a functionally important influence in the apparent control of central venous pressure following acute blood volume expansion.", "contents": "Changes in interstitial pressure during and after blood volume expansion in rats. Interstitial fluid pressure was measured via a chronically implanted capsule before, during and after acute isotonic, iso-oncotic blood volume expansion in normal or in 48-h dehydrated rats. At the same time, the patterns of body fluid distribution, of selected renal responses and of mean arterial and mean central venous pressure responses were studied. Dry tissue weight (DTW) was subsequently determined by freeze drying of the shaved carcass. Dehydration decreased plasma volume and interstitial fluid volume significantly below normal values. The initial intracapsular pressure in dehydrated animals (-3.7 +/- 0.6 mm Hg) was not significantly different from that in normal rats (-2.5 +/- 0.5), but dehydrated rats showed initially a very significantly lower effective interstitial compliance (0.0005 ml/mm Hg per gram DTW) than did the normal group (0.0704). In the course of the renal response to the volume load, effective interstitial compliance increased to 0.0350 in dehydrated rats but showed no change in normal rats. Neither group completely corrected its elevated blood volume; both returned their central venous pressures to pre-infusion levels; both decreased their interstitial fluid volumes below pre-infusion levels and both decreased their intracapsular fluid pressures 1 mm Hg below the level prevailing in non-infused animals at that time. It is concluded that a reduction in interstitial hydrostatic pressure can be a functionally important influence in the apparent control of central venous pressure following acute blood volume expansion.", "PMID": 986637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2091", "title": "Effect of motilin on pancreatic secretion.", "content": "Motilin and secretin were compared in regard to their effects on pancreatic bicarbonate and protein secretion in conscious dogs provided with chronic pancreatic fistulas. Dose-response analysis showed that maximal bicarbonate response to motilin was about 5% of that to secretin and maximal protein response was about 35% of that to caerulein. The interaction of these two peptides showed that motilin is a potent inhibitor of secretin-induced bicarbonate secretion. Since motilin is released by duodenal alkalinization and inhibits pancreatic bicarbonate secretion, it is possible that this peptide is involved in the feedback mechanism of inhibition of pancreatic secretion by alkaline pancreatic juice present in the duodenum.", "contents": "Effect of motilin on pancreatic secretion. Motilin and secretin were compared in regard to their effects on pancreatic bicarbonate and protein secretion in conscious dogs provided with chronic pancreatic fistulas. Dose-response analysis showed that maximal bicarbonate response to motilin was about 5% of that to secretin and maximal protein response was about 35% of that to caerulein. The interaction of these two peptides showed that motilin is a potent inhibitor of secretin-induced bicarbonate secretion. Since motilin is released by duodenal alkalinization and inhibits pancreatic bicarbonate secretion, it is possible that this peptide is involved in the feedback mechanism of inhibition of pancreatic secretion by alkaline pancreatic juice present in the duodenum.", "PMID": 986638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2092", "title": "Action of caerulein, glucagon or prostaglandin E1 on the motility of intestinal villi.", "content": "If injected into the artery supplying the first jejunal loop of dogs, caerulein increases, glucagon and PGE-1 decrease villous motility significantly. The relationship between the natural logarithm of the drug doses and their effects is linear.", "contents": "Action of caerulein, glucagon or prostaglandin E1 on the motility of intestinal villi. If injected into the artery supplying the first jejunal loop of dogs, caerulein increases, glucagon and PGE-1 decrease villous motility significantly. The relationship between the natural logarithm of the drug doses and their effects is linear.", "PMID": 986639} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2093", "title": "An assay for albumin messenger RNA in an vitro protein synthesizing system from wheat germ.", "content": "The synthesis of serum albumin in an in vitro protein-synthesizing system from wheat germ stimulated with rat liver polysomal RNA is demonstrated by immunoprecipitation. The newly synthesized albumin has the same electrophoretic mobility as rat serum albumin. There is a linear increase in precursor incorporation into total protein and albumin with increasing RNA concentration. Potassium and magnesium optima for albumin synthesis are different from those for total protein synthesis.", "contents": "An assay for albumin messenger RNA in an vitro protein synthesizing system from wheat germ. The synthesis of serum albumin in an in vitro protein-synthesizing system from wheat germ stimulated with rat liver polysomal RNA is demonstrated by immunoprecipitation. The newly synthesized albumin has the same electrophoretic mobility as rat serum albumin. There is a linear increase in precursor incorporation into total protein and albumin with increasing RNA concentration. Potassium and magnesium optima for albumin synthesis are different from those for total protein synthesis.", "PMID": 986643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2094", "title": "Globin mRNA contains a sequence complementary to double-stranded region of nuclear pre-mRNA.", "content": "Melted ds RNA isolated from rabbit bone marrow pre-mRNA was hybridized with excess of globin mRNA which was prepared from rabbit reticulocytes. 7-9% of ds sequences became RNAase-stable and about 30% of the sequences could be bound to poly(U)-Sepharose through poly (A) of mRNA. The size of RNAase-stable hybrid is about 30 nucleotides, that is one fourth of the length of one strand of the ds RNA.", "contents": "Globin mRNA contains a sequence complementary to double-stranded region of nuclear pre-mRNA. Melted ds RNA isolated from rabbit bone marrow pre-mRNA was hybridized with excess of globin mRNA which was prepared from rabbit reticulocytes. 7-9% of ds sequences became RNAase-stable and about 30% of the sequences could be bound to poly(U)-Sepharose through poly (A) of mRNA. The size of RNAase-stable hybrid is about 30 nucleotides, that is one fourth of the length of one strand of the ds RNA.", "PMID": 986644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2095", "title": "[Study of the action of bromocriptine in hyperprolactinemic states. Results of a cooperative trial in 135 patients].", "content": "The therapeutic activity of bromocriptine mesilate (CB 154) was studied in a coooperative trial over a period of three months and using the same protocol in eleven different centres. 126 women and 9 men were studied. All had hyperprolactinaemia associated either with gonadal insufficiency-amenorrhoea/galactorrhoea syndrome (102 cases), isolated amenorrhoea (8 cases), impotence (6 cases), or to galactorrhoea with in certain men gynaecomastia. 32 patients had previously undergone removal of a pituitary adenoma, but had a normal response to the administration of LH-RH. Of the 106 untreated patients, only 36 had tumour-like deformities of the sella turcica. Under the effects of treatment, blood prolactin levels fell in all cases exception 4 and returned to normal in 66% of patients. The average value fell from 197 +/- 19 to 36.8 +/- 3.4 ng/ml (p less than 0.001). Spontaneous and provoked galactorrhoea regressed in 100% and 75% of cases respectively. Ovarian function reappeared in 89.4% of cases, with 32 pregnancies occurring during the 3 months period. Gynaecomastia and impotence responded in approximately half the men. The effectiveness of treatment was independent of the duration of the disorder (ranging from a few months to five years), the initial prolactin level and the radiological state of the sella turcica. Tolerance was satisfactory apart from transient problems (essentially digestive) occurring during the first days of treatment. In case of pregnancy, careful repeated studies of the sella turcica and visual fields are needed in order to detect possible growth of underlying pituitary adenomas or micro-adenomas.", "contents": "[Study of the action of bromocriptine in hyperprolactinemic states. Results of a cooperative trial in 135 patients]. The therapeutic activity of bromocriptine mesilate (CB 154) was studied in a coooperative trial over a period of three months and using the same protocol in eleven different centres. 126 women and 9 men were studied. All had hyperprolactinaemia associated either with gonadal insufficiency-amenorrhoea/galactorrhoea syndrome (102 cases), isolated amenorrhoea (8 cases), impotence (6 cases), or to galactorrhoea with in certain men gynaecomastia. 32 patients had previously undergone removal of a pituitary adenoma, but had a normal response to the administration of LH-RH. Of the 106 untreated patients, only 36 had tumour-like deformities of the sella turcica. Under the effects of treatment, blood prolactin levels fell in all cases exception 4 and returned to normal in 66% of patients. The average value fell from 197 +/- 19 to 36.8 +/- 3.4 ng/ml (p less than 0.001). Spontaneous and provoked galactorrhoea regressed in 100% and 75% of cases respectively. Ovarian function reappeared in 89.4% of cases, with 32 pregnancies occurring during the 3 months period. Gynaecomastia and impotence responded in approximately half the men. The effectiveness of treatment was independent of the duration of the disorder (ranging from a few months to five years), the initial prolactin level and the radiological state of the sella turcica. Tolerance was satisfactory apart from transient problems (essentially digestive) occurring during the first days of treatment. In case of pregnancy, careful repeated studies of the sella turcica and visual fields are needed in order to detect possible growth of underlying pituitary adenomas or micro-adenomas.", "PMID": 986640} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2096", "title": "Exchange transfusion with plasmapheresis in the management of hepatic coma.", "content": "In two cases of hepatic coma following advanced liver cirrhosis exchange transfusions were applied with plasmapheresis. In both cases the general condition of patients improved and consciousness returned. After exchange transfusions with plasmapheresis the serum levels of bilirubin, urea and ammonia decreased. Using appropriately selected fluids for erythrocyte suspension it is possible to affect selectively protein depletion and depletion of plasma blood clotting factors.", "contents": "Exchange transfusion with plasmapheresis in the management of hepatic coma. In two cases of hepatic coma following advanced liver cirrhosis exchange transfusions were applied with plasmapheresis. In both cases the general condition of patients improved and consciousness returned. After exchange transfusions with plasmapheresis the serum levels of bilirubin, urea and ammonia decreased. Using appropriately selected fluids for erythrocyte suspension it is possible to affect selectively protein depletion and depletion of plasma blood clotting factors.", "PMID": 986646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2097", "title": "Effects of fentanyl and droperidol on the dopamine metabolism of the rat striatum.", "content": "Fentanyl in low doses (0.02-0.05 mg/kg) had no significant effect on the dopamine turnover 20 min after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and raised the homovanillic acid (HVA) concentration in the rat striatum with a maximum at 60 min after i.p. injection. Higher doses (0.1-0.2 mg/kg)reduced the HVA content after 20 min and raised it after 60 min. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) given shortly (5min) after high doses of fentanyl (0.2 mg/kg) was able to eliminate the early (i.e., 20 min after i.p. injection) decrease and the late (i.e., 60 min after i.p. injection)increase of HVA content in the striatum. Naloxone (1mg/kg) alone slightly increased the HVA concentration, after 20 as well as after 60 min. Droperidol (3-12 mg/kg) and haloperidol (6-12 mg/kg) markedly increased the HVA content in the rat striatum 90 min after i.p. injection. These effects were dose-dependent. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) did not significantly inhibit the rise of HVA induced by droperidol.", "contents": "Effects of fentanyl and droperidol on the dopamine metabolism of the rat striatum. Fentanyl in low doses (0.02-0.05 mg/kg) had no significant effect on the dopamine turnover 20 min after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and raised the homovanillic acid (HVA) concentration in the rat striatum with a maximum at 60 min after i.p. injection. Higher doses (0.1-0.2 mg/kg)reduced the HVA content after 20 min and raised it after 60 min. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) given shortly (5min) after high doses of fentanyl (0.2 mg/kg) was able to eliminate the early (i.e., 20 min after i.p. injection) decrease and the late (i.e., 60 min after i.p. injection)increase of HVA content in the striatum. Naloxone (1mg/kg) alone slightly increased the HVA concentration, after 20 as well as after 60 min. Droperidol (3-12 mg/kg) and haloperidol (6-12 mg/kg) markedly increased the HVA content in the rat striatum 90 min after i.p. injection. These effects were dose-dependent. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) did not significantly inhibit the rise of HVA induced by droperidol.", "PMID": 986654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2098", "title": "Study on the binding of trichloromonofluoromethane by bovine serum albumin using a fluorescent probe technique.", "content": "Protein binding of the aerosol propellant, trichloromonofluoromethane, was studied in bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions using the fluorescent probe technique. The propellant displaced the probe, 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate, from its binding sites and reduced the fluorescence intensity. The binding association constants, the number of binding sites, and the competitive nature of the binding interaction were investigated. The hydrophobic nature of the binding and the implication of binding displacement interactions between the fluorocarbon and plasma-protein-bound drugs were also discussed. The fatty acid impurities present in the commercial BSA were found to have no effect on the protein binding of the propellant.", "contents": "Study on the binding of trichloromonofluoromethane by bovine serum albumin using a fluorescent probe technique. Protein binding of the aerosol propellant, trichloromonofluoromethane, was studied in bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions using the fluorescent probe technique. The propellant displaced the probe, 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate, from its binding sites and reduced the fluorescence intensity. The binding association constants, the number of binding sites, and the competitive nature of the binding interaction were investigated. The hydrophobic nature of the binding and the implication of binding displacement interactions between the fluorocarbon and plasma-protein-bound drugs were also discussed. The fatty acid impurities present in the commercial BSA were found to have no effect on the protein binding of the propellant.", "PMID": 986655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2099", "title": "Lack of influence of the phase of estrus cycle or treatment with steroid contraceptive drugs on cholinergic parameters in mouse and rat brain.", "content": "Acetylcholine and choline levels were found not to fluctuate with the phase of the estrus cycle in the cerebral hemispheres, deincephalon and mesencephalon in the rat and mouse. Choline acetyltransferase activity was not altered in these brain areas in the mouse while in the rat there was a small but significant decrease in the cerebral hemispheres during proestrus (p less than 0.01), and in the mesencephalon during estrus (p less than 0.05), both with respect to diestrus. Chronic 30-day treatment with steroid contraceptive drug combinations (lynestrenol, 5 mg/kg+ mestranol, 0.3 mg/kg; lynestrenol, 2.5 mg/kg+ mestranol, 0.15 mg/kg; norethindrone, 4 mg/kg+ mestranol, 0.2 mg/kg; norethynodrel, 4 mg/kg+ mestranol, 0.06 mg/kg) did not alter cholinergic parameters in the brain areas of these two species except for minor changes in rare instances.", "contents": "Lack of influence of the phase of estrus cycle or treatment with steroid contraceptive drugs on cholinergic parameters in mouse and rat brain. Acetylcholine and choline levels were found not to fluctuate with the phase of the estrus cycle in the cerebral hemispheres, deincephalon and mesencephalon in the rat and mouse. Choline acetyltransferase activity was not altered in these brain areas in the mouse while in the rat there was a small but significant decrease in the cerebral hemispheres during proestrus (p less than 0.01), and in the mesencephalon during estrus (p less than 0.05), both with respect to diestrus. Chronic 30-day treatment with steroid contraceptive drug combinations (lynestrenol, 5 mg/kg+ mestranol, 0.3 mg/kg; lynestrenol, 2.5 mg/kg+ mestranol, 0.15 mg/kg; norethindrone, 4 mg/kg+ mestranol, 0.2 mg/kg; norethynodrel, 4 mg/kg+ mestranol, 0.06 mg/kg) did not alter cholinergic parameters in the brain areas of these two species except for minor changes in rare instances.", "PMID": 986656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2100", "title": "Effects of serine on morphine-dependent mice.", "content": "Single doses of serine (250 mg/kg i.p.) failed to elevate central glycine in mice (1 h after injection), or to compensate for losses caused by implantation of morphine base (70 mg/animal), and reduced the jumping response to nalorphine (100 mg/kg i.p.). In contrast, sustained treatment with 250-mg/kg doses of serine at 24-hour intervals produced increases in brain and medullar glycine (1 h after 4th injection: 46-50% in normal, 39-75% in morphine-dependent mice, and enhanced the jumping response (40% over controls).", "contents": "Effects of serine on morphine-dependent mice. Single doses of serine (250 mg/kg i.p.) failed to elevate central glycine in mice (1 h after injection), or to compensate for losses caused by implantation of morphine base (70 mg/animal), and reduced the jumping response to nalorphine (100 mg/kg i.p.). In contrast, sustained treatment with 250-mg/kg doses of serine at 24-hour intervals produced increases in brain and medullar glycine (1 h after 4th injection: 46-50% in normal, 39-75% in morphine-dependent mice, and enhanced the jumping response (40% over controls).", "PMID": 986657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2101", "title": "Electroencephalographic correlates of audiogenic seizures during ethanol withdrawal in mice.", "content": "C57BL/6Bg mice had silver bead electrodes chronically implanted on the surface of the cortex and had their cortical EEG recorded during audiogenic seizures following ethanol withdrawal. For 7 days, the experimental groups were fed a liquid diet containing 6% v/v ethanol ad lib as the only source of food and water. The control group was fed a similar diet containing an isocaloric amount of sucrose. The cortical EEG's of experimental and control groups before, during, and after treatment were virtually identical. Only the experimental group was susceptible to audiogenic seizures. During audiogenic seizures, the cortical EEG showed no sign of spike waves or paroxysmal activity. This is in contrast to picrotoxin convulsions with these same mice as well as to spontaneous convulsions in animals following ethanol withdrawal. Similar EEG observations have been reported on audiogenic seizures from genetic and acoustically primed susceptibilities. Consequently, we suggest that all audiogenic seizure responses, including those during ethanol withdrawal, are a type of subcortical epilepsy.", "contents": "Electroencephalographic correlates of audiogenic seizures during ethanol withdrawal in mice. C57BL/6Bg mice had silver bead electrodes chronically implanted on the surface of the cortex and had their cortical EEG recorded during audiogenic seizures following ethanol withdrawal. For 7 days, the experimental groups were fed a liquid diet containing 6% v/v ethanol ad lib as the only source of food and water. The control group was fed a similar diet containing an isocaloric amount of sucrose. The cortical EEG's of experimental and control groups before, during, and after treatment were virtually identical. Only the experimental group was susceptible to audiogenic seizures. During audiogenic seizures, the cortical EEG showed no sign of spike waves or paroxysmal activity. This is in contrast to picrotoxin convulsions with these same mice as well as to spontaneous convulsions in animals following ethanol withdrawal. Similar EEG observations have been reported on audiogenic seizures from genetic and acoustically primed susceptibilities. Consequently, we suggest that all audiogenic seizure responses, including those during ethanol withdrawal, are a type of subcortical epilepsy.", "PMID": 986661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2102", "title": "Mouse-killing and motor activity: effects of chronic delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and pilocarpine.", "content": "Chronic administration of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for 5--8 weeks at 4 dose levels (2, 10, 20, 50mg/kg/day) or of pilocarpine (12.5, 25 mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks induced mouse-killing in 25--70% of previously \"non-killer\" rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain. The maximum percent of drug-induced mouse-killing depended on the daily dose and housing conditions, 20mg/kg/day THC and 25 mg/kg/day pilocarpine in single-housed rats being the most effective treatments. Drug-induced mouse-killing appeared to be a form of behavioral pathology, differing from the species-specific predatory response, when it first appeared. Concurrent assessment of locomotor and rearing activities showed dose-dependent depressant effects of THC and pilocarpine without evidence for tolerance. Different dose-dependencies and time courses suggest that changes in motor activities are not directly linked to the appearance of the killing behavior.", "contents": "Mouse-killing and motor activity: effects of chronic delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and pilocarpine. Chronic administration of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for 5--8 weeks at 4 dose levels (2, 10, 20, 50mg/kg/day) or of pilocarpine (12.5, 25 mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks induced mouse-killing in 25--70% of previously \"non-killer\" rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain. The maximum percent of drug-induced mouse-killing depended on the daily dose and housing conditions, 20mg/kg/day THC and 25 mg/kg/day pilocarpine in single-housed rats being the most effective treatments. Drug-induced mouse-killing appeared to be a form of behavioral pathology, differing from the species-specific predatory response, when it first appeared. Concurrent assessment of locomotor and rearing activities showed dose-dependent depressant effects of THC and pilocarpine without evidence for tolerance. Different dose-dependencies and time courses suggest that changes in motor activities are not directly linked to the appearance of the killing behavior.", "PMID": 986662} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2103", "title": "A method for bioassay of physical dependence on sedative drugs in dog.", "content": "A method for an economical bioassay of physical dependence on sedatives is presented. Dogs maintained on sodium pentobarbital (200 mg/kg/24 h i.v.) were given periodic graded reductions in maintenance dose, and subscales for measuring signs of abstinence were developed. Using these subscales the relative potencies compared with sodium pentobarbital were determined for sodium secobarbital (RP = 0.85) and methaqualone (RP = 0.14). Sodium thiopental and methaqualone were assayed and found to be equipotent (RP = 0.96) in reducing the signs of abstinence from sodium pentobarbital. The occurrence of convulsions, during periods of complete reduction of the maintenance drug, became less frequent the longer the dogs had been maintained on a constant dose of sodium pentobarbital.", "contents": "A method for bioassay of physical dependence on sedative drugs in dog. A method for an economical bioassay of physical dependence on sedatives is presented. Dogs maintained on sodium pentobarbital (200 mg/kg/24 h i.v.) were given periodic graded reductions in maintenance dose, and subscales for measuring signs of abstinence were developed. Using these subscales the relative potencies compared with sodium pentobarbital were determined for sodium secobarbital (RP = 0.85) and methaqualone (RP = 0.14). Sodium thiopental and methaqualone were assayed and found to be equipotent (RP = 0.96) in reducing the signs of abstinence from sodium pentobarbital. The occurrence of convulsions, during periods of complete reduction of the maintenance drug, became less frequent the longer the dogs had been maintained on a constant dose of sodium pentobarbital.", "PMID": 986663} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2104", "title": "Resistance of androgen-mediated aggressive behavior in mice to flutamide, an antiandrogen.", "content": "Flutamide (FTA), an anti-androgenic compound, inhibited the effects of methyltestosterone (MT) on the weight of the ventral prostate, seminal vesicles and levator ani in male castrate mice. Castration prevented the development of aggressive behavior in mice isolated for 3 weeks. While chronic administration of MT to castrate isolated mice returned the incidence of fighting behavior to control values, chronic administration of FTA + MTdid not significantly reduce the incidence of fighting as compared to castrate + MT values. These results suggest that the mechanism for androgen stimulation of secondary sex organ weight may differ from that involved in the development and maintenance of aggression resulting from isolation.", "contents": "Resistance of androgen-mediated aggressive behavior in mice to flutamide, an antiandrogen. Flutamide (FTA), an anti-androgenic compound, inhibited the effects of methyltestosterone (MT) on the weight of the ventral prostate, seminal vesicles and levator ani in male castrate mice. Castration prevented the development of aggressive behavior in mice isolated for 3 weeks. While chronic administration of MT to castrate isolated mice returned the incidence of fighting behavior to control values, chronic administration of FTA + MTdid not significantly reduce the incidence of fighting as compared to castrate + MT values. These results suggest that the mechanism for androgen stimulation of secondary sex organ weight may differ from that involved in the development and maintenance of aggression resulting from isolation.", "PMID": 986664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2105", "title": "Effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol on social behaviour in mice: comparison between two vehicles.", "content": "Two vehicles for the intraperitoneal administration of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC) were compared, using aspects of social behaviour in mice and 5 doses of delta9- THC, with vehicle alone and saline control groups. 10% propane-1,2-diol-1% Tween 80-saline (vehicle B) seemed to be more effective than 1% Tween 80-saline (vehicle A) since depressant effects of --1 delta9-THC on behaviour tended to occur at lower doses with this vehicle. Few differences in behaviour could be detected among the three control groups. In general the overall number of behavioural acts decreased with increasing doses of delta9-THC, but with vehicle B low doses selectively decreased the number of 'social' (including aggressive) as distinct from 'individual' acts. Low doses of the drug in vehicle A sometimes stimulated behaviour, whereas with vehicle B such doses mostly produced depression; however, 2.5 mg/kg delta9-THC, in either vehicle, markedly increased the percentage of animals which showed both aggression and flight acts--a rare combination among controls. Our findings are consistent with other evidence that propylene glycol is an effective vehicle for the i.p. administration of delta9-THC.", "contents": "Effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol on social behaviour in mice: comparison between two vehicles. Two vehicles for the intraperitoneal administration of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC) were compared, using aspects of social behaviour in mice and 5 doses of delta9- THC, with vehicle alone and saline control groups. 10% propane-1,2-diol-1% Tween 80-saline (vehicle B) seemed to be more effective than 1% Tween 80-saline (vehicle A) since depressant effects of --1 delta9-THC on behaviour tended to occur at lower doses with this vehicle. Few differences in behaviour could be detected among the three control groups. In general the overall number of behavioural acts decreased with increasing doses of delta9-THC, but with vehicle B low doses selectively decreased the number of 'social' (including aggressive) as distinct from 'individual' acts. Low doses of the drug in vehicle A sometimes stimulated behaviour, whereas with vehicle B such doses mostly produced depression; however, 2.5 mg/kg delta9-THC, in either vehicle, markedly increased the percentage of animals which showed both aggression and flight acts--a rare combination among controls. Our findings are consistent with other evidence that propylene glycol is an effective vehicle for the i.p. administration of delta9-THC.", "PMID": 986665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2106", "title": "Late modifications of cephalic circulation in head x-irradiated rats.", "content": "A non-invasive and quantitative radioisotope method was applied to the assessment of late cephalic circulatory changes occurring 12 and 21 months after head irradiation at 500, 1000 or 1500 R in rats of two inbred strains. Analysis of the results concerning the tracer circulatory mean transit-time (t) as well as those of two indices measuring respectively the cephalic blood volume (VH) and the cephalic blood flow (FH), led us to conclude that: -- the radiation-induced late changes in cephalic circulation are more relevant to a reduction of the volume of blood flowing in the head than to a reduction of its rate -- even a dose as low as 500 R induces such a late effect but the delay is longer than one year -- a depression of the cardiac output can be an additional very late consequence of head irradiation -- there is an influence of the rat strain on the temporal development of the late cephalic circulatory changes.", "contents": "Late modifications of cephalic circulation in head x-irradiated rats. A non-invasive and quantitative radioisotope method was applied to the assessment of late cephalic circulatory changes occurring 12 and 21 months after head irradiation at 500, 1000 or 1500 R in rats of two inbred strains. Analysis of the results concerning the tracer circulatory mean transit-time (t) as well as those of two indices measuring respectively the cephalic blood volume (VH) and the cephalic blood flow (FH), led us to conclude that: -- the radiation-induced late changes in cephalic circulation are more relevant to a reduction of the volume of blood flowing in the head than to a reduction of its rate -- even a dose as low as 500 R induces such a late effect but the delay is longer than one year -- a depression of the cardiac output can be an additional very late consequence of head irradiation -- there is an influence of the rat strain on the temporal development of the late cephalic circulatory changes.", "PMID": 986667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2107", "title": "[Urogenital-tuberculosis: pathogenesis, diagnostic approach, roentgenologic pathology, staging and remarks for differential diagnosis (author's transl)].", "content": "The diagnostic tactics in the clarification of urogenital tuberculosis are referred to the changes for the individual examinations mentioned. Some tables show the results of radiological investigations on 200 patients with proved renal tuberculosis, the extend of the triple staging proposed by us being specified. In addition to expositions on the radiopathology of urogenital tuberculosis, the differential diagnosis is indicated, its focus lying in the comparsion of 118 patients with clinical-bacteriological and/or histologically confirmed non-specific chronic pyelonephritis. The comparison of patients from two 3-year groups 1959-1961 and 1971-1973 as well as between natives and foreigners shows a change in the clinical radiological picture of renal tuberculosis.", "contents": "[Urogenital-tuberculosis: pathogenesis, diagnostic approach, roentgenologic pathology, staging and remarks for differential diagnosis (author's transl)]. The diagnostic tactics in the clarification of urogenital tuberculosis are referred to the changes for the individual examinations mentioned. Some tables show the results of radiological investigations on 200 patients with proved renal tuberculosis, the extend of the triple staging proposed by us being specified. In addition to expositions on the radiopathology of urogenital tuberculosis, the differential diagnosis is indicated, its focus lying in the comparsion of 118 patients with clinical-bacteriological and/or histologically confirmed non-specific chronic pyelonephritis. The comparison of patients from two 3-year groups 1959-1961 and 1971-1973 as well as between natives and foreigners shows a change in the clinical radiological picture of renal tuberculosis.", "PMID": 986668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2108", "title": "[Ultrasound evaluation of heart disease, with special reference to congenital and acquired lesions (author's transl)].", "content": "Time position monitoring of numerous cardiac structures can be obtained by single element echocardiography with high time resolution. This method offers an important way to measure cardiac dimensions and to prove the anatomical relation different cardiac structures. Technological problems are briefly discussed and normal values are given. Cardiac lesions diagnosed by echocardiography are reviewed.", "contents": "[Ultrasound evaluation of heart disease, with special reference to congenital and acquired lesions (author's transl)]. Time position monitoring of numerous cardiac structures can be obtained by single element echocardiography with high time resolution. This method offers an important way to measure cardiac dimensions and to prove the anatomical relation different cardiac structures. Technological problems are briefly discussed and normal values are given. Cardiac lesions diagnosed by echocardiography are reviewed.", "PMID": 986669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2109", "title": "A study of prostaglandin F2alpha as the luteolysin in swine: I. Effect of prostaglandin F2alpha in hysterectomized gilts.", "content": "Experiments were conducted to determine if prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) is luteolytic in swine. In Experiment 1, four bilaterally hysterectomized gilts were injected with PGF2alpha at 0800 (10mg) and 2000 hours (10mg) and four gilts received .9% saline at the same times on day 17 after onset of estrus. Treatments were reversed in the two groups of gilts 21 days later. All eight PGF2alpha treated gilts exhibited estrus an average of 88.0 +/- 13.5 hours after treatment and average duration of estrus was 66.0 +/- 16.4 hours. Saline treated controls did not exhibit estrus. Two additional gilts were hysterectomized bilaterally and the saphenous artery catheterized on day 7 after onset on estrus. PGF2alpha injected on day 17 resulted in a precipitous decline in plasma progestin concentration and onset of estrus by 110 and 90 hours in gilts 1 and 2, respectively. Another bilaterally hysterectomized gilt, with CL marked with India ink, received PGF2alpha on day 17. Estrus occurred 92 hours later and, on day 4, regression of marked CL to corpora albicantia and presence of newly formed CL was confirmed at laparotomy. In Experiment 2, 12 bilaterally hysterectomized gilts were treated with PGF2alpha at 0800 (10mg) and 2000 hours (10mg) on either day 8, 11, 14 or 17 after onset of estrus. None of the gilts treated on days 8 and 11 exhibited estrus. Two of three gilts treated on day 14 and all three gilts treated on day 17 exhibited estrus at an average of 116.0 +/- 9.8 hours post-treatment. Average duration of estrus was 49.6 +/- 8.8 hours.", "contents": "A study of prostaglandin F2alpha as the luteolysin in swine: I. Effect of prostaglandin F2alpha in hysterectomized gilts. Experiments were conducted to determine if prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) is luteolytic in swine. In Experiment 1, four bilaterally hysterectomized gilts were injected with PGF2alpha at 0800 (10mg) and 2000 hours (10mg) and four gilts received .9% saline at the same times on day 17 after onset of estrus. Treatments were reversed in the two groups of gilts 21 days later. All eight PGF2alpha treated gilts exhibited estrus an average of 88.0 +/- 13.5 hours after treatment and average duration of estrus was 66.0 +/- 16.4 hours. Saline treated controls did not exhibit estrus. Two additional gilts were hysterectomized bilaterally and the saphenous artery catheterized on day 7 after onset on estrus. PGF2alpha injected on day 17 resulted in a precipitous decline in plasma progestin concentration and onset of estrus by 110 and 90 hours in gilts 1 and 2, respectively. Another bilaterally hysterectomized gilt, with CL marked with India ink, received PGF2alpha on day 17. Estrus occurred 92 hours later and, on day 4, regression of marked CL to corpora albicantia and presence of newly formed CL was confirmed at laparotomy. In Experiment 2, 12 bilaterally hysterectomized gilts were treated with PGF2alpha at 0800 (10mg) and 2000 hours (10mg) on either day 8, 11, 14 or 17 after onset of estrus. None of the gilts treated on days 8 and 11 exhibited estrus. Two of three gilts treated on day 14 and all three gilts treated on day 17 exhibited estrus at an average of 116.0 +/- 9.8 hours post-treatment. Average duration of estrus was 49.6 +/- 8.8 hours.", "PMID": 986670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2110", "title": "Changes in morphine self-administration in rats induced by prostaglandin E1 and naloxone.", "content": "Interactions of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) with morphine have been reported in several test systems and an hypothesis has been advanced for a role of prostaglandins in morphine analgesia and physical dependence. In rats self-administering morphine intravenously, a simultaneous and continuous infusion of naloxone hydrochloride at 56 to 560 mug/kg/day caused the expected increase in injection rate for morphine. Infusion of PGE1 by itself at 56 or 180 mug/kg/day had no effect on the rate of morphine intake. Likewise the addition of PGE1 at 180 mug/kg/day did not potentiate the increase caused by naloxone (56 or 180 mug/kg/day) when it was added to the naloxone infusion. These results do not support a role for prostaglandins in the behavioral aspects of morphine addiction. However, larger doses of PGE1 (1 and 1.8 mg/kg/day), which were without overt effects in normal rats, caused severe and incapacitating prostration in morphinized rats.", "contents": "Changes in morphine self-administration in rats induced by prostaglandin E1 and naloxone. Interactions of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) with morphine have been reported in several test systems and an hypothesis has been advanced for a role of prostaglandins in morphine analgesia and physical dependence. In rats self-administering morphine intravenously, a simultaneous and continuous infusion of naloxone hydrochloride at 56 to 560 mug/kg/day caused the expected increase in injection rate for morphine. Infusion of PGE1 by itself at 56 or 180 mug/kg/day had no effect on the rate of morphine intake. Likewise the addition of PGE1 at 180 mug/kg/day did not potentiate the increase caused by naloxone (56 or 180 mug/kg/day) when it was added to the naloxone infusion. These results do not support a role for prostaglandins in the behavioral aspects of morphine addiction. However, larger doses of PGE1 (1 and 1.8 mg/kg/day), which were without overt effects in normal rats, caused severe and incapacitating prostration in morphinized rats.", "PMID": 986671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2111", "title": "Dose-response effects of prostaglandin F2alpha on the rabbit oviduct: reproductive endocrine influence and tachyphylaxis.", "content": "The dose-response effect of PGF2alpha on the perfused oviduct of estrous and ovariectomized rabbits was determined. The oviducts of ovariectomized rabbits were more sensitive to the contractile effects of PGF2alpha than those of estrous rabbits. This was demonstrated by a significant difference in the slope of the dose-response curves and in the magnitude of the maximum responses between the two groups. Blood pressure responses (depressor) to PGF2alpha were not affected by the reproductive hormonal status of the rabbits. The oviduct (estrous rabbits) developed tachyphylaxis to the effect of PGF2alpha. It was concluded that the response of the rabbit oviduct to PGF2alpha is dependent on the reproductive hormone status of the animal and that the oviduct becomes insensitive to the effects of PGF2alpha with repeated administration.", "contents": "Dose-response effects of prostaglandin F2alpha on the rabbit oviduct: reproductive endocrine influence and tachyphylaxis. The dose-response effect of PGF2alpha on the perfused oviduct of estrous and ovariectomized rabbits was determined. The oviducts of ovariectomized rabbits were more sensitive to the contractile effects of PGF2alpha than those of estrous rabbits. This was demonstrated by a significant difference in the slope of the dose-response curves and in the magnitude of the maximum responses between the two groups. Blood pressure responses (depressor) to PGF2alpha were not affected by the reproductive hormonal status of the rabbits. The oviduct (estrous rabbits) developed tachyphylaxis to the effect of PGF2alpha. It was concluded that the response of the rabbit oviduct to PGF2alpha is dependent on the reproductive hormone status of the animal and that the oviduct becomes insensitive to the effects of PGF2alpha with repeated administration.", "PMID": 986672} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2112", "title": "A dose-response comparison of PGA2, PGE1 and PGE2 using the phenylephrine-stimulated perfused oviduct of the rabbit.", "content": "The phenylephrine-stimulated perfused oviduct of the rabbit was evaluated as a model for studying the activity of prostaglandins that produce inhibition of the oviducal smooth muscle. Elevation of the normal \"tone\" of the oviduct by perfusing phenylephrine through the lumen permitted quantitation of the responses to PGA2, PGE1 and PGE2 by measuring the magnitude of the inhibitory response produced by the agents. PGE2 was relatively more potent, efficacious and specific for the oviduct than PGA2 or PGE1. It was concluded that the model was suitable for comparative dose-response studies of PGA2, PGE1 and PGE2 and their analogs.", "contents": "A dose-response comparison of PGA2, PGE1 and PGE2 using the phenylephrine-stimulated perfused oviduct of the rabbit. The phenylephrine-stimulated perfused oviduct of the rabbit was evaluated as a model for studying the activity of prostaglandins that produce inhibition of the oviducal smooth muscle. Elevation of the normal \"tone\" of the oviduct by perfusing phenylephrine through the lumen permitted quantitation of the responses to PGA2, PGE1 and PGE2 by measuring the magnitude of the inhibitory response produced by the agents. PGE2 was relatively more potent, efficacious and specific for the oviduct than PGA2 or PGE1. It was concluded that the model was suitable for comparative dose-response studies of PGA2, PGE1 and PGE2 and their analogs.", "PMID": 986673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2113", "title": "Prostaglandin F and progesterone secretion by porcine endometrium and corpus luteum in vitro.", "content": "Slices of porcine endometrium and corpus luteum tissue obtained from mature sows throughout the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle were incubated in culture medium which was analysed at regular intervals over a period of 8 hours for prostaglandin F and progesterone. Prostaglandin F secretion was greatest by endometrium obtained during the mid III to late I luteal stage of the cycle and the increased levels secreted by this tissue were paralleled by high levels of secretion from corpus luteum tissue. The addition of indomethacin (10 mug/ml) to the culture medium completely abolished prostaglandin F secretion by both endometrium and luteal tissue indicating that the high levels of the prostaglandin were due to synthesis. Progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum was maximal from early luteal tissue and had declined to considerably lower levels by late stage tissue when prostaglandin secretion was greatest. The possible physiological significance of luteal prostaglandin F secretion is discussed.", "contents": "Prostaglandin F and progesterone secretion by porcine endometrium and corpus luteum in vitro. Slices of porcine endometrium and corpus luteum tissue obtained from mature sows throughout the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle were incubated in culture medium which was analysed at regular intervals over a period of 8 hours for prostaglandin F and progesterone. Prostaglandin F secretion was greatest by endometrium obtained during the mid III to late I luteal stage of the cycle and the increased levels secreted by this tissue were paralleled by high levels of secretion from corpus luteum tissue. The addition of indomethacin (10 mug/ml) to the culture medium completely abolished prostaglandin F secretion by both endometrium and luteal tissue indicating that the high levels of the prostaglandin were due to synthesis. Progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum was maximal from early luteal tissue and had declined to considerably lower levels by late stage tissue when prostaglandin secretion was greatest. The possible physiological significance of luteal prostaglandin F secretion is discussed.", "PMID": 986674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2114", "title": "Corpus luteum function in the ewe: effect of PGF2alpha and prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors.", "content": "A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of mode and frequency of administration and estrous cycle stage on the response of the cycling ewe to PGF2alpha. The effects of dexamethasone, arachadonic acid and prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors on estrous cycle length and plasma progesterone levels were also determined. Intramuscular administration of 5 or 10 mg of PGF2alpha, on days 8 and 9 after estrus (5 ewes/group), significantly (p less than .01) shortened the mean length of the estrous cycle and the interval from the end of treatment to estrus. Mean plasma progesterone levels, 24 hours after initial injection, were significantly (p less than .01) lowered. When administered on day 8 only, these doses were considerably less effective in shortening estrous cycle length or lowering plasma progesterone levels. Intravaginal administration of PGF2alpha, by polyurethane tampon, was also largely ineffective. Treatment of ewes with 10 mg of PGF2alpha, by polyurethanetampon, was also largely ineffective. Treatment of ewes with 10 mg of PGF2alpha i.m., on days 3 and 4 of the estrous cycle, resulted in a return to estrus in 2 days in 25% of the treated animals. Plasma progesterone levels of PGF2alpha-treated ewes were significantly lower than controls on the second, third and fourth days after the start of dosing. It would appear that PGF2alpha exerts a retarding effect on developing CL functionality. The prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, aspirin, flufenamic acid and 1-p-chlorobenzylidene-2-methyl-5-methoxy-3-indenylacetic acid, were administered orally or parenterally for 16 days beginning on day 8 of the estrous cycle. These compounds failed to prolong estrous cycle length. Parenteral administration of dexamethasone did not result in PGF2alpha release in the cycling ewe, at least not in quantities sufficient to induce luteolytis. The prostaglandin precursor, arachadonic acid, also was not luteolytic when given parenterally to cycling ewes.", "contents": "Corpus luteum function in the ewe: effect of PGF2alpha and prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of mode and frequency of administration and estrous cycle stage on the response of the cycling ewe to PGF2alpha. The effects of dexamethasone, arachadonic acid and prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors on estrous cycle length and plasma progesterone levels were also determined. Intramuscular administration of 5 or 10 mg of PGF2alpha, on days 8 and 9 after estrus (5 ewes/group), significantly (p less than .01) shortened the mean length of the estrous cycle and the interval from the end of treatment to estrus. Mean plasma progesterone levels, 24 hours after initial injection, were significantly (p less than .01) lowered. When administered on day 8 only, these doses were considerably less effective in shortening estrous cycle length or lowering plasma progesterone levels. Intravaginal administration of PGF2alpha, by polyurethane tampon, was also largely ineffective. Treatment of ewes with 10 mg of PGF2alpha, by polyurethanetampon, was also largely ineffective. Treatment of ewes with 10 mg of PGF2alpha i.m., on days 3 and 4 of the estrous cycle, resulted in a return to estrus in 2 days in 25% of the treated animals. Plasma progesterone levels of PGF2alpha-treated ewes were significantly lower than controls on the second, third and fourth days after the start of dosing. It would appear that PGF2alpha exerts a retarding effect on developing CL functionality. The prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, aspirin, flufenamic acid and 1-p-chlorobenzylidene-2-methyl-5-methoxy-3-indenylacetic acid, were administered orally or parenterally for 16 days beginning on day 8 of the estrous cycle. These compounds failed to prolong estrous cycle length. Parenteral administration of dexamethasone did not result in PGF2alpha release in the cycling ewe, at least not in quantities sufficient to induce luteolytis. The prostaglandin precursor, arachadonic acid, also was not luteolytic when given parenterally to cycling ewes.", "PMID": 986675} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2115", "title": "Meperidine metabolites: identification of N-hydroxynormeperidine and a hydroxy-methoxy derivative of meperidine in biological fluids.", "content": "Gas chromatographic and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric techniques were used to identify non-acidic metabolites of meperidine (N-methyl-4-phenyl-4-carbethoxypiperidine) excreted in human, rat, and guinea pig urine. Following enzymic hydrolysis N-hydroxynormeperidine was identified in the urine of all three species in addition to the expected metabolites normeperidine and meperidine N-oxide. In rat urine the p-hydroxyphenyl metabolite of meperidine was present in appreciable amounts. Also present in small quantity was a new phenolic metabolite of meperidine containing both hydroxyl and O-methoxyl substituents in the phenyl ring of the parent drug. The latter two metabolites were excreted as conjugates in the rat.", "contents": "Meperidine metabolites: identification of N-hydroxynormeperidine and a hydroxy-methoxy derivative of meperidine in biological fluids. Gas chromatographic and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric techniques were used to identify non-acidic metabolites of meperidine (N-methyl-4-phenyl-4-carbethoxypiperidine) excreted in human, rat, and guinea pig urine. Following enzymic hydrolysis N-hydroxynormeperidine was identified in the urine of all three species in addition to the expected metabolites normeperidine and meperidine N-oxide. In rat urine the p-hydroxyphenyl metabolite of meperidine was present in appreciable amounts. Also present in small quantity was a new phenolic metabolite of meperidine containing both hydroxyl and O-methoxyl substituents in the phenyl ring of the parent drug. The latter two metabolites were excreted as conjugates in the rat.", "PMID": 986679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2116", "title": "Discovery of insect anti-juvenile hormones in plants.?2U.", "content": "Two simple chromenes with anti-JH activity have been isolated and identified from the bedding plant Ageratum houstoianum. By contact and fumigation these compounds induce precocious metamorphosis and sterilization in several hemipteran species of insects. Certain holometabolous species are sterilized, forced into diapause, or both. Each of these biological actions is equivalent to removal of the corpora allata, which produce the JH's, and is reversible by treatment with exogenous JH. Thus, the action of these compounds is to stop the production or depress the titer of the JH's. To our knowledge, this is the first discovery of anti-JH, and we hope it will guide the way to the emergence of a fourth generation of safe and insect-specific pesticides.", "contents": "Discovery of insect anti-juvenile hormones in plants.?2U. Two simple chromenes with anti-JH activity have been isolated and identified from the bedding plant Ageratum houstoianum. By contact and fumigation these compounds induce precocious metamorphosis and sterilization in several hemipteran species of insects. Certain holometabolous species are sterilized, forced into diapause, or both. Each of these biological actions is equivalent to removal of the corpora allata, which produce the JH's, and is reversible by treatment with exogenous JH. Thus, the action of these compounds is to stop the production or depress the titer of the JH's. To our knowledge, this is the first discovery of anti-JH, and we hope it will guide the way to the emergence of a fourth generation of safe and insect-specific pesticides.", "PMID": 986685} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2117", "title": "Handedness in a Chinese population: biological, social, and pathological factors.", "content": "A questionnaire survey of 4143 Chinese was conducted. Social pressure for right-handed writing and eating was effective on these two target skills but showed little indirect influence on hand use in other activities. Neither primiparous birth nor birth to older mothers affected handedness. Twinning, however, seemed to be associated with both decreased right-handedness and lower intelligence.", "contents": "Handedness in a Chinese population: biological, social, and pathological factors. A questionnaire survey of 4143 Chinese was conducted. Social pressure for right-handed writing and eating was effective on these two target skills but showed little indirect influence on hand use in other activities. Neither primiparous birth nor birth to older mothers affected handedness. Twinning, however, seemed to be associated with both decreased right-handedness and lower intelligence.", "PMID": 986686} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2118", "title": "Adrenal gland photoscanning by means of 131I-iodinated cholesterol.", "content": "Photoscanning by means of 131I-19-iodinated cholesterol was performed on 10 patients with various diseases of the adrenal glands. The authors confirmed that the method was suitable for study of the morphology and function of the adrenal glands in disease, especially when combined with stimulation by ACTH or suppression by dexamethasone. The radiation dose absorbed by the thyroid and by the gonads can be controlled during the examination by blocking the iodine trapping and suppression of the gonado-stimulating action, respectively.", "contents": "Adrenal gland photoscanning by means of 131I-iodinated cholesterol. Photoscanning by means of 131I-19-iodinated cholesterol was performed on 10 patients with various diseases of the adrenal glands. The authors confirmed that the method was suitable for study of the morphology and function of the adrenal glands in disease, especially when combined with stimulation by ACTH or suppression by dexamethasone. The radiation dose absorbed by the thyroid and by the gonads can be controlled during the examination by blocking the iodine trapping and suppression of the gonado-stimulating action, respectively.", "PMID": 986681} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2119", "title": "Physical dependence of opiate-like peptides.", "content": "Methionine-enkephalin and beta-endorphin, endogenous peptides with activities similar to those of opiates, were infused for 70 hours into the periaqueductal gray-fourth ventricular space of the rat brain. When challenged with a naloxone, a specific opiate antagonist, these animals manifested a typical morphine-like withdrawal syndrome. These results show that such peptides can cause physical dependence.", "contents": "Physical dependence of opiate-like peptides. Methionine-enkephalin and beta-endorphin, endogenous peptides with activities similar to those of opiates, were infused for 70 hours into the periaqueductal gray-fourth ventricular space of the rat brain. When challenged with a naloxone, a specific opiate antagonist, these animals manifested a typical morphine-like withdrawal syndrome. These results show that such peptides can cause physical dependence.", "PMID": 986687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2120", "title": "Trypanosomiasis: an approach to chemotherapy by the inhibition of carbohydrate catabolism.", "content": "When the infected mammalian host of Trypanosoma brucei brucei is injected with a solution of the iron chelator salicyl hydroxamic acid and glycerol, the aerobic and anaerobic glucose catabolism of the parasite is blocked and the parasite is rapidly destroyed.", "contents": "Trypanosomiasis: an approach to chemotherapy by the inhibition of carbohydrate catabolism. When the infected mammalian host of Trypanosoma brucei brucei is injected with a solution of the iron chelator salicyl hydroxamic acid and glycerol, the aerobic and anaerobic glucose catabolism of the parasite is blocked and the parasite is rapidly destroyed.", "PMID": 986688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2121", "title": "Single agent chemotherapy (actinomycin D) in the treatment of metastatic testicular carcinoma.", "content": "Single-agent chemotherapy (actinomycin D) was administered in cyclic regimens to 26 patients with metastatic, nonseminomatous testicular carcinoma. Twenty-five patients were evaluable, 9 with stage II disease and 16 with stage III disease. A 37.5% response rate in stage III disease is reported and all patients are long-term survivors. Five of eight stage II patients currently being followed are alive and well. During toxicity was negligible. Actinomycin D is recommended as the initial drug of choice for metastatic testicular carcinoma.", "contents": "Single agent chemotherapy (actinomycin D) in the treatment of metastatic testicular carcinoma. Single-agent chemotherapy (actinomycin D) was administered in cyclic regimens to 26 patients with metastatic, nonseminomatous testicular carcinoma. Twenty-five patients were evaluable, 9 with stage II disease and 16 with stage III disease. A 37.5% response rate in stage III disease is reported and all patients are long-term survivors. Five of eight stage II patients currently being followed are alive and well. During toxicity was negligible. Actinomycin D is recommended as the initial drug of choice for metastatic testicular carcinoma.", "PMID": 986690} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2122", "title": "Sequestrated lung (a case report).", "content": "The postmortem finding of a sequestrated lung in a neonate is presented. The normal development of the lung and the difficulty of correlating the microscopic appearance of the lung with the cause of death in cases of stillbirth and early postnatal death is discussed.", "contents": "Sequestrated lung (a case report). The postmortem finding of a sequestrated lung in a neonate is presented. The normal development of the lung and the difficulty of correlating the microscopic appearance of the lung with the cause of death in cases of stillbirth and early postnatal death is discussed.", "PMID": 986692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2123", "title": "Aetiology of deafness in white children in the Cape.", "content": "Two-hundred and forty White children attending special schools for the deaf have been investigated by clinical,genetic and laboratory methods in order to determine determine the aetiology of their hearing disability of these, 36% had a genetic basis for their deafness, while in a further 34% an acquired lesion was incriminated. The most important determinants of acquired deafness were maternal rubella, neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and meningo-encephalitis. The prevention of childhood deafness is primarily dependent upon recognition of the underlying causative factor.", "contents": "Aetiology of deafness in white children in the Cape. Two-hundred and forty White children attending special schools for the deaf have been investigated by clinical,genetic and laboratory methods in order to determine determine the aetiology of their hearing disability of these, 36% had a genetic basis for their deafness, while in a further 34% an acquired lesion was incriminated. The most important determinants of acquired deafness were maternal rubella, neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and meningo-encephalitis. The prevention of childhood deafness is primarily dependent upon recognition of the underlying causative factor.", "PMID": 986693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2124", "title": "Fruiting organs of Cladosporium werneckii.", "content": "Submerged mycelia of a strain of Cladosporium werneckii isolated from tinea nigra palmaris, when cultured on enriched corn-meal agar media, developed fruiting bodies resembling perithecia.", "contents": "Fruiting organs of Cladosporium werneckii. Submerged mycelia of a strain of Cladosporium werneckii isolated from tinea nigra palmaris, when cultured on enriched corn-meal agar media, developed fruiting bodies resembling perithecia.", "PMID": 986694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2125", "title": "The lung: responses to trauma, surgery, and sepsis.", "content": "The adult pulmonary distress syndrome is a disease of many etiologies and significantly contributes to the post-traumatic and postsurgical mortality and morbidity. Pulmonary insufficiency associated with shock and hemorrhage is characterized by its relatively short duration, less severe alterations of pulmonary functions, and normal pulmonary vascular resistance. The judicious use of fluids and emphasis in the early use of blood during resuscitation will minimize the magnitude of the pulmonary insult. Severe changes in oxygenation and ventilation, increases in pulmonary vascular resistance, the need for long-term respiratory assistance, and an increase in mortality and morbidity are characteristic of the adult pulmonary distress syndrome that follows severe systemic sepsis. Early aggressive pulmonary support is required in all life-threatening surgical conditions. Endotracheal intubation is preferred to tracheostomy, and the use of a volume respirator will facilitate the control of ventilation and oxygenation. Significant decreases in the functional residual capacity are responsible for refractory hypoxemia and the use of high concentrations of oxygen can be circumvented by the use of positive end expiratory pressure. PEEP is sometimes associated with a decrease in cardiac output and an increase in the pulmonary shunt and occasionally pneumothorax. Continued hemodynamic and pulmonary monitoring of patients is mandatory when using PEEP. Discontinuance of ventilatory assistance is usually possible if the pulmonary shunts are less than 25 per cent, the tidal volumes greater than 5 cc per kg, and the vital capacity at least twice the tidal volume. Recovery from pulmonary insufficiency is predicated on adequate pulmonary management, nutritional support, and the control of the underlying contributory conditions.", "contents": "The lung: responses to trauma, surgery, and sepsis. The adult pulmonary distress syndrome is a disease of many etiologies and significantly contributes to the post-traumatic and postsurgical mortality and morbidity. Pulmonary insufficiency associated with shock and hemorrhage is characterized by its relatively short duration, less severe alterations of pulmonary functions, and normal pulmonary vascular resistance. The judicious use of fluids and emphasis in the early use of blood during resuscitation will minimize the magnitude of the pulmonary insult. Severe changes in oxygenation and ventilation, increases in pulmonary vascular resistance, the need for long-term respiratory assistance, and an increase in mortality and morbidity are characteristic of the adult pulmonary distress syndrome that follows severe systemic sepsis. Early aggressive pulmonary support is required in all life-threatening surgical conditions. Endotracheal intubation is preferred to tracheostomy, and the use of a volume respirator will facilitate the control of ventilation and oxygenation. Significant decreases in the functional residual capacity are responsible for refractory hypoxemia and the use of high concentrations of oxygen can be circumvented by the use of positive end expiratory pressure. PEEP is sometimes associated with a decrease in cardiac output and an increase in the pulmonary shunt and occasionally pneumothorax. Continued hemodynamic and pulmonary monitoring of patients is mandatory when using PEEP. Discontinuance of ventilatory assistance is usually possible if the pulmonary shunts are less than 25 per cent, the tidal volumes greater than 5 cc per kg, and the vital capacity at least twice the tidal volume. Recovery from pulmonary insufficiency is predicated on adequate pulmonary management, nutritional support, and the control of the underlying contributory conditions.", "PMID": 986695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2126", "title": "An angiographic approach to hepatobiliary diseases.", "content": "Abdominal aortography and celiacomesenteric angiography preceded or followed by cholangiography and portography provide the most comprehensive approach and thorough angiographic evaluation of hepatobiliary-pancreatic diseases. Transhepatic catheterization and subsequent embolization of gastroesophageal veins are of great value in actively bleeding, as well as in stable, varices. Exit embolization of the needle tract minimizes the possibility of the leakage of blood or of bile.", "contents": "An angiographic approach to hepatobiliary diseases. Abdominal aortography and celiacomesenteric angiography preceded or followed by cholangiography and portography provide the most comprehensive approach and thorough angiographic evaluation of hepatobiliary-pancreatic diseases. Transhepatic catheterization and subsequent embolization of gastroesophageal veins are of great value in actively bleeding, as well as in stable, varices. Exit embolization of the needle tract minimizes the possibility of the leakage of blood or of bile.", "PMID": 986696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2127", "title": "Transcatheter embolization of the internal iliac artery in the management of neoplasms of the pelvis.", "content": "Six patients with neoplasms of the pelvis were treated with embolization of the internal iliac artery. The technique was used for the control of hemorrhage and pain and for preoperative devascularization. No complications or serious side-effects occurred. Embolization of the internal iliac artery often provides a therapeutic alternative, when a surgical procedure is not feasible.", "contents": "Transcatheter embolization of the internal iliac artery in the management of neoplasms of the pelvis. Six patients with neoplasms of the pelvis were treated with embolization of the internal iliac artery. The technique was used for the control of hemorrhage and pain and for preoperative devascularization. No complications or serious side-effects occurred. Embolization of the internal iliac artery often provides a therapeutic alternative, when a surgical procedure is not feasible.", "PMID": 986697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2128", "title": "The microsurgical removal of intramedullary spinal hemangioblastomas. Report of twelve cases and a review of the literature.", "content": "From 1969 to 1975, 12 patients were operated upon at the Kantonsspital Z\u00fcrich by the senior author (MGY) for intramedullary spinal hemangioblastoma with the help of microtechnique. The purpose of this paper is to describe in detail the surgical technique and the results, and to comment on the historical, clinical, pathological, and radiological aspects of spinal hemangioblastoma and the complex of von Hippel-Lindau's Disease (multiple angiomatosis of retina, central nervous system, and viscera) with which it is associated.", "contents": "The microsurgical removal of intramedullary spinal hemangioblastomas. Report of twelve cases and a review of the literature. From 1969 to 1975, 12 patients were operated upon at the Kantonsspital Z\u00fcrich by the senior author (MGY) for intramedullary spinal hemangioblastoma with the help of microtechnique. The purpose of this paper is to describe in detail the surgical technique and the results, and to comment on the historical, clinical, pathological, and radiological aspects of spinal hemangioblastoma and the complex of von Hippel-Lindau's Disease (multiple angiomatosis of retina, central nervous system, and viscera) with which it is associated.", "PMID": 986698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2129", "title": "Phenotypic expression of lethal chromosomal anomalies in human abortuses.", "content": "From anatomical and cytogenetic studies of 1500 spontaneous abortuses attempts were made to establish correlations between the phenotype and karyotype of the specimens. The criteria used to determine the phenotype were based on estimated developmental age and macroscopic and microscopic examinations of embryo and placenta. Main features were described permitting, on anatomic examination of the conceptus, diagnosis of genetic anomalies, and in some instances possibly assigning the type of chromosomal aberration: viz., in monosomy X, triploidies, tetraploidies, and some trisomies. Phenotypic expression at the cellular level was studied by morphometry of the placenta and by study of in-vitro growth charcteristics of cells lines initiated from aneuploid embryos. Study of growth rate characteristics may reveal the basis for the pathogenesis of developmental arrests.", "contents": "Phenotypic expression of lethal chromosomal anomalies in human abortuses. From anatomical and cytogenetic studies of 1500 spontaneous abortuses attempts were made to establish correlations between the phenotype and karyotype of the specimens. The criteria used to determine the phenotype were based on estimated developmental age and macroscopic and microscopic examinations of embryo and placenta. Main features were described permitting, on anatomic examination of the conceptus, diagnosis of genetic anomalies, and in some instances possibly assigning the type of chromosomal aberration: viz., in monosomy X, triploidies, tetraploidies, and some trisomies. Phenotypic expression at the cellular level was studied by morphometry of the placenta and by study of in-vitro growth charcteristics of cells lines initiated from aneuploid embryos. Study of growth rate characteristics may reveal the basis for the pathogenesis of developmental arrests.", "PMID": 986699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2130", "title": "Effects of trypan blue on the development of the garden lizard, Calotes versicolor.", "content": "The eggs of Calotes versicolor were exposed to different concentrations of trypan blue around the time of appearance of limb buds. The treatment resulted in malformations of limbs, hemorrhages in various locations, microphthalmia, kinky tail, and retarded development and growth of the contained embryos. The proportion of affected embryos varied significantly from clutch to clutch, perhaps due to genetic variation. All treated embryos, including those apparently unaffected, had trypan blue in the blood circulation, but not in the amniotic cavity or extraembryonic celom. Trypan blue was seen in kidney, liver, and other organs in decreasing order of frequency and concentration. On histological examination a change in the mitotic and necrotic frequency of the cells was noticed as one of the early events. The initial necrosis was close to blood vessels. The protective role of yolk sac in trypan blue-induced teratogenesis is discussed and contrary to the widely held view it is concluded that the yolk sac appears to play no such significant role in Calotes. It is suggested that trypan blue directly affects Calotes embryos, perhaps by altering cell permeability.", "contents": "Effects of trypan blue on the development of the garden lizard, Calotes versicolor. The eggs of Calotes versicolor were exposed to different concentrations of trypan blue around the time of appearance of limb buds. The treatment resulted in malformations of limbs, hemorrhages in various locations, microphthalmia, kinky tail, and retarded development and growth of the contained embryos. The proportion of affected embryos varied significantly from clutch to clutch, perhaps due to genetic variation. All treated embryos, including those apparently unaffected, had trypan blue in the blood circulation, but not in the amniotic cavity or extraembryonic celom. Trypan blue was seen in kidney, liver, and other organs in decreasing order of frequency and concentration. On histological examination a change in the mitotic and necrotic frequency of the cells was noticed as one of the early events. The initial necrosis was close to blood vessels. The protective role of yolk sac in trypan blue-induced teratogenesis is discussed and contrary to the widely held view it is concluded that the yolk sac appears to play no such significant role in Calotes. It is suggested that trypan blue directly affects Calotes embryos, perhaps by altering cell permeability.", "PMID": 986700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2131", "title": "Intermediates in the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone: kinetics and mechanism.", "content": "The early kinetics of the conversion of cholesterol (A) to (22R)-22-hydroxycholesterol (B), (20R,22R)-20,22-dihydroxycholesterol (C) and pregnenolone (D) has been studied with bovine adrenocortical mitochondrial aceton-dried powder preparations. The sequential appearance of B, C, and D was demonstrated. During the lag period of D appearance, B, and C approached steady state levels, at which time the formation of D approximated linearity. The initial rate of B appearance approximated the rate of the linear phase of pregnenolone formation. When cholesterol was initially incubated in an 18O2-enriched atmosphere, the gas phase abruptly changed to air and incubation continued for a relatively short period, there was a drop in the 18O content of the recovered B and C. These results demonstrated for the first time the turnover of these compounds as they formed in the system from cholesterol, without the use of exogenously added tracer B or C. The 18O content of the recovered glycol was lower at position C-20 than at C-22, as would be expected from a consecutive process involving an initial oxygen attack of cholesterol at C-22. These results suggest the sequence A leads to B leads to C leads to D as the basic mechanism for the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone.", "contents": "Intermediates in the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone: kinetics and mechanism. The early kinetics of the conversion of cholesterol (A) to (22R)-22-hydroxycholesterol (B), (20R,22R)-20,22-dihydroxycholesterol (C) and pregnenolone (D) has been studied with bovine adrenocortical mitochondrial aceton-dried powder preparations. The sequential appearance of B, C, and D was demonstrated. During the lag period of D appearance, B, and C approached steady state levels, at which time the formation of D approximated linearity. The initial rate of B appearance approximated the rate of the linear phase of pregnenolone formation. When cholesterol was initially incubated in an 18O2-enriched atmosphere, the gas phase abruptly changed to air and incubation continued for a relatively short period, there was a drop in the 18O content of the recovered B and C. These results demonstrated for the first time the turnover of these compounds as they formed in the system from cholesterol, without the use of exogenously added tracer B or C. The 18O content of the recovered glycol was lower at position C-20 than at C-22, as would be expected from a consecutive process involving an initial oxygen attack of cholesterol at C-22. These results suggest the sequence A leads to B leads to C leads to D as the basic mechanism for the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone.", "PMID": 986706} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2132", "title": "Physiological role for androgen binding protein-steroid complex in testis?", "content": "The concentration of unbound androgens in the lumen of rat testis seminiferous tubules is not dependent on the presence of the extra-cellular androgen binding protein (ABP); other parameters such as permeability properties, fluid dynamics and metabolic activities in different testicular compartments appear to have a much greater influence. It has been shown that in other target tissues the metabolic effects of steroids on cells depend on the concentration of the steroids which are not bound to extra-cellular proteins. It is therefore unlikely that the physiological function of ABP is related to the accumulation of androgens around germinal cells.", "contents": "Physiological role for androgen binding protein-steroid complex in testis? The concentration of unbound androgens in the lumen of rat testis seminiferous tubules is not dependent on the presence of the extra-cellular androgen binding protein (ABP); other parameters such as permeability properties, fluid dynamics and metabolic activities in different testicular compartments appear to have a much greater influence. It has been shown that in other target tissues the metabolic effects of steroids on cells depend on the concentration of the steroids which are not bound to extra-cellular proteins. It is therefore unlikely that the physiological function of ABP is related to the accumulation of androgens around germinal cells.", "PMID": 986707} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2133", "title": "Intraurethral pressure response to the mucosal application of neuropharmacologic agent: an experiment study.", "content": "In an experimental canine model, topical application of phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine) to the urethral mucosa was demonstrated to cause a rise of intraurethral pressure which persisted for over 2 h without any rise of arterial pressure. There was no intraurethral pressure change after the topical application of phentolamine (Regitine) or phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline). No effect was observed on the intraurethral pressure following isoprenaline (Isuprel) application, but a marked fall in arterial pressure was observed.", "contents": "Intraurethral pressure response to the mucosal application of neuropharmacologic agent: an experiment study. In an experimental canine model, topical application of phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine) to the urethral mucosa was demonstrated to cause a rise of intraurethral pressure which persisted for over 2 h without any rise of arterial pressure. There was no intraurethral pressure change after the topical application of phentolamine (Regitine) or phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline). No effect was observed on the intraurethral pressure following isoprenaline (Isuprel) application, but a marked fall in arterial pressure was observed.", "PMID": 986710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2134", "title": "Prognostic value of liver function tests in carcinoma of the prostate.", "content": "The interrelationship of the liver function tests and the 5-year survival rates were studied in 62 patients with prostatic carcinoma who were treated with antiandrogens. Abnormally high bilirubin, and glutamic oxaloacetic and pyruvic transaminase serum levels were a significant index with regard to the 5-year survival rates.", "contents": "Prognostic value of liver function tests in carcinoma of the prostate. The interrelationship of the liver function tests and the 5-year survival rates were studied in 62 patients with prostatic carcinoma who were treated with antiandrogens. Abnormally high bilirubin, and glutamic oxaloacetic and pyruvic transaminase serum levels were a significant index with regard to the 5-year survival rates.", "PMID": 986711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2135", "title": "Excision of urethral stricuture and end to end anastomosis.", "content": "Thirteen patients with bulbar urethral strictures were treated by excision of the stricture and end to end anastomosis of the urethra with uniformly good results.", "contents": "Excision of urethral stricuture and end to end anastomosis. Thirteen patients with bulbar urethral strictures were treated by excision of the stricture and end to end anastomosis of the urethra with uniformly good results.", "PMID": 986713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2136", "title": "Dual pressure transducer catheter for evaluating vesicourethral function: experiences in patients with neurogenic bladder.", "content": "Preliminary experiences with a dual pressure transducer catheter (7 F) for the functional vesicourethral evaluation are described. Synchronous cystosphincterometric recording, urethral pressure profile with simultaneous intravesical pressure, and pressure gradient across urethral sphincter were obtained. Comparison of the studies with those conducted with catheter infusion technique revealed that minimal artefacts were encountered with the former although the pressure events displayed by the two methods were grossly similar.", "contents": "Dual pressure transducer catheter for evaluating vesicourethral function: experiences in patients with neurogenic bladder. Preliminary experiences with a dual pressure transducer catheter (7 F) for the functional vesicourethral evaluation are described. Synchronous cystosphincterometric recording, urethral pressure profile with simultaneous intravesical pressure, and pressure gradient across urethral sphincter were obtained. Comparison of the studies with those conducted with catheter infusion technique revealed that minimal artefacts were encountered with the former although the pressure events displayed by the two methods were grossly similar.", "PMID": 986714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2137", "title": "Dropsy of the fetal sacs in mares: induced and spontaneous abortion.", "content": "Eight cases of severe dropsy of the fetal sacs have been observed in mares. All were in multiparous mares whose ages ranged from five to 20 years and who were 7 1/2 to 10 3/4 months pregnant. Abortion started spontaneously in four cases and had to be induced in the remaining four by manual dilation of the cervix, rupture of the tough allantochorion and the siphoning off of 120 to 220 litres of allantoic fluid. The amnion was normal. Dystocia, due to uterine inertia, occurred in all eight cases, one hydrocephalic fetus needing fetotomy. All fetuses were alive at delivery although four were teratologically deformed and two were markedly underdeveloped. None survived. Retention of a somewhat oedematous placenta occurred in six cases. Microscopic examination of the placenta showed some evidence of degeneration, but none of inflammatory change. One mare died, seven recovered rapidly. One mare was served again and gave birth to a living foal. Special care needs to be given to pre- and post-operative shock, retained placenta and delayed involution.", "contents": "Dropsy of the fetal sacs in mares: induced and spontaneous abortion. Eight cases of severe dropsy of the fetal sacs have been observed in mares. All were in multiparous mares whose ages ranged from five to 20 years and who were 7 1/2 to 10 3/4 months pregnant. Abortion started spontaneously in four cases and had to be induced in the remaining four by manual dilation of the cervix, rupture of the tough allantochorion and the siphoning off of 120 to 220 litres of allantoic fluid. The amnion was normal. Dystocia, due to uterine inertia, occurred in all eight cases, one hydrocephalic fetus needing fetotomy. All fetuses were alive at delivery although four were teratologically deformed and two were markedly underdeveloped. None survived. Retention of a somewhat oedematous placenta occurred in six cases. Microscopic examination of the placenta showed some evidence of degeneration, but none of inflammatory change. One mare died, seven recovered rapidly. One mare was served again and gave birth to a living foal. Special care needs to be given to pre- and post-operative shock, retained placenta and delayed involution.", "PMID": 986718} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2138", "title": "PSRO: a new direction for quality assessment in Otolaryngology.", "content": "At the present time, the University of Michigan Hospital Department of Otorhinolaryngology has an 18-month experience in a quality assessment program directed toward compliance with PSRO legislation. This experience, we hope, provides an approach to the continuing assessment of medical care, whether it is for conforming to a particular legislative action or for the evaluation of patient care. It has been encouraging to the physicians involved that this is a program which is organized at the local level. It is oriented toward the local physician and in most instances will be administered by local physicians. The process of quality assessment has provided a milieu for educational experience and positive action toward correction of medical care problems. It has been said before that this may be the last opportunity for the physician to maintain control at the local level. This may be the opportunity for the profession to proceed with controlled quality assessment before outside agencies intercede.", "contents": "PSRO: a new direction for quality assessment in Otolaryngology. At the present time, the University of Michigan Hospital Department of Otorhinolaryngology has an 18-month experience in a quality assessment program directed toward compliance with PSRO legislation. This experience, we hope, provides an approach to the continuing assessment of medical care, whether it is for conforming to a particular legislative action or for the evaluation of patient care. It has been encouraging to the physicians involved that this is a program which is organized at the local level. It is oriented toward the local physician and in most instances will be administered by local physicians. The process of quality assessment has provided a milieu for educational experience and positive action toward correction of medical care problems. It has been said before that this may be the last opportunity for the physician to maintain control at the local level. This may be the opportunity for the profession to proceed with controlled quality assessment before outside agencies intercede.", "PMID": 986715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2139", "title": "[Morphological, clinical and biochemical findings on the swine-liver after heterologous perfusion for treatment of fatal ammonium bichromate poisoning].", "content": "A 23-year old man died after intake of ammonium bichromate. For treatment among others was used the extracorporal heterologous liver perfusion with the liver of a pig. Therefore technical problems, clinical and biochemical findings as well as pathologo-anatomical changes on the livers of pigs after heterologous perfusion are reported and their significance as well as pathogenesis are discussed taking into consideration literary data.", "contents": "[Morphological, clinical and biochemical findings on the swine-liver after heterologous perfusion for treatment of fatal ammonium bichromate poisoning]. A 23-year old man died after intake of ammonium bichromate. For treatment among others was used the extracorporal heterologous liver perfusion with the liver of a pig. Therefore technical problems, clinical and biochemical findings as well as pathologo-anatomical changes on the livers of pigs after heterologous perfusion are reported and their significance as well as pathogenesis are discussed taking into consideration literary data.", "PMID": 986729} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2140", "title": "[Relationship between the thickness of the aortic adventitia and the fat content of blood and the aortic wall].", "content": "10 rabbits underwent a cholesterol feeding. 10 rabbits were used as control animals. After 12 weeks in the tissue extract of the intima-media-complex of the aorta as well as in the serum the total lipids and the total cholesterol were determined. On histological preparations the thickness of the adventitia of the aorta was measured. In comparison to the control group the animals fed with cholesterol showed a significant increase of the lipid values in the serum and the aorta as well as of the thickness of the adventitia. However, no connections could be proved between the parameters of the serum lipids and the morphological changes of the adventitia.", "contents": "[Relationship between the thickness of the aortic adventitia and the fat content of blood and the aortic wall]. 10 rabbits underwent a cholesterol feeding. 10 rabbits were used as control animals. After 12 weeks in the tissue extract of the intima-media-complex of the aorta as well as in the serum the total lipids and the total cholesterol were determined. On histological preparations the thickness of the adventitia of the aorta was measured. In comparison to the control group the animals fed with cholesterol showed a significant increase of the lipid values in the serum and the aorta as well as of the thickness of the adventitia. However, no connections could be proved between the parameters of the serum lipids and the morphological changes of the adventitia.", "PMID": 986730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2141", "title": "[Myeloproliferative syndrome].", "content": "In the present paper a description of the notion of the myeloproliferative syndrome and a survey of the clinical pictures belonging to this is given. Here the author enters into the most important diseases, such as polycythaemia rubra vera, osteomyelofibrosis, osteomyelosclerosis and megakaryocytic leukaemia, concerning diagnostics and therapy. On the basis of literature a comphrensive discussion of the problem is give, whereby it is referred to the fact that a differential diagnosis as eact as possible is necessary for the performance of an aimed therapy.", "contents": "[Myeloproliferative syndrome]. In the present paper a description of the notion of the myeloproliferative syndrome and a survey of the clinical pictures belonging to this is given. Here the author enters into the most important diseases, such as polycythaemia rubra vera, osteomyelofibrosis, osteomyelosclerosis and megakaryocytic leukaemia, concerning diagnostics and therapy. On the basis of literature a comphrensive discussion of the problem is give, whereby it is referred to the fact that a differential diagnosis as eact as possible is necessary for the performance of an aimed therapy.", "PMID": 986731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2142", "title": "[Immune mechanism of rats on Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in vitro (author's transl)].", "content": "The influence of humoral and secretory antibodies as well as cell supplements on Nippostrongylus brasiliensis was tested in vitro. Adult Sprague-Dawley-rats approximately 12 weeks of age were used in these experiments. For the in vitro tests the following culture media were used: 25% chicken-embryo-extract, sodium casein, pig liver extract and rat serum for the larval stages. The medium for the cultures of adult N. brasiliensis consisted of 5% yeast extract, 15% casein, 30% Krebs-Ringer-solution and 50% rat serum. Secretory antibodies were isolated from the rinsing fluid of the rat intestines by high pressure filtration (10 to 15 micron), then cleaning of the fluid through a Sephadex G 15 column and finally narrowing down through collodene capsules. Mast cells were isolated from the peritoneal cavity by Ficoll-gradient-centrifugation. Various test series were conducted with the addition of serum or secretory antibodies of repeatedly infected and immune rats to the medium. In these tests there was never a difference in the influence on growth nor a higher mortality rate of larval or adult N. brasiliensis in contrast to cultures where serum and secretory antibodies of non-infected animals were used. A 100%, degranulation of mast cells from infected rats occurred already within 14 to 22 hours in the cultures of adult N. brasiliensis. Variations were not noticed in the influence on the viability of N. brasiliensis kept in media for 10 days without or with cell supplements as well as sera of infected or not infected rats. The results from our experiments demonstrated that there was no variation in the influence on the development and a higher mortality rate of the larval stages and adult Nippostrongylus in media containing either sera and secretory antibodies of infected or not infected rats.", "contents": "[Immune mechanism of rats on Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in vitro (author's transl)]. The influence of humoral and secretory antibodies as well as cell supplements on Nippostrongylus brasiliensis was tested in vitro. Adult Sprague-Dawley-rats approximately 12 weeks of age were used in these experiments. For the in vitro tests the following culture media were used: 25% chicken-embryo-extract, sodium casein, pig liver extract and rat serum for the larval stages. The medium for the cultures of adult N. brasiliensis consisted of 5% yeast extract, 15% casein, 30% Krebs-Ringer-solution and 50% rat serum. Secretory antibodies were isolated from the rinsing fluid of the rat intestines by high pressure filtration (10 to 15 micron), then cleaning of the fluid through a Sephadex G 15 column and finally narrowing down through collodene capsules. Mast cells were isolated from the peritoneal cavity by Ficoll-gradient-centrifugation. Various test series were conducted with the addition of serum or secretory antibodies of repeatedly infected and immune rats to the medium. In these tests there was never a difference in the influence on growth nor a higher mortality rate of larval or adult N. brasiliensis in contrast to cultures where serum and secretory antibodies of non-infected animals were used. A 100%, degranulation of mast cells from infected rats occurred already within 14 to 22 hours in the cultures of adult N. brasiliensis. Variations were not noticed in the influence on the viability of N. brasiliensis kept in media for 10 days without or with cell supplements as well as sera of infected or not infected rats. The results from our experiments demonstrated that there was no variation in the influence on the development and a higher mortality rate of the larval stages and adult Nippostrongylus in media containing either sera and secretory antibodies of infected or not infected rats.", "PMID": 986732} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2143", "title": "[Behavior and sociology of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus L.)].", "content": "This description of the behaviour of the muskrat is the result of observations made in open-air pens and during the rearing of young animals in direct contact with man. The approximately 100 muskrats observed came from southern Lower Saxony (population immigrated down the river Elbe). As the same facilities of observation had been used to study brown rats, it was possible to compare the behaviour of both species which showed fundamental differences.", "contents": "[Behavior and sociology of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus L.)]. This description of the behaviour of the muskrat is the result of observations made in open-air pens and during the rearing of young animals in direct contact with man. The approximately 100 muskrats observed came from southern Lower Saxony (population immigrated down the river Elbe). As the same facilities of observation had been used to study brown rats, it was possible to compare the behaviour of both species which showed fundamental differences.", "PMID": 986736} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2144", "title": "[Modification of the effects of prior residence in xiphophorus (Pisces, Poeciliidae): the role of isolation and differences in size].", "content": "Laboratory experiments on pairs of male male of the genus Xiphophorus were carried out to test the hypothesis that the duration of a pre-experimental isolation period would modify the effects of prior residence on aggressive behaviour and dominance. Resident and intruder were isolated either both for 3 or both for 22 h (Exp. 1), or one for 3 and other other for 22 h (Exp. 2). Prior residence effects were only evident when the resident had been isolated for 3 h. Other connections between isolation conditions, reciprocal aggression and final dominance were also analysed, as was the influence of size differences between the opponents.", "contents": "[Modification of the effects of prior residence in xiphophorus (Pisces, Poeciliidae): the role of isolation and differences in size]. Laboratory experiments on pairs of male male of the genus Xiphophorus were carried out to test the hypothesis that the duration of a pre-experimental isolation period would modify the effects of prior residence on aggressive behaviour and dominance. Resident and intruder were isolated either both for 3 or both for 22 h (Exp. 1), or one for 3 and other other for 22 h (Exp. 2). Prior residence effects were only evident when the resident had been isolated for 3 h. Other connections between isolation conditions, reciprocal aggression and final dominance were also analysed, as was the influence of size differences between the opponents.", "PMID": 986737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2145", "title": "[Effect of social factors on the relations between working mother and premature birth rate].", "content": "Basing on the results of a study of 6780 women we found already at the beginning of the 1970 years in the GDR a premature birth rate for occupied women not more unfavourable than for house-wives; the total rate by then was 5,9%. The present paper deals with the influence of certain social factors--e. g. educational and social status, personal status, number of children within a family - on the frequency of premature births for occupied women and house-wives.", "contents": "[Effect of social factors on the relations between working mother and premature birth rate]. Basing on the results of a study of 6780 women we found already at the beginning of the 1970 years in the GDR a premature birth rate for occupied women not more unfavourable than for house-wives; the total rate by then was 5,9%. The present paper deals with the influence of certain social factors--e. g. educational and social status, personal status, number of children within a family - on the frequency of premature births for occupied women and house-wives.", "PMID": 986739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2146", "title": "[Normal antibodies and immunologic reactivity].", "content": "Antibodies to the capsular antigen of plague causative agent were found in the serum of many nonimmunized mice of 6 strains, but none were found in mice of the DBA/2 strain. After the administration of the capsular antigen to mice of different strains cells forming the antibodies to the antigen administered were revealed in a quantitative correlation with the natural antibody level. An association was revealed between the level of natural antibodies and the number of antibody-forming cells in the spleen of nonimmunized mice; it could be described by an equation almost all of whose members represented constant values with a definite quantitative characteristics. To check the suggested equation the concentration of immunoglobulins in the blood of mice was compared with the number of plasma cells in the spleen; a satisfactory correlation was revealed between them.", "contents": "[Normal antibodies and immunologic reactivity]. Antibodies to the capsular antigen of plague causative agent were found in the serum of many nonimmunized mice of 6 strains, but none were found in mice of the DBA/2 strain. After the administration of the capsular antigen to mice of different strains cells forming the antibodies to the antigen administered were revealed in a quantitative correlation with the natural antibody level. An association was revealed between the level of natural antibodies and the number of antibody-forming cells in the spleen of nonimmunized mice; it could be described by an equation almost all of whose members represented constant values with a definite quantitative characteristics. To check the suggested equation the concentration of immunoglobulins in the blood of mice was compared with the number of plasma cells in the spleen; a satisfactory correlation was revealed between them.", "PMID": 986741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2147", "title": "An ultrastructural study on the development of vallate taste buds of the golden Syrian hamster.", "content": "An ultrastructural developmental study of hamster vallate taste buds was undertaken to demonstrate the sequential morphodifferentiation of their various cellular components. Under the neurogenic influence of the glossopharyngeal nerve, the undifferentiated epithelial cells of the vallate papilla first acquired fine structure features similar to those seen in the perigemmal adult peripheral cells and the gemmal basal cells. As the development progressed, the relatively undifferentiated basal cells appeared to differentiate into dark and light cell precursors. Mature light cells were frequently noted chronologically before any fully mature dark cells were observed. Transition from light to dark cells, or vice versa, was not noted at any time throughout the investigation, suggesting that light and dark cells originate as separate cell lines from the basal cells of the taste bud proper.", "contents": "An ultrastructural study on the development of vallate taste buds of the golden Syrian hamster. An ultrastructural developmental study of hamster vallate taste buds was undertaken to demonstrate the sequential morphodifferentiation of their various cellular components. Under the neurogenic influence of the glossopharyngeal nerve, the undifferentiated epithelial cells of the vallate papilla first acquired fine structure features similar to those seen in the perigemmal adult peripheral cells and the gemmal basal cells. As the development progressed, the relatively undifferentiated basal cells appeared to differentiate into dark and light cell precursors. Mature light cells were frequently noted chronologically before any fully mature dark cells were observed. Transition from light to dark cells, or vice versa, was not noted at any time throughout the investigation, suggesting that light and dark cells originate as separate cell lines from the basal cells of the taste bud proper.", "PMID": 986744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2148", "title": "Localization of functions in the magnocellular neurosecretory nuclei of the mammalian hypothalamus by autoradiography.", "content": "Nucleo-cytoplasmic transfer rates of RNA were used as indices of protein-synthetic activity in mammalian supraoptic and paraventricular neurones. Normal, dehydrated and lactating rats were exposed, for varying periods of time, to tritiated uridine, and autoradiographs obtained from hypothalamic blocks. Grain count and cytometry enabled a cytoplasmic/nuclear ratio of grain densities to be obtained for each neurosecretory nucleus. Comparison of these ratios, as well as the regression slopes for their increase with time of exposure to the isotope, indicated the presence of a differential response between the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, with the former responding more to the stimulus of dehydration, and the latter to that of lactation. The observations substantiate the view that a partial division of labour exists between the two nuclei in the elaboration of each of the mammalian neurohypophysial octapeptides, vasopressin and oxytocin.", "contents": "Localization of functions in the magnocellular neurosecretory nuclei of the mammalian hypothalamus by autoradiography. Nucleo-cytoplasmic transfer rates of RNA were used as indices of protein-synthetic activity in mammalian supraoptic and paraventricular neurones. Normal, dehydrated and lactating rats were exposed, for varying periods of time, to tritiated uridine, and autoradiographs obtained from hypothalamic blocks. Grain count and cytometry enabled a cytoplasmic/nuclear ratio of grain densities to be obtained for each neurosecretory nucleus. Comparison of these ratios, as well as the regression slopes for their increase with time of exposure to the isotope, indicated the presence of a differential response between the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, with the former responding more to the stimulus of dehydration, and the latter to that of lactation. The observations substantiate the view that a partial division of labour exists between the two nuclei in the elaboration of each of the mammalian neurohypophysial octapeptides, vasopressin and oxytocin.", "PMID": 986745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2149", "title": "IgE and atopic allergy in newborns and infants with a family history of atopic disease.", "content": "Serum IgE levels were studied in 2 groups of children with a family history of atopic disease, 30 in whom the mother only and 38 in whom both parents had atopic disease. IgE antibodies were determined with Phadebas RAST Test and serum IgE with Phadebas IgE Test and Phadebas PRIST at 0, 3, 9, 12 and 18 months of age. There was no correlation between the serum IgE levels in mothers and their newborns. RAST tests were frequently positive in maternal sera but no positive RAST test was found in the newborns. Obvious and probable atopic disease developed during the observation period in 42.1% of the children with a double family history of atopic disease. In 75% of these the serum IgE level was above the upper limit of normal on an average 6 months before the onset of atopic symptoms. An elevated IgE level without atopic symptoms during the observation period occurred in only one child. It is concluded that the serum IgE in newborns seems to be of foetal origin and that the determination of serum IgE in infants is of value in predicting atopic allergy.", "contents": "IgE and atopic allergy in newborns and infants with a family history of atopic disease. Serum IgE levels were studied in 2 groups of children with a family history of atopic disease, 30 in whom the mother only and 38 in whom both parents had atopic disease. IgE antibodies were determined with Phadebas RAST Test and serum IgE with Phadebas IgE Test and Phadebas PRIST at 0, 3, 9, 12 and 18 months of age. There was no correlation between the serum IgE levels in mothers and their newborns. RAST tests were frequently positive in maternal sera but no positive RAST test was found in the newborns. Obvious and probable atopic disease developed during the observation period in 42.1% of the children with a double family history of atopic disease. In 75% of these the serum IgE level was above the upper limit of normal on an average 6 months before the onset of atopic symptoms. An elevated IgE level without atopic symptoms during the observation period occurred in only one child. It is concluded that the serum IgE in newborns seems to be of foetal origin and that the determination of serum IgE in infants is of value in predicting atopic allergy.", "PMID": 986746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2150", "title": "Lycoperdonosis.", "content": "Inhalation of large quantities of spores from the puffball (lycoperdon), which has been widely used in folk medicine, can cause a respiratory disease with symptoms of pneumonia and widespread densities in the lungs. The course is rather protracted, but the final outcome seems good. Steroids probably shorten the disease. A typical case is reported.", "contents": "Lycoperdonosis. Inhalation of large quantities of spores from the puffball (lycoperdon), which has been widely used in folk medicine, can cause a respiratory disease with symptoms of pneumonia and widespread densities in the lungs. The course is rather protracted, but the final outcome seems good. Steroids probably shorten the disease. A typical case is reported.", "PMID": 986747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2151", "title": "Bilateral testicular torsion in the newborn.", "content": "A neonate with bilateral torsion of the testes is described. Torsion occurred in utero and was discovered only on routine examination after birth. The relevance of the comparatively silent torsion is discussed in relation to the age of the child, and the timing of routine examination of the newborn.", "contents": "Bilateral testicular torsion in the newborn. A neonate with bilateral torsion of the testes is described. Torsion occurred in utero and was discovered only on routine examination after birth. The relevance of the comparatively silent torsion is discussed in relation to the age of the child, and the timing of routine examination of the newborn.", "PMID": 986748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2152", "title": "Primary carcinoma of the seminal vesicle. Case report.", "content": "A 72-year-old man with a seminal vesicle carcinoma is reported. The patient was treated by local excision of the tumour and radiotherapy. When the patient deteriorated and radiological and scintographic signs of skeletal metastases developed, hormone therapy (oestrogen) was initiated. Within a few weeks the patient was free from his severe pain. The radiological and scintographic signs of metastases had either diminished in size or disappeared after one year of oestrogen therapy. The patient is still alive and well 2 years after the diagnosis was established.", "contents": "Primary carcinoma of the seminal vesicle. Case report. A 72-year-old man with a seminal vesicle carcinoma is reported. The patient was treated by local excision of the tumour and radiotherapy. When the patient deteriorated and radiological and scintographic signs of skeletal metastases developed, hormone therapy (oestrogen) was initiated. Within a few weeks the patient was free from his severe pain. The radiological and scintographic signs of metastases had either diminished in size or disappeared after one year of oestrogen therapy. The patient is still alive and well 2 years after the diagnosis was established.", "PMID": 986749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2153", "title": "Treatment of vaginismus by i.v. diazepam (Valium) abreaction interviews.", "content": "A new method of treatment of vaginismus by using intravenous diazepam abreaction interviews is reported. Four patients between the ages of 19 and 28 were interviewed. The duration of their main complaint varied from 6 months to 3 years. Three to six abreaction interviews were conducted; the maximum dosage of Valium used was from 20-30 mg. All of these patients reported having successful intercourse after these interviews. Individual psychotherapy continued after the interviews on a weekly basis, and marital therapy on a monthly basis, for a period of 2 to 6 months. Three out of four women reported being orgasmic for the first time. It is the opinion of the author that this new method of treatment of vaginismus is greatly beneficial.", "contents": "Treatment of vaginismus by i.v. diazepam (Valium) abreaction interviews. A new method of treatment of vaginismus by using intravenous diazepam abreaction interviews is reported. Four patients between the ages of 19 and 28 were interviewed. The duration of their main complaint varied from 6 months to 3 years. Three to six abreaction interviews were conducted; the maximum dosage of Valium used was from 20-30 mg. All of these patients reported having successful intercourse after these interviews. Individual psychotherapy continued after the interviews on a weekly basis, and marital therapy on a monthly basis, for a period of 2 to 6 months. Three out of four women reported being orgasmic for the first time. It is the opinion of the author that this new method of treatment of vaginismus is greatly beneficial.", "PMID": 986750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2154", "title": "Lithium effects on diurnal rhythm of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate metabolism in manic-melancholic disorder.", "content": "The diurnal rhythm of plasma phosphate, calcium, and magnesium was studied in 34 lithium treated patients, in 42 other psychiatric patients, and in 47 healthy persons. Seventeen blood samples were drawn from each person during the 24-hour period. Lithium was given at 10 p.m. and in the next few hours plasma phosphate decreased compared with the two control groups. In the same period plasma calcium showed a temporary increase, whereas plasma magnesium was increased during the whole 24-hour period. The lithium treated patients had a reduced urinary calcium excretion during the night, and an increased urinary magnesium excretion during the day, whereas no changes were found in urinary phosphate excretion.", "contents": "Lithium effects on diurnal rhythm of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate metabolism in manic-melancholic disorder. The diurnal rhythm of plasma phosphate, calcium, and magnesium was studied in 34 lithium treated patients, in 42 other psychiatric patients, and in 47 healthy persons. Seventeen blood samples were drawn from each person during the 24-hour period. Lithium was given at 10 p.m. and in the next few hours plasma phosphate decreased compared with the two control groups. In the same period plasma calcium showed a temporary increase, whereas plasma magnesium was increased during the whole 24-hour period. The lithium treated patients had a reduced urinary calcium excretion during the night, and an increased urinary magnesium excretion during the day, whereas no changes were found in urinary phosphate excretion.", "PMID": 986751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2155", "title": "Family constellation and psychosexual disturbances.", "content": "In patients with psychosexual disturbances (impotence and ejaculatio praecox) the family constellation during childhood and the patients' occupations were compared with the Swedish population census. The parents of the patients were older, and the patients were more often the only son or the only child. A greater percentage of the patients had technical or office administrative professions than the inhabitants in Stockholm. The findings are discussed with references to a supposed focus on achievement in the upbringing of the oldest or only son. Focus on achievement may cause emotional restraint and subsequently psychosexual disturbances.", "contents": "Family constellation and psychosexual disturbances. In patients with psychosexual disturbances (impotence and ejaculatio praecox) the family constellation during childhood and the patients' occupations were compared with the Swedish population census. The parents of the patients were older, and the patients were more often the only son or the only child. A greater percentage of the patients had technical or office administrative professions than the inhabitants in Stockholm. The findings are discussed with references to a supposed focus on achievement in the upbringing of the oldest or only son. Focus on achievement may cause emotional restraint and subsequently psychosexual disturbances.", "PMID": 986752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2156", "title": "Memory recovery after traumatic coma.", "content": "Serial memory testings of 108 head injury cases were studied over a two year follow up period. The length of the post-traumatic disorientation period (PTD) was found to be an important factor in the rate of memory recovery. In the first year after injury marked differences were seen in the recovery rates of all four PTD groups, the three short PTD groups (less than one month) finally yielding from 74% to 92% cases (according to the group) with normal memory function, while the long PTD group (more than one month) only produced 45% cases (statistical significance 0.05). During the second year and up to the end of this survey relatively little change in memory status occurred in any of the cases, regardless of their PTD. Any improvement that did occur was at an extremely slow rate. Brain damage was the main cause of memory defect in the long PTD group, while anxiety symptoms had a more important role in the short PTD cases. The shapes of memory recall curves were analysed in recovering patients. Three types of curve were found. The incidence of the shape of the curve also varied according to the PTD time (statistical significance 0.05) between long and short PTD groups. Curve shapes are discussed in terms of memory mechanisms, and a possible prognostic value is suggested. Analysis of test errors indicated not only a defective transfer of material from short term long term memory storage but also in some cases, a more complex mechanism involving inappropriate fixation of attention. Reverberation of memory traces is suggested as being a possible cause of interference in both short and long term memory mechanisms. A marked difference in recall performance between auditory and visual presentation of word lists was found to be a useful lateralising sign.", "contents": "Memory recovery after traumatic coma. Serial memory testings of 108 head injury cases were studied over a two year follow up period. The length of the post-traumatic disorientation period (PTD) was found to be an important factor in the rate of memory recovery. In the first year after injury marked differences were seen in the recovery rates of all four PTD groups, the three short PTD groups (less than one month) finally yielding from 74% to 92% cases (according to the group) with normal memory function, while the long PTD group (more than one month) only produced 45% cases (statistical significance 0.05). During the second year and up to the end of this survey relatively little change in memory status occurred in any of the cases, regardless of their PTD. Any improvement that did occur was at an extremely slow rate. Brain damage was the main cause of memory defect in the long PTD group, while anxiety symptoms had a more important role in the short PTD cases. The shapes of memory recall curves were analysed in recovering patients. Three types of curve were found. The incidence of the shape of the curve also varied according to the PTD time (statistical significance 0.05) between long and short PTD groups. Curve shapes are discussed in terms of memory mechanisms, and a possible prognostic value is suggested. Analysis of test errors indicated not only a defective transfer of material from short term long term memory storage but also in some cases, a more complex mechanism involving inappropriate fixation of attention. Reverberation of memory traces is suggested as being a possible cause of interference in both short and long term memory mechanisms. A marked difference in recall performance between auditory and visual presentation of word lists was found to be a useful lateralising sign.", "PMID": 986753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2157", "title": "Alterations in brain endogenous histamine levels in rats after chronic morphine treatment and morphine withdrawal.", "content": "Chronic but not acute treatment with morphine resulted in a significant decrease in the histamine concentration in the rat hypothalamus while a slight decrease was noted in the brain stem and cortex. Naloxone precipitated morphine withdrawal caused a significant decrease in histamine concentration in all three brain regions investigated. Withdrawal of morphine resulted in a further significant decrease in histamine level in the hypothalamus, brain stem and cortex. Substitution of morphine by methadone induced changes similar to these seen in rats chronically treated with morphine alone. The present data suggest that in addition to the other biogenic amines histamine may be involved in the pharmacological effects of morphine.", "contents": "Alterations in brain endogenous histamine levels in rats after chronic morphine treatment and morphine withdrawal. Chronic but not acute treatment with morphine resulted in a significant decrease in the histamine concentration in the rat hypothalamus while a slight decrease was noted in the brain stem and cortex. Naloxone precipitated morphine withdrawal caused a significant decrease in histamine concentration in all three brain regions investigated. Withdrawal of morphine resulted in a further significant decrease in histamine level in the hypothalamus, brain stem and cortex. Substitution of morphine by methadone induced changes similar to these seen in rats chronically treated with morphine alone. The present data suggest that in addition to the other biogenic amines histamine may be involved in the pharmacological effects of morphine.", "PMID": 986754} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2158", "title": "Influence of vitamin B6 intake on the content of the vitamin in human milk.", "content": "The influence of the level of vitamin B6 intake on the content of the vitamin in milk was studied in 19 healthy subjects whose stages of lactation ranged from 3 weeks to 30 months. Total vitamin B6 intakes, including extra-dietary sources of the vitamin, ranged from 1.3 to 12.5 mg per day with six subjects consuming less than the recommended allowance of 2.5 mg per day (RDA, 1974). Subjects consuming less than 2.5 mg of vitamin B6 per day had significantly less vitamin B6/liter milk (129 mug) than groups consuming 2.5 to 5.0 or greater than 5.0 mg per day (239 and 314 mug, respectively). Among subjects consuming greater than 2.5 mg of vitamin per day the stage of lactation did not influence the levels of protein or vitamin B6 in milk. Vitamin B6 intakes two to five times the recommended allowance did not significantly elevate the level of the vitamin in milk compared to values for subjects whose intakes approximated the allowance. The vitamin B6/protein ratio in milk of subjects consuming less than 2.5 mg vitamin B6 per day was 13 mug/g and was significantly lower than that observed for the other two groups (23 and 28 mug/g). Daily and weekly variations of the vitamin B6 and protein content in milk of individuals were small. However, marked diurnal variations in the vitamin B6 content were found in milk of individuals taking daily supplements of the vitamin with peak levels occurring in the afternoon 3 to 5 hr after supplements were taken in the morning.", "contents": "Influence of vitamin B6 intake on the content of the vitamin in human milk. The influence of the level of vitamin B6 intake on the content of the vitamin in milk was studied in 19 healthy subjects whose stages of lactation ranged from 3 weeks to 30 months. Total vitamin B6 intakes, including extra-dietary sources of the vitamin, ranged from 1.3 to 12.5 mg per day with six subjects consuming less than the recommended allowance of 2.5 mg per day (RDA, 1974). Subjects consuming less than 2.5 mg of vitamin B6 per day had significantly less vitamin B6/liter milk (129 mug) than groups consuming 2.5 to 5.0 or greater than 5.0 mg per day (239 and 314 mug, respectively). Among subjects consuming greater than 2.5 mg of vitamin per day the stage of lactation did not influence the levels of protein or vitamin B6 in milk. Vitamin B6 intakes two to five times the recommended allowance did not significantly elevate the level of the vitamin in milk compared to values for subjects whose intakes approximated the allowance. The vitamin B6/protein ratio in milk of subjects consuming less than 2.5 mg vitamin B6 per day was 13 mug/g and was significantly lower than that observed for the other two groups (23 and 28 mug/g). Daily and weekly variations of the vitamin B6 and protein content in milk of individuals were small. However, marked diurnal variations in the vitamin B6 content were found in milk of individuals taking daily supplements of the vitamin with peak levels occurring in the afternoon 3 to 5 hr after supplements were taken in the morning.", "PMID": 986761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2159", "title": "Composition of biliary lipids and kinetics of bile acids after cholecystectomy in man.", "content": "Postcholecystectomy biliary lipid composition and bile acid kinetics were studied in 24 women and 4 men. Hepatic bile was collected periodically for as long as 4 months without interrupting the enterohepatic circulation and without infecting the biliary system. In 23 patients with cholesterol gallstones, fasting biliary cholesterol made up 10.2% of total lipids in the steady state; in 5 patients with bilirubinate stones, saturation of fasting hepatic bile with cholesterol was lower (8.7% of total lipids). The percentage of deoxycholic acid after cholecystectomy was not higher than that of seven healthy, noncholecystectomized controls. Postcholecystectomy studies of diurnal variation of biliary lipids (7 patients) showed that postprandial hepatic bile had a significantly lower cholesterol saturation than fasting bile. Pool sizes of cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids were low (average 0.4 g/70 kg, each); total synthesis for both bile acids was normal (average 460 mg/day/70 kg), but fractional turnover rates of the two primary bile acids increased after cholecystectomy, probably due to more frequent recycling of the small bile acid pool.", "contents": "Composition of biliary lipids and kinetics of bile acids after cholecystectomy in man. Postcholecystectomy biliary lipid composition and bile acid kinetics were studied in 24 women and 4 men. Hepatic bile was collected periodically for as long as 4 months without interrupting the enterohepatic circulation and without infecting the biliary system. In 23 patients with cholesterol gallstones, fasting biliary cholesterol made up 10.2% of total lipids in the steady state; in 5 patients with bilirubinate stones, saturation of fasting hepatic bile with cholesterol was lower (8.7% of total lipids). The percentage of deoxycholic acid after cholecystectomy was not higher than that of seven healthy, noncholecystectomized controls. Postcholecystectomy studies of diurnal variation of biliary lipids (7 patients) showed that postprandial hepatic bile had a significantly lower cholesterol saturation than fasting bile. Pool sizes of cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids were low (average 0.4 g/70 kg, each); total synthesis for both bile acids was normal (average 460 mg/day/70 kg), but fractional turnover rates of the two primary bile acids increased after cholecystectomy, probably due to more frequent recycling of the small bile acid pool.", "PMID": 986762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2160", "title": "Metastatic infection secondary to genitourinary tract sepsis.", "content": "Metastatic infections arising from sepsis in the genitourinary tract are reviewed in 175 cases, including five in which we treated the patients. The skeleton was the most common site of metastasis (59 per cent). The endocardium was next most frequently involved (28 per cent). Gram-negative organisms were implicated in less than two-thirds of the cases (59 per cent). Impaired host defense mechanisms were noted in 25 per cent of the patients experiencing metastatic infections. The lower urinary tract was the source of metastasis in 75 per cent of the patients, particularly after urologic manipulation in men. Women were more likely to experience metastatic infection from the upper urinary tract. Anatomic and pathologic considerations explaining these sex differences are presented.", "contents": "Metastatic infection secondary to genitourinary tract sepsis. Metastatic infections arising from sepsis in the genitourinary tract are reviewed in 175 cases, including five in which we treated the patients. The skeleton was the most common site of metastasis (59 per cent). The endocardium was next most frequently involved (28 per cent). Gram-negative organisms were implicated in less than two-thirds of the cases (59 per cent). Impaired host defense mechanisms were noted in 25 per cent of the patients experiencing metastatic infections. The lower urinary tract was the source of metastasis in 75 per cent of the patients, particularly after urologic manipulation in men. Women were more likely to experience metastatic infection from the upper urinary tract. Anatomic and pathologic considerations explaining these sex differences are presented.", "PMID": 986763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2161", "title": "Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura--remission following splenectomy. Report of a case and review of the literature.", "content": "A case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in which sustained remission followed splenectomy is described. Strong serologic evidence of concurrent infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae was found in this case. Previously reported cases in which thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura has been associated with infections are reviewed. An approach to management of this unusual and frequently fetal condition, is suggested, based on a detailed review of the recent literature.", "contents": "Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura--remission following splenectomy. Report of a case and review of the literature. A case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in which sustained remission followed splenectomy is described. Strong serologic evidence of concurrent infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae was found in this case. Previously reported cases in which thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura has been associated with infections are reviewed. An approach to management of this unusual and frequently fetal condition, is suggested, based on a detailed review of the recent literature.", "PMID": 986764} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2162", "title": "Effect of pilocarpine drops on the diurnal intraocular pressure variation in patients with glaucoma.", "content": "The diurnal intraocular pressure was measured in 14 eyes of patients with glaucoma while they were using no medication and compared to the diurnal pressures while they were using pilocarpine drops. During the 48 hour control period, the pressures measured every 3 hours by the non-contact tonometer had a mean value of 26 mm. Hg and a mean maximum diurnal variation of 18.5 mm. Hg. During the pilocarpine treatment period, the mean pressure and maximum diurnal variation dropped to 17 and 8.5 mm. Hg, respectively. The greatest pressure-lowering effect occurred between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M.", "contents": "Effect of pilocarpine drops on the diurnal intraocular pressure variation in patients with glaucoma. The diurnal intraocular pressure was measured in 14 eyes of patients with glaucoma while they were using no medication and compared to the diurnal pressures while they were using pilocarpine drops. During the 48 hour control period, the pressures measured every 3 hours by the non-contact tonometer had a mean value of 26 mm. Hg and a mean maximum diurnal variation of 18.5 mm. Hg. During the pilocarpine treatment period, the mean pressure and maximum diurnal variation dropped to 17 and 8.5 mm. Hg, respectively. The greatest pressure-lowering effect occurred between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M.", "PMID": 986766} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2163", "title": "Respiratory distress syndrome with mature lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios: diabetes mellitus and low Apgar scores.", "content": "A detailed study was made of 150 women delivered of their infants within 72 hours of an amniocentesis where the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio was 2.0 or greater. There were nine neonates with respiratory distress (6.0 per cent). There were two neonatal deaths, both due to severe congenital heart disease. A mature amniotic fluid L/S ratio predicts a newborn infant who will not have respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in most pregnancies. There is a significantly increased risk of RDS in neonates with a mature L/S ratio if the mother has insulin-dependent diabetes or if there is a resulting low Apgar score. The method of delivery (cesarean section or vaginal) does not affect the frequency of RDS where the L/S ratio is 2.0 or more.", "contents": "Respiratory distress syndrome with mature lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios: diabetes mellitus and low Apgar scores. A detailed study was made of 150 women delivered of their infants within 72 hours of an amniocentesis where the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio was 2.0 or greater. There were nine neonates with respiratory distress (6.0 per cent). There were two neonatal deaths, both due to severe congenital heart disease. A mature amniotic fluid L/S ratio predicts a newborn infant who will not have respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in most pregnancies. There is a significantly increased risk of RDS in neonates with a mature L/S ratio if the mother has insulin-dependent diabetes or if there is a resulting low Apgar score. The method of delivery (cesarean section or vaginal) does not affect the frequency of RDS where the L/S ratio is 2.0 or more.", "PMID": 986767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2164", "title": "Placental function and renal tract studies in pre-eclampsia with proteinuria and long-term maternal consequences.", "content": "A total of 99 patients with pre-eclampsia and proteinuria were managed conservatively between 30 and 37 weeks of gestation, based on serial urinary estriol, liquor amnii, and renal function studies. The over-all perinatal wastage was 14 per cent, but was 35 per cent in association with subnormal estriol excretion and oligohydramnios (less than 250 ml.). In severe pre-eclampsia (blood pressure greater than 170/110 mm. Hg with proteinuria greater than 5 Gm. per liter) the incidence of subnormal estriol was 73 per cent and, becuase of this and the associated maternal hazards, conservative treatment had little place. However, in less severe pre-eclampsia with proteinuria early in the third trimester, this prospective study, based on serial placental and renal function tests, showed that frequently the pregnancy could be prolonged and fetal losses due to prematurity avoided. It should be stressed that such conservative treatment should not be continued when there are strong clinical contraindications. Irrespective of the severity of the prior pre-eclampsia, it was unusual for patients to show residual hypertension, proteinuria, or abnormal pyelography at their postnatal examination. Postpartum renal biopsy showed either normal histology or regression of the classical glomerular lesion in 77 per cent of cases.", "contents": "Placental function and renal tract studies in pre-eclampsia with proteinuria and long-term maternal consequences. A total of 99 patients with pre-eclampsia and proteinuria were managed conservatively between 30 and 37 weeks of gestation, based on serial urinary estriol, liquor amnii, and renal function studies. The over-all perinatal wastage was 14 per cent, but was 35 per cent in association with subnormal estriol excretion and oligohydramnios (less than 250 ml.). In severe pre-eclampsia (blood pressure greater than 170/110 mm. Hg with proteinuria greater than 5 Gm. per liter) the incidence of subnormal estriol was 73 per cent and, becuase of this and the associated maternal hazards, conservative treatment had little place. However, in less severe pre-eclampsia with proteinuria early in the third trimester, this prospective study, based on serial placental and renal function tests, showed that frequently the pregnancy could be prolonged and fetal losses due to prematurity avoided. It should be stressed that such conservative treatment should not be continued when there are strong clinical contraindications. Irrespective of the severity of the prior pre-eclampsia, it was unusual for patients to show residual hypertension, proteinuria, or abnormal pyelography at their postnatal examination. Postpartum renal biopsy showed either normal histology or regression of the classical glomerular lesion in 77 per cent of cases.", "PMID": 986768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2165", "title": "Cigarette smoking, use of oral contraceptives, and myocardial infarction.", "content": "The excess risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction among users of oral contraceptives observed in England and Wales can be explained in terms of the high proportion of smokers in the study population. Among nonsmokers, the relative risk associated with the use of oral contraceptives is estimated to be 2 to 1, which is not statistically significant (P = 0.28, Fisher's exact probability test). The present analysis suggests that smoking be considered as another contraindication for the prescription of oral contraceptives. The results further indicate that those women who smoke as well as use oral contraceptives and are interested in reducing the risk of nonfatal mycardial infarction should be encouraged to give up smoking. The relative risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction associated with the use of oral contraceptives observed in a society can vary between 0.9 to 1 and 11.7 to 1, depending upon the proportion of smokers. From the public health point of view, the reduction in the excess risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction achieved by eliminating smoking is estimated to be much more than can be achieved by eliminating the use of oral contraceptives.", "contents": "Cigarette smoking, use of oral contraceptives, and myocardial infarction. The excess risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction among users of oral contraceptives observed in England and Wales can be explained in terms of the high proportion of smokers in the study population. Among nonsmokers, the relative risk associated with the use of oral contraceptives is estimated to be 2 to 1, which is not statistically significant (P = 0.28, Fisher's exact probability test). The present analysis suggests that smoking be considered as another contraindication for the prescription of oral contraceptives. The results further indicate that those women who smoke as well as use oral contraceptives and are interested in reducing the risk of nonfatal mycardial infarction should be encouraged to give up smoking. The relative risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction associated with the use of oral contraceptives observed in a society can vary between 0.9 to 1 and 11.7 to 1, depending upon the proportion of smokers. From the public health point of view, the reduction in the excess risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction achieved by eliminating smoking is estimated to be much more than can be achieved by eliminating the use of oral contraceptives.", "PMID": 986770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2166", "title": "Cellular hypersensitivity in patients with adenomatous hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma of the endometrium.", "content": "Cellular hypersensitivity was studied in patients with adenomatous hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma of the endometrium with the use of dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) skin tests and inhibition of leukocyte migration by homologous and autologous tumor antigen. Inhibition of leukocyte migration by homologous endometrial carcinoma antigen was found in two of five patients with adenomatous hyperplasia and eight of 11 patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma. A comparable degree of inhibition was found with autologous antigen. DNCB skin reactions were found to be strongly positive in patients with adenomatous hyperplasia, and a lesser degree of reactivity was observed in patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma. No correlation was found between leukocyte migration tests and DNCB reactions, and no correlation was observed between these tests and the age of the patient, clinical stage of disease, or histologic grade of the tumor.", "contents": "Cellular hypersensitivity in patients with adenomatous hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. Cellular hypersensitivity was studied in patients with adenomatous hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma of the endometrium with the use of dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) skin tests and inhibition of leukocyte migration by homologous and autologous tumor antigen. Inhibition of leukocyte migration by homologous endometrial carcinoma antigen was found in two of five patients with adenomatous hyperplasia and eight of 11 patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma. A comparable degree of inhibition was found with autologous antigen. DNCB skin reactions were found to be strongly positive in patients with adenomatous hyperplasia, and a lesser degree of reactivity was observed in patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma. No correlation was found between leukocyte migration tests and DNCB reactions, and no correlation was observed between these tests and the age of the patient, clinical stage of disease, or histologic grade of the tumor.", "PMID": 986771} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2167", "title": "Subretinal neovascularization developing after prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation of atrophic macular scars.", "content": "Two patients who had lost central vision in one eye due to a histoplasmic disciform macular scar received prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation to one or more atrophic lesions (histo spots) in the second macula in an effort to reduce the risk of developing active neovascularization in the second eye. Despite this prophylactic treatment, both patients developed a choroidal neovascular membrane from the photocoagulation scar.", "contents": "Subretinal neovascularization developing after prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation of atrophic macular scars. Two patients who had lost central vision in one eye due to a histoplasmic disciform macular scar received prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation to one or more atrophic lesions (histo spots) in the second macula in an effort to reduce the risk of developing active neovascularization in the second eye. Despite this prophylactic treatment, both patients developed a choroidal neovascular membrane from the photocoagulation scar.", "PMID": 986772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2168", "title": "Keratomalacia in the cachectic hospitalized patient.", "content": "Keratomalacia occurred in two cachectic hospitalized patients, each with severe vitamin A-protein deficiency secondary to a lethal disease. Prompt therapy with parenteral and topical vitamin A, protein supplementation, and a soft contact lens restored corneal integrity and prevented visual loss in one patient. Keratinization of the conjunctiva did not occur in either patient. Patients with severe protein deficiency may develop keratomalacia in the absence of a severely decreased serum level of vitamin A.", "contents": "Keratomalacia in the cachectic hospitalized patient. Keratomalacia occurred in two cachectic hospitalized patients, each with severe vitamin A-protein deficiency secondary to a lethal disease. Prompt therapy with parenteral and topical vitamin A, protein supplementation, and a soft contact lens restored corneal integrity and prevented visual loss in one patient. Keratinization of the conjunctiva did not occur in either patient. Patients with severe protein deficiency may develop keratomalacia in the absence of a severely decreased serum level of vitamin A.", "PMID": 986773} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2169", "title": "Measurements of exit rates to distinguish between facilitated and simple diffusion.", "content": "A modification of the method of Sen and Widdas (J. Physiol. London 160:392-403, 1962) was used to measure the rate of exit of several nonelectrolytes from erythrocytes of various species. In spite of additional errors introduced by the larger half-saturation values of the carriers (phi) and concentrations, it was possible to distinguish between systems with small values of phi, systems with relatively large values of phi, and systems involving only simple diffusion. Approximate values of phi in millimoles and of maximum transfer rate (K) in isotonic units per minute were obtained using times and initial slopes measured on experimental curves. The following values in the foregoing units were obtained: human glucose, phi = 1.8, 1.0, K = 0.8, 1.1; human glycerol, phi = 178, 94, K = 4.3, 3.3; sheep thiourea, phi = 56, 56, K = 0.9, 0.6; and rabbit glycerol, phi = 328, 64, K = 2.2, 1.0. Simple diffusion was demonstrated for the following systems: ox-ethylene glycol; ox-glycerol; sheep-ethylene glycol; and sheep glycerol.", "contents": "Measurements of exit rates to distinguish between facilitated and simple diffusion. A modification of the method of Sen and Widdas (J. Physiol. London 160:392-403, 1962) was used to measure the rate of exit of several nonelectrolytes from erythrocytes of various species. In spite of additional errors introduced by the larger half-saturation values of the carriers (phi) and concentrations, it was possible to distinguish between systems with small values of phi, systems with relatively large values of phi, and systems involving only simple diffusion. Approximate values of phi in millimoles and of maximum transfer rate (K) in isotonic units per minute were obtained using times and initial slopes measured on experimental curves. The following values in the foregoing units were obtained: human glucose, phi = 1.8, 1.0, K = 0.8, 1.1; human glycerol, phi = 178, 94, K = 4.3, 3.3; sheep thiourea, phi = 56, 56, K = 0.9, 0.6; and rabbit glycerol, phi = 328, 64, K = 2.2, 1.0. Simple diffusion was demonstrated for the following systems: ox-ethylene glycol; ox-glycerol; sheep-ethylene glycol; and sheep glycerol.", "PMID": 986774} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2170", "title": "Core temperature in the female rat: effect of pinealectomy or altered lighting.", "content": "Radiotelemetry of core temperature in unrestrained, mature female rats revealed the existence of a 24-h rhythm that was bimodal. The principal peak occurred during the night under control conditions of 14 h light and 10 h darkness, and a less pronounced, secondary peak occurred 3-4 h after the onset of the light phase. Shifts in the phase of the photoperiod or alteration of the proportion of light per day revealed that the temperature rhythm was entrained by light, but that the two component peaks were governed by different aspects of the lighting regimen. Exposure of rats to continuous darkness, continuous light, or to a 20-h photoperiod revealed that the primary rhythm was endogenous, entrained by circadian photoperiods only, whereas the secondary rhythm was exogenous, requiring a circadian light/dark rhythm. A relationship between mean core temperature and ttion pressure, end-systolic L was constant, despite variations in filling and therefore independent of initial L and delta L; moreover, the L to which the ventricle shortened was determined by the course of the systolic force L-relation. Thus, irrespective of loading, delta L occurs within the confines of the contractile state-depdendent isovolumic force-L relation and where the latter is equivalent to the end-systolic force-length relation.", "contents": "Core temperature in the female rat: effect of pinealectomy or altered lighting. Radiotelemetry of core temperature in unrestrained, mature female rats revealed the existence of a 24-h rhythm that was bimodal. The principal peak occurred during the night under control conditions of 14 h light and 10 h darkness, and a less pronounced, secondary peak occurred 3-4 h after the onset of the light phase. Shifts in the phase of the photoperiod or alteration of the proportion of light per day revealed that the temperature rhythm was entrained by light, but that the two component peaks were governed by different aspects of the lighting regimen. Exposure of rats to continuous darkness, continuous light, or to a 20-h photoperiod revealed that the primary rhythm was endogenous, entrained by circadian photoperiods only, whereas the secondary rhythm was exogenous, requiring a circadian light/dark rhythm. A relationship between mean core temperature and ttion pressure, end-systolic L was constant, despite variations in filling and therefore independent of initial L and delta L; moreover, the L to which the ventricle shortened was determined by the course of the systolic force L-relation. Thus, irrespective of loading, delta L occurs within the confines of the contractile state-depdendent isovolumic force-L relation and where the latter is equivalent to the end-systolic force-length relation.", "PMID": 986775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2171", "title": "Core temperature in the female rat: effect of ovariectomy and induction of pseudopregnancy.", "content": "Nocturnal peaks in core body temperature of rats during the estrous cycle were highest during the night of ovulation (2300-0200 h, proestrus-estrus) and lowest during the night before (diestrus 2-proestrus). Less dramatic diurnal secondary peaks, absent only during estrus, occurred 3-4 h after the onset of daylight. After induction of pseudopregnancy, mean temperature declined, but both daily peaks persisted until the first postluteal estrus, when the secondary peak was again absent transiently. Ovariectomy reduced mean core temperature and abolished all secondary peaks. In contrast, castration during pseudopregnancy did not abolish the secondary peaks. When cyclic rats were gonadectomized (abolishing the secondary rhythm) it was possible to re-establish this rhythm by stimulating the uterine cervix (as if to induce pseudopregnancy). However, in animals exposed to darkness (which also abolishes the secondary rhythm) reinduction by cervical stimulation was ineffective. These results indicated that the integrity of the secondary peak, though dependent on photoperiod, nevertheless was influenced by a neuroendocrine reflex arc.", "contents": "Core temperature in the female rat: effect of ovariectomy and induction of pseudopregnancy. Nocturnal peaks in core body temperature of rats during the estrous cycle were highest during the night of ovulation (2300-0200 h, proestrus-estrus) and lowest during the night before (diestrus 2-proestrus). Less dramatic diurnal secondary peaks, absent only during estrus, occurred 3-4 h after the onset of daylight. After induction of pseudopregnancy, mean temperature declined, but both daily peaks persisted until the first postluteal estrus, when the secondary peak was again absent transiently. Ovariectomy reduced mean core temperature and abolished all secondary peaks. In contrast, castration during pseudopregnancy did not abolish the secondary peaks. When cyclic rats were gonadectomized (abolishing the secondary rhythm) it was possible to re-establish this rhythm by stimulating the uterine cervix (as if to induce pseudopregnancy). However, in animals exposed to darkness (which also abolishes the secondary rhythm) reinduction by cervical stimulation was ineffective. These results indicated that the integrity of the secondary peak, though dependent on photoperiod, nevertheless was influenced by a neuroendocrine reflex arc.", "PMID": 986776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2172", "title": "Trichinosis acquired at sea--report of an outbreak.", "content": "In 1974, at least 13 persons acquired trichinosis aboard a luxury liner en route to Alaska. Epidemiologic investigation implicated ground beef served on the ship as the vehicle of transmission. The beef is thought to have been contaminated by pork which had previously been frozen, though presumably not under trichinacidal conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of trichinosis acquired at sea.", "contents": "Trichinosis acquired at sea--report of an outbreak. In 1974, at least 13 persons acquired trichinosis aboard a luxury liner en route to Alaska. Epidemiologic investigation implicated ground beef served on the ship as the vehicle of transmission. The beef is thought to have been contaminated by pork which had previously been frozen, though presumably not under trichinacidal conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of trichinosis acquired at sea.", "PMID": 986779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2173", "title": "Rainfall, activity and social behaviour in the lizard, Anolis aeneus.", "content": "The effects of drought periods on the behaviour of a tropical lizard (Anolis aeneus) were measured. The number of lizards active at study sites and display frequencies varied inversely with days since rainfall. Animals that were artificially watered during a drought drank and showed an immediate recovery to prior, non-drought display levels. Rainfall records indicate that drought periods of the duration studied here are frequent in the natural habitat.", "contents": "Rainfall, activity and social behaviour in the lizard, Anolis aeneus. The effects of drought periods on the behaviour of a tropical lizard (Anolis aeneus) were measured. The number of lizards active at study sites and display frequencies varied inversely with days since rainfall. Animals that were artificially watered during a drought drank and showed an immediate recovery to prior, non-drought display levels. Rainfall records indicate that drought periods of the duration studied here are frequent in the natural habitat.", "PMID": 986783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2174", "title": "Marital sexual dysfunction: erectile dysfunction.", "content": "All clinicians are occasionally consulted by men complaining of impotence. The history is the most important step in the differential diagnostic process for this symptom. Answers to four basic questions enable the physician to recognize classic psychologic and organic patterns. In addition, these questions provide clues as to the cause of the dysfunction. Physical and laboratory examinations are usually required to identify the specific organic cause. Traditional prevalence figures for impotence may no longer be valid. This topic awaits epidemiologic data that reflect current diagnostic sophistication. Individual treatment approaches to both organic and psychologic impotence must counteract the adverse influence of performance anxiety.", "contents": "Marital sexual dysfunction: erectile dysfunction. All clinicians are occasionally consulted by men complaining of impotence. The history is the most important step in the differential diagnostic process for this symptom. Answers to four basic questions enable the physician to recognize classic psychologic and organic patterns. In addition, these questions provide clues as to the cause of the dysfunction. Physical and laboratory examinations are usually required to identify the specific organic cause. Traditional prevalence figures for impotence may no longer be valid. This topic awaits epidemiologic data that reflect current diagnostic sophistication. Individual treatment approaches to both organic and psychologic impotence must counteract the adverse influence of performance anxiety.", "PMID": 986784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2175", "title": "Optic nerve damage following argon laser photocoagulation in a human eye.", "content": "Argon laser photocoagulation of diabetic neovascular formations overlying the optic disc risks injury to the nerve fibers. Isolated reports of postoperative field defects have appeared but extensive pathologic studies of the effects on nerve fibers are lacking. In an eye with a malignant melanoma nasally, laser photocoagulation was directed at the superior temporal artery on the disc. Applications were made repeatedly until spasm was produced at two sites. The following day, the eye was enucleated. Histopathologic examination revealed loss of endothelial cells and absence of nuclei in the media of the treated artery, and coagulative necrosis of nerve fibers around the vessel. Extensive damage to the peripapillary outer segments and retinal pigment epithelium also was demonstrated.", "contents": "Optic nerve damage following argon laser photocoagulation in a human eye. Argon laser photocoagulation of diabetic neovascular formations overlying the optic disc risks injury to the nerve fibers. Isolated reports of postoperative field defects have appeared but extensive pathologic studies of the effects on nerve fibers are lacking. In an eye with a malignant melanoma nasally, laser photocoagulation was directed at the superior temporal artery on the disc. Applications were made repeatedly until spasm was produced at two sites. The following day, the eye was enucleated. Histopathologic examination revealed loss of endothelial cells and absence of nuclei in the media of the treated artery, and coagulative necrosis of nerve fibers around the vessel. Extensive damage to the peripapillary outer segments and retinal pigment epithelium also was demonstrated.", "PMID": 986787} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2176", "title": "Radiological findings in newborn infants with urinary infection.", "content": "Selective suprapubic urine aspiration was performed in 905 of 12 942 consecutive live-born infants and showed the presence of infection in 64 (0-5%). A majority (84%) of the infected infants were males. Radiological abnormalities were detected in 35 (55%). Because of this high incidence of abnormalities, which when diagnosed might alter management, it is suggested that radiological investigations be performed in newborn infants with proven urinary infection.", "contents": "Radiological findings in newborn infants with urinary infection. Selective suprapubic urine aspiration was performed in 905 of 12 942 consecutive live-born infants and showed the presence of infection in 64 (0-5%). A majority (84%) of the infected infants were males. Radiological abnormalities were detected in 35 (55%). Because of this high incidence of abnormalities, which when diagnosed might alter management, it is suggested that radiological investigations be performed in newborn infants with proven urinary infection.", "PMID": 986789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2177", "title": "Clinical experience with the use of a valve-bearing conduit to construct a second left ventricular outflow tract in cases of unresectable intra-ventricular obstruction.", "content": "Two patients, ages 7 and 17, with unresectable obstructions within the left ventricular cavity, have been managed by interposing a conduit bearing a porcine aortic valve between the apex of the left ventricle and the infra-renal abdominal aorta. The younger child had idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) recognized in infancy. At the age of three, a right ventricular myomectomy and a trans-aortic left ventricular myotomy were performed. Symptoms were progressive with congestive failure, diaphoresis, syncope , and angina pectoris. Following construction of a second left ventricular outflow tract with relief of intraventricular obstruction, the patient has become asymptomatic. The second patient has fibrous tunnel obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tracting providing a 100 mm Hg gradient. Fibrous tissue was resected in part through the transaortic route, and a second outflow tract was constructed. A postoperative cardiac catheterization revealed an obliteration of the previous intraventricular gradients and an equal distribution of left ventricular output through the two available outflow tracts. She remains asymptomatic.", "contents": "Clinical experience with the use of a valve-bearing conduit to construct a second left ventricular outflow tract in cases of unresectable intra-ventricular obstruction. Two patients, ages 7 and 17, with unresectable obstructions within the left ventricular cavity, have been managed by interposing a conduit bearing a porcine aortic valve between the apex of the left ventricle and the infra-renal abdominal aorta. The younger child had idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) recognized in infancy. At the age of three, a right ventricular myomectomy and a trans-aortic left ventricular myotomy were performed. Symptoms were progressive with congestive failure, diaphoresis, syncope , and angina pectoris. Following construction of a second left ventricular outflow tract with relief of intraventricular obstruction, the patient has become asymptomatic. The second patient has fibrous tunnel obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tracting providing a 100 mm Hg gradient. Fibrous tissue was resected in part through the transaortic route, and a second outflow tract was constructed. A postoperative cardiac catheterization revealed an obliteration of the previous intraventricular gradients and an equal distribution of left ventricular output through the two available outflow tracts. She remains asymptomatic.", "PMID": 986790} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2178", "title": "Serum prolactin and LH in chronically-cannulated cycling rats after intra-atrial administration of oxytocin.", "content": "Chronically-cannulated female rats that had been adapted to frequent handling were used for a kinetic study where oxytocin was injected into an indwelling atrial cannula and blood sampled every 5-10 min for 2 hr after the injection. The plasma was assayed for prolactin and LH by radioimmunoassay, in order to ascertain whether in cycling rats oxytocin exerts any effect on the circulating level of either hormone. The advantage of this experimental model is that each animal served as a control for itself, and that only minor stress was recorded during the experiments. The results suggest that oxytocin does not alter circulating LH levels, and complement previous reports on the lack of effect of oxytocin on serum prolactin in the cycling rat.", "contents": "Serum prolactin and LH in chronically-cannulated cycling rats after intra-atrial administration of oxytocin. Chronically-cannulated female rats that had been adapted to frequent handling were used for a kinetic study where oxytocin was injected into an indwelling atrial cannula and blood sampled every 5-10 min for 2 hr after the injection. The plasma was assayed for prolactin and LH by radioimmunoassay, in order to ascertain whether in cycling rats oxytocin exerts any effect on the circulating level of either hormone. The advantage of this experimental model is that each animal served as a control for itself, and that only minor stress was recorded during the experiments. The results suggest that oxytocin does not alter circulating LH levels, and complement previous reports on the lack of effect of oxytocin on serum prolactin in the cycling rat.", "PMID": 986791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2179", "title": "The effect of actinomycin D on the formation of gametangia and mitosporangia in Allomyces.", "content": "The effect of actinomycin on gametangium and mitosporangium production in Allomyces arbuscula and A. macrogynus has been investigated. Male gametangium production was not more sensitive to actinomycin than female development. Actinomycin at 20 mug/ml added at the commencement of induction was completely inhibitory. The process became insensitive to actinomycin just before the first septum was laid down.", "contents": "The effect of actinomycin D on the formation of gametangia and mitosporangia in Allomyces. The effect of actinomycin on gametangium and mitosporangium production in Allomyces arbuscula and A. macrogynus has been investigated. Male gametangium production was not more sensitive to actinomycin than female development. Actinomycin at 20 mug/ml added at the commencement of induction was completely inhibitory. The process became insensitive to actinomycin just before the first septum was laid down.", "PMID": 986792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2180", "title": "[Influence of lipids and fatty acids of egg yolk over growth and sporulation of Entomophthorales (author's transl)].", "content": "Proteic and lipidic fractions of the egg yolk were chemically isolated and used in solid synthetic media to study sporulation of 4 species of Entomophthorales. Neutral lipids are as good for growth and sporulation as polar lipids; the proteic fraction is only utilized as a nitrogen source. No specific factor of the sporulation was shown. The effect of fatty acids is studied: caproic, lauric, myristic, palmitic and oleic acids are the best for growth and sporulation. The results are discussed in view of considering the role of the lipids of the egg yolk and aphids on the physiology of Entomophthora.", "contents": "[Influence of lipids and fatty acids of egg yolk over growth and sporulation of Entomophthorales (author's transl)]. Proteic and lipidic fractions of the egg yolk were chemically isolated and used in solid synthetic media to study sporulation of 4 species of Entomophthorales. Neutral lipids are as good for growth and sporulation as polar lipids; the proteic fraction is only utilized as a nitrogen source. No specific factor of the sporulation was shown. The effect of fatty acids is studied: caproic, lauric, myristic, palmitic and oleic acids are the best for growth and sporulation. The results are discussed in view of considering the role of the lipids of the egg yolk and aphids on the physiology of Entomophthora.", "PMID": 986786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2181", "title": "The cytology of the gametes and fertilization of Allomyces macrogynus.", "content": "The gametes and the process of fertilization were examined by light and electron microscopy in the lower eukaryote Allomyces macrogynus. Differences in gamete morphology included the overall larger size and the presence of a larger nuclear apparatus, along with the association of a side-body complex and many more mitochondria in the female gamete. In this species of Allomyces, fertilization was initiated by contact and fusion of specialized regions of the gamete plasma membranes resulting in a binucleate fusion cell surrounded by plasma membrane contributed by both partners. Following plasmogamy, nuclear fusion was initiated by multiple nuclear membrane contacts between adjacent outer membranes. Following inner membrane fusion, small nucleoplasmic bridges were observed which presumably fused with one another and resulted in a single bridge which widened, forming the mature diploid nucleus. After karyogamy, fusion of the nuclear caps did not always occur and zygotes with and without fused caps were observed. Coalescence of the nucleoli completed the events of fertilization, forming zygote with a single nuclear apparatus (sometimes with two caps) and two flagella. These observations are discussed in relation to fertilization mechanisms and compared to fertilization in other organisms.", "contents": "The cytology of the gametes and fertilization of Allomyces macrogynus. The gametes and the process of fertilization were examined by light and electron microscopy in the lower eukaryote Allomyces macrogynus. Differences in gamete morphology included the overall larger size and the presence of a larger nuclear apparatus, along with the association of a side-body complex and many more mitochondria in the female gamete. In this species of Allomyces, fertilization was initiated by contact and fusion of specialized regions of the gamete plasma membranes resulting in a binucleate fusion cell surrounded by plasma membrane contributed by both partners. Following plasmogamy, nuclear fusion was initiated by multiple nuclear membrane contacts between adjacent outer membranes. Following inner membrane fusion, small nucleoplasmic bridges were observed which presumably fused with one another and resulted in a single bridge which widened, forming the mature diploid nucleus. After karyogamy, fusion of the nuclear caps did not always occur and zygotes with and without fused caps were observed. Coalescence of the nucleoli completed the events of fertilization, forming zygote with a single nuclear apparatus (sometimes with two caps) and two flagella. These observations are discussed in relation to fertilization mechanisms and compared to fertilization in other organisms.", "PMID": 986793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2182", "title": "Idiotypic specificities of rabbit anti-Salmonella abortus-equi antibodies produced by spleen cell clones involved in successive transfers in irradiated rabbits.", "content": "Rabbits irradiated with 750 rad were reconstituted with different amounts of spleen cells from the same donor previously immunized against Salmonella abortus-equi (S. a. e.). Two limited numbers of spleen cell clones producing anti-S. a. e. antibodies were respectively expressed in two recipients of the smallest amount (5 x 10(6)) of donor spleen cells. We tried to propagate these spleen cell clones in two new sets of irradiated recipients. We prepared antiidiotypic sera with the anti-S. a. e. serum of respectively (1) the initial donor of the cells, (2) the two intermediate recipients in which a restricted number of spleen cell clones were expressed and (3) one rabbit from each of the second two sets of recipients in which it seemed, as judged by the anti-S. a. e. antibody spectrotypes, we succeeded in propagating these spleen cell clones. With these antiidiotypic sera, we looked for the spleen cell donor idiotypes in the anti-S. a. e. serum of the diverse recipients and vice versa. Recipients of 1 x 10(8) or 2.5 x 10(7) spleen cells produced anti-S. a. e. antibodies with a spectrotype as heterogeneous as the spectrotype of antibodies produced by the donor. These antibodies carried the idiotypic pattern of the donor's antibodies, which was revealed by a given antiidiotypic serum, and the donor's allotypic patterns. The two recipients of 5 x 10(6) spleen cells which were used as intermediate spleen cell donors for the two new sets of irradiated rabbits produced antibodies of restricted heterogeneity which carried donor's allotypic patterns but not the idiotypic pattern of the donor's antibodies (revealed by a given antiidiotypic serum). We observed during these two successive spleen cell clone transfers the expression, in the irradiated recipients, of several idiotypes of anti-S. a. e. antibodies which were not detected in the anti-S. a. e. serum of the spleen cell donor and sometimes even not in the anti-S. a. e. serum of the intermediate donor. The antibodies we studied were produced by the donor's spleen cells as they carried donor allotypic patterns and came from bleedings made one week after transfer, a time which is not sufficient for irradiated rabbits used as controls to recover their aptitude to mount an antibody response after the damages caused by the irradiation. Presumably, spleen cell clones which did not produce antibodies in the donor were recruited to produce antibodies during the successive transfers. These spleen cell clones might have been kept silent in the donor by the clonal dominance phenomenon, this dominance being broken or totally changed during the transfers.", "contents": "Idiotypic specificities of rabbit anti-Salmonella abortus-equi antibodies produced by spleen cell clones involved in successive transfers in irradiated rabbits. Rabbits irradiated with 750 rad were reconstituted with different amounts of spleen cells from the same donor previously immunized against Salmonella abortus-equi (S. a. e.). Two limited numbers of spleen cell clones producing anti-S. a. e. antibodies were respectively expressed in two recipients of the smallest amount (5 x 10(6)) of donor spleen cells. We tried to propagate these spleen cell clones in two new sets of irradiated recipients. We prepared antiidiotypic sera with the anti-S. a. e. serum of respectively (1) the initial donor of the cells, (2) the two intermediate recipients in which a restricted number of spleen cell clones were expressed and (3) one rabbit from each of the second two sets of recipients in which it seemed, as judged by the anti-S. a. e. antibody spectrotypes, we succeeded in propagating these spleen cell clones. With these antiidiotypic sera, we looked for the spleen cell donor idiotypes in the anti-S. a. e. serum of the diverse recipients and vice versa. Recipients of 1 x 10(8) or 2.5 x 10(7) spleen cells produced anti-S. a. e. antibodies with a spectrotype as heterogeneous as the spectrotype of antibodies produced by the donor. These antibodies carried the idiotypic pattern of the donor's antibodies, which was revealed by a given antiidiotypic serum, and the donor's allotypic patterns. The two recipients of 5 x 10(6) spleen cells which were used as intermediate spleen cell donors for the two new sets of irradiated rabbits produced antibodies of restricted heterogeneity which carried donor's allotypic patterns but not the idiotypic pattern of the donor's antibodies (revealed by a given antiidiotypic serum). We observed during these two successive spleen cell clone transfers the expression, in the irradiated recipients, of several idiotypes of anti-S. a. e. antibodies which were not detected in the anti-S. a. e. serum of the spleen cell donor and sometimes even not in the anti-S. a. e. serum of the intermediate donor. The antibodies we studied were produced by the donor's spleen cells as they carried donor allotypic patterns and came from bleedings made one week after transfer, a time which is not sufficient for irradiated rabbits used as controls to recover their aptitude to mount an antibody response after the damages caused by the irradiation. Presumably, spleen cell clones which did not produce antibodies in the donor were recruited to produce antibodies during the successive transfers. These spleen cell clones might have been kept silent in the donor by the clonal dominance phenomenon, this dominance being broken or totally changed during the transfers.", "PMID": 986788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2183", "title": "Cell wall formation in zoospores of Allomyces arbuscula. II. Development of surface structure of encysted haploid zoospores, rhizoids, and hyphae.", "content": "Development of haploid meiospores of Allomyces arbuscula into germling cells with rhizoids and hyphae was followed during incubation in complete growth medium. The surface structure of encysted meiospores, rhizoids and hyphae before and after extraction of amorphous materials with ethanolic KOH was studied by means of carbon-platinum replicas. After 2--3 min incubation in complete medium 10% of the meiospores were surrounded by a cell wall containing microfibrils embedded in a matrix. Structure of cell walls of encysted meiospores, rhizoids, and hyphae differ from one another by the location of amorphous materials and by the arrangement of chitin microfibrils.", "contents": "Cell wall formation in zoospores of Allomyces arbuscula. II. Development of surface structure of encysted haploid zoospores, rhizoids, and hyphae. Development of haploid meiospores of Allomyces arbuscula into germling cells with rhizoids and hyphae was followed during incubation in complete growth medium. The surface structure of encysted meiospores, rhizoids and hyphae before and after extraction of amorphous materials with ethanolic KOH was studied by means of carbon-platinum replicas. After 2--3 min incubation in complete medium 10% of the meiospores were surrounded by a cell wall containing microfibrils embedded in a matrix. Structure of cell walls of encysted meiospores, rhizoids, and hyphae differ from one another by the location of amorphous materials and by the arrangement of chitin microfibrils.", "PMID": 986794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2184", "title": "[Response of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and aldolase in serum of cattle after transportation stress].", "content": "The response to transport stress of serum GOT, LDH, and ALD was studied in 35 heads of cattle, aged 18 months to 20 years. The influence of different factors upon serum enzyme behaviour in cattle after exposure to transport stress was tested by means of mathematico-statistical methods. The following conclusions were drawn: 1. Transport stress on cattle was followed by rise in GOT, LDH, and ALD activities in serum. 2. The strongest rise was recorded from ALD activity and the smallest from LDH. 3. All three serum enzymes continued to rise up to the time of slaughter (20 to 50 hours after transport). 4. The enzyme activities recorded from blood after slaughter did not differ significantly from those in venous blood. 5. Intensity of ALD activity rise was found to depend on the transport distance (if it was more than 20 km), age of animal, and ambient temperature. 6. The rise in GOT activity was found to depend only on the given ambient temperature. 7. The behaviour of LDH activity did not reveal any secured relationship with any of the examined factors (transport distance, age keeping, and tuberculosis state or ambient temperature).", "contents": "[Response of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and aldolase in serum of cattle after transportation stress]. The response to transport stress of serum GOT, LDH, and ALD was studied in 35 heads of cattle, aged 18 months to 20 years. The influence of different factors upon serum enzyme behaviour in cattle after exposure to transport stress was tested by means of mathematico-statistical methods. The following conclusions were drawn: 1. Transport stress on cattle was followed by rise in GOT, LDH, and ALD activities in serum. 2. The strongest rise was recorded from ALD activity and the smallest from LDH. 3. All three serum enzymes continued to rise up to the time of slaughter (20 to 50 hours after transport). 4. The enzyme activities recorded from blood after slaughter did not differ significantly from those in venous blood. 5. Intensity of ALD activity rise was found to depend on the transport distance (if it was more than 20 km), age of animal, and ambient temperature. 6. The rise in GOT activity was found to depend only on the given ambient temperature. 7. The behaviour of LDH activity did not reveal any secured relationship with any of the examined factors (transport distance, age keeping, and tuberculosis state or ambient temperature).", "PMID": 986796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2185", "title": "Modification of immunologic response. IV. A factor in the serum of mice treated with streptomycin, its character and mode of action in vitro.", "content": "A factor contained in the serum of mice treated with streptomycin (SM) when added to spleen cell cultures stimulated the primary immunologic humoral response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in vitro. The magnitude of the immunologic response was measured as the number of specific antibody-producing cells. By the use of an immunoadsorbent, it was shown that the factor is not SM or a protein-SM complex remaining in trace amounts in the serum of mice treated with this antibiotic. Studies on the mechanism of stimulation by this factor showed that it reacts in a late stage of the immunologic response to already differentiated precursors of antibody-producing cells, and that higher concentrations of this substance added to cultures, instead of stimulating, inhibit producing of antibodies to SRBC. The mechanism of the stimulating action of this factor on antibody-producing cells is discussed.", "contents": "Modification of immunologic response. IV. A factor in the serum of mice treated with streptomycin, its character and mode of action in vitro. A factor contained in the serum of mice treated with streptomycin (SM) when added to spleen cell cultures stimulated the primary immunologic humoral response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in vitro. The magnitude of the immunologic response was measured as the number of specific antibody-producing cells. By the use of an immunoadsorbent, it was shown that the factor is not SM or a protein-SM complex remaining in trace amounts in the serum of mice treated with this antibiotic. Studies on the mechanism of stimulation by this factor showed that it reacts in a late stage of the immunologic response to already differentiated precursors of antibody-producing cells, and that higher concentrations of this substance added to cultures, instead of stimulating, inhibit producing of antibodies to SRBC. The mechanism of the stimulating action of this factor on antibody-producing cells is discussed.", "PMID": 986797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2186", "title": "Course and dynamics of immunologic iridocyclitis in the rabbit.", "content": "Dynamics of immunologic inflammation of the anterior part of the ocular bulb in rabbits were studied biomicroscopically with the slit lamp and on the basis of.biochemical parameters registered in aqueous humor. Inflammation appeared on the first day after injection of homologous antigen and lasted not longer than 5-6 days. Elevated levels of protein, seromucoid and sialic acid in the aqueous humor were correlated with intensity of biomicroscopic inflammatory lesions, whereas proteolytic activity deviated. The findings were discussed on the assumption that the relatively rapid rise in hydrolase activity, unaccompanied as yet by presence of leukocytes in the anterior chamberm may be due to early destructive changes in the cells of the ocular structures. The changes in the biochemical indices had local character and were not associated with similar changes in the blood serum. The described model, which is based on biochemical and biomicroscopic studies, can be useful in studies on the kinetics of specific inflammation and for testing anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs used in ophthalmology.", "contents": "Course and dynamics of immunologic iridocyclitis in the rabbit. Dynamics of immunologic inflammation of the anterior part of the ocular bulb in rabbits were studied biomicroscopically with the slit lamp and on the basis of.biochemical parameters registered in aqueous humor. Inflammation appeared on the first day after injection of homologous antigen and lasted not longer than 5-6 days. Elevated levels of protein, seromucoid and sialic acid in the aqueous humor were correlated with intensity of biomicroscopic inflammatory lesions, whereas proteolytic activity deviated. The findings were discussed on the assumption that the relatively rapid rise in hydrolase activity, unaccompanied as yet by presence of leukocytes in the anterior chamberm may be due to early destructive changes in the cells of the ocular structures. The changes in the biochemical indices had local character and were not associated with similar changes in the blood serum. The described model, which is based on biochemical and biomicroscopic studies, can be useful in studies on the kinetics of specific inflammation and for testing anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs used in ophthalmology.", "PMID": 986798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2187", "title": "Craig-Scott orthosis: a biochemical and functional evaluation.", "content": "The Craig-Scott double upright knee ankle orthosis was subjected to a biomechanical evaluation which included analysis of the force interaction with the supported limb and a functional evaluation. The results were compared with data previously determined from biomechanical evaluations of other common orthoses. In the Craig-Scott design, the single application of the knee stabilizing force below the knee concentrates this force in a relatively small bony area, sometimes exceeding tolerance. This might be avoided by using a tibial closure with patellar tendon bearing features. The design was found to produce relatively low anatomic knee shear. In functional aspects such as donning, doffing, transfers and ambulation, the orthosis is essentially equivalent to other double upright designs. The rigidity of the orthosis with only a tibial band closure and a bail connecting the uprights was determined to be adequate. The limited number of bands and closures provides some advantages in reduced donning and doffing time; however, in the absence of posterior closures below the knee, the orthosis had a tendency to slide forward off the leg when transferring. This disadvantage was eliminated by adding a soft posterior closure below the knee, which produced a minimal increase in donning and doffing times.", "contents": "Craig-Scott orthosis: a biochemical and functional evaluation. The Craig-Scott double upright knee ankle orthosis was subjected to a biomechanical evaluation which included analysis of the force interaction with the supported limb and a functional evaluation. The results were compared with data previously determined from biomechanical evaluations of other common orthoses. In the Craig-Scott design, the single application of the knee stabilizing force below the knee concentrates this force in a relatively small bony area, sometimes exceeding tolerance. This might be avoided by using a tibial closure with patellar tendon bearing features. The design was found to produce relatively low anatomic knee shear. In functional aspects such as donning, doffing, transfers and ambulation, the orthosis is essentially equivalent to other double upright designs. The rigidity of the orthosis with only a tibial band closure and a bail connecting the uprights was determined to be adequate. The limited number of bands and closures provides some advantages in reduced donning and doffing time; however, in the absence of posterior closures below the knee, the orthosis had a tendency to slide forward off the leg when transferring. This disadvantage was eliminated by adding a soft posterior closure below the knee, which produced a minimal increase in donning and doffing times.", "PMID": 986799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2188", "title": "[Cu requirement of pregnant and lactating rats].", "content": "Trials with graded Cu supplementation were carried out to establish the minimum and optimum Cu demands of pregnant, lactating and non-pregnants rats. The rats were investigated for the rate of live weight gains of the dams and young rats, for the number of stillbirths and, in particular, for the Cu status in the liver, body and blood serum of the animals and for coeruloplasmin activity. All Cu values obtained from the organs investigated had reached a saturation level at 8 mug Cu/g diet with the exception of the values for body Cu found in the dams that were killed on the day of delivery. The same results were obtained, for the above criteria, with lactating rats. So, it may be concluded that pregnant and lactating rats receive an optimum supply of Cu when they are fed a starch + casein diet containing 8 ppm Cu. For non-pregnant female rats, the limits that might be regarded as adequate were even below the 8 ppm level of dietary Cu. The saturation level for Cu was also found to be dependent, in regard of the criteria investigated, on the physiological state of the animals. It was found that, on the day of parturition, the level of Cu concentration and coeruloplasmin activity in the serum of the dams and the Cu content in the liver of the new-born rats were the best indicators for the state of Cu supply to the dams. However, after a sucking period of 17 days, the level of total Cu content in the dams was found to respond very sensitively to changes in the Cu supply.", "contents": "[Cu requirement of pregnant and lactating rats]. Trials with graded Cu supplementation were carried out to establish the minimum and optimum Cu demands of pregnant, lactating and non-pregnants rats. The rats were investigated for the rate of live weight gains of the dams and young rats, for the number of stillbirths and, in particular, for the Cu status in the liver, body and blood serum of the animals and for coeruloplasmin activity. All Cu values obtained from the organs investigated had reached a saturation level at 8 mug Cu/g diet with the exception of the values for body Cu found in the dams that were killed on the day of delivery. The same results were obtained, for the above criteria, with lactating rats. So, it may be concluded that pregnant and lactating rats receive an optimum supply of Cu when they are fed a starch + casein diet containing 8 ppm Cu. For non-pregnant female rats, the limits that might be regarded as adequate were even below the 8 ppm level of dietary Cu. The saturation level for Cu was also found to be dependent, in regard of the criteria investigated, on the physiological state of the animals. It was found that, on the day of parturition, the level of Cu concentration and coeruloplasmin activity in the serum of the dams and the Cu content in the liver of the new-born rats were the best indicators for the state of Cu supply to the dams. However, after a sucking period of 17 days, the level of total Cu content in the dams was found to respond very sensitively to changes in the Cu supply.", "PMID": 986800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2189", "title": "Observations on the pathogenesis of porcine parvovirus infection.", "content": "Differences in the pathogenesis of porcine parvovirus (PPV) were shown when pregnant gilts were infected by the oral and intramuscular (i.m.) routes. By the oral route, PPV took 23-32 days to cross the placenta following infection of the dam, as compared to 15 days by the i.m. route, Successful transplacental infection occurred following oral infection of dams only in the second third of gestation, whilst i.m. infection resulted in infection of foetuses in both first and second thirds of gestation. Foetal infection resulted in death and mummification only where infection of foetuses occurred before onset of immune competence--estimated at 70 days gestation. Infected foetuses either died before onset of immune competence, or survived to mount an immune response with subsequent death or survival to farrowing. It is suggested in discussion that reproductive failure due to PPV, characterised by mummification or occasional stillbirth, is associated in nature with oral infection, and occurs only when dams are infected in the first part of the midthird of gestation.", "contents": "Observations on the pathogenesis of porcine parvovirus infection. Differences in the pathogenesis of porcine parvovirus (PPV) were shown when pregnant gilts were infected by the oral and intramuscular (i.m.) routes. By the oral route, PPV took 23-32 days to cross the placenta following infection of the dam, as compared to 15 days by the i.m. route, Successful transplacental infection occurred following oral infection of dams only in the second third of gestation, whilst i.m. infection resulted in infection of foetuses in both first and second thirds of gestation. Foetal infection resulted in death and mummification only where infection of foetuses occurred before onset of immune competence--estimated at 70 days gestation. Infected foetuses either died before onset of immune competence, or survived to mount an immune response with subsequent death or survival to farrowing. It is suggested in discussion that reproductive failure due to PPV, characterised by mummification or occasional stillbirth, is associated in nature with oral infection, and occurs only when dams are infected in the first part of the midthird of gestation.", "PMID": 986801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2190", "title": "Interrelationships between the thyroid gland and adrenal cortex during fear, cold and restraint in the sheep.", "content": "To examine the relationship between the functioning of the adrenal and thyroid glands in sheep, plasma cortisol concentration, concentration of protein-bound 125I from thyroid vein plasma, heart rate and blood pressure were measured in ewes bearing exteriorized thyroid glands. During these measurements stresses were imposed on the animals: fear induced by pistol shots or by a barking dog, cold by cooling and wetting, and physical restraint by a loose harness. Increases in plasma cortisol concentration of 2-6 mug/100 ml were observed with each type of stressor, the response rapidly decreasing with habituation of the animal. Increases in the concentration of protein-bound 125I from thyroid vein plasma were also observed repeatedly during cooling and wetting, occasionally after the introduction of a barking dog, and during continued restraint. Cooling and wetting was the only stress causing consistent parallel activation of the adrenal cortex and thyroid gland; the other stressors resulted in independent fluctuations of secretions, as indicated by plasma cortisol concentration and concentration of protein-bound 125I from thyroid vein plasma. No reciprocal relationship between thyroid gland and adrenal cortex activity was detected. It was concluded taht these ewes, which had been accustomed to normal experimental procedures for a period of 2 years, demonstrated functional independence of thyroid and adrenal cortical secretions when subjected to stress.", "contents": "Interrelationships between the thyroid gland and adrenal cortex during fear, cold and restraint in the sheep. To examine the relationship between the functioning of the adrenal and thyroid glands in sheep, plasma cortisol concentration, concentration of protein-bound 125I from thyroid vein plasma, heart rate and blood pressure were measured in ewes bearing exteriorized thyroid glands. During these measurements stresses were imposed on the animals: fear induced by pistol shots or by a barking dog, cold by cooling and wetting, and physical restraint by a loose harness. Increases in plasma cortisol concentration of 2-6 mug/100 ml were observed with each type of stressor, the response rapidly decreasing with habituation of the animal. Increases in the concentration of protein-bound 125I from thyroid vein plasma were also observed repeatedly during cooling and wetting, occasionally after the introduction of a barking dog, and during continued restraint. Cooling and wetting was the only stress causing consistent parallel activation of the adrenal cortex and thyroid gland; the other stressors resulted in independent fluctuations of secretions, as indicated by plasma cortisol concentration and concentration of protein-bound 125I from thyroid vein plasma. No reciprocal relationship between thyroid gland and adrenal cortex activity was detected. It was concluded taht these ewes, which had been accustomed to normal experimental procedures for a period of 2 years, demonstrated functional independence of thyroid and adrenal cortical secretions when subjected to stress.", "PMID": 986804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2191", "title": "The influence of eye colour upon temporary threshold shift.", "content": "Controversy has arisen over the claim that melanin content of the iris as determined by eye colouration bears a direct relationship to susceptibility to temporary threshold shifts (TTS). A more comprehensive investigation of TTS has now been carried out which not only confirms the relationship but also indicates that earlier discordant results can be attributed to differences in methodology. The new evidence suggests that for stimulus intensities below 110 dB. (HTL re ISO, 1964) melanin content of the iris exerts its influence predominantly upon auditory adaptation while fatigue effects only become apparent at intensities above this level. The relevance of these findings to hearing conservation measures aimed at the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss is discussed.", "contents": "The influence of eye colour upon temporary threshold shift. Controversy has arisen over the claim that melanin content of the iris as determined by eye colouration bears a direct relationship to susceptibility to temporary threshold shifts (TTS). A more comprehensive investigation of TTS has now been carried out which not only confirms the relationship but also indicates that earlier discordant results can be attributed to differences in methodology. The new evidence suggests that for stimulus intensities below 110 dB. (HTL re ISO, 1964) melanin content of the iris exerts its influence predominantly upon auditory adaptation while fatigue effects only become apparent at intensities above this level. The relevance of these findings to hearing conservation measures aimed at the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss is discussed.", "PMID": 986803} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2192", "title": "Duck plague virus replication in muscovy duck fibroblast cells.", "content": "Duck embryo fibroblast cell cultures from seven species of ducks were compared for virus yield, plaque quality, and sensitivity to infection by the duck plague herpesvirus (duck virus enteritis). Muscovy duck and wood duck cells gave the best results for virus yield and plaque quality, but muscovies were considered superior because they are more available than wood ducks. Pintails and lesser scaup gave the poorest results, and pekin duck, black duck, and redhead duck were intermediate. A growth curve for the virus, determined in muscovy cells, had a latent period of six hours and a maximum new virus titer reached at 36 hours. Because of their superior plaque production and ability to replicate the virus, muscovy embryo fibroblasts (MCE) are recommended for diagnostic and research work.", "contents": "Duck plague virus replication in muscovy duck fibroblast cells. Duck embryo fibroblast cell cultures from seven species of ducks were compared for virus yield, plaque quality, and sensitivity to infection by the duck plague herpesvirus (duck virus enteritis). Muscovy duck and wood duck cells gave the best results for virus yield and plaque quality, but muscovies were considered superior because they are more available than wood ducks. Pintails and lesser scaup gave the poorest results, and pekin duck, black duck, and redhead duck were intermediate. A growth curve for the virus, determined in muscovy cells, had a latent period of six hours and a maximum new virus titer reached at 36 hours. Because of their superior plaque production and ability to replicate the virus, muscovy embryo fibroblasts (MCE) are recommended for diagnostic and research work.", "PMID": 986808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2193", "title": "Mycotoxicosis in chicks produced by toxins from Phomopsis sp. or Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae.", "content": "The possibility of producing toxic effects in day-old chicks with mycotoxins from Phomopsis sp. or Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae isolates was studied. Evidence was found that Phomopsis sp., but not Diaporthe, produces hepatic necrosis with high mortality in chicks. Enzymatically, the hepatotoxin produced by Phomopsis sp. caused an increase in the level of liver glucose-6-P dehydrogenase. Mycotoxicosis caused by Phomopsis sp. was compared with lupinosis.", "contents": "Mycotoxicosis in chicks produced by toxins from Phomopsis sp. or Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae. The possibility of producing toxic effects in day-old chicks with mycotoxins from Phomopsis sp. or Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae isolates was studied. Evidence was found that Phomopsis sp., but not Diaporthe, produces hepatic necrosis with high mortality in chicks. Enzymatically, the hepatotoxin produced by Phomopsis sp. caused an increase in the level of liver glucose-6-P dehydrogenase. Mycotoxicosis caused by Phomopsis sp. was compared with lupinosis.", "PMID": 986807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2194", "title": "Oxidation of cholesterol and cholesterol analogues by mitochondrial preparations of steroid-hormone-producing tissue.", "content": "The rate of oxidation of cholesterol and its analogues to pregnenolone (3beta-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one) by various mitochondrial preparations was measured. Sterols with the cholest-5-en-3beta-ol ring system and saturated side chains of different lengths were converted into pregnenolone rat rates similar to that of cholesterol. This marked lack of mitochondrial specificity towards the steroid side chains is in direct contrast with the rat liver microsomal cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase, which has a high specificity for the side chain. Steroids that retain the ring system, but contain hydroxyl groups at various points in the side chain, are converted into pregnenolone at rates three to eight times higher than in cholesterol. The results are discussed with reference to current ideas on the mechanism of the side-chain cleavage of cholesterol. The results are discussed with reference to current ideas on the mechanism of the side-chain cleavage of cholesterol.", "contents": "Oxidation of cholesterol and cholesterol analogues by mitochondrial preparations of steroid-hormone-producing tissue. The rate of oxidation of cholesterol and its analogues to pregnenolone (3beta-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one) by various mitochondrial preparations was measured. Sterols with the cholest-5-en-3beta-ol ring system and saturated side chains of different lengths were converted into pregnenolone rat rates similar to that of cholesterol. This marked lack of mitochondrial specificity towards the steroid side chains is in direct contrast with the rat liver microsomal cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase, which has a high specificity for the side chain. Steroids that retain the ring system, but contain hydroxyl groups at various points in the side chain, are converted into pregnenolone at rates three to eight times higher than in cholesterol. The results are discussed with reference to current ideas on the mechanism of the side-chain cleavage of cholesterol. The results are discussed with reference to current ideas on the mechanism of the side-chain cleavage of cholesterol.", "PMID": 986816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2195", "title": "Studies on the response of cholesterol biogenesis in feeding in rats: evidence against the existence of diurnal rhythms.", "content": "1. The biosynthesis of cholesterol was studied, by using various precursors, in rats subjected to several dietary regimes. 2. The use of 3H2O as a substrate to demonstrate differences in cholesterogenesis under various conditions was validated by using rats fed on cholesterol or cholestyramine. Cholesterol feeding resulted in decreased cholesterogenesis, whereas cholestyramine caused an increase. 3. With acetate as precursor, the biosynthesis of both digitonin-precipitable sterol and fatty acids was increased in vitro in response to a meal. 4. In rats fed ad libitum, hepatic cholesterogenesis was increased at midnight relative to mid-morning as measured by using acetate precursor in vitro. However, no such difference was found by using 3H2O in vivo. 5. The lipogenic response was measured in meal-fed rats by using 3H2O or octanoate in vivo. In contrast with findings with acetate in vitro, no postprandial stimulation of cholesterogenesis was seen with either 3H2O or octanoate as precursor, whereas fatty acid biosynthesis from either substrate was increased. 6. These findings are discussed with respect to current theories about the circadian rhythm of cholesterogenesis. Such theories are based on experiments using isolated enzyme measurements or non-physiological precursors such as acetate. 7. It is considered that results obtained with 3H2O give an accurate representation of cholesterogenesis under various conditions, and it is therefore suggested that hepatic cholesterogenesis in rats is not subjected to the same degree of diurnal rhythm as has previously been believed.", "contents": "Studies on the response of cholesterol biogenesis in feeding in rats: evidence against the existence of diurnal rhythms. 1. The biosynthesis of cholesterol was studied, by using various precursors, in rats subjected to several dietary regimes. 2. The use of 3H2O as a substrate to demonstrate differences in cholesterogenesis under various conditions was validated by using rats fed on cholesterol or cholestyramine. Cholesterol feeding resulted in decreased cholesterogenesis, whereas cholestyramine caused an increase. 3. With acetate as precursor, the biosynthesis of both digitonin-precipitable sterol and fatty acids was increased in vitro in response to a meal. 4. In rats fed ad libitum, hepatic cholesterogenesis was increased at midnight relative to mid-morning as measured by using acetate precursor in vitro. However, no such difference was found by using 3H2O in vivo. 5. The lipogenic response was measured in meal-fed rats by using 3H2O or octanoate in vivo. In contrast with findings with acetate in vitro, no postprandial stimulation of cholesterogenesis was seen with either 3H2O or octanoate as precursor, whereas fatty acid biosynthesis from either substrate was increased. 6. These findings are discussed with respect to current theories about the circadian rhythm of cholesterogenesis. Such theories are based on experiments using isolated enzyme measurements or non-physiological precursors such as acetate. 7. It is considered that results obtained with 3H2O give an accurate representation of cholesterogenesis under various conditions, and it is therefore suggested that hepatic cholesterogenesis in rats is not subjected to the same degree of diurnal rhythm as has previously been believed.", "PMID": 986817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2196", "title": "Chemical transformation of Chinese hamster cells: II. Appearance of marker chromosomes in transformed cells.", "content": "The chromosomes of 12 samples of cultured Chinese hamster kidney and prostate cells (4 normal and 8 transformed), whose tissue culture properties have already been described (Kirkland, 1976) have been examined for numerical change and for the appearance of abnormal markers. Six transformed kidney subclones contained a consistent telocentric marker not present in the normal parental cell, and Giemsa banding demonstrated this to be the centromere and the long (q) arm of the number 4 chromosome in all cases. Two transformed prostate subclones also contained a consistent telocentric marker, not present in similarly derived normal subclones or in the normal parental cell, and Giemsa banding demonstrated this to be a different fragment (the centromere and most of the p arm) of the number 4 chromosome. It is believed that the use of a mixed-serum culture medium, designed to stabilize the karyotype of cultured Chinese hamster cells, is at least partly responsible for the detection of these transformation-associated chromosome changes.", "contents": "Chemical transformation of Chinese hamster cells: II. Appearance of marker chromosomes in transformed cells. The chromosomes of 12 samples of cultured Chinese hamster kidney and prostate cells (4 normal and 8 transformed), whose tissue culture properties have already been described (Kirkland, 1976) have been examined for numerical change and for the appearance of abnormal markers. Six transformed kidney subclones contained a consistent telocentric marker not present in the normal parental cell, and Giemsa banding demonstrated this to be the centromere and the long (q) arm of the number 4 chromosome in all cases. Two transformed prostate subclones also contained a consistent telocentric marker, not present in similarly derived normal subclones or in the normal parental cell, and Giemsa banding demonstrated this to be a different fragment (the centromere and most of the p arm) of the number 4 chromosome. It is believed that the use of a mixed-serum culture medium, designed to stabilize the karyotype of cultured Chinese hamster cells, is at least partly responsible for the detection of these transformation-associated chromosome changes.", "PMID": 986826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2197", "title": "Role of tissue fluid hyperosmolality in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic fluid loss.", "content": "The changes in interstitial fluid osmolality in the injured tissues during and after bilateral hind-limb ischaemia have been studied in young rabbits. There was a marked tissue fluid hyperosmolality which was directly related to the period of ischaemia. The increase in osmolality could be attributed to increases in lactate and potassium concentration. The interstitial fluid hyperosmolality disappeared rapidly after restoration of the circulation to the hind-limbs and would therefore only be of importance in the earliest stages of the pathogenesis of post-ischaemic fluid loss. Although the tissue fluid hyperosmolality is so short-lasting 56% of the fluid loss, measured 1 h after a 4-h period of ischaemia, occurs during the first 10 min following removal of the tourniquets. The lactate concentration in ischaemic skeletal muscle of the newborn rabbit was higher than that in the older animal and if this is reflected in an increased tissue fluid hyperosmolality it may be a factor in the greater post-ischaemic fluid loss characteristic of the neonate.", "contents": "Role of tissue fluid hyperosmolality in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic fluid loss. The changes in interstitial fluid osmolality in the injured tissues during and after bilateral hind-limb ischaemia have been studied in young rabbits. There was a marked tissue fluid hyperosmolality which was directly related to the period of ischaemia. The increase in osmolality could be attributed to increases in lactate and potassium concentration. The interstitial fluid hyperosmolality disappeared rapidly after restoration of the circulation to the hind-limbs and would therefore only be of importance in the earliest stages of the pathogenesis of post-ischaemic fluid loss. Although the tissue fluid hyperosmolality is so short-lasting 56% of the fluid loss, measured 1 h after a 4-h period of ischaemia, occurs during the first 10 min following removal of the tourniquets. The lactate concentration in ischaemic skeletal muscle of the newborn rabbit was higher than that in the older animal and if this is reflected in an increased tissue fluid hyperosmolality it may be a factor in the greater post-ischaemic fluid loss characteristic of the neonate.", "PMID": 986828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2198", "title": "Effects of subunit interactions on the activity of lactate dehydrogenase studied in immobilized enzyme systems.", "content": "Rabbit muscle lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was coupled to Sepharose in such a way that each molecule is expected to be attached via only one subunit. Dissociation of the bound active enzyme by several methods all yielded immobilized subunit derivatives which were inactive. These derivatives were capable of regenerating activity by interacting specifically with subunits in solution formed transiently during renaturation. This ability to peck up soluble subunits is lost fairly rapidly upon storage of the immobilized subunits. Similarly, LDH subunits attached to Sepharose via disulfide bonds were found to be inactive. When these subunits were detached from the matrix by mild reduction with mercaptoethanol, activity was regenerated. The kinetics of this reactivation process suggests that reassociation is required for appearance of activity. All these results can be interpreted as showing that subunit interactions are essential for LDH activity.", "contents": "Effects of subunit interactions on the activity of lactate dehydrogenase studied in immobilized enzyme systems. Rabbit muscle lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was coupled to Sepharose in such a way that each molecule is expected to be attached via only one subunit. Dissociation of the bound active enzyme by several methods all yielded immobilized subunit derivatives which were inactive. These derivatives were capable of regenerating activity by interacting specifically with subunits in solution formed transiently during renaturation. This ability to peck up soluble subunits is lost fairly rapidly upon storage of the immobilized subunits. Similarly, LDH subunits attached to Sepharose via disulfide bonds were found to be inactive. When these subunits were detached from the matrix by mild reduction with mercaptoethanol, activity was regenerated. The kinetics of this reactivation process suggests that reassociation is required for appearance of activity. All these results can be interpreted as showing that subunit interactions are essential for LDH activity.", "PMID": 986830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2199", "title": "A comparison of the effect of benzopyrones and other drugs with anti-inflammatory properties on acid and neutral protease activity levels in various tissues after thermal injury.", "content": "Generally, the benzopyrones enhanced acid protease activity levels in the oedema fluid and the extracellular compartment of the skin. This is the region where thermal injury has its greatest impact. The proteolysis induced by the drugs in this region represents a means of rapidly reducing some of the derangements which the thermal injury has caused. Levamisole also enhanced acid protease activity levels in the serum and extracellular compartment of the skin 6 hours after thermal injury, while Reparil had the same effect at 24 hours. Generally the benzopyrones had little or no effect on neutral protease levels, while levamisole and Reparil caused their depression. The later effects could possibly be attributed to serum deactivation or to inhibition of their release. The enzyme enhancing activity of these drugs has been shown to correlate remarkably well with their oedema reducing ability. Generally, those which increased enzyme activity levels the most were the most effective in reducing the oedema. The cells upon which the drugs exert their effects in thermal oedema mainly seem to be the macrophages; the fibroblasts seem to be of secondary importance. This is to be contrasted with their action in the initial stages of lymphoedema where they are believed to stimulate the neutrophils. The net result of the proteolysis is many small fragments which can rapidly leave the injured tissue thus releasing the oedema fluid.", "contents": "A comparison of the effect of benzopyrones and other drugs with anti-inflammatory properties on acid and neutral protease activity levels in various tissues after thermal injury. Generally, the benzopyrones enhanced acid protease activity levels in the oedema fluid and the extracellular compartment of the skin. This is the region where thermal injury has its greatest impact. The proteolysis induced by the drugs in this region represents a means of rapidly reducing some of the derangements which the thermal injury has caused. Levamisole also enhanced acid protease activity levels in the serum and extracellular compartment of the skin 6 hours after thermal injury, while Reparil had the same effect at 24 hours. Generally the benzopyrones had little or no effect on neutral protease levels, while levamisole and Reparil caused their depression. The later effects could possibly be attributed to serum deactivation or to inhibition of their release. The enzyme enhancing activity of these drugs has been shown to correlate remarkably well with their oedema reducing ability. Generally, those which increased enzyme activity levels the most were the most effective in reducing the oedema. The cells upon which the drugs exert their effects in thermal oedema mainly seem to be the macrophages; the fibroblasts seem to be of secondary importance. This is to be contrasted with their action in the initial stages of lymphoedema where they are believed to stimulate the neutrophils. The net result of the proteolysis is many small fragments which can rapidly leave the injured tissue thus releasing the oedema fluid.", "PMID": 986829} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2200", "title": "Altered nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid alpha-polymerases in senescent cultured chick embryo fibroblasts.", "content": "DNA alpha-polymerase has been partially purified from nuclei of cultured chic, fibroblasts and separated on phosphocellulose columns into two distinct activities designated DNA polymerases alpha(a) and alpha(b), respectively. The enzyme preparations were devoid of activities of DNA beta,gamma-polymerases terminal deoxyribonucleoside transferase, DNase, DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and phosphatase. DNA polymerases alpha(a) and alpha(b) both having molecular weights of 160 000, constitute 35-50 and 65-50%, respectively, of the activity of alpha-polymerase in the nucleus. These enzymes differ in their requirements for maximal activity, their relative ability to copy oligo(dG)-poly(dC), their response to ribonucleoside triphosphates, and their kinetics of heat inactivation. When the properties of alpha polymerases derived from early or late passage cultures have been compared, no difference could be detected as a function of cell age in the specific activities of the polymerases in crude cell extracts, their chromatographic behavior on diethylaminoethylcellulose and phosphocellulose columns, and their relative abilities to utilize single deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates with activated DNA template. On the other hand, both enzymes become partially heat labile in aging cells. Also, the activity of DNA polymerase alpha(a) from young cells was stimulated by 2--10 mM adenosine or cytidine triphosphates, whereas the same enzyme from old cultures was inhibited by these agents. Conversely, these ribonucleoside triphosphates inhibited the activity of polymerase alpha(b) in young cells but slightly stimulated this enzyme derived from senescent fibroblasts. In addition, the relative ability of DNA polymerase alpha(a) to copy oligo(dG)-poly(dC) decreased in aged cells, whereas that of DNA polymerase alpha(b) increased. We have also observed significant differences in the effects of potassium chloride and N-ethylmaleimide on the activity of DNA polymerase alpha(a) from old cells as compared to young cells. These age-related alterations in the properties of the two avian DNA polymerases may reflect structural or conformational changes in these enzymes.", "contents": "Altered nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid alpha-polymerases in senescent cultured chick embryo fibroblasts. DNA alpha-polymerase has been partially purified from nuclei of cultured chic, fibroblasts and separated on phosphocellulose columns into two distinct activities designated DNA polymerases alpha(a) and alpha(b), respectively. The enzyme preparations were devoid of activities of DNA beta,gamma-polymerases terminal deoxyribonucleoside transferase, DNase, DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and phosphatase. DNA polymerases alpha(a) and alpha(b) both having molecular weights of 160 000, constitute 35-50 and 65-50%, respectively, of the activity of alpha-polymerase in the nucleus. These enzymes differ in their requirements for maximal activity, their relative ability to copy oligo(dG)-poly(dC), their response to ribonucleoside triphosphates, and their kinetics of heat inactivation. When the properties of alpha polymerases derived from early or late passage cultures have been compared, no difference could be detected as a function of cell age in the specific activities of the polymerases in crude cell extracts, their chromatographic behavior on diethylaminoethylcellulose and phosphocellulose columns, and their relative abilities to utilize single deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates with activated DNA template. On the other hand, both enzymes become partially heat labile in aging cells. Also, the activity of DNA polymerase alpha(a) from young cells was stimulated by 2--10 mM adenosine or cytidine triphosphates, whereas the same enzyme from old cultures was inhibited by these agents. Conversely, these ribonucleoside triphosphates inhibited the activity of polymerase alpha(b) in young cells but slightly stimulated this enzyme derived from senescent fibroblasts. In addition, the relative ability of DNA polymerase alpha(a) to copy oligo(dG)-poly(dC) decreased in aged cells, whereas that of DNA polymerase alpha(b) increased. We have also observed significant differences in the effects of potassium chloride and N-ethylmaleimide on the activity of DNA polymerase alpha(a) from old cells as compared to young cells. These age-related alterations in the properties of the two avian DNA polymerases may reflect structural or conformational changes in these enzymes.", "PMID": 986831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2201", "title": "gamma-Carboxyglutamic acid distribution.", "content": "The distribution of the vitamin K-dependent amino acid, gamma-carboxyglutamic acid was examined in proteins from a variety of sources. Proteins examined include purified rat and bovine coagulation proteins, barium citrate-adsorbing proteins from trout plasma, lamprey plasma, earthworm hemolymph, army worm hemolymph, lobster hemolymph, E. coli B/5, soybean leaf, the protein lysate from the hemolymph cell of the horseshoe crab and parathyroid extract. Other purified proteins examined included human alpha-1-antitrypsin, pepsinogen, S-100, fetuin, tropomyosin-troponin and complement protein C-3. Of these, only the blood-cotting proteins and the vertebrate plasma samples were shown to contain gamma-carboxyglutamic acid.", "contents": "gamma-Carboxyglutamic acid distribution. The distribution of the vitamin K-dependent amino acid, gamma-carboxyglutamic acid was examined in proteins from a variety of sources. Proteins examined include purified rat and bovine coagulation proteins, barium citrate-adsorbing proteins from trout plasma, lamprey plasma, earthworm hemolymph, army worm hemolymph, lobster hemolymph, E. coli B/5, soybean leaf, the protein lysate from the hemolymph cell of the horseshoe crab and parathyroid extract. Other purified proteins examined included human alpha-1-antitrypsin, pepsinogen, S-100, fetuin, tropomyosin-troponin and complement protein C-3. Of these, only the blood-cotting proteins and the vertebrate plasma samples were shown to contain gamma-carboxyglutamic acid.", "PMID": 986832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2202", "title": "Mammalian transcobalamin II metabolism. The immunological and the biological cross-reactivity of mammalain transcobalamin II.", "content": "Assay of the reactivity between the chicken anti-rabbit transcobalamin II antiserum and the sera of 19 vertebrate species was carried out by both immuno-diffusion and Sephadex G-200 gel filtration column chromatography. Mammalian transcobalamin II cross-reacted with the antiserum whereas the serum vitamin B-12 binders of the bird, amphibian reptile and fish did not. The biological activity of the purified rabbit transcobalamin II was assessed using reticulocytes or erythrocytes of human, rabbit, guinea pig and rat. The purified rabbit transcobalamin II promoted the uptake of vitamin B-12 by the cells but showed a great variation in its activity. It is suggested that the rabbit transcobalamin II is immunologically and biologically similar to the serum transcobalamin II of the mammalian species studied.", "contents": "Mammalian transcobalamin II metabolism. The immunological and the biological cross-reactivity of mammalain transcobalamin II. Assay of the reactivity between the chicken anti-rabbit transcobalamin II antiserum and the sera of 19 vertebrate species was carried out by both immuno-diffusion and Sephadex G-200 gel filtration column chromatography. Mammalian transcobalamin II cross-reacted with the antiserum whereas the serum vitamin B-12 binders of the bird, amphibian reptile and fish did not. The biological activity of the purified rabbit transcobalamin II was assessed using reticulocytes or erythrocytes of human, rabbit, guinea pig and rat. The purified rabbit transcobalamin II promoted the uptake of vitamin B-12 by the cells but showed a great variation in its activity. It is suggested that the rabbit transcobalamin II is immunologically and biologically similar to the serum transcobalamin II of the mammalian species studied.", "PMID": 986833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2203", "title": "Receptor distribution and the mechanism of enhanced erythrocyte agglutination by soybean agglutinin.", "content": "We have examined the role of receptor clustering in intact erythrocyte membranes exhibiting enhanced lectin-mediated cell agglutination by analyzing freeze-fracture and freeze-etch images of human erythrocytes labeled with ferritin-conjugated soybean agglutinin. We find that trypsinization and fixation of intact erythrocytes, in either order, causes no alteration of the random distribution of ferritin-conjugated soybean agglutinin on the surfaces of these cells as compared to their distribution on the surfaces of fixed erythrocytes and untreated erythrocyte ghosts. Furthermore, clustering of the intramembranous particles in the membrane of intact erythrocytes was not found with any of the cells described above. We conclude that clustering of the soybean agglutinin receptors is not a major factor involved in the enhanced agglutination of intact trypsinized erythrocytes. Caution is necessary in transferring information obtained with erythrocyte ghosts, where clustering can be induced, to intact erythrocytes.", "contents": "Receptor distribution and the mechanism of enhanced erythrocyte agglutination by soybean agglutinin. We have examined the role of receptor clustering in intact erythrocyte membranes exhibiting enhanced lectin-mediated cell agglutination by analyzing freeze-fracture and freeze-etch images of human erythrocytes labeled with ferritin-conjugated soybean agglutinin. We find that trypsinization and fixation of intact erythrocytes, in either order, causes no alteration of the random distribution of ferritin-conjugated soybean agglutinin on the surfaces of these cells as compared to their distribution on the surfaces of fixed erythrocytes and untreated erythrocyte ghosts. Furthermore, clustering of the intramembranous particles in the membrane of intact erythrocytes was not found with any of the cells described above. We conclude that clustering of the soybean agglutinin receptors is not a major factor involved in the enhanced agglutination of intact trypsinized erythrocytes. Caution is necessary in transferring information obtained with erythrocyte ghosts, where clustering can be induced, to intact erythrocytes.", "PMID": 986834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2204", "title": "A new assay for endocytosis in erythrocyte ghosts based on loss of acetylcholinesterase activity.", "content": "A new method for assaying endocytosis in erythrocyte ghosts is presented. The method involves measuring the percentage loss of acetylcholinesterase activity which occurs when vacuoles form, making the acetylcholinesterase on the vacuole surface inaccessible. This method is compared to other methods of measuring endocytosis in this system, including phase contrast microscope estimation of vesiculation, stereological analysis of electron micrographs to determine vesiculation and loss of sialic acid accessible to neuraminidase due to endocytosis. Comparison of the percentage loss of acetylcholinesterase activity with the electron micrographic and sialic acid methods showed that all three methods gave a quantitative measure of the percentage of total membrane area taken in as vesicles. Since the acetylcholinesterase method was fast, easy, inexpensive, and quantitative, it was the preferred method for assay of endocytosis. The inhibition of endocytosis by Ca2+ was observed with this method; the success of this experiment demonstrated the applicability of the method to the study of inhibitors of endocytosis.", "contents": "A new assay for endocytosis in erythrocyte ghosts based on loss of acetylcholinesterase activity. A new method for assaying endocytosis in erythrocyte ghosts is presented. The method involves measuring the percentage loss of acetylcholinesterase activity which occurs when vacuoles form, making the acetylcholinesterase on the vacuole surface inaccessible. This method is compared to other methods of measuring endocytosis in this system, including phase contrast microscope estimation of vesiculation, stereological analysis of electron micrographs to determine vesiculation and loss of sialic acid accessible to neuraminidase due to endocytosis. Comparison of the percentage loss of acetylcholinesterase activity with the electron micrographic and sialic acid methods showed that all three methods gave a quantitative measure of the percentage of total membrane area taken in as vesicles. Since the acetylcholinesterase method was fast, easy, inexpensive, and quantitative, it was the preferred method for assay of endocytosis. The inhibition of endocytosis by Ca2+ was observed with this method; the success of this experiment demonstrated the applicability of the method to the study of inhibitors of endocytosis.", "PMID": 986835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2205", "title": "Small amount of concanavalin A modifies radiation-induced alteration in cell-surface charge depending on its binding condition.", "content": "Cell electrophoretic mobility of cultured melanoma cells or rat erythrocytes decreased with time after X-irradiation. Addition of tetravalent concanavalin A or divalent succinyl-concanavalin A before (not after) irradiation, completely blocked the mobility reduction in greater concentrations than 5 mug/l. At 5 mug/l only 3.7 - 10(3) concanavalin A molecules bound to receptors per cell, while 4.18 - 10(7) molecules/cell bound at saturating concentrations. Preincubation with concanavalin A at 37 degrees C was effective even when the cells were treated with alpha-methylmannoside immediately after irradiation. At low temperature, however, concanavalin A was not effective despite a sufficient amount of bound 125I-labelled concanavalin A. Treatment with alpha-methylmannoside following the binding of concanavalin A at 37 degrees C before irradiation inhibited the concanavalin A effect depending on temperature. The residual amount of bound lectin could not account for the temperature dependence. The amount of sialic acid (the main charged substance) was not altered by X-irradiation with or without the lectin. Divalent succinyl-concanavalin A was also effective in blocking the radiation effect on electrophoretic mobility. These results seem to suggest that binding of a very small amount of concanavalin A without causing cell agglutination or clustering of its receptors, induces some alteration in the conformation of receptor glycoprotein, which blocks the internalization of acidic sugar residues by subsequent irradiation.", "contents": "Small amount of concanavalin A modifies radiation-induced alteration in cell-surface charge depending on its binding condition. Cell electrophoretic mobility of cultured melanoma cells or rat erythrocytes decreased with time after X-irradiation. Addition of tetravalent concanavalin A or divalent succinyl-concanavalin A before (not after) irradiation, completely blocked the mobility reduction in greater concentrations than 5 mug/l. At 5 mug/l only 3.7 - 10(3) concanavalin A molecules bound to receptors per cell, while 4.18 - 10(7) molecules/cell bound at saturating concentrations. Preincubation with concanavalin A at 37 degrees C was effective even when the cells were treated with alpha-methylmannoside immediately after irradiation. At low temperature, however, concanavalin A was not effective despite a sufficient amount of bound 125I-labelled concanavalin A. Treatment with alpha-methylmannoside following the binding of concanavalin A at 37 degrees C before irradiation inhibited the concanavalin A effect depending on temperature. The residual amount of bound lectin could not account for the temperature dependence. The amount of sialic acid (the main charged substance) was not altered by X-irradiation with or without the lectin. Divalent succinyl-concanavalin A was also effective in blocking the radiation effect on electrophoretic mobility. These results seem to suggest that binding of a very small amount of concanavalin A without causing cell agglutination or clustering of its receptors, induces some alteration in the conformation of receptor glycoprotein, which blocks the internalization of acidic sugar residues by subsequent irradiation.", "PMID": 986836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2206", "title": "An electrophysiological study on the effects of tryptophan and cortisol on schizophrenic and other mentally ill patient groups and on normal subjects.", "content": "Direct current potentials measured on the scalp suprajacent to the midline prefrontal cortex appear to monitor the metabolic activity, via CO2 production, of this portion of the cerebrum. Changes in the frontal potential 90 min after oral administration of 2.0 g L-tryptophan and of 50 mg cortisol were studied in groups of subjects defined by age, sex, psychiatric diagnosis, and medication. Twelve normal males, 10 nonschizophrenic male psychiatric inpatients, and 6 normal females showed a significant decrease in their frontal voltages, most marked in the females, after tryptophan loading. A nonsignificant voltage increase was produced by subsequent administration of cortisol. Tryptophan-loading had an opposite, voltage-increasing effect, on the 30 schizophrenic subjects tested. This abnormal response was greatest in the male and postmenopausal schizophrenic subjects. Besides this sex effect, the abnormality increased with age up to a point, and was decreased by antipsychotic medication and cortisol. An explanation in terms of an abnormality in the relative hydroxylation of indoles in schizophrenic subjects is proposed.", "contents": "An electrophysiological study on the effects of tryptophan and cortisol on schizophrenic and other mentally ill patient groups and on normal subjects. Direct current potentials measured on the scalp suprajacent to the midline prefrontal cortex appear to monitor the metabolic activity, via CO2 production, of this portion of the cerebrum. Changes in the frontal potential 90 min after oral administration of 2.0 g L-tryptophan and of 50 mg cortisol were studied in groups of subjects defined by age, sex, psychiatric diagnosis, and medication. Twelve normal males, 10 nonschizophrenic male psychiatric inpatients, and 6 normal females showed a significant decrease in their frontal voltages, most marked in the females, after tryptophan loading. A nonsignificant voltage increase was produced by subsequent administration of cortisol. Tryptophan-loading had an opposite, voltage-increasing effect, on the 30 schizophrenic subjects tested. This abnormal response was greatest in the male and postmenopausal schizophrenic subjects. Besides this sex effect, the abnormality increased with age up to a point, and was decreased by antipsychotic medication and cortisol. An explanation in terms of an abnormality in the relative hydroxylation of indoles in schizophrenic subjects is proposed.", "PMID": 986840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2207", "title": "Effect of midbrain raphe lesion on avoidance learning in aggressive mice.", "content": "Lesion of the midbrain ventral raphe nucleus greatly improves the avoidance-learning efficiency of normal and isolated-aggressive Albino Swiss mice. Since the lesion of this brain area selectivity lowers the forebrain concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), implications of the role of brain 5-HT in avoidance-learning acquisition are discussed.", "contents": "Effect of midbrain raphe lesion on avoidance learning in aggressive mice. Lesion of the midbrain ventral raphe nucleus greatly improves the avoidance-learning efficiency of normal and isolated-aggressive Albino Swiss mice. Since the lesion of this brain area selectivity lowers the forebrain concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), implications of the role of brain 5-HT in avoidance-learning acquisition are discussed.", "PMID": 986841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2208", "title": "Coping with stress: parallelism between the effects of septal lesions on growth hormone and corticosterone levels.", "content": "In order to characterize the effects of a septal lesion on plasma growth hormone levels, blood samples were taken from normal and sham-operated rats and rats with a bilateral septal lesion under conditions of rest and following stressful stimulation. Nonlesioned control rats evidenced a significant base line diurnal rhythm in plasma growth hormone levels which was unaffected by a septal lesion. In response to stress, plasma growth hormone levels evidenced a significant drop. Minimum levels were reached 15 min after stimulation and remained depressed during 1 hr of observation after stimulation. Rats with a septal lesion evidenced the same pattern of growth hormone response to stressful stimulation as nonlesioned rats, however the magnitude of response was potentiated in septal rats. The present data were compared to the previously published corticosterone data from the same animals. A septal lesion has similar effects on boting 24-hour rhythm of either of these hormones but potentiated the response of both corticosterone and growth hormone to stress even though the direction of response is opposite. The results are interpreted as suggesting the septum is an element in some central coping mechanism which is involved when an organism reacts to environmental demands. Preliminary data further suggest that the same central coping mechanism is involved in both the behavioral and hormonal responses to stress.", "contents": "Coping with stress: parallelism between the effects of septal lesions on growth hormone and corticosterone levels. In order to characterize the effects of a septal lesion on plasma growth hormone levels, blood samples were taken from normal and sham-operated rats and rats with a bilateral septal lesion under conditions of rest and following stressful stimulation. Nonlesioned control rats evidenced a significant base line diurnal rhythm in plasma growth hormone levels which was unaffected by a septal lesion. In response to stress, plasma growth hormone levels evidenced a significant drop. Minimum levels were reached 15 min after stimulation and remained depressed during 1 hr of observation after stimulation. Rats with a septal lesion evidenced the same pattern of growth hormone response to stressful stimulation as nonlesioned rats, however the magnitude of response was potentiated in septal rats. The present data were compared to the previously published corticosterone data from the same animals. A septal lesion has similar effects on boting 24-hour rhythm of either of these hormones but potentiated the response of both corticosterone and growth hormone to stress even though the direction of response is opposite. The results are interpreted as suggesting the septum is an element in some central coping mechanism which is involved when an organism reacts to environmental demands. Preliminary data further suggest that the same central coping mechanism is involved in both the behavioral and hormonal responses to stress.", "PMID": 986842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2209", "title": "Characteristics of unlimited access to self-administered stimulant infusions in dogs.", "content": "When drug-naive dogs were given unlimited access to response-contingent intravenous infusions of either d-amphetamine, phenmetrazine, or methylphenidate, a regular cycle of drug intake interspersed with periods of voluntary abstinence was seen. During the drug self-administration phases there was a marked increase in locomotor behavior and stereotypy along with a decrease in body weight; the rest periods were characterized by minimal activity. These results are similar to those observed when humans engage in high-dose intravenous abuse of psychomotor stimulants.", "contents": "Characteristics of unlimited access to self-administered stimulant infusions in dogs. When drug-naive dogs were given unlimited access to response-contingent intravenous infusions of either d-amphetamine, phenmetrazine, or methylphenidate, a regular cycle of drug intake interspersed with periods of voluntary abstinence was seen. During the drug self-administration phases there was a marked increase in locomotor behavior and stereotypy along with a decrease in body weight; the rest periods were characterized by minimal activity. These results are similar to those observed when humans engage in high-dose intravenous abuse of psychomotor stimulants.", "PMID": 986843} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2210", "title": "[Adaptation in a detector system and differential sensitivity].", "content": "It is shown, that if during adaptation the sensitivity of single detectors of the models (1) is constantly decreasing proportionally to the level of their excitation, then the differential sensitivity of the whole system to the stimulus near the adapting stimulus increase. The condition is deduced under which the perceived value of stimulus parameter is invarable during adaptation. Calculated from these conditions invariable values of line inclination, hue of the patch, are in agreement with experimentally obtained data.", "contents": "[Adaptation in a detector system and differential sensitivity]. It is shown, that if during adaptation the sensitivity of single detectors of the models (1) is constantly decreasing proportionally to the level of their excitation, then the differential sensitivity of the whole system to the stimulus near the adapting stimulus increase. The condition is deduced under which the perceived value of stimulus parameter is invarable during adaptation. Calculated from these conditions invariable values of line inclination, hue of the patch, are in agreement with experimentally obtained data.", "PMID": 986837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2211", "title": "[Spontaneous immuno-adherence in viral hepatitis].", "content": "Sera from patients with hepatitis, according to clinical and biochemical data, often give a spontaneous immune adherence (S.I.A.) with O human red blood cells. In 58% of the cases the test is positive and is associated with Australia (HBs) antigen in 6.7 to 9.5% of the patients. The titer cas reach 1/8192 and seems to follow the clinical evolution. S.I.A. also occurs at low titre (less than or equal to 1/32) in 18 to 30% of the cirrhosis tested, in 17 to 22% of various diseases and in 0 to 16% of different neoplasia. In spite of the fact that S.I.A. is not specific in its principle, it may be useful as a complementary test for detection and monitoring of viral hepatitis.", "contents": "[Spontaneous immuno-adherence in viral hepatitis]. Sera from patients with hepatitis, according to clinical and biochemical data, often give a spontaneous immune adherence (S.I.A.) with O human red blood cells. In 58% of the cases the test is positive and is associated with Australia (HBs) antigen in 6.7 to 9.5% of the patients. The titer cas reach 1/8192 and seems to follow the clinical evolution. S.I.A. also occurs at low titre (less than or equal to 1/32) in 18 to 30% of the cirrhosis tested, in 17 to 22% of various diseases and in 0 to 16% of different neoplasia. In spite of the fact that S.I.A. is not specific in its principle, it may be useful as a complementary test for detection and monitoring of viral hepatitis.", "PMID": 986850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2212", "title": "Growth kinetics of a yeast grown on glucose or hexadecane.", "content": "The kinetics of growth of a Torulopsis sp. was investigated in a continuous culture with glucose or hexadecane as the carbon source; growth was limited by either carbon or nitrogen. The relationship between the concentration of the limited substrate and the steady-state growth rate of the organism was examined and tested against various models of growth. No existing model was found to describe the growth accurately and a new model has been proposed: (see article). It is postulated that this behavior would result from a simple first order reaction between the reactants of the rate-limiting enzymic reaction of the organism's metabolism.", "contents": "Growth kinetics of a yeast grown on glucose or hexadecane. The kinetics of growth of a Torulopsis sp. was investigated in a continuous culture with glucose or hexadecane as the carbon source; growth was limited by either carbon or nitrogen. The relationship between the concentration of the limited substrate and the steady-state growth rate of the organism was examined and tested against various models of growth. No existing model was found to describe the growth accurately and a new model has been proposed: (see article). It is postulated that this behavior would result from a simple first order reaction between the reactants of the rate-limiting enzymic reaction of the organism's metabolism.", "PMID": 986851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2213", "title": "Feather protein as a support for immobilizing enzymes.", "content": "Feather meal protein was prepared in granular form and used as a support for lactase using glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. The support gave a high retention of activity and in column operation it yielded apparent half-lives from 50 to 100 days. Because of its gel-like consistency (water content of about 90%), there is some diffusional restricting of activity as indicated by the kinetic data of soluble and immoblized enzymes.", "contents": "Feather protein as a support for immobilizing enzymes. Feather meal protein was prepared in granular form and used as a support for lactase using glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. The support gave a high retention of activity and in column operation it yielded apparent half-lives from 50 to 100 days. Because of its gel-like consistency (water content of about 90%), there is some diffusional restricting of activity as indicated by the kinetic data of soluble and immoblized enzymes.", "PMID": 986852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2214", "title": "Application of dynamic calorimetry for monitoring fermentation processes.", "content": "The rate of heat evolution (kcal/liter-hr) in mycelial fermentations for novobiocin and cellulase production with media containing noncellular solids was measured by an in situ dynamic calorimetric procedure. Thermal data so obtained have proved significant both in monitoring cell concentration during the trophophase (growth phase) and in serving as a physiological variable in the fermentation process. The validity of this technique has been demonstrated by closing the overall material and energy balances. The maintenance energy in a batch fermentation can be calculated by integrating heat evolution data. This integration method is applicable to a fermentation lacking a precise cell growth curve. The maintenance coefficient, obtained for the novobiocin fermentation by Streptomyces niveus, is equal to 0.028 g glucose equivalent/g cell-hr. The production of novobiocin in the idiophase (production phase) also correlates well with the amount of energy catabolized for maintenance and this results in an observed conversion yield of glucose to novobiocin of 11.8 mg of novobiocin produced per gram of glucose catabolized. A new physiological variable, kilocalories of heat evolved per millimole of oxygen consumed, has been proposed to monitor the state of cells during the fermentation. This method may provide a simple way to monitor on-line shifts in the efficiency of cell respiration and changes in growth yields during a microbial process.", "contents": "Application of dynamic calorimetry for monitoring fermentation processes. The rate of heat evolution (kcal/liter-hr) in mycelial fermentations for novobiocin and cellulase production with media containing noncellular solids was measured by an in situ dynamic calorimetric procedure. Thermal data so obtained have proved significant both in monitoring cell concentration during the trophophase (growth phase) and in serving as a physiological variable in the fermentation process. The validity of this technique has been demonstrated by closing the overall material and energy balances. The maintenance energy in a batch fermentation can be calculated by integrating heat evolution data. This integration method is applicable to a fermentation lacking a precise cell growth curve. The maintenance coefficient, obtained for the novobiocin fermentation by Streptomyces niveus, is equal to 0.028 g glucose equivalent/g cell-hr. The production of novobiocin in the idiophase (production phase) also correlates well with the amount of energy catabolized for maintenance and this results in an observed conversion yield of glucose to novobiocin of 11.8 mg of novobiocin produced per gram of glucose catabolized. A new physiological variable, kilocalories of heat evolved per millimole of oxygen consumed, has been proposed to monitor the state of cells during the fermentation. This method may provide a simple way to monitor on-line shifts in the efficiency of cell respiration and changes in growth yields during a microbial process.", "PMID": 986853} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2215", "title": "Observations on the pharmacology of cholinoceptive neurones in the rat brain stem.", "content": "The pharmacology of spontaneously active cholinoceptive neurones in the brain stem of rats anaesthetized with urethane has been investigated using microiontophoresis to administer muscarinic and nicotinic agonists and antagonists. 2. Acetylcholine (ACh) excited most cells but occasionally depressed their activity. Muscarine, and the muscarinic agonists methacholine and bethanechol produced prolonged excitation or inhibition of cells whereas nicotine produced prolonged excitations but no inhibitions. 3 Atropine selectively antagonized ACh excitations and both excitation and inhibition of neuronal activity produced by muscarine and muscarinic agonists, but not the excitations produced by nicotine, glutamate or DL-homocysteic acid. 4 Dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHBE) and tubocurarine antagonized both ACh and nicotine excitations but not those induced by glutamate or DL-homocysteic acid. Inhibitions by ACh or muscarine were not affected. 5 It is concluded that excitations of cholinoceptive neurones in the rat brain stem may be mediated by activation of both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors whereas inhibitions are mediated by activation of a muscarinic receptor.", "contents": "Observations on the pharmacology of cholinoceptive neurones in the rat brain stem. The pharmacology of spontaneously active cholinoceptive neurones in the brain stem of rats anaesthetized with urethane has been investigated using microiontophoresis to administer muscarinic and nicotinic agonists and antagonists. 2. Acetylcholine (ACh) excited most cells but occasionally depressed their activity. Muscarine, and the muscarinic agonists methacholine and bethanechol produced prolonged excitation or inhibition of cells whereas nicotine produced prolonged excitations but no inhibitions. 3 Atropine selectively antagonized ACh excitations and both excitation and inhibition of neuronal activity produced by muscarine and muscarinic agonists, but not the excitations produced by nicotine, glutamate or DL-homocysteic acid. 4 Dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHBE) and tubocurarine antagonized both ACh and nicotine excitations but not those induced by glutamate or DL-homocysteic acid. Inhibitions by ACh or muscarine were not affected. 5 It is concluded that excitations of cholinoceptive neurones in the rat brain stem may be mediated by activation of both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors whereas inhibitions are mediated by activation of a muscarinic receptor.", "PMID": 986854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2216", "title": "Hand preference patterns in psychiatric patients.", "content": "A brief survey, using a standardized questionnaire, has been made of hand preference patterns in a series of patients admitted to hospital with functional psychiatric disorders. A small but significant shift towards left hand preference has been observed, more marked in the young patients and virtually confined to the males. Psychotic patients show such a shift more clearly than neurotic or personality disordered patients. Simple genetic factors do not appear to be responsible for these sinistral tendencies. The findings are discussed in relation to possible acquired abnormalities of functional brain organization.", "contents": "Hand preference patterns in psychiatric patients. A brief survey, using a standardized questionnaire, has been made of hand preference patterns in a series of patients admitted to hospital with functional psychiatric disorders. A small but significant shift towards left hand preference has been observed, more marked in the young patients and virtually confined to the males. Psychotic patients show such a shift more clearly than neurotic or personality disordered patients. Simple genetic factors do not appear to be responsible for these sinistral tendencies. The findings are discussed in relation to possible acquired abnormalities of functional brain organization.", "PMID": 986855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2217", "title": "[Chemical and enzymatic degradation of Helminthosporium spiciferum cell walls. Protective role of pigments].", "content": "Cell walls of the fungus Helminthosporium spiciferum, prepared by mechanical grinding of the cells, were treated chemically and with helicase. The purified cell walls and the fractions were analyzed chemically and micromorphologically to localize the major cell-wall constituents and to determine the protective role of the pigments against degradative processes. The encrusting of the external area by the pigments associated with chitin formation leads to an increased resistance of this cell-wall area against the degradative processes.", "contents": "[Chemical and enzymatic degradation of Helminthosporium spiciferum cell walls. Protective role of pigments]. Cell walls of the fungus Helminthosporium spiciferum, prepared by mechanical grinding of the cells, were treated chemically and with helicase. The purified cell walls and the fractions were analyzed chemically and micromorphologically to localize the major cell-wall constituents and to determine the protective role of the pigments against degradative processes. The encrusting of the external area by the pigments associated with chitin formation leads to an increased resistance of this cell-wall area against the degradative processes.", "PMID": 986865} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2218", "title": "Conjugation in the yeast Guilliermondella selenospora Nadson et Krassilnikov.", "content": "Conjugation in Guilliermondella selenospora took place via conjugation tubes from cells in different hyphae. Afterwards, a septum was formed in the channel connecting the two cells which turned into asci or formed buds which became asci. Conjugation between adjacent hyphal cells was also found. Cell contact without fusion with denticles and stalks, which occurs in G. selenospora, was compared with conjugation.", "contents": "Conjugation in the yeast Guilliermondella selenospora Nadson et Krassilnikov. Conjugation in Guilliermondella selenospora took place via conjugation tubes from cells in different hyphae. Afterwards, a septum was formed in the channel connecting the two cells which turned into asci or formed buds which became asci. Conjugation between adjacent hyphal cells was also found. Cell contact without fusion with denticles and stalks, which occurs in G. selenospora, was compared with conjugation.", "PMID": 986866} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2219", "title": "The effect of light on acid-soluble polysaccharide accumulation in Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.", "content": "A light-stimulated increase in beta-1,3 glucan accumulation was observed for Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. The acid-soluble polysaccharide accumulated in large quantities in 'white' light- and blue light-grown cultures. This polysaccharide also accumulated in both dark- and red light-grown cultures as well. However, the quantities were significantly lower when compared to the 'white' light- and blue light-grown cultures. A greater quantity of polysaccharide accumulated in red light-grown cultures than in dark-grown cultures.", "contents": "The effect of light on acid-soluble polysaccharide accumulation in Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. A light-stimulated increase in beta-1,3 glucan accumulation was observed for Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. The acid-soluble polysaccharide accumulated in large quantities in 'white' light- and blue light-grown cultures. This polysaccharide also accumulated in both dark- and red light-grown cultures as well. However, the quantities were significantly lower when compared to the 'white' light- and blue light-grown cultures. A greater quantity of polysaccharide accumulated in red light-grown cultures than in dark-grown cultures.", "PMID": 986867} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2220", "title": "Some comparative observations on the relative contributions of alternate pathways in the metabolism of glucose by Candida utilis.", "content": "Candida utilis was grown in batch, chemostat, and continuously synchronised (phased) culture on a nitrogen-limited glucose mineral salts medium: phosphorus- and carbon-limited phased cultures were also used. The 14CO2 evolved from [G-1-14c]and [G-6-14c] was used, as a simple C1/C6 ratio, to observe the relative changes in EMP and HMP contributions during growth of the cultures. The ratio varied during the cell cycle, and changed with growth rate, and with nutrient limitation. The changes generally indicated that the HMP predominated, most notably in the early part of the batch-growth sequence and early in the cell cycle. The overall results reflected the relative merits of the different cultivation techniques for examining microbial metabolism: the advantage of a greater resolution by the synchronised method, based upon the unit performance rather than the randomised mean performance of the cell population...", "contents": "Some comparative observations on the relative contributions of alternate pathways in the metabolism of glucose by Candida utilis. Candida utilis was grown in batch, chemostat, and continuously synchronised (phased) culture on a nitrogen-limited glucose mineral salts medium: phosphorus- and carbon-limited phased cultures were also used. The 14CO2 evolved from [G-1-14c]and [G-6-14c] was used, as a simple C1/C6 ratio, to observe the relative changes in EMP and HMP contributions during growth of the cultures. The ratio varied during the cell cycle, and changed with growth rate, and with nutrient limitation. The changes generally indicated that the HMP predominated, most notably in the early part of the batch-growth sequence and early in the cell cycle. The overall results reflected the relative merits of the different cultivation techniques for examining microbial metabolism: the advantage of a greater resolution by the synchronised method, based upon the unit performance rather than the randomised mean performance of the cell population...", "PMID": 986868} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2221", "title": "The ultrastructure of the Spilocaea state of Venturia inaequalis in vivo.", "content": "There are indications that the fungus enzymatically degrades the cuticle and epidermal cell wall. The epidermal cells and to a lesser degree the palisade mesophyll cells beneath a sporulating lesion (susceptible reaction) are killed or seriously disrupted. Various stages of conidiogenesis, including development of the pprimary conidium, were observed. A conidium is delimited by a two-layered transverse septum. Before condium secession, a new two-layered inner wall is laid down around the entire conidiogenous cell adjacent to the plasmalemma. The apical region of the new inner wall proliferates beyond the annellation scar left by the seceded conidium and eventually produces another conidium.", "contents": "The ultrastructure of the Spilocaea state of Venturia inaequalis in vivo. There are indications that the fungus enzymatically degrades the cuticle and epidermal cell wall. The epidermal cells and to a lesser degree the palisade mesophyll cells beneath a sporulating lesion (susceptible reaction) are killed or seriously disrupted. Various stages of conidiogenesis, including development of the pprimary conidium, were observed. A conidium is delimited by a two-layered transverse septum. Before condium secession, a new two-layered inner wall is laid down around the entire conidiogenous cell adjacent to the plasmalemma. The apical region of the new inner wall proliferates beyond the annellation scar left by the seceded conidium and eventually produces another conidium.", "PMID": 986869} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2222", "title": "A technique for the differential isolation of hop mosaic virus and hop latent virus.", "content": "Two rod-shaped viruses of similar length occurring in hops were isolated from a mixed infection. One (hop mosaic virus) infected Nicotiana clevelandii, produced mosaic symptoms in mosaic-sensitive hop cultivars, and did not infect Chenopodium murale. The other (hop latent virus) infected C. murale but not N. clevelandii and did not produce mosaic symptoms in hops. Neither N. clevelandii nor C. murale developed distinct symptoms after infection with the respective virus. Both viruses produced a systemic chlorotic flecking in Cluster hop seedling clones.", "contents": "A technique for the differential isolation of hop mosaic virus and hop latent virus. Two rod-shaped viruses of similar length occurring in hops were isolated from a mixed infection. One (hop mosaic virus) infected Nicotiana clevelandii, produced mosaic symptoms in mosaic-sensitive hop cultivars, and did not infect Chenopodium murale. The other (hop latent virus) infected C. murale but not N. clevelandii and did not produce mosaic symptoms in hops. Neither N. clevelandii nor C. murale developed distinct symptoms after infection with the respective virus. Both viruses produced a systemic chlorotic flecking in Cluster hop seedling clones.", "PMID": 986870} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2223", "title": "Phagocytic and chlamydiae-inhibiting activities of stimulated and nonstimulated periotneal mouse macrophages.", "content": "Phagocytic and chamydiacidal properties of nonstimulated and stimulated mouse mononuclear cells for two Chlamydia psittaci 6BC strains were investigated. It was determined that macrophages kept in monolayer culture (i.e. stimulated phagocytes) developed much more efficient chlamydiacidal ability than did cells kept in suspension directly after harvest (i.e. nonstimulated phagocytes). A thousandfold decrease of chlamydial infectivity was observed 60 min after induction of phagocytosis in stimulated macrophages, irrespective of the strain offered. In contrast, the infectivity of both chlamydial strains remained essentially unchanged up to 1 h after phagcoytosis by nonstimulated phagocytes. Electron-microscopic examination indicated that chlamydiae were disintegrated within phagolysosomes of stimulated phagocytes within minutes after phagocytosis, although ultrastructurally altered chlamydiae not enclosed in vacuoles were also observed in the cytoplasm of several mononuclear phagocytes at different times after phagocytosis.", "contents": "Phagocytic and chlamydiae-inhibiting activities of stimulated and nonstimulated periotneal mouse macrophages. Phagocytic and chamydiacidal properties of nonstimulated and stimulated mouse mononuclear cells for two Chlamydia psittaci 6BC strains were investigated. It was determined that macrophages kept in monolayer culture (i.e. stimulated phagocytes) developed much more efficient chlamydiacidal ability than did cells kept in suspension directly after harvest (i.e. nonstimulated phagocytes). A thousandfold decrease of chlamydial infectivity was observed 60 min after induction of phagocytosis in stimulated macrophages, irrespective of the strain offered. In contrast, the infectivity of both chlamydial strains remained essentially unchanged up to 1 h after phagcoytosis by nonstimulated phagocytes. Electron-microscopic examination indicated that chlamydiae were disintegrated within phagolysosomes of stimulated phagocytes within minutes after phagocytosis, although ultrastructurally altered chlamydiae not enclosed in vacuoles were also observed in the cytoplasm of several mononuclear phagocytes at different times after phagocytosis.", "PMID": 986871} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2224", "title": "The oxidation of terminal D-galactofuranose residues of a galactan and a glycoprotein by a D-galactose oxidase preparation from Dactylium dendroides.", "content": "A galactan, isolated from the unicellular organism Prototheca zopfii, and a glycoprotein from a hyphal cell-wall fraction of the fungus Pithomyces chartarum have been oxidised by a D-galactose oxidase preparation from Dactylium dendroides. The oxidised polymers were subsequently reduced with sodium borotritide. The site of oxidation was identified as C-6 of non-reducing D-galactofuranosyl residues in both polymers.", "contents": "The oxidation of terminal D-galactofuranose residues of a galactan and a glycoprotein by a D-galactose oxidase preparation from Dactylium dendroides. A galactan, isolated from the unicellular organism Prototheca zopfii, and a glycoprotein from a hyphal cell-wall fraction of the fungus Pithomyces chartarum have been oxidised by a D-galactose oxidase preparation from Dactylium dendroides. The oxidised polymers were subsequently reduced with sodium borotritide. The site of oxidation was identified as C-6 of non-reducing D-galactofuranosyl residues in both polymers.", "PMID": 986873} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2225", "title": "UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-asparagine sequon N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl-transferase-activity in human serum.", "content": "Serum contains a sugar transferase which is able to catalyse the glycosylation in vitro of the asparagine residue present in the sequence Asn.Leu.Thr in bovine pancreatic ribonuclease. UDP-2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose (UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) acts as a donor, although the mechanism of the transfer is unexplored. Spermidine and Mn2+, as well as CDP-choline, can act as activators for the reaction. Monoglycosylated ribonuclease (ribonuclease-GlcNAc) has been separated (23% yield) from unreacted ribonuclease A by affinity chromatography on a column of wheat-germ agglutinin bound to Sepharose, and characterised. A possible reason for the presence of the enzyme in serum is suggested.", "contents": "UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-asparagine sequon N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl-transferase-activity in human serum. Serum contains a sugar transferase which is able to catalyse the glycosylation in vitro of the asparagine residue present in the sequence Asn.Leu.Thr in bovine pancreatic ribonuclease. UDP-2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose (UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) acts as a donor, although the mechanism of the transfer is unexplored. Spermidine and Mn2+, as well as CDP-choline, can act as activators for the reaction. Monoglycosylated ribonuclease (ribonuclease-GlcNAc) has been separated (23% yield) from unreacted ribonuclease A by affinity chromatography on a column of wheat-germ agglutinin bound to Sepharose, and characterised. A possible reason for the presence of the enzyme in serum is suggested.", "PMID": 986874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2226", "title": "Isolation and some properties of DNA coding for tRNA1met from Xenopus laevis.", "content": "DNA containing the reiterated genes for tRNA1met has been partially purified from Xenopus laevis by centrifugation in actinomycin C1-CsCl and Ag+-Cs2SO4 gradients. These gradients separate the tRNA1met genes from those coding for tRNA2met and tRNAval, thus confirming our earlier suggestion that these genes are not intermingled with each other (Clarkson, Birnstiel, and Purdom, 1973a). The gradients also demonstrate the existence of a minor 5S DNA fraction which appears to differ from that previously isolated by Brown, Wensink, and Jordon (1971). When the enriched tDNA1met is digested to completion with either of the restriction endoncucleases EcoRl or Hpa l, the tRNA1met genes are predominantly found within DNA fragments that are about 3100 base pairs long. A partial digestion with EcoRl shows that these fragments arise from the regular spacing of the enzyme restriction sites. The 3100 base pair EcoRl fragments are cleaved by Hpa l into fragments to two size classes, one of which is about 2200 base pairs long and contains the tRNA1met genes. The shorter fragments are about 700 base pairs long, and they appear to contain genes coding for at least one other kind of tRNA species. X. laevis tDNA1met thus comprises tandemly repeated DNA whose component parts show little if any length heterogeneity.", "contents": "Isolation and some properties of DNA coding for tRNA1met from Xenopus laevis. DNA containing the reiterated genes for tRNA1met has been partially purified from Xenopus laevis by centrifugation in actinomycin C1-CsCl and Ag+-Cs2SO4 gradients. These gradients separate the tRNA1met genes from those coding for tRNA2met and tRNAval, thus confirming our earlier suggestion that these genes are not intermingled with each other (Clarkson, Birnstiel, and Purdom, 1973a). The gradients also demonstrate the existence of a minor 5S DNA fraction which appears to differ from that previously isolated by Brown, Wensink, and Jordon (1971). When the enriched tDNA1met is digested to completion with either of the restriction endoncucleases EcoRl or Hpa l, the tRNA1met genes are predominantly found within DNA fragments that are about 3100 base pairs long. A partial digestion with EcoRl shows that these fragments arise from the regular spacing of the enzyme restriction sites. The 3100 base pair EcoRl fragments are cleaved by Hpa l into fragments to two size classes, one of which is about 2200 base pairs long and contains the tRNA1met genes. The shorter fragments are about 700 base pairs long, and they appear to contain genes coding for at least one other kind of tRNA species. X. laevis tDNA1met thus comprises tandemly repeated DNA whose component parts show little if any length heterogeneity.", "PMID": 986875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2227", "title": "A novel temperature-sensitive mammalian cell line exhibiting defective prophase progression.", "content": "A temperature-sensitive mammalian cell line has been isolated which grows and divides normally at the permissive temperature of 33 degrees C. When incubated at 39 degrees C, the nonpermissive temperature, interphase cells continue to enter a prophase-like state. Chromatin-like material condenses and coalesces into dark-staining clumps rather than into discernible chromosomes. Disappearance of the nuclear boundary is observed, but re-formation of the boundary around the clumps fails to occur. In corporation of labeled precursors reveals a decrease in protein synthesis which is accompanied by a slower decrease in DNA synthesis. Approximately 0.2% of the mutant cells revert in their capability of growth and cell division at 39 degrees C. These \"revertants\" are found to contain a higher number of chromosomes. The isolation of this mutant is based on the initial observation that the cells become rounded at the nonpermissive temperature. The cell-rounding process characteristic of mitotic cells should serve as a useful marker in the isolation of mitotic mutants.", "contents": "A novel temperature-sensitive mammalian cell line exhibiting defective prophase progression. A temperature-sensitive mammalian cell line has been isolated which grows and divides normally at the permissive temperature of 33 degrees C. When incubated at 39 degrees C, the nonpermissive temperature, interphase cells continue to enter a prophase-like state. Chromatin-like material condenses and coalesces into dark-staining clumps rather than into discernible chromosomes. Disappearance of the nuclear boundary is observed, but re-formation of the boundary around the clumps fails to occur. In corporation of labeled precursors reveals a decrease in protein synthesis which is accompanied by a slower decrease in DNA synthesis. Approximately 0.2% of the mutant cells revert in their capability of growth and cell division at 39 degrees C. These \"revertants\" are found to contain a higher number of chromosomes. The isolation of this mutant is based on the initial observation that the cells become rounded at the nonpermissive temperature. The cell-rounding process characteristic of mitotic cells should serve as a useful marker in the isolation of mitotic mutants.", "PMID": 986876} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2228", "title": "Translation of Xenopus liver messenger RNA in Xenopus oocytes: vitellogenin synthesis and conversion to yolk platelet proteins.", "content": "Xenopus liver vitellogenin and albumin mRNAs injected into Xenopus oocytes are correctly translated, as shown by specific immunoprecipitation and co-electrophoresis with purified Xenopus vitellogenin (molecular weight 210,000 daltons) and albumin (molecular weight 72,000 daltons). Vitellogenin made in oocytes under the direction of injected liver mRNA is unstable compared to other proteins made on injected messengers (such as albumin and globin) and endogenous oocyte proteins (including actin), the half-life of newly made vitellogenin being about 8 hr. Pulse-chase experiments with 35S-methionine show vitellogenin to be a precursor to yolk platelet lipovitellin (molecular weight 120,000 daltons), while 3H-serine labeling demonstrates conversion to phosvitin (molecular weight 34,000 daltons). In contrast, injected 3H-serine 35S-methionine-labeled Xenopus vitellogenin protein is not converted to yolk platelet proteins and is degraded rather slowly (half-life, 23, 29 hr). Phosphorylation of serine residues in phosvitin can be detected in oocytes injected with 32PO4 or gamma-32P-ATP; thus exogenously derived yolk platelet protein is further modified, or turned over, once it is within the oocyte. Moreover, vitellogenin made in oocytes programed with liver mRNA is phosphorylated. Thus phosphorylation, assembly into yolk platelets, and cleavage are events that do not require vitellogenin supplied by the normal pathoways involved in yolk formation (synthesis and post-translational modification in the liver, transport in the serum, and follicle cell-dependent pinocytosis). Vitellogenin mRNA sediments at about 29S in a sucrose-SDS gradient, while albumin messenger peaks at 16S; both species contain poly(A). These liver mRNAs are functionally stable in oocytes for at least 5 days. Vitellogenin-forming activity, relative to albumin, actin, or total endogenous activity, increases with time, and the final rate of 2-2.5 times the initial rate is only reached 3 days after injection. The potentiation effect probably stems from an increase in the efficiency of translation of vitellogenin mRNA. The availability of homologous mRNAs now permits injected messenger to be used as a valide probe of oocyte function; the biological activity of mRNA from a non-ovarian Xenopus tissue proves that some at least of the translational systems within the Xenopus oocyte are not cell type-specific. Moreover, the whole cell system is eminently suitable for assaying putative translational (and possibly transcriptional) control elements from frog liver.", "contents": "Translation of Xenopus liver messenger RNA in Xenopus oocytes: vitellogenin synthesis and conversion to yolk platelet proteins. Xenopus liver vitellogenin and albumin mRNAs injected into Xenopus oocytes are correctly translated, as shown by specific immunoprecipitation and co-electrophoresis with purified Xenopus vitellogenin (molecular weight 210,000 daltons) and albumin (molecular weight 72,000 daltons). Vitellogenin made in oocytes under the direction of injected liver mRNA is unstable compared to other proteins made on injected messengers (such as albumin and globin) and endogenous oocyte proteins (including actin), the half-life of newly made vitellogenin being about 8 hr. Pulse-chase experiments with 35S-methionine show vitellogenin to be a precursor to yolk platelet lipovitellin (molecular weight 120,000 daltons), while 3H-serine labeling demonstrates conversion to phosvitin (molecular weight 34,000 daltons). In contrast, injected 3H-serine 35S-methionine-labeled Xenopus vitellogenin protein is not converted to yolk platelet proteins and is degraded rather slowly (half-life, 23, 29 hr). Phosphorylation of serine residues in phosvitin can be detected in oocytes injected with 32PO4 or gamma-32P-ATP; thus exogenously derived yolk platelet protein is further modified, or turned over, once it is within the oocyte. Moreover, vitellogenin made in oocytes programed with liver mRNA is phosphorylated. Thus phosphorylation, assembly into yolk platelets, and cleavage are events that do not require vitellogenin supplied by the normal pathoways involved in yolk formation (synthesis and post-translational modification in the liver, transport in the serum, and follicle cell-dependent pinocytosis). Vitellogenin mRNA sediments at about 29S in a sucrose-SDS gradient, while albumin messenger peaks at 16S; both species contain poly(A). These liver mRNAs are functionally stable in oocytes for at least 5 days. Vitellogenin-forming activity, relative to albumin, actin, or total endogenous activity, increases with time, and the final rate of 2-2.5 times the initial rate is only reached 3 days after injection. The potentiation effect probably stems from an increase in the efficiency of translation of vitellogenin mRNA. The availability of homologous mRNAs now permits injected messenger to be used as a valide probe of oocyte function; the biological activity of mRNA from a non-ovarian Xenopus tissue proves that some at least of the translational systems within the Xenopus oocyte are not cell type-specific. Moreover, the whole cell system is eminently suitable for assaying putative translational (and possibly transcriptional) control elements from frog liver.", "PMID": 986877} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2229", "title": "Stimulation of DNA synthesis by ouabain and concanavalin A in cultures of embryonic neural retina cells.", "content": "Ouabain and concanavalin A, agents which bind to specific sites in the cell membrane, stimulate DNA synthesis and cell replication in monolayer cultures of neural retina cells from late chick embryos. The results suggest a relationship between control of retina cell replication and properties of the cell membrane. The experiments involved measurements of 3H-thymidine incorporation in primary monolayer cultures (24-48h) of retina cells from embryos of different ages. Stimulation by ouabain was greatest in cells from 14-day embryos, and its magnitude was similar to that elicited in these cell cultures by concanavalin A. Simultaneous treatment of 14-day retina cells with both agents resulted in a greater than additive stimulation of DNA synthesis. Our results demonstrated that, although during normal embryogenesis cell replication in the neural retina has virtually ceased by day 14 of development, some cells retained a capacity for mitogenesis when exposed to conditions such as provided in these experiments. By autoradiography the responding cells were identified as large epithelioid retina cells (LER cells). Under optimal conditions of simultaneous treatment with ouabain and Con A about 20% of the LER cells showed stimulation of DNA synthesis. The nature of LER cells and other aspects of our findings are discussed.", "contents": "Stimulation of DNA synthesis by ouabain and concanavalin A in cultures of embryonic neural retina cells. Ouabain and concanavalin A, agents which bind to specific sites in the cell membrane, stimulate DNA synthesis and cell replication in monolayer cultures of neural retina cells from late chick embryos. The results suggest a relationship between control of retina cell replication and properties of the cell membrane. The experiments involved measurements of 3H-thymidine incorporation in primary monolayer cultures (24-48h) of retina cells from embryos of different ages. Stimulation by ouabain was greatest in cells from 14-day embryos, and its magnitude was similar to that elicited in these cell cultures by concanavalin A. Simultaneous treatment of 14-day retina cells with both agents resulted in a greater than additive stimulation of DNA synthesis. Our results demonstrated that, although during normal embryogenesis cell replication in the neural retina has virtually ceased by day 14 of development, some cells retained a capacity for mitogenesis when exposed to conditions such as provided in these experiments. By autoradiography the responding cells were identified as large epithelioid retina cells (LER cells). Under optimal conditions of simultaneous treatment with ouabain and Con A about 20% of the LER cells showed stimulation of DNA synthesis. The nature of LER cells and other aspects of our findings are discussed.", "PMID": 986878} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2230", "title": "Subpulmonary obstruction in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries due to ventricular membranous septal aneurysms.", "content": "The clinical, hemodynamic, and angiographic observations, as well as the surgical approach used for repair in three patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and ventricular membranous septal aneurysms, are presented. In two of the three patients the membranous septal aneurysm caused subpulmonary obstruction, with 94 and 125 mm Hg systolic gradients. In each patient the aneurysm was demonstrated by angiocardiography, which also showed differences in size and shape with cardiac systole and diastole. Review of the previously described reports indicates that patients with congenitally corrected transposition often display various forms of pulmonary outflow obstruction and when a ventricular membranous septal aneurysm exists, a significant subpulmonary obstruction is present in most patients. The unique anatomic relationship between the pulmonary artery and a ventricular membranous septal aneurysm in patients with transposition of the great arteries with and without atrioventricular discordance explains why subpulmonary obstruction sometimes develops.", "contents": "Subpulmonary obstruction in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries due to ventricular membranous septal aneurysms. The clinical, hemodynamic, and angiographic observations, as well as the surgical approach used for repair in three patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and ventricular membranous septal aneurysms, are presented. In two of the three patients the membranous septal aneurysm caused subpulmonary obstruction, with 94 and 125 mm Hg systolic gradients. In each patient the aneurysm was demonstrated by angiocardiography, which also showed differences in size and shape with cardiac systole and diastole. Review of the previously described reports indicates that patients with congenitally corrected transposition often display various forms of pulmonary outflow obstruction and when a ventricular membranous septal aneurysm exists, a significant subpulmonary obstruction is present in most patients. The unique anatomic relationship between the pulmonary artery and a ventricular membranous septal aneurysm in patients with transposition of the great arteries with and without atrioventricular discordance explains why subpulmonary obstruction sometimes develops.", "PMID": 986879} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2231", "title": "Legislation relevant to perinatal care.", "content": "The legislative process is one route to follow in the attempt to change and improve perinatal care. Payment by the State Crippled Children's Service for medical care of certain costly high-risk neonatal conditions, only to qualified specialists and in centers meeting acceptable standards has had a snowball effect on upgrading neonatal care in this state. Not only has a large network of neonatal care centers and infant transport systems been developed, but there has been a rush especially on the part of nurses, to get special training in neonatal care. This has included not only the care of the sick neonate, but a look at newborn evaluation and resuscitation in the delivery and newborn areas. It is expected that this same center development and education and training process will now be extended to obstetrical care, as there is renewed interest in special care for high-risk mothers because of Assembly Bill 1326. The new hospital perinatal regulations mandate improvement of care in community hospitals where the majority of deliveries take place. The emphasis is on a larger and better educated staff, more concern with patients rights, and provision of a more humanistic family centered care as well as continual evaluation of maternal and neonatal outcome. The greatest limitation has been lack of Health Department staff to provide adequate consultation and surveillance of these services for compliance with the new laws. There has been an approximate 10 per cent reduction in the number of hospitals with maternity services- from 416 in 1968 to 369 today. While much of this consolidation may have been due to the fall in birth rate, these regulations have also contributed to the process. Most important of all, these laws have kept perinatal care constantly in the consciousness of California health care providers and consumers.", "contents": "Legislation relevant to perinatal care. The legislative process is one route to follow in the attempt to change and improve perinatal care. Payment by the State Crippled Children's Service for medical care of certain costly high-risk neonatal conditions, only to qualified specialists and in centers meeting acceptable standards has had a snowball effect on upgrading neonatal care in this state. Not only has a large network of neonatal care centers and infant transport systems been developed, but there has been a rush especially on the part of nurses, to get special training in neonatal care. This has included not only the care of the sick neonate, but a look at newborn evaluation and resuscitation in the delivery and newborn areas. It is expected that this same center development and education and training process will now be extended to obstetrical care, as there is renewed interest in special care for high-risk mothers because of Assembly Bill 1326. The new hospital perinatal regulations mandate improvement of care in community hospitals where the majority of deliveries take place. The emphasis is on a larger and better educated staff, more concern with patients rights, and provision of a more humanistic family centered care as well as continual evaluation of maternal and neonatal outcome. The greatest limitation has been lack of Health Department staff to provide adequate consultation and surveillance of these services for compliance with the new laws. There has been an approximate 10 per cent reduction in the number of hospitals with maternity services- from 416 in 1968 to 369 today. While much of this consolidation may have been due to the fall in birth rate, these regulations have also contributed to the process. Most important of all, these laws have kept perinatal care constantly in the consciousness of California health care providers and consumers.", "PMID": 986924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2232", "title": "Indirect evidence of calcitonin secretion in man.", "content": "1. The effect of calcitonin, a large amount of calcium given orally, pentagastrin and glucagon on plasma 47Ca radioactivity curves in subjects pretreated with 47Ca was examined. 2. A sudden increase of plasma radioactivity after intravenous administration of calcitonin and pentagastrin and after the oral calcium load was observed in normal subjects; the intravenous infusion of glucagon was less effective. 3. Two thyroparathyroidectomized patients who responded to the calcitonin infusion did not respond to the oral calcium load. 4. These data may be considered to offer indirect evidence of endogenous calcitonin secretion in man.", "contents": "Indirect evidence of calcitonin secretion in man. 1. The effect of calcitonin, a large amount of calcium given orally, pentagastrin and glucagon on plasma 47Ca radioactivity curves in subjects pretreated with 47Ca was examined. 2. A sudden increase of plasma radioactivity after intravenous administration of calcitonin and pentagastrin and after the oral calcium load was observed in normal subjects; the intravenous infusion of glucagon was less effective. 3. Two thyroparathyroidectomized patients who responded to the calcitonin infusion did not respond to the oral calcium load. 4. These data may be considered to offer indirect evidence of endogenous calcitonin secretion in man.", "PMID": 986925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2233", "title": "Subpulmonic stenosis as a result of noncalcific constrictive pericarditis.", "content": "The clinical, electrocardiographic, and radiologic features in a patient with a pericardial band which produced an unusual form of infundibular pulmonary stenosis are presented. The findings are unique in that the band was not calcified and, therefore, not visualized roentgenographically and developed without a previous history of pericarditis or pericardial surgery. The diagnostic value of cineangiography is stressed and illustrated.", "contents": "Subpulmonic stenosis as a result of noncalcific constrictive pericarditis. The clinical, electrocardiographic, and radiologic features in a patient with a pericardial band which produced an unusual form of infundibular pulmonary stenosis are presented. The findings are unique in that the band was not calcified and, therefore, not visualized roentgenographically and developed without a previous history of pericarditis or pericardial surgery. The diagnostic value of cineangiography is stressed and illustrated.", "PMID": 986929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2234", "title": "[New arteriovenous fistula for extracorporal hemodialysis using a cattle-artery heterologous graft].", "content": "17 patients are reported in whom an arterio-venous shunt has been established by means of an arterial graft (bovine origin). The indications were: need of maintenance hemodialysis under absence of functioning shunt and lack of peripheral vessels suitable for construction of a Cimino fistula. 14 shunts developed function without any complication. In 2 patients thrombosis of the graft occured. Both of them could be re-established in function by thrombectomy. 2 cases necessitated removal of the transplant. The question as to an immunological rejection remains open up to now. The advantages of the new shunt are: immediate readiness for hemodialysis, sufficiently long distance for puncture, easy and painless punctures and the possibility of access to deeper vessels.", "contents": "[New arteriovenous fistula for extracorporal hemodialysis using a cattle-artery heterologous graft]. 17 patients are reported in whom an arterio-venous shunt has been established by means of an arterial graft (bovine origin). The indications were: need of maintenance hemodialysis under absence of functioning shunt and lack of peripheral vessels suitable for construction of a Cimino fistula. 14 shunts developed function without any complication. In 2 patients thrombosis of the graft occured. Both of them could be re-established in function by thrombectomy. 2 cases necessitated removal of the transplant. The question as to an immunological rejection remains open up to now. The advantages of the new shunt are: immediate readiness for hemodialysis, sufficiently long distance for puncture, easy and painless punctures and the possibility of access to deeper vessels.", "PMID": 986932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2235", "title": "Ultrastructure of segmentation mitoses in cleaving newt eggs after blocking of centrospheres by quinoline.", "content": "In quinoline treated blastomeres of Triturus helveticus Raz. and Pleurodeles waltlii Michah., microtubules disappear and around the centrioles markedly enlarged dense bodies accompanied by striated bodies are accumulated, from prophase beyond metaphase. It is concluded that these bodies in untreated cells play a role in the formation of the spindle microtubules. - During metaphase the chromosome are smooth-surfaced and show a pronounced tendency to stickiness. During ana-telophase they become surrounded by nuclear membranes and form caryomeres. - Qinoline does not interfere with centriole replication, but prevents the separation if diplosomes that have been already formed, if it acts before that separation. - Some centrioles exhibit different degrees of ultrastructural disarrangement.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of segmentation mitoses in cleaving newt eggs after blocking of centrospheres by quinoline. In quinoline treated blastomeres of Triturus helveticus Raz. and Pleurodeles waltlii Michah., microtubules disappear and around the centrioles markedly enlarged dense bodies accompanied by striated bodies are accumulated, from prophase beyond metaphase. It is concluded that these bodies in untreated cells play a role in the formation of the spindle microtubules. - During metaphase the chromosome are smooth-surfaced and show a pronounced tendency to stickiness. During ana-telophase they become surrounded by nuclear membranes and form caryomeres. - Qinoline does not interfere with centriole replication, but prevents the separation if diplosomes that have been already formed, if it acts before that separation. - Some centrioles exhibit different degrees of ultrastructural disarrangement.", "PMID": 986934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2236", "title": "Affinity chromatography of collagen glycosyltransferases on collagen linked to agarose.", "content": "Denatured citrate-soluble collagen was coupled to agarose by the cyanogen bromide activation technique, and columns prepared from this material were studied for affinity chromatography of collagen glycosyltransferases. Both collagen glycosyltransferases became bound to the column, the degree of binding and the capacity of the column being higher with the glucosyltransferase than with the galactosyltransferase than with the galactosyltransferase. The addition of Mn2+ enhanced the binding, especially with the glucosyltransferase. The enzymes were eluted from the column with small peptides prepared from collagen, and they were separated from the peptides by gel filtration. With this procedure a collagen glucosyltransferase purification of about 5000-fold and a collagen galactosyltransferase purification of about 1000-fold was obtained from chick embryo extract by relatively simple steps.", "contents": "Affinity chromatography of collagen glycosyltransferases on collagen linked to agarose. Denatured citrate-soluble collagen was coupled to agarose by the cyanogen bromide activation technique, and columns prepared from this material were studied for affinity chromatography of collagen glycosyltransferases. Both collagen glycosyltransferases became bound to the column, the degree of binding and the capacity of the column being higher with the glucosyltransferase than with the galactosyltransferase than with the galactosyltransferase. The addition of Mn2+ enhanced the binding, especially with the glucosyltransferase. The enzymes were eluted from the column with small peptides prepared from collagen, and they were separated from the peptides by gel filtration. With this procedure a collagen glucosyltransferase purification of about 5000-fold and a collagen galactosyltransferase purification of about 1000-fold was obtained from chick embryo extract by relatively simple steps.", "PMID": 986940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2237", "title": "[Preparation and partial physico-chemical characterization of sheep-serum transferrin].", "content": "Sheep-serum transferrin shows marked polymorphism and more than 20 alleles have been identified although only 4 or 5 of these have a frequency higher than 1%. Each of the alleles has two bands in starch-gel electrophoresis, corresponding to a major and a minor fraciton. This paper describes the isolation and partial characterisation of the two fractions from the transferrin of sheep homozygous for Tf B. The purification consisted of: (a) precipitation by ammonium sulphate, (b) chromatography on CM-cellulose and, finally (c) chromatography on DEAE-Dephadex. The purification procedure had no effect on the electrophoretic mobility of the two fractions and they appeared homogeneous by starch-gel and polyamide-gel electrophoresis and by immuno-electrophoresis. The amino-acid compositions of both fractions were very similar and the sequences of the first eight amino-acid residues: Ser-Pro-Glu-Lys-Thr-Val-Arg-Trp- were identical for both bands. These results, and the fact that the two fractions are found in all genetic variants and always have the same relative mobility strongly suggest that the differences do not lie in the polypeptide chain. From the results of hydrolysis by neuraminidase and assay of sialic acid, the major and minor fractions most probably contain two and three sialic acid residues (exclusively N-acetyleuraminic acid) respectively, thus explaining the different electrophoretic mobilities. The sialic-acid content has been calculated on the basis of a molecular weight of 77500 as determined both by low-speed equilibrium ultracentrifugation and by Archibald's method...", "contents": "[Preparation and partial physico-chemical characterization of sheep-serum transferrin]. Sheep-serum transferrin shows marked polymorphism and more than 20 alleles have been identified although only 4 or 5 of these have a frequency higher than 1%. Each of the alleles has two bands in starch-gel electrophoresis, corresponding to a major and a minor fraciton. This paper describes the isolation and partial characterisation of the two fractions from the transferrin of sheep homozygous for Tf B. The purification consisted of: (a) precipitation by ammonium sulphate, (b) chromatography on CM-cellulose and, finally (c) chromatography on DEAE-Dephadex. The purification procedure had no effect on the electrophoretic mobility of the two fractions and they appeared homogeneous by starch-gel and polyamide-gel electrophoresis and by immuno-electrophoresis. The amino-acid compositions of both fractions were very similar and the sequences of the first eight amino-acid residues: Ser-Pro-Glu-Lys-Thr-Val-Arg-Trp- were identical for both bands. These results, and the fact that the two fractions are found in all genetic variants and always have the same relative mobility strongly suggest that the differences do not lie in the polypeptide chain. From the results of hydrolysis by neuraminidase and assay of sialic acid, the major and minor fractions most probably contain two and three sialic acid residues (exclusively N-acetyleuraminic acid) respectively, thus explaining the different electrophoretic mobilities. The sialic-acid content has been calculated on the basis of a molecular weight of 77500 as determined both by low-speed equilibrium ultracentrifugation and by Archibald's method...", "PMID": 986941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2238", "title": "Kinetics of refolding and reactivation of rabbit-muscle aldolase after acid dissociation.", "content": "Tetrameric rabbit muscle aldolase has been dissociated to the monomer at pH 2.3 and fully reassociated and reactivated at pH 7.6 Kinetics of reactivation and refolding were followed by slow and fast kinetic techniques after neutralization of the acidic enzyme solutions by dilution or rapid mixing. Rate constants (k), reaction orders (n), and activation evergies (E) were calculated from measurements on the time, concentration, and temperature dependence of the reactions. The experimental results prove reactivation at high enzyme concentration (c greater than 4mug/ml) to obey first-order kinetics; at lower concentrations a transition to a higher reaction order is observed. Because of concentration-dependent deactivation at low enzyme concentrations reactivation measurements could not be extended below c approximately o.5 mug/ml. In the accessible concentration range incomplete separation of reassociation and transconformation processes as well as intrinsic residual activity of the isolated subunits lead to an average value of n = 1.40 +/- 0.18. Renaturation as monitored by protein fluorescnce is a multi-step process composed of a fast increase in flurescence emission (first-order rate constant k approximately 15 s-1) and a slow concentration-dependent decrease which parallels the recovery of enzyme activity (n = 1.46 +/- 0.12). The activation energy of both processes is of the order of E = 12-16 Kcal/mol (50-67 kJ/mol). Reassociation is a prerequisite of full catalytic function and native fluorescence.", "contents": "Kinetics of refolding and reactivation of rabbit-muscle aldolase after acid dissociation. Tetrameric rabbit muscle aldolase has been dissociated to the monomer at pH 2.3 and fully reassociated and reactivated at pH 7.6 Kinetics of reactivation and refolding were followed by slow and fast kinetic techniques after neutralization of the acidic enzyme solutions by dilution or rapid mixing. Rate constants (k), reaction orders (n), and activation evergies (E) were calculated from measurements on the time, concentration, and temperature dependence of the reactions. The experimental results prove reactivation at high enzyme concentration (c greater than 4mug/ml) to obey first-order kinetics; at lower concentrations a transition to a higher reaction order is observed. Because of concentration-dependent deactivation at low enzyme concentrations reactivation measurements could not be extended below c approximately o.5 mug/ml. In the accessible concentration range incomplete separation of reassociation and transconformation processes as well as intrinsic residual activity of the isolated subunits lead to an average value of n = 1.40 +/- 0.18. Renaturation as monitored by protein fluorescnce is a multi-step process composed of a fast increase in flurescence emission (first-order rate constant k approximately 15 s-1) and a slow concentration-dependent decrease which parallels the recovery of enzyme activity (n = 1.46 +/- 0.12). The activation energy of both processes is of the order of E = 12-16 Kcal/mol (50-67 kJ/mol). Reassociation is a prerequisite of full catalytic function and native fluorescence.", "PMID": 986942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2239", "title": "The kinetics of hydrolysis of some extended N-aminoacyl-l-lysine methyl esters.", "content": "1. The action of two active forms of bovine trypsin (alpha and beta-trypsin) on a series of specific methyl ester substrates of general formula: N-acetyl-(glycyl)n-L-lysine methyl ester (n = 0, 1, 2) and N2-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester have been investigated. With the L-lysine methyl esters the catalytic rate constant for hydrolysis (kcat) was found to be significantly lower for alpha-trypsin than for beta-trypsin, whereas with N2-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester there was no significant difference for the two enzymes. 2. By measurement of the kinetic constants (kcat and Km) in the presence of a nucleophile, which competes with water in the deacylation process, it has been shown that, in common with the specific ester substrates of trypsin, the rate-determining step for the extended L-lysine methyl esters is decaylation of the enzyme. 3. It has been found that by extending the aminoacyl group of N-acetyl-L-lysine methyl ester by one glycine residue (n = 1), a greatly enhanced deacylation rate constant is observed for both alpha and beta-trypsin. The higher rate constants were maintained at the higher levels by the addition of a further glycine residue (n = 2). These results have been interpreted in terms of the 'induced fit' hypothesis the substrates binding to an enzyme subsite adjacent to the active site. 4. The beta-trypsin-catalysed hydrolysis of the L-lysine substrates was investigated over a range of temperature (15--35 degrees C). The Arrhenius law was obeyed, within experimental error, by all three substrates allowing the estimation of the thermodynamic function of activation (delta S not equal to and deltaH note equal to) for the deacylation reactions. The significantly higher values of deltaS not equal to and deltaH not equal to obtained for the two extended substrates are interpreted in terms of additional hydrogen bonding between the longer aminoacyl chains and the enzyme molecule. The results are compared with those for non-extended specific substrates, which have a possible hydrophobic interaction with the enzyme surface.", "contents": "The kinetics of hydrolysis of some extended N-aminoacyl-l-lysine methyl esters. 1. The action of two active forms of bovine trypsin (alpha and beta-trypsin) on a series of specific methyl ester substrates of general formula: N-acetyl-(glycyl)n-L-lysine methyl ester (n = 0, 1, 2) and N2-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester have been investigated. With the L-lysine methyl esters the catalytic rate constant for hydrolysis (kcat) was found to be significantly lower for alpha-trypsin than for beta-trypsin, whereas with N2-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester there was no significant difference for the two enzymes. 2. By measurement of the kinetic constants (kcat and Km) in the presence of a nucleophile, which competes with water in the deacylation process, it has been shown that, in common with the specific ester substrates of trypsin, the rate-determining step for the extended L-lysine methyl esters is decaylation of the enzyme. 3. It has been found that by extending the aminoacyl group of N-acetyl-L-lysine methyl ester by one glycine residue (n = 1), a greatly enhanced deacylation rate constant is observed for both alpha and beta-trypsin. The higher rate constants were maintained at the higher levels by the addition of a further glycine residue (n = 2). These results have been interpreted in terms of the 'induced fit' hypothesis the substrates binding to an enzyme subsite adjacent to the active site. 4. The beta-trypsin-catalysed hydrolysis of the L-lysine substrates was investigated over a range of temperature (15--35 degrees C). The Arrhenius law was obeyed, within experimental error, by all three substrates allowing the estimation of the thermodynamic function of activation (delta S not equal to and deltaH note equal to) for the deacylation reactions. The significantly higher values of deltaS not equal to and deltaH not equal to obtained for the two extended substrates are interpreted in terms of additional hydrogen bonding between the longer aminoacyl chains and the enzyme molecule. The results are compared with those for non-extended specific substrates, which have a possible hydrophobic interaction with the enzyme surface.", "PMID": 986943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2240", "title": "Wireless endoscopy.", "content": "A completely new and different principle of 'wireless' endoscope is described. The 'contact endoscope' consists of two parts, a rod which is the optical element and a light recovery jacket. This endoscope utilizes the surrounding light, either daylight or artificial light. It allows endoscopic photography and cinematography with a magnificant of nearly five. For urethrocystoscopy it represents a safe introductory rod (mandrel) introduced under visual control. It can be used in kidney surgery for finding stones in calyxes.", "contents": "Wireless endoscopy. A completely new and different principle of 'wireless' endoscope is described. The 'contact endoscope' consists of two parts, a rod which is the optical element and a light recovery jacket. This endoscope utilizes the surrounding light, either daylight or artificial light. It allows endoscopic photography and cinematography with a magnificant of nearly five. For urethrocystoscopy it represents a safe introductory rod (mandrel) introduced under visual control. It can be used in kidney surgery for finding stones in calyxes.", "PMID": 986944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2241", "title": "Differential attenuation of some effects of haloperidol in rats given scopolamine.", "content": "In a series of pharmacological tests the ability of 0.6 mg/kg of the anticholinergic scopolamine to decrease the effectiveness of the neuroleptic heloperidol varied widely. Most severely attenuated was production of catalepsy followed in order of decreasing interference by inhibition of amphetamine-induced rotation, inhibition of amphetamine- or apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior, inhibition of conditioned avoidance responding and lastly attenuation of the haloperidol-induced increase in striatal HVA. By use of such a relatively low dose of scopolamine the behavioral effects of heloperidol were dissociated from effects on dopamine turnover in the striatum. If behavioral tests in animals can be related to the clinical effects of neuroleptic drugs, those effects of haloperidol severely reduced by scopolamine may be related to extrapyramidal effects.", "contents": "Differential attenuation of some effects of haloperidol in rats given scopolamine. In a series of pharmacological tests the ability of 0.6 mg/kg of the anticholinergic scopolamine to decrease the effectiveness of the neuroleptic heloperidol varied widely. Most severely attenuated was production of catalepsy followed in order of decreasing interference by inhibition of amphetamine-induced rotation, inhibition of amphetamine- or apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior, inhibition of conditioned avoidance responding and lastly attenuation of the haloperidol-induced increase in striatal HVA. By use of such a relatively low dose of scopolamine the behavioral effects of heloperidol were dissociated from effects on dopamine turnover in the striatum. If behavioral tests in animals can be related to the clinical effects of neuroleptic drugs, those effects of haloperidol severely reduced by scopolamine may be related to extrapyramidal effects.", "PMID": 986946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2242", "title": "Plasma free and total tryptophan during the oestrus cycle, in ovariectomized and in male rats.", "content": "Plasma free tryptophan was higher during prooestrus and early oestrus than at metoestrus or in ovariectomized or male rats. In contrast, total tryptophan was higher in ovariectomized and male rats than at any time in cycling females.", "contents": "Plasma free and total tryptophan during the oestrus cycle, in ovariectomized and in male rats. Plasma free tryptophan was higher during prooestrus and early oestrus than at metoestrus or in ovariectomized or male rats. In contrast, total tryptophan was higher in ovariectomized and male rats than at any time in cycling females.", "PMID": 986951} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2243", "title": "[Clinico-pathological study of chronic thyroiditis (author's transl)].", "content": "Although chronic thyroiditis has been recently noticed as an autoimmune disease, the histological classification based on clinico-pathological correlation is still vague at present. The specimens subjected to this study were taken by exploratory excision from 63 patients who were clinically diagnosed as chronic thyroiditis. Histological observation was done regarding the progress of pathologic changes in the thyroid gland. Lymphoid type (14 cases): lymph-follicle formation with scattered infiltration of lymphocytes was the predominant feature in this group. No definite alteration of the thyroi- epithelium was observed. Some of the so-called focal thyroiditis may be included in the early stage of this group. Some of them may develop into tremendous proliferation of lymphoid tissue in its late stage. Oxyphilic cell type (34 cases): oxyphilic alteration of the epithelium was predominant, but lymphocytic infiltrations observed in varying degrees was not an essential feature of this group. Fibrosis may possibly become more prominent with destruction of thyroid follicles in the late stage. Hyperplastic type (9 cases): most follicles were lined by cuboidal or tall epithelium with papillary infolding and contained thin colloid and some cell aggregates. This type of thyroiditis also may result in a proliferation of interlobular fibrous tissue in its more advanced stage. Fibrous type (6 cases): this type of thyroiditis is believed to be a late stage of the other three types. The original type of thyroiditis, however, was not clear because of advanced fibrosis. Evidences of the progress of the histological changes were observed in 12 out of 40 patients in whom the specimens were taken from both lobes and in two others whose specimens were taken twice at different stages. Clinical correlation of this classification was studied. The lymphoid type was found in 14 out of 53 female patients, but in none of 10 males. In age distribution the hyperplastic type was observed to be more common than the other types among younger people. The clinical signs of hypothyroidism were recognized most frequently in the oxyphilic cell type but not in the hyperplastic type. Thyroid function test, however, demonstrated no definite differences among the four types. Relationships were discussed in this paper between this author's classification and that of Woolner--also relationships to Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Riedel's struma.", "contents": "[Clinico-pathological study of chronic thyroiditis (author's transl)]. Although chronic thyroiditis has been recently noticed as an autoimmune disease, the histological classification based on clinico-pathological correlation is still vague at present. The specimens subjected to this study were taken by exploratory excision from 63 patients who were clinically diagnosed as chronic thyroiditis. Histological observation was done regarding the progress of pathologic changes in the thyroid gland. Lymphoid type (14 cases): lymph-follicle formation with scattered infiltration of lymphocytes was the predominant feature in this group. No definite alteration of the thyroi- epithelium was observed. Some of the so-called focal thyroiditis may be included in the early stage of this group. Some of them may develop into tremendous proliferation of lymphoid tissue in its late stage. Oxyphilic cell type (34 cases): oxyphilic alteration of the epithelium was predominant, but lymphocytic infiltrations observed in varying degrees was not an essential feature of this group. Fibrosis may possibly become more prominent with destruction of thyroid follicles in the late stage. Hyperplastic type (9 cases): most follicles were lined by cuboidal or tall epithelium with papillary infolding and contained thin colloid and some cell aggregates. This type of thyroiditis also may result in a proliferation of interlobular fibrous tissue in its more advanced stage. Fibrous type (6 cases): this type of thyroiditis is believed to be a late stage of the other three types. The original type of thyroiditis, however, was not clear because of advanced fibrosis. Evidences of the progress of the histological changes were observed in 12 out of 40 patients in whom the specimens were taken from both lobes and in two others whose specimens were taken twice at different stages. Clinical correlation of this classification was studied. The lymphoid type was found in 14 out of 53 female patients, but in none of 10 males. In age distribution the hyperplastic type was observed to be more common than the other types among younger people. The clinical signs of hypothyroidism were recognized most frequently in the oxyphilic cell type but not in the hyperplastic type. Thyroid function test, however, demonstrated no definite differences among the four types. Relationships were discussed in this paper between this author's classification and that of Woolner--also relationships to Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Riedel's struma.", "PMID": 986957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2244", "title": "[Rheumatoid factor in diabetes mellitus (author's transl)].", "content": "This study was undertaken to try to determine the incidence of rheumatoid factor in patients with diabetes mellitus by the Hyland RA slide test and the RAHA test (the sensitized sheep red cell agglutination test). Sera from 507 patients with diabetes mellitus and 2073 controls were investigated for the presence of rheumatiod factors. RA test was positive in 8.7 per cent and RAHA test in 6.1 per cent in sera from patients with diabetes mellitus compared to 4.1 percent and 3.6 per cent respectively in healthy subjects.", "contents": "[Rheumatoid factor in diabetes mellitus (author's transl)]. This study was undertaken to try to determine the incidence of rheumatoid factor in patients with diabetes mellitus by the Hyland RA slide test and the RAHA test (the sensitized sheep red cell agglutination test). Sera from 507 patients with diabetes mellitus and 2073 controls were investigated for the presence of rheumatiod factors. RA test was positive in 8.7 per cent and RAHA test in 6.1 per cent in sera from patients with diabetes mellitus compared to 4.1 percent and 3.6 per cent respectively in healthy subjects.", "PMID": 986958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2245", "title": "[Studies of binding of testosterone-estradiol binding globulin for estradiol-17beta (author's transl)].", "content": "A fundamental study of testosterone-estradiol binding globulin (TeBG) activity for estradiol-17beta was investigated by equilibrium dialysis. In addition, the interaction of TeBG activity for estradiol and estradiol metabolism during a menstrual cycle and in hyperthyroidism was attempted to elucidate. Estradiol in plasma and 24 hrs urine was measured by radioimmunoassay. TeBG binding capacity (TBC) was measured by ammonium sulfate method and associate constant (Ka) of TeBG for estradiol was estimated by equilibrium dialysis. 1. In several pooled plasmas, the mean Ka of TeBG for estradoil was 1.25 X 10(8) L/M at 4 degrees C and 0.78 X 10(8) L/M at room temperature. The Ka decreased with increasing temperature and could not be determined with a sufficient accuracy at 37 degrees C. The mean TBC was 4.4 X 10(-8) M/L. 2. TBC and Ka of TeBG for estradiol during the normal menstrual cycle of a woman were fairly unchanged. The unconjugated estradiol value in urine showed the same biphasic pattern with a midcycle peak as that of the unconjugated estradiol value in urine. 3. A normal man was induced hyperthyroidism with a administration of triiodothyronine. The treatment of triiodothyronine caused a remarkable increase of TBC, but no changes of Ka of TeBG for estradiol and unconjugated estradiol values in plasma and urine. From these results it was suggested that the rate of metabolism of estradiol increased in hyperthyroidism.", "contents": "[Studies of binding of testosterone-estradiol binding globulin for estradiol-17beta (author's transl)]. A fundamental study of testosterone-estradiol binding globulin (TeBG) activity for estradiol-17beta was investigated by equilibrium dialysis. In addition, the interaction of TeBG activity for estradiol and estradiol metabolism during a menstrual cycle and in hyperthyroidism was attempted to elucidate. Estradiol in plasma and 24 hrs urine was measured by radioimmunoassay. TeBG binding capacity (TBC) was measured by ammonium sulfate method and associate constant (Ka) of TeBG for estradiol was estimated by equilibrium dialysis. 1. In several pooled plasmas, the mean Ka of TeBG for estradoil was 1.25 X 10(8) L/M at 4 degrees C and 0.78 X 10(8) L/M at room temperature. The Ka decreased with increasing temperature and could not be determined with a sufficient accuracy at 37 degrees C. The mean TBC was 4.4 X 10(-8) M/L. 2. TBC and Ka of TeBG for estradiol during the normal menstrual cycle of a woman were fairly unchanged. The unconjugated estradiol value in urine showed the same biphasic pattern with a midcycle peak as that of the unconjugated estradiol value in urine. 3. A normal man was induced hyperthyroidism with a administration of triiodothyronine. The treatment of triiodothyronine caused a remarkable increase of TBC, but no changes of Ka of TeBG for estradiol and unconjugated estradiol values in plasma and urine. From these results it was suggested that the rate of metabolism of estradiol increased in hyperthyroidism.", "PMID": 986959} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2246", "title": "[Preovulatory changes of steroidogenesis in isolated rabbit follicles (author's transl)].", "content": "In an attempt to investigate the effect of ovulating hormone on the steroidogenesis of mature follicles in the course of ovulation, transitory changes of steroidogenesis in isolated rabbit follicles have been studied at several intervals after injection of an ovulatory dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Five to ten follicles of approximately 1-2 mm in diameter were isolated from ovaries of a mature rabbit (2.5-3.0 kg) under streomicroscope, before and at the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th hours after intravenous injection of of 100 IU/kg of hCG. Follicles were incubated with 100 muCi of acetate-1-14C in 2 ml of Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4) at 37 degrees C for 3 hours under 95% oxygen plus 5% carbon dioxide. Each incubation was terminated by quick freezing and stored forzen at -20 degrees C until eighty follicles had been collected for each time period before commencement of analysis. Incorporation of radioactive acetate into pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone., 20 alpha-dihydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, estrone and estradiol-17beta were analysed by the reverse dilution technique and identified in radiochemically pure form by recrystallization to constant specific activities. The steroidogenic activity of the follicles was evaluated by overall as well as fractionated incorporations. A peak in the overall incorporation of 14C- acetate into the ten steroids at the 3rd hour after hCG injection, followed by gradual decrease up to the 9th hour was observed. The incorporation decreased markedly to a minimum level at the 12th hour after hCG injection, which was below the level of preinjection control. Comparable quantitative fluctuations were found with the fractionated incorporation of 14C-acetate into the C21 and C18 steroids in the time sequence following hCG injection. However, the fractionated incorporation into C19 steroids reached to a maximum at the 6th hour after hCG injection. 5istribution patterns of incorporation among the individual steroids were varied at each interval of time. In the non-injected control, mature follicles synthesized predominantly estradiol-17beta, testosterone and androstenedione. Divergent steroids were formed from radioactive acetate at the 3rd hour after hCG injection. These included porgestogen, androgen and estrogen, but pregnenolone and 17hydroxyprogesterone were the two principal steroids produced. There was no essential difference in the steroidogenic patterns between the 6th and 9th hour, the major products being C21 and C19 steroids such as pregnenolone, 17hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroipiandrosterone and testosterone. The three androgens were the major steroids formed at the 12th hour after hCG injection. Thus the chages in the steroidogenic profile of the follicle was obvious in the course of ovulation. The basis of qualitative changes in follicular steroidogenesis during the process of ovulation have been discussed in connection with an accompanying effect of an ovulatory dose of hCG.", "contents": "[Preovulatory changes of steroidogenesis in isolated rabbit follicles (author's transl)]. In an attempt to investigate the effect of ovulating hormone on the steroidogenesis of mature follicles in the course of ovulation, transitory changes of steroidogenesis in isolated rabbit follicles have been studied at several intervals after injection of an ovulatory dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Five to ten follicles of approximately 1-2 mm in diameter were isolated from ovaries of a mature rabbit (2.5-3.0 kg) under streomicroscope, before and at the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th hours after intravenous injection of of 100 IU/kg of hCG. Follicles were incubated with 100 muCi of acetate-1-14C in 2 ml of Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4) at 37 degrees C for 3 hours under 95% oxygen plus 5% carbon dioxide. Each incubation was terminated by quick freezing and stored forzen at -20 degrees C until eighty follicles had been collected for each time period before commencement of analysis. Incorporation of radioactive acetate into pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone., 20 alpha-dihydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, estrone and estradiol-17beta were analysed by the reverse dilution technique and identified in radiochemically pure form by recrystallization to constant specific activities. The steroidogenic activity of the follicles was evaluated by overall as well as fractionated incorporations. A peak in the overall incorporation of 14C- acetate into the ten steroids at the 3rd hour after hCG injection, followed by gradual decrease up to the 9th hour was observed. The incorporation decreased markedly to a minimum level at the 12th hour after hCG injection, which was below the level of preinjection control. Comparable quantitative fluctuations were found with the fractionated incorporation of 14C-acetate into the C21 and C18 steroids in the time sequence following hCG injection. However, the fractionated incorporation into C19 steroids reached to a maximum at the 6th hour after hCG injection. 5istribution patterns of incorporation among the individual steroids were varied at each interval of time. In the non-injected control, mature follicles synthesized predominantly estradiol-17beta, testosterone and androstenedione. Divergent steroids were formed from radioactive acetate at the 3rd hour after hCG injection. These included porgestogen, androgen and estrogen, but pregnenolone and 17hydroxyprogesterone were the two principal steroids produced. There was no essential difference in the steroidogenic patterns between the 6th and 9th hour, the major products being C21 and C19 steroids such as pregnenolone, 17hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroipiandrosterone and testosterone. The three androgens were the major steroids formed at the 12th hour after hCG injection. Thus the chages in the steroidogenic profile of the follicle was obvious in the course of ovulation. The basis of qualitative changes in follicular steroidogenesis during the process of ovulation have been discussed in connection with an accompanying effect of an ovulatory dose of hCG.", "PMID": 986960} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2247", "title": "[Thyroglobulin and microsomal antibodies in diabetes mellitus in childhood (author's transl)].", "content": "The purpose of our study was to determine the incidence of thyroid antibodies in diabetes mellitus in childhood and to discuss the correlation between thyroid antibodies and insulin antibodies. The sera of 50 children with diabetes mellitus and 437 children as disease controls were tested by thyroglobulin and microsome-coated tanned red cell hemagglutination test (Fuji Zoki Co. Tokyo). One of the 50 children with diabetes mellitus (2%) was positive with antithyroglobulin antibodies and eleven (22%) were positive with antimicrosomal antibodies compared to 0.4% and 1.1% respectively in 437 disease controls. To clarify the association of insulin antibodies and thyroid antibodies in diabetes mellitus in childhood, insulin antibodies were demonstrated by using a modified method described by Wright. One of the 33 children with negative insulin antibody (2.8%) was positive with antithyroglobulin antibodies and eight (24%) were positive antimicrosomal antibodies. No evident correlation was observed between antithyroid antibodies and insulin antibodies.", "contents": "[Thyroglobulin and microsomal antibodies in diabetes mellitus in childhood (author's transl)]. The purpose of our study was to determine the incidence of thyroid antibodies in diabetes mellitus in childhood and to discuss the correlation between thyroid antibodies and insulin antibodies. The sera of 50 children with diabetes mellitus and 437 children as disease controls were tested by thyroglobulin and microsome-coated tanned red cell hemagglutination test (Fuji Zoki Co. Tokyo). One of the 50 children with diabetes mellitus (2%) was positive with antithyroglobulin antibodies and eleven (22%) were positive with antimicrosomal antibodies compared to 0.4% and 1.1% respectively in 437 disease controls. To clarify the association of insulin antibodies and thyroid antibodies in diabetes mellitus in childhood, insulin antibodies were demonstrated by using a modified method described by Wright. One of the 33 children with negative insulin antibody (2.8%) was positive with antithyroglobulin antibodies and eight (24%) were positive antimicrosomal antibodies. No evident correlation was observed between antithyroid antibodies and insulin antibodies.", "PMID": 986961} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2248", "title": "[Further studies on serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus in postmenopause (author's transl)].", "content": "The author previously reported that the serum calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphorus (P) levels were gradually decreased with advance in age in regularly menstruating women, but that they were rapidly increased soon after the menopause. In this experiment the changes of the serum Ca and P levels in postmenopausal women were studied more precisely in 410 peri- or post-menopausal subjects and 534 controls with regular menses. They were classified into 12 groups according to age or period since last menses. The clavicular cortical thickness was also measured as an index of bone resorption. Blood samples were taken between 9-11 A.M. after an overnight fast and the separated sera were applied to a Technicon Autoanalyzer SMA 12/60 and analyzed. The mean levels of Ca and P in serum were both increased following the menopause and reached a plateau in Groups F-3 (12-24 months since last menses) and G (2-5 years since last menses). In Group G (5-10 years since last menses) both the levels were slightly declined. Then a dissociation was observed in Groups I-1 and I-2. This was a successive decrease of Ca and a re-increase of P. This dissociation might be explained partly by the physiologic fall of parathyroid function. Furthermore the clavicular cortical thickness was measured with a micrometer in the middle of the clavicle on the chest X-ray film of the same subjects and the clavicular score was computed as Cortical width X 100/Whole width. The score was gradually but steadily reduced with the lapse of time after the menopause and in Group I-2 it was lowered to approximately 45% of that in the premenopausal groups. From these results it is certain that the decline of estrogen secretion led to the elevation of the serum Ca and P levels and subsequently to the reduction in the clavicular score.", "contents": "[Further studies on serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus in postmenopause (author's transl)]. The author previously reported that the serum calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphorus (P) levels were gradually decreased with advance in age in regularly menstruating women, but that they were rapidly increased soon after the menopause. In this experiment the changes of the serum Ca and P levels in postmenopausal women were studied more precisely in 410 peri- or post-menopausal subjects and 534 controls with regular menses. They were classified into 12 groups according to age or period since last menses. The clavicular cortical thickness was also measured as an index of bone resorption. Blood samples were taken between 9-11 A.M. after an overnight fast and the separated sera were applied to a Technicon Autoanalyzer SMA 12/60 and analyzed. The mean levels of Ca and P in serum were both increased following the menopause and reached a plateau in Groups F-3 (12-24 months since last menses) and G (2-5 years since last menses). In Group G (5-10 years since last menses) both the levels were slightly declined. Then a dissociation was observed in Groups I-1 and I-2. This was a successive decrease of Ca and a re-increase of P. This dissociation might be explained partly by the physiologic fall of parathyroid function. Furthermore the clavicular cortical thickness was measured with a micrometer in the middle of the clavicle on the chest X-ray film of the same subjects and the clavicular score was computed as Cortical width X 100/Whole width. The score was gradually but steadily reduced with the lapse of time after the menopause and in Group I-2 it was lowered to approximately 45% of that in the premenopausal groups. From these results it is certain that the decline of estrogen secretion led to the elevation of the serum Ca and P levels and subsequently to the reduction in the clavicular score.", "PMID": 986962} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2249", "title": "[Microdetermination of TSH in dried blood spot--its use in the mass-screening for congenital or juvenile primary hypothyroidism (author's transl)].", "content": "Blood TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) was successfully measured by radioimmunoassay in a dried blood spot on filter paper which is obtained in newborn screening for metabolic disorders. By this method, the minimal detectable level of blood TSH was about 10 muU/ml, which is the approximate upper limit of normal values of blood TSH. Good correlation was found between the TSH values obtained from this specimen and from liquid serum samples from the same subjects. The duplication of assay of a single sample was not necessary. A screening program using the method described here was initiated and a 4 year old infant was found to have primary hypothyroidism, later verified by other testing methods. Since the technique is simple and adequately sensitive for the detection of hypothyroidism, it could be a valuable method for use in mass-screening of newborns for congenital hypothyroidism.", "contents": "[Microdetermination of TSH in dried blood spot--its use in the mass-screening for congenital or juvenile primary hypothyroidism (author's transl)]. Blood TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) was successfully measured by radioimmunoassay in a dried blood spot on filter paper which is obtained in newborn screening for metabolic disorders. By this method, the minimal detectable level of blood TSH was about 10 muU/ml, which is the approximate upper limit of normal values of blood TSH. Good correlation was found between the TSH values obtained from this specimen and from liquid serum samples from the same subjects. The duplication of assay of a single sample was not necessary. A screening program using the method described here was initiated and a 4 year old infant was found to have primary hypothyroidism, later verified by other testing methods. Since the technique is simple and adequately sensitive for the detection of hypothyroidism, it could be a valuable method for use in mass-screening of newborns for congenital hypothyroidism.", "PMID": 986963} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2250", "title": "Food availability as a determinant of the rats' circadian rhythm in maternal behavior.", "content": "Thre present study was designed to determine whether environmental factors other than light would alter the dialy periodicity in the rat's maternal behavior and whether such a change in the dam's behavior pattern would in turn alter the pattern of her sucklings' milk intake. Experiment 1 determined the daily pattern of litter weight gain (which presumably reflects milk intake) displayed by young reared by dams fed and watered either ad lib (Group C), only during the day (Group D), or only at night (Group N). Experiment 2 compared nocturnal and diurnal frequency of maternal behavior in Groups C, D, and N. The pattern of both litter weight gain and maternal behavior was observed to be diurnal in Groups C and N and nocturnal in Group D.", "contents": "Food availability as a determinant of the rats' circadian rhythm in maternal behavior. Thre present study was designed to determine whether environmental factors other than light would alter the dialy periodicity in the rat's maternal behavior and whether such a change in the dam's behavior pattern would in turn alter the pattern of her sucklings' milk intake. Experiment 1 determined the daily pattern of litter weight gain (which presumably reflects milk intake) displayed by young reared by dams fed and watered either ad lib (Group C), only during the day (Group D), or only at night (Group N). Experiment 2 compared nocturnal and diurnal frequency of maternal behavior in Groups C, D, and N. The pattern of both litter weight gain and maternal behavior was observed to be diurnal in Groups C and N and nocturnal in Group D.", "PMID": 986971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2251", "title": "Maternal hyperphenylalaninemia: an experimental model in rats.", "content": "Experimental maternal hyperphenylalaninemia produced in pregnant F344 rats by the combined use of p-Chloro-DL-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanine reduced fetal birth weight in comparison to saline-injected controls. Offspring who experiences hyperphenylalaninemia in utero died within 5 days after birth. Fetal plasma phenylalanine levels were several times higher than maternal plasma phenylalanine levels, indicating that the placenta actively concentrates maternal phenylalanine. Fetal brain phenylalanine levels rose in direct proportion to elevations in fetal plasma phenylanaline, whereas maternal brain phenylalanine levels remained low during maternal plasma phenylalanine elevation; the contrast suggests that the maternal brain is better able than the fetal brain to screen itself against high circulating plasma phenylalanine levels.", "contents": "Maternal hyperphenylalaninemia: an experimental model in rats. Experimental maternal hyperphenylalaninemia produced in pregnant F344 rats by the combined use of p-Chloro-DL-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanine reduced fetal birth weight in comparison to saline-injected controls. Offspring who experiences hyperphenylalaninemia in utero died within 5 days after birth. Fetal plasma phenylalanine levels were several times higher than maternal plasma phenylalanine levels, indicating that the placenta actively concentrates maternal phenylalanine. Fetal brain phenylalanine levels rose in direct proportion to elevations in fetal plasma phenylanaline, whereas maternal brain phenylalanine levels remained low during maternal plasma phenylalanine elevation; the contrast suggests that the maternal brain is better able than the fetal brain to screen itself against high circulating plasma phenylalanine levels.", "PMID": 986972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2252", "title": "The effects of prenatal psychological stress on the sexual behavior and reactivity of male rats.", "content": "Male offspring of prenatally stressed rats showed low levels of copulatory behavior during a series of brief tests with estrous females but successfully impregnated female cagemates during long term tests of breeding effectiveness. Sexual performance on the short term tests was inversely related to open field activity with the offspring of prenatally handled mothers exhibiting more sexual behavior and less open field activity. The results support the notion that prenatal stress influences both the sexual behavior and emotional reactivity of male offspring. Deficits observed during short term tests of breeding effectiveness appear to be reversible under optimal conditions.", "contents": "The effects of prenatal psychological stress on the sexual behavior and reactivity of male rats. Male offspring of prenatally stressed rats showed low levels of copulatory behavior during a series of brief tests with estrous females but successfully impregnated female cagemates during long term tests of breeding effectiveness. Sexual performance on the short term tests was inversely related to open field activity with the offspring of prenatally handled mothers exhibiting more sexual behavior and less open field activity. The results support the notion that prenatal stress influences both the sexual behavior and emotional reactivity of male offspring. Deficits observed during short term tests of breeding effectiveness appear to be reversible under optimal conditions.", "PMID": 986973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2253", "title": "A longitudinal analysis of maternal aggression in Rockland-Swiss albino mice.", "content": "Female Rockland-Swiss albino mice were treated for aggression during 6 successive pregnancies and lactation periods or until they ceased to re-mate. Fighting behavior was limited only to the lactation phase of each reproductive cycle. Although most animals exhibited fighting during every lactation period they completed, some exhibited fighting in some lactation periods but not in others. The intensity of aggression, as measured by the time spent fighting, was highest during the beginning of each lactation period and declined by the end of each period. Moreover, the intensity of aggression increased across the first 3 lactation periods and then declined on later lactation periods to a point below initial levels. Finally, the fighting behavior exhibited by multiparous animals was not due simply to previous fighting experience in that some multiparous mice exhibited postpartum aggression on the 6th lactation period in the absence of fighting experience during earlier lactation periods.", "contents": "A longitudinal analysis of maternal aggression in Rockland-Swiss albino mice. Female Rockland-Swiss albino mice were treated for aggression during 6 successive pregnancies and lactation periods or until they ceased to re-mate. Fighting behavior was limited only to the lactation phase of each reproductive cycle. Although most animals exhibited fighting during every lactation period they completed, some exhibited fighting in some lactation periods but not in others. The intensity of aggression, as measured by the time spent fighting, was highest during the beginning of each lactation period and declined by the end of each period. Moreover, the intensity of aggression increased across the first 3 lactation periods and then declined on later lactation periods to a point below initial levels. Finally, the fighting behavior exhibited by multiparous animals was not due simply to previous fighting experience in that some multiparous mice exhibited postpartum aggression on the 6th lactation period in the absence of fighting experience during earlier lactation periods.", "PMID": 986974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2254", "title": "Hypothermia causes adult-like retention deficits of prior learning in infant mice.", "content": "Nine-day-old S-W mice receiving deep body hypothermia or hyperthermia immediately after escape training were retested 1 or 24 hr later. Results indicated that hypothermia impaired 24-hr retention but had no effect upon 1-hr memory. Hyperthermia had no effect, with the mice demonstrating retention of the escape response at both retest intervals. In Experiment 2, administration of hypothermia or hyperthermia 23 hr after original training had no effect upon memory nor did either treatment produce motoric deficits upon retest 1 hr following thermal exposure. Experiment 3 indicated that hypothermia administered immediately after training produced retention deficits directly related to amount of body temperature reduction following hypothermia. These data are similar to those obtained with adult mice and suggest that memory processes occurring in 9-day-old mice may represent the onset of functioning of processes underlying adult long-term memory.", "contents": "Hypothermia causes adult-like retention deficits of prior learning in infant mice. Nine-day-old S-W mice receiving deep body hypothermia or hyperthermia immediately after escape training were retested 1 or 24 hr later. Results indicated that hypothermia impaired 24-hr retention but had no effect upon 1-hr memory. Hyperthermia had no effect, with the mice demonstrating retention of the escape response at both retest intervals. In Experiment 2, administration of hypothermia or hyperthermia 23 hr after original training had no effect upon memory nor did either treatment produce motoric deficits upon retest 1 hr following thermal exposure. Experiment 3 indicated that hypothermia administered immediately after training produced retention deficits directly related to amount of body temperature reduction following hypothermia. These data are similar to those obtained with adult mice and suggest that memory processes occurring in 9-day-old mice may represent the onset of functioning of processes underlying adult long-term memory.", "PMID": 986975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2255", "title": "Genetic models for the analysis of data from the families of identical twins.", "content": "Genetic models are described which exploit the unique relationships that exist within the families of identical twins to obtain weighted least squares estimates of additive, dominance and epistatic components of genetic variance as well as estimates of the contributions of X-linked genes, maternal effects and three sources of environmental variation. Since all of the relationships required to achieve a resolution of these variance components are contained within each family unit, the model would appear to be superior to previous approaches to the analysis of quantitative traits in man.", "contents": "Genetic models for the analysis of data from the families of identical twins. Genetic models are described which exploit the unique relationships that exist within the families of identical twins to obtain weighted least squares estimates of additive, dominance and epistatic components of genetic variance as well as estimates of the contributions of X-linked genes, maternal effects and three sources of environmental variation. Since all of the relationships required to achieve a resolution of these variance components are contained within each family unit, the model would appear to be superior to previous approaches to the analysis of quantitative traits in man.", "PMID": 986976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2256", "title": "[Reproducibility of emesis by orally administrated copper sulfate in cats].", "content": "Adult cats were administered oral threshold doses of copper sulfate every week. As the cats vomited in 70 out out 80 cases, the reproducibility was 88%. Peripheral vomiting threshold dose was 40 mg/head or less, while the threshold dose for oral copper sulfate emesis after T4 transection and vagotomy was more than 160 mg/head. The following method is thus proposed for application in evaluating an antimetic for oral copper sulfate. Adult cats are to be given the emetic once a week. The threshold dose should be determined in three dose levels; 10, 20, 40 mg/head. The cats with a threshold of more than 40 mg or latency of less than 5 min or of more than 45 min are to be excluded. Inhibition of emesis or a considerable prolongation of latency is the sign of an antimetic action. A positive action of an antiemetic must be followed by another test with the threshold dose of copper sulfate alone. If the cat does not respond to the threshold dose after 2 administrations, the case must be excluded. It is considered positive when 3 cases are inhibited among 4 or more than 50% among more than 5.", "contents": "[Reproducibility of emesis by orally administrated copper sulfate in cats]. Adult cats were administered oral threshold doses of copper sulfate every week. As the cats vomited in 70 out out 80 cases, the reproducibility was 88%. Peripheral vomiting threshold dose was 40 mg/head or less, while the threshold dose for oral copper sulfate emesis after T4 transection and vagotomy was more than 160 mg/head. The following method is thus proposed for application in evaluating an antimetic for oral copper sulfate. Adult cats are to be given the emetic once a week. The threshold dose should be determined in three dose levels; 10, 20, 40 mg/head. The cats with a threshold of more than 40 mg or latency of less than 5 min or of more than 45 min are to be excluded. Inhibition of emesis or a considerable prolongation of latency is the sign of an antimetic action. A positive action of an antiemetic must be followed by another test with the threshold dose of copper sulfate alone. If the cat does not respond to the threshold dose after 2 administrations, the case must be excluded. It is considered positive when 3 cases are inhibited among 4 or more than 50% among more than 5.", "PMID": 986987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2257", "title": "[Effectiveness of several antiemetics in vomiting induced by orally administrated copper sulfate in cats and dogs].", "content": "Long marketed antiemetics, which are still used in medicine or veterinary medicine and whose sites of actions were either assumed to be peripheral or unknown, were subjected to evaluation as antiemetics, against oral copper sulfate emesis. In cats, ethyl aminobenzoate 0.5 g/head, cerium oxalate 0.1 g/head, pinelliae tuber 0.5 g/head and gelatin 2.0 g/head were not effective. In dogs, ethyl aminobenzoate 0.5 g/head, pinelliae tuber 2.0 g/head and hange-syasintoo 2.0 g/head were not effective. Cerium oxalate 0.1 g/head was found to have a slight antiemetic action.", "contents": "[Effectiveness of several antiemetics in vomiting induced by orally administrated copper sulfate in cats and dogs]. Long marketed antiemetics, which are still used in medicine or veterinary medicine and whose sites of actions were either assumed to be peripheral or unknown, were subjected to evaluation as antiemetics, against oral copper sulfate emesis. In cats, ethyl aminobenzoate 0.5 g/head, cerium oxalate 0.1 g/head, pinelliae tuber 0.5 g/head and gelatin 2.0 g/head were not effective. In dogs, ethyl aminobenzoate 0.5 g/head, pinelliae tuber 2.0 g/head and hange-syasintoo 2.0 g/head were not effective. Cerium oxalate 0.1 g/head was found to have a slight antiemetic action.", "PMID": 986988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2258", "title": "[Central effects of clonazepam].", "content": "The effects of oral administration of clonazepam, a new benzodiazepine derivative (F. Hoffmann-La Roche), on the central nervous system were compared with those of diazepam and several anticonvulsants in mice and rats. 1) Clonazepam exhibited a moderate inhibitory effect on the locomotor activity observed with open-field situation in mice and no effect in rats, while it inhibited markedly the rearing behavior in both animals, the duration of action being approximately six hours. 2) Clonazepam potentiated the methamphetamine-induced hyper-locomotor activity in mice whereas trimethadione had no effect. 3) Clonazepam inhibited with a moderate potency the conditioned avoidance response and response to a fixed-ratio (FR 20) schedule of food reinforcement in rats, the potency being a little weaker than that of diazepam. 4) The muscle relaxant effect of clonazepam determined by the traction test was slightly more potent as compared with that of diazepam. Thiopental hypnosis was markedly potentiated after clonazepam. 5) The clonic (CL), tonic-flexor (TF) and extensor convulsions (TE) induced by pentetrazol were strongly inhibited after clonazepam in mice, anticonvulsant potency against CL and TE of clonazepam being approximately 23 and 21 times stronger than that of diazepam, 3333 and 3846 times that of trimethadione, and over 3047 and 178 times that of phenytoin, respectively. Clonazepam reduced markedly CL and TE elicited by bemegride with about 12 to 14 times stronger potency than diazepam. On the contrary, the anticonvulsant effect of clonazepam against TE of maximal electroshock seizure evoked by supramaximal current was weak, the potency being 0.71 times weaker than that of phenacemide, 0.14 times than phenytoin and 0.24 times than phenobarbital. By the combined administration of clonazepam with other anticonvulsants such as trimethadione and phenytoin against pentetrazol convulsion, and phenacemide, phenytoin and phenobarbital against maximal electroshock seizure, the antagonistic effect of these anticonvulsants was potentiated by 4 to 5 times. 6) The acute toxicity (LD50) of clonazepam was weak but that of phenacemide or phenytoin was potentiated to a certain degree by combined administration with clonazepam. The results suggest that clonazepam has a psychopharmacological profile similar to that of benzodiazepines with a particularly potent anticonvulsant effect on pentetrazol and bemegride convulsions, and the anticonvulsant effect is synergic with that of other anticonvulsants.", "contents": "[Central effects of clonazepam]. The effects of oral administration of clonazepam, a new benzodiazepine derivative (F. Hoffmann-La Roche), on the central nervous system were compared with those of diazepam and several anticonvulsants in mice and rats. 1) Clonazepam exhibited a moderate inhibitory effect on the locomotor activity observed with open-field situation in mice and no effect in rats, while it inhibited markedly the rearing behavior in both animals, the duration of action being approximately six hours. 2) Clonazepam potentiated the methamphetamine-induced hyper-locomotor activity in mice whereas trimethadione had no effect. 3) Clonazepam inhibited with a moderate potency the conditioned avoidance response and response to a fixed-ratio (FR 20) schedule of food reinforcement in rats, the potency being a little weaker than that of diazepam. 4) The muscle relaxant effect of clonazepam determined by the traction test was slightly more potent as compared with that of diazepam. Thiopental hypnosis was markedly potentiated after clonazepam. 5) The clonic (CL), tonic-flexor (TF) and extensor convulsions (TE) induced by pentetrazol were strongly inhibited after clonazepam in mice, anticonvulsant potency against CL and TE of clonazepam being approximately 23 and 21 times stronger than that of diazepam, 3333 and 3846 times that of trimethadione, and over 3047 and 178 times that of phenytoin, respectively. Clonazepam reduced markedly CL and TE elicited by bemegride with about 12 to 14 times stronger potency than diazepam. On the contrary, the anticonvulsant effect of clonazepam against TE of maximal electroshock seizure evoked by supramaximal current was weak, the potency being 0.71 times weaker than that of phenacemide, 0.14 times than phenytoin and 0.24 times than phenobarbital. By the combined administration of clonazepam with other anticonvulsants such as trimethadione and phenytoin against pentetrazol convulsion, and phenacemide, phenytoin and phenobarbital against maximal electroshock seizure, the antagonistic effect of these anticonvulsants was potentiated by 4 to 5 times. 6) The acute toxicity (LD50) of clonazepam was weak but that of phenacemide or phenytoin was potentiated to a certain degree by combined administration with clonazepam. The results suggest that clonazepam has a psychopharmacological profile similar to that of benzodiazepines with a particularly potent anticonvulsant effect on pentetrazol and bemegride convulsions, and the anticonvulsant effect is synergic with that of other anticonvulsants.", "PMID": 986989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2259", "title": "[Effect of ursodesoxycholic acid and cholic acid on intestinal absorption of cholesterol].", "content": "A study was carried out to investigate the effect of ursodesoxycholic acid and cholic acid on intestinal absorption of cholesterol-4-14C administered p.o. to lymph-fistula rats. The results indicated that within 24 hours, the labeled cholesterol detected in thoracic duct lymph of the control group was 21.0% of the administered cholesterol-4-14C, whereas the group treated with cholic acid (250 mg/kg p.o.) was found to have an increased value of 30.6% absorbed cholesterol. In comparison, the group treated with the same dose of ursodesoxycholic acid showed a decreased value of 12.1%, indicating an inhibitory effect on cholesterol absorption by the compound. This differential effect of the two compounds was also observed in a time-course study.", "contents": "[Effect of ursodesoxycholic acid and cholic acid on intestinal absorption of cholesterol]. A study was carried out to investigate the effect of ursodesoxycholic acid and cholic acid on intestinal absorption of cholesterol-4-14C administered p.o. to lymph-fistula rats. The results indicated that within 24 hours, the labeled cholesterol detected in thoracic duct lymph of the control group was 21.0% of the administered cholesterol-4-14C, whereas the group treated with cholic acid (250 mg/kg p.o.) was found to have an increased value of 30.6% absorbed cholesterol. In comparison, the group treated with the same dose of ursodesoxycholic acid showed a decreased value of 12.1%, indicating an inhibitory effect on cholesterol absorption by the compound. This differential effect of the two compounds was also observed in a time-course study.", "PMID": 986990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2260", "title": "[Conditioning of emotional behavior originating at the hypothalamus. (2) Effects of drugs on conflict-induced behavior models].", "content": "We attempted induction of the conflict behavior by the locus pattern, thumping and conditioning under hypothalamic stimulation in rabbits. Flight was classified as continuous and non-continuous. Thumping was elicited post stimulus. Conditioning responses were obtained during the autonomic-somatic responses, continuous run and non-continuous run. All drugs were administrated orally. Dosage of each drug used in this experiment was calculated by determining the dosage which caused the same degree of muscle relaxation and sedative action in mice (see, Fig. 1) or general behavior in rabbits. Diazepam 5 mg/kg, chlordiazepoxide 10 mg/kg and nitrazepam 1 mg/kg caused non-continuous flight in the smooth run, but chlorpromazine 5 mg/kg induced continuous run with snarling. Methamphethamine 5 mg/kg induced continuous run and autonomic-somatic tonus pattern, and phenobarbital-Na 30 mg/kg depressed the animal to the stage of flight. Diazepam, chlordiazepoxide and phenobarbital-Na inhibited thumping, while chlorpromazine, nitrazepam and methamphethamine increased the incidence of thumping. Chlorpromazine transformed the non-continuous run into autonomic-somatic responses of conditioning. Diazepam transformed the non-continuous run into a continuous one. Phenobarbital-Na transformed the non-continuous run into autonomic-somatic responses. Methamphethamine transformed the non-continuous run into a withdrawal response. It would thus appear that the non-continuous flight, thumping and the non-continuous run conditioning are forms of conflict in behavior which can be applied to study of emotional response with psychotropic drugs.", "contents": "[Conditioning of emotional behavior originating at the hypothalamus. (2) Effects of drugs on conflict-induced behavior models]. We attempted induction of the conflict behavior by the locus pattern, thumping and conditioning under hypothalamic stimulation in rabbits. Flight was classified as continuous and non-continuous. Thumping was elicited post stimulus. Conditioning responses were obtained during the autonomic-somatic responses, continuous run and non-continuous run. All drugs were administrated orally. Dosage of each drug used in this experiment was calculated by determining the dosage which caused the same degree of muscle relaxation and sedative action in mice (see, Fig. 1) or general behavior in rabbits. Diazepam 5 mg/kg, chlordiazepoxide 10 mg/kg and nitrazepam 1 mg/kg caused non-continuous flight in the smooth run, but chlorpromazine 5 mg/kg induced continuous run with snarling. Methamphethamine 5 mg/kg induced continuous run and autonomic-somatic tonus pattern, and phenobarbital-Na 30 mg/kg depressed the animal to the stage of flight. Diazepam, chlordiazepoxide and phenobarbital-Na inhibited thumping, while chlorpromazine, nitrazepam and methamphethamine increased the incidence of thumping. Chlorpromazine transformed the non-continuous run into autonomic-somatic responses of conditioning. Diazepam transformed the non-continuous run into a continuous one. Phenobarbital-Na transformed the non-continuous run into autonomic-somatic responses. Methamphethamine transformed the non-continuous run into a withdrawal response. It would thus appear that the non-continuous flight, thumping and the non-continuous run conditioning are forms of conflict in behavior which can be applied to study of emotional response with psychotropic drugs.", "PMID": 986991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2261", "title": "[Inhibition of harmaline induced tremor by L-threo-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylserine, an L-norepinephrine precursor].", "content": "Effect of 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylserine (DOPS), a norepinephrine precurosr, on harmaline tremor was investigated in mice to elucidate the role of norepinephrine in the genesis of tremor. 1) Spontaneous motor activity was inhibited by L-threo-DOPS (200 mg/kg i.p.). 2) Tremor induced by harmaline (5 and 7 mg/kg i.p.) was enhanced by alpha-methyl-p-tyrosone (200 mg/kg i.p.). 3) The development and duration of tremor induced by harmaline (10 mg/kg i.p.) were inhibited significantly in a dose dependent manner by L-threo-DOPS (50, 70, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg i.p.), but neither by D-threo-DOPS (200 mg/kg i.p.) nor DL-erythro-DOPS (200 mg/kg i.p.). 4) L-threo-DOPS (200 mg/kg i.-.) had no effect on the development of tremor induced by tremorine (5 and 10 mg/kg i.p.), while lacrimation and diarrhea caused by tremorine was markedly inhibited. 5) Administration of harmaline (10 mg/kg i.p.) produced an increase in brain 5-hydroxytryptamine content but not in that of norepinephrine. Administration of L-threo-DOPS (100 mg/kg i.p.) increased the norepinephrine content but not the 5-hydroxytryptamine content in the brain. Inhibition of harmaline tremor induced by L-threo-DOPS is attributed to the L-norepinephrine converted from L-threo-DOPS and the involvement of a noradrenergic mechanism in harmaline tremor has to be considered.", "contents": "[Inhibition of harmaline induced tremor by L-threo-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylserine, an L-norepinephrine precursor]. Effect of 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylserine (DOPS), a norepinephrine precurosr, on harmaline tremor was investigated in mice to elucidate the role of norepinephrine in the genesis of tremor. 1) Spontaneous motor activity was inhibited by L-threo-DOPS (200 mg/kg i.p.). 2) Tremor induced by harmaline (5 and 7 mg/kg i.p.) was enhanced by alpha-methyl-p-tyrosone (200 mg/kg i.p.). 3) The development and duration of tremor induced by harmaline (10 mg/kg i.p.) were inhibited significantly in a dose dependent manner by L-threo-DOPS (50, 70, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg i.p.), but neither by D-threo-DOPS (200 mg/kg i.p.) nor DL-erythro-DOPS (200 mg/kg i.p.). 4) L-threo-DOPS (200 mg/kg i.-.) had no effect on the development of tremor induced by tremorine (5 and 10 mg/kg i.p.), while lacrimation and diarrhea caused by tremorine was markedly inhibited. 5) Administration of harmaline (10 mg/kg i.p.) produced an increase in brain 5-hydroxytryptamine content but not in that of norepinephrine. Administration of L-threo-DOPS (100 mg/kg i.p.) increased the norepinephrine content but not the 5-hydroxytryptamine content in the brain. Inhibition of harmaline tremor induced by L-threo-DOPS is attributed to the L-norepinephrine converted from L-threo-DOPS and the involvement of a noradrenergic mechanism in harmaline tremor has to be considered.", "PMID": 986992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2262", "title": "[Catecholamine metabolism. Physiopathology and pathobiochemistry].", "content": "Metabolic studies on isolated rat organs showed that vanillyl mandelic acid (VMA) is dehydrogenated by liver homogenate and suspension of pseudomonas fluorescens. In the 100000 g supernatant fraction of homogenated rat kidneys enzymatic activity was sufficient for kinetic studies and the examination of substrate specificity, pH dependence and changes with age and sex of rats. Norepinephrine secretion and resorption may be influenced by antiarrhythmic drugs in vivo: after lidocaine, there was no change of the tyramine dependend norepinephrine depletion of rat hearts, Verapamil inhibited the uptake of norepinephrine by rat hearts. Immobilisation of the animals led to a significant decrease in the myocardial levels for norepinephrine and epinephrine, which was antagonised by recreation of 24 hours. Adumbran prevented the catecholamine depletion, so that the influence of the limbic system may be important for the mediation of sympathetic stimuli. Emotional stress was shown to lead to an elevated plasma level of norepinephrine, cortisole and free fatty acids. In patients undergoing surgery, the application of Valium and Fortral inhibited these stress reactions. After physical stress, which did not lead to significant changes of the catecholamine level in plasma of healthy volunteers, there was an elevated norepinephrine plasma level in patients with cardiac failure, which could be prevented by different antiarrhythmic drugs. The excretion of norepinephrine and VMA of these patients was also increased. It was shown, that sinus rate rose according to norepinephrine levels in plasma in this group, which was contrary to the behaviour of healthy volunteers, showing neither a norepinephrine overflow nor increased heart rate. In patients with atrial fibrillation, AV-conduction also increased with elevated norepinephrine levels in plasma. There was, however, no direct correlation. Determination of the cardiac AV-difference of plasma-norepinephrine levels showed a cardiac catecholamine overflow, which could be inhibited by specific and nonspecific antiarrhythmic drugs (Verapamil, Practolol). In studies of catecholamine and glucocorticoid metabolism, no significant difference of catecholamine and VMA could be determined in patients with normal blood pressure and arterial hypertension. There was, however, a tendency to increased values in patients of the last group. In postural hypotension, plasma levels and urinary excretion of catecholamines were decreased and showed no variation after physical stress in orthostasis and after nicotine. In patients with tumors of the adrenal cortex and medulla, a close relation of the disturbance in catecholamine and corticoid metabolism was revealed.", "contents": "[Catecholamine metabolism. Physiopathology and pathobiochemistry]. Metabolic studies on isolated rat organs showed that vanillyl mandelic acid (VMA) is dehydrogenated by liver homogenate and suspension of pseudomonas fluorescens. In the 100000 g supernatant fraction of homogenated rat kidneys enzymatic activity was sufficient for kinetic studies and the examination of substrate specificity, pH dependence and changes with age and sex of rats. Norepinephrine secretion and resorption may be influenced by antiarrhythmic drugs in vivo: after lidocaine, there was no change of the tyramine dependend norepinephrine depletion of rat hearts, Verapamil inhibited the uptake of norepinephrine by rat hearts. Immobilisation of the animals led to a significant decrease in the myocardial levels for norepinephrine and epinephrine, which was antagonised by recreation of 24 hours. Adumbran prevented the catecholamine depletion, so that the influence of the limbic system may be important for the mediation of sympathetic stimuli. Emotional stress was shown to lead to an elevated plasma level of norepinephrine, cortisole and free fatty acids. In patients undergoing surgery, the application of Valium and Fortral inhibited these stress reactions. After physical stress, which did not lead to significant changes of the catecholamine level in plasma of healthy volunteers, there was an elevated norepinephrine plasma level in patients with cardiac failure, which could be prevented by different antiarrhythmic drugs. The excretion of norepinephrine and VMA of these patients was also increased. It was shown, that sinus rate rose according to norepinephrine levels in plasma in this group, which was contrary to the behaviour of healthy volunteers, showing neither a norepinephrine overflow nor increased heart rate. In patients with atrial fibrillation, AV-conduction also increased with elevated norepinephrine levels in plasma. There was, however, no direct correlation. Determination of the cardiac AV-difference of plasma-norepinephrine levels showed a cardiac catecholamine overflow, which could be inhibited by specific and nonspecific antiarrhythmic drugs (Verapamil, Practolol). In studies of catecholamine and glucocorticoid metabolism, no significant difference of catecholamine and VMA could be determined in patients with normal blood pressure and arterial hypertension. There was, however, a tendency to increased values in patients of the last group. In postural hypotension, plasma levels and urinary excretion of catecholamines were decreased and showed no variation after physical stress in orthostasis and after nicotine. In patients with tumors of the adrenal cortex and medulla, a close relation of the disturbance in catecholamine and corticoid metabolism was revealed.", "PMID": 986995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2263", "title": "[The role of ketone bodies in nonshivering thermogenesis in cold-adapted rats (author's transl)].", "content": "In spite of the ill fame of useless products of metabolism that only accumulate in the blood under abnormal conditions, ketone bodies (KB) have now regained the fame as an important fuel of respiration for the brain and muscles in prolonged starvation in humans and other animals. In cold-adapted animals, ketosis has been well documented, but little is known about the physiological role of KB in cold adaptation. In this study, role of KB in nonshivering thermogenesis was investigated in warm- and cold-adapted rats with or without norepinephrine (NE) loads, a decisive lipid metabolizing hormone in cold adaptation. First, levels of blood KB and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) and FFA turnover rate were examined along with rectal temperature under continuous infusions of various doses of NE. Good dose-response relationship of rectal temperature was obtained with increasing doses of NE in cold-adapted rats, but not in warm-adapted ones. The levels of blood KB and plasma FFA in cold-adapted rats remained almost unaltered during the observation period of 30 minutes. Infusion of NE, however, greatly enhanced FFA turnover rate in cold-adapted rats as compared with controls. Next, fractional turnover rate and half-life of beta-OH-butyrate were obtained from decay curves of endogenous beta-OH-butyrate, using functionally eviscerated rats in which no KB were produced. Calculated turnover rate of KB was also found significantly increased in cold-adapted rats. Finally, the effect of NE on the production of KB was examined using the liver in situ perfusion technique of Mortimore with minor modifications. Viability of the liver preparation was guaranteed by sufficiently high rates of bile production as well as oxygen consumption. The production rate of KB in the preparation under palmitate loads of physiological medium concentration was significantly higher in cold-adapted rats than in warm-adapted controls. However, no significant effect of NE loaded simultaneously was observed in either group. Quantitative analysis shows that the turnover rate of KB in vivo essentially equals the production rate in the perfused liver when no exogenous NE is added. In contrast NE infusion the turnover rate in vivo was almost doubled that of the perfused liver. All these results indicate KB are used as an important energy source with the significancy of FFA in nonshivering thermogenesis. Moreover, it may be surmised that production of KB in vivo, particulary in the cold-adapted state, is effected by other unknown factors than NE.", "contents": "[The role of ketone bodies in nonshivering thermogenesis in cold-adapted rats (author's transl)]. In spite of the ill fame of useless products of metabolism that only accumulate in the blood under abnormal conditions, ketone bodies (KB) have now regained the fame as an important fuel of respiration for the brain and muscles in prolonged starvation in humans and other animals. In cold-adapted animals, ketosis has been well documented, but little is known about the physiological role of KB in cold adaptation. In this study, role of KB in nonshivering thermogenesis was investigated in warm- and cold-adapted rats with or without norepinephrine (NE) loads, a decisive lipid metabolizing hormone in cold adaptation. First, levels of blood KB and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) and FFA turnover rate were examined along with rectal temperature under continuous infusions of various doses of NE. Good dose-response relationship of rectal temperature was obtained with increasing doses of NE in cold-adapted rats, but not in warm-adapted ones. The levels of blood KB and plasma FFA in cold-adapted rats remained almost unaltered during the observation period of 30 minutes. Infusion of NE, however, greatly enhanced FFA turnover rate in cold-adapted rats as compared with controls. Next, fractional turnover rate and half-life of beta-OH-butyrate were obtained from decay curves of endogenous beta-OH-butyrate, using functionally eviscerated rats in which no KB were produced. Calculated turnover rate of KB was also found significantly increased in cold-adapted rats. Finally, the effect of NE on the production of KB was examined using the liver in situ perfusion technique of Mortimore with minor modifications. Viability of the liver preparation was guaranteed by sufficiently high rates of bile production as well as oxygen consumption. The production rate of KB in the preparation under palmitate loads of physiological medium concentration was significantly higher in cold-adapted rats than in warm-adapted controls. However, no significant effect of NE loaded simultaneously was observed in either group. Quantitative analysis shows that the turnover rate of KB in vivo essentially equals the production rate in the perfused liver when no exogenous NE is added. In contrast NE infusion the turnover rate in vivo was almost doubled that of the perfused liver. All these results indicate KB are used as an important energy source with the significancy of FFA in nonshivering thermogenesis. Moreover, it may be surmised that production of KB in vivo, particulary in the cold-adapted state, is effected by other unknown factors than NE.", "PMID": 987006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2264", "title": "[Copper metabolism under the disturbed circulation of the liver (Eck's fistula) in dogs. The relation between copper content and histologic changes in the brain (author's transl)].", "content": "The relation between copper content and histologic changes in the brain under disturbed copper metabolism was studied. In this experiment, three groups of mongrel dogs were used, i.e. (1) Copper administration only, (2) Copper administration with Eck's fistula, (3) Normal control. The copper content in each brain tissue was measured by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry and routine histologic preparations with some special stains were examined. Following results were obtained. (1) In the group of longstanding copper administration, there were no remarkable histologic changes in the brain, and the significant increase of copper content was not demonstrated in the cortex, medulla and basal ganglia. (2) The group of copper administration with Eck's fistula was divided into two subgroups by the presence or absence of icterus. (a) Without Icterus: Diffuse gliosis and type II Alzheimer's neuroglia were observed and copper content in the brain increased up to 1.8 fold of that of normal control. (b) With Icterus: The histologic changes which were observed in the non-icteric group were more severe especially in the brain stem containing vacuolar degeneration, shrinkage and ghost appearance of the nerve cells, hemorrhages and demyelination, but there were no marked histologic changes in cortex and medulla. The copper content of the brian increased up to 2 fold or more of that of normal control. Copper was not demonstrated histochemically in all groups. The copper content in the cortex and basal ganglia was almost the same but that of medulla was half as much as that of the formers in every group of this experiment. The difference of the copper content between cortex which had no remarkable histologic changes, and basal ganglia which had aforementioned severe changes, was not proved, and also the difference between the groups with icterus and without icterus was not demonstrated. The copper content did not always correlate with the severity of the histologic changes. From these results, it can be suggested that copper does not play a significant role in pathogenesis of specific histologic changes of the brain.", "contents": "[Copper metabolism under the disturbed circulation of the liver (Eck's fistula) in dogs. The relation between copper content and histologic changes in the brain (author's transl)]. The relation between copper content and histologic changes in the brain under disturbed copper metabolism was studied. In this experiment, three groups of mongrel dogs were used, i.e. (1) Copper administration only, (2) Copper administration with Eck's fistula, (3) Normal control. The copper content in each brain tissue was measured by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry and routine histologic preparations with some special stains were examined. Following results were obtained. (1) In the group of longstanding copper administration, there were no remarkable histologic changes in the brain, and the significant increase of copper content was not demonstrated in the cortex, medulla and basal ganglia. (2) The group of copper administration with Eck's fistula was divided into two subgroups by the presence or absence of icterus. (a) Without Icterus: Diffuse gliosis and type II Alzheimer's neuroglia were observed and copper content in the brain increased up to 1.8 fold of that of normal control. (b) With Icterus: The histologic changes which were observed in the non-icteric group were more severe especially in the brain stem containing vacuolar degeneration, shrinkage and ghost appearance of the nerve cells, hemorrhages and demyelination, but there were no marked histologic changes in cortex and medulla. The copper content of the brian increased up to 2 fold or more of that of normal control. Copper was not demonstrated histochemically in all groups. The copper content in the cortex and basal ganglia was almost the same but that of medulla was half as much as that of the formers in every group of this experiment. The difference of the copper content between cortex which had no remarkable histologic changes, and basal ganglia which had aforementioned severe changes, was not proved, and also the difference between the groups with icterus and without icterus was not demonstrated. The copper content did not always correlate with the severity of the histologic changes. From these results, it can be suggested that copper does not play a significant role in pathogenesis of specific histologic changes of the brain.", "PMID": 987007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2265", "title": "Renal proliferative arteriopathies and associated glomerular changes: a light and electron microscopic study.", "content": "This presentation reports the light and electron microscopic findings relating to the vascular and glomerular changes in the kidney in a series of 25 patients having malignant hypertension, the hemolytic-uremic syndrome, scleroderma, or toxemia of pregnancy. The pathologic changes were generally similar in each of the diseases studied, the changes being related more to the severity and duration of injury than to the specific disease. Vascular narrowing was due mainly to intimal thickening, and by light microscopy the lesions were categorized as onionskin, mucinous, or fibrous with or without associated elastosis. Intimal erythrocyte extravasation, fibrinoid necrosis, and luminal thrombosis were also seen. Electron microscopy provided additional morphologic information: Myointimal cells were found to be the cellular component in each type of intimal thickening; it was possible to distinguish collagen from large intimal accumulations of basement membrane material; mucinous intimal material was characterized ultrastructurally; and fibrinoid necrosis was identified as a lesion inconstantly associated with cellular necrosis and consisting mainly of fibrinoid material and small deposits of fibrin. It seems likely that there is a common pathogenesis for intimal thickening in a variety of diseases and that this involves endothelial cell damage and increased permeability, leakage of serum and erythrocytes into the intima, and a healing reaction of the vessel wall was developing from migration of smooth muscle cells into the intima with subsequent myointimal cell proliferation and fibrogenesis. A common glomerular change in all diseases studied was a striking accumulation of electron lucent material between the endothelium and the lamina densa of the basement membrane. This lesion was interpreted as a manifestation of acute ischemia.", "contents": "Renal proliferative arteriopathies and associated glomerular changes: a light and electron microscopic study. This presentation reports the light and electron microscopic findings relating to the vascular and glomerular changes in the kidney in a series of 25 patients having malignant hypertension, the hemolytic-uremic syndrome, scleroderma, or toxemia of pregnancy. The pathologic changes were generally similar in each of the diseases studied, the changes being related more to the severity and duration of injury than to the specific disease. Vascular narrowing was due mainly to intimal thickening, and by light microscopy the lesions were categorized as onionskin, mucinous, or fibrous with or without associated elastosis. Intimal erythrocyte extravasation, fibrinoid necrosis, and luminal thrombosis were also seen. Electron microscopy provided additional morphologic information: Myointimal cells were found to be the cellular component in each type of intimal thickening; it was possible to distinguish collagen from large intimal accumulations of basement membrane material; mucinous intimal material was characterized ultrastructurally; and fibrinoid necrosis was identified as a lesion inconstantly associated with cellular necrosis and consisting mainly of fibrinoid material and small deposits of fibrin. It seems likely that there is a common pathogenesis for intimal thickening in a variety of diseases and that this involves endothelial cell damage and increased permeability, leakage of serum and erythrocytes into the intima, and a healing reaction of the vessel wall was developing from migration of smooth muscle cells into the intima with subsequent myointimal cell proliferation and fibrogenesis. A common glomerular change in all diseases studied was a striking accumulation of electron lucent material between the endothelium and the lamina densa of the basement membrane. This lesion was interpreted as a manifestation of acute ischemia.", "PMID": 987010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2266", "title": "Primary gastric choriocarcinoma: case report with review of world literature.", "content": "A case is herin reported of a primary gastric choriocarcinoma occurring in an elderly woman associated with very high titers of circulating chorionic gonadotropin. Unlike the majority of previously reported cases, in which adenocarcinomatous components were present, the tumor in this case was purely trophoblastic. The clinicopathologic findings of the previously reported cases are summarized, along with the various theories of histogenesis.", "contents": "Primary gastric choriocarcinoma: case report with review of world literature. A case is herin reported of a primary gastric choriocarcinoma occurring in an elderly woman associated with very high titers of circulating chorionic gonadotropin. Unlike the majority of previously reported cases, in which adenocarcinomatous components were present, the tumor in this case was purely trophoblastic. The clinicopathologic findings of the previously reported cases are summarized, along with the various theories of histogenesis.", "PMID": 987011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2267", "title": "Familial occurrence of gonadal tumors in XY females with breast development.", "content": "Three sisters with XY gonadal dysgenesis are presented. All of them have primary amenorrhea and breast development, and in two, a gonadal tumor, seminoma (dysgerminoma) was found. The danger of gonadal neoplasm in XY females with normal female build is emphasized.", "contents": "Familial occurrence of gonadal tumors in XY females with breast development. Three sisters with XY gonadal dysgenesis are presented. All of them have primary amenorrhea and breast development, and in two, a gonadal tumor, seminoma (dysgerminoma) was found. The danger of gonadal neoplasm in XY females with normal female build is emphasized.", "PMID": 987012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2268", "title": "Spermatogenesis in an infertile XYY man.", "content": "Testicular histology and meiosis has been studied in an XYY male patient identified at an infertility clinic. This man was found to have an XYY set chromosome complement in 15% of spermatogonial metaphases. There was no evidence of 2 Y chromosomes at diakinesis but there appeared to be a slight excess of sperm with a fluorescent Y body.", "contents": "Spermatogenesis in an infertile XYY man. Testicular histology and meiosis has been studied in an XYY male patient identified at an infertility clinic. This man was found to have an XYY set chromosome complement in 15% of spermatogonial metaphases. There was no evidence of 2 Y chromosomes at diakinesis but there appeared to be a slight excess of sperm with a fluorescent Y body.", "PMID": 987014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2269", "title": "A case of true hermaphroditism with 45X/46XY mosaicism.", "content": "The authors describe a case of true hermaphroditism of mainly female phenotype, ambiguous genitalia, and ovotestis. The cytogenetic revealed 45X/46XY mosaicism and an absence of Barr bodies.", "contents": "A case of true hermaphroditism with 45X/46XY mosaicism. The authors describe a case of true hermaphroditism of mainly female phenotype, ambiguous genitalia, and ovotestis. The cytogenetic revealed 45X/46XY mosaicism and an absence of Barr bodies.", "PMID": 987015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2270", "title": "Conditions affecting primary cell cultures of functional adult rat hepatocytes. 1. The effect of insulin.", "content": "The conditions for obtaining representative, primary adult rat hepatocyte cultures were explored. The methods applied included enzymatic liver perfusion which was nondestructive to hepatocytes, the prevention of aggregation of dissociated cells and the selective attachment of viable cells. These procedures yielded a recovery of 50% of the liver cells which gave rise to cultures representing 14% of the total liver cells. The cultures were composed of homogeneous epithelial-like cells cytologically similar to hepatocytes and possessed a number of liver-specific enzymes. There was virtually no cell division initially and most cells died between 24 and 48 hr. Insulin enhanced the attachment of the liver cells, altered their morphology, but did not prolong cell survival.", "contents": "Conditions affecting primary cell cultures of functional adult rat hepatocytes. 1. The effect of insulin. The conditions for obtaining representative, primary adult rat hepatocyte cultures were explored. The methods applied included enzymatic liver perfusion which was nondestructive to hepatocytes, the prevention of aggregation of dissociated cells and the selective attachment of viable cells. These procedures yielded a recovery of 50% of the liver cells which gave rise to cultures representing 14% of the total liver cells. The cultures were composed of homogeneous epithelial-like cells cytologically similar to hepatocytes and possessed a number of liver-specific enzymes. There was virtually no cell division initially and most cells died between 24 and 48 hr. Insulin enhanced the attachment of the liver cells, altered their morphology, but did not prolong cell survival.", "PMID": 987016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2271", "title": "Further studies on the intracellular behavior of Torulopsis glabrata.", "content": "The growth of Torulopsis glabrata was inhibited in glucose-peptone broth containing 10 to 20% normal human serum. Addition of iron to the medium diminshed the fungistatic effect. The intracellular growth of T. glabrata was remarkably restricted within mouse macrophages maintained in vitro, but this growth restriction was not caused by the limitation of iron imposed by the serum in the medium. The intracellular growth of T. glabrata within a very small percentage of the macrophages was not obviously related to the failure of lysosomal fusion to the phagosomes in those cells. The studies did not permit definite conclusions regarding the viability of the inhibited yeasts, but results suggested that a large portion of them survived. Potentially misleading artifacts of the technique for assessment of the intracellular behavior of the fungus were detected and are discussed.", "contents": "Further studies on the intracellular behavior of Torulopsis glabrata. The growth of Torulopsis glabrata was inhibited in glucose-peptone broth containing 10 to 20% normal human serum. Addition of iron to the medium diminshed the fungistatic effect. The intracellular growth of T. glabrata was remarkably restricted within mouse macrophages maintained in vitro, but this growth restriction was not caused by the limitation of iron imposed by the serum in the medium. The intracellular growth of T. glabrata within a very small percentage of the macrophages was not obviously related to the failure of lysosomal fusion to the phagosomes in those cells. The studies did not permit definite conclusions regarding the viability of the inhibited yeasts, but results suggested that a large portion of them survived. Potentially misleading artifacts of the technique for assessment of the intracellular behavior of the fungus were detected and are discussed.", "PMID": 987021} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2272", "title": "Uptake of diphtheria toxin and its fragment A moiety by mammalian cells in culture.", "content": "Evidence suggesting that diphtheria toxin reaches the cytoplasm of susceptible mammalian cells by two independent mechanisms is presented. A schematic model describing the two processes of toxin entry into the cell is developed. One process of toxin uptake considered to by physiologically significant is passage of the protein toxin through the plasma membrane. This most likely happens by binding of fragment B to receptors on the membrane and by subsequent toxin-membrane interaction so that ultimately fragment A, the enzymatically active moiety, is transported tothe cell interior. This process, which ultimately leads to cessation of protein synthesis and cell death, involves a comparatively small number of toxin molecules. A second mechanism of toxin uptake is by classical pinocytosis. The majority of toxin taken into the cell is accomplished by this process. The fate of toxin taken into HEp-2 cells via pinocytosis is proteolysis by lysosomal enzymes. Thus, such vesicle-bound toxin is ordinarily not expressed biologically. Evidence suggesting that ammonium chloride provides total protection to diphtheria toxin-susceptible cells by preventing entry of toxin by the specific receptor-associated process is also provided; data showing that the ammonium salt immobilizes bound toxin on the plasma membrane of HEp-2 cells are presented. Finally, it is suggested that actively endocytic cells such as guinea pig macrophages interact with toxin in a significantly different manner than do nonphagocytic cells.", "contents": "Uptake of diphtheria toxin and its fragment A moiety by mammalian cells in culture. Evidence suggesting that diphtheria toxin reaches the cytoplasm of susceptible mammalian cells by two independent mechanisms is presented. A schematic model describing the two processes of toxin entry into the cell is developed. One process of toxin uptake considered to by physiologically significant is passage of the protein toxin through the plasma membrane. This most likely happens by binding of fragment B to receptors on the membrane and by subsequent toxin-membrane interaction so that ultimately fragment A, the enzymatically active moiety, is transported tothe cell interior. This process, which ultimately leads to cessation of protein synthesis and cell death, involves a comparatively small number of toxin molecules. A second mechanism of toxin uptake is by classical pinocytosis. The majority of toxin taken into the cell is accomplished by this process. The fate of toxin taken into HEp-2 cells via pinocytosis is proteolysis by lysosomal enzymes. Thus, such vesicle-bound toxin is ordinarily not expressed biologically. Evidence suggesting that ammonium chloride provides total protection to diphtheria toxin-susceptible cells by preventing entry of toxin by the specific receptor-associated process is also provided; data showing that the ammonium salt immobilizes bound toxin on the plasma membrane of HEp-2 cells are presented. Finally, it is suggested that actively endocytic cells such as guinea pig macrophages interact with toxin in a significantly different manner than do nonphagocytic cells.", "PMID": 987022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2273", "title": "Levels of prostaglandins in the small intestine of rats during primary and secondary infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.", "content": "The level of PGE is increased 10-fold in intestinal tissues during primary infection of the rat with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Peak levels (ca. 7,000 pg/cm) were assayed in the jejunal site of infection on day 7 of infection and similar levels were recorded in 'post-infection' (ileal) segments at this time. The level of PGE in 'post-infection' segments showed further increase to 12,000 pg/cm on day 10. The level of PGE also increased in 'pre-infection' (duodenal) but this was delayed by 4-5 days. The level of PGF also increased during primary infection (from about 100 to 950 pg/cm) but this occurred after expulsion. Increase in the level of PGE occurred earlier (at 3-4 days) during secondary challenge given 19 days after primary infection, but the PGE levels followed the primary response when challenge was given 10 weeks after primary infection. It is suggested that PGE plays a dual role in parasite immunity. (1) PGE may directly affect metabolism of the parasite. In this event it is also suggested that protective antibodies cause the release of PG. (2) Elevated levels of PGE act indirectly by affecting gastrointestinal function which alters the microenvironment at the site of infection. The duodenal migration of parasites may be due to this effect of PGE.", "contents": "Levels of prostaglandins in the small intestine of rats during primary and secondary infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. The level of PGE is increased 10-fold in intestinal tissues during primary infection of the rat with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Peak levels (ca. 7,000 pg/cm) were assayed in the jejunal site of infection on day 7 of infection and similar levels were recorded in 'post-infection' (ileal) segments at this time. The level of PGE in 'post-infection' segments showed further increase to 12,000 pg/cm on day 10. The level of PGE also increased in 'pre-infection' (duodenal) but this was delayed by 4-5 days. The level of PGF also increased during primary infection (from about 100 to 950 pg/cm) but this occurred after expulsion. Increase in the level of PGE occurred earlier (at 3-4 days) during secondary challenge given 19 days after primary infection, but the PGE levels followed the primary response when challenge was given 10 weeks after primary infection. It is suggested that PGE plays a dual role in parasite immunity. (1) PGE may directly affect metabolism of the parasite. In this event it is also suggested that protective antibodies cause the release of PG. (2) Elevated levels of PGE act indirectly by affecting gastrointestinal function which alters the microenvironment at the site of infection. The duodenal migration of parasites may be due to this effect of PGE.", "PMID": 987023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2274", "title": "Stress incontinence of urine.", "content": "Urethrocystographic, clinical and surgical aspects have been studied in 50 premenopausal women with Green's type II stress incontinence. Thirty patients were surgically treated by a retropublic (Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz) procedure and 20 by a vaginal (Kelly-Kennedy) method. The radiology and surgical procedures were performed by the author, always using the same sequence and standardization. The relative position of the vesical angle and the urethral inclination were studied. Twelve months after operation the retropublic technic showed topographic modifications that were statistically more significant that those for the vaginal procedure. No difference was noticed in clinical results for the Kelly-Kennedy and Marshall-MArchetti-Krantz procedures (85% and 80% of safety respectively).", "contents": "Stress incontinence of urine. Urethrocystographic, clinical and surgical aspects have been studied in 50 premenopausal women with Green's type II stress incontinence. Thirty patients were surgically treated by a retropublic (Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz) procedure and 20 by a vaginal (Kelly-Kennedy) method. The radiology and surgical procedures were performed by the author, always using the same sequence and standardization. The relative position of the vesical angle and the urethral inclination were studied. Twelve months after operation the retropublic technic showed topographic modifications that were statistically more significant that those for the vaginal procedure. No difference was noticed in clinical results for the Kelly-Kennedy and Marshall-MArchetti-Krantz procedures (85% and 80% of safety respectively).", "PMID": 987025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2275", "title": "Some comments on the urethral syndrome.", "content": "In three-quarters of the patients with urethral syndrome, chronic urethritis was found endoscopically. Of the remainder some precentage could be said to have a psychosomatic disorder. Therefore, the patients with unexplained urethral syndrome were unexpectedly few. Although urethral syndrome attacks adult females of all ages, the incidence was highest in the middle age range. Against this, chronic bacterial cystitis was spread evenly over the entire age range. The urethra was rather narrow in women with urethritis, but of normal size in those without urethritis, even if they had urethral syndrome. A satisfactory result was obtained through the topical administration of steroid solution, even where general treatments, including the use of antibiotics, have failed.", "contents": "Some comments on the urethral syndrome. In three-quarters of the patients with urethral syndrome, chronic urethritis was found endoscopically. Of the remainder some precentage could be said to have a psychosomatic disorder. Therefore, the patients with unexplained urethral syndrome were unexpectedly few. Although urethral syndrome attacks adult females of all ages, the incidence was highest in the middle age range. Against this, chronic bacterial cystitis was spread evenly over the entire age range. The urethra was rather narrow in women with urethritis, but of normal size in those without urethritis, even if they had urethral syndrome. A satisfactory result was obtained through the topical administration of steroid solution, even where general treatments, including the use of antibiotics, have failed.", "PMID": 987027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2276", "title": "An experimental implantable urinary sphincter.", "content": "An artificial urethral sphincter was implanted in 10 dogs and observed for periods up to 18 months. No necrosis or strictures of the urethra developed. The plastic part of the device failed in 10 to 18 months.", "contents": "An experimental implantable urinary sphincter. An artificial urethral sphincter was implanted in 10 dogs and observed for periods up to 18 months. No necrosis or strictures of the urethra developed. The plastic part of the device failed in 10 to 18 months.", "PMID": 987028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2277", "title": "Electron microscopic localization of lactate dehydrogenase in osteoclasts of chick embryo tibia.", "content": "Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was localized in osteoclasts of fixed and unfixed 19-day chick embryo tibias using a copper ferrocyanide capture reaction and osmiophilic polymer generation. This study revealed that: (I) LDH activity in fixed, briefly rinsed osteoclasts was associated principally with limiting membranes of cytoplasmic vacuoles and vesicles and with the plasma membrane; (2) LDH activity in unfixed osteoclasts was associated only with mitochondria; and (3) some mitochondria were stained in fixed tissue given a long rinse. These results indicate that: cytoplasmic LDH diffused out of unfixed tissue; mitochondrial LDH was inactivated by formaldehyde in fixed tissue; and formaldehyde-inhibited mitochondrial LDH can be reactivated by a long rinse. Although the vesicles that stained for LDH activity were found in all parts of the cell, they were concentrated near the ruffled border, and there is evidence that they contained material from the bone surface. These results suggest that the LDH associated with cytoplasmic vesicles of the osteoclasts may be important in processing of material resorbed from the bone surface and that osteoclasts mitochondria may utilize lactate from the bone fluid for energy production.", "contents": "Electron microscopic localization of lactate dehydrogenase in osteoclasts of chick embryo tibia. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was localized in osteoclasts of fixed and unfixed 19-day chick embryo tibias using a copper ferrocyanide capture reaction and osmiophilic polymer generation. This study revealed that: (I) LDH activity in fixed, briefly rinsed osteoclasts was associated principally with limiting membranes of cytoplasmic vacuoles and vesicles and with the plasma membrane; (2) LDH activity in unfixed osteoclasts was associated only with mitochondria; and (3) some mitochondria were stained in fixed tissue given a long rinse. These results indicate that: cytoplasmic LDH diffused out of unfixed tissue; mitochondrial LDH was inactivated by formaldehyde in fixed tissue; and formaldehyde-inhibited mitochondrial LDH can be reactivated by a long rinse. Although the vesicles that stained for LDH activity were found in all parts of the cell, they were concentrated near the ruffled border, and there is evidence that they contained material from the bone surface. These results suggest that the LDH associated with cytoplasmic vesicles of the osteoclasts may be important in processing of material resorbed from the bone surface and that osteoclasts mitochondria may utilize lactate from the bone fluid for energy production.", "PMID": 987030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2278", "title": "[Diagnosis and treatment of conductive deafness due to middle-ear effusion in childhood (author's transl)].", "content": "Results of follow-up examinations of 132 ears with serous or mucous middle ear effusions indicate that this disease is common in childhood and is also found in adults. In childhood adenoid growth as well as repeated catarrhal infection of the paranasal sinuses and the weakness of the levator palati play an important role in the development of middle ear effusions and deafness. With the aid of the operation microscope we were able to recognize this characteristic disease through the tympanic membrane. We perform regularly adenoidectomy together with paracentesis in this condition. In cases which had undergon several adenoidectomies we limit our treatment in the first instance to paracentesis. If cure is not so achieved we insert an inert tube into the tympanic membrane after the paracentesis. In persistent and difficult cases of glue ear radiation of the eustachion tube and antrotomy may be necessary.", "contents": "[Diagnosis and treatment of conductive deafness due to middle-ear effusion in childhood (author's transl)]. Results of follow-up examinations of 132 ears with serous or mucous middle ear effusions indicate that this disease is common in childhood and is also found in adults. In childhood adenoid growth as well as repeated catarrhal infection of the paranasal sinuses and the weakness of the levator palati play an important role in the development of middle ear effusions and deafness. With the aid of the operation microscope we were able to recognize this characteristic disease through the tympanic membrane. We perform regularly adenoidectomy together with paracentesis in this condition. In cases which had undergon several adenoidectomies we limit our treatment in the first instance to paracentesis. If cure is not so achieved we insert an inert tube into the tympanic membrane after the paracentesis. In persistent and difficult cases of glue ear radiation of the eustachion tube and antrotomy may be necessary.", "PMID": 987031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2279", "title": "Failure of colostral immunoglobulin transfer in calves dying from infectious disease.", "content": "Serum IgG1 concentrations of calves less than 3 weeks old and dying from infectious disease were significantly lower (P less than 0.01) than those of clinically normal calves. Fifty percent of the dead calves had serum IgG1 concentrations that were more than 2 standard deviations below the normal mean, and an additional 35% had IgG1 concentrations that were more than 1 standard deviation below the normal mean. Low IgG1 concentrations were attributed to failures in passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulin. The few calves dying of noninfectious causes generally had normal serum immunoglobulin concentrations. The results of this study emphasize the importance of adequate colostral intake and absorption to the neonatal calf. In view of the large numbers of calves that die from neonatal infection each year, it may be assumed that failure in passive transfer, as reflected by low serum immunoglobulin concentrations, is one of the most important factors influencing neonatal calf mortality.", "contents": "Failure of colostral immunoglobulin transfer in calves dying from infectious disease. Serum IgG1 concentrations of calves less than 3 weeks old and dying from infectious disease were significantly lower (P less than 0.01) than those of clinically normal calves. Fifty percent of the dead calves had serum IgG1 concentrations that were more than 2 standard deviations below the normal mean, and an additional 35% had IgG1 concentrations that were more than 1 standard deviation below the normal mean. Low IgG1 concentrations were attributed to failures in passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulin. The few calves dying of noninfectious causes generally had normal serum immunoglobulin concentrations. The results of this study emphasize the importance of adequate colostral intake and absorption to the neonatal calf. In view of the large numbers of calves that die from neonatal infection each year, it may be assumed that failure in passive transfer, as reflected by low serum immunoglobulin concentrations, is one of the most important factors influencing neonatal calf mortality.", "PMID": 987032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2280", "title": "Rapid digestion and flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy of mercury in fish.", "content": "A rapid method is described for the determination of total mercury in fish samples. The sample is digested with nitric acid-sulfuric acid-potassium permanganate, and then reduced and aerated for measurement by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The average recoveries of organic and inorganic mercury added to fish were 93 and 95%, respectively. The uniformity of mercury levels in shark tissue has also been investigated.", "contents": "Rapid digestion and flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy of mercury in fish. A rapid method is described for the determination of total mercury in fish samples. The sample is digested with nitric acid-sulfuric acid-potassium permanganate, and then reduced and aerated for measurement by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The average recoveries of organic and inorganic mercury added to fish were 93 and 95%, respectively. The uniformity of mercury levels in shark tissue has also been investigated.", "PMID": 987033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2281", "title": "Identification of cholesterol as a possible interference in the analysis of fish tissue for industrial chemical residues.", "content": "The presence of cholesterol in cleaned up fish tissue extracts has been established by gas-liquid chromatography and confirmed by mass spectrometry. It was found both in extracts cleaned up by gel permeation chromatography and in those extracts prepared by the AOAC method for nonfatty foods. It is not normally observed in routine residue analyses because selective gas chromatographic detectors such as electron capture are commonly used.", "contents": "Identification of cholesterol as a possible interference in the analysis of fish tissue for industrial chemical residues. The presence of cholesterol in cleaned up fish tissue extracts has been established by gas-liquid chromatography and confirmed by mass spectrometry. It was found both in extracts cleaned up by gel permeation chromatography and in those extracts prepared by the AOAC method for nonfatty foods. It is not normally observed in routine residue analyses because selective gas chromatographic detectors such as electron capture are commonly used.", "PMID": 987034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2282", "title": "Thin layer chromatographic determination of sterigmatocystin in cereal grains and soybeans.", "content": "A method has been developed for determining sterigmatocystin in yellow and white corn, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, brown and wild rice, and soybeans. A partition column packed with activated magnesium silicate was used for cleanup. Averaged recoveries are 104% in white corn, 114% in rye, 100% in oats, 134% in brown rice, 96% in barley, 105% in sorghum and wild rice, and 92% in soybeans. The limit of sensitivity is 50 mug/kg for any of these commodities.", "contents": "Thin layer chromatographic determination of sterigmatocystin in cereal grains and soybeans. A method has been developed for determining sterigmatocystin in yellow and white corn, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, brown and wild rice, and soybeans. A partition column packed with activated magnesium silicate was used for cleanup. Averaged recoveries are 104% in white corn, 114% in rye, 100% in oats, 134% in brown rice, 96% in barley, 105% in sorghum and wild rice, and 92% in soybeans. The limit of sensitivity is 50 mug/kg for any of these commodities.", "PMID": 987035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2283", "title": "Distribution of the low molecular weight form of eukaryotic elongation factor 1 in various tissues.", "content": "Since it was shown that the low molecular weight form of the eukaryotic polypeptide chain elongation factor 1 (EF-1alpha) is highly unstable but could be stabilized by the addition of 25% (v/v) glycerol to all the buffer solutions (Nagata, S., Iwasaki, K., & Kaziro, Y. (1976) Arch. Biochem, Biophys, 172, 168-177), its distribution in several tissues has been investigated under conditions where it is stabilized. The results obtained indicate that EF-1alpha is present as a predominant species in all the tissues examined, such as pig liver, rat liver, rabbit reticulocytes, and Artemia salina cysts. Furthermore, it is suggested that the high molecular weight form of the elongation factor 1 contains a new elongation factor, EF-1beta, in addition to EF-1alpha, while the low molecular weight form contains little EF-1beta.", "contents": "Distribution of the low molecular weight form of eukaryotic elongation factor 1 in various tissues. Since it was shown that the low molecular weight form of the eukaryotic polypeptide chain elongation factor 1 (EF-1alpha) is highly unstable but could be stabilized by the addition of 25% (v/v) glycerol to all the buffer solutions (Nagata, S., Iwasaki, K., & Kaziro, Y. (1976) Arch. Biochem, Biophys, 172, 168-177), its distribution in several tissues has been investigated under conditions where it is stabilized. The results obtained indicate that EF-1alpha is present as a predominant species in all the tissues examined, such as pig liver, rat liver, rabbit reticulocytes, and Artemia salina cysts. Furthermore, it is suggested that the high molecular weight form of the elongation factor 1 contains a new elongation factor, EF-1beta, in addition to EF-1alpha, while the low molecular weight form contains little EF-1beta.", "PMID": 987037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2284", "title": "Kinetic competence of a phosphoryl enzyme intermediate in the glucose-1,6-p2 synthase-catalyzed reaction. Purification, properties, and kinetic studies.", "content": "Glucose-1,6-P2 synthase of beef brain which catalyzes the formation of glucose-1,6-P2 and glycerate-3-P from glycerate-1,3-P2 and glucose-1-P has been purified 700-fold with an overall recovery of 19%. The purification procedure involves an ammonium sulfate fractionation of the crude extract, DE52 and hydroxylapatite column chromatography and isoelectric focusing. The isolated enzyme appears to be homogeneous by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. Its molecular weight is estimated to be about 70,000 by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 which agrees with the value obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. A phosphoryl enzyme intermediate in the catalytic reaction is indicated by the following evidence: glycerate-1,3-P2[1-32P] labels the enzyme. The label is removed by acceptor substrates such as glucose-1-P. Using a rapid quenching device at 23 degrees and pH 8.0, the first order rate constant for phosphorylation of the enzyme is 20 s-1, compared with an overall rate with the best acceptor, glucose-1-P, of 19 s-1. Dephosphorylation by glucose-1-P is at 37 s-1. Mg2+ is required for both phosphoryl transfers and the overall reaction. In the complete reaction the fraction of enzyme that is phosphorylated depends on the concentrations of glycerate-1,3-P2 and the concentration and nature of the acceptor in a way that could be predicted from the steady state parameters, the Km values, and the kinetic constants observed for the single turnover. Reciprocal plots of initial rates as a function of both substrate concentrations are families of parallel lines. The 32P-labeled phosphoryl enzyme intermediate was found to be acid-stable and somewhat alkaline-labile. Phosphoserine was identified from the partial acid hydrolysate of a protease digest of [32P] phosphoryl enzyme by two-dimensional thin layer chromatography.", "contents": "Kinetic competence of a phosphoryl enzyme intermediate in the glucose-1,6-p2 synthase-catalyzed reaction. Purification, properties, and kinetic studies. Glucose-1,6-P2 synthase of beef brain which catalyzes the formation of glucose-1,6-P2 and glycerate-3-P from glycerate-1,3-P2 and glucose-1-P has been purified 700-fold with an overall recovery of 19%. The purification procedure involves an ammonium sulfate fractionation of the crude extract, DE52 and hydroxylapatite column chromatography and isoelectric focusing. The isolated enzyme appears to be homogeneous by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. Its molecular weight is estimated to be about 70,000 by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 which agrees with the value obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. A phosphoryl enzyme intermediate in the catalytic reaction is indicated by the following evidence: glycerate-1,3-P2[1-32P] labels the enzyme. The label is removed by acceptor substrates such as glucose-1-P. Using a rapid quenching device at 23 degrees and pH 8.0, the first order rate constant for phosphorylation of the enzyme is 20 s-1, compared with an overall rate with the best acceptor, glucose-1-P, of 19 s-1. Dephosphorylation by glucose-1-P is at 37 s-1. Mg2+ is required for both phosphoryl transfers and the overall reaction. In the complete reaction the fraction of enzyme that is phosphorylated depends on the concentrations of glycerate-1,3-P2 and the concentration and nature of the acceptor in a way that could be predicted from the steady state parameters, the Km values, and the kinetic constants observed for the single turnover. Reciprocal plots of initial rates as a function of both substrate concentrations are families of parallel lines. The 32P-labeled phosphoryl enzyme intermediate was found to be acid-stable and somewhat alkaline-labile. Phosphoserine was identified from the partial acid hydrolysate of a protease digest of [32P] phosphoryl enzyme by two-dimensional thin layer chromatography.", "PMID": 987038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2285", "title": "Glucose metabolism of mammalian erythrocytes.", "content": "Under physiological conditions, erythrocytes of the horse metabolized 638 +/- 37 (+/-SE) nmoles glucose/ml cells/hr at 37 degrees C compared to 942 +/- 31 for the cat, 1,329 +/- 44 for the dog, and 1,485 +/- 43 for man. On an absolute basis, pentose phosphate metabolism was similar between species, with species differences in erythrocyte glucose tulization attributable to differences in Embden-Meyerhof pathway metabolism. By examining pentose phosphate pathway recycling, it appears that some functional compartmentation exists within erythrocytes.", "contents": "Glucose metabolism of mammalian erythrocytes. Under physiological conditions, erythrocytes of the horse metabolized 638 +/- 37 (+/-SE) nmoles glucose/ml cells/hr at 37 degrees C compared to 942 +/- 31 for the cat, 1,329 +/- 44 for the dog, and 1,485 +/- 43 for man. On an absolute basis, pentose phosphate metabolism was similar between species, with species differences in erythrocyte glucose tulization attributable to differences in Embden-Meyerhof pathway metabolism. By examining pentose phosphate pathway recycling, it appears that some functional compartmentation exists within erythrocytes.", "PMID": 987042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2286", "title": "Erythropoietin sensitivity as a differentiation marker in the hemopoietic system: studies of three erythropoietic colony responses in culture.", "content": "A time course study of the sequential appearance of erythropoietin-dependent colonies and bursts (derived from CFU-E and BFU-E, respectively) was performed on mouse hemopoietic cells cultured in methyl cellulose containing 2-mercaptoethanol. A new type of small, short-lived burst was found to be apparent by the third day in culture. By the sixth day most of these bursts had lysed. At the same time, differentiating erythroblasts began to be detectable in the large, late appearing bursts described previously. These two types of burst, differing from each other and from CFU-E derived colonies both in their ultimate size and morphology, as well as in their time course of appearance and lysis, were compared in other ways. It was found that early burst formation required about 100 times more erythropoietin than that needed to stimulate CFU-E. On the other hand, early burst formation required less than one-quarter of the amount of erythropoietin needed to obtain the large, late appearing bursts. Comparison of the distribution of early burst progenitors relative to pluripotent stem cells (CFU-S) in individual spleen colonies gave a correlation coefficient that was also intermediate between that obtained comparing CFU-S with CFU-E and that obtained comparing CFU-S with the progenitors of late bursts. These results suggest that decreasing proliferative capacity is associated with progressively increasing erythropoietin responsiveness as primitive erythropoietic progenitors move from a position close to pluripotent stem cells through several differentiation steps to reach a stage just prior to the onset of detectable hemoglobin synthesis.", "contents": "Erythropoietin sensitivity as a differentiation marker in the hemopoietic system: studies of three erythropoietic colony responses in culture. A time course study of the sequential appearance of erythropoietin-dependent colonies and bursts (derived from CFU-E and BFU-E, respectively) was performed on mouse hemopoietic cells cultured in methyl cellulose containing 2-mercaptoethanol. A new type of small, short-lived burst was found to be apparent by the third day in culture. By the sixth day most of these bursts had lysed. At the same time, differentiating erythroblasts began to be detectable in the large, late appearing bursts described previously. These two types of burst, differing from each other and from CFU-E derived colonies both in their ultimate size and morphology, as well as in their time course of appearance and lysis, were compared in other ways. It was found that early burst formation required about 100 times more erythropoietin than that needed to stimulate CFU-E. On the other hand, early burst formation required less than one-quarter of the amount of erythropoietin needed to obtain the large, late appearing bursts. Comparison of the distribution of early burst progenitors relative to pluripotent stem cells (CFU-S) in individual spleen colonies gave a correlation coefficient that was also intermediate between that obtained comparing CFU-S with CFU-E and that obtained comparing CFU-S with the progenitors of late bursts. These results suggest that decreasing proliferative capacity is associated with progressively increasing erythropoietin responsiveness as primitive erythropoietic progenitors move from a position close to pluripotent stem cells through several differentiation steps to reach a stage just prior to the onset of detectable hemoglobin synthesis.", "PMID": 987043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2287", "title": "Some effects of positively charged surface groups on cell aggregation.", "content": "A study was made of the effects of 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMA), a reagent removing positive charges, on the aggregation and surface charge of embryonic chick neural retina cells. Neural retina cells, recovered from the dissociation procedure, were cultured on a gyratory shaker and the aggregate dimaeters formed in the presence of DMA or DMA-serum dialysate, following DMA-pretreatment, or in appropriate control cultures measured. The electrophoretic mobilities of similarly treated cells were also determined. In addition, cellulose acetate electrophoresis was carried out on samples of serum containing DMA, and the incorporation of 14C-amino acids into DMA-treated cells studied. Aggregates formed in the presence of DMA, or following DMA-pretreatment, were significantly smaller than aggregates from control cultures. The electrophoretic mobility of DMA-treated cells was significantly increased in serum-containing medium, but not serum-free Hanks' solution. At 24 h after removal of DMA-containing medium, the mobilities of pretreated cells were similar to those of controls. The electrophoretic pattern of DMA-treated serum was changed only with concentrations of DMA many times that affecting cell aggregation or mobility. DMA-serum dialysate did not significanlty reduce aggregate size. The incorporation of 14C-amino acids in DMA-treated cells and the structure of aggregates were unchanged from controls. It is concluded that positively charged consituents of the cell periphery play a demonstrable, but not limiting, role in cell aggregation, while a minor role for positive charges on serum protein cannot be totally excluded.", "contents": "Some effects of positively charged surface groups on cell aggregation. A study was made of the effects of 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMA), a reagent removing positive charges, on the aggregation and surface charge of embryonic chick neural retina cells. Neural retina cells, recovered from the dissociation procedure, were cultured on a gyratory shaker and the aggregate dimaeters formed in the presence of DMA or DMA-serum dialysate, following DMA-pretreatment, or in appropriate control cultures measured. The electrophoretic mobilities of similarly treated cells were also determined. In addition, cellulose acetate electrophoresis was carried out on samples of serum containing DMA, and the incorporation of 14C-amino acids into DMA-treated cells studied. Aggregates formed in the presence of DMA, or following DMA-pretreatment, were significantly smaller than aggregates from control cultures. The electrophoretic mobility of DMA-treated cells was significantly increased in serum-containing medium, but not serum-free Hanks' solution. At 24 h after removal of DMA-containing medium, the mobilities of pretreated cells were similar to those of controls. The electrophoretic pattern of DMA-treated serum was changed only with concentrations of DMA many times that affecting cell aggregation or mobility. DMA-serum dialysate did not significanlty reduce aggregate size. The incorporation of 14C-amino acids in DMA-treated cells and the structure of aggregates were unchanged from controls. It is concluded that positively charged consituents of the cell periphery play a demonstrable, but not limiting, role in cell aggregation, while a minor role for positive charges on serum protein cannot be totally excluded.", "PMID": 987044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2288", "title": "Differentiation for aggregation in the cellular slime moulds: the emergence of autonomously signalling cells in Dictyostelium discoideum.", "content": "The results of experiments on small populations of Dictyostelium discoideum, directed towards the measurement of the development in time of the competence of the cells to signal autonomously, are reported. This competence is quantified by X3, the intrinsic probability that a given cell may turn autonomous. The data show an early exponential growth in time of X3, followed by saturation. The saturation value depends on the population size suggesting that the differentiation is a co-operative phenomenon. The differentiation of autonomous cells starts roughly 7 h after the removal of food and saturates within 21 h.", "contents": "Differentiation for aggregation in the cellular slime moulds: the emergence of autonomously signalling cells in Dictyostelium discoideum. The results of experiments on small populations of Dictyostelium discoideum, directed towards the measurement of the development in time of the competence of the cells to signal autonomously, are reported. This competence is quantified by X3, the intrinsic probability that a given cell may turn autonomous. The data show an early exponential growth in time of X3, followed by saturation. The saturation value depends on the population size suggesting that the differentiation is a co-operative phenomenon. The differentiation of autonomous cells starts roughly 7 h after the removal of food and saturates within 21 h.", "PMID": 987045} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2289", "title": "Mitral valve replacement for idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. Results in 27 patients.", "content": "Treatment of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) remains a controversial problem and depending upon many factors, medical or surgical treatment may be elected. When medical therapy fails and surgery is recommended, choice of an appropriate surgical technique may be difficult. An analysis is given of 27 patients who have undergone only mitral valve replacement as definitive treatment. Twenty-six patients were dismissed from the hospital with good or excellent results and one died (3.7 percent mortality). Pressure gradients across the left ventricular outflow tract after operation were eliminated in every instance. The mean preoperative gradient was 74 mm Hg and postoperatively was 6.9 mm Hg. Advantages and disadvantages of mitral valve replacement as definitive treatment of IHSS are presented. This method of treatment should be reserved for patients with incapacitating symptoms, congestive heart failure, severe left ventricular hypertension, unusual electrocardiographic findings or in patients who have failed to respond favorably to previous septectomy.", "contents": "Mitral valve replacement for idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. Results in 27 patients. Treatment of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) remains a controversial problem and depending upon many factors, medical or surgical treatment may be elected. When medical therapy fails and surgery is recommended, choice of an appropriate surgical technique may be difficult. An analysis is given of 27 patients who have undergone only mitral valve replacement as definitive treatment. Twenty-six patients were dismissed from the hospital with good or excellent results and one died (3.7 percent mortality). Pressure gradients across the left ventricular outflow tract after operation were eliminated in every instance. The mean preoperative gradient was 74 mm Hg and postoperatively was 6.9 mm Hg. Advantages and disadvantages of mitral valve replacement as definitive treatment of IHSS are presented. This method of treatment should be reserved for patients with incapacitating symptoms, congestive heart failure, severe left ventricular hypertension, unusual electrocardiographic findings or in patients who have failed to respond favorably to previous septectomy.", "PMID": 987041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2290", "title": "Apparent amitosis in the binucleate dinoflagellate Peridinium balticum.", "content": "Mitosis and cytokinesis in the free-living binucleate dinoflagellate Peridinium balticum are described, P. balticum contains 2 nuclei; one is a typical dinoflagellate nucleus and the other resembles the interphase nuclei of some eucaryotic cells and is here named the supernumerary nucleus (formerly called the eucaryotic nucleus). The dinoflagellate nucleus divides in the characteristic manner already described for certain other dinoflagellates. The supernumerary nucleus does not undergo normal mitosis; its chromatin does not condense, a spindle is not differentiated for its division, nor are any microtubules present inside the nucleus during any stage of its division. Instead the supernumerary nucleus divides by simple cleavage, which is concurrent with cytoplasmic cleavage. The nucleus cleaves first on its side facing the wall, but later it cleaves circumferentially as the cytoplasmic cleavage furrow draws closer. Invariably at late cytokinesis, a portion of the dividing nucleus passes through the only remaining uncleaved area of the cell. The final separation of the supernumerary nucleus is probably accomplished by the ingrowing furrow pinching the nucleus in two. There is no apparent precise segregation of genetic material during division, nor are there any structural changes inside the dividing nucleus which distinguish it from the interphase nucleus. Certain aspects of amitosis, and previously postulated theories concerning the endosymbiont origin of the second nucleus, are discussed.", "contents": "Apparent amitosis in the binucleate dinoflagellate Peridinium balticum. Mitosis and cytokinesis in the free-living binucleate dinoflagellate Peridinium balticum are described, P. balticum contains 2 nuclei; one is a typical dinoflagellate nucleus and the other resembles the interphase nuclei of some eucaryotic cells and is here named the supernumerary nucleus (formerly called the eucaryotic nucleus). The dinoflagellate nucleus divides in the characteristic manner already described for certain other dinoflagellates. The supernumerary nucleus does not undergo normal mitosis; its chromatin does not condense, a spindle is not differentiated for its division, nor are any microtubules present inside the nucleus during any stage of its division. Instead the supernumerary nucleus divides by simple cleavage, which is concurrent with cytoplasmic cleavage. The nucleus cleaves first on its side facing the wall, but later it cleaves circumferentially as the cytoplasmic cleavage furrow draws closer. Invariably at late cytokinesis, a portion of the dividing nucleus passes through the only remaining uncleaved area of the cell. The final separation of the supernumerary nucleus is probably accomplished by the ingrowing furrow pinching the nucleus in two. There is no apparent precise segregation of genetic material during division, nor are there any structural changes inside the dividing nucleus which distinguish it from the interphase nucleus. Certain aspects of amitosis, and previously postulated theories concerning the endosymbiont origin of the second nucleus, are discussed.", "PMID": 987046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2291", "title": "The actions of restriction endonucleases on lampbrush chromosomes.", "content": "Lampbrush chromosomes from oocytes of Notophthalmus viridescens were dispersed in media containing restriction endonucleases isolated from Haemophilus and E. coli. These endonucleases cleave duplex DNAs at specific palindromic sequences of nucleotides, and several sensitive sites occur per micron of DNA. The overwhelming majority of the lateral loops of lampbrush chromosomes are extensively fragmented by these endonucleases, but an occasional pair of loops is refractory. A notable example of loops showing this refractory property are the giant loops on chromosome II in the presence of Hae. These loops, whose DNA-containing axes are several hundred micra long, are sensitive to other nucleases such as EcoB, endonuclease I and pancreatic DNase I; their refractory behavior towards Hae therefore indicates that the sequence sensitive to this particular endonuclease is systematically absent. This anomalous property can be comprehended if it be assumed that the axial DNA of the giant loops consists of tandem repeats of a sequence which happens not to include the sensitive site.", "contents": "The actions of restriction endonucleases on lampbrush chromosomes. Lampbrush chromosomes from oocytes of Notophthalmus viridescens were dispersed in media containing restriction endonucleases isolated from Haemophilus and E. coli. These endonucleases cleave duplex DNAs at specific palindromic sequences of nucleotides, and several sensitive sites occur per micron of DNA. The overwhelming majority of the lateral loops of lampbrush chromosomes are extensively fragmented by these endonucleases, but an occasional pair of loops is refractory. A notable example of loops showing this refractory property are the giant loops on chromosome II in the presence of Hae. These loops, whose DNA-containing axes are several hundred micra long, are sensitive to other nucleases such as EcoB, endonuclease I and pancreatic DNase I; their refractory behavior towards Hae therefore indicates that the sequence sensitive to this particular endonuclease is systematically absent. This anomalous property can be comprehended if it be assumed that the axial DNA of the giant loops consists of tandem repeats of a sequence which happens not to include the sensitive site.", "PMID": 987047} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2292", "title": "Movement of the cell surface and change in surface area during cleavage in the newt's egg.", "content": "In cleaving eggs of the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster, the behaviour of the egg surface was analysed by observing linear and area changes in a transplanted piece of cortex which differed in pigmentation from the background. Results from the animal hemisphere showed that the surface in the cleavage plane shrank extensively in the region where the early cleavage furrow was being formed. On both sides of the cleavage plane, the surface began to shrink in a direction parallel to the cleavage furrow and to stretch perpendicularly to the furrow, simultaneously with the onset of cleavage. The nearer the grafted region was to the furrow, the greater the change. These changes continued until about the time of the appearance of unpigmented surface on both walls of the furrow, when a maximum was reached. Thereafter a slight reversal was observed. Similar changes of lesser magnitude were encountered in regions remote from the cleavage plane. The surface area decreased in the vicinity of the furrow during the early phase of cleavage and returned roughly to its original value during the late phase, while, in the distant region, only an increase occurred. Results from the vegetal hemisphere showed that little linear change of surface occurred even in the region adjacent to the furrow, while the surface area changed in the furrow region similarly to the animal half. In the vegetal hemisphere remote from the furrow, the changes took place to a lesser extent.", "contents": "Movement of the cell surface and change in surface area during cleavage in the newt's egg. In cleaving eggs of the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster, the behaviour of the egg surface was analysed by observing linear and area changes in a transplanted piece of cortex which differed in pigmentation from the background. Results from the animal hemisphere showed that the surface in the cleavage plane shrank extensively in the region where the early cleavage furrow was being formed. On both sides of the cleavage plane, the surface began to shrink in a direction parallel to the cleavage furrow and to stretch perpendicularly to the furrow, simultaneously with the onset of cleavage. The nearer the grafted region was to the furrow, the greater the change. These changes continued until about the time of the appearance of unpigmented surface on both walls of the furrow, when a maximum was reached. Thereafter a slight reversal was observed. Similar changes of lesser magnitude were encountered in regions remote from the cleavage plane. The surface area decreased in the vicinity of the furrow during the early phase of cleavage and returned roughly to its original value during the late phase, while, in the distant region, only an increase occurred. Results from the vegetal hemisphere showed that little linear change of surface occurred even in the region adjacent to the furrow, while the surface area changed in the furrow region similarly to the animal half. In the vegetal hemisphere remote from the furrow, the changes took place to a lesser extent.", "PMID": 987048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2293", "title": "Sero-epidemiological study on equine influenza in Japan.", "content": "A serological survey was conducted on horse sera collected for 7 years just before the first outbreak of equine influenza (EI) infection in Japan in 1971. No antibodies against the A/Equi-1/Prague/56 (equi-1) and A/Equi-2/Miami/63 (equi-2) strains of EI virus were detected in any of the sera of 452 native horses when employing hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and complement fixation (CF) tests against viral (V) antigen. On the contrary, of the 80 imported horses, 48 (60.0%) had HI titers of 1:8 or higher against equi-1 and 23 (28.8%) against equi-2. In the CF-V test 42.6% of the horses showed titers of 1:4 or higher against equi-1 antigen and 42.9% against equi-2 antigen. However, all the test sera of the native and imported horses were negative (less than 1:4) in CF tests against soluble human influenza antigen. Epidemiological analysis was carried out to clarify the relationship between the history and the presence of serum antibody against EI viruses in individual imported horses.", "contents": "Sero-epidemiological study on equine influenza in Japan. A serological survey was conducted on horse sera collected for 7 years just before the first outbreak of equine influenza (EI) infection in Japan in 1971. No antibodies against the A/Equi-1/Prague/56 (equi-1) and A/Equi-2/Miami/63 (equi-2) strains of EI virus were detected in any of the sera of 452 native horses when employing hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and complement fixation (CF) tests against viral (V) antigen. On the contrary, of the 80 imported horses, 48 (60.0%) had HI titers of 1:8 or higher against equi-1 and 23 (28.8%) against equi-2. In the CF-V test 42.6% of the horses showed titers of 1:4 or higher against equi-1 antigen and 42.9% against equi-2 antigen. However, all the test sera of the native and imported horses were negative (less than 1:4) in CF tests against soluble human influenza antigen. Epidemiological analysis was carried out to clarify the relationship between the history and the presence of serum antibody against EI viruses in individual imported horses.", "PMID": 987067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2294", "title": "Differential behavioral effects of lesions of the median or dorsal raphe nuclei in rats: open field and pain-elicited aggression.", "content": "Electrolytic lesions were placed in either the dorsal or median raphe nuclei of adult male albino rats. Both lesions produced significant reductions in forebrain serotonin levels. Lesions of the dorsal nucleus produced a long-lasting increase in pain-elicited aggression, whereas median lesions were without effect. By contrast, lesions of the median nucleus produced significant increases in open-field activity, which began immediately and lasted for at least 3 mo, whereas lesions of the dorsal nucleus had no such effect. Similarly, when animals with dorsal or sham lesions were tested in an open field and then given a brief noncontingent footshock, their open-field activity was markedly reduced on the following day. Median animals, however, showed little or no decrease in open-field activity on the day after footshock. These results suggest that the serotonin-containing neurons of the median raphe nucleus may exert an influence over the emotional responsivity of the rat. The overall results of these experiments extend our previous reports that lesions specific to the dorsal nucleus produce markedly different behavioral effects than lesions confined to the median nucleus. They also challenge the utility of manipulations that fail to take this into account, e.g., lesions of more than one nucleus or depletion of serotonin throughout the central nervous system.", "contents": "Differential behavioral effects of lesions of the median or dorsal raphe nuclei in rats: open field and pain-elicited aggression. Electrolytic lesions were placed in either the dorsal or median raphe nuclei of adult male albino rats. Both lesions produced significant reductions in forebrain serotonin levels. Lesions of the dorsal nucleus produced a long-lasting increase in pain-elicited aggression, whereas median lesions were without effect. By contrast, lesions of the median nucleus produced significant increases in open-field activity, which began immediately and lasted for at least 3 mo, whereas lesions of the dorsal nucleus had no such effect. Similarly, when animals with dorsal or sham lesions were tested in an open field and then given a brief noncontingent footshock, their open-field activity was markedly reduced on the following day. Median animals, however, showed little or no decrease in open-field activity on the day after footshock. These results suggest that the serotonin-containing neurons of the median raphe nucleus may exert an influence over the emotional responsivity of the rat. The overall results of these experiments extend our previous reports that lesions specific to the dorsal nucleus produce markedly different behavioral effects than lesions confined to the median nucleus. They also challenge the utility of manipulations that fail to take this into account, e.g., lesions of more than one nucleus or depletion of serotonin throughout the central nervous system.", "PMID": 987068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2295", "title": "Lordosis in the male golden hamster elicited by manual stimulation: characteristics and hormonal sensitivity.", "content": "The lordosis response was regularly elicited from 24 of 31 intact, adult male hamsters, using manual somatosensory stimulation of the dorsal rear body. In these males there was no correlation between measures of male-typical behavior and lordosis. Castration had no effect on male lordosis duration scores even when intromissions were eliminated. Combined treatment with estradiol benzoate and progesterone significantly increased male lordosis duration scores. The body surface was mapped with a standardized brush stimulus. For eliciting lordosis, effectiveness of stimulation increased in an almost identical manner for hormone-primed males and females from the anterior to the posterior part of the body, with the stimulation of flanks, rump, and perineum the most effective. Within each skin zone, absolute effectiveness was greater in females than in males. Various types of somato-sensory stimulation were compared for their effectiveness in eliciting lordosis. Females were more responsive to these stimuli than males, even when males were hormonally primed. These behavioral data have implications for concepts of the neural organization of male- and female-typical mating responses existing within the same individual.", "contents": "Lordosis in the male golden hamster elicited by manual stimulation: characteristics and hormonal sensitivity. The lordosis response was regularly elicited from 24 of 31 intact, adult male hamsters, using manual somatosensory stimulation of the dorsal rear body. In these males there was no correlation between measures of male-typical behavior and lordosis. Castration had no effect on male lordosis duration scores even when intromissions were eliminated. Combined treatment with estradiol benzoate and progesterone significantly increased male lordosis duration scores. The body surface was mapped with a standardized brush stimulus. For eliciting lordosis, effectiveness of stimulation increased in an almost identical manner for hormone-primed males and females from the anterior to the posterior part of the body, with the stimulation of flanks, rump, and perineum the most effective. Within each skin zone, absolute effectiveness was greater in females than in males. Various types of somato-sensory stimulation were compared for their effectiveness in eliciting lordosis. Females were more responsive to these stimuli than males, even when males were hormonally primed. These behavioral data have implications for concepts of the neural organization of male- and female-typical mating responses existing within the same individual.", "PMID": 987069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2296", "title": "Retrograde amnesia in honeybees (Apis mellifera carnica).", "content": "After a single reward on a spectral color, freely flying honeybees show retrograde amnesia when an electroconvulsive shock, CO2 narcosis, N2 narcosis, or cooling (to 1 degrees C) is applied after learning. Retrograde amnesia is measurable with these four treatments up to 7 min after the reward. For none of the treatments was a consistent relationship found between the reaction tested and the time of testing after the treatment. Prolonged application of the four treatments leads to a significant increase in the rate of retrograde amnesia only after CO2 narcosis. Memory in the honeybee is susceptible to impairment until 15 min after the reward.", "contents": "Retrograde amnesia in honeybees (Apis mellifera carnica). After a single reward on a spectral color, freely flying honeybees show retrograde amnesia when an electroconvulsive shock, CO2 narcosis, N2 narcosis, or cooling (to 1 degrees C) is applied after learning. Retrograde amnesia is measurable with these four treatments up to 7 min after the reward. For none of the treatments was a consistent relationship found between the reaction tested and the time of testing after the treatment. Prolonged application of the four treatments leads to a significant increase in the rate of retrograde amnesia only after CO2 narcosis. Memory in the honeybee is susceptible to impairment until 15 min after the reward.", "PMID": 987070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2297", "title": "Taste aversions to food flavors and vaginal secretion in golden hamsters.", "content": "Although rodents readily associate virtually any distinctive flavor with gastrointestinal illness when the flavor and illness have been paired, experience with a flavor can provide information that interferes with later attempts to produce aversions to the familiar taste. The vaginal secretion of female hamsters carries sexual information for males, which does not depend on previous experience, and that built-in information might also be expected to interfere with associations between the flavor of the secretion and illness. Surprisingly, male hamsters show dramatic changes in behavior toward the vaginal secretion when its presentation has been followed by lithium chloride poisoning, suggesting that mammalian responses to sex pheromones are far more easily modified by experience than has been supposed.", "contents": "Taste aversions to food flavors and vaginal secretion in golden hamsters. Although rodents readily associate virtually any distinctive flavor with gastrointestinal illness when the flavor and illness have been paired, experience with a flavor can provide information that interferes with later attempts to produce aversions to the familiar taste. The vaginal secretion of female hamsters carries sexual information for males, which does not depend on previous experience, and that built-in information might also be expected to interfere with associations between the flavor of the secretion and illness. Surprisingly, male hamsters show dramatic changes in behavior toward the vaginal secretion when its presentation has been followed by lithium chloride poisoning, suggesting that mammalian responses to sex pheromones are far more easily modified by experience than has been supposed.", "PMID": 987071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2298", "title": "Role of pelvic nerves in the postcopulatory abbreviation of behavioral estrus in female rats.", "content": "The role of the pelvic nerves in the postmating abbreviation of behavioral estrus in domestic female rats was investigated. Mating during a period of 40 min at the beginning of hormonally induced estrus in spayed female rats resulted in a rapid decrease in receptivity as measured hourly by the lordosis response. Moreover, the length of the receptive period was significantly shortened by mating at the start of the period. Bilateral pelvic nerve transection completely abolished these effects of mating. Continuous exposure to sexually active males throughout the period of receptivity resulted in a more pronounced decline in receptivity but again was without effect in pelvectomized females. Apparently genital stimuli mediated by the pelvic nerves are responsible for the postcopulatory decrease in receptive behavior in the female rat.", "contents": "Role of pelvic nerves in the postcopulatory abbreviation of behavioral estrus in female rats. The role of the pelvic nerves in the postmating abbreviation of behavioral estrus in domestic female rats was investigated. Mating during a period of 40 min at the beginning of hormonally induced estrus in spayed female rats resulted in a rapid decrease in receptivity as measured hourly by the lordosis response. Moreover, the length of the receptive period was significantly shortened by mating at the start of the period. Bilateral pelvic nerve transection completely abolished these effects of mating. Continuous exposure to sexually active males throughout the period of receptivity resulted in a more pronounced decline in receptivity but again was without effect in pelvectomized females. Apparently genital stimuli mediated by the pelvic nerves are responsible for the postcopulatory decrease in receptive behavior in the female rat.", "PMID": 987072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2299", "title": "Role of residual olfactory cues in the determination of feeding site selection and exploration patterns of domestic rats.", "content": "Weanling domestic rat pups feed and explore in areas containing residual olfactory cues deposited by conspecific adults in preference to clean areas. Both nulliparous and lactating Long-Evans female rats deposit residual cues in an area that induce pups to explore and feed in it. Residual cues continue to affect the feeding and exploratory behavior of pups to maturity. Discrepancies between results obtained in the olfactory discrimination apparatus used by Leon and Moltz and those of the present experiments are resolved, and evidence is presented for the existence of residual cues not contained in anal excreta, which are attractive to pups. It is suggested that residual cues deposited by adult rats can play a role in directing weanlings to their first meals of solid food in the natural environment.", "contents": "Role of residual olfactory cues in the determination of feeding site selection and exploration patterns of domestic rats. Weanling domestic rat pups feed and explore in areas containing residual olfactory cues deposited by conspecific adults in preference to clean areas. Both nulliparous and lactating Long-Evans female rats deposit residual cues in an area that induce pups to explore and feed in it. Residual cues continue to affect the feeding and exploratory behavior of pups to maturity. Discrepancies between results obtained in the olfactory discrimination apparatus used by Leon and Moltz and those of the present experiments are resolved, and evidence is presented for the existence of residual cues not contained in anal excreta, which are attractive to pups. It is suggested that residual cues deposited by adult rats can play a role in directing weanlings to their first meals of solid food in the natural environment.", "PMID": 987073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2300", "title": "Influence of female's sexual cycle on aggressiveness in male rats.", "content": "Two experiments examined the relationship between the female's stage of estrus and agonistic behavior among males. Socially subordinate male albino rats were exposed to an inaccessible female and then given equal numbers of free-choice and forced-choice trials to a more aggressive \"target\" male or to an empty compartment. The submissive males were more aggressive following exposure to an estrous female than following exposure to a diestrous female. Furthermore, the probability of approaching the more aggressive male increased. This heightened level of aggressiveness was accompanied by a comparable increase in hostile behaviors by the dominant target males of Experiment 1. However, in the second experiment the increase in submissive-male aggressiveness was sufficient to reduce the social distance between the submissive subjects and their moderately aggressive target males.", "contents": "Influence of female's sexual cycle on aggressiveness in male rats. Two experiments examined the relationship between the female's stage of estrus and agonistic behavior among males. Socially subordinate male albino rats were exposed to an inaccessible female and then given equal numbers of free-choice and forced-choice trials to a more aggressive \"target\" male or to an empty compartment. The submissive males were more aggressive following exposure to an estrous female than following exposure to a diestrous female. Furthermore, the probability of approaching the more aggressive male increased. This heightened level of aggressiveness was accompanied by a comparable increase in hostile behaviors by the dominant target males of Experiment 1. However, in the second experiment the increase in submissive-male aggressiveness was sufficient to reduce the social distance between the submissive subjects and their moderately aggressive target males.", "PMID": 987074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2301", "title": "A reevaluation of the relation between estrogen and emotionality in female rats.", "content": "It has been hypothesized that the emotionality of the female rat is reduced at estrus. In confirmation of previous research, it was found that administration of estradiol benzoate (EB;20 mug/kg) to female rats of the Maudsley Reactive (MR) strain increased open-field activity and decreased open-field defecation. In addition, ovariectomy increased open-field defecation in MR females. Supporting the generality of these findings, hormone administration reduced open-field defecation and increased open-field activity in intact females of a genetically heterogeneous background. Additional studies suggested that the decrease in open-field defecation at estrus is dependent on estrogenic suppression of food intake. Hormone replacement decreased food intake in the period preceding the open-field test, and colonic contents were also lower in rats treated with EB+P (progesterone) immediately after the completion of the open-field test. These changes were seen in both MR and genetically heterogeneous females. It was concluded that the decrease in open-field defecation at estrus may be mediated by a reduction in food intake and a consequent decrease in colonic contents and that the validity of the defecation response as a measure of emotionality may be seriously questioned under these circumstances.", "contents": "A reevaluation of the relation between estrogen and emotionality in female rats. It has been hypothesized that the emotionality of the female rat is reduced at estrus. In confirmation of previous research, it was found that administration of estradiol benzoate (EB;20 mug/kg) to female rats of the Maudsley Reactive (MR) strain increased open-field activity and decreased open-field defecation. In addition, ovariectomy increased open-field defecation in MR females. Supporting the generality of these findings, hormone administration reduced open-field defecation and increased open-field activity in intact females of a genetically heterogeneous background. Additional studies suggested that the decrease in open-field defecation at estrus is dependent on estrogenic suppression of food intake. Hormone replacement decreased food intake in the period preceding the open-field test, and colonic contents were also lower in rats treated with EB+P (progesterone) immediately after the completion of the open-field test. These changes were seen in both MR and genetically heterogeneous females. It was concluded that the decrease in open-field defecation at estrus may be mediated by a reduction in food intake and a consequent decrease in colonic contents and that the validity of the defecation response as a measure of emotionality may be seriously questioned under these circumstances.", "PMID": 987075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2302", "title": "Regulation of female sexual behavior in the golden hamster: behavioral effects of mating and ovarian hormones.", "content": "In the female hamster, sexual receptivity was abbreviated following copulation. Short-term effects of mating, lasting approximately 24-48 hr, were observed in females mated in either estradiol- or estradiol-and-progesterone-induced estrus. Long-term effects of copulation, of 9 days or more in duration, were apparent only in females chronically treated with both estradiol and progesterone, suggesting that progesterone exposure prolongs the inhibitory effects of mating. When progesterone stimulation was intermittent through the use of short-acting injection procedures, recovery from mating could be detected in 48 hr and was complete within 96 hr after copulation. The pattern of behavioral response to ovarian hormones in unmated females was also documented, replicating the \"biphasic\" effect of progesterone in this species. The inhibitory effects of mating and progesterone summate to produce consistent decrements in female sexual receptivity. It is postulated that short-term postcopulatory abbreviations in receptivity would reduce the vulnerability of the estrous female while long-term inhibitions, interacting with sustained progesterone stimulation, would reduce the probability of mating during pregnancy when hormone levels are elevated for a prolonged period.", "contents": "Regulation of female sexual behavior in the golden hamster: behavioral effects of mating and ovarian hormones. In the female hamster, sexual receptivity was abbreviated following copulation. Short-term effects of mating, lasting approximately 24-48 hr, were observed in females mated in either estradiol- or estradiol-and-progesterone-induced estrus. Long-term effects of copulation, of 9 days or more in duration, were apparent only in females chronically treated with both estradiol and progesterone, suggesting that progesterone exposure prolongs the inhibitory effects of mating. When progesterone stimulation was intermittent through the use of short-acting injection procedures, recovery from mating could be detected in 48 hr and was complete within 96 hr after copulation. The pattern of behavioral response to ovarian hormones in unmated females was also documented, replicating the \"biphasic\" effect of progesterone in this species. The inhibitory effects of mating and progesterone summate to produce consistent decrements in female sexual receptivity. It is postulated that short-term postcopulatory abbreviations in receptivity would reduce the vulnerability of the estrous female while long-term inhibitions, interacting with sustained progesterone stimulation, would reduce the probability of mating during pregnancy when hormone levels are elevated for a prolonged period.", "PMID": 987076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2303", "title": "Influence of home-cage lighting conditions on shock-induced fighting.", "content": "A series of experiments was conducted to assess the influence of home-cage lighting conditions on shock-induced aggression in rats. The first two experiments tested rats six times within 24 hr and demonstrated that subjects maintained on a light/dark (LD) cycle fought more than rats maintained on a 24-hr light schedule (LL). In addition, a periodic trend could be identified in the data of the LD groups but not in the data of the LL groups. The second two experiments assessed the effects of castration on this lighting effect. Castration of adults did not influence the lighting effects, but castration of weanling rats eliminated the group difference between LL and LD groups. However, the LD rats castrated at weaning did show the periodic trend characteristic of all of the LD groups tested within 24 hr. Two additional experiments assessed the effects of time of testing in between-subjects designs. Time of testing was a significant variable in the LD groups but unimportant in the LL groups. A final experiment demonstrated that the difference between the LD and LL groups does not emerge in a daily testing procedure.", "contents": "Influence of home-cage lighting conditions on shock-induced fighting. A series of experiments was conducted to assess the influence of home-cage lighting conditions on shock-induced aggression in rats. The first two experiments tested rats six times within 24 hr and demonstrated that subjects maintained on a light/dark (LD) cycle fought more than rats maintained on a 24-hr light schedule (LL). In addition, a periodic trend could be identified in the data of the LD groups but not in the data of the LL groups. The second two experiments assessed the effects of castration on this lighting effect. Castration of adults did not influence the lighting effects, but castration of weanling rats eliminated the group difference between LL and LD groups. However, the LD rats castrated at weaning did show the periodic trend characteristic of all of the LD groups tested within 24 hr. Two additional experiments assessed the effects of time of testing in between-subjects designs. Time of testing was a significant variable in the LD groups but unimportant in the LL groups. A final experiment demonstrated that the difference between the LD and LL groups does not emerge in a daily testing procedure.", "PMID": 987077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2304", "title": "Influence of colony lighting conditions on home-cage spontaneous aggression.", "content": "In a series of experiments the effects of colony lighting conditions on home-cage aggression were examined, and the relation among measures of home-cage aggressive behavior and shock-induced aggression were determined. In each experiment rats were maintained under either a light/dark (LD) cycle or a continous light (LL) schedule. Experiments 1A and 1B indicated that for cages of LD rats the highest rates of home-cage aggression occurred during the dark segment of the light cycle whereas the lowest rates of aggression characterized the light segment. In contrast, the rate of home-cage aggression was low and constant across time periods for cages of LL rats. Reflecting these differences between lighting conditions, regression analyses in Experiment 1B identified a periodic trend following the fundamental sine curve in the home-cage aggression data from cages of LD rats but not in the data from cages of LL rats. In Experiment 2 the relation between individual differences in home-cage aggression and shock-induced aggression and shock-induced aggression was found to be time dependent for pairs of LD rats. Correlations based on scores of home-cage aggression and shock-induced aggression obtained during the dark segment were positive and statistically significant. Correlations of these two aggressive behaviors based on scores obtained during the light segment were not statistically significant. For pairs of LL rats, no time-dependent pattern in the relation of home-cage aggression to shock-induced aggression was observed.", "contents": "Influence of colony lighting conditions on home-cage spontaneous aggression. In a series of experiments the effects of colony lighting conditions on home-cage aggression were examined, and the relation among measures of home-cage aggressive behavior and shock-induced aggression were determined. In each experiment rats were maintained under either a light/dark (LD) cycle or a continous light (LL) schedule. Experiments 1A and 1B indicated that for cages of LD rats the highest rates of home-cage aggression occurred during the dark segment of the light cycle whereas the lowest rates of aggression characterized the light segment. In contrast, the rate of home-cage aggression was low and constant across time periods for cages of LL rats. Reflecting these differences between lighting conditions, regression analyses in Experiment 1B identified a periodic trend following the fundamental sine curve in the home-cage aggression data from cages of LD rats but not in the data from cages of LL rats. In Experiment 2 the relation between individual differences in home-cage aggression and shock-induced aggression and shock-induced aggression was found to be time dependent for pairs of LD rats. Correlations based on scores of home-cage aggression and shock-induced aggression obtained during the dark segment were positive and statistically significant. Correlations of these two aggressive behaviors based on scores obtained during the light segment were not statistically significant. For pairs of LL rats, no time-dependent pattern in the relation of home-cage aggression to shock-induced aggression was observed.", "PMID": 987078} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2305", "title": "Review: Casein micelle structure; an examination of models.", "content": "The casein micelle system of bovine milk is unique in that protein aggregates of similar spherical shape but extreme variability of size are formed by the self-assembly of three major nonidentical subunits. The monomeric subunits appear to be approximately the same size and shape with similar amphiphilic natures, the chief difference in properties being in the carbohydrate-containing kappa-casein which acts to stabilize the system against precipitation by calcium ion. Micelle models with kappa-casein exclusively in the interior lack a stabilization mechanism and can be eliminated. Statistical considerations of a chain polymer model also lead to its rejection. Electron microscopy reveals spherical submicellar aggregates which at present can be accounted for by only three models. Of these three, the experimental data are predicted only by one in which, alphas 1-, beta-, and kappa-casein subunits are associated into spherical soap micelle-like particles with the kappa-casein segregated into one portion, giving these submicelles an amphiphilic nature. The alphas 1- and beta-caseins are hydrophobic while the kappa-casein portion of the submicelle surface is hydrophilic. Of particular interest is the ability of this micelle model to explain the formation of a minimum micelle which is larger than a submicellar particle.", "contents": "Review: Casein micelle structure; an examination of models. The casein micelle system of bovine milk is unique in that protein aggregates of similar spherical shape but extreme variability of size are formed by the self-assembly of three major nonidentical subunits. The monomeric subunits appear to be approximately the same size and shape with similar amphiphilic natures, the chief difference in properties being in the carbohydrate-containing kappa-casein which acts to stabilize the system against precipitation by calcium ion. Micelle models with kappa-casein exclusively in the interior lack a stabilization mechanism and can be eliminated. Statistical considerations of a chain polymer model also lead to its rejection. Electron microscopy reveals spherical submicellar aggregates which at present can be accounted for by only three models. Of these three, the experimental data are predicted only by one in which, alphas 1-, beta-, and kappa-casein subunits are associated into spherical soap micelle-like particles with the kappa-casein segregated into one portion, giving these submicelles an amphiphilic nature. The alphas 1- and beta-caseins are hydrophobic while the kappa-casein portion of the submicelle surface is hydrophilic. Of particular interest is the ability of this micelle model to explain the formation of a minimum micelle which is larger than a submicellar particle.", "PMID": 987079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2306", "title": "Binding added iron to various milk proteins.", "content": "Binding of an added radionuclide to milk protein and casein components of cow's milk fractionated by the combination of Sephadex G-150 gel filtration and diethylaminoethyl-cellulose chromatography was determined. Iron-59 labeled ferric chloride was added directly to raw whole milk at a concentration of .02 and 10 ppm isotope and carrier, respectively, and held overnight at 4 C. Five milliliters of the skin milk were chromatographed on a Sephadex G-150 column and fractionated into casein, whey protein, and nonprotein materials. The casein fraction was chromatographed on a diethylaminoethyl-cellulose column and separated into its components, alphas-, beta-, and kappa-caseins. Casein bound about 85% of the added iron in skim milk; of this amount, 72, 21, and 4% were associated with the alphas-, beta, and kappa-caseins.", "contents": "Binding added iron to various milk proteins. Binding of an added radionuclide to milk protein and casein components of cow's milk fractionated by the combination of Sephadex G-150 gel filtration and diethylaminoethyl-cellulose chromatography was determined. Iron-59 labeled ferric chloride was added directly to raw whole milk at a concentration of .02 and 10 ppm isotope and carrier, respectively, and held overnight at 4 C. Five milliliters of the skin milk were chromatographed on a Sephadex G-150 column and fractionated into casein, whey protein, and nonprotein materials. The casein fraction was chromatographed on a diethylaminoethyl-cellulose column and separated into its components, alphas-, beta-, and kappa-caseins. Casein bound about 85% of the added iron in skim milk; of this amount, 72, 21, and 4% were associated with the alphas-, beta, and kappa-caseins.", "PMID": 987080} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2307", "title": "Effects of environmental and other stressors on blood hormone patterns in lactating animals.", "content": "Recent data on various environmental stressors and blood hormone patterns are presented for lactating cattle. Known stressor effects of such factors as environmental temperature, air pollution, and noise on the plasma thyroxine, growth hormone, cortisol, prolactin, progesterone, luteinzing hormone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine of lactating cattle are discussed. Information on stressor effects is lacking on glucagon, insulin, vasopressin, calcitonin, oxytocin, thyrotrophic hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, melatonin, parathyroid hormone, and estrogens in the lactating cow. The importance of evaluating both the effect of environmental stressor and of production or lactation intensity is emphasized in the overall interpretation of changes in hormone of plasma. The short and long term environmental heat effects on thyroxine, cortisol, and growth hormone are clear with initial increased due to acute stressors and a decline of amounts in plasma after prolonged exposure to stressors. The relationship of amounts in plasma of these hormones to milk production appears to be related directly for cortisol, growth hormone, and prolactin with an inverse relationship with thyroxine. Epinephrine and norepinephrine seem to be elevated with prolonged environmental heat stress. However, the influence of intensity of lactation has not been measured. Hormones in plasma as they relate to stressor effects and milk production are important as potential indicators of the physiological state of a cow and reflect the physiological compensations a cow undergoes at various lactation intensities and/or stress exposure.", "contents": "Effects of environmental and other stressors on blood hormone patterns in lactating animals. Recent data on various environmental stressors and blood hormone patterns are presented for lactating cattle. Known stressor effects of such factors as environmental temperature, air pollution, and noise on the plasma thyroxine, growth hormone, cortisol, prolactin, progesterone, luteinzing hormone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine of lactating cattle are discussed. Information on stressor effects is lacking on glucagon, insulin, vasopressin, calcitonin, oxytocin, thyrotrophic hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, melatonin, parathyroid hormone, and estrogens in the lactating cow. The importance of evaluating both the effect of environmental stressor and of production or lactation intensity is emphasized in the overall interpretation of changes in hormone of plasma. The short and long term environmental heat effects on thyroxine, cortisol, and growth hormone are clear with initial increased due to acute stressors and a decline of amounts in plasma after prolonged exposure to stressors. The relationship of amounts in plasma of these hormones to milk production appears to be related directly for cortisol, growth hormone, and prolactin with an inverse relationship with thyroxine. Epinephrine and norepinephrine seem to be elevated with prolonged environmental heat stress. However, the influence of intensity of lactation has not been measured. Hormones in plasma as they relate to stressor effects and milk production are important as potential indicators of the physiological state of a cow and reflect the physiological compensations a cow undergoes at various lactation intensities and/or stress exposure.", "PMID": 987081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2308", "title": "Studies on Alternaria allergens. II. Measurement of the relative potency of commercial Alternaria extracts by the direct RAST and by RAST inhibition.", "content": "The relative potency of 12 commercial Alternaria extracts was analyzed by end-point skin test titrations and compared to in vitro measurements of potency, including (1) the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition procedure; (2) the direct RAST procedure; and (3) the protein nitrogen unit (PNU) content. Potencies determined by skin testing 10 sensitive patients were strongly correlated among the various patients. Measurements of potency by both RAST inhibition and direct RAST assay were strongly correlated to potency as measured by skin testing. In contrast, neither the weight:volume nor the PNU content bore any relationship to allergenic potency as measured by skin testing or by either of the RAST procedures. Extracts differed by as much as 3,000-fold in allergen content by skin testing. Moreover, the extracts appeared to contain different allergenic determinants when tested by RAST inhibition. RAST inhibition offered several technical advantages over the direct RAST procedure, in that only one solid-phase RAST reagent was required, slopes of dose-response curves could be more easily compared, and a greater discrimination in allergenic potencies among extracts could be made. The RAST appears to offer an excellent method for measuring the potency of allergy extracts, pending the isolation and characterization of actual allergens.", "contents": "Studies on Alternaria allergens. II. Measurement of the relative potency of commercial Alternaria extracts by the direct RAST and by RAST inhibition. The relative potency of 12 commercial Alternaria extracts was analyzed by end-point skin test titrations and compared to in vitro measurements of potency, including (1) the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition procedure; (2) the direct RAST procedure; and (3) the protein nitrogen unit (PNU) content. Potencies determined by skin testing 10 sensitive patients were strongly correlated among the various patients. Measurements of potency by both RAST inhibition and direct RAST assay were strongly correlated to potency as measured by skin testing. In contrast, neither the weight:volume nor the PNU content bore any relationship to allergenic potency as measured by skin testing or by either of the RAST procedures. Extracts differed by as much as 3,000-fold in allergen content by skin testing. Moreover, the extracts appeared to contain different allergenic determinants when tested by RAST inhibition. RAST inhibition offered several technical advantages over the direct RAST procedure, in that only one solid-phase RAST reagent was required, slopes of dose-response curves could be more easily compared, and a greater discrimination in allergenic potencies among extracts could be made. The RAST appears to offer an excellent method for measuring the potency of allergy extracts, pending the isolation and characterization of actual allergens.", "PMID": 987087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2309", "title": "A standardized method of evaluating exercise-induced asthma.", "content": "In order to evaluate drug effects on exercise-induced asthma, and to study associated metabolic and pulmonary effects, a method for inducing a consistent response is needed. A method is presented, consisting of 5 min of treadmill exercise sufficiently strenuous to increase a subject's heart rate to 90% of the predicted maximum for age; the airway response is measured frequently for 20 min after exercise. Using this method, 48 asthmatics and 13 nonasthmatics were evaluated. Although none developed severe asthma, a significant airway response occurred in 71% of asthmatics. The severity of exercise-induced asthma depended on intensity and duration of exercise but not on time of day. The method described allows a consistent stress to be applied to a wide age range, and response to this stress was consistent at various ages. Variation of a subject's response following repeated testing was less than that reported with other methods, and could be further reduced by selecting only those subjects with greater than 20% change in one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and by completing studies in less than a month.", "contents": "A standardized method of evaluating exercise-induced asthma. In order to evaluate drug effects on exercise-induced asthma, and to study associated metabolic and pulmonary effects, a method for inducing a consistent response is needed. A method is presented, consisting of 5 min of treadmill exercise sufficiently strenuous to increase a subject's heart rate to 90% of the predicted maximum for age; the airway response is measured frequently for 20 min after exercise. Using this method, 48 asthmatics and 13 nonasthmatics were evaluated. Although none developed severe asthma, a significant airway response occurred in 71% of asthmatics. The severity of exercise-induced asthma depended on intensity and duration of exercise but not on time of day. The method described allows a consistent stress to be applied to a wide age range, and response to this stress was consistent at various ages. Variation of a subject's response following repeated testing was less than that reported with other methods, and could be further reduced by selecting only those subjects with greater than 20% change in one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and by completing studies in less than a month.", "PMID": 987088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2310", "title": "A galactosidase immunosorbent test for human immunoglobulin E.", "content": "We report here the development of a galactosidase-immunosorbent test (GIST) for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in which the amount of galactosidase adsorbed to a cellulose disc is a single valued function of IgE concentration in human serum. Rabbit anti-IgE immunoglobulin insolubilized on cellulose discs is incubated sequentially with human serum, sheep anti-IgE serum, and a covalent conjugate of rabbit antisheep immunoglobulin with the enzyme beta-D-galactoside galactohydrolase (E.C.) 3.2.1.23). Colorimetric assay of enzyme conjugate adsorbed to discs permits quantitation of 1.0 to 25 ng of IgE per test. Concentrations of IgE in 48 sera as measured by the GIST gave a linear correlation coefficient of 0.97 with IgE concentrations as determined by radioimmunoassay. Preliminary studies indicate that the GIST makes possible nonisotopic measurement of ragweed-specific IgE antibiotics in human serum. The GIST for IgE is simple to perform and requires neither short-lived radioisotopes, expensive scintillation detection equipment, nor scarce, purified IgE.", "contents": "A galactosidase immunosorbent test for human immunoglobulin E. We report here the development of a galactosidase-immunosorbent test (GIST) for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in which the amount of galactosidase adsorbed to a cellulose disc is a single valued function of IgE concentration in human serum. Rabbit anti-IgE immunoglobulin insolubilized on cellulose discs is incubated sequentially with human serum, sheep anti-IgE serum, and a covalent conjugate of rabbit antisheep immunoglobulin with the enzyme beta-D-galactoside galactohydrolase (E.C.) 3.2.1.23). Colorimetric assay of enzyme conjugate adsorbed to discs permits quantitation of 1.0 to 25 ng of IgE per test. Concentrations of IgE in 48 sera as measured by the GIST gave a linear correlation coefficient of 0.97 with IgE concentrations as determined by radioimmunoassay. Preliminary studies indicate that the GIST makes possible nonisotopic measurement of ragweed-specific IgE antibiotics in human serum. The GIST for IgE is simple to perform and requires neither short-lived radioisotopes, expensive scintillation detection equipment, nor scarce, purified IgE.", "PMID": 987089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2311", "title": "Tapeworms from Philippine birds, with three new species of Raillietina (Raillietina).", "content": "13 species of cestodes from 13 species of Philippine birds are reported from Palawan Island. Raillietina (R.) palawanensis n. sp., from Chalcophaps i. indica, has three or four testes, and a cirrus pouch 93 to 108 mum long, 28 to 45 mum wide, and its egg capsules are 10 to 12 mum long, seven to nine mum wide, each containing four to six eggs. Raillietina (R.) passeriformicola n. sp., from Gracula religiosa palawanensis, has seven to nine testes, and a cirrus poucch 134 to 170 mum long, 47 to 68 mum wide. Its egg capsules are 79 to 115 mum wide, containing 7 to 12 eggs each. Raillietina (R.) fischthali n. sp., from Ducula aenea palawanensis, has 12 to 15 testes, and a cirrus pouch 130 to 150 mum long, 52 to 72 mum wide. Its egg capsules are 130 to 200 mum wide each containing 50 to 70 eggs. Raillietina (R.) johri Ortlepp, 1938, is redescribed. Anonchotaenia chauhani Mukherjee, 1965 is shown to be a junior synonym of A. gaugi Singh, 1952.", "contents": "Tapeworms from Philippine birds, with three new species of Raillietina (Raillietina). 13 species of cestodes from 13 species of Philippine birds are reported from Palawan Island. Raillietina (R.) palawanensis n. sp., from Chalcophaps i. indica, has three or four testes, and a cirrus pouch 93 to 108 mum long, 28 to 45 mum wide, and its egg capsules are 10 to 12 mum long, seven to nine mum wide, each containing four to six eggs. Raillietina (R.) passeriformicola n. sp., from Gracula religiosa palawanensis, has seven to nine testes, and a cirrus poucch 134 to 170 mum long, 47 to 68 mum wide. Its egg capsules are 79 to 115 mum wide, containing 7 to 12 eggs each. Raillietina (R.) fischthali n. sp., from Ducula aenea palawanensis, has 12 to 15 testes, and a cirrus pouch 130 to 150 mum long, 52 to 72 mum wide. Its egg capsules are 130 to 200 mum wide each containing 50 to 70 eggs. Raillietina (R.) johri Ortlepp, 1938, is redescribed. Anonchotaenia chauhani Mukherjee, 1965 is shown to be a junior synonym of A. gaugi Singh, 1952.", "PMID": 987093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2312", "title": "Quantitative and qualitative analysis of helminth fauna in Rattus rattus rufescens.", "content": "A helminthological survey of 149 house rats in Jodhpur during the year 1975 revealed infection with 8 helminth species: 4 cestodes, Vampirolepis fraterna, Hymenolepis diminuta, Mathevotaenia symmetrica and Taenia taeniaeformis (larval stage); 3 nematodes, Aspiculuris pakistanica, Rictularia ratti and Syphacia sp. and one acanthocephalan, Moniliformis sp. Vampirolepis fraterna, H. diminuta and A. pakistanica were most common, R.ratti and M. symmetrica less frequent, and T. taeniaeformis, Syphacia sp. and Moniliformis sp. of occasional occurence. Multiple infections were more frequent among male than female hosts.", "contents": "Quantitative and qualitative analysis of helminth fauna in Rattus rattus rufescens. A helminthological survey of 149 house rats in Jodhpur during the year 1975 revealed infection with 8 helminth species: 4 cestodes, Vampirolepis fraterna, Hymenolepis diminuta, Mathevotaenia symmetrica and Taenia taeniaeformis (larval stage); 3 nematodes, Aspiculuris pakistanica, Rictularia ratti and Syphacia sp. and one acanthocephalan, Moniliformis sp. Vampirolepis fraterna, H. diminuta and A. pakistanica were most common, R.ratti and M. symmetrica less frequent, and T. taeniaeformis, Syphacia sp. and Moniliformis sp. of occasional occurence. Multiple infections were more frequent among male than female hosts.", "PMID": 987094} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2313", "title": "Ultrastructural localization of acetylcholinesterase in cultured cells. I. Embryo muscle.", "content": "Several techniques were employed to examine the localization of acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7, AChE) in cultured chick embryonic skeletal muscle. Glutaraldehyde produced the best cellular preservation but less enzyme activity was lost when the cells were fixed in paraformaldehyde. Two staining methods were examined: in one (Karnovsky MJ, Roots L: J Histochem Cytochem 12:219, 1964) potassium ferricyanide was added with the primary reactants, and in the other (Tsuji S: Histochemistry 42:99, 1974) the potassium ferricyanide was added at the end of the staining procedure. Localizations of AChE were similar with both stains; activity was present in the nuclear envelope, the perinuclear sarcoplasm, the sarcoplasmic reticulum, subsurface vesicles and bound outside the cells. /owever, a granular artifact was found with the method of Karnovsky and Roots that did not appear with the method of Tsuji. The localization of AChE are consistent with kinetic data that AchE binds, moves and is released from cultured muscle fibers.", "contents": "Ultrastructural localization of acetylcholinesterase in cultured cells. I. Embryo muscle. Several techniques were employed to examine the localization of acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7, AChE) in cultured chick embryonic skeletal muscle. Glutaraldehyde produced the best cellular preservation but less enzyme activity was lost when the cells were fixed in paraformaldehyde. Two staining methods were examined: in one (Karnovsky MJ, Roots L: J Histochem Cytochem 12:219, 1964) potassium ferricyanide was added with the primary reactants, and in the other (Tsuji S: Histochemistry 42:99, 1974) the potassium ferricyanide was added at the end of the staining procedure. Localizations of AChE were similar with both stains; activity was present in the nuclear envelope, the perinuclear sarcoplasm, the sarcoplasmic reticulum, subsurface vesicles and bound outside the cells. /owever, a granular artifact was found with the method of Karnovsky and Roots that did not appear with the method of Tsuji. The localization of AChE are consistent with kinetic data that AchE binds, moves and is released from cultured muscle fibers.", "PMID": 987095} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2314", "title": "Substantiation of methodical approaches to a unified (complex) norm-setting in hygiene.", "content": "Hygienic norm-setting of admissible content of noxious chemical substances separately for atmospheric air, the air in industrial plants, water and food products, does not take into account the possibility of combined intake of these substances into the organism. It is therefore necessary to elaborate methodical approaches to the substantiation of unified (complex) norms in hygiene. The author discusses the determination of biological equivalence (isoeffectiveness) of concentrations of chemical substances in different environments on the basis of investigation of the relationship \"concentration (dose) - time\" as one of the possible methods of assessing the character of a complex action of these substances and one of the approaches to unified hygienic norm-setting.", "contents": "Substantiation of methodical approaches to a unified (complex) norm-setting in hygiene. Hygienic norm-setting of admissible content of noxious chemical substances separately for atmospheric air, the air in industrial plants, water and food products, does not take into account the possibility of combined intake of these substances into the organism. It is therefore necessary to elaborate methodical approaches to the substantiation of unified (complex) norms in hygiene. The author discusses the determination of biological equivalence (isoeffectiveness) of concentrations of chemical substances in different environments on the basis of investigation of the relationship \"concentration (dose) - time\" as one of the possible methods of assessing the character of a complex action of these substances and one of the approaches to unified hygienic norm-setting.", "PMID": 987096} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2315", "title": "Presence of certain enteroviruses (Coxsackie) in sewage effluents and in river waters of Roumania.", "content": "The paper presents the results of research studies conducted during a 10-year period (1962-1971) with the view to detect certain enteroviruses (Coxsackie) from sewage, river and drinking water samples, and from the filter sand of drinking water-works supplied with river water. The method consisted first in preconcentrating the samples collected on immersed gauze pads, secondly in the concentration of the virus samples by the following methods-used either separately or in parallel: the Amberlite method, the yeast cell and the aluminium bydroxide concentration method. The isolation of A and B Coxackie viruses averaged 29.12% in the sewage samples and 14.66% in the river water samples. Lower values were found both in aqueduct water and in the filter sand (2 positive samples out of 65 and 3 positive samples out of 39, respectively). A seasonal distribution of the viral incidence was evidenced in the sewage samples with lower value in the river water, while the frequency decreased with the distance from the pollution source. For the lightly contaminated water (river and aqueduct waters) the yeast cell concentration method gave the best results, this method being also the single reliable method for Coxsackie virus isolation from the filter sand samples.", "contents": "Presence of certain enteroviruses (Coxsackie) in sewage effluents and in river waters of Roumania. The paper presents the results of research studies conducted during a 10-year period (1962-1971) with the view to detect certain enteroviruses (Coxsackie) from sewage, river and drinking water samples, and from the filter sand of drinking water-works supplied with river water. The method consisted first in preconcentrating the samples collected on immersed gauze pads, secondly in the concentration of the virus samples by the following methods-used either separately or in parallel: the Amberlite method, the yeast cell and the aluminium bydroxide concentration method. The isolation of A and B Coxackie viruses averaged 29.12% in the sewage samples and 14.66% in the river water samples. Lower values were found both in aqueduct water and in the filter sand (2 positive samples out of 65 and 3 positive samples out of 39, respectively). A seasonal distribution of the viral incidence was evidenced in the sewage samples with lower value in the river water, while the frequency decreased with the distance from the pollution source. For the lightly contaminated water (river and aqueduct waters) the yeast cell concentration method gave the best results, this method being also the single reliable method for Coxsackie virus isolation from the filter sand samples.", "PMID": 987097} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2316", "title": "Food poisoning caused by parahaemolytic and NAG vibrios after eating meat products.", "content": "At total of 15 subjects taken ill with food poisoining caused by parahaemolytic and NAG vibrios after eating boiled pork sausage and boiled veal stomach were examined. The meat products were secondarily contamined in the sausage factory due to the use od non-disinfected lake water which was found to be a natural medium of the vibrios. When the use of this water was prohibited, the contamination of the factory and the meat products disappeared and no further cases of food poisoning due to meat products were notified. The disease has a toxic character, runs a bening course and ends after 2--3 days by restoration to full health.", "contents": "Food poisoning caused by parahaemolytic and NAG vibrios after eating meat products. At total of 15 subjects taken ill with food poisoining caused by parahaemolytic and NAG vibrios after eating boiled pork sausage and boiled veal stomach were examined. The meat products were secondarily contamined in the sausage factory due to the use od non-disinfected lake water which was found to be a natural medium of the vibrios. When the use of this water was prohibited, the contamination of the factory and the meat products disappeared and no further cases of food poisoning due to meat products were notified. The disease has a toxic character, runs a bening course and ends after 2--3 days by restoration to full health.", "PMID": 987098} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2317", "title": "[Biological and chemical indicators of thermal sterilization and their possible effect on its general concept].", "content": "Regarding to ignorance of germ thermoresistance occurring in hospital environment, the effect of sterilization in medicine is determined occasionally on samples of medium with high number of germs or tests are performed to determine the sterilization success (in pharmacy) by examining samples of sterile badges, although their degrees of contamination (mostly low) before sterilization are not known. Instead of fixed sterilization parameters, the new second Pharmacopoeia of the German Democratic Republic (1976 seqq.) allows a free choise of sterilization parameters ingeniously spaced (110 degrees C--140 degrees C vapour, 160 degrees C--200 degrees C hot air) according to diagrams. The mentioned methods both imperfect and expensive ones should be replaced by introducing sterilization indicators whose changes might render the designation \"sterile\" possible. Substantial differencies between biological and chemical indicators are shown.", "contents": "[Biological and chemical indicators of thermal sterilization and their possible effect on its general concept]. Regarding to ignorance of germ thermoresistance occurring in hospital environment, the effect of sterilization in medicine is determined occasionally on samples of medium with high number of germs or tests are performed to determine the sterilization success (in pharmacy) by examining samples of sterile badges, although their degrees of contamination (mostly low) before sterilization are not known. Instead of fixed sterilization parameters, the new second Pharmacopoeia of the German Democratic Republic (1976 seqq.) allows a free choise of sterilization parameters ingeniously spaced (110 degrees C--140 degrees C vapour, 160 degrees C--200 degrees C hot air) according to diagrams. The mentioned methods both imperfect and expensive ones should be replaced by introducing sterilization indicators whose changes might render the designation \"sterile\" possible. Substantial differencies between biological and chemical indicators are shown.", "PMID": 987099} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2318", "title": "Resistance to fenitrothion in Danish houseflies, Musca domestica.", "content": "Resistance to fenitrothion was investigated in housefly populations in Danish farms 1964--72 in connection with trials of fenitrothion, dimethoate and other organophosphorus compounds for fly control. Resistance was tested by topical application and expressed as resistance ratios, R/S, relative to normal susceptible strains. In 1964--70 fly populations on farms sprayed with fenitrothion (one year each) only developed mode-rate fenitrothion-resistance, R/S at LD 95 below 21 and fly control was generally satisfactory. However, in 1972 high fenitrothion-resistance, R/S 100--400 at LD 95, was found in several fly populations, both on farms treated with fenitrothion and on farms treated with dimethoate, fenitrothion, or bromophos. In all cases the high fenitrothion-resistance was associated with high resistance to dimethoate. Some characteristics of this, apparently complex, resistance are discussed including the effect of certain synergists. Resistance to fenitrothion in Danish flies is only partly reduced by pretreatment with high dosages of sesamex, which inhibits microsomal detoxication, and very little by TBTP (S, S, S tributyl phosphorotrithioate), which inhibits other types of break-down of organophosphorus compounds, e.g. by ali-esterases. The occurrence of fenitrothion- resistance in field populations of houseflies in other regions is briefly reviewed. Widespread, partly very high, resistance has recently been reported from Japan.", "contents": "Resistance to fenitrothion in Danish houseflies, Musca domestica. Resistance to fenitrothion was investigated in housefly populations in Danish farms 1964--72 in connection with trials of fenitrothion, dimethoate and other organophosphorus compounds for fly control. Resistance was tested by topical application and expressed as resistance ratios, R/S, relative to normal susceptible strains. In 1964--70 fly populations on farms sprayed with fenitrothion (one year each) only developed mode-rate fenitrothion-resistance, R/S at LD 95 below 21 and fly control was generally satisfactory. However, in 1972 high fenitrothion-resistance, R/S 100--400 at LD 95, was found in several fly populations, both on farms treated with fenitrothion and on farms treated with dimethoate, fenitrothion, or bromophos. In all cases the high fenitrothion-resistance was associated with high resistance to dimethoate. Some characteristics of this, apparently complex, resistance are discussed including the effect of certain synergists. Resistance to fenitrothion in Danish flies is only partly reduced by pretreatment with high dosages of sesamex, which inhibits microsomal detoxication, and very little by TBTP (S, S, S tributyl phosphorotrithioate), which inhibits other types of break-down of organophosphorus compounds, e.g. by ali-esterases. The occurrence of fenitrothion- resistance in field populations of houseflies in other regions is briefly reviewed. Widespread, partly very high, resistance has recently been reported from Japan.", "PMID": 987100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2319", "title": "Leptospirosis infection through insemination of animals.", "content": "The semen of animals in spontaneous and experimental leptospirosis was investigated by bacteriological, immunological and biological methods. It has been found that pathogenic leptospirae (L. pomona, L. hebdomadis) are well preserved in the semen and in media used for its dilution. Leptospirae are eliminated with the semen. The initial strain of the agent was isolated from the semen and secretions of 6 out of 26 experimentally infected rabbits and 4 spontaneously recovered bulls (L. hebdomadis). Specific leptospiral antibodies appear in the semen of infected animals. The dynamics of the titre of these antibodies corresponds to the dynamics of the antibody titre in the blood. It is recommended to use the sement for the agglutination reaction. The application of semen infected with pathogenic leptospirae for artificial insemination causes the animals falling ill with leptospirosis accompanied by abortions, reduced fertility and stillbirths of rabbits.", "contents": "Leptospirosis infection through insemination of animals. The semen of animals in spontaneous and experimental leptospirosis was investigated by bacteriological, immunological and biological methods. It has been found that pathogenic leptospirae (L. pomona, L. hebdomadis) are well preserved in the semen and in media used for its dilution. Leptospirae are eliminated with the semen. The initial strain of the agent was isolated from the semen and secretions of 6 out of 26 experimentally infected rabbits and 4 spontaneously recovered bulls (L. hebdomadis). Specific leptospiral antibodies appear in the semen of infected animals. The dynamics of the titre of these antibodies corresponds to the dynamics of the antibody titre in the blood. It is recommended to use the sement for the agglutination reaction. The application of semen infected with pathogenic leptospirae for artificial insemination causes the animals falling ill with leptospirosis accompanied by abortions, reduced fertility and stillbirths of rabbits.", "PMID": 987101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2320", "title": "Substantiation of methodical approaches to a unified (complex) norm-setting in hygiene.", "content": "Hygienic norm-setting of admissible content of noxious chemical substances separately for atmospheric air, the air in industrial plants, water and food products, does not take into account the possiblity of combined intake of these substances into the organism. It is therefore necessary to elaborate methodical approaches to the substantiation of unified (complex) norms in hygiene. The author discusses the determination of biological equivalence (isoeffectiveness) of concentrations of chemical substances in different environments on the basis of investigation of the relationship \"concentration (dose) -- time\" as one of the possible methods of assessing the character of a complex action of these substances and one of the approaches to unified hygienic norm-setting.", "contents": "Substantiation of methodical approaches to a unified (complex) norm-setting in hygiene. Hygienic norm-setting of admissible content of noxious chemical substances separately for atmospheric air, the air in industrial plants, water and food products, does not take into account the possiblity of combined intake of these substances into the organism. It is therefore necessary to elaborate methodical approaches to the substantiation of unified (complex) norms in hygiene. The author discusses the determination of biological equivalence (isoeffectiveness) of concentrations of chemical substances in different environments on the basis of investigation of the relationship \"concentration (dose) -- time\" as one of the possible methods of assessing the character of a complex action of these substances and one of the approaches to unified hygienic norm-setting.", "PMID": 987104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2321", "title": "Presence of certain enteroviruses (Coxsackie) in sewage effluents and in river waters of Roumania.", "content": "The paper presents the results of research studies conducted during a lo-year period (1962-1971) with the view to detect certain enteroviruses (Coxsackie) from sewage, river and drinking water samples, and from the filter sand of drinking water-works supplied with river water. The method consisted first in preconcentrating the samples collected on immersed gauze pads, secondly in the concentration of the virus samples by the following methods-used either separately or in parallel: the Amberlite method, the yeast cell and the aluminum hydroxide concentration method. The isolation of A and B Coxasackie viruses averaged 29.12% in the sewage samples and 14.66% in the river water samples. Lower values were found both in aqueduct water and in the filter sand (2 positive samples out of 65 and 3 positive samples out of 39, respectively). A seasonal distribution of the viral incidence was evidenced in the sewage samples with lower value in the river water, while the frequency decreased with the distance from the pollution source. For the lightly contamined waters (river and aqueduct waters) the yeast cell concentration method gave the best results, this method being also the single reliable method for Coxsackie virus isolation from the filter sand samples.", "contents": "Presence of certain enteroviruses (Coxsackie) in sewage effluents and in river waters of Roumania. The paper presents the results of research studies conducted during a lo-year period (1962-1971) with the view to detect certain enteroviruses (Coxsackie) from sewage, river and drinking water samples, and from the filter sand of drinking water-works supplied with river water. The method consisted first in preconcentrating the samples collected on immersed gauze pads, secondly in the concentration of the virus samples by the following methods-used either separately or in parallel: the Amberlite method, the yeast cell and the aluminum hydroxide concentration method. The isolation of A and B Coxasackie viruses averaged 29.12% in the sewage samples and 14.66% in the river water samples. Lower values were found both in aqueduct water and in the filter sand (2 positive samples out of 65 and 3 positive samples out of 39, respectively). A seasonal distribution of the viral incidence was evidenced in the sewage samples with lower value in the river water, while the frequency decreased with the distance from the pollution source. For the lightly contamined waters (river and aqueduct waters) the yeast cell concentration method gave the best results, this method being also the single reliable method for Coxsackie virus isolation from the filter sand samples.", "PMID": 987105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2322", "title": "Food poisoning caused by parahaemolytic and NAG vibrios after eating meat products.", "content": "At total of 15 subjects taken ill with food poisoining caused by parahaemolytic and NAG vibrios after eating boiled pork sausage and boiled veal stomach were examined. The meat products were secondarily contamined in the sausage factory due to the use od non-disinfected lake water which was found to be a natural medium of the vibrios. When the use of this water was prohibited, the contamination of the factory and the meat products disappeared and no further cases of food poisoning due to meat products were notified. The disease has a toxic character, runs a bening course and end after 2--3 days by restoration to full health.", "contents": "Food poisoning caused by parahaemolytic and NAG vibrios after eating meat products. At total of 15 subjects taken ill with food poisoining caused by parahaemolytic and NAG vibrios after eating boiled pork sausage and boiled veal stomach were examined. The meat products were secondarily contamined in the sausage factory due to the use od non-disinfected lake water which was found to be a natural medium of the vibrios. When the use of this water was prohibited, the contamination of the factory and the meat products disappeared and no further cases of food poisoning due to meat products were notified. The disease has a toxic character, runs a bening course and end after 2--3 days by restoration to full health.", "PMID": 987106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2323", "title": "[Serum sterilization in the cold with peracetic acid].", "content": "On the basis of broad antimicrobic effect including also bacterial spores, mycoplasmas and viruses, the peracetic acid suits to sterilize in cold. By means of the final 0,1 to 0.02% concentration of the peracetic acid acting for 30 min. up to 5 days, it succeeded in sterilizing the serum used to prepare culture medium for bacteria, mycoplasmas and tissue cultures. Growth controls shown at least as good results as were those in using filtered sera. Chemical sterilization by means of the peracetic acid leads to significant diminution of neutralization and complementfixation antibodies in serum.", "contents": "[Serum sterilization in the cold with peracetic acid]. On the basis of broad antimicrobic effect including also bacterial spores, mycoplasmas and viruses, the peracetic acid suits to sterilize in cold. By means of the final 0,1 to 0.02% concentration of the peracetic acid acting for 30 min. up to 5 days, it succeeded in sterilizing the serum used to prepare culture medium for bacteria, mycoplasmas and tissue cultures. Growth controls shown at least as good results as were those in using filtered sera. Chemical sterilization by means of the peracetic acid leads to significant diminution of neutralization and complementfixation antibodies in serum.", "PMID": 987107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2324", "title": "[Biological and chemical indicators of thermal sterilization and their possible influence on its total conception].", "content": "Regarding to ignorance of germ thermoresistance occurring in hospotal environment, the effect of sterilization in medicine is determined occasionally on samples of medium with high number of germs or tests are performed to determine the sterilization success (in pharmacy) by examining samples of sterile badges, although their degrees of contamination (mostly low) before sterilization are not known. Instead of fixed sterilization parameters, the new second Pharmacopoeia of the German Democratic Republic (1976 seqq.) allows a free choise of sterilization parameters ingeniously spaced (110 degrees C--140 degrees C vapour, 160 degrees C--200 degrees C hot air) according to diagrams. The mentioned methods both imperfect and expensive ones should be replaced by introducing sterilization indicators whose changes might render the designation \"sterile\" possible. Substantial differencies between biological and chemical indicators are shown.", "contents": "[Biological and chemical indicators of thermal sterilization and their possible influence on its total conception]. Regarding to ignorance of germ thermoresistance occurring in hospotal environment, the effect of sterilization in medicine is determined occasionally on samples of medium with high number of germs or tests are performed to determine the sterilization success (in pharmacy) by examining samples of sterile badges, although their degrees of contamination (mostly low) before sterilization are not known. Instead of fixed sterilization parameters, the new second Pharmacopoeia of the German Democratic Republic (1976 seqq.) allows a free choise of sterilization parameters ingeniously spaced (110 degrees C--140 degrees C vapour, 160 degrees C--200 degrees C hot air) according to diagrams. The mentioned methods both imperfect and expensive ones should be replaced by introducing sterilization indicators whose changes might render the designation \"sterile\" possible. Substantial differencies between biological and chemical indicators are shown.", "PMID": 987108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2325", "title": "Resistance to fenitrothion in Danish houseflies, Musca domestica.", "content": "Resistance to fenitrothion was investigated in housefly populations in Danish farms 1964--72 in connection with trials of fenitrothion, dimethoate and other organophosphorus compounds for fly control. Resistance was tested by topical application and expressed as resistance ratios, R/S, relative to normal susceptible strains. In 1964--70 fly populations on farms sprayed with fenitrothion (one year each) only developed mode-rate fenitrothion-resistance, R/S at LD 95 below 21 and fly control was generally satisfactory. However, in 1972 high fenitrothion-resistance, R/S 100--400 at LD 95, was found in several fly populations, both on farms treated with fenitrothion and on farms treated with dimethoate, fenitrothion, or bromophos. In all cases the high fenitrothion-resistance was associated with high resistance to dimethoate. Some characteristics of this, apparently complex, resistance are discussed including the effect of certain synergists. Resistance to fenitrothion in Danish flies is only partly reduced by pretreatment with high dosages of sesamex, which inhibits microsomal detoxication, and very little by TBTP (S, S, S tributyl phosphorotrithioate), which inhibits other types of break-down of organophosphorus compounds, e.g. by ali-esterases. The occurrence of fenitrothion- resistance in field populations of houseflied in other regions is briefly reviewed. Widespread, partly very high, resistance has recently been reported from Japan.", "contents": "Resistance to fenitrothion in Danish houseflies, Musca domestica. Resistance to fenitrothion was investigated in housefly populations in Danish farms 1964--72 in connection with trials of fenitrothion, dimethoate and other organophosphorus compounds for fly control. Resistance was tested by topical application and expressed as resistance ratios, R/S, relative to normal susceptible strains. In 1964--70 fly populations on farms sprayed with fenitrothion (one year each) only developed mode-rate fenitrothion-resistance, R/S at LD 95 below 21 and fly control was generally satisfactory. However, in 1972 high fenitrothion-resistance, R/S 100--400 at LD 95, was found in several fly populations, both on farms treated with fenitrothion and on farms treated with dimethoate, fenitrothion, or bromophos. In all cases the high fenitrothion-resistance was associated with high resistance to dimethoate. Some characteristics of this, apparently complex, resistance are discussed including the effect of certain synergists. Resistance to fenitrothion in Danish flies is only partly reduced by pretreatment with high dosages of sesamex, which inhibits microsomal detoxication, and very little by TBTP (S, S, S tributyl phosphorotrithioate), which inhibits other types of break-down of organophosphorus compounds, e.g. by ali-esterases. The occurrence of fenitrothion- resistance in field populations of houseflied in other regions is briefly reviewed. Widespread, partly very high, resistance has recently been reported from Japan.", "PMID": 987109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2326", "title": "Experiments on chickens placed on ground endemic of classical scrub typhus in Akita prefecture, Japan.", "content": "The chicken is available as a bait animal for the study of vector mites and has been found to be infected by chigger mite bite in an area endemic of scrub typhus. L. pallidum and L. palpale were reconfirmed to be zoophilic for the chicken. It is suggested a walking bird can serve as a vector--carrying mites from one place to another. R. orientalis can persist subclinically for a certain period in the spleen and liver of chickens placed on the ground endemic of scrub typhus. Specimens of L. pallidum, 22 in number, collected from chickens placed on the ground of an endemic area in Akita Prefecture were found rickettsia-positive. Both strains isolated from bait chickens and L.pallidum collected from host chickens were identified as a Kato type of R. orientalis.", "contents": "Experiments on chickens placed on ground endemic of classical scrub typhus in Akita prefecture, Japan. The chicken is available as a bait animal for the study of vector mites and has been found to be infected by chigger mite bite in an area endemic of scrub typhus. L. pallidum and L. palpale were reconfirmed to be zoophilic for the chicken. It is suggested a walking bird can serve as a vector--carrying mites from one place to another. R. orientalis can persist subclinically for a certain period in the spleen and liver of chickens placed on the ground endemic of scrub typhus. Specimens of L. pallidum, 22 in number, collected from chickens placed on the ground of an endemic area in Akita Prefecture were found rickettsia-positive. Both strains isolated from bait chickens and L.pallidum collected from host chickens were identified as a Kato type of R. orientalis.", "PMID": 987110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2327", "title": "Relationship between resistance to metallic ions and production of beta-lactamase in strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis.", "content": "Thirty five strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis were tested for resistance to prenicillin G, erythomycin, metallic ions Zn, As3, As5, Cd, Hg, Pb and activity of beta-lactamase. These studies have shown that the majority of tested staphylococci were resistant to penicillin G, erythromycin, and produced beta-lactamase. No correlation between the activity of beta-lactamase and the resistance to metallic ions has been shown.", "contents": "Relationship between resistance to metallic ions and production of beta-lactamase in strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Thirty five strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis were tested for resistance to prenicillin G, erythomycin, metallic ions Zn, As3, As5, Cd, Hg, Pb and activity of beta-lactamase. These studies have shown that the majority of tested staphylococci were resistant to penicillin G, erythromycin, and produced beta-lactamase. No correlation between the activity of beta-lactamase and the resistance to metallic ions has been shown.", "PMID": 987111} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2328", "title": "Leptospirosis infection through insemination of animals.", "content": "The semen of animals in spontaneous and experimental leptospirosis was investigated by bacteriological, immunological and biological methods. It has been found that pathogenic leptospirae (L. pomona, L. hebdomadis) are well preserved in the semen and in media used for its dilution. Leptospirae are eliminated with the semen. The initial strain of the agent was isolated from the semen and secretions of 6 out of 26 experimentally infected rabbits and 4 spontaneously recovered bulls (L. hebdomadis). Specific leptospiral antibodies appear in the semen of infected animals. The dynamics of the titre of these antibodies corresponds to the dynamics of the antibody titre in the blood. It is recommended to use the semen for the agglutination reaction. The application of semen infected with pathogenic leptospirae for artificial insemination causes the animals falling ill with leptospirosis accompanied by abortions, reduced fertility and stillbirths of rabbits.", "contents": "Leptospirosis infection through insemination of animals. The semen of animals in spontaneous and experimental leptospirosis was investigated by bacteriological, immunological and biological methods. It has been found that pathogenic leptospirae (L. pomona, L. hebdomadis) are well preserved in the semen and in media used for its dilution. Leptospirae are eliminated with the semen. The initial strain of the agent was isolated from the semen and secretions of 6 out of 26 experimentally infected rabbits and 4 spontaneously recovered bulls (L. hebdomadis). Specific leptospiral antibodies appear in the semen of infected animals. The dynamics of the titre of these antibodies corresponds to the dynamics of the antibody titre in the blood. It is recommended to use the semen for the agglutination reaction. The application of semen infected with pathogenic leptospirae for artificial insemination causes the animals falling ill with leptospirosis accompanied by abortions, reduced fertility and stillbirths of rabbits.", "PMID": 987112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2329", "title": "A terminal-labelling microcytotoxicity assay with 125I-iododeoxyuridine as a label for target cells.", "content": "The development of a terminal-labelling microcytotoxicity assay is described in which target cells (fetal fibroblasts) were labelled with 125I-iododeoxyuridine after effector (lymphoid) cells had been incubated with them for 24 h. The time-course for the development of cell-mediated cytotoxicity was assessed following allogeneic skin grafting. 'Non-specific' cytotoxicity detracts from the sensitivity of all microcytotoxicity assays and the terminal-labelling assay using 125I is no exception. The non-specific effects can be reduced but not eliminated by the removal of adherent cells. The optimum target cell/effector cell ratio would seem to be between 1:100 and 1:250. Residual lymph node cells did not appear to incorporate enough label to affect the test results. In vivo correlates of in vitro findings are still not easy to determine.", "contents": "A terminal-labelling microcytotoxicity assay with 125I-iododeoxyuridine as a label for target cells. The development of a terminal-labelling microcytotoxicity assay is described in which target cells (fetal fibroblasts) were labelled with 125I-iododeoxyuridine after effector (lymphoid) cells had been incubated with them for 24 h. The time-course for the development of cell-mediated cytotoxicity was assessed following allogeneic skin grafting. 'Non-specific' cytotoxicity detracts from the sensitivity of all microcytotoxicity assays and the terminal-labelling assay using 125I is no exception. The non-specific effects can be reduced but not eliminated by the removal of adherent cells. The optimum target cell/effector cell ratio would seem to be between 1:100 and 1:250. Residual lymph node cells did not appear to incorporate enough label to affect the test results. In vivo correlates of in vitro findings are still not easy to determine.", "PMID": 987115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2330", "title": "Regulation of some functions of granulocytes by zinc of the prostatic fluid and prostate tissue.", "content": "Oxygen consumption, phagocytosis, and activity of hexosomonophosphate shunt (HMS) of dog and human polystyrene latex-activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes were inhibited by normal and infected human prostatic fluid (PF) and prostate extract; resting cells were not affected. Granulocytes incubated in 7 per cent PF increased five times their zinc content. Inorganic zinc added to synthetic medium which contained activated granulocytes also inhibited O2 consumption and phagocytosis of yeast particles in a concentration-dependent manner; resting cells were not affected. Incubation of PF with CaNa2 ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) abolished the inhibitory effect of PF; extensive dialysis of PF against this chelating agent reduced the inhibition by half. After the PF was dialyzed against saline, the low molecular weight dialysate retained inhibitory effects. Extracts from dog liver, spleen, and human saliva were not inhibitory. Polyamines, which next to zinc are also present in PF in high concentrations, had no effect on granulocytes, O2 consumption, and HMS activity. Human as well as dog PF were inhibitory to human or dog granulocytes, respectively. Besides granulocytes, rat peritoneal macrophages were inhibited by PF as well. It is concluded that PF and extract from prostate inhibit various functions of phagocytes mainly because of high concentration of zinc. The existence of other, large molecular weight, heat-resistant substances in PF which contribute to zinc effect cannot be ruled out.", "contents": "Regulation of some functions of granulocytes by zinc of the prostatic fluid and prostate tissue. Oxygen consumption, phagocytosis, and activity of hexosomonophosphate shunt (HMS) of dog and human polystyrene latex-activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes were inhibited by normal and infected human prostatic fluid (PF) and prostate extract; resting cells were not affected. Granulocytes incubated in 7 per cent PF increased five times their zinc content. Inorganic zinc added to synthetic medium which contained activated granulocytes also inhibited O2 consumption and phagocytosis of yeast particles in a concentration-dependent manner; resting cells were not affected. Incubation of PF with CaNa2 ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) abolished the inhibitory effect of PF; extensive dialysis of PF against this chelating agent reduced the inhibition by half. After the PF was dialyzed against saline, the low molecular weight dialysate retained inhibitory effects. Extracts from dog liver, spleen, and human saliva were not inhibitory. Polyamines, which next to zinc are also present in PF in high concentrations, had no effect on granulocytes, O2 consumption, and HMS activity. Human as well as dog PF were inhibitory to human or dog granulocytes, respectively. Besides granulocytes, rat peritoneal macrophages were inhibited by PF as well. It is concluded that PF and extract from prostate inhibit various functions of phagocytes mainly because of high concentration of zinc. The existence of other, large molecular weight, heat-resistant substances in PF which contribute to zinc effect cannot be ruled out.", "PMID": 987143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2331", "title": "Changes in the secretion of ovarian steroid and pituitary luteinizing hormone in the peri-ovulatory period in the ewe: the effect of progesterone.", "content": "The secretion rates of oestradiol, androstenedione and progesterone and the peripheral plasma concentration of LH were measured in 12 ewes with ovarian autotransplants before and after luteal regression induced by a single intramuscular injection of a synthetic prostaglandin (PG) analogue, 16-aryloxyprostaglandin F 2alpha (I.C.I. 80996). Luteal regression was followed by a fourfold rise in the basal concentration of LH and increased secretion of oestradiol. In five out of six ewes there was a discharge of LH with the peak occurring 36--78 h after the injection of the PG analogue. The secretion of oestradiol declined from 3-68 +/- 1-08 to 0-33 +/- 0-6 (S.E.M.) ng/min in the 24 h following the LH peak (P less than 0-001). In the remaining six ewes in which progesterone was implanted subcutaneously 24 h after the injection of PG analogue, follicular development was suppressed as indicated by the low secretion of oestradiol and androstenedione. The basal concentration of LH fell to values similar to those observed during the luteal phase after the implant of progesterone. The secretion of androstenedione followed a similar pattern to that of oestradiol in those ewes which showed presumptive evidence of ovulation. These results suggest that progesterone reinforces the negative feedback effects of oestrogen in the ewe.", "contents": "Changes in the secretion of ovarian steroid and pituitary luteinizing hormone in the peri-ovulatory period in the ewe: the effect of progesterone. The secretion rates of oestradiol, androstenedione and progesterone and the peripheral plasma concentration of LH were measured in 12 ewes with ovarian autotransplants before and after luteal regression induced by a single intramuscular injection of a synthetic prostaglandin (PG) analogue, 16-aryloxyprostaglandin F 2alpha (I.C.I. 80996). Luteal regression was followed by a fourfold rise in the basal concentration of LH and increased secretion of oestradiol. In five out of six ewes there was a discharge of LH with the peak occurring 36--78 h after the injection of the PG analogue. The secretion of oestradiol declined from 3-68 +/- 1-08 to 0-33 +/- 0-6 (S.E.M.) ng/min in the 24 h following the LH peak (P less than 0-001). In the remaining six ewes in which progesterone was implanted subcutaneously 24 h after the injection of PG analogue, follicular development was suppressed as indicated by the low secretion of oestradiol and androstenedione. The basal concentration of LH fell to values similar to those observed during the luteal phase after the implant of progesterone. The secretion of androstenedione followed a similar pattern to that of oestradiol in those ewes which showed presumptive evidence of ovulation. These results suggest that progesterone reinforces the negative feedback effects of oestrogen in the ewe.", "PMID": 987146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2332", "title": "Effect of a skeleton photoperiod on the daylength-dependent response to oestrogen in canaries (Serinus canarius).", "content": "Previous studies have shown that ovariectomized canaries, injected with 50 mug oestradiol benzoate thrice weekly, show more oestrogen-induced nest-building on a long day than on a short day. In this study the same effect was obtained with castrated canaries. The influence of time available for building was assessed first by comparing castrated males on skeleton long days with birds on short days, the total number of light hours being equal. More birds in the skeleton long-day group placed material in the nest, and did so with a shorter latency, than birds in the short-day group. Thus the differences between short- and long-day birds are unlikely to be due entirely to differences in the time available. However, some of the long-day birds were no more active than the short-day ones suggesting that the skeleton long-day schedule does impose some constraint. In a third experiment photorefractory females (whose ovaries do not secret oestrogen in response to long days) kept on a long skeleton-day scored similarly on all measures of building as birds kept on a full 14 h day and significantly more than birds on a short day. The results also indicate that the birds are measuring daylength by means of a diurnal rhythm of photosensitivity, an effect comparable to that of longer photoperiods on gonadal growth.", "contents": "Effect of a skeleton photoperiod on the daylength-dependent response to oestrogen in canaries (Serinus canarius). Previous studies have shown that ovariectomized canaries, injected with 50 mug oestradiol benzoate thrice weekly, show more oestrogen-induced nest-building on a long day than on a short day. In this study the same effect was obtained with castrated canaries. The influence of time available for building was assessed first by comparing castrated males on skeleton long days with birds on short days, the total number of light hours being equal. More birds in the skeleton long-day group placed material in the nest, and did so with a shorter latency, than birds in the short-day group. Thus the differences between short- and long-day birds are unlikely to be due entirely to differences in the time available. However, some of the long-day birds were no more active than the short-day ones suggesting that the skeleton long-day schedule does impose some constraint. In a third experiment photorefractory females (whose ovaries do not secret oestrogen in response to long days) kept on a long skeleton-day scored similarly on all measures of building as birds kept on a full 14 h day and significantly more than birds on a short day. The results also indicate that the birds are measuring daylength by means of a diurnal rhythm of photosensitivity, an effect comparable to that of longer photoperiods on gonadal growth.", "PMID": 987147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2333", "title": "Studies on the duration of the breeding season and photorefractoriness in female ferrets pinealectomized or treated with melatonin.", "content": "Oestrous ferrets became anoestrous on exposure to short photoperiods (8 h light: 16 h darkness, 8L:16D) at the summer solstice, and this effect was prevented by pinealectomy. Removal of the pineal alone did not alter the duration of oestrus in animals kept in natural daylight. Melatonin (1 mg, thrice weekly) given to oestrous ferrets kept in daylight also terminated oestrus prematurely. Animals made photorefractory by prolonged exposure to long photoperiods (14L:10D) became photosensitive again if either given melatonin or transferred to short photoperiods (8L:16D) for 7 weeks. These findings show that the pineal gland of the oestrous ferret is involved in the termination of oestrus when the animal is exposed to experimental short photoperiods. This is in addition to its role in inducing oestrus when anoestrous animals are exposed to long days, an effect shown previously. Thus, neither phase of the annual breeding cycle is altered by experimental lighting regimes in pinealectomized animals. Furthermore, some of the effects of short days (but not of long days), including that on photosensitivity, can be replicated by melatonin in the ferret.", "contents": "Studies on the duration of the breeding season and photorefractoriness in female ferrets pinealectomized or treated with melatonin. Oestrous ferrets became anoestrous on exposure to short photoperiods (8 h light: 16 h darkness, 8L:16D) at the summer solstice, and this effect was prevented by pinealectomy. Removal of the pineal alone did not alter the duration of oestrus in animals kept in natural daylight. Melatonin (1 mg, thrice weekly) given to oestrous ferrets kept in daylight also terminated oestrus prematurely. Animals made photorefractory by prolonged exposure to long photoperiods (14L:10D) became photosensitive again if either given melatonin or transferred to short photoperiods (8L:16D) for 7 weeks. These findings show that the pineal gland of the oestrous ferret is involved in the termination of oestrus when the animal is exposed to experimental short photoperiods. This is in addition to its role in inducing oestrus when anoestrous animals are exposed to long days, an effect shown previously. Thus, neither phase of the annual breeding cycle is altered by experimental lighting regimes in pinealectomized animals. Furthermore, some of the effects of short days (but not of long days), including that on photosensitivity, can be replicated by melatonin in the ferret.", "PMID": 987148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2334", "title": "Advancement of ovulation in the guinea-pig with exogenous progesterone and related effects on length of the oestrous cycle and life span of the corpus luteum.", "content": "A single subcutaneous injection of progesterone (0-4 mg) was given to intact female guinea-pigs on either day 1, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 of the behavioral oestrous cycle (day of oestrus is day 0). Injections given on either day 1 or day 7 had little effect, although there was a suggestion that injection on day 7 produced a lengthening of the cycle. Animals injected on either day 12 or day 13 underwent cycles of 16-9 and 18-1 days average length, respectively, which were significantly longer than the mean of 15-8 days for uninjected control females. Injection of progesterone on days 14, 15, or 16 was associated with one of three distinct sequelae: (1) simple prolongation of the cycle associated with a return to spontaneous oestrus 4--7 days later; (2) advancement of ovulation, formation of abnormal corpora lutea, and return to spontaneous oestrus 9--13 days later, and (3) return to spontaneous oestrus 14--16 days after the progesterone injection. These findings suggest that progesterone can cause the release of ovulatory amounts of gonadotropin following a period of endogenous oestrogen conditioning of the gonadotrophic system. If progesterone is administered before oestrogen conditioning is complete, then it inhibits or delays the conditioning process, and spontaneous oestrus and ovulation are postponed.", "contents": "Advancement of ovulation in the guinea-pig with exogenous progesterone and related effects on length of the oestrous cycle and life span of the corpus luteum. A single subcutaneous injection of progesterone (0-4 mg) was given to intact female guinea-pigs on either day 1, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 of the behavioral oestrous cycle (day of oestrus is day 0). Injections given on either day 1 or day 7 had little effect, although there was a suggestion that injection on day 7 produced a lengthening of the cycle. Animals injected on either day 12 or day 13 underwent cycles of 16-9 and 18-1 days average length, respectively, which were significantly longer than the mean of 15-8 days for uninjected control females. Injection of progesterone on days 14, 15, or 16 was associated with one of three distinct sequelae: (1) simple prolongation of the cycle associated with a return to spontaneous oestrus 4--7 days later; (2) advancement of ovulation, formation of abnormal corpora lutea, and return to spontaneous oestrus 9--13 days later, and (3) return to spontaneous oestrus 14--16 days after the progesterone injection. These findings suggest that progesterone can cause the release of ovulatory amounts of gonadotropin following a period of endogenous oestrogen conditioning of the gonadotrophic system. If progesterone is administered before oestrogen conditioning is complete, then it inhibits or delays the conditioning process, and spontaneous oestrus and ovulation are postponed.", "PMID": 987149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2335", "title": "Administration of antiserum against ovine follicle-stimulating hormone or ovine luteinizing hormone at pro-poestrus in the rat: effects on follicular development during the oncoming cycle.", "content": "Cyclic rats received at 13.00 h on the day of pro-oestrus a single i.v. injection of one of the following antiserum preparations: AOLH (raised in rabbits against NIH-LH-S17); AOFSH (raised against NIH-FSH-S9) or pAOFSH (AOFSH preincubated with 195 mug NIH-LH-S16/ml). Rats were killed at day 1, 3 or 5 after injection, and the ovaries prepared for histological study of the antral follicles. After AOLH, ovulation and resumption of meiosis in oocytes in pre-ovulatory follicles were prevented but follicular development during the following cycle appeared undisturbed. After either AOFSH or pAOFSH, blockade of ovulation was never observed but the formation of antral follicles normally occurring between mid-pro-oestrus and mid-oestrus was postponed by about one day. The later development of antral follicles might reflect a supranormal compensatory secretion of endogenous gonadotrophin because the development does not occur in AOFSH- or pAOFSH-treated rats hypophysectomized 24 h after injection and subsequently treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin in dosage approximating the amount of gonadotrophin secreted endogenously during dioestrus. The results imply (1) that the pre-ovulatory surge of LH release is not essential for follicular development during the oncoming cycle whereas (2) a surge of FSH release is required for the formation of the new cohort of antral follicles that is normally seen at the start of a new cycle.", "contents": "Administration of antiserum against ovine follicle-stimulating hormone or ovine luteinizing hormone at pro-poestrus in the rat: effects on follicular development during the oncoming cycle. Cyclic rats received at 13.00 h on the day of pro-oestrus a single i.v. injection of one of the following antiserum preparations: AOLH (raised in rabbits against NIH-LH-S17); AOFSH (raised against NIH-FSH-S9) or pAOFSH (AOFSH preincubated with 195 mug NIH-LH-S16/ml). Rats were killed at day 1, 3 or 5 after injection, and the ovaries prepared for histological study of the antral follicles. After AOLH, ovulation and resumption of meiosis in oocytes in pre-ovulatory follicles were prevented but follicular development during the following cycle appeared undisturbed. After either AOFSH or pAOFSH, blockade of ovulation was never observed but the formation of antral follicles normally occurring between mid-pro-oestrus and mid-oestrus was postponed by about one day. The later development of antral follicles might reflect a supranormal compensatory secretion of endogenous gonadotrophin because the development does not occur in AOFSH- or pAOFSH-treated rats hypophysectomized 24 h after injection and subsequently treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin in dosage approximating the amount of gonadotrophin secreted endogenously during dioestrus. The results imply (1) that the pre-ovulatory surge of LH release is not essential for follicular development during the oncoming cycle whereas (2) a surge of FSH release is required for the formation of the new cohort of antral follicles that is normally seen at the start of a new cycle.", "PMID": 987150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2336", "title": "Stability of RNA synthesized by the mouse oocyte during its major growth phase.", "content": "The RNA of growing mouse oocytes and ovulated ova was labeled by injection of a solution containing tritiated uridine into the ovarian bursa. The time course of incorporation into RNA by oocytes was followed by analysis of alkali-labile acid insoluble radioactivity and by autoradiography. The results show that most of the incorporation into RNA by growing oocytes takes place within one day of bursal injection of the precursor, reflecting the rapid fall of label in the acid soluble precursor pool. The RNA of growing oocytes of all sizes is unusually stable, at least 80% of the labeled RNA present two days after bursal injection being retained until ovulation 10 to 20 days later. The fraction of heterogeneous RNA in labeled RNA of ova was estimated as 20% by sucrose gradient analysis. It is likely that egg RNA is synthesized primarily during the period of oocyte growth one to three weeks before ovulation.", "contents": "Stability of RNA synthesized by the mouse oocyte during its major growth phase. The RNA of growing mouse oocytes and ovulated ova was labeled by injection of a solution containing tritiated uridine into the ovarian bursa. The time course of incorporation into RNA by oocytes was followed by analysis of alkali-labile acid insoluble radioactivity and by autoradiography. The results show that most of the incorporation into RNA by growing oocytes takes place within one day of bursal injection of the precursor, reflecting the rapid fall of label in the acid soluble precursor pool. The RNA of growing oocytes of all sizes is unusually stable, at least 80% of the labeled RNA present two days after bursal injection being retained until ovulation 10 to 20 days later. The fraction of heterogeneous RNA in labeled RNA of ova was estimated as 20% by sucrose gradient analysis. It is likely that egg RNA is synthesized primarily during the period of oocyte growth one to three weeks before ovulation.", "PMID": 987153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2337", "title": "Release of DNA template restrictions in rabbit spermatozoa and rat liver nuclei.", "content": "The effects of disulfide reduction on DNA template activity of rabbit sperm and rat liver nuclei are compared. After treatment of rabbit spermatozoa with 5 mM dithiothreitol and 1% Triton X-100 for 90 minutes at room temperature, sperm nuclei decondense and nuclear template restrictions for DNA synthesis are released. By contrast, similar thiol treatment of isolated rat liver nuclei fails to release DNA template restrictions. These results suggest a significant difference in the control of template activity in mammalian sperm and somatic cell nuclei.", "contents": "Release of DNA template restrictions in rabbit spermatozoa and rat liver nuclei. The effects of disulfide reduction on DNA template activity of rabbit sperm and rat liver nuclei are compared. After treatment of rabbit spermatozoa with 5 mM dithiothreitol and 1% Triton X-100 for 90 minutes at room temperature, sperm nuclei decondense and nuclear template restrictions for DNA synthesis are released. By contrast, similar thiol treatment of isolated rat liver nuclei fails to release DNA template restrictions. These results suggest a significant difference in the control of template activity in mammalian sperm and somatic cell nuclei.", "PMID": 987154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2338", "title": "Analysis of baby hamster kidney cells persistently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.", "content": "Baby hamster kidney cells were persistently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus (BHKpi cells). After 21 passages of the BHKpi cells infectious virus could no longer be detected; however, the cultures continued to produce LCM virus particles which interfered with the replication of infectious LCM virus in BHKpi cells and protected mice from a subsequent intracranial inoculation of infectious LCM virus. Cultures of BHKpi cells appeared to consist of three cell populations: uninfected cells, infected cells containing infectious LCM virus, and infected cells releasing interfering particles of LCM virus.", "contents": "Analysis of baby hamster kidney cells persistently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Baby hamster kidney cells were persistently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus (BHKpi cells). After 21 passages of the BHKpi cells infectious virus could no longer be detected; however, the cultures continued to produce LCM virus particles which interfered with the replication of infectious LCM virus in BHKpi cells and protected mice from a subsequent intracranial inoculation of infectious LCM virus. Cultures of BHKpi cells appeared to consist of three cell populations: uninfected cells, infected cells containing infectious LCM virus, and infected cells releasing interfering particles of LCM virus.", "PMID": 987157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2339", "title": "[Parkinson's disease and anosmia in monozygotic twin sisters (author's transl)].", "content": "Monozygotic twin sisters developed Parkinson's disease and anosmia at the age of 39. The disease was kept under control and regressed with L. Dopa. Two families with the same association had been previously reported. An anomaly of the metabolism of dopamine, genetically determined, is probably responsible for these disorders.", "contents": "[Parkinson's disease and anosmia in monozygotic twin sisters (author's transl)]. Monozygotic twin sisters developed Parkinson's disease and anosmia at the age of 39. The disease was kept under control and regressed with L. Dopa. Two families with the same association had been previously reported. An anomaly of the metabolism of dopamine, genetically determined, is probably responsible for these disorders.", "PMID": 987158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2340", "title": "Psychological development and blood levels of sex steroids in male identical twins of divergent sexual orientation.", "content": "Despite differences in psychological development and personality structure, blood levels of testosterone and estradiol were equivalent in two monozygotic male twins of divergent sexual orientation.", "contents": "Psychological development and blood levels of sex steroids in male identical twins of divergent sexual orientation. Despite differences in psychological development and personality structure, blood levels of testosterone and estradiol were equivalent in two monozygotic male twins of divergent sexual orientation.", "PMID": 987159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2341", "title": "Effects of treatment of whole fat soybeans or soy flour with formaldehyde to protect the polyunsaturated fatty acids from biohydrogenation in the rumen.", "content": "Full-fat, ground soy flour (GSF) was treated with 37% formaldehyde (HCHO) and evaluated by in vitro and in vivo criteria to determine the protection afforded linoleic acid against ruminal biohydrogenation when the materials described above were fed as a protein supplement to rations for growing lambs. The supplements compared were soybean meal (SBM), uked for 2 hours. Organoleptic evaluations were conducted to determine if any flavor differences in meat from lambs fed these supplements could be detected. Excellent protection of linoleic acid, the major polyunsaturated fatty acid in soybeans, was noted both in vitro and in vivo. Rump, shoulder, kidney knob and omental fat depots of lambs fed the HCHO treated GSF ration had significantly more linoleic acid than lambs fed untreated GSF while lambs fed untreated GSF had significantly, more linoleic acid in their fat depots than lambs fed SBM. Linoleic acid content of intramuscular (loin) fat from lambs fed HCHO treated GSF was not significantly different from lambs fed untreated GSF, but lambs fed untreated GSF had significantly more loin linoleic acid than lambs fed SBM. No significant differences were noted in daily feed intake, feed efficiency or average daily gain for lambs fed growing-finishing rations containing any of the products tested as the protein supplement. A taste panel could not detect any differences in flavor of ground loin among any of the treatments.", "contents": "Effects of treatment of whole fat soybeans or soy flour with formaldehyde to protect the polyunsaturated fatty acids from biohydrogenation in the rumen. Full-fat, ground soy flour (GSF) was treated with 37% formaldehyde (HCHO) and evaluated by in vitro and in vivo criteria to determine the protection afforded linoleic acid against ruminal biohydrogenation when the materials described above were fed as a protein supplement to rations for growing lambs. The supplements compared were soybean meal (SBM), uked for 2 hours. Organoleptic evaluations were conducted to determine if any flavor differences in meat from lambs fed these supplements could be detected. Excellent protection of linoleic acid, the major polyunsaturated fatty acid in soybeans, was noted both in vitro and in vivo. Rump, shoulder, kidney knob and omental fat depots of lambs fed the HCHO treated GSF ration had significantly more linoleic acid than lambs fed untreated GSF while lambs fed untreated GSF had significantly, more linoleic acid in their fat depots than lambs fed SBM. Linoleic acid content of intramuscular (loin) fat from lambs fed HCHO treated GSF was not significantly different from lambs fed untreated GSF, but lambs fed untreated GSF had significantly more loin linoleic acid than lambs fed SBM. No significant differences were noted in daily feed intake, feed efficiency or average daily gain for lambs fed growing-finishing rations containing any of the products tested as the protein supplement. A taste panel could not detect any differences in flavor of ground loin among any of the treatments.", "PMID": 987164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2342", "title": "Effect of water of hydration on the measurement of the protein efficiency ratio of casein and soybean protein with rats.", "content": "The hydration of soybean protein or casein prior to mixing of the diet improves the apparent protein efficiency ratio (PER). The PER of soybean protein was improved more than that of casein, so that an increase in adjusted PER of soybean protein was observed also. The improvement did not appear to be associated with digestibility. It is theorized that some diets with dry protein isolates may be less acceptable to the rat due to the dusty nature of the isolate. Consequently, diets with such isolates may have a lower PER. The effect can be overcome by hydrating the protein isolates prior to mixing the diet.", "contents": "Effect of water of hydration on the measurement of the protein efficiency ratio of casein and soybean protein with rats. The hydration of soybean protein or casein prior to mixing of the diet improves the apparent protein efficiency ratio (PER). The PER of soybean protein was improved more than that of casein, so that an increase in adjusted PER of soybean protein was observed also. The improvement did not appear to be associated with digestibility. It is theorized that some diets with dry protein isolates may be less acceptable to the rat due to the dusty nature of the isolate. Consequently, diets with such isolates may have a lower PER. The effect can be overcome by hydrating the protein isolates prior to mixing the diet.", "PMID": 987165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2343", "title": "Effects of dietary carbohydrate, fat and protein on growth, body composition and blood metabolite levels in the dog.", "content": "Six semipurified canned diets ranging in composition from 0 to 62% of energy from carbohydrate and from 20% to 48% of energy from protein were fed to female beagle dogs for 8 months. Additionally, three commercial-type diets were also fed. The effects of these diets on growth, body composition and selected blood metabolite levels in the dogs were studied. The dogs readily consumed each of the nine diets fed. The level of carbohydrate, fat or protein in the diet did not influence body weight gain during the first 16 weeks nor was nitrogen balance affected by the diets. At the end of the 32-week study, dogs fed the high-carbohydrate (62% of energy) diet contained less body fat but an equal-free mass, than did dogs fed lower-carbohydrate (20--42% of energy) diets with a similar quantity of protein. Consumption of carbohydrate-free diets did not influence postprandial levels of circulating glucose or insulin in the dogs. Plasma cholesterol levels were elevated in dogs consuming in the diets high in fat but plasma triglyceride levels were not influenced by the diets fed. Consumption of high-protein (46--48% of energy) diets elevated plasma urea nitrogen levels but had minimal influence on plasma amino acid levels. The general response of these young dogs was not markedly influenced by consumption of diets ranging from carbohydrate-free to high-carbohydrate and from adequate-protein to high-protein.", "contents": "Effects of dietary carbohydrate, fat and protein on growth, body composition and blood metabolite levels in the dog. Six semipurified canned diets ranging in composition from 0 to 62% of energy from carbohydrate and from 20% to 48% of energy from protein were fed to female beagle dogs for 8 months. Additionally, three commercial-type diets were also fed. The effects of these diets on growth, body composition and selected blood metabolite levels in the dogs were studied. The dogs readily consumed each of the nine diets fed. The level of carbohydrate, fat or protein in the diet did not influence body weight gain during the first 16 weeks nor was nitrogen balance affected by the diets. At the end of the 32-week study, dogs fed the high-carbohydrate (62% of energy) diet contained less body fat but an equal-free mass, than did dogs fed lower-carbohydrate (20--42% of energy) diets with a similar quantity of protein. Consumption of carbohydrate-free diets did not influence postprandial levels of circulating glucose or insulin in the dogs. Plasma cholesterol levels were elevated in dogs consuming in the diets high in fat but plasma triglyceride levels were not influenced by the diets fed. Consumption of high-protein (46--48% of energy) diets elevated plasma urea nitrogen levels but had minimal influence on plasma amino acid levels. The general response of these young dogs was not markedly influenced by consumption of diets ranging from carbohydrate-free to high-carbohydrate and from adequate-protein to high-protein.", "PMID": 987166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2344", "title": "Arsenic trioxide absorption and excretion in industry.", "content": "1. A study of 24 smelter workers routinely exposed to arsenic trioxide was conducted to evaluate some characteristics of its absorption and excretion. A statistically significant correlation was found between airborne arsenic trioxide concentrations below 300 mug/m3 and urinary arsenic values below 500 mug/liter. These men wore personal monitors for five consecutive work days and were determined to have been exposed to average airborne arsenic concentrations of 53 mug/m3 (70 mug/m3 of arsenic trioxide) which increased their urinary arsenic values from 152 mug/liter to 200 mug/liter (an average gain on 32%). 2. The background average urinary arsenic value for adult males not exposed to arsenic trioxide in industry was determined to be 52.6 mug/liter for 204 men during preemployment examinations. 3. After removal from industrial arsenic trioxide exposure, the rate of fall in urinary arsenic values varies with the magnitude of the urinary arsenic level. An initial decrease of 9.5% per day was measured for workers having urinary arsenic values below 200 mug/liter. The initial decrease is about 21% per day for workers with urinary arsenic values over 600 mug/liter. 4. It was determined that arsenic in seafood can alter, in a dramatic fashion, the urinary arsenic values determined for smelter workers within 24 hours following consumption. It is recommended, therefore, that the absorption of arsenic trioxide due to industrial exposure is best evaluated from urine samples collected at least two days after seafood has been eaten.", "contents": "Arsenic trioxide absorption and excretion in industry. 1. A study of 24 smelter workers routinely exposed to arsenic trioxide was conducted to evaluate some characteristics of its absorption and excretion. A statistically significant correlation was found between airborne arsenic trioxide concentrations below 300 mug/m3 and urinary arsenic values below 500 mug/liter. These men wore personal monitors for five consecutive work days and were determined to have been exposed to average airborne arsenic concentrations of 53 mug/m3 (70 mug/m3 of arsenic trioxide) which increased their urinary arsenic values from 152 mug/liter to 200 mug/liter (an average gain on 32%). 2. The background average urinary arsenic value for adult males not exposed to arsenic trioxide in industry was determined to be 52.6 mug/liter for 204 men during preemployment examinations. 3. After removal from industrial arsenic trioxide exposure, the rate of fall in urinary arsenic values varies with the magnitude of the urinary arsenic level. An initial decrease of 9.5% per day was measured for workers having urinary arsenic values below 200 mug/liter. The initial decrease is about 21% per day for workers with urinary arsenic values over 600 mug/liter. 4. It was determined that arsenic in seafood can alter, in a dramatic fashion, the urinary arsenic values determined for smelter workers within 24 hours following consumption. It is recommended, therefore, that the absorption of arsenic trioxide due to industrial exposure is best evaluated from urine samples collected at least two days after seafood has been eaten.", "PMID": 987167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2345", "title": "Bochdalek hernias in infants: factors determining mortality.", "content": "From 1950 through 1974, 76 infants with Bochdalek hernias have been surgically repaired. Mortality has been confined to those admitted at under 30 hr of age, and the highest mortality has been among those infants admitted within the first 8 hr of life. A recent increase in mortality is explained by the arrival of a new group of infants who arrived intubated, had large diaphragmatic defects, required postoperative ventilatory assistance, and had hypoplastic lungs at autopsy. Six infants might have benefited from an early intervention to hasten closure of their patent ductus arteriosus. Since we cannot be positive that intubation of these infants prior to arrival will not have a deleterious effect, we urge great discretion in choosing which infants to intubate.", "contents": "Bochdalek hernias in infants: factors determining mortality. From 1950 through 1974, 76 infants with Bochdalek hernias have been surgically repaired. Mortality has been confined to those admitted at under 30 hr of age, and the highest mortality has been among those infants admitted within the first 8 hr of life. A recent increase in mortality is explained by the arrival of a new group of infants who arrived intubated, had large diaphragmatic defects, required postoperative ventilatory assistance, and had hypoplastic lungs at autopsy. Six infants might have benefited from an early intervention to hasten closure of their patent ductus arteriosus. Since we cannot be positive that intubation of these infants prior to arrival will not have a deleterious effect, we urge great discretion in choosing which infants to intubate.", "PMID": 987182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2346", "title": "A longitudinal study of the genetics of personality.", "content": "A longitudinal twin study was conducted to determine whether personality traits with significant heritability in adolescence remain so in adulthood. A subsample of a group of twins who had been administered in Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and the California Psychological Inventory in adolescence was readministered the same two inventories 12 years later. The subsample was found to be representative of the sample from which it was drawn. Different patterns of significantly heritability were found for the two ages studied: Several personality traits demonstrated evidence of significant heritability in either adolescence or adulthood, while others demonstrated evidence of significant heritability at both ages. In addition, genetic influences on the change from adolescence to adulthood were found for several personality traits. The results raise important questions for the interpretation of twin research and the understanding of genetic influences on personality development.", "contents": "A longitudinal study of the genetics of personality. A longitudinal twin study was conducted to determine whether personality traits with significant heritability in adolescence remain so in adulthood. A subsample of a group of twins who had been administered in Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and the California Psychological Inventory in adolescence was readministered the same two inventories 12 years later. The subsample was found to be representative of the sample from which it was drawn. Different patterns of significantly heritability were found for the two ages studied: Several personality traits demonstrated evidence of significant heritability in either adolescence or adulthood, while others demonstrated evidence of significant heritability at both ages. In addition, genetic influences on the change from adolescence to adulthood were found for several personality traits. The results raise important questions for the interpretation of twin research and the understanding of genetic influences on personality development.", "PMID": 987183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2347", "title": "Effects of ewe proximity on peripheral plasma testosterone levels and behaviour in the ram.", "content": "Groups of yearling and immature rams were kept for 6 months during the breeding season either adjacent to or apart from ovariectomized ewes in which oestrus was induced by hormone therapy. The older rams kept near ewes were found to have larger testes, higher plasma testosterone levels and greater sexual and aggressive activity, although the immature animals showed no response. Plasma testosterone concentration was also found to increase after copulation in some animals.", "contents": "Effects of ewe proximity on peripheral plasma testosterone levels and behaviour in the ram. Groups of yearling and immature rams were kept for 6 months during the breeding season either adjacent to or apart from ovariectomized ewes in which oestrus was induced by hormone therapy. The older rams kept near ewes were found to have larger testes, higher plasma testosterone levels and greater sexual and aggressive activity, although the immature animals showed no response. Plasma testosterone concentration was also found to increase after copulation in some animals.", "PMID": 987244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2348", "title": "A comparison of metal and plastic cannulae for performing vacuum.", "content": "A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a metal or flexible plastic 8 mm cannula for artificial abortion by vacuum aspiration for patients at six to 10 weeks' gestation. Complication rates, amounts of retained tissue (obtained with a curette check), frequencies of cannula obstructions and procedure times were used as criteria for determining the efficacy of the two types of cannulae. Two physicians participated in the study: one was responsible for the preliminary examination and performance of the abortion, and the other physician, who was kept unaware of the type of cannula used, was responsible for patient care after completions of the abortion to the time of the follow-up visit. Paracervical block anesthesia was used in all cases. Differences in complication rates (controlled for gestational age) between groups of subjects aborted with either the metal or flexible plastic cannula were not significantly different (p less than .05). For both patient groups shock was the most frequently reported immediate complication (2.7% in the metal cannula group, 4,7% in the flexible plastic cannula group), and leukorrhea was the most frequently reported complication at the time of follow-up (3.3% metal, 5.3% flexible plastic). Amounts of retained tissue and frequency of cannulae obstruction were similar for both groups. Procedure times were also similar for both groups (means of 5.7 minutes and 5.5 minutes, respectively, for procedures performed with the metal and flexible plastic cannulae).", "contents": "A comparison of metal and plastic cannulae for performing vacuum. A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a metal or flexible plastic 8 mm cannula for artificial abortion by vacuum aspiration for patients at six to 10 weeks' gestation. Complication rates, amounts of retained tissue (obtained with a curette check), frequencies of cannula obstructions and procedure times were used as criteria for determining the efficacy of the two types of cannulae. Two physicians participated in the study: one was responsible for the preliminary examination and performance of the abortion, and the other physician, who was kept unaware of the type of cannula used, was responsible for patient care after completions of the abortion to the time of the follow-up visit. Paracervical block anesthesia was used in all cases. Differences in complication rates (controlled for gestational age) between groups of subjects aborted with either the metal or flexible plastic cannula were not significantly different (p less than .05). For both patient groups shock was the most frequently reported immediate complication (2.7% in the metal cannula group, 4,7% in the flexible plastic cannula group), and leukorrhea was the most frequently reported complication at the time of follow-up (3.3% metal, 5.3% flexible plastic). Amounts of retained tissue and frequency of cannulae obstruction were similar for both groups. Procedure times were also similar for both groups (means of 5.7 minutes and 5.5 minutes, respectively, for procedures performed with the metal and flexible plastic cannulae).", "PMID": 987245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2349", "title": "Congenital abnormalities and selective abortion.", "content": "The technique of amniocentesis, by which an abnormal fetus can be detected in utero, has brought a technological advance in medical science but attendant medical and moral problems. Dr Seller describes those congenital disabilities which can be detected in the fetus before birth, for which the \"remedy\" is selective abortion. She then discusses the arguments for and against selective abortion, for the issue is not simple, even in the strictly genetic sense of attempting to ensure a population free of congenital abnormality.", "contents": "Congenital abnormalities and selective abortion. The technique of amniocentesis, by which an abnormal fetus can be detected in utero, has brought a technological advance in medical science but attendant medical and moral problems. Dr Seller describes those congenital disabilities which can be detected in the fetus before birth, for which the \"remedy\" is selective abortion. She then discusses the arguments for and against selective abortion, for the issue is not simple, even in the strictly genetic sense of attempting to ensure a population free of congenital abnormality.", "PMID": 987246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2350", "title": "Characteristics of Sindbis virus temperature-sensitive mutants in cultured BHK-21 and Aedes albopictus (Mosquito) cells.", "content": "A number of the temperature-sensitive mutants of Sindbis virus originally isolated and characterized by Burge and Pfefferkorn (1966, 1968) were reexamined for their abilities to grow and complement one another in cultured BHK-21 and Aedes albopictus (mosquito) cells. The response of the mutants to conditions of high and low temperature was similar in cultured cells of both the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Complementation experiments in BHK-21 cells produced growth patterns similar to those described by Burge and Pfefferkorn for chicken embryo fibroblast cells (1966) and placed the mutants into six nonoverlapping complementation groups. When examined in the cultured mosquito cells, only three of the nine mutants used in this study demonstrated complementation under a variety of experimental conditions. Homologous interference experiments demonstrated that the unusual patterns of complementation obtained in the A. albopictus cells did not result from an inefficient infection of the invertebrate cells by the mutants.", "contents": "Characteristics of Sindbis virus temperature-sensitive mutants in cultured BHK-21 and Aedes albopictus (Mosquito) cells. A number of the temperature-sensitive mutants of Sindbis virus originally isolated and characterized by Burge and Pfefferkorn (1966, 1968) were reexamined for their abilities to grow and complement one another in cultured BHK-21 and Aedes albopictus (mosquito) cells. The response of the mutants to conditions of high and low temperature was similar in cultured cells of both the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Complementation experiments in BHK-21 cells produced growth patterns similar to those described by Burge and Pfefferkorn for chicken embryo fibroblast cells (1966) and placed the mutants into six nonoverlapping complementation groups. When examined in the cultured mosquito cells, only three of the nine mutants used in this study demonstrated complementation under a variety of experimental conditions. Homologous interference experiments demonstrated that the unusual patterns of complementation obtained in the A. albopictus cells did not result from an inefficient infection of the invertebrate cells by the mutants.", "PMID": 987251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2351", "title": "Physical and chemical characterization of an avian reovirus.", "content": "The avian viral agent S1133 has previously been classified serologically as a member of the avian reovirus group. This viral agent grows in chicken embryo fibroblast cells, bands at a density of 1.37 g/ml in CsCl equilibrium density gradients, has a particle diameter of 75 nm, and has a morphology similar to that of human reovirus type 3. Its nucleic acid is comprised of double-stranded RNA and adenosine-rich oligonucleotides. The dsRNA is distributed among 10 segments with molecular weights of 2.7 x 10(6), 2.6 x 10(6), 1.7 x 10(6), 1.5 x 10(6), 1.3 x 10(6), 1.2 x 10(6), 0.80 x 10(6), 0.74 x 10(6), and 0.68 x 10(6) for the largest (L1) to the smallest (S4) segment, respectively, as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These 10 segments migrate differently on polyacrylamide gels compared to those of human reovirus type 3. The capsid proteins of avian reovirus consist of eight species of polypeptides as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These are lambda1, lambda2, lambda3, mu1, mu2, sigma1, sigma2, and sigma3 with molecular weights of 140, 125, 115, 85, 72, 40, 36, and 32 x 10(3), respectively. Only polypeptide sigma2, which resides in the inner capsid or core, comigrated with the sigma2 polypeptide of type 3 reovirus. Antiserum against type 3 reovirus did not neutralize avian reovirus. Avian reovirus core particles were found to possess a transcriptase and a methylase activity.", "contents": "Physical and chemical characterization of an avian reovirus. The avian viral agent S1133 has previously been classified serologically as a member of the avian reovirus group. This viral agent grows in chicken embryo fibroblast cells, bands at a density of 1.37 g/ml in CsCl equilibrium density gradients, has a particle diameter of 75 nm, and has a morphology similar to that of human reovirus type 3. Its nucleic acid is comprised of double-stranded RNA and adenosine-rich oligonucleotides. The dsRNA is distributed among 10 segments with molecular weights of 2.7 x 10(6), 2.6 x 10(6), 1.7 x 10(6), 1.5 x 10(6), 1.3 x 10(6), 1.2 x 10(6), 0.80 x 10(6), 0.74 x 10(6), and 0.68 x 10(6) for the largest (L1) to the smallest (S4) segment, respectively, as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These 10 segments migrate differently on polyacrylamide gels compared to those of human reovirus type 3. The capsid proteins of avian reovirus consist of eight species of polypeptides as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These are lambda1, lambda2, lambda3, mu1, mu2, sigma1, sigma2, and sigma3 with molecular weights of 140, 125, 115, 85, 72, 40, 36, and 32 x 10(3), respectively. Only polypeptide sigma2, which resides in the inner capsid or core, comigrated with the sigma2 polypeptide of type 3 reovirus. Antiserum against type 3 reovirus did not neutralize avian reovirus. Avian reovirus core particles were found to possess a transcriptase and a methylase activity.", "PMID": 987252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2352", "title": "Nonpermissive infection of L cells by an avian reovirus: restricted transcription of the viral genome.", "content": "Avian reovirus multiples in chicken embryo fibroblasts. Although the avian virus adsorbs to L cells and is uncoated therein, it does not multiply. In the nonpermissive infection of L cells with the avian reovirus only four of the genomic segments of the viral genome are transcribed, L1, M3, S3, and S4, and these are the same segments that have been designated previously as early functions in the permissive infection of L cells with type 3 reovirus. When L cells are co-infected with avian reovirus and type 3 virus all ten segments of the avian viral genome are transcribed, although there is no synthesis of avian viral double-stranded RNA. Type 3 reovirus multiplies almost normally in this mixed infection. The most likely explanation is that a cellular repressor blocks transcription of the six late segments of the avian viral genome and that this repressor is removed by the co-infection with type 3 virus. A second block prevents replication of the viral genome.", "contents": "Nonpermissive infection of L cells by an avian reovirus: restricted transcription of the viral genome. Avian reovirus multiples in chicken embryo fibroblasts. Although the avian virus adsorbs to L cells and is uncoated therein, it does not multiply. In the nonpermissive infection of L cells with the avian reovirus only four of the genomic segments of the viral genome are transcribed, L1, M3, S3, and S4, and these are the same segments that have been designated previously as early functions in the permissive infection of L cells with type 3 reovirus. When L cells are co-infected with avian reovirus and type 3 virus all ten segments of the avian viral genome are transcribed, although there is no synthesis of avian viral double-stranded RNA. Type 3 reovirus multiplies almost normally in this mixed infection. The most likely explanation is that a cellular repressor blocks transcription of the six late segments of the avian viral genome and that this repressor is removed by the co-infection with type 3 virus. A second block prevents replication of the viral genome.", "PMID": 987253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2353", "title": "Time-course changes in blood pressure, urinary excretion of norepinephrine and dopamine after administration of fusaric acid in a single dose in elderly hypertensive patients.", "content": "Time-course changes in blood pressure, urinary norepinephrine and dopamine excretion after administration in a single dose of fusaric acid calcium salt were examined in 8 elderly hypertensive patients. Eight elderly hypertensive patients served as controls receiving placebo administration in a single dose. The dose of fusaric acid calcium salt ranged from 5.1 mg/Kg to 6.0 mg/Kg. The results obtained are as follows: 1) Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a significant reduction in fusaric acid calcium salt group, the lowest value of systolic blood pressure being observed from 4 to 8 hrs. and that of diastolic blood pressure being observed from 4 to 6 hrs. after administration of this agent, respectively. Systolic blood pressure returned more slowly to the level before fusaric acid calcium salt administration than diatolic blood pressure did. In placebo group, however, no significant reduction of both systolic and diastolic blood pressures was noted. 2) In fusaric acid calcium salt group, norepinephrine excretion in the urine did not show a diurnal change. In placebo group, however, a tendency of diurnal change was noted. These results would suggest that noepinephrine synthesis might be inhibited temporalily by fusaric acid calcijm salt. 3) In fusaric acid calcium salt group, dopamine excretion in the urine did hardly show a diurnal change. In placebo group, however, a fairly evident diurnal change was observed. The interpretation of these results seems to be difficult in the present state of knowledge of the action of fusaric acid calcium salt in humans.", "contents": "Time-course changes in blood pressure, urinary excretion of norepinephrine and dopamine after administration of fusaric acid in a single dose in elderly hypertensive patients. Time-course changes in blood pressure, urinary norepinephrine and dopamine excretion after administration in a single dose of fusaric acid calcium salt were examined in 8 elderly hypertensive patients. Eight elderly hypertensive patients served as controls receiving placebo administration in a single dose. The dose of fusaric acid calcium salt ranged from 5.1 mg/Kg to 6.0 mg/Kg. The results obtained are as follows: 1) Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a significant reduction in fusaric acid calcium salt group, the lowest value of systolic blood pressure being observed from 4 to 8 hrs. and that of diastolic blood pressure being observed from 4 to 6 hrs. after administration of this agent, respectively. Systolic blood pressure returned more slowly to the level before fusaric acid calcium salt administration than diatolic blood pressure did. In placebo group, however, no significant reduction of both systolic and diastolic blood pressures was noted. 2) In fusaric acid calcium salt group, norepinephrine excretion in the urine did not show a diurnal change. In placebo group, however, a tendency of diurnal change was noted. These results would suggest that noepinephrine synthesis might be inhibited temporalily by fusaric acid calcijm salt. 3) In fusaric acid calcium salt group, dopamine excretion in the urine did hardly show a diurnal change. In placebo group, however, a fairly evident diurnal change was observed. The interpretation of these results seems to be difficult in the present state of knowledge of the action of fusaric acid calcium salt in humans.", "PMID": 987254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2354", "title": "Reduction of the hypoxia-induced depression in the intracellular electrical activity of the ventricular muscle fibers of the rabbit fed on food containing Crataegutt.", "content": "The rabbits were divided at random into 2 groups: one was fed for 6 weeks on the rabbit food containing 5 mg Crataegutt per 100 Gm food (CR group), and the other was fed for the same period on the commercial rabbit food and used as a control. Intracellular records were made from fibers in the ventricle of isolated rabbit heart. The inhibitory influences of hypoxia on the resting membrane potential and on the amplitude of action potential of the fiber of the CR group are significantly less than those of the control group. However, the inhibitory influence on the time courses of contraction of the papillary muscle was almost the same between these 2 groups.", "contents": "Reduction of the hypoxia-induced depression in the intracellular electrical activity of the ventricular muscle fibers of the rabbit fed on food containing Crataegutt. The rabbits were divided at random into 2 groups: one was fed for 6 weeks on the rabbit food containing 5 mg Crataegutt per 100 Gm food (CR group), and the other was fed for the same period on the commercial rabbit food and used as a control. Intracellular records were made from fibers in the ventricle of isolated rabbit heart. The inhibitory influences of hypoxia on the resting membrane potential and on the amplitude of action potential of the fiber of the CR group are significantly less than those of the control group. However, the inhibitory influence on the time courses of contraction of the papillary muscle was almost the same between these 2 groups.", "PMID": 987279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2355", "title": "[Finger vasomotor, heart rate, and electrodermal measures of orienting and defensive reflexes (author's transl)].", "content": "The present study was carried out to differentiate orienting reflexes (OR) from defensive reflexes (DR) using 20 female college students as Ss. All Ss received 5 stimulations of 1 sec weak tone (1000 Hz, 40 dB) and 5 stimulation of 1 sec strong tone (white noise, 100 dB) in a randomized order and time interval. Finger pulse amplitude (PA), finger blood content (BC), heart rate (HR), and palmar skin potential reflex (SPR) were recorded simultaneously. BC decrease, HR deceleration, and negative wave of SPR occurred to weak stimulations, while increase, acceleration, and positive wave occurred to strong stimulations. Both intensities of stimulation produced a decrease in PA. These results were discussed in relation to the autonomic changes involved in OR and DR.", "contents": "[Finger vasomotor, heart rate, and electrodermal measures of orienting and defensive reflexes (author's transl)]. The present study was carried out to differentiate orienting reflexes (OR) from defensive reflexes (DR) using 20 female college students as Ss. All Ss received 5 stimulations of 1 sec weak tone (1000 Hz, 40 dB) and 5 stimulation of 1 sec strong tone (white noise, 100 dB) in a randomized order and time interval. Finger pulse amplitude (PA), finger blood content (BC), heart rate (HR), and palmar skin potential reflex (SPR) were recorded simultaneously. BC decrease, HR deceleration, and negative wave of SPR occurred to weak stimulations, while increase, acceleration, and positive wave occurred to strong stimulations. Both intensities of stimulation produced a decrease in PA. These results were discussed in relation to the autonomic changes involved in OR and DR.", "PMID": 987464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2356", "title": "[Endoscopic electromyographic study on upper gastrointestinal tract (author's transl)].", "content": "Recently we made the electromyographic study on human gastrointestinal tract using the endoscopic method is useful for the clinical studies of the patho-physiological aspects on human gastrointestinal tract. The silver bipolar needle electrode which was 0.2 mm in diameter, 10 mm in length and 1.0 mm in interpolar distance and the electroencephalography recorder provided with pen-writer were used for this research. The endoscopy was done to the volunteer anesthetized his pharynx with xylocaine spray. 20 cases of gastro-electromyograms, 35 cases of duodeno-electromyograms and 5 cases of the electromyograms of duodenal papilla were recorded. On these endoscopic electromygorams, the typical rhythms and patterns of electrical activities were disturbed by various kinds of factors; that is, on the endoscopic manipulation, the sticking of needle electrode into the shallow layer of gastrointestinal wall and automatical pouring of water into canal through the endoscope. On volunteers' condition, his deep breathing, electrocardiogram and vasotonic condition were important factors. Typical duodeno-electromyograms showed the grouped spikes synchronizing with the duodenal peristalsis observed endoscopically. The electromyograms of the duodenal papilla showed the similar patterns and rhythms to those of duodeno-electromyograms on active phase. In the clinical study on the correlation and propagation between gastric and duodenal motility, the rhythms of electrical activities on duodeno-electromyograms were not similar to the rhythms of gastric peristalsis at the prepyloric region. The propagation of gastric movement to duodenal bulb were not able to be clarified. We assumed that the gastric and duodenal motility occurred each other on the different rhythms.", "contents": "[Endoscopic electromyographic study on upper gastrointestinal tract (author's transl)]. Recently we made the electromyographic study on human gastrointestinal tract using the endoscopic method is useful for the clinical studies of the patho-physiological aspects on human gastrointestinal tract. The silver bipolar needle electrode which was 0.2 mm in diameter, 10 mm in length and 1.0 mm in interpolar distance and the electroencephalography recorder provided with pen-writer were used for this research. The endoscopy was done to the volunteer anesthetized his pharynx with xylocaine spray. 20 cases of gastro-electromyograms, 35 cases of duodeno-electromyograms and 5 cases of the electromyograms of duodenal papilla were recorded. On these endoscopic electromygorams, the typical rhythms and patterns of electrical activities were disturbed by various kinds of factors; that is, on the endoscopic manipulation, the sticking of needle electrode into the shallow layer of gastrointestinal wall and automatical pouring of water into canal through the endoscope. On volunteers' condition, his deep breathing, electrocardiogram and vasotonic condition were important factors. Typical duodeno-electromyograms showed the grouped spikes synchronizing with the duodenal peristalsis observed endoscopically. The electromyograms of the duodenal papilla showed the similar patterns and rhythms to those of duodeno-electromyograms on active phase. In the clinical study on the correlation and propagation between gastric and duodenal motility, the rhythms of electrical activities on duodeno-electromyograms were not similar to the rhythms of gastric peristalsis at the prepyloric region. The propagation of gastric movement to duodenal bulb were not able to be clarified. We assumed that the gastric and duodenal motility occurred each other on the different rhythms.", "PMID": 987487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2357", "title": "[Electromyographic studies on gastric and intestinal motor function following pylorus preserving gastrectomy with jejunal interposition in dogs (author's transl)].", "content": "The gastric and intestinal motor function following pylorus preserving gastrectomy with jejunal interposition were studied electromyographically in dogs. The action potentials were recorded from the interposed jejunal segment, the preserving pylorus and the duodenum before and after insertion of warm water. Studies were made on the frequency, the propagation velocity of the spike-bursts in the portions mentioned above, and the incidence of the spike-bursts which propagated from the distal porition of the interposed jejunal segment to the preserving pylorus, and from the preserving pylorus to the proximal portion of the duodenum. The results obtained are as follows: 1) The frequency of the spike-bursts found in the interposed jejunal segment, the preserving pylorus, and the duodenum showed a remarkable increase after insertion of warm water. 2) The propagation velocity of the spike-bursts in the interposed jejunal segment, the preserving pylorus, and the duodenum were accelerated after insertion of warm water. 3) There were observed a moderate increase in the incidence of the spike-bursts which propagated from the distal portion of the interposed jejunal segment to the preserving pylorus, and from the preserving pylorus to the proximal portion of the duodenum after insertion of warm water. These findings suggested that the motor function of the interposed jejunal segment, that of the preserving pylorus, and that of the duodenum after pylorus preserving gastrectomy with jejunal interposition might be kept not yet injured enough to transport the contents from the interposed jejunal segment into the duodenum.", "contents": "[Electromyographic studies on gastric and intestinal motor function following pylorus preserving gastrectomy with jejunal interposition in dogs (author's transl)]. The gastric and intestinal motor function following pylorus preserving gastrectomy with jejunal interposition were studied electromyographically in dogs. The action potentials were recorded from the interposed jejunal segment, the preserving pylorus and the duodenum before and after insertion of warm water. Studies were made on the frequency, the propagation velocity of the spike-bursts in the portions mentioned above, and the incidence of the spike-bursts which propagated from the distal porition of the interposed jejunal segment to the preserving pylorus, and from the preserving pylorus to the proximal portion of the duodenum. The results obtained are as follows: 1) The frequency of the spike-bursts found in the interposed jejunal segment, the preserving pylorus, and the duodenum showed a remarkable increase after insertion of warm water. 2) The propagation velocity of the spike-bursts in the interposed jejunal segment, the preserving pylorus, and the duodenum were accelerated after insertion of warm water. 3) There were observed a moderate increase in the incidence of the spike-bursts which propagated from the distal portion of the interposed jejunal segment to the preserving pylorus, and from the preserving pylorus to the proximal portion of the duodenum after insertion of warm water. These findings suggested that the motor function of the interposed jejunal segment, that of the preserving pylorus, and that of the duodenum after pylorus preserving gastrectomy with jejunal interposition might be kept not yet injured enough to transport the contents from the interposed jejunal segment into the duodenum.", "PMID": 987488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2358", "title": "[The central neural mechanism of the gastric motility in the dog's medulla oblongata on the vagal inhibitory and excitatory reflexes (author's transl)].", "content": "The influences of the vagal inhibitory and excitatory reflexes on the gastric motor centers in the dog's medulla oblongata were investigated. Dogs were anaesthetized with Nembutal, and supplemented Gallamine at need. The brain stem was transected on the level of inferior colliculi of midbrain, the spinal cord transected on the level of between C1 and C2. Bilateral splanchnic nerves were also severed. Electrical activities from the inhibitory and excitatory areas in medulla oblongata were recorded by using a concentric circle electrode which was inserted into medulla oblongata from the dorsal surface of it. Following results were obtaind. 1) Electrical activities of the gastric inhibitory areas were classifed into three types (see Table 1). Type I: The augmentation of electrical activities of the gastric inhibitory areas during theinhibitory reflex were associated with the diminution of them during the exictatory reflex. Type II: Although electrical activities of the gastric inhibitory areas were augmented during the inhibitory reflex, any changes of them were not obtained during the excitatory reflex. Type III: Any changes of electrical activities of the gastric inhibitory areas were not obtained during both inhibitory and excitatory reflexes. 2) Electrical activities of the gastric excitatory areas were classified into two types (see Table 2). Type I: The diminution of electrical activites of the gastric excitatory areas during the inhibitory reflex were associated with the augmentation of them during the excitatory reflex. Type II: Although any changes of electrical activities of the gastric excitatory areas were not observed during the inhibitory reflex, they were augmented during the excitatory reflex.", "contents": "[The central neural mechanism of the gastric motility in the dog's medulla oblongata on the vagal inhibitory and excitatory reflexes (author's transl)]. The influences of the vagal inhibitory and excitatory reflexes on the gastric motor centers in the dog's medulla oblongata were investigated. Dogs were anaesthetized with Nembutal, and supplemented Gallamine at need. The brain stem was transected on the level of inferior colliculi of midbrain, the spinal cord transected on the level of between C1 and C2. Bilateral splanchnic nerves were also severed. Electrical activities from the inhibitory and excitatory areas in medulla oblongata were recorded by using a concentric circle electrode which was inserted into medulla oblongata from the dorsal surface of it. Following results were obtaind. 1) Electrical activities of the gastric inhibitory areas were classifed into three types (see Table 1). Type I: The augmentation of electrical activities of the gastric inhibitory areas during theinhibitory reflex were associated with the diminution of them during the exictatory reflex. Type II: Although electrical activities of the gastric inhibitory areas were augmented during the inhibitory reflex, any changes of them were not obtained during the excitatory reflex. Type III: Any changes of electrical activities of the gastric inhibitory areas were not obtained during both inhibitory and excitatory reflexes. 2) Electrical activities of the gastric excitatory areas were classified into two types (see Table 2). Type I: The diminution of electrical activites of the gastric excitatory areas during the inhibitory reflex were associated with the augmentation of them during the excitatory reflex. Type II: Although any changes of electrical activities of the gastric excitatory areas were not observed during the inhibitory reflex, they were augmented during the excitatory reflex.", "PMID": 987489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2359", "title": "[The influence of transection of extrinsic nerves to stomach on the fluctuation of intragastric pressure in dog (author's transl)].", "content": "Twelve adult dogs fasted over night were used under Nembutal anesthesia. The intragastric pressure was measured by strain-gauge method with open tip cannula via duodenum. The stomach was filled through the cannula with 50 ml of Ringer's solution in a stepwise manner every two minutes until a total of 600 ml. Following results were obtained: 1) The intragastric pressure was more elevated on the vagotomized and the splanchnicotomized dogs than on the intact animals by a stepwise augmentation of Ringer's solution. 2) On the animals which were transected totally the extrinsic nerves, the increase of the intragastric pressure was the most. 3) It may be concluded that the elevation of intragastric pressure after denervation of the extrinsic nerves, due to the abolitions of vagal and splanchnic inhibitory reflexes.", "contents": "[The influence of transection of extrinsic nerves to stomach on the fluctuation of intragastric pressure in dog (author's transl)]. Twelve adult dogs fasted over night were used under Nembutal anesthesia. The intragastric pressure was measured by strain-gauge method with open tip cannula via duodenum. The stomach was filled through the cannula with 50 ml of Ringer's solution in a stepwise manner every two minutes until a total of 600 ml. Following results were obtained: 1) The intragastric pressure was more elevated on the vagotomized and the splanchnicotomized dogs than on the intact animals by a stepwise augmentation of Ringer's solution. 2) On the animals which were transected totally the extrinsic nerves, the increase of the intragastric pressure was the most. 3) It may be concluded that the elevation of intragastric pressure after denervation of the extrinsic nerves, due to the abolitions of vagal and splanchnic inhibitory reflexes.", "PMID": 987490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2360", "title": "[A contribution to the management of paracentral retinal branch vein obstruction (author's transl)].", "content": "11 eyes (11 patients) with cystoid macular edema secondary to central retinal branch vein occlusion were treated with Laser-coagulations. In 11 eyes macular edema disappeared completely. In 10 eyes visual acuity improved during the next months. One eye developed a macular hole with decrease of visual acuity. The results were compared with a group of 33 eyes (33 patients) which were treated with drugs. In 9 eyes visual acuity improved. In spite of the small number in this survey Laser-coagulation may be of value in the management of cystoid macular edema following retinal branch vein occlusion.", "contents": "[A contribution to the management of paracentral retinal branch vein obstruction (author's transl)]. 11 eyes (11 patients) with cystoid macular edema secondary to central retinal branch vein occlusion were treated with Laser-coagulations. In 11 eyes macular edema disappeared completely. In 10 eyes visual acuity improved during the next months. One eye developed a macular hole with decrease of visual acuity. The results were compared with a group of 33 eyes (33 patients) which were treated with drugs. In 9 eyes visual acuity improved. In spite of the small number in this survey Laser-coagulation may be of value in the management of cystoid macular edema following retinal branch vein occlusion.", "PMID": 987500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2361", "title": "[Prophylactic lasercoagulation of senile retinoschisis (author's transl)].", "content": "135 patients with senile retinoschisis were treated by argon laser coagulation. 73 of them were reexamined after an average interval of 15 months. The treatment consisted of a posterior demarcation by 2-3 lasercoagulation series in the area of the normal retina and in addition treatment of the entire area of retinoschisis. Lasercoagulation was performed, when: 1. the retinoschisis reached the equator or extended postequatorially, 2. a hole in the outer layer was detected, 3. a retinal detachment proceeded from a retinoschisis in the other eye.", "contents": "[Prophylactic lasercoagulation of senile retinoschisis (author's transl)]. 135 patients with senile retinoschisis were treated by argon laser coagulation. 73 of them were reexamined after an average interval of 15 months. The treatment consisted of a posterior demarcation by 2-3 lasercoagulation series in the area of the normal retina and in addition treatment of the entire area of retinoschisis. Lasercoagulation was performed, when: 1. the retinoschisis reached the equator or extended postequatorially, 2. a hole in the outer layer was detected, 3. a retinal detachment proceeded from a retinoschisis in the other eye.", "PMID": 987501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2362", "title": "[Experimental hypertony caused by obstruction of the anterior chamber angle ab interno (author's transl)].", "content": "In 30 rabbits, separated into 3 groups (A, B and C), the entire area (A), three quarters (B) half of the anterior chamber angle (C) was experimentally obstructed by means of a homologous scleral graft. In groups A and B a statistically significant change of the intraocular pressure and of the cornea diameter was shown as compared with the control eye and group C. This change is due to the obstructed area of the angle. The increased intraocular pressure lasted for some months. The graft was well tolerated by the tissue of the angle and the obstruction of the angle was total, as was confirmed by means of the histological preparations.", "contents": "[Experimental hypertony caused by obstruction of the anterior chamber angle ab interno (author's transl)]. In 30 rabbits, separated into 3 groups (A, B and C), the entire area (A), three quarters (B) half of the anterior chamber angle (C) was experimentally obstructed by means of a homologous scleral graft. In groups A and B a statistically significant change of the intraocular pressure and of the cornea diameter was shown as compared with the control eye and group C. This change is due to the obstructed area of the angle. The increased intraocular pressure lasted for some months. The graft was well tolerated by the tissue of the angle and the obstruction of the angle was total, as was confirmed by means of the histological preparations.", "PMID": 987502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2363", "title": "[Controlled gentamycin treatment in prematures and newborns (author's transl)].", "content": "On the basis of our experience with 50 prematures and newborns and 200 serum level analyses, Gentamycin doses of larger than or equal to 5 mg/kg body weight/day (depending on the pathogenic sensitivity) is necessary in life-threatening infections to obtain a serum level of 4-5 mug/ml. Our findings in this regard correspond with the results of other authors with comparable test systems. However, we found that in ill prematures and newborns, an accumulation inside of 7-10 days is the rule rather than the exception. With increasing length of therapy, Gentamycin treatment should be discontinued if the general condition and/or kidney function worsens. Treatment should be discontinued until the serum concentration has been established or a drop in serum creatine occurs. If there is no possibility of conducting control checks, Gentamycin therapy should not extend more than one week and should not exceed 2 mg/kg body weight/day for prematures and newborns. The available tests for determinin aminoglycosides in the serum must be simplified and standardized so that they can be more readily used. Such a simplification and standardization is possible as we have shown. In this way a basis is established for future follow-up checks and the risk of side effects in the inner ear and kidneys is reduced. The same is true for the new aminoglycosides Tobramycin, Amicacin, Sisomycin.", "contents": "[Controlled gentamycin treatment in prematures and newborns (author's transl)]. On the basis of our experience with 50 prematures and newborns and 200 serum level analyses, Gentamycin doses of larger than or equal to 5 mg/kg body weight/day (depending on the pathogenic sensitivity) is necessary in life-threatening infections to obtain a serum level of 4-5 mug/ml. Our findings in this regard correspond with the results of other authors with comparable test systems. However, we found that in ill prematures and newborns, an accumulation inside of 7-10 days is the rule rather than the exception. With increasing length of therapy, Gentamycin treatment should be discontinued if the general condition and/or kidney function worsens. Treatment should be discontinued until the serum concentration has been established or a drop in serum creatine occurs. If there is no possibility of conducting control checks, Gentamycin therapy should not extend more than one week and should not exceed 2 mg/kg body weight/day for prematures and newborns. The available tests for determinin aminoglycosides in the serum must be simplified and standardized so that they can be more readily used. Such a simplification and standardization is possible as we have shown. In this way a basis is established for future follow-up checks and the risk of side effects in the inner ear and kidneys is reduced. The same is true for the new aminoglycosides Tobramycin, Amicacin, Sisomycin.", "PMID": 987504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2364", "title": "[Hamostasiological changes induced by platelet-aggregation-inhibitors, tested in children with congenital heart disease (in vitro and in vitro examinations) (author's transl)].", "content": "This report has delt with in vivo and in vitro examinations in the cases of sixteen children suffering from cyanotic congenital heart disease, and who had been placed under extended therapy with platelet-aggregation-inhibitors. The pharmacological effect of acetylsalicylic acid and dipyridamol has been discussed--as far as it is known. The discrepancy between in vivo and in vitro therapy-effect in the treatment with platelet-aggregation-inhibitors has been subjected to criticism. Consistant treatment of all children suffering from cyanotic congenital heart disease with aspirine and persantine has been advocated, however should only be carried out in collaboration with a competent hamostasiological laboratory.", "contents": "[Hamostasiological changes induced by platelet-aggregation-inhibitors, tested in children with congenital heart disease (in vitro and in vitro examinations) (author's transl)]. This report has delt with in vivo and in vitro examinations in the cases of sixteen children suffering from cyanotic congenital heart disease, and who had been placed under extended therapy with platelet-aggregation-inhibitors. The pharmacological effect of acetylsalicylic acid and dipyridamol has been discussed--as far as it is known. The discrepancy between in vivo and in vitro therapy-effect in the treatment with platelet-aggregation-inhibitors has been subjected to criticism. Consistant treatment of all children suffering from cyanotic congenital heart disease with aspirine and persantine has been advocated, however should only be carried out in collaboration with a competent hamostasiological laboratory.", "PMID": 987505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2365", "title": "[Investigations concerning serum concentration and temperature following oral application of a new paracetamol preparation (author's transl)].", "content": "A new, highly concentrated, fluid paracetamol preparation (paracetamol fluid) was tested on 26 small children and school children. The children were divided into 3 groups on the basis of dosage (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight). The paracetamol serum concentration was determined and the temperature reactions noted. The resorption was rapid; maximum serum level was usually reached after 30 minutes. In most cases, maximum drop in temperature, however, occurred in 3-4 hours. The most obvious and longest lasting drop in temperature was achieved fol following 20 mg/kg body weight dose of the paracetamol preparation. Doses of 5 mg/kg body weight had no significant affect on elevated body temperatures. The most favorable dosage then is between 10-20 mg/kg body weight. The paracetamol concentration in the children under study never exceeded that of 20 mug/ml, even with the higher doses (20 mg/kg). This is far below the toxic threshold of 120 mug/ml. Even higher paracetamol doses of 40 mg/kg body weight, such as may be acciddentally administered, only resulted in a maximum serum level of 50 mug/ml and, therefore, were far below the toxic threshold.", "contents": "[Investigations concerning serum concentration and temperature following oral application of a new paracetamol preparation (author's transl)]. A new, highly concentrated, fluid paracetamol preparation (paracetamol fluid) was tested on 26 small children and school children. The children were divided into 3 groups on the basis of dosage (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight). The paracetamol serum concentration was determined and the temperature reactions noted. The resorption was rapid; maximum serum level was usually reached after 30 minutes. In most cases, maximum drop in temperature, however, occurred in 3-4 hours. The most obvious and longest lasting drop in temperature was achieved fol following 20 mg/kg body weight dose of the paracetamol preparation. Doses of 5 mg/kg body weight had no significant affect on elevated body temperatures. The most favorable dosage then is between 10-20 mg/kg body weight. The paracetamol concentration in the children under study never exceeded that of 20 mug/ml, even with the higher doses (20 mg/kg). This is far below the toxic threshold of 120 mug/ml. Even higher paracetamol doses of 40 mg/kg body weight, such as may be acciddentally administered, only resulted in a maximum serum level of 50 mug/ml and, therefore, were far below the toxic threshold.", "PMID": 987506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2366", "title": "[Influencing of the thyroid hormone system by long-term treatment with 5-5 diphenylhydantion in children and adolescens (author's transl)].", "content": "In the context of anticonvulsive maintenance therapy in epileptic children and adolescents, 5-5-diphenylhydantoin leads to a statistically significant decrease in total thyroxin (T4), protein-bound iodine (PBJ) and free thyroxin (FT4). The consequences of DPH therapy are based on the direct and indirect influence of DPH on the thyroid hormone system. DPH competitively pushes the T4 out of its plasma-protein bond. The lowering of T4, PBJ and finally also FT4 can be traced back to an indirect influence of DPH which consists of an increase in T4 metabolism in the liver by the DPH-induced enzyme. The possibility of a direct effect of DPH on the hypothalamus was discussed.", "contents": "[Influencing of the thyroid hormone system by long-term treatment with 5-5 diphenylhydantion in children and adolescens (author's transl)]. In the context of anticonvulsive maintenance therapy in epileptic children and adolescents, 5-5-diphenylhydantoin leads to a statistically significant decrease in total thyroxin (T4), protein-bound iodine (PBJ) and free thyroxin (FT4). The consequences of DPH therapy are based on the direct and indirect influence of DPH on the thyroid hormone system. DPH competitively pushes the T4 out of its plasma-protein bond. The lowering of T4, PBJ and finally also FT4 can be traced back to an indirect influence of DPH which consists of an increase in T4 metabolism in the liver by the DPH-induced enzyme. The possibility of a direct effect of DPH on the hypothalamus was discussed.", "PMID": 987507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2367", "title": "[Atypical late onset of clinical symtoms after phenylbutazone/amidopyrine ingestion (author's transl)].", "content": "A 33 month old healthy girl accidently took 1.5 g phenylbutazone and 2.6 g aminopyrine. She was treated with gastric lavage and forced diuresis. No clinical symptoms were discovered for 17 hours after drug ingestion. She then developed generalized convulsions. After 19 hours reddish discoloration of urine was observed for first time. High serum transaminase indicated later on a toxic hepatocellular damage. It is recommended to treat patients with phenylbutazone aminopyrine insgestions for at least 24 hours even in the absence of reddish urine discoloration and clinical symptoms.", "contents": "[Atypical late onset of clinical symtoms after phenylbutazone/amidopyrine ingestion (author's transl)]. A 33 month old healthy girl accidently took 1.5 g phenylbutazone and 2.6 g aminopyrine. She was treated with gastric lavage and forced diuresis. No clinical symptoms were discovered for 17 hours after drug ingestion. She then developed generalized convulsions. After 19 hours reddish discoloration of urine was observed for first time. High serum transaminase indicated later on a toxic hepatocellular damage. It is recommended to treat patients with phenylbutazone aminopyrine insgestions for at least 24 hours even in the absence of reddish urine discoloration and clinical symptoms.", "PMID": 987508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2368", "title": "[Seckel syndrom (author's transl)].", "content": "Report of a girl, aged twenty-one months with the typical symptoms of the Seckel Syndrom: Low initial weight in spite of normal resp. prolonged pregnancy, characteristical \"bird headed face\", mikrocephaly, shortening, general dystrophy, stato-motorial and mental retardation.", "contents": "[Seckel syndrom (author's transl)]. Report of a girl, aged twenty-one months with the typical symptoms of the Seckel Syndrom: Low initial weight in spite of normal resp. prolonged pregnancy, characteristical \"bird headed face\", mikrocephaly, shortening, general dystrophy, stato-motorial and mental retardation.", "PMID": 987509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2369", "title": "[True hermaphroditism with 46, XY/46, XX/47 XXY mosaicism (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of true hermaphroditism was described. The patient had an uterus, a fallopian tube, a testide on the left in the position of the ovary and an ovary on the right side. The chromosome picture corresponded to a 47, XXY/46, XX/46 XXY mosaic. The phenotype of the patient was male so the decision for male sex seemed to be justified.", "contents": "[True hermaphroditism with 46, XY/46, XX/47 XXY mosaicism (author's transl)]. A case of true hermaphroditism was described. The patient had an uterus, a fallopian tube, a testide on the left in the position of the ovary and an ovary on the right side. The chromosome picture corresponded to a 47, XXY/46, XX/46 XXY mosaic. The phenotype of the patient was male so the decision for male sex seemed to be justified.", "PMID": 987510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2370", "title": "Effect of caging variables on body weight and weight gain in mice.", "content": "The effects on body weight of mixing litters to attain constant density of mice per cage, as opposed to housing litters in separate cages, was studied. Mixing litters resulted in a decreased weight gain between 21 and 42 da of age and a decreased adult body weight at 63 da of age compared to housing litters in separate cages, whether the separately housed litters were allowed to vary in density or not. Mixed litter housing also increased the variance of the body weight measures among males. Housing litters separately, even if it entails variable density of housing, appears to be the preferred method for studies involving inheritance of body weight.", "contents": "Effect of caging variables on body weight and weight gain in mice. The effects on body weight of mixing litters to attain constant density of mice per cage, as opposed to housing litters in separate cages, was studied. Mixing litters resulted in a decreased weight gain between 21 and 42 da of age and a decreased adult body weight at 63 da of age compared to housing litters in separate cages, whether the separately housed litters were allowed to vary in density or not. Mixed litter housing also increased the variance of the body weight measures among males. Housing litters separately, even if it entails variable density of housing, appears to be the preferred method for studies involving inheritance of body weight.", "PMID": 987512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2371", "title": "Metabolism of 2,4-3H-14alpha-methyl-5alpha-ergost-8-enol and 2,4-3H-5alpha-ergosta-8,14-dienol in Ochromonas malhamensis.", "content": "Tritium-labeled 14alpha-methyl-5alpha-ergost-8-enol and 5alpha-ergosta-8,14-dienol were converted to brassicasterol and poriferasterol in Ochromonas malhamensis. This indicates that the organism can rearrange these sterol structures so that they contain the naturally occurring 5(6) double bond, and suggests that O. malhamensis is able to introduce a 24(28) double bond into a nine-carbon saturated side chain which is alkylated to produce a C-29 sterol.", "contents": "Metabolism of 2,4-3H-14alpha-methyl-5alpha-ergost-8-enol and 2,4-3H-5alpha-ergosta-8,14-dienol in Ochromonas malhamensis. Tritium-labeled 14alpha-methyl-5alpha-ergost-8-enol and 5alpha-ergosta-8,14-dienol were converted to brassicasterol and poriferasterol in Ochromonas malhamensis. This indicates that the organism can rearrange these sterol structures so that they contain the naturally occurring 5(6) double bond, and suggests that O. malhamensis is able to introduce a 24(28) double bond into a nine-carbon saturated side chain which is alkylated to produce a C-29 sterol.", "PMID": 987520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2372", "title": "Genetic recombination of Coprinus. V. Repair synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid and its relation to meiotic recombination.", "content": "Repair synthesis of DNA per se at pachytene is not needed for commitment to meiotic recombination although it is a necessary event to follow. Recombination frequency is governed by the rate of nicking and the time in which unrepaired nicks are allowed to match and crossover. Cold treatment at pachytene prevented repair synthesis, hence open nicks were accumulated to match and crossover, and a 3-fold increase in recombination resulted. The kinetics of cold temperature effect followed a quadratic function as shown by a computer simulation which agreed with our experimental data (Lu, 1974b). High temperature did not change the rate of repair synthesis. It did cause an increased nicking which led to a twofold increase in recombination and which entailed a higher rate of recovery repair synthesis.", "contents": "Genetic recombination of Coprinus. V. Repair synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid and its relation to meiotic recombination. Repair synthesis of DNA per se at pachytene is not needed for commitment to meiotic recombination although it is a necessary event to follow. Recombination frequency is governed by the rate of nicking and the time in which unrepaired nicks are allowed to match and crossover. Cold treatment at pachytene prevented repair synthesis, hence open nicks were accumulated to match and crossover, and a 3-fold increase in recombination resulted. The kinetics of cold temperature effect followed a quadratic function as shown by a computer simulation which agreed with our experimental data (Lu, 1974b). High temperature did not change the rate of repair synthesis. It did cause an increased nicking which led to a twofold increase in recombination and which entailed a higher rate of recovery repair synthesis.", "PMID": 987525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2373", "title": "Relative ribosomal RNA cistron multiplicity in oocytes and postembryonic stages of the eutelic nematode Panagrellus silusiae.", "content": "The number of ribosomal RNA cistrons has been measured in the total DNA extracted from L2 juvenile and adult stages of the free-living nematode Panagrellus silusiae. Saturation hybridization studies with homologous rRNA indicate that both stages have about 275 ribosomal genes per haploid equivalent. Using homologous 125I-labelled rRNA for in situ hybridization, the mean number of silver grains per DNA content for oocyte, hypodermis and gut nuclei was similar. The mean DNA contents of maturing oocyte, hypodermis and gut nuclei are about 20C, 2C, and 10C respectively. We conclude that rDNA amplication alone is insufficient to account for the variation in DNA content of oocytes and that postembryonic development in this eutelic organism occurs without a significant differential increase in the number of ribosomal cistrons per worm.", "contents": "Relative ribosomal RNA cistron multiplicity in oocytes and postembryonic stages of the eutelic nematode Panagrellus silusiae. The number of ribosomal RNA cistrons has been measured in the total DNA extracted from L2 juvenile and adult stages of the free-living nematode Panagrellus silusiae. Saturation hybridization studies with homologous rRNA indicate that both stages have about 275 ribosomal genes per haploid equivalent. Using homologous 125I-labelled rRNA for in situ hybridization, the mean number of silver grains per DNA content for oocyte, hypodermis and gut nuclei was similar. The mean DNA contents of maturing oocyte, hypodermis and gut nuclei are about 20C, 2C, and 10C respectively. We conclude that rDNA amplication alone is insufficient to account for the variation in DNA content of oocytes and that postembryonic development in this eutelic organism occurs without a significant differential increase in the number of ribosomal cistrons per worm.", "PMID": 987526} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2374", "title": "Increased nerve-growth-factor beta-chain cross-reacting material in familial dysautonomia.", "content": "To determine whether dysautonomia arises from alteration in nerve-growth factor (NGF), we measured serum levels of NGF subunits in normal and dysautonomic subjects using a biologic assay based on neurite outgrowth from chick ganglions, a binding assay based on displacement of radiolabeled betaNGF from rabbit-ganglion microsomes, and radioimmunoassays of chi, gamma and betaNGF subunits via antiserum to mouse NGF polypeptides. A threefold increase (P less than 0.001) in serum antigen levels of the biologically active subunit (betaNGF) was found for dysautonomic as compared with normal subjects. By all other assays, the groups were alike. The marked discrepancy in betaNGF levels between antigenic and functional (biologic and binding) measurements suggests a qualitative abnormaltiy of betaNGF in dysautonomia. Alternatively, elevation of betaNGF antigen can be regarded as secondary to disease. This alternative seems less likely since we must then suppose that the normalcy of functional assays in spurious.", "contents": "Increased nerve-growth-factor beta-chain cross-reacting material in familial dysautonomia. To determine whether dysautonomia arises from alteration in nerve-growth factor (NGF), we measured serum levels of NGF subunits in normal and dysautonomic subjects using a biologic assay based on neurite outgrowth from chick ganglions, a binding assay based on displacement of radiolabeled betaNGF from rabbit-ganglion microsomes, and radioimmunoassays of chi, gamma and betaNGF subunits via antiserum to mouse NGF polypeptides. A threefold increase (P less than 0.001) in serum antigen levels of the biologically active subunit (betaNGF) was found for dysautonomic as compared with normal subjects. By all other assays, the groups were alike. The marked discrepancy in betaNGF levels between antigenic and functional (biologic and binding) measurements suggests a qualitative abnormaltiy of betaNGF in dysautonomia. Alternatively, elevation of betaNGF antigen can be regarded as secondary to disease. This alternative seems less likely since we must then suppose that the normalcy of functional assays in spurious.", "PMID": 987530} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2375", "title": "Chemical composition of Oidiodendron kalrai.", "content": "The chemical composition of yeast cells of Oidiodendron kalrai was analyzed and is expressed as percent dry weight. Cultures were grown in tryptone broth and in a liquid synthetic medium containing ammonium salts as a nitrogen source. After 48 h, carbohydrate levels were higher in the synthetic medium, but lipid levels were lower, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and protein contents did not differ significantly in the two media. The chemical components were also studied at different stages of growth. DNA remained relatively constant, but other components varied with the age of culture. The RNA was 6.6% at 18 h and declined rapidly to 5% by 24 h and remained constant, An initial protein content of 23% at 18 h increased rapidly to 37% by 48 h and gradually declined to 30% by day 10. The lipid content of 33% at 18 h decreased over the entire growth period to 10% by day 10. An initial carbohydrate level of 30% increased to a maximum of 54% by day 5 and then declined.", "contents": "Chemical composition of Oidiodendron kalrai. The chemical composition of yeast cells of Oidiodendron kalrai was analyzed and is expressed as percent dry weight. Cultures were grown in tryptone broth and in a liquid synthetic medium containing ammonium salts as a nitrogen source. After 48 h, carbohydrate levels were higher in the synthetic medium, but lipid levels were lower, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and protein contents did not differ significantly in the two media. The chemical components were also studied at different stages of growth. DNA remained relatively constant, but other components varied with the age of culture. The RNA was 6.6% at 18 h and declined rapidly to 5% by 24 h and remained constant, An initial protein content of 23% at 18 h increased rapidly to 37% by 48 h and gradually declined to 30% by day 10. The lipid content of 33% at 18 h decreased over the entire growth period to 10% by day 10. An initial carbohydrate level of 30% increased to a maximum of 54% by day 5 and then declined.", "PMID": 987534} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2376", "title": "Nuclear distribution in Alternaria tenuis.", "content": "Nuclear distribution and behaviour during vegetative growth and spore formation in Alternaria tenuis was studied utilising the HC1-Giemsa staining technique. The vegetative mycelium and conidia are predominantly monokaryotic. Anastomoses, followed by nuclear migrations, have been recorded. Intercellular nuclear migrations have only been observed in germinating conidia. Nuclear behaviour during conidial formation indicates that the conidia are homokaryotic. Cytological differences have been found in different monocoidal isolates of A. tenuis.", "contents": "Nuclear distribution in Alternaria tenuis. Nuclear distribution and behaviour during vegetative growth and spore formation in Alternaria tenuis was studied utilising the HC1-Giemsa staining technique. The vegetative mycelium and conidia are predominantly monokaryotic. Anastomoses, followed by nuclear migrations, have been recorded. Intercellular nuclear migrations have only been observed in germinating conidia. Nuclear behaviour during conidial formation indicates that the conidia are homokaryotic. Cytological differences have been found in different monocoidal isolates of A. tenuis.", "PMID": 987535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2377", "title": "A study of fungal spore poupulations in the atmosphere of Kuwait.", "content": "The fungal air-spora of Kuwait was investigated using the Petri-dish trapping technique. During the period from 1st April, 1974 to 30th June, 1975, a total of 3685 colonies were recorded from 2% malt agar plates. Fifty-five genera and 116 species were identifed. Alternaria occupied the first place in the order of percentage incidence. being represented by 18.3% of the entire catch, followed by Aspergillus (17.1%), Penicillium (14%), Cladosporium (13.6%), Drechslera (13.3%), and Ulocladium (7.1%). The widest spectrum of species was displaced by Aspergillus (possessed 19 species) followed by Penicillium (17 species), Alternaria (6 species), Drechslera (5 species), and Ulocladium (4 species). The monthly total number of fungi showed marked seasonal periodicity with the greatest number of colonies occurring in March-April and November. The lowest counts were recorded in mid-summer (July) and mid-winter (January). Only 220 colonies and 17 species of thermophilous fungi were reported from plates incubated at 45 degrees C. The most common species were Aspergillus fumigatus and A. terreus.", "contents": "A study of fungal spore poupulations in the atmosphere of Kuwait. The fungal air-spora of Kuwait was investigated using the Petri-dish trapping technique. During the period from 1st April, 1974 to 30th June, 1975, a total of 3685 colonies were recorded from 2% malt agar plates. Fifty-five genera and 116 species were identifed. Alternaria occupied the first place in the order of percentage incidence. being represented by 18.3% of the entire catch, followed by Aspergillus (17.1%), Penicillium (14%), Cladosporium (13.6%), Drechslera (13.3%), and Ulocladium (7.1%). The widest spectrum of species was displaced by Aspergillus (possessed 19 species) followed by Penicillium (17 species), Alternaria (6 species), Drechslera (5 species), and Ulocladium (4 species). The monthly total number of fungi showed marked seasonal periodicity with the greatest number of colonies occurring in March-April and November. The lowest counts were recorded in mid-summer (July) and mid-winter (January). Only 220 colonies and 17 species of thermophilous fungi were reported from plates incubated at 45 degrees C. The most common species were Aspergillus fumigatus and A. terreus.", "PMID": 987536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2378", "title": "Isolation of fungi belonging to the genera Geotrichum and Trichosporum from human dermal lesions.", "content": "Isolates of Geotrichum and Trichosporum spp. obtained from patients with a variety of dermal lesions were studied. Among 2,202 cases examined, microorganisms of these genera were recovered from 100 (4,5%); there were 38 isolated of Geotrichum- and 62 of Trichosporum- spp. Most isolations were obtained from nails: 52 cases. The species most frequently found were T. beigelii (25 cases) and G. candidum (30 cases). In 50 of the patients, these fungi were isolated in pure culture, in an additional 40 Trichosporum spp. were found. Mixed cultures with C. albicans were observed in 28 patients, with other Candida spp. in 16 and with dermatophytes in 6. Among the patients whose isolations occurred in pure cultures, the number of colonies recovered was large in 20 cases, 1 with Geotrichum candidum - 19 with Trichosporum (16 T. beigelii, 3 T. capitatum). The relationship between the isolated yeast-like fungi and the dermal lesion was considered to be direct in these 20 patients.", "contents": "Isolation of fungi belonging to the genera Geotrichum and Trichosporum from human dermal lesions. Isolates of Geotrichum and Trichosporum spp. obtained from patients with a variety of dermal lesions were studied. Among 2,202 cases examined, microorganisms of these genera were recovered from 100 (4,5%); there were 38 isolated of Geotrichum- and 62 of Trichosporum- spp. Most isolations were obtained from nails: 52 cases. The species most frequently found were T. beigelii (25 cases) and G. candidum (30 cases). In 50 of the patients, these fungi were isolated in pure culture, in an additional 40 Trichosporum spp. were found. Mixed cultures with C. albicans were observed in 28 patients, with other Candida spp. in 16 and with dermatophytes in 6. Among the patients whose isolations occurred in pure cultures, the number of colonies recovered was large in 20 cases, 1 with Geotrichum candidum - 19 with Trichosporum (16 T. beigelii, 3 T. capitatum). The relationship between the isolated yeast-like fungi and the dermal lesion was considered to be direct in these 20 patients.", "PMID": 987537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2379", "title": "Quantitation of cannabinoids in biological fluids by radioimmunoassay.", "content": "A tritium based radioimmunoassay for delta9THC and its metabolites has been developed for the use of investigators studying the epidemiological, medical, clinical, and research aspects of cannabis use. The assay is sufficiently sensitive to detect cannabinoids in the urine of marijuana smokers for several days after their last exposure to the drug. The results obtained from a 28 day study indicate that the assay reflects the administration and removal of oral doses of THC. The specificity of the antisera, as determined in cross reactivity studies, allows not only the assay of metabolites in biological samples without interference from other drugs, but also the evaluation of extracts of other kinds of samples which may contain unmetabolized delta9THC. The technique of radioimmunoassay has many advantages over other methods of analysis. It is simple to perform and can be readily applied to the rapid analysis of large numbers of samples. It can be used in the direct analysis of physiological fluids and other biological samples which ordinarily have to be processed before other techniques can be applied. The method is non-destructive abd obviates the need to use radiolabelled drugs in man during metabolic and other studies. This radioimmunoassay has been designed with particular emphasis on ease of use by other investigators. We anticipate that it will prove useful to investigators and scientists for determining the absence, or presence and amount, of THC metabolite in a biological specimen, for epidemiologists in determining the full extent of cannabis use and to the medical/clinical community for establishing the minimum effective dose of delta9THC for each patient. The widespread application of a single method of analysis should also remove a great deal of the controversy surrounding marijuana studies performed to date.", "contents": "Quantitation of cannabinoids in biological fluids by radioimmunoassay. A tritium based radioimmunoassay for delta9THC and its metabolites has been developed for the use of investigators studying the epidemiological, medical, clinical, and research aspects of cannabis use. The assay is sufficiently sensitive to detect cannabinoids in the urine of marijuana smokers for several days after their last exposure to the drug. The results obtained from a 28 day study indicate that the assay reflects the administration and removal of oral doses of THC. The specificity of the antisera, as determined in cross reactivity studies, allows not only the assay of metabolites in biological samples without interference from other drugs, but also the evaluation of extracts of other kinds of samples which may contain unmetabolized delta9THC. The technique of radioimmunoassay has many advantages over other methods of analysis. It is simple to perform and can be readily applied to the rapid analysis of large numbers of samples. It can be used in the direct analysis of physiological fluids and other biological samples which ordinarily have to be processed before other techniques can be applied. The method is non-destructive abd obviates the need to use radiolabelled drugs in man during metabolic and other studies. This radioimmunoassay has been designed with particular emphasis on ease of use by other investigators. We anticipate that it will prove useful to investigators and scientists for determining the absence, or presence and amount, of THC metabolite in a biological specimen, for epidemiologists in determining the full extent of cannabis use and to the medical/clinical community for establishing the minimum effective dose of delta9THC for each patient. The widespread application of a single method of analysis should also remove a great deal of the controversy surrounding marijuana studies performed to date.", "PMID": 987538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2380", "title": "Relationships between structure and activity of retinoids.", "content": "Structure-function relationships of 19 retinoids were studied in three in vitro systems in defined, serum-free medium. These systems measure effects on differentiation and growth, as well as toxic effects. The ring, side chain, and polar terminal group of natural retinoids all may be modified synthetically to yield highly active compounds. Several retinoid ethers were found to be significantly less toxic than the corresponding carboxylic acids or alcohols.", "contents": "Relationships between structure and activity of retinoids. Structure-function relationships of 19 retinoids were studied in three in vitro systems in defined, serum-free medium. These systems measure effects on differentiation and growth, as well as toxic effects. The ring, side chain, and polar terminal group of natural retinoids all may be modified synthetically to yield highly active compounds. Several retinoid ethers were found to be significantly less toxic than the corresponding carboxylic acids or alcohols.", "PMID": 987541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2381", "title": "Sex hormone receptors in mammary tumours of GR mice.", "content": "Studies of the growth behaviour and hormone receptor contents of GR-mouse mammary tumours suggest that the hormone responsive tumours are mixed populations of hormone-dependent cells and autonomous cells. The hormone-dependent moiety of these tumours contains high levels of progesterone receptor and oestrogen receptor. The autonomous moiety has a low but probably significant oestrogen receptor level, and is practically devoid of progesterone receptor. Androgen receptor levels in both moieties are low. Endocrine ablation prevents growth of the hormone-dependent moiety of the tumours, but not of the autonomous moiety.", "contents": "Sex hormone receptors in mammary tumours of GR mice. Studies of the growth behaviour and hormone receptor contents of GR-mouse mammary tumours suggest that the hormone responsive tumours are mixed populations of hormone-dependent cells and autonomous cells. The hormone-dependent moiety of these tumours contains high levels of progesterone receptor and oestrogen receptor. The autonomous moiety has a low but probably significant oestrogen receptor level, and is practically devoid of progesterone receptor. Androgen receptor levels in both moieties are low. Endocrine ablation prevents growth of the hormone-dependent moiety of the tumours, but not of the autonomous moiety.", "PMID": 987544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2382", "title": "[Drug safety--achievable goal or utopia?].", "content": "The new German Drug Law, recently passed by the Bundstag (House of Representatives) endeavors to assure safety in drug distribution and use, especially to guarantee the harmlessness of drugs according to the regulations provided by the law. The following contribution tries to analyze how far we have come up to now as to a safe use of drugs, which improvements are possible, what they will cost, and finally who of us must contribute towards a rational compromise between therapeutic success and unavoidable risk.", "contents": "[Drug safety--achievable goal or utopia?]. The new German Drug Law, recently passed by the Bundstag (House of Representatives) endeavors to assure safety in drug distribution and use, especially to guarantee the harmlessness of drugs according to the regulations provided by the law. The following contribution tries to analyze how far we have come up to now as to a safe use of drugs, which improvements are possible, what they will cost, and finally who of us must contribute towards a rational compromise between therapeutic success and unavoidable risk.", "PMID": 987550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2383", "title": "Impaired renal concentrating ability in hypothyroid man.", "content": "The renal concentrating ability was studied in ten patients with hypothyroidism and in 15 euthyroid controls. Solute-free water reabsorption was reduced in the patients with myxedema (4.2 +/- 0.3 ml/min: controls 5.8 +/- 0.6 ml/min; p less than 0.01). This defect was apparent at high rates of solute excretion, and was associated with enhanced excretion of sodium (p less than 0.01) despite a decreased filtered load (p less than 0.005). The myxedema patients had a modest reduction in maximal urine osmolality (p less than 0.04), which was entirely attributable to the lower values observed in younger patients. The results may be explained best by decreased sodium chloride reabsorption in the ascending limb of Henle's loop and/or diminished permeability of the distal nephron in myxedema.", "contents": "Impaired renal concentrating ability in hypothyroid man. The renal concentrating ability was studied in ten patients with hypothyroidism and in 15 euthyroid controls. Solute-free water reabsorption was reduced in the patients with myxedema (4.2 +/- 0.3 ml/min: controls 5.8 +/- 0.6 ml/min; p less than 0.01). This defect was apparent at high rates of solute excretion, and was associated with enhanced excretion of sodium (p less than 0.01) despite a decreased filtered load (p less than 0.005). The myxedema patients had a modest reduction in maximal urine osmolality (p less than 0.04), which was entirely attributable to the lower values observed in younger patients. The results may be explained best by decreased sodium chloride reabsorption in the ascending limb of Henle's loop and/or diminished permeability of the distal nephron in myxedema.", "PMID": 987552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2384", "title": "3H-Estradiol uptake and retention by target tissues of light-sterilized female rats.", "content": "Tissue distribution of radioactivity was studied at 2, 4 and 6 h after intravenous injection of 3H-estradiol-17beta (41.7 ng/100 g b.w.) in 12 light-sterilized and 11 control female rats ovariectomized 72 h prior to injection. Female rats were light-sterilized by exposure to continuous illumination for 82 days and, based on the duration of continuous vaginal cornification and the absence of corpora lutea at post-mortem histological examination of the ovaries, were anovulatory for at least 30 days prior to injection. Control rats were housed under conditions similar to the experimentals except that they were exposed to alternating lighting (14 h light:10 h dark). They remained ovulatory throughout the experiment. Uterine 3H-estradiol uptake and retention were significantly depressed in the light-sterilized group. There were no significant differences in 3H-estradiol uptake or retention as a result of light-sterilization in any of the other tissues studied, including anterior, middle, and posterior hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebrum, anterior pituitary and plasma. The failure to detecta reduction in neural 3H-estradiol uptake demonstrates that the anovulatory state can exist without a concomitant reduction in the hypothalamic estrogen binding capacity. The possibility is discussed that the decreased target tissue binding noted in various types of anovulatory animals is the result, not the cause, of altered ovarian function.", "contents": "3H-Estradiol uptake and retention by target tissues of light-sterilized female rats. Tissue distribution of radioactivity was studied at 2, 4 and 6 h after intravenous injection of 3H-estradiol-17beta (41.7 ng/100 g b.w.) in 12 light-sterilized and 11 control female rats ovariectomized 72 h prior to injection. Female rats were light-sterilized by exposure to continuous illumination for 82 days and, based on the duration of continuous vaginal cornification and the absence of corpora lutea at post-mortem histological examination of the ovaries, were anovulatory for at least 30 days prior to injection. Control rats were housed under conditions similar to the experimentals except that they were exposed to alternating lighting (14 h light:10 h dark). They remained ovulatory throughout the experiment. Uterine 3H-estradiol uptake and retention were significantly depressed in the light-sterilized group. There were no significant differences in 3H-estradiol uptake or retention as a result of light-sterilization in any of the other tissues studied, including anterior, middle, and posterior hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebrum, anterior pituitary and plasma. The failure to detecta reduction in neural 3H-estradiol uptake demonstrates that the anovulatory state can exist without a concomitant reduction in the hypothalamic estrogen binding capacity. The possibility is discussed that the decreased target tissue binding noted in various types of anovulatory animals is the result, not the cause, of altered ovarian function.", "PMID": 987553} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2385", "title": "Stress-induced gonadotropin and prolactin secretory patterns.", "content": "To further evaluate the influence that sex, time of day and/or stage of the estrous cycle have on stress-induced changes in gonadotropin secretory patterns, rats were subjected to acute ether stress and subsequently sacrificed at 1.5, 3, 5, 10 and 15-min intervals. A significant change in FSH levels was not detectable, however serum LH levels consistently showed a transient elevation, and prolactin release occurred rapidly and in large increments in every case. Variation in basal hormone levels due to sex, circadian rhythmicity, or estrous cyclicity did not alter the pattern of the response of individual hormones to the stress but did markedly influence the magnitude of the response.", "contents": "Stress-induced gonadotropin and prolactin secretory patterns. To further evaluate the influence that sex, time of day and/or stage of the estrous cycle have on stress-induced changes in gonadotropin secretory patterns, rats were subjected to acute ether stress and subsequently sacrificed at 1.5, 3, 5, 10 and 15-min intervals. A significant change in FSH levels was not detectable, however serum LH levels consistently showed a transient elevation, and prolactin release occurred rapidly and in large increments in every case. Variation in basal hormone levels due to sex, circadian rhythmicity, or estrous cyclicity did not alter the pattern of the response of individual hormones to the stress but did markedly influence the magnitude of the response.", "PMID": 987554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2386", "title": "Congenital release thrombocytopathy: pathophysiology and management.", "content": "Congenital release thrombocytopathy must be included in the differential diagnosis of bleeding diatheses in women. A review of the coagulation profiles of 7 patients with congenital release thrombocytopathy suggests that more sophisticated platelet aggregation studies must be performed when routine screening procedures fail to determine the cause of a clinically suspected bleeding disorder. Establishing the diagnosis helps to avoid the use of medications which cause an acquired platelet dysfunction, and contributes to adequate prophylaxis against surgical and obstetric hemorrhage.", "contents": "Congenital release thrombocytopathy: pathophysiology and management. Congenital release thrombocytopathy must be included in the differential diagnosis of bleeding diatheses in women. A review of the coagulation profiles of 7 patients with congenital release thrombocytopathy suggests that more sophisticated platelet aggregation studies must be performed when routine screening procedures fail to determine the cause of a clinically suspected bleeding disorder. Establishing the diagnosis helps to avoid the use of medications which cause an acquired platelet dysfunction, and contributes to adequate prophylaxis against surgical and obstetric hemorrhage.", "PMID": 987557} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2387", "title": "Vaginal adenosis. Factors influencing detection in a colposcopic evaluation.", "content": "In a colposcopic evaluation of DES-related genital abnormalities, biopsy-proven adenosis was detected in the vaginal walls or hood in 84.5% of 220 women. Patient selection (DES history only vs prior examination) did not significantly influence the detection rate for adenosis. However, the detection rate of adenosis in the vaginal walls showed highly significant correlations with the presence of cervical ectopy and/or hood and with the colposcopic appearance of the area biopsied. Using colposcopy, the columnar pattern had a diagnostic accuracy of 94.4%; mosaic pattern, 85.5%; and white appearance, 68.0%. Differences in the histologic features of mucosal surface glandular tissue, squamous metaplasia, and nonglycogenated squamous mucosa were related to specific colposcopic patterns and helped to account for the variation in the accuracy of the three appearances in detecting adenosis. Biopsy specimens of the hood were not necessary to achieve a high yield of adenosis although we obtained evidence that the hood contains microscopic features typical of vaginal adenosis. Epithelial atypicality in the vagina (moderate squamous cell dysplasia) was demonstrated in only 1 patient.", "contents": "Vaginal adenosis. Factors influencing detection in a colposcopic evaluation. In a colposcopic evaluation of DES-related genital abnormalities, biopsy-proven adenosis was detected in the vaginal walls or hood in 84.5% of 220 women. Patient selection (DES history only vs prior examination) did not significantly influence the detection rate for adenosis. However, the detection rate of adenosis in the vaginal walls showed highly significant correlations with the presence of cervical ectopy and/or hood and with the colposcopic appearance of the area biopsied. Using colposcopy, the columnar pattern had a diagnostic accuracy of 94.4%; mosaic pattern, 85.5%; and white appearance, 68.0%. Differences in the histologic features of mucosal surface glandular tissue, squamous metaplasia, and nonglycogenated squamous mucosa were related to specific colposcopic patterns and helped to account for the variation in the accuracy of the three appearances in detecting adenosis. Biopsy specimens of the hood were not necessary to achieve a high yield of adenosis although we obtained evidence that the hood contains microscopic features typical of vaginal adenosis. Epithelial atypicality in the vagina (moderate squamous cell dysplasia) was demonstrated in only 1 patient.", "PMID": 987558} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2388", "title": "Effects of Aureo-S-700R on sporulation, viability and infectivity of ovine coccidial oocysts.", "content": "Sporulation rates of normal oocysts and oocysts isolated from lambs infected with coccidia and fed Aureo-S-700R for 25 days were studied at different temperatures. The viability and infectivity of the latter were also investigated. Temperatures of 5 and 10 degrees C inhibited sporulation of oocysts, but when the same oocysts were subsequently incubated at 25 degrees C, they sporulated. At 35 and 40 degrees C, sporulation was initially fast, but death and degeneration of oocysts occurred at these temperatures after 3 days. Normal oocysts sporulated faster and in greater numbers than oocysts isolated from medicated lambs; both kinds of oocysts sporulated best between 20 and 25 degrees C. Lambs inoculated with oocysts from medicated lambs passed fewer oocysts for a shorter period of time than lambs inoculated with normal oocysts. The former lambs gained more weight, passed better formed faeces, ate better and had higher PCV and haemoglobin values than the latter.", "contents": "Effects of Aureo-S-700R on sporulation, viability and infectivity of ovine coccidial oocysts. Sporulation rates of normal oocysts and oocysts isolated from lambs infected with coccidia and fed Aureo-S-700R for 25 days were studied at different temperatures. The viability and infectivity of the latter were also investigated. Temperatures of 5 and 10 degrees C inhibited sporulation of oocysts, but when the same oocysts were subsequently incubated at 25 degrees C, they sporulated. At 35 and 40 degrees C, sporulation was initially fast, but death and degeneration of oocysts occurred at these temperatures after 3 days. Normal oocysts sporulated faster and in greater numbers than oocysts isolated from medicated lambs; both kinds of oocysts sporulated best between 20 and 25 degrees C. Lambs inoculated with oocysts from medicated lambs passed fewer oocysts for a shorter period of time than lambs inoculated with normal oocysts. The former lambs gained more weight, passed better formed faeces, ate better and had higher PCV and haemoglobin values than the latter.", "PMID": 987566} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2389", "title": "Studies on the induction of permeability in Ascaris lumbricoides eggs.", "content": "The initial process in the hatching mechanism of Ascaris eggs is the sudden onset of permeability in the previously impermeable ascaroside membrane. During this change the ascaroside membrane remains intact and no chemical changes can be detected. Using the molecular probe 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulphonic acid no conformational changes were detected in the ascaroside membrane during the induction of permeability. It is suggested that either the permeability change is due to a very localized chemical or conformational change, not detectable by conventional analytical techniques, or the change is due to mechanical damage of the ascaroside membrane, brought about by the activity of the infective larva.", "contents": "Studies on the induction of permeability in Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. The initial process in the hatching mechanism of Ascaris eggs is the sudden onset of permeability in the previously impermeable ascaroside membrane. During this change the ascaroside membrane remains intact and no chemical changes can be detected. Using the molecular probe 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulphonic acid no conformational changes were detected in the ascaroside membrane during the induction of permeability. It is suggested that either the permeability change is due to a very localized chemical or conformational change, not detectable by conventional analytical techniques, or the change is due to mechanical damage of the ascaroside membrane, brought about by the activity of the infective larva.", "PMID": 987567} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2390", "title": "Boophilus microplus: the effect of host resistance on larval attachments and growth.", "content": "Growth and behaviour of Boophilus microplus larvae on British breed cattle, with different resistance levels to the tick, were studied to elucidate the nature of resistance. On highly resistant animals, larval growth rate was slower for the first 3 days, but by day 4 they had attained the normal weight and the majority were subsequently able to moult. Using phosphorus-32 labelled larvae, it was found that attachment times were shorter and more time was spent wandering on highly resistant animals during the first 16 h. On the second day, attachments had stabilized, but more detachments were still made from highly resistant animals. This was considered to impose an additional stress as the cattle skin environment can rapidly desiccate larvae. However, the larvae were able to compensate by uptake of fluid from the host. Loss by repulsion of live larvae from the host or drowning in serous exudate were also not considered of major importance. The nature of rejection is discussed in a further paper. The distribution of larvae after 24 h suggests that their early behaviour largely determines the areas favoured by adults. Movement to, and accumulation in, favoured areas is discussed.", "contents": "Boophilus microplus: the effect of host resistance on larval attachments and growth. Growth and behaviour of Boophilus microplus larvae on British breed cattle, with different resistance levels to the tick, were studied to elucidate the nature of resistance. On highly resistant animals, larval growth rate was slower for the first 3 days, but by day 4 they had attained the normal weight and the majority were subsequently able to moult. Using phosphorus-32 labelled larvae, it was found that attachment times were shorter and more time was spent wandering on highly resistant animals during the first 16 h. On the second day, attachments had stabilized, but more detachments were still made from highly resistant animals. This was considered to impose an additional stress as the cattle skin environment can rapidly desiccate larvae. However, the larvae were able to compensate by uptake of fluid from the host. Loss by repulsion of live larvae from the host or drowning in serous exudate were also not considered of major importance. The nature of rejection is discussed in a further paper. The distribution of larvae after 24 h suggests that their early behaviour largely determines the areas favoured by adults. Movement to, and accumulation in, favoured areas is discussed.", "PMID": 987568} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2391", "title": "Observations on coprophagy and the transmission of Hymenolepis nana infections in mice.", "content": "Young, previously uninfected white mice became infected with Hymenolepis nana when exposed in small cages to parasite eggs which had been sprinkled in suspension onto the floor of their cage, or to faeces from mice with patent infections. The mean daily probabilities of infection for individual eggs under these two conditions were 2-9 X 10(-6) and 5-4 X 10(-6) respectively. If the mice were starved for 24 h prior to exposure to faeces, then the mean daily probability of infection increased to 2-6 X 10(-4). These differences in transmission are interpreted as being due to differences in the extent of coprophagy; they are not due to any effect of starvation on the hatchability of eggs.", "contents": "Observations on coprophagy and the transmission of Hymenolepis nana infections in mice. Young, previously uninfected white mice became infected with Hymenolepis nana when exposed in small cages to parasite eggs which had been sprinkled in suspension onto the floor of their cage, or to faeces from mice with patent infections. The mean daily probabilities of infection for individual eggs under these two conditions were 2-9 X 10(-6) and 5-4 X 10(-6) respectively. If the mice were starved for 24 h prior to exposure to faeces, then the mean daily probability of infection increased to 2-6 X 10(-4). These differences in transmission are interpreted as being due to differences in the extent of coprophagy; they are not due to any effect of starvation on the hatchability of eggs.", "PMID": 987569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2392", "title": "A rapid method for assessing megathrombocytes: its application to thrombocytotic and acquired thrombocytopenic states.", "content": "A rapid technique suitable for routine laboratory use for determining the percentage of large platelets in the peripheral blood is described. In 50 haematologically normal subjects, megathrombocytes (platelets with a volume of 16-33 fl) constituted 3.0-16.6% (mean +/- 2 SD) of the platelet count. Of the 10 patients examined with immune thrombocytopenic purpura, an increased percentage of megathrombocytes (mean 26.6%) was found in all with severe thrombocytopenia, and in 6 of 8 (mean 19.8%) with moderate thrombocytopenia; the percentages were not influenced by prior splenectomy. Six of 12 patients with severe hypomegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia had an increased percentage of large platelets (mean 15.9%), as did one of 21 patients (mean 9.9%) with moderate thrombocytopenia of simimlar aetiology. When patients with nearly identical platelet counts were compared, the mean percentage of megathrombocytes was greater in immune than in hypomegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia for both severe (t=3.17, P less than 0.01) and moderate (t=4.5, P less than 0.001) thrombocytopenia. An increased percentage of large platelets (mean 21.9%) was found in 6 to 8 patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation, in 7 of 20 (mean 15.8%) with chronic myeloproliferative disorders and in one of 15 (mean 8.8%) with reactive thrombocytosis. Determination of the percentage of megathrombocytes by this technique assists in differentiating immune thrombocytopenia from hypomegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, in diagnosing mild disseminated intravascular coagulation, and in determining whether thrombocytosis is reactive or a consequence of a myeloproliferative disorders.", "contents": "A rapid method for assessing megathrombocytes: its application to thrombocytotic and acquired thrombocytopenic states. A rapid technique suitable for routine laboratory use for determining the percentage of large platelets in the peripheral blood is described. In 50 haematologically normal subjects, megathrombocytes (platelets with a volume of 16-33 fl) constituted 3.0-16.6% (mean +/- 2 SD) of the platelet count. Of the 10 patients examined with immune thrombocytopenic purpura, an increased percentage of megathrombocytes (mean 26.6%) was found in all with severe thrombocytopenia, and in 6 of 8 (mean 19.8%) with moderate thrombocytopenia; the percentages were not influenced by prior splenectomy. Six of 12 patients with severe hypomegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia had an increased percentage of large platelets (mean 15.9%), as did one of 21 patients (mean 9.9%) with moderate thrombocytopenia of simimlar aetiology. When patients with nearly identical platelet counts were compared, the mean percentage of megathrombocytes was greater in immune than in hypomegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia for both severe (t=3.17, P less than 0.01) and moderate (t=4.5, P less than 0.001) thrombocytopenia. An increased percentage of large platelets (mean 21.9%) was found in 6 to 8 patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation, in 7 of 20 (mean 15.8%) with chronic myeloproliferative disorders and in one of 15 (mean 8.8%) with reactive thrombocytosis. Determination of the percentage of megathrombocytes by this technique assists in differentiating immune thrombocytopenia from hypomegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, in diagnosing mild disseminated intravascular coagulation, and in determining whether thrombocytosis is reactive or a consequence of a myeloproliferative disorders.", "PMID": 987570} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2393", "title": "Hand-foot-uterus-(HFU) syndrome with hypospadias: the hand-foot-genital- (HFG) syndrome.", "content": "Three brothers with the typical findings of the HFU-syndrome, but in addition with various degrees of hypospadias are reported. The family history otherwise was negative. The similarity of the \"pattern-profile\" of these cases with the mean pattern of the 11 previously reported ones is striking, as expressed by a product moment correlation of 0.83, 0.8 and 0.78 respectively. The widening of the concept of the HFU to that of a HFG-syndrome, as suggested by Poznanski et al, in 1974, is discussed.", "contents": "Hand-foot-uterus-(HFU) syndrome with hypospadias: the hand-foot-genital- (HFG) syndrome. Three brothers with the typical findings of the HFU-syndrome, but in addition with various degrees of hypospadias are reported. The family history otherwise was negative. The similarity of the \"pattern-profile\" of these cases with the mean pattern of the 11 previously reported ones is striking, as expressed by a product moment correlation of 0.83, 0.8 and 0.78 respectively. The widening of the concept of the HFU to that of a HFG-syndrome, as suggested by Poznanski et al, in 1974, is discussed.", "PMID": 987572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2394", "title": "Cardiorespiratory status of erythroblastotic newborn infants: III. Intravascular pressures during the first hours of life.", "content": "We measured aortic and central venous pressures beginning soon after birth in 40 prematurely born infants with moderate or severe erythroblastosis fetalis, including 13 with severe and 10 with mild hydrops fetalis. All but four were asphyxiated at birth and this affected intravascular pressures. Before resuscitation, aortic or central venous pressure or both were elevated in more than one third. All but two of the remaining infants had normal initial pressures. Following resuscitation which relieved acidosis, hypoxia, and anemia, but did not reduce blood acidosis, hypoxia, and anemia, but did not reduce blood volume, the high pressures usually fell to normal and occasionally to subnormal levels, normal pressures fell to subnormal in almost one half, and those with initial subnormal pressures remained hypotensive. In all, 40% were hypotensive after resuscitation; treatment with blood volume expanders consistently returned these pressures to normal. Only two of the 13 severely hydropic infants and none of the mildly hydropic had findings indicative of hypervolemia and myocardial failure which persisted after treatment of asphyxia.", "contents": "Cardiorespiratory status of erythroblastotic newborn infants: III. Intravascular pressures during the first hours of life. We measured aortic and central venous pressures beginning soon after birth in 40 prematurely born infants with moderate or severe erythroblastosis fetalis, including 13 with severe and 10 with mild hydrops fetalis. All but four were asphyxiated at birth and this affected intravascular pressures. Before resuscitation, aortic or central venous pressure or both were elevated in more than one third. All but two of the remaining infants had normal initial pressures. Following resuscitation which relieved acidosis, hypoxia, and anemia, but did not reduce blood acidosis, hypoxia, and anemia, but did not reduce blood volume, the high pressures usually fell to normal and occasionally to subnormal levels, normal pressures fell to subnormal in almost one half, and those with initial subnormal pressures remained hypotensive. In all, 40% were hypotensive after resuscitation; treatment with blood volume expanders consistently returned these pressures to normal. Only two of the 13 severely hydropic infants and none of the mildly hydropic had findings indicative of hypervolemia and myocardial failure which persisted after treatment of asphyxia.", "PMID": 987574} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2395", "title": "[Double blind study of vitamin E compared to placebo in the prevention of anemia in the low birth weight infant during the 7th week of life: therapeutic study].", "content": "alpha-tocopherol and placebo were compared by a double-blind trial to study their preventive effect on secondary anemia in a sample of low birth weight (less than or equal 2,500 g) infants. In the 7th week of life, hematological data from each of the two groups of infants (receiving vitamin E or placebo) were compared either by covariance analysis or by the t test of comparison of means. The infants who were given vitamin E have a higher serum level of vitamin E, a lower hemolysis, a higher erythrocyte count and a higher hemoglobin level than infants given the placebo. No significant difference was observed with respect to hematocrit or reticulocyte count. Thus, it appears that vitamin E has an effect on some of the factors in the anemia of infants of low birth weight.", "contents": "[Double blind study of vitamin E compared to placebo in the prevention of anemia in the low birth weight infant during the 7th week of life: therapeutic study]. alpha-tocopherol and placebo were compared by a double-blind trial to study their preventive effect on secondary anemia in a sample of low birth weight (less than or equal 2,500 g) infants. In the 7th week of life, hematological data from each of the two groups of infants (receiving vitamin E or placebo) were compared either by covariance analysis or by the t test of comparison of means. The infants who were given vitamin E have a higher serum level of vitamin E, a lower hemolysis, a higher erythrocyte count and a higher hemoglobin level than infants given the placebo. No significant difference was observed with respect to hematocrit or reticulocyte count. Thus, it appears that vitamin E has an effect on some of the factors in the anemia of infants of low birth weight.", "PMID": 987578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2396", "title": "Size and structure of the genome of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus.", "content": "The genome of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus consists of two segments of dsRNA, in equimolar amounts, with molecular weights of 2.5 X 10(6) and 2.3 X 10(6) daltons, as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. The viral RNA was resistant to ribonuclease, and in sucrose gradient it co-sedimented at 14S with RNase resistant RNA from virus infected cells. Upon denaturation in 98% formamide, the viral genome sedi-mented at 24S in formamide sucrose gradient and became sensitive to RNase. Denatured 24S viral RNA did revert to its undenatured 14S form upon recentrifugation in aquaeous sucrose gradient (0.1 M NaCL), but co-sedimented with the denatured large size class of reovirus 25S RNA. The same results were obtained if the native viral RNA was pre-treated with ribonuclease before denaturation, indicating the absence of exposed single strainded regions in the viral genome. Since infectious pancreatic necrosis virus contains only two dsRNA segments it does not belong to the family Reoviridae and may represent a new group of viruses.", "contents": "Size and structure of the genome of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus. The genome of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus consists of two segments of dsRNA, in equimolar amounts, with molecular weights of 2.5 X 10(6) and 2.3 X 10(6) daltons, as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. The viral RNA was resistant to ribonuclease, and in sucrose gradient it co-sedimented at 14S with RNase resistant RNA from virus infected cells. Upon denaturation in 98% formamide, the viral genome sedi-mented at 24S in formamide sucrose gradient and became sensitive to RNase. Denatured 24S viral RNA did revert to its undenatured 14S form upon recentrifugation in aquaeous sucrose gradient (0.1 M NaCL), but co-sedimented with the denatured large size class of reovirus 25S RNA. The same results were obtained if the native viral RNA was pre-treated with ribonuclease before denaturation, indicating the absence of exposed single strainded regions in the viral genome. Since infectious pancreatic necrosis virus contains only two dsRNA segments it does not belong to the family Reoviridae and may represent a new group of viruses.", "PMID": 987579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2397", "title": "A study of the interaction between ethidium bromide and rye chromatin: comparison with calf thymus chromatin.", "content": "We studied the interaction of ethidium bromide with rye and calf thymus chromatin. Both types of chromatin have the same dye accessibility, which is about 50% of that of DNA. From this result we conclude that the molecular structure of these two chromatins is similar. For rye, the extraction of H1 produces no change in the binding of ethidium bromide. The subsequent extraction of H2A and H2B produces a 14% increase in the binding, and the removal of H3 and H4, another 54% increase. At this stage, the number of binding sites is still less than that of DNA. This is presumably due to the presence of some tightly bound non-histones. Thus, the arginine-rich histones and the tightly bound non-histones are most responsible for limiting the binding of ethidium bromide to rye chromatin.", "contents": "A study of the interaction between ethidium bromide and rye chromatin: comparison with calf thymus chromatin. We studied the interaction of ethidium bromide with rye and calf thymus chromatin. Both types of chromatin have the same dye accessibility, which is about 50% of that of DNA. From this result we conclude that the molecular structure of these two chromatins is similar. For rye, the extraction of H1 produces no change in the binding of ethidium bromide. The subsequent extraction of H2A and H2B produces a 14% increase in the binding, and the removal of H3 and H4, another 54% increase. At this stage, the number of binding sites is still less than that of DNA. This is presumably due to the presence of some tightly bound non-histones. Thus, the arginine-rich histones and the tightly bound non-histones are most responsible for limiting the binding of ethidium bromide to rye chromatin.", "PMID": 987580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2398", "title": "A general method for isolation of high molecular weight DNA from eukaryotes.", "content": "A new method for isolation of high molecular weight DNA from eukaryotes is presented. This procedure allows preparation of DNA from a variety of tissues such as calf thymus or human placenta and from cells which were more difficult to lyse until now (e.g. Crypthecodinium cuhnii, a dinoflagellate). The DNA obtained in such a way has an average molecular weight of about 200 X 10(6) d and contains very few, if any, single strand breaks.", "contents": "A general method for isolation of high molecular weight DNA from eukaryotes. A new method for isolation of high molecular weight DNA from eukaryotes is presented. This procedure allows preparation of DNA from a variety of tissues such as calf thymus or human placenta and from cells which were more difficult to lyse until now (e.g. Crypthecodinium cuhnii, a dinoflagellate). The DNA obtained in such a way has an average molecular weight of about 200 X 10(6) d and contains very few, if any, single strand breaks.", "PMID": 987581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2399", "title": "Venous outflow of the hormones secreted by the rat pituitary autotransplanted beneath the kidney capsule.", "content": "In adult female or male rats subjected to hypophysectomy and autotransplantation of the pituitary beneath the renal capsule, the levels of prolactin in the renal vein of the pituitary-bearing kidney were not significantly different from those found either in the renal vein of the contralateral kidney or in the jugular veing. LH levels were slightly but highly significantly higher than those found in hypophysectomized rats; the levels found in the two renal veins and the jugular vein were also not sigificantly different from one another.", "contents": "Venous outflow of the hormones secreted by the rat pituitary autotransplanted beneath the kidney capsule. In adult female or male rats subjected to hypophysectomy and autotransplantation of the pituitary beneath the renal capsule, the levels of prolactin in the renal vein of the pituitary-bearing kidney were not significantly different from those found either in the renal vein of the contralateral kidney or in the jugular veing. LH levels were slightly but highly significantly higher than those found in hypophysectomized rats; the levels found in the two renal veins and the jugular vein were also not sigificantly different from one another.", "PMID": 987591} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2400", "title": "Developmental patterns of acid hydrolases during differentiation of fetal mouse skin.", "content": "The activities of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase were assayed in fetal and neonatal mouse epidermis by microanalytical methods. The level of acid phosphatase activity was low in the epidermis on Day 15 of gestation. Acid phosphatase activity increased 10-fold between Day 15 of gestation and neonatalhood. On the other hand, beta-glucuronidase activity was high on Days 14 and 15 of gestation and low after Day 17 of gestation. The relative ratio of acid phosphatase to beta-glucuronidase activity appeared to represent a marker for the degree of differentiation in whole epidermis.", "contents": "Developmental patterns of acid hydrolases during differentiation of fetal mouse skin. The activities of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase were assayed in fetal and neonatal mouse epidermis by microanalytical methods. The level of acid phosphatase activity was low in the epidermis on Day 15 of gestation. Acid phosphatase activity increased 10-fold between Day 15 of gestation and neonatalhood. On the other hand, beta-glucuronidase activity was high on Days 14 and 15 of gestation and low after Day 17 of gestation. The relative ratio of acid phosphatase to beta-glucuronidase activity appeared to represent a marker for the degree of differentiation in whole epidermis.", "PMID": 987592} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2401", "title": "[A factor analytical method for the examination of aphasic disorders].", "content": "According to calculations based on factor analysis a general, a sensory, and a motor speech factor were determined for 50 aphasic patients, 29 non-aphasic patients with an injured brain and 20 persons who had no brain injuries. The method of examination and the graduation for the quantification of speech disorders are presented and discussed.", "contents": "[A factor analytical method for the examination of aphasic disorders]. According to calculations based on factor analysis a general, a sensory, and a motor speech factor were determined for 50 aphasic patients, 29 non-aphasic patients with an injured brain and 20 persons who had no brain injuries. The method of examination and the graduation for the quantification of speech disorders are presented and discussed.", "PMID": 987594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2402", "title": "The involvement of further nutritional factors in the fatty liver and kidney syndrome in chicks.", "content": "Supplementing chick diets causing fatty liver and kidney syndrome (FLKS) with a wide range of minerals or with antibiotics did not affect mortality significantly but supplements of isolated soy protein or a mixture of crystalline amino acids were both equally effective in reducing mortality. Biotin supplementation of the parent flock diet subsequent mortality among the progeny by 30 per cent. Data on the age-distribution of the syndrome and the general conclusions from a whole series of experiments are presented.", "contents": "The involvement of further nutritional factors in the fatty liver and kidney syndrome in chicks. Supplementing chick diets causing fatty liver and kidney syndrome (FLKS) with a wide range of minerals or with antibiotics did not affect mortality significantly but supplements of isolated soy protein or a mixture of crystalline amino acids were both equally effective in reducing mortality. Biotin supplementation of the parent flock diet subsequent mortality among the progeny by 30 per cent. Data on the age-distribution of the syndrome and the general conclusions from a whole series of experiments are presented.", "PMID": 987606} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2403", "title": "An ultrastructural study of heterokaryons derived from Theileria parva-infected bovine lymphoblasts and Ehrlich ascites tumour cells.", "content": "An ultrastructural study was made of Sendai virus induced heterokaryons derived from Theileria parva-infected lymphoblasts and Ehrlich ascites tumour cells. When fusion occurred, parasites were successfully integrated into the cytoplasm of the resulting heterokaryons where they appeared as morphologically normal macroschizonts. Homokaryon formation was also noted. This occurred frequently between Ehrlich ascites tumour cells and rarely with lymphoblasts. A small proportion of heterokaryons contained altered forms of T parva showing nuclear components, vesicular structures and paired organelles similar to the microshizont stage of the parasite.", "contents": "An ultrastructural study of heterokaryons derived from Theileria parva-infected bovine lymphoblasts and Ehrlich ascites tumour cells. An ultrastructural study was made of Sendai virus induced heterokaryons derived from Theileria parva-infected lymphoblasts and Ehrlich ascites tumour cells. When fusion occurred, parasites were successfully integrated into the cytoplasm of the resulting heterokaryons where they appeared as morphologically normal macroschizonts. Homokaryon formation was also noted. This occurred frequently between Ehrlich ascites tumour cells and rarely with lymphoblasts. A small proportion of heterokaryons contained altered forms of T parva showing nuclear components, vesicular structures and paired organelles similar to the microshizont stage of the parasite.", "PMID": 987607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2404", "title": "[The mutagenic effect of x-rays iii. radiation genetic risks].", "content": "In the estimation of radiation genetic risks, the results must be derived from animal experiments. According to recently performed investigations, humans have almost the same mutation sensibility like mice. In risk estimations, it is necessary to take into account the factors which influence the mutation rate induced per unit dose. Risk estimations are carried out by comparing the effect per unit dose with the risk of the same effect, which is caused by unknown natural influences. The reader is reffered to data derived from humans.", "contents": "[The mutagenic effect of x-rays iii. radiation genetic risks]. In the estimation of radiation genetic risks, the results must be derived from animal experiments. According to recently performed investigations, humans have almost the same mutation sensibility like mice. In risk estimations, it is necessary to take into account the factors which influence the mutation rate induced per unit dose. Risk estimations are carried out by comparing the effect per unit dose with the risk of the same effect, which is caused by unknown natural influences. The reader is reffered to data derived from humans.", "PMID": 987613} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2405", "title": "Synchronization of periodical cicada emergences.", "content": "Synchronized insect emergences are shown to be a possible consequence of predation in the presence of a limited environmental carrying capacity through a mathematical model for cicada populations that includes these two features. Synchronized emergences, like those observed in 13- and 17-year cicades, are predicted for insects with sufficiently long life-spans. Balanced solutions, in which comparable emergences occur each year, are found for insects having sufficiently short life-spans, such as 3-, 4-, and 7-year cicadas. For the values used here, synchronized emergences occur for insects with life-spans of 10 years or more, and balanced emergences occur for life-spans of fewer than 10 years.", "contents": "Synchronization of periodical cicada emergences. Synchronized insect emergences are shown to be a possible consequence of predation in the presence of a limited environmental carrying capacity through a mathematical model for cicada populations that includes these two features. Synchronized emergences, like those observed in 13- and 17-year cicades, are predicted for insects with sufficiently long life-spans. Balanced solutions, in which comparable emergences occur each year, are found for insects having sufficiently short life-spans, such as 3-, 4-, and 7-year cicadas. For the values used here, synchronized emergences occur for insects with life-spans of 10 years or more, and balanced emergences occur for life-spans of fewer than 10 years.", "PMID": 987617} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2406", "title": "Experience with subcutaneous mastectomy.", "content": "A review of 67 patients who had undergone subcutaneous mastectomy indicates that the procedure should be used with well defined criteria. Both the patient and the surgeon should understand clearly that the procedure does not afford absolute protection against breast cancer. In proper perspective, used in appropriate circumstance, subcutaneous mastectomy is one more tool in the physician's armamentarium against breast disease-- a tool that may offer relief and satisfaction, with only moderate risk of morbidity.", "contents": "Experience with subcutaneous mastectomy. A review of 67 patients who had undergone subcutaneous mastectomy indicates that the procedure should be used with well defined criteria. Both the patient and the surgeon should understand clearly that the procedure does not afford absolute protection against breast cancer. In proper perspective, used in appropriate circumstance, subcutaneous mastectomy is one more tool in the physician's armamentarium against breast disease-- a tool that may offer relief and satisfaction, with only moderate risk of morbidity.", "PMID": 987618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2407", "title": "Enzymic activity of 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and of some glycolytic enzymes occurring in the testicle of Graphosoma italicum Mull. and of Eurydema ventralis Kol. (Heteroptera--Pentatomidae).", "content": "In the testicle of Graphosoma italicum and Eurydema ventralis the histochemical localization of 3-beta-HSD, SDH, MDH and LDH was followed up. The enzymic activity was detected in various stages of the sexual cells; the strongest activity was found in the evoluted spermatids and spermatozoa. As far as the nutritive cells of the testicle are concerned, the reaction of these different enzymes appeared very weak or absent.", "contents": "Enzymic activity of 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and of some glycolytic enzymes occurring in the testicle of Graphosoma italicum Mull. and of Eurydema ventralis Kol. (Heteroptera--Pentatomidae). In the testicle of Graphosoma italicum and Eurydema ventralis the histochemical localization of 3-beta-HSD, SDH, MDH and LDH was followed up. The enzymic activity was detected in various stages of the sexual cells; the strongest activity was found in the evoluted spermatids and spermatozoa. As far as the nutritive cells of the testicle are concerned, the reaction of these different enzymes appeared very weak or absent.", "PMID": 987615} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2408", "title": "A comparative study of adrenal progesterone secretion during the estrous cycles of hamsters and rats.", "content": "Adrenal secretory rates and peripheral plasma levels of progesterone (PROG) were determined during the estrous cycles of hamsters and 4-day cyclic rats. In both species, the PROG concentrations in peripheral plasma were never more than 6% of those observed in adrenal venous plasma. In hamsters, adrenal PROG secretory rates varied from 3.8 +/- 0.8 ng/min at 0800 hr on proestrus (P) to 8.5 +/- 1 ng/min at 2000 hr on estrus (E). The rates noted on P were among the lowest observed and were similar to those noted at 0800 hr the following morning. In rats, adrenal PROG secretory rates varied from 57 +/- 9 ng/min at 0800 hr on E to 130 +/- 18 ng/min at 2000 hr on P. A significant decline occurred between 2000 hr on P and 0800 hr the following morning. Rats secreted 3 to 8 times more PROG than did hamsters when the secretory rates are expressed as ng/min/100 mg adrenal. In hamsters, the data suggest a relative lack of influence of female reproductive hormones on adrenal PROG secretion and in turn the latter may not be involved in reproductive hormonal changes leading to ovulation. In rats, the increased adrenal PROG secretion noted on P may be due to the influence of reproductive hormones on adrenocortical function. This elevated rate may in turn influence the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-ovarian axis.", "contents": "A comparative study of adrenal progesterone secretion during the estrous cycles of hamsters and rats. Adrenal secretory rates and peripheral plasma levels of progesterone (PROG) were determined during the estrous cycles of hamsters and 4-day cyclic rats. In both species, the PROG concentrations in peripheral plasma were never more than 6% of those observed in adrenal venous plasma. In hamsters, adrenal PROG secretory rates varied from 3.8 +/- 0.8 ng/min at 0800 hr on proestrus (P) to 8.5 +/- 1 ng/min at 2000 hr on estrus (E). The rates noted on P were among the lowest observed and were similar to those noted at 0800 hr the following morning. In rats, adrenal PROG secretory rates varied from 57 +/- 9 ng/min at 0800 hr on E to 130 +/- 18 ng/min at 2000 hr on P. A significant decline occurred between 2000 hr on P and 0800 hr the following morning. Rats secreted 3 to 8 times more PROG than did hamsters when the secretory rates are expressed as ng/min/100 mg adrenal. In hamsters, the data suggest a relative lack of influence of female reproductive hormones on adrenal PROG secretion and in turn the latter may not be involved in reproductive hormonal changes leading to ovulation. In rats, the increased adrenal PROG secretion noted on P may be due to the influence of reproductive hormones on adrenocortical function. This elevated rate may in turn influence the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-ovarian axis.", "PMID": 987624} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2409", "title": "Changes in hookworm distribution in Surinam.", "content": "During the months May-July, 1974, a follow-up investigation was carried out on hookworm infections in dogs and cats in order to study changes in the hookworm distribution in Surinam since 1967. Fifty-two cats and 152 dogs were examined for the presence of helminths in the oesophagus, small intestine, coecum and heart. In total 15,942 helminths were isolated; most of these (14,006) were hookworms belonging to the species Ancylostoma caninum, A. tubaeforme, A. ceylanicum and A. braziliense. The average size of the hookworn load in dogs and cats appeared to have decreased since 1967, especially as regards A. ceylanicum. The distribution area of A. braziliense had extended largely by 1974 to the east and south in Surinam. In west Surinam A. braziliense infection was not found, just as in 1967.. The remaining parasites were Dipylidium caninum, Toxocara sp., Dirofilaria immitis, Spirocerca sanguinolenta, Spirometra mansonoides, Taenia taeniaeformis and Trichurisvulpis.", "contents": "Changes in hookworm distribution in Surinam. During the months May-July, 1974, a follow-up investigation was carried out on hookworm infections in dogs and cats in order to study changes in the hookworm distribution in Surinam since 1967. Fifty-two cats and 152 dogs were examined for the presence of helminths in the oesophagus, small intestine, coecum and heart. In total 15,942 helminths were isolated; most of these (14,006) were hookworms belonging to the species Ancylostoma caninum, A. tubaeforme, A. ceylanicum and A. braziliense. The average size of the hookworn load in dogs and cats appeared to have decreased since 1967, especially as regards A. ceylanicum. The distribution area of A. braziliense had extended largely by 1974 to the east and south in Surinam. In west Surinam A. braziliense infection was not found, just as in 1967.. The remaining parasites were Dipylidium caninum, Toxocara sp., Dirofilaria immitis, Spirocerca sanguinolenta, Spirometra mansonoides, Taenia taeniaeformis and Trichurisvulpis.", "PMID": 987625} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2410", "title": "Cytotoxicity of caffeine in cultured heart cells.", "content": "The cytotoxic effect of caffeine on myocardial cells was evaluated in primary cultures of rat heart muscle (M) and endothelioid (E) cells. The cells were exposed to 5, 10, or 20 mM caffeine for 6, 12, or 24 h. As an index of cell injury produced by the treatments, in situ changes in lysosomal membrane permeability were measured by a sensitive cytochemical technique. The highest concentration of caffeine (20 mM) produced such toxic signs as reduced cell viability, increased vacuolization, and pseudopod formation. At the lower concentrations, caffeine labilized lysosomal membranes of M cells more easily than those of E cells. Pretreatment with hydrocortisone prior to exposure to caffeine protected E and M cell lysosomes from the labilizing effects of caffeine.", "contents": "Cytotoxicity of caffeine in cultured heart cells. The cytotoxic effect of caffeine on myocardial cells was evaluated in primary cultures of rat heart muscle (M) and endothelioid (E) cells. The cells were exposed to 5, 10, or 20 mM caffeine for 6, 12, or 24 h. As an index of cell injury produced by the treatments, in situ changes in lysosomal membrane permeability were measured by a sensitive cytochemical technique. The highest concentration of caffeine (20 mM) produced such toxic signs as reduced cell viability, increased vacuolization, and pseudopod formation. At the lower concentrations, caffeine labilized lysosomal membranes of M cells more easily than those of E cells. Pretreatment with hydrocortisone prior to exposure to caffeine protected E and M cell lysosomes from the labilizing effects of caffeine.", "PMID": 987623} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2411", "title": "[Urodynamic assessment of women with urethral syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "Thirty women presenting with urethral syndrome were investigated. A full urologic, radiologic, gynecologic and urodynamic assessment was carried out. In most patients the cause of their troubles was found. In 19 of them an obstruction was demonstrated. Two types of obstruction were seen: The first occurred mainly in postmenopausal women. Here, a narrow distal segment of the urethra was demonstrated. The second type of obstruction was seen mainly in younger patients. The cause was an incomplete relaxation or a spasm of the external striated sphincter. Other causes of symptoms were instability and atony of the detrusor. In some women no cause for their symptoms and recurrent urinary infection was found.", "contents": "[Urodynamic assessment of women with urethral syndrome (author's transl)]. Thirty women presenting with urethral syndrome were investigated. A full urologic, radiologic, gynecologic and urodynamic assessment was carried out. In most patients the cause of their troubles was found. In 19 of them an obstruction was demonstrated. Two types of obstruction were seen: The first occurred mainly in postmenopausal women. Here, a narrow distal segment of the urethra was demonstrated. The second type of obstruction was seen mainly in younger patients. The cause was an incomplete relaxation or a spasm of the external striated sphincter. Other causes of symptoms were instability and atony of the detrusor. In some women no cause for their symptoms and recurrent urinary infection was found.", "PMID": 987632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2412", "title": "Genital manifestation of filariasis.", "content": "The epidemiology, parasitology, and clinical and pathologic aspects of genital filariasis are reviewed. Emphasis is given to the milder forms of this disease which might be encountered in a routine urologic practice.", "contents": "Genital manifestation of filariasis. The epidemiology, parasitology, and clinical and pathologic aspects of genital filariasis are reviewed. Emphasis is given to the milder forms of this disease which might be encountered in a routine urologic practice.", "PMID": 987633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2413", "title": "Metastases from testicular carcinoma. Study of 78 autopsied cases.", "content": "The necropsy records of 78 patients with histologically proved germ cell tumors of the testis, who died as a direct result of their malignant disease, were reviewed to determine the usual modes of spread, distribution of metastasis, the histologic characteristics of the metastatic foci as compared with the morphology of the primary tumor and the specific cause of death. The sites of metastases in order of decreasing frequency for all cases were lung, retroperitoneal lymph nodes, liver, mediastinal lymph nodes, brain, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, bones, adrenals, peritoneum and spleen. The absence of metastases solely in the anterior mediastinum without involvement of other mediastinal nodes (middle/posterior) strongly supports the premise for a primary extragonadal origin whenever the anterior mediastinum alone is involved with malignant disease having the histologic appearance of a primary germ cell tumor. The histologic features of the metastatic lesions were usually similar in nature to those of the primary tumor except for seminoma in which the metastatic lesions proved to be of a different histologic pattern in almost one third of the patients dying from the disease. It should be axiomatic that whenever a patient with seminoma fails to respond appropriately to radiotherapy that his treatment be immediately discontinued and that appropriate biopsies be obtained to substantiate the histologic pattern present.", "contents": "Metastases from testicular carcinoma. Study of 78 autopsied cases. The necropsy records of 78 patients with histologically proved germ cell tumors of the testis, who died as a direct result of their malignant disease, were reviewed to determine the usual modes of spread, distribution of metastasis, the histologic characteristics of the metastatic foci as compared with the morphology of the primary tumor and the specific cause of death. The sites of metastases in order of decreasing frequency for all cases were lung, retroperitoneal lymph nodes, liver, mediastinal lymph nodes, brain, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, bones, adrenals, peritoneum and spleen. The absence of metastases solely in the anterior mediastinum without involvement of other mediastinal nodes (middle/posterior) strongly supports the premise for a primary extragonadal origin whenever the anterior mediastinum alone is involved with malignant disease having the histologic appearance of a primary germ cell tumor. The histologic features of the metastatic lesions were usually similar in nature to those of the primary tumor except for seminoma in which the metastatic lesions proved to be of a different histologic pattern in almost one third of the patients dying from the disease. It should be axiomatic that whenever a patient with seminoma fails to respond appropriately to radiotherapy that his treatment be immediately discontinued and that appropriate biopsies be obtained to substantiate the histologic pattern present.", "PMID": 987634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2414", "title": "Multiple primary adenocarcinomas of urogenital tract.", "content": "A case of multiple adenocarcinoma arising from the kidney, bladder, and prostate is presented with a relevant discussion of the possible factors of pathogenesis. A staged approach of radical extirpative surgery is suggested.", "contents": "Multiple primary adenocarcinomas of urogenital tract. A case of multiple adenocarcinoma arising from the kidney, bladder, and prostate is presented with a relevant discussion of the possible factors of pathogenesis. A staged approach of radical extirpative surgery is suggested.", "PMID": 987635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2415", "title": "Medical audit, continuing medical education and quality assurance.", "content": "Medical audit and continuing medical education (CME) are now the mainstays of quality assurance in hospitals. Audits should address problems that have serious consequences for patients if proper treatment is not given. The single most important step is the selection of essential or scientific criteria that relate process to outcomes. CME does less than commonly believed to improve care. Today, quality assurance increasingly means a near-guarantee to every patient of appropriate treatment and fewest possible complications. Maintenance of the public trust rests on a firm commitment of the medical staff and board to this principle, implemented through an organized program of quality assurance. Under these conditions, medical audit and CME can effectively improve care by improving physician performance.", "contents": "Medical audit, continuing medical education and quality assurance. Medical audit and continuing medical education (CME) are now the mainstays of quality assurance in hospitals. Audits should address problems that have serious consequences for patients if proper treatment is not given. The single most important step is the selection of essential or scientific criteria that relate process to outcomes. CME does less than commonly believed to improve care. Today, quality assurance increasingly means a near-guarantee to every patient of appropriate treatment and fewest possible complications. Maintenance of the public trust rests on a firm commitment of the medical staff and board to this principle, implemented through an organized program of quality assurance. Under these conditions, medical audit and CME can effectively improve care by improving physician performance.", "PMID": 987652} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2416", "title": "Comparative studies on some leguminous protein sources and soybean proteins.", "content": "The nutrient contents as well as the amino acid pattern of broad bean, kidney bean and soybean were determined. The levels of most of the amino acids were also estimated. Heat treatment of the leguminous seeds caused a noticeable reduction in the levels of methionine, cystine, lysine and tryptophan. Animal experiments showed high figures for digestibility, biological value and net protein utilization for the soybean diet whereas the broad bean and kidney beans gave lower values of these measurement compared with soybean.", "contents": "Comparative studies on some leguminous protein sources and soybean proteins. The nutrient contents as well as the amino acid pattern of broad bean, kidney bean and soybean were determined. The levels of most of the amino acids were also estimated. Heat treatment of the leguminous seeds caused a noticeable reduction in the levels of methionine, cystine, lysine and tryptophan. Animal experiments showed high figures for digestibility, biological value and net protein utilization for the soybean diet whereas the broad bean and kidney beans gave lower values of these measurement compared with soybean.", "PMID": 987657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2417", "title": "[Effect of culinary treatment on residual quantities of streptomycin and oxytetracycline in meat and chicken by-products].", "content": "The effect of different methods of culinary treatment on the residual amounts of streptomycin and oxytetracycline in the meat and edible viscera (liver, muscle stomach) of egg-layer hens and in the eggs was clarified. Under the effect of heat treatment (cooking, frying, autoclaving) the amount of streptomycin and oxytetracycline in the meat and edible viscera of chicken was found to gradually decrease by comparison with the initial one, with oxytetracycline declining more intensively. In the chicken meat oxytetracycline becomes completely disintegrated after 2 hours of cooking, while amounts of streptomycin in the chicken liver are also much greater than those of oxytetracycline, whereas in the muscle stomach after 2-hour long cooking, in cooked and fried eggs, where oxytetracycline becomes fully disintegrated, certain amounts of streptomycin still continue to be present.", "contents": "[Effect of culinary treatment on residual quantities of streptomycin and oxytetracycline in meat and chicken by-products]. The effect of different methods of culinary treatment on the residual amounts of streptomycin and oxytetracycline in the meat and edible viscera (liver, muscle stomach) of egg-layer hens and in the eggs was clarified. Under the effect of heat treatment (cooking, frying, autoclaving) the amount of streptomycin and oxytetracycline in the meat and edible viscera of chicken was found to gradually decrease by comparison with the initial one, with oxytetracycline declining more intensively. In the chicken meat oxytetracycline becomes completely disintegrated after 2 hours of cooking, while amounts of streptomycin in the chicken liver are also much greater than those of oxytetracycline, whereas in the muscle stomach after 2-hour long cooking, in cooked and fried eggs, where oxytetracycline becomes fully disintegrated, certain amounts of streptomycin still continue to be present.", "PMID": 987647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2418", "title": "[Nutrition-physiological properties of frying fats. 8. Hematological and blood-chemical studies].", "content": "The hematological and chemical examination of the 3rd generation of rats fed soy bean oil used for fish frying showed not any abnormal data.", "contents": "[Nutrition-physiological properties of frying fats. 8. Hematological and blood-chemical studies]. The hematological and chemical examination of the 3rd generation of rats fed soy bean oil used for fish frying showed not any abnormal data.", "PMID": 987658} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2419", "title": "[Nutrition-physiological properties of frying fats. 9. Overfeeding of frying fats and the drug- and toxic-substance-detoxicating microsomal enzyme-system of the liver].", "content": "Long-term feeding of frying oil to male rats increases significantly the activity of the drug and toxic substances metabolizing microsomal enzyme system. This effect was also seen in the females, but only statistically insignificant.", "contents": "[Nutrition-physiological properties of frying fats. 9. Overfeeding of frying fats and the drug- and toxic-substance-detoxicating microsomal enzyme-system of the liver]. Long-term feeding of frying oil to male rats increases significantly the activity of the drug and toxic substances metabolizing microsomal enzyme system. This effect was also seen in the females, but only statistically insignificant.", "PMID": 987659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2420", "title": "[Cutaneous granulomatous cladosporiosis].", "content": "The case of a 41 year old man with a tumorlike cutaneous cladosporiosis on the fifth right finger is described. Histologically seen there was an unspecific granulomatous inflammatory cellular infiltrate in the upper and middle corium, whereas in the deeper corium there were found big macrophages phagocytizing fungical elements pointing to cladosporiosis. The fungi grew up very slowly at a temperature of 30 degrees C. Since 1971 the patient was suffering from a \"symptomatic\" epilepsy medicamentally controlled. Though a neurotropic action of some cladosporion species is well known there could not be found any hint for a cerebral abscess.", "contents": "[Cutaneous granulomatous cladosporiosis]. The case of a 41 year old man with a tumorlike cutaneous cladosporiosis on the fifth right finger is described. Histologically seen there was an unspecific granulomatous inflammatory cellular infiltrate in the upper and middle corium, whereas in the deeper corium there were found big macrophages phagocytizing fungical elements pointing to cladosporiosis. The fungi grew up very slowly at a temperature of 30 degrees C. Since 1971 the patient was suffering from a \"symptomatic\" epilepsy medicamentally controlled. Though a neurotropic action of some cladosporion species is well known there could not be found any hint for a cerebral abscess.", "PMID": 987661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2421", "title": "Studies on mushroom flavours. 3. Some flavour compounds in fresh, canned and dried edible mushrooms.", "content": "The concentrations of 1-octen-3-ol, 5'-GMP and glutamic acid were compared in 8 fresh, 3 canned and 5 dried mushroom species. The highest amounts of 1-octen-3-ol and 5'-GMP were found in the fresh muschrooms. Agaricus bitorquis, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pholiota squarrosa contained 5-7 times as much 1-octen-3-ol as Agaricus bisporus and Calvatia gigantea 58 times as much. Coprinus comatus and Pleurotus ostreatus contained much 5'-GMP. Little 1-octen-3-ol and 5'-GMP were found in most dried and canned mushrooms. Potatoes and tomatoes were analyzed for comparison. Little or no 1-octen-3-ol and 5'-GMP were observed. Glutamic acid was present in most samples in sufficient quantities to have an important influence on the flavour.", "contents": "Studies on mushroom flavours. 3. Some flavour compounds in fresh, canned and dried edible mushrooms. The concentrations of 1-octen-3-ol, 5'-GMP and glutamic acid were compared in 8 fresh, 3 canned and 5 dried mushroom species. The highest amounts of 1-octen-3-ol and 5'-GMP were found in the fresh muschrooms. Agaricus bitorquis, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pholiota squarrosa contained 5-7 times as much 1-octen-3-ol as Agaricus bisporus and Calvatia gigantea 58 times as much. Coprinus comatus and Pleurotus ostreatus contained much 5'-GMP. Little 1-octen-3-ol and 5'-GMP were found in most dried and canned mushrooms. Potatoes and tomatoes were analyzed for comparison. Little or no 1-octen-3-ol and 5'-GMP were observed. Glutamic acid was present in most samples in sufficient quantities to have an important influence on the flavour.", "PMID": 987665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2422", "title": "[Distribution of mercury in the fruit-bodies of Boletus edulis and Agaricus species (authors transl)].", "content": "The mercury content of various parts of single fruit-bodies of the Yellow Bolete Boletus edulis (n = 26), the Field-Mushroom Agaricus campester (n = 23) and of Agaricus silvicola (n = 17) was determined by flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. In each species the lowest mercury content was found in the stem (x = 1,96--3,21 mg/kg dry wt.), whereas the caps contained significantly more mercury (x = 4,19--6,97 mg/kg dry wt.). The highest mercury content was found in the gills and tubes (x = 4,85--8,77 mg/kg dry wt.), which contained significantly more mercury then the flesh of the caps (x = 3,11--5,60 mg/kg dry wt.). Young mushrooms seemed to contain more mercury then older ones.", "contents": "[Distribution of mercury in the fruit-bodies of Boletus edulis and Agaricus species (authors transl)]. The mercury content of various parts of single fruit-bodies of the Yellow Bolete Boletus edulis (n = 26), the Field-Mushroom Agaricus campester (n = 23) and of Agaricus silvicola (n = 17) was determined by flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. In each species the lowest mercury content was found in the stem (x = 1,96--3,21 mg/kg dry wt.), whereas the caps contained significantly more mercury (x = 4,19--6,97 mg/kg dry wt.). The highest mercury content was found in the gills and tubes (x = 4,85--8,77 mg/kg dry wt.), which contained significantly more mercury then the flesh of the caps (x = 3,11--5,60 mg/kg dry wt.). Young mushrooms seemed to contain more mercury then older ones.", "PMID": 987666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2423", "title": "[Thermal decomposition of cysteine, cystine, N-acetylcysteine, 4-thiazolidinecarboxylic acid and cysteine methyl ester in soy bean oil (authors transl)].", "content": "During the thermal decomposition of cysteine, cystine, N-acetylcysteine, 4-thiazolidinecarboxylic acid, cysteine methyl ester, in soy bean oil at 200 degrees C, a series of compounds containing sulphur are formed. Besides 15 alkylthiazoles, -thiazolines and -thiazolidines, compounds with 2 and 3 S-atoms can also be identified: ethane-1,2-dithiole, diethyldisulfide, diethyltrisulfide, 2-methyl-1,3-dithiolane, 1,2-dithiane, thialdine, 1,2,4-trithiolanes, 1,2,4-trithianes and 2-methyl-thiazolidino-(3,4-b-)-thiazolidine. N,N'-dibutyrylcystamine shows an antioxidant effect.", "contents": "[Thermal decomposition of cysteine, cystine, N-acetylcysteine, 4-thiazolidinecarboxylic acid and cysteine methyl ester in soy bean oil (authors transl)]. During the thermal decomposition of cysteine, cystine, N-acetylcysteine, 4-thiazolidinecarboxylic acid, cysteine methyl ester, in soy bean oil at 200 degrees C, a series of compounds containing sulphur are formed. Besides 15 alkylthiazoles, -thiazolines and -thiazolidines, compounds with 2 and 3 S-atoms can also be identified: ethane-1,2-dithiole, diethyldisulfide, diethyltrisulfide, 2-methyl-1,3-dithiolane, 1,2-dithiane, thialdine, 1,2,4-trithiolanes, 1,2,4-trithianes and 2-methyl-thiazolidino-(3,4-b-)-thiazolidine. N,N'-dibutyrylcystamine shows an antioxidant effect.", "PMID": 987667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2424", "title": "[Occurrence of bitter taste after roasting of proteins (author's transl)].", "content": "Proteins of animal and plant origin (e.g. casein, zein, soyprotein, gliadin), heated to 260 degrees C for 10 min, yield aqueous extracts of strong bitter taste. The thresholds (0.0005-0.008%) are in the range of the value for chininhydrochloride (0.001%) and are much lower than thresholds for enzymatic protein hydrolyzates. Polysaccharides, heated under identical conditions (e.g. cellulose, starch, agar, carrageene), don't yield bitter products. It is assumed, that proteins are important precursors for bitter compounds on roasting.", "contents": "[Occurrence of bitter taste after roasting of proteins (author's transl)]. Proteins of animal and plant origin (e.g. casein, zein, soyprotein, gliadin), heated to 260 degrees C for 10 min, yield aqueous extracts of strong bitter taste. The thresholds (0.0005-0.008%) are in the range of the value for chininhydrochloride (0.001%) and are much lower than thresholds for enzymatic protein hydrolyzates. Polysaccharides, heated under identical conditions (e.g. cellulose, starch, agar, carrageene), don't yield bitter products. It is assumed, that proteins are important precursors for bitter compounds on roasting.", "PMID": 987668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2425", "title": "[Lead in mushrooms (author's transl)].", "content": "The lead content of 222 species of wild mushrooms, either edible or poisonous, was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Altogether 494 samples, grown in rural regions of southern Germany, were tested. The lead content was between less than 2.0 and 40.4, on the average 10.6 mg/kg dry weight, equivalent to less than 0.1 and 3.0, on the average 1.06 mg/kg fresh weight.", "contents": "[Lead in mushrooms (author's transl)]. The lead content of 222 species of wild mushrooms, either edible or poisonous, was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Altogether 494 samples, grown in rural regions of southern Germany, were tested. The lead content was between less than 2.0 and 40.4, on the average 10.6 mg/kg dry weight, equivalent to less than 0.1 and 3.0, on the average 1.06 mg/kg fresh weight.", "PMID": 987669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2426", "title": "[Results and experiences in the artificial maritogenous insemination as a therapeutic possibility in sterile marriages].", "content": "Statement of the importance, indications, contraindications and conditions of the artifical maritogenous insemination (AMI) as a form of therapy in the cases of a primary and secondary sterility. Report about 60 married couples during the time 1971 to 1974, in which in 10 cases (16,6%) the AMI led to a desired pregnancy. 4 of the pregnancies resulted in abortion, one of the pregnancies was anextrauterine gravidity. In 4 cases after a normal pregnancy and a normal delivery 4 normal developing boys were born. One women being in the course of treatment in the 20 th. week of her normal pregnancy. The successes are nearly exclusive in the first cycles of the treatment. The biggest number of the conceptions (5) have been reached, if AMI have been led one day before rise in morning temperature. After extensive diagnostic and proof of the generative potency of the wife and probable potency generativ of the husband, belongs AMI a stable place in the therapy of sterility.", "contents": "[Results and experiences in the artificial maritogenous insemination as a therapeutic possibility in sterile marriages]. Statement of the importance, indications, contraindications and conditions of the artifical maritogenous insemination (AMI) as a form of therapy in the cases of a primary and secondary sterility. Report about 60 married couples during the time 1971 to 1974, in which in 10 cases (16,6%) the AMI led to a desired pregnancy. 4 of the pregnancies resulted in abortion, one of the pregnancies was anextrauterine gravidity. In 4 cases after a normal pregnancy and a normal delivery 4 normal developing boys were born. One women being in the course of treatment in the 20 th. week of her normal pregnancy. The successes are nearly exclusive in the first cycles of the treatment. The biggest number of the conceptions (5) have been reached, if AMI have been led one day before rise in morning temperature. After extensive diagnostic and proof of the generative potency of the wife and probable potency generativ of the husband, belongs AMI a stable place in the therapy of sterility.", "PMID": 987675} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2427", "title": "Staphylococci outside the hospital. Staphylococcus aureus in sheep.", "content": "Biochemical properties were studied in Staph. aureus strains obtained from the anterior nares of healthy sheep and from the udders of ewes suffering from purulent mastitis. Of the total number of 84 isolated staphylococcal strains 75 (89.3%) were classified as the C biotype. These undoubtedly sheep-adapted staphylococci produced pigment and beta hemolysin, they were growing on crystal violet agar as the negative type in violet colonies lacking both fibrinolysin and alpha hemolysin. All of them coagulated human plasma within one hour after inoculation. In bovine plasma 27 strains (36%) formed the coagulum within 3 hours, 16 (21.3%) within 24 hours, and the remaining 32 strains (42.7%) only within 72 hours. Mannitol was fermented after five days only by 33 cultures (44%). The staphylococci were sensitive to the applied antibiotics without exception. All these sheep-adapted staphylococci had analogous biochemical features to the earlier discussed staphylococcal strains obtained by the authors from the nasal cavities of cattle. Next two strains were denoted as deficit variants of the C biotype because of their lack of pigment. Of quite a different character were 3 strains (3.6%) of the A biotype and one strain identified as the E biotype. The former were presumably transferred to sheep from man while the latter from a dog. The remaining 3 strains could not be subdivided according to the classificatory criteria used here.", "contents": "Staphylococci outside the hospital. Staphylococcus aureus in sheep. Biochemical properties were studied in Staph. aureus strains obtained from the anterior nares of healthy sheep and from the udders of ewes suffering from purulent mastitis. Of the total number of 84 isolated staphylococcal strains 75 (89.3%) were classified as the C biotype. These undoubtedly sheep-adapted staphylococci produced pigment and beta hemolysin, they were growing on crystal violet agar as the negative type in violet colonies lacking both fibrinolysin and alpha hemolysin. All of them coagulated human plasma within one hour after inoculation. In bovine plasma 27 strains (36%) formed the coagulum within 3 hours, 16 (21.3%) within 24 hours, and the remaining 32 strains (42.7%) only within 72 hours. Mannitol was fermented after five days only by 33 cultures (44%). The staphylococci were sensitive to the applied antibiotics without exception. All these sheep-adapted staphylococci had analogous biochemical features to the earlier discussed staphylococcal strains obtained by the authors from the nasal cavities of cattle. Next two strains were denoted as deficit variants of the C biotype because of their lack of pigment. Of quite a different character were 3 strains (3.6%) of the A biotype and one strain identified as the E biotype. The former were presumably transferred to sheep from man while the latter from a dog. The remaining 3 strains could not be subdivided according to the classificatory criteria used here.", "PMID": 987676} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2428", "title": "[Phenamine sterotypy as a drug-induced model of psychopathology].", "content": "Stereotype movements in cats following the administration of bid dosages of phenamine is accompanied by crude disorders of conditioned avoidance with an increase of intrasignal reactions, a weakening of differentiated inhibition and an inhibition of avoidance responses due to low frequency irritation of the caudate nucleus. Caffeine even in large dosages does not possess such properties. Phenamine as in caudectomia decreases the amount of monomodel neurons in the neocortex, as well as group postdischarges in the caudate response of neurons. It is assumed that many indices of phenamine stereotypicity, as a possible model of psychopathology, may be explained by disturbances of the filtering and retention functions of the caudate nucleaus.", "contents": "[Phenamine sterotypy as a drug-induced model of psychopathology]. Stereotype movements in cats following the administration of bid dosages of phenamine is accompanied by crude disorders of conditioned avoidance with an increase of intrasignal reactions, a weakening of differentiated inhibition and an inhibition of avoidance responses due to low frequency irritation of the caudate nucleus. Caffeine even in large dosages does not possess such properties. Phenamine as in caudectomia decreases the amount of monomodel neurons in the neocortex, as well as group postdischarges in the caudate response of neurons. It is assumed that many indices of phenamine stereotypicity, as a possible model of psychopathology, may be explained by disturbances of the filtering and retention functions of the caudate nucleaus.", "PMID": 987678} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2429", "title": "Amino acid sequence of human muscle glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Isolation and amino acid sequences of tryptic peptides.", "content": "1. The amino acid compostion, N- and C-terminal amino acid sequences, and the subunit molecular weight of glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase from human muscle, were determined. The obtained results and the maps of tryptic peptides suggest that the enzyme is composed of four identical or very similar polypeptide chains. 2. From the tryptic digest of performic acid-oxidized enzyme, 32 peptides were isolated. The amino acid sequence analysis showed a high degree of homology with the corresponding tryptic peptides of the dehydrogenase from pig muscle, with 9 replacements and probably two additional amino acids in the examined sequences of the human muscle enzyme.", "contents": "Amino acid sequence of human muscle glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Isolation and amino acid sequences of tryptic peptides. 1. The amino acid compostion, N- and C-terminal amino acid sequences, and the subunit molecular weight of glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase from human muscle, were determined. The obtained results and the maps of tryptic peptides suggest that the enzyme is composed of four identical or very similar polypeptide chains. 2. From the tryptic digest of performic acid-oxidized enzyme, 32 peptides were isolated. The amino acid sequence analysis showed a high degree of homology with the corresponding tryptic peptides of the dehydrogenase from pig muscle, with 9 replacements and probably two additional amino acids in the examined sequences of the human muscle enzyme.", "PMID": 987679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2430", "title": "Similarity in active site arrangement of neutral protease from calf thymus chromatin and trypsin.", "content": "1. Susceptibility to inhibitors of neutral protease from calf thymus chromatin has been compared with that of trypsin. The chromatin protease reacts stoichiometrically with the inhibitors specific for trypsin (diisopropylfluorophosphate, tosyl-lysyl chloromethane, soybean trypsin inhibitor and Kunitz basic inhibitor from pancreas), but not with the inhibitor specific for chymotrypsin (tosyl-phenylalanyl chloromethane). 2. Chromatin protease, similarly as trypsin, cleaves Lys-X and Arg-X peptide bonds. 3. It is concluded that the structure of active site region of both enzymes is very similar.", "contents": "Similarity in active site arrangement of neutral protease from calf thymus chromatin and trypsin. 1. Susceptibility to inhibitors of neutral protease from calf thymus chromatin has been compared with that of trypsin. The chromatin protease reacts stoichiometrically with the inhibitors specific for trypsin (diisopropylfluorophosphate, tosyl-lysyl chloromethane, soybean trypsin inhibitor and Kunitz basic inhibitor from pancreas), but not with the inhibitor specific for chymotrypsin (tosyl-phenylalanyl chloromethane). 2. Chromatin protease, similarly as trypsin, cleaves Lys-X and Arg-X peptide bonds. 3. It is concluded that the structure of active site region of both enzymes is very similar.", "PMID": 987680} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2431", "title": "Inhibition of pyruvate oxidation by skeletal muscle mitochondria by phenylpyruvate.", "content": "1. Phenylpyruvate inhibits pyruvate plus malate oxidation in human and rat skeletal muscle mitochondria in state 3 and in the uncoupled state, it has, however, no effect in state 4. 2. Inhibition by phenylpyruvate of pyruvate oxidation by intact uncoupled rat muscle mitochondria was competitive, with the Ki value about 0.18 mM. 3. It is suggested that the inhibition of pyruvate oxidation is due to the action of phenylpyruvate on muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase, and is the principal cause of the elevated concentration of pyruvate and lactate in blood plasma of phenylketonuric patients.", "contents": "Inhibition of pyruvate oxidation by skeletal muscle mitochondria by phenylpyruvate. 1. Phenylpyruvate inhibits pyruvate plus malate oxidation in human and rat skeletal muscle mitochondria in state 3 and in the uncoupled state, it has, however, no effect in state 4. 2. Inhibition by phenylpyruvate of pyruvate oxidation by intact uncoupled rat muscle mitochondria was competitive, with the Ki value about 0.18 mM. 3. It is suggested that the inhibition of pyruvate oxidation is due to the action of phenylpyruvate on muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase, and is the principal cause of the elevated concentration of pyruvate and lactate in blood plasma of phenylketonuric patients.", "PMID": 987681} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2432", "title": "Arteriovenous anastomoses in the skin of tropical cattle.", "content": "As part of a general study of the vascular arrangement in the skin of cattle in tropical environments, the arteriovenous anastomoses (AVA) and other specialized vascular structures in the various skin sites of cattle were observed histologically. AVA were abundant in the skin from the scrotum, eye margin and the lower limb sites but were generally less numerous on the hairy body skin sites of cattle. Most of the AVA, especially those in the scrotal skin, were complex and tortuous S-shaped vessels, mainly located in the mid- and lower reticular layer and the mid- and lower papillary layer. The possible significance of their presence in various body sites, especially on the scrotal skin, is discussed.", "contents": "Arteriovenous anastomoses in the skin of tropical cattle. As part of a general study of the vascular arrangement in the skin of cattle in tropical environments, the arteriovenous anastomoses (AVA) and other specialized vascular structures in the various skin sites of cattle were observed histologically. AVA were abundant in the skin from the scrotum, eye margin and the lower limb sites but were generally less numerous on the hairy body skin sites of cattle. Most of the AVA, especially those in the scrotal skin, were complex and tortuous S-shaped vessels, mainly located in the mid- and lower reticular layer and the mid- and lower papillary layer. The possible significance of their presence in various body sites, especially on the scrotal skin, is discussed.", "PMID": 987683} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2433", "title": "In vivo determination of the stress-strain relation of the human myometrium.", "content": "Smooth muscle is capable of responding by contraction to mechanical distension. Neither the structural basis for this phenomenon nor the theories of smooth muscle behavior are completely clear. A method is now described by which the contractile response to mechanical distension of the human uterine muscle in vivo is determined. The distension is enforced sinusoidally within the frequency range 0.005-2 Hz, by filling and emptying a rubber balloon introduced into the uterine cavity. A tonometric index of the myometrium is defined using Hook's law after the approximate evaluation of a contractile modulus and the tangential stress and strain in the inner layer of the uterine wall. The regression line of indices upon frequency is calculated and intercept and regression coefficient of the equation for basic conditions are compared with those obtained during administration of pharmacologically active agents. It is suggested that the differences in intercepts and regression coefficients be used as a measure of drug effect.", "contents": "In vivo determination of the stress-strain relation of the human myometrium. Smooth muscle is capable of responding by contraction to mechanical distension. Neither the structural basis for this phenomenon nor the theories of smooth muscle behavior are completely clear. A method is now described by which the contractile response to mechanical distension of the human uterine muscle in vivo is determined. The distension is enforced sinusoidally within the frequency range 0.005-2 Hz, by filling and emptying a rubber balloon introduced into the uterine cavity. A tonometric index of the myometrium is defined using Hook's law after the approximate evaluation of a contractile modulus and the tangential stress and strain in the inner layer of the uterine wall. The regression line of indices upon frequency is calculated and intercept and regression coefficient of the equation for basic conditions are compared with those obtained during administration of pharmacologically active agents. It is suggested that the differences in intercepts and regression coefficients be used as a measure of drug effect.", "PMID": 987688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2434", "title": "Comparison of the effects of leucines, non-metabolizable leucine analogues and other insulin secretagogues on the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase.", "content": "Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) from bovine liver was employed in model system for testing a possible role of GLDH in insulin release. The ability of different insulin secretagogues to stimulate the activity of the diethylstilbestrol-inhibited enzyme was tested. The two insulin-releasing amino acids, L-leucine and its non-metabolizable analogue 2-aminobicyclo(2, 2, 1)heptane-2-carboxylic acid [b(--)-BCH], were the best stimulators of GLDH activity. The non-secreting stereoisomers, D-leucine and b(+)-BCH, were less effective. Glucose, L-arginine and the leucine metabolite alpha-ketoisocaproic acid lacked significant effects on GLDH activity. Small and diverging effects were obtained with sulfonvlurea compounds: whereas carbutamide caused slight stimulation, tolbutamide and glipizide had no effect, and glibenclamide was an inhibitor. The specificity of the insulin-releasing amino acids L-leucine and b(--)-BCH in stimulating GLDH activity makes it tempting to speculate about a connection between allosteric regulation of pyridine nucleotide-dependent enzymes and insulin release.", "contents": "Comparison of the effects of leucines, non-metabolizable leucine analogues and other insulin secretagogues on the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase. Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) from bovine liver was employed in model system for testing a possible role of GLDH in insulin release. The ability of different insulin secretagogues to stimulate the activity of the diethylstilbestrol-inhibited enzyme was tested. The two insulin-releasing amino acids, L-leucine and its non-metabolizable analogue 2-aminobicyclo(2, 2, 1)heptane-2-carboxylic acid [b(--)-BCH], were the best stimulators of GLDH activity. The non-secreting stereoisomers, D-leucine and b(+)-BCH, were less effective. Glucose, L-arginine and the leucine metabolite alpha-ketoisocaproic acid lacked significant effects on GLDH activity. Small and diverging effects were obtained with sulfonvlurea compounds: whereas carbutamide caused slight stimulation, tolbutamide and glipizide had no effect, and glibenclamide was an inhibitor. The specificity of the insulin-releasing amino acids L-leucine and b(--)-BCH in stimulating GLDH activity makes it tempting to speculate about a connection between allosteric regulation of pyridine nucleotide-dependent enzymes and insulin release.", "PMID": 987682} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2435", "title": "Electric activity of the rat myometrium in vivo during the estrous cycle.", "content": "Electric activity of the uterus was recorded by 6 chronically implanted wire electrodes in 17 unrestrained 5-day cycling rats. Results obtained during 196 h of recording revealed consistent changes in frequency, amplitude, temporal pattern and in direction and distance of propagation of electric activity. In estrus, bursts were short and of variable amplitude and frequency, while in metestrus bursts had high amplitude, longer duration and regular frequency. The activity decreased from metestrus to the first diestrous day and still more to the second diestrous day. In diestrus and proestrus long bursts appeared once to twice within an hour. In proestrus the morning level of activity was still low, but high at night, when it resembled the activity in estrus. Electric activity spread in both directions but with a higher frequency in the cervical direction in all phases of the cycle. Cervical electric activity appeared in synchrony with that of the uterine body and did not differ from it in type.", "contents": "Electric activity of the rat myometrium in vivo during the estrous cycle. Electric activity of the uterus was recorded by 6 chronically implanted wire electrodes in 17 unrestrained 5-day cycling rats. Results obtained during 196 h of recording revealed consistent changes in frequency, amplitude, temporal pattern and in direction and distance of propagation of electric activity. In estrus, bursts were short and of variable amplitude and frequency, while in metestrus bursts had high amplitude, longer duration and regular frequency. The activity decreased from metestrus to the first diestrous day and still more to the second diestrous day. In diestrus and proestrus long bursts appeared once to twice within an hour. In proestrus the morning level of activity was still low, but high at night, when it resembled the activity in estrus. Electric activity spread in both directions but with a higher frequency in the cervical direction in all phases of the cycle. Cervical electric activity appeared in synchrony with that of the uterine body and did not differ from it in type.", "PMID": 987690} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2436", "title": "Is there a diurnal variation in the susceptibility of mouse skin to the tumorigenic action of methylcholanthrene? A study of tumour yield with special reference to the variation between cages.", "content": "Skin tumour development was studied in groups of mice painted once with 125 mug of 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA) either at 12:00 or at 24:00 MET. Eight animals were kept in each box. The animals were observed weekly for 20 months and all tumours were registered. There was no difference between the two groups of mice as regards tumour induction time or number of papilloma-bearing mice. In the groups of mice treated at 24:00 the number of skin tumours to develop was 9 per cent higher than in groups of mice treated at 12:00. This difference in papilloma yields is not statistically significant. Among female mice painted at 24:00 carcinoma-bearing animals were significantly more numerous (50 per cent) than among those painted at 12:00, whereas there was no difference between the groups of male mice. Considering the groups collectively (males + females), the intergroup difference (17 per cent) in advantage of painting at 24:00 was barely significant (0.5 less than p less than 0.10). There was no difference between the groups as regards the total number of carcinomas to occur. When the tumour yields in individual boxes were found to vary greatly. The slight increase in tumour yield after night painting correlates with the circadian variation in proliferative activity of the epidermidis. Previous reports in the literature have shown similar differences. Further investigations and better methods seem necessary before a definite conclusion can be drawn concerning a possible diurnal variation in the susceptibility of mouse skin to chemical carcinogenesis. It is also emphasized that it is necessary to exercise great caution when the results of classical epidermal chemical carcinogenesis experiments are to be interpreted. It seems necessary to observe animals for at least 15 months before any conclusion can be drawn.", "contents": "Is there a diurnal variation in the susceptibility of mouse skin to the tumorigenic action of methylcholanthrene? A study of tumour yield with special reference to the variation between cages. Skin tumour development was studied in groups of mice painted once with 125 mug of 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA) either at 12:00 or at 24:00 MET. Eight animals were kept in each box. The animals were observed weekly for 20 months and all tumours were registered. There was no difference between the two groups of mice as regards tumour induction time or number of papilloma-bearing mice. In the groups of mice treated at 24:00 the number of skin tumours to develop was 9 per cent higher than in groups of mice treated at 12:00. This difference in papilloma yields is not statistically significant. Among female mice painted at 24:00 carcinoma-bearing animals were significantly more numerous (50 per cent) than among those painted at 12:00, whereas there was no difference between the groups of male mice. Considering the groups collectively (males + females), the intergroup difference (17 per cent) in advantage of painting at 24:00 was barely significant (0.5 less than p less than 0.10). There was no difference between the groups as regards the total number of carcinomas to occur. When the tumour yields in individual boxes were found to vary greatly. The slight increase in tumour yield after night painting correlates with the circadian variation in proliferative activity of the epidermidis. Previous reports in the literature have shown similar differences. Further investigations and better methods seem necessary before a definite conclusion can be drawn concerning a possible diurnal variation in the susceptibility of mouse skin to chemical carcinogenesis. It is also emphasized that it is necessary to exercise great caution when the results of classical epidermal chemical carcinogenesis experiments are to be interpreted. It seems necessary to observe animals for at least 15 months before any conclusion can be drawn.", "PMID": 987689} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2437", "title": "The effects of L-histidine and of specific histamine receptor agonists, on the expression of morphine tolerance and physical dependence in mice.", "content": "The effects of L-histidine, and of the specific histamine receptor agonists 2-methylhistamine and 4-methylhistamine, on the expression of morphine tolerance and physical dependence have been studied in mice. These agents were administered during the \"withdrawal\" phase of development. All of them significantly increased tolerance but reduced the degree of physical dependence. The effects of 2-methylhistamine, which has predominantly H1-receptor activity, were completely abolished by the prior administration of the H1-antagonist mepyramine. The H2-antagonist metiamide, on the other hand, did not alter the action of 2-methylhistamine on physical dependence, though tolerance was restored to its original level. The effects of 4-methylhistamine, which is a specific H2-receptor agonist, were inhibited by metiamide, but mepyramine was unable to reverse the actions of this agonist. The effects of L-histidine, the major precursor of brain histamine, were unaltered by mepyramine, but partially inhibited by metiamide. These experimental findings are discussed in detail, and are considered to give further support to the view that histamine is implicated in some way in the mechanisms of the \"withdrawal\" phase of morphine tolerance and physical dependence in mice, with H2-receptors probably playing the more important role.", "contents": "The effects of L-histidine and of specific histamine receptor agonists, on the expression of morphine tolerance and physical dependence in mice. The effects of L-histidine, and of the specific histamine receptor agonists 2-methylhistamine and 4-methylhistamine, on the expression of morphine tolerance and physical dependence have been studied in mice. These agents were administered during the \"withdrawal\" phase of development. All of them significantly increased tolerance but reduced the degree of physical dependence. The effects of 2-methylhistamine, which has predominantly H1-receptor activity, were completely abolished by the prior administration of the H1-antagonist mepyramine. The H2-antagonist metiamide, on the other hand, did not alter the action of 2-methylhistamine on physical dependence, though tolerance was restored to its original level. The effects of 4-methylhistamine, which is a specific H2-receptor agonist, were inhibited by metiamide, but mepyramine was unable to reverse the actions of this agonist. The effects of L-histidine, the major precursor of brain histamine, were unaltered by mepyramine, but partially inhibited by metiamide. These experimental findings are discussed in detail, and are considered to give further support to the view that histamine is implicated in some way in the mechanisms of the \"withdrawal\" phase of morphine tolerance and physical dependence in mice, with H2-receptors probably playing the more important role.", "PMID": 987696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2438", "title": "[Biotypological study of a sample of young males consulting for psychosexual troubles].", "content": "Biotypes of 320 male subjects consulting for elective sexual troubles are not similarly distributed as those of 210 psychiatric patients: gyno\u00efdes (with or without hypo-androgenism) and, to a certain extent, normo-androgenics are found in equal proportions, while hyperandrogenics are twice as frequent and juveniles twice less frequent among consultants for sexual troubles. This observation would indicate that the excess of androgenic hormones is more disturbing than its insufficiency, from the psychosexual point of view.", "contents": "[Biotypological study of a sample of young males consulting for psychosexual troubles]. Biotypes of 320 male subjects consulting for elective sexual troubles are not similarly distributed as those of 210 psychiatric patients: gyno\u00efdes (with or without hypo-androgenism) and, to a certain extent, normo-androgenics are found in equal proportions, while hyperandrogenics are twice as frequent and juveniles twice less frequent among consultants for sexual troubles. This observation would indicate that the excess of androgenic hormones is more disturbing than its insufficiency, from the psychosexual point of view.", "PMID": 987691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2439", "title": "Ultrastructural observations on rabbit, hamster and mouse eggs following electrical stimulation in vitro.", "content": "The fine structural changes were studied in the plasma membrane, cortical granules (CGs) and meiotic spindle of rabbit, hamster and mouse eggs in response to electrical stimulation. Eggs were collected 16 to 18 hours after HCG injection, and freed from the cumulus oophorus. They were stimulated in vitro by delivering a single monophasic square wave pulse of 150 V for 1 msec. Stimulated and unstimulated eggs were fixed for fine structural observations 1, 30 and 60 minutes after stimulation. Within one minute of stimulation the microvilli of rabbit eggs were long, branching and had bulbous ends. Umbonate protrusions were also present on their surface. By 30 minutes after stimulation the rabbit eggs lacked microvilli and the perivitelline space with detached vesicles. Degenerating changes were readily noticeable in the microvilli of hamster eggs by 60 minutes. Changes were not noted in the microvilli of stimulated mouse eggs. There were markedly fewer CGs in the hamster and mouse, but not rabbit, eggs by 30 minutes after stimulation, and nearly all of them disappeared in the mouse and hamster eggs by 60 minutes. The density of the CGs in the rabbit was not altered. The meiotic spindle of hamster eggs dissipated within one minute of stimulation, however, the microtubules reappeared by 60 minutes after stimulation. Rotation of the meiotic spindle occurred in the mouse and hamster eggs by 30 minutes after stimulation. In some of the mouse eggs the spindle migrated to the center and the chromosomes were in telophase.", "contents": "Ultrastructural observations on rabbit, hamster and mouse eggs following electrical stimulation in vitro. The fine structural changes were studied in the plasma membrane, cortical granules (CGs) and meiotic spindle of rabbit, hamster and mouse eggs in response to electrical stimulation. Eggs were collected 16 to 18 hours after HCG injection, and freed from the cumulus oophorus. They were stimulated in vitro by delivering a single monophasic square wave pulse of 150 V for 1 msec. Stimulated and unstimulated eggs were fixed for fine structural observations 1, 30 and 60 minutes after stimulation. Within one minute of stimulation the microvilli of rabbit eggs were long, branching and had bulbous ends. Umbonate protrusions were also present on their surface. By 30 minutes after stimulation the rabbit eggs lacked microvilli and the perivitelline space with detached vesicles. Degenerating changes were readily noticeable in the microvilli of hamster eggs by 60 minutes. Changes were not noted in the microvilli of stimulated mouse eggs. There were markedly fewer CGs in the hamster and mouse, but not rabbit, eggs by 30 minutes after stimulation, and nearly all of them disappeared in the mouse and hamster eggs by 60 minutes. The density of the CGs in the rabbit was not altered. The meiotic spindle of hamster eggs dissipated within one minute of stimulation, however, the microtubules reappeared by 60 minutes after stimulation. Rotation of the meiotic spindle occurred in the mouse and hamster eggs by 30 minutes after stimulation. In some of the mouse eggs the spindle migrated to the center and the chromosomes were in telophase.", "PMID": 987704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2440", "title": "Circulatory responses of the near-term sheep fetus to prostaglandin E2.", "content": "The effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the fetal circulation was measured in chronically catheterized ewes using radioactive microspheres. The injection of 10 mug/kg PGE2 into six fetuses resulted in a biphasic pressor response with a hypotensive period followed by a prolonged period of hypertension. The fetal arterial pressure rose from 45 to 63 mmHg (P less than 0.002). The placental membrane flow changed from 36 to 16 ml/min (P less than 0.004), the fetal renal blood flow changed from 8.6 to 7.1 ml/min per kg of fetus (P less than 0.001). It was postulated that the hypotensive response was due to a direct effect of PGE2 on the heart and the hypertensive response was due to PGE2 releasing a vasoconstricting agent into the fetal circulation. In nine experiments the PGE2 was administered to the maternal lcirculation. This caused a fetal hypertension and a vasoconstriction of the fetal renal, placental membrane, and umbilical circulations. These changes were similar in time course and magnitude to those described above. It is postulated that PGE2 crosses the placenta and that the fetal responses seen in this series are similar to those seen when PGE2 is administered to the fetal circulation.", "contents": "Circulatory responses of the near-term sheep fetus to prostaglandin E2. The effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the fetal circulation was measured in chronically catheterized ewes using radioactive microspheres. The injection of 10 mug/kg PGE2 into six fetuses resulted in a biphasic pressor response with a hypotensive period followed by a prolonged period of hypertension. The fetal arterial pressure rose from 45 to 63 mmHg (P less than 0.002). The placental membrane flow changed from 36 to 16 ml/min (P less than 0.004), the fetal renal blood flow changed from 8.6 to 7.1 ml/min per kg of fetus (P less than 0.001). It was postulated that the hypotensive response was due to a direct effect of PGE2 on the heart and the hypertensive response was due to PGE2 releasing a vasoconstricting agent into the fetal circulation. In nine experiments the PGE2 was administered to the maternal lcirculation. This caused a fetal hypertension and a vasoconstriction of the fetal renal, placental membrane, and umbilical circulations. These changes were similar in time course and magnitude to those described above. It is postulated that PGE2 crosses the placenta and that the fetal responses seen in this series are similar to those seen when PGE2 is administered to the fetal circulation.", "PMID": 987706} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2441", "title": "Appearance of the interventricular septum in obstructive lesions of the left ventricular outflow tract.", "content": "Measurements of the thickness of the septum were made in 26 cardiac specimens and in 13 patients. There were 10 normal specimens, five with aortic stenosis, two with asymmetric septal hypertrophy, four with hypertensive cardiovascular disease, and five with idiopathic cardiomyopathy. Patient measurements were obtained by visualizing the septum during simultaneous left and right ventriculography on angiograms obtained in the left anterior oblique projection. Four patients were normal, five had aortic stenosis, and four had a symmetric septal hypertrophy. Measurements derived from normal cardiac specimens and angiographic appearance suggested that the normal septum is a smooth-walled structure with right and left ventricular surfaces parallel, diverging only slightly at the apex of the ventricle. In aortic stenosis and idiopathic cardiomyopathy, the septum tends to be biconvex with maximal thickening in its middle third. Hypertensive cardiovascular disease produces uniform septal thickening, resembling an exaggeration of normal. However, in asymmetric septal hypertrophy no consistent patterns of hypertrophy or septal thickening are evident; bulging can be present at any point along the left ventricular surface of the septum.", "contents": "Appearance of the interventricular septum in obstructive lesions of the left ventricular outflow tract. Measurements of the thickness of the septum were made in 26 cardiac specimens and in 13 patients. There were 10 normal specimens, five with aortic stenosis, two with asymmetric septal hypertrophy, four with hypertensive cardiovascular disease, and five with idiopathic cardiomyopathy. Patient measurements were obtained by visualizing the septum during simultaneous left and right ventriculography on angiograms obtained in the left anterior oblique projection. Four patients were normal, five had aortic stenosis, and four had a symmetric septal hypertrophy. Measurements derived from normal cardiac specimens and angiographic appearance suggested that the normal septum is a smooth-walled structure with right and left ventricular surfaces parallel, diverging only slightly at the apex of the ventricle. In aortic stenosis and idiopathic cardiomyopathy, the septum tends to be biconvex with maximal thickening in its middle third. Hypertensive cardiovascular disease produces uniform septal thickening, resembling an exaggeration of normal. However, in asymmetric septal hypertrophy no consistent patterns of hypertrophy or septal thickening are evident; bulging can be present at any point along the left ventricular surface of the septum.", "PMID": 987707} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2442", "title": "Two lesser known but useful signs of neonatal pneumothorax.", "content": "Two lesser known signs of neonatal pneumothorax are presented: the \"large, hyperlucent hemithorax\" sign and the \"medial stripe\" sign. In a review of 113 consecutive cases of proven neonatal pneumothorax, the large, hyperlucent hemithorax was the presenting sign in 29 and the medial stripe in 12 (25% and 11%, respectively). A left-sided preponderance of both signs but especially of the large, hyperlucent hemithorax remained unexplained. The practical significance of the signs, differential diagnosis, and influence of the Mach effect are described.", "contents": "Two lesser known but useful signs of neonatal pneumothorax. Two lesser known signs of neonatal pneumothorax are presented: the \"large, hyperlucent hemithorax\" sign and the \"medial stripe\" sign. In a review of 113 consecutive cases of proven neonatal pneumothorax, the large, hyperlucent hemithorax was the presenting sign in 29 and the medial stripe in 12 (25% and 11%, respectively). A left-sided preponderance of both signs but especially of the large, hyperlucent hemithorax remained unexplained. The practical significance of the signs, differential diagnosis, and influence of the Mach effect are described.", "PMID": 987708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2443", "title": "Carcinoembryonic antigen in patients treated with radiation therapy for invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.", "content": "Plasma carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in 75 patients with invasive cervical cancer were measured during and after radiation therapy. Initial CEA levels were elevated in 65% of the patients, the incidence varying with stage of disease. Of the 32 patients followed during therapy, CEA levels rose in 26 (81%). CEA values after therapy in the same 32 patients showed three patterns: (1) decline to normal, associated with a disease-free state; (2) decline but not to normal, associated with heavy cigarette smoking or persistent disease; and (3) decline to normal, followed by a rise to abnormal, associated with tumor recurrence. Elevation of CEA levels preceded recognition of recurrent cervical cancer by as much as 4 months in five of seven patients.", "contents": "Carcinoembryonic antigen in patients treated with radiation therapy for invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Plasma carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in 75 patients with invasive cervical cancer were measured during and after radiation therapy. Initial CEA levels were elevated in 65% of the patients, the incidence varying with stage of disease. Of the 32 patients followed during therapy, CEA levels rose in 26 (81%). CEA values after therapy in the same 32 patients showed three patterns: (1) decline to normal, associated with a disease-free state; (2) decline but not to normal, associated with heavy cigarette smoking or persistent disease; and (3) decline to normal, followed by a rise to abnormal, associated with tumor recurrence. Elevation of CEA levels preceded recognition of recurrent cervical cancer by as much as 4 months in five of seven patients.", "PMID": 987709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2444", "title": "Preanesthetic evaluation and management of malignant hyperthermia in the pig experimental model.", "content": "Fifty-three swine from the University of Missouri Sinclair Medical Research Farm were used in experimentation to determine their susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia, to determine appropriate anesthetic agents for susceptible swine and to investigate appropriate pharmaceutical agents which could protect against the development of malignant hyperthermia. The screening technics used were successful in determining susceptible animals to MH and the anesthesia studies indicated that dissociative anesthetics had less tendency to trigger MH than did halothane and pancuronium was shown to have greater safety as a muscle relaxant than succinylcholine in this group of pigs. Pigs pretreated with reserpine had less tendency to develop symptoms of MH and some were completely protected. The principle undesirable effect was the development of hypotension if sufficient reserpine was used to provide total protection.", "contents": "Preanesthetic evaluation and management of malignant hyperthermia in the pig experimental model. Fifty-three swine from the University of Missouri Sinclair Medical Research Farm were used in experimentation to determine their susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia, to determine appropriate anesthetic agents for susceptible swine and to investigate appropriate pharmaceutical agents which could protect against the development of malignant hyperthermia. The screening technics used were successful in determining susceptible animals to MH and the anesthesia studies indicated that dissociative anesthetics had less tendency to trigger MH than did halothane and pancuronium was shown to have greater safety as a muscle relaxant than succinylcholine in this group of pigs. Pigs pretreated with reserpine had less tendency to develop symptoms of MH and some were completely protected. The principle undesirable effect was the development of hypotension if sufficient reserpine was used to provide total protection.", "PMID": 987720} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2445", "title": "Sodium nitroprusside-induced hypotension for supine total hip replacement.", "content": "Deliberate hypotension was produced during general anesthesia by the infusion of sodium nitroprusside in 13 patients undergoing total hip replacement. Hemodynamic data from these patients were compared with those obtained from 5 patients under normotensive anesthesia for the same procedure. During the hypotensive period, which averaged 1.5 hours, the cardiac index rose 20 percent compared with controls. No acidotic tendency was seen. Blood loss in the study group averaged 475 ml, compared with 1475 ml in controls. From these data, a dose-response curve was derived which may allow the accurate prediction of the minute dosage of sodium nitroprusside required to safely induce hypotension during anesthesia.", "contents": "Sodium nitroprusside-induced hypotension for supine total hip replacement. Deliberate hypotension was produced during general anesthesia by the infusion of sodium nitroprusside in 13 patients undergoing total hip replacement. Hemodynamic data from these patients were compared with those obtained from 5 patients under normotensive anesthesia for the same procedure. During the hypotensive period, which averaged 1.5 hours, the cardiac index rose 20 percent compared with controls. No acidotic tendency was seen. Blood loss in the study group averaged 475 ml, compared with 1475 ml in controls. From these data, a dose-response curve was derived which may allow the accurate prediction of the minute dosage of sodium nitroprusside required to safely induce hypotension during anesthesia.", "PMID": 987721} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2446", "title": "Massive myoglobinuria precipitated by halothane and succinylcholine in a member of a family with elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase.", "content": "Massive myoglobinuria developed in a patient given halothane and IV succinylcholine, Marked elevations of serum CPK were found in the patient and several family members. Myopathic changes in electromyogram and lack of neuromuscular symptoms and physical findings prompted the diagnosis of familial nonprogessive muscular dystrophy. Other hereditary muscular diseases were eliminated by medical workup. It is recommended that patients with known myopathy or unexplained elevations of serum CPK not receive the combination of halothane and succinylcholine.", "contents": "Massive myoglobinuria precipitated by halothane and succinylcholine in a member of a family with elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase. Massive myoglobinuria developed in a patient given halothane and IV succinylcholine, Marked elevations of serum CPK were found in the patient and several family members. Myopathic changes in electromyogram and lack of neuromuscular symptoms and physical findings prompted the diagnosis of familial nonprogessive muscular dystrophy. Other hereditary muscular diseases were eliminated by medical workup. It is recommended that patients with known myopathy or unexplained elevations of serum CPK not receive the combination of halothane and succinylcholine.", "PMID": 987723} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2447", "title": "The effects of heparin on recovery from ischemic brain injuries in cats.", "content": "Since ischemic anoxia in experimental animals has been reported to produce areas of cerebral postocclusive nonperfusion, the authors studied the effect of heparin on recovery from tourniquet-produced cerebrovascular injury in 41 barbiturate-anesthetized, ventilated cats (PaCO2 30 +/- 2.5 torr). Twenty-four control animals were subjected to 2-to-12-minute ischemic injuries without further treatment. Seven experimental animals were given heparin (1000 u/kg) 1 minute before 4-to-7-minute ischemic injuries, while 10 animals received heparin (1000 u/kg) immediately after 4-to-7-minute injuries. All animals were monitored with continuous arterial and intracranial pressure (ICP) recordings, EEG, and evoked cortical responses. Ischemia and evoked-response recovery times were linearly related in all groups (r = 0.998 control, r = 0.936 heparin preinjury, r = 0.951 heparin postinjury). Regression-line slope comparison indicated shorter evoked response and EEG recovery times in the heparin-treated groups than in the control group. Heparin administration did not effect elevations of ICP seen 6 and 12 hours postinjury in control versus experimental groups. In cats with injuries lasting 5 minutes or more, all control animals were decerebrate and apneic, while 5/12 heparin-treated animals had lesser neurologic deficits.", "contents": "The effects of heparin on recovery from ischemic brain injuries in cats. Since ischemic anoxia in experimental animals has been reported to produce areas of cerebral postocclusive nonperfusion, the authors studied the effect of heparin on recovery from tourniquet-produced cerebrovascular injury in 41 barbiturate-anesthetized, ventilated cats (PaCO2 30 +/- 2.5 torr). Twenty-four control animals were subjected to 2-to-12-minute ischemic injuries without further treatment. Seven experimental animals were given heparin (1000 u/kg) 1 minute before 4-to-7-minute ischemic injuries, while 10 animals received heparin (1000 u/kg) immediately after 4-to-7-minute injuries. All animals were monitored with continuous arterial and intracranial pressure (ICP) recordings, EEG, and evoked cortical responses. Ischemia and evoked-response recovery times were linearly related in all groups (r = 0.998 control, r = 0.936 heparin preinjury, r = 0.951 heparin postinjury). Regression-line slope comparison indicated shorter evoked response and EEG recovery times in the heparin-treated groups than in the control group. Heparin administration did not effect elevations of ICP seen 6 and 12 hours postinjury in control versus experimental groups. In cats with injuries lasting 5 minutes or more, all control animals were decerebrate and apneic, while 5/12 heparin-treated animals had lesser neurologic deficits.", "PMID": 987724} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2448", "title": "Change in pulmonary venous admixture with varying inspired oxygen.", "content": "Pulmonary venous admixture (Qsp/Qt) was analyzed as a function of fractional concentration of inspired O2 (FIO2) in 30 patients who required postoperative mechanical ventilation. Pulmonary and radial artery blood-gas tensions and pH were measured and Qsp/Qt was calculated with FIO2 ranging from 0.21 to 1. In all patients, Qsp/Qt decreased when FIO2 was increased from 0.21 to 0.4 and then stabilized to an FIO2 of approximately 0.6. As the FIO2 was increased to 1, Qsp/Qt increased. Since the inhalation of gas mixture with FIO2 greater than or equal to 0.6 increased right-to-left intrapulmonary shunting of blood, we recommend respiratory function be evaluated during inhalation of a clinically useful concentration of O2 rather than at an FIO2 of 1.", "contents": "Change in pulmonary venous admixture with varying inspired oxygen. Pulmonary venous admixture (Qsp/Qt) was analyzed as a function of fractional concentration of inspired O2 (FIO2) in 30 patients who required postoperative mechanical ventilation. Pulmonary and radial artery blood-gas tensions and pH were measured and Qsp/Qt was calculated with FIO2 ranging from 0.21 to 1. In all patients, Qsp/Qt decreased when FIO2 was increased from 0.21 to 0.4 and then stabilized to an FIO2 of approximately 0.6. As the FIO2 was increased to 1, Qsp/Qt increased. Since the inhalation of gas mixture with FIO2 greater than or equal to 0.6 increased right-to-left intrapulmonary shunting of blood, we recommend respiratory function be evaluated during inhalation of a clinically useful concentration of O2 rather than at an FIO2 of 1.", "PMID": 987725} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2449", "title": "Absence of recall after general anesthesia: implications for theory and practice.", "content": "To investigate the possibility that recall of auditory information occurs following general anesthesia, letter-work pairs were presented to 36 patients receiving light planes of general anesthesia for short operations. Postoperative testing which tapped auditory and visual memory demonstrated no evidence of recall. In a subsequent study, a single work was repeated during brief obstetric procedures in 12 patients. Postoperative testing was designed to maximize apparent recall. The only patient able to remember the experimental word had awakened during anesthesia. Even without the use of more sophistaicated physiologic and psychologic measures of recall, the data presented indicate that, for all practical purposes, an adequately anesthetized patient does not remember information presented during surgery. Apparent recall probably indicates inadequate or uneven anesthesia. Anesthetic agents may interfere with memory formation by altering brain RNA or protein synthesis or electrochemical activity, or they may produce retrograde amnesia.", "contents": "Absence of recall after general anesthesia: implications for theory and practice. To investigate the possibility that recall of auditory information occurs following general anesthesia, letter-work pairs were presented to 36 patients receiving light planes of general anesthesia for short operations. Postoperative testing which tapped auditory and visual memory demonstrated no evidence of recall. In a subsequent study, a single work was repeated during brief obstetric procedures in 12 patients. Postoperative testing was designed to maximize apparent recall. The only patient able to remember the experimental word had awakened during anesthesia. Even without the use of more sophistaicated physiologic and psychologic measures of recall, the data presented indicate that, for all practical purposes, an adequately anesthetized patient does not remember information presented during surgery. Apparent recall probably indicates inadequate or uneven anesthesia. Anesthetic agents may interfere with memory formation by altering brain RNA or protein synthesis or electrochemical activity, or they may produce retrograde amnesia.", "PMID": 987726} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2450", "title": "Halothane MAC in dogs unchanged by phenobarbital.", "content": "Halothane MAC in dogs was not significantly changed by phenobarbital (PB) therapy. Following 10 consecutive days of oral PB (10 mg/kg), halothane MAC was 0.95 +/- 0.05 vol/dl (mean +/- SE) compared with a halothane MAC of 1.05 +/- 0.03 vol/dl in another group not given PB. The absence of change in MAC may reflect either the development of tolerance to CNS sedative effects of PB or the masking of antanalgesia effects of the barbiturate by associated sedation and/or analgesia.", "contents": "Halothane MAC in dogs unchanged by phenobarbital. Halothane MAC in dogs was not significantly changed by phenobarbital (PB) therapy. Following 10 consecutive days of oral PB (10 mg/kg), halothane MAC was 0.95 +/- 0.05 vol/dl (mean +/- SE) compared with a halothane MAC of 1.05 +/- 0.03 vol/dl in another group not given PB. The absence of change in MAC may reflect either the development of tolerance to CNS sedative effects of PB or the masking of antanalgesia effects of the barbiturate by associated sedation and/or analgesia.", "PMID": 987722} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2451", "title": "Effect of morphine-diazepam on signs of anesthesia, awareness, and dreams of patients under N2O for cesarean section.", "content": "Morphine (0.2 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.1 mg/kg) were injected IV after delivery of the fetus in 68 parturients undergoing cesarean section (CS). General anesthesia was with thiamylal-N2O-O2 (4:2) and muscle relaxant. Twenty-four to 36 hours postoperatively, 1 patient had recall, 1 had unpleasant dreams, and 2 had pleasant dreams. The incidence of recall and unpleasant dreams was 3.8 percent in elective CS and 0 percent in emergency cesareans. Morphine-diazepam combination caused anterograde and retrograde amnesia. During the cesarean, movement of patient, size of pupils, or changes in blood pressure were not indicative of awareness or dreams. During anesthesia, 33 percent O2 produced adequate oxygenation of mother and fetus.", "contents": "Effect of morphine-diazepam on signs of anesthesia, awareness, and dreams of patients under N2O for cesarean section. Morphine (0.2 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.1 mg/kg) were injected IV after delivery of the fetus in 68 parturients undergoing cesarean section (CS). General anesthesia was with thiamylal-N2O-O2 (4:2) and muscle relaxant. Twenty-four to 36 hours postoperatively, 1 patient had recall, 1 had unpleasant dreams, and 2 had pleasant dreams. The incidence of recall and unpleasant dreams was 3.8 percent in elective CS and 0 percent in emergency cesareans. Morphine-diazepam combination caused anterograde and retrograde amnesia. During the cesarean, movement of patient, size of pupils, or changes in blood pressure were not indicative of awareness or dreams. During anesthesia, 33 percent O2 produced adequate oxygenation of mother and fetus.", "PMID": 987727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2452", "title": "Relation of PaCO2 to fresh gas flow in a circle system.", "content": "Recent reports have described methods of controlling the level of CO2 during anesthesia with a N2O-relaxant sequence and controlled ventilation. This paper describes a method of predicting and controlling the PaCO2, using body weight for determination of the fresh gas flow from the anesthetic machine, removing the absorbent from the canister while leaving the canister in the circuit, and controlling ventilation at 12 ml/kg and at 12/min.", "contents": "Relation of PaCO2 to fresh gas flow in a circle system. Recent reports have described methods of controlling the level of CO2 during anesthesia with a N2O-relaxant sequence and controlled ventilation. This paper describes a method of predicting and controlling the PaCO2, using body weight for determination of the fresh gas flow from the anesthetic machine, removing the absorbent from the canister while leaving the canister in the circuit, and controlling ventilation at 12 ml/kg and at 12/min.", "PMID": 987728} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2453", "title": "A comparative interaction of epinephrine with enflurane, isoflurane, and halothane in man.", "content": "Forty-eight patients undergoing transphenoidal removal of pituitary tumors received submucosal injections of epinephrine in saline solution during halothane, enflurane, or isoflurane anesthesia. Twelve additional patients received epinephrine in 0.5 percent lidocaine while anesthetized with halothane. Positive evidence of ventricular irritability was given by the appearance of 3 or more premature ventricular contractions during or following injection. Positive or negative responses were plotted against the total dose of epinephrine in mug/kg body weight. From these data, the dose producing a positive response in 50 percent of patients (ED50) was calculated. An ED50 of 2.1 mug/kg for halothane, 3.7 mug/kg for halothane-lidocaine, 10.9 mug/kg for enflurane, and 6.7 mug/kg for isoflurane indicates the relative safety of these agents when epinephrine is injected for hemostasis. The data also suggest that lidocaine given with the epinephrine protects against ventricular arrhythmias.", "contents": "A comparative interaction of epinephrine with enflurane, isoflurane, and halothane in man. Forty-eight patients undergoing transphenoidal removal of pituitary tumors received submucosal injections of epinephrine in saline solution during halothane, enflurane, or isoflurane anesthesia. Twelve additional patients received epinephrine in 0.5 percent lidocaine while anesthetized with halothane. Positive evidence of ventricular irritability was given by the appearance of 3 or more premature ventricular contractions during or following injection. Positive or negative responses were plotted against the total dose of epinephrine in mug/kg body weight. From these data, the dose producing a positive response in 50 percent of patients (ED50) was calculated. An ED50 of 2.1 mug/kg for halothane, 3.7 mug/kg for halothane-lidocaine, 10.9 mug/kg for enflurane, and 6.7 mug/kg for isoflurane indicates the relative safety of these agents when epinephrine is injected for hemostasis. The data also suggest that lidocaine given with the epinephrine protects against ventricular arrhythmias.", "PMID": 987729} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2454", "title": "A preplanned treatment for malignant hyperpyrexia.", "content": "Although a rare complication of general anesthesia, unanticipated malignant hyperpyrexia requires a rapid, organized treatment plan. With the aid of a treatment protocol sheet and a compact drug and cooling package, treatment can be implemented quickly in each operating room.", "contents": "A preplanned treatment for malignant hyperpyrexia. Although a rare complication of general anesthesia, unanticipated malignant hyperpyrexia requires a rapid, organized treatment plan. With the aid of a treatment protocol sheet and a compact drug and cooling package, treatment can be implemented quickly in each operating room.", "PMID": 987730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2455", "title": "Maintenance of body temperature by heated humidification.", "content": "Though difficult to prove conclusively, humidification of anesthetic gases during prolonged surgery appears beneficial. Even slight falls in body temperature are detrimental, causing significant increases in O2 consumption in the immediate postoperative period. A new heated humidifier which supplies gases at 100% relative humidity at 35 degrees C at the patient inlet has been used both to supply humidity and to prevent a fall in interoperative temperature. This was successfully employed in 19/25 prolonged procedures. The warmed humidified gases contributed significantly to the maintenance of homeostasis during anesthesia.", "contents": "Maintenance of body temperature by heated humidification. Though difficult to prove conclusively, humidification of anesthetic gases during prolonged surgery appears beneficial. Even slight falls in body temperature are detrimental, causing significant increases in O2 consumption in the immediate postoperative period. A new heated humidifier which supplies gases at 100% relative humidity at 35 degrees C at the patient inlet has been used both to supply humidity and to prevent a fall in interoperative temperature. This was successfully employed in 19/25 prolonged procedures. The warmed humidified gases contributed significantly to the maintenance of homeostasis during anesthesia.", "PMID": 987732} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2456", "title": "A comparison of the efficiency of three anesthesia circle systems.", "content": "Three commonly employed anesthesia circle systems were tested to determine what effect the placement of the inflow port, overflow valve, and inspiratory and expiratory valves, as well as inflow rate, had on the rate of rise of anesthetizing alveolar concentrations of halothane. System efficiency was evaluated on the basis of whether alveolar gases, containing low concentrations of halothane, or fresh and deadspace gases, containing higher concentrations of halothane, were eliminated through the overflow valve. Small potentially significant differences in efficiency were found: greatest efficiency (greatest ejection of alveolar gas) occurred when inspiratory and expiratory valves were close to the endotracheal tube and the overflow valve was immediately distal to the expiratory valve. Increasing inflow rate from 1 to 3 L/min had a large impact on the rate of rise of alveolar halothane concentration. A further increase to 5 L/min had a relatively small effect.", "contents": "A comparison of the efficiency of three anesthesia circle systems. Three commonly employed anesthesia circle systems were tested to determine what effect the placement of the inflow port, overflow valve, and inspiratory and expiratory valves, as well as inflow rate, had on the rate of rise of anesthetizing alveolar concentrations of halothane. System efficiency was evaluated on the basis of whether alveolar gases, containing low concentrations of halothane, or fresh and deadspace gases, containing higher concentrations of halothane, were eliminated through the overflow valve. Small potentially significant differences in efficiency were found: greatest efficiency (greatest ejection of alveolar gas) occurred when inspiratory and expiratory valves were close to the endotracheal tube and the overflow valve was immediately distal to the expiratory valve. Increasing inflow rate from 1 to 3 L/min had a large impact on the rate of rise of alveolar halothane concentration. A further increase to 5 L/min had a relatively small effect.", "PMID": 987733} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2457", "title": "Clinical use of etomidate for anesthesia induction: a preliminary report.", "content": "Etomidate (0.3 mg/kg) and thiopental (4 mg/kg) were administered IV for induction of general anesthesia, comparing heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and side effects. No significant difference between the drugs was found in the circulatory parameters, but respiration was more depressed by thiopental. A high incidence of the side effects of myoclonia and pain on injection was seen with etomidate. The incidence of side effects was not affected by speed of injection or type of premedication. Mechanisms to reduce the incidence of side effects are needed for etomidate to become a useful induction agent.", "contents": "Clinical use of etomidate for anesthesia induction: a preliminary report. Etomidate (0.3 mg/kg) and thiopental (4 mg/kg) were administered IV for induction of general anesthesia, comparing heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and side effects. No significant difference between the drugs was found in the circulatory parameters, but respiration was more depressed by thiopental. A high incidence of the side effects of myoclonia and pain on injection was seen with etomidate. The incidence of side effects was not affected by speed of injection or type of premedication. Mechanisms to reduce the incidence of side effects are needed for etomidate to become a useful induction agent.", "PMID": 987734} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2458", "title": "The anesthetic effect of oxygen.", "content": "Low pressures of O2 (3 to 5 atm) cause convulsions in mice but higher pressures produce a state very similar to anesthesia. The authors estimated the anesthetic potency of O2 in mice which were exposed to either N2O alone, N2O + NaBr, or O2 + NaBr. From the dose-response curves, ED50S were derived for the gases. The ED50 for N5O alone was 1.50 +/- 0.036 atm (n = 12) and 1.11 +/- 0.041 atm (n = 12) in the presence of NaBr, a reduction of 25 percent. The O2 ED50 with NaBr was 3.91 +/- 0.077 atm (n = 12). After correction for the NaBr, the ED50 of O2 is estimated at 5.3 atm. This is lower than predicted from the lipid solubility of O2.", "contents": "The anesthetic effect of oxygen. Low pressures of O2 (3 to 5 atm) cause convulsions in mice but higher pressures produce a state very similar to anesthesia. The authors estimated the anesthetic potency of O2 in mice which were exposed to either N2O alone, N2O + NaBr, or O2 + NaBr. From the dose-response curves, ED50S were derived for the gases. The ED50 for N5O alone was 1.50 +/- 0.036 atm (n = 12) and 1.11 +/- 0.041 atm (n = 12) in the presence of NaBr, a reduction of 25 percent. The O2 ED50 with NaBr was 3.91 +/- 0.077 atm (n = 12). After correction for the NaBr, the ED50 of O2 is estimated at 5.3 atm. This is lower than predicted from the lipid solubility of O2.", "PMID": 987735} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2459", "title": "Serum IgE levels in white and metis communities in Saskatchewan.", "content": "Serum IgE levels and the prevalence of certain atopic diseases have been studied in 819 individuals in 176 white families living in central Saskatchewan and in 275 individuals in 58 Metis families living in northern Saskatchewan. The geometric mean serum IgE level in the white community (81.3) u/ml) was lower than that in the Metis community (275.4 u/ml). The prevalence of asthma, eczema and urticaria was greater in the white than in the Metis community and contrasted with the increased prevalence of helminth infestation as well as of other untreated viral and bacterial diseases in the Metis community. It is suggested that atopic disease is the price paid by some members of the white community for their relative freedom from diseases due to viruses, bacteria and helminths.", "contents": "Serum IgE levels in white and metis communities in Saskatchewan. Serum IgE levels and the prevalence of certain atopic diseases have been studied in 819 individuals in 176 white families living in central Saskatchewan and in 275 individuals in 58 Metis families living in northern Saskatchewan. The geometric mean serum IgE level in the white community (81.3) u/ml) was lower than that in the Metis community (275.4 u/ml). The prevalence of asthma, eczema and urticaria was greater in the white than in the Metis community and contrasted with the increased prevalence of helminth infestation as well as of other untreated viral and bacterial diseases in the Metis community. It is suggested that atopic disease is the price paid by some members of the white community for their relative freedom from diseases due to viruses, bacteria and helminths.", "PMID": 987744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2460", "title": "Method of purifying beta-(1-3)-glucanase from Candida utilis.", "content": "A method has been developed to obtain a rapid purification of the beta-(1-3)-glucanase present in culture fluids of the yeast Candida utilis.", "contents": "Method of purifying beta-(1-3)-glucanase from Candida utilis. A method has been developed to obtain a rapid purification of the beta-(1-3)-glucanase present in culture fluids of the yeast Candida utilis.", "PMID": 987747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2461", "title": "Types of respiratory activity in Moniliella tomentosa during growth under different conditions.", "content": "The osmophilic yeastlike fungus Moniliella tomentosa is an obligate aerobe and is not susceptible to glucose repression. Respiration is greatest in exponentially growing cells and is then highly sensitive to cyanide. Respiration in older cells or in chloramphenicol-grown cells is mediated by a cyanide-insensitive respiration which is sensitive to salicyl hydroxamic acid. Growth of cells under reduced oxygen does not influence the respiratory capacity of the cells but results in a longer generation time and a lower final cell yield. Low aeration levels and growth in the presence of chloramphenicol have a profound effect on ethanol and polyol production.", "contents": "Types of respiratory activity in Moniliella tomentosa during growth under different conditions. The osmophilic yeastlike fungus Moniliella tomentosa is an obligate aerobe and is not susceptible to glucose repression. Respiration is greatest in exponentially growing cells and is then highly sensitive to cyanide. Respiration in older cells or in chloramphenicol-grown cells is mediated by a cyanide-insensitive respiration which is sensitive to salicyl hydroxamic acid. Growth of cells under reduced oxygen does not influence the respiratory capacity of the cells but results in a longer generation time and a lower final cell yield. Low aeration levels and growth in the presence of chloramphenicol have a profound effect on ethanol and polyol production.", "PMID": 987748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2462", "title": "Studies on bacteriophage distribution: virulent and temperate bacteriophage content of mammalian feces.", "content": "Freshly voided samples of the feces of cows, pigs, and humans were analyzed for the enumeration of cell-free plaque-forming units (PFU) of coliphages and Salmonella phages. Coliphage PFU counts per gram (wet weight) of feces were found to range from less than 10(1) to greater than 10(7). Salmonella phages were found in three out of five porcine samples, but none were found in the four bovine samples analyzed. Virulent coliphages related to the phiX174/S13 serological group showed some \"habitat preference\" in that the S13 type of phages was found only in pig feces, whereas the phiX174 type of phages was found only in cow dung. Temperate coliphages were detectable in a majority of samples of both human and porcine origin but were infrequently found in bovine samples. About 80% of the temperate coliphages of fecal origin have been found to be serologically related to phage HK022 (Dhillon and Dhillon, 1973), and all are efficiently inducible by ultraviolet light irradiation. However, considerable diversity with the group was found when the prophage immunity pattern of 10 randomly selected isolates was examined.", "contents": "Studies on bacteriophage distribution: virulent and temperate bacteriophage content of mammalian feces. Freshly voided samples of the feces of cows, pigs, and humans were analyzed for the enumeration of cell-free plaque-forming units (PFU) of coliphages and Salmonella phages. Coliphage PFU counts per gram (wet weight) of feces were found to range from less than 10(1) to greater than 10(7). Salmonella phages were found in three out of five porcine samples, but none were found in the four bovine samples analyzed. Virulent coliphages related to the phiX174/S13 serological group showed some \"habitat preference\" in that the S13 type of phages was found only in pig feces, whereas the phiX174 type of phages was found only in cow dung. Temperate coliphages were detectable in a majority of samples of both human and porcine origin but were infrequently found in bovine samples. About 80% of the temperate coliphages of fecal origin have been found to be serologically related to phage HK022 (Dhillon and Dhillon, 1973), and all are efficiently inducible by ultraviolet light irradiation. However, considerable diversity with the group was found when the prophage immunity pattern of 10 randomly selected isolates was examined.", "PMID": 987749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2463", "title": "Constant release of photosynthate from marine phytoplankton.", "content": "The release rate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by unialgal cultures and natural phytoplankton assemblages was constant over a wide range of dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations. DOC release was not proportional to the particulate organic carbon production rate. We postulate that intracellular DOC, fated for release, exists either as a separate pool from that leading to particulate organic carbon production or that there is active metabolic control on one portion of a common pool.", "contents": "Constant release of photosynthate from marine phytoplankton. The release rate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by unialgal cultures and natural phytoplankton assemblages was constant over a wide range of dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations. DOC release was not proportional to the particulate organic carbon production rate. We postulate that intracellular DOC, fated for release, exists either as a separate pool from that leading to particulate organic carbon production or that there is active metabolic control on one portion of a common pool.", "PMID": 987750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2464", "title": "Anesthesia for vanishing lung syndrome: report of a case.", "content": "A patient with severe bullous emphysema in whom one bulla occupied an entire hemithorax and shifted the mediastinum to the opposite side was anesthetized for bullectomy in a lateral thoracotomy position using an awake intubation with a Bryce-Smith double-lumen endotracheal tube under spontaneous ventilation on room air. The maintenance anesthetic was halothane and oxygen, with pancuronium bromide for relaxation and ventilation of the good lung only. This technique avoids many of the potential problems presented by this type of patient.", "contents": "Anesthesia for vanishing lung syndrome: report of a case. A patient with severe bullous emphysema in whom one bulla occupied an entire hemithorax and shifted the mediastinum to the opposite side was anesthetized for bullectomy in a lateral thoracotomy position using an awake intubation with a Bryce-Smith double-lumen endotracheal tube under spontaneous ventilation on room air. The maintenance anesthetic was halothane and oxygen, with pancuronium bromide for relaxation and ventilation of the good lung only. This technique avoids many of the potential problems presented by this type of patient.", "PMID": 987741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2465", "title": "Medical legal aspects of clinical monitoring.", "content": "Modern laboratory technology has spawned a plethora of techniques for measuring and monitoring drug concentrations and body constituents; but the availability and frequent over-use of these determinations, some of which are exotic and require specialized personnel and expensive apparatus have further escalated the already high cost of medical care in several ways. The specter of medical malpractice suits has compelled the physician to practice defensive medicine including ordering unnecessary monitoring procedures, particularly for drug levels. Further impetus has been superadded by the courts and state legislatures; for example, phenylketonuria (PKU) determinations are mandatory in almost all states. Court rulings have held that \"common knowledge\" not expert testimony, may be all that is necessary to hold the doctor culpable for not ordering a test; nor is expert testimony necessarily required if the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) or drug company insert recommends that certain tests or monitoring procedures be performed and the doctor fails to comply. (PSRO) programs will force further conformity, leave less to the discretion of the physician and place the government in an ever more regulatory role. Professional societies should take cognizance of the impropriety and danger of the government dictating diagnosis and treatment and should launch a vigorous program to scrutinize pending regulatory legislation and to make official and informed representations to appropriate legislators.", "contents": "Medical legal aspects of clinical monitoring. Modern laboratory technology has spawned a plethora of techniques for measuring and monitoring drug concentrations and body constituents; but the availability and frequent over-use of these determinations, some of which are exotic and require specialized personnel and expensive apparatus have further escalated the already high cost of medical care in several ways. The specter of medical malpractice suits has compelled the physician to practice defensive medicine including ordering unnecessary monitoring procedures, particularly for drug levels. Further impetus has been superadded by the courts and state legislatures; for example, phenylketonuria (PKU) determinations are mandatory in almost all states. Court rulings have held that \"common knowledge\" not expert testimony, may be all that is necessary to hold the doctor culpable for not ordering a test; nor is expert testimony necessarily required if the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) or drug company insert recommends that certain tests or monitoring procedures be performed and the doctor fails to comply. (PSRO) programs will force further conformity, leave less to the discretion of the physician and place the government in an ever more regulatory role. Professional societies should take cognizance of the impropriety and danger of the government dictating diagnosis and treatment and should launch a vigorous program to scrutinize pending regulatory legislation and to make official and informed representations to appropriate legislators.", "PMID": 987746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2466", "title": "Biochemistry of Vibrio cholerae virulence: purification of cholera enterotoxin by preparative disc electrophoresis.", "content": "Procedures for cholera enterotoxin purification previously developed in this labarotory were not applicable to large-scale purification, and these methods resulted in low yields of pure toxin. An efficient scheme has been developed whereby pure cholera enterotoxin can be obtained from 6 to 8 liters of culture supernatant fluid. This method consists of concentration by membrane ultrafiltration followed by gel filtration and cation-exchange chromatography. Pure cholera enterotoxin of high biological potency was obtained after a final step of preparative acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The degree of purity of the toxin-antigen as well as its biological activity were determined at various setps of purification. This alternate technique for purification is offered because of the widespread interest in cholera enterotoxin as a specific stimulator of adenyl cyclase.", "contents": "Biochemistry of Vibrio cholerae virulence: purification of cholera enterotoxin by preparative disc electrophoresis. Procedures for cholera enterotoxin purification previously developed in this labarotory were not applicable to large-scale purification, and these methods resulted in low yields of pure toxin. An efficient scheme has been developed whereby pure cholera enterotoxin can be obtained from 6 to 8 liters of culture supernatant fluid. This method consists of concentration by membrane ultrafiltration followed by gel filtration and cation-exchange chromatography. Pure cholera enterotoxin of high biological potency was obtained after a final step of preparative acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The degree of purity of the toxin-antigen as well as its biological activity were determined at various setps of purification. This alternate technique for purification is offered because of the widespread interest in cholera enterotoxin as a specific stimulator of adenyl cyclase.", "PMID": 987751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2467", "title": "Microbial conversion of tall oil sterols to C19 steroids.", "content": "Mycobacterium sp. NRRL B-3683 converted tall oil sterols to C(19) steroids as efficiently as it converted soybean sterols.", "contents": "Microbial conversion of tall oil sterols to C19 steroids. Mycobacterium sp. NRRL B-3683 converted tall oil sterols to C(19) steroids as efficiently as it converted soybean sterols.", "PMID": 987752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2468", "title": "Alterations in nail pigment with cancer chmotherapy.", "content": "Three patients developed different nail color alterations after they had received chemotherapy for cancer. Many anticancer drug combinations are associated with similar findings. Transverse pigmented bands are most common, and these changes should not be confused with those attributable to systemic disease.", "contents": "Alterations in nail pigment with cancer chmotherapy. Three patients developed different nail color alterations after they had received chemotherapy for cancer. Many anticancer drug combinations are associated with similar findings. Transverse pigmented bands are most common, and these changes should not be confused with those attributable to systemic disease.", "PMID": 987759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2469", "title": "[Acute villous atrophy due to intolerance to soy bean protein].", "content": "In infancy, intolerance to soybean protein may be associated with cow's milk protein intolerance. In the reported case, the intolerance to soybean had clinical expression. In addition, this intolerance was expressed on the histological level with severe villous atrophy which subsided 18 days after the suppression of soybean from the diet. These facts invite to administer soybean proteins with caution in patients with cow's milk intolerance.", "contents": "[Acute villous atrophy due to intolerance to soy bean protein]. In infancy, intolerance to soybean protein may be associated with cow's milk protein intolerance. In the reported case, the intolerance to soybean had clinical expression. In addition, this intolerance was expressed on the histological level with severe villous atrophy which subsided 18 days after the suppression of soybean from the diet. These facts invite to administer soybean proteins with caution in patients with cow's milk intolerance.", "PMID": 987760} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2470", "title": "Immunology and adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy of breast cancer.", "content": "Antibody against a breast carcinoma antigen was present in patients with breast carcinoma and other cancer more often (P less than .05) than in normal women. The incidence of antibody in women with breast carcinoma correlated with the presence or absence of gross tumor, and the titer of antibody paralleled the clinical course. These results suggest importance of a host-immune response to breast carcinoma. Fifty-seven patients with stage II carcinoma of the breast were entered into a prospective randomized adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy program of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil, and BCG vaccine +/- an irradiated allogeneic tumor cell vaccine. After 24 months of study, metastases occurred in two patients (3.5%) and a new primary carcinoma developed in the contralateral breast in two others, for an overall treatment failure rate of 7%. Adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy can delay early recurrence. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess the significance of these results.", "contents": "Immunology and adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy of breast cancer. Antibody against a breast carcinoma antigen was present in patients with breast carcinoma and other cancer more often (P less than .05) than in normal women. The incidence of antibody in women with breast carcinoma correlated with the presence or absence of gross tumor, and the titer of antibody paralleled the clinical course. These results suggest importance of a host-immune response to breast carcinoma. Fifty-seven patients with stage II carcinoma of the breast were entered into a prospective randomized adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy program of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil, and BCG vaccine +/- an irradiated allogeneic tumor cell vaccine. After 24 months of study, metastases occurred in two patients (3.5%) and a new primary carcinoma developed in the contralateral breast in two others, for an overall treatment failure rate of 7%. Adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy can delay early recurrence. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess the significance of these results.", "PMID": 987761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2471", "title": "Ischemic therapy in thrombocytopenia from hypersplenism.", "content": "Percutaneous transfemoral arterial balloon occlusion or gelatin sponge embolization of the splenic artery or both were carried out in three high-risk patients with hepatic cirrhosis to reduce splenic hyperfunction and improve severe thrombocytopenia. Although this maneuver raised peripheral platelet counts in each patient, in one patient left upper quadrant pain with splinting of the lower chest cage led to hypostatic lower lobe pneumonia, while in another septic splentitis with gas-forming organisms necessitated splecectomy. Transfemoral occlusion of the splenic artery, although an effective, noninvasive approach to control splenic hyperfunction, has at the same time potential dangers that should be viewed with extreme caution in therapeutic application.", "contents": "Ischemic therapy in thrombocytopenia from hypersplenism. Percutaneous transfemoral arterial balloon occlusion or gelatin sponge embolization of the splenic artery or both were carried out in three high-risk patients with hepatic cirrhosis to reduce splenic hyperfunction and improve severe thrombocytopenia. Although this maneuver raised peripheral platelet counts in each patient, in one patient left upper quadrant pain with splinting of the lower chest cage led to hypostatic lower lobe pneumonia, while in another septic splentitis with gas-forming organisms necessitated splecectomy. Transfemoral occlusion of the splenic artery, although an effective, noninvasive approach to control splenic hyperfunction, has at the same time potential dangers that should be viewed with extreme caution in therapeutic application.", "PMID": 987762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2472", "title": "[Variations in the pattern of ruminal volatile free fatty acids, acetoacetate and glucose in the blood plasma of lactating cows after a period of fasting and renewed feeding].", "content": "3 lactating cows were fasted for 4 days and then again received food. The trial was performed to investigate the effect of fasting on the concentration and molar proportion of volatile fatty acids in the rumen, on the concentration of free fatty acids and glucose in blood plasma and on the acetoacetate concentration in the blood. Fasting produced a considerable decrease in the total concentration of volatile fatty acids. Processes of ruminal fermentation were characterized, during the fasting period, by a continuous increase in the molar proportions of acetic acid, isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid whereas a significant decline observed to occur in the molar proportions of propionic acid and butyric acid. The reciprocal behaviour of acetate and propionate under conditions of fasting lead to a linear increase in the C2 to C3 ratio from 4.4 : 1 to 9,6 : 1. With renewed food supply all fermentation data returned to normal levels. The concentrations of blood glucose declined after 24 hrs of fasting, remained at the same level for the following 2 days and rose again to normal values on the 4th day of fasting. The concentration of acetoacetate decreased significantly on the first day of fasting to values that were 4 times as high as the initial value. The concentration of free fatty acids in blood plasma increased tremendously to a value 40 times as high as that observed at the beginning of the fasting period. It proved to be a good indicator for the energy requirements of the organism.", "contents": "[Variations in the pattern of ruminal volatile free fatty acids, acetoacetate and glucose in the blood plasma of lactating cows after a period of fasting and renewed feeding]. 3 lactating cows were fasted for 4 days and then again received food. The trial was performed to investigate the effect of fasting on the concentration and molar proportion of volatile fatty acids in the rumen, on the concentration of free fatty acids and glucose in blood plasma and on the acetoacetate concentration in the blood. Fasting produced a considerable decrease in the total concentration of volatile fatty acids. Processes of ruminal fermentation were characterized, during the fasting period, by a continuous increase in the molar proportions of acetic acid, isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid whereas a significant decline observed to occur in the molar proportions of propionic acid and butyric acid. The reciprocal behaviour of acetate and propionate under conditions of fasting lead to a linear increase in the C2 to C3 ratio from 4.4 : 1 to 9,6 : 1. With renewed food supply all fermentation data returned to normal levels. The concentrations of blood glucose declined after 24 hrs of fasting, remained at the same level for the following 2 days and rose again to normal values on the 4th day of fasting. The concentration of acetoacetate decreased significantly on the first day of fasting to values that were 4 times as high as the initial value. The concentration of free fatty acids in blood plasma increased tremendously to a value 40 times as high as that observed at the beginning of the fasting period. It proved to be a good indicator for the energy requirements of the organism.", "PMID": 987763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2473", "title": "Survival of airborne influenza virus: effects of propagating host, relative humidity, and composition of spray fluids.", "content": "Influenza A virus, strain WSNH, propagated in bovine, human and chick embryo cell cultures and aerosolized from the cell culture medium, was maximally stable at low relative humidity (RH), minimally stable at mid-range RH, and moderately stable at high RH. Most lots of WSNH virus propagated in embryonated eggs and aerosolized from the allantoic fluid were also least stable at mid-range RH, but two preparations after multiple serial passage in eggs showed equal stability at mid-range and higher RH's. Airborne stability varied from preparation to preparations of virus propagated both in cell culture and embryonal eggs. There was no apparent correlation between airborne stability and protein content of spray fluid above 0.1 mg/ml, but one preparation of lesser protein concentration was extremely unstable at 50 to 80 per cent RH. Polyhydroxy compounds exerted a protective effect on airborne stability.", "contents": "Survival of airborne influenza virus: effects of propagating host, relative humidity, and composition of spray fluids. Influenza A virus, strain WSNH, propagated in bovine, human and chick embryo cell cultures and aerosolized from the cell culture medium, was maximally stable at low relative humidity (RH), minimally stable at mid-range RH, and moderately stable at high RH. Most lots of WSNH virus propagated in embryonated eggs and aerosolized from the allantoic fluid were also least stable at mid-range RH, but two preparations after multiple serial passage in eggs showed equal stability at mid-range and higher RH's. Airborne stability varied from preparation to preparations of virus propagated both in cell culture and embryonal eggs. There was no apparent correlation between airborne stability and protein content of spray fluid above 0.1 mg/ml, but one preparation of lesser protein concentration was extremely unstable at 50 to 80 per cent RH. Polyhydroxy compounds exerted a protective effect on airborne stability.", "PMID": 987765} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2474", "title": "[Adaptational evolution of embryogenesis and adult placental individuals].", "content": "On the basis of a comparative morphological and embryological analysis the author concludes that lower mammals (ovipositors and marsupials) and higher mammals should not be united into a single class. Two classes should be distinguished: 1) lower mammals including modern ovipositor animals and marsupial animals and fossilized Multituberculata, Triconodonta, Symmetrodonta and Pantotheria; and 2) higher mammals or placental animals.", "contents": "[Adaptational evolution of embryogenesis and adult placental individuals]. On the basis of a comparative morphological and embryological analysis the author concludes that lower mammals (ovipositors and marsupials) and higher mammals should not be united into a single class. Two classes should be distinguished: 1) lower mammals including modern ovipositor animals and marsupial animals and fossilized Multituberculata, Triconodonta, Symmetrodonta and Pantotheria; and 2) higher mammals or placental animals.", "PMID": 987766} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2475", "title": "[Yolk sac development in two-humped camel embryogenesis].", "content": "The early formed yolk sac is observed in the embryo of Camelus bactrianus at the stage of 7 pairs of somites at the age of 22-24 days. The yolk placenta is formed at the stage of 17-22 pairs of somites at the age of 27-28 days. The yolk placenta of the Camelus bactrianus is functioning for a long time: during the embryonic and prefetal periods. Yolk hemopoiesis lasts from the middle of early embryonic period up to the second half of the late prefetal period. A continuous existance of the yolk sac in Tylopoda is likely to be a primitive feature of their development.", "contents": "[Yolk sac development in two-humped camel embryogenesis]. The early formed yolk sac is observed in the embryo of Camelus bactrianus at the stage of 7 pairs of somites at the age of 22-24 days. The yolk placenta is formed at the stage of 17-22 pairs of somites at the age of 27-28 days. The yolk placenta of the Camelus bactrianus is functioning for a long time: during the embryonic and prefetal periods. Yolk hemopoiesis lasts from the middle of early embryonic period up to the second half of the late prefetal period. A continuous existance of the yolk sac in Tylopoda is likely to be a primitive feature of their development.", "PMID": 987767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2476", "title": "Lowering brain phenylalanine levels by giving other large neutral amino acids. A new experimental therapeutic approach to phenylketonuria.", "content": "Hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase activity was inhibitied in F344 rat pups by injection with parachlorophenylalanine on days 7, 8, and 9 after birth. On day 10, animals were divided into control and experimental groups. Controls received an injection of phenylalanine, with the characteristic phenylketonuria (PKU) changes of elevated phenylalanine but normal tyrosine levels. The experimental group received a similar injection of phenylalanine but in addition received either a single amino acid or a combination of amino acids from the large neutral amino acids (LNAA) group. The LNAA group of amino acids--phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, and valine--compete with each other for entry into brain by a common transport mechanism. Compared with controls, the experimental group had lower phenylalanine levels in brain, but no change in serum levels, giving a lower brain-serum phenylalanine ratio. Increasing the serum concentrations of amino acids competitive with phenylalanine for transport across the blood brain barrier might form an alternative approach to effective dietary treatment of PKU.", "contents": "Lowering brain phenylalanine levels by giving other large neutral amino acids. A new experimental therapeutic approach to phenylketonuria. Hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase activity was inhibitied in F344 rat pups by injection with parachlorophenylalanine on days 7, 8, and 9 after birth. On day 10, animals were divided into control and experimental groups. Controls received an injection of phenylalanine, with the characteristic phenylketonuria (PKU) changes of elevated phenylalanine but normal tyrosine levels. The experimental group received a similar injection of phenylalanine but in addition received either a single amino acid or a combination of amino acids from the large neutral amino acids (LNAA) group. The LNAA group of amino acids--phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, and valine--compete with each other for entry into brain by a common transport mechanism. Compared with controls, the experimental group had lower phenylalanine levels in brain, but no change in serum levels, giving a lower brain-serum phenylalanine ratio. Increasing the serum concentrations of amino acids competitive with phenylalanine for transport across the blood brain barrier might form an alternative approach to effective dietary treatment of PKU.", "PMID": 987768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2477", "title": "Neonatal encephalopathy following fetal distress. A clinical and electroencephalographic study.", "content": "Twenty-one neonates of over 36 weeks' gestation suffered perinatal asphyxia but not chronic hypoxia. Three clinical stages of postanoxic encephalopathy were distinguished. Stage 1 lasted less than 24 hours and was characterized by hyperalertness, uninhibited Moro and stretch reflexes, sympathetic effects, and a normal electroencephalogram. Stage 2 was marked by obtundation, hypotonia, strong distal flexion, and multifocal seizures. The EEG showed a periodic pattern sometimes preceded by continuous delta activity. Infants in stage 3 were stuporous, flaccid, and brain stem and autonomic functions were suppressed. The EEG was isopotential or had infrequent periodic discharges. Infants who did not enter stage 3 and who had signs of stage 2 for less than five days appeared normal in later infancy. Persistence of stage 2 for more than seven days or failure of the EEG to revert to normal was associated with later neurologic impairment or death.", "contents": "Neonatal encephalopathy following fetal distress. A clinical and electroencephalographic study. Twenty-one neonates of over 36 weeks' gestation suffered perinatal asphyxia but not chronic hypoxia. Three clinical stages of postanoxic encephalopathy were distinguished. Stage 1 lasted less than 24 hours and was characterized by hyperalertness, uninhibited Moro and stretch reflexes, sympathetic effects, and a normal electroencephalogram. Stage 2 was marked by obtundation, hypotonia, strong distal flexion, and multifocal seizures. The EEG showed a periodic pattern sometimes preceded by continuous delta activity. Infants in stage 3 were stuporous, flaccid, and brain stem and autonomic functions were suppressed. The EEG was isopotential or had infrequent periodic discharges. Infants who did not enter stage 3 and who had signs of stage 2 for less than five days appeared normal in later infancy. Persistence of stage 2 for more than seven days or failure of the EEG to revert to normal was associated with later neurologic impairment or death.", "PMID": 987769} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2478", "title": "A survey of preweaning mortality in the pig.", "content": "Preweaning mortality was studied in 34 commercial piggeries on the North Coast of New South Wales during a 12-month period. For the 1,068 farrowings recorded, the mean litter size at birth was 10.4 and 0.6 piglets per litter were stillborn. The mean total mortality to weaning was 19.7%, but for individual herds the figure varied from 5.1 to 48.2%. A number of biological factors influenced the extent of preweaning mortality. Most losses (74.6%) occurred during the first 4 days of life. The mortality increased significantly with increasing litter size at birth, but the mean litter size at weaning also increased up to 10.5 in litters of originial size 14. Neither the breed nor parity of the sow had a significant effect on preweaning mortality, but the mean number of piglets weaned increased with parity up to sows on their fifth farrowing. Some management factors also influenced mortality. Piggeries using farrowing crates had significantly fewer losses than those not using crates. Within the group not using crates the intensive units had a higher preweaning mortality than either the mixed or sideline. Size of piggery had no influence on piglet losses.", "contents": "A survey of preweaning mortality in the pig. Preweaning mortality was studied in 34 commercial piggeries on the North Coast of New South Wales during a 12-month period. For the 1,068 farrowings recorded, the mean litter size at birth was 10.4 and 0.6 piglets per litter were stillborn. The mean total mortality to weaning was 19.7%, but for individual herds the figure varied from 5.1 to 48.2%. A number of biological factors influenced the extent of preweaning mortality. Most losses (74.6%) occurred during the first 4 days of life. The mortality increased significantly with increasing litter size at birth, but the mean litter size at weaning also increased up to 10.5 in litters of originial size 14. Neither the breed nor parity of the sow had a significant effect on preweaning mortality, but the mean number of piglets weaned increased with parity up to sows on their fifth farrowing. Some management factors also influenced mortality. Piggeries using farrowing crates had significantly fewer losses than those not using crates. Within the group not using crates the intensive units had a higher preweaning mortality than either the mixed or sideline. Size of piggery had no influence on piglet losses.", "PMID": 987770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2479", "title": "Fecundity and proglottid release of Taenia ovis and T. hydatigena.", "content": "The rate of release of proglottids was examined in 19 dogs infected with Taenia ovis and 16 infected with T. hydatigena. Faeces were examined for proglottids daily until the apparent death of the worms. Autopsies were then performed and surviving worms recovered. The number of eggs per proglottid was estimated in 12 T. ovis and 12 T. hydatigena from natural infections. In dogs infected with T ovis the time of first recovery of proglottids after infection varied from 44 days to more than 126 days. Up to 3 proglottids per worm per day might be released, each containing about 88,000 eggs. Infection can persist longer than 5 years. Dogs infected with T. hydatigena released their first proglottid from 48 to 65 days after infection. Each worm could produce 2 proglottids per day, each containing about 53,000 eggs. Although each T. ovis may produce over 250,000 and each T hydatigena over 100,000 eggs per day, it is probable that many of them hatch in the small intestine and are rendered inactive.", "contents": "Fecundity and proglottid release of Taenia ovis and T. hydatigena. The rate of release of proglottids was examined in 19 dogs infected with Taenia ovis and 16 infected with T. hydatigena. Faeces were examined for proglottids daily until the apparent death of the worms. Autopsies were then performed and surviving worms recovered. The number of eggs per proglottid was estimated in 12 T. ovis and 12 T. hydatigena from natural infections. In dogs infected with T ovis the time of first recovery of proglottids after infection varied from 44 days to more than 126 days. Up to 3 proglottids per worm per day might be released, each containing about 88,000 eggs. Infection can persist longer than 5 years. Dogs infected with T. hydatigena released their first proglottid from 48 to 65 days after infection. Each worm could produce 2 proglottids per day, each containing about 53,000 eggs. Although each T. ovis may produce over 250,000 and each T hydatigena over 100,000 eggs per day, it is probable that many of them hatch in the small intestine and are rendered inactive.", "PMID": 987771} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2480", "title": "Selection for agonistic begavior in wild female Mus musculus.", "content": "Artificial selection was used to establish different levels of agonistic behavior in laboratory-reared wild female Mus musculus. A within-family selection design with replicated high and low lines and two nonselected control lines was employed. Females only were tested at 8 weeks of age on 2 consecutive days. Testing consisted of placing a C57BL/6 female mouse in the home cage of the isolation-reared wild mouse for 7 min or until an attack occurred. The wild females were rated on a 5-point scale for agonistic behavior, and the sum of the scores over the 2 test days was the criterion for selection. The six lines, each containing ten breeding pairs, were selected for four generations. By the fourth selected generation, the responses of the high and low lines had diverged in the expected directions. One-way analyses of variance indicated reliable differences among high, low, and control lines in the second, third, and fourth generations. It was concluded that female agonistic behavior is influenced by genotype and that the level of this behavior can be manipulated by means of artificial selection.", "contents": "Selection for agonistic begavior in wild female Mus musculus. Artificial selection was used to establish different levels of agonistic behavior in laboratory-reared wild female Mus musculus. A within-family selection design with replicated high and low lines and two nonselected control lines was employed. Females only were tested at 8 weeks of age on 2 consecutive days. Testing consisted of placing a C57BL/6 female mouse in the home cage of the isolation-reared wild mouse for 7 min or until an attack occurred. The wild females were rated on a 5-point scale for agonistic behavior, and the sum of the scores over the 2 test days was the criterion for selection. The six lines, each containing ten breeding pairs, were selected for four generations. By the fourth selected generation, the responses of the high and low lines had diverged in the expected directions. One-way analyses of variance indicated reliable differences among high, low, and control lines in the second, third, and fourth generations. It was concluded that female agonistic behavior is influenced by genotype and that the level of this behavior can be manipulated by means of artificial selection.", "PMID": 987780} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2481", "title": "Effects of light conditions on mating speed in Drosophila mercatorum.", "content": "Mating speed of flies which have been aged either in the light, in the dark or in a light-and-dark cycle was measured using two strains, Rochester (R) and Salvador (S), of Drosophila mercatorum. A significant difference in mating tendency depending on the condition of pretreatment was found between R and S strains, while both strains showed a similar pattern of the diurnal rhythm in the light-and-dark cycle. Compared under the same conditions, S flies usually showed a higher mating speed than R flies. Mating speed seems to be affected by at least two different genetic systems. One of them is the genetic system determining absolute speed of mating. Another is the genetic system determining sensitivity to the environmental conditions. There may be considerable differentiation in both systems between R and S strains.", "contents": "Effects of light conditions on mating speed in Drosophila mercatorum. Mating speed of flies which have been aged either in the light, in the dark or in a light-and-dark cycle was measured using two strains, Rochester (R) and Salvador (S), of Drosophila mercatorum. A significant difference in mating tendency depending on the condition of pretreatment was found between R and S strains, while both strains showed a similar pattern of the diurnal rhythm in the light-and-dark cycle. Compared under the same conditions, S flies usually showed a higher mating speed than R flies. Mating speed seems to be affected by at least two different genetic systems. One of them is the genetic system determining absolute speed of mating. Another is the genetic system determining sensitivity to the environmental conditions. There may be considerable differentiation in both systems between R and S strains.", "PMID": 987781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2482", "title": "Relations between twins' similarity of appearance and behavioral similarity: testing an assumption.", "content": "Questionnaires rating twins' physical similarity and similarity of dress were obtained from the parents of 121 identical and 70 same-sex fraternal twin pairs. Within-pair difference scores on several behavioral measures (two intelligence tests, two perceptual tests, one reading test, one test of speech articulation, and one personality inventory) were correlated with the twins' scores for physical similarity and similarity of dress. The correlations revealed no systematic relation between the similarity of appearance and the similarity of behaviors for either the identical twin pairs or the same-sex fraternal twin pairs. The assumption that twins' behaviors are more alike because they are more similar in appearance does not seem warranted.", "contents": "Relations between twins' similarity of appearance and behavioral similarity: testing an assumption. Questionnaires rating twins' physical similarity and similarity of dress were obtained from the parents of 121 identical and 70 same-sex fraternal twin pairs. Within-pair difference scores on several behavioral measures (two intelligence tests, two perceptual tests, one reading test, one test of speech articulation, and one personality inventory) were correlated with the twins' scores for physical similarity and similarity of dress. The correlations revealed no systematic relation between the similarity of appearance and the similarity of behaviors for either the identical twin pairs or the same-sex fraternal twin pairs. The assumption that twins' behaviors are more alike because they are more similar in appearance does not seem warranted.", "PMID": 987782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2483", "title": "Retardation and twin concordance in infant mental development: a reassessment.", "content": "A reappraisal is made of Nichols and Broman's conclusion that there is no evidence that genetic influences are important in infant mental development if severely retarded twins are excluded from the sample. The reappraisal touches on certain idiosyncrasies of their sample, the test scores reported, and their definition of severe retardation. Data are presented for a sample of White twins who have been followed longitudinally since birth. For Bayley Mental Scale scores at 9 months of age, the monozygotic within-pair correlation was 0.85 and the dizygotic within-pair correlation was 0.62. With 13 retarded twins excluded, the correlations became 0.81 and 0.64, respectively, with the monozygotic correlation still being significantly larger (p less than 0.01). The present results indicate that genetic factors play a role in infant mental development.", "contents": "Retardation and twin concordance in infant mental development: a reassessment. A reappraisal is made of Nichols and Broman's conclusion that there is no evidence that genetic influences are important in infant mental development if severely retarded twins are excluded from the sample. The reappraisal touches on certain idiosyncrasies of their sample, the test scores reported, and their definition of severe retardation. Data are presented for a sample of White twins who have been followed longitudinally since birth. For Bayley Mental Scale scores at 9 months of age, the monozygotic within-pair correlation was 0.85 and the dizygotic within-pair correlation was 0.62. With 13 retarded twins excluded, the correlations became 0.81 and 0.64, respectively, with the monozygotic correlation still being significantly larger (p less than 0.01). The present results indicate that genetic factors play a role in infant mental development.", "PMID": 987783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2484", "title": "Genotype x age interaction for neuroticism.", "content": "Twin data suggest that genetic variability in neuroticism increases with age.", "contents": "Genotype x age interaction for neuroticism. Twin data suggest that genetic variability in neuroticism increases with age.", "PMID": 987784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2485", "title": "Comment on \"IQs of identical twins reared apart\".", "content": "Jensen's claim that the twins from the four studies of separated identical twins come from the same population is shown to be wrong. The consequences of this are briefly discussed.", "contents": "Comment on \"IQs of identical twins reared apart\". Jensen's claim that the twins from the four studies of separated identical twins come from the same population is shown to be wrong. The consequences of this are briefly discussed.", "PMID": 987785} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2486", "title": "Twins' IQs: a reply to Schwartz and Schwartz.", "content": "It is argued that the criticisms by Schwartz and Schwartz of Jensen's analysis of IQ data on monozygotic twins reared apart fall down on two central points, methodological and theoretical: (a) Valid inferences concerning the broad heritability of intelligence can be drawn from analysis of the combined data from several independent studies of MZ twins reared apart, even though the groups differ significantly in mean IQ; (b) Mean population differences within a given racial category can involve genetic as well as environmental factors.", "contents": "Twins' IQs: a reply to Schwartz and Schwartz. It is argued that the criticisms by Schwartz and Schwartz of Jensen's analysis of IQ data on monozygotic twins reared apart fall down on two central points, methodological and theoretical: (a) Valid inferences concerning the broad heritability of intelligence can be drawn from analysis of the combined data from several independent studies of MZ twins reared apart, even though the groups differ significantly in mean IQ; (b) Mean population differences within a given racial category can involve genetic as well as environmental factors.", "PMID": 987786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2487", "title": "Motion of mitral apparatus in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with obstruction.", "content": "Motion of the mitral apparatus in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with obstruction was investigated by conventional single dimensional and multidimensional echocardiography. In systole, anterosuperior displacement of the posterior papillary muscle, failure of mitral valve closure, and anterior motion of both mitral leaflets were shown. The anterior leaflet was seen to impinge on the posterior papillary muscle but not on the interventricular septum in systole. The abnormality of the single dimensional mitral echogram, previously ascribed to systolic anterior motion of the mitral anterior leaflet, was found to be a complex of echoes from the chordae tendineae, the papillary muscle, and, furthest from the septum, the mitral anterior leaflet. It is concluded that systolic anterior motion of the mitral anterior leaflet is of smaller amplitude than others have suggested, and that obstruction to left ventricular outflow in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is produced by systolic contact between the mitral anterior cusp and the posterior papillary muscle. The theory is put forward that displacement of the posterior papillary muscle above and in front of the mitral leaflets produces chordal slackening, and that it is displacement of the chordae tendineae by the blood flowing to the aortic root during left ventricular ejection, which is responsible for systolic anterior motion of the mitral leaflets.", "contents": "Motion of mitral apparatus in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with obstruction. Motion of the mitral apparatus in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with obstruction was investigated by conventional single dimensional and multidimensional echocardiography. In systole, anterosuperior displacement of the posterior papillary muscle, failure of mitral valve closure, and anterior motion of both mitral leaflets were shown. The anterior leaflet was seen to impinge on the posterior papillary muscle but not on the interventricular septum in systole. The abnormality of the single dimensional mitral echogram, previously ascribed to systolic anterior motion of the mitral anterior leaflet, was found to be a complex of echoes from the chordae tendineae, the papillary muscle, and, furthest from the septum, the mitral anterior leaflet. It is concluded that systolic anterior motion of the mitral anterior leaflet is of smaller amplitude than others have suggested, and that obstruction to left ventricular outflow in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is produced by systolic contact between the mitral anterior cusp and the posterior papillary muscle. The theory is put forward that displacement of the posterior papillary muscle above and in front of the mitral leaflets produces chordal slackening, and that it is displacement of the chordae tendineae by the blood flowing to the aortic root during left ventricular ejection, which is responsible for systolic anterior motion of the mitral leaflets.", "PMID": 987790} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2488", "title": "Effect of acute administration of propranolol on ventricular function in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy measured by non-invasive techniques.", "content": "Seventeen patients with hypertropic obstructive cardiomyopathy, were studied using non-invasive techniques before and after the intravenous injection of 5 mg propranolol. The folloeing were analysed: left ventricular ejection time index, derived from the carotid pulse and heart rate; the isovolumic relaxation time, derived from the apex cardiogram and phonocardiogram; the diastolic closure rate of the mirtal valve; and the left ventricular diameters, systolic and diastolic, both measured by echocardiography. Propranolol produced shortening of the isovolumic relaxation time, increase in both the diastolic closure rate of the mitral valve and left ventricular systolic and left ventricular diastolic diameters. These results show that propranolol increases the rate of filling and the volume of the left ventricle, indicating that an improvement in distensibility is produced by beta-adrenergic blockade.", "contents": "Effect of acute administration of propranolol on ventricular function in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy measured by non-invasive techniques. Seventeen patients with hypertropic obstructive cardiomyopathy, were studied using non-invasive techniques before and after the intravenous injection of 5 mg propranolol. The folloeing were analysed: left ventricular ejection time index, derived from the carotid pulse and heart rate; the isovolumic relaxation time, derived from the apex cardiogram and phonocardiogram; the diastolic closure rate of the mirtal valve; and the left ventricular diameters, systolic and diastolic, both measured by echocardiography. Propranolol produced shortening of the isovolumic relaxation time, increase in both the diastolic closure rate of the mitral valve and left ventricular systolic and left ventricular diastolic diameters. These results show that propranolol increases the rate of filling and the volume of the left ventricle, indicating that an improvement in distensibility is produced by beta-adrenergic blockade.", "PMID": 987791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2489", "title": "Reversal of methylcholanthrene-induced changes in mouse prostates in vitro by retinoic acid and its analogues.", "content": "The influence of vitamin A-related compounds on hyperplasia and metaplasia induced by methylcholanthrene was studied in mouse prostate glands in organ culture. Methylcholanthrene was found to cause extensive hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia of the prostatic epithelium which persisted after withdrawal of the carcinogen. The retinoids included retinoic acid and 6 of its structural analogues synthesized in an attempt to enhance the anticarcinogenic action and reduce the toxicity of the parent compound. These where the cyclopentenyl analogus 7699, A2-retinoic acid, 13-cis-alpha-retinoic acid and 3 aromatic analogues. Administration of the compounds following the carcinogen reduced the extent and incidence of hyperplasia significantly and with the exception of one compound reversed the squamous metaplasia. Two of the aromatic analogues, one with a terminal ethylamide group (1430), and the other with a terminal ethylester group (9369), proved to be the most potent inhibitors, followed by compound 7699 and (9369), proved to be the most potent inhibitors, followed by compound 7699 and retinoic acid. A2-retinoic acid and 13-cis-alpha-retinoic acid showed the lowest activity. The inhibition of hyperplasia appeared to be mediated via a reduction of DNA synthesis. It seemed unrelated to either the biological growth-promoting activity of the compounds or their surface-active properties. It is tentatively suggested that vitamin A and its analogues may act as hormones.", "contents": "Reversal of methylcholanthrene-induced changes in mouse prostates in vitro by retinoic acid and its analogues. The influence of vitamin A-related compounds on hyperplasia and metaplasia induced by methylcholanthrene was studied in mouse prostate glands in organ culture. Methylcholanthrene was found to cause extensive hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia of the prostatic epithelium which persisted after withdrawal of the carcinogen. The retinoids included retinoic acid and 6 of its structural analogues synthesized in an attempt to enhance the anticarcinogenic action and reduce the toxicity of the parent compound. These where the cyclopentenyl analogus 7699, A2-retinoic acid, 13-cis-alpha-retinoic acid and 3 aromatic analogues. Administration of the compounds following the carcinogen reduced the extent and incidence of hyperplasia significantly and with the exception of one compound reversed the squamous metaplasia. Two of the aromatic analogues, one with a terminal ethylamide group (1430), and the other with a terminal ethylester group (9369), proved to be the most potent inhibitors, followed by compound 7699 and (9369), proved to be the most potent inhibitors, followed by compound 7699 and retinoic acid. A2-retinoic acid and 13-cis-alpha-retinoic acid showed the lowest activity. The inhibition of hyperplasia appeared to be mediated via a reduction of DNA synthesis. It seemed unrelated to either the biological growth-promoting activity of the compounds or their surface-active properties. It is tentatively suggested that vitamin A and its analogues may act as hormones.", "PMID": 987794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2490", "title": "Purification of a cytotoxic factor from human and rat tissues.", "content": "Human and rat normal tissues and tumours have been studied for the presence of toxic substances, possibly of importance in the development of cachexia in patients with cancer and other chronic diseases. The toxic effect of tissue extracts was gauged by measuring the inhibition of growth of mouse L-cells in 1-ml cultures, as revealed by reduced incorporation of [14C]leucine into cell protein. A common cytotoxic substance of mol. wt. approximately 700 daltons was isolated from all rat and human tissues tested, including tumours. The isolation procedure involved tissue homogenization, followed by pressure dialysis, gel filtration of concentrated pressure dialysates, cation exchange chromatography, and thin layer chromatography. Amounts isolated from different tissues varied by a factor of 3. The purified substance reacted with ninhydrin and a few other reagents for amino groups. It was completely resistant to acid and enzymatic hydrolysis. The evidence thus suggests that the substance is an amine. It is toxic to L-cells, HeLa cells and normal rat fibroblasts in concentrations of 10-20 muM, producing cell death and lysis during incubation overnight.", "contents": "Purification of a cytotoxic factor from human and rat tissues. Human and rat normal tissues and tumours have been studied for the presence of toxic substances, possibly of importance in the development of cachexia in patients with cancer and other chronic diseases. The toxic effect of tissue extracts was gauged by measuring the inhibition of growth of mouse L-cells in 1-ml cultures, as revealed by reduced incorporation of [14C]leucine into cell protein. A common cytotoxic substance of mol. wt. approximately 700 daltons was isolated from all rat and human tissues tested, including tumours. The isolation procedure involved tissue homogenization, followed by pressure dialysis, gel filtration of concentrated pressure dialysates, cation exchange chromatography, and thin layer chromatography. Amounts isolated from different tissues varied by a factor of 3. The purified substance reacted with ninhydrin and a few other reagents for amino groups. It was completely resistant to acid and enzymatic hydrolysis. The evidence thus suggests that the substance is an amine. It is toxic to L-cells, HeLa cells and normal rat fibroblasts in concentrations of 10-20 muM, producing cell death and lysis during incubation overnight.", "PMID": 987795} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2491", "title": "Factor VIII and human platelet aggregation. I. Evience that the platelet aggregating activity of bovine factor VIII is a property of its 'carrier protein' subunit.", "content": "Bovine factor VIII is a potent inducer of aggregation of human platelets. Upon gel filtration of five-thousand-fold purified material in 0.5 M CaCl2, bovine factor VIII is separated into high and low molecular weight components; the former contains both a 'carrier protein' and platelet aggregating activity, the latter the procoagulant activity (low molecular weight factor VII, LMW-FVIII). Upon removal of Ca2+ ions, LMW-F VIII recombines with the 'carrier protein'. LMW-F VIII modifies aggregation by 'carrier protein', but not aggregation by undissociated bovine factor VII, adenosine-5'-diphosphate or adrenaline. This finding indicates that the platelet aggregating activity in indeed a property of the 'carrier protein'.", "contents": "Factor VIII and human platelet aggregation. I. Evience that the platelet aggregating activity of bovine factor VIII is a property of its 'carrier protein' subunit. Bovine factor VIII is a potent inducer of aggregation of human platelets. Upon gel filtration of five-thousand-fold purified material in 0.5 M CaCl2, bovine factor VIII is separated into high and low molecular weight components; the former contains both a 'carrier protein' and platelet aggregating activity, the latter the procoagulant activity (low molecular weight factor VII, LMW-FVIII). Upon removal of Ca2+ ions, LMW-F VIII recombines with the 'carrier protein'. LMW-F VIII modifies aggregation by 'carrier protein', but not aggregation by undissociated bovine factor VII, adenosine-5'-diphosphate or adrenaline. This finding indicates that the platelet aggregating activity in indeed a property of the 'carrier protein'.", "PMID": 987796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2492", "title": "Factor VIII and human platelet aggregation. II. Characteristics of aggregation of human platelets by bovine factor VIII.", "content": "Bovine factor VIII aggregates human platelets either in a strong single wave at high concentration (10 mug/ml platelet suspension) or in two waves at low concentration (0.2-I mug/ml). The strong single wave of aggregation is not associated with release of [14C]serotonin or beta-glucuronidase; the high concentration does not induce retraction of reptilase-clotted platelet-rich plasma. Wtih the low concentration, relase of [14C]serotonin is observed just prior to the onset of the second wave of aggregation; release of beta-glucuronidase does not occur at any moment. The low concentration of bovine factor VIII induces moderate retraction of reptilase-clotted platelet-clotted platelet-rich plasma, which is inhibited by acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacin and apyrase, indicating that it is a consequence of release of platelet adenosine-5'-diphosphate. It has previously been suggested tht carbohydrate groups are involved in the human platelet-bovine factor VIII interaction, since galactose oxidase and periodate oxidation abolish the platelet aggregating activity of bovine factor VIII. The present study shows that these oxidizing substances also induce a degradation of bovine factor VIII, so that the exact role of carbohydrate groups in the aggregation process remains to be established.", "contents": "Factor VIII and human platelet aggregation. II. Characteristics of aggregation of human platelets by bovine factor VIII. Bovine factor VIII aggregates human platelets either in a strong single wave at high concentration (10 mug/ml platelet suspension) or in two waves at low concentration (0.2-I mug/ml). The strong single wave of aggregation is not associated with release of [14C]serotonin or beta-glucuronidase; the high concentration does not induce retraction of reptilase-clotted platelet-rich plasma. Wtih the low concentration, relase of [14C]serotonin is observed just prior to the onset of the second wave of aggregation; release of beta-glucuronidase does not occur at any moment. The low concentration of bovine factor VIII induces moderate retraction of reptilase-clotted platelet-clotted platelet-rich plasma, which is inhibited by acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacin and apyrase, indicating that it is a consequence of release of platelet adenosine-5'-diphosphate. It has previously been suggested tht carbohydrate groups are involved in the human platelet-bovine factor VIII interaction, since galactose oxidase and periodate oxidation abolish the platelet aggregating activity of bovine factor VIII. The present study shows that these oxidizing substances also induce a degradation of bovine factor VIII, so that the exact role of carbohydrate groups in the aggregation process remains to be established.", "PMID": 987797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2493", "title": "Histoacryl tissue adhesive in some types of retinal detachment surgery.", "content": "Preserved human scleral graft and histoacryl-blue tissue adhesive were used in four cases of retinal detachment surgery to obtain scleral buckling effect and to protect staphylomatous or necrotic scleral areas. The use of histoacryl produced a strong and resistant adhesion between the host and the preserved scleral patch. The postoperative inflammatory reaction was mild and disappeared within one week.", "contents": "Histoacryl tissue adhesive in some types of retinal detachment surgery. Preserved human scleral graft and histoacryl-blue tissue adhesive were used in four cases of retinal detachment surgery to obtain scleral buckling effect and to protect staphylomatous or necrotic scleral areas. The use of histoacryl produced a strong and resistant adhesion between the host and the preserved scleral patch. The postoperative inflammatory reaction was mild and disappeared within one week.", "PMID": 987798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2494", "title": "Molecular topology of the photosynthetic light-harvesting pigment complex, peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein, from marine dinoflagellates.", "content": "The photosynthetic light-harvesting complex, peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein, was isolated from several marine dinoflagellates including Glenodinium sp. by Sephadex and ion-exchange chromatography. The carotenoid (peridinin)-chlorophyll a ratio in the complex is estimated to be 4:1. The fluorescence excitation spectrum of the complex indicates that energy absorbed by the carotenoid is transferred to the chlorophyll a molecule with 100% efficiency. Fluorescence lifetime measurements indicate that the energy transfer is much faster than fluorescence emission from chlorophyll a. The four peridinin molecules within the complex appear to form two allowed exciton bands which split the main absorption band of the carotenoid into two circular dichronic bands (with negative ellipticity band at 538 nm and positive band at 463 nm in the case of peridinin-chlorophyl a-protein complex from Glenodinium sp.). The fluorescence polarization of chlorophyll a in the complex at 200 K is about 0.1 in both circular dichroic excitation bands of the carotenoid chromophore. From these circular dichroic and fluorescence polarization data, a possible molecular arrangement of the four peridinin and chlorophyll molecules has been deduced for the complex. The structure of the complex deduced is also consistent with the magnitude of the exciton spliting (ca. greater than 3000 cm-1) at the intermolecular distance in the dimer pair of peridinin (ca. 12 A). This structural feature accounts for the efficient light-harvesting process of dinoflagellates as the exciton interaction lengthens the lifetime of peridinin (radiative) and the complex topology increases the energy transfer probability. The complex is, therefore, a useful molecular model for elucidating the mechanism and efficiency of solar energy conversion in vivo as well as in vitro.", "contents": "Molecular topology of the photosynthetic light-harvesting pigment complex, peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein, from marine dinoflagellates. The photosynthetic light-harvesting complex, peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein, was isolated from several marine dinoflagellates including Glenodinium sp. by Sephadex and ion-exchange chromatography. The carotenoid (peridinin)-chlorophyll a ratio in the complex is estimated to be 4:1. The fluorescence excitation spectrum of the complex indicates that energy absorbed by the carotenoid is transferred to the chlorophyll a molecule with 100% efficiency. Fluorescence lifetime measurements indicate that the energy transfer is much faster than fluorescence emission from chlorophyll a. The four peridinin molecules within the complex appear to form two allowed exciton bands which split the main absorption band of the carotenoid into two circular dichronic bands (with negative ellipticity band at 538 nm and positive band at 463 nm in the case of peridinin-chlorophyl a-protein complex from Glenodinium sp.). The fluorescence polarization of chlorophyll a in the complex at 200 K is about 0.1 in both circular dichroic excitation bands of the carotenoid chromophore. From these circular dichroic and fluorescence polarization data, a possible molecular arrangement of the four peridinin and chlorophyll molecules has been deduced for the complex. The structure of the complex deduced is also consistent with the magnitude of the exciton spliting (ca. greater than 3000 cm-1) at the intermolecular distance in the dimer pair of peridinin (ca. 12 A). This structural feature accounts for the efficient light-harvesting process of dinoflagellates as the exciton interaction lengthens the lifetime of peridinin (radiative) and the complex topology increases the energy transfer probability. The complex is, therefore, a useful molecular model for elucidating the mechanism and efficiency of solar energy conversion in vivo as well as in vitro.", "PMID": 987799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2495", "title": "Histone redistribution and conformational effect on chromatin induced by formaldehyde.", "content": "Histone redistributions between endogenous DNA in calf thymus chromatin and exogenous DNA from Clostridium perfringens (69% A + T) or from Micrococcus luteus (30% A + T) induced by 0.6 M NaCl or by 2% formaldehyde were studied by thermal denaturation. The observed redistribution occurred on histone Hl when the exogenous DNA was (A + T)-richer than the DNA in chromatin, and when the mixture was exposed to 0.6 M NaCl or formaldehyde. When a (G + C)-richer DNA was added as the acceptor for histones, no substantial transfer of histones from chromatin DNA to exogenous DNA was found. Thus the activation energy of histone dissociation from chromatin DNA seems to be substantially lowered by 0.6 M NaCl or formaldehyde such that histones (mostly histone Hl) can be dissociated and bind the (A + T)-richer DNA and form a more stable complex. It is suggested that the formaldehyde effect on histones may be due to the loss of positive charges on lysine and arginin residues (probably more on lysine than on arginine) in histones after their rapid reaction with formaldehyde. Formaldehyde treatment of chromatin also distorts the DNA conformation, as revealed by circular dichroism (CD) studies. This structural effect occurs mainly on those base pairs bound by histones other than Hl, or within the chromatin subunit. Histone redistribution is treated as a thermodynamic phenomenon of histone binding to DNA. The validity of using formaldehyde to study chromatin structure is discussed.", "contents": "Histone redistribution and conformational effect on chromatin induced by formaldehyde. Histone redistributions between endogenous DNA in calf thymus chromatin and exogenous DNA from Clostridium perfringens (69% A + T) or from Micrococcus luteus (30% A + T) induced by 0.6 M NaCl or by 2% formaldehyde were studied by thermal denaturation. The observed redistribution occurred on histone Hl when the exogenous DNA was (A + T)-richer than the DNA in chromatin, and when the mixture was exposed to 0.6 M NaCl or formaldehyde. When a (G + C)-richer DNA was added as the acceptor for histones, no substantial transfer of histones from chromatin DNA to exogenous DNA was found. Thus the activation energy of histone dissociation from chromatin DNA seems to be substantially lowered by 0.6 M NaCl or formaldehyde such that histones (mostly histone Hl) can be dissociated and bind the (A + T)-richer DNA and form a more stable complex. It is suggested that the formaldehyde effect on histones may be due to the loss of positive charges on lysine and arginin residues (probably more on lysine than on arginine) in histones after their rapid reaction with formaldehyde. Formaldehyde treatment of chromatin also distorts the DNA conformation, as revealed by circular dichroism (CD) studies. This structural effect occurs mainly on those base pairs bound by histones other than Hl, or within the chromatin subunit. Histone redistribution is treated as a thermodynamic phenomenon of histone binding to DNA. The validity of using formaldehyde to study chromatin structure is discussed.", "PMID": 987800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2496", "title": "Terminal residues of hog pancreatic amylase.", "content": "Studies on the identification of the terminal residues in protease-free hog pancreatic alpha-amylase, prepared by glycogen precipitation, demonstrated the absence of free amino terminals when four different chemical procedures were used. These methods were based on reaction with fluorodinitrobenzene, trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid, dansyl chloride, and cyanate. In the search for the presence of a possible alpha-N-blocking group, an acetyl group was detected as acetic acid dinitrophenyl hydrazide after hydrazinolysis and dinitrophenylation. Quantitation of acetyl groups by a gas chromatographic or a specific enzymatic method yielded 0.7 mol of acetyl group per 51,000 g of protein. Other acyl groups, such as formyl or propionyl, were not found. Leucine was shown to be the carboxyl terminal residue by hydrazinolysis or by carboxypeptidase A digestion of acid denatured amylase. With either procedure, 0.8 mol of carboxyl terminal leucine was found per 51,000 g of protein. These findings are consistent with the proposal that hog pancreatic alpha-amylase is composed of a single, alpha-N-acetylated chain of molecular weight 50,000. Claims of other investigators for subunit and multichain structures for this enzyme are discussed in view of these end group data.", "contents": "Terminal residues of hog pancreatic amylase. Studies on the identification of the terminal residues in protease-free hog pancreatic alpha-amylase, prepared by glycogen precipitation, demonstrated the absence of free amino terminals when four different chemical procedures were used. These methods were based on reaction with fluorodinitrobenzene, trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid, dansyl chloride, and cyanate. In the search for the presence of a possible alpha-N-blocking group, an acetyl group was detected as acetic acid dinitrophenyl hydrazide after hydrazinolysis and dinitrophenylation. Quantitation of acetyl groups by a gas chromatographic or a specific enzymatic method yielded 0.7 mol of acetyl group per 51,000 g of protein. Other acyl groups, such as formyl or propionyl, were not found. Leucine was shown to be the carboxyl terminal residue by hydrazinolysis or by carboxypeptidase A digestion of acid denatured amylase. With either procedure, 0.8 mol of carboxyl terminal leucine was found per 51,000 g of protein. These findings are consistent with the proposal that hog pancreatic alpha-amylase is composed of a single, alpha-N-acetylated chain of molecular weight 50,000. Claims of other investigators for subunit and multichain structures for this enzyme are discussed in view of these end group data.", "PMID": 987801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2497", "title": "Comparison of human and hamster mitochondrial transfer RNA. Physical properties and methylation status.", "content": "We have compared mitochondrial transfer RNA from cultured human (HeLa) and hamster(BHK) cells, giving emphasis to distinctive properties previously noted for the BHK system. Both HeLa and BHK mitochondrial tRNA sedimented slower, and had lower mobilities in \"warm\" acrylamide gels, than their cytoplasmic counterparts, suggesting that both mitochondrial tRNA populations have unusually loose configurations. HeLa mitochondrial tRNA was found to contain 2.8 methyl groups per 100 nucleotides compared to 8.7 for cytoplasmic, figures similar to previous BHK results. Both mitochondrial tRNA populations were notably deficient in 7-methylguanine, methylribose, and methylated pyrimidines. We propose that mitochondrial tRNA (or perhaps animal mitochondrial tRNA) constitutes a distinct evolutionary class.", "contents": "Comparison of human and hamster mitochondrial transfer RNA. Physical properties and methylation status. We have compared mitochondrial transfer RNA from cultured human (HeLa) and hamster(BHK) cells, giving emphasis to distinctive properties previously noted for the BHK system. Both HeLa and BHK mitochondrial tRNA sedimented slower, and had lower mobilities in \"warm\" acrylamide gels, than their cytoplasmic counterparts, suggesting that both mitochondrial tRNA populations have unusually loose configurations. HeLa mitochondrial tRNA was found to contain 2.8 methyl groups per 100 nucleotides compared to 8.7 for cytoplasmic, figures similar to previous BHK results. Both mitochondrial tRNA populations were notably deficient in 7-methylguanine, methylribose, and methylated pyrimidines. We propose that mitochondrial tRNA (or perhaps animal mitochondrial tRNA) constitutes a distinct evolutionary class.", "PMID": 987802} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2498", "title": "The effect of 5-bromodeoxyuridine on messenger RNA production in cultured cells.", "content": "Cells of clone B(5)59, a derivative of the murine B16 melanoma, are highly tumorigenic, and produce both melanin and plasminogen activator. Cells of clone C(3)471, a line obtained by continued growth and maintenance of B(5)59 cells in medium containing 5-bromodeoxyuridine are nontumorigenic, amelanotic, and have no plasminogen activator. Differences in the mRNA complement of these two syngenic mouse melanoma clones have been determined by hybridization kinetics between complementary DNA transcribed from mRNA of either B(5)59 OR C(3)471 cells, and mRNA isolated from both sources. To detect the presence of unique mRNA sequences produced in B(5)59 cells, complementary DNA produced using B(5)59 mRNA as a template was exhaustively hybridized to C(3)471 mRNA. The results indicate that (i) polyadenylated mRNA produced by either clone can be divided into three main groups based upon the relative complexity of mRNA species within each group, (ii) more than 98% of the mRNA species produced by the B(5)59 cells are also produced by the cells of the C(3)471 clone, (iii) approximately 25% of the mRNA species produced by the cells of the C(3)471 clone in moderate abundance (500 molecules per cell) are not produced by the B(5)59 clone. Despite the fact that at least two of the proteins synthesized by B(5)59 cells are not detectable in C(3)471 cells, our results support the hypothesis that the major effect of BrdUrd incorporation into DNA is the induction rather than the repression of transcription of polyadenylated mRNA sequences.", "contents": "The effect of 5-bromodeoxyuridine on messenger RNA production in cultured cells. Cells of clone B(5)59, a derivative of the murine B16 melanoma, are highly tumorigenic, and produce both melanin and plasminogen activator. Cells of clone C(3)471, a line obtained by continued growth and maintenance of B(5)59 cells in medium containing 5-bromodeoxyuridine are nontumorigenic, amelanotic, and have no plasminogen activator. Differences in the mRNA complement of these two syngenic mouse melanoma clones have been determined by hybridization kinetics between complementary DNA transcribed from mRNA of either B(5)59 OR C(3)471 cells, and mRNA isolated from both sources. To detect the presence of unique mRNA sequences produced in B(5)59 cells, complementary DNA produced using B(5)59 mRNA as a template was exhaustively hybridized to C(3)471 mRNA. The results indicate that (i) polyadenylated mRNA produced by either clone can be divided into three main groups based upon the relative complexity of mRNA species within each group, (ii) more than 98% of the mRNA species produced by the B(5)59 cells are also produced by the cells of the C(3)471 clone, (iii) approximately 25% of the mRNA species produced by the cells of the C(3)471 clone in moderate abundance (500 molecules per cell) are not produced by the B(5)59 clone. Despite the fact that at least two of the proteins synthesized by B(5)59 cells are not detectable in C(3)471 cells, our results support the hypothesis that the major effect of BrdUrd incorporation into DNA is the induction rather than the repression of transcription of polyadenylated mRNA sequences.", "PMID": 987803} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2499", "title": "Energization of mitochondrial inner membranes caused by L-malate.", "content": "It was found that 0.06 mug antimycin A/mg mitochondrial protein, an amount sufficient to inhibit electron transfer between cytochromes b and c1 completely, fully reversed the oxidation of cytochrome a caused by L-malate in anaerobic mitochondria. The effect of L-malate on cytochrome a was insensitive to oligomycin, but all the uncouplers and detergents tested reversed the oxidation of cytochrome a caused by L-malate in anaerobic mitochondria. It was also found that addition of L-malate to anaerobic mitochondria, like addition of ATP, decreased the fluorescence of 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulphonate, and that subsequent addition of uncouplers reversed this effect. The effect of L-malate on the fluorescence of the dye was insensitive to oligomycin. The present findings suggest that addition of L-malate may cause energization of the mitochondrial inner membranes and that the oxidation of cytochrome a caused by L-malate in anaerobic mitochondria may result from an L-malate-induced, energy-linked reversal of electron transfer in site II.", "contents": "Energization of mitochondrial inner membranes caused by L-malate. It was found that 0.06 mug antimycin A/mg mitochondrial protein, an amount sufficient to inhibit electron transfer between cytochromes b and c1 completely, fully reversed the oxidation of cytochrome a caused by L-malate in anaerobic mitochondria. The effect of L-malate on cytochrome a was insensitive to oligomycin, but all the uncouplers and detergents tested reversed the oxidation of cytochrome a caused by L-malate in anaerobic mitochondria. It was also found that addition of L-malate to anaerobic mitochondria, like addition of ATP, decreased the fluorescence of 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulphonate, and that subsequent addition of uncouplers reversed this effect. The effect of L-malate on the fluorescence of the dye was insensitive to oligomycin. The present findings suggest that addition of L-malate may cause energization of the mitochondrial inner membranes and that the oxidation of cytochrome a caused by L-malate in anaerobic mitochondria may result from an L-malate-induced, energy-linked reversal of electron transfer in site II.", "PMID": 987804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2500", "title": "Hydration sites of egg phosphatidylcholine determined by means of modulated excitation infrared spectroscopy.", "content": "Conventional and modulated excitation infrared spectra of egg phosphatidylcholine are measured in the spectral range of 4000-900 cm-1 by modulation of relative humidity with an amplitude of +/- less than 5% at a mean value of 75% (T=30 degrees C). From the modulated-excitation spectrum, hydration sites are found to be the greater than PO2 group, the greater than C=O group and the choline group.", "contents": "Hydration sites of egg phosphatidylcholine determined by means of modulated excitation infrared spectroscopy. Conventional and modulated excitation infrared spectra of egg phosphatidylcholine are measured in the spectral range of 4000-900 cm-1 by modulation of relative humidity with an amplitude of +/- less than 5% at a mean value of 75% (T=30 degrees C). From the modulated-excitation spectrum, hydration sites are found to be the greater than PO2 group, the greater than C=O group and the choline group.", "PMID": 987805} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2501", "title": "The manipulation of the fatty acid composition of Dictyostelium discoideum and its effect on cell differentiation.", "content": "The fatty acid composition of Dictyostelium discoideum has been modified by growing the axenic strain, Ax-2, in media conta-ning long chain polyenoic fatty acids. Large amounts of linoleic and linolenic acids are incorporated into the cellular lipids and further desaturated to two unusual fatty acids, 5,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid and 5,9,12,15-octadecatetraenoic acid, respectively. Arachidonic acid is also extensively incorporated but not further de;aturated. D. discoideum normally contains none of the above polyenoic fatty acids, and the amount incorporated depends upon the concentration of the fatty acid in the growth media. The cells containing large quantities of polyenoic fatty acid grow normally b,t exhibit impaired differentiation when removed from the growth medium. The incorporation of smaller quantities of the fatty acid has no adverse effect on differentiation. Cells grown in the presence of saturated or monoenoic fatty acids exhibit, at the most, only slight changes in the fatty acid composition of the cellular lipid and both grow and differentiate normally.", "contents": "The manipulation of the fatty acid composition of Dictyostelium discoideum and its effect on cell differentiation. The fatty acid composition of Dictyostelium discoideum has been modified by growing the axenic strain, Ax-2, in media conta-ning long chain polyenoic fatty acids. Large amounts of linoleic and linolenic acids are incorporated into the cellular lipids and further desaturated to two unusual fatty acids, 5,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid and 5,9,12,15-octadecatetraenoic acid, respectively. Arachidonic acid is also extensively incorporated but not further de;aturated. D. discoideum normally contains none of the above polyenoic fatty acids, and the amount incorporated depends upon the concentration of the fatty acid in the growth media. The cells containing large quantities of polyenoic fatty acid grow normally b,t exhibit impaired differentiation when removed from the growth medium. The incorporation of smaller quantities of the fatty acid has no adverse effect on differentiation. Cells grown in the presence of saturated or monoenoic fatty acids exhibit, at the most, only slight changes in the fatty acid composition of the cellular lipid and both grow and differentiate normally.", "PMID": 987806} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2502", "title": "[Modification and immobilization of beta-galactosidase].", "content": "beta-galactosidase from fungus Curvularia inaequalis was modified by a chlortriazin dye active bright-orange KH. The modified enzyme contained two molecules of dye per one molecule of protein. The incorporation of six sulfuric groups with remains of the dye resulted in a slight decrease of the acid protein isoelectric point. The catalytic activity of the modified protein remains practically unchanged. The coloured protein is firmly absorbed on anionites. Preparations of immobilized beta-galactosidase were obtained by adsorption on anionites.", "contents": "[Modification and immobilization of beta-galactosidase]. beta-galactosidase from fungus Curvularia inaequalis was modified by a chlortriazin dye active bright-orange KH. The modified enzyme contained two molecules of dye per one molecule of protein. The incorporation of six sulfuric groups with remains of the dye resulted in a slight decrease of the acid protein isoelectric point. The catalytic activity of the modified protein remains practically unchanged. The coloured protein is firmly absorbed on anionites. Preparations of immobilized beta-galactosidase were obtained by adsorption on anionites.", "PMID": 987807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2503", "title": "Studies on experimental hypotrophy in the rat. III. Plasma insulin and glucagon.", "content": "Insulin and glucagon have been measured in the plasma of rats with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and their littermate controls. A lower plasma insulin and a higher plasma glucagon were observed in IUGR term rat fetuses. After birth there was no difference in the circulating level of insulin and glucagon in IUGR rats and their littermate controls. It is concluded that postnatal hypoglycemia of IUGR rat did not result from an impaired glucagon secretion or an increased insulin secretion.", "contents": "Studies on experimental hypotrophy in the rat. III. Plasma insulin and glucagon. Insulin and glucagon have been measured in the plasma of rats with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and their littermate controls. A lower plasma insulin and a higher plasma glucagon were observed in IUGR term rat fetuses. After birth there was no difference in the circulating level of insulin and glucagon in IUGR rats and their littermate controls. It is concluded that postnatal hypoglycemia of IUGR rat did not result from an impaired glucagon secretion or an increased insulin secretion.", "PMID": 987808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2504", "title": "The flexibility of low molecular weight double-stranded DNA as a function of length. I. Isolation andphysical characterization of seven fractions.", "content": "Sonicated calf thymus DNA was fractionated by rate zonal centrifugation into seven fractions with weight average molecular weights ranging from 0.28 to 1.3 X 10(6) daltons, as determined by sedimentation equilibrium and light scattering measurements (the latter are described in the accompanying paper). Electron microscopy and sedimentation equilibrium analysis revealed these fractions to be narrowly disperse with Mw/Mn ratios averaging about 1.06. Intrinsic viscosities and sedimentation rates were measured and found to vary linearly with molecular weight in double-logarithmic plots in fair agreement with previously published functions relating these parameters for low molecular weight DNA. Thso agreeing with reported estimates of this parameter for short DNA. These data will be used in the second paper of this series to calculate the persistence length of the DNA fragments in each of the seven fractions by light scattering and hydrodynamic theories for the Kratky-Porod worm-like coil.", "contents": "The flexibility of low molecular weight double-stranded DNA as a function of length. I. Isolation andphysical characterization of seven fractions. Sonicated calf thymus DNA was fractionated by rate zonal centrifugation into seven fractions with weight average molecular weights ranging from 0.28 to 1.3 X 10(6) daltons, as determined by sedimentation equilibrium and light scattering measurements (the latter are described in the accompanying paper). Electron microscopy and sedimentation equilibrium analysis revealed these fractions to be narrowly disperse with Mw/Mn ratios averaging about 1.06. Intrinsic viscosities and sedimentation rates were measured and found to vary linearly with molecular weight in double-logarithmic plots in fair agreement with previously published functions relating these parameters for low molecular weight DNA. Thso agreeing with reported estimates of this parameter for short DNA. These data will be used in the second paper of this series to calculate the persistence length of the DNA fragments in each of the seven fractions by light scattering and hydrodynamic theories for the Kratky-Porod worm-like coil.", "PMID": 987811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2505", "title": "The flexibility of low molecular weight double-stranded DNA as a function of length. I. Light scattering measurements and the estimation of persistence lengths from light scattering, sedimentation and viscosity.", "content": "In the preceding paper are described the isolation and physical characterization of seven narrowly disperse fractions of calf thymus DNA in the molecular weight range 0.3 to 1.3 X 10(6) daltons. Herein, we have determined by light scattering the molecular weights and root mean square radii of these fractions in a solvent comprising 0.2 M NaCl, 2 mM EDTA, 2mM Na-PO4,pH7. Measurements were made in a modified Wippler-Scheibling photometer to a 20 degree lower limit of scattering angle on solutions rendered virtually dust-free by procedures described. The optical anisotropies of the DNA fractions were measured permitting the experimental molecular weights and root mean square radii to be corrected to their true values. From these values, with appropriate polydispersity corrections, we calculate a Kratky-Porod persistence length, a, of 54.0 +/- 5.6 nm which is invariant over the molecular range examined. From the sedimentation coefficients (preceding paper) and the theory of Yamakawa and Fujii, we calculate a to be 66 nm, a value found to apply equally well to several DNA samples of various origins whose sedimentation rates are known in themolecular weight range from about 4 X 10(4) to 10(8) daltons. Similarly, from the intrinsic viscosities and the theory of Yamakawa and Fujii, we calculate a to be 59 nm, which again adequately applies to a number of DNA samples whose viscosities have been measured by other workers in the molecular wieght range 3 X 10(5) to 10(8) daltons. The Flory-Mandelkern paramerter, beta, was found to vary with molecular weight in the manner predicted by the theory of Yamakawa and Fujii. The average value of a from the three sets of measurements is 60 +/- 6nm, which we believe applies to double-stranded DNA molecules, independent of chain length, over the whole range of molecular weights from which reliable data exist.", "contents": "The flexibility of low molecular weight double-stranded DNA as a function of length. I. Light scattering measurements and the estimation of persistence lengths from light scattering, sedimentation and viscosity. In the preceding paper are described the isolation and physical characterization of seven narrowly disperse fractions of calf thymus DNA in the molecular weight range 0.3 to 1.3 X 10(6) daltons. Herein, we have determined by light scattering the molecular weights and root mean square radii of these fractions in a solvent comprising 0.2 M NaCl, 2 mM EDTA, 2mM Na-PO4,pH7. Measurements were made in a modified Wippler-Scheibling photometer to a 20 degree lower limit of scattering angle on solutions rendered virtually dust-free by procedures described. The optical anisotropies of the DNA fractions were measured permitting the experimental molecular weights and root mean square radii to be corrected to their true values. From these values, with appropriate polydispersity corrections, we calculate a Kratky-Porod persistence length, a, of 54.0 +/- 5.6 nm which is invariant over the molecular range examined. From the sedimentation coefficients (preceding paper) and the theory of Yamakawa and Fujii, we calculate a to be 66 nm, a value found to apply equally well to several DNA samples of various origins whose sedimentation rates are known in themolecular weight range from about 4 X 10(4) to 10(8) daltons. Similarly, from the intrinsic viscosities and the theory of Yamakawa and Fujii, we calculate a to be 59 nm, which again adequately applies to a number of DNA samples whose viscosities have been measured by other workers in the molecular wieght range 3 X 10(5) to 10(8) daltons. The Flory-Mandelkern paramerter, beta, was found to vary with molecular weight in the manner predicted by the theory of Yamakawa and Fujii. The average value of a from the three sets of measurements is 60 +/- 6nm, which we believe applies to double-stranded DNA molecules, independent of chain length, over the whole range of molecular weights from which reliable data exist.", "PMID": 987812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2506", "title": "Calorimetric studies of the interaction between DNA and poly-L-lysine.", "content": "The transition enthalpy deltaH of the helix-random coil transition of the DNA-polylysine complex was measured as a function of the peptide:nucleotide ratio by the help of an adiabatic scanning differential calorimeter. Furthermore the transition enthalpy of a complex with a specific peptide:nucleotide ratio was determined as a function of the cation concentration of the solution. Finally the reaction enthalpy of the interaction of polylysine with native and denatured DNA was measured with the help of a LKB batch calorimeter. From the results of the calorimetric measurements one can conclude that the transition enthalpy of the DNA-polylysine complexes is linearly dependent on the nucleotide: peptide ratio. The extrapolated value for the 1:1 complex is 14.4 kcal per mole base pairs.", "contents": "Calorimetric studies of the interaction between DNA and poly-L-lysine. The transition enthalpy deltaH of the helix-random coil transition of the DNA-polylysine complex was measured as a function of the peptide:nucleotide ratio by the help of an adiabatic scanning differential calorimeter. Furthermore the transition enthalpy of a complex with a specific peptide:nucleotide ratio was determined as a function of the cation concentration of the solution. Finally the reaction enthalpy of the interaction of polylysine with native and denatured DNA was measured with the help of a LKB batch calorimeter. From the results of the calorimetric measurements one can conclude that the transition enthalpy of the DNA-polylysine complexes is linearly dependent on the nucleotide: peptide ratio. The extrapolated value for the 1:1 complex is 14.4 kcal per mole base pairs.", "PMID": 987813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2507", "title": "Determination of halothane-induced sleeping time in the rat: effect of prior administration of centrally active drugs.", "content": "A method is described for the determination of halothane-induced sleeping time in the rat. 2 The sleeping time exhibited a diurnal variation which was due, at least in part, to a change in the sensitivity of the central nervous system (CNS) to the anaesthetic. 3 Tolerance to halothane did not develop in rats repeatedly exposed to the anaesthetic over a period of over 48 hours. 4 Repeated sleeping time determinations have been used to follow changes in the sensitivity of the CNS to the anaesthetic occurring with time. 5 A tolerance to halothane was induced by pretreatment of rats with doses of amylobarbitone, pentobarbitone or meprobamate sufficient to keep animals anaesthetized for approximately 12 hours. This tolerance was followed by a period of halothane-hypersensitivity. 6 Halothane-tolerant animals awakened with higher brain halothane concentrations and were also tolerant to intracerebroventricularly administered pentobarbitone. 7 Halothane-hypertensive rats awakened with lower brain halothane concentrations and were also hypersensitivity to intracerebroventricularly administered pentobarbitone. 8 The possibility that the induction of cross-tolerance to halothane may be indicative of a drug's potential to produce dependence is discussed.", "contents": "Determination of halothane-induced sleeping time in the rat: effect of prior administration of centrally active drugs. A method is described for the determination of halothane-induced sleeping time in the rat. 2 The sleeping time exhibited a diurnal variation which was due, at least in part, to a change in the sensitivity of the central nervous system (CNS) to the anaesthetic. 3 Tolerance to halothane did not develop in rats repeatedly exposed to the anaesthetic over a period of over 48 hours. 4 Repeated sleeping time determinations have been used to follow changes in the sensitivity of the CNS to the anaesthetic occurring with time. 5 A tolerance to halothane was induced by pretreatment of rats with doses of amylobarbitone, pentobarbitone or meprobamate sufficient to keep animals anaesthetized for approximately 12 hours. This tolerance was followed by a period of halothane-hypersensitivity. 6 Halothane-tolerant animals awakened with higher brain halothane concentrations and were also tolerant to intracerebroventricularly administered pentobarbitone. 7 Halothane-hypertensive rats awakened with lower brain halothane concentrations and were also hypersensitivity to intracerebroventricularly administered pentobarbitone. 8 The possibility that the induction of cross-tolerance to halothane may be indicative of a drug's potential to produce dependence is discussed.", "PMID": 987820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2508", "title": "Effects of drugs affecting endogenous amines or cyclic nucleotides on ethanol withdrawal head twitches in mice.", "content": "1 Twenty-four hours after ethanol withdrawal, dependent mice exhibited frequent head twitching. Naive mice exhibited similar twitching 15 min after treatment with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) or 6 h after alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT). Ethanol lessened the incidence of head twitches induced by any of these treatments. 5-HTP and AMPT each increased the incidence of head twitches induced by withdrawal of ethanol from dependent mice. 2 Drugs that affect the amount or activity of endogenous amines or cyclic nucleotides modified the incidence of head twitches. Nearly all drugs acted in the same direction on twitching elicited by any of these three treatments. 3 The incidence was lessened by: (a) methysergide, methergoline, MA 1420, p-chlorophenylalanine and p-chloroamphetamine; (b) dopamine, noradrenaline, L-DOPA, amphetamine and apomorphine; (c) hyoscine and nicotine; and (d) adenosine triphosphate, dibutyryl cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate (db cyclic AMP) and prostaglandins E1 and E2. 4 The incidence was increased by: (a) acetylcholine, carbachol and physostigmine; and (b) guanosine triphosphate, dibutyryl cyclic guanosine monophosphate (db cyclic GMP), theophylline and 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine. 5 These findings suggest that head twitching induced by these three treatments arises from a common biochemical mechanism, which may ultimately be a change in favour of cyclic GMP of the balance between this nucleotide and cyclic AMP within appropriate neurones. This imbalance appears to be elicited or increased by 5-hydroxytryptamine and acetylcholine and to be decreased by dopamine, noradrenaline and E prostaglandins. 6 Neither actinomycin D nor cycloheximide, given during the induction of ethanol dependence, altered the incidence of head twitches after ethanol withdrawal.", "contents": "Effects of drugs affecting endogenous amines or cyclic nucleotides on ethanol withdrawal head twitches in mice. 1 Twenty-four hours after ethanol withdrawal, dependent mice exhibited frequent head twitching. Naive mice exhibited similar twitching 15 min after treatment with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) or 6 h after alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT). Ethanol lessened the incidence of head twitches induced by any of these treatments. 5-HTP and AMPT each increased the incidence of head twitches induced by withdrawal of ethanol from dependent mice. 2 Drugs that affect the amount or activity of endogenous amines or cyclic nucleotides modified the incidence of head twitches. Nearly all drugs acted in the same direction on twitching elicited by any of these three treatments. 3 The incidence was lessened by: (a) methysergide, methergoline, MA 1420, p-chlorophenylalanine and p-chloroamphetamine; (b) dopamine, noradrenaline, L-DOPA, amphetamine and apomorphine; (c) hyoscine and nicotine; and (d) adenosine triphosphate, dibutyryl cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate (db cyclic AMP) and prostaglandins E1 and E2. 4 The incidence was increased by: (a) acetylcholine, carbachol and physostigmine; and (b) guanosine triphosphate, dibutyryl cyclic guanosine monophosphate (db cyclic GMP), theophylline and 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine. 5 These findings suggest that head twitching induced by these three treatments arises from a common biochemical mechanism, which may ultimately be a change in favour of cyclic GMP of the balance between this nucleotide and cyclic AMP within appropriate neurones. This imbalance appears to be elicited or increased by 5-hydroxytryptamine and acetylcholine and to be decreased by dopamine, noradrenaline and E prostaglandins. 6 Neither actinomycin D nor cycloheximide, given during the induction of ethanol dependence, altered the incidence of head twitches after ethanol withdrawal.", "PMID": 987821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2509", "title": "Effects of contraceptive agents on drug metabolism in various animal species.", "content": "The effect on liver microsomal enzyme activity of three steroid contraceptive drug (SCD) combinations was compared in rats, mice and guinea-pigs. Lynestrenol plus mestranol, norethisterone plus mestranol and norethynodrel plus mestranol were given orally for 4 consecutive days (acute treatment) or 30 days (chronic treatment) at various doses eliciting an experimentally controlled antifertility activity which varied in its extent. In rats and mice all the combined treatments (with the exception of norethynodrel plus mestranol in mice) were active as inducers of liver microsomal enzymes. This induction seems to be mediated mainly by the progestogenic compounds. Oestrogens showed a very poor effect bordering on significance only in a few cases. No effect on liver microsomal protein or cytochrome P 450 concentration was obtained after treatment with doses capable of increasing the microsomal enzyme activity. The activity of the liver microsomal enzymes did not appear to be reduced immediately (2 h) after the last administration of the SCD given during 4 or 30 days. Contraceptive treatments at doses capable of eliciting complete antifertility activity were inactive on liver microsomal enzyme activity in guinea-pigs.", "contents": "Effects of contraceptive agents on drug metabolism in various animal species. The effect on liver microsomal enzyme activity of three steroid contraceptive drug (SCD) combinations was compared in rats, mice and guinea-pigs. Lynestrenol plus mestranol, norethisterone plus mestranol and norethynodrel plus mestranol were given orally for 4 consecutive days (acute treatment) or 30 days (chronic treatment) at various doses eliciting an experimentally controlled antifertility activity which varied in its extent. In rats and mice all the combined treatments (with the exception of norethynodrel plus mestranol in mice) were active as inducers of liver microsomal enzymes. This induction seems to be mediated mainly by the progestogenic compounds. Oestrogens showed a very poor effect bordering on significance only in a few cases. No effect on liver microsomal protein or cytochrome P 450 concentration was obtained after treatment with doses capable of increasing the microsomal enzyme activity. The activity of the liver microsomal enzymes did not appear to be reduced immediately (2 h) after the last administration of the SCD given during 4 or 30 days. Contraceptive treatments at doses capable of eliciting complete antifertility activity were inactive on liver microsomal enzyme activity in guinea-pigs.", "PMID": 987822} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2510", "title": "The behavioural effects of single and combined stressors: a test of arousal theory.", "content": "Arousal theory assumes that a single physiological dimension underlies the curvilinear (inverted-U) relation of behavioural efficiency to level of stimulation. Traditional tests of this assumption, which involved correlating different physiological measures of arousal, have produced equivocal results. The present study predicted that, if arousal is unitary, then stressors which separately induce it should be additive in their effects on behavioural efficiency. Although curvilinear changes in behavioural efficiency were found for white noise and shock separately, their combination failed to support the prediction.", "contents": "The behavioural effects of single and combined stressors: a test of arousal theory. Arousal theory assumes that a single physiological dimension underlies the curvilinear (inverted-U) relation of behavioural efficiency to level of stimulation. Traditional tests of this assumption, which involved correlating different physiological measures of arousal, have produced equivocal results. The present study predicted that, if arousal is unitary, then stressors which separately induce it should be additive in their effects on behavioural efficiency. Although curvilinear changes in behavioural efficiency were found for white noise and shock separately, their combination failed to support the prediction.", "PMID": 987826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2511", "title": "Combined one- and two-dimensional ultrasound system for monitoring fetal breathing movements.", "content": "A combined one- and two-dimensional ultrasonic system for monitoring respiratory movements in the human fetus has been developed. A real-time cross-sectional image of the fetal chest at the level of the fetal heart can be obtained, and a time motion recording of fetal respiratory movements can then be written on a strip-chart recorder. Combining the features of one-dimensional and two-dimensional systems produces an accurate means of investigating fetal breathing movements.", "contents": "Combined one- and two-dimensional ultrasound system for monitoring fetal breathing movements. A combined one- and two-dimensional ultrasonic system for monitoring respiratory movements in the human fetus has been developed. A real-time cross-sectional image of the fetal chest at the level of the fetal heart can be obtained, and a time motion recording of fetal respiratory movements can then be written on a strip-chart recorder. Combining the features of one-dimensional and two-dimensional systems produces an accurate means of investigating fetal breathing movements.", "PMID": 987828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2512", "title": "Actions of opiates upon single unit activity in the cortex of naive and tolerant rats.", "content": "The effect of microelectrophoretically and systemically applied opiates on neuronal discharge activity in the sensorimotor cortex of naive and morphine tolerant/dependent rats has been studied. In naive rats depression of spontaneous discharge activity was the predominant effect of low doses of phoretically applied morphine. Higher doses and repeated application frequently converted this effect into excitation. Only the depressant effect was antagonised by naloxone. Naloxone itself had no effect on spontaneous discharge activity when applied at dose-levels sufficient to antagonise the depressant effect of morphine. Levorphanol mimicked the action of morphine whereas dextrorphan was inactive. Morphine depressed the excitatory action of L-glutamate and of acetylcholine by a naloxone-antagonisable mechanism. Systemic application of Fentanyl mimicked the inhibitory effect of phoretically applied morphine upon transcallosally evoked discharge activity. The late response was markedly depressed whereas the primary response was little affected. Phoretically applied naloxone antagonised the effects of systemically applied Fentanyl. In chronically morphinised rats the depressant effect of microelectrophoretically administered morphine was almost lacking and a naloxone-resistant excitation became the predominant effect. In these animals the excitant effect of naloxone was also increased and the anti-glutamate effect and the anti-acetylcholine effect of morphine was abolished. The present data speak in favour of a postsynaptically located stereospecific receptor which mediates the inhibitory effects of opiates and which may be involved in the development of acute and chronic tolerance to these drugs.", "contents": "Actions of opiates upon single unit activity in the cortex of naive and tolerant rats. The effect of microelectrophoretically and systemically applied opiates on neuronal discharge activity in the sensorimotor cortex of naive and morphine tolerant/dependent rats has been studied. In naive rats depression of spontaneous discharge activity was the predominant effect of low doses of phoretically applied morphine. Higher doses and repeated application frequently converted this effect into excitation. Only the depressant effect was antagonised by naloxone. Naloxone itself had no effect on spontaneous discharge activity when applied at dose-levels sufficient to antagonise the depressant effect of morphine. Levorphanol mimicked the action of morphine whereas dextrorphan was inactive. Morphine depressed the excitatory action of L-glutamate and of acetylcholine by a naloxone-antagonisable mechanism. Systemic application of Fentanyl mimicked the inhibitory effect of phoretically applied morphine upon transcallosally evoked discharge activity. The late response was markedly depressed whereas the primary response was little affected. Phoretically applied naloxone antagonised the effects of systemically applied Fentanyl. In chronically morphinised rats the depressant effect of microelectrophoretically administered morphine was almost lacking and a naloxone-resistant excitation became the predominant effect. In these animals the excitant effect of naloxone was also increased and the anti-glutamate effect and the anti-acetylcholine effect of morphine was abolished. The present data speak in favour of a postsynaptically located stereospecific receptor which mediates the inhibitory effects of opiates and which may be involved in the development of acute and chronic tolerance to these drugs.", "PMID": 987831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2513", "title": "Retrograde amnesia after electrical stimulation of the substantia nigra: mediation by the dopaminergic nigroneostriatal bundle.", "content": "Stimulation of the zona compacta of the substantia nigra (SNC) has been reported to impair the long-term retention of a passive avoidance step-down task. In the present experiments it was observed that previous ipsilateral lesions of the dopaminergic nigro-neostriatal bundle (NSB) with 6-hydroxydopamine blocked the stimulation-induced memory deficit. Unilateral or bilateral lesions of the dopaminergic NSB did not by themselves disrupt acquisition or retention of the passive avoidance task. In addition, the memory deficit observed after electrical stimulation of the caudate-putamen was not reduced by ipsilateral NSB lesions. These results indicate that the retention deficit produced by stimulation of the SNC was mediated by the dopaminergic NSB. However, in view of the fact that lesions of this projection did not affect acquisition or retention of the step-down task, it is suggested that this system is not critically involved in learning and memory. Rather, it is hypothesized that stimulation of the SNC results in an excess release of dopamine in the caudateputamen which interferes with neurochemical and neurophysiological events in this structure which are important substrates for long-term memory.", "contents": "Retrograde amnesia after electrical stimulation of the substantia nigra: mediation by the dopaminergic nigroneostriatal bundle. Stimulation of the zona compacta of the substantia nigra (SNC) has been reported to impair the long-term retention of a passive avoidance step-down task. In the present experiments it was observed that previous ipsilateral lesions of the dopaminergic nigro-neostriatal bundle (NSB) with 6-hydroxydopamine blocked the stimulation-induced memory deficit. Unilateral or bilateral lesions of the dopaminergic NSB did not by themselves disrupt acquisition or retention of the passive avoidance task. In addition, the memory deficit observed after electrical stimulation of the caudate-putamen was not reduced by ipsilateral NSB lesions. These results indicate that the retention deficit produced by stimulation of the SNC was mediated by the dopaminergic NSB. However, in view of the fact that lesions of this projection did not affect acquisition or retention of the step-down task, it is suggested that this system is not critically involved in learning and memory. Rather, it is hypothesized that stimulation of the SNC results in an excess release of dopamine in the caudateputamen which interferes with neurochemical and neurophysiological events in this structure which are important substrates for long-term memory.", "PMID": 987832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2514", "title": "Comparison of the structure of hyperactive behavior in rats after brain damage from x-irradiation, carbon monoxide and pallidal lesions.", "content": "Nocturnal hyperactivity, as measured by photocell counts of locomotion in a residential maze, was produced in rats by 3 different kinds of brain damage, X-irradiation at gestational day 14 or 15, exposure to carbon monoxide on the fifth day of postnatal life, or bilateral stereotaxic lesions of the globus pallidus in adult rats. These brain-damaged rats and their controls were photographed at 1 frame/sec during their first exploratory experience in a simple cage. Frequency of 15 motor acts, duration of each occurrence and associations of pairs of acts were calculated. The 15 motor acts were divided into 3 clusters of acts labeled grooming, exploratory and attention behaviors. Hyperactivity was associated with shortened durations and increases in frequency of exploratory acts, while grooming and attention behaviors tended to decrease in duration and frequency. Sequences of behavior acts were less structured in hyperactive animals than in controls. In spite of the marked differences known to be produced on brain structures by the 3 different kinds of damage, no changes in behavior structure were found which were uniquely associated with one kind of brain damage. Hyperactivity appeared to be a continuum in that the intensity of effects produced on behavior as measured by the photographic technique correlated well with the amount of increase in photocell activity.", "contents": "Comparison of the structure of hyperactive behavior in rats after brain damage from x-irradiation, carbon monoxide and pallidal lesions. Nocturnal hyperactivity, as measured by photocell counts of locomotion in a residential maze, was produced in rats by 3 different kinds of brain damage, X-irradiation at gestational day 14 or 15, exposure to carbon monoxide on the fifth day of postnatal life, or bilateral stereotaxic lesions of the globus pallidus in adult rats. These brain-damaged rats and their controls were photographed at 1 frame/sec during their first exploratory experience in a simple cage. Frequency of 15 motor acts, duration of each occurrence and associations of pairs of acts were calculated. The 15 motor acts were divided into 3 clusters of acts labeled grooming, exploratory and attention behaviors. Hyperactivity was associated with shortened durations and increases in frequency of exploratory acts, while grooming and attention behaviors tended to decrease in duration and frequency. Sequences of behavior acts were less structured in hyperactive animals than in controls. In spite of the marked differences known to be produced on brain structures by the 3 different kinds of damage, no changes in behavior structure were found which were uniquely associated with one kind of brain damage. Hyperactivity appeared to be a continuum in that the intensity of effects produced on behavior as measured by the photographic technique correlated well with the amount of increase in photocell activity.", "PMID": 987833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2515", "title": "Endosymbionts of Sitodrepa panicea.", "content": "Morphological and physiological characteristics of seven strains of yeast-like symbionts isolated from Sitodrepa panicea justify their inclusion into the genus Torulopsis as a new species: T. buchnerii. The symbiotic relationship is mutually beneficial: the symbionts obtain some nitrogenous compounds and carbohydrates, such as proline and trehalose from the host's hemolymph, and synthesize and make available to the host all the essential amino acids and vitamins, except biotin.", "contents": "Endosymbionts of Sitodrepa panicea. Morphological and physiological characteristics of seven strains of yeast-like symbionts isolated from Sitodrepa panicea justify their inclusion into the genus Torulopsis as a new species: T. buchnerii. The symbiotic relationship is mutually beneficial: the symbionts obtain some nitrogenous compounds and carbohydrates, such as proline and trehalose from the host's hemolymph, and synthesize and make available to the host all the essential amino acids and vitamins, except biotin.", "PMID": 987836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2516", "title": "[An agar medium for direct enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus: pork plasma medium for S. aureus (PPSA)].", "content": "A selective agar medium (pork plasma medium for S. aureus (PPSA)) enables the direct enumeration of coagulase-positive staphylococci. This medium is based on the Baird-Parker agar without egg yolk and is supplemented with pig plasma. Colonies of Staphylococcus aureus are surrounded by a halo of precipitated fibrin. When foods such as dairy products contain large numbers of egg yolk-negative strains of S. aureus, the PPSA agar has the advantage over egg yolk containing media such as Baird-Parker agar that fewer suspect colonies have to be confirmed.", "contents": "[An agar medium for direct enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus: pork plasma medium for S. aureus (PPSA)]. A selective agar medium (pork plasma medium for S. aureus (PPSA)) enables the direct enumeration of coagulase-positive staphylococci. This medium is based on the Baird-Parker agar without egg yolk and is supplemented with pig plasma. Colonies of Staphylococcus aureus are surrounded by a halo of precipitated fibrin. When foods such as dairy products contain large numbers of egg yolk-negative strains of S. aureus, the PPSA agar has the advantage over egg yolk containing media such as Baird-Parker agar that fewer suspect colonies have to be confirmed.", "PMID": 987837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2517", "title": "Sexual hormone in the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium purpureum.", "content": "The existence of sexual hormone in Dictyostelium purpureum was revealed when the extracelluar medium from certain strains (Dp6 or Dp7) induced macrocyst formation when added to cells of the opposite mating type (Dp2). Our results suggest that mating in cellular slime moulds may involve a secreter-responder system whereby one mating-type strain (Dp6 or Dp7) releases sexual hormone while the opposite strain (Dp2) responds. However, the existence of a hormone released by the responding strain has not been completely ruled out by our experiments. The sexual hormones of cellular slime moulds appear to be species-specific since hormone from D. purpureum cannot induce macrocyst formation in responder strains of D. discoideum and hormone from D. discoideum has no effect on D. purpureum cells.", "contents": "Sexual hormone in the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium purpureum. The existence of sexual hormone in Dictyostelium purpureum was revealed when the extracelluar medium from certain strains (Dp6 or Dp7) induced macrocyst formation when added to cells of the opposite mating type (Dp2). Our results suggest that mating in cellular slime moulds may involve a secreter-responder system whereby one mating-type strain (Dp6 or Dp7) releases sexual hormone while the opposite strain (Dp2) responds. However, the existence of a hormone released by the responding strain has not been completely ruled out by our experiments. The sexual hormones of cellular slime moulds appear to be species-specific since hormone from D. purpureum cannot induce macrocyst formation in responder strains of D. discoideum and hormone from D. discoideum has no effect on D. purpureum cells.", "PMID": 987838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2518", "title": "Interaction between Pseudomonas pseudomallei and cultured rabbit peritoneal macrophages.", "content": "The interaction between two strains of Pseudomonas pseudomallei of different virulence with normal and immune rabbit peritoneal macrophages was compared in vitro. Phagocytic activity of macrophages and bacterial survival within macrophages were dependent upon the virulence of the bacterial strain and the immune status of the macrophages. Virulent bacteria were more resistant than the less virulent strain to phagocytosis and destruction. Immune macrophages were more phagocytic and bactericidal than normal macrophages. Specific immune serum facilitated ingestion and destruction of bacteria by both normal and immune macrophages.", "contents": "Interaction between Pseudomonas pseudomallei and cultured rabbit peritoneal macrophages. The interaction between two strains of Pseudomonas pseudomallei of different virulence with normal and immune rabbit peritoneal macrophages was compared in vitro. Phagocytic activity of macrophages and bacterial survival within macrophages were dependent upon the virulence of the bacterial strain and the immune status of the macrophages. Virulent bacteria were more resistant than the less virulent strain to phagocytosis and destruction. Immune macrophages were more phagocytic and bactericidal than normal macrophages. Specific immune serum facilitated ingestion and destruction of bacteria by both normal and immune macrophages.", "PMID": 987839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2519", "title": "Hyperactive behavior of rats after lesions of the globus pallidus.", "content": "Following bilateral lesions of the globus pallidus, rats living in a residential maze were hyperactive during the 12 hr dark cycle but not during the 12 hr light cycle. Lesioned rats were less exploratory during the light cycle than control rats but not during the dark cycle. Exploratory behavior of rats was photographed for 15 min during the light cycle. The duration of 6 behavior acts was significantly shorter than controls (scratching, grooming, sitting, sniffing, standing and rearing). The number of initiations of grooming, scratching, sniffing and smelling decreased while looking and walking increased in frequency. The linkage of behavior acts into sequences was diminished compared with controls. Similar, but not identical, changes were found when the structure of exploratory behavior of naive rats was compared with the exploratory behavior of experienced rats. It is concluded that naive control rats are hyperactive relative to experienced rats in this exploratory situation and that rats with pallidal lesions display changes in their behavior which are characteristic of hyperactive animals even when other tests under similar conditions, such as exploration during the light cycle in a maze, show the pallidal rats as hypoactive relative to control rats.", "contents": "Hyperactive behavior of rats after lesions of the globus pallidus. Following bilateral lesions of the globus pallidus, rats living in a residential maze were hyperactive during the 12 hr dark cycle but not during the 12 hr light cycle. Lesioned rats were less exploratory during the light cycle than control rats but not during the dark cycle. Exploratory behavior of rats was photographed for 15 min during the light cycle. The duration of 6 behavior acts was significantly shorter than controls (scratching, grooming, sitting, sniffing, standing and rearing). The number of initiations of grooming, scratching, sniffing and smelling decreased while looking and walking increased in frequency. The linkage of behavior acts into sequences was diminished compared with controls. Similar, but not identical, changes were found when the structure of exploratory behavior of naive rats was compared with the exploratory behavior of experienced rats. It is concluded that naive control rats are hyperactive relative to experienced rats in this exploratory situation and that rats with pallidal lesions display changes in their behavior which are characteristic of hyperactive animals even when other tests under similar conditions, such as exploration during the light cycle in a maze, show the pallidal rats as hypoactive relative to control rats.", "PMID": 987835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2520", "title": "Degradation of [14C]photodieldrin by Trichoderma viride as affected by other insecticides.", "content": "Various soil fungi were tested for their capacity to degrade the insecticide [14C]photodieldrin. Of nine species investigated, Trichoderma viride was the only one which degraded the insecticide to an appreciable extent into water-soluble, non-insecticidal compounds within 4-5 weeks. These products amounted to 32-41% of the radiocarbon applied to the culture media. The degradation was a function of live mycelia, which metabolized the insecticide and excreted water-soluble compounds into the culture media. Since soils usually contain a mixture of pesticide residues, the effects of several chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides on the capacity of the fungus to degrade [14C]photodieldrin were studied. Thus, in fungal cultures treated with compounds structurally similar to photodieldrin, such as aldrin and dieldrin, only 4-17% of the applied radiocarbon was water-soluble and more photodieldrin remained. In controls, however, 35% of the applied radiocarbon was in the form of water-soluble products and less photodieldrin remained. The degradation of [14C]photodieldrin by T. viride, with time, was associated with a continuous decline of hexane-soluble radiocarbon and a steady increase of water-soluble metabolites, which appeared in the fungal media. The amount of hexane-soluble radiocarbon in mycelia was directly related to the fungal mass.", "contents": "Degradation of [14C]photodieldrin by Trichoderma viride as affected by other insecticides. Various soil fungi were tested for their capacity to degrade the insecticide [14C]photodieldrin. Of nine species investigated, Trichoderma viride was the only one which degraded the insecticide to an appreciable extent into water-soluble, non-insecticidal compounds within 4-5 weeks. These products amounted to 32-41% of the radiocarbon applied to the culture media. The degradation was a function of live mycelia, which metabolized the insecticide and excreted water-soluble compounds into the culture media. Since soils usually contain a mixture of pesticide residues, the effects of several chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides on the capacity of the fungus to degrade [14C]photodieldrin were studied. Thus, in fungal cultures treated with compounds structurally similar to photodieldrin, such as aldrin and dieldrin, only 4-17% of the applied radiocarbon was water-soluble and more photodieldrin remained. In controls, however, 35% of the applied radiocarbon was in the form of water-soluble products and less photodieldrin remained. The degradation of [14C]photodieldrin by T. viride, with time, was associated with a continuous decline of hexane-soluble radiocarbon and a steady increase of water-soluble metabolites, which appeared in the fungal media. The amount of hexane-soluble radiocarbon in mycelia was directly related to the fungal mass.", "PMID": 987840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2521", "title": "Pyrimidine nucleotide metabolism in L5178Y murine leukemia cells: deoxycytidine protection from deoxyguanosine toxicity.", "content": "Deoxyguanosine was found to inhibit reduction of uridine phosphate within L5178Y cells. A correlation of this effect with deoxyguanosine-induced inhibition of radioactive incorporation into DNA and inhibition of L5178Y cell growth suggests that depletion of thymidylate pools is involved in the toxicity induced by deoxyguanosine. Deoxycytidine appears to protect from deoxyguanosine toxicity by metabolism to thymidylate via a dCMP deaminase pathway, thus replenishing the thymidylate pools which have been depleted by deoxyguanosine.", "contents": "Pyrimidine nucleotide metabolism in L5178Y murine leukemia cells: deoxycytidine protection from deoxyguanosine toxicity. Deoxyguanosine was found to inhibit reduction of uridine phosphate within L5178Y cells. A correlation of this effect with deoxyguanosine-induced inhibition of radioactive incorporation into DNA and inhibition of L5178Y cell growth suggests that depletion of thymidylate pools is involved in the toxicity induced by deoxyguanosine. Deoxycytidine appears to protect from deoxyguanosine toxicity by metabolism to thymidylate via a dCMP deaminase pathway, thus replenishing the thymidylate pools which have been depleted by deoxyguanosine.", "PMID": 987844} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2522", "title": "Spontaneous occurrence of tumors in laboratory-reared arvicoline rodents.", "content": "Data from more than 2500 laboratory-reared rodents of four arvicoline genera raised since 1966 indicated that the incidence of neoplasia increased spontaneously in a nearly linear manner from 1968 to 1974. The incidence was highest in Clethrionomys rutilus, with an age-adjusted rate of 32 tumors/100 animals in 1974. The various species of Dicrostonyx exhibited dissimilar rates (22 tumors/100 animals, average for 1972 to 1973) with lower rates observed in the genera Microtus and Lemmus. Tumors of epithelial origin predominated with four common types accounting for 69% of the 260 tumors observed. A trend toward development of multiple primary tumors corresponded with the increase in incidence. An agent, identified as an adenovirus, was isolated from Harderian and preputial gland adenocarcinomas, and a second virus, tentatively identified as a hamster type H partcle, was observed in mammary and salivary gland tumors of Dicrostonyx stevensoni and C. rutilus, respectively. These and other data presented suggest an infectious etiology.", "contents": "Spontaneous occurrence of tumors in laboratory-reared arvicoline rodents. Data from more than 2500 laboratory-reared rodents of four arvicoline genera raised since 1966 indicated that the incidence of neoplasia increased spontaneously in a nearly linear manner from 1968 to 1974. The incidence was highest in Clethrionomys rutilus, with an age-adjusted rate of 32 tumors/100 animals in 1974. The various species of Dicrostonyx exhibited dissimilar rates (22 tumors/100 animals, average for 1972 to 1973) with lower rates observed in the genera Microtus and Lemmus. Tumors of epithelial origin predominated with four common types accounting for 69% of the 260 tumors observed. A trend toward development of multiple primary tumors corresponded with the increase in incidence. An agent, identified as an adenovirus, was isolated from Harderian and preputial gland adenocarcinomas, and a second virus, tentatively identified as a hamster type H partcle, was observed in mammary and salivary gland tumors of Dicrostonyx stevensoni and C. rutilus, respectively. These and other data presented suggest an infectious etiology.", "PMID": 987845} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2523", "title": "Regulatory controls of oncotrophoblast proteins and developmental alkaline phosphatases in cancer cells.", "content": "The two oncotrophoblast proteins, Regan isoenzyme (placental-type alkaline phosphatase) and human chorionic gonadotrophin, are readily studied oncodevelopmantal gene products in human cancer patients and in three experimental model systems. The latter consists of (a) HeLa sublines TCRC-1 and TCRC-2, which produce Regan and non-Regan isoenzymes, (b) HEp-2 and FL amnion cell lines as models for the reciprocal expression of developmental genes, and (c) modulation in vivo of developmental gene expression in HeLa cells. In the case of the third model, for example, HeLa TCRC-1 cells grow in immunosuppressed rats to form a tumor nodule, which expresses a new oncoamnion (FL) isoenzyme, while the Regan isoenzyme disappears. Return of the tumor cells to cell culture medium results in a disappearance of the oncoamnion (FL) species and the reappearance of Regan isoenzyme. This interesting model is expected to bridge the interpretation of experiments done in cell culture with observations made on tumors of cancer patients. Most helpful in interpretation of all these studies has been a chronology of early development. It appears that the counterparts of a number of tumor proteins appear as early as gametogenesis and as late as 10 weeks of gestation.", "contents": "Regulatory controls of oncotrophoblast proteins and developmental alkaline phosphatases in cancer cells. The two oncotrophoblast proteins, Regan isoenzyme (placental-type alkaline phosphatase) and human chorionic gonadotrophin, are readily studied oncodevelopmantal gene products in human cancer patients and in three experimental model systems. The latter consists of (a) HeLa sublines TCRC-1 and TCRC-2, which produce Regan and non-Regan isoenzymes, (b) HEp-2 and FL amnion cell lines as models for the reciprocal expression of developmental genes, and (c) modulation in vivo of developmental gene expression in HeLa cells. In the case of the third model, for example, HeLa TCRC-1 cells grow in immunosuppressed rats to form a tumor nodule, which expresses a new oncoamnion (FL) isoenzyme, while the Regan isoenzyme disappears. Return of the tumor cells to cell culture medium results in a disappearance of the oncoamnion (FL) species and the reappearance of Regan isoenzyme. This interesting model is expected to bridge the interpretation of experiments done in cell culture with observations made on tumors of cancer patients. Most helpful in interpretation of all these studies has been a chronology of early development. It appears that the counterparts of a number of tumor proteins appear as early as gametogenesis and as late as 10 weeks of gestation.", "PMID": 987846} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2524", "title": "A mechanism of estrogen action on gene expression at the level of translation.", "content": "One of the earliest events following the administration of estradiol to ovariectomized rats is an increase in transfer RNA (tRNA) methyltransferase activity activity of the uterus. Ovariectomy diminishes by about one-half the capacity of extracts of uteri to introduce methyl groups in vitro into heterologous tRNA. Administration of estradiol to ovariectomized animals restores the tRNA methyltransferase capacity to normal. Alterations in the population of uterine serine tRNA were also observed following ovariectomy. These findings represent reversible qualitative changes produced by a hormone in the target tissue. Whether the tRNA's are involved in regulating hormone-induced protein synthesis was investigated by studying the estrogen-induced ovalbumin synthesis in immature chick oviducts. tRNA's from oviducts of estrogen-stimulated chicks or from oviducts of laying hens produced an enhanced stimulation of ovalbumin synthesis in vitro compared with tRNA's from oviducts of immature chicks that were withdrawn from estrogen stimulation (these chicks do not synthesize ovalbumin). Some of these hormone-induced alterations may be of importance in understanding the molecular mechanisms of estrogen action on gene expression. During these studies, we have observed a novel effect of the administration of the carcinogen, ethionine, in the immature chicks. Ethionine induces ovalbumin and conalbumin synthesis in immature chick oviducts that were withdrawn from estrogen for 3 to 4 weeks following primary estrogen stimulation.", "contents": "A mechanism of estrogen action on gene expression at the level of translation. One of the earliest events following the administration of estradiol to ovariectomized rats is an increase in transfer RNA (tRNA) methyltransferase activity activity of the uterus. Ovariectomy diminishes by about one-half the capacity of extracts of uteri to introduce methyl groups in vitro into heterologous tRNA. Administration of estradiol to ovariectomized animals restores the tRNA methyltransferase capacity to normal. Alterations in the population of uterine serine tRNA were also observed following ovariectomy. These findings represent reversible qualitative changes produced by a hormone in the target tissue. Whether the tRNA's are involved in regulating hormone-induced protein synthesis was investigated by studying the estrogen-induced ovalbumin synthesis in immature chick oviducts. tRNA's from oviducts of estrogen-stimulated chicks or from oviducts of laying hens produced an enhanced stimulation of ovalbumin synthesis in vitro compared with tRNA's from oviducts of immature chicks that were withdrawn from estrogen stimulation (these chicks do not synthesize ovalbumin). Some of these hormone-induced alterations may be of importance in understanding the molecular mechanisms of estrogen action on gene expression. During these studies, we have observed a novel effect of the administration of the carcinogen, ethionine, in the immature chicks. Ethionine induces ovalbumin and conalbumin synthesis in immature chick oviducts that were withdrawn from estrogen for 3 to 4 weeks following primary estrogen stimulation.", "PMID": 987847} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2525", "title": "Inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of Oncovin (Vincristine sulfate) on cells of human line NHIK 3025.", "content": "The inhibitory effect of Oncovin (vincristine sulfate) on cell division was studied in human cell line NHIK 3025. Oncovin arrested the cells in metaphase at concentrations as low as 10(-3) mug/ml. At 8 X 10(-3) mug/ml and higher concentrations, the arrest was complete after 6 hr of treatment. The arrest was irreversible after exposure for 6 hr to 16 X 10(-3) mug Oncovin per ml. The X-ray radiosensitivity of aerobic cells of the same line pretreated with 16 X 10(-3) mug Oncovin per ml for 6 hr (Oncovin removed before irradiation) was found to be about equal to that of untreated cells. Even when present during irradiation, Oncovin did not exert any modifying effect on the radiosensitivity of either aerobic or extremely hypoxic cells.", "contents": "Inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of Oncovin (Vincristine sulfate) on cells of human line NHIK 3025. The inhibitory effect of Oncovin (vincristine sulfate) on cell division was studied in human cell line NHIK 3025. Oncovin arrested the cells in metaphase at concentrations as low as 10(-3) mug/ml. At 8 X 10(-3) mug/ml and higher concentrations, the arrest was complete after 6 hr of treatment. The arrest was irreversible after exposure for 6 hr to 16 X 10(-3) mug Oncovin per ml. The X-ray radiosensitivity of aerobic cells of the same line pretreated with 16 X 10(-3) mug Oncovin per ml for 6 hr (Oncovin removed before irradiation) was found to be about equal to that of untreated cells. Even when present during irradiation, Oncovin did not exert any modifying effect on the radiosensitivity of either aerobic or extremely hypoxic cells.", "PMID": 987848} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2526", "title": "Spontaneous cell loss during growth of postconfluent primary cultures from mammary adenocarcinomas.", "content": "Growth properties of cells cultured from primary mammary tumors of C3H mice have been analyzed. Cells were seeded at 2 different densities (1 X 10(5) and 5 X 10(5)/sq cm) and were supported with a culture fluid containing 10% fetal calf serum and 5 mug insulin per ml. Mitosis continued after confluence was achieved, but cells did not accumulated in the monolayer; rather, certain cells were released into the culture fluid. Very few cells detached in this way from subconfluent cultures. Relased cells multiplied vigorously if replated. The release of these cells was strongly depressed by adrenal steroids, but other manipulations of culture conditions (hormones, culture substratum) influenced the release process much less. Analyses of release kinetics and observations of detachment with the scanning electron microscope suggested that tumor cells that became spheroid (including mitotic cells), and hence partly detached from the culture dish, were unable to reflatten into the monolayer because neighboring nonmitotic cells had spread onto the vacated culture surface. Eventually, such rounded cells apparently lost altogether their attachment to the culture dish. The release process may be related to the \"critical phase\" transition and to the sarcomatous transformation observed in long-term cultures from mouse epithelial tumors. The event could also reflect the tendency in vivo for cells of mammary tumors to slough into the lymphatics and blood vessels.", "contents": "Spontaneous cell loss during growth of postconfluent primary cultures from mammary adenocarcinomas. Growth properties of cells cultured from primary mammary tumors of C3H mice have been analyzed. Cells were seeded at 2 different densities (1 X 10(5) and 5 X 10(5)/sq cm) and were supported with a culture fluid containing 10% fetal calf serum and 5 mug insulin per ml. Mitosis continued after confluence was achieved, but cells did not accumulated in the monolayer; rather, certain cells were released into the culture fluid. Very few cells detached in this way from subconfluent cultures. Relased cells multiplied vigorously if replated. The release of these cells was strongly depressed by adrenal steroids, but other manipulations of culture conditions (hormones, culture substratum) influenced the release process much less. Analyses of release kinetics and observations of detachment with the scanning electron microscope suggested that tumor cells that became spheroid (including mitotic cells), and hence partly detached from the culture dish, were unable to reflatten into the monolayer because neighboring nonmitotic cells had spread onto the vacated culture surface. Eventually, such rounded cells apparently lost altogether their attachment to the culture dish. The release process may be related to the \"critical phase\" transition and to the sarcomatous transformation observed in long-term cultures from mouse epithelial tumors. The event could also reflect the tendency in vivo for cells of mammary tumors to slough into the lymphatics and blood vessels.", "PMID": 987849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2527", "title": "Inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase activity and nucleic acid synthesis in tumor cells by the dialdehyde derivatives of inosine (NSC 118994) and inosinic acid.", "content": "Periodate-oxidized inosine (Inox; NSC 118994) and periodate-oxidized 5'-inosinic acid (PI-IMP) were prepared and studied for their effects on ribonucleotide reductase activity in partially purified extracts from Ehrlich tumor cells and on nucleic acid synthesis in intact tumor cells in culture. Ribonucleotide reductase activity in cell-free extracts from Ehrlich tumor cells was inhibited by Inox and PI-IMP. PI-IMP was more inhibitory to the reductase activity than was Inox. Furthermore, the inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase activity by Inox and PI-IMP was greater for cytidine-5'-diphosphate reductase activity than for adenosine-5'-diphosphate reductase activity. The ribonucleotide reductase activity in cell-free extracts prepared from Ehrlich tumor cells treated with Inox or PI-IMP in culture was decreased compared with the activity in the extracts from untreated cells. Incorporation of labeled cytidine into the RNA and DNA of Ehrlich tumor cells in culture was inhibited by both Inox and PI-IMP. The conversion of cytidine to deoxycytidine nucleotides in the acid-soluble pool was likewise inhibited. These data indicate that Inox and PI-IMP inhibit the ribonucleotide reductase step as one of the sites of action of these compounds. However, the inhibition of RNA synthesis indicates that there must be additional sites of action of these nucleoside analogs.", "contents": "Inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase activity and nucleic acid synthesis in tumor cells by the dialdehyde derivatives of inosine (NSC 118994) and inosinic acid. Periodate-oxidized inosine (Inox; NSC 118994) and periodate-oxidized 5'-inosinic acid (PI-IMP) were prepared and studied for their effects on ribonucleotide reductase activity in partially purified extracts from Ehrlich tumor cells and on nucleic acid synthesis in intact tumor cells in culture. Ribonucleotide reductase activity in cell-free extracts from Ehrlich tumor cells was inhibited by Inox and PI-IMP. PI-IMP was more inhibitory to the reductase activity than was Inox. Furthermore, the inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase activity by Inox and PI-IMP was greater for cytidine-5'-diphosphate reductase activity than for adenosine-5'-diphosphate reductase activity. The ribonucleotide reductase activity in cell-free extracts prepared from Ehrlich tumor cells treated with Inox or PI-IMP in culture was decreased compared with the activity in the extracts from untreated cells. Incorporation of labeled cytidine into the RNA and DNA of Ehrlich tumor cells in culture was inhibited by both Inox and PI-IMP. The conversion of cytidine to deoxycytidine nucleotides in the acid-soluble pool was likewise inhibited. These data indicate that Inox and PI-IMP inhibit the ribonucleotide reductase step as one of the sites of action of these compounds. However, the inhibition of RNA synthesis indicates that there must be additional sites of action of these nucleoside analogs.", "PMID": 987850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2528", "title": "Studies on the mechanism of diurnal variation of proliferative indices in the small bowel mucosa of the rat.", "content": "In the rat small bowel mucosa significant variation was found in both the labelling and the mitotic indices with time of day. The zenith and the nadir of labelling and mitotic activity coincided at 15.00 and 02.00 hours respectively. Small changes were found in the \"cut-off\" position, but this variation in proliferative compartment size was insufficient to account for the comparatively wider fluctuations in proliferative indices. Measurements of the rate of entry into mitosis, using metaphase arrest with vincristine at three widely separated times during the day, showed no significant change. Changes in the growth fraction or in the birth rate as measured cannot account for diurnal variation in the proliferative activity of the small bowel mucosa. We propose a hypothesis which involves diurnal fluctuations in the transit times through G1 and through G2.", "contents": "Studies on the mechanism of diurnal variation of proliferative indices in the small bowel mucosa of the rat. In the rat small bowel mucosa significant variation was found in both the labelling and the mitotic indices with time of day. The zenith and the nadir of labelling and mitotic activity coincided at 15.00 and 02.00 hours respectively. Small changes were found in the \"cut-off\" position, but this variation in proliferative compartment size was insufficient to account for the comparatively wider fluctuations in proliferative indices. Measurements of the rate of entry into mitosis, using metaphase arrest with vincristine at three widely separated times during the day, showed no significant change. Changes in the growth fraction or in the birth rate as measured cannot account for diurnal variation in the proliferative activity of the small bowel mucosa. We propose a hypothesis which involves diurnal fluctuations in the transit times through G1 and through G2.", "PMID": 987851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2529", "title": "A light and electron microscope study on oogenesis in the freshwater pulmonate snail Biomphalaria glabrata.", "content": "In the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata the formation and composition of yolk granules and the role of the follicle cells were studied by histochemical and electron microscopical techniques. The rough endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus appeared to be involved in yolk formation, which is a continuous process throughout oogenesis. From the very beginning of yolk formation two main types of yolk granules were distinguished morphologically. However, with histochemical and enzyme cytochemical methods no differences were observed between these types. The granules acquire lysosomal enzymes after oviposition, indicating that their main function is probably digestion of perivitelline fluid, which contains nutrients for the developing embryo. Yolk formation and the activity of the follicle cells were studied in successive stages of oogenesis by quantitative electron microscopy. The data strongly suggest that the follicle cells are involved in the formation of the follicular cavity and hence in the ovulation process.", "contents": "A light and electron microscope study on oogenesis in the freshwater pulmonate snail Biomphalaria glabrata. In the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata the formation and composition of yolk granules and the role of the follicle cells were studied by histochemical and electron microscopical techniques. The rough endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus appeared to be involved in yolk formation, which is a continuous process throughout oogenesis. From the very beginning of yolk formation two main types of yolk granules were distinguished morphologically. However, with histochemical and enzyme cytochemical methods no differences were observed between these types. The granules acquire lysosomal enzymes after oviposition, indicating that their main function is probably digestion of perivitelline fluid, which contains nutrients for the developing embryo. Yolk formation and the activity of the follicle cells were studied in successive stages of oogenesis by quantitative electron microscopy. The data strongly suggest that the follicle cells are involved in the formation of the follicular cavity and hence in the ovulation process.", "PMID": 987852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2530", "title": "The programmed switch in lysine-rich histone synthesis at gastrulation.", "content": "The pattern of histone synthesis changes during development in sea urchins. One change involves two different lysine-rich histones. In Lytechinus, the late appearing histone, H1g, begins to be synthesized at gastrulation. Preformed (\"maternal\") mRNA of unfertilized eggs contains sequences that direct the synthesis of a part of the histone made during the period of cleavage. During that interval a different lysine-rich hsitone, H1m, is produced. Maternal mRNA is not, however, the sole source of templates for histone synthesis. Transcription of embryonic genomes provides the major translate both maternal and embryonic messages. A cell-free system derived from wheat germ was used to test RNAs from unfertilized eggs and from post-gastrula embryos for their capacity to direct the synthesis of histones, including the H1 types in vitro. Maternal mRNA includes templates for the synthesis of H1m, but it appears to lack those for H1g, since the cell-free system yields only H1m when challenged wigh egg RNA. Since the cell-free system is capable of translating H1g mRNA when presented with it, the synthesis of H1g is probably a very early developmental event controlled at the level of transcription.", "contents": "The programmed switch in lysine-rich histone synthesis at gastrulation. The pattern of histone synthesis changes during development in sea urchins. One change involves two different lysine-rich histones. In Lytechinus, the late appearing histone, H1g, begins to be synthesized at gastrulation. Preformed (\"maternal\") mRNA of unfertilized eggs contains sequences that direct the synthesis of a part of the histone made during the period of cleavage. During that interval a different lysine-rich hsitone, H1m, is produced. Maternal mRNA is not, however, the sole source of templates for histone synthesis. Transcription of embryonic genomes provides the major translate both maternal and embryonic messages. A cell-free system derived from wheat germ was used to test RNAs from unfertilized eggs and from post-gastrula embryos for their capacity to direct the synthesis of histones, including the H1 types in vitro. Maternal mRNA includes templates for the synthesis of H1m, but it appears to lack those for H1g, since the cell-free system yields only H1m when challenged wigh egg RNA. Since the cell-free system is capable of translating H1g mRNA when presented with it, the synthesis of H1g is probably a very early developmental event controlled at the level of transcription.", "PMID": 987854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2531", "title": "Chromatin structure as probed by nucleases and proteases: evidence for the central role of histones H3 and H4.", "content": "We have examined the role by each histone in forming the structure of the nu-body. When DNAase I, DNAase II, trypsin and chymotrypsin attack chromatin, characteristic discrete DNA and protein digest fragments are produced. Using this restriction of accessibility as diagnostic for chromatin structure, we have examined complexes of DNA with virtually all possible combinations of histones. The results strongly support our previous conclusion (Camerini-Otero, Sollner-Webb, and Felsenfeld, 1976) that the arginine-rich histones are unique in their ability to create, with DNA a structure with many features of native chromatin. Acting together, slightly lysine-rich histones then modify this complex into one very similar to native chromatin. An analysis of the rate constants of staphylococcal nuclease digestion also confirms that the complex of H3, H4, and DNA is crucial to the structure of the nu-body.", "contents": "Chromatin structure as probed by nucleases and proteases: evidence for the central role of histones H3 and H4. We have examined the role by each histone in forming the structure of the nu-body. When DNAase I, DNAase II, trypsin and chymotrypsin attack chromatin, characteristic discrete DNA and protein digest fragments are produced. Using this restriction of accessibility as diagnostic for chromatin structure, we have examined complexes of DNA with virtually all possible combinations of histones. The results strongly support our previous conclusion (Camerini-Otero, Sollner-Webb, and Felsenfeld, 1976) that the arginine-rich histones are unique in their ability to create, with DNA a structure with many features of native chromatin. Acting together, slightly lysine-rich histones then modify this complex into one very similar to native chromatin. An analysis of the rate constants of staphylococcal nuclease digestion also confirms that the complex of H3, H4, and DNA is crucial to the structure of the nu-body.", "PMID": 987855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2532", "title": "Characterization of two different alkaline phosphatases in mouse teratoma: partial purification, electrophoretic, and histochemical studies.", "content": "Alkaline phosphatase (E.C.3.1.3.1.) has been used as a marker for embryonal carcinoma cells which constitute the multipotential stem cells of the mouse teratoma. Studies by other investigators based on kinetics of thermal inactivation and L-phenylalanine inhibition have shown that the alkaline phosphatase of the teratoma differs from the mouse intestinal and liver isozymes, but resembles the isozymes of kidney and placenta. Since functional characterization of nonpurified enzymes is not the most accurate means for distinguishing different molecular forms of an enzyme, we have partially purified the enzymes from the ascitic (embryoid body) and solid tumor forms of the OTT-6050 teratoma line, and utilized the technique of electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels to compare the teratoma enzyme with isozymes from kidney and placenta. Covalent 32PO4-labeling of the alkaline phosphatases and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecylsulfate was also used to compare the subunit molecular weights of the enzymes. The results indicate that the mouse teratoma enzyme is distinct from the kidney and placental isozymes. Since histochemical studies have localized the enzyme to the stem cell population of the teratoma, the results imply that stem cell alkaline phosphatase is a distinct isozyme. The embryoid bodies contain a second alkaline phosphatase which may correspond to the placental isozyme. This enzyme may be attributed to the outer cell layer of embryoid bodies of the ascitic tumor, since this cell type histochemically demonstrates alkaline phosphatase activity.", "contents": "Characterization of two different alkaline phosphatases in mouse teratoma: partial purification, electrophoretic, and histochemical studies. Alkaline phosphatase (E.C.3.1.3.1.) has been used as a marker for embryonal carcinoma cells which constitute the multipotential stem cells of the mouse teratoma. Studies by other investigators based on kinetics of thermal inactivation and L-phenylalanine inhibition have shown that the alkaline phosphatase of the teratoma differs from the mouse intestinal and liver isozymes, but resembles the isozymes of kidney and placenta. Since functional characterization of nonpurified enzymes is not the most accurate means for distinguishing different molecular forms of an enzyme, we have partially purified the enzymes from the ascitic (embryoid body) and solid tumor forms of the OTT-6050 teratoma line, and utilized the technique of electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels to compare the teratoma enzyme with isozymes from kidney and placenta. Covalent 32PO4-labeling of the alkaline phosphatases and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecylsulfate was also used to compare the subunit molecular weights of the enzymes. The results indicate that the mouse teratoma enzyme is distinct from the kidney and placental isozymes. Since histochemical studies have localized the enzyme to the stem cell population of the teratoma, the results imply that stem cell alkaline phosphatase is a distinct isozyme. The embryoid bodies contain a second alkaline phosphatase which may correspond to the placental isozyme. This enzyme may be attributed to the outer cell layer of embryoid bodies of the ascitic tumor, since this cell type histochemically demonstrates alkaline phosphatase activity.", "PMID": 987856} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2533", "title": "On the existence of polyadenylated histone mRNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes.", "content": "In a variety of systems, histone mRNA has been shown to lack poly(A) (Adesnik and Darnell, 1972; Grunstein et al., 1973). We have found, however, that in Xenopus laevis oocytes, poly (A)-containing mRNA codes for histones, in a wheat germ cell-free system, based on the following criteria: first, co-migration with authentic X. laevis oocyte histones on polyacrylamide gels; second, no detectable incorporation of tryptophan; third, differential incorporation of lysine and methionine into histone fraction H2A; fourth, resistance of histone fraction H2A to cleavage with cyanogen bromide; and fifth, correspondence of tryptic peptide maps of partially purified cell-free products with authentic X. laevis oocyte histone. RNA which directs the synthesis of histones in the cell-free system is retained on oligo(dT)-cellulose, even after denaturation in 80% DMSO at 70 degrees C, thereby demonstrating the covalent attachment of polyadenylic acid sequences to the mRNA. Poly (A)- RNA (7S-14S fraction) was also found to code for histones using the same criteria. We discuss the significance of the finding that X. laevis oocytes contain two classes of histone mRNA as well as the potential developmental implications of this observation.", "contents": "On the existence of polyadenylated histone mRNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes. In a variety of systems, histone mRNA has been shown to lack poly(A) (Adesnik and Darnell, 1972; Grunstein et al., 1973). We have found, however, that in Xenopus laevis oocytes, poly (A)-containing mRNA codes for histones, in a wheat germ cell-free system, based on the following criteria: first, co-migration with authentic X. laevis oocyte histones on polyacrylamide gels; second, no detectable incorporation of tryptophan; third, differential incorporation of lysine and methionine into histone fraction H2A; fourth, resistance of histone fraction H2A to cleavage with cyanogen bromide; and fifth, correspondence of tryptic peptide maps of partially purified cell-free products with authentic X. laevis oocyte histone. RNA which directs the synthesis of histones in the cell-free system is retained on oligo(dT)-cellulose, even after denaturation in 80% DMSO at 70 degrees C, thereby demonstrating the covalent attachment of polyadenylic acid sequences to the mRNA. Poly (A)- RNA (7S-14S fraction) was also found to code for histones using the same criteria. We discuss the significance of the finding that X. laevis oocytes contain two classes of histone mRNA as well as the potential developmental implications of this observation.", "PMID": 987857} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2534", "title": "Restriction endonuclease cleavage of satellite DNA in intact bovine nuclei.", "content": "We have analyzed the efficiency with which specific nucleotide sequences within nucleosomes are recognized and cleaved by DNA restriction endonucleases. A system amenable to this sort of analysis is the cleavage of the bovine genome with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI. Bovine satellite I comprises 7% of the genome and is tandemly repetitious with an EcoRI site at 1400 base pair (bp) intervals within this sequence. The ease with which this restriction fragment can be measured permits an analysis of the accessibility of this sequence when organized in a nucleosomal array. Initial studies indicated that satellite I sequences are organized in a nucleosomal structure in a manner analogous to that observed for total genomic DNA. We then examined the accessibility of the EcoRI cleavage sites in satellite to endonucleolytic cleavage in intact nuclei. We find that whereas virtually all the satellite I sequences from naked DNA are cleaved into discrete 1400 bp fragments, only 33% of the satellite I DNA is liberated as this fragment from intact nuclei. These data indicate that 57% of the EcoRI sites in nuclei are accessible to cleavage and that cleavage can occur within the core of at least half the nucleosomal subunits. Analysis of the products of digestion suggests a random distribution of nucleosomes about the EcoRI sites of satellite I DNA. Finally, the observation that satellite sequences can be cleaved from nuclei to 1400 bp length fragments with their associated proteins provides a method for the isolation of specific sequences as chromatin. Using sucrose gradient velocity centrifugation, we have isolated a 70% pure fraction of satellite I chromatin. Nuclease digestion of this chromatin fraction reveals the presence of nucleosomal subunits and indicates that specific sequences can be isolated in this manner without gross disorganization of their subunit structure.", "contents": "Restriction endonuclease cleavage of satellite DNA in intact bovine nuclei. We have analyzed the efficiency with which specific nucleotide sequences within nucleosomes are recognized and cleaved by DNA restriction endonucleases. A system amenable to this sort of analysis is the cleavage of the bovine genome with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI. Bovine satellite I comprises 7% of the genome and is tandemly repetitious with an EcoRI site at 1400 base pair (bp) intervals within this sequence. The ease with which this restriction fragment can be measured permits an analysis of the accessibility of this sequence when organized in a nucleosomal array. Initial studies indicated that satellite I sequences are organized in a nucleosomal structure in a manner analogous to that observed for total genomic DNA. We then examined the accessibility of the EcoRI cleavage sites in satellite to endonucleolytic cleavage in intact nuclei. We find that whereas virtually all the satellite I sequences from naked DNA are cleaved into discrete 1400 bp fragments, only 33% of the satellite I DNA is liberated as this fragment from intact nuclei. These data indicate that 57% of the EcoRI sites in nuclei are accessible to cleavage and that cleavage can occur within the core of at least half the nucleosomal subunits. Analysis of the products of digestion suggests a random distribution of nucleosomes about the EcoRI sites of satellite I DNA. Finally, the observation that satellite sequences can be cleaved from nuclei to 1400 bp length fragments with their associated proteins provides a method for the isolation of specific sequences as chromatin. Using sucrose gradient velocity centrifugation, we have isolated a 70% pure fraction of satellite I chromatin. Nuclease digestion of this chromatin fraction reveals the presence of nucleosomal subunits and indicates that specific sequences can be isolated in this manner without gross disorganization of their subunit structure.", "PMID": 987858} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2535", "title": "Prenatal diagnosis of 45,X/46,XY mosaicism with postnatal confirmation in a phenotypically normal male infant.", "content": "Prenatal detection of chromosome mosaicism has always been a diagnostic dilemma. In 21 reported cases of chromosomal mosaicism in cultured amniotic fluid cells, only two cases had cytogenetic confirmation of the mosaicism. All 21 pregnancies resulted in either phenotypically normal liveborns or grossly normal abortuses. We report a case of XO/XY mosaicism detected prenatally and confirmed postnatally in a grossly normal male infant. The indication for prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis was advanced maternal age (38 years). A diagnosis of XO/XY mosaicism was made from two separate culture flasks of amniotic fluid cells, with 45,X cells predominating (86.4%). The Y chromosome was of normal size but carried no fluorescent band. The parents were counseled and were advised that the phenotype of XO/XY mosaicism can range from relative normality to sexual maldevelopment. They decided to continue this pregnancy. The infant was born at term and was a grossly normal male with normal penis and descended, normal-sized testes. Leukocyte culture from the cord blood and a skin fibroblast culture confirmed the mosaicism of XO/XY. The father's Y chromosome was of identical size and carried a small fluorescent band. It appears that an altered Y chromosome may be predisposed to anaphase lag leading to mosaicism.", "contents": "Prenatal diagnosis of 45,X/46,XY mosaicism with postnatal confirmation in a phenotypically normal male infant. Prenatal detection of chromosome mosaicism has always been a diagnostic dilemma. In 21 reported cases of chromosomal mosaicism in cultured amniotic fluid cells, only two cases had cytogenetic confirmation of the mosaicism. All 21 pregnancies resulted in either phenotypically normal liveborns or grossly normal abortuses. We report a case of XO/XY mosaicism detected prenatally and confirmed postnatally in a grossly normal male infant. The indication for prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis was advanced maternal age (38 years). A diagnosis of XO/XY mosaicism was made from two separate culture flasks of amniotic fluid cells, with 45,X cells predominating (86.4%). The Y chromosome was of normal size but carried no fluorescent band. The parents were counseled and were advised that the phenotype of XO/XY mosaicism can range from relative normality to sexual maldevelopment. They decided to continue this pregnancy. The infant was born at term and was a grossly normal male with normal penis and descended, normal-sized testes. Leukocyte culture from the cord blood and a skin fibroblast culture confirmed the mosaicism of XO/XY. The father's Y chromosome was of identical size and carried a small fluorescent band. It appears that an altered Y chromosome may be predisposed to anaphase lag leading to mosaicism.", "PMID": 987872} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2536", "title": "HL-A antigens and sacroiliitis.", "content": "Lymphocyte typing for HL-A B27 is useful under conditions in which data based on history and examination are suggestive but not diagnostic of a seronegative spondyloarthropathy. The presence of HL-A B27 would increase the probability of a patient's having one of these entities, but its absence does not rule out such a diagnosis. Furthermore, tissue-typing allows one to predict the probability that a patient with inflammatory bowel disease will develop AS and the likelihood that the family member of a patient with AS will develop a related disease.", "contents": "HL-A antigens and sacroiliitis. Lymphocyte typing for HL-A B27 is useful under conditions in which data based on history and examination are suggestive but not diagnostic of a seronegative spondyloarthropathy. The presence of HL-A B27 would increase the probability of a patient's having one of these entities, but its absence does not rule out such a diagnosis. Furthermore, tissue-typing allows one to predict the probability that a patient with inflammatory bowel disease will develop AS and the likelihood that the family member of a patient with AS will develop a related disease.", "PMID": 987887} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2537", "title": "Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.", "content": "JRA is a multisystem disease characterized by exacerbations and remissions. Recognition of the three modes of onset can important in early diagnosis, identification of extra-articular manifestations, and prognosis. This is a chronic illness that requires consideration of the whole patient, his family, and his place in society, both in the present and in the future. With a positive, comprehensive approach and an awareness of the pitfalls of seeking immediate relief, the physician can help to assure a good functional outcome.", "contents": "Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. JRA is a multisystem disease characterized by exacerbations and remissions. Recognition of the three modes of onset can important in early diagnosis, identification of extra-articular manifestations, and prognosis. This is a chronic illness that requires consideration of the whole patient, his family, and his place in society, both in the present and in the future. With a positive, comprehensive approach and an awareness of the pitfalls of seeking immediate relief, the physician can help to assure a good functional outcome.", "PMID": 987888} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2538", "title": "High voltage electron microscopical analysis of chromosomal number in the slime mold Echinostelium minutum de Bary.", "content": "Utilizing serial thick sectioning techniques in combination with high voltage electron microscopy and stereopair analysis a count of 124 chromosomes was determined for a metaphasic plasmodial nucleus of the slime mold E. minutum.", "contents": "High voltage electron microscopical analysis of chromosomal number in the slime mold Echinostelium minutum de Bary. Utilizing serial thick sectioning techniques in combination with high voltage electron microscopy and stereopair analysis a count of 124 chromosomes was determined for a metaphasic plasmodial nucleus of the slime mold E. minutum.", "PMID": 987896} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2539", "title": "Luteinizing hormone requirements for ovulation in the pentobarbital-treated proestrous rat.", "content": "The LH requirements for ovulation in the pentobarbital-blocked proestrous CD rat have been studied by increasing serum gonadotropin levels through electrical stimulation of the brain and subsequently comparing the effects of timed hypophysectomy on ovulation and serum LH concentrations. The arcuate nucleus (ARC) or the medial preoptic area (POA) was stimulated unilaterally for 45 min with matched pairs of biphasic rectangular pulses through a coaxial platinum electrode. Serum LH was significantly elevated above basal values at the end of stimulation, but not in sham-stimulated controls. The results of both hormone measurement and hypophysectomy showed that the pituitary continued to release LH after extrinsic stimulation of the hypothalamus had ceased. Animals did not ovulate if they had been hypophysectomized at the end of the 45 min stimulation whereas nearly all ovulated if hypophysectomy was delayed for an additional 20 min. Some evidence suggested that the pituitary could be removed earlier without affecting ovulation if the rate of LH release was increased. The minimum peak LH concentration measured in rats that subsequently ovulated fully was 187 ng/ml, substantially lower than concentrations ordinarily attained in the spontaneous proestrous surge. When serum LH was insufficiently high to cause follicle rupture, there was nevertheless the resumption of meiosis and luteinization of the large ovarian follicles. Attempts were made to restore ovulability in animals presumed to have released a subovulatory quota of gonadotropin. Ovulation was obtained when such animals, prepared by hypophysectomy after the 45 min stimulation, had been bilaterally nephrectomized prior to stimulation. However, multiple injections of progesterone after hypophysectomy were without effect. The results are discussed in relation to variables that affect minimum requirements of LH for ovulation.", "contents": "Luteinizing hormone requirements for ovulation in the pentobarbital-treated proestrous rat. The LH requirements for ovulation in the pentobarbital-blocked proestrous CD rat have been studied by increasing serum gonadotropin levels through electrical stimulation of the brain and subsequently comparing the effects of timed hypophysectomy on ovulation and serum LH concentrations. The arcuate nucleus (ARC) or the medial preoptic area (POA) was stimulated unilaterally for 45 min with matched pairs of biphasic rectangular pulses through a coaxial platinum electrode. Serum LH was significantly elevated above basal values at the end of stimulation, but not in sham-stimulated controls. The results of both hormone measurement and hypophysectomy showed that the pituitary continued to release LH after extrinsic stimulation of the hypothalamus had ceased. Animals did not ovulate if they had been hypophysectomized at the end of the 45 min stimulation whereas nearly all ovulated if hypophysectomy was delayed for an additional 20 min. Some evidence suggested that the pituitary could be removed earlier without affecting ovulation if the rate of LH release was increased. The minimum peak LH concentration measured in rats that subsequently ovulated fully was 187 ng/ml, substantially lower than concentrations ordinarily attained in the spontaneous proestrous surge. When serum LH was insufficiently high to cause follicle rupture, there was nevertheless the resumption of meiosis and luteinization of the large ovarian follicles. Attempts were made to restore ovulability in animals presumed to have released a subovulatory quota of gonadotropin. Ovulation was obtained when such animals, prepared by hypophysectomy after the 45 min stimulation, had been bilaterally nephrectomized prior to stimulation. However, multiple injections of progesterone after hypophysectomy were without effect. The results are discussed in relation to variables that affect minimum requirements of LH for ovulation.", "PMID": 987901} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2540", "title": "Dexamethasone: increased weights and decreased [3H] estradiol retention of uterus, vagina and pituitary in the ovariectomized rat.", "content": "Ovariectomized rats given 100 mug dexamethasone per day for 5 days had significantly heavier dry weights for uterus, vagina and pituitary, indicating a growth promoting activity of dexamethasone on these tissues in which estrogen normally promotes growth changes. The dexamethasone treated animals also retained significantly less [3H]estradiol per mug dry weight of tissue for uterus, vagina and pituitary. When[3H]estradiol retention was examined in vitro for the nuclear fraction, a significant decrease in retention was found for uterus, vagina and pituitary but not for hypothalamus or cerebral cortex. The decreased ability to bind [3H]estradiol, shown by the estrogen target tissues of the dexamethasone-treated rats, along with the increased growth of the estrogen target tissues, demonstrates that these tissues were able to show trophic responses even when greater levels were one-third of normal. Dexamethasone-treated animals tested for sexual receptivity in the presence or absence of progesterone priming did not show induction of facilitation of sexual receptivity. However, estrogen plus progesterone injections induced sexual receptivity in the presence of dexamethasone. When dexamethasone was combined with a dosage of estrogen, which by itself did not induce sexual receptivity, there was a significant response with 6 to 10 animals showing a low level of receptivity. Thus, dexamethasone can apparently synergize with estrogen to facilitate sexual receptivity.", "contents": "Dexamethasone: increased weights and decreased [3H] estradiol retention of uterus, vagina and pituitary in the ovariectomized rat. Ovariectomized rats given 100 mug dexamethasone per day for 5 days had significantly heavier dry weights for uterus, vagina and pituitary, indicating a growth promoting activity of dexamethasone on these tissues in which estrogen normally promotes growth changes. The dexamethasone treated animals also retained significantly less [3H]estradiol per mug dry weight of tissue for uterus, vagina and pituitary. When[3H]estradiol retention was examined in vitro for the nuclear fraction, a significant decrease in retention was found for uterus, vagina and pituitary but not for hypothalamus or cerebral cortex. The decreased ability to bind [3H]estradiol, shown by the estrogen target tissues of the dexamethasone-treated rats, along with the increased growth of the estrogen target tissues, demonstrates that these tissues were able to show trophic responses even when greater levels were one-third of normal. Dexamethasone-treated animals tested for sexual receptivity in the presence or absence of progesterone priming did not show induction of facilitation of sexual receptivity. However, estrogen plus progesterone injections induced sexual receptivity in the presence of dexamethasone. When dexamethasone was combined with a dosage of estrogen, which by itself did not induce sexual receptivity, there was a significant response with 6 to 10 animals showing a low level of receptivity. Thus, dexamethasone can apparently synergize with estrogen to facilitate sexual receptivity.", "PMID": 987902} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2541", "title": "Gonadotropic responses of male mice to female urine.", "content": "Five experiments consistently demonstrated the existence of a factor(s) in the urine of female mice which stimulates gonadotropin secretion in male mice. The factor, presumably a priming pheromone, is not found in the urine of intact or castrated males nor is it in the urine of female hamsters. Furthermore, the potency of female mouse urine is apparently independent of ovarian state. In the response of the male, the release of LH is more dramatic than that of Fsh. as little as 10 min of exposure to female urine produced significantly elevated LH levels at 30 min. Finally, the male's responsiveness is largely, and possibly entirely, independent of his sexual experience. These results are discussed within the framework of a two-way pheromonal system by way of which urinary factors of both sexes modulate gonadotropin and gonadal hormone secretion in the opposite sex.", "contents": "Gonadotropic responses of male mice to female urine. Five experiments consistently demonstrated the existence of a factor(s) in the urine of female mice which stimulates gonadotropin secretion in male mice. The factor, presumably a priming pheromone, is not found in the urine of intact or castrated males nor is it in the urine of female hamsters. Furthermore, the potency of female mouse urine is apparently independent of ovarian state. In the response of the male, the release of LH is more dramatic than that of Fsh. as little as 10 min of exposure to female urine produced significantly elevated LH levels at 30 min. Finally, the male's responsiveness is largely, and possibly entirely, independent of his sexual experience. These results are discussed within the framework of a two-way pheromonal system by way of which urinary factors of both sexes modulate gonadotropin and gonadal hormone secretion in the opposite sex.", "PMID": 987903} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2542", "title": "Effect of luteinizing hormone on the pattern of steroid production by preovulatory follicles of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin-injected immature rats.", "content": "Preovulatory follicles were explanted on the day before ovulation from immature rats given a single injection of Pregnant Mare's Serum gonadotropin (PMS) 2 days earlier. The follicles were incubated for 4 h in modified Krebs bicarbonate buffer containing glucose and albumin in absence or presence of ovine luteinizing hormone (NIH-LH-S18; 0.1-10 mug/ml). The accumulation of progresterone, androstenedione and 17beta-estradiol in the medium was determined by radioimmunoassay. As in indicator of LH exposure the meiotic stage of the follicle-enclosed oocyte was determined at recovery by interference contrast microscopy. The first group of follicles were explanted in the morning, before the endogenous gonadotrophin surge. In hormone-free medium the oocytes remained in the dictyate stage, whereas addition of LH induced oocyte maturation. These follicles, when incubated in hormone-free medium, secreted predominantly androstenedione and estradiol and only low amounts of progesterone. In the presence of LH the secretion of all steroids was enhanced. The second group of follicles were explanted in the evening, 2-4 h after the endogenous gonadotrophin surge. After incubation in hormone-free medium the follicle-enclosed oocytes had matured. The steroid secretion by the follicles was different from that of the first group. In hormone-free medium they secreted predominantly progesterone and low amounts of androstenedione and estradiol. Addition of LH to the medium caused further enhancement of progesterone secretion, but had no effect on androstenedione and estradiol secretion. The third group of follicles were explanted in the evening from rats in which the preovulatory gonadotrophin surge had been prevented by Nembutal treatment. Oocyte maturation and steroid secretion did not differ from that found for the first group of follicles explanted in the morning. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that LH, after a transitory stimulation, inhibits androgen and estrogen secretion and stimulates progesterone secretion by the preovulatory ovarian follicle.", "contents": "Effect of luteinizing hormone on the pattern of steroid production by preovulatory follicles of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin-injected immature rats. Preovulatory follicles were explanted on the day before ovulation from immature rats given a single injection of Pregnant Mare's Serum gonadotropin (PMS) 2 days earlier. The follicles were incubated for 4 h in modified Krebs bicarbonate buffer containing glucose and albumin in absence or presence of ovine luteinizing hormone (NIH-LH-S18; 0.1-10 mug/ml). The accumulation of progresterone, androstenedione and 17beta-estradiol in the medium was determined by radioimmunoassay. As in indicator of LH exposure the meiotic stage of the follicle-enclosed oocyte was determined at recovery by interference contrast microscopy. The first group of follicles were explanted in the morning, before the endogenous gonadotrophin surge. In hormone-free medium the oocytes remained in the dictyate stage, whereas addition of LH induced oocyte maturation. These follicles, when incubated in hormone-free medium, secreted predominantly androstenedione and estradiol and only low amounts of progesterone. In the presence of LH the secretion of all steroids was enhanced. The second group of follicles were explanted in the evening, 2-4 h after the endogenous gonadotrophin surge. After incubation in hormone-free medium the follicle-enclosed oocytes had matured. The steroid secretion by the follicles was different from that of the first group. In hormone-free medium they secreted predominantly progesterone and low amounts of androstenedione and estradiol. Addition of LH to the medium caused further enhancement of progesterone secretion, but had no effect on androstenedione and estradiol secretion. The third group of follicles were explanted in the evening from rats in which the preovulatory gonadotrophin surge had been prevented by Nembutal treatment. Oocyte maturation and steroid secretion did not differ from that found for the first group of follicles explanted in the morning. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that LH, after a transitory stimulation, inhibits androgen and estrogen secretion and stimulates progesterone secretion by the preovulatory ovarian follicle.", "PMID": 987904} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2543", "title": "Steroid metabolism in fetal tissues. III. Conversion of testosterone to 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone in human fetal gonads.", "content": "Testes and ovaries of 25 human fetuses obtained between the 17th--40th week of gestation were examined in vitro for 5alpha-reductase activity by a double isotope method. In 14 fetal testes, conversion of testosterone to 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone ranged between 1.04 to 4.26% (2.80% +/- 0.31 SEM) and in 11 fetal ovaries a conversion rate of 0.20 to 2.91% (1.09% +/- 0.22 SEM) was found. The difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.001). This was also confirmed by studying the gonads of twins. The data support previous studies indicating that human fetal testes and ovaries are different in their steroid metabolic activities. Age dependency could not be demonstrated.", "contents": "Steroid metabolism in fetal tissues. III. Conversion of testosterone to 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone in human fetal gonads. Testes and ovaries of 25 human fetuses obtained between the 17th--40th week of gestation were examined in vitro for 5alpha-reductase activity by a double isotope method. In 14 fetal testes, conversion of testosterone to 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone ranged between 1.04 to 4.26% (2.80% +/- 0.31 SEM) and in 11 fetal ovaries a conversion rate of 0.20 to 2.91% (1.09% +/- 0.22 SEM) was found. The difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.001). This was also confirmed by studying the gonads of twins. The data support previous studies indicating that human fetal testes and ovaries are different in their steroid metabolic activities. Age dependency could not be demonstrated.", "PMID": 987905} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2544", "title": "Crosslinking with bifunctional reagents as a means for studying the symmetry of oligomeric proteins.", "content": "A method based upon the principle that unlike domains of bonding are reflected in different reactivities and distribution of residues that can be crosslinked, has been elaborated for the determination of symmetry of oligomeric proteins. The derivation of theoretical curves for the prediction of crosslinking patterns of tetramers produced by reaction with a bifunctional reagent and subsequent sodium-dodecylsulphage-gel electrophoretic analysis, is presented. Based upon the theory the symmetry properties of a tetramer, to the extent whether it is an isologous or heterologous association, can be deduced by a simple calculation. Crosslinking patterns obtained with rabbit muscle aldolase and pig muscle lactate dehydrogenase after treatment with a series of diimidoesters of increasing chain length are evaluated and shown to be consistent with the expectations for isologous tetramers. From the patterns obtained with the various reagents the distances between lysyl residues located nearest to each other in different subunits in the two proteins could also be determined.", "contents": "Crosslinking with bifunctional reagents as a means for studying the symmetry of oligomeric proteins. A method based upon the principle that unlike domains of bonding are reflected in different reactivities and distribution of residues that can be crosslinked, has been elaborated for the determination of symmetry of oligomeric proteins. The derivation of theoretical curves for the prediction of crosslinking patterns of tetramers produced by reaction with a bifunctional reagent and subsequent sodium-dodecylsulphage-gel electrophoretic analysis, is presented. Based upon the theory the symmetry properties of a tetramer, to the extent whether it is an isologous or heterologous association, can be deduced by a simple calculation. Crosslinking patterns obtained with rabbit muscle aldolase and pig muscle lactate dehydrogenase after treatment with a series of diimidoesters of increasing chain length are evaluated and shown to be consistent with the expectations for isologous tetramers. From the patterns obtained with the various reagents the distances between lysyl residues located nearest to each other in different subunits in the two proteins could also be determined.", "PMID": 987906} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2545", "title": "Organisation of genes for ribosomal RNA in Physarum polycephalum.", "content": "Physarum polycephalum nucleolar satellite DNA has been analysed by restriction enzyme digests and hybridisation to ribosomal RNA. The nucleolar DNA is isolated as molecules of molecular weight 39 X 10(6). The positions of sites of endo R-EcoRI and endo R-HindIII digestion have been determined accurately in the whole molecule. The endo R-EcoRI sites and one endo R-HindIII site are within the26-S rRNA complementary sequence and the other endo R-HindIII site is within the 19-S rRNA complementary sequence. The sites are arranged symmetrically about the centre of the molecule as if it were a palindrome.", "contents": "Organisation of genes for ribosomal RNA in Physarum polycephalum. Physarum polycephalum nucleolar satellite DNA has been analysed by restriction enzyme digests and hybridisation to ribosomal RNA. The nucleolar DNA is isolated as molecules of molecular weight 39 X 10(6). The positions of sites of endo R-EcoRI and endo R-HindIII digestion have been determined accurately in the whole molecule. The endo R-EcoRI sites and one endo R-HindIII site are within the26-S rRNA complementary sequence and the other endo R-HindIII site is within the 19-S rRNA complementary sequence. The sites are arranged symmetrically about the centre of the molecule as if it were a palindrome.", "PMID": 987907} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2546", "title": "D-penicillamine therapy in ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn infant.", "content": "This study comprises 120 full-term infants with ABO hemolytic disease admitted to the neonatal department during a period of 60 months from 1970-1975. During the first 30 months newborns (n = 61) received no D-penicillamine therapy, whereas all infants (n = 59) received this treatment (300-400 mg/kg/day, divided into 4 equal doses, for 2-5 days) during the last 30 months. The patients were further subdivided into two groups according to the point of time when D-penicillamine treatment was begun, viz. group I (34 treated and 34 control infants) within the first 24 h of life; group II (25 treated and 27 control infants) after the third day of life. In group I D-penicillamine therapy caused a marked decline of serum bilirubin concentrations at a time when such levels were rising in the control infants. The number of exchange transfusions per infant was 1.32 in the control and 0.11 in the D-penicillamine-treated infants. In group II D-penicillamine considerably reduced the number of exchange transfusions (0.70:0.24 = control:treated) but the difference was statistically not significant. In the latter patients the mean bilirubin values showed a smaller difference compared to the controls than in group I. Since group I represented the results of early or preventive treatment, while group II those of late or therapeutic treatment, it is obvious that, for ensuring success, D-penicillamine treatment should be begun as early as possible in ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn.", "contents": "D-penicillamine therapy in ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn infant. This study comprises 120 full-term infants with ABO hemolytic disease admitted to the neonatal department during a period of 60 months from 1970-1975. During the first 30 months newborns (n = 61) received no D-penicillamine therapy, whereas all infants (n = 59) received this treatment (300-400 mg/kg/day, divided into 4 equal doses, for 2-5 days) during the last 30 months. The patients were further subdivided into two groups according to the point of time when D-penicillamine treatment was begun, viz. group I (34 treated and 34 control infants) within the first 24 h of life; group II (25 treated and 27 control infants) after the third day of life. In group I D-penicillamine therapy caused a marked decline of serum bilirubin concentrations at a time when such levels were rising in the control infants. The number of exchange transfusions per infant was 1.32 in the control and 0.11 in the D-penicillamine-treated infants. In group II D-penicillamine considerably reduced the number of exchange transfusions (0.70:0.24 = control:treated) but the difference was statistically not significant. In the latter patients the mean bilirubin values showed a smaller difference compared to the controls than in group I. Since group I represented the results of early or preventive treatment, while group II those of late or therapeutic treatment, it is obvious that, for ensuring success, D-penicillamine treatment should be begun as early as possible in ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn.", "PMID": 987908} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2547", "title": "Chondrodysplasia punctata--rhizomelic form. Pathologic and radiologic studies of three infants.", "content": "Pathologic, ultrastructural and radiologic studies are described on 3 infants with the rhizomelic form of chondrodysplasia punctata. Radiologic criteria in the young infant include radiolucent coronal clefts dividing all or most of the thoracic and lumbar vertebral bodies, short humeri with flared metaphyses and punctate calcifications commonly present adjacent to the ossified ischial and pubic bones and less commonly in other locations. In late infancy and childhood the radiologic criteria include demineralization in all bones with slow maturation, flat vertebral bodies, short humeri and femora, metaphyseal flaring, especially in the distal humerus, proximal femur and proximal tibia, immature shape of pelvis, and disappearance of the punctate calcifications with advancing age. The histologic changes of the resting cartilage include areas of degenerating cartilage which had become partially calcified, cystic changes with severe disturbance of the maturation of the cartilage at the physial plate, and the formation of cancellous bone directly on resting cartilage. Ultrastructural changes are characterized by degeneration of chondrocytes, delicate collagenous fibrils without visible periodicity, and the presence of flocculent material within greatly distended endoplasmic reticulum.", "contents": "Chondrodysplasia punctata--rhizomelic form. Pathologic and radiologic studies of three infants. Pathologic, ultrastructural and radiologic studies are described on 3 infants with the rhizomelic form of chondrodysplasia punctata. Radiologic criteria in the young infant include radiolucent coronal clefts dividing all or most of the thoracic and lumbar vertebral bodies, short humeri with flared metaphyses and punctate calcifications commonly present adjacent to the ossified ischial and pubic bones and less commonly in other locations. In late infancy and childhood the radiologic criteria include demineralization in all bones with slow maturation, flat vertebral bodies, short humeri and femora, metaphyseal flaring, especially in the distal humerus, proximal femur and proximal tibia, immature shape of pelvis, and disappearance of the punctate calcifications with advancing age. The histologic changes of the resting cartilage include areas of degenerating cartilage which had become partially calcified, cystic changes with severe disturbance of the maturation of the cartilage at the physial plate, and the formation of cancellous bone directly on resting cartilage. Ultrastructural changes are characterized by degeneration of chondrocytes, delicate collagenous fibrils without visible periodicity, and the presence of flocculent material within greatly distended endoplasmic reticulum.", "PMID": 987909} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2548", "title": "Effect of the female sexual cycle of the activity of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase in rat liver.", "content": "The activity of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase was determined in the livers of fed female rats and was found to vary with the phase of their sexual cycle. The highest enzymic activity was obtained during preoestrus (38.0 +/- 3.2 nmol delta-aminolaevulinateg.g liver.-1 hour-1), the lowest during dioestrus (17.4 +/- 3.4 nmol delta-aminolaevulinate.g liver.-1 hour-1). During oestrus and metoestrus the activity of the enzyme was intermediate. The oscillation of the enzymic activity might be significant in the occurence of the ovulocylic form of acute intermittent porphyria.", "contents": "Effect of the female sexual cycle of the activity of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase in rat liver. The activity of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase was determined in the livers of fed female rats and was found to vary with the phase of their sexual cycle. The highest enzymic activity was obtained during preoestrus (38.0 +/- 3.2 nmol delta-aminolaevulinateg.g liver.-1 hour-1), the lowest during dioestrus (17.4 +/- 3.4 nmol delta-aminolaevulinate.g liver.-1 hour-1). During oestrus and metoestrus the activity of the enzyme was intermediate. The oscillation of the enzymic activity might be significant in the occurence of the ovulocylic form of acute intermittent porphyria.", "PMID": 987910} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2549", "title": "Effect of cholingeric drugs on methadone-induced catalepsy and stereotypies in rats treated chronically with methadone.", "content": "The effects of antimuscarinic (atropine, scopolamine, methylscopolamine), muscarinic (RS86, pilocarpine), antinicotinic (mecamylamine, hexamethonium) and nicotinic (nicotine) cholinergic drugs on the catalepsy and stereotypies induced by acute methadone in rats treated chronically with methadone were studied. The antimuscarinic drugs potentiated and the muscarinic drugs antagonized the cataleptic effect of methadone, whereas the antimuscarinic drugs tended to antagonize and the muscarinic drugs potentiated the methadone-induced stereotypies. Nicotine initially slightly potentiated, and mecamylamine antagonized the cataleptic effect of methadone. The actions of the cholinergic drugs on the extrapyramidal motor effects of methadone were most probably central, because methylscopolamine and hexamethonium had only very weak actions. These results show that the effects of antimuscarinic and muscarinic drugs on the catalepsy and stereotypies induced by methadone are opposite to their effects on the catalepsy and stereotypies produced by drugs which are thought to act on the postsynaptic dopaminergic receptors.", "contents": "Effect of cholingeric drugs on methadone-induced catalepsy and stereotypies in rats treated chronically with methadone. The effects of antimuscarinic (atropine, scopolamine, methylscopolamine), muscarinic (RS86, pilocarpine), antinicotinic (mecamylamine, hexamethonium) and nicotinic (nicotine) cholinergic drugs on the catalepsy and stereotypies induced by acute methadone in rats treated chronically with methadone were studied. The antimuscarinic drugs potentiated and the muscarinic drugs antagonized the cataleptic effect of methadone, whereas the antimuscarinic drugs tended to antagonize and the muscarinic drugs potentiated the methadone-induced stereotypies. Nicotine initially slightly potentiated, and mecamylamine antagonized the cataleptic effect of methadone. The actions of the cholinergic drugs on the extrapyramidal motor effects of methadone were most probably central, because methylscopolamine and hexamethonium had only very weak actions. These results show that the effects of antimuscarinic and muscarinic drugs on the catalepsy and stereotypies induced by methadone are opposite to their effects on the catalepsy and stereotypies produced by drugs which are thought to act on the postsynaptic dopaminergic receptors.", "PMID": 987911} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2550", "title": "Characterization of the estrogen receptors in the uterine and blood eosinophil leukocytes.", "content": "Estrogen receptors are found in the rat uterine and in the eosinophil-rich human blood leukocyte 24,000 g fractions, but not in the low-eosinophil count human blood leukocyte 24,000 g fraction. The total number of binding sites per blood eosinophil leukocyte is 7,400 sites per cell, and the Kp=5.6 X 10(-10) M.", "contents": "Characterization of the estrogen receptors in the uterine and blood eosinophil leukocytes. Estrogen receptors are found in the rat uterine and in the eosinophil-rich human blood leukocyte 24,000 g fractions, but not in the low-eosinophil count human blood leukocyte 24,000 g fraction. The total number of binding sites per blood eosinophil leukocyte is 7,400 sites per cell, and the Kp=5.6 X 10(-10) M.", "PMID": 987923} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2551", "title": "Increased aggression in rats after withdrawal of long term used oxazepam.", "content": "The withdrawal of oxazepam (5 mg/kg i.p.) applied for 1 year in rats, increased shock-induced aggression of animals. This phenomenon is interpreted as a sign of abstinence and suggests that long-term treatment causes dependence to oxazepam in rats.", "contents": "Increased aggression in rats after withdrawal of long term used oxazepam. The withdrawal of oxazepam (5 mg/kg i.p.) applied for 1 year in rats, increased shock-induced aggression of animals. This phenomenon is interpreted as a sign of abstinence and suggests that long-term treatment causes dependence to oxazepam in rats.", "PMID": 987924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2552", "title": "Changes in the concentration of adenohypophyseal prolactin and morphological manifestations in the adenohypophysis of lactating rats after administration of D-6-methyl-8-[beta-isopropylaminoethyl] ergoline-I.", "content": "The four days administration of D-6-methyl-8-[beta-isopropylaminoethyl]ergoline-I (VUFB-10726) to nursing rats decreases adenohypophyseal prolactin as determined with disc electrophoresis, and produces changes in the histological appearance of adenohypophyses, which indicate the inhibition of prolaction production and secretion.", "contents": "Changes in the concentration of adenohypophyseal prolactin and morphological manifestations in the adenohypophysis of lactating rats after administration of D-6-methyl-8-[beta-isopropylaminoethyl] ergoline-I. The four days administration of D-6-methyl-8-[beta-isopropylaminoethyl]ergoline-I (VUFB-10726) to nursing rats decreases adenohypophyseal prolactin as determined with disc electrophoresis, and produces changes in the histological appearance of adenohypophyses, which indicate the inhibition of prolaction production and secretion.", "PMID": 987925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2553", "title": "The supraependymal cells of the rat hypothalamus: changes in their morphology and cell number during the ovarian cycle.", "content": "The number of SEC in the hypothalamus of the rat change during the ovarian cycle (5-8 cells in oestrus, 100 cells in dioestrus per ventricular surface). The changes in the number as well the morphology of the SEC support the hypothesis that they are of mesenchymal nature.", "contents": "The supraependymal cells of the rat hypothalamus: changes in their morphology and cell number during the ovarian cycle. The number of SEC in the hypothalamus of the rat change during the ovarian cycle (5-8 cells in oestrus, 100 cells in dioestrus per ventricular surface). The changes in the number as well the morphology of the SEC support the hypothesis that they are of mesenchymal nature.", "PMID": 987929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2554", "title": "Influence of melatonin, constant light, or blinding on reproductive system of gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).", "content": "Male and female gerbils were implanted s.c. with a pellet containing 2 mg melatonin/23 mg beeswax every 2 weeks for a total of 3 implants. A significant depression of ovarian and uterine weight was noted in female gerbils receiving melatonin implants. In the melatonin-treated male gerbils, growth of the accessory organs was significantly inhibited although testis size was not depressed.", "contents": "Influence of melatonin, constant light, or blinding on reproductive system of gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Male and female gerbils were implanted s.c. with a pellet containing 2 mg melatonin/23 mg beeswax every 2 weeks for a total of 3 implants. A significant depression of ovarian and uterine weight was noted in female gerbils receiving melatonin implants. In the melatonin-treated male gerbils, growth of the accessory organs was significantly inhibited although testis size was not depressed.", "PMID": 987930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2555", "title": "Proestrous gonadotropin levels in thyroparathyroidectomized female rats.", "content": "Intact and TPTx animals showed the expected afternoon increase in serum LH,FSH and prolactin levels. But the afternoon increase in serum LH levels in TPTx rats was less than that observed for intact animals (p less than 0.001). Neither serum prolactin nor FSH levels were altered by TPTx.", "contents": "Proestrous gonadotropin levels in thyroparathyroidectomized female rats. Intact and TPTx animals showed the expected afternoon increase in serum LH,FSH and prolactin levels. But the afternoon increase in serum LH levels in TPTx rats was less than that observed for intact animals (p less than 0.001). Neither serum prolactin nor FSH levels were altered by TPTx.", "PMID": 987931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2556", "title": "[Purification of subunits from human chorionic gonadotropin and radioimmunoassay].", "content": "A crude hCG with an activity of about 3,000 IU per mg was purifed to 10,000--15,000 IU per mg of dry weight using Amberlite CG-50 chromatography combined with DEAE-Sephadex A-50 and Sephadex G-75. The alpha and beta subunits of hCG were prepared by urea-treatment of the hormone and isolated by DEAE-Sephadex A-50 chromatography. Further purification of the subunits was achieved by gel filtration on a Sephadex G-76 column. For radioimmunoassay hCG was iodinated by the DMSO-chloramine T method. Iodination of hCG with non-radioactive iodine revealed that the addition of DMSO to the iodination mixture seemed to reduce the iodination damage to the antigenic activity of the hormone. Non-radioactive iodine substituted hCG accomplished by the DMSO-chloramine T method showed 1.5 times more immunoreactive in the hCG radioimmunoassay than hCG iodinated by the usual chloramine T method. The radioimmunoassay of the hCG-beta subunit developed in our laboratory was satisfactory with respect to specificity; hLH, hFSH, hTSH and hCG-alpha subunit tested were cross-reacted very poorly in our assay system. Desialylated-hCG and subunits, whose biologic potency was almost zero, exhibited also decreased immunoreactivity, about 30% of the native hormones with grossly unimpaired parallelism in their respective homologous radioimmunoassays. The concentrations of hCG and the subunits were determined on human sera from pregnant patients during the course of pregnancy. The hCG levels reached to the peak at the first trimester of the pregnancy, however, the hCG-beta subunits varied in their concentrations poorly throughout the pregnancy periods. The hCG-alpha levels, on the other hand, depicted two distinct peaks, at the early period and the term of pregnancy.", "contents": "[Purification of subunits from human chorionic gonadotropin and radioimmunoassay]. A crude hCG with an activity of about 3,000 IU per mg was purifed to 10,000--15,000 IU per mg of dry weight using Amberlite CG-50 chromatography combined with DEAE-Sephadex A-50 and Sephadex G-75. The alpha and beta subunits of hCG were prepared by urea-treatment of the hormone and isolated by DEAE-Sephadex A-50 chromatography. Further purification of the subunits was achieved by gel filtration on a Sephadex G-76 column. For radioimmunoassay hCG was iodinated by the DMSO-chloramine T method. Iodination of hCG with non-radioactive iodine revealed that the addition of DMSO to the iodination mixture seemed to reduce the iodination damage to the antigenic activity of the hormone. Non-radioactive iodine substituted hCG accomplished by the DMSO-chloramine T method showed 1.5 times more immunoreactive in the hCG radioimmunoassay than hCG iodinated by the usual chloramine T method. The radioimmunoassay of the hCG-beta subunit developed in our laboratory was satisfactory with respect to specificity; hLH, hFSH, hTSH and hCG-alpha subunit tested were cross-reacted very poorly in our assay system. Desialylated-hCG and subunits, whose biologic potency was almost zero, exhibited also decreased immunoreactivity, about 30% of the native hormones with grossly unimpaired parallelism in their respective homologous radioimmunoassays. The concentrations of hCG and the subunits were determined on human sera from pregnant patients during the course of pregnancy. The hCG levels reached to the peak at the first trimester of the pregnancy, however, the hCG-beta subunits varied in their concentrations poorly throughout the pregnancy periods. The hCG-alpha levels, on the other hand, depicted two distinct peaks, at the early period and the term of pregnancy.", "PMID": 987936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2557", "title": "[Effects of coenzyme Q on plasma aldosterone concentrations in dogs (author's transl)].", "content": "The renin-angiotensin system, potassium and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) are well known as control mechanism for aldosterone secretion. However, the precise mechanism of these factors for aldosterone secretion remain still unclear. Several interesting evidences related to the effects of Coenzyme Q on the secretion and biosynthesis of aldosterone have been demonstrated. Biochemical action of Coenzyme Q is generally accepted as a component of the electron transfer process of respiration in mitochondria. Fabre et al demonstrated that significant reduction of plasma aldosterone concentration in adrenal venous by the Coenzyme Q infusion. Weinstein et al observed that urine sodium excretion decreased after infusion of Coenzyme Q into renal artery. Kumagai et al suggested that Coenzyme Q inhibited the activity of 18-hydroxylase in the adrenal cortex. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Coenzyme Q on the secretion of aldosterone. 24 cases of male among el and beagle dogs were subdivided into 4 groups. 1st group were administered intravenous infusion of Coenzyme Q, 2nd group were orally administered Coenzyme Q for 7 weeks, 3rd group were administered simultaneous infusion of Coenzyme Q and angiotensin II and 4th group were administered furosemide orally under the condition of continuous Coenzyme Q administration. Then, plasma concentrations of aldosterone, 11-OHCS and angiotensin I were determined during the time course. Plasma aldosterone concentration was significantly increased after intravenous infusion of angiotensin II and decreased 45 minutes after the beginning of infusion. However, the concentration still remained higher than control level. By the simultaneous infusion of Coenzyme Q with angiotensin II, the decreased concentration again increased significantly. It seems that above mentioned results suggest possibility that Coenzyme Q potentiate the action of angiotensin II on aldosterone secretion. By the intravenous infusion of Coenzyme Q, plasma aldosterone concentration increased significantly and concentrations of plasma 11-OHCS and angiotensin I did not affected. This result suggests that Coenzyme Q may stimulate aldosterone secretion from adrenal cortex without increase of ACTH and renin-angiotensin. 4 hours after the oral administration of Coenzyme Q, plasma aldosterone concentration was increased significantly. Na/K in 24 hours' excreta was decreased by Coenzyme Q administration. The decrease of Na/K in excreta may be reflection of the increase of aldosterone secretion. Although, plasma aldosterone concentration increased for the short duration by the Coenzyme Q, it decreased gradually and returned to the control level after 7 days under the condition of continuous oral administration. By the oral administration of furosemide under prolonged Coenzyme Q administration plasma aldosterone concentration increased significantly and remained higher than that of control.", "contents": "[Effects of coenzyme Q on plasma aldosterone concentrations in dogs (author's transl)]. The renin-angiotensin system, potassium and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) are well known as control mechanism for aldosterone secretion. However, the precise mechanism of these factors for aldosterone secretion remain still unclear. Several interesting evidences related to the effects of Coenzyme Q on the secretion and biosynthesis of aldosterone have been demonstrated. Biochemical action of Coenzyme Q is generally accepted as a component of the electron transfer process of respiration in mitochondria. Fabre et al demonstrated that significant reduction of plasma aldosterone concentration in adrenal venous by the Coenzyme Q infusion. Weinstein et al observed that urine sodium excretion decreased after infusion of Coenzyme Q into renal artery. Kumagai et al suggested that Coenzyme Q inhibited the activity of 18-hydroxylase in the adrenal cortex. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Coenzyme Q on the secretion of aldosterone. 24 cases of male among el and beagle dogs were subdivided into 4 groups. 1st group were administered intravenous infusion of Coenzyme Q, 2nd group were orally administered Coenzyme Q for 7 weeks, 3rd group were administered simultaneous infusion of Coenzyme Q and angiotensin II and 4th group were administered furosemide orally under the condition of continuous Coenzyme Q administration. Then, plasma concentrations of aldosterone, 11-OHCS and angiotensin I were determined during the time course. Plasma aldosterone concentration was significantly increased after intravenous infusion of angiotensin II and decreased 45 minutes after the beginning of infusion. However, the concentration still remained higher than control level. By the simultaneous infusion of Coenzyme Q with angiotensin II, the decreased concentration again increased significantly. It seems that above mentioned results suggest possibility that Coenzyme Q potentiate the action of angiotensin II on aldosterone secretion. By the intravenous infusion of Coenzyme Q, plasma aldosterone concentration increased significantly and concentrations of plasma 11-OHCS and angiotensin I did not affected. This result suggests that Coenzyme Q may stimulate aldosterone secretion from adrenal cortex without increase of ACTH and renin-angiotensin. 4 hours after the oral administration of Coenzyme Q, plasma aldosterone concentration was increased significantly. Na/K in 24 hours' excreta was decreased by Coenzyme Q administration. The decrease of Na/K in excreta may be reflection of the increase of aldosterone secretion. Although, plasma aldosterone concentration increased for the short duration by the Coenzyme Q, it decreased gradually and returned to the control level after 7 days under the condition of continuous oral administration. By the oral administration of furosemide under prolonged Coenzyme Q administration plasma aldosterone concentration increased significantly and remained higher than that of control.", "PMID": 987937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2558", "title": "[Analysis of thyroid hormones in serum and urine by mass fragmentography using GC-MS].", "content": "The first successful analysis of iodine compounds in serum and urine by mass fragmentography using GC-MS combined system was performed. The equipment used was Shimadzu LKB 9000 GC-MS (MID-PM). The TMSi derivatives of the compounds were analyzed by GC-MS system equipped with a 3 ft X 3 mm column packed with 1% OV-1 and the temperature was programmed from 200 degrees to 320 degrees C at 10 degrees C/min. The mass specturm showed molecular ions at m/e 523, 649, 741, 867 and 993 which correspond to the TMSi derivatives of MIT, DIT, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The base peak at m/e 218 was applied to establish the precise quantitative evaluation of T4 and related compounds by mass fragmentography. The following results were obtained: 1) The minimum detectable limits of the compounds injected into the column were ca. 10 pg for MIT, DIT, 20pg for T2, 50pg for T3, and 500 pg for T4 respectively. 2) The sensitivity was of the order of ng or pg which enables quantitation with 1 ml of human serum and urine sample. 3) West's method was very convenient for extracting the compounds from biological fluids, and procedure can be carried out easily in a short time. The recovery rates were ca. 16.0% for MIT, 26.6% for DIT, 61.5% for T2, 71.6% for T3, and 85.1% for T4 respectively. 4) The ability to simultaneously analyze various iodoaminoacids is sure to be effectively utilized in studies to elucidate the relative importance of these hormones and their metabolic changes in various physioloigcal and pathological states of human beings.", "contents": "[Analysis of thyroid hormones in serum and urine by mass fragmentography using GC-MS]. The first successful analysis of iodine compounds in serum and urine by mass fragmentography using GC-MS combined system was performed. The equipment used was Shimadzu LKB 9000 GC-MS (MID-PM). The TMSi derivatives of the compounds were analyzed by GC-MS system equipped with a 3 ft X 3 mm column packed with 1% OV-1 and the temperature was programmed from 200 degrees to 320 degrees C at 10 degrees C/min. The mass specturm showed molecular ions at m/e 523, 649, 741, 867 and 993 which correspond to the TMSi derivatives of MIT, DIT, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The base peak at m/e 218 was applied to establish the precise quantitative evaluation of T4 and related compounds by mass fragmentography. The following results were obtained: 1) The minimum detectable limits of the compounds injected into the column were ca. 10 pg for MIT, DIT, 20pg for T2, 50pg for T3, and 500 pg for T4 respectively. 2) The sensitivity was of the order of ng or pg which enables quantitation with 1 ml of human serum and urine sample. 3) West's method was very convenient for extracting the compounds from biological fluids, and procedure can be carried out easily in a short time. The recovery rates were ca. 16.0% for MIT, 26.6% for DIT, 61.5% for T2, 71.6% for T3, and 85.1% for T4 respectively. 4) The ability to simultaneously analyze various iodoaminoacids is sure to be effectively utilized in studies to elucidate the relative importance of these hormones and their metabolic changes in various physioloigcal and pathological states of human beings.", "PMID": 987938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2559", "title": "[The relationship between the timing of the Korotokoff sound (QKd) and the serum thyroid hormone concentrations].", "content": "The interval between the onsets of the QRS complex and of the brachial Korotokoff sounds at the diastolic pressure was termed QKd and it was already known that QKd was shortend in hyperthyroidism and prolongad in hypothyroidism distinctly. In the present study, simultaneous measurements of QKd, serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations, free T4 index (FT4I) and free T3 index (FT3I) were undertaken and attempts were made to examine the possible correlation of QKd to these parameters of thyroid function in sera. The QKd values of 24 euthyroid subjects had a normal range of 190 to 230 msec., 10 patients with hypertyroidism had Qkd values ranging from 145 to 180 msec. and 9 hypothyroid patients had QKd values ranging from 230 to 305 msec. Plots of QKd agaist serum T4 and T3 concentrations denoted statistically significant inverse relations in the T4 and T3 concentrations denoted statistically significant inverse relation in the T4 and T3 concentrations approximately less than 20 mug/dl and 400 ng/dl respectively (4 = 0.59 and -0.62 respectively) and above these concentrations of T4 and T3, QKd was nearly constant at the level of 165 msec irrepective of T4 and T3 concentrations. The statistically significant inverse relations were also observed between QKd and FT4I and FT3I in the FT4I and FT3I values less than 18 and 280 respectively (r= -0.80 and -0.74 respectively) and above these values of FT4I and FT3I, QKd was remained constant. In 18 hyperthyroid subjects receiving antithyroid medication, QKd, FT4I and FT3I were measured. QKd values from the patients whose FT4I and/or FT3I were above normal were significantly shorter than the QKd from the patients with normal FT4I and ft3i (183 +/- 9.8 msec vs 211 +/- 19 msec, p less than 0.01). In 16 patients with primary hypothyroidism receiving L-thyroxine for replacement therapy more than 6 months of period, QKd, FT4I and FT3I were measured and TRH-test was performed. FT4I and FT3I in these patients were all in normal range and 8 out of 16 patients had normal response to TRH-test and others were of no response to TRH-test. No difference in QKd values was obtained between patients with normal response and with no response to TRH-Test. These results indicate that QKd is more closely related to serum free T4 and free T3 concentrations and the extent of prolongation of QKd in hypothyroidism reflects the decreased serum thyroid hormone concentrations, whereas the shortend QKd in hyperthyroidism does not parallel the increased serum thyroid hormone concentrations. QKd is useful index not only for the rapid assessment of thyroid function as proposed by previous investigaters, but also for the rpaid evaluation of efficacy of antithyroid drugs administered in hyperthyroidism.", "contents": "[The relationship between the timing of the Korotokoff sound (QKd) and the serum thyroid hormone concentrations]. The interval between the onsets of the QRS complex and of the brachial Korotokoff sounds at the diastolic pressure was termed QKd and it was already known that QKd was shortend in hyperthyroidism and prolongad in hypothyroidism distinctly. In the present study, simultaneous measurements of QKd, serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations, free T4 index (FT4I) and free T3 index (FT3I) were undertaken and attempts were made to examine the possible correlation of QKd to these parameters of thyroid function in sera. The QKd values of 24 euthyroid subjects had a normal range of 190 to 230 msec., 10 patients with hypertyroidism had Qkd values ranging from 145 to 180 msec. and 9 hypothyroid patients had QKd values ranging from 230 to 305 msec. Plots of QKd agaist serum T4 and T3 concentrations denoted statistically significant inverse relations in the T4 and T3 concentrations denoted statistically significant inverse relation in the T4 and T3 concentrations approximately less than 20 mug/dl and 400 ng/dl respectively (4 = 0.59 and -0.62 respectively) and above these concentrations of T4 and T3, QKd was nearly constant at the level of 165 msec irrepective of T4 and T3 concentrations. The statistically significant inverse relations were also observed between QKd and FT4I and FT3I in the FT4I and FT3I values less than 18 and 280 respectively (r= -0.80 and -0.74 respectively) and above these values of FT4I and FT3I, QKd was remained constant. In 18 hyperthyroid subjects receiving antithyroid medication, QKd, FT4I and FT3I were measured. QKd values from the patients whose FT4I and/or FT3I were above normal were significantly shorter than the QKd from the patients with normal FT4I and ft3i (183 +/- 9.8 msec vs 211 +/- 19 msec, p less than 0.01). In 16 patients with primary hypothyroidism receiving L-thyroxine for replacement therapy more than 6 months of period, QKd, FT4I and FT3I were measured and TRH-test was performed. FT4I and FT3I in these patients were all in normal range and 8 out of 16 patients had normal response to TRH-test and others were of no response to TRH-test. No difference in QKd values was obtained between patients with normal response and with no response to TRH-Test. These results indicate that QKd is more closely related to serum free T4 and free T3 concentrations and the extent of prolongation of QKd in hypothyroidism reflects the decreased serum thyroid hormone concentrations, whereas the shortend QKd in hyperthyroidism does not parallel the increased serum thyroid hormone concentrations. QKd is useful index not only for the rapid assessment of thyroid function as proposed by previous investigaters, but also for the rpaid evaluation of efficacy of antithyroid drugs administered in hyperthyroidism.", "PMID": 987939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2560", "title": "Postmaturity in the rat: impairment of insulin, glucagon, and glycogen stores.", "content": "Prolonged gestation (2 extra days in utero) was obtained by daily subcutaneous injection of progesterone (2.5 mg) to pregnant rats from day 20.5 post coitum (p.c.) throughout day 22.5 p.c. after reduction of the litter to 6 fetuses on day 14.5 p.c. Exogenous progesterone per se or litter reduction were without effect of fetal pancreas or fetal liver. Plasma insulin, insulin and glucagon in the pancreas, and liver glycogen stores have been systematically measured in postmature animals and in controls during the perinatal period. In 23.5 day-old postmature as compared to 21.5 day-old normal fetuses, the intrauterine mortality was increased (26%), the body weight was increased by 30%, the liver weight was decreased by 20%, the glycogen content of liver was dramatically depleted (1.1 +/- 0.2 mg/g body weight on day 23.5 p.c. against 6.7 +/- 0.3 on day 21.5 p.c.), the plasma insulin was lowered by 63% and the blood glucose level was normal. In postmature neonates during the first day of life the mortality rate was considerable (40%) and a dramatic fall of blood glucose was observed 6 hours after birth. The accumulation of insulin and glucagon in the pancreas, which normally occurs in the two first days after birth, was much lower in the postmature fetuses: in 23.5 day-old fetuses as compared to 2 day-old normal newborns of the same gestational age the insulin content was only 50% and the glucagon content 69%. The deficit of insulin accumulation in the postmature pancreas lasted at least five days. The ability of the endocrine pancreas to recover from this alteration as well shown by the lack of diabetes when the animals were examined three weeks later by a glucose tolerance test. These findings suggest that the drop of plasma insulin is a prime factor in causing the lack of glycogen stores in prolonged fetuses and the impairement of glycogen stores appear to be an important feature of postmaturity, since neonates exhibit, in these conditions, a lethal drop of blood glucose as glycogenolysis operates on very low glycogen stores.", "contents": "Postmaturity in the rat: impairment of insulin, glucagon, and glycogen stores. Prolonged gestation (2 extra days in utero) was obtained by daily subcutaneous injection of progesterone (2.5 mg) to pregnant rats from day 20.5 post coitum (p.c.) throughout day 22.5 p.c. after reduction of the litter to 6 fetuses on day 14.5 p.c. Exogenous progesterone per se or litter reduction were without effect of fetal pancreas or fetal liver. Plasma insulin, insulin and glucagon in the pancreas, and liver glycogen stores have been systematically measured in postmature animals and in controls during the perinatal period. In 23.5 day-old postmature as compared to 21.5 day-old normal fetuses, the intrauterine mortality was increased (26%), the body weight was increased by 30%, the liver weight was decreased by 20%, the glycogen content of liver was dramatically depleted (1.1 +/- 0.2 mg/g body weight on day 23.5 p.c. against 6.7 +/- 0.3 on day 21.5 p.c.), the plasma insulin was lowered by 63% and the blood glucose level was normal. In postmature neonates during the first day of life the mortality rate was considerable (40%) and a dramatic fall of blood glucose was observed 6 hours after birth. The accumulation of insulin and glucagon in the pancreas, which normally occurs in the two first days after birth, was much lower in the postmature fetuses: in 23.5 day-old fetuses as compared to 2 day-old normal newborns of the same gestational age the insulin content was only 50% and the glucagon content 69%. The deficit of insulin accumulation in the postmature pancreas lasted at least five days. The ability of the endocrine pancreas to recover from this alteration as well shown by the lack of diabetes when the animals were examined three weeks later by a glucose tolerance test. These findings suggest that the drop of plasma insulin is a prime factor in causing the lack of glycogen stores in prolonged fetuses and the impairement of glycogen stores appear to be an important feature of postmaturity, since neonates exhibit, in these conditions, a lethal drop of blood glucose as glycogenolysis operates on very low glycogen stores.", "PMID": 987949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2561", "title": "DNA and RNA synthesis by fertilised, cleavage arrested sea urchin eggs.", "content": "Eggs of Lytechinus variegatus which have been fertilised and maintained at 10 degrees C do not undergo segmentation, but do replicate DNA. It has been found that RNA synthesis is initiated in these eggs following a period of DNA synthesis resulting in amounts of DNA/egg comparable to those amounts found in late blastulae (1000 genome equivalents). The RNA synthesised has been studied by autoradiographic and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. RNAse-sensitive grains appear in autoradiographs of cleavage-arrested eggs exposed to tritiated uridine beginning two days after fertilisation at 10 degrees C. Incorporation of labelled uridine into the 18 and 25 s region of sucrose gradients parallels the appearance of acid-insoluble radioactivity in the uridine autoradiographs. Localisation of the RNA in the autoradiographs was shown to be in close association with Feulgen-positive areas of the egg periphery. Since differentiation is generally thought to involve changing patterns of transcription of the zygote genome, transcription patterns in the absence of cleavage and normal morphogenesis is of considerable interest. The study of molecular events occurring in a time span during which there is no cell division may have bearing on the role of cell division in differentiation.", "contents": "DNA and RNA synthesis by fertilised, cleavage arrested sea urchin eggs. Eggs of Lytechinus variegatus which have been fertilised and maintained at 10 degrees C do not undergo segmentation, but do replicate DNA. It has been found that RNA synthesis is initiated in these eggs following a period of DNA synthesis resulting in amounts of DNA/egg comparable to those amounts found in late blastulae (1000 genome equivalents). The RNA synthesised has been studied by autoradiographic and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. RNAse-sensitive grains appear in autoradiographs of cleavage-arrested eggs exposed to tritiated uridine beginning two days after fertilisation at 10 degrees C. Incorporation of labelled uridine into the 18 and 25 s region of sucrose gradients parallels the appearance of acid-insoluble radioactivity in the uridine autoradiographs. Localisation of the RNA in the autoradiographs was shown to be in close association with Feulgen-positive areas of the egg periphery. Since differentiation is generally thought to involve changing patterns of transcription of the zygote genome, transcription patterns in the absence of cleavage and normal morphogenesis is of considerable interest. The study of molecular events occurring in a time span during which there is no cell division may have bearing on the role of cell division in differentiation.", "PMID": 987950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2562", "title": "Active-site labelling of kallikreins by chloromethylketone derivatives.", "content": "Ala-Phe-Lys-CH2-Cl is a chloromethylketone derivative which is able to promote the inhibition of several proteolytic enzymes. In this paper the inhibition of horse urinary and plasmatic kallikreins is described and this inhibition is compared to that produced in human plasma kallikrein. This compound was designed based upon the structure of bradykinin. This enzyme substrate system can provide a model for the study of the interactions between bradykinin and its receptor. The inhibition of the enzymes was achieved both for its esterase and kinin-releasing activities.", "contents": "Active-site labelling of kallikreins by chloromethylketone derivatives. Ala-Phe-Lys-CH2-Cl is a chloromethylketone derivative which is able to promote the inhibition of several proteolytic enzymes. In this paper the inhibition of horse urinary and plasmatic kallikreins is described and this inhibition is compared to that produced in human plasma kallikrein. This compound was designed based upon the structure of bradykinin. This enzyme substrate system can provide a model for the study of the interactions between bradykinin and its receptor. The inhibition of the enzymes was achieved both for its esterase and kinin-releasing activities.", "PMID": 987953} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2563", "title": "Kinetics of the hydrolysis of synthetic substrates by horse urinary kallikrein and trypsin.", "content": "The kinetic constants for horse urinary kallikrein and trypsin hydrolysis of BAEE, TAME, bradykinin methyl ester and bradykinyl-Ser-Val-Gin-Val-Ser were determined. The values of the ratio kcat/Km show that (1) kallikrein is catalytically less efficient than trypsin for all the substrates (2) the three esters are equally good substrates for trypsin while horse urinary kallikrein is 100-fold more effective on bradykinin methyl ester than on the other substrates (3) for both enzymes the ester of bradykinin is a better substrate than the tetradecapeptide.", "contents": "Kinetics of the hydrolysis of synthetic substrates by horse urinary kallikrein and trypsin. The kinetic constants for horse urinary kallikrein and trypsin hydrolysis of BAEE, TAME, bradykinin methyl ester and bradykinyl-Ser-Val-Gin-Val-Ser were determined. The values of the ratio kcat/Km show that (1) kallikrein is catalytically less efficient than trypsin for all the substrates (2) the three esters are equally good substrates for trypsin while horse urinary kallikrein is 100-fold more effective on bradykinin methyl ester than on the other substrates (3) for both enzymes the ester of bradykinin is a better substrate than the tetradecapeptide.", "PMID": 987954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2564", "title": "[Effects of fusaric acid and its derivative on the cardiovascular system].", "content": "The cardiovascular effects of fusaric acid, a dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) inhibitor and a hypotensive agent, and 5-(4'-chlorobutyl) picolinic acid, one of the most potent DBH inhibitors in fusaric acid derivatives, were investigated in anesthetized dogs. Fusaric acid (10-30 mg/kg) given intravenously caused immediately and dose-dependently a fall in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, a stimulation of respiration, a marked increase in the rate of superior mesenteric arterial flow, and a decrease in the rate of femoral arterial flow. Fusaric acid (0.3-3 mg) given close-arterially caused a dose-dependent decrease in the sinus rate and in the developed tension in isolated blood-perfused sinoatrial node and papillary muscle preparations, respectively. For the superior mesenteric, renal, and femoral circulations which were perfused with blood, a close-arterial injection of fusaric acid (10-30 mg) increased in the rates of flow in a dose-dependent manner. 5-(4'-Chlorobutyl) picolinic acid showed similar responses as fusaric acid quantitatively or qualitatively. These results indicate that hypotension induced rapidly after intravenous administration of fusaric acid or 5-(4'-chlorobutyl) picolinic acid is not due to the enzyme inhibition, but rather to the direct depression of cardiac function and decrease in peripheral vascular resistance.", "contents": "[Effects of fusaric acid and its derivative on the cardiovascular system]. The cardiovascular effects of fusaric acid, a dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) inhibitor and a hypotensive agent, and 5-(4'-chlorobutyl) picolinic acid, one of the most potent DBH inhibitors in fusaric acid derivatives, were investigated in anesthetized dogs. Fusaric acid (10-30 mg/kg) given intravenously caused immediately and dose-dependently a fall in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, a stimulation of respiration, a marked increase in the rate of superior mesenteric arterial flow, and a decrease in the rate of femoral arterial flow. Fusaric acid (0.3-3 mg) given close-arterially caused a dose-dependent decrease in the sinus rate and in the developed tension in isolated blood-perfused sinoatrial node and papillary muscle preparations, respectively. For the superior mesenteric, renal, and femoral circulations which were perfused with blood, a close-arterial injection of fusaric acid (10-30 mg) increased in the rates of flow in a dose-dependent manner. 5-(4'-Chlorobutyl) picolinic acid showed similar responses as fusaric acid quantitatively or qualitatively. These results indicate that hypotension induced rapidly after intravenous administration of fusaric acid or 5-(4'-chlorobutyl) picolinic acid is not due to the enzyme inhibition, but rather to the direct depression of cardiac function and decrease in peripheral vascular resistance.", "PMID": 987962} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2565", "title": "[Electroencephalographic effects of lopramine].", "content": "Electroencephalographic (EEG) effects of lopramine, a new antidepressant, were investigated in rabbits with chronic electrode implants, and compared with those of imipramine and amitriptyline. All drugs were administered i.v. Lopramine (10, 20 mg/kg) induced a drowsy pattern of spontaneous EEG consisted of high voltage slow waves in the cortex and amygdala, and desynchronization of hippocampal thetha waves. Imipramine and amitriptyline (1-5 mg/kg) also elicited similar EEG changes but were much more potent than lopramine in this effect. Lopramine (10, 20 mg/kg) failed to suppress the EEG arousal responses induced by not only auditory stimulation but also electrical stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation, centromedian thalamus and posterior hypothalamus, whereas imipramine and amitriptyline (1 approximately 5 mg/kg) markedly inhibited these responses. The EEG arousal response induced by i.v. injection of physostigmine 0.1 mg/kg showed no change after lopramine (20 mg/kg), while the response was significantly suppressed by imipramine (2, 5 mg/kg) and amitriptyline (1, 2 mg/kg). Lopramine showed no effect on the recruiting response induced by electrical stimulation (8 Hz) of the centromedian thalamus and slightly enhanced the limbic afterdischarges elicited by either hippocampal or amygdaloid stimulation, while imipramine (2, 5 mg/kg) and amitriptyline (1--5 mg/kg) caused an initial depression followed by sustained enhancement of these afterdischarges. These results demonstrate lopramine to be an antidepressant of a new type which has no effect on the ascending reticular activating system and no central anticholinergic action.", "contents": "[Electroencephalographic effects of lopramine]. Electroencephalographic (EEG) effects of lopramine, a new antidepressant, were investigated in rabbits with chronic electrode implants, and compared with those of imipramine and amitriptyline. All drugs were administered i.v. Lopramine (10, 20 mg/kg) induced a drowsy pattern of spontaneous EEG consisted of high voltage slow waves in the cortex and amygdala, and desynchronization of hippocampal thetha waves. Imipramine and amitriptyline (1-5 mg/kg) also elicited similar EEG changes but were much more potent than lopramine in this effect. Lopramine (10, 20 mg/kg) failed to suppress the EEG arousal responses induced by not only auditory stimulation but also electrical stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation, centromedian thalamus and posterior hypothalamus, whereas imipramine and amitriptyline (1 approximately 5 mg/kg) markedly inhibited these responses. The EEG arousal response induced by i.v. injection of physostigmine 0.1 mg/kg showed no change after lopramine (20 mg/kg), while the response was significantly suppressed by imipramine (2, 5 mg/kg) and amitriptyline (1, 2 mg/kg). Lopramine showed no effect on the recruiting response induced by electrical stimulation (8 Hz) of the centromedian thalamus and slightly enhanced the limbic afterdischarges elicited by either hippocampal or amygdaloid stimulation, while imipramine (2, 5 mg/kg) and amitriptyline (1--5 mg/kg) caused an initial depression followed by sustained enhancement of these afterdischarges. These results demonstrate lopramine to be an antidepressant of a new type which has no effect on the ascending reticular activating system and no central anticholinergic action.", "PMID": 987963} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2566", "title": "[Antispasmodic mechanisms of actions of isoproterenol and papaverine with special reference to their relation to Ca (experiments using the isolated rat rectum)].", "content": "Antispasmodic mechanisms of isoproterenol and papaverine were investigated in relation to the mobilization of Ca in the rat's isolated rectal muscle. The findings on the relaxing effects of isoproterenol and papaverine on the contractions induced by increasing concentrations of K and on the modifications in the shape of K- and ACh-induced contractions by these two agents suggest that the antispasmodic mechanism of isoproterenol may be related to inhibition of the transmembrane influx of Ca as well as release of Ca, whereas that of papaverine may be related to not only inhibition of the transmembrane influx of Ca and release of Ca but also to inhibition of the ability of contractile elements responding to Ca. Furthermore, analysis of the concentration-action curves of K and acetylcholine concerning the phasic and the tonic contractions affected by isoproterenol and papaverine (Table 1) provide additional evidence for such a hypothesis.", "contents": "[Antispasmodic mechanisms of actions of isoproterenol and papaverine with special reference to their relation to Ca (experiments using the isolated rat rectum)]. Antispasmodic mechanisms of isoproterenol and papaverine were investigated in relation to the mobilization of Ca in the rat's isolated rectal muscle. The findings on the relaxing effects of isoproterenol and papaverine on the contractions induced by increasing concentrations of K and on the modifications in the shape of K- and ACh-induced contractions by these two agents suggest that the antispasmodic mechanism of isoproterenol may be related to inhibition of the transmembrane influx of Ca as well as release of Ca, whereas that of papaverine may be related to not only inhibition of the transmembrane influx of Ca and release of Ca but also to inhibition of the ability of contractile elements responding to Ca. Furthermore, analysis of the concentration-action curves of K and acetylcholine concerning the phasic and the tonic contractions affected by isoproterenol and papaverine (Table 1) provide additional evidence for such a hypothesis.", "PMID": 987964} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2567", "title": "[Influence of removal of Na from the bath solution on the antispasmodic actions of isoproterenol and papaverine, with special reference to their relations to Ca (experiments using the isolated rat rectum)].", "content": "Influence of the Na removal from bath solution on the antispasmodic actions of isoproterenol and papaverine against the phasic contractions by K and acetylcholine were investigated in relation to the mobilization of Ca in isolated rectal strip from the rat. Effect of the Na removal on the uptake of intracellular Ca into storage sites was also examined. The Na removal attenuated the inhibitory actions of isoproterenol and papaverine on the release of Ca, whereas the Na removal did not affect the inhibitory action of isoproterenol on Ca influx and that of papaverine on the response of the muscle contractile elements. Furthermore, the Na removal inhibited the uptake of intracellular Ca into storage sites. Thus, it is suggested that isoproterenol and papaverine may generate the inhibitory action on the release of Ca by accelerating Ca uptake into storage sites, therefore the antispasmodic actions of these agents are depressed by the deprivation of Na from the bath solution which attenuates the Ca uptake.", "contents": "[Influence of removal of Na from the bath solution on the antispasmodic actions of isoproterenol and papaverine, with special reference to their relations to Ca (experiments using the isolated rat rectum)]. Influence of the Na removal from bath solution on the antispasmodic actions of isoproterenol and papaverine against the phasic contractions by K and acetylcholine were investigated in relation to the mobilization of Ca in isolated rectal strip from the rat. Effect of the Na removal on the uptake of intracellular Ca into storage sites was also examined. The Na removal attenuated the inhibitory actions of isoproterenol and papaverine on the release of Ca, whereas the Na removal did not affect the inhibitory action of isoproterenol on Ca influx and that of papaverine on the response of the muscle contractile elements. Furthermore, the Na removal inhibited the uptake of intracellular Ca into storage sites. Thus, it is suggested that isoproterenol and papaverine may generate the inhibitory action on the release of Ca by accelerating Ca uptake into storage sites, therefore the antispasmodic actions of these agents are depressed by the deprivation of Na from the bath solution which attenuates the Ca uptake.", "PMID": 987965} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2568", "title": "[Pharmacodynamics of 2-(4-benzyl-piperidino)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol (Ifenprodil). (3) Effects on the autonomic, peripheral and central nervous systems].", "content": "Effects of ifenprodil tartrate, a potent vasodilator, on the autonomic, peripheral and central nerve system were studied in experimental animals. In isolated vas deferens of guinea pigs, the contraction in response to noradrenaline and sympathetic nerve stimulation was competetively antagonized by ifenprodil 10(-7)--10(-5) M (pA2: 7.69 against noradrenaline). Ifenprodil (50 approximately 1,000 mug/kg i.v.) inhibited the contraction of cat nictitating membrane and dog urinary bladder induced by sympathetic nerve stimulation. Ifenprodil (250 approximately 1,000 mug/kg i.v.) lowered adrenaline-induced lethality (ED50: 360 mug/kg). The drug produced a hypermotility of guinea pig uterus, and showed a transient hypertonus of dog gut which was abolished by atropine. Ifenprodil (10 approximately 20 mg/kg i.v.) inhibited the propulsion of charcoal meal in mice. In Shay rats, more than 10 mg/kg i.m. of the drug inhibited the secretion of acid gastric juice and the ulceration. Ifenprodil showed a potent local anesthetic action in the guinea pig cornea and skin. The spontaneous EEG of rabbits showed a resting pattern (0.25 approximately 2 mg/kg i.v.) followed by an arousal pattern (5 approximately 10 mg/kg). Ifenprodil (20 approximately 100 mg/kg p.o.) potentiated a hypnosis induced by barbital, and potentiated pentylenetetrazol, strychnine and picrotoxin induced convulsion. The drug (20 and 100 mg/kg p.o.) lowered the body temperature of rats. From these results it is concluded that ifenprodil produces a blocking action of alpha-adrenoceptors in various smooth muscle preparations and a direct relaxation of the smooth muscle itself without affecting the motor and central nerve systems.", "contents": "[Pharmacodynamics of 2-(4-benzyl-piperidino)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol (Ifenprodil). (3) Effects on the autonomic, peripheral and central nervous systems]. Effects of ifenprodil tartrate, a potent vasodilator, on the autonomic, peripheral and central nerve system were studied in experimental animals. In isolated vas deferens of guinea pigs, the contraction in response to noradrenaline and sympathetic nerve stimulation was competetively antagonized by ifenprodil 10(-7)--10(-5) M (pA2: 7.69 against noradrenaline). Ifenprodil (50 approximately 1,000 mug/kg i.v.) inhibited the contraction of cat nictitating membrane and dog urinary bladder induced by sympathetic nerve stimulation. Ifenprodil (250 approximately 1,000 mug/kg i.v.) lowered adrenaline-induced lethality (ED50: 360 mug/kg). The drug produced a hypermotility of guinea pig uterus, and showed a transient hypertonus of dog gut which was abolished by atropine. Ifenprodil (10 approximately 20 mg/kg i.v.) inhibited the propulsion of charcoal meal in mice. In Shay rats, more than 10 mg/kg i.m. of the drug inhibited the secretion of acid gastric juice and the ulceration. Ifenprodil showed a potent local anesthetic action in the guinea pig cornea and skin. The spontaneous EEG of rabbits showed a resting pattern (0.25 approximately 2 mg/kg i.v.) followed by an arousal pattern (5 approximately 10 mg/kg). Ifenprodil (20 approximately 100 mg/kg p.o.) potentiated a hypnosis induced by barbital, and potentiated pentylenetetrazol, strychnine and picrotoxin induced convulsion. The drug (20 and 100 mg/kg p.o.) lowered the body temperature of rats. From these results it is concluded that ifenprodil produces a blocking action of alpha-adrenoceptors in various smooth muscle preparations and a direct relaxation of the smooth muscle itself without affecting the motor and central nerve systems.", "PMID": 987966} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2569", "title": "[Pharmacological comparison between enflurane and halothane].", "content": "General pharmacological properties of enflurane (E) and halothane (H) were investigated. Maximum blood concentrations of both drugs reached 30 min after inhalation. E showed lower maximum blood concentration, initial velocity of uptake and shorter half life than H. Neither drug had any effect on neuromuscular junction, but E increased N-M effect of succinylcholine. Both drugs decreased tension of uterine and intestine muscles. Poly- and monosynaptic reflexes were inhibited more by H. ED50's of E and H for intestine muscles. Poly- and monosynaptic reflexes were inhibited more by H. ED50's of E and H for righting reflux were 1.25 and 1.40%, respectively. Tonic and clonic convulsions and death induced by electric shock were inhibited more by E. Almost equal anticonvulsive potency was observed for chemoshocks. Death due to electric and chemoshock was remarkably inhibited by both drugs. Spontaneous EEG was altered in a different manner, although flattened with spikes at 4% concentration of both drugs. E altered rhythmicity of recruiting response and both drugs inhibited this response. H inhibited more remarkably the augmenting response and E inhibited the arousal response. E increased negative potentials of the primary response evoked by sensory stimulation, while H decreased these potentials. Both drugs completely inhibited the secondary response.", "contents": "[Pharmacological comparison between enflurane and halothane]. General pharmacological properties of enflurane (E) and halothane (H) were investigated. Maximum blood concentrations of both drugs reached 30 min after inhalation. E showed lower maximum blood concentration, initial velocity of uptake and shorter half life than H. Neither drug had any effect on neuromuscular junction, but E increased N-M effect of succinylcholine. Both drugs decreased tension of uterine and intestine muscles. Poly- and monosynaptic reflexes were inhibited more by H. ED50's of E and H for intestine muscles. Poly- and monosynaptic reflexes were inhibited more by H. ED50's of E and H for righting reflux were 1.25 and 1.40%, respectively. Tonic and clonic convulsions and death induced by electric shock were inhibited more by E. Almost equal anticonvulsive potency was observed for chemoshocks. Death due to electric and chemoshock was remarkably inhibited by both drugs. Spontaneous EEG was altered in a different manner, although flattened with spikes at 4% concentration of both drugs. E altered rhythmicity of recruiting response and both drugs inhibited this response. H inhibited more remarkably the augmenting response and E inhibited the arousal response. E increased negative potentials of the primary response evoked by sensory stimulation, while H decreased these potentials. Both drugs completely inhibited the secondary response.", "PMID": 987967} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2570", "title": "[Effects of fasting on the renal function of rats: Clearance experiments and Henle's loop microperfusion].", "content": "Results of a previous experiment indicated that osmotic pressure and sodium concentration in distal tubular fluid of the nephron constantly microperfused were increased during natriuresis of fasting rats. The present experiments were performed in order to clarify whether or not water reabsorption and urea movement in Henle's loop, which may modify osmotic pressure and sodium concentration in distal fluid, change in the fasting rat kidney. Non-fasting, 18 approximately 24 hours and 4 approximately 5 days-fasting rats were used. After surgical procedures, the animal was infused with 2% saline at 33.3 mul/min. The loop of Henle was perfused with 1% saline containing 0.05% lissamine green, 3H-inulin and 14C-urea at 29.1 nl/min. In the fasting groups, urinary flow and sodium excretion were increased, whereas urea excretion was depressed and inulin clearance showed a tendency to decrease. Tubular fluid to plasma ratio of osmotic pressure in the distal tubule was elevated without change of water reabsorption. From present and previous results, the increases of osmotic pressure and sodium concentration in distal tubular fluid of fasted rat kidney cannot be explained from an increase of water reabsorption in the Henle's loop. Consequently, natriuresis with fasting may contribute partially to an inhibition of sodium reabsorption in Henle's loops, possibly in the thick ascending limbs. Recovery of C-urea perfused into Henle's loops of fasted rats increased.", "contents": "[Effects of fasting on the renal function of rats: Clearance experiments and Henle's loop microperfusion]. Results of a previous experiment indicated that osmotic pressure and sodium concentration in distal tubular fluid of the nephron constantly microperfused were increased during natriuresis of fasting rats. The present experiments were performed in order to clarify whether or not water reabsorption and urea movement in Henle's loop, which may modify osmotic pressure and sodium concentration in distal fluid, change in the fasting rat kidney. Non-fasting, 18 approximately 24 hours and 4 approximately 5 days-fasting rats were used. After surgical procedures, the animal was infused with 2% saline at 33.3 mul/min. The loop of Henle was perfused with 1% saline containing 0.05% lissamine green, 3H-inulin and 14C-urea at 29.1 nl/min. In the fasting groups, urinary flow and sodium excretion were increased, whereas urea excretion was depressed and inulin clearance showed a tendency to decrease. Tubular fluid to plasma ratio of osmotic pressure in the distal tubule was elevated without change of water reabsorption. From present and previous results, the increases of osmotic pressure and sodium concentration in distal tubular fluid of fasted rat kidney cannot be explained from an increase of water reabsorption in the Henle's loop. Consequently, natriuresis with fasting may contribute partially to an inhibition of sodium reabsorption in Henle's loops, possibly in the thick ascending limbs. Recovery of C-urea perfused into Henle's loops of fasted rats increased.", "PMID": 987968} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2571", "title": "[Participation of the hypothalamus in conditioning and emotional behavior. (1) Behavior model in rabbits and methods of its analysis].", "content": "An attempt was made to induce conflict behavior in rabbits by conditioning under hypothalamic electrical stimulation. Behavioral analysis was performed using our newly devised technique which employs the use of a vibration apparatus fixed to head and waist, and a recording of various behavior. Conditioning was carried out by sensory stimuli flight behavior. Reinforcement was as follows: the CS used was flickering light photic (10 Hz, 10 musec.,) and acoustic (250 Hz, 15 dB) and UCS electrical stimulation (100 Hz, 1 msec., not exceeding 2 v) in the medial hypothalamic area and peri-fornix. The restrained animals were placed on a table in an acoustically isolated room with a discrete monotonous background noise. CRs were obtained within a short time as were responses: (1) During the autonomicsomatic responses, (2) continuous run and (3) non-continuous run. Data obtained during the non-continuous run represent a conflict-induced type of behavior which may be applied in studies related to the psychopharmacological actions of drugs.", "contents": "[Participation of the hypothalamus in conditioning and emotional behavior. (1) Behavior model in rabbits and methods of its analysis]. An attempt was made to induce conflict behavior in rabbits by conditioning under hypothalamic electrical stimulation. Behavioral analysis was performed using our newly devised technique which employs the use of a vibration apparatus fixed to head and waist, and a recording of various behavior. Conditioning was carried out by sensory stimuli flight behavior. Reinforcement was as follows: the CS used was flickering light photic (10 Hz, 10 musec.,) and acoustic (250 Hz, 15 dB) and UCS electrical stimulation (100 Hz, 1 msec., not exceeding 2 v) in the medial hypothalamic area and peri-fornix. The restrained animals were placed on a table in an acoustically isolated room with a discrete monotonous background noise. CRs were obtained within a short time as were responses: (1) During the autonomicsomatic responses, (2) continuous run and (3) non-continuous run. Data obtained during the non-continuous run represent a conflict-induced type of behavior which may be applied in studies related to the psychopharmacological actions of drugs.", "PMID": 987969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2572", "title": "[Pharmacological studies on degeneration and regeneration of peripheral nerves. (1) Effects of methylcobalamin and cobamide on EMG patterns and loss of muscle weight in rats with crushed sciatic nerve].", "content": "Experiments were performed to investigate the effects of Vitamin B12, i.e., methylcobalamin and cobamide, on the neural degeneration and regeneration. Male Wistar rats (140 to 150 g) under conditions of experimental unilateral sciatic nerve crushing were treated consecutively with methylcobalamin (50 and 500 mug/kg/day i.p.), cobamide (50 and 500 mug/kg/day i.p.) or saline. EMG recordings were periodically carried out and rats of each group were sacrificed to determine the weight-loss of denervated muscles 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after crush. Neither methylcobalamin nor cobamide exerted any significant effect on body-weight gain of the nerve-crushed rats with a daily injection of 50 and 500 mug/kg i.p.. The EMG pattern of the denervated biceps femoris muscle showed a total lack of fibrillation for 2 days after the nerve-crush. Thereafter, the fibrillation appeared and continued for 10 to 14 days until the nerve had regenerated, as evidenced by the appearance of a complex NMU voltage. The occurrence of fibrillation voltage was slightly delayed in methylcobalamin group (500 mug/kg/day) as compared with the saline control group. The re-appearance of normal NMU voltage was more rapid in the methylcobalamin 500 mug/kg group than in controls and other experimental groups. Neither methylcobalamin nor cobamide had any significant effect on the weight-loss of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles following crush of the sciatic nerve. However, a daily injection of 500 mug/kg of methylcobalamin produced a significant increase in the weight of the soleus muscle which recovered to the extent of being the same weight of the contralateral 4 weeks after the nerve-crush. These results suggest that methylcobalamin may have an inhibitory effect on Wallerian degeneration and also a facilitatory effect on the neural regeneration of the crushed sciatic nerve of rats.", "contents": "[Pharmacological studies on degeneration and regeneration of peripheral nerves. (1) Effects of methylcobalamin and cobamide on EMG patterns and loss of muscle weight in rats with crushed sciatic nerve]. Experiments were performed to investigate the effects of Vitamin B12, i.e., methylcobalamin and cobamide, on the neural degeneration and regeneration. Male Wistar rats (140 to 150 g) under conditions of experimental unilateral sciatic nerve crushing were treated consecutively with methylcobalamin (50 and 500 mug/kg/day i.p.), cobamide (50 and 500 mug/kg/day i.p.) or saline. EMG recordings were periodically carried out and rats of each group were sacrificed to determine the weight-loss of denervated muscles 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after crush. Neither methylcobalamin nor cobamide exerted any significant effect on body-weight gain of the nerve-crushed rats with a daily injection of 50 and 500 mug/kg i.p.. The EMG pattern of the denervated biceps femoris muscle showed a total lack of fibrillation for 2 days after the nerve-crush. Thereafter, the fibrillation appeared and continued for 10 to 14 days until the nerve had regenerated, as evidenced by the appearance of a complex NMU voltage. The occurrence of fibrillation voltage was slightly delayed in methylcobalamin group (500 mug/kg/day) as compared with the saline control group. The re-appearance of normal NMU voltage was more rapid in the methylcobalamin 500 mug/kg group than in controls and other experimental groups. Neither methylcobalamin nor cobamide had any significant effect on the weight-loss of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles following crush of the sciatic nerve. However, a daily injection of 500 mug/kg of methylcobalamin produced a significant increase in the weight of the soleus muscle which recovered to the extent of being the same weight of the contralateral 4 weeks after the nerve-crush. These results suggest that methylcobalamin may have an inhibitory effect on Wallerian degeneration and also a facilitatory effect on the neural regeneration of the crushed sciatic nerve of rats.", "PMID": 987970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2573", "title": "[Pharmacological studies on degeneration and regeneration of the peripheral nerves. (2) Effects of methylcobalamin on mitosis of Schwann cells and incorporation of labeled amino acid into protein fractions of crushed sciatic nerve in rats].", "content": "Male Wistar rats (140 to 150 g) in which the unilateral sciatic nerve had been crushed were treated consecutively with methylcobalamin (5, 50 and 500 mug/kg/day i.p.) or saline immediately after the nerve-crush. Thereafter, they were periodically sacrificed for biochemical and histological examinations. At different intervals after the nerve-crush, L-leucine-4,5-T (20 mu Ci/100g, specific activity 15 mCi/m mole) or L-leucine -14C(U) (15 muCi/100g, specific activity 270 mCi/m mole) was given i.p. to some rats of each group and 3 hr later they were sacrificed to determine the rate of leucine incorporation into protein fractions of the crushed nerve and the denervated muscles. The nerve and muscles of the contralateral side served as control. Longitudinal sections of proximal and distal stumps of the sciatic nerve were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. As compared with saline group, repeated injections of 5, 50 and 500 mug/kg/day of methyl-cobalamin caused a significant increase of the in vivo incorporation of radioactive leucine into the protein fraction of the crushed sciatic nerve 5 to 7 days after the crush. In contrast, a recovery of the increased incorporation of leucine into the crushed nerve was more rapid in methylcobalamin groups than in the saline group. On the other hand, methylcobalamin (5 approximately 500 mug/kg/day i.p.) had no significant effect on the leucine incorporation into the denervated muscles (m. gastrocnemius, m. tibialis anterior and m. soleus). In addition, consecutive injections of methylcobalamin (5 approximately 500 mug/kg/day) did not affect the mitosis of Schwann cells during the period of Wallerian degeneration of the crushed sciatic nerve. These results suggest that methylcobalamin possesses a stimulating effect on proteosynthesis in Schwann cells at the initial stage of axon regeneration and it may facilitate neural regeneration.", "contents": "[Pharmacological studies on degeneration and regeneration of the peripheral nerves. (2) Effects of methylcobalamin on mitosis of Schwann cells and incorporation of labeled amino acid into protein fractions of crushed sciatic nerve in rats]. Male Wistar rats (140 to 150 g) in which the unilateral sciatic nerve had been crushed were treated consecutively with methylcobalamin (5, 50 and 500 mug/kg/day i.p.) or saline immediately after the nerve-crush. Thereafter, they were periodically sacrificed for biochemical and histological examinations. At different intervals after the nerve-crush, L-leucine-4,5-T (20 mu Ci/100g, specific activity 15 mCi/m mole) or L-leucine -14C(U) (15 muCi/100g, specific activity 270 mCi/m mole) was given i.p. to some rats of each group and 3 hr later they were sacrificed to determine the rate of leucine incorporation into protein fractions of the crushed nerve and the denervated muscles. The nerve and muscles of the contralateral side served as control. Longitudinal sections of proximal and distal stumps of the sciatic nerve were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. As compared with saline group, repeated injections of 5, 50 and 500 mug/kg/day of methyl-cobalamin caused a significant increase of the in vivo incorporation of radioactive leucine into the protein fraction of the crushed sciatic nerve 5 to 7 days after the crush. In contrast, a recovery of the increased incorporation of leucine into the crushed nerve was more rapid in methylcobalamin groups than in the saline group. On the other hand, methylcobalamin (5 approximately 500 mug/kg/day i.p.) had no significant effect on the leucine incorporation into the denervated muscles (m. gastrocnemius, m. tibialis anterior and m. soleus). In addition, consecutive injections of methylcobalamin (5 approximately 500 mug/kg/day) did not affect the mitosis of Schwann cells during the period of Wallerian degeneration of the crushed sciatic nerve. These results suggest that methylcobalamin possesses a stimulating effect on proteosynthesis in Schwann cells at the initial stage of axon regeneration and it may facilitate neural regeneration.", "PMID": 987971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2574", "title": "[Pharmacological studies on basic ethers (R111 and R97) with antispasmodic activity].", "content": "Pharmacological properties and acute toxicity of 2-tolyl 1-phenyl-3-(2-methylpiperidino) propyl ether methyl bromide (R111) and 2-chlorophenyl 1-phenyl-3-(2-methylpiperidino) propyl ether methyl iodide (R97) were examined. The results obtained were as follows: (1) In the analgesic effects, RIII and R97 inhibited markedly the acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, but in reducing pain induced by heat, R111 and R97 showed negative results. The local anesthetic effect of R111 was approximately equal to that of procaine. R111 and R97 showed no effects on spontaneous locomotion, the convulsion induced by strychnine or pentetrazol, and normal body temperature. (2) R111 and R97 antagonized acetylcholine, barium chloride, nicotine and serotonine-induced spasm, but not that of histamine and bradykinin. In particular they possessed marked anti-barium chloride activity, where their effects were 20 to 30 times more active than that of papaverine. (3) R111 and R97 indicated weak mydriatic activity. (4) R111 and R97 showed inhibitory effects on the pilocarpine-induced sialic secretion and the propulsive movements of the small intestine, but their inhibitory effects on the gastric secretion were relatively weak. (5) R111 and R97 displayed protective effects in Shay's ulcer, but had no curative effects on acetic acid ulcer. (6) R111 and R97 induced temporary reduction of arterial blood pressure and blood flow immediately after the administration of the test compounds in anesthetized rabbits. However, these agents induced no change in ECG, heart rate and respiration. (7) Intraperitoneally administered R111 and R97 were effective in inhibiting the carrageenin-induced edema in the hind paw of rats. From the above results, it may be considered that R111 and R97 have together strong cholinergic blocking and muscotropic antispasmodic effects, moreover, no significant effects on the central nervous system.", "contents": "[Pharmacological studies on basic ethers (R111 and R97) with antispasmodic activity]. Pharmacological properties and acute toxicity of 2-tolyl 1-phenyl-3-(2-methylpiperidino) propyl ether methyl bromide (R111) and 2-chlorophenyl 1-phenyl-3-(2-methylpiperidino) propyl ether methyl iodide (R97) were examined. The results obtained were as follows: (1) In the analgesic effects, RIII and R97 inhibited markedly the acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, but in reducing pain induced by heat, R111 and R97 showed negative results. The local anesthetic effect of R111 was approximately equal to that of procaine. R111 and R97 showed no effects on spontaneous locomotion, the convulsion induced by strychnine or pentetrazol, and normal body temperature. (2) R111 and R97 antagonized acetylcholine, barium chloride, nicotine and serotonine-induced spasm, but not that of histamine and bradykinin. In particular they possessed marked anti-barium chloride activity, where their effects were 20 to 30 times more active than that of papaverine. (3) R111 and R97 indicated weak mydriatic activity. (4) R111 and R97 showed inhibitory effects on the pilocarpine-induced sialic secretion and the propulsive movements of the small intestine, but their inhibitory effects on the gastric secretion were relatively weak. (5) R111 and R97 displayed protective effects in Shay's ulcer, but had no curative effects on acetic acid ulcer. (6) R111 and R97 induced temporary reduction of arterial blood pressure and blood flow immediately after the administration of the test compounds in anesthetized rabbits. However, these agents induced no change in ECG, heart rate and respiration. (7) Intraperitoneally administered R111 and R97 were effective in inhibiting the carrageenin-induced edema in the hind paw of rats. From the above results, it may be considered that R111 and R97 have together strong cholinergic blocking and muscotropic antispasmodic effects, moreover, no significant effects on the central nervous system.", "PMID": 987972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2575", "title": "[Pharmacological studies of 2-(5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-b]pyridin-7-yl) propionic acid (Y-8004) (II). General pharmacological action].", "content": "This anti-inflammatory agent proved to have a therapeutic margin wider than that of indomethacin. Y-8004 exhibited little effect on the central nervous system, somatic and autonomic nervous system. On the cardiovascular system in dogs, Y-8004 induced a slight transient fall in blood pressure followed by a pressor response, increase in heart rate and coronary vasodilation at a dose of 30 mg/kg given intravenously, but no remarkable change was seen on the electrocardiogram. Y-8004 showed no effect on isolated smooth muscles such as vas deferens, ileum and atria, but inhibited gastrointestinal propulsion at a dose of 100 mg/kg given orally in mice and spontaneous contractions of the pregnant uterus of rats at a concentration of more than 10(-6)M. This agent also decreased urine volume and electrolytes in rats. This property was considered to be common to other acidic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. On the other hand, in guinea pigs, Y-8004 inhibited the bradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction and the collagen-induced platelet aggregation to a greater extent than did indomethacin. These findings suggest that Y-8004 is an active compound with properties similar to acidic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as indomethacin.", "contents": "[Pharmacological studies of 2-(5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-b]pyridin-7-yl) propionic acid (Y-8004) (II). General pharmacological action]. This anti-inflammatory agent proved to have a therapeutic margin wider than that of indomethacin. Y-8004 exhibited little effect on the central nervous system, somatic and autonomic nervous system. On the cardiovascular system in dogs, Y-8004 induced a slight transient fall in blood pressure followed by a pressor response, increase in heart rate and coronary vasodilation at a dose of 30 mg/kg given intravenously, but no remarkable change was seen on the electrocardiogram. Y-8004 showed no effect on isolated smooth muscles such as vas deferens, ileum and atria, but inhibited gastrointestinal propulsion at a dose of 100 mg/kg given orally in mice and spontaneous contractions of the pregnant uterus of rats at a concentration of more than 10(-6)M. This agent also decreased urine volume and electrolytes in rats. This property was considered to be common to other acidic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. On the other hand, in guinea pigs, Y-8004 inhibited the bradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction and the collagen-induced platelet aggregation to a greater extent than did indomethacin. These findings suggest that Y-8004 is an active compound with properties similar to acidic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as indomethacin.", "PMID": 987973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2576", "title": "[Pharmacological properties of lopramine].", "content": "Pharmacological properties of LOP were compared with those of imipramine(IMP). LOP had little or no effect on electroconvulsive shock and chemoconvulsions in mice, conditioned avoidance response in rats, pain threshold in mice and rats and body temperature in rabbits. LOP, unlike IMP, showed relatively weak effects on general behavior in mice, spontaneous EEG in cats and spontaneous motor activity in mice. LOP prevented oxotremorine-induced hypothermia but not tremor, while IMP antagonized both the responses in mice. In anesthetized dogs, LOP caused a respiratory stimulation and a fall in blood pressure, left ventribular pressure and left ventricular dp/dt without a noticeable effect on heart rate. LOP was less potent than IMP in the depressor and cardiodepressing effects, antispasmogenic activity and in antagonizing the depressor response to acetylcholine. LOP, like IMP, potentiated pressor response to norepinephrine and reduced that to tyramine in anesthetized dogs, but neither antidepressant produced norepinephrine potentiation in isolated guinea-pig vas deferens. Both drugs inhibited spontaneous motility of the jejunum without reducing the gastric motility in anesthetized dogs. These results indicate that, compared with IMP, LOP is characterized by weak general pharmacological activities.", "contents": "[Pharmacological properties of lopramine]. Pharmacological properties of LOP were compared with those of imipramine(IMP). LOP had little or no effect on electroconvulsive shock and chemoconvulsions in mice, conditioned avoidance response in rats, pain threshold in mice and rats and body temperature in rabbits. LOP, unlike IMP, showed relatively weak effects on general behavior in mice, spontaneous EEG in cats and spontaneous motor activity in mice. LOP prevented oxotremorine-induced hypothermia but not tremor, while IMP antagonized both the responses in mice. In anesthetized dogs, LOP caused a respiratory stimulation and a fall in blood pressure, left ventribular pressure and left ventricular dp/dt without a noticeable effect on heart rate. LOP was less potent than IMP in the depressor and cardiodepressing effects, antispasmogenic activity and in antagonizing the depressor response to acetylcholine. LOP, like IMP, potentiated pressor response to norepinephrine and reduced that to tyramine in anesthetized dogs, but neither antidepressant produced norepinephrine potentiation in isolated guinea-pig vas deferens. Both drugs inhibited spontaneous motility of the jejunum without reducing the gastric motility in anesthetized dogs. These results indicate that, compared with IMP, LOP is characterized by weak general pharmacological activities.", "PMID": 987974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2577", "title": "[Pharmacokinetics and general pharmacological actions of lithium salts administered singly or repeatedly].", "content": "Absorption, distribution and excretion after oral administration of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and/or lithium chloride (LiCl) were studied in Wistar rats and beagle dogs. The maximum level of concentration in the blood was seen within 4 hr after administration of Li2CO3, and a greater part of the orally dosed Li2CO3 was excreted into the urine. The blood and urine Li levels after the administration of LiCl were similar to those seen with Li2CO3. In dogs, Li2CO3 was more slowly excreted into the urine than it was in rats. Li was selectively incorporated into the thyroid and pituitary a short time after administration, and was not detected in any organ 7 days after cessation of repeated dosing for 19 days. The movement of Li into the brain was slow and relatively low levels were achieved after a single administration, but high and constant levels were shown after repeated administration. Effects of Li salts on behavior of ddy mice with repeated administration were investigated. The spontaneous motor activity was suppressed with Li2CO3 more strongly than with LiCl. The high dose of Li2CO3 suppressed not only the stimulating actions of methamphetamine and cocaine, but the ptotic and hypothermic action of reserpine. From these results, it is concluded that the repeated administration of Li salts reveals higher levels of Li ion in the brain than does a single administration, and also more responsive action on the central nervous system.", "contents": "[Pharmacokinetics and general pharmacological actions of lithium salts administered singly or repeatedly]. Absorption, distribution and excretion after oral administration of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and/or lithium chloride (LiCl) were studied in Wistar rats and beagle dogs. The maximum level of concentration in the blood was seen within 4 hr after administration of Li2CO3, and a greater part of the orally dosed Li2CO3 was excreted into the urine. The blood and urine Li levels after the administration of LiCl were similar to those seen with Li2CO3. In dogs, Li2CO3 was more slowly excreted into the urine than it was in rats. Li was selectively incorporated into the thyroid and pituitary a short time after administration, and was not detected in any organ 7 days after cessation of repeated dosing for 19 days. The movement of Li into the brain was slow and relatively low levels were achieved after a single administration, but high and constant levels were shown after repeated administration. Effects of Li salts on behavior of ddy mice with repeated administration were investigated. The spontaneous motor activity was suppressed with Li2CO3 more strongly than with LiCl. The high dose of Li2CO3 suppressed not only the stimulating actions of methamphetamine and cocaine, but the ptotic and hypothermic action of reserpine. From these results, it is concluded that the repeated administration of Li salts reveals higher levels of Li ion in the brain than does a single administration, and also more responsive action on the central nervous system.", "PMID": 987975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2578", "title": "[Studies of gamma-oryzanol (1). Effects on stress-induced ulcer].", "content": "In clinical trials, it is well known that gamma-oryzanol is effective against the syndromes of autonomic nervous unbalance and climacteric disorders. The authors studied the action of gamma-oryzanol on restraint, water-immersion stress ulcer under various conditions in rats. The drug, given 1 to 100 mg/kg s.c. daily for five days, reduced the ulcer index dose-dependently, and slightly prevented the rate of increase in serum level of 11-OHCS. These effects were observed in adrenalectomized as well as sham operated rats. It is likely that the antiulcerogenic action of gamma-oryzanol is due to participation of the autonomic nervous system, but not the hypophyseoadrenal axis.", "contents": "[Studies of gamma-oryzanol (1). Effects on stress-induced ulcer]. In clinical trials, it is well known that gamma-oryzanol is effective against the syndromes of autonomic nervous unbalance and climacteric disorders. The authors studied the action of gamma-oryzanol on restraint, water-immersion stress ulcer under various conditions in rats. The drug, given 1 to 100 mg/kg s.c. daily for five days, reduced the ulcer index dose-dependently, and slightly prevented the rate of increase in serum level of 11-OHCS. These effects were observed in adrenalectomized as well as sham operated rats. It is likely that the antiulcerogenic action of gamma-oryzanol is due to participation of the autonomic nervous system, but not the hypophyseoadrenal axis.", "PMID": 987976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2579", "title": "Rhizosphere mycoflora of wheat after foliar application of chlorocholine chloride, urea and 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid.", "content": "A single-step spraying of wheat during shooting under field conditions with solutions of CCC (chlorocholine chloride), CCC and urea, CCC and Aminex (ammonium salt of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid), or CCC, urea and Aminex caused changes both in numbers and composition of the rhizosphere mycoflora. The numbers both in the rhizosphere of differently treated plants and in the free soil decreased during vegetation. A more pronounced effect in the number of fungi was demonstrated in plants treated only with CCC. The difference was more considerable during first 10 days after the spray. As far as the relative occurrence of individual genera in the rhizosphere soil is concerned, fungi of the genera Penicillium Link ex Fr., Fusarium Link ex Fr., Verticillium Nees and Trichoderma Pers were most influenced after the treatment with the used agents.", "contents": "Rhizosphere mycoflora of wheat after foliar application of chlorocholine chloride, urea and 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid. A single-step spraying of wheat during shooting under field conditions with solutions of CCC (chlorocholine chloride), CCC and urea, CCC and Aminex (ammonium salt of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid), or CCC, urea and Aminex caused changes both in numbers and composition of the rhizosphere mycoflora. The numbers both in the rhizosphere of differently treated plants and in the free soil decreased during vegetation. A more pronounced effect in the number of fungi was demonstrated in plants treated only with CCC. The difference was more considerable during first 10 days after the spray. As far as the relative occurrence of individual genera in the rhizosphere soil is concerned, fungi of the genera Penicillium Link ex Fr., Fusarium Link ex Fr., Verticillium Nees and Trichoderma Pers were most influenced after the treatment with the used agents.", "PMID": 987977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2580", "title": "Mutants of Emmonsia crescens--their pathogenicity and size of adiaspores in vivo.", "content": "The pathogenicity of seven morphological mutants of Emmonsia crescens was tested by means of intraperitoneal inoculation in mice. All mutants caused adiaspiromycosis. Adiaspores were isolated from granulomas after 2 months and their diameters were determined. Adiaspores from granulomas caused by five mutants (M-5, M-6, M-8, M-9 and M-16) were significantly smaller than adiaspores from granulomas caused by the wild strain, from which the mutants were derived. Two mutants (M-6 and M-9) produced adiaspores of the smallest diameter (130.5 and 119.9 mum) with the lowest variance of values, differing thus most from the original wild strain with adiaspores of 230.4 mum in diameter. A positive correlation was found between the size of the adiaspore in vivo and growth rate of the mycelial stage of Emmonsia crescens in vitro. The mutation characterized by the decreased growth rate of the mycelial stage is phenotypically manifested in the adiasporic stage of the life cycle of Emmonsia crescens, i.e. by the smaller average size of adiaspores in granulomas.", "contents": "Mutants of Emmonsia crescens--their pathogenicity and size of adiaspores in vivo. The pathogenicity of seven morphological mutants of Emmonsia crescens was tested by means of intraperitoneal inoculation in mice. All mutants caused adiaspiromycosis. Adiaspores were isolated from granulomas after 2 months and their diameters were determined. Adiaspores from granulomas caused by five mutants (M-5, M-6, M-8, M-9 and M-16) were significantly smaller than adiaspores from granulomas caused by the wild strain, from which the mutants were derived. Two mutants (M-6 and M-9) produced adiaspores of the smallest diameter (130.5 and 119.9 mum) with the lowest variance of values, differing thus most from the original wild strain with adiaspores of 230.4 mum in diameter. A positive correlation was found between the size of the adiaspore in vivo and growth rate of the mycelial stage of Emmonsia crescens in vitro. The mutation characterized by the decreased growth rate of the mycelial stage is phenotypically manifested in the adiasporic stage of the life cycle of Emmonsia crescens, i.e. by the smaller average size of adiaspores in granulomas.", "PMID": 987978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2581", "title": "Antibiotic-induced changes of mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea.", "content": "The effect of antibiotics and metabolic inhibitors on mycelial growth of Botrytis cinera was followed. Inhibitors of protein synthesis, chloramphenicol, erythromycin and tetracycline inhibit growth or sporulation of Botrytis cinera. Ethidium bromide, 5-fluorouracil, phenylethylalcohol and K 20 cause granulation, vacuolization and undulation of hyphase. 2,4-Dinitrophenol, boromycin, macrotetrolides, monensin, scopathricin and TX2 at subfungistatic concentrations induce intensive branching of hyphal tips i.e. at the site of synthesis of the cell wall. In older hyphase grown in the absence of the antibiotics the branching begins after their addition, particularly in the septum region. When comparing the results referred to here with those obtained previously and on the basis of literature data it may be assumed that the changes in polarity of growth of Botrytis cinerea might be caused primarily or secondarily by impairing membrane functions and formation of cell walls.", "contents": "Antibiotic-induced changes of mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea. The effect of antibiotics and metabolic inhibitors on mycelial growth of Botrytis cinera was followed. Inhibitors of protein synthesis, chloramphenicol, erythromycin and tetracycline inhibit growth or sporulation of Botrytis cinera. Ethidium bromide, 5-fluorouracil, phenylethylalcohol and K 20 cause granulation, vacuolization and undulation of hyphase. 2,4-Dinitrophenol, boromycin, macrotetrolides, monensin, scopathricin and TX2 at subfungistatic concentrations induce intensive branching of hyphal tips i.e. at the site of synthesis of the cell wall. In older hyphase grown in the absence of the antibiotics the branching begins after their addition, particularly in the septum region. When comparing the results referred to here with those obtained previously and on the basis of literature data it may be assumed that the changes in polarity of growth of Botrytis cinerea might be caused primarily or secondarily by impairing membrane functions and formation of cell walls.", "PMID": 987979} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2582", "title": "Assimilation spectrum of the yeast Candida utilis 49 used for producing fodder yeast from synthetic ethanol.", "content": "Oxidizing and assimilating ability of the yeast Candida utilis 49 was tested with 21 different low-boiling organic compounds which come as components of raw synthetic ethanol. The highest yields of yeast dry weight were obtained with ethanol (72.0%), propanol (48.2%), ethyl acetate (43.4%) and acetic acid (34.2%). To a minor extent, the yeast was capable of utilizing also 2-propanol, butanol and 2-butanol; it oxidized most of the compounds tested.", "contents": "Assimilation spectrum of the yeast Candida utilis 49 used for producing fodder yeast from synthetic ethanol. Oxidizing and assimilating ability of the yeast Candida utilis 49 was tested with 21 different low-boiling organic compounds which come as components of raw synthetic ethanol. The highest yields of yeast dry weight were obtained with ethanol (72.0%), propanol (48.2%), ethyl acetate (43.4%) and acetic acid (34.2%). To a minor extent, the yeast was capable of utilizing also 2-propanol, butanol and 2-butanol; it oxidized most of the compounds tested.", "PMID": 987980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2583", "title": "[Clinical picture and pathology of the so-called vinyl chloride disease].", "content": "About 26 years ago symptoms of liver and spleen were described for the first time by Tribukh et al. in laborers exposed to vinyl chloride. Besides these symptoms sclerodermia, acroosteolysis and Raynaud's phaenomenon are known to be typical for the VC disease. Rather high concentrations of VC seem to be necessary to cause this disease. After cessation of exposure the symptoms may improve partly. Haemangiosarcoma of the liver may occur as the most serious effect of prolonged exposure to vinyl chloride. Presently 48 cases induced by VC exposure are observed all over the world. Diagnosis is difficult, the prognosis of this cancer is practically always fatal. The improvement of working places by the chemical industries should further reduce the risk of acquiring VC disease as well as haemangioma of the liver due to VC exposure.", "contents": "[Clinical picture and pathology of the so-called vinyl chloride disease]. About 26 years ago symptoms of liver and spleen were described for the first time by Tribukh et al. in laborers exposed to vinyl chloride. Besides these symptoms sclerodermia, acroosteolysis and Raynaud's phaenomenon are known to be typical for the VC disease. Rather high concentrations of VC seem to be necessary to cause this disease. After cessation of exposure the symptoms may improve partly. Haemangiosarcoma of the liver may occur as the most serious effect of prolonged exposure to vinyl chloride. Presently 48 cases induced by VC exposure are observed all over the world. Diagnosis is difficult, the prognosis of this cancer is practically always fatal. The improvement of working places by the chemical industries should further reduce the risk of acquiring VC disease as well as haemangioma of the liver due to VC exposure.", "PMID": 987982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2584", "title": "The ventricular conduction system - ultrastructure and function.", "content": "The ultrastructure and function of the ventricular conducting system in animals are briefly reviewed. As the ventricular conducting cells are resistant to anoxia, an adequate ultrastructural preservation has been obtained in human autopsy material. In a case of cardiomyopathy, abnormalities in the conducting cells are related to current theories of abberant cardiac rhythm. We propose that further knowledge of the human conduction system can be obtained by extended studies of this kind.", "contents": "The ventricular conduction system - ultrastructure and function. The ultrastructure and function of the ventricular conducting system in animals are briefly reviewed. As the ventricular conducting cells are resistant to anoxia, an adequate ultrastructural preservation has been obtained in human autopsy material. In a case of cardiomyopathy, abnormalities in the conducting cells are related to current theories of abberant cardiac rhythm. We propose that further knowledge of the human conduction system can be obtained by extended studies of this kind.", "PMID": 987981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2585", "title": "Susceptibility to leprosy and serum atypical pseudocholinesterase.", "content": "The pseudocholinesterase levels and the nature of the enzyme as shown by the dibucaine number (D.N.) were estimated in 720 controls and 420 lepromatous leprosy patients, and 301 tuberculoid leprosy patients. There was no statistical difference in the esterase levels between leprosy patients and normal controls. But the distribution of D.N. was significantly different in the leprosy patients compared to the normal population studied. The D.N. below 40 indicates the samples with the atypical pseudocholinesterase--the presence of which is genetically determined. The distribution of samples with D.N. below 40 was significantly higher in the lepromatous leprosy patients compared to the normal population or tuberculoid leprosy patients. It is proposed that since there is a greater incidence of the atypical enzyme in lepromatous leprosy cases, the presence of this enzyme or the deficiency of the typical enzyme may make a person more susceptible to leprosy.", "contents": "Susceptibility to leprosy and serum atypical pseudocholinesterase. The pseudocholinesterase levels and the nature of the enzyme as shown by the dibucaine number (D.N.) were estimated in 720 controls and 420 lepromatous leprosy patients, and 301 tuberculoid leprosy patients. There was no statistical difference in the esterase levels between leprosy patients and normal controls. But the distribution of D.N. was significantly different in the leprosy patients compared to the normal population studied. The D.N. below 40 indicates the samples with the atypical pseudocholinesterase--the presence of which is genetically determined. The distribution of samples with D.N. below 40 was significantly higher in the lepromatous leprosy patients compared to the normal population or tuberculoid leprosy patients. It is proposed that since there is a greater incidence of the atypical enzyme in lepromatous leprosy cases, the presence of this enzyme or the deficiency of the typical enzyme may make a person more susceptible to leprosy.", "PMID": 987994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2586", "title": "Peripheral vascular deficit in leprosy.", "content": "There is considerable controversy regarding the frequency and significance of vascular lesions in leprosy. Thirty-five patients of leprosy under 40 years of age, without any local and systemic arterial disease, with normal looking hands and feet, were subjected to brachial arteriography. One patient also had posterior tibial arteriography. Diagnosis of leprosy was confirmed by bacteriologic and histopathologic technics. Biopsy material was studied from the area of radiographic abnormality, similar material was obtained from nine matched control subjects at autopsy. Skin thermometry and reflex vasodilatation were studied in eight cases. Various fractions of serum lipids and cholesterol were estimated in all patients and found to be within normal range. Arteriographic abnormalities such as occlusion, narrowing, tortuosity, dilatation, poststenotic dilatation, irregularity and incomplete filling of the lumen by radio-opaque material, were seen in more than two vessels in 50% of the arteriograms in wrist and palm; digital vessels showed abnormality in 75% to 94% of cases. The ulnar artery was more frequently involved (74%) than the radial (50%). Superficial and deep palmar arches were equally affected. Increased vascularity in hypothenar eminence area was seen in three arteriograms. Marked increase in arcuate vessels was noted in 60% of patients. Some arcuate vessels were serving as collaterals. Histologically, all grades of vessels including capilaries showed changes in nearly half of the patients. Reflex vasodilatation was lost in three patients of dimorphous leprosy, and impaired or absent in three of five patients of lepromatous leprosy. There was no predilection for any form of leprosy to show arterial changes more than others. This study clearly demonstrates that the vascular involvement in leprosy is very frequent and must be playing an important role in causing mutilations and deformities of hands and feet.", "contents": "Peripheral vascular deficit in leprosy. There is considerable controversy regarding the frequency and significance of vascular lesions in leprosy. Thirty-five patients of leprosy under 40 years of age, without any local and systemic arterial disease, with normal looking hands and feet, were subjected to brachial arteriography. One patient also had posterior tibial arteriography. Diagnosis of leprosy was confirmed by bacteriologic and histopathologic technics. Biopsy material was studied from the area of radiographic abnormality, similar material was obtained from nine matched control subjects at autopsy. Skin thermometry and reflex vasodilatation were studied in eight cases. Various fractions of serum lipids and cholesterol were estimated in all patients and found to be within normal range. Arteriographic abnormalities such as occlusion, narrowing, tortuosity, dilatation, poststenotic dilatation, irregularity and incomplete filling of the lumen by radio-opaque material, were seen in more than two vessels in 50% of the arteriograms in wrist and palm; digital vessels showed abnormality in 75% to 94% of cases. The ulnar artery was more frequently involved (74%) than the radial (50%). Superficial and deep palmar arches were equally affected. Increased vascularity in hypothenar eminence area was seen in three arteriograms. Marked increase in arcuate vessels was noted in 60% of patients. Some arcuate vessels were serving as collaterals. Histologically, all grades of vessels including capilaries showed changes in nearly half of the patients. Reflex vasodilatation was lost in three patients of dimorphous leprosy, and impaired or absent in three of five patients of lepromatous leprosy. There was no predilection for any form of leprosy to show arterial changes more than others. This study clearly demonstrates that the vascular involvement in leprosy is very frequent and must be playing an important role in causing mutilations and deformities of hands and feet.", "PMID": 987995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2587", "title": "Vitamins C and E in spontaneous abortion.", "content": "A group of 50 spontaneously aborting women was compared with the same number of pregnant women whose pregnancies terminated uneventfully. Biochemical parameters were studied and particular attention was paid to the vitamin C and E levels in both groups. A significantly higher percentage of aborting women had individual values of serum alpha-tocopherol above the 0.50 mg/100 ml normal limit. There was no significant difference in overall frequency distribution of vitamin C values in both groups. However, at the end of the first trimester the mean values of vitamin C were significantly higher in the aborting group. This could not be interpreted as an evidence of causal association.", "contents": "Vitamins C and E in spontaneous abortion. A group of 50 spontaneously aborting women was compared with the same number of pregnant women whose pregnancies terminated uneventfully. Biochemical parameters were studied and particular attention was paid to the vitamin C and E levels in both groups. A significantly higher percentage of aborting women had individual values of serum alpha-tocopherol above the 0.50 mg/100 ml normal limit. There was no significant difference in overall frequency distribution of vitamin C values in both groups. However, at the end of the first trimester the mean values of vitamin C were significantly higher in the aborting group. This could not be interpreted as an evidence of causal association.", "PMID": 988001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2588", "title": "Occupational therapy in leprosy.", "content": "This paper presents a broad discursive assessment of the philosophy and practices of occupational therapy as related to leprosy. It stresses the role of society, self-care by the patient, integration, vocational training, rehabilitation and the amotivational syndrome, and presents some illustrative original inovations. In conclusion some new approaches are suggested.", "contents": "Occupational therapy in leprosy. This paper presents a broad discursive assessment of the philosophy and practices of occupational therapy as related to leprosy. It stresses the role of society, self-care by the patient, integration, vocational training, rehabilitation and the amotivational syndrome, and presents some illustrative original inovations. In conclusion some new approaches are suggested.", "PMID": 987996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2589", "title": "[Congenital craniopharyngioma].", "content": "Case report of a congenital craniopharyngioma in a full-term male stillborn infant. The tumour was remarkable for its size (10.5 X 9.5 X 6.5 cm) which exceeds those already published in the literature, and for the fact that hydrocephaly was minimal. Histologically, there were long, thin spaces lined by a cubic-like epithelium, and a large number of keratinized epidermic pearls containing peripheral keratohyalin granules. The clinical and neuropathological aspects of this tumour are compared with those of four other cases published in the literature.", "contents": "[Congenital craniopharyngioma]. Case report of a congenital craniopharyngioma in a full-term male stillborn infant. The tumour was remarkable for its size (10.5 X 9.5 X 6.5 cm) which exceeds those already published in the literature, and for the fact that hydrocephaly was minimal. Histologically, there were long, thin spaces lined by a cubic-like epithelium, and a large number of keratinized epidermic pearls containing peripheral keratohyalin granules. The clinical and neuropathological aspects of this tumour are compared with those of four other cases published in the literature.", "PMID": 988005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2590", "title": "Observations on the involvement of wildlife in an epornitic of chlamydiosis in domestic turkeys.", "content": "In an investigation of potential wildlife reservoirs of Chlamydia psittaci at the site of an acute, highly fatal epornitic of chlamydiosis in domestic turkeys in Texas, various species of wild birds and rodents were captured and tested for chlamydial serum antibodies and chlamydiae in their tissues. Thirteen (65%) of 20 blackbirds (Agelaius sp), 4 (44%) of 9 killdeer (Oxyechus vociferus), 3 (27%) of 11 sparrows (Passer sp) and 1 of 4 mourning doves (Zenaidura macroura) were seropositive, but chlamydiae were not isolated from their tissues. Two of 3 rats (2 cotton rats, Sigmodon hispidus, and 1 roof cat, Rattus rattus) were seropositive, but 7 gophers (Citellus sp), 1 ground squirrel (Tamias sp), an opossum (Didelphis virginiana), and a domestic cat (Felis domesticus) were seronegative; however, chlamydiae were recovered from the livers and spleens of the opossum and domestic cat, both of which had been observed scavenging carcasses of turkeys dead of chlamydiosis. Cultures of these isolants were inoculated experimentally into turkeys and produced lesions of chlamydiosis that were indistinguishable from those caused by the strain originally recovered from diseases turkeys on the premises. Nine of 50 domestic goats quartered near the diseased turkeys were tested, and all were seropositive.", "contents": "Observations on the involvement of wildlife in an epornitic of chlamydiosis in domestic turkeys. In an investigation of potential wildlife reservoirs of Chlamydia psittaci at the site of an acute, highly fatal epornitic of chlamydiosis in domestic turkeys in Texas, various species of wild birds and rodents were captured and tested for chlamydial serum antibodies and chlamydiae in their tissues. Thirteen (65%) of 20 blackbirds (Agelaius sp), 4 (44%) of 9 killdeer (Oxyechus vociferus), 3 (27%) of 11 sparrows (Passer sp) and 1 of 4 mourning doves (Zenaidura macroura) were seropositive, but chlamydiae were not isolated from their tissues. Two of 3 rats (2 cotton rats, Sigmodon hispidus, and 1 roof cat, Rattus rattus) were seropositive, but 7 gophers (Citellus sp), 1 ground squirrel (Tamias sp), an opossum (Didelphis virginiana), and a domestic cat (Felis domesticus) were seronegative; however, chlamydiae were recovered from the livers and spleens of the opossum and domestic cat, both of which had been observed scavenging carcasses of turkeys dead of chlamydiosis. Cultures of these isolants were inoculated experimentally into turkeys and produced lesions of chlamydiosis that were indistinguishable from those caused by the strain originally recovered from diseases turkeys on the premises. Nine of 50 domestic goats quartered near the diseased turkeys were tested, and all were seropositive.", "PMID": 988009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2591", "title": "Vaccine-induced canine distemper in a lesser panda.", "content": "A fatal disease occurred in a lesser panda (Ailurus fulgens) 2 weeks after vaccination with modified live distemper vaccine. The disease clinically resembled canine distemper. Pathologically there was giant cell pneumonia, with canine distemper viral inclusion bodies in pulmonary and digestive tract epithelium. Viral isolates were indicative of an attenuated strain rather than virulent types.", "contents": "Vaccine-induced canine distemper in a lesser panda. A fatal disease occurred in a lesser panda (Ailurus fulgens) 2 weeks after vaccination with modified live distemper vaccine. The disease clinically resembled canine distemper. Pathologically there was giant cell pneumonia, with canine distemper viral inclusion bodies in pulmonary and digestive tract epithelium. Viral isolates were indicative of an attenuated strain rather than virulent types.", "PMID": 988010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2592", "title": "Fatal vaccine-induced canine distemper virus infection in black-footed ferrets.", "content": "Four black-footed ferrets that were live-trapped in South Dakota and transported to the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center died within 21 days after vaccination with modified live canine distemper virus. Immunofluorescence, European ferret inoculation, virus isolation attempts, and serum-neutralization tests indicated insufficient attenuation of the vaccine for this species.", "contents": "Fatal vaccine-induced canine distemper virus infection in black-footed ferrets. Four black-footed ferrets that were live-trapped in South Dakota and transported to the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center died within 21 days after vaccination with modified live canine distemper virus. Immunofluorescence, European ferret inoculation, virus isolation attempts, and serum-neutralization tests indicated insufficient attenuation of the vaccine for this species.", "PMID": 988011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2593", "title": "Sperm-egg interactions in the pig: monospermy, extensive polyspermy, and the formation of chromatin aggregates.", "content": "The process of incorporation and metamorphosis of the sperm head within the vitellus has been examined by phase-contrast microscopy in a large series of pig eggs exhibiting either normal monospermic fertilization or extensive polyspermy. This latter condition was induced in vivo after increasing the numbers of capacitated spermatozoa in the Fallopian tubes by pre-ovulatory surgical insemination. Attention was drawn in monospermic eggs to the initial fusion between the spermatozoon and vitelline surface which produced a characteristic constriction in the equatorial region of the head. Immediately following cytoplasmic contact with the sperm nucleus, an increase in size was detectable in this structure, remnants of the inner acrosomal membrane having apparently been displaced during incorporation. In fixed preparations of activated eggs, there was some evidence that the morphologically transformed sperm nucleus underwent a brief period of shrinkage before commencing pronuclear formation. The most striking feature of the polyspermic condition was the number of spermatozoa that had entered the vitellus (2 to greater than 80), and the formation of aggregates of sperm head chromatin in eggs penetrated by more than 20-30 spermatozoa; the heads of at least 8 or 9 spermatozoa could participate in the formation of such an aggregate. Various unusual configurations were noted during breakdown of the midpiece in polyspermic eggs, and degeneration was also a general feature of the cytoplasm in situations of excessive polyspermy. Aspects of the block to polyspermy are discussed, and it is inferred that highly polyspermic pig eggs can still exhibit a zona reaction.", "contents": "Sperm-egg interactions in the pig: monospermy, extensive polyspermy, and the formation of chromatin aggregates. The process of incorporation and metamorphosis of the sperm head within the vitellus has been examined by phase-contrast microscopy in a large series of pig eggs exhibiting either normal monospermic fertilization or extensive polyspermy. This latter condition was induced in vivo after increasing the numbers of capacitated spermatozoa in the Fallopian tubes by pre-ovulatory surgical insemination. Attention was drawn in monospermic eggs to the initial fusion between the spermatozoon and vitelline surface which produced a characteristic constriction in the equatorial region of the head. Immediately following cytoplasmic contact with the sperm nucleus, an increase in size was detectable in this structure, remnants of the inner acrosomal membrane having apparently been displaced during incorporation. In fixed preparations of activated eggs, there was some evidence that the morphologically transformed sperm nucleus underwent a brief period of shrinkage before commencing pronuclear formation. The most striking feature of the polyspermic condition was the number of spermatozoa that had entered the vitellus (2 to greater than 80), and the formation of aggregates of sperm head chromatin in eggs penetrated by more than 20-30 spermatozoa; the heads of at least 8 or 9 spermatozoa could participate in the formation of such an aggregate. Various unusual configurations were noted during breakdown of the midpiece in polyspermic eggs, and degeneration was also a general feature of the cytoplasm in situations of excessive polyspermy. Aspects of the block to polyspermy are discussed, and it is inferred that highly polyspermic pig eggs can still exhibit a zona reaction.", "PMID": 988013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2594", "title": "Effect of cerulenin on the growth and differentiation of Dictyostelium discoideum.", "content": "The growth of Dictyostelium discoideum Ax-2 was inhibited completely by cerulenin at a concentration of 5 mug/ml. This inhibition of growth was found to be due to the inhibition of fatty acid synthesis. Acetate incorporation into a long-chain fatty acid was inhibited completely by cerulenin, and the growth inhibition could be reversed by inclusion of certain saturated fatty acids in the medium. Unsaturated fatty acids and sterols failed to reverse the inhibitory effect. The fatty acid and sterol compositions of cerulenin-treated cells were determined to establish whether the drug could be used to manipulate the organism's lipid composition. Only relatively small manipulations were obtained under the conditions employed in this study. Cerulenin inhibited differentiation but only at high concentrations (150 mug/ml). This inhibition could be reversed by palmitic acid, suggesting that the prime cause of the inhibition was an inhibition of fatty acid synthesis. Thus, it appears that continued fatty acid synthesis is required for the cellular process of differentiation in D. discoideum.", "contents": "Effect of cerulenin on the growth and differentiation of Dictyostelium discoideum. The growth of Dictyostelium discoideum Ax-2 was inhibited completely by cerulenin at a concentration of 5 mug/ml. This inhibition of growth was found to be due to the inhibition of fatty acid synthesis. Acetate incorporation into a long-chain fatty acid was inhibited completely by cerulenin, and the growth inhibition could be reversed by inclusion of certain saturated fatty acids in the medium. Unsaturated fatty acids and sterols failed to reverse the inhibitory effect. The fatty acid and sterol compositions of cerulenin-treated cells were determined to establish whether the drug could be used to manipulate the organism's lipid composition. Only relatively small manipulations were obtained under the conditions employed in this study. Cerulenin inhibited differentiation but only at high concentrations (150 mug/ml). This inhibition could be reversed by palmitic acid, suggesting that the prime cause of the inhibition was an inhibition of fatty acid synthesis. Thus, it appears that continued fatty acid synthesis is required for the cellular process of differentiation in D. discoideum.", "PMID": 988014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2595", "title": "Effects of light and temperature on macrocyst formation in paired mating types of Dictyostelium discoideum.", "content": "Light-dark and temperature shifts performed on myxamoebal populations of mixed mating types indicate that there is early differentiation of the population leading to the macrocyst formation in Dictyostelium discoideum.", "contents": "Effects of light and temperature on macrocyst formation in paired mating types of Dictyostelium discoideum. Light-dark and temperature shifts performed on myxamoebal populations of mixed mating types indicate that there is early differentiation of the population leading to the macrocyst formation in Dictyostelium discoideum.", "PMID": 988015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2596", "title": "Thermal adaptation in yeast: growth temperatures, membrane lipid, and cytochrome composition of psychrophilic, mesophilic, and thermophilic yeasts.", "content": "The temperature limits of growth of a number of yeast species were examined, and on this basis the organisms were classified into different thermal categories. The following species were examined: Leucosporidium frigidum and Leucosporidium nivalis, psychrophilic, temperature limits of growth, -2 to 20 degrees C; Canadian lipolytica mesophilic, temperature limits of growth, 5 to 35 degrees Candida parapsilosis and Saccharomyces telluris, thermotolerant, temperature limits of growth, 8 to 42 degrees C; Torulopsis bovina and Candida slooffi, thermophilic, temperature limits of growth, 25 to 45 degrees C and 28 to 45 degrees C, respectively. The membrane lipid and cytochrome composition of mitochrondrial fractions isolated from these yeasts were compared. There was a direct correlation between the growth temperature and the degree of membrane of lipid unsaturation; the lower the temperature, the greater the degree of lipid unsaturation. The membrane lipid composition of the thermophilic yeasts were distinguished by the high percentage (30 to 40%) of saturated fatty acid, as compared with the mesophilic and psychrophilic yeasts. The latter contained approximately 90% unsaturated fatty acid, 55% of which was linolenic acid, C alpha-18:3. Changes in phospholipid composition in relation to temperature were also noted. The respiratory-deficient thermophile, C. slooffi, was characterized by the absence of cardiolipin (sensitivity 0.1 mug of phosphorus) and cytochrome aa3. The absence of conventional mitochondrial structures in this thermophilic microorganism is tentatively suggested although low concentrations of cytochromes b, c, and c1 were detected by low-temperature spectroscopy. On the other hand, the respiratory-competent thermophile, T. bovina, was characterized by a high cardiolipin (25% of the total phospholipid) and cytochrome aa3 content (1 nmol/mg of mitochrondrial protein). Low-temperature spectra showed the presence of one b-type cytochrome in the thermophilic yeasts, two b-type cytochromes in the mesophilic yeasts, and three b-type cytochromes in the psychrophilic yeasts. It was concluded that a knowledge of the properties of the biological membrane is fundamental to an understanding of the ability of a microorganism to grow and reproduce in different temperature environments.", "contents": "Thermal adaptation in yeast: growth temperatures, membrane lipid, and cytochrome composition of psychrophilic, mesophilic, and thermophilic yeasts. The temperature limits of growth of a number of yeast species were examined, and on this basis the organisms were classified into different thermal categories. The following species were examined: Leucosporidium frigidum and Leucosporidium nivalis, psychrophilic, temperature limits of growth, -2 to 20 degrees C; Canadian lipolytica mesophilic, temperature limits of growth, 5 to 35 degrees Candida parapsilosis and Saccharomyces telluris, thermotolerant, temperature limits of growth, 8 to 42 degrees C; Torulopsis bovina and Candida slooffi, thermophilic, temperature limits of growth, 25 to 45 degrees C and 28 to 45 degrees C, respectively. The membrane lipid and cytochrome composition of mitochrondrial fractions isolated from these yeasts were compared. There was a direct correlation between the growth temperature and the degree of membrane of lipid unsaturation; the lower the temperature, the greater the degree of lipid unsaturation. The membrane lipid composition of the thermophilic yeasts were distinguished by the high percentage (30 to 40%) of saturated fatty acid, as compared with the mesophilic and psychrophilic yeasts. The latter contained approximately 90% unsaturated fatty acid, 55% of which was linolenic acid, C alpha-18:3. Changes in phospholipid composition in relation to temperature were also noted. The respiratory-deficient thermophile, C. slooffi, was characterized by the absence of cardiolipin (sensitivity 0.1 mug of phosphorus) and cytochrome aa3. The absence of conventional mitochondrial structures in this thermophilic microorganism is tentatively suggested although low concentrations of cytochromes b, c, and c1 were detected by low-temperature spectroscopy. On the other hand, the respiratory-competent thermophile, T. bovina, was characterized by a high cardiolipin (25% of the total phospholipid) and cytochrome aa3 content (1 nmol/mg of mitochrondrial protein). Low-temperature spectra showed the presence of one b-type cytochrome in the thermophilic yeasts, two b-type cytochromes in the mesophilic yeasts, and three b-type cytochromes in the psychrophilic yeasts. It was concluded that a knowledge of the properties of the biological membrane is fundamental to an understanding of the ability of a microorganism to grow and reproduce in different temperature environments.", "PMID": 988016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2597", "title": "Isolation of diacylglyceryl-2-aminoethylphosphonate from bovine liver.", "content": "Diacylglyceryl-2-aminoethylphosphonate was isolated from bovine liver by a combination of silicic acid column and silica gel thin-layer chromatographic techniques, and was identified from the results of elementary analysis, the infrared spectrum, chemical properties, and chromatographic behavior. This is the first isolation of a lipid-bound form of ciliatine in mammals.", "contents": "Isolation of diacylglyceryl-2-aminoethylphosphonate from bovine liver. Diacylglyceryl-2-aminoethylphosphonate was isolated from bovine liver by a combination of silicic acid column and silica gel thin-layer chromatographic techniques, and was identified from the results of elementary analysis, the infrared spectrum, chemical properties, and chromatographic behavior. This is the first isolation of a lipid-bound form of ciliatine in mammals.", "PMID": 988017} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2598", "title": "The amino acid sequences of two soybean double headed proteinase inhibitors and evolutionary consideration on the legume proteinase inhibitors.", "content": "Two proteinase inhibitors, C-II and D-II, were isolated from soybeans. C-II was shown to be an inhibitor of bovine trypsin [EC 3.4.21.4], bovine alpha-chymotrypsin [EC 3.4.21.1], and porcine elastase [EC 3.4.21.11], whereas D-II inhibited only trypsin. The complete amino acid sequences of the two inhibitors establishors. On the basis of the specificities of the inhibitors and their homologies with other double-headed inhibitors, the reactive sites of C-II seems to be alanine-22 for elastase and arginine-49 for trypsin (and probably also for chymotrypsin). D-II was quite unique because its both reactive sites are arginine residues and it only inhibits trypsin. It is suggested that D-II might be a primitive form of double-headed inhibitor and that the prototype single-headed inhibitor was a trypsin inhibitor with an arginine residue as the reactive site.", "contents": "The amino acid sequences of two soybean double headed proteinase inhibitors and evolutionary consideration on the legume proteinase inhibitors. Two proteinase inhibitors, C-II and D-II, were isolated from soybeans. C-II was shown to be an inhibitor of bovine trypsin [EC 3.4.21.4], bovine alpha-chymotrypsin [EC 3.4.21.1], and porcine elastase [EC 3.4.21.11], whereas D-II inhibited only trypsin. The complete amino acid sequences of the two inhibitors establishors. On the basis of the specificities of the inhibitors and their homologies with other double-headed inhibitors, the reactive sites of C-II seems to be alanine-22 for elastase and arginine-49 for trypsin (and probably also for chymotrypsin). D-II was quite unique because its both reactive sites are arginine residues and it only inhibits trypsin. It is suggested that D-II might be a primitive form of double-headed inhibitor and that the prototype single-headed inhibitor was a trypsin inhibitor with an arginine residue as the reactive site.", "PMID": 988018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2599", "title": "Kinetic analysis of biochemical differentiation in Dictyostelium discoideum.", "content": "The metabolic network leading to accumulation of cellulose, trehalose, and mucopolysaccharide during development of Dictyostelium discoideum was simulated on a computer. The program consists of a metabolic map, the measured specific activity of the enzymes involved at each stage in development, and the substrate and inhibitor affinities. The Km values of four enzymes, amylase, UDP-galactose polysaccharide transferase, UDP-galactose epimerase, and cellulose synthetase, were determined for this study. At each iteration (1 min) during the period simulated (1500 min), the in vivo activity was calculated for each enzyme using Michaelis-Menten equations and new values for metabolites and end products were generated. The computed values for the concentration of both metabolites and polysaccharides were in close agreement with the measured values at all stages of development. We conclude that the in vitro measured values correlate well with the measured in vivo rates when treated in this manner. The program was modified to simulate the alterations in carbohydrate metabolism which might be expected in mutant strains with reduced activity of various enzymes. Trehalose was found to overaccumulate when either the peak value of the developmentally controlled increase in the specific activity of UDPGlc pyrophosphorylase was reduced. Trehalose accumulation was decreased in simulations of mutants lacking glycogen phosphorylase or glycogen synthetase. The interaction of these metabolic pathways is discussed.", "contents": "Kinetic analysis of biochemical differentiation in Dictyostelium discoideum. The metabolic network leading to accumulation of cellulose, trehalose, and mucopolysaccharide during development of Dictyostelium discoideum was simulated on a computer. The program consists of a metabolic map, the measured specific activity of the enzymes involved at each stage in development, and the substrate and inhibitor affinities. The Km values of four enzymes, amylase, UDP-galactose polysaccharide transferase, UDP-galactose epimerase, and cellulose synthetase, were determined for this study. At each iteration (1 min) during the period simulated (1500 min), the in vivo activity was calculated for each enzyme using Michaelis-Menten equations and new values for metabolites and end products were generated. The computed values for the concentration of both metabolites and polysaccharides were in close agreement with the measured values at all stages of development. We conclude that the in vitro measured values correlate well with the measured in vivo rates when treated in this manner. The program was modified to simulate the alterations in carbohydrate metabolism which might be expected in mutant strains with reduced activity of various enzymes. Trehalose was found to overaccumulate when either the peak value of the developmentally controlled increase in the specific activity of UDPGlc pyrophosphorylase was reduced. Trehalose accumulation was decreased in simulations of mutants lacking glycogen phosphorylase or glycogen synthetase. The interaction of these metabolic pathways is discussed.", "PMID": 988019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2600", "title": "Studies on the disulfide bonds of glycoprotein hormones. Course of reduction of bovine luteinizing hormone, bovine thyroid-stimulating hormone, and their subunits.", "content": "The five disulfide bonds of isolated alpha subunits of luteinizing hormone (LH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are completely reduced at pH 8.5 in 15 min with no denaturant required and with only a slight excess of reducing agent. At pH 7.0, reduction is complete after 6 to 10 h. These results together with an earlier study concerning the positions of the two most readily reduced bonds (Cornell J.S., and Pierce, J.G. (1974) J. Biol. Chem. 249, 4166-4174) show that, in the isolated alpha subunit, all disulfides are readily accessible, although it is possible that a change in conformation, after rapid initial reduction of two disulfides, makes the remaining three more susceptible to reduction. No partially reduced and S-carboxymethylated intermediates were found at pH 7.0 other than those seen at pH 8.5, nor were additional intermediates found at pH 8.5 when reduction was initiated in the presence of alkylating agent. In contrast, reduction of the beta, hormone-specific, subunits of LH and TSH, while complete at pH 8.5 after 2 to 6 h, does not proceed to completion at pH 7.0 even after 24 h or upon addition of 6 M urea or large concentrations of reducing agent, and partially reduced intermediates useful in location of disulfide bridges can be trapped (e.g. Reeve, J.R., Cheng, K.-W., and Pierce, J.G. (1975) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 67, 149-155). Little or no reduction of the intact hormones is found at pH 7.0 in the absence of denaturing agents. This protection by the intact structure shows that the two most readily reduced disulfides of the alpha subunit and the single most readily reduced sidulfide of the beta subunits are either in regions of subunit-subunit contact or that these bonds become more reactive in the isolated subunits because of different influences by neighboring groups. At pH 8.5, intact LH is completely reduced after 6 h, but intact TSH is more resistant to reduction, which may reflect a higher affinity between subunits than exists in LH.", "contents": "Studies on the disulfide bonds of glycoprotein hormones. Course of reduction of bovine luteinizing hormone, bovine thyroid-stimulating hormone, and their subunits. The five disulfide bonds of isolated alpha subunits of luteinizing hormone (LH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are completely reduced at pH 8.5 in 15 min with no denaturant required and with only a slight excess of reducing agent. At pH 7.0, reduction is complete after 6 to 10 h. These results together with an earlier study concerning the positions of the two most readily reduced bonds (Cornell J.S., and Pierce, J.G. (1974) J. Biol. Chem. 249, 4166-4174) show that, in the isolated alpha subunit, all disulfides are readily accessible, although it is possible that a change in conformation, after rapid initial reduction of two disulfides, makes the remaining three more susceptible to reduction. No partially reduced and S-carboxymethylated intermediates were found at pH 7.0 other than those seen at pH 8.5, nor were additional intermediates found at pH 8.5 when reduction was initiated in the presence of alkylating agent. In contrast, reduction of the beta, hormone-specific, subunits of LH and TSH, while complete at pH 8.5 after 2 to 6 h, does not proceed to completion at pH 7.0 even after 24 h or upon addition of 6 M urea or large concentrations of reducing agent, and partially reduced intermediates useful in location of disulfide bridges can be trapped (e.g. Reeve, J.R., Cheng, K.-W., and Pierce, J.G. (1975) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 67, 149-155). Little or no reduction of the intact hormones is found at pH 7.0 in the absence of denaturing agents. This protection by the intact structure shows that the two most readily reduced disulfides of the alpha subunit and the single most readily reduced sidulfide of the beta subunits are either in regions of subunit-subunit contact or that these bonds become more reactive in the isolated subunits because of different influences by neighboring groups. At pH 8.5, intact LH is completely reduced after 6 h, but intact TSH is more resistant to reduction, which may reflect a higher affinity between subunits than exists in LH.", "PMID": 988020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2601", "title": "Studies on the disulfide bonds of glycoprotein hormones. Complete reduction and reoxidation of the disulfide bonds of the alpha subunit of bovine luteinizing hormone.", "content": "Reoxidation of the disulfide bonds of the alpha subunit of bovine luteinizing hormone (LH) after their complete reduction both in the presence and absence of denaturing agent yields a product which is indistinguishable from the native subunit in its electrophoretic pattern on polyacrylamide gels and in its ability to recombine with the beta subunits of both luteinizing hormone and thyrotropin. The circular dichroism spectrum of the reoxidized alpha subunit is essentially identical to that of native alpha subunit except that its maximum at 233 nm is smaller than observed with native LHalpha. The intact hormone preparations obtained by recombination of reoxidized alpha subunit with native LH-beta exhibit electrophoretic patterns in polyacrylamide gels, elution profiles on gel filtration, binding activities to a membrane fraction from rat testes, and circular dichroism spectra identical to those of native LH and recombinants of native LH-alpha with the beta subunit. Recombinants of native or reoxidized LH-alpha with the beta subunit of thyrotropin are also indistinguishable in their electrophoretic patterns on polyacrylamide gels and in their in vivo activities of stimulating 32P uptake in thyroids of day-old chicks. While this study does not preclude that the alpha subunit may be biosynthesized as part of a larger precursor protein, the data demonstrate that sufficient information is present in the linear sequence of the alpha subunit to allow folding and formation of disulfide bonds to yield a functional alpha subunit.", "contents": "Studies on the disulfide bonds of glycoprotein hormones. Complete reduction and reoxidation of the disulfide bonds of the alpha subunit of bovine luteinizing hormone. Reoxidation of the disulfide bonds of the alpha subunit of bovine luteinizing hormone (LH) after their complete reduction both in the presence and absence of denaturing agent yields a product which is indistinguishable from the native subunit in its electrophoretic pattern on polyacrylamide gels and in its ability to recombine with the beta subunits of both luteinizing hormone and thyrotropin. The circular dichroism spectrum of the reoxidized alpha subunit is essentially identical to that of native alpha subunit except that its maximum at 233 nm is smaller than observed with native LHalpha. The intact hormone preparations obtained by recombination of reoxidized alpha subunit with native LH-beta exhibit electrophoretic patterns in polyacrylamide gels, elution profiles on gel filtration, binding activities to a membrane fraction from rat testes, and circular dichroism spectra identical to those of native LH and recombinants of native LH-alpha with the beta subunit. Recombinants of native or reoxidized LH-alpha with the beta subunit of thyrotropin are also indistinguishable in their electrophoretic patterns on polyacrylamide gels and in their in vivo activities of stimulating 32P uptake in thyroids of day-old chicks. While this study does not preclude that the alpha subunit may be biosynthesized as part of a larger precursor protein, the data demonstrate that sufficient information is present in the linear sequence of the alpha subunit to allow folding and formation of disulfide bonds to yield a functional alpha subunit.", "PMID": 988021} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2602", "title": "Mitogen receptors in chick embryo fibroblasts. Kinetics, specificity, unmasking, and synthesis of 125I-insulin binding sites.", "content": "Insulin, a mitogen for cultured chick embryo fibroblasts (Temin, H.M. (1968) Cancer 3, 771-787), has been employed to characterize the effects of mitogen/cell membrane interactions as it relates to growth. The specific binding of 125I-insulin to substratum-attached cells is time- and temperature dependent and is optimum at a pH of 7.0. Fetal calf and chicken sera, somatomedin \"A/C mixed,\" and desalanine or native porcine insulin compete with 125I-insulin for membrane-binding sites. Proinsulin, although competing less effectively than native insulin for binding, is more effective than desoctapeptide insulin. Unrelated polypeptide hormones do not compete for 125I-insulin binding. The lowest concentration of insulin at which specific binding is detected is 0.1 nM. Scatchard plot analysis of the binding data indicates that there are two types of binding sites in confluent cultures of fibroblasts: one of high affinity (K1 = 2 to 6 X 10(8) M-1) and low capacity, the other of low affinity (K2 = 0.8 to 3.0 X 10(7) M-1) and high capacity. Approximately 1.9 and 7.1 X 10(3) molecules of insulin are bound at each site, respectively. A 10-min incubation at 24 degrees of the fibroblasts with 10 mug/ml of trypsin causes a 2-fold stimulation of specific 125I-insulin binding and a similar 2-fold increase in insulin-stimulated 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake and thymidine incorporation. Neuraminidase treatment also produces a 37% increase in specific 125I-insulin binding but treatment with alpha-chymotrypsin or phospholipase C are without significant effect. The results of this and additional experiments support the hypothesis that trypsin treatment of chick embryo fibroblasts leads to an unmasking of 125I-insulin binding sites. Serum starvation of fibroblasts for 12 or 24 h produces a 2.5- to 5-fold increase in specific 125I-insulin binding. This increase is the result of an increase in the number of hormone-binding sites from 9 X 10(3) to 6 X 10(4) per cell which are predominantly of the low affinity type. There is no change in the affinity constants. The presence of camptothecin, or cordycepin, or cycloheximide in the incubation medium completely blocks the increase in number of 125I-insulin-binding sites resulting from serum starvation. The addition of native insulin to the medium of serum-starved cultures also blocks this increase. The magnitude of insulin-stimulated 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake and thymidine incorporation correlates with the levels of occupancy of the low affinity 125I-insulin-binding sites in untreated fibroblasts. In fibroblasts cultured in the absence of serum, the marked increase in insulin-stimulated 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake and thymidine incorporation parallels the increase in number of mitogen receptors. The concentration of insulin that produces a half-maximum stimulation of thymidine incorporation is calculated to be 5 X 10(-8) M. At this concentration of insulin, 42% of the receptor sites are occupied.", "contents": "Mitogen receptors in chick embryo fibroblasts. Kinetics, specificity, unmasking, and synthesis of 125I-insulin binding sites. Insulin, a mitogen for cultured chick embryo fibroblasts (Temin, H.M. (1968) Cancer 3, 771-787), has been employed to characterize the effects of mitogen/cell membrane interactions as it relates to growth. The specific binding of 125I-insulin to substratum-attached cells is time- and temperature dependent and is optimum at a pH of 7.0. Fetal calf and chicken sera, somatomedin \"A/C mixed,\" and desalanine or native porcine insulin compete with 125I-insulin for membrane-binding sites. Proinsulin, although competing less effectively than native insulin for binding, is more effective than desoctapeptide insulin. Unrelated polypeptide hormones do not compete for 125I-insulin binding. The lowest concentration of insulin at which specific binding is detected is 0.1 nM. Scatchard plot analysis of the binding data indicates that there are two types of binding sites in confluent cultures of fibroblasts: one of high affinity (K1 = 2 to 6 X 10(8) M-1) and low capacity, the other of low affinity (K2 = 0.8 to 3.0 X 10(7) M-1) and high capacity. Approximately 1.9 and 7.1 X 10(3) molecules of insulin are bound at each site, respectively. A 10-min incubation at 24 degrees of the fibroblasts with 10 mug/ml of trypsin causes a 2-fold stimulation of specific 125I-insulin binding and a similar 2-fold increase in insulin-stimulated 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake and thymidine incorporation. Neuraminidase treatment also produces a 37% increase in specific 125I-insulin binding but treatment with alpha-chymotrypsin or phospholipase C are without significant effect. The results of this and additional experiments support the hypothesis that trypsin treatment of chick embryo fibroblasts leads to an unmasking of 125I-insulin binding sites. Serum starvation of fibroblasts for 12 or 24 h produces a 2.5- to 5-fold increase in specific 125I-insulin binding. This increase is the result of an increase in the number of hormone-binding sites from 9 X 10(3) to 6 X 10(4) per cell which are predominantly of the low affinity type. There is no change in the affinity constants. The presence of camptothecin, or cordycepin, or cycloheximide in the incubation medium completely blocks the increase in number of 125I-insulin-binding sites resulting from serum starvation. The addition of native insulin to the medium of serum-starved cultures also blocks this increase. The magnitude of insulin-stimulated 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake and thymidine incorporation correlates with the levels of occupancy of the low affinity 125I-insulin-binding sites in untreated fibroblasts. In fibroblasts cultured in the absence of serum, the marked increase in insulin-stimulated 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake and thymidine incorporation parallels the increase in number of mitogen receptors. The concentration of insulin that produces a half-maximum stimulation of thymidine incorporation is calculated to be 5 X 10(-8) M. At this concentration of insulin, 42% of the receptor sites are occupied.", "PMID": 988022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2603", "title": "Biosynthesis of glycosaminolgycans during corneal development.", "content": "Glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis was studied in developing chick corneas, with particular attention paid to keratan sulfate I, the major glycosaminoglycan of this tissue. This polysaccharide is unique to the cornea and may be required for the development and maintenance of corneal transparency. Corneas from 5-to 20-day chick embryos were labeled in vitro with D-[6- 3H] glyhucosamine and H(2)35SO(4)35SO(4) and the amount of label in each glycosaminoglycan was determined. The data indicate that, contrary to previous suggestions, keratan sulfate biosynthesis in the cornea begins at the time of fibroblast invasion of the primary stroma, at least 8 days prior to the onset of corneal transparency, which occurs on Day 14 of the development in the chick. The rate of incorporation of radioactivity into keratan sulfates, on a dry weight basis, increases rapidly after Day 6 and levels off on Day l4. The proportion of 3H and 35S in keratan sulfate reaches nearly maximal levels as early as Day 9. In contrast, the proportion of radioactivity in corneal heparan sulfates declines rapidly after Day 5. However, the rate of incorporation of radioactivity into heparan sulfates, on a dry weight basis, increases or remains the same during early development. On and after Day 14, keratan sulfates appear to become more highly sulfated. Moreover, the ratios of 4-sulfated to 6-sulfated chondroitin sulfates increase during development, reaching a maximum on Day 14. These changing patterns of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis during corneal development may play an important role in corneal morphogenesis and the achievement of corneal transparency", "contents": "Biosynthesis of glycosaminolgycans during corneal development. Glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis was studied in developing chick corneas, with particular attention paid to keratan sulfate I, the major glycosaminoglycan of this tissue. This polysaccharide is unique to the cornea and may be required for the development and maintenance of corneal transparency. Corneas from 5-to 20-day chick embryos were labeled in vitro with D-[6- 3H] glyhucosamine and H(2)35SO(4)35SO(4) and the amount of label in each glycosaminoglycan was determined. The data indicate that, contrary to previous suggestions, keratan sulfate biosynthesis in the cornea begins at the time of fibroblast invasion of the primary stroma, at least 8 days prior to the onset of corneal transparency, which occurs on Day 14 of the development in the chick. The rate of incorporation of radioactivity into keratan sulfates, on a dry weight basis, increases rapidly after Day 6 and levels off on Day l4. The proportion of 3H and 35S in keratan sulfate reaches nearly maximal levels as early as Day 9. In contrast, the proportion of radioactivity in corneal heparan sulfates declines rapidly after Day 5. However, the rate of incorporation of radioactivity into heparan sulfates, on a dry weight basis, increases or remains the same during early development. On and after Day 14, keratan sulfates appear to become more highly sulfated. Moreover, the ratios of 4-sulfated to 6-sulfated chondroitin sulfates increase during development, reaching a maximum on Day 14. These changing patterns of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis during corneal development may play an important role in corneal morphogenesis and the achievement of corneal transparency", "PMID": 988023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2604", "title": "Studies of chemical modifications of proteins by carbon 13 neuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Reaction of hen egg white lysozyme with iodine.", "content": "The reaction of iodine with aromatic residues of hen egg white lysozyme is examined by means of natural abundance 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In the unfractionated product of the reaction at PH 5.5 (with I2/lysozyme molar ratios of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5), the only detectably modified aromatic residues are Trp-108 and either Tyr-20 or Tyr-23 (probably the latter). The rates of reaction at the two sites are similar. The extents of modification (at each site) are approximately 25%, 50%, and approximately greater than 80% for I2/lysozyme molar ratios of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5, respectively. At pH 4.5, the rates of reaction of both residues are about one-third or less of the rates at pH 5.5. When the reaction is carried out at pH 8.5 (with an I2/lysozyme molar ratio of 1.0), only the tyrosine residue is modified. Resonances observed in the spectra of the modified protein mixtures (but not in the spectrum of intact lysozyme) indicate that the modified Trp-108 residue is not oxindolealanine, but either delta1-hydroxytryptophan or an ester thereof. This result is consistent with previous evidence which indicates that the modified tryptophan is the Glu-35 ester of delta1-hydroxytryptophan-108 (Imoto, T., and Rupley, J.A. (1973) J. Mol. Biol. 80, 657-667; Beddell, C. R., Blake, C. C. F., and Oatley, S. J. (1975) J. Mol. Biol. 97, 643-654). The spectra also indicate that the modified tyrosine residue is predominantly monoiodinated. The spectra of modified protein samples subjected to denaturation with 6M guanidinium chloride for 24 h at 37 degrees (and the renatured) indicate that residue 108 is converted to about equal amounts of the two diastereoisomers of oxindolealanine. However, incubation in 6M guanidinium chloride for 2 h at 25 degrees does not cause measurable hydrolysis of the Glu-35 ester of delta1-hydroxytryptophan-108.", "contents": "Studies of chemical modifications of proteins by carbon 13 neuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Reaction of hen egg white lysozyme with iodine. The reaction of iodine with aromatic residues of hen egg white lysozyme is examined by means of natural abundance 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In the unfractionated product of the reaction at PH 5.5 (with I2/lysozyme molar ratios of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5), the only detectably modified aromatic residues are Trp-108 and either Tyr-20 or Tyr-23 (probably the latter). The rates of reaction at the two sites are similar. The extents of modification (at each site) are approximately 25%, 50%, and approximately greater than 80% for I2/lysozyme molar ratios of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5, respectively. At pH 4.5, the rates of reaction of both residues are about one-third or less of the rates at pH 5.5. When the reaction is carried out at pH 8.5 (with an I2/lysozyme molar ratio of 1.0), only the tyrosine residue is modified. Resonances observed in the spectra of the modified protein mixtures (but not in the spectrum of intact lysozyme) indicate that the modified Trp-108 residue is not oxindolealanine, but either delta1-hydroxytryptophan or an ester thereof. This result is consistent with previous evidence which indicates that the modified tryptophan is the Glu-35 ester of delta1-hydroxytryptophan-108 (Imoto, T., and Rupley, J.A. (1973) J. Mol. Biol. 80, 657-667; Beddell, C. R., Blake, C. C. F., and Oatley, S. J. (1975) J. Mol. Biol. 97, 643-654). The spectra also indicate that the modified tyrosine residue is predominantly monoiodinated. The spectra of modified protein samples subjected to denaturation with 6M guanidinium chloride for 24 h at 37 degrees (and the renatured) indicate that residue 108 is converted to about equal amounts of the two diastereoisomers of oxindolealanine. However, incubation in 6M guanidinium chloride for 2 h at 25 degrees does not cause measurable hydrolysis of the Glu-35 ester of delta1-hydroxytryptophan-108.", "PMID": 988024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2605", "title": "Time-dependent changes in Dictyostelium discoideum adenylate cyclase activity upon incubation with ATP.", "content": "In this study we report that preincubation of Dictyostelium discoideum membrane-bound adenylate cyclase with ATP over the concentration range 0.5 to 100 mM results in a loss of catalytic activity and that this effect persists even after removal of ATP. An analysis of the time course of this effect shows that, at 25 mM ATP, a 5- to 10-min preincubation results in 50% loss of activity. Additional studies on this effect showed that anhydride bond cleavage of ATP occurs during the preincubation. However, loss of catalytic activity is not porduced by ADP, AMP, cAMP, adenosine, pyrophosphate, or phosphate either separately or in pairs. Further, using the structural analogs adenosine 5'-(alpha, beta-methylene)triphosphate and adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphonate, we show that there is a direct correlation between alpha-beta-phosphoanhydride bond cleavage and the loss of catalytic activity. These results can be interpreted in terms of two classes of reaction mechanisms: either those involving covalent modifications or those involving a ligand-induced slow conversion of the adenylate cyclase from an active to an inactive form. Additional studies show that the addition of AMP to the reaction mixture, as well as removal of the membrane-bound 5'-nucleotidase activity, can prevent the loss of cyclase activity. These results suggest not only that adenylate cyclase activity is related to the AMP:ATP ratio but that the cyclase activity can be modified by the level of 5'-nucleotidase activity. Studies on the duration of the loss of activity produced by ATP show that following removal of ATP and additional incubation, a gradual recovery of cyclase activity is observed. This result suggests that under appropriate conditions the cyclase inactivation by ATP is reversible.", "contents": "Time-dependent changes in Dictyostelium discoideum adenylate cyclase activity upon incubation with ATP. In this study we report that preincubation of Dictyostelium discoideum membrane-bound adenylate cyclase with ATP over the concentration range 0.5 to 100 mM results in a loss of catalytic activity and that this effect persists even after removal of ATP. An analysis of the time course of this effect shows that, at 25 mM ATP, a 5- to 10-min preincubation results in 50% loss of activity. Additional studies on this effect showed that anhydride bond cleavage of ATP occurs during the preincubation. However, loss of catalytic activity is not porduced by ADP, AMP, cAMP, adenosine, pyrophosphate, or phosphate either separately or in pairs. Further, using the structural analogs adenosine 5'-(alpha, beta-methylene)triphosphate and adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphonate, we show that there is a direct correlation between alpha-beta-phosphoanhydride bond cleavage and the loss of catalytic activity. These results can be interpreted in terms of two classes of reaction mechanisms: either those involving covalent modifications or those involving a ligand-induced slow conversion of the adenylate cyclase from an active to an inactive form. Additional studies show that the addition of AMP to the reaction mixture, as well as removal of the membrane-bound 5'-nucleotidase activity, can prevent the loss of cyclase activity. These results suggest not only that adenylate cyclase activity is related to the AMP:ATP ratio but that the cyclase activity can be modified by the level of 5'-nucleotidase activity. Studies on the duration of the loss of activity produced by ATP show that following removal of ATP and additional incubation, a gradual recovery of cyclase activity is observed. This result suggests that under appropriate conditions the cyclase inactivation by ATP is reversible.", "PMID": 988025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2606", "title": "Mechanism of malic enzyme from pigeon liver. Magnetic resonance and kinetic studies of the role of Mn2+.", "content": "As determined by EPR, malic enzyme from pigeon liver binds Mn2+ with a half-site stoichiometry of two tight binding sites (KD=6 to 10 mum) per enzyme tetramer and at two to four weak binding sites (KD=0.43 to 1.34 mM). The activation of malic enzyme by Mn2+ at high levels of L-malate shows biphasic kinetics yielding two activator constants for Mn2+. The dissociation constants of Mn2+ for both classes of sites are of the same order as the kinetically determined activator constants of Mn2+, indicating active site binding at both classes of binding sites. The binding of Mn2+ to the tight sites enhances the paramagnetic effect of Mn2+ on 1/T1 of water protons by a factor (epsilon) of 17, while binding at the weak sites yields a smaller epsilon of 11. The coenzymes TPN and TPNH have no effects on epsilon, while the carboxylic acid substrates L-malate and pyruvate and the inhibitors D-malate and oxalate significantly decrease epsilon. TPNH causes a 38-fold tightening of binding of the substrate L-malate to the enzyme-Mn2+ complex, consistent with the previously described highly ordered kinetic scheme, but only a 2-fold tightening of binding of the competitive inhibitor D-malate. The dissociation constant of L-malate from the quaternary E-Mn2+-TPNH-L-malate complex (32 muM) agrees with the Km of L-malate (25 muM), indicating active site binding. The dissociation constants of pyruvate from the ternary E-Mn2+-pyruvate complex (12 mM) and from the quaternary E-Mn2+-TPN-pyruvate complex (20 mM) are similar to the Km of pyruvate (5 mM), also indicating active site binding and a less highly ordered kinetic scheme for the reactions of pyruvate than for those of L-malate. Analysis of the frequency dependence of 1/T1 of water protons indicates that two fast exchanging water ligands remain coordinated to Mn2+ in the binary E-Mn2+ complex. The binding of the substrates L-malate and pyruvate and of the transition state analog oxalate to the E-Mn2+ complex decrease the number of fast exchanging water ligands on Mn2+ by approximately 1, but the binding of D-malate has no significant effect on this parameter, indicating the occlusion or replacement of a water ligand of the enzyme-bound Mn2+ by a properly oriented substituent on C-2 of the substrate. Occlusion rather than replacement of a water ligand by pyruvate is established by studies of 1/T1 of 13COO- and 13CO-enriched pyruvate which indicate second sphere Mn2+ to pyruvate distances of 4.6 A (COO-) and 4.8 A (CO) in the ternary enzyme-Mn2+-pyruvate complex. Formation of the quaternary complex with TPN increases these distances by 0.8 A, indicating the participation of a second sphere enzyme-Mn2+-(H2O)-pyruvate complex in catalysis. Thus, malic enzyme, like five other enzymes which utilize metals to polarize carbonyl groups, forms a second sphere complex with its substrate.", "contents": "Mechanism of malic enzyme from pigeon liver. Magnetic resonance and kinetic studies of the role of Mn2+. As determined by EPR, malic enzyme from pigeon liver binds Mn2+ with a half-site stoichiometry of two tight binding sites (KD=6 to 10 mum) per enzyme tetramer and at two to four weak binding sites (KD=0.43 to 1.34 mM). The activation of malic enzyme by Mn2+ at high levels of L-malate shows biphasic kinetics yielding two activator constants for Mn2+. The dissociation constants of Mn2+ for both classes of sites are of the same order as the kinetically determined activator constants of Mn2+, indicating active site binding at both classes of binding sites. The binding of Mn2+ to the tight sites enhances the paramagnetic effect of Mn2+ on 1/T1 of water protons by a factor (epsilon) of 17, while binding at the weak sites yields a smaller epsilon of 11. The coenzymes TPN and TPNH have no effects on epsilon, while the carboxylic acid substrates L-malate and pyruvate and the inhibitors D-malate and oxalate significantly decrease epsilon. TPNH causes a 38-fold tightening of binding of the substrate L-malate to the enzyme-Mn2+ complex, consistent with the previously described highly ordered kinetic scheme, but only a 2-fold tightening of binding of the competitive inhibitor D-malate. The dissociation constant of L-malate from the quaternary E-Mn2+-TPNH-L-malate complex (32 muM) agrees with the Km of L-malate (25 muM), indicating active site binding. The dissociation constants of pyruvate from the ternary E-Mn2+-pyruvate complex (12 mM) and from the quaternary E-Mn2+-TPN-pyruvate complex (20 mM) are similar to the Km of pyruvate (5 mM), also indicating active site binding and a less highly ordered kinetic scheme for the reactions of pyruvate than for those of L-malate. Analysis of the frequency dependence of 1/T1 of water protons indicates that two fast exchanging water ligands remain coordinated to Mn2+ in the binary E-Mn2+ complex. The binding of the substrates L-malate and pyruvate and of the transition state analog oxalate to the E-Mn2+ complex decrease the number of fast exchanging water ligands on Mn2+ by approximately 1, but the binding of D-malate has no significant effect on this parameter, indicating the occlusion or replacement of a water ligand of the enzyme-bound Mn2+ by a properly oriented substituent on C-2 of the substrate. Occlusion rather than replacement of a water ligand by pyruvate is established by studies of 1/T1 of 13COO- and 13CO-enriched pyruvate which indicate second sphere Mn2+ to pyruvate distances of 4.6 A (COO-) and 4.8 A (CO) in the ternary enzyme-Mn2+-pyruvate complex. Formation of the quaternary complex with TPN increases these distances by 0.8 A, indicating the participation of a second sphere enzyme-Mn2+-(H2O)-pyruvate complex in catalysis. Thus, malic enzyme, like five other enzymes which utilize metals to polarize carbonyl groups, forms a second sphere complex with its substrate.", "PMID": 988026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2607", "title": "Proteins and glycoproteins of membranes from developing chick red cells.", "content": "Membrane vesicles produced when chick erythroid cells are disrupted by nitrogen cavitation were isolated by centrifugation in a sucrose step gradient and purified on a linear sucrose gradient. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel analysis of isolated membranes shows eight to ten proteins and four to five glycoproteins. Membranes must be prepared with protease inhibitors, otherwise an endogenous activity degrades high molecular weight polypeptide components. Red cells from several stages of development (5- and 17-day embryos and adult chickens) all appear to have the same major embrane proteins. However, primitive erythroid cells from 5-day embryos lack a Mr = 40,000 glycoprotein that is present in definitive erythrocytes from 17-day embryos and from adult chickens; erythrocytes from young chicks show a decrease in the amount of a glycoprotein of Mr = 50,000. Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination of intact 5-day embryonic red cells detects three surface components which comigrate with the membrane glycoproteins on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels.", "contents": "Proteins and glycoproteins of membranes from developing chick red cells. Membrane vesicles produced when chick erythroid cells are disrupted by nitrogen cavitation were isolated by centrifugation in a sucrose step gradient and purified on a linear sucrose gradient. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel analysis of isolated membranes shows eight to ten proteins and four to five glycoproteins. Membranes must be prepared with protease inhibitors, otherwise an endogenous activity degrades high molecular weight polypeptide components. Red cells from several stages of development (5- and 17-day embryos and adult chickens) all appear to have the same major embrane proteins. However, primitive erythroid cells from 5-day embryos lack a Mr = 40,000 glycoprotein that is present in definitive erythrocytes from 17-day embryos and from adult chickens; erythrocytes from young chicks show a decrease in the amount of a glycoprotein of Mr = 50,000. Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination of intact 5-day embryonic red cells detects three surface components which comigrate with the membrane glycoproteins on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels.", "PMID": 988027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2608", "title": "Reversible particle movements associated with unstacking and restacking of chloroplast membranes in vitro.", "content": "Freeze-fracture and freeze-etch techniques have been employed to study the supramolecular structure of isolated spinach chloroplast membranes and to monitor structural changes associated with in vitro unstacking and restacking of these membranes. High-resolution particle size histograms prepared from the four fracture faces of normal chloroplast membranes reveal the presence of four distinct categories of intramembranous particles that are nonrandomly distributed between grana and stroma membranes. The large surface particles show a one to one relationship with the EF-face particles. Since the distribution of these particles between grana and stroma membranes coincides with the distribution of photosystem II (PS II) activity, it is argued that they could be structural equivalents of PS II complexes. An interpretative model depicting the structural relationship between all categories of particles is presented. Experimental unstacking of chloroplast membranes in low-salt medium for at least 45 min leads to a reorganization of the lamellae and to a concomitant intermixing of the different categories of membrane particles by means of translational movements in the plane of the membrane. In vitro restacking of such experimentally unstacked chloroplast membranes can be achieved by adding 2-20 mM MgCl2 or 100-200 mM NaCl to the membrane suspension. Membranes allowed to restack for at least 1 h at room temperature demonstrate a resegregation of the EF-face particles into the newly formed stacked membrane regions to yield a pattern and a size distribution nearly indistinguishable from the normally stacked controls. Restacking occurs in two steps: a rapid adhesion of adjoining stromal membrane surfaces with little particle movement, and a slower diffusion of additional large intramembranous particles into the stacked regions where they become trapped. Chlorophyll a:chlorophyll b ratios of membrane fraction obtained from normal, unstacked, and restacked membranes show that the particle movements are paralleled by movements of pigment molecules. The directed and reversible movements of membrane particles in isolated chloroplasts are compared with those reported for particles of plasma membranes.", "contents": "Reversible particle movements associated with unstacking and restacking of chloroplast membranes in vitro. Freeze-fracture and freeze-etch techniques have been employed to study the supramolecular structure of isolated spinach chloroplast membranes and to monitor structural changes associated with in vitro unstacking and restacking of these membranes. High-resolution particle size histograms prepared from the four fracture faces of normal chloroplast membranes reveal the presence of four distinct categories of intramembranous particles that are nonrandomly distributed between grana and stroma membranes. The large surface particles show a one to one relationship with the EF-face particles. Since the distribution of these particles between grana and stroma membranes coincides with the distribution of photosystem II (PS II) activity, it is argued that they could be structural equivalents of PS II complexes. An interpretative model depicting the structural relationship between all categories of particles is presented. Experimental unstacking of chloroplast membranes in low-salt medium for at least 45 min leads to a reorganization of the lamellae and to a concomitant intermixing of the different categories of membrane particles by means of translational movements in the plane of the membrane. In vitro restacking of such experimentally unstacked chloroplast membranes can be achieved by adding 2-20 mM MgCl2 or 100-200 mM NaCl to the membrane suspension. Membranes allowed to restack for at least 1 h at room temperature demonstrate a resegregation of the EF-face particles into the newly formed stacked membrane regions to yield a pattern and a size distribution nearly indistinguishable from the normally stacked controls. Restacking occurs in two steps: a rapid adhesion of adjoining stromal membrane surfaces with little particle movement, and a slower diffusion of additional large intramembranous particles into the stacked regions where they become trapped. Chlorophyll a:chlorophyll b ratios of membrane fraction obtained from normal, unstacked, and restacked membranes show that the particle movements are paralleled by movements of pigment molecules. The directed and reversible movements of membrane particles in isolated chloroplasts are compared with those reported for particles of plasma membranes.", "PMID": 988028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2609", "title": "Microtubules and control of insect egg shape.", "content": "This study evidence for tension transmission by microtubules and desmosomes in the follicular epithelium during anisometric growth of certain insect eggs. Most insect oocytes, and the follicles which surround them, grow anisometrically as they assume shapes which approximate to those of long prolate spheroids. Surface growth is most rapid in directions which parallel the polar axis of an oocyte and slowest in circumferential directions at right angles to this axis. The longitudinal axes of microtubule bundles in follicle cells of the gall midge Heteropeza and the cockroach Periplaneta are oriented circumferentially with respect to the surfaces of developing eggs and at right angles to the polar axes of eggs. At cell boundaries, the tubules appear to be attached to spot desmosomes. It is suggested that microtubules and desmosomes form a mechanical continuum throughout a follicular epithelium which transmits tensile forces around the circumference of a growing egg. Follicular resistance to circumferential expansion may be largely responsible for defining the elongate form of insect eggs.", "contents": "Microtubules and control of insect egg shape. This study evidence for tension transmission by microtubules and desmosomes in the follicular epithelium during anisometric growth of certain insect eggs. Most insect oocytes, and the follicles which surround them, grow anisometrically as they assume shapes which approximate to those of long prolate spheroids. Surface growth is most rapid in directions which parallel the polar axis of an oocyte and slowest in circumferential directions at right angles to this axis. The longitudinal axes of microtubule bundles in follicle cells of the gall midge Heteropeza and the cockroach Periplaneta are oriented circumferentially with respect to the surfaces of developing eggs and at right angles to the polar axes of eggs. At cell boundaries, the tubules appear to be attached to spot desmosomes. It is suggested that microtubules and desmosomes form a mechanical continuum throughout a follicular epithelium which transmits tensile forces around the circumference of a growing egg. Follicular resistance to circumferential expansion may be largely responsible for defining the elongate form of insect eggs.", "PMID": 988029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2610", "title": "Concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin receptors on Dictyostelium discoideum. Their visualization by scanning electron microscopy with microspheres.", "content": "The cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum, is a convenient model for studying cellular interactions during development. Evidence that specific cell surface components are involved in cellular interactions during its development has been obtained by Gerisch and co-workers (1, 2) using immunological techniques. Smart and Hynes (3) have shown that a cell surface protein can be iodinated on cells in aggregation phase, but not in vegetative phase, by the lactoperoxidase procedure. Recently, McMahon et al. (4), and Hoffman and McMahon have demonstrated, by SDS gel electrophoresis, considerable differences in cell surface proteins and glycoproteins of plasma membranes isolated from cells at different stages of development. Plant lectins have also been used to monitor changes in cell surface properties of D. discoideum cells during development. Weeks and co-workers (5, 6) have detected differences in the binding and agglutination of cells by concanavalin A (Con A). Gillette and Filosa (7) have shown that Con A inhibits cell aggregation and prematurely induces cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. Capping of Con A receptors has also been reported (8). Reitherman et al. (9) have recently reported that agglutination of cells by several plant lectins and the slime mold agglutination, discoidin, changes during development. Such studies indicate that differences in surface properties exist for cells at various stages of development. However, owing to the uncertainties in the factors which contribute to lectin-induced cell agglutination (10), the molecular basis for these observations remain to be determined. In this study, we have used microspheres (11-14) coupled to either Con A or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) as visual markers to study by scanning electron microscopy the topographical distribution of lectin receptors on D. discoideum cells fixed at different stages of development. We also describe the effect of labeling on the distribution of lectin receptors and on the morphology of the cell surface.", "contents": "Concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin receptors on Dictyostelium discoideum. Their visualization by scanning electron microscopy with microspheres. The cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum, is a convenient model for studying cellular interactions during development. Evidence that specific cell surface components are involved in cellular interactions during its development has been obtained by Gerisch and co-workers (1, 2) using immunological techniques. Smart and Hynes (3) have shown that a cell surface protein can be iodinated on cells in aggregation phase, but not in vegetative phase, by the lactoperoxidase procedure. Recently, McMahon et al. (4), and Hoffman and McMahon have demonstrated, by SDS gel electrophoresis, considerable differences in cell surface proteins and glycoproteins of plasma membranes isolated from cells at different stages of development. Plant lectins have also been used to monitor changes in cell surface properties of D. discoideum cells during development. Weeks and co-workers (5, 6) have detected differences in the binding and agglutination of cells by concanavalin A (Con A). Gillette and Filosa (7) have shown that Con A inhibits cell aggregation and prematurely induces cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. Capping of Con A receptors has also been reported (8). Reitherman et al. (9) have recently reported that agglutination of cells by several plant lectins and the slime mold agglutination, discoidin, changes during development. Such studies indicate that differences in surface properties exist for cells at various stages of development. However, owing to the uncertainties in the factors which contribute to lectin-induced cell agglutination (10), the molecular basis for these observations remain to be determined. In this study, we have used microspheres (11-14) coupled to either Con A or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) as visual markers to study by scanning electron microscopy the topographical distribution of lectin receptors on D. discoideum cells fixed at different stages of development. We also describe the effect of labeling on the distribution of lectin receptors and on the morphology of the cell surface.", "PMID": 988030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2611", "title": "Initiation of brain tubulin assembly by a high molecular weight flagellar protein factor.", "content": "A protein factor found within the flagella of Chlamydomonas and sea urchin sperm is capable of stimulating the initiation of calf and chick brain tubulin dimer assembly in vitro.", "contents": "Initiation of brain tubulin assembly by a high molecular weight flagellar protein factor. A protein factor found within the flagella of Chlamydomonas and sea urchin sperm is capable of stimulating the initiation of calf and chick brain tubulin dimer assembly in vitro.", "PMID": 988031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2612", "title": "Changes in the topography of the sea urchin egg after fertilization.", "content": "Changes in the topography of the sea urchin egg after fertilization were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Strongylocentrotus purpuratus eggs were treated with dithiothreitol to modify the vitelline layer and to prevent formation of a fertilization membrane. Dithiothreitol treatment caused the microvilli to become more irregular in shape, length, and diameter than those of untreated eggs. The microvilli were similarly modified by trypsin treatment. This effect did not appear to be due to disruption of cytoskeletal elements beneath the plasma membrane, for neither colchicine nor cytochalasin B altered microvillar morphology. Thus, it appears that the vitelline layer may act in the maintenance of surface form of unfertilized eggs. Since dithiothreitol-treated eggs did not elevate a fertilization membrane, scanning electron microscopy could be used to directly observe modifications in the egg plasma membrane after fertilization. The wave of cortical granule exocytosis initiated at the point of attachment of the fertilizing sperm was characterized by the appearance of pits that subsequently opened, releasing the cortical granule contents and leaving depressions upon the egg surface. The perigranular membranes inserted during exocytosis were seen as smooth patches between the microvillous patches remaining from the original egg surface. This produced a mosaic surface with more than double the amount of membrane of unfertilized eggs. The mosaic surface subsequently reorganized to accommodate the inserted membrane material by elongation of microvilli. Blebs and membranous whorls present before reorganization suggested the existence of an unstable intermediate state of plasma membrane reorganization. Exocytosis and mosaic membrane formation were not blocked by colchicine or cytochalasin B, but microvillar elongation was blocked by cytochalasin B treatment.", "contents": "Changes in the topography of the sea urchin egg after fertilization. Changes in the topography of the sea urchin egg after fertilization were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Strongylocentrotus purpuratus eggs were treated with dithiothreitol to modify the vitelline layer and to prevent formation of a fertilization membrane. Dithiothreitol treatment caused the microvilli to become more irregular in shape, length, and diameter than those of untreated eggs. The microvilli were similarly modified by trypsin treatment. This effect did not appear to be due to disruption of cytoskeletal elements beneath the plasma membrane, for neither colchicine nor cytochalasin B altered microvillar morphology. Thus, it appears that the vitelline layer may act in the maintenance of surface form of unfertilized eggs. Since dithiothreitol-treated eggs did not elevate a fertilization membrane, scanning electron microscopy could be used to directly observe modifications in the egg plasma membrane after fertilization. The wave of cortical granule exocytosis initiated at the point of attachment of the fertilizing sperm was characterized by the appearance of pits that subsequently opened, releasing the cortical granule contents and leaving depressions upon the egg surface. The perigranular membranes inserted during exocytosis were seen as smooth patches between the microvillous patches remaining from the original egg surface. This produced a mosaic surface with more than double the amount of membrane of unfertilized eggs. The mosaic surface subsequently reorganized to accommodate the inserted membrane material by elongation of microvilli. Blebs and membranous whorls present before reorganization suggested the existence of an unstable intermediate state of plasma membrane reorganization. Exocytosis and mosaic membrane formation were not blocked by colchicine or cytochalasin B, but microvillar elongation was blocked by cytochalasin B treatment.", "PMID": 988032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2613", "title": "Clonal lines of teratocarcinoma cells in vitro: differentiation and cytogenetic characteristics.", "content": "Clonal lines of embryonal carcinoma cells have been established in culture from four independently-derived transplantable teratocarcinomas of mice: three from strain C3H and one from strain 129/Sv. Cells from all lines retain the capacity to differentiate into a variety of tissue types both in tumors formed following the injection of cells into syngeneic animals and in vitro under appropriate culture conditions. Analysis of their G-banded chromosomes indicated that the four lines have near-diploid but not absolutely normal karyotypes. The same chromosomal abnormalities were often present in more than one line. Tetraploid embryonal carcinoma cells made by Colcemid or cytochalasin B treatment were also pluripotential in spite of chromosomal instability. Hybrid cells were readily obtained between diploid or tetraploid embryonal carcinoma cells and mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. Hybrid cells failed to differentiate and were contact inhibited like the 3T3 parent.", "contents": "Clonal lines of teratocarcinoma cells in vitro: differentiation and cytogenetic characteristics. Clonal lines of embryonal carcinoma cells have been established in culture from four independently-derived transplantable teratocarcinomas of mice: three from strain C3H and one from strain 129/Sv. Cells from all lines retain the capacity to differentiate into a variety of tissue types both in tumors formed following the injection of cells into syngeneic animals and in vitro under appropriate culture conditions. Analysis of their G-banded chromosomes indicated that the four lines have near-diploid but not absolutely normal karyotypes. The same chromosomal abnormalities were often present in more than one line. Tetraploid embryonal carcinoma cells made by Colcemid or cytochalasin B treatment were also pluripotential in spite of chromosomal instability. Hybrid cells were readily obtained between diploid or tetraploid embryonal carcinoma cells and mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. Hybrid cells failed to differentiate and were contact inhibited like the 3T3 parent.", "PMID": 988033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2614", "title": "Aggregation in Polysphondylium.", "content": "Dense aggregating fields of P. violaceum and P. pallidum exhibit propagated waves which may be analogous to those seen in Dictyostelium discoideum. As in D. discoideum the wave velocity is determined by an intracellular delay between stimulation and response, rather than by the diffusion coefficient of the acrasin. The frequency of the propagated wave overlaps that of aggregating D. discoideum, so that absence of coaggregation reported by Raper & Thom is unlikely to be based on specificity of the propagated wave parameters, but rather on a difference in the chemical acrasin itself, as argued on independent evidence by Bonner. Despite this difference in the chemical nature of the acrasin, the presence of propagated waves in Polysphondylium with frequencies similar to those in D. discoideum, taken together with evidence for a diffusible acrasin, suggests that the mechanism of aggregation is substantially the same in both genera.", "contents": "Aggregation in Polysphondylium. Dense aggregating fields of P. violaceum and P. pallidum exhibit propagated waves which may be analogous to those seen in Dictyostelium discoideum. As in D. discoideum the wave velocity is determined by an intracellular delay between stimulation and response, rather than by the diffusion coefficient of the acrasin. The frequency of the propagated wave overlaps that of aggregating D. discoideum, so that absence of coaggregation reported by Raper & Thom is unlikely to be based on specificity of the propagated wave parameters, but rather on a difference in the chemical acrasin itself, as argued on independent evidence by Bonner. Despite this difference in the chemical nature of the acrasin, the presence of propagated waves in Polysphondylium with frequencies similar to those in D. discoideum, taken together with evidence for a diffusible acrasin, suggests that the mechanism of aggregation is substantially the same in both genera.", "PMID": 988034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2615", "title": "Cyclic adenosine monophosphate and the development of Polysphondylium.", "content": "Centre formation in Polysphondylium violaceum is delayed for 2 h on buffered agar containing 10(-3) M c-AMP, and for up to 22 h on unbuffered agar with the same c-AMP concentration. With ambient c-AMP concentrations as low as 10(-6) M, P. pallidum forms numerous, small, atypical aggregates which do not fruit. This effect is independent of whether the agar is buffered. P. violaceum amoebae are weakly attracted to the tip of a microelectrole containing 10(-3) or 10(-4) M c-AMP, but the electrode cannot compete when natural centres form nearby. P. pallidum amoebae are not attracted. Aggregates of P. violaceum and of P. pallidum are strongly attracted to a microelectrode releasing c-AMP. The observation of Shaffer that Polysphondylium grex switch over from secreting an acrasin that attracts homologous amoebae to one that attracts the larger Dictyostelium species suggests that the second acrasin might by c-AMP. The above results strengthen this conjecture. As c-AMP inhibits centre formation, the secretion of c-AMP by older aggregates may explain an inhibition of centre formation in the 'overlay' experiments of Shaffer.", "contents": "Cyclic adenosine monophosphate and the development of Polysphondylium. Centre formation in Polysphondylium violaceum is delayed for 2 h on buffered agar containing 10(-3) M c-AMP, and for up to 22 h on unbuffered agar with the same c-AMP concentration. With ambient c-AMP concentrations as low as 10(-6) M, P. pallidum forms numerous, small, atypical aggregates which do not fruit. This effect is independent of whether the agar is buffered. P. violaceum amoebae are weakly attracted to the tip of a microelectrole containing 10(-3) or 10(-4) M c-AMP, but the electrode cannot compete when natural centres form nearby. P. pallidum amoebae are not attracted. Aggregates of P. violaceum and of P. pallidum are strongly attracted to a microelectrode releasing c-AMP. The observation of Shaffer that Polysphondylium grex switch over from secreting an acrasin that attracts homologous amoebae to one that attracts the larger Dictyostelium species suggests that the second acrasin might by c-AMP. The above results strengthen this conjecture. As c-AMP inhibits centre formation, the secretion of c-AMP by older aggregates may explain an inhibition of centre formation in the 'overlay' experiments of Shaffer.", "PMID": 988035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2616", "title": "Differentiation and positioning of nuclei in eggs of the cecidomyid Heteropeza pygmaea.", "content": "During the first three cleavage divisions of the egg nuclei a precise sequence of spindle orientation and elongation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the egg is apparently involved in positioning one nucleus among the polar granules at the posterior pole of the egg. The size of this nucleus, and the position at which the egg cleaves when pole cell formation occurs, appear to constitute part of the mechanism which ensures that only one nucleus is included in the first pole cell. Blastoderm formation occurs without a well-defined migration of nuclei to the egg surface. Nuclei are so large in relation to the size of the egg that uniform spacing and distribution of nuclei ensures that a large proportion are situated near the egg surface. Those nuclei which are near the egg surface divide synchronously to form a layer of blastoderm nuclei, while membranous cleavage furrows invaginate from the egg surface between them. Nuclei in the central region of the egg chamber condense to form yolk nuclei before blastoderm nuclei have been separated from the rest of the egg by the completion of the cleavage membranes. Polar granules provide the only evidence of fine-structural differences in different regions of the egg chamber cytoplasm. They are found near the posterior pole of the egg from an early stage of oogenesis. They undergo a specific sequence of structural changes and increase in size as the egg grows. No microtubular or microfibrillar arrays have been found in the egg chamber which might form a cytoskeletal basis for spindle orientation or for the spatial differences which develop during differentiation of the uncleaved egg cytoplasm.", "contents": "Differentiation and positioning of nuclei in eggs of the cecidomyid Heteropeza pygmaea. During the first three cleavage divisions of the egg nuclei a precise sequence of spindle orientation and elongation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the egg is apparently involved in positioning one nucleus among the polar granules at the posterior pole of the egg. The size of this nucleus, and the position at which the egg cleaves when pole cell formation occurs, appear to constitute part of the mechanism which ensures that only one nucleus is included in the first pole cell. Blastoderm formation occurs without a well-defined migration of nuclei to the egg surface. Nuclei are so large in relation to the size of the egg that uniform spacing and distribution of nuclei ensures that a large proportion are situated near the egg surface. Those nuclei which are near the egg surface divide synchronously to form a layer of blastoderm nuclei, while membranous cleavage furrows invaginate from the egg surface between them. Nuclei in the central region of the egg chamber condense to form yolk nuclei before blastoderm nuclei have been separated from the rest of the egg by the completion of the cleavage membranes. Polar granules provide the only evidence of fine-structural differences in different regions of the egg chamber cytoplasm. They are found near the posterior pole of the egg from an early stage of oogenesis. They undergo a specific sequence of structural changes and increase in size as the egg grows. No microtubular or microfibrillar arrays have been found in the egg chamber which might form a cytoskeletal basis for spindle orientation or for the spatial differences which develop during differentiation of the uncleaved egg cytoplasm.", "PMID": 988036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2617", "title": "The effects of dietary sodium on the diurnal activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the excretion of urinary electrolytes.", "content": "Diurnal variations of five normal men were tested over three 24 h consecutive periods. The first experiment began at 0900 h after the subjects had fasted for 12 h and a normal sodium diet of about 70-80 mEq was given at 0900 h, 1200h, and 1630 h (total of about 220 mEq of Na). Significant variations in the plasma renin activity (PRA), in the plasma aldosterone (PA), and in the urinary Na and K outputs were found. The second experiment began at 1200 h with the first feeding time at 2100 h after fasting about 24 h and the subjects were given a normal sodium diet as in the first experiment, but with the meals given at 2100 h, 2400 h, and 0430 h. The diurnal variations in PRA, plasma aldosterone, and urinary electrolytes disappeared. From this study, it appears that the diurnal variation in urinary electrolyte excretion is a factor of the diurnal variation in PRA and plasma aldosterone. The diurnal variation in PRA and plasma aldosterone are related to the timing of sodium ingestion.", "contents": "The effects of dietary sodium on the diurnal activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the excretion of urinary electrolytes. Diurnal variations of five normal men were tested over three 24 h consecutive periods. The first experiment began at 0900 h after the subjects had fasted for 12 h and a normal sodium diet of about 70-80 mEq was given at 0900 h, 1200h, and 1630 h (total of about 220 mEq of Na). Significant variations in the plasma renin activity (PRA), in the plasma aldosterone (PA), and in the urinary Na and K outputs were found. The second experiment began at 1200 h with the first feeding time at 2100 h after fasting about 24 h and the subjects were given a normal sodium diet as in the first experiment, but with the meals given at 2100 h, 2400 h, and 0430 h. The diurnal variations in PRA, plasma aldosterone, and urinary electrolytes disappeared. From this study, it appears that the diurnal variation in urinary electrolyte excretion is a factor of the diurnal variation in PRA and plasma aldosterone. The diurnal variation in PRA and plasma aldosterone are related to the timing of sodium ingestion.", "PMID": 988054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2618", "title": "An androgen binding protein in the cyst fluid of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.", "content": "Androgen binding proteins (ABP) have not been described in the ovary. We have studied cyst fluids from three patients with the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and one patient with choriocarcinoma for the presence of ABP. All contained a high affinity, low capacity binding protein for dihydrotestosterone and 17beta-estradiol. Comparison of this protein with the plasma androgen binding protein (TeBG) in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and equilibrium dialysis did not reveal any significant differences in molecular size (Kg) net charge (Yo), radius R, molecular weight (mol wt), heat stability, steroid specificity, or binding affinity (Ka). Cyst fluid and plasma could not be distinguished from each other on the basis of protein composition as measured by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. In the one patient studied, the binding capacity for DHT in cyst fluid and plasma was 58.1 and 16.1 ng/Gm protein, respectively.", "contents": "An androgen binding protein in the cyst fluid of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Androgen binding proteins (ABP) have not been described in the ovary. We have studied cyst fluids from three patients with the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and one patient with choriocarcinoma for the presence of ABP. All contained a high affinity, low capacity binding protein for dihydrotestosterone and 17beta-estradiol. Comparison of this protein with the plasma androgen binding protein (TeBG) in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and equilibrium dialysis did not reveal any significant differences in molecular size (Kg) net charge (Yo), radius R, molecular weight (mol wt), heat stability, steroid specificity, or binding affinity (Ka). Cyst fluid and plasma could not be distinguished from each other on the basis of protein composition as measured by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. In the one patient studied, the binding capacity for DHT in cyst fluid and plasma was 58.1 and 16.1 ng/Gm protein, respectively.", "PMID": 988055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2619", "title": "Stimulation of RNA and protein synthesis in isolated chondrocytes by human serum.", "content": "The stimulation of isolated chicken embryo chondrocytes was studied by measuring the incorporation of [3H]uridine and [3H]leucine into cold trichloroacetic acid precipitable material after exposure of the chondrocytes to serum. The doseresponse relationships for the incorporation of uridine and leucine were similar to that of thymidine previously demonstrated. Exposure of the cells to serum-containing buffer for 15 min sufficed both for the stimulation of incorporation into the cells and for the depletion of 28% of the stimulating activity from the medium. Stimulation persisted for at least 17 h after removal of the serum. Studies where actinomycin D was added to inhibit RNA synthesis suggested that prior RNA synthesis was required for most of the stimulation of protein synthesis by serum factors.", "contents": "Stimulation of RNA and protein synthesis in isolated chondrocytes by human serum. The stimulation of isolated chicken embryo chondrocytes was studied by measuring the incorporation of [3H]uridine and [3H]leucine into cold trichloroacetic acid precipitable material after exposure of the chondrocytes to serum. The doseresponse relationships for the incorporation of uridine and leucine were similar to that of thymidine previously demonstrated. Exposure of the cells to serum-containing buffer for 15 min sufficed both for the stimulation of incorporation into the cells and for the depletion of 28% of the stimulating activity from the medium. Stimulation persisted for at least 17 h after removal of the serum. Studies where actinomycin D was added to inhibit RNA synthesis suggested that prior RNA synthesis was required for most of the stimulation of protein synthesis by serum factors.", "PMID": 988056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2620", "title": "Stimulation of DNA synthesis in isolated chondrocytes by somatomedin. II. Validation of the assay for clinical use and comparison with stimulation of protein synthesis.", "content": "The effects of GH on cartilage may be mediated by a variety of serum factors (somatomedins; SM). We have reported (Endocrinology 90: 1086, 1972) stimulation of thymidine incorporation in isolated chicken embryo chondrocytes by normal human serum. This was greater than that caused by serum from patients with hypopituitarism. We have now compared the stimulatory activity estimated by [3H]thymidine incorporation (SMT) with that estimated by [3H]leucine incorporation in 46 sera from children with GH deficiency; with short stature, but normal GH responsiveness; or with normal stature and normal GH responsiveness. These activities were also measured in sera from 9 normal adults and 12 acromegalics. Sera from GH deficient children had reduced SMT activity (.54 +/- .04; (mean +/- SE) P less than .01) compared to normal children (.83 +/- .08) whereas the sera from children with short stature and normal GH responsiveness had higher levels than normal (1.19 +/- .10: P less than .02). Acromegalic adults averaged higher SMT activity than normal adults (1.62 +/- .15 vs. 1.17 +/- .11; P less than .05). In sharp contrast, the leucine incorporation was essentially the same in the different groups of children. These studies have validated the use of the incorporation of thymidine into isolated chicken embryo chondrocytes as an adjunct in the evaluation of children with short stature (82.6% of the samples from children gave results that were consistent with their status as determined by provocative tests for GH). The disparity between the results with thymidine incorporation and those with leucine incorporation is as yet unexplained.", "contents": "Stimulation of DNA synthesis in isolated chondrocytes by somatomedin. II. Validation of the assay for clinical use and comparison with stimulation of protein synthesis. The effects of GH on cartilage may be mediated by a variety of serum factors (somatomedins; SM). We have reported (Endocrinology 90: 1086, 1972) stimulation of thymidine incorporation in isolated chicken embryo chondrocytes by normal human serum. This was greater than that caused by serum from patients with hypopituitarism. We have now compared the stimulatory activity estimated by [3H]thymidine incorporation (SMT) with that estimated by [3H]leucine incorporation in 46 sera from children with GH deficiency; with short stature, but normal GH responsiveness; or with normal stature and normal GH responsiveness. These activities were also measured in sera from 9 normal adults and 12 acromegalics. Sera from GH deficient children had reduced SMT activity (.54 +/- .04; (mean +/- SE) P less than .01) compared to normal children (.83 +/- .08) whereas the sera from children with short stature and normal GH responsiveness had higher levels than normal (1.19 +/- .10: P less than .02). Acromegalic adults averaged higher SMT activity than normal adults (1.62 +/- .15 vs. 1.17 +/- .11; P less than .05). In sharp contrast, the leucine incorporation was essentially the same in the different groups of children. These studies have validated the use of the incorporation of thymidine into isolated chicken embryo chondrocytes as an adjunct in the evaluation of children with short stature (82.6% of the samples from children gave results that were consistent with their status as determined by provocative tests for GH). The disparity between the results with thymidine incorporation and those with leucine incorporation is as yet unexplained.", "PMID": 988057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2621", "title": "Alpha subunit contamination of human albumin preparations: interference in radioimmunoassy.", "content": "Certain preparations of human serum albumin have been found to decrease the apparent titer of antisera to alpha subunit of human TSH (hTSH-alpha) and the sensitivity of the resultant radioimmunoassay for the immunologically common alpha subunit of the human glycoprotein hormones. Utilizing bovine serum albumin as the carrier protein, antisera to hTSH-alpha had 20-fold higher titers, and the resultant radioimmunoassay demonstrated 20-fold greater sensitivity for alpha subunit. Interference in the alpha immunoassay was not caused by protease since protease inhibitors did not eliminate it. Gel chromatography of human serum albumin revealed alph immunoactivity in an elution position identical to that of standard alpha subunit. Only certain human serum albumin preparations demonstrated interference in the radioimmunoassay because of the species specificity of the alpha subunit.A possible explanation for the alpha subunit contamination of human albumin preparations may be contamination of the serum source with placental blood, which contains large quantities of the alpha subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin.", "contents": "Alpha subunit contamination of human albumin preparations: interference in radioimmunoassy. Certain preparations of human serum albumin have been found to decrease the apparent titer of antisera to alpha subunit of human TSH (hTSH-alpha) and the sensitivity of the resultant radioimmunoassay for the immunologically common alpha subunit of the human glycoprotein hormones. Utilizing bovine serum albumin as the carrier protein, antisera to hTSH-alpha had 20-fold higher titers, and the resultant radioimmunoassay demonstrated 20-fold greater sensitivity for alpha subunit. Interference in the alpha immunoassay was not caused by protease since protease inhibitors did not eliminate it. Gel chromatography of human serum albumin revealed alph immunoactivity in an elution position identical to that of standard alpha subunit. Only certain human serum albumin preparations demonstrated interference in the radioimmunoassay because of the species specificity of the alpha subunit.A possible explanation for the alpha subunit contamination of human albumin preparations may be contamination of the serum source with placental blood, which contains large quantities of the alpha subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin.", "PMID": 988058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2622", "title": "An assessment of the macrophage electrophoretic mobility test (MEM) in cancer diagnosis.", "content": "The results of an assessment of the macrophage electrophoretic mobility test in cancer diagnosis are described. We found that the test did not reliably distinguish between a group of 18 patients with benign disorders and a group of 25 with malignant disease.", "contents": "An assessment of the macrophage electrophoretic mobility test (MEM) in cancer diagnosis. The results of an assessment of the macrophage electrophoretic mobility test in cancer diagnosis are described. We found that the test did not reliably distinguish between a group of 18 patients with benign disorders and a group of 25 with malignant disease.", "PMID": 988059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2623", "title": "Ontogeny of behavioral arousal in rats: effect of maternal and sibling presence.", "content": "Spontaneous locomotor activity of 5- to 30-day-old rats housed either alone or in the presence of various components of the normal nest and litter stimuli was recorded by means of time-lapse videography. Developing animals observed alone showed a sharp increase in total daily locomotor activity from Day 5 to Day 15 followed by a rapid decline from Day 15 to Day 30. Individual animals observed in the context of the normal litter environment showed an entirely different pattern of development. They were relatively inactive during the first 15 days of life and then began a gradual increase of activity which continued for the next 15 days. The heightened activity characteristic of the isolated 15-day old inhibited by the presence of four siblings, an anesthetized lactating female, or an anesthetized adult male rat. Thermal conditioning, including heating of the floor to approximately nest temperature or the presence of a heated tube in one corner of the test apparatus, did not inhibit the heightened activity. These results question the generality of the ontogenetic sequence of excitation and inhibition proposed by Campbell and his associates - at least a portion of the heightened activity seem around 15 days of age was the result of isolation distress, not merely maturational changes in the brain.", "contents": "Ontogeny of behavioral arousal in rats: effect of maternal and sibling presence. Spontaneous locomotor activity of 5- to 30-day-old rats housed either alone or in the presence of various components of the normal nest and litter stimuli was recorded by means of time-lapse videography. Developing animals observed alone showed a sharp increase in total daily locomotor activity from Day 5 to Day 15 followed by a rapid decline from Day 15 to Day 30. Individual animals observed in the context of the normal litter environment showed an entirely different pattern of development. They were relatively inactive during the first 15 days of life and then began a gradual increase of activity which continued for the next 15 days. The heightened activity characteristic of the isolated 15-day old inhibited by the presence of four siblings, an anesthetized lactating female, or an anesthetized adult male rat. Thermal conditioning, including heating of the floor to approximately nest temperature or the presence of a heated tube in one corner of the test apparatus, did not inhibit the heightened activity. These results question the generality of the ontogenetic sequence of excitation and inhibition proposed by Campbell and his associates - at least a portion of the heightened activity seem around 15 days of age was the result of isolation distress, not merely maturational changes in the brain.", "PMID": 988061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2624", "title": "Reactivation of alkaline phosphatase in ultra high-temperature, short-time processed liquid milk products.", "content": "Alkaline phosphatase (enzyme) reactivation was studied in liquid milk products heated to 87.8 to 121.1 C for less than 1 s in a continuous, two-phase, slug-flow heat exchanger. The effects of magnesium concentration, pH, incubation temperature, homogenization pressure, processing temperature, fat content, and initial enzyme concentration were investigated. Jersey milk from one farm showed seasonal variations in enzyme concentration and its reactivation behavior. Increased reactivation in products with high fat content was due to high initial enzyme concentration in the product. Homogenization of products before heating decreased reactivation. Maximum reactivation occurred in products heated to 104.4 C, incubated at 34 C, and adjusted to pH 6.5. Maximum velocity of reactivation and reactivation constant varied with milk samples. Activation energy for the control and samples with magnesium was 22.646 +/- .118 and 24.100 +/- .210 kJ mole-1, respectively. The enzyme from raw and reactivated cream contained two major isozymes, and the reactivated isozyme differed from the control. The official method for differentiating residual and reactivated enzymes was modified in terms of magnesium concentration and extent of reactivation of the enzyme in the reactivated product.", "contents": "Reactivation of alkaline phosphatase in ultra high-temperature, short-time processed liquid milk products. Alkaline phosphatase (enzyme) reactivation was studied in liquid milk products heated to 87.8 to 121.1 C for less than 1 s in a continuous, two-phase, slug-flow heat exchanger. The effects of magnesium concentration, pH, incubation temperature, homogenization pressure, processing temperature, fat content, and initial enzyme concentration were investigated. Jersey milk from one farm showed seasonal variations in enzyme concentration and its reactivation behavior. Increased reactivation in products with high fat content was due to high initial enzyme concentration in the product. Homogenization of products before heating decreased reactivation. Maximum reactivation occurred in products heated to 104.4 C, incubated at 34 C, and adjusted to pH 6.5. Maximum velocity of reactivation and reactivation constant varied with milk samples. Activation energy for the control and samples with magnesium was 22.646 +/- .118 and 24.100 +/- .210 kJ mole-1, respectively. The enzyme from raw and reactivated cream contained two major isozymes, and the reactivated isozyme differed from the control. The official method for differentiating residual and reactivated enzymes was modified in terms of magnesium concentration and extent of reactivation of the enzyme in the reactivated product.", "PMID": 988062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2625", "title": "Lead and cadmium in California raw milk.", "content": "An atomic absorption procedure for the simultaneous measurement of lead and cadmium in raw whole milk has been developed and tested. A 100 g sample is dry ashed at a temperature not exceeding 425 C. The ash then is dissolved in hydrochloric acid and neutralized with ammonium hydroxide to pH 8.5 in the presence of ammonium citrate. Potassium cyanide is added to complex interfering ions followed by addition of ammonium pyrrolidino carbo dithioate to complex lead and cadmium. After the ammonium pyrrolidino carbo dithioate complexes are extracted in isoamylacetate, the lead and cadmium are measured in the extract by atomic absorption. Mean recoveries of lead and cadmium added to raw whole milk were 92.1 +/- 2.9% and 97.5 +/- 2.5%. A statewide survey showed that the mean concentration of lead in 350 raw milk samples was 91 mug/kg; 222 of the samples were below 100 mug/kg. The mean concentration of cadmium in 315 raw milk samples was 6.0 mug/kg; 40 samples had 1.0 mug/kg or less, and 255 of the samples were below 10.0 mug/kg.", "contents": "Lead and cadmium in California raw milk. An atomic absorption procedure for the simultaneous measurement of lead and cadmium in raw whole milk has been developed and tested. A 100 g sample is dry ashed at a temperature not exceeding 425 C. The ash then is dissolved in hydrochloric acid and neutralized with ammonium hydroxide to pH 8.5 in the presence of ammonium citrate. Potassium cyanide is added to complex interfering ions followed by addition of ammonium pyrrolidino carbo dithioate to complex lead and cadmium. After the ammonium pyrrolidino carbo dithioate complexes are extracted in isoamylacetate, the lead and cadmium are measured in the extract by atomic absorption. Mean recoveries of lead and cadmium added to raw whole milk were 92.1 +/- 2.9% and 97.5 +/- 2.5%. A statewide survey showed that the mean concentration of lead in 350 raw milk samples was 91 mug/kg; 222 of the samples were below 100 mug/kg. The mean concentration of cadmium in 315 raw milk samples was 6.0 mug/kg; 40 samples had 1.0 mug/kg or less, and 255 of the samples were below 10.0 mug/kg.", "PMID": 988063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2626", "title": "Vitamin B12 in rumen wall and liver.", "content": "Samples of liver, rumen wall, and rumen mucosa (rumen wall stripped of its muscle) were assayed for vitamin B12 by specific and nonspecific methods. Mean differences between methods were negligible. Rumen mucosa and rumen wall contained approximately 10% as much vitamin B12 as liver. The B12 contents of liver and rumen mucosa were correlated whereas those of liver and rumen wall were not.", "contents": "Vitamin B12 in rumen wall and liver. Samples of liver, rumen wall, and rumen mucosa (rumen wall stripped of its muscle) were assayed for vitamin B12 by specific and nonspecific methods. Mean differences between methods were negligible. Rumen mucosa and rumen wall contained approximately 10% as much vitamin B12 as liver. The B12 contents of liver and rumen mucosa were correlated whereas those of liver and rumen wall were not.", "PMID": 988064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2627", "title": "Etiology of growth failure in a clinic population.", "content": "To identify the basis of growth failure, the background of preschool children whose growth fell below 97 per cent of their peers was compared with that of those who demonstrated a higher level of growth achievement. A questionnaire administered at the home of each child documented living conditions, health history, and other family characteristics. Families of the growth-retarded children had higher income, higher credit payments, and used higher dollar values of Food Stamps. A greater percentage of the growth-retarded children were low-birth-weight infants. However, neither low birth weight nor any other one factor consistently predicted poor growth achievement. The need for adequate growth standards to correctly diagnose achievement remains a primary need in the field of nutritional assessment.", "contents": "Etiology of growth failure in a clinic population. To identify the basis of growth failure, the background of preschool children whose growth fell below 97 per cent of their peers was compared with that of those who demonstrated a higher level of growth achievement. A questionnaire administered at the home of each child documented living conditions, health history, and other family characteristics. Families of the growth-retarded children had higher income, higher credit payments, and used higher dollar values of Food Stamps. A greater percentage of the growth-retarded children were low-birth-weight infants. However, neither low birth weight nor any other one factor consistently predicted poor growth achievement. The need for adequate growth standards to correctly diagnose achievement remains a primary need in the field of nutritional assessment.", "PMID": 988066} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2628", "title": "Earnings, education, genetics, and environment.", "content": "A major and well-recognized difficulty in estimating the effects of education on earnings is that the more educated are likely to be more able, irrespective of education. If ability also determines earnings and is not controlled, ordinary least squares will yield biased estimates of the education coefficient. In this study, we use data on identical twins to control for differences in ability that arise from genetic endowments and family environment. Not controlling for genetics and family environment may cause a large bias, up to two-thirds of the noncontrolled coefficient.", "contents": "Earnings, education, genetics, and environment. A major and well-recognized difficulty in estimating the effects of education on earnings is that the more educated are likely to be more able, irrespective of education. If ability also determines earnings and is not controlled, ordinary least squares will yield biased estimates of the education coefficient. In this study, we use data on identical twins to control for differences in ability that arise from genetic endowments and family environment. Not controlling for genetics and family environment may cause a large bias, up to two-thirds of the noncontrolled coefficient.", "PMID": 988067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2629", "title": "Oxygen-dependent circulation of sickle erythrocytes.", "content": "The effects of in vivo hyperoxia and hypoxia on the intravascular survival of 51Cr-labeled human sickle erythrocytes (SS RBS's) were studied after transfusion into rats and guinea pigs. The function of these animals' reticuloendothelial and complement systems had been previously inhibited by ethyl palmitate and cobra venom factor, thus allowing extension of the survival of the heterologous human RBC's. In the blood of rats breathing ambient air the 51Cr half-life survival of RBC's from 11 patients with sickle-cell anemia (mean, 7.1 hours; range, 2.0 to 16.5 hours) was significantly shorter (p less than 0.001) than that of five control subjects (mean, 17.5 hours; range, 12.0 to 26.5 hours). When rats transfused with sickle RBC's were exposed to 100 per cent O2, a mean increment of 16.5 per cent blood 51Cr activity was observed within the first 15 to 60 minutes of hyperoxia. Subsequent oxygen deprivation (7 to 8 per cent O2) resulted in an equally rapid decrease (mean, 35.6 per cent) in blood 51Cr activity. Continuation of hypoxia for up to 17 hours did not cause further acceleration of 51Cr activity. Continuation of hypoxia for up to 17 hours did not cause further acceleration of 51 Cr RBC clearance. Under these conditions the slope of the sickle RBC survival curve was similar to that in animals kept in ambient air. After hypoxic rats were allowed to breate room air again, mean 51Cr blood activity increased by 41.7 per cent. Sickle RBC's transfused to guinea pigs exhibited similar oxygen-dependent survival characteristics. The survival of 51Cr RBC's from four adult control subjects and of unlabeled fetal RBC's from three human cord blood samples was unaffected by oxygen changes. When rats that had been transfused with sickle reticulocytes labeled in vitro with 59Fe were made hypoxic, a decrease in blood 59Fe activity was observed. The extent of this decrease was comparable to that in rats transfused with 51Cr labeled RBC's from the same patients. There was increased liver and spleen 51Cr activity in animals transfused with 51Cr SS RBC's and killed during hypoxia when compared to that of hyperoxic animals. These studies suggest that a minor population of sickle cells is removed from circulation during hypoxia and circulates again upon reoxygenation of the animals. Erythrocyte aging does not appear to be responsible for this phenomenon. The oxygen-depdendent circulation of a population of SS RBC's in this animal system is probably due to reversible sickling and trapping of sickled cells in the microcirculation.", "contents": "Oxygen-dependent circulation of sickle erythrocytes. The effects of in vivo hyperoxia and hypoxia on the intravascular survival of 51Cr-labeled human sickle erythrocytes (SS RBS's) were studied after transfusion into rats and guinea pigs. The function of these animals' reticuloendothelial and complement systems had been previously inhibited by ethyl palmitate and cobra venom factor, thus allowing extension of the survival of the heterologous human RBC's. In the blood of rats breathing ambient air the 51Cr half-life survival of RBC's from 11 patients with sickle-cell anemia (mean, 7.1 hours; range, 2.0 to 16.5 hours) was significantly shorter (p less than 0.001) than that of five control subjects (mean, 17.5 hours; range, 12.0 to 26.5 hours). When rats transfused with sickle RBC's were exposed to 100 per cent O2, a mean increment of 16.5 per cent blood 51Cr activity was observed within the first 15 to 60 minutes of hyperoxia. Subsequent oxygen deprivation (7 to 8 per cent O2) resulted in an equally rapid decrease (mean, 35.6 per cent) in blood 51Cr activity. Continuation of hypoxia for up to 17 hours did not cause further acceleration of 51Cr activity. Continuation of hypoxia for up to 17 hours did not cause further acceleration of 51 Cr RBC clearance. Under these conditions the slope of the sickle RBC survival curve was similar to that in animals kept in ambient air. After hypoxic rats were allowed to breate room air again, mean 51Cr blood activity increased by 41.7 per cent. Sickle RBC's transfused to guinea pigs exhibited similar oxygen-dependent survival characteristics. The survival of 51Cr RBC's from four adult control subjects and of unlabeled fetal RBC's from three human cord blood samples was unaffected by oxygen changes. When rats that had been transfused with sickle reticulocytes labeled in vitro with 59Fe were made hypoxic, a decrease in blood 59Fe activity was observed. The extent of this decrease was comparable to that in rats transfused with 51Cr labeled RBC's from the same patients. There was increased liver and spleen 51Cr activity in animals transfused with 51Cr SS RBC's and killed during hypoxia when compared to that of hyperoxic animals. These studies suggest that a minor population of sickle cells is removed from circulation during hypoxia and circulates again upon reoxygenation of the animals. Erythrocyte aging does not appear to be responsible for this phenomenon. The oxygen-depdendent circulation of a population of SS RBC's in this animal system is probably due to reversible sickling and trapping of sickled cells in the microcirculation.", "PMID": 988104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2630", "title": "Serum corticosterone in rats with delayed anovulation.", "content": "The purpose of this study was to investigate adrenal function in rats during the development of persistent oestrus to determine whether a change in blood levels of corticosterone would precede or coincide with the onset of infertility. The syndrome of delayed persistent oestrus and anovulation was induced by administration of a low dose (10 mug) of testosterone propionate (TP) at 5 days of age. Control animals were handled without injection or received the vehicle (sesame oil) only. Half of each group was ovariectomized at weaning and received Silastic implants of either oestradiol benzoate (OB) or cholesterol, 3 mm tube length/100 g body weight. Intact rats given the low TP dose showed precocious vaginal opening (27.3 +/- 2.1 days v. 37.6 +/- 2.4 (S.E.M.) days in unhandled controls) and ovulated within 2 days. Persistent vaginal cornification developed in 22 out of 26 rats by 75 days of age. The TP-treated rats had higher corticosterone values than the controls and did not show a further increase after OB implantation. Cholesterol implantation depressed corticosterone levels in the TP-treated rats. The effects of the low TP dose were not dependent upon gonadal function since they persisted in ovariectomized rats. The results suggest that early exposure to androgen can modify the sensitivity of the adrenal system to oestrogen, and can also lead to persistently high values of corticosterone which are not depressed by ovariectomy. These changes precede the onset of persistent oestrus.", "contents": "Serum corticosterone in rats with delayed anovulation. The purpose of this study was to investigate adrenal function in rats during the development of persistent oestrus to determine whether a change in blood levels of corticosterone would precede or coincide with the onset of infertility. The syndrome of delayed persistent oestrus and anovulation was induced by administration of a low dose (10 mug) of testosterone propionate (TP) at 5 days of age. Control animals were handled without injection or received the vehicle (sesame oil) only. Half of each group was ovariectomized at weaning and received Silastic implants of either oestradiol benzoate (OB) or cholesterol, 3 mm tube length/100 g body weight. Intact rats given the low TP dose showed precocious vaginal opening (27.3 +/- 2.1 days v. 37.6 +/- 2.4 (S.E.M.) days in unhandled controls) and ovulated within 2 days. Persistent vaginal cornification developed in 22 out of 26 rats by 75 days of age. The TP-treated rats had higher corticosterone values than the controls and did not show a further increase after OB implantation. Cholesterol implantation depressed corticosterone levels in the TP-treated rats. The effects of the low TP dose were not dependent upon gonadal function since they persisted in ovariectomized rats. The results suggest that early exposure to androgen can modify the sensitivity of the adrenal system to oestrogen, and can also lead to persistently high values of corticosterone which are not depressed by ovariectomy. These changes precede the onset of persistent oestrus.", "PMID": 988105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2631", "title": "Increased production of genetic mosaics in Habrobracon juglandis by cold shock of newly oviposited eggs.", "content": "Eggs from an ebony stock exposed to 5-5 degrees C prior to syngamy exhibited increased production of genetic mosaics in comparison with untreated eggs from the same females. No increase in mosaic production occurred for cold-shocked cleavage-stage embryos from the ebony stock or from pre-cleavage cold-shocked eggs from a wild-type stock. Heat shock of pre-syngamy eggs also failed to increase the production of genetic mosaics. These findings are consistent with predictions based on the post-cleavage fertilization theory of mosaic origin in Habrobracon or with a hypothesis of differential mortality.", "contents": "Increased production of genetic mosaics in Habrobracon juglandis by cold shock of newly oviposited eggs. Eggs from an ebony stock exposed to 5-5 degrees C prior to syngamy exhibited increased production of genetic mosaics in comparison with untreated eggs from the same females. No increase in mosaic production occurred for cold-shocked cleavage-stage embryos from the ebony stock or from pre-cleavage cold-shocked eggs from a wild-type stock. Heat shock of pre-syngamy eggs also failed to increase the production of genetic mosaics. These findings are consistent with predictions based on the post-cleavage fertilization theory of mosaic origin in Habrobracon or with a hypothesis of differential mortality.", "PMID": 988106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2632", "title": "Morphogenesis of the silkworm egg.", "content": "Ovarian follicle development, which accompanies morphogenesis of the silkworm egg has three distinct phases: spheric, ellipsoidal and flattened-ellipsoid. Transitions between phases are rapid and form-stability (characterized by length/width ratio) is preserved from the beginning of the ellipsoidal phase. The geometric stability of the follicle-oocyte-ovariole system, the polarity of the egg and the determinism in form changes reveal strikingly coordinated spatial and temporal organization.", "contents": "Morphogenesis of the silkworm egg. Ovarian follicle development, which accompanies morphogenesis of the silkworm egg has three distinct phases: spheric, ellipsoidal and flattened-ellipsoid. Transitions between phases are rapid and form-stability (characterized by length/width ratio) is preserved from the beginning of the ellipsoidal phase. The geometric stability of the follicle-oocyte-ovariole system, the polarity of the egg and the determinism in form changes reveal strikingly coordinated spatial and temporal organization.", "PMID": 988107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2633", "title": "Comparison of growth in vitro and in vivo of post-implantation rat embryos.", "content": "Rat embryos explanted at early head-fold stage and grown in vitro by improved culture methods were compared with littermates in vivo. Very similar rates of growth and differentiation were obtained over a period of 48 h, while the embryos developed to around the 25-somite stage.", "contents": "Comparison of growth in vitro and in vivo of post-implantation rat embryos. Rat embryos explanted at early head-fold stage and grown in vitro by improved culture methods were compared with littermates in vivo. Very similar rates of growth and differentiation were obtained over a period of 48 h, while the embryos developed to around the 25-somite stage.", "PMID": 988108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2634", "title": "Effects of testosterone implants in pregnant ewes on their female offspring.", "content": "Pregnant ewes were implanted with 1 g testosterone between days 30-80, 50-100, 70-120 or 90-140 of gestation. Ewes treated between days 30-80 and 50-100 showed increased aggressive behaviour and clitoral enlargement, whereas this was not seen in the day 70-120 or 90-140 groups. Although the implants released similar amounts of testosterone at all stages of gestation, plasma testosterone concentrations were lower in the day 70-120 and 90-140 groups. The increased testosterone clearance in late gestation could be a result of increased placental aromatization. Masculinization of the genital tubercle was complete in female lambs in the day 30-80 group, partial in the day 50-100 and 70-120 groups, and absent in the day 90-140 group. These results therefore suggest that the 'critical period' for masculinization of the external genitalia is between days 40 and 50 of foetal life. In contrast to this anatomical masculinization, one aspect of behavioural masculinization had a later critical period, since female lambs of 30-80, 50-100 and 70-120 day groups adopted male-like urination postures, whereas the day 90-140 offspring showed the normal female pattern.", "contents": "Effects of testosterone implants in pregnant ewes on their female offspring. Pregnant ewes were implanted with 1 g testosterone between days 30-80, 50-100, 70-120 or 90-140 of gestation. Ewes treated between days 30-80 and 50-100 showed increased aggressive behaviour and clitoral enlargement, whereas this was not seen in the day 70-120 or 90-140 groups. Although the implants released similar amounts of testosterone at all stages of gestation, plasma testosterone concentrations were lower in the day 70-120 and 90-140 groups. The increased testosterone clearance in late gestation could be a result of increased placental aromatization. Masculinization of the genital tubercle was complete in female lambs in the day 30-80 group, partial in the day 50-100 and 70-120 groups, and absent in the day 90-140 group. These results therefore suggest that the 'critical period' for masculinization of the external genitalia is between days 40 and 50 of foetal life. In contrast to this anatomical masculinization, one aspect of behavioural masculinization had a later critical period, since female lambs of 30-80, 50-100 and 70-120 day groups adopted male-like urination postures, whereas the day 90-140 offspring showed the normal female pattern.", "PMID": 988109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2635", "title": "Duration discrimination by rats.", "content": "A psychophysical procedure was used to determine the difference limen for the duration of a signal that ranged from .5 to 8.0 sec. The accuracy of three rats in keeping track of the duration was assumed to be limited by three factors: (a) inattention to the signal on some trials, (b) variability in starting to time the duration when the signal begins (and/or in stopping to time the duration when the signal ends), and (c) factors related to signal duration itself. A generalized Weber model provided a better approximation to the growth in the difference limen as a function of signal than a generalized Counter model.", "contents": "Duration discrimination by rats. A psychophysical procedure was used to determine the difference limen for the duration of a signal that ranged from .5 to 8.0 sec. The accuracy of three rats in keeping track of the duration was assumed to be limited by three factors: (a) inattention to the signal on some trials, (b) variability in starting to time the duration when the signal begins (and/or in stopping to time the duration when the signal ends), and (c) factors related to signal duration itself. A generalized Weber model provided a better approximation to the growth in the difference limen as a function of signal than a generalized Counter model.", "PMID": 988110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2636", "title": "Vaginal opening and early estrous cycles in rats raised at a low ambient temperature.", "content": "Rats raised from day 2 of life at an ambient temperature of 10 degrees showed delayed vaginal opening when compared to controls raised at 22 degrees. Cold-raised animals were also lighter in weight at the time of vaginal opening and had significantly longer estrous cycles. Low temperature may cause these effects either by suppressing prolactin secretion or, more probably, by elevating thyroid hormone levels which in turn suppress serum gonadotropin concentrations.", "contents": "Vaginal opening and early estrous cycles in rats raised at a low ambient temperature. Rats raised from day 2 of life at an ambient temperature of 10 degrees showed delayed vaginal opening when compared to controls raised at 22 degrees. Cold-raised animals were also lighter in weight at the time of vaginal opening and had significantly longer estrous cycles. Low temperature may cause these effects either by suppressing prolactin secretion or, more probably, by elevating thyroid hormone levels which in turn suppress serum gonadotropin concentrations.", "PMID": 988111} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2637", "title": "Elevation of brain GABA concentrations with amino-oxyacetic acid; effect on the hyperactivity syndrome produced by increased 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis in rats.", "content": "Pretreatment of rats with aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA; 40 mg/kg) raised the concentration of rat brain GABA and inhibited the hyperactivity produced by increasing brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration by administration of tranylcypromine and L-tryptophan. The maximum effect was seen 90 min after AOAA injection with smaller effects 30 and 180 min after injection. AOAA did not affect the rate of 5-HT accumulation in the brain, but did inhibit the hyperactivity response which follows injection of the 5-HT agonist 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, suggesting that post-synaptic 5-HT responses were being inhibited. AOAA also inhibited the locomotor activity which follows administration of tranylcypromine and L-dopa. Blockade of GABA receptors by injection of picrotoxin (2.5 mg/kg) enhanced the dopamine hyperactivity. Since a dopaminergic system has been shown to be involved in the 5-HT hyperactivity syndrome and appears to act post-synaptically to the 5-HT neurones initiating the syndrome it is suggested that inhibition of the 5-HT hyperactivity syndrome may be due to accumulation of GABA distal to the dopaminergic receptors.", "contents": "Elevation of brain GABA concentrations with amino-oxyacetic acid; effect on the hyperactivity syndrome produced by increased 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis in rats. Pretreatment of rats with aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA; 40 mg/kg) raised the concentration of rat brain GABA and inhibited the hyperactivity produced by increasing brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration by administration of tranylcypromine and L-tryptophan. The maximum effect was seen 90 min after AOAA injection with smaller effects 30 and 180 min after injection. AOAA did not affect the rate of 5-HT accumulation in the brain, but did inhibit the hyperactivity response which follows injection of the 5-HT agonist 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, suggesting that post-synaptic 5-HT responses were being inhibited. AOAA also inhibited the locomotor activity which follows administration of tranylcypromine and L-dopa. Blockade of GABA receptors by injection of picrotoxin (2.5 mg/kg) enhanced the dopamine hyperactivity. Since a dopaminergic system has been shown to be involved in the 5-HT hyperactivity syndrome and appears to act post-synaptically to the 5-HT neurones initiating the syndrome it is suggested that inhibition of the 5-HT hyperactivity syndrome may be due to accumulation of GABA distal to the dopaminergic receptors.", "PMID": 988113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2638", "title": "Diurnal changes in dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, homovanillic acid and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol in serum of man.", "content": "Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity (DBH) and concentrations of homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) were measured in serum of 11 normal volunteers at 8 a.m., 2 p.m., 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. DBH was higher at 8 a.m. (p less than 0.05) and lower at 2 a.m. (p less than 0.0025). MHPG followed the same course, while HVA was higher at 8 p.m. (p less than 0.05). The mean values for the eleven volunteers were: DBH 65.8+/-25.8 nanomoles hydroxylated tyramine per ml serum and hour (At substrate concentration 0.05 mM), HVA 89.9+/-57.3 ng/ml serum and MHPG 10.9+/-3.4 ng/ml, with variation coefficient of 38.6, 63.8 and 30.1 respectively. The circadian variations found in serum parallel the data from estimations of MHPG and HVA in urine by other investigators. It is suggested that the diurnal variations of DBH, MHPG and HVA reflect the alternating activity of the catecholaminergic neurons in the peripheral as well as the central nervous system.", "contents": "Diurnal changes in dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, homovanillic acid and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol in serum of man. Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity (DBH) and concentrations of homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) were measured in serum of 11 normal volunteers at 8 a.m., 2 p.m., 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. DBH was higher at 8 a.m. (p less than 0.05) and lower at 2 a.m. (p less than 0.0025). MHPG followed the same course, while HVA was higher at 8 p.m. (p less than 0.05). The mean values for the eleven volunteers were: DBH 65.8+/-25.8 nanomoles hydroxylated tyramine per ml serum and hour (At substrate concentration 0.05 mM), HVA 89.9+/-57.3 ng/ml serum and MHPG 10.9+/-3.4 ng/ml, with variation coefficient of 38.6, 63.8 and 30.1 respectively. The circadian variations found in serum parallel the data from estimations of MHPG and HVA in urine by other investigators. It is suggested that the diurnal variations of DBH, MHPG and HVA reflect the alternating activity of the catecholaminergic neurons in the peripheral as well as the central nervous system.", "PMID": 988114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2639", "title": "Management of intracerebral hemorrhage in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Report of four cases.", "content": "There has been little comment on the specific management of intracerebral bleeding occurring in patients suffering idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The authors present the cases of four children with intracerebral hemorrhage due to this coagulation disturbance. A plan of management is described based on this experience; it includes immediate control of cerebral edema, emergency splenectomy, supportive care with platelet transfusions and corticosteroids, cerebral angiogtaphy, and a definitive neurosurgical procedure. If necessary, the radiological investigation and surgical therapy can be performed with a single general anesthetic. Three of the patients have survived without major neurological sequelae.", "contents": "Management of intracerebral hemorrhage in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Report of four cases. There has been little comment on the specific management of intracerebral bleeding occurring in patients suffering idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The authors present the cases of four children with intracerebral hemorrhage due to this coagulation disturbance. A plan of management is described based on this experience; it includes immediate control of cerebral edema, emergency splenectomy, supportive care with platelet transfusions and corticosteroids, cerebral angiogtaphy, and a definitive neurosurgical procedure. If necessary, the radiological investigation and surgical therapy can be performed with a single general anesthetic. Three of the patients have survived without major neurological sequelae.", "PMID": 988116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2640", "title": "Left heart imaging following inhalation of 15O-cabon dioxide: concise communication.", "content": "Accelerator-produced C15O2 (t 1/2 = 124 sec) is a uniquely useful radiopharmaceutical because it can be introduced rapidly and selectively into the left side of the heart by the simple noninvasive process of inhalation and breath-holding. A standard scintillation camera system was used to obtain images of the left heart by this technique. The procedure involves minimal radiation dose to the patient and may be repeated within a few minutes if necessary.", "contents": "Left heart imaging following inhalation of 15O-cabon dioxide: concise communication. Accelerator-produced C15O2 (t 1/2 = 124 sec) is a uniquely useful radiopharmaceutical because it can be introduced rapidly and selectively into the left side of the heart by the simple noninvasive process of inhalation and breath-holding. A standard scintillation camera system was used to obtain images of the left heart by this technique. The procedure involves minimal radiation dose to the patient and may be repeated within a few minutes if necessary.", "PMID": 988117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2641", "title": "Influence of level and type of dietary protein, and of level of feeding on feed utilization by rainbow trout.", "content": "In the first experiment, diets with 40%, 50% and 60% protein containing herring and soybean meals, and diets with 50% and 60% protein containing herring and soybean protein concentrates were fed at 100%, 85% and 70% of the ad libitum intake. Both increasing the protein level and using the concentrated protein sources resulted in lower gains, and in increases in the amounts of digestible protein and energy consumed for the deposition of protein and energy in the fish carcasses. This difference between the herring and soybean meals, and protein concentrates was not due to differences between their digestibilities. Restriction of feed intake reduced gain, but within these lower levels of gain, the 50% and 60% protein diets have higher final body weights than the 40% protein diet. Restriction of feed intake resulted in carcasses with higher protein and lower fat contents. In the second experiment, two series of diets containing either 40%, 35%, 30% or 25% protein from both herring and soybean meals, or 35%, 30% and 25% protein from herring meal were fed. Reducing the protein level below 40% resulted in lower final body weights, higher feed: gain ratios and carcasses with more protein and less fat. Comparisons of the isonitrogenous pairs of diets showed no differences in final body weights, feed: gain ratios and carcass composition. Reducing the protein level in the diet reduced the amount of protein consumed per unit protein level in the diet reduced the amount of protein consumed per unit protein deposition, but increased the amount of gross energy per unit energy deposited in the carcass.", "contents": "Influence of level and type of dietary protein, and of level of feeding on feed utilization by rainbow trout. In the first experiment, diets with 40%, 50% and 60% protein containing herring and soybean meals, and diets with 50% and 60% protein containing herring and soybean protein concentrates were fed at 100%, 85% and 70% of the ad libitum intake. Both increasing the protein level and using the concentrated protein sources resulted in lower gains, and in increases in the amounts of digestible protein and energy consumed for the deposition of protein and energy in the fish carcasses. This difference between the herring and soybean meals, and protein concentrates was not due to differences between their digestibilities. Restriction of feed intake reduced gain, but within these lower levels of gain, the 50% and 60% protein diets have higher final body weights than the 40% protein diet. Restriction of feed intake resulted in carcasses with higher protein and lower fat contents. In the second experiment, two series of diets containing either 40%, 35%, 30% or 25% protein from both herring and soybean meals, or 35%, 30% and 25% protein from herring meal were fed. Reducing the protein level below 40% resulted in lower final body weights, higher feed: gain ratios and carcasses with more protein and less fat. Comparisons of the isonitrogenous pairs of diets showed no differences in final body weights, feed: gain ratios and carcass composition. Reducing the protein level in the diet reduced the amount of protein consumed per unit protein level in the diet reduced the amount of protein consumed per unit protein deposition, but increased the amount of gross energy per unit energy deposited in the carcass.", "PMID": 988118} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2642", "title": "Hatching of Schistosoma mansoni eggs and observations on motility of miracidia.", "content": "Eggs of Schistosoma mansoni were obtained from livers of mice and hatching was observed under varying conditions of light and ionic composition of the medium. Hatching occurred equally well in light and in darkness. Eggs also hatched readily in 1- to 50-m OsM solutions of urea, sucrose, sodium chloride, and glycerol, but hatching was inhibited at higher concentrations unless the eggs were left in solutions for long periods of time. Hatching readily occurred in deionized water, but the emerged miracidia did not swim longer than 5 to 10 min unless Na+ was added. Histochemistry of the egg showed DNA-positive egg granules and a polysaccharide-positive vacuole matrix. Acid mucopolysaccharides were stained in the vacuolar matrix and in the anterior sac of the miracidium. Longitudinal alignment of constituents of the egg shell is suggested by the predominance of longitudinal rents in the shell at hatching. A mechanism of hatching involving an osmotic stimulus is proposed.", "contents": "Hatching of Schistosoma mansoni eggs and observations on motility of miracidia. Eggs of Schistosoma mansoni were obtained from livers of mice and hatching was observed under varying conditions of light and ionic composition of the medium. Hatching occurred equally well in light and in darkness. Eggs also hatched readily in 1- to 50-m OsM solutions of urea, sucrose, sodium chloride, and glycerol, but hatching was inhibited at higher concentrations unless the eggs were left in solutions for long periods of time. Hatching readily occurred in deionized water, but the emerged miracidia did not swim longer than 5 to 10 min unless Na+ was added. Histochemistry of the egg showed DNA-positive egg granules and a polysaccharide-positive vacuole matrix. Acid mucopolysaccharides were stained in the vacuolar matrix and in the anterior sac of the miracidium. Longitudinal alignment of constituents of the egg shell is suggested by the predominance of longitudinal rents in the shell at hatching. A mechanism of hatching involving an osmotic stimulus is proposed.", "PMID": 988153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2643", "title": "Arthrostoma miyazakiense (Nagayosi 1955) Comb. n., a parasite of the raccoon-like dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides, with a key to the genus Arthrostoma (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae).", "content": "Necator miyazakiensis Nagayosi 1955, a hookworm from the raccoon-like dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides, in Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan, is redescribed and placed in the genus Arthrostoma Cameron 1927, and compared with the 6 other species of the genus. Arthrostoma miyazakiense comb. n. is found in raccoon-like dogs not only in Miyazaki Prefecture, but also in Kyoto and Hokkaido Prefectures. This is the first record of a species of Arthrostoma in Japan.", "contents": "Arthrostoma miyazakiense (Nagayosi 1955) Comb. n., a parasite of the raccoon-like dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides, with a key to the genus Arthrostoma (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae). Necator miyazakiensis Nagayosi 1955, a hookworm from the raccoon-like dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides, in Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan, is redescribed and placed in the genus Arthrostoma Cameron 1927, and compared with the 6 other species of the genus. Arthrostoma miyazakiense comb. n. is found in raccoon-like dogs not only in Miyazaki Prefecture, but also in Kyoto and Hokkaido Prefectures. This is the first record of a species of Arthrostoma in Japan.", "PMID": 988154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2644", "title": "Transmission of microfilariae and infective larvae of Dipetalonema viteae (Filarioidea) among vector ticks, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi (Argasidae), and loss of microfilariae in coxal fluid.", "content": "During studies on the acquisition and transmission of infection with the filaria Dipetalonema viteae by Ornithodoros tartakowskyi, it was found that young nymphs and starved medium-sized ticks feed on recently engorged larger ticks. In this manner young ticks acquired the infection with microfilariae, and the microfilariae thus taken developed normally and after 30 days of development were transmitted to a jird. Ticks harboring infective larvae were able to transfer them to other engorged ticks when attempting to feed on them. Although it is not known whether this occurs in nature, it could be a supplementary mechanism in the natural maintenance of this species of filaria. Ticks eliminated microfilariae in the coxal fluid in small numbers during the 1st hr after the infective meal and in increasing numbers with time, reaching a peak between 3 and 5 hr. This mechanism may prevent some ticks from becoming hyperinfected.", "contents": "Transmission of microfilariae and infective larvae of Dipetalonema viteae (Filarioidea) among vector ticks, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi (Argasidae), and loss of microfilariae in coxal fluid. During studies on the acquisition and transmission of infection with the filaria Dipetalonema viteae by Ornithodoros tartakowskyi, it was found that young nymphs and starved medium-sized ticks feed on recently engorged larger ticks. In this manner young ticks acquired the infection with microfilariae, and the microfilariae thus taken developed normally and after 30 days of development were transmitted to a jird. Ticks harboring infective larvae were able to transfer them to other engorged ticks when attempting to feed on them. Although it is not known whether this occurs in nature, it could be a supplementary mechanism in the natural maintenance of this species of filaria. Ticks eliminated microfilariae in the coxal fluid in small numbers during the 1st hr after the infective meal and in increasing numbers with time, reaching a peak between 3 and 5 hr. This mechanism may prevent some ticks from becoming hyperinfected.", "PMID": 988155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2645", "title": "The influence of various aminoglycoside preparations on bilirubin/albumin binding.", "content": "The effect of antibiotics of aminoglycoside structure on the albumin binding of bilirubin has been tested in homozygous (jaundiced) Gunn rats aged 3-5 days. The following drugs were investigated: different preparations of gentamycin, kanamycin, tobramycin and sisomicin. The animals received 50-75% of the LD50 of heterozygous (non-jaundiced) Gunn rats. Mortality, weight gain and changes in the plasma bilirubin concentration were recorded. It was found that the displacement of bilirubin from albumin is caused by the different stabilizers used and not by the antibiotic itself. With the exception of lyophilized preparations of gentamycin for intrathecal application all vials contain different amounts of these preservatives. Special preparations used during the newborn period contain relatively more of these stabilizers. The toxicity of the additives has already a negative influence on the LD50 for heterozygous Gunn rats when the low dosed Refobacin and Sulmicin vials are given. For Refobacin (production 1973/74) the tolerance is reduced by nearly 50%. The toxicity caused by the stabilizer alone is even more marked when given to homozygous (jaundiced) Gunn rats. It becomes evident that benzylalcohol is the substance responsible for the displacement of bilirubin from albumin. The serum concentration of bilirubin decreases for 3-24 hrs depending on the doses given to the animal. This offers the opportunity to measure the competitive displacement of bilirubin easily and exactly. The free unbound, unconjugated bilirubin tends to diffuse into the lipid of the brain with resultant kernicterus. This was shown in histochemical preparations of the cerebellum of young homozygous Gunn rats. Using enzyme reactions for lactic acid dehydrogenase and NADH2-tetrazolium reductase the cytotoxic effect of bilirubin on PURKINJE cells could be demonstrated. The effect of the stabilizers used in the other antibiotic drugs tested can be neglected under clinical conditions. Finally the steepness and duration of the decrease of plasma bilirubin after injection of the dangerous stabilizers was studied in animals of different age (3-5 days; 3-4 weeks). Different results observed can be explained by the more rapid metabolism of benzoates in older animals. However, it remains an open question at what age Gunn rats reflect most precisely the human situation in premature and newborn babies.", "contents": "The influence of various aminoglycoside preparations on bilirubin/albumin binding. The effect of antibiotics of aminoglycoside structure on the albumin binding of bilirubin has been tested in homozygous (jaundiced) Gunn rats aged 3-5 days. The following drugs were investigated: different preparations of gentamycin, kanamycin, tobramycin and sisomicin. The animals received 50-75% of the LD50 of heterozygous (non-jaundiced) Gunn rats. Mortality, weight gain and changes in the plasma bilirubin concentration were recorded. It was found that the displacement of bilirubin from albumin is caused by the different stabilizers used and not by the antibiotic itself. With the exception of lyophilized preparations of gentamycin for intrathecal application all vials contain different amounts of these preservatives. Special preparations used during the newborn period contain relatively more of these stabilizers. The toxicity of the additives has already a negative influence on the LD50 for heterozygous Gunn rats when the low dosed Refobacin and Sulmicin vials are given. For Refobacin (production 1973/74) the tolerance is reduced by nearly 50%. The toxicity caused by the stabilizer alone is even more marked when given to homozygous (jaundiced) Gunn rats. It becomes evident that benzylalcohol is the substance responsible for the displacement of bilirubin from albumin. The serum concentration of bilirubin decreases for 3-24 hrs depending on the doses given to the animal. This offers the opportunity to measure the competitive displacement of bilirubin easily and exactly. The free unbound, unconjugated bilirubin tends to diffuse into the lipid of the brain with resultant kernicterus. This was shown in histochemical preparations of the cerebellum of young homozygous Gunn rats. Using enzyme reactions for lactic acid dehydrogenase and NADH2-tetrazolium reductase the cytotoxic effect of bilirubin on PURKINJE cells could be demonstrated. The effect of the stabilizers used in the other antibiotic drugs tested can be neglected under clinical conditions. Finally the steepness and duration of the decrease of plasma bilirubin after injection of the dangerous stabilizers was studied in animals of different age (3-5 days; 3-4 weeks). Different results observed can be explained by the more rapid metabolism of benzoates in older animals. However, it remains an open question at what age Gunn rats reflect most precisely the human situation in premature and newborn babies.", "PMID": 988156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2646", "title": "Chemical constituents of Gentianaceae XIX: CNS-depressant effects of swertiamarin.", "content": "CNS activity of swertiamarin, a secoiridoid glucoside from Swertia chirata, was evaluated. An apparent anomaly, associated with the unanticipated finding that the alcoholic extracts (excluding mangiferin) of S. chirata significantly reversed the mangiferin-induced CNS-stimulating effects in albino mice and rats, was resolved. The results indicate that swertiamarin and mangiferin antagonize each other in vivo and thereby reverse their CNS effects.", "contents": "Chemical constituents of Gentianaceae XIX: CNS-depressant effects of swertiamarin. CNS activity of swertiamarin, a secoiridoid glucoside from Swertia chirata, was evaluated. An apparent anomaly, associated with the unanticipated finding that the alcoholic extracts (excluding mangiferin) of S. chirata significantly reversed the mangiferin-induced CNS-stimulating effects in albino mice and rats, was resolved. The results indicate that swertiamarin and mangiferin antagonize each other in vivo and thereby reverse their CNS effects.", "PMID": 988172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2647", "title": "Chemical constituents of genianaceae XX: natural occurrence of (-)-loliolide in Canscora decussata.", "content": "Loliolide was isolated as a native compound from Canscora decussata Schult (Gentianaceae). Physical and spectral (UV, IR, PMR, CMR, and mass spectra) properties of the compound and its acetate derivative established its identity. The significance of the cooccurrence of loliolide with a number of carotenoids in C. decussata and the facile transformation of violaxanthin into loliolide and violoxin are discussed in the light of the biogenesis of the degraded carotenoid.", "contents": "Chemical constituents of genianaceae XX: natural occurrence of (-)-loliolide in Canscora decussata. Loliolide was isolated as a native compound from Canscora decussata Schult (Gentianaceae). Physical and spectral (UV, IR, PMR, CMR, and mass spectra) properties of the compound and its acetate derivative established its identity. The significance of the cooccurrence of loliolide with a number of carotenoids in C. decussata and the facile transformation of violaxanthin into loliolide and violoxin are discussed in the light of the biogenesis of the degraded carotenoid.", "PMID": 988173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2648", "title": "Effect of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitors on blood pressure and cardiac norepinephrine levels in rats subjected to immobilization stress.", "content": "Fusaric acid and its derivative, FD-008, are selective and potent dopamine-beta-hydroxyalse inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Effects of the drugs on blood pressure and norepinephrine levels in the heart of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive control rats (NCR) in a state of increased sympathetic nerve activity induced by immobilization stress were investigated. The blood pressure of NCR rose immediately after the onset of stress. In SHR, the blood pressure did not rise after stress in spite of a marked increase in heart rate. Fusaric acid or FD-008 (100 MG/KG P.O.) given 4 hours before stress markedly inhibited the increase in blood pressure by stress in NCR and decreased blood pressure in SHR. The increase in heart rate in SHR during stress was completely inhibited by FD-008 but the increase in NCR was not inhibited. Endogenous norepinephrine levels in the heart were decreased by immobilization stress in NCR and SHR, and further significant decreases in norepinephrine levels were caused by FD-008 in SHR and NCR of fusaric acid in SHR. The effect of FD-008 was greater than that of fusaric acid. The effects of picolinic acid derivatives on blood pressure and norepinephrine levels in the heart were more remarkable in a stressed state than in a resting state. The present data support the hypothesis that the hypotensive action of picolinic acid derivatives may be attributable to the decrease in sympathetic nerve norepinephrine release caused by dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibition.", "contents": "Effect of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitors on blood pressure and cardiac norepinephrine levels in rats subjected to immobilization stress. Fusaric acid and its derivative, FD-008, are selective and potent dopamine-beta-hydroxyalse inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Effects of the drugs on blood pressure and norepinephrine levels in the heart of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive control rats (NCR) in a state of increased sympathetic nerve activity induced by immobilization stress were investigated. The blood pressure of NCR rose immediately after the onset of stress. In SHR, the blood pressure did not rise after stress in spite of a marked increase in heart rate. Fusaric acid or FD-008 (100 MG/KG P.O.) given 4 hours before stress markedly inhibited the increase in blood pressure by stress in NCR and decreased blood pressure in SHR. The increase in heart rate in SHR during stress was completely inhibited by FD-008 but the increase in NCR was not inhibited. Endogenous norepinephrine levels in the heart were decreased by immobilization stress in NCR and SHR, and further significant decreases in norepinephrine levels were caused by FD-008 in SHR and NCR of fusaric acid in SHR. The effect of FD-008 was greater than that of fusaric acid. The effects of picolinic acid derivatives on blood pressure and norepinephrine levels in the heart were more remarkable in a stressed state than in a resting state. The present data support the hypothesis that the hypotensive action of picolinic acid derivatives may be attributable to the decrease in sympathetic nerve norepinephrine release caused by dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibition.", "PMID": 988175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2649", "title": "Body temperature in mice: a quantitative measure of alcohol tolerance and physical dependence.", "content": "Mice undergoing withdrawal after chronic ethanol consumption were found to be hypothermic if kept at room temperature. The extent of the hypothermia correlated well with the behavioral withdrawal symptoms and could be used as a quantitative measure of the severity and time course of the withdrawal syndrome. Placing mice in a cold environment (4 degrees C) exacerbated the hypothermia whereas placing animals at 34 degrees C reversed the hypothermia and produced hyperthermia. It was concluded that the temperature set point mechanism and the ability to regulate around this set point was disturbed in animals physically dependent on alcohol. During consumption of the ethanol-containing diets, mice exhibited tolerance to the hypothermic effects of an acutely administered dose od ethanol. Tolerance to the hypothermic effects of ethanol mirrored the development of behavioral tolerance as measured by performance on a tilting plane. Temperature and behavioral tolerance were both shown to extend well beyond the period of the withdrawal syndrome. Ethanol-treated mice were found to be cross-tolerant to the hypothermic effects of barbiturates but not to the hypothermia produced by the monoamine oxidase inhibitor, pargyline.", "contents": "Body temperature in mice: a quantitative measure of alcohol tolerance and physical dependence. Mice undergoing withdrawal after chronic ethanol consumption were found to be hypothermic if kept at room temperature. The extent of the hypothermia correlated well with the behavioral withdrawal symptoms and could be used as a quantitative measure of the severity and time course of the withdrawal syndrome. Placing mice in a cold environment (4 degrees C) exacerbated the hypothermia whereas placing animals at 34 degrees C reversed the hypothermia and produced hyperthermia. It was concluded that the temperature set point mechanism and the ability to regulate around this set point was disturbed in animals physically dependent on alcohol. During consumption of the ethanol-containing diets, mice exhibited tolerance to the hypothermic effects of an acutely administered dose od ethanol. Tolerance to the hypothermic effects of ethanol mirrored the development of behavioral tolerance as measured by performance on a tilting plane. Temperature and behavioral tolerance were both shown to extend well beyond the period of the withdrawal syndrome. Ethanol-treated mice were found to be cross-tolerant to the hypothermic effects of barbiturates but not to the hypothermia produced by the monoamine oxidase inhibitor, pargyline.", "PMID": 988176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2650", "title": "Electrophysiology of barbiturate withdrawal in the spinal cord.", "content": "Cats were made physically dependent on sodium pentobarbital using the \"maximally tolerable\" dosing technique. All animals treated this way receive equieffective doses chronically and all become severly dependent. After 5 weeks of treatment each cat displayed withdrawal signs indicative of severe physical dependence. At specific times after the last dose, electrophysiological measurements of spinal cord segmental reflex function were made. Under brief volatile anesthesia, a C1 spinal section was performed. The lumbar spinal cord was exposed by laminectomy and a hindleg was dissected to provide peripheral nerves for stimulation. Recordings were taken from ventral roots L7 and S1 that had been cut near their exits through the dura. Following single, supramaximal sciatic nerve shocks, monosynaptic (2N) responses were not altered during withdrawal, but both the amplitude and duration of polysynaptic response and of afterdischarge were increased withdrawing cats. The rate of 2N synaptic recovery, measured by a paired stimuli technique, was found to be increased during withdrawal. The 2N pathway was able to transmit more effectively during repetitive stimulation since there was less decrement in response during transmission. The relationship between post-tetanic potentiation and tetanic frequency was shifted toward lower frequencies. The size of the motor neuron pool, estimated by maximum post-tetanic potentiation, and the 2N discharge zone were not altered. Background discharge (\"noise\") was increased during withdrawal.", "contents": "Electrophysiology of barbiturate withdrawal in the spinal cord. Cats were made physically dependent on sodium pentobarbital using the \"maximally tolerable\" dosing technique. All animals treated this way receive equieffective doses chronically and all become severly dependent. After 5 weeks of treatment each cat displayed withdrawal signs indicative of severe physical dependence. At specific times after the last dose, electrophysiological measurements of spinal cord segmental reflex function were made. Under brief volatile anesthesia, a C1 spinal section was performed. The lumbar spinal cord was exposed by laminectomy and a hindleg was dissected to provide peripheral nerves for stimulation. Recordings were taken from ventral roots L7 and S1 that had been cut near their exits through the dura. Following single, supramaximal sciatic nerve shocks, monosynaptic (2N) responses were not altered during withdrawal, but both the amplitude and duration of polysynaptic response and of afterdischarge were increased withdrawing cats. The rate of 2N synaptic recovery, measured by a paired stimuli technique, was found to be increased during withdrawal. The 2N pathway was able to transmit more effectively during repetitive stimulation since there was less decrement in response during transmission. The relationship between post-tetanic potentiation and tetanic frequency was shifted toward lower frequencies. The size of the motor neuron pool, estimated by maximum post-tetanic potentiation, and the 2N discharge zone were not altered. Background discharge (\"noise\") was increased during withdrawal.", "PMID": 988177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2651", "title": "Correlation between the in vivo and an in vitro expression of opiate withdrawal precipitated by naloxone: their antagonism by l-(-)-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol.", "content": "Guinea pigs treated with a single s.c. injection of a slowly released morphine suspension (300 mg/kg) exhibited a quantifiable withdrawal syndrome after naloxone injection (0.01-10 mg/kg s.c.). Ileum removed from such animals responded to naloxone (1-300 ng/ml) by contracting. These contractions could be blocked by scopolamine or tetrodotoxin. Both the in vivo and in vitro responses were specific for the opiate-dependent state and were dependent on naloxone dose. Time courses of the development and decline of the two responses were similar. Weaker opioids, pentazocine and codeine, were less effective than morphine in producing a dependent state and sensitizing ileum to naloxone. 1-(-)-delta9-Tetrahydrocann abinol [1-(-)-delta9-THC] antagonized the effect of naloxone on ileum without affecting responses to acetylcholine. 1-(-)-delta9-THC produced a stereospecific, dose-dependent (1-10 mg/kg p.o.) inhibition of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in guinea pigs and rats that was more complete than and different from that produced by sedatives. Pentobarbital inhibited withdrawal only at doses that produced ataxia. 1-(-)-delta9-THC had a biphasic effect on locomotor activity of guinea pig in the dose range that inhibited withdrawal, stimulation at 1 mg/kg and depression at 3 to 10 mg/kg. Our results suggest that cannabinoids may be useful in opiate detoxification. The inhibition by 1-(-)-delta9-THC of the action of naloxone in \"dependent\" ileum seems to be via reduction in acetylcholine release. Whereas the end result of 1-(-)-delta9-THC action in brain may not necessarily be a reduction in acetylcholine release as in ileum, the mechanism by which it produces this effect in the ileum model may explain its ability to antagonize withdrawal.", "contents": "Correlation between the in vivo and an in vitro expression of opiate withdrawal precipitated by naloxone: their antagonism by l-(-)-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Guinea pigs treated with a single s.c. injection of a slowly released morphine suspension (300 mg/kg) exhibited a quantifiable withdrawal syndrome after naloxone injection (0.01-10 mg/kg s.c.). Ileum removed from such animals responded to naloxone (1-300 ng/ml) by contracting. These contractions could be blocked by scopolamine or tetrodotoxin. Both the in vivo and in vitro responses were specific for the opiate-dependent state and were dependent on naloxone dose. Time courses of the development and decline of the two responses were similar. Weaker opioids, pentazocine and codeine, were less effective than morphine in producing a dependent state and sensitizing ileum to naloxone. 1-(-)-delta9-Tetrahydrocann abinol [1-(-)-delta9-THC] antagonized the effect of naloxone on ileum without affecting responses to acetylcholine. 1-(-)-delta9-THC produced a stereospecific, dose-dependent (1-10 mg/kg p.o.) inhibition of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in guinea pigs and rats that was more complete than and different from that produced by sedatives. Pentobarbital inhibited withdrawal only at doses that produced ataxia. 1-(-)-delta9-THC had a biphasic effect on locomotor activity of guinea pig in the dose range that inhibited withdrawal, stimulation at 1 mg/kg and depression at 3 to 10 mg/kg. Our results suggest that cannabinoids may be useful in opiate detoxification. The inhibition by 1-(-)-delta9-THC of the action of naloxone in \"dependent\" ileum seems to be via reduction in acetylcholine release. Whereas the end result of 1-(-)-delta9-THC action in brain may not necessarily be a reduction in acetylcholine release as in ileum, the mechanism by which it produces this effect in the ileum model may explain its ability to antagonize withdrawal.", "PMID": 988178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2652", "title": "Drinking patterns as predictors of alcohol withdrawal reactions in DBA/2J mice.", "content": "Individually housed DBA/2J mice were fed a liquid diet in which ethanol supplied 33% of the calories. The level of physical dependence that developed was estimated by scoring convulsions, elicited by handling the mice, after discontinuing the alcohol diet. The severity of the withdrawal reaction increased progressively with duration (5-12 days) of alcohol administration. A 2-day period on the diet produced no withdrawal reaction. Pretreatment of the mice with alcohol in their drinking water slightly increased the subsequent intake of the liquid diet. \"Effective\" alcohol intake was defined as uninterrupted alcohol consumption above 10 g/kg/day. Withdrawal scores correlated better with effective intake than with total intake under a variety of conditions. We interpret this to mean that brief interruptions in drinking (1 day) may allow the accrued physical dependence to disappear. On the basis of their effective alcohol intake, mice could be assigned to nondependent, moderately dependent or severely dependent groups for further study of the nature of physical dependence.", "contents": "Drinking patterns as predictors of alcohol withdrawal reactions in DBA/2J mice. Individually housed DBA/2J mice were fed a liquid diet in which ethanol supplied 33% of the calories. The level of physical dependence that developed was estimated by scoring convulsions, elicited by handling the mice, after discontinuing the alcohol diet. The severity of the withdrawal reaction increased progressively with duration (5-12 days) of alcohol administration. A 2-day period on the diet produced no withdrawal reaction. Pretreatment of the mice with alcohol in their drinking water slightly increased the subsequent intake of the liquid diet. \"Effective\" alcohol intake was defined as uninterrupted alcohol consumption above 10 g/kg/day. Withdrawal scores correlated better with effective intake than with total intake under a variety of conditions. We interpret this to mean that brief interruptions in drinking (1 day) may allow the accrued physical dependence to disappear. On the basis of their effective alcohol intake, mice could be assigned to nondependent, moderately dependent or severely dependent groups for further study of the nature of physical dependence.", "PMID": 988179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2653", "title": "Reinstatement of vaginal cycles in aged female rats.", "content": "Old constant estrous and young cycling control rats were injected with L-dopa, 200 mg/kg, for a period of 14 days. L-Dopa reinstated vaginal cycling in the old rats and it did not affect the vaginal cycling in young rats. Likewise, 200 mg/kg of L-tyrosine reinstated vaginal cycling. The effect of L-dopa on old rats was blocked by pimozide, by high doses of MK-486 and Ro 4-4602, and by fusaric acid. High doses of phenoxybenzamine or L-propranolol did not alter the L-dopa effect on old rats. A low dose of MK-486 or Ro 4-4602 increased the efficacy of L-dopa in reinstating vaginal cycling. These results suggest that L-dopa reinstates vaginal cycling in old rats by stimulating dopamine receptors. The possibility that a simultaneous stimulation of norepinephrine alpha and beta receptors and/or a decrease of central nervous system serotonin is necessary for this effect is discussed.", "contents": "Reinstatement of vaginal cycles in aged female rats. Old constant estrous and young cycling control rats were injected with L-dopa, 200 mg/kg, for a period of 14 days. L-Dopa reinstated vaginal cycling in the old rats and it did not affect the vaginal cycling in young rats. Likewise, 200 mg/kg of L-tyrosine reinstated vaginal cycling. The effect of L-dopa on old rats was blocked by pimozide, by high doses of MK-486 and Ro 4-4602, and by fusaric acid. High doses of phenoxybenzamine or L-propranolol did not alter the L-dopa effect on old rats. A low dose of MK-486 or Ro 4-4602 increased the efficacy of L-dopa in reinstating vaginal cycling. These results suggest that L-dopa reinstates vaginal cycling in old rats by stimulating dopamine receptors. The possibility that a simultaneous stimulation of norepinephrine alpha and beta receptors and/or a decrease of central nervous system serotonin is necessary for this effect is discussed.", "PMID": 988180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2654", "title": "The effect of dopamine on neurohypophysial hormone release in vivo and from the rat neural lobe and hypothalamus in vitro.", "content": "1. The rat hypothalamus (containing the supra-optic nuclei, paraventricular nuclei, median eminence and proximal pituitary stalk) has been incubated in vitro and shown to be capable of releasing the neurohypophysial hormones, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin, at a steady basal rate about one twentieth that of the rat neural lobe superfused in vitro. 2. The hypothalamus and neural lobe in vitro released both hormones in a similar arginine vasopressin/oxytocin ratio of about 1-2:1. However, when release was expressed relative to tissue hormone content, the hypothalamus was shown to release about three times as much arginine vasopressin and six times as much oxytocin as the neural lobe. 3. Dopamine in a concentration range of 10(-3)-10(-9)M caused graded increases in hormone release from the hypothalamus in vitro to a maximum fivefold increase over preceding basal levels. The demonstration that apomorphine also stimulated hormone release whereas noradrenaline was relatively ineffective suggested that a specific dopamine receptor was involved. A separate cholinergic component in the release process was indicated by the finding that acetylcholine stimulated release to a maximum fivefold increase in concentrations of 10(-3)-10(-9)M. 4. The fact that the isolated hypothalamus can be stimulated by dopamine and acetylcholine to release increased amount of oxytocin and arginine vasopressin raises the question of the origin and fate of the hormones released in this way. The possibility that they could be released into the hypophysial portal circulation from median eminence to affect the anterior lobe of the pituitary is discussed. 5. In similar doses, both dopamine and noradrenaline injected into the lateral cerebral ventricles of the brain of the anaesthetized, hydrated, lactating rat caused the release of arginine vasopressin and oxytocin. Apomorphine release both hormones but at a higher dose level and to less effect than the catecholamines. 6. The hormone release induced in vivo by dopamine could be prevented by the prior administration of haloperidol or phentolamine and these antagonists were equally effective in blocking the hormone release due to noradrenaline. The involvement of a specific dopamine receptor was more clearly implicated by the use of pimozide which completely inhibited the hormone release due to dopamine and apomorphine but not that due to noradrenaline. 7. It is suggested that the release of neurohypophysial hormones can be stimulated via a dopaminergic nervous pathway in addition to a cholinergic one. The possibility that the osmoreceptor mechanism for the release of antidiuretic hormone from the neural lobe of the pituitary may involve such a dopaminergic pathway is discussed.", "contents": "The effect of dopamine on neurohypophysial hormone release in vivo and from the rat neural lobe and hypothalamus in vitro. 1. The rat hypothalamus (containing the supra-optic nuclei, paraventricular nuclei, median eminence and proximal pituitary stalk) has been incubated in vitro and shown to be capable of releasing the neurohypophysial hormones, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin, at a steady basal rate about one twentieth that of the rat neural lobe superfused in vitro. 2. The hypothalamus and neural lobe in vitro released both hormones in a similar arginine vasopressin/oxytocin ratio of about 1-2:1. However, when release was expressed relative to tissue hormone content, the hypothalamus was shown to release about three times as much arginine vasopressin and six times as much oxytocin as the neural lobe. 3. Dopamine in a concentration range of 10(-3)-10(-9)M caused graded increases in hormone release from the hypothalamus in vitro to a maximum fivefold increase over preceding basal levels. The demonstration that apomorphine also stimulated hormone release whereas noradrenaline was relatively ineffective suggested that a specific dopamine receptor was involved. A separate cholinergic component in the release process was indicated by the finding that acetylcholine stimulated release to a maximum fivefold increase in concentrations of 10(-3)-10(-9)M. 4. The fact that the isolated hypothalamus can be stimulated by dopamine and acetylcholine to release increased amount of oxytocin and arginine vasopressin raises the question of the origin and fate of the hormones released in this way. The possibility that they could be released into the hypophysial portal circulation from median eminence to affect the anterior lobe of the pituitary is discussed. 5. In similar doses, both dopamine and noradrenaline injected into the lateral cerebral ventricles of the brain of the anaesthetized, hydrated, lactating rat caused the release of arginine vasopressin and oxytocin. Apomorphine release both hormones but at a higher dose level and to less effect than the catecholamines. 6. The hormone release induced in vivo by dopamine could be prevented by the prior administration of haloperidol or phentolamine and these antagonists were equally effective in blocking the hormone release due to noradrenaline. The involvement of a specific dopamine receptor was more clearly implicated by the use of pimozide which completely inhibited the hormone release due to dopamine and apomorphine but not that due to noradrenaline. 7. It is suggested that the release of neurohypophysial hormones can be stimulated via a dopaminergic nervous pathway in addition to a cholinergic one. The possibility that the osmoreceptor mechanism for the release of antidiuretic hormone from the neural lobe of the pituitary may involve such a dopaminergic pathway is discussed.", "PMID": 988183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2655", "title": "The effect of transmural pressure on pumping activity in isolated bovine lymphatic vessels.", "content": "1. Isolated preparations of bovine mesenteric lymphatics containing about seven valved segments were cannulated and set up in a perfusion system so that, when the preparation was not contracting, the inflow and outflow pressures were exactly equal and there was no flow through the preparation. 2. Transmural pressure was varied by raising or lowering the inflow and outflow pressures simultaneously by the same amount. 3. The isolated vessels showed rhythmic spontaneous activity; it consisted of quick contractions which spread rapidly over the entire preparation, each followed by a rapid relaxation and a diastolic pause. 4. With each contraction, the preparation decreased in both length and diameter and generated an outflow pressure which pumped fluid in the direction determined by the orientation of the values. 5. Raising the transmural pressure in the preparation increased the output of the preparation; this was achieved by an increase in both the frequency and force of the individual contractions. 6. It was concluded that bovine lymphatics could propel fluid by their intrinsic activity at a rate which was related to the degree of distension of their walls.", "contents": "The effect of transmural pressure on pumping activity in isolated bovine lymphatic vessels. 1. Isolated preparations of bovine mesenteric lymphatics containing about seven valved segments were cannulated and set up in a perfusion system so that, when the preparation was not contracting, the inflow and outflow pressures were exactly equal and there was no flow through the preparation. 2. Transmural pressure was varied by raising or lowering the inflow and outflow pressures simultaneously by the same amount. 3. The isolated vessels showed rhythmic spontaneous activity; it consisted of quick contractions which spread rapidly over the entire preparation, each followed by a rapid relaxation and a diastolic pause. 4. With each contraction, the preparation decreased in both length and diameter and generated an outflow pressure which pumped fluid in the direction determined by the orientation of the values. 5. Raising the transmural pressure in the preparation increased the output of the preparation; this was achieved by an increase in both the frequency and force of the individual contractions. 6. It was concluded that bovine lymphatics could propel fluid by their intrinsic activity at a rate which was related to the degree of distension of their walls.", "PMID": 988184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2656", "title": "Tonoplast action potential in Nitella in relation to vacuolar chloride concentration.", "content": "The action potential of Nitella internode was studied in relation to K+ and C1- concentrations in the vacuole. When the vacuole of Nitella pulchella was filled with an artificial solution with extremely low C1- concentration, a diphasic action potential (DAP) was observed. T he first phase consists of a rapid depolarization followed by a relatively rapid repolarization, and the second one consists of a strong hyperpolarization followed by a gradual return to the resting potential. When the cell was stimulated immediately after the generation of DAP, a monophasic action potential which resembles an action potential of the natural cell was observed, indicating that the DAP consists of two components with different refractory periods. The refractory period of the component responsible for the depolarizing is shorter than that of a component responsible for the hyperpolarizing phase. Measuring the plasmalemma potential and vascuolar potential separately, it was demonstrated that the hyperpolarizing component of DAP originates from the tonoplast. The action potential of the tonoplast, in contrast with that of the plasmalemma, could be generated independently of concentration of K+ in the vasuole. Since the maximum amplitude of hyperpolarization decreased significantly by increasing C1- concentration of the vacuole, it is concluded that the tonoplast is very sensitive to C1- during excitation.", "contents": "Tonoplast action potential in Nitella in relation to vacuolar chloride concentration. The action potential of Nitella internode was studied in relation to K+ and C1- concentrations in the vacuole. When the vacuole of Nitella pulchella was filled with an artificial solution with extremely low C1- concentration, a diphasic action potential (DAP) was observed. T he first phase consists of a rapid depolarization followed by a relatively rapid repolarization, and the second one consists of a strong hyperpolarization followed by a gradual return to the resting potential. When the cell was stimulated immediately after the generation of DAP, a monophasic action potential which resembles an action potential of the natural cell was observed, indicating that the DAP consists of two components with different refractory periods. The refractory period of the component responsible for the depolarizing is shorter than that of a component responsible for the hyperpolarizing phase. Measuring the plasmalemma potential and vascuolar potential separately, it was demonstrated that the hyperpolarizing component of DAP originates from the tonoplast. The action potential of the tonoplast, in contrast with that of the plasmalemma, could be generated independently of concentration of K+ in the vasuole. Since the maximum amplitude of hyperpolarization decreased significantly by increasing C1- concentration of the vacuole, it is concluded that the tonoplast is very sensitive to C1- during excitation.", "PMID": 988185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2657", "title": "Effect of a diet with high levels of protein and fat on colon carcinogenesis in F344 rats treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine.", "content": "Female inbred F344 rats fed diets containing high levels of beef protein and fat or high levels of soybean protein and corn oil and treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine had a greater incidence of colon tumours than did rats fed diets that had normal levels of such components and were treated similarly. The source of fat and protein had no major influence on the incidence of colon tumors.", "contents": "Effect of a diet with high levels of protein and fat on colon carcinogenesis in F344 rats treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. Female inbred F344 rats fed diets containing high levels of beef protein and fat or high levels of soybean protein and corn oil and treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine had a greater incidence of colon tumours than did rats fed diets that had normal levels of such components and were treated similarly. The source of fat and protein had no major influence on the incidence of colon tumors.", "PMID": 988189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2658", "title": "Characterization of polysome-associated RNA from influenza virus-infected cells.", "content": "Virus-specific polysome-associated RNA (psRNA) and RNA after dissociation of polysomes were analyzed by direct hybridization with unlabeled viral RNA (vRNA) and complementary RNA (cRNA). psRNA after a 30-min pulse with [3H]uridine contained 28% labeled cRNA, 70% host RNA, and no vRNA. After dissociation, psRNA sedimented heterogeneously. Heavy RNA (greater than 60S), ribosomal subunit RNA (rsuRNA, 30-60S), free mRNA (fmRNA, 10-30S), and light RNA (less than 10S) contained 16%, 54%, 70% and 28% cRNA, respectively, but no vRNA. When actinomycin D (AcD) was added at 2 h postinfection, the nature of the psRNA depended on the concentration of AcD and the condition of the labeling. At AcD concentrations of 1 mug or more per ml, no detectable vRNA or cRNA was associated with polysomes. At 0.2 mug of AcD per ml (a concentration that partially inhibited cRNA synthesis) and 2 h of labeling at 2.5 h postinfection, psRNA contained 40% viral-specific RNA, which included both vRNA and cRNA in almost equal amounts. When polysomes were dissociated, however, viral-specific fm RNA from AcD-treated cells contained exclusively cRNA and no detectable vRNA. Increasing amounts of labeled vRNA were present in the heavy region of the gradient (and in the pellet), which also contained varying amounts of cRNA. The labeled vRNA appears to be associated with polysomes in a cesium chloride density gradient (rho = 1.525 g/ml). Although we have ruled out the trivial explanation of viral ribonucleoprotein contamination,the nature of the complex containing both polysomes and vRNA is unknown.", "contents": "Characterization of polysome-associated RNA from influenza virus-infected cells. Virus-specific polysome-associated RNA (psRNA) and RNA after dissociation of polysomes were analyzed by direct hybridization with unlabeled viral RNA (vRNA) and complementary RNA (cRNA). psRNA after a 30-min pulse with [3H]uridine contained 28% labeled cRNA, 70% host RNA, and no vRNA. After dissociation, psRNA sedimented heterogeneously. Heavy RNA (greater than 60S), ribosomal subunit RNA (rsuRNA, 30-60S), free mRNA (fmRNA, 10-30S), and light RNA (less than 10S) contained 16%, 54%, 70% and 28% cRNA, respectively, but no vRNA. When actinomycin D (AcD) was added at 2 h postinfection, the nature of the psRNA depended on the concentration of AcD and the condition of the labeling. At AcD concentrations of 1 mug or more per ml, no detectable vRNA or cRNA was associated with polysomes. At 0.2 mug of AcD per ml (a concentration that partially inhibited cRNA synthesis) and 2 h of labeling at 2.5 h postinfection, psRNA contained 40% viral-specific RNA, which included both vRNA and cRNA in almost equal amounts. When polysomes were dissociated, however, viral-specific fm RNA from AcD-treated cells contained exclusively cRNA and no detectable vRNA. Increasing amounts of labeled vRNA were present in the heavy region of the gradient (and in the pellet), which also contained varying amounts of cRNA. The labeled vRNA appears to be associated with polysomes in a cesium chloride density gradient (rho = 1.525 g/ml). Although we have ruled out the trivial explanation of viral ribonucleoprotein contamination,the nature of the complex containing both polysomes and vRNA is unknown.", "PMID": 988191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2659", "title": "Three structural polypeptides coded for by minite virus of mice, a parvovirus.", "content": "Purified full and empty virions of minute virus of mice were separated on CsCl gradients, and their polypeptides were examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The empty particle contains two polypeptides, A (83,300 daltons) and B (64,300 daltons), which are 15 to 18% and 82 to 85%, respectively, of the virion mass. The full particle contains the single-stranded DNA genome, proteins A and B, and a third polypeptide, C (61,400 daltons). Again A is 15 to 18% of the protein mass, but the amounts of B and C vary inversely in different preparations of full particles. These polypeptides comprise greater than 99.6% of the protein in either virion, and their molecular weights and molar ratios are independent of the species of host cell on which the virus is propagated, They are not found in uninfected cells, and no protein component of uninfected cells copurifies with either virion under our conditions. Pulse-chase experiments show that the three proteins are synthesized only after virus infection and are therefore probably virus coded. Sequential harvesting from the nuclei of cells infected under one cycle growth conditions shows an increase in the proportion of C in full particles as infection progresses, suggesting that C is derived from B in a late maturation step.", "contents": "Three structural polypeptides coded for by minite virus of mice, a parvovirus. Purified full and empty virions of minute virus of mice were separated on CsCl gradients, and their polypeptides were examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The empty particle contains two polypeptides, A (83,300 daltons) and B (64,300 daltons), which are 15 to 18% and 82 to 85%, respectively, of the virion mass. The full particle contains the single-stranded DNA genome, proteins A and B, and a third polypeptide, C (61,400 daltons). Again A is 15 to 18% of the protein mass, but the amounts of B and C vary inversely in different preparations of full particles. These polypeptides comprise greater than 99.6% of the protein in either virion, and their molecular weights and molar ratios are independent of the species of host cell on which the virus is propagated, They are not found in uninfected cells, and no protein component of uninfected cells copurifies with either virion under our conditions. Pulse-chase experiments show that the three proteins are synthesized only after virus infection and are therefore probably virus coded. Sequential harvesting from the nuclei of cells infected under one cycle growth conditions shows an increase in the proportion of C in full particles as infection progresses, suggesting that C is derived from B in a late maturation step.", "PMID": 988192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2660", "title": "Transcription of the genome of adenovirus type 12. III. Maps of stable RNA from productively infected human cells and abortively infected and transformed hamster cells.", "content": "The adenovirus type 12-specific mRNA and the stable nuclear RNA from productively infected KB cells, early postinfection, from abortively infected BHK-21 cells, and from the adenovirus type 12-transformed hamster lines T637 and HA12/7 have been mapped on the genome of adenovirus type 12. The intact separated heavy (H) and light (L) strands of adenovirus type 12 DNA have been used to determine the extent of complementarity of the mRNA or nuclear RNA from different cell lines to each of the strands. More precise map positions have been obtained by the use of the H and L complements of the fragments of adenovirus type 12 DNA which were produced with the EcoRI and BamHI restriction endonucleases. The results of the mapping experiments demonstrate that the mRNA's isolated early from productively and abortively infected and from two lines of transformed cells are derived from the same or similar regions of the adenovirus type 12 genome. The map positions on the adenovirus type 12 genome for the mRNA from the cell lines as indicated correspond to regions located approximately between 0 and 0.1 and 0.74 and 0.88 fractional length units on the L strand and to regions between 0.63 and 0.74 and 0.89 and 1.0 fractional length units on the H strand. The HA12/7 line lacks mRNA complementary to the region between 0.74 and 0.88 fractional length units on the L strand. Similar data are found for the nuclear RNA, except that the regions transcribed are more extensive than those observed in mRNA. The polarity of the H strand has its 3'-end on the right terminus in the EcoRI A fragment, and the L strand has its 3'-end on the left terminus in the EcoRI C fragment. Thus, the H strand is transcribed from right to left (1 = leftward strand); and the L strand is transcribed from left to right (r = rightward strand). The designations H and L refer to the relative heavy and light densities of the two strands in polyuridylic-polyguanylic acid-CsCl density gradients. The EcoRI C-H and D-H complements have been shown to be part of the intact L strand; thus, there is a \"reversal in heaviness\" on the left terminus of the viral DNA.", "contents": "Transcription of the genome of adenovirus type 12. III. Maps of stable RNA from productively infected human cells and abortively infected and transformed hamster cells. The adenovirus type 12-specific mRNA and the stable nuclear RNA from productively infected KB cells, early postinfection, from abortively infected BHK-21 cells, and from the adenovirus type 12-transformed hamster lines T637 and HA12/7 have been mapped on the genome of adenovirus type 12. The intact separated heavy (H) and light (L) strands of adenovirus type 12 DNA have been used to determine the extent of complementarity of the mRNA or nuclear RNA from different cell lines to each of the strands. More precise map positions have been obtained by the use of the H and L complements of the fragments of adenovirus type 12 DNA which were produced with the EcoRI and BamHI restriction endonucleases. The results of the mapping experiments demonstrate that the mRNA's isolated early from productively and abortively infected and from two lines of transformed cells are derived from the same or similar regions of the adenovirus type 12 genome. The map positions on the adenovirus type 12 genome for the mRNA from the cell lines as indicated correspond to regions located approximately between 0 and 0.1 and 0.74 and 0.88 fractional length units on the L strand and to regions between 0.63 and 0.74 and 0.89 and 1.0 fractional length units on the H strand. The HA12/7 line lacks mRNA complementary to the region between 0.74 and 0.88 fractional length units on the L strand. Similar data are found for the nuclear RNA, except that the regions transcribed are more extensive than those observed in mRNA. The polarity of the H strand has its 3'-end on the right terminus in the EcoRI A fragment, and the L strand has its 3'-end on the left terminus in the EcoRI C fragment. Thus, the H strand is transcribed from right to left (1 = leftward strand); and the L strand is transcribed from left to right (r = rightward strand). The designations H and L refer to the relative heavy and light densities of the two strands in polyuridylic-polyguanylic acid-CsCl density gradients. The EcoRI C-H and D-H complements have been shown to be part of the intact L strand; thus, there is a \"reversal in heaviness\" on the left terminus of the viral DNA.", "PMID": 988193} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2661", "title": "Intracellular forms of adenovirus DNA. V. Viral DNA sequences in hamster cells abortively infected and transformed with human adenovirus type 12.", "content": "The persistence of viral DNA in BHK-21 cells abortively infected with human adenovirus type 12 has been investigated using reassociation kinetics. No indication of an increase in the amount of viral DNA per cell has been found. On the contrary, the amount of intracellular viral DNA sequences decreases rapidly after infection. Thus, free adenovirus type 12 DNA does not replicate in BHK-21 cells. The influence of the multiplicity of infection on the amount of persisting adenovirus type 12 DNA has also been explored. The viral DNA sequences persisting in four lines of hamster cells transformed in vitro by adenovirus type 12 at various multiplicities of infection have been quantitated and mapped by reassociation kinetics experiments using restriction endonuclease fragments of 3H-labeled adenovirus type 12 DNA. All the EcoRI restriction nuclease fragments of the adenovirus type 12 genome are represented in each of the four cell lines. Individual fragments of the viral genome are represented in multiple copies in non-equimolar amounts.", "contents": "Intracellular forms of adenovirus DNA. V. Viral DNA sequences in hamster cells abortively infected and transformed with human adenovirus type 12. The persistence of viral DNA in BHK-21 cells abortively infected with human adenovirus type 12 has been investigated using reassociation kinetics. No indication of an increase in the amount of viral DNA per cell has been found. On the contrary, the amount of intracellular viral DNA sequences decreases rapidly after infection. Thus, free adenovirus type 12 DNA does not replicate in BHK-21 cells. The influence of the multiplicity of infection on the amount of persisting adenovirus type 12 DNA has also been explored. The viral DNA sequences persisting in four lines of hamster cells transformed in vitro by adenovirus type 12 at various multiplicities of infection have been quantitated and mapped by reassociation kinetics experiments using restriction endonuclease fragments of 3H-labeled adenovirus type 12 DNA. All the EcoRI restriction nuclease fragments of the adenovirus type 12 genome are represented in each of the four cell lines. Individual fragments of the viral genome are represented in multiple copies in non-equimolar amounts.", "PMID": 988194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2662", "title": "Surgical validation of angiographic studies of renal lesions.", "content": "We reviewed 428 renal arteriograms done during a 5-year period to document the accuracy of angiography in the diagnosis of renal mass lesions and non-function. Subsequently, 198 kidneys (46%) were explored for treatment and diagnostic confirmation. Of the kidneys explored 87 (44%) were radiologically diagnosed as benign cysts. At exploration 6 diagnostic errors were proved, including 3 malignant and 3 benign lesions. The falsely negative malignancy rate was 3% in this category. The angiographic diagnosis of definite tumor was proved to be 100% accurate at operation. However, 3 tumors were benign, representing an 8% falsely positive diagnosis for malignancy. Of the kidneys explored 8% were angiographically diagnosed as being indeterminate. A variety of lesions were found, including 1 benign tumor, 1 malignant tumor and 5 inflammatory lesions. Two malignant lesions were found when exploring angiographically defined hydronephrosis. The remaining kidneys explored carried various diagnoses and were all proved to be correct surgically. Operative mortality was 0.5% but 9 kidneys with benign lesions were sacrificed owing to diagnostic indecision.", "contents": "Surgical validation of angiographic studies of renal lesions. We reviewed 428 renal arteriograms done during a 5-year period to document the accuracy of angiography in the diagnosis of renal mass lesions and non-function. Subsequently, 198 kidneys (46%) were explored for treatment and diagnostic confirmation. Of the kidneys explored 87 (44%) were radiologically diagnosed as benign cysts. At exploration 6 diagnostic errors were proved, including 3 malignant and 3 benign lesions. The falsely negative malignancy rate was 3% in this category. The angiographic diagnosis of definite tumor was proved to be 100% accurate at operation. However, 3 tumors were benign, representing an 8% falsely positive diagnosis for malignancy. Of the kidneys explored 8% were angiographically diagnosed as being indeterminate. A variety of lesions were found, including 1 benign tumor, 1 malignant tumor and 5 inflammatory lesions. Two malignant lesions were found when exploring angiographically defined hydronephrosis. The remaining kidneys explored carried various diagnoses and were all proved to be correct surgically. Operative mortality was 0.5% but 9 kidneys with benign lesions were sacrificed owing to diagnostic indecision.", "PMID": 988195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2663", "title": "Radiographic findings immediately after urethral rupture: an experimental study and case reports.", "content": "Herein are reported the results of radiographic studies made immediately after experimentally produced partial and complete urethral ruptures. In cases of partial rupture retrograde urethrography demonstrated extravasation of dye at the site of injury and contrast medium in the bladder. In cases of complete rupture retrograde urethrography demonstrated extravasation of dye at the site of the urethral disruption but no contrast medium reached the bladder because of retraction of the divided ends. Two case reports confirmed these findings.", "contents": "Radiographic findings immediately after urethral rupture: an experimental study and case reports. Herein are reported the results of radiographic studies made immediately after experimentally produced partial and complete urethral ruptures. In cases of partial rupture retrograde urethrography demonstrated extravasation of dye at the site of injury and contrast medium in the bladder. In cases of complete rupture retrograde urethrography demonstrated extravasation of dye at the site of the urethral disruption but no contrast medium reached the bladder because of retraction of the divided ends. Two case reports confirmed these findings.", "PMID": 988196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2664", "title": "Stage III germinal testis tumors: aggressive approach.", "content": "We used aggressive individualized combinations of operation and cyclic actinomycin D therapy and/or irradiation for 12 patients with stage III germinal testis tumors, including 1 seminoma. Eight patients have survived free of tumor for 24 to 83 months. All but 1 survivor had retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. Five thoracotomies and 4 neck resections were used to manage distant metastic lesions. Cyclic actinomycin D was used in 7 of 8 survivors. The experience with this series and a review of cases in the literature strongly suggest the need to eradicate the most common source of tumor seeding the distant metastatic sites from the retroperitoneal lymphatics. Eradication can best be accomplished by retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy and is indicated even in patients with a complete response to chemotherapy. A general treatment plan is suggested for stage III testis tumors: selective irradiation and chemotherapy for seminoma and an aggressive individualized combination of operation and chemotherapy with irradiation in some instances for non-seminomatous disease.", "contents": "Stage III germinal testis tumors: aggressive approach. We used aggressive individualized combinations of operation and cyclic actinomycin D therapy and/or irradiation for 12 patients with stage III germinal testis tumors, including 1 seminoma. Eight patients have survived free of tumor for 24 to 83 months. All but 1 survivor had retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. Five thoracotomies and 4 neck resections were used to manage distant metastic lesions. Cyclic actinomycin D was used in 7 of 8 survivors. The experience with this series and a review of cases in the literature strongly suggest the need to eradicate the most common source of tumor seeding the distant metastatic sites from the retroperitoneal lymphatics. Eradication can best be accomplished by retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy and is indicated even in patients with a complete response to chemotherapy. A general treatment plan is suggested for stage III testis tumors: selective irradiation and chemotherapy for seminoma and an aggressive individualized combination of operation and chemotherapy with irradiation in some instances for non-seminomatous disease.", "PMID": 988197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2665", "title": "Differential susceptibility of L cells in the exponential and stationary phases to cadmium chloride.", "content": "Comparative studies of the cellular toxicity and uptake of cadmium in L cells in the exponential and stationary phases were done. The LD50 of cadmium chloride to L cells in the exponential and stationary phases was 5.5 and 30.5 muM respectively and the cadmium content of L cells exposed to 5.4 muM cadmium chloride for 3.5 hr in the exponential and stationary phases was 0.123 and 0.065 mug/10(6) cells, respectively. These results suggest that the higher susceptibility of cells in the exponential phase to cadmium may be caused by an increased permeability of the cell membrane to cadmium.", "contents": "Differential susceptibility of L cells in the exponential and stationary phases to cadmium chloride. Comparative studies of the cellular toxicity and uptake of cadmium in L cells in the exponential and stationary phases were done. The LD50 of cadmium chloride to L cells in the exponential and stationary phases was 5.5 and 30.5 muM respectively and the cadmium content of L cells exposed to 5.4 muM cadmium chloride for 3.5 hr in the exponential and stationary phases was 0.123 and 0.065 mug/10(6) cells, respectively. These results suggest that the higher susceptibility of cells in the exponential phase to cadmium may be caused by an increased permeability of the cell membrane to cadmium.", "PMID": 988360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2666", "title": "Perceptual conflict between vision and touch.", "content": "Although most of the studies support the conclusion that a perceptual conflict may be resolved in the visual dominance, a few suggest its prematurity and methodological problems. In the present study, the conflict was made by the instruction and the trick in order to keep the S's naivety, and the degree of conflict was varied. wthe visual comparison (vision), the haptic comparison (touch), the visual-haptic comparison (drawing by a pencil), and the haptic-visual comparison (production by the plasticine) were used as the comparison procedures. The result was that the perceptual conflict was resolved in a compromise between vision and touch. However, as the degree of conflict became greater, the judgements in the conflict tended to depend upon the comparison procedures. And in such a conflict taht the visual size was smaller than the tactual, the vision dominance tended to occur, and vice versa.", "contents": "Perceptual conflict between vision and touch. Although most of the studies support the conclusion that a perceptual conflict may be resolved in the visual dominance, a few suggest its prematurity and methodological problems. In the present study, the conflict was made by the instruction and the trick in order to keep the S's naivety, and the degree of conflict was varied. wthe visual comparison (vision), the haptic comparison (touch), the visual-haptic comparison (drawing by a pencil), and the haptic-visual comparison (production by the plasticine) were used as the comparison procedures. The result was that the perceptual conflict was resolved in a compromise between vision and touch. However, as the degree of conflict became greater, the judgements in the conflict tended to depend upon the comparison procedures. And in such a conflict taht the visual size was smaller than the tactual, the vision dominance tended to occur, and vice versa.", "PMID": 988361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2667", "title": "[Role of the intramural ganglion cells played in the motility of the large intestine of the tortoise, Geoclemys reevesii].", "content": "The development of the intramural plexuses in the tortoise, Geoclemys reevesii was inferior to that observed in the fowl: the meshes of both Auerbach's and Meissner's plexuses were coarser, and consisted of less number of nerve fibers. Occasionally, a small ganglion was seen at the crossing points of the meshes. The average number of nerve cells contained in the ganglion was estimated to be 1500/cm2, being about half as much as that estimated in the fowl. When the mucosa of a colon in vitro was stimulated mechanically by stroking or chemically with 1/10 N HCl, the excitability of the colonic muscle was raised at the region oral to the stimulated spot, but lowered at the region anal to it. These effects were abolished by applying a ganglion-blocking agent, hexamethonium (10(-6) g/ml), to the mucosa. When the intraluminal pressure of a colon in vitro was raised from 0 to 3-12 cm H2O, the colon was distended at first but soon contracted powerfully. The contraction became extremely reduced or was abolished when hexamethonium (3.5X10(-7) approximately 1X10(-5) g/ml) was added to the saline solution in which the colon was immersed. The results indicate that the intramural ganglion cells serve as the center of the intrinsic mucosal reflex.", "contents": "[Role of the intramural ganglion cells played in the motility of the large intestine of the tortoise, Geoclemys reevesii]. The development of the intramural plexuses in the tortoise, Geoclemys reevesii was inferior to that observed in the fowl: the meshes of both Auerbach's and Meissner's plexuses were coarser, and consisted of less number of nerve fibers. Occasionally, a small ganglion was seen at the crossing points of the meshes. The average number of nerve cells contained in the ganglion was estimated to be 1500/cm2, being about half as much as that estimated in the fowl. When the mucosa of a colon in vitro was stimulated mechanically by stroking or chemically with 1/10 N HCl, the excitability of the colonic muscle was raised at the region oral to the stimulated spot, but lowered at the region anal to it. These effects were abolished by applying a ganglion-blocking agent, hexamethonium (10(-6) g/ml), to the mucosa. When the intraluminal pressure of a colon in vitro was raised from 0 to 3-12 cm H2O, the colon was distended at first but soon contracted powerfully. The contraction became extremely reduced or was abolished when hexamethonium (3.5X10(-7) approximately 1X10(-5) g/ml) was added to the saline solution in which the colon was immersed. The results indicate that the intramural ganglion cells serve as the center of the intrinsic mucosal reflex.", "PMID": 988401} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2668", "title": "[On gastric corpus-pyloric antrum inhibitory reflexes (author's transl)].", "content": "Twenty eight adults dogs fasted over night were used under Nembutal anesthesia. The influences of distension of the pouch which was made on gatric corpus on the motility of gastric pyloric antrum were investigated. The following results were obtained. 1) Any changes were not observed on the motility on gastric pyloric antrum by distension of gastric corpus pouch by a pressure of 20 mmHg, but a stepwise elevation of the lumen pressure of the pouch from 50 mmHg to 100 mmGh, elicited a remarkable relaxation of the tone and inhibition of motility of the pyloric antrum. These inhibitory responses were not abolished by the bilateral cervical vagotomy or by the bilateral splanchnicotomy respectively, but these inhibitory reflexes were disappeared completely after the transection of both extrinsic nerves. 2) The inhibition of motility of gastric pyloric antrum were also elicited by the electric stimulation of the central cut end of vagal branch or of splanchnic branch which innervated the gastric corpus respectively. 3) It may be concluded that the reflex pathways of the gastric corpus-pyloric antrum inhibitory reflexes involve not only in vagus nerves but also in splanchnic nerves.", "contents": "[On gastric corpus-pyloric antrum inhibitory reflexes (author's transl)]. Twenty eight adults dogs fasted over night were used under Nembutal anesthesia. The influences of distension of the pouch which was made on gatric corpus on the motility of gastric pyloric antrum were investigated. The following results were obtained. 1) Any changes were not observed on the motility on gastric pyloric antrum by distension of gastric corpus pouch by a pressure of 20 mmHg, but a stepwise elevation of the lumen pressure of the pouch from 50 mmHg to 100 mmGh, elicited a remarkable relaxation of the tone and inhibition of motility of the pyloric antrum. These inhibitory responses were not abolished by the bilateral cervical vagotomy or by the bilateral splanchnicotomy respectively, but these inhibitory reflexes were disappeared completely after the transection of both extrinsic nerves. 2) The inhibition of motility of gastric pyloric antrum were also elicited by the electric stimulation of the central cut end of vagal branch or of splanchnic branch which innervated the gastric corpus respectively. 3) It may be concluded that the reflex pathways of the gastric corpus-pyloric antrum inhibitory reflexes involve not only in vagus nerves but also in splanchnic nerves.", "PMID": 988402} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2669", "title": "[An experimental study on the mechanism of bile excretion of the choledochoduodenal junction (author's transl)].", "content": "The present study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of bile excretion of the choledochoduodenal junction (ch-d junction) in rabbits, especially regarding it's structural and physiological independence from the duodenum. For this purpose muscular anatomy of the ch-d junction and relationship between the electromygoraphic spike potential of the juncture and the intracholedochal pressure were investigated. 1. There were demonstrated proper circular muscle and proper oblique muscle in the ch-d junction, which appeared independent from the duodenal muscle. There existed A MUSCULAR SPHINCTER at the terminus of the common bile duct, but it's muscle fibers did not appear continuous with the duodenal muscle fibers. 2. The rhythmical changing curve of the intracholedochal pressure was parallel with appearance of the spike potential but had absolutely no correlation with the duodenal one. 3. The attitudes of the ch-d junction and the duodenum to the neural control were compared. The spike generation by Neostigmin METHYLSULFATE WAS EQUALLY OBSERVED IN THE CH-D JUNCTION and the duodenum and the spike inhibition by Hyoscin-N-butylbromide was also equally observed in both of them, SUGGESTING THEIR innervation was probably common.", "contents": "[An experimental study on the mechanism of bile excretion of the choledochoduodenal junction (author's transl)]. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of bile excretion of the choledochoduodenal junction (ch-d junction) in rabbits, especially regarding it's structural and physiological independence from the duodenum. For this purpose muscular anatomy of the ch-d junction and relationship between the electromygoraphic spike potential of the juncture and the intracholedochal pressure were investigated. 1. There were demonstrated proper circular muscle and proper oblique muscle in the ch-d junction, which appeared independent from the duodenal muscle. There existed A MUSCULAR SPHINCTER at the terminus of the common bile duct, but it's muscle fibers did not appear continuous with the duodenal muscle fibers. 2. The rhythmical changing curve of the intracholedochal pressure was parallel with appearance of the spike potential but had absolutely no correlation with the duodenal one. 3. The attitudes of the ch-d junction and the duodenum to the neural control were compared. The spike generation by Neostigmin METHYLSULFATE WAS EQUALLY OBSERVED IN THE CH-D JUNCTION and the duodenum and the spike inhibition by Hyoscin-N-butylbromide was also equally observed in both of them, SUGGESTING THEIR innervation was probably common.", "PMID": 988403} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2670", "title": "[Fluorescein angiography of anterior segment of the eye (author's transl)].", "content": "This method can supply an unreplaceable iconographic document in order to follow the course of illness. A certain distinction between tumoral and nontumoral lesions is not possible. But this method is useful in the treatment of vascularized leucoma because it shows us the exact locus where the laser must be applied before the corneal graft is made.", "contents": "[Fluorescein angiography of anterior segment of the eye (author's transl)]. This method can supply an unreplaceable iconographic document in order to follow the course of illness. A certain distinction between tumoral and nontumoral lesions is not possible. But this method is useful in the treatment of vascularized leucoma because it shows us the exact locus where the laser must be applied before the corneal graft is made.", "PMID": 988418} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2671", "title": "[Laser-photocoagulation of macular holes (author's transl)].", "content": "In severe cases of degenerative macular cysts or holes laser lesions were placed on the temporal or nasal lip of the hole, to preserve the central vision of the right side. In early cases with good visual acuity only 2 narrow beam lesions, were placed to prevent progression of the disease. Control examinations revealed no decrease of visual acuity in most of the cases. In some cases even a little improvement of visual acuity was observed.", "contents": "[Laser-photocoagulation of macular holes (author's transl)]. In severe cases of degenerative macular cysts or holes laser lesions were placed on the temporal or nasal lip of the hole, to preserve the central vision of the right side. In early cases with good visual acuity only 2 narrow beam lesions, were placed to prevent progression of the disease. Control examinations revealed no decrease of visual acuity in most of the cases. In some cases even a little improvement of visual acuity was observed.", "PMID": 988419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2672", "title": "[Monthly mortality of elder babies (author's transl)].", "content": "Neonates during the first month usually die in November and December, older babies (2nd-12th month) in Jan., February and March. In the first group mortality is lowest in the summer, in the second group in the autumn. In the older babies differences between individual months are much greater. They are statistically highly significant.", "contents": "[Monthly mortality of elder babies (author's transl)]. Neonates during the first month usually die in November and December, older babies (2nd-12th month) in Jan., February and March. In the first group mortality is lowest in the summer, in the second group in the autumn. In the older babies differences between individual months are much greater. They are statistically highly significant.", "PMID": 988422} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2673", "title": "[Fototherapy of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Results of its clinical application (author's transl)].", "content": "The application of fototherapy according to the indications listed by Maisels (1972, Abb. 1) has brought about a 67% reduction in exchange transfusions in comparison to the controll period proceeding this new regimen. This reduction of the need of exchange transfusions was especially striking in cases of hyperbilirubinemia of full term babies without blood group incompatibilities and in A B O incompatibilities with mild hemolysis. In typical Rh-incompatibility the number of repeat exchange transfusions diminished by 75%. The serum bilirubin levels of 206 consecutive low birth weight infants were prospectively investigated. 77 infants (37%) reached a serum bilirubin level of 10 mg% and were treated with fototherapy. Only 9,6% of these lowbirth weight infants had maximum serumbilirubin levels of 12 mg% or more and only 1,5% had levels of 15 mg% or more. Fototherapy reduces the risk of Kernikterus in Low birth weight babies to a minimum and it can reduce the risks and the costs of treatment for many icteric full term babies by reducing the number exchange transfusions needed. Inspite of its simplicity and effectiveness it has to be stressed that fototherapy should only be used under well defined indications and in a technically correct way.", "contents": "[Fototherapy of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Results of its clinical application (author's transl)]. The application of fototherapy according to the indications listed by Maisels (1972, Abb. 1) has brought about a 67% reduction in exchange transfusions in comparison to the controll period proceeding this new regimen. This reduction of the need of exchange transfusions was especially striking in cases of hyperbilirubinemia of full term babies without blood group incompatibilities and in A B O incompatibilities with mild hemolysis. In typical Rh-incompatibility the number of repeat exchange transfusions diminished by 75%. The serum bilirubin levels of 206 consecutive low birth weight infants were prospectively investigated. 77 infants (37%) reached a serum bilirubin level of 10 mg% and were treated with fototherapy. Only 9,6% of these lowbirth weight infants had maximum serumbilirubin levels of 12 mg% or more and only 1,5% had levels of 15 mg% or more. Fototherapy reduces the risk of Kernikterus in Low birth weight babies to a minimum and it can reduce the risks and the costs of treatment for many icteric full term babies by reducing the number exchange transfusions needed. Inspite of its simplicity and effectiveness it has to be stressed that fototherapy should only be used under well defined indications and in a technically correct way.", "PMID": 988423} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2674", "title": "[Anophthalmia and accompanying malformations (author's transl)].", "content": "Six children with bilateral or unilateral anophthalmia were described. Malformations of the face and the extremities, stunted growth, hydrocephalus, muscle hypotony and mental retardation in varying degrees and combinations were also found. The genesis is not clear. With two siblings who exibited a combination which has not been described previously of anophtalmia on one side and microphthalmia on the other together with a cutaneous hexadactyly, the fact that the combination occurs in both children and that the mother exibits a \"incomplete form\" (?) of the ophthalmologic symptom tends to indicate that the cause is genetic.", "contents": "[Anophthalmia and accompanying malformations (author's transl)]. Six children with bilateral or unilateral anophthalmia were described. Malformations of the face and the extremities, stunted growth, hydrocephalus, muscle hypotony and mental retardation in varying degrees and combinations were also found. The genesis is not clear. With two siblings who exibited a combination which has not been described previously of anophtalmia on one side and microphthalmia on the other together with a cutaneous hexadactyly, the fact that the combination occurs in both children and that the mother exibits a \"incomplete form\" (?) of the ophthalmologic symptom tends to indicate that the cause is genetic.", "PMID": 988424} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2675", "title": "[Vater or Vacterl syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "Analysis of malformations in 65 newborns with limb anomalies, 39 with esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula, and 41 with anal atresia confirmed the nonrandom tendency for the defects of the VATER or VACTERL syndrome to associate together. 11 new patients with 4 or more of these anomalies were compared with 41 previously reported cases. There was good agreement with reference to the frequency of the major malformations noted in the VACTERL association. While anal atresia was not so common in our patients, cardiac anomalies and radial limb dysplasia occurred somewhat more frequently. In accordance with previous findings we also emphasize a single umbilical artery as one of the malformations in the spectrum of the VACTERL association (V = vertebral defects and vascular anomalies). Because of the high incidence of rib anomalies in our patients and in earlier cases with complete medical records it is suggested that the scope of the VACTERL association should be enlarged by this malformation. Thus the R in VACTERL would stand not only for renal defects but als for rib anomalies. Furthermore, the spectrum of anomalies could be extended by auricular defects (A = anal atresia and auricular defects). When one of these VACTERL components is found attention should be drawn to the possibility of the presence of the other associated anomalies. The developmentally correlated malformations seen in the VACTERL syndrome are generally sporadically observed. At the present time the etiology is unknown but heterogeneity is suggested. Although a causal relationship between maternal intake of progesteron/estrogen during the vulnerable period of embryogenesis and the VACTERL syndrome has been suggested, none of the mothers of our patients were exposed to these hormones during early pregnancy. Cytogenetic investigation in one patient and his mother showed a so-called marker chromosome 9 (C9qh+ variant) which is difficult to interpret at the present time.", "contents": "[Vater or Vacterl syndrome (author's transl)]. Analysis of malformations in 65 newborns with limb anomalies, 39 with esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula, and 41 with anal atresia confirmed the nonrandom tendency for the defects of the VATER or VACTERL syndrome to associate together. 11 new patients with 4 or more of these anomalies were compared with 41 previously reported cases. There was good agreement with reference to the frequency of the major malformations noted in the VACTERL association. While anal atresia was not so common in our patients, cardiac anomalies and radial limb dysplasia occurred somewhat more frequently. In accordance with previous findings we also emphasize a single umbilical artery as one of the malformations in the spectrum of the VACTERL association (V = vertebral defects and vascular anomalies). Because of the high incidence of rib anomalies in our patients and in earlier cases with complete medical records it is suggested that the scope of the VACTERL association should be enlarged by this malformation. Thus the R in VACTERL would stand not only for renal defects but als for rib anomalies. Furthermore, the spectrum of anomalies could be extended by auricular defects (A = anal atresia and auricular defects). When one of these VACTERL components is found attention should be drawn to the possibility of the presence of the other associated anomalies. The developmentally correlated malformations seen in the VACTERL syndrome are generally sporadically observed. At the present time the etiology is unknown but heterogeneity is suggested. Although a causal relationship between maternal intake of progesteron/estrogen during the vulnerable period of embryogenesis and the VACTERL syndrome has been suggested, none of the mothers of our patients were exposed to these hormones during early pregnancy. Cytogenetic investigation in one patient and his mother showed a so-called marker chromosome 9 (C9qh+ variant) which is difficult to interpret at the present time.", "PMID": 988425} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2676", "title": "[Intestinal suction biopsy in childhood of experiences during 1968-1975 (author's transl)].", "content": "From 1968 to 1975 532 intestinal suction biopsies were obtained in 371 children and adolescents using the paediatric Watson capsule. The youngest patient was 2 months old; a 9 months old infant has the lowest body weight of 3 520 g. Mucosal specimens were mainly taken from the upper jejunum. The whole procedure mostly required not more than 30 minutes. No serious complications were seen. Due to technical troubles several attempts were ineffective; the rate of successful biopsies was 89%. The paediatric Watson capsule proved to be easy to handle, mostly reliable, and therefore very suitable for intestinal biopsy in childhood. The dissecting microscope and histological findings were classified into four groups: normal mucosa, slight, moderate and severe mucosal lesions. Severe lesions were almost only demonstrated in patients with coeliac disease: in the active phase, in the early phase of remission under gluten free diet and during gluten loading or normal diet respectively, furthermore in an infant with protracted diarrhoea and in a child with agammaglobulinemia. A flat mucosa is not pathognomonic for coeliac disease but a constant morphological attribute and conclusive for diagnosis. Moderate mucosal lesions were seen in the remission of coeliac disease or during gluten loading and in some cases with protracted diarrhoea of infancy and with chronic malabsorption of unknown origin, furthermore in a child with immunoglobulin deficiency and in another one with iron deficiency anemia. The examination with the dissecting microscope can be performed very easily and makes obvious a very exact diagnostic information which is completed by the histological examination.", "contents": "[Intestinal suction biopsy in childhood of experiences during 1968-1975 (author's transl)]. From 1968 to 1975 532 intestinal suction biopsies were obtained in 371 children and adolescents using the paediatric Watson capsule. The youngest patient was 2 months old; a 9 months old infant has the lowest body weight of 3 520 g. Mucosal specimens were mainly taken from the upper jejunum. The whole procedure mostly required not more than 30 minutes. No serious complications were seen. Due to technical troubles several attempts were ineffective; the rate of successful biopsies was 89%. The paediatric Watson capsule proved to be easy to handle, mostly reliable, and therefore very suitable for intestinal biopsy in childhood. The dissecting microscope and histological findings were classified into four groups: normal mucosa, slight, moderate and severe mucosal lesions. Severe lesions were almost only demonstrated in patients with coeliac disease: in the active phase, in the early phase of remission under gluten free diet and during gluten loading or normal diet respectively, furthermore in an infant with protracted diarrhoea and in a child with agammaglobulinemia. A flat mucosa is not pathognomonic for coeliac disease but a constant morphological attribute and conclusive for diagnosis. Moderate mucosal lesions were seen in the remission of coeliac disease or during gluten loading and in some cases with protracted diarrhoea of infancy and with chronic malabsorption of unknown origin, furthermore in a child with immunoglobulin deficiency and in another one with iron deficiency anemia. The examination with the dissecting microscope can be performed very easily and makes obvious a very exact diagnostic information which is completed by the histological examination.", "PMID": 988426} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2677", "title": "[Differential diagnosis and course of the idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of a twelve year old boy with idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis is reported. The disease is characterized by onset in the prebubertal or pubertal age. The initial complaint is deep pain of the extremities, followed by a decrease in growth and multiple fractures of the spine and lower extremities. Radiologically a severe generalized osteoporosis is shown. Diagnosis depends on the results of clinical and x-ray examination, bone histology studies and the ruling out other forms of osteoporosis, those due to other disease of bones, renal diseases and metabolic or endocrine disturbances. Spontaneous remissions usually follows 2-4 years of disease. A specific treatment is not known.", "contents": "[Differential diagnosis and course of the idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis (author's transl)]. A case of a twelve year old boy with idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis is reported. The disease is characterized by onset in the prebubertal or pubertal age. The initial complaint is deep pain of the extremities, followed by a decrease in growth and multiple fractures of the spine and lower extremities. Radiologically a severe generalized osteoporosis is shown. Diagnosis depends on the results of clinical and x-ray examination, bone histology studies and the ruling out other forms of osteoporosis, those due to other disease of bones, renal diseases and metabolic or endocrine disturbances. Spontaneous remissions usually follows 2-4 years of disease. A specific treatment is not known.", "PMID": 988427} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2678", "title": "[Medulloblastoma and pineoblastoma in monozygous twins (author's transl)].", "content": "Clinical and neuropathological findings in monozygous twin sisters are reported. Twin I died at age 5 months from a cerebellar medulloblastoma, whereas her sister died at age 16 months from a pineoblastoma. The tumors are considered similar referring to histogenesis, structural peculiarities and growth. Therefore, the twins are seen as concordant for the tumor type.", "contents": "[Medulloblastoma and pineoblastoma in monozygous twins (author's transl)]. Clinical and neuropathological findings in monozygous twin sisters are reported. Twin I died at age 5 months from a cerebellar medulloblastoma, whereas her sister died at age 16 months from a pineoblastoma. The tumors are considered similar referring to histogenesis, structural peculiarities and growth. Therefore, the twins are seen as concordant for the tumor type.", "PMID": 988428} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2679", "title": "[Primary generalization in alveolar rhabdomyosarkom (author's transl)].", "content": "Rhabdomyosarcomas are surpassed in frequency only by neuroblastomas and Wilms' tumors in pediatric oncology. An unusual variant is the primarily generalized alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Reviewing a case history, diagnostic, differential diagnostic and therapeutic problems are discussed. Cure appears to be unobtainable at the present time; nevertheless an aggressive approach by modern therapy seems justified as prolonged symptomfree intervals are possible without considerable side effects.", "contents": "[Primary generalization in alveolar rhabdomyosarkom (author's transl)]. Rhabdomyosarcomas are surpassed in frequency only by neuroblastomas and Wilms' tumors in pediatric oncology. An unusual variant is the primarily generalized alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Reviewing a case history, diagnostic, differential diagnostic and therapeutic problems are discussed. Cure appears to be unobtainable at the present time; nevertheless an aggressive approach by modern therapy seems justified as prolonged symptomfree intervals are possible without considerable side effects.", "PMID": 988429} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2680", "title": "[Kleinschmidt's syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "This is a case-report about a 4 year old boy with \"cherry red\" epiglottis, purulent meningitis and pleuropneumonia. Purulent meningitis and pleuropneumonia are not complications of treatment of \"cherry red\" epiglottis but an entity caused by Hemophilus influenzae-infection and is called Kleinschmidt's syndrome (Hemophilus influenzae type B-infection-syndrome). This severe illness is successfully treated if recognized early enough. At present, chloramphenicol is the therapy of choice. Intubation or tracheotomy are important but supportive measures.", "contents": "[Kleinschmidt's syndrome (author's transl)]. This is a case-report about a 4 year old boy with \"cherry red\" epiglottis, purulent meningitis and pleuropneumonia. Purulent meningitis and pleuropneumonia are not complications of treatment of \"cherry red\" epiglottis but an entity caused by Hemophilus influenzae-infection and is called Kleinschmidt's syndrome (Hemophilus influenzae type B-infection-syndrome). This severe illness is successfully treated if recognized early enough. At present, chloramphenicol is the therapy of choice. Intubation or tracheotomy are important but supportive measures.", "PMID": 988430} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2681", "title": "Human C-peptide. Part I: Radioimmunoassay.", "content": "Synthetic human C-peptide bearing a Tyrosine group at its amino end is labelled with 125iodine using chloramin T or hydrogen peroxide and lactoperoxidase. The results are compared applying both methods. Antiserum to synthetic human C-peptide (without Tyrosine) which was partially compared to rabbit albumin, is raised in guinea pigs and goats. Goats show to be superior to guinea pigs concerning antibody production. The so-called \"hook effect\" phenomenon is observed in setting up the standard curves for the radioimmunoassay. Monotonically decreasing standard curves are obtained on dilution of antiserum with a high antibody titer which was produced by repeated immunization in goats. Free C-peptide and C-peptide bound to antiserum are separated with the anxion exchange resin Amberlite. Using this separation technique we excluded unspecific binding of labelled C-peptide to protein fractions in serum of diabetics. The sensitivity of our radioimmunoassay is approx. 0.3 ng C-peptide/ml serum. Intra- and interassay variability are below 10%. Human proinsulin is the only substance found to crossreact with the antiserum.", "contents": "Human C-peptide. Part I: Radioimmunoassay. Synthetic human C-peptide bearing a Tyrosine group at its amino end is labelled with 125iodine using chloramin T or hydrogen peroxide and lactoperoxidase. The results are compared applying both methods. Antiserum to synthetic human C-peptide (without Tyrosine) which was partially compared to rabbit albumin, is raised in guinea pigs and goats. Goats show to be superior to guinea pigs concerning antibody production. The so-called \"hook effect\" phenomenon is observed in setting up the standard curves for the radioimmunoassay. Monotonically decreasing standard curves are obtained on dilution of antiserum with a high antibody titer which was produced by repeated immunization in goats. Free C-peptide and C-peptide bound to antiserum are separated with the anxion exchange resin Amberlite. Using this separation technique we excluded unspecific binding of labelled C-peptide to protein fractions in serum of diabetics. The sensitivity of our radioimmunoassay is approx. 0.3 ng C-peptide/ml serum. Intra- and interassay variability are below 10%. Human proinsulin is the only substance found to crossreact with the antiserum.", "PMID": 988431} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2682", "title": "Vagal and hormonal influences on gastric secretion in duodenal ulcer disease.", "content": "Current concepts on the pathophysiology of gastric hypersecretion in duodenal ulcer disease have been presented and the role of vagal nerves and gastrointestinal hormones particularly gastrin has been discussed. Duodenal ulcer patients form a heterogenous group with regard to the gastric acid and pepsin secretion and gastrin release. They may differ from healthy subjects by several wall defined defects including an increased mass of parietal and peptic cells, increased capacity to secrete acid and pepsin, increased vagal drive to the parietal cells, hyperreactivity of antrum, decreased effectiveness of antral and duodenal autoregulatory mechanisms, defective release of secretin, increased gastric emptying and defective removal of gastric acid load from the duodenum. Very little is known what proportion of duodenal ulcer patients suffer from various pathologic disturbences and what are the mechanisms underlying these changes.", "contents": "Vagal and hormonal influences on gastric secretion in duodenal ulcer disease. Current concepts on the pathophysiology of gastric hypersecretion in duodenal ulcer disease have been presented and the role of vagal nerves and gastrointestinal hormones particularly gastrin has been discussed. Duodenal ulcer patients form a heterogenous group with regard to the gastric acid and pepsin secretion and gastrin release. They may differ from healthy subjects by several wall defined defects including an increased mass of parietal and peptic cells, increased capacity to secrete acid and pepsin, increased vagal drive to the parietal cells, hyperreactivity of antrum, decreased effectiveness of antral and duodenal autoregulatory mechanisms, defective release of secretin, increased gastric emptying and defective removal of gastric acid load from the duodenum. Very little is known what proportion of duodenal ulcer patients suffer from various pathologic disturbences and what are the mechanisms underlying these changes.", "PMID": 988432} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2683", "title": "Galactorrhea in a male stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides).", "content": "A male Macaca arctoides imported as an adult in 1966, has demonstrated bilateral galactorrhea since 1973. The animal has not shown any clinical signs of gynecomastia, ill health, or reproductive failure. A sample of the secretion expressed from his nipples contained 2-5% lactose.", "contents": "Galactorrhea in a male stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides). A male Macaca arctoides imported as an adult in 1966, has demonstrated bilateral galactorrhea since 1973. The animal has not shown any clinical signs of gynecomastia, ill health, or reproductive failure. A sample of the secretion expressed from his nipples contained 2-5% lactose.", "PMID": 988433} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2684", "title": "The influence of filter top caging on the transmission of pinworm infections in mice.", "content": "The effectiveness of filter top cages in preventing infection of mice with pinworms, Aspiculuris tetraptera and Syphacia obvelata, was investigated by introducing mice from a pathogen-free colony into a colony in which both types of pinworms were enzootic. Half of the pathogen-free mice were maintained in filter top cages, while the remainder were held in similar cages without filters. All mice thus introduced were killed and examined after 3-8 week exposure periods. No pinworm were recovered from mice in 17 of 18 cages with filter tops while mice in 12 of 16 cages without filter tops were infected.", "contents": "The influence of filter top caging on the transmission of pinworm infections in mice. The effectiveness of filter top cages in preventing infection of mice with pinworms, Aspiculuris tetraptera and Syphacia obvelata, was investigated by introducing mice from a pathogen-free colony into a colony in which both types of pinworms were enzootic. Half of the pathogen-free mice were maintained in filter top cages, while the remainder were held in similar cages without filters. All mice thus introduced were killed and examined after 3-8 week exposure periods. No pinworm were recovered from mice in 17 of 18 cages with filter tops while mice in 12 of 16 cages without filter tops were infected.", "PMID": 988434} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2685", "title": "Effect of alcohol and diet on 3H-leucine incorporation into brain and liver protein. I. Acute intoxication and vitamin deficiency in rats.", "content": "In rats receiving a normal diet, ethanol administration reduced the incorporation of labeled amino acids into brain protein and increased incorporation into liver protein, but in rats fed vitamin-deficient diets alcohol did not significantly affect amino-acid incorporation.", "contents": "Effect of alcohol and diet on 3H-leucine incorporation into brain and liver protein. I. Acute intoxication and vitamin deficiency in rats. In rats receiving a normal diet, ethanol administration reduced the incorporation of labeled amino acids into brain protein and increased incorporation into liver protein, but in rats fed vitamin-deficient diets alcohol did not significantly affect amino-acid incorporation.", "PMID": 988437} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2686", "title": "[Histopathology of mucoceles infiltrated with steroids].", "content": "The authors have had the opportunity to treat eight cases of lip mucocele with intralesional infiltration of Triamcinolone Acetonide (Kenacort). In three cases there was complete regression of the lesion after a variable period of time between the first and the fourth infiltration. In five cases the results were negative. The patients who reacted positively to treatment were followed-up for a year afterwards.", "contents": "[Histopathology of mucoceles infiltrated with steroids]. The authors have had the opportunity to treat eight cases of lip mucocele with intralesional infiltration of Triamcinolone Acetonide (Kenacort). In three cases there was complete regression of the lesion after a variable period of time between the first and the fourth infiltration. In five cases the results were negative. The patients who reacted positively to treatment were followed-up for a year afterwards.", "PMID": 988441} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2687", "title": "[Anular centrifugal erythema on the site of injection of hormone preparation in oil suspension].", "content": "An erythema annulare-like lesion following the intramuscular injection of a suspension of estrogen and progestative mixture in purified olive oil is described by the authors. The eruption appeared 9-10 days after the injection and relapsed after each injection. The histological picture was compatible with erythema annulare.", "contents": "[Anular centrifugal erythema on the site of injection of hormone preparation in oil suspension]. An erythema annulare-like lesion following the intramuscular injection of a suspension of estrogen and progestative mixture in purified olive oil is described by the authors. The eruption appeared 9-10 days after the injection and relapsed after each injection. The histological picture was compatible with erythema annulare.", "PMID": 988442} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2688", "title": "[False basalnomas and false cutaneous metastasis of visceral cancer. Apropos of 7 observations of eccrine carcinoma].", "content": "After a review of the bibliography on the subject of eccrine sweat gland carcinomas, the authors emphasize the confusing terminology used for the designation of these cases and the difficulties for a correct clinical and histological diagnosis of these tumors. According to the data obtained from the study of 7 personal cases, the most characteristic features of the eccrine carcinomas could be the following: 1) From the clinical standpoint--Appearance of a single tumour, lasting unmodified for a long period of time.--Tendency to reccurrence of the neighbouring areas after tumour excision, and to a slow progression through the superficial lymphatic channels.--Appearance of distant metastasis a long time after the original lesion. These metastases are observed, a) on the regional lymph nodes, b) on the superficial lymphatic channels and c) in some cases in the skin by intraepidermal growth. 2) From the histological point of view--Localisation in the deep dermis of the tumoral masses in the original lesion.--Acinar or tubular structures. Abundant nitoses and considerable indifferntiation of the cellular elements.--Tendency to the formation of empty peritumoral spaces separating the tumoral masses from the connective tissue by the retraction caused by the fixative.--Styloid or trabecular growth surrounding the main mass of the tumor.--Two types of cells can be observed in some tumours; large cells with a clear cytoplasm and small deeply-stained cells resembling the mioepithelial cells.--Tendency to the formation of clear cell tumoral masses.--Squamous metaplasia of isolated cells or groups of cells.--Presence of PAS-positive cytoplasmatic granulations in some cellular elements.--Degenerative changes with secondary cystic formations.--Frequent features of tumoral lymphangitis. 3y From theions.--Frequent features of tumoral lymphangitis. 3) From the cytological standpoint Staining in yellow of the cytoplasms of the tumour cells with the Panpanicolau method. 4) From the ultrastructural standpoint--Impossibility of classifiying the cells into serous or mucous due to the considerable anaplasia.--Absence of eccrine-apocrine differentiation, of ductal formation and of embrionary sweat cell features.", "contents": "[False basalnomas and false cutaneous metastasis of visceral cancer. Apropos of 7 observations of eccrine carcinoma]. After a review of the bibliography on the subject of eccrine sweat gland carcinomas, the authors emphasize the confusing terminology used for the designation of these cases and the difficulties for a correct clinical and histological diagnosis of these tumors. According to the data obtained from the study of 7 personal cases, the most characteristic features of the eccrine carcinomas could be the following: 1) From the clinical standpoint--Appearance of a single tumour, lasting unmodified for a long period of time.--Tendency to reccurrence of the neighbouring areas after tumour excision, and to a slow progression through the superficial lymphatic channels.--Appearance of distant metastasis a long time after the original lesion. These metastases are observed, a) on the regional lymph nodes, b) on the superficial lymphatic channels and c) in some cases in the skin by intraepidermal growth. 2) From the histological point of view--Localisation in the deep dermis of the tumoral masses in the original lesion.--Acinar or tubular structures. Abundant nitoses and considerable indifferntiation of the cellular elements.--Tendency to the formation of empty peritumoral spaces separating the tumoral masses from the connective tissue by the retraction caused by the fixative.--Styloid or trabecular growth surrounding the main mass of the tumor.--Two types of cells can be observed in some tumours; large cells with a clear cytoplasm and small deeply-stained cells resembling the mioepithelial cells.--Tendency to the formation of clear cell tumoral masses.--Squamous metaplasia of isolated cells or groups of cells.--Presence of PAS-positive cytoplasmatic granulations in some cellular elements.--Degenerative changes with secondary cystic formations.--Frequent features of tumoral lymphangitis. 3y From theions.--Frequent features of tumoral lymphangitis. 3) From the cytological standpoint Staining in yellow of the cytoplasms of the tumour cells with the Panpanicolau method. 4) From the ultrastructural standpoint--Impossibility of classifiying the cells into serous or mucous due to the considerable anaplasia.--Absence of eccrine-apocrine differentiation, of ductal formation and of embrionary sweat cell features.", "PMID": 988443} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2689", "title": "[Polymorphic light dermatitis. Photobiology and photoprotection].", "content": "It is possible in the majority of patients with polymorphic light eruption to produce lesions experimentally. Only the reproduction of the clinical reaction is significant for the diagnosis. Irradiation is carried out in the same test area two or three times with a dose of up to eight times the minimal erythema dose. Sunlight is the best agent for the evaluation of this protocutaneous disorder. A localised area of the skin can be exposed to midday sunshine about half an hour on three consecutive days. But sunlight has the disadvantage of having a variable ultraviolet emission at different times. It is necessary to differentiate lupus erythematosus and photocontact dermatitis, which may produce identical reactions. Other light sources are the hot quartz lamp, fluorescent tube \"sun lamp\", solar simulator and the monochromater. Patients with polymorphic light eruption are sensitive to light in the range 300 to 320 nm. but some of them are sensitive to savelengths shorter or longer than this range. The methods of protection against solar radiation which have been tried include: 1) Avoidance of sunlight; 2) Promotion of melanin hyperpgimentation and thickening of the stratum corneum-by controlled exposure to sunlight; 3) Application of a film of a chemical compound that will act as a physical screen and absorb, scatter or reflect damaging radiation; 4) Chemical modification of the stratum corneum by topically applied substances which can conjugate chemically or be absorbed onto the stratum corneum and filter the damaging rays. Many authors at present consider the use of alcoholic solutions of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) to be the most effective method of preventing reactions from exposure to sunlight. Pathak and Fitzpatrick showed that 5 % PABA in 70 % ethanol and 2,5 % Escalol 506 in 65 % ethanol is the most effective sunscreen against radiation of the sunburn spectrum. A dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and naphthaquinone (lawsone) sunscreen provides photoprotection for all types of photosensitivity throughout the whole UV spectrum even into the visible region. Systemic photoprotection: The administration of beta-carotene to patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria has resulted in amelioriation of their photosensitivity. Antimalarials are valuable therapeutic agents and are highly effective in controlling cutaneous lupus erythematosus, polymorphic light eruption and occasionally solar urticaria.", "contents": "[Polymorphic light dermatitis. Photobiology and photoprotection]. It is possible in the majority of patients with polymorphic light eruption to produce lesions experimentally. Only the reproduction of the clinical reaction is significant for the diagnosis. Irradiation is carried out in the same test area two or three times with a dose of up to eight times the minimal erythema dose. Sunlight is the best agent for the evaluation of this protocutaneous disorder. A localised area of the skin can be exposed to midday sunshine about half an hour on three consecutive days. But sunlight has the disadvantage of having a variable ultraviolet emission at different times. It is necessary to differentiate lupus erythematosus and photocontact dermatitis, which may produce identical reactions. Other light sources are the hot quartz lamp, fluorescent tube \"sun lamp\", solar simulator and the monochromater. Patients with polymorphic light eruption are sensitive to light in the range 300 to 320 nm. but some of them are sensitive to savelengths shorter or longer than this range. The methods of protection against solar radiation which have been tried include: 1) Avoidance of sunlight; 2) Promotion of melanin hyperpgimentation and thickening of the stratum corneum-by controlled exposure to sunlight; 3) Application of a film of a chemical compound that will act as a physical screen and absorb, scatter or reflect damaging radiation; 4) Chemical modification of the stratum corneum by topically applied substances which can conjugate chemically or be absorbed onto the stratum corneum and filter the damaging rays. Many authors at present consider the use of alcoholic solutions of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) to be the most effective method of preventing reactions from exposure to sunlight. Pathak and Fitzpatrick showed that 5 % PABA in 70 % ethanol and 2,5 % Escalol 506 in 65 % ethanol is the most effective sunscreen against radiation of the sunburn spectrum. A dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and naphthaquinone (lawsone) sunscreen provides photoprotection for all types of photosensitivity throughout the whole UV spectrum even into the visible region. Systemic photoprotection: The administration of beta-carotene to patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria has resulted in amelioriation of their photosensitivity. Antimalarials are valuable therapeutic agents and are highly effective in controlling cutaneous lupus erythematosus, polymorphic light eruption and occasionally solar urticaria.", "PMID": 988444} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2690", "title": "[Hydroa vacciniforme, a well defined photodermatosis (clinical, histopathological and photobiological aspects, apropos of 3 personal cases].", "content": "Three cases of \"hydroa vacciniforme\" are reported. The clinicopathological findings are emphasized. In two cases the patients presented keloids on the blister scars and in one of them there was association with focal epilepsia. The occular complications in the \"hydroa vacciniforme\" are uncommon but severe. The studies of cellular photobiology (\"in vitro\" irradiation of lymphocytes with U.V. rays) showed an imapirement of the ADN dark1repair, as demonstrated by other authors.", "contents": "[Hydroa vacciniforme, a well defined photodermatosis (clinical, histopathological and photobiological aspects, apropos of 3 personal cases]. Three cases of \"hydroa vacciniforme\" are reported. The clinicopathological findings are emphasized. In two cases the patients presented keloids on the blister scars and in one of them there was association with focal epilepsia. The occular complications in the \"hydroa vacciniforme\" are uncommon but severe. The studies of cellular photobiology (\"in vitro\" irradiation of lymphocytes with U.V. rays) showed an imapirement of the ADN dark1repair, as demonstrated by other authors.", "PMID": 988445} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2691", "title": "[Lipid composition of the normal skin].", "content": "Thirty six specimens of normal human skin were obtained from persons of both seces, diferent ages and localizations. Each lipid extract (Ex L) was analyzed by thin layer chromatography. After separation and development, the areas were determined by densitometry. The results are given in percentages for each development. Statistical studies were carried out for each variant (sex, age, and localization) and for each lipid fraction. According to results, the following data are of interest: 1) Underlined results on table V, are significative. 2) The variant: sex, does not change the results. 3) Squalene (Esc) is absent on plasma. 4) Cholesterol esters (EC) are age and localization dependant. 5) The total amount resulting from the addition of monoenoics (EM) and dienoics (ED) esters, is constant (approximatively the 75 % of EC). 6) EM are prevalent in skin, and the ED in plasma. 7) Phospholipids (FL) are not constant. 8) The results depend particularly on the localization of each specimen. Thin layer chromatography is a good qualitative method, but the densitometry is not an exact method, as a 5-10 % of error is usually accepted. Our results gave only an idea of the lipid components of normal human skin, but this data can be applied as a tentative pattern por subsequent studies in pathological cases.", "contents": "[Lipid composition of the normal skin]. Thirty six specimens of normal human skin were obtained from persons of both seces, diferent ages and localizations. Each lipid extract (Ex L) was analyzed by thin layer chromatography. After separation and development, the areas were determined by densitometry. The results are given in percentages for each development. Statistical studies were carried out for each variant (sex, age, and localization) and for each lipid fraction. According to results, the following data are of interest: 1) Underlined results on table V, are significative. 2) The variant: sex, does not change the results. 3) Squalene (Esc) is absent on plasma. 4) Cholesterol esters (EC) are age and localization dependant. 5) The total amount resulting from the addition of monoenoics (EM) and dienoics (ED) esters, is constant (approximatively the 75 % of EC). 6) EM are prevalent in skin, and the ED in plasma. 7) Phospholipids (FL) are not constant. 8) The results depend particularly on the localization of each specimen. Thin layer chromatography is a good qualitative method, but the densitometry is not an exact method, as a 5-10 % of error is usually accepted. Our results gave only an idea of the lipid components of normal human skin, but this data can be applied as a tentative pattern por subsequent studies in pathological cases.", "PMID": 988446} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2692", "title": "[Contact dermatitis caused by plastic pockets on trouser].", "content": "An hitherto undescribed type of contact dermatitis in a series of 16 patients is described by the authors. The lesions were localized in the anterior and anterolateral aspects of the thighs and were sharply limited in the area contacting the trouser pockets, manufactured with synthetic fabrics. In 17 patients of this series there was a concomitant dermatitis in the exposed areas of the face and hands. The authors described the processing in the manufacture of these pockets, the end step being the obtention of poliamide, through different precursor substances. The poliamide is treated with different aditives giving rise to the nylon fiber, which is used to manufacture the definitive tissue. A list of adequate allergens and their concentrations used in the 16 patients is given in the paper. The results of the patch tests and the fact that all the clinical symptoms of the patients disappeared after the withdrawal of the tissue pockets and substitution by cotton tissue give a reasonable basis to the hypothesis of contact dermatitis caused by this tissue. However, the true specific allergen is not demonstrated yet.", "contents": "[Contact dermatitis caused by plastic pockets on trouser]. An hitherto undescribed type of contact dermatitis in a series of 16 patients is described by the authors. The lesions were localized in the anterior and anterolateral aspects of the thighs and were sharply limited in the area contacting the trouser pockets, manufactured with synthetic fabrics. In 17 patients of this series there was a concomitant dermatitis in the exposed areas of the face and hands. The authors described the processing in the manufacture of these pockets, the end step being the obtention of poliamide, through different precursor substances. The poliamide is treated with different aditives giving rise to the nylon fiber, which is used to manufacture the definitive tissue. A list of adequate allergens and their concentrations used in the 16 patients is given in the paper. The results of the patch tests and the fact that all the clinical symptoms of the patients disappeared after the withdrawal of the tissue pockets and substitution by cotton tissue give a reasonable basis to the hypothesis of contact dermatitis caused by this tissue. However, the true specific allergen is not demonstrated yet.", "PMID": 988447} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2693", "title": "[Pseudoxanthomatous mastocytosis with aspects of nervus elasticus].", "content": "A case of mastocytosis is presented by the authors. The lesions appeared in early childhood with the typical appearance of urticaria pigmentosa. With the course of the years they changed becoming micropapular and assuming the appearance of the clinical picture described by Griffiths and Daneshbod as pseudoxantomatosis mastocytosis, although some clinical and histological aspects resembled the morphology and structure of the \"nevus elasticus\".", "contents": "[Pseudoxanthomatous mastocytosis with aspects of nervus elasticus]. A case of mastocytosis is presented by the authors. The lesions appeared in early childhood with the typical appearance of urticaria pigmentosa. With the course of the years they changed becoming micropapular and assuming the appearance of the clinical picture described by Griffiths and Daneshbod as pseudoxantomatosis mastocytosis, although some clinical and histological aspects resembled the morphology and structure of the \"nevus elasticus\".", "PMID": 988448} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2694", "title": "[Human warts by Papovavirus. Clinical, histological and ultrastructural correation].", "content": "A clinical, histological and ultraestructural study of 6 cases of epidermodisplacia verruciforme (E.V.). A comparisson with comun warts, plane warts and condilomas are made from this study. The authors attain the conclusion that the E.V. is a precancerous genodermatose in which there is special susceptibility in face to Papova virus group. The E.V. has a typical histological and ultraestructural picture quite diferent from those of the warts. The main characteristic in the presence of an intranuclear vacuole visible at the conventional microscope which is also seen at the electronic microscopy. This vacuole is composed by fibrilar materia and has a peripheric um in which is possible to see abundant viruses. The authors make the first description of intranuclear inclusion in the E.V. Some clinico-evolutive and histological pecularities are underlined in the epidermodisplastia carcinomas. The authors sugest the possibility that the different Papova human tumors could be caused by different Kinds of virus.", "contents": "[Human warts by Papovavirus. Clinical, histological and ultrastructural correation]. A clinical, histological and ultraestructural study of 6 cases of epidermodisplacia verruciforme (E.V.). A comparisson with comun warts, plane warts and condilomas are made from this study. The authors attain the conclusion that the E.V. is a precancerous genodermatose in which there is special susceptibility in face to Papova virus group. The E.V. has a typical histological and ultraestructural picture quite diferent from those of the warts. The main characteristic in the presence of an intranuclear vacuole visible at the conventional microscope which is also seen at the electronic microscopy. This vacuole is composed by fibrilar materia and has a peripheric um in which is possible to see abundant viruses. The authors make the first description of intranuclear inclusion in the E.V. Some clinico-evolutive and histological pecularities are underlined in the epidermodisplastia carcinomas. The authors sugest the possibility that the different Papova human tumors could be caused by different Kinds of virus.", "PMID": 988449} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2695", "title": "[Esophageal manifestations of pemphigus vulgaris].", "content": "The fibroscopic examination of a case of pemphigus vulgaris is described. The author postulate the fibroscopy as routine examination in the pemphigus with oral lesions.", "contents": "[Esophageal manifestations of pemphigus vulgaris]. The fibroscopic examination of a case of pemphigus vulgaris is described. The author postulate the fibroscopy as routine examination in the pemphigus with oral lesions.", "PMID": 988450} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2696", "title": "[Levels of selenium in urine after treatment of pityriasis versicolor with a 1.0% selenium sulfide].", "content": "The treatment of pityriasis versicolor by the topical application of selenium sulfide 1% was studied in two groups of patients. Diagnosis and response to therapy was determined by clinical observation. Wood's light fluorescence, and direct microscopic examination. The efficacy of three different therapeutic regimes was studied in one group by the application of the drug to the entire skin for either five minutes, fifteen minutes, or twelve hours for eighteen days. Each method proved equally effective in resolving the infection. Therefore, the cutaneous application of selenium sulfide 1 % for five minutes daily for eighteen days is the recommended treatment for pityriasis versicolor. The percutaneous absorption of selenium sulfide was also studied in another groups who applied the drug to the entire skin for five minutes for eighteen days. Fluorimetric analysis of urinary samples collected on the third and thirteenth days of treatment revealed no significant increase in the excretion of selenium as compared to pretreatment levels. Systemic toxicity was not observed in any of the patients treated. The results suggest that the selenium sulfide is absorbed poorly from the skin and is a safe and effective therapy for pityriasis versicolor.", "contents": "[Levels of selenium in urine after treatment of pityriasis versicolor with a 1.0% selenium sulfide]. The treatment of pityriasis versicolor by the topical application of selenium sulfide 1% was studied in two groups of patients. Diagnosis and response to therapy was determined by clinical observation. Wood's light fluorescence, and direct microscopic examination. The efficacy of three different therapeutic regimes was studied in one group by the application of the drug to the entire skin for either five minutes, fifteen minutes, or twelve hours for eighteen days. Each method proved equally effective in resolving the infection. Therefore, the cutaneous application of selenium sulfide 1 % for five minutes daily for eighteen days is the recommended treatment for pityriasis versicolor. The percutaneous absorption of selenium sulfide was also studied in another groups who applied the drug to the entire skin for five minutes for eighteen days. Fluorimetric analysis of urinary samples collected on the third and thirteenth days of treatment revealed no significant increase in the excretion of selenium as compared to pretreatment levels. Systemic toxicity was not observed in any of the patients treated. The results suggest that the selenium sulfide is absorbed poorly from the skin and is a safe and effective therapy for pityriasis versicolor.", "PMID": 988451} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2697", "title": "[Treatment of female gonorrhea. Therapeutic results with pivampicillin-probenecid and penicillin procaine-probenecid combinations].", "content": "A controlled trial of the relative efficacies of procaine penicillin G and pivampicillin for single dose treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea in female was performed. Confirmation of the disease was obtained by bacteriological isolation of Neisseria gonorrhea from uretral, cervical or rectal exudates inoculated in suitable media. Based upon their previous experience, the authors used probenecid, along with both antibiotics, as a way of increasing the effectiveness of these drugs. Twentynine patients received probenecid 1 g. followed by oral pivampicillin, in a single dose of 1,4 g. Therapeutical results were evaluated in twenty-four, with clinical and bacteriological cure of eighteen. The other group included fifty-two patients treated with probenecid 1 g. followed by a single intramuscular dose of 3.000.000 U. of procaine penicillin G. The therapeutical results in the last group were evaluated in forty patients, with clinical and bacteriological cure of thirty-three. According to the above mentioned results procaine penicillin G seems to offer a slightly superior probability of cure.", "contents": "[Treatment of female gonorrhea. Therapeutic results with pivampicillin-probenecid and penicillin procaine-probenecid combinations]. A controlled trial of the relative efficacies of procaine penicillin G and pivampicillin for single dose treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea in female was performed. Confirmation of the disease was obtained by bacteriological isolation of Neisseria gonorrhea from uretral, cervical or rectal exudates inoculated in suitable media. Based upon their previous experience, the authors used probenecid, along with both antibiotics, as a way of increasing the effectiveness of these drugs. Twentynine patients received probenecid 1 g. followed by oral pivampicillin, in a single dose of 1,4 g. Therapeutical results were evaluated in twenty-four, with clinical and bacteriological cure of eighteen. The other group included fifty-two patients treated with probenecid 1 g. followed by a single intramuscular dose of 3.000.000 U. of procaine penicillin G. The therapeutical results in the last group were evaluated in forty patients, with clinical and bacteriological cure of thirty-three. According to the above mentioned results procaine penicillin G seems to offer a slightly superior probability of cure.", "PMID": 988452} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2698", "title": "[Treatment of drug resistant scabies].", "content": "Thirty patients suffering from scabies who had previonsly received other kinds of treatment were administered \"Metrifonate\" at daily doses of 10 mg./kg. b.w. during two consecutive days repeated every week and associated with atropine sulfate. The number of weeks lapse until the treatment finished was as follows. (see article.) Four patients developed intolerance, but it was transitory (nausea and vomiting). Cures (skin lesions and prutitus) were obtaind in 29 our of 30 cases.", "contents": "[Treatment of drug resistant scabies]. Thirty patients suffering from scabies who had previonsly received other kinds of treatment were administered \"Metrifonate\" at daily doses of 10 mg./kg. b.w. during two consecutive days repeated every week and associated with atropine sulfate. The number of weeks lapse until the treatment finished was as follows. (see article.) Four patients developed intolerance, but it was transitory (nausea and vomiting). Cures (skin lesions and prutitus) were obtaind in 29 our of 30 cases.", "PMID": 988453} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2699", "title": "[Epithelioise sarcoma. A myofibroblastoma tumor].", "content": "A case of epithelioid sarcoma in a 48 year old man is described by the authors. The ultrastructural study showed the presence of abundant cellular elements showing some features closely similar to those of the so-called myofibroblasts. These were: folds in the nuclear membrane, abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, thick bundles of microfilaments resembling those of the smooth muscle, junctional complexes and degenerative changes (lipid droplets and autophagic vacuoles). These findings suggest the possibility that the epithelioid sarcoma could be a neoplasia originating from the myofibroblasts.", "contents": "[Epithelioise sarcoma. A myofibroblastoma tumor]. A case of epithelioid sarcoma in a 48 year old man is described by the authors. The ultrastructural study showed the presence of abundant cellular elements showing some features closely similar to those of the so-called myofibroblasts. These were: folds in the nuclear membrane, abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, thick bundles of microfilaments resembling those of the smooth muscle, junctional complexes and degenerative changes (lipid droplets and autophagic vacuoles). These findings suggest the possibility that the epithelioid sarcoma could be a neoplasia originating from the myofibroblasts.", "PMID": 988454} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2700", "title": "[Chromomycosis in Iberia].", "content": "A 66 year old, Spaniard, born at Sueca (Valencia Province), was found infected with \"Fonsecaea pedrosoi\". His lesion, located in the inner aspect of the right arm, appeared when he was 7-8 years old, and progressed very slowly until he migrated to Venezuela, at 42. Thereafter it progressed more rapidly and started to hurt. Treatment included administration of 5-flucytosine at the daily dose of 150 mg./kg. during 4 and a half months and thermotherapy by means of a permanent adhesive tape on the lesion during 6 months. Eleven months after completion of the treatment, the patient is asymptomatic. This is the second case of chromomycosis originating in the Iberian peninsula. The importance of climate, clothing and age is discussed with reference to epidemiology of chromomycosis. The isolated strain of \"F. pedrosoi\" is the first one from the same region: its cultural characteristics and virulence among mice are studied and reported with some details. We think that in Europe, and especially in the Mediterranean countries, cases of chromomycosis did possibly occur, which were labelled as tuberculosis verrugosa or vegetans pyoderma owing to their histological picture.", "contents": "[Chromomycosis in Iberia]. A 66 year old, Spaniard, born at Sueca (Valencia Province), was found infected with \"Fonsecaea pedrosoi\". His lesion, located in the inner aspect of the right arm, appeared when he was 7-8 years old, and progressed very slowly until he migrated to Venezuela, at 42. Thereafter it progressed more rapidly and started to hurt. Treatment included administration of 5-flucytosine at the daily dose of 150 mg./kg. during 4 and a half months and thermotherapy by means of a permanent adhesive tape on the lesion during 6 months. Eleven months after completion of the treatment, the patient is asymptomatic. This is the second case of chromomycosis originating in the Iberian peninsula. The importance of climate, clothing and age is discussed with reference to epidemiology of chromomycosis. The isolated strain of \"F. pedrosoi\" is the first one from the same region: its cultural characteristics and virulence among mice are studied and reported with some details. We think that in Europe, and especially in the Mediterranean countries, cases of chromomycosis did possibly occur, which were labelled as tuberculosis verrugosa or vegetans pyoderma owing to their histological picture.", "PMID": 988455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2701", "title": "[Technical considerations for the massive practice of hair transplantation].", "content": "Based upon his broad experience of over 2.000 transplant operations, the author notes the frequent patients refusals of multiple sessions and suggests adaptations of the Orentreich technique, to obtain a new modified single session operation allowing insertion of up to 250 to 300 hair plugs. After giving a detailed description of the technical modifications related to the anesthesia, hemostasis, biological integrity of the transplants, local blood supply and other problems, which had to be solved in order to obtain valid results within a record time, the author presents his final results.", "contents": "[Technical considerations for the massive practice of hair transplantation]. Based upon his broad experience of over 2.000 transplant operations, the author notes the frequent patients refusals of multiple sessions and suggests adaptations of the Orentreich technique, to obtain a new modified single session operation allowing insertion of up to 250 to 300 hair plugs. After giving a detailed description of the technical modifications related to the anesthesia, hemostasis, biological integrity of the transplants, local blood supply and other problems, which had to be solved in order to obtain valid results within a record time, the author presents his final results.", "PMID": 988456} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2702", "title": "[Immunotherapy of disseminated common warts with dinitrochlorobenzene].", "content": "Immunotherapy with DNCB was used on patients with numerous, widespread common warts. These warts had not responded to usual therapeutic methods. Immunotherapy was very successful and left no persistent supervision. It is recommended for cases such as those described, but not for routine treatment of isolated warts.", "contents": "[Immunotherapy of disseminated common warts with dinitrochlorobenzene]. Immunotherapy with DNCB was used on patients with numerous, widespread common warts. These warts had not responded to usual therapeutic methods. Immunotherapy was very successful and left no persistent supervision. It is recommended for cases such as those described, but not for routine treatment of isolated warts.", "PMID": 988457} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2703", "title": "[Evaluation of the efficiency of corticosteroid preparations in the treatment of psoriasis].", "content": "The therapeutic efficacy of a w/oily lotion of desoximethasone 0.25% in the treatment of psoriasis was assessed by comparing the results with those obtained with a w/oly lotion of triamcinolone acetonide 0.10%. The comparison was performed by means of a double-blind intraindividual design. The assessment of results was done with a graphic method previously described which permits evaluation of velocity, intensity and duration of morbistatic effect. Twnety six patients were selected, all of them presenting bilateral long-standing, continuous and non-regressive psoriasis in order to avoid spontaneous remissions of the disease. The results showed a higher percentage of improvement with higher intensity, velocity and duration of therapeutic effect of desoxymethasone in comparison with triamcinolone.", "contents": "[Evaluation of the efficiency of corticosteroid preparations in the treatment of psoriasis]. The therapeutic efficacy of a w/oily lotion of desoximethasone 0.25% in the treatment of psoriasis was assessed by comparing the results with those obtained with a w/oly lotion of triamcinolone acetonide 0.10%. The comparison was performed by means of a double-blind intraindividual design. The assessment of results was done with a graphic method previously described which permits evaluation of velocity, intensity and duration of morbistatic effect. Twnety six patients were selected, all of them presenting bilateral long-standing, continuous and non-regressive psoriasis in order to avoid spontaneous remissions of the disease. The results showed a higher percentage of improvement with higher intensity, velocity and duration of therapeutic effect of desoxymethasone in comparison with triamcinolone.", "PMID": 988458} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2704", "title": "[Miconazole per os in tinea and deep mycosis].", "content": "For the last 6 years we have been using Miconazole cream in the treatment of tinea and vaginal candidiasis. We think that it is at least as good as the best drugs for this purpose, but consider it difficult to decide about its superiority. Therefore we refrain from describing this part of our experience in detail. We have employed Miconazole \"per os\" at the daily doses of 24-28 mg./kg. in treating 3 cases of tinea corporis or cruris by \"Trichophyton rubrum\". Symptoms ceased in 3 days; mycologic examination turned negative in 2 weeks; treatment ended in apparent cure in 3 weeks. We have employed Miconazole \"per venam\" and \"per os\" in the treatment of: mycetomata (2) by \"Streptomyces somaliensis\", without success; mycetoma by \"Madurella grisea\" (1), without success; chromomycosis by a 5-flucytosine resistant strain of \"Cladosporium carrionii\" (1), without success; paracoccidioidosis (5) with lesions in mouth and lungs, with good results; leishmaniasis by \"Leishmania brasiliensis\" (1), without success; mucocutaneous disseminated candidiasis (1), with very good results. Tolerance has been excellent: but pruritus appeared from the third week with 600 or more mg. \"per venam\", in several patients. Doses varied between 10 and 50 mg./kg./day. One patient, who suffered with candidiasis, is taking 50 to 30 mg./kg./day since more than a year ago and, being a child, he is feeling well and growing to be normal. We recommend employing Miconazole against systemic canidiasis, sulpharesistant paracoccidioidosis and assaying it further in tinea (at least, in griseofulvin-resistant cases).", "contents": "[Miconazole per os in tinea and deep mycosis]. For the last 6 years we have been using Miconazole cream in the treatment of tinea and vaginal candidiasis. We think that it is at least as good as the best drugs for this purpose, but consider it difficult to decide about its superiority. Therefore we refrain from describing this part of our experience in detail. We have employed Miconazole \"per os\" at the daily doses of 24-28 mg./kg. in treating 3 cases of tinea corporis or cruris by \"Trichophyton rubrum\". Symptoms ceased in 3 days; mycologic examination turned negative in 2 weeks; treatment ended in apparent cure in 3 weeks. We have employed Miconazole \"per venam\" and \"per os\" in the treatment of: mycetomata (2) by \"Streptomyces somaliensis\", without success; mycetoma by \"Madurella grisea\" (1), without success; chromomycosis by a 5-flucytosine resistant strain of \"Cladosporium carrionii\" (1), without success; paracoccidioidosis (5) with lesions in mouth and lungs, with good results; leishmaniasis by \"Leishmania brasiliensis\" (1), without success; mucocutaneous disseminated candidiasis (1), with very good results. Tolerance has been excellent: but pruritus appeared from the third week with 600 or more mg. \"per venam\", in several patients. Doses varied between 10 and 50 mg./kg./day. One patient, who suffered with candidiasis, is taking 50 to 30 mg./kg./day since more than a year ago and, being a child, he is feeling well and growing to be normal. We recommend employing Miconazole against systemic canidiasis, sulpharesistant paracoccidioidosis and assaying it further in tinea (at least, in griseofulvin-resistant cases).", "PMID": 988459} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2705", "title": "[Diagnosis and therapy of liver echinococcus (author's transl)].", "content": "From 1970 to April 1975 42 patients were treated for Echinococcus of the liver at the Bonn University Dept. of Surgery. There were 33 cases of E. cysticus and 9 cases of E. alveolaris. These two types of Echinococcus, different in parasitology and epidemiology present different clinical manifestation of disease with different course and prognosis. Angiography with celiaco- and superselective hepaticography are decisive for diagnosis. Therapy can only be surgical with total removal of the parasites. In E. cysticus this is almost always possible by enucleation-resection or pericystectomie following evacuation of the cyst and instillation of 20% sodium-chloride or formaldehyde. Such radicality is the exception in E. alveolaris. Here partial resections, biliodigestive and hepatodigestive anastomoses as palliative measures are carried out predominantly to ensure bile passage.", "contents": "[Diagnosis and therapy of liver echinococcus (author's transl)]. From 1970 to April 1975 42 patients were treated for Echinococcus of the liver at the Bonn University Dept. of Surgery. There were 33 cases of E. cysticus and 9 cases of E. alveolaris. These two types of Echinococcus, different in parasitology and epidemiology present different clinical manifestation of disease with different course and prognosis. Angiography with celiaco- and superselective hepaticography are decisive for diagnosis. Therapy can only be surgical with total removal of the parasites. In E. cysticus this is almost always possible by enucleation-resection or pericystectomie following evacuation of the cyst and instillation of 20% sodium-chloride or formaldehyde. Such radicality is the exception in E. alveolaris. Here partial resections, biliodigestive and hepatodigestive anastomoses as palliative measures are carried out predominantly to ensure bile passage.", "PMID": 988463} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2706", "title": "CO2 laser laryngoscopy in a variety of lesions.", "content": "We have had the opportunity to employ the CO2 surgical laser with suspension laryngoscopy and microscopic adaptations to treat a variety of laryngeal conditions over two years. Each type of laryngeal condition is discussed, and the benefits of laser management is evaluated. This type of laryngeal management is compared with other forms of treatment such as the standard surgical approaches, electrocautery, and cryosurgery.", "contents": "CO2 laser laryngoscopy in a variety of lesions. We have had the opportunity to employ the CO2 surgical laser with suspension laryngoscopy and microscopic adaptations to treat a variety of laryngeal conditions over two years. Each type of laryngeal condition is discussed, and the benefits of laser management is evaluated. This type of laryngeal management is compared with other forms of treatment such as the standard surgical approaches, electrocautery, and cryosurgery.", "PMID": 988464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2707", "title": "Hyperprolactinaemia: its physiology and investigation.", "content": "Since the establishment of a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for serum prolactin levels, very rapid progress has been made in the understanding of the physiology of prolactin and its role in human disease. Hyperprolactinaemia is now known to be a common finding in many conditions. Up to 20% of women with unexplained functional secondary amenorrhoea have an elevated serum prolactin level. Reduction of serum prolactin levels to normal, by removal of a prolactin-secreting tumour or by treatment with bromoergocryptine, results in a restoration of normal menstrual cycles and fertility. This paper outlines the control of prolactin secretion and discusses the mechanisms which result in secondary amenorrhoea. A new method of investigation of hyperprolactinaemia is proposed which localizes the site of abnormality which results in an elevation of serum prolactin levels.", "contents": "Hyperprolactinaemia: its physiology and investigation. Since the establishment of a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for serum prolactin levels, very rapid progress has been made in the understanding of the physiology of prolactin and its role in human disease. Hyperprolactinaemia is now known to be a common finding in many conditions. Up to 20% of women with unexplained functional secondary amenorrhoea have an elevated serum prolactin level. Reduction of serum prolactin levels to normal, by removal of a prolactin-secreting tumour or by treatment with bromoergocryptine, results in a restoration of normal menstrual cycles and fertility. This paper outlines the control of prolactin secretion and discusses the mechanisms which result in secondary amenorrhoea. A new method of investigation of hyperprolactinaemia is proposed which localizes the site of abnormality which results in an elevation of serum prolactin levels.", "PMID": 988468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2708", "title": "[Postinfectious antirabic vaccination of children with duck embryo vaccine and heterologous rabies hyperimmunity serum (author's transl)].", "content": "After contact with a rabies-infected rabbit, 31 Persons were submitted to complete vaccination treatment with duck embryo vaccine, comprising of injections of 1.0 ml each every fast night and two booster injections of 1.0 ml each, which were administered 10 and 20 days, respectively, after the end of the 14 days' vaccination series. After performance of intracutaneous and ophthalmic tests, 18 children received heterologous rabies immunserum (Behring) in a dose of 0.2 ml per kg of body weight before the beginning of the vaccination series. Six weeks after the start of the vaccination series neutralizing and complement-fixing antibodies (rate of conversion 100 per cent) were detected in all patients. The mean titre of neutralizing antibodies (mouse test 200 LD 50 Fixed virus, strain CVS) amounted to 1:140, that of complement-fixing antibodies to 1:41. Severe incompatibility reactions were not observed. Outpatient treatment with duck embryo vaccine therefore seems to be fully justified.", "contents": "[Postinfectious antirabic vaccination of children with duck embryo vaccine and heterologous rabies hyperimmunity serum (author's transl)]. After contact with a rabies-infected rabbit, 31 Persons were submitted to complete vaccination treatment with duck embryo vaccine, comprising of injections of 1.0 ml each every fast night and two booster injections of 1.0 ml each, which were administered 10 and 20 days, respectively, after the end of the 14 days' vaccination series. After performance of intracutaneous and ophthalmic tests, 18 children received heterologous rabies immunserum (Behring) in a dose of 0.2 ml per kg of body weight before the beginning of the vaccination series. Six weeks after the start of the vaccination series neutralizing and complement-fixing antibodies (rate of conversion 100 per cent) were detected in all patients. The mean titre of neutralizing antibodies (mouse test 200 LD 50 Fixed virus, strain CVS) amounted to 1:140, that of complement-fixing antibodies to 1:41. Severe incompatibility reactions were not observed. Outpatient treatment with duck embryo vaccine therefore seems to be fully justified.", "PMID": 988474} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2709", "title": "[Biogenesis of cellulolytic enzymes by Trichoderma ligorum on media with \"inductor\"].", "content": "Identical distribution of C2- and Cx-cellulase activities of enzyme complexes produced by Trichoderma lignorum on a medium with lactose, a soluble \"inductor\", and on a medium with cellulose was found by means of disc elestrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel. The maximum rate of synthesis of cellulases on the medium with lactose was registered during the highest deceleration, and even complete cessation, of the fungal growth. During this phase, only one electrophoretically homogeneous cellulase component with Rf of 0.44 possessing all types of the cellulase activity is present in the cultural broth. In the course of growth of the fungus on cellulose after 48 hours, also only one electrophoretically homogeneous component with Rf of 0.44 was found in the cultural broth when the rate of the substrate degradation was highest. The appearance of minor protein components with the activity of cellulase at later stages of cultivation after cessation of the fungal growth is supposed to be caused by modification of the main cellulase component with Rf of 0.44 by the growth medium.", "contents": "[Biogenesis of cellulolytic enzymes by Trichoderma ligorum on media with \"inductor\"]. Identical distribution of C2- and Cx-cellulase activities of enzyme complexes produced by Trichoderma lignorum on a medium with lactose, a soluble \"inductor\", and on a medium with cellulose was found by means of disc elestrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel. The maximum rate of synthesis of cellulases on the medium with lactose was registered during the highest deceleration, and even complete cessation, of the fungal growth. During this phase, only one electrophoretically homogeneous cellulase component with Rf of 0.44 possessing all types of the cellulase activity is present in the cultural broth. In the course of growth of the fungus on cellulose after 48 hours, also only one electrophoretically homogeneous component with Rf of 0.44 was found in the cultural broth when the rate of the substrate degradation was highest. The appearance of minor protein components with the activity of cellulase at later stages of cultivation after cessation of the fungal growth is supposed to be caused by modification of the main cellulase component with Rf of 0.44 by the growth medium.", "PMID": 988467} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2710", "title": "Protocol-based computer reminders, the quality of care and the non-perfectability of man.", "content": "To determine whether clinical errors can be reduced by prospective computer suggestions about the management of simple clinical events, I studied the responses of nine physicians to computer suggestions generated by 390 protocols in a controlled crossover design. These protocols dealt primarily with conditions managed (e.g., elevated blood pressure) or caused (e.g., liver toxicity) by drugs. Physicians responded to 51 per cent of 327 events when given, and 22 per cent of 385 events when not given computer suggestions. Neither level of postgraduate training (first-year postgraduate or third-year post-graduate) nor the order in which physicians served as study and control subjects had statistically significant overall effect on the results. It appears that the prospective reminders do reduce errors, and that many of these errors are probably due to man's limitations as a data processor rather than to correctable human deficiencies.", "contents": "Protocol-based computer reminders, the quality of care and the non-perfectability of man. To determine whether clinical errors can be reduced by prospective computer suggestions about the management of simple clinical events, I studied the responses of nine physicians to computer suggestions generated by 390 protocols in a controlled crossover design. These protocols dealt primarily with conditions managed (e.g., elevated blood pressure) or caused (e.g., liver toxicity) by drugs. Physicians responded to 51 per cent of 327 events when given, and 22 per cent of 385 events when not given computer suggestions. Neither level of postgraduate training (first-year postgraduate or third-year post-graduate) nor the order in which physicians served as study and control subjects had statistically significant overall effect on the results. It appears that the prospective reminders do reduce errors, and that many of these errors are probably due to man's limitations as a data processor rather than to correctable human deficiencies.", "PMID": 988482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2711", "title": "[Experience with radio isotope myelography from neurosurgical aspects (author's transl)].", "content": "Experience with Radio Isotope Myelography is reported here. 169Yb-DTPA as a tracer was intrathecally injected at lumbar region in twenty three patients with various spinal cord lesions. The first scanning is perfomed after comfirming by gamma-camera that the tracer reaches to the lesion, the second and the third scannings are done according to the ascending rate of the tracer. (I) Normal scintimyelogram (A) In normal case, the shape of the Radio Isotope Myelogram well corresponds the shape of anatomical subarachnoid space. (B) In normal adult cases, the tracer comes up to the cisterna magna in 20-25 minutes after the lumbar injection. Therefore, the scintimyelographic diagnosis should be made not only by the shape but also by the ascending rapidity of the tracer. (II) Abnormal scintimyelogram Abnormal scintimyelograms could be summarized as following three categories. (A) \"Delay\": It means delay of the ascending of the tracer. Besides, \"Transient delay\" found in a case of Arnord-Chiari's malformation was proposed. (B) \"Partial block\": It meas a defect at the level of the lesion. This \"Partial block\" were observed in cases of spinal cord angioma, cervical spondylosis and spinal cord tumor etc. (C) \"Complete block\": It means the stagnation of the tracer below the lesion. To sum up, Rario Isotope Myelography, especially in partial block, can more easily and more sensitively represent the maximum extent of the spinal cord lesion than other myelographic study or angiographic one. On the other hand, we can not qualitatively diagnose about the lesions by its indistinct border.", "contents": "[Experience with radio isotope myelography from neurosurgical aspects (author's transl)]. Experience with Radio Isotope Myelography is reported here. 169Yb-DTPA as a tracer was intrathecally injected at lumbar region in twenty three patients with various spinal cord lesions. The first scanning is perfomed after comfirming by gamma-camera that the tracer reaches to the lesion, the second and the third scannings are done according to the ascending rate of the tracer. (I) Normal scintimyelogram (A) In normal case, the shape of the Radio Isotope Myelogram well corresponds the shape of anatomical subarachnoid space. (B) In normal adult cases, the tracer comes up to the cisterna magna in 20-25 minutes after the lumbar injection. Therefore, the scintimyelographic diagnosis should be made not only by the shape but also by the ascending rapidity of the tracer. (II) Abnormal scintimyelogram Abnormal scintimyelograms could be summarized as following three categories. (A) \"Delay\": It means delay of the ascending of the tracer. Besides, \"Transient delay\" found in a case of Arnord-Chiari's malformation was proposed. (B) \"Partial block\": It meas a defect at the level of the lesion. This \"Partial block\" were observed in cases of spinal cord angioma, cervical spondylosis and spinal cord tumor etc. (C) \"Complete block\": It means the stagnation of the tracer below the lesion. To sum up, Rario Isotope Myelography, especially in partial block, can more easily and more sensitively represent the maximum extent of the spinal cord lesion than other myelographic study or angiographic one. On the other hand, we can not qualitatively diagnose about the lesions by its indistinct border.", "PMID": 988490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2712", "title": "[On the miliary intracranial aneurysm --its significance in subarachnoid hemorrhage (author's transl)].", "content": "Clinical use of four-vessels angiography increased the frequency of detection of intracranial aneurysm in patients who had episode of subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, some cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage did not show intracranial and intraspinal source of bleeding angiographically. Bj\u00f6kesten and Troupp pointed out that some cases who were negative in angiography may have a very small intracranial aneurysm. Hassler described the minute aneurysm sized less than 2 mm in diameter from finding autpsy of the cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage and he emphasized that source of subarachnoid hemorrhage in tow cases were ruptured minute aneurysm. From the authors' experiences of ten very small intracranial aneurysms, the authors' advocated a name of miliary intracranial aneurysm in clinical practice. The author's criteria of the miliary intracranial aneurysm are as follows: (1) the miliary aneurysm grew from the wall of main trunk of intracranial artery, (2) the maximum diameter and height of protrusion of the miliary intracranial aneurysm are less than the diameter of parent artery. Ten miliary intracranial aneurysms are divided into two groups, one is the miliary intracranial aneurysm which is source of subarachnoid hemorrhage and the other is an accessory aneurysm bedise the another ruptured main aneurysm. These two groups were 5 aneurysms respectively. The majority of the accessory miliary intracranial aneurysms were observed in middle cerebral artery but the ruptured miliary intracranial aneurysms were observed in internal carotid artery, anterior communicating artery and middle cerebral artery. When the clinical symptom occurred at the time of rupture of miliary intracranial aneurysm compare with the one by rupture of usual major intracranial aneurysm, clinical symptom due to meningeal irritation was not different with each other but disturbance of consciousness and other neurological symptom were slight in miliary intracranial aneurysm cases. Angiographic diagnosis of miliary intracranial aneurysm is difficult, because differentiation of the miliary intracranial aneurysm from the loop or angulation of small artery is difficult in routine angiogram. In the case who showed questionable shadow as miliary intracranial aneurysm, the repeated angiography under modified direction of X-ray and modified head position of patient is required. The magnification cerebral angiography of three fold is also useful in diagnosis of miliary intracranial aneurysm. The intracranial treatment of miliary intracranial aneurysms were done by coating except one case whose aneurysm was clipped.", "contents": "[On the miliary intracranial aneurysm --its significance in subarachnoid hemorrhage (author's transl)]. Clinical use of four-vessels angiography increased the frequency of detection of intracranial aneurysm in patients who had episode of subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, some cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage did not show intracranial and intraspinal source of bleeding angiographically. Bj\u00f6kesten and Troupp pointed out that some cases who were negative in angiography may have a very small intracranial aneurysm. Hassler described the minute aneurysm sized less than 2 mm in diameter from finding autpsy of the cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage and he emphasized that source of subarachnoid hemorrhage in tow cases were ruptured minute aneurysm. From the authors' experiences of ten very small intracranial aneurysms, the authors' advocated a name of miliary intracranial aneurysm in clinical practice. The author's criteria of the miliary intracranial aneurysm are as follows: (1) the miliary aneurysm grew from the wall of main trunk of intracranial artery, (2) the maximum diameter and height of protrusion of the miliary intracranial aneurysm are less than the diameter of parent artery. Ten miliary intracranial aneurysms are divided into two groups, one is the miliary intracranial aneurysm which is source of subarachnoid hemorrhage and the other is an accessory aneurysm bedise the another ruptured main aneurysm. These two groups were 5 aneurysms respectively. The majority of the accessory miliary intracranial aneurysms were observed in middle cerebral artery but the ruptured miliary intracranial aneurysms were observed in internal carotid artery, anterior communicating artery and middle cerebral artery. When the clinical symptom occurred at the time of rupture of miliary intracranial aneurysm compare with the one by rupture of usual major intracranial aneurysm, clinical symptom due to meningeal irritation was not different with each other but disturbance of consciousness and other neurological symptom were slight in miliary intracranial aneurysm cases. Angiographic diagnosis of miliary intracranial aneurysm is difficult, because differentiation of the miliary intracranial aneurysm from the loop or angulation of small artery is difficult in routine angiogram. In the case who showed questionable shadow as miliary intracranial aneurysm, the repeated angiography under modified direction of X-ray and modified head position of patient is required. The magnification cerebral angiography of three fold is also useful in diagnosis of miliary intracranial aneurysm. The intracranial treatment of miliary intracranial aneurysms were done by coating except one case whose aneurysm was clipped.", "PMID": 988491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2713", "title": "[Etiopathogenesis of salaam seizures].", "content": "The author reports an analysis of 83 cases of salaam seizures in children from the standpoint of their aetiopathogenesis. In accordance with Jeavons she separates a group with congenital nervous system damage and a group of children who developed initially normally but in whom an acquired factor, most often of allergic character, caused nervous system changes manifesting themselves with salaam seizures. The comparison of both groups demonstrated a number of significant differences. The author believes that it would be wrong to consider all children with salaam seizures as a homogenous group because the only common factor in them is the occurrence of seizures. The author regards that it is insufficient to explain the type of EEG changes and the type of seizures as determined by the degree of nervous system development. Additional factors must exist, and fetal injury is this factor in the group of congenital seizures while in the group of acquired seizures the allergic factor is probably responsible. The isolation of both groups is important mainly from the standpoint of prognosis and treatment since in the group with acquired disease an acute cerebral process is the cause, in contrast to the group congenital damage, and the process is amenable to successful treatment if this treatment is applied sufficiently early. In the congenital group the prognosis is usually unfavourable in view of the underlying cause which is congenital encephalopathy acquired in the first place in pregnancy.", "contents": "[Etiopathogenesis of salaam seizures]. The author reports an analysis of 83 cases of salaam seizures in children from the standpoint of their aetiopathogenesis. In accordance with Jeavons she separates a group with congenital nervous system damage and a group of children who developed initially normally but in whom an acquired factor, most often of allergic character, caused nervous system changes manifesting themselves with salaam seizures. The comparison of both groups demonstrated a number of significant differences. The author believes that it would be wrong to consider all children with salaam seizures as a homogenous group because the only common factor in them is the occurrence of seizures. The author regards that it is insufficient to explain the type of EEG changes and the type of seizures as determined by the degree of nervous system development. Additional factors must exist, and fetal injury is this factor in the group of congenital seizures while in the group of acquired seizures the allergic factor is probably responsible. The isolation of both groups is important mainly from the standpoint of prognosis and treatment since in the group with acquired disease an acute cerebral process is the cause, in contrast to the group congenital damage, and the process is amenable to successful treatment if this treatment is applied sufficiently early. In the congenital group the prognosis is usually unfavourable in view of the underlying cause which is congenital encephalopathy acquired in the first place in pregnancy.", "PMID": 988486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2714", "title": "[The bone scintigraphy in eosinophilic granuloma (author's transl)].", "content": "The significance of bone scintigraphy using 99mTc-polyphosphate or 99mTc-diphosphate in the diagnosis of eosinophilic granuloma was discussed on the basis of our experience with four cases. The summary is following: 1. On diagnostic procedure of eosinophilic granuloma, it was found that abnormal RI accumulation in the bone scintigram was more marked than that in the ordinary brain scintigram. 2. The bone scintigram of eosinophilic granuloma showed more accurately the extent of skull involvement of cellular infiltration than the plain skull X-rays or brain scintigram. Accordingly, the bone scintigram was helpful for neurosurgeon in planning the operative procedure and determining the extent of removal of the involved skull. 3. The plain skull X-rays show the size of skull defect, and the brain scintigram reveals the size of the size of granuloma per se, as well as soft tissue involvements. We can conjecture the stage of the diseases by comparison between the findings of bone scintigram and those of above procedures: plain skull X-rays and brain scintigram. Viz, the bone scintigram showed more extensive areas of RI accumulation including the surrounding cellular infiltration in the acute stage, but the same size of the lesions shown by the ordinary brain scintigram and plain skull X-rays is chronic stage. Furthermore, we discussed the possibility of the differential diagnosis between eosinophilic granuloma and other neoplastic bone diseases, such as intracranial metastatic tumors and multiple myelomas etc., by further experience with the bone scintigram.", "contents": "[The bone scintigraphy in eosinophilic granuloma (author's transl)]. The significance of bone scintigraphy using 99mTc-polyphosphate or 99mTc-diphosphate in the diagnosis of eosinophilic granuloma was discussed on the basis of our experience with four cases. The summary is following: 1. On diagnostic procedure of eosinophilic granuloma, it was found that abnormal RI accumulation in the bone scintigram was more marked than that in the ordinary brain scintigram. 2. The bone scintigram of eosinophilic granuloma showed more accurately the extent of skull involvement of cellular infiltration than the plain skull X-rays or brain scintigram. Accordingly, the bone scintigram was helpful for neurosurgeon in planning the operative procedure and determining the extent of removal of the involved skull. 3. The plain skull X-rays show the size of skull defect, and the brain scintigram reveals the size of the size of granuloma per se, as well as soft tissue involvements. We can conjecture the stage of the diseases by comparison between the findings of bone scintigram and those of above procedures: plain skull X-rays and brain scintigram. Viz, the bone scintigram showed more extensive areas of RI accumulation including the surrounding cellular infiltration in the acute stage, but the same size of the lesions shown by the ordinary brain scintigram and plain skull X-rays is chronic stage. Furthermore, we discussed the possibility of the differential diagnosis between eosinophilic granuloma and other neoplastic bone diseases, such as intracranial metastatic tumors and multiple myelomas etc., by further experience with the bone scintigram.", "PMID": 988492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2715", "title": "[Colloid cysts of the third ventricle --report of one operated and one autopsied case (author's transl)].", "content": "Colloid cysts of the third ventricle are considered as a relatively rate benign tumor, consituting approximately 0.5% of the whole brain tumors, but the surgical cases have rarely been reported in Japan. In this paper, two cases of colloid cyst are reported and the pathogenesis, the importance of the clinical diagnosis and dramatic results after complete extirpation was emphasized. In Case 1, a 29 year-old right handed male, who showed definite symptoms of increased intracranial pressure without lateralizing signs, was diagnosed as colloid cyst of the third ventricle, and operated on with dissecting microscope on April 20, 1973. The colloid cyst was totally removed and postoperatively V-A shunt was performed for adhesive arachnoiditis. Patient did well after surgery and has returned to the previous work. In Case 2, a 41 year-old male, who suffered from sudden onset of severe headache and bouts of frequent vomiting, was admitted to Tokyo Wome's Medical College Hospital on October 11, 1974. Right cerebral angiography revealed findings of increased intracranial pressure and third ventricle tumor was suspected. On October 13, progressively disturbed consciousness occurred. Immediate ventricular tap and continuous ventricular drainage could not regain consciousness and patient expired on October 30. In necropsy, colloid cyst to the third ventricle was found. As far as these are concerned, these cysts might be reasonably said as ventricular epithelial origin in view of the operative and histological findings. Some emphasis was also made in terms of dissecting microscope in removing this tumor, completely preserving the ventricular walls as well as the terminal veins under magnification.", "contents": "[Colloid cysts of the third ventricle --report of one operated and one autopsied case (author's transl)]. Colloid cysts of the third ventricle are considered as a relatively rate benign tumor, consituting approximately 0.5% of the whole brain tumors, but the surgical cases have rarely been reported in Japan. In this paper, two cases of colloid cyst are reported and the pathogenesis, the importance of the clinical diagnosis and dramatic results after complete extirpation was emphasized. In Case 1, a 29 year-old right handed male, who showed definite symptoms of increased intracranial pressure without lateralizing signs, was diagnosed as colloid cyst of the third ventricle, and operated on with dissecting microscope on April 20, 1973. The colloid cyst was totally removed and postoperatively V-A shunt was performed for adhesive arachnoiditis. Patient did well after surgery and has returned to the previous work. In Case 2, a 41 year-old male, who suffered from sudden onset of severe headache and bouts of frequent vomiting, was admitted to Tokyo Wome's Medical College Hospital on October 11, 1974. Right cerebral angiography revealed findings of increased intracranial pressure and third ventricle tumor was suspected. On October 13, progressively disturbed consciousness occurred. Immediate ventricular tap and continuous ventricular drainage could not regain consciousness and patient expired on October 30. In necropsy, colloid cyst to the third ventricle was found. As far as these are concerned, these cysts might be reasonably said as ventricular epithelial origin in view of the operative and histological findings. Some emphasis was also made in terms of dissecting microscope in removing this tumor, completely preserving the ventricular walls as well as the terminal veins under magnification.", "PMID": 988493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2716", "title": "[Two cases showing subarachnoid hemorrhage from angioblastic meningioma and vascular hamartoma (author's transl)].", "content": "As a causative factor in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, vascular anomalies, especially aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation, have been generally recognized. On the other hand, subarachnoid hemorrhage from brain tumor and cryptic vascular malformation are rare. We experienced two cases showing subarachnoid hemorrhage from angioblastic meningioma and vascular hamartoma as an initial symptom. Case 1: A 48-year-old woman, who complained of severe headache and vomiting on Feb. 10th, 1972, gradually became lethargic. Lumbar puncture revealed moderately hemorrhagic C.S.F.. On the fifth day after the onset, she was admitted to our hospital. On admission she showed disorientation and disturbance of resent memory. Aphasia and agnosia were slightly observed. On ophthalmologic examination right homonymous lower quadrant hemianopsia was observed. The carotid angiogram showed slight square shift of the anterior cerebral artery to the right side, elevation of the middle serebral artery and a homogeneous tumor stain in the occipital region in capillary phase. A walnut sized tumor invading the middle portion of the left lateral sinus and showing firm adhesion to the tentrium was found. There was an intracerebral hematoma behined the tumor. The tumor, the tentrium and the lateral sinus were extirpated en bloc and the intracerebral hematoma was aspirated. Histologically, the tumor was angioblastic meningioma. Case 2: A 7-year-old boy, who complained of severe abrupt headache, nuchal pain and vomiting on Sept. 17th, 1972, became gradually lethargic. Lumbar puncture revealed hemorrhagic C.S.F., On the tenth day after the onset, he was admitted to our hospital. He showed confusion and agitation. The carotid angiogram showed an unrolling of the pericallosal artery, but no findings of space taking lesions. An air study indicated a globular filling defect protruding into the anterior horn of the right lateral ventricle. The tumor located in the laterobasal wall of the anterior horn was removed picemiel by transventricular approach. Histologically, the tumor was vascular hamartoma. Furthermore, we discussed various brain tumors showing subarachnoid hemorrhage as an initial symptom, its frequency and bleeding mechanism on the literature.", "contents": "[Two cases showing subarachnoid hemorrhage from angioblastic meningioma and vascular hamartoma (author's transl)]. As a causative factor in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, vascular anomalies, especially aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation, have been generally recognized. On the other hand, subarachnoid hemorrhage from brain tumor and cryptic vascular malformation are rare. We experienced two cases showing subarachnoid hemorrhage from angioblastic meningioma and vascular hamartoma as an initial symptom. Case 1: A 48-year-old woman, who complained of severe headache and vomiting on Feb. 10th, 1972, gradually became lethargic. Lumbar puncture revealed moderately hemorrhagic C.S.F.. On the fifth day after the onset, she was admitted to our hospital. On admission she showed disorientation and disturbance of resent memory. Aphasia and agnosia were slightly observed. On ophthalmologic examination right homonymous lower quadrant hemianopsia was observed. The carotid angiogram showed slight square shift of the anterior cerebral artery to the right side, elevation of the middle serebral artery and a homogeneous tumor stain in the occipital region in capillary phase. A walnut sized tumor invading the middle portion of the left lateral sinus and showing firm adhesion to the tentrium was found. There was an intracerebral hematoma behined the tumor. The tumor, the tentrium and the lateral sinus were extirpated en bloc and the intracerebral hematoma was aspirated. Histologically, the tumor was angioblastic meningioma. Case 2: A 7-year-old boy, who complained of severe abrupt headache, nuchal pain and vomiting on Sept. 17th, 1972, became gradually lethargic. Lumbar puncture revealed hemorrhagic C.S.F., On the tenth day after the onset, he was admitted to our hospital. He showed confusion and agitation. The carotid angiogram showed an unrolling of the pericallosal artery, but no findings of space taking lesions. An air study indicated a globular filling defect protruding into the anterior horn of the right lateral ventricle. The tumor located in the laterobasal wall of the anterior horn was removed picemiel by transventricular approach. Histologically, the tumor was vascular hamartoma. Furthermore, we discussed various brain tumors showing subarachnoid hemorrhage as an initial symptom, its frequency and bleeding mechanism on the literature.", "PMID": 988494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2717", "title": "[Partial fenestration of the basilar artery--report of a case (author's transl)].", "content": "A 44-year-old male entered the hospital following an episode of subarachnoid hemorrhage on January 28, 1975. The left vertebral angiography revealed an anteriovenous malformation in the mesencephalon mainly feeded by the thalamoperforate artery and the medial branch of the posterior choroidal artery. A partial fenestration of the basilar artery was also demonstrated. The patient refused the surgical treatment for the arteriovenous malformation and was discharged on March, 28, 1975. Fenestration of the basilar artery develops by arrested or abnormal development at the first and second stage of the embryological process. Most basilar artery fenestration demonstrated by brain dissection and angiography are cases of a short segment duplication (partial fenestration) while duplication of the entire segment of the basilar artery (complete fenestration) is quite rare. Only six cases of angiographically revealed basilar artery fenestration have been reported so far in the literature. With increasing application of vertebral angiography, this developmental anomaly may be encountered more frequently.", "contents": "[Partial fenestration of the basilar artery--report of a case (author's transl)]. A 44-year-old male entered the hospital following an episode of subarachnoid hemorrhage on January 28, 1975. The left vertebral angiography revealed an anteriovenous malformation in the mesencephalon mainly feeded by the thalamoperforate artery and the medial branch of the posterior choroidal artery. A partial fenestration of the basilar artery was also demonstrated. The patient refused the surgical treatment for the arteriovenous malformation and was discharged on March, 28, 1975. Fenestration of the basilar artery develops by arrested or abnormal development at the first and second stage of the embryological process. Most basilar artery fenestration demonstrated by brain dissection and angiography are cases of a short segment duplication (partial fenestration) while duplication of the entire segment of the basilar artery (complete fenestration) is quite rare. Only six cases of angiographically revealed basilar artery fenestration have been reported so far in the literature. With increasing application of vertebral angiography, this developmental anomaly may be encountered more frequently.", "PMID": 988495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2718", "title": "[Brain abscess secondary to pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, case report (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of brain abscess in the right parietal lobe secondary to pulmonary arteriovenous malformation of the right lung is presented. A 27-year-old man was admitted for headache and left homonymous hemianopsia. CAG, VAG and brain scan detected brain abscess of the right parietal lobe which was successfully removed surgically. He had been noted to have generalized cyanosis and club finger which corresponded to polycytemia and hypercapnia on examination. Subsequently pulmonary arteriovenous malformation was found in the right lower lobe of the lung which was also successfully excised by thoracic surgeons. Brain abscess was caused by peptostreptococcus anaerobius.", "contents": "[Brain abscess secondary to pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, case report (author's transl)]. A case of brain abscess in the right parietal lobe secondary to pulmonary arteriovenous malformation of the right lung is presented. A 27-year-old man was admitted for headache and left homonymous hemianopsia. CAG, VAG and brain scan detected brain abscess of the right parietal lobe which was successfully removed surgically. He had been noted to have generalized cyanosis and club finger which corresponded to polycytemia and hypercapnia on examination. Subsequently pulmonary arteriovenous malformation was found in the right lower lobe of the lung which was also successfully excised by thoracic surgeons. Brain abscess was caused by peptostreptococcus anaerobius.", "PMID": 988496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2719", "title": "[A case of intramedullary spinal schwanoma (author's transl)].", "content": "A rare case of intramedullary schwannoma of the spinal cord has been reported, The patient was a 30-year-old woman, who began to notice weakness in her right leg approximately 6 months prior to admission, followed 4 months later by numbness and weakness of the right arm. The above symptoms were progressively getting worse, and she was admitted to Hokkaido University Hospital on February 23, 1974. Neurological examination revealed slow speech, bilateral horizontal nystagmus, absent gag reflex and weakness of right trapezius muscle. Spasticity was noted in 4 extremities, in addition to right hemiparesis. All deep tendon reflexes were hyperactive, right more than left, with bilateral Hoffmann's and Babinski's signs. Vibration sense was diminished below the level of bilateral iliac crests. A tumor around the foramen magnum was suspected, however plain skull and neck, laminogram of cervical spines, vertebral arteriogram, fractional pneumoencephalogram and myodil myelogram failed to disclose abnormalities. Manometric Queckenstedt test showed a partial block on flexion, with CSF protein of 56 mg/dl. Air myelogram clearly visualized the presence of an intramedullary tumor at the level of the medullo-spinal junction. Subtotal removal of the intramedullary tumor at C1 was performed, which proved to be a schwannoma histologically. 14 such cases are reported in the literature and summarized on Table I, including our case. Clinical features of tumors around the foramen magnum are fairly complexed, and some radiological examinations might not be conclusive. It is stressed that air myelogram is extremely valuable in the diagnosis of lesions around the foramen magnum.", "contents": "[A case of intramedullary spinal schwanoma (author's transl)]. A rare case of intramedullary schwannoma of the spinal cord has been reported, The patient was a 30-year-old woman, who began to notice weakness in her right leg approximately 6 months prior to admission, followed 4 months later by numbness and weakness of the right arm. The above symptoms were progressively getting worse, and she was admitted to Hokkaido University Hospital on February 23, 1974. Neurological examination revealed slow speech, bilateral horizontal nystagmus, absent gag reflex and weakness of right trapezius muscle. Spasticity was noted in 4 extremities, in addition to right hemiparesis. All deep tendon reflexes were hyperactive, right more than left, with bilateral Hoffmann's and Babinski's signs. Vibration sense was diminished below the level of bilateral iliac crests. A tumor around the foramen magnum was suspected, however plain skull and neck, laminogram of cervical spines, vertebral arteriogram, fractional pneumoencephalogram and myodil myelogram failed to disclose abnormalities. Manometric Queckenstedt test showed a partial block on flexion, with CSF protein of 56 mg/dl. Air myelogram clearly visualized the presence of an intramedullary tumor at the level of the medullo-spinal junction. Subtotal removal of the intramedullary tumor at C1 was performed, which proved to be a schwannoma histologically. 14 such cases are reported in the literature and summarized on Table I, including our case. Clinical features of tumors around the foramen magnum are fairly complexed, and some radiological examinations might not be conclusive. It is stressed that air myelogram is extremely valuable in the diagnosis of lesions around the foramen magnum.", "PMID": 988497} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2720", "title": "[Aneurysm of the great vein of Galen--report of a case (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of aneurysm of the great vein of Galen was reported in which craniotomy and clipping of a feeding artery arising from the left posterior cerebral artery was successfully performed. This 5-month-old girl developed progressive hydrocephalus from 2 months after birth. At 5 months the head circumference was 50 cm with tense enlarged fontanelle. Both eye balls were deviated downward. The deep tendon reflexes were hyperactive with bilateral ankle clonus and positive Babinski's sign. Mild cardiomegaly and hepatomegaly were also noted. Cerebral angiograms showed a large aneurysm of the great vein of Galen fed by a single enlarged arterial branch from the left posterior cerebral artery. After the evaluation of systemic circulatory status and under strict control of fluid transfusion craniotomy was performed. The feeding artery was clipped at its entrance to the aneurysm via left parieto-occipital interhemispheric approach. A rise in the mean arterial blood pressure of 20 mmHg was observed immediately following clipping. The postoperative course was satisfactory except for a left subdural fluid collection which required subduro-peritoneal shunt. The aneurysm was completely disappeared on the postoperative angiograms and the child is regaining the normal development. This is the first case of aneurysm of the great vein of Galen successfully operated in Japan. Clinical symptoms and signs, radiological features and operative treatment of the disease were reviewed from a total of 46 cases reported in the world literature.", "contents": "[Aneurysm of the great vein of Galen--report of a case (author's transl)]. A case of aneurysm of the great vein of Galen was reported in which craniotomy and clipping of a feeding artery arising from the left posterior cerebral artery was successfully performed. This 5-month-old girl developed progressive hydrocephalus from 2 months after birth. At 5 months the head circumference was 50 cm with tense enlarged fontanelle. Both eye balls were deviated downward. The deep tendon reflexes were hyperactive with bilateral ankle clonus and positive Babinski's sign. Mild cardiomegaly and hepatomegaly were also noted. Cerebral angiograms showed a large aneurysm of the great vein of Galen fed by a single enlarged arterial branch from the left posterior cerebral artery. After the evaluation of systemic circulatory status and under strict control of fluid transfusion craniotomy was performed. The feeding artery was clipped at its entrance to the aneurysm via left parieto-occipital interhemispheric approach. A rise in the mean arterial blood pressure of 20 mmHg was observed immediately following clipping. The postoperative course was satisfactory except for a left subdural fluid collection which required subduro-peritoneal shunt. The aneurysm was completely disappeared on the postoperative angiograms and the child is regaining the normal development. This is the first case of aneurysm of the great vein of Galen successfully operated in Japan. Clinical symptoms and signs, radiological features and operative treatment of the disease were reviewed from a total of 46 cases reported in the world literature.", "PMID": 988498} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2721", "title": "Penicillin transport from cerebrospinal fluid.", "content": "The passage of penicillin G from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was studied by continuous ventriculocisternal perfusion in conscious rabbits. The concentration of penicillin G in the perfusate, collected from the cisterna magna, was 76.5 percent +/- 1.0 (SEM) of that entering the ventricles (having adjusted for normal secretion of CSF). The mean concentration of penicillin G rose 15 percent (p less than 0.005) in the cisternal CSF after probenecid (2 mg per milliliter) was added to the perfusion fluid. We conclude that an active transport system removes penicillin G from the CSF; this mechanism can be inhibited by intraventricular probenecid. Our results are in accord with observations deriving from studies on anesthetized animals given probenecid intravenously or intraperitoneally.", "contents": "Penicillin transport from cerebrospinal fluid. The passage of penicillin G from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was studied by continuous ventriculocisternal perfusion in conscious rabbits. The concentration of penicillin G in the perfusate, collected from the cisterna magna, was 76.5 percent +/- 1.0 (SEM) of that entering the ventricles (having adjusted for normal secretion of CSF). The mean concentration of penicillin G rose 15 percent (p less than 0.005) in the cisternal CSF after probenecid (2 mg per milliliter) was added to the perfusion fluid. We conclude that an active transport system removes penicillin G from the CSF; this mechanism can be inhibited by intraventricular probenecid. Our results are in accord with observations deriving from studies on anesthetized animals given probenecid intravenously or intraperitoneally.", "PMID": 988504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2722", "title": "Changes in size of normal lateral ventricles during aging determined by computerized tomography.", "content": "One hundred thirty-five normal volunteers were examined by computerized tomography (CT) and their ventricular size was measured by planimetry. A pattern of change in ventricular size from the first through the ninth decades was discerned and quantified. A gradually progressive increase in ventricular size from the first through sixth decades was followed by a dramatic increase in the eighth and ninth. The range of normal ventricular size was relatively more wide in the eighth and ninth decades than in the first seven; thus, abnormalities of ventricular size may be more easily identified in younger than older subjects. These data are more valuable than those from pneumoencephalography or autopsy studies because CT is not subject to the artifact inherent in those procedures.", "contents": "Changes in size of normal lateral ventricles during aging determined by computerized tomography. One hundred thirty-five normal volunteers were examined by computerized tomography (CT) and their ventricular size was measured by planimetry. A pattern of change in ventricular size from the first through the ninth decades was discerned and quantified. A gradually progressive increase in ventricular size from the first through sixth decades was followed by a dramatic increase in the eighth and ninth. The range of normal ventricular size was relatively more wide in the eighth and ninth decades than in the first seven; thus, abnormalities of ventricular size may be more easily identified in younger than older subjects. These data are more valuable than those from pneumoencephalography or autopsy studies because CT is not subject to the artifact inherent in those procedures.", "PMID": 988505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2723", "title": "Misdiagnosis of spasm of the near reflex.", "content": "A bilateral sixth nerve palsy portends serious disease of the central nervous system and precipitates extensive patient studies. Spasm of the near reflex, characterized by intermittent convergence, accommodation, and miosis, is a functional disturbance. Five patients with hysterical spasm of the near reflex erroneously diagnosed as a bilateral sixth nerve palsy are reported. The pupillary sign, intense miosis on attempted lateral gaze, is emphasized as an important clue to the correct diagnosis. Despite extensive investigation, no disease of the central nervous system was found. Neurotic or hysterical features were evident in every patient.", "contents": "Misdiagnosis of spasm of the near reflex. A bilateral sixth nerve palsy portends serious disease of the central nervous system and precipitates extensive patient studies. Spasm of the near reflex, characterized by intermittent convergence, accommodation, and miosis, is a functional disturbance. Five patients with hysterical spasm of the near reflex erroneously diagnosed as a bilateral sixth nerve palsy are reported. The pupillary sign, intense miosis on attempted lateral gaze, is emphasized as an important clue to the correct diagnosis. Despite extensive investigation, no disease of the central nervous system was found. Neurotic or hysterical features were evident in every patient.", "PMID": 988506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2724", "title": "Adenyl cyclase abnormality in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: muscle cells in culture.", "content": "Cultured muscle cells from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy differed from cells of normal individuals and of patients with other muscle diseases. In Duchenne cells, basal activity of adenyl cyclase of myotubes was higher and was not stimulated significantly by epinephrine or isoproterenol, as it was in fused control cells, and the response to fluoride was less. The genetic defect in this disease may be an abnormality of the sruface membrane of muscle.", "contents": "Adenyl cyclase abnormality in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: muscle cells in culture. Cultured muscle cells from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy differed from cells of normal individuals and of patients with other muscle diseases. In Duchenne cells, basal activity of adenyl cyclase of myotubes was higher and was not stimulated significantly by epinephrine or isoproterenol, as it was in fused control cells, and the response to fluoride was less. The genetic defect in this disease may be an abnormality of the sruface membrane of muscle.", "PMID": 988507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2725", "title": "Shuddering attacks in children: an early clinical manifestation of essential tremor.", "content": "Six infants and children presenting with shuddering attacks had evidence and a family history of essential tremor. Although this association had not been recognized, the shuddering spells caused considerable concern and led to a wide range of diagnoses. The attacks start in infancy or early childhood, are brief, often associated with some posturing, and may be very frequent. They are benign and tend to become less frequent or to remit during the latter part of the first decade. The recognition of this syndrome should avoid unnecessary investigation and concern. The pathophysiology of shuddering attacks seems to represent an expression of the mechanism of essential tremor in the immature brain. The ultimate nature of these attacks will undoubtedly be clarified when a neurochemical basis for essential tremor is found.", "contents": "Shuddering attacks in children: an early clinical manifestation of essential tremor. Six infants and children presenting with shuddering attacks had evidence and a family history of essential tremor. Although this association had not been recognized, the shuddering spells caused considerable concern and led to a wide range of diagnoses. The attacks start in infancy or early childhood, are brief, often associated with some posturing, and may be very frequent. They are benign and tend to become less frequent or to remit during the latter part of the first decade. The recognition of this syndrome should avoid unnecessary investigation and concern. The pathophysiology of shuddering attacks seems to represent an expression of the mechanism of essential tremor in the immature brain. The ultimate nature of these attacks will undoubtedly be clarified when a neurochemical basis for essential tremor is found.", "PMID": 988508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2726", "title": "Krabbe's leukodystrophy without globoid cells.", "content": "Krabbe's infantile cerebral sclerosis with a prolonged course was present in a boy who became increasingly hypertonic during infancy and had an increased protein level in the spinal fluid. At 4 years he showed significant growth failure, profound mental retardation, spastic quadriplegia, bilateral optic atrophy, and depressed tendon reflexes. Conduction velocity in motor fibers of the median nerve had become progressively impaired. Autopsy at 5 years 10 months showed severe leukodystrophy with demyelination and gliosis. No stored breakdown products or globoid cells were seen in the brain. Galactosyl ceramide beta-galactosidase was virtually absent, and hardly any myelin was demonstrable on chemical and electron microscopic studies. The presence of globoid cells may not be essential for the pathologic diagnosis of Krabbe's leukodystrophy in the presence of appropriate enzyme deficiency.", "contents": "Krabbe's leukodystrophy without globoid cells. Krabbe's infantile cerebral sclerosis with a prolonged course was present in a boy who became increasingly hypertonic during infancy and had an increased protein level in the spinal fluid. At 4 years he showed significant growth failure, profound mental retardation, spastic quadriplegia, bilateral optic atrophy, and depressed tendon reflexes. Conduction velocity in motor fibers of the median nerve had become progressively impaired. Autopsy at 5 years 10 months showed severe leukodystrophy with demyelination and gliosis. No stored breakdown products or globoid cells were seen in the brain. Galactosyl ceramide beta-galactosidase was virtually absent, and hardly any myelin was demonstrable on chemical and electron microscopic studies. The presence of globoid cells may not be essential for the pathologic diagnosis of Krabbe's leukodystrophy in the presence of appropriate enzyme deficiency.", "PMID": 988509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2727", "title": "Electrophysiologic observations in the classical form of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease.", "content": "In a 20-year-old patient with the classic form of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, electroencephalograms during wakefulness were moderately diffusely abnormal, and an overnight polygraphic sleep recording showed distorted nonrapid eye movement sleep patterns without vertex sharp waves, K-complexes, spindles, or positive occipital sharp transients. Rapid eye movement sleep could be identified. Cerebral responses evoked by light flashes, clicks, and electric stimulation of the median nerves were abnormal.", "contents": "Electrophysiologic observations in the classical form of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. In a 20-year-old patient with the classic form of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, electroencephalograms during wakefulness were moderately diffusely abnormal, and an overnight polygraphic sleep recording showed distorted nonrapid eye movement sleep patterns without vertex sharp waves, K-complexes, spindles, or positive occipital sharp transients. Rapid eye movement sleep could be identified. Cerebral responses evoked by light flashes, clicks, and electric stimulation of the median nerves were abnormal.", "PMID": 988510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2728", "title": "Changes in motor innervation and histochemical pattern of muscle fibers in some congenital myopathies.", "content": "Changes in motor innervation were compared with histologic and histochemical pattern of muscle fibers in three biopsies of central core disease, four biopsies of nemaline myopathy, one biopsy of myotubular myopathy, and three biopsies of mitochondrial myopathy. Evidence of collateral reinnervation was obtained only in one biopsy from central core disease. In other biopsies, no structural or ultrastructural abnormality of axis cylinders, myelin, or myoneural junction suggesting denervation were observed. The only relevant change found in centronuclear myopathy and to a lesser extent in nemaline myopathy was an unusual smallness and simplication of motor endings, suggesting delayed or impaired maturation. Muscle fibers strongly reactive for both adenosinetriphosphatase and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide diaphorase, observed in central core disease and mitochondrial myopathy, were not associated with increased terminal innervation ratio.", "contents": "Changes in motor innervation and histochemical pattern of muscle fibers in some congenital myopathies. Changes in motor innervation were compared with histologic and histochemical pattern of muscle fibers in three biopsies of central core disease, four biopsies of nemaline myopathy, one biopsy of myotubular myopathy, and three biopsies of mitochondrial myopathy. Evidence of collateral reinnervation was obtained only in one biopsy from central core disease. In other biopsies, no structural or ultrastructural abnormality of axis cylinders, myelin, or myoneural junction suggesting denervation were observed. The only relevant change found in centronuclear myopathy and to a lesser extent in nemaline myopathy was an unusual smallness and simplication of motor endings, suggesting delayed or impaired maturation. Muscle fibers strongly reactive for both adenosinetriphosphatase and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide diaphorase, observed in central core disease and mitochondrial myopathy, were not associated with increased terminal innervation ratio.", "PMID": 988511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2729", "title": "Antibody to acetylcholine receptor in myasthenia gravis. Prevalence, clinical correlates, and diagnostic value.", "content": "Elevated amounts of antibodies specific for acetylcholine receptors were detected in 87 percent of sera from 71 patients with myasthenia gravis but not in 175 sera from individuals without myasthenia gravis, including those with other neurologic or autoimmune diseases. Antireceptor antibodies were not directed at the acetylcholine binding site of the receptor. Presence or titer of antibody did not appear to correlate with age, sex, steroid therapy, or duration of symptoms. Myasthenia gravis patients with only ocular symptoms had lower antibody titers, while the majority of titers in myasthenia gravis patients with thymoma exceeded the median titer of the myasthenia gravis group as a whole. Assay of antireceptor antibody should prove a useful test in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis.", "contents": "Antibody to acetylcholine receptor in myasthenia gravis. Prevalence, clinical correlates, and diagnostic value. Elevated amounts of antibodies specific for acetylcholine receptors were detected in 87 percent of sera from 71 patients with myasthenia gravis but not in 175 sera from individuals without myasthenia gravis, including those with other neurologic or autoimmune diseases. Antireceptor antibodies were not directed at the acetylcholine binding site of the receptor. Presence or titer of antibody did not appear to correlate with age, sex, steroid therapy, or duration of symptoms. Myasthenia gravis patients with only ocular symptoms had lower antibody titers, while the majority of titers in myasthenia gravis patients with thymoma exceeded the median titer of the myasthenia gravis group as a whole. Assay of antireceptor antibody should prove a useful test in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis.", "PMID": 988512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2730", "title": "Cardiac myxoma: a diagnostic challenge for the neurologist.", "content": "Three patients with left atrial myxoma presented with prominent neurologic symptoms and signs (cerebrovascular disease and/or syncope) within the past year. Two patients died because antemortem diagnosis was late or missed. One patient was successfully treated. Cardiac myxoma produces protean clinical manifestations that do not always include cardiac signs and symptoms. Neurologists may be called on for diagnostic consultation in patients who will prove to have cardiac myxoma. Unexplained transient ischemic attacks, cerebral infarction, or syncope (with possible features of seizure activity) are common neurologic manifestations of this disease. Additionally, systemic symptoms, signs, and laboratory data suggestive of collagen vascular disease or vasculitis are also often present. Echocardiography is a dependable noninvasive procedure for a confirmation of diagnosis in suspected cases.", "contents": "Cardiac myxoma: a diagnostic challenge for the neurologist. Three patients with left atrial myxoma presented with prominent neurologic symptoms and signs (cerebrovascular disease and/or syncope) within the past year. Two patients died because antemortem diagnosis was late or missed. One patient was successfully treated. Cardiac myxoma produces protean clinical manifestations that do not always include cardiac signs and symptoms. Neurologists may be called on for diagnostic consultation in patients who will prove to have cardiac myxoma. Unexplained transient ischemic attacks, cerebral infarction, or syncope (with possible features of seizure activity) are common neurologic manifestations of this disease. Additionally, systemic symptoms, signs, and laboratory data suggestive of collagen vascular disease or vasculitis are also often present. Echocardiography is a dependable noninvasive procedure for a confirmation of diagnosis in suspected cases.", "PMID": 988513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2731", "title": "A case of neuromyelitis optica (Devic's syndrome) in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinicopathologic report and review of the literature.", "content": "An interesting case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is presented in which the clinical onset of myelopathy strongly suggested demyelinating disease. Later, intracranial hypertension developed on two occasions. Postmortem examination showed the systemic lesions of SLE. In addition, demyelinating lesions were found in the spinal cord and the optic nerve, the neuropathologic picutre of Devic's syndrome, a variant of multiple sclerosis. We question whether some of the cases showing necrotic myelopathy might have an autoimmune pathogenesis.", "contents": "A case of neuromyelitis optica (Devic's syndrome) in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinicopathologic report and review of the literature. An interesting case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is presented in which the clinical onset of myelopathy strongly suggested demyelinating disease. Later, intracranial hypertension developed on two occasions. Postmortem examination showed the systemic lesions of SLE. In addition, demyelinating lesions were found in the spinal cord and the optic nerve, the neuropathologic picutre of Devic's syndrome, a variant of multiple sclerosis. We question whether some of the cases showing necrotic myelopathy might have an autoimmune pathogenesis.", "PMID": 988514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2732", "title": "Immunologic studies of a case of myasthenia gravis associated with pemphigus vulgaris after thymomectomy.", "content": "A case of myasthenia gravis was associated with thymoma and pemphigus vulgaris. The bullous lesions developed after partial thymomectomy, cobalt (60Co) irradiation, and 3 days' extensive sunbathing, although a retrospective study of the patient's sera by quantitative indirect immunofluorescence method indicated that antiepithelial antibody already was positive before the clinical appearance of pemphigus vulgaris. Serial observation of the patient's clinical course and titrations of antiepithelial, antimuscle, and antithymus antibodies suggested a reverse relationship between the severity of myasthenia gravis and titers of antimuscle and anitithymus antibodies, and a parallel relationship between pemphigus vulgaris and antiepithelial antibody. Review of the literature suggests a close relationship between pemphigus vulgaris and myasthenia gravis and thymoma, particularly thymoma injured by medical procedures.", "contents": "Immunologic studies of a case of myasthenia gravis associated with pemphigus vulgaris after thymomectomy. A case of myasthenia gravis was associated with thymoma and pemphigus vulgaris. The bullous lesions developed after partial thymomectomy, cobalt (60Co) irradiation, and 3 days' extensive sunbathing, although a retrospective study of the patient's sera by quantitative indirect immunofluorescence method indicated that antiepithelial antibody already was positive before the clinical appearance of pemphigus vulgaris. Serial observation of the patient's clinical course and titrations of antiepithelial, antimuscle, and antithymus antibodies suggested a reverse relationship between the severity of myasthenia gravis and titers of antimuscle and anitithymus antibodies, and a parallel relationship between pemphigus vulgaris and antiepithelial antibody. Review of the literature suggests a close relationship between pemphigus vulgaris and myasthenia gravis and thymoma, particularly thymoma injured by medical procedures.", "PMID": 988515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2733", "title": "Autoradiographic studies of cultures of cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytes in nonsuppurative meningitis.", "content": "Morphologic and autoradiographic studies of cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytes in nonsuppurative meningitis showed that, in addition to blast cells synthesizing DNA in response to mitogens, blast cells not incorporating thymidine were present. The autoradiographic studies also showed small lymphocytes of the usual sizes incorporating 3H thymidine, indicating that they were in the growth phase of the cell cycle. The magnitude of the response of CSF lymphocytes from patients with tuberculous meningitis to purified protein derivative appeared specific. A response of this degree may be of value in the early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis.", "contents": "Autoradiographic studies of cultures of cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytes in nonsuppurative meningitis. Morphologic and autoradiographic studies of cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytes in nonsuppurative meningitis showed that, in addition to blast cells synthesizing DNA in response to mitogens, blast cells not incorporating thymidine were present. The autoradiographic studies also showed small lymphocytes of the usual sizes incorporating 3H thymidine, indicating that they were in the growth phase of the cell cycle. The magnitude of the response of CSF lymphocytes from patients with tuberculous meningitis to purified protein derivative appeared specific. A response of this degree may be of value in the early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis.", "PMID": 988516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2734", "title": "Depth and direct cortical recording in seizure disorders of extratemporal origin.", "content": "This study is based on 28 patients with intractable seizures in whom exclusively extratemporal or a combination of temporal and extratemporal electrodes were chronically implanted for the localization of the epileptogenic process and possible surgical treatment. Clinical and electrographic data are briefly summarized, the indications for the use of implanted electrodes are outlined, and the number and position of the electrodes and the findings in each individual case are given. Four illustrative examples are described in greater detail. Mainly on the basis of data derived from this particular technique of investigation, surgical treatment was eventually carried out in 14 patients. It is concluded that the use of implanted electrodes in seizure disorders of probable extratemporal origin can be of real diagnostic benefit in certain specific situations. In most instances, however, this technique simply serves to demonstrate the complexity of an apparently simple case or, of greater clinical consequence, might tend to oversimplify cases that are actually very complex. Indeed, many data in this study raise some doubts about the validity of the classic concepts of \"focal\" epilepsy.", "contents": "Depth and direct cortical recording in seizure disorders of extratemporal origin. This study is based on 28 patients with intractable seizures in whom exclusively extratemporal or a combination of temporal and extratemporal electrodes were chronically implanted for the localization of the epileptogenic process and possible surgical treatment. Clinical and electrographic data are briefly summarized, the indications for the use of implanted electrodes are outlined, and the number and position of the electrodes and the findings in each individual case are given. Four illustrative examples are described in greater detail. Mainly on the basis of data derived from this particular technique of investigation, surgical treatment was eventually carried out in 14 patients. It is concluded that the use of implanted electrodes in seizure disorders of probable extratemporal origin can be of real diagnostic benefit in certain specific situations. In most instances, however, this technique simply serves to demonstrate the complexity of an apparently simple case or, of greater clinical consequence, might tend to oversimplify cases that are actually very complex. Indeed, many data in this study raise some doubts about the validity of the classic concepts of \"focal\" epilepsy.", "PMID": 988517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2735", "title": "Movement phosphenes in optic neuritis: a new clinical sign.", "content": "Positive visual phenomena (phosphenes) elicited by eye movements have been described in normal individuals and in myopes with vitreous opacities. In the present paper we describe eye movement-induced phosphenes that appear to be related to optic nerve involvement in patients with optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis. This phenomenon is not associated with vitreous or retinal defects, nor is it similar to phosphenes observed in normal individuals. Instead, it shares many characteristics with the well-known Lhermitte sign and is believed to represent a similar phenomenon.", "contents": "Movement phosphenes in optic neuritis: a new clinical sign. Positive visual phenomena (phosphenes) elicited by eye movements have been described in normal individuals and in myopes with vitreous opacities. In the present paper we describe eye movement-induced phosphenes that appear to be related to optic nerve involvement in patients with optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis. This phenomenon is not associated with vitreous or retinal defects, nor is it similar to phosphenes observed in normal individuals. Instead, it shares many characteristics with the well-known Lhermitte sign and is believed to represent a similar phenomenon.", "PMID": 988518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2736", "title": "Fetal heart rate patterns preceding death in utero.", "content": "Four cases of intrauterine fetal demise in term infants are presented. From these cases and other published reports, a sequence of fetal heart rate changes preceding intrapartum death is presented. Late or variable decelerations, if unrelieved or uncorrected, lead to baseline heart rate changes of tachycardia and loss of variability reflecting loss of fetal reserve and fetal distress. This is followed by an unstable heart rate, a sinusoidal pattern, or a rapidly changing fetal heart rate. The final event is a profound bradycardia just prior to fetal demise.", "contents": "Fetal heart rate patterns preceding death in utero. Four cases of intrauterine fetal demise in term infants are presented. From these cases and other published reports, a sequence of fetal heart rate changes preceding intrapartum death is presented. Late or variable decelerations, if unrelieved or uncorrected, lead to baseline heart rate changes of tachycardia and loss of variability reflecting loss of fetal reserve and fetal distress. This is followed by an unstable heart rate, a sinusoidal pattern, or a rapidly changing fetal heart rate. The final event is a profound bradycardia just prior to fetal demise.", "PMID": 988521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2737", "title": "Ultrastructure of an ovotestis in a case of true hermaphroditism.", "content": "A case of true hermaphroditism with bilateral ovotestes is reported. The karyotype was 46, XX. At laparotomy done at the age of 21 months a uterus, bilateral fallopian tubes, and bilateral gonads were observed. On frozen section examination, each gonad was shown to be an ovotestis. By light and electron microscopy, the only cellular abnormality observed in the ovotestes was the absence of primitive germ cells in the seminiferous tubules. The ovarian portion showed primordial follicles and normal follicular development.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of an ovotestis in a case of true hermaphroditism. A case of true hermaphroditism with bilateral ovotestes is reported. The karyotype was 46, XX. At laparotomy done at the age of 21 months a uterus, bilateral fallopian tubes, and bilateral gonads were observed. On frozen section examination, each gonad was shown to be an ovotestis. By light and electron microscopy, the only cellular abnormality observed in the ovotestes was the absence of primitive germ cells in the seminiferous tubules. The ovarian portion showed primordial follicles and normal follicular development.", "PMID": 988522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2738", "title": "The cellular response of the fowl small intestine to primary and secondary infections of the cestode Raillietina cesticillus (Molin).", "content": "Infections of Raillietina cesticillus in the small intestine of the fowl caused a mononuclear leucocyte infiltration, which occurred in the tissues around the worm scolices and was especially prevalent in challenge infections. There was no evidence of vascular congestion or of a neutrophilic response, and the cellular reaction seemed to consist of a local proliferation of lymphoid tissue. Mast cell and pyroninophylic cell numbers increased in the intestinal mucosa of birds with longstanding primary infections and with secondary infections, but very little eosinlophil infiltration was detected and the globule leucocyte response was minimal. The infections had no effect on the numbers of theliolymphocytes and goblet cells. Challenge infections did not result in an increased level of serum antibodies, but more cells containing globulin seemed to be present in the intestinal mucosa of these birds. The interrelationships of the various cell responses to the cestode and the origin of the globule leucocyte are discussed in the light of previous work on helminth infections.", "contents": "The cellular response of the fowl small intestine to primary and secondary infections of the cestode Raillietina cesticillus (Molin). Infections of Raillietina cesticillus in the small intestine of the fowl caused a mononuclear leucocyte infiltration, which occurred in the tissues around the worm scolices and was especially prevalent in challenge infections. There was no evidence of vascular congestion or of a neutrophilic response, and the cellular reaction seemed to consist of a local proliferation of lymphoid tissue. Mast cell and pyroninophylic cell numbers increased in the intestinal mucosa of birds with longstanding primary infections and with secondary infections, but very little eosinlophil infiltration was detected and the globule leucocyte response was minimal. The infections had no effect on the numbers of theliolymphocytes and goblet cells. Challenge infections did not result in an increased level of serum antibodies, but more cells containing globulin seemed to be present in the intestinal mucosa of these birds. The interrelationships of the various cell responses to the cestode and the origin of the globule leucocyte are discussed in the light of previous work on helminth infections.", "PMID": 988531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2739", "title": "Changes in the hatch rate of Haemonchus contortus eggs between geographic regions.", "content": "Vulvar phenotypes and the rate of development of eggs over a range of temperatures were used to compare Haemonchus contortus populations in New York State and Ohio. These parameters indicated that the westernmost boundary of the subspecies Haemonchus contortus cayugensis is the Chautauqua valley in New York. The Haemonchus ecotype in Ohio had a vulvar phenotype formula similar to that described for the subspecies Haemonchus contortus contortus. The relationship between slope and intercept of the regression of rate of egg hatch on temperature was different for morphs within ecotypes as well as between the New York and Ohio ecotypes. Linguiform-A appeared to be the cold-adapted morph in both ecotypes. Smooth was the warm-adapted morph in New York with linguiform-B filling that niche in Ohio.", "contents": "Changes in the hatch rate of Haemonchus contortus eggs between geographic regions. Vulvar phenotypes and the rate of development of eggs over a range of temperatures were used to compare Haemonchus contortus populations in New York State and Ohio. These parameters indicated that the westernmost boundary of the subspecies Haemonchus contortus cayugensis is the Chautauqua valley in New York. The Haemonchus ecotype in Ohio had a vulvar phenotype formula similar to that described for the subspecies Haemonchus contortus contortus. The relationship between slope and intercept of the regression of rate of egg hatch on temperature was different for morphs within ecotypes as well as between the New York and Ohio ecotypes. Linguiform-A appeared to be the cold-adapted morph in both ecotypes. Smooth was the warm-adapted morph in New York with linguiform-B filling that niche in Ohio.", "PMID": 988532} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2740", "title": "The ultrastructure of the megakaryocytes in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in relation to thrombokinetics.", "content": "The ultrastructure of megakaryocytes was examined in eight patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and the results were compared with those obtained from controls and with data obtained from platelet kinetic studies. Platelet production was significantly increased in (ITP) and related to the megakaryocyte number and volume. In all cases of ITP megakaryocytes containing tubular demarcation membranes were found. The granular content and the distribution of the demarcation membrane system in these megakaryocytes from cases of ITP were similar to those features seen in normal cells of the same degree of maturity. In three cases of ITP an increased content of a dilated demarcation membrane system was found in promegakaryocytes and granular megakaryocytes, in one of these cases with the additional formation of large membrane complexes. The ultrastructural findings lend support to the results obtained from the thrombokinetic studies namely that the megakaryocytes in the bone marrow react to thrombocytopenia with an increased production of platelets.", "contents": "The ultrastructure of the megakaryocytes in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in relation to thrombokinetics. The ultrastructure of megakaryocytes was examined in eight patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and the results were compared with those obtained from controls and with data obtained from platelet kinetic studies. Platelet production was significantly increased in (ITP) and related to the megakaryocyte number and volume. In all cases of ITP megakaryocytes containing tubular demarcation membranes were found. The granular content and the distribution of the demarcation membrane system in these megakaryocytes from cases of ITP were similar to those features seen in normal cells of the same degree of maturity. In three cases of ITP an increased content of a dilated demarcation membrane system was found in promegakaryocytes and granular megakaryocytes, in one of these cases with the additional formation of large membrane complexes. The ultrastructural findings lend support to the results obtained from the thrombokinetic studies namely that the megakaryocytes in the bone marrow react to thrombocytopenia with an increased production of platelets.", "PMID": 988533} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2741", "title": "Transillumination of the skull in premature infants.", "content": "Transillumination of the skull in infants is a simple technique which can be used to detect several major abnormalities of the central nervous system. The usefulness of transillumination has been limited, however, by the lack of standard techniques for its performance and by the absence of normal values, especially in premature infants. In healthy premature infants, there is a progressive increase in transillumination with increasing gestational age over three sites--the anterior fontanelle, the frontotemporal fossa, and the parieto-occipital eminence.", "contents": "Transillumination of the skull in premature infants. Transillumination of the skull in infants is a simple technique which can be used to detect several major abnormalities of the central nervous system. The usefulness of transillumination has been limited, however, by the lack of standard techniques for its performance and by the absence of normal values, especially in premature infants. In healthy premature infants, there is a progressive increase in transillumination with increasing gestational age over three sites--the anterior fontanelle, the frontotemporal fossa, and the parieto-occipital eminence.", "PMID": 988536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2742", "title": "Development of attention in preterm infants.", "content": "The quality of the awake state and attention in preterm infants has been evaluated by rating indices of attention such as widening of the eye, type of fixation, brightening, scanning, and cessation of sucking measured during visual fixation of patterns. Twenty-six infants ranging from 28 to 32 weeks' gestation at birth (mean, 31 weeks) were tested from one to four weeks postnatally until 36 weeks' gestation. Indices of attention were rated on a scale of 4 with an optimal mean index of 4. A progressive increase in behaviors associated with fixation of visual stimuli has been shown from 32 to 36 weeks of conceptual age. Mean scores ranged from 0.7 at 31 weeks' gestation to 1.8 at 34 weeks' and 2.7 at 36 weeks' gestation. The possibility therefore exists that by as early as 31 to 32 weeks from conception the human brain may be capable of waking states and thus able to process some sensory stimulation.rease in behaviors associated with fixation of visual stimuli has been shown from 32 to 36 weeks of conceptual age. Mean scores ranged from 0.7 at 31 weeks' gestation to 1.8 at 34 weeks' and 2.7 at 36 weeks' gestation. The possibility therefore exists that by as early as 31 to 32 weeks from conception the human brain may be capable of waking states and thus able to process some sensory stimulation.", "contents": "Development of attention in preterm infants. The quality of the awake state and attention in preterm infants has been evaluated by rating indices of attention such as widening of the eye, type of fixation, brightening, scanning, and cessation of sucking measured during visual fixation of patterns. Twenty-six infants ranging from 28 to 32 weeks' gestation at birth (mean, 31 weeks) were tested from one to four weeks postnatally until 36 weeks' gestation. Indices of attention were rated on a scale of 4 with an optimal mean index of 4. A progressive increase in behaviors associated with fixation of visual stimuli has been shown from 32 to 36 weeks of conceptual age. Mean scores ranged from 0.7 at 31 weeks' gestation to 1.8 at 34 weeks' and 2.7 at 36 weeks' gestation. The possibility therefore exists that by as early as 31 to 32 weeks from conception the human brain may be capable of waking states and thus able to process some sensory stimulation.rease in behaviors associated with fixation of visual stimuli has been shown from 32 to 36 weeks of conceptual age. Mean scores ranged from 0.7 at 31 weeks' gestation to 1.8 at 34 weeks' and 2.7 at 36 weeks' gestation. The possibility therefore exists that by as early as 31 to 32 weeks from conception the human brain may be capable of waking states and thus able to process some sensory stimulation.", "PMID": 988537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2743", "title": "Effects of serosally added sugars on the transepithelial electrical properties of the perfused goldfish intestine.", "content": "1. A study has been made of the effect of serosally added sugars on the transmural potential difference and electrical resistance of the perfused goldfish intestine. 2. Addition of glucose at the serosal side resulted in a decrease of the transmural potential difference independent of the presence or absence of glucose at the mucosal side. The transepithelial resistance did not change. 3. The serosal glucose effect persisted in the presence of phlorizin at the mucosal side. 4. With the activity transported non-metabolized glucose analogue 3-oxy-methylglucose the same effects were observed as with glucose. 5. Replacement of NaCl by cholineCl, RbCl or LiCl at both sides of the intestine had a diminishing effect on the glucose evoked potentials and on the transepithelial conductance. 6. Phlorizin in concentrations lower than 10(-4) M, at the serosal side did not influence neither the mucosal nor the serosal glucose effects. 7. Ouabain at the serosal side inhibited the serosal glucose effect and decreased the transepithelial conductance. 8. The results support the concept that sugar transport at the serosal side of the epithelial cell has features in common with the sodium-dependent sugar transport mechanism at the mucosal side.", "contents": "Effects of serosally added sugars on the transepithelial electrical properties of the perfused goldfish intestine. 1. A study has been made of the effect of serosally added sugars on the transmural potential difference and electrical resistance of the perfused goldfish intestine. 2. Addition of glucose at the serosal side resulted in a decrease of the transmural potential difference independent of the presence or absence of glucose at the mucosal side. The transepithelial resistance did not change. 3. The serosal glucose effect persisted in the presence of phlorizin at the mucosal side. 4. With the activity transported non-metabolized glucose analogue 3-oxy-methylglucose the same effects were observed as with glucose. 5. Replacement of NaCl by cholineCl, RbCl or LiCl at both sides of the intestine had a diminishing effect on the glucose evoked potentials and on the transepithelial conductance. 6. Phlorizin in concentrations lower than 10(-4) M, at the serosal side did not influence neither the mucosal nor the serosal glucose effects. 7. Ouabain at the serosal side inhibited the serosal glucose effect and decreased the transepithelial conductance. 8. The results support the concept that sugar transport at the serosal side of the epithelial cell has features in common with the sodium-dependent sugar transport mechanism at the mucosal side.", "PMID": 988541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2744", "title": "Effects of Na and K ions on the active Na transport in guinea-pig auricles.", "content": "1. The effect of Na and K ions on active Na transport was studied in guinea-pig auricles by means of flame photometry. 2. The Na influx into preparations rewarmed in Tyrode's solution after cooling was estimated to be about 1.05 mmole/l fibre water - min (l.f.w.-min) or c. 8 pmole/cm2 - s. Intracellular Na ions enhanced the active Na efflux over a wide range of concentrations. A decrease in the extracellular Na concentration ([Na]o) had no major effect on the active Na efflux. 3. Extracellular K ions initiated an active Na efflux from rewarmed auricles with an elevated [Na[i over a narrow range of K concentrations ([K]o). 4. Assuming Michaelis-Menten kinetics the maximal active Na efflux activated by internal Na ions was calculated to be about 4 mmole/l.f.w. - min (30 pmole/cm2 - s). Half maximal Na efflux occurred at about 22 mmole/l.f.w. [Na]i. The maximal K-activated active - min (28 pmole/cm2 - s) and was half maximal at a [K]o of about 0.2 mM. 5. It is tentatively concluded that the maximal active Na efflux from guinea-pig atria is 3--4 times larger than the physiological flux. Under normal conditions active Na efflux in heart is mainly regulated by variations of [Na]i.", "contents": "Effects of Na and K ions on the active Na transport in guinea-pig auricles. 1. The effect of Na and K ions on active Na transport was studied in guinea-pig auricles by means of flame photometry. 2. The Na influx into preparations rewarmed in Tyrode's solution after cooling was estimated to be about 1.05 mmole/l fibre water - min (l.f.w.-min) or c. 8 pmole/cm2 - s. Intracellular Na ions enhanced the active Na efflux over a wide range of concentrations. A decrease in the extracellular Na concentration ([Na]o) had no major effect on the active Na efflux. 3. Extracellular K ions initiated an active Na efflux from rewarmed auricles with an elevated [Na[i over a narrow range of K concentrations ([K]o). 4. Assuming Michaelis-Menten kinetics the maximal active Na efflux activated by internal Na ions was calculated to be about 4 mmole/l.f.w. - min (30 pmole/cm2 - s). Half maximal Na efflux occurred at about 22 mmole/l.f.w. [Na]i. The maximal K-activated active - min (28 pmole/cm2 - s) and was half maximal at a [K]o of about 0.2 mM. 5. It is tentatively concluded that the maximal active Na efflux from guinea-pig atria is 3--4 times larger than the physiological flux. Under normal conditions active Na efflux in heart is mainly regulated by variations of [Na]i.", "PMID": 988542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2745", "title": "Habituation and conditioning of the defense reactions and their cardiovascular components in cats and dogs.", "content": "Cardiovascular and behavioural responses elicited by novel, noxious or aversive stimuli have been studied in dogs and cats. Hindlimb blood flow, heart rate and arterial blood pressure increased in dogs when an orienting response was elicited by a novel stimulus (a sound). Similar cardiovascular responses occurred in dogs to mild noxious stimulus and in cats displaying a threatening posture when confronted by a dog. The cardiovascular components of the orienting response to a sound habituated with repetition of the sound. In two dogs however sensitization (increase) of the response occurred with reped by repetition of the confrontations: the vasodilation in the muscles waned and eventually was replaced by vasoconstriction while the cardiac acceleration and pressor response persisted. The threatening response was the most persistent. The modification of the behavioural and cardiovascular aspect of the response was not developing in parallel. The cardiovascular pattern was altered before any apparent changes of the behavioural pattern occurred. The cardiovascular responses of the noxious stimulus in dogs and cardiovascular components of the defence reaction in cats were readily conditioned to a sound. The possible role of the modification of the cardiovascular pattern in defence reactions in pathogenesis of hypertension is discussed.", "contents": "Habituation and conditioning of the defense reactions and their cardiovascular components in cats and dogs. Cardiovascular and behavioural responses elicited by novel, noxious or aversive stimuli have been studied in dogs and cats. Hindlimb blood flow, heart rate and arterial blood pressure increased in dogs when an orienting response was elicited by a novel stimulus (a sound). Similar cardiovascular responses occurred in dogs to mild noxious stimulus and in cats displaying a threatening posture when confronted by a dog. The cardiovascular components of the orienting response to a sound habituated with repetition of the sound. In two dogs however sensitization (increase) of the response occurred with reped by repetition of the confrontations: the vasodilation in the muscles waned and eventually was replaced by vasoconstriction while the cardiac acceleration and pressor response persisted. The threatening response was the most persistent. The modification of the behavioural and cardiovascular aspect of the response was not developing in parallel. The cardiovascular pattern was altered before any apparent changes of the behavioural pattern occurred. The cardiovascular responses of the noxious stimulus in dogs and cardiovascular components of the defence reaction in cats were readily conditioned to a sound. The possible role of the modification of the cardiovascular pattern in defence reactions in pathogenesis of hypertension is discussed.", "PMID": 988543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2746", "title": "Renal effects of furosemide in glycerol induced acute renal failure of the rat.", "content": "The renal effects of furosemide in acute renal failure of the rat were studied using clearance and micropuncture techniques. Acute renal failure was induced by an intramuscular injection of 50% glycerol (10 ml/kg). Functional impairement of the glycerol treated animals consisted of a decrease in urinary sodium excretion, renal blood flow, total kidney GFR and effective filtration pressure of superficial nephrons. Effective filtration pressure was calculated from proximal free flow and stop flow pressure measurements. In contrast to control animals furosemide did not increase urine volume during acute renal failure due to a marked fall in GFR. Renal blood flow, as measured by an electromagnetic flowmeter, also decreased after furosemide in glycerol treated rats and increased in control animals. Furosemide reduced effective filtration pressure during acute renal failure to almost zero, whereas in control animals effective filtration pressure virtually remained constant.", "contents": "Renal effects of furosemide in glycerol induced acute renal failure of the rat. The renal effects of furosemide in acute renal failure of the rat were studied using clearance and micropuncture techniques. Acute renal failure was induced by an intramuscular injection of 50% glycerol (10 ml/kg). Functional impairement of the glycerol treated animals consisted of a decrease in urinary sodium excretion, renal blood flow, total kidney GFR and effective filtration pressure of superficial nephrons. Effective filtration pressure was calculated from proximal free flow and stop flow pressure measurements. In contrast to control animals furosemide did not increase urine volume during acute renal failure due to a marked fall in GFR. Renal blood flow, as measured by an electromagnetic flowmeter, also decreased after furosemide in glycerol treated rats and increased in control animals. Furosemide reduced effective filtration pressure during acute renal failure to almost zero, whereas in control animals effective filtration pressure virtually remained constant.", "PMID": 988544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2747", "title": "The involvement of noradrenergic nerves in the cardiovascular reflex responses to lower body negative pressure in the anaesthetised rabbit.", "content": "1. Resting cardiovascular status and the reflex responses to lower body negative pressure (LBNP) were examined in control rabbits and in rabbits sympathectomised with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). 2. Resting systemic arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance were significantly higher in control than in 6-OHDA treated animals. 3. Control animals responded to LBNP at -25 mm Hg with a peripheral vasoconstriction and tachycardia. These responses were absent in 6-OHDA-treated animals. 4. Control animals responded to LBNP at -70 mm Hg with a peripheral vasoconstriction and a bradycardia followed by a tachycardia. There was no significant change in heart rate in response to this stimulus in 6-OHDA-treated animals, although a slight vasoconstriction was seen. 5. Bethanidine blocked the tachycardia and vasoconstriction seen in response to LBNP in control and 6-OHDA-treated rabbits. Under these conditions there was no significant difference between the total peripheral resistance of the control and treated animals. 6. The results indicated that neither the maintenance of the resting systemic arterial pressure nor the reflexes elicited by LBNP in control or in chronically sympathectomised rabbits involved hormonal mechanisms, but LBNP was maintained for 1 min only. These findings are discussed in the context of previous observations.", "contents": "The involvement of noradrenergic nerves in the cardiovascular reflex responses to lower body negative pressure in the anaesthetised rabbit. 1. Resting cardiovascular status and the reflex responses to lower body negative pressure (LBNP) were examined in control rabbits and in rabbits sympathectomised with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). 2. Resting systemic arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance were significantly higher in control than in 6-OHDA treated animals. 3. Control animals responded to LBNP at -25 mm Hg with a peripheral vasoconstriction and tachycardia. These responses were absent in 6-OHDA-treated animals. 4. Control animals responded to LBNP at -70 mm Hg with a peripheral vasoconstriction and a bradycardia followed by a tachycardia. There was no significant change in heart rate in response to this stimulus in 6-OHDA-treated animals, although a slight vasoconstriction was seen. 5. Bethanidine blocked the tachycardia and vasoconstriction seen in response to LBNP in control and 6-OHDA-treated rabbits. Under these conditions there was no significant difference between the total peripheral resistance of the control and treated animals. 6. The results indicated that neither the maintenance of the resting systemic arterial pressure nor the reflexes elicited by LBNP in control or in chronically sympathectomised rabbits involved hormonal mechanisms, but LBNP was maintained for 1 min only. These findings are discussed in the context of previous observations.", "PMID": 988545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2748", "title": "Functional and anatomical characteristics of the nerve-brown adipose interaction in the rat.", "content": "Two aspects of the coupling of neural information to brown fat thermogenesis were examined-namely, the thermal responses to increasing neural stimulation and the anatomical nature of the brown fat innervation. Upon stimulation of the nerves to the interscapular brown fat pad, there ensued a biphasic response. This response was manifested by an initial, but transient temperature decrease, followed by a rise in brown fat temperature. The magnitude of both components of this response increased with increasing stimulus strength, thereby demonstrating the ability of the tissue to respond in a graded manner a feature which may underlie the controlled thermogenic response of brown fat observed in the cold-exposed intact animal. No anatomically unique fibre types appeared to be specifically associated with innervation to the brown adipocytes or to the vessels within the fat pad. On the other hand, the nerves entering the interscapular fat pad were morphologically dissimilar, a finding consonent with their functional dissimilarity (i.e., innervation of adipocytes, innervation of blood vessels in the fat pad, and innervation of areas in the overlying skin).", "contents": "Functional and anatomical characteristics of the nerve-brown adipose interaction in the rat. Two aspects of the coupling of neural information to brown fat thermogenesis were examined-namely, the thermal responses to increasing neural stimulation and the anatomical nature of the brown fat innervation. Upon stimulation of the nerves to the interscapular brown fat pad, there ensued a biphasic response. This response was manifested by an initial, but transient temperature decrease, followed by a rise in brown fat temperature. The magnitude of both components of this response increased with increasing stimulus strength, thereby demonstrating the ability of the tissue to respond in a graded manner a feature which may underlie the controlled thermogenic response of brown fat observed in the cold-exposed intact animal. No anatomically unique fibre types appeared to be specifically associated with innervation to the brown adipocytes or to the vessels within the fat pad. On the other hand, the nerves entering the interscapular fat pad were morphologically dissimilar, a finding consonent with their functional dissimilarity (i.e., innervation of adipocytes, innervation of blood vessels in the fat pad, and innervation of areas in the overlying skin).", "PMID": 988546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2749", "title": "Some technical improvements for the voltage clamp with the double sucrose gap.", "content": "A new double sucrose gap chamber using electrodes of high stability and low resistance is described. The size of each sucrose gap and the central node can be modified independently so that this chamber is suitable for research on multicellular or unicellular excitable preparation under voltage clamp conditions. The shape of the central channel is made so as to reduce the series resistance between the preparation and the recording electrode to a minimum. A window made in the floor of the chamber allows to observe the preparation under a microscope.", "contents": "Some technical improvements for the voltage clamp with the double sucrose gap. A new double sucrose gap chamber using electrodes of high stability and low resistance is described. The size of each sucrose gap and the central node can be modified independently so that this chamber is suitable for research on multicellular or unicellular excitable preparation under voltage clamp conditions. The shape of the central channel is made so as to reduce the series resistance between the preparation and the recording electrode to a minimum. A window made in the floor of the chamber allows to observe the preparation under a microscope.", "PMID": 988547} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2750", "title": "Hemodynamic effects of norepinephrine and isoprenaline in various regions of the canine splanchnic area.", "content": "Responses to norepinephrine (NE) and isoprenaline (ISO) (1-1024 ng/kg i.v.) were assessed by electromagnetic flowmetry on 18 arteries of the splanchnic region in anesthetized dogs. Measurements were judged according to the 2 criteria: 1. direction of effect; 2.sensitivity of vascular areas to catecholamines, expressed as D50 (i.e. the calculated dose inducing 50% of the maximum effect). NE decreased flow in all arteries (40-80%), but caused additionally an increase in the celiac, splenic and splenic artery proper. Thus changes in the spleen are responsible for the increase with NE. Flow reduction in the pancreatic branch of the cranial mesenteric artery was small. All flow reductions induced by NE had a similar D50 (about 30 ng/kg), except that in the hepatic artery (100 ng/kg).", "contents": "Hemodynamic effects of norepinephrine and isoprenaline in various regions of the canine splanchnic area. Responses to norepinephrine (NE) and isoprenaline (ISO) (1-1024 ng/kg i.v.) were assessed by electromagnetic flowmetry on 18 arteries of the splanchnic region in anesthetized dogs. Measurements were judged according to the 2 criteria: 1. direction of effect; 2.sensitivity of vascular areas to catecholamines, expressed as D50 (i.e. the calculated dose inducing 50% of the maximum effect). NE decreased flow in all arteries (40-80%), but caused additionally an increase in the celiac, splenic and splenic artery proper. Thus changes in the spleen are responsible for the increase with NE. Flow reduction in the pancreatic branch of the cranial mesenteric artery was small. All flow reductions induced by NE had a similar D50 (about 30 ng/kg), except that in the hepatic artery (100 ng/kg).", "PMID": 988548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2751", "title": "Norepinephrine and isoprenaline induced changes of peripheral blood flow acceleration caused by changes of cardiac inotropy.", "content": "In anesthetized dogs the norepinephrine (NE) and isoprenaline (ISO) (1--1024 ng/kg i.v.)--induced increase of maximum peripheral flow acceleration (celiac artery, cranial mesenteric artery, renal artery; and femoral artery) and the changes of the maximum first derivative of arterial pressure were compared with the increases of maximum ascending aortic flow acceleration and maximum first derivative of left ventricle pressure (LV dP/dt max). The maximum effect of each dose on maximum acceleration of flows (dF/dt max) and maximum first derivative of pressures (dP/dt max) occurred simultaneously for all v56--512 ng/kg) and for ISO (D50:128--256) ng/kg). We demonstrated that other varure) played only a minor role in the increases of LV dP/dt max in our studies. In contrast with the uniform response of dF/dt max and dP/dt max, the reaction of peripheral vascular resistance varied. In particular in the gastrointestinal tract the resistance could either be increased (NE, D50:115 ng/kg) or decreases (ISO, D50:15 ng/kg). Gastrointestinal resistance was a more sensitive variable for catecholamine stimulation than dF/dt max and dP/dt max. The data show that under the present experimental conditions induced by NE and ISO is due to increase of cardiac inotropy.", "contents": "Norepinephrine and isoprenaline induced changes of peripheral blood flow acceleration caused by changes of cardiac inotropy. In anesthetized dogs the norepinephrine (NE) and isoprenaline (ISO) (1--1024 ng/kg i.v.)--induced increase of maximum peripheral flow acceleration (celiac artery, cranial mesenteric artery, renal artery; and femoral artery) and the changes of the maximum first derivative of arterial pressure were compared with the increases of maximum ascending aortic flow acceleration and maximum first derivative of left ventricle pressure (LV dP/dt max). The maximum effect of each dose on maximum acceleration of flows (dF/dt max) and maximum first derivative of pressures (dP/dt max) occurred simultaneously for all v56--512 ng/kg) and for ISO (D50:128--256) ng/kg). We demonstrated that other varure) played only a minor role in the increases of LV dP/dt max in our studies. In contrast with the uniform response of dF/dt max and dP/dt max, the reaction of peripheral vascular resistance varied. In particular in the gastrointestinal tract the resistance could either be increased (NE, D50:115 ng/kg) or decreases (ISO, D50:15 ng/kg). Gastrointestinal resistance was a more sensitive variable for catecholamine stimulation than dF/dt max and dP/dt max. The data show that under the present experimental conditions induced by NE and ISO is due to increase of cardiac inotropy.", "PMID": 988549} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2752", "title": "Evidence against cholinergic mediation of the effect of angiotensin II on the guinea pig ileum.", "content": "The belief that the smooth muscle contracting activity of angiotensin II (angiotensin) in the guinea pig ileum is partly mediated by release of acetylcholine was reexamined, with the following results. 1. Atropine did not reduce the maximum contraction produced by angiotensin, although it caused a shift to the right of the log dose-response curve (dose ratio = 2.2). A similar shift was observed with histamine, bradykinin and BaCl2. 2. A moderate potentiation of angiotensin by eserine was also observed, which was similarly found for the other agonists. 3. A previous report that atropine blocks the fast (phasic) component of the isometric response of the ileum to angiotensin was not confirmed. The disappearance of the phasic component was found to be due to a tachyphylactic change in the response. 4. Depolarization by high doses of nicotine, and inhibition of acetylcholine synthesis by hemicholinium, did not affect the response to angiotensin. 5. Ilei in which the intramural ganglia had been destroyed by incubation at 4 degrees 48-56 h responed maximally to angiotensin, without loss of the phasic component of the response. It is concluded that the available evidence does not support the participation of a cholinergic mechanism in the effect of angiotensin upon the guinea pig ileum.", "contents": "Evidence against cholinergic mediation of the effect of angiotensin II on the guinea pig ileum. The belief that the smooth muscle contracting activity of angiotensin II (angiotensin) in the guinea pig ileum is partly mediated by release of acetylcholine was reexamined, with the following results. 1. Atropine did not reduce the maximum contraction produced by angiotensin, although it caused a shift to the right of the log dose-response curve (dose ratio = 2.2). A similar shift was observed with histamine, bradykinin and BaCl2. 2. A moderate potentiation of angiotensin by eserine was also observed, which was similarly found for the other agonists. 3. A previous report that atropine blocks the fast (phasic) component of the isometric response of the ileum to angiotensin was not confirmed. The disappearance of the phasic component was found to be due to a tachyphylactic change in the response. 4. Depolarization by high doses of nicotine, and inhibition of acetylcholine synthesis by hemicholinium, did not affect the response to angiotensin. 5. Ilei in which the intramural ganglia had been destroyed by incubation at 4 degrees 48-56 h responed maximally to angiotensin, without loss of the phasic component of the response. It is concluded that the available evidence does not support the participation of a cholinergic mechanism in the effect of angiotensin upon the guinea pig ileum.", "PMID": 988550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2753", "title": "The turnover and distribution of labelled corticosterone during post-natal development of the duckling (Anas platyrhynchos).", "content": "During 6 months of post-natal development in the laboratory, the weight of the adrenal gland relative to body weight decreases exponentially. In the 3 day-old duckling a single intravenous dose of labelled corticosterone becomes distributed in a very large apparent volume and an \"extracellular\" pool that is greater than the extracellular fluid volume and the pattern of disappearance of labelled hormone from plasma is biphasic. Later during development the volumes of distribution decrease and the biphasic pattern of disappearance becomes less distinct until at 6 months only one phase of disappearance can be detected with confidence. No significant change in plasma corticosterone concentration occurs during this period of development in the laboratory. Estimations of the corticosterone secretory rates, however, indicate that whereas the adrenal weight-specific rate os secretion increases during the first 3 weeks and declines therafter, the bodyf weight-specific secretory rate continues to decline throughtout the period of increasing body weight.", "contents": "The turnover and distribution of labelled corticosterone during post-natal development of the duckling (Anas platyrhynchos). During 6 months of post-natal development in the laboratory, the weight of the adrenal gland relative to body weight decreases exponentially. In the 3 day-old duckling a single intravenous dose of labelled corticosterone becomes distributed in a very large apparent volume and an \"extracellular\" pool that is greater than the extracellular fluid volume and the pattern of disappearance of labelled hormone from plasma is biphasic. Later during development the volumes of distribution decrease and the biphasic pattern of disappearance becomes less distinct until at 6 months only one phase of disappearance can be detected with confidence. No significant change in plasma corticosterone concentration occurs during this period of development in the laboratory. Estimations of the corticosterone secretory rates, however, indicate that whereas the adrenal weight-specific rate os secretion increases during the first 3 weeks and declines therafter, the bodyf weight-specific secretory rate continues to decline throughtout the period of increasing body weight.", "PMID": 988551} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2754", "title": "The influence of CSF calcium and magnesium on the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide during hyperoxia.", "content": "Respiratory responses to inhaled carbon dioxide were measured in anaesthetized cats during perfusion of the ventriculocisternal system with artificial cerebrospinal fluid. A study was performed to evaluate the effect of changes in the magnesium and/or calcium concentration of the CSF on the CO2 response curve which was described as VE = S (PCSF, CO2 -- B). A decrease of S was observed when the magnesium concentration of the perfusion fluid was increased; the B-value remaining the same. The reverse was true down to magnesium concentrations of 0.6 mmol-1-1. Below this concentration S remained the same or decreased; the B-value was lowered. When both the calcium and magnesium concentrations of the CSF were changed, the relation between S and these concentrations could be described as to be proportional to CCAa-CMgb. The effect of changes in the calcium concentration was much more pronounced than comparable changes of the magnesium concentration as reflected by the magnitude of the exponents a and b which were found to be -2.80 (S.D. 0.11) and -0.60 (S.D. 0.03) respectively.", "contents": "The influence of CSF calcium and magnesium on the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide during hyperoxia. Respiratory responses to inhaled carbon dioxide were measured in anaesthetized cats during perfusion of the ventriculocisternal system with artificial cerebrospinal fluid. A study was performed to evaluate the effect of changes in the magnesium and/or calcium concentration of the CSF on the CO2 response curve which was described as VE = S (PCSF, CO2 -- B). A decrease of S was observed when the magnesium concentration of the perfusion fluid was increased; the B-value remaining the same. The reverse was true down to magnesium concentrations of 0.6 mmol-1-1. Below this concentration S remained the same or decreased; the B-value was lowered. When both the calcium and magnesium concentrations of the CSF were changed, the relation between S and these concentrations could be described as to be proportional to CCAa-CMgb. The effect of changes in the calcium concentration was much more pronounced than comparable changes of the magnesium concentration as reflected by the magnitude of the exponents a and b which were found to be -2.80 (S.D. 0.11) and -0.60 (S.D. 0.03) respectively.", "PMID": 988552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2755", "title": "Differential effects of hypoxia with age on the chick embryonic heart. Changes in membrane potential, intracellular K and Na, K efflux and glycogen.", "content": "The effects of hypoxia on different parameters of cell membrane function were studied in 7 and 19 day chick embryonic hearts. The following changes were observed: 1. Transmembrane potential: A depolarization of the cell membrane and a decrease in the duration and in the overshoot of the action potential. 2. Intracellular ion concentrations: A decrease in (K)i and an increase in (Na)i. Cellular Ca-content remained constant. 3. K efflux: An increase in the rate coefficient, which was larger in stimulated preparations. These changes were more pronounced in 19 day than in 7 day hearts. The effects of hypoxia were increased by simultaneous substrate depletion and counteracted by an excess external glucose. We conclude that: 1. The 19 day hearts are more sensitive to oxygen lack than the 7 day hearts. The difference can be correlated with the observation that the younger hearts are able to consume more glycogen during hypoxia. 2. The changes of the resting membrane potential and the overshoot of the action potential correlate with changes in respectively (K)i and (Na)i. 3. An increase in the background K current may be an important factor in explaining the shortening of the action potential during hypoxia.", "contents": "Differential effects of hypoxia with age on the chick embryonic heart. Changes in membrane potential, intracellular K and Na, K efflux and glycogen. The effects of hypoxia on different parameters of cell membrane function were studied in 7 and 19 day chick embryonic hearts. The following changes were observed: 1. Transmembrane potential: A depolarization of the cell membrane and a decrease in the duration and in the overshoot of the action potential. 2. Intracellular ion concentrations: A decrease in (K)i and an increase in (Na)i. Cellular Ca-content remained constant. 3. K efflux: An increase in the rate coefficient, which was larger in stimulated preparations. These changes were more pronounced in 19 day than in 7 day hearts. The effects of hypoxia were increased by simultaneous substrate depletion and counteracted by an excess external glucose. We conclude that: 1. The 19 day hearts are more sensitive to oxygen lack than the 7 day hearts. The difference can be correlated with the observation that the younger hearts are able to consume more glycogen during hypoxia. 2. The changes of the resting membrane potential and the overshoot of the action potential correlate with changes in respectively (K)i and (Na)i. 3. An increase in the background K current may be an important factor in explaining the shortening of the action potential during hypoxia.", "PMID": 988553} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2756", "title": "Effect of adrenergic blocing agents on peripheral noradrenaline induced thermoregulatory responses in the pigeon at heat.", "content": "1. The hyperthermic effect of intramuscular NA at 32 degrees C was abolished by propranolol but not by phentolamine preinjection. 2. The lack of hyperthermic response was at least partly due to the blocking effect of propranolol on beta-receptor mediated in heart rate. 3. After NA the respiratory rate was gradually increased in birds preinjected either with propranolol or with phentolamine.", "contents": "Effect of adrenergic blocing agents on peripheral noradrenaline induced thermoregulatory responses in the pigeon at heat. 1. The hyperthermic effect of intramuscular NA at 32 degrees C was abolished by propranolol but not by phentolamine preinjection. 2. The lack of hyperthermic response was at least partly due to the blocking effect of propranolol on beta-receptor mediated in heart rate. 3. After NA the respiratory rate was gradually increased in birds preinjected either with propranolol or with phentolamine.", "PMID": 988554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2757", "title": "The role of sarcolemma and mitochondria in regulating Ca2+ movements in human myometrium.", "content": "A subcellular fraction enriched in sarcolemma was isolated by differential and sucrose gradient centrifugation from human myometrium. The Ca2+ binding characteristics of this fraction were compared to that of mitochondria and microsomes that were isolated simultaneously. 1. Oxalate increased ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake by the sarcolemmal but not the mitochondrial fraction, while azide inhibited mitochondrial but not sarcolemmanl Ca2+ transport. 2. The amount of Ca2+ bound in 10 min by these two fractions from a 0.3 muM free Ca2+ solution was similar, but the rate of Ca2+ uptake at 1 muM Ca2+ was greater for the mitochondrial than the sarcolemmal. fraction. The properties of Ca2+ binding by the microsomal fraction were intermediate between these two fractions. 3. The results suggest that mitochondria have a greater potential for lowering intracellular Ca2+ activity in human myometrium than do sarcolemma or sarcoplasmic reticulum.", "contents": "The role of sarcolemma and mitochondria in regulating Ca2+ movements in human myometrium. A subcellular fraction enriched in sarcolemma was isolated by differential and sucrose gradient centrifugation from human myometrium. The Ca2+ binding characteristics of this fraction were compared to that of mitochondria and microsomes that were isolated simultaneously. 1. Oxalate increased ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake by the sarcolemmal but not the mitochondrial fraction, while azide inhibited mitochondrial but not sarcolemmanl Ca2+ transport. 2. The amount of Ca2+ bound in 10 min by these two fractions from a 0.3 muM free Ca2+ solution was similar, but the rate of Ca2+ uptake at 1 muM Ca2+ was greater for the mitochondrial than the sarcolemmal. fraction. The properties of Ca2+ binding by the microsomal fraction were intermediate between these two fractions. 3. The results suggest that mitochondria have a greater potential for lowering intracellular Ca2+ activity in human myometrium than do sarcolemma or sarcoplasmic reticulum.", "PMID": 988555} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2758", "title": "The influence of nephrectomy, ureteral ligation, and of estradiol on plasma renin substrate in unilaterally nephrectomized rats.", "content": "The effects of three experimental conditions on the concentration of plasma renin substrate were studied with special reference to plasma renin concentration in unilaterally nephrectomized rats. After simultaneous bilateral nephrectomy the maximum increase in plasma renin substrate was 17 times higher than normal within 24 h, while in rats which were unilaterally nephrectomized 10 days previously, followed by the removal of the remaining kidney (two-step bilateral nephrectomy), the maximum increase in plasma renin substrate was markedly suppressed (6-fold of normal). The maximum increases in plasma renin substrate by estradiol treatment in normal and unilaterally nephrectomized rats were about the same, associated with similarly decreased plasma renin concentrations. The similar increase in plasma renin substrate was found after ureteral ligation in unilaterally nephrectomized rats and bilateral ligation of the ureters in normal rats. This was the case where the plasma renin concentrations changed differently after ureteral ligation. After two-step bilateral nephrectomy plus estradiol treatment the maximum increase in plasma renin substrate was found to be higher than that found after two-step bilateral nephrectomy, but was lower than that after simultaneous bilateral nephrectomy. It is suggested that under the pathological conditions that stimulate renin substrate production, the plasma rein substrate concentration is less affected by circulating renin.", "contents": "The influence of nephrectomy, ureteral ligation, and of estradiol on plasma renin substrate in unilaterally nephrectomized rats. The effects of three experimental conditions on the concentration of plasma renin substrate were studied with special reference to plasma renin concentration in unilaterally nephrectomized rats. After simultaneous bilateral nephrectomy the maximum increase in plasma renin substrate was 17 times higher than normal within 24 h, while in rats which were unilaterally nephrectomized 10 days previously, followed by the removal of the remaining kidney (two-step bilateral nephrectomy), the maximum increase in plasma renin substrate was markedly suppressed (6-fold of normal). The maximum increases in plasma renin substrate by estradiol treatment in normal and unilaterally nephrectomized rats were about the same, associated with similarly decreased plasma renin concentrations. The similar increase in plasma renin substrate was found after ureteral ligation in unilaterally nephrectomized rats and bilateral ligation of the ureters in normal rats. This was the case where the plasma renin concentrations changed differently after ureteral ligation. After two-step bilateral nephrectomy plus estradiol treatment the maximum increase in plasma renin substrate was found to be higher than that found after two-step bilateral nephrectomy, but was lower than that after simultaneous bilateral nephrectomy. It is suggested that under the pathological conditions that stimulate renin substrate production, the plasma rein substrate concentration is less affected by circulating renin.", "PMID": 988556} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2759", "title": "[Circadian rhythms of rat internal temperatures and thermal ambiance (author's transl)].", "content": "Chronic recording of cerebellar and subcutaneous temperatures were carried out in rats maintained at different ambient temperatures in a 12 h light-dark cycle (light from 7 to 19 h). Cerebellar and subcutaneous temperatures followed a rhythm with a period of 24 h with acrophase at 1 h and an amplitude of 0.75 degrees C. The amplitude and acrophase were not altered by modification of the ambient temperature (20-25-30-34 or 35 degrees C), but each elevation of ambient temperature produced a rise in the mean internal temperature of the rat. This rise, hardly perceptible at ambient temperatures of 25 and 30 degrees C, reaches 0.5 degrees C between 20 and 25 degrees C and 1 degrees C between 30 and 34 degrees C. This elevation of temperature was maintained for the duration of the 10 days of observation. These results pose at least three questions: the degree of liaison between the rhythms of activity (waking) and temperature; the lability of the mean internal temperature, which alter with ambient temperature while the amplitude of the circadian rhythm is unaltered and the absence of reduction of mean interanl temperature several days exposure to a raised ambient temperature, even when activity and metabolism are reduced by the second day of exposure.", "contents": "[Circadian rhythms of rat internal temperatures and thermal ambiance (author's transl)]. Chronic recording of cerebellar and subcutaneous temperatures were carried out in rats maintained at different ambient temperatures in a 12 h light-dark cycle (light from 7 to 19 h). Cerebellar and subcutaneous temperatures followed a rhythm with a period of 24 h with acrophase at 1 h and an amplitude of 0.75 degrees C. The amplitude and acrophase were not altered by modification of the ambient temperature (20-25-30-34 or 35 degrees C), but each elevation of ambient temperature produced a rise in the mean internal temperature of the rat. This rise, hardly perceptible at ambient temperatures of 25 and 30 degrees C, reaches 0.5 degrees C between 20 and 25 degrees C and 1 degrees C between 30 and 34 degrees C. This elevation of temperature was maintained for the duration of the 10 days of observation. These results pose at least three questions: the degree of liaison between the rhythms of activity (waking) and temperature; the lability of the mean internal temperature, which alter with ambient temperature while the amplitude of the circadian rhythm is unaltered and the absence of reduction of mean interanl temperature several days exposure to a raised ambient temperature, even when activity and metabolism are reduced by the second day of exposure.", "PMID": 988557} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2760", "title": "Changes of plasma volume and plasma composition in water-deprived rats.", "content": "Plasma volume, hematocrit, protein and electrolyte concentrations in plasma were measured in control and water-deprived rats every three days after starting the experiment until the 15th day. Plasma volume variations, as related to body weight, suggest that water loss from plasma was proportional to total body water at three days and after 9 days of water deprivation. Greater plasma water than body water loss was found during the period between 3 and 9 days. Plasma protein and electrolyte variations suggest that during water deprivation there is a loss of protein, sodium and potassium from plasma, which is proportionally less than that of plasma water. Potassium, calcium and inorganic phosphorus were lost proportionally to plasma water. The variations in plasma volume changes were partially explained as due to variations in plasma protein and electrolyte concentrations.", "contents": "Changes of plasma volume and plasma composition in water-deprived rats. Plasma volume, hematocrit, protein and electrolyte concentrations in plasma were measured in control and water-deprived rats every three days after starting the experiment until the 15th day. Plasma volume variations, as related to body weight, suggest that water loss from plasma was proportional to total body water at three days and after 9 days of water deprivation. Greater plasma water than body water loss was found during the period between 3 and 9 days. Plasma protein and electrolyte variations suggest that during water deprivation there is a loss of protein, sodium and potassium from plasma, which is proportionally less than that of plasma water. Potassium, calcium and inorganic phosphorus were lost proportionally to plasma water. The variations in plasma volume changes were partially explained as due to variations in plasma protein and electrolyte concentrations.", "PMID": 988558} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2761", "title": "Myocardial glucose uptake and breakdown during adenosine-induced vasodilation.", "content": "In isolated K+ (16.2 mM)-arrested cat hearts perfused at constant pressure adenosine infusions (0.8 mumoles - min-1 - 100 g-1 for 10 min) caused an increase in myocardial 14C-glucose uptake and release of 14CO2 + H14CO3- AND 14C-lactate simultaneously with a rise in coronary flow. The ratio of the release of 14CO2 + H14CO3- to that of 14C-lactate and the specific activity of lactate in the effuate were not altered. In K+ -arrested hearts perfused with constant volume neither glucose uptake nor glucose breakdown were influenced by 0.8 or 100 mumoles - min-1 - 100 g-1 adenosine with 0.1 - 5 mM glucose in the perfusion medium. It is concluded that adenosine does not affect directly the myocardial glucose carrier system, aerobic or anaerobic glucose breakdown or glycogenolysis, but enhances glucose uptake secondarily by increasing coronary flow. This interpretation is substantiated by the finding that mechanically produced increases in perfusion volume caused similar increases in myocardial glucose uptake as were observed with comparable adenosine-induced coronary flow increments.", "contents": "Myocardial glucose uptake and breakdown during adenosine-induced vasodilation. In isolated K+ (16.2 mM)-arrested cat hearts perfused at constant pressure adenosine infusions (0.8 mumoles - min-1 - 100 g-1 for 10 min) caused an increase in myocardial 14C-glucose uptake and release of 14CO2 + H14CO3- AND 14C-lactate simultaneously with a rise in coronary flow. The ratio of the release of 14CO2 + H14CO3- to that of 14C-lactate and the specific activity of lactate in the effuate were not altered. In K+ -arrested hearts perfused with constant volume neither glucose uptake nor glucose breakdown were influenced by 0.8 or 100 mumoles - min-1 - 100 g-1 adenosine with 0.1 - 5 mM glucose in the perfusion medium. It is concluded that adenosine does not affect directly the myocardial glucose carrier system, aerobic or anaerobic glucose breakdown or glycogenolysis, but enhances glucose uptake secondarily by increasing coronary flow. This interpretation is substantiated by the finding that mechanically produced increases in perfusion volume caused similar increases in myocardial glucose uptake as were observed with comparable adenosine-induced coronary flow increments.", "PMID": 988559} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2762", "title": "Influence of extracellular fluid volume expansion on magnesium, calcium and phosphate handling along the rat nephron.", "content": "Renal tubular handling of P, Ca, Mg and Na was studied in the rat both before and during mild hypertonic NaCl loading (ECVE), using micropuncture and clearance techniques and electron microprobe analysis. Micropuncture was performed at the late proximal and early distal tubule sites. ECVE significantly increased the urinary output of all four elements. In the case of Mg, the increase was relatively small and depended on slight but statistically unsignificant inhibition of reabsorption all along the entire length of the nephron. For Ca, it depended on the inhibition of proximal reabsorption, partially compensated by increased reabsorption along the loop. For P, it depended on proximal inhibition, no important net phosphate movement occurring in the loop during both periods. Ca reabsorption was highly correlated to that of sodium along the proximal tubule and Henel's loop, Ca and Mg reabsorption were closely related to the load delivered at the beginning of the structure. These observations are compatible with the view that tubular reabsorption of Ca and Mg is concentration rather than Tm limited, and that reabsorption of Ca, unlike that of Mg, is linked to the movements of sodium. Following ECVE, the difference between early distal and urinary deliveries increased significantly for Ca and P, but not for Mg. For phosphate, this difference accounted for by 45% of the delivery at the early distal tubule site, at variance with microinjection data obtained in the rat under similar salt loading conditions, which indicated that 17% only of the phosphate distal delivery were reabsorbed along the terminal segments. This discrepancy is discussed in terms of nephron functional heterogeneity.", "contents": "Influence of extracellular fluid volume expansion on magnesium, calcium and phosphate handling along the rat nephron. Renal tubular handling of P, Ca, Mg and Na was studied in the rat both before and during mild hypertonic NaCl loading (ECVE), using micropuncture and clearance techniques and electron microprobe analysis. Micropuncture was performed at the late proximal and early distal tubule sites. ECVE significantly increased the urinary output of all four elements. In the case of Mg, the increase was relatively small and depended on slight but statistically unsignificant inhibition of reabsorption all along the entire length of the nephron. For Ca, it depended on the inhibition of proximal reabsorption, partially compensated by increased reabsorption along the loop. For P, it depended on proximal inhibition, no important net phosphate movement occurring in the loop during both periods. Ca reabsorption was highly correlated to that of sodium along the proximal tubule and Henel's loop, Ca and Mg reabsorption were closely related to the load delivered at the beginning of the structure. These observations are compatible with the view that tubular reabsorption of Ca and Mg is concentration rather than Tm limited, and that reabsorption of Ca, unlike that of Mg, is linked to the movements of sodium. Following ECVE, the difference between early distal and urinary deliveries increased significantly for Ca and P, but not for Mg. For phosphate, this difference accounted for by 45% of the delivery at the early distal tubule site, at variance with microinjection data obtained in the rat under similar salt loading conditions, which indicated that 17% only of the phosphate distal delivery were reabsorbed along the terminal segments. This discrepancy is discussed in terms of nephron functional heterogeneity.", "PMID": 988560} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2763", "title": "Renal hemodynamics and renal O2 uptake during hypoxia in the anesthetized rabbit.", "content": "The effects of hypoxic hypoxia on renal hemodynamics and metabolism have been studied in anaesthetized mechanically ventilated rabbits. Acute hypoxa (FIO2 = 0.10, PaO2 = 35 torr) induces at constant mean arterial pressure a 45% decrease in RBF, GFR, TNa and RVO2 whereas free water clearance increases. These alterations were still apparent 50 min after resuming normal arterial oxygenation. In order to assess the role of the stimulation of catecholamine release in these observations, two other sets of experiments were performed: 1) the animals were ventilated with the same hypoxic gas mixture but after alpha adrenergic blockade (phentolamine: 0.2 mg - kg - min-1 i.v.), 2) hypoxia was induced by ventilating the animals with CO (FICO = 0.002) at constnat PaO2. Increase in renal vascular resistance and reduction of renal O2 uptake were still observed. This indicates that adrenergic stimulation cannot fully explain the renal vasoconstriction encountered in hypoxia. The role of a local vasoactive factor, especially that of the renin angiotensin system is discussed. The apparent O2 cost of Na reabsorption was not greatly modified by any type of hypoxia and the Na: O2 ratio remained close to the value observed in normoxic animals. This indicates that the kidney may adapt to hypoxia by reducing its O2 demand keeping unaltered its tubular function and basal O2 needs.", "contents": "Renal hemodynamics and renal O2 uptake during hypoxia in the anesthetized rabbit. The effects of hypoxic hypoxia on renal hemodynamics and metabolism have been studied in anaesthetized mechanically ventilated rabbits. Acute hypoxa (FIO2 = 0.10, PaO2 = 35 torr) induces at constant mean arterial pressure a 45% decrease in RBF, GFR, TNa and RVO2 whereas free water clearance increases. These alterations were still apparent 50 min after resuming normal arterial oxygenation. In order to assess the role of the stimulation of catecholamine release in these observations, two other sets of experiments were performed: 1) the animals were ventilated with the same hypoxic gas mixture but after alpha adrenergic blockade (phentolamine: 0.2 mg - kg - min-1 i.v.), 2) hypoxia was induced by ventilating the animals with CO (FICO = 0.002) at constnat PaO2. Increase in renal vascular resistance and reduction of renal O2 uptake were still observed. This indicates that adrenergic stimulation cannot fully explain the renal vasoconstriction encountered in hypoxia. The role of a local vasoactive factor, especially that of the renin angiotensin system is discussed. The apparent O2 cost of Na reabsorption was not greatly modified by any type of hypoxia and the Na: O2 ratio remained close to the value observed in normoxic animals. This indicates that the kidney may adapt to hypoxia by reducing its O2 demand keeping unaltered its tubular function and basal O2 needs.", "PMID": 988561} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2764", "title": "Characteristics of C-fibre receptors in the cat's foot responding to stepwise increase of skin temperature ot noxious levels.", "content": "1. Response characteristics of unmyelinated cutaneous fibres with receptors sensitive to heating of the skin were determined by controlled radiant heat stimulation applied to the foot sole of anaesthetized cats. To evaluate response characteristics without repetivie stimulation the skin surface temperature was raised stepwise (\"staircase\") up to noxious levels in each trial. 2. A monotonically increasing discharge rate on increasing temperature (up to the highest temperatures tested, 52-55 degrees C) was shown by 29 out of 47 heat sensitive C-fibres, i.e. by about 60% of the receptors, whereas 13 fibres, about 30%, had discharges which were found to be presumably unsuitable for discriminating temperature levels above 50 degrees C. The threshold temperatures of both fibre groups were found to be usually near 40 degrees C. Thus our results indicate different temperature ranges among heat receptors with potential nociceptive functions. 3. Five fibres of our sample, i.e. about 10%, could be identified as \"warm fibres\". They had tresholds near 30 degrees C and had their discharge maxima at 44 degrees C. In contrast to the \"heat-fibres\" mentioned above they were inactivated during tonic noxious heat stimulation and in the time following. Though warm fibres respond with a burst of high frequency when the skin temperature is raised suddenly from normal to noxious levels and though they start to discharge again irregularly at noxious temperatures (e.g. 50 degrees C) after a silent period, when stimulated tonically, warm fibres seem to transmit little quantitative information about noxious temperature levels. Therefore they can presumably be discarded as \"nociceptors\".", "contents": "Characteristics of C-fibre receptors in the cat's foot responding to stepwise increase of skin temperature ot noxious levels. 1. Response characteristics of unmyelinated cutaneous fibres with receptors sensitive to heating of the skin were determined by controlled radiant heat stimulation applied to the foot sole of anaesthetized cats. To evaluate response characteristics without repetivie stimulation the skin surface temperature was raised stepwise (\"staircase\") up to noxious levels in each trial. 2. A monotonically increasing discharge rate on increasing temperature (up to the highest temperatures tested, 52-55 degrees C) was shown by 29 out of 47 heat sensitive C-fibres, i.e. by about 60% of the receptors, whereas 13 fibres, about 30%, had discharges which were found to be presumably unsuitable for discriminating temperature levels above 50 degrees C. The threshold temperatures of both fibre groups were found to be usually near 40 degrees C. Thus our results indicate different temperature ranges among heat receptors with potential nociceptive functions. 3. Five fibres of our sample, i.e. about 10%, could be identified as \"warm fibres\". They had tresholds near 30 degrees C and had their discharge maxima at 44 degrees C. In contrast to the \"heat-fibres\" mentioned above they were inactivated during tonic noxious heat stimulation and in the time following. Though warm fibres respond with a burst of high frequency when the skin temperature is raised suddenly from normal to noxious levels and though they start to discharge again irregularly at noxious temperatures (e.g. 50 degrees C) after a silent period, when stimulated tonically, warm fibres seem to transmit little quantitative information about noxious temperature levels. Therefore they can presumably be discarded as \"nociceptors\".", "PMID": 988562} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2765", "title": "Boundary layer resistance of steady-state oxygen diffusion facilitated by a four-step chemical reaction with hemoglobin in solution.", "content": "The steady-state diffusion of oxygen in layers of hemoglobin solutions takes place under conditions of chemical equilibrium everywhere except in two boundary layers where deviations occur. The transport resistance of a boundary layer is defined in this paper. It is independent of the solution in the region of equilibrium and therefore forms a suitable basis to compare facilitated transport with different reaction schemes. Results are presented for a four-step reaction scheme between oxygen and hemoglobin, and compared with those of a single-step reaction for various reaction rates. The sensitivity of the results to changes in the reaction rates of the four-step model is also studied. With a knowledge of the boundary layer resistance the results of equilibrium calculations can be corrected in a simple way, which allows dirrect evaluation of experimental results.", "contents": "Boundary layer resistance of steady-state oxygen diffusion facilitated by a four-step chemical reaction with hemoglobin in solution. The steady-state diffusion of oxygen in layers of hemoglobin solutions takes place under conditions of chemical equilibrium everywhere except in two boundary layers where deviations occur. The transport resistance of a boundary layer is defined in this paper. It is independent of the solution in the region of equilibrium and therefore forms a suitable basis to compare facilitated transport with different reaction schemes. Results are presented for a four-step reaction scheme between oxygen and hemoglobin, and compared with those of a single-step reaction for various reaction rates. The sensitivity of the results to changes in the reaction rates of the four-step model is also studied. With a knowledge of the boundary layer resistance the results of equilibrium calculations can be corrected in a simple way, which allows dirrect evaluation of experimental results.", "PMID": 988563} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2766", "title": "Comparison of shivering in man exposed to cold in water and in air.", "content": "Metabolic rate (M), mean skin temperature (Tsk) and rectal temperature (Tre) were studied during 2 h exposure to cold in the air (Ta = 15-25 degrees C) and in water (TH2O = 24-32 degrees C). From the results, it was possible to draw tentative equations of the metabolic response in transient and steady state as functions of body temperatures: Mair = 41,3-57.77 dTsk/dt-5.01 (Tskt-Tsk0) and Mwater = Mair + 984.15-23.79 Tre. These equations show an important difference between the two groups of experiments: in water, both Tsk and Tre are required, whereas Tsk suffices in air. This leads to discuss the usage of mean weighted skin temperature and rectal temperature to describe peripheral and central input respectively, specially on man in cold air, in the range of these experiments.", "contents": "Comparison of shivering in man exposed to cold in water and in air. Metabolic rate (M), mean skin temperature (Tsk) and rectal temperature (Tre) were studied during 2 h exposure to cold in the air (Ta = 15-25 degrees C) and in water (TH2O = 24-32 degrees C). From the results, it was possible to draw tentative equations of the metabolic response in transient and steady state as functions of body temperatures: Mair = 41,3-57.77 dTsk/dt-5.01 (Tskt-Tsk0) and Mwater = Mair + 984.15-23.79 Tre. These equations show an important difference between the two groups of experiments: in water, both Tsk and Tre are required, whereas Tsk suffices in air. This leads to discuss the usage of mean weighted skin temperature and rectal temperature to describe peripheral and central input respectively, specially on man in cold air, in the range of these experiments.", "PMID": 988564} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2767", "title": "Quadrupole mass filtering for registration of blood gas partial pressures.", "content": "With a newly developed quadrupole mass spectrometer several blood gas partial pressures are recorded simultaneously and continuously. In the mass filter the separation of the ions to be detected takes place in a hyperbolic electric field with variable direct and alternating voltages with a constant frequency of 2.4 MHz. For blood gas analysis a fully relaxed experimental animal was artifically ventilated and provided with arterial and venous catheters. Each catheter consisted flexible steel tubing (external diameter 0.6 mm) slotted near the end and covered with a silicone rubber membrane. The distance from the measuring tip to the mass spectrometer was 150 cm. Experiments with blood, in vivo equilibrated with gas mixtures, showed good reproducibility; the mean error of the helium partial pressure, for example, was less than 4%. During respiration using a gas mixture with 40% argon, the time constant t63% was found to be 55 s for the whole experimental arrangement including the experimental animal.", "contents": "Quadrupole mass filtering for registration of blood gas partial pressures. With a newly developed quadrupole mass spectrometer several blood gas partial pressures are recorded simultaneously and continuously. In the mass filter the separation of the ions to be detected takes place in a hyperbolic electric field with variable direct and alternating voltages with a constant frequency of 2.4 MHz. For blood gas analysis a fully relaxed experimental animal was artifically ventilated and provided with arterial and venous catheters. Each catheter consisted flexible steel tubing (external diameter 0.6 mm) slotted near the end and covered with a silicone rubber membrane. The distance from the measuring tip to the mass spectrometer was 150 cm. Experiments with blood, in vivo equilibrated with gas mixtures, showed good reproducibility; the mean error of the helium partial pressure, for example, was less than 4%. During respiration using a gas mixture with 40% argon, the time constant t63% was found to be 55 s for the whole experimental arrangement including the experimental animal.", "PMID": 988565} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2768", "title": "Altered permeability of the erythrocyte membrane for sodium and potassium ions in spontaneously hypertensive rats.", "content": "Permeability of the erythrocyte membrane for sodium and potassium ions was studied in 8-10-week old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, Kyoto Wistar strain), normotensive Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats. The rate constnat of Na/Na exchange was considerably greater in the SHR than in the normotensive Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats. This difference remained the same in the rats adrenalectomized 7 days prior to the experiment. The maximum difference in the constants was found when the sodium pump was blocked by ouabain. The accumulation of 42K in the erythrocytes of the SHR (the sodium pump being blocked) took place at a considerably slower rate, and the K+ washout into a potassium-free medium was faster than in the normotensive Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats. These results seem to indicate a higher permeability of the SHR's erythrocyte membrane for Na+ and K+ ions, as compared to normotensive Wistar and Sprague-Dawley strains. It is suggested that the increased permeability of the erythrocyte membrane for Na+ and K+ in the SHR may reflect a more widespread cell membrane defect, which could serve as a general cause for activating the mechanisms maintaing high blood pressure.", "contents": "Altered permeability of the erythrocyte membrane for sodium and potassium ions in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Permeability of the erythrocyte membrane for sodium and potassium ions was studied in 8-10-week old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, Kyoto Wistar strain), normotensive Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats. The rate constnat of Na/Na exchange was considerably greater in the SHR than in the normotensive Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats. This difference remained the same in the rats adrenalectomized 7 days prior to the experiment. The maximum difference in the constants was found when the sodium pump was blocked by ouabain. The accumulation of 42K in the erythrocytes of the SHR (the sodium pump being blocked) took place at a considerably slower rate, and the K+ washout into a potassium-free medium was faster than in the normotensive Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats. These results seem to indicate a higher permeability of the SHR's erythrocyte membrane for Na+ and K+ ions, as compared to normotensive Wistar and Sprague-Dawley strains. It is suggested that the increased permeability of the erythrocyte membrane for Na+ and K+ in the SHR may reflect a more widespread cell membrane defect, which could serve as a general cause for activating the mechanisms maintaing high blood pressure.", "PMID": 988566} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2769", "title": "Anoxidative work and metabolism of isolated perfused rat hearts as influenced by artificially increased heart rate.", "content": "Under anoxidative conditions the capacity of mechanical activity and the metabolism of isolated rat hearts were studied at various pacemaker-induced heart rates. Isovolumic work decreased to about one third of its initial rate within a 5 min period of anoxidative perfusion and remained almost constant during a further 10 min observation time. Increased heart rate (100, 175, and 250 b.p.m.) was associated with an increase in left ventricular diastolic pressure and with decreases in systolic pressure and maximal dp/dt. Lactate production, tissue creatine phosphate and inorganic phosphate had no consistent relationship to heart rate, whereas tissue ATP decreased with increasing heart rate. It is concluded that the rate of anoxidative isovolumic work cannot be increased by raising the heart rate since anoxidative carbohydrate breakdown cannot be more activated than at the lowest heart rate studied and cannot be more activated than at the lowest heart rate studied and cannot exceed a rate of 30 mumol hexose/min-g dry weight in the perfused heart.", "contents": "Anoxidative work and metabolism of isolated perfused rat hearts as influenced by artificially increased heart rate. Under anoxidative conditions the capacity of mechanical activity and the metabolism of isolated rat hearts were studied at various pacemaker-induced heart rates. Isovolumic work decreased to about one third of its initial rate within a 5 min period of anoxidative perfusion and remained almost constant during a further 10 min observation time. Increased heart rate (100, 175, and 250 b.p.m.) was associated with an increase in left ventricular diastolic pressure and with decreases in systolic pressure and maximal dp/dt. Lactate production, tissue creatine phosphate and inorganic phosphate had no consistent relationship to heart rate, whereas tissue ATP decreased with increasing heart rate. It is concluded that the rate of anoxidative isovolumic work cannot be increased by raising the heart rate since anoxidative carbohydrate breakdown cannot be more activated than at the lowest heart rate studied and cannot be more activated than at the lowest heart rate studied and cannot exceed a rate of 30 mumol hexose/min-g dry weight in the perfused heart.", "PMID": 988567} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2770", "title": "Cardiac Purkinje fibers: cesium as a tool to block inward rectifying potassium currents.", "content": "When a cardiac Purkinje fiber is exposed to 20 mM Cs the membrane potential falls to about -60 mV within 1 min. In voltage clamp experiments, exposure to Cs blocks both the pacemaker current iK2 and the instantaneous outward current iK1, while the delayed outward rectifying potassium current ix is not affected. In the presence of 20 mM Cs, the steady state currents are related linearly to the clamp potential and are insensitive to alterations in [K]0. The Cs sensitive current was defined as the difference between control and membrane currents measured in the presence of 20 mM Cs. This current displays inward-going rectification and its reversal potential follows log E1K]0 with a slope of 60 mV per decade.", "contents": "Cardiac Purkinje fibers: cesium as a tool to block inward rectifying potassium currents. When a cardiac Purkinje fiber is exposed to 20 mM Cs the membrane potential falls to about -60 mV within 1 min. In voltage clamp experiments, exposure to Cs blocks both the pacemaker current iK2 and the instantaneous outward current iK1, while the delayed outward rectifying potassium current ix is not affected. In the presence of 20 mM Cs, the steady state currents are related linearly to the clamp potential and are insensitive to alterations in [K]0. The Cs sensitive current was defined as the difference between control and membrane currents measured in the presence of 20 mM Cs. This current displays inward-going rectification and its reversal potential follows log E1K]0 with a slope of 60 mV per decade.", "PMID": 988568} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2771", "title": "A longitudinal study of parotid secretory kinematics by cinemicrography and computer analysis.", "content": "The kinematic responses of parotid gland acini to isoproterenol were studied in vitro by time-lapse cinemicrography. It was shown that once secretion begins, granule depletion accelerates to a maximum rate in 8-10 min, continues at a steady rate for 5-8 min and then slows, depletion becoming essentially complete 25-30 min after stimulation. The continuum of morphologic change manifested by the acinar lumen during secretion was quantified by computer analysis of sequential cine-frames representing a time resolution of 0.1 min. Interpretation of seventh-order and eleventh-order polynominal non-linear least squares trend curves shows that the lumen enlarges from an initial cross-sectional area of approximately 96 mum2 at 14.9 min. The shape of these curves suggests that after an initial partial enlargement the lumen shrinks (or remains steady) before climbing to the maximum. The basic pattern resembles distortion curves characteristic of two-phase viscoelastic compliance systems. It is also shown that luminal plasma membranes undergo a very active ebb and flow during the egestive phase of secretion.", "contents": "A longitudinal study of parotid secretory kinematics by cinemicrography and computer analysis. The kinematic responses of parotid gland acini to isoproterenol were studied in vitro by time-lapse cinemicrography. It was shown that once secretion begins, granule depletion accelerates to a maximum rate in 8-10 min, continues at a steady rate for 5-8 min and then slows, depletion becoming essentially complete 25-30 min after stimulation. The continuum of morphologic change manifested by the acinar lumen during secretion was quantified by computer analysis of sequential cine-frames representing a time resolution of 0.1 min. Interpretation of seventh-order and eleventh-order polynominal non-linear least squares trend curves shows that the lumen enlarges from an initial cross-sectional area of approximately 96 mum2 at 14.9 min. The shape of these curves suggests that after an initial partial enlargement the lumen shrinks (or remains steady) before climbing to the maximum. The basic pattern resembles distortion curves characteristic of two-phase viscoelastic compliance systems. It is also shown that luminal plasma membranes undergo a very active ebb and flow during the egestive phase of secretion.", "PMID": 988569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2772", "title": "Behavior of microflow and local PO2 of the brain cortex during and after direct electrical stimulation. A contribution to the problem of metabolic regulation of microcirculation in the brain.", "content": "Microflow was continuously recorded at four sites of the brain cortex (cat) during and after direct electrical stimulation of the brain. In some experiments local oxygen partial pressure (PO2) was additionally measured with a new combined element in the same capillary area where microflow was determined. This simultaneous measurement of both microflow and local PO2 in the tissue enabled us to analyze the kinetics of microflow and its dependence on local PO2 during activation. Microflow increased at all sites measured, in most cases within 1-2 s after the beginning of stimulation, reached the maximum of hyperemia after the end of stimulation and then gradually returned to the initial level within 30 s up to several minutes according to the intensity of the stimulation. The reaction pattern of microflow was uniform. As local PO2 normally did not decrease and did not even show an initial decrease after the onset of stimulation, the hyperemia could not be caused by local hypoxia. On the contrary, local PO2 always increased with the increase of microflow. This PO2 increase is necessary, because the tissue which consumes more oxygen needs higher PO2 gradients to transport the oxygen to the mitochondria.", "contents": "Behavior of microflow and local PO2 of the brain cortex during and after direct electrical stimulation. A contribution to the problem of metabolic regulation of microcirculation in the brain. Microflow was continuously recorded at four sites of the brain cortex (cat) during and after direct electrical stimulation of the brain. In some experiments local oxygen partial pressure (PO2) was additionally measured with a new combined element in the same capillary area where microflow was determined. This simultaneous measurement of both microflow and local PO2 in the tissue enabled us to analyze the kinetics of microflow and its dependence on local PO2 during activation. Microflow increased at all sites measured, in most cases within 1-2 s after the beginning of stimulation, reached the maximum of hyperemia after the end of stimulation and then gradually returned to the initial level within 30 s up to several minutes according to the intensity of the stimulation. The reaction pattern of microflow was uniform. As local PO2 normally did not decrease and did not even show an initial decrease after the onset of stimulation, the hyperemia could not be caused by local hypoxia. On the contrary, local PO2 always increased with the increase of microflow. This PO2 increase is necessary, because the tissue which consumes more oxygen needs higher PO2 gradients to transport the oxygen to the mitochondria.", "PMID": 988570} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2773", "title": "The influence of the position of the oxygen dissociation curve on oxygen-dependent functions of the isolated perfused rat liver. II. Studies at different levels of hypoxia induced by decrease of blood flow rate.", "content": "The influence of the 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) induced displacement of the oxygen dissociation curve (O.D.C.) on the isolated perfused rat liver was studied at different levels of stagnant hypoxia (hypoxia induced by decrease of blood flow rate at constant PO2 and at constant haematocrit). Rat livers were perfused with a medium containing either fresh or 2,3-DPG-depleted erythrocytes (2,3-DPG content: 4.3 +/- 0.4 and 0.6 +/- 0.4 mmol/l erythrocytes, respectively). The difference in oxygen affinity of the red cells did not affect the vascular resistance of the perfused liver tissue. The decrease in oxygen supply brought about by a decrease in blood flow rate resulted in a decrease of bile flow rate and of oxygen consumption. The higher 2,3-DPG content of the fresh erythrocytes was reflected in a higher bile flow rate at all blood flow levels, in a higher oxygen consumption at lower blood flow levels, and in a higher venous PO2 at the higher blood flow levels. Venous PO2, lactate/pyruvate (L/P) ratio and beta-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate (betaOH/Acac) ratio were relatively insensitive to stagnant hypoxia and to a difference in the 2,3-DPG content of the erythrocytes. The ATP content of the liver tissue was decreased at the lower blood flow levels. However, the ATP content of the livers perfused with fresh erythrocytes did not differ from that of the livers perfused with 2,3-DPG-depleted erythrocytes.", "contents": "The influence of the position of the oxygen dissociation curve on oxygen-dependent functions of the isolated perfused rat liver. II. Studies at different levels of hypoxia induced by decrease of blood flow rate. The influence of the 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) induced displacement of the oxygen dissociation curve (O.D.C.) on the isolated perfused rat liver was studied at different levels of stagnant hypoxia (hypoxia induced by decrease of blood flow rate at constant PO2 and at constant haematocrit). Rat livers were perfused with a medium containing either fresh or 2,3-DPG-depleted erythrocytes (2,3-DPG content: 4.3 +/- 0.4 and 0.6 +/- 0.4 mmol/l erythrocytes, respectively). The difference in oxygen affinity of the red cells did not affect the vascular resistance of the perfused liver tissue. The decrease in oxygen supply brought about by a decrease in blood flow rate resulted in a decrease of bile flow rate and of oxygen consumption. The higher 2,3-DPG content of the fresh erythrocytes was reflected in a higher bile flow rate at all blood flow levels, in a higher oxygen consumption at lower blood flow levels, and in a higher venous PO2 at the higher blood flow levels. Venous PO2, lactate/pyruvate (L/P) ratio and beta-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate (betaOH/Acac) ratio were relatively insensitive to stagnant hypoxia and to a difference in the 2,3-DPG content of the erythrocytes. The ATP content of the liver tissue was decreased at the lower blood flow levels. However, the ATP content of the livers perfused with fresh erythrocytes did not differ from that of the livers perfused with 2,3-DPG-depleted erythrocytes.", "PMID": 988571} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2774", "title": "Oxygen pressure in small lymphatics.", "content": "Oxygen tension of the small lymph vessels (PLO2) of the rabbit hind limb was measured with both a flow-through micro chamber and a polarographic catheter-tip oxygen electrode to obtain experimental data on the source of oxygen in the lymph. The following processes may influence PLO2: 1. Since the structure of the lymphatic capillaries allows a free diffusion of small molecules from the interstitial fluid into the lymphatics the lymph within its capillaries can mirror the oxygen supply of the tissue, i.e., probably a mean interstitial PO2. 2. PLO2 might be influenced by the oxygen content of the tissue surrounding the lymph vessels. Measurement with the catheter electrode showed that PLO2 rose after superfusing vessel with O2-saturated saline. After occlusion of the artery running paralled to the lymph vessel, a decrease in PLO2 was recorded. PLO2 in the absence of lymph flow increased rapidly after O2 inhalation. This reaction could be impeded by occluding the artery running parallel with the lymph vessel. 3. The mean oxygen tension of the prenodal (afferent) lymph measured with the flow-through chamber was 28.1 +/- 12.0 torr, whereas that measured with the catheter electrode was 42.0 +/- 12.18 torr. This difference may be attributed to the oxygen consumption of the lymph cells. The lymph containing a large number of cells has a stronger oxygen consumption than that with a lower number of cells. These observations suggest that PLO2 is influenced not only by the oxygen tension of the tissues drained by the lymph but also by the oxygen consumption of lymph cells as well as by the oxygen content of the surrounding tissues and perhaps by that of the blood vessels which are located at different distances from the collecting lymphatic vessels.", "contents": "Oxygen pressure in small lymphatics. Oxygen tension of the small lymph vessels (PLO2) of the rabbit hind limb was measured with both a flow-through micro chamber and a polarographic catheter-tip oxygen electrode to obtain experimental data on the source of oxygen in the lymph. The following processes may influence PLO2: 1. Since the structure of the lymphatic capillaries allows a free diffusion of small molecules from the interstitial fluid into the lymphatics the lymph within its capillaries can mirror the oxygen supply of the tissue, i.e., probably a mean interstitial PO2. 2. PLO2 might be influenced by the oxygen content of the tissue surrounding the lymph vessels. Measurement with the catheter electrode showed that PLO2 rose after superfusing vessel with O2-saturated saline. After occlusion of the artery running paralled to the lymph vessel, a decrease in PLO2 was recorded. PLO2 in the absence of lymph flow increased rapidly after O2 inhalation. This reaction could be impeded by occluding the artery running parallel with the lymph vessel. 3. The mean oxygen tension of the prenodal (afferent) lymph measured with the flow-through chamber was 28.1 +/- 12.0 torr, whereas that measured with the catheter electrode was 42.0 +/- 12.18 torr. This difference may be attributed to the oxygen consumption of the lymph cells. The lymph containing a large number of cells has a stronger oxygen consumption than that with a lower number of cells. These observations suggest that PLO2 is influenced not only by the oxygen tension of the tissues drained by the lymph but also by the oxygen consumption of lymph cells as well as by the oxygen content of the surrounding tissues and perhaps by that of the blood vessels which are located at different distances from the collecting lymphatic vessels.", "PMID": 988572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2775", "title": "Effects of extracellular volume expansion on the tubular reabsorption of glucose. A microinjection study.", "content": "Clearance and intratubular injections of (14C) glucose were performed in glucose loaded rats, during control (C) and extracellular fluid volume expansion (VE) to 10% of body weight. VE resulted in a significant decrease in hematocrit from 47.50 +/- 1.06 to 38.80 +/- 1.14% and plasma protein from 6.23 +/- 0.25 to 4.13 +/- 0.21 gm/100 ml. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increased by 51% from 1.06 +/- 0.07 to 1.60 +/- 0.35 ml/min. Fractional excretion of sodium increased significantly from 0.42 +/- 0.07 to 12.58 +/- 1.25%. Maximal glucose reabsorption (TmG) was unchanged from 3.47 +/- 0.42 to 3.29 +/- 0.41 mg/min. However, TmG/GFR decreased significantly from 3.14 +/- 0.22 to 1.94 +/- 0.21 mg/ml GFR. As compared to C, VE resulted in a significant increase in (14C) glucose recovery after injection into the early and late proximal tubules, from 63 +/- 3 to 81 +/- 2% to 88 +/- 1% respectively. After distal tubular injections (14C) glucose recovery was complete in both C and VE; early distal injection 97 +/- 1 vs 98 +/- 1%, late distal injection 98 +/- 1 vs 99 +/- 1%. These results indicate an inhibitory effect of VE on fractional glucose reabsorption in the superficial nephron. There is no evidence for glucose reabsorption in the superficial distal nephron during C and VE.", "contents": "Effects of extracellular volume expansion on the tubular reabsorption of glucose. A microinjection study. Clearance and intratubular injections of (14C) glucose were performed in glucose loaded rats, during control (C) and extracellular fluid volume expansion (VE) to 10% of body weight. VE resulted in a significant decrease in hematocrit from 47.50 +/- 1.06 to 38.80 +/- 1.14% and plasma protein from 6.23 +/- 0.25 to 4.13 +/- 0.21 gm/100 ml. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increased by 51% from 1.06 +/- 0.07 to 1.60 +/- 0.35 ml/min. Fractional excretion of sodium increased significantly from 0.42 +/- 0.07 to 12.58 +/- 1.25%. Maximal glucose reabsorption (TmG) was unchanged from 3.47 +/- 0.42 to 3.29 +/- 0.41 mg/min. However, TmG/GFR decreased significantly from 3.14 +/- 0.22 to 1.94 +/- 0.21 mg/ml GFR. As compared to C, VE resulted in a significant increase in (14C) glucose recovery after injection into the early and late proximal tubules, from 63 +/- 3 to 81 +/- 2% to 88 +/- 1% respectively. After distal tubular injections (14C) glucose recovery was complete in both C and VE; early distal injection 97 +/- 1 vs 98 +/- 1%, late distal injection 98 +/- 1 vs 99 +/- 1%. These results indicate an inhibitory effect of VE on fractional glucose reabsorption in the superficial nephron. There is no evidence for glucose reabsorption in the superficial distal nephron during C and VE.", "PMID": 988573} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2776", "title": "Modification of nucleic acid levels per mitochondrion induced by thyroidectomy or triiodothyronine administration.", "content": "The authors have determined the liver mitochondrial population (number of mitochondria/nucleus) in young rats, which has been thyroidectomized (T) or thyroidectomized and subsequently treated with triiodothyronine (T3). They have observed that thyroidectomy decreased such a population to 72.3% with respect to the normal one, while the T3 administration (at the dose of 10 mug/100 g body weight every second day, from day 50 to day 60 of age) restored the mitochondria number to 81.8% of normal ones. The average levels of proteins per mitochondrion were 8.90 X 10(-13) g in the liver of normal 60-day-old rats. This content was doubled in T rats of the same age while the levels of nucleic acids or the nucleic acid polymerase activities per mitochondrion were enhanced, notwithstanding that the specific values (referred to mg mitochondrial protein) decreased. The T3 administration severely lowered the content of protein per mitochondrion, and this may indicate that thyroid hormones control the normal assemblage of mitochondrial protein.", "contents": "Modification of nucleic acid levels per mitochondrion induced by thyroidectomy or triiodothyronine administration. The authors have determined the liver mitochondrial population (number of mitochondria/nucleus) in young rats, which has been thyroidectomized (T) or thyroidectomized and subsequently treated with triiodothyronine (T3). They have observed that thyroidectomy decreased such a population to 72.3% with respect to the normal one, while the T3 administration (at the dose of 10 mug/100 g body weight every second day, from day 50 to day 60 of age) restored the mitochondria number to 81.8% of normal ones. The average levels of proteins per mitochondrion were 8.90 X 10(-13) g in the liver of normal 60-day-old rats. This content was doubled in T rats of the same age while the levels of nucleic acids or the nucleic acid polymerase activities per mitochondrion were enhanced, notwithstanding that the specific values (referred to mg mitochondrial protein) decreased. The T3 administration severely lowered the content of protein per mitochondrion, and this may indicate that thyroid hormones control the normal assemblage of mitochondrial protein.", "PMID": 988574} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2777", "title": "The assessment of position of stationary targets perceived during saccadic eye movement.", "content": "The experiment was performed to establish the accuracy with which visual targets perceived during saccadic eye movement are localised. Subjects were presented with the task of executing saccades of 30 degrees plus amplitude, passing through primary gaze, about the time of peak velocity a 5 ms red flash was presented at some random position (up to 30 degrees left or right of centre) on a horizontal visual display. Subjects were required to indicate the direction in which they thought the flash was localised by fixating in that direction. Observations were made under conditions of prolonged total darkness and in the presence of a contrasting background. Measurement was made of saccade velocity and eye displacement as an index of target positions. Eye displacement was linearly scaled with respect to true target direction. Targets were localised with an average error of 5 degrees-6 degrees although the variance was high. No systematic differences were found between conditions or subjects. Error was unrelated to saccade velocity. It is concluded that during saccadic eye movements the appreciation of target position is maintained with an acceptable degree of accuracy.", "contents": "The assessment of position of stationary targets perceived during saccadic eye movement. The experiment was performed to establish the accuracy with which visual targets perceived during saccadic eye movement are localised. Subjects were presented with the task of executing saccades of 30 degrees plus amplitude, passing through primary gaze, about the time of peak velocity a 5 ms red flash was presented at some random position (up to 30 degrees left or right of centre) on a horizontal visual display. Subjects were required to indicate the direction in which they thought the flash was localised by fixating in that direction. Observations were made under conditions of prolonged total darkness and in the presence of a contrasting background. Measurement was made of saccade velocity and eye displacement as an index of target positions. Eye displacement was linearly scaled with respect to true target direction. Targets were localised with an average error of 5 degrees-6 degrees although the variance was high. No systematic differences were found between conditions or subjects. Error was unrelated to saccade velocity. It is concluded that during saccadic eye movements the appreciation of target position is maintained with an acceptable degree of accuracy.", "PMID": 988575} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2778", "title": "Anatomical and functional heterogeneity of nephrons in the rabbit: microdissection studies and SNGFR measurements.", "content": "The single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) was determined in superficial (S) and juxtamedullary (JM) nephrons of 10 anesthetized rabbits by the 14C ferrocyanide infusion technique. The length of the proximal tubules and the volume of the glomeruli were also determined for the same nephrons. SNGFR was higher in JM than in S: 28.6 +/- 3.4 versus 22.6 +/- 3.0 nl/min, P less than 0.001. In JM nephrons, glomeruli were larger than in S: 1.3 +/- 0.1 versus 0.9 +/- 0.1 nl, P less than 0.001, whereas there was no difference between proximal tubule length in either category (s, 8.7 +/- 0.3 and JM, 8.9 +/- 0.5 mm). In 6 out of 8 animals, SNGFR was significantly correlated to glomerular volume. Lack of correlation was observed between SNGFR and length of proximal tubule in all animals but one. These results show that the rabbit, as well as small rodents and the dog, has a higher SNGFR in juxtamedullary than superficial glomeruli. Although this functional difference is not related to the length of the proximal tubule in each individual animal, the ratio between the mean SNGFR value and the mean length of the proximal tubule in superficial rabbit nephrons is similar to the ratio found in other species.", "contents": "Anatomical and functional heterogeneity of nephrons in the rabbit: microdissection studies and SNGFR measurements. The single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) was determined in superficial (S) and juxtamedullary (JM) nephrons of 10 anesthetized rabbits by the 14C ferrocyanide infusion technique. The length of the proximal tubules and the volume of the glomeruli were also determined for the same nephrons. SNGFR was higher in JM than in S: 28.6 +/- 3.4 versus 22.6 +/- 3.0 nl/min, P less than 0.001. In JM nephrons, glomeruli were larger than in S: 1.3 +/- 0.1 versus 0.9 +/- 0.1 nl, P less than 0.001, whereas there was no difference between proximal tubule length in either category (s, 8.7 +/- 0.3 and JM, 8.9 +/- 0.5 mm). In 6 out of 8 animals, SNGFR was significantly correlated to glomerular volume. Lack of correlation was observed between SNGFR and length of proximal tubule in all animals but one. These results show that the rabbit, as well as small rodents and the dog, has a higher SNGFR in juxtamedullary than superficial glomeruli. Although this functional difference is not related to the length of the proximal tubule in each individual animal, the ratio between the mean SNGFR value and the mean length of the proximal tubule in superficial rabbit nephrons is similar to the ratio found in other species.", "PMID": 988576} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2779", "title": "The effects of asphyxia on afferent activity recorded from the cervical vagus in the duck.", "content": "Recordings were made of nervous activity from duck arterial chemoreceptors, arterial baroreceptors and pulmonary receptors during steady-state conditions (normoxic normocapnia, hypoxia, and hypercapnia) and apnoeic asphyxia. Arterial chemoreceptors were stimulated by hypoxia and intra-arterial KCN injection and showed an increasing discharge throughout asphyxia. During the first 2 min of asphyxia the time course of the development of asphyxic bradycardia paralleled that of the increase in arterial chemoreceptor discharge. Arterial baroreceptors discharged at a constant latency from the heart beat when mean arterial pressure was constant, while a drug-induced increase in mean arterial pressure was associated with a reduced latency and increased baroreceptor activity per heart-beat. During asphyxia mean arterial pressure often rose so that, despite the effect of bradycardia, baroreceptor activity per heart-beat and activity per unit time increased. Pulmonary receptors showed a linear relationship (negative slope) between discharge rate and % CO2 in inspired air and usually stopped firing in apnoeic asphyxia. The initiation and maintenance of diving bradycardia are discussed in terms of these results.", "contents": "The effects of asphyxia on afferent activity recorded from the cervical vagus in the duck. Recordings were made of nervous activity from duck arterial chemoreceptors, arterial baroreceptors and pulmonary receptors during steady-state conditions (normoxic normocapnia, hypoxia, and hypercapnia) and apnoeic asphyxia. Arterial chemoreceptors were stimulated by hypoxia and intra-arterial KCN injection and showed an increasing discharge throughout asphyxia. During the first 2 min of asphyxia the time course of the development of asphyxic bradycardia paralleled that of the increase in arterial chemoreceptor discharge. Arterial baroreceptors discharged at a constant latency from the heart beat when mean arterial pressure was constant, while a drug-induced increase in mean arterial pressure was associated with a reduced latency and increased baroreceptor activity per heart-beat. During asphyxia mean arterial pressure often rose so that, despite the effect of bradycardia, baroreceptor activity per heart-beat and activity per unit time increased. Pulmonary receptors showed a linear relationship (negative slope) between discharge rate and % CO2 in inspired air and usually stopped firing in apnoeic asphyxia. The initiation and maintenance of diving bradycardia are discussed in terms of these results.", "PMID": 988577} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2780", "title": "Urinary oestrogen excretion, oestrous behaviour and ovulation in heifers treated with prednisolone during pro-oestrus and oestrus.", "content": "The purpose of the trial was to investigate the effect of prednisolone treatment during pro-oestrus and oestrus on the ovarian function in heifers. Four heifers were treated daily with 30 mg prednisolone i.m. per 100 kg body weight from pro-oestrus until ovulation was palpated. Treatment with prednisolone did not appear to have any effect on the length of the follicular phase or on ovulation. In three of the treated heifers, the urinary excretion of oestrous behaviour was normal but in the remaining heifer the excretion of oestrogen was found to be lower and oestrous behaviour weakly expressed. The effects of corticosteroids on the follicular phase, ovulation and oestrous behaviour in different species are discussed.", "contents": "Urinary oestrogen excretion, oestrous behaviour and ovulation in heifers treated with prednisolone during pro-oestrus and oestrus. The purpose of the trial was to investigate the effect of prednisolone treatment during pro-oestrus and oestrus on the ovarian function in heifers. Four heifers were treated daily with 30 mg prednisolone i.m. per 100 kg body weight from pro-oestrus until ovulation was palpated. Treatment with prednisolone did not appear to have any effect on the length of the follicular phase or on ovulation. In three of the treated heifers, the urinary excretion of oestrous behaviour was normal but in the remaining heifer the excretion of oestrogen was found to be lower and oestrous behaviour weakly expressed. The effects of corticosteroids on the follicular phase, ovulation and oestrous behaviour in different species are discussed.", "PMID": 988578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2781", "title": "Plasma progesterone in heifers treated with prednisolone during the oestrous cycle.", "content": "Four heifers that had showed oestrus with regular intervals, were treated daily with 30 mg prednisolone per 100 kg body weight from the day after ovulation to slaughter. Two of the heifers were slaughtered on day 13 after oestrus for histological examination of the corpora lutea, and the remaining two were slaughtered on day 26 after oestrus. Three other heifers served as controls. Plasma progesterone was determined in all heifers during the period of treatment, and in one heifer during the cycle preceding. The normal increase of plasma progesterone in metoestrus was inhibited, and the plasma progesterone levels in dioestrus were found to be low in the prednisolone treated heifers compared to the controls. The corpora lutea of the two treated heifers slaughtered in dioestrus did not differ histologically from normal. The effects of prednisolone treatment on the development and function of corpus luteum, on prostaglandin secretion from uterus and on LH release, are discussed.", "contents": "Plasma progesterone in heifers treated with prednisolone during the oestrous cycle. Four heifers that had showed oestrus with regular intervals, were treated daily with 30 mg prednisolone per 100 kg body weight from the day after ovulation to slaughter. Two of the heifers were slaughtered on day 13 after oestrus for histological examination of the corpora lutea, and the remaining two were slaughtered on day 26 after oestrus. Three other heifers served as controls. Plasma progesterone was determined in all heifers during the period of treatment, and in one heifer during the cycle preceding. The normal increase of plasma progesterone in metoestrus was inhibited, and the plasma progesterone levels in dioestrus were found to be low in the prednisolone treated heifers compared to the controls. The corpora lutea of the two treated heifers slaughtered in dioestrus did not differ histologically from normal. The effects of prednisolone treatment on the development and function of corpus luteum, on prostaglandin secretion from uterus and on LH release, are discussed.", "PMID": 988579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2782", "title": "Blockade of apomorphine-induced aggression by morphine or neuroleptics: differential alteration by antimuscarinics and naloxone.", "content": "Both morphine and the neuroleptics, haloperidol and oxyperomide, dose-dependently reduce the aggression in rats produced by 20 mg/kg of apomorphine, a dopamine receptor stimulant. The narcotics antagonist, naloxone, prevents this effect of morphine but not the effect of neuroleptics. Dexetimide, a centrally acting antimuscarnic drug, antagonizes the reduction in aggression produced by the neuroleptics, but does not affect morphine's action. The cholinergic agonist, pilocarpine, enhances this action of oxyperomide. These results suggest that a cholinergic component contributes to the anti-agression action of neuroleptics and demonstrates a difference in the mechanism of action between neuroleptics and morphine.", "contents": "Blockade of apomorphine-induced aggression by morphine or neuroleptics: differential alteration by antimuscarinics and naloxone. Both morphine and the neuroleptics, haloperidol and oxyperomide, dose-dependently reduce the aggression in rats produced by 20 mg/kg of apomorphine, a dopamine receptor stimulant. The narcotics antagonist, naloxone, prevents this effect of morphine but not the effect of neuroleptics. Dexetimide, a centrally acting antimuscarnic drug, antagonizes the reduction in aggression produced by the neuroleptics, but does not affect morphine's action. The cholinergic agonist, pilocarpine, enhances this action of oxyperomide. These results suggest that a cholinergic component contributes to the anti-agression action of neuroleptics and demonstrates a difference in the mechanism of action between neuroleptics and morphine.", "PMID": 988593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2783", "title": "Long acting methadone.", "content": "Tablets were prepared using pan-coating, congealing, plasticization with organic solvents and direct compression methods. The tablets were evaluated using the official dissolution test, and an analysis of the active ingredient was accomplished by employing gas-liquid chromatography. The formulation and dissolution characteristics of sustained release tablets, employing the matrix concept to regulate drug release, were studied. Particle size distribution of plastic material influenced the release rates from porous inert matrices, and it was found that incomplete drug release occurred from these preparations. Three-layer slowly-eroding sustained release tablets, using a swellable gum (carbomer) were formulated; by adjusting the proportion of the gum quantitative release of the drug was attained. Approximation of linearity for drug release-time relationship was achieved from three-layer slowly-eroding tablets containing different concentrations of drug in the middle and outer layers. Administration of the above tablets, containing 30 mg of methadone, produced analgesia in male albino rats for approximately 60 h, without undesirable effects.", "contents": "Long acting methadone. Tablets were prepared using pan-coating, congealing, plasticization with organic solvents and direct compression methods. The tablets were evaluated using the official dissolution test, and an analysis of the active ingredient was accomplished by employing gas-liquid chromatography. The formulation and dissolution characteristics of sustained release tablets, employing the matrix concept to regulate drug release, were studied. Particle size distribution of plastic material influenced the release rates from porous inert matrices, and it was found that incomplete drug release occurred from these preparations. Three-layer slowly-eroding sustained release tablets, using a swellable gum (carbomer) were formulated; by adjusting the proportion of the gum quantitative release of the drug was attained. Approximation of linearity for drug release-time relationship was achieved from three-layer slowly-eroding tablets containing different concentrations of drug in the middle and outer layers. Administration of the above tablets, containing 30 mg of methadone, produced analgesia in male albino rats for approximately 60 h, without undesirable effects.", "PMID": 988594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2784", "title": "Lithium in the living organism. Is an integrated hypothesis feasible?", "content": "1. The effects of lithium on electrolyte metabolism can be demonstrated in man in acute as well as in long-term lithium treatment. No other lithium effects have been reproducible to a similar extent. 2. It seems feasible to integrate these lithium effects with effects on biogenic amines to form an integral hypothesis for lithium action in manic-melancholic man. 3. The results are consistent with one of the following two hypotheses: a) that lithium acts by membrane stabilization and/or b) that lithium acts by interplay with magnesium on one or more enzymes. 4. The above findings and hypotheses direct our attention to membrane dysfunction as the basic defect in manic-melancholic states. This may find support in our preliminary findings of special HL-A profiles in unipolar and bipolar manic-melancholic patients. 5. A four-type-pump-defect model to account for the various clinical types of affective disorders is proposed.", "contents": "Lithium in the living organism. Is an integrated hypothesis feasible? 1. The effects of lithium on electrolyte metabolism can be demonstrated in man in acute as well as in long-term lithium treatment. No other lithium effects have been reproducible to a similar extent. 2. It seems feasible to integrate these lithium effects with effects on biogenic amines to form an integral hypothesis for lithium action in manic-melancholic man. 3. The results are consistent with one of the following two hypotheses: a) that lithium acts by membrane stabilization and/or b) that lithium acts by interplay with magnesium on one or more enzymes. 4. The above findings and hypotheses direct our attention to membrane dysfunction as the basic defect in manic-melancholic states. This may find support in our preliminary findings of special HL-A profiles in unipolar and bipolar manic-melancholic patients. 5. A four-type-pump-defect model to account for the various clinical types of affective disorders is proposed.", "PMID": 988596} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2785", "title": "A neurobiological model for the symmetrical prophylactic action of lithium in bipolar affective disorder.", "content": "By treating rats with lithium chloride or cocaine hydrochloride, or lithium chloride followed by cocaine hydrochloride, we have shown the antagonistic effects of these drugs on two mechanisms that may be involved in regulating serotonin 5-HT) synthesis in the striate cortex. Lithium chloride (5 to 10 meq/kg/day) stimulates the relative velocity of the active uptake of labelled tryptophan and proportionally enhances the conversion of labelled tryptophan to 5-HT in synaptosomally enriched preparations. With continued administration of lithium chloride, the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase from the median raphe and subsequently in lysed synaptosomal preparations from striate cortex is reduced; the substrate uptake remains enhanced, but the conversion of substrate to transmitter returns to control levels. In contrast, an injection of cocaine hydrochloride inhibits the high affinity uptake of tryptophan, reducing the conversion of the amino acid to 5-HT and resulting in an increase in the biosynthetic enzyme activity. However, administration of cocaine hydrochter three daily lithium chloride injections (10 meq/kg) results in no apparent effects on substrate uptake, conversion, or enzyme activity. We theorize that the effect of lithium was to push two regulatory parameters (the uptake of substrate and the enzyme activity) to their respective functional upper and lower limits, leaving the serotonergic neurons \"buffered\" against the \"usual\" effects of the stimulant drug, and offer this neurobiological model for consideration in relation to the clinical effects of lithium in the prophylaxis of both mania and depression in some patients.", "contents": "A neurobiological model for the symmetrical prophylactic action of lithium in bipolar affective disorder. By treating rats with lithium chloride or cocaine hydrochloride, or lithium chloride followed by cocaine hydrochloride, we have shown the antagonistic effects of these drugs on two mechanisms that may be involved in regulating serotonin 5-HT) synthesis in the striate cortex. Lithium chloride (5 to 10 meq/kg/day) stimulates the relative velocity of the active uptake of labelled tryptophan and proportionally enhances the conversion of labelled tryptophan to 5-HT in synaptosomally enriched preparations. With continued administration of lithium chloride, the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase from the median raphe and subsequently in lysed synaptosomal preparations from striate cortex is reduced; the substrate uptake remains enhanced, but the conversion of substrate to transmitter returns to control levels. In contrast, an injection of cocaine hydrochloride inhibits the high affinity uptake of tryptophan, reducing the conversion of the amino acid to 5-HT and resulting in an increase in the biosynthetic enzyme activity. However, administration of cocaine hydrochter three daily lithium chloride injections (10 meq/kg) results in no apparent effects on substrate uptake, conversion, or enzyme activity. We theorize that the effect of lithium was to push two regulatory parameters (the uptake of substrate and the enzyme activity) to their respective functional upper and lower limits, leaving the serotonergic neurons \"buffered\" against the \"usual\" effects of the stimulant drug, and offer this neurobiological model for consideration in relation to the clinical effects of lithium in the prophylaxis of both mania and depression in some patients.", "PMID": 988597} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2786", "title": "Survival of large replanted segment of upper lip and nose. Case report.", "content": "A child had essentially her entire lip and most of her nose bitten off in one piece by a dog. This was replanted by microvascular anastomoses. Most of the fragment survived.", "contents": "Survival of large replanted segment of upper lip and nose. Case report. A child had essentially her entire lip and most of her nose bitten off in one piece by a dog. This was replanted by microvascular anastomoses. Most of the fragment survived.", "PMID": 988602} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2787", "title": "Adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: incidence and the role of radiation therapy.", "content": "Among previously untreated cases of invasive carcinoma of the cervix in intact uterus evaluated and treated at the authors' institution, primary adenocarcinoma accounted for 20% of the entire group. This incidence is higher than in previously reported series. It is felt that while the true frequency of this entity is increasing, careful fractional curettage, attention to morphologic characteristics, and special stains will distinguish adenocarcinoma from primary endometrial adenocarcinoma. Eight of 10 patients with Stage I adenocarcinoma were found to have sterilized hysterectomy specimens after preoperative irradiation. Radiation therapy alone may be adequate for Stage I adenocarcinoma.", "contents": "Adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: incidence and the role of radiation therapy. Among previously untreated cases of invasive carcinoma of the cervix in intact uterus evaluated and treated at the authors' institution, primary adenocarcinoma accounted for 20% of the entire group. This incidence is higher than in previously reported series. It is felt that while the true frequency of this entity is increasing, careful fractional curettage, attention to morphologic characteristics, and special stains will distinguish adenocarcinoma from primary endometrial adenocarcinoma. Eight of 10 patients with Stage I adenocarcinoma were found to have sterilized hysterectomy specimens after preoperative irradiation. Radiation therapy alone may be adequate for Stage I adenocarcinoma.", "PMID": 988607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2788", "title": "Enhancement of morphine-withdrawal and apomorphine-induced aggression by clonidine.", "content": "Clonidine, a proposed alpha-noradrenergic receptor stimulant, intensifies the aggression occuring during morphine-withdrawal or following the administration of apomorphine. The possibility of a noradrenergic/dopaminergic interaction in drug-induced aggression is discussed.", "contents": "Enhancement of morphine-withdrawal and apomorphine-induced aggression by clonidine. Clonidine, a proposed alpha-noradrenergic receptor stimulant, intensifies the aggression occuring during morphine-withdrawal or following the administration of apomorphine. The possibility of a noradrenergic/dopaminergic interaction in drug-induced aggression is discussed.", "PMID": 988609} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2789", "title": "Effects of repeated daily injections of prostaglandin F2alpha on ovaries in mares.", "content": "In experiment 1, seven groups of pony mares (2 or 3/group) were given either no injections (controls), or 5 (5X) or 10 (10X) daily subcutaneous (SC) injections of 1.25 mg PGF2alpha beginning on days 1, 7 or 13 post-ovulation. Compared to controls (24.5 days), the interovulatory interval was longer (P less than ..05) for day 7, 10X (33.5 days) and day 13, 10X mares (49.0 days) but was not different for the remaining groups. In experiment 2, nine groups of pony mares (4/group) were given either no injections (controls) or 1 (1X) or 10 (10X) daily SC injections of 1.25 mg PGF2alpha beginning on day 2 of estrus or on days 1, 7 or 13 post-ovulation. Compared to controls (25.0 days), the interovulatory interval was longer (P less than .05) for day 13 post-ovulation, 10X mares (40.0 days) and shorter (P less than .05) for day 1 post-ovulation, 10X mares (14.5 days). The interovulatory interval for the remaining groups was no different (P less than .05) from that for controls. In day 13 post-ovulation, 10X mares, the longer interovulatory interval did not appear to be related to a depression in either peripheral LH concentration (no effect of treatment on LH) or can follicular development (no effect of treatment on diameter of largest follicle). This suggests that circulating levels of gonadotropins were adequate for ovarian follicular development and ovulation and the effect of repeated dialy injections of PGF2alpha in preventing ovulation was likely exerted at the ovarian level directly on the follicle.", "contents": "Effects of repeated daily injections of prostaglandin F2alpha on ovaries in mares. In experiment 1, seven groups of pony mares (2 or 3/group) were given either no injections (controls), or 5 (5X) or 10 (10X) daily subcutaneous (SC) injections of 1.25 mg PGF2alpha beginning on days 1, 7 or 13 post-ovulation. Compared to controls (24.5 days), the interovulatory interval was longer (P less than ..05) for day 7, 10X (33.5 days) and day 13, 10X mares (49.0 days) but was not different for the remaining groups. In experiment 2, nine groups of pony mares (4/group) were given either no injections (controls) or 1 (1X) or 10 (10X) daily SC injections of 1.25 mg PGF2alpha beginning on day 2 of estrus or on days 1, 7 or 13 post-ovulation. Compared to controls (25.0 days), the interovulatory interval was longer (P less than .05) for day 13 post-ovulation, 10X mares (40.0 days) and shorter (P less than .05) for day 1 post-ovulation, 10X mares (14.5 days). The interovulatory interval for the remaining groups was no different (P less than .05) from that for controls. In day 13 post-ovulation, 10X mares, the longer interovulatory interval did not appear to be related to a depression in either peripheral LH concentration (no effect of treatment on LH) or can follicular development (no effect of treatment on diameter of largest follicle). This suggests that circulating levels of gonadotropins were adequate for ovarian follicular development and ovulation and the effect of repeated dialy injections of PGF2alpha in preventing ovulation was likely exerted at the ovarian level directly on the follicle.", "PMID": 988608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2790", "title": "[Role of the epiphysis in the migration of retinal epithelial pigment during unilateral photic stimulation in Salmo irideus].", "content": "Unilateral exposure of dark-adapted fishes indicates that the exposed eye is only partly in a light-adapted state in so far as the position of the epithelial pigment and cones is concerned. This does not occur in epiphysectomized fishes indicating a possible role of the epiphysis. On the basis of available evidence, the nature of the epiphysis role is envisaged and a suggestion made that melatonin, whose synthesis is related to dark, may play a role in this phenomenon.", "contents": "[Role of the epiphysis in the migration of retinal epithelial pigment during unilateral photic stimulation in Salmo irideus]. Unilateral exposure of dark-adapted fishes indicates that the exposed eye is only partly in a light-adapted state in so far as the position of the epithelial pigment and cones is concerned. This does not occur in epiphysectomized fishes indicating a possible role of the epiphysis. On the basis of available evidence, the nature of the epiphysis role is envisaged and a suggestion made that melatonin, whose synthesis is related to dark, may play a role in this phenomenon.", "PMID": 988612} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2791", "title": "Adaptation of the growing lung to increased VO2. I. IDPN as inducer of hyperactivity.", "content": "This paper is the first part of a study aiming to further analyse the hypothesis that in growing animals an increased VO2 due to a high physical activity leads to a quantitative adaptation of the gas exchange apparatus. Trying to avoid the tedious treadmill exercises we tested the applicability of the drug IDPN (imino-beta,beta'-dipropionitrile) as an inducer of increased VO2. Three intraperitoneal injections of IDPN permanently transform normal white mice into 'waltzing mice'. In our experiments ten male mice were injected with IDPN at the age of 20, 21 and 23 days. A control group was simultaneously injected with saline. The typical 'IDPN' hyperkinetic syndrome' appeared within five days from the first injection. The treated mice lost weight and grew at a slower rate than the controls. Their physical activity, as measured by Animex activity meters, was about twice that of the controls and was accompanied by a 50% increase in specific VO2 (VO2/body weight). At the age of about 4 months all animals were killed, their lungs fixed by intratracheal instillation of glutaraldehyde for a complete morphometric analysis. The body weights and the weights of heart, liver, kidneys, viscera, skin and carcass as well as the skin surface area were determined. IDPN mice were significantly lighter than the controls (-16%). All the other parameters cited above were reduced in about the same proportions, so that, when related to body weight, no significant changes could be detected. Specific lung volumes (VL/body weight) of IDPN mice were however up by 23%. These findings confirm that IDPN treatment represents a suitable way to increase VO2 in mice and may therefore allow to avoid more cumbersome methods of enforced exercise. The complete morphometric analysis will be published in a following paper.", "contents": "Adaptation of the growing lung to increased VO2. I. IDPN as inducer of hyperactivity. This paper is the first part of a study aiming to further analyse the hypothesis that in growing animals an increased VO2 due to a high physical activity leads to a quantitative adaptation of the gas exchange apparatus. Trying to avoid the tedious treadmill exercises we tested the applicability of the drug IDPN (imino-beta,beta'-dipropionitrile) as an inducer of increased VO2. Three intraperitoneal injections of IDPN permanently transform normal white mice into 'waltzing mice'. In our experiments ten male mice were injected with IDPN at the age of 20, 21 and 23 days. A control group was simultaneously injected with saline. The typical 'IDPN' hyperkinetic syndrome' appeared within five days from the first injection. The treated mice lost weight and grew at a slower rate than the controls. Their physical activity, as measured by Animex activity meters, was about twice that of the controls and was accompanied by a 50% increase in specific VO2 (VO2/body weight). At the age of about 4 months all animals were killed, their lungs fixed by intratracheal instillation of glutaraldehyde for a complete morphometric analysis. The body weights and the weights of heart, liver, kidneys, viscera, skin and carcass as well as the skin surface area were determined. IDPN mice were significantly lighter than the controls (-16%). All the other parameters cited above were reduced in about the same proportions, so that, when related to body weight, no significant changes could be detected. Specific lung volumes (VL/body weight) of IDPN mice were however up by 23%. These findings confirm that IDPN treatment represents a suitable way to increase VO2 in mice and may therefore allow to avoid more cumbersome methods of enforced exercise. The complete morphometric analysis will be published in a following paper.", "PMID": 988630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2792", "title": "[Radiological diagnosis of echinococcus disease in man (author's transl)].", "content": "The position of radiological diagnostics in the context of the diagnosis of echinococcosis was discussed on the basis of 11 examined cases of Echinococcus cysticus (9) and Echinococcus alveolaris (2). General thoracic x-rays as well as radiological examination of the gastrointestinal track and the kidneys were used to establish the extent of echinococcosis and to determine the involvement of neighboring organs. Diagnosis of the liver is generally of major interest diagnostically. With a scintigram of the liver, parenchymatous lesions of 2-4 cm and larger can be diagnosed with an optimal examination technique. The scintigram used in connection with the arteriogram can clarify the extent of the parenchymatous lesions. The celiacogram is the most important of the morphological liver diagnostic methods. It can be augmented by the selective hepaticogramm. An exact localization and the relationship of the process to the vessels is possible only with the celiacogram. In addition, the exclusion of other liver processes for the differential diagnosis is possible with the angiogram. The direct splenoportography is for the most part, replaced today by the indirect splenoportogram, it is only used now for special problems.", "contents": "[Radiological diagnosis of echinococcus disease in man (author's transl)]. The position of radiological diagnostics in the context of the diagnosis of echinococcosis was discussed on the basis of 11 examined cases of Echinococcus cysticus (9) and Echinococcus alveolaris (2). General thoracic x-rays as well as radiological examination of the gastrointestinal track and the kidneys were used to establish the extent of echinococcosis and to determine the involvement of neighboring organs. Diagnosis of the liver is generally of major interest diagnostically. With a scintigram of the liver, parenchymatous lesions of 2-4 cm and larger can be diagnosed with an optimal examination technique. The scintigram used in connection with the arteriogram can clarify the extent of the parenchymatous lesions. The celiacogram is the most important of the morphological liver diagnostic methods. It can be augmented by the selective hepaticogramm. An exact localization and the relationship of the process to the vessels is possible only with the celiacogram. In addition, the exclusion of other liver processes for the differential diagnosis is possible with the angiogram. The direct splenoportography is for the most part, replaced today by the indirect splenoportogram, it is only used now for special problems.", "PMID": 988632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2793", "title": "[Encephalopathy during oral treatment with bismuth salts].", "content": "Side effects of orally administered bismuthic salts have been known for many years. Many systems are involved, including the digestive and urinary. The authors discuss a recently discovered effect on the central nervous system, termed \"bismuth encephalopathy\". In the light of the medical literature reviewed, two original aspects are stressed: the clinical symptoms are stereotyped and completely reversible, and the distribution of the disease is almost epidemic, being limited in time and space. The prodromes include confusion, asthenia, slowing of mental functions and disturbance of gait. The clinical picture is dominated by four major symptoms: confusion (again), ataxia, dysarthria and, above all, myoclonic jerks. In conclusion, various pathogenetic hypotheses are considered. The purpose of this study is to enable the general practitioner to detect the development of this condition early in treatment with oral bismuthic salts. Withdrawal of the medication always results in normalization of the patient's condition.", "contents": "[Encephalopathy during oral treatment with bismuth salts]. Side effects of orally administered bismuthic salts have been known for many years. Many systems are involved, including the digestive and urinary. The authors discuss a recently discovered effect on the central nervous system, termed \"bismuth encephalopathy\". In the light of the medical literature reviewed, two original aspects are stressed: the clinical symptoms are stereotyped and completely reversible, and the distribution of the disease is almost epidemic, being limited in time and space. The prodromes include confusion, asthenia, slowing of mental functions and disturbance of gait. The clinical picture is dominated by four major symptoms: confusion (again), ataxia, dysarthria and, above all, myoclonic jerks. In conclusion, various pathogenetic hypotheses are considered. The purpose of this study is to enable the general practitioner to detect the development of this condition early in treatment with oral bismuthic salts. Withdrawal of the medication always results in normalization of the patient's condition.", "PMID": 988634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2794", "title": "The amnesia gradient: inadequate as evidence for a memory consolidation process.", "content": "Rats were conditioned to fear a tone paired with shock to the feet. Retention tests 4 days later showed that consolidation had occurred. Other animals were not tested for retention at 4 days, but the tone was presented in order to reactivate their memories of the conditioning. An amnesia gradient was generated by low-intensity electrical stimulation of the amygdaloid complex at different intervals after the tone, but stimulation was without effect either when given to rats not previously conditioned or when given to conditioned rats without preceding memory reactivation. Thus, stimulation of the amygdaloid complex can can affect memory retrieval. Moreover, the data call into question the assumption that an amnesia gradient indicates that the memory consolidation process has been modified.", "contents": "The amnesia gradient: inadequate as evidence for a memory consolidation process. Rats were conditioned to fear a tone paired with shock to the feet. Retention tests 4 days later showed that consolidation had occurred. Other animals were not tested for retention at 4 days, but the tone was presented in order to reactivate their memories of the conditioning. An amnesia gradient was generated by low-intensity electrical stimulation of the amygdaloid complex at different intervals after the tone, but stimulation was without effect either when given to rats not previously conditioned or when given to conditioned rats without preceding memory reactivation. Thus, stimulation of the amygdaloid complex can can affect memory retrieval. Moreover, the data call into question the assumption that an amnesia gradient indicates that the memory consolidation process has been modified.", "PMID": 988635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2795", "title": "Hydroxymethyluracil in eukaryote DNA: a natural feature of the pyrrophyta (dinoflagellates).", "content": "Analysis of the DNA of several diverse dinoflagellates and other algae has revealed that the presence of the base hydroxymethyluracil (HOMeU) is a feature common among the DNA's of dinoflagellates; this base has not been found in any other group of eukaryotes that has been examined. Among examined members of the dinoflagellates, the ratio of the base pairs HOMeU-A to T-A, where A is adenine and T is thymine, ranges from 0.14 to 2.13. In addition to hydroxymethyluracil, the DNA of one dinoflagellate contains methylcytosine, and that of another contains methyladenine, while the DNA of other dinoflagellates contains no detectable amounts of either of these two bases.", "contents": "Hydroxymethyluracil in eukaryote DNA: a natural feature of the pyrrophyta (dinoflagellates). Analysis of the DNA of several diverse dinoflagellates and other algae has revealed that the presence of the base hydroxymethyluracil (HOMeU) is a feature common among the DNA's of dinoflagellates; this base has not been found in any other group of eukaryotes that has been examined. Among examined members of the dinoflagellates, the ratio of the base pairs HOMeU-A to T-A, where A is adenine and T is thymine, ranges from 0.14 to 2.13. In addition to hydroxymethyluracil, the DNA of one dinoflagellate contains methylcytosine, and that of another contains methyladenine, while the DNA of other dinoflagellates contains no detectable amounts of either of these two bases.", "PMID": 988637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2796", "title": "Posttraumatic hypopituitarism: anterior pituitary insufficiency secondary to head trauma.", "content": "A 30-year-old woman, who was involved in an automobile accident two years before admission, presented with hypopituitarism. Deficits of ACTH, FSH, LH, GH, and borderline TSH were demonstrated. Normal TRF response and elevated prolactin levels indicated residual normal anterior pituitary tissue with inadequate hypothalamic control. We have briefly reviewed the subject of posttraumatic hypopituitarism.", "contents": "Posttraumatic hypopituitarism: anterior pituitary insufficiency secondary to head trauma. A 30-year-old woman, who was involved in an automobile accident two years before admission, presented with hypopituitarism. Deficits of ACTH, FSH, LH, GH, and borderline TSH were demonstrated. Normal TRF response and elevated prolactin levels indicated residual normal anterior pituitary tissue with inadequate hypothalamic control. We have briefly reviewed the subject of posttraumatic hypopituitarism.", "PMID": 988638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2797", "title": "Experience with splenectomy in auto-immune thrombocytopenia and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia.", "content": "In a 5-year period 37 patients with auto-immune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) and 22 with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM) underwent splenectomy. In 26 of the patients with AITP (70%) a satisfactory response was obtained, although there was 1 death a year later as a result of infection. In 6 cases (16%) significant postoperative haemostatic problems were experienced. Seventeen of the patients with AMM (77%) improved as a result of the operation, but 3 of them (14%) died in the postoperative period. During the follow-up period a further 4 patients died (18%). Haemorrhagic complications occurred in 7 patients (32%), of whom 2 died immediately after the operation. Haemostatic screening procedures during this whole period failed to predict the risk of postoperative haemorrhage, and in neither group did prophylactic platelet infusion significantly reduce haemorrhagic complications.", "contents": "Experience with splenectomy in auto-immune thrombocytopenia and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia. In a 5-year period 37 patients with auto-immune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) and 22 with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM) underwent splenectomy. In 26 of the patients with AITP (70%) a satisfactory response was obtained, although there was 1 death a year later as a result of infection. In 6 cases (16%) significant postoperative haemostatic problems were experienced. Seventeen of the patients with AMM (77%) improved as a result of the operation, but 3 of them (14%) died in the postoperative period. During the follow-up period a further 4 patients died (18%). Haemorrhagic complications occurred in 7 patients (32%), of whom 2 died immediately after the operation. Haemostatic screening procedures during this whole period failed to predict the risk of postoperative haemorrhage, and in neither group did prophylactic platelet infusion significantly reduce haemorrhagic complications.", "PMID": 988641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2798", "title": "Primary mediastinal choriocarcinoma in a Black youth.", "content": "A primary mediastinal choriocarcinoma in a Black youth is described. The tumour was resistant to treatment and the patient deteriorated rapidly. No testicular tumour was present. The clinical, biochemical and autopsy findings are described.", "contents": "Primary mediastinal choriocarcinoma in a Black youth. A primary mediastinal choriocarcinoma in a Black youth is described. The tumour was resistant to treatment and the patient deteriorated rapidly. No testicular tumour was present. The clinical, biochemical and autopsy findings are described.", "PMID": 988642} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2799", "title": "Observations on the intestinal protozoa infecting man in Rhodesia.", "content": "Humans in Rhodesia harbour a wide range of intestinal protozoa. Of the species included, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli and Giardia lamblia have previously been recorded. Other species which are either rarely reported or which have previously never been reported from this country, include Trichomonas hominis, Chilomastix mesnili, Enteromonas hominis, Retortamonas intestinalis, Balantidum coli,Entamoeba hartmanni,Entamoeba histolytica Laredo. Endolimax nana, Dientamoeba fragilis and Isospora belli. The importance in Rhodesia of these species, and especially of E. histolytica, is discussed.", "contents": "Observations on the intestinal protozoa infecting man in Rhodesia. Humans in Rhodesia harbour a wide range of intestinal protozoa. Of the species included, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli and Giardia lamblia have previously been recorded. Other species which are either rarely reported or which have previously never been reported from this country, include Trichomonas hominis, Chilomastix mesnili, Enteromonas hominis, Retortamonas intestinalis, Balantidum coli,Entamoeba hartmanni,Entamoeba histolytica Laredo. Endolimax nana, Dientamoeba fragilis and Isospora belli. The importance in Rhodesia of these species, and especially of E. histolytica, is discussed.", "PMID": 988643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2800", "title": "Warfarin-associated embryopathy in a 17-week-old abortus.", "content": "Histological and anthropometric studies were made of the hands and face of a 17-week-old (postmenstrual) human fetus that was exposed to warfarin throughout gestation. The fetus had marked nasal hypoplasia and the facial cartilages contained discrete foci of abnormal cartilage. When compared with age-matched control fetuses hand pattern profile analysis showed that the brachydactyly was due to shortening of the terminal phalanges. Histologically chondrogenesis was disordered in the carpals and phalanges, with the most deviant development occurring at the distal ends of the terminal phalanges. In none of the areas of abnormal cartilage was there evidence of hemorrhage or hemosiderin deposition. It is our contention that warfarin is teratogenic in human beings and that its teratogenicity is not due to focal hemorrhage.", "contents": "Warfarin-associated embryopathy in a 17-week-old abortus. Histological and anthropometric studies were made of the hands and face of a 17-week-old (postmenstrual) human fetus that was exposed to warfarin throughout gestation. The fetus had marked nasal hypoplasia and the facial cartilages contained discrete foci of abnormal cartilage. When compared with age-matched control fetuses hand pattern profile analysis showed that the brachydactyly was due to shortening of the terminal phalanges. Histologically chondrogenesis was disordered in the carpals and phalanges, with the most deviant development occurring at the distal ends of the terminal phalanges. In none of the areas of abnormal cartilage was there evidence of hemorrhage or hemosiderin deposition. It is our contention that warfarin is teratogenic in human beings and that its teratogenicity is not due to focal hemorrhage.", "PMID": 988645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2801", "title": "Renewal of the gonads in Styela clava (Urochordata: Ascidiacea) as revealed by autoradiography with tritiated thymidine.", "content": "DNA-synthesizing cells in the gonads of the ascidian Styela clava were labeled with tritiated thymidine and detected with autoradiography. In the testis, spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes are labeled after 1 hr. Labeled spermatozoa occur in the lumen of the testis follicles after 10 days and in the sperm ducts after 20 days. In the ovary, only germ cells (oogonia and pre-leptotene primary oocytes) and follicle cells are labeled after 1 hr. By 60 days, oocytes with basophilic cytoplasm (15-65 mu in diameter) are labeled; test cells embedded in larger eosinophilic oocytes (150 mu in diameter) are also labeled. Germ cells give rise to both oocytes and follicle cells. Through continued cell division, follicle cells give rise to test cells.", "contents": "Renewal of the gonads in Styela clava (Urochordata: Ascidiacea) as revealed by autoradiography with tritiated thymidine. DNA-synthesizing cells in the gonads of the ascidian Styela clava were labeled with tritiated thymidine and detected with autoradiography. In the testis, spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes are labeled after 1 hr. Labeled spermatozoa occur in the lumen of the testis follicles after 10 days and in the sperm ducts after 20 days. In the ovary, only germ cells (oogonia and pre-leptotene primary oocytes) and follicle cells are labeled after 1 hr. By 60 days, oocytes with basophilic cytoplasm (15-65 mu in diameter) are labeled; test cells embedded in larger eosinophilic oocytes (150 mu in diameter) are also labeled. Germ cells give rise to both oocytes and follicle cells. Through continued cell division, follicle cells give rise to test cells.", "PMID": 988647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2802", "title": "A successful method for development of voluntary alcohol intoxication in mice.", "content": "Eight strains of male mice, C57BL, C3H SWM, SW, KK, KSB, KR and DBA, were fed on a standard pelletized diet and offered a choice of water or 10% sake solution (sake containing 10% alcohol). Both young (3 months of age) and old (8 months of age) groups were studied simultaneously. The degree of intoxication was measured by recording the drinking behavior on a pulse recorder, by calculating gaschromatographically the blood alcohol concentration, by taking depth electroencephalogram readings and so on. Intoxication, shown by lack of coordination such as grossly impaired gait, was observed only in the older mice of strain with a moderate natural alcohol preference such as C3H, SWM, SW, KK and KSB. In general, the intoxicated mice were over 9 months of age, tended to consume fluids regardless of the time of day or night and suffered a loss of body weight. The blood alcohol levels of them were over 4.6%. The threshold elevation of the ascending reticular activating system on electroencephalogram in a intoxicated mouse reached about 167%. The present study provides a successful method for the development of voluntary alcohol intoxication in mice.", "contents": "A successful method for development of voluntary alcohol intoxication in mice. Eight strains of male mice, C57BL, C3H SWM, SW, KK, KSB, KR and DBA, were fed on a standard pelletized diet and offered a choice of water or 10% sake solution (sake containing 10% alcohol). Both young (3 months of age) and old (8 months of age) groups were studied simultaneously. The degree of intoxication was measured by recording the drinking behavior on a pulse recorder, by calculating gaschromatographically the blood alcohol concentration, by taking depth electroencephalogram readings and so on. Intoxication, shown by lack of coordination such as grossly impaired gait, was observed only in the older mice of strain with a moderate natural alcohol preference such as C3H, SWM, SW, KK and KSB. In general, the intoxicated mice were over 9 months of age, tended to consume fluids regardless of the time of day or night and suffered a loss of body weight. The blood alcohol levels of them were over 4.6%. The threshold elevation of the ascending reticular activating system on electroencephalogram in a intoxicated mouse reached about 167%. The present study provides a successful method for the development of voluntary alcohol intoxication in mice.", "PMID": 988648} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2803", "title": "Man, fish, and mercury on small islands in Japan.", "content": "This paper examines the differentiating patterns of subsistence activities, fish-eating habit, mercure level in human biological specimens, and the interrelation among these variables on several small Japanese islands. The catch and supply of fish vary according to patterns of division of labour on each island. The frequency of fish-eating is generally regulated by the availability of fish, and is well associated with the level of mercury in hair or red cells. Difference in variety of fish consumed has a modifying effect on the mercury level. The importance of understanding the total ecological setting relating to any environmental problem should be emphasized.", "contents": "Man, fish, and mercury on small islands in Japan. This paper examines the differentiating patterns of subsistence activities, fish-eating habit, mercure level in human biological specimens, and the interrelation among these variables on several small Japanese islands. The catch and supply of fish vary according to patterns of division of labour on each island. The frequency of fish-eating is generally regulated by the availability of fish, and is well associated with the level of mercury in hair or red cells. Difference in variety of fish consumed has a modifying effect on the mercury level. The importance of understanding the total ecological setting relating to any environmental problem should be emphasized.", "PMID": 988649} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2804", "title": "Herpes simplex eye infections: clinical manifestations, pathogenesis and management.", "content": "Herpes infection of the eye may be acquired as the patient's first exposure to the virus (primary infection) or as involvement of a new anatomical site (the eye) in a patient with previous HSV infection. In either case, patients with herpetic eye infection risk recurrent eye disease throughout their lives. The infective lesions of the corneal epithelium (dendritic and geographic ulcers) occasionally develop into noninfective indolent or trophic ulcers, particularly under the influence of cauterizing chemicals or corticosteroids. Inflammation of the corneal stroma may accompany herpetic epithelial lesions or occur independently. Stromal keratitis probably represents the host's immune response to viral antigens filtering down from epithelial lesions or from viral replication in stromal cells. The clinical manifestations of ocular HSV infection are reviewed, pathogenesis and possible pathways of the infection are analyzed, and some practical guidelines for management and prevention are presented.", "contents": "Herpes simplex eye infections: clinical manifestations, pathogenesis and management. Herpes infection of the eye may be acquired as the patient's first exposure to the virus (primary infection) or as involvement of a new anatomical site (the eye) in a patient with previous HSV infection. In either case, patients with herpetic eye infection risk recurrent eye disease throughout their lives. The infective lesions of the corneal epithelium (dendritic and geographic ulcers) occasionally develop into noninfective indolent or trophic ulcers, particularly under the influence of cauterizing chemicals or corticosteroids. Inflammation of the corneal stroma may accompany herpetic epithelial lesions or occur independently. Stromal keratitis probably represents the host's immune response to viral antigens filtering down from epithelial lesions or from viral replication in stromal cells. The clinical manifestations of ocular HSV infection are reviewed, pathogenesis and possible pathways of the infection are analyzed, and some practical guidelines for management and prevention are presented.", "PMID": 988644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2805", "title": "[Gonadal load in radiotherapy of benign diseases. II. Infectious diseases and keloids].", "content": "The irradiation damages to the gonads caused by the radiotherapy of parotiditis and mastitis and of cheloids was determined partially under different irradiation methods. The measurements were effected with LiF dosimeters in the Alderson phantom with a tube tension of 250 kV for the inflammatory diseases and 55 kV for the cheloids. The gonad dose measured at the surface was within the range of hundreths of permille for the parotiditis, for the mastitis is was between tenths of permille and 2% depending on the therapy method. The gonad dose of the cheloid irradiations showed a clear relation to the distance between radiation source and gonads. The importance of radiological protection is emphasized.", "contents": "[Gonadal load in radiotherapy of benign diseases. II. Infectious diseases and keloids]. The irradiation damages to the gonads caused by the radiotherapy of parotiditis and mastitis and of cheloids was determined partially under different irradiation methods. The measurements were effected with LiF dosimeters in the Alderson phantom with a tube tension of 250 kV for the inflammatory diseases and 55 kV for the cheloids. The gonad dose measured at the surface was within the range of hundreths of permille for the parotiditis, for the mastitis is was between tenths of permille and 2% depending on the therapy method. The gonad dose of the cheloid irradiations showed a clear relation to the distance between radiation source and gonads. The importance of radiological protection is emphasized.", "PMID": 988652} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2806", "title": "[On the effect of mebendazole on metacestodes of Mesocestoides corti and Echinococcus multilocularis (author's transl)].", "content": "Mebendazole (5-benzoyl-2-methoxycarbonylaminobenzimidazole) was highly effective against tetrathydridia of Mesocestoides corti in the peritoneal cavity, liver and in the subcutis of mice when administered orally in the food (450 or 465 ppm) from days 7 or 40/50 post infectionem (p.i.) for 10 or 20 days in total doses of approximately 660-1660 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). All tetrathyridia were killed when treatment began at day 7 p.i., and only some survived when medication was started on days 40/50 p.i. A treatment of 5 days was only partially effective. In experiments with Echinococcus multilocularis laboratory animals were intraperitoneally infected with metacestode tissue transplants. Beginning on days 4-7 p.i. or on day 40 p.i. the animals were treated for 5, 10 or 20/21 days with mebendazole medicated food. In mice a treatment for 10 or 20/21 days with total mebendazole doses of approximately 660-2180 mg/kg b.w. caused an average reduction on metacestode weight of 61-89%. An average reduction between 58 and 84% was achieved in Meriones after a treatment for 20/21 days with total doses of approximately 650/530 mg/kg b.w. However, histological examinations and transplantation experiments revealed that in most of the treated animals metacestode tissue survived and retained its capability for budding. On the other hand, indications for a partial destruction of the parasite tissue were found in some of the treated animals. The oral mebendazole treatment was well tolerated. After intraperitoneal injection of 3 X 150 mg/kg b.w. mebendazole - as applied by Campbell et al. (1975) - all of 36 mice or Meriones died.", "contents": "[On the effect of mebendazole on metacestodes of Mesocestoides corti and Echinococcus multilocularis (author's transl)]. Mebendazole (5-benzoyl-2-methoxycarbonylaminobenzimidazole) was highly effective against tetrathydridia of Mesocestoides corti in the peritoneal cavity, liver and in the subcutis of mice when administered orally in the food (450 or 465 ppm) from days 7 or 40/50 post infectionem (p.i.) for 10 or 20 days in total doses of approximately 660-1660 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). All tetrathyridia were killed when treatment began at day 7 p.i., and only some survived when medication was started on days 40/50 p.i. A treatment of 5 days was only partially effective. In experiments with Echinococcus multilocularis laboratory animals were intraperitoneally infected with metacestode tissue transplants. Beginning on days 4-7 p.i. or on day 40 p.i. the animals were treated for 5, 10 or 20/21 days with mebendazole medicated food. In mice a treatment for 10 or 20/21 days with total mebendazole doses of approximately 660-2180 mg/kg b.w. caused an average reduction on metacestode weight of 61-89%. An average reduction between 58 and 84% was achieved in Meriones after a treatment for 20/21 days with total doses of approximately 650/530 mg/kg b.w. However, histological examinations and transplantation experiments revealed that in most of the treated animals metacestode tissue survived and retained its capability for budding. On the other hand, indications for a partial destruction of the parasite tissue were found in some of the treated animals. The oral mebendazole treatment was well tolerated. After intraperitoneal injection of 3 X 150 mg/kg b.w. mebendazole - as applied by Campbell et al. (1975) - all of 36 mice or Meriones died.", "PMID": 988654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2807", "title": "The pathology associated with single and quadruple infections of hamsters with Dipetalonema viteae.", "content": "Two groups of five hamsters were each infected subcutaneously with infective larvae of Dipetalonema viteae; one group received single infections, and the second group received quadruple infections. A third group of five hamsters served as controls. Hamsters with primary and quadruple infections had cellular infiltrates in the liver and glomerular basement membrane thickening; these lesions were more extensive in the multiple than single infections. Hyperinfected hamsters also developed subcutaneous nodules. By histologic examination, it was seen that nodules were encapsulated abscesses which had a central, necrotic core, and were confined by a fibrous connective tissue capsule. The central portion of some nodules contained nondegenerated worms. The same area of other nodules contained dead worms, while still other nodules contained calcified worms or necrotic and calcified debris.", "contents": "The pathology associated with single and quadruple infections of hamsters with Dipetalonema viteae. Two groups of five hamsters were each infected subcutaneously with infective larvae of Dipetalonema viteae; one group received single infections, and the second group received quadruple infections. A third group of five hamsters served as controls. Hamsters with primary and quadruple infections had cellular infiltrates in the liver and glomerular basement membrane thickening; these lesions were more extensive in the multiple than single infections. Hyperinfected hamsters also developed subcutaneous nodules. By histologic examination, it was seen that nodules were encapsulated abscesses which had a central, necrotic core, and were confined by a fibrous connective tissue capsule. The central portion of some nodules contained nondegenerated worms. The same area of other nodules contained dead worms, while still other nodules contained calcified worms or necrotic and calcified debris.", "PMID": 988655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2808", "title": "[Change in the metabolism and toxic effect of benz(a)pyrene by its metabolites and a series of phenols].", "content": "Effects of some phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives on benz(a)-pyrene metabolism have been studied in the microsomal system isolated from the mouse embryonic cell cultures. The rate of benz(a)pyrene metabolism was shown to depend on the structure and concentration of the agents added. The toxic effect of benz(a)pyrene was summed up with that of either agent studied (except ionol) added simultaneously to the cell culture.", "contents": "[Change in the metabolism and toxic effect of benz(a)pyrene by its metabolites and a series of phenols]. Effects of some phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives on benz(a)-pyrene metabolism have been studied in the microsomal system isolated from the mouse embryonic cell cultures. The rate of benz(a)pyrene metabolism was shown to depend on the structure and concentration of the agents added. The toxic effect of benz(a)pyrene was summed up with that of either agent studied (except ionol) added simultaneously to the cell culture.", "PMID": 988659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2809", "title": "[Effect of uncoupling agents and benz (a) pyrene metabolites on respiration in L cells and normal mouse embryonal fibroblasts].", "content": "A method is proposed for a polarografic study of the respiration of cell suspensions obtained from monolayer cultures of L-cells and from normal embryonic fibroblasts of mice (C3HA line). 6-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene (6-OHBP). The metabolite of the carcinogenic hydrocarbon benzo(a)pyrene, was shown to be a strong uncoupler of of oxidation and phosphorylation of cell suspensions. Its effect was influenced by the presence of calf serum in the incubation media. Possible relationships between the toxic effect of 6-OHBP on monolayer cultures of normal and tumor cells, and its effect on cell energetics are discussed.", "contents": "[Effect of uncoupling agents and benz (a) pyrene metabolites on respiration in L cells and normal mouse embryonal fibroblasts]. A method is proposed for a polarografic study of the respiration of cell suspensions obtained from monolayer cultures of L-cells and from normal embryonic fibroblasts of mice (C3HA line). 6-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene (6-OHBP). The metabolite of the carcinogenic hydrocarbon benzo(a)pyrene, was shown to be a strong uncoupler of of oxidation and phosphorylation of cell suspensions. Its effect was influenced by the presence of calf serum in the incubation media. Possible relationships between the toxic effect of 6-OHBP on monolayer cultures of normal and tumor cells, and its effect on cell energetics are discussed.", "PMID": 988661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2810", "title": "Veterinary surgeons in zoological medicine.", "content": "To be successful in zoo work veterinary surgeons must alter their approach and acquire a basic philosophy of concern for wild species. With proper motivation and background information and a good biological outlook, they would be in a unique position to solve problems essential to the continued existence of some species of wild animals and the betterment of human life. Veterinary schools will have to make a concentrated effort to give students an opportunity to explore the nature of the problems of wild animals. Present instruction in zoological medicine in the USA and Canada is described.", "contents": "Veterinary surgeons in zoological medicine. To be successful in zoo work veterinary surgeons must alter their approach and acquire a basic philosophy of concern for wild species. With proper motivation and background information and a good biological outlook, they would be in a unique position to solve problems essential to the continued existence of some species of wild animals and the betterment of human life. Veterinary schools will have to make a concentrated effort to give students an opportunity to explore the nature of the problems of wild animals. Present instruction in zoological medicine in the USA and Canada is described.", "PMID": 988668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2811", "title": "[Carboxylation processes in cattle with different levels of productivity].", "content": "The experiments were conducted on bulls-analogs of the black-piebald and Simmental breed which differ from each other in the intensity of live weight gain (18-31%) as well as on lactating cows-analogs of the black-piebald breed which differ in the level of milk productivity (41-80%). The intensity of the carboxylation processes (CO2 fixation) as well as of protein and lipids biosynthesis in the liver of the bulls from a heavy-producing group (the second group) is shown to be considerably higher than in the low-producing animals (the first group). In venous blood plasm of the second group bulls the content of urea and citrate was higher (by 29-141 and 33%, respectively) than in the first group animals. Blood plasma of the lactating cows from a heavy-producing group contains more urea (57-70%), citrate (146-80%) and total protein (10-14%) than that of animals with low milk productivity. Similar regularity is also observed as to the amount of urea and citrate of milk of cows with a higher milk productivity (by 40-50 and 51-53% higher respectively, than in the low-productive animals).", "contents": "[Carboxylation processes in cattle with different levels of productivity]. The experiments were conducted on bulls-analogs of the black-piebald and Simmental breed which differ from each other in the intensity of live weight gain (18-31%) as well as on lactating cows-analogs of the black-piebald breed which differ in the level of milk productivity (41-80%). The intensity of the carboxylation processes (CO2 fixation) as well as of protein and lipids biosynthesis in the liver of the bulls from a heavy-producing group (the second group) is shown to be considerably higher than in the low-producing animals (the first group). In venous blood plasm of the second group bulls the content of urea and citrate was higher (by 29-141 and 33%, respectively) than in the first group animals. Blood plasma of the lactating cows from a heavy-producing group contains more urea (57-70%), citrate (146-80%) and total protein (10-14%) than that of animals with low milk productivity. Similar regularity is also observed as to the amount of urea and citrate of milk of cows with a higher milk productivity (by 40-50 and 51-53% higher respectively, than in the low-productive animals).", "PMID": 988663} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2812", "title": "[Comparative study of several indices of the specific effect of products prepared with the use of smoke and the synthetic smoking agent VNIIMP-1].", "content": "Long-term investigations were conducted with three generations of animals to elucidate the effect of cooked sausage prepared by various methods on the sexual and reproductive functions. It was found that the smoke-treated products under study produced on the organism a more marked untoward effect than did the ones prepared by using the synthetic smoking agent (see article of journal).", "contents": "[Comparative study of several indices of the specific effect of products prepared with the use of smoke and the synthetic smoking agent VNIIMP-1]. Long-term investigations were conducted with three generations of animals to elucidate the effect of cooked sausage prepared by various methods on the sexual and reproductive functions. It was found that the smoke-treated products under study produced on the organism a more marked untoward effect than did the ones prepared by using the synthetic smoking agent (see article of journal).", "PMID": 988672} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2813", "title": "The ageing process in infective larvae of the roundworms Haemonchus contortus and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis: carbohydrate content.", "content": "Trehalose, glycogen and traces of glucose were the only anthrone sensitive carbohydrates identifiable. The variation of 13-22% of the dry weight in different populations of Haemonchus contortus L3 is shown to be due to their capacity to synthesize glycogen during ageing. This contrasts with the larvae of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in which a low level of carbohydrate remains constant with time. It is suggested that H. contortus can convert lipid to carbohydrate as is the case for several other nematodes. H. contortus L3 show some evidence of physiological adaptation.", "contents": "The ageing process in infective larvae of the roundworms Haemonchus contortus and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis: carbohydrate content. Trehalose, glycogen and traces of glucose were the only anthrone sensitive carbohydrates identifiable. The variation of 13-22% of the dry weight in different populations of Haemonchus contortus L3 is shown to be due to their capacity to synthesize glycogen during ageing. This contrasts with the larvae of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in which a low level of carbohydrate remains constant with time. It is suggested that H. contortus can convert lipid to carbohydrate as is the case for several other nematodes. H. contortus L3 show some evidence of physiological adaptation.", "PMID": 988680} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2814", "title": "[Studies on mushroom flavours. 1. Organoleptic significance of constituents of the cultivated mushroom, agaricus bisporus].", "content": "The flavour of Agaricus bisporus was studied by comparing the results obtained in chemical and organoleptic analysis of the same extract. The natural (-)-form of 1-octen-3-ol had a stronger flavour than the (+)-form and was the most important aroma component. Nucleotides, amino-acids and carbohydrates also contributed significantly. Benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, 1-octen-3-one, n-butyric and isovaleric acids as well as low-boiling volatiles contributed less to the flavour. A synergistic effect of nucleotides, carbohydrates and (-1-octen-3-ol on the flavour was not observed.", "contents": "[Studies on mushroom flavours. 1. Organoleptic significance of constituents of the cultivated mushroom, agaricus bisporus]. The flavour of Agaricus bisporus was studied by comparing the results obtained in chemical and organoleptic analysis of the same extract. The natural (-)-form of 1-octen-3-ol had a stronger flavour than the (+)-form and was the most important aroma component. Nucleotides, amino-acids and carbohydrates also contributed significantly. Benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, 1-octen-3-one, n-butyric and isovaleric acids as well as low-boiling volatiles contributed less to the flavour. A synergistic effect of nucleotides, carbohydrates and (-1-octen-3-ol on the flavour was not observed.", "PMID": 988686} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2815", "title": "Studies on mushroom flavours 2. Flavour compounds in coprinus comatus.", "content": "In an aqueous extract of fruit bodies of Coprinus comatus 3-octanone, 3-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, 1-octanol, 2-methyl-2-penten-4-olide, 1-dodecanol and caprylic acid were identified conclusively and n-butyric and isobutyric acids preliminarily. Amino-acids, nucleotides and sugars were also determined. A mixture of 37 compounds found in the extract had a stronger flavour than the natural extract. 3-Octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, 1-octanol and 2-methyl-2-penten-4-olide were the volatiles with the strongest flavour. Mass and IR spectra of 2-methyl-2-penten-4-olide are presented.", "contents": "Studies on mushroom flavours 2. Flavour compounds in coprinus comatus. In an aqueous extract of fruit bodies of Coprinus comatus 3-octanone, 3-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, 1-octanol, 2-methyl-2-penten-4-olide, 1-dodecanol and caprylic acid were identified conclusively and n-butyric and isobutyric acids preliminarily. Amino-acids, nucleotides and sugars were also determined. A mixture of 37 compounds found in the extract had a stronger flavour than the natural extract. 3-Octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, 1-octanol and 2-methyl-2-penten-4-olide were the volatiles with the strongest flavour. Mass and IR spectra of 2-methyl-2-penten-4-olide are presented.", "PMID": 988687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2816", "title": "[Mercury content of mushrooms (author's transl)].", "content": "The mercury content of 236 species of wild mushrooms was determined by flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. Of each species several samples--altogether 616--were tested. The mercury content was between 0.04 and 21.60 mg/kg dry weight, equivalent to 0.002 and 3.090 mg/kg fresh weight. The mercury content was clearly species-dependent. Mercury-rich species particularly were found in Tricholomataceae, Agaricaceae and Lycoperdaceae, whereas in Boletaceae, Amanitaceae and Russulaceae mercury-rich species were rather rare. There was a considerable variability within species, too; hence, other factors, yet unknown, must also determine the mercury content. Geographical influences were not demonstrable. All mushrooms grown on wood had a very low mercury content. Storing over several years did not diminish the mercury content of dried mushrooms. The highest mercury content was found in a poisonous mushroom, but on the average, poisonous mushrooms contained less mercury than edible ones.", "contents": "[Mercury content of mushrooms (author's transl)]. The mercury content of 236 species of wild mushrooms was determined by flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. Of each species several samples--altogether 616--were tested. The mercury content was between 0.04 and 21.60 mg/kg dry weight, equivalent to 0.002 and 3.090 mg/kg fresh weight. The mercury content was clearly species-dependent. Mercury-rich species particularly were found in Tricholomataceae, Agaricaceae and Lycoperdaceae, whereas in Boletaceae, Amanitaceae and Russulaceae mercury-rich species were rather rare. There was a considerable variability within species, too; hence, other factors, yet unknown, must also determine the mercury content. Geographical influences were not demonstrable. All mushrooms grown on wood had a very low mercury content. Storing over several years did not diminish the mercury content of dried mushrooms. The highest mercury content was found in a poisonous mushroom, but on the average, poisonous mushrooms contained less mercury than edible ones.", "PMID": 988688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2817", "title": "Olfactory mechanisms affording protection from attack to juvenile mice (Mus musculus L.).", "content": "The extent to which odours protect juvenile mice, Mus musculus L., from attacks was investigated in 6 experiments by measuring a) social responses within caged pairs of adult hermaphrodite hermaphodite after one partner was marked with either male or female juvenile's urine, and b) attacks suffered by adult males, juveniles of both sexes, and by adult hermaphrodites marked with these urines, after being introduced individually into territories of dominant hermaphrodites. The finding that urine of female but not that of male juveniles contains an active aggression-inhibitor and the questions this raises concerning the nature of the male juvenile's immunity are critically discussed.", "contents": "Olfactory mechanisms affording protection from attack to juvenile mice (Mus musculus L.). The extent to which odours protect juvenile mice, Mus musculus L., from attacks was investigated in 6 experiments by measuring a) social responses within caged pairs of adult hermaphrodite hermaphodite after one partner was marked with either male or female juvenile's urine, and b) attacks suffered by adult males, juveniles of both sexes, and by adult hermaphrodites marked with these urines, after being introduced individually into territories of dominant hermaphrodites. The finding that urine of female but not that of male juveniles contains an active aggression-inhibitor and the questions this raises concerning the nature of the male juvenile's immunity are critically discussed.", "PMID": 988692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2818", "title": "Chemocommunication among domestic cats, mediated by the olfactory and vomeronasal senses. I. Chemocommunication.", "content": "Chemocommunication functions are known in many social mammals, such as gerbils, hamsters, and deer. But also mammals known as at least partly solitary do communicate by chemical signals. The existence and use of pheromones in domestic cats was the subject of this study. It turned out that male and female cats spent much time in exploring their own and foreigners' urine and skin gland secretion rubbed off on several objects. Male receivers performed sniffing and flehmen more frequently than females on the same urine, whereas female cats paid more attention to skin gland secretion. Both urine and cheek gland secretion of the female donor appeared to contain pheromones which inform the tomcat about her hormonal phase.", "contents": "Chemocommunication among domestic cats, mediated by the olfactory and vomeronasal senses. I. Chemocommunication. Chemocommunication functions are known in many social mammals, such as gerbils, hamsters, and deer. But also mammals known as at least partly solitary do communicate by chemical signals. The existence and use of pheromones in domestic cats was the subject of this study. It turned out that male and female cats spent much time in exploring their own and foreigners' urine and skin gland secretion rubbed off on several objects. Male receivers performed sniffing and flehmen more frequently than females on the same urine, whereas female cats paid more attention to skin gland secretion. Both urine and cheek gland secretion of the female donor appeared to contain pheromones which inform the tomcat about her hormonal phase.", "PMID": 988693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2819", "title": "[Electronic urethro-cystometry before and after reconstructive surgery using the Zoedler method].", "content": "Electronical measurement of pressure in the bladder and urethra of 9 incontinent women treated by the Zoedler-plastic. A comparison of pre- and postoperative levels yielded the following results: 1. The functional length and the closing-pressure of the urethra show uncharacteristic changes of the levels only. The expected postoperative rise of the levels have not come true. 2. The vesico-urethral quotient at strain (pV max/pU max) is (with the exception of one case) corresponding to the result of the operation. 3. The clinical recovery from incontinence after the Zoedler-plastic is combined with small changes in the pressure-graphs only.", "contents": "[Electronic urethro-cystometry before and after reconstructive surgery using the Zoedler method]. Electronical measurement of pressure in the bladder and urethra of 9 incontinent women treated by the Zoedler-plastic. A comparison of pre- and postoperative levels yielded the following results: 1. The functional length and the closing-pressure of the urethra show uncharacteristic changes of the levels only. The expected postoperative rise of the levels have not come true. 2. The vesico-urethral quotient at strain (pV max/pU max) is (with the exception of one case) corresponding to the result of the operation. 3. The clinical recovery from incontinence after the Zoedler-plastic is combined with small changes in the pressure-graphs only.", "PMID": 988694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2820", "title": "Diurnal variations in the urinary excretion of calcium and phosphate in hyperparathyroidism.", "content": "The urinary excretion of calcium and phosphate during the day and night was studied in 20 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and in the same number of controls with normal function of the parathyroids. A significant difference in TRP between day and night was found in the controls but not in the HPT group. In other respects there were no substantial differences between day and night. The higher excretion of calcium observed in the HPT group was largely attributable to the patients with remal calculi. The simplified sampling procedure when only night urine is analysed has no disadvantages-it is more likely to improve the diagnostic reliability as it reduces the influence of meals, for example.", "contents": "Diurnal variations in the urinary excretion of calcium and phosphate in hyperparathyroidism. The urinary excretion of calcium and phosphate during the day and night was studied in 20 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and in the same number of controls with normal function of the parathyroids. A significant difference in TRP between day and night was found in the controls but not in the HPT group. In other respects there were no substantial differences between day and night. The higher excretion of calcium observed in the HPT group was largely attributable to the patients with remal calculi. The simplified sampling procedure when only night urine is analysed has no disadvantages-it is more likely to improve the diagnostic reliability as it reduces the influence of meals, for example.", "PMID": 988700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2821", "title": "[Diurnal periodicity of wakefulness and sleep in the catfish Ictalurus nebulosus].", "content": "In studies on the behavioural reactions, cardiac rhythm, respiration and EMG in unrestrained catfish, awakefulness and two forms of rest were differentiated. It was shown that in the diurnal rhythm of these functional states, certain behavioral reactions, cardiac rate, type of respiration and EMG correspond to each of these states. By means of discrete recordings of these parameters within several days, in 15 specimens diurnal distribution of awakefulness and two forms of rest was investigated. It was found that the daily form of rest in the catfish exhibits some similarity with cataleptic-like immobilization which was observed in the diurnal activity of amphibians, reptiles and birds.", "contents": "[Diurnal periodicity of wakefulness and sleep in the catfish Ictalurus nebulosus]. In studies on the behavioural reactions, cardiac rhythm, respiration and EMG in unrestrained catfish, awakefulness and two forms of rest were differentiated. It was shown that in the diurnal rhythm of these functional states, certain behavioral reactions, cardiac rate, type of respiration and EMG correspond to each of these states. By means of discrete recordings of these parameters within several days, in 15 specimens diurnal distribution of awakefulness and two forms of rest was investigated. It was found that the daily form of rest in the catfish exhibits some similarity with cataleptic-like immobilization which was observed in the diurnal activity of amphibians, reptiles and birds.", "PMID": 988695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2822", "title": "Invagination of the vermiform appendix. A report of two cases associated with endometriosis.", "content": "Two cases of invagination of the Vermiform appendix associated with endometriosis are presented. Classification, incidence, etiology, symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment are discussed. The literature is reviewed in brief, and it is concluded that the possibility of invagination of the Vermiform appendix should be considered in obsure abdominal cases with recurrent right lower quadrant pain.", "contents": "Invagination of the vermiform appendix. A report of two cases associated with endometriosis. Two cases of invagination of the Vermiform appendix associated with endometriosis are presented. Classification, incidence, etiology, symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment are discussed. The literature is reviewed in brief, and it is concluded that the possibility of invagination of the Vermiform appendix should be considered in obsure abdominal cases with recurrent right lower quadrant pain.", "PMID": 988701} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2823", "title": "[Cardiac component of emotional stress in the elk, Alces alces, and the reindeer, Rangifer tarandus].", "content": "Using radiotelemetric technique, extraordinary changes have been found in cardiac activity of the elk and reindeer during spontaneous emotional stress under natural conditions. Cardiac reaction is characterized by rapid 2--3-fold increase in the heart rate and by 3--4-fold increase in the amplitude of T-wave. It was suggested that these changes are associated with abnormalities of metabolic processes in the heart.", "contents": "[Cardiac component of emotional stress in the elk, Alces alces, and the reindeer, Rangifer tarandus]. Using radiotelemetric technique, extraordinary changes have been found in cardiac activity of the elk and reindeer during spontaneous emotional stress under natural conditions. Cardiac reaction is characterized by rapid 2--3-fold increase in the heart rate and by 3--4-fold increase in the amplitude of T-wave. It was suggested that these changes are associated with abnormalities of metabolic processes in the heart.", "PMID": 988696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2824", "title": "[Species characteristics of the diurnal periodicity of rest and activity in Black Sea fish].", "content": "In 6 species of the Black Sea teleosts differing in habitats and other ecological peculiarities, behavioural and electrophysiological experiments revealed 3 types of the diurnal periodism of motor activity and rest. The first type was most evident in the grey mullet Mugil sp., being characterized by the decrease of the level of the activity at night time. In the second type, motor activity was observed at any time; this type of periodism was typical of the dogfish Squalus acanthias and the hunchback Sciaena umbra. In the third type of periodism, the level of the activity remained also unchanged, but in contrast to the second type, it was practically equal to zero. This type was most evident in the scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus. The data obtained indicate that species peculiarities may be found in the diurnal rhythm of the activity and rest. These periods of rest we consider as \"presleep\" or \"protosleep\" (the initial stage of the development of sleep) in vertebrates.", "contents": "[Species characteristics of the diurnal periodicity of rest and activity in Black Sea fish]. In 6 species of the Black Sea teleosts differing in habitats and other ecological peculiarities, behavioural and electrophysiological experiments revealed 3 types of the diurnal periodism of motor activity and rest. The first type was most evident in the grey mullet Mugil sp., being characterized by the decrease of the level of the activity at night time. In the second type, motor activity was observed at any time; this type of periodism was typical of the dogfish Squalus acanthias and the hunchback Sciaena umbra. In the third type of periodism, the level of the activity remained also unchanged, but in contrast to the second type, it was practically equal to zero. This type was most evident in the scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus. The data obtained indicate that species peculiarities may be found in the diurnal rhythm of the activity and rest. These periods of rest we consider as \"presleep\" or \"protosleep\" (the initial stage of the development of sleep) in vertebrates.", "PMID": 988697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2825", "title": "[Headache].", "content": "Headache is an alarm symptom, whether there is an organic disease (lesional headache) or a perturbation of one of the various functions of the head (functional headache). Lesional headaches follow a sinusitis or an arthrosis, or accompany a \"temporal arteritis of Horton\". Functional headaches include several varieties. 1. Trigemellar neuralgia. 2. Vascular algia originating from the basal arteries, the large cerebral venous sinuses or the branches of the external carotid. Among these are: a) headaches due to a dilatation of the internal wall, causing \"Horton headache\", migrain-like psychosomatic migraine and hormonal migraines (premenstrual, menstrual, menopausal or linked to the use of contraceptive pills); b) headaches caused by an angiospasm of the arteriole, which is the case in exposure to the cold, in traumatic headaches (malfunction of temporomandibular articulation, dry alveolitis), in psychosomatic angiospastic algias and in ethmoidal artery algias previously described by the author in 1949 (Godin's disease). 3. Headaches due to psychic hypertension. 4. Postconcussional psychogenic headaches. 5. Neurotic headaches. The author gives a detailed description of the subjective symptoms in each case, including localisation, form, intensity, duration course and associated phenomenons. This facilitates greatly the differential diagnosis and the choice of complementary examinations. Necessary biological investigations should be performed (e.g. hormonal balance). One should however avoid to increase the number of complementary examinations which would only delay treatment and would expose patients to somatisation. Furthermore, in each case drug treatment, periarterial infiltration technics of the temporal, internal frontal, facial, mastoid and occipital arteries are described. The necessity of questioning the patient at length and to listen to him to enable him to verbalise conscious conflicts is emphasized. A serious medicopsychological examination and a relaxation treatment to reduce anxiety and muscular tension are advised in some cases.", "contents": "[Headache]. Headache is an alarm symptom, whether there is an organic disease (lesional headache) or a perturbation of one of the various functions of the head (functional headache). Lesional headaches follow a sinusitis or an arthrosis, or accompany a \"temporal arteritis of Horton\". Functional headaches include several varieties. 1. Trigemellar neuralgia. 2. Vascular algia originating from the basal arteries, the large cerebral venous sinuses or the branches of the external carotid. Among these are: a) headaches due to a dilatation of the internal wall, causing \"Horton headache\", migrain-like psychosomatic migraine and hormonal migraines (premenstrual, menstrual, menopausal or linked to the use of contraceptive pills); b) headaches caused by an angiospasm of the arteriole, which is the case in exposure to the cold, in traumatic headaches (malfunction of temporomandibular articulation, dry alveolitis), in psychosomatic angiospastic algias and in ethmoidal artery algias previously described by the author in 1949 (Godin's disease). 3. Headaches due to psychic hypertension. 4. Postconcussional psychogenic headaches. 5. Neurotic headaches. The author gives a detailed description of the subjective symptoms in each case, including localisation, form, intensity, duration course and associated phenomenons. This facilitates greatly the differential diagnosis and the choice of complementary examinations. Necessary biological investigations should be performed (e.g. hormonal balance). One should however avoid to increase the number of complementary examinations which would only delay treatment and would expose patients to somatisation. Furthermore, in each case drug treatment, periarterial infiltration technics of the temporal, internal frontal, facial, mastoid and occipital arteries are described. The necessity of questioning the patient at length and to listen to him to enable him to verbalise conscious conflicts is emphasized. A serious medicopsychological examination and a relaxation treatment to reduce anxiety and muscular tension are advised in some cases.", "PMID": 988703} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2826", "title": "Cystic goiter with squamous-cell metaplasia--case report and comment on origin of squamous-cell cyst.", "content": "A 53-year-old woman with a left unilocular cystic goiter of the size of a small orange was reported. Approximately four-tenths of the innter surface was lined with several layered squamous epithelium with few follicles remaining. A gradual metaplastic transition from the follicular epithelium to the flattened cuboidal and to the squamous epithelium was observed. The ultimobranchial body has been understood to be a possible origin of an entirely squamous cell cyst of the thyroid, three of which have been reported. The difference between the ultimo-branchial and metaplastic origins will be discussed, and a new designation-primary (ultimo-branchial) and secondary (metaplastic) squamous-cell cyst will be proposed.", "contents": "Cystic goiter with squamous-cell metaplasia--case report and comment on origin of squamous-cell cyst. A 53-year-old woman with a left unilocular cystic goiter of the size of a small orange was reported. Approximately four-tenths of the innter surface was lined with several layered squamous epithelium with few follicles remaining. A gradual metaplastic transition from the follicular epithelium to the flattened cuboidal and to the squamous epithelium was observed. The ultimobranchial body has been understood to be a possible origin of an entirely squamous cell cyst of the thyroid, three of which have been reported. The difference between the ultimo-branchial and metaplastic origins will be discussed, and a new designation-primary (ultimo-branchial) and secondary (metaplastic) squamous-cell cyst will be proposed.", "PMID": 988704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2827", "title": "Prostaglandin levels in peripheral plasma during the reproductive cycle.", "content": "The levels of the major plasma metabolite of PGF2alpha, 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2alpha, were followed in peripheral venous plasma during the reproductive cycle in three species, viz., the ovine, bovine, and human species. In the sheep and cattle low levels were encountered during the major part of the estrous cycle. During the last days of the cycle high levels of the prostaglandin metabolite were found, coinciding with the decrease in progesterone production. The human menstrual cycle was characterized with respect to some plasma steroids and peptide hormones. The prostaglandin metabolite levels were low throughout the cycle, generally ranging between 30 and 70 pg/ml. No significant variation in the prostaglandin production could be seen during the menstrual cycle.", "contents": "Prostaglandin levels in peripheral plasma during the reproductive cycle. The levels of the major plasma metabolite of PGF2alpha, 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2alpha, were followed in peripheral venous plasma during the reproductive cycle in three species, viz., the ovine, bovine, and human species. In the sheep and cattle low levels were encountered during the major part of the estrous cycle. During the last days of the cycle high levels of the prostaglandin metabolite were found, coinciding with the decrease in progesterone production. The human menstrual cycle was characterized with respect to some plasma steroids and peptide hormones. The prostaglandin metabolite levels were low throughout the cycle, generally ranging between 30 and 70 pg/ml. No significant variation in the prostaglandin production could be seen during the menstrual cycle.", "PMID": 988708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2828", "title": "Diurnal variation of nasal protein concentration.", "content": "In normal subjects a marked diurnal variation was disclosed in the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA and albumin in nasal secretion, the night values being 4.5-5.5 times higher than those during the day. It is suggested that this is due to changing secretory activity of the nasal glands.", "contents": "Diurnal variation of nasal protein concentration. In normal subjects a marked diurnal variation was disclosed in the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA and albumin in nasal secretion, the night values being 4.5-5.5 times higher than those during the day. It is suggested that this is due to changing secretory activity of the nasal glands.", "PMID": 988702} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2829", "title": "Choosing a substitute cardiac valve: type, size, surgeon.", "content": "Certain ideal characteristics of substitute cardiac valves are analyzed for each of the four basic types of available substitute cardiac valves. Of the four, the caged disc prosthesis is the least desirable: it obstructs, it clots and it degenerates. Each of the other three types of substitute cardiac valves has more favorable characteristics. Ideally, the caged ball prosthesis might be limited to patients with predominantly regurgitant lesions because of the problem of prosthetic disproportion. The tilting disc has favorable hemodynamic and wear characteristics, but long-term anticoagulant therapy is essential, as with the caged ball and caged disc types of prosthesis. The porcine xenograft appears to be desirable, but patients with sufficient implantation time (more than 5 years) for proper evaluation are just beginning to be studied and, therefore, final judgment must be reserved. Assuming that valve replacement is to be carried out in a large medical center by a surgical team experienced in this procedure, the results of this operation today are dependent more on the type and size of substitute valve inserted than on the surgeon who inserts the valve. It is therefore important for the cardiologist to become more informed about the various types of prosthetic cardiac valves and to become a member of the team deciding which type and size of cardiac valve are most suitable for his (or her) patient.", "contents": "Choosing a substitute cardiac valve: type, size, surgeon. Certain ideal characteristics of substitute cardiac valves are analyzed for each of the four basic types of available substitute cardiac valves. Of the four, the caged disc prosthesis is the least desirable: it obstructs, it clots and it degenerates. Each of the other three types of substitute cardiac valves has more favorable characteristics. Ideally, the caged ball prosthesis might be limited to patients with predominantly regurgitant lesions because of the problem of prosthetic disproportion. The tilting disc has favorable hemodynamic and wear characteristics, but long-term anticoagulant therapy is essential, as with the caged ball and caged disc types of prosthesis. The porcine xenograft appears to be desirable, but patients with sufficient implantation time (more than 5 years) for proper evaluation are just beginning to be studied and, therefore, final judgment must be reserved. Assuming that valve replacement is to be carried out in a large medical center by a surgical team experienced in this procedure, the results of this operation today are dependent more on the type and size of substitute valve inserted than on the surgeon who inserts the valve. It is therefore important for the cardiologist to become more informed about the various types of prosthetic cardiac valves and to become a member of the team deciding which type and size of cardiac valve are most suitable for his (or her) patient.", "PMID": 988740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2830", "title": "Stereo high-voltage electron microscopy of whole cells of the human diploid line, WI-38.", "content": "The human diploid cell line, WI-38, has proven to be an especially good object for high-voltage electron microscopy using whole cells. Cells of intermediate passages were grown on plastic-coated, carbon-shadowed gold grids, fixed with glutaraldehyde, post-fixed with osmium tetroxide, stained with uranyl salts and critical-point dried. The absence of an embedding matrix produces images of increased contrast and resolution. The approach combined with stereo-microscopy has extended our knowledge of cellular ultrastructure. Stereo-images of whole cells reveal nuclei, mitochondria, microtubules, microfilaments, the endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes in their expected forms. At high magnifications a continuity of microtubules, microfilaments and membranous elements with thin (3-6 nm) strands of the ground substance has been observed. These strands form a three-dimensional lattice or mesh that pervades all parts of the cytoplasm. The entire structure is referred to as a microtrabecular lattice or mesh, the strands being the trabeculae. The inclusion of microtubules, microfilaments, ribosomes and vesicles of the endoplasmic reticulum within the material of the lattice makes them all part of a totally organized cytoplast.", "contents": "Stereo high-voltage electron microscopy of whole cells of the human diploid line, WI-38. The human diploid cell line, WI-38, has proven to be an especially good object for high-voltage electron microscopy using whole cells. Cells of intermediate passages were grown on plastic-coated, carbon-shadowed gold grids, fixed with glutaraldehyde, post-fixed with osmium tetroxide, stained with uranyl salts and critical-point dried. The absence of an embedding matrix produces images of increased contrast and resolution. The approach combined with stereo-microscopy has extended our knowledge of cellular ultrastructure. Stereo-images of whole cells reveal nuclei, mitochondria, microtubules, microfilaments, the endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes in their expected forms. At high magnifications a continuity of microtubules, microfilaments and membranous elements with thin (3-6 nm) strands of the ground substance has been observed. These strands form a three-dimensional lattice or mesh that pervades all parts of the cytoplasm. The entire structure is referred to as a microtrabecular lattice or mesh, the strands being the trabeculae. The inclusion of microtubules, microfilaments, ribosomes and vesicles of the endoplasmic reticulum within the material of the lattice makes them all part of a totally organized cytoplast.", "PMID": 988741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2831", "title": "Psychiatric casualties following revision to the \"continent\" Kock ileostomy.", "content": "The advantages of the appliance-free \"continent\" Kock ileostomy over the conventional ileostomy may result in its earlier and more frequent use in treating ulcerative colitis. Caution must be observed in selecting patients for surgery because of the high incidence of psychological problems in this population. Increased restraint is especially indicated as such surgery may no longer be reserved for life-threatening or incapacitating conditions. As the Kock operation becomes more widely known, patients with conventional ileostomies are requesting revision to the reservoir. This paper addresses itself to unexpected problems that may arise in this group. Two cases are presented of men who made tenuous adjustments to the primary surgery but for whom revision to the continent ileostomy proved psychologically catastrophic. Psychiatric evaluation is urged in the absence of clear-cut medical indications for revision. Suggestions concerning selection of patients who seek such change are offered.", "contents": "Psychiatric casualties following revision to the \"continent\" Kock ileostomy. The advantages of the appliance-free \"continent\" Kock ileostomy over the conventional ileostomy may result in its earlier and more frequent use in treating ulcerative colitis. Caution must be observed in selecting patients for surgery because of the high incidence of psychological problems in this population. Increased restraint is especially indicated as such surgery may no longer be reserved for life-threatening or incapacitating conditions. As the Kock operation becomes more widely known, patients with conventional ileostomies are requesting revision to the reservoir. This paper addresses itself to unexpected problems that may arise in this group. Two cases are presented of men who made tenuous adjustments to the primary surgery but for whom revision to the continent ileostomy proved psychologically catastrophic. Psychiatric evaluation is urged in the absence of clear-cut medical indications for revision. Suggestions concerning selection of patients who seek such change are offered.", "PMID": 988742} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2832", "title": "Some social and medical characteristics of Army men with testicular cancer.", "content": "Risk of developing cancer of the testis was related to social and medical characteristics in a case-control study of men on active duty in the US Army, 1950-1970. Service records were obtained for 702 newly-diagnosed patients and 624 members of a systematic sample of unaffected servicemen. Risk ratios were computed for seminomas, tumors of other histologic types, and for all tumors combined. Respectively, these risk ratios were 0.3, 0.1 and 0.2 for blacks compared to whites, 1.5, 1.1 and 1.3 for Protestants compared to Catholics, and 1.5, 1.0 and 1.2 for the ever married compared to the never married. Risk increased regularly with duration of schooling for seminomas but not other types of tumors. Risk appeared relatively low for men from large sibships. Men from the North Central or Western parts of the country were at higher risk than those from the South or Northeast, a trend that was stronger for tumors other than seminomas. Observed changes in risk with respect to history of mumps and ABO blood group were small.", "contents": "Some social and medical characteristics of Army men with testicular cancer. Risk of developing cancer of the testis was related to social and medical characteristics in a case-control study of men on active duty in the US Army, 1950-1970. Service records were obtained for 702 newly-diagnosed patients and 624 members of a systematic sample of unaffected servicemen. Risk ratios were computed for seminomas, tumors of other histologic types, and for all tumors combined. Respectively, these risk ratios were 0.3, 0.1 and 0.2 for blacks compared to whites, 1.5, 1.1 and 1.3 for Protestants compared to Catholics, and 1.5, 1.0 and 1.2 for the ever married compared to the never married. Risk increased regularly with duration of schooling for seminomas but not other types of tumors. Risk appeared relatively low for men from large sibships. Men from the North Central or Western parts of the country were at higher risk than those from the South or Northeast, a trend that was stronger for tumors other than seminomas. Observed changes in risk with respect to history of mumps and ABO blood group were small.", "PMID": 988743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2833", "title": "Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in Hodgkin's disease after splenectomy.", "content": "This is a report of a patient with Hodgkin's disease who underwent a staging splenectomy and extensive radiation therapy and then developed \"idiopathic\" thrombocytopenic purpura. This appears to be the second known instance of such a combination of events. The patient was in complete remission of his Hodgkin's disease from radiation therapy at the time and continues in remission 56 mo since completing therapy. There was a complete and, apparently, permanent response of the thrombocytopenic purpura to a course of corticosteroid therapy.", "contents": "Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in Hodgkin's disease after splenectomy. This is a report of a patient with Hodgkin's disease who underwent a staging splenectomy and extensive radiation therapy and then developed \"idiopathic\" thrombocytopenic purpura. This appears to be the second known instance of such a combination of events. The patient was in complete remission of his Hodgkin's disease from radiation therapy at the time and continues in remission 56 mo since completing therapy. There was a complete and, apparently, permanent response of the thrombocytopenic purpura to a course of corticosteroid therapy.", "PMID": 988744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2834", "title": "Sickle beta-thalassemia: identical twins differing in severity implicate nongenetic factors influencing course.", "content": "25-yr old female identical twins of Italian-American origin concordant for sickle beta-thalassemia were studied to explain their clinical differences. One of them has been severely affected from childhood with one aplastic crisis, an earlier onset of vaso-occlusive crises, and recent cardiac decompensation; the other twin shows no cardiac decompensation. Similar are their degree of anemia, RBC indices, blood volumes, absence of splenic sequestration, depression of pO2, elevation of p50 and 2,3-DPG, hemoglobin composition, and peripheral blood globin-synthetic rates. Regarding differences, the more severely affected has a shorter 51Cr RBC life span, a greater menstrual blood loss, and is more overweight, whereas the less severely affected has functional asplenia by 99mTc scanning and a larger proportion of RBC with decreased cellular deformability. We conclude that in sickle beta-thalassemia: (1) genotype alone does not determine the clinical course; (2) significant differences in clinical course can occur with almost identical hemoglobin composition and globin synthetic rates; (3) cellular deformability changes do not correlate exactly with clinical course; and (4) functional asplenia and leanness may be advantageous.", "contents": "Sickle beta-thalassemia: identical twins differing in severity implicate nongenetic factors influencing course. 25-yr old female identical twins of Italian-American origin concordant for sickle beta-thalassemia were studied to explain their clinical differences. One of them has been severely affected from childhood with one aplastic crisis, an earlier onset of vaso-occlusive crises, and recent cardiac decompensation; the other twin shows no cardiac decompensation. Similar are their degree of anemia, RBC indices, blood volumes, absence of splenic sequestration, depression of pO2, elevation of p50 and 2,3-DPG, hemoglobin composition, and peripheral blood globin-synthetic rates. Regarding differences, the more severely affected has a shorter 51Cr RBC life span, a greater menstrual blood loss, and is more overweight, whereas the less severely affected has functional asplenia by 99mTc scanning and a larger proportion of RBC with decreased cellular deformability. We conclude that in sickle beta-thalassemia: (1) genotype alone does not determine the clinical course; (2) significant differences in clinical course can occur with almost identical hemoglobin composition and globin synthetic rates; (3) cellular deformability changes do not correlate exactly with clinical course; and (4) functional asplenia and leanness may be advantageous.", "PMID": 988745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2835", "title": "Treatment of refractory thrombocytopenic purpura with cyclophosphamine.", "content": "Cyclophosphamide, an immunosuppressive agent, was administered as an additional mode of therapy to 30 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) refractory to conventional management. Of 22 previously tested by splenectomy an excellent response was achieved in 12, who remained in complete hematologic remission for 14-96 months after therapy was discontinued; a fair response in 3, with definite increase in platelets, but not to normal levels; and a poor response in 7 who failed to improve. Of 8 nonsplenectomized patients who failed to respond to steroids or maintain a response after steroids were discontinued, 4 were considered excellent, 1 required continued therapy to remain in remission (good response), 2 were fair, and 1 was poor. Remission was observed in 2-10 weeks in both groups and appeared to be related to duration of disease; presence of disease for less than 1 year was associated with a much better response to treatment (11 of 15) when compared with disorders lasting over 2 years (6 of 15). Cyclophosphamide therapy offers additional means of treating patients with ITP who fail to respond to conventional therapy and may serve as an alternative to splenectomy when surgery is contraindicated.", "contents": "Treatment of refractory thrombocytopenic purpura with cyclophosphamine. Cyclophosphamide, an immunosuppressive agent, was administered as an additional mode of therapy to 30 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) refractory to conventional management. Of 22 previously tested by splenectomy an excellent response was achieved in 12, who remained in complete hematologic remission for 14-96 months after therapy was discontinued; a fair response in 3, with definite increase in platelets, but not to normal levels; and a poor response in 7 who failed to improve. Of 8 nonsplenectomized patients who failed to respond to steroids or maintain a response after steroids were discontinued, 4 were considered excellent, 1 required continued therapy to remain in remission (good response), 2 were fair, and 1 was poor. Remission was observed in 2-10 weeks in both groups and appeared to be related to duration of disease; presence of disease for less than 1 year was associated with a much better response to treatment (11 of 15) when compared with disorders lasting over 2 years (6 of 15). Cyclophosphamide therapy offers additional means of treating patients with ITP who fail to respond to conventional therapy and may serve as an alternative to splenectomy when surgery is contraindicated.", "PMID": 988746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2836", "title": "Effects of chorion type on variation in cord blood cholesterol of monozygotic twins.", "content": "Cholesterol levels were measured in the cord blood of 30 pairs of monochorionic and 22 pairs of dichorionic monozygotic (MZ) twins. Cholesterol levels were found to be significantly higher in female twins when data was combined over chorion type. The type of chorionic development had no significant effect on variation among twin pairs. Chorion type did, however, have a significant effect on the within-pair variation. The variation within dichorionic pairs was more than five times that within monochorionic pairs (P less than .01). This result suggests that the variation in placentation has a significant effect on within-pair variation in serum cholesterol of newborn MZ twins.", "contents": "Effects of chorion type on variation in cord blood cholesterol of monozygotic twins. Cholesterol levels were measured in the cord blood of 30 pairs of monochorionic and 22 pairs of dichorionic monozygotic (MZ) twins. Cholesterol levels were found to be significantly higher in female twins when data was combined over chorion type. The type of chorionic development had no significant effect on variation among twin pairs. Chorion type did, however, have a significant effect on the within-pair variation. The variation within dichorionic pairs was more than five times that within monochorionic pairs (P less than .01). This result suggests that the variation in placentation has a significant effect on within-pair variation in serum cholesterol of newborn MZ twins.", "PMID": 988747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2837", "title": "Estimating the risks for offspring of first-cousin matings. An approach.", "content": "Effects of parental consanguinity on morbidity and mortality can be estimated from observations on families ascertained through a child with a disease or defect, provided that appropriate corrections are made for the ascertainment bias. The risk of first-cousin parents having a child with a recessively inherited disease appears to be low (less than 1%). Data obtained by this approach suggest that the increased infant mortality associated with inbreeding (upon which calculations of lethal equivalents are based) may result in part from environmental differences between consanguineous and nonconsanguineous matings, which may be changing. Thus estimates of the number of lethal equivalents in a population can change as the environment changes.", "contents": "Estimating the risks for offspring of first-cousin matings. An approach. Effects of parental consanguinity on morbidity and mortality can be estimated from observations on families ascertained through a child with a disease or defect, provided that appropriate corrections are made for the ascertainment bias. The risk of first-cousin parents having a child with a recessively inherited disease appears to be low (less than 1%). Data obtained by this approach suggest that the increased infant mortality associated with inbreeding (upon which calculations of lethal equivalents are based) may result in part from environmental differences between consanguineous and nonconsanguineous matings, which may be changing. Thus estimates of the number of lethal equivalents in a population can change as the environment changes.", "PMID": 988748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2838", "title": "Diurnal pattern of water and electrolyte excretion and body weight in idiopathic orthostatic hypotension. The effect of three treatments.", "content": "The diurnal pattern of water and solute excretion and body weight were examined in five control subjects and in a patient with idiopathic orthostatic hypotension before and during treatment. The patient had a reversed diurnal pattern of excretion of sodium, urea and water but not of potassium and creatinine, and there was an excessive diurnal variation in body weight. The effects of three treatments, high salt diet alone and then with the addition of head-up tilt, and later fludrocortisone, were studied. Fludrocortisone caused marked clinical improvement and retention of sodium and water. Once a steady state was achieved none of the treatments had any significant effect either on the diurnal variation in weight or on the water and solute xcretion pattern except for a small reduction in sodium excretion at night when the patient slept with a head-up tilt. In is concluded that these treatments cause symptomatic improvement in idiopathic orthostatic hypotension through an increase in extracellular fluid volume rather than through any change in the abnormal diurnal pattern of water and salt excretion.", "contents": "Diurnal pattern of water and electrolyte excretion and body weight in idiopathic orthostatic hypotension. The effect of three treatments. The diurnal pattern of water and solute excretion and body weight were examined in five control subjects and in a patient with idiopathic orthostatic hypotension before and during treatment. The patient had a reversed diurnal pattern of excretion of sodium, urea and water but not of potassium and creatinine, and there was an excessive diurnal variation in body weight. The effects of three treatments, high salt diet alone and then with the addition of head-up tilt, and later fludrocortisone, were studied. Fludrocortisone caused marked clinical improvement and retention of sodium and water. Once a steady state was achieved none of the treatments had any significant effect either on the diurnal variation in weight or on the water and solute xcretion pattern except for a small reduction in sodium excretion at night when the patient slept with a head-up tilt. In is concluded that these treatments cause symptomatic improvement in idiopathic orthostatic hypotension through an increase in extracellular fluid volume rather than through any change in the abnormal diurnal pattern of water and salt excretion.", "PMID": 988749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2839", "title": "Gonadoblastoma: histologic, ultrastructural, and histochemical observations in five cases.", "content": "In this series of gonadoblastomas it appeared that the germ cells were the motivating force underlying either tumor proliferation or regression. The ultrastructural morphology confirmed the presence of undifferentiated gonadal cells with active steroid synthesis by the interstitial cells. The Call-Exner-like bodies which showed extensive calcification were composed of basement membrane material containing a sulfated mucosubstance. A histochemical comparison with the noncalcifying Call-Exner bodies of a granulosa-cell tumor differed only in their glycoprotein content. The calcium deposits were identified as oriented hydroxyapatite crystals by electron diffraction, and it is proposed that the basement membrane material serves as a nucleation site for calcification. High serum testosterone levels were correlated with the presence solely of interstitial cells in one case. The finding of a gonadoblastoma without the presence of a Y chromosome contradicts earlier proposals concerning the requirement of a Y chromosome for germ cell proliferation.", "contents": "Gonadoblastoma: histologic, ultrastructural, and histochemical observations in five cases. In this series of gonadoblastomas it appeared that the germ cells were the motivating force underlying either tumor proliferation or regression. The ultrastructural morphology confirmed the presence of undifferentiated gonadal cells with active steroid synthesis by the interstitial cells. The Call-Exner-like bodies which showed extensive calcification were composed of basement membrane material containing a sulfated mucosubstance. A histochemical comparison with the noncalcifying Call-Exner bodies of a granulosa-cell tumor differed only in their glycoprotein content. The calcium deposits were identified as oriented hydroxyapatite crystals by electron diffraction, and it is proposed that the basement membrane material serves as a nucleation site for calcification. High serum testosterone levels were correlated with the presence solely of interstitial cells in one case. The finding of a gonadoblastoma without the presence of a Y chromosome contradicts earlier proposals concerning the requirement of a Y chromosome for germ cell proliferation.", "PMID": 988750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2840", "title": "Medical and social factors affecting early teenage pregnancy. A literature review and summary of the findings of the Louisiana Infant Mortality Study.", "content": "A total of 414 births occurred to women under 15 years of age in Louisiana in 1972. The infant mortality rates of these children ranged from 6 to 50 per thousand live births when various combinations of medical and social factors were considered. Highest risk is asigned to the offspring of mothers who were poor, or white, or married, or with limited prenatal care. Prenatal care was generally less in the teenager than the older woman. The teenage stillbirth, perinatal mortality, prematurity, and infant mortality rates are generally higher than those in older women. This study confirms the findings of other authors that the offspring of teenage mothers are at greater risk than the offspring of older women although quality prenatal care and origin in a favorable socioeconomic background will ameliorate substantial elements of this risk.", "contents": "Medical and social factors affecting early teenage pregnancy. A literature review and summary of the findings of the Louisiana Infant Mortality Study. A total of 414 births occurred to women under 15 years of age in Louisiana in 1972. The infant mortality rates of these children ranged from 6 to 50 per thousand live births when various combinations of medical and social factors were considered. Highest risk is asigned to the offspring of mothers who were poor, or white, or married, or with limited prenatal care. Prenatal care was generally less in the teenager than the older woman. The teenage stillbirth, perinatal mortality, prematurity, and infant mortality rates are generally higher than those in older women. This study confirms the findings of other authors that the offspring of teenage mothers are at greater risk than the offspring of older women although quality prenatal care and origin in a favorable socioeconomic background will ameliorate substantial elements of this risk.", "PMID": 988751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2841", "title": "The management of the pregnant patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.", "content": "The approach to management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) during pregnancy remains controversial--particularly regarding the method of delivery. Regardless of the maternal platelet count, we believe that these patients should be delivered by elective cesarean section at term because of the continued presence of maternal antiplatelet IgG antibodies, which cross the placenta. Despite the method of treatment used to increase maternal platelets, immunologic factors are significnat for neonatal involvement and should be considered in the management of these patients. The single largest factor responsible for reported neonatal losses has been intracranial hemorrhage secondary to thrombocytopenia and birth injury. Two patients with ITP are presented with data to substantiate our position on the method of delivery. The infants were transiently thrombocytopenic following delivery (despite adequate maternal levels of platelets).", "contents": "The management of the pregnant patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The approach to management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) during pregnancy remains controversial--particularly regarding the method of delivery. Regardless of the maternal platelet count, we believe that these patients should be delivered by elective cesarean section at term because of the continued presence of maternal antiplatelet IgG antibodies, which cross the placenta. Despite the method of treatment used to increase maternal platelets, immunologic factors are significnat for neonatal involvement and should be considered in the management of these patients. The single largest factor responsible for reported neonatal losses has been intracranial hemorrhage secondary to thrombocytopenia and birth injury. Two patients with ITP are presented with data to substantiate our position on the method of delivery. The infants were transiently thrombocytopenic following delivery (despite adequate maternal levels of platelets).", "PMID": 988752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2842", "title": "Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with pregnancy.", "content": "Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a disorder of unknown etiology, appears to be a syndrome often associated with infectious, vascular, or autoimmune diseases. When it occurs in pregnancy, TTP can mimic other gestational complications. Two patients with TTP associated with pregnancy form the basis of this report. On patient is the second person known to have survived longer than 2 years after concurrent TTP and pregnancy. This patient had underlying glomerulonephritis and was treated with corticosteroids and heparin. The other patient, in whom an underlying disease process was not identified, was treated unsuccessfully with most of the recommended therapeutic modalities. Patients with concurrent TTP and pregnancy have the same prognosis as nonpregnant patient with TTP. Both groups have a prolonged survival rate of only 10 per cent. Primary treatment should consist of corticosteroids and inhibitors of platelet aggregation. If a rapid response does not occur, splenectomy is indicated. Care must be taken to recognize the pregnancy complicated by TTP, a circumstance which appears to occur more frequently than past reports have indicated.", "contents": "Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with pregnancy. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a disorder of unknown etiology, appears to be a syndrome often associated with infectious, vascular, or autoimmune diseases. When it occurs in pregnancy, TTP can mimic other gestational complications. Two patients with TTP associated with pregnancy form the basis of this report. On patient is the second person known to have survived longer than 2 years after concurrent TTP and pregnancy. This patient had underlying glomerulonephritis and was treated with corticosteroids and heparin. The other patient, in whom an underlying disease process was not identified, was treated unsuccessfully with most of the recommended therapeutic modalities. Patients with concurrent TTP and pregnancy have the same prognosis as nonpregnant patient with TTP. Both groups have a prolonged survival rate of only 10 per cent. Primary treatment should consist of corticosteroids and inhibitors of platelet aggregation. If a rapid response does not occur, splenectomy is indicated. Care must be taken to recognize the pregnancy complicated by TTP, a circumstance which appears to occur more frequently than past reports have indicated.", "PMID": 988753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2843", "title": "Free-feeding patterns of rats in response to changes in environmental temperature.", "content": "Four adult Sprague-Dawley rats (430-450 g), maintained on a 12:12 h dark/light cycle and 15% casein diet, were exposed to cold (5 degrees C) for 77 days and then transferred back to 24 degrees C. Throughout thisperiod, the feeding patterns of the rats were measured with recording balances. Cold exposure caused an immediate reduction in nocturnal meal frequency that remained low during the cold exposure. In contrast, diurnal meal frequency was unaltered. Average nocturnal meal size, which did not significantly increase before 8 days of cold, reached a plateau in 2 wk, whereas the average diurnal meal size did not significantly change until late in the exposure period. \"Warm\" (24 degrees C) reentry elicited an abrupt increase in nocturnal meal frequency and a reduction in average nocturnal as well as diurnal meal size. It thus appears that even in the face of a sudden increase in energy expenditure resulting from cold exposure, adult rats do not immediately adjust their daily food intake. On the other hand, the adaptive hyperphagic response occurring after cold acclimation is abolished when the energy demand is eliminated, i.e., when the animals are removed from the cold.", "contents": "Free-feeding patterns of rats in response to changes in environmental temperature. Four adult Sprague-Dawley rats (430-450 g), maintained on a 12:12 h dark/light cycle and 15% casein diet, were exposed to cold (5 degrees C) for 77 days and then transferred back to 24 degrees C. Throughout thisperiod, the feeding patterns of the rats were measured with recording balances. Cold exposure caused an immediate reduction in nocturnal meal frequency that remained low during the cold exposure. In contrast, diurnal meal frequency was unaltered. Average nocturnal meal size, which did not significantly increase before 8 days of cold, reached a plateau in 2 wk, whereas the average diurnal meal size did not significantly change until late in the exposure period. \"Warm\" (24 degrees C) reentry elicited an abrupt increase in nocturnal meal frequency and a reduction in average nocturnal as well as diurnal meal size. It thus appears that even in the face of a sudden increase in energy expenditure resulting from cold exposure, adult rats do not immediately adjust their daily food intake. On the other hand, the adaptive hyperphagic response occurring after cold acclimation is abolished when the energy demand is eliminated, i.e., when the animals are removed from the cold.", "PMID": 988754} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2844", "title": "Effects of psychosocial stimuli on plasma renin activity in rats.", "content": "The effects of two types of psychosocial stimuli on plasma renin activity (PRA) were studied in unanesthetized rats, blood being collected by decapitation. Thirty minutes of exposure to a novel environment (\"open field\") produced statistically significant increases of PRA in rats maintained on either a standard (1% NaCl) or sodium-free diet. No change in plasma renin substrate occurred. Prior treatment with propranolol (approximately 2 mg/kg) reduced the renin response by approximately 50% but did not completely abolish it. Plasma renin activity was also increased significantly by exposure of caged rats to the presence of a hungry cat for 30 min. We conclude that psychosocial stimuli can produce significant increases in renin secretion and that this response is mediated, at least in part, by the sympathetic nervous system.", "contents": "Effects of psychosocial stimuli on plasma renin activity in rats. The effects of two types of psychosocial stimuli on plasma renin activity (PRA) were studied in unanesthetized rats, blood being collected by decapitation. Thirty minutes of exposure to a novel environment (\"open field\") produced statistically significant increases of PRA in rats maintained on either a standard (1% NaCl) or sodium-free diet. No change in plasma renin substrate occurred. Prior treatment with propranolol (approximately 2 mg/kg) reduced the renin response by approximately 50% but did not completely abolish it. Plasma renin activity was also increased significantly by exposure of caged rats to the presence of a hungry cat for 30 min. We conclude that psychosocial stimuli can produce significant increases in renin secretion and that this response is mediated, at least in part, by the sympathetic nervous system.", "PMID": 988755} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2845", "title": "A Bicentennial address: Benjamin Rush and those who came after him.", "content": "In this Bicentennial year, the author takes a look at the early days of Amercan psychiatry, focusing on some of the great men who helped to form the discipline. These men have much to teach us in a time when the field is divided within and faces a crisis of public confidence without. We can learn much from men like Benjamin Rush, who although they were actively involved in the social movements of their day, remained always the physician. Dr. Braceland suggests that it is time for psychiatry to move back into the mainstream of medicine, retaining, of course, mastery of psychotherpeutic techniques and knowledge of psychodynamics. This move can best be accomplished by employing the principle of complementarity, the art of encompassing different approaches to problems and utilizing the essentials of each to arrive at workable solutions.", "contents": "A Bicentennial address: Benjamin Rush and those who came after him. In this Bicentennial year, the author takes a look at the early days of Amercan psychiatry, focusing on some of the great men who helped to form the discipline. These men have much to teach us in a time when the field is divided within and faces a crisis of public confidence without. We can learn much from men like Benjamin Rush, who although they were actively involved in the social movements of their day, remained always the physician. Dr. Braceland suggests that it is time for psychiatry to move back into the mainstream of medicine, retaining, of course, mastery of psychotherpeutic techniques and knowledge of psychodynamics. This move can best be accomplished by employing the principle of complementarity, the art of encompassing different approaches to problems and utilizing the essentials of each to arrive at workable solutions.", "PMID": 988756} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2846", "title": "The broad role of Ego Functions Assessment.", "content": "The need for accurate assessment and accountability is of paramount professional concern to psychiatry. The authors state that ego functions assessment (EFA) is reliable and valid quantitative technique, useful for these purposes in a variety of psychiatric settings. They suggest the various uses of EFA in five such areas: Professional Standards Review Organizations (PSRO) and third-party funding, forensic psychiatry and legal responsibility, the monitoring of psychotherapeutic drugs, research and planning in psychotherapy, and psychological testing. The authors condlude the EFA is a dynamically sophisticated and easily learned form of mental status examination and that its refinement by extensive use and simplification is likely.", "contents": "The broad role of Ego Functions Assessment. The need for accurate assessment and accountability is of paramount professional concern to psychiatry. The authors state that ego functions assessment (EFA) is reliable and valid quantitative technique, useful for these purposes in a variety of psychiatric settings. They suggest the various uses of EFA in five such areas: Professional Standards Review Organizations (PSRO) and third-party funding, forensic psychiatry and legal responsibility, the monitoring of psychotherapeutic drugs, research and planning in psychotherapy, and psychological testing. The authors condlude the EFA is a dynamically sophisticated and easily learned form of mental status examination and that its refinement by extensive use and simplification is likely.", "PMID": 988757} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2847", "title": "A dynamic synthesis of analytic and behavioral approaches to symptoms.", "content": "The symptom-formation process involves a complex interaction between internal symbolic expression and secondary reinforcing consequences in the patient's environment. Symptoms are considered from a practical clinical perceptive integrating behavioral and analytic approaches and the implications for diagnosis, disposition, and treatment are outlined.", "contents": "A dynamic synthesis of analytic and behavioral approaches to symptoms. The symptom-formation process involves a complex interaction between internal symbolic expression and secondary reinforcing consequences in the patient's environment. Symptoms are considered from a practical clinical perceptive integrating behavioral and analytic approaches and the implications for diagnosis, disposition, and treatment are outlined.", "PMID": 988759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2848", "title": "Histomorphological and histochemical studies on the female genitalia of aging goat. III. Polyovular follicles and polynuclear ova in ovary.", "content": "Polyovular follicles and polynuclear ova have been recorded to occur only in 5 goats out of 24 goats of ages between 2 months 24 days and 5 years 2 months 18 days, studied. These structures were recognized at proestrus, estrus and metestrus only but never in the animals over 1 year of age. Polyovular and polynuclear follicles with no apparent degenerative changes were seen at estrus whereas degenerating ones were commonly seen at proestrus and metestrus also.", "contents": "Histomorphological and histochemical studies on the female genitalia of aging goat. III. Polyovular follicles and polynuclear ova in ovary. Polyovular follicles and polynuclear ova have been recorded to occur only in 5 goats out of 24 goats of ages between 2 months 24 days and 5 years 2 months 18 days, studied. These structures were recognized at proestrus, estrus and metestrus only but never in the animals over 1 year of age. Polyovular and polynuclear follicles with no apparent degenerative changes were seen at estrus whereas degenerating ones were commonly seen at proestrus and metestrus also.", "PMID": 988762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2849", "title": "On cestodes of Passer domesticus I. Choanotaenia, Raillietine and Proparuterina.", "content": "An investigation on the cestode fauna of the common sparrow, Passer domesticus (Linnaeus) was carried out for about five years. In all 445 birds were examined during this period and only five species of cestodes were found to parasitize this bird: of these, three are known while two are new forms, the latter are the rarities. This part includes critical accounts of Choanotaenia passerina (Fuhrmann, 1907), Raillietine (R.) galeritae (Skrjabin, 1915) and Proparuterina lali sp. nov. - Choanotaenia passerina (Fuhrmann, 1907) has been previously studied by Fuhrmann (1907), Johnston (1909), Stunkard & Milford (1937) and Kintner (1938). The present study provides additional data. The writers find two rows of rostellar hooks in the present material. Fuhrmann and Johnston reported two rows of rostellar hooks, but Kintner apparently found a single row of rostellar hooks. Variations have been found in the number of testes and extent of cirrus sac. Amongst the previous workers, only Johnston (1909) paid attention to study the protective coverings present around the hexacanth and described two envelopes, but the writers find three. - Raillietine (R.) galeritae (Skrjabin, 1915) has been restudied and redescribed from fresh material. Previously Mahon (1958) studied this species from P. domesticus. The present account includes important variations and some additions too. Suckers have been found to be armed in contradiction to what Mahon stated. Gravid proglottides have been found to develop a velum. Egg capsules contain 3-13 eggs each. Two protective envelopes have been found around the hexacanth. This is the first record of the occurrence of this species in P. domesticus in India. Proparuterina lali sp. nov. is a rare parasite of Passer domesticus. Only one more species viz. P. aruensis Fuhrmann, 1911 is known. The present species differs from P. aruensis in the number and distribution of testes, bilobed nature and median position of ovary, position of vitellarium and of genital pore. The generic diagnosis of Proparuterina Fuhrmann, 1911 has been amended in the light of the morphology of the present species.", "contents": "On cestodes of Passer domesticus I. Choanotaenia, Raillietine and Proparuterina. An investigation on the cestode fauna of the common sparrow, Passer domesticus (Linnaeus) was carried out for about five years. In all 445 birds were examined during this period and only five species of cestodes were found to parasitize this bird: of these, three are known while two are new forms, the latter are the rarities. This part includes critical accounts of Choanotaenia passerina (Fuhrmann, 1907), Raillietine (R.) galeritae (Skrjabin, 1915) and Proparuterina lali sp. nov. - Choanotaenia passerina (Fuhrmann, 1907) has been previously studied by Fuhrmann (1907), Johnston (1909), Stunkard & Milford (1937) and Kintner (1938). The present study provides additional data. The writers find two rows of rostellar hooks in the present material. Fuhrmann and Johnston reported two rows of rostellar hooks, but Kintner apparently found a single row of rostellar hooks. Variations have been found in the number of testes and extent of cirrus sac. Amongst the previous workers, only Johnston (1909) paid attention to study the protective coverings present around the hexacanth and described two envelopes, but the writers find three. - Raillietine (R.) galeritae (Skrjabin, 1915) has been restudied and redescribed from fresh material. Previously Mahon (1958) studied this species from P. domesticus. The present account includes important variations and some additions too. Suckers have been found to be armed in contradiction to what Mahon stated. Gravid proglottides have been found to develop a velum. Egg capsules contain 3-13 eggs each. Two protective envelopes have been found around the hexacanth. This is the first record of the occurrence of this species in P. domesticus in India. Proparuterina lali sp. nov. is a rare parasite of Passer domesticus. Only one more species viz. P. aruensis Fuhrmann, 1911 is known. The present species differs from P. aruensis in the number and distribution of testes, bilobed nature and median position of ovary, position of vitellarium and of genital pore. The generic diagnosis of Proparuterina Fuhrmann, 1911 has been amended in the light of the morphology of the present species.", "PMID": 988763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2850", "title": "[Cardiovascular effect of various morphine-line analgesics in rabbits anesthetized with thiopental or alphadione (Alfatesine)].", "content": "Alphadione (Alfat\u00e9sine, Althesin, CT 1341), a steroid anaesthetic with a quick and short action, has but a very moderate analgesic activity, so it is necessary in human anaesthesian, to associate with it a morphinic analgesis systematically. Therefore it was interesting to study the response of cardiovascular system when using this type of association. Our results show that the cardiovascular depressive effects of morphinic analgesics, when they exist, are not increased by the presence of alphadione.", "contents": "[Cardiovascular effect of various morphine-line analgesics in rabbits anesthetized with thiopental or alphadione (Alfatesine)]. Alphadione (Alfat\u00e9sine, Althesin, CT 1341), a steroid anaesthetic with a quick and short action, has but a very moderate analgesic activity, so it is necessary in human anaesthesian, to associate with it a morphinic analgesis systematically. Therefore it was interesting to study the response of cardiovascular system when using this type of association. Our results show that the cardiovascular depressive effects of morphinic analgesics, when they exist, are not increased by the presence of alphadione.", "PMID": 988764} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2851", "title": "[Effect of general anesthesia with Alfatesine on the newborn infant in obstetrical practice].", "content": "We studied in 130 parturients during childbirth the effects of general anaesthesia by Alfatesine on the state of the foetus at birth. The examinations took into account the APGAR score, blood gas analysis, pH, bases excess in the umbilical artery and vein and the foetal EEG. The subjects are divided into three groups: prophylactic caesarians, extractions during labor in the absence of any foetal distress and extractions for reasons of acute or chronic foetal distress. The results are evaluated in comparison with the same tests conducted on a series of newborn infants in normal conditions and without anaesthesia. The APGAR score is hardly affected by the Alfatesine; the EEG is perturbed (but without any clinical manifestations) during the two hours following delivery. However, theses modifications are less pronounced than those observed with barbiturates. The study of blood gases and pH shows lower values under anaesthesia than without.", "contents": "[Effect of general anesthesia with Alfatesine on the newborn infant in obstetrical practice]. We studied in 130 parturients during childbirth the effects of general anaesthesia by Alfatesine on the state of the foetus at birth. The examinations took into account the APGAR score, blood gas analysis, pH, bases excess in the umbilical artery and vein and the foetal EEG. The subjects are divided into three groups: prophylactic caesarians, extractions during labor in the absence of any foetal distress and extractions for reasons of acute or chronic foetal distress. The results are evaluated in comparison with the same tests conducted on a series of newborn infants in normal conditions and without anaesthesia. The APGAR score is hardly affected by the Alfatesine; the EEG is perturbed (but without any clinical manifestations) during the two hours following delivery. However, theses modifications are less pronounced than those observed with barbiturates. The study of blood gases and pH shows lower values under anaesthesia than without.", "PMID": 988765} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2852", "title": "Physiologic responses of preparturient and postparturient Holstein-Friesian cows to summer heat stress in Arizona.", "content": "A group of 18 Holstein-Friesian cows were studied in central Arizona to evaluate seasonal heat stress factor in preparturient and postparturient dairy cows. Physiologic measurements were made within 2 weeks before calving and within 1 week after calving. The studies were conducted during the cool winter months of December and Janurary and during the hot summer months of July, August, and September. Comparisons were made of rectal temperatures, vaginal temperatures, skin temperatures, respiratory rates, and heart rates between the 2 groups of preparturient and postparturient cows and between the 2 seasons of the year. Rectal temperatures, vaginal temperatures, skin temperatures, and respiratory rates of both preparturient and postparturient cows were significantly higher during the hot weather season than during the cool weather season. Heart rate was not significantly affected by hot weather. The respiratory rates, heart rates, and rectal temperatures of preparturient cows were significantly higher than in postparturient cows during cool weather; however, this relationship was masked by hot weather.", "contents": "Physiologic responses of preparturient and postparturient Holstein-Friesian cows to summer heat stress in Arizona. A group of 18 Holstein-Friesian cows were studied in central Arizona to evaluate seasonal heat stress factor in preparturient and postparturient dairy cows. Physiologic measurements were made within 2 weeks before calving and within 1 week after calving. The studies were conducted during the cool winter months of December and Janurary and during the hot summer months of July, August, and September. Comparisons were made of rectal temperatures, vaginal temperatures, skin temperatures, respiratory rates, and heart rates between the 2 groups of preparturient and postparturient cows and between the 2 seasons of the year. Rectal temperatures, vaginal temperatures, skin temperatures, and respiratory rates of both preparturient and postparturient cows were significantly higher during the hot weather season than during the cool weather season. Heart rate was not significantly affected by hot weather. The respiratory rates, heart rates, and rectal temperatures of preparturient cows were significantly higher than in postparturient cows during cool weather; however, this relationship was masked by hot weather.", "PMID": 988766} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2853", "title": "Recurrent nocturnal asthma after exposure to grain dust.", "content": "Bronchial provocation tests performed on two seperate occasions in a farmer with dust from his own grain led to immediate and late respiratory reactions followed, without further exposure to grain dust, by severe respiratory reactions during subsequent nights. Studies of lung function, including measurements of closing volume, suggested that both large and small airways rather than lung parenchyma were primarily involved. Examination of the grain samples together with the results of skin and serologic tests suggested that the grain mite, Glycyphagus destructor, might be an important allergen. Serum concentrations of C3 and C4 did not alter during these recurrent nocturnal asthmatic reactions.", "contents": "Recurrent nocturnal asthma after exposure to grain dust. Bronchial provocation tests performed on two seperate occasions in a farmer with dust from his own grain led to immediate and late respiratory reactions followed, without further exposure to grain dust, by severe respiratory reactions during subsequent nights. Studies of lung function, including measurements of closing volume, suggested that both large and small airways rather than lung parenchyma were primarily involved. Examination of the grain samples together with the results of skin and serologic tests suggested that the grain mite, Glycyphagus destructor, might be an important allergen. Serum concentrations of C3 and C4 did not alter during these recurrent nocturnal asthmatic reactions.", "PMID": 988767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2854", "title": "Voluntary muscle involvement in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A study of eleven patients.", "content": "Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is generally considered to be a primary disease of cardiac muscle, although several clinical observations suggest that the pathologic process might be more diffuse. To further examine this possibility, electromyography and voluntary muscle biopsies were done on 11 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In 10 of 10 patients electromyography showed reductions in mean potential amplitude and duration, with an increased incidence of short-duration polyphasic deflections (findings traditionally accepted as indicative of a myopathic process). Light and electron microscopic studies of the biopsy material showed abnormalities in eight of 11 patients: four had central core or target fibers, or both, and two of these, plus four others, had subsarcolemmal mitochondrial proliferation with or without abnormal ultrastructure. These findings indicate that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is only one aspect of a larger disease spectrum, with abnormalities in both voluntary and cardiac muscle.", "contents": "Voluntary muscle involvement in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A study of eleven patients. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is generally considered to be a primary disease of cardiac muscle, although several clinical observations suggest that the pathologic process might be more diffuse. To further examine this possibility, electromyography and voluntary muscle biopsies were done on 11 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In 10 of 10 patients electromyography showed reductions in mean potential amplitude and duration, with an increased incidence of short-duration polyphasic deflections (findings traditionally accepted as indicative of a myopathic process). Light and electron microscopic studies of the biopsy material showed abnormalities in eight of 11 patients: four had central core or target fibers, or both, and two of these, plus four others, had subsarcolemmal mitochondrial proliferation with or without abnormal ultrastructure. These findings indicate that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is only one aspect of a larger disease spectrum, with abnormalities in both voluntary and cardiac muscle.", "PMID": 988769} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2855", "title": "Scintigraphy of sacroiliac joints in acute anterior uveitis. A study of thirty patients.", "content": "HLA-B27 is a transplantation antigen found in a high proportion of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Recently, an association has been shown to exist between HLA-B27 and acute uveitis, even in the absence of ankylosing spondylitis. We have examined the HLA antigen profile of 45 patients with acute nongranulomatous anterior uveitis and have confirmed this relation. In addition, using 90mtechnetium stannous pyrophosphate we have been able to demonstrate abnormal bone scan in 19 of 30 patients studied. Such abnormalities are limited to the sacroiliac joints but are otherwise the same as those seen in overt ankylosing spondylitis. Seven of the 19 patients did not have HLA-B27. These factors suggest that acute anterior uveitis may often represent a manifestation of a spondylitic diathesis even in the complete absence of any suggestive symptomatic or radiologic change and, in some cases, even though the antigenic marker HLA-B27 may be absent.", "contents": "Scintigraphy of sacroiliac joints in acute anterior uveitis. A study of thirty patients. HLA-B27 is a transplantation antigen found in a high proportion of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Recently, an association has been shown to exist between HLA-B27 and acute uveitis, even in the absence of ankylosing spondylitis. We have examined the HLA antigen profile of 45 patients with acute nongranulomatous anterior uveitis and have confirmed this relation. In addition, using 90mtechnetium stannous pyrophosphate we have been able to demonstrate abnormal bone scan in 19 of 30 patients studied. Such abnormalities are limited to the sacroiliac joints but are otherwise the same as those seen in overt ankylosing spondylitis. Seven of the 19 patients did not have HLA-B27. These factors suggest that acute anterior uveitis may often represent a manifestation of a spondylitic diathesis even in the complete absence of any suggestive symptomatic or radiologic change and, in some cases, even though the antigenic marker HLA-B27 may be absent.", "PMID": 988770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2856", "title": "[Idiopathic intestinal lymphangiectasis. Evolution with M.C.T. (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of idiopathic intestinal lymphangiectasis is reported in a three month old child. Clinical course and laboratory findings are given in relation to administration of three diets containing different concentrations and types of fat. Short term improvement was only noticed with diets containing low concentrations of long chain triglycerides supplement with medium chain triglycerides. Clinical manifestations related to fat malabsortion improved greatly but there was no relationship with serum protein level. No effect on low level of gamma-globulins and lymphatic displasia was found as sawn in an intestinal biopsy performed after three months of treatment. Nevertheless, long-term results were poor and only were evident in a diminution of steatorrhea and normalization of stools.", "contents": "[Idiopathic intestinal lymphangiectasis. Evolution with M.C.T. (author's transl)]. A case of idiopathic intestinal lymphangiectasis is reported in a three month old child. Clinical course and laboratory findings are given in relation to administration of three diets containing different concentrations and types of fat. Short term improvement was only noticed with diets containing low concentrations of long chain triglycerides supplement with medium chain triglycerides. Clinical manifestations related to fat malabsortion improved greatly but there was no relationship with serum protein level. No effect on low level of gamma-globulins and lymphatic displasia was found as sawn in an intestinal biopsy performed after three months of treatment. Nevertheless, long-term results were poor and only were evident in a diminution of steatorrhea and normalization of stools.", "PMID": 988768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2857", "title": "[Survival of parasitic elements in liquid manure: effect of xylene (author's transl)].", "content": "The spreading of liquid manure may play a role in the transmission of parasitism. In this preliminary study, we have investigated the evolutionary and survival capacities of parasitic elements in liquid manure, their development potential after extraction and the destructive action of xylene in concentration of 1 p. 1000. As parasitic models we have retained: the coccidial oocyst (E. tennella), a thick-shelled egg (A. suum), thin-shelled eggs (H. contortus, O. quadrispinulatum), a trematode egg (F. hepatica) and larva III of H. contortus. The studies were carried out in Erlenmeyer with parasite free liquid manure taken from a bovine cowshed. Water was used as control medium. The parasitic models were kept in the liquid manure for a maximum of 17 days excpet for Ascaris suum, 45 days. Only the coccidial oocyst is little affected. The eggs of Trichostrongylides and of Fasciola show a poor resistance to this environment and to a lesser degree the egg of Ascaris. The larvas III are rapidly destroyed and those obtained from eggs that stayed in liquid manure have a greatly diminished viability. The antiparasitic action of xylene varies according to the type of parasitic element. Its action is particularly clear on the eggs of Trichostrongylides and of Fasciola hepatica.", "contents": "[Survival of parasitic elements in liquid manure: effect of xylene (author's transl)]. The spreading of liquid manure may play a role in the transmission of parasitism. In this preliminary study, we have investigated the evolutionary and survival capacities of parasitic elements in liquid manure, their development potential after extraction and the destructive action of xylene in concentration of 1 p. 1000. As parasitic models we have retained: the coccidial oocyst (E. tennella), a thick-shelled egg (A. suum), thin-shelled eggs (H. contortus, O. quadrispinulatum), a trematode egg (F. hepatica) and larva III of H. contortus. The studies were carried out in Erlenmeyer with parasite free liquid manure taken from a bovine cowshed. Water was used as control medium. The parasitic models were kept in the liquid manure for a maximum of 17 days excpet for Ascaris suum, 45 days. Only the coccidial oocyst is little affected. The eggs of Trichostrongylides and of Fasciola show a poor resistance to this environment and to a lesser degree the egg of Ascaris. The larvas III are rapidly destroyed and those obtained from eggs that stayed in liquid manure have a greatly diminished viability. The antiparasitic action of xylene varies according to the type of parasitic element. Its action is particularly clear on the eggs of Trichostrongylides and of Fasciola hepatica.", "PMID": 988777} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2858", "title": "Twinning and anencephaly.", "content": "The literature on anencephaly in twins ascertained in series has been reviewed and some hitherto unpublished data presented. 1. Anencephaly rates in opposite-sexed twin pairs seem not to differ appreciably from those in related singleton births. 2. There is good evidence that the incidence of anencephaly is higher in same-sexed twin pairs than in opposite-sexed pairs. One would infer that anencephaly is commoner in MZ than DZ pairs: this inference is supported by some data on anencephaly in twins of which the zygosity has been diagnosed. It is estimated that members of MZ twin pairs are about 1 2/3 times as likely to be anencephalic as are other individuals. 3. Concordance rates are not low, as is sometimes suggested, but are of the same order as recurrence rates. 4. It seems likely that concordance rates are higher in same-sexed than in opposite-sexed pairs. This would be expected because of the sex-preferential nature of the condition, and the hypothesized higher incidence rates in MZ pairs.", "contents": "Twinning and anencephaly. The literature on anencephaly in twins ascertained in series has been reviewed and some hitherto unpublished data presented. 1. Anencephaly rates in opposite-sexed twin pairs seem not to differ appreciably from those in related singleton births. 2. There is good evidence that the incidence of anencephaly is higher in same-sexed twin pairs than in opposite-sexed pairs. One would infer that anencephaly is commoner in MZ than DZ pairs: this inference is supported by some data on anencephaly in twins of which the zygosity has been diagnosed. It is estimated that members of MZ twin pairs are about 1 2/3 times as likely to be anencephalic as are other individuals. 3. Concordance rates are not low, as is sometimes suggested, but are of the same order as recurrence rates. 4. It seems likely that concordance rates are higher in same-sexed than in opposite-sexed pairs. This would be expected because of the sex-preferential nature of the condition, and the hypothesized higher incidence rates in MZ pairs.", "PMID": 988778} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2859", "title": "Transbronchoscopic cryosurgery of respiratory structures: experimental and clinical studies.", "content": "Although resection is the only treatment proven effective for localized malignant tumors in the tracheobronchial tree, alternative methods for cure or control of unresectable or recurrent tumor should be explored. In 24 dogs, cryonecrosis of sizable portions of carina, main stem bronchi, first division bronchi, and lung parenchyma was well tolerated, and the necrosis was localized, reproducible, and followed by prompt healing of frozen tissue. The gross architecture of the bronchi was not permanently altered, and no strictures formed. Six patients with endobronchial tumors were treated transbronchoscopically with cryosurgery. All patients tolerated the procedures well, and there were no complications. Palliation was achieved in five of the six patients.", "contents": "Transbronchoscopic cryosurgery of respiratory structures: experimental and clinical studies. Although resection is the only treatment proven effective for localized malignant tumors in the tracheobronchial tree, alternative methods for cure or control of unresectable or recurrent tumor should be explored. In 24 dogs, cryonecrosis of sizable portions of carina, main stem bronchi, first division bronchi, and lung parenchyma was well tolerated, and the necrosis was localized, reproducible, and followed by prompt healing of frozen tissue. The gross architecture of the bronchi was not permanently altered, and no strictures formed. Six patients with endobronchial tumors were treated transbronchoscopically with cryosurgery. All patients tolerated the procedures well, and there were no complications. Palliation was achieved in five of the six patients.", "PMID": 988772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2860", "title": "[Dipetalonema lineage. New attempt at classification].", "content": "Through comparing the morphological evolution to the host range and the geographical distribution we can suggest Dipetalonema sensu-largo may be interpreted as a gondwanian lineage which may have evolved after the three main austral continents drifted apart. Therefore, we propose the following systematic splitting: --Sprattia n.gen., type species: S. venacavincola parasite of Australian Marsupials, which may be related to Litomosa; --Breinlia Yorke and Maplestone, 1926, and Breinlia (Johnstonema) (Yeh, 1957), parasite of Australian Marsupials; --Skrjabinofilaria (Travassos, 1925), parasite of American Marsupials; --Macdonaldius (Khanna, 1933), parasite of American Reptiles; --Dipetalonema (Orihelia) n.sub. gen., type species: D. (O.) anticlava, parasite of Dasypodidae; --Dipetalonema (Acanthocheilonema) (Cobbold, 1870), parasite of Insectivora, Carnivora, Pinnipedia, sometimes Rodents; --Dipetalonema (Molinema) (Freitas and Lent, 1939), parasite of Caviomorpha and Beavers; --Dipetalonema (Loxodontofilaria) (Berghe and Gillain, 1939), parasite of Ethiopian Ungulates; --Dipetalonema (Chenofilaria) (Kou, 1958), parasite of Asiatic Pholidota and Australian Marsupials; --Dipetalonema (Dipetalonema) (Diesing, 1861), parasite of American Primates; --Monanema Anteson, 1968, parasite of Rodents other than Cariomorpha; --Ackertia (Vaz, 1934), parasite of Caviomorpha; --Tetrapetalonema (Sandnema) n.sub.gen., type species: T. (S.) digitata, parasite of Asiatic Insectivora and Primates; --Tetrapetalonema (Tetrapetalonema) (Faust, 1935), parasite of Tupaidae, Platyrhinii, and, sometimes, American Rodents and Carnivora; --Tetrapetalonema (Esslingeria) n. sub.gen., type species: T. (E.) perstans, parasite of African African Anthropoidea and Humans; --Filarissima (Chabaud, 1974), parasite of Caviomorpha.", "contents": "[Dipetalonema lineage. New attempt at classification]. Through comparing the morphological evolution to the host range and the geographical distribution we can suggest Dipetalonema sensu-largo may be interpreted as a gondwanian lineage which may have evolved after the three main austral continents drifted apart. Therefore, we propose the following systematic splitting: --Sprattia n.gen., type species: S. venacavincola parasite of Australian Marsupials, which may be related to Litomosa; --Breinlia Yorke and Maplestone, 1926, and Breinlia (Johnstonema) (Yeh, 1957), parasite of Australian Marsupials; --Skrjabinofilaria (Travassos, 1925), parasite of American Marsupials; --Macdonaldius (Khanna, 1933), parasite of American Reptiles; --Dipetalonema (Orihelia) n.sub. gen., type species: D. (O.) anticlava, parasite of Dasypodidae; --Dipetalonema (Acanthocheilonema) (Cobbold, 1870), parasite of Insectivora, Carnivora, Pinnipedia, sometimes Rodents; --Dipetalonema (Molinema) (Freitas and Lent, 1939), parasite of Caviomorpha and Beavers; --Dipetalonema (Loxodontofilaria) (Berghe and Gillain, 1939), parasite of Ethiopian Ungulates; --Dipetalonema (Chenofilaria) (Kou, 1958), parasite of Asiatic Pholidota and Australian Marsupials; --Dipetalonema (Dipetalonema) (Diesing, 1861), parasite of American Primates; --Monanema Anteson, 1968, parasite of Rodents other than Cariomorpha; --Ackertia (Vaz, 1934), parasite of Caviomorpha; --Tetrapetalonema (Sandnema) n.sub.gen., type species: T. (S.) digitata, parasite of Asiatic Insectivora and Primates; --Tetrapetalonema (Tetrapetalonema) (Faust, 1935), parasite of Tupaidae, Platyrhinii, and, sometimes, American Rodents and Carnivora; --Tetrapetalonema (Esslingeria) n. sub.gen., type species: T. (E.) perstans, parasite of African African Anthropoidea and Humans; --Filarissima (Chabaud, 1974), parasite of Caviomorpha.", "PMID": 988773} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2861", "title": "Chemical control of breathing in identical twin athletes.", "content": "Studies in identical twin athletes, using a wide range of methods of measuring chemical control of breathing, have demonstrated identity of ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia in such subjects. This suggests that, when the effect of a major environmental factor, physical activity, is removed, genetic factors predominate in determining the ventilatory responses to carbon dioxide and hypoxia.", "contents": "Chemical control of breathing in identical twin athletes. Studies in identical twin athletes, using a wide range of methods of measuring chemical control of breathing, have demonstrated identity of ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia in such subjects. This suggests that, when the effect of a major environmental factor, physical activity, is removed, genetic factors predominate in determining the ventilatory responses to carbon dioxide and hypoxia.", "PMID": 988779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2862", "title": "Ultrastructure and biochemical function of skeletal muscle in twins.", "content": "Muscle biopsies were obtained from eleven pairs of monozygotic and six pairs of dizygotic twins, and maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2) was measured. There were no differences between the two groups of twins in their intra-pair variation, except for two enzyme systems, glyceraldehyde-3P-dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (HAD). The effects of training were assessed by comparing the differences between twins when one member of each pair undertook a 23 week training programme. There were significant differences in VO2 max, heart volume and maximum oxygen pulse after training, and some significant cytological differences. It was concluded that environmental factors were stronger than genetic influences, as far as physical performance was concerned.", "contents": "Ultrastructure and biochemical function of skeletal muscle in twins. Muscle biopsies were obtained from eleven pairs of monozygotic and six pairs of dizygotic twins, and maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2) was measured. There were no differences between the two groups of twins in their intra-pair variation, except for two enzyme systems, glyceraldehyde-3P-dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (HAD). The effects of training were assessed by comparing the differences between twins when one member of each pair undertook a 23 week training programme. There were significant differences in VO2 max, heart volume and maximum oxygen pulse after training, and some significant cytological differences. It was concluded that environmental factors were stronger than genetic influences, as far as physical performance was concerned.", "PMID": 988780} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2863", "title": "Laser adapter for tracheoscopy.", "content": "This adapter makes it possible for the operating microscope to be used monocularly, to see axially down the CO2 laser beam, to use the aiming light and its joy stick control. This makes the laser useful for upper tracheal lesions through a tracheoscope.", "contents": "Laser adapter for tracheoscopy. This adapter makes it possible for the operating microscope to be used monocularly, to see axially down the CO2 laser beam, to use the aiming light and its joy stick control. This makes the laser useful for upper tracheal lesions through a tracheoscope.", "PMID": 988771} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2864", "title": "Antibiotic resistance of bacteria in water containing ornamental fishes.", "content": "Water containing ornamental fishes was found to frequently contain countable numbers of bacteria that were resistant to one or more antibiotic or chemotherapeutic agents. The multidrug-resistant strains most commonly isolated were lactose-fermenting Citrobacter freundii. The overall resistance of these aquaria strains was greater than the previously described resistance of clinical isolates of C. freundii. Although the strains examined appeared to lack R-factors, this pool of resistant bacteria may have public health implications.", "contents": "Antibiotic resistance of bacteria in water containing ornamental fishes. Water containing ornamental fishes was found to frequently contain countable numbers of bacteria that were resistant to one or more antibiotic or chemotherapeutic agents. The multidrug-resistant strains most commonly isolated were lactose-fermenting Citrobacter freundii. The overall resistance of these aquaria strains was greater than the previously described resistance of clinical isolates of C. freundii. Although the strains examined appeared to lack R-factors, this pool of resistant bacteria may have public health implications.", "PMID": 988781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2865", "title": "Radioimmunoassay of iodinated tobramycin.", "content": "A radioimmunoassay for tobramycin was developed using antisera from rabbits injected with a tobramycin-bovine serum albumin conjugate. The antibody had a relatively high affinity for (125)I-labeled tobramycin (1.6 x 10(9) liters/mol), thus indicating little interference in immunoreactivity by iodination. The radioimmunoassay was highly specific, and only minor cross-reaction occurred with other aminoglycoside antibiotics. The radioimmunoassay was also more sensitive than previously published tobramycin assays (minimum sensitivity, 280 pg), and there was a significant correlation (P < 0.05) with both the radioenzymatic and microbiological assays.", "contents": "Radioimmunoassay of iodinated tobramycin. A radioimmunoassay for tobramycin was developed using antisera from rabbits injected with a tobramycin-bovine serum albumin conjugate. The antibody had a relatively high affinity for (125)I-labeled tobramycin (1.6 x 10(9) liters/mol), thus indicating little interference in immunoreactivity by iodination. The radioimmunoassay was highly specific, and only minor cross-reaction occurred with other aminoglycoside antibiotics. The radioimmunoassay was also more sensitive than previously published tobramycin assays (minimum sensitivity, 280 pg), and there was a significant correlation (P < 0.05) with both the radioenzymatic and microbiological assays.", "PMID": 988782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2866", "title": "Degradation of ochratoxin A by a ruminant.", "content": "The fate of ochratoxin A during incubation with contents from the four stomachs of the cow was studied. It was concluded that ochratoxin A was cleaved into the nontoxic ochratoxin alpha and phenylalanine by the contents from all but the abomasum.", "contents": "Degradation of ochratoxin A by a ruminant. The fate of ochratoxin A during incubation with contents from the four stomachs of the cow was studied. It was concluded that ochratoxin A was cleaved into the nontoxic ochratoxin alpha and phenylalanine by the contents from all but the abomasum.", "PMID": 988783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2867", "title": "Rhizobium japonicum derivatives differing in nitrogen-fixing efficiency and carbohydrate utilization.", "content": "Four derivatives of Rhizobium japonicum 110 were isolated on the basis of morphologically different colonies formed on yeast extract-mannitol-HM salts medium. All are able to nodulate Lee soybeans. The bacteria-plant associations formed by each clone have measurable acetylene-reducing activity, but those formed by two of these clones (designated L1-110 and L2-110) are 5- to 10-fold less efficient than those formed by the others (designated I-110 and S-110). These derivatives were not detectable with ordinary culture techniques since, because of cell adherence, genetically mixed colonies result. When a detergent (Tween 40 at 0.01%, vol/vol) was added to the dilution medium, separate clones resulted. The metabolic basis for the gross differences in colony morphology on yeast extract-mannitol-HM salts medium was found to be that L1-110 and L2-110 utilized p-mannitol for growth, whereas I-110 and S-110 did not. These clones differ analogously in ability to utilize D-arabitol. Clones I-110 and L1-110 were chosen for studies of growth rates on various carbohydrates. Although clone I-110 and clone L1-110 did not differ in growth rates on a number of sugars, such as gluconate, arabinose, glycerol, and mannose, they differed in growth rates on glucose and fructose. Although clone I-110 grew faster on glucose than did clone L1-110, clone L1-110 grew faster on fructose than did clone I-110. Clones I-110 and L1-110 showed identical responses to several antibiotics and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis inhibitors and identical susceptibility to some highly specific bacteriophages. Identical buoyant densities of their DNAs in isopycnic CsCl density gradients and identical thermal denaturation temperatures of their DNAs suggest that clones I-110 and L1-110 have the same DNA base composition. Preliminary DNA/DNA hybridization experiments show that strain I-110 DNA and strain L1-110 DNA have a high degree of common polynucleotide sequences.", "contents": "Rhizobium japonicum derivatives differing in nitrogen-fixing efficiency and carbohydrate utilization. Four derivatives of Rhizobium japonicum 110 were isolated on the basis of morphologically different colonies formed on yeast extract-mannitol-HM salts medium. All are able to nodulate Lee soybeans. The bacteria-plant associations formed by each clone have measurable acetylene-reducing activity, but those formed by two of these clones (designated L1-110 and L2-110) are 5- to 10-fold less efficient than those formed by the others (designated I-110 and S-110). These derivatives were not detectable with ordinary culture techniques since, because of cell adherence, genetically mixed colonies result. When a detergent (Tween 40 at 0.01%, vol/vol) was added to the dilution medium, separate clones resulted. The metabolic basis for the gross differences in colony morphology on yeast extract-mannitol-HM salts medium was found to be that L1-110 and L2-110 utilized p-mannitol for growth, whereas I-110 and S-110 did not. These clones differ analogously in ability to utilize D-arabitol. Clones I-110 and L1-110 were chosen for studies of growth rates on various carbohydrates. Although clone I-110 and clone L1-110 did not differ in growth rates on a number of sugars, such as gluconate, arabinose, glycerol, and mannose, they differed in growth rates on glucose and fructose. Although clone I-110 grew faster on glucose than did clone L1-110, clone L1-110 grew faster on fructose than did clone I-110. Clones I-110 and L1-110 showed identical responses to several antibiotics and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis inhibitors and identical susceptibility to some highly specific bacteriophages. Identical buoyant densities of their DNAs in isopycnic CsCl density gradients and identical thermal denaturation temperatures of their DNAs suggest that clones I-110 and L1-110 have the same DNA base composition. Preliminary DNA/DNA hybridization experiments show that strain I-110 DNA and strain L1-110 DNA have a high degree of common polynucleotide sequences.", "PMID": 988784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2868", "title": "Identification of mycotoxins produced by species of Fusarium and Stachybotrys obtained from Eastern Europe.", "content": "Isolates of Fusarium and Stachybotrys spp. and crude extracts from these fungi were obtained from Hungary and the U.S.S.R. and used for the evaluation of the mycotoxins they produced. The cultures were grown on millet and oats and extracted in Budapest, Hungary (Veterinary Medical Research Institute) and chemically analyzed at the University of Minnesota using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the rat skin bioassay. Zearalenone was found in most of the Fusarium cultures, T-2 toxin, neosolaniol, T-2 tetraol, and HT-2 toxin were found in extracts of Fusarium poae and F. sporotrichioies. A special effort was made to isolate the steroid-like toxins reported in the early Russian literature as sporofusarin and poaefusarin. None of the extracts from the Fusarium species yielded poaefusarin or sporofusarin when analyzed by our chemical methods or by those of L.E. Olifson, S.M. Kenina, and V.L. Kartashova, 1972. We therefore accounted for the toxicity of the Fusarium extracts as due to the 12,13,epoxytrichothecenes. One culture of Stachybotrys alternans yielded a macrocyclic ester of 12,13-epoxytrichothecene which, upon hydrolysis, yielded verrucarol; a steroid-like molecule (SB-3) was also isolated. The former had skin-irritant activity but SB-3 did not; the latter exhibited cardiac activity on the heart of the cockroach.", "contents": "Identification of mycotoxins produced by species of Fusarium and Stachybotrys obtained from Eastern Europe. Isolates of Fusarium and Stachybotrys spp. and crude extracts from these fungi were obtained from Hungary and the U.S.S.R. and used for the evaluation of the mycotoxins they produced. The cultures were grown on millet and oats and extracted in Budapest, Hungary (Veterinary Medical Research Institute) and chemically analyzed at the University of Minnesota using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the rat skin bioassay. Zearalenone was found in most of the Fusarium cultures, T-2 toxin, neosolaniol, T-2 tetraol, and HT-2 toxin were found in extracts of Fusarium poae and F. sporotrichioies. A special effort was made to isolate the steroid-like toxins reported in the early Russian literature as sporofusarin and poaefusarin. None of the extracts from the Fusarium species yielded poaefusarin or sporofusarin when analyzed by our chemical methods or by those of L.E. Olifson, S.M. Kenina, and V.L. Kartashova, 1972. We therefore accounted for the toxicity of the Fusarium extracts as due to the 12,13,epoxytrichothecenes. One culture of Stachybotrys alternans yielded a macrocyclic ester of 12,13-epoxytrichothecene which, upon hydrolysis, yielded verrucarol; a steroid-like molecule (SB-3) was also isolated. The former had skin-irritant activity but SB-3 did not; the latter exhibited cardiac activity on the heart of the cockroach.", "PMID": 988785} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2869", "title": "Isolation of strains of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum capable of growing after a single passage in axenic medium.", "content": "Wild-type strains of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum grow on bacteria. Axenic strains of D. discoideum capable of growing in a simple salts-yeast extract-proteose peptone-glucose medium have been isolated from wild-type strains fo both mating types after a single passage in this medium. This result is consistent with the theory that the axenic phenotype has a simple genetic basis.", "contents": "Isolation of strains of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum capable of growing after a single passage in axenic medium. Wild-type strains of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum grow on bacteria. Axenic strains of D. discoideum capable of growing in a simple salts-yeast extract-proteose peptone-glucose medium have been isolated from wild-type strains fo both mating types after a single passage in this medium. This result is consistent with the theory that the axenic phenotype has a simple genetic basis.", "PMID": 988786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2870", "title": "Effect of alfalfa fiber substrate on culture counts of rumen bacteria.", "content": "A medium has been developed using alfalfa fiber as the sole substrate. It gave high culture counts (3 X 10(9) to 8 X 10(9)/ml) of rumen bacteria. When this medium was combined with the medium 98-5 of Bryant and Robinson, modified to contain 33% rumen fluid instead of 40% clarified rumen fluid, a higher count was obtained than with either medium alone.", "contents": "Effect of alfalfa fiber substrate on culture counts of rumen bacteria. A medium has been developed using alfalfa fiber as the sole substrate. It gave high culture counts (3 X 10(9) to 8 X 10(9)/ml) of rumen bacteria. When this medium was combined with the medium 98-5 of Bryant and Robinson, modified to contain 33% rumen fluid instead of 40% clarified rumen fluid, a higher count was obtained than with either medium alone.", "PMID": 988787} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2871", "title": "Basal medium for the selective enumeration of rumen bacteria utilizing specific energy sources.", "content": "A 40% rumen fluid basal medium has been developed that without added substrate will support growth of about 10% or less of the total colony count obtained with 40% rumen fluid-glucose-cellobiose-starch-agar medium (RGCSA). The basal medium is prepared by anaerobic incubation of all ingredients in RGCSA medium except the carbohydrates, Na2CO3, and cysteine for 7 days at 38 degrees C. After incubation, substrate(s), Na2CO3 and cysteine are added and the medium is tubed and sterilized as in normal medium preparation. When xylose was included with glucose, cellobiose, and starch as added carbohydrates in the incubated medium, colony counts were comparable to those obtained with RGCSA medium. The addition of specific carbohydrates or other substrates as energy sources to the basal medium suggested that the percentage of the bacterial population capable of utilizing these energy sources was influenced by the ration of the animal; however, considerable animal variation and day-to-day variation in a given animal was observed. Comparison of the population in animals fed either orchardgrass hay or 60% corn-40% orchardgrass (60-40) indicated little or no difference for the percentage of bacteria utilizing glucose, pectin, xylan, or mannitol. Increases in the percentages of xylose-, cellobiose-, Glycerol-, and lactate-utilizing bacteria occurred with the orchardgrass hay ration, whereas the percentage of starch-digesting bacteria was increased significantly (P less than 0.01) in the animals fed the 60-40 ration. A limited number of bacterial strains were isolated from the basal medium without added substrate, most of which were atypical with respect to the predominant rumen bacteria. Growth of these strains, even in complex media, was very slow and limited. Based on these data with isolated strains and colony counts obtained in roll tube medium containing only minerals, resazurin, agar, Na2CO3, and cysteine, the selective medium overestimated the percentage of bacteria able to use a specific energy source. This overestimate was 6 to 7% of the total culturable count.", "contents": "Basal medium for the selective enumeration of rumen bacteria utilizing specific energy sources. A 40% rumen fluid basal medium has been developed that without added substrate will support growth of about 10% or less of the total colony count obtained with 40% rumen fluid-glucose-cellobiose-starch-agar medium (RGCSA). The basal medium is prepared by anaerobic incubation of all ingredients in RGCSA medium except the carbohydrates, Na2CO3, and cysteine for 7 days at 38 degrees C. After incubation, substrate(s), Na2CO3 and cysteine are added and the medium is tubed and sterilized as in normal medium preparation. When xylose was included with glucose, cellobiose, and starch as added carbohydrates in the incubated medium, colony counts were comparable to those obtained with RGCSA medium. The addition of specific carbohydrates or other substrates as energy sources to the basal medium suggested that the percentage of the bacterial population capable of utilizing these energy sources was influenced by the ration of the animal; however, considerable animal variation and day-to-day variation in a given animal was observed. Comparison of the population in animals fed either orchardgrass hay or 60% corn-40% orchardgrass (60-40) indicated little or no difference for the percentage of bacteria utilizing glucose, pectin, xylan, or mannitol. Increases in the percentages of xylose-, cellobiose-, Glycerol-, and lactate-utilizing bacteria occurred with the orchardgrass hay ration, whereas the percentage of starch-digesting bacteria was increased significantly (P less than 0.01) in the animals fed the 60-40 ration. A limited number of bacterial strains were isolated from the basal medium without added substrate, most of which were atypical with respect to the predominant rumen bacteria. Growth of these strains, even in complex media, was very slow and limited. Based on these data with isolated strains and colony counts obtained in roll tube medium containing only minerals, resazurin, agar, Na2CO3, and cysteine, the selective medium overestimated the percentage of bacteria able to use a specific energy source. This overestimate was 6 to 7% of the total culturable count.", "PMID": 988788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2872", "title": "Surgical treatment of acute diverticulitis by staged procedures.", "content": "A retrospective 10-year experience with the traditional three-stage plan (diverting colostomy, resection, colostomy closure) for perforated diverticulitis of the colon in four urban hospitals was reviewed to accurately assess the mortality rate. Only patients who were admitted in a non-elective manner with signs of an acute abdomen or who were already hospitalized with another illness and developed an acute abdomen were considered. Fecal or generalized purulent peritonitis, or pelvic peritonitis with abscess were observed at laparotomy in all instances. Two hundred and eight patients representing 211 episodes met the above stated criteria for inclusion in the study. A transverse colostomy was performed in 203 instances associated with 16 deaths, and 8 sigmoid colostomies were associated with two deaths. The overall mortality after the first stage was 8.5%. A loop colostomy was constructed most frequently and a completely divided colostomy performed in only 31 of 211 (15%) instances. Of 147 instances in which the diseased sigmoid colon was resected, 44 (30%) had the colostomy ablated at the same operation, resulting in only one death (0.7% mortality). Colostomy closure as a separate procedure in 103 instances resulted in 4 deaths (3.9% mortality). The highest mortality rate occurred in patients in the in the eighth decade. Staged procedures for perforated colonic diverticula can be carried out with a mortality rate of 11%.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of acute diverticulitis by staged procedures. A retrospective 10-year experience with the traditional three-stage plan (diverting colostomy, resection, colostomy closure) for perforated diverticulitis of the colon in four urban hospitals was reviewed to accurately assess the mortality rate. Only patients who were admitted in a non-elective manner with signs of an acute abdomen or who were already hospitalized with another illness and developed an acute abdomen were considered. Fecal or generalized purulent peritonitis, or pelvic peritonitis with abscess were observed at laparotomy in all instances. Two hundred and eight patients representing 211 episodes met the above stated criteria for inclusion in the study. A transverse colostomy was performed in 203 instances associated with 16 deaths, and 8 sigmoid colostomies were associated with two deaths. The overall mortality after the first stage was 8.5%. A loop colostomy was constructed most frequently and a completely divided colostomy performed in only 31 of 211 (15%) instances. Of 147 instances in which the diseased sigmoid colon was resected, 44 (30%) had the colostomy ablated at the same operation, resulting in only one death (0.7% mortality). Colostomy closure as a separate procedure in 103 instances resulted in 4 deaths (3.9% mortality). The highest mortality rate occurred in patients in the in the eighth decade. Staged procedures for perforated colonic diverticula can be carried out with a mortality rate of 11%.", "PMID": 988793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2873", "title": "Effects of lithium on foot shock-induced aggressive behavior in rats.", "content": "The effects of lithium chloride (LiC1; 1, 2, 3 mEq/kg, i.p.) were studied on foot shock-induced aggressive behavior categorized as 'hyperreactivity' 'pre-attack' and actual 'fight' or 'attack' scores in rats. The attack score was significantly decreased at all doses between 2 to 48 hr post-drug intervals. LiCl also antagonized both amphetamine-induced facilitation and scopolamine-induced suppression of the shock-induced aggression; these effects suggest a probable role of lithium in normalizing induced disturbances of both central adrenergic and cholinergic mechanisms and may at least partly be responsible for its psychotherapeutic efficacy as a \"mood normalizer\".", "contents": "Effects of lithium on foot shock-induced aggressive behavior in rats. The effects of lithium chloride (LiC1; 1, 2, 3 mEq/kg, i.p.) were studied on foot shock-induced aggressive behavior categorized as 'hyperreactivity' 'pre-attack' and actual 'fight' or 'attack' scores in rats. The attack score was significantly decreased at all doses between 2 to 48 hr post-drug intervals. LiCl also antagonized both amphetamine-induced facilitation and scopolamine-induced suppression of the shock-induced aggression; these effects suggest a probable role of lithium in normalizing induced disturbances of both central adrenergic and cholinergic mechanisms and may at least partly be responsible for its psychotherapeutic efficacy as a \"mood normalizer\".", "PMID": 988796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2874", "title": "Psychological correlates of coronary angiographic findings.", "content": "Prior to undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography, 94 men responded to tests for the coronary-prone behavior pattern, anxiety, depression, and neuroticism. Independently, cardiologists rated cineangiograms by the percent of atheromatous luminal obstruction in four major coronary arteries. The patients with greater atheromatous obstruction scored significantly higher than those with lesser disease on all four scales of the test for the type A coronary-prone behavior pattern. Those with more seriously diseased vessels also scored significantly higher on anxiety and depression scales but significantly lower on a denial scale. Men rated as having more frequent and intense angina pain scored significantly higher on hypochondriasis, depression, and admission of symptoms than men less subject to ischemic pain. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed that the findings regarding extent of atherosclerosis are independent of anginal pain or congestive heart failure.", "contents": "Psychological correlates of coronary angiographic findings. Prior to undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography, 94 men responded to tests for the coronary-prone behavior pattern, anxiety, depression, and neuroticism. Independently, cardiologists rated cineangiograms by the percent of atheromatous luminal obstruction in four major coronary arteries. The patients with greater atheromatous obstruction scored significantly higher than those with lesser disease on all four scales of the test for the type A coronary-prone behavior pattern. Those with more seriously diseased vessels also scored significantly higher on anxiety and depression scales but significantly lower on a denial scale. Men rated as having more frequent and intense angina pain scored significantly higher on hypochondriasis, depression, and admission of symptoms than men less subject to ischemic pain. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed that the findings regarding extent of atherosclerosis are independent of anginal pain or congestive heart failure.", "PMID": 988797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2875", "title": "Pathogenesis of isoproterenol-induced lesions in the rat myocardium.", "content": "The aim of this study was to investigate the action of isoproterenol (ISP) on the myocardium by means of light microscopy, histochemistry, autoradiography with tritiated ISP and electron microscopy. One hundred and sixty four Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups. Group A, B, C and D were given 10 mg/kg i.p. ISP (plus 5 uC of tritiated ISP). The animals were sacrificed at different intervals. Group E served as control to proceeding groups. Group F was given 10 mg/kg i.p. ISP and subjected to \"holding\" stress; Group G was its corresponding control. Group H received 9 mg/kg. prenylamine, as inhibiting drug, 1 hour before and hour after ISP injection. Histopathology of \"infarct like\" lesions presenting localized necrosis, myocytolysis, homogenization and positive tests for ischemia are correlated to the localization of tritiated ISP on sarcolemma and to changes in succine dehydrogenase enzymes in the groups A, B, C and D. Hypercontraction and widening of Z bands of sarcomers are found in electron microscopy. These ischemic changes are inhibited by prenylamine, a drug acting as moderator of catecholamine effects by slowing down Ca transport. It is concluded that myocardial necrosis induced by ISP is probably due to an increased activation of the \"calcium pump\". The ISP provoked lesions appear to be a promising model to study experimental myocardial necrosis.", "contents": "Pathogenesis of isoproterenol-induced lesions in the rat myocardium. The aim of this study was to investigate the action of isoproterenol (ISP) on the myocardium by means of light microscopy, histochemistry, autoradiography with tritiated ISP and electron microscopy. One hundred and sixty four Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups. Group A, B, C and D were given 10 mg/kg i.p. ISP (plus 5 uC of tritiated ISP). The animals were sacrificed at different intervals. Group E served as control to proceeding groups. Group F was given 10 mg/kg i.p. ISP and subjected to \"holding\" stress; Group G was its corresponding control. Group H received 9 mg/kg. prenylamine, as inhibiting drug, 1 hour before and hour after ISP injection. Histopathology of \"infarct like\" lesions presenting localized necrosis, myocytolysis, homogenization and positive tests for ischemia are correlated to the localization of tritiated ISP on sarcolemma and to changes in succine dehydrogenase enzymes in the groups A, B, C and D. Hypercontraction and widening of Z bands of sarcomers are found in electron microscopy. These ischemic changes are inhibited by prenylamine, a drug acting as moderator of catecholamine effects by slowing down Ca transport. It is concluded that myocardial necrosis induced by ISP is probably due to an increased activation of the \"calcium pump\". The ISP provoked lesions appear to be a promising model to study experimental myocardial necrosis.", "PMID": 988794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2876", "title": "[Experience in the use of porcine heterologous grafts of the Hancock type for replacement of the mitral valve. 4 years of continuous use].", "content": "We present a statistical analysis on the use of the Hancock porcine heterograft for mitral valve replacement in 151 consecutive cases. A 14% early, and 3.9% late mortality rate is found. An evaluation of the factors contributing to this figure shows that the most important is the degree of myocardial derangement prior to surgery, with 3.5% mortality for stage III and 32% for stage IV (New York Heart Association classification). Our rate for thromboembolism is 9%. Study of other conditions favoring this complication indicates that factors other than valve replacement are present in all cases, making the evaluation of the thrombogenic qualities of these prosteses difficult. In a period of study of 4 832 patient-months (21 average) or 5 526 valve-months (19 average) which nicludes all our Hancock prosteses. There have been no failures that can be traced to mechanical derangement nor biological deterioration. This fact together with their favorable hemodinamic characteristics, make us recommend this model for clinical use.", "contents": "[Experience in the use of porcine heterologous grafts of the Hancock type for replacement of the mitral valve. 4 years of continuous use]. We present a statistical analysis on the use of the Hancock porcine heterograft for mitral valve replacement in 151 consecutive cases. A 14% early, and 3.9% late mortality rate is found. An evaluation of the factors contributing to this figure shows that the most important is the degree of myocardial derangement prior to surgery, with 3.5% mortality for stage III and 32% for stage IV (New York Heart Association classification). Our rate for thromboembolism is 9%. Study of other conditions favoring this complication indicates that factors other than valve replacement are present in all cases, making the evaluation of the thrombogenic qualities of these prosteses difficult. In a period of study of 4 832 patient-months (21 average) or 5 526 valve-months (19 average) which nicludes all our Hancock prosteses. There have been no failures that can be traced to mechanical derangement nor biological deterioration. This fact together with their favorable hemodinamic characteristics, make us recommend this model for clinical use.", "PMID": 988795} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2877", "title": "Secretion of beta-glucosidase by Ochromonas danica.", "content": "beta-Glucosidase released by the phytoflagellate Ochromonas danica was the result of secretion; this was adduced from the following: (1) The enzyme was released during growth, including early log phase. (2) The amount released was calculated to be much more than could be attributed to cell lysis. (3) beta-Glucosidase was released by cells during short term incubation in a dilute salt solution; this release was nearly linear for at least 24 h. (4) Release occurred while cell counts remained nearly constant and cells remained viable. (5) Control experiments excluded cell damage resulting from incubation and cell manipulation as a source of the exoenzyme. (6) No alkaline phosphatase was released and 5 times less phosphoglucose isomerase than glucosidase was released while the cells contained 7 times more phosphoglucose isomerase. (7) The kinetics of release of nonspecific protein and UV absorbing material was markedly different from glucosidase release. (8) Glucosidase release was temperature and energy dependent; anerobiosis decreased enzyme release. (9) Release was inhibited by cycloheximide. (10) Cells incubated with 3H-leucine synthesized labeled protein which was secreted linearly for at least 24 h. Cycloheximide inhibited incorporation of 3H-leucine into protein and the secretion of the labeled protein.", "contents": "Secretion of beta-glucosidase by Ochromonas danica. beta-Glucosidase released by the phytoflagellate Ochromonas danica was the result of secretion; this was adduced from the following: (1) The enzyme was released during growth, including early log phase. (2) The amount released was calculated to be much more than could be attributed to cell lysis. (3) beta-Glucosidase was released by cells during short term incubation in a dilute salt solution; this release was nearly linear for at least 24 h. (4) Release occurred while cell counts remained nearly constant and cells remained viable. (5) Control experiments excluded cell damage resulting from incubation and cell manipulation as a source of the exoenzyme. (6) No alkaline phosphatase was released and 5 times less phosphoglucose isomerase than glucosidase was released while the cells contained 7 times more phosphoglucose isomerase. (7) The kinetics of release of nonspecific protein and UV absorbing material was markedly different from glucosidase release. (8) Glucosidase release was temperature and energy dependent; anerobiosis decreased enzyme release. (9) Release was inhibited by cycloheximide. (10) Cells incubated with 3H-leucine synthesized labeled protein which was secreted linearly for at least 24 h. Cycloheximide inhibited incorporation of 3H-leucine into protein and the secretion of the labeled protein.", "PMID": 988814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2878", "title": "[Studies on the prenatally toxic effect of parathionemethyl in Wistar rats compared to cyclophosphamide and trypan blue].", "content": "Higher yield and performance in plant and animal production will depend on reinforced use of pesticides, particularly alkyl phosphate esters and insecticidal carbamates. Prenatal toxic action of the pesticides used today may be detrimental to human and animal health. Prenatal-toxicological tests, using parathion-methyl, were conducted on the basis of known but modified experimental methods. The vulnerability of a rat strain was tested by applying to it teratogenic model substances (trypan blue and cyclophosphamide). Several oral applications of parathion-methyl (3 ppm) during the sensitive phases of germ formation and growth (fifth to ninth and eleventh to fifteenth or eleventh to nineteenth days from conception) were followed by clear embryotoxic effects, such as retardation and increased resorption. The average number of resorption sites grew from nine in the control group to 20 in the experimental group. Postnatal malformations were not observed.", "contents": "[Studies on the prenatally toxic effect of parathionemethyl in Wistar rats compared to cyclophosphamide and trypan blue]. Higher yield and performance in plant and animal production will depend on reinforced use of pesticides, particularly alkyl phosphate esters and insecticidal carbamates. Prenatal toxic action of the pesticides used today may be detrimental to human and animal health. Prenatal-toxicological tests, using parathion-methyl, were conducted on the basis of known but modified experimental methods. The vulnerability of a rat strain was tested by applying to it teratogenic model substances (trypan blue and cyclophosphamide). Several oral applications of parathion-methyl (3 ppm) during the sensitive phases of germ formation and growth (fifth to ninth and eleventh to fifteenth or eleventh to nineteenth days from conception) were followed by clear embryotoxic effects, such as retardation and increased resorption. The average number of resorption sites grew from nine in the control group to 20 in the experimental group. Postnatal malformations were not observed.", "PMID": 988816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2879", "title": "Primary structure of apovitellenin I from hen egg yolk and its comparison with emu apovitellenin I.", "content": "The amino acid sequence of apovitellenin I from hen egg yolk has been determined using both automatic and manual procedures; it comprises 82 residues. Hen apovitellenin shows considerable homology with emu apovitellenin I which contains 84 residues. Besides two deletions in the sequence, the hen protein differs in 28 positions from the emu protein; 26 of these positions may have arisen from single base changes. The changes are largely conservative ones, which suggest that the structure and function have been preserved despite extensive mutation.", "contents": "Primary structure of apovitellenin I from hen egg yolk and its comparison with emu apovitellenin I. The amino acid sequence of apovitellenin I from hen egg yolk has been determined using both automatic and manual procedures; it comprises 82 residues. Hen apovitellenin shows considerable homology with emu apovitellenin I which contains 84 residues. Besides two deletions in the sequence, the hen protein differs in 28 positions from the emu protein; 26 of these positions may have arisen from single base changes. The changes are largely conservative ones, which suggest that the structure and function have been preserved despite extensive mutation.", "PMID": 988817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2880", "title": "Correlated response in selection for aggressiveness in female mice. I. Male aggressiveness.", "content": "Males from the fifty selected generation of a selection program for aggressiveness in female Mus musculus (Ebert and Hyde, 1976) were tested to determine whether male aggressiveness showed a correlated response in selection for female aggressiveness. The results indicated that male aggression had not shown a correlated response. Differences among males from the high, control, and low lines were not statistically significant in one replication and were significant but not in the predicted order in the other replication. There were marginally significant line X sex interactions. The rank correlation between male and female aggression scores was 0.20, which was not significant. The results suggest that male aggressiveness and female aggressiveness are under separate genetic control. Data for generation S5 females are also reported; differences among the high, control, and low lines continue to be significant.", "contents": "Correlated response in selection for aggressiveness in female mice. I. Male aggressiveness. Males from the fifty selected generation of a selection program for aggressiveness in female Mus musculus (Ebert and Hyde, 1976) were tested to determine whether male aggressiveness showed a correlated response in selection for female aggressiveness. The results indicated that male aggression had not shown a correlated response. Differences among males from the high, control, and low lines were not statistically significant in one replication and were significant but not in the predicted order in the other replication. There were marginally significant line X sex interactions. The rank correlation between male and female aggression scores was 0.20, which was not significant. The results suggest that male aggressiveness and female aggressiveness are under separate genetic control. Data for generation S5 females are also reported; differences among the high, control, and low lines continue to be significant.", "PMID": 988820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2881", "title": "A note on the IQ of monozygotic twins raised apart and the order of their birth.", "content": "This note examines James Shields' sample of monozygotic twins raised apart to entertain the hypothesis that there is a significant association between the measured IQ of these twins and the order of their birth. A non-parametric test supports this hypothesis and then a linear probability function is estimated that discriminates the effects on IQ of birth order from the effects of birth weight.", "contents": "A note on the IQ of monozygotic twins raised apart and the order of their birth. This note examines James Shields' sample of monozygotic twins raised apart to entertain the hypothesis that there is a significant association between the measured IQ of these twins and the order of their birth. A non-parametric test supports this hypothesis and then a linear probability function is estimated that discriminates the effects on IQ of birth order from the effects of birth weight.", "PMID": 988821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2882", "title": "Path analysis of aptitude, personality, and achievement scores in Brazilian twins.", "content": "Achievement at school and performance on the Dominoes test, the Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT), and Gri\u00e9ger's Characterological Questionnaire of 45 monozygotic and 46 same-sex dizygotic pairs of twins were analyzed using a new linear model for familial corrrelation. For 14 of the 20 sets of data, the genotype's contribution to the total variance is estimated to be higher than 50%. The effect of common environment seems to be important only for achievement in Arts.", "contents": "Path analysis of aptitude, personality, and achievement scores in Brazilian twins. Achievement at school and performance on the Dominoes test, the Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT), and Gri\u00e9ger's Characterological Questionnaire of 45 monozygotic and 46 same-sex dizygotic pairs of twins were analyzed using a new linear model for familial corrrelation. For 14 of the 20 sets of data, the genotype's contribution to the total variance is estimated to be higher than 50%. The effect of common environment seems to be important only for achievement in Arts.", "PMID": 988822} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2883", "title": "Inherited inadequate uterine environment leading to mental retardation: negative evidence in pedigree data.", "content": "The frequency of mental retardation in the offspring of maternal aunts of retarded probands is compared with the frequency in offspring of other aunts or uncles of the same probands. There is no support for inherited uterine inadequacy as an explanatory factor for mental retardation.", "contents": "Inherited inadequate uterine environment leading to mental retardation: negative evidence in pedigree data. The frequency of mental retardation in the offspring of maternal aunts of retarded probands is compared with the frequency in offspring of other aunts or uncles of the same probands. There is no support for inherited uterine inadequacy as an explanatory factor for mental retardation.", "PMID": 988823} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2884", "title": "Level of functioning of siblings and parents of probands of varying degrees of retardation.", "content": "A further analysis of already published data supports the position that retardates of low ability level less frequently have retarded siblings, retarded parents, and parents low in occupational level than do retardates higher in ability level. The analysis supports the position that there are two types of retarded individuals, persons retarded as a result of gene or chromosomal anomalies, brain injury, etc., who more frequently occur in the lower-level retardate group, and persons whose retardation represents polygenic segregation, who more frequently occur in the higher-level group.", "contents": "Level of functioning of siblings and parents of probands of varying degrees of retardation. A further analysis of already published data supports the position that retardates of low ability level less frequently have retarded siblings, retarded parents, and parents low in occupational level than do retardates higher in ability level. The analysis supports the position that there are two types of retarded individuals, persons retarded as a result of gene or chromosomal anomalies, brain injury, etc., who more frequently occur in the lower-level retardate group, and persons whose retardation represents polygenic segregation, who more frequently occur in the higher-level group.", "PMID": 988824} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2885", "title": "Transport of calcium ions by Ehrlich ascites-tumour cells.", "content": "Ehrlich ascites-tumour cells accumulate Ca2+ when incubated aerobically with succinate, phosphate and rotenone, as revealed by isotopic and atomic-absorption measurements. Ca2+ does not stimulate oxygen consumption by carefully prepared Ehrlich cells, but des so when the cells are placed in a hypo-osmotic medium. Neither glutamate nor malate support Ca2+ uptake in 'intact' Ehrlich cells, nor does the endogenous NAD-linked respiration. Ca2+ uptake is completely dependent on mitochondrial energy-coupling mechansims. It was an unexpected finding that maximal Ca2+ uptake supported by succinate requires rotenone, which blocks oxidation of enogenous NAD-linked substrates. Phosphate functions as co-anion for entry of Ca2+. Ca2+ uptake is also supported by extra-cellular ATP; no other nucleoside 5'-di- or tri-phosphate was active. The accumulation of Ca2+ apparently takes place in the mitochondria, since oligomycin and atractyloside inhibit ATP-supported Ca2+ uptake. Glycolysis does not support Ca2+ uptake. Neither free mitochondria released from disrupted cells nor permeability-damaged cells capable of absorbing Trypan Blue were responsible for any large fraction of the total observed energy-coupled Ca2+ uptake. The observations reported also indicate that electron flow through energy-conserving site 1 promotes Ca2+ release from Ehrlich cells and that extra-cellular ATP increase permeability of the cell membrane, allowing both ATP and Ca2+ to enter the cells more readily.", "contents": "Transport of calcium ions by Ehrlich ascites-tumour cells. Ehrlich ascites-tumour cells accumulate Ca2+ when incubated aerobically with succinate, phosphate and rotenone, as revealed by isotopic and atomic-absorption measurements. Ca2+ does not stimulate oxygen consumption by carefully prepared Ehrlich cells, but des so when the cells are placed in a hypo-osmotic medium. Neither glutamate nor malate support Ca2+ uptake in 'intact' Ehrlich cells, nor does the endogenous NAD-linked respiration. Ca2+ uptake is completely dependent on mitochondrial energy-coupling mechansims. It was an unexpected finding that maximal Ca2+ uptake supported by succinate requires rotenone, which blocks oxidation of enogenous NAD-linked substrates. Phosphate functions as co-anion for entry of Ca2+. Ca2+ uptake is also supported by extra-cellular ATP; no other nucleoside 5'-di- or tri-phosphate was active. The accumulation of Ca2+ apparently takes place in the mitochondria, since oligomycin and atractyloside inhibit ATP-supported Ca2+ uptake. Glycolysis does not support Ca2+ uptake. Neither free mitochondria released from disrupted cells nor permeability-damaged cells capable of absorbing Trypan Blue were responsible for any large fraction of the total observed energy-coupled Ca2+ uptake. The observations reported also indicate that electron flow through energy-conserving site 1 promotes Ca2+ release from Ehrlich cells and that extra-cellular ATP increase permeability of the cell membrane, allowing both ATP and Ca2+ to enter the cells more readily.", "PMID": 988829} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2886", "title": "Incorporation of choline and ethanolamine into phospholipids in germinating soya bean.", "content": "1. Incorporation of [Me-14C]choline and [2-14C]ethanolamine into lipids was studied in germinating soya bean (Glycine max L.) seeds. The precursors are only incorporated into phosphatidylcholine and into phosphatidylethanolamine respectively. 2. Base-labelling via a phospholipase-D type of reaction was eliminated as a significant factor. 3. Cyclo heximide inhibited labelling of phosphatidylcholine from [Me-14C]choline but did not affect labelling of the aqueous choline pool. It had no effect on [2-14C]ethanolamine uptake or incorporation into phosphatidylethanolamine. 4. Hemicholinium-15 at 10mM concentrations decreased uptake and lipid labelling from the both bases. 5. There was no evidence for base competition. 6. The endogenous pool of choline was much larger than that of ethanolamine, which resulted in higher specific radioactivities for phosphatidyl-ethanolamine than for phosphatidylcholine. 7. The results can be interpreted as indicating that the kinase and phosphoryltransferase enzymes of the CDP-base pathways are separate for each phospholipid.", "contents": "Incorporation of choline and ethanolamine into phospholipids in germinating soya bean. 1. Incorporation of [Me-14C]choline and [2-14C]ethanolamine into lipids was studied in germinating soya bean (Glycine max L.) seeds. The precursors are only incorporated into phosphatidylcholine and into phosphatidylethanolamine respectively. 2. Base-labelling via a phospholipase-D type of reaction was eliminated as a significant factor. 3. Cyclo heximide inhibited labelling of phosphatidylcholine from [Me-14C]choline but did not affect labelling of the aqueous choline pool. It had no effect on [2-14C]ethanolamine uptake or incorporation into phosphatidylethanolamine. 4. Hemicholinium-15 at 10mM concentrations decreased uptake and lipid labelling from the both bases. 5. There was no evidence for base competition. 6. The endogenous pool of choline was much larger than that of ethanolamine, which resulted in higher specific radioactivities for phosphatidyl-ethanolamine than for phosphatidylcholine. 7. The results can be interpreted as indicating that the kinase and phosphoryltransferase enzymes of the CDP-base pathways are separate for each phospholipid.", "PMID": 988830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2887", "title": "Uptake and metabolism of tryptophan by the isolated perfused guinea-pig mammary gland.", "content": "Tryptophan uptake by the isolated perfused lactating guinea-pig mammary gland was 46.5+/-4.6 mug/h per g. Results of absorption studies and the use of [methylene-14C]tryptophan suggest that tryptophan is one of the group of amino acids that are transferred almost quantitatively from blood plasma to milk protein.", "contents": "Uptake and metabolism of tryptophan by the isolated perfused guinea-pig mammary gland. Tryptophan uptake by the isolated perfused lactating guinea-pig mammary gland was 46.5+/-4.6 mug/h per g. Results of absorption studies and the use of [methylene-14C]tryptophan suggest that tryptophan is one of the group of amino acids that are transferred almost quantitatively from blood plasma to milk protein.", "PMID": 988831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2888", "title": "Circular Dichroism Studies of Cyanate-Induced Conformational Changes in Hemoglobins A and S.", "content": "Circular dichroism and difference spectroscopy have been used to study dilute aqueous solutions of oxygenated, deoxygenated, and carbamoylated deoxygenated hemoglobins A and S (HbA and HbS, respectively). The spectra of HbA and HbS, in comparable state of oxygenation or carbamoylation, are identical, strongly implying identical conformations about the heme groups of the respective proteins. The spectra of the oxygenated forms change little upon addition of KCNO, which is known to carbamoylate the NH2 terminals of the individual chains (Cerami and Manning, 1971). The spectra of the deoxygenated forms, on the other hand, are markedly altered. The decreased magnitude of the 430-nm extremum with increased cyanate concentration can be used to calculate an addition curve which becomes asymptotic at a cyanate:heme molar ratio of approximately 10(3). This conformational change occurs in the absence of O2 and has been predicted (Njikam et al.,1973); it can also be demonstrated by difference spectroscopy techniques, whereby a comparable addition curve can be constructed from changes in the 555-nm absorption, while the 541-nm absorption remains invariant. The change described corresponds to the formation of a new conformation, corresponding to carbamoyldeoxyhemoglobin, carrying one carbamoyl group per chain. In the presence of a small quantity of oxygen, however, the above reported changes in CD are accompanied by a concomitant rise in the 415-nm peak-corresponding to the formation of oxyhemoglobin-while those in the difference spectra reflect not only a change in the 555-nm band but also a parallel one at 541 nm, confirming the formation of oxyhemoglobin. Thus the conformation achieved upon carbamoylation of deoxyhemoglobin has the higher oxygen affinity predicted by Nigen et al. (1974) for carbamoyldeoxyhemoglobin. Cyanate has been used (Cerami and Manning, 1971) as an antisickling reagent in vivo and in vitro, but, although it has been shown that it binds covalently to the NH2-terminal residues of hemoglobin (Lee and Manning, 1973), its effect on hemoglobin conformation has not been previously shown nor has its mechanism of action been fully clarified. The results presented here show that the effect of cyanate on hemoglobin is the formation of a new conformation with heightened oxygen affinity. Since oxyHbS does not aggregate while deoxyHbS does, in a temperature-dependent fashion, the formation of carbamoyldeoxyHbS interferes with such aggregation in vitro in deoxygenated samples. In vivo, where there are generally low residual concentrations of O2, the formation of oxyHb is favored by the higher O2 affinity of carbamoyldeoxyHbS, and aggregation with concomitant red cell sickling is therefore disfavored.", "contents": "Circular Dichroism Studies of Cyanate-Induced Conformational Changes in Hemoglobins A and S. Circular dichroism and difference spectroscopy have been used to study dilute aqueous solutions of oxygenated, deoxygenated, and carbamoylated deoxygenated hemoglobins A and S (HbA and HbS, respectively). The spectra of HbA and HbS, in comparable state of oxygenation or carbamoylation, are identical, strongly implying identical conformations about the heme groups of the respective proteins. The spectra of the oxygenated forms change little upon addition of KCNO, which is known to carbamoylate the NH2 terminals of the individual chains (Cerami and Manning, 1971). The spectra of the deoxygenated forms, on the other hand, are markedly altered. The decreased magnitude of the 430-nm extremum with increased cyanate concentration can be used to calculate an addition curve which becomes asymptotic at a cyanate:heme molar ratio of approximately 10(3). This conformational change occurs in the absence of O2 and has been predicted (Njikam et al.,1973); it can also be demonstrated by difference spectroscopy techniques, whereby a comparable addition curve can be constructed from changes in the 555-nm absorption, while the 541-nm absorption remains invariant. The change described corresponds to the formation of a new conformation, corresponding to carbamoyldeoxyhemoglobin, carrying one carbamoyl group per chain. In the presence of a small quantity of oxygen, however, the above reported changes in CD are accompanied by a concomitant rise in the 415-nm peak-corresponding to the formation of oxyhemoglobin-while those in the difference spectra reflect not only a change in the 555-nm band but also a parallel one at 541 nm, confirming the formation of oxyhemoglobin. Thus the conformation achieved upon carbamoylation of deoxyhemoglobin has the higher oxygen affinity predicted by Nigen et al. (1974) for carbamoyldeoxyhemoglobin. Cyanate has been used (Cerami and Manning, 1971) as an antisickling reagent in vivo and in vitro, but, although it has been shown that it binds covalently to the NH2-terminal residues of hemoglobin (Lee and Manning, 1973), its effect on hemoglobin conformation has not been previously shown nor has its mechanism of action been fully clarified. The results presented here show that the effect of cyanate on hemoglobin is the formation of a new conformation with heightened oxygen affinity. Since oxyHbS does not aggregate while deoxyHbS does, in a temperature-dependent fashion, the formation of carbamoyldeoxyHbS interferes with such aggregation in vitro in deoxygenated samples. In vivo, where there are generally low residual concentrations of O2, the formation of oxyHb is favored by the higher O2 affinity of carbamoyldeoxyHbS, and aggregation with concomitant red cell sickling is therefore disfavored.", "PMID": 988840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2889", "title": "Alterations in phosphatidylcholine species and their reversal in pulmonary surfactant during essential fatty-acid deficiency.", "content": "Previous studies (Kyriakides, E.C., Beeler, D.A. and Balint, J.A. (1974) Clin. Res. 22, 717a, and Burnell, J.M. and Balint, J.A. (1975) Fed. Proc. 34, 426) have indicated that essential fatty-acid deficiency in rats resulted in significant reduction of palmitate content of lung tissue and lavage phosphatidylcholines. Experiments were, therefore, undertaken to confirm and further characterize these changes and to examine the reversal of these alterations when essential fatty acid deficient rats were fed fat-free diets supplemented with linoleate for 1-14 days. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of liver lipids was used to confirm the presence of essential fatty-acid deficiency in rats that were fed a fat-free diet supplemented with 4% by weight of tripalmitoylglycerol for 14 weeks. Phosphatidylcholines from lung tissue and lavage fluid of essential fatty-acid deficient rats contained significantly less palmitate and significantly more palmitoleate and oleate than those rats receiving linoleate. These changes in fatty acid composition were reflected in a significant reduction of disaturated phosphatidylcholines (predominantly dipalmitoyl) in lung tissue and lavage fluid from essential fatty-acid deficient rats, while the total phosphatidylcholine content remained unchanged. On feeding the diet containing linoleate to the deficient rats, a reversal of these changes began after one day and was nearly complete by 7-14 days.", "contents": "Alterations in phosphatidylcholine species and their reversal in pulmonary surfactant during essential fatty-acid deficiency. Previous studies (Kyriakides, E.C., Beeler, D.A. and Balint, J.A. (1974) Clin. Res. 22, 717a, and Burnell, J.M. and Balint, J.A. (1975) Fed. Proc. 34, 426) have indicated that essential fatty-acid deficiency in rats resulted in significant reduction of palmitate content of lung tissue and lavage phosphatidylcholines. Experiments were, therefore, undertaken to confirm and further characterize these changes and to examine the reversal of these alterations when essential fatty acid deficient rats were fed fat-free diets supplemented with linoleate for 1-14 days. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of liver lipids was used to confirm the presence of essential fatty-acid deficiency in rats that were fed a fat-free diet supplemented with 4% by weight of tripalmitoylglycerol for 14 weeks. Phosphatidylcholines from lung tissue and lavage fluid of essential fatty-acid deficient rats contained significantly less palmitate and significantly more palmitoleate and oleate than those rats receiving linoleate. These changes in fatty acid composition were reflected in a significant reduction of disaturated phosphatidylcholines (predominantly dipalmitoyl) in lung tissue and lavage fluid from essential fatty-acid deficient rats, while the total phosphatidylcholine content remained unchanged. On feeding the diet containing linoleate to the deficient rats, a reversal of these changes began after one day and was nearly complete by 7-14 days.", "PMID": 988841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2890", "title": "Heterogeneity of immunologic markers and surface morphology in childhood lymphoblastic lymphoma.", "content": "The neoplastic cells from seven patients with childhood lymphoblastic lymphoma were studied for cell surface markers and surface morphology in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cells were studied for surface immunoglobulin (Slg), complement receptors (EAC), receptors for cytophilic antibody (IgGEA), and nonimmune rosette formation with sheep red blood cells (E). In one patient the cells exclusively bound E, suggesting a T-lymphocytic origin. In two patients the cells bound EAC, but demonstrated no other B-lymphocytic markers. In two patients no markers were detected, and in two patients receptors for both E and EAC were demonstrated. Additional studies in one of these patients permitted simultaneous demonstration of both markers on the same neoplastic cells. The neoplastic cells were also examined by SEM after fixation and critical point dehydration. No consistent surface morphology was observed. In four patients the cells were predominately smooth, whereas in two patients variable numbers of surface microvilli were present. A correlation of the surface features with membrane markers could not be established. A comparison of the surface markers with clinical and cytologic features revealed clinical homogeneity in spite of the heterogeneous immunologic markers. This heterogeneity was most likely a reflection of neoplastic alteration and disordered differentiation of the cells. The observation of complement receptors on the cells of four cases is a feature not previously reported in this disease and should be investigated in other presumed T-cell malignancies.", "contents": "Heterogeneity of immunologic markers and surface morphology in childhood lymphoblastic lymphoma. The neoplastic cells from seven patients with childhood lymphoblastic lymphoma were studied for cell surface markers and surface morphology in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cells were studied for surface immunoglobulin (Slg), complement receptors (EAC), receptors for cytophilic antibody (IgGEA), and nonimmune rosette formation with sheep red blood cells (E). In one patient the cells exclusively bound E, suggesting a T-lymphocytic origin. In two patients the cells bound EAC, but demonstrated no other B-lymphocytic markers. In two patients no markers were detected, and in two patients receptors for both E and EAC were demonstrated. Additional studies in one of these patients permitted simultaneous demonstration of both markers on the same neoplastic cells. The neoplastic cells were also examined by SEM after fixation and critical point dehydration. No consistent surface morphology was observed. In four patients the cells were predominately smooth, whereas in two patients variable numbers of surface microvilli were present. A correlation of the surface features with membrane markers could not be established. A comparison of the surface markers with clinical and cytologic features revealed clinical homogeneity in spite of the heterogeneous immunologic markers. This heterogeneity was most likely a reflection of neoplastic alteration and disordered differentiation of the cells. The observation of complement receptors on the cells of four cases is a feature not previously reported in this disease and should be investigated in other presumed T-cell malignancies.", "PMID": 988842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2891", "title": "Transplacental induction of lymphomas in Swiss mice by carbendazim and sodium nitrite.", "content": "Swiss mice at different stages of pregnancy were treated intragastrically with the pesticide Carbendazim (MBC, BCM, methyl-2-benzimidazole carbamate) together with sodium nitrite. Lymphomas developed in 33.3% of young mice whose mothers were treated in the first week of pregnancy, in 53.3% of whose mothers were treated during the second week, and in 38.8% of those born of mothers treated during the third week. Treatment during the whole period of pregnancy yielded on an average 70.0% malignancy in offspring. However, administration of Carbendazim by itself did not produce lymphomas in the first generation. In lymphomas induced by in vivo-formed n-nitroso compounds, A- and C-type oncornavirus particles were observed with the electron microscope.", "contents": "Transplacental induction of lymphomas in Swiss mice by carbendazim and sodium nitrite. Swiss mice at different stages of pregnancy were treated intragastrically with the pesticide Carbendazim (MBC, BCM, methyl-2-benzimidazole carbamate) together with sodium nitrite. Lymphomas developed in 33.3% of young mice whose mothers were treated in the first week of pregnancy, in 53.3% of whose mothers were treated during the second week, and in 38.8% of those born of mothers treated during the third week. Treatment during the whole period of pregnancy yielded on an average 70.0% malignancy in offspring. However, administration of Carbendazim by itself did not produce lymphomas in the first generation. In lymphomas induced by in vivo-formed n-nitroso compounds, A- and C-type oncornavirus particles were observed with the electron microscope.", "PMID": 988851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2892", "title": "Bolus injection test for measurement of cerebrospinal fluid absorption.", "content": "The significance of the bolus injection test lies in supplying data for evaluation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bulk flow. It provides pressure-time (PT) curves by the process of direct recording, while the pressure-volume (PV) and volume-time (VT) plots are subsequently computed...", "contents": "Bolus injection test for measurement of cerebrospinal fluid absorption. The significance of the bolus injection test lies in supplying data for evaluation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bulk flow. It provides pressure-time (PT) curves by the process of direct recording, while the pressure-volume (PV) and volume-time (VT) plots are subsequently computed...", "PMID": 988854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2893", "title": "The application of x-ray analysis in the transmission electron analytical microscope (T.E.A.M.) to the quantitative bulk analysis of biological microsamples.", "content": "This paper describes: (a)methods for the high and low temperature ashing of biological tissue samples about 10(-4)-10(-5) g in weight; (b)a method of spraying the solubilized ash on to specimen grids which produces droplets of a size convenient for their quantitative analysis in a transmission electron analytical microscope (T.E.A.M.), but without the need to know the actual volume of individual droplets; (c)the construction of standard curves for determining the absolute concentration of Na, Mg, P, S, K, and Ca simultaneously in a given sample. For most of the elements the error in analysis was about 5% or less. It was proposed that the technique is useful for detecting local element-compartments in complex tissues, and thus may be an important aid in the interpretation of the results of point analyses performed on sections taken from adjacent micro-volumes.", "contents": "The application of x-ray analysis in the transmission electron analytical microscope (T.E.A.M.) to the quantitative bulk analysis of biological microsamples. This paper describes: (a)methods for the high and low temperature ashing of biological tissue samples about 10(-4)-10(-5) g in weight; (b)a method of spraying the solubilized ash on to specimen grids which produces droplets of a size convenient for their quantitative analysis in a transmission electron analytical microscope (T.E.A.M.), but without the need to know the actual volume of individual droplets; (c)the construction of standard curves for determining the absolute concentration of Na, Mg, P, S, K, and Ca simultaneously in a given sample. For most of the elements the error in analysis was about 5% or less. It was proposed that the technique is useful for detecting local element-compartments in complex tissues, and thus may be an important aid in the interpretation of the results of point analyses performed on sections taken from adjacent micro-volumes.", "PMID": 988855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2894", "title": "X-ray microanalysis of ultrathin frozen and freeze-dried sections of human sperm cells.", "content": "X-ray microanalysis of air dried and ultrathin frozen and frozen dried sections of human sperm cells has indicated a large deviation of elemental composition between cells in a single sample and between samples. Analysis of air dried cells indicates a similar subcellular elemental distribution to that found in sectioned material. Sodium to potassium ratios are found to be similar in both preparations. Air drying is considered a valid method for the preparation of sperm cells for analysis.", "contents": "X-ray microanalysis of ultrathin frozen and freeze-dried sections of human sperm cells. X-ray microanalysis of air dried and ultrathin frozen and frozen dried sections of human sperm cells has indicated a large deviation of elemental composition between cells in a single sample and between samples. Analysis of air dried cells indicates a similar subcellular elemental distribution to that found in sectioned material. Sodium to potassium ratios are found to be similar in both preparations. Air drying is considered a valid method for the preparation of sperm cells for analysis.", "PMID": 988856} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2895", "title": "An improved culture flask for photographic and visual observation of living cell cultures.", "content": "A new type of culture vessel is described, identical in shape to the classic T15 vessel but with the advantage of optical surfaces that allow photography at medium resolution (with numerical apertures of 0-60-1-0). Details of flask manufacture are given.", "contents": "An improved culture flask for photographic and visual observation of living cell cultures. A new type of culture vessel is described, identical in shape to the classic T15 vessel but with the advantage of optical surfaces that allow photography at medium resolution (with numerical apertures of 0-60-1-0). Details of flask manufacture are given.", "PMID": 988857} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2896", "title": "Breast cancer. Relationship to thyroid supplements for hypothyroidism.", "content": "This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between thyroid supplements and breast cancer. The incidence of breast cancer among the patients who received thyroid supplements was 12.13%, while in the control group it was 6.2%. The incidence rate of breast cancer was 10%, 9.42%, and 19.48% among patients who received thyroid supplements for one to five, 5 to 15, and for more than 15 years, respectively. The incidence of breast cancer among nulliparous women who received thyroid supplements was 33%, while in the nulliparous women without thyroid supplements the incidence was only 9.25%. Even in a specific age group, the incidence rate of breast cancer was higher among patients receiving thyroid supplements, when compared to the control patients in the same age group.", "contents": "Breast cancer. Relationship to thyroid supplements for hypothyroidism. This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between thyroid supplements and breast cancer. The incidence of breast cancer among the patients who received thyroid supplements was 12.13%, while in the control group it was 6.2%. The incidence rate of breast cancer was 10%, 9.42%, and 19.48% among patients who received thyroid supplements for one to five, 5 to 15, and for more than 15 years, respectively. The incidence of breast cancer among nulliparous women who received thyroid supplements was 33%, while in the nulliparous women without thyroid supplements the incidence was only 9.25%. Even in a specific age group, the incidence rate of breast cancer was higher among patients receiving thyroid supplements, when compared to the control patients in the same age group.", "PMID": 988872} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2897", "title": "Acute hemolytic anemia with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.", "content": "A patients was seen with severe hemolysis due to cold antibodies associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Therapy with tetracycline hydrochloride, prednisone, and folic acid was initiated, and complete recovery ensued. Data is presented documenting the presence of autoimmune hemolysis due cold agglutinins associated with Mycoplasma infection.", "contents": "Acute hemolytic anemia with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. A patients was seen with severe hemolysis due to cold antibodies associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Therapy with tetracycline hydrochloride, prednisone, and folic acid was initiated, and complete recovery ensued. Data is presented documenting the presence of autoimmune hemolysis due cold agglutinins associated with Mycoplasma infection.", "PMID": 988873} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2898", "title": "Severe atypical endometrial changes and sequential contraceptive use.", "content": "Of eight young women, seven had a diagnosis of well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma and one had atypical endometrial hyperplasia. The average age was 40.1 years, with 6.04 years of dimethisterone-ethinyl estradiol (Oracon) sequential contraceptive use. The patients were not typical of those in whom endometrial carcinoma develops. Although these cases do not prove that long-term administration of dimethisterone-ethinyl estradiol causes endometrial adenocarcinoma or atypia, they indicate that it may do so.", "contents": "Severe atypical endometrial changes and sequential contraceptive use. Of eight young women, seven had a diagnosis of well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma and one had atypical endometrial hyperplasia. The average age was 40.1 years, with 6.04 years of dimethisterone-ethinyl estradiol (Oracon) sequential contraceptive use. The patients were not typical of those in whom endometrial carcinoma develops. Although these cases do not prove that long-term administration of dimethisterone-ethinyl estradiol causes endometrial adenocarcinoma or atypia, they indicate that it may do so.", "PMID": 988889} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2899", "title": "Residual effects of septic arthritis in infancy and childhood.", "content": "Septic arthritis affects weight-bearing joints in three fourths of cases. When the disease occurs in infancy, joint dysfunction may not be apparent until many months later. We located 49 children who had had 50 episodes of septic arthritis from 1 1/2 to 12 years earlier (mean, 4.3 years). Thirteen patients (27%) had sequelae, and in eight (16%), there was impairment of ambulation. Residual damage was more common with hip and ankle involvement than with knee joint disease. Sequelae were equally common after Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus infection. Evaluation at the time of hosiptal discharge correctly identified only four of the 13 children with sequelae, and four others who were normal at follow-up had been thought to have permanent damage at discharge. Children with sequelae tended to have been sick longer before diagnosis, and drainage of pus was delayed.", "contents": "Residual effects of septic arthritis in infancy and childhood. Septic arthritis affects weight-bearing joints in three fourths of cases. When the disease occurs in infancy, joint dysfunction may not be apparent until many months later. We located 49 children who had had 50 episodes of septic arthritis from 1 1/2 to 12 years earlier (mean, 4.3 years). Thirteen patients (27%) had sequelae, and in eight (16%), there was impairment of ambulation. Residual damage was more common with hip and ankle involvement than with knee joint disease. Sequelae were equally common after Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus infection. Evaluation at the time of hosiptal discharge correctly identified only four of the 13 children with sequelae, and four others who were normal at follow-up had been thought to have permanent damage at discharge. Children with sequelae tended to have been sick longer before diagnosis, and drainage of pus was delayed.", "PMID": 988890} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2900", "title": "Pressure monitoring devices. Overlooked source of nosocomial infection.", "content": "Contaminated pressure monitoring devices recently have been implicated as a source of epidemic organisms in three outbreaks of nosocomial bacteremia, one outbreak of candidemia, and one outbreak of hepatitis. Measures necessary to prevent monitoring-related infections have not always been appreciated or taken. As a minimum, pressure monitoring devices should be sterilized between use with different patients; strict aseptic technique should be employed when setting up and using monitoring systems; and each patient's monitoring tubing, fluid, and monitoring devices should be changed at regular intervals.", "contents": "Pressure monitoring devices. Overlooked source of nosocomial infection. Contaminated pressure monitoring devices recently have been implicated as a source of epidemic organisms in three outbreaks of nosocomial bacteremia, one outbreak of candidemia, and one outbreak of hepatitis. Measures necessary to prevent monitoring-related infections have not always been appreciated or taken. As a minimum, pressure monitoring devices should be sterilized between use with different patients; strict aseptic technique should be employed when setting up and using monitoring systems; and each patient's monitoring tubing, fluid, and monitoring devices should be changed at regular intervals.", "PMID": 988891} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2901", "title": "Disposition of presumed coronary patients from an emergency room. A follow-up study.", "content": "All patients with presumed coronary problems seen at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center during a one-year period were followed up. The fate of those who were not hospitalized and the factors contributing to the two types of erroneous decisions, ie, refusing hospitalization to those needing it and unnecessary hospitalization of others, were evaluated. Approximately 50% of the patients were not admitted. Myocardial infarctions were later diagnosed in 6% of these patients. Another 8% were eventually categorized as other cardiac emergencies. Ten percent of all patients subsequently diagnosed as having myocardial infarctions were not admitted. On the other hand, 56% of the patients whose cases were later not considered to have been emergencies were hospitalized unnecessarily. Previous hospitalization for cardiac disease played a major role in making an error of both types. Other factors influencing the physician's decision regarding the patients' disposition included their age, sex, ethnic origin, and the findings from the emergency room electrocardiogram.", "contents": "Disposition of presumed coronary patients from an emergency room. A follow-up study. All patients with presumed coronary problems seen at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center during a one-year period were followed up. The fate of those who were not hospitalized and the factors contributing to the two types of erroneous decisions, ie, refusing hospitalization to those needing it and unnecessary hospitalization of others, were evaluated. Approximately 50% of the patients were not admitted. Myocardial infarctions were later diagnosed in 6% of these patients. Another 8% were eventually categorized as other cardiac emergencies. Ten percent of all patients subsequently diagnosed as having myocardial infarctions were not admitted. On the other hand, 56% of the patients whose cases were later not considered to have been emergencies were hospitalized unnecessarily. Previous hospitalization for cardiac disease played a major role in making an error of both types. Other factors influencing the physician's decision regarding the patients' disposition included their age, sex, ethnic origin, and the findings from the emergency room electrocardiogram.", "PMID": 988893} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2902", "title": "Psychiatry and the primary care physician.", "content": "Psychiatry makes an important contribution to the training and practice of primary care physicians by emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care, by teaching psychiatric skills and by providing knowledge that enables primary care physicians to give basic psychological care to the large numbers of their patients who need it. Consultation-liaison psychiatry and psychiatry education programs for medical students, both of which are given high priority for support by the Psychiatry Education Branch of National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), are model settings in which to teach the psychiatric aspects of primary care.", "contents": "Psychiatry and the primary care physician. Psychiatry makes an important contribution to the training and practice of primary care physicians by emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care, by teaching psychiatric skills and by providing knowledge that enables primary care physicians to give basic psychological care to the large numbers of their patients who need it. Consultation-liaison psychiatry and psychiatry education programs for medical students, both of which are given high priority for support by the Psychiatry Education Branch of National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), are model settings in which to teach the psychiatric aspects of primary care.", "PMID": 988894} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2903", "title": "Urinary tract infections in patients with severe renal disease. Treatment with ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.", "content": "Twelve patients with severe renal failure and intercurrent urinary tract infections were treated with either ampicillin trihydrate, 500 mg four times a day, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, two tablets (80 mg trimethoprim, 400 mg sulfamethoxazole) twice a day. All patients achieved bacteriologic cure, including six with proved upper tract infection. Serum levels of all drugs were increased to values above those seen in normal subjects without adverse effects. Urine concentrations of trimethoprim, 28.6 mug/ml, and ampicillin, 88.6 mug/ml, were well above the minimum inhibitory concentrations of urinary pathogens. Urine sulfamethoxazole concentrations were less than 10 mug/ml in four of the six patients treated; however, this did not hamper bacteriologic success. It is concluded that both drugs can be used to treat urinary tract infections in patients with renal functional impairment.", "contents": "Urinary tract infections in patients with severe renal disease. Treatment with ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Twelve patients with severe renal failure and intercurrent urinary tract infections were treated with either ampicillin trihydrate, 500 mg four times a day, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, two tablets (80 mg trimethoprim, 400 mg sulfamethoxazole) twice a day. All patients achieved bacteriologic cure, including six with proved upper tract infection. Serum levels of all drugs were increased to values above those seen in normal subjects without adverse effects. Urine concentrations of trimethoprim, 28.6 mug/ml, and ampicillin, 88.6 mug/ml, were well above the minimum inhibitory concentrations of urinary pathogens. Urine sulfamethoxazole concentrations were less than 10 mug/ml in four of the six patients treated; however, this did not hamper bacteriologic success. It is concluded that both drugs can be used to treat urinary tract infections in patients with renal functional impairment.", "PMID": 988895} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2904", "title": "Cephalosporin-associated pseudomembranous colitis.", "content": "Diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis appeared in a patient receiving antibiotic therapy with cephalosporin derivatives only. There was a prompt remission following treatment with cholestyramine resin.", "contents": "Cephalosporin-associated pseudomembranous colitis. Diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis appeared in a patient receiving antibiotic therapy with cephalosporin derivatives only. There was a prompt remission following treatment with cholestyramine resin.", "PMID": 988896} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2905", "title": "Metastatic renal cell carcinoma 24 years after nephrectomy.", "content": "Recurrence of renal carcinoma 20 years after primary resection is uncommon. A patient is reported in whom two pulmonary metastases developed 24 years following nephrectomy for renal carcinoma. After a left lower lobectomy and a right pulmonary wedge resection were performed, he survived an additional two years before dying from metastatic disease.", "contents": "Metastatic renal cell carcinoma 24 years after nephrectomy. Recurrence of renal carcinoma 20 years after primary resection is uncommon. A patient is reported in whom two pulmonary metastases developed 24 years following nephrectomy for renal carcinoma. After a left lower lobectomy and a right pulmonary wedge resection were performed, he survived an additional two years before dying from metastatic disease.", "PMID": 988897} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2906", "title": "[Rapid enzymatic-colorimetric method for detecting organophosphorous insecticide residues in milk].", "content": "The authors developed a new enzymatic-colorimetric rapid method for testing milk for residues of organophosphorous insecticides. The test is based on the colour reaction of indoxyl acetate with the esterase of the OROSERAN (Dessau) horse serum which is inhibited by organophosphorous insecticides. Calibration curves were established for Trichlorphon and Dichlorphos (DDVP). The limit of detection lies at 0.02 mg/kg. The time actually needed per sample is about 15 min. The result is obtained within 90 min. Since this procedure requires no clean-up operations, it is labour-saving compared to other thin-layer or gas chromatographic methods. It may be recommended as a screening test for the detection of organophosphorous insecticides in milk samples.", "contents": "[Rapid enzymatic-colorimetric method for detecting organophosphorous insecticide residues in milk]. The authors developed a new enzymatic-colorimetric rapid method for testing milk for residues of organophosphorous insecticides. The test is based on the colour reaction of indoxyl acetate with the esterase of the OROSERAN (Dessau) horse serum which is inhibited by organophosphorous insecticides. Calibration curves were established for Trichlorphon and Dichlorphos (DDVP). The limit of detection lies at 0.02 mg/kg. The time actually needed per sample is about 15 min. The result is obtained within 90 min. Since this procedure requires no clean-up operations, it is labour-saving compared to other thin-layer or gas chromatographic methods. It may be recommended as a screening test for the detection of organophosphorous insecticides in milk samples.", "PMID": 988909} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2907", "title": "Intracisternal dimer X: toxicity and prophylaxis.", "content": "Although Dimer X is said to be a low toxic water soluble contrast medium, epileptic seizures sometimes occur during or after Dimer X ventriculography. The toxicity of this dye was examined in rats and possible prophylactic measures were evaluated. From the results of our experiment it was concluded that Dimer X of low concentration should be used with premedication of Valium and Decadron.", "contents": "Intracisternal dimer X: toxicity and prophylaxis. Although Dimer X is said to be a low toxic water soluble contrast medium, epileptic seizures sometimes occur during or after Dimer X ventriculography. The toxicity of this dye was examined in rats and possible prophylactic measures were evaluated. From the results of our experiment it was concluded that Dimer X of low concentration should be used with premedication of Valium and Decadron.", "PMID": 988911} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2908", "title": "Acute myopathy in three brothers.", "content": "Three brothers are reported who presented simultaneously with acute myopathy, which resolved rapidly. Muscle biopsy showed vacuolar degeneration, with no inflammatory changes. An echo virus was grown from the stools of two of them. Their course, together with that of a fourth brother, who had an acute illness with rash, lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, suggests a possible viral aetiology.", "contents": "Acute myopathy in three brothers. Three brothers are reported who presented simultaneously with acute myopathy, which resolved rapidly. Muscle biopsy showed vacuolar degeneration, with no inflammatory changes. An echo virus was grown from the stools of two of them. Their course, together with that of a fourth brother, who had an acute illness with rash, lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, suggests a possible viral aetiology.", "PMID": 988912} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2909", "title": "[Cavitating neutral fat leukodystrophy with recurrent course].", "content": "A girl with non-contributory family history, at the age of 7 years developed a recurrent ataxic-spastic syndrome followed by disorders of consciousness and seizures. She died in a decerebrate state at the age of 10 9/12 years. Diffuse EEG abnormalities changed in accordance with the clinical course. CSF findings were always negative. Brain biopsy performed at the age of 9 5/12 years was non-diagnostic. No clinical signs of adrenal insufficiency were present. Neuropathological examination disclosed severe demyelination of the cerebral white matter with formation of large periventricular cavities, relative sparing of the subcortical arcuate fibers, and peripheral myelin breakdown of the orthochromatic (neutral fat) type. There was complete absence of inflammatory lesions, comparative preservation of axons and oligodendroglia with moderate astroglial reaction. The optic system and cerebellum were not involved. Additional postanoxic changes were seen in the thalamus and hippocampus. The sporadic case is suggested to represent a cavitating form of neutral fat (simple orthochromatic) leukodystrophy which is to be separated from Schilder's diffuse sclerosis and adrenoleukodystrophy. The etiology of the disorder is unknown.", "contents": "[Cavitating neutral fat leukodystrophy with recurrent course]. A girl with non-contributory family history, at the age of 7 years developed a recurrent ataxic-spastic syndrome followed by disorders of consciousness and seizures. She died in a decerebrate state at the age of 10 9/12 years. Diffuse EEG abnormalities changed in accordance with the clinical course. CSF findings were always negative. Brain biopsy performed at the age of 9 5/12 years was non-diagnostic. No clinical signs of adrenal insufficiency were present. Neuropathological examination disclosed severe demyelination of the cerebral white matter with formation of large periventricular cavities, relative sparing of the subcortical arcuate fibers, and peripheral myelin breakdown of the orthochromatic (neutral fat) type. There was complete absence of inflammatory lesions, comparative preservation of axons and oligodendroglia with moderate astroglial reaction. The optic system and cerebellum were not involved. Additional postanoxic changes were seen in the thalamus and hippocampus. The sporadic case is suggested to represent a cavitating form of neutral fat (simple orthochromatic) leukodystrophy which is to be separated from Schilder's diffuse sclerosis and adrenoleukodystrophy. The etiology of the disorder is unknown.", "PMID": 988913} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2910", "title": "[Lumbar disc protrusion in childhood. Description of a case].", "content": "This is a case of lumbar disc protrusion in a 14 year old girl, with typical symptomatology. Special attention should be called to the rarity of this case. The clinical and myelographic diagnosis showed a lumbar herniation L 4/L5. Treatment was performed by lumbar hemilaminectomie. The post operative controll showed remission of the clinical findings.", "contents": "[Lumbar disc protrusion in childhood. Description of a case]. This is a case of lumbar disc protrusion in a 14 year old girl, with typical symptomatology. Special attention should be called to the rarity of this case. The clinical and myelographic diagnosis showed a lumbar herniation L 4/L5. Treatment was performed by lumbar hemilaminectomie. The post operative controll showed remission of the clinical findings.", "PMID": 988914} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2911", "title": "The evolution of neurophysiological features in holoprosencephaly.", "content": "The evolution of EEG, visual and auditory evoked responses (VER and AER) and sleep is described in three cases of semilobar holoprosencephaly. During the neonatal period, the waking EEG was characterized by almost continuous high amplitude rhythmic alpha-theta activity in case 1 and 2, which became discontinuous during quiet sleep. Moderate amplitude rhythmic alpha-theta waves were seen in case 3. This rhythmic alpha-theta activity gradually disappeared with increasing age, being replaced by non-specific slow dysrhythmia. In case 3, the subsequent EEGs were characterized by focal spikes at 4 months, multifocal spikes at 5 and 6 months, hypsarrhythmia at 8 months and bisynchronous diffuse sharp and slow wave discharges at 2 years and 7 months. Ictal EEGs were characterized by desynchronization and/or rapid synchronization, epileptic recruiting rhythm and postical high amplitude slow waves. Definite but mostly abnormal VERs or AERs were obtained in all three cases. In two cases, the evoked responses showed a progressive decrease in amplitude and VERs were abolished finally. No sleep cycle could be identified during the neonatal period probably because of frequent seizures. In two cases no circadian rhythm of sleep developed, although almost normal REM-NREM sleep cycle was present.", "contents": "The evolution of neurophysiological features in holoprosencephaly. The evolution of EEG, visual and auditory evoked responses (VER and AER) and sleep is described in three cases of semilobar holoprosencephaly. During the neonatal period, the waking EEG was characterized by almost continuous high amplitude rhythmic alpha-theta activity in case 1 and 2, which became discontinuous during quiet sleep. Moderate amplitude rhythmic alpha-theta waves were seen in case 3. This rhythmic alpha-theta activity gradually disappeared with increasing age, being replaced by non-specific slow dysrhythmia. In case 3, the subsequent EEGs were characterized by focal spikes at 4 months, multifocal spikes at 5 and 6 months, hypsarrhythmia at 8 months and bisynchronous diffuse sharp and slow wave discharges at 2 years and 7 months. Ictal EEGs were characterized by desynchronization and/or rapid synchronization, epileptic recruiting rhythm and postical high amplitude slow waves. Definite but mostly abnormal VERs or AERs were obtained in all three cases. In two cases, the evoked responses showed a progressive decrease in amplitude and VERs were abolished finally. No sleep cycle could be identified during the neonatal period probably because of frequent seizures. In two cases no circadian rhythm of sleep developed, although almost normal REM-NREM sleep cycle was present.", "PMID": 988915} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2912", "title": "Guillain-Barr\u00e9 syndrome in children with special reference to the natural history of 38 personal cases.", "content": "38 children which had had an episode of Guillain-Barr\u00e9 syndrome were studied after a period between 2 and 12 years. The age of the children at the follow-up varied between 7 years 9 months and 27 years. 11 of the children were not completely cured from the point of view of the peripheral nervous system. 9 showed slight signs of motor weakness, 2 of which also had a slight distal atrophy of some leg muscles. None of these 9 patients however had any subjective symptoms of diminished capacity in every-day life. 2 of these and 2 other patients without any muscle weakness had loss of one or more tendon reflexes. 4 other patients apart from the 9 mentioned above had a very slight intention tremor. All of these had had some cerebellar ataxia during the acute phase. A sweat test done in 19 of the 38 controls never showed any asymmetry. 36 patients were examined electrophysiologically during the follow-up: EMG was done in only 35 and in one only conduction velocities were measured. In 16 patients a pathological EMG and (or) an anomalous conduction velocity was found. The only correlations which seemed to exist between the amount of residual findings and some elements during the acute phase of the illness were a positive correlation with the importance of maximum motor deficiency and with the time between the beginning of maximum motor weakness and the beginning of recovery.", "contents": "Guillain-Barr\u00e9 syndrome in children with special reference to the natural history of 38 personal cases. 38 children which had had an episode of Guillain-Barr\u00e9 syndrome were studied after a period between 2 and 12 years. The age of the children at the follow-up varied between 7 years 9 months and 27 years. 11 of the children were not completely cured from the point of view of the peripheral nervous system. 9 showed slight signs of motor weakness, 2 of which also had a slight distal atrophy of some leg muscles. None of these 9 patients however had any subjective symptoms of diminished capacity in every-day life. 2 of these and 2 other patients without any muscle weakness had loss of one or more tendon reflexes. 4 other patients apart from the 9 mentioned above had a very slight intention tremor. All of these had had some cerebellar ataxia during the acute phase. A sweat test done in 19 of the 38 controls never showed any asymmetry. 36 patients were examined electrophysiologically during the follow-up: EMG was done in only 35 and in one only conduction velocities were measured. In 16 patients a pathological EMG and (or) an anomalous conduction velocity was found. The only correlations which seemed to exist between the amount of residual findings and some elements during the acute phase of the illness were a positive correlation with the importance of maximum motor deficiency and with the time between the beginning of maximum motor weakness and the beginning of recovery.", "PMID": 988916} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2913", "title": "Polygraphic recordings in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. A study of the pathophysiology of the periodic EEG complexes.", "content": "Polygraphic whole night recordings were performed in 10 patients with SSPE. In most cases sleep states could not be classified according to the usual criteria, but two different states with differing EEG patterns were always seen. A significant correlation was obtained between EEG complexes and phase of the respiratory cycle in 8 out of 9 patients, irrespective of the sleep state. Slowing of heart rate for one R-R interval was observed to occur during the onset of the complex in 7 patients in both sleep states, and in 2 patients only in one state. Periodic occurrence of complexes was stable throughout the night. This stability seems to be maintained by a mechanism regulating the duration of an interval according to the duration of the preceding one. It is suggested that diffuse involvement of subcortical structures rather than a localized change is responsible for the generation of the EEG complexes in SSPE.", "contents": "Polygraphic recordings in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. A study of the pathophysiology of the periodic EEG complexes. Polygraphic whole night recordings were performed in 10 patients with SSPE. In most cases sleep states could not be classified according to the usual criteria, but two different states with differing EEG patterns were always seen. A significant correlation was obtained between EEG complexes and phase of the respiratory cycle in 8 out of 9 patients, irrespective of the sleep state. Slowing of heart rate for one R-R interval was observed to occur during the onset of the complex in 7 patients in both sleep states, and in 2 patients only in one state. Periodic occurrence of complexes was stable throughout the night. This stability seems to be maintained by a mechanism regulating the duration of an interval according to the duration of the preceding one. It is suggested that diffuse involvement of subcortical structures rather than a localized change is responsible for the generation of the EEG complexes in SSPE.", "PMID": 988917} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2914", "title": "Agyria-pachygyria (lissencephaly syndrome).", "content": "A clinico-pathological report is given on 4 cases of agyria (premature neonate to age 13 months), 3 cases of pachygyria (aged 2,5 to 4,3 years) and a boy aged 4,5 years with temporal pachygyria and frontal microgyrias. Clinical features, more pronounced in agyria than in pachygyria, were microcephaly, frequent facial anomalies, neonatal feeding difficulties, hypotonia with subsequent seizures, hypsarrhythmic EEG pattern in 3 children, arrest of psychomotor development and signs of decerebration. One case of agyria occurred with familial faciorenal dysplasia, two were associated with congenital heart disease, and the fourth with chromosomal abnormality. Morphologically, the colpocephalic brain showed a four-layered agyric pallium with radially aligned cell columns and periventricular heterotopias, lacking differentiation of the claustra, olivary heterotopias and cerebellar dysgenesias in the 4 younger infants. In the agyric neonate additional agenesis of corpus callosum was present. Pachygyric brains showed a six-layered cortex, periventricular heterotopias, lacking differentiation of the claustra, but no cerebello-olivary anomalies. Cytoarchitectonic analysis of the agyric cortex suggests a disorder of neuronal migration during stage III of neocortex formation (Rakic and Sidman) between the 11th and 13th fetal week, while the pachygyric cortex showing the later formed layers II and IV presumable is caused by an attenuated and later disorder acting in early stage IV of neocortex formation, i. e. around or after the 13th fetal week. Additional insula-claustrum dysplasia, olivary and cerebellar anomalies are due to concomittent migration disorders between the 11th and 14th week. Along this period there is a gradient from agyric to normal six-layered cortex, whereas microgyria presumably results from an event occurring after migration has terminated (after the 16th fetal week). Etiological factors of agyria-pachygyria may be both hereditary (familial lissencephaly-syndrome) and environmental ones (prenatal drug application or intrauterine perfusion disorders).", "contents": "Agyria-pachygyria (lissencephaly syndrome). A clinico-pathological report is given on 4 cases of agyria (premature neonate to age 13 months), 3 cases of pachygyria (aged 2,5 to 4,3 years) and a boy aged 4,5 years with temporal pachygyria and frontal microgyrias. Clinical features, more pronounced in agyria than in pachygyria, were microcephaly, frequent facial anomalies, neonatal feeding difficulties, hypotonia with subsequent seizures, hypsarrhythmic EEG pattern in 3 children, arrest of psychomotor development and signs of decerebration. One case of agyria occurred with familial faciorenal dysplasia, two were associated with congenital heart disease, and the fourth with chromosomal abnormality. Morphologically, the colpocephalic brain showed a four-layered agyric pallium with radially aligned cell columns and periventricular heterotopias, lacking differentiation of the claustra, olivary heterotopias and cerebellar dysgenesias in the 4 younger infants. In the agyric neonate additional agenesis of corpus callosum was present. Pachygyric brains showed a six-layered cortex, periventricular heterotopias, lacking differentiation of the claustra, but no cerebello-olivary anomalies. Cytoarchitectonic analysis of the agyric cortex suggests a disorder of neuronal migration during stage III of neocortex formation (Rakic and Sidman) between the 11th and 13th fetal week, while the pachygyric cortex showing the later formed layers II and IV presumable is caused by an attenuated and later disorder acting in early stage IV of neocortex formation, i. e. around or after the 13th fetal week. Additional insula-claustrum dysplasia, olivary and cerebellar anomalies are due to concomittent migration disorders between the 11th and 14th week. Along this period there is a gradient from agyric to normal six-layered cortex, whereas microgyria presumably results from an event occurring after migration has terminated (after the 16th fetal week). Etiological factors of agyria-pachygyria may be both hereditary (familial lissencephaly-syndrome) and environmental ones (prenatal drug application or intrauterine perfusion disorders).", "PMID": 988918} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2915", "title": "Hypertensive encephalopathy in childhood. Diagnostic problems.", "content": "Oppenheimer and Fischberg's vasoconstriction-hypothesis on the pathogenesis of hypertensive encephalopathy was subsequently supported by animal experiments. Later on the role of decompensation of the autoregulatory mechanism of the cerebral blood flow was revealed. The transient symptomatology comprises headache, seizures, focal cerebral symptoms (hemiplegia etc.), visual disturbances, mental disorders, papiledema etc. The age-dependency of the influence of edema is probably expressed by the predominance of seizures in childhood and the long duration of the symptoms in our third and fourth patient. The differentiation between hypertensive encephalopathy and a local complication of hypertension (hemorrhage) can be difficult, not at least because the first disturbance may be followed by the second (patient 3). Hypertension is not always present as initial symptom (patient 1 and 2). Hence a series of blood pressure readings is required in acute cerebral incidents in childhood. Steroid-treatment may lead, especially in patients suffering from a hypocomplementemic form of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, to a sudden rise of the blood pressure and subsequently to hypertensive encephalopathy (patients 2 and 3). Hypertensive encephalopathy is a neuropediatric emergency. The urgent treatment with dioxaside, fursemide and sodium nitroprusside is shortly reviewed.", "contents": "Hypertensive encephalopathy in childhood. Diagnostic problems. Oppenheimer and Fischberg's vasoconstriction-hypothesis on the pathogenesis of hypertensive encephalopathy was subsequently supported by animal experiments. Later on the role of decompensation of the autoregulatory mechanism of the cerebral blood flow was revealed. The transient symptomatology comprises headache, seizures, focal cerebral symptoms (hemiplegia etc.), visual disturbances, mental disorders, papiledema etc. The age-dependency of the influence of edema is probably expressed by the predominance of seizures in childhood and the long duration of the symptoms in our third and fourth patient. The differentiation between hypertensive encephalopathy and a local complication of hypertension (hemorrhage) can be difficult, not at least because the first disturbance may be followed by the second (patient 3). Hypertension is not always present as initial symptom (patient 1 and 2). Hence a series of blood pressure readings is required in acute cerebral incidents in childhood. Steroid-treatment may lead, especially in patients suffering from a hypocomplementemic form of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, to a sudden rise of the blood pressure and subsequently to hypertensive encephalopathy (patients 2 and 3). Hypertensive encephalopathy is a neuropediatric emergency. The urgent treatment with dioxaside, fursemide and sodium nitroprusside is shortly reviewed.", "PMID": 988919} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2916", "title": "Subarachnoid phenol block for pain relief in gynecologic malignancy.", "content": "One hundred and thirty-three subarachnoid phenol blocks were performed in 90 patients with intractable pain secondary to gynecologic cancer at the University of Iowa Hospitals in the period 1961 to 1975. Excellent to moderate pain relief was obtained in 77% of 117 evaluable blocks. Fifty-two percent of the blocks gave relief of over 1 months' duration and 27% over 2 months. Fourteen patients had a second contralateral block and 11 obtained 4 to 8 weeks' relief. Complications were temporary and occurred in 71% of the blocks, the most common being urinary and rectal incontinence. Subarachnoid phenol block is an effective method for relief of intractable pain; its use in gyneclogic oncology is discussed.", "contents": "Subarachnoid phenol block for pain relief in gynecologic malignancy. One hundred and thirty-three subarachnoid phenol blocks were performed in 90 patients with intractable pain secondary to gynecologic cancer at the University of Iowa Hospitals in the period 1961 to 1975. Excellent to moderate pain relief was obtained in 77% of 117 evaluable blocks. Fifty-two percent of the blocks gave relief of over 1 months' duration and 27% over 2 months. Fourteen patients had a second contralateral block and 11 obtained 4 to 8 weeks' relief. Complications were temporary and occurred in 71% of the blocks, the most common being urinary and rectal incontinence. Subarachnoid phenol block is an effective method for relief of intractable pain; its use in gyneclogic oncology is discussed.", "PMID": 988920} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2917", "title": "Factors, other than surfactant, in the etiology of respiratory distress syndrome.", "content": "A review of 23 recently published series demonstrates that many infants with immature or intermediate surfactant patterns do not develop respiratory distress syndrome. This suggests that factors other than surfactant deficiency must be present. It is suggested that surfactant deficiency is a predisposing factor, but aspiration of amniotic fluid and its contents at the time of delivery is the most important precipitating cause.", "contents": "Factors, other than surfactant, in the etiology of respiratory distress syndrome. A review of 23 recently published series demonstrates that many infants with immature or intermediate surfactant patterns do not develop respiratory distress syndrome. This suggests that factors other than surfactant deficiency must be present. It is suggested that surfactant deficiency is a predisposing factor, but aspiration of amniotic fluid and its contents at the time of delivery is the most important precipitating cause.", "PMID": 988921} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2918", "title": "Computed tomography in orbital pseudothumor (idiopathic orbital inflammation).", "content": "CT scans of 9 patients with orbital pseudotumor (bilateral in 6 and unilateral in 3) showed findings distinct from those observed in Graves' ophthalmopathy. In bilateral involvement, they ranged from localized mass lesions to complete obiliteration of normal orbital CT anatomical landmarks; diffuse or multifocal lesions involving the posterior globe and muscle insertions were most typical of the diagnosis. However, findings in unilateral psedotumor may be indistinguishable from orbital mass lesions other than Graves' ophthalmopathy. Serial CT scans were used to show progression of disease and response to treatment.", "contents": "Computed tomography in orbital pseudothumor (idiopathic orbital inflammation). CT scans of 9 patients with orbital pseudotumor (bilateral in 6 and unilateral in 3) showed findings distinct from those observed in Graves' ophthalmopathy. In bilateral involvement, they ranged from localized mass lesions to complete obiliteration of normal orbital CT anatomical landmarks; diffuse or multifocal lesions involving the posterior globe and muscle insertions were most typical of the diagnosis. However, findings in unilateral psedotumor may be indistinguishable from orbital mass lesions other than Graves' ophthalmopathy. Serial CT scans were used to show progression of disease and response to treatment.", "PMID": 988925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2919", "title": "Behaviour of leukocyte acid phosphatase in various chronic diseases.", "content": "Leukocyte acid phosphatases were investigated in 146 patients with different chronic diseases. The method of investigation used was that of Kaplow and Burstone slightly modified by the authors in what regards the pH of the incubation medium. Normal or slightly increased scores were observed in the granulocytic series of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic hepatitis, lupus erythematosus disseminatus and chronic lymphocytic leukemia a moderate enzymatic activity was generally observed in the lymphocyte and more marked in severe forms of disease. A marked increase of the enzyme activity was observed in patients with myeloma. The possibility of a correlation between the intensity of enzyme activity and immunoglobulin formation is discussed.", "contents": "Behaviour of leukocyte acid phosphatase in various chronic diseases. Leukocyte acid phosphatases were investigated in 146 patients with different chronic diseases. The method of investigation used was that of Kaplow and Burstone slightly modified by the authors in what regards the pH of the incubation medium. Normal or slightly increased scores were observed in the granulocytic series of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic hepatitis, lupus erythematosus disseminatus and chronic lymphocytic leukemia a moderate enzymatic activity was generally observed in the lymphocyte and more marked in severe forms of disease. A marked increase of the enzyme activity was observed in patients with myeloma. The possibility of a correlation between the intensity of enzyme activity and immunoglobulin formation is discussed.", "PMID": 988926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2920", "title": "Structural peculiarities in developing coronary arteries located in the epicardial connective tissue.", "content": "A striking difference was observed in the coronary bed between the histogenesis of the main stem vessels and that of their branches. The developing main stem vessels exhibited the structural pattern of arteries submitted to intense hemodynamic stresses, whereas the developing branches showed the structural pattern of arteries protected against these stresses. This striking difference was related, histologically, to the existence of sphincteral mechanisms located in all the branching points present in both right and left coronary arteries.", "contents": "Structural peculiarities in developing coronary arteries located in the epicardial connective tissue. A striking difference was observed in the coronary bed between the histogenesis of the main stem vessels and that of their branches. The developing main stem vessels exhibited the structural pattern of arteries submitted to intense hemodynamic stresses, whereas the developing branches showed the structural pattern of arteries protected against these stresses. This striking difference was related, histologically, to the existence of sphincteral mechanisms located in all the branching points present in both right and left coronary arteries.", "PMID": 988933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2921", "title": "An electron microscope study of receptor site on rat mast cells for human immunoglobulin E.", "content": "Previous studies using immunofluorescence and autoradiography demonstrated the presence of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptors on rat mast cells (RMC). This finding was confirmed by the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with X-ray microanalysis (XMA) employing ferritin labelled antisera XMA was used to detect ferritin as Fe in the target cells. On examination by TEM and XMA, 25 per cent of RMC showed a dense area of Fe deposits on the surface of the cells. No Fe could be detected on neutrophils or eosinophils or in the control cell preparations without human IgE. The Fe was concentrated in well-defined areas of the treated mast cells and this distinct concentration of receptor sites was similar to that observed by other investigators who have termed this phenomenon, \"cap\" formation.", "contents": "An electron microscope study of receptor site on rat mast cells for human immunoglobulin E. Previous studies using immunofluorescence and autoradiography demonstrated the presence of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptors on rat mast cells (RMC). This finding was confirmed by the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with X-ray microanalysis (XMA) employing ferritin labelled antisera XMA was used to detect ferritin as Fe in the target cells. On examination by TEM and XMA, 25 per cent of RMC showed a dense area of Fe deposits on the surface of the cells. No Fe could be detected on neutrophils or eosinophils or in the control cell preparations without human IgE. The Fe was concentrated in well-defined areas of the treated mast cells and this distinct concentration of receptor sites was similar to that observed by other investigators who have termed this phenomenon, \"cap\" formation.", "PMID": 988942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2922", "title": "Release of chymotrypsin-like esterase from isolated rat peritoneal mast cells by arginine-rich calf thymus histone.", "content": "Release of chymotrypsin-like esterase from isolated rat peritoneal mast cells by arginine-rich and lysine-rich calf thymus histones was investigated. The arginine-rich histone released the esterase, but the lysine-rich histone did not release the esterase from the mast cells. The isolated mast cells spontaneously released the esterase gradually. The chymotrypsin-like esterase released from the mast cells is considered to digest the destructed material in tissues in a state of chronic destruction, such as chronically inflamed tissues and malignant tumours.", "contents": "Release of chymotrypsin-like esterase from isolated rat peritoneal mast cells by arginine-rich calf thymus histone. Release of chymotrypsin-like esterase from isolated rat peritoneal mast cells by arginine-rich and lysine-rich calf thymus histones was investigated. The arginine-rich histone released the esterase, but the lysine-rich histone did not release the esterase from the mast cells. The isolated mast cells spontaneously released the esterase gradually. The chymotrypsin-like esterase released from the mast cells is considered to digest the destructed material in tissues in a state of chronic destruction, such as chronically inflamed tissues and malignant tumours.", "PMID": 988943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2923", "title": "On the interpretation of depth dependent light scattering measurements in normal corneas.", "content": "In recent studies other investigatiors have presented traces of \"light scattering\" versus depth into the cornea. The present investigation demonstrates that these traces do not measure the actual light scatter intensity and that a proper interpretation of such traces shows that most of the scattering is from within the stroma.", "contents": "On the interpretation of depth dependent light scattering measurements in normal corneas. In recent studies other investigatiors have presented traces of \"light scattering\" versus depth into the cornea. The present investigation demonstrates that these traces do not measure the actual light scatter intensity and that a proper interpretation of such traces shows that most of the scattering is from within the stroma.", "PMID": 988944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2924", "title": "Bacterial flora in relation to cataract extraction. IV. Postoperative inflammation. The role of conjunctival bacteria and certain surgical factors.", "content": "In 499 patients operated on for cataract, the clinical postoperative signs of extraocular inflammation (conjunctival hyperaemia, chemosis, discharge and oedema of the lids), the number of infiltrates around the corneoscleral sutures, and the severity of intraocular inflammation in the anterior chamber (aqueous-flare) were assessed on the fourth postoperative day and correlated with the bacterial conjunctival flora examined both qualitatively and quantitatively on the same day. Patients with potential pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative bacilli and streptococci) on the conjunctiva following operation did not show any increased inflammatory reactions when compared with those without such pathogen. The quantity of bacteria, i.e. number of colonies, did not appear to play a role. The reasons are discussed. The clinical postoperative inflammatory signs were further correlated with the following factors: surgical complications, quality of suturing technique, use of alpha chymotrypsin, systemic disease, sex and age. A positive correlation was found between the severity of extraocular inflammation and retained lens material and hyphaema. Furthermore, extraocular reactions were more severe in males than in females. The incidence of infiltrates around corneoscleral sutures was found to vary with age, i.e. occurred more frequently in patients less than 60 years. No relationship was found between the severity of aqueous-flare and the above mentioned factors.", "contents": "Bacterial flora in relation to cataract extraction. IV. Postoperative inflammation. The role of conjunctival bacteria and certain surgical factors. In 499 patients operated on for cataract, the clinical postoperative signs of extraocular inflammation (conjunctival hyperaemia, chemosis, discharge and oedema of the lids), the number of infiltrates around the corneoscleral sutures, and the severity of intraocular inflammation in the anterior chamber (aqueous-flare) were assessed on the fourth postoperative day and correlated with the bacterial conjunctival flora examined both qualitatively and quantitatively on the same day. Patients with potential pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative bacilli and streptococci) on the conjunctiva following operation did not show any increased inflammatory reactions when compared with those without such pathogen. The quantity of bacteria, i.e. number of colonies, did not appear to play a role. The reasons are discussed. The clinical postoperative inflammatory signs were further correlated with the following factors: surgical complications, quality of suturing technique, use of alpha chymotrypsin, systemic disease, sex and age. A positive correlation was found between the severity of extraocular inflammation and retained lens material and hyphaema. Furthermore, extraocular reactions were more severe in males than in females. The incidence of infiltrates around corneoscleral sutures was found to vary with age, i.e. occurred more frequently in patients less than 60 years. No relationship was found between the severity of aqueous-flare and the above mentioned factors.", "PMID": 988945} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2925", "title": "[Intolerance to cow's milk].", "content": "The authors report results of allergological history, of passive haemagglutination reaction, lymphocytes blast transformation and leucocytes migration inhibition tests in 100 patients suffering from affections involving the gastro-intestinal tract. Control investigations were carried out in 20 practically healthy individuals. From these results the authors conclude that the data of the allergological history and clinical symptoms of the cow milk intolerance are determined, above all, by the immuno-allergic mechanisms, this being confirmed by the results of the \"in vitro\" methods characterizing the humoral and cellular types of the immunological reactivity.", "contents": "[Intolerance to cow's milk]. The authors report results of allergological history, of passive haemagglutination reaction, lymphocytes blast transformation and leucocytes migration inhibition tests in 100 patients suffering from affections involving the gastro-intestinal tract. Control investigations were carried out in 20 practically healthy individuals. From these results the authors conclude that the data of the allergological history and clinical symptoms of the cow milk intolerance are determined, above all, by the immuno-allergic mechanisms, this being confirmed by the results of the \"in vitro\" methods characterizing the humoral and cellular types of the immunological reactivity.", "PMID": 988940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2926", "title": "Central corneal thickness in newborns and children.", "content": "Central corneal thickness was measured optically in premature and full-term babies and in children. The thickness was found to decrease from the values found in premature and full-term babies to those found in small children aged between 2-4 years. The thickness of the adult cornea is reached at the age of about 3 years. These findings are discussed with respect to the possible role of corneal thickness as a biometric parameter, to intraocular pressure measurement, and to corneal thickness steady state regulation.", "contents": "Central corneal thickness in newborns and children. Central corneal thickness was measured optically in premature and full-term babies and in children. The thickness was found to decrease from the values found in premature and full-term babies to those found in small children aged between 2-4 years. The thickness of the adult cornea is reached at the age of about 3 years. These findings are discussed with respect to the possible role of corneal thickness as a biometric parameter, to intraocular pressure measurement, and to corneal thickness steady state regulation.", "PMID": 988947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2927", "title": "Trephine sections for cataract surgery.", "content": "In 100 cases of senile cataract keratoplasty trephine was used for making lamellar cataract sections from the 3 to 9 o'clock position. The results are compared with sections made by keratome and scissors. The advantages achieved by performing the sections with the trephine are discussed. Complications due to defective wound healing are reduced to the bare minimum. There was no astigmatism in 41% of the cases. The sections were ab externo enabling preplaced sutures to be inserted.", "contents": "Trephine sections for cataract surgery. In 100 cases of senile cataract keratoplasty trephine was used for making lamellar cataract sections from the 3 to 9 o'clock position. The results are compared with sections made by keratome and scissors. The advantages achieved by performing the sections with the trephine are discussed. Complications due to defective wound healing are reduced to the bare minimum. There was no astigmatism in 41% of the cases. The sections were ab externo enabling preplaced sutures to be inserted.", "PMID": 988948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2928", "title": "Static perimetry: strategies.", "content": "In static perimetry the method of limits is widely used for threshold determinations. Its performance is compared with that of a certain modification of the staircase method (repetitive up and down) by means of simulations, where the behaviour of the observer is described by an assumed psychometric function. Systematic and random errors are considerably smaller with the up and down method. Further consideration is given to signal detection theory and to the concept of optimal strategy.", "contents": "Static perimetry: strategies. In static perimetry the method of limits is widely used for threshold determinations. Its performance is compared with that of a certain modification of the staircase method (repetitive up and down) by means of simulations, where the behaviour of the observer is described by an assumed psychometric function. Systematic and random errors are considerably smaller with the up and down method. Further consideration is given to signal detection theory and to the concept of optimal strategy.", "PMID": 988949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2929", "title": "Static perimetry: accuracy and fluctuations.", "content": "Threshold fluctuations are divided into short-term and long-term effects applying statistical methods. Sixteen normal and pathological visual fields were analysed in order to obtain values for the short-term, long-term and total fluctuations. Special attention is paid to fortuitous variations between the results obtained at successive examinations. Finally the concept of spatial correlations is introduced.", "contents": "Static perimetry: accuracy and fluctuations. Threshold fluctuations are divided into short-term and long-term effects applying statistical methods. Sixteen normal and pathological visual fields were analysed in order to obtain values for the short-term, long-term and total fluctuations. Special attention is paid to fortuitous variations between the results obtained at successive examinations. Finally the concept of spatial correlations is introduced.", "PMID": 988950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2930", "title": "Mast cells and pterygium.", "content": "A total of thirty pterygia were studied for mast cells using metachromatic dye (toluidine blue) together with routine histological stains. On microscopic examination, the lesion was differentiated and classified into angiomatous, fibrous and mixed varieties based on the vascular and collagenous components. The mast cell counts were undertaken in all types and were found to have significant correlation with the morphological types when compared to normal conjunctiva. 15.1 +/- 3.1, 22.7 +/- 3.8, 9.5 +/- 3.2 mast cell per mm2 were found in the angiomatous, mixed and fibrous types respectively. In the control material, the mast cell count was 12.4 +/- 2.3 per mm2. The results are discussed. It is believed that mast cells are actively involved in the genesis and progress of pterygium.", "contents": "Mast cells and pterygium. A total of thirty pterygia were studied for mast cells using metachromatic dye (toluidine blue) together with routine histological stains. On microscopic examination, the lesion was differentiated and classified into angiomatous, fibrous and mixed varieties based on the vascular and collagenous components. The mast cell counts were undertaken in all types and were found to have significant correlation with the morphological types when compared to normal conjunctiva. 15.1 +/- 3.1, 22.7 +/- 3.8, 9.5 +/- 3.2 mast cell per mm2 were found in the angiomatous, mixed and fibrous types respectively. In the control material, the mast cell count was 12.4 +/- 2.3 per mm2. The results are discussed. It is believed that mast cells are actively involved in the genesis and progress of pterygium.", "PMID": 988951} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2931", "title": "Interference filter for colour and black-and-white fluorescein angiography.", "content": "A new dichromic interference filter was used as the excitation filter in colour and black-and-white fluorescein angiography of the human fundus. The interference filter transmits light shorter than 490 nm (blue) and longer than 640 nm (red). In colour photography the red light shows the topography of the fundus. In black-and-white photography, the red light is prevented from reaching the fundus by an additional absorption filter used together with the interference filter. These two comprise the excitation filter, which eliminates the pseudo-fluorescence from black-and-white angiograms.", "contents": "Interference filter for colour and black-and-white fluorescein angiography. A new dichromic interference filter was used as the excitation filter in colour and black-and-white fluorescein angiography of the human fundus. The interference filter transmits light shorter than 490 nm (blue) and longer than 640 nm (red). In colour photography the red light shows the topography of the fundus. In black-and-white photography, the red light is prevented from reaching the fundus by an additional absorption filter used together with the interference filter. These two comprise the excitation filter, which eliminates the pseudo-fluorescence from black-and-white angiograms.", "PMID": 988952} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2932", "title": "Changes in 35S-sulphate uptake in different tissues in the knee and hip regions of rabbits during immobilization, remobilization the development of osteoarthritis.", "content": "In order to observe phenomena accompanying the development of osteoarthritis of the rabbit knee, consistently appearing within 4-6 weeks as a consequence ofimmobilization of this joint, studies on 35S-sulphate (Na2 35SO4) uptake were carried out. The investigation suggests that immobilization of the knee leads within 2-4 weeks to increased sulphate uptake in bone, cartilage and ligaments in the knee region and in the hip (not immobilized) of the same leg. The first marked changes in 35S-sulphate uptake were found in the ligaments and the articular cartilage as early as after 4 days of immobilization.", "contents": "Changes in 35S-sulphate uptake in different tissues in the knee and hip regions of rabbits during immobilization, remobilization the development of osteoarthritis. In order to observe phenomena accompanying the development of osteoarthritis of the rabbit knee, consistently appearing within 4-6 weeks as a consequence ofimmobilization of this joint, studies on 35S-sulphate (Na2 35SO4) uptake were carried out. The investigation suggests that immobilization of the knee leads within 2-4 weeks to increased sulphate uptake in bone, cartilage and ligaments in the knee region and in the hip (not immobilized) of the same leg. The first marked changes in 35S-sulphate uptake were found in the ligaments and the articular cartilage as early as after 4 days of immobilization.", "PMID": 988953} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2933", "title": "Radical mastectomy in a patient with coexistent Graves' disease.", "content": "A patient with the coincidental occurrence of thyrotoxicosis and medullary carcinoma of the breast is reported. Survivorship was considered optimal by performance of a mastectomy without the six to eight weeks' delay required to achieve euthyroidism by antithyroid drugs or radioiodine. The hyperthyroidism was controlled with propranolol, permitting an uneventful radical mastectomy.", "contents": "Radical mastectomy in a patient with coexistent Graves' disease. A patient with the coincidental occurrence of thyrotoxicosis and medullary carcinoma of the breast is reported. Survivorship was considered optimal by performance of a mastectomy without the six to eight weeks' delay required to achieve euthyroidism by antithyroid drugs or radioiodine. The hyperthyroidism was controlled with propranolol, permitting an uneventful radical mastectomy.", "PMID": 988977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2934", "title": "Milk sensitivity and soybean sensitivity in the production of eczematous manifestations in breast-fed infants with particular reference to intrauterine sensitization.", "content": "Three cases of milk sensitivity and two of soybean sensitivity are presented, suggesting that both pre-natal and post-natal sensitization may have been involved in the production of eczematous manifestations of early infancy. Hemagglutinating antibody titers against lactalbumin and soybean in the amniotic fluid were unusually high. This suggests that hemagglutinating antibody estimation against foods in the amniotic fluid may possibly predict infantile allegic manifestations in the newborn.", "contents": "Milk sensitivity and soybean sensitivity in the production of eczematous manifestations in breast-fed infants with particular reference to intrauterine sensitization. Three cases of milk sensitivity and two of soybean sensitivity are presented, suggesting that both pre-natal and post-natal sensitization may have been involved in the production of eczematous manifestations of early infancy. Hemagglutinating antibody titers against lactalbumin and soybean in the amniotic fluid were unusually high. This suggests that hemagglutinating antibody estimation against foods in the amniotic fluid may possibly predict infantile allegic manifestations in the newborn.", "PMID": 988983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2935", "title": "Natal teeth and steatocystoma multiplex complicated by hidradenitis suppurativa. A new syndrome.", "content": "A new syndrome, consisting of natal or defective teeth, or both, steatocystomas of the skin, and epidermal cysts of the scalp, is described in several generations. One member of the family had eruptive molars. Male-to-male transmission suggests autosomal dominant inheritance. This syndrome should be separated from pachyonychia congenita I and II.", "contents": "Natal teeth and steatocystoma multiplex complicated by hidradenitis suppurativa. A new syndrome. A new syndrome, consisting of natal or defective teeth, or both, steatocystomas of the skin, and epidermal cysts of the scalp, is described in several generations. One member of the family had eruptive molars. Male-to-male transmission suggests autosomal dominant inheritance. This syndrome should be separated from pachyonychia congenita I and II.", "PMID": 988984} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2936", "title": "Immunoblastic lymphadenopathy. A report of two cases.", "content": "Two patients who had immunoblastic lymphadenopathy with clinical symptoms of fever, anemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and enlarged lymph nodes were treated with chemotherapy. The lymph node biopsy specimens were originally interpreted as malignant processes because of severe immunoblastic and plasmacytic infiltration that practically obliterated the architecture of the lymph nodes. One patient recovered and was free of symptoms five years after clinical onset of the disease. The second patient died of massive gastrointestinal bleeding six weeks after the onset of disease and five weeks after administration of cytotoxic drug therapy. The cases illustrate the ineffectiveness and possible adverse effect of chemotherapy, as well as the importance of differentiation of immunoblastic lymphadenopathy from frankly malignant lymph node diseases.", "contents": "Immunoblastic lymphadenopathy. A report of two cases. Two patients who had immunoblastic lymphadenopathy with clinical symptoms of fever, anemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and enlarged lymph nodes were treated with chemotherapy. The lymph node biopsy specimens were originally interpreted as malignant processes because of severe immunoblastic and plasmacytic infiltration that practically obliterated the architecture of the lymph nodes. One patient recovered and was free of symptoms five years after clinical onset of the disease. The second patient died of massive gastrointestinal bleeding six weeks after the onset of disease and five weeks after administration of cytotoxic drug therapy. The cases illustrate the ineffectiveness and possible adverse effect of chemotherapy, as well as the importance of differentiation of immunoblastic lymphadenopathy from frankly malignant lymph node diseases.", "PMID": 988989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2937", "title": "The specificity of split renal membranes in hereditary nephritis.", "content": "This study was undertaken to assess the specificity of split renal basement membranes in hereditary nephritis (HN). Thirteen specimens from eight patients with HN were mixed in a random fashion with specimens from control patients with either idiopathic nephrotic syndrome or various forms of glomerulonephritis and with specimens from patients with benign recurrent hematuria (BRH). Each biopsy specimen was scored for splitting of glomerular basement membranes (GBMs). Control and BRH specimens contained focal splitting in the GBMs; the biopsy specimens from HN patients had widespread lesions. Evaluation of split GBMs is useful in differentiating patients with HN from those with BRH and other renal diseases that may be confused with HN.", "contents": "The specificity of split renal membranes in hereditary nephritis. This study was undertaken to assess the specificity of split renal basement membranes in hereditary nephritis (HN). Thirteen specimens from eight patients with HN were mixed in a random fashion with specimens from control patients with either idiopathic nephrotic syndrome or various forms of glomerulonephritis and with specimens from patients with benign recurrent hematuria (BRH). Each biopsy specimen was scored for splitting of glomerular basement membranes (GBMs). Control and BRH specimens contained focal splitting in the GBMs; the biopsy specimens from HN patients had widespread lesions. Evaluation of split GBMs is useful in differentiating patients with HN from those with BRH and other renal diseases that may be confused with HN.", "PMID": 988990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2938", "title": "Unilateral glomerulonephritis.", "content": "Three patients had unilateral glomerulonephritis. In two, the protected kidney was associated with stenosis of its renal artery, and in the third patient, a hydronephrotic kidney was spared. These clinical examples of unilateral glomerulonephritis and similar experimental models illustrate the effect of hemodynamic and hydrostatic influence in the manifestation of glomerulonephritis. Glomerulonephritis associated with unilateral arterial or ureteral disease may cause clinical confusion and error in diagnosis and treatment.", "contents": "Unilateral glomerulonephritis. Three patients had unilateral glomerulonephritis. In two, the protected kidney was associated with stenosis of its renal artery, and in the third patient, a hydronephrotic kidney was spared. These clinical examples of unilateral glomerulonephritis and similar experimental models illustrate the effect of hemodynamic and hydrostatic influence in the manifestation of glomerulonephritis. Glomerulonephritis associated with unilateral arterial or ureteral disease may cause clinical confusion and error in diagnosis and treatment.", "PMID": 988991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2939", "title": "Experimental Toxoplasma retinitis: a light and electron microscopical study.", "content": "In a light and electron microscopical study of the morphological lesions of acute experimental Toxoplasma retinitis in the rabbit, produced by intravitreal inoculation with RH strain T gondii, all layers of the retina were found to be infected with the parasite. The Bruch membrane appeared to be a relatively impermeable barrier to invasion by the parasite. The underlying choroid showed an inflammatory cellular infiltrate but was free of organisms. Evidence of lateral spread of infection between the layers of the retinal tissue was observed. Examples of glial cell infection were also seen. Trophozoities may enter the brain by spreading along contiguous glial cell elements of the optic nerve; retinal tissue destruction occurs by direct invasion of cells by trophozoites. In other areas, tissue destruction by inflammatory cells occurred in the absence of organisms and may indicate an immunologically induced process of tissue destruction.", "contents": "Experimental Toxoplasma retinitis: a light and electron microscopical study. In a light and electron microscopical study of the morphological lesions of acute experimental Toxoplasma retinitis in the rabbit, produced by intravitreal inoculation with RH strain T gondii, all layers of the retina were found to be infected with the parasite. The Bruch membrane appeared to be a relatively impermeable barrier to invasion by the parasite. The underlying choroid showed an inflammatory cellular infiltrate but was free of organisms. Evidence of lateral spread of infection between the layers of the retinal tissue was observed. Examples of glial cell infection were also seen. Trophozoities may enter the brain by spreading along contiguous glial cell elements of the optic nerve; retinal tissue destruction occurs by direct invasion of cells by trophozoites. In other areas, tissue destruction by inflammatory cells occurred in the absence of organisms and may indicate an immunologically induced process of tissue destruction.", "PMID": 988992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2940", "title": "[Diagnosis and evaluation of cervico-facial cancers in children].", "content": "Malignant neoplasia of head and neck in children are mostly embryonal sarcoma and non Hodkgin's lymphomata. Squamous-sell carcinomas are only 10%. The main locations are in nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses. Symptoms are corelated with location of the primary. Treatment depends of the pathologic type. Combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and sometimes surgery, yield now more cured patients, especially in embryonal sarcoma.", "contents": "[Diagnosis and evaluation of cervico-facial cancers in children]. Malignant neoplasia of head and neck in children are mostly embryonal sarcoma and non Hodkgin's lymphomata. Squamous-sell carcinomas are only 10%. The main locations are in nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses. Symptoms are corelated with location of the primary. Treatment depends of the pathologic type. Combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and sometimes surgery, yield now more cured patients, especially in embryonal sarcoma.", "PMID": 988987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2941", "title": "Malignant APUDoma (carcinoid) of the anterior mediastinum. Simplified methods of demonstrating biogenic amines in endocrine neoplasms.", "content": "Endocrine neoplasms of the thymus and mediastinum are uncommon. This report describes such a carcinoma and the difficulty in determining its true nature. A simple modification of the technique for formaldehyde-fume-induced fluorescence (FIF) demonstrated biogenic amines in the cells. Electron microscopy and histochemical findings confirmed the close relationship of these neoplasms with neural-crest cells capable of amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation (APUD). The FIF technique is also a more sensitive method of detecting these tumors, since it has less of the sampling problems of electron microscopy, and the fluorescent granules are more easily seen than those stained by the usual methods. The techniques are simple enough for screening all poorly differentiated carcinomas in this area to determine a more accurate incidence figure.", "contents": "Malignant APUDoma (carcinoid) of the anterior mediastinum. Simplified methods of demonstrating biogenic amines in endocrine neoplasms. Endocrine neoplasms of the thymus and mediastinum are uncommon. This report describes such a carcinoma and the difficulty in determining its true nature. A simple modification of the technique for formaldehyde-fume-induced fluorescence (FIF) demonstrated biogenic amines in the cells. Electron microscopy and histochemical findings confirmed the close relationship of these neoplasms with neural-crest cells capable of amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation (APUD). The FIF technique is also a more sensitive method of detecting these tumors, since it has less of the sampling problems of electron microscopy, and the fluorescent granules are more easily seen than those stained by the usual methods. The techniques are simple enough for screening all poorly differentiated carcinomas in this area to determine a more accurate incidence figure.", "PMID": 988993} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2942", "title": "Microcysts of the permanent adrenal cortex in perinates and infants,.", "content": "Microscopic cysts in the permanent cortices of adrenal glands were studied in a series of 274 infants, some of whom had been stillborn and none of whom were more than 12 months old. After correction for length of gestation, there were no significant relationships between the occurence and number of microcysts and various maternal, placental, and perinatal diseases. A significant direct correlation was demonstrated statistically with shorter gestational period and shorter survival time after birth. We concluded that the adrenal microcysts are either a developmental feature or the result of a greater susceptibility to stress in the fetus and newborn than in older infants.", "contents": "Microcysts of the permanent adrenal cortex in perinates and infants,. Microscopic cysts in the permanent cortices of adrenal glands were studied in a series of 274 infants, some of whom had been stillborn and none of whom were more than 12 months old. After correction for length of gestation, there were no significant relationships between the occurence and number of microcysts and various maternal, placental, and perinatal diseases. A significant direct correlation was demonstrated statistically with shorter gestational period and shorter survival time after birth. We concluded that the adrenal microcysts are either a developmental feature or the result of a greater susceptibility to stress in the fetus and newborn than in older infants.", "PMID": 988994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2943", "title": "Changing pattern of residual tumor in Burkitt lymphoma: findings at autopsy.", "content": "Autopsies were performed on 47 patients who died of Burkitt lymphoma in Uganda between 1967 and 1971. The patients were separated into four groups based on the duration of survival from the time of diagnosis. Twenty patients survived less than three weeks; all had massive tumors. Six patients died between 10 and 16 weeks after diagnosis, usually from side effects of drug therapy. Of 16 patients who died between 24 and 52 weeks after diagnosis, 13 showed involvement of the central nervous system. Five patients died one year or more after diagnosis; two had a late relapse following a disease-free interval of one and four years, respectively; the other three had survived with clinically apparent tumor that was not responsive to therapy. In recent years, there has been a steady reduction in the proportion of patients showing residual systemic involvement at autopsy. This reduction is balanced by an increase in the proportion of patients with lesions of the central nervous system.", "contents": "Changing pattern of residual tumor in Burkitt lymphoma: findings at autopsy. Autopsies were performed on 47 patients who died of Burkitt lymphoma in Uganda between 1967 and 1971. The patients were separated into four groups based on the duration of survival from the time of diagnosis. Twenty patients survived less than three weeks; all had massive tumors. Six patients died between 10 and 16 weeks after diagnosis, usually from side effects of drug therapy. Of 16 patients who died between 24 and 52 weeks after diagnosis, 13 showed involvement of the central nervous system. Five patients died one year or more after diagnosis; two had a late relapse following a disease-free interval of one and four years, respectively; the other three had survived with clinically apparent tumor that was not responsive to therapy. In recent years, there has been a steady reduction in the proportion of patients showing residual systemic involvement at autopsy. This reduction is balanced by an increase in the proportion of patients with lesions of the central nervous system.", "PMID": 988995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2944", "title": "[Disopyramide phosphate: electrophysiological and inotropic effects in isolated cat papillary muscles and comparison with quinidine (author's transl)].", "content": "The effects of 4-diisopropylamino-2-phenyl-2-(2-pyridyl)-butyramide monophosphate (disopyramide phosphate; D; 10(-6)--10(-4) M) on transmembrane resting potential, action potential, effective refractory period and twitch tension were simultaneously studied in electrically driven (frequency 1 Hz) papillary muscles isolated from the right ventricles of cats. The experiments were performed at 35degrees C with intracellular glass microelectrodes. Quinidine sulfate (10(-6)--10(-4) M) was used for comparison. D increased the duration of the action potential during phase 3 (90% repolarization) in a concentration-dependent manner. The effective refractory period was prolonged by nearly the same extent whereas the maximal rate of rise of the action potential was reduced. The overshoot was slightly decreased only at 10(-4) M. Resting potential and plateau phase of the action potential were not affected by D. The effects of D on the electrical events were accompanied by concomitant decreases in twitch tension. The effects of quinidine were essentially similar to those obtained with D. It is concluded that the effects of D on dV/dtmax and effective refractory period observed in cat papillary muscle may account for the clinically observed efficacy of D to overcome ventricular arrhythmias. The results suggest also that the mechanism of the ventricular effects of D is similar to that of quinidine.", "contents": "[Disopyramide phosphate: electrophysiological and inotropic effects in isolated cat papillary muscles and comparison with quinidine (author's transl)]. The effects of 4-diisopropylamino-2-phenyl-2-(2-pyridyl)-butyramide monophosphate (disopyramide phosphate; D; 10(-6)--10(-4) M) on transmembrane resting potential, action potential, effective refractory period and twitch tension were simultaneously studied in electrically driven (frequency 1 Hz) papillary muscles isolated from the right ventricles of cats. The experiments were performed at 35degrees C with intracellular glass microelectrodes. Quinidine sulfate (10(-6)--10(-4) M) was used for comparison. D increased the duration of the action potential during phase 3 (90% repolarization) in a concentration-dependent manner. The effective refractory period was prolonged by nearly the same extent whereas the maximal rate of rise of the action potential was reduced. The overshoot was slightly decreased only at 10(-4) M. Resting potential and plateau phase of the action potential were not affected by D. The effects of D on the electrical events were accompanied by concomitant decreases in twitch tension. The effects of quinidine were essentially similar to those obtained with D. It is concluded that the effects of D on dV/dtmax and effective refractory period observed in cat papillary muscle may account for the clinically observed efficacy of D to overcome ventricular arrhythmias. The results suggest also that the mechanism of the ventricular effects of D is similar to that of quinidine.", "PMID": 988999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2945", "title": "[Absorption studies with purines. Part 2. In vitro experiments with a diffusion apparatus (author's transl)].", "content": "Various purines were investigated with the Desaga Resomat II, their diffusion speed constants calculated according to Stricker and compared with one another. The drugs investigated showed a proportinal relationship between diffusion speed and lipoid solubility. The effect of different membranes on the absorption experiments, with and without applied alternating pressure, was investigated. The results from the Sartorius Absorption Model and the Desaga Resomat II were compared.", "contents": "[Absorption studies with purines. Part 2. In vitro experiments with a diffusion apparatus (author's transl)]. Various purines were investigated with the Desaga Resomat II, their diffusion speed constants calculated according to Stricker and compared with one another. The drugs investigated showed a proportinal relationship between diffusion speed and lipoid solubility. The effect of different membranes on the absorption experiments, with and without applied alternating pressure, was investigated. The results from the Sartorius Absorption Model and the Desaga Resomat II were compared.", "PMID": 989000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2946", "title": "Interaction of homopyrimidazole derivatives with biopolymers. II. Binding to chemically modified albumins; attempt to correlate chemical structure and binding affinity.", "content": "The degree of human serum albumin (HSA) binding for 16 different homopyrimidazole derivatives has been studied. The positions of UV absorption maximum, the corresponding molar extinction coefficients and the binding parameters obtained by equilibrium dialysis experiments at 4 degrees C, in pH 7.35 phosphate buffer, are surveyed. In most cases compounds with high toxicity show low binding tendency. Saturation of the ring system decreases binding, while an increase of the number of double bonds enhances the binding affinity. Important requirements for HSA binding of homopyrimidazole derivatives are the presence of a carbethoxy (or carboxyl) group in position 3 and a C6-methyl group. The highest binding affinity could be demonstrated in the case of MZ 211, an acid-type metabolite of 1,6-dimethyl-3-carbethoxy-4-oxo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-4H-pyrido-(1,2-alpha)-pyrimidin-1-ium-methyl-sulphate (MZ 144, Probon). Binding of MZ 144 to chemically modified albumins was studied under standard conditions. Binding studies with acetylated and methylated HSA indicated that the presence of free carboxyl groups is a requirement for binding, while the amino groups play a less important role. More selective chemical modifications of HSA were realised with acetylsalicylic acid, diethylpyrocarbonate (DEP) and o-nitrophenylsulfenyl-chloride (NPS-C1). Modifications with DEP and acetylsalicylic acid result in an increase of affinity in the binding area, probably due to blocking of a particular amino group in the vicinity of the binding site. Histidine residues are believed to be of minor importance in the binding process. When the indole ring is modified with NPS-C1, affinity at the strong binding site is significantly reduced, indicating that the Trp residue must be involved in the binding of MZ 144.", "contents": "Interaction of homopyrimidazole derivatives with biopolymers. II. Binding to chemically modified albumins; attempt to correlate chemical structure and binding affinity. The degree of human serum albumin (HSA) binding for 16 different homopyrimidazole derivatives has been studied. The positions of UV absorption maximum, the corresponding molar extinction coefficients and the binding parameters obtained by equilibrium dialysis experiments at 4 degrees C, in pH 7.35 phosphate buffer, are surveyed. In most cases compounds with high toxicity show low binding tendency. Saturation of the ring system decreases binding, while an increase of the number of double bonds enhances the binding affinity. Important requirements for HSA binding of homopyrimidazole derivatives are the presence of a carbethoxy (or carboxyl) group in position 3 and a C6-methyl group. The highest binding affinity could be demonstrated in the case of MZ 211, an acid-type metabolite of 1,6-dimethyl-3-carbethoxy-4-oxo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-4H-pyrido-(1,2-alpha)-pyrimidin-1-ium-methyl-sulphate (MZ 144, Probon). Binding of MZ 144 to chemically modified albumins was studied under standard conditions. Binding studies with acetylated and methylated HSA indicated that the presence of free carboxyl groups is a requirement for binding, while the amino groups play a less important role. More selective chemical modifications of HSA were realised with acetylsalicylic acid, diethylpyrocarbonate (DEP) and o-nitrophenylsulfenyl-chloride (NPS-C1). Modifications with DEP and acetylsalicylic acid result in an increase of affinity in the binding area, probably due to blocking of a particular amino group in the vicinity of the binding site. Histidine residues are believed to be of minor importance in the binding process. When the indole ring is modified with NPS-C1, affinity at the strong binding site is significantly reduced, indicating that the Trp residue must be involved in the binding of MZ 144.", "PMID": 989001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2947", "title": "[Kinetics of the anti-staphylococcal activity of bakuchiol in vitro (author's transl)].", "content": "The growth curve of Staphylococcus aureus in a liquid medium with and without bakuchiol, the main component of Psoralea corylifolia Linn., has been studied for in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activity. The dynamics of the antibacterial action has also been studied by finding the generation time and number of generations of the microbial growth before stationary phase is reached. This study of the growth curve of the test bacteria gives in general an accurate method of evaluating the in vitro antibacterial activity of drugs with exact mathematical implications, besides serving also as a means for studying the kinetics as well as the mode of antibacterial action.", "contents": "[Kinetics of the anti-staphylococcal activity of bakuchiol in vitro (author's transl)]. The growth curve of Staphylococcus aureus in a liquid medium with and without bakuchiol, the main component of Psoralea corylifolia Linn., has been studied for in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activity. The dynamics of the antibacterial action has also been studied by finding the generation time and number of generations of the microbial growth before stationary phase is reached. This study of the growth curve of the test bacteria gives in general an accurate method of evaluating the in vitro antibacterial activity of drugs with exact mathematical implications, besides serving also as a means for studying the kinetics as well as the mode of antibacterial action.", "PMID": 989003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2948", "title": "[Identification of two S-containing metabolites of 1-allyl-3,5-diethyl-6-chlorouracil in rabbit urine (author's transl)].", "content": "The synthesis of 2-14C-1-allyl-3,5-diethyl-6-chlorouracil (2-14C-Aclu; Acluracil) is described. After application in rabbits, 2-14C-Aclu is biotransformed in one S-free major metabolite I and two S-containing minor metabolites II and III, which are more polar than Aclu. The metabolites have been isolated and purified by thick layer-, column- and gaschromatography. With the help of 1N-NMR- and mass spectroscopy, metabolite II could be identified as 1-allyl-3-ethyl-5-(2-hydroxy ethyl)-6-methylmercaptouracil and metabolite III as 1-allyl-3,5-diethyl-6-methylmercaptouracil. The introduction of methylmercapto group (-SCH3) in metabolites II and III represents a new biochemical pathway which to the best of our knowledge has not been reported in the literature up to now.", "contents": "[Identification of two S-containing metabolites of 1-allyl-3,5-diethyl-6-chlorouracil in rabbit urine (author's transl)]. The synthesis of 2-14C-1-allyl-3,5-diethyl-6-chlorouracil (2-14C-Aclu; Acluracil) is described. After application in rabbits, 2-14C-Aclu is biotransformed in one S-free major metabolite I and two S-containing minor metabolites II and III, which are more polar than Aclu. The metabolites have been isolated and purified by thick layer-, column- and gaschromatography. With the help of 1N-NMR- and mass spectroscopy, metabolite II could be identified as 1-allyl-3-ethyl-5-(2-hydroxy ethyl)-6-methylmercaptouracil and metabolite III as 1-allyl-3,5-diethyl-6-methylmercaptouracil. The introduction of methylmercapto group (-SCH3) in metabolites II and III represents a new biochemical pathway which to the best of our knowledge has not been reported in the literature up to now.", "PMID": 989004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2949", "title": "[Pharmacological studies of a new antitussive, 1-phenethyl-4-hydroxy-salicylamido-4-methyl-piperidine-hydrochloride (S 1592) (author's transl)].", "content": "1-Phenethyl-4-hydroxy-salicylamido-4-methylpiperidine-hydrochloride (S 1592) markedly inhibits coughing induced in laboratory animals by chemical or mechanical irritation of respiratory tract or by electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve. The drug has low acute toxicity in mice and rats. The new compound possesses bronchodilating and antianaphylactic properties and does not affect gastrointestinal propulsion. Cardiovascular effects are absent.", "contents": "[Pharmacological studies of a new antitussive, 1-phenethyl-4-hydroxy-salicylamido-4-methyl-piperidine-hydrochloride (S 1592) (author's transl)]. 1-Phenethyl-4-hydroxy-salicylamido-4-methylpiperidine-hydrochloride (S 1592) markedly inhibits coughing induced in laboratory animals by chemical or mechanical irritation of respiratory tract or by electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve. The drug has low acute toxicity in mice and rats. The new compound possesses bronchodilating and antianaphylactic properties and does not affect gastrointestinal propulsion. Cardiovascular effects are absent.", "PMID": 989005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2950", "title": "Protective effect of dexamethasone on enhancement of blood-brain barrier permeability caused by electroconvulsive shock.", "content": "Penetration of Evans blue from the brain blood vessel into the brain tissue was increased by electroconvulsive shock (ECS), indicating the enhancement of the bloodbrain barrier (BBB) permeability. The staining with Evans blue was most prominent in the thalamus. The enhancement was scarcely observed 60 min after ECS, suggesting that the effect is of a temporary nature. Dexamethasone could protect BBB from its enhancement caused by ECS.", "contents": "Protective effect of dexamethasone on enhancement of blood-brain barrier permeability caused by electroconvulsive shock. Penetration of Evans blue from the brain blood vessel into the brain tissue was increased by electroconvulsive shock (ECS), indicating the enhancement of the bloodbrain barrier (BBB) permeability. The staining with Evans blue was most prominent in the thalamus. The enhancement was scarcely observed 60 min after ECS, suggesting that the effect is of a temporary nature. Dexamethasone could protect BBB from its enhancement caused by ECS.", "PMID": 989006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2951", "title": "Effects of various amino acids on gastric lesions induced by acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and gastric secretion in pylorus-ligated rats.", "content": "The simultaneous oral administration of various amino acids such as L-lysine, L-arginine, L-histidine, L-serine and others at 750, 250 or 83.3 mg/kg in pylorus-ligated rats produced a marked prevention of the gastric mucosal damages caused by oral acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) at 100 mg/kg. In regard with L-lysine and L-arginine, it was assumed that these amino acids might inhibit the ASA-induced gastric lesions through neutralization of acid because of the high alkalinity of these amino acids. In addition, the lesser effect of the hydrochoride salts of these amino acids as compared with the free form on ASA-induced gastric lesions was observed. The other effective amino acids markedly prevented the back diffusion of acid in response to ASA, suggesting as one of the possible mechanisms of lesion formation. However, L-cysteine, which exerted insignificant effect on ASA-induced gastric lesions, also prevented the back diffusion of acid even though the Na+ concentration had not returned to the control level.", "contents": "Effects of various amino acids on gastric lesions induced by acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and gastric secretion in pylorus-ligated rats. The simultaneous oral administration of various amino acids such as L-lysine, L-arginine, L-histidine, L-serine and others at 750, 250 or 83.3 mg/kg in pylorus-ligated rats produced a marked prevention of the gastric mucosal damages caused by oral acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) at 100 mg/kg. In regard with L-lysine and L-arginine, it was assumed that these amino acids might inhibit the ASA-induced gastric lesions through neutralization of acid because of the high alkalinity of these amino acids. In addition, the lesser effect of the hydrochoride salts of these amino acids as compared with the free form on ASA-induced gastric lesions was observed. The other effective amino acids markedly prevented the back diffusion of acid in response to ASA, suggesting as one of the possible mechanisms of lesion formation. However, L-cysteine, which exerted insignificant effect on ASA-induced gastric lesions, also prevented the back diffusion of acid even though the Na+ concentration had not returned to the control level.", "PMID": 989007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2952", "title": "Urinary metabolites of 2-formyl-17 alpha-methylandrosta-1,4-diene-11alpha, 17beta-dihydroxy-3-one in the rat.", "content": "The principal urinary metabolites of 2-formyl-17alpha-methylandrosta-1,4-diene-11alpha,17beta-dihydroxy-3-one (for myldienolone) are 2-carboxy- and 2-hydroxymethyl-17 alpha-methylandrosta-11alpha,17beta-dihydroxy-3-one, whose structures were confirmed by comparing them with synthesized samples.", "contents": "Urinary metabolites of 2-formyl-17 alpha-methylandrosta-1,4-diene-11alpha, 17beta-dihydroxy-3-one in the rat. The principal urinary metabolites of 2-formyl-17alpha-methylandrosta-1,4-diene-11alpha,17beta-dihydroxy-3-one (for myldienolone) are 2-carboxy- and 2-hydroxymethyl-17 alpha-methylandrosta-11alpha,17beta-dihydroxy-3-one, whose structures were confirmed by comparing them with synthesized samples.", "PMID": 989008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2953", "title": "[Effects of diuretics after pretreatment with reserpine and 6-OH-dopamine (author's transl)].", "content": "Experiments were performed on groups of 10 rats each with respect to the influence of systemic denervation by 6-OH-dopamine or reserpine on the diuretic effect of furosemide (3 mg/kg). In order to get a measure for the effectiveness of denervation, the tissue content of norepinephrine in kidneys, submaxillary glands, and hearts was determined by fluorimetric analysis. Neurotransmitter content: Chemical sympathectomy with 6-OH-dopamine resulted in a decrease of tissue norepinephrine down to 25% of the initial value in the kidneys, and down to 29 and 17% in submaxillary glands and hearts, respectively. After reserpine pretreatment the kidney norepinephrine was found decreased down to 28% of the initial concentration. Plasma electrolytes: Pretreatment with 6-OH-dopamine increased the plasma magnesium concentration considerably. Further administration of 3 mg/kg of furosemide had no additional effect. Plasma sodium, however, was significantly decreased, whereas potassium and calcium concentrations remained unchanged. After reserpine administration plasma calcium was found decreased. The effect was additionally enhanced by furosemide. Plasma sodium was found decreased, too, after furosemide, whereas potassium and magnesium remained unchanged after both reserpine and furosemide treatment. Fluid and electrolyte excretion: The diuretic effect of furosemide was not significantly influenced by both 6-OH-dopamine and reserpine pretreatment. In the reserpine pretreatment group, however, post furosemide sodium excretion was significantly increased as compared to the controls. In the 6-OH-dopamine pretreated group furosemide did not result in an enhanced natriuresis. In spite of a comparable depletion of intrarenal neurotransmitter after 6-OH-dopamine and reserpine, the kaliuretic effect of furosemide was obviously different in both groups. Reserpine pretreatment resulted in a decrease of the kaliuretic fuorsemide effect, whereas after 6-OH-dopamine this decrease could not be observed. The post furosemide calcium excretion was significantly increased after reserpine and unchanged after 6-OH-dopamine. Basic magnesium excretion was increased by the factor 2 in both groups, as compared to the controls. Administration of furosemide completely abolished this difference.", "contents": "[Effects of diuretics after pretreatment with reserpine and 6-OH-dopamine (author's transl)]. Experiments were performed on groups of 10 rats each with respect to the influence of systemic denervation by 6-OH-dopamine or reserpine on the diuretic effect of furosemide (3 mg/kg). In order to get a measure for the effectiveness of denervation, the tissue content of norepinephrine in kidneys, submaxillary glands, and hearts was determined by fluorimetric analysis. Neurotransmitter content: Chemical sympathectomy with 6-OH-dopamine resulted in a decrease of tissue norepinephrine down to 25% of the initial value in the kidneys, and down to 29 and 17% in submaxillary glands and hearts, respectively. After reserpine pretreatment the kidney norepinephrine was found decreased down to 28% of the initial concentration. Plasma electrolytes: Pretreatment with 6-OH-dopamine increased the plasma magnesium concentration considerably. Further administration of 3 mg/kg of furosemide had no additional effect. Plasma sodium, however, was significantly decreased, whereas potassium and calcium concentrations remained unchanged. After reserpine administration plasma calcium was found decreased. The effect was additionally enhanced by furosemide. Plasma sodium was found decreased, too, after furosemide, whereas potassium and magnesium remained unchanged after both reserpine and furosemide treatment. Fluid and electrolyte excretion: The diuretic effect of furosemide was not significantly influenced by both 6-OH-dopamine and reserpine pretreatment. In the reserpine pretreatment group, however, post furosemide sodium excretion was significantly increased as compared to the controls. In the 6-OH-dopamine pretreated group furosemide did not result in an enhanced natriuresis. In spite of a comparable depletion of intrarenal neurotransmitter after 6-OH-dopamine and reserpine, the kaliuretic effect of furosemide was obviously different in both groups. Reserpine pretreatment resulted in a decrease of the kaliuretic fuorsemide effect, whereas after 6-OH-dopamine this decrease could not be observed. The post furosemide calcium excretion was significantly increased after reserpine and unchanged after 6-OH-dopamine. Basic magnesium excretion was increased by the factor 2 in both groups, as compared to the controls. Administration of furosemide completely abolished this difference.", "PMID": 989009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2954", "title": "[Autoradiographic investigation into the influence of factor XIII on wound healing in the animal experiment (author's transl)].", "content": "1. In Wistar rats pretreated with factor XIII, placebo (human albumin solution), or physiological saline, a muscle wound was produced. For pre- and postlabelling purposes the animals received 3H-thymidine. 2. Autoradiographic and histological examinations revealed wound healing promoting activity of factor XIII from 72 h post operationem onwards. 3. 7 days after surgery, in contrast to the controls, the animals pretreated with factor XIII displayed sturdy, directed connective tissue in the wound bed with ample vascularization. 4. The method with pre- and postlabelling with 3H-thymidine elucidates that wound healing through factor XIII prevailingly occurs by faster fibroblast formation.", "contents": "[Autoradiographic investigation into the influence of factor XIII on wound healing in the animal experiment (author's transl)]. 1. In Wistar rats pretreated with factor XIII, placebo (human albumin solution), or physiological saline, a muscle wound was produced. For pre- and postlabelling purposes the animals received 3H-thymidine. 2. Autoradiographic and histological examinations revealed wound healing promoting activity of factor XIII from 72 h post operationem onwards. 3. 7 days after surgery, in contrast to the controls, the animals pretreated with factor XIII displayed sturdy, directed connective tissue in the wound bed with ample vascularization. 4. The method with pre- and postlabelling with 3H-thymidine elucidates that wound healing through factor XIII prevailingly occurs by faster fibroblast formation.", "PMID": 989010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2955", "title": "[Teratologic studies in rabbits and rats with the morphine derivative codeine (author's transl)].", "content": "Codeine was administered to rabbits and rats during the organogenetic phase (days 6--18 and 6--15, resp.) in oral doses of 5, 12.5 and 30 mg/kg and 10, 35 and 120 mg/kg, resp. The tests in rabbits yielded no indication of a teratogenic or embryolethal action of the substance under investigation. Even in the experiments on rats no teratogenicity could be realised. The highest dose of 120 mg/kg led to an increased mortality of rat embryos around the time of implantation. As this dose was toxic even to adult rats the described experiments give no indication of an increased risk during pregnancy.", "contents": "[Teratologic studies in rabbits and rats with the morphine derivative codeine (author's transl)]. Codeine was administered to rabbits and rats during the organogenetic phase (days 6--18 and 6--15, resp.) in oral doses of 5, 12.5 and 30 mg/kg and 10, 35 and 120 mg/kg, resp. The tests in rabbits yielded no indication of a teratogenic or embryolethal action of the substance under investigation. Even in the experiments on rats no teratogenicity could be realised. The highest dose of 120 mg/kg led to an increased mortality of rat embryos around the time of implantation. As this dose was toxic even to adult rats the described experiments give no indication of an increased risk during pregnancy.", "PMID": 989011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2956", "title": "Metabolic effects and mortality rate in diabetic Chinese hamsters after long-term treatment with 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (MICA).", "content": "Chronic oral treatment of male diabetic Chinese hamsters with 100 mg/kg/day 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (MICA) causes a depression of blood glucose in fasted animals and an improvement in the glucose profile in fed animals. Glycogen levels in the liver and body weight are decreased. Treated animals die at a higher rate than do controls. It is concluded that treatment with a potent inhibitor of gluconeogenesis like MICA will not provide a useful tool in managing diabetes.", "contents": "Metabolic effects and mortality rate in diabetic Chinese hamsters after long-term treatment with 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (MICA). Chronic oral treatment of male diabetic Chinese hamsters with 100 mg/kg/day 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (MICA) causes a depression of blood glucose in fasted animals and an improvement in the glucose profile in fed animals. Glycogen levels in the liver and body weight are decreased. Treated animals die at a higher rate than do controls. It is concluded that treatment with a potent inhibitor of gluconeogenesis like MICA will not provide a useful tool in managing diabetes.", "PMID": 989012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2957", "title": "Dry polyacrylamide batch method for studying drug protein binding.", "content": "The validity of a new technique for studying drug protein binding is tested. By this gel diffusion or batch method using dry polyacrylamide, sulfadiazine and sulfafurazole are bound by human plasma proteins to the same extent as reported by other authors with different techniques. The binding of warfarin to fresh human plasma was quantitatively less than expected. This might be due to the possibility that other plasma constituents of non-fasted test persons displace warfarin from protein binding sites, since it is bound more in buffer solutions containing physiological concentrations of human albumin. Phenylbutazone displaced warfarin from its binding sites in diluted human serum albumin concentrations. Quinidine was found to be adsorbed by the otherwise inert polyacrylamide gel and the method is therefore not applicable to quinidine binding studies.", "contents": "Dry polyacrylamide batch method for studying drug protein binding. The validity of a new technique for studying drug protein binding is tested. By this gel diffusion or batch method using dry polyacrylamide, sulfadiazine and sulfafurazole are bound by human plasma proteins to the same extent as reported by other authors with different techniques. The binding of warfarin to fresh human plasma was quantitatively less than expected. This might be due to the possibility that other plasma constituents of non-fasted test persons displace warfarin from protein binding sites, since it is bound more in buffer solutions containing physiological concentrations of human albumin. Phenylbutazone displaced warfarin from its binding sites in diluted human serum albumin concentrations. Quinidine was found to be adsorbed by the otherwise inert polyacrylamide gel and the method is therefore not applicable to quinidine binding studies.", "PMID": 989013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2958", "title": "[Enteral availability and therapeutic activity of proscillaridin-4'-methyl ether (author's transl)].", "content": "20 cardiac patients with the clinical and radiological signs of heart failure were treated alternately intravenously and orally with proscillaridin-4'-methyl ether in a 2-period change-over procedure. With medium rate full saturation a steady state was maintained under observation of electrocardiographic parameters. The maintenance dose was determined to be 1.00 mg intravenously and 1.71 mg orally. Thus, relative enteral availability was 60%. In 70% of patients cardiac recompensation could be reached only by treatment with proscillaridin-4'-methyl ether. In 9 of 20 patients undesirable side effects consisted of laxative effects.", "contents": "[Enteral availability and therapeutic activity of proscillaridin-4'-methyl ether (author's transl)]. 20 cardiac patients with the clinical and radiological signs of heart failure were treated alternately intravenously and orally with proscillaridin-4'-methyl ether in a 2-period change-over procedure. With medium rate full saturation a steady state was maintained under observation of electrocardiographic parameters. The maintenance dose was determined to be 1.00 mg intravenously and 1.71 mg orally. Thus, relative enteral availability was 60%. In 70% of patients cardiac recompensation could be reached only by treatment with proscillaridin-4'-methyl ether. In 9 of 20 patients undesirable side effects consisted of laxative effects.", "PMID": 989015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2959", "title": "Digitoxin plasma half-life in the dog after administration of toxic doses.", "content": "Digitoxin plasma levels were determined in the dog by radioimmunoassy after i.v. infusion of this cardenolide in toxic amounts (388 +/- 13 mug/kg). Plasma values found immediately after the administration of this dose were 588.5 +/- 91 ng/ml and attained very low levels (10 ng/ml) 96 h later. The dominant half-life of digitoxin in the dog was found to be 49.6 +/- 6.5 h, but this value was attained only in the final part of our study. The results found are compared with previous data and controversial aspects are discussed.", "contents": "Digitoxin plasma half-life in the dog after administration of toxic doses. Digitoxin plasma levels were determined in the dog by radioimmunoassy after i.v. infusion of this cardenolide in toxic amounts (388 +/- 13 mug/kg). Plasma values found immediately after the administration of this dose were 588.5 +/- 91 ng/ml and attained very low levels (10 ng/ml) 96 h later. The dominant half-life of digitoxin in the dog was found to be 49.6 +/- 6.5 h, but this value was attained only in the final part of our study. The results found are compared with previous data and controversial aspects are discussed.", "PMID": 989016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2960", "title": "[Animal experimental study on spasmolytic and analgesic activities of pramiverine, metamizole and their combination (author's transl)].", "content": "In two pharmacological in vivo tests a comparative study was performed on the spasmolytic and analgesic effects of 4,4-diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine-hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin), metamizole and a combination of both active principles in equal dose ratio (1 : 1000). The results demonstrated that pramiverine showed a potent spasmolytic effect which was potentiated by the combination with metamizole, and that the positive analgesic effect of metamizole was fully displayed in the combination with pramiverine, but that for pramiverine alone no analgesic effect was detected.", "contents": "[Animal experimental study on spasmolytic and analgesic activities of pramiverine, metamizole and their combination (author's transl)]. In two pharmacological in vivo tests a comparative study was performed on the spasmolytic and analgesic effects of 4,4-diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine-hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin), metamizole and a combination of both active principles in equal dose ratio (1 : 1000). The results demonstrated that pramiverine showed a potent spasmolytic effect which was potentiated by the combination with metamizole, and that the positive analgesic effect of metamizole was fully displayed in the combination with pramiverine, but that for pramiverine alone no analgesic effect was detected.", "PMID": 989017} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2961", "title": "[Experimental studies on pramiverine (author's transl)].", "content": "A preventive effect of 4,4-diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine-hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin) was determined on the experimental gastric ulcer in rats. In 14 patients with duodenal ulcers the maximally stimulated gastric secretion was significantly reduced by 50% after pramiverine, which may serve as a reliable criterium for the evaluation of prospective surgical vagotomy. Electromyographic examinations of stomach and duodenum demonstrated the decrease of spontaneous pressure waves in patients and the pressure increases induced by neostigmine. During hypotensive duodenography without the introduction of a probe, pramiverine by a prolonged reduction of motility permits excellent radiological diagnosis in the duodenum and jejunum.", "contents": "[Experimental studies on pramiverine (author's transl)]. A preventive effect of 4,4-diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine-hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin) was determined on the experimental gastric ulcer in rats. In 14 patients with duodenal ulcers the maximally stimulated gastric secretion was significantly reduced by 50% after pramiverine, which may serve as a reliable criterium for the evaluation of prospective surgical vagotomy. Electromyographic examinations of stomach and duodenum demonstrated the decrease of spontaneous pressure waves in patients and the pressure increases induced by neostigmine. During hypotensive duodenography without the introduction of a probe, pramiverine by a prolonged reduction of motility permits excellent radiological diagnosis in the duodenum and jejunum.", "PMID": 989018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2962", "title": "Toxicological study on pramiverine (author's transl).", "content": "4,4-Diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine-hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin) was investigated alone and in combination (1 + 1000) with N-methyl-N-(2,3-dimethyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-4-yl)-aminomethanesulfonate (metamizole) in various species for acute toxicity after oral and intravenous administration, for local tolerance and subacute toxicity. In addition, long-term trials and reproduction toxicity studies were performed with pramiverine. Pramiverine was only slightly toxic and was well tolerated locally as an ampoule solution also in combination with metamizole. The acute trials of the two compounds in mice and rats like the subacute study in rats showed that the toxicity of metamizole was not increased by pramiverine. Rats tolerated in the long-term trial all pramiverine doses examined (0.5; 5.0; 50.0 mg/kg), while cholinolytic concomitant effects were observed in dogs under higher doses (5.0 and 20.0 mg/kg). Pramiverine did not have a foetotoxic and teratogenic effect in mice, rats and rabbits. In the perinatal and postnatal experiment in rats no effect on foetal development, viability and growth of the offspring as well as the course of labour and lactation ability of the dams was observed.", "contents": "Toxicological study on pramiverine (author's transl). 4,4-Diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine-hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin) was investigated alone and in combination (1 + 1000) with N-methyl-N-(2,3-dimethyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-4-yl)-aminomethanesulfonate (metamizole) in various species for acute toxicity after oral and intravenous administration, for local tolerance and subacute toxicity. In addition, long-term trials and reproduction toxicity studies were performed with pramiverine. Pramiverine was only slightly toxic and was well tolerated locally as an ampoule solution also in combination with metamizole. The acute trials of the two compounds in mice and rats like the subacute study in rats showed that the toxicity of metamizole was not increased by pramiverine. Rats tolerated in the long-term trial all pramiverine doses examined (0.5; 5.0; 50.0 mg/kg), while cholinolytic concomitant effects were observed in dogs under higher doses (5.0 and 20.0 mg/kg). Pramiverine did not have a foetotoxic and teratogenic effect in mice, rats and rabbits. In the perinatal and postnatal experiment in rats no effect on foetal development, viability and growth of the offspring as well as the course of labour and lactation ability of the dams was observed.", "PMID": 989019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2963", "title": "[Organ distribution of 14C-pramiverine in the rat].", "content": "Distribution of 4,4-diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine-hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin) following single and repeated i.v. and p.o. administration, resp., has been studied in rats. After i.v. administration, pramiverine is rapidly taken up by tissue. Most organs attain higher concentrations than does the blood plasma, especially the lungs and also kidneys, liver, heart and endocrine organs. After p.o. administration, a marked first-pass effect of the liver is observed. The metabolites thus formed show a somewhat less pronounced affinity for organs and tissues. Higher concentrations are found only in the excretory organs, i.e. liver and kidneys. 14C-Pramiverine is rapidly eliminated, 24 h after application the level of radioactivity has fallen below detection limit. After repeated applications of 14C-pramiverine higher concentrations, as compared to one single administration, were observed only in liver and kidneys, especially after i.v. injection. An organ-specific accumulation of the drug can be excluded. No placental transfer of pramiverine and/or its metabolites could be observed.", "contents": "[Organ distribution of 14C-pramiverine in the rat]. Distribution of 4,4-diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine-hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin) following single and repeated i.v. and p.o. administration, resp., has been studied in rats. After i.v. administration, pramiverine is rapidly taken up by tissue. Most organs attain higher concentrations than does the blood plasma, especially the lungs and also kidneys, liver, heart and endocrine organs. After p.o. administration, a marked first-pass effect of the liver is observed. The metabolites thus formed show a somewhat less pronounced affinity for organs and tissues. Higher concentrations are found only in the excretory organs, i.e. liver and kidneys. 14C-Pramiverine is rapidly eliminated, 24 h after application the level of radioactivity has fallen below detection limit. After repeated applications of 14C-pramiverine higher concentrations, as compared to one single administration, were observed only in liver and kidneys, especially after i.v. injection. An organ-specific accumulation of the drug can be excluded. No placental transfer of pramiverine and/or its metabolites could be observed.", "PMID": 989020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2964", "title": "[Gaschromatographic determination of pramiverine in body fluids (author's transl)].", "content": "A method for the quantitative determination of 4,4-diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine-hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin) in serum and urine was developed. After the addition of a known amount of a pramiverine homolog as an internal standard the basic pramiverine and standard are separated from acidic and neutral constituents of the sample by the following extraction sequence: Extraction from the alkalized sample into n-hexane/ethyl acetate; reextraction into 0.1 N hydrochloric acid; alkalisation of the hydrochloric acid phase and reextraction into n-hexane/ethyl acetate. The constituents of this final extract are concentrated and separated on an OV 17 silicon oil phase. A thermoionic nitrogen-selective flame ionisation detector was used. The determination limit for 5-ml serum samples is about 0.5-1 ng pramiverine/ml. For samples in the concentration range of 4 ng/ml a relative standard deviation of 12% was found.", "contents": "[Gaschromatographic determination of pramiverine in body fluids (author's transl)]. A method for the quantitative determination of 4,4-diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine-hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin) in serum and urine was developed. After the addition of a known amount of a pramiverine homolog as an internal standard the basic pramiverine and standard are separated from acidic and neutral constituents of the sample by the following extraction sequence: Extraction from the alkalized sample into n-hexane/ethyl acetate; reextraction into 0.1 N hydrochloric acid; alkalisation of the hydrochloric acid phase and reextraction into n-hexane/ethyl acetate. The constituents of this final extract are concentrated and separated on an OV 17 silicon oil phase. A thermoionic nitrogen-selective flame ionisation detector was used. The determination limit for 5-ml serum samples is about 0.5-1 ng pramiverine/ml. For samples in the concentration range of 4 ng/ml a relative standard deviation of 12% was found.", "PMID": 989021} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2965", "title": "[Eosphagomanometric finding in man after intravenous administration of a new cholinolytic (pramiverine), atropine and scopolamine butylbromide].", "content": "The tone depressing effect on deglutition peristaltic processes in the esophagus by i.v. application of 4,4-diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin) (0.03 and 0.045 mg/kg body weight), atropine (0.5 mg) and hyoscine-N-butylbromide (scopolamine-butylbromide, SBB) (20 mg) was tested on trained subjects. During the first 30 min following the larger dose of pramiverine, the effect is not quite so pronounced as it is seen after the usual atropine dose; from the 30th to the 60th min, however, the tone depressing effect of pramiverine is superior to that of atropine, 1 h after application of pyramiverine the pressure amplitude is still reduced to 54.3% of the initial value, while after atropine the effect has returned to 70.9% of the initial value by this time. Neither atropine nor pramiverine were able to exert a tone depressing effect as pronounced as that of SSB. But 30 min after application of the effect of SBB was not statistically significant any longer and after 40 min it could not be measured at all. Following atropine and SBB, the side effect of tachycardia was correlated exactly to the main effect tested. Further side effects, such as dryness of mouth and disturbed accomodation, were most pronounced after atropine. With pramiverine at the effective doses of 0.03 and 0.045 mg/kg, the side effects were not appreciable; neither objective measuring nor subjective reports of the subjects indicated any conspicuous deviations.", "contents": "[Eosphagomanometric finding in man after intravenous administration of a new cholinolytic (pramiverine), atropine and scopolamine butylbromide]. The tone depressing effect on deglutition peristaltic processes in the esophagus by i.v. application of 4,4-diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin) (0.03 and 0.045 mg/kg body weight), atropine (0.5 mg) and hyoscine-N-butylbromide (scopolamine-butylbromide, SBB) (20 mg) was tested on trained subjects. During the first 30 min following the larger dose of pramiverine, the effect is not quite so pronounced as it is seen after the usual atropine dose; from the 30th to the 60th min, however, the tone depressing effect of pramiverine is superior to that of atropine, 1 h after application of pyramiverine the pressure amplitude is still reduced to 54.3% of the initial value, while after atropine the effect has returned to 70.9% of the initial value by this time. Neither atropine nor pramiverine were able to exert a tone depressing effect as pronounced as that of SSB. But 30 min after application of the effect of SBB was not statistically significant any longer and after 40 min it could not be measured at all. Following atropine and SBB, the side effect of tachycardia was correlated exactly to the main effect tested. Further side effects, such as dryness of mouth and disturbed accomodation, were most pronounced after atropine. With pramiverine at the effective doses of 0.03 and 0.045 mg/kg, the side effects were not appreciable; neither objective measuring nor subjective reports of the subjects indicated any conspicuous deviations.", "PMID": 989022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2966", "title": "[The effect of the combination pramiverine/metamizole in colic pain (author's transl)].", "content": "A combination of 4,4-diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine-hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin) and N-methyl-N-(2,3-dimethyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-4-yl)-aminomethanesulfonate (metamizole) (Sistalgin comp.) was injected in 250 patients with severe colic pain. In 94% of the cases prompt relief from pain was observed. In addition to the reliable effect in colics of the gastrointestinal tract and the biliary duct, the high rate of success in colics of the urinary tracts should be mentioned. Good therapeutic results were also observed in pancreatitis. Only isolated cases of slight undesirable anticholinergic concomitant effects were noted. There was no effect on blood pressure and pulse rate.", "contents": "[The effect of the combination pramiverine/metamizole in colic pain (author's transl)]. A combination of 4,4-diphenyl-N-isopropyl-cyclohexylamine-hydrochloride (pramiverine, Sistalgin) and N-methyl-N-(2,3-dimethyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-4-yl)-aminomethanesulfonate (metamizole) (Sistalgin comp.) was injected in 250 patients with severe colic pain. In 94% of the cases prompt relief from pain was observed. In addition to the reliable effect in colics of the gastrointestinal tract and the biliary duct, the high rate of success in colics of the urinary tracts should be mentioned. Good therapeutic results were also observed in pancreatitis. Only isolated cases of slight undesirable anticholinergic concomitant effects were noted. There was no effect on blood pressure and pulse rate.", "PMID": 989023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2967", "title": "Phosphatidylcholine synthesis and pulmonary oxygen toxicity.", "content": "Oxygen at hyperbaric pressure causes a reduction of lung surfactant and inhibits the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the principal component of lung surfactant. Rabbit lung slices and broken cell preparations were used to determine whether phosphatidylcholine synthesis in general is inhibited or whether there is selective inhibition of surfactant dipalmitoyl-glycerophosphocholine synthesis. The incorporations of palmitate, oleate and choline into the phosphatidylcholine of lung slices are reduced to 44, 49 and 45% of the normal, respectively, in animals exposed to 100% oxygen at 3 atm. absolute for 4 h. The similarity of the level of phosphatidylcholine synthesis from these three precursors, as well as of the degree of inhibition, suggests a non-specific mechanism of inhibition of whole cell phosphatidylcholine synthesis. Broken cell preparations of lung incorporate palmitate and oleate into lysophosphatidylcholine at comparable rates when optimal amounts of precursors are used. This system is reduced to 60 and 73% of the normal for palmitate incorporation in homogenates and microsomal fraction, respectively and to 75 and 82% of the normal for oleate incorporation. Although the greater inhibition of palmitate incorporation over that of oleate is not statistically significant, an inhibition of the deacylation-reacylation mechanisms leading to palmitate incorporation may still be implicated as a factor in the toxicity of oxygen for surfactant phosphatidylcholine synthesis in view of the fact that with whole lung preparations, only one-tenth of the pulmonary cell population constitutes the surfactant producing type II alveolar cells (granular pneumocytes).", "contents": "Phosphatidylcholine synthesis and pulmonary oxygen toxicity. Oxygen at hyperbaric pressure causes a reduction of lung surfactant and inhibits the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the principal component of lung surfactant. Rabbit lung slices and broken cell preparations were used to determine whether phosphatidylcholine synthesis in general is inhibited or whether there is selective inhibition of surfactant dipalmitoyl-glycerophosphocholine synthesis. The incorporations of palmitate, oleate and choline into the phosphatidylcholine of lung slices are reduced to 44, 49 and 45% of the normal, respectively, in animals exposed to 100% oxygen at 3 atm. absolute for 4 h. The similarity of the level of phosphatidylcholine synthesis from these three precursors, as well as of the degree of inhibition, suggests a non-specific mechanism of inhibition of whole cell phosphatidylcholine synthesis. Broken cell preparations of lung incorporate palmitate and oleate into lysophosphatidylcholine at comparable rates when optimal amounts of precursors are used. This system is reduced to 60 and 73% of the normal for palmitate incorporation in homogenates and microsomal fraction, respectively and to 75 and 82% of the normal for oleate incorporation. Although the greater inhibition of palmitate incorporation over that of oleate is not statistically significant, an inhibition of the deacylation-reacylation mechanisms leading to palmitate incorporation may still be implicated as a factor in the toxicity of oxygen for surfactant phosphatidylcholine synthesis in view of the fact that with whole lung preparations, only one-tenth of the pulmonary cell population constitutes the surfactant producing type II alveolar cells (granular pneumocytes).", "PMID": 989024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2968", "title": "Inhibition of turnip yellow mosaic virus synthesis by pyrimidine analogues.", "content": "The pyrimidine analogues 2-thiouracil, 2-thiouridine, 6-azauracil and 6-azauridine all inhibited the synthesis of turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) and increased the synthesis of empty virus protein shells in infected Chinese cabbage leaf discs. Uracil and uridine reversed these effects. 2-Thiouracil also reduced the UTP pool in TYMV infected leaf discs. The results are consistent with the suggestion that these analogues or their in vivo derivatives affect virus synthesis by inhibiting the biosynthesis of uridylic acid, possibly by inhibiting orotidylic acid decarboxylase.", "contents": "Inhibition of turnip yellow mosaic virus synthesis by pyrimidine analogues. The pyrimidine analogues 2-thiouracil, 2-thiouridine, 6-azauracil and 6-azauridine all inhibited the synthesis of turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) and increased the synthesis of empty virus protein shells in infected Chinese cabbage leaf discs. Uracil and uridine reversed these effects. 2-Thiouracil also reduced the UTP pool in TYMV infected leaf discs. The results are consistent with the suggestion that these analogues or their in vivo derivatives affect virus synthesis by inhibiting the biosynthesis of uridylic acid, possibly by inhibiting orotidylic acid decarboxylase.", "PMID": 989025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2969", "title": "[Factors of post-transcription regulation of the rate of liver catalase synthesis in tumor-bearing rats].", "content": "The factors-regulators of post-transcriptional regulation of the rate of catalase synthesis in the rat liver were studied under normal conditions and in carcinogenesis (the 2nd, 7th and the 14th days after the transplantation of Pliss lymphosarcoma). Factors Fact and Fing were purified from the supernatant and PH5-supernatant fractions of the rat liver by means of chromatography and rechromatography on DEAE-cellulose. A simple method of determination of the biological activity of these factors in vivo was proposed. Synthesis of catalase took place when (see article) (the 2nd and 14th days after the inosulation). The enzyme synthesis was absent when (see article) (7th day after the inoculation).", "contents": "[Factors of post-transcription regulation of the rate of liver catalase synthesis in tumor-bearing rats]. The factors-regulators of post-transcriptional regulation of the rate of catalase synthesis in the rat liver were studied under normal conditions and in carcinogenesis (the 2nd, 7th and the 14th days after the transplantation of Pliss lymphosarcoma). Factors Fact and Fing were purified from the supernatant and PH5-supernatant fractions of the rat liver by means of chromatography and rechromatography on DEAE-cellulose. A simple method of determination of the biological activity of these factors in vivo was proposed. Synthesis of catalase took place when (see article) (the 2nd and 14th days after the inosulation). The enzyme synthesis was absent when (see article) (7th day after the inoculation).", "PMID": 989027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2970", "title": "Comparison of intensive versus moderate chemotherapy of lymphocytic lymphomas: a progress report.", "content": "In an Easter Cooperative Oncology Group trial, Cytoxan-prednisone (CP) Induction was compared to BCNU-prednisone (BP) in 273 patients with lymphocytic lymphoma. Response rates were comparable, with 21% achieving complete response and 40%, partial response. Patients with a nodular pattern responded better. Maintenance phase comparing cyclic intensive therapy (BCVP) with intermittent chlorambucil revealed the superiority of BCVP as demonstrated by improvement of the quality of response and somewhat longer remissions. The value of the Rappaport classification in the evaluation of lymphoma chemotherapy results is discussed. It is suggested tha NHL be separated into \"favorable\" and \"unfavorable\" groups, based on the presence or absence of nodularity and treatment schedules devised accordingly.", "contents": "Comparison of intensive versus moderate chemotherapy of lymphocytic lymphomas: a progress report. In an Easter Cooperative Oncology Group trial, Cytoxan-prednisone (CP) Induction was compared to BCNU-prednisone (BP) in 273 patients with lymphocytic lymphoma. Response rates were comparable, with 21% achieving complete response and 40%, partial response. Patients with a nodular pattern responded better. Maintenance phase comparing cyclic intensive therapy (BCVP) with intermittent chlorambucil revealed the superiority of BCVP as demonstrated by improvement of the quality of response and somewhat longer remissions. The value of the Rappaport classification in the evaluation of lymphoma chemotherapy results is discussed. It is suggested tha NHL be separated into \"favorable\" and \"unfavorable\" groups, based on the presence or absence of nodularity and treatment schedules devised accordingly.", "PMID": 989030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2971", "title": "Conversion of a benign lymphoepithelial salivary gland lesion to lymphocytic lymphoma during dilantin therapy: correlation with dilantin-induced lymphocyte transformation in vitro.", "content": "A patient with a classical salivary gland benign lymphoepithelial lesion (BLL) that converted to a lymphoblastic lymphoma (LSA) localized to the salivary glands is described. The malignant transformation of the BLL was preceded by Dilantin anticonvulsant therapy, and in vitro tests subsequent to the development of LSA demonstrated positive Dilantin-induced lymphocyte transformation. The lymphoma was treated successfully by local irradiation, chemotherapy, and discontinuation of Dilantin. The case illustrates the \"prelymphomatous\" nature of BLL in certain patients, as well as the possible potential danger of Dilantin and other lymphoid-stimulating drugs in discussed. Further study of drugs capable lymphocyte transformation in patients with prelymphomatous disorders is warranted.", "contents": "Conversion of a benign lymphoepithelial salivary gland lesion to lymphocytic lymphoma during dilantin therapy: correlation with dilantin-induced lymphocyte transformation in vitro. A patient with a classical salivary gland benign lymphoepithelial lesion (BLL) that converted to a lymphoblastic lymphoma (LSA) localized to the salivary glands is described. The malignant transformation of the BLL was preceded by Dilantin anticonvulsant therapy, and in vitro tests subsequent to the development of LSA demonstrated positive Dilantin-induced lymphocyte transformation. The lymphoma was treated successfully by local irradiation, chemotherapy, and discontinuation of Dilantin. The case illustrates the \"prelymphomatous\" nature of BLL in certain patients, as well as the possible potential danger of Dilantin and other lymphoid-stimulating drugs in discussed. Further study of drugs capable lymphocyte transformation in patients with prelymphomatous disorders is warranted.", "PMID": 989031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2972", "title": "The pathogenesis of Graves' disease.", "content": "Graves' disease may prove to be due to a genetic defect in immune surveillance or control, which then permits a randomly mutating thyroid-directed clone of T-lymphocytes to survive, interact with previously normal thyroid cell membrane antigen, and set up a localized cell-mediated immune response. The T-lymphocytes so interacting then cooperate with and direct groups of B-lymphocytes, which consequently produce TSI's: the stimulation of the thyroid parenchymal cells is a direct result of TSI stimulation. PHA stimulates Graves' lymphocytes to produce TSI's by first stimulating T-lymphocytes, which in turn interact with B-lymphocytes, which produce the TSI's. Normal thyroid antigen can stimulate sensitized lymphocytes to produce TSI's, which in turn can interact with normal thyroid cell membranes. This and other evidence suggests that there need not be any thyroidal antigenic change necessary to initiate hyperthyroidism. Stress may be related to the immunologic induction of the disease; it appears that remissions, other than those due to thyroid cell destruction, are immunologic. Exophthalmos may also prove to be an autoimmune disorder resulting from a closely related, but possibly not identical, defect in immunologic surveillance. Other related autoimmune diseases may result from similar related defects in immunologic surveillance, as well as from the random mutation of the appropriate forbidden clone.", "contents": "The pathogenesis of Graves' disease. Graves' disease may prove to be due to a genetic defect in immune surveillance or control, which then permits a randomly mutating thyroid-directed clone of T-lymphocytes to survive, interact with previously normal thyroid cell membrane antigen, and set up a localized cell-mediated immune response. The T-lymphocytes so interacting then cooperate with and direct groups of B-lymphocytes, which consequently produce TSI's: the stimulation of the thyroid parenchymal cells is a direct result of TSI stimulation. PHA stimulates Graves' lymphocytes to produce TSI's by first stimulating T-lymphocytes, which in turn interact with B-lymphocytes, which produce the TSI's. Normal thyroid antigen can stimulate sensitized lymphocytes to produce TSI's, which in turn can interact with normal thyroid cell membranes. This and other evidence suggests that there need not be any thyroidal antigenic change necessary to initiate hyperthyroidism. Stress may be related to the immunologic induction of the disease; it appears that remissions, other than those due to thyroid cell destruction, are immunologic. Exophthalmos may also prove to be an autoimmune disorder resulting from a closely related, but possibly not identical, defect in immunologic surveillance. Other related autoimmune diseases may result from similar related defects in immunologic surveillance, as well as from the random mutation of the appropriate forbidden clone.", "PMID": 989034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2973", "title": "Pulmonary manifestations of Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome.", "content": "A review of 343 patients with classic Sjogren's syndrome seen at the Mayo Clinic from 1967 through 1974 revealed pulmonary involvement in 31 patients (9 percent). Cough dyspnea, recurrent pneumonitis, and pleuritic pain were the primary complaints. Chest roentgenographic features included diffuse interstitial patterns, diffuse alveolar patterns, and pleural effusions. Laboratory studies revealed hypergammaglobulinemia in 16 of 22 patients tested, and 23 of the 31 patients had positive tests for anti-nuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, or lupus erythematosus cells. Pulmonary function tests showed a restrictive ventilatory impairment or low diffusion capacity (or both in all 18 patients studied. Pathologic diagnosis included the full range of pulmonary lesions described in Sjogren's syndrome syndrome, ie, lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis, pseudolymphoma, malignant lymphoma, diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, and bronchopneumonia. The clinical pulmonary diagnosis included diffuse interstitial fibrosis, recurrent pneumonitis, pleural effusions, and suspected lymphoma or pseudolymphoma. We conclude that pulmonary lesions occur in Sjogren's syndrome more frequently than previously reported.", "contents": "Pulmonary manifestations of Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome. A review of 343 patients with classic Sjogren's syndrome seen at the Mayo Clinic from 1967 through 1974 revealed pulmonary involvement in 31 patients (9 percent). Cough dyspnea, recurrent pneumonitis, and pleuritic pain were the primary complaints. Chest roentgenographic features included diffuse interstitial patterns, diffuse alveolar patterns, and pleural effusions. Laboratory studies revealed hypergammaglobulinemia in 16 of 22 patients tested, and 23 of the 31 patients had positive tests for anti-nuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, or lupus erythematosus cells. Pulmonary function tests showed a restrictive ventilatory impairment or low diffusion capacity (or both in all 18 patients studied. Pathologic diagnosis included the full range of pulmonary lesions described in Sjogren's syndrome syndrome, ie, lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis, pseudolymphoma, malignant lymphoma, diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, and bronchopneumonia. The clinical pulmonary diagnosis included diffuse interstitial fibrosis, recurrent pneumonitis, pleural effusions, and suspected lymphoma or pseudolymphoma. We conclude that pulmonary lesions occur in Sjogren's syndrome more frequently than previously reported.", "PMID": 989035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2974", "title": "A severe infantile micromelic chondrodysplasia which resembles Kniest disease.", "content": "This paper describes 3 infants with a severe, generalized chondrodysplasia with short limbs, shortness of stature, relative micrognathia and neonatal respiratory distress in all cases, cleft palate in two and dislocation of lenses in one. They died at 7 and 10 weeks and at 17 months respectively. No autopsy was performed on any of the 3 patients. Roentgenological manifestations include short, broad tubular bones with metaphyseal widening, bowing of leg, thigh and forearm bones, neonatal accelerated carpal bone maturation, short, broad pelvis with wide, flared iliac wings, many gross vertebral abnormalities including most prominently coronal clefts of almost any vertebral body, and short ribs with flared anterior ends. Roentgenographically the condition has some similarities with Kniest disease, or more correctly, the Kniest chondrodysplasia. However, we think that the clinical and roentgenological manifestations are sufficiently unique to permit delineation of the condition of our 3 patients as a \"new\" entity different from the Kniest chondrodysplasia. Similar cases have been described by Rolland et al. from France and by Dinno et al. from the U.S.A. The later case and our 3 patients were sporadic cases, but the former had a probably affected sibling, suggesting that this disorder is an autosomal recessive trait.", "contents": "A severe infantile micromelic chondrodysplasia which resembles Kniest disease. This paper describes 3 infants with a severe, generalized chondrodysplasia with short limbs, shortness of stature, relative micrognathia and neonatal respiratory distress in all cases, cleft palate in two and dislocation of lenses in one. They died at 7 and 10 weeks and at 17 months respectively. No autopsy was performed on any of the 3 patients. Roentgenological manifestations include short, broad tubular bones with metaphyseal widening, bowing of leg, thigh and forearm bones, neonatal accelerated carpal bone maturation, short, broad pelvis with wide, flared iliac wings, many gross vertebral abnormalities including most prominently coronal clefts of almost any vertebral body, and short ribs with flared anterior ends. Roentgenographically the condition has some similarities with Kniest disease, or more correctly, the Kniest chondrodysplasia. However, we think that the clinical and roentgenological manifestations are sufficiently unique to permit delineation of the condition of our 3 patients as a \"new\" entity different from the Kniest chondrodysplasia. Similar cases have been described by Rolland et al. from France and by Dinno et al. from the U.S.A. The later case and our 3 patients were sporadic cases, but the former had a probably affected sibling, suggesting that this disorder is an autosomal recessive trait.", "PMID": 989037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2975", "title": "Natural antibodies directed against murine lymphosarcoma cells: variability of level in individual mice.", "content": "Natural anti-tumor antibodies (NAA) were revealed, by a complement-dependent cytotoxicity test on el4 lymphoma cells, in the serum of C3Hf but not of C57BL mice. Hybrids between the positive C3Hf and the negative C57Bl mice were NAA producers. Individual variability of NAA level was found in C3Hf and in the hybrids. The study of mice housed in the same or in different cages and of mice belonging to the same or to different litters demonstrated a randomly distributed variability. These observations seem to exclude environmental influences on the natural immune response or genetic mutations in the C3Hf strain with the appearance of variants with different NAA content. The NAA level was age-dependent with a peak around 20-24 weeks of age. Inoculum of lymphoma cells induced an increase in the NAA level both in C3Hf and in the hybrids but not in C57Bl mice which seem therefore incapable of making guinea-pig complement-fixing NAA. The individual variability of NAA level and the stimulating effect of tumor cells support a potential role of NAA in immunosurveillance of oncogenesis.", "contents": "Natural antibodies directed against murine lymphosarcoma cells: variability of level in individual mice. Natural anti-tumor antibodies (NAA) were revealed, by a complement-dependent cytotoxicity test on el4 lymphoma cells, in the serum of C3Hf but not of C57BL mice. Hybrids between the positive C3Hf and the negative C57Bl mice were NAA producers. Individual variability of NAA level was found in C3Hf and in the hybrids. The study of mice housed in the same or in different cages and of mice belonging to the same or to different litters demonstrated a randomly distributed variability. These observations seem to exclude environmental influences on the natural immune response or genetic mutations in the C3Hf strain with the appearance of variants with different NAA content. The NAA level was age-dependent with a peak around 20-24 weeks of age. Inoculum of lymphoma cells induced an increase in the NAA level both in C3Hf and in the hybrids but not in C57Bl mice which seem therefore incapable of making guinea-pig complement-fixing NAA. The individual variability of NAA level and the stimulating effect of tumor cells support a potential role of NAA in immunosurveillance of oncogenesis.", "PMID": 989042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2976", "title": "Fluidity difference in the surface membrane lipid core of human lymphoblastoid and lymphoma cell lines.", "content": "Twenty-five human hematopoietic cell lines established from patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases have been studied for membrane fluidity. The degree of fluidity in the surface membranes was quantitatively monitored by fluorescence polarization analysis of the fluorescence probe, 1,6-diphenyl 1,3,5-hexatriene, when embedded in the lipid region of the surface membrane of intact cells. The results have shown that cells derived from malignant diseases have a more fluid lipid layer in their surface membrane than cells derived from non-malignant disorders. It is, therefore, suggested that a quantitative analysis of fluidity differences in the cell surface membrane lipid core can be of value to the studies on basic differences between normal and malignant cell lines established from the human hematopoietic system.", "contents": "Fluidity difference in the surface membrane lipid core of human lymphoblastoid and lymphoma cell lines. Twenty-five human hematopoietic cell lines established from patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases have been studied for membrane fluidity. The degree of fluidity in the surface membranes was quantitatively monitored by fluorescence polarization analysis of the fluorescence probe, 1,6-diphenyl 1,3,5-hexatriene, when embedded in the lipid region of the surface membrane of intact cells. The results have shown that cells derived from malignant diseases have a more fluid lipid layer in their surface membrane than cells derived from non-malignant disorders. It is, therefore, suggested that a quantitative analysis of fluidity differences in the cell surface membrane lipid core can be of value to the studies on basic differences between normal and malignant cell lines established from the human hematopoietic system.", "PMID": 989043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2977", "title": "Acute leptomeningeal reaction to the subarachnoid injection of ethyl iodophenylundecylate in dogs.", "content": "The effects of the subarachnoid injection of ethyl iodophenylundecylate were observed serially in dogs. The results of neurologic examination and cerebrospinal fluid analysis as well as the gross and histologic apppearance of the brain and spinal cord were evaluated. In 8 dogs, progressive nonpurulent leptomeningitis peaked in 5 days and regressed thereafter. The reaction appeared to be related to the physical properties of ethyl iodophenylundecylate.", "contents": "Acute leptomeningeal reaction to the subarachnoid injection of ethyl iodophenylundecylate in dogs. The effects of the subarachnoid injection of ethyl iodophenylundecylate were observed serially in dogs. The results of neurologic examination and cerebrospinal fluid analysis as well as the gross and histologic apppearance of the brain and spinal cord were evaluated. In 8 dogs, progressive nonpurulent leptomeningitis peaked in 5 days and regressed thereafter. The reaction appeared to be related to the physical properties of ethyl iodophenylundecylate.", "PMID": 989047} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2978", "title": "Lymphocyte transformation in response to human thyroid extract in patients with subacute thyroiditis.", "content": "Seven patients with subacute thyroiditis were studied for evidence of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to human thyroid extract, as judged from lymphocyte transformation responses, measured by the increase in labeled thymidine uptake in vitro. Significant transformation was observed in lymphocytes from five of the seven patients with active subacute thyroiditis, and in the lymphocytes from only three of 15 patients with Graves disease (x2, P EQUALS 0.036). Repeated studies of lymphocyte transformation were done in four of the patients with subacute thyroiditis, three of whom initially showed abnormal responses. By eight weeks after initial studies, when all patients were in clinical remission without treatment, transformation responses were within the normal range. Thyroid antibodies were absent or present in low titer (is less than 1:100) in sera of patients with subacute thyroiditis, and became undetectable by eight weeks in those patients initially positive. In contrast, significant titers of antithyroid antibodies were frequently present in patients with Graves' disease. The present studies have shown the occurence of CMI to thyroid antigens during the active phase of subacute thyroiditis. The abnormality was transient, however, since it disappeared when the disease had resolved. These findings strongly suggest that the release of thyroid antigen leading tothe development of a cell-mediated immune responses is not in itself sufficient to initiate chronic immunological disease of the thyroid. If, as some have suggested, Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease are characterized by a permanent disorder of CMI, then in these diseases either the antigenic stimulus is persistent or there exists an intrinsic disorder of immune surveillance.", "contents": "Lymphocyte transformation in response to human thyroid extract in patients with subacute thyroiditis. Seven patients with subacute thyroiditis were studied for evidence of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to human thyroid extract, as judged from lymphocyte transformation responses, measured by the increase in labeled thymidine uptake in vitro. Significant transformation was observed in lymphocytes from five of the seven patients with active subacute thyroiditis, and in the lymphocytes from only three of 15 patients with Graves disease (x2, P EQUALS 0.036). Repeated studies of lymphocyte transformation were done in four of the patients with subacute thyroiditis, three of whom initially showed abnormal responses. By eight weeks after initial studies, when all patients were in clinical remission without treatment, transformation responses were within the normal range. Thyroid antibodies were absent or present in low titer (is less than 1:100) in sera of patients with subacute thyroiditis, and became undetectable by eight weeks in those patients initially positive. In contrast, significant titers of antithyroid antibodies were frequently present in patients with Graves' disease. The present studies have shown the occurence of CMI to thyroid antigens during the active phase of subacute thyroiditis. The abnormality was transient, however, since it disappeared when the disease had resolved. These findings strongly suggest that the release of thyroid antigen leading tothe development of a cell-mediated immune responses is not in itself sufficient to initiate chronic immunological disease of the thyroid. If, as some have suggested, Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease are characterized by a permanent disorder of CMI, then in these diseases either the antigenic stimulus is persistent or there exists an intrinsic disorder of immune surveillance.", "PMID": 989048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2979", "title": "Sensitivity to lithium in treated Graves' disease: effects on serum T4, T3 and reverse T3.", "content": "Seven patients judged to be euthyroid following treatment of diffuse toxic goiter were studied to determine if they were susceptible to lithium induced hypothyroidism. Lithium carbonate was administered for 4-7 weeks in a dosage (900 mg/day) which maintained serum lithium levels between 0.5-1.0 mEq/l. Blood was obtained weekly for the determination of serum 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), 3,3',5'-TRIIODO-L-thyronine (reverse T3, rT3) and thyrotropin (TSH). Values observed during lithium therapy were compared to those obtained prior to, and approximately one week after discontinuing lithium. During the pretreatment preiod, mean (+/- SE) serum T3, T4, and rT3 concentrations were 130 +/- 21 ng/100 ml, 7.6 +/- 0.4 mug/100 ml and 48 +/- 8 ng/100 ml, respectively, and decreased during lithium administration with the lowest T3, T4 and reverse T3 concentrations of the lowest T3, T4 and reverse T3 concentrations of 92 +/- 8 ng/100 ml, 4.9 +/- 0.6mug/100 ml, and 33 +/- 6 ng/100, ml, respectively, being reached between the fourth and sixth weeks of study. Thereafter, and in spite of continued treatment with lithium, values for serum concentrations of T3, T4, and rT3 plateaued, or actually increased in 4, 6, and 5 subjects, respectively. Serum TSH concentrations remained 3.0 muU/ml or less throughout the study in 6 patients; 2 of these subjects had no TSH response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), even though they had been euthyroid for 3 and 10 months. These data suggest that patients euthyroid following treatment of diffuse toxic goiter display sensitivity to the antithyroid effects of lithium. Furthermore, these observations support the thesis that the inhibitory effects of lithium and iodine upon thyroid hormone synthesis or secretion may involve a similar mechanism of action since increased thyroidal iodine content may be a consequence of therapy with either agent.", "contents": "Sensitivity to lithium in treated Graves' disease: effects on serum T4, T3 and reverse T3. Seven patients judged to be euthyroid following treatment of diffuse toxic goiter were studied to determine if they were susceptible to lithium induced hypothyroidism. Lithium carbonate was administered for 4-7 weeks in a dosage (900 mg/day) which maintained serum lithium levels between 0.5-1.0 mEq/l. Blood was obtained weekly for the determination of serum 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), 3,3',5'-TRIIODO-L-thyronine (reverse T3, rT3) and thyrotropin (TSH). Values observed during lithium therapy were compared to those obtained prior to, and approximately one week after discontinuing lithium. During the pretreatment preiod, mean (+/- SE) serum T3, T4, and rT3 concentrations were 130 +/- 21 ng/100 ml, 7.6 +/- 0.4 mug/100 ml and 48 +/- 8 ng/100 ml, respectively, and decreased during lithium administration with the lowest T3, T4 and reverse T3 concentrations of the lowest T3, T4 and reverse T3 concentrations of 92 +/- 8 ng/100 ml, 4.9 +/- 0.6mug/100 ml, and 33 +/- 6 ng/100, ml, respectively, being reached between the fourth and sixth weeks of study. Thereafter, and in spite of continued treatment with lithium, values for serum concentrations of T3, T4, and rT3 plateaued, or actually increased in 4, 6, and 5 subjects, respectively. Serum TSH concentrations remained 3.0 muU/ml or less throughout the study in 6 patients; 2 of these subjects had no TSH response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), even though they had been euthyroid for 3 and 10 months. These data suggest that patients euthyroid following treatment of diffuse toxic goiter display sensitivity to the antithyroid effects of lithium. Furthermore, these observations support the thesis that the inhibitory effects of lithium and iodine upon thyroid hormone synthesis or secretion may involve a similar mechanism of action since increased thyroidal iodine content may be a consequence of therapy with either agent.", "PMID": 989049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2980", "title": "Cytochemical observations on the extracellular carbohydrate produced by Streptococcus cremoris.", "content": "Electron microscopy showed that a varying proportion of cells of Streptococcus cremoris NCDO 924 grown in autoclaved skim-milk possessed a layer of extracellular material attached to the cell wall. Occasional filamentous extensions of this layer made contact with neighbouring casein micelles. The same surface-staining material persisted during the production of cheese-curd, but after maximum scald it was predominantly filamentous in appearance. These filaments made frequent contact with the adjacent curd matrix and with milk-fat globules. Str. cremoris NCDO 1986 produced similar surface material when in curd, but not when grown in skim-milk. In all situations, the extracellular material stained with colloidal iron hydroxide, ruthenium red and periodic acid-thiosemicarbazide-silver proteinate, indicating that it was largely composed of an acidic carbohydrate. It is suggested that this carbohydrate facilitates the adhesion of starter bacteria to the cheese-curd matrix and that during the initial stages of syneresis this serves to prevent their expulsion from the curd with the whey.", "contents": "Cytochemical observations on the extracellular carbohydrate produced by Streptococcus cremoris. Electron microscopy showed that a varying proportion of cells of Streptococcus cremoris NCDO 924 grown in autoclaved skim-milk possessed a layer of extracellular material attached to the cell wall. Occasional filamentous extensions of this layer made contact with neighbouring casein micelles. The same surface-staining material persisted during the production of cheese-curd, but after maximum scald it was predominantly filamentous in appearance. These filaments made frequent contact with the adjacent curd matrix and with milk-fat globules. Str. cremoris NCDO 1986 produced similar surface material when in curd, but not when grown in skim-milk. In all situations, the extracellular material stained with colloidal iron hydroxide, ruthenium red and periodic acid-thiosemicarbazide-silver proteinate, indicating that it was largely composed of an acidic carbohydrate. It is suggested that this carbohydrate facilitates the adhesion of starter bacteria to the cheese-curd matrix and that during the initial stages of syneresis this serves to prevent their expulsion from the curd with the whey.", "PMID": 989050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2981", "title": "Pulmonary arterial thrombo-embolism and pulmonary arterial mycotic aneurysms in cattle with vena caval thrombosis: a condition resembling the Hughes-Stovin syndrome.", "content": "Sixteen cattle affected by thrombosis of the posterior vena cava were examined post mortem and the various lesions are described. The thrombus was in the hepatic portion in 12 animals and in the intrathoracic part in four. Thrombi had formed as a result of phlebitis in 13 cases in which hepatic or post-diaphragamatic abscesses were present but the aetiology of the other three was not discovered. Embolism from the vena cava thrombus resulted in pulmonary lesions in every case: these included pulmonary arterial thrombo-embolism, pulmonary arteritis, pulmonary endarteritis, chronic suppurative pneumonia and the formation of multiple pulmonary abscesses. The pulmonary arterial lesions had given rise to mycotic aneurysms of that vessel and rupture of these was followed by massive haemoptysis or intrapulmonaary haemorrhage. Pulmonary arterial aneurysms are not common in man and are very rare in animals, except in association with vena cava thrombosis of cattle. However, the \"Hughes-Stovin\" syndrome of man has some features in common with the condition described in cattle and these are discussed. The different sequelae of posterior vena cava thrombosis and infective endocarditis of the right heart in cattle are also considered.", "contents": "Pulmonary arterial thrombo-embolism and pulmonary arterial mycotic aneurysms in cattle with vena caval thrombosis: a condition resembling the Hughes-Stovin syndrome. Sixteen cattle affected by thrombosis of the posterior vena cava were examined post mortem and the various lesions are described. The thrombus was in the hepatic portion in 12 animals and in the intrathoracic part in four. Thrombi had formed as a result of phlebitis in 13 cases in which hepatic or post-diaphragamatic abscesses were present but the aetiology of the other three was not discovered. Embolism from the vena cava thrombus resulted in pulmonary lesions in every case: these included pulmonary arterial thrombo-embolism, pulmonary arteritis, pulmonary endarteritis, chronic suppurative pneumonia and the formation of multiple pulmonary abscesses. The pulmonary arterial lesions had given rise to mycotic aneurysms of that vessel and rupture of these was followed by massive haemoptysis or intrapulmonaary haemorrhage. Pulmonary arterial aneurysms are not common in man and are very rare in animals, except in association with vena cava thrombosis of cattle. However, the \"Hughes-Stovin\" syndrome of man has some features in common with the condition described in cattle and these are discussed. The different sequelae of posterior vena cava thrombosis and infective endocarditis of the right heart in cattle are also considered.", "PMID": 989055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2982", "title": "Myelography wiht perfluoroctylbromide. Comparison with Pantopaque.", "content": "The efficacy and toxicity of perfluoroctylbromide in myelography were studied in dogs. Perfluoroctylbromide moves freely in intrathecal space and provides satisfactory radiopacity for diagnosis of subarachnoid structures. The outstanding feature of this substance is its low toxicity. The dog tolerates 0.5-1.0 ml/kg intrathecally without toxic manifestation. Histological studies and CSF analyses show that it is much less irriating than Pantopaque. Because of the long retention of the perfluorocarbon removal may be necessary. Perfluoroctylbromide shows promise as a diagnostic contrast medium, particularly in cases where the currently available contrast media are not suitable.", "contents": "Myelography wiht perfluoroctylbromide. Comparison with Pantopaque. The efficacy and toxicity of perfluoroctylbromide in myelography were studied in dogs. Perfluoroctylbromide moves freely in intrathecal space and provides satisfactory radiopacity for diagnosis of subarachnoid structures. The outstanding feature of this substance is its low toxicity. The dog tolerates 0.5-1.0 ml/kg intrathecally without toxic manifestation. Histological studies and CSF analyses show that it is much less irriating than Pantopaque. Because of the long retention of the perfluorocarbon removal may be necessary. Perfluoroctylbromide shows promise as a diagnostic contrast medium, particularly in cases where the currently available contrast media are not suitable.", "PMID": 989044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2983", "title": "Carbohydrate homeostasis in chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis: increased incidence of diabetes mellitus.", "content": "Twenty-one patients were seen with the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in the Endocrine Clinic during 1965-1972. Three patients developed clinical diabetes mellitus at intervals from one month to three years after the diagnosis of thyroiditis was confirmed. An additional patient, a member of the study group reported here, had asymptomatic glucose intolerance initially and developed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus six months after the diagnosis of thyroiditis was established. Standard glucose tolerance tests were performed on 12 additional patients. One of these patients had unequivocal evidence of chemical diabetes; one other had a borderline abnormal oral glucose tolerance test. The remaining ten patients had normal glucose and insulin values during the OGTT. These studies indicate that children with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis are at increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus when compared with the normal childhood population.", "contents": "Carbohydrate homeostasis in chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis: increased incidence of diabetes mellitus. Twenty-one patients were seen with the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in the Endocrine Clinic during 1965-1972. Three patients developed clinical diabetes mellitus at intervals from one month to three years after the diagnosis of thyroiditis was confirmed. An additional patient, a member of the study group reported here, had asymptomatic glucose intolerance initially and developed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus six months after the diagnosis of thyroiditis was established. Standard glucose tolerance tests were performed on 12 additional patients. One of these patients had unequivocal evidence of chemical diabetes; one other had a borderline abnormal oral glucose tolerance test. The remaining ten patients had normal glucose and insulin values during the OGTT. These studies indicate that children with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis are at increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus when compared with the normal childhood population.", "PMID": 989056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2984", "title": "Fear appeals and attitude change: effects of a threat's noxiousness, probability of occurrence, and the efficacy of coping responses.", "content": "Three factorial experiments examined the persuasive effects of the noxiousness of threatened event, its probability of occurrence, and the efficacy of recommended protective measures. A total of 176 students participated in separate studies on the topics of cigarette smoking, driving safety, and venereal disease. The results disclosed that increments in the efficacy variable increased intentions to adopt the efficacy variable increased intentions to adopt the recommended practices. Interaction effects revealed that when the preventive practices were effective, increments in the noxiousness and probability variables facilitated attitude change; however, when the coping responses were the preventive practices were effective, increments in the noxiousness and probability either had no effect or a deleterious effect, respectively. These interaction effects were discussed in terms of a defensive avoidance hypothesis, the crucial component of which was an inability to ward off the danger. Furthermore, the effect of the emotion of fear upon intentions was found to be mediated by the cognitive appraisal of severity of the threat. Finally, similarities with and extensions of previous studies were reviewed.", "contents": "Fear appeals and attitude change: effects of a threat's noxiousness, probability of occurrence, and the efficacy of coping responses. Three factorial experiments examined the persuasive effects of the noxiousness of threatened event, its probability of occurrence, and the efficacy of recommended protective measures. A total of 176 students participated in separate studies on the topics of cigarette smoking, driving safety, and venereal disease. The results disclosed that increments in the efficacy variable increased intentions to adopt the efficacy variable increased intentions to adopt the recommended practices. Interaction effects revealed that when the preventive practices were effective, increments in the noxiousness and probability variables facilitated attitude change; however, when the coping responses were the preventive practices were effective, increments in the noxiousness and probability either had no effect or a deleterious effect, respectively. These interaction effects were discussed in terms of a defensive avoidance hypothesis, the crucial component of which was an inability to ward off the danger. Furthermore, the effect of the emotion of fear upon intentions was found to be mediated by the cognitive appraisal of severity of the threat. Finally, similarities with and extensions of previous studies were reviewed.", "PMID": 989058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2985", "title": "Nonfatal cervical spine injuries in interscholastic football.", "content": "The incidence of nonfatal neck injuries in high school football was determined by performing preseason examinations in 104 active high school players and 75 college freshman candidates. Coaches of all 430 Iowa high schools were asked to recall the number of players experiencing significant neck pain during the season. A detailed questionnaire for each injury was also completed by a sample population of 60 coaches. The incidence of roentgenographic evidence of neck injuries was as high as 32% and was related to years of experience. Injury was most likely to occur to a linebacker or a defensive halfback when they tackled the ball carrier. In the preseason examination, half the players who volunteered a history of significant neck pain had abnormal x-ray films.", "contents": "Nonfatal cervical spine injuries in interscholastic football. The incidence of nonfatal neck injuries in high school football was determined by performing preseason examinations in 104 active high school players and 75 college freshman candidates. Coaches of all 430 Iowa high schools were asked to recall the number of players experiencing significant neck pain during the season. A detailed questionnaire for each injury was also completed by a sample population of 60 coaches. The incidence of roentgenographic evidence of neck injuries was as high as 32% and was related to years of experience. Injury was most likely to occur to a linebacker or a defensive halfback when they tackled the ball carrier. In the preseason examination, half the players who volunteered a history of significant neck pain had abnormal x-ray films.", "PMID": 989067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2986", "title": "Cough-induced cardiac compression. Self-administered from of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.", "content": "Eight patients undergoing coronary angiography were successfully resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation (VF), and three of these patients remained conscious and alert for 24 to 39 seconds after VF by coughing every one to three seconds. The mean aortic systolic pressure induced by cough was 139.7 mm Hg (+/- 3.8) and only 60.7 mm Hg (+/- 5.1) by external cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Cough-CPR, accomplished by abrupt, forceful coughing maintains consciousness by rhythmic compression of the heart, has several advantages over external CPR in the catheterization laboratory, and may be applicable to other situations where serious rhythm disturbances are recognized before unconsciousness occurs.", "contents": "Cough-induced cardiac compression. Self-administered from of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Eight patients undergoing coronary angiography were successfully resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation (VF), and three of these patients remained conscious and alert for 24 to 39 seconds after VF by coughing every one to three seconds. The mean aortic systolic pressure induced by cough was 139.7 mm Hg (+/- 3.8) and only 60.7 mm Hg (+/- 5.1) by external cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Cough-CPR, accomplished by abrupt, forceful coughing maintains consciousness by rhythmic compression of the heart, has several advantages over external CPR in the catheterization laboratory, and may be applicable to other situations where serious rhythm disturbances are recognized before unconsciousness occurs.", "PMID": 989068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2987", "title": "Clinical decision analysis. The hazard of using additional data.", "content": "Acquisition of laboratory data bearing on a clinical problem may make patient care worse rather than better. The hazards of obtaining new information, that go beyond the monetary costs and risks to physical well-being, are frequently not appreciated by physicians. In the complex and many-faceted practice of medicine, intuition, even when expressed by experienced clinicians, may lead to faulty judgments. Decision analysis gives a systematic exposition of clinical management, and lessens, if not eliminates, the influence of biased and unreliable intuition. With practice, most physicians could employ decision analysis to help solve moderately complicated problems at the bedside or in the office. Use of this tactic will make gaps in knowledge explicit, and may thereby stimulate investigations to ensure better clinical judgments in the future.", "contents": "Clinical decision analysis. The hazard of using additional data. Acquisition of laboratory data bearing on a clinical problem may make patient care worse rather than better. The hazards of obtaining new information, that go beyond the monetary costs and risks to physical well-being, are frequently not appreciated by physicians. In the complex and many-faceted practice of medicine, intuition, even when expressed by experienced clinicians, may lead to faulty judgments. Decision analysis gives a systematic exposition of clinical management, and lessens, if not eliminates, the influence of biased and unreliable intuition. With practice, most physicians could employ decision analysis to help solve moderately complicated problems at the bedside or in the office. Use of this tactic will make gaps in knowledge explicit, and may thereby stimulate investigations to ensure better clinical judgments in the future.", "PMID": 989070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2988", "title": "Fever--a manifestation of preleukemia.", "content": "A patient had a preleukemic syndrome in which the major manifestation was a chronic relapsing fever over an 18-month period. A review of the literature shows that fever may be present in a considerable number of patients with preleukemia.", "contents": "Fever--a manifestation of preleukemia. A patient had a preleukemic syndrome in which the major manifestation was a chronic relapsing fever over an 18-month period. A review of the literature shows that fever may be present in a considerable number of patients with preleukemia.", "PMID": 989071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2989", "title": "Gonorrhea in preschool- and school-aged children. Report of the prepubertal gonorrhea cooperative study group.", "content": "Single-dose antibiotic therapy was evaluated in 108 episodes of culture-confirmed, uncomplicated gonorrhea in 100 prepubertal children. There were 15 boys and 85 girls between 14 months and 14 years of age. Penicillin G procaine, 100,000 units/kg intramuscularly, was compared with amoxicillin trihydrate, 50 mg/kg orally. Probenecid, 25 mg/kg, was given simultaneously. Both drugs provided prompt bacteriological and clinical response. Multiple episodes of gonorrhea, presumably caused by reexposure, occurred in six girls. Oral and anal cultures were negative in all of 47 Costa Rican cases but were commonly positive in US children. Anal cultures yielded gonococci in 52% of girls and 25% of boys, and oral cultures were positive in 18% and 13%, respectively. In three instances, rectal cultures confirmed the diagnosis when vaginal cultures were negative. Gonorrhea should be considered in every child with vaginal or urethral discharge. Single-dose penicillin-probenecid or amoxicillin-probenecid treatment is curative.", "contents": "Gonorrhea in preschool- and school-aged children. Report of the prepubertal gonorrhea cooperative study group. Single-dose antibiotic therapy was evaluated in 108 episodes of culture-confirmed, uncomplicated gonorrhea in 100 prepubertal children. There were 15 boys and 85 girls between 14 months and 14 years of age. Penicillin G procaine, 100,000 units/kg intramuscularly, was compared with amoxicillin trihydrate, 50 mg/kg orally. Probenecid, 25 mg/kg, was given simultaneously. Both drugs provided prompt bacteriological and clinical response. Multiple episodes of gonorrhea, presumably caused by reexposure, occurred in six girls. Oral and anal cultures were negative in all of 47 Costa Rican cases but were commonly positive in US children. Anal cultures yielded gonococci in 52% of girls and 25% of boys, and oral cultures were positive in 18% and 13%, respectively. In three instances, rectal cultures confirmed the diagnosis when vaginal cultures were negative. Gonorrhea should be considered in every child with vaginal or urethral discharge. Single-dose penicillin-probenecid or amoxicillin-probenecid treatment is curative.", "PMID": 989090} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2990", "title": "Randomized prospective trial of continuous vs intermittent heparin therapy.", "content": "Forty-one patients with clinical indications for heparin therapy were randomized to receive continuous intravenous heparin sodium therapy or intermittent (four-hourly bolus) heparin therapy, with control by the activated partial thromboplastin time. Seven of 21 patients receiving intermittent therapy had major bleeding episodes, whereas none of the 20 patients receiving continuous heparin therapy had major bleeding (P = .005). One patient on continuous therapy had a pulmonary embolus, while none on intermittent therapy had recurrent thromboembolism. Two heavily bleeding patients on intermittent therapy were switched to continuous treatment after bleeding was controlled. The use of continuous heparin therapy appears significantly safer with regard to hemorrhagic complications than the use of intermittent therapy.", "contents": "Randomized prospective trial of continuous vs intermittent heparin therapy. Forty-one patients with clinical indications for heparin therapy were randomized to receive continuous intravenous heparin sodium therapy or intermittent (four-hourly bolus) heparin therapy, with control by the activated partial thromboplastin time. Seven of 21 patients receiving intermittent therapy had major bleeding episodes, whereas none of the 20 patients receiving continuous heparin therapy had major bleeding (P = .005). One patient on continuous therapy had a pulmonary embolus, while none on intermittent therapy had recurrent thromboembolism. Two heavily bleeding patients on intermittent therapy were switched to continuous treatment after bleeding was controlled. The use of continuous heparin therapy appears significantly safer with regard to hemorrhagic complications than the use of intermittent therapy.", "PMID": 989091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2991", "title": "Capillary abnormalities in polyvinyl chloride production workers. Examination by in vivo microscopy.", "content": "Examination by wide-field capillary microscopy of the hands of 152 workers in vinyl chloride (VC) polymerization plants demonstrated scattered, scleroderma-like microvascular abnormalities in 21 workers and isolated capillary abnormalities in 27, as compared with only three isolated abnormalities in 50 manual workers not exposed to vinyl chloride. Thirteen of 17 VC workers with objective evidence of VC-associated abnormalities (angiosarcoma or fibrosis of liver, acroosteolysis, or scleroderma-like skin lesions) were observed to have microvascular abnormalities. If prospective studies confirm the implications of this study, capillary microscopy may become a useful mass-screening procedure in the early detection and prevention of VC-associated disease.", "contents": "Capillary abnormalities in polyvinyl chloride production workers. Examination by in vivo microscopy. Examination by wide-field capillary microscopy of the hands of 152 workers in vinyl chloride (VC) polymerization plants demonstrated scattered, scleroderma-like microvascular abnormalities in 21 workers and isolated capillary abnormalities in 27, as compared with only three isolated abnormalities in 50 manual workers not exposed to vinyl chloride. Thirteen of 17 VC workers with objective evidence of VC-associated abnormalities (angiosarcoma or fibrosis of liver, acroosteolysis, or scleroderma-like skin lesions) were observed to have microvascular abnormalities. If prospective studies confirm the implications of this study, capillary microscopy may become a useful mass-screening procedure in the early detection and prevention of VC-associated disease.", "PMID": 989092} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2992", "title": "Drug addiction among physicians. The Virginia experience.", "content": "Drug addiction among physicians appears to be an occupational hazard, with chronic pain, depression, and the easy availability of drugs major factors leading to addiction. In this study of 46 cases of physician addicts handled by the Virginia State Board of Medicine, meperidine hydrochloride (Demerol) was the most frequent addictive agent. The Virginia disciplinary and therapeutic plan for addicted physicians was effective in successfully rehabilitating and returning to medical practice 72% of the 46 physician addicts reported to the board from 1949 to 1974.", "contents": "Drug addiction among physicians. The Virginia experience. Drug addiction among physicians appears to be an occupational hazard, with chronic pain, depression, and the easy availability of drugs major factors leading to addiction. In this study of 46 cases of physician addicts handled by the Virginia State Board of Medicine, meperidine hydrochloride (Demerol) was the most frequent addictive agent. The Virginia disciplinary and therapeutic plan for addicted physicians was effective in successfully rehabilitating and returning to medical practice 72% of the 46 physician addicts reported to the board from 1949 to 1974.", "PMID": 989093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2993", "title": "Immunological impairment and susceptibility to infection after splenectomy.", "content": "Asplenic patients or those who have undergone splenectomy are prone to overwhelming and often fatal sepsis, which is sometimes associated with disseminated intravascular coagulopathies. Although several pathogens are involved, the most common organism found in these subjects is the pneumococcus, and the infections respond poorly to antibiotic therapy.", "contents": "Immunological impairment and susceptibility to infection after splenectomy. Asplenic patients or those who have undergone splenectomy are prone to overwhelming and often fatal sepsis, which is sometimes associated with disseminated intravascular coagulopathies. Although several pathogens are involved, the most common organism found in these subjects is the pneumococcus, and the infections respond poorly to antibiotic therapy.", "PMID": 989094} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2994", "title": "Tooth fragments lodged in unexpected areas.", "content": "Broken, lost, swallowed, or aspirated teeth can be a hazard in dental and medical practice. Because of the magnitude of soft-tissue trauma associated with minor tooth fracture, the physician may be the first to see the child. Every attempt should be made to locate the missing tooth structure before the wound is closed. This can be accomplished through a detailed history of the accident, careful examination, and roentgenograms, if necessary. Three cases are reported in which tooth fragments were imbedded in wounds.", "contents": "Tooth fragments lodged in unexpected areas. Broken, lost, swallowed, or aspirated teeth can be a hazard in dental and medical practice. Because of the magnitude of soft-tissue trauma associated with minor tooth fracture, the physician may be the first to see the child. Every attempt should be made to locate the missing tooth structure before the wound is closed. This can be accomplished through a detailed history of the accident, careful examination, and roentgenograms, if necessary. Three cases are reported in which tooth fragments were imbedded in wounds.", "PMID": 989095} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2995", "title": "Proximal myopathy caused by latrogenic phosphate depletion.", "content": "Severe proximal myopathy associated with hypophosphatemia developed in three patients with chronic renal failure who had been treated with aluminum hydroxide gel. The syndrome was characterized by severe pain, muscular stiffness, and weakness. The illness was originally misdiagnosed both as uremic myopathy and as an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis. In one patient, the correct diagnosis was made when symptomatic relief corresponded to the rise of serum phosphate levels. Discontinuation of antacid therapy was followed by gradual recovery. Oral sodium phosphate brought prompt alleviation of muscular pain and stiffness.", "contents": "Proximal myopathy caused by latrogenic phosphate depletion. Severe proximal myopathy associated with hypophosphatemia developed in three patients with chronic renal failure who had been treated with aluminum hydroxide gel. The syndrome was characterized by severe pain, muscular stiffness, and weakness. The illness was originally misdiagnosed both as uremic myopathy and as an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis. In one patient, the correct diagnosis was made when symptomatic relief corresponded to the rise of serum phosphate levels. Discontinuation of antacid therapy was followed by gradual recovery. Oral sodium phosphate brought prompt alleviation of muscular pain and stiffness.", "PMID": 989096} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2996", "title": "Rifampin, oral contraceptives, and pregnancy.", "content": "Rifampin is a drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis. In the literature, there are reports of seven patients who became pregnant while taking a combination of rifampin and oral contraceptives. We report an eighth case involving a woman who became pregnant twice on this drug combination.", "contents": "Rifampin, oral contraceptives, and pregnancy. Rifampin is a drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis. In the literature, there are reports of seven patients who became pregnant while taking a combination of rifampin and oral contraceptives. We report an eighth case involving a woman who became pregnant twice on this drug combination.", "PMID": 989097} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2997", "title": "Midtrimester amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis. Safety and accuracy.", "content": "This prospective study of the safety and accuracy of midtrimester amniocentesis involved 1,040 subjects and 992 controls. Immediate complications of amniocentesis (vaginal bleeding or amniotic fluid leakage) occurred in approximately 2% of the women. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in rate of fetal loss (3.5% for the subjects, 3.2% for the controls) or incidence of complications of pregnancy of delivery. Newborn examination indicated no significant differences between the two groups in incidence of congenital anomalies and no evidence of physical injury resulting from amniocentesis. The two groups did not differ significantly in physical, neurological, or developmental status at one year of age. Diagnostic accuracy was 99.4%. Midtrimester amniocentesis is a highly accurate and safe procedure that does not significantly increase the risk of fetal loss or injury.", "contents": "Midtrimester amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis. Safety and accuracy. This prospective study of the safety and accuracy of midtrimester amniocentesis involved 1,040 subjects and 992 controls. Immediate complications of amniocentesis (vaginal bleeding or amniotic fluid leakage) occurred in approximately 2% of the women. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in rate of fetal loss (3.5% for the subjects, 3.2% for the controls) or incidence of complications of pregnancy of delivery. Newborn examination indicated no significant differences between the two groups in incidence of congenital anomalies and no evidence of physical injury resulting from amniocentesis. The two groups did not differ significantly in physical, neurological, or developmental status at one year of age. Diagnostic accuracy was 99.4%. Midtrimester amniocentesis is a highly accurate and safe procedure that does not significantly increase the risk of fetal loss or injury.", "PMID": 989112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2998", "title": "Mortality in patients treated for pulmonary embolism.", "content": "The hospital course of 144 consecutive patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) demonstrated by pulmonary angiography was reviewed to determine the mortality of patients with treated PE. Twelve patients (8%) died of PE, and eight died of causes other than PE; 124 (86%) survived. Pulmonary embolism was the primary cause of death in only four of the 12 patients who died of PE. Pulmonary embolism contributed to the death of eight other patients, each of whom had associated potentially lethal disease, particularly heart disease. The most important factor affecting mortality was shock due to acute right ventricular failure secondary to massive PE (mortality, 32%). Mortality was not related to magnitude of PE per se; the mortality of patients with massive PE without shock (6%) was the same as that for patients with submassive PE (5%. Patients with PE who survive long enough to have the diagnosis established and appropriate prophylactic therapy begun have an excellent prognosis, unless they have associated severe medical disease.", "contents": "Mortality in patients treated for pulmonary embolism. The hospital course of 144 consecutive patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) demonstrated by pulmonary angiography was reviewed to determine the mortality of patients with treated PE. Twelve patients (8%) died of PE, and eight died of causes other than PE; 124 (86%) survived. Pulmonary embolism was the primary cause of death in only four of the 12 patients who died of PE. Pulmonary embolism contributed to the death of eight other patients, each of whom had associated potentially lethal disease, particularly heart disease. The most important factor affecting mortality was shock due to acute right ventricular failure secondary to massive PE (mortality, 32%). Mortality was not related to magnitude of PE per se; the mortality of patients with massive PE without shock (6%) was the same as that for patients with submassive PE (5%. Patients with PE who survive long enough to have the diagnosis established and appropriate prophylactic therapy begun have an excellent prognosis, unless they have associated severe medical disease.", "PMID": 989113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_2999", "title": "Continuing medical education. The philosphy and use of audit.", "content": "In 55 audits of 37 topics totaling 5,499 patient records, 94% of deficiencies were in the area of performance, while only 6% occurred in the area of lack of knowledge. In addition to defining problems, audit serves as an educational experience and a stimulus to improve practice.", "contents": "Continuing medical education. The philosphy and use of audit. In 55 audits of 37 topics totaling 5,499 patient records, 94% of deficiencies were in the area of performance, while only 6% occurred in the area of lack of knowledge. In addition to defining problems, audit serves as an educational experience and a stimulus to improve practice.", "PMID": 989114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3000", "title": "Infectious mononucleosis. Death due to agranulocytosis and pneumonia.", "content": "Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is usually considered a benign disease. Agranulocytosis developed in a young college student 14 days after the onset of IM. Fulminant staphylococcal pneumonia and bilateral pulmonary infarcts resulted, and the patient died 4 1/2 hours after admission to a hospital. Agranulocytosis secondary to IM may be more prevalent than previously thought. A review of the literature indicated that infection developed in 57.9% of the patients with IM and extreme neutropenia and 45.4% of the infected patients died.", "contents": "Infectious mononucleosis. Death due to agranulocytosis and pneumonia. Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is usually considered a benign disease. Agranulocytosis developed in a young college student 14 days after the onset of IM. Fulminant staphylococcal pneumonia and bilateral pulmonary infarcts resulted, and the patient died 4 1/2 hours after admission to a hospital. Agranulocytosis secondary to IM may be more prevalent than previously thought. A review of the literature indicated that infection developed in 57.9% of the patients with IM and extreme neutropenia and 45.4% of the infected patients died.", "PMID": 989116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3001", "title": "Chronic urticaria and intermittent anaphylaxis. Reactions to lophendylate.", "content": "In a case of chronic, severe urticaria and intermittent episodes of anaphylaxis due to an iophendylate injection (Pantopaque) given in the course of myelography, almost complete relief was obtained from the removal of approximately 8 ml of residual iophendylate from the spinal canal. Data obtained from direct skin testing, Prausnitz-K\u00fcstner testing, peptide inhibition of Prausnitz-K\u00fcstner testing, and IgE levels quantitated before and after removal of iophendylate indicate that these symptoms were mediated via an IgE anti-iophendylate reaction.", "contents": "Chronic urticaria and intermittent anaphylaxis. Reactions to lophendylate. In a case of chronic, severe urticaria and intermittent episodes of anaphylaxis due to an iophendylate injection (Pantopaque) given in the course of myelography, almost complete relief was obtained from the removal of approximately 8 ml of residual iophendylate from the spinal canal. Data obtained from direct skin testing, Prausnitz-K\u00fcstner testing, peptide inhibition of Prausnitz-K\u00fcstner testing, and IgE levels quantitated before and after removal of iophendylate indicate that these symptoms were mediated via an IgE anti-iophendylate reaction.", "PMID": 989117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3002", "title": "Mitral valve repair for patients with pure mitral insufficiency. 1- to 15-year follow-up.", "content": "Mitral valve repair rather than replacement was performed in 133 of 183 patients (73%) with considerable mitral valve insufficiency requiring surgery. There were seven operative deaths (50%) and 16 late deaths in the 133 patients followed up from 1 to 15 years. Only four of the late deaths were possibly related to the underlying valvular heart disease. Repair is preferable to replacement with present-day mitral valve prostheses.", "contents": "Mitral valve repair for patients with pure mitral insufficiency. 1- to 15-year follow-up. Mitral valve repair rather than replacement was performed in 133 of 183 patients (73%) with considerable mitral valve insufficiency requiring surgery. There were seven operative deaths (50%) and 16 late deaths in the 133 patients followed up from 1 to 15 years. Only four of the late deaths were possibly related to the underlying valvular heart disease. Repair is preferable to replacement with present-day mitral valve prostheses.", "PMID": 989130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3003", "title": "Abnormal aminopyrine metabolism in patients with hepatic neoplasm. Detection by breath test.", "content": "Aminopyrine metabolism was assessed by the aminopyrine breath test (ABT) in 153 patients with malignant disease, of whom 75 had hepatic neoplasm and 78 had none. Radioactive carbon dioxide (14CO2) exhalation was measured two hours after oral administration of a trace dose of carbon-14 labeled aminopyrine. The ABT was correct in 62 of 75 (83%) patients with hepatic neoplasm and in 73 of 78 (94%) patients without. It was correct in 16 of 22 (73%) patients who had hepatic neoplasm without abnormal serum biochemistry. Aminopyrine metabolic clearance rate (AMCR) was 32.4 ml/min in patients with hepatic neoplasm and 103.4 +/- 18.8 ml/min in the patients without. There was a highly significant correlation between ABT and AMCR (r =.76, P less than .01). We conclude that aminopyrine metabolism is depressed in most patients with hepatic neoplasm and that the ABT affords a useful method for detecting malignant tumors of the liver.", "contents": "Abnormal aminopyrine metabolism in patients with hepatic neoplasm. Detection by breath test. Aminopyrine metabolism was assessed by the aminopyrine breath test (ABT) in 153 patients with malignant disease, of whom 75 had hepatic neoplasm and 78 had none. Radioactive carbon dioxide (14CO2) exhalation was measured two hours after oral administration of a trace dose of carbon-14 labeled aminopyrine. The ABT was correct in 62 of 75 (83%) patients with hepatic neoplasm and in 73 of 78 (94%) patients without. It was correct in 16 of 22 (73%) patients who had hepatic neoplasm without abnormal serum biochemistry. Aminopyrine metabolic clearance rate (AMCR) was 32.4 ml/min in patients with hepatic neoplasm and 103.4 +/- 18.8 ml/min in the patients without. There was a highly significant correlation between ABT and AMCR (r =.76, P less than .01). We conclude that aminopyrine metabolism is depressed in most patients with hepatic neoplasm and that the ABT affords a useful method for detecting malignant tumors of the liver.", "PMID": 989131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3004", "title": "Gaps--anionic and osmolal.", "content": "Gaps is a bedside diagnostic game. It is played in two versions by nephrologists. It deserves wider application by the practicing physician. The more popular version, Anion Gaps, shows the presence of undetermined anions and alerts the physician to the possibilities of laboratory error, severe derangements in serum protein metabolism, or the ingestion of certain ionic compounds that directly or indirectly alter the concentration of routinely undetermined anions. A second version, Osmolal Gaps, shows the presence of unmeasured osmoles or of increased plasma solids and can be used in a variety of clinical situations to direct attention to laboratory, error, hyperproteinemia, hyperlipidemia, or the presence of unmeasured osmoles in the serum.", "contents": "Gaps--anionic and osmolal. Gaps is a bedside diagnostic game. It is played in two versions by nephrologists. It deserves wider application by the practicing physician. The more popular version, Anion Gaps, shows the presence of undetermined anions and alerts the physician to the possibilities of laboratory error, severe derangements in serum protein metabolism, or the ingestion of certain ionic compounds that directly or indirectly alter the concentration of routinely undetermined anions. A second version, Osmolal Gaps, shows the presence of unmeasured osmoles or of increased plasma solids and can be used in a variety of clinical situations to direct attention to laboratory, error, hyperproteinemia, hyperlipidemia, or the presence of unmeasured osmoles in the serum.", "PMID": 989132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3005", "title": "Unusually high levels of blood alcohol?", "content": "A consecutive three-month study of alcohol-intoxicated patients admitted to the casualty ward showed 24 patients with an initial serum alcohol concentration above 110 millimols/liter. Eight patitents were excluded because of insufficient data. Eight of the remaining 16 patients showed surprisingly slight depression of the central nervous system (CNS).", "contents": "Unusually high levels of blood alcohol? A consecutive three-month study of alcohol-intoxicated patients admitted to the casualty ward showed 24 patients with an initial serum alcohol concentration above 110 millimols/liter. Eight patitents were excluded because of insufficient data. Eight of the remaining 16 patients showed surprisingly slight depression of the central nervous system (CNS).", "PMID": 989133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3006", "title": "Colitis and hepatitis caused by methyldopa.", "content": "Acute, severe colitis and hepatitis developed in a 55-year-old man on two occasions in relation to administration of methyldopa. He also had fever, skin rash, and eosinophilia, suggesting drug allergy. All symptoms and signs remitted after he stopped taking the drug. It appears that this agent is capable of producing acute colitis as well as the previously recognized hepatitis.", "contents": "Colitis and hepatitis caused by methyldopa. Acute, severe colitis and hepatitis developed in a 55-year-old man on two occasions in relation to administration of methyldopa. He also had fever, skin rash, and eosinophilia, suggesting drug allergy. All symptoms and signs remitted after he stopped taking the drug. It appears that this agent is capable of producing acute colitis as well as the previously recognized hepatitis.", "PMID": 989134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3007", "title": "Failure of vancomycin treatment in Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis. In vivo and in vitro observations.", "content": "In a case of staphylococcal endocarditis, we failed to eradicate Staphylococcus aureus from the blood stream with vancomycin hydrochloride therapy. The strain involved was sensitive to vancomycin by disk diffusion studies but showed a wide disparity between minimal inhibitory and minimal bactericidal concentrations. The lack of a bactericidal effect was probably responsible for the failure of treatment. A synergistic effect was demonstrated for the combination of gentamicin sulfate and methicillin sodium, and the patient was ultimately cured with this combination plus vancomycin. Bactericidal tests are important in choosing an antimicrobial agent for treatment of endocarditis.", "contents": "Failure of vancomycin treatment in Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis. In vivo and in vitro observations. In a case of staphylococcal endocarditis, we failed to eradicate Staphylococcus aureus from the blood stream with vancomycin hydrochloride therapy. The strain involved was sensitive to vancomycin by disk diffusion studies but showed a wide disparity between minimal inhibitory and minimal bactericidal concentrations. The lack of a bactericidal effect was probably responsible for the failure of treatment. A synergistic effect was demonstrated for the combination of gentamicin sulfate and methicillin sodium, and the patient was ultimately cured with this combination plus vancomycin. Bactericidal tests are important in choosing an antimicrobial agent for treatment of endocarditis.", "PMID": 989135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3008", "title": "[Non-pigmented extrabulbar sarcomas of the eye-region (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors report on 30 cases with non-pigmented extrabulbar sarcomas of the eye-region which occurred in our clinic within the period of 1955 till 1975. The primary sarcomas of the orbit predominate with 11 cases over the secondary involvement with 9 cases. More seldom (5 cases) is the involvement of the lids and the epibulbar space. The various groups of lymphosarcoma predominate with 16 cases over the spindle-cell sarcoma with 6 cases. The age distribution shows that these tumors prefer the first three decades and the fifth and the following decennia. The prognosis is bad for the conservation of the eye as well as for the preservation of life. With reference to the localisation the distribution at the time of the beginning of the therapy as well as the histological findings an intensive therapy (operation, radiation, chemo-therapy) has to be accomplished.", "contents": "[Non-pigmented extrabulbar sarcomas of the eye-region (author's transl)]. The authors report on 30 cases with non-pigmented extrabulbar sarcomas of the eye-region which occurred in our clinic within the period of 1955 till 1975. The primary sarcomas of the orbit predominate with 11 cases over the secondary involvement with 9 cases. More seldom (5 cases) is the involvement of the lids and the epibulbar space. The various groups of lymphosarcoma predominate with 16 cases over the spindle-cell sarcoma with 6 cases. The age distribution shows that these tumors prefer the first three decades and the fifth and the following decennia. The prognosis is bad for the conservation of the eye as well as for the preservation of life. With reference to the localisation the distribution at the time of the beginning of the therapy as well as the histological findings an intensive therapy (operation, radiation, chemo-therapy) has to be accomplished.", "PMID": 989143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3009", "title": "[Psychotropic drugs and glaucoma (author's transl)].", "content": "The i.o. pressure and tonography were studied on 51 patients with endogenous depressions. The patients were treated 10-43 days with psycho-pharmacological drugs (Indoline, Imipramine, Amitriptyline, Noxiptiline and Phenothiazine). In no case does the therapy with the drugs induce an increase of i.o. pressure or-in normal eyes-of tonography. In latent of manifest glaucoma (7 patients) Clomipramine increased the tonography in 1 case, whereas Amitriptyline and Noxiptiline reduced it in 4 cases. The study demonstrated that the commonly used psycho-pharmaca are no contraindication to wide-angle glaucoma.", "contents": "[Psychotropic drugs and glaucoma (author's transl)]. The i.o. pressure and tonography were studied on 51 patients with endogenous depressions. The patients were treated 10-43 days with psycho-pharmacological drugs (Indoline, Imipramine, Amitriptyline, Noxiptiline and Phenothiazine). In no case does the therapy with the drugs induce an increase of i.o. pressure or-in normal eyes-of tonography. In latent of manifest glaucoma (7 patients) Clomipramine increased the tonography in 1 case, whereas Amitriptyline and Noxiptiline reduced it in 4 cases. The study demonstrated that the commonly used psycho-pharmaca are no contraindication to wide-angle glaucoma.", "PMID": 989144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3010", "title": "A two year follow-up of infants with respiratory distress syndrome.", "content": "Forty-seven of 74 infants with idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome who had received intensive care in the neonatal period were examined between the ages of 15 and 24 months to assess their progress. All the children (including the premature infants) had caught up with their peers in height, weight and head circumference. Although 11 infants had a history of respiratory problems, only two showed residual lung changes on radiological examination. Only one infant who had frequent apnoeic spells had serious eye problems due to retrolental fibroplasia. A definite neurological deficit was found in one case, in which a congenital infection could not be ruled out.", "contents": "A two year follow-up of infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Forty-seven of 74 infants with idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome who had received intensive care in the neonatal period were examined between the ages of 15 and 24 months to assess their progress. All the children (including the premature infants) had caught up with their peers in height, weight and head circumference. Although 11 infants had a history of respiratory problems, only two showed residual lung changes on radiological examination. Only one infant who had frequent apnoeic spells had serious eye problems due to retrolental fibroplasia. A definite neurological deficit was found in one case, in which a congenital infection could not be ruled out.", "PMID": 989150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3011", "title": "Cottonseed colour fixed pigments. Part I. Selectivity of hexane isomers.", "content": "The selectivity of hexane isomers towards cottonseed pigments and colour fixed pigments was illustrated by using spectrophotometric analysis of crude, refined and bleached oils, and by refinability and bleachability criteria. Crude cottonseed oil contains besides the alkali-refinable gossypol and gossypurpurin, several colour fixed pigments. Anhydrogossypol, gossyfulvin, anthocyanins and carotenoids seem to be responsible for the colour-fixation of the oil. Only carotenoids are eliminated by bleaching. Selectivities of hexane isomers towards colour fixed pigments are in the following order: isohexane less than n-hexane less than cyclohexane less than benzene less than methylcyclopentane.", "contents": "Cottonseed colour fixed pigments. Part I. Selectivity of hexane isomers. The selectivity of hexane isomers towards cottonseed pigments and colour fixed pigments was illustrated by using spectrophotometric analysis of crude, refined and bleached oils, and by refinability and bleachability criteria. Crude cottonseed oil contains besides the alkali-refinable gossypol and gossypurpurin, several colour fixed pigments. Anhydrogossypol, gossyfulvin, anthocyanins and carotenoids seem to be responsible for the colour-fixation of the oil. Only carotenoids are eliminated by bleaching. Selectivities of hexane isomers towards colour fixed pigments are in the following order: isohexane less than n-hexane less than cyclohexane less than benzene less than methylcyclopentane.", "PMID": 989152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3012", "title": "Biochemical changes in cottonseed during development and maturity.", "content": "The changes in cottonseed constituents at different boll ages ranging from 5 to 60 days after flowering are reported. A gradual depletion of sugars coincided with gradual formation of oil has been found. Proteins are accumulated at a more or less even rate. Gossypol starts its appearance in 10 days old boll, and continuously increases. The iodine value of the oils shows gradual increase, while the acid value continuously decreases. Continuous decrease in total saturated fatty acids during development and maturity was observed while linoleic acid continuously increases. The total phospholipid content of the oil continuously decreases. The total saturated fatty acid contents of the phospholipids are generally higher than that of their corresponding oils.", "contents": "Biochemical changes in cottonseed during development and maturity. The changes in cottonseed constituents at different boll ages ranging from 5 to 60 days after flowering are reported. A gradual depletion of sugars coincided with gradual formation of oil has been found. Proteins are accumulated at a more or less even rate. Gossypol starts its appearance in 10 days old boll, and continuously increases. The iodine value of the oils shows gradual increase, while the acid value continuously decreases. Continuous decrease in total saturated fatty acids during development and maturity was observed while linoleic acid continuously increases. The total phospholipid content of the oil continuously decreases. The total saturated fatty acid contents of the phospholipids are generally higher than that of their corresponding oils.", "PMID": 989153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3013", "title": "Aroma values--a useful concept?", "content": "Rapidly increasing knowledge about the high complexity of food aromas requires selection or ranking procedures as to the importance of the particular components for flavour impression. For this purpose the concept of aroma values has been discussed which calculates quantitative data in connection with aroma effectiveness of the compounds. The simplification of the concept with respect to the practical application, however, can change the natural system and lead to erroneous conclusions. There are not only interactions between aroma substances of sensoricphysiological character which may not be ignored. Physical conditions like lipid content, distribution of aroma compounds between aqueous and lipid phase or the sorption of volatile substances to the polymer nutrients in foodstuffs are of influence, too.", "contents": "Aroma values--a useful concept? Rapidly increasing knowledge about the high complexity of food aromas requires selection or ranking procedures as to the importance of the particular components for flavour impression. For this purpose the concept of aroma values has been discussed which calculates quantitative data in connection with aroma effectiveness of the compounds. The simplification of the concept with respect to the practical application, however, can change the natural system and lead to erroneous conclusions. There are not only interactions between aroma substances of sensoricphysiological character which may not be ignored. Physical conditions like lipid content, distribution of aroma compounds between aqueous and lipid phase or the sorption of volatile substances to the polymer nutrients in foodstuffs are of influence, too.", "PMID": 989154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3014", "title": "Substrate mobilization: a new hypothesis for the aetiology of the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome.", "content": "This hypothesis for the aetiology of the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn (IRDS) proposes that, although the aetiology is multifactorial, the factor of prime importance is the mobilization of substrate for surfactant synthesis. All factors known to influence the incidence, treatment, and prognosis of the IRDS can be shown to be associated with the mobilization of substrate and thereafter its continued availability for the synthesis of adequate surfactant. Thus factors which promote an antenatal increase in the breakdown of energy stores will be associated with a reduced incidence of the IRDS. On the other hand, despite adequate mobilization, factors associated with a lack of substrate secondary to poor transport of substrate, a reduction in pulmonary circulation or an alteration in fetal or neonatal metabolism which involves an increased utilization of substrate to provide energy, will be associated with an increased incidence of the IRDS.", "contents": "Substrate mobilization: a new hypothesis for the aetiology of the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome. This hypothesis for the aetiology of the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn (IRDS) proposes that, although the aetiology is multifactorial, the factor of prime importance is the mobilization of substrate for surfactant synthesis. All factors known to influence the incidence, treatment, and prognosis of the IRDS can be shown to be associated with the mobilization of substrate and thereafter its continued availability for the synthesis of adequate surfactant. Thus factors which promote an antenatal increase in the breakdown of energy stores will be associated with a reduced incidence of the IRDS. On the other hand, despite adequate mobilization, factors associated with a lack of substrate secondary to poor transport of substrate, a reduction in pulmonary circulation or an alteration in fetal or neonatal metabolism which involves an increased utilization of substrate to provide energy, will be associated with an increased incidence of the IRDS.", "PMID": 989148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3015", "title": "Chromatographic column fractionation and fatty acid composition of different lipid classes of linseed oil.", "content": "Linseed oil is fractionated on silicic acid column, with subsequent identification of different lipid classes by thin layer chromatography. Sterol esters, triglycerides, free fatty acids, sterols and phospholipids represent 0.15, 92.25, 3.30, 1.15 and 1.16%, respectively of linseed lipids. The total saturated fatty acid content of the phospholipid fraction is higher than that of the oil, the triglyceride fraction and the free fatty acid fraction. Linolenic acid, which is the major fatty acid in linseed triglycerides (47.5%), makes 18.2% of the phospholipid fatty acids. Oleic acid is the major fatty acid in the phospholipid fraction (35.2%), while it constitutes 19.3% of the triglycerides fatty acids.", "contents": "Chromatographic column fractionation and fatty acid composition of different lipid classes of linseed oil. Linseed oil is fractionated on silicic acid column, with subsequent identification of different lipid classes by thin layer chromatography. Sterol esters, triglycerides, free fatty acids, sterols and phospholipids represent 0.15, 92.25, 3.30, 1.15 and 1.16%, respectively of linseed lipids. The total saturated fatty acid content of the phospholipid fraction is higher than that of the oil, the triglyceride fraction and the free fatty acid fraction. Linolenic acid, which is the major fatty acid in linseed triglycerides (47.5%), makes 18.2% of the phospholipid fatty acids. Oleic acid is the major fatty acid in the phospholipid fraction (35.2%), while it constitutes 19.3% of the triglycerides fatty acids.", "PMID": 989155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3016", "title": "[Artificial macaroni. 2. Biological value of synthetic macaroni].", "content": "The authors determined (in vitro) the amino-acid composition and the enzymatic cleavage of protein and starch as well as (in vivo) the biological value of synthetic macaroni produced on the basis of casein, soybean protein and cotton-seed protein. The products based on casein and soybean protein have a great biological value. Cotton-seed protein has a toxic effect. The biological value of synthetic macaroni is mainly determined by the composition of the initial mixture. The processes of production and culinary processing exert no essential effects on protein content, amino-acid composition of the protein and enzymatic cleavage.", "contents": "[Artificial macaroni. 2. Biological value of synthetic macaroni]. The authors determined (in vitro) the amino-acid composition and the enzymatic cleavage of protein and starch as well as (in vivo) the biological value of synthetic macaroni produced on the basis of casein, soybean protein and cotton-seed protein. The products based on casein and soybean protein have a great biological value. Cotton-seed protein has a toxic effect. The biological value of synthetic macaroni is mainly determined by the composition of the initial mixture. The processes of production and culinary processing exert no essential effects on protein content, amino-acid composition of the protein and enzymatic cleavage.", "PMID": 989156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3017", "title": "Cottonseed colour fixed pigments. Part II. Role of hexane isomers on oil quality.", "content": "Colour fixed pigments can be detected in refined and bleached oils rather than in crude oils, since in the latter their absorption is masked up by the gossypol pigments. Isohexane is the most desirable hexane isomer. Though it produces darker crude oils, yet refinability and bleachability increases as the percentage of isohexane in normal hexan increases. It has also the advantage of extracting oils with lowest refining loss and with the highest gossypol content. Recovery of gossypol, which is alkali refinable, with the oil results in a superior quality of meal. Benzene, on the other hand, is the least desirable constituent in commercial hexane. Its presence with n-hexane results in darker coloured crude, refined and bleached oil colours, indicating the selectivity of benzene to colour fixed pigments. Highest refining loss were found in oils extracted with benzene or benzene-hexane solvent mixtures. Cyclohexane presence with n-hexane (35% to 60%) and methycyclopentane (6.0% to 12.0%) do not increase the degree of extraction of colour fixed pigments, however increase the refining loss of the extracted oils.", "contents": "Cottonseed colour fixed pigments. Part II. Role of hexane isomers on oil quality. Colour fixed pigments can be detected in refined and bleached oils rather than in crude oils, since in the latter their absorption is masked up by the gossypol pigments. Isohexane is the most desirable hexane isomer. Though it produces darker crude oils, yet refinability and bleachability increases as the percentage of isohexane in normal hexan increases. It has also the advantage of extracting oils with lowest refining loss and with the highest gossypol content. Recovery of gossypol, which is alkali refinable, with the oil results in a superior quality of meal. Benzene, on the other hand, is the least desirable constituent in commercial hexane. Its presence with n-hexane results in darker coloured crude, refined and bleached oil colours, indicating the selectivity of benzene to colour fixed pigments. Highest refining loss were found in oils extracted with benzene or benzene-hexane solvent mixtures. Cyclohexane presence with n-hexane (35% to 60%) and methycyclopentane (6.0% to 12.0%) do not increase the degree of extraction of colour fixed pigments, however increase the refining loss of the extracted oils.", "PMID": 989157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3018", "title": "[Effects of plant protective agents and pesticides on the processibility of milk with special consideration to microbiological technology].", "content": "The authors studied the effects of the active ingredients contained in 43 pesticides and insecticides on dairy cultures and the suitability of milk contaminated in vitro with selected organophosphorus insecticides. The acid-forming property of yoghurt, kefir, butter and cheese cultures, the clotting property of milk and the ripening process of Camembert were used as testing criteria. The herbicides 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol (DNOC), 2,4, 5-trichlorophenol, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), 4-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy) butyric acid (MPCB), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2,2-dichloropropionic acid (dalapon), the chlorinated insecticide heptachlorepoxide and the fungicide pentachlorophenol exerted inhibitory effects when applied at concentrations of more than 100 p.p.m., whereas most of the organophosphorus and chlorinated insecticides under investigation produced no detectable effects on the culture activity when used at concentrations up to 100 mg/kg. The clotting property of milk was not impaired by the pesticides and insecticides at concentrations up to 100 mg/kg; the same was true of the ripening process of Camembert.", "contents": "[Effects of plant protective agents and pesticides on the processibility of milk with special consideration to microbiological technology]. The authors studied the effects of the active ingredients contained in 43 pesticides and insecticides on dairy cultures and the suitability of milk contaminated in vitro with selected organophosphorus insecticides. The acid-forming property of yoghurt, kefir, butter and cheese cultures, the clotting property of milk and the ripening process of Camembert were used as testing criteria. The herbicides 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol (DNOC), 2,4, 5-trichlorophenol, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), 4-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy) butyric acid (MPCB), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2,2-dichloropropionic acid (dalapon), the chlorinated insecticide heptachlorepoxide and the fungicide pentachlorophenol exerted inhibitory effects when applied at concentrations of more than 100 p.p.m., whereas most of the organophosphorus and chlorinated insecticides under investigation produced no detectable effects on the culture activity when used at concentrations up to 100 mg/kg. The clotting property of milk was not impaired by the pesticides and insecticides at concentrations up to 100 mg/kg; the same was true of the ripening process of Camembert.", "PMID": 989158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3019", "title": "[Surgical indications in ventral sacral meningocele].", "content": "Comparison of some cases in adults to an extensive malformation in the small pelvis in a 4 years old girl. Sacral ventral meningoceles are rare spinal malformations which probably result from a dysrhaphic disorder in an early embryonal stage (spina bifida). The dysrhaphic malformation extends towards the os sacrum with a defect in ventral direction. In this paper, we present the cases of one child and three adults. The malformative tumor in the small pelvis of the child was so large that an obstruction of the urinary tract and of the rectum resulted. In addition to this there was a paralysis of the peroneal muscles caused by a congenital defect in the nervous system. The large space occupying tumor in the small pelvis was surgically reduced and separated from the subarachnoid space, after which considerable postoperative improvement was observed. In the cases of the three adults, suffering from lumbal ischialgy, similar but much smaller malformations had been discovered through myelography. Two of these patients improved after removal of degenerated discs, and one by conservative treatment. There was no relation between the neurologic symptoms and the small ventral meningoceles. A surgical removal of sacral ventral meningoceles is indicated, when these appear as space occupying tumors in the small pelvis. The tumor can then be reached from the CSF-space in order to relieve the obstruction of the urinary tract and the rectum.", "contents": "[Surgical indications in ventral sacral meningocele]. Comparison of some cases in adults to an extensive malformation in the small pelvis in a 4 years old girl. Sacral ventral meningoceles are rare spinal malformations which probably result from a dysrhaphic disorder in an early embryonal stage (spina bifida). The dysrhaphic malformation extends towards the os sacrum with a defect in ventral direction. In this paper, we present the cases of one child and three adults. The malformative tumor in the small pelvis of the child was so large that an obstruction of the urinary tract and of the rectum resulted. In addition to this there was a paralysis of the peroneal muscles caused by a congenital defect in the nervous system. The large space occupying tumor in the small pelvis was surgically reduced and separated from the subarachnoid space, after which considerable postoperative improvement was observed. In the cases of the three adults, suffering from lumbal ischialgy, similar but much smaller malformations had been discovered through myelography. Two of these patients improved after removal of degenerated discs, and one by conservative treatment. There was no relation between the neurologic symptoms and the small ventral meningoceles. A surgical removal of sacral ventral meningoceles is indicated, when these appear as space occupying tumors in the small pelvis. The tumor can then be reached from the CSF-space in order to relieve the obstruction of the urinary tract and the rectum.", "PMID": 989159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3020", "title": "[Parinaud's syndrome in non-tumorous hydrocephalic intracranial hypertension].", "content": "Four cases (3 children and one adolescent) are presented in which Parinaud's syndrome developed in the course of progressive non-tumorous hydrocephalus. The vertical gaze palsy completely disappeared in all cases some days after raised intracranial pressure had been successfully treated. Neuroradiological findings indicate that Parinaud's syndrome can be elicited by a dorsal midbrain compression due to a markedly dilated suprapineal recess. Other contributing factors as distortion and compression of distal branches of the posterior cerebral artery in the cisterna ambiens region and an axial caudal displacement of the oral brain stem may be involved. According to the few cases published in the literature, the vertical gaze palsy seems to occur predominantly in benign connatal aqueduct stenosis and may then be regarded as a relatively early symptom of decompensating hydrocephalic intracranial pressure.", "contents": "[Parinaud's syndrome in non-tumorous hydrocephalic intracranial hypertension]. Four cases (3 children and one adolescent) are presented in which Parinaud's syndrome developed in the course of progressive non-tumorous hydrocephalus. The vertical gaze palsy completely disappeared in all cases some days after raised intracranial pressure had been successfully treated. Neuroradiological findings indicate that Parinaud's syndrome can be elicited by a dorsal midbrain compression due to a markedly dilated suprapineal recess. Other contributing factors as distortion and compression of distal branches of the posterior cerebral artery in the cisterna ambiens region and an axial caudal displacement of the oral brain stem may be involved. According to the few cases published in the literature, the vertical gaze palsy seems to occur predominantly in benign connatal aqueduct stenosis and may then be regarded as a relatively early symptom of decompensating hydrocephalic intracranial pressure.", "PMID": 989160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3021", "title": "Sleep and brain malformation in the neonatal period.", "content": "Polygraphic recordings of 20 neonates with brain malformations and/or chromosomal anomalies were compared with those obtained in 29 normal fullterm neonates. Seep assessment was made with different methods described in the literature. These methods of sleep scoring gave similar results in the normal newborn babies but discrepant results in many pathological neonates. Thus sleep was also studied by other approaches; assessment of cycling of the 5 parameters (EEG, REM, EMG, Motility, Respiration) and study of the discrepant parameters during a sustained period of Active sleep (AS) or Quiet Sleep (QS), defined by the most flexible method. Newborn babies with brain malformations appeared to be poor sleepers. Amount of wakefulness is higher than in normal neonates. Some babies were nearly insomniac. Correlations of sleep patterns and anatomical lesions were possible in five cases where brain anatomy was available. A good sleep organization has been seen in babies with normal brain-stems but a normal brain stem with a normal locus coeruleus has been found in a baby with absence of AS. Absence of sleep organization has been seen in babies with an abnormal brain stem; but this anomaly was not isolated as these babies also had lesions of the forebrain. The sleep of human neonates shows a greater liability in the coordination of the different parameters than the sleep of human adults or adult animals. It appears that sleep mechanisms at the pontine level present more plasticity than the rigid mono aminergic model would suggest.", "contents": "Sleep and brain malformation in the neonatal period. Polygraphic recordings of 20 neonates with brain malformations and/or chromosomal anomalies were compared with those obtained in 29 normal fullterm neonates. Seep assessment was made with different methods described in the literature. These methods of sleep scoring gave similar results in the normal newborn babies but discrepant results in many pathological neonates. Thus sleep was also studied by other approaches; assessment of cycling of the 5 parameters (EEG, REM, EMG, Motility, Respiration) and study of the discrepant parameters during a sustained period of Active sleep (AS) or Quiet Sleep (QS), defined by the most flexible method. Newborn babies with brain malformations appeared to be poor sleepers. Amount of wakefulness is higher than in normal neonates. Some babies were nearly insomniac. Correlations of sleep patterns and anatomical lesions were possible in five cases where brain anatomy was available. A good sleep organization has been seen in babies with normal brain-stems but a normal brain stem with a normal locus coeruleus has been found in a baby with absence of AS. Absence of sleep organization has been seen in babies with an abnormal brain stem; but this anomaly was not isolated as these babies also had lesions of the forebrain. The sleep of human neonates shows a greater liability in the coordination of the different parameters than the sleep of human adults or adult animals. It appears that sleep mechanisms at the pontine level present more plasticity than the rigid mono aminergic model would suggest.", "PMID": 989161} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3022", "title": "Isoelectric enzyme patterns of leukocyte peroxidase in normal controls and patients with neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses.", "content": "Using macro- and microanalytical isoelectric focussing techniques for separation of the soluble leukocytic peroxidase (hydrogen donor: p-phenylenediamine) we found 4 main isoenzyme components with pI at 9.6 (9.0), 7.6 (7.5), 6.2 (6.2) and 4.2 (4.7), which exhibited additional heterogeneities. The isoenzymes of the membrane-bound peroxidase displayed a similar pattern. The isoelectric subfractions of peroxidase in controls and patients with late-infantile (Jansky-Bielschowsky), juvenile (Spielmeyer-Sj\u00f6gren) and adult (Kufs) types of neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis did not reveal any significant differences. Based on these findings, a deficiency of an isoenzyme component cannot be held responsible for producing neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses, neither in patients with normal nor in patients with reduced total activity of leukocyte peroxidase.", "contents": "Isoelectric enzyme patterns of leukocyte peroxidase in normal controls and patients with neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses. Using macro- and microanalytical isoelectric focussing techniques for separation of the soluble leukocytic peroxidase (hydrogen donor: p-phenylenediamine) we found 4 main isoenzyme components with pI at 9.6 (9.0), 7.6 (7.5), 6.2 (6.2) and 4.2 (4.7), which exhibited additional heterogeneities. The isoenzymes of the membrane-bound peroxidase displayed a similar pattern. The isoelectric subfractions of peroxidase in controls and patients with late-infantile (Jansky-Bielschowsky), juvenile (Spielmeyer-Sj\u00f6gren) and adult (Kufs) types of neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis did not reveal any significant differences. Based on these findings, a deficiency of an isoenzyme component cannot be held responsible for producing neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses, neither in patients with normal nor in patients with reduced total activity of leukocyte peroxidase.", "PMID": 989162} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3023", "title": "Sleep and heart rate variations in premature and full term babies.", "content": "Heart rate was studied in 47 newborns babies during 67 polygraphic recordings by histograms and sequential curves of the length of 600 consecutive R-R-intervals selected during sleep stages lasting at least 5 minutes. In normal babies: (14 babies born at Gestational Age, G.A., 37 weeks, 6 babies born between 28 and 36 weeks). Before 37 weeks of G.A., the sequential curves show periodic variations of heart rate (including 15 to 70 beats) present both in active and quiet sleep. After 37 weeks of G.A., slow periodic variations are still present in active sleep but superimposed by fast variations synchronous to respiratory cycles. Fast variations are prevailing in quiet sleep. In pathological babies: Small variability is favoured by prematurity, young age at recording, and hypercapnia but can be very transient. Pronounced variations similar to those of normal babies are observed in 2/3 of the cases with or without respiratory assistance, with or without PEEP.", "contents": "Sleep and heart rate variations in premature and full term babies. Heart rate was studied in 47 newborns babies during 67 polygraphic recordings by histograms and sequential curves of the length of 600 consecutive R-R-intervals selected during sleep stages lasting at least 5 minutes. In normal babies: (14 babies born at Gestational Age, G.A., 37 weeks, 6 babies born between 28 and 36 weeks). Before 37 weeks of G.A., the sequential curves show periodic variations of heart rate (including 15 to 70 beats) present both in active and quiet sleep. After 37 weeks of G.A., slow periodic variations are still present in active sleep but superimposed by fast variations synchronous to respiratory cycles. Fast variations are prevailing in quiet sleep. In pathological babies: Small variability is favoured by prematurity, young age at recording, and hypercapnia but can be very transient. Pronounced variations similar to those of normal babies are observed in 2/3 of the cases with or without respiratory assistance, with or without PEEP.", "PMID": 989163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3024", "title": "Observations on the differentiation of hydrocephalus occlusus in infancy and early childhood using computerized axial tomography (CAT).", "content": "Hydrocephalus occlusus in children is caused by obstructions of the aqueduct and occasionally by cystic deformations of the posterior cranial cavre presented which were initially discovered by computerized axial tomography (CAT). The value of CAT becomes obvious since it can clearly demonstrate cystic and other lesions, size of ventricles and the course of a hydrocephalus. The method is non-invasive and there is no stress for the patient at all.", "contents": "Observations on the differentiation of hydrocephalus occlusus in infancy and early childhood using computerized axial tomography (CAT). Hydrocephalus occlusus in children is caused by obstructions of the aqueduct and occasionally by cystic deformations of the posterior cranial cavre presented which were initially discovered by computerized axial tomography (CAT). The value of CAT becomes obvious since it can clearly demonstrate cystic and other lesions, size of ventricles and the course of a hydrocephalus. The method is non-invasive and there is no stress for the patient at all.", "PMID": 989164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3025", "title": "An autopsy case of the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome: normal HGPRT activity in liver and xanthine calculi in various tissues.", "content": "An autopsied case of the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome did not indicate the specific pathological features except delayed physical development. 2. Xanthine calculi caused by allopurinol administration scattered in the kidneys, brain, thymus, and thyroid glands, but its excretion into urine was not observed during his life. 3. Activities of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) in various tissues indicate complete deficiency, but HGPRT in liver was normal.", "contents": "An autopsy case of the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome: normal HGPRT activity in liver and xanthine calculi in various tissues. An autopsied case of the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome did not indicate the specific pathological features except delayed physical development. 2. Xanthine calculi caused by allopurinol administration scattered in the kidneys, brain, thymus, and thyroid glands, but its excretion into urine was not observed during his life. 3. Activities of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) in various tissues indicate complete deficiency, but HGPRT in liver was normal.", "PMID": 989165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3026", "title": "Treatment of Candida ventriculitis and septicaemia with 5-fluoro-cytosine. Combined peroral and intraventricular administration.", "content": "A 9-months old patient with a ventricular shunt due to hydrocephalus was treated with intraventricular administration of 5-FC due to Candida ventriculitis with satisfactory clinical response. The intraventricular dose given was 5 mg twice daily for 14 days. The same patient was treated four months later with combined peroral and intraventricular administration of 5-FC also with good clinical response. On both occasions there was no evidence of drug toxicity. The peroral dose given was 100 mg/kg bodyweight/day divided in four doses. A few CSF and serum samples were taken to estimate the concentration of 5-FC. The local installation of 5-FC in an isolated ventriculitis seems to be of special beneficial value whereas fungal septicaemia with ventriculitis needs combination of peroral and intraventricular administration. No increase in resistance against 5-FC could be registered.", "contents": "Treatment of Candida ventriculitis and septicaemia with 5-fluoro-cytosine. Combined peroral and intraventricular administration. A 9-months old patient with a ventricular shunt due to hydrocephalus was treated with intraventricular administration of 5-FC due to Candida ventriculitis with satisfactory clinical response. The intraventricular dose given was 5 mg twice daily for 14 days. The same patient was treated four months later with combined peroral and intraventricular administration of 5-FC also with good clinical response. On both occasions there was no evidence of drug toxicity. The peroral dose given was 100 mg/kg bodyweight/day divided in four doses. A few CSF and serum samples were taken to estimate the concentration of 5-FC. The local installation of 5-FC in an isolated ventriculitis seems to be of special beneficial value whereas fungal septicaemia with ventriculitis needs combination of peroral and intraventricular administration. No increase in resistance against 5-FC could be registered.", "PMID": 989166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3027", "title": "Follow-up study of a case of generalized ceroidlipofuscinosis of childhood with special reference to the finding of an abnormal serum lecithin fatty acid pattern.", "content": "In quest of a more precise and stringent diagnosis for a case of generalized ceroidlipofuscinosis the patient was reexamined and additional laboratory tests were performed. For the third time myeloperoxidase activity was normal. On two separate occasions the serum lecithin fatty acid pattern was found to be abnormal and to resemble closely the pattern reported to be characteristic of polyunsaturated fatty acid lipidosis. The tau fraction was measured on one occasion and found to be normally present. Head circumference was confirmed to be normal. Pigmentary retinal changes were observed by fundoscopic examination. The child had prominent epileptic activity in form of myoclonic jerks. The case does not fit exactly into the picture reported recently for children with polyunsaturated fatty acid lipidosis. Doubt is voiced that these children have other than an infantile type of generalized ceroidlipofuscinosis. Thus, for the time being we regard ours as a case of generalized ceroidlipofuscinosis of infantile onset with an abnormal serum lecithin fatty acid composition. Furthermore, it seems to us that the infantile form, in the same manner and to the same extent as the late infantile and juvenile forms, does not constitute an entirely homogeneous group within the ceroidlipofuscinoses.", "contents": "Follow-up study of a case of generalized ceroidlipofuscinosis of childhood with special reference to the finding of an abnormal serum lecithin fatty acid pattern. In quest of a more precise and stringent diagnosis for a case of generalized ceroidlipofuscinosis the patient was reexamined and additional laboratory tests were performed. For the third time myeloperoxidase activity was normal. On two separate occasions the serum lecithin fatty acid pattern was found to be abnormal and to resemble closely the pattern reported to be characteristic of polyunsaturated fatty acid lipidosis. The tau fraction was measured on one occasion and found to be normally present. Head circumference was confirmed to be normal. Pigmentary retinal changes were observed by fundoscopic examination. The child had prominent epileptic activity in form of myoclonic jerks. The case does not fit exactly into the picture reported recently for children with polyunsaturated fatty acid lipidosis. Doubt is voiced that these children have other than an infantile type of generalized ceroidlipofuscinosis. Thus, for the time being we regard ours as a case of generalized ceroidlipofuscinosis of infantile onset with an abnormal serum lecithin fatty acid composition. Furthermore, it seems to us that the infantile form, in the same manner and to the same extent as the late infantile and juvenile forms, does not constitute an entirely homogeneous group within the ceroidlipofuscinoses.", "PMID": 989167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3028", "title": "The uptake of DH-ergotoxine by different parts of the cat brain.", "content": "The distribution pattern of 3H-DH-ergotoxine, labelled by a direct hydration with tritium, was investigated in the cat brain. Apart from the pituitary gland, the brain shows an average DH-ergotoxine concentration of 10(-7) M. A 15% greater incorporation of DH-ergotoxine occurs in the cerebellum than in the cerebrum. In gradient centrifugation studies it is seen that 60% of the incorporated DH-ergotoxine is localized in the synaptosomal fraction. This finding seems to verify the microhistautoradiographic results of this investigation. The observation of a DH-ergotoxine binding in selected structures of the CNS , predominantly the synapses, could explain central nervous activities of DH-ergotoxine.", "contents": "The uptake of DH-ergotoxine by different parts of the cat brain. The distribution pattern of 3H-DH-ergotoxine, labelled by a direct hydration with tritium, was investigated in the cat brain. Apart from the pituitary gland, the brain shows an average DH-ergotoxine concentration of 10(-7) M. A 15% greater incorporation of DH-ergotoxine occurs in the cerebellum than in the cerebrum. In gradient centrifugation studies it is seen that 60% of the incorporated DH-ergotoxine is localized in the synaptosomal fraction. This finding seems to verify the microhistautoradiographic results of this investigation. The observation of a DH-ergotoxine binding in selected structures of the CNS , predominantly the synapses, could explain central nervous activities of DH-ergotoxine.", "PMID": 989171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3029", "title": "The effect of anti-parkinsonian drugs on chlorpromazine-induced depression of operant behaviour.", "content": "Rats were conditioned in automatic Skinner boxes on a discrete trial avoidance-escape schedule. The chlorpromazine-induced conditioned reflex inhibition could be reversed by apomorphine and amantadine, but not by atropine, trihexyphenidyl and diethazine. These findings seem to provide an additional tool for differentiating the atropine-like and dopaminergic anti-parkinsonian drugs.", "contents": "The effect of anti-parkinsonian drugs on chlorpromazine-induced depression of operant behaviour. Rats were conditioned in automatic Skinner boxes on a discrete trial avoidance-escape schedule. The chlorpromazine-induced conditioned reflex inhibition could be reversed by apomorphine and amantadine, but not by atropine, trihexyphenidyl and diethazine. These findings seem to provide an additional tool for differentiating the atropine-like and dopaminergic anti-parkinsonian drugs.", "PMID": 989172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3030", "title": "The protective effects of methysergide, 6-hydroxydopamine and other agents on the toxicity of amphetamine, phentermine, MDA, PMA, and STP in mice.", "content": "The ability of various drugs to prevent the lethal effects of 4-methoxyamphetamine (PMA) and 3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) were reduced by pretreatment with phentolamine and 6-hydroxydopamine suggesting that release of norepinephrine from peripheral adrenergic nerves contributed to their toxicity. Pretreatment with methysergide reduced the lethal effects of (+)- and (-)-amphetamine, MDA, PMA and 2, 5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (STP) suggesting that an action on serotonergic receptors contributed to their toxicity. Pretreatment with 4-chloroamphetamine, practolol and haloperidol did not alter the lethal effects of the agents studied.", "contents": "The protective effects of methysergide, 6-hydroxydopamine and other agents on the toxicity of amphetamine, phentermine, MDA, PMA, and STP in mice. The ability of various drugs to prevent the lethal effects of 4-methoxyamphetamine (PMA) and 3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) were reduced by pretreatment with phentolamine and 6-hydroxydopamine suggesting that release of norepinephrine from peripheral adrenergic nerves contributed to their toxicity. Pretreatment with methysergide reduced the lethal effects of (+)- and (-)-amphetamine, MDA, PMA and 2, 5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (STP) suggesting that an action on serotonergic receptors contributed to their toxicity. Pretreatment with 4-chloroamphetamine, practolol and haloperidol did not alter the lethal effects of the agents studied.", "PMID": 989173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3031", "title": "[Characteristics of the genus Glugea (Protozoa, Microsporidia) based on the example of the type species Glugea anomala (Moniez, 1887) Gurley 1893 and its varieties].", "content": "A study of the life cycles of some varieties of Glugea anomala has shown that the genus Glugea is a distinct genus having the following diagnosis. Sporoblasts and spores are formed as a result of step by step decay of the multinuclear plasmodium situated inside the sporogonal vacuole (sporont). Ripe spores either remain connected together in groups with irregular (6 to 32) often uneven number of spores of lie singly, seldom in pairs. Microsporidia are able to cause extremely strong hypertrophy of the host's infected cell which is transformed into a round white cyst filled with the parasite's spores.", "contents": "[Characteristics of the genus Glugea (Protozoa, Microsporidia) based on the example of the type species Glugea anomala (Moniez, 1887) Gurley 1893 and its varieties]. A study of the life cycles of some varieties of Glugea anomala has shown that the genus Glugea is a distinct genus having the following diagnosis. Sporoblasts and spores are formed as a result of step by step decay of the multinuclear plasmodium situated inside the sporogonal vacuole (sporont). Ripe spores either remain connected together in groups with irregular (6 to 32) often uneven number of spores of lie singly, seldom in pairs. Microsporidia are able to cause extremely strong hypertrophy of the host's infected cell which is transformed into a round white cyst filled with the parasite's spores.", "PMID": 989168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3032", "title": "The detection of penicillin in buttermilk.", "content": "When 59 buttermilk samples were tested for the presence of antibiotics or chemostherapeutic substances by a method using the spores of Bacillus stearothermophilus var. chalidolactis all samples gave a positive reaction corresponding to about 0.01 IU penicillin per ml. When the buttermilk samples were diluted 1:1 (v/v) by a phosphate buffer, pH 6.8, only 2 were positive which were confirmed to contain penicillin. The mean pH of the unbuffered buttermilks was found to be 4.53 +/- 0.11 and when buffered 6.46 +/- 0.05. An in vitro addition of benzylpenicillin to buttermilk, to a concentration of 0.01 IU per ml, resulted in a significantly higher concentration of penicillin in the casein fraction than in the buttermilk or in the whey (Table I).", "contents": "The detection of penicillin in buttermilk. When 59 buttermilk samples were tested for the presence of antibiotics or chemostherapeutic substances by a method using the spores of Bacillus stearothermophilus var. chalidolactis all samples gave a positive reaction corresponding to about 0.01 IU penicillin per ml. When the buttermilk samples were diluted 1:1 (v/v) by a phosphate buffer, pH 6.8, only 2 were positive which were confirmed to contain penicillin. The mean pH of the unbuffered buttermilks was found to be 4.53 +/- 0.11 and when buffered 6.46 +/- 0.05. An in vitro addition of benzylpenicillin to buttermilk, to a concentration of 0.01 IU per ml, resulted in a significantly higher concentration of penicillin in the casein fraction than in the buttermilk or in the whey (Table I).", "PMID": 989169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3033", "title": "DDT in human milk. What determines the levels?", "content": "In a study of fifty-five human milk samples from eastern Pennsylvania, the total DDT derived products exceeded the DDT content of cows milk and canned infant formula. Total DDT in human milk exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's tolerance for total DDT in cows milk in 47% of the samples. Four factors were identified statistically as accounting for 54% of the variance on total DDT levels in human milk. These factors are: (1) number of children nursed; (2) number of cigarettes smoked per day; (3) use of non-persistent pesticides; and (4) diet in calories.", "contents": "DDT in human milk. What determines the levels? In a study of fifty-five human milk samples from eastern Pennsylvania, the total DDT derived products exceeded the DDT content of cows milk and canned infant formula. Total DDT in human milk exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's tolerance for total DDT in cows milk in 47% of the samples. Four factors were identified statistically as accounting for 54% of the variance on total DDT levels in human milk. These factors are: (1) number of children nursed; (2) number of cigarettes smoked per day; (3) use of non-persistent pesticides; and (4) diet in calories.", "PMID": 989182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3034", "title": "Platelet adhesion, release and aggregation in flowing blood: effects of surface properties and platelet function.", "content": "Platelet adhesion to natural and artificial surfaces and adhesion-induced aggregation were investigated in vitro using an annular perfusion chamber. The surfaces were exposed to anticoagulated blood under identical flow conditions (approximately arterial shear rates). The initial attachment of platelets (contact) appeared less surface specific than spreading and release. Fibrillar collagen was the most powerful inducer of platelet degranulation whereas elastin, microfibrils and epon were virtually inactive. Fibrillar collagen caused release also in the absence of spreading. Surface coverage with platelets did not exceed 25% unless spreading occurred. Perfusion with platelet-free plasma or platelet-poor blood did not remove adhering platelets. However, platelets were translocated from mural thrombi to the surface by such perfusion. In addition, platelets which detached from mural thrombi adhered more readily to elastin or microfibrils than platelets from the circulating blood. The initial attachment of platelets to subendothelium was inhibited in von Willebrand's disease, the Bernard-Soulier syndrome and at high concentrations of dipyridamole; spreading was inhibited in storage pool disease of rats, at low temperature (20 degrees C), with EDTA (3 MM) and Prostaglandin E1 (1 muM); and adhesion-induced aggregation was inhibited in thrombasthenia, storage pool disease and after ingestion of sulfinpyrazone or Aspirin. It is concluded that the initial attachment (contact) of platelets, spreading and surface-induced release of platelet constituents are at least partially indendent phenomena, the latter two being highly surface specific. At flow conditions which cause the disappearance of platelet adhesion appears as an irreversible process.", "contents": "Platelet adhesion, release and aggregation in flowing blood: effects of surface properties and platelet function. Platelet adhesion to natural and artificial surfaces and adhesion-induced aggregation were investigated in vitro using an annular perfusion chamber. The surfaces were exposed to anticoagulated blood under identical flow conditions (approximately arterial shear rates). The initial attachment of platelets (contact) appeared less surface specific than spreading and release. Fibrillar collagen was the most powerful inducer of platelet degranulation whereas elastin, microfibrils and epon were virtually inactive. Fibrillar collagen caused release also in the absence of spreading. Surface coverage with platelets did not exceed 25% unless spreading occurred. Perfusion with platelet-free plasma or platelet-poor blood did not remove adhering platelets. However, platelets were translocated from mural thrombi to the surface by such perfusion. In addition, platelets which detached from mural thrombi adhered more readily to elastin or microfibrils than platelets from the circulating blood. The initial attachment of platelets to subendothelium was inhibited in von Willebrand's disease, the Bernard-Soulier syndrome and at high concentrations of dipyridamole; spreading was inhibited in storage pool disease of rats, at low temperature (20 degrees C), with EDTA (3 MM) and Prostaglandin E1 (1 muM); and adhesion-induced aggregation was inhibited in thrombasthenia, storage pool disease and after ingestion of sulfinpyrazone or Aspirin. It is concluded that the initial attachment (contact) of platelets, spreading and surface-induced release of platelet constituents are at least partially indendent phenomena, the latter two being highly surface specific. At flow conditions which cause the disappearance of platelet adhesion appears as an irreversible process.", "PMID": 989184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3035", "title": "Role of surface glycoproteins in human platelet function.", "content": "Glycoproteins present at the external surface of cells probably play specific roles in cellular function. Increasing evidence suggests that the glycoproteins span the plasma membrane with the bulk of the bound carbohydrate asymmetrically distributed on the outer surface. Micellar association of glycoproteins in membranes leads to pore formation and functional roles in transport through the membrane, while surface glycoproteins have been shown to be enzymes, to determine cell specificity and contribute to the cell surface change. The platelet plasma membrane contains 3 major glycoproteins, glycoproteins I, II and III as characterized in order of their decreasing molecular weight. Glycoprotein I appears to have the highest sialic acid content and to give rise to a platelet specific acidic macroglycopeptide on trypsin digestion. Specific glycoprotein abnormalities in the platelets of patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia suggest that the glycoproteins play a role in the mechanism of platelet aggregation. A much reduced content of glycoprotein I in the platelets of 2 patients with the Bernard Soulier syndrome may be associated with their defective adhesion to subendothelium and indicates a possible relationship on the platelet surface with the von Willebrand factor protein. Preliminary evidence suggests that in common with other plasma membranes the platelet membrane has a fluid structure and that the organization of the glycoproteins on the platelet surface is extremely sensitive to stimuli and susceptible to change.", "contents": "Role of surface glycoproteins in human platelet function. Glycoproteins present at the external surface of cells probably play specific roles in cellular function. Increasing evidence suggests that the glycoproteins span the plasma membrane with the bulk of the bound carbohydrate asymmetrically distributed on the outer surface. Micellar association of glycoproteins in membranes leads to pore formation and functional roles in transport through the membrane, while surface glycoproteins have been shown to be enzymes, to determine cell specificity and contribute to the cell surface change. The platelet plasma membrane contains 3 major glycoproteins, glycoproteins I, II and III as characterized in order of their decreasing molecular weight. Glycoprotein I appears to have the highest sialic acid content and to give rise to a platelet specific acidic macroglycopeptide on trypsin digestion. Specific glycoprotein abnormalities in the platelets of patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia suggest that the glycoproteins play a role in the mechanism of platelet aggregation. A much reduced content of glycoprotein I in the platelets of 2 patients with the Bernard Soulier syndrome may be associated with their defective adhesion to subendothelium and indicates a possible relationship on the platelet surface with the von Willebrand factor protein. Preliminary evidence suggests that in common with other plasma membranes the platelet membrane has a fluid structure and that the organization of the glycoproteins on the platelet surface is extremely sensitive to stimuli and susceptible to change.", "PMID": 989185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3036", "title": "Intimal histolysis as an early stage of atherosclerotic involvement. Observations on the human coronary arteries.", "content": "Investigation of the coronary arteries in 330 subjects aged 11 to 50 years showed that the \"missing link\" between age-dependent changes and atherosclerotic lesions appeared as a process of intimal histolysis. This term refers to focal disintegrations of the intimal connective tissue involving successively ground substance, reticular networks, collagen fibers, elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells. The resulting gelatinous plaques and detritus cavities represent the starting point for the development of fibrous plaques with or without necrotic centers (atheroma).", "contents": "Intimal histolysis as an early stage of atherosclerotic involvement. Observations on the human coronary arteries. Investigation of the coronary arteries in 330 subjects aged 11 to 50 years showed that the \"missing link\" between age-dependent changes and atherosclerotic lesions appeared as a process of intimal histolysis. This term refers to focal disintegrations of the intimal connective tissue involving successively ground substance, reticular networks, collagen fibers, elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells. The resulting gelatinous plaques and detritus cavities represent the starting point for the development of fibrous plaques with or without necrotic centers (atheroma).", "PMID": 989177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3037", "title": "The dissociation of factor VIII by reducing agents, high salt concentration and affinity chromatography.", "content": "Incubation of a factor VIII-rich fraction of plasma with a high concentration of salt confirmed the production of both high (HMW) and low (LMW) molecular weight factor VIII clotting activity (FVIIIC) as determined by agarose gel filtration but with considerable overlap. The electrophoretic mobility of factor VIII related protein (FVIIIRP) detected by precipitating rabbit antiserum was not affected by this treatment and LMW FVIIIC devoid of FVIIIRP was apparently produced. At low concentration the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) altered the electrophoretic mobility of FVIIIRP. At higher concentrations it altered both its mobility and antigenicity and an LMW FVIIIRP was produced. Contrary to the findings of other workers no LMW FVIIIC devoid of FVIIIRP was produced. In further studies factor VIII-rich plasma fraction was treated with sepharose beads to which had been coupled a non-coagulation inhibitory precipitating rabbit antibody to FVIIIRP. Both FVIIIRP and FVIIIC were taken up by the beads but after elution with 1.5 M NaCl, FVIIIC of LMW and devoid of FVIIIRP was selectively removed. Antisera raised to LMW FVIIIC produced with 1.5 M NaCl either by the gel filtration or affinity chromatography methods inhibited FVIIIC and precipitated with HMW factor VIII-rich fractions. The results were consistent with the possibility that factor VIII clotting activity and FVIIIRP exist in plasma as a non-covalently bound complex.", "contents": "The dissociation of factor VIII by reducing agents, high salt concentration and affinity chromatography. Incubation of a factor VIII-rich fraction of plasma with a high concentration of salt confirmed the production of both high (HMW) and low (LMW) molecular weight factor VIII clotting activity (FVIIIC) as determined by agarose gel filtration but with considerable overlap. The electrophoretic mobility of factor VIII related protein (FVIIIRP) detected by precipitating rabbit antiserum was not affected by this treatment and LMW FVIIIC devoid of FVIIIRP was apparently produced. At low concentration the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) altered the electrophoretic mobility of FVIIIRP. At higher concentrations it altered both its mobility and antigenicity and an LMW FVIIIRP was produced. Contrary to the findings of other workers no LMW FVIIIC devoid of FVIIIRP was produced. In further studies factor VIII-rich plasma fraction was treated with sepharose beads to which had been coupled a non-coagulation inhibitory precipitating rabbit antibody to FVIIIRP. Both FVIIIRP and FVIIIC were taken up by the beads but after elution with 1.5 M NaCl, FVIIIC of LMW and devoid of FVIIIRP was selectively removed. Antisera raised to LMW FVIIIC produced with 1.5 M NaCl either by the gel filtration or affinity chromatography methods inhibited FVIIIC and precipitated with HMW factor VIII-rich fractions. The results were consistent with the possibility that factor VIII clotting activity and FVIIIRP exist in plasma as a non-covalently bound complex.", "PMID": 989186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3038", "title": "Electrocardiographic diagnosis of experimentally-induced myocardial infarction during cardiac electrostimulation.", "content": "The sequential ECG changes were studied by the Sodi-Pallares' method in 10 dogs before and after experimentally induced myocardial infarction of the left ventricle during right and left artificial stimulation. Right ventricular endocardial stimulation produced patterns of left bundle branch block in 9 dogs and of right bundle branch block in one, while left ventricular stimulation caused right bundle branche block patterns in 9 animals. Records during right ventricular stimulation after myocardial infarction showed in the peripheral leads myocardial necrosis only in two animals, while in the epicardial leads necrosis was certain in 2 animals (Q wave) probable in 6 (S-T segment elevation) and suggestive in 2 (T wave negatively). Myocardial necrosis during left ventricular stimulation was evident in the peripheral leads in 2 animals, probable in 6 and suggestive in one. The experimental data suggest that myocardial necrosis can be diagnosed in some cases during right and left ventricular artificial stimulation.", "contents": "Electrocardiographic diagnosis of experimentally-induced myocardial infarction during cardiac electrostimulation. The sequential ECG changes were studied by the Sodi-Pallares' method in 10 dogs before and after experimentally induced myocardial infarction of the left ventricle during right and left artificial stimulation. Right ventricular endocardial stimulation produced patterns of left bundle branch block in 9 dogs and of right bundle branch block in one, while left ventricular stimulation caused right bundle branche block patterns in 9 animals. Records during right ventricular stimulation after myocardial infarction showed in the peripheral leads myocardial necrosis only in two animals, while in the epicardial leads necrosis was certain in 2 animals (Q wave) probable in 6 (S-T segment elevation) and suggestive in 2 (T wave negatively). Myocardial necrosis during left ventricular stimulation was evident in the peripheral leads in 2 animals, probable in 6 and suggestive in one. The experimental data suggest that myocardial necrosis can be diagnosed in some cases during right and left ventricular artificial stimulation.", "PMID": 989181} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3039", "title": "The effects of hepes buffer on clotting tests, assay of factors V and VIII and on the hydrolysis of esters by thrombin and thrombokinase.", "content": "Shorter clotting times were found in the presence of 50 mM Hepes (N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N1-2-ethanesulfonic acid) buffer than of 50mM Imidazole buffer in one-stage assays of factors V and VIII, in modified APTT and PT tests and in tests of the clotting of human plasma by purified human thrombin. All tests were performed at ionic strength 0.155 in the presence of either Hepes. NaOH or Imidazole. HCl buffer, pH 7.4 at 37 degrees. The faster clotting in the presence of Hepes buffer, therefore, is probably due, at least in part, to acceleration by Hepes of thrombin's enzymatic action on fibrinogen and/or of the polymerization of the fibrin monomers. Hepes may also have effects of other blood clotting reactions. Rates of hydrolysis of TAME or BAME (p-toluenesulfonyl- or benzoyl-L-arginine methyl ester) at pH 7.4 37 degrees by purified human bovine thrombin were essentially the same in 200 mM Hepes as in 250 mM Tris. HCl buffer (rates in Hepes. NaOH or Hepes. KOH buffers were compared with those in Tris. HCl plus NaCl for KCl). However, with purified bovine thrombokinase, rates of TAME hydrolysis in Hepes buffer were accelerated and rates of BAME hydrolysis slightly inhibited. Hepes, therefore, reacts with thrombokinase but whether this accelerates (or inhibits) the rate of converting prothrombin to thrombin remains to be determined. In addition, Hepes has an inhibitory effect on clotting since increasing the concentration of Hepes from 50 mM to 200 mM inhibits clotting in the PT, APTT and bovine thrombin-human plasma tests. Hepes buffer is being added to some plasmas and to some reagents used in clotting tests. It is, therefore, important to realize that its concentration must be monitored closely or erroneous results may be obtained in clotting tests and assays of clotting factors. The clotting times were the same in the presence of 50 mM Tris. HCl as in Imidazole. HCl buffers in APTT tests at three ionic strengths but they differed slightly in plasma-thrombin tests. Depending upon the ionic strength, 17 mM Barbital Sodium. HCl buffer inhibited APTT tests but accelerated plasma-thrombin tests. All the buffers tested, therefore, have individual effects on the clotting tests.", "contents": "The effects of hepes buffer on clotting tests, assay of factors V and VIII and on the hydrolysis of esters by thrombin and thrombokinase. Shorter clotting times were found in the presence of 50 mM Hepes (N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N1-2-ethanesulfonic acid) buffer than of 50mM Imidazole buffer in one-stage assays of factors V and VIII, in modified APTT and PT tests and in tests of the clotting of human plasma by purified human thrombin. All tests were performed at ionic strength 0.155 in the presence of either Hepes. NaOH or Imidazole. HCl buffer, pH 7.4 at 37 degrees. The faster clotting in the presence of Hepes buffer, therefore, is probably due, at least in part, to acceleration by Hepes of thrombin's enzymatic action on fibrinogen and/or of the polymerization of the fibrin monomers. Hepes may also have effects of other blood clotting reactions. Rates of hydrolysis of TAME or BAME (p-toluenesulfonyl- or benzoyl-L-arginine methyl ester) at pH 7.4 37 degrees by purified human bovine thrombin were essentially the same in 200 mM Hepes as in 250 mM Tris. HCl buffer (rates in Hepes. NaOH or Hepes. KOH buffers were compared with those in Tris. HCl plus NaCl for KCl). However, with purified bovine thrombokinase, rates of TAME hydrolysis in Hepes buffer were accelerated and rates of BAME hydrolysis slightly inhibited. Hepes, therefore, reacts with thrombokinase but whether this accelerates (or inhibits) the rate of converting prothrombin to thrombin remains to be determined. In addition, Hepes has an inhibitory effect on clotting since increasing the concentration of Hepes from 50 mM to 200 mM inhibits clotting in the PT, APTT and bovine thrombin-human plasma tests. Hepes buffer is being added to some plasmas and to some reagents used in clotting tests. It is, therefore, important to realize that its concentration must be monitored closely or erroneous results may be obtained in clotting tests and assays of clotting factors. The clotting times were the same in the presence of 50 mM Tris. HCl as in Imidazole. HCl buffers in APTT tests at three ionic strengths but they differed slightly in plasma-thrombin tests. Depending upon the ionic strength, 17 mM Barbital Sodium. HCl buffer inhibited APTT tests but accelerated plasma-thrombin tests. All the buffers tested, therefore, have individual effects on the clotting tests.", "PMID": 989187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3040", "title": "Purification of human factor IX by chromatography of a coagulation factor concentrate.", "content": "A purification procedure for, and some properties of, coagulation factor IX are described. The coagulation factor concentrate used for the treatment of hemophilia B patients was employed as the starting material. The isolation procedure consists of chromatography in DEAE-cellulose, two chromatographies in hydroxyapatite gel and two gel filtrations in Sephadex G-200. Only trace amounts of factors II, VII and X were present in the final preparation and the specific activity of factor IX was 159 corresponding 10,300 times purification from plasma. The molecular weight was estimated to be 76,000 in gel filtration and 86,000 in sodium dodecyl sulfate disc gel electrophoresis. Three activity peaks with pIs 4.15, 4.25 and 4.40 were obtained by isoelectric focusing.", "contents": "Purification of human factor IX by chromatography of a coagulation factor concentrate. A purification procedure for, and some properties of, coagulation factor IX are described. The coagulation factor concentrate used for the treatment of hemophilia B patients was employed as the starting material. The isolation procedure consists of chromatography in DEAE-cellulose, two chromatographies in hydroxyapatite gel and two gel filtrations in Sephadex G-200. Only trace amounts of factors II, VII and X were present in the final preparation and the specific activity of factor IX was 159 corresponding 10,300 times purification from plasma. The molecular weight was estimated to be 76,000 in gel filtration and 86,000 in sodium dodecyl sulfate disc gel electrophoresis. Three activity peaks with pIs 4.15, 4.25 and 4.40 were obtained by isoelectric focusing.", "PMID": 989188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3041", "title": "Study of a proposed international standard for blood coagulation factor IX.", "content": "An International Collaborative Study was organized to establish a standard for factor IX. Two freeze-dried concentrate preparations, C1 and C2, and one freeze-dried plasma P were compared with each other, with fresh normal plasmas and with local standards in 13 laboratories. One of the concentrate preparations (C1) contained heparin and this gave rise to non-parallel assays in laboratories testing concentrate C1 in dilutions containing more than 0.05 i.u. of heparin per ml. Assays of factor IX showed good precision for both plasma and concentrate in all laboratories; no systematic effect of method, operator or day of assay was detected. The plasma preparation P and the concentrate preparation C2 were compared with 59 individual fresh normal plasma samples, and a mean potency ratio of 0.78 (95% confidence limits 0.73-0.84) for plasma and 5.62(95% confidence limits 5.13-6.16) for the concentrate C2 obtained. Only 21 estimates of concentrate C1 in terms of fresh plasma were obtained giving a mean potency ratio of 3.85 (95% confidence limits 1.87-7.92). The estimated loss of potency for freeze-dried plasma stored at -20 degrees C is approximately 0.4% per year. The concentrate C2 is apparently more stable and only very small losses occurred even at higher storage temperatures. All participants agreed that the preparation C2 would be suitable to serve as an International Standard for factor IX; they also agreed that the figure assigned for the unitage should be based on the number of ml of 'average fresh normal plasma' estimated to contain the factor IX activity of one ampoule of the preparation. It is proposed to recommend to the World Health Organization that the preparation of factor IX concentrate C2, in ampoules coded 72/32, be considered for establishment as the International Standard for factor IX, and that the international unit for factor IX be assigned on the basis of 5.62 units per ampoule of this preparation.", "contents": "Study of a proposed international standard for blood coagulation factor IX. An International Collaborative Study was organized to establish a standard for factor IX. Two freeze-dried concentrate preparations, C1 and C2, and one freeze-dried plasma P were compared with each other, with fresh normal plasmas and with local standards in 13 laboratories. One of the concentrate preparations (C1) contained heparin and this gave rise to non-parallel assays in laboratories testing concentrate C1 in dilutions containing more than 0.05 i.u. of heparin per ml. Assays of factor IX showed good precision for both plasma and concentrate in all laboratories; no systematic effect of method, operator or day of assay was detected. The plasma preparation P and the concentrate preparation C2 were compared with 59 individual fresh normal plasma samples, and a mean potency ratio of 0.78 (95% confidence limits 0.73-0.84) for plasma and 5.62(95% confidence limits 5.13-6.16) for the concentrate C2 obtained. Only 21 estimates of concentrate C1 in terms of fresh plasma were obtained giving a mean potency ratio of 3.85 (95% confidence limits 1.87-7.92). The estimated loss of potency for freeze-dried plasma stored at -20 degrees C is approximately 0.4% per year. The concentrate C2 is apparently more stable and only very small losses occurred even at higher storage temperatures. All participants agreed that the preparation C2 would be suitable to serve as an International Standard for factor IX; they also agreed that the figure assigned for the unitage should be based on the number of ml of 'average fresh normal plasma' estimated to contain the factor IX activity of one ampoule of the preparation. It is proposed to recommend to the World Health Organization that the preparation of factor IX concentrate C2, in ampoules coded 72/32, be considered for establishment as the International Standard for factor IX, and that the international unit for factor IX be assigned on the basis of 5.62 units per ampoule of this preparation.", "PMID": 989189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3042", "title": "Effect of platelet antiserum on the precipitation of soluble fibrin by endotoxin.", "content": "Rabbits were injected with a platelet antiserum to examine the role of thrombocytopenia of the precipitation of soluble fibrin by endotoxin.dotoxin. Platelet antiserum removed more than 98% of the circulating platelets, and the resulting thrombocytopenia with platelet counts below 10,000 per mul persisted during the entire 10 hr-period of the experiment. Leukocyte counts were not significantly influenced by the platelet antiserum. Since the rabbits were treated with high doses of heparin, activation of intravascular coagulation by the antiserum did not occur. Precipitation of soluble fibrin was achieved by injection of endotoxin into rabbits with ancrod-induced circulating soluble fibrin. Thrombocytopenia did not prevent the occurrence of glomerular microclots after ancrod and endotoxin administration. On the contrary, if endotoxin was injected into antiserum- and heparin-treated rabbits with circulating soluble fibrin, glomerular microclot formation occurred even in a higher percentage than in control rabbits treated with absorbed platelet antiserum. This investigation indicates that platelet antiserum-induced thrombocytopenia does not protect against precipitation of soluble fibrin by en", "contents": "Effect of platelet antiserum on the precipitation of soluble fibrin by endotoxin. Rabbits were injected with a platelet antiserum to examine the role of thrombocytopenia of the precipitation of soluble fibrin by endotoxin.dotoxin. Platelet antiserum removed more than 98% of the circulating platelets, and the resulting thrombocytopenia with platelet counts below 10,000 per mul persisted during the entire 10 hr-period of the experiment. Leukocyte counts were not significantly influenced by the platelet antiserum. Since the rabbits were treated with high doses of heparin, activation of intravascular coagulation by the antiserum did not occur. Precipitation of soluble fibrin was achieved by injection of endotoxin into rabbits with ancrod-induced circulating soluble fibrin. Thrombocytopenia did not prevent the occurrence of glomerular microclots after ancrod and endotoxin administration. On the contrary, if endotoxin was injected into antiserum- and heparin-treated rabbits with circulating soluble fibrin, glomerular microclot formation occurred even in a higher percentage than in control rabbits treated with absorbed platelet antiserum. This investigation indicates that platelet antiserum-induced thrombocytopenia does not protect against precipitation of soluble fibrin by en", "PMID": 989190} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3043", "title": "Platelet aggregation by thimerosal: role of ADP and SH groups.", "content": "Thimerosal, a sulphydryl inhibitor, induces aggregation of normal platelet rich plasma over a wide range of concentrations. Low doses induce a monophasic response preceded by a lag phase, high doses produce an immediate biphasic response. Thimerosal induces platelet aggregation through its binding by sulphydryl groups. Thimerosal induced aggregation is not mediated by ADP, it is not influenced by fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, calcium, and magnesium ions of the medium. Thimerosal induced platelet aggregation is normal in patients affected by thrombocytopathia (defect of ADP release) but not in patients affected by Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. Mercaptopropionglycine, a substance which tends to preserve SH groups, inhibits platelet aggregation induced by thimerosal, thrombin, collagen, and ADP. A mechanism is proposed for thimerosal induced aggregation and the role of SH groups also in ADP, thrombin and collagen induced aggregation is indicated.", "contents": "Platelet aggregation by thimerosal: role of ADP and SH groups. Thimerosal, a sulphydryl inhibitor, induces aggregation of normal platelet rich plasma over a wide range of concentrations. Low doses induce a monophasic response preceded by a lag phase, high doses produce an immediate biphasic response. Thimerosal induces platelet aggregation through its binding by sulphydryl groups. Thimerosal induced aggregation is not mediated by ADP, it is not influenced by fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, calcium, and magnesium ions of the medium. Thimerosal induced platelet aggregation is normal in patients affected by thrombocytopathia (defect of ADP release) but not in patients affected by Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. Mercaptopropionglycine, a substance which tends to preserve SH groups, inhibits platelet aggregation induced by thimerosal, thrombin, collagen, and ADP. A mechanism is proposed for thimerosal induced aggregation and the role of SH groups also in ADP, thrombin and collagen induced aggregation is indicated.", "PMID": 989191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3044", "title": "Inhibition of injury induced thromboatherosclerotic lesions by anti-platelet serum in rabbits.", "content": "We have previously shown that repeated or continuous intimal injury caused by an indwelling aortic catheter causes a variety of lesions in rabbits maintained on a diet unsupplemented by lipid. These include fatty streaks, lipid-free fibrous plaques and lipid-rich raised thromboatherosclerotic plaques. Whether lipid-rich raised lesions are a result of injury or co-existing thrombosis or both is not clear. The present experiment was designed to answer this question. Anti-platelet serum (APS) to washed sonicated rabbit platelets was raised in sheep. PE 60 polyethylene catheters were placed in the aortas of 35 rabbits by way of a femoral artery. The animals were randomly divided into 2 groups. The experimental group (17 rabbits) received an intravascular injection of 1.0 ml of APS followed 8 hours later by a subcutaneous injection of 0.5 ml. Thereafter, 0.5 ml APS was given subcutaneously each day for 13 additional days. The control group (18 rabbits) received no APS. Platelet counts were done prior to surgery, at 5 minutes following surgery, at 4 days, 8 days and just prior to killing. Extent of lesions was estimated by photographing the opened aortas, projecting the photographs on cardboard, cutting out the areas occupied by the different lesions and weighing the cardboard. The mean weight of raised lesions in the control group was 6 to 7 times greater than in the experimental groups. Statistical analysis of this difference based on Welsh's \"t\" test for unequal variances was highly significant (P less than 0.001). Platelet counts in the experimental groups varied from 0 to 20,000 at 14 days. In animals with platelet counts less than or equal to 1,000 mm3 raised lesions were completely prevented. In a second experiment the effect of APS was compared with normal sheep serum (NSS). A similarly significant inhibition of raised lesions occurred in the APS group. The extent of lesions in the NSS control was similar to that in the No-APS group of the first experiment. These findings indicate that thrombosis is more important than injury in the development of lipid-rich raised lesions.", "contents": "Inhibition of injury induced thromboatherosclerotic lesions by anti-platelet serum in rabbits. We have previously shown that repeated or continuous intimal injury caused by an indwelling aortic catheter causes a variety of lesions in rabbits maintained on a diet unsupplemented by lipid. These include fatty streaks, lipid-free fibrous plaques and lipid-rich raised thromboatherosclerotic plaques. Whether lipid-rich raised lesions are a result of injury or co-existing thrombosis or both is not clear. The present experiment was designed to answer this question. Anti-platelet serum (APS) to washed sonicated rabbit platelets was raised in sheep. PE 60 polyethylene catheters were placed in the aortas of 35 rabbits by way of a femoral artery. The animals were randomly divided into 2 groups. The experimental group (17 rabbits) received an intravascular injection of 1.0 ml of APS followed 8 hours later by a subcutaneous injection of 0.5 ml. Thereafter, 0.5 ml APS was given subcutaneously each day for 13 additional days. The control group (18 rabbits) received no APS. Platelet counts were done prior to surgery, at 5 minutes following surgery, at 4 days, 8 days and just prior to killing. Extent of lesions was estimated by photographing the opened aortas, projecting the photographs on cardboard, cutting out the areas occupied by the different lesions and weighing the cardboard. The mean weight of raised lesions in the control group was 6 to 7 times greater than in the experimental groups. Statistical analysis of this difference based on Welsh's \"t\" test for unequal variances was highly significant (P less than 0.001). Platelet counts in the experimental groups varied from 0 to 20,000 at 14 days. In animals with platelet counts less than or equal to 1,000 mm3 raised lesions were completely prevented. In a second experiment the effect of APS was compared with normal sheep serum (NSS). A similarly significant inhibition of raised lesions occurred in the APS group. The extent of lesions in the NSS control was similar to that in the No-APS group of the first experiment. These findings indicate that thrombosis is more important than injury in the development of lipid-rich raised lesions.", "PMID": 989195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3045", "title": "Isolation of preliminary characterization of a vitamin K dependent peptide from human prothrombin.", "content": "A peptide containing the vitamin K dependent Ca2+ binding region of human prothrombin has been isolated by adsorption of the tryptic digest of the native protein on barium citrate. Its aminoacid composition has been determined. The N- and C-terminal residues have been characterized. The obtained results are showing some slight differences with the corresponding bovine peptide. Since they were not strictly identical for two different preparations, the eventuality of a molecular heterogeneity is discussed.", "contents": "Isolation of preliminary characterization of a vitamin K dependent peptide from human prothrombin. A peptide containing the vitamin K dependent Ca2+ binding region of human prothrombin has been isolated by adsorption of the tryptic digest of the native protein on barium citrate. Its aminoacid composition has been determined. The N- and C-terminal residues have been characterized. The obtained results are showing some slight differences with the corresponding bovine peptide. Since they were not strictly identical for two different preparations, the eventuality of a molecular heterogeneity is discussed.", "PMID": 989196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3046", "title": "Biological control of factor VII.", "content": "The tissue factor pathway is initiated by factor VII in the presence of tissue factor. The first proteolytic reaction involves cleavage of factor X by factor VII. Activated factor X, the product of this reaction, can activate factor VII by cleavage of a specific bond. The apparent coagulant activity of factor VII then rises about 60-fold. Activated factor X can also inactivate factor VII by catalyzing the cleavage of a second bond which results in a three chain molecule. Fragments of Hageman factor and perhaps kallikrein can also activate factor VII. Hageman factor, however, does not catalyze the inactivating cleavage of factor VII at a significant rate. Recent data showing that the tissue factor pathway can activate the intrinsic system are discussed. We have shown that activated factor X, which can be generated by the tissue factor pathway, can feed back and activate factor IX in a calcium and phospholipid requiring reaction.", "contents": "Biological control of factor VII. The tissue factor pathway is initiated by factor VII in the presence of tissue factor. The first proteolytic reaction involves cleavage of factor X by factor VII. Activated factor X, the product of this reaction, can activate factor VII by cleavage of a specific bond. The apparent coagulant activity of factor VII then rises about 60-fold. Activated factor X can also inactivate factor VII by catalyzing the cleavage of a second bond which results in a three chain molecule. Fragments of Hageman factor and perhaps kallikrein can also activate factor VII. Hageman factor, however, does not catalyze the inactivating cleavage of factor VII at a significant rate. Recent data showing that the tissue factor pathway can activate the intrinsic system are discussed. We have shown that activated factor X, which can be generated by the tissue factor pathway, can feed back and activate factor IX in a calcium and phospholipid requiring reaction.", "PMID": 989197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3047", "title": "[Determination of the initial stage of fat auto-oxidation in dry dairy products by ultraviolet spectrophotometry].", "content": "Studied were the values of the conjugated dienes using ultraviolet spectrophotometry of fats contained in the dry dairy products produced in this country, such as powdered milk for children, Vitalakt 1, B\u00e9b\u00e9 1, and Biolakton in the first months of storage. It was found that the extinction maximum values characteristic of the conjugated dienes for the fats of all studied dry milk products were at 227 nm. The juxtaposition of changes taking place with conjugated dienes and peroxide numbers of the fats during storage revealed the greater stability of conjugated dienes in comparison with the hydroperoxides.", "contents": "[Determination of the initial stage of fat auto-oxidation in dry dairy products by ultraviolet spectrophotometry]. Studied were the values of the conjugated dienes using ultraviolet spectrophotometry of fats contained in the dry dairy products produced in this country, such as powdered milk for children, Vitalakt 1, B\u00e9b\u00e9 1, and Biolakton in the first months of storage. It was found that the extinction maximum values characteristic of the conjugated dienes for the fats of all studied dry milk products were at 227 nm. The juxtaposition of changes taking place with conjugated dienes and peroxide numbers of the fats during storage revealed the greater stability of conjugated dienes in comparison with the hydroperoxides.", "PMID": 989200} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3048", "title": "[Inhibitory action of the residues of some new disinfecting agents on the microflora of Bulgarian milk].", "content": "Studied were the amounts of residues of disinfection solutions such as antigerm 0.3 per cent, bradophen 0.2 per cent, abosanit 0.35 per cent, trosilin 0.5 per cent, and oxania 2 per cent which could produce inhibitory effects of the microflora of the Bulgarian sour milk. It was established that the presence of more than 25 ml/1 of a given disinfection solution in the milk of the above-mentioned ones at the concentrations cited (with the exception of trosilin) exert a strong inhibitory action on milk microflora and the enzyme processes. As a result no curdling sets in. The use of Bac. stearothermophilus as a test organism can detect but the presence of 150 mg/1 antigerm in the milk.", "contents": "[Inhibitory action of the residues of some new disinfecting agents on the microflora of Bulgarian milk]. Studied were the amounts of residues of disinfection solutions such as antigerm 0.3 per cent, bradophen 0.2 per cent, abosanit 0.35 per cent, trosilin 0.5 per cent, and oxania 2 per cent which could produce inhibitory effects of the microflora of the Bulgarian sour milk. It was established that the presence of more than 25 ml/1 of a given disinfection solution in the milk of the above-mentioned ones at the concentrations cited (with the exception of trosilin) exert a strong inhibitory action on milk microflora and the enzyme processes. As a result no curdling sets in. The use of Bac. stearothermophilus as a test organism can detect but the presence of 150 mg/1 antigerm in the milk.", "PMID": 989201} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3049", "title": "[Assessment and treatment of intractable pain: six months' experience in the relief of pain at the ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Clinical Oncology (author's transl)].", "content": "A preliminary report is presented on the results achieved in the assessment and treatment of patients with intractable pain during the first six months experience gained following the appointment of a pain consultant at the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Clinical Oncology. Nerve blockade was carried out 106 times in 45 patients suffering from primary or secondary malignant disease and 71 times in 18 patients with other conditions; intrathecal instillation of 96% alcohol was performed once and 2 chordotomies were also performed. One patient needed antidepressive therapy. Major questions relating to this problem are discussed. Gratifyingly satisfactory results were observed in more than two thirds of the patients. These objective findings and the subjective impressions obtained from patients, their relatives and our personnel prompted us to continue with this type of treatment for pain and to increase our efforts in this direction.", "contents": "[Assessment and treatment of intractable pain: six months' experience in the relief of pain at the ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Clinical Oncology (author's transl)]. A preliminary report is presented on the results achieved in the assessment and treatment of patients with intractable pain during the first six months experience gained following the appointment of a pain consultant at the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Clinical Oncology. Nerve blockade was carried out 106 times in 45 patients suffering from primary or secondary malignant disease and 71 times in 18 patients with other conditions; intrathecal instillation of 96% alcohol was performed once and 2 chordotomies were also performed. One patient needed antidepressive therapy. Major questions relating to this problem are discussed. Gratifyingly satisfactory results were observed in more than two thirds of the patients. These objective findings and the subjective impressions obtained from patients, their relatives and our personnel prompted us to continue with this type of treatment for pain and to increase our efforts in this direction.", "PMID": 989203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3050", "title": "[The estimation of surface actitity of the lungs in dependence from duration of pregnancy (author's transl)].", "content": "The surface tension of amniotic fluid was measured in a Langmuir balance in 98 persons with normal pregnancy between 23 and 42 weeks of gestation. An increase of surface activity in dependence of gestational ages was found. It is possible to use the surface tension of amniotic fluid as an indicator of fetal pulmonary maturity in high risk pregnancy.", "contents": "[The estimation of surface actitity of the lungs in dependence from duration of pregnancy (author's transl)]. The surface tension of amniotic fluid was measured in a Langmuir balance in 98 persons with normal pregnancy between 23 and 42 weeks of gestation. An increase of surface activity in dependence of gestational ages was found. It is possible to use the surface tension of amniotic fluid as an indicator of fetal pulmonary maturity in high risk pregnancy.", "PMID": 989204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3051", "title": "[The appearance of surface-active phospholipids of the surfactant-system of the lung during ontogenetic development of humans (author's transl)].", "content": "In order to characterize the pulmonary maturity during ontogenetic development the following parameters were determined in the lungs of 30 fetuses respectively newborns with a weight between 15 and 4450 g: Water content (WC), total phospholipid content (TPC), lecithin concentration (LC), sphingomyelin concentration (SPC) and surface activity (SA) of the extracts. The water content decreases with increasing gestation age. The total phospholipid content and the lecithin concentration increase during the ontogenetic development. The sphingomyelin concentration remains approximately constant during lung development. No significant correlation exists between phospholipid content and surface activity. A relatively high TPC and a high SA was found in a 43 g-fetus (about 14th week of gestation). This result suggests, that the surfactant-system of the lung is produced earlier than supposed till now. Lungs of infants who developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) have a low concentration of TPC. The lecithin/sphingomyelin-ratio rises as gestation progresses. Lungs of RDS-children have - similarly in amniotic fluid - a low lecithin/sphingomyelin-ratio.", "contents": "[The appearance of surface-active phospholipids of the surfactant-system of the lung during ontogenetic development of humans (author's transl)]. In order to characterize the pulmonary maturity during ontogenetic development the following parameters were determined in the lungs of 30 fetuses respectively newborns with a weight between 15 and 4450 g: Water content (WC), total phospholipid content (TPC), lecithin concentration (LC), sphingomyelin concentration (SPC) and surface activity (SA) of the extracts. The water content decreases with increasing gestation age. The total phospholipid content and the lecithin concentration increase during the ontogenetic development. The sphingomyelin concentration remains approximately constant during lung development. No significant correlation exists between phospholipid content and surface activity. A relatively high TPC and a high SA was found in a 43 g-fetus (about 14th week of gestation). This result suggests, that the surfactant-system of the lung is produced earlier than supposed till now. Lungs of infants who developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) have a low concentration of TPC. The lecithin/sphingomyelin-ratio rises as gestation progresses. Lungs of RDS-children have - similarly in amniotic fluid - a low lecithin/sphingomyelin-ratio.", "PMID": 989205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3052", "title": "[Morphological demonstration of phospholipids in the lung (author's transl)].", "content": "A short review of the different methods for light microscopic demonstration of phospholipids in the lung tissue is given. As shown in own experiments, the phosphomolybdic-acid-stannous-chloride reaction (Landing et al., 1952) appears as a successful method for rapid demonstration of phospholipids.", "contents": "[Morphological demonstration of phospholipids in the lung (author's transl)]. A short review of the different methods for light microscopic demonstration of phospholipids in the lung tissue is given. As shown in own experiments, the phosphomolybdic-acid-stannous-chloride reaction (Landing et al., 1952) appears as a successful method for rapid demonstration of phospholipids.", "PMID": 989206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3053", "title": "[Acute poisoning with L-triiodothyroinine, L-thyroxine and phendimetrazine bitartrate with suicidal intention].", "content": "It is reported on an acute intoxication after application of 8 mg L-thyroxin, 2 mg L-triiodotyronine (200 tablets Thyreotom) and 4.5 g hendimetrazine bitartrate (100 tablets Sedafamem). The clinical picture is described. An endangering of the vital function of the organism was not observed. The symptoms disappeared after 4 days. The pharmacological aspects of the intoxication after application of the hormone of the thyroid gland, its significance for the pathogenesis of the thyreotoxic crisis and its therapy are discussed", "contents": "[Acute poisoning with L-triiodothyroinine, L-thyroxine and phendimetrazine bitartrate with suicidal intention]. It is reported on an acute intoxication after application of 8 mg L-thyroxin, 2 mg L-triiodotyronine (200 tablets Thyreotom) and 4.5 g hendimetrazine bitartrate (100 tablets Sedafamem). The clinical picture is described. An endangering of the vital function of the organism was not observed. The symptoms disappeared after 4 days. The pharmacological aspects of the intoxication after application of the hormone of the thyroid gland, its significance for the pathogenesis of the thyreotoxic crisis and its therapy are discussed", "PMID": 989207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3054", "title": "[In vivo and in vitro investigations of the effect of decortilen (16-methylenprednisolone) on lecithin synthesis in the fetal lung (author's transl)].", "content": "Lecithin synthesis in fetal lungs of the rat over three-fold methylation and over choline and CDP-choline was quantitatively determined via the incorporation rate of marked metabolites. The ability of decortilen to influence both modes of synthesis was investigated. In vivo and in vitro, the glucocorticoid stimulates lecithin formation, which can be as high as 200%, only over choline and CDP-choline.", "contents": "[In vivo and in vitro investigations of the effect of decortilen (16-methylenprednisolone) on lecithin synthesis in the fetal lung (author's transl)]. Lecithin synthesis in fetal lungs of the rat over three-fold methylation and over choline and CDP-choline was quantitatively determined via the incorporation rate of marked metabolites. The ability of decortilen to influence both modes of synthesis was investigated. In vivo and in vitro, the glucocorticoid stimulates lecithin formation, which can be as high as 200%, only over choline and CDP-choline.", "PMID": 989208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3055", "title": "[Experimental investigations in regard to the optimal stimulation of lecithin synthesis in the fetal lung via glucocorticoids (author's transl)].", "content": "On the basis of curves illustrating the effects of dosage on experimental animals, it was shown that glucocorticoids inhibit as well as stimulate lecithin synthesis in the fetal lung. Equivalent doses of corticoids produce comparable results. It was established that the concentration necessary to produce an optimal stimulation of lecithin synthesis was 0.5 to 2.0 mg/kg body weight.", "contents": "[Experimental investigations in regard to the optimal stimulation of lecithin synthesis in the fetal lung via glucocorticoids (author's transl)]. On the basis of curves illustrating the effects of dosage on experimental animals, it was shown that glucocorticoids inhibit as well as stimulate lecithin synthesis in the fetal lung. Equivalent doses of corticoids produce comparable results. It was established that the concentration necessary to produce an optimal stimulation of lecithin synthesis was 0.5 to 2.0 mg/kg body weight.", "PMID": 989209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3056", "title": "[Surfactants in amniotic fluids: a comparision between biomechanical and biochemical analyses (author's transl)].", "content": "44 specimens of amniotic fluid from the 25 week's gestation onwards were tested in a modified Wilhelmy-Langmuir surface balance. In addition percentage of lecithin in total phospholipids, total phospholipd phosphorus concentration and fatty acid composition of lecithin was determined. Lecithin, total phospholipid-phosphorus and palmitic acid show significant rises in concentration with gestational progress. The results of the surface tension measurements are significantly correlated with the biochemical analysis. Therefore, fetal lung maturity seems to be well estimated by the biomechanical method.", "contents": "[Surfactants in amniotic fluids: a comparision between biomechanical and biochemical analyses (author's transl)]. 44 specimens of amniotic fluid from the 25 week's gestation onwards were tested in a modified Wilhelmy-Langmuir surface balance. In addition percentage of lecithin in total phospholipids, total phospholipd phosphorus concentration and fatty acid composition of lecithin was determined. Lecithin, total phospholipid-phosphorus and palmitic acid show significant rises in concentration with gestational progress. The results of the surface tension measurements are significantly correlated with the biochemical analysis. Therefore, fetal lung maturity seems to be well estimated by the biomechanical method.", "PMID": 989210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3057", "title": "Determination of lead and cadmium in milk with modern analytical methods.", "content": "Methods to determine lead and cadmium at the low mug/kg-level in milk were investigated. Methods tested were differential-pulse anodic-stripping voltammetry (DPASV) and flameless atomic-absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). Under the circumstances in which these methods were used, the analytical procedure based on DPASV was the most sensitive, with an estimated detection limit of about 0.2 mug/1 for lead and cadmium in liquid milk. The pretreatment of the milk samples before the DPASV-analysis included: freeze-drying, ashing in a muffle furnance at 550 degree C and finally dissolution of the ash in 0.1 M-hydrochloric acid. The recoveries of known amounts of lead and cadmium added to milk were 95 and 59%, respectively. A survey of the contents of lead and cadmium in the Swedish manket milk was performed. This investigation showed that the average lead content in Swedish market milk was 2.0 mug/1, with a standard deviation of 0.5 mug/1. The cadmium content was below 0.2 mug/1 in all samples analyzed.", "contents": "Determination of lead and cadmium in milk with modern analytical methods. Methods to determine lead and cadmium at the low mug/kg-level in milk were investigated. Methods tested were differential-pulse anodic-stripping voltammetry (DPASV) and flameless atomic-absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). Under the circumstances in which these methods were used, the analytical procedure based on DPASV was the most sensitive, with an estimated detection limit of about 0.2 mug/1 for lead and cadmium in liquid milk. The pretreatment of the milk samples before the DPASV-analysis included: freeze-drying, ashing in a muffle furnance at 550 degree C and finally dissolution of the ash in 0.1 M-hydrochloric acid. The recoveries of known amounts of lead and cadmium added to milk were 95 and 59%, respectively. A survey of the contents of lead and cadmium in the Swedish manket milk was performed. This investigation showed that the average lead content in Swedish market milk was 2.0 mug/1, with a standard deviation of 0.5 mug/1. The cadmium content was below 0.2 mug/1 in all samples analyzed.", "PMID": 989211} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3058", "title": "T4 and T3 release from the perfused canine thyroid isolated in situ.", "content": "A method for once-through perfusion of the canine thyroid isolated in situ is described. The perfusion medium was a modified Krebs Ringer buffer with 4% dextran added. In 4 control experiments of the T4 and T3 concentratios in effluent were stable or slightly falling during 3 h perfusion. There were no significant alterations in the T4/T3 ratio in the effluent during these experiments. A 10-min infusion of bovine TSH (1 mU/ml) caused an increase in the release of T4 and T3 after 15-25 min. The T4/T3 ration in the effluent was significantly reduced after TSH stimulation. However, the ratio returned to pre-stimulation values while the hormone release was still very high. T4 and T3 content of the contralateral thyroid was determatio in the homogenate was twice as high as the T4(3 ratio in the effluent during control perfusion. Thus there was a preferential secretion of T3 from the perfused canine thyroid and this was increased after TSH stimulation.", "contents": "T4 and T3 release from the perfused canine thyroid isolated in situ. A method for once-through perfusion of the canine thyroid isolated in situ is described. The perfusion medium was a modified Krebs Ringer buffer with 4% dextran added. In 4 control experiments of the T4 and T3 concentratios in effluent were stable or slightly falling during 3 h perfusion. There were no significant alterations in the T4/T3 ratio in the effluent during these experiments. A 10-min infusion of bovine TSH (1 mU/ml) caused an increase in the release of T4 and T3 after 15-25 min. The T4/T3 ration in the effluent was significantly reduced after TSH stimulation. However, the ratio returned to pre-stimulation values while the hormone release was still very high. T4 and T3 content of the contralateral thyroid was determatio in the homogenate was twice as high as the T4(3 ratio in the effluent during control perfusion. Thus there was a preferential secretion of T3 from the perfused canine thyroid and this was increased after TSH stimulation.", "PMID": 989219} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3059", "title": "Oocytic meiosis in cultured rat follicles during inhibition of steroidogenesis.", "content": "Steroid release by cultured Graafian follicles explanted from rat ovaries on the morning of pro-oestrus was measured by radioimmunoaso the medium reduced the basal level of steroid secretion (progesterone, androstenedione and oestradiol-17beta) and abolished the steroidogenic effect of luteinizing hormone (LH; 5mug/ml) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; 10 mug/ml). However, the induction of oocyte maturation by either LH or PGE2 was not impaired by total suppression of the steroidogenic response of the follicles to these hormones by cyanoketone or aminoglutethimide. It is concluded that the meiosis-inducing action of LH on the mammalian egg is not mediated by the effect of the hormone on the rate and pattern of follicular steroidogenesis.", "contents": "Oocytic meiosis in cultured rat follicles during inhibition of steroidogenesis. Steroid release by cultured Graafian follicles explanted from rat ovaries on the morning of pro-oestrus was measured by radioimmunoaso the medium reduced the basal level of steroid secretion (progesterone, androstenedione and oestradiol-17beta) and abolished the steroidogenic effect of luteinizing hormone (LH; 5mug/ml) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; 10 mug/ml). However, the induction of oocyte maturation by either LH or PGE2 was not impaired by total suppression of the steroidogenic response of the follicles to these hormones by cyanoketone or aminoglutethimide. It is concluded that the meiosis-inducing action of LH on the mammalian egg is not mediated by the effect of the hormone on the rate and pattern of follicular steroidogenesis.", "PMID": 989220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3060", "title": "A case of male pseudohermaphroditism associated with elevated LH, normal FSH and low testosterone possibly due to the secretion of an abnormal LH molecule.", "content": "A 27 year old female is described who had 46,XY chromosome complement, ambiguous external genitalia with elevated LH, slightly above normal FSH and low testosterone. Her plasma testosterone level increased 15-20 fold after HCG stimulation (5000 IU X 3). then returned to prestimulation level 3 months later. This was possibly due to the secretion of an abnormal LH molecule which is immunoreactive but biologically inactive in the human.", "contents": "A case of male pseudohermaphroditism associated with elevated LH, normal FSH and low testosterone possibly due to the secretion of an abnormal LH molecule. A 27 year old female is described who had 46,XY chromosome complement, ambiguous external genitalia with elevated LH, slightly above normal FSH and low testosterone. Her plasma testosterone level increased 15-20 fold after HCG stimulation (5000 IU X 3). then returned to prestimulation level 3 months later. This was possibly due to the secretion of an abnormal LH molecule which is immunoreactive but biologically inactive in the human.", "PMID": 989221} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3061", "title": "The effect of 2-bromo-alpha-ergocryptine (CB154) administration of the hormone levels, organ weights, prostatic morphology and zinc concentrations in the male rat.", "content": "2-Bromo-alpha-ergocryptine (CB154) administration to male rats produced a significant decrease in plasma prolactin levels without changing the LH and testosterone concentrations. The weights of the accessory sex tissues, testes, adrenals and kidney were unaltered by the treatment. Zinc concentration and distribution in the cell organelles of the prostatic tissue was markedly changed by CB154 treatment. No changes in the uptake of testosterone in vivo occurred in the treated animals. Prolactin did not consistently influence the prostatic adenyl cyclase activity in vitro and only at high concentrations was the testosterone uptake in vitro with cultures of prostatic tissue increased.", "contents": "The effect of 2-bromo-alpha-ergocryptine (CB154) administration of the hormone levels, organ weights, prostatic morphology and zinc concentrations in the male rat. 2-Bromo-alpha-ergocryptine (CB154) administration to male rats produced a significant decrease in plasma prolactin levels without changing the LH and testosterone concentrations. The weights of the accessory sex tissues, testes, adrenals and kidney were unaltered by the treatment. Zinc concentration and distribution in the cell organelles of the prostatic tissue was markedly changed by CB154 treatment. No changes in the uptake of testosterone in vivo occurred in the treated animals. Prolactin did not consistently influence the prostatic adenyl cyclase activity in vitro and only at high concentrations was the testosterone uptake in vitro with cultures of prostatic tissue increased.", "PMID": 989222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3062", "title": "Triiodothyronine binding to lymphocytes from euthyroid subjects and a patient with peripheral resistance to thyroid hormone.", "content": "Triiodothyronine (T3) binding to Ficoll-Isopaque purified human lymphocytes was studied. During incubation of lymphocytes with [125I]T3 in a calcium-free medium at 37 degrees C, maximal uptake of T3 in nuclei occurrred after 2 h and declined after prolonged incubationd incubation . Incubation of lymphocytes with T3 concentrations ranging from 1 X 10(-11) TO 1 X 10(-9) mol/l and subsequent treatment with Triton X-100 to strip off [125I]T3 bound with low affinity was used for the estimation of affinity and capacity of nuclear T3 binding sites. The mean equilibrium affinity constant (Ka) estimated with the Scatchard method in 11 euthyroid healthy subjects was 4.5 X 10(9) l/mol, and the mean maximal binding capacity 25 X 10(-5) mol/100 mug DNA. In a female patient with peripheral resistance to thyroid hormone action, the estimated Ka was 3.5 X 10(9) l/mol and the number of T3 binding sites 37 X 10(-15) mol/100 mug DNA. Although not statistically different from the mean value in euthyroid subjects, this Ka value was outside the range of control values observed and was considered presumptive evidence that the nuclear T3 receptors in this patient have abnormally low affinity for its ligand. The nuclear T3 binding capacity in this patient was significantly increased.", "contents": "Triiodothyronine binding to lymphocytes from euthyroid subjects and a patient with peripheral resistance to thyroid hormone. Triiodothyronine (T3) binding to Ficoll-Isopaque purified human lymphocytes was studied. During incubation of lymphocytes with [125I]T3 in a calcium-free medium at 37 degrees C, maximal uptake of T3 in nuclei occurrred after 2 h and declined after prolonged incubationd incubation . Incubation of lymphocytes with T3 concentrations ranging from 1 X 10(-11) TO 1 X 10(-9) mol/l and subsequent treatment with Triton X-100 to strip off [125I]T3 bound with low affinity was used for the estimation of affinity and capacity of nuclear T3 binding sites. The mean equilibrium affinity constant (Ka) estimated with the Scatchard method in 11 euthyroid healthy subjects was 4.5 X 10(9) l/mol, and the mean maximal binding capacity 25 X 10(-5) mol/100 mug DNA. In a female patient with peripheral resistance to thyroid hormone action, the estimated Ka was 3.5 X 10(9) l/mol and the number of T3 binding sites 37 X 10(-15) mol/100 mug DNA. Although not statistically different from the mean value in euthyroid subjects, this Ka value was outside the range of control values observed and was considered presumptive evidence that the nuclear T3 receptors in this patient have abnormally low affinity for its ligand. The nuclear T3 binding capacity in this patient was significantly increased.", "PMID": 989223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3063", "title": "Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid in Norway. Clinical course and endocrinological aspects.", "content": "A study of the clinical, biochemical and histological findings of 57 patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MCT) in Norway, is presented. The diagnosis was established by light and electron microscopy and by measurements of immunoreactive calcitonin (iCT) in serum. The major factor influencing the prognosis was the extension of the disease at presentation. None of the 24 patients with tumour confined to the thyroid gland have died of the disease, and serum iCT was normal in 15 patients. Of 19 patients with regional lymph node metastes only 11 are alive 1 to 14 years after treatment, and of these 9 had increased serum iCt. 14 patients technically inoperable and/or with distant metastases, 12 have died of MCT, 1 are alive with elevated serum iCT. Of 14 patients with raised serum iCT, 8 have no clinical recurrence of the disease from 1 to 15 years after the operation. MCT-associated diseases were found in 8 patients, chronic thyroiditis in 10. Serum iCT was measured in 249 relatives of 42 patients, and abnormal elevations were found in 11 members of 6 families.", "contents": "Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid in Norway. Clinical course and endocrinological aspects. A study of the clinical, biochemical and histological findings of 57 patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MCT) in Norway, is presented. The diagnosis was established by light and electron microscopy and by measurements of immunoreactive calcitonin (iCT) in serum. The major factor influencing the prognosis was the extension of the disease at presentation. None of the 24 patients with tumour confined to the thyroid gland have died of the disease, and serum iCT was normal in 15 patients. Of 19 patients with regional lymph node metastes only 11 are alive 1 to 14 years after treatment, and of these 9 had increased serum iCt. 14 patients technically inoperable and/or with distant metastases, 12 have died of MCT, 1 are alive with elevated serum iCT. Of 14 patients with raised serum iCT, 8 have no clinical recurrence of the disease from 1 to 15 years after the operation. MCT-associated diseases were found in 8 patients, chronic thyroiditis in 10. Serum iCT was measured in 249 relatives of 42 patients, and abnormal elevations were found in 11 members of 6 families.", "PMID": 989224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3064", "title": "An evaluation of lithium as an adjunct to carbimazole treatment in acute thyrotoxicosis.", "content": "The rate of control of thyrotoxicosis during the first 2 weeks of treatment was documented in 63 patients. Twenty-three patients received carbimazole 40 mg plus lithium carbonate 750 mg daily and a comparable group of 20 patients were given carbimazole 40 mg plus potassium iodide 120 mg daily. In the lithium treated patients the mean percentage fall of serum T4 after 2 weeks treatment was 49% and the fall in serum T3 57%. The results were similar in the iodide treated patients; the mean falls in serum T4 and T3 being 47% and 64%, respectively. Serum lithium values varied between 0.1-1.25 mEq./l; lithium side effects were minor. In a companion study 20 patients were treated with carbimazole alone. The responses in this group were less impressive; the mean falls in serum T4 and T3 at 2 weeks being 18% and 36%, respectively. It is concluded that lithium is a safe adjunct to conventional antithyroid drug therapy in the initial treatment of acute thyrotoxicosis.", "contents": "An evaluation of lithium as an adjunct to carbimazole treatment in acute thyrotoxicosis. The rate of control of thyrotoxicosis during the first 2 weeks of treatment was documented in 63 patients. Twenty-three patients received carbimazole 40 mg plus lithium carbonate 750 mg daily and a comparable group of 20 patients were given carbimazole 40 mg plus potassium iodide 120 mg daily. In the lithium treated patients the mean percentage fall of serum T4 after 2 weeks treatment was 49% and the fall in serum T3 57%. The results were similar in the iodide treated patients; the mean falls in serum T4 and T3 being 47% and 64%, respectively. Serum lithium values varied between 0.1-1.25 mEq./l; lithium side effects were minor. In a companion study 20 patients were treated with carbimazole alone. The responses in this group were less impressive; the mean falls in serum T4 and T3 at 2 weeks being 18% and 36%, respectively. It is concluded that lithium is a safe adjunct to conventional antithyroid drug therapy in the initial treatment of acute thyrotoxicosis.", "PMID": 989225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3065", "title": "Influence of low dose oestrogen on circulating prolactin. LH and FSH levels in post-menopausal women.", "content": "The effect on serum prolactin, LH and FSH levels of 25 mug ethinyloestradiol administered daily per os during 27 consecutive days was investigated in 5 post-menopausal women aged 52-78. Blood samples were collected before, during and after treatment. The hormones were assayed in serum by radioimmunological methods. Both LH and FSH decreased progressively and significantly from 120 and 115 mIU/ml before treatment to 52 and 51 mIU/ml, respectively after three weeks of oestrogen administration. Two weeks after interruption of treatment, LH (90mIU/ml) and FSH (112 mIU/ml) were significantly higher than during the last week of treatment. Mean prolactin level increased from 127 muU/ml before treatment to 237 muU/ml after 10 days of oestrogen administration (P less than 0.001). This increase was significant after 4 to 8 days and the levels remained about twice as high as the control values for the rest of the treatment period. Two weeks after interruption of treatment, serum prolactin had fallen (136 muU/ml) to the pre-treatment levels. Such results raise the question of possible effects of elevated levels of this hormone during long term oestrogen medication in post-menopausal women on the development of breast cancer.", "contents": "Influence of low dose oestrogen on circulating prolactin. LH and FSH levels in post-menopausal women. The effect on serum prolactin, LH and FSH levels of 25 mug ethinyloestradiol administered daily per os during 27 consecutive days was investigated in 5 post-menopausal women aged 52-78. Blood samples were collected before, during and after treatment. The hormones were assayed in serum by radioimmunological methods. Both LH and FSH decreased progressively and significantly from 120 and 115 mIU/ml before treatment to 52 and 51 mIU/ml, respectively after three weeks of oestrogen administration. Two weeks after interruption of treatment, LH (90mIU/ml) and FSH (112 mIU/ml) were significantly higher than during the last week of treatment. Mean prolactin level increased from 127 muU/ml before treatment to 237 muU/ml after 10 days of oestrogen administration (P less than 0.001). This increase was significant after 4 to 8 days and the levels remained about twice as high as the control values for the rest of the treatment period. Two weeks after interruption of treatment, serum prolactin had fallen (136 muU/ml) to the pre-treatment levels. Such results raise the question of possible effects of elevated levels of this hormone during long term oestrogen medication in post-menopausal women on the development of breast cancer.", "PMID": 989226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3066", "title": "Normal values in clinical electrooculography. II. Analysis of potential and time parameters and their relation to other variables.", "content": "The following EOG potential and time parameters from 72 normal subjects were analysed: base value B, dark trough D, light peak L, light induced potential rise L-D, interval between beginning of dark adaptation and occurrence of dark through d and interval between dark trough and light peak l. Their relations to sex, age pupillary diameter, degree of iris pigmentation, refractive error, axial length, corneal curvature and diameter, ocular protrusion and interpupillary distance were assessed. Right eye and left eye samples of the EOG parameters were congruent, although individual differences were sometimes appreciable. The levels of B and D were higher in the female half of the sample. A positive correlation existed between age and D level. L-D was negatively correlated to the degree of refractive error and positively correlated to the ocular protrusion. A positive correlation was found between d and the four potential parameters, and there was a positive correlation between age and l. Practical consequences of the statistical analysis relating to the interpretation of such EOG data are discussed.", "contents": "Normal values in clinical electrooculography. II. Analysis of potential and time parameters and their relation to other variables. The following EOG potential and time parameters from 72 normal subjects were analysed: base value B, dark trough D, light peak L, light induced potential rise L-D, interval between beginning of dark adaptation and occurrence of dark through d and interval between dark trough and light peak l. Their relations to sex, age pupillary diameter, degree of iris pigmentation, refractive error, axial length, corneal curvature and diameter, ocular protrusion and interpupillary distance were assessed. Right eye and left eye samples of the EOG parameters were congruent, although individual differences were sometimes appreciable. The levels of B and D were higher in the female half of the sample. A positive correlation existed between age and D level. L-D was negatively correlated to the degree of refractive error and positively correlated to the ocular protrusion. A positive correlation was found between d and the four potential parameters, and there was a positive correlation between age and l. Practical consequences of the statistical analysis relating to the interpretation of such EOG data are discussed.", "PMID": 989235} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3067", "title": "A case of late pseudomonas ocular infection following scleral buckling.", "content": "Two and half years after a circling buckle operation in which two Supra-mid sutures and a solid silicone explant were employed, a Pseudomonas infection developed around the explant and progressed to the inner eye. Removal of all implanted foreign material and treatment with Rifamicin saved the eye. The relevant literature on infection following sclero-plastic procedures is reviewed, and the pathogenesis of the late infections is discussed.", "contents": "A case of late pseudomonas ocular infection following scleral buckling. Two and half years after a circling buckle operation in which two Supra-mid sutures and a solid silicone explant were employed, a Pseudomonas infection developed around the explant and progressed to the inner eye. Removal of all implanted foreign material and treatment with Rifamicin saved the eye. The relevant literature on infection following sclero-plastic procedures is reviewed, and the pathogenesis of the late infections is discussed.", "PMID": 989236} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3068", "title": "Scleral buckling with Bioplast fibrin in retinal detachment.", "content": "The study includes a series of 38 patients with retinal detachment of different aetiology. Scleral reduction combined with the intrascleral implantation of absorbable Bioplast fibrin scleral buckling rods was performed and reattachment achieved in 31 cases. The implant material is biocompatible and is eliminated from the eye in the course of a few weeks.", "contents": "Scleral buckling with Bioplast fibrin in retinal detachment. The study includes a series of 38 patients with retinal detachment of different aetiology. Scleral reduction combined with the intrascleral implantation of absorbable Bioplast fibrin scleral buckling rods was performed and reattachment achieved in 31 cases. The implant material is biocompatible and is eliminated from the eye in the course of a few weeks.", "PMID": 989237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3069", "title": "Effect of orally administered hydrocortisone on the ocular tension in primary open-angle glaucoma subjects. Preliminary report.", "content": "We studied the possible influence on the pattern of diurnal ocular tension curve by peroral hydrocortisone in 16 eyes of 16 subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma. The baseline diurnal curve was determined by Schiotz tonometry six times daily starting at 10 a.m. and repeated every four hours. The baseline curve showed a significant rise in the daytime with a fall during the night. On another day, 20 mg hydrocortisone was given perorally at 5 p.m., for a repeat 24-h measurement period. A significant rise in ocular tension over the baseline resulted in the following night-time tonometric readings, i.e. at 10 p.m. (P less than 0.01) and 2 a.m. (P less than 0.001). The results seem to strongly indicate that plasma cortico-steroid levels dictate the pattern of diurnal variation of ocular tension.", "contents": "Effect of orally administered hydrocortisone on the ocular tension in primary open-angle glaucoma subjects. Preliminary report. We studied the possible influence on the pattern of diurnal ocular tension curve by peroral hydrocortisone in 16 eyes of 16 subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma. The baseline diurnal curve was determined by Schiotz tonometry six times daily starting at 10 a.m. and repeated every four hours. The baseline curve showed a significant rise in the daytime with a fall during the night. On another day, 20 mg hydrocortisone was given perorally at 5 p.m., for a repeat 24-h measurement period. A significant rise in ocular tension over the baseline resulted in the following night-time tonometric readings, i.e. at 10 p.m. (P less than 0.01) and 2 a.m. (P less than 0.001). The results seem to strongly indicate that plasma cortico-steroid levels dictate the pattern of diurnal variation of ocular tension.", "PMID": 989238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3070", "title": "A simple relationship between the probability distribution of visual acuity and the density of retinal output channels.", "content": "Throughout the retina, the parameters of the probability distribution of visual acuity for monochromatic interference fringes are closely proportional to the number of retinal ganglion cells per degree of visual angle. There are no simple relationships to receptor spatial frequencies. These findings suggest that neuro-retinal acuity is determined principally by the spatial frequency of neural output channels.", "contents": "A simple relationship between the probability distribution of visual acuity and the density of retinal output channels. Throughout the retina, the parameters of the probability distribution of visual acuity for monochromatic interference fringes are closely proportional to the number of retinal ganglion cells per degree of visual angle. There are no simple relationships to receptor spatial frequencies. These findings suggest that neuro-retinal acuity is determined principally by the spatial frequency of neural output channels.", "PMID": 989239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3071", "title": "The cyclopentolate provocative test in suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. I. Effect on intraocular pressure.", "content": "The mydriasis provocative test with 1% cyclopentolate (CPT) was performed on 218 patients with suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma, on 431 eyes in all. Gonioscopy was performed before and during the test to ensure that te chamber angles were open throughout. The effect of cyclopentolate on intraocular pressure (10P) in these eyes is reported in the present paper. The mean change in IOP (+/-SD) During CPT was +2.5 +/- 3.1 mmHg in the glaucoma group (196 eyes), +0.4 +/- 2.5 mmHg in the group with suspicion of open-angle glaucoma (235 eyes), and +1.4 +/- 2.9 mmHg in the total series. The difference in IOP change between the groups with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma is statistically highly significant. The incidence of positive responses (IOP rise larger than or equal to 8 mmHg) in the glaucoma group (8.7%: 17 eyes) was significantly higher than in the suspicion group (1.7%: 4 eyes). Significant IOP elevations in the total series were demonstrated in 21 eyes of 18 patients (4.9%). Including the borderline cases, IOP elevations larger than or equal to 5 mmHg were also significantly more frequent in eyes with glaucoma (24.0%: 47 eyes) than in eyes with suspected glaucoma (11.9%: 28 eyes). The occurrence and magnitude of positive responses were not dependent on the initial IOP level. Further analysis of the responder group and clinical studies of the mechanism of IOP elevation on the same patients are presented in parts II and III.", "contents": "The cyclopentolate provocative test in suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. I. Effect on intraocular pressure. The mydriasis provocative test with 1% cyclopentolate (CPT) was performed on 218 patients with suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma, on 431 eyes in all. Gonioscopy was performed before and during the test to ensure that te chamber angles were open throughout. The effect of cyclopentolate on intraocular pressure (10P) in these eyes is reported in the present paper. The mean change in IOP (+/-SD) During CPT was +2.5 +/- 3.1 mmHg in the glaucoma group (196 eyes), +0.4 +/- 2.5 mmHg in the group with suspicion of open-angle glaucoma (235 eyes), and +1.4 +/- 2.9 mmHg in the total series. The difference in IOP change between the groups with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma is statistically highly significant. The incidence of positive responses (IOP rise larger than or equal to 8 mmHg) in the glaucoma group (8.7%: 17 eyes) was significantly higher than in the suspicion group (1.7%: 4 eyes). Significant IOP elevations in the total series were demonstrated in 21 eyes of 18 patients (4.9%). Including the borderline cases, IOP elevations larger than or equal to 5 mmHg were also significantly more frequent in eyes with glaucoma (24.0%: 47 eyes) than in eyes with suspected glaucoma (11.9%: 28 eyes). The occurrence and magnitude of positive responses were not dependent on the initial IOP level. Further analysis of the responder group and clinical studies of the mechanism of IOP elevation on the same patients are presented in parts II and III.", "PMID": 989240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3072", "title": "The cyclopentolate provocative test in suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. II. Clinical studies on the mechanism of intraocular pressure elevations.", "content": "The mydriasis provocative test with 1% cyclopentolate (CPT) was performed on 218 patients with suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma, on 431 eyes in all. Significant IOP elevations (larger than or equal to 8 mmHg) were demonstrated in 21 eyes of 18 patients. The present paper analyses the responder group and presents some other investigation results and clinical findings to throw additional light on the mechanism of IOP elevation in responders. The responders did not differ from the other patients of the material in age or sex. Patients with capsular glaucoma constituted the biggest group among the responders. 48% of the significant IOP elevations during CPT were encountered in eyes with pseudoexfoliation (PE) and open-angle glaucoma. A positive response during CPT was statistically significantly more common in PE eyes than in eyes without PE. Capsular glaucoma was diagnosed immediately or later in all PE eyes which displayed a larger than or equal to 5 mmHg IOP elevation during the CPT. In addition to the importance of pigment in PE eyes, PE material may play a certain role in the elevation of IOP . The mechanism of this role is not known. No correlation was established between the results of the water drinking test and the CPT. The mechanism that causes the elevation of IOP must be quite different in these two tests. Nor was a statistically significant difference observed in the incidence of cataract, the maximal variation of IOP in the 48-h tension curve, the occurrence of cupping of the optic disc or visual field defects between the responder and non-responder eyes in the glaucomatous group.", "contents": "The cyclopentolate provocative test in suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. II. Clinical studies on the mechanism of intraocular pressure elevations. The mydriasis provocative test with 1% cyclopentolate (CPT) was performed on 218 patients with suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma, on 431 eyes in all. Significant IOP elevations (larger than or equal to 8 mmHg) were demonstrated in 21 eyes of 18 patients. The present paper analyses the responder group and presents some other investigation results and clinical findings to throw additional light on the mechanism of IOP elevation in responders. The responders did not differ from the other patients of the material in age or sex. Patients with capsular glaucoma constituted the biggest group among the responders. 48% of the significant IOP elevations during CPT were encountered in eyes with pseudoexfoliation (PE) and open-angle glaucoma. A positive response during CPT was statistically significantly more common in PE eyes than in eyes without PE. Capsular glaucoma was diagnosed immediately or later in all PE eyes which displayed a larger than or equal to 5 mmHg IOP elevation during the CPT. In addition to the importance of pigment in PE eyes, PE material may play a certain role in the elevation of IOP . The mechanism of this role is not known. No correlation was established between the results of the water drinking test and the CPT. The mechanism that causes the elevation of IOP must be quite different in these two tests. Nor was a statistically significant difference observed in the incidence of cataract, the maximal variation of IOP in the 48-h tension curve, the occurrence of cupping of the optic disc or visual field defects between the responder and non-responder eyes in the glaucomatous group.", "PMID": 989241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3073", "title": "Episcleral venous pressure and flow dynamics.", "content": "Episcleral venous pressure was measured by means of an air jet at different levels of occlusion of the measured vessel. This was repeated at different points in one branching venous plexus system. The results indicate that the most reliable estimate of the pressure is obtained at the pressure level at which the blood column becomes somewhat paler. Occlusion of the vessel causes a rise in venous pressure which may be considerable, especially in large veins.", "contents": "Episcleral venous pressure and flow dynamics. Episcleral venous pressure was measured by means of an air jet at different levels of occlusion of the measured vessel. This was repeated at different points in one branching venous plexus system. The results indicate that the most reliable estimate of the pressure is obtained at the pressure level at which the blood column becomes somewhat paler. Occlusion of the vessel causes a rise in venous pressure which may be considerable, especially in large veins.", "PMID": 989242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3074", "title": "Readaptation time after photo stress. Readaptation time as a function of oxygen concentration.", "content": "Optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) is used to study the eye's ReAdaptation Time (RAT) after a brief exposure to a light flash. The effects on RAT of breathing different concentrations of O2 are examined. Significant changes in RAT have been registered, showing that inhalation of 100% O2 as compared with room air, results in a shortened RAT (i.e. improvement), while inhalation of 9% O2 leads to an increased RAT (i.e. impairment). The physiology of RAT and the possible mechanisms behind the changes caused by different O2 concentrations are discussed. The findings of this group are compared with those of other studies.", "contents": "Readaptation time after photo stress. Readaptation time as a function of oxygen concentration. Optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) is used to study the eye's ReAdaptation Time (RAT) after a brief exposure to a light flash. The effects on RAT of breathing different concentrations of O2 are examined. Significant changes in RAT have been registered, showing that inhalation of 100% O2 as compared with room air, results in a shortened RAT (i.e. improvement), while inhalation of 9% O2 leads to an increased RAT (i.e. impairment). The physiology of RAT and the possible mechanisms behind the changes caused by different O2 concentrations are discussed. The findings of this group are compared with those of other studies.", "PMID": 989243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3075", "title": "Intrathecal prednisolone therapy in postoperative arachnoiditis following operation of herniated disc.", "content": "Fourteen patients with severe, chronic sciatica operated on repeatedly but without lasting success were treated by two intrathecal injections of methyl prednisolone (40 mg and 80 mg) at an interval of a few days. Significant improvement was obtained with regard to pain in many cases, but as there was no control series it is difficult to assess the results.", "contents": "Intrathecal prednisolone therapy in postoperative arachnoiditis following operation of herniated disc. Fourteen patients with severe, chronic sciatica operated on repeatedly but without lasting success were treated by two intrathecal injections of methyl prednisolone (40 mg and 80 mg) at an interval of a few days. Significant improvement was obtained with regard to pain in many cases, but as there was no control series it is difficult to assess the results.", "PMID": 989244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3076", "title": "Intrathecal pharmacotherapy in coma.", "content": "A study was made of intrathecal infusion as a route for administration of drugs for the CNS. We recognize the presence of blood brain and CSF brain barriers. CDP-choline was used as the brain activator, and the effect of the intrathecally infused drug was investigated clinically. Fifteen patients with disturbances of consciousness due to primary cerebral lesions received a total of 39 intrathecal infusions of CDP-choline, and were examined neurologically and electroencephalographically before and after treatment.", "contents": "Intrathecal pharmacotherapy in coma. A study was made of intrathecal infusion as a route for administration of drugs for the CNS. We recognize the presence of blood brain and CSF brain barriers. CDP-choline was used as the brain activator, and the effect of the intrathecally infused drug was investigated clinically. Fifteen patients with disturbances of consciousness due to primary cerebral lesions received a total of 39 intrathecal infusions of CDP-choline, and were examined neurologically and electroencephalographically before and after treatment.", "PMID": 989256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3077", "title": "A few tips in treating venereal disease.", "content": "Venereal disease is a subject which has been exhaustively covered in the literature. Unfortunately, there are practical problems of diagnosis and treatment which are still not well described.", "contents": "A few tips in treating venereal disease. Venereal disease is a subject which has been exhaustively covered in the literature. Unfortunately, there are practical problems of diagnosis and treatment which are still not well described.", "PMID": 989257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3078", "title": "Prosthetic valve endocarditis: clinicopathologic analysis of 22 necropsy patients with comparison observations in 74 necropsy patients with active infective endocarditis involving natural left-sided cardiac valves.", "content": "Clinical and morphologic features are described in 22 necropsy patients with endocarditis involving rigid-framed prosthetic valves: aortic in 15 patients and mitral in 7. The interval from valve replacement to onset of symptoms of prosthetic valve endocarditis was less than 2 months in 8 patients and longer than 2 months in 14 patients. The most frequent infecting organism was the Staphylococcus (13 patients). In each of the 22 patients the infection was located behind the site of attachment of the prosthesis to the valve ring, and the infection spread to adjacent structures in 13 patients, 11 of whom had aortic prostheses. Prosthetic detachment causing severe regurgitation occurred in 12 of the 15 patients with an infected aortic valve prosthesis, and in 2 of the 7 with an infected mitral valve prosthesis. Prosthetic obstruction by vegetative material occurred in 5 of 7 patients with prosthetic mitral infection and in only 1 of 15 with prosthetic aortic infection. High degrees of conduction defects developed in seven patients with aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis: complete heart block in five, and complete left bundle branch block in two. Comparison of observations in the 22 patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis with those in 74 patients with active infective endocarditis involving natural left-sided cardiac valves revealed significant (P less than 0.05) differences in the percent with ring abscess, hemodynamic consequences of the endocarditis (valve stenosis), frequency of Staphylococcus as the causative organism and percent with complete heart block or left bundle branch block. No significant differences were observed between the two groups when comparing age, sex, type of underlying valve disease or frequency of organ infarcts of splenomegaly.", "contents": "Prosthetic valve endocarditis: clinicopathologic analysis of 22 necropsy patients with comparison observations in 74 necropsy patients with active infective endocarditis involving natural left-sided cardiac valves. Clinical and morphologic features are described in 22 necropsy patients with endocarditis involving rigid-framed prosthetic valves: aortic in 15 patients and mitral in 7. The interval from valve replacement to onset of symptoms of prosthetic valve endocarditis was less than 2 months in 8 patients and longer than 2 months in 14 patients. The most frequent infecting organism was the Staphylococcus (13 patients). In each of the 22 patients the infection was located behind the site of attachment of the prosthesis to the valve ring, and the infection spread to adjacent structures in 13 patients, 11 of whom had aortic prostheses. Prosthetic detachment causing severe regurgitation occurred in 12 of the 15 patients with an infected aortic valve prosthesis, and in 2 of the 7 with an infected mitral valve prosthesis. Prosthetic obstruction by vegetative material occurred in 5 of 7 patients with prosthetic mitral infection and in only 1 of 15 with prosthetic aortic infection. High degrees of conduction defects developed in seven patients with aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis: complete heart block in five, and complete left bundle branch block in two. Comparison of observations in the 22 patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis with those in 74 patients with active infective endocarditis involving natural left-sided cardiac valves revealed significant (P less than 0.05) differences in the percent with ring abscess, hemodynamic consequences of the endocarditis (valve stenosis), frequency of Staphylococcus as the causative organism and percent with complete heart block or left bundle branch block. No significant differences were observed between the two groups when comparing age, sex, type of underlying valve disease or frequency of organ infarcts of splenomegaly.", "PMID": 989258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3079", "title": "Cutaneous microabscess formation from Alernaria alternata.", "content": "A 69-year-old farmer with acute lymphocytic lymphoma developed multiple ulcerated hemorrhagic cutaneous lesions. Alternaria alternata was cultured from the lesions and hyphae were seen in biopsies of the lesions. The potential role of Alternaria as a human pathogen is discussed.", "contents": "Cutaneous microabscess formation from Alernaria alternata. A 69-year-old farmer with acute lymphocytic lymphoma developed multiple ulcerated hemorrhagic cutaneous lesions. Alternaria alternata was cultured from the lesions and hyphae were seen in biopsies of the lesions. The potential role of Alternaria as a human pathogen is discussed.", "PMID": 989259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3080", "title": "Antibody against the hepatitis type B core antigen. A new tool for epidemiologic studies.", "content": "Four random samples representing populations at low (volunteer blood donors), intermediate, (VD clinic patients), high (family contacts of chronic antigen carriers) and very high (male homosexuals) risk of exposure to HBV were surveyed. Among HBsAg and anti-HBs negative individuals an average of 3.3% were found to be anti-HBc positive, and among those with anti-HBs, 19.4% were anti-HBc positive. Anti-HBc, with concurrent anti-HBs and without, was detected more frequently in the high risk samples than in the low risk. Individuals was a past history of acute viral hepatitis were more frequently anti-HBc positive than those without such a history, and anti-HBc positivity was frequently accompanied by serum transaminase elevation. Anti-HBc may persist for many years after an episode of acute hepatitis. In households of carriers, the highest frequency of anti-HBc was observed among spouses, which would argue for the possibility of sexual transmission. A significant excess of females with both types of antibody was observed in families of carriers. Anti-HBc determinations in conjunction with other HBV markers, provide a useful new tool for epidemiologic studies.", "contents": "Antibody against the hepatitis type B core antigen. A new tool for epidemiologic studies. Four random samples representing populations at low (volunteer blood donors), intermediate, (VD clinic patients), high (family contacts of chronic antigen carriers) and very high (male homosexuals) risk of exposure to HBV were surveyed. Among HBsAg and anti-HBs negative individuals an average of 3.3% were found to be anti-HBc positive, and among those with anti-HBs, 19.4% were anti-HBc positive. Anti-HBc, with concurrent anti-HBs and without, was detected more frequently in the high risk samples than in the low risk. Individuals was a past history of acute viral hepatitis were more frequently anti-HBc positive than those without such a history, and anti-HBc positivity was frequently accompanied by serum transaminase elevation. Anti-HBc may persist for many years after an episode of acute hepatitis. In households of carriers, the highest frequency of anti-HBc was observed among spouses, which would argue for the possibility of sexual transmission. A significant excess of females with both types of antibody was observed in families of carriers. Anti-HBc determinations in conjunction with other HBV markers, provide a useful new tool for epidemiologic studies.", "PMID": 989260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3081", "title": "Aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva. Clinical considerations and surgical treatment of five patients.", "content": "Five patients underwent operative repair of an aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva. Four of the aneurysms were considered as congenital and one as mycotic. There were four males and one female. One patient with VSD and characteristics of Marfan's syndrome die on the first postoperative day of a recurrence of fistulae. The follow-up time is over one year for all but one of the surviving patients. There are no late deaths, and all patients are doing well. Aneurysms and fistulae of the sinus of Valsalva, which are perhaps not as rare as was previously thought, present a challenging surgical problem. Ruptured aneurysms and fistulae, even if asymptomatic, should be treated operatively, preferably by a transaortic approach.", "contents": "Aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva. Clinical considerations and surgical treatment of five patients. Five patients underwent operative repair of an aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva. Four of the aneurysms were considered as congenital and one as mycotic. There were four males and one female. One patient with VSD and characteristics of Marfan's syndrome die on the first postoperative day of a recurrence of fistulae. The follow-up time is over one year for all but one of the surviving patients. There are no late deaths, and all patients are doing well. Aneurysms and fistulae of the sinus of Valsalva, which are perhaps not as rare as was previously thought, present a challenging surgical problem. Ruptured aneurysms and fistulae, even if asymptomatic, should be treated operatively, preferably by a transaortic approach.", "PMID": 989262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3082", "title": "Failure of hypothermia as treatment for asphyxiated newborn rabbits.", "content": "Cooling is known to prolong survival in newborn animals when used before the onset of asphyxia. It has therefore been advocated as a treatment for birth asphyxia in humans. Since it is not possible to cool a human baby before the onset of birth asphyxia, experiments were designed to test the effect of cooling after asphyxia had already started. Newborn rabbits were asphyxiated in 100% nitrogen and were cooled either quickly (drop of 1 degree C in 45 s) or slowly (drop of 1 degree C in 2 min) at varying intervals after asphyxia had started. When compared with controls, there was an increase in survival only when fast cooling was used early in asphyxia. This fast rate of cooling is impossible to obtain in a human baby weighing from 30 to 60 times more than a newborn rabbit. Further litters of rabbits were asphyxiated in utero. After deliver they were placed in environmental temperatures of either 37 degrees C, 20 degrees C, or 0 degrees C and observed for spontaneous recovery. The animals who were cooled survived less often than those kept at 37 degrees C. The results of these experiments suggest that hypothermia has little to offer in the treatment of birth asphyxia in humans.", "contents": "Failure of hypothermia as treatment for asphyxiated newborn rabbits. Cooling is known to prolong survival in newborn animals when used before the onset of asphyxia. It has therefore been advocated as a treatment for birth asphyxia in humans. Since it is not possible to cool a human baby before the onset of birth asphyxia, experiments were designed to test the effect of cooling after asphyxia had already started. Newborn rabbits were asphyxiated in 100% nitrogen and were cooled either quickly (drop of 1 degree C in 45 s) or slowly (drop of 1 degree C in 2 min) at varying intervals after asphyxia had started. When compared with controls, there was an increase in survival only when fast cooling was used early in asphyxia. This fast rate of cooling is impossible to obtain in a human baby weighing from 30 to 60 times more than a newborn rabbit. Further litters of rabbits were asphyxiated in utero. After deliver they were placed in environmental temperatures of either 37 degrees C, 20 degrees C, or 0 degrees C and observed for spontaneous recovery. The animals who were cooled survived less often than those kept at 37 degrees C. The results of these experiments suggest that hypothermia has little to offer in the treatment of birth asphyxia in humans.", "PMID": 989263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3083", "title": "[On the circadian changes of concentration of free amino acids in pregnancy (author's transl)].", "content": "Concentrations of 17 free amino acids were measured in the serum of 15 healthy pregnant women at the end of pregnancy in intervals of 4--5 h. A circadian rhythm with its concentration peak at 5 p.m. could be observed for Ser, Val, Met, Ile, Leu, His, Lys and Arg. Exogenic and endogenic synchronizators are being discussed as possible causes for these fluctuations during the day. The rhythm of the free amino acids makes it necessary that only fasting blood is examined and that the time of day is always registered when the blood specimen is taken.", "contents": "[On the circadian changes of concentration of free amino acids in pregnancy (author's transl)]. Concentrations of 17 free amino acids were measured in the serum of 15 healthy pregnant women at the end of pregnancy in intervals of 4--5 h. A circadian rhythm with its concentration peak at 5 p.m. could be observed for Ser, Val, Met, Ile, Leu, His, Lys and Arg. Exogenic and endogenic synchronizators are being discussed as possible causes for these fluctuations during the day. The rhythm of the free amino acids makes it necessary that only fasting blood is examined and that the time of day is always registered when the blood specimen is taken.", "PMID": 989264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3084", "title": "Experimental studies on the positive feedback effect of progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone on the pituitary release of LH and FSH in the human female. The estrogen priming of the progesterone feedback on pituitary gonadotropins in the eugonadal woman.", "content": "Administration of progesterone eugonadal women during the midfollicular phase of the menstrual cycle failed to induce a positive feedback effect on the serum concentrations of LH and FSH. The levels of estradiol in serum decreased following the injection of progesterone without a parallel change in LH and FSH concentrations indicating a direct ovarian effect of the exogenous progesterone. In the late follicular phase of the cycle, when preovulatory levels of estradiol were present in serum, or under a ethinyl estradiol treatment progesterone was able to induce an LH discharge indicating the requirement of an estradiol priming of the positive feedback of progesterone in eugonadal women. In order to establish the time required for a sufficient estrogen priming with preovulatory levels of estradiol in serum 3 mg of estradiol-benzoate were administered i.m. 1, 12 and 24 h prior to the administration of 30 mg of microcristalline progesterone in the midfollicular phase of the menstrual cycle, when progesterone alone did not cause an LH surge. Only when estradiol-benzoate was injected 24 h prior to the progesterone administration an LH surge reproducible in time course and magnitude occurred. Administration of estradiol-benzoate alone under these conditions did not cause an LH surge within the elapse of time after the injection when the progesterone induced LH surge occurred. Thus, these experiments demonstrate that a defined estrogen priming is required for the positive feedback effect of progesterone on the gonadotropin release in eugonadal women. Furthermore, progesterone levels in serum of about only 1--2 ng/ml were required for the induction of an LH surge indicating that under physiological conditions progesterone may have an supplementory effect on the primarily estradiol induced LH midcycle peak. 17-hydroxyprogesterone administered during the mid follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and under pretreatment with ethinyl estradiol failed to induce a positive feedback effect on the serum concentrations of LH and FSH, indicating that this steroid does not play a regulatory role on the midcycle LH release in women. 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone administered under the same experimental conditions as 17-hydroxyprogesterone seems to be able to induce an LH surge in serum provided there is an adequate estrogen priming.", "contents": "Experimental studies on the positive feedback effect of progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone on the pituitary release of LH and FSH in the human female. The estrogen priming of the progesterone feedback on pituitary gonadotropins in the eugonadal woman. Administration of progesterone eugonadal women during the midfollicular phase of the menstrual cycle failed to induce a positive feedback effect on the serum concentrations of LH and FSH. The levels of estradiol in serum decreased following the injection of progesterone without a parallel change in LH and FSH concentrations indicating a direct ovarian effect of the exogenous progesterone. In the late follicular phase of the cycle, when preovulatory levels of estradiol were present in serum, or under a ethinyl estradiol treatment progesterone was able to induce an LH discharge indicating the requirement of an estradiol priming of the positive feedback of progesterone in eugonadal women. In order to establish the time required for a sufficient estrogen priming with preovulatory levels of estradiol in serum 3 mg of estradiol-benzoate were administered i.m. 1, 12 and 24 h prior to the administration of 30 mg of microcristalline progesterone in the midfollicular phase of the menstrual cycle, when progesterone alone did not cause an LH surge. Only when estradiol-benzoate was injected 24 h prior to the progesterone administration an LH surge reproducible in time course and magnitude occurred. Administration of estradiol-benzoate alone under these conditions did not cause an LH surge within the elapse of time after the injection when the progesterone induced LH surge occurred. Thus, these experiments demonstrate that a defined estrogen priming is required for the positive feedback effect of progesterone on the gonadotropin release in eugonadal women. Furthermore, progesterone levels in serum of about only 1--2 ng/ml were required for the induction of an LH surge indicating that under physiological conditions progesterone may have an supplementory effect on the primarily estradiol induced LH midcycle peak. 17-hydroxyprogesterone administered during the mid follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and under pretreatment with ethinyl estradiol failed to induce a positive feedback effect on the serum concentrations of LH and FSH, indicating that this steroid does not play a regulatory role on the midcycle LH release in women. 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone administered under the same experimental conditions as 17-hydroxyprogesterone seems to be able to induce an LH surge in serum provided there is an adequate estrogen priming.", "PMID": 989265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3085", "title": "Leiomyoma of the Fallopian tube. A case report and review of the literature.", "content": "A relatively rare benign tumor of the fallopian tube is presented, i.e. an intramural leiomyoma, which was incidentally found during histologic examination of the tubal isthmus excised for sterilization. The literature is briefly reviewed.", "contents": "Leiomyoma of the Fallopian tube. A case report and review of the literature. A relatively rare benign tumor of the fallopian tube is presented, i.e. an intramural leiomyoma, which was incidentally found during histologic examination of the tubal isthmus excised for sterilization. The literature is briefly reviewed.", "PMID": 989266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3086", "title": "Low molecular weight peptides with anti-thrombin and anti-urokinase activity isolated from human maternal and cord blood serum and amniotic fluid.", "content": "Peptides with antithrombin and anti-urokinase activity were isolated from maternal and cord blood serum and amniotic fluid from pregnant women at term. Chromatography data, fingerprinting and activity of peptide inhibitors revealed active peptides, which were similar to those recently isolated from human placenta. They are distinctly different from protein inhibitors previously isolated from human placenta.", "contents": "Low molecular weight peptides with anti-thrombin and anti-urokinase activity isolated from human maternal and cord blood serum and amniotic fluid. Peptides with antithrombin and anti-urokinase activity were isolated from maternal and cord blood serum and amniotic fluid from pregnant women at term. Chromatography data, fingerprinting and activity of peptide inhibitors revealed active peptides, which were similar to those recently isolated from human placenta. They are distinctly different from protein inhibitors previously isolated from human placenta.", "PMID": 989267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3087", "title": "The re-epithelization of endometrium after menstrual desquamation.", "content": "Human uteri were removed by vaginal hysterectomy on the first, second and sixth day of the menstrual cycle. Washing, pinning, fixation in glutaraldehyde 2.5%, dehydration in ascending concentration of ethanol, critical point drying with carbon dioxide, sputter coating with gold. The re-epithelization of the endometrium starts immediatley after the onset of menstrual bleeding due to desquamation of the premenstrual endometrium. The remaining stumps of endometrial glands after the endometrial break-down, proliferate rapidly, forming marginal collars. Up to the sixth day the proliferative process has produced a continuous layer of fusiform cuboideal epithelial cells, which cover the entire endometrial surface of the uterine cavity. The dynamics of epithelial growth can be \"seen\" in following three subsequent stages of the process and in analyzing the arrangement of the cells around the openings of the endometrial glands. Accordingly ciliogenesis occurs in some surface endometrial cells. The paper gives an inconographic survey of the early proliferative phase, illustrating changes from glandular epithelium to the lining epithelial layer and ciliogenesis in the latter. The new formation of ciliae in endometrial epithelial cells is an unique phenomenon, being influenced by the cyclic endocrine regulation of the endometrial function in human reproduction.", "contents": "The re-epithelization of endometrium after menstrual desquamation. Human uteri were removed by vaginal hysterectomy on the first, second and sixth day of the menstrual cycle. Washing, pinning, fixation in glutaraldehyde 2.5%, dehydration in ascending concentration of ethanol, critical point drying with carbon dioxide, sputter coating with gold. The re-epithelization of the endometrium starts immediatley after the onset of menstrual bleeding due to desquamation of the premenstrual endometrium. The remaining stumps of endometrial glands after the endometrial break-down, proliferate rapidly, forming marginal collars. Up to the sixth day the proliferative process has produced a continuous layer of fusiform cuboideal epithelial cells, which cover the entire endometrial surface of the uterine cavity. The dynamics of epithelial growth can be \"seen\" in following three subsequent stages of the process and in analyzing the arrangement of the cells around the openings of the endometrial glands. Accordingly ciliogenesis occurs in some surface endometrial cells. The paper gives an inconographic survey of the early proliferative phase, illustrating changes from glandular epithelium to the lining epithelial layer and ciliogenesis in the latter. The new formation of ciliae in endometrial epithelial cells is an unique phenomenon, being influenced by the cyclic endocrine regulation of the endometrial function in human reproduction.", "PMID": 989268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3088", "title": "[Effect of oral contraceptives on plasma insulin and blood glucose levels after long term use (author's transl)].", "content": "Blood glucose and plasma insulin were measured during an intravenous glucose tolerance test (0.33 g/kg body weight) performed on 75 subjects. Various types of oral contraceptives were taken for an average period of 6.5 yrs. The cases were divided into several groups in order to examine the effect of combination-type drugs (group A; n= 40) and sequential-type drugs (group B; n = 23) separately. A third group had used both types of drugs (group C; n = 13). Fifteen women who have never taken hormone drugs served as control group. It was found that plasma insulin levels, blood glucose and k-values were not significantly elevated in the drug treated groups. The duration of treatment does not seem to have an effect on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion. In this study the patient's age is the most important associated data, and not overweight, family history of diabetes or past obstetric history. No statistical change in insulin levels, reaction areas of glucose and insulin after IVGTT was seen in any drug treated group.", "contents": "[Effect of oral contraceptives on plasma insulin and blood glucose levels after long term use (author's transl)]. Blood glucose and plasma insulin were measured during an intravenous glucose tolerance test (0.33 g/kg body weight) performed on 75 subjects. Various types of oral contraceptives were taken for an average period of 6.5 yrs. The cases were divided into several groups in order to examine the effect of combination-type drugs (group A; n= 40) and sequential-type drugs (group B; n = 23) separately. A third group had used both types of drugs (group C; n = 13). Fifteen women who have never taken hormone drugs served as control group. It was found that plasma insulin levels, blood glucose and k-values were not significantly elevated in the drug treated groups. The duration of treatment does not seem to have an effect on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion. In this study the patient's age is the most important associated data, and not overweight, family history of diabetes or past obstetric history. No statistical change in insulin levels, reaction areas of glucose and insulin after IVGTT was seen in any drug treated group.", "PMID": 989269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3089", "title": "Altered carbohydrate metabolism in breast cancer and benign breast affections.", "content": "Breast diseases in 792 women were studied by biopsy and histological evaluation. In all subjects glucose tolerance was examined by OGTT (100 g glucose). The diabetes frequency of 22% in 326 women with breast cancer was compared with the frequency in women with fibroadenoma (n = 101), papilloma (n = 80), fibrocystic disease (n = 107), lipoma, granuloma, fibrosis (n = 88), papilloma with proliferation (n = 32), mastopathy with proliferation (n = 33) and carcinoma in situ lobulare (n = 11). The statistical evaluation was done with an electronic data processing system. We used matched pairs according to age, height and weight. Diabetogenic factors like age and overweight were thus allowed for. These comparative statistics showed a frequency of diabetes twice or three times higher in women with breast cancer. This result cannot be regarded as a consequence of age, overweight and menopause. In groups with fibroadenoma, fibrocystic disease and lipoma, we found glucose tolerance in 1-3%, whereas the group with proliferation (including carcinoma in situ) showed an incidence of 7%. The remarkably high incidence rate of 14% in women with papilloma can be explained by the higher age and the more frequent obesity in this collective.", "contents": "Altered carbohydrate metabolism in breast cancer and benign breast affections. Breast diseases in 792 women were studied by biopsy and histological evaluation. In all subjects glucose tolerance was examined by OGTT (100 g glucose). The diabetes frequency of 22% in 326 women with breast cancer was compared with the frequency in women with fibroadenoma (n = 101), papilloma (n = 80), fibrocystic disease (n = 107), lipoma, granuloma, fibrosis (n = 88), papilloma with proliferation (n = 32), mastopathy with proliferation (n = 33) and carcinoma in situ lobulare (n = 11). The statistical evaluation was done with an electronic data processing system. We used matched pairs according to age, height and weight. Diabetogenic factors like age and overweight were thus allowed for. These comparative statistics showed a frequency of diabetes twice or three times higher in women with breast cancer. This result cannot be regarded as a consequence of age, overweight and menopause. In groups with fibroadenoma, fibrocystic disease and lipoma, we found glucose tolerance in 1-3%, whereas the group with proliferation (including carcinoma in situ) showed an incidence of 7%. The remarkably high incidence rate of 14% in women with papilloma can be explained by the higher age and the more frequent obesity in this collective.", "PMID": 989270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3090", "title": "Early experimental myocardial infarction. Evaluation of histologic criteria and comparison with biochemical and electrocardiographic measurements.", "content": "Light microscopical criteria of early experimental myocardial infarction were compared with biochemical changes in glycogen content and the tissue K+/Na+ ratio in 19 mongrel dogs. Five sham-operated dogs served as controls, and seven of the 14 dogs with experimentally induced infarcts received infusions of glucose, insulin, and potassium (GIK). Infarcts were diagnosed by a scoring system based on edema formation, congestion, waviness of myofibers, myofibrillar degeneration, polymorphonucleosis, glycogen depletion, and fuchsinorrhagia. Significant histologic scores were associated with tissue K+/Na+ ratios of less than 1.2, with 30% depletion of biochemical glycogen, and with epicardial ST-segment elevation. Progression of the infarction zone to involve the surrounding border zone was prevented by GIK infusions. Routine light microscopy used in conjunction with tissue K+/Na+ ratios enabled early infarction to be diagnosed with a high degree of accuracy.", "contents": "Early experimental myocardial infarction. Evaluation of histologic criteria and comparison with biochemical and electrocardiographic measurements. Light microscopical criteria of early experimental myocardial infarction were compared with biochemical changes in glycogen content and the tissue K+/Na+ ratio in 19 mongrel dogs. Five sham-operated dogs served as controls, and seven of the 14 dogs with experimentally induced infarcts received infusions of glucose, insulin, and potassium (GIK). Infarcts were diagnosed by a scoring system based on edema formation, congestion, waviness of myofibers, myofibrillar degeneration, polymorphonucleosis, glycogen depletion, and fuchsinorrhagia. Significant histologic scores were associated with tissue K+/Na+ ratios of less than 1.2, with 30% depletion of biochemical glycogen, and with epicardial ST-segment elevation. Progression of the infarction zone to involve the surrounding border zone was prevented by GIK infusions. Routine light microscopy used in conjunction with tissue K+/Na+ ratios enabled early infarction to be diagnosed with a high degree of accuracy.", "PMID": 989271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3091", "title": "Experimentally produced hypertension and aortic acid esterase.", "content": "The effect of hypertension, which is known to enhance atherosclerosis, on acid esterase activity of rat aortic wall was studied histochemically. The purpose was to test our notion that atherogenesis depends on the balance between supply of lipids to the arterial smooth muscle cells and the lysosomal esterase activities. Hypertension was produced in rats by unilateral nephrectomy and administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate and sodium chloride. The animals reacted with varying degrees of hypertension. In rats with hypertension of a sufficiently high degree and of long duration, inhibition of aortic acid esterase activities occurred. No inhibition of these enzymes occurred in the other organs examined.", "contents": "Experimentally produced hypertension and aortic acid esterase. The effect of hypertension, which is known to enhance atherosclerosis, on acid esterase activity of rat aortic wall was studied histochemically. The purpose was to test our notion that atherogenesis depends on the balance between supply of lipids to the arterial smooth muscle cells and the lysosomal esterase activities. Hypertension was produced in rats by unilateral nephrectomy and administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate and sodium chloride. The animals reacted with varying degrees of hypertension. In rats with hypertension of a sufficiently high degree and of long duration, inhibition of aortic acid esterase activities occurred. No inhibition of these enzymes occurred in the other organs examined.", "PMID": 989272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3092", "title": "Vascular alterations in delayed radiation necrosis of the brain. An electron microscopical study.", "content": "A 51-year-old woman who had been given cobalt therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma was seen three years later with a mass in the left frontotemporal region of the brain. Biopsy specimen of the lesion showed the classic features of delayed radiation necrosis on light microscopy. In addition, several blood vessels showed endothelial cell proliferation. Transmission electron microscopical study demonstrated numerous alterations of the endothelial cell, such as intraluminal infoldings of the plasma membrane, an increased amount of cytoplasmic organelles, and the frequent occurrence of tubular bodies in addition to degenerative and reactive changes in the neuropil.", "contents": "Vascular alterations in delayed radiation necrosis of the brain. An electron microscopical study. A 51-year-old woman who had been given cobalt therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma was seen three years later with a mass in the left frontotemporal region of the brain. Biopsy specimen of the lesion showed the classic features of delayed radiation necrosis on light microscopy. In addition, several blood vessels showed endothelial cell proliferation. Transmission electron microscopical study demonstrated numerous alterations of the endothelial cell, such as intraluminal infoldings of the plasma membrane, an increased amount of cytoplasmic organelles, and the frequent occurrence of tubular bodies in addition to degenerative and reactive changes in the neuropil.", "PMID": 989273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3093", "title": "A diffuse form of pulmonary silicosis in foundry workers.", "content": "Pulmonary silicosis usually is characterized by typical hyalinized, concentric nodules as seen under the microscope and in the corresponding roentgenogram. In the case of three foundry workers, lung biopsy specimens contained no nodules. The chest roentgenograms were not suggestive of silicosis. Examination of the biopsy tissue by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA) revealed significant (P less than .05) amounts of silicon in the thickened fibrous tissues of septa, pleura, and around blood vessels, enough to permit the diagnosis of silicosis. All three patients had severe functional impairment. It is not clear at this time what factors were responsible for a diffuse distribution of silicon in these cases.", "contents": "A diffuse form of pulmonary silicosis in foundry workers. Pulmonary silicosis usually is characterized by typical hyalinized, concentric nodules as seen under the microscope and in the corresponding roentgenogram. In the case of three foundry workers, lung biopsy specimens contained no nodules. The chest roentgenograms were not suggestive of silicosis. Examination of the biopsy tissue by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA) revealed significant (P less than .05) amounts of silicon in the thickened fibrous tissues of septa, pleura, and around blood vessels, enough to permit the diagnosis of silicosis. All three patients had severe functional impairment. It is not clear at this time what factors were responsible for a diffuse distribution of silicon in these cases.", "PMID": 989274} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3094", "title": "Secular trends in prevalence and concentration of pulmonary asbestos bodies--1940 to 1972. A necropsy study.", "content": "This study was designed to inquire into changes in the prevalence and concentration of asbestos bodies in the lungs of the necropsy population in Sinai Hospital of Baltimore during a 33-year period, 1940 to 1972. A tissue digestion technique was used to extract and quantitate asbestos bodies not only in fresh samples of pulmonary tissue but also in older fixed and blocked samples. A significant increase in the proportion of lungs containing asbestos bodies was found in the later years, as well as an increase in the concentration of asbestos bodies in lungs of the older age groups. Currently, 91.1%of this necropsy population in Baltimore harbor asbestos bodies in their lungs. The biologic importance of this increase is uncertain and speculative.", "contents": "Secular trends in prevalence and concentration of pulmonary asbestos bodies--1940 to 1972. A necropsy study. This study was designed to inquire into changes in the prevalence and concentration of asbestos bodies in the lungs of the necropsy population in Sinai Hospital of Baltimore during a 33-year period, 1940 to 1972. A tissue digestion technique was used to extract and quantitate asbestos bodies not only in fresh samples of pulmonary tissue but also in older fixed and blocked samples. A significant increase in the proportion of lungs containing asbestos bodies was found in the later years, as well as an increase in the concentration of asbestos bodies in lungs of the older age groups. Currently, 91.1%of this necropsy population in Baltimore harbor asbestos bodies in their lungs. The biologic importance of this increase is uncertain and speculative.", "PMID": 989275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3095", "title": "Perivascular xanthogranulomatosis in the lungs of diabetic patients.", "content": "A total of 339 histologic lung samples obtained on autopsy from diabetic patients were re-examined to investigate the frequency of perivascular deposits of xanthoma cells in the lungs. Lung samples from 156 nondiabetic patients were used as controls. Xanthogranulomas were noted in 20 diabetic cases/5.9%). In the control group, three cases (1.9%) of xanthomatous deposits were detected, a frequency notably lower than in the diabetics. It seems possible that xanthogranulomas were due to some dysfunction in the transportation of lipids through the vascular wall.", "contents": "Perivascular xanthogranulomatosis in the lungs of diabetic patients. A total of 339 histologic lung samples obtained on autopsy from diabetic patients were re-examined to investigate the frequency of perivascular deposits of xanthoma cells in the lungs. Lung samples from 156 nondiabetic patients were used as controls. Xanthogranulomas were noted in 20 diabetic cases/5.9%). In the control group, three cases (1.9%) of xanthomatous deposits were detected, a frequency notably lower than in the diabetics. It seems possible that xanthogranulomas were due to some dysfunction in the transportation of lipids through the vascular wall.", "PMID": 989276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3096", "title": "Perforating pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Its distinction from elastosis perforans serpiginosa.", "content": "It is not generally appreciated that pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) can be associated with epidermal perforation by elastic fibers. We report an example of this phenomenon. The term \"perforating PXE\" is suggested and a distinction is made from elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS). We believe that most reported cases of coexistence of PXE and EPS are perforating PXE and that the coexistence of EPS has not been clearly demonstrated.", "contents": "Perforating pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Its distinction from elastosis perforans serpiginosa. It is not generally appreciated that pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) can be associated with epidermal perforation by elastic fibers. We report an example of this phenomenon. The term \"perforating PXE\" is suggested and a distinction is made from elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS). We believe that most reported cases of coexistence of PXE and EPS are perforating PXE and that the coexistence of EPS has not been clearly demonstrated.", "PMID": 989277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3097", "title": "Brown fat retention in sudden infant death syndrome.", "content": "This study was undertaken to confirm the findings of Naeye with regard to the pathological retention of the so-called brown fat cells in the periadrenal adipose tissue of infants who die of the sudden infant death syndrome. The percent of multilocular fat cells was determined in histological sections of periadrenal adipose tissue obtained from a series of 289 autopsies. In general, our morphological observations confirm his. However, our results indicate that the percent of periadrenal multilocular cells cannot be used as a diagnostic criterion in any single case. Futhermore, we consider that the mechanism for this delay in transformation remains unclear.", "contents": "Brown fat retention in sudden infant death syndrome. This study was undertaken to confirm the findings of Naeye with regard to the pathological retention of the so-called brown fat cells in the periadrenal adipose tissue of infants who die of the sudden infant death syndrome. The percent of multilocular fat cells was determined in histological sections of periadrenal adipose tissue obtained from a series of 289 autopsies. In general, our morphological observations confirm his. However, our results indicate that the percent of periadrenal multilocular cells cannot be used as a diagnostic criterion in any single case. Futhermore, we consider that the mechanism for this delay in transformation remains unclear.", "PMID": 989278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3098", "title": "Peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex. Binding by Mallory bodies in unfixed tissue.", "content": "An antigen-antibody complex of horseradish peroxidase, peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP), was found to selectively bind to Mallory bodies (MBs). Specific PAP binding to MBs was consistently demonstrated in liver sections from 14 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and from one patient with hepatoma. Mallory bodies in isolated fractions also bound PAP. No structures stained with PAP in six control sections. The PAP-binding method is useful in the identification of MBs in situ and in isolated fractions. The nature of the affinity of MBs for PAP is not known, but it is postulated that nonspecific protein-immunoglobulin binding is involved.", "contents": "Peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex. Binding by Mallory bodies in unfixed tissue. An antigen-antibody complex of horseradish peroxidase, peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP), was found to selectively bind to Mallory bodies (MBs). Specific PAP binding to MBs was consistently demonstrated in liver sections from 14 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and from one patient with hepatoma. Mallory bodies in isolated fractions also bound PAP. No structures stained with PAP in six control sections. The PAP-binding method is useful in the identification of MBs in situ and in isolated fractions. The nature of the affinity of MBs for PAP is not known, but it is postulated that nonspecific protein-immunoglobulin binding is involved.", "PMID": 989279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3099", "title": "Morphological features and healing of stress ulcers induced by alcohol and restraint.", "content": "Gastric mucosal damage was produced in 130 mice by forced ingestion of alcohol, followed by restraint in the cold. Animals were killed at intervals from six hours to 27 days following the stress. Linear hemorrhagic erosions and diffuse hemorrhagic patches were found grossly, predominantly in the glandular portion of the stomach, in about 75% of the animals 6 to 24 hours after stress. At later time intervals, the linear mucosal depressions persisted; these became progressively less prominent with time but substantial numbers were still readily discernible three weeks after injury. Microscopical examination of the fresh lesions showed a variable amount of mucosal necrosis and acute inflammation. Epithelial regeneration became prominent after three days and persisted for several weeks. The first regenerating epithelial cells were primitive, cuboidal elements followed by mucous cells, parietal cells, and zymogen cells, in that order. The morphological features and evolution of the lesions were similar to that described in human stress ulcers.", "contents": "Morphological features and healing of stress ulcers induced by alcohol and restraint. Gastric mucosal damage was produced in 130 mice by forced ingestion of alcohol, followed by restraint in the cold. Animals were killed at intervals from six hours to 27 days following the stress. Linear hemorrhagic erosions and diffuse hemorrhagic patches were found grossly, predominantly in the glandular portion of the stomach, in about 75% of the animals 6 to 24 hours after stress. At later time intervals, the linear mucosal depressions persisted; these became progressively less prominent with time but substantial numbers were still readily discernible three weeks after injury. Microscopical examination of the fresh lesions showed a variable amount of mucosal necrosis and acute inflammation. Epithelial regeneration became prominent after three days and persisted for several weeks. The first regenerating epithelial cells were primitive, cuboidal elements followed by mucous cells, parietal cells, and zymogen cells, in that order. The morphological features and evolution of the lesions were similar to that described in human stress ulcers.", "PMID": 989280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3100", "title": "Glomerulocystic kidney. Report of a case.", "content": "We describe a rare type of congenital renal cystic disease involving the Bowman capsule and adjacent abnormal tubules. The patient had a moderate degree of proteinuria, but otherwise normal renal function. Two subcapsular hepatic cysts manifested the only other visceral involvement. This case is morphologically similar to one previously reported. A purely descriptive morphologic term is suggested for this distinctive lesion, viz, glomerulocystic kidney.", "contents": "Glomerulocystic kidney. Report of a case. We describe a rare type of congenital renal cystic disease involving the Bowman capsule and adjacent abnormal tubules. The patient had a moderate degree of proteinuria, but otherwise normal renal function. Two subcapsular hepatic cysts manifested the only other visceral involvement. This case is morphologically similar to one previously reported. A purely descriptive morphologic term is suggested for this distinctive lesion, viz, glomerulocystic kidney.", "PMID": 989283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3101", "title": "Regression of injury-induced atheromatous lesions in rabbits.", "content": "For four consecutive weeks, 61 rabbits received weekly injections of lymphocytotoxic-positive human serum into the left carotid artery and of autologous serum into the right carotid artery as a control. Serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels were measured before the study, in the second and fourth weeks of the study, and weekly thereafter. The results show that repeated intimal injury caused raised, lipid-containing thromboatherosclerotic lesions and that there was a consistent regression to lipid-free fibromusculoelastic plaques from the first week after completion of the injection regimen to the fourth week. Apparently, regeneration of an intact covering cell layer resulted in the elimination of lipid deposits from raised lesions, resulting in lipid-free fibromusculoelastic plaques. In addition, fatty streaks were observed to occur during regression. A statistically significant rise in serum cholesterol level during the phase of progression of lesions and a subsequent fall during regression were observed.", "contents": "Regression of injury-induced atheromatous lesions in rabbits. For four consecutive weeks, 61 rabbits received weekly injections of lymphocytotoxic-positive human serum into the left carotid artery and of autologous serum into the right carotid artery as a control. Serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels were measured before the study, in the second and fourth weeks of the study, and weekly thereafter. The results show that repeated intimal injury caused raised, lipid-containing thromboatherosclerotic lesions and that there was a consistent regression to lipid-free fibromusculoelastic plaques from the first week after completion of the injection regimen to the fourth week. Apparently, regeneration of an intact covering cell layer resulted in the elimination of lipid deposits from raised lesions, resulting in lipid-free fibromusculoelastic plaques. In addition, fatty streaks were observed to occur during regression. A statistically significant rise in serum cholesterol level during the phase of progression of lesions and a subsequent fall during regression were observed.", "PMID": 989284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3102", "title": "Histomorphologic features of ultrasonic renal injury.", "content": "Fifteen-second exposure of rabbit kidneys to 2 MHz focused ultrasound with approximately 900 w/sq cm acoustic power consistently produced localized parenchymal destruction. Evolution of the lesions was followed histologically over a one-year period. The lesions were sharply delineated from outlying renal tissue and had a concentric multizonal structure. Resorption of the damaged tissue with scarring was completed in 6 to 12 months following intermediate phases characterized by cellular infiltration. The lesions are compared to other models of renal injury, particularly with respect to cellular infiltration. A combination of mechanical, thermal, and ischemic factors seem to be responsible for development of ultrasonic lesions. The sharply circumscribed nature and ultimate complete scarring of the lesions suggest the feasibility of ultrasound in achieving selective complete destruction of renal parenchyma.", "contents": "Histomorphologic features of ultrasonic renal injury. Fifteen-second exposure of rabbit kidneys to 2 MHz focused ultrasound with approximately 900 w/sq cm acoustic power consistently produced localized parenchymal destruction. Evolution of the lesions was followed histologically over a one-year period. The lesions were sharply delineated from outlying renal tissue and had a concentric multizonal structure. Resorption of the damaged tissue with scarring was completed in 6 to 12 months following intermediate phases characterized by cellular infiltration. The lesions are compared to other models of renal injury, particularly with respect to cellular infiltration. A combination of mechanical, thermal, and ischemic factors seem to be responsible for development of ultrasonic lesions. The sharply circumscribed nature and ultimate complete scarring of the lesions suggest the feasibility of ultrasound in achieving selective complete destruction of renal parenchyma.", "PMID": 989285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3103", "title": "Alterations of liver and spleen following intravenous infusion of fluorocarbon emulsions.", "content": "Mice were injected via tail vein with emulsions of fluorocarbon (FC), an oxygen-carrying compound that has great potential as a blood substitute. Different types of FCs were used. All produced vacuolar changes in hepatocytes, and in reticuloendothelial cells throughout the body. In the liver, occasional inflammatory foci were also observed, but fibrosis was never seen. The vacuolated cells, presumably containing FC, were found as late as one year following a single infusion. However, such cells might also disappear from the liver and spleen. The numbers of affected cells and their rate of disappearance depended on the type of FC, the amount of FC infused, the length of time between infusion and killing. Fluorodecalins, especially PP-5, produced the least amount of change and the most readily reversible change of all FCs tested. The morphologic observations suggest that PP-5 would be more suitable as a blood substitute than the other FCs tested. However, other studies have shown that apparently healthy long-term survival is obtainable even when the infused FC is one that produces extreme vacuolar change in the liver and spleen.", "contents": "Alterations of liver and spleen following intravenous infusion of fluorocarbon emulsions. Mice were injected via tail vein with emulsions of fluorocarbon (FC), an oxygen-carrying compound that has great potential as a blood substitute. Different types of FCs were used. All produced vacuolar changes in hepatocytes, and in reticuloendothelial cells throughout the body. In the liver, occasional inflammatory foci were also observed, but fibrosis was never seen. The vacuolated cells, presumably containing FC, were found as late as one year following a single infusion. However, such cells might also disappear from the liver and spleen. The numbers of affected cells and their rate of disappearance depended on the type of FC, the amount of FC infused, the length of time between infusion and killing. Fluorodecalins, especially PP-5, produced the least amount of change and the most readily reversible change of all FCs tested. The morphologic observations suggest that PP-5 would be more suitable as a blood substitute than the other FCs tested. However, other studies have shown that apparently healthy long-term survival is obtainable even when the infused FC is one that produces extreme vacuolar change in the liver and spleen.", "PMID": 989286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3104", "title": "Palmitic acid-1-14C incorporation and turnover in lung phospholipids of rats treated with chlorphentermine, RMI 10.393 and Ro 4-4318.", "content": "The effects of 3 lipidosis-inducing drugs on the incorporation and turnover of palmitic acid-1-14C in lung phospholipids was studied. In rats treated with 1 dose of chlorphentermine or RMI 10.393, the incorporation of palmitate-1-14C into most lung phospholipid fractions was moderately decreased, but markedly lowered after 1 dose of Ro 4-4318. Eight doses of chlorphentermine and RMI 10.393 strongly inhibited the incorporation of palmitate-1-14C into lung phospholipids, whereas with 8 doses of Ro 4-4318 the incorporation was highly increased. Thirty hours after the last of 3 injections of the labeled palmitic acid the turnover of most lung phospholipids was considerably lower in chlorphentermine- and RMI 10.393-treated rats than in controls. Ro 4-4318, however, induced a highly increased turnover of most phospholipids. After 54 h, this effect had practically disappeared. Our studies showed that phospholipid storage after treatment with chlorphentermine and RMI 10.393 is mainly due to decreased degradation of phospholipids, whereas increased synthesis accounts for the effect of Ro 4-4318.", "contents": "Palmitic acid-1-14C incorporation and turnover in lung phospholipids of rats treated with chlorphentermine, RMI 10.393 and Ro 4-4318. The effects of 3 lipidosis-inducing drugs on the incorporation and turnover of palmitic acid-1-14C in lung phospholipids was studied. In rats treated with 1 dose of chlorphentermine or RMI 10.393, the incorporation of palmitate-1-14C into most lung phospholipid fractions was moderately decreased, but markedly lowered after 1 dose of Ro 4-4318. Eight doses of chlorphentermine and RMI 10.393 strongly inhibited the incorporation of palmitate-1-14C into lung phospholipids, whereas with 8 doses of Ro 4-4318 the incorporation was highly increased. Thirty hours after the last of 3 injections of the labeled palmitic acid the turnover of most lung phospholipids was considerably lower in chlorphentermine- and RMI 10.393-treated rats than in controls. Ro 4-4318, however, induced a highly increased turnover of most phospholipids. After 54 h, this effect had practically disappeared. Our studies showed that phospholipid storage after treatment with chlorphentermine and RMI 10.393 is mainly due to decreased degradation of phospholipids, whereas increased synthesis accounts for the effect of Ro 4-4318.", "PMID": 989288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3105", "title": "Inhibition of salicylate and lithium absorption in the human intestine by copper sulfate.", "content": "Copper sulfate, given orally in an emetic dose, decreased the absorption of therapeutic doses of acetylsalicylic acid or lithium carbonate, more than was expected judging from the recovery of salicylic acid in the vomit. Ten volunteers participated.", "contents": "Inhibition of salicylate and lithium absorption in the human intestine by copper sulfate. Copper sulfate, given orally in an emetic dose, decreased the absorption of therapeutic doses of acetylsalicylic acid or lithium carbonate, more than was expected judging from the recovery of salicylic acid in the vomit. Ten volunteers participated.", "PMID": 989289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3106", "title": "Effect of phenobarbital pretreatment on in vitro enzyme kinetics and in vivo biotransformation of benzene in the rat.", "content": "Phenobarbital pretreatment (50 mg/kg/day for 3 days orally) of male Wistar rats increased Vmax of benzene in vitro hepatic microsomal biotransformation about 6-fold without changing Km. However, benzene blood levels after oral, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous benzene administration (3-3.5 mmoles/kg) were not influenced by phenobarbital pretreatment. The phenol blood levels after oral or intraperitoneal benzene were increased by phenobarbital pretreatment, but less than expected from in vitro data and only 3 h after benzene administration. Phenol elimination in urine after subcutaneous benzene was not affected by phenobarbital. After oral or intraperitoneal benzene administration, phenol urine excretion closely followed the levels of phenol in blood, i.e., rate of phenol urine excretion was significantly, but shortly increased, and the cumulative urine excretion of phenol increased very little or remained unchanged. Differences between the in vitro and in vivo observations of the effect of phenolbarbital on benzene biotransformation may partly be explained by distribution of benzene, which apparently limited benzene availability for biotransformation (Vd = 5.5) and caused rapid decrease of benzene concentrations in blood. Conditions for enzyme activity may have been substantially different in vitro vs. in vivo: in vitro concentrations of benzene were at least by an order of magnitude higher than phenol concentrations, while in vivo, an opposite relation prevailed making a competition for microsomal monooxygenase possible. Cofactor availability may be another rate-limiting step or factor of in vivo benzene biotransformation, as benzene ring hydroxylation requires high energy. The rate of in vitro hepatic microsomal benzene biotransformation proved to be of limited value when predicting benzene quantitative biotransformation in vivo in contradistinction to various substrates where the in vitro and in vivo biotransformation data are in good agreement.", "contents": "Effect of phenobarbital pretreatment on in vitro enzyme kinetics and in vivo biotransformation of benzene in the rat. Phenobarbital pretreatment (50 mg/kg/day for 3 days orally) of male Wistar rats increased Vmax of benzene in vitro hepatic microsomal biotransformation about 6-fold without changing Km. However, benzene blood levels after oral, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous benzene administration (3-3.5 mmoles/kg) were not influenced by phenobarbital pretreatment. The phenol blood levels after oral or intraperitoneal benzene were increased by phenobarbital pretreatment, but less than expected from in vitro data and only 3 h after benzene administration. Phenol elimination in urine after subcutaneous benzene was not affected by phenobarbital. After oral or intraperitoneal benzene administration, phenol urine excretion closely followed the levels of phenol in blood, i.e., rate of phenol urine excretion was significantly, but shortly increased, and the cumulative urine excretion of phenol increased very little or remained unchanged. Differences between the in vitro and in vivo observations of the effect of phenolbarbital on benzene biotransformation may partly be explained by distribution of benzene, which apparently limited benzene availability for biotransformation (Vd = 5.5) and caused rapid decrease of benzene concentrations in blood. Conditions for enzyme activity may have been substantially different in vitro vs. in vivo: in vitro concentrations of benzene were at least by an order of magnitude higher than phenol concentrations, while in vivo, an opposite relation prevailed making a competition for microsomal monooxygenase possible. Cofactor availability may be another rate-limiting step or factor of in vivo benzene biotransformation, as benzene ring hydroxylation requires high energy. The rate of in vitro hepatic microsomal benzene biotransformation proved to be of limited value when predicting benzene quantitative biotransformation in vivo in contradistinction to various substrates where the in vitro and in vivo biotransformation data are in good agreement.", "PMID": 989290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3107", "title": "[Extracorporeal hemoperfusion in acute carbon tetrachloride intoxication].", "content": "A case of severe carbon tetrachloride intoxication and its successful treatment by extracorporeal hemoperfusion with activated charcoal is reported. The therapeutic effect of this treatment is confirmed by investigation of in vitro clearance studies. Results are discussed together with literature.", "contents": "[Extracorporeal hemoperfusion in acute carbon tetrachloride intoxication]. A case of severe carbon tetrachloride intoxication and its successful treatment by extracorporeal hemoperfusion with activated charcoal is reported. The therapeutic effect of this treatment is confirmed by investigation of in vitro clearance studies. Results are discussed together with literature.", "PMID": 989291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3108", "title": "[Investigations of the decomposition and detection of morazone by thin-layer- and gas-liquid-chromatography].", "content": "Three decomposition products of Morazone (ingredient of the pharmaceutical preparation Rosimon-Neu) were observed following heat treatment in acid medium (hydrochloric or tartaric acid). These products were isolated by TLC and identified as bis-antipyryl-methane, phenmetrazine and 4-hydroxymethyl-antipyrine by mass spectrometry and IR-spectroscopy and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance. Morazone and the metabolite phenmetrazine may be extracted from alkaline urine using chloroform, however acid hydrolysis (pH 1) of the urine before alkaline extraction will improve the sensitivity of detection of morazone by producing the metabolite phenmetrazine in addition to bis-antipyrylmethane. The metabolite 4-hydroxymethyl-antipyrine is barely detectable by TLC from alkaline extraction of urine.", "contents": "[Investigations of the decomposition and detection of morazone by thin-layer- and gas-liquid-chromatography]. Three decomposition products of Morazone (ingredient of the pharmaceutical preparation Rosimon-Neu) were observed following heat treatment in acid medium (hydrochloric or tartaric acid). These products were isolated by TLC and identified as bis-antipyryl-methane, phenmetrazine and 4-hydroxymethyl-antipyrine by mass spectrometry and IR-spectroscopy and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance. Morazone and the metabolite phenmetrazine may be extracted from alkaline urine using chloroform, however acid hydrolysis (pH 1) of the urine before alkaline extraction will improve the sensitivity of detection of morazone by producing the metabolite phenmetrazine in addition to bis-antipyrylmethane. The metabolite 4-hydroxymethyl-antipyrine is barely detectable by TLC from alkaline extraction of urine.", "PMID": 989292} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3109", "title": "Effects of drugs on mushroom poisoning induced in the rat by Cortinarius speciosissimus.", "content": "The effect of phenobarbital and phenylbutazone treatment on the renal damage induced by the toxic mushroom Cortinarius speciosissimus was studied in female rats. Phenobarbital sodium was given in drinking water (0.05% solution) for 11 days prior to the administration of mushroom. Phenylbutazone was given s.c. in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg 1 h before the mushroom administration. Homogenized mushroom was given orally by stomach tube at a dose of 250 mg dried mushroom/kg body weight. It was found that the phenobarbital treatment strongly increased the damage induced by C. speciosissimus in the tubules of the kidney cortex but had no effect on the inflammation in the renal outer medullary zone induced by this toxic mushroom. Phenylbutazone treatment had no effect on the renal damage induced by C. speciosissimus.", "contents": "Effects of drugs on mushroom poisoning induced in the rat by Cortinarius speciosissimus. The effect of phenobarbital and phenylbutazone treatment on the renal damage induced by the toxic mushroom Cortinarius speciosissimus was studied in female rats. Phenobarbital sodium was given in drinking water (0.05% solution) for 11 days prior to the administration of mushroom. Phenylbutazone was given s.c. in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg 1 h before the mushroom administration. Homogenized mushroom was given orally by stomach tube at a dose of 250 mg dried mushroom/kg body weight. It was found that the phenobarbital treatment strongly increased the damage induced by C. speciosissimus in the tubules of the kidney cortex but had no effect on the inflammation in the renal outer medullary zone induced by this toxic mushroom. Phenylbutazone treatment had no effect on the renal damage induced by C. speciosissimus.", "PMID": 989293} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3110", "title": "Relationship between lead concentration in blood and biological response for porphyrin metabolism in workers occupationally exposed to lead.", "content": "The biological responses of the heme biosynthesis pathway in male workers moderately exposed to lead are discussed in relation to the concentration of lead in the blood. The level of erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) activity in the group of lead-exposed workers was remarkably reduced while the level of erythrocyte protoporphyrin (Proto) in them was strikingly increased, compared to normal levels. On the other hand, the amounts of hemoglobin (Hb) and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in the group of lead-exposed workers kept the normal levels. In the workers moderately exposed to lead, the log of erythrocyte Proto level was closely correlated to the blood lead level and the sensitivity of the Proto test was almost equal to that of erythrocyte ALA-D test. It was observed that the erythrocyte Proto was remarkably increased even in lead-exposed workers whose ALA excretion into the urine was in the range of normal level.", "contents": "Relationship between lead concentration in blood and biological response for porphyrin metabolism in workers occupationally exposed to lead. The biological responses of the heme biosynthesis pathway in male workers moderately exposed to lead are discussed in relation to the concentration of lead in the blood. The level of erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) activity in the group of lead-exposed workers was remarkably reduced while the level of erythrocyte protoporphyrin (Proto) in them was strikingly increased, compared to normal levels. On the other hand, the amounts of hemoglobin (Hb) and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in the group of lead-exposed workers kept the normal levels. In the workers moderately exposed to lead, the log of erythrocyte Proto level was closely correlated to the blood lead level and the sensitivity of the Proto test was almost equal to that of erythrocyte ALA-D test. It was observed that the erythrocyte Proto was remarkably increased even in lead-exposed workers whose ALA excretion into the urine was in the range of normal level.", "PMID": 989294} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3111", "title": "Dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in homogenates of rat striata during ethanol and barbiturate withdrawal.", "content": "Repeated administrations of ethanol and of phenobarbital to rats led to characteristic withdrawal symptoms when the drug had been stopped. Since both drugs affect brain dopamine metabolism, the postjunctional sensitivity to dopamine in the corpora striata was tested during ethanol or phenobarbital withdrawal. This was done by studying the dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in homogenates of the copora striata of ethanol- or phenobarbital-dependent rats. The results demonstrated a slight postjunctional subsensitivity to dopamine in withdrawal from both ethanol and phenobarbital. Both drugs, when added in vitro, did not affect the postjunctionsl sensitivity to dopamine. The results do not support the hypothesis, at least not in the case of dopamine, that a postjunctional supersensitivity to neurotransmitters is important for withdrawal symptoms after chronic administration of drugs inducing physical dependence.", "contents": "Dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in homogenates of rat striata during ethanol and barbiturate withdrawal. Repeated administrations of ethanol and of phenobarbital to rats led to characteristic withdrawal symptoms when the drug had been stopped. Since both drugs affect brain dopamine metabolism, the postjunctional sensitivity to dopamine in the corpora striata was tested during ethanol or phenobarbital withdrawal. This was done by studying the dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in homogenates of the copora striata of ethanol- or phenobarbital-dependent rats. The results demonstrated a slight postjunctional subsensitivity to dopamine in withdrawal from both ethanol and phenobarbital. Both drugs, when added in vitro, did not affect the postjunctionsl sensitivity to dopamine. The results do not support the hypothesis, at least not in the case of dopamine, that a postjunctional supersensitivity to neurotransmitters is important for withdrawal symptoms after chronic administration of drugs inducing physical dependence.", "PMID": 989295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3112", "title": "The effect of tricyclic antidepressant drugs on the heart.", "content": "The effects on the heart rate and ECG of anaesthetised guines-pigs of amitriptyline, doxepin, imipramine and nortiptyline infused at 1.0 mg/kg/min until death were observed. In addition an in vitro study on guinea-pig atria was performed on the chronotropic and inotropic effects of these drugs and of desmethylimipramine and protriptyline at a concentration of 10(-5) M. The effect of sodium bicarbonate (3 mEq/kg i.v.) and propranolol (0.01--0.2 mg/kg i.v.) on amitriptyline and doxepin induced ECG changes was also assessed. A difference in the cardiac effects of the in vivo and in vitro model was observed. Guinea-pigs infused with doxepin survived significantly longer than those infused with amitriptyline, imipramine or nortriptyline. No statistically significant difference was found between the tricyclic drugs with respect to onset of widening of the QRS complex, increased PR and QT intervals. In the spontaneously beating atrial preparation doxepin was the most potent cardio-depressant. Sodium bicarbonate had no effect on arrhythmias induced by tricyclics, while propranolol, apart from the bradycardia induced, was without beneficial effect on the ECG. The guinea-pig provides a good model for studying the arrhythmogenic actions of tricyclic antidepressants.", "contents": "The effect of tricyclic antidepressant drugs on the heart. The effects on the heart rate and ECG of anaesthetised guines-pigs of amitriptyline, doxepin, imipramine and nortiptyline infused at 1.0 mg/kg/min until death were observed. In addition an in vitro study on guinea-pig atria was performed on the chronotropic and inotropic effects of these drugs and of desmethylimipramine and protriptyline at a concentration of 10(-5) M. The effect of sodium bicarbonate (3 mEq/kg i.v.) and propranolol (0.01--0.2 mg/kg i.v.) on amitriptyline and doxepin induced ECG changes was also assessed. A difference in the cardiac effects of the in vivo and in vitro model was observed. Guinea-pigs infused with doxepin survived significantly longer than those infused with amitriptyline, imipramine or nortriptyline. No statistically significant difference was found between the tricyclic drugs with respect to onset of widening of the QRS complex, increased PR and QT intervals. In the spontaneously beating atrial preparation doxepin was the most potent cardio-depressant. Sodium bicarbonate had no effect on arrhythmias induced by tricyclics, while propranolol, apart from the bradycardia induced, was without beneficial effect on the ECG. The guinea-pig provides a good model for studying the arrhythmogenic actions of tricyclic antidepressants.", "PMID": 989296} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3113", "title": "Dichlorvos -- a 2-year inhalation carcinogenesis study in rats.", "content": "To determine the effects of dichlorvos vapour on the tumour incidence in rats, 5 week old Carworth Farm E strain rats weighing between 94 and 150 g were exposed to 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 5.0 mg/m3 in a 2-year inhalation study. The growth rate of all treated rats was depressed, particularly in the males. There was increased survival of the rats exposed to 5 mg/m3. There were no consistent differences in food intakes, organ weights, haematological or blood chemistry estimations, except in cholinesterase activites, amongst the various groups of rats. No compound-related differences were seen in acetylcholine and choline estimations carried out on a small number of female rats' brain tissues after two years' exposure. There were no gross or microscopical compound-related changes in the rats' tissues. Ultrastructural examination of the respiratory tissues of the rats from the control and 5 mg/m3 group showed no changes attributable to dichlorvos. The results of a relative risk analysis of the tumour data showed that no dose-related increase in tumour risk was established for rats of either sex. These data confirm the results of earlier st.udies supporting the safety of insecticidal uses of dichlorvos.", "contents": "Dichlorvos -- a 2-year inhalation carcinogenesis study in rats. To determine the effects of dichlorvos vapour on the tumour incidence in rats, 5 week old Carworth Farm E strain rats weighing between 94 and 150 g were exposed to 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 5.0 mg/m3 in a 2-year inhalation study. The growth rate of all treated rats was depressed, particularly in the males. There was increased survival of the rats exposed to 5 mg/m3. There were no consistent differences in food intakes, organ weights, haematological or blood chemistry estimations, except in cholinesterase activites, amongst the various groups of rats. No compound-related differences were seen in acetylcholine and choline estimations carried out on a small number of female rats' brain tissues after two years' exposure. There were no gross or microscopical compound-related changes in the rats' tissues. Ultrastructural examination of the respiratory tissues of the rats from the control and 5 mg/m3 group showed no changes attributable to dichlorvos. The results of a relative risk analysis of the tumour data showed that no dose-related increase in tumour risk was established for rats of either sex. These data confirm the results of earlier st.udies supporting the safety of insecticidal uses of dichlorvos.", "PMID": 989297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3114", "title": "Role of iron deficiency in inducing susceptibility to manganese toxicity.", "content": "Daily intraperitoneal administration of manganese chloride (15 mg/kg) to rats, maintained on an irondeficient diet, produced marked alterations in the activity of succinic dehydrogenase, monoamine oxidase, and in the morphology of the liver. Manganese accumulation was also significantly increased in such rats than after similar treatment to normally fed rats. Iron deficiency leads to increased absorption of manganese which is responsible for increased susceptibility to manganese toxicity in these animals.", "contents": "Role of iron deficiency in inducing susceptibility to manganese toxicity. Daily intraperitoneal administration of manganese chloride (15 mg/kg) to rats, maintained on an irondeficient diet, produced marked alterations in the activity of succinic dehydrogenase, monoamine oxidase, and in the morphology of the liver. Manganese accumulation was also significantly increased in such rats than after similar treatment to normally fed rats. Iron deficiency leads to increased absorption of manganese which is responsible for increased susceptibility to manganese toxicity in these animals.", "PMID": 989299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3115", "title": "[Trichlorethylene-, carbon tetrachloride- and gasoline-intoxication in connection with arterio- and coronary sclerosis (author's transl)].", "content": "On the occasion of autopsies of 4 toxicomaniac adolescents sniffing and occasionally drinking trichlorethylene, carbon tetrachloride and gasoline severe arteriosclerotic damage of the coronary vessels was encountered. Experimental intoxication of 12 rabbits with these solvents over a period of 10 weeks, each time until a prenarcotic stage, provoked pathological changes in accordance with well known findings but no arteriosclerosis. Ergometrical examination with simultaneous recording of the E.C.G. of 6 adolescents with solvent-sniffing history and of 1 man, working for years under trichlorethylene exposure conditions and showing symptoms of chronic intoxication, revealed no signs of coronary-artery insufficiency. These findings are not inconsistent with the assumption -- though not substantiating it -- of a causal relationship between the intoxication with trichlorethylene, carbon terachloride and gasoline and the development of arteriosclerosis, as the coronary sclerosis may be of the elstic type with a very high degree of adaptability and the probands proved unable to reach the limit of maximum stress. In addition to the main purpose the occurrence of epileptic seizures following chronic trichlorethylene sniffing in one case and the manifestation of pulmonary obstruction following i.v. application of Methyl-Phenidat (Ritalin) in two cases are reported.", "contents": "[Trichlorethylene-, carbon tetrachloride- and gasoline-intoxication in connection with arterio- and coronary sclerosis (author's transl)]. On the occasion of autopsies of 4 toxicomaniac adolescents sniffing and occasionally drinking trichlorethylene, carbon tetrachloride and gasoline severe arteriosclerotic damage of the coronary vessels was encountered. Experimental intoxication of 12 rabbits with these solvents over a period of 10 weeks, each time until a prenarcotic stage, provoked pathological changes in accordance with well known findings but no arteriosclerosis. Ergometrical examination with simultaneous recording of the E.C.G. of 6 adolescents with solvent-sniffing history and of 1 man, working for years under trichlorethylene exposure conditions and showing symptoms of chronic intoxication, revealed no signs of coronary-artery insufficiency. These findings are not inconsistent with the assumption -- though not substantiating it -- of a causal relationship between the intoxication with trichlorethylene, carbon terachloride and gasoline and the development of arteriosclerosis, as the coronary sclerosis may be of the elstic type with a very high degree of adaptability and the probands proved unable to reach the limit of maximum stress. In addition to the main purpose the occurrence of epileptic seizures following chronic trichlorethylene sniffing in one case and the manifestation of pulmonary obstruction following i.v. application of Methyl-Phenidat (Ritalin) in two cases are reported.", "PMID": 989298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3116", "title": "[Bilateral cerebral mycotic aneurysm in a child. Report of a case and review of the literature].", "content": "The case of a 6 year-old boy, who was hospitalized with the diagnosis of purlent meningits is reported. The CSF examination disclosed pleocytosis and the antibioticotherapy was instituded. The bilateral carotid angiography demonstrated an arterial aneurysm of the frontal ascendent artery with hematoma in the left side and another in the posterior temporal artery, in the right side. The patient was operated on because of the hematoma, in the left side. The condition of the patient in the post-operatory period deteriorated and the death ocurred. The post-mortem examination disclosed a sub-arachnoidal hemorrhage, fronto-temporal hematoma in the left side and a para-capsular hematoma in the right side. The histological examination of the central part of the right side. The histological examination of the central part of the hematoma revealed a dilated arterial walls with a supurative inflammatory process.", "contents": "[Bilateral cerebral mycotic aneurysm in a child. Report of a case and review of the literature]. The case of a 6 year-old boy, who was hospitalized with the diagnosis of purlent meningits is reported. The CSF examination disclosed pleocytosis and the antibioticotherapy was instituded. The bilateral carotid angiography demonstrated an arterial aneurysm of the frontal ascendent artery with hematoma in the left side and another in the posterior temporal artery, in the right side. The patient was operated on because of the hematoma, in the left side. The condition of the patient in the post-operatory period deteriorated and the death ocurred. The post-mortem examination disclosed a sub-arachnoidal hemorrhage, fronto-temporal hematoma in the left side and a para-capsular hematoma in the right side. The histological examination of the central part of the right side. The histological examination of the central part of the hematoma revealed a dilated arterial walls with a supurative inflammatory process.", "PMID": 989301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3117", "title": "Hereditary deafness in the dalmatian dog.", "content": "The temporal bones from 18 deaf Dalmatian dogs were examined with the light microscope, and the cochleo-saccular degeneration process studied. End organ degeneration is already advanced by the age of 4 weeks, whilst loss of neurons in the spiral ganglion was found only in adult animals. Both processes are first evident in the central portion of the cochlea, and increase in extent with advancing age, The implications of these findings for the management of non-conductive hearing loss in man are discussed.", "contents": "Hereditary deafness in the dalmatian dog. The temporal bones from 18 deaf Dalmatian dogs were examined with the light microscope, and the cochleo-saccular degeneration process studied. End organ degeneration is already advanced by the age of 4 weeks, whilst loss of neurons in the spiral ganglion was found only in adult animals. Both processes are first evident in the central portion of the cochlea, and increase in extent with advancing age, The implications of these findings for the management of non-conductive hearing loss in man are discussed.", "PMID": 989302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3118", "title": "[Acoustically evoked potentials (aep) in children (author's transl)].", "content": "The differences between amplitudes and latencies of acoustically evoked potentials (AEP) in children, aged between 3 and 7 years, were tested using random distributed stimuli with mean interstimulus intervals (ISI) of 1.45 sec, 2.1 sec, and 4.1 sec and periodic stimuli with the same ISI. We applied three different intensities, 30, 50, and 70 dB SPL and a frequency of 1000 c/s. We determined the peak to peak amplitudes P2N2 and N2P3 and the latencies of P2, N2, and P3 for our calculation because of the typical AEP pattern in children. There were no significant differences between the mean amplitudes and mean latencies, using an error probability of 1% comparing the AEP determined by the two different ways of stimulation. The increase of the ISI from 1.45 to 4.1 sec didn't yield to a significant improvement of the AEP in both stimulation patterns. In the tested group of children the used stimulation pattern, as we already stated in adults, is without greater importance.", "contents": "[Acoustically evoked potentials (aep) in children (author's transl)]. The differences between amplitudes and latencies of acoustically evoked potentials (AEP) in children, aged between 3 and 7 years, were tested using random distributed stimuli with mean interstimulus intervals (ISI) of 1.45 sec, 2.1 sec, and 4.1 sec and periodic stimuli with the same ISI. We applied three different intensities, 30, 50, and 70 dB SPL and a frequency of 1000 c/s. We determined the peak to peak amplitudes P2N2 and N2P3 and the latencies of P2, N2, and P3 for our calculation because of the typical AEP pattern in children. There were no significant differences between the mean amplitudes and mean latencies, using an error probability of 1% comparing the AEP determined by the two different ways of stimulation. The increase of the ISI from 1.45 to 4.1 sec didn't yield to a significant improvement of the AEP in both stimulation patterns. In the tested group of children the used stimulation pattern, as we already stated in adults, is without greater importance.", "PMID": 989303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3119", "title": "Input-output function and adaptation behaviour of the five early potentials registered with the earlobe-vertex pick-up.", "content": "At twenty-three 20-30-year-old normal-hearing subjects the characteristic curves of amplitudes and latencies of the five early potentials, appearing within the first 8 ms after stimulus onset, were obtained. The potentials were registered with the earlobe-vertex pick-up, as described by Sohmer and with click stumulus rates of 5/sec, 10/sec and 100/sec; It could be seen: All five potentials depend in amplitude and latency on intensity; all potentials show with increasing click rate an adaptation and a delayed latency, when increasing the click rate from 10/sec to 50/sec; the adaptation phenomenon of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th potential is the most prominent, the 4th potential shows the smallest adaptation effect; the characteristic curve at 10/sec of the 1st and 3rd potential demonstrates a break at 70 dB SPL; the latencies of the five potentials begin to increase at click rates higher than 10/sec; the 4th potential seems to be the most suitable one for measuring the acoustical threshold; only the fifth potential diminishes in amplitude and increases in latency after administration of an anaesthetic, but an additional relaxant does not alter it any more.", "contents": "Input-output function and adaptation behaviour of the five early potentials registered with the earlobe-vertex pick-up. At twenty-three 20-30-year-old normal-hearing subjects the characteristic curves of amplitudes and latencies of the five early potentials, appearing within the first 8 ms after stimulus onset, were obtained. The potentials were registered with the earlobe-vertex pick-up, as described by Sohmer and with click stumulus rates of 5/sec, 10/sec and 100/sec; It could be seen: All five potentials depend in amplitude and latency on intensity; all potentials show with increasing click rate an adaptation and a delayed latency, when increasing the click rate from 10/sec to 50/sec; the adaptation phenomenon of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th potential is the most prominent, the 4th potential shows the smallest adaptation effect; the characteristic curve at 10/sec of the 1st and 3rd potential demonstrates a break at 70 dB SPL; the latencies of the five potentials begin to increase at click rates higher than 10/sec; the 4th potential seems to be the most suitable one for measuring the acoustical threshold; only the fifth potential diminishes in amplitude and increases in latency after administration of an anaesthetic, but an additional relaxant does not alter it any more.", "PMID": 989304} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3120", "title": "[Histological examinations about possible heat lesions of bone and cartilage during boring and grinding (author's transl)].", "content": "In skull bone and septum cartilage holes were bored with rose trepans and diamond cutters of various sizes (2-20) and at different revolutions (5,000-42,0000 rev/min) with and without the use of cooling fluid. The specimens were examined histologically. Borings with rose trepans without cooling fluid cause sometimes considerable heat lesions up to a depth of 30 mu. Bone shows the more severe lesions. The use of cooling fluid reduces the damage quite considerably (burns zone up to a maximum depth of 12 mu). In the normal range of up to 10,000 rev/min practically no heat lesions occur. In the high range above 20,000 rev/min the lesions are often only plaque-shaped. Water jet or spray cooling is superior to droplet cooling. Diamond cutters cause more severe lesions. Boring and grinding in the highest range (up to 300,000 rev/min) without cooling fluid cause very deep burns (up to 56 mu),", "contents": "[Histological examinations about possible heat lesions of bone and cartilage during boring and grinding (author's transl)]. In skull bone and septum cartilage holes were bored with rose trepans and diamond cutters of various sizes (2-20) and at different revolutions (5,000-42,0000 rev/min) with and without the use of cooling fluid. The specimens were examined histologically. Borings with rose trepans without cooling fluid cause sometimes considerable heat lesions up to a depth of 30 mu. Bone shows the more severe lesions. The use of cooling fluid reduces the damage quite considerably (burns zone up to a maximum depth of 12 mu). In the normal range of up to 10,000 rev/min practically no heat lesions occur. In the high range above 20,000 rev/min the lesions are often only plaque-shaped. Water jet or spray cooling is superior to droplet cooling. Diamond cutters cause more severe lesions. Boring and grinding in the highest range (up to 300,000 rev/min) without cooling fluid cause very deep burns (up to 56 mu),", "PMID": 989305} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3121", "title": "[Experimental research of resistance to air currents in laryngeal-tracheal specimens (author's transl)].", "content": "Flow resistance to air currents was experimentally determined in 69 human laryngeal-tracheal specimens. Vocal cords were held bilaterally in the paramedium position, simulating bilateral recurrent nerve paralysis, and in five other positions following certain surgical interventions. It was found that under simulated physiological conditions (inspiratory position) as well as in the presence of a simulated recurrent nerve paralysis, the laryngeal flow resistance depended on individual factors, i.e., form and size of each specimen. Different degrees of improvement occurred with various surgical methods. Based on the discussion of the experimental results, clinical conclusions are offered.", "contents": "[Experimental research of resistance to air currents in laryngeal-tracheal specimens (author's transl)]. Flow resistance to air currents was experimentally determined in 69 human laryngeal-tracheal specimens. Vocal cords were held bilaterally in the paramedium position, simulating bilateral recurrent nerve paralysis, and in five other positions following certain surgical interventions. It was found that under simulated physiological conditions (inspiratory position) as well as in the presence of a simulated recurrent nerve paralysis, the laryngeal flow resistance depended on individual factors, i.e., form and size of each specimen. Different degrees of improvement occurred with various surgical methods. Based on the discussion of the experimental results, clinical conclusions are offered.", "PMID": 989306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3122", "title": "[Chronic laryngitis and carcinoma (author's transl)].", "content": "35 cases of continuous series of 841 laryngeal cancers were studied separately. Those patients had already been suffering from hoarseness for more than 2 years, in the average for 9 years. Many of these patients had been examined and treated by inhalations, and biopsies were taken because of a chronic laryngitis. Clinically in half of the cases a big carcinoma could be found. In 10 cases a chronic laryngitis had been diagnosed; in spite of the preceeding examination by microlaryngoscopy in 4 cases, however, the carcinoma could only be proved by histologic examination. The histologic examinations of the specimens regularly displayed an extended field of epidermisation of the laryngeal mucosa following chronic laryngitis, In these fields of epidermisation the carcinoma developed multicentrically and--in the early stages--mostly showed a covering-like, minutely infiltrating growth. Disseminated dot-like cancer-focuses in the epidermisation field and cancer buds arising from the basal layers of an intact covering of the hypertrophic epithelium could be observed several times. Chronic-hypertrophic laryngitis seems to favour the development of cancer within some patients (promoting factor), it even might accelerate it. As in about 6% of all the vocal cord cancers a preexistent chronic laryngitis is proved by history and clinical findings each patient with a chronic hypertrophic laryngitis must be examined by microlaryngoscopy as well as histological examinations and must be constantly observed.", "contents": "[Chronic laryngitis and carcinoma (author's transl)]. 35 cases of continuous series of 841 laryngeal cancers were studied separately. Those patients had already been suffering from hoarseness for more than 2 years, in the average for 9 years. Many of these patients had been examined and treated by inhalations, and biopsies were taken because of a chronic laryngitis. Clinically in half of the cases a big carcinoma could be found. In 10 cases a chronic laryngitis had been diagnosed; in spite of the preceeding examination by microlaryngoscopy in 4 cases, however, the carcinoma could only be proved by histologic examination. The histologic examinations of the specimens regularly displayed an extended field of epidermisation of the laryngeal mucosa following chronic laryngitis, In these fields of epidermisation the carcinoma developed multicentrically and--in the early stages--mostly showed a covering-like, minutely infiltrating growth. Disseminated dot-like cancer-focuses in the epidermisation field and cancer buds arising from the basal layers of an intact covering of the hypertrophic epithelium could be observed several times. Chronic-hypertrophic laryngitis seems to favour the development of cancer within some patients (promoting factor), it even might accelerate it. As in about 6% of all the vocal cord cancers a preexistent chronic laryngitis is proved by history and clinical findings each patient with a chronic hypertrophic laryngitis must be examined by microlaryngoscopy as well as histological examinations and must be constantly observed.", "PMID": 989307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3123", "title": "Nystagmographic Analysis of the Fistula Symptom.", "content": "An electronystagmographic examination of the fistula symptom was carried out to ascertain the relation to pressure, the temporal pattern and the reversability of the nystagmus. The relation of nystagmus-intensity to pressure is not constant, often this relation is expressed by an s-curve. The nystagmus does not increase significantly above intensities of 70 degrees/s. The nystagmus-intensity has a typical temporal pattern: it starts immediately after application of pressure and for several seconds to minutes it practically remains on this level. Subsequently it slowly decreases. When, with a constant pressure, the nystagmus had faded out entirely, then, under relief of pressure, a nystagmus with reverse direction but equal intensity appears. After obtaining a fistula symptom there is a relative refractory time, which sometimes lasts for minutes. Only the change of pressure (which may have an effect of up to several minutes) and not the pressure by itself is decisive for the release of fistula symptom.", "contents": "Nystagmographic Analysis of the Fistula Symptom. An electronystagmographic examination of the fistula symptom was carried out to ascertain the relation to pressure, the temporal pattern and the reversability of the nystagmus. The relation of nystagmus-intensity to pressure is not constant, often this relation is expressed by an s-curve. The nystagmus does not increase significantly above intensities of 70 degrees/s. The nystagmus-intensity has a typical temporal pattern: it starts immediately after application of pressure and for several seconds to minutes it practically remains on this level. Subsequently it slowly decreases. When, with a constant pressure, the nystagmus had faded out entirely, then, under relief of pressure, a nystagmus with reverse direction but equal intensity appears. After obtaining a fistula symptom there is a relative refractory time, which sometimes lasts for minutes. Only the change of pressure (which may have an effect of up to several minutes) and not the pressure by itself is decisive for the release of fistula symptom.", "PMID": 989308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3124", "title": "[Comparative studies of lactate concentration in the perilymph, blood and cerebrospinal fluid of normal and sound exposed guinea pigs (author's transl)].", "content": "The paper deals with comparative studies of lactate concentration in the perilymph (PL) of scala tympani and of scala vestibuli, arterial and venous blood, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of normal and sound exposed guinea pigs, special consideration having been given to possible sources of error in the methods employed. Lactate was determined enzymatically using a micromodification of the Boehringer UV-test combination adapted to 1 mul PL. The lactate concentrations in the PL of scala tympani and scala vestibuli did not differ significantly. The mean values amounted to 4.5-5.2 mM/l in the case of the opened and of the unopened subarachnoid space (Table 1). The lactate concentrations in the PL of both cochlea scales were significantly higher already ten minutes post-mortem. In the exposure experiments the animals were unilaterally exposed to sound for 1 h in an acoustically isolated system using a wide-band noise at an intensity of 120 dB SPL for one series and 2-kHz pure-tone at intensities of 112 and 122 dB SPL for two other series. We did not detect any changes in the lactate concentrations neither in the PL nor in the blood and in the CSF, following sound exposure (Table 2 and 3). The lactate concentrations of arterial and venous blood and CSF did not differ significantly. The mean values amounted to 1.4-1.8 mM/l (Table 2). However, if blood was not deproteinized or centrifuged immediately after being taken, the lactate concentration increased markedly. A comparison of the present results has shown that the lactate concentration in the PL is about three times as high as in blood and in CSF. This difference in concentration suggests that the PL lactate is of intracochlear origin and that glycolytic processes take place in the inner ear also under normal conditions. Systematic studies of additional metabolic parameters must be conducted before a definitive physiological interpretation of the present analytical results can be given.", "contents": "[Comparative studies of lactate concentration in the perilymph, blood and cerebrospinal fluid of normal and sound exposed guinea pigs (author's transl)]. The paper deals with comparative studies of lactate concentration in the perilymph (PL) of scala tympani and of scala vestibuli, arterial and venous blood, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of normal and sound exposed guinea pigs, special consideration having been given to possible sources of error in the methods employed. Lactate was determined enzymatically using a micromodification of the Boehringer UV-test combination adapted to 1 mul PL. The lactate concentrations in the PL of scala tympani and scala vestibuli did not differ significantly. The mean values amounted to 4.5-5.2 mM/l in the case of the opened and of the unopened subarachnoid space (Table 1). The lactate concentrations in the PL of both cochlea scales were significantly higher already ten minutes post-mortem. In the exposure experiments the animals were unilaterally exposed to sound for 1 h in an acoustically isolated system using a wide-band noise at an intensity of 120 dB SPL for one series and 2-kHz pure-tone at intensities of 112 and 122 dB SPL for two other series. We did not detect any changes in the lactate concentrations neither in the PL nor in the blood and in the CSF, following sound exposure (Table 2 and 3). The lactate concentrations of arterial and venous blood and CSF did not differ significantly. The mean values amounted to 1.4-1.8 mM/l (Table 2). However, if blood was not deproteinized or centrifuged immediately after being taken, the lactate concentration increased markedly. A comparison of the present results has shown that the lactate concentration in the PL is about three times as high as in blood and in CSF. This difference in concentration suggests that the PL lactate is of intracochlear origin and that glycolytic processes take place in the inner ear also under normal conditions. Systematic studies of additional metabolic parameters must be conducted before a definitive physiological interpretation of the present analytical results can be given.", "PMID": 989309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3125", "title": "[Sturcture and function of the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) in chronic rhinosinusitis. A light and electron microscopic investigation (author's transl)].", "content": "Neither the concept of the Reticulo-Endothelial-System (RES) Aschoff's (1924) nor that of the Reticulo-Histiocyte-System (RHS) provides a satisfactory framework into which the present knowledge of the phagocytic mononuclear cells can be fitted. Current knowledge concerning morphology, histochemistry (peroxydase and esterase activity), immunology (specific surface antigens, receptors on the cell membranes), function (immune phagocytosis, pinocytosis), kinetics (3H-thymidine labelling) and culture makes it possible to place all highly phagocytic mononuclear cells and their precursors in one system, which is called the Mononuclear-Phagocytic-System (MPS) (Langevoort, Cohn, Hirsch, Humphrey, Spector, van Furth, 1969). Kinetic studies with labelled cells have shown, that mononuclear phagocytes originate from precursor cells in the bone marrow (stem cell leads to monoblasts leads to promonocytes), than are circulating in the peripheral blood as monocytes and are transformed to tissue macrophages entering tissues. The MPS comprises following cells in following organs: connective tissue (histiocytes resp. macrophages); liver (Kupffer-cells); lung (alveolar macrophages); lymph nodes (free and fixed macrophages); bone marrow (macrophages); serous cavities (pleural and peritoneal macrophages); bone tissue (osteoclasts?); nervous system (microglial cells) (SEE Table 1). The reticular cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts (fibrocytes) can therefore not be included in the MPS. Besides differences in morphology, histochemistry and function, they derive from mesenchymal cells and not from the bone marrow as the MPS. The present investigation demonstrates the structure and significance of the MPS in various kinds of chronic-specific and non-specific rhinosinusitis. On semithin sections two kinds of macrophages can be distinguished light-microscopically: 1. Larger macrophages with many phagosomes (storage cells) (Fig. 1A), which can exhibit sometimes a ring-shape on sections embracing greater parts of the interstitium (Fig. 1B). Such forms are mainly found in chronic (maxillary) sinusitis and are interpretated as \"scavenger\" macrophages. 2. The second type consists of smaller macrophages with extremely ruffling of the cell surface, which is interpretated as an expression of highly (specific?) stimulated states. These later macrophages can be seen mainly in edematous nasal polyps, which might be caused by allergic reactions of the anaphylactic type. The fine structure of the phagocytes is to some extent dependent on the actual development and functional state: there are \"immature\" macrophages, which are practically indistinguishable from blood monocytes (Fig. 2A); some of them can be stimulated and can therefore show many surface foldings and projections (Fig. 2B). The \"mature\" macrophage shows a well developed Golgi-area and many secondary lysosomes (Fig. 3). The storage type of the macrophages, which can predominate in some cases of chronic maxillary sinusitis, is characterized by many electron-lucent vacuoles (Fig. 4)...", "contents": "[Sturcture and function of the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) in chronic rhinosinusitis. A light and electron microscopic investigation (author's transl)]. Neither the concept of the Reticulo-Endothelial-System (RES) Aschoff's (1924) nor that of the Reticulo-Histiocyte-System (RHS) provides a satisfactory framework into which the present knowledge of the phagocytic mononuclear cells can be fitted. Current knowledge concerning morphology, histochemistry (peroxydase and esterase activity), immunology (specific surface antigens, receptors on the cell membranes), function (immune phagocytosis, pinocytosis), kinetics (3H-thymidine labelling) and culture makes it possible to place all highly phagocytic mononuclear cells and their precursors in one system, which is called the Mononuclear-Phagocytic-System (MPS) (Langevoort, Cohn, Hirsch, Humphrey, Spector, van Furth, 1969). Kinetic studies with labelled cells have shown, that mononuclear phagocytes originate from precursor cells in the bone marrow (stem cell leads to monoblasts leads to promonocytes), than are circulating in the peripheral blood as monocytes and are transformed to tissue macrophages entering tissues. The MPS comprises following cells in following organs: connective tissue (histiocytes resp. macrophages); liver (Kupffer-cells); lung (alveolar macrophages); lymph nodes (free and fixed macrophages); bone marrow (macrophages); serous cavities (pleural and peritoneal macrophages); bone tissue (osteoclasts?); nervous system (microglial cells) (SEE Table 1). The reticular cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts (fibrocytes) can therefore not be included in the MPS. Besides differences in morphology, histochemistry and function, they derive from mesenchymal cells and not from the bone marrow as the MPS. The present investigation demonstrates the structure and significance of the MPS in various kinds of chronic-specific and non-specific rhinosinusitis. On semithin sections two kinds of macrophages can be distinguished light-microscopically: 1. Larger macrophages with many phagosomes (storage cells) (Fig. 1A), which can exhibit sometimes a ring-shape on sections embracing greater parts of the interstitium (Fig. 1B). Such forms are mainly found in chronic (maxillary) sinusitis and are interpretated as \"scavenger\" macrophages. 2. The second type consists of smaller macrophages with extremely ruffling of the cell surface, which is interpretated as an expression of highly (specific?) stimulated states. These later macrophages can be seen mainly in edematous nasal polyps, which might be caused by allergic reactions of the anaphylactic type. The fine structure of the phagocytes is to some extent dependent on the actual development and functional state: there are \"immature\" macrophages, which are practically indistinguishable from blood monocytes (Fig. 2A); some of them can be stimulated and can therefore show many surface foldings and projections (Fig. 2B). The \"mature\" macrophage shows a well developed Golgi-area and many secondary lysosomes (Fig. 3). The storage type of the macrophages, which can predominate in some cases of chronic maxillary sinusitis, is characterized by many electron-lucent vacuoles (Fig. 4)...", "PMID": 989310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3126", "title": "[Otitis media and cochlea. Morphological and biochemical studies in guinea pigs (author's transl)].", "content": "The paper deals with: 1. the protein concentration in the perilymph (PL), the serum and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), 2. the protein pattern in the PL and 3. histological findings in the middle and inner ear in unilaterally ear-infected guinea pigs. The studies were performed 6 h to 21 days post infectionem (Fig. 1). The pathological changes in the middle ear, which, in most cases, were limited to the infected ear, were initially evaluated under the operating microscope and divided into 4 stages. The analytical and histological results were presented as functions of these stages. As the inflammation intensity increased, the protein concentration in the PL of the infected ears increased to a level exceeding that of the normal value more than ten times (Fig. 2). However, in the serum and in the CSF this concentration remained unchanged. Likewise, no significant protein increase in the PL of the contralateral ears was detectable in most cases. As the inflammation intensity increased, the number of the precipitation lines detectable immunoelectrophoretically increased in the PL of the infected ears (Fig. 3). An increase in the alpha1- and gamma-globulins and a decrease in Albumin was found by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate strips (Tab. 3). The histological findings correlated with initially established inflammatory stages of the middle ear mucous membrane (Tab. 4). As the inflammation intensity increased, the round window, too, was changed pathologically, so that in some cases of purulent otitis media middle ear secretion could enter the cochlea. The protein increase in the PL immediately after the infection is probably due to an increase in the blood vessel permeability in the inner ear.", "contents": "[Otitis media and cochlea. Morphological and biochemical studies in guinea pigs (author's transl)]. The paper deals with: 1. the protein concentration in the perilymph (PL), the serum and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), 2. the protein pattern in the PL and 3. histological findings in the middle and inner ear in unilaterally ear-infected guinea pigs. The studies were performed 6 h to 21 days post infectionem (Fig. 1). The pathological changes in the middle ear, which, in most cases, were limited to the infected ear, were initially evaluated under the operating microscope and divided into 4 stages. The analytical and histological results were presented as functions of these stages. As the inflammation intensity increased, the protein concentration in the PL of the infected ears increased to a level exceeding that of the normal value more than ten times (Fig. 2). However, in the serum and in the CSF this concentration remained unchanged. Likewise, no significant protein increase in the PL of the contralateral ears was detectable in most cases. As the inflammation intensity increased, the number of the precipitation lines detectable immunoelectrophoretically increased in the PL of the infected ears (Fig. 3). An increase in the alpha1- and gamma-globulins and a decrease in Albumin was found by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate strips (Tab. 3). The histological findings correlated with initially established inflammatory stages of the middle ear mucous membrane (Tab. 4). As the inflammation intensity increased, the round window, too, was changed pathologically, so that in some cases of purulent otitis media middle ear secretion could enter the cochlea. The protein increase in the PL immediately after the infection is probably due to an increase in the blood vessel permeability in the inner ear.", "PMID": 989311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3127", "title": "[Ultrastructural changes of the stria vaseularis and the spiral ligament in chronic uremic rats (author's transl)].", "content": "Looking for the morphological correlation of uremic inner ear damage a 5/6 resection of kidney parenchyma in rats was performed. A biochemically proven chronic uremia was so created. The ultrastructural examination of the stria vascularis showed a marked swelling of the intermediate cells, compressing occasionally stria vessels. The stria was enlarged and the mitochondria of the dark and light cells swollen. In the spiral ligament connective tissue cells were moderately swollen and blood vessels partially obstructed by swelling of the endothelium. These changes are proved not to be dependent on the urea. The pathophysiological significance for uremic inner ear damage can only be determined after further examination of cochlear tissue.", "contents": "[Ultrastructural changes of the stria vaseularis and the spiral ligament in chronic uremic rats (author's transl)]. Looking for the morphological correlation of uremic inner ear damage a 5/6 resection of kidney parenchyma in rats was performed. A biochemically proven chronic uremia was so created. The ultrastructural examination of the stria vascularis showed a marked swelling of the intermediate cells, compressing occasionally stria vessels. The stria was enlarged and the mitochondria of the dark and light cells swollen. In the spiral ligament connective tissue cells were moderately swollen and blood vessels partially obstructed by swelling of the endothelium. These changes are proved not to be dependent on the urea. The pathophysiological significance for uremic inner ear damage can only be determined after further examination of cochlear tissue.", "PMID": 989312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3128", "title": "[The influence of various acoustic stimuli upon the cumulative action potential (SAP) of the auditory nerves in guinea pigs (author's transl)].", "content": "The impact of various acoustic stimuli upon the cumulative action potential of the auditory nerves in guinea pigs is investigated by means of the averaging method. It was found that the potential amplitude within the measuring range increases with the logarithm of the rising sonic pressure velocity. Unlike the evoked response audiometry (ERA), this potential seems unsuitable for furnishing information of the frequency-dependent threshold course.", "contents": "[The influence of various acoustic stimuli upon the cumulative action potential (SAP) of the auditory nerves in guinea pigs (author's transl)]. The impact of various acoustic stimuli upon the cumulative action potential of the auditory nerves in guinea pigs is investigated by means of the averaging method. It was found that the potential amplitude within the measuring range increases with the logarithm of the rising sonic pressure velocity. Unlike the evoked response audiometry (ERA), this potential seems unsuitable for furnishing information of the frequency-dependent threshold course.", "PMID": 989314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3129", "title": "[A contribution to the identification of the oral antidiabetic agent tolbutamide. 1st communication].", "content": "An identification reaction for tolbutamide given in several pharmacopoeias involves the reaction of n-butylamine, formed by acid hydrolysis of tolbutamide, with diazotised p-nitroaniline to yield a characteristic red colour of unknown structure(s). It is demonstrated that, by using TLC methods, this red colour can be separated into 8 red or yellow coloured components. The structures of these isolated compounds were determined by spectroscopical methods and, in six cases, confirmed by unequivocal synthesis. These coloured components include one pentazdiene, five triazenes and two nitro compounds.", "contents": "[A contribution to the identification of the oral antidiabetic agent tolbutamide. 1st communication]. An identification reaction for tolbutamide given in several pharmacopoeias involves the reaction of n-butylamine, formed by acid hydrolysis of tolbutamide, with diazotised p-nitroaniline to yield a characteristic red colour of unknown structure(s). It is demonstrated that, by using TLC methods, this red colour can be separated into 8 red or yellow coloured components. The structures of these isolated compounds were determined by spectroscopical methods and, in six cases, confirmed by unequivocal synthesis. These coloured components include one pentazdiene, five triazenes and two nitro compounds.", "PMID": 989317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3130", "title": "[Synthetic low-molecular weight interferon inducers: derivatives of diaminofluoren-9-one, diaminobenzophenones and diamino biphenyls].", "content": "Among the aminoacyl derivatives of 2,7-diaminofluoren-9-one a few compounds were found capable of inducing interferon in the mouse when administered perorally. One of them, 2,7-bis[(diethylamino)acetylamino]fluoren-9-one exhibited an inducing activity comparable to that of 2,7-bis-(2-diethylaminoethoxy)-fluoren-9-one (tilorone). The synthesis of derivatives of fluorene, fluorenol, fluorenone, diaminobenzophenone, diaminiodiphenylmethane and benzidine, all of them with corresponding side chains, allowed to establish structural requirements for interferon inducing capability.", "contents": "[Synthetic low-molecular weight interferon inducers: derivatives of diaminofluoren-9-one, diaminobenzophenones and diamino biphenyls]. Among the aminoacyl derivatives of 2,7-diaminofluoren-9-one a few compounds were found capable of inducing interferon in the mouse when administered perorally. One of them, 2,7-bis[(diethylamino)acetylamino]fluoren-9-one exhibited an inducing activity comparable to that of 2,7-bis-(2-diethylaminoethoxy)-fluoren-9-one (tilorone). The synthesis of derivatives of fluorene, fluorenol, fluorenone, diaminobenzophenone, diaminiodiphenylmethane and benzidine, all of them with corresponding side chains, allowed to establish structural requirements for interferon inducing capability.", "PMID": 989318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3131", "title": "[Absorption studies with purines. Part 1: In vitro experiments with the Sartorius Absorption Model according to Stricker].", "content": "Various purines were investigated with the absorption model, according to Stricker, their kD-values calculated and compared with one another. The diffusion speed constants showed to be dependent upon the lipoid solubility and the polarity of the drugs. The experimental methods recommended by Stricker were analyzed.", "contents": "[Absorption studies with purines. Part 1: In vitro experiments with the Sartorius Absorption Model according to Stricker]. Various purines were investigated with the absorption model, according to Stricker, their kD-values calculated and compared with one another. The diffusion speed constants showed to be dependent upon the lipoid solubility and the polarity of the drugs. The experimental methods recommended by Stricker were analyzed.", "PMID": 989319} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3132", "title": "A simple electronic circuit for simulation of pharmacokinetic processes.", "content": "A simple electronic circuit is constructed for simulation of the theoretical curves associated with single and multiple dosing kinetics. The output is an analog device which generates plasma concentration curves versus time, consistent with the assumption in a one-compartment open model with rapid intravenous injection or first-order absorption. Potentiometer settings offer variations in dosing schedules, distribution volumes as well as in absorption and elimination rate constants. All details are made from standard electronic components. The device can be used in teaching of the elements of pharmacokinetics.", "contents": "A simple electronic circuit for simulation of pharmacokinetic processes. A simple electronic circuit is constructed for simulation of the theoretical curves associated with single and multiple dosing kinetics. The output is an analog device which generates plasma concentration curves versus time, consistent with the assumption in a one-compartment open model with rapid intravenous injection or first-order absorption. Potentiometer settings offer variations in dosing schedules, distribution volumes as well as in absorption and elimination rate constants. All details are made from standard electronic components. The device can be used in teaching of the elements of pharmacokinetics.", "PMID": 989320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3133", "title": "[Effect of halothane on catecholamine metabolism in the brain stem of rats].", "content": "In an experimental study we tried to find out whether halothane, in addition to its effects on vegetative efferents, has also an influence on catecholamine metabolism of the corresponding brain sections. We studied the effects of halothane in the brain stem of rats on dopamine and norepinephrine contents and on the transformation of L-dopa into dopamine and L-norepinephrine. Anaesthesia with 2 vol% halothane reduced dopamine content by 41.4%, norepinephrine content by 17.8%. These findings could be observed even 3 h after narcosis. Electrophysiological studies show that the central nervous sympathetic activity at rest and after central excitation is clearly reduced during anaesthesia with 2 vol% halothane; 70 min after narcosis it returned to normal. Administration of L-dopa led to an increase of dopamine by 43.5% within 45 min. This transformation of L-dopa into dopamine is not affected by concurrent halothane anaesthesia. There is no increase in norepinephrine after administration of L-dopa. Thus, the effect of halothane on catecholamine metabolism in the brain stem affects the precursors of L-dopa. Halothane is said to inhibit transport of the L-dopa precursor L-tyrosine from plasma to brain tissue. Along with such an inhibition goes the depression of the sympathetic activity. In this respect and obviously on the basis of its position within the catecholamine metabolism, dopamine is more important than norepinephrine.", "contents": "[Effect of halothane on catecholamine metabolism in the brain stem of rats]. In an experimental study we tried to find out whether halothane, in addition to its effects on vegetative efferents, has also an influence on catecholamine metabolism of the corresponding brain sections. We studied the effects of halothane in the brain stem of rats on dopamine and norepinephrine contents and on the transformation of L-dopa into dopamine and L-norepinephrine. Anaesthesia with 2 vol% halothane reduced dopamine content by 41.4%, norepinephrine content by 17.8%. These findings could be observed even 3 h after narcosis. Electrophysiological studies show that the central nervous sympathetic activity at rest and after central excitation is clearly reduced during anaesthesia with 2 vol% halothane; 70 min after narcosis it returned to normal. Administration of L-dopa led to an increase of dopamine by 43.5% within 45 min. This transformation of L-dopa into dopamine is not affected by concurrent halothane anaesthesia. There is no increase in norepinephrine after administration of L-dopa. Thus, the effect of halothane on catecholamine metabolism in the brain stem affects the precursors of L-dopa. Halothane is said to inhibit transport of the L-dopa precursor L-tyrosine from plasma to brain tissue. Along with such an inhibition goes the depression of the sympathetic activity. In this respect and obviously on the basis of its position within the catecholamine metabolism, dopamine is more important than norepinephrine.", "PMID": 989321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3134", "title": "Visually evoked potentials in cortical and subcortical brain structures of conscious rabbits with chronically implanted electrodes. Standardized normal values and the influence of some psychopharmacological agents on them.", "content": "By means of a modified and simplified surgical and implantation technique, standardized values for visually evoked potentials (EP) from 7 brain structures (caudate nucleus, posterior hypothalamus, mesencephalic reticular formation, intra-laminar thalamic nuclei, amygdala, dorsal hippocampus and visual cortex) are obtained. The importance of a careful selection of the animal material, constant test conditions and the selection of test parameters as a prerequisite for the assessment of psychotropic drugs is emphasized and discussed. As an example of the specific influence on visually evoked potentials in the above named brain structures, the effects of haloperidol and amytriptyline on latencies and amplitudes of the individual parameters of EPs are described. It is assumed that the method described can be of great assistance for investigation and classification of newly developed substances.", "contents": "Visually evoked potentials in cortical and subcortical brain structures of conscious rabbits with chronically implanted electrodes. Standardized normal values and the influence of some psychopharmacological agents on them. By means of a modified and simplified surgical and implantation technique, standardized values for visually evoked potentials (EP) from 7 brain structures (caudate nucleus, posterior hypothalamus, mesencephalic reticular formation, intra-laminar thalamic nuclei, amygdala, dorsal hippocampus and visual cortex) are obtained. The importance of a careful selection of the animal material, constant test conditions and the selection of test parameters as a prerequisite for the assessment of psychotropic drugs is emphasized and discussed. As an example of the specific influence on visually evoked potentials in the above named brain structures, the effects of haloperidol and amytriptyline on latencies and amplitudes of the individual parameters of EPs are described. It is assumed that the method described can be of great assistance for investigation and classification of newly developed substances.", "PMID": 989322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3135", "title": "[Electroencephalographic study on experimental brain edema induced by triethyltinsulfate (author's transl)].", "content": "The electroencephalographic effects of several doses of a brain edema inducing agent, triethyltinsulfate (TET), was studied by implanted epidural electrodes in cats. The effect of TET on the central nervous system was found to have two phases: 1. a six hours' acute toxic phase following TET administration, 2. An edematic phase developing on the 2nd to the 4th day. Similarly to our earlier observations brain edema induced by TET was found to be dose-dependent, as shown by EEG-s, and their analysis performed by computation.", "contents": "[Electroencephalographic study on experimental brain edema induced by triethyltinsulfate (author's transl)]. The electroencephalographic effects of several doses of a brain edema inducing agent, triethyltinsulfate (TET), was studied by implanted epidural electrodes in cats. The effect of TET on the central nervous system was found to have two phases: 1. a six hours' acute toxic phase following TET administration, 2. An edematic phase developing on the 2nd to the 4th day. Similarly to our earlier observations brain edema induced by TET was found to be dose-dependent, as shown by EEG-s, and their analysis performed by computation.", "PMID": 989323} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3136", "title": "Some aspects in the pharmacology of diclonium bromide (2-(3,4-dicholoroanilino)quinolizinium bromide). Part II: Gastric acid-antisecretory and antiulcerogenic actions.", "content": "Diconium bromide, 2-(3,4-dichloroanilino)-quinolizinium bromide, a potent antispasmodic in the lower bowel of the dog, was found in the present study to exert gastric acid-antisecretory and antiulcerogenic activities in the rat stomach. These effects were demonstrated by means of short- and long-term pyloric ligation, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced ulcerogenesis, and cold-and-restraint stress studies. A reduction of gastric acid concentration by the drug was probably responsible for the decrease in the degree of ulceration and hemorrhagic lesion formation. The drug's inhibition of stress hemorrhagic lesions may be related to an effect both on gastric HCl secretion and on the vasculature in the glabdular mucosa. The delay of gastric emptying by diclonium bromide results from its known antispasmodic or smooth-muscle depressant action. The toxicity of diclonium bromide, perorally, was low in rats and overt signs of drug effect were not evident until toxic doses were administered. It is concluded that diclonium bromide may represent a useful non-anticholinergic drug effective in treating both peptic ulcers and spasticity of the colon (irritable-colon syndrome) in man.", "contents": "Some aspects in the pharmacology of diclonium bromide (2-(3,4-dicholoroanilino)quinolizinium bromide). Part II: Gastric acid-antisecretory and antiulcerogenic actions. Diconium bromide, 2-(3,4-dichloroanilino)-quinolizinium bromide, a potent antispasmodic in the lower bowel of the dog, was found in the present study to exert gastric acid-antisecretory and antiulcerogenic activities in the rat stomach. These effects were demonstrated by means of short- and long-term pyloric ligation, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced ulcerogenesis, and cold-and-restraint stress studies. A reduction of gastric acid concentration by the drug was probably responsible for the decrease in the degree of ulceration and hemorrhagic lesion formation. The drug's inhibition of stress hemorrhagic lesions may be related to an effect both on gastric HCl secretion and on the vasculature in the glabdular mucosa. The delay of gastric emptying by diclonium bromide results from its known antispasmodic or smooth-muscle depressant action. The toxicity of diclonium bromide, perorally, was low in rats and overt signs of drug effect were not evident until toxic doses were administered. It is concluded that diclonium bromide may represent a useful non-anticholinergic drug effective in treating both peptic ulcers and spasticity of the colon (irritable-colon syndrome) in man.", "PMID": 989324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3137", "title": "[Disaccharidases of the intestinal mucosa of the rat after cytostatic combined therapy with vincristin sulphate and ifosfamide (author's transl)].", "content": "Vincristin sulphate or 3-(2-chloroethyl)-2-(2-chloroethyl-amino)-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,2-oxazaphosphorine-2-oxide (ifosfamide)--given alone--may reduce intestinal disaccharidase activities in the rat. However, combined administration of both the drugs, as used as a therapeutic means, results in a much more drastic decrease in enzyme activities. Consequently, also in man maldigestion of disaccharides might occur due to that polychemotherapy.", "contents": "[Disaccharidases of the intestinal mucosa of the rat after cytostatic combined therapy with vincristin sulphate and ifosfamide (author's transl)]. Vincristin sulphate or 3-(2-chloroethyl)-2-(2-chloroethyl-amino)-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,2-oxazaphosphorine-2-oxide (ifosfamide)--given alone--may reduce intestinal disaccharidase activities in the rat. However, combined administration of both the drugs, as used as a therapeutic means, results in a much more drastic decrease in enzyme activities. Consequently, also in man maldigestion of disaccharides might occur due to that polychemotherapy.", "PMID": 989325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3138", "title": "Antitussive activity and other related pharmacological properties of d-3-methyl-N-methylmorphinan (AT-17).", "content": "Antitussive activity and some other related pharmacological properties of d-3-methyl-N-methylmorphinan were studied. Toxic symptoms in mice and dogs were due to the CNS excitation. Acute toxicity of (AT-17) in mice was slightly (s.c.) or far (p.o.) weaker than that of codeine, but it was three times as toxic as codeine in dogs (i.v.). Antitussive efficacy was about 40% of that of codeine in dogs, whereas 77% as potent as codeine in cats. It showed no relaxing effect on the bronchial muscle of guinea pigs in either normal tone or histamine-induced spasms. It had analgesic effect 1/3 as potent as codeine in mice but it was not antagonized by levallorphan. The prolongation of hexobarbital sleeping time by AT-17 was similar extent to that by codeine. Anti-electroshock effect was half as potent as that of phenobarbital. The inhibitory effect on the transportation of intestinal contents in mice was far weaker than that of codeine. Effect on the respiratory and circulatory systems were also investigated.", "contents": "Antitussive activity and other related pharmacological properties of d-3-methyl-N-methylmorphinan (AT-17). Antitussive activity and some other related pharmacological properties of d-3-methyl-N-methylmorphinan were studied. Toxic symptoms in mice and dogs were due to the CNS excitation. Acute toxicity of (AT-17) in mice was slightly (s.c.) or far (p.o.) weaker than that of codeine, but it was three times as toxic as codeine in dogs (i.v.). Antitussive efficacy was about 40% of that of codeine in dogs, whereas 77% as potent as codeine in cats. It showed no relaxing effect on the bronchial muscle of guinea pigs in either normal tone or histamine-induced spasms. It had analgesic effect 1/3 as potent as codeine in mice but it was not antagonized by levallorphan. The prolongation of hexobarbital sleeping time by AT-17 was similar extent to that by codeine. Anti-electroshock effect was half as potent as that of phenobarbital. The inhibitory effect on the transportation of intestinal contents in mice was far weaker than that of codeine. Effect on the respiratory and circulatory systems were also investigated.", "PMID": 989326} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3139", "title": "On the sites of antitussive action of d-3-methyl-N-methylmorphinan (AT-17).", "content": "The sites of antitussive action of d-3-methyl-N-methylmorphinan (AT-17) were studied. It was assumed from the following results that AT-17 acts on the cough centre per se. a) When AT-17 was given by the routes leading to the brain stem such as the cerebello-medullar cistern, far smaller doses were sufficient to obtain the same effect as that by i.v. administration. b) It showed neither effect on the afferent pathway for cough reflex nor influence on pulmonary stretch receptors. c) Decerebration exerted no influence on the antitussive efficacy. d) It definitely depressed the potentials of both the recurrent and internal intercostal nerves evoked by the superior laryngeal nerve stimulation. e) Micro-injection of AT-17 into the bilateral solitary nuclei or their adjacent regions inhibited coughs induced by peripheral stimulation. f) In deafferentated and decerebrate cats, AT-17 increased the spontaneous discharges of the phrenic nerve, whereas codeine decreased them.", "contents": "On the sites of antitussive action of d-3-methyl-N-methylmorphinan (AT-17). The sites of antitussive action of d-3-methyl-N-methylmorphinan (AT-17) were studied. It was assumed from the following results that AT-17 acts on the cough centre per se. a) When AT-17 was given by the routes leading to the brain stem such as the cerebello-medullar cistern, far smaller doses were sufficient to obtain the same effect as that by i.v. administration. b) It showed neither effect on the afferent pathway for cough reflex nor influence on pulmonary stretch receptors. c) Decerebration exerted no influence on the antitussive efficacy. d) It definitely depressed the potentials of both the recurrent and internal intercostal nerves evoked by the superior laryngeal nerve stimulation. e) Micro-injection of AT-17 into the bilateral solitary nuclei or their adjacent regions inhibited coughs induced by peripheral stimulation. f) In deafferentated and decerebrate cats, AT-17 increased the spontaneous discharges of the phrenic nerve, whereas codeine decreased them.", "PMID": 989327} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3140", "title": "[Adaptational behaviour of peripheral and central acoustic responses in guinea pigs under the influence of various fractions of an extract from Gingko biloba (author's transl)].", "content": "Experimental studies on 114 guinea pigs proved definitely the influence of an extract from Ginkgo biloba batch no. 02 on the acoustic system. Experiments with animals ensured that the adaptation of excitation of the organ of Corti is significantly influenced. This result is shown by registrations of the acoustic nerve potentials in the adapted and nonadapted state. The relation of excitation to adaptation is significantly changed. Under adaptation of excitation an influence on the metabolism of involution is probable. The slow evoked potentials of the acoustic cortex showed no additional influence on the central auditory pathways. With the Ginkgo biloba extract it is probably possible to diminish sound damages caused by white noise. Further experiments on animals are necessary to ensure the application of this pharmaceutical preparation for clinical use.", "contents": "[Adaptational behaviour of peripheral and central acoustic responses in guinea pigs under the influence of various fractions of an extract from Gingko biloba (author's transl)]. Experimental studies on 114 guinea pigs proved definitely the influence of an extract from Ginkgo biloba batch no. 02 on the acoustic system. Experiments with animals ensured that the adaptation of excitation of the organ of Corti is significantly influenced. This result is shown by registrations of the acoustic nerve potentials in the adapted and nonadapted state. The relation of excitation to adaptation is significantly changed. Under adaptation of excitation an influence on the metabolism of involution is probable. The slow evoked potentials of the acoustic cortex showed no additional influence on the central auditory pathways. With the Ginkgo biloba extract it is probably possible to diminish sound damages caused by white noise. Further experiments on animals are necessary to ensure the application of this pharmaceutical preparation for clinical use.", "PMID": 989328} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3141", "title": "[On the influence of oral antidiabetics on protein biosynthesis in vitro (author's transl)].", "content": "Inhibition of protein synthesis is one of the few side effects of sulfonylureas and biguanides. Regarding our results obtained with hepatic polyribosomes from diabetic and from control animals, with ribosomes directed by polyuridylic acid as a synthetic messenger, and by centrifugation of the ribosomes through sucrose gradients there is evidence of a direct inhibiting effect of tolbutamide on liver ribosomes. The effect of butyl-biguanide depends on the system used for in vitro protein synthesis. While it is inhibiting protein synthesis of normal liver ribosomes regardless of the attached messenger, it stimulates the incorporation of amino acids by ribosomes from diabetic rats directed by endogenous or by synthetic messengers. The specific pattern of ribosomal distribution in sucrose gradients is unchanged by the administration of tolbutamide to the animal prior to its decapitation. However, butyl-biguanide leads to reduction of the polyribosomal portion of liver ribosomes from normal animals while it is without any furhter effect on the amount of polyribosomes already reduced in diabetes mellitus.", "contents": "[On the influence of oral antidiabetics on protein biosynthesis in vitro (author's transl)]. Inhibition of protein synthesis is one of the few side effects of sulfonylureas and biguanides. Regarding our results obtained with hepatic polyribosomes from diabetic and from control animals, with ribosomes directed by polyuridylic acid as a synthetic messenger, and by centrifugation of the ribosomes through sucrose gradients there is evidence of a direct inhibiting effect of tolbutamide on liver ribosomes. The effect of butyl-biguanide depends on the system used for in vitro protein synthesis. While it is inhibiting protein synthesis of normal liver ribosomes regardless of the attached messenger, it stimulates the incorporation of amino acids by ribosomes from diabetic rats directed by endogenous or by synthetic messengers. The specific pattern of ribosomal distribution in sucrose gradients is unchanged by the administration of tolbutamide to the animal prior to its decapitation. However, butyl-biguanide leads to reduction of the polyribosomal portion of liver ribosomes from normal animals while it is without any furhter effect on the amount of polyribosomes already reduced in diabetes mellitus.", "PMID": 989329} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3142", "title": "Renal effects of gentamicin and cephaloridine. Evaluation by renal enzyme excretion studies in rats and comparison with other antibiotics.", "content": "The renal effects of gentamicin and cephaloridine were investigated by determining the changes in renal enzyme excretion. Both drugs provoked significant elevations or urinary AP-, LAP-, or LDH-activities. This result permits the conclusion that both drugs take influence on the kidney. The exact pathomechanism leading to this increased renal enzyme excretion was not elucidated. The fact that gentamicin in the applied dosage (about 30% of LD50) provoked more pronounced changes than cephaloridine (about 20% of LD50) could be explained by an in-vitro interference of cephaloridine with the enzymatic activities investigated in this study. In the discussion, the changes elicited in the same model by other antibacterial compounds were compared with the data obtained with gentamicin and cephaloridine. In closing, implications, restrictions, and validity of renal enzyme excretion studies in rats for screening nephrotoxic properties of a drug for human use are briefly discussed.", "contents": "Renal effects of gentamicin and cephaloridine. Evaluation by renal enzyme excretion studies in rats and comparison with other antibiotics. The renal effects of gentamicin and cephaloridine were investigated by determining the changes in renal enzyme excretion. Both drugs provoked significant elevations or urinary AP-, LAP-, or LDH-activities. This result permits the conclusion that both drugs take influence on the kidney. The exact pathomechanism leading to this increased renal enzyme excretion was not elucidated. The fact that gentamicin in the applied dosage (about 30% of LD50) provoked more pronounced changes than cephaloridine (about 20% of LD50) could be explained by an in-vitro interference of cephaloridine with the enzymatic activities investigated in this study. In the discussion, the changes elicited in the same model by other antibacterial compounds were compared with the data obtained with gentamicin and cephaloridine. In closing, implications, restrictions, and validity of renal enzyme excretion studies in rats for screening nephrotoxic properties of a drug for human use are briefly discussed.", "PMID": 989330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3143", "title": "[Influence of diazepam and phenytoin on penicillin-induced cerebral convulsions (author's transl)].", "content": "The effects of diazepam and phenytoin on penicillin-induced EEG changes and convulsions were studied in 32 rabbits. EEG changes and convulsions were elicited by 2.4 g/kg benzylpenicillin i.v. over 50 min. The dosages of the anticonvulsants were 1, 5 and 10 mg of diazepam and 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg of phenytoin. The qualitative and semiquantitative evaluation of the electroencephalograms revealed no reduction of spike frequency or spike amplitude for either of the two drugs. However, in contrast to phenytoin, diazepam was highly effective in preventing the development of generalized convulsions. None of the 12 diazepam-treated animals developed a convulsion, whereas in most of the phenytoin treated animals and in most of the controls generalized convulsions appeared. The results suggest that diazepam should be used in the treatment of penicillin-encephalopathy.", "contents": "[Influence of diazepam and phenytoin on penicillin-induced cerebral convulsions (author's transl)]. The effects of diazepam and phenytoin on penicillin-induced EEG changes and convulsions were studied in 32 rabbits. EEG changes and convulsions were elicited by 2.4 g/kg benzylpenicillin i.v. over 50 min. The dosages of the anticonvulsants were 1, 5 and 10 mg of diazepam and 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg of phenytoin. The qualitative and semiquantitative evaluation of the electroencephalograms revealed no reduction of spike frequency or spike amplitude for either of the two drugs. However, in contrast to phenytoin, diazepam was highly effective in preventing the development of generalized convulsions. None of the 12 diazepam-treated animals developed a convulsion, whereas in most of the phenytoin treated animals and in most of the controls generalized convulsions appeared. The results suggest that diazepam should be used in the treatment of penicillin-encephalopathy.", "PMID": 989331} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3144", "title": "[Influence of tribenoside on spontaneous osteoarthrosis in mice (author's transl)].", "content": "1. In 15- to 21-month-old male mice of the C 57 black strain that had been treated with a placebo (olive oil), the incidence of gonarthrosis was found to be 19% in the youngest and 61% in the older animals. If the very early stages are included, the incidences range from 36% to 65%. 2. Only the most severe degrees of arthrosis could be diagnosed radiographically; mild stages were only detectable by histological examination under the light-microscope. 3. The motility of the older animals severely affected with arthrosis (as measured by reference to their ability to run over a grid) was for the most part limited. 4. The percentage of mice with gonarthrosis was diminished by treatment with ethyl-3,5,6-tri-O-benzyl-D-glucofuranoside (tribenoside, Glyvenol) in doses of 150, 500 or 1200 mg/kg p.o. weekly over a period of three months. Comparison of the animals that had received tribenoside with those given the placebo (olive oil) revealed that the incidence of lesions was 36-60% less in the former. If the very early stages of arthrosis were included in the evaluation, the differences were statistically significant (P less than 0.05) at the two higher dose-levels. 5. Under the given experimental conditions, no clear-cut dose-effect relation on the part of tribenoside was demonstrable, since the youngest animals with the least marked arthrosis were treated with the smallest dose of the preparation and the older animals, in which the incidence of arthrosis was higher, with the larger doses.", "contents": "[Influence of tribenoside on spontaneous osteoarthrosis in mice (author's transl)]. 1. In 15- to 21-month-old male mice of the C 57 black strain that had been treated with a placebo (olive oil), the incidence of gonarthrosis was found to be 19% in the youngest and 61% in the older animals. If the very early stages are included, the incidences range from 36% to 65%. 2. Only the most severe degrees of arthrosis could be diagnosed radiographically; mild stages were only detectable by histological examination under the light-microscope. 3. The motility of the older animals severely affected with arthrosis (as measured by reference to their ability to run over a grid) was for the most part limited. 4. The percentage of mice with gonarthrosis was diminished by treatment with ethyl-3,5,6-tri-O-benzyl-D-glucofuranoside (tribenoside, Glyvenol) in doses of 150, 500 or 1200 mg/kg p.o. weekly over a period of three months. Comparison of the animals that had received tribenoside with those given the placebo (olive oil) revealed that the incidence of lesions was 36-60% less in the former. If the very early stages of arthrosis were included in the evaluation, the differences were statistically significant (P less than 0.05) at the two higher dose-levels. 5. Under the given experimental conditions, no clear-cut dose-effect relation on the part of tribenoside was demonstrable, since the youngest animals with the least marked arthrosis were treated with the smallest dose of the preparation and the older animals, in which the incidence of arthrosis was higher, with the larger doses.", "PMID": 989332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3145", "title": "[Study on the protective effect of vitamin A on stress ulcer of the rat (author's transl)].", "content": "The protective effect of vitamin A on \"restraint stress\" ulcer formation was studied in rats. Animals receiving i.m. injections of 1000 or 2000 IU vitamin A, respectively, every 6 h after 19 h of immobilisation had significantly fewer and smaller ulcers than had the controls. There was no difference between the 2 doses. Only a few rats had no gastric ulcers at all, that means the protection was not absolute. Therapeutic use of vitamin A in the prophylaxis of stress ulcer is discussed.", "contents": "[Study on the protective effect of vitamin A on stress ulcer of the rat (author's transl)]. The protective effect of vitamin A on \"restraint stress\" ulcer formation was studied in rats. Animals receiving i.m. injections of 1000 or 2000 IU vitamin A, respectively, every 6 h after 19 h of immobilisation had significantly fewer and smaller ulcers than had the controls. There was no difference between the 2 doses. Only a few rats had no gastric ulcers at all, that means the protection was not absolute. Therapeutic use of vitamin A in the prophylaxis of stress ulcer is discussed.", "PMID": 989333} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3146", "title": "A new route of heparin administration--the lung.", "content": "Instillation of a single dose of heparin into the lungs of the dog resulted in a steady prolonged hypocoagulability as measured by the Lee and White clotting time, partial thromboplastin and activated partial thromboplastin times. 15 mg of heparin/kg increased clotting time three to five times control values. The anticoagulant effect occurred within one hour and lasted 48 h or more, in contrast to the short effect of intravenous heparin. For doses of 8, 10, 12, 15 and 20 mg/kg, there was a corresponding increase in the area under the response curve. The very prolonged moderate anticoagulant state with intrapulmonary heparin did not show the wide fluctuations in coagulation test values which occur with intravenous heparin.", "contents": "A new route of heparin administration--the lung. Instillation of a single dose of heparin into the lungs of the dog resulted in a steady prolonged hypocoagulability as measured by the Lee and White clotting time, partial thromboplastin and activated partial thromboplastin times. 15 mg of heparin/kg increased clotting time three to five times control values. The anticoagulant effect occurred within one hour and lasted 48 h or more, in contrast to the short effect of intravenous heparin. For doses of 8, 10, 12, 15 and 20 mg/kg, there was a corresponding increase in the area under the response curve. The very prolonged moderate anticoagulant state with intrapulmonary heparin did not show the wide fluctuations in coagulation test values which occur with intravenous heparin.", "PMID": 989334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3147", "title": "[Acute liver injury in rats by praseodymium nitrate (author's transl)].", "content": "After acute intoxication with praseodymium nitrate (10 mg/kg body weight i.v.), time functions of enzyme activities of GOT, GPT, ChE, AP and of free fatty acids concentration in rat serum were analysed and the results subjected to significance and correlation analysis. Time functions of free fatty acids concentration corresponded with those of enzyme activities of GOT and GPT. In the early state of intoxication serum concentrations of palmitoleinic and oleic acid were more increased than those of stearinic acid. There seems to be an alteration in the correlations of analysed measures with regard to their temporal changes parallel to the progress of intoxication.", "contents": "[Acute liver injury in rats by praseodymium nitrate (author's transl)]. After acute intoxication with praseodymium nitrate (10 mg/kg body weight i.v.), time functions of enzyme activities of GOT, GPT, ChE, AP and of free fatty acids concentration in rat serum were analysed and the results subjected to significance and correlation analysis. Time functions of free fatty acids concentration corresponded with those of enzyme activities of GOT and GPT. In the early state of intoxication serum concentrations of palmitoleinic and oleic acid were more increased than those of stearinic acid. There seems to be an alteration in the correlations of analysed measures with regard to their temporal changes parallel to the progress of intoxication.", "PMID": 989335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3148", "title": "[Possible therapeutic influences on experimentally induced edemas (author's transl)].", "content": "In pathogenetically different models the antiedemic effect of extractum hippocastani semen (EHS) for intravenous and oral use was to be demonstrated. The histamine-induced edema of the skin, the postischemic edema of muscle and the cerebral edema provoked by cold injury were used. In all the models tested, it was possible to obtain reproducible numerical results which made statistical evaluation of the experiments possible. Antiedemic protective effects could be demonstrated in all investigations, whereas in one model a curative effect could be proved, too.", "contents": "[Possible therapeutic influences on experimentally induced edemas (author's transl)]. In pathogenetically different models the antiedemic effect of extractum hippocastani semen (EHS) for intravenous and oral use was to be demonstrated. The histamine-induced edema of the skin, the postischemic edema of muscle and the cerebral edema provoked by cold injury were used. In all the models tested, it was possible to obtain reproducible numerical results which made statistical evaluation of the experiments possible. Antiedemic protective effects could be demonstrated in all investigations, whereas in one model a curative effect could be proved, too.", "PMID": 989336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3149", "title": "[Experimental comparison of the tuberculostatic activities of INH, INHG and INHG-Na (author's transl)].", "content": "In a comparative experimental study the glucuronic acid derivatives of isonicotinoylhydrazone (INH), isonicotinoyl-hydrazone d-glucuronic acid lactone (INHG, Gluronazid) and INH-sodium glucuronid (INHG-N-A, Gluronazid pro infusione) were shown to have the same tuberculostatic activity as INH both in vitro and in vivo. As judged by the serum inhibitory activity the serum level shows a different temporal pattern. After the administration of INHG or INHG-Na, the inhibitory activity reaches its peak later than does INH but remains in the active range essentially longer. The most substantial and, with regard to therapy, most significant difference between INHG or INHG-Na and INH lies in the varying toxicological properties. Both the oral and intravenous LD50 increase in the sequence INH, INHG and INHG-Na. The i.v. LD50 of INHG-Na exceeds the oral LD50. As compared to INH the lower toxicity permits a higher dosage of gluronazide. Thus a continuously higher serum inhibitory activity can be achieved than with a corresponding INH therapy.", "contents": "[Experimental comparison of the tuberculostatic activities of INH, INHG and INHG-Na (author's transl)]. In a comparative experimental study the glucuronic acid derivatives of isonicotinoylhydrazone (INH), isonicotinoyl-hydrazone d-glucuronic acid lactone (INHG, Gluronazid) and INH-sodium glucuronid (INHG-N-A, Gluronazid pro infusione) were shown to have the same tuberculostatic activity as INH both in vitro and in vivo. As judged by the serum inhibitory activity the serum level shows a different temporal pattern. After the administration of INHG or INHG-Na, the inhibitory activity reaches its peak later than does INH but remains in the active range essentially longer. The most substantial and, with regard to therapy, most significant difference between INHG or INHG-Na and INH lies in the varying toxicological properties. Both the oral and intravenous LD50 increase in the sequence INH, INHG and INHG-Na. The i.v. LD50 of INHG-Na exceeds the oral LD50. As compared to INH the lower toxicity permits a higher dosage of gluronazide. Thus a continuously higher serum inhibitory activity can be achieved than with a corresponding INH therapy.", "PMID": 989337} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3150", "title": "Interference of sulpiride with the mitogenic activation of lymphocytes cultured in vitro.", "content": "The action of a psychotropic substance, N-ethyl-2(2-methoxy-5--sulfamido-benzamidomethyl)-pyrrolidine (sulpiride, Dobren), on cellular metabolism has been studied by means of the in vitro lymphocyte activation technique. The effect of the continuous presence of the compound in the culture, at a concentration permitting cellular vitality was evaluated. Furthermore the effect of the drug on the culture during the lymphocyte stimulating phase and during the incorporation phase of 3H-thymidine was separately evaluated. The results indicate that the sample population can be divided into two different groups depending on the modality of the response to the drug in vitro taken as activity index (A.I.). Whether our conclusion has any practical significance remains to be elucidated.", "contents": "Interference of sulpiride with the mitogenic activation of lymphocytes cultured in vitro. The action of a psychotropic substance, N-ethyl-2(2-methoxy-5--sulfamido-benzamidomethyl)-pyrrolidine (sulpiride, Dobren), on cellular metabolism has been studied by means of the in vitro lymphocyte activation technique. The effect of the continuous presence of the compound in the culture, at a concentration permitting cellular vitality was evaluated. Furthermore the effect of the drug on the culture during the lymphocyte stimulating phase and during the incorporation phase of 3H-thymidine was separately evaluated. The results indicate that the sample population can be divided into two different groups depending on the modality of the response to the drug in vitro taken as activity index (A.I.). Whether our conclusion has any practical significance remains to be elucidated.", "PMID": 989338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3151", "title": "Effect of single and repeated administration of sulpiride on the restraint ulcer in the rat.", "content": "Preventive activity of N-ethyl-2(2-methoxy-5-sulfamido-benzamidomethyl)-pyrrolidine (sulpiride, Dobren) upon restraint ulcer has been studied using two strains of rats (Wistar and Sprague-Dawley) treated with single or repeated administration of 5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg i.p. of the drug. Wistar strain was shown to be less sensitive to the ulcerogenic procedure and a significant preventive effect of sulpiride occurred only at the dose of 10 mg/kg i.p. In the Sprague-Dawley strain a preventive effect was present not only at this dose but also at the dose of 20 mg/kg i.p. and 5 mg/kg i.p., the latter dose giving the greatest effect. Animals receiving the dose of 40 mg/kg i.p. did not differ significantly from the control in both strains. Results are discussed in relation to possible changes of the cerebral mono-amine turnover during the establishment of stress ulcer, particularly in terms of restoration of the balance between dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) neuronal activity.", "contents": "Effect of single and repeated administration of sulpiride on the restraint ulcer in the rat. Preventive activity of N-ethyl-2(2-methoxy-5-sulfamido-benzamidomethyl)-pyrrolidine (sulpiride, Dobren) upon restraint ulcer has been studied using two strains of rats (Wistar and Sprague-Dawley) treated with single or repeated administration of 5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg i.p. of the drug. Wistar strain was shown to be less sensitive to the ulcerogenic procedure and a significant preventive effect of sulpiride occurred only at the dose of 10 mg/kg i.p. In the Sprague-Dawley strain a preventive effect was present not only at this dose but also at the dose of 20 mg/kg i.p. and 5 mg/kg i.p., the latter dose giving the greatest effect. Animals receiving the dose of 40 mg/kg i.p. did not differ significantly from the control in both strains. Results are discussed in relation to possible changes of the cerebral mono-amine turnover during the establishment of stress ulcer, particularly in terms of restoration of the balance between dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) neuronal activity.", "PMID": 989339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3152", "title": "Effect of sulpiride on serum gastrin in duodenal ulcer.", "content": "The effect of N-ethyl-2(2-methoxy-5-sulfamido-benzamidomethyl-pyrrolidine (sulpiride, Dobren) on serum gastrin in patients with duodenal ulcer was evaluated. A statistically significant decrease in gastrinemia was observed. The possible mode of action of sulpiride is discussed. It is suggested that sulpiride by acting on the hypothalamus could possibly normalize the alterations of the mucosal barrier and restore the feed-back mechanism implicated in the autoregulation of antral gastrin secretion.", "contents": "Effect of sulpiride on serum gastrin in duodenal ulcer. The effect of N-ethyl-2(2-methoxy-5-sulfamido-benzamidomethyl-pyrrolidine (sulpiride, Dobren) on serum gastrin in patients with duodenal ulcer was evaluated. A statistically significant decrease in gastrinemia was observed. The possible mode of action of sulpiride is discussed. It is suggested that sulpiride by acting on the hypothalamus could possibly normalize the alterations of the mucosal barrier and restore the feed-back mechanism implicated in the autoregulation of antral gastrin secretion.", "PMID": 989340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3153", "title": "Absolute concentrations of an antimycotic agent, econazole, in the human skin after local application.", "content": "The absolute concentrations of an antimycotic drug, econazole, 1-[2,4-dichloro-beta-(p-chlorobenzyloxy)-phenethyl]-imidazole nitrate, in the different layers of the skin are reported when the agent is applied to human skin in vitro and in vivo. The drug was tritium-labelled and incorporated into an ointment to give a 1% concentration as it is used in the therapy of dermatomycoses. This ointment was applied to the skin surface. After fixed time intervals, the skin was sliced parallel to the surface and the amount in each layer determined by liquid scintillation counting. In the in vivo investigations, the excretion of the drug in the urine was also determined. The results reveal that though up to 90% of the drug remain on the surface, about 20 mug/ml epidermal tissue and 1.5 mug/ml dermal tissue can be achieved. The amount which is excreted in the urine is equivalent to the quantity which enters the skin, i.e., the penetrating drug is absorbed by the circulatory system.", "contents": "Absolute concentrations of an antimycotic agent, econazole, in the human skin after local application. The absolute concentrations of an antimycotic drug, econazole, 1-[2,4-dichloro-beta-(p-chlorobenzyloxy)-phenethyl]-imidazole nitrate, in the different layers of the skin are reported when the agent is applied to human skin in vitro and in vivo. The drug was tritium-labelled and incorporated into an ointment to give a 1% concentration as it is used in the therapy of dermatomycoses. This ointment was applied to the skin surface. After fixed time intervals, the skin was sliced parallel to the surface and the amount in each layer determined by liquid scintillation counting. In the in vivo investigations, the excretion of the drug in the urine was also determined. The results reveal that though up to 90% of the drug remain on the surface, about 20 mug/ml epidermal tissue and 1.5 mug/ml dermal tissue can be achieved. The amount which is excreted in the urine is equivalent to the quantity which enters the skin, i.e., the penetrating drug is absorbed by the circulatory system.", "PMID": 989341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3154", "title": "A new oral contraceptive based on the normophasic method.", "content": "62 women were treated for 554 cycles with normophasic oral contraceptive Fisioquens. A treatment cycle consists of 7 tablets of 0.05 mg ethinyloestradiol, followed by 15 tablets with a combination of 0.05 mg ethinyl-oestradiol and 1 mg lynestrenol. No pregnancies occurred. Both tolerance of the preparation and cycle control were good. Irregular bleeding occurred sporadically. Various side-effects diminished during treatment and even disappeared completely. Fisioquens appears to be a reliable contraceptive with a minimum of side-effects.", "contents": "A new oral contraceptive based on the normophasic method. 62 women were treated for 554 cycles with normophasic oral contraceptive Fisioquens. A treatment cycle consists of 7 tablets of 0.05 mg ethinyloestradiol, followed by 15 tablets with a combination of 0.05 mg ethinyl-oestradiol and 1 mg lynestrenol. No pregnancies occurred. Both tolerance of the preparation and cycle control were good. Irregular bleeding occurred sporadically. Various side-effects diminished during treatment and even disappeared completely. Fisioquens appears to be a reliable contraceptive with a minimum of side-effects.", "PMID": 989342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3155", "title": "A model for studies of dermal surface epithelization: with observations on the effects of dexamethasone and nandrolone decanoate.", "content": "Experiments were designed to study the events of cell proliferation and migration during epithelization of an intact dermal surface in man. Epidermis was removed by prolonged suction and epithelization was followed by serial skin biopsies. DNA-synthesis and migration of labelled cells were followed by radioautography. Migration and cell proliferation were not found to be exclusive events in this model. Dexamethasone applied locally in a cream base was found to delay epithelization and nandrolone decanoate was found to counteract this to some extent. The model can be used in studies on effects of drugs on events involved in epithelization.", "contents": "A model for studies of dermal surface epithelization: with observations on the effects of dexamethasone and nandrolone decanoate. Experiments were designed to study the events of cell proliferation and migration during epithelization of an intact dermal surface in man. Epidermis was removed by prolonged suction and epithelization was followed by serial skin biopsies. DNA-synthesis and migration of labelled cells were followed by radioautography. Migration and cell proliferation were not found to be exclusive events in this model. Dexamethasone applied locally in a cream base was found to delay epithelization and nandrolone decanoate was found to counteract this to some extent. The model can be used in studies on effects of drugs on events involved in epithelization.", "PMID": 989343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3156", "title": "Pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of vinylbital in man after oral and rectal administration.", "content": "A sensitive and specific method for the quantitative determination of 5-vinyl-5-(1-methylbutyl)-barbituric acid (vinylbital) in plasma was developed, by using gas chromatography with alkali flame ionization detection. The method is suitable for measuring vinylbital plasma levels in man after administration of therapeutic doses. The pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of vinylbital after oral and rectal administration were studied in man. Tablets (Bykonox) containing 150 mg vinylbital, were used for the oral experiments and suppositories (Suppoptanox, polyethylene glycol base) containing 200 mg vinylbital, were used for rectal administration. Six volunteers participated in a cross-over way in the study. Vinylbital plasma concentrations were determined at regular intervals after drug administration. Absorption and elimination of vinylbital appeared to occur according to a single first-order process and the plasma concentrations were fitted by computer according to the equation intrinsic to the one-compartment open model after oral or rectal administration. The lag time was shorter for the suppository than for the tablet, whereas the absorption rate was faster for the tablet (mean absorption half-life 0.24 h compared with 0.64 h for the suppository). The elimination half-life of vinylbital varied from 17.6 to 33.5 h, with a mean value of 23.5 h for oral administration and 23.8 h for rectal administration. The half-lives were not considerably different on the two occasions for the individual volunteers. The average bioavailability of vinylbital for the suppository, relative to the tablet, was approximately 93%. Three volunteers collected their urine during 3--4 days after administration of a tablet. Unchanged vinylbital was determined and approximately 1.6% of the administered dose was excreted as unchanged drug. Some preliminary experiments of repetive vinylbital administration showed that self-induction of metabolism did not occur.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of vinylbital in man after oral and rectal administration. A sensitive and specific method for the quantitative determination of 5-vinyl-5-(1-methylbutyl)-barbituric acid (vinylbital) in plasma was developed, by using gas chromatography with alkali flame ionization detection. The method is suitable for measuring vinylbital plasma levels in man after administration of therapeutic doses. The pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of vinylbital after oral and rectal administration were studied in man. Tablets (Bykonox) containing 150 mg vinylbital, were used for the oral experiments and suppositories (Suppoptanox, polyethylene glycol base) containing 200 mg vinylbital, were used for rectal administration. Six volunteers participated in a cross-over way in the study. Vinylbital plasma concentrations were determined at regular intervals after drug administration. Absorption and elimination of vinylbital appeared to occur according to a single first-order process and the plasma concentrations were fitted by computer according to the equation intrinsic to the one-compartment open model after oral or rectal administration. The lag time was shorter for the suppository than for the tablet, whereas the absorption rate was faster for the tablet (mean absorption half-life 0.24 h compared with 0.64 h for the suppository). The elimination half-life of vinylbital varied from 17.6 to 33.5 h, with a mean value of 23.5 h for oral administration and 23.8 h for rectal administration. The half-lives were not considerably different on the two occasions for the individual volunteers. The average bioavailability of vinylbital for the suppository, relative to the tablet, was approximately 93%. Three volunteers collected their urine during 3--4 days after administration of a tablet. Unchanged vinylbital was determined and approximately 1.6% of the administered dose was excreted as unchanged drug. Some preliminary experiments of repetive vinylbital administration showed that self-induction of metabolism did not occur.", "PMID": 989344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3157", "title": "Passage of diazepam and desmethyldiazepam into breast milk.", "content": "The aim of this investigation was to study whether and to what extent 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (diazepam, Valium) passes into the breast milk during repeated oral administration to nursing mothers. It was shown that diazepam and its main and also active metabolite desmethyldiazepam passed into the milk. Their concentrations, however, remained small as compared to plasma values. Desmethyldiazepam levels in the milk were consistently higher than those of diazepam. These results are explained by the relative binding of both substances to plasma proteins. The maximum quantities of diazepam + desmethyldiazepam that can possibly be absorbed by a newborn with the milk of a mother receiving 10 mg Valium daily, are considered to be too small to cause any untoward effects in the baby. If, however, high doses of Valium must be administered repeatedly, breast-feeding should be discontinued for safety reasons.", "contents": "Passage of diazepam and desmethyldiazepam into breast milk. The aim of this investigation was to study whether and to what extent 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (diazepam, Valium) passes into the breast milk during repeated oral administration to nursing mothers. It was shown that diazepam and its main and also active metabolite desmethyldiazepam passed into the milk. Their concentrations, however, remained small as compared to plasma values. Desmethyldiazepam levels in the milk were consistently higher than those of diazepam. These results are explained by the relative binding of both substances to plasma proteins. The maximum quantities of diazepam + desmethyldiazepam that can possibly be absorbed by a newborn with the milk of a mother receiving 10 mg Valium daily, are considered to be too small to cause any untoward effects in the baby. If, however, high doses of Valium must be administered repeatedly, breast-feeding should be discontinued for safety reasons.", "PMID": 989345} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3158", "title": "[On the efficacy of a spleenic dialysate (M 40,412) in disturbed potency (author's transl)].", "content": "By means of a combined phallographic-exploratory method and using statistical classification we were able to confirm clinically the potency enhancing action of a spleenic dialysate (M 40,412, Solcosplen). The remarkable alleviation of chronic and acute disturbances of potency can be explained not only by the elevated serum testosterone levels but likewise by biochemical mechanisms of action in the target organ, as was demonstrated by a research group. The treatment of potency disorders of different genetical origins yielded as the outstanding conclusions: 1. The interdependence of dream- and erection phases, usually injured in disturbed potency, could be restored by M 40,412. 2. The effect of 40,412 was the more striking the more pronounced were the initial values. 3. A particular type of experiencing (feeling of inferiority and disturbed contact) appears to respond prevailingly well to M 40,412. Further clinical studies are suggested.", "contents": "[On the efficacy of a spleenic dialysate (M 40,412) in disturbed potency (author's transl)]. By means of a combined phallographic-exploratory method and using statistical classification we were able to confirm clinically the potency enhancing action of a spleenic dialysate (M 40,412, Solcosplen). The remarkable alleviation of chronic and acute disturbances of potency can be explained not only by the elevated serum testosterone levels but likewise by biochemical mechanisms of action in the target organ, as was demonstrated by a research group. The treatment of potency disorders of different genetical origins yielded as the outstanding conclusions: 1. The interdependence of dream- and erection phases, usually injured in disturbed potency, could be restored by M 40,412. 2. The effect of 40,412 was the more striking the more pronounced were the initial values. 3. A particular type of experiencing (feeling of inferiority and disturbed contact) appears to respond prevailingly well to M 40,412. Further clinical studies are suggested.", "PMID": 989346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3159", "title": "[EEG spectral analysis of caffeine effects].", "content": "Spectral EEG analysis is shown to quantify the centrally stimulating effects of caffeine. Comparing the effects of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, caffeine solution and placebo results in two groups of substances: coffee and caffeine solution on one side, decaffeinated coffee and placebo on the other. The within-group differences are negligible, whereas the between-group differences are highly significant. It may be concluded that caffeine is the effective factor. This study gives no valid evidence confirming possible effects of other coffee ingredients.", "contents": "[EEG spectral analysis of caffeine effects]. Spectral EEG analysis is shown to quantify the centrally stimulating effects of caffeine. Comparing the effects of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, caffeine solution and placebo results in two groups of substances: coffee and caffeine solution on one side, decaffeinated coffee and placebo on the other. The within-group differences are negligible, whereas the between-group differences are highly significant. It may be concluded that caffeine is the effective factor. This study gives no valid evidence confirming possible effects of other coffee ingredients.", "PMID": 989347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3160", "title": "[The reactions of embryonic tissues and cells to xantinol-nicotinate in the culture (author's transl)].", "content": "The influence of xantinol-nicotinate (Complamin) or with its chemical designation 7-[2-hydroxy-3-(N-2-hydroxy-ethyl-N-methylamino) propyl]-1,3-dimethylxanthinepyridine-3-carboxylate and its formula: C19H26N6O6, on 2500 tissue cultures of embrynic epithelium, bone and connective tissues from the domestic chicken was examined. It was found that xantine-nicotinate at high concentrations strongly inhibits cell proliferation. It seems possible that this substance is insolubly bound to the nucleic acids. With the diminution of the concentration to values corresponding those in the human organism, the stimulation effects on mitosis and cell proliferation were striking, in bone and connective tissues stronger than in the epithelial tissues. In tissue culture there appeared eventually remarkable effects with very high doses not applied in human medicine.", "contents": "[The reactions of embryonic tissues and cells to xantinol-nicotinate in the culture (author's transl)]. The influence of xantinol-nicotinate (Complamin) or with its chemical designation 7-[2-hydroxy-3-(N-2-hydroxy-ethyl-N-methylamino) propyl]-1,3-dimethylxanthinepyridine-3-carboxylate and its formula: C19H26N6O6, on 2500 tissue cultures of embrynic epithelium, bone and connective tissues from the domestic chicken was examined. It was found that xantine-nicotinate at high concentrations strongly inhibits cell proliferation. It seems possible that this substance is insolubly bound to the nucleic acids. With the diminution of the concentration to values corresponding those in the human organism, the stimulation effects on mitosis and cell proliferation were striking, in bone and connective tissues stronger than in the epithelial tissues. In tissue culture there appeared eventually remarkable effects with very high doses not applied in human medicine.", "PMID": 989348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3161", "title": "Tolciclate against dermatophytes.", "content": "0-(1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-1,4-methanonaphthalen-6-yl)-m-N-dimethylthiocarbanilate (toliciclate; KC 9147) is a new topical antimycotic having an in vitro activity on dermatophytes between 0.1 and 0.01 mug/ml. It is fungicidal after some day's contact. It has the advantage over dyes used in the past for topical treatment of dermatomycoses in that it is colourless and is soluble in well tolerated excipients. It is more liposoluble than tolnaftate. In the guineapig skin infections with Trichophyton asteroides and Microsporum canis, it is usually 3 times more active than tolnaftate and, in some tests, up to 10 times.", "contents": "Tolciclate against dermatophytes. 0-(1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-1,4-methanonaphthalen-6-yl)-m-N-dimethylthiocarbanilate (toliciclate; KC 9147) is a new topical antimycotic having an in vitro activity on dermatophytes between 0.1 and 0.01 mug/ml. It is fungicidal after some day's contact. It has the advantage over dyes used in the past for topical treatment of dermatomycoses in that it is colourless and is soluble in well tolerated excipients. It is more liposoluble than tolnaftate. In the guineapig skin infections with Trichophyton asteroides and Microsporum canis, it is usually 3 times more active than tolnaftate and, in some tests, up to 10 times.", "PMID": 989349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3162", "title": "[Studies on the excretion of various aminoglycosides in rat milk (author's transl)].", "content": "10 mg/kg of strepto-, neo-, kanamycin, genta- and sisomicin were applied s.c. to rats in lactation. After 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h the animals were milked. The antibacterial concentrations in the milk were determined in comparison to the serum concentrations. Strepto-, neo- and kanamycin showed the highest concentrations in the serum, genta- and sisomicin the highest in the milk.", "contents": "[Studies on the excretion of various aminoglycosides in rat milk (author's transl)]. 10 mg/kg of strepto-, neo-, kanamycin, genta- and sisomicin were applied s.c. to rats in lactation. After 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h the animals were milked. The antibacterial concentrations in the milk were determined in comparison to the serum concentrations. Strepto-, neo- and kanamycin showed the highest concentrations in the serum, genta- and sisomicin the highest in the milk.", "PMID": 989350} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3163", "title": "[Comparison between the pharmacokinetics of epicillin and ampicillin (author's transl)].", "content": "To anesthetized rabbits 6-[D-2-amino-2-(cyclohexa-1,4-dienl-yl)-acetamido]-penicillanic acid (epicillin, Spectacillin) and ampicillin were administered i.v. at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, and up to 5 to 8 h thereafter the concentration was estimated in the plasma, urine and bile. Within 5 h, the blood levels took biexponential courses so that a two-compartment open model could be assumed. With epicillin all the different doses a more slowly decreasing tissue level and a higher total volume of distribution are obtained as well as a tissue volume of distribution higher than that with ampicillin. The clearance shows that both antibiotics are eliminated in the urine by glomerular filtration as well as tubular secretion and reabsorption. After 200 mg/kg of either antibiotic a three-compartment open model could be assumed, on the base of which only the volumes of distribution for epicillin could be completely determined. The total volume and the tissue volume of distribution are the same after each different dose of epicillin, whilst in the case of ampicillin both volumes are smaller and decrease with rising doses.", "contents": "[Comparison between the pharmacokinetics of epicillin and ampicillin (author's transl)]. To anesthetized rabbits 6-[D-2-amino-2-(cyclohexa-1,4-dienl-yl)-acetamido]-penicillanic acid (epicillin, Spectacillin) and ampicillin were administered i.v. at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, and up to 5 to 8 h thereafter the concentration was estimated in the plasma, urine and bile. Within 5 h, the blood levels took biexponential courses so that a two-compartment open model could be assumed. With epicillin all the different doses a more slowly decreasing tissue level and a higher total volume of distribution are obtained as well as a tissue volume of distribution higher than that with ampicillin. The clearance shows that both antibiotics are eliminated in the urine by glomerular filtration as well as tubular secretion and reabsorption. After 200 mg/kg of either antibiotic a three-compartment open model could be assumed, on the base of which only the volumes of distribution for epicillin could be completely determined. The total volume and the tissue volume of distribution are the same after each different dose of epicillin, whilst in the case of ampicillin both volumes are smaller and decrease with rising doses.", "PMID": 989351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3164", "title": "Specifity and sensitivity of the inhibition of drug metabolism following inhalation of carbon disulphide-air mixtures.", "content": "A single 8-h exposure of adult female Wistar rats to 20 ppm carbon disulphide (CS2), the threshold limit value (TLV) in several countries, was sufficient to cause inhibition of the following drug-metabolizing reactions: formation of trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid from trichloroethylene (aliphatic C-hydroxylation), formation of 4-hydroxyantipyrine from antipyrine (quasi-aromatic C-hydroxylation), formation of acetaminophenol from acetanilid (aromatic C-hydroxylation) and phenacetin (oxidative odealkylation), respectively, and formation of 4-aminoantipyrine from aminopyrine (oxidative N-demethylation). The behaviour of these effects was dependent on the dose of CS2 administered in that the inhibitory process was enhanced when increasing the concentration to (50), 100, 200, and 400 ppm. The respective changes could be demonstrated by a short-duration (6-h) reduction in the urinary excretion of the metabolites. In the case of trichloroethylene the limitation in metabolite formation persisted for as long as 36 h due to the varying rate of formation of trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid. This deficiency in excretion was compensated in part during the subsequent elimination phase (up to 24 and 36 h, respectively), an observation which suggests the rapid reversibility of the alteration. As shown by the respective prolongation of the hexobarbital sleeping time in the rat, the side-chain oxidation of hexobarbital to ketohexobarbital was increasingly inhibited by rising concentrations of CS2 in the range of 20 to 400 ppm/8 h. On the basis of the present results it is concluded that CS2 also inhibits various oxygenases of the microsomal enzyme system. In adult female NMRI mice a significant inhibition of the microsomal procaine-hydrolyzing esterase of the liver was observed only after 400 ppm/8 h; however, this limitation did not affect the LD50 of procaine-HCl, particularly as the corresponding serum esterase activity also remained uninfluenced. The aromatic N-acetylation of sulphisomidine and the quasi-aromatic N-acetylation of 4-aminoantipyrine in rats failed to be significantly reduced by CS2 even after 400 ppm/8 h, nor did the same dose of CS2 affect the glucuronidation of 4-hydroxyantipyrine in the same animal species. It is concluded from the above results that the specificity and sensitivity of the inhibition of drug metabolism observed in small laboratory animals is probably similar to that prevailing in man. This assumption has already been substantiated for the oxidative N-demethylation of aminopyrine.", "contents": "Specifity and sensitivity of the inhibition of drug metabolism following inhalation of carbon disulphide-air mixtures. A single 8-h exposure of adult female Wistar rats to 20 ppm carbon disulphide (CS2), the threshold limit value (TLV) in several countries, was sufficient to cause inhibition of the following drug-metabolizing reactions: formation of trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid from trichloroethylene (aliphatic C-hydroxylation), formation of 4-hydroxyantipyrine from antipyrine (quasi-aromatic C-hydroxylation), formation of acetaminophenol from acetanilid (aromatic C-hydroxylation) and phenacetin (oxidative odealkylation), respectively, and formation of 4-aminoantipyrine from aminopyrine (oxidative N-demethylation). The behaviour of these effects was dependent on the dose of CS2 administered in that the inhibitory process was enhanced when increasing the concentration to (50), 100, 200, and 400 ppm. The respective changes could be demonstrated by a short-duration (6-h) reduction in the urinary excretion of the metabolites. In the case of trichloroethylene the limitation in metabolite formation persisted for as long as 36 h due to the varying rate of formation of trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid. This deficiency in excretion was compensated in part during the subsequent elimination phase (up to 24 and 36 h, respectively), an observation which suggests the rapid reversibility of the alteration. As shown by the respective prolongation of the hexobarbital sleeping time in the rat, the side-chain oxidation of hexobarbital to ketohexobarbital was increasingly inhibited by rising concentrations of CS2 in the range of 20 to 400 ppm/8 h. On the basis of the present results it is concluded that CS2 also inhibits various oxygenases of the microsomal enzyme system. In adult female NMRI mice a significant inhibition of the microsomal procaine-hydrolyzing esterase of the liver was observed only after 400 ppm/8 h; however, this limitation did not affect the LD50 of procaine-HCl, particularly as the corresponding serum esterase activity also remained uninfluenced. The aromatic N-acetylation of sulphisomidine and the quasi-aromatic N-acetylation of 4-aminoantipyrine in rats failed to be significantly reduced by CS2 even after 400 ppm/8 h, nor did the same dose of CS2 affect the glucuronidation of 4-hydroxyantipyrine in the same animal species. It is concluded from the above results that the specificity and sensitivity of the inhibition of drug metabolism observed in small laboratory animals is probably similar to that prevailing in man. This assumption has already been substantiated for the oxidative N-demethylation of aminopyrine.", "PMID": 989352} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3165", "title": "[On pharacokinetics and metabolism of the choleretic agent febuprol (author's transl)].", "content": "The pharmacokinetic behaviour as well as metabolization of 3-butoxy - 1 - phenoxy-propanol-(2) (febuprol) in rats and mice were studied. In addition, binding on human protein and in vitro absorption were determined. The distribution of tritium labelled Febuprol in the body after oral administration was studied in rats and mice: the product was found to circulate in enterohepatic circulation, including the intestines, liver and kidney, and, in the case of mice, also the gall bladder, whereas other organs or tissues show no activity. Upon oral adminstration over 90% Febuprol are absorbed via gastro-intestinal tract and as metabolites 85% of the substance were eliminated via bile, 4% via urine. The rate of metabolisation is high. Via bile only 0.2%, via urine only 0.6% unaltered Febuprol are excreted. Mainly conjugated Febuprol and hydroxy-Febuprol are found as metabolites. By means of the Sartorius absorption model Febuprol yeilded a rate constant common to pharmaceutical substances which are absorbed at a medium rate. This constant does not depend on the pH-range. The buccal tests and the distribution coefficients show the same results.", "contents": "[On pharacokinetics and metabolism of the choleretic agent febuprol (author's transl)]. The pharmacokinetic behaviour as well as metabolization of 3-butoxy - 1 - phenoxy-propanol-(2) (febuprol) in rats and mice were studied. In addition, binding on human protein and in vitro absorption were determined. The distribution of tritium labelled Febuprol in the body after oral administration was studied in rats and mice: the product was found to circulate in enterohepatic circulation, including the intestines, liver and kidney, and, in the case of mice, also the gall bladder, whereas other organs or tissues show no activity. Upon oral adminstration over 90% Febuprol are absorbed via gastro-intestinal tract and as metabolites 85% of the substance were eliminated via bile, 4% via urine. The rate of metabolisation is high. Via bile only 0.2%, via urine only 0.6% unaltered Febuprol are excreted. Mainly conjugated Febuprol and hydroxy-Febuprol are found as metabolites. By means of the Sartorius absorption model Febuprol yeilded a rate constant common to pharmaceutical substances which are absorbed at a medium rate. This constant does not depend on the pH-range. The buccal tests and the distribution coefficients show the same results.", "PMID": 989353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3166", "title": "Studies on Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides. II. Aspects of anthocyanins pharmacokinetics in the rat.", "content": "Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanins adminstered by i.v. or i.p. route to the rat undergo a rapid body distribution and in part also are easily eliminated such as to fit a three-compartments pharmacokinetic model. The anthocyanins elimination occurs mostly through urine and bile. The slight difference between the amount of anthocyanins eliminated after i.v. and after i.p. application shows a modest liver extracion of these substances. Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanins possess a greater affinity for some tissues, namely kidneys and skin rather than for plasma. This fact could explain the long-lasting activity of anthocyanins on capillary resistance which is still elevated when plasma levels of these substances are no more detectable.", "contents": "Studies on Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides. II. Aspects of anthocyanins pharmacokinetics in the rat. Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanins adminstered by i.v. or i.p. route to the rat undergo a rapid body distribution and in part also are easily eliminated such as to fit a three-compartments pharmacokinetic model. The anthocyanins elimination occurs mostly through urine and bile. The slight difference between the amount of anthocyanins eliminated after i.v. and after i.p. application shows a modest liver extracion of these substances. Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanins possess a greater affinity for some tissues, namely kidneys and skin rather than for plasma. This fact could explain the long-lasting activity of anthocyanins on capillary resistance which is still elevated when plasma levels of these substances are no more detectable.", "PMID": 989354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3167", "title": "Interaction of pentobarbital, diphenylhydantoin and digitoxin with ethanol in the isolated perfused guinea-pig liver.", "content": "In the isolated guinea-pig liver the interactions of ethanol with the metabolism of three drugs (14C-pentobarbital, 14C-diphenylhydantoin, and 2H-digitoxin) has been investigated. The disappearance of ethanol could be described by zero-order kinetics and was not influenced by the three drugs. In the case of 14C-pentobarbital and 14C-diphenylhydantoin after a short period of distribution disappearance of radioactivity was faster under the influence of ethanol, whereas radioactivity in liver tissue was increased. The radioactivity accumulated in the liver tissue predominantly represented the unchanged drugs suggesting that the inhibition of drug metabolism by ethanol was the cause of the altered distribution. In the case of 3H-digitoxin ethanol did neither significantly influence the distribution of radioactivity nor the pronounced biliary excretion. However there exists some evidence for a minor inhibition of 3H-digitoxin's metabolism by ethanol.", "contents": "Interaction of pentobarbital, diphenylhydantoin and digitoxin with ethanol in the isolated perfused guinea-pig liver. In the isolated guinea-pig liver the interactions of ethanol with the metabolism of three drugs (14C-pentobarbital, 14C-diphenylhydantoin, and 2H-digitoxin) has been investigated. The disappearance of ethanol could be described by zero-order kinetics and was not influenced by the three drugs. In the case of 14C-pentobarbital and 14C-diphenylhydantoin after a short period of distribution disappearance of radioactivity was faster under the influence of ethanol, whereas radioactivity in liver tissue was increased. The radioactivity accumulated in the liver tissue predominantly represented the unchanged drugs suggesting that the inhibition of drug metabolism by ethanol was the cause of the altered distribution. In the case of 3H-digitoxin ethanol did neither significantly influence the distribution of radioactivity nor the pronounced biliary excretion. However there exists some evidence for a minor inhibition of 3H-digitoxin's metabolism by ethanol.", "PMID": 989355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3168", "title": "Pharmacological studies on a new 1-benzoyloxy-alkylaminocycloalkane derivative (YAU-17) with special reference to its mucosa anesthetic activity.", "content": "A new compound, dl-cis-1-benzoyloxy-2-dimethylamino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalane (YAU-17) was found to produce sciatic nerve block, corneal and intradermal anesthesia in guinea-pigs, which markedly exceeded the effect of procaine and lidocaine. YAU-17, when given orally to mice, was much less toxic than any other drugs tested, though YAU-17 showed a considerably high acute toxicity by i.v. route. Oral administration of YAU-17 was effective in antagonizing the emetic response of dogs to intragastric phenylalanine isopropyl ester, but produced no distinct inhibition against vomiting elicited by oral copper sulfate. Furthermore, it possessed a spasmolytic activity which was comparable to that of papaverine, and showed an effect of suppressing the mucosal intrinsic reflex in the dog intestine. These pharmacological properties of YAU-17 were qualitatively similar to those of oxetacaine which was used as one of the reference compounds.", "contents": "Pharmacological studies on a new 1-benzoyloxy-alkylaminocycloalkane derivative (YAU-17) with special reference to its mucosa anesthetic activity. A new compound, dl-cis-1-benzoyloxy-2-dimethylamino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalane (YAU-17) was found to produce sciatic nerve block, corneal and intradermal anesthesia in guinea-pigs, which markedly exceeded the effect of procaine and lidocaine. YAU-17, when given orally to mice, was much less toxic than any other drugs tested, though YAU-17 showed a considerably high acute toxicity by i.v. route. Oral administration of YAU-17 was effective in antagonizing the emetic response of dogs to intragastric phenylalanine isopropyl ester, but produced no distinct inhibition against vomiting elicited by oral copper sulfate. Furthermore, it possessed a spasmolytic activity which was comparable to that of papaverine, and showed an effect of suppressing the mucosal intrinsic reflex in the dog intestine. These pharmacological properties of YAU-17 were qualitatively similar to those of oxetacaine which was used as one of the reference compounds.", "PMID": 989356} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3169", "title": "General pharmacological properties of a new non-opiate antitussive: zipeprol (3024 CERM). II. Actions on the cardiovascular system, intestinal transit and central nervous system.", "content": "The effects of 1-(2-methoxy-2-phenyl)-ethyl-4-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-3-phenyl)-propyl-piperazine-dihydrochloride (zipeprol, 3024 CERM, Respilene), a new nonopiate antitussive agent, have been studied on the cardiovascular system, intestinal function and the central nervous system. Most of these studies were performed comparatively with reference antitussives, particularly codeine, whose activites in these fields are the basis of its undesirable side effects. In the dog, zipeprol showed no hypotensive or cardiac-depressant activity. It did not alter pulmonary arterial pressure. An important antiarrhythmic action was apparent in studies on rhythm disturbances induced by ouabain and coronary ligation. Intestinal function, measured by the recording of peristaltic movements in the dog and the speed of intestinal transit in the rat, was not modified by the product. Zipeprol showed no characteristic action on the central nervous system. Analgesic activity was seen only at doses just below toxic levels. Finally in the rat and the mouse, no evidence of physical dependence was seen after prolonged treatment. This together with the absence of chemical similarity to the morphinics, leads to exclude the possibility of zipeprol treatment leading to addiction. The results of these studies allow zipeprol to be clearly distinguished from the opiate antitussives.", "contents": "General pharmacological properties of a new non-opiate antitussive: zipeprol (3024 CERM). II. Actions on the cardiovascular system, intestinal transit and central nervous system. The effects of 1-(2-methoxy-2-phenyl)-ethyl-4-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-3-phenyl)-propyl-piperazine-dihydrochloride (zipeprol, 3024 CERM, Respilene), a new nonopiate antitussive agent, have been studied on the cardiovascular system, intestinal function and the central nervous system. Most of these studies were performed comparatively with reference antitussives, particularly codeine, whose activites in these fields are the basis of its undesirable side effects. In the dog, zipeprol showed no hypotensive or cardiac-depressant activity. It did not alter pulmonary arterial pressure. An important antiarrhythmic action was apparent in studies on rhythm disturbances induced by ouabain and coronary ligation. Intestinal function, measured by the recording of peristaltic movements in the dog and the speed of intestinal transit in the rat, was not modified by the product. Zipeprol showed no characteristic action on the central nervous system. Analgesic activity was seen only at doses just below toxic levels. Finally in the rat and the mouse, no evidence of physical dependence was seen after prolonged treatment. This together with the absence of chemical similarity to the morphinics, leads to exclude the possibility of zipeprol treatment leading to addiction. The results of these studies allow zipeprol to be clearly distinguished from the opiate antitussives.", "PMID": 989357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3170", "title": "Improvement of perfusion-flow in the isolated rat liver, under the influence of streptase.", "content": "Accumulation of radioactive material in the isolated rat liver was noted when 125I-fibrinogen was added to the perfusing medium. Owing to an enhanced production of fibrinogen and to a diminished fibrinolysis, fibrin deposits were found to occur in the capillaries of fhe isolated liver. This would cause a decrease of hepatic flow and an impairment of the nutrition of this organ which leads to subsequent necrosis. Administration of streptase removed the fibrin deposits and restored the perfusive flow in the isolated liver.", "contents": "Improvement of perfusion-flow in the isolated rat liver, under the influence of streptase. Accumulation of radioactive material in the isolated rat liver was noted when 125I-fibrinogen was added to the perfusing medium. Owing to an enhanced production of fibrinogen and to a diminished fibrinolysis, fibrin deposits were found to occur in the capillaries of fhe isolated liver. This would cause a decrease of hepatic flow and an impairment of the nutrition of this organ which leads to subsequent necrosis. Administration of streptase removed the fibrin deposits and restored the perfusive flow in the isolated liver.", "PMID": 989358} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3171", "title": "Influence of four agents (tibric acid, DH 990, oxandrolone and Sch 9122) on aspects of lipid metabolism in rats).", "content": "We have investigated the effects of four drugs on aspects of lipid metabolism in rats. The four drugs used were: tibric acid = 2-chloro-5-(cis--3,5-dimethylpiperidonosulfonyl)benzoic acid; DH 990 = 2-[(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hy-droxyphenyl)thio]hexanoic acid; oxandrolone = 17beta-hydroxyphenyl-17a-methyl-2-oxa-5a-androstan-3-one; and Sch 9122=2-(p-anisyl)-3(2-pyridyl)pentane hydrochloride. Serum and liver triglycerides and liver cholesterol, 7a-hydroxylase and 26-oxidase were determined. Tibric acid (0.015%) was hepatomegalic and hypotriglyceridemic. It did not affect normal 7a-hydroxylase or 26-oxidase activity. In the absence of cytosal, this drug resulted in normal mitochondrial cholesterol-26-oxidase activity whereas none was observed with preparations from control rats. DH 990 (0.075%) did not affect liver size. It had a slight (10--20%) hypolipidemic effect. The effects of DH 990 on the two liver enzymes were similar to those of tibric acid. In view of the absence of a hepatomegalic effect of DH 990, its influence on mitochondrial oxidation of cholesterol in the absence of cytosol is noteworthy. Oxandrolone (0.15%) had a slight (11%) hepatomegalic effect but did not influence serum of liver lipid levels. This drug caused a 19% increase in liver 7a-hydroxylase activity but did not affect cholesterol-26-oxidase activity in the presence or absence of cytosol. Sch 9122 (0.03%) caused significant weight loss. Serum and liver cholesterol levels were unaffected, but serum triglyceride levels were significantly elevated in rats fed this drug. Cholesterol-7a-hydroxylase activity was slightly (11%) higher than normal, but 26-oxidase was significantly lower.", "contents": "Influence of four agents (tibric acid, DH 990, oxandrolone and Sch 9122) on aspects of lipid metabolism in rats). We have investigated the effects of four drugs on aspects of lipid metabolism in rats. The four drugs used were: tibric acid = 2-chloro-5-(cis--3,5-dimethylpiperidonosulfonyl)benzoic acid; DH 990 = 2-[(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hy-droxyphenyl)thio]hexanoic acid; oxandrolone = 17beta-hydroxyphenyl-17a-methyl-2-oxa-5a-androstan-3-one; and Sch 9122=2-(p-anisyl)-3(2-pyridyl)pentane hydrochloride. Serum and liver triglycerides and liver cholesterol, 7a-hydroxylase and 26-oxidase were determined. Tibric acid (0.015%) was hepatomegalic and hypotriglyceridemic. It did not affect normal 7a-hydroxylase or 26-oxidase activity. In the absence of cytosal, this drug resulted in normal mitochondrial cholesterol-26-oxidase activity whereas none was observed with preparations from control rats. DH 990 (0.075%) did not affect liver size. It had a slight (10--20%) hypolipidemic effect. The effects of DH 990 on the two liver enzymes were similar to those of tibric acid. In view of the absence of a hepatomegalic effect of DH 990, its influence on mitochondrial oxidation of cholesterol in the absence of cytosol is noteworthy. Oxandrolone (0.15%) had a slight (11%) hepatomegalic effect but did not influence serum of liver lipid levels. This drug caused a 19% increase in liver 7a-hydroxylase activity but did not affect cholesterol-26-oxidase activity in the presence or absence of cytosol. Sch 9122 (0.03%) caused significant weight loss. Serum and liver cholesterol levels were unaffected, but serum triglyceride levels were significantly elevated in rats fed this drug. Cholesterol-7a-hydroxylase activity was slightly (11%) higher than normal, but 26-oxidase was significantly lower.", "PMID": 989359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3172", "title": "[Experimental studies on the mechanism of action of carbocromen on the isolated cat papillary muscle (author's transl)].", "content": "1. In isotonically shortening cat papillary muscle 3-(2-di-ethylaminoethyl)-4-methyl-7-(carbethoxy-methoxy)-2-oxo-1,2-chromene-hydrochloride (carbocromen; Intensain\u00bf) (1-30 mug/ml) slightly increases contraction amplitude. 2. At low stimulation rates (6-12/min) the positive inotropic effect is more pronounced. 3. The maximal velocity of depolarization of the monophasic action potential is slightly reduced. 4. At all stimulation frequencies investigated (15-90/min) the total duration of the action potential -- especially at late repolarization level -- is strongly increased. Hence, functional refractory period is prolonged and maximal follow frequency reduced.", "contents": "[Experimental studies on the mechanism of action of carbocromen on the isolated cat papillary muscle (author's transl)]. 1. In isotonically shortening cat papillary muscle 3-(2-di-ethylaminoethyl)-4-methyl-7-(carbethoxy-methoxy)-2-oxo-1,2-chromene-hydrochloride (carbocromen; Intensain\u00bf) (1-30 mug/ml) slightly increases contraction amplitude. 2. At low stimulation rates (6-12/min) the positive inotropic effect is more pronounced. 3. The maximal velocity of depolarization of the monophasic action potential is slightly reduced. 4. At all stimulation frequencies investigated (15-90/min) the total duration of the action potential -- especially at late repolarization level -- is strongly increased. Hence, functional refractory period is prolonged and maximal follow frequency reduced.", "PMID": 989360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3173", "title": "[Actions of carbocromen of toxic effects of digitalis (author's transl)].", "content": "Experiments an anaesthetized dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs show that with clinically relevant doses of 3-(2-diethyl-aminoethyl)-4-methyl-7-(carbethoxy-methoxy)-2-oxo-1,2-chromene-hydrochloride (carbocromen, Intensain\u00bf) the LD100 of digoxin (+50%) and ouabain (+60%) considerably increase. The positive inotropic effect of digoxin is not influenced by carbocromen. The appearance of arrhythmias is significantly delayed, the coupling between atrial and ventricular activity continues for a longer time. Besides effects on myocardial metabolism a membrane effect of carbocromen could be responsible for the improvement of the therapeutic range of digoxin and ouabain.", "contents": "[Actions of carbocromen of toxic effects of digitalis (author's transl)]. Experiments an anaesthetized dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs show that with clinically relevant doses of 3-(2-diethyl-aminoethyl)-4-methyl-7-(carbethoxy-methoxy)-2-oxo-1,2-chromene-hydrochloride (carbocromen, Intensain\u00bf) the LD100 of digoxin (+50%) and ouabain (+60%) considerably increase. The positive inotropic effect of digoxin is not influenced by carbocromen. The appearance of arrhythmias is significantly delayed, the coupling between atrial and ventricular activity continues for a longer time. Besides effects on myocardial metabolism a membrane effect of carbocromen could be responsible for the improvement of the therapeutic range of digoxin and ouabain.", "PMID": 989361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3174", "title": "A systematic antilipidemic structure-activity relationship study was carried out on a series of alcoyl- and benzoyl-phenoxy-carboxylic acids.", "content": "A systematic antilipidemic structure-activity relationship study was carried out on a series of alcoyl- and benzoyl-phenoxy-carboxylic acids. The introduction of a p-chlorobenzoyl moiety into the original phenoxy-isobutyric acid enhanced antilipidemic activity significantly. Chlorine meta substitution or chlorine disubstitution abolished activity. Among the esters synthetized, the isopropylester has been selected for further studies.", "contents": "A systematic antilipidemic structure-activity relationship study was carried out on a series of alcoyl- and benzoyl-phenoxy-carboxylic acids. A systematic antilipidemic structure-activity relationship study was carried out on a series of alcoyl- and benzoyl-phenoxy-carboxylic acids. The introduction of a p-chlorobenzoyl moiety into the original phenoxy-isobutyric acid enhanced antilipidemic activity significantly. Chlorine meta substitution or chlorine disubstitution abolished activity. Among the esters synthetized, the isopropylester has been selected for further studies.", "PMID": 989362} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3175", "title": "Antilipidemic drugs. Part 2: Experimental study of a new potent hypolipidemic drug, isopropyl-[4'-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2-methyl]-propionate (LF178).", "content": "Pharmacological investigations have been carried out on a new p-chlorobenzoyl substituted phenoxy-isobutyric acid derivate with potent antilipidemic activity, isopropyl-[4'-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2-methyl]propionate (LF 178; procetofene; Lipanthyl\u00bf). The compound depressed total lipids and total cholesterol significantly in the normal rat from 15-20 mg/kg upwards. At 100 mg/kg, the drug-induced depression of total lipids was twice the effect observed with 300 mg/kg of clofibrate. Significant depression of lipid parameters was induced in the senescent rat, in the dietary hyperlipidemic and in the triton hyperlipidemic rat. In the two last models clofibrate failed to affect lipid parameters at 300 mg/kg. The absence of pharmacological side effects indicates a high pharmacological specificity with respect to lipid metabolism. It might be concluded that LF 178 presents an antilipidemic profile different from the well known hypolipidemic drug clofibrate.", "contents": "Antilipidemic drugs. Part 2: Experimental study of a new potent hypolipidemic drug, isopropyl-[4'-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2-methyl]-propionate (LF178). Pharmacological investigations have been carried out on a new p-chlorobenzoyl substituted phenoxy-isobutyric acid derivate with potent antilipidemic activity, isopropyl-[4'-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2-methyl]propionate (LF 178; procetofene; Lipanthyl\u00bf). The compound depressed total lipids and total cholesterol significantly in the normal rat from 15-20 mg/kg upwards. At 100 mg/kg, the drug-induced depression of total lipids was twice the effect observed with 300 mg/kg of clofibrate. Significant depression of lipid parameters was induced in the senescent rat, in the dietary hyperlipidemic and in the triton hyperlipidemic rat. In the two last models clofibrate failed to affect lipid parameters at 300 mg/kg. The absence of pharmacological side effects indicates a high pharmacological specificity with respect to lipid metabolism. It might be concluded that LF 178 presents an antilipidemic profile different from the well known hypolipidemic drug clofibrate.", "PMID": 989363} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3176", "title": "Antilipidemic drugs. Part 3: On the synthesis of 14C-radiolabelled isopropyl-[4'-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2-methyl]-propionate (LF-178).", "content": "Isopropyl-[4'-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2 methyl]-propionate (LF 178; procetofene; Lipanthyl\u00bf) was labelled with 14C. The carbon atom of the ketone function was chosen for the study. The obtained product has a total specific radioactivity of 8.79 mCi/mM. Its structure was proved by NMR.", "contents": "Antilipidemic drugs. Part 3: On the synthesis of 14C-radiolabelled isopropyl-[4'-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2-methyl]-propionate (LF-178). Isopropyl-[4'-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2 methyl]-propionate (LF 178; procetofene; Lipanthyl\u00bf) was labelled with 14C. The carbon atom of the ketone function was chosen for the study. The obtained product has a total specific radioactivity of 8.79 mCi/mM. Its structure was proved by NMR.", "PMID": 989364} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3177", "title": "Antilipidemic drugs. Part 4: The metabolic fate of the hypolipidemic agent isopropyl-[4'-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2-methyl]-protionate (LF 178) in rats, dog and man.", "content": "The excretion and plasma concentrations of radioactivity and chromatographic patterns of radioactive components in plasma and excreta have been compared in rats, dogs and man after oral doses of the hypolipidemic agent isopropyl-[4'-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2-methyl]-propionate (LF 178; procetofene; Lipanthyl\u00bf). 2. In rats, 48.1% of a single dose of 25 mg/kg was excreted in the urine, and 48.6% in the faeces. In dogs, 23.1% of a single dose at the same level was excreted in the urine, and 71.8% in the faeces, but 88.1% of a dose of 300 mg to man was excreted in the urine, and only 5.1% in the faeces. Peak levels of radioactivity in the plasma of all three species studied were similar (20--30 mug/ml) after doses at these levels and concentrations declined thereafter with half-lives of 7--24 h in rats and dogs, and 7 h in man. The half-life of radioactivity concentrations in rat plasma was not altered by repeated daily doses for 7 days. 3. Whole-body autoradiography of rats showed that radioactivity was largely associated with the liver, kidneys and gut, which are the organs of biotransformation and excretion, although relatively high levels were present in lungs and blood, and small amounts of radioactivity had a widespread distribution into some peripheral tissues during 2--7 h after dosing. 4. The available chromatographic evidence indicated that the most important biotransformation pathway appeared to be ester hydrolysis to LF 178 acid and formation of water soluble conjugates of this acid. This pathway appeared similar to that of the related drug clofibrate (ethyl p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate).", "contents": "Antilipidemic drugs. Part 4: The metabolic fate of the hypolipidemic agent isopropyl-[4'-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2-methyl]-protionate (LF 178) in rats, dog and man. The excretion and plasma concentrations of radioactivity and chromatographic patterns of radioactive components in plasma and excreta have been compared in rats, dogs and man after oral doses of the hypolipidemic agent isopropyl-[4'-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2-methyl]-propionate (LF 178; procetofene; Lipanthyl\u00bf). 2. In rats, 48.1% of a single dose of 25 mg/kg was excreted in the urine, and 48.6% in the faeces. In dogs, 23.1% of a single dose at the same level was excreted in the urine, and 71.8% in the faeces, but 88.1% of a dose of 300 mg to man was excreted in the urine, and only 5.1% in the faeces. Peak levels of radioactivity in the plasma of all three species studied were similar (20--30 mug/ml) after doses at these levels and concentrations declined thereafter with half-lives of 7--24 h in rats and dogs, and 7 h in man. The half-life of radioactivity concentrations in rat plasma was not altered by repeated daily doses for 7 days. 3. Whole-body autoradiography of rats showed that radioactivity was largely associated with the liver, kidneys and gut, which are the organs of biotransformation and excretion, although relatively high levels were present in lungs and blood, and small amounts of radioactivity had a widespread distribution into some peripheral tissues during 2--7 h after dosing. 4. The available chromatographic evidence indicated that the most important biotransformation pathway appeared to be ester hydrolysis to LF 178 acid and formation of water soluble conjugates of this acid. This pathway appeared similar to that of the related drug clofibrate (ethyl p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate).", "PMID": 989365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3178", "title": "[Influence of digitoxin on isolated segments of lateral branches of human vena saphena (author's transl)].", "content": "The effect of digitoxin on isolated segments of lateral branches of the human saphenous vein perfused in vitro with constant volumes is reported. Digitoxin, depending on concentraion, effected rise in perfusion pressure and intensification of reaction to norepinephrine. Some venous segments showed spontaneous activity. The tests were supported by histological studies.", "contents": "[Influence of digitoxin on isolated segments of lateral branches of human vena saphena (author's transl)]. The effect of digitoxin on isolated segments of lateral branches of the human saphenous vein perfused in vitro with constant volumes is reported. Digitoxin, depending on concentraion, effected rise in perfusion pressure and intensification of reaction to norepinephrine. Some venous segments showed spontaneous activity. The tests were supported by histological studies.", "PMID": 989366} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3179", "title": "[Pharmacokinetics of cyproterone acetate in normal subjects after i.m. and oral application (author's transl)].", "content": "Sixteen volunteers were given cyproterone acetate-2'-14C (6-chloro-17-hydroxy-1alpha,2alpha-methylene-pregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione acetate; Androcur\u00bf) in single doses of between 2 and 12 mg i.m. and p.o. in 19 investigations. The plasma radioactivity was then determined at suitable intervals. Urine and faeces were collected quantitatively for 12 days. After oral administration the highest concentrations in plasma were found 1--4 h after administration. The mean amounts were 2--3% of the administered dose in the plasma volume. Plasma concentrations of more than half the highest values were measured for a period of 2--8 h. Cyproterone acetate was eliminated from the body with a half-life of about 1 1/2 days for men and about 2 days for women. After oral administration in single doses of 2--12 mg the compound was almost completely absorbed.", "contents": "[Pharmacokinetics of cyproterone acetate in normal subjects after i.m. and oral application (author's transl)]. Sixteen volunteers were given cyproterone acetate-2'-14C (6-chloro-17-hydroxy-1alpha,2alpha-methylene-pregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione acetate; Androcur\u00bf) in single doses of between 2 and 12 mg i.m. and p.o. in 19 investigations. The plasma radioactivity was then determined at suitable intervals. Urine and faeces were collected quantitatively for 12 days. After oral administration the highest concentrations in plasma were found 1--4 h after administration. The mean amounts were 2--3% of the administered dose in the plasma volume. Plasma concentrations of more than half the highest values were measured for a period of 2--8 h. Cyproterone acetate was eliminated from the body with a half-life of about 1 1/2 days for men and about 2 days for women. After oral administration in single doses of 2--12 mg the compound was almost completely absorbed.", "PMID": 989367} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3180", "title": "Metabolism of hydroxyethylrutosides (HR): metabolism of [14C]-HR in man.", "content": "1. following oral administration of a [14C]-hydroxyethylrutoside (Paroven, Venoruton) preparation (HR) to three subjects, 3.05--5.97% of the administered [14C] was excreted in urine. Unchanged urinary [14C]-hydroxyethylrutosides represented 1.57--1.96% of the total dose. 2. Significant levels of [14C] were detected in plasma within 1 h of oral administration of HR. Peak levels were observed from 2--9 h. 3. The presence in urine of [14C]-3',4',5,7-tetra-O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)rutoside, [14C]-3',4',7-tri-O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)rutoside and [14C]-4',7-di-O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)rutoside was shown by radioscanning and/or spectal methods. 4. Administration of a second oral dose of [14C]-HR to each of the three subjects following extended dosage of nonlabelled HR did not result in any increase in urinary [14C] excretion over that observed after administration of a single oral dose. 5. Observations on urinary excretion in man are compatible with the finding in experimental animals that the major route of hydroxyethylrutoside excretion is via the biliary-enteric route.", "contents": "Metabolism of hydroxyethylrutosides (HR): metabolism of [14C]-HR in man. 1. following oral administration of a [14C]-hydroxyethylrutoside (Paroven, Venoruton) preparation (HR) to three subjects, 3.05--5.97% of the administered [14C] was excreted in urine. Unchanged urinary [14C]-hydroxyethylrutosides represented 1.57--1.96% of the total dose. 2. Significant levels of [14C] were detected in plasma within 1 h of oral administration of HR. Peak levels were observed from 2--9 h. 3. The presence in urine of [14C]-3',4',5,7-tetra-O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)rutoside, [14C]-3',4',7-tri-O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)rutoside and [14C]-4',7-di-O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)rutoside was shown by radioscanning and/or spectal methods. 4. Administration of a second oral dose of [14C]-HR to each of the three subjects following extended dosage of nonlabelled HR did not result in any increase in urinary [14C] excretion over that observed after administration of a single oral dose. 5. Observations on urinary excretion in man are compatible with the finding in experimental animals that the major route of hydroxyethylrutoside excretion is via the biliary-enteric route.", "PMID": 989368} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3181", "title": "[On respiratory stimulation by aminophenazol in global insufficiency due to chronic-obstructive diseases of the lungs (author's transl)].", "content": "For evaluation of a respiratory analeptic as supplementary therapy in global insufficiency blood gas analyses were performed on 19 patients under normal room air conditions as well as under oxygen breathing. It could be proved that with 2,4-diamino-5-phenylthiazol (aminophenazol; Daptazile) respiratory depression associated associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases can be influenced and that here is statistically significant improvement of respiration. Effects of mechanical breathing and hyperventilatin are discussed -- basing on the present evaluation results they need not be expected. Side effects were not registered. With simultaneous and exhaustive application of all therapeutic means for the remedy of pulmonary obstruction amiphenazol is recommended for use in cases of pulmonary hypoventilation and primary central respiratory depression.", "contents": "[On respiratory stimulation by aminophenazol in global insufficiency due to chronic-obstructive diseases of the lungs (author's transl)]. For evaluation of a respiratory analeptic as supplementary therapy in global insufficiency blood gas analyses were performed on 19 patients under normal room air conditions as well as under oxygen breathing. It could be proved that with 2,4-diamino-5-phenylthiazol (aminophenazol; Daptazile) respiratory depression associated associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases can be influenced and that here is statistically significant improvement of respiration. Effects of mechanical breathing and hyperventilatin are discussed -- basing on the present evaluation results they need not be expected. Side effects were not registered. With simultaneous and exhaustive application of all therapeutic means for the remedy of pulmonary obstruction amiphenazol is recommended for use in cases of pulmonary hypoventilation and primary central respiratory depression.", "PMID": 989369} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3182", "title": "[A method for studying pupilomotorics under the influence of neurolepic medication (author's transl)].", "content": "A pupilostatic method of measuring the pupillary diameter after standardized exclusion of retinal impulses is described. The pupil is photographed by a polaroid camera at a 1 : 2 scale. On the photographs the pupillary diameter is measured under a magnifying lens. We then present data of application of the method in a clinical experiment. The question we investigated was to determine physical effects of neuroleptic drugs in changes of the pupillary diameter. Our patients were 40 acute schizophrenics treated with two different neuroleptic drugs. It was found that already after a single dose of 1 mg 4'-fluora-4-[4-hydroxy-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-piperidyl-(1)]-butyrophenone (haloperidol) or 10 mg 2-chloro-11-(4-methyl-1-peperazinyl)-dibenz[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine (loxapine), respecitvely, a distinct change in pupillary diameter was measureable. The statistically significant differences in the effects of the two neuroleptics point as a further finding to the sensitivity of the developed method. This difference was paralleled by our clinical observation that loxapine showed more distinctly sedative effects in comparison with haloperidol.", "contents": "[A method for studying pupilomotorics under the influence of neurolepic medication (author's transl)]. A pupilostatic method of measuring the pupillary diameter after standardized exclusion of retinal impulses is described. The pupil is photographed by a polaroid camera at a 1 : 2 scale. On the photographs the pupillary diameter is measured under a magnifying lens. We then present data of application of the method in a clinical experiment. The question we investigated was to determine physical effects of neuroleptic drugs in changes of the pupillary diameter. Our patients were 40 acute schizophrenics treated with two different neuroleptic drugs. It was found that already after a single dose of 1 mg 4'-fluora-4-[4-hydroxy-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-piperidyl-(1)]-butyrophenone (haloperidol) or 10 mg 2-chloro-11-(4-methyl-1-peperazinyl)-dibenz[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine (loxapine), respecitvely, a distinct change in pupillary diameter was measureable. The statistically significant differences in the effects of the two neuroleptics point as a further finding to the sensitivity of the developed method. This difference was paralleled by our clinical observation that loxapine showed more distinctly sedative effects in comparison with haloperidol.", "PMID": 989370} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3183", "title": "Polygraphic sleep studies in rats and humans: their use in psychopharmacological research.", "content": "The effects of selected centrally acting drugs on sleep after single administration to rats and humans were studied using polygraphic sleep recording techniques. D-Amphetamine, a stimulant, had similar effects in both species: reduction of total sleep time, of N(non-)REM- and particularly REM (rapid eye movement)-sleep, increased restlessness during sleep. The psychodepressants mesoridazine and, in particular, nitrazepam had relatively little effects on sleep stages. In doses which did not cause side effects they reduced restlessness during sleep. The most typical effect of the antidepressant imipramine was a dose dependent reduction of REM-sleep duration in both species, without impairment of NREM-sleep. The central dopamine agonist, bromocriptin, had little effect on sleep and did not reduce total sleep and REM-sleep. These examples suggest that polygraphic sleep studies are a sensitive and stable method for the study of centrally acting drugs. The specificity of the model is illustrated by its ability to differentiate chemically and pharmacologically different drug classes. The validity of the model, i.e., its ability to allow predictions from the laboratory conditions to the therapeutic situation, varies in different drug classes. Investigations in normal subjects and animals appear to be relevant for the study of CNS-stimulants, whereas for CNS-depressants studies in sleep-disturbed subjects or animals are more likely to provide dependable results.", "contents": "Polygraphic sleep studies in rats and humans: their use in psychopharmacological research. The effects of selected centrally acting drugs on sleep after single administration to rats and humans were studied using polygraphic sleep recording techniques. D-Amphetamine, a stimulant, had similar effects in both species: reduction of total sleep time, of N(non-)REM- and particularly REM (rapid eye movement)-sleep, increased restlessness during sleep. The psychodepressants mesoridazine and, in particular, nitrazepam had relatively little effects on sleep stages. In doses which did not cause side effects they reduced restlessness during sleep. The most typical effect of the antidepressant imipramine was a dose dependent reduction of REM-sleep duration in both species, without impairment of NREM-sleep. The central dopamine agonist, bromocriptin, had little effect on sleep and did not reduce total sleep and REM-sleep. These examples suggest that polygraphic sleep studies are a sensitive and stable method for the study of centrally acting drugs. The specificity of the model is illustrated by its ability to differentiate chemically and pharmacologically different drug classes. The validity of the model, i.e., its ability to allow predictions from the laboratory conditions to the therapeutic situation, varies in different drug classes. Investigations in normal subjects and animals appear to be relevant for the study of CNS-stimulants, whereas for CNS-depressants studies in sleep-disturbed subjects or animals are more likely to provide dependable results.", "PMID": 989373} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3184", "title": "[Problems of circadian periodicity and its disorders (author's transl)].", "content": "The human circadian system controlling the variety of overt 24-h rhythms consists of some different oscillators which are separately self-sustained. Normally, all oscillators run synchronously to each other; under certain external and internal conditions (e.g. increasing score of neuroticism, or old age), however, they run in the steady state with different periods. The necessary synchronization of the endogenously driven oscillators to the environment is effected, in man, essentially by social timing mechanisms; their efficiency presupposes the possibility as well as the ability to establish social contacts. A timing mechanism may synchronize the circadian system only partially; as a result, only several oscillators are synchronized whereas others persist ot run autonomously. The different rhythm disorders, internal or external desynchronizations, when effective for a long time, may be sources of ill health.", "contents": "[Problems of circadian periodicity and its disorders (author's transl)]. The human circadian system controlling the variety of overt 24-h rhythms consists of some different oscillators which are separately self-sustained. Normally, all oscillators run synchronously to each other; under certain external and internal conditions (e.g. increasing score of neuroticism, or old age), however, they run in the steady state with different periods. The necessary synchronization of the endogenously driven oscillators to the environment is effected, in man, essentially by social timing mechanisms; their efficiency presupposes the possibility as well as the ability to establish social contacts. A timing mechanism may synchronize the circadian system only partially; as a result, only several oscillators are synchronized whereas others persist ot run autonomously. The different rhythm disorders, internal or external desynchronizations, when effective for a long time, may be sources of ill health.", "PMID": 989374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3185", "title": "[EEG aspects of waking-sleep behaviour and the chronophysiology of endogenous depressions].", "content": "1. The resting EEG in endogenous depressions, characterized by an increase of slow alpha- and subalphacomponents and a change of spatial organization of background activity, indicates a lowered level of vigilance, If the physiological diurnal increase of the dominant alpha-frequency compensates the described slowing of alpha-rhythm, the typical daily mood fluctuation of endogenous depressions will result. 2. Changes in the resting activity occurring during arousal are probably related to the functional alteration of the EEG-sleep activity, especially to the diminishing of phasic REM-activity. 3. It is suggested that the alterations in EEG pattern during sleep and wakeful state, indicating a dissolution of slow sleep activity and a deficiency of the arousal functions, represent a regression towards an immature functioning of the vigilance regulation.", "contents": "[EEG aspects of waking-sleep behaviour and the chronophysiology of endogenous depressions]. 1. The resting EEG in endogenous depressions, characterized by an increase of slow alpha- and subalphacomponents and a change of spatial organization of background activity, indicates a lowered level of vigilance, If the physiological diurnal increase of the dominant alpha-frequency compensates the described slowing of alpha-rhythm, the typical daily mood fluctuation of endogenous depressions will result. 2. Changes in the resting activity occurring during arousal are probably related to the functional alteration of the EEG-sleep activity, especially to the diminishing of phasic REM-activity. 3. It is suggested that the alterations in EEG pattern during sleep and wakeful state, indicating a dissolution of slow sleep activity and a deficiency of the arousal functions, represent a regression towards an immature functioning of the vigilance regulation.", "PMID": 989375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3186", "title": "[Adaptation to the sleep laboratory in normal subjects and neuropsychiatric patients (author's transl)].", "content": "In 86 subjects (11 healthy persons, 8 suffering from autonomic instability, 11 from endogenous psychosis, 30 from cerebral circulatory disturbances, 26 parkinsonian patients) the problem of adaptation to the sleep laboratory and the persistence of adaptation was investigated. In healthy subjects, less pronounced in patients suffering from autonomic instability, marked, statistically significant differences could be found between the first and second night. In addition there was a further increase in the amount of rapid eye movement (REM)-sleep from the second to the third night. In the other groups a very retarded, or even an absence of, adaptation could be revealed. Adaptation, once gained, outlives an interruption of registration of several weeks and is more marked in healthy subjects than in other groups.", "contents": "[Adaptation to the sleep laboratory in normal subjects and neuropsychiatric patients (author's transl)]. In 86 subjects (11 healthy persons, 8 suffering from autonomic instability, 11 from endogenous psychosis, 30 from cerebral circulatory disturbances, 26 parkinsonian patients) the problem of adaptation to the sleep laboratory and the persistence of adaptation was investigated. In healthy subjects, less pronounced in patients suffering from autonomic instability, marked, statistically significant differences could be found between the first and second night. In addition there was a further increase in the amount of rapid eye movement (REM)-sleep from the second to the third night. In the other groups a very retarded, or even an absence of, adaptation could be revealed. Adaptation, once gained, outlives an interruption of registration of several weeks and is more marked in healthy subjects than in other groups.", "PMID": 989377} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3187", "title": "[Liberation of growth hormone and melanocyte-stimulating hormone in natural and melatonin-induced human sleep (author's transl)].", "content": "As in the early period of night sleep, plasma levels of human growth (HGH) are markedly elevated in afternoon sleep in healthy young males. Melatonin (50 mg i.v.) induces marked secretion of HGH when sleep is prevented. It decreases latencies for sleep onset and deep sleep significantly, and markedly enhances peak secretion of HGH during slow-wave sleep. Plasma melanocyte-stimulating hormone (betal-MSH) levels were influenced neither by melatonin nor by sleep.", "contents": "[Liberation of growth hormone and melanocyte-stimulating hormone in natural and melatonin-induced human sleep (author's transl)]. As in the early period of night sleep, plasma levels of human growth (HGH) are markedly elevated in afternoon sleep in healthy young males. Melatonin (50 mg i.v.) induces marked secretion of HGH when sleep is prevented. It decreases latencies for sleep onset and deep sleep significantly, and markedly enhances peak secretion of HGH during slow-wave sleep. Plasma melanocyte-stimulating hormone (betal-MSH) levels were influenced neither by melatonin nor by sleep.", "PMID": 989378} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3188", "title": "[Inhibition of monoamineoxidase and day-night-rhythm: correlation of physiological and biochemical parameters (author's transl)].", "content": "The motor activity of rats following medication with monoamine-oxidase inhibitors was registered continuously over a period of nine days. At the same time the enzyme activity of monoamineoxidase (MAO) form A and B and the concentration of serotonin, tryptophan, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid and norepinephrine were measured in brain stem and hippocampi. We draw the following conclusions: 1. The rhythmic changes in the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine play a minor role in the circadian rhythm. 2. MAO-inhibitors influence the timing mechanism. A relationship between this finding and the therapeutic effect on depressed patients is discussed. 3 Dopaminergic neurons antagonize the activation by adrenergic neurons during the dark-period.", "contents": "[Inhibition of monoamineoxidase and day-night-rhythm: correlation of physiological and biochemical parameters (author's transl)]. The motor activity of rats following medication with monoamine-oxidase inhibitors was registered continuously over a period of nine days. At the same time the enzyme activity of monoamineoxidase (MAO) form A and B and the concentration of serotonin, tryptophan, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid and norepinephrine were measured in brain stem and hippocampi. We draw the following conclusions: 1. The rhythmic changes in the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine play a minor role in the circadian rhythm. 2. MAO-inhibitors influence the timing mechanism. A relationship between this finding and the therapeutic effect on depressed patients is discussed. 3 Dopaminergic neurons antagonize the activation by adrenergic neurons during the dark-period.", "PMID": 989379} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3189", "title": "[Seasonal rhythm of free tryptophan and nonesterified fatty acids in the blood of healthy subjects (author's transl)].", "content": "During one year, free and total tryptophan, tyrosine and non-esterified fatty acids were determined in the blood of eight healthy volunteers. No clear seasonal rhythm appeared for any of these parameters. But over this period, the following significant correlations were found: total tryptophan-free tryptophan; total tryptophan-tyrosine; free tryptophan-tyrosine. For the individuals, the quotient tyrosine-tryptophan showed to be constant during this year.", "contents": "[Seasonal rhythm of free tryptophan and nonesterified fatty acids in the blood of healthy subjects (author's transl)]. During one year, free and total tryptophan, tyrosine and non-esterified fatty acids were determined in the blood of eight healthy volunteers. No clear seasonal rhythm appeared for any of these parameters. But over this period, the following significant correlations were found: total tryptophan-free tryptophan; total tryptophan-tyrosine; free tryptophan-tyrosine. For the individuals, the quotient tyrosine-tryptophan showed to be constant during this year.", "PMID": 989380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3190", "title": "[The effects of lithium ions on circadian rhythms (author's transl)].", "content": "Lithium ions lengthen the critical dark period in short-day plants, increase the period length of circadian rhythms in Kalanchoe plants, in the rodent Meriones and influence the activity rhythm of birds. In the case of the Kalanchoe rhythm, mainly the process of the petal opening is affected.", "contents": "[The effects of lithium ions on circadian rhythms (author's transl)]. Lithium ions lengthen the critical dark period in short-day plants, increase the period length of circadian rhythms in Kalanchoe plants, in the rodent Meriones and influence the activity rhythm of birds. In the case of the Kalanchoe rhythm, mainly the process of the petal opening is affected.", "PMID": 989381} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3191", "title": "[The influence of mepiprazol on monoamine metabolism in the rat CNS: demonstration of reduced norepinephrine activity and simultaneously enhanced serotonin and dopamine activities (author's transl)].", "content": "Biochemical studies of monamine turnover and neuronal reuptake indicate that mepiprazole, a novel psychotropic pyrazole derivative, decreases norepinephrine receptor activity and enhances serotonin and to a lower extent also dopamine activity in the rat CNS. It can be concluded that mepiprazole might be of value in the treatment of certain types of depression and might be helpful to alleviate side effects of L-dopa in the treatment of parkinsonism.", "contents": "[The influence of mepiprazol on monoamine metabolism in the rat CNS: demonstration of reduced norepinephrine activity and simultaneously enhanced serotonin and dopamine activities (author's transl)]. Biochemical studies of monamine turnover and neuronal reuptake indicate that mepiprazole, a novel psychotropic pyrazole derivative, decreases norepinephrine receptor activity and enhances serotonin and to a lower extent also dopamine activity in the rat CNS. It can be concluded that mepiprazole might be of value in the treatment of certain types of depression and might be helpful to alleviate side effects of L-dopa in the treatment of parkinsonism.", "PMID": 989382} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3192", "title": "[Receptor-blockade and receptor-hypersensitivity following neuroleptic treatment (author's transl)].", "content": "Neurolepitcs induce a receptor-blocking effect at central dopaminergic neurons. This may be demonstrated in mice by inhibition of methylphenidate induced compulsive gnawing. In the post-receptor-blocking phase the receptor is temporarily hypersensitive to dopaminergic agonists like methylphenidate and apomorphine. By repeated dosage a competition is created between receptor-blockade and hypersensitivity, often in favour of the latter.", "contents": "[Receptor-blockade and receptor-hypersensitivity following neuroleptic treatment (author's transl)]. Neurolepitcs induce a receptor-blocking effect at central dopaminergic neurons. This may be demonstrated in mice by inhibition of methylphenidate induced compulsive gnawing. In the post-receptor-blocking phase the receptor is temporarily hypersensitive to dopaminergic agonists like methylphenidate and apomorphine. By repeated dosage a competition is created between receptor-blockade and hypersensitivity, often in favour of the latter.", "PMID": 989383} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3193", "title": "[Effects of anticholinergics and clozapine on the activation of the striatal dopaminergic system in the rat by haloperidol. Pharmacological findings (author's transl)].", "content": "Tardive dyskinesias, often seen in patients treated with classical neuroleptics, have been attributed to the development of receptor hypersensitivity following prolonged blockade of dopamine (DA)-receptors. In rats with unilateral striatal lesions, development of DA-receptor hypersensitivity following a 6-day treatment with haloperidol can be demonstrated by means of the increased turning response to apomorphine. Addition of atropine to the haloperidol treatment schedule resulted in a further increase in receptor sensitivity, but with a delay of 24 h in its appearance. This finding provides pharmacological support for the observation that tardive dyskinesias are more frequent and more severe in patients treated with a combination of a classical neuroleptic and an anticholinergic agent. Clozapine, despite its anticholinergic property, did not enhance the haloperidol-induced hypersensitivity.", "contents": "[Effects of anticholinergics and clozapine on the activation of the striatal dopaminergic system in the rat by haloperidol. Pharmacological findings (author's transl)]. Tardive dyskinesias, often seen in patients treated with classical neuroleptics, have been attributed to the development of receptor hypersensitivity following prolonged blockade of dopamine (DA)-receptors. In rats with unilateral striatal lesions, development of DA-receptor hypersensitivity following a 6-day treatment with haloperidol can be demonstrated by means of the increased turning response to apomorphine. Addition of atropine to the haloperidol treatment schedule resulted in a further increase in receptor sensitivity, but with a delay of 24 h in its appearance. This finding provides pharmacological support for the observation that tardive dyskinesias are more frequent and more severe in patients treated with a combination of a classical neuroleptic and an anticholinergic agent. Clozapine, despite its anticholinergic property, did not enhance the haloperidol-induced hypersensitivity.", "PMID": 989384} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3194", "title": "[Effects of anticholinergics and clozapine on the activation of the striatal dopaminergic system in the rat by haloperidol. Neurochemical findings (author's transl)].", "content": "The increase in the concentration of homovanillic acid (HVA) in the haloperidol for 6 days compared to a single administration of the drug. The induction of tolerance is probably due to a functional modification of the striatal dopamine (DA)-receptors after repeated administration of the neuroleptic. Atropine given in combination with haloperidol enhances the induction of tolerance. Clozapine (20 mg/kg orally) had no such effect.", "contents": "[Effects of anticholinergics and clozapine on the activation of the striatal dopaminergic system in the rat by haloperidol. Neurochemical findings (author's transl)]. The increase in the concentration of homovanillic acid (HVA) in the haloperidol for 6 days compared to a single administration of the drug. The induction of tolerance is probably due to a functional modification of the striatal dopamine (DA)-receptors after repeated administration of the neuroleptic. Atropine given in combination with haloperidol enhances the induction of tolerance. Clozapine (20 mg/kg orally) had no such effect.", "PMID": 989385} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3195", "title": "[Proceedings: Age and sex specificity of organ distribution and metabolism of chlorprothixene and nortriptyline in the rat (author's transl)].", "content": "Chlorprothixene and its N-desmethyl derivative are found to be present in the brain, liver, kidneys and lungs of young animals in larger quantities and for a longer period of time than in older animals. The N-demethylation rate is significantly higher in the brain, liver, kidney and lungs of older animals than of young animals. In general, female animals show higher levels in the organs. The \"youth dependent\" hyper-content exceeds that of the older animals by the factor of appr. 2. For nortriptyline there is an inverse ratio, with more nortriptyline and desmethylnortriptyline in the older animals than in the young ones. The organ content is also higher in the females than in the males. The \"age-dependent\" hyper-content exceeds that of the younger animals by the factor of appr. 2. These results correspond roughly with the differences in toxicity.", "contents": "[Proceedings: Age and sex specificity of organ distribution and metabolism of chlorprothixene and nortriptyline in the rat (author's transl)]. Chlorprothixene and its N-desmethyl derivative are found to be present in the brain, liver, kidneys and lungs of young animals in larger quantities and for a longer period of time than in older animals. The N-demethylation rate is significantly higher in the brain, liver, kidney and lungs of older animals than of young animals. In general, female animals show higher levels in the organs. The \"youth dependent\" hyper-content exceeds that of the older animals by the factor of appr. 2. For nortriptyline there is an inverse ratio, with more nortriptyline and desmethylnortriptyline in the older animals than in the young ones. The organ content is also higher in the females than in the males. The \"age-dependent\" hyper-content exceeds that of the younger animals by the factor of appr. 2. These results correspond roughly with the differences in toxicity.", "PMID": 989386} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3196", "title": "[Relationship between dependence on and tolerance to morphine in the rat (author's transl)].", "content": "The same administration schedule of morphine leads to different degrees of tolerance in different test situations. The most intense one was found to depressing effects. Slight tolerance to stimulating behaviour, observed in an open field stiuation at low doses, develops, too. There is a more marked tolerance to the depression of stimulating effects, thus the bell shaped dose-response relationship is broadened and shifted somewhat towards higher doses. All effects observed in dependent animals were also seen after acute morphine administration. Whereas tolerance in all tests was dependent on dose and administration time this was not the case for dependence determined by naloxone challenge on days 10 and 20 of administration. Thus, in the rat no correlation exists between naloxone provoked withdrawal and tolerance.", "contents": "[Relationship between dependence on and tolerance to morphine in the rat (author's transl)]. The same administration schedule of morphine leads to different degrees of tolerance in different test situations. The most intense one was found to depressing effects. Slight tolerance to stimulating behaviour, observed in an open field stiuation at low doses, develops, too. There is a more marked tolerance to the depression of stimulating effects, thus the bell shaped dose-response relationship is broadened and shifted somewhat towards higher doses. All effects observed in dependent animals were also seen after acute morphine administration. Whereas tolerance in all tests was dependent on dose and administration time this was not the case for dependence determined by naloxone challenge on days 10 and 20 of administration. Thus, in the rat no correlation exists between naloxone provoked withdrawal and tolerance.", "PMID": 989387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3197", "title": "Identification of opiate/receptor binding in vivo.", "content": "The displacement of small amounts of tritiumlabbelled antagonists or agonists by increasing amounts of unlabelled antagonists in mouse brain in vivo offered the possibility of characterizing properties of opiate receptors in the intact animal. The displacement effect was stereospecific, saturable and dependent upon the affinity of the substance investigated. At brain concentrations of 0.3 nM, 75% of 3H-diprenorphine, 60% of 3H-naltrexone and 50% of 3H-naloxone were displaced by high amounts of the respective unlabelled drug. Comparison of the in vivo data with receptor binding in vitro revealed similar results in respect to binding sites and receptor affinity. The displacement was different in various brain areas. The time course of the displacement was also different for the various substances used and seems to reflect differences in the speed of association and dissociation to and from the receptors. The displacement of 3H-etorphine by naltrexone could be correlated with the reversal of analgesia.", "contents": "Identification of opiate/receptor binding in vivo. The displacement of small amounts of tritiumlabbelled antagonists or agonists by increasing amounts of unlabelled antagonists in mouse brain in vivo offered the possibility of characterizing properties of opiate receptors in the intact animal. The displacement effect was stereospecific, saturable and dependent upon the affinity of the substance investigated. At brain concentrations of 0.3 nM, 75% of 3H-diprenorphine, 60% of 3H-naltrexone and 50% of 3H-naloxone were displaced by high amounts of the respective unlabelled drug. Comparison of the in vivo data with receptor binding in vitro revealed similar results in respect to binding sites and receptor affinity. The displacement was different in various brain areas. The time course of the displacement was also different for the various substances used and seems to reflect differences in the speed of association and dissociation to and from the receptors. The displacement of 3H-etorphine by naltrexone could be correlated with the reversal of analgesia.", "PMID": 989388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3198", "title": "The role of dopamine in withdrawal jumping in morphine dependent rats.", "content": "The role of dopamine (DA) in precipitated withdrawal jumping was studied in morphine dependent rats. Pretreatment with various dopaminergic agonists induced a dose-dependent increase in naloxone induced jumping. Pimocide totally blocked the facilitatory effect of piribedil while naloxone induced jumping was not dose-dependently decreased. Biochemical measurements revealed that during precipitated withdrawal the level of DA was elevated and the accumulation of 3,4-dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) after probenecid as well as the level of 3-methoxytyramine in the striatum was reduced. Unilateral inactivation of the caudate by local injection of KCl induced contralateral circling during withdrawal. Additional systemic haloperidol pretreatment did not change the direction of circling while additional apomorphine pretreatment changed the direction to ipsilateral and increased the circling rate highly. These latter as well as the biochemical findings strongly suggest an inhibition of striatal DA-mechanisms during withdrawal. The apparent contradiction of these findings to the above finding showing a facilitatroy role of DA-agonists on jumping is discussed.", "contents": "The role of dopamine in withdrawal jumping in morphine dependent rats. The role of dopamine (DA) in precipitated withdrawal jumping was studied in morphine dependent rats. Pretreatment with various dopaminergic agonists induced a dose-dependent increase in naloxone induced jumping. Pimocide totally blocked the facilitatory effect of piribedil while naloxone induced jumping was not dose-dependently decreased. Biochemical measurements revealed that during precipitated withdrawal the level of DA was elevated and the accumulation of 3,4-dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) after probenecid as well as the level of 3-methoxytyramine in the striatum was reduced. Unilateral inactivation of the caudate by local injection of KCl induced contralateral circling during withdrawal. Additional systemic haloperidol pretreatment did not change the direction of circling while additional apomorphine pretreatment changed the direction to ipsilateral and increased the circling rate highly. These latter as well as the biochemical findings strongly suggest an inhibition of striatal DA-mechanisms during withdrawal. The apparent contradiction of these findings to the above finding showing a facilitatroy role of DA-agonists on jumping is discussed.", "PMID": 989389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3199", "title": "[Proceedings: On the central action of nomifensine (author's transl)].", "content": "The central action of nomifensine (NF), a new antidepressive drug, was studied in rats and mice. NF stimulates locomotor activity in normal animals as well as in animals whose motor activity has been depressed by reserpine, alpha-methyltyrosine (alpha-MT), bis-(4-methyl-1-homopiperazinyl-thiocarbonyl)-disulfide (Fla-63) or phenoxybenzamine. The sedation produced by alpha-MT plus reserpine or by spiroperidol is not affected by NF. NF induces stereotypy in the rat and antagonizes the catalepsy induced in the rat by neuroleptics, pilocarpine and arecoline. The catalepsy induced by alpha-MT plus reserpine is not influenced. NF elevates the brain levels of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in the rat. These and previous results indicate that the profile of action of NF differs both from that of known tricyclic antidepressive drugs and that of dopaminergic stimulants.", "contents": "[Proceedings: On the central action of nomifensine (author's transl)]. The central action of nomifensine (NF), a new antidepressive drug, was studied in rats and mice. NF stimulates locomotor activity in normal animals as well as in animals whose motor activity has been depressed by reserpine, alpha-methyltyrosine (alpha-MT), bis-(4-methyl-1-homopiperazinyl-thiocarbonyl)-disulfide (Fla-63) or phenoxybenzamine. The sedation produced by alpha-MT plus reserpine or by spiroperidol is not affected by NF. NF induces stereotypy in the rat and antagonizes the catalepsy induced in the rat by neuroleptics, pilocarpine and arecoline. The catalepsy induced by alpha-MT plus reserpine is not influenced. NF elevates the brain levels of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in the rat. These and previous results indicate that the profile of action of NF differs both from that of known tricyclic antidepressive drugs and that of dopaminergic stimulants.", "PMID": 989390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3200", "title": "[Studies with the AMP system: comparison of symptoms from Berlin and Z\u00fcrich].", "content": "Symptoms of 1830 psychiatric patients from Berlin and of 783 patients from Zurich were assessed using the AMP-system. The symptoms were analysed according to their frequency and their potency to differentiate diagnostic groups. The following 4 categories of symptoms proved to be useful: frequently occurring and specific or unspecific, rarely occurring and specific or unspecific. Factor analyses of the frequently occurring unspecific symptoms yielded three general dimensions, i.e., \"depression\", \"disturbance of memory and thinking\" and \"hostility\".", "contents": "[Studies with the AMP system: comparison of symptoms from Berlin and Z\u00fcrich]. Symptoms of 1830 psychiatric patients from Berlin and of 783 patients from Zurich were assessed using the AMP-system. The symptoms were analysed according to their frequency and their potency to differentiate diagnostic groups. The following 4 categories of symptoms proved to be useful: frequently occurring and specific or unspecific, rarely occurring and specific or unspecific. Factor analyses of the frequently occurring unspecific symptoms yielded three general dimensions, i.e., \"depression\", \"disturbance of memory and thinking\" and \"hostility\".", "PMID": 989391} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3201", "title": "[Rater-specific variables in judging depressive patients (author's transl)].", "content": "Four raters judged their sympathy towards 19 depressed patients and also the intensity of their disease using thermometer-scales. It was exmained whether there was a correlation between the two scores. A rater-specifuc varuabke was fiybd fir eacg if tge fiyr raters. The importance of these variables for further investigations is discussed.", "contents": "[Rater-specific variables in judging depressive patients (author's transl)]. Four raters judged their sympathy towards 19 depressed patients and also the intensity of their disease using thermometer-scales. It was exmained whether there was a correlation between the two scores. A rater-specifuc varuabke was fiybd fir eacg if tge fiyr raters. The importance of these variables for further investigations is discussed.", "PMID": 989392} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3202", "title": "[Studies with a behavior-oriented evaluation scale for depressive inhibition and agitation. Results of a video-documented amitriptyline-mianserine study].", "content": "This is the first report of a new approach which is concerned with the registration and graded judgement of non-verbal behavior. We have tried to show that this is a method which helps to unveil the role of non-verbal behavior in the process of making a diagnosis and to define the concepts used.", "contents": "[Studies with a behavior-oriented evaluation scale for depressive inhibition and agitation. Results of a video-documented amitriptyline-mianserine study]. This is the first report of a new approach which is concerned with the registration and graded judgement of non-verbal behavior. We have tried to show that this is a method which helps to unveil the role of non-verbal behavior in the process of making a diagnosis and to define the concepts used.", "PMID": 989393} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3203", "title": "[Signal analysis of EEG-changes induced by nomifensin - a new antidepressant (author's transl)].", "content": "Ten healthy volunteers received a single oral dose of 100 mg nomifensive, a new antidepressant (tetragtdriusiqyubikube deruvatuve; Hoe 36-984). The drug-induced effects on the EEG were compared with those of placebo. The statistically proved results show that nomifensine causes a distinct shift in vigilance with two different partial processes. After an initially occurring stabilization of the dominant alpha-frequency there appears a polyrhythmic disintegration of the alpha-rhythm with increase of slower and faster frequencies. At the same time a shifting takes place within the beta-range with increasing of 23.5-32.0 Hz-components. Accordingly it is evident that nomifensine results in a typical pharmaco-electroencephalographic profile.", "contents": "[Signal analysis of EEG-changes induced by nomifensin - a new antidepressant (author's transl)]. Ten healthy volunteers received a single oral dose of 100 mg nomifensive, a new antidepressant (tetragtdriusiqyubikube deruvatuve; Hoe 36-984). The drug-induced effects on the EEG were compared with those of placebo. The statistically proved results show that nomifensine causes a distinct shift in vigilance with two different partial processes. After an initially occurring stabilization of the dominant alpha-frequency there appears a polyrhythmic disintegration of the alpha-rhythm with increase of slower and faster frequencies. At the same time a shifting takes place within the beta-range with increasing of 23.5-32.0 Hz-components. Accordingly it is evident that nomifensine results in a typical pharmaco-electroencephalographic profile.", "PMID": 989394} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3204", "title": "[Simultaneous recording of visually evoked potentials (VEP) and registration of simple visual reaction times (RT) in the maximum range of ethanol influence (author's transl)].", "content": "The method of simultaneous recording of visual-evoked response (1 occipit-vertex) and simple reaction time to periodic foveal visual stimuli of 1/\" per sec was applied to 16 normal individuals. On two successive days the conditions were kept constant except for an independent variable, i.e., ethanol with an average peak of 1.32%; the range of 0.1% below the peak being examined. The amplitude of the component N2-P3 (120-170 msec after the stimuli) was depressed in all individuals. The latencies of N2 and P3 were increased concurrently. The latency of P3, for example, was increased by 10.7% (P less than or equal 0.01) and that of the means of simultaneously recorded reaction time by 14.8% (P less than or equal 0.01). The amount of the increase, however, showed no significant correlation between the two when using Spearman's correlation coefficient and t-test.", "contents": "[Simultaneous recording of visually evoked potentials (VEP) and registration of simple visual reaction times (RT) in the maximum range of ethanol influence (author's transl)]. The method of simultaneous recording of visual-evoked response (1 occipit-vertex) and simple reaction time to periodic foveal visual stimuli of 1/\" per sec was applied to 16 normal individuals. On two successive days the conditions were kept constant except for an independent variable, i.e., ethanol with an average peak of 1.32%; the range of 0.1% below the peak being examined. The amplitude of the component N2-P3 (120-170 msec after the stimuli) was depressed in all individuals. The latencies of N2 and P3 were increased concurrently. The latency of P3, for example, was increased by 10.7% (P less than or equal 0.01) and that of the means of simultaneously recorded reaction time by 14.8% (P less than or equal 0.01). The amount of the increase, however, showed no significant correlation between the two when using Spearman's correlation coefficient and t-test.", "PMID": 989395} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3205", "title": "[Direct quantitative measurement of tremor: first results of a new mesuring procedure in patients under lithium therapy].", "content": "The use of a new piezoresistive minature accelerometer as part of an electronic measurement system for the direct quantification of human finger tremor in physical units is described. The system was designed to yield digital values for the mean tremor amplitude in a given period of time. Reliability coefficients were computed for a smaple of 34 patients under lithium therapy. Coefficients ranged between 0.75 and 0.94 for test-retest intervals between 30 min and several days. Some of the usual indirect methods for the assessment of tremor showed very low correlations to the true tremor amplitude and seemed to be only of limited usefulness. It was further demonstrated that situational factors play a dominant role independently of the particular method of measurement.", "contents": "[Direct quantitative measurement of tremor: first results of a new mesuring procedure in patients under lithium therapy]. The use of a new piezoresistive minature accelerometer as part of an electronic measurement system for the direct quantification of human finger tremor in physical units is described. The system was designed to yield digital values for the mean tremor amplitude in a given period of time. Reliability coefficients were computed for a smaple of 34 patients under lithium therapy. Coefficients ranged between 0.75 and 0.94 for test-retest intervals between 30 min and several days. Some of the usual indirect methods for the assessment of tremor showed very low correlations to the true tremor amplitude and seemed to be only of limited usefulness. It was further demonstrated that situational factors play a dominant role independently of the particular method of measurement.", "PMID": 989396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3206", "title": "[Measurement of body temperature in the auditory canal or in the rectum: first experience with a device for continuous registration of body temperature of psychiatric patients (author's transl)].", "content": "A method for continuous measurement of body temperature over a 24-h period is presented. the temperature is measured by an active sensor placed in the external auditory canal or in the rectum, and stored on a magnetic tape in a portable cassette recorder weighing 400 g. Rectal temperature is less sensitive to environmental influence and easier to record than ear temperature. With this method possible disturbances of the diurnal temperature rhythm in psychiatric patients can be registered.", "contents": "[Measurement of body temperature in the auditory canal or in the rectum: first experience with a device for continuous registration of body temperature of psychiatric patients (author's transl)]. A method for continuous measurement of body temperature over a 24-h period is presented. the temperature is measured by an active sensor placed in the external auditory canal or in the rectum, and stored on a magnetic tape in a portable cassette recorder weighing 400 g. Rectal temperature is less sensitive to environmental influence and easier to record than ear temperature. With this method possible disturbances of the diurnal temperature rhythm in psychiatric patients can be registered.", "PMID": 989397} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3207", "title": "[A method for determination of thermally motivated behavior (author's transl)].", "content": "Constant body temperature in homeothermic organisms results from autonomic and behavioral thermoregulatory reactions. The input variables for thermally motivated behavior are temperatures of the skin and of the hypothalamus. Our aim was to determine the behavioral side of thermoregulatory reactions under the influence of drugs interfering with normal body temperature. Initial experiments were made with phentolamine, which at an ambient temperature of + 4 degrees C causes a dose dependent hypothermia. Rats were trained in a cold box to press a lever and were rewarded by a certain amount of warm air. Trained rats were able to raise the temperature in the box from -4 degrees C up to + 4 degrees C at a response rate of 0.5 min. Treated with phentolamine (3.7-15 mg/kg) these rats increased the rate of lever pressing dose dependently, i.e. they increased their ambient temperature. The hypothermic effect of the drug was therby reduced to a certain extent. Using this method it can be determined whether a drug influences body temperature at the level of autonomic reactions or at that of thermally motivated behavior or at those of both.", "contents": "[A method for determination of thermally motivated behavior (author's transl)]. Constant body temperature in homeothermic organisms results from autonomic and behavioral thermoregulatory reactions. The input variables for thermally motivated behavior are temperatures of the skin and of the hypothalamus. Our aim was to determine the behavioral side of thermoregulatory reactions under the influence of drugs interfering with normal body temperature. Initial experiments were made with phentolamine, which at an ambient temperature of + 4 degrees C causes a dose dependent hypothermia. Rats were trained in a cold box to press a lever and were rewarded by a certain amount of warm air. Trained rats were able to raise the temperature in the box from -4 degrees C up to + 4 degrees C at a response rate of 0.5 min. Treated with phentolamine (3.7-15 mg/kg) these rats increased the rate of lever pressing dose dependently, i.e. they increased their ambient temperature. The hypothermic effect of the drug was therby reduced to a certain extent. Using this method it can be determined whether a drug influences body temperature at the level of autonomic reactions or at that of thermally motivated behavior or at those of both.", "PMID": 989398} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3208", "title": "[Internal and external stress and tybamate and secobarbital: an experimental investigation of their interactions (author's transl)].", "content": "This investigation was carried out to test the hypotheses that the reactions associated with external stress are better reduced by barbiturates while meprobamat-type tranquilizers reduce principally internal stress. To test the interaction of medication and type of stress a 3X3 plan was used with independent groups. The medication conditions were: placebo, 500 mg tybamate, and 100 mg secobarbital, and the stress conditions were: white noise of 95 dB intensity (external stress), fictitious assessments of the subject with high negative content (internal stress) and a non-stress situation. The paper deals with the main effects on physiological and subjective variables as the result of a covariance analysis. No interactions were found.", "contents": "[Internal and external stress and tybamate and secobarbital: an experimental investigation of their interactions (author's transl)]. This investigation was carried out to test the hypotheses that the reactions associated with external stress are better reduced by barbiturates while meprobamat-type tranquilizers reduce principally internal stress. To test the interaction of medication and type of stress a 3X3 plan was used with independent groups. The medication conditions were: placebo, 500 mg tybamate, and 100 mg secobarbital, and the stress conditions were: white noise of 95 dB intensity (external stress), fictitious assessments of the subject with high negative content (internal stress) and a non-stress situation. The paper deals with the main effects on physiological and subjective variables as the result of a covariance analysis. No interactions were found.", "PMID": 989399} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3209", "title": "[Psychological-experimental study on the effects of tranquilizers (diazepam and a drug under investigation) considering personality variables (author's transl)].", "content": "Three doses of a substance from the thieonodiazepine series (BAY g 5653), a drug under investigation, were tested as well as 5 mg of diazepam and a placebo, including a condition with no medication. 180 healthy male student volunteers, previously classified according to emotional stability/lability, took part in the study following a double-blind procedure. All subjects received white noise discontinuously with an intensity of 95 dBA. From the subjective and objective test variables employed, only the results from an adjective check list were evaluated fro the present paper. Diazepam showed some typical but not very strong effects. BAY g 5653 showed also little difference from placebo. There were some positive effects in the group of emotionally stable under stress.", "contents": "[Psychological-experimental study on the effects of tranquilizers (diazepam and a drug under investigation) considering personality variables (author's transl)]. Three doses of a substance from the thieonodiazepine series (BAY g 5653), a drug under investigation, were tested as well as 5 mg of diazepam and a placebo, including a condition with no medication. 180 healthy male student volunteers, previously classified according to emotional stability/lability, took part in the study following a double-blind procedure. All subjects received white noise discontinuously with an intensity of 95 dBA. From the subjective and objective test variables employed, only the results from an adjective check list were evaluated fro the present paper. Diazepam showed some typical but not very strong effects. BAY g 5653 showed also little difference from placebo. There were some positive effects in the group of emotionally stable under stress.", "PMID": 989400} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3210", "title": "[Clinical relevance of lithium determination in RBC: results of a catamnestic study (author's transl)].", "content": "In 34 out-patients Li+- and K+-concentrations were determined in plasma and RBC during 15 months of clinical routine observations. Average frequency of check-ups was 9/patient. Psychopathological state and side effects were documented by the AMP-system. The mean intra-extracellular lithium concentration ratio (LiQ) was 34%. The ratio and the absolute lithium RBC concentration showed a wide intraindividual variability between 5 and 53%. Patients under 50 years old had the same absolute concentration values as the older ones but required a 50% higher average dose. Side effects such as tremor and thirst correlated well the intra-extracellular ratio. No difference was found between unipolar and bipolar depressions. LiQ was slightly reduced and KQ increased in patients with severe relapses or additional psychotropic medication.", "contents": "[Clinical relevance of lithium determination in RBC: results of a catamnestic study (author's transl)]. In 34 out-patients Li+- and K+-concentrations were determined in plasma and RBC during 15 months of clinical routine observations. Average frequency of check-ups was 9/patient. Psychopathological state and side effects were documented by the AMP-system. The mean intra-extracellular lithium concentration ratio (LiQ) was 34%. The ratio and the absolute lithium RBC concentration showed a wide intraindividual variability between 5 and 53%. Patients under 50 years old had the same absolute concentration values as the older ones but required a 50% higher average dose. Side effects such as tremor and thirst correlated well the intra-extracellular ratio. No difference was found between unipolar and bipolar depressions. LiQ was slightly reduced and KQ increased in patients with severe relapses or additional psychotropic medication.", "PMID": 989401} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3211", "title": "[The distribution of lithium between erythrocytes and plasma: in vitro studies on the transport of lithium in human erythrocytes].", "content": "Distribution ratiors of intracellular lithium (Lii) and extracellular Li (Lie) were determined in vitro after incubation of Li-free or Li-loaded red cells in media containing varying Li-concentrations (37 degrees C, pH 7.4). The distribution ratios Lii/Lie obtained in vitro after 24 h of incubation corresponded to those found in vivo. The results indicate that Li can be extruded from red cells against an electrochemical gradient. This Li extrusion is inhibited by replacing extracellular Na+ with K+ or choline+, but is not affected by ouabain or by glucose depletion.", "contents": "[The distribution of lithium between erythrocytes and plasma: in vitro studies on the transport of lithium in human erythrocytes]. Distribution ratiors of intracellular lithium (Lii) and extracellular Li (Lie) were determined in vitro after incubation of Li-free or Li-loaded red cells in media containing varying Li-concentrations (37 degrees C, pH 7.4). The distribution ratios Lii/Lie obtained in vitro after 24 h of incubation corresponded to those found in vivo. The results indicate that Li can be extruded from red cells against an electrochemical gradient. This Li extrusion is inhibited by replacing extracellular Na+ with K+ or choline+, but is not affected by ouabain or by glucose depletion.", "PMID": 989402} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3212", "title": "[On improved prophylaxis of endogenous-phasic psychoses: aspects of parallel determination of lithium in serum and erythrocytes (author's transl)].", "content": "In 30% of the psychiatric patients investigated the lithium concentration in erythrocytes (RBC-lithium) is a more reliable indicator for the evaluation of the clinical response and the risk of toxicity. After lithium administration the lithium RBC levels increased within the first three weeks. Lithium RBC/plasma ratios are not different between unipolar, bipolar and schizo-affective psychoses. It was found that low lithium RBC/plasma ratios correspond with low monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in platelets.", "contents": "[On improved prophylaxis of endogenous-phasic psychoses: aspects of parallel determination of lithium in serum and erythrocytes (author's transl)]. In 30% of the psychiatric patients investigated the lithium concentration in erythrocytes (RBC-lithium) is a more reliable indicator for the evaluation of the clinical response and the risk of toxicity. After lithium administration the lithium RBC levels increased within the first three weeks. Lithium RBC/plasma ratios are not different between unipolar, bipolar and schizo-affective psychoses. It was found that low lithium RBC/plasma ratios correspond with low monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in platelets.", "PMID": 989403} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3213", "title": "[Determination of monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase in human blood components: methodical aspects (author's transl)].", "content": "Controversal findings are reported with respect to alternations in activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in psychoses. Initially we determined the interindividual differences of some biochemical properties of the two enzymes in normal control subjects. Platelet rich plasma and lysate of red blood cells, respectively, were used for assay. Enzyme activity was referred to mg of protein or mg hemoglobin and number of platelets, respectively. Substrates used for COMT assay were: 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid; for MAO determination: tyramine, tryptamine and phenylethylamine. Interindividual as well as intraindividual differences in the biochemical characteristics (apparent Km, Vmax, IC50, meta/para ratio of O-methylation in vitro) were remarkably low, the coefficient of variation was in the range of 30%.", "contents": "[Determination of monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase in human blood components: methodical aspects (author's transl)]. Controversal findings are reported with respect to alternations in activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in psychoses. Initially we determined the interindividual differences of some biochemical properties of the two enzymes in normal control subjects. Platelet rich plasma and lysate of red blood cells, respectively, were used for assay. Enzyme activity was referred to mg of protein or mg hemoglobin and number of platelets, respectively. Substrates used for COMT assay were: 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid; for MAO determination: tyramine, tryptamine and phenylethylamine. Interindividual as well as intraindividual differences in the biochemical characteristics (apparent Km, Vmax, IC50, meta/para ratio of O-methylation in vitro) were remarkably low, the coefficient of variation was in the range of 30%.", "PMID": 989404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3214", "title": "[Thin-layer chromatographic determination of plasma levels of tricyclic psychopharmacological drugs: first results on their relationship to the clinical activity of neuroleptics (author's transl)].", "content": "Plasma levels of perazine, clozapine, amitriptyline and imipramine and of their demethylated metabolites can be measured in patients receiving therapeutic doses by UV reflectance photometry of thin-layer chromatograms of plasma extracts, Large inter-individual variations were observed in unselected psychiatric patients treated with comparable doses. An investigation into the relationship between plasma levels and therapeutc effect in acutely schizophrenic patients was carried out for perazine and clozapine. With perazine, a group of patients exhibiting an unsatisfactory response had a tendency to show lower plasma levels than a group with a good response; in some patients of the former group, increase of the dose with concomitant increase of the plasma level led to a satisfactory therapeutic effect. In patients treated with clozapine, such a relationship could not be demonstrated.", "contents": "[Thin-layer chromatographic determination of plasma levels of tricyclic psychopharmacological drugs: first results on their relationship to the clinical activity of neuroleptics (author's transl)]. Plasma levels of perazine, clozapine, amitriptyline and imipramine and of their demethylated metabolites can be measured in patients receiving therapeutic doses by UV reflectance photometry of thin-layer chromatograms of plasma extracts, Large inter-individual variations were observed in unselected psychiatric patients treated with comparable doses. An investigation into the relationship between plasma levels and therapeutc effect in acutely schizophrenic patients was carried out for perazine and clozapine. With perazine, a group of patients exhibiting an unsatisfactory response had a tendency to show lower plasma levels than a group with a good response; in some patients of the former group, increase of the dose with concomitant increase of the plasma level led to a satisfactory therapeutic effect. In patients treated with clozapine, such a relationship could not be demonstrated.", "PMID": 989405} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3215", "title": "[Antipsychotic efficacy in relation to plasma levels of clozapine (author's transl)].", "content": "The relationship between antipsychotic effect and side effects and plasma levels of clozapine were investigated in 26 patients. A significant linear correlation was found between dosage and plasma levels of clozapine. All patients were clearly improved. The degree of improvement was independent of the plasma levels in an average range of plasma levels (100 ng/ml-800 ng/ml). Sedation and orthostatic dysregulation occurred most pronounced on the third day of treatment. There was no relationship between plasma levels and these symptoms. After prolonged treatment the degree of both symptoms diminished. The development of tolerance of symptoms is concluded.", "contents": "[Antipsychotic efficacy in relation to plasma levels of clozapine (author's transl)]. The relationship between antipsychotic effect and side effects and plasma levels of clozapine were investigated in 26 patients. A significant linear correlation was found between dosage and plasma levels of clozapine. All patients were clearly improved. The degree of improvement was independent of the plasma levels in an average range of plasma levels (100 ng/ml-800 ng/ml). Sedation and orthostatic dysregulation occurred most pronounced on the third day of treatment. There was no relationship between plasma levels and these symptoms. After prolonged treatment the degree of both symptoms diminished. The development of tolerance of symptoms is concluded.", "PMID": 989406} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3216", "title": "[Total and partial sleep deprivation in the treatment of depression: preliminary communication].", "content": "Sleep deprivation (SD) has been proved to be an effective measure of antidepressive treatment (especially in endogenous depression). In a new study, 125 SD were examined on 93 depressed patients. The therapeutic benefit of SD on endogenous depression consists not only of the nightly clear up but also of provoking or improving a typical day wave the day after DS. A period of at least 36 h is necessary to survey the total effect of this method. The best results are achieved in patients with severe endogenous depression, especially in those with the typical day wave and distinct somatic symptoms. The effect of partial SD (for the second half of the night) is almost the same as that of total SD. The advantages of partial SD are: the patient can stand it easier, more often, and - in the company of a suited person - even at home. Finally, it is less complicate in clinical routine than selective REM-deprivation.", "contents": "[Total and partial sleep deprivation in the treatment of depression: preliminary communication]. Sleep deprivation (SD) has been proved to be an effective measure of antidepressive treatment (especially in endogenous depression). In a new study, 125 SD were examined on 93 depressed patients. The therapeutic benefit of SD on endogenous depression consists not only of the nightly clear up but also of provoking or improving a typical day wave the day after DS. A period of at least 36 h is necessary to survey the total effect of this method. The best results are achieved in patients with severe endogenous depression, especially in those with the typical day wave and distinct somatic symptoms. The effect of partial SD (for the second half of the night) is almost the same as that of total SD. The advantages of partial SD are: the patient can stand it easier, more often, and - in the company of a suited person - even at home. Finally, it is less complicate in clinical routine than selective REM-deprivation.", "PMID": 989407} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3217", "title": "[Circulatory function in depression with the circadian rhythm uninfluenced or modified (author's transl)].", "content": "The effect of sleep deprivation (SD) on the altered circadian rhythm of endogenous-depressed patients has been investigated. 61 patients (39 endogenous- and 22 neurotic-depressed) with normal cardio-circulatory activities were tested: During SD-night pulse rate is less lowered in endogenous than in neurotic depression. The increase of systolic blood pressure is quicker and higher in endogenous than in neurotic depression. - Surveying the patients for 72 h (before, during and after SD), pulse rate in endogenous- and neurotic-depressed is less markedly fluctuating than in normal individuals. There is a close connection between the circadian fluctuationsof the depressive symptoms and of the pulse rates. The more SD improves depressive symptoms the more it also flattens the wave of pulse rates. - The circadian courses of systolic blood pressure in endogenous- and neurotic-depressed and in normal subjects are nearly the same. SD markedly flattens the circadian rhythm of blood pressure. In neurotic depression, SD does not clearly alter the course of pulse and blood pressure rates.", "contents": "[Circulatory function in depression with the circadian rhythm uninfluenced or modified (author's transl)]. The effect of sleep deprivation (SD) on the altered circadian rhythm of endogenous-depressed patients has been investigated. 61 patients (39 endogenous- and 22 neurotic-depressed) with normal cardio-circulatory activities were tested: During SD-night pulse rate is less lowered in endogenous than in neurotic depression. The increase of systolic blood pressure is quicker and higher in endogenous than in neurotic depression. - Surveying the patients for 72 h (before, during and after SD), pulse rate in endogenous- and neurotic-depressed is less markedly fluctuating than in normal individuals. There is a close connection between the circadian fluctuationsof the depressive symptoms and of the pulse rates. The more SD improves depressive symptoms the more it also flattens the wave of pulse rates. - The circadian courses of systolic blood pressure in endogenous- and neurotic-depressed and in normal subjects are nearly the same. SD markedly flattens the circadian rhythm of blood pressure. In neurotic depression, SD does not clearly alter the course of pulse and blood pressure rates.", "PMID": 989408} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3218", "title": "[Combined sleep deprivation/chlorimipramine therapy of endogenous depression (author's transl)].", "content": "A sleep deprivation/chlorimipramine therapy was compared to chlorimipramine therapy in endogenous depression. In the sleep deprivation/chlorimipramine group a quick and long-lasting remission of depressive symptoms could be demonstrated. In the chlorimipramine group a marked prolonged onset of action was seen.", "contents": "[Combined sleep deprivation/chlorimipramine therapy of endogenous depression (author's transl)]. A sleep deprivation/chlorimipramine therapy was compared to chlorimipramine therapy in endogenous depression. In the sleep deprivation/chlorimipramine group a quick and long-lasting remission of depressive symptoms could be demonstrated. In the chlorimipramine group a marked prolonged onset of action was seen.", "PMID": 989409} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3219", "title": "[The role of neurasthenic syndrome in depression (author's transl)].", "content": "In endogenous depression a neurasthenic syndrome is partially included. In 100 male cases whose diagnoses merely stated \"endogenous depression\" without further remarks like \"neurotic traits\" or \"reactive influences\", we found in 48 cases a clear neurasthenic syndrome. It is suggested that these symptoms often lead to the diagnosis of endogenous depression. Pharmacotherapy is partially directed to the neurasthenic condition. Hereditary factors may play a part in the unability of the later endogenous depressive to relax.", "contents": "[The role of neurasthenic syndrome in depression (author's transl)]. In endogenous depression a neurasthenic syndrome is partially included. In 100 male cases whose diagnoses merely stated \"endogenous depression\" without further remarks like \"neurotic traits\" or \"reactive influences\", we found in 48 cases a clear neurasthenic syndrome. It is suggested that these symptoms often lead to the diagnosis of endogenous depression. Pharmacotherapy is partially directed to the neurasthenic condition. Hereditary factors may play a part in the unability of the later endogenous depressive to relax.", "PMID": 989410} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3220", "title": "[Study on the role of personality factors for successful lithium long-term therapy (author's transl)].", "content": "20 female manic-depressive out-patients who had been treated with lithium over a long period (average time = 4.3 years), were submitted to a psychoanalytic interview and a personality test (FPI). The interview focussed to changes in personality with special regard to the rise of novel impulses and conflicts. The severity of neurotic conflicts as well as the frequency of specific events preceding a relapse were investigated. The results suggest that a subgroup of out-patients should be given psychotherapy in addition to long-term lithium-treatment. This hypothesis will be tested in a further investigation.", "contents": "[Study on the role of personality factors for successful lithium long-term therapy (author's transl)]. 20 female manic-depressive out-patients who had been treated with lithium over a long period (average time = 4.3 years), were submitted to a psychoanalytic interview and a personality test (FPI). The interview focussed to changes in personality with special regard to the rise of novel impulses and conflicts. The severity of neurotic conflicts as well as the frequency of specific events preceding a relapse were investigated. The results suggest that a subgroup of out-patients should be given psychotherapy in addition to long-term lithium-treatment. This hypothesis will be tested in a further investigation.", "PMID": 989411} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3221", "title": "[Neuroleptic effect of baclofen in chronic schizophrenia (author's transl)].", "content": "In early 1975, surprising therapeutic effects of baclofen (Lioresal) in patients suffering from severe, chronic schizophrenia were reported from Sweden. We have carried out a study in 24 similar cases which we treated with baclofen in dosages up to 25 mg t.i.d. In rougly half of these patients no effect was observed. Of the remainder, four showed some improvement and another four a further deterioration of their condition. Those responding well were patients with acute symptoms or a history of depression, while in some of those whose condition worsened catatonic symptoms had been noted. This therapeutic possibility appears interesting from both the scientific and the practical points of view. The new class of substances merits further investigation to evaluate its psychopharmacological activity.", "contents": "[Neuroleptic effect of baclofen in chronic schizophrenia (author's transl)]. In early 1975, surprising therapeutic effects of baclofen (Lioresal) in patients suffering from severe, chronic schizophrenia were reported from Sweden. We have carried out a study in 24 similar cases which we treated with baclofen in dosages up to 25 mg t.i.d. In rougly half of these patients no effect was observed. Of the remainder, four showed some improvement and another four a further deterioration of their condition. Those responding well were patients with acute symptoms or a history of depression, while in some of those whose condition worsened catatonic symptoms had been noted. This therapeutic possibility appears interesting from both the scientific and the practical points of view. The new class of substances merits further investigation to evaluate its psychopharmacological activity.", "PMID": 989412} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3222", "title": "[Psychopharmacological drugs and the eye (author's transl)].", "content": "Early and late side-effects of psychopharmacological drugs on the eyes are discussed. The action of antidepressants, neuroleptics, tranquilizers and other groups on the eye are discussed separatedly. The importance of early glaucoma detection and treatment as well as that of pigment and metabolites deposits in the eye tissues is emphasized.", "contents": "[Psychopharmacological drugs and the eye (author's transl)]. Early and late side-effects of psychopharmacological drugs on the eyes are discussed. The action of antidepressants, neuroleptics, tranquilizers and other groups on the eye are discussed separatedly. The importance of early glaucoma detection and treatment as well as that of pigment and metabolites deposits in the eye tissues is emphasized.", "PMID": 989413} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3223", "title": "[Proceedings: Psychotropic effects of hypothalamic hormones: immunohistochemical indentification of extrahypophyseal connections of neuroendocrine neurons].", "content": "Vasopressin (VP) can be shown to exert psychotropic effects independent of its antidiuretic activity, facilitating learning and consolidation of memory in rats. Immunoreactive VP and neurophysin (NP) are localized on serial section of Bouin fixed, paraffi embedded guinea pig, rat and hamster brains. Localization was not restricted to the classical sites of supraoptic and paraventricular nucleus, medianeminence and neurohypophysis...", "contents": "[Proceedings: Psychotropic effects of hypothalamic hormones: immunohistochemical indentification of extrahypophyseal connections of neuroendocrine neurons]. Vasopressin (VP) can be shown to exert psychotropic effects independent of its antidiuretic activity, facilitating learning and consolidation of memory in rats. Immunoreactive VP and neurophysin (NP) are localized on serial section of Bouin fixed, paraffi embedded guinea pig, rat and hamster brains. Localization was not restricted to the classical sites of supraoptic and paraventricular nucleus, medianeminence and neurohypophysis...", "PMID": 989414} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3224", "title": "[Interrelationship between the transport of L-aspartate and potassium ions into the cell (author's transl)].", "content": "The mechanisms involved in active transport and intracellular accumulation of amino acids have been reviewed. In particular, the frequently observed interrelationship between the transport of acidic amino acids and potassium ions was discussed. Kinetic studies on the uptake of radioactive L-aspartate and K+ in the microorganism Streptomyces hydrogenans were performed. The following results were obtained:1. L-Aspartate was actively transported into the cells. However, only a part of the aspartate taken up from the medium remained in the pool as free amino acid. Within 60 min, up to 35% of the label was incorporated into protein. By thin-layer chromatography of cell extracts several radioactive metabolites of aspartate were detected. 2. Aspartate was transported by a t least two different uptake systems exhibiting moderate specificity. At neutral pH , the amino acid was transported as anion; its uptake was inhibited by L-glutamate as well as by dicarboxylic acids, whereas neutral amino acids did not have a significant effect. 3. The influx of aspartate into K+-rich cells was stimulated specifically by extracellular Rb+ and K+, whereas Ki+ and Na+ inhibited aspartate transport. 4. Kinetic analysis of the aspartate influx showed that extracellular K+ increased the affinity of the transport systems for aspartate by a factor of three. These results suggest that K+ is bound by the aspartate carrier and is cotransported together with the amino acid across the membrane. 5. Kinetic measurements of the uptake of 42K+ revealed that the influx of K+ as well was stimulated by extracellular aspartate. Likewise the rate of 28Mg2+ uptake was increased by aspartate.", "contents": "[Interrelationship between the transport of L-aspartate and potassium ions into the cell (author's transl)]. The mechanisms involved in active transport and intracellular accumulation of amino acids have been reviewed. In particular, the frequently observed interrelationship between the transport of acidic amino acids and potassium ions was discussed. Kinetic studies on the uptake of radioactive L-aspartate and K+ in the microorganism Streptomyces hydrogenans were performed. The following results were obtained:1. L-Aspartate was actively transported into the cells. However, only a part of the aspartate taken up from the medium remained in the pool as free amino acid. Within 60 min, up to 35% of the label was incorporated into protein. By thin-layer chromatography of cell extracts several radioactive metabolites of aspartate were detected. 2. Aspartate was transported by a t least two different uptake systems exhibiting moderate specificity. At neutral pH , the amino acid was transported as anion; its uptake was inhibited by L-glutamate as well as by dicarboxylic acids, whereas neutral amino acids did not have a significant effect. 3. The influx of aspartate into K+-rich cells was stimulated specifically by extracellular Rb+ and K+, whereas Ki+ and Na+ inhibited aspartate transport. 4. Kinetic analysis of the aspartate influx showed that extracellular K+ increased the affinity of the transport systems for aspartate by a factor of three. These results suggest that K+ is bound by the aspartate carrier and is cotransported together with the amino acid across the membrane. 5. Kinetic measurements of the uptake of 42K+ revealed that the influx of K+ as well was stimulated by extracellular aspartate. Likewise the rate of 28Mg2+ uptake was increased by aspartate.", "PMID": 989415} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3225", "title": "[Effects of pentaformylgitoxin (gitoformate) on the cardiovascular system of anesthetized cats].", "content": "In small and medium doses 3 beta, 14 beta-dihydroxy-16 beta-formyloxy-5 beta-card-20-[22]-enolide-3-tetraformyltridigitoxoside (pentaformylgitoxin; gitoformate) shows a greater positive inotropic and blood pressure increasing potency than do digitoxin and beta-acetyldigoxin. In high doses this influence on contractility is exceeded by digitoxin, that on blood pressure is equalled. None of the substances tested changes heart rate. Arrhythmias with gitoformate are only seen in lethal doses, with digitoxin and beta-acetyldigoxin two dose levels earlier.", "contents": "[Effects of pentaformylgitoxin (gitoformate) on the cardiovascular system of anesthetized cats]. In small and medium doses 3 beta, 14 beta-dihydroxy-16 beta-formyloxy-5 beta-card-20-[22]-enolide-3-tetraformyltridigitoxoside (pentaformylgitoxin; gitoformate) shows a greater positive inotropic and blood pressure increasing potency than do digitoxin and beta-acetyldigoxin. In high doses this influence on contractility is exceeded by digitoxin, that on blood pressure is equalled. None of the substances tested changes heart rate. Arrhythmias with gitoformate are only seen in lethal doses, with digitoxin and beta-acetyldigoxin two dose levels earlier.", "PMID": 989416} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3226", "title": "[A novel method for measurement of cerebral blood flow in the animal experiment].", "content": "A method is described for the measurement of cerebral blood flow by coutinuous registration of the venous out-flow from the temporal sinus of anaesthetized dogs. This method can be used advantageously for the screening of unknown compounds because samples of \"cerebral\" venous blood are obtained by a less complicated and reliable technique. Changes in cerebral blood flow induced with well defined substances, were registered with our method. The results are discussed.", "contents": "[A novel method for measurement of cerebral blood flow in the animal experiment]. A method is described for the measurement of cerebral blood flow by coutinuous registration of the venous out-flow from the temporal sinus of anaesthetized dogs. This method can be used advantageously for the screening of unknown compounds because samples of \"cerebral\" venous blood are obtained by a less complicated and reliable technique. Changes in cerebral blood flow induced with well defined substances, were registered with our method. The results are discussed.", "PMID": 989417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3227", "title": "[The influence of naftidrofuryl on 32Pi-incorporation into nucleic acids and adenosine phosphates of the rat brain].", "content": "3-(1-Naphthyl)-2-tetrahydrofuryl-propionic acid-beta-diethylester-hydrogenoxalate (naftidrofuryl) increased after a 15-day treatment with orally 200 mg/kg per day the 32P-incorporation rate of two nucleic acid fractions and of ATP, ADP and AMP of rat brains. In contrast to the findings of other authors no increased ATP content was observed. The increased incorporation of the alpha-phosphate during the de novo synthesis of AMP.", "contents": "[The influence of naftidrofuryl on 32Pi-incorporation into nucleic acids and adenosine phosphates of the rat brain]. 3-(1-Naphthyl)-2-tetrahydrofuryl-propionic acid-beta-diethylester-hydrogenoxalate (naftidrofuryl) increased after a 15-day treatment with orally 200 mg/kg per day the 32P-incorporation rate of two nucleic acid fractions and of ATP, ADP and AMP of rat brains. In contrast to the findings of other authors no increased ATP content was observed. The increased incorporation of the alpha-phosphate during the de novo synthesis of AMP.", "PMID": 989418} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3228", "title": "[Concentration of cardiac glycosides in the heart and brain (author's transl)].", "content": "In cats the concentration of cardio-active glycosides in the heart and brain were investigated with trititum-labelled substances. Steady-state conditions were achieved by repeated i.v. injections of ouabain, digoxin, beta-methyldigoxin, digitoxin, and oleandrin over 5 days. 5 h after the last application glycoside concentrations were measured in plasma, urine, heart, cerebrum and cerebellum. Furthermore the metabolic pattern in these compartments was determined. 1. The glycoside concentration in the heart per g wet weight ranges only from 0.93 (oleandrin) to 1.88% (ouabain) of the daily administered dose per kg. 2. The concentrations in the brain show much higher differences between the diverse glycosides: ouabain with a concentration of 0.02%/g wet weight in the cerebrum shows the lowest and oleandrin with 1.60% the highest value. 3. By calculating the mean relative weights for the hearts (3.9 g/kg) and the brains (11.1 g/kg) 3.7% of the daily administered ouabain activity were found in the whole heart and only 0.18% in the whole brain. In contrast to these data the content of heart and brain after giving the more lipophilic oleandrin was 3.6% and 17.7% (!), respectively. 4. Under steady-state conditions the glycosides ouabain, digoxin, beta-methyldigoxin and digitoxin in heart and brain are mainly unchanged whereas oleandrin is transformed at a higher rate to polar metabolites.", "contents": "[Concentration of cardiac glycosides in the heart and brain (author's transl)]. In cats the concentration of cardio-active glycosides in the heart and brain were investigated with trititum-labelled substances. Steady-state conditions were achieved by repeated i.v. injections of ouabain, digoxin, beta-methyldigoxin, digitoxin, and oleandrin over 5 days. 5 h after the last application glycoside concentrations were measured in plasma, urine, heart, cerebrum and cerebellum. Furthermore the metabolic pattern in these compartments was determined. 1. The glycoside concentration in the heart per g wet weight ranges only from 0.93 (oleandrin) to 1.88% (ouabain) of the daily administered dose per kg. 2. The concentrations in the brain show much higher differences between the diverse glycosides: ouabain with a concentration of 0.02%/g wet weight in the cerebrum shows the lowest and oleandrin with 1.60% the highest value. 3. By calculating the mean relative weights for the hearts (3.9 g/kg) and the brains (11.1 g/kg) 3.7% of the daily administered ouabain activity were found in the whole heart and only 0.18% in the whole brain. In contrast to these data the content of heart and brain after giving the more lipophilic oleandrin was 3.6% and 17.7% (!), respectively. 4. Under steady-state conditions the glycosides ouabain, digoxin, beta-methyldigoxin and digitoxin in heart and brain are mainly unchanged whereas oleandrin is transformed at a higher rate to polar metabolites.", "PMID": 989419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3229", "title": "[The influence of orally applicable antibiotics on the activities of human enterokinase and disaccharidases (author's transl)].", "content": "In this study the influence of 14 antibiotics, 12 of them orally applicable, on human enterokinase was investigated. The effects of these substances on the activities of human disaccharidases were also examined. The enterokinase activity is more sensitive to the studied antibiotics than is human lactase, saccharase or isomaltase. Unphysiologically high concentrations of penicillins, cephalexin and chloramphenicol (10(-2) Mol/l) inhibited enterokinase, tetracycline (doxycycline) in a dose of 10(-3) m reduced the activity of this enzyme by 50%, neomycinsulphate and the sulphates of polymyxin B and E have no effect on the disaccharidases. On the contrary, these substances are the best inhibitors of enterokinase among the tested antibiotics. Neomycin or polymyxin (10(-4) Mol/l) causes a 50% inhibition of a physiological quantity of this enzyme. Therapeutic doses of both antibiotics may reduce the enterokinase activity by 70% to 90%, while the activity of trypsin is not affected unless a concentration greater than 10(-2) m is used. The inhibition is not only caused by the anion (SO4) of these antibiotics, since sulphates reduce the enterokinase only in concentrations higher than 10(-3) Mol/l in man. The mechanism of inhibition is not effected by binding cholic acids under test conditions. Both polymyxin and neomycin inhibit the enterokinase activity with and without glycodeoxycholic acid. Further studies showed that the type of inhibition is competitive in both cases. The inhibition constant K2 of neomycin-B-sulphate is 8.7X10(-5) Mol/l, of polymyxin-E-sulphate 8.6X10(-5) Mol/l. The inhibition type of penicillins, cephalosporins and doxycycline is noncompetitive, thus contrasting that of neomycin and polymyxin.", "contents": "[The influence of orally applicable antibiotics on the activities of human enterokinase and disaccharidases (author's transl)]. In this study the influence of 14 antibiotics, 12 of them orally applicable, on human enterokinase was investigated. The effects of these substances on the activities of human disaccharidases were also examined. The enterokinase activity is more sensitive to the studied antibiotics than is human lactase, saccharase or isomaltase. Unphysiologically high concentrations of penicillins, cephalexin and chloramphenicol (10(-2) Mol/l) inhibited enterokinase, tetracycline (doxycycline) in a dose of 10(-3) m reduced the activity of this enzyme by 50%, neomycinsulphate and the sulphates of polymyxin B and E have no effect on the disaccharidases. On the contrary, these substances are the best inhibitors of enterokinase among the tested antibiotics. Neomycin or polymyxin (10(-4) Mol/l) causes a 50% inhibition of a physiological quantity of this enzyme. Therapeutic doses of both antibiotics may reduce the enterokinase activity by 70% to 90%, while the activity of trypsin is not affected unless a concentration greater than 10(-2) m is used. The inhibition is not only caused by the anion (SO4) of these antibiotics, since sulphates reduce the enterokinase only in concentrations higher than 10(-3) Mol/l in man. The mechanism of inhibition is not effected by binding cholic acids under test conditions. Both polymyxin and neomycin inhibit the enterokinase activity with and without glycodeoxycholic acid. Further studies showed that the type of inhibition is competitive in both cases. The inhibition constant K2 of neomycin-B-sulphate is 8.7X10(-5) Mol/l, of polymyxin-E-sulphate 8.6X10(-5) Mol/l. The inhibition type of penicillins, cephalosporins and doxycycline is noncompetitive, thus contrasting that of neomycin and polymyxin.", "PMID": 989420} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3230", "title": "Hemodynamic effects caused by i.v. administration of verapamil in healthy subjects.", "content": "The hemodynamic data obtained after rapid i.v. administration of verapamil (Isoptin) (7.5-12.5 mg) to 7 healthy subjects are presented and discussed. The drug caused an early and statistically significant increase in heart rate and output with concomitant decrease of blood pressure (mainly diatolic) and peripheral resistance. Negative inotropic effects were not observed by the decreased peripheral resistance probably masks any possible negative inotropic effects of the drug.", "contents": "Hemodynamic effects caused by i.v. administration of verapamil in healthy subjects. The hemodynamic data obtained after rapid i.v. administration of verapamil (Isoptin) (7.5-12.5 mg) to 7 healthy subjects are presented and discussed. The drug caused an early and statistically significant increase in heart rate and output with concomitant decrease of blood pressure (mainly diatolic) and peripheral resistance. Negative inotropic effects were not observed by the decreased peripheral resistance probably masks any possible negative inotropic effects of the drug.", "PMID": 989421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3231", "title": "[Influence of a pressure agent on blood concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate and free fatty acids (author's transl)].", "content": "In 34 unselected patients blood concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate and free fatty acids (FFA) were determined after i.v. injection of a pressure agent containing theophylline esterified with norephedrine and theophylline esterified with norepinephrine (Akrinor) with and without beta-adrenergic blockade. After Akrinor a significant increase of FFA concentration of 32% is observed, which can be abolished by beta-receptor blocking agents. Our findings indicate that the Akrinor-induced lipolysis is mainly due to a direct sympathomimetic effect on the beta-receptors of adipose tissue. there are only slight effects on carbohydrate metabolism (decrease of pyruvate concentration, increase of lactate/pyruvate ratio) which are not influenced by beta-receptor blockade. According to our results there are important metabolic differences between Akrinor and the classical catecholamines.", "contents": "[Influence of a pressure agent on blood concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate and free fatty acids (author's transl)]. In 34 unselected patients blood concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate and free fatty acids (FFA) were determined after i.v. injection of a pressure agent containing theophylline esterified with norephedrine and theophylline esterified with norepinephrine (Akrinor) with and without beta-adrenergic blockade. After Akrinor a significant increase of FFA concentration of 32% is observed, which can be abolished by beta-receptor blocking agents. Our findings indicate that the Akrinor-induced lipolysis is mainly due to a direct sympathomimetic effect on the beta-receptors of adipose tissue. there are only slight effects on carbohydrate metabolism (decrease of pyruvate concentration, increase of lactate/pyruvate ratio) which are not influenced by beta-receptor blockade. According to our results there are important metabolic differences between Akrinor and the classical catecholamines.", "PMID": 989422} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3232", "title": "[Concentration of 14C-1-butylbiguanide in plasma of diabetic patients and its elimination after administration of a new Galenical formulation (author's transl)].", "content": "The time course of 1-butylbiguanide concentration in plasma and the urinary and fecal elimination of the substance were measured in six female elimination of the substance were measured in six female diabetic patients after oral administration of 100 mg of 14C-1-butylibiguanide hydrochloride as Sindiatil. The mean maximum plasma concentration was 37 mug/100 ml and was reached after about 2 1/2 h. At least semi-maximum plasma concentrations (greater than or equal 18 mug/100 ml) were maintained between the 1st and 8th h after administration. Within 24 h 64% of the administered dose were eliminated (36% via the kidneys, 28% with the faeces). After 3 days a total of 80% had been eliminated, one-half each in urine and faeces, respectively. The average time taken for 50% of maximum renal elimination, and thus of the absorbed quantity, to be excreted was 7.2 h.", "contents": "[Concentration of 14C-1-butylbiguanide in plasma of diabetic patients and its elimination after administration of a new Galenical formulation (author's transl)]. The time course of 1-butylbiguanide concentration in plasma and the urinary and fecal elimination of the substance were measured in six female elimination of the substance were measured in six female diabetic patients after oral administration of 100 mg of 14C-1-butylibiguanide hydrochloride as Sindiatil. The mean maximum plasma concentration was 37 mug/100 ml and was reached after about 2 1/2 h. At least semi-maximum plasma concentrations (greater than or equal 18 mug/100 ml) were maintained between the 1st and 8th h after administration. Within 24 h 64% of the administered dose were eliminated (36% via the kidneys, 28% with the faeces). After 3 days a total of 80% had been eliminated, one-half each in urine and faeces, respectively. The average time taken for 50% of maximum renal elimination, and thus of the absorbed quantity, to be excreted was 7.2 h.", "PMID": 989423} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3233", "title": "Early responses to chemotherapy detected by pulse cytophotometry.", "content": "DNA/cell distributions were recorded by automated cytofluorometry (=pulse cytophotometry) in bone-marrow aspirates of leukaemia and lymphosarcoma patients subjected to chemotherapy. In most cases, early perturbations in DNA/cell histographs were observed, characteristically reflecting the known mode of action of the drugs. These changes in general preceded the clinical observation of drug response. In a series of 23 measurements in 19 patients, a positive correlation between early cytophotometric changes and clinical effects of chemotherapy was observed in 17 patients. Five patients were negative for both cytophotometric and clinical reactions and one patient was probably false-positive. The validity of the assay for early detection of drug resistance in acute leukaemia and related diseases is discussed.", "contents": "Early responses to chemotherapy detected by pulse cytophotometry. DNA/cell distributions were recorded by automated cytofluorometry (=pulse cytophotometry) in bone-marrow aspirates of leukaemia and lymphosarcoma patients subjected to chemotherapy. In most cases, early perturbations in DNA/cell histographs were observed, characteristically reflecting the known mode of action of the drugs. These changes in general preceded the clinical observation of drug response. In a series of 23 measurements in 19 patients, a positive correlation between early cytophotometric changes and clinical effects of chemotherapy was observed in 17 patients. Five patients were negative for both cytophotometric and clinical reactions and one patient was probably false-positive. The validity of the assay for early detection of drug resistance in acute leukaemia and related diseases is discussed.", "PMID": 989466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3234", "title": "An immobilized two-enzyme system for the activation of the lactoperoxidase antibacterial system in milk.", "content": "Lactoperoxidase catalyzes the oxidation of thiocyanate by hydrogen peroxide and an intermediary product is formed with antibacterial properties. The components of this system, with the exception of hydrogen peroxide, are present in milk. H2O2 may be introduced by means of enzymatic generation and thus make the system complete. A two-enzyme system consisting of beta-galactosidase and glucose oxidase has been developed for this purpose. The coupled enzyme reaction is shown to work with high efficiency at the neutral pH of milk although the enzymes as such, particularly lactases suitable for immobilization, have optimal activities at much lower pH values. The results indicate that the lactoperoxidase system may in this way be employed to inactivate bacteria present in milk.", "contents": "An immobilized two-enzyme system for the activation of the lactoperoxidase antibacterial system in milk. Lactoperoxidase catalyzes the oxidation of thiocyanate by hydrogen peroxide and an intermediary product is formed with antibacterial properties. The components of this system, with the exception of hydrogen peroxide, are present in milk. H2O2 may be introduced by means of enzymatic generation and thus make the system complete. A two-enzyme system consisting of beta-galactosidase and glucose oxidase has been developed for this purpose. The coupled enzyme reaction is shown to work with high efficiency at the neutral pH of milk although the enzymes as such, particularly lactases suitable for immobilization, have optimal activities at much lower pH values. The results indicate that the lactoperoxidase system may in this way be employed to inactivate bacteria present in milk.", "PMID": 989468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3235", "title": "Increased serum immunoglobulin E concentrations in venereal diseases.", "content": "Total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations were determined by a competitive solid phase radioimmunoassay technique in serum samples from patients with a variety of venereal diseases. The mean IgE concentrations for groups of normal persons without venereal diseases was significantly lower then the means for groups of appropriately matched patients with primary syphilis and gonorrhoea. There were also relatively higher IgE values in patients with trichomoniasis. Our data indicate that patients with urogenital infections have higher concentrations of IgE in the serum than matched control patients without such infections.", "contents": "Increased serum immunoglobulin E concentrations in venereal diseases. Total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations were determined by a competitive solid phase radioimmunoassay technique in serum samples from patients with a variety of venereal diseases. The mean IgE concentrations for groups of normal persons without venereal diseases was significantly lower then the means for groups of appropriately matched patients with primary syphilis and gonorrhoea. There were also relatively higher IgE values in patients with trichomoniasis. Our data indicate that patients with urogenital infections have higher concentrations of IgE in the serum than matched control patients without such infections.", "PMID": 989469} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3236", "title": "Structure of the phosphatidylcholines of the lung surfactant at birth in normal full term infants.", "content": "1. This investigation was undertaken for the purpose of determining the structure of the phosphatidylcholines of lung surfactant system present at birth in normal full term newborn infants. 2. The procedure, using tracheal aspirates as lung secretions, combines a cold-acetone precipitation and a two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography of the lipid extract. 3. Different species of phosphatidylcholines were isolated and found to account together for over 60% of the total phospholipids in tracheal aspirates. Analysis of the fatty acids esterifying the alpha- and beta-carbon of these different phosphatidylcholines showed palmitic acid as the major component with little myristic acid. 4. This fatty acid analysis revealed furthermore that the major phosphatidylcholine fraction was almost exclusively alpha, beta-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. 5. This study shows that the procedure described provides a useful and simple method for the extraction, isolation and characterisation of the functional components of lung surfactant in living human newborns.", "contents": "Structure of the phosphatidylcholines of the lung surfactant at birth in normal full term infants. 1. This investigation was undertaken for the purpose of determining the structure of the phosphatidylcholines of lung surfactant system present at birth in normal full term newborn infants. 2. The procedure, using tracheal aspirates as lung secretions, combines a cold-acetone precipitation and a two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography of the lipid extract. 3. Different species of phosphatidylcholines were isolated and found to account together for over 60% of the total phospholipids in tracheal aspirates. Analysis of the fatty acids esterifying the alpha- and beta-carbon of these different phosphatidylcholines showed palmitic acid as the major component with little myristic acid. 4. This fatty acid analysis revealed furthermore that the major phosphatidylcholine fraction was almost exclusively alpha, beta-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. 5. This study shows that the procedure described provides a useful and simple method for the extraction, isolation and characterisation of the functional components of lung surfactant in living human newborns.", "PMID": 989470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3237", "title": "Causes of cervical carcinoma: new ideas.", "content": "There are many features of cervical cancer that distinguish it from other common human cancers. It is extraordinarily sensitive to environmental variation, thus coming under early notice by the epidemiologists. Its accessibility and the introduction of aids to visualization, such as the colposcope, have enabled us to combine the methods of epidemiology and molecular biology in studying disease. This combination may well untangle one of the more serious conceptual problems in contemporary biology - the real nature of the carcinogenic process and all this in man himself.", "contents": "Causes of cervical carcinoma: new ideas. There are many features of cervical cancer that distinguish it from other common human cancers. It is extraordinarily sensitive to environmental variation, thus coming under early notice by the epidemiologists. Its accessibility and the introduction of aids to visualization, such as the colposcope, have enabled us to combine the methods of epidemiology and molecular biology in studying disease. This combination may well untangle one of the more serious conceptual problems in contemporary biology - the real nature of the carcinogenic process and all this in man himself.", "PMID": 989474} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3238", "title": "Pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of cyclobarbital calcium in man after oral administration.", "content": "The pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of cyclobarbital calcium have been studied after oral administration of Phanodorm, of tablets according to the Formularium Nederlandse Apothekers (1968; FNA), and an aqueous solution. Six healthy volunteers participated in the investigation on three occasions and each received the three preparations. The dose administered was 300 mg cyclobarbital calcium. Plasm concentrations of cyclobarbital were determined at regular intervals. Absorption from the three preparations was rapid was faster from the solution. Peak concentrations were usually attained within 1 h. The eleimination of cyclobarbital could be described by a single first-order process with an average half-life of 11.6 h (range 8 - 17 h). There was little intra-subject variation of the half-life. Relative bioavailability for each volunteer was estimated by comparing the areas under the plasma concentration curves. The RNA-tablets and Phanodorm exhibited similar bioavailability, whereas the average bioavailability of the solution was 78% of that of FNA-tablets; the reason for this unexpected finding is unknown. It was concluded that cyclobarbital cannot be regarded as a uniformly suitable drug for the treatment of insomnia. The long half-life that was apparent in some of the volunteers (15 - 17 h) creates a substantial risk of residual effects on the following morning. In principle, however, the calcium salt of cyclobarbital may be used for induction of sleep, because of its rapid absorption.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of cyclobarbital calcium in man after oral administration. The pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of cyclobarbital calcium have been studied after oral administration of Phanodorm, of tablets according to the Formularium Nederlandse Apothekers (1968; FNA), and an aqueous solution. Six healthy volunteers participated in the investigation on three occasions and each received the three preparations. The dose administered was 300 mg cyclobarbital calcium. Plasm concentrations of cyclobarbital were determined at regular intervals. Absorption from the three preparations was rapid was faster from the solution. Peak concentrations were usually attained within 1 h. The eleimination of cyclobarbital could be described by a single first-order process with an average half-life of 11.6 h (range 8 - 17 h). There was little intra-subject variation of the half-life. Relative bioavailability for each volunteer was estimated by comparing the areas under the plasma concentration curves. The RNA-tablets and Phanodorm exhibited similar bioavailability, whereas the average bioavailability of the solution was 78% of that of FNA-tablets; the reason for this unexpected finding is unknown. It was concluded that cyclobarbital cannot be regarded as a uniformly suitable drug for the treatment of insomnia. The long half-life that was apparent in some of the volunteers (15 - 17 h) creates a substantial risk of residual effects on the following morning. In principle, however, the calcium salt of cyclobarbital may be used for induction of sleep, because of its rapid absorption.", "PMID": 989475} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3239", "title": "Bioavailability of tolamolol.", "content": "Bioavailability of capsule and tablet formulations of tolamolol were compared by measuring plasma concentration of tolamolol and reduction in maximum exercise heart rate over a period of twelve hours in eight healthy subjects in a two-way cross-over study. Tolamolol was absorbed more rapidly from capsules than from tablets; this did not result in any significant difference in the reduction in maximum exercise heart rate between the two formulations. There was no significant difference between area under curve of reduction in exercise tachycardia and area under-curve of plasma concentration of tolamolol for the two formulations. Reduction in maximum exercise heart rate was related to logarithm of plasma concentration of tolamolol between two and twelve hours after both formulations.", "contents": "Bioavailability of tolamolol. Bioavailability of capsule and tablet formulations of tolamolol were compared by measuring plasma concentration of tolamolol and reduction in maximum exercise heart rate over a period of twelve hours in eight healthy subjects in a two-way cross-over study. Tolamolol was absorbed more rapidly from capsules than from tablets; this did not result in any significant difference in the reduction in maximum exercise heart rate between the two formulations. There was no significant difference between area under curve of reduction in exercise tachycardia and area under-curve of plasma concentration of tolamolol for the two formulations. Reduction in maximum exercise heart rate was related to logarithm of plasma concentration of tolamolol between two and twelve hours after both formulations.", "PMID": 989476} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3240", "title": "The human uterotubal junction: a scanning electron microscope study during different phases of the menstrual cycle.", "content": "Uterotubal junctions from surgically extirpated human uteri were examined. The specimens were obtained during different phases of the menstrual cycle. The interstitial portions of the tubes together with the cornual areas were dissected, excised, and their luminal surfaces exposed. The specimens were then processed for scanning electron microscopy. The surface epithelium of both the cornual endometrium and interstitial endosalpins. Ciliated cells were more numerous in the endosalpinx. Cyclic changes in ciliated cells were minimal, while cyclic secretory activity was demonstrated, especially in the endometrium. The transitional area between the endometrium and the endosalpinx was characterized by a marked increase in the number of ciliated cells, and a tendency of the secretory cells to assume a flattened, polygonal shape. These morphologic features suggest a possible role in the transport and/or maintenance of spermatozoa and/or ova.", "contents": "The human uterotubal junction: a scanning electron microscope study during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Uterotubal junctions from surgically extirpated human uteri were examined. The specimens were obtained during different phases of the menstrual cycle. The interstitial portions of the tubes together with the cornual areas were dissected, excised, and their luminal surfaces exposed. The specimens were then processed for scanning electron microscopy. The surface epithelium of both the cornual endometrium and interstitial endosalpins. Ciliated cells were more numerous in the endosalpinx. Cyclic changes in ciliated cells were minimal, while cyclic secretory activity was demonstrated, especially in the endometrium. The transitional area between the endometrium and the endosalpinx was characterized by a marked increase in the number of ciliated cells, and a tendency of the secretory cells to assume a flattened, polygonal shape. These morphologic features suggest a possible role in the transport and/or maintenance of spermatozoa and/or ova.", "PMID": 989477} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3241", "title": "[Syncillin in bacterial skin diseases].", "content": "A multicentric open clinical trial was carried out by 8 practising specialists in dermatology or paediatrics in patients with bacterial skin diseases who were subjected to a systemic therapy with Syncillin (=Azidocillin). The Syncillin presentation for adults and schoolchildren was tablets of 750 mg each, and sachets of 125 mg or 250 mg for infants. The duration of treatment was 10 days. The parameters analyzed were bacteriological findings and the clinical course of disease. 71 (=74%) of the 96 patients included in this study were considered as cured, 21 (=22%) as improved and 4 patients (=4%) as unchanged. Bacterial identification was still positive in 10 cases after the termination of treatment. However, this did not preclude the assessments of \"\"cured'' (3 cases) or \"\"improved'' (7 cases). The tolerance of the preparation was considered as \"\"very good'' or \"\"good'' in 91 and as \"\"poor'' in 5 patients. The most common side effects were nausea and diarrhoea. Exanthema was observed in 2 cases. None of these side effects, however, made a discontinuation of medication necessary. The era of rational and well-directed chemotherapy enables good therapeutic approach also to bacterial skin diseases.", "contents": "[Syncillin in bacterial skin diseases]. A multicentric open clinical trial was carried out by 8 practising specialists in dermatology or paediatrics in patients with bacterial skin diseases who were subjected to a systemic therapy with Syncillin (=Azidocillin). The Syncillin presentation for adults and schoolchildren was tablets of 750 mg each, and sachets of 125 mg or 250 mg for infants. The duration of treatment was 10 days. The parameters analyzed were bacteriological findings and the clinical course of disease. 71 (=74%) of the 96 patients included in this study were considered as cured, 21 (=22%) as improved and 4 patients (=4%) as unchanged. Bacterial identification was still positive in 10 cases after the termination of treatment. However, this did not preclude the assessments of \"\"cured'' (3 cases) or \"\"improved'' (7 cases). The tolerance of the preparation was considered as \"\"very good'' or \"\"good'' in 91 and as \"\"poor'' in 5 patients. The most common side effects were nausea and diarrhoea. Exanthema was observed in 2 cases. None of these side effects, however, made a discontinuation of medication necessary. The era of rational and well-directed chemotherapy enables good therapeutic approach also to bacterial skin diseases.", "PMID": 989478} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3242", "title": "[Case study of 14C-labelled lecithin placental transfer].", "content": "Because of the clinical and biochemical state of a 26 years old patient an erythroblastosis was expected. Continuous controls revealed that delivery in the 36th week of pregnancy was necessary. A therapeutic research with lecithine through the maternal circulation in this special case was carried out in order to prevent a respiratory distress syndrome of the premature infant.", "contents": "[Case study of 14C-labelled lecithin placental transfer]. Because of the clinical and biochemical state of a 26 years old patient an erythroblastosis was expected. Continuous controls revealed that delivery in the 36th week of pregnancy was necessary. A therapeutic research with lecithine through the maternal circulation in this special case was carried out in order to prevent a respiratory distress syndrome of the premature infant.", "PMID": 989479} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3243", "title": "Epidemiological and clinical patterns of genital lesions.", "content": "A 5-year study of 668 patients with genital lesions revealed that teenagers and those in the age group of 20 to 40 are most vunerable. The poor, the uneducated and unmarried persons are at high risk. Chancroid and syphilis are the majority of cases. Inguinal bubo, herpes pregenitalis, condylomata acuminata, erosive balanitis and traumatic ulcers were seen less frequently. Most of the genital lesions had the classic clinical features. The findings of this study suggest that the pattern of genital lesions is showing borderline changes.", "contents": "Epidemiological and clinical patterns of genital lesions. A 5-year study of 668 patients with genital lesions revealed that teenagers and those in the age group of 20 to 40 are most vunerable. The poor, the uneducated and unmarried persons are at high risk. Chancroid and syphilis are the majority of cases. Inguinal bubo, herpes pregenitalis, condylomata acuminata, erosive balanitis and traumatic ulcers were seen less frequently. Most of the genital lesions had the classic clinical features. The findings of this study suggest that the pattern of genital lesions is showing borderline changes.", "PMID": 989480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3244", "title": "Reduced surface tension in lungs of fetal rabbits injected with pilocarpine.", "content": "After opening the maternal abdomen under methoxyflurane anesthesia, fetal rabbits 25.5-28.5 days gestation were given an intraperitoneal injection of pilocarpine (150 mg/kg) or saline through the intact uterine wall. They were delivered by hysterotomy and sacrificed without breathing 2.5 h later. Newborn rabbits 29.5 days gestation received an injection of pilocarpine or saline at birth and breathed 30-120 min. Other newborn rabbits 29.5 days gestation were alternately sacrificed at birth or after breathing 30 min. Static pressure-volume curves with air showed decreased recoil and improved air retention on deflation in fetal rabbits 25.5-27.5 days injected with pilocarpine. There was no change in the static pressure-volume curve of lungs filled with saline. The data suggest that pilocarpine reduced surface tension by producing secretion of surfactant into air spaces. No change in lung recoil occurred with pilocarpine at 28.5 days, or with pilocarpine or breathing at 29.5 days. This may mean that air spaces at 28.5-29.5 days contained optimal surfactant, so further secretion of surfactant stimulated by pilocarpine or breathing failed to reduce surface tension.", "contents": "Reduced surface tension in lungs of fetal rabbits injected with pilocarpine. After opening the maternal abdomen under methoxyflurane anesthesia, fetal rabbits 25.5-28.5 days gestation were given an intraperitoneal injection of pilocarpine (150 mg/kg) or saline through the intact uterine wall. They were delivered by hysterotomy and sacrificed without breathing 2.5 h later. Newborn rabbits 29.5 days gestation received an injection of pilocarpine or saline at birth and breathed 30-120 min. Other newborn rabbits 29.5 days gestation were alternately sacrificed at birth or after breathing 30 min. Static pressure-volume curves with air showed decreased recoil and improved air retention on deflation in fetal rabbits 25.5-27.5 days injected with pilocarpine. There was no change in the static pressure-volume curve of lungs filled with saline. The data suggest that pilocarpine reduced surface tension by producing secretion of surfactant into air spaces. No change in lung recoil occurred with pilocarpine at 28.5 days, or with pilocarpine or breathing at 29.5 days. This may mean that air spaces at 28.5-29.5 days contained optimal surfactant, so further secretion of surfactant stimulated by pilocarpine or breathing failed to reduce surface tension.", "PMID": 989483} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3245", "title": "Sensitive colorimetric determination of cholesterol in dairy products.", "content": "Cholesterol can be determined colorimetrically in dairy products at levels of larger than or equal to 10 mug (coefficient of variation = 5.3%) with an o-phthalaldehyde reagent when non-cholesterol lipids are eliminated prior to color development. Absorbance for 2 mg tripalmitin was found to be equivalent to about 20 mug cholesterol. Saponification followed by hexane extraction removed interfering lipids. Using the described procedure, 238 individual raw milk samples were found to contain 144.4+/-37.9 mug cholesterol/ml, while their skim milk portions had 26.5+/-6.4 mug cholesterol/ml (mean +/- standard deviation). The o-phthalaldehyde cholesterol estimates agreed with those obtained by a gas-liquid chromatographic procedure when cheese and ice cream were analyzed by the colorimetric procedure with and without prior fat extraction.", "contents": "Sensitive colorimetric determination of cholesterol in dairy products. Cholesterol can be determined colorimetrically in dairy products at levels of larger than or equal to 10 mug (coefficient of variation = 5.3%) with an o-phthalaldehyde reagent when non-cholesterol lipids are eliminated prior to color development. Absorbance for 2 mg tripalmitin was found to be equivalent to about 20 mug cholesterol. Saponification followed by hexane extraction removed interfering lipids. Using the described procedure, 238 individual raw milk samples were found to contain 144.4+/-37.9 mug cholesterol/ml, while their skim milk portions had 26.5+/-6.4 mug cholesterol/ml (mean +/- standard deviation). The o-phthalaldehyde cholesterol estimates agreed with those obtained by a gas-liquid chromatographic procedure when cheese and ice cream were analyzed by the colorimetric procedure with and without prior fat extraction.", "PMID": 989484} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3246", "title": "Differences between mentally retarded and normally intelligent autistic children.", "content": "Autistic children with an IQ below 70 and with an IQ above 70 were systematically compared. The two groups differed somewhat in the pattern of symptoms, but were closely similar in terms of the main phenomena specifically associated with autism. However, the low IQ and high IQ autistic children differed more substantially in terms of other symptoms such as self-injury and stereotypies and there were major differences in outcome. The possibility that the nature of the autistic disorder may differ according to the presence or absence of associated mental retardation needs to be taken into account in planning studies of etiology.", "contents": "Differences between mentally retarded and normally intelligent autistic children. Autistic children with an IQ below 70 and with an IQ above 70 were systematically compared. The two groups differed somewhat in the pattern of symptoms, but were closely similar in terms of the main phenomena specifically associated with autism. However, the low IQ and high IQ autistic children differed more substantially in terms of other symptoms such as self-injury and stereotypies and there were major differences in outcome. The possibility that the nature of the autistic disorder may differ according to the presence or absence of associated mental retardation needs to be taken into account in planning studies of etiology.", "PMID": 989485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3247", "title": "Infantile autism in dizygotic twins. A case report.", "content": "This was a case study of a pair of dizygotic twins who both developed psychotic symptoms indicative of infantile autism at the age of 31--32 months. By the age of 5 years, when the children were evaluated, and over the 1 1/2 years they were followed, some improvement could be observed. Certain family events which took place just prior to the outbreak of the psychosis are reported, and the point is made that these may have had some causative relation with the disorder by acting as environmental stress factors. The possibility of a genetic factor also contributing to the appearance of the disorder could not be excluded in view of the existence of a first cousin with autistic symptoms.", "contents": "Infantile autism in dizygotic twins. A case report. This was a case study of a pair of dizygotic twins who both developed psychotic symptoms indicative of infantile autism at the age of 31--32 months. By the age of 5 years, when the children were evaluated, and over the 1 1/2 years they were followed, some improvement could be observed. Certain family events which took place just prior to the outbreak of the psychosis are reported, and the point is made that these may have had some causative relation with the disorder by acting as environmental stress factors. The possibility of a genetic factor also contributing to the appearance of the disorder could not be excluded in view of the existence of a first cousin with autistic symptoms.", "PMID": 989486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3248", "title": "A case report of an autistic boy. Selective responding to components of bidimensional visual and auditory stimuli.", "content": "A case study was reported in which a 9-year-old male autistic boy was initially trained to discriminate between two auditory stimuli and two visual stimuli. He was then tested for overselective responding to bidimensional combinations of the four stimuli. It was hypothesized that the overselectivity results reported in previous studies were partially a function of a procedure in which autistic children were reinforced for responding in the presence of a multidimensional stimulus complex and then tested with individual stimuli. The child in the present investigation, with the alternative procedure, did not demonstrate overselective responding. Two interpretations of the results were presented, neither of which was consistent with an overselectivity theory. Future research should delineate the specific conditions which produce overselective responding, and suggest methods to facilitate more adaptive responding of autistic children.", "contents": "A case report of an autistic boy. Selective responding to components of bidimensional visual and auditory stimuli. A case study was reported in which a 9-year-old male autistic boy was initially trained to discriminate between two auditory stimuli and two visual stimuli. He was then tested for overselective responding to bidimensional combinations of the four stimuli. It was hypothesized that the overselectivity results reported in previous studies were partially a function of a procedure in which autistic children were reinforced for responding in the presence of a multidimensional stimulus complex and then tested with individual stimuli. The child in the present investigation, with the alternative procedure, did not demonstrate overselective responding. Two interpretations of the results were presented, neither of which was consistent with an overselectivity theory. Future research should delineate the specific conditions which produce overselective responding, and suggest methods to facilitate more adaptive responding of autistic children.", "PMID": 989487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3249", "title": "Identification of consistent responding to auditory stimuli by a functionally \"deaf\" autistic child.", "content": "Although the severity of autistic children's unresponsiveness to external stimulation has been frequently reported, little empirical work has been conducted to specifically describe the nature of their unresponsiveness. The child who participated in this experiment was at varying times reported to be deaf, hard of hearing, or functionally deaf; and at other times was reported to have normal hearing. In this experiment, we measured his responses to systematically presented auditory stimuli in order to determine if there was any pattern to his responding. Two types of auditory stimuli were used: (a) white noise, consisting of most of the frequencies within the human range of hearing, and (b) the sound of a candy machine delivering candy. The results showed the following. (1) There was consistent responding to both the white noise and the candy feeder. (2) The thresholds for responding to the white noise were always consistent on a given day, but varied from day to day. (3) Responding to the candy machine stimulus always occurred at sound levels which were well below the threshold for the white noise. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding autism, and in particular in terms of understanding the lack of speech development in mute autistic children.", "contents": "Identification of consistent responding to auditory stimuli by a functionally \"deaf\" autistic child. Although the severity of autistic children's unresponsiveness to external stimulation has been frequently reported, little empirical work has been conducted to specifically describe the nature of their unresponsiveness. The child who participated in this experiment was at varying times reported to be deaf, hard of hearing, or functionally deaf; and at other times was reported to have normal hearing. In this experiment, we measured his responses to systematically presented auditory stimuli in order to determine if there was any pattern to his responding. Two types of auditory stimuli were used: (a) white noise, consisting of most of the frequencies within the human range of hearing, and (b) the sound of a candy machine delivering candy. The results showed the following. (1) There was consistent responding to both the white noise and the candy feeder. (2) The thresholds for responding to the white noise were always consistent on a given day, but varied from day to day. (3) Responding to the candy machine stimulus always occurred at sound levels which were well below the threshold for the white noise. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding autism, and in particular in terms of understanding the lack of speech development in mute autistic children.", "PMID": 989488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3250", "title": "The effects of fluorescent and incandescent illumination upon repetitive behaviors in autistic children.", "content": "Repetitive behaviors of six autistic children were observed under two conditions of background illumination. During two sessions, the room was illuminated by fluorescent light and during two other sessions, by equal intensity incandescent light. Subjects spent significantly more time engaged in repetitive behavior under fluorescent light. Previous research suggested that these findings were related to the flickering nature of fluorescent ilumination. Practical and theoretical implications were discussed. Further experimentation was suggested to assess relationships between flickering illumination and arousal.", "contents": "The effects of fluorescent and incandescent illumination upon repetitive behaviors in autistic children. Repetitive behaviors of six autistic children were observed under two conditions of background illumination. During two sessions, the room was illuminated by fluorescent light and during two other sessions, by equal intensity incandescent light. Subjects spent significantly more time engaged in repetitive behavior under fluorescent light. Previous research suggested that these findings were related to the flickering nature of fluorescent ilumination. Practical and theoretical implications were discussed. Further experimentation was suggested to assess relationships between flickering illumination and arousal.", "PMID": 989489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3251", "title": "The use of BRIAC for evaluating therapeutic effectiveness.", "content": "Forty-six children in eight different psychotherapeutic settings were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of a 12-month period by means of the Behavior Rating Instrument for Autistic Children (BRIAC). The younger children (3 to 6 years of age) were initially more severely disturbed and improved significantly more than the older children (7 to 9 years of age). The large, bleak, custodial residential center produced significantly less improvement in the children than did the other settings. However, among good programs--i.e., those which were sensitive to the behaviors and needs of the children and which were skillfully implemented by a dedicated and attentive staff--there was little evidence of differences in therapeutic effectiveness regardless of whether the therapy was behavior modification, education, psychoanalytically oriented relationship therapy, or activity therapy.", "contents": "The use of BRIAC for evaluating therapeutic effectiveness. Forty-six children in eight different psychotherapeutic settings were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of a 12-month period by means of the Behavior Rating Instrument for Autistic Children (BRIAC). The younger children (3 to 6 years of age) were initially more severely disturbed and improved significantly more than the older children (7 to 9 years of age). The large, bleak, custodial residential center produced significantly less improvement in the children than did the other settings. However, among good programs--i.e., those which were sensitive to the behaviors and needs of the children and which were skillfully implemented by a dedicated and attentive staff--there was little evidence of differences in therapeutic effectiveness regardless of whether the therapy was behavior modification, education, psychoanalytically oriented relationship therapy, or activity therapy.", "PMID": 989490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3252", "title": "HL-A8 and the immune response to various antigens.", "content": "The possession of the histocompatibility antigen HL-A8 has been correlated with serum levels of antibodies to gluten and a variety of other dietary, viral, and bacterial antigens and autoantigens. The only significant correlation with HL-A8 was of raised levels of gluten antibody. Thus it seems that HL-A8 may be associated with an enhanced immune response specifically to gluten, and not with a generally enhanced immunological responsiveness as has been suggested.", "contents": "HL-A8 and the immune response to various antigens. The possession of the histocompatibility antigen HL-A8 has been correlated with serum levels of antibodies to gluten and a variety of other dietary, viral, and bacterial antigens and autoantigens. The only significant correlation with HL-A8 was of raised levels of gluten antibody. Thus it seems that HL-A8 may be associated with an enhanced immune response specifically to gluten, and not with a generally enhanced immunological responsiveness as has been suggested.", "PMID": 989492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3253", "title": "Infection control in small hospitals. Prevalence surveys in 18 institutions.", "content": "In prevalance surveys of 18 small hospitals in the intermountain region, 20.4% of the patients had community-acquired infections and 7.2% had infections acquired in the hospital. The types of nosocomial infections and patterns of antibiotic usage were similar to those encountered in large hospitals. In the small hospitals, 49% of the suspected bacterial infection were cultured, whereas at a nearby large hospital 77% were cultured. Seventeen of these small hospitals had an infection-control committee but these committees were unable to assess adequately the extent of their nosocomial infection problems. Monitoring of the environment with bacterial cultures was a frequent practice; overall, a ratio of one environmental culture was performed to each three diagnostic cultures. These results indicate the need to develop and evaluate nosocomial infection control programs in small hospitals.", "contents": "Infection control in small hospitals. Prevalence surveys in 18 institutions. In prevalance surveys of 18 small hospitals in the intermountain region, 20.4% of the patients had community-acquired infections and 7.2% had infections acquired in the hospital. The types of nosocomial infections and patterns of antibiotic usage were similar to those encountered in large hospitals. In the small hospitals, 49% of the suspected bacterial infection were cultured, whereas at a nearby large hospital 77% were cultured. Seventeen of these small hospitals had an infection-control committee but these committees were unable to assess adequately the extent of their nosocomial infection problems. Monitoring of the environment with bacterial cultures was a frequent practice; overall, a ratio of one environmental culture was performed to each three diagnostic cultures. These results indicate the need to develop and evaluate nosocomial infection control programs in small hospitals.", "PMID": 989514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3254", "title": "Angiosarcoma of the liver in a rural population. Four cases diagnosed in a 29-month period.", "content": "Angiosarcoma of the liver has recently been publicized because of its association with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymerization workers. Four cases of this rare tumor have been observed at the Marshfield Clinic within a 29-month period. There are no factories that manufacture PVC products in the immediate area, nor were any of the victims ever involved in such manufacturing work. Thus, it is possible that other factors may be related to this cluster of the disease.", "contents": "Angiosarcoma of the liver in a rural population. Four cases diagnosed in a 29-month period. Angiosarcoma of the liver has recently been publicized because of its association with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymerization workers. Four cases of this rare tumor have been observed at the Marshfield Clinic within a 29-month period. There are no factories that manufacture PVC products in the immediate area, nor were any of the victims ever involved in such manufacturing work. Thus, it is possible that other factors may be related to this cluster of the disease.", "PMID": 989515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3255", "title": "Intracranial surgery for cerebral artery aneurysms. Five years' experience.", "content": "During the previous five years, there were 133 cases of intracranial surgery for cerebral artery aneurysms. For patients with aneurysms in the anterior circulation and in good preoperative condition, the surgical morbidity was 28% and the mortality was 19%. A depressed sensorium preoperatively, an age of 50 years or above, and an interval of less than 15 days from rupture to surgery were associated with markedly increased mortality. The results of this series, which do not compare favorably with those from foreign referral centers, are partially the result of disproportionate numbers of patients in those poor-risk groups. The possible advantages of regionalization are, nevertheless, apparent. Further comparative studies should be conducted on an interinstitutional basis.", "contents": "Intracranial surgery for cerebral artery aneurysms. Five years' experience. During the previous five years, there were 133 cases of intracranial surgery for cerebral artery aneurysms. For patients with aneurysms in the anterior circulation and in good preoperative condition, the surgical morbidity was 28% and the mortality was 19%. A depressed sensorium preoperatively, an age of 50 years or above, and an interval of less than 15 days from rupture to surgery were associated with markedly increased mortality. The results of this series, which do not compare favorably with those from foreign referral centers, are partially the result of disproportionate numbers of patients in those poor-risk groups. The possible advantages of regionalization are, nevertheless, apparent. Further comparative studies should be conducted on an interinstitutional basis.", "PMID": 989516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3256", "title": "Tricyclic antidepressants. Prolonged plasma levels after overdose.", "content": "Twenty-four patients hospitalized for overdose of a tricyclic antidepressant were monitored clinically, and serial plasma-drug measurements were taken for up to 144 hours. Six of 24 patients had maximum antidepressant plasma levels greater than or equal to 1,000 ng/ml, and their plasma levels at 96 hours ranged from 170 to 1,280 ng/ml. Patients ingesting substantial tricyclic overdoses may remain medically unstable for days. When high tricyclic levels persist, accurate psychiatric assessment is often impossible.", "contents": "Tricyclic antidepressants. Prolonged plasma levels after overdose. Twenty-four patients hospitalized for overdose of a tricyclic antidepressant were monitored clinically, and serial plasma-drug measurements were taken for up to 144 hours. Six of 24 patients had maximum antidepressant plasma levels greater than or equal to 1,000 ng/ml, and their plasma levels at 96 hours ranged from 170 to 1,280 ng/ml. Patients ingesting substantial tricyclic overdoses may remain medically unstable for days. When high tricyclic levels persist, accurate psychiatric assessment is often impossible.", "PMID": 989517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3257", "title": "Reaching out to the depressed physician.", "content": "Many of the character traits that contribute to physician success can become risk factors to depression when amplified. Only reluctantly do some physicians attend to and express personal needs. The preemptory desire to satisfy the demands of his patients and colleagues may further subvert self-awareness and appropriate self-indulgence. Ultimately, frank depression emerges. Too often, depression remains unrecognized or untreated until the physician's self-destructive pattern compromises his capacity to care for his patients. The author discusses clues to the early recognition of depression as well as strategies in the prevention and treatment of the depressed physician.", "contents": "Reaching out to the depressed physician. Many of the character traits that contribute to physician success can become risk factors to depression when amplified. Only reluctantly do some physicians attend to and express personal needs. The preemptory desire to satisfy the demands of his patients and colleagues may further subvert self-awareness and appropriate self-indulgence. Ultimately, frank depression emerges. Too often, depression remains unrecognized or untreated until the physician's self-destructive pattern compromises his capacity to care for his patients. The author discusses clues to the early recognition of depression as well as strategies in the prevention and treatment of the depressed physician.", "PMID": 989518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3258", "title": "Dissecting aortic aneurysm manifested as fever of unknown origin.", "content": "A patient with a dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta had fever of unknown origin. Although his clinical picture included a number of classical features of his disorder, these were initially misinterpreted, largely because fever was the patient's chief complaint. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes sequestered within the aortic hemagen as they disintegrated. This case emphasizes the protean nature of the dissecting aortic aneurysm, adding yet another distinct clinical manifestation, fever of unknown origin, with which it may be associated.", "contents": "Dissecting aortic aneurysm manifested as fever of unknown origin. A patient with a dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta had fever of unknown origin. Although his clinical picture included a number of classical features of his disorder, these were initially misinterpreted, largely because fever was the patient's chief complaint. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes sequestered within the aortic hemagen as they disintegrated. This case emphasizes the protean nature of the dissecting aortic aneurysm, adding yet another distinct clinical manifestation, fever of unknown origin, with which it may be associated.", "PMID": 989522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3259", "title": "Cholelithiasis in persons under 25 years old. Clinicopathologic review of 96 cases.", "content": "Ninety-six of 683 patients undergoing cholecystectomy at the Naval Regional Medical Center, Long Beach, Calif, from 1967 to 1974 were between 7 and 25 years old. Although females predominated in ratio of 4:1, the sex incidence was equal when nulliparous females were compared with males. Signs and symptoms were nonspecific in 70%, leading to delay in proper diagnosis in 26%. Only two patients had an underlying blood dyscrasia. Oral cholecystography proved to be the most reliable diagnostic test. Moreover, the incidence of choledocholithiasis was 4.1%, approximately one third less than in older age groups.", "contents": "Cholelithiasis in persons under 25 years old. Clinicopathologic review of 96 cases. Ninety-six of 683 patients undergoing cholecystectomy at the Naval Regional Medical Center, Long Beach, Calif, from 1967 to 1974 were between 7 and 25 years old. Although females predominated in ratio of 4:1, the sex incidence was equal when nulliparous females were compared with males. Signs and symptoms were nonspecific in 70%, leading to delay in proper diagnosis in 26%. Only two patients had an underlying blood dyscrasia. Oral cholecystography proved to be the most reliable diagnostic test. Moreover, the incidence of choledocholithiasis was 4.1%, approximately one third less than in older age groups.", "PMID": 989523} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3260", "title": "Carbon tetrachloride toxicity potentiated by isopropyl alcohol. Investigation of an industrial outbreak.", "content": "Fourteen workers in an isopropyl alcohol packaging plant became ill after accidental exposure to carbon tetrachloride. In four, renal failure or hepatitis developed. Isopropyl alcohol potentiation of carbon tetrachloride toxicity has been shown previously only in rats. Acetone, a product of isopropyl alcohol metabolism, is a major potentiator of carbon tetrachloride toxicity. Workers had elevated levels of acetone in samples of expired alveolar gas and thus were metabolically predisposed to carbon tetrachloride injury. Stricter limits for industrial carbon tetrachloride exposure should be established where concomitant isopropyl alcohol use occurs.", "contents": "Carbon tetrachloride toxicity potentiated by isopropyl alcohol. Investigation of an industrial outbreak. Fourteen workers in an isopropyl alcohol packaging plant became ill after accidental exposure to carbon tetrachloride. In four, renal failure or hepatitis developed. Isopropyl alcohol potentiation of carbon tetrachloride toxicity has been shown previously only in rats. Acetone, a product of isopropyl alcohol metabolism, is a major potentiator of carbon tetrachloride toxicity. Workers had elevated levels of acetone in samples of expired alveolar gas and thus were metabolically predisposed to carbon tetrachloride injury. Stricter limits for industrial carbon tetrachloride exposure should be established where concomitant isopropyl alcohol use occurs.", "PMID": 989535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3261", "title": "Resistance to nalidixic acid. A misconception due to underdosage.", "content": "The clinical impression of inordinate selection of resistant mutants to nalidixic acid cannot be substantiated on close scrutiny when sensitive infections are treated at a full dosage of 4 gm/day. When 27 consecutive patients were treated with 4 gm of nalidixic acid per day, resistance developed in the bacteriuric population in only 7%. Moreover, resistance in the fecal reservoir was surprisingly minimal and much less than that reported for sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and ampicillin. The observation is important because multiply-resistant Enterobacteriaceae maintain their sensitivity to nalidixic acid since extrachromosomal R-factor resistance to nalidixic acid has never been demonstrated and cannot be transferred from one organism to another. In vitro data on 100 sensitive strains of Enterobacteriaceae show that the developmental of resistance to nalidixic acid is inversely proportional to the concentration of nalidixic acid regardless of whether the inoculum size is 10(5) or 10(8) bacteria per milliliter. Underdosage (less than 4 gm/day) with nalidixic acid is the probable cause of excessive resistance.", "contents": "Resistance to nalidixic acid. A misconception due to underdosage. The clinical impression of inordinate selection of resistant mutants to nalidixic acid cannot be substantiated on close scrutiny when sensitive infections are treated at a full dosage of 4 gm/day. When 27 consecutive patients were treated with 4 gm of nalidixic acid per day, resistance developed in the bacteriuric population in only 7%. Moreover, resistance in the fecal reservoir was surprisingly minimal and much less than that reported for sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and ampicillin. The observation is important because multiply-resistant Enterobacteriaceae maintain their sensitivity to nalidixic acid since extrachromosomal R-factor resistance to nalidixic acid has never been demonstrated and cannot be transferred from one organism to another. In vitro data on 100 sensitive strains of Enterobacteriaceae show that the developmental of resistance to nalidixic acid is inversely proportional to the concentration of nalidixic acid regardless of whether the inoculum size is 10(5) or 10(8) bacteria per milliliter. Underdosage (less than 4 gm/day) with nalidixic acid is the probable cause of excessive resistance.", "PMID": 989536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3262", "title": "The clinical course of diabetic nephropathy.", "content": "A retrospective record analysis of 112 juvenile-onset diabetics with nephropathy was conducted in order to determine their clinical course. The mean duration of diabetes at the onset of proteinuria was 17.3+/-6.0 years. Early renal failure appeared two years after the onset of protein-uria, and severe renal failure (mean serum creatinine level, 8.5+/-3.9 mg/100 ml) four years after the onset of proteinuria. The mean duration of life after the onset of severe renal failure was six months. The mortality was 53%, with 59% of the deaths attributable to renal failure and 36% to cardiovascular disease. All patients experienced progressive deterioration of renal function as well as the other complications of diabetes, the rate of progression being accelerated toward the end of the course. Juvenile onset diabetics should be considered for renal transplantation before the serum creatinine level reaches 8.5 mg/100 ml.", "contents": "The clinical course of diabetic nephropathy. A retrospective record analysis of 112 juvenile-onset diabetics with nephropathy was conducted in order to determine their clinical course. The mean duration of diabetes at the onset of proteinuria was 17.3+/-6.0 years. Early renal failure appeared two years after the onset of protein-uria, and severe renal failure (mean serum creatinine level, 8.5+/-3.9 mg/100 ml) four years after the onset of proteinuria. The mean duration of life after the onset of severe renal failure was six months. The mortality was 53%, with 59% of the deaths attributable to renal failure and 36% to cardiovascular disease. All patients experienced progressive deterioration of renal function as well as the other complications of diabetes, the rate of progression being accelerated toward the end of the course. Juvenile onset diabetics should be considered for renal transplantation before the serum creatinine level reaches 8.5 mg/100 ml.", "PMID": 989537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3263", "title": "Surgeons in the United States. Activities, output and income.", "content": "In a national surgical manpower questionnaire survey, 76% of those MD and DO surgeons who were contactable returned questionnaires that included a log diary reporting details of their daily activities. Comparisons were made of allocation of professional time, number of operations performed, and net income of respondents by physician classification (including certification), specialty, practice arrangement, age, and census division. The mean professional workweek was estimated at 46 hours for all respondents. More than two thirds of the total professional time was spent in direct patient care; about half the surgeon's time was spent in the hospital, with nearly 20% in the operating room. The median annual work load of respondents was 170 operations. Their median annual net income was $45,700.", "contents": "Surgeons in the United States. Activities, output and income. In a national surgical manpower questionnaire survey, 76% of those MD and DO surgeons who were contactable returned questionnaires that included a log diary reporting details of their daily activities. Comparisons were made of allocation of professional time, number of operations performed, and net income of respondents by physician classification (including certification), specialty, practice arrangement, age, and census division. The mean professional workweek was estimated at 46 hours for all respondents. More than two thirds of the total professional time was spent in direct patient care; about half the surgeon's time was spent in the hospital, with nearly 20% in the operating room. The median annual work load of respondents was 170 operations. Their median annual net income was $45,700.", "PMID": 989538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3264", "title": "Fatal massive hepatic necrosis following acetaminophen overdose.", "content": "A young woman ingested approximately 13 gm of an over-the-counter acetaminophen preparation and died seven days later in profound coma. Postmortem findings included massive centrilobular hepatic necrosis and renal tubular necrosis. Although hepatotoxicity secondary to acetaminophen overdose is well recognized in Britain, this entity has received little emphasis in the United States. Recognition of the potentially severe consequences is important because early treatment with sulfhydryl compounds may prevent serious liver injury.", "contents": "Fatal massive hepatic necrosis following acetaminophen overdose. A young woman ingested approximately 13 gm of an over-the-counter acetaminophen preparation and died seven days later in profound coma. Postmortem findings included massive centrilobular hepatic necrosis and renal tubular necrosis. Although hepatotoxicity secondary to acetaminophen overdose is well recognized in Britain, this entity has received little emphasis in the United States. Recognition of the potentially severe consequences is important because early treatment with sulfhydryl compounds may prevent serious liver injury.", "PMID": 989539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3265", "title": "Serum levels of immunoglobulin and complement in giant-cell arteritis.", "content": "The levels of IgG, total complement, and complement factors C3 and C4 were elevated in serum from patients with giant-cell arteritis as compared to a control group of patients in the same range of age. No increase of the IgM concentration was found. The concentration of IgA was higher in men with giant-cell arteritis as compared to men in a control group. This increase of IgA was not seen in women. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the studied variables between those with a histologically verified arteritis on temporal biopsy specimens and those without.", "contents": "Serum levels of immunoglobulin and complement in giant-cell arteritis. The levels of IgG, total complement, and complement factors C3 and C4 were elevated in serum from patients with giant-cell arteritis as compared to a control group of patients in the same range of age. No increase of the IgM concentration was found. The concentration of IgA was higher in men with giant-cell arteritis as compared to men in a control group. This increase of IgA was not seen in women. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the studied variables between those with a histologically verified arteritis on temporal biopsy specimens and those without.", "PMID": 989540} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3266", "title": "Disseminated Mycobacterium kansasii infection complicating hairy cell leukemia.", "content": "Mycobacterium kansasii was isolated from the spleen of a patient with \"\"hairy cell leukemia'' (HCL) who had caseating necrosis in the spleen and in the liver. The disseminated infection in this patient suggests a cellular immunity deficit. Despite intensive investigations, the nature of the cell of origin in HCL remains unknown.", "contents": "Disseminated Mycobacterium kansasii infection complicating hairy cell leukemia. Mycobacterium kansasii was isolated from the spleen of a patient with \"\"hairy cell leukemia'' (HCL) who had caseating necrosis in the spleen and in the liver. The disseminated infection in this patient suggests a cellular immunity deficit. Despite intensive investigations, the nature of the cell of origin in HCL remains unknown.", "PMID": 989541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3267", "title": "Baseline results of therapy for burned patients.", "content": "Baseline results of therapy for burned patients have been determined. The data (21,000 cases) from the National Burn Information Exchange have been analyzed by probit analysis to determine survival as it is influenced by the size and death of the burn, age and sex of patients, topical agents, and the institution providing treatment. The results demonstrate that survival is influenced by the size and depth of the burn; that there is increased survival of males, compared to that of females; that five differnent age categories can be identified that influence survival; that the topical agent used has little effect on survival; and that there is a significant difference in survival when the institution providing the treatment is considered.", "contents": "Baseline results of therapy for burned patients. Baseline results of therapy for burned patients have been determined. The data (21,000 cases) from the National Burn Information Exchange have been analyzed by probit analysis to determine survival as it is influenced by the size and death of the burn, age and sex of patients, topical agents, and the institution providing treatment. The results demonstrate that survival is influenced by the size and depth of the burn; that there is increased survival of males, compared to that of females; that five differnent age categories can be identified that influence survival; that the topical agent used has little effect on survival; and that there is a significant difference in survival when the institution providing the treatment is considered.", "PMID": 989555} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3268", "title": "Independence of serum lipid levels and dietary habits. The Tecumseh study.", "content": "Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were correlated with dietary habits of 4,057 adult participants in a prospective epidemiologic survey of cardiovascular disease in Tecumseh, Mich. Frequency of consumption of 110 different food items was determined for each participant and average weekly consumption rates of foods high in fat, sugar, starch, and alcohol content were calculated. Frequency of consumption of these nutrients was then correlated with serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels of individual subjects. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride values were not positively correlated with selection of dietary constituents. Positive correlations between serum lipid levels and adiposity were statistically significant. These findings suggest that serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels among Americans are more dependent on degree of adiposity than on frequency of consumption of fat, sugar, starch, or alcohol.", "contents": "Independence of serum lipid levels and dietary habits. The Tecumseh study. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were correlated with dietary habits of 4,057 adult participants in a prospective epidemiologic survey of cardiovascular disease in Tecumseh, Mich. Frequency of consumption of 110 different food items was determined for each participant and average weekly consumption rates of foods high in fat, sugar, starch, and alcohol content were calculated. Frequency of consumption of these nutrients was then correlated with serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels of individual subjects. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride values were not positively correlated with selection of dietary constituents. Positive correlations between serum lipid levels and adiposity were statistically significant. These findings suggest that serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels among Americans are more dependent on degree of adiposity than on frequency of consumption of fat, sugar, starch, or alcohol.", "PMID": 989556} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3269", "title": "New, poorly recognized echocardiographic findings. Occurrence in patients with pericardial effusion.", "content": "New, poorly recognized echocardiographic findings were recorded in six patients with pericardial effusion. These findings were apparent prolapse of mitral and tricuspid valves, apparent systolic anterior motion of mitral valve, and midsystolic notching of pulmonic valve. Beat-to-beat variation of the dimensions of right and left ventricle and in the diastolic opening amplitude of the anterior mitral valve were present in cardiac tamponade. Substantial decrease or resolution of effusion resulted in disappearance of the observed abnormalities. Serial echographic studies before and after fluid resolution may prevent misleading echographic and clinical diagnoses.", "contents": "New, poorly recognized echocardiographic findings. Occurrence in patients with pericardial effusion. New, poorly recognized echocardiographic findings were recorded in six patients with pericardial effusion. These findings were apparent prolapse of mitral and tricuspid valves, apparent systolic anterior motion of mitral valve, and midsystolic notching of pulmonic valve. Beat-to-beat variation of the dimensions of right and left ventricle and in the diastolic opening amplitude of the anterior mitral valve were present in cardiac tamponade. Substantial decrease or resolution of effusion resulted in disappearance of the observed abnormalities. Serial echographic studies before and after fluid resolution may prevent misleading echographic and clinical diagnoses.", "PMID": 989557} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3270", "title": "Productivity of women physicians.", "content": "Personal interview data obtained from 87 randomly selected women physicians in metropolitan Detroit indicates that productivity of women physicians has increased over that shown in previous studies. Eighty-four percent were engaged in medical work at the time of survey, 90% full-time. Only 7% were not working for reasons related to being a woman. Fifty-nine percent had worked continuously full-time since medical school graduation. Nearly half do not plan to retire from medical work. Fifty-eight percent are in private practice and 51% in primary care specialities; 54% are board certified. Direct patient care was listed as their main task by 86% of the women. Sixty-seven percent are married (43% to physicians). Although the 87 women physicians have responsibilities for households containing a total of nearly 300 people, almost one third of whom are children under 18 years old, their productivity is high.", "contents": "Productivity of women physicians. Personal interview data obtained from 87 randomly selected women physicians in metropolitan Detroit indicates that productivity of women physicians has increased over that shown in previous studies. Eighty-four percent were engaged in medical work at the time of survey, 90% full-time. Only 7% were not working for reasons related to being a woman. Fifty-nine percent had worked continuously full-time since medical school graduation. Nearly half do not plan to retire from medical work. Fifty-eight percent are in private practice and 51% in primary care specialities; 54% are board certified. Direct patient care was listed as their main task by 86% of the women. Sixty-seven percent are married (43% to physicians). Although the 87 women physicians have responsibilities for households containing a total of nearly 300 people, almost one third of whom are children under 18 years old, their productivity is high.", "PMID": 989558} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3271", "title": "Influenza vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis.", "content": "Vaccination was well tolerated by 93 patients with multiple sclerosis who received a total of 209 doses of influenza vaccine. In one patient, evidence of a new lesion developed after vaccination; the relapse rate was less than would be expected in the natural course of the illness. Toxic and allergic reactions appeared with 7% and 0.5% of the vaccinations, respectively--a rate no higher than that observed in the general population.", "contents": "Influenza vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis. Vaccination was well tolerated by 93 patients with multiple sclerosis who received a total of 209 doses of influenza vaccine. In one patient, evidence of a new lesion developed after vaccination; the relapse rate was less than would be expected in the natural course of the illness. Toxic and allergic reactions appeared with 7% and 0.5% of the vaccinations, respectively--a rate no higher than that observed in the general population.", "PMID": 989559} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3272", "title": "Mollaret meningitis. A report of three cases.", "content": "Three cases of benign, recurrent meningitis of Mollaret demonstrated unusual aspects of this disease. Postpartum pituitary necrosis was an antecedent event in one case. A second case occurred in an otherwise healthy 82-year-old woman, and a third patient was thought to have Histoplasma meningitis. The pathophysiology of Mollaret meningitis remains an enigma, and the therapy consists of supportive care.", "contents": "Mollaret meningitis. A report of three cases. Three cases of benign, recurrent meningitis of Mollaret demonstrated unusual aspects of this disease. Postpartum pituitary necrosis was an antecedent event in one case. A second case occurred in an otherwise healthy 82-year-old woman, and a third patient was thought to have Histoplasma meningitis. The pathophysiology of Mollaret meningitis remains an enigma, and the therapy consists of supportive care.", "PMID": 989560} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3273", "title": "Beclomethasone dipropionate use in chronic asthmatic patients. Effect on adrenal function after substitution for oral glucocorticosteroids.", "content": "The clinical effectiveness of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) aerosol and adrenal function after withdrawal of oral corticosteroid therapy were evaluated in 32 severely steroid-dependent asthmatic patients. Twenty-four of 28 patients were able to discontinue oral glucocorticosteroid therapy, while four failed to do so. Ventilatory studies showed no substantial changes at the end of six months' BDP treatment. In 24 patients, adrenal insufficiency was present before BDP therapy was started. In 20 of those patients, the response of cosyntropin returned to normal two months after discontinuation of systemic steroid treatment and administration of BDP.", "contents": "Beclomethasone dipropionate use in chronic asthmatic patients. Effect on adrenal function after substitution for oral glucocorticosteroids. The clinical effectiveness of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) aerosol and adrenal function after withdrawal of oral corticosteroid therapy were evaluated in 32 severely steroid-dependent asthmatic patients. Twenty-four of 28 patients were able to discontinue oral glucocorticosteroid therapy, while four failed to do so. Ventilatory studies showed no substantial changes at the end of six months' BDP treatment. In 24 patients, adrenal insufficiency was present before BDP therapy was started. In 20 of those patients, the response of cosyntropin returned to normal two months after discontinuation of systemic steroid treatment and administration of BDP.", "PMID": 989561} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3274", "title": "Carcinoembryonic antigen assay in hepatic metastases detection. An adjunct to liver scanning.", "content": "In a double-blind study involving 377 patients, we assessed the value of the serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay as an adjunct to the radionuclide liver scan for detection of liver metastases. Fifty-seven patients studied by both methods were ultimately proved to have liver metastases. In 28 instances in which the results of both tests were in agreement, these results were diagnostic with regard to presence or absence of hepatic involvement. The CEA assay suggested the presence of metastatic tumor in eight of the 12 patients with false-negative liver scans, thus proving to be a very useful adjunct to liver scanning in the detection of hepatic metastasis.", "contents": "Carcinoembryonic antigen assay in hepatic metastases detection. An adjunct to liver scanning. In a double-blind study involving 377 patients, we assessed the value of the serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay as an adjunct to the radionuclide liver scan for detection of liver metastases. Fifty-seven patients studied by both methods were ultimately proved to have liver metastases. In 28 instances in which the results of both tests were in agreement, these results were diagnostic with regard to presence or absence of hepatic involvement. The CEA assay suggested the presence of metastatic tumor in eight of the 12 patients with false-negative liver scans, thus proving to be a very useful adjunct to liver scanning in the detection of hepatic metastasis.", "PMID": 989578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3275", "title": "Fallibility of urine drug screens in monitoring methadone programs.", "content": "Urine specimens containing five different drugs, each at three levels of concentration with zero to five drugs in a specimen, were sent to two \"approved\" laboratories. In only 46.9% and 13.8%, respectively, were all drugs present correctly identified and no false-positive results reported. With some allowances, the results improved to 53.8% and 49.4%. If these tests are to be continued then (1) the fallibility of these tests should be known by all treatment personnel, (2) laboratories should be licensed rather than merely approved, and (3) maintenance of the license should be made contingent on passing \"blind\" proficiency tests.", "contents": "Fallibility of urine drug screens in monitoring methadone programs. Urine specimens containing five different drugs, each at three levels of concentration with zero to five drugs in a specimen, were sent to two \"approved\" laboratories. In only 46.9% and 13.8%, respectively, were all drugs present correctly identified and no false-positive results reported. With some allowances, the results improved to 53.8% and 49.4%. If these tests are to be continued then (1) the fallibility of these tests should be known by all treatment personnel, (2) laboratories should be licensed rather than merely approved, and (3) maintenance of the license should be made contingent on passing \"blind\" proficiency tests.", "PMID": 989579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3276", "title": "Benign desoxycorticosterone-producing adrenal tumor.", "content": "A woman with a benign tumor of the left adrenal cortex had a six-year history of hypertension. Serum potassium level and plasma renin activity were low. Plasma aldosterone and cortisol levels were low normal, and plasma desoxycorticosterone (DOC) level was extremely high. Iodine 131-labeled cholesterol accumulated in the tumor in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. At laparotomy, a benign adrenal tumor was excised; thereafter, the blood pressure and plasma DOC levels returned to normal. We believe that this is the first case of a benign DOC-producing adrenal tumor.", "contents": "Benign desoxycorticosterone-producing adrenal tumor. A woman with a benign tumor of the left adrenal cortex had a six-year history of hypertension. Serum potassium level and plasma renin activity were low. Plasma aldosterone and cortisol levels were low normal, and plasma desoxycorticosterone (DOC) level was extremely high. Iodine 131-labeled cholesterol accumulated in the tumor in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. At laparotomy, a benign adrenal tumor was excised; thereafter, the blood pressure and plasma DOC levels returned to normal. We believe that this is the first case of a benign DOC-producing adrenal tumor.", "PMID": 989580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3277", "title": "[Radiologic approaches to gastric cancer (author's transl)].", "content": "Radiologic study of patients continues to be of major importance in the detection of gastric malignant neoplasms and often provides the stimulus for further diagnostic procedures. The conventional roentgenographic procedure for this disease comprises a careful fluoroscopic examination of gastric peristalsis and distensibility, and views obtained with graded compression, mucosal relief, double-contrast technique, and barium filling. No single method has the ability to disclose all pathognomonic signs of a gastric tumor. Pharmacologic motor inhibitors or stimulators may be used to aid study of peristalsis. The usefulness of peritoneography, parietography and arteriography in the diagnosis of gastric carcinoma is also examined. Diagnosis of early gastric carcinoma remains a radiologic challenge and the Japanese classification system is recommended. Perhaps the disease could be detected earlier, in countries with low or moderate incidence and without the benefit of regional screeing centers, if subtile roentgenographic techniques were applied to patients with conditions known to be associated with high risk of gastric carcinoma. The differential diagnosis of lesions which simulate gastric carcinoma is extensive and is briefly reviewed.", "contents": "[Radiologic approaches to gastric cancer (author's transl)]. Radiologic study of patients continues to be of major importance in the detection of gastric malignant neoplasms and often provides the stimulus for further diagnostic procedures. The conventional roentgenographic procedure for this disease comprises a careful fluoroscopic examination of gastric peristalsis and distensibility, and views obtained with graded compression, mucosal relief, double-contrast technique, and barium filling. No single method has the ability to disclose all pathognomonic signs of a gastric tumor. Pharmacologic motor inhibitors or stimulators may be used to aid study of peristalsis. The usefulness of peritoneography, parietography and arteriography in the diagnosis of gastric carcinoma is also examined. Diagnosis of early gastric carcinoma remains a radiologic challenge and the Japanese classification system is recommended. Perhaps the disease could be detected earlier, in countries with low or moderate incidence and without the benefit of regional screeing centers, if subtile roentgenographic techniques were applied to patients with conditions known to be associated with high risk of gastric carcinoma. The differential diagnosis of lesions which simulate gastric carcinoma is extensive and is briefly reviewed.", "PMID": 989593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3278", "title": "The effect of blood, meconium, and temperature on the rapid surfactant test.", "content": "Amniotic fluid samples for physiologic maturity tests are frequently (15 to 20%) contaminated with blood and/or meconium. The effects of this contamination on the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio is well known. However, less is known about the effect of blood and meconium on the rapid surfactant test. Additionally, because the RST may be performed in the office or at bedside, there is the possibility of temperature affecting the result. Therefore, the effects of blood, meconium, and temperature on the rapid surfactant test have been investigated. Contamination with blood or meconium may result in a false indication of fetal maturity. However, the test may still provide useful information concerning pulmonary status of the fetus, if the rapid surfactant test is intermediate or immature despite contamination. Temperature also affects the reliability of the rapid surfactant test. The test is found to be most reliable in the range of 20 to 30 C (with higher temperatures the bubbles dissipate more rapidly; with lower temperatures the foam is more stable).", "contents": "The effect of blood, meconium, and temperature on the rapid surfactant test. Amniotic fluid samples for physiologic maturity tests are frequently (15 to 20%) contaminated with blood and/or meconium. The effects of this contamination on the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio is well known. However, less is known about the effect of blood and meconium on the rapid surfactant test. Additionally, because the RST may be performed in the office or at bedside, there is the possibility of temperature affecting the result. Therefore, the effects of blood, meconium, and temperature on the rapid surfactant test have been investigated. Contamination with blood or meconium may result in a false indication of fetal maturity. However, the test may still provide useful information concerning pulmonary status of the fetus, if the rapid surfactant test is intermediate or immature despite contamination. Temperature also affects the reliability of the rapid surfactant test. The test is found to be most reliable in the range of 20 to 30 C (with higher temperatures the bubbles dissipate more rapidly; with lower temperatures the foam is more stable).", "PMID": 989599} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3279", "title": "Possible enzyme deficiency in bovine lymphosarcoma cells grown in vitro.", "content": "A culture of bovine lymphosarcoma cells was unable to grow in HAT medium, suggesting that the cells were unable to use either exogenous hypoxanthine or exogenous thymidine. Further work showed that they were able to incorporate tritiated thymidine but not tritiated guanine. This indicated that failure to grow in HAT medium was due to the cells being deficient in the enzyme hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase which is responsible for incorporation of the bases hypoxanthine and guanine. This finding may have application in the therapy of bovine lymphosarcoma.", "contents": "Possible enzyme deficiency in bovine lymphosarcoma cells grown in vitro. A culture of bovine lymphosarcoma cells was unable to grow in HAT medium, suggesting that the cells were unable to use either exogenous hypoxanthine or exogenous thymidine. Further work showed that they were able to incorporate tritiated thymidine but not tritiated guanine. This indicated that failure to grow in HAT medium was due to the cells being deficient in the enzyme hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase which is responsible for incorporation of the bases hypoxanthine and guanine. This finding may have application in the therapy of bovine lymphosarcoma.", "PMID": 989607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3280", "title": "Effect of distension on release of surfactant in excised dogs' lungs.", "content": "The freshly excised lower lobes of lungs of dogs were washed by filling and emptying the lobe with isotonic saline. The wash fluid was then discarded and the procedure was repeated 9 times. The 9th wash was collected and used for measurements of surface tension and lecithin content. The lobe was then constantly inflated for 3 hr; washed again with isotonic saline (10th wash) and surgace tension and lecithin content of wash fluid measured. When the lobe was inflated with air, at room temperature, the surface activity and the lecithin content of the 10th wash were increased in comparison to the 9th wash. This increase waoom temperature, or with air at 6 degrees C. Increase in the surface activity of the 10th wash was directly related to the inflating pressures used. This study suggests that distension of the lung enhances the release of surfactant and that this release is a metabolically active process. It appears also that 100% O2 has an inhibitory effect on this process.", "contents": "Effect of distension on release of surfactant in excised dogs' lungs. The freshly excised lower lobes of lungs of dogs were washed by filling and emptying the lobe with isotonic saline. The wash fluid was then discarded and the procedure was repeated 9 times. The 9th wash was collected and used for measurements of surface tension and lecithin content. The lobe was then constantly inflated for 3 hr; washed again with isotonic saline (10th wash) and surgace tension and lecithin content of wash fluid measured. When the lobe was inflated with air, at room temperature, the surface activity and the lecithin content of the 10th wash were increased in comparison to the 9th wash. This increase waoom temperature, or with air at 6 degrees C. Increase in the surface activity of the 10th wash was directly related to the inflating pressures used. This study suggests that distension of the lung enhances the release of surfactant and that this release is a metabolically active process. It appears also that 100% O2 has an inhibitory effect on this process.", "PMID": 989608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3281", "title": "Effect of ventilation on movement of surfactant in airways.", "content": "The effect of ventilation on movement of surfactant in airways was studied in rat lungs. Male albino rats were anesthetized and sacrificed by exsanguination. The trachea was cannulated and the diaphragm opened to allow the lungs to collapse. The lungs were left in chest and kept at minimal volume, or at constant inflation with air, or were ventilated with air, nitrogen or oxygen. At the end of 3 hr the extrapulmonary airways (EPA), i.e. trachea and bronchi, were separated from the lungs and flushed with 40 ml isotonic saline. The surface tension and lecithin content of the saline wash was then measured. The surface activity and lecithin content of the EPA wash did not change if the lungs were kept at minimal volume or at constant inflation, but increased following ventilation. This increase was directly related to the duration of ventilation and to the tidal volume and inversely related to the end-expiratory pressure. It was independent of O2 concentration of the gas used for ventilation. The results suggest that ventilation enhances the movement of surfactant in airways and that positive end-expiratory pressure prevents this effect of ventilation.", "contents": "Effect of ventilation on movement of surfactant in airways. The effect of ventilation on movement of surfactant in airways was studied in rat lungs. Male albino rats were anesthetized and sacrificed by exsanguination. The trachea was cannulated and the diaphragm opened to allow the lungs to collapse. The lungs were left in chest and kept at minimal volume, or at constant inflation with air, or were ventilated with air, nitrogen or oxygen. At the end of 3 hr the extrapulmonary airways (EPA), i.e. trachea and bronchi, were separated from the lungs and flushed with 40 ml isotonic saline. The surface tension and lecithin content of the saline wash was then measured. The surface activity and lecithin content of the EPA wash did not change if the lungs were kept at minimal volume or at constant inflation, but increased following ventilation. This increase was directly related to the duration of ventilation and to the tidal volume and inversely related to the end-expiratory pressure. It was independent of O2 concentration of the gas used for ventilation. The results suggest that ventilation enhances the movement of surfactant in airways and that positive end-expiratory pressure prevents this effect of ventilation.", "PMID": 989609} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3282", "title": "Morphological and physical basis for lung surfactant action.", "content": "An abhesive or 'anti-glue' function for lung surfactant is proposed which is reconcilable with the known unfolding of alveolar walls at low lung volumes. The theory is developed based upon the fact that the work required to part wetted surfaces is directly proportional to the surface tension. Application of the concept of the spreading coefficient from surface physical chemistry S = gammata-(gamma lla + gamma lle), where the gamma's refer to the surface (interfacial) tensions among the tissue (t), air (a) and lining layer (ll) surface, is shown to explain qualitatively physiological data in lungs subjected to maneuvers with working fluids varying widely in surface tension and spreading properties.", "contents": "Morphological and physical basis for lung surfactant action. An abhesive or 'anti-glue' function for lung surfactant is proposed which is reconcilable with the known unfolding of alveolar walls at low lung volumes. The theory is developed based upon the fact that the work required to part wetted surfaces is directly proportional to the surface tension. Application of the concept of the spreading coefficient from surface physical chemistry S = gammata-(gamma lla + gamma lle), where the gamma's refer to the surface (interfacial) tensions among the tissue (t), air (a) and lining layer (ll) surface, is shown to explain qualitatively physiological data in lungs subjected to maneuvers with working fluids varying widely in surface tension and spreading properties.", "PMID": 989610} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3283", "title": "[Use of enzyme preparations in wine production (author's transl)].", "content": "The Author after having examined the present acquirements of the native enzymes of the grapes, summarizes the enologic uses of the enzyme preparations at various degrees of purity with the point of view of the influence on the organoleptic (color, aromatic composition) ad rheologic (yield, filtrability) characteristics of the musts and wines besides some microbiological implications. Subsequently the Author exposes the original results extrapolated from the pilot and industrial trials on the use of different hydrolases (pectinase, cellulase, hemicellulase, acid protease, xylanase) on the wine-making processes (traditional red wine-making, heating red-wine-making, white wine-making). From the comparison of the last data with those of the reference are drawed conclusive considerations on some aspects of the subject.", "contents": "[Use of enzyme preparations in wine production (author's transl)]. The Author after having examined the present acquirements of the native enzymes of the grapes, summarizes the enologic uses of the enzyme preparations at various degrees of purity with the point of view of the influence on the organoleptic (color, aromatic composition) ad rheologic (yield, filtrability) characteristics of the musts and wines besides some microbiological implications. Subsequently the Author exposes the original results extrapolated from the pilot and industrial trials on the use of different hydrolases (pectinase, cellulase, hemicellulase, acid protease, xylanase) on the wine-making processes (traditional red wine-making, heating red-wine-making, white wine-making). From the comparison of the last data with those of the reference are drawed conclusive considerations on some aspects of the subject.", "PMID": 989613} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3284", "title": "[Fish as proteic food: its preservation technology and new methods of utilization (author's transl)].", "content": "This review analyses the possibility to increase fishery production in order to satisfy the always increasing requirement of protein food. The most important chemical and nutritional chracteristics of fish and its by-products, as well as the preservation and elaboration technologies are reported. Some new or unusual fish utilization processes, as protein concentrates, extracts and spread pastes productions, are proposed as human food new sources.", "contents": "[Fish as proteic food: its preservation technology and new methods of utilization (author's transl)]. This review analyses the possibility to increase fishery production in order to satisfy the always increasing requirement of protein food. The most important chemical and nutritional chracteristics of fish and its by-products, as well as the preservation and elaboration technologies are reported. Some new or unusual fish utilization processes, as protein concentrates, extracts and spread pastes productions, are proposed as human food new sources.", "PMID": 989614} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3285", "title": "[Endocrine ophthalmopathy. Clinical symptoms, classification, diagnostic classification, indications for treatment (author's transl)].", "content": "The clinical aspects and classification of \"endocrine ophthalmopathy\" were described. The clinical picture is of importance for the physician in nuclear medicine who is involved with the diagnosis and therapy of hyperthyroidism. In vivo and in vitro investigations in nuclear medicine regarding the classification of ophthalmic findings are derived from disturbances in control of the regulatory systems of the hypothalmas-pituitary-thyroid which are parallel to the ophthalmic processes. The clinical forms of endocrine ophthalmopathy and the thyroid findings which accompany it were systematized and an appropriate therapeutic procedure for the respective anomaly was described.", "contents": "[Endocrine ophthalmopathy. Clinical symptoms, classification, diagnostic classification, indications for treatment (author's transl)]. The clinical aspects and classification of \"endocrine ophthalmopathy\" were described. The clinical picture is of importance for the physician in nuclear medicine who is involved with the diagnosis and therapy of hyperthyroidism. In vivo and in vitro investigations in nuclear medicine regarding the classification of ophthalmic findings are derived from disturbances in control of the regulatory systems of the hypothalmas-pituitary-thyroid which are parallel to the ophthalmic processes. The clinical forms of endocrine ophthalmopathy and the thyroid findings which accompany it were systematized and an appropriate therapeutic procedure for the respective anomaly was described.", "PMID": 989621} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3286", "title": "[Effects of reversing the feeding cycle and the light period on the spontaneous activity of the rat (author's transl)].", "content": "The amount and the circadian distribution of spontaneous activity in the rat are influenced by a number of factors, whose importance and interrelationships are still deeply discussed. In order to check the reliability of previous studies about the effects of meal-eating on the spontaneous activity (wheel running) of rats of our Sprague-Dawley strain, the adjustment to the modifications of the normal day-night cycle and of the normal nocturnal feeding rhythm have been controlled. Reversing the normal light and dark periods caused the rats, after a 24 hours period, to lower and to irregularly distribute their spontaneous activity. Rats shifted their pattern of maximal activity by 12 hours in the new period of darkness in about five days, and showed to have completely fixed the new reversed running habit. Also feeding habits changed in a similar way, but more slowly. The levels of mean daily activity did not change. In a second experiment, rats, received food during light hours, and were deprived during dark hours. Their activity increased considerably and irregularly during dark hours, while a very slight rise of wheel running was shown during light hours. Body weight gain and food consumption were similar to those of the control group. These results slightly differ from those obtained using other rat strains, and are an interesting example of reinforcement of a spontaneous behavior resulting more from the light-dark cycle than from cues provided by food deprivation.", "contents": "[Effects of reversing the feeding cycle and the light period on the spontaneous activity of the rat (author's transl)]. The amount and the circadian distribution of spontaneous activity in the rat are influenced by a number of factors, whose importance and interrelationships are still deeply discussed. In order to check the reliability of previous studies about the effects of meal-eating on the spontaneous activity (wheel running) of rats of our Sprague-Dawley strain, the adjustment to the modifications of the normal day-night cycle and of the normal nocturnal feeding rhythm have been controlled. Reversing the normal light and dark periods caused the rats, after a 24 hours period, to lower and to irregularly distribute their spontaneous activity. Rats shifted their pattern of maximal activity by 12 hours in the new period of darkness in about five days, and showed to have completely fixed the new reversed running habit. Also feeding habits changed in a similar way, but more slowly. The levels of mean daily activity did not change. In a second experiment, rats, received food during light hours, and were deprived during dark hours. Their activity increased considerably and irregularly during dark hours, while a very slight rise of wheel running was shown during light hours. Body weight gain and food consumption were similar to those of the control group. These results slightly differ from those obtained using other rat strains, and are an interesting example of reinforcement of a spontaneous behavior resulting more from the light-dark cycle than from cues provided by food deprivation.", "PMID": 989615} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3287", "title": "[Preliminary investigations on carbohydrates changes during fruit and leaf growth of three peach cultivar (author's transl)].", "content": "Changes in sugars and polyols content of fruits and leaves of three cultivar of peach, from fruit set to over maturity, have been studied. Sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol were found both in leaves and in fruits. In fruits, inositol and galactose were also found but only in traces. Redhaven fruits show the greatest total sugars content (sorbitol included) (866 mg/g.d.m.)followed in order by Favorita and Prodigiosa ones (771 and 694 mg/g.d.m.) For Redhaven and Favorita fruits, at harvest matuity, the sugar present in greatest amount was sucrose followed in order by glucose, fructose and sorbitol. On the contrary, in Prodigiosa fruits the order was sucrose, sorbitol, fructose and glucose. In the leaves of three cultivar, the compound present in the greatest amount was sorbitol followed by sucrose, glucose and fructose. The sucrose decrease in leaves during fruit growth could confirm that the disaccharide is the main sugar transported from the leaves to the fruits.", "contents": "[Preliminary investigations on carbohydrates changes during fruit and leaf growth of three peach cultivar (author's transl)]. Changes in sugars and polyols content of fruits and leaves of three cultivar of peach, from fruit set to over maturity, have been studied. Sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol were found both in leaves and in fruits. In fruits, inositol and galactose were also found but only in traces. Redhaven fruits show the greatest total sugars content (sorbitol included) (866 mg/g.d.m.)followed in order by Favorita and Prodigiosa ones (771 and 694 mg/g.d.m.) For Redhaven and Favorita fruits, at harvest matuity, the sugar present in greatest amount was sucrose followed in order by glucose, fructose and sorbitol. On the contrary, in Prodigiosa fruits the order was sucrose, sorbitol, fructose and glucose. In the leaves of three cultivar, the compound present in the greatest amount was sorbitol followed by sucrose, glucose and fructose. The sucrose decrease in leaves during fruit growth could confirm that the disaccharide is the main sugar transported from the leaves to the fruits.", "PMID": 989616} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3288", "title": "Immunotherapy of cancer with antibody.", "content": "A long-term suppression of a transplanted solid tumor that has been growing in a syngeneic animal can be achieved by the administration of antibody against the tumor. The susceptibility of such growing tumor cells to antibody treatment is similar to that of a comparable number of freshly injected tumor cells.", "contents": "Immunotherapy of cancer with antibody. A long-term suppression of a transplanted solid tumor that has been growing in a syngeneic animal can be achieved by the administration of antibody against the tumor. The susceptibility of such growing tumor cells to antibody treatment is similar to that of a comparable number of freshly injected tumor cells.", "PMID": 989623} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3289", "title": "[Differentiation of natural red wines from white wines blended with oenocyanine (author's transl)].", "content": "A method is proposed for the differentiation of natural red wines from those obtained by addition of oenocyanine to white wines. The procedure is based on the determination of tannin phenolics and nontannin phenolics by selective precipitation with methyl cellulose and subsequent estimation of the intensity of absorption at 450 nm and 520 nm. The sum of ratio: mg/1 non tannin phenolics/absorption at 450 nm X 1000 and mg/1 tannin phenolics/absorption at 520 nm X 1000, furnishes values which are in correlation with the origin of two wines and such as to consent their differentiation.", "contents": "[Differentiation of natural red wines from white wines blended with oenocyanine (author's transl)]. A method is proposed for the differentiation of natural red wines from those obtained by addition of oenocyanine to white wines. The procedure is based on the determination of tannin phenolics and nontannin phenolics by selective precipitation with methyl cellulose and subsequent estimation of the intensity of absorption at 450 nm and 520 nm. The sum of ratio: mg/1 non tannin phenolics/absorption at 450 nm X 1000 and mg/1 tannin phenolics/absorption at 520 nm X 1000, furnishes values which are in correlation with the origin of two wines and such as to consent their differentiation.", "PMID": 989617} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3290", "title": "[Optimization of Milk sterilization apparatus (author's transl)].", "content": "Referring to a typical plant for milk sterilization fixed and variable costs are evaluated at different heat recovery levels. The results of the analysis indicate that the transformation cost significantly decreases increasing heat recovery, and reaches a minimum at 90% heat regeneration. Milk sterilization apparatuses now on the market are characterized by a heat recovery between 40 and 85%.", "contents": "[Optimization of Milk sterilization apparatus (author's transl)]. Referring to a typical plant for milk sterilization fixed and variable costs are evaluated at different heat recovery levels. The results of the analysis indicate that the transformation cost significantly decreases increasing heat recovery, and reaches a minimum at 90% heat regeneration. Milk sterilization apparatuses now on the market are characterized by a heat recovery between 40 and 85%.", "PMID": 989618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3291", "title": "Pure red cell aplasia.", "content": "The presentation and clinical course of pure red cell aplasia in 5 patients are described. In 3 of them no concomitant diseases were present, in 1 the condition was associated with the presence of a thymoma, and the remaining patient was suffering from a lymphocytic lymphoma. Pregnancy led to a recurrence of the disorder in 2 patients. The fact that 4 of the patients exhibited unequivocal evidence of other auto-immune disturbances adds further support to the concept that pure red cell aplasia itself has an auto-immune basis.", "contents": "Pure red cell aplasia. The presentation and clinical course of pure red cell aplasia in 5 patients are described. In 3 of them no concomitant diseases were present, in 1 the condition was associated with the presence of a thymoma, and the remaining patient was suffering from a lymphocytic lymphoma. Pregnancy led to a recurrence of the disorder in 2 patients. The fact that 4 of the patients exhibited unequivocal evidence of other auto-immune disturbances adds further support to the concept that pure red cell aplasia itself has an auto-immune basis.", "PMID": 989625} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3292", "title": "The estimation of the number of binding sites for antibody on antigen molecules with reference to factor VIII and its antibody.", "content": "The theoretical basis for determining the number of antibody sites on antigen molecules is examined. The theoretical considerations are applied to factor VIII molecules. Examples based on data available at the Oxford Haemophilia Centre are calculated to illustrate the approach. It is concluded that there are few sites on each factor VIII molecule for human antibody. The three antibodies for which reasonable data were available suggest 1-3 sites for human antibody. The data for rabbit antibody suggest 5-6 sites per factor VIII molecule.", "contents": "The estimation of the number of binding sites for antibody on antigen molecules with reference to factor VIII and its antibody. The theoretical basis for determining the number of antibody sites on antigen molecules is examined. The theoretical considerations are applied to factor VIII molecules. Examples based on data available at the Oxford Haemophilia Centre are calculated to illustrate the approach. It is concluded that there are few sites on each factor VIII molecule for human antibody. The three antibodies for which reasonable data were available suggest 1-3 sites for human antibody. The data for rabbit antibody suggest 5-6 sites per factor VIII molecule.", "PMID": 989628} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3293", "title": "Molecular variant of factor VII.", "content": "Two patients with severe factor VII deficiency appeared to be different with respect to the presence of inactive factor VII-like material in their plasma. The inactive material, demonstrated in one patient's plasma and adsorbable onto BaSO4, inhibits the thrombotest-system and is capable of neutralizing a heterologous antibody against factor VII in a fluid phase system.", "contents": "Molecular variant of factor VII. Two patients with severe factor VII deficiency appeared to be different with respect to the presence of inactive factor VII-like material in their plasma. The inactive material, demonstrated in one patient's plasma and adsorbable onto BaSO4, inhibits the thrombotest-system and is capable of neutralizing a heterologous antibody against factor VII in a fluid phase system.", "PMID": 989629} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3294", "title": "Fibrinogen and its derivatives: cofactors in the intrinsic generation of thrombin.", "content": "The simultaneous additon of suboptimal concentrations of factor VIII and intact or plasmin-lysed fibrinogen into mixtures of the vitamin K dependent factors, phospholipids, adsorbed bovine serum (supplier to factor V) and calcium, increased the amount of thrombin which was generated three to twenty times over the sum of the amounts which were generated when factor VIII, or fibrinogen, or its derivatives were added separately into the thrombin generating mixture. When factor VIII was added together with both fibrinogen and its derivatives, the amount of thrombin generated was even greater, about 130% larger than the amount which was generated in the presence of equal concentrations of only intact fibrinogen plus factor VIII. Addition of albumin instead of fibrinogen or its derivatives has a similar but significantly lower effect on thrombin generation. It appears, therefore, that both intact fibrinogen and its plasminolytic derivatives, singly or in combination, and to a lesser extent albumin, act as cofactors in the reaction which is regulated by factor VIII.", "contents": "Fibrinogen and its derivatives: cofactors in the intrinsic generation of thrombin. The simultaneous additon of suboptimal concentrations of factor VIII and intact or plasmin-lysed fibrinogen into mixtures of the vitamin K dependent factors, phospholipids, adsorbed bovine serum (supplier to factor V) and calcium, increased the amount of thrombin which was generated three to twenty times over the sum of the amounts which were generated when factor VIII, or fibrinogen, or its derivatives were added separately into the thrombin generating mixture. When factor VIII was added together with both fibrinogen and its derivatives, the amount of thrombin generated was even greater, about 130% larger than the amount which was generated in the presence of equal concentrations of only intact fibrinogen plus factor VIII. Addition of albumin instead of fibrinogen or its derivatives has a similar but significantly lower effect on thrombin generation. It appears, therefore, that both intact fibrinogen and its plasminolytic derivatives, singly or in combination, and to a lesser extent albumin, act as cofactors in the reaction which is regulated by factor VIII.", "PMID": 989630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3295", "title": "The clotting of a snake (Crotalus viridis Helleri) plasma and its interaction with various snake venoms.", "content": "The clotting of C. V. Helleri plasma is not accelerated by the factor X activator or thrombin-like enzymes from its own venom. Clotting of the plasma is accelerated by the factor Xactivator from Russell's viper venom, but not by the thrombin-like enzyme from Agkistrodon Rhodostoma venom (\"Arvin\"). The prothrombin activator from the Taipan venom clots C.V. Helleri plasma equally well as human plasma, but the thrombin which is produced has a marked specificity for its own fibrinogen, and clots bovine fibrinogen more slowly. C.V. Helleri plasma contains an inhibitor which progressively inactivates bovine factor Xa and thrombin, but the inhibitor is not potentiated by heparin. The slow, protracted clotting of the snake plasma either alone or when mixed with human plasma or bovine fibrinogen suggests that this inhibitor may interfere with the polymerisation of fibrin monomer.", "contents": "The clotting of a snake (Crotalus viridis Helleri) plasma and its interaction with various snake venoms. The clotting of C. V. Helleri plasma is not accelerated by the factor X activator or thrombin-like enzymes from its own venom. Clotting of the plasma is accelerated by the factor Xactivator from Russell's viper venom, but not by the thrombin-like enzyme from Agkistrodon Rhodostoma venom (\"Arvin\"). The prothrombin activator from the Taipan venom clots C.V. Helleri plasma equally well as human plasma, but the thrombin which is produced has a marked specificity for its own fibrinogen, and clots bovine fibrinogen more slowly. C.V. Helleri plasma contains an inhibitor which progressively inactivates bovine factor Xa and thrombin, but the inhibitor is not potentiated by heparin. The slow, protracted clotting of the snake plasma either alone or when mixed with human plasma or bovine fibrinogen suggests that this inhibitor may interfere with the polymerisation of fibrin monomer.", "PMID": 989631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3296", "title": "Studies on chemically modified fibrinogen.", "content": "Treatment of fibrinogen with maleic acid anhydride renders fibrinogen unclottable depending on the degree of modification of the molecule. According to radioactive studies the release of fibrinopeptides by thrombin or reptilase is undisturbed. The incoagulability is due to inhibition of the polymerization process of fibrinmonomers derived from modified fibronogen, mainly caused by the increase of electronegative charges upon the fibrogen molecule. According to discelectrophoretic analysis modified fibrinogen fails to produce fragments D and E following plasmic digestion, however, may be degraded to high molecular weight products. Modified fibrinogen reveals some similarities to abnormal fibrinogens in congenital dysfibrinogenemia with regard to its functional properties.", "contents": "Studies on chemically modified fibrinogen. Treatment of fibrinogen with maleic acid anhydride renders fibrinogen unclottable depending on the degree of modification of the molecule. According to radioactive studies the release of fibrinopeptides by thrombin or reptilase is undisturbed. The incoagulability is due to inhibition of the polymerization process of fibrinmonomers derived from modified fibronogen, mainly caused by the increase of electronegative charges upon the fibrogen molecule. According to discelectrophoretic analysis modified fibrinogen fails to produce fragments D and E following plasmic digestion, however, may be degraded to high molecular weight products. Modified fibrinogen reveals some similarities to abnormal fibrinogens in congenital dysfibrinogenemia with regard to its functional properties.", "PMID": 989632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3297", "title": "Enzymatic removal of ADP from plasma: unaltered platelet adhesion but reduced aggregation on subendothelium and collagen fibrils.", "content": "Subendothelium of rabbit aorta and fibrillar collagen were exposed to citrated human or rabbit blood which was circulated through a perfusion chamber under flow conditions similar to those found in arteries. The resulting platelet adhesion and subsequent formation of platelet microthrombi on the exposed surfaces were measured in 0.8 mum thich sections by a morphometric technique using light microscopy. Removal of plasma ADP by the substrate-enzyme combination CP-CPK (creatine phosphate-creatine phosphokinase; 3 mM and 90 U/ml blood) did not affect the initial attachment and spreading of platelets on subendothelium, whereas platelet thrombus formation was strongly inhibited. On free collagen fibrils CP-CPK was much less inhibitory on platelet thrombus formation but platelet adhesion again was not affected. It is concluded that platelet aggregation induced by thrombogenic surfaces in the presence of arterial blood flow is at least partially governed by ADP released from adhering platelets. Platelet adhesion to the examined surfaces, however, does not seem to be mediated by plasma ADP.", "contents": "Enzymatic removal of ADP from plasma: unaltered platelet adhesion but reduced aggregation on subendothelium and collagen fibrils. Subendothelium of rabbit aorta and fibrillar collagen were exposed to citrated human or rabbit blood which was circulated through a perfusion chamber under flow conditions similar to those found in arteries. The resulting platelet adhesion and subsequent formation of platelet microthrombi on the exposed surfaces were measured in 0.8 mum thich sections by a morphometric technique using light microscopy. Removal of plasma ADP by the substrate-enzyme combination CP-CPK (creatine phosphate-creatine phosphokinase; 3 mM and 90 U/ml blood) did not affect the initial attachment and spreading of platelets on subendothelium, whereas platelet thrombus formation was strongly inhibited. On free collagen fibrils CP-CPK was much less inhibitory on platelet thrombus formation but platelet adhesion again was not affected. It is concluded that platelet aggregation induced by thrombogenic surfaces in the presence of arterial blood flow is at least partially governed by ADP released from adhering platelets. Platelet adhesion to the examined surfaces, however, does not seem to be mediated by plasma ADP.", "PMID": 989633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3298", "title": "The young platelet population in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease.", "content": "Some morphological, biochemical and functional parameters of platelet population in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) were studied by making comparisons of the normal platelet population in both CCHD patients and controls. The mean volume of the platelets from cyanotic patients was greater than from normals. The platelet size distribution curves demonstrated a shift towards larger than normal size in the case of CCHD. The mean protein content, as well as the mean PF3 content of platelets was increased in CCHD. Following addition of kaolin, PF3 release was more rapid and of shorter duration with platelets from CCHD patients as compared to normal platelets. They also released more PF3 than did normal platelets. After addition of ADP, collagen, or adrenalin, platelets of CCHD patients were more responsive than similarly treated platelets from normals. Platelets from CCHD showed an increased initial rate of aggregation and greater maximum aggregation. These data suggested that the platelet population of CCHD patients consists of larger, younger and functionally more active platelets than does the platelet population of normals.", "contents": "The young platelet population in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease. Some morphological, biochemical and functional parameters of platelet population in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) were studied by making comparisons of the normal platelet population in both CCHD patients and controls. The mean volume of the platelets from cyanotic patients was greater than from normals. The platelet size distribution curves demonstrated a shift towards larger than normal size in the case of CCHD. The mean protein content, as well as the mean PF3 content of platelets was increased in CCHD. Following addition of kaolin, PF3 release was more rapid and of shorter duration with platelets from CCHD patients as compared to normal platelets. They also released more PF3 than did normal platelets. After addition of ADP, collagen, or adrenalin, platelets of CCHD patients were more responsive than similarly treated platelets from normals. Platelets from CCHD showed an increased initial rate of aggregation and greater maximum aggregation. These data suggested that the platelet population of CCHD patients consists of larger, younger and functionally more active platelets than does the platelet population of normals.", "PMID": 989634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3299", "title": "Increased protein synthesis by human platelets during phagocytosis of latex particles in vitro.", "content": "A three-fold increase of protein synthesis by human platelets during in vitro phagocytosis of polystyrene latex particles was detected. During the first two hours of incubation, the percentage of phagocytizing platelets and the number of latex particles per platelet increased; by the end of the third hour, the first parameter remained stable, while the number of latex particles per cell had decreased. Vincristine (20 mug/ml of cell suspension) inhibited platelet protein synthesis. This effect was both time- and dose-dependent. The drug also caused a decrease in the number of phagocytizing cells, as well as in their phagocytotic activity.", "contents": "Increased protein synthesis by human platelets during phagocytosis of latex particles in vitro. A three-fold increase of protein synthesis by human platelets during in vitro phagocytosis of polystyrene latex particles was detected. During the first two hours of incubation, the percentage of phagocytizing platelets and the number of latex particles per platelet increased; by the end of the third hour, the first parameter remained stable, while the number of latex particles per cell had decreased. Vincristine (20 mug/ml of cell suspension) inhibited platelet protein synthesis. This effect was both time- and dose-dependent. The drug also caused a decrease in the number of phagocytizing cells, as well as in their phagocytotic activity.", "PMID": 989635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3300", "title": "The effect of halofenate or halofenate free acid on human, rat and guinea pig platelet aggregation.", "content": "Halofenate free acid (HFA), the major metabolite of the hypolipemic agent halofenate, blocked the secondary phase of human platelet aggregation induced by ADP, epinephrine, or thrombin; higher concentrations of clofibrate free acid (CFA) were required to produce similar inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation. HFA and CFA inhibited collagen-induced aggregation of human, rat, or guinea pig platelets. Halofenate orally administered to rats caused inhibition of collagen-induced aggregation when plasma levels of HFA exceeded 300 mug/ml, a clinically achievable human plasma concentration. The platelet inhibitory effects of clofibrate administration were less than those observed with halofenate administration.", "contents": "The effect of halofenate or halofenate free acid on human, rat and guinea pig platelet aggregation. Halofenate free acid (HFA), the major metabolite of the hypolipemic agent halofenate, blocked the secondary phase of human platelet aggregation induced by ADP, epinephrine, or thrombin; higher concentrations of clofibrate free acid (CFA) were required to produce similar inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation. HFA and CFA inhibited collagen-induced aggregation of human, rat, or guinea pig platelets. Halofenate orally administered to rats caused inhibition of collagen-induced aggregation when plasma levels of HFA exceeded 300 mug/ml, a clinically achievable human plasma concentration. The platelet inhibitory effects of clofibrate administration were less than those observed with halofenate administration.", "PMID": 989636} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3301", "title": "Treatment of amyloidosis associated factor X deficiency.", "content": "This is the tenth patient in thirteen years to be reported with the findings of an isolated factor X deficiency associated with primary amyloidosis. A favorable response to factor IX concentrate was manifested by temporary clinical and laboratory correction of her diathesis. This mode of treatment, therefore, provides an approach to therapy for bleeding complications in this group of patients who have previously failed to response to fresh frozen plasma.", "contents": "Treatment of amyloidosis associated factor X deficiency. This is the tenth patient in thirteen years to be reported with the findings of an isolated factor X deficiency associated with primary amyloidosis. A favorable response to factor IX concentrate was manifested by temporary clinical and laboratory correction of her diathesis. This mode of treatment, therefore, provides an approach to therapy for bleeding complications in this group of patients who have previously failed to response to fresh frozen plasma.", "PMID": 989637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3302", "title": "Changes in human amniotic fluid fibrinolytic inhibitor levels during pregnancy.", "content": "The amniotic fluid (AF) when incubated with the patient's own plasma diminishes the lytic activity of the plasma. It is suggested that this inhibition is due to the presence of fibrinolytic inhibitors in the AF. The inhibitors rate increases as pregnancy advances. Evaluating these inhibitors in a group of 65 women before and after the 38th week of pregnancy, a higher rate of fibrinolytic inhibitors is found after the 38th week. The said differences are statistically significant. For the moment it does not seem that the increasing of the inhibitors in the last part of pregnancy might be used as a fetal maturity test.", "contents": "Changes in human amniotic fluid fibrinolytic inhibitor levels during pregnancy. The amniotic fluid (AF) when incubated with the patient's own plasma diminishes the lytic activity of the plasma. It is suggested that this inhibition is due to the presence of fibrinolytic inhibitors in the AF. The inhibitors rate increases as pregnancy advances. Evaluating these inhibitors in a group of 65 women before and after the 38th week of pregnancy, a higher rate of fibrinolytic inhibitors is found after the 38th week. The said differences are statistically significant. For the moment it does not seem that the increasing of the inhibitors in the last part of pregnancy might be used as a fetal maturity test.", "PMID": 989638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3303", "title": "Various prothrombin complex concentrates and their effect on coagulation and fibrinolysis in vivo.", "content": "Thromboembolic complications occurring in patients treated with factor IX concentrates have been reported. To study the thrombogenicity various types of factor IX concentrates (50 or 100 units F. IX/kg bodyweight) have been infused in dogs. As control albumin was given. The various components of the coagulation and fibrinolytic system have been assayed before the infusion and at various intervals after the end of infusion (0, 1, 4 and 24 hrs). Konyne resulted in marked activation of the coagulation process with decrease of platelets, fibrinogen, F. VIII and appearance of FDP and positive ethanol gelation test. Prothromplex and Preconativ gave no significant changes. Preconativ is prepared without addition of heparin during the procedure.", "contents": "Various prothrombin complex concentrates and their effect on coagulation and fibrinolysis in vivo. Thromboembolic complications occurring in patients treated with factor IX concentrates have been reported. To study the thrombogenicity various types of factor IX concentrates (50 or 100 units F. IX/kg bodyweight) have been infused in dogs. As control albumin was given. The various components of the coagulation and fibrinolytic system have been assayed before the infusion and at various intervals after the end of infusion (0, 1, 4 and 24 hrs). Konyne resulted in marked activation of the coagulation process with decrease of platelets, fibrinogen, F. VIII and appearance of FDP and positive ethanol gelation test. Prothromplex and Preconativ gave no significant changes. Preconativ is prepared without addition of heparin during the procedure.", "PMID": 989639} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3304", "title": "The effects of therapy with oestriol succinate and ethinyl oestradiol on the haemostatic mechanism in post-menopausal women.", "content": "The effects on the haemostatic mechanism of oestrogen therapy, given to prevent bone loss in post-menopausal women, have been investigated. Oestriol succinate was given orally to 10 women at a level of 2 mg/day for 1 month and for a further 3 months with incremental increase of 2 mg each month. 6 of the 10 women were subsequently treated with 25 mug/day orally of ethinyl oestradiol. Oestriol succinate therapy resulted in a small increase in the level of factor VII, a decrease in factor VIII concentration and increased sensitivity of platelets to aggregating agents. Ethinyl oestradiol treatment resulted in much more widespread changes with marked increases in coagulation factors VII, VIII, IX and X, decreased levels of antithrombin and dramatic increases in circulating plasminogen levels and euglobulin lysis activity. The data suggested that the nature of oestrogens employed therapeutically is important in determining the qualitative and quantitative effect of oestrogen therapy on components of the haemostatic mechanism.", "contents": "The effects of therapy with oestriol succinate and ethinyl oestradiol on the haemostatic mechanism in post-menopausal women. The effects on the haemostatic mechanism of oestrogen therapy, given to prevent bone loss in post-menopausal women, have been investigated. Oestriol succinate was given orally to 10 women at a level of 2 mg/day for 1 month and for a further 3 months with incremental increase of 2 mg each month. 6 of the 10 women were subsequently treated with 25 mug/day orally of ethinyl oestradiol. Oestriol succinate therapy resulted in a small increase in the level of factor VII, a decrease in factor VIII concentration and increased sensitivity of platelets to aggregating agents. Ethinyl oestradiol treatment resulted in much more widespread changes with marked increases in coagulation factors VII, VIII, IX and X, decreased levels of antithrombin and dramatic increases in circulating plasminogen levels and euglobulin lysis activity. The data suggested that the nature of oestrogens employed therapeutically is important in determining the qualitative and quantitative effect of oestrogen therapy on components of the haemostatic mechanism.", "PMID": 989640} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3305", "title": "Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in thyroid disease.", "content": "Fibrinolytic activity and factor VIII concentration were studied in 30 patients with moderate to minimal hypothyroidism and in 7 patients with hyperthyroidism. In the hypothyroid group, the results were related to serum thyroxine levels, HL-A phenotypes and thyroid autoantibody titres. As serum thyroxine decreased so did factor VIII concentration, however, euglobulin lysis time was correspondingly prolonged. Factor VIII appears to be the most sensitive among coagulation factors to the deterioration of thyroid function tests. There was a significant correlation between the reciprocal of thyroid antibody titres and fibrinolysis; however, there was no relationship between factor VIII concentration or fibrinolysis and a specific HL-A phenotype although the incidence of HL-A8 was increased in the group as a whole. Euglobulin lysis time was prolonged in 6 out of 7 patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism. Factor VIII was elevated in only 3 of these patients.", "contents": "Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in thyroid disease. Fibrinolytic activity and factor VIII concentration were studied in 30 patients with moderate to minimal hypothyroidism and in 7 patients with hyperthyroidism. In the hypothyroid group, the results were related to serum thyroxine levels, HL-A phenotypes and thyroid autoantibody titres. As serum thyroxine decreased so did factor VIII concentration, however, euglobulin lysis time was correspondingly prolonged. Factor VIII appears to be the most sensitive among coagulation factors to the deterioration of thyroid function tests. There was a significant correlation between the reciprocal of thyroid antibody titres and fibrinolysis; however, there was no relationship between factor VIII concentration or fibrinolysis and a specific HL-A phenotype although the incidence of HL-A8 was increased in the group as a whole. Euglobulin lysis time was prolonged in 6 out of 7 patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism. Factor VIII was elevated in only 3 of these patients.", "PMID": 989641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3306", "title": "Chemorheological studies of the effect of heparin on the course of coagulation.", "content": "The influence of sodium heparin on viscoelastic change during coagulation was determined in vitro for whole blood samples from ten normal subjects at heparin concentrations ranging from 0 to 1.45 units/(ml whole blood). A four-parameter chemorheological model was used to describe the time course of coagulation as measured by the Weissenberg Rheogoniometer. One parameter compares closely with the whole blood activated partial thromboplastin time, while the other three may be related to the chemical kinetics of clotting. The chemorheological model and experimental techniques were then tested in a dog preparation. It was found that rheological measurements are more self-consistent than either thrombelastography or the activated partial thromboplastin time for the assay of in vivo heparin in two dogs.", "contents": "Chemorheological studies of the effect of heparin on the course of coagulation. The influence of sodium heparin on viscoelastic change during coagulation was determined in vitro for whole blood samples from ten normal subjects at heparin concentrations ranging from 0 to 1.45 units/(ml whole blood). A four-parameter chemorheological model was used to describe the time course of coagulation as measured by the Weissenberg Rheogoniometer. One parameter compares closely with the whole blood activated partial thromboplastin time, while the other three may be related to the chemical kinetics of clotting. The chemorheological model and experimental techniques were then tested in a dog preparation. It was found that rheological measurements are more self-consistent than either thrombelastography or the activated partial thromboplastin time for the assay of in vivo heparin in two dogs.", "PMID": 989642} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3307", "title": "Effects of endotoxin in cortisone-treated rabbits with a hereditary deficiency of the sixth component of complement (C6 deficiency).", "content": "Endotoxin was infused into normal rabbits and C6 deficient rabbits prepared with cortisone for the generalized Shwartzman reaction. Endotoxin produced profound granulocytopenia and moderate thrombocytopenia in both normal and C6 deficient rabbits. In normal rabbits endotoxin consistently produced extensive intravascular clotting. In C6 deficient animals endotoxin resulted in intravascular clotting of variable extent. In one group of eight C6 deficient rabbits mean fibrinogen levels fell 0.67 g per 1 over 6 hrs after endotoxin and four of eight animals developed a generalized Shwartzman reaction. In a second group of seven C6 deficient rabbits mean fibrinogen level fell only 0.17 g per 1 over 6 hrs and one animal developed a generalized Shwartzman reaction. Values for mean fibrinogen consumption, calculated from plasma fibrinogen levels and rate of disappearance of 25I-fibrinogen, were as follows: normal animals infused with saline, 10 mg per kg; C6 deficient animals infused with endotoxin, 58 mg per kg. Fibrinogen consumption after endotoxin was found to be related to granulocyte levels prior to endotoxin, which determined the number of granulocytes disappearing from the blood after endotoxin. The data indicate that C6 deficiency in the rabbit does not prevent intravascular clotting and the generalized Shwartzman reaction.", "contents": "Effects of endotoxin in cortisone-treated rabbits with a hereditary deficiency of the sixth component of complement (C6 deficiency). Endotoxin was infused into normal rabbits and C6 deficient rabbits prepared with cortisone for the generalized Shwartzman reaction. Endotoxin produced profound granulocytopenia and moderate thrombocytopenia in both normal and C6 deficient rabbits. In normal rabbits endotoxin consistently produced extensive intravascular clotting. In C6 deficient animals endotoxin resulted in intravascular clotting of variable extent. In one group of eight C6 deficient rabbits mean fibrinogen levels fell 0.67 g per 1 over 6 hrs after endotoxin and four of eight animals developed a generalized Shwartzman reaction. In a second group of seven C6 deficient rabbits mean fibrinogen level fell only 0.17 g per 1 over 6 hrs and one animal developed a generalized Shwartzman reaction. Values for mean fibrinogen consumption, calculated from plasma fibrinogen levels and rate of disappearance of 25I-fibrinogen, were as follows: normal animals infused with saline, 10 mg per kg; C6 deficient animals infused with endotoxin, 58 mg per kg. Fibrinogen consumption after endotoxin was found to be related to granulocyte levels prior to endotoxin, which determined the number of granulocytes disappearing from the blood after endotoxin. The data indicate that C6 deficiency in the rabbit does not prevent intravascular clotting and the generalized Shwartzman reaction.", "PMID": 989643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3308", "title": "The association of HLA with autoimmune thyroid disease in Newfoundland. The influence of HLA homozygosity in Graves' disease.", "content": "Forty-seven patients with Graves' disease, 73 with thyroiditis and 128 controls drawn from the same geographical area of Newfoundland were HLA typed. The frequency of HLA-B8 was significantly increased in the Graves' disease patients when compared to the control group giving a relative risk of 3.9. There were no significant HLA differences between the thyroiditis and control groups. Homozygosity for the HLA haplotype, which is common in this island population, was more common in Graves' disease patients (12.8%) than in controls (5.5%) but did not reach statistical significance in this sample. Homozygosity was due in five of the six cases to either an A1;B8 haplotype or an A2;B8 haplotype. This contrasted with an apparently random assortment of haplotypes in the control and thyroiditis groups. Calculations suggest that homozygosity for a B8 haplotype confers an additional risk over heterozygosity for B8 of about 3.5 fold; however, homozygosity had no observable influence on the severity of the disease. These results strengthen the idea that B8, or an allele in linkage disequilibrium with it, determines in part the susceptibility of an individual to developing Graves' disease.", "contents": "The association of HLA with autoimmune thyroid disease in Newfoundland. The influence of HLA homozygosity in Graves' disease. Forty-seven patients with Graves' disease, 73 with thyroiditis and 128 controls drawn from the same geographical area of Newfoundland were HLA typed. The frequency of HLA-B8 was significantly increased in the Graves' disease patients when compared to the control group giving a relative risk of 3.9. There were no significant HLA differences between the thyroiditis and control groups. Homozygosity for the HLA haplotype, which is common in this island population, was more common in Graves' disease patients (12.8%) than in controls (5.5%) but did not reach statistical significance in this sample. Homozygosity was due in five of the six cases to either an A1;B8 haplotype or an A2;B8 haplotype. This contrasted with an apparently random assortment of haplotypes in the control and thyroiditis groups. Calculations suggest that homozygosity for a B8 haplotype confers an additional risk over heterozygosity for B8 of about 3.5 fold; however, homozygosity had no observable influence on the severity of the disease. These results strengthen the idea that B8, or an allele in linkage disequilibrium with it, determines in part the susceptibility of an individual to developing Graves' disease.", "PMID": 989647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3309", "title": "[Thoughts about the qualification of assessors for sensory testing (authors transl)].", "content": "On the occasion of a storage test in order to evaluate the tightness of milk packing materials to permeating flavours by sensory analysis the statistical method for judging the concerned assessors recommended by R\u00f6mer and Renner was applied. We gained the experience, that this method allows no statement about the assessor's sensory ability at all, but merely fixes his order of precedence in a panel as to his ability to realize sensory differences in the scope of one special problem. The mentioned statistical procedure cannot substitute a selection of assessors aimed at the subject of the following sensory analysis.", "contents": "[Thoughts about the qualification of assessors for sensory testing (authors transl)]. On the occasion of a storage test in order to evaluate the tightness of milk packing materials to permeating flavours by sensory analysis the statistical method for judging the concerned assessors recommended by R\u00f6mer and Renner was applied. We gained the experience, that this method allows no statement about the assessor's sensory ability at all, but merely fixes his order of precedence in a panel as to his ability to realize sensory differences in the scope of one special problem. The mentioned statistical procedure cannot substitute a selection of assessors aimed at the subject of the following sensory analysis.", "PMID": 989653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3310", "title": "Action of rubratoxin B on mouse liver mitochondria.", "content": "The effect of rubratoxin B on the electron transport system of mouse liver mitochondria was investigated. Oxygen consumption in mitochondria isolated from male mice was measured polarographically in a Gilson Oxygraph Model K-ICC. Oxygen consumption was depressed 73% at a concentration of 1.13 mM rubratoxin. At concentrations as low as 0.08 mM rubratoxin B, 50% inhibition was observed. Rubratoxin B (0.28 mM) depressed oxygen consumption 67% in ADP-coupled mitochondria and 60% in 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP)-uncoupled mitochondria using either pyridine-nucleotide linked substrates or succinate. By employing the N,N,N',N''-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) shunt, it was shown that inhibition was not between cytochrome b and cytochrome C1 or C. It appears, based on these studies and comparison with known inhibitors of specific sites along the electron transport system that the principal site of action of rubratoxin B is between cytochrome C1 or C and the termination of electron flow.", "contents": "Action of rubratoxin B on mouse liver mitochondria. The effect of rubratoxin B on the electron transport system of mouse liver mitochondria was investigated. Oxygen consumption in mitochondria isolated from male mice was measured polarographically in a Gilson Oxygraph Model K-ICC. Oxygen consumption was depressed 73% at a concentration of 1.13 mM rubratoxin. At concentrations as low as 0.08 mM rubratoxin B, 50% inhibition was observed. Rubratoxin B (0.28 mM) depressed oxygen consumption 67% in ADP-coupled mitochondria and 60% in 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP)-uncoupled mitochondria using either pyridine-nucleotide linked substrates or succinate. By employing the N,N,N',N''-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) shunt, it was shown that inhibition was not between cytochrome b and cytochrome C1 or C. It appears, based on these studies and comparison with known inhibitors of specific sites along the electron transport system that the principal site of action of rubratoxin B is between cytochrome C1 or C and the termination of electron flow.", "PMID": 989648} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3311", "title": "[Analytical investigations of the delta-endotoxin of Bacillus thuriginiensis (author's transl)].", "content": "Biochemical properties of the crystalline delta-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis, such as stability and solubility in different solvents, were investigated. The dissolved compounds were characterized by gel-electrophoresis and gel-filtration. Covalent and non-covalent bonds are responsible for the crystallisation of the protein molecules. The solubilisation of crystals with non-enzymatic solvents led to high molecular weight products (MW greater than or equal to 800,000) and to components with a molecular weight less than or equal to 10,000. Only the high molecular weight compounds showed toxic activity. The enzymatic degradation of the protein crystals yielded components with molecular weights of greater than or equal to 800,000, 250,000, 100,000, and less than or equal to 10,000. Again, the fraction less than or equal to 10,000 showed no toxic activity. Digestion of the crystals with proteases isolated from the gut juice of Pieris brassicae resulted in a highly toxic fraction with a molecular weight of 100,000. This component, which is resistant to further degradation, appears to be the toxic unit of the protein crystal.", "contents": "[Analytical investigations of the delta-endotoxin of Bacillus thuriginiensis (author's transl)]. Biochemical properties of the crystalline delta-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis, such as stability and solubility in different solvents, were investigated. The dissolved compounds were characterized by gel-electrophoresis and gel-filtration. Covalent and non-covalent bonds are responsible for the crystallisation of the protein molecules. The solubilisation of crystals with non-enzymatic solvents led to high molecular weight products (MW greater than or equal to 800,000) and to components with a molecular weight less than or equal to 10,000. Only the high molecular weight compounds showed toxic activity. The enzymatic degradation of the protein crystals yielded components with molecular weights of greater than or equal to 800,000, 250,000, 100,000, and less than or equal to 10,000. Again, the fraction less than or equal to 10,000 showed no toxic activity. Digestion of the crystals with proteases isolated from the gut juice of Pieris brassicae resulted in a highly toxic fraction with a molecular weight of 100,000. This component, which is resistant to further degradation, appears to be the toxic unit of the protein crystal.", "PMID": 989654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3312", "title": "Studies on some nutritional factors influencing the production of gluconic acid.", "content": "Investigations were carried out to formulate an economical medium that can give maximum yield of gluconic acid by the submerged culture technique, using Aspergillus niger NRRL3. It was found that the highest yield of acid could be secured when a medium of the following ingredients was used: 13.0% glucose syrup, 0.1% NaNO3, 0.025% calcium superphosphate, 0.007% KCl, 0.025% MgSO4-7H20, and 0.5% CaCO3. It was also found that glucose syrup, which represents an available and cheap carbohydrate source for gluconic acid production by fermentation, can replace glucose powder which is more expensive.", "contents": "Studies on some nutritional factors influencing the production of gluconic acid. Investigations were carried out to formulate an economical medium that can give maximum yield of gluconic acid by the submerged culture technique, using Aspergillus niger NRRL3. It was found that the highest yield of acid could be secured when a medium of the following ingredients was used: 13.0% glucose syrup, 0.1% NaNO3, 0.025% calcium superphosphate, 0.007% KCl, 0.025% MgSO4-7H20, and 0.5% CaCO3. It was also found that glucose syrup, which represents an available and cheap carbohydrate source for gluconic acid production by fermentation, can replace glucose powder which is more expensive.", "PMID": 989655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3313", "title": "Nitrogen fixation by microbial cultures with sodium salt of organic acids as carbon source.", "content": "The best source of carbon, when used as the sodium salt of organic acids, is sodium salicylate which shows highest nitrogen fixation and also appreciably large amounts of nitrogen fixed per g carbon consumed. Next in order is sodium benzoate, then oxalate. Sodium citrate is followed by sowium acetate in the order of decreasing efficiency.", "contents": "Nitrogen fixation by microbial cultures with sodium salt of organic acids as carbon source. The best source of carbon, when used as the sodium salt of organic acids, is sodium salicylate which shows highest nitrogen fixation and also appreciably large amounts of nitrogen fixed per g carbon consumed. Next in order is sodium benzoate, then oxalate. Sodium citrate is followed by sowium acetate in the order of decreasing efficiency.", "PMID": 989656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3314", "title": "[Effect of plant residues on the parasitic activity of soilborne pathogens and the saprophytic microflora of the soil. I. Model trials with Rhizoctonia solani K\u00fchn (author's transl)].", "content": "1. In glass-house trials the influence of residues of clover, grass, and mixtures (1:1) of them added to natural and partially sterilized loam soil upon the parasitic activity of Rhizoctonia solani and the soil micro-organisms and their activity was analyzed. 2. Burying of plant residues (1%) increased the content of organic substance in soil for 8 weeks and longer. 3. The soil reaction (pH) was not noteworthy affected by application of clover or grass residues. 4. However, the populations of bacteria and actinomycetes were increased, especially by adding clover dried. In natural soil, the maximum of stimulation was reached later than in soil sterilized. Adding of grass and roots of grass enlarged the spectrum of fungi observed in the soil amended. Roots of grass stimulated the cellulose-decomposing organisms remarkably. 5. The activity of dehydrogenase (AD) was influenced in different manner: in natural soil fresh clover, grass, mixtures of them, and clover dried increased, and fresh roots of clover, grass, and mixtures of them diminished AD; in soil sterilized the most variants stimulated this activity. 6. All plants residues increased the cellulolytic activity of soil for a long time, but in sterilized soil this effect reached its maximum earlier than in natural soil amended and did not last so long, too. 7. The possible explanations for the inhibition of parasitic activity of Rhizoctonia solani caused by burying plant residues are discussed.", "contents": "[Effect of plant residues on the parasitic activity of soilborne pathogens and the saprophytic microflora of the soil. I. Model trials with Rhizoctonia solani K\u00fchn (author's transl)]. 1. In glass-house trials the influence of residues of clover, grass, and mixtures (1:1) of them added to natural and partially sterilized loam soil upon the parasitic activity of Rhizoctonia solani and the soil micro-organisms and their activity was analyzed. 2. Burying of plant residues (1%) increased the content of organic substance in soil for 8 weeks and longer. 3. The soil reaction (pH) was not noteworthy affected by application of clover or grass residues. 4. However, the populations of bacteria and actinomycetes were increased, especially by adding clover dried. In natural soil, the maximum of stimulation was reached later than in soil sterilized. Adding of grass and roots of grass enlarged the spectrum of fungi observed in the soil amended. Roots of grass stimulated the cellulose-decomposing organisms remarkably. 5. The activity of dehydrogenase (AD) was influenced in different manner: in natural soil fresh clover, grass, mixtures of them, and clover dried increased, and fresh roots of clover, grass, and mixtures of them diminished AD; in soil sterilized the most variants stimulated this activity. 6. All plants residues increased the cellulolytic activity of soil for a long time, but in sterilized soil this effect reached its maximum earlier than in natural soil amended and did not last so long, too. 7. The possible explanations for the inhibition of parasitic activity of Rhizoctonia solani caused by burying plant residues are discussed.", "PMID": 989657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3315", "title": "Effect of prolactin suppression on gonadotrophic secretion in the puerperium.", "content": "Serum levels of prolactin (PRL), FSH, LH and oestradiol-17 beta were determined by radioimmunoassay in 57 lactating women and in 20 women in whom lactation was inhibited by ergocryptine (CS-154). Women who breast fed their infants exhibited high PRL levels which abruptly declined within 48 h post-partum, and remained low for the duration of the study. Serum FSH was undetectable during the first week post-partum in lactating as well as in CB-154 treated women. Thereafter, lactating women showed increasing FSH levels which reached a maximum by the third week post-partum. These FSH values were higher in lactating women than in the CBS-154 treated group. In contrast, LH levels were higher in those women receiving CB-154. Serum oestradiol-17 beta remained in low levels throughout the study, and no difference was observed between the two groups of subjects. From these results it seems that: 1) inhibition of PRL secretion leads to a faster recovery of gonadotrophin secretion toward the \"menstrual type\", and 2) PRL suppression produces no effect on the ovarian oestrogen production.", "contents": "Effect of prolactin suppression on gonadotrophic secretion in the puerperium. Serum levels of prolactin (PRL), FSH, LH and oestradiol-17 beta were determined by radioimmunoassay in 57 lactating women and in 20 women in whom lactation was inhibited by ergocryptine (CS-154). Women who breast fed their infants exhibited high PRL levels which abruptly declined within 48 h post-partum, and remained low for the duration of the study. Serum FSH was undetectable during the first week post-partum in lactating as well as in CB-154 treated women. Thereafter, lactating women showed increasing FSH levels which reached a maximum by the third week post-partum. These FSH values were higher in lactating women than in the CBS-154 treated group. In contrast, LH levels were higher in those women receiving CB-154. Serum oestradiol-17 beta remained in low levels throughout the study, and no difference was observed between the two groups of subjects. From these results it seems that: 1) inhibition of PRL secretion leads to a faster recovery of gonadotrophin secretion toward the \"menstrual type\", and 2) PRL suppression produces no effect on the ovarian oestrogen production.", "PMID": 989659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3316", "title": "The serum half-life of somatomedin activity: evidence for growth hormone dependence.", "content": "The serum half-life of somatomedin (SM) activity has been measured following the intravenous injection of SM activity into hypophysectomized rats. A [3H]thymidine incorporation assay in chick embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) has been utilized to measure SM activity. Cell cycle analysis data obtained with the flow microfluorometer shows that the [3H]thymidine incorporation data reflects actual DNA synthesis. When normal rat serum was injected, a half-life for SM activity of approximately 3 h was determined. In marked contrast, when serum from hypophysectomized (hypox) rats acutely treated with growth hormone (GH) was used as the source of SM actively, the half-life of the SM actively was short, approximately 8 min. However, when serum from hypox rats chronically treated with GH was injected, the half-life was again long, approximately 4 h. SM activity has been separated from its binding proteins by boiling under acid conditions or chromatography on Sephadex G-50 in 1 N acetic acid. The half-life of this partially purified SM activity was short, in the range of 10-30 min finally, recombination of the partially purified sm activity with the large proteins in normal serum extended in half-life of the sm from 10-03 min to about 2 h. These data indicate that the serum half-life of SM activity is GH dependent and suggest that the serum binding protein, like SM itself, is under GH control.", "contents": "The serum half-life of somatomedin activity: evidence for growth hormone dependence. The serum half-life of somatomedin (SM) activity has been measured following the intravenous injection of SM activity into hypophysectomized rats. A [3H]thymidine incorporation assay in chick embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) has been utilized to measure SM activity. Cell cycle analysis data obtained with the flow microfluorometer shows that the [3H]thymidine incorporation data reflects actual DNA synthesis. When normal rat serum was injected, a half-life for SM activity of approximately 3 h was determined. In marked contrast, when serum from hypophysectomized (hypox) rats acutely treated with growth hormone (GH) was used as the source of SM actively, the half-life of the SM actively was short, approximately 8 min. However, when serum from hypox rats chronically treated with GH was injected, the half-life was again long, approximately 4 h. SM activity has been separated from its binding proteins by boiling under acid conditions or chromatography on Sephadex G-50 in 1 N acetic acid. The half-life of this partially purified SM activity was short, in the range of 10-30 min finally, recombination of the partially purified sm activity with the large proteins in normal serum extended in half-life of the sm from 10-03 min to about 2 h. These data indicate that the serum half-life of SM activity is GH dependent and suggest that the serum binding protein, like SM itself, is under GH control.", "PMID": 989660} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3317", "title": "Factors governing the stimulation of embryonic chick cartilage by somatomedin.", "content": "In these studies of the stimulation of embryonic chick pelvic rudiments by somatomedin (Sm) in serum, we have found that cartilage weight and duration of cartilage exposure to serum determine the stimulation of cartilage by serum and the relative stimulation by Sm and by other non-Sm serum components, respectively. These factors are critical for the use of this system to measure Sm in serum. Initial experiments revealed that incorporation of sulfate (SO4) by cartilage incubated in buffer fell rapidly after 9 h and reached very low levels by 30 h. Incubation in 40% normal human serum (NHS) produced significant stimulation of incorporation of SO4 after 4 h, and maintained at least initial levels of incorporation for 24 h. The greatest % stimulation by NHS over buffer was seen with prolonged incubation (44 h). However, specificity for Sm (iscrimination between NHS and hypophysectomized human serum (HHS)) was greater with shorter incubation times. The potency of HHS was 11, 42 and 92% of the potency of NHS following early, intermediate and late measurement of incorporation of SO4 by cartilage, respectively. The best overall results were obtained with intermediate incubation time and measurement of SO4 incorporation ((35S)-SO4 present for the final 5 h of a 25 h incubation), which allowed good precision (gamma = 0.17) while maintaining satisfactory specificity for Sm. Since prolonged incubation with late measurement of SO4 incorporation allowed the greatest % stimulation by serum with little differentiation between NHS and HHS, stimulation of incorporation of SO4 under these conditions is apparently due to non-Sm factors present in both NHS and HHS. In addition to incubation time, cartilage stimulation by serum was also determined by cartilage weight. Lighter cartilage (from younger embryos) was associated with higher unstimulated incorporation of SO4 (P less than 0.01), lower stimulation by added serum (P less than 0.01), and inadequate assay precision (P less than 0.05): satisfactory assays were generally obtained with cartilage rudiments weighing more than 0.7 mg (dry weight).", "contents": "Factors governing the stimulation of embryonic chick cartilage by somatomedin. In these studies of the stimulation of embryonic chick pelvic rudiments by somatomedin (Sm) in serum, we have found that cartilage weight and duration of cartilage exposure to serum determine the stimulation of cartilage by serum and the relative stimulation by Sm and by other non-Sm serum components, respectively. These factors are critical for the use of this system to measure Sm in serum. Initial experiments revealed that incorporation of sulfate (SO4) by cartilage incubated in buffer fell rapidly after 9 h and reached very low levels by 30 h. Incubation in 40% normal human serum (NHS) produced significant stimulation of incorporation of SO4 after 4 h, and maintained at least initial levels of incorporation for 24 h. The greatest % stimulation by NHS over buffer was seen with prolonged incubation (44 h). However, specificity for Sm (iscrimination between NHS and hypophysectomized human serum (HHS)) was greater with shorter incubation times. The potency of HHS was 11, 42 and 92% of the potency of NHS following early, intermediate and late measurement of incorporation of SO4 by cartilage, respectively. The best overall results were obtained with intermediate incubation time and measurement of SO4 incorporation ((35S)-SO4 present for the final 5 h of a 25 h incubation), which allowed good precision (gamma = 0.17) while maintaining satisfactory specificity for Sm. Since prolonged incubation with late measurement of SO4 incorporation allowed the greatest % stimulation by serum with little differentiation between NHS and HHS, stimulation of incorporation of SO4 under these conditions is apparently due to non-Sm factors present in both NHS and HHS. In addition to incubation time, cartilage stimulation by serum was also determined by cartilage weight. Lighter cartilage (from younger embryos) was associated with higher unstimulated incorporation of SO4 (P less than 0.01), lower stimulation by added serum (P less than 0.01), and inadequate assay precision (P less than 0.05): satisfactory assays were generally obtained with cartilage rudiments weighing more than 0.7 mg (dry weight).", "PMID": 989661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3318", "title": "Circadian fluctuations of serum hormone levels in prepubertal male and female rats.", "content": "Diurnal variations in serum hormone levels during 2 different stages of prepubertal development were investigated in male and female rats. Groups of 13 to 18 and 25 to 30 day old male and female rats were decapitated at 4-hour by intervals during a period of 24 h. Their blood was collected and hormones were measured by radio-immunoassay. FSH levels were constantly high in 13 to 18, but low in 25 to 30 day old females. FSH was low in younger males, and significantly higher but without diurnal fluctuations in the older males. Serum LH was low in approximately 40% of the 13 to 18 day old females, while 40% had moderately high levels, and the remaining females extremely high levels of the hormone. Most of the extremely high LH peaks were found at 15.00 h and some at 03.00 h. Older females and males of both age groups had constantly low serum LH levels. Serum oestradiol was high in males and females during days 13 to 18, but it was lower in the 25 to 30 day old animals. In the young females prolactin was slightly elevated between 15.00 h and 19.00 h, while in the males the serum prolactin fluctuations were not significant. Serum testosterone was low in females at all times. The 13 to 18 day old males had higher testosterone levels than the 25 to 30 day old males. Both groups showed slight, but insignificant fluctuations in serum testosterone.", "contents": "Circadian fluctuations of serum hormone levels in prepubertal male and female rats. Diurnal variations in serum hormone levels during 2 different stages of prepubertal development were investigated in male and female rats. Groups of 13 to 18 and 25 to 30 day old male and female rats were decapitated at 4-hour by intervals during a period of 24 h. Their blood was collected and hormones were measured by radio-immunoassay. FSH levels were constantly high in 13 to 18, but low in 25 to 30 day old females. FSH was low in younger males, and significantly higher but without diurnal fluctuations in the older males. Serum LH was low in approximately 40% of the 13 to 18 day old females, while 40% had moderately high levels, and the remaining females extremely high levels of the hormone. Most of the extremely high LH peaks were found at 15.00 h and some at 03.00 h. Older females and males of both age groups had constantly low serum LH levels. Serum oestradiol was high in males and females during days 13 to 18, but it was lower in the 25 to 30 day old animals. In the young females prolactin was slightly elevated between 15.00 h and 19.00 h, while in the males the serum prolactin fluctuations were not significant. Serum testosterone was low in females at all times. The 13 to 18 day old males had higher testosterone levels than the 25 to 30 day old males. Both groups showed slight, but insignificant fluctuations in serum testosterone.", "PMID": 989662} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3319", "title": "Factors influencing triiodothyronine binding properties of liver nuclear receptors.", "content": "Triiodothyronine (T3) may bind directly to receptors present in liver cell nuclei, or may be transported into nuclei by receptor protein(s) present in the cytosol. To evaluate these possibilities, T3 binding was studied in vitro using liver cell nuclei isolated from rats exposed in vivo to very low (H), normal (N),or high levels of T3 (H + T3), and using nuclei incubated in vitro with added cytosol proteins. Ka for T3 was 0.075 +/- 0.05 x 10(10) M-1 in N, 0.1 + 0.04 in H, and 0.094 + 0.04 in H + T3, and pg T3 bound/100 mug DNA were 47 +/- 17, 31 +/- 14, and 29 +/- 8 in the three groups. The data indicate no difference in binding capacity between the groups related to prior in vivo exposure to T3, and that T3 may bind directly to empty nuclear receptor sites. Rat liver cytosol proteins added to the in vitro incubation medium always depressed T3 uptake by nuclei. Bovine serum albumin had a similar effect. Large amounts of rat serum proteins depressed uptake, but low levels augmented T3 binding through an unknown mechanism. It is probable that free T3 in serum is in equilibrium with free T3 in the cytosol and nucleus, and binds directly to nuclear receptor proteins without mediation by a cytosol receptor protein.", "contents": "Factors influencing triiodothyronine binding properties of liver nuclear receptors. Triiodothyronine (T3) may bind directly to receptors present in liver cell nuclei, or may be transported into nuclei by receptor protein(s) present in the cytosol. To evaluate these possibilities, T3 binding was studied in vitro using liver cell nuclei isolated from rats exposed in vivo to very low (H), normal (N),or high levels of T3 (H + T3), and using nuclei incubated in vitro with added cytosol proteins. Ka for T3 was 0.075 +/- 0.05 x 10(10) M-1 in N, 0.1 + 0.04 in H, and 0.094 + 0.04 in H + T3, and pg T3 bound/100 mug DNA were 47 +/- 17, 31 +/- 14, and 29 +/- 8 in the three groups. The data indicate no difference in binding capacity between the groups related to prior in vivo exposure to T3, and that T3 may bind directly to empty nuclear receptor sites. Rat liver cytosol proteins added to the in vitro incubation medium always depressed T3 uptake by nuclei. Bovine serum albumin had a similar effect. Large amounts of rat serum proteins depressed uptake, but low levels augmented T3 binding through an unknown mechanism. It is probable that free T3 in serum is in equilibrium with free T3 in the cytosol and nucleus, and binds directly to nuclear receptor proteins without mediation by a cytosol receptor protein.", "PMID": 989663} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3320", "title": "Concentration of thyroid hormone in skeletal muscle.", "content": "1. A modified method for the determination of thyroid hormone levels in muscle is described. 2. The levels of T4 and T3 in skeletal muscle tissue of rats lie in the same range. 3. The level of T4 in plasma is about a hundred times higher than that of T3. 4. To remove plasma hormones from the tissue in which hormone levels are to be determined, the animals should be perfused with saline before tissue samples are taken.", "contents": "Concentration of thyroid hormone in skeletal muscle. 1. A modified method for the determination of thyroid hormone levels in muscle is described. 2. The levels of T4 and T3 in skeletal muscle tissue of rats lie in the same range. 3. The level of T4 in plasma is about a hundred times higher than that of T3. 4. To remove plasma hormones from the tissue in which hormone levels are to be determined, the animals should be perfused with saline before tissue samples are taken.", "PMID": 989664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3321", "title": "Anti-insulin-antibodies and late diabetic complications.", "content": "Two hundred and seventy-four insulin-dependent juvenile diabetics were examined. One hundred and sixty-six patients were without late diabetic complications, while 108 patients had one or more complications. At the time of the investigation patients with and without complications were found to have the same insulin requirement. Retrospectively it was observed, that after treatment for 10 years the insulin requirement was significantly higher among patients who had developed complications after treatment for 19 years as compared to patients who after 19 years of treatment had not developed complications. One hundred and eighty-four patients, of which 110 were without and 74 with late diabetic omplications were examined for anti-insulin-antibodies. Patients with complications, especially those with early onset of proliferative retinopathy or nephropathy had a slightly although insignificantly elevated plasma insulin-binding capacity. The frequency of high titres was significantly greater among patients with complications as compared to the frequency in patients without complications. The observations support the assumption, that insulin-anti-insulin-antibody complexes may aggravate the vascular complications.", "contents": "Anti-insulin-antibodies and late diabetic complications. Two hundred and seventy-four insulin-dependent juvenile diabetics were examined. One hundred and sixty-six patients were without late diabetic complications, while 108 patients had one or more complications. At the time of the investigation patients with and without complications were found to have the same insulin requirement. Retrospectively it was observed, that after treatment for 10 years the insulin requirement was significantly higher among patients who had developed complications after treatment for 19 years as compared to patients who after 19 years of treatment had not developed complications. One hundred and eighty-four patients, of which 110 were without and 74 with late diabetic omplications were examined for anti-insulin-antibodies. Patients with complications, especially those with early onset of proliferative retinopathy or nephropathy had a slightly although insignificantly elevated plasma insulin-binding capacity. The frequency of high titres was significantly greater among patients with complications as compared to the frequency in patients without complications. The observations support the assumption, that insulin-anti-insulin-antibody complexes may aggravate the vascular complications.", "PMID": 989665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3322", "title": "The liver as a source of somatomedin.", "content": "Somatomedin (Sm) activity (measured by [35S] utake in chick embryo cartilage) was determined in serum samples simultaneously drawn from the hepatic vein, portal vein, femoral artery and demoral vein of seventeen anaesthezied normal adult dogs). A pool of human serum was taken as reference (Sm = 1 U/ml). Sm levels in the peripheral vein of dogs were 0.38 +/- 0.03 U/ml). Mean +/- SEM). Sm activity was greater in the hepatic vein (0.48 U/ml) than in the other vessels (0.36, 0.39, 0.38 U/ml), and the paired differences were significant (P less than 0.002 to P less than 0.05). In three dogs which received b-GH (20 IU/day), the Sm levels were significantly increased after nine days in the femoural vein (P less than 0.05) and in the hepatic vein (P less than 0.05). The validity of the assay is discussed; a possible interference of NEFA in the assay is eliminated. The difference of Sm levels between hepatic and portal veins, related to hepatic flow measured in seven of these dogs, indicate an important production of Sm by the liver.", "contents": "The liver as a source of somatomedin. Somatomedin (Sm) activity (measured by [35S] utake in chick embryo cartilage) was determined in serum samples simultaneously drawn from the hepatic vein, portal vein, femoral artery and demoral vein of seventeen anaesthezied normal adult dogs). A pool of human serum was taken as reference (Sm = 1 U/ml). Sm levels in the peripheral vein of dogs were 0.38 +/- 0.03 U/ml). Mean +/- SEM). Sm activity was greater in the hepatic vein (0.48 U/ml) than in the other vessels (0.36, 0.39, 0.38 U/ml), and the paired differences were significant (P less than 0.002 to P less than 0.05). In three dogs which received b-GH (20 IU/day), the Sm levels were significantly increased after nine days in the femoural vein (P less than 0.05) and in the hepatic vein (P less than 0.05). The validity of the assay is discussed; a possible interference of NEFA in the assay is eliminated. The difference of Sm levels between hepatic and portal veins, related to hepatic flow measured in seven of these dogs, indicate an important production of Sm by the liver.", "PMID": 989666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3323", "title": "The influence of norethisterone oenanthate on ovarian function.", "content": "Two-hundred mg norethisterone oenanthate was injected im into five women on the fifth or sixth day after the onset of the menstrual bleeding. The plasma levels of oestradiol and progesterone were measured during one control cycle before the injection and then for three months or until ovulation occurred. According to the plasma progesterone pattern the five women ovulated during the control cycle. After the injection ovulation was delayed in all the subjects. In two of the participants the first ovulation occurred around 55 days after the injection, while in two others ovulation was delayed about 80 days. The fifth woman did not ovulate until 16 weeks after the injection. The treatment did not suppress the plasma levels of oestradiol below the levels seen in untreated women during the follicular phase. It is concluded that the treatment with 200 mg of norethisterone oenanthate im can inhibit ovulation for an unpredictable time, but that the ovulatory pattern is restored within 12 weeks in most of the women.", "contents": "The influence of norethisterone oenanthate on ovarian function. Two-hundred mg norethisterone oenanthate was injected im into five women on the fifth or sixth day after the onset of the menstrual bleeding. The plasma levels of oestradiol and progesterone were measured during one control cycle before the injection and then for three months or until ovulation occurred. According to the plasma progesterone pattern the five women ovulated during the control cycle. After the injection ovulation was delayed in all the subjects. In two of the participants the first ovulation occurred around 55 days after the injection, while in two others ovulation was delayed about 80 days. The fifth woman did not ovulate until 16 weeks after the injection. The treatment did not suppress the plasma levels of oestradiol below the levels seen in untreated women during the follicular phase. It is concluded that the treatment with 200 mg of norethisterone oenanthate im can inhibit ovulation for an unpredictable time, but that the ovulatory pattern is restored within 12 weeks in most of the women.", "PMID": 989667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3324", "title": "The source of ovarian oestradiol and androstenedione in the sheep during the luteal phase.", "content": "The secretion of oestradiol and androstenedione was investigated in sheep by cannulating both ovarian veins in situ. The mean ovarian blood flow (ml/min +/- SE) was significantly higher on the side containing the corpus luteum (7.67 +/- 1.36) than on the contralateral side (4.93 +/- 0.85). The mean secretion (ng/min +/- SE) of oestradiol (1.09 +/- 0.36) and androstenedione (1.52 +/- 0.16) was higher on the side containing at least one large follicle (diameter greater than 4 mm) than on the contralateral side (0.19 +/- 0.05 and 0.62 +/- 0.21, respectively). The secretion of oestradiol was unchanged following enucleation of the corpus luteum but fell to very low levels (0.062 +/- 0.022 ng/min) after enucleation of follicles diameter greater than 4 mm. The secretion of androstenedione fell significantly after enucleation of both corpus luteum and largefollicles. These results suggest that during the luteal phase in the sheep oestradiol is secreted virtually exclusively by the largest non-atretic Graafian follicle. Androstenedione in contrast arises from both follicle, corpus luteum and possibly stroma.", "contents": "The source of ovarian oestradiol and androstenedione in the sheep during the luteal phase. The secretion of oestradiol and androstenedione was investigated in sheep by cannulating both ovarian veins in situ. The mean ovarian blood flow (ml/min +/- SE) was significantly higher on the side containing the corpus luteum (7.67 +/- 1.36) than on the contralateral side (4.93 +/- 0.85). The mean secretion (ng/min +/- SE) of oestradiol (1.09 +/- 0.36) and androstenedione (1.52 +/- 0.16) was higher on the side containing at least one large follicle (diameter greater than 4 mm) than on the contralateral side (0.19 +/- 0.05 and 0.62 +/- 0.21, respectively). The secretion of oestradiol was unchanged following enucleation of the corpus luteum but fell to very low levels (0.062 +/- 0.022 ng/min) after enucleation of follicles diameter greater than 4 mm. The secretion of androstenedione fell significantly after enucleation of both corpus luteum and largefollicles. These results suggest that during the luteal phase in the sheep oestradiol is secreted virtually exclusively by the largest non-atretic Graafian follicle. Androstenedione in contrast arises from both follicle, corpus luteum and possibly stroma.", "PMID": 989668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3325", "title": "Oestrogen in human pregnancy faeces.", "content": "The oestrogen content of two 24 h pools of pregnancy faeces, obtained from 2 normal women in the 33rd-37th week og gestation, was studied. The qualitative analyses were made by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry and the quantitative analyses by mass fragmentography. The presence of the following oestrogens in pregnancy faeces was established: Oestriol, oestrone, oestradiol-17 beta, 16-epioestriol, 17-epioestriol, 16 alpha-hydroxyoestrone, 16-oxo-oestradiol-17 beta, 15 alpha-hydroxyoestrone and 15 alpha-hydroxyoestradiol-17 beta. In addition, mass fragmentographic evidence was obtained for the presence of 16 beta-hydroxyoestrone, 2-methoxyoestrone and oestradiol-17 alpha. The total oestrogen excretion determined in the two pools was 786 and 1300 mug per 24 h. Unconjugated oestrogens accounted for 97.8 and 98.6% of these amounts, respectively. Oestriol, oestradiol-17 beta, 15 alpha-hydroxyoestradiol-17 beta, 16-epioestriol and oestrone, in that order, were quantitatively the most significant of the oestrogens determined. The remarkably high levels of oestradiol-17 beta fround in faeces show, that in pregnancy, this mode of excretion is as important as urine for the elimination of this biologically active steroid. It is suggested that some of the oestradiol may have b-en formed through bacterial enzyme action from other oestrogens or neutral steroids. Only trace amounts of ring D alpha-ketolic oestrogens were found in faeces. This is in marked contrast to the considerable amounts of these steroids found in pregnancy bile and urine.", "contents": "Oestrogen in human pregnancy faeces. The oestrogen content of two 24 h pools of pregnancy faeces, obtained from 2 normal women in the 33rd-37th week og gestation, was studied. The qualitative analyses were made by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry and the quantitative analyses by mass fragmentography. The presence of the following oestrogens in pregnancy faeces was established: Oestriol, oestrone, oestradiol-17 beta, 16-epioestriol, 17-epioestriol, 16 alpha-hydroxyoestrone, 16-oxo-oestradiol-17 beta, 15 alpha-hydroxyoestrone and 15 alpha-hydroxyoestradiol-17 beta. In addition, mass fragmentographic evidence was obtained for the presence of 16 beta-hydroxyoestrone, 2-methoxyoestrone and oestradiol-17 alpha. The total oestrogen excretion determined in the two pools was 786 and 1300 mug per 24 h. Unconjugated oestrogens accounted for 97.8 and 98.6% of these amounts, respectively. Oestriol, oestradiol-17 beta, 15 alpha-hydroxyoestradiol-17 beta, 16-epioestriol and oestrone, in that order, were quantitatively the most significant of the oestrogens determined. The remarkably high levels of oestradiol-17 beta fround in faeces show, that in pregnancy, this mode of excretion is as important as urine for the elimination of this biologically active steroid. It is suggested that some of the oestradiol may have b-en formed through bacterial enzyme action from other oestrogens or neutral steroids. Only trace amounts of ring D alpha-ketolic oestrogens were found in faeces. This is in marked contrast to the considerable amounts of these steroids found in pregnancy bile and urine.", "PMID": 989669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3326", "title": "Effects of sex steroids on serotonin uptake in blood platelets.", "content": "Blood platelets have been suggested as amodel for serotonin uptake and storage in the brain. To examine possible effects of se- steroids, platelets from human volunteers were incugated for 15 min with oestradiol, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone, and then incubated fro 1 min with radioactive serotonin. The effects of the various steroids on serotonin uptake were measured. At 10(-3) M, oestradiol decreased serotonin uptake by 70%, testosterone by 49%, and dihydrotestosterone by 25%. Both oestradiol and testosterone showed maximal enhancement of uptake at 10(-6) M; oestradiol increased serotonin uptake by 41%, and testosterone by 60%. Dihydrotestosterone maximally facilitated uptake by 40% at a concentration of 10(-4) M. No sex differences were found in either direction or in magnitude of change in uptake due to any hormone. It is suggested that the effects of oestradiol are of physiological significance and that the site of action of the sterioid effect on serotonin uptake is the cell membrane of the platelets.", "contents": "Effects of sex steroids on serotonin uptake in blood platelets. Blood platelets have been suggested as amodel for serotonin uptake and storage in the brain. To examine possible effects of se- steroids, platelets from human volunteers were incugated for 15 min with oestradiol, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone, and then incubated fro 1 min with radioactive serotonin. The effects of the various steroids on serotonin uptake were measured. At 10(-3) M, oestradiol decreased serotonin uptake by 70%, testosterone by 49%, and dihydrotestosterone by 25%. Both oestradiol and testosterone showed maximal enhancement of uptake at 10(-6) M; oestradiol increased serotonin uptake by 41%, and testosterone by 60%. Dihydrotestosterone maximally facilitated uptake by 40% at a concentration of 10(-4) M. No sex differences were found in either direction or in magnitude of change in uptake due to any hormone. It is suggested that the effects of oestradiol are of physiological significance and that the site of action of the sterioid effect on serotonin uptake is the cell membrane of the platelets.", "PMID": 989670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3327", "title": "Oligomeric oestradiol esters: a new class of long-acting oestrogens.", "content": "Dimeric and trimeric oestradiol derivatives were administered as single subcutaneous injections into ovariectomized rats and the duration of oestrogenic effect was determined by means of daily vaginal smears. It could be shown that these preparations have a very protracted oestrogenic effect, and their threshold dose is considerably higher as compared to monomeric oestradiol diacetate. A dimeric compound containing one free hydroxy group caused a relatively even response in all animals with a linear relationship between the logarithm of dose and the duration of action. The effect was even more protracted when fully esterified dimeric or trimeric oestradiol succinates were used, but occurred in a more scattering manner. The duration of effect of 40 mug of the trimeric compound exceeded that of the equivalent dose of oestradiol undecylate. It is conceivable that the depot-effect of these oestradiol derivatives is due to delayed elimination.", "contents": "Oligomeric oestradiol esters: a new class of long-acting oestrogens. Dimeric and trimeric oestradiol derivatives were administered as single subcutaneous injections into ovariectomized rats and the duration of oestrogenic effect was determined by means of daily vaginal smears. It could be shown that these preparations have a very protracted oestrogenic effect, and their threshold dose is considerably higher as compared to monomeric oestradiol diacetate. A dimeric compound containing one free hydroxy group caused a relatively even response in all animals with a linear relationship between the logarithm of dose and the duration of action. The effect was even more protracted when fully esterified dimeric or trimeric oestradiol succinates were used, but occurred in a more scattering manner. The duration of effect of 40 mug of the trimeric compound exceeded that of the equivalent dose of oestradiol undecylate. It is conceivable that the depot-effect of these oestradiol derivatives is due to delayed elimination.", "PMID": 989671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3328", "title": "Autoimmunity in patients with Pemphigus foliaceus.", "content": "The presence of conventional autoantibodies in the sera from 28 patients with Pemphigus foliaceus (South American pemphigus) was investigated. Gastric parietal cell antibody was found in six patients (21.4 per cent); and in two of them mitochondrial antibody was also detected. Antibody to smooth muscle was found in one patient. Based on the above results, the role of autoimmunity in Pemphigus foliaceus was discussed. Nuclear and rheumatoid factors were not detected, and antibodies against glomerular components, salivary duct and thyreoglobulin were not found.", "contents": "Autoimmunity in patients with Pemphigus foliaceus. The presence of conventional autoantibodies in the sera from 28 patients with Pemphigus foliaceus (South American pemphigus) was investigated. Gastric parietal cell antibody was found in six patients (21.4 per cent); and in two of them mitochondrial antibody was also detected. Antibody to smooth muscle was found in one patient. Based on the above results, the role of autoimmunity in Pemphigus foliaceus was discussed. Nuclear and rheumatoid factors were not detected, and antibodies against glomerular components, salivary duct and thyreoglobulin were not found.", "PMID": 989672} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3329", "title": "[Bronchial antigen provocation tests with the use of whole body plethysmography].", "content": "Bronchial provocation tests are performed in order to reproduce the symptoms of extrinsic bronchial asthma. The bronchial obstruction induced hereby can be demonstrated by plethysmographic measurement of specific airway resistance, which is superior to spirometric parameters with regard to sensitivity and effort independence. A rise of specific airway resistance above 20 cmH2O X sec (\"dyspnoea threshhold\") can be used as the criterium of a positive result. In contrast to forced expiratory manoeuvres no spirometry induced asthma can occur. Automatic evaluation by electronic data processing is possible.", "contents": "[Bronchial antigen provocation tests with the use of whole body plethysmography]. Bronchial provocation tests are performed in order to reproduce the symptoms of extrinsic bronchial asthma. The bronchial obstruction induced hereby can be demonstrated by plethysmographic measurement of specific airway resistance, which is superior to spirometric parameters with regard to sensitivity and effort independence. A rise of specific airway resistance above 20 cmH2O X sec (\"dyspnoea threshhold\") can be used as the criterium of a positive result. In contrast to forced expiratory manoeuvres no spirometry induced asthma can occur. Automatic evaluation by electronic data processing is possible.", "PMID": 989673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3330", "title": "Relationship between antigen and antibody-induced suppression of IgE antibody formation in the rat.", "content": "Formation of specific IgE antibodies as elicited in Sprague-Dawley rats against Ascaris antigen could be suppressed by intravenous administration both of antigen and of specific antiserum. The suppressive agent in the antiserum was shown to be antibodies of the IgG class, whereas a suppressive effect of cytophilic activity and of IgE antibodies could be outruled. Suppression of IgE response lasted the longer the more antibodies were transferred. An antibody-induced suppression was achieved when antibodies were transferred during an early period (day -3 to day +8), whereas an antigen-induced suppression took place when the antigen was intravenously administered following the antibody-sensitive period (day +8 until day +14). This is consistent with the fact that an antigen-induced suppression of IgE formation requires the presence of a certain amount of antibodies. A strictly peripheric suppression could be outruled, since with elapse of time a decreasing dose of antigen was required to induce a suppression. The results are discussed on the basis of an antigen-antibody complex-induced suppression in the IgE system and its possible central site of action.", "contents": "Relationship between antigen and antibody-induced suppression of IgE antibody formation in the rat. Formation of specific IgE antibodies as elicited in Sprague-Dawley rats against Ascaris antigen could be suppressed by intravenous administration both of antigen and of specific antiserum. The suppressive agent in the antiserum was shown to be antibodies of the IgG class, whereas a suppressive effect of cytophilic activity and of IgE antibodies could be outruled. Suppression of IgE response lasted the longer the more antibodies were transferred. An antibody-induced suppression was achieved when antibodies were transferred during an early period (day -3 to day +8), whereas an antigen-induced suppression took place when the antigen was intravenously administered following the antibody-sensitive period (day +8 until day +14). This is consistent with the fact that an antigen-induced suppression of IgE formation requires the presence of a certain amount of antibodies. A strictly peripheric suppression could be outruled, since with elapse of time a decreasing dose of antigen was required to induce a suppression. The results are discussed on the basis of an antigen-antibody complex-induced suppression in the IgE system and its possible central site of action.", "PMID": 989674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3331", "title": "Densitometric evaluation of lung aeration in chest films.", "content": "Lung aeration can be evaluated densitometrically from chest films, using a microscope with one eyepiece replaced by a photocell, and the attenuation of the pulmonary parenchyma can be assessed numberically, as a \"radiologic expansion index\". In premature rabbit neonates, this index was significantly increased among animals receiving a pharyngeal deposit of homologous lung surfactant before the first breath, as compared with untreated controls. This technique could in modified form be used for clinical purposes, such as the evaluation of lung aeration in newborn infants with respiratory distress.", "contents": "Densitometric evaluation of lung aeration in chest films. Lung aeration can be evaluated densitometrically from chest films, using a microscope with one eyepiece replaced by a photocell, and the attenuation of the pulmonary parenchyma can be assessed numberically, as a \"radiologic expansion index\". In premature rabbit neonates, this index was significantly increased among animals receiving a pharyngeal deposit of homologous lung surfactant before the first breath, as compared with untreated controls. This technique could in modified form be used for clinical purposes, such as the evaluation of lung aeration in newborn infants with respiratory distress.", "PMID": 989693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3332", "title": "Ossicle of the meniscus.", "content": "Two patients with an ossicle of the meniscus are described. Radiologic differentiation from osteochondral loose body or chondrocalcinosis can be made by its ossified appearance and its location within the meniscus. Correct diagnosis is important so that unnecessary surgery is avoided and a protracted search for a free fragment is not carried out.", "contents": "Ossicle of the meniscus. Two patients with an ossicle of the meniscus are described. Radiologic differentiation from osteochondral loose body or chondrocalcinosis can be made by its ossified appearance and its location within the meniscus. Correct diagnosis is important so that unnecessary surgery is avoided and a protracted search for a free fragment is not carried out.", "PMID": 989697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3333", "title": "Tuberculous aortitis: a rare cause of mycotic aneurysm of the aorta.", "content": "A case of a true mycotic aneurysm of the aortic arch secondary to mediastinal lymph node tuberculosis is presented. This was promptly recognized by aortography, treated by surgery, diagnosed by pathology, and followed by antituberculous therapy. The early diagnosis is emphasized as a prerequisite to successful treatment.", "contents": "Tuberculous aortitis: a rare cause of mycotic aneurysm of the aorta. A case of a true mycotic aneurysm of the aortic arch secondary to mediastinal lymph node tuberculosis is presented. This was promptly recognized by aortography, treated by surgery, diagnosed by pathology, and followed by antituberculous therapy. The early diagnosis is emphasized as a prerequisite to successful treatment.", "PMID": 989698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3334", "title": "[The influence of methoxyflurane (penthrane) on surface activity of the lung (author's transl)].", "content": "Methoxyflurane, at the moment the most potent inhalation anaesthetic, was examined in respect of its surfactant irritating properties in the rabbit. After a five hour anaesthesia with this compound there was, compared with a control group of animals which underwent only mechanical ventilation with room air for the same period, a significant decline of the compliance quotient from 2.99 to 2.55, indicating a relevant impairment of alveolar lining surfactant. A concomitant fall of arterial PaO2 from 84.8 to 71.3 mm Hg showed the resulting deterioration of respiratory function. Postanaesthetic preparations of these lungs examined using the Wilhelmy balance exhibited a significant fall of the stability index from 1.73 to 1.25, though hysteresis remained unaffected. Lung histology showed interstitial edema and patchy atelectasis, features which are found also in the early stages of post-traumatic pulmonary insufficiency. On this basis we recommend that methoxyflurane is not used in patients with impaired surfactant activity as such is found after severe traumatisation, head injury or in special preexisting pulmonary diseases. If this anesthetic is given to healthy individuals, the ventilatory pattern should include periodic sighs and prophylactic PEEP.", "contents": "[The influence of methoxyflurane (penthrane) on surface activity of the lung (author's transl)]. Methoxyflurane, at the moment the most potent inhalation anaesthetic, was examined in respect of its surfactant irritating properties in the rabbit. After a five hour anaesthesia with this compound there was, compared with a control group of animals which underwent only mechanical ventilation with room air for the same period, a significant decline of the compliance quotient from 2.99 to 2.55, indicating a relevant impairment of alveolar lining surfactant. A concomitant fall of arterial PaO2 from 84.8 to 71.3 mm Hg showed the resulting deterioration of respiratory function. Postanaesthetic preparations of these lungs examined using the Wilhelmy balance exhibited a significant fall of the stability index from 1.73 to 1.25, though hysteresis remained unaffected. Lung histology showed interstitial edema and patchy atelectasis, features which are found also in the early stages of post-traumatic pulmonary insufficiency. On this basis we recommend that methoxyflurane is not used in patients with impaired surfactant activity as such is found after severe traumatisation, head injury or in special preexisting pulmonary diseases. If this anesthetic is given to healthy individuals, the ventilatory pattern should include periodic sighs and prophylactic PEEP.", "PMID": 989707} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3335", "title": "Effect of wool dust on respiratory function.", "content": "A group of 252 workers (176 women and 76 men) employed in two wool mills was studied. The mean age of 36 years; mean exposure, 11 years. All women were nonsmokers, and 47 per cent of the men were regular smokers. Ventilatory function was measured by recording maximal expiratory flow-volume curves and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec on the first working day of the week (Monday) before and after the work shift. On maximal expiratory flow-volume curves the flow rates at 50 per cent of the control vital capacity were read. Workers exposed to wool dust for more than 10 years had a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms than did those with less than 10 years' exposure, but the difference was not significant. Significant reductions during the work shift were found in maximal expiratory flow rates at 50 per cent of the control vital capapity and 1-sec forced expiratory volume, the first test being considerably more sensitive. Workers exposed to wool dust for more than 10 years had signficantly lower than predicted pre-shift values for maximal expiratory flow rates at 50 per cent of the control vital capapcity. Inhalation of wool dust extract caused a significant decrease of maximal expiratory flow rates at 40 per cent of the control vital capacity on partial expiratory flow-volume curves during the 100 min after exposure. Comparison with the same concentration of cotton dust extract revealed a similar effect during the first 40 min after exposure but a significantly larger effect of the cotton dust extract after 40 min. The data suggest that preventive measures, especially medical supervision, are necessary in wool-processing mills to protect workers sensitive to dust.", "contents": "Effect of wool dust on respiratory function. A group of 252 workers (176 women and 76 men) employed in two wool mills was studied. The mean age of 36 years; mean exposure, 11 years. All women were nonsmokers, and 47 per cent of the men were regular smokers. Ventilatory function was measured by recording maximal expiratory flow-volume curves and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec on the first working day of the week (Monday) before and after the work shift. On maximal expiratory flow-volume curves the flow rates at 50 per cent of the control vital capacity were read. Workers exposed to wool dust for more than 10 years had a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms than did those with less than 10 years' exposure, but the difference was not significant. Significant reductions during the work shift were found in maximal expiratory flow rates at 50 per cent of the control vital capapity and 1-sec forced expiratory volume, the first test being considerably more sensitive. Workers exposed to wool dust for more than 10 years had signficantly lower than predicted pre-shift values for maximal expiratory flow rates at 50 per cent of the control vital capapcity. Inhalation of wool dust extract caused a significant decrease of maximal expiratory flow rates at 40 per cent of the control vital capacity on partial expiratory flow-volume curves during the 100 min after exposure. Comparison with the same concentration of cotton dust extract revealed a similar effect during the first 40 min after exposure but a significantly larger effect of the cotton dust extract after 40 min. The data suggest that preventive measures, especially medical supervision, are necessary in wool-processing mills to protect workers sensitive to dust.", "PMID": 989708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3336", "title": "Effect of medical care review on the use of injections: a study of the New Mexico Experimental Medical Care Review Organization.", "content": "Evaluation of peer review activities in the New Mexico Medicaid program (1971 to 1973) showed that it can affect aspects of quality, that is, the appropriateness of the use of injections as judged by medical criteria. Use of injections, nearly 50% of which were antibiotics, declined by more than 60%, from 41 to 16 per 100 ambulatory visits. Still, at the end of the study, 40% of the injections given were considered medically unnecessary. Analyses showed that [1] groups used injections more appropriately; [2] for solo physicians, being board-certified, being a doctor of medicine, and being a pediatrician were all associated with more proper use of injections; [3] 6% of the physicians gave 40% of the medically unnecessary injections, but even their behavior changed dramatically for the better as a result of the peer review system.", "contents": "Effect of medical care review on the use of injections: a study of the New Mexico Experimental Medical Care Review Organization. Evaluation of peer review activities in the New Mexico Medicaid program (1971 to 1973) showed that it can affect aspects of quality, that is, the appropriateness of the use of injections as judged by medical criteria. Use of injections, nearly 50% of which were antibiotics, declined by more than 60%, from 41 to 16 per 100 ambulatory visits. Still, at the end of the study, 40% of the injections given were considered medically unnecessary. Analyses showed that [1] groups used injections more appropriately; [2] for solo physicians, being board-certified, being a doctor of medicine, and being a pediatrician were all associated with more proper use of injections; [3] 6% of the physicians gave 40% of the medically unnecessary injections, but even their behavior changed dramatically for the better as a result of the peer review system.", "PMID": 989709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3337", "title": "Clinical and roentgenographic findings in splenic abscess.", "content": "A splenic abscess developed in a 16-year-old boy following a supposed viral illness and left lower thoracic trauma. Preoperative diagnosis was at first obscured, but a spleen scan suggested fractured spleen and a splenic arteriogram showed a \"subcapsular hematoma\" and an aneurysm of the left hepatic artery. A 1,800-gm spleen containing one large abscess and one small one was removed. Splenic abscess is rare and, before modern methods of spleen scan and arteriography, rarely diagnosed.", "contents": "Clinical and roentgenographic findings in splenic abscess. A splenic abscess developed in a 16-year-old boy following a supposed viral illness and left lower thoracic trauma. Preoperative diagnosis was at first obscured, but a spleen scan suggested fractured spleen and a splenic arteriogram showed a \"subcapsular hematoma\" and an aneurysm of the left hepatic artery. A 1,800-gm spleen containing one large abscess and one small one was removed. Splenic abscess is rare and, before modern methods of spleen scan and arteriography, rarely diagnosed.", "PMID": 989710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3338", "title": "On the mechanism of lanthanide-induced liver toxicity.", "content": "The intravenous injection of the lighter lanthanide ions Pr(III), Nd(III), and Sm(III) in doses of 35 mumoles/kg inhibits, and isoosmolar doses of the heavier lanthanide ions Gd(III), Dy(III), and Er(III) stimulate rat liver nuclear in vitro RNA synthesis catalyzed by RNA polymerase B 24 h after their application, while nuclear RNA synthesis, catalyzed by RNA polymerase A, was inhibited by the same isoosmolar doses of Pr(III), Nd(III) and not influenced by Sm(III), Gd(III), Dy(III), or Er(III). The effect of in vivo applied Pr(III) and Nd(III) on rat liver in vitro nuclear RNA synthesis shows a similar time and dose-dependent pattern. The decreased rat liver nuclear in vitro RNA synthesis 24 h after intravenous injection of Pr(III) as well as after Nd(III) was accompanied by a decreased nuclear in vitro 3H-acetate uptake by the chromatin-bound histone fractions, F 2a2, F 3, and F 2al. At the same time after the Pr(III) injection, the capacity and number of initiation sites of the rat liver nuclear template for homologous nuclear RNA polymerases, prepared from control rat liver nuclei, was lower than the corresponding control template. A decreased activity of endogenous free nuclear RNA polymerases, as determined with the aim of the synthetic poly(dA-dT) template 24 h after Pr(III), may further contribute to the decreased nuclear RNA synthesis. The results indicate a primary ionic size-correlated interference of lanthanides with the nuclear control mechanisms of RNA synthesis.", "contents": "On the mechanism of lanthanide-induced liver toxicity. The intravenous injection of the lighter lanthanide ions Pr(III), Nd(III), and Sm(III) in doses of 35 mumoles/kg inhibits, and isoosmolar doses of the heavier lanthanide ions Gd(III), Dy(III), and Er(III) stimulate rat liver nuclear in vitro RNA synthesis catalyzed by RNA polymerase B 24 h after their application, while nuclear RNA synthesis, catalyzed by RNA polymerase A, was inhibited by the same isoosmolar doses of Pr(III), Nd(III) and not influenced by Sm(III), Gd(III), Dy(III), or Er(III). The effect of in vivo applied Pr(III) and Nd(III) on rat liver in vitro nuclear RNA synthesis shows a similar time and dose-dependent pattern. The decreased rat liver nuclear in vitro RNA synthesis 24 h after intravenous injection of Pr(III) as well as after Nd(III) was accompanied by a decreased nuclear in vitro 3H-acetate uptake by the chromatin-bound histone fractions, F 2a2, F 3, and F 2al. At the same time after the Pr(III) injection, the capacity and number of initiation sites of the rat liver nuclear template for homologous nuclear RNA polymerases, prepared from control rat liver nuclei, was lower than the corresponding control template. A decreased activity of endogenous free nuclear RNA polymerases, as determined with the aim of the synthetic poly(dA-dT) template 24 h after Pr(III), may further contribute to the decreased nuclear RNA synthesis. The results indicate a primary ionic size-correlated interference of lanthanides with the nuclear control mechanisms of RNA synthesis.", "PMID": 989711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3339", "title": "[Effect of silymarin on the total dry mass of hepatocytes inacute poisoning by phalloidin and alpha-amanitine (author's transl)].", "content": "The effects of silymarin on the total dry mass and class pattern of rat hepatocytes have been studied during acute poisoning by phalloidin and alpha-amanitine. Phalloidin (2/5 of the LD50) after 3 h causes a marked change in the hepatocyte class pattern due to a displacement of a high percentage of cells in the intervals among classes, while the cell dry mass increases slightly. alpha-Amanitine (1/4 or 1/2 of the LD50) after 3 h causes a decrease in the number of classes of hepatocytes due to a disappearance of the heavier ones, a displacement of cells in the intervals among classes, an appearance of very light cells, and a decrease by about 25% in the mean dry mass of the hepatocytes. Silymarin, administered 30 min before poisoning, prevents all the changes due to 2/5 of the LD50 of phalloidin and to 1/4 of the LD50 of alpha-amanitine, and strongly reduces the effects of 1/2 of the LD50 of alpha-amanitine. The effects of alpha-amanitine and phalloidin and the protective action of silymarin on the dry mass and class pattern of hepatocytes are discussed.", "contents": "[Effect of silymarin on the total dry mass of hepatocytes inacute poisoning by phalloidin and alpha-amanitine (author's transl)]. The effects of silymarin on the total dry mass and class pattern of rat hepatocytes have been studied during acute poisoning by phalloidin and alpha-amanitine. Phalloidin (2/5 of the LD50) after 3 h causes a marked change in the hepatocyte class pattern due to a displacement of a high percentage of cells in the intervals among classes, while the cell dry mass increases slightly. alpha-Amanitine (1/4 or 1/2 of the LD50) after 3 h causes a decrease in the number of classes of hepatocytes due to a disappearance of the heavier ones, a displacement of cells in the intervals among classes, an appearance of very light cells, and a decrease by about 25% in the mean dry mass of the hepatocytes. Silymarin, administered 30 min before poisoning, prevents all the changes due to 2/5 of the LD50 of phalloidin and to 1/4 of the LD50 of alpha-amanitine, and strongly reduces the effects of 1/2 of the LD50 of alpha-amanitine. The effects of alpha-amanitine and phalloidin and the protective action of silymarin on the dry mass and class pattern of hepatocytes are discussed.", "PMID": 989712} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3340", "title": "Efficacy of gut lavage, hemodialysis, and hemoperfusion in the therapy of paraquat or diquat intoxication.", "content": "Clinical and in vitro investigations were carried out to test the efficacy of gut lavage, hemodialysis, and hemoperfusion in the treatment of poisoning with paraquat or diquat. In a patient suffering from diquat intoxication 130 times more diquat was removed by gut lavage 30 h after ingestion than was removed by complete aspiration of the gastric contents. Determination of in vitro clearances for paraquat and diquat by hemodialysis showed that, at serum concentrations of 1-2 ppm, such as are frequently encountered in poisoning in man, toxicologically relevant quantities of herbicide cannot be removed from the body. At a concentration of 20 ppm, on the other hand, hemodialysis proved to be effective, the clearance being 70 ml/min at a blood flow rate of 100 ml/min. The efficacy of hemoperfusion with coated activated charcoal was on the whole better. Especially at concentrations around 1-2 ppm, the clearance values for hemoperfusion were some 5-7 times higher than those for hemodialysis. In a patient suffering from paraquat poisoning, both hemodialysis as well as hemoperfusion were carried out. The in vitro results could be confirmed: At serum concentrations of paraquats less than 1 ppm no clearance could be obtained by hemodialysis while by hemoperfusion with activated charcoal quite high clearance values were measured and the serum level dropped down to zero.", "contents": "Efficacy of gut lavage, hemodialysis, and hemoperfusion in the therapy of paraquat or diquat intoxication. Clinical and in vitro investigations were carried out to test the efficacy of gut lavage, hemodialysis, and hemoperfusion in the treatment of poisoning with paraquat or diquat. In a patient suffering from diquat intoxication 130 times more diquat was removed by gut lavage 30 h after ingestion than was removed by complete aspiration of the gastric contents. Determination of in vitro clearances for paraquat and diquat by hemodialysis showed that, at serum concentrations of 1-2 ppm, such as are frequently encountered in poisoning in man, toxicologically relevant quantities of herbicide cannot be removed from the body. At a concentration of 20 ppm, on the other hand, hemodialysis proved to be effective, the clearance being 70 ml/min at a blood flow rate of 100 ml/min. The efficacy of hemoperfusion with coated activated charcoal was on the whole better. Especially at concentrations around 1-2 ppm, the clearance values for hemoperfusion were some 5-7 times higher than those for hemodialysis. In a patient suffering from paraquat poisoning, both hemodialysis as well as hemoperfusion were carried out. The in vitro results could be confirmed: At serum concentrations of paraquats less than 1 ppm no clearance could be obtained by hemodialysis while by hemoperfusion with activated charcoal quite high clearance values were measured and the serum level dropped down to zero.", "PMID": 989713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3341", "title": "The interaction between cadmium, mercury and zinc--administered subcutaneously in a single injection.", "content": "The interaction between three heavy metals, cadmium, mercury and zinc was investigated. The metals were injected subcutaneously into the hind leg of male rats of approximately 200 g body weight in a volume of 0.2 ml either alone or in combination with another metal. It has been shown that interaction started at the site of injection, at which the retention of one metal was increased by the presence of the other over a 48 h period. Besides this local interaction, probably based on competition for a carrier compound, there were differences in distribution. Analysis of the data indicates that metals injected simultaneously can influence the distribution of each other and, although each of the studied metal is able to induce thionein, the observed interactions cannot be explained by a single mechanism.", "contents": "The interaction between cadmium, mercury and zinc--administered subcutaneously in a single injection. The interaction between three heavy metals, cadmium, mercury and zinc was investigated. The metals were injected subcutaneously into the hind leg of male rats of approximately 200 g body weight in a volume of 0.2 ml either alone or in combination with another metal. It has been shown that interaction started at the site of injection, at which the retention of one metal was increased by the presence of the other over a 48 h period. Besides this local interaction, probably based on competition for a carrier compound, there were differences in distribution. Analysis of the data indicates that metals injected simultaneously can influence the distribution of each other and, although each of the studied metal is able to induce thionein, the observed interactions cannot be explained by a single mechanism.", "PMID": 989714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3342", "title": "Differences in distribution and excretion of selenium and cadmium or mercury after their simultaneous administration subcutaneously in equimolar doses.", "content": "Forty-eight hours after the simultaneous administration of either 1.8 mumoles Se (as Na2SeO3) to 200 g male rats with equivalent doses of Cd (as CdCl2) or 0.5 mumoles Se with equivalent doses of Hg (as HgCl2) the retention of selenium at the subcutaneous injection site was affected only when it was given in a single injection with the heavy metal. The retention of cadmium was increased only if selenium was injected separately and the retention of mercury was increased both in single and separate injections. When there was an increase in retention at the site of injection, this made up less than 8% of the dose for selenium and mercury and 3% for cadmium and thus could not explain either changes in distribution or the reported protective effects by one metal against the other. The shift in the distributionpattern of one metal caused by the other metal was similar, and independent of whether they were injected in single or separate injections. However the shift in the distribution of interacting metals showed some differences indicating that interaction could not be mediated through the formation of a stable complex between selenium on the one hand and mercury or cadmium on the other.", "contents": "Differences in distribution and excretion of selenium and cadmium or mercury after their simultaneous administration subcutaneously in equimolar doses. Forty-eight hours after the simultaneous administration of either 1.8 mumoles Se (as Na2SeO3) to 200 g male rats with equivalent doses of Cd (as CdCl2) or 0.5 mumoles Se with equivalent doses of Hg (as HgCl2) the retention of selenium at the subcutaneous injection site was affected only when it was given in a single injection with the heavy metal. The retention of cadmium was increased only if selenium was injected separately and the retention of mercury was increased both in single and separate injections. When there was an increase in retention at the site of injection, this made up less than 8% of the dose for selenium and mercury and 3% for cadmium and thus could not explain either changes in distribution or the reported protective effects by one metal against the other. The shift in the distributionpattern of one metal caused by the other metal was similar, and independent of whether they were injected in single or separate injections. However the shift in the distribution of interacting metals showed some differences indicating that interaction could not be mediated through the formation of a stable complex between selenium on the one hand and mercury or cadmium on the other.", "PMID": 989715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3343", "title": "Therapeutic effects of HS-3, HS-6, benactyzine, and atropine in soman poisoning of dogs.", "content": "Investigations into the therapeutic properties of various combinations of the bispyridinium salts HS-3 and HS-6 and the cholinolytics atropine and benactyzine against soman poisoning in unanesthetized male beagles were performed. In our investigations we observed that: 1. The most effective protection against soman poisoning was attained if both oximes were applied early i.m. 6 min after intoxication together with the cholinolytics. 2. On the basis of clinical symptoms HS-6 proved to have a more intensive therapeutic effect than HS-3 upon early application. 3. If HS-3 was applied early after s.c. intoxication with low concentrations of soman (up to 3 LD50), a significant protection or reactivation effect on serium cholinesterase was measured. 4. When HS-3 was applied at the beginning of convulsions--generally 28 min after s.c. intoxication--it also raised the rate of surviving animals. 5. The maximal blood levels for HS-3 and HS-6 were measured 20-30 min after i.m. injection; the half-life values of HS-3 and HS-6 in plasma were 45-60 min.", "contents": "Therapeutic effects of HS-3, HS-6, benactyzine, and atropine in soman poisoning of dogs. Investigations into the therapeutic properties of various combinations of the bispyridinium salts HS-3 and HS-6 and the cholinolytics atropine and benactyzine against soman poisoning in unanesthetized male beagles were performed. In our investigations we observed that: 1. The most effective protection against soman poisoning was attained if both oximes were applied early i.m. 6 min after intoxication together with the cholinolytics. 2. On the basis of clinical symptoms HS-6 proved to have a more intensive therapeutic effect than HS-3 upon early application. 3. If HS-3 was applied early after s.c. intoxication with low concentrations of soman (up to 3 LD50), a significant protection or reactivation effect on serium cholinesterase was measured. 4. When HS-3 was applied at the beginning of convulsions--generally 28 min after s.c. intoxication--it also raised the rate of surviving animals. 5. The maximal blood levels for HS-3 and HS-6 were measured 20-30 min after i.m. injection; the half-life values of HS-3 and HS-6 in plasma were 45-60 min.", "PMID": 989716} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3344", "title": "Certain oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes in the middle ear effusion in serous otitis media.", "content": "Activities of various oxidative (LDH, MDH) and hydrolytic (LAP, alkaline- and acid phosphatase, and lysozyme) enzymes in serous middle ear effusions (MEE) and serum from patients with serous otitis media were studied. The ratio of enzyme activity between MEE and serum (MEE/serum) was greater than one for all enzymes studied indicating a higher activity of these enzymes in MEE than in serum. These findings are consistent with a hypothesis suggesting the release of enzymes from inflammatory processes in the middle ear cavity. These enzymes presumably originate from 1) enzymes normally present in blood, 2) release of enzymes from inflamed middle ear mucosa, 3) release of enzymes from inflammatory cells present in the effusions.", "contents": "Certain oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes in the middle ear effusion in serous otitis media. Activities of various oxidative (LDH, MDH) and hydrolytic (LAP, alkaline- and acid phosphatase, and lysozyme) enzymes in serous middle ear effusions (MEE) and serum from patients with serous otitis media were studied. The ratio of enzyme activity between MEE and serum (MEE/serum) was greater than one for all enzymes studied indicating a higher activity of these enzymes in MEE than in serum. These findings are consistent with a hypothesis suggesting the release of enzymes from inflammatory processes in the middle ear cavity. These enzymes presumably originate from 1) enzymes normally present in blood, 2) release of enzymes from inflamed middle ear mucosa, 3) release of enzymes from inflammatory cells present in the effusions.", "PMID": 989718} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3345", "title": "Automatic recording and evaluation of neuronography.", "content": "The introduction in the 60' s of the Nerve Excitability Test (NET) by Laumans and Jongkees for the diagnosis of Bell's palsy stimulated an interest of quantitative testing of the facial nerve. In 1970 Yanagihara reported the Evoced Myography (EMG; i.e. NET is combined with EMG). Starting with electrophysiological basis of the impulse spread of peripheral nerves May, in 1971, extended this concept by including supraliminal stimuli, i.e. Maximal Stimulation Test (MST), for diagnostic purposes. This method eventually developed into what is known as neuronography (Esslen, Huffmann, Ehrenberger, Satoh). It is undoubtedly a refinement in the question of prognosis of Bell's palsy. Continuing the original concept of May we have developed an electronic device with which to carry out automatically the neuronography that demonstrates an evaluation on a numeric display. We use the conventional bipolar negative square wave for a 1 ms stimulation. We stimulate the angle of the mandible, where the ramus marginalis can be readily found in all patients. Neuronography and Evoked Myography provide earlier a more precise prognosis of facial palsy than Nerve Excitability Test (NET). We developed an electronic device for the Maximal Stimulation Test (MST) of May, M., that is automatic. The device counts the spikes of the evoked myogram. A time window is related to the stimulus to exclude stimulus noise and background muscle noise from the counter. Only spikes seen in this window are processed. The number of spikes generated per stimulus is the measurement of the live axons in a stimulated nerve.", "contents": "Automatic recording and evaluation of neuronography. The introduction in the 60' s of the Nerve Excitability Test (NET) by Laumans and Jongkees for the diagnosis of Bell's palsy stimulated an interest of quantitative testing of the facial nerve. In 1970 Yanagihara reported the Evoced Myography (EMG; i.e. NET is combined with EMG). Starting with electrophysiological basis of the impulse spread of peripheral nerves May, in 1971, extended this concept by including supraliminal stimuli, i.e. Maximal Stimulation Test (MST), for diagnostic purposes. This method eventually developed into what is known as neuronography (Esslen, Huffmann, Ehrenberger, Satoh). It is undoubtedly a refinement in the question of prognosis of Bell's palsy. Continuing the original concept of May we have developed an electronic device with which to carry out automatically the neuronography that demonstrates an evaluation on a numeric display. We use the conventional bipolar negative square wave for a 1 ms stimulation. We stimulate the angle of the mandible, where the ramus marginalis can be readily found in all patients. Neuronography and Evoked Myography provide earlier a more precise prognosis of facial palsy than Nerve Excitability Test (NET). We developed an electronic device for the Maximal Stimulation Test (MST) of May, M., that is automatic. The device counts the spikes of the evoked myogram. A time window is related to the stimulus to exclude stimulus noise and background muscle noise from the counter. Only spikes seen in this window are processed. The number of spikes generated per stimulus is the measurement of the live axons in a stimulated nerve.", "PMID": 989719} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3346", "title": "Distribution and possible function of lysosomal enzymes in the inner ear under normal and pathophysiological conditions.", "content": "The normal distribution of several lysosomal enzymes was studied in 20 guinea pigs. In the outer hair cells lysosomal enzymes are mainly localized at the apical cell pole, while in inner hair cells the distribution was uniform. Nonlysosomal enzymes like alcaline phosphatase are of predominantly basal localization. The concentration of some lysosomal enzymes like N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase was higher in outer than in inner hair cells while others like acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase and sulfatase showed a stronger reaction in the inner hair cells. After 10 days of sound overstimulation with 120 dB for 1 h a day, there was an increase of lysosomal enzyme content namely in the outer hair cells. There was no change of non-lysosomal enzymes. Under these conditions there might be a partial destruction of cellular organelles eliminated by lysosomal activity without loss of a total cell. In addition the distribution and possible function of lysosomal enzymes in other labyrinthine tissues was discussed.", "contents": "Distribution and possible function of lysosomal enzymes in the inner ear under normal and pathophysiological conditions. The normal distribution of several lysosomal enzymes was studied in 20 guinea pigs. In the outer hair cells lysosomal enzymes are mainly localized at the apical cell pole, while in inner hair cells the distribution was uniform. Nonlysosomal enzymes like alcaline phosphatase are of predominantly basal localization. The concentration of some lysosomal enzymes like N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase was higher in outer than in inner hair cells while others like acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase and sulfatase showed a stronger reaction in the inner hair cells. After 10 days of sound overstimulation with 120 dB for 1 h a day, there was an increase of lysosomal enzyme content namely in the outer hair cells. There was no change of non-lysosomal enzymes. Under these conditions there might be a partial destruction of cellular organelles eliminated by lysosomal activity without loss of a total cell. In addition the distribution and possible function of lysosomal enzymes in other labyrinthine tissues was discussed.", "PMID": 989723} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3347", "title": "Intensity and rate functions of cochlear and brainstem evoked responses to click stimuli in man.", "content": "The complex of five waves, which are the responses to click stimuli of the auditory nerve and the brainstem auditory nuclei, were recorded in ten human subjects by means of earlobe and scalp electrodes. The rate of the stimuli was varied from 5/s to 80/s and their intensity was varied over a 70 dB intensity range in order to study the rate and intensity functions of each of the response components. With increasing click intensity, the amplitude of the first wave (generated by the auditory nerve) increased proportionally while the amplitudes of the later waves (generated by the brainstem auditory nuclei) reached their maximum amplitudes at intermediate click levels (saturation), and at high intensities occasionally even decreased in amplitude. The latency of each of the waves decreased by similar amounts as the intensity was increased. With increasing click rates, the amplitude of the first wave decreased the most, while there were smaller effects on the amplitude of the later waves. There was no effect of click rate on the latency of the first wave, but the latency of the later waves increased with click rate, the effect being greater on the later waves. In the rate functions, the latency change of a wave was greater than that of the waves preceding it (accumulative effect). These results are explained by overlapping convergence and divergence in the ascending auditory pathway. These results support the notion that the principal component of each wave is activated by the principal component of the previous wave. These results may explain the relative ease with which several workers record the fourth wave of the complex, and their preference for this response.", "contents": "Intensity and rate functions of cochlear and brainstem evoked responses to click stimuli in man. The complex of five waves, which are the responses to click stimuli of the auditory nerve and the brainstem auditory nuclei, were recorded in ten human subjects by means of earlobe and scalp electrodes. The rate of the stimuli was varied from 5/s to 80/s and their intensity was varied over a 70 dB intensity range in order to study the rate and intensity functions of each of the response components. With increasing click intensity, the amplitude of the first wave (generated by the auditory nerve) increased proportionally while the amplitudes of the later waves (generated by the brainstem auditory nuclei) reached their maximum amplitudes at intermediate click levels (saturation), and at high intensities occasionally even decreased in amplitude. The latency of each of the waves decreased by similar amounts as the intensity was increased. With increasing click rates, the amplitude of the first wave decreased the most, while there were smaller effects on the amplitude of the later waves. There was no effect of click rate on the latency of the first wave, but the latency of the later waves increased with click rate, the effect being greater on the later waves. In the rate functions, the latency change of a wave was greater than that of the waves preceding it (accumulative effect). These results are explained by overlapping convergence and divergence in the ascending auditory pathway. These results support the notion that the principal component of each wave is activated by the principal component of the previous wave. These results may explain the relative ease with which several workers record the fourth wave of the complex, and their preference for this response.", "PMID": 989724} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3348", "title": "Role of the levator veli palatini muscle in movement of the lateral pharyngeal wall.", "content": "In order to examine both the site and the muscle responsible for inward movement of the lateral pharyngeal wall, the following 3 observations were made. 1. Radiographic observation of the lateral wall by pasting a lead marker to the torus tubarius. 2. Cinematographic analysis of the lateral wall movement in relation to the velar elevation. 3. Anatomical observation of the levator muscle and the torus. Our conclusion was that the lateral wall movement was an inward displacement of the torus tubarius caused by contraction of the levator veli palatini muscle.", "contents": "Role of the levator veli palatini muscle in movement of the lateral pharyngeal wall. In order to examine both the site and the muscle responsible for inward movement of the lateral pharyngeal wall, the following 3 observations were made. 1. Radiographic observation of the lateral wall by pasting a lead marker to the torus tubarius. 2. Cinematographic analysis of the lateral wall movement in relation to the velar elevation. 3. Anatomical observation of the levator muscle and the torus. Our conclusion was that the lateral wall movement was an inward displacement of the torus tubarius caused by contraction of the levator veli palatini muscle.", "PMID": 989725} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3349", "title": "[Experimental demonstration of an identic antigenicity of the inner ear and kidney (author's transl)].", "content": "An allergic glomerunephritis was produced in rats by injection of an anti-basement-membrane-serum (IgG-fraction), taken from rabbits which were sensitized against a basement membrane fraction of rat-glomerula. Tissues from heart, liver, brain, lung and inner ear were compared with the well known alterations of the glomerula. Exclusively in stria vascularis and renal glomerula heavy changements of the basement membranes and endothelial cells could be shown by electronmicroscopic examination and by immunohistological methods.", "contents": "[Experimental demonstration of an identic antigenicity of the inner ear and kidney (author's transl)]. An allergic glomerunephritis was produced in rats by injection of an anti-basement-membrane-serum (IgG-fraction), taken from rabbits which were sensitized against a basement membrane fraction of rat-glomerula. Tissues from heart, liver, brain, lung and inner ear were compared with the well known alterations of the glomerula. Exclusively in stria vascularis and renal glomerula heavy changements of the basement membranes and endothelial cells could be shown by electronmicroscopic examination and by immunohistological methods.", "PMID": 989726} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3350", "title": "A defensive role of IgE mediated reaction in the nose.", "content": "Immunoglobulins of different classes are known to play a role in humoral defense mechanism, and Immunoglobulin E, without any actual evidence, is also expected to perform the same function. From the point of the defensive role the present study was undertaken in nasal allergy by observing the way in which powdered carbon particles previously insufflated in the nasal cavities are rapidly removed by nasal provocation with a causative allergen extract. The ratio of disapperance time of the carbon powder after/before provocation decreased markedly in good proportion with the intensity of the provocative reaction. Both sneezing and nasal secretion provocated contributed to this removal of the powder. When the nasal cavity on one side only was provocated, the non-provoked side also showed a rapid disappearance of the powder. In conclusion, Immunoglobulin E serves as a gate keeper by removing allergens from the surface of the nasal mucous membrane and by inhibiting the penetration of allergens into the nasal mucous membrane.", "contents": "A defensive role of IgE mediated reaction in the nose. Immunoglobulins of different classes are known to play a role in humoral defense mechanism, and Immunoglobulin E, without any actual evidence, is also expected to perform the same function. From the point of the defensive role the present study was undertaken in nasal allergy by observing the way in which powdered carbon particles previously insufflated in the nasal cavities are rapidly removed by nasal provocation with a causative allergen extract. The ratio of disapperance time of the carbon powder after/before provocation decreased markedly in good proportion with the intensity of the provocative reaction. Both sneezing and nasal secretion provocated contributed to this removal of the powder. When the nasal cavity on one side only was provocated, the non-provoked side also showed a rapid disappearance of the powder. In conclusion, Immunoglobulin E serves as a gate keeper by removing allergens from the surface of the nasal mucous membrane and by inhibiting the penetration of allergens into the nasal mucous membrane.", "PMID": 989727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3351", "title": "Morphological and physiological findings on hair cells with impaired metabolism (nitrogen, monoiodoacetate) in Caiman crocodilus with reference to sudden deafness.", "content": "Morphological and physiological studies were carried out on Caiman crocodilus under experimentally produced metabolic changes. During N2-respiration the cochlear potentials responded differently. The negative component (CM-) of the cochlear microphonics decreased continuously, whereas the CM+ component showed only a little change. The summation action potential (AP) exhibited a similar behaviour to that of CM-. These alterations were reversible up to periods of 30 min N2-respiration. The morphological findings, after N2-respiration, showed an intracellular oedema of the hair cells. The afferent synaptic contacts are always recognizable. Different degrees of disintegration within the presynaptic structures were seen. Efferent axosomal and axodendritic synapses were unchanged. MIA-perfusion led to an irreversible decrease of the cochlear potentials (CM+; CM-; AP) and morphologically to a total destruction of the papilla basilaris. The changes in the presynaptic structures during anaerobic metabolism offer the possibility of a new explanation for the reversibility of sudden deafness.", "contents": "Morphological and physiological findings on hair cells with impaired metabolism (nitrogen, monoiodoacetate) in Caiman crocodilus with reference to sudden deafness. Morphological and physiological studies were carried out on Caiman crocodilus under experimentally produced metabolic changes. During N2-respiration the cochlear potentials responded differently. The negative component (CM-) of the cochlear microphonics decreased continuously, whereas the CM+ component showed only a little change. The summation action potential (AP) exhibited a similar behaviour to that of CM-. These alterations were reversible up to periods of 30 min N2-respiration. The morphological findings, after N2-respiration, showed an intracellular oedema of the hair cells. The afferent synaptic contacts are always recognizable. Different degrees of disintegration within the presynaptic structures were seen. Efferent axosomal and axodendritic synapses were unchanged. MIA-perfusion led to an irreversible decrease of the cochlear potentials (CM+; CM-; AP) and morphologically to a total destruction of the papilla basilaris. The changes in the presynaptic structures during anaerobic metabolism offer the possibility of a new explanation for the reversibility of sudden deafness.", "PMID": 989728} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3352", "title": "[High frequency cinematographic investigations of the mode of operation of common drilling instruments on bone and cartilage (author's transl)].", "content": "High frequency cinematographic films were made of the mode of operation of common oto-surgical drilling instruments on bone and cartilage. Rose bits and surgical fraises of different sizes were used at 5,000-80,000 R.P.M. The evaluation of the slow motion pictures was performed on the running films and by review of single frames. In detail: The preparation of the drilling head on the bone without simultaneous flushing leads to a filling of the cutting channel and decreased cutting. Drop flushing only prevents the increasing soiling of the drilling head if the drop sequence is rapid and which must be markedly increased with increasing R.P.M. of the drilling instrument. Flushing with a stream of water, which definitely prevents soiling, is preferable. Both drop flushing as well as the water stream must continuously wet the drilling head, i.e. must be absolutely centric in every case. Safest is the automatic spray flusing which is mounted on the handpiece, but which has so far not been used in oto-surgery. During the preparation, the air space of the working area is always filled with drilling dust or haze. Cutting is always performed tangenitally. The cutting speed lies between 2,9 m/s to 16 m/s. It depends on the R.P.M. of the drilling instrument. A drill head running out of true, even with a gently percussing shaft, touches the bone only with a part of its cutting surface which strikes more vigorously than desired and easily gets soiled, despite flushing. Cutting is therefore less and uncontrolled. An increased feeding energy (pressure on the support) in order to speed up cutting leads to heavy wear of the drilling instrument and unsafety in handling due to jumping of the drilling head. During each contact of a cutter with the bone, coarse fraises with low R.P.M. (5,000 R.P.M. = 83 R/s) show a short stopping of the rotation which results in a jerk and vibration of the whole preparation and can thus lead to a damage of the inner ear.", "contents": "[High frequency cinematographic investigations of the mode of operation of common drilling instruments on bone and cartilage (author's transl)]. High frequency cinematographic films were made of the mode of operation of common oto-surgical drilling instruments on bone and cartilage. Rose bits and surgical fraises of different sizes were used at 5,000-80,000 R.P.M. The evaluation of the slow motion pictures was performed on the running films and by review of single frames. In detail: The preparation of the drilling head on the bone without simultaneous flushing leads to a filling of the cutting channel and decreased cutting. Drop flushing only prevents the increasing soiling of the drilling head if the drop sequence is rapid and which must be markedly increased with increasing R.P.M. of the drilling instrument. Flushing with a stream of water, which definitely prevents soiling, is preferable. Both drop flushing as well as the water stream must continuously wet the drilling head, i.e. must be absolutely centric in every case. Safest is the automatic spray flusing which is mounted on the handpiece, but which has so far not been used in oto-surgery. During the preparation, the air space of the working area is always filled with drilling dust or haze. Cutting is always performed tangenitally. The cutting speed lies between 2,9 m/s to 16 m/s. It depends on the R.P.M. of the drilling instrument. A drill head running out of true, even with a gently percussing shaft, touches the bone only with a part of its cutting surface which strikes more vigorously than desired and easily gets soiled, despite flushing. Cutting is therefore less and uncontrolled. An increased feeding energy (pressure on the support) in order to speed up cutting leads to heavy wear of the drilling instrument and unsafety in handling due to jumping of the drilling head. During each contact of a cutter with the bone, coarse fraises with low R.P.M. (5,000 R.P.M. = 83 R/s) show a short stopping of the rotation which results in a jerk and vibration of the whole preparation and can thus lead to a damage of the inner ear.", "PMID": 989729} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3353", "title": "[Experiments on the medicamental treatment of the noise-induced cochlear damage. Part I. The effect of dipyridamol and allopurinol on the RMP of the cochlea (guinea pig) after noise (author's transl)].", "content": "Dipyridamol has in addition to a coronardilatating effect an ati-thrombotic one too. Moreover it facilitates the release of O2 from haemoglobin by increase of the concentration of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in the erythrocytes. Allopurinol causes a potential resynthesis of ATP in the cells by inhibition of the metabolism of uric acid. Both substances therefore seemed to be suitable for a medicamental therapy of the noise-induced cochlear damage. The expected favourable effect of Dipyridamol and Allopurinol on the organ of Corti after sound exposure (RMP-measurement before and after exposure to pure tone 120 dB SPL) however had not been confirmed by experiment on animals (guinea pig).", "contents": "[Experiments on the medicamental treatment of the noise-induced cochlear damage. Part I. The effect of dipyridamol and allopurinol on the RMP of the cochlea (guinea pig) after noise (author's transl)]. Dipyridamol has in addition to a coronardilatating effect an ati-thrombotic one too. Moreover it facilitates the release of O2 from haemoglobin by increase of the concentration of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in the erythrocytes. Allopurinol causes a potential resynthesis of ATP in the cells by inhibition of the metabolism of uric acid. Both substances therefore seemed to be suitable for a medicamental therapy of the noise-induced cochlear damage. The expected favourable effect of Dipyridamol and Allopurinol on the organ of Corti after sound exposure (RMP-measurement before and after exposure to pure tone 120 dB SPL) however had not been confirmed by experiment on animals (guinea pig).", "PMID": 989730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3354", "title": "Cochlear microphonics and SDH activity in the hair cells under anoxia.", "content": "Cochlear microphonics and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) activity of the hair cells during anoxia were studied in guinea pigs. After injection of the glucose-glucose oxidase mixture into the cerebellomedullary cistern, the deprivation of the oxygen tension in CSF and perilymph was measured in different time courses. In CSF, oxygen tension was reduced to zero within 60 min while in perilymph the maximal reduction was about a half the original level. The cochlear microphonics responded well to the oxygen tension deprivation in the perilymph. SDH activity, particularly in the outer hair cells was quite parallel to the oxygen tension in perilymph and also to the behavior of the cochlear microphonics. The present results indicate a close relationship between the electrophysiological and histochemical findings and that cochlear microphonics represent the function of the outer hair cells only.", "contents": "Cochlear microphonics and SDH activity in the hair cells under anoxia. Cochlear microphonics and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) activity of the hair cells during anoxia were studied in guinea pigs. After injection of the glucose-glucose oxidase mixture into the cerebellomedullary cistern, the deprivation of the oxygen tension in CSF and perilymph was measured in different time courses. In CSF, oxygen tension was reduced to zero within 60 min while in perilymph the maximal reduction was about a half the original level. The cochlear microphonics responded well to the oxygen tension deprivation in the perilymph. SDH activity, particularly in the outer hair cells was quite parallel to the oxygen tension in perilymph and also to the behavior of the cochlear microphonics. The present results indicate a close relationship between the electrophysiological and histochemical findings and that cochlear microphonics represent the function of the outer hair cells only.", "PMID": 989731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3355", "title": "[Concerning upbuilding of a tissue-bank for the ent-specialty (author's transl)].", "content": "The instrumental equipment of an ENT-tissue-bank is shown. A method of supramaximal deep-freezing is demonstrated, that enables to conserve living tissues and organs for an indefinite space of time.", "contents": "[Concerning upbuilding of a tissue-bank for the ent-specialty (author's transl)]. The instrumental equipment of an ENT-tissue-bank is shown. A method of supramaximal deep-freezing is demonstrated, that enables to conserve living tissues and organs for an indefinite space of time.", "PMID": 989732} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3356", "title": "[Determination of mercury-content of tissues preserved in cialit (author's transl)].", "content": "The mercury-tissue-concentrations of implants (structures of the middle ear, bones, cartilage, dura) after preservation in solutions of cialit are mostly independent on preservation conditions, low and seem to be physiological. A positive correlation exists between the weight of the implant and the mercury-tissue concentrations. An enrichment with mercury-ions cannot be stated. The statements do not concern the mercury which is bound on cialit in the implant.", "contents": "[Determination of mercury-content of tissues preserved in cialit (author's transl)]. The mercury-tissue-concentrations of implants (structures of the middle ear, bones, cartilage, dura) after preservation in solutions of cialit are mostly independent on preservation conditions, low and seem to be physiological. A positive correlation exists between the weight of the implant and the mercury-tissue concentrations. An enrichment with mercury-ions cannot be stated. The statements do not concern the mercury which is bound on cialit in the implant.", "PMID": 989733} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3357", "title": "[The corneal reflex stimulated pneumatically (author's transl)].", "content": "We describe an apparatus measuring the cornealreflex stimulated pneumatically. The flow of preassurised air in the range of 0.1-1.5 bar is controlled by an electromagnetic switch. The time the valve is open, is variable. The air flow is directed to the cornea of the eye. The blink reflex is recorded by means of the surface electromyogramm and displayed on the screen of a storage scope. The device allows a clean, reproducable and simple measurement of the cornealreflex.", "contents": "[The corneal reflex stimulated pneumatically (author's transl)]. We describe an apparatus measuring the cornealreflex stimulated pneumatically. The flow of preassurised air in the range of 0.1-1.5 bar is controlled by an electromagnetic switch. The time the valve is open, is variable. The air flow is directed to the cornea of the eye. The blink reflex is recorded by means of the surface electromyogramm and displayed on the screen of a storage scope. The device allows a clean, reproducable and simple measurement of the cornealreflex.", "PMID": 989734} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3358", "title": "Factors determining the potency of mydriatic drugs in man.", "content": "1 The mydriasis resulting from topical application of five atropine-like drugs was measured photographically in man. Drug potency was obtained from log dose-response curves. 2 The in vitro potency of eight cholinoceptor blocking drugs, including those studied in man, was obtained by measuring their affinity constants for binding to the receptors of an isolated preparation of the rabbit sphincter pupillae. Values agreed closely with those obtained for the muscarinic receptors of guinea-pig ileum. 3 In vitro and in vivo potency was compared to obtain a quantitative measure of the relative ease with which drugs gain access to the receptors after topical application. 4 The large differences that occur in the intensity and duration of the mydriatic response to atropine-like drugs is primarily the result of differences in their ability to blcok the receptors. Only with tropicamide does its relatively high accessibility affect its potency in man.", "contents": "Factors determining the potency of mydriatic drugs in man. 1 The mydriasis resulting from topical application of five atropine-like drugs was measured photographically in man. Drug potency was obtained from log dose-response curves. 2 The in vitro potency of eight cholinoceptor blocking drugs, including those studied in man, was obtained by measuring their affinity constants for binding to the receptors of an isolated preparation of the rabbit sphincter pupillae. Values agreed closely with those obtained for the muscarinic receptors of guinea-pig ileum. 3 In vitro and in vivo potency was compared to obtain a quantitative measure of the relative ease with which drugs gain access to the receptors after topical application. 4 The large differences that occur in the intensity and duration of the mydriatic response to atropine-like drugs is primarily the result of differences in their ability to blcok the receptors. Only with tropicamide does its relatively high accessibility affect its potency in man.", "PMID": 989736} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3359", "title": "The development of an instrument for monitoring dilatation of the cervix during labour.", "content": "The measurement of cervical dilatation during labour is of fundamental importance to the obstetrician as it indicates the progress of labour. This paper reviews instruments that have been used to measure cervical dilatation in the past and describes the development of an instrument, originally intended to measure both effacement of the cervix and cervical dilatation, but which, because of technical problems, resulted in an instrument measuring cervical dilatation only. The instrument is non-traumatic, accurate, and easy to apply. As well as the clinical application, the instrument has been found useful in studying mechanism of dilatation. Preliminary results have shown that the cervix opens in an oscillatory manner dictated by the strength and period of uterine contractions. It can even close slightly following a series of weak contractions. Further clinical trials are planned.", "contents": "The development of an instrument for monitoring dilatation of the cervix during labour. The measurement of cervical dilatation during labour is of fundamental importance to the obstetrician as it indicates the progress of labour. This paper reviews instruments that have been used to measure cervical dilatation in the past and describes the development of an instrument, originally intended to measure both effacement of the cervix and cervical dilatation, but which, because of technical problems, resulted in an instrument measuring cervical dilatation only. The instrument is non-traumatic, accurate, and easy to apply. As well as the clinical application, the instrument has been found useful in studying mechanism of dilatation. Preliminary results have shown that the cervix opens in an oscillatory manner dictated by the strength and period of uterine contractions. It can even close slightly following a series of weak contractions. Further clinical trials are planned.", "PMID": 989740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3360", "title": "Subject cataloging practices in North American medical school libraries.", "content": "A survey of North American medical school libraries was made to determine current trends in subject cataloging practices. First, responses from 114 of these libraries are recorded and analyzed in the following areas: subject heading authority lists employed; use of the divided versus the dictionary catalog; and the form in which local subject authority files are kept. Then, focusing on 78 libraries that use MeSH in combination with a divided catalog, a further analysis of responses is made concerning issues relating to subject cataloging practices: updating the subject catalog to conform to annual MeSH changes; use of guide cards in the catalog; use of MeSH subheadings; filing conventions; and related issues. An attempt is made to analyze the extent to which these libraries vary from NLM practices. Suggestions are offered for formulating subject cataloging practices for an individual library. Finally, while it is concluded that MeSH and the Current Catalog are useful tools, a more detailed explication of the use of MeSH and NLM cataloging practices would be beneficial.", "contents": "Subject cataloging practices in North American medical school libraries. A survey of North American medical school libraries was made to determine current trends in subject cataloging practices. First, responses from 114 of these libraries are recorded and analyzed in the following areas: subject heading authority lists employed; use of the divided versus the dictionary catalog; and the form in which local subject authority files are kept. Then, focusing on 78 libraries that use MeSH in combination with a divided catalog, a further analysis of responses is made concerning issues relating to subject cataloging practices: updating the subject catalog to conform to annual MeSH changes; use of guide cards in the catalog; use of MeSH subheadings; filing conventions; and related issues. An attempt is made to analyze the extent to which these libraries vary from NLM practices. Suggestions are offered for formulating subject cataloging practices for an individual library. Finally, while it is concluded that MeSH and the Current Catalog are useful tools, a more detailed explication of the use of MeSH and NLM cataloging practices would be beneficial.", "PMID": 989741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3361", "title": "Inhibition of mammalian polyadenylate polymerase by 2-aza-1,N6-etheno-adenosine triphosphate.", "content": "2-Aza-1,N6-etheno-adenosine triphosphate (aza-epsilonATP), a fluorescent analog of adenosine triphosphate, significantly inhibits polyadenylate [poly(A)] polymerase of bovine lymphosarcoma and calf thymus, with 50% inhibition at 200 muM (in the presence of an equal concentration of adenosine triphosphate). Calf thymus RNA polymerases II and III are inhibited 32 and 20%, respectively, by a 3.8-fold excess of aza-epsilonATP; DNA polymerase alpha is not inhibited. The inhibition of poly(A) polymerase by aza-epsilonATP appears to be competitive with adenosine triphosphate; incorporation of aza-epsilonATP is not observed. Polymers of 2-aza 1,N6-etheno-adenosine monophosphate are used as primers, but pootly. 1,N-Etheno-adenosine triphosphate and 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine triphosphate are poor inhibitors of poly(A) polymerase; adenosine diphosphate is ineffective. Deoxyadenosine triphosphate inhibits to the same extent as aza-epsilonATP, while other naturally occurring nucleotides inhibit poly(A) polymerase to varying degrees, with deoxynucleoside triphosphates more potent than ribonucleoside triphosphates. Inhibition of poly(A) polymerase by naturally occurring nucleoside triphosphates suggests that nucleotides may regulate the enzyme in vivo; inhibition by the fluorescent analog aza-epsilonATP suggests that this compound may be useful in elucidating poly(A) metabolism in both normal and neoplastic cells.", "contents": "Inhibition of mammalian polyadenylate polymerase by 2-aza-1,N6-etheno-adenosine triphosphate. 2-Aza-1,N6-etheno-adenosine triphosphate (aza-epsilonATP), a fluorescent analog of adenosine triphosphate, significantly inhibits polyadenylate [poly(A)] polymerase of bovine lymphosarcoma and calf thymus, with 50% inhibition at 200 muM (in the presence of an equal concentration of adenosine triphosphate). Calf thymus RNA polymerases II and III are inhibited 32 and 20%, respectively, by a 3.8-fold excess of aza-epsilonATP; DNA polymerase alpha is not inhibited. The inhibition of poly(A) polymerase by aza-epsilonATP appears to be competitive with adenosine triphosphate; incorporation of aza-epsilonATP is not observed. Polymers of 2-aza 1,N6-etheno-adenosine monophosphate are used as primers, but pootly. 1,N-Etheno-adenosine triphosphate and 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine triphosphate are poor inhibitors of poly(A) polymerase; adenosine diphosphate is ineffective. Deoxyadenosine triphosphate inhibits to the same extent as aza-epsilonATP, while other naturally occurring nucleotides inhibit poly(A) polymerase to varying degrees, with deoxynucleoside triphosphates more potent than ribonucleoside triphosphates. Inhibition of poly(A) polymerase by naturally occurring nucleoside triphosphates suggests that nucleotides may regulate the enzyme in vivo; inhibition by the fluorescent analog aza-epsilonATP suggests that this compound may be useful in elucidating poly(A) metabolism in both normal and neoplastic cells.", "PMID": 989743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3362", "title": "Strokes in children.", "content": "Nine cases have been presented in detail to illustrate some of the varied causes of sudden neurological deficit in childhood: arteriovenous malformation, cryptic hamartoma, berry aneurysm, mycotic aneurysm, intraspinal arteriovenous malformation, brain tumor, migraine, arteritis, and multiple sclerosis. The Boston Children's Hospital experience with aneurysms and intracranial arteriovenous malformation has been summarized. It is noteworthy that a cutaneous hemangioma overlay one cranial and one intraspinal arteriovenous malformation. One small but deep cerebral arteriovenous malformation apparently destroyed itself after its second hemorrhage. Not only have multiple sclerosis and a brain tumor mimicked a vascular lesion, but a series of vascular accidents was misdiagnosed first as multiple sclerosis then as a thalamic tumor. The many possible causes of childhood strokes has been thoroughly cataloged in the Report of the Joint Committee for Stroke Facilities in 1973 (11). Children may be more susceptible to strokes because of congenital abnormalities such as congenital heart disease, hemophilia, and sickle cell anemia, or by diseases which more commonly occur in this age group, such as leukemia. The likelihood of brain abscess in cyanotic congenital heart disease is stressed. Arteriographic studies in our series have been safe; however, there have been reports of probable worsening of symptoms in children with multiple cerebral occlusive lesions in the presence of homocystinuria.", "contents": "Strokes in children. Nine cases have been presented in detail to illustrate some of the varied causes of sudden neurological deficit in childhood: arteriovenous malformation, cryptic hamartoma, berry aneurysm, mycotic aneurysm, intraspinal arteriovenous malformation, brain tumor, migraine, arteritis, and multiple sclerosis. The Boston Children's Hospital experience with aneurysms and intracranial arteriovenous malformation has been summarized. It is noteworthy that a cutaneous hemangioma overlay one cranial and one intraspinal arteriovenous malformation. One small but deep cerebral arteriovenous malformation apparently destroyed itself after its second hemorrhage. Not only have multiple sclerosis and a brain tumor mimicked a vascular lesion, but a series of vascular accidents was misdiagnosed first as multiple sclerosis then as a thalamic tumor. The many possible causes of childhood strokes has been thoroughly cataloged in the Report of the Joint Committee for Stroke Facilities in 1973 (11). Children may be more susceptible to strokes because of congenital abnormalities such as congenital heart disease, hemophilia, and sickle cell anemia, or by diseases which more commonly occur in this age group, such as leukemia. The likelihood of brain abscess in cyanotic congenital heart disease is stressed. Arteriographic studies in our series have been safe; however, there have been reports of probable worsening of symptoms in children with multiple cerebral occlusive lesions in the presence of homocystinuria.", "PMID": 989745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3363", "title": "[Dense material observed in pericapillary space of the thyroid of Hashimoto's disease].", "content": "An electron microscopic observation was performed on the follicular capillary of thyroid of Hashimoto's disease. Material was the thyroid obtained from a 41-years-old female showing typical features of this disease both clinically and histologically. Some remarkable findings were the presence of multi-layered basement membrane like structure, and the accumulation of dense minute granular materials concerning with long processes of lymphcyte in the widened pericapillary space. From the above-mentioned findings, it was postulated that there was abnormal transport on follicular basement membrane-pericapillary space-endothelial basement membrane system.", "contents": "[Dense material observed in pericapillary space of the thyroid of Hashimoto's disease]. An electron microscopic observation was performed on the follicular capillary of thyroid of Hashimoto's disease. Material was the thyroid obtained from a 41-years-old female showing typical features of this disease both clinically and histologically. Some remarkable findings were the presence of multi-layered basement membrane like structure, and the accumulation of dense minute granular materials concerning with long processes of lymphcyte in the widened pericapillary space. From the above-mentioned findings, it was postulated that there was abnormal transport on follicular basement membrane-pericapillary space-endothelial basement membrane system.", "PMID": 989751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3364", "title": "[Morphological investigation of the neonatal lung with respiratory distress syndrome which was maximally distended with Somentor 33 and formalin (author's transl)].", "content": "The importance of morphological immaturity of the lung in the development of the respiratory distress syndrome was investigated. Atelectatic lungs of newborns were maximally expanded with a mineral oil of low kinematic viscosity (Somentor 33) or 10% Formalin. With this method, surface active forces of peripheral air spaces should not impede expansion of the lungs. 27 lungs of neonates who died of respiratory distress syndrome and 10 lungs of neonates without primary respiratory problems were examined. Following maximal expansion of the lungs with the respiratory distress syndrome show a hypercellular densely cellular tissue of the pulmonary segments, much like glanduloid hyperplasia with small peripheral air spaces and long distances for diffusion of the respiratory gases. The lungs of newborns without respiratory distress syndromes are well alveolar following expansion and show an optimal morphology for gas diffusion. A lack of a surfactant should have significant consequences in small air spaces.", "contents": "[Morphological investigation of the neonatal lung with respiratory distress syndrome which was maximally distended with Somentor 33 and formalin (author's transl)]. The importance of morphological immaturity of the lung in the development of the respiratory distress syndrome was investigated. Atelectatic lungs of newborns were maximally expanded with a mineral oil of low kinematic viscosity (Somentor 33) or 10% Formalin. With this method, surface active forces of peripheral air spaces should not impede expansion of the lungs. 27 lungs of neonates who died of respiratory distress syndrome and 10 lungs of neonates without primary respiratory problems were examined. Following maximal expansion of the lungs with the respiratory distress syndrome show a hypercellular densely cellular tissue of the pulmonary segments, much like glanduloid hyperplasia with small peripheral air spaces and long distances for diffusion of the respiratory gases. The lungs of newborns without respiratory distress syndromes are well alveolar following expansion and show an optimal morphology for gas diffusion. A lack of a surfactant should have significant consequences in small air spaces.", "PMID": 989753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3365", "title": "A comparison of the effects of CB-154 and lergotrile mesylate on prolactin and growth hormone secretion in mice.", "content": "The influence of 2-bromo-alpha-ergocryptine (CB-154) and 2-chloro-6-methyl-ergoline-8beta-acetonitrile methanesulfonate (lergotrile mesylate) on prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) secretion in mice was investigated. Both drugs inhibited the nursing-induced rise in serum PRL in lactating mice, CB-154 being effective at a somewhat lower dosage than lergotrile mesylate. Both drugs reduced basal concentrations of serum PRL by more than 90% within an hr after administration, but the effect of CB-154 lasted for several hr longer than that of lergotrile mesylate. CB-154 did not change the resting concentrations of GH in mice, but it promoted the induction of GH release by nursing; injection of lergotrile mesylate, on the other hand, seemed to enhance the basal concentrations of GH in lactating mice that were separated from their young for 12 hr. The results show that both drugs can be used successfully for reducing PRL secretion in the mouse.", "contents": "A comparison of the effects of CB-154 and lergotrile mesylate on prolactin and growth hormone secretion in mice. The influence of 2-bromo-alpha-ergocryptine (CB-154) and 2-chloro-6-methyl-ergoline-8beta-acetonitrile methanesulfonate (lergotrile mesylate) on prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) secretion in mice was investigated. Both drugs inhibited the nursing-induced rise in serum PRL in lactating mice, CB-154 being effective at a somewhat lower dosage than lergotrile mesylate. Both drugs reduced basal concentrations of serum PRL by more than 90% within an hr after administration, but the effect of CB-154 lasted for several hr longer than that of lergotrile mesylate. CB-154 did not change the resting concentrations of GH in mice, but it promoted the induction of GH release by nursing; injection of lergotrile mesylate, on the other hand, seemed to enhance the basal concentrations of GH in lactating mice that were separated from their young for 12 hr. The results show that both drugs can be used successfully for reducing PRL secretion in the mouse.", "PMID": 989755} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3366", "title": "Arthrography of the knee with fluoroscopic technique.", "content": "The clinical diagnosis of meniscus lesions is often difficult. The authors have therefore used arthrograpy of the knee with double contrast medium. The fluoroscopic technique used in fifty cases is described. The results obtained are reported and compared with 105 other cases in which arthrography was carried out with standard radiological technique. The diagnostic accuracy for meniscus lesions is very high.", "contents": "Arthrography of the knee with fluoroscopic technique. The clinical diagnosis of meniscus lesions is often difficult. The authors have therefore used arthrograpy of the knee with double contrast medium. The fluoroscopic technique used in fifty cases is described. The results obtained are reported and compared with 105 other cases in which arthrography was carried out with standard radiological technique. The diagnostic accuracy for meniscus lesions is very high.", "PMID": 989761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3367", "title": "Community control of health services. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Center's community management system.", "content": "This article presents the case of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Center's unique community management system in which neighborhood workers have been developed to assume managerial responsibilities and are directing the Center. The Martin Luther King Center experience is instructive because the Center was able to achieve significant community control by focusing primarily on the internal dimension of control, namely, management, without experiencing destructive conflicts and the deterioration of health services.", "contents": "Community control of health services. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Center's community management system. This article presents the case of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Center's unique community management system in which neighborhood workers have been developed to assume managerial responsibilities and are directing the Center. The Martin Luther King Center experience is instructive because the Center was able to achieve significant community control by focusing primarily on the internal dimension of control, namely, management, without experiencing destructive conflicts and the deterioration of health services.", "PMID": 989762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3368", "title": "The biliary and urinary excretion and the choleretic effect of ioglycamide in dogs.", "content": "The biliary and urinary excretion and the choleretic effect of ioglycamide were studied in unanesthetized bile fistula dogs using stepwise increasing infusion rates to obtain multiple steady states. The results are compared with data from previously reported experiments in the same animals using iodoxamate and iodipamide. The rate of biliary excretion and the choleretic effect of ioglycamide are similar to those of iodipamide and iodoxamate. Like iodipamide and iodoxamate, the relation between infusion rate or plasma concentration and biliary excretion or concentration of ioglycamide are hyperbolic and can be fitted to saturation kinetics. Quantitatively, the excretion of ioglycamide and iodipamide are virtually identical. However, for any equimolar infusion rate or plasma concentration, more iodoxamate than ioglycamide is excreted in the bile. Despite the greater biliary excretion of iodoxamate, the maximum biliary concentration of ioglycamide, iodipamide, and iodoxamate is the same at low basal bile flow because the choleretic effects of the three compounds are equal. The data suggest that, theoretically, with any equimolar dose ioglycamide will be identical to iodipamide as a contrast material for intravenous cholangiography, but that iodoxamate may be superior to ioglycamide because more iodoxamate is excreted in the bile. This advantage of iodoxamate might become apparent clinically in patients with high basal bile flow or if smaller doses of the contrast material are used. However, at the presently recommended doses of the two compounds, it is unlikely that the use of ioglycamide for intravenous cholangiography will be any different than iodoxamate.", "contents": "The biliary and urinary excretion and the choleretic effect of ioglycamide in dogs. The biliary and urinary excretion and the choleretic effect of ioglycamide were studied in unanesthetized bile fistula dogs using stepwise increasing infusion rates to obtain multiple steady states. The results are compared with data from previously reported experiments in the same animals using iodoxamate and iodipamide. The rate of biliary excretion and the choleretic effect of ioglycamide are similar to those of iodipamide and iodoxamate. Like iodipamide and iodoxamate, the relation between infusion rate or plasma concentration and biliary excretion or concentration of ioglycamide are hyperbolic and can be fitted to saturation kinetics. Quantitatively, the excretion of ioglycamide and iodipamide are virtually identical. However, for any equimolar infusion rate or plasma concentration, more iodoxamate than ioglycamide is excreted in the bile. Despite the greater biliary excretion of iodoxamate, the maximum biliary concentration of ioglycamide, iodipamide, and iodoxamate is the same at low basal bile flow because the choleretic effects of the three compounds are equal. The data suggest that, theoretically, with any equimolar dose ioglycamide will be identical to iodipamide as a contrast material for intravenous cholangiography, but that iodoxamate may be superior to ioglycamide because more iodoxamate is excreted in the bile. This advantage of iodoxamate might become apparent clinically in patients with high basal bile flow or if smaller doses of the contrast material are used. However, at the presently recommended doses of the two compounds, it is unlikely that the use of ioglycamide for intravenous cholangiography will be any different than iodoxamate.", "PMID": 989758} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3369", "title": "Cholangiographic excretion studies: a comparison of iodipamide and iodoxamate in the dog.", "content": "Iodoxamic acid is a new hexaiodinated cholegraphic contrast agent. The methylglucamine salts of iodoxamate and iodipamide were administered to labrador dogs as an intravenous infusion. Bile salts were also infused. The biliary concentration and output of the two agents were compared. Bile flow rate, bile salt concentration and bile salt output with the two agents were also compared. The biliary output of iodoxamate (0.70-0.78 mumol/min/kg) was more than 50% higher than the iodipamide output (0.46 mumol/min/kg). Bile salt output and concentration with iodoxamate infusion were lower than with iodipamide infusion. The bile flow rate was higher with the new agent. The complementary effects of increased contrast output and decreased bile salt output with the new agent led to a significantly higher biliary iodine concentration compared with iodipamide. The results of this study support the suggestion that iodoxamate represents a significant advance in the cholegraphic contrast media field.", "contents": "Cholangiographic excretion studies: a comparison of iodipamide and iodoxamate in the dog. Iodoxamic acid is a new hexaiodinated cholegraphic contrast agent. The methylglucamine salts of iodoxamate and iodipamide were administered to labrador dogs as an intravenous infusion. Bile salts were also infused. The biliary concentration and output of the two agents were compared. Bile flow rate, bile salt concentration and bile salt output with the two agents were also compared. The biliary output of iodoxamate (0.70-0.78 mumol/min/kg) was more than 50% higher than the iodipamide output (0.46 mumol/min/kg). Bile salt output and concentration with iodoxamate infusion were lower than with iodipamide infusion. The bile flow rate was higher with the new agent. The complementary effects of increased contrast output and decreased bile salt output with the new agent led to a significantly higher biliary iodine concentration compared with iodipamide. The results of this study support the suggestion that iodoxamate represents a significant advance in the cholegraphic contrast media field.", "PMID": 989759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3370", "title": "Hypergastrinemia in hyperthyroidism.", "content": "Fasting plasma gastrin levels measured by radioimmunoassay were found to be elevated in patients with hyperthyroidism. The intravenous injection of arginine caused an increase of plasma gastrin in hyperthyroid patients as in normal subjects. The elevated gastrin level in patients with hyperthyroidism was significantly lowered after the thyroid function was normalized by treatment.", "contents": "Hypergastrinemia in hyperthyroidism. Fasting plasma gastrin levels measured by radioimmunoassay were found to be elevated in patients with hyperthyroidism. The intravenous injection of arginine caused an increase of plasma gastrin in hyperthyroid patients as in normal subjects. The elevated gastrin level in patients with hyperthyroidism was significantly lowered after the thyroid function was normalized by treatment.", "PMID": 989772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3371", "title": "Effect of renin on extrarenal erythropoietin production.", "content": "Extracts containing renal erythropoietic factor (REF) and others which contain renin reportedly enhance erythropoietin (Ep) titers in the plasma of hypoxic nephrectomized rats. Studies reported here were designed to elucidate the mechanism by which renin increases Ep production in the anephric rat. Injection of a renal extract containing renin significantly raised the blood pressure of anephric rats, and when it was injected just prior to exposure to hypoxia and 15 hour postnephrectomy, the resultant plasma Ep level exceeded that observed in rats exposed to the same hypoxic conditions immediately postnephrectomy. In contrast rats made hypoxic 15 hours after nephrectomy, but not given renin, had plasma Ep levels which were lower than those of anephric rats made hypoxic immediately postoperatively. When renin was injected immediately after nephrectomy or into normal rats, it failed to stimulate Ep production. When diazoxide was injected with the renin extract into hypoxic nephrectomized rats, the vasopressor effect of renin was abolished for 4 hours, and the plasma Ep levels were significantly lower than those of hypoxic nephrectomized animals injected only with renin, Injection of angiotensin II into anephric, hypoxic rats had an effect comparable to that of renin on extrarenal Ep roduction. REF was not detectable in the renin preparation. These results are best explained by the concept that renin and angiotensin increase extrarenal Ep production by causing vasoconstriction and consequently hypoxia in extrarenal sites of Ep production. Also of interest is the finding that plasma EP levels of rats, injected with renin and made hypoxic 15 hours postnephrectomy, are higher than those previously reported to occur in anephric rats.", "contents": "Effect of renin on extrarenal erythropoietin production. Extracts containing renal erythropoietic factor (REF) and others which contain renin reportedly enhance erythropoietin (Ep) titers in the plasma of hypoxic nephrectomized rats. Studies reported here were designed to elucidate the mechanism by which renin increases Ep production in the anephric rat. Injection of a renal extract containing renin significantly raised the blood pressure of anephric rats, and when it was injected just prior to exposure to hypoxia and 15 hour postnephrectomy, the resultant plasma Ep level exceeded that observed in rats exposed to the same hypoxic conditions immediately postnephrectomy. In contrast rats made hypoxic 15 hours after nephrectomy, but not given renin, had plasma Ep levels which were lower than those of anephric rats made hypoxic immediately postoperatively. When renin was injected immediately after nephrectomy or into normal rats, it failed to stimulate Ep production. When diazoxide was injected with the renin extract into hypoxic nephrectomized rats, the vasopressor effect of renin was abolished for 4 hours, and the plasma Ep levels were significantly lower than those of hypoxic nephrectomized animals injected only with renin, Injection of angiotensin II into anephric, hypoxic rats had an effect comparable to that of renin on extrarenal Ep roduction. REF was not detectable in the renin preparation. These results are best explained by the concept that renin and angiotensin increase extrarenal Ep production by causing vasoconstriction and consequently hypoxia in extrarenal sites of Ep production. Also of interest is the finding that plasma EP levels of rats, injected with renin and made hypoxic 15 hours postnephrectomy, are higher than those previously reported to occur in anephric rats.", "PMID": 989773} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3372", "title": "Investigation of inner cell mass determination by aggregation of isolated rat inner cell masses with mouse morulae.", "content": "Inner cell masses (ICMs) dissected from 4 1/2-day rat blastocysts were aggregated with 2 1/2-day mouse morulae. Successful aggregates formed blastocysts in vitro and morphologically normal 5 1/2-day conceptuses in the mouse uterus. Immunofluorescent analysis of these conceptuses revealed that rat cells were only present in the embryonic ectoderm and endoderm and never in the trophectoderm derivatives, although rat trophoblast did develop in the mouse uterus in various control experiments. The single-cell resolution of this technique extends the results obtained from aggregating mouse ICMs with mouse morulae and provides strong evidence that ICM cells, although not overtly differentiated, are determined by the blastocyst stage.", "contents": "Investigation of inner cell mass determination by aggregation of isolated rat inner cell masses with mouse morulae. Inner cell masses (ICMs) dissected from 4 1/2-day rat blastocysts were aggregated with 2 1/2-day mouse morulae. Successful aggregates formed blastocysts in vitro and morphologically normal 5 1/2-day conceptuses in the mouse uterus. Immunofluorescent analysis of these conceptuses revealed that rat cells were only present in the embryonic ectoderm and endoderm and never in the trophectoderm derivatives, although rat trophoblast did develop in the mouse uterus in various control experiments. The single-cell resolution of this technique extends the results obtained from aggregating mouse ICMs with mouse morulae and provides strong evidence that ICM cells, although not overtly differentiated, are determined by the blastocyst stage.", "PMID": 989774} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3373", "title": "The biphasic effect of organic cations on the excretion of other organic cations.", "content": "The renal excretion of 14C-choline or 14C-acetylcholine was increased by the infusion of another organic cation at low rates but was decreased by infusion of the same added organic cation at higher rates with the Sperber technique in hens. The range of low rates of infusion was from 1 X 10(-15) to 1 X 10(-8) mol/min. At infusion rates greater than 1 X 10(-8) mol/min, inhibition of tubular excretion was found. At the low infusion rates, thiamine, lysine, quinine, atropine, acetylcholine and methylguanidine were found to increase 14C-choline excretion. The same compounds with the exception of lysine and acetylcholine inhibited 14C-choline excretion at the higher infusion rates. A biphasic effect on 14C-acetylcholine excretion was also observed with added atropine, thiamine and choline over the same infusion range. Increases in 14C-choline excretion occurred during a choline infusion rate that normally produced an excretory tubular maximum for choline whereas increases in 14C-acetylcholine excretion occurred during infusion of tracer amounts of 14C-acetylcholine. The effect of the addition of organic cations was selective for cations since the tubular excretion of organic anions was not affected by the addition of organic cations. The tubular excretion ratio of 14C-thiamine/p-aminohippuric acid increased from 0.25 to 0.95 when the infusion rate of added unlabeled thiamine was increased from 1 X 10(-11) to 1 X 10(-8) mol/min. Enhanced tubular excretion of 14C-thiamine may represent the effect of the increased load of unlabeled thiamine to protect the labeled thiamine from conversion to a nontransportable metabolite. Enhancement of excretion of 14C-choline and 14C-acetyocholine produced by very small amounts of other organic cations may represent either inhibition of tubular reabsorptive transport or induction of tubular excretory transport.", "contents": "The biphasic effect of organic cations on the excretion of other organic cations. The renal excretion of 14C-choline or 14C-acetylcholine was increased by the infusion of another organic cation at low rates but was decreased by infusion of the same added organic cation at higher rates with the Sperber technique in hens. The range of low rates of infusion was from 1 X 10(-15) to 1 X 10(-8) mol/min. At infusion rates greater than 1 X 10(-8) mol/min, inhibition of tubular excretion was found. At the low infusion rates, thiamine, lysine, quinine, atropine, acetylcholine and methylguanidine were found to increase 14C-choline excretion. The same compounds with the exception of lysine and acetylcholine inhibited 14C-choline excretion at the higher infusion rates. A biphasic effect on 14C-acetylcholine excretion was also observed with added atropine, thiamine and choline over the same infusion range. Increases in 14C-choline excretion occurred during a choline infusion rate that normally produced an excretory tubular maximum for choline whereas increases in 14C-acetylcholine excretion occurred during infusion of tracer amounts of 14C-acetylcholine. The effect of the addition of organic cations was selective for cations since the tubular excretion of organic anions was not affected by the addition of organic cations. The tubular excretion ratio of 14C-thiamine/p-aminohippuric acid increased from 0.25 to 0.95 when the infusion rate of added unlabeled thiamine was increased from 1 X 10(-11) to 1 X 10(-8) mol/min. Enhanced tubular excretion of 14C-thiamine may represent the effect of the increased load of unlabeled thiamine to protect the labeled thiamine from conversion to a nontransportable metabolite. Enhancement of excretion of 14C-choline and 14C-acetyocholine produced by very small amounts of other organic cations may represent either inhibition of tubular reabsorptive transport or induction of tubular excretory transport.", "PMID": 989775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3374", "title": "Stereology of parallel, straight, circular cylinders.", "content": "New stereological formulae are developed to quantify an array of straight, parallel, circular cylinders. The problem arose through the necessity to determine the average length and surface density of the crypts of the large intestine. These crypts or glands have the shape of test tubes.", "contents": "Stereology of parallel, straight, circular cylinders. New stereological formulae are developed to quantify an array of straight, parallel, circular cylinders. The problem arose through the necessity to determine the average length and surface density of the crypts of the large intestine. These crypts or glands have the shape of test tubes.", "PMID": 989777} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3375", "title": "Improved specimen lighting in ultramicrotomy by painting reflective surfaces on specimen blocks.", "content": "Specimen lighting of ultramicrotomy can be improved by painting reflective surfaces on the ends of the specimen blocks. A convenient paint for this purpose is the white correction fluid commonly used by secretaries to cover typing errors.", "contents": "Improved specimen lighting in ultramicrotomy by painting reflective surfaces on specimen blocks. Specimen lighting of ultramicrotomy can be improved by painting reflective surfaces on the ends of the specimen blocks. A convenient paint for this purpose is the white correction fluid commonly used by secretaries to cover typing errors.", "PMID": 989778} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3376", "title": "The presentation of three-dimensional reconstructions from serial sections.", "content": "A simple and effective way is described for showing particular structures in serial sections. By using waterproof inks and acetate sheets supported on a frame immersed in water and illuminated from beneath, the information from up to sixty sections can be easily visualized. This technique is particularly useful for displaying enclosed structures and by a suitable choice of colours enables special emphasis to be given to selected components. The information can be recorded simply through stereo photography.", "contents": "The presentation of three-dimensional reconstructions from serial sections. A simple and effective way is described for showing particular structures in serial sections. By using waterproof inks and acetate sheets supported on a frame immersed in water and illuminated from beneath, the information from up to sixty sections can be easily visualized. This technique is particularly useful for displaying enclosed structures and by a suitable choice of colours enables special emphasis to be given to selected components. The information can be recorded simply through stereo photography.", "PMID": 989779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3377", "title": "Antihemophilic factor inhibitors. Management with prothrombin complex concentrates.", "content": "Prothrombin complex concentrates have been evaluated in the treatment of acute bleeding episodes occurring in 11 hemophilic and two nonhemophilic patients with factor VIII inhibitors. In several of the hemophilic patients, a continued fall in inhibitor levels has been observed coincident with continued use of the concentrate Proplex, and one of these patients is now responsive to factor VIII therapy. The therapeutic effectiveness of prothrombin complex products appears to be related to the presence of small amounts of activated factors or to the continued formation of factor Xa in vivo as a result of the increased levels of prothrombin and factors VII and X. Until high-potency activated products are available, prothrombin concentrates offer an effective means of treating patients with factor VIII inhibitor.", "contents": "Antihemophilic factor inhibitors. Management with prothrombin complex concentrates. Prothrombin complex concentrates have been evaluated in the treatment of acute bleeding episodes occurring in 11 hemophilic and two nonhemophilic patients with factor VIII inhibitors. In several of the hemophilic patients, a continued fall in inhibitor levels has been observed coincident with continued use of the concentrate Proplex, and one of these patients is now responsive to factor VIII therapy. The therapeutic effectiveness of prothrombin complex products appears to be related to the presence of small amounts of activated factors or to the continued formation of factor Xa in vivo as a result of the increased levels of prothrombin and factors VII and X. Until high-potency activated products are available, prothrombin concentrates offer an effective means of treating patients with factor VIII inhibitor.", "PMID": 989788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3378", "title": "Vasculitis with urticaria, hypocomplementemia, and multiple system involvement.", "content": "A patient with cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis had chronic urticaria associated with multiple system involvement including arthralgias, glomerulonephritis, myositis, pseudotumor cerebri, and adenopathy. Persistent hypocomplementemia is noted with classic pathway activation. The syndrome recognized in this patient and those few individuals reported previously seems to constitute a distinct category of collagen-vascular disease.", "contents": "Vasculitis with urticaria, hypocomplementemia, and multiple system involvement. A patient with cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis had chronic urticaria associated with multiple system involvement including arthralgias, glomerulonephritis, myositis, pseudotumor cerebri, and adenopathy. Persistent hypocomplementemia is noted with classic pathway activation. The syndrome recognized in this patient and those few individuals reported previously seems to constitute a distinct category of collagen-vascular disease.", "PMID": 989789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3379", "title": "Quantitative urinalysis. Diagnosing urinary tract infection in men.", "content": "Using a hemocytometer, we determined the number of white blood cells (WBCs) per milliliter in uncentrifuged urine specimens. Uninfected urine usually contained less than or equal to 10(3) WBCs per milliliter, although up to 8 X 10(3) WBCs per milliliter were observed. Infected urine regularly contained greater than 10(4) WBCs per milliliter, and the mean WBC count per millimeter for urine from infected patients was 3.1 X 10(5). The absence of pyuria thus provides strong evidence against the presence of urinary tract infection. Similar results were obtained in patients who had indwelling catheters, suggesting that bacteriuria reflects the presence of infection rather than colonization. Valid data are easily obtainable by quantitative urinalysis of uncentrifuged urine specimens. There are obvious differences in WBCs per milliliter, with little overlap between infected and uninfected urine. This method of analysis should replace traditional means of counting WBCs per visual field in a centrifuged, resuspended urine sediment.", "contents": "Quantitative urinalysis. Diagnosing urinary tract infection in men. Using a hemocytometer, we determined the number of white blood cells (WBCs) per milliliter in uncentrifuged urine specimens. Uninfected urine usually contained less than or equal to 10(3) WBCs per milliliter, although up to 8 X 10(3) WBCs per milliliter were observed. Infected urine regularly contained greater than 10(4) WBCs per milliliter, and the mean WBC count per millimeter for urine from infected patients was 3.1 X 10(5). The absence of pyuria thus provides strong evidence against the presence of urinary tract infection. Similar results were obtained in patients who had indwelling catheters, suggesting that bacteriuria reflects the presence of infection rather than colonization. Valid data are easily obtainable by quantitative urinalysis of uncentrifuged urine specimens. There are obvious differences in WBCs per milliliter, with little overlap between infected and uninfected urine. This method of analysis should replace traditional means of counting WBCs per visual field in a centrifuged, resuspended urine sediment.", "PMID": 989790} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3380", "title": "Hazards of phlebotomy in polycythemic patients with cardiovascular disease.", "content": "Three patients with polycythemia and previous evidence of cardiovascular disease underwent routine phlebotomies. Systolic hypotension followed by ineffective volume replacement with electrolyte solutions developed in all patients after phlebotomy. In two patients acute myocardial infarction and in a third cardiovascular collapse and death were temporally related to the procedure. This experience suggests that phlebotomy in patients with cardiovascular disease should be performed by the slow removal of small volumes of blood under continuous blood pressure monitoring. Effective restoration of the plasma volume with plasma or colloid is essential unless volume overload is present.", "contents": "Hazards of phlebotomy in polycythemic patients with cardiovascular disease. Three patients with polycythemia and previous evidence of cardiovascular disease underwent routine phlebotomies. Systolic hypotension followed by ineffective volume replacement with electrolyte solutions developed in all patients after phlebotomy. In two patients acute myocardial infarction and in a third cardiovascular collapse and death were temporally related to the procedure. This experience suggests that phlebotomy in patients with cardiovascular disease should be performed by the slow removal of small volumes of blood under continuous blood pressure monitoring. Effective restoration of the plasma volume with plasma or colloid is essential unless volume overload is present.", "PMID": 989791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3381", "title": "Estrogen-containing oral contraceptive agents. A basis for their thrombogenicity.", "content": "The mechanism whereby estrogen-containing contraceptives facilitate thrombosis is obscure, and published data concerning their effect on antithrombin III are conflicting. Plasma samples were examined for the quantity of antithrombin III and activated factor X (Xa) inhibitory activity among 57 women receiving oral contraceptives and 48 controls. The quantity of antithrombin III in both groups was normal. In contrast, Xa inhibitory activity was significantly reduced (P less than .001) among patients taking oral contraceptives, compared to controls. Heparin sodium added to plasma from patients taking contraceptives raised Xa inhibitory activity toward or above normal without changing the quantity of antithrombin III. The effect of estrogen is not to decrease the quantity of plasma antithrombin III, but rather to diminish plasma Xa inhibitory activity, an effect that can be abolished by heparin.", "contents": "Estrogen-containing oral contraceptive agents. A basis for their thrombogenicity. The mechanism whereby estrogen-containing contraceptives facilitate thrombosis is obscure, and published data concerning their effect on antithrombin III are conflicting. Plasma samples were examined for the quantity of antithrombin III and activated factor X (Xa) inhibitory activity among 57 women receiving oral contraceptives and 48 controls. The quantity of antithrombin III in both groups was normal. In contrast, Xa inhibitory activity was significantly reduced (P less than .001) among patients taking oral contraceptives, compared to controls. Heparin sodium added to plasma from patients taking contraceptives raised Xa inhibitory activity toward or above normal without changing the quantity of antithrombin III. The effect of estrogen is not to decrease the quantity of plasma antithrombin III, but rather to diminish plasma Xa inhibitory activity, an effect that can be abolished by heparin.", "PMID": 989807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3382", "title": "Pleural effusion. A diagnostic dilemma.", "content": "The cause of pleural effusion in 108 of 133 patients was determined by laboratory tests and clinical examination; it was indeterminate in 25, even after complete diagnostic evaluation. In 164 diagnostic thoracenteses, 136 cytologic examinations were done; the results were positive for cancer in 20 (15%). Five of 19 patients (26%) with bronchogenic cancer, 13 of 25 (52%) with metastatic cancer of the lung, and two of 20 (10%) with lymphoma had positive results on cytologic examination. Of 143 routine bacterial cultures, only five were positive (3%). Of 103 mycobacterial and 76 fungal cultures, only one was positive in each instance. Despite the high incidence of indeterminate diagnoses, we recommend that only measurement of protein content and cytologic examination be ordered routinely. Our algorithm provides a logical, cost-effective approach to the diagnostic problem of pleural effusion.", "contents": "Pleural effusion. A diagnostic dilemma. The cause of pleural effusion in 108 of 133 patients was determined by laboratory tests and clinical examination; it was indeterminate in 25, even after complete diagnostic evaluation. In 164 diagnostic thoracenteses, 136 cytologic examinations were done; the results were positive for cancer in 20 (15%). Five of 19 patients (26%) with bronchogenic cancer, 13 of 25 (52%) with metastatic cancer of the lung, and two of 20 (10%) with lymphoma had positive results on cytologic examination. Of 143 routine bacterial cultures, only five were positive (3%). Of 103 mycobacterial and 76 fungal cultures, only one was positive in each instance. Despite the high incidence of indeterminate diagnoses, we recommend that only measurement of protein content and cytologic examination be ordered routinely. Our algorithm provides a logical, cost-effective approach to the diagnostic problem of pleural effusion.", "PMID": 989808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3383", "title": "Skeletal and soft tissue sarcomas. Treatment with adjuvant immunotherapy.", "content": "Because there is evidence for an active immunologic response against sarcoma, a clinical trial of adjuvant immunotherapy using bacillus Calmette-Gu\u00e9rin (BCG) and tumor cell vaccine was begun. Eleven of 18 patients with localized soft tissue sarcoma who received immunotherapy are free of disease, compared to only 5 of 15 treated by operation alone who are free of disease. Furthermore, immunotherapy also prolonged the median disease-free interval from 7.3 months to 15 months in the patients who experienced recurrence of their disease.", "contents": "Skeletal and soft tissue sarcomas. Treatment with adjuvant immunotherapy. Because there is evidence for an active immunologic response against sarcoma, a clinical trial of adjuvant immunotherapy using bacillus Calmette-Gu\u00e9rin (BCG) and tumor cell vaccine was begun. Eleven of 18 patients with localized soft tissue sarcoma who received immunotherapy are free of disease, compared to only 5 of 15 treated by operation alone who are free of disease. Furthermore, immunotherapy also prolonged the median disease-free interval from 7.3 months to 15 months in the patients who experienced recurrence of their disease.", "PMID": 989809} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3384", "title": "Handguns and homicide. A public health problem.", "content": "Homicide by handgun is a public health problem. No public health-oriented attempts at prevention have been made. A poll of physicians showed strong opinion (1) favoring more stringent controls on the availability of handguns and (2) supporting direct expression of opinion on this issue by physicians within the framework of organized medicine. Physicians can fulfill an obligation to their patients by formulating policy within organized medicine on the handgun issue.", "contents": "Handguns and homicide. A public health problem. Homicide by handgun is a public health problem. No public health-oriented attempts at prevention have been made. A poll of physicians showed strong opinion (1) favoring more stringent controls on the availability of handguns and (2) supporting direct expression of opinion on this issue by physicians within the framework of organized medicine. Physicians can fulfill an obligation to their patients by formulating policy within organized medicine on the handgun issue.", "PMID": 989812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3385", "title": "Primary carcinoids of the ileum and rectum. A simultaneous occurrence.", "content": "A patient had a simultaneous occurrence of an ileal and a rectal carcinoid. The ileal carcinoid, occurring in an area derived from primitive midgut, was argentaffin-positive; the rectal carcinoid, occurring in an area derived from primitive hindgut, was argentaffin-negative. To my knowledge, this is the first reported case of simultaneous ileum and rectal carcinoids; its uniqueness tends to support the concept of heterogeneity of origin of carcinoids in embryologically distinct regions.", "contents": "Primary carcinoids of the ileum and rectum. A simultaneous occurrence. A patient had a simultaneous occurrence of an ileal and a rectal carcinoid. The ileal carcinoid, occurring in an area derived from primitive midgut, was argentaffin-positive; the rectal carcinoid, occurring in an area derived from primitive hindgut, was argentaffin-negative. To my knowledge, this is the first reported case of simultaneous ileum and rectal carcinoids; its uniqueness tends to support the concept of heterogeneity of origin of carcinoids in embryologically distinct regions.", "PMID": 989813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3386", "title": "Recurrent supraventricular tachycardia. Success and subsequent failure of termination by implanted endocardial pacemaker.", "content": "After repeatedly establishing the efficacy of competitive premature atrial and ventricular stimuli in terminating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in a patient with recurrent and refractory SVT, a permanent right ventricular endocardial demand generator set at 81 beats per minute was implanted. During the subsequent months, many tachycardic episodes, ranging between 160 to 185 beats per minute, were promptly terminated by activating the pacemaker unit with an external magnet and competitively pacing the right ventricle. However, 16 months after implantation, magnetically induced ventricular capture failed to control the SVT. Magnetically induced competitive pacing in SVT should be reserved for the most intractable and refractory cases.", "contents": "Recurrent supraventricular tachycardia. Success and subsequent failure of termination by implanted endocardial pacemaker. After repeatedly establishing the efficacy of competitive premature atrial and ventricular stimuli in terminating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in a patient with recurrent and refractory SVT, a permanent right ventricular endocardial demand generator set at 81 beats per minute was implanted. During the subsequent months, many tachycardic episodes, ranging between 160 to 185 beats per minute, were promptly terminated by activating the pacemaker unit with an external magnet and competitively pacing the right ventricle. However, 16 months after implantation, magnetically induced ventricular capture failed to control the SVT. Magnetically induced competitive pacing in SVT should be reserved for the most intractable and refractory cases.", "PMID": 989814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3387", "title": "Neurosyphilis and penicillin levels in cerebrospinal fluid.", "content": "Because neurosyphilis may progress despite therapy with the recommended penicillin regimens, 15 subjects with positive tests for syphilis in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were studied. All of these patients had CSF pleocytosis. Two received penicillin G (5 and 10 million units per day intravenously, respectively) and 13 received benzathine penicillin G, 3.6 million units per week intramuscularly; treatment lasted four weeks. During intravenous and after intramuscular penicillin therapy, a spinal tap was performed on all subjects; later, assays were done. Of two patients who received intravenous penicillin G, one had 0.3 mug/ml and the other had 2.4 mug/ml penicillin in the CSF. Twelve of 13 patients who received benzathine penicillin G had no detectable penicillin in the CSF; one patient had 0.1 mug/ml penicillin in the CSF.", "contents": "Neurosyphilis and penicillin levels in cerebrospinal fluid. Because neurosyphilis may progress despite therapy with the recommended penicillin regimens, 15 subjects with positive tests for syphilis in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were studied. All of these patients had CSF pleocytosis. Two received penicillin G (5 and 10 million units per day intravenously, respectively) and 13 received benzathine penicillin G, 3.6 million units per week intramuscularly; treatment lasted four weeks. During intravenous and after intramuscular penicillin therapy, a spinal tap was performed on all subjects; later, assays were done. Of two patients who received intravenous penicillin G, one had 0.3 mug/ml and the other had 2.4 mug/ml penicillin in the CSF. Twelve of 13 patients who received benzathine penicillin G had no detectable penicillin in the CSF; one patient had 0.1 mug/ml penicillin in the CSF.", "PMID": 989815} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3388", "title": "Sauna-takers disease. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to contaminated water in a home sauna.", "content": "Daily saunas taken by a young man were followed by fever, chills, malaise, dyspnea, cough, and myalgia from six to eight hours later. Symptoms, which were related to pouring water from a sauna bucket over the heating element, progressed to chronic dyspnea and fatigue. Serial serum samples showed precipitin reactions to bucket water and extracts of bucket mold. IgG antibody activity, demonstrated by radioimmunoassay, suggested that Pullularia was a major antigen.", "contents": "Sauna-takers disease. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to contaminated water in a home sauna. Daily saunas taken by a young man were followed by fever, chills, malaise, dyspnea, cough, and myalgia from six to eight hours later. Symptoms, which were related to pouring water from a sauna bucket over the heating element, progressed to chronic dyspnea and fatigue. Serial serum samples showed precipitin reactions to bucket water and extracts of bucket mold. IgG antibody activity, demonstrated by radioimmunoassay, suggested that Pullularia was a major antigen.", "PMID": 989816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3389", "title": "Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.", "content": "Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome represents a series of clinical findings that has been observed primarily in Japanese children. The disease now appears to be migrating to this country. It involves the cervical lymph nodes, the skin, and mucus membranes. Although the course is usually benign and self-limiting, a number of deaths have resulted from coronary artery disease.", "contents": "Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome represents a series of clinical findings that has been observed primarily in Japanese children. The disease now appears to be migrating to this country. It involves the cervical lymph nodes, the skin, and mucus membranes. Although the course is usually benign and self-limiting, a number of deaths have resulted from coronary artery disease.", "PMID": 989830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3390", "title": "Intestinal bypass surgery for morbid obesity. Long-term results.", "content": "Since 1962, jejunoileal bypass has been performed on 59 male and 171 female subjects, aged 18 to 55 years; these patients were followed clinically. Postoperative weight loss at two years averaged 37% in men and 35% in women. Hypokalemia (23%), hypocalcemia (22%), hypoalbuminemia (9%), metabolic acidosis (14%), elevated liver enzyme values (41%), and hyperbilirubinemia (6%), were the most commonly encountered blood chemical alterations. Complications were arthritis syndrome (men, 8%; women, 19%). urinary calculi (men, 24%; women, 10%), cholelithiasis (men, 10%; women, 9%), liver impairment (men, 2%; women, 6%), and major emotional upset (men, 8%; women, 9%). Forty-nine percent of the men and 51% of the women required rehospitalization for management of complications, surgery for hernia, anorectal disorders, nutritional support, and metabolic study. There were 19 bypass-related deaths (8%), including 10 due to liver failure.", "contents": "Intestinal bypass surgery for morbid obesity. Long-term results. Since 1962, jejunoileal bypass has been performed on 59 male and 171 female subjects, aged 18 to 55 years; these patients were followed clinically. Postoperative weight loss at two years averaged 37% in men and 35% in women. Hypokalemia (23%), hypocalcemia (22%), hypoalbuminemia (9%), metabolic acidosis (14%), elevated liver enzyme values (41%), and hyperbilirubinemia (6%), were the most commonly encountered blood chemical alterations. Complications were arthritis syndrome (men, 8%; women, 19%). urinary calculi (men, 24%; women, 10%), cholelithiasis (men, 10%; women, 9%), liver impairment (men, 2%; women, 6%), and major emotional upset (men, 8%; women, 9%). Forty-nine percent of the men and 51% of the women required rehospitalization for management of complications, surgery for hernia, anorectal disorders, nutritional support, and metabolic study. There were 19 bypass-related deaths (8%), including 10 due to liver failure.", "PMID": 989831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3391", "title": "Hepatitis B surface antigen carrier state in neonates. Prophylaxis with large doses of conventional immune human serum globulin.", "content": "Acute type B viral hepatitis developed near the term of pregnancy in seven women. All had signs of acute hepatitis at delivery, and hepatitis B surface antigenemia persisted two to four weeks after delivery. Two milliliters of conventional immune human serum globulin was administered to the neonates within a week of birth, after preexisting type B viral hepatitis infection was excluded. The antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) content of two of the administered batches of immune human serum globulin was 1:32 and 1:64. None of the babies became hepatitis B surface antigen carriers, and anti-HBs developed without obvious clinical hepatitis in one baby. Conventional immune human serum globulin in larger doses may be a relatively safe and effective prophylaxis against the development of hepatitis B surface antigen carrier state even if the anti-HBs content in the administered dose is relatively small.", "contents": "Hepatitis B surface antigen carrier state in neonates. Prophylaxis with large doses of conventional immune human serum globulin. Acute type B viral hepatitis developed near the term of pregnancy in seven women. All had signs of acute hepatitis at delivery, and hepatitis B surface antigenemia persisted two to four weeks after delivery. Two milliliters of conventional immune human serum globulin was administered to the neonates within a week of birth, after preexisting type B viral hepatitis infection was excluded. The antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) content of two of the administered batches of immune human serum globulin was 1:32 and 1:64. None of the babies became hepatitis B surface antigen carriers, and anti-HBs developed without obvious clinical hepatitis in one baby. Conventional immune human serum globulin in larger doses may be a relatively safe and effective prophylaxis against the development of hepatitis B surface antigen carrier state even if the anti-HBs content in the administered dose is relatively small.", "PMID": 989832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3392", "title": "HLA patterns and disease associations.", "content": "The a priori biologic significance of the histocompatibility complex with its excessive polymorphism remains unknown. Teleologically, however, the role of the HLA system may be viewed as vital for survival of the species and the individual by providing the host with a recognition system of and defenses against viruses, microorganisms, parasites, plant antigens, neoplastic cells, and others. HLA testing, in addition to its usefulness in donor selection for transplantation, has been recently applied to the diagnosis and differentiation of specific diseases, the prediction of disease development (risk prediction), and as a basis for prognostic evaluations. An increasing number of diseases is being shown to be linked by specific HLA antigens and certain common denominators, such as arthritides, autoimmune components or infections, suggesting common etiologic or pathogenic mechanisms or both. These diseases with HLA associations can be separated into those that appear certain, probable, or only statistically possible.", "contents": "HLA patterns and disease associations. The a priori biologic significance of the histocompatibility complex with its excessive polymorphism remains unknown. Teleologically, however, the role of the HLA system may be viewed as vital for survival of the species and the individual by providing the host with a recognition system of and defenses against viruses, microorganisms, parasites, plant antigens, neoplastic cells, and others. HLA testing, in addition to its usefulness in donor selection for transplantation, has been recently applied to the diagnosis and differentiation of specific diseases, the prediction of disease development (risk prediction), and as a basis for prognostic evaluations. An increasing number of diseases is being shown to be linked by specific HLA antigens and certain common denominators, such as arthritides, autoimmune components or infections, suggesting common etiologic or pathogenic mechanisms or both. These diseases with HLA associations can be separated into those that appear certain, probable, or only statistically possible.", "PMID": 989833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3393", "title": "The cancer mortality scare. Problems of estimation using monthly data.", "content": "Considerable attention has been given recently to an apparent 5.2% rise in cancer mortality, based on data for the first seven months of 1975 as reported to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Later data disclosed that the rise in crude total cancer mortality, while greater than in any recent year, is less than half of the 5.2% originally reported, and the rise in age-adjusted total cancer mortality, while less than 1%, is also higher than the average annual increase from 1968 to 1974. The Monthly Vital Statistics Report provides death rates not standardized for age, race, and sex, and does not include information for specific cancer sites. Therefore, although information in the Monthly Vital Statistics Report is useful for detecting sudden increases in mortality from acute epidemics, it is not appropriate for forecasting trends in cancer mortality.", "contents": "The cancer mortality scare. Problems of estimation using monthly data. Considerable attention has been given recently to an apparent 5.2% rise in cancer mortality, based on data for the first seven months of 1975 as reported to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Later data disclosed that the rise in crude total cancer mortality, while greater than in any recent year, is less than half of the 5.2% originally reported, and the rise in age-adjusted total cancer mortality, while less than 1%, is also higher than the average annual increase from 1968 to 1974. The Monthly Vital Statistics Report provides death rates not standardized for age, race, and sex, and does not include information for specific cancer sites. Therefore, although information in the Monthly Vital Statistics Report is useful for detecting sudden increases in mortality from acute epidemics, it is not appropriate for forecasting trends in cancer mortality.", "PMID": 989834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3394", "title": "Lymphangiomatosis with splenic involvement.", "content": "Severe splenomegaly and anemia developed in a 5-year-old girl with diffuse lymphangiomatosis of the upper part of the body. Radioisotope scanning and celiac angiography demonstrated lymphangiomatosis of the spleen, a rare but diagnosable condition. Intractable infection in areas of ulcerated skin led to her death from overwhelming sepsis.", "contents": "Lymphangiomatosis with splenic involvement. Severe splenomegaly and anemia developed in a 5-year-old girl with diffuse lymphangiomatosis of the upper part of the body. Radioisotope scanning and celiac angiography demonstrated lymphangiomatosis of the spleen, a rare but diagnosable condition. Intractable infection in areas of ulcerated skin led to her death from overwhelming sepsis.", "PMID": 989835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3395", "title": "Early experience with total knee arthroplasty.", "content": "Early results of 76 geometric total knee replacements were reviewed with assistance from computer analysis. A 92% patient follow-up for one to three years showed an overall satisfactory result with substantial improvement, especially in relief of severe pain. However, several problems are noted, including fractures beneath the tibial plateau and loosening. The long-term results are still unknown. The indications for total knee replacements should remain conservative until long-term results and experience have been achieved.", "contents": "Early experience with total knee arthroplasty. Early results of 76 geometric total knee replacements were reviewed with assistance from computer analysis. A 92% patient follow-up for one to three years showed an overall satisfactory result with substantial improvement, especially in relief of severe pain. However, several problems are noted, including fractures beneath the tibial plateau and loosening. The long-term results are still unknown. The indications for total knee replacements should remain conservative until long-term results and experience have been achieved.", "PMID": 989857} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3396", "title": "Nosocomial pseudobacteremia. Positive blood cultures due to contaminated benzalkonium antiseptic.", "content": "Pseudomonas cepacia or Enterobacter species or both were isolated from blood cultures of 79 patients in a community hospital between April 1971 and March 1972. No common exposures other than venipuncture correlated with positive blood cultures. Pseudomonas cepacia, Enterobacter, and other Gram-negative enteric bacteria were cultured from aqueous benzalkonium chloride used for skin antisepsis prior to ordinary and blood culture venipuncture. Contamination of blood cultures by organisms from the antiseptic most likely accounted for positive cultures in 35 to 38 patients (92%) with P cepacia. The remaining three patients had repeated blood cultures positive for P cepacia and circumstantial clinical evidence of bacteremia; they may have contracted disease through exposure to the contaminated antiseptic. Substitution of an iodine-alcohol antiseptic abruptly reduced the isolation of P cepacia and Enterobacter.", "contents": "Nosocomial pseudobacteremia. Positive blood cultures due to contaminated benzalkonium antiseptic. Pseudomonas cepacia or Enterobacter species or both were isolated from blood cultures of 79 patients in a community hospital between April 1971 and March 1972. No common exposures other than venipuncture correlated with positive blood cultures. Pseudomonas cepacia, Enterobacter, and other Gram-negative enteric bacteria were cultured from aqueous benzalkonium chloride used for skin antisepsis prior to ordinary and blood culture venipuncture. Contamination of blood cultures by organisms from the antiseptic most likely accounted for positive cultures in 35 to 38 patients (92%) with P cepacia. The remaining three patients had repeated blood cultures positive for P cepacia and circumstantial clinical evidence of bacteremia; they may have contracted disease through exposure to the contaminated antiseptic. Substitution of an iodine-alcohol antiseptic abruptly reduced the isolation of P cepacia and Enterobacter.", "PMID": 989858} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3397", "title": "Contaminated aqueous benzalkonium chloride. An unnecessary hospital infection hazard.", "content": "During January and February 1975, nine patients on a single ward of a rural Tennessee hospital unexpectedly developed sepsis. The aseptic technique employed in the management of intravenous infusions was implicated. Pseudomonas cepacia was recovered from the following: bloodstream, inuse intravenous infusions and the antiseptic, aqueous benzalkonium chloride. The outbreak again calls attention to the infection risk associated with the use of this product. Selection of less hazardous antiseptics and disinfectants is strongly recommended.", "contents": "Contaminated aqueous benzalkonium chloride. An unnecessary hospital infection hazard. During January and February 1975, nine patients on a single ward of a rural Tennessee hospital unexpectedly developed sepsis. The aseptic technique employed in the management of intravenous infusions was implicated. Pseudomonas cepacia was recovered from the following: bloodstream, inuse intravenous infusions and the antiseptic, aqueous benzalkonium chloride. The outbreak again calls attention to the infection risk associated with the use of this product. Selection of less hazardous antiseptics and disinfectants is strongly recommended.", "PMID": 989860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3398", "title": "Extreme pyrexia.", "content": "Twenty-eight cases of extreme pyrexia seen in a five-year period were analyzed retrospectively. All of the patients had temperatures between 41.1 C (106 F) and 42.2 C (108 F) with a mean maximum temperature of 41.4 C (106.6 F). Infection, thermoregulatory defects, or a combination thereof accounted for fever in these patients. There was little evidence of direct tissue damage caused by fever, and standard therapy with aspirin or acetaminophen, vigorous surface cooling, and volume expansion was generally sucessful. Mortality could be related to the extreme pyrexia in only 7% (2) but an additional 21% (6) of these patients later died from serious underlying diseases.", "contents": "Extreme pyrexia. Twenty-eight cases of extreme pyrexia seen in a five-year period were analyzed retrospectively. All of the patients had temperatures between 41.1 C (106 F) and 42.2 C (108 F) with a mean maximum temperature of 41.4 C (106.6 F). Infection, thermoregulatory defects, or a combination thereof accounted for fever in these patients. There was little evidence of direct tissue damage caused by fever, and standard therapy with aspirin or acetaminophen, vigorous surface cooling, and volume expansion was generally sucessful. Mortality could be related to the extreme pyrexia in only 7% (2) but an additional 21% (6) of these patients later died from serious underlying diseases.", "PMID": 989861} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3399", "title": "Neuroleptic-induced akathisia and dystonia triggered by alcohol.", "content": "Subclinical extrapyramidal symptoms caused by phenothiazine or butyrophenone derivatives can become manifest during and shortly after the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol appears to lower the threshold of resistance to neurotoxic side effects of previously established neuroleptic drugs. Abstinence from alcohol should be routine advice during neuroleptic psychopharmacotherapy.", "contents": "Neuroleptic-induced akathisia and dystonia triggered by alcohol. Subclinical extrapyramidal symptoms caused by phenothiazine or butyrophenone derivatives can become manifest during and shortly after the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol appears to lower the threshold of resistance to neurotoxic side effects of previously established neuroleptic drugs. Abstinence from alcohol should be routine advice during neuroleptic psychopharmacotherapy.", "PMID": 989862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3400", "title": "Aortoduodenal fistula. Primary repair with saphenous vein patch graft.", "content": "A successful primary repair of a fistula between the proximal aortic suture line and duodenum was performed in a 47-year-old man with the use of a saphenous vein patch graft with omental interposition between the aortic repair and the duodenum. Massive local and parenteral antibiotics were given. The patient remains completely well 3 1/2 years later.", "contents": "Aortoduodenal fistula. Primary repair with saphenous vein patch graft. A successful primary repair of a fistula between the proximal aortic suture line and duodenum was performed in a 47-year-old man with the use of a saphenous vein patch graft with omental interposition between the aortic repair and the duodenum. Massive local and parenteral antibiotics were given. The patient remains completely well 3 1/2 years later.", "PMID": 989863} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3401", "title": "A puzzling case of giardiasis.", "content": "A serious case of infection by Giardia lamblia was difficult to diagnose.", "contents": "A puzzling case of giardiasis. A serious case of infection by Giardia lamblia was difficult to diagnose.", "PMID": 989864} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3402", "title": "Resuscitation equipment board for nurseries and delivery rooms.", "content": "A resuscitation equipment board for mounting in delivery rooms and nurseries facilitates orderly and effective resuscitation of asphyxiated neonates.", "contents": "Resuscitation equipment board for nurseries and delivery rooms. A resuscitation equipment board for mounting in delivery rooms and nurseries facilitates orderly and effective resuscitation of asphyxiated neonates.", "PMID": 989865} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3403", "title": "Lactulose (cephulac) in portosystemic encephalopathy.", "content": "Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide that lowers elevated blood ammonia levels and improves symptoms in patients with portosystemic encephalopathy. It is generally well tolerated and appears to be a suitable alternative to neomycin sulfate for maintenance therapy to prevent recurrent attacks and to improve protein tolerance.", "contents": "Lactulose (cephulac) in portosystemic encephalopathy. Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide that lowers elevated blood ammonia levels and improves symptoms in patients with portosystemic encephalopathy. It is generally well tolerated and appears to be a suitable alternative to neomycin sulfate for maintenance therapy to prevent recurrent attacks and to improve protein tolerance.", "PMID": 989871} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3404", "title": "[Objective determination of the consensual accommodation (author's transl)].", "content": "The direct and consensual accommodation of both eyes were determined by a modified coincidence refractometer. Young individuals with normal monocular and binocular vision revealed a close quantitative correspondence between the direct and the ipsi- and contralateral consensual accommodation. Experimental impairment of the function of the ciliary muscle by medical means caused disturbed consensual accommodation of both eyes. The weakening of the function of the ciliary muscle of one eye by instillation of, for example Homatropin leads to an important increase of the contralateral and diminution of the ipsilateral consensual accommodation. By the results of the investigations it was concluded: 1. that the regulation of the direct accommodation reflex is influenced also by the function of the ciliary muscle in the fixating eye and has stimulating and depressing components, 2. that the innervation of the nonfixating eye passes through an efferent neuron, from where the accommodation impulse emerges to both eyes. - The anatomically based relation between the direct and the ipsilateral and contralateral consensual accommodation allows one to use its quantitative determination in both eyes as a diagnostic test in afferent and efferent disturbances of the accommodation reflex.", "contents": "[Objective determination of the consensual accommodation (author's transl)]. The direct and consensual accommodation of both eyes were determined by a modified coincidence refractometer. Young individuals with normal monocular and binocular vision revealed a close quantitative correspondence between the direct and the ipsi- and contralateral consensual accommodation. Experimental impairment of the function of the ciliary muscle by medical means caused disturbed consensual accommodation of both eyes. The weakening of the function of the ciliary muscle of one eye by instillation of, for example Homatropin leads to an important increase of the contralateral and diminution of the ipsilateral consensual accommodation. By the results of the investigations it was concluded: 1. that the regulation of the direct accommodation reflex is influenced also by the function of the ciliary muscle in the fixating eye and has stimulating and depressing components, 2. that the innervation of the nonfixating eye passes through an efferent neuron, from where the accommodation impulse emerges to both eyes. - The anatomically based relation between the direct and the ipsilateral and contralateral consensual accommodation allows one to use its quantitative determination in both eyes as a diagnostic test in afferent and efferent disturbances of the accommodation reflex.", "PMID": 989878} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3405", "title": "Propranolol effect on plasma glucose, free fatty acid, insulin, and growth hormone in Graves' disease.", "content": "A 3-hr glucose tolerance test was performed in 12 thyrotoxic patients before and after propranolol treatment for 30 days (120 mg/day). Plasma glucose, free fatty acid, insulin, and growth hormone levels were determined on each test and compared to each other and against nine clinically healthy volunteers. In eight thyrotoxic patients (subgroup A) an improvement in carbohydrate tolerance was observed after propranolol treatment, along with a fall in the previously elevated fasting FFA; no change in plasma insulin levels was observed. Plasma growth hormone levels were higher than normal both before and after propranolol; however, a 46% glucose-induced suppression was seen in both instances. In the other four patients (subgroup B) (who had had a marked and rapid weight loss) a deterioration of the previously normal glucosnificant changes in insulin levels. Elevated fasting plasma free fatty acids remained so despite propranolol treatment. Plasma growth hormone was higher than normal before and after propranolol; a late suppression (at 120 min) and no suppression at all were seen, respectively. After propranolol treatment, subgroup B had higher plasma free fatty acid than subgroup A in the fasting state and at 30 and 180 min. It is proposed that the improvement or deterioration in carbohydrate tolerance after propranolol treatment might be related to whether or not a satisfactory propranolol-induced lipolytic blockade is achieved, leading to a decrease in plasma free fatty acid levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and better peripheral glucose utilization. Therefore, a uniform dose of propranolol will not always be sufficient to obtain adequate lipolytic blockade, particularly if the thyrotoxic patient has had a marked and rapid weight loss.", "contents": "Propranolol effect on plasma glucose, free fatty acid, insulin, and growth hormone in Graves' disease. A 3-hr glucose tolerance test was performed in 12 thyrotoxic patients before and after propranolol treatment for 30 days (120 mg/day). Plasma glucose, free fatty acid, insulin, and growth hormone levels were determined on each test and compared to each other and against nine clinically healthy volunteers. In eight thyrotoxic patients (subgroup A) an improvement in carbohydrate tolerance was observed after propranolol treatment, along with a fall in the previously elevated fasting FFA; no change in plasma insulin levels was observed. Plasma growth hormone levels were higher than normal both before and after propranolol; however, a 46% glucose-induced suppression was seen in both instances. In the other four patients (subgroup B) (who had had a marked and rapid weight loss) a deterioration of the previously normal glucosnificant changes in insulin levels. Elevated fasting plasma free fatty acids remained so despite propranolol treatment. Plasma growth hormone was higher than normal before and after propranolol; a late suppression (at 120 min) and no suppression at all were seen, respectively. After propranolol treatment, subgroup B had higher plasma free fatty acid than subgroup A in the fasting state and at 30 and 180 min. It is proposed that the improvement or deterioration in carbohydrate tolerance after propranolol treatment might be related to whether or not a satisfactory propranolol-induced lipolytic blockade is achieved, leading to a decrease in plasma free fatty acid levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and better peripheral glucose utilization. Therefore, a uniform dose of propranolol will not always be sufficient to obtain adequate lipolytic blockade, particularly if the thyrotoxic patient has had a marked and rapid weight loss.", "PMID": 989880} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3406", "title": "Gastrointestinal milk allergy in childhood: a rational approach.", "content": "Nine children with \"unequivocal symptoms attributable to cow's milk allergy\" were referred for assessment. Detailed gastrointestinal and immunoallergic investigations confirmed this diagnosis in only one case. In three of the children an abnormality of sucrose absorption was detected by disaccharidase assay. The results of this study indicate the need for cow's milk provocation under controlled conditions before the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cow's milk allergy can be made. A protocol for the assessment of children with suspected cow's milk allergy is proposed.", "contents": "Gastrointestinal milk allergy in childhood: a rational approach. Nine children with \"unequivocal symptoms attributable to cow's milk allergy\" were referred for assessment. Detailed gastrointestinal and immunoallergic investigations confirmed this diagnosis in only one case. In three of the children an abnormality of sucrose absorption was detected by disaccharidase assay. The results of this study indicate the need for cow's milk provocation under controlled conditions before the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cow's milk allergy can be made. A protocol for the assessment of children with suspected cow's milk allergy is proposed.", "PMID": 989881} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3407", "title": "The value of gallium-67 scanning in upper abdominal lymphomas.", "content": "A series of 77 gallium-67 citrate (67Ga citrate) scans of the abdomen revealed lymphoma in 12 cases (nine of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, three of Hodgkin's disease). Scanning was undertaken (i) to confirm the suspicion of lymphoma, or (ii) as part of a staging procedure when the diagnosis of lymphoma had been established, or (iii) as a follow-up investigation after treatment of lymphoma. The diagnosis of lymphoma in the upper part of the abdomen is difficult with conventional techniques such as lymphography, and it is in this area that 67Ga citrate scanning is shown to be of value.", "contents": "The value of gallium-67 scanning in upper abdominal lymphomas. A series of 77 gallium-67 citrate (67Ga citrate) scans of the abdomen revealed lymphoma in 12 cases (nine of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, three of Hodgkin's disease). Scanning was undertaken (i) to confirm the suspicion of lymphoma, or (ii) as part of a staging procedure when the diagnosis of lymphoma had been established, or (iii) as a follow-up investigation after treatment of lymphoma. The diagnosis of lymphoma in the upper part of the abdomen is difficult with conventional techniques such as lymphography, and it is in this area that 67Ga citrate scanning is shown to be of value.", "PMID": 989882} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3408", "title": "Uptake of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine and prednisolone by synchronized human lymphoma cells.", "content": "The cytotoxicity of many antitumor agents exhibits cell-cycle phase specificity. Using a human lymphoma cell line synchronized by thymidine block, we have investigated the differential uptake of radioactive 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) and prednisolone in various phases of the cycle. Uptake of ara-C is highest during early S and declines steadily throughout the rest of the cycle. In comparison, prednisolone demonstrates no significant age-dependent difference in uptake although its cytotoxicity is cell cycle sensitive.", "contents": "Uptake of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine and prednisolone by synchronized human lymphoma cells. The cytotoxicity of many antitumor agents exhibits cell-cycle phase specificity. Using a human lymphoma cell line synchronized by thymidine block, we have investigated the differential uptake of radioactive 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) and prednisolone in various phases of the cycle. Uptake of ara-C is highest during early S and declines steadily throughout the rest of the cycle. In comparison, prednisolone demonstrates no significant age-dependent difference in uptake although its cytotoxicity is cell cycle sensitive.", "PMID": 989884} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3409", "title": "Treatment of parkinson's disease with bromocriptine.", "content": "Bromocriptine in high doses (up to 100 mg per day) was administered to 14 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease whose disorder was progressing despite optimum treatment with levodopa combined with a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa). In 10, bromocriptine (mean dose, 57 mg) induced a statistically significant (P less than 0.01) improvement in rigidity, tremor, bradykinesia, gait disturbance and total score. In seven patients levodopa with carbidopa was completely replaced by bromocriptine (mean dose, 70 mg), with improvement in four. Adverse effects were similar to those observed with levodopa and carbidopa, except that in individual patients abnormal involuntary movements and diurnal oscillations in performance (on-off effect) were decreased whereas orthostatic hypotension and mental changes were increased. Bromocriptine appears to be a major new agent in Parkinson's disease that is especially promising in patients no longer responding to levodopa.", "contents": "Treatment of parkinson's disease with bromocriptine. Bromocriptine in high doses (up to 100 mg per day) was administered to 14 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease whose disorder was progressing despite optimum treatment with levodopa combined with a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa). In 10, bromocriptine (mean dose, 57 mg) induced a statistically significant (P less than 0.01) improvement in rigidity, tremor, bradykinesia, gait disturbance and total score. In seven patients levodopa with carbidopa was completely replaced by bromocriptine (mean dose, 70 mg), with improvement in four. Adverse effects were similar to those observed with levodopa and carbidopa, except that in individual patients abnormal involuntary movements and diurnal oscillations in performance (on-off effect) were decreased whereas orthostatic hypotension and mental changes were increased. Bromocriptine appears to be a major new agent in Parkinson's disease that is especially promising in patients no longer responding to levodopa.", "PMID": 989885} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3410", "title": "Iron sufficiency in breast-fed infants and the availability of iron from human milk.", "content": "Four infants were studied who had been exclusively breast-fed for periods varying from 8 to 18 months. All had grown sufficiently to have exhausted their prenatally acquired iron endowment with respect to meeting current needs for maintaining normal hemoglobin levels. All infants had normal hemoglobin values and normal serum iron values. Studies of iron absorption from breast milk and cow's milk were performed in ten normal adults. The absorption of iron from the human milk was significantly higher. These findings suggest that the iron present in human milk is sufficient to meet the iron requirements of the exclusively breast-fed infant until he approximately triples his birthweight.", "contents": "Iron sufficiency in breast-fed infants and the availability of iron from human milk. Four infants were studied who had been exclusively breast-fed for periods varying from 8 to 18 months. All had grown sufficiently to have exhausted their prenatally acquired iron endowment with respect to meeting current needs for maintaining normal hemoglobin levels. All infants had normal hemoglobin values and normal serum iron values. Studies of iron absorption from breast milk and cow's milk were performed in ten normal adults. The absorption of iron from the human milk was significantly higher. These findings suggest that the iron present in human milk is sufficient to meet the iron requirements of the exclusively breast-fed infant until he approximately triples his birthweight.", "PMID": 989894} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3411", "title": "[Severe hyperosmolarity caused by dietary error in the newborn. A disorder of particular concern in migrants].", "content": "Hyperosmolarity as a result of dietary error is a fairly common condition. It is more grave than \"thirst fever\", the benign reputation of which should not be taken too lightly. The consequences may be serious: death or sequelae related to vascular thrombosis or cerebral lesions. Prevention should be possible in most instances as long as obstetricians, paediatricians, midwives and nursery nurses are aware of the danger of overconcentrated milk formula. Its treatment remains fraught with hazard.", "contents": "[Severe hyperosmolarity caused by dietary error in the newborn. A disorder of particular concern in migrants]. Hyperosmolarity as a result of dietary error is a fairly common condition. It is more grave than \"thirst fever\", the benign reputation of which should not be taken too lightly. The consequences may be serious: death or sequelae related to vascular thrombosis or cerebral lesions. Prevention should be possible in most instances as long as obstetricians, paediatricians, midwives and nursery nurses are aware of the danger of overconcentrated milk formula. Its treatment remains fraught with hazard.", "PMID": 989896} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3412", "title": "Discoid medial meniscus.", "content": "Three cases of discoid medical menisci were diagnosed preoperatively by arthrography. Discoid mensiscus usually occurs on the lateral side of the knee; its pathogenesis is obscure.", "contents": "Discoid medial meniscus. Three cases of discoid medical menisci were diagnosed preoperatively by arthrography. Discoid mensiscus usually occurs on the lateral side of the knee; its pathogenesis is obscure.", "PMID": 989927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3413", "title": "Interference of bronchographic agents with lung surfactant.", "content": "Dionosil Oily (a suspension of propyliodone crystals in peanut oil and powdered tantalum were introduced into the right principal bronchi of rabbit lungs. The left lungs were used as controls. Pressure-volume characteristics of excised lungs with Dionosil Oily or peanut oil demonstrated significantly reduced compliance on inflation at a pressure of 3-4 cm H2O. These lungs also retained less air on deflation and therefore demonstrated a significantly reduced stability index. Histological sections revealed microatelectasis closely associated with crystals and/or peanut oil. Lungs with tantalum powder were not measurably influenced by the bronchographic agents. Surface balance experiments with lung surfactant and synthetic dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) demonstrated an increased minimum surface tension due to the oil suspension of propyliodone, peanut oil and particles (propyliodone and tantalum). There is good evidence that the oil suspension of propyliodone reduced the surface activity of lung surfactant in situ. Particles also may prevent the minimum surface tension from reaching relatively low values if they enter the alveoli in sufficient quantities.", "contents": "Interference of bronchographic agents with lung surfactant. Dionosil Oily (a suspension of propyliodone crystals in peanut oil and powdered tantalum were introduced into the right principal bronchi of rabbit lungs. The left lungs were used as controls. Pressure-volume characteristics of excised lungs with Dionosil Oily or peanut oil demonstrated significantly reduced compliance on inflation at a pressure of 3-4 cm H2O. These lungs also retained less air on deflation and therefore demonstrated a significantly reduced stability index. Histological sections revealed microatelectasis closely associated with crystals and/or peanut oil. Lungs with tantalum powder were not measurably influenced by the bronchographic agents. Surface balance experiments with lung surfactant and synthetic dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) demonstrated an increased minimum surface tension due to the oil suspension of propyliodone, peanut oil and particles (propyliodone and tantalum). There is good evidence that the oil suspension of propyliodone reduced the surface activity of lung surfactant in situ. Particles also may prevent the minimum surface tension from reaching relatively low values if they enter the alveoli in sufficient quantities.", "PMID": 989934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3414", "title": "[Process optimization in the food industry (author's transl)].", "content": "Different optimization methods are presented (EVOP, Marginal Analysis, ...) as an example of problem approach and resolution in the food industry. Optimal criteria are presented for experiments design and analysis and mathematical models development for process simulation and optimization.", "contents": "[Process optimization in the food industry (author's transl)]. Different optimization methods are presented (EVOP, Marginal Analysis, ...) as an example of problem approach and resolution in the food industry. Optimal criteria are presented for experiments design and analysis and mathematical models development for process simulation and optimization.", "PMID": 989935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3415", "title": "[Contribution to the study of some factors affecting semolina quality (author's transl)].", "content": "In order to identify certain chemical characteristics of semolina that might provide \"a priori\" information about its pasta making quality, their relationship to pasta cooking chatacteristics were analyzed. The correlation analysis gave significant values for the relationship between semolina reactive SH content and pasta resistance to disintegration and between urea dispersible protein protein content of semolina and pasta volume increase on cooking. The results obtained suggest that possibility of considering separately the results of the various pasta cooking tests in order to express a conclusive quality evaluation.", "contents": "[Contribution to the study of some factors affecting semolina quality (author's transl)]. In order to identify certain chemical characteristics of semolina that might provide \"a priori\" information about its pasta making quality, their relationship to pasta cooking chatacteristics were analyzed. The correlation analysis gave significant values for the relationship between semolina reactive SH content and pasta resistance to disintegration and between urea dispersible protein protein content of semolina and pasta volume increase on cooking. The results obtained suggest that possibility of considering separately the results of the various pasta cooking tests in order to express a conclusive quality evaluation.", "PMID": 989936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3416", "title": "[Retention of volatile organic compounds in a freeze-dried model food gel (author's transl)].", "content": "In this work the results obtained during freeze-drying of a food model gel are reported. The model system was constituted by 12,5% sucrose, 2,5% pectin and five organic volatile substances: acetone, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol and n-propanol. In particular, it was studied the effect of granulation and the effect of frozen material thickness on retention of volatiles. Other experiments were made to study volatiles distribution inside the freeze-dried materials; the stripping action of warm air and of water vapor flux through the freeze-dried layers, and eventually the holding capacity of dried layers to \"capture\" the volatiles. All the data suggested a theory about the different mechanisms which influence the retention and the remotion of volatiles during freeze-drying of foods.", "contents": "[Retention of volatile organic compounds in a freeze-dried model food gel (author's transl)]. In this work the results obtained during freeze-drying of a food model gel are reported. The model system was constituted by 12,5% sucrose, 2,5% pectin and five organic volatile substances: acetone, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol and n-propanol. In particular, it was studied the effect of granulation and the effect of frozen material thickness on retention of volatiles. Other experiments were made to study volatiles distribution inside the freeze-dried materials; the stripping action of warm air and of water vapor flux through the freeze-dried layers, and eventually the holding capacity of dried layers to \"capture\" the volatiles. All the data suggested a theory about the different mechanisms which influence the retention and the remotion of volatiles during freeze-drying of foods.", "PMID": 989937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3417", "title": "[Copper contamination of Italian tomato products (author's transl)].", "content": "This study reports the results of analysis concerning some chemical characteristics of 63 samples of tomato juice and paste. Copper was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry and its average content was 32 ppm. This is not a critical value for human health and results below the upper limit provided by law of several european and not european countries.", "contents": "[Copper contamination of Italian tomato products (author's transl)]. This study reports the results of analysis concerning some chemical characteristics of 63 samples of tomato juice and paste. Copper was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry and its average content was 32 ppm. This is not a critical value for human health and results below the upper limit provided by law of several european and not european countries.", "PMID": 989938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3418", "title": "[The determination of lead in musts, wines and vinegars (author's transl)].", "content": "A method is described for the determination of lead in musts, wines and vinegars by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The method, already proposed as an official method both in Italy and at the O.I.V., gives sufficiently accurate and reproducible results and is particularly suitable for routine analysis. It has been tested on 120 white and red italian wines and has shown that lead pollution in wines has not reached dangerous limits.", "contents": "[The determination of lead in musts, wines and vinegars (author's transl)]. A method is described for the determination of lead in musts, wines and vinegars by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The method, already proposed as an official method both in Italy and at the O.I.V., gives sufficiently accurate and reproducible results and is particularly suitable for routine analysis. It has been tested on 120 white and red italian wines and has shown that lead pollution in wines has not reached dangerous limits.", "PMID": 989939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3419", "title": "[Analytical method to identify and quantitate residues of aromatic polychlorinated hydrocarbons (author's transl)].", "content": "A analytical method to identify and quantitate residues of polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated terphenyls, polychorinated naphtalenes and some chlorinated pesticides is described. These contaminants can be recovered from foods or other materials: a silicic acid coloumn chromatografic method previously developed is used to separate PCB's, PCT's, PCN's from organochlorinated pesticide residues. The PCB's, PCT's, PCN's residues identification and their subsequent quantitation can be achieved by conversion into well defined single perchloro-derivatives, viz decachlorobiphenyl, o.m.p. tetradecachloroterphenils and octachloronaftalene, detactable by GLC-EC. The reagnet of exhaustive chlorination of PCB's and PCT's residues is SbCl5, while the reagent used for the exhaustive chlorination of PCN's residues is SO2Cl2 with powdered anhydrous AlCl3 as a catalyst. The identity of perchloroderivatives obtained by chlorination of PCB's, PCT's, PCN's standard mixtures is confirmed on comparing their infrared spectra with the spectra of high purity standards.", "contents": "[Analytical method to identify and quantitate residues of aromatic polychlorinated hydrocarbons (author's transl)]. A analytical method to identify and quantitate residues of polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated terphenyls, polychorinated naphtalenes and some chlorinated pesticides is described. These contaminants can be recovered from foods or other materials: a silicic acid coloumn chromatografic method previously developed is used to separate PCB's, PCT's, PCN's from organochlorinated pesticide residues. The PCB's, PCT's, PCN's residues identification and their subsequent quantitation can be achieved by conversion into well defined single perchloro-derivatives, viz decachlorobiphenyl, o.m.p. tetradecachloroterphenils and octachloronaftalene, detactable by GLC-EC. The reagnet of exhaustive chlorination of PCB's and PCT's residues is SbCl5, while the reagent used for the exhaustive chlorination of PCN's residues is SO2Cl2 with powdered anhydrous AlCl3 as a catalyst. The identity of perchloroderivatives obtained by chlorination of PCB's, PCT's, PCN's standard mixtures is confirmed on comparing their infrared spectra with the spectra of high purity standards.", "PMID": 989941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3420", "title": "[The liquid scintillation counting of the 14C natural level in ethanol: a comparison of different standardisation methods (author's transl)].", "content": "The influence on liquid scintillation counting efficiency of internal standards toluene-14C, hexadecane-14C and ethanol-14C has been studied for low level-14C measuring of ethanol samples. Many biological and synthetic samples of ethanol have been counted: the best results are obtained with external standardisation on quenching calibration curve made with ethanol-14C. External standardisation on quenching calibration curve made with toluene-14C is preferable to internal standardisation with ethanol-14C. Hesadecane-14C as internal standard gives activities rather higher than true values.", "contents": "[The liquid scintillation counting of the 14C natural level in ethanol: a comparison of different standardisation methods (author's transl)]. The influence on liquid scintillation counting efficiency of internal standards toluene-14C, hexadecane-14C and ethanol-14C has been studied for low level-14C measuring of ethanol samples. Many biological and synthetic samples of ethanol have been counted: the best results are obtained with external standardisation on quenching calibration curve made with ethanol-14C. External standardisation on quenching calibration curve made with toluene-14C is preferable to internal standardisation with ethanol-14C. Hesadecane-14C as internal standard gives activities rather higher than true values.", "PMID": 989943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3421", "title": "[Tyndalization by gamma rays. Preliminary esperiments on grape].", "content": "The analysis of rot in two grape cultivars (\"Moscato bianco\" and \"Favorita\") has shown that the most effective gamma rays dose which pasteurizes fruit pulp with little or no damages is about 180-200 Kr. if administered divided into three fractions, the irradiated sample is less affected by infections (P = 0.01) then the 100 Kr or control samples. On the opposite, no difference between various doses could be detected when gamma rays are administered all at once.", "contents": "[Tyndalization by gamma rays. Preliminary esperiments on grape]. The analysis of rot in two grape cultivars (\"Moscato bianco\" and \"Favorita\") has shown that the most effective gamma rays dose which pasteurizes fruit pulp with little or no damages is about 180-200 Kr. if administered divided into three fractions, the irradiated sample is less affected by infections (P = 0.01) then the 100 Kr or control samples. On the opposite, no difference between various doses could be detected when gamma rays are administered all at once.", "PMID": 989944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3422", "title": "[Recent advances on the \"active\" vitamin D: 1alpha,25-dihydroxicholecalciferol (author's transl)].", "content": "The researches on the mode of action of vitamin D have shown that vitamin D3 in animals is not utilized as such but after Hydrosylation of carbon 25 in the liver and of carbon 1 in the kidney. 1alpha,25-dihdroxycholecalciferol (1alpha,25-(OH)2D3) is the active on two target organis the intestin and bones, acting as a steroid hormone. In the intestin it controls the syntesis of a specific calcium binding protein (CaPB) responsable for calcium absorption. At the bone level it act on the deposition of calcium salts, and whenever necessary on its mobilization. Therefore 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 is active part of the calcium homeostatic system in the organism together with specific hormones such as parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.", "contents": "[Recent advances on the \"active\" vitamin D: 1alpha,25-dihydroxicholecalciferol (author's transl)]. The researches on the mode of action of vitamin D have shown that vitamin D3 in animals is not utilized as such but after Hydrosylation of carbon 25 in the liver and of carbon 1 in the kidney. 1alpha,25-dihdroxycholecalciferol (1alpha,25-(OH)2D3) is the active on two target organis the intestin and bones, acting as a steroid hormone. In the intestin it controls the syntesis of a specific calcium binding protein (CaPB) responsable for calcium absorption. At the bone level it act on the deposition of calcium salts, and whenever necessary on its mobilization. Therefore 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 is active part of the calcium homeostatic system in the organism together with specific hormones such as parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.", "PMID": 989946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3423", "title": "[Therapy of supraventricular arrhythmias with a cardioselective beta-receptor blocker (tolamolol)].", "content": "In order to evaluate the effect of a new cardioselective beta-blocker (tolamolol) on supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, 10-30 mg of tolamolol was administered on 38 occasions to 35 patients. It is concluded that tolamolol reduces ventricular rate in supraventricular tachyarrhythmias and is often effective in converting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm.", "contents": "[Therapy of supraventricular arrhythmias with a cardioselective beta-receptor blocker (tolamolol)]. In order to evaluate the effect of a new cardioselective beta-blocker (tolamolol) on supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, 10-30 mg of tolamolol was administered on 38 occasions to 35 patients. It is concluded that tolamolol reduces ventricular rate in supraventricular tachyarrhythmias and is often effective in converting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm.", "PMID": 989952} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3424", "title": "[The resistance to antibiotics and chemotherapeutics in bacteria (author's transl)].", "content": "Many people today, in agricolture, zootechny and animal feeding, operate with antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. Not all perhaps, know the inconveniences that the large and uncontrolled use of these substances may cause first of all the emergency of bacteria strains resistant to these drugs. We have devoted our attention particularly to the modalities of establishment of the phenomenon: to its incidence and variability in nature, to its transferability and, at least, to its biochemical aspects.", "contents": "[The resistance to antibiotics and chemotherapeutics in bacteria (author's transl)]. Many people today, in agricolture, zootechny and animal feeding, operate with antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. Not all perhaps, know the inconveniences that the large and uncontrolled use of these substances may cause first of all the emergency of bacteria strains resistant to these drugs. We have devoted our attention particularly to the modalities of establishment of the phenomenon: to its incidence and variability in nature, to its transferability and, at least, to its biochemical aspects.", "PMID": 989947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3425", "title": "[Study of piruvic acid pool as indirect index of microbial count in foods and beverages (author's transl)].", "content": "The quantities are given of pyruvate in a medium to remark any possible connection between varieties of pyruvate and present bacterial flora concentration. We found some connection between the two experiments, even though, not always are very easily to menage.", "contents": "[Study of piruvic acid pool as indirect index of microbial count in foods and beverages (author's transl)]. The quantities are given of pyruvate in a medium to remark any possible connection between varieties of pyruvate and present bacterial flora concentration. We found some connection between the two experiments, even though, not always are very easily to menage.", "PMID": 989949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3426", "title": "[The colorimetry of fruits and vegetables (author's transl)].", "content": "The colorimetry of food has advanced during last years very much, due to the improving of the equipment and has solved several theoretical and practical problems for the food utilization. In the present paper are reviewed the procedures adopted and the results obtained for the objective evaluation of the colour of processed fruits and vegetables. These results have pointed out the importance of colorimetry in this field and outlined the future trends of the research.", "contents": "[The colorimetry of fruits and vegetables (author's transl)]. The colorimetry of food has advanced during last years very much, due to the improving of the equipment and has solved several theoretical and practical problems for the food utilization. In the present paper are reviewed the procedures adopted and the results obtained for the objective evaluation of the colour of processed fruits and vegetables. These results have pointed out the importance of colorimetry in this field and outlined the future trends of the research.", "PMID": 989948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3427", "title": "Management of haemophilia in Sweden.", "content": "The incidence of living haemophiliacs in Sweden (total population 8.1 millions) is about 1:15,000 males and about 1:30,000 of the entire population. The number of haemophiliacs born in Sweden in 5-year periods between 1931-1975 (June) has remained almost unchanged. The total number of haemophilia families in Sweden is 284 (77% haemophilia A, 23% haemophila B) with altogether 557 (436 with A and 121 with B) living haemophiliacs. Of the haemophilia A patients 40% have severe, 18% moderate, and 42% mild, haemophilia. The distribution of the haemophilia B patients is about the same. Inhibitors have been demonstrated in 8% of the patients with severe haemophilia A and in 10% of those with severe haemophilia B. There are 2 main Haemophilia Centres (Stockholm, Malm\u00f6) to which haemophiliacs from the whole of Sweden are admitted for diagnosis, follow-up and treatment for severe bleedings, joint defects and surgery. Minor bleedings are treated at local hospitals in cooperation with the Haemophilia Centres. The concentrates available for treatment in haemophilia A are human fraction I-0 (AHF-Kabi), cryoprecipitate, Antihaemophilic Factor (Hyland 4) and Kryobulin (Immuno, Wien). AHF-Kabi is the most commonly used preparation. The concentrates available for treatment in haemophilia B are Preconativ (Kabi) and Prothromplex (Immuno). Suffcient amounts of concentrates are available. In Sweden 3.2 million units of factor VIII and 1.0 millino units of factor IX are given per year. Treatment is free of charge. Only 5 patients receive domiciliary treatment, but since 1958 we in Sweden have practised prophylactic treatment of boys (4-18 years old) with severe haemophilia A. At about 5-10 days interval they receive AHF in amounts sufficient to raise the AHF level to 40-50%. This regimen has reduced severe haemophilia to moderate. The joint score is identical with that found in moderate haemophilia in the same age groups. For treatment of patients with haemophilia A and haemophilia B complicated by inhibitors we have used a large dose of antigen (factor VIII or factor IX) combined with cyclophosphamide. In most cases this treatment produced satisfactory haemostasis for 5 to 30 days and prevented the secondary antibody rise.", "contents": "Management of haemophilia in Sweden. The incidence of living haemophiliacs in Sweden (total population 8.1 millions) is about 1:15,000 males and about 1:30,000 of the entire population. The number of haemophiliacs born in Sweden in 5-year periods between 1931-1975 (June) has remained almost unchanged. The total number of haemophilia families in Sweden is 284 (77% haemophilia A, 23% haemophila B) with altogether 557 (436 with A and 121 with B) living haemophiliacs. Of the haemophilia A patients 40% have severe, 18% moderate, and 42% mild, haemophilia. The distribution of the haemophilia B patients is about the same. Inhibitors have been demonstrated in 8% of the patients with severe haemophilia A and in 10% of those with severe haemophilia B. There are 2 main Haemophilia Centres (Stockholm, Malm\u00f6) to which haemophiliacs from the whole of Sweden are admitted for diagnosis, follow-up and treatment for severe bleedings, joint defects and surgery. Minor bleedings are treated at local hospitals in cooperation with the Haemophilia Centres. The concentrates available for treatment in haemophilia A are human fraction I-0 (AHF-Kabi), cryoprecipitate, Antihaemophilic Factor (Hyland 4) and Kryobulin (Immuno, Wien). AHF-Kabi is the most commonly used preparation. The concentrates available for treatment in haemophilia B are Preconativ (Kabi) and Prothromplex (Immuno). Suffcient amounts of concentrates are available. In Sweden 3.2 million units of factor VIII and 1.0 millino units of factor IX are given per year. Treatment is free of charge. Only 5 patients receive domiciliary treatment, but since 1958 we in Sweden have practised prophylactic treatment of boys (4-18 years old) with severe haemophilia A. At about 5-10 days interval they receive AHF in amounts sufficient to raise the AHF level to 40-50%. This regimen has reduced severe haemophilia to moderate. The joint score is identical with that found in moderate haemophilia in the same age groups. For treatment of patients with haemophilia A and haemophilia B complicated by inhibitors we have used a large dose of antigen (factor VIII or factor IX) combined with cyclophosphamide. In most cases this treatment produced satisfactory haemostasis for 5 to 30 days and prevented the secondary antibody rise.", "PMID": 989956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3428", "title": "[Content of mercury and other elements in samples of canned tunafish (author's transl)].", "content": "On the basis of the several studies recently published on the concentration of Hg and other heavy elements in seafish and especially tunafish a work as been carried out to determine the intake due to canned tunafish for the italian population. Instrumental activation analysis has been applied to tunafish canned samples avaible on the market in Rome. The following trace elements have been measured: Cr, Se, Hg, Cs, Fe, Zn, Co, Sb. The intake of Hg and other elements through the canned tuna foods have been evaluated on the basis of the production of such foods in Italy. The tunafish contribution to the total trace elements intakes has been determined by comparing the trace elements concentrations in the canned tunafish with those referred to diets that are representative for the italian population. The results obtained have demonstrated that the trace elements intake through the diet is not significantly influenced by the tunacanned foods intake.", "contents": "[Content of mercury and other elements in samples of canned tunafish (author's transl)]. On the basis of the several studies recently published on the concentration of Hg and other heavy elements in seafish and especially tunafish a work as been carried out to determine the intake due to canned tunafish for the italian population. Instrumental activation analysis has been applied to tunafish canned samples avaible on the market in Rome. The following trace elements have been measured: Cr, Se, Hg, Cs, Fe, Zn, Co, Sb. The intake of Hg and other elements through the canned tuna foods have been evaluated on the basis of the production of such foods in Italy. The tunafish contribution to the total trace elements intakes has been determined by comparing the trace elements concentrations in the canned tunafish with those referred to diets that are representative for the italian population. The results obtained have demonstrated that the trace elements intake through the diet is not significantly influenced by the tunacanned foods intake.", "PMID": 989950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3429", "title": "Management of haemophilia in Greece.", "content": "A short review is given on several aspects of the management of haemophilia in Greece. A total number of 429 patients with congenital haemorrhagic disorders has been registered. The incidence of F. VIII deficiency is 85.9% and that of F. IX 12.9%. Information concerning distribution throughout the country, age, social standard, financial position and education is given too. Haemophiliacs are systematically treated by Athens specialized Haemophilia Treatment Centres. The most widely therapeutic material still used, is fresh frozen plasma. Lyophilized cryoprecipitate and F. IX (prothrombincomplex) concentrate are also prepared but they are not for every day use. Imported concentrates are used only for very serious cases. Home therapy is attempted in limited scale and it is largely discussed. Consultation, out-patients treatment and hospitalization, if needed, are free of charge for haemophiliacs regardless of their financial position or their national insurance.", "contents": "Management of haemophilia in Greece. A short review is given on several aspects of the management of haemophilia in Greece. A total number of 429 patients with congenital haemorrhagic disorders has been registered. The incidence of F. VIII deficiency is 85.9% and that of F. IX 12.9%. Information concerning distribution throughout the country, age, social standard, financial position and education is given too. Haemophiliacs are systematically treated by Athens specialized Haemophilia Treatment Centres. The most widely therapeutic material still used, is fresh frozen plasma. Lyophilized cryoprecipitate and F. IX (prothrombincomplex) concentrate are also prepared but they are not for every day use. Imported concentrates are used only for very serious cases. Home therapy is attempted in limited scale and it is largely discussed. Consultation, out-patients treatment and hospitalization, if needed, are free of charge for haemophiliacs regardless of their financial position or their national insurance.", "PMID": 989957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3430", "title": "Hemophilia care in Italy.", "content": "Twenty specialized centres for the care of hemophilia and allied disorders have now been established in Italy. Their geographic distribution is uneven and the number is considered inadequate. Financial support is provided by regional Health Departments or by University and General Hospitals; a bill recognizing hemophilia as a social disease entitles the centres to an annual grant from the State or Regional Boards. Less than half of factor VIII employed in the management of hemophilia A is supplied as a cryoprecipitate from hospital blood banks; the rest is imported from commercial manufacturers who also satisfy all the demand for prothrombin complex concentrates. Commercial freeze-dried concentrates can also be obtained free of charge at pharmacies by hemophiliacs covered by national social security schemes. This arrangement facilitates home treatment, which appears the ideal form of management in a country with the geographical features of Italy. In Lombardy, a bill allows hemophiliacs or their relatives to give infusions after adequate instruction. All this has been a great help in achieving more modern management of hemophilia; however, dependence on imported commercial concentrates appears unreasonable on a long-term basis, and major efforts should be directed towards developing a national program for manufacturing blood components.", "contents": "Hemophilia care in Italy. Twenty specialized centres for the care of hemophilia and allied disorders have now been established in Italy. Their geographic distribution is uneven and the number is considered inadequate. Financial support is provided by regional Health Departments or by University and General Hospitals; a bill recognizing hemophilia as a social disease entitles the centres to an annual grant from the State or Regional Boards. Less than half of factor VIII employed in the management of hemophilia A is supplied as a cryoprecipitate from hospital blood banks; the rest is imported from commercial manufacturers who also satisfy all the demand for prothrombin complex concentrates. Commercial freeze-dried concentrates can also be obtained free of charge at pharmacies by hemophiliacs covered by national social security schemes. This arrangement facilitates home treatment, which appears the ideal form of management in a country with the geographical features of Italy. In Lombardy, a bill allows hemophiliacs or their relatives to give infusions after adequate instruction. All this has been a great help in achieving more modern management of hemophilia; however, dependence on imported commercial concentrates appears unreasonable on a long-term basis, and major efforts should be directed towards developing a national program for manufacturing blood components.", "PMID": 989958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3431", "title": "Management of hemophilia in Spain.", "content": "Results are presented of a nation-wide inquiry into the management of hemophilia in Spain. It is calculated that there are 1,172 hemophilic patients in the country. A survey has been made of the therapeutic materials (prepared commercially or by hospitals) used in 1974 and their availability in the various hospitals of the Social Security Service. It is estimated that an average of 10,708 units of deficient factor were used per patient in this year. The number of patients on home therapy is 1.2% of the total. All cost of hemophilia treatment is covered by the Social Security. Comments are made on progress during the last five years.", "contents": "Management of hemophilia in Spain. Results are presented of a nation-wide inquiry into the management of hemophilia in Spain. It is calculated that there are 1,172 hemophilic patients in the country. A survey has been made of the therapeutic materials (prepared commercially or by hospitals) used in 1974 and their availability in the various hospitals of the Social Security Service. It is estimated that an average of 10,708 units of deficient factor were used per patient in this year. The number of patients on home therapy is 1.2% of the total. All cost of hemophilia treatment is covered by the Social Security. Comments are made on progress during the last five years.", "PMID": 989959} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3432", "title": "Management of hemophilia in France.", "content": "Two important factors concerning the management of hemophilia in France are considered. The supply of factors VIII and IX for replacement therapy meets the current demand but as the demand increases with the development of self-infusion programs, the production will also have to increase. This can only be done through more effective use of all of the blood components and will require careful evaluation of the needs of each patient. Programs which teach self-infusion and the other aspects of home care are gradually allowing the hemophiliac and his family better understanding of the disease. These programs are developing slowly in France but must be expanded to improve the general care of all French hemophiliacs.", "contents": "Management of hemophilia in France. Two important factors concerning the management of hemophilia in France are considered. The supply of factors VIII and IX for replacement therapy meets the current demand but as the demand increases with the development of self-infusion programs, the production will also have to increase. This can only be done through more effective use of all of the blood components and will require careful evaluation of the needs of each patient. Programs which teach self-infusion and the other aspects of home care are gradually allowing the hemophiliac and his family better understanding of the disease. These programs are developing slowly in France but must be expanded to improve the general care of all French hemophiliacs.", "PMID": 989961} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3433", "title": "Haemophilia in Australia.", "content": "The major problems currently facing haemophilia management in Australia relate to (1) a need for better co-ordination of our entire national effort for haemophilia therapy and (2) a need to improve the efficiency of our preparation of factor VII concentrates. If we could simply double or treble our factor VIII yields from the same volume of donor plasma many of our urgent treatment problems could be solved.", "contents": "Haemophilia in Australia. The major problems currently facing haemophilia management in Australia relate to (1) a need for better co-ordination of our entire national effort for haemophilia therapy and (2) a need to improve the efficiency of our preparation of factor VII concentrates. If we could simply double or treble our factor VIII yields from the same volume of donor plasma many of our urgent treatment problems could be solved.", "PMID": 989963} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3434", "title": "Four heparin preparations: anti-Xa potentiating effect of heparin after subcutaneous injection.", "content": "Four different heparin preparations--sodium and calcium salts of the same batch of heparin (mean molecular weight 15,000), low molecular weight sodium heparin (mean m.w. 9,000) and high molecular weight sodium heparin (mean m.w. 22,000) were injected subcutaneously on different days each into 6 healthy young volunteers in a randomized trial. Plasma heparin levels were measured using the anti-Xa assay at 1 hour, 3-4 hours and 6-7 hours after the injection. The highest anti-Xa potentiating effect was obtained after the injection of the low molecular weight sodium heparin (mean 0.381 i.u./ml) at 3-4 hours after the injection. With sodium heparin (m.w. 15,000) the highest values (0.135 i.u./ml) were found at 1 hour. Significantly lower anti-Xa potentiating effect was obtained 1 hour after the injection of calcium heparin and in particular after the injection of high molecular weight heparin (mean values 0.072 i. u./ml and 0.043 i. u./ml respectively). Both these preparations showed an increase from 1 hour after injection to 3-4 hours after injection (mean values 0.082 i. u./ml and 0.057 i. u./ml at 3-4 hours after injection). These results indicate that the salt and the molecular weight of the preparation may strongly influence the degree of anticoagulation achieved after subcutaneous injection.", "contents": "Four heparin preparations: anti-Xa potentiating effect of heparin after subcutaneous injection. Four different heparin preparations--sodium and calcium salts of the same batch of heparin (mean molecular weight 15,000), low molecular weight sodium heparin (mean m.w. 9,000) and high molecular weight sodium heparin (mean m.w. 22,000) were injected subcutaneously on different days each into 6 healthy young volunteers in a randomized trial. Plasma heparin levels were measured using the anti-Xa assay at 1 hour, 3-4 hours and 6-7 hours after the injection. The highest anti-Xa potentiating effect was obtained after the injection of the low molecular weight sodium heparin (mean 0.381 i.u./ml) at 3-4 hours after the injection. With sodium heparin (m.w. 15,000) the highest values (0.135 i.u./ml) were found at 1 hour. Significantly lower anti-Xa potentiating effect was obtained 1 hour after the injection of calcium heparin and in particular after the injection of high molecular weight heparin (mean values 0.072 i. u./ml and 0.043 i. u./ml respectively). Both these preparations showed an increase from 1 hour after injection to 3-4 hours after injection (mean values 0.082 i. u./ml and 0.057 i. u./ml at 3-4 hours after injection). These results indicate that the salt and the molecular weight of the preparation may strongly influence the degree of anticoagulation achieved after subcutaneous injection.", "PMID": 989965} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3435", "title": "On the value of the activated partial thrombo-plastin time (aptt) in monitoring heparin therapy.", "content": "Of 1068 blood samples referred for evaluation of the haemostatic mechanism 135 contained heparin as judged by the polybrene titration method. Of the 57 samples with a heparin concentration in the defined therapeutic range, 65 per cent had APTT values in the \"therapeutic range\". Of the samples from patients who had not received any anticoagulant, 213 (24 per cent) had prolonged APTT, and 48 of these samples had APTT values in the \"therapeutic range\" for heparin therapy. It is suggested that the APTT test is of limited value in monitoring heparin therapy.", "contents": "On the value of the activated partial thrombo-plastin time (aptt) in monitoring heparin therapy. Of 1068 blood samples referred for evaluation of the haemostatic mechanism 135 contained heparin as judged by the polybrene titration method. Of the 57 samples with a heparin concentration in the defined therapeutic range, 65 per cent had APTT values in the \"therapeutic range\". Of the samples from patients who had not received any anticoagulant, 213 (24 per cent) had prolonged APTT, and 48 of these samples had APTT values in the \"therapeutic range\" for heparin therapy. It is suggested that the APTT test is of limited value in monitoring heparin therapy.", "PMID": 989966} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3436", "title": "Alteration of plasma antithrombin III levels in ischemic heart disease.", "content": "The amount of antithrombin III in plasma was determined quantitatively in 218 males between 45-60 years of age. The mean antithrombin III value was found to be low in the group with low risk for ischemic heart disease, intermediate in the group with high risk for ischemic heart disease and highest in the group with acute myocardial infarction. Concomitant study of kaolin-activated partial thromboplastin time revealed a sharp decrease in its mean value in the group with acute myocardial infarction. The high correlation between antithrombin III and kaolin-activated partial thromboplastin time for the entire population suggests that the development of ischemic heart disease is a gradual process and that failure of the damping mechanism results as an acute event. These findings may be useful in the determination of the coagulation state of these patients.", "contents": "Alteration of plasma antithrombin III levels in ischemic heart disease. The amount of antithrombin III in plasma was determined quantitatively in 218 males between 45-60 years of age. The mean antithrombin III value was found to be low in the group with low risk for ischemic heart disease, intermediate in the group with high risk for ischemic heart disease and highest in the group with acute myocardial infarction. Concomitant study of kaolin-activated partial thromboplastin time revealed a sharp decrease in its mean value in the group with acute myocardial infarction. The high correlation between antithrombin III and kaolin-activated partial thromboplastin time for the entire population suggests that the development of ischemic heart disease is a gradual process and that failure of the damping mechanism results as an acute event. These findings may be useful in the determination of the coagulation state of these patients.", "PMID": 989967} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3437", "title": "The influence of the thyroid function on the metabolic rate of prothrombin, factor VII, and factor X in the rat.", "content": "The influence of the thyroid function on the metabolic rate of prothrombin, factor VII, and X was studied in the rat. Disappearance rates of the three coagulation factors were measured after synthesis had been blocked with appropriate doses of warfarin, and reappearance rates were assessed upon induction of synthesis by high doses of vitamin K1 injected into rats displaying coumarin induced hypocoagulability. No statistically significant difference in the disappearance and production rates of any of the factors could be found between normal euthyroid rats and thyroxin-treated hypothyroid rats proven to be euthyroid. The differences between the two euthyroid groups and the hypothyroid group were highly significant, however: hypothyroidism results in an approximately 50% decrease of the metabolic rates of the three coagulation factors under study. The reappearance of the three factors, under euthyroid as well as hypothyroid conditions, showed a biphasic pattern: in the first two hours after vitamin K1 administration to warfarin treated rats, a rapid reappearance was observed, to the same extent for all three factors, in hypo- as well as euthyroid rats. This finding suggests that in vitamin K1 deficiency an intracellular accumulation of precursor proteins (PIVKAs) occurs, which after rapid conversion into biologically active coagulation factors by vitamin K1 are shed into circulation. The subsequent phase of reappearance is much slower and reflects the synthesis rate of coagulation enzymes. It is characteristic for each factor and clearly slower in hypothyroid rats than in euthyroid rats. From this an influence of thyroid function on the synthesis rate of the protein moiety of coagulation factors can be inferred. An apparent difference between disappearance and reappearance rate of the coagulation factors in the plasma, particularly pronounced for factors VII and X in euthyroid rats, could theoretically be explained as the consequence of the model used for derivation of these rates.", "contents": "The influence of the thyroid function on the metabolic rate of prothrombin, factor VII, and factor X in the rat. The influence of the thyroid function on the metabolic rate of prothrombin, factor VII, and X was studied in the rat. Disappearance rates of the three coagulation factors were measured after synthesis had been blocked with appropriate doses of warfarin, and reappearance rates were assessed upon induction of synthesis by high doses of vitamin K1 injected into rats displaying coumarin induced hypocoagulability. No statistically significant difference in the disappearance and production rates of any of the factors could be found between normal euthyroid rats and thyroxin-treated hypothyroid rats proven to be euthyroid. The differences between the two euthyroid groups and the hypothyroid group were highly significant, however: hypothyroidism results in an approximately 50% decrease of the metabolic rates of the three coagulation factors under study. The reappearance of the three factors, under euthyroid as well as hypothyroid conditions, showed a biphasic pattern: in the first two hours after vitamin K1 administration to warfarin treated rats, a rapid reappearance was observed, to the same extent for all three factors, in hypo- as well as euthyroid rats. This finding suggests that in vitamin K1 deficiency an intracellular accumulation of precursor proteins (PIVKAs) occurs, which after rapid conversion into biologically active coagulation factors by vitamin K1 are shed into circulation. The subsequent phase of reappearance is much slower and reflects the synthesis rate of coagulation enzymes. It is characteristic for each factor and clearly slower in hypothyroid rats than in euthyroid rats. From this an influence of thyroid function on the synthesis rate of the protein moiety of coagulation factors can be inferred. An apparent difference between disappearance and reappearance rate of the coagulation factors in the plasma, particularly pronounced for factors VII and X in euthyroid rats, could theoretically be explained as the consequence of the model used for derivation of these rates.", "PMID": 989968} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3438", "title": "Fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products in serum of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: elevated levels during severe thrombocytopenic phase of the disease.", "content": "Sera from 23 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), 14 patients with aplastic anemia with severe thrombocytopenia and healthy control subjects were tested for the presence of fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products (FDP), using the tanned red cell hemagglutination inhibition immunoaassay. The concentrations of circulating FDP of ITP patients (mean 12.01 mug/ml) were significantly higher than those of the patients with aplastic anemia (mean 4.01 mug/ml, p less than 0.05) or normal controls (mean 3.10 mug/ml, p less than 0.001). The patients with untreated ITP with very low platelet counts had higher levels of FDP than those of the treated group (p less than 0.01). Serum FDP and a battery of other coagulation-fibrinolysis tests were serially carried out over a period of 10 weeks in two patients with ITP. The initially high FDP promptly decreased as circulating platelets increased in response to steroid in both patients, while plasma fibrinogen, euglobulin lysis time, prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time remained essentially normal during the course of observation. The exact source of the increased serum FDP in ITP was not established, but a few possible mechanisms responsible for this abnormality were discussed.", "contents": "Fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products in serum of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: elevated levels during severe thrombocytopenic phase of the disease. Sera from 23 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), 14 patients with aplastic anemia with severe thrombocytopenia and healthy control subjects were tested for the presence of fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products (FDP), using the tanned red cell hemagglutination inhibition immunoaassay. The concentrations of circulating FDP of ITP patients (mean 12.01 mug/ml) were significantly higher than those of the patients with aplastic anemia (mean 4.01 mug/ml, p less than 0.05) or normal controls (mean 3.10 mug/ml, p less than 0.001). The patients with untreated ITP with very low platelet counts had higher levels of FDP than those of the treated group (p less than 0.01). Serum FDP and a battery of other coagulation-fibrinolysis tests were serially carried out over a period of 10 weeks in two patients with ITP. The initially high FDP promptly decreased as circulating platelets increased in response to steroid in both patients, while plasma fibrinogen, euglobulin lysis time, prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time remained essentially normal during the course of observation. The exact source of the increased serum FDP in ITP was not established, but a few possible mechanisms responsible for this abnormality were discussed.", "PMID": 989969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3439", "title": "Effect of thrombin on phosphorylation of platelet membrane proteins.", "content": "The effect of thrombin on the phosphorylating activity of platelet membranes was compared to that of trypsin. Preincubation of non-32P phosphorylated platelet membranes with or without either of these two enzymes resulted in a considerable loss of membrane protein kinase activity which was most severe when trypsin was used. Protein kinase activity and endogenous protein acceptors decreased in parallel. 32P-phosphorylated membranes showed a slow but progressive loss of label which was accelerated by trypsin. Thrombin under these conditions prevented the loss of 32P-phosphate. These results are interpreted to indicate a thrombin-induced destruction of a phosphoprotein phosphatase. The protein kinase activity of phosphorylated platelet membranes using endogenous or exogenous protein substrates showed a significant reduction compared to non-phosphorylated membranes suggesting a deactivation of protein kinase by phosphorylation of platelet membranes. Neither thrombin nor trypsin caused a qualitative change in the membrane polypeptides accepting 32P-phosphate but resulted in quantitative alterations of their ability to become phosphorylated.", "contents": "Effect of thrombin on phosphorylation of platelet membrane proteins. The effect of thrombin on the phosphorylating activity of platelet membranes was compared to that of trypsin. Preincubation of non-32P phosphorylated platelet membranes with or without either of these two enzymes resulted in a considerable loss of membrane protein kinase activity which was most severe when trypsin was used. Protein kinase activity and endogenous protein acceptors decreased in parallel. 32P-phosphorylated membranes showed a slow but progressive loss of label which was accelerated by trypsin. Thrombin under these conditions prevented the loss of 32P-phosphate. These results are interpreted to indicate a thrombin-induced destruction of a phosphoprotein phosphatase. The protein kinase activity of phosphorylated platelet membranes using endogenous or exogenous protein substrates showed a significant reduction compared to non-phosphorylated membranes suggesting a deactivation of protein kinase by phosphorylation of platelet membranes. Neither thrombin nor trypsin caused a qualitative change in the membrane polypeptides accepting 32P-phosphate but resulted in quantitative alterations of their ability to become phosphorylated.", "PMID": 989970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3440", "title": "The variability of platelet-collagen interaction. Its influence on aspirin-induced inhibition of platelet aggregation.", "content": "A study of platelet aggregation induced by progressive concentrations of collagen was performed in 40 normal persons, equally grouped by sex, immediately before, and 90 min after, the ingestion of 0.500 g aspirin. Simultaneously, serum ASA-esterase activity and plasmatic salicylic acid levels were investigated in the pre- and post-ASA samples respectively. Wide individual variations in platelet responsiveness to collagen were found when the minimal amount of the aggregating agent necessary to provoke significant aggregation was located. The percentage of aggregation and the slope were the most sensible indicators of both the individual variances and the ASA-induced inhibition. Correlation was found in both groups between the minimal amounts of collagen required for initiating aggregation pre- and post-ASA. Also positive correlation was found between the minimal collagen concentration required to initiate aggregation pre-ASA and the aspirin-induced inhibition in the aggregation produced by a higher collagen concentration. Important individual and sexual differences were detected in the serum content of ASA-esterase activity. A negative significant correlation was demonstrated between the ASA-esterase activity and the differences in collagen concentrations necessary to start aggregation pre- and post-aspirin in the men group. Failure to consider individual variances in platelet reactivity may lead to false conclusions about the ASA affectiveness as an antithrombotic agent.", "contents": "The variability of platelet-collagen interaction. Its influence on aspirin-induced inhibition of platelet aggregation. A study of platelet aggregation induced by progressive concentrations of collagen was performed in 40 normal persons, equally grouped by sex, immediately before, and 90 min after, the ingestion of 0.500 g aspirin. Simultaneously, serum ASA-esterase activity and plasmatic salicylic acid levels were investigated in the pre- and post-ASA samples respectively. Wide individual variations in platelet responsiveness to collagen were found when the minimal amount of the aggregating agent necessary to provoke significant aggregation was located. The percentage of aggregation and the slope were the most sensible indicators of both the individual variances and the ASA-induced inhibition. Correlation was found in both groups between the minimal amounts of collagen required for initiating aggregation pre- and post-ASA. Also positive correlation was found between the minimal collagen concentration required to initiate aggregation pre-ASA and the aspirin-induced inhibition in the aggregation produced by a higher collagen concentration. Important individual and sexual differences were detected in the serum content of ASA-esterase activity. A negative significant correlation was demonstrated between the ASA-esterase activity and the differences in collagen concentrations necessary to start aggregation pre- and post-aspirin in the men group. Failure to consider individual variances in platelet reactivity may lead to false conclusions about the ASA affectiveness as an antithrombotic agent.", "PMID": 989971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3441", "title": "On the measurement of spontaneous platelet aggregation. The platelet aggregation test III. Methods and first clinical results.", "content": "A new measuring device was developed for the study of \"spontaneous\" aggregating activity of thrombocytes. In the photometric platelet aggregation test (PAT III) 0.6 ml of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are rotated in a disc-shaped cuvette at 20 rpm and 37 degrees C. Changes in optical density of PRP which are induced by the formation of platelet aggregates are continuously registered using a chart recorder. PAT III was developed for the detection of enhanced platelet aggregation, indicating a risk of thrombosis and thromboembolic complications. In 146 healthy individuals a certain percentage showed slight primary aggregation (alpha1) which in some cases was followed by marked aggregation (alpha2) at a certain time (Tr) after the beginning of rotation. The percentage of individuals showing alpha2 increased with age. An increase of plasma pH in the rotating sample, which was caused by diffusion of CO2, was an important conditioning factor for aggregation. The test results depended on the platelet count in PRP. Aggregation curves were suppressed by admixture of erythrocytes and lipid turbidity. The tendency of platelets to aggregate increased within 60-90 min following blood sampling. During this period the interval to the onset of aggregation (Tr) became shorter and the maximum aggregation speed (alpha 2) increased with time. PAT III yielded reproducible results when it was carried out more than 60 min after blood drawing. In a group of 327 diabetic patients \"spontaneous\" aggregation occurred more frequently in all age groups as compared with the controls. Additional equipment was available for the registration of ADP-, collagen-, or epinephrine-induced aggregation similar to Born's and O'Brien's method. The device can easily be mounted on an Eppendorf photometer without further alterations.", "contents": "On the measurement of spontaneous platelet aggregation. The platelet aggregation test III. Methods and first clinical results. A new measuring device was developed for the study of \"spontaneous\" aggregating activity of thrombocytes. In the photometric platelet aggregation test (PAT III) 0.6 ml of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are rotated in a disc-shaped cuvette at 20 rpm and 37 degrees C. Changes in optical density of PRP which are induced by the formation of platelet aggregates are continuously registered using a chart recorder. PAT III was developed for the detection of enhanced platelet aggregation, indicating a risk of thrombosis and thromboembolic complications. In 146 healthy individuals a certain percentage showed slight primary aggregation (alpha1) which in some cases was followed by marked aggregation (alpha2) at a certain time (Tr) after the beginning of rotation. The percentage of individuals showing alpha2 increased with age. An increase of plasma pH in the rotating sample, which was caused by diffusion of CO2, was an important conditioning factor for aggregation. The test results depended on the platelet count in PRP. Aggregation curves were suppressed by admixture of erythrocytes and lipid turbidity. The tendency of platelets to aggregate increased within 60-90 min following blood sampling. During this period the interval to the onset of aggregation (Tr) became shorter and the maximum aggregation speed (alpha 2) increased with time. PAT III yielded reproducible results when it was carried out more than 60 min after blood drawing. In a group of 327 diabetic patients \"spontaneous\" aggregation occurred more frequently in all age groups as compared with the controls. Additional equipment was available for the registration of ADP-, collagen-, or epinephrine-induced aggregation similar to Born's and O'Brien's method. The device can easily be mounted on an Eppendorf photometer without further alterations.", "PMID": 989972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3442", "title": "Fibrinogen response to turpentine and endotoxin in busulfan-treated rabbbits.", "content": "The response of the plasma fibrinogen level to the subucutaneous injection of turpentine and to the intravenous injection of endotoxin was measured in normal rabbits and in rabbits made granulocytopenic and thrombocytopenic with busulfan. Plasma fibrinogen levels rose sharply in both normal and busulfan-treated rabbits and the extent of the rise in fibrinogen level after turpentine. As discussed herein, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that material from granulocytes plays a pathophysiologic role in the stimulation of fibrinogen synthesis in inflammation and after tissue trauma.", "contents": "Fibrinogen response to turpentine and endotoxin in busulfan-treated rabbbits. The response of the plasma fibrinogen level to the subucutaneous injection of turpentine and to the intravenous injection of endotoxin was measured in normal rabbits and in rabbits made granulocytopenic and thrombocytopenic with busulfan. Plasma fibrinogen levels rose sharply in both normal and busulfan-treated rabbits and the extent of the rise in fibrinogen level after turpentine. As discussed herein, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that material from granulocytes plays a pathophysiologic role in the stimulation of fibrinogen synthesis in inflammation and after tissue trauma.", "PMID": 989973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3443", "title": "Spontaneous platelet aggregation in arterial insufficiency: mechanisms and implications.", "content": "To investigate the clinical implications and mechanisms of spontaneous platelet aggregation (SPA) in man, 150 normal subjects, 22 patient controls and 130 patients with vascular insufficiency were studied. SPA was negative in normal subjects and patient controls whereas it was positive in 36 of 66 (54%) patients with transient ischemic attacks, 6 of 32 (19%) patients with stable angina, 7 of 10 (70%) patients with acute myocardial infarction and 11 of 14 (80%) patients with acute peripheral arterial insufficiency. The SPA was inhibited with aspirin in vivo, and inhibited competitively in vitro by low concentrations of aspirin, 2-chloroadenosine, prostaglandin E1 or apyrase but only by high concentrations of heparin or hirudin. Addition of platelet-poor plasma from patients with positive SPA did not cause normal platelets to aggregate. Treatment of patients who had acute peripheral arterial insufficiency with aspirin and dipyridamole prevented SPA with notable clinical improvement of the ischemic changes.", "contents": "Spontaneous platelet aggregation in arterial insufficiency: mechanisms and implications. To investigate the clinical implications and mechanisms of spontaneous platelet aggregation (SPA) in man, 150 normal subjects, 22 patient controls and 130 patients with vascular insufficiency were studied. SPA was negative in normal subjects and patient controls whereas it was positive in 36 of 66 (54%) patients with transient ischemic attacks, 6 of 32 (19%) patients with stable angina, 7 of 10 (70%) patients with acute myocardial infarction and 11 of 14 (80%) patients with acute peripheral arterial insufficiency. The SPA was inhibited with aspirin in vivo, and inhibited competitively in vitro by low concentrations of aspirin, 2-chloroadenosine, prostaglandin E1 or apyrase but only by high concentrations of heparin or hirudin. Addition of platelet-poor plasma from patients with positive SPA did not cause normal platelets to aggregate. Treatment of patients who had acute peripheral arterial insufficiency with aspirin and dipyridamole prevented SPA with notable clinical improvement of the ischemic changes.", "PMID": 989974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3444", "title": "Oxygen consumption in platelets of newborn infants before and after stimulation by thrombin.", "content": "The authors compared the oxygen consumption in platelets from the umbilical cord blood of 36 healthy newborn infants with that of 27 adult subjects, before and after thrombin addition (1.67 U/ml). Oxygen consumption at rest was 6 mumol/10(9)/min in adult control platelets and 5.26 in newborn infants. The burst in oxygen consumption after thrombin addition was 26.30 mumol/10(9)/min in adults and 24.90 in infants. Dinitrophenol did not inhibit the burst of O2 consumption in platelets in 8 out of 10 newborn infants, while the same concentration caused a decrease in 9 out of 10 adult subjects. Deoxyglucose inhibited the burst in O2 consumption in newborn infant and adult platelets by about 50%. KCN at the concentration of 10(-4) M completely inhibited basal oxygen consumption but did not completely inhibit the burst after thrombin. At the concentration of 10(-3) M, it inhibited both basal O2 consumption and the burst in infants and adult subjects.", "contents": "Oxygen consumption in platelets of newborn infants before and after stimulation by thrombin. The authors compared the oxygen consumption in platelets from the umbilical cord blood of 36 healthy newborn infants with that of 27 adult subjects, before and after thrombin addition (1.67 U/ml). Oxygen consumption at rest was 6 mumol/10(9)/min in adult control platelets and 5.26 in newborn infants. The burst in oxygen consumption after thrombin addition was 26.30 mumol/10(9)/min in adults and 24.90 in infants. Dinitrophenol did not inhibit the burst of O2 consumption in platelets in 8 out of 10 newborn infants, while the same concentration caused a decrease in 9 out of 10 adult subjects. Deoxyglucose inhibited the burst in O2 consumption in newborn infant and adult platelets by about 50%. KCN at the concentration of 10(-4) M completely inhibited basal oxygen consumption but did not completely inhibit the burst after thrombin. At the concentration of 10(-3) M, it inhibited both basal O2 consumption and the burst in infants and adult subjects.", "PMID": 989975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3445", "title": "Effects of dextran on the molecular structure and tensile behaviour of human fibrin.", "content": "Characteristic changes induced by dextran during the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin have previously been shown to be associated with profound alterations in morphology of fibrin. However, whether dextran is incorporated into the fibrin molecule and whether morphological changes are associated with alterations in mechanical behaviour of formed fibrin was unclear. The investigations described show that the fibrin made in the presence of dextran has a shortened syneresis time, a lowered modulus of elasticity, an increased elongation and diminished ultimate strength at break. The molecular composition of fibrin clots remains unaltered despite the altered mechanical properties and morphological changes. Furthermore, dextran is not incorporated into the fibrin structure in any appreciable quantity. It is suggested that these several effects of dextran on clot morphology, tensile behaviour and kinetics of fibrin formation arise from increased forces of attraction between fibrin molecules such that fibrin chains are held together by weak secondary cross-links rather than by stronger primary cross-links which are hidden within the thicker fibrin chain bundles.", "contents": "Effects of dextran on the molecular structure and tensile behaviour of human fibrin. Characteristic changes induced by dextran during the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin have previously been shown to be associated with profound alterations in morphology of fibrin. However, whether dextran is incorporated into the fibrin molecule and whether morphological changes are associated with alterations in mechanical behaviour of formed fibrin was unclear. The investigations described show that the fibrin made in the presence of dextran has a shortened syneresis time, a lowered modulus of elasticity, an increased elongation and diminished ultimate strength at break. The molecular composition of fibrin clots remains unaltered despite the altered mechanical properties and morphological changes. Furthermore, dextran is not incorporated into the fibrin structure in any appreciable quantity. It is suggested that these several effects of dextran on clot morphology, tensile behaviour and kinetics of fibrin formation arise from increased forces of attraction between fibrin molecules such that fibrin chains are held together by weak secondary cross-links rather than by stronger primary cross-links which are hidden within the thicker fibrin chain bundles.", "PMID": 989976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3446", "title": "[Effect of preparations of messenger RNA from the spleens of immunized rats on antibody synthesis in rat lymphosarcoma].", "content": "Messenger RNA was isolated from spleen polysomes of rats immunized with sheep red cells, two methods being employed: a sorption of mRNA on on membrane filters, and poly(U)-cellulose affinity chromatography. The rat transplantable lymphosarcoma cells treated with this RNA started hemolysine synthesis which persisted throughout many cell generations in transplantation of the tumor. The probability is discussed of m-RNA not only functioning as a template for antibody synthesis but also deblocating appropriate genes in recipient cells.", "contents": "[Effect of preparations of messenger RNA from the spleens of immunized rats on antibody synthesis in rat lymphosarcoma]. Messenger RNA was isolated from spleen polysomes of rats immunized with sheep red cells, two methods being employed: a sorption of mRNA on on membrane filters, and poly(U)-cellulose affinity chromatography. The rat transplantable lymphosarcoma cells treated with this RNA started hemolysine synthesis which persisted throughout many cell generations in transplantation of the tumor. The probability is discussed of m-RNA not only functioning as a template for antibody synthesis but also deblocating appropriate genes in recipient cells.", "PMID": 989980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3447", "title": "A new oxisuran metabolite.", "content": "1. An unidentified oxisuran metabolite which had been observed in animal urine was biosynthesized by incubating [14C]oxisuran with rat liver cytosol. 2. The metabolite, isolated by preparative t.l.c. and extraction, was identified as oxisuran alcohol sulphide by mass fragmentography. Confirmation of this identification was obtained by biosynthesis of the same compound from oxisuran sulphide. 3. The 9000 g supernatant liquid from rat liver was less effective than cytosol in reducing oxisuran to its alcohol sulphide. Neither rat liver fraction reduced oxisuran alcohol sulphoxides to sulphide. 4. The 9000 g fraction oxidized oxisuran and oxisuran alcohol sulphoxide to oxisuran alcohol sulphone.", "contents": "A new oxisuran metabolite. 1. An unidentified oxisuran metabolite which had been observed in animal urine was biosynthesized by incubating [14C]oxisuran with rat liver cytosol. 2. The metabolite, isolated by preparative t.l.c. and extraction, was identified as oxisuran alcohol sulphide by mass fragmentography. Confirmation of this identification was obtained by biosynthesis of the same compound from oxisuran sulphide. 3. The 9000 g supernatant liquid from rat liver was less effective than cytosol in reducing oxisuran to its alcohol sulphide. Neither rat liver fraction reduced oxisuran alcohol sulphoxides to sulphide. 4. The 9000 g fraction oxidized oxisuran and oxisuran alcohol sulphoxide to oxisuran alcohol sulphone.", "PMID": 989983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3448", "title": "[Ileus due to appendicitis in the puerperium].", "content": "A report is given in a case of appendicitis after delivery in childbed. This was the third case of appendicitis within 17 657 deliveries in the gestation of the district hospital in Sangerhausen in the period from 1960 to 1975. The chronic relapsed appendicitis produced a paralytic Ileus. By using correspondent measures (infusional therapy, appendectomy, adhesion solutions) the patient could be cured without any complications. The patient feeled a Douglas-touch of pain that extended especially to the right. This was the only symptom that was noticed by the patient besides the Ileus that had been clinical well defined and secured with the help of x-ray photo.", "contents": "[Ileus due to appendicitis in the puerperium]. A report is given in a case of appendicitis after delivery in childbed. This was the third case of appendicitis within 17 657 deliveries in the gestation of the district hospital in Sangerhausen in the period from 1960 to 1975. The chronic relapsed appendicitis produced a paralytic Ileus. By using correspondent measures (infusional therapy, appendectomy, adhesion solutions) the patient could be cured without any complications. The patient feeled a Douglas-touch of pain that extended especially to the right. This was the only symptom that was noticed by the patient besides the Ileus that had been clinical well defined and secured with the help of x-ray photo.", "PMID": 989990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3449", "title": "Biologically active luteinizing hormone (LH) in plasma. 1. Validation of the in vitro bioassay when applied to plasma of women.", "content": "A recently described in vitro bioassay method for the measurement of biologically active LH (Van Damme et al. 1974) has been applied to the plasma of normally menstruating and post-menopausal women. The specificity of the procedure was established according to the following evidence: 1. Parallelism was observed between dose response curves obtained with serial dilution of a standard LH preparation (HMG 2nd IRP) and plasma pools collected during the follicular phase, at the LH-peak, during the luteal phase and after menopause. 2. There was no evidence for the presence of any synergistic or antagonistic factor in the various plasma specimens. The assay design used to establish this consisted of assaying the standard and plasma pool separately and then together as a mixture followed by an assessment of the difference (if any) in the potencies obtained. Strict additivity should yield a relative potency of 1.0. Plasma pools which were obtained every 2-3 days throughout the menstrual cycle were assayed using this design against the standard (HMG 2nd IRP) and against a mid-cycle plasma pool obtained at the time of the LH-peak. The latter was also assayed against partially purified plasma fractions obtained from a post-menopausal plasma pool after gel filtration and isoelectric focusing. With the exception of 3 assays, in which the estimates of relative potency were 0.91, 0.94 and 0.95, respectively, in 19 assays of additivity, the fiducial limits always included unity. 3. Non-detectable LH levels were found in the plasma or serum of either hypophysectomized or hypopituitary hypogonadal men or women treated with oestrogen/progestogen combined pills. 4. The presence of calf of human serum in the assay medium is an essential requirement for a valid comparison of standard and unknown preparations. In their absence, non-parallel dose response curves between plasma and stardard were obtained. The other established criteria of reliability (sensitivity and precision) were also examined. The method is sufficiently sensitive (3.5-8.0 mIU/ml plasma; HMG (2ng IRP) as standard) for the measurement of LH throughout the cycle. The mean index of precision (gamma) in 230 multiple assays was 0.040. It is concluded that the modified bioassay yields valid and reliable estimates of LH when applied to human plasma obtained throughout the menstrual cycle and after menopause.", "contents": "Biologically active luteinizing hormone (LH) in plasma. 1. Validation of the in vitro bioassay when applied to plasma of women. A recently described in vitro bioassay method for the measurement of biologically active LH (Van Damme et al. 1974) has been applied to the plasma of normally menstruating and post-menopausal women. The specificity of the procedure was established according to the following evidence: 1. Parallelism was observed between dose response curves obtained with serial dilution of a standard LH preparation (HMG 2nd IRP) and plasma pools collected during the follicular phase, at the LH-peak, during the luteal phase and after menopause. 2. There was no evidence for the presence of any synergistic or antagonistic factor in the various plasma specimens. The assay design used to establish this consisted of assaying the standard and plasma pool separately and then together as a mixture followed by an assessment of the difference (if any) in the potencies obtained. Strict additivity should yield a relative potency of 1.0. Plasma pools which were obtained every 2-3 days throughout the menstrual cycle were assayed using this design against the standard (HMG 2nd IRP) and against a mid-cycle plasma pool obtained at the time of the LH-peak. The latter was also assayed against partially purified plasma fractions obtained from a post-menopausal plasma pool after gel filtration and isoelectric focusing. With the exception of 3 assays, in which the estimates of relative potency were 0.91, 0.94 and 0.95, respectively, in 19 assays of additivity, the fiducial limits always included unity. 3. Non-detectable LH levels were found in the plasma or serum of either hypophysectomized or hypopituitary hypogonadal men or women treated with oestrogen/progestogen combined pills. 4. The presence of calf of human serum in the assay medium is an essential requirement for a valid comparison of standard and unknown preparations. In their absence, non-parallel dose response curves between plasma and stardard were obtained. The other established criteria of reliability (sensitivity and precision) were also examined. The method is sufficiently sensitive (3.5-8.0 mIU/ml plasma; HMG (2ng IRP) as standard) for the measurement of LH throughout the cycle. The mean index of precision (gamma) in 230 multiple assays was 0.040. It is concluded that the modified bioassay yields valid and reliable estimates of LH when applied to human plasma obtained throughout the menstrual cycle and after menopause.", "PMID": 989991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3450", "title": "The primary empty sella an endocrine study on 12 cases.", "content": "Twelve patients (10 women and 2 men) with a primary empty sella turcica were studied. Endocrine function tests were performed as follows: growth hormone (GH) was measured after insulin-induced-hypoglycaemia, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) after LH-releasing hormone, thyrotrophin (TSH) and prolactin after thyrotrophin-releasing hormone; pituitary reserve of adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) was determined by measurement of plasma cortisol after lysine-vasopressin and 11 deoxycortisol after metyrapone. Five of the patients (group A) had no endocrine disturbance. Seven patients (group B) had a hypothalamo-pituitary disorder. Two of them had panhypopituitarism which appeared in one case after meningoencephalitis and in the other after a severe cranial trauma. In two cases an amenorrhoea-galactorrhoea syndrome with increased prolactin level (68 and 230 ng/ml) led to a diagnosis of a prolactin producing adenoma, which was confirmed by surgery. Finally three cases of amenorrhoeagalactorrhoea, with normal prolactin level, and/or diabetes insipidus remained unexplained. However, no causal relationship could be demonstrated between the pituitary disturbance and the \"empty sella\". Primary empty sella turcica is therefore a neuroanatomical and neuroradiological entity with no endocrine implication. A pituitary disorder might suggest a microadenoma or an incidentally associated disease.", "contents": "The primary empty sella an endocrine study on 12 cases. Twelve patients (10 women and 2 men) with a primary empty sella turcica were studied. Endocrine function tests were performed as follows: growth hormone (GH) was measured after insulin-induced-hypoglycaemia, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) after LH-releasing hormone, thyrotrophin (TSH) and prolactin after thyrotrophin-releasing hormone; pituitary reserve of adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) was determined by measurement of plasma cortisol after lysine-vasopressin and 11 deoxycortisol after metyrapone. Five of the patients (group A) had no endocrine disturbance. Seven patients (group B) had a hypothalamo-pituitary disorder. Two of them had panhypopituitarism which appeared in one case after meningoencephalitis and in the other after a severe cranial trauma. In two cases an amenorrhoea-galactorrhoea syndrome with increased prolactin level (68 and 230 ng/ml) led to a diagnosis of a prolactin producing adenoma, which was confirmed by surgery. Finally three cases of amenorrhoeagalactorrhoea, with normal prolactin level, and/or diabetes insipidus remained unexplained. However, no causal relationship could be demonstrated between the pituitary disturbance and the \"empty sella\". Primary empty sella turcica is therefore a neuroanatomical and neuroradiological entity with no endocrine implication. A pituitary disorder might suggest a microadenoma or an incidentally associated disease.", "PMID": 989992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3451", "title": "Pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin. I. Progesterone or prolactin and the reversal of antifertility efficacy of pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin.", "content": "A single consistent luteolytic dose of 10 IU PMSG given on day 5 of pregnancy caused complete resorption of foetuses and placentae associated with a polyfollicular ovarian state in rats. Concomitant treatment with progesterone or prolactin given concurrently with PMSG was found to overcome the antifertility efficacy of PMSG and maintained the endocrine balance favouring pregnancy maintenance. It was postulated that the PMSG-induced ovarian polyfolliculogenesis might be responsible for luteolysis of the corpus luteum gravidarum.", "contents": "Pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin. I. Progesterone or prolactin and the reversal of antifertility efficacy of pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin. A single consistent luteolytic dose of 10 IU PMSG given on day 5 of pregnancy caused complete resorption of foetuses and placentae associated with a polyfollicular ovarian state in rats. Concomitant treatment with progesterone or prolactin given concurrently with PMSG was found to overcome the antifertility efficacy of PMSG and maintained the endocrine balance favouring pregnancy maintenance. It was postulated that the PMSG-induced ovarian polyfolliculogenesis might be responsible for luteolysis of the corpus luteum gravidarum.", "PMID": 989993} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3452", "title": "Analysis of suckling-induced changes in adenohypophyseal prolactin concentration in the lactating rat by three assay methods.", "content": "Suckling-induced changes in adenohypophyseal prolactin (PRL) concentrations in lactating rats were measured in two experiments by three assays: a disc electrophoretic assay (DEA), a bioassay (BA) and a radioimmunoassay (RIA). Substantial discrepancies among the three assays were found in the absolute amounts of pituitary PRL measured and in the changes in adenohypophyseal PRL concentration that were recorded between suckling intervals. The results indicate that in dynamic states of secretory activity the correspondence among BA, RIA and DEA estimates of pituitary PRL concentration is poor.", "contents": "Analysis of suckling-induced changes in adenohypophyseal prolactin concentration in the lactating rat by three assay methods. Suckling-induced changes in adenohypophyseal prolactin (PRL) concentrations in lactating rats were measured in two experiments by three assays: a disc electrophoretic assay (DEA), a bioassay (BA) and a radioimmunoassay (RIA). Substantial discrepancies among the three assays were found in the absolute amounts of pituitary PRL measured and in the changes in adenohypophyseal PRL concentration that were recorded between suckling intervals. The results indicate that in dynamic states of secretory activity the correspondence among BA, RIA and DEA estimates of pituitary PRL concentration is poor.", "PMID": 989994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3453", "title": "Effect of cold-exposure on serum thyrotrophin levels in man.", "content": "Serum TSH levels were measured after exposing male volunteers to cold, or successively to warmth and to cold, causing clear changes in body temperature. Very moderately heated Finnish sauna bath increased body temperature to about an average of 39 degrees C, and cooling in a relatively warm swimming pool (+25 to +28 degrees C, 30 min) decreased body temperature to below 35 degrees C after sauna, and to about 33 degrees C without sauna. In both cases a slight but significant initial increase of serum TSH was demonstrated. No changes in serum T3 or ETR were seen. The results suggest that a similar mechanism of initial TSH response may exist in humans as has previously been demonstrated in rats.", "contents": "Effect of cold-exposure on serum thyrotrophin levels in man. Serum TSH levels were measured after exposing male volunteers to cold, or successively to warmth and to cold, causing clear changes in body temperature. Very moderately heated Finnish sauna bath increased body temperature to about an average of 39 degrees C, and cooling in a relatively warm swimming pool (+25 to +28 degrees C, 30 min) decreased body temperature to below 35 degrees C after sauna, and to about 33 degrees C without sauna. In both cases a slight but significant initial increase of serum TSH was demonstrated. No changes in serum T3 or ETR were seen. The results suggest that a similar mechanism of initial TSH response may exist in humans as has previously been demonstrated in rats.", "PMID": 989995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3454", "title": "An inter-laboratory comparison of total serum triiodothyronine determination.", "content": "L-triiodothyronine (T3) standards and an unknown serum were prepared and distributed to 18 different laboratories. T3 was determined on the standards and both T3 and T4 were assayed on the serum. The T3 and T4 results varied widely with a mean variance of 36 and 23%, respectively. There was, however, a positive correlation between the T3 values obtained within each laboratory and results of the unknown serum. Thus, while the data of each laboratory is internally consistent, the data between laboratories cannot be compared without an appropriate reference sera. From this fact, it is concluded that absolute (\"true\") T3 concentrations in human serum is not yet known. Because of the small number of laboratories involved in this comparison, it was not possible to determine which factors of the various procedures are responsible for the variance of the T3 results.", "contents": "An inter-laboratory comparison of total serum triiodothyronine determination. L-triiodothyronine (T3) standards and an unknown serum were prepared and distributed to 18 different laboratories. T3 was determined on the standards and both T3 and T4 were assayed on the serum. The T3 and T4 results varied widely with a mean variance of 36 and 23%, respectively. There was, however, a positive correlation between the T3 values obtained within each laboratory and results of the unknown serum. Thus, while the data of each laboratory is internally consistent, the data between laboratories cannot be compared without an appropriate reference sera. From this fact, it is concluded that absolute (\"true\") T3 concentrations in human serum is not yet known. Because of the small number of laboratories involved in this comparison, it was not possible to determine which factors of the various procedures are responsible for the variance of the T3 results.", "PMID": 989996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3455", "title": "Hormonal and biochemical changes in patients successfully operated for primary hyperparathyroidism.", "content": "Six patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were studied during the first seven days after the operative removal of the parathyroid adenoma with special emphasis on biochemical and hormonal changes during the first 24 h. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels fell abruptly after the parathyroidectomy and normalized within 3 h. The half-life of the biologically inert c-terminal PTH-fragment (M.W. 7000-7500) was calculated to be about 180 min. No significant changes in serum calcitonin levels were found. The serum phosphorus levels, which were already low pre-operatively, decreased transiently but significantly during the first 90 min after the removal of the parathyroid adenoma. This fall in serum phosphorus preceded a slow decrease of the calcaemia. During the first post-operative week the calcaemia continued to decline, while serum phosphorus levels increased. The pre-operative cholesterol levels were low compared to age-paired normal Belgians. During the first post-operative week the cholesterolaemia decreased even more, whereas at long term follow-up a clearcut increase of the serum cholesterol levels has to be expected.", "contents": "Hormonal and biochemical changes in patients successfully operated for primary hyperparathyroidism. Six patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were studied during the first seven days after the operative removal of the parathyroid adenoma with special emphasis on biochemical and hormonal changes during the first 24 h. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels fell abruptly after the parathyroidectomy and normalized within 3 h. The half-life of the biologically inert c-terminal PTH-fragment (M.W. 7000-7500) was calculated to be about 180 min. No significant changes in serum calcitonin levels were found. The serum phosphorus levels, which were already low pre-operatively, decreased transiently but significantly during the first 90 min after the removal of the parathyroid adenoma. This fall in serum phosphorus preceded a slow decrease of the calcaemia. During the first post-operative week the calcaemia continued to decline, while serum phosphorus levels increased. The pre-operative cholesterol levels were low compared to age-paired normal Belgians. During the first post-operative week the cholesterolaemia decreased even more, whereas at long term follow-up a clearcut increase of the serum cholesterol levels has to be expected.", "PMID": 989997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3456", "title": "Metabolism of progesterone in uterine tissue of non-pregnant rats in vitro.", "content": "The metabolism of labelled progesterone was studied in vitro in uterine tissue of non-pregnant rats with particular emphasis on the influence of substrate concentration. Neither a qualitative nor quantitative difference was found for a steroid tissue ratio between 15 X 10(-6) and 4.2 X 10(-9) to 1 g (substrate amounts between 57.73 and 0.02 nmol); with both concentrations 42 to 44 per cent of progesterone was metabolized to about 35 per cent monohydroxymonoketonic steroids and 4-6 per cent dihydroxylated C21O2-compounds. In both sets of incubations we have isolated and identified the following steroids: 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one, 3beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one, 3alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one, 20alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 5alpha-pregnane-3alpha,20alpha-diol and 4-pregnene-3alpha,20alpha-diol. The most abundant metabolite formed in these incubations was 3alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one which corresponds to about 30 per cent of the total activity recovered. It is the first time that the presence of 20alpha-hydroxysteroid-oxidoreductase activity is definitely established in this type of tissue. The identification of three allylic alcohols as progesterone metabolites in the rat uterus confirms that delta4-3-hydroxysteroids are important intermediates in the in vitro uterine metabolism of steroids.", "contents": "Metabolism of progesterone in uterine tissue of non-pregnant rats in vitro. The metabolism of labelled progesterone was studied in vitro in uterine tissue of non-pregnant rats with particular emphasis on the influence of substrate concentration. Neither a qualitative nor quantitative difference was found for a steroid tissue ratio between 15 X 10(-6) and 4.2 X 10(-9) to 1 g (substrate amounts between 57.73 and 0.02 nmol); with both concentrations 42 to 44 per cent of progesterone was metabolized to about 35 per cent monohydroxymonoketonic steroids and 4-6 per cent dihydroxylated C21O2-compounds. In both sets of incubations we have isolated and identified the following steroids: 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one, 3beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one, 3alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one, 20alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 5alpha-pregnane-3alpha,20alpha-diol and 4-pregnene-3alpha,20alpha-diol. The most abundant metabolite formed in these incubations was 3alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one which corresponds to about 30 per cent of the total activity recovered. It is the first time that the presence of 20alpha-hydroxysteroid-oxidoreductase activity is definitely established in this type of tissue. The identification of three allylic alcohols as progesterone metabolites in the rat uterus confirms that delta4-3-hydroxysteroids are important intermediates in the in vitro uterine metabolism of steroids.", "PMID": 989998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3457", "title": "Metabolism of 20beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one in uterine tissue of non-pregnant rats in vitro.", "content": "In vitro experiments carried out with uterus preparations of ovariectomized adult rats indicate the presence in this tissue of a 20beta-hydroxy-steroid-oxidoreductase which catalyzes the conversion of 20beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one to progesterone. Since a hepatic 20beta-hydroxysteroid-oxidoreductase is absent in adult female rats, the myometrial enzyme can be responsible for the biological activity of 20beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one in these animals. Besides progesterone five metabolites were isolated and identified after incubation of [4-14C]20beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one with uterine tissue: 20beta-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-3-one, 20beta-hydroxy-5beta-pregnan-3-one, 5alpha-pregnane-3alpha,20beta-diol, 4-pregnene-3alpha,20beta-diol and 4-pregnene-3beta,20beta-diol. The conversion of 20beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one to progesterone permits us to regard all five steroids isolated as progesterone metabolites in the rat uterus. 20beta-hydroxy-5beta-pregnan-3-one is the first C21-metabolite with a 5beta(H)-configuration isolated in the rat uterus, which indicates the presence of 5beta-reductase in this tissue.", "contents": "Metabolism of 20beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one in uterine tissue of non-pregnant rats in vitro. In vitro experiments carried out with uterus preparations of ovariectomized adult rats indicate the presence in this tissue of a 20beta-hydroxy-steroid-oxidoreductase which catalyzes the conversion of 20beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one to progesterone. Since a hepatic 20beta-hydroxysteroid-oxidoreductase is absent in adult female rats, the myometrial enzyme can be responsible for the biological activity of 20beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one in these animals. Besides progesterone five metabolites were isolated and identified after incubation of [4-14C]20beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one with uterine tissue: 20beta-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-3-one, 20beta-hydroxy-5beta-pregnan-3-one, 5alpha-pregnane-3alpha,20beta-diol, 4-pregnene-3alpha,20beta-diol and 4-pregnene-3beta,20beta-diol. The conversion of 20beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one to progesterone permits us to regard all five steroids isolated as progesterone metabolites in the rat uterus. 20beta-hydroxy-5beta-pregnan-3-one is the first C21-metabolite with a 5beta(H)-configuration isolated in the rat uterus, which indicates the presence of 5beta-reductase in this tissue.", "PMID": 989999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3458", "title": "Mammotrophic activity in rat serum during the oestrous cycle, pregnancy and lactation.", "content": "The mammotrophic activity of various serum samples was assessed on the mammary gland of pregnant rats, in organ culture. Insulin was added to the medium. Serum samples from virgin rats showed little activity, and variation in mammotrophic activity during the oestrous cycle was slight. During pregnancy a significant increase in proliferative activity was not seen during the first week, but around day 8-9 mammotrophic activity increased sharply. The activity showed maxima around days 12 and 19. A decrease in the activity between these maxima was not consistently observed. Mammotrophic activity was still present in sera collected during parturition, and 30 min after parturition. It had disappeared completely within 24 h. The mammotrophic factor detectable by organ culture in the serum of pregnant rats could be rat chorionic mammotrophin. Activity in the serum on day 0 and 1 of lactation was comparable to that of virgin rats, but some activity appeared on day 2. High actvities were foound frequently around day 4 to 6 of lactation. On other days the activity showed fluctuations without a definite pattern. Litter size was of minor importance but the combination of a larger litter size and fasting-overnight seemed to suppress the presence of mammotrophic activity in the serum. Nursing was important: after weaning the activity has disappeared, while renewed nursing after weaning resulted in the appearance of high levels of activity. The mitotic activity obtained with lactating rat serum in the culture was suppressed by addition of rabbit anti-rat prolactin serum to the medium. This suggests that the main mammotrophic factor detectable by organ culture in the serum of lactating rats, is prolactin.", "contents": "Mammotrophic activity in rat serum during the oestrous cycle, pregnancy and lactation. The mammotrophic activity of various serum samples was assessed on the mammary gland of pregnant rats, in organ culture. Insulin was added to the medium. Serum samples from virgin rats showed little activity, and variation in mammotrophic activity during the oestrous cycle was slight. During pregnancy a significant increase in proliferative activity was not seen during the first week, but around day 8-9 mammotrophic activity increased sharply. The activity showed maxima around days 12 and 19. A decrease in the activity between these maxima was not consistently observed. Mammotrophic activity was still present in sera collected during parturition, and 30 min after parturition. It had disappeared completely within 24 h. The mammotrophic factor detectable by organ culture in the serum of pregnant rats could be rat chorionic mammotrophin. Activity in the serum on day 0 and 1 of lactation was comparable to that of virgin rats, but some activity appeared on day 2. High actvities were foound frequently around day 4 to 6 of lactation. On other days the activity showed fluctuations without a definite pattern. Litter size was of minor importance but the combination of a larger litter size and fasting-overnight seemed to suppress the presence of mammotrophic activity in the serum. Nursing was important: after weaning the activity has disappeared, while renewed nursing after weaning resulted in the appearance of high levels of activity. The mitotic activity obtained with lactating rat serum in the culture was suppressed by addition of rabbit anti-rat prolactin serum to the medium. This suggests that the main mammotrophic factor detectable by organ culture in the serum of lactating rats, is prolactin.", "PMID": 990000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3459", "title": "Influence of the foetus, placenta and ovary on the mammotrophic activity of pregnant rat serum.", "content": "Serum mammotrophic activity was assayed using an organ culture technique with histological endpoints. Using sera of 13 days pregnant rats with 1 to 18 conceptuses, activity was detectable even in the presence of 1 conceptus, but the activity with 1-4 conceptus(es) tended to be less than with 6-18. Serum of rats with 1-3 conceptus(es) was approximately 2-4 times less active than serum of rats with 14 conceptuses. Removal of the conceptuses on day 15 caused loss of mammotrophic activity of the serum, tested 4 days later. When the foetuses, the ovaries or both the foetuses and ovaries were removed on day 15 of pregnancy, mammotrophic activity was present in the serum collected 4 days later. Differences in activity between the treated groups were small. The mammotrophic activity was comparable to the activity of serum of untreated 15 days pregnant rats or 19 days sham-operated pregnant rats. Explanted single fragments of a 19 days pregnant rat placenta released activity into the medium. The placenta retained this capicity even when the foetus had been removed 4 days previously.", "contents": "Influence of the foetus, placenta and ovary on the mammotrophic activity of pregnant rat serum. Serum mammotrophic activity was assayed using an organ culture technique with histological endpoints. Using sera of 13 days pregnant rats with 1 to 18 conceptuses, activity was detectable even in the presence of 1 conceptus, but the activity with 1-4 conceptus(es) tended to be less than with 6-18. Serum of rats with 1-3 conceptus(es) was approximately 2-4 times less active than serum of rats with 14 conceptuses. Removal of the conceptuses on day 15 caused loss of mammotrophic activity of the serum, tested 4 days later. When the foetuses, the ovaries or both the foetuses and ovaries were removed on day 15 of pregnancy, mammotrophic activity was present in the serum collected 4 days later. Differences in activity between the treated groups were small. The mammotrophic activity was comparable to the activity of serum of untreated 15 days pregnant rats or 19 days sham-operated pregnant rats. Explanted single fragments of a 19 days pregnant rat placenta released activity into the medium. The placenta retained this capicity even when the foetus had been removed 4 days previously.", "PMID": 990001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3460", "title": "Testosterone and 5alpha-androstan-17beta-ol-3-one (DHT) levels in man.", "content": "In order to test the hypothesis that plasma 17beta-hydroxy-5alpha-androstan-3-one (DHT) levels might represent a parameter of androgenicity independent of testosterone (T) levels, the T/DHT ratio was determined at low and high T levels in both sexes. High T levels in males were obtained either by stimulation of endogenous T secretion, but im injection of either short or long-acting T esters and finally by oral administration of 200 mg of crystalline testosterone. In females high T levels were obtained either by im injection of long-acting T esters or by oral administration of 200 mg of T. It was observed that the T/DHT ratio was not a function of sex but a function of T levels, whether T had an endogenous or a exogenous origin. When, as in patients with porto-caval shunt or cirrhosis of the liver, the liver was bypassed, oral administration of T resulted in relatively higher DHT levels than expected from T levels: this suggests an extra-hepatic origin of plasma DHT and/or a decreased hepatic metabolism of DHT. In a patient with the testicular feminization syndrome the T/dht ratios both under basal conditions and after im injection of T propionate were similar to those observed in normal subjects.", "contents": "Testosterone and 5alpha-androstan-17beta-ol-3-one (DHT) levels in man. In order to test the hypothesis that plasma 17beta-hydroxy-5alpha-androstan-3-one (DHT) levels might represent a parameter of androgenicity independent of testosterone (T) levels, the T/DHT ratio was determined at low and high T levels in both sexes. High T levels in males were obtained either by stimulation of endogenous T secretion, but im injection of either short or long-acting T esters and finally by oral administration of 200 mg of crystalline testosterone. In females high T levels were obtained either by im injection of long-acting T esters or by oral administration of 200 mg of T. It was observed that the T/DHT ratio was not a function of sex but a function of T levels, whether T had an endogenous or a exogenous origin. When, as in patients with porto-caval shunt or cirrhosis of the liver, the liver was bypassed, oral administration of T resulted in relatively higher DHT levels than expected from T levels: this suggests an extra-hepatic origin of plasma DHT and/or a decreased hepatic metabolism of DHT. In a patient with the testicular feminization syndrome the T/dht ratios both under basal conditions and after im injection of T propionate were similar to those observed in normal subjects.", "PMID": 990002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3461", "title": "Post-mortem changes in the rabbit retina. A study by light microscopy.", "content": "The course of post-mortem changes in rabbit retina has been followed. Short post-mortem periods are accompanied by degenerative changes limited mainly to the visual cells and retinal pigment epithelium. Long post-mortem periods are associated with degenerative changes throughout the retina. Retinal tissue maintained at room temperature was less affected than that kept at body temperature (37degreesC). Post-mortem changes are similar to those observed following periods of pressure induced ischaemia and it is thought that the mechanical effects of pressure on retinal tissue are minimal at the level of resolution afforded by light microscopy.", "contents": "Post-mortem changes in the rabbit retina. A study by light microscopy. The course of post-mortem changes in rabbit retina has been followed. Short post-mortem periods are accompanied by degenerative changes limited mainly to the visual cells and retinal pigment epithelium. Long post-mortem periods are associated with degenerative changes throughout the retina. Retinal tissue maintained at room temperature was less affected than that kept at body temperature (37degreesC). Post-mortem changes are similar to those observed following periods of pressure induced ischaemia and it is thought that the mechanical effects of pressure on retinal tissue are minimal at the level of resolution afforded by light microscopy.", "PMID": 990012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3462", "title": "Retinal functions in dominant cystoid macular dystrophy (DCMD).", "content": "Dominant cystoid macular dystrophy (DCMD) occurred in 28 members of 5 unrelated families. The disease is characterized by cystoid macular oedema and leakage from retinal capillaries in the posterior pole. Colour vision examination reveals a type I red-green defect with concomitant blue-yellow defectiveness; the latter may be caused by the leaking capillaries. The ERG is normal. The EOG is subnormal. Darkadaptation curves are often slightly disturbed. There are frequently also aspecific pigmentary alterations in the peripheral fundus.", "contents": "Retinal functions in dominant cystoid macular dystrophy (DCMD). Dominant cystoid macular dystrophy (DCMD) occurred in 28 members of 5 unrelated families. The disease is characterized by cystoid macular oedema and leakage from retinal capillaries in the posterior pole. Colour vision examination reveals a type I red-green defect with concomitant blue-yellow defectiveness; the latter may be caused by the leaking capillaries. The ERG is normal. The EOG is subnormal. Darkadaptation curves are often slightly disturbed. There are frequently also aspecific pigmentary alterations in the peripheral fundus.", "PMID": 990013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3463", "title": "Atrophy of optic nerve fibres in compression of the chiasm. Degree and distribution of ophthalmoscopic changes.", "content": "Chiasmal lesions produce a characteristic form of partial optic atrophy, subtly reflected by objective changes in the peripapillary portion of the retinal nerve fibre layer. The degrees and distributions of these changes were documented by fundus photography in a series of steady state patients with different degrees of chiasmal damage from pituitary adenoma. Semi-quantitative analysis disclosed a close correspondence with the degree of functional deficit. The state of the retinal nerve fibre layer can therefore be used as an objective indicator of the occurrence and severity of anatomical, chiasmal damage.", "contents": "Atrophy of optic nerve fibres in compression of the chiasm. Degree and distribution of ophthalmoscopic changes. Chiasmal lesions produce a characteristic form of partial optic atrophy, subtly reflected by objective changes in the peripapillary portion of the retinal nerve fibre layer. The degrees and distributions of these changes were documented by fundus photography in a series of steady state patients with different degrees of chiasmal damage from pituitary adenoma. Semi-quantitative analysis disclosed a close correspondence with the degree of functional deficit. The state of the retinal nerve fibre layer can therefore be used as an objective indicator of the occurrence and severity of anatomical, chiasmal damage.", "PMID": 990014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3464", "title": "Vogt's retro-iridian pigment lines. Light microscopical and ultrastructural study of a case.", "content": "A woman, aged 69, with latent diabetes was found to have retro-iridian pigment lines. Cataract extraction was followed by light microscopy and electron microscopy. Cross sections of the pigment lines showed these to consist of two main constituents, whose structures are described. The portion of the lines closest to the lens had a certain resemblance to the substance seen on the lens and in the iris in pseudo-exfoliation, while the remaining part of the pigment lines consisted of uniform microtubules.", "contents": "Vogt's retro-iridian pigment lines. Light microscopical and ultrastructural study of a case. A woman, aged 69, with latent diabetes was found to have retro-iridian pigment lines. Cataract extraction was followed by light microscopy and electron microscopy. Cross sections of the pigment lines showed these to consist of two main constituents, whose structures are described. The portion of the lines closest to the lens had a certain resemblance to the substance seen on the lens and in the iris in pseudo-exfoliation, while the remaining part of the pigment lines consisted of uniform microtubules.", "PMID": 990015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3465", "title": "Aneurysmatic dilatation of the duodenum and a nephrointestinal fistula in a case of abdominal lymphoma.", "content": "A 73-year old woman presented with malaise, weight loss and urinary tract infection. Aneurysmatic dilatation of the duodenum and a nephrointestinal fistula were radiologically demonstrated. The two, very rare phenomena coincided in one patients and were due to abdominal lymphoma.", "contents": "Aneurysmatic dilatation of the duodenum and a nephrointestinal fistula in a case of abdominal lymphoma. A 73-year old woman presented with malaise, weight loss and urinary tract infection. Aneurysmatic dilatation of the duodenum and a nephrointestinal fistula were radiologically demonstrated. The two, very rare phenomena coincided in one patients and were due to abdominal lymphoma.", "PMID": 990010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3466", "title": "The cyclopentolate provocative test in suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. III. The significane of pigment for the result of the cyclopentolate provocative test in suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma.", "content": "Significant elevations of IOP, i. e. responses, occurred in eyes with suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma during the mydriasis test with 1% cyclopentolate (CPT). The possible role of pigment in the IOP elevations seen in the responders was studied. Pigment was liberated in the aqueous, sometimes very profusely, in 88 (31.9%) of 276 eyes during CPT. The maximal IOP elevations, ad 20 mmHg, were seen in just these eyes. They were eyes with capsular or pigmentary glaucoma or eyes in which exceptionally heavy pigment was demonstrated in the chamber angle for other reasons. There was a statistically significant correlation between pigment liberation and IOP elevation during CPT. Evidently profuse pigment liberation may have caused transient blocking of the trabecular meshwork, obstruction of aqueous outflow and elevation of IOP. Liberation of pigment in the aqueous during CPT was statistically highly significantly more profuse in eyes with pseudoexfoliation than in eyes without pseudoexfoliation. An equally significant correlation with demonstrated between the grade of chamber angle pigmentation and the degree of pigment liberation during CPT. The significance of pigment for IOP elevation was seen also in the statistically highly significantly more profuse pigmentation of the chamber angle in the responder than in the non-responder eyes.", "contents": "The cyclopentolate provocative test in suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. III. The significane of pigment for the result of the cyclopentolate provocative test in suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. Significant elevations of IOP, i. e. responses, occurred in eyes with suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma during the mydriasis test with 1% cyclopentolate (CPT). The possible role of pigment in the IOP elevations seen in the responders was studied. Pigment was liberated in the aqueous, sometimes very profusely, in 88 (31.9%) of 276 eyes during CPT. The maximal IOP elevations, ad 20 mmHg, were seen in just these eyes. They were eyes with capsular or pigmentary glaucoma or eyes in which exceptionally heavy pigment was demonstrated in the chamber angle for other reasons. There was a statistically significant correlation between pigment liberation and IOP elevation during CPT. Evidently profuse pigment liberation may have caused transient blocking of the trabecular meshwork, obstruction of aqueous outflow and elevation of IOP. Liberation of pigment in the aqueous during CPT was statistically highly significantly more profuse in eyes with pseudoexfoliation than in eyes without pseudoexfoliation. An equally significant correlation with demonstrated between the grade of chamber angle pigmentation and the degree of pigment liberation during CPT. The significance of pigment for IOP elevation was seen also in the statistically highly significantly more profuse pigmentation of the chamber angle in the responder than in the non-responder eyes.", "PMID": 990016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3467", "title": "Concentrations of some ribonucleotides, L-lactate, and pyruvate in human senile cataractous lenses with special reference to anterior capsular/subcapsular opacity.", "content": "The concentrations of some ribonucleoside tri- and diphosphates, adenosine-5'-monophosphate, L-lactate and pyruvate were determined in human senile cataractous lenses removed during cataract operations. Pyruvate concentrations were found to be negligible (median = 56 mumol/kg lens wet weight) in 15 human senile cataractous lenses. On the basis of correlations between the biomicroscopic appearances of the senile cataractous lenses (N = 80) and the concentrations and ratios of the metabolites in question, the following classification was found to be justified: 1. Immature cataractous lenses without anterior capsular/subcapsular opacity: high levels of ribonucleoside triphosphates (RTP), high sums of RTP, ribonucleoside diphosphates (RDP), and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) as well as high levels of L-lactate and high ratios of L-lactate in the lens/L-lactate in the aqueous. 2. Immature cataractous lenses with anterior capsular/subcapsular opacity; intermediate levels of RTP, intermediate values for the sums of RTP, RDP, and AMP, high L-lactate levels, and intermediate values of the ratios of L-lactate in the lens/L-lactate in the aqueous. 3. Totally opaque lenses, which all had extensive anterior capsular/subcapsular opacity; low values for the concentrations of lens RTP, for the sums of RTP, RDP and AMP, and for lens L-lactate. Low ratios of L-lactate in the lens/L-lactate in the aqueous.", "contents": "Concentrations of some ribonucleotides, L-lactate, and pyruvate in human senile cataractous lenses with special reference to anterior capsular/subcapsular opacity. The concentrations of some ribonucleoside tri- and diphosphates, adenosine-5'-monophosphate, L-lactate and pyruvate were determined in human senile cataractous lenses removed during cataract operations. Pyruvate concentrations were found to be negligible (median = 56 mumol/kg lens wet weight) in 15 human senile cataractous lenses. On the basis of correlations between the biomicroscopic appearances of the senile cataractous lenses (N = 80) and the concentrations and ratios of the metabolites in question, the following classification was found to be justified: 1. Immature cataractous lenses without anterior capsular/subcapsular opacity: high levels of ribonucleoside triphosphates (RTP), high sums of RTP, ribonucleoside diphosphates (RDP), and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) as well as high levels of L-lactate and high ratios of L-lactate in the lens/L-lactate in the aqueous. 2. Immature cataractous lenses with anterior capsular/subcapsular opacity; intermediate levels of RTP, intermediate values for the sums of RTP, RDP, and AMP, high L-lactate levels, and intermediate values of the ratios of L-lactate in the lens/L-lactate in the aqueous. 3. Totally opaque lenses, which all had extensive anterior capsular/subcapsular opacity; low values for the concentrations of lens RTP, for the sums of RTP, RDP and AMP, and for lens L-lactate. Low ratios of L-lactate in the lens/L-lactate in the aqueous.", "PMID": 990018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3468", "title": "Embryonal sarcoma of the orbit. A clinical review of 19 Danish cases.", "content": "The present study deals with 19 Danish cases of embryonal sarcoma of the orbit. Eight patients are still alive, however, only six with long-period survival (8-21 years). The contralateral orbit (and eye) remained uninvolved in the 19 cases; accordingly the six long-period survivors all have normal \"social\" vision. In 17 cases the homolateral eye was removed early or late in the clinical history. Only one of the long-period survivors has preserved the homolateral eye (and with useful vision, 6/24 after surgery for irradiation cataract). The nation-wide investigation covers a period of 22 years. It reflects the difficulties in diagnosing orbital tumours and the changes in therapeutic approach to date. Megavoltage radiotherapy plus chemotherapy immediately after the initial biopsy is now considered the therapy of choice; exenteration of the orbit is performed only in the case of a recurrence. Against the background of the present and an earlier study, centralization of Danish orbital malignancies in infants and children is advocated.", "contents": "Embryonal sarcoma of the orbit. A clinical review of 19 Danish cases. The present study deals with 19 Danish cases of embryonal sarcoma of the orbit. Eight patients are still alive, however, only six with long-period survival (8-21 years). The contralateral orbit (and eye) remained uninvolved in the 19 cases; accordingly the six long-period survivors all have normal \"social\" vision. In 17 cases the homolateral eye was removed early or late in the clinical history. Only one of the long-period survivors has preserved the homolateral eye (and with useful vision, 6/24 after surgery for irradiation cataract). The nation-wide investigation covers a period of 22 years. It reflects the difficulties in diagnosing orbital tumours and the changes in therapeutic approach to date. Megavoltage radiotherapy plus chemotherapy immediately after the initial biopsy is now considered the therapy of choice; exenteration of the orbit is performed only in the case of a recurrence. Against the background of the present and an earlier study, centralization of Danish orbital malignancies in infants and children is advocated.", "PMID": 990019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3469", "title": "Ocular hypertension. I. The clinical course during ten years without therapy. Aqueous humour dynamics.", "content": "An initial group of 152 subjects with moderate ocular hypertension constituted the basic material of the present study. Antiglaucoma treatment was started in 8 men and in 6 women. A remaining group of 92 subjects were kept under clinical observation for ten years without antiglaucomatous therapy and without any evidence of progressive disc cupping or field defects. The intraocular pressure as well as the outflow facility showed a tendency to decrease with time, which was assumed to indicate a reduction in aqueous flow with increasing age. The tomographic findings support the view that the moderately elevated intraocular pressure is mainly due to an increased rate of aqueous flow.", "contents": "Ocular hypertension. I. The clinical course during ten years without therapy. Aqueous humour dynamics. An initial group of 152 subjects with moderate ocular hypertension constituted the basic material of the present study. Antiglaucoma treatment was started in 8 men and in 6 women. A remaining group of 92 subjects were kept under clinical observation for ten years without antiglaucomatous therapy and without any evidence of progressive disc cupping or field defects. The intraocular pressure as well as the outflow facility showed a tendency to decrease with time, which was assumed to indicate a reduction in aqueous flow with increasing age. The tomographic findings support the view that the moderately elevated intraocular pressure is mainly due to an increased rate of aqueous flow.", "PMID": 990020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3470", "title": "Effect of the length of wear of contact lenses on corneal sensitivity.", "content": "Corneal touch thresholds (CTT) were determined once in the morning before inserting contact lenses then after 4, 8 and 12 h of continuous wear. Two groups of subjects participated in this study; 12 persons wearing hard contact lenses and 15 wearing soft contact lenses. All subjects were perfectly adapted to their contact lenses and had worn them for not less than three months. It was found that hard contact lenses caused a progressive diminution of corneal sensitivity. After 12 h corneal sensitivity was, on average, 110% lower (that is an increase of the threshold) than in the morning. Soft lenses also caused a progressive reduction of corneal sensitivity which after 12 h wear was, on average, 45% lower than in the morning, although there were marked differences. Moreover, 9 of the hard contact lens subjects had been tested a year earlier and it was found that their CTT after 8 h wear had slightly but not significantly diminished which indicated that these subjects had not adapted significantly to their lenses in one year.", "contents": "Effect of the length of wear of contact lenses on corneal sensitivity. Corneal touch thresholds (CTT) were determined once in the morning before inserting contact lenses then after 4, 8 and 12 h of continuous wear. Two groups of subjects participated in this study; 12 persons wearing hard contact lenses and 15 wearing soft contact lenses. All subjects were perfectly adapted to their contact lenses and had worn them for not less than three months. It was found that hard contact lenses caused a progressive diminution of corneal sensitivity. After 12 h corneal sensitivity was, on average, 110% lower (that is an increase of the threshold) than in the morning. Soft lenses also caused a progressive reduction of corneal sensitivity which after 12 h wear was, on average, 45% lower than in the morning, although there were marked differences. Moreover, 9 of the hard contact lens subjects had been tested a year earlier and it was found that their CTT after 8 h wear had slightly but not significantly diminished which indicated that these subjects had not adapted significantly to their lenses in one year.", "PMID": 990021} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3471", "title": "Freeze-fracture replica of the rat cornea.", "content": "The fine structures of the rat cornea, with special reference to their intercellular junctions, were studied using the freeze-fracture technique. At the corneal epithelium, gap junctions could be observed between the adjacent cells. At the stroma, crater-shaped depressions (between 300 and 500 A diameter) with pipe-like appearing structures connecting the lamellae were found. Intercellular junctions existing between the endothelial cells at the area near the anterior chamber are postulated to be the fascia (macula) occludens.", "contents": "Freeze-fracture replica of the rat cornea. The fine structures of the rat cornea, with special reference to their intercellular junctions, were studied using the freeze-fracture technique. At the corneal epithelium, gap junctions could be observed between the adjacent cells. At the stroma, crater-shaped depressions (between 300 and 500 A diameter) with pipe-like appearing structures connecting the lamellae were found. Intercellular junctions existing between the endothelial cells at the area near the anterior chamber are postulated to be the fascia (macula) occludens.", "PMID": 990022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3472", "title": "Orbital involvement by plasmacytoma. Report of two cases.", "content": "Two patients with orbital involvement of plasma cell myeloma are presented. The first patient presented an isolated plasmacytoma in the orbit; the second patient had generalized plasma cell myeloma. In both cases X-rays and computed tomographic scanning gave valuable information and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.", "contents": "Orbital involvement by plasmacytoma. Report of two cases. Two patients with orbital involvement of plasma cell myeloma are presented. The first patient presented an isolated plasmacytoma in the orbit; the second patient had generalized plasma cell myeloma. In both cases X-rays and computed tomographic scanning gave valuable information and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.", "PMID": 990023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3473", "title": "Unilateral proptosis due to midbrain tumour. A case report.", "content": "A case of unilateral proptosis attributed to midbrain tumour is reported. The proptosis disappeared after release of intracranial hypertension. The postulated mechanism of the unilateral proptosis on the left side is a relative increase in orbital venous stasis on that side, consequent upon intracranial hypertension.", "contents": "Unilateral proptosis due to midbrain tumour. A case report. A case of unilateral proptosis attributed to midbrain tumour is reported. The proptosis disappeared after release of intracranial hypertension. The postulated mechanism of the unilateral proptosis on the left side is a relative increase in orbital venous stasis on that side, consequent upon intracranial hypertension.", "PMID": 990024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3474", "title": "Orbitography with a new non-ionizing water-soluble contrast medium.", "content": "Metrizamide is a non-ionic water-soluble contrast medium which is isotonic with human blood and tissue fluid at a concentration of 170 mgI/ml. Retrobulbar injection of 3 ml isotonic metrizamide in the muscular conus of rabbits causes slight and inconstant cellulitis, but a similar reaction can also be found after injection of the same amount of saline. It seems probable that the introduction of fluid sufficient to cause an increase in the retrobulbar pressure can cause inflammatory changes in the orbital tissue, and that this is not always caused by the contrast medium itself. Four patients were examined by orbitography with injection of 4 ml isotonic metrizamide. There were no side effects, and the orbitograms showed contrast of good quality. Metrizamide is therefore considered very suitable for orbitography, especially in hospitals where computer-tomography is not yet available.", "contents": "Orbitography with a new non-ionizing water-soluble contrast medium. Metrizamide is a non-ionic water-soluble contrast medium which is isotonic with human blood and tissue fluid at a concentration of 170 mgI/ml. Retrobulbar injection of 3 ml isotonic metrizamide in the muscular conus of rabbits causes slight and inconstant cellulitis, but a similar reaction can also be found after injection of the same amount of saline. It seems probable that the introduction of fluid sufficient to cause an increase in the retrobulbar pressure can cause inflammatory changes in the orbital tissue, and that this is not always caused by the contrast medium itself. Four patients were examined by orbitography with injection of 4 ml isotonic metrizamide. There were no side effects, and the orbitograms showed contrast of good quality. Metrizamide is therefore considered very suitable for orbitography, especially in hospitals where computer-tomography is not yet available.", "PMID": 990025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3475", "title": "Further data on biometric correlations of central corneal thickness.", "content": "Central corneal thickness measured in 126 young men aged from 18-21 years was correlated to a number of ocular and other parameters. The frequency distribution was skewed towards the lower end, but the deviation could not be statistically supported. No correlation between corneal thickness and birth weight was found. Other characteristics not correlated in this material to corneal thickness were corneal astigmatism, refraction, visual acuity, optic disc and retinal abnormalities, red-green colour vision defects, ABO and rhesus blood-groups, EEG abnormalities, chromosomal abnormalities, hearing defects, ear abnormalities and quality of the hair. The findings in this study, although mainly of negative character, stress the relative independence of the central corneal thickness as a biometric parameter.", "contents": "Further data on biometric correlations of central corneal thickness. Central corneal thickness measured in 126 young men aged from 18-21 years was correlated to a number of ocular and other parameters. The frequency distribution was skewed towards the lower end, but the deviation could not be statistically supported. No correlation between corneal thickness and birth weight was found. Other characteristics not correlated in this material to corneal thickness were corneal astigmatism, refraction, visual acuity, optic disc and retinal abnormalities, red-green colour vision defects, ABO and rhesus blood-groups, EEG abnormalities, chromosomal abnormalities, hearing defects, ear abnormalities and quality of the hair. The findings in this study, although mainly of negative character, stress the relative independence of the central corneal thickness as a biometric parameter.", "PMID": 990026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3476", "title": "Transient glaucoma as a manifestation of mumps. A case report.", "content": "A case report of a 43-year-old man who during convalescence after mumps (parotitis epidemica) developed bilateral glaucoma associated with redness of his eyes but no other ocular manifestations. The chamber angles were open. No signs of scleritis or iritis were present. The best treatment was found to be prednisolone topically and acetazolamide orally. After ten days the intraocular pressure was normalized and after a fortnight all treatment could be discontinued.", "contents": "Transient glaucoma as a manifestation of mumps. A case report. A case report of a 43-year-old man who during convalescence after mumps (parotitis epidemica) developed bilateral glaucoma associated with redness of his eyes but no other ocular manifestations. The chamber angles were open. No signs of scleritis or iritis were present. The best treatment was found to be prednisolone topically and acetazolamide orally. After ten days the intraocular pressure was normalized and after a fortnight all treatment could be discontinued.", "PMID": 990027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3477", "title": "The cyclopentolate provocative test in suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. IV. Fluorescein angiography of the vessels of the iris in open-angle glaucoma eyes with a positive cyclopentolate response.", "content": "Fluorescein angiography of the iris (IFAG) was performed on 15 patients with a positive cyclopentolate response (IOP elevation greater than or equal to 8 mmHg) in 17 eyes to the cyclopentolate provocative test. The chamber angles were open in all the eyes. Seven of the responder eyes had capsular glaucoma undergoing treatment, six had simple glaucoma, two had pigmentary glaucoma and two suspicion of open-angle glaucoma. The object was to study with IFAG whether vascular changes can be established in the iris of the responder eyes such as could have a role in the elevation of IOP. All the eyes with capsular glaucoma displayed vascular changes, vasoproliferation and fluorescein leakage from the iris vessles. No other vascular changes were seen in the irises of the responder eyes. IFAG revealed no differences in the iris vasculature between responder and non-responder eyes. A vascular aetiology for the IOP elevation in responders is improbable.", "contents": "The cyclopentolate provocative test in suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. IV. Fluorescein angiography of the vessels of the iris in open-angle glaucoma eyes with a positive cyclopentolate response. Fluorescein angiography of the iris (IFAG) was performed on 15 patients with a positive cyclopentolate response (IOP elevation greater than or equal to 8 mmHg) in 17 eyes to the cyclopentolate provocative test. The chamber angles were open in all the eyes. Seven of the responder eyes had capsular glaucoma undergoing treatment, six had simple glaucoma, two had pigmentary glaucoma and two suspicion of open-angle glaucoma. The object was to study with IFAG whether vascular changes can be established in the iris of the responder eyes such as could have a role in the elevation of IOP. All the eyes with capsular glaucoma displayed vascular changes, vasoproliferation and fluorescein leakage from the iris vessles. No other vascular changes were seen in the irises of the responder eyes. IFAG revealed no differences in the iris vasculature between responder and non-responder eyes. A vascular aetiology for the IOP elevation in responders is improbable.", "PMID": 990028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3478", "title": "The cyclopentolate provocative test in suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. V. Statistical analysis of 431 eyes.", "content": "The mydriasis provocative test with 1% cyclopentolate (CPT) was performed on 431 eyes with suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. Tonography was performed both before and during CPT to study the changes in aqueous dynamics during the test. Statistical analysis of the results yielded the following mean trends and correlations at a highly significant level (P less than 0.001) in the alterations: Intraocular pressure (IOP) rose (deltaP +/- SD) (+ 1.4 +/- 2.9 mmHg) and aqueous outflow facility decreased (deltaC) (-10%) during CPT. The distribution of deltaP and deltaC did not follow the normal Gaussian distribution. The change in deltaP deviated from the Gaussian distribution in 5-10% of the eyes. The deviating values concur with those of the responder eyes in which IOP rose greater than or equal to 8 mmHg during CPT. deltaP was linearly dependent on the initial IOP level Po and the absolute change was always almost constant, approximately +1.4 mmHg. Both the total series and the responder eyes displayed the same trend for the change in aqueous outflow facility in relation to the initial C value (Co): low Co values changed less on average and high Co values changed more and diminished. It is not known why the deltaC change was different depending on the Co value. The change in IOP correlated statistically highly significantly in the initial C value (Co). The loqwe the Co value, the higher was the mean IOP elevation during CPT. In contrast, the change in aqueous outflow (deltaC) did not corrrelate (N.S.) with the initial IOP level (Po) before CPT.", "contents": "The cyclopentolate provocative test in suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. V. Statistical analysis of 431 eyes. The mydriasis provocative test with 1% cyclopentolate (CPT) was performed on 431 eyes with suspected or untreated open-angle glaucoma. Tonography was performed both before and during CPT to study the changes in aqueous dynamics during the test. Statistical analysis of the results yielded the following mean trends and correlations at a highly significant level (P less than 0.001) in the alterations: Intraocular pressure (IOP) rose (deltaP +/- SD) (+ 1.4 +/- 2.9 mmHg) and aqueous outflow facility decreased (deltaC) (-10%) during CPT. The distribution of deltaP and deltaC did not follow the normal Gaussian distribution. The change in deltaP deviated from the Gaussian distribution in 5-10% of the eyes. The deviating values concur with those of the responder eyes in which IOP rose greater than or equal to 8 mmHg during CPT. deltaP was linearly dependent on the initial IOP level Po and the absolute change was always almost constant, approximately +1.4 mmHg. Both the total series and the responder eyes displayed the same trend for the change in aqueous outflow facility in relation to the initial C value (Co): low Co values changed less on average and high Co values changed more and diminished. It is not known why the deltaC change was different depending on the Co value. The change in IOP correlated statistically highly significantly in the initial C value (Co). The loqwe the Co value, the higher was the mean IOP elevation during CPT. In contrast, the change in aqueous outflow (deltaC) did not corrrelate (N.S.) with the initial IOP level (Po) before CPT.", "PMID": 990029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3479", "title": "The variation and covariation of cup and disc diameters.", "content": "The variation and covariation of cup and disc diameters were studied in a material derived from a population survey and consisting of 2,334 fundus photographs from as many eyes in 1,322 subjects. A simple device was used to facilitate focusing of the camera. The colour slides were projected on to a screen at a fixed distance and measured on ruled paper. The effect of refraction on the magnification in the eye-camera system was compensated by the use of a simple correcting factor. Some apparently quite normal discs, nevertheless, had an area more than four times larger than that of other equally normal ones. The sizes of discs and cups covaried, however, to a suprisingly great extent (r = 0.8) and changes in disc diameter were in general parallelled by similar changes in cup diameter. The amount of tissue in the optic nerve head therefore varied somewhat less than the disc size. Cup diameters were widely dispersed, unevenly distributed and heavily dependent on disc size. The \"average rim breadths\", on the other hand, were much less dispersed, normally distributed and independent on the disc diameter. By taking the covariation of cup and disc diameters into account the detection of any enlargement or diminution of the optic cup ought to be facilitated.", "contents": "The variation and covariation of cup and disc diameters. The variation and covariation of cup and disc diameters were studied in a material derived from a population survey and consisting of 2,334 fundus photographs from as many eyes in 1,322 subjects. A simple device was used to facilitate focusing of the camera. The colour slides were projected on to a screen at a fixed distance and measured on ruled paper. The effect of refraction on the magnification in the eye-camera system was compensated by the use of a simple correcting factor. Some apparently quite normal discs, nevertheless, had an area more than four times larger than that of other equally normal ones. The sizes of discs and cups covaried, however, to a suprisingly great extent (r = 0.8) and changes in disc diameter were in general parallelled by similar changes in cup diameter. The amount of tissue in the optic nerve head therefore varied somewhat less than the disc size. Cup diameters were widely dispersed, unevenly distributed and heavily dependent on disc size. The \"average rim breadths\", on the other hand, were much less dispersed, normally distributed and independent on the disc diameter. By taking the covariation of cup and disc diameters into account the detection of any enlargement or diminution of the optic cup ought to be facilitated.", "PMID": 990030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3480", "title": "Peripheral visual field restriction in chloroquine retinopathy. Report of a case.", "content": "Chloroquine compounds are known to cause a retinopathy which typically begins in the central fundus giving rise to a \"bull's eye\" macula. Ultimately peripheral changes may become apparent. In the routine eye examination of such patients emphasis has been laid on the central area of the fundus. A case is presented where the retinopathy was not diagnosed until marked peripheral changes had occurred with peripheral pigment changes, attenuated retinal vessels, slight optic atrophy, peripheral visual field restriction and a subnormal electroretinogram. The typical \"bull's eye\" changes were not apparent. Routine examination of the peripheral fundus by means of ophthalmoscopy and perimetry is necessary to avoid missing any such retinopathy.", "contents": "Peripheral visual field restriction in chloroquine retinopathy. Report of a case. Chloroquine compounds are known to cause a retinopathy which typically begins in the central fundus giving rise to a \"bull's eye\" macula. Ultimately peripheral changes may become apparent. In the routine eye examination of such patients emphasis has been laid on the central area of the fundus. A case is presented where the retinopathy was not diagnosed until marked peripheral changes had occurred with peripheral pigment changes, attenuated retinal vessels, slight optic atrophy, peripheral visual field restriction and a subnormal electroretinogram. The typical \"bull's eye\" changes were not apparent. Routine examination of the peripheral fundus by means of ophthalmoscopy and perimetry is necessary to avoid missing any such retinopathy.", "PMID": 990031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3481", "title": "Temporal lobe epilepsy and neuro-ophthalmology. Ophthalmological findings in 74 temporal lobe resected patients.", "content": "A survey is presented of the ophthalmological findings in 74 patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy, who underwent unilateral anterior temporal lobectomy 1960-1969 at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen. At follow-up, 1970-1971, one to ten years following the operation, 81% of the patients had no or only few seizures. Preoperatively 11% of the patients suffered from strabismus as compared to an expected frequency of 5%, but this trend just falls short of statistical significance. The visual acuity remained unchanged in all patients following the operation. Preoperatively a visual field defect was observed in 2 patients. At follow-up 51 patients had homonymous hemianopias, in 38 of them this was limited to the upper quadrants, and in 13 patients also included the lower quandrants, but was characterized as a total homonymous hemianopia in only 6 patients. The presence and extent of the visual field defects were correlated to surgical results, age at onset of epilepsy, age at operation, preoperative duration of epilepsy, presence of grand mal, preoperative complications, and neuropathological findings, but without observing any statistically significant conclusions. On the other hand, the extent of the postoperative visual field defect was significantly influenced by the side of the operation, with more and larger defects following right-sided lobectomies. In the 51 patients with postoperative hemianopias, this defect was either unobserved by the patient or regarded as a considerably less important handicap than the frequent and socially invalidating preoperative seizures...", "contents": "Temporal lobe epilepsy and neuro-ophthalmology. Ophthalmological findings in 74 temporal lobe resected patients. A survey is presented of the ophthalmological findings in 74 patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy, who underwent unilateral anterior temporal lobectomy 1960-1969 at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen. At follow-up, 1970-1971, one to ten years following the operation, 81% of the patients had no or only few seizures. Preoperatively 11% of the patients suffered from strabismus as compared to an expected frequency of 5%, but this trend just falls short of statistical significance. The visual acuity remained unchanged in all patients following the operation. Preoperatively a visual field defect was observed in 2 patients. At follow-up 51 patients had homonymous hemianopias, in 38 of them this was limited to the upper quadrants, and in 13 patients also included the lower quandrants, but was characterized as a total homonymous hemianopia in only 6 patients. The presence and extent of the visual field defects were correlated to surgical results, age at onset of epilepsy, age at operation, preoperative duration of epilepsy, presence of grand mal, preoperative complications, and neuropathological findings, but without observing any statistically significant conclusions. On the other hand, the extent of the postoperative visual field defect was significantly influenced by the side of the operation, with more and larger defects following right-sided lobectomies. In the 51 patients with postoperative hemianopias, this defect was either unobserved by the patient or regarded as a considerably less important handicap than the frequent and socially invalidating preoperative seizures...", "PMID": 990032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3482", "title": "Investigations on the antihypertensive activity of timolol and bendroflumethiazide and the combination in dogs and rats.", "content": "The effects of timolol and bendroflumethiazide, either alone or combined in a fixed ratio of 4:1, on blood pressure, plasma renin activity, and plasma potassium concentration, have been investigated in normotensive and renal hypertensive dogs, and in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. In addition, the urinary kallikrein excretion has been measured in normotensive and hypertensive rats. When administered to hypertensive dogs and rats, the drug combination significantly reduced the blood pressure. Marginal reductions were observed in normotensive animals or after the administration of the single drugs. The thiazide-induced hypokalaemia and hyperreninaemia were almost completely antagonised by the concomitant administration of timolol in both animal species. A highly significant elevation of urinary kallikrein excretion was also observed in rats treated with the drug combination. A less marked increase of kallikrein excretion was noted in the bendroflumethiazide treated rats. The possibility that renal haemodynamic changes, in addition to the inhibition of the increase in plasma renin, play a role in the observed antihypertensive effects is discussed.", "contents": "Investigations on the antihypertensive activity of timolol and bendroflumethiazide and the combination in dogs and rats. The effects of timolol and bendroflumethiazide, either alone or combined in a fixed ratio of 4:1, on blood pressure, plasma renin activity, and plasma potassium concentration, have been investigated in normotensive and renal hypertensive dogs, and in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. In addition, the urinary kallikrein excretion has been measured in normotensive and hypertensive rats. When administered to hypertensive dogs and rats, the drug combination significantly reduced the blood pressure. Marginal reductions were observed in normotensive animals or after the administration of the single drugs. The thiazide-induced hypokalaemia and hyperreninaemia were almost completely antagonised by the concomitant administration of timolol in both animal species. A highly significant elevation of urinary kallikrein excretion was also observed in rats treated with the drug combination. A less marked increase of kallikrein excretion was noted in the bendroflumethiazide treated rats. The possibility that renal haemodynamic changes, in addition to the inhibition of the increase in plasma renin, play a role in the observed antihypertensive effects is discussed.", "PMID": 990034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3483", "title": "Effect of pyrazole, 4-methylpyrazole, 4-bromopyrazole and 4-iodopyrazole on brain noradrenaline levels of mice and rats.", "content": "Four daily doses of pyrazole (50 mg/kg), caused a reduction in rat brain noradrenaline (NA) of over 20% when determined 24 hrs after the final injection. Neither 4-methylpyrazole (10-50 mg/kg), nor 4-iodopyrazole (10-50 mg/kg) had any effect. In mice treated similarly, pyrazole (50-400 mg/kg) caused a dose-dependent decrease in brain NA. Neither 4-methylpyrazole, 4-bromopyrazole nor 4-iodopyrazole caused any significant change in the levels. However if the brain NA levels were examined 6 hrs after a single dose, then in addition to pyrazole, 4-methylpyrazole showed a dose-dependent ability to lower brain NA. 4-bromopyrazole and 4-iodopyrazole, given acutely, caused a dose-dependent decrease in rectal temperature and exploratory behaviour. 4-methylpyrazole in high doses (200-400 mg/kg) showed similar properties but they did not correlate with the decrease in brain NA. Pyrazole, after acute treatment, showed little ability to change rectal temperature of exploratory behaviour. It is concluded that the NA-depleting effect of pyrazole is not related to inhibition of alcohol dehydrogenase, since other 4-substituted pyrazoles which are more potent inhibitors of the enzyme have little or no effect on brain NA levels.", "contents": "Effect of pyrazole, 4-methylpyrazole, 4-bromopyrazole and 4-iodopyrazole on brain noradrenaline levels of mice and rats. Four daily doses of pyrazole (50 mg/kg), caused a reduction in rat brain noradrenaline (NA) of over 20% when determined 24 hrs after the final injection. Neither 4-methylpyrazole (10-50 mg/kg), nor 4-iodopyrazole (10-50 mg/kg) had any effect. In mice treated similarly, pyrazole (50-400 mg/kg) caused a dose-dependent decrease in brain NA. Neither 4-methylpyrazole, 4-bromopyrazole nor 4-iodopyrazole caused any significant change in the levels. However if the brain NA levels were examined 6 hrs after a single dose, then in addition to pyrazole, 4-methylpyrazole showed a dose-dependent ability to lower brain NA. 4-bromopyrazole and 4-iodopyrazole, given acutely, caused a dose-dependent decrease in rectal temperature and exploratory behaviour. 4-methylpyrazole in high doses (200-400 mg/kg) showed similar properties but they did not correlate with the decrease in brain NA. Pyrazole, after acute treatment, showed little ability to change rectal temperature of exploratory behaviour. It is concluded that the NA-depleting effect of pyrazole is not related to inhibition of alcohol dehydrogenase, since other 4-substituted pyrazoles which are more potent inhibitors of the enzyme have little or no effect on brain NA levels.", "PMID": 990035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3484", "title": "Studies on the metabolism of Orange Rn in the pig.", "content": "Orange RN (monosodium salt of 1-phenylazo-2-naphthol-6-sulphonic acid) was administered to female pigs either by intraveneous injection or by stomach tube. After intravenous injection of Orange RN, 7.8 mg/kg, the following metabolites were indentified in 24-hour urines: Orange RN (31%), 1-(4-hydroxyphenlazo)-2-naphthol-6-sulphonic acid (3%), p-aminophenol and 0-aminophenol (34% and 4% of the theoretical yield, respectively). 1-Amino-2-naphthol-6-sulphonic acid was present, but not determined. When the urine collection was extended to 72 hours the excretion of p-aminophenol accounted for the remainder of the phenylazo moiety. The excretion pattern for p-aminophenol suggest that Orange RN is partly excreted in the bile and thereafter undergoes azo reduction in the gut. After administration of Orange RN, 78 mg/kg, by stomach tube the following metabolites were identified in the urine: Total coloured metabolites (Orange RN and 1-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)-2-naphtholphenol-6-sulphinic acid) (0.4% of the theoretical yield), p-aminophenol and o-aminophenol (52% and 6% of the theoretical yield, respectively) and aniline (0.3% of the theoretical yield). 1-Amino-2-naphthol-6-sulphonic acid was present, but not determined.", "contents": "Studies on the metabolism of Orange Rn in the pig. Orange RN (monosodium salt of 1-phenylazo-2-naphthol-6-sulphonic acid) was administered to female pigs either by intraveneous injection or by stomach tube. After intravenous injection of Orange RN, 7.8 mg/kg, the following metabolites were indentified in 24-hour urines: Orange RN (31%), 1-(4-hydroxyphenlazo)-2-naphthol-6-sulphonic acid (3%), p-aminophenol and 0-aminophenol (34% and 4% of the theoretical yield, respectively). 1-Amino-2-naphthol-6-sulphonic acid was present, but not determined. When the urine collection was extended to 72 hours the excretion of p-aminophenol accounted for the remainder of the phenylazo moiety. The excretion pattern for p-aminophenol suggest that Orange RN is partly excreted in the bile and thereafter undergoes azo reduction in the gut. After administration of Orange RN, 78 mg/kg, by stomach tube the following metabolites were identified in the urine: Total coloured metabolites (Orange RN and 1-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)-2-naphtholphenol-6-sulphinic acid) (0.4% of the theoretical yield), p-aminophenol and o-aminophenol (52% and 6% of the theoretical yield, respectively) and aniline (0.3% of the theoretical yield). 1-Amino-2-naphthol-6-sulphonic acid was present, but not determined.", "PMID": 990036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3485", "title": "Effects of aminooxyacetic acid and baclofen on catalepsy, striatal homovanillic acid increase and antinociception caused by methadone in rats.", "content": "The effects of aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) and baclofen on the catalepsy, striatal homovanillic acid (HVA) increase and antinociception caused by methadone were studied in rats. Antinociceptive responses were tested by the electric foot-shock method. A new type of stimulator unit which delivered nearly constant current over a wide range of output voltage and which was noiseless was designed and its construction is described. AOAA (25 mg/kg) which increases the cerebral concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and baclofen (10 mg/kg), a structural analogue of GABA, did not change the catalepsy induced by methadone (5 mg/kg). AOAA (25 and 50 mg/kg) alone did not alter the striatal HVA content and had no effect on the methadone induced HVA increase. Baclofen (10 mg/kg) increased the striatal HVA content by 19% (P less than 0.01) and reduced the methadone-induced HVA increase by 36% (P less than 0.01). AOAA (25 mg/kg). These results suggest that narcotic analgesics might cause catalepsy and increase striatal dopamine turnover by some other mechanism than neuroleptics. The results support the suggestion that GABA might be involved in pain mechanisms.", "contents": "Effects of aminooxyacetic acid and baclofen on catalepsy, striatal homovanillic acid increase and antinociception caused by methadone in rats. The effects of aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) and baclofen on the catalepsy, striatal homovanillic acid (HVA) increase and antinociception caused by methadone were studied in rats. Antinociceptive responses were tested by the electric foot-shock method. A new type of stimulator unit which delivered nearly constant current over a wide range of output voltage and which was noiseless was designed and its construction is described. AOAA (25 mg/kg) which increases the cerebral concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and baclofen (10 mg/kg), a structural analogue of GABA, did not change the catalepsy induced by methadone (5 mg/kg). AOAA (25 and 50 mg/kg) alone did not alter the striatal HVA content and had no effect on the methadone induced HVA increase. Baclofen (10 mg/kg) increased the striatal HVA content by 19% (P less than 0.01) and reduced the methadone-induced HVA increase by 36% (P less than 0.01). AOAA (25 mg/kg). These results suggest that narcotic analgesics might cause catalepsy and increase striatal dopamine turnover by some other mechanism than neuroleptics. The results support the suggestion that GABA might be involved in pain mechanisms.", "PMID": 990037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3486", "title": "Effect of manganese on the levels of DNA, RNA, DNase and RNase in cerebrum, cerebellum and rest of brain regions of rat.", "content": "Levles of DNA, RNA, DNase, RNase and manganese in different regions of rat brain were studied after daily administration of manganese chloride (8 mg MnCl2-4H2O/kg intraperitoneally) for a period of 120 days. DNA and RNA contents decreased significantly in cerebrum, cerebellum and rest of the brain regions after manganese treatment. A decrease in the DNase and an increase in the RNase activity was observed in the cerebellum and rest of brain region of the manganese treated animals. The manganese content increased significantly in all the regions of the brain, the maximum concentration being in the rest of brain portion. The presence of excess manganese in brain presumably leads to alterations in the functional activity of lysosomal enzymes. The decrease in the levels of nucleic acids is perhaps a consequence of the degenerating and dead neurones.", "contents": "Effect of manganese on the levels of DNA, RNA, DNase and RNase in cerebrum, cerebellum and rest of brain regions of rat. Levles of DNA, RNA, DNase, RNase and manganese in different regions of rat brain were studied after daily administration of manganese chloride (8 mg MnCl2-4H2O/kg intraperitoneally) for a period of 120 days. DNA and RNA contents decreased significantly in cerebrum, cerebellum and rest of the brain regions after manganese treatment. A decrease in the DNase and an increase in the RNase activity was observed in the cerebellum and rest of brain region of the manganese treated animals. The manganese content increased significantly in all the regions of the brain, the maximum concentration being in the rest of brain portion. The presence of excess manganese in brain presumably leads to alterations in the functional activity of lysosomal enzymes. The decrease in the levels of nucleic acids is perhaps a consequence of the degenerating and dead neurones.", "PMID": 990038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3487", "title": "Auto-immunity in certain thyroid diseases.", "content": "In the years 1971-74, 88 patients were admitted to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Finsen Institute because of thyroid disease. In 37 of these patients, who had also been tested for antibodies against the thyroid, the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. The existence of circulating antibodies against thyroid tissue was found to reflect the degree of lymphocyte infiltration in the thyroid gland, and is thus of significance in the evaluation of the patients' prognosis and potential risk at surgery.", "contents": "Auto-immunity in certain thyroid diseases. In the years 1971-74, 88 patients were admitted to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Finsen Institute because of thyroid disease. In 37 of these patients, who had also been tested for antibodies against the thyroid, the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. The existence of circulating antibodies against thyroid tissue was found to reflect the degree of lymphocyte infiltration in the thyroid gland, and is thus of significance in the evaluation of the patients' prognosis and potential risk at surgery.", "PMID": 990033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3488", "title": "Ventricular electrical instability in the conscious dog: effects of psychologic stress and beta adrenergic blockade.", "content": "The effect of psychologic stress on cardiac vulnerability was examined in 10 conscious dogs. The repetitive extrasystole threshold was employed as a measure of susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation. Instrumental aversive conditioning constituted a stressful environment. The repetitive extrasystole threshold decreased by nearly 50 percent during 3 days in which the animals were exposed to the stressful environment. When Tolamolol hydrochloride, a cardioselective beta adrenoceptor blocking agent, was administered before a stress session, the repetitive extrasystole threshold was unaltered from the control value. Thus, stress-evoked changes in cardiac vulnerability are mediated through the sympathetic nervous system.", "contents": "Ventricular electrical instability in the conscious dog: effects of psychologic stress and beta adrenergic blockade. The effect of psychologic stress on cardiac vulnerability was examined in 10 conscious dogs. The repetitive extrasystole threshold was employed as a measure of susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation. Instrumental aversive conditioning constituted a stressful environment. The repetitive extrasystole threshold decreased by nearly 50 percent during 3 days in which the animals were exposed to the stressful environment. When Tolamolol hydrochloride, a cardioselective beta adrenoceptor blocking agent, was administered before a stress session, the repetitive extrasystole threshold was unaltered from the control value. Thus, stress-evoked changes in cardiac vulnerability are mediated through the sympathetic nervous system.", "PMID": 990042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3489", "title": "Infected atrial myxoma.", "content": "A patient with an infected atrial myxoma presented with clinical findings simulating bacterial endocarditis. The diagnosis was made with echocardiography, thus demonstrating the value of this rapid, noninvasive screening test. A ruptured mycotic aneurysm in the brain precluded early surgical excision of the tumor. The rapid evolution of this case to a fatal outcome underscores the need for prompt diagnosis.", "contents": "Infected atrial myxoma. A patient with an infected atrial myxoma presented with clinical findings simulating bacterial endocarditis. The diagnosis was made with echocardiography, thus demonstrating the value of this rapid, noninvasive screening test. A ruptured mycotic aneurysm in the brain precluded early surgical excision of the tumor. The rapid evolution of this case to a fatal outcome underscores the need for prompt diagnosis.", "PMID": 990043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3490", "title": "Antidotal efficacy of activated charcoal in presence of jam, starch and milk.", "content": "The effect of addition of jams, marmalades, starches and milk products on the adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal for acetylsalicyclic acid was determined in vitro. The addition of these products to an aqueous suspension of activated charcoal decreased the adsorption of acetylsalicylic acid from 98% to 95% or 90% (jams and marmalades) or to 80% (milk). Starches had no effect. It appears that the use of jams to make ingestion of activated charcoal easier is acceptable.", "contents": "Antidotal efficacy of activated charcoal in presence of jam, starch and milk. The effect of addition of jams, marmalades, starches and milk products on the adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal for acetylsalicyclic acid was determined in vitro. The addition of these products to an aqueous suspension of activated charcoal decreased the adsorption of acetylsalicylic acid from 98% to 95% or 90% (jams and marmalades) or to 80% (milk). Starches had no effect. It appears that the use of jams to make ingestion of activated charcoal easier is acceptable.", "PMID": 990044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3491", "title": "Induction of menstruation with bromocryptine in patients with euprolactinemic amenorrhea.", "content": "Three nulliparous women presented with secondary amenorrhea with no evidence of endocrinopathy and normal skull x-ray. Pulsatile gonadotropin secretion was reduced, but an adequate pituitary gonadotropin reserve was demonstrable with luteinizing hormone-release factor provocation. The administration of bromocryptine was associated with amplification of pulsatile secretion of gonadotropins and was followed, in two of the three, by ovulatory menstruation. It is suggested that bromocryptine should be considered for induction of menstruation in euprolactinemic secondary amenorrhea.", "contents": "Induction of menstruation with bromocryptine in patients with euprolactinemic amenorrhea. Three nulliparous women presented with secondary amenorrhea with no evidence of endocrinopathy and normal skull x-ray. Pulsatile gonadotropin secretion was reduced, but an adequate pituitary gonadotropin reserve was demonstrable with luteinizing hormone-release factor provocation. The administration of bromocryptine was associated with amplification of pulsatile secretion of gonadotropins and was followed, in two of the three, by ovulatory menstruation. It is suggested that bromocryptine should be considered for induction of menstruation in euprolactinemic secondary amenorrhea.", "PMID": 990045} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3492", "title": "[Pulmonary surfactant in neonatal pathology].", "content": "Following some preliminary remarks on the role of the surfactant in pulmonary physiology and physiopathology, a physiochemical study of the lungs of 26 infants who died in the neonatal period is reported. Two techniques for measuring the decrease in surface tension are set out. The results in the first case (tensiometric method) allow an explanation of the physiopathological aspect of respiratory distress; in the second case (manometric method) the diagrams obtained are characteristic of different clinical states (normal subjects; subjects born prematurely without any hyaline membrane etc...). Furthermore, the second method gives rise to certain hypotheses as to the physiochemical structure of the substances responsible for the tensio-active properties of the surfactant.", "contents": "[Pulmonary surfactant in neonatal pathology]. Following some preliminary remarks on the role of the surfactant in pulmonary physiology and physiopathology, a physiochemical study of the lungs of 26 infants who died in the neonatal period is reported. Two techniques for measuring the decrease in surface tension are set out. The results in the first case (tensiometric method) allow an explanation of the physiopathological aspect of respiratory distress; in the second case (manometric method) the diagrams obtained are characteristic of different clinical states (normal subjects; subjects born prematurely without any hyaline membrane etc...). Furthermore, the second method gives rise to certain hypotheses as to the physiochemical structure of the substances responsible for the tensio-active properties of the surfactant.", "PMID": 990049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3493", "title": "Allergic contact dermatitis from ethyl sebacata in haloprogin cream.", "content": "A 13-year-old girl developed contact dermatitis to haloprogin (Halotex) cream. Patch tests incriminated ethyl sebacata, a solubilizer, as the allergen. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of contact dermatitis attributable to this substance.", "contents": "Allergic contact dermatitis from ethyl sebacata in haloprogin cream. A 13-year-old girl developed contact dermatitis to haloprogin (Halotex) cream. Patch tests incriminated ethyl sebacata, a solubilizer, as the allergen. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of contact dermatitis attributable to this substance.", "PMID": 990052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3494", "title": "Systemic methotrexate toxicity. A pharmacological study of its occurrence after intrathecal administration in a patient with renal failure.", "content": "Methotrexate pharmacokinetic studies, performed on a patient with renal impairment who had toxic effects following 20 mg/sq m of intrathecally administered methotrexate, demonstrated prolonged serum concentrations of the drug, which accounted for the condition. After the return of normal renal function, pharmacokinetic studies were repeated following the same dose and route of administration of methotrexate. On this occasion there was a rapid clearance of serum methotrexate below toxic levels.", "contents": "Systemic methotrexate toxicity. A pharmacological study of its occurrence after intrathecal administration in a patient with renal failure. Methotrexate pharmacokinetic studies, performed on a patient with renal impairment who had toxic effects following 20 mg/sq m of intrathecally administered methotrexate, demonstrated prolonged serum concentrations of the drug, which accounted for the condition. After the return of normal renal function, pharmacokinetic studies were repeated following the same dose and route of administration of methotrexate. On this occasion there was a rapid clearance of serum methotrexate below toxic levels.", "PMID": 990053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3495", "title": "[Gonadal function of rats following pre- or postnatal administration of some hormones (author's transl)].", "content": "Some steroid hormones as well as clomiphene have been administered to new-born rats (postnatally) or to pregnant rats (prenatally) in order to study the effect on the future gonadal function of the animals born before or after the injection. A single postnatal androgen injection in oily solution influences only the female function; estrogen or the combination of androgen and estrogen are effective in both sexes preventing the ovulation or damaging the testicles. If the hormone is administered in water instead of oil, several injections are necessary in order to obtain an effect. Only the aqueous solution of clomiphene produces a positive effect even given in a single injection. When a single postnatal injection is effective the same result can be obtained after prenatal administration but only following intraamniotic injection. Clomiphene is an exception to this rule; intraamniotic injection has no effect. These observations permit the following conclusions: 1. It is possible to influence the hypothalamus-hypophysis function not only in the first days of life but already in the prenatal period. 2. As androgen damages only the ovary, estrogen however the gonads of both sexes, the mechanisme of action can not be the same. Androgen alters the function of the sexual centres in the brain only in the female rat, estrogen paralyses this function in both sexes. 3. Prenatal injection of hormone is only effective if administered intraamniotically (eliminating in this way the action of the placenta). This proves the important role of the placenta in the metabolisme of the hormones. 4. Other possible consequences of postnatal androgen administration as permanent obstruction of the vagina or hypertrophy of the clitoris can be obtained equally by prenatal intraamniotic injection. These phenomena can also occur independent of the avarian processes, being due to direct hormonal action. 5. Tubo-ovarian inflammation and abscesses are observed with relative frequency especially following estrogen or clomiphene-administration. The cause is unknown but we can assume that circulatory disorders in the genital area, produced by the hormone, are responsible for the frequency of these phenomena.", "contents": "[Gonadal function of rats following pre- or postnatal administration of some hormones (author's transl)]. Some steroid hormones as well as clomiphene have been administered to new-born rats (postnatally) or to pregnant rats (prenatally) in order to study the effect on the future gonadal function of the animals born before or after the injection. A single postnatal androgen injection in oily solution influences only the female function; estrogen or the combination of androgen and estrogen are effective in both sexes preventing the ovulation or damaging the testicles. If the hormone is administered in water instead of oil, several injections are necessary in order to obtain an effect. Only the aqueous solution of clomiphene produces a positive effect even given in a single injection. When a single postnatal injection is effective the same result can be obtained after prenatal administration but only following intraamniotic injection. Clomiphene is an exception to this rule; intraamniotic injection has no effect. These observations permit the following conclusions: 1. It is possible to influence the hypothalamus-hypophysis function not only in the first days of life but already in the prenatal period. 2. As androgen damages only the ovary, estrogen however the gonads of both sexes, the mechanisme of action can not be the same. Androgen alters the function of the sexual centres in the brain only in the female rat, estrogen paralyses this function in both sexes. 3. Prenatal injection of hormone is only effective if administered intraamniotically (eliminating in this way the action of the placenta). This proves the important role of the placenta in the metabolisme of the hormones. 4. Other possible consequences of postnatal androgen administration as permanent obstruction of the vagina or hypertrophy of the clitoris can be obtained equally by prenatal intraamniotic injection. These phenomena can also occur independent of the avarian processes, being due to direct hormonal action. 5. Tubo-ovarian inflammation and abscesses are observed with relative frequency especially following estrogen or clomiphene-administration. The cause is unknown but we can assume that circulatory disorders in the genital area, produced by the hormone, are responsible for the frequency of these phenomena.", "PMID": 990054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3496", "title": "[The glycogen content of blood and uterine tissue in women with myoma and endometriosis (author's transl)].", "content": "The amount of glycogen in venous blood and uterine tissue from 135 women undergoing gynecologic surgery was quantitatively determined. One group had myoma (n = 48), another endometriosis (n = 30). 18 women had myoma combined with endometriosis of the myometrium. 39 women served as control group. The following samples of the uterus were obtained immediately after removal: endometrium, myometrium, cervix and \"tumour\". The glycogen content in pathological cases was compared to normal tissue of comparative endocrine state, parity status and glucose tolerance. The significance levels were determined by standard analysis of variance and \"t\" tests. In the group with endometriosis, a significant difference occurred in the amount of blood glycogen, while a significant decrease was observed in the myometrial tissue. The cervical tissue glycogen levels of patients with myoma or endometriosis were significantly higher and did not exhibit cyclic or menopausal changes. There were no significant cyclic differences in the amount of endometrial tissue glycogen in women with myoma or endometriosis. In these cases the glycogen content was significantly higher than in healthy endometrial tissue. Blood glucose and plasma insulin levels were found to be in a normal spectrum. Pathological glucose tolerance and parity status showed no correlation to the variation of uterine tissue glycogen.", "contents": "[The glycogen content of blood and uterine tissue in women with myoma and endometriosis (author's transl)]. The amount of glycogen in venous blood and uterine tissue from 135 women undergoing gynecologic surgery was quantitatively determined. One group had myoma (n = 48), another endometriosis (n = 30). 18 women had myoma combined with endometriosis of the myometrium. 39 women served as control group. The following samples of the uterus were obtained immediately after removal: endometrium, myometrium, cervix and \"tumour\". The glycogen content in pathological cases was compared to normal tissue of comparative endocrine state, parity status and glucose tolerance. The significance levels were determined by standard analysis of variance and \"t\" tests. In the group with endometriosis, a significant difference occurred in the amount of blood glycogen, while a significant decrease was observed in the myometrial tissue. The cervical tissue glycogen levels of patients with myoma or endometriosis were significantly higher and did not exhibit cyclic or menopausal changes. There were no significant cyclic differences in the amount of endometrial tissue glycogen in women with myoma or endometriosis. In these cases the glycogen content was significantly higher than in healthy endometrial tissue. Blood glucose and plasma insulin levels were found to be in a normal spectrum. Pathological glucose tolerance and parity status showed no correlation to the variation of uterine tissue glycogen.", "PMID": 990055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3497", "title": "[Palmitic acid in amniotic fluid and its relation with gestational age and neonatal R.D.S. (author's transl)].", "content": "503 samplings of palmitic acid in amniotic fluid are correlated with gestational age during labor or not. In nine cases of R.D.S. determinations during labor were of very low values, but not in those before labor started. Results are discussed, indicating that values over 2 mg./100 ml. show adequate pulmonary maturity. Inferior values would only be valuable if samples are obtained during labor.", "contents": "[Palmitic acid in amniotic fluid and its relation with gestational age and neonatal R.D.S. (author's transl)]. 503 samplings of palmitic acid in amniotic fluid are correlated with gestational age during labor or not. In nine cases of R.D.S. determinations during labor were of very low values, but not in those before labor started. Results are discussed, indicating that values over 2 mg./100 ml. show adequate pulmonary maturity. Inferior values would only be valuable if samples are obtained during labor.", "PMID": 990050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3498", "title": "[Physiopathology of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "Physiopathology of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome is reviewed and bases for a correct management are given. Special mention is made of pulmonary surfactant system, biosynthesis of surfoactive material and techniques used to predict appearance of pulmonary maturity.", "contents": "[Physiopathology of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (author's transl)]. Physiopathology of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome is reviewed and bases for a correct management are given. Special mention is made of pulmonary surfactant system, biosynthesis of surfoactive material and techniques used to predict appearance of pulmonary maturity.", "PMID": 990051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3499", "title": "The influence of progesterone on the antidiuretic and oxytocic activities of the posterior pituitary lobe of female rats.", "content": "Mature, female rats received 2 mg progesterone i.m. during proestrus and estrus and 4 mg during all stages of the sexual cycle. 24 h after injection the animals were decapitated. Antidiuretic and oxytocic activities of the posterior pituitary lobe were tested by bioassay. The increased hormone content of the neurohypophysis in reaction to progesterone administration is explained by an inhibiting effect of progesterone on hormone secretion. The physiological and possible pathophysiological importance of this effect is discussed, expecially with regard to the genesis of cyclic edema and late pregnancy gestosis.", "contents": "The influence of progesterone on the antidiuretic and oxytocic activities of the posterior pituitary lobe of female rats. Mature, female rats received 2 mg progesterone i.m. during proestrus and estrus and 4 mg during all stages of the sexual cycle. 24 h after injection the animals were decapitated. Antidiuretic and oxytocic activities of the posterior pituitary lobe were tested by bioassay. The increased hormone content of the neurohypophysis in reaction to progesterone administration is explained by an inhibiting effect of progesterone on hormone secretion. The physiological and possible pathophysiological importance of this effect is discussed, expecially with regard to the genesis of cyclic edema and late pregnancy gestosis.", "PMID": 990056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3500", "title": "[Obliterative angiopathy of placental stem villi (author's transl)].", "content": "Out of 136 placentas with vascular obliterations, 25 cases were placentas of children born alive, in 92 cases the placentas belonged to children born dead. In 19 cases we had no data on the baby. In placentas of babies born alive, the same vascular changes (subtotal and total obliterations, septal partitions of vascular lumina) were found as in those of dead-born children, although considerably less severe. Vascular obliterations should not be considered as post-mortal alterations of the placenta blood vessels, since only quantitative differences could be proved. Septum-like partitions are hardly ever found in placentas of babies born alive, in dead-born babies they are more frequent. They seem to present recanalizations, and are understood as a compensation mechanism for a placental insufficiency caused by vascular obliterations. The accentuated collagenization of the placental periphery, noticed in placentas of babies born alive, is being interpreted as the consequence of an impaired blood circulation, caused by partial and total vascular obliterations. The high collagen rate in the placental periphery in placentas of the dead-born is probably a reaction to the diminished fetal circulation. Endangitis obliterations in 73 placentas out of 4600 pregnancies of cases with late abortions, premature deliveries, perinatal death, underweigh and small for gestational age babies, impaired adaptation in newborns of mothers with proteinuria and hypertension speak strongly for assuming that endangitis obliterans presents a form of placental insufficiency. Endangitis obliterans of the placental blood-vessels has, however, been discovered frequently after Rubella infection in early pregnancy. The etiological factors of the endovascular process can be multiple, the morphological and the pathophysiological reactions are the same.", "contents": "[Obliterative angiopathy of placental stem villi (author's transl)]. Out of 136 placentas with vascular obliterations, 25 cases were placentas of children born alive, in 92 cases the placentas belonged to children born dead. In 19 cases we had no data on the baby. In placentas of babies born alive, the same vascular changes (subtotal and total obliterations, septal partitions of vascular lumina) were found as in those of dead-born children, although considerably less severe. Vascular obliterations should not be considered as post-mortal alterations of the placenta blood vessels, since only quantitative differences could be proved. Septum-like partitions are hardly ever found in placentas of babies born alive, in dead-born babies they are more frequent. They seem to present recanalizations, and are understood as a compensation mechanism for a placental insufficiency caused by vascular obliterations. The accentuated collagenization of the placental periphery, noticed in placentas of babies born alive, is being interpreted as the consequence of an impaired blood circulation, caused by partial and total vascular obliterations. The high collagen rate in the placental periphery in placentas of the dead-born is probably a reaction to the diminished fetal circulation. Endangitis obliterations in 73 placentas out of 4600 pregnancies of cases with late abortions, premature deliveries, perinatal death, underweigh and small for gestational age babies, impaired adaptation in newborns of mothers with proteinuria and hypertension speak strongly for assuming that endangitis obliterans presents a form of placental insufficiency. Endangitis obliterans of the placental blood-vessels has, however, been discovered frequently after Rubella infection in early pregnancy. The etiological factors of the endovascular process can be multiple, the morphological and the pathophysiological reactions are the same.", "PMID": 990057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3501", "title": "Ultrasonic diagnosis of placenta membranacea.", "content": "In this paper the first known case is presented in which an antepartum diagnosis of placenta membranacea was made by ultrasound. A multiparous woman is presented with intermittent painless vaginal bleeding in the second trimester of pregnancy. Ultrasonic examination at 20 weeks' gestation revealed a gestational sac almost completely covered with placental tissue. At 26 weeks the patient delivered a dead, growth retarded and an almost complete placenta membranacea.", "contents": "Ultrasonic diagnosis of placenta membranacea. In this paper the first known case is presented in which an antepartum diagnosis of placenta membranacea was made by ultrasound. A multiparous woman is presented with intermittent painless vaginal bleeding in the second trimester of pregnancy. Ultrasonic examination at 20 weeks' gestation revealed a gestational sac almost completely covered with placental tissue. At 26 weeks the patient delivered a dead, growth retarded and an almost complete placenta membranacea.", "PMID": 990058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3502", "title": "The influence of the prolactin inhibitor bromocriptin (CB 154) on human luteal function in vivo.", "content": "Five volunteers with normal ovarian cycles received oral doses of 2 X 2.5 mg or 3 X 2.5 mg bromocriptin (CB 154)/day respectively. The treatment started at the onset of menstruation and lasted on complete cycle. In addition to the decrease of prolactin secretion, a reduction of plasma progesterone concentrations during the corpus luteum phase was demonstrated. This fall of progesterone seemed to be preferentially due to bromocriptin-induced hypoprolactinaemia and not to direct ovarian effects of the drug.", "contents": "The influence of the prolactin inhibitor bromocriptin (CB 154) on human luteal function in vivo. Five volunteers with normal ovarian cycles received oral doses of 2 X 2.5 mg or 3 X 2.5 mg bromocriptin (CB 154)/day respectively. The treatment started at the onset of menstruation and lasted on complete cycle. In addition to the decrease of prolactin secretion, a reduction of plasma progesterone concentrations during the corpus luteum phase was demonstrated. This fall of progesterone seemed to be preferentially due to bromocriptin-induced hypoprolactinaemia and not to direct ovarian effects of the drug.", "PMID": 990059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3503", "title": "Comparison between serum estriol and urinary estrogens as indices of fetoplacental function.", "content": "In order to compare the predictive efficacies of serum estriol and urinary estrogen excretion in early diagnosis of fetal distress, 255 patients with normal (N = 128) or complicated (N = 127) pregnancies were monitored with simultaneous determinations of serum estriol (radioimmunoassay) and urinary estrogen excretion/24 h (colorimetric method) after the 32nd week of pregnancy. There was no difference in the efficacies of these tests. Out of all 43 fetal distress cases, 40% were predicted by serum estriol and 33% urinary estrogens. In pre-eclampsia, the respective findings were 56% and 50%. Fetal distress was the most probable (88%) when both of the tests were low at the same time. In pregnancies complicated with diabetes or rhesus immunization both tests revealed normal findings apart from the presence of fetoplacental dysfunction. The choice between these tests must be based on other factors than the diagnostic accuracy.", "contents": "Comparison between serum estriol and urinary estrogens as indices of fetoplacental function. In order to compare the predictive efficacies of serum estriol and urinary estrogen excretion in early diagnosis of fetal distress, 255 patients with normal (N = 128) or complicated (N = 127) pregnancies were monitored with simultaneous determinations of serum estriol (radioimmunoassay) and urinary estrogen excretion/24 h (colorimetric method) after the 32nd week of pregnancy. There was no difference in the efficacies of these tests. Out of all 43 fetal distress cases, 40% were predicted by serum estriol and 33% urinary estrogens. In pre-eclampsia, the respective findings were 56% and 50%. Fetal distress was the most probable (88%) when both of the tests were low at the same time. In pregnancies complicated with diabetes or rhesus immunization both tests revealed normal findings apart from the presence of fetoplacental dysfunction. The choice between these tests must be based on other factors than the diagnostic accuracy.", "PMID": 990060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3504", "title": "[Functional aspects of placental maturation in twin-pregnancies (author's transl)].", "content": "Multiple pregnancy placentas are especially efficient for examining the influence of placental maturity on fetal growth; extraplacental factors can be considered the same, and difference concerning the state of the child can be correlated with the conditions of the placental function. In 46 twin-couples placentas have been examined. In 21 cases placental parts varied in maturity. Children whose placentas had reached a better stage of maturity, were better in weight, length and Apgar score. Only in 3 cases with ripe placenta Apgar score was low (all cases were second-born children). In 25 twin-couples placentas of equal maturity were found, and the children showed insignificant differences. Differences concerning the Apgar score, could be caused by extraplacental etiological factors. 68 placental parts were correlated to the gestational age; a precocious placenta maturity was found in 31 cases, and a mature placenta in 26 cases. The importance of precocious placental maturity and its influence on the development and condition of the child post partum are being thoroughly discussed.", "contents": "[Functional aspects of placental maturation in twin-pregnancies (author's transl)]. Multiple pregnancy placentas are especially efficient for examining the influence of placental maturity on fetal growth; extraplacental factors can be considered the same, and difference concerning the state of the child can be correlated with the conditions of the placental function. In 46 twin-couples placentas have been examined. In 21 cases placental parts varied in maturity. Children whose placentas had reached a better stage of maturity, were better in weight, length and Apgar score. Only in 3 cases with ripe placenta Apgar score was low (all cases were second-born children). In 25 twin-couples placentas of equal maturity were found, and the children showed insignificant differences. Differences concerning the Apgar score, could be caused by extraplacental etiological factors. 68 placental parts were correlated to the gestational age; a precocious placenta maturity was found in 31 cases, and a mature placenta in 26 cases. The importance of precocious placental maturity and its influence on the development and condition of the child post partum are being thoroughly discussed.", "PMID": 990061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3505", "title": "[The early stromal invasion of the vulva (author's transl)].", "content": "Fourty one vulvectomy operation specimens and seventeen biopsies from the vulva were examined. They represented either dysplasias, carcinomata in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Slightly more than a third of the cases showed early stromal invasion as well in dysplasias and carcinomata in situ as in the margins of the invasive carcinomas. On the other hand the early stromal invasion of the vulva doesn't show that striking alterations as does that of the cervix uteri.", "contents": "[The early stromal invasion of the vulva (author's transl)]. Fourty one vulvectomy operation specimens and seventeen biopsies from the vulva were examined. They represented either dysplasias, carcinomata in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Slightly more than a third of the cases showed early stromal invasion as well in dysplasias and carcinomata in situ as in the margins of the invasive carcinomas. On the other hand the early stromal invasion of the vulva doesn't show that striking alterations as does that of the cervix uteri.", "PMID": 990062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3506", "title": "[The effect of 2,4-dinitrophenol, monoiodine acetate, sodium fluoride and hypoxia on the formation of plasma polyps in the placenta of guinea pigs (author's transl)].", "content": "Plasma polyps can be found at the end of a normal pregnancy. Following NaF and MJA-intoxication, there is an extreme increase of plasma polyps. This accelerated formation can be prevented by the injection of Na-pyruvate and often the number of polyps can be reduced below the norm. 2,4-Dinitrophenol intoxication and breathing of hypoxic gas mixture (2,5% O2, 5% CO2, 92,5% N2) do not lead to increased plasma polyp formation. This proves, that it is not hypoxia, not an energy deficit secondary to separation of oxydative phosphorylation and not cardiac insufficiency leading to secondary ischemia which are responsible for the extreme increase in the number of plasma polyps following the injection of MJA and NaF.", "contents": "[The effect of 2,4-dinitrophenol, monoiodine acetate, sodium fluoride and hypoxia on the formation of plasma polyps in the placenta of guinea pigs (author's transl)]. Plasma polyps can be found at the end of a normal pregnancy. Following NaF and MJA-intoxication, there is an extreme increase of plasma polyps. This accelerated formation can be prevented by the injection of Na-pyruvate and often the number of polyps can be reduced below the norm. 2,4-Dinitrophenol intoxication and breathing of hypoxic gas mixture (2,5% O2, 5% CO2, 92,5% N2) do not lead to increased plasma polyp formation. This proves, that it is not hypoxia, not an energy deficit secondary to separation of oxydative phosphorylation and not cardiac insufficiency leading to secondary ischemia which are responsible for the extreme increase in the number of plasma polyps following the injection of MJA and NaF.", "PMID": 990063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3507", "title": "[The abdominal fetal EKG for the analysis of pre- and subpartual heart frequency (author's transl)].", "content": "The application possibilities of abdominal fetal electrocardiography for pre- and subpartual continuous registration of the fetal heart frequency are examined. For this purpose the technical quality of 403 abdominal FEKG-registrations were checked in the individual stages of pregnancy and during birth. The average time spent looking for the best position with the greatest R-wave amplitude amounting to 2.6 min. The abdominal longitudinal position and the right hand oblique abdominal position proved to be advantageous with longitudinal presentation of the fetus. With fetal oblique to transverse presentation and in the 6th to 7th month of pregnancy the transverse abdominal position was likewise favourable. The technical quality of the supervision varied in the individual months of pregnancy. The best results were achieved in the 6th and 11th month of pregnancy. The worst technical quality was registered in the 8th month. In the 7th and 9th month two thirds of registrations were at least adequate. Sub partu the registrations during the first stage of labour were in two thirds of the cases very good and good, in a quarter satisfactory, in approx. a sixth adequate and fairly bad. In the second stage the registrations were considerably worse, 10.7% were satisfactory, 28.6% adequate and 59.8% deficient. Prepartually the technical quality was dependent on the fetal R-wave amplitude. In the second stage of labour no correlation between fetal R-wave amplitude and technical quality could be ascertained. The rupture of the amnion only influenced the quality of the registrations, if the satisfactory of labour increased. Adiposis and the position of the placenta did not affect the technical quality of the registrations. The lateral positions of the patient led to unusable registrations in 26.2%, in 46.9% the left and in 44.6% the right lateral position could be accepted without loss of quality. The comparison of the subpartual parallel registrations by means of phonocardiography/abdominal fetal electrocardiography, as well as direct/abdominal fetal electrocardiography showed no differences in the baseline. Differences in the floating-line in the case of simultaneous phonocardiography/abdominal fetal electrocardiography concerned the phonocardiographic registrations and in the case of simultaneous abdominal/direct fetal electrocardiography the abdominal registrations. They were caused by reduction in the technical quality. The fluctuation types of the abdominal and direct registrations were identical. In the case of simultaneous phonocardiography/abdominal fetal electrocardiography differences were found both in the oscillation amplitude and the oscillation frequency. The difference in the oscillation frequency was caused by a bad technical quality. The lower oscillation amplitude in abdominal fetal EKG-registrations was defined by the more exactly signal of the fetal R-wave...", "contents": "[The abdominal fetal EKG for the analysis of pre- and subpartual heart frequency (author's transl)]. The application possibilities of abdominal fetal electrocardiography for pre- and subpartual continuous registration of the fetal heart frequency are examined. For this purpose the technical quality of 403 abdominal FEKG-registrations were checked in the individual stages of pregnancy and during birth. The average time spent looking for the best position with the greatest R-wave amplitude amounting to 2.6 min. The abdominal longitudinal position and the right hand oblique abdominal position proved to be advantageous with longitudinal presentation of the fetus. With fetal oblique to transverse presentation and in the 6th to 7th month of pregnancy the transverse abdominal position was likewise favourable. The technical quality of the supervision varied in the individual months of pregnancy. The best results were achieved in the 6th and 11th month of pregnancy. The worst technical quality was registered in the 8th month. In the 7th and 9th month two thirds of registrations were at least adequate. Sub partu the registrations during the first stage of labour were in two thirds of the cases very good and good, in a quarter satisfactory, in approx. a sixth adequate and fairly bad. In the second stage the registrations were considerably worse, 10.7% were satisfactory, 28.6% adequate and 59.8% deficient. Prepartually the technical quality was dependent on the fetal R-wave amplitude. In the second stage of labour no correlation between fetal R-wave amplitude and technical quality could be ascertained. The rupture of the amnion only influenced the quality of the registrations, if the satisfactory of labour increased. Adiposis and the position of the placenta did not affect the technical quality of the registrations. The lateral positions of the patient led to unusable registrations in 26.2%, in 46.9% the left and in 44.6% the right lateral position could be accepted without loss of quality. The comparison of the subpartual parallel registrations by means of phonocardiography/abdominal fetal electrocardiography, as well as direct/abdominal fetal electrocardiography showed no differences in the baseline. Differences in the floating-line in the case of simultaneous phonocardiography/abdominal fetal electrocardiography concerned the phonocardiographic registrations and in the case of simultaneous abdominal/direct fetal electrocardiography the abdominal registrations. They were caused by reduction in the technical quality. The fluctuation types of the abdominal and direct registrations were identical. In the case of simultaneous phonocardiography/abdominal fetal electrocardiography differences were found both in the oscillation amplitude and the oscillation frequency. The difference in the oscillation frequency was caused by a bad technical quality. The lower oscillation amplitude in abdominal fetal EKG-registrations was defined by the more exactly signal of the fetal R-wave...", "PMID": 990064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3508", "title": "Massive feto-maternal transfusion during external cephalic version, with fatal outcome.", "content": "A primipara with breech presentation underwent external cephalic version under tocolysis 9 days before term. The placenta was located on the anterior uterine wall. During the version, a massive feto-maternal transfusion occurred and the baby ultimately died.", "contents": "Massive feto-maternal transfusion during external cephalic version, with fatal outcome. A primipara with breech presentation underwent external cephalic version under tocolysis 9 days before term. The placenta was located on the anterior uterine wall. During the version, a massive feto-maternal transfusion occurred and the baby ultimately died.", "PMID": 990066} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3509", "title": "Angiotoxicity and arteriosclerosis due to contaminants of USP-grade cholesterol.", "content": "Impurities were concentrated from several lots of cholesterol by recrystallizing cholesterol from methanol solution, retaining the mother liquor, and evaporating the residuum to dryness under vacuum. This concentrate contained the products of spontaneous oxidation of cholesterol and other contaminants from the original source. The concentrate increased the frequency of dead aortic smooth muscle cells and induced focal intimal edema in the rabbit 24 hours after gavage at 250 mg/kg. New or old cholesterol was similarly angiotoxic, the old more so than the new. Cholesterol purified via dibromination induced an increase in aggregate debris in 24 hours at 250 mg/kg but no increase in degenerated cells. The concentrate administered at a total dose of 1 gm/kg/seven weeks induced intimal, fibrous lesions without foam cells or hypercholesterolemia. Purified cholesterol at the same dose produced no effect.", "contents": "Angiotoxicity and arteriosclerosis due to contaminants of USP-grade cholesterol. Impurities were concentrated from several lots of cholesterol by recrystallizing cholesterol from methanol solution, retaining the mother liquor, and evaporating the residuum to dryness under vacuum. This concentrate contained the products of spontaneous oxidation of cholesterol and other contaminants from the original source. The concentrate increased the frequency of dead aortic smooth muscle cells and induced focal intimal edema in the rabbit 24 hours after gavage at 250 mg/kg. New or old cholesterol was similarly angiotoxic, the old more so than the new. Cholesterol purified via dibromination induced an increase in aggregate debris in 24 hours at 250 mg/kg but no increase in degenerated cells. The concentrate administered at a total dose of 1 gm/kg/seven weeks induced intimal, fibrous lesions without foam cells or hypercholesterolemia. Purified cholesterol at the same dose produced no effect.", "PMID": 990067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3510", "title": "[The experimental examination of the effect on the uterine blood flow of angiotensin II during pregnancy (author's transl)].", "content": "In experiments with animals it was investigated the endurance of the myometrial and the blood flow of the renal cortex during endogenous pressure substances. At the same time it was tested, if treatment with sexual hormones or a pregnancy had the tested principles and changes through pressure substances, and that the changes were significant. The investigations were conducted on three groups of female rabbits. The blood changes in myometrial and in the uterine were measured and continually registered with the special heated thermistor, from the principle of the thermoclearance. The success of the blood pressure was intraarterial measured with an electric mechanism. Precisely the same doses (in relativity of the animals weight) of pressure substances were applied with an infusions pump intravenously. And pressure substances Angiotensin II, Norepinephrine and Epinephrine, and their actions on the blood pressure and blood flow through the myometrium and through the renal cortex were examined. Altogether 131 values were registered. The results of the study that were statistically secure were as follows: a) The uterine blood flow pro tissue volume unit stays constant also by pregnancy or pseudopregnancy. b) The blood flow of the kidney is perhaps twice as high as the myometrial. c) The myometrial blood flow is with the arterial systolic blood pressure tightly correlated. Blood pressure increases through Angiotensin-infusion and also recovery of the uterine blood flow. d) An autoregulation of the uterine blood flow is not observed. e) The decrease of the renal blood flow after the giving of pressure substances was not modified through pregnancy. f) In quality the behaviour of the organ blood flow is the same after applied infusion of the pressure substances. Quantity differences exist however between Angiotensin II, Norepinephrine and Epinephrine. The method of measuring the blood flow through the uterus and in the kidney was placed in one view there. The finding of another examination groups for the problem of the organ blood flow in pregnancy was under critical consideration the methods combined and in connection with the proper examinations discussed. Till now in the theory over the cause of EPH-syndrom the predominate recently compiled comprehensive summary was; the proper body pressure substances--especially from the renin Angiotensin system--after chronical invoices it was decides diminished uterus blood flow appeared. After the earlier results were not all secure. The proper examination speech was therefore, that regarding the kidney function relevant alterations, also unter the conditions of pregnancy, are to be observed. The pressure dependant regulation of myometrial blood flow without proving autoregulation required however another test of the predominante gestose theory.", "contents": "[The experimental examination of the effect on the uterine blood flow of angiotensin II during pregnancy (author's transl)]. In experiments with animals it was investigated the endurance of the myometrial and the blood flow of the renal cortex during endogenous pressure substances. At the same time it was tested, if treatment with sexual hormones or a pregnancy had the tested principles and changes through pressure substances, and that the changes were significant. The investigations were conducted on three groups of female rabbits. The blood changes in myometrial and in the uterine were measured and continually registered with the special heated thermistor, from the principle of the thermoclearance. The success of the blood pressure was intraarterial measured with an electric mechanism. Precisely the same doses (in relativity of the animals weight) of pressure substances were applied with an infusions pump intravenously. And pressure substances Angiotensin II, Norepinephrine and Epinephrine, and their actions on the blood pressure and blood flow through the myometrium and through the renal cortex were examined. Altogether 131 values were registered. The results of the study that were statistically secure were as follows: a) The uterine blood flow pro tissue volume unit stays constant also by pregnancy or pseudopregnancy. b) The blood flow of the kidney is perhaps twice as high as the myometrial. c) The myometrial blood flow is with the arterial systolic blood pressure tightly correlated. Blood pressure increases through Angiotensin-infusion and also recovery of the uterine blood flow. d) An autoregulation of the uterine blood flow is not observed. e) The decrease of the renal blood flow after the giving of pressure substances was not modified through pregnancy. f) In quality the behaviour of the organ blood flow is the same after applied infusion of the pressure substances. Quantity differences exist however between Angiotensin II, Norepinephrine and Epinephrine. The method of measuring the blood flow through the uterus and in the kidney was placed in one view there. The finding of another examination groups for the problem of the organ blood flow in pregnancy was under critical consideration the methods combined and in connection with the proper examinations discussed. Till now in the theory over the cause of EPH-syndrom the predominate recently compiled comprehensive summary was; the proper body pressure substances--especially from the renin Angiotensin system--after chronical invoices it was decides diminished uterus blood flow appeared. After the earlier results were not all secure. The proper examination speech was therefore, that regarding the kidney function relevant alterations, also unter the conditions of pregnancy, are to be observed. The pressure dependant regulation of myometrial blood flow without proving autoregulation required however another test of the predominante gestose theory.", "PMID": 990065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3511", "title": "Coronary arterial fistula.", "content": "We report two cases of coronary arterial fistula communicating with the right ventricle. It was noted that the coronary arteries did not spring from the aorta in the normal way. Proximal connections between the coronary arteries and the aorta absent. The lesions were associated with pulmonary valvular atresia, tricuspid valvular stenosis, and intact ventricular septum. We describe the clinical and autopsy findings and discuss the possible pathogenesis.", "contents": "Coronary arterial fistula. We report two cases of coronary arterial fistula communicating with the right ventricle. It was noted that the coronary arteries did not spring from the aorta in the normal way. Proximal connections between the coronary arteries and the aorta absent. The lesions were associated with pulmonary valvular atresia, tricuspid valvular stenosis, and intact ventricular septum. We describe the clinical and autopsy findings and discuss the possible pathogenesis.", "PMID": 990068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3512", "title": "Cellular proliferation in vasa rectae in acute tubular necrosis. A histochemical and electron microscopical study.", "content": "The vasa rectae of the renal cortico-medullary junction were studied in cases of acute tubular necrosis. Although routine light microscopical observations suggested a heterogeneous population of hematopoietic cells, further studies revealed two groups that showed (1) a major fraction, consisting of the lymphoplasma-cytic series with varying stages of maturation, and (2) a minor fraction of granulocytic precursors. The possible importance of this phenomenon is discussed.", "contents": "Cellular proliferation in vasa rectae in acute tubular necrosis. A histochemical and electron microscopical study. The vasa rectae of the renal cortico-medullary junction were studied in cases of acute tubular necrosis. Although routine light microscopical observations suggested a heterogeneous population of hematopoietic cells, further studies revealed two groups that showed (1) a major fraction, consisting of the lymphoplasma-cytic series with varying stages of maturation, and (2) a minor fraction of granulocytic precursors. The possible importance of this phenomenon is discussed.", "PMID": 990069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3513", "title": "Erythropoietic protoporphyria. A light, electron, and polarization microscopical study of the liver in three patients.", "content": "Two of three patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria showed pigment deposits with typical red porphyrin fluorescence on liver biopsy specimens. Birefringence of this pigment by polarized light is due to its crystalline nature, as demonstrated by electron microscopy. There was slight portal inflammation in these cases. A liver biopsy specimen from a third patient was normal.", "contents": "Erythropoietic protoporphyria. A light, electron, and polarization microscopical study of the liver in three patients. Two of three patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria showed pigment deposits with typical red porphyrin fluorescence on liver biopsy specimens. Birefringence of this pigment by polarized light is due to its crystalline nature, as demonstrated by electron microscopy. There was slight portal inflammation in these cases. A liver biopsy specimen from a third patient was normal.", "PMID": 990070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3514", "title": "Tissue destruction in chronic pneumonitis.", "content": "A hitherto unrecognized, but apparently common, feature of chronic pneumonitis is tissue destruction. This feature may be as important as the proliferative component in formation of honeycomb lung. Fifty-two selected cases of active chronic pneumonitis were studied with hematoxylin-eosin stain, followed by bleach and Gordon and Sweets silver stain for reticulin. Thus, exactly the same cells and tissue could be studied with both stains. Pulmonary tissue destruction in regions of active chronic pneumonitis was indicated by (1) the presence of structureless eosinophilic material containing karyolytic nuclear remnants, (2) the presence of fragments of degenerated reticulin fibers within the air spaces, and (3) the phagocytosis of reticulin fiber fragments by macrophages.", "contents": "Tissue destruction in chronic pneumonitis. A hitherto unrecognized, but apparently common, feature of chronic pneumonitis is tissue destruction. This feature may be as important as the proliferative component in formation of honeycomb lung. Fifty-two selected cases of active chronic pneumonitis were studied with hematoxylin-eosin stain, followed by bleach and Gordon and Sweets silver stain for reticulin. Thus, exactly the same cells and tissue could be studied with both stains. Pulmonary tissue destruction in regions of active chronic pneumonitis was indicated by (1) the presence of structureless eosinophilic material containing karyolytic nuclear remnants, (2) the presence of fragments of degenerated reticulin fibers within the air spaces, and (3) the phagocytosis of reticulin fiber fragments by macrophages.", "PMID": 990071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3515", "title": "Intracellular mucin production by lobular breast carcinoma cells.", "content": "Slides from ten cases of infiltrating lobular and ten of in situ lobular breast cancer were studied with mucicarmine stain to determine the incidence of intracellular mucin in such cases. Nine of the ten infiltrating carcinomas and six of the ten in situ tumors contained such cells. None of the cases contained infiltrating duct or \"colloid\" carcinoma and none had in situ carcinoma of major ducts.", "contents": "Intracellular mucin production by lobular breast carcinoma cells. Slides from ten cases of infiltrating lobular and ten of in situ lobular breast cancer were studied with mucicarmine stain to determine the incidence of intracellular mucin in such cases. Nine of the ten infiltrating carcinomas and six of the ten in situ tumors contained such cells. None of the cases contained infiltrating duct or \"colloid\" carcinoma and none had in situ carcinoma of major ducts.", "PMID": 990072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3516", "title": "[Mycotic aneurysm of extravascular origin].", "content": "The case of a female patient presenting a complete unilateral ophthalmoplegia secundaru to a septic aneurysm of the internal carotid artery is reported. The possible existence of an extravascular infectious etiology in vies of the presence of trombophelebitis of the cavernous sinus is discussed. Pertinent reports from the literature are reviewed and the rarity of the phenomenn is commented. The indication for internal carotid artery ligation as a form of treatment deserves further observations.", "contents": "[Mycotic aneurysm of extravascular origin]. The case of a female patient presenting a complete unilateral ophthalmoplegia secundaru to a septic aneurysm of the internal carotid artery is reported. The possible existence of an extravascular infectious etiology in vies of the presence of trombophelebitis of the cavernous sinus is discussed. Pertinent reports from the literature are reviewed and the rarity of the phenomenn is commented. The indication for internal carotid artery ligation as a form of treatment deserves further observations.", "PMID": 990074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3517", "title": "[Formation of the inner ear lymphs. Permeability of inner ear membranes (author's transl)].", "content": "1. The endolymphatic system is morphologically a close system. The inner surface of the wall is tightly lined with an epithelium of ectodermal origin. The perilymphatic spaces are enlarged intercellular spaces which are built from the embryonic mesenchyme. 2. The perilymph ist an ultrafiltrate of plasma. There is probably a flow from the cerebrospinal fluid which is constantly renewed. The diffusion in the perilymph is dependent on the concentration and the size of the molecules. The endolymph is mainly a perilymph-filtrate. The \"secretory\" epithelia (e.g. stria vascularis cells and other tissues) of the endolymphatic system perform an important role to sustain the potassium and sodium concentrations. The ionic concentrations regulate the water movement also the volume of the endolymphatic spaces. They are maintained by anoxy-sensitive pumps. 3. The DC potential within the endolymphatic spaces represents the movement of certain electrical charge through membranes. By applying various inhibitors it is possible to distinguish the pumping mechanisms, and to observe the continuous changes of potassium and sodium concentrations with Na+ specific electrodes and K+ specific electrodes. There are probably three interdependent sources of driving-forces: a. A positively electrogenic K+-pump which is anoxia-sensitive and can be inhibited by Ethacrynic acid. This mechanism is more active in stria cells and less so in utricle and saccule. b. A negatively electrogenic Na+-K+ exchange-pump in all parts of the endolymphatic spaces is inhibited by Ouabain or anoxia. c. The passive diffusion of potassium-ions from endolymph to perilymph results an electro-negative effect.", "contents": "[Formation of the inner ear lymphs. Permeability of inner ear membranes (author's transl)]. 1. The endolymphatic system is morphologically a close system. The inner surface of the wall is tightly lined with an epithelium of ectodermal origin. The perilymphatic spaces are enlarged intercellular spaces which are built from the embryonic mesenchyme. 2. The perilymph ist an ultrafiltrate of plasma. There is probably a flow from the cerebrospinal fluid which is constantly renewed. The diffusion in the perilymph is dependent on the concentration and the size of the molecules. The endolymph is mainly a perilymph-filtrate. The \"secretory\" epithelia (e.g. stria vascularis cells and other tissues) of the endolymphatic system perform an important role to sustain the potassium and sodium concentrations. The ionic concentrations regulate the water movement also the volume of the endolymphatic spaces. They are maintained by anoxy-sensitive pumps. 3. The DC potential within the endolymphatic spaces represents the movement of certain electrical charge through membranes. By applying various inhibitors it is possible to distinguish the pumping mechanisms, and to observe the continuous changes of potassium and sodium concentrations with Na+ specific electrodes and K+ specific electrodes. There are probably three interdependent sources of driving-forces: a. A positively electrogenic K+-pump which is anoxia-sensitive and can be inhibited by Ethacrynic acid. This mechanism is more active in stria cells and less so in utricle and saccule. b. A negatively electrogenic Na+-K+ exchange-pump in all parts of the endolymphatic spaces is inhibited by Ouabain or anoxia. c. The passive diffusion of potassium-ions from endolymph to perilymph results an electro-negative effect.", "PMID": 990075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3518", "title": "Aspects on endolymphatic sac morphology and function.", "content": "Morphological evidence indicate that the main function of the endolymphatic sac is to act as a reabsorptive and defensive mechanism for the inner ear. This activity is markedly enhanced in labyrinthine trauma, such as injection of foreign particles into the labyrinth, blocking of the endolymphatic duct, and cryosurgical destruction of vestibular sensory epithelia. Light and dark epithelial cells of the intermediate portion of the sac are capable of reabsorbing endolymph and digesting cellular debris respectively. The extensive capillary network surrounding the endolymphatic sac exhibits endothelial characteristics suggestive of active fluid transport. The \"dynamic-flow theory\" of endolymph circulation suggests that a radial-flow should be considered for energy metabolism and ion exchange around the sensory cell regions whereas a longitudinal-flow should be considered for reabsorption of endolymph and disposal of high molecular waist products and debris by the endolymphatic sac. The earlier concepts of endolymph circulation thus need not any longer be considered conflicting.", "contents": "Aspects on endolymphatic sac morphology and function. Morphological evidence indicate that the main function of the endolymphatic sac is to act as a reabsorptive and defensive mechanism for the inner ear. This activity is markedly enhanced in labyrinthine trauma, such as injection of foreign particles into the labyrinth, blocking of the endolymphatic duct, and cryosurgical destruction of vestibular sensory epithelia. Light and dark epithelial cells of the intermediate portion of the sac are capable of reabsorbing endolymph and digesting cellular debris respectively. The extensive capillary network surrounding the endolymphatic sac exhibits endothelial characteristics suggestive of active fluid transport. The \"dynamic-flow theory\" of endolymph circulation suggests that a radial-flow should be considered for energy metabolism and ion exchange around the sensory cell regions whereas a longitudinal-flow should be considered for reabsorption of endolymph and disposal of high molecular waist products and debris by the endolymphatic sac. The earlier concepts of endolymph circulation thus need not any longer be considered conflicting.", "PMID": 990076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3519", "title": "Microcirculation in the labyrinth.", "content": "The inner ear is unique in the number and variety of specialized microvascular networks that furnish blood to its parts. Four distinct capillary networks arranged in parallel supply the structures of the outer wall, and four others those of the spiral lamina. Most of the capillaries are surrounded by pericapillary spaces favoring filtration and reabsorption of fluid. In the guinea pig those of the spiral prominence and outer sulcus show a special pericapillary tissue. The strial capillaries are larger in diameter and are closely invested by strial cells. The blood within them has a higher hematocrit and flows more slowly than elsewhere in the labyrinth. The arcades of the tympanic lip and basilar membrane receive occasional innervation by fine unmyelinated nerve fibers. A possible role of prostaglandins in controlling the tone of the cochlear microvasculature is suggested. Although it appears unlikely that vascular lesions within the labyrinth could be responsible for the hydrops of Meni\u00e8re's syndrome, devascularization and atrophy of the endolymphatic sac might be contributory factors.", "contents": "Microcirculation in the labyrinth. The inner ear is unique in the number and variety of specialized microvascular networks that furnish blood to its parts. Four distinct capillary networks arranged in parallel supply the structures of the outer wall, and four others those of the spiral lamina. Most of the capillaries are surrounded by pericapillary spaces favoring filtration and reabsorption of fluid. In the guinea pig those of the spiral prominence and outer sulcus show a special pericapillary tissue. The strial capillaries are larger in diameter and are closely invested by strial cells. The blood within them has a higher hematocrit and flows more slowly than elsewhere in the labyrinth. The arcades of the tympanic lip and basilar membrane receive occasional innervation by fine unmyelinated nerve fibers. A possible role of prostaglandins in controlling the tone of the cochlear microvasculature is suggested. Although it appears unlikely that vascular lesions within the labyrinth could be responsible for the hydrops of Meni\u00e8re's syndrome, devascularization and atrophy of the endolymphatic sac might be contributory factors.", "PMID": 990077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3520", "title": "Experimental pathogenesis of hydrops.", "content": "1. The best method for inducing hydrops in guinea pigs is obliteration of the endolymphatic duct. 2. The location of hydrops produced in the guinea pig is comparable to that of Meni\u00e8re's disease. 3. The major histopathological finding in the guinea pig is atrophy of sensorineural elements in the apical turns of the cochlea. 4. The vestibular sensory cell population is rarely decreased, though ultrastructural changes are noted. 5. Attempts to prevent or minimize development of hydrops by surgical fistulization of the vestibular endolymphatic walls or by administration of a diuretic drug, ethacrynic acid, failed in the guinea pig. Treatment of Meni\u00e8re's disease by these means is questionable. 6. Electron microscopy of the organ of Corti in cochleas taken from a patient with bilateral Meni\u00e8re's disease revealed that only a small percentage of te sensorineural elements was abnormal at the apical turns. Thus, it is questionable whether these small ultrastructural changes in the organ of Corti are a major cause of severe hearing loss. 7. In Meni\u00e8re's disease biochemical changes in cochlear fluid and/or changes in motion mechanics of the cochlear duct are probably important factors producing the hearing loss. 8. The present ultrastructural study did not resolve the question of the etiology of Meni\u00e8re's disease.", "contents": "Experimental pathogenesis of hydrops. 1. The best method for inducing hydrops in guinea pigs is obliteration of the endolymphatic duct. 2. The location of hydrops produced in the guinea pig is comparable to that of Meni\u00e8re's disease. 3. The major histopathological finding in the guinea pig is atrophy of sensorineural elements in the apical turns of the cochlea. 4. The vestibular sensory cell population is rarely decreased, though ultrastructural changes are noted. 5. Attempts to prevent or minimize development of hydrops by surgical fistulization of the vestibular endolymphatic walls or by administration of a diuretic drug, ethacrynic acid, failed in the guinea pig. Treatment of Meni\u00e8re's disease by these means is questionable. 6. Electron microscopy of the organ of Corti in cochleas taken from a patient with bilateral Meni\u00e8re's disease revealed that only a small percentage of te sensorineural elements was abnormal at the apical turns. Thus, it is questionable whether these small ultrastructural changes in the organ of Corti are a major cause of severe hearing loss. 7. In Meni\u00e8re's disease biochemical changes in cochlear fluid and/or changes in motion mechanics of the cochlear duct are probably important factors producing the hearing loss. 8. The present ultrastructural study did not resolve the question of the etiology of Meni\u00e8re's disease.", "PMID": 990078} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3521", "title": "[Pathology of the endolymphatic duct and sac in inner-ear hydrops].", "content": "The morphological substrate of Meni\u00e8re's disease is the endolymphatic hydrops. That can be idiopathic or secondary as a sequence of a labyrinthine disease of another cause. It is possible to coordinate function loss of the sensory end-organs and pathohistological findings, but not all failures are light-microscopically explainable. The reason for the hydrops is certainly a disturbance in the endolymph physiology. For the pathogenesis are important, besides the biochemistry of the inner ear-fluids, problems of the membranes and pathological changes on ductus and saccus endolymphaticus and perimacular areals and plana semilunata. The perilymphatic space, documentated on the example of the secondary hydrops, is certainly not only passively enrolled in the procedure. All observations bring the initiation and periodicity of attacks to another point of view. A complete solution has not been possible so far, especially in the case of the etiology in idiopathic hydrops.", "contents": "[Pathology of the endolymphatic duct and sac in inner-ear hydrops]. The morphological substrate of Meni\u00e8re's disease is the endolymphatic hydrops. That can be idiopathic or secondary as a sequence of a labyrinthine disease of another cause. It is possible to coordinate function loss of the sensory end-organs and pathohistological findings, but not all failures are light-microscopically explainable. The reason for the hydrops is certainly a disturbance in the endolymph physiology. For the pathogenesis are important, besides the biochemistry of the inner ear-fluids, problems of the membranes and pathological changes on ductus and saccus endolymphaticus and perimacular areals and plana semilunata. The perilymphatic space, documentated on the example of the secondary hydrops, is certainly not only passively enrolled in the procedure. All observations bring the initiation and periodicity of attacks to another point of view. A complete solution has not been possible so far, especially in the case of the etiology in idiopathic hydrops.", "PMID": 990079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3522", "title": "Diagnosis of Meni\u00e8re's disease.", "content": "Stapedius-reflex measurement and the glycerol-test in combination with pure tone audiogram and speech-audiogram are reliable methods for an exact diagnosis of Meni\u00e8re's disease. For differential diagnosis one should know the so called \"tensor tympani syndrome\" which is discussed in this paper.", "contents": "Diagnosis of Meni\u00e8re's disease. Stapedius-reflex measurement and the glycerol-test in combination with pure tone audiogram and speech-audiogram are reliable methods for an exact diagnosis of Meni\u00e8re's disease. For differential diagnosis one should know the so called \"tensor tympani syndrome\" which is discussed in this paper.", "PMID": 990081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3523", "title": "Electrocochleographic diagnosis.", "content": "The most characteristic electrocochleografic features of Meni\u00e8re's disease are a broad waveform, steep input-output curves, normal amplitude-latency relations and large summating potentials. The electrocochleografic data obtained in an individual case can be compared with the parameters of a reference set composed of a great number of patients with a well established diagnosis. For a new diagnostic case this leads with the aid of statistical methods and computer assistance to a probability diagnosis.", "contents": "Electrocochleographic diagnosis. The most characteristic electrocochleografic features of Meni\u00e8re's disease are a broad waveform, steep input-output curves, normal amplitude-latency relations and large summating potentials. The electrocochleografic data obtained in an individual case can be compared with the parameters of a reference set composed of a great number of patients with a well established diagnosis. For a new diagnostic case this leads with the aid of statistical methods and computer assistance to a probability diagnosis.", "PMID": 990082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3524", "title": "Vestibular diagnosis in Meni\u00e8re's disease.", "content": "Vestibular diagnosis of Meni\u00e8re's disease must be based on the results of an elaborate test battery. The latter should include a complete caloric test (stimulation with cold and warm water), carried out under nystagmographic control. Statistical analysis of caloric responses recorded in 100 normal test subjects by D.C. nystagmography show clearly that culmination frequency and culmination eye velocity are the most reliable parameters indicating an unilateral loss of function. With respect to the differential diagnosis - endorgan or neuronal lesion - only the galvanic test allows an unequivocal localisation of the site of the lesion. An analysis of 50 cases of Meni\u00e8re's disease reveals normal liminal and supraliminal galvanic responses without exception, thus indicating that the concomitant reduced caloric response is due to a lesion strictly confined to the vestibular endorgan. Hence the galvanic test may serve the same diagnostic purposes as supraliminal tests in pure tone audiometry.", "contents": "Vestibular diagnosis in Meni\u00e8re's disease. Vestibular diagnosis of Meni\u00e8re's disease must be based on the results of an elaborate test battery. The latter should include a complete caloric test (stimulation with cold and warm water), carried out under nystagmographic control. Statistical analysis of caloric responses recorded in 100 normal test subjects by D.C. nystagmography show clearly that culmination frequency and culmination eye velocity are the most reliable parameters indicating an unilateral loss of function. With respect to the differential diagnosis - endorgan or neuronal lesion - only the galvanic test allows an unequivocal localisation of the site of the lesion. An analysis of 50 cases of Meni\u00e8re's disease reveals normal liminal and supraliminal galvanic responses without exception, thus indicating that the concomitant reduced caloric response is due to a lesion strictly confined to the vestibular endorgan. Hence the galvanic test may serve the same diagnostic purposes as supraliminal tests in pure tone audiometry.", "PMID": 990083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3525", "title": "[Differential diagnosis of dizziness (author's transl)].", "content": "The common denominator of the different meanings of dizziness is a disturbance of spatio-postural orientation, which indicates an imminent danger of fall. H\u00f6henschwindel (fear of hights) with grasping and holding in the primate is instinctive behavior caused by a visual cliff or sudden dizziness. Because of the many possible meanings of dizziness, the case history is important for differential diagnosis. Vertiginous and non-vertiginous dizziness, black out and unsteady gait without vertigo should be distinguished. In addition, the duration and time course of the attack, releasing mechanisms and accompanying symptoms of dizziness should be explored. In recurrent dizziness without hearing loss, vestibular, vascular, cardial and epileptic disorders should be considered as well as intoxication, cerebral tumor, cerebellar hemangioblastoma, multiple sclerosis, neurosis and psychosis. Epileptic dizziness occurs not only in the prodromal stage of grand mal attacks and in temporal lobe epilepsy, but also in petit mal absences of short duration (less than 5 s) in which the blurring of consciousness is not apparent; absences of short duration are easily overlooked in childhood. Besides the objective history obtained from the patient's relatives, EEG-recording when falling asleep in the morning after one night of sleep deprivation are the best means for the diagnosis of epilepsia. Spontaneous nystagmus after complete exclusion of visual fixation is a physiological phenomenon. For differential diagnosis between physiological and pathological spontaneous nystagmus, Frenzel's spectacles in the dark room are indispensable. The distinction of spontaneous nystagmus in the narrower sense, gaze nystagmus and fixation nystagmus is discussed. The diagnostic importance of the direction of nystagmus is mentioned. Jerking nystagmus may be congenital. Pendular nystagmus may be acquired. Therefore, additional criteria for the differential diagnosis between congenital and acquired nystagmus are necessary.", "contents": "[Differential diagnosis of dizziness (author's transl)]. The common denominator of the different meanings of dizziness is a disturbance of spatio-postural orientation, which indicates an imminent danger of fall. H\u00f6henschwindel (fear of hights) with grasping and holding in the primate is instinctive behavior caused by a visual cliff or sudden dizziness. Because of the many possible meanings of dizziness, the case history is important for differential diagnosis. Vertiginous and non-vertiginous dizziness, black out and unsteady gait without vertigo should be distinguished. In addition, the duration and time course of the attack, releasing mechanisms and accompanying symptoms of dizziness should be explored. In recurrent dizziness without hearing loss, vestibular, vascular, cardial and epileptic disorders should be considered as well as intoxication, cerebral tumor, cerebellar hemangioblastoma, multiple sclerosis, neurosis and psychosis. Epileptic dizziness occurs not only in the prodromal stage of grand mal attacks and in temporal lobe epilepsy, but also in petit mal absences of short duration (less than 5 s) in which the blurring of consciousness is not apparent; absences of short duration are easily overlooked in childhood. Besides the objective history obtained from the patient's relatives, EEG-recording when falling asleep in the morning after one night of sleep deprivation are the best means for the diagnosis of epilepsia. Spontaneous nystagmus after complete exclusion of visual fixation is a physiological phenomenon. For differential diagnosis between physiological and pathological spontaneous nystagmus, Frenzel's spectacles in the dark room are indispensable. The distinction of spontaneous nystagmus in the narrower sense, gaze nystagmus and fixation nystagmus is discussed. The diagnostic importance of the direction of nystagmus is mentioned. Jerking nystagmus may be congenital. Pendular nystagmus may be acquired. Therefore, additional criteria for the differential diagnosis between congenital and acquired nystagmus are necessary.", "PMID": 990084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3526", "title": "[Meni\u00e8re's disease and sudden deafness (author's transl)].", "content": "The question is, is there any relation between sudden deafness and Meni\u00e8re's disease? Total hearing loss without recovery is typical of viral infection. In cases of sudden deafness some hearing rest generally remains. It can be the first symptom of Meni\u00e8re's disease, like the first attacks of vertigo which may occur without deafness. Measurements of stapedius reflex threshold and B\u00e9k\u00e9sy audiogram, especially the difference between the impulse tone and continuous tone indicate an inner hair cell damage and are helpful in the diagnosis of sudden deafness. But pathological adaptations are seen in cases of sudden deafness and also in Meni\u00e8re's disease. A decrease in the distance between the hearing threshold and the reflex threshold is a further indication of inner ear damage. The independence of the stapedius reflex threshold up to a hearing loss of 60 dB seems to be an indication for the different function of both types of hair cells. the reflex is supposed to be dependent only on the presence of the inner hair cells because the reflex threshold increases as soon as an inner hair cell damage of about 60 dB occurs. Clinical and audiological findings reveal no differences in sudden deafness and Meni\u00e8re's disease.", "contents": "[Meni\u00e8re's disease and sudden deafness (author's transl)]. The question is, is there any relation between sudden deafness and Meni\u00e8re's disease? Total hearing loss without recovery is typical of viral infection. In cases of sudden deafness some hearing rest generally remains. It can be the first symptom of Meni\u00e8re's disease, like the first attacks of vertigo which may occur without deafness. Measurements of stapedius reflex threshold and B\u00e9k\u00e9sy audiogram, especially the difference between the impulse tone and continuous tone indicate an inner hair cell damage and are helpful in the diagnosis of sudden deafness. But pathological adaptations are seen in cases of sudden deafness and also in Meni\u00e8re's disease. A decrease in the distance between the hearing threshold and the reflex threshold is a further indication of inner ear damage. The independence of the stapedius reflex threshold up to a hearing loss of 60 dB seems to be an indication for the different function of both types of hair cells. the reflex is supposed to be dependent only on the presence of the inner hair cells because the reflex threshold increases as soon as an inner hair cell damage of about 60 dB occurs. Clinical and audiological findings reveal no differences in sudden deafness and Meni\u00e8re's disease.", "PMID": 990085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3527", "title": "[Morbus Meni\u00e8re and acousticus-neurinoma (author's transl)].", "content": "It is questionable whether a hydrops endolymphaticus can develop on the basis of an acousticus-neurinoma. Histological evidence is also lacking. The fact that an acousticus-neurinoma can very rarely lead to the classical symptoms of Meni\u00e8re's disease has practical consequences. If a significant decrease in caloric function and an asymmetry in the inner ear ducts exist, a meato-cisternography is indicated. In the meato-cisternogramme typical filling defects are found; but also in 50% of the patients with Meni\u00e8re's disease, certain types of filling defects are seen. This observation suggests that perhaps other pathological processes in the inner ear duct provoke symptoms similar to those of Meni\u00e8re's disease. In our patient material we have indications that isolated intrameatal liquor circulation disturbances and intrameatal angioma are much more often associated with the clinical symptoms of Meniere's disease than an acousticus neurinoma.", "contents": "[Morbus Meni\u00e8re and acousticus-neurinoma (author's transl)]. It is questionable whether a hydrops endolymphaticus can develop on the basis of an acousticus-neurinoma. Histological evidence is also lacking. The fact that an acousticus-neurinoma can very rarely lead to the classical symptoms of Meni\u00e8re's disease has practical consequences. If a significant decrease in caloric function and an asymmetry in the inner ear ducts exist, a meato-cisternography is indicated. In the meato-cisternogramme typical filling defects are found; but also in 50% of the patients with Meni\u00e8re's disease, certain types of filling defects are seen. This observation suggests that perhaps other pathological processes in the inner ear duct provoke symptoms similar to those of Meni\u00e8re's disease. In our patient material we have indications that isolated intrameatal liquor circulation disturbances and intrameatal angioma are much more often associated with the clinical symptoms of Meniere's disease than an acousticus neurinoma.", "PMID": 990086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3528", "title": "[Morbus Meni\u00e8re and cervical symptoms (author's transl)].", "content": "The history of the patient is very important. In cervical syndroms typical pain in neck, shoulder and arm are present, often combined with occipital headache and paraesthesias. The symptoms are more pronounced during the night, while waking-up and after sudden head movements. Radiological changes mainly occur at C 4-C 7, but are not pathegnomonic. Hearing loss is rather frequent, usually one-sided and non fluctuating. The audiogram is not characteristic for its cervical origin. In 80% recruitment is present, tinnitus occurs in 30--60% of the patients, but displacusis and fullness of the ear do not occur. The vestibular symptomatology is the best differential diagnostic tool.", "contents": "[Morbus Meni\u00e8re and cervical symptoms (author's transl)]. The history of the patient is very important. In cervical syndroms typical pain in neck, shoulder and arm are present, often combined with occipital headache and paraesthesias. The symptoms are more pronounced during the night, while waking-up and after sudden head movements. Radiological changes mainly occur at C 4-C 7, but are not pathegnomonic. Hearing loss is rather frequent, usually one-sided and non fluctuating. The audiogram is not characteristic for its cervical origin. In 80% recruitment is present, tinnitus occurs in 30--60% of the patients, but displacusis and fullness of the ear do not occur. The vestibular symptomatology is the best differential diagnostic tool.", "PMID": 990087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3529", "title": "[Medical treatment in Meni\u00e8re's disease (author's transl)].", "content": "They are different methods of medical treatment in Meni\u00e8re's disease. 1. The dehydration of the hydrops by diet, diuretics, hypertonic solutions and glycerol. 2. Improvement of the blood supply by carbon dioxide, by myotropic and neurotropic vasodilators or by decreasing the blood viscosity and by medical or surgical paralysis of the sympathetic nerve. The optimistic results seen by acupuncture or neural therapy are not confirmed. - Experimental and double blind studies with betahistin (vasomotal) showed a significant effect in improving the blood circulation of the inner ear and the symptoms of Meni\u00e8re's disease. 3. Sedatives especially neuroleptics and tranquilizers were successful only by suppressing the symptoms, but are not a causal treatment. The same mechanism is supposed for procain and lidocain. 4. Partial destruction of the inner ear has been produced by local application of anesthetics or ototoxic antibiotics. These methods succeed in relieving vertigo and save the hearing in most cases.", "contents": "[Medical treatment in Meni\u00e8re's disease (author's transl)]. They are different methods of medical treatment in Meni\u00e8re's disease. 1. The dehydration of the hydrops by diet, diuretics, hypertonic solutions and glycerol. 2. Improvement of the blood supply by carbon dioxide, by myotropic and neurotropic vasodilators or by decreasing the blood viscosity and by medical or surgical paralysis of the sympathetic nerve. The optimistic results seen by acupuncture or neural therapy are not confirmed. - Experimental and double blind studies with betahistin (vasomotal) showed a significant effect in improving the blood circulation of the inner ear and the symptoms of Meni\u00e8re's disease. 3. Sedatives especially neuroleptics and tranquilizers were successful only by suppressing the symptoms, but are not a causal treatment. The same mechanism is supposed for procain and lidocain. 4. Partial destruction of the inner ear has been produced by local application of anesthetics or ototoxic antibiotics. These methods succeed in relieving vertigo and save the hearing in most cases.", "PMID": 990088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3530", "title": "[Surgical treatment of morbus Meni\u00e8re (author's transl)].", "content": "Surgical treatment is only indicated if the medical treatment is not successful. From 409 patients an operation was only necessary in 90 cases. Only those operations for which there is a long period of experience were mentioned. The early stage of the disease with a fluctuating hearing loss is reversible. It is the stage in which saccotomy with myo-synangiosis is indicated. A follow-up study of about 5 years ago showed that vertigo disappeared in 48% of cases. The hearing remained unchanged in 48% and decreased in 52% of cases. The tinnitus was completely relieved in 8% and the fullness of the ear in 56%. One patient had a total hearing loss after the operation. The different techniques of saccus operations, including the endolymphatic shunts, had all the same results and seemed therefore not to be specific. In the late stage of the disease the neurectomy of the vestibular nerve by transtemporal approach is most successful, especially when it is combined with an excision of Scarpa's ganglion. A 5 year follow-up study of 52 cases showed that 94% were without vertigo. Hearing was improved in 16% and unchanged in 64%. The tinnitus was gone in 33% and the fullness of the ear in 47%. Complications were hearing loss in 4%, a transitory facial paralysis in 3% and an incomplete compensation of vestibular function in 20%. Compared with the labrinthectomy the translabyrinthine neurectomy is an advantage. The results are similar to those of the vestibular neurectomy with the exception of total hearing loss, but the translabyrinthine approach, or cochleo-vestibular neurectomy is only indicated in cases of complete deafness.", "contents": "[Surgical treatment of morbus Meni\u00e8re (author's transl)]. Surgical treatment is only indicated if the medical treatment is not successful. From 409 patients an operation was only necessary in 90 cases. Only those operations for which there is a long period of experience were mentioned. The early stage of the disease with a fluctuating hearing loss is reversible. It is the stage in which saccotomy with myo-synangiosis is indicated. A follow-up study of about 5 years ago showed that vertigo disappeared in 48% of cases. The hearing remained unchanged in 48% and decreased in 52% of cases. The tinnitus was completely relieved in 8% and the fullness of the ear in 56%. One patient had a total hearing loss after the operation. The different techniques of saccus operations, including the endolymphatic shunts, had all the same results and seemed therefore not to be specific. In the late stage of the disease the neurectomy of the vestibular nerve by transtemporal approach is most successful, especially when it is combined with an excision of Scarpa's ganglion. A 5 year follow-up study of 52 cases showed that 94% were without vertigo. Hearing was improved in 16% and unchanged in 64%. The tinnitus was gone in 33% and the fullness of the ear in 47%. Complications were hearing loss in 4%, a transitory facial paralysis in 3% and an incomplete compensation of vestibular function in 20%. Compared with the labrinthectomy the translabyrinthine neurectomy is an advantage. The results are similar to those of the vestibular neurectomy with the exception of total hearing loss, but the translabyrinthine approach, or cochleo-vestibular neurectomy is only indicated in cases of complete deafness.", "PMID": 990089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3531", "title": "Endolymphatic hydrops: mechanical causes of hearing loss.", "content": "An explanation for the mechanical origin of the hearing loss in endolymphatic hydrops is presented that is based on studies in mechanical cochlear models. An elastic bias of the basilar membrane and/or a mass loading of the cochlear duct account for the low-frequency hearing loss, diplacusis, and even-harmonic distortion. In addition, the static shearing displacement between the tectorial membrane and the organ of Corti, caused by the displacement of the basilar membrane, may partially decouple the hair cells from the tectorial membrane, an event that would explain the tinnitus, recruitment, and perhaps even the disportional loss of speech intelligibility associated with endolymphatic hydrops.", "contents": "Endolymphatic hydrops: mechanical causes of hearing loss. An explanation for the mechanical origin of the hearing loss in endolymphatic hydrops is presented that is based on studies in mechanical cochlear models. An elastic bias of the basilar membrane and/or a mass loading of the cochlear duct account for the low-frequency hearing loss, diplacusis, and even-harmonic distortion. In addition, the static shearing displacement between the tectorial membrane and the organ of Corti, caused by the displacement of the basilar membrane, may partially decouple the hair cells from the tectorial membrane, an event that would explain the tinnitus, recruitment, and perhaps even the disportional loss of speech intelligibility associated with endolymphatic hydrops.", "PMID": 990091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3532", "title": "Fish meal supplementation of chick starting rations containing cottonseed cake.", "content": "Between the second and the fifth week chicks were fed starting rations on the basis of corn/wheat with cottonseed cake up to 30% as sole plant protein and with 5 to 15% fish meal and 5 to 15% cottonseed cake supplemented at a ratio of 1:1. The crude protein levels tested in this way ranged between 11.7% (corn/wheat only) and 26.7% (15% fish feal, 15% cottonseed cake). The content of ME ranged between 2266 and 2920 kcal/kg, the total gossypol content between 0.051 and 0.307%. The most favourable results (considering increase and feed consumption) were obtained with a ration of 23.4% crude protein supplenented by 10% fish meal and 10% cottonseed cake. Higher contents of crude protein required a higher feed consumption, lower contents of crude proteins yielded less increase and higher feed consumption. Cottonseed cake additions only yielded medium increases but a high feed consumption.", "contents": "Fish meal supplementation of chick starting rations containing cottonseed cake. Between the second and the fifth week chicks were fed starting rations on the basis of corn/wheat with cottonseed cake up to 30% as sole plant protein and with 5 to 15% fish meal and 5 to 15% cottonseed cake supplemented at a ratio of 1:1. The crude protein levels tested in this way ranged between 11.7% (corn/wheat only) and 26.7% (15% fish feal, 15% cottonseed cake). The content of ME ranged between 2266 and 2920 kcal/kg, the total gossypol content between 0.051 and 0.307%. The most favourable results (considering increase and feed consumption) were obtained with a ration of 23.4% crude protein supplenented by 10% fish meal and 10% cottonseed cake. Higher contents of crude protein required a higher feed consumption, lower contents of crude proteins yielded less increase and higher feed consumption. Cottonseed cake additions only yielded medium increases but a high feed consumption.", "PMID": 990100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3533", "title": "Long-term tissue culture of epithelial-like cells from human skin (NCTC strain 2544). I. Measurement of viscosity.", "content": "Viscosities of cell suspensions of human skin epithelium (NCTC strain 2544) were determined by a Wells-Brookfield rotation viscosimeter. A structure viscosity may be postulated by the form of the viscosity curves at different shear-rates. At a cell number of 0.5 X 10(6) cells/ml a viscosity of 1.094 centipoise (25degrees C, shear-rate 230 s-1) could be found. Since a suspension of single cells may be easily formed mechanically (mopping) the NCTC 2544 cells are useful as investigational model regarding the investigation of membrane characteristics.", "contents": "Long-term tissue culture of epithelial-like cells from human skin (NCTC strain 2544). I. Measurement of viscosity. Viscosities of cell suspensions of human skin epithelium (NCTC strain 2544) were determined by a Wells-Brookfield rotation viscosimeter. A structure viscosity may be postulated by the form of the viscosity curves at different shear-rates. At a cell number of 0.5 X 10(6) cells/ml a viscosity of 1.094 centipoise (25degrees C, shear-rate 230 s-1) could be found. Since a suspension of single cells may be easily formed mechanically (mopping) the NCTC 2544 cells are useful as investigational model regarding the investigation of membrane characteristics.", "PMID": 990102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3534", "title": "Glycogen levels and peripheral mechanisms of glucose-induced spppression of feeding.", "content": "Rabbits deprived of food for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, and 24 h were assessed for glucose-induced feeding suppression, refeeding after deprivation, and liver glycogen. In previous research, we hypothesized a relationship between liver glycogen and the transition from duodenal to hepatic glucose suppression. In duodenally cannulated rabbits, the infusion of 10 ml of isotonic glucose in awake, free-feeding animals significantly suppressed food intake but did not do so in those food deprived for 2, 4, 6, 8, or 24 h. In hepatic-cannulated rabbits, similar amounts of glucose significantly suppressed food intake in 4-, 6-, 16-, and 24-h-deprived animals. Also, refeeding after deprivation increased as a function of continued deprivation until 6 or 8 h, when refeeding reached asymptote, or decreased through 24-h deprivations. In agreement with these observations, liver glycogen showed a sharp decline between 4, 6, and 8 h of deprivation (depending on circadian cycle). It is proposed that liver glycogen depletion, or some correlate, alters liver glucostatic regulation and determines refeeding after deprivation.", "contents": "Glycogen levels and peripheral mechanisms of glucose-induced spppression of feeding. Rabbits deprived of food for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, and 24 h were assessed for glucose-induced feeding suppression, refeeding after deprivation, and liver glycogen. In previous research, we hypothesized a relationship between liver glycogen and the transition from duodenal to hepatic glucose suppression. In duodenally cannulated rabbits, the infusion of 10 ml of isotonic glucose in awake, free-feeding animals significantly suppressed food intake but did not do so in those food deprived for 2, 4, 6, 8, or 24 h. In hepatic-cannulated rabbits, similar amounts of glucose significantly suppressed food intake in 4-, 6-, 16-, and 24-h-deprived animals. Also, refeeding after deprivation increased as a function of continued deprivation until 6 or 8 h, when refeeding reached asymptote, or decreased through 24-h deprivations. In agreement with these observations, liver glycogen showed a sharp decline between 4, 6, and 8 h of deprivation (depending on circadian cycle). It is proposed that liver glycogen depletion, or some correlate, alters liver glucostatic regulation and determines refeeding after deprivation.", "PMID": 990103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3535", "title": "Inhibition of transmembrane K transfer in ureter-ligated dogs infused with KCl.", "content": "In anuric dogs loaded with K by infusion with 2 meq KCl/kg per h until prelethal hyperkalemic cardiotoxicity appears, the extent of transmembrane K transfer depends on the origin of the anuria. Animals with bilateral ureter ligation transfer a mean of 1.2 meq/kg to intracellular fluid, while those with bilateral nephrectomy transfer more than 2.5 times as much (3.1 meq/kg). Further, if dogs with functioning kidneys are ureter ligated or nephrectomized after approximately 45 min of K loading, K transfer ultimately falls as infusion continues. The fall is precipitate and over 90% in ligated animals; but it is gradual, and only 10% in those that are nephrectomized. Finally, K transfer, because of the absence of insulin, is negligible in K-loaded pancreatectomized dogs with bilateral ureter ligation, but fairly substantial in pancreatectomized animals with bilateral nephrectomy. The data suggest that ureter ligation and hyperkalemia activate a renal mechanism that interferes with the transfer of infused K to intracellular fluid. The mechanism may involve the renin-angiotensin II-aldosterone system to a limited degree.", "contents": "Inhibition of transmembrane K transfer in ureter-ligated dogs infused with KCl. In anuric dogs loaded with K by infusion with 2 meq KCl/kg per h until prelethal hyperkalemic cardiotoxicity appears, the extent of transmembrane K transfer depends on the origin of the anuria. Animals with bilateral ureter ligation transfer a mean of 1.2 meq/kg to intracellular fluid, while those with bilateral nephrectomy transfer more than 2.5 times as much (3.1 meq/kg). Further, if dogs with functioning kidneys are ureter ligated or nephrectomized after approximately 45 min of K loading, K transfer ultimately falls as infusion continues. The fall is precipitate and over 90% in ligated animals; but it is gradual, and only 10% in those that are nephrectomized. Finally, K transfer, because of the absence of insulin, is negligible in K-loaded pancreatectomized dogs with bilateral ureter ligation, but fairly substantial in pancreatectomized animals with bilateral nephrectomy. The data suggest that ureter ligation and hyperkalemia activate a renal mechanism that interferes with the transfer of infused K to intracellular fluid. The mechanism may involve the renin-angiotensin II-aldosterone system to a limited degree.", "PMID": 990104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3536", "title": "Washout kinetics of red cells and plasma from the spleen.", "content": "Radioiodinated (125I) serum albumin was injected inttravenously in cats and allowed to equilibrate in the circulation. Red cell and plasma washout from the isolated spleens were enrom the isolated spleens were then compared during perfusion with oxygenated Ringer solution, the respective concentrations in the outflow being measured by celloscope and scintillation counters. Washout kinetics yielded three exponential components for cells (perfusate volumes for 50% washout (V1/2) being 0.067, 4.70, and 97 ml/g spleen) but only two for plasm (V1/2, 0.14 and 2.40 ml/g). There is no plasma counterpart to the slowly released cells, i.e., they do not represent a separate vascular space. This is an accord with a previous view that these are immature cells, delayed through adherence to fine structures of the red pulp. Compartment analysis indicates that the plasma and two remaining cell components represent washout from two separate vascular spaces, containing 0.09 ml/g blood at arterial hematocrit 37% and 0.42 ml/g blood at hematocrit 75%, perfused by 0.9 and 0.1 of the arterial inflow respectively. Evidence suggests these spaces are i) blood vessels, and ii) red pulp.", "contents": "Washout kinetics of red cells and plasma from the spleen. Radioiodinated (125I) serum albumin was injected inttravenously in cats and allowed to equilibrate in the circulation. Red cell and plasma washout from the isolated spleens were enrom the isolated spleens were then compared during perfusion with oxygenated Ringer solution, the respective concentrations in the outflow being measured by celloscope and scintillation counters. Washout kinetics yielded three exponential components for cells (perfusate volumes for 50% washout (V1/2) being 0.067, 4.70, and 97 ml/g spleen) but only two for plasm (V1/2, 0.14 and 2.40 ml/g). There is no plasma counterpart to the slowly released cells, i.e., they do not represent a separate vascular space. This is an accord with a previous view that these are immature cells, delayed through adherence to fine structures of the red pulp. Compartment analysis indicates that the plasma and two remaining cell components represent washout from two separate vascular spaces, containing 0.09 ml/g blood at arterial hematocrit 37% and 0.42 ml/g blood at hematocrit 75%, perfused by 0.9 and 0.1 of the arterial inflow respectively. Evidence suggests these spaces are i) blood vessels, and ii) red pulp.", "PMID": 990105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3537", "title": "Relationships between resting tension and mechanical properties of papillary muscle.", "content": "The influence on mechanical properties of changes in resting tension over a range from 0.5 to 4.5 g was investigated in 12 isolated cat papillary muscles. At each resting tension, the muscles contracted isometrically with the exception of an externally applied sinusoidal stretch of 0.5% Lmax (deltaL) and 20 Hz. Stiffness (deltaT/deltaL) was determined from deltaL and the peak amplitudes (deltaT) of the individual cycles from the sinusoidal component of tension. Assuming that the muscle and experimental apparatus behaved as a linear second-order mechanical system, it was possible to divide stiffness into its elastic and viscous components. During rest, total stiffness and its components were linearly related to tension. During contraction, stiffness and its elastic component were linearly related to tension. Furthermore, increasing resting tension increased the intercept and decreased the slope of this linear stiffness-tension relationship. The relationship between viscous stiffness and tension during contraction is more complex in that it is a direct relationship at low resting tensions, but an inverse one at high resting tensions.", "contents": "Relationships between resting tension and mechanical properties of papillary muscle. The influence on mechanical properties of changes in resting tension over a range from 0.5 to 4.5 g was investigated in 12 isolated cat papillary muscles. At each resting tension, the muscles contracted isometrically with the exception of an externally applied sinusoidal stretch of 0.5% Lmax (deltaL) and 20 Hz. Stiffness (deltaT/deltaL) was determined from deltaL and the peak amplitudes (deltaT) of the individual cycles from the sinusoidal component of tension. Assuming that the muscle and experimental apparatus behaved as a linear second-order mechanical system, it was possible to divide stiffness into its elastic and viscous components. During rest, total stiffness and its components were linearly related to tension. During contraction, stiffness and its elastic component were linearly related to tension. Furthermore, increasing resting tension increased the intercept and decreased the slope of this linear stiffness-tension relationship. The relationship between viscous stiffness and tension during contraction is more complex in that it is a direct relationship at low resting tensions, but an inverse one at high resting tensions.", "PMID": 990106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3538", "title": "Nephron function of the isolated perfused rat kidney.", "content": "Nephron functions of an improved isolated perfused rat kidney preparation were studied by micropuncture techniques. Single-nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR), intratubular pydrostatic pressures (IP), transit time (TT), and the reabsorption (R) of H2O, Na, Cl, and K were measured in superficial proximal (PT) and distal tubules (DT) of the preparation. Mean SNGFR was 27.2 nl/min and 25.2 nl/min when measured in PT and DT, respectively. The PT transport functions were well maintained throughout the perfusion (mean values were: IP, 14.3 mmHg; TT, 17.7 s; fractional (F) RH2O, 64%; absolute RH2O, 15.4 nl/min; FRNA, 66.5%; FRK, 71%, and tubular fluid-to-perfusate tf/p) ratio of Cl, 1.37). The short loops of Henle reabsorbed less than 10% of the load of H2O and Na delivered to them and the TF/P ratio of electrolytes in the earliest DT segments were high (TF/P)Na = 0.88, (TF/P)Cl = 1.27, and (TF/P)K = 1.11). This deficiency in function of Henle's loop explains, at least in part, the degree of natriuresis of the preparation (overall FRNa = 97.5%). Transit time to end DT was prolonged (82.3 S) and IP in DT elevated (14.9 mmHg). The DT was able to compensate, in part, for the overload from Henle's loop by reabsorbing 36% of the fluid load and 54% of the Na load delivery to it. We concluded that the improved isolated perfused rat kidney is a suitable preparation with which to study several aspects of renal function, particularly proximal tubules transport functions.", "contents": "Nephron function of the isolated perfused rat kidney. Nephron functions of an improved isolated perfused rat kidney preparation were studied by micropuncture techniques. Single-nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR), intratubular pydrostatic pressures (IP), transit time (TT), and the reabsorption (R) of H2O, Na, Cl, and K were measured in superficial proximal (PT) and distal tubules (DT) of the preparation. Mean SNGFR was 27.2 nl/min and 25.2 nl/min when measured in PT and DT, respectively. The PT transport functions were well maintained throughout the perfusion (mean values were: IP, 14.3 mmHg; TT, 17.7 s; fractional (F) RH2O, 64%; absolute RH2O, 15.4 nl/min; FRNA, 66.5%; FRK, 71%, and tubular fluid-to-perfusate tf/p) ratio of Cl, 1.37). The short loops of Henle reabsorbed less than 10% of the load of H2O and Na delivered to them and the TF/P ratio of electrolytes in the earliest DT segments were high (TF/P)Na = 0.88, (TF/P)Cl = 1.27, and (TF/P)K = 1.11). This deficiency in function of Henle's loop explains, at least in part, the degree of natriuresis of the preparation (overall FRNa = 97.5%). Transit time to end DT was prolonged (82.3 S) and IP in DT elevated (14.9 mmHg). The DT was able to compensate, in part, for the overload from Henle's loop by reabsorbing 36% of the fluid load and 54% of the Na load delivery to it. We concluded that the improved isolated perfused rat kidney is a suitable preparation with which to study several aspects of renal function, particularly proximal tubules transport functions.", "PMID": 990108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3539", "title": "Sustained pressore responsiveness to prolonged hypothalamic stimulation in awake rats.", "content": "Whether or not pressor responsiveness changes in unanesthetized rats during recurrent sympathetic excitation was determined by recording blood pressure and heart rate continuously while the posterior hypothalamus was stimulated repeatedly with constant currents. Because preliminary tests showed that telestimulation with a radio-controlled stimulator produced erratic responses, awake rats were routinely stimulated in a conventional manner by connecting them through wires to a square-wave stimulator. Although tachycardia was the most common chronotropic effect, bradycardia also occurred, and both responses were occasionally seen in the same rat at different times. Inhibition of chronotropic responses by combined pharmacologic blockage with propranolol and atropine did not affect corresponding pressure responses in normotensive rats. Renal and spontaneously hypertensive rats always had larger pressor responses than normotensive ones, and, in spite of individual variations, responsiveness generally remained unaltered during 3-6 h of repeated hypothalamic stimulation. These results indicate that in awake normotensive or hypertensive rats cardiovascular responses to posterior hypothalamic stimulation continue unabated even when stimulation is repeated for hours.", "contents": "Sustained pressore responsiveness to prolonged hypothalamic stimulation in awake rats. Whether or not pressor responsiveness changes in unanesthetized rats during recurrent sympathetic excitation was determined by recording blood pressure and heart rate continuously while the posterior hypothalamus was stimulated repeatedly with constant currents. Because preliminary tests showed that telestimulation with a radio-controlled stimulator produced erratic responses, awake rats were routinely stimulated in a conventional manner by connecting them through wires to a square-wave stimulator. Although tachycardia was the most common chronotropic effect, bradycardia also occurred, and both responses were occasionally seen in the same rat at different times. Inhibition of chronotropic responses by combined pharmacologic blockage with propranolol and atropine did not affect corresponding pressure responses in normotensive rats. Renal and spontaneously hypertensive rats always had larger pressor responses than normotensive ones, and, in spite of individual variations, responsiveness generally remained unaltered during 3-6 h of repeated hypothalamic stimulation. These results indicate that in awake normotensive or hypertensive rats cardiovascular responses to posterior hypothalamic stimulation continue unabated even when stimulation is repeated for hours.", "PMID": 990109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3540", "title": "Glucose transport in isolated perfused proximal tubules of snake kidney.", "content": "Glucose transport was studied in isolated, perfused snake (Thamnophis spp.) renal tubules. When 14C-labeled and unlabeled glucose concentrations for bath and perfusate were identical, net transepithelial glucose transport occurred from lumen to bath. Maximum rates of transport were 1.24 X 10-12 and 2.17 X 10-12 mol min-1 mm-1 in proximal-proximal and distal-proximal segments, respecitvely. Glucose concentration in cells of perfused tubules of both segments was less than that of bath and lumen when tubules spontaneously stopped transporting glucose. Transepithelial glucose permeability ath leads to lumen) was about 0.25 X 10-5 cm sec-1 for both segments. Peritubular membrane permeability (bath leads to cell) was about 0.50 X 10-5 cm sec-1 for both segments. Luminal membrane permeabilities (cell leads to lumen) were 0.29 X 10-5 and 0.65 X 10-5 cm sec-1 for proximal-proximal and distal-proximal segments, respectively. Luminal membrane permeability in opposite direction (lumen leads to cell) was about 10.0 X 10-5 cm sec-1 for both segments. These results indicate that, during maximum glucose absorption, glucose enters cells down concentration gradient across luminal membrane by a mediated process and is transported out of the cells against concentration gradient at peritubular membrane.", "contents": "Glucose transport in isolated perfused proximal tubules of snake kidney. Glucose transport was studied in isolated, perfused snake (Thamnophis spp.) renal tubules. When 14C-labeled and unlabeled glucose concentrations for bath and perfusate were identical, net transepithelial glucose transport occurred from lumen to bath. Maximum rates of transport were 1.24 X 10-12 and 2.17 X 10-12 mol min-1 mm-1 in proximal-proximal and distal-proximal segments, respecitvely. Glucose concentration in cells of perfused tubules of both segments was less than that of bath and lumen when tubules spontaneously stopped transporting glucose. Transepithelial glucose permeability ath leads to lumen) was about 0.25 X 10-5 cm sec-1 for both segments. Peritubular membrane permeability (bath leads to cell) was about 0.50 X 10-5 cm sec-1 for both segments. Luminal membrane permeabilities (cell leads to lumen) were 0.29 X 10-5 and 0.65 X 10-5 cm sec-1 for proximal-proximal and distal-proximal segments, respectively. Luminal membrane permeability in opposite direction (lumen leads to cell) was about 10.0 X 10-5 cm sec-1 for both segments. These results indicate that, during maximum glucose absorption, glucose enters cells down concentration gradient across luminal membrane by a mediated process and is transported out of the cells against concentration gradient at peritubular membrane.", "PMID": 990110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3541", "title": "A role for glucose in hypothermic hamsters.", "content": "Hamsters undergo hypothermia when exposed to a mixture of 80% helium and 20% oxygen at low ambient temperatures. The hypothermic hamster, rectal temperature (Tre) 7 degrees C, becomes hypoglycemic, and reversal of hypoglycemia is effected with glucose infusion. Hypothermic hamsters at Tre 7 degrees C showed a fivefold increase in survival times from 20 to 100.5 h when infused with glucose which maintained a blood level at about 45 mg/100 ml. A potential role for osmotic effects of the infusion was tested and eliminated. There was no improvement in survival of 3-O-methylglucose or dextran 40-infused animals. The fact that death eventually occurs even in the glucose-infused animal after about 4 days and that VO2 undergoes a slow decrement in that period suggests that hypothermic survival is not wholly substrate limited. Radioactive tracer, [U-14C]glucose, showed that localization of the 14C, was greatest in brain tissue and diaphragm, intermediate in heart and kidney, and lowest in skeletal muscle and liver. The significance of the label at sites important to respiration and circulation was presented.", "contents": "A role for glucose in hypothermic hamsters. Hamsters undergo hypothermia when exposed to a mixture of 80% helium and 20% oxygen at low ambient temperatures. The hypothermic hamster, rectal temperature (Tre) 7 degrees C, becomes hypoglycemic, and reversal of hypoglycemia is effected with glucose infusion. Hypothermic hamsters at Tre 7 degrees C showed a fivefold increase in survival times from 20 to 100.5 h when infused with glucose which maintained a blood level at about 45 mg/100 ml. A potential role for osmotic effects of the infusion was tested and eliminated. There was no improvement in survival of 3-O-methylglucose or dextran 40-infused animals. The fact that death eventually occurs even in the glucose-infused animal after about 4 days and that VO2 undergoes a slow decrement in that period suggests that hypothermic survival is not wholly substrate limited. Radioactive tracer, [U-14C]glucose, showed that localization of the 14C, was greatest in brain tissue and diaphragm, intermediate in heart and kidney, and lowest in skeletal muscle and liver. The significance of the label at sites important to respiration and circulation was presented.", "PMID": 990111} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3542", "title": "Effect of graded doses of cortisol on total body calcium in rats.", "content": "Male rats with an average body weight of 250 g were injected (sc) daily for 4 wk with 0.05, 0.20, 0.75, or 3.00 mg of cortisol acetate. Intact and adrenalectomized control animals were injected daily with 0.1 ml of vehicle (corn oil). Total body calcium (TBCa) was measured weekly in each rat by in vivo neutron activation analysis. The gain is body weight of rats treated with 0.75 mg cortisol was significantly less than controls, and the animals treated with 3.00 mg cortisol lost weight. In spite of these differences in body weight, the TBCa of all rats increased to an equal degree from an average of 1.93 g to 2.81 g in 4 wk. In addition, there were no significant differences in tibial ash calcium. However, calcium (mg) per unit length (mm) of tibia was increased in rats treated with the higher doses of cortisol; thus bone density was increased. These results demonstrate that the TBCa increases even when rats are subjected to cortisol. This is explained in part by the normal rate of intestinal calcium absorption in cortisol-treated rats.", "contents": "Effect of graded doses of cortisol on total body calcium in rats. Male rats with an average body weight of 250 g were injected (sc) daily for 4 wk with 0.05, 0.20, 0.75, or 3.00 mg of cortisol acetate. Intact and adrenalectomized control animals were injected daily with 0.1 ml of vehicle (corn oil). Total body calcium (TBCa) was measured weekly in each rat by in vivo neutron activation analysis. The gain is body weight of rats treated with 0.75 mg cortisol was significantly less than controls, and the animals treated with 3.00 mg cortisol lost weight. In spite of these differences in body weight, the TBCa of all rats increased to an equal degree from an average of 1.93 g to 2.81 g in 4 wk. In addition, there were no significant differences in tibial ash calcium. However, calcium (mg) per unit length (mm) of tibia was increased in rats treated with the higher doses of cortisol; thus bone density was increased. These results demonstrate that the TBCa increases even when rats are subjected to cortisol. This is explained in part by the normal rate of intestinal calcium absorption in cortisol-treated rats.", "PMID": 990113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3543", "title": "Acid-base regulation in pregnancy.", "content": "Plasma bicarbonate decreases during normal pregnancy. To assess what roles increased extra cellular volume or alterations in parathyroid hormone levels (iPTH) have in the maintenance of this decrement, we evaluated acid-base metabolism in eleven 3rd-trimester women. Base-line pH and PCO2 were 7.44 and 27.3 mmHg, respectively. Mean tubular reabsorption of phosphate was 93% and baseline iPTH levels were similar to those of nonpregnant subjects. During the slow infusion of hypertonic NaHCO3, a urinary threshold of HCO3- (THCO3) appeared at a mean plasma level of 18.9 meq/liter, but as plasma HCO3- increased progressively, its renal reclamation was almost complete and there was no evidence of either splay or tubular maximum, even when filtered loads of HCO3- reached 5 meq/min. Urine acidification was normal and distal [H+] secretory ability( deltaidification was normal and distal [H+] secretory ability (delta urinary PCO2) was similar to that reported in nongravid subjects. In metabolic balance studies blood pH and plasma HCO3- increased (P less than .01 and less than .02, respectively) when the women changed from a high- to a low-sodium diet. Mechanisms by which decreased plasma bicarbonate levels are maintained during gestation are discussed.", "contents": "Acid-base regulation in pregnancy. Plasma bicarbonate decreases during normal pregnancy. To assess what roles increased extra cellular volume or alterations in parathyroid hormone levels (iPTH) have in the maintenance of this decrement, we evaluated acid-base metabolism in eleven 3rd-trimester women. Base-line pH and PCO2 were 7.44 and 27.3 mmHg, respectively. Mean tubular reabsorption of phosphate was 93% and baseline iPTH levels were similar to those of nonpregnant subjects. During the slow infusion of hypertonic NaHCO3, a urinary threshold of HCO3- (THCO3) appeared at a mean plasma level of 18.9 meq/liter, but as plasma HCO3- increased progressively, its renal reclamation was almost complete and there was no evidence of either splay or tubular maximum, even when filtered loads of HCO3- reached 5 meq/min. Urine acidification was normal and distal [H+] secretory ability( deltaidification was normal and distal [H+] secretory ability (delta urinary PCO2) was similar to that reported in nongravid subjects. In metabolic balance studies blood pH and plasma HCO3- increased (P less than .01 and less than .02, respectively) when the women changed from a high- to a low-sodium diet. Mechanisms by which decreased plasma bicarbonate levels are maintained during gestation are discussed.", "PMID": 990114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3544", "title": "Effect of hypermagnesemia on rat jejunal sodium and water transport.", "content": "Hypermagnesemia decreases sodium and water reabsorption in the rat renal proximal tubule. To further understand this action, the effect of hypermagnesemia on sodium and water transport in the in vivo perfused rat jejunum was studied. The rat jejunum was chosen as another transporting epithelial tissue in the same species with unidirectional sodium flux characteristics similar to the rat renal proximal tubule, i.e., leaky as opposed to tight. Hypermagnesemia decreased net jejunal sodium and water reabsorption. This decrease was due to a reduction in unidirectional sodium efflux from lumen to blood and not to an increase in unidirectional sodium influx from blood to lumen. Hypermagnesemia did not change the jejunal permeability to inulin. The effect of hypermagnesemia on jejunal sodium and water transport is similar to that renal proximal tubule sodium and water transport. This similarity suggests that the mechanism of action of magnesium of these two transporting epithelial tissues is similar.", "contents": "Effect of hypermagnesemia on rat jejunal sodium and water transport. Hypermagnesemia decreases sodium and water reabsorption in the rat renal proximal tubule. To further understand this action, the effect of hypermagnesemia on sodium and water transport in the in vivo perfused rat jejunum was studied. The rat jejunum was chosen as another transporting epithelial tissue in the same species with unidirectional sodium flux characteristics similar to the rat renal proximal tubule, i.e., leaky as opposed to tight. Hypermagnesemia decreased net jejunal sodium and water reabsorption. This decrease was due to a reduction in unidirectional sodium efflux from lumen to blood and not to an increase in unidirectional sodium influx from blood to lumen. Hypermagnesemia did not change the jejunal permeability to inulin. The effect of hypermagnesemia on jejunal sodium and water transport is similar to that renal proximal tubule sodium and water transport. This similarity suggests that the mechanism of action of magnesium of these two transporting epithelial tissues is similar.", "PMID": 990115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3545", "title": "Hemodynamic pulmonary edema in dogs with acute and chronic lymphatic ligation.", "content": "The effect of lymphatic ligation on relative lung water (g H2O/g dry lung) was studied in dogs. Raising left atrial pressure to 20 mmHg for 2 h in chronically lymphatic-ligated dogs (4 days) caused a significantly greater increase in relative lung water than the same hemodynamic challenge did in sham-operated and acutely lymphatic-ligated dogs. There was no significant difference in relative lung water between the acutely lymphatic-ligated and sham-operated dogs. At normal left atrial pressures, there was no significant difference in relative lung water between the sham-operated and chronically lymphatic-ligated dogs. Since the combined effects of chronic lymphatic ligation and left atrial hypertension is greater than the sum of the individual effects, it appears that chronic lymphatic ligation increases the susceptibility of the lung to hemodynamic edema, we suggest that chronic lymphatic ligation may have produced increases in the interstitial volume and protein mass that are undetectable by our technique. These increases, in turn, could lead to a reduction in tissue safety factors against hemodynamic pulmonary edema.", "contents": "Hemodynamic pulmonary edema in dogs with acute and chronic lymphatic ligation. The effect of lymphatic ligation on relative lung water (g H2O/g dry lung) was studied in dogs. Raising left atrial pressure to 20 mmHg for 2 h in chronically lymphatic-ligated dogs (4 days) caused a significantly greater increase in relative lung water than the same hemodynamic challenge did in sham-operated and acutely lymphatic-ligated dogs. There was no significant difference in relative lung water between the acutely lymphatic-ligated and sham-operated dogs. At normal left atrial pressures, there was no significant difference in relative lung water between the sham-operated and chronically lymphatic-ligated dogs. Since the combined effects of chronic lymphatic ligation and left atrial hypertension is greater than the sum of the individual effects, it appears that chronic lymphatic ligation increases the susceptibility of the lung to hemodynamic edema, we suggest that chronic lymphatic ligation may have produced increases in the interstitial volume and protein mass that are undetectable by our technique. These increases, in turn, could lead to a reduction in tissue safety factors against hemodynamic pulmonary edema.", "PMID": 990116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3546", "title": "Ion transport across isolated antral mucosa of the rabbit.", "content": "Isotopic fluxes of Na, Cl, and K were measured across isolated antral mucosa under short-circuit conditions. HCO3 fluxes were also measured with either isotopic and/or pH-stat methods. Net secretion of all four ions was observed. HCO3 secretion is due to a transmural process requiring metabolic energy. Secretion of endogenous HCO3 was not observed, and the unidirectional mucosal-to-serosal flux of HCO3 was negligible. There appears to be a close relationship between HCO3 secretion and the unidirectional mucosal-to-serosal Cl flux, but not relationships were observed between the unidirectional serosal-to-mucosal flux or either unidirectional Na flux. The bulk of HCO3 secretion is independent of the unidirectional Cl fluxes, but there is a fraction of HCO3 transport that is dependent on unidirectional Cl transport. However, HCO3 transport is not measurably influenced by inhibition of net Cl (and Na) transport per se.", "contents": "Ion transport across isolated antral mucosa of the rabbit. Isotopic fluxes of Na, Cl, and K were measured across isolated antral mucosa under short-circuit conditions. HCO3 fluxes were also measured with either isotopic and/or pH-stat methods. Net secretion of all four ions was observed. HCO3 secretion is due to a transmural process requiring metabolic energy. Secretion of endogenous HCO3 was not observed, and the unidirectional mucosal-to-serosal flux of HCO3 was negligible. There appears to be a close relationship between HCO3 secretion and the unidirectional mucosal-to-serosal Cl flux, but not relationships were observed between the unidirectional serosal-to-mucosal flux or either unidirectional Na flux. The bulk of HCO3 secretion is independent of the unidirectional Cl fluxes, but there is a fraction of HCO3 transport that is dependent on unidirectional Cl transport. However, HCO3 transport is not measurably influenced by inhibition of net Cl (and Na) transport per se.", "PMID": 990117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3547", "title": "Dietary self-selection following subdiaphragmatic vagotomy in the white rat.", "content": "Nineteen female Wistar rats were employed in a self-selection-of-diet study assessing the effects of vagotomy on macronutrient consumption. Nutrients offered were a 30% sucrose solution, a 15% casein hydrolysate solution, and olive oil. In addition, noncaloric bulk, vitamins, and water were allowed. Bilaterally, subdiaphragmatically vagotomized rats showed a significant decrement in carbohydrate ingestion and daily total caloric intake (P less than .05 in both comparisons). Fat and protein intakes were unreliably altered. It is hypothesized that the vagus nerve relays glucose absorption and/or storage information from the periphery to the brain (perhaps lateral hypothalamusy, and hence, vagotomy produces carbohydrate-intake decrements, specifically. The decrement could also be explained as resulting from efferent effects of vagotomy such as decreased gut hormonal release.", "contents": "Dietary self-selection following subdiaphragmatic vagotomy in the white rat. Nineteen female Wistar rats were employed in a self-selection-of-diet study assessing the effects of vagotomy on macronutrient consumption. Nutrients offered were a 30% sucrose solution, a 15% casein hydrolysate solution, and olive oil. In addition, noncaloric bulk, vitamins, and water were allowed. Bilaterally, subdiaphragmatically vagotomized rats showed a significant decrement in carbohydrate ingestion and daily total caloric intake (P less than .05 in both comparisons). Fat and protein intakes were unreliably altered. It is hypothesized that the vagus nerve relays glucose absorption and/or storage information from the periphery to the brain (perhaps lateral hypothalamusy, and hence, vagotomy produces carbohydrate-intake decrements, specifically. The decrement could also be explained as resulting from efferent effects of vagotomy such as decreased gut hormonal release.", "PMID": 990118} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3548", "title": "Influence of oxygen and glucose on the water and ion content of swine aorta.", "content": "The swelling properties of isolated swine arterial tissue have been studied to determine their effect on diffusion and hydraulic permeability measurements. Tissue potassium and sodium content were also measured to obtain an index of tissue metabolic activity. When oxygen and glucose were present in the incubation medium, a 5% decrease in tissue water content was observed over an incubation period of approximately 3.5 h. Under these conditions the tissue potassium content was higher and the sodium content was lower than when oxygen and/or glucose were omitted from the medium. When both oxygen and glucose were omitted, the potassium and sodium levels were significantly altered, suggesting a disturbance in the sodium-potassium transport system due to depletion of necessary metabolities.", "contents": "Influence of oxygen and glucose on the water and ion content of swine aorta. The swelling properties of isolated swine arterial tissue have been studied to determine their effect on diffusion and hydraulic permeability measurements. Tissue potassium and sodium content were also measured to obtain an index of tissue metabolic activity. When oxygen and glucose were present in the incubation medium, a 5% decrease in tissue water content was observed over an incubation period of approximately 3.5 h. Under these conditions the tissue potassium content was higher and the sodium content was lower than when oxygen and/or glucose were omitted from the medium. When both oxygen and glucose were omitted, the potassium and sodium levels were significantly altered, suggesting a disturbance in the sodium-potassium transport system due to depletion of necessary metabolities.", "PMID": 990119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3549", "title": "Extracellular space of swine aorta measured with [14C]inulin and [14C]sucrose.", "content": "Measurements of the extracellular space (ECS) of the isolated swine thoracic aorta were performed with both [14C]inulin and transient measurements and appeared to have better access to available tissue water than the [14C]sucrose gave more consistent results in available tissue water than the [14C]inulin. With [14C]sucrose as the tracer, no significant difference in the ECS was found when the tissue was incubated for 1.5 h in the presence of oxygen and glucose as compared to an incubation in which both oxygen and glucose were absent. However, the ion contents were markedly altered by this change in incubation medium. When oxygen and glucose were present tissue K+ was significantly higher and tissue Na+ was significantly lower than when these metabolites were deleted from the medium. Thus, significant alteration in ion content did not lead to substantial cell damage or bursting.", "contents": "Extracellular space of swine aorta measured with [14C]inulin and [14C]sucrose. Measurements of the extracellular space (ECS) of the isolated swine thoracic aorta were performed with both [14C]inulin and transient measurements and appeared to have better access to available tissue water than the [14C]sucrose gave more consistent results in available tissue water than the [14C]inulin. With [14C]sucrose as the tracer, no significant difference in the ECS was found when the tissue was incubated for 1.5 h in the presence of oxygen and glucose as compared to an incubation in which both oxygen and glucose were absent. However, the ion contents were markedly altered by this change in incubation medium. When oxygen and glucose were present tissue K+ was significantly higher and tissue Na+ was significantly lower than when these metabolites were deleted from the medium. Thus, significant alteration in ion content did not lead to substantial cell damage or bursting.", "PMID": 990120} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3550", "title": "Characterization of leucine transport by toadfish liver in vivo.", "content": "Kinetic analysis of L-leucine uptake by toadfish liver at 20 degrees C in vivo has been carried out after pulse injection of L-[14C]leucine into the hepatic portal vein. D-[3H]mannitol, which is taken up slowly by toadfish liver, is used as a marker for extracellular space and space accessible by simple diffusion. At normal plasma leucine concentration (0.1 mM), leucine uptake occurs rapidly (t1/2 = 0.25 min), representing a flux of 0.6 mumol/min for the liver as a whole. Analysis of the distribution of radioactive leucine among intracellular and extracellular free pools and protein-bound form at times of 30 s to 5 min after injection is consistent with operation of a concentrative or uphill transport system accounting for 40% of uptake at normal plasma concentration. Saturation of uptake occurs at increasing leucine loads; calculation of intracellular pool dilution from protein synthesis data indicates that 20-30% of liver intracellular space is occupied by incoming leucine during the first 2 min after portal injection. Maximal flux (V max) is 4.1 mumol/min per 7-g liver as a whole with Km = 0.6 mM. Competitive inhibition of leucine uptake is afforded by isoleucine and phenylalanine with lesser effects by aspartic acid, cysteine, methionine, threonine, tyrosine, and valine. No effect is observed with alanine, glycine, histidine, lysine, and proline.", "contents": "Characterization of leucine transport by toadfish liver in vivo. Kinetic analysis of L-leucine uptake by toadfish liver at 20 degrees C in vivo has been carried out after pulse injection of L-[14C]leucine into the hepatic portal vein. D-[3H]mannitol, which is taken up slowly by toadfish liver, is used as a marker for extracellular space and space accessible by simple diffusion. At normal plasma leucine concentration (0.1 mM), leucine uptake occurs rapidly (t1/2 = 0.25 min), representing a flux of 0.6 mumol/min for the liver as a whole. Analysis of the distribution of radioactive leucine among intracellular and extracellular free pools and protein-bound form at times of 30 s to 5 min after injection is consistent with operation of a concentrative or uphill transport system accounting for 40% of uptake at normal plasma concentration. Saturation of uptake occurs at increasing leucine loads; calculation of intracellular pool dilution from protein synthesis data indicates that 20-30% of liver intracellular space is occupied by incoming leucine during the first 2 min after portal injection. Maximal flux (V max) is 4.1 mumol/min per 7-g liver as a whole with Km = 0.6 mM. Competitive inhibition of leucine uptake is afforded by isoleucine and phenylalanine with lesser effects by aspartic acid, cysteine, methionine, threonine, tyrosine, and valine. No effect is observed with alanine, glycine, histidine, lysine, and proline.", "PMID": 990121} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3551", "title": "Relationship of cerebral oxygen uptake to EEG frequency in isolated canine brain.", "content": "Cerebral oxygen uptake was correlated with electroencephalographic (EEG) frequency and amplitude in 87 isolated canine brains. Group I (71 brains) was perfused with diluted blood and Group II (16 brains) was perfused with whole blood equilibrated with oxygen at various partial pressures. The EEG's were classified as follows: A, highest frequency greater than or equal to 17 Hz, alpha (8-13 Hz) amplitude less than 50 muv, delta (less than or equal to 3.5 Hz), amplitude less than 100 muv; B, highest frequency greater than or equal to 17 Hz, alpha amplitude greater to or equal to 50 muv, and/or delta amplitude greater than or equal to 100 muv. C, highest frequency 8-16 Hz, alpha amplitude greater than or equal to 25 muv, and delta amplitude greater than 100 muv, D, highest frequency 0.5-16 Hz, alpha, if present, amplitude less than 25 muv, and/or delta amplitude less than 100 muv, and E, highest frequency 0-16 Hz, alpha, if present, amplitude less than 10 muv, and/or delta amplitude less than 15 muv. The Group I oxygen uptakes in ml/100 g of brain per min+/-SE for the five EEG classifications were A, 4.39+/-0.06, B, 4.13+/-0.08, C, 3.76+/-0.09, D, 3.40+/-0.12, and E, 2.55+/-0.06, whereas the corresponding Group II values were A, 4.64+/-0.22, B, 4.28+/-0.15, C, 3.82+/-0.24, D, 3.39+/-0.40, and E, 1.38+/-0.42. As the EEG deteriorates, cerebral oxygen uptake tends to decrease in a significant and parallel manner in both the diluted and whole blood groups.", "contents": "Relationship of cerebral oxygen uptake to EEG frequency in isolated canine brain. Cerebral oxygen uptake was correlated with electroencephalographic (EEG) frequency and amplitude in 87 isolated canine brains. Group I (71 brains) was perfused with diluted blood and Group II (16 brains) was perfused with whole blood equilibrated with oxygen at various partial pressures. The EEG's were classified as follows: A, highest frequency greater than or equal to 17 Hz, alpha (8-13 Hz) amplitude less than 50 muv, delta (less than or equal to 3.5 Hz), amplitude less than 100 muv; B, highest frequency greater than or equal to 17 Hz, alpha amplitude greater to or equal to 50 muv, and/or delta amplitude greater than or equal to 100 muv. C, highest frequency 8-16 Hz, alpha amplitude greater than or equal to 25 muv, and delta amplitude greater than 100 muv, D, highest frequency 0.5-16 Hz, alpha, if present, amplitude less than 25 muv, and/or delta amplitude less than 100 muv, and E, highest frequency 0-16 Hz, alpha, if present, amplitude less than 10 muv, and/or delta amplitude less than 15 muv. The Group I oxygen uptakes in ml/100 g of brain per min+/-SE for the five EEG classifications were A, 4.39+/-0.06, B, 4.13+/-0.08, C, 3.76+/-0.09, D, 3.40+/-0.12, and E, 2.55+/-0.06, whereas the corresponding Group II values were A, 4.64+/-0.22, B, 4.28+/-0.15, C, 3.82+/-0.24, D, 3.39+/-0.40, and E, 1.38+/-0.42. As the EEG deteriorates, cerebral oxygen uptake tends to decrease in a significant and parallel manner in both the diluted and whole blood groups.", "PMID": 990124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3552", "title": "Independent secretion of different digestive enzymes by the pancreas.", "content": "Pancreatic secretion was collected from the cannulated duct of anesthetized rabbits during the perfusion of the upper duodenum with a balanced salt solution with or without 5 mM glucose. The secretion of amylase, chymotrypsinogen, trypsinogen, and total protein was measured. While glucose did not increase overall digestive enzyme secretion, it did change the proportions of the enzymes in secretion. In addition, the following was observed: 1) non-0,0 intercepts when the output of one enzyme was plotted against that of another (an enzyme-pair plot), 2) changes in the variance of the slope and intercept of enzyme-pair plots, and 3) an increase in the variance around the slope of an enzyme-pair plot, concurrent with a decrease in the variance around the slope of a plot for another enzyme pair that contained a common member. These observations suggest that different digestive enzymes can be secreted independently of each other.", "contents": "Independent secretion of different digestive enzymes by the pancreas. Pancreatic secretion was collected from the cannulated duct of anesthetized rabbits during the perfusion of the upper duodenum with a balanced salt solution with or without 5 mM glucose. The secretion of amylase, chymotrypsinogen, trypsinogen, and total protein was measured. While glucose did not increase overall digestive enzyme secretion, it did change the proportions of the enzymes in secretion. In addition, the following was observed: 1) non-0,0 intercepts when the output of one enzyme was plotted against that of another (an enzyme-pair plot), 2) changes in the variance of the slope and intercept of enzyme-pair plots, and 3) an increase in the variance around the slope of an enzyme-pair plot, concurrent with a decrease in the variance around the slope of a plot for another enzyme pair that contained a common member. These observations suggest that different digestive enzymes can be secreted independently of each other.", "PMID": 990125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3553", "title": "Coronary intercapillary distance during growth: relation to PtO2 and aerobic capacity.", "content": "Intercapillary distance (ICD) was measured in left ventricles of rats beating in situ. Between 40 and 400 days of age, left ventricular weight increased threefold and ICD increased from 12.5-19.5 mum. ICD could be decreased by at least 2 mum at all ages studied. The number of capillaries which must be recruited to reduce ICD by 2 mum fell from 1,200/mm2 at 40 days to 280/mm2 at 400 days. Ventricular growth did not affect the O2 sensitivity of precapillary sphincters or the uniformity of capillary spacing. Calculations indicate that under basal conditions tissue PO2 (Pto2) in subepicardium is about the same at 40 and 400 days, even though VO2 per gram, capillary density, and ICD change twofold, twofold, and 7 mum, respectively. Nevertheless, as the ventricle grows, capillary recruitment becomes progressively less effective in defending Pto2 under conditions of stress. Diminished coronary capillary compensation for stress may, in part, account for the effect of age on the maximum aerobic capacity of the whole animal.", "contents": "Coronary intercapillary distance during growth: relation to PtO2 and aerobic capacity. Intercapillary distance (ICD) was measured in left ventricles of rats beating in situ. Between 40 and 400 days of age, left ventricular weight increased threefold and ICD increased from 12.5-19.5 mum. ICD could be decreased by at least 2 mum at all ages studied. The number of capillaries which must be recruited to reduce ICD by 2 mum fell from 1,200/mm2 at 40 days to 280/mm2 at 400 days. Ventricular growth did not affect the O2 sensitivity of precapillary sphincters or the uniformity of capillary spacing. Calculations indicate that under basal conditions tissue PO2 (Pto2) in subepicardium is about the same at 40 and 400 days, even though VO2 per gram, capillary density, and ICD change twofold, twofold, and 7 mum, respectively. Nevertheless, as the ventricle grows, capillary recruitment becomes progressively less effective in defending Pto2 under conditions of stress. Diminished coronary capillary compensation for stress may, in part, account for the effect of age on the maximum aerobic capacity of the whole animal.", "PMID": 990126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3554", "title": "Parallel secretion of digestive enzymes by the in vitro rabbit pancreas.", "content": "Nonparallel discharge of digestive enzymes by the in vitro rabbit pancreas has been previously reported and this observation has been used to challenge the mass transport theory of enzyme synthesis and secretion by the exocrine pancreas. The current investigation reexamines the pattern of enzyme secretion from the in vitro rabbit pancreas. Secretion of alpha-amylase, trypsinogen, and chymotrypsinogen was studied from the unstimulated gland and from glands stimulated with either methacholine, cholecystokinin-pancreozymin, or the active octapeptide of cholecystokinin-pancreozymin. In all cases, only parallel discharge of alpha-amlyse, trypsinogen, and chymotrypsinogen was noted. These observations are consistent with the mass-transport theory.", "contents": "Parallel secretion of digestive enzymes by the in vitro rabbit pancreas. Nonparallel discharge of digestive enzymes by the in vitro rabbit pancreas has been previously reported and this observation has been used to challenge the mass transport theory of enzyme synthesis and secretion by the exocrine pancreas. The current investigation reexamines the pattern of enzyme secretion from the in vitro rabbit pancreas. Secretion of alpha-amylase, trypsinogen, and chymotrypsinogen was studied from the unstimulated gland and from glands stimulated with either methacholine, cholecystokinin-pancreozymin, or the active octapeptide of cholecystokinin-pancreozymin. In all cases, only parallel discharge of alpha-amlyse, trypsinogen, and chymotrypsinogen was noted. These observations are consistent with the mass-transport theory.", "PMID": 990127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3555", "title": "Effect of glycodihydrofuisidate on sulfobromophthalein transport maximum in the hamster.", "content": "The effect on sulfobromophathalein transport maximum (Tm) and biliary lipid secretion of sodium glyco-24,25-dihydrofusicate, a micelle-forming compound secreted into bile, has been studied in the hamster and compared to that of a physiological bile salt, sodium taurocholate. Biliary phospholipid and cholesterol secretion increased both during glycodihydrofusidate and taurocholate administration, an observation which suggest that both compounds increased th biliary secretion of micelle-forming compounds. In contrast, only taurocholate increased sulfobromophthalein Tm into bile, while glycodihydrofusidate administration decreased it. This observation suggests that the increase in sulfobromophthalein Tm observed during taurocholate administration is not the result of micellar sequestration. It could rather be the consequence of a specific effect of bile salts on the dye transport system.", "contents": "Effect of glycodihydrofuisidate on sulfobromophthalein transport maximum in the hamster. The effect on sulfobromophathalein transport maximum (Tm) and biliary lipid secretion of sodium glyco-24,25-dihydrofusicate, a micelle-forming compound secreted into bile, has been studied in the hamster and compared to that of a physiological bile salt, sodium taurocholate. Biliary phospholipid and cholesterol secretion increased both during glycodihydrofusidate and taurocholate administration, an observation which suggest that both compounds increased th biliary secretion of micelle-forming compounds. In contrast, only taurocholate increased sulfobromophthalein Tm into bile, while glycodihydrofusidate administration decreased it. This observation suggests that the increase in sulfobromophthalein Tm observed during taurocholate administration is not the result of micellar sequestration. It could rather be the consequence of a specific effect of bile salts on the dye transport system.", "PMID": 990128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3556", "title": "Effects of intravenous meperidine and meperidine with promethazine on uterine activity and fetal heart rate during labor.", "content": "A prospective study of the effects of the i.v. injection of 75 mg meperidine, alone or combined with 25 mg promethazine, was conducted by continuous and direct monitoring of the fetus and of intrauterine pressure. The study was carried out in 16 primiparas and 24 multiparas in active spontaneous labor with cervical dilatation of 3 to 4 cm. Administration of meperidine and of meperidine with promethazine was associated with an increase in uterine activity of 31 to 45% (Montevideo units), respectively. The most marked effects were on the amplitude of the uterine contractions. There was no significant change in uterine tone. A tetanic response was recorded in two patients who vomited after the administration of meperidine with promethazine and was followed by slowing of the fetal heart rate. In no other cases were there significant changes in fetal heart rate. Except for the latter two patients, no adverse effect of meperidine or of meperidine with promethazine on the fetal heart rate was noted. The condition of the newborns at birth was excellent in all but three cases, in two of which maternal amniotic infection and high fever were present.", "contents": "Effects of intravenous meperidine and meperidine with promethazine on uterine activity and fetal heart rate during labor. A prospective study of the effects of the i.v. injection of 75 mg meperidine, alone or combined with 25 mg promethazine, was conducted by continuous and direct monitoring of the fetus and of intrauterine pressure. The study was carried out in 16 primiparas and 24 multiparas in active spontaneous labor with cervical dilatation of 3 to 4 cm. Administration of meperidine and of meperidine with promethazine was associated with an increase in uterine activity of 31 to 45% (Montevideo units), respectively. The most marked effects were on the amplitude of the uterine contractions. There was no significant change in uterine tone. A tetanic response was recorded in two patients who vomited after the administration of meperidine with promethazine and was followed by slowing of the fetal heart rate. In no other cases were there significant changes in fetal heart rate. Except for the latter two patients, no adverse effect of meperidine or of meperidine with promethazine on the fetal heart rate was noted. The condition of the newborns at birth was excellent in all but three cases, in two of which maternal amniotic infection and high fever were present.", "PMID": 990131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3557", "title": "Lymphocytic infiltration in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Correlation with histologic differentiation, clinical staging and prognosis.", "content": "Lymphocytic infiltration in endometrial adenocarcinoma was evaluated in curettings from 50 patients and correlated with histologic differentiation, clinical staging and prognosis. In spite of the absence of any significant correlation between lymphocytic infiltration and the various parameters investigated, the presence of a marked infiltrate in 46% of the cases suggests that in endometrial adenocarcinoma, as in other neoplasms, a cell-mediated immune response does indeed exist, but warrants further investigation by more refined methods.", "contents": "Lymphocytic infiltration in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Correlation with histologic differentiation, clinical staging and prognosis. Lymphocytic infiltration in endometrial adenocarcinoma was evaluated in curettings from 50 patients and correlated with histologic differentiation, clinical staging and prognosis. In spite of the absence of any significant correlation between lymphocytic infiltration and the various parameters investigated, the presence of a marked infiltrate in 46% of the cases suggests that in endometrial adenocarcinoma, as in other neoplasms, a cell-mediated immune response does indeed exist, but warrants further investigation by more refined methods.", "PMID": 990132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3558", "title": "A quantified approach to the analysis of complications in combined external and intracavitary radiotherapy of uterine cervical neoplasms.", "content": "A method is presented of calculating biological doses in combined external and intracavitary radiotherapy with long-lived radioisotopes. The method utilizes the well-known \"nominal standard dose\" concept combined with an original correction, based on a radiobiological model, to account for the nonhomogeneity of the external field therapy. Of practical interest are the points of maximal radiation dose sustained by the rectum and bladder in the treatment of carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Forty patients with malignant tumors of the uterine cervix who were treated at the Beilinson Hospital are described. A high degree of correlation was found between the biological dose and long-term regional complications. There appears to be a practical threshold dose, of about 4,000 rets, below which severe gastrointestinal and genitourinary complications are rare. A strategy of optimal treatment leading to limited complications is presented.", "contents": "A quantified approach to the analysis of complications in combined external and intracavitary radiotherapy of uterine cervical neoplasms. A method is presented of calculating biological doses in combined external and intracavitary radiotherapy with long-lived radioisotopes. The method utilizes the well-known \"nominal standard dose\" concept combined with an original correction, based on a radiobiological model, to account for the nonhomogeneity of the external field therapy. Of practical interest are the points of maximal radiation dose sustained by the rectum and bladder in the treatment of carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Forty patients with malignant tumors of the uterine cervix who were treated at the Beilinson Hospital are described. A high degree of correlation was found between the biological dose and long-term regional complications. There appears to be a practical threshold dose, of about 4,000 rets, below which severe gastrointestinal and genitourinary complications are rare. A strategy of optimal treatment leading to limited complications is presented.", "PMID": 990133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3559", "title": "Tissue antigens in the saliva of rats. Demonstration of salivary gland specific and nonspecific antigens.", "content": "Antisera were raised in rabbits against the half-saturated ammonium sulfate soluble fraction of rat saliva. With these antisera, at least four antigens were demonstrated by immunodiffusion in the saliva and in a saline extract of the parotid gland; three of these antigens were also found in a saline extract of the submaxillary gland. Two of the four antigens were salivary gland specific, the other two being shared by the liver,pancreas and testis. The immunofluorescent pattern indicates that these antigens originate from the acinar epithelium of the salivary glands and probably constitute products of secretion and/or cellular turnover.", "contents": "Tissue antigens in the saliva of rats. Demonstration of salivary gland specific and nonspecific antigens. Antisera were raised in rabbits against the half-saturated ammonium sulfate soluble fraction of rat saliva. With these antisera, at least four antigens were demonstrated by immunodiffusion in the saliva and in a saline extract of the parotid gland; three of these antigens were also found in a saline extract of the submaxillary gland. Two of the four antigens were salivary gland specific, the other two being shared by the liver,pancreas and testis. The immunofluorescent pattern indicates that these antigens originate from the acinar epithelium of the salivary glands and probably constitute products of secretion and/or cellular turnover.", "PMID": 990134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3560", "title": "Rubella antibodies in women of childbearing age during an epidemic and the two years thereafter.", "content": "An epidemic of rubella started in the south of Israel late in 1971, and reached the north of the country in the spring of 1972. Between April 1972 and April 1975, 14,149 women of childbearing age from Haifa and the north of Israel were examined for rubella antibodies by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and complement fixation (CF) tests. During the year of the epidemic, CF antibody titers of greater than or equal 16 were found in 9.3% of cases with HI antibody titers of 64, in 37.7% of cases with HI titers of 128, and in 71.7% of cases with HI titers of greater than or equal 256. Two years later there were no women with CF antibody titers of greater than or equal 16 among those with HI titers of 64, and the percentage with CF antibody titers of greater than or equal 16 had decreased to 4.3% among women with HI titers of 128 and to 38.7% among those with HI antibody titers of greater than or equal 256. These results show that the determination of CF antibody titers may be useful in the serodiagnosis of recent rubella infection, especially diring an epidemic occurring several years after a previous one. The epidemic hardly altered the percentage of women susceptible to rubella. Although vaccination of 12-year-old girs was introduced in Israel in 1972, careful surveillance of women of childbearing age still remains necessary for detection and vaccination of susceptible nonpregnant women.", "contents": "Rubella antibodies in women of childbearing age during an epidemic and the two years thereafter. An epidemic of rubella started in the south of Israel late in 1971, and reached the north of the country in the spring of 1972. Between April 1972 and April 1975, 14,149 women of childbearing age from Haifa and the north of Israel were examined for rubella antibodies by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and complement fixation (CF) tests. During the year of the epidemic, CF antibody titers of greater than or equal 16 were found in 9.3% of cases with HI antibody titers of 64, in 37.7% of cases with HI titers of 128, and in 71.7% of cases with HI titers of greater than or equal 256. Two years later there were no women with CF antibody titers of greater than or equal 16 among those with HI titers of 64, and the percentage with CF antibody titers of greater than or equal 16 had decreased to 4.3% among women with HI titers of 128 and to 38.7% among those with HI antibody titers of greater than or equal 256. These results show that the determination of CF antibody titers may be useful in the serodiagnosis of recent rubella infection, especially diring an epidemic occurring several years after a previous one. The epidemic hardly altered the percentage of women susceptible to rubella. Although vaccination of 12-year-old girs was introduced in Israel in 1972, careful surveillance of women of childbearing age still remains necessary for detection and vaccination of susceptible nonpregnant women.", "PMID": 990135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3561", "title": "Variation in the sex ratio in cardiovascular mortality.", "content": "The favorable mortality rate of adult women compared with that of men is well known in western countries. The sex difference varies in different population groups. In Israel there is a low male:female ratio, as compared with Greece, Holland, and England and Wales. This is due to the relatively high female mortality rates in Israel. Within Israel, the Jewish population of North African origin has a relatively low male:female ratio. In this group, the marked increase in mortality due to ischemic heart disease has occurred in both women and men, in contrast to various western countries in which the male:female ratio increased during the 20th century with the rise in the death rate from ischemic heart disease, especially in middle-aged men. Social disequilibrium, especially family disorganization with its selective stressful effects on women, is suggested as an hypothesis on which to base further study in communities with a low male:female ratio associated with high mortality rates in women.", "contents": "Variation in the sex ratio in cardiovascular mortality. The favorable mortality rate of adult women compared with that of men is well known in western countries. The sex difference varies in different population groups. In Israel there is a low male:female ratio, as compared with Greece, Holland, and England and Wales. This is due to the relatively high female mortality rates in Israel. Within Israel, the Jewish population of North African origin has a relatively low male:female ratio. In this group, the marked increase in mortality due to ischemic heart disease has occurred in both women and men, in contrast to various western countries in which the male:female ratio increased during the 20th century with the rise in the death rate from ischemic heart disease, especially in middle-aged men. Social disequilibrium, especially family disorganization with its selective stressful effects on women, is suggested as an hypothesis on which to base further study in communities with a low male:female ratio associated with high mortality rates in women.", "PMID": 990136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3562", "title": "Continuous measurement of arterial oxygen tension during one-lung anaesthesia. A new type of polarograhic oxygen electrode.", "content": "A new type of intra-arterial oxygen electrode was evaluated. In 14 patients, undergoing one-lung ventilation for thoracic surgery, the electrode was inserted into the radial artery and changes in PaO2 were recorded continuously. Methods of improving PaO2 during one-lung ventilation were demonstrated.", "contents": "Continuous measurement of arterial oxygen tension during one-lung anaesthesia. A new type of polarograhic oxygen electrode. A new type of intra-arterial oxygen electrode was evaluated. In 14 patients, undergoing one-lung ventilation for thoracic surgery, the electrode was inserted into the radial artery and changes in PaO2 were recorded continuously. Methods of improving PaO2 during one-lung ventilation were demonstrated.", "PMID": 990140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3563", "title": "Delayed lumen obstruction in endotracheal tubes.", "content": "Delayed onset of obstruction in the Oxford endotracheal tube during anaesthesia is described in five patients. The effects of intra-cuff voluem and pressure on the wall of the tube were investigated and discussed with special refernce to the ffects of body heat and repeated use on the consistency of the tube. It is concluded that inward collapse of the tube wall is caused by a combination of factors, namely: frequent use, softening of the tube wall by body heat, the gradual increasing of intra-cuff volume and pressure by diffusion of nitrous oxide into the cuff, replacing a damaged cuff by a new one and heat sterilization. Deflation and re-inflation of the cuff to minimal occlusive volume at hourly intervals is suggested as a precautionary measure in the prevention of inward collapse of the tube wall.", "contents": "Delayed lumen obstruction in endotracheal tubes. Delayed onset of obstruction in the Oxford endotracheal tube during anaesthesia is described in five patients. The effects of intra-cuff voluem and pressure on the wall of the tube were investigated and discussed with special refernce to the ffects of body heat and repeated use on the consistency of the tube. It is concluded that inward collapse of the tube wall is caused by a combination of factors, namely: frequent use, softening of the tube wall by body heat, the gradual increasing of intra-cuff volume and pressure by diffusion of nitrous oxide into the cuff, replacing a damaged cuff by a new one and heat sterilization. Deflation and re-inflation of the cuff to minimal occlusive volume at hourly intervals is suggested as a precautionary measure in the prevention of inward collapse of the tube wall.", "PMID": 990141} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3564", "title": "Cardiovascular effects of ketamine in the pithed rat, rabbit and cat.", "content": "The effect of i.v. ketamine on arterial pressure and heart rate were examined in pithed rats, rabbits and cats. In all three species ketamine caused a brief decrease in arterial pressure and heart rate. In the rat, but not in the other two species, this initial decrease in arterial pressure was followed by a pressor response which was resistant to alpha-adrenoceptor blockade, depletion of tissue noradrenaline stores and adrenalectomy. It is concluded that the peripherally mediated pressor response found in the pithed rat is specific to this species, is not a result of liberation of peripheral catecholamines and does not explain the pressor effect of ketamine found in man and several animal species.", "contents": "Cardiovascular effects of ketamine in the pithed rat, rabbit and cat. The effect of i.v. ketamine on arterial pressure and heart rate were examined in pithed rats, rabbits and cats. In all three species ketamine caused a brief decrease in arterial pressure and heart rate. In the rat, but not in the other two species, this initial decrease in arterial pressure was followed by a pressor response which was resistant to alpha-adrenoceptor blockade, depletion of tissue noradrenaline stores and adrenalectomy. It is concluded that the peripherally mediated pressor response found in the pithed rat is specific to this species, is not a result of liberation of peripheral catecholamines and does not explain the pressor effect of ketamine found in man and several animal species.", "PMID": 990146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3565", "title": "Effects of ketamine on canine cardiovascular function.", "content": "Left ventricular contractility was assessed before and during the peak effect of ketamine in eight canine right heart bypass preparations. Myocardial contractility was defined in terms of maximum left ventricular dp/dt, the ejection fraction, and left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrial pressures at constant heart rate and cardiac inflow. Ketamine produced significant decreases in contractility and there were some indications of a dose-response pattern. The action of ketamine was dependent partly on changes in arterial pressure, as the drug caused a mild but sustained vasodilatation which was not dose-dependent. These data offer further evidence of a small and transient negative inotropic effect of ketamine.", "contents": "Effects of ketamine on canine cardiovascular function. Left ventricular contractility was assessed before and during the peak effect of ketamine in eight canine right heart bypass preparations. Myocardial contractility was defined in terms of maximum left ventricular dp/dt, the ejection fraction, and left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrial pressures at constant heart rate and cardiac inflow. Ketamine produced significant decreases in contractility and there were some indications of a dose-response pattern. The action of ketamine was dependent partly on changes in arterial pressure, as the drug caused a mild but sustained vasodilatation which was not dose-dependent. These data offer further evidence of a small and transient negative inotropic effect of ketamine.", "PMID": 990147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3566", "title": "Effect of arterial hypotension on anaesthetic requirement in dogs.", "content": "In the dog a reduction of mean arterial pressure to 40-50 mm Hg decreased MAC by 20+/--EM 4% in the 1st hour. No further change resulted during the ensuing 3 h of hypotension (40-50 mm Hg). Arterial and cerebrospinal fluid lactate and pyruvate concentrations were not affected by hypotension, nor did cerebrospinal fluid pH decrease. In a separate group of dogs, we reduced arterial pressure to 40-50, 30-40 and 20-30 mm Hg successively. MAC decreased concomitantly, being 58+/-11% of control value at the lowest pressure. MAC increased following the restoration of normal pressure, but hysteresis was evident. In a third group of dogs, arterial pressure was reduced rapidly to 10-30 mm Hg. MAC decreased to 29+/-5% of control. This decrease was significantly greater than that associated with the three-stage reduction.", "contents": "Effect of arterial hypotension on anaesthetic requirement in dogs. In the dog a reduction of mean arterial pressure to 40-50 mm Hg decreased MAC by 20+/--EM 4% in the 1st hour. No further change resulted during the ensuing 3 h of hypotension (40-50 mm Hg). Arterial and cerebrospinal fluid lactate and pyruvate concentrations were not affected by hypotension, nor did cerebrospinal fluid pH decrease. In a separate group of dogs, we reduced arterial pressure to 40-50, 30-40 and 20-30 mm Hg successively. MAC decreased concomitantly, being 58+/-11% of control value at the lowest pressure. MAC increased following the restoration of normal pressure, but hysteresis was evident. In a third group of dogs, arterial pressure was reduced rapidly to 10-30 mm Hg. MAC decreased to 29+/-5% of control. This decrease was significantly greater than that associated with the three-stage reduction.", "PMID": 990148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3567", "title": "Analysis of chloroform in blood.", "content": "A gas chromatographic method for the analysis of chloroform in blood has been developed in which the anaesthetic agent is extracted into carbon disulphide and trichlorethylene is used as an internal standard. Injection of the extract into a chromatograph resulted in a chloroform peak eluted after 165 s and a trichloroethylene peak at 310 s, both of which are much later than the solvent peak which is completely eluted in 100 s. The mean percentage recovery of chloroform from blood in the range of 1.4--38.12 mg/100 ml was 98.8+/-1.32. This is an improvement on all previous methods described for the estimation of chloroform.", "contents": "Analysis of chloroform in blood. A gas chromatographic method for the analysis of chloroform in blood has been developed in which the anaesthetic agent is extracted into carbon disulphide and trichlorethylene is used as an internal standard. Injection of the extract into a chromatograph resulted in a chloroform peak eluted after 165 s and a trichloroethylene peak at 310 s, both of which are much later than the solvent peak which is completely eluted in 100 s. The mean percentage recovery of chloroform from blood in the range of 1.4--38.12 mg/100 ml was 98.8+/-1.32. This is an improvement on all previous methods described for the estimation of chloroform.", "PMID": 990149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3568", "title": "Metabolism of labetalol by animals and man.", "content": "1 The disposition and metabolism of labetalol and either 14C- or 3H-labetalol has been studied in mouse, rat, rabbit, dog and man. 2 Radiolabelled labetalol was administered orally at doses of 100 mg/kg to the mouse, up to 50 mg/kg to the rat and rabbit, 20 mg/kg to the dog and 200 mg to man. From measurements of the total plasma radioactivity it was shown that labetalol was well absorbed by all the species. When the measurements of plasma radioactivity and labetalol concentrations were compared, it was found labetaol had been extensively metabolized by the first-pass effect in rat, rabbit and man. Metabolism by this route occurred to a lesser extent in the dog. 3 Radiochemical analysis of the tissues from rats, rabbits and dogs showed that the highest concentrations of radioactivity were found in the lung, liver and kidney. Very little radioactivity was present in the brain. Over 99% of the radioactivity was cleared from the tissues by 7 d. When doses of up to 200 mg 14C-labetalol/kg were given to pregnant rats and 50 mg 14C-labetalol/kg to pregnant rabbits, autoradiographic and radiochemical analysis of the full-term foetuses showed that only small amounts of radioactivity were present in the foetus. 4 The mouse excreted 72%, the rate 48%, the rabbit 61%, the dog 66% and man 60% of the oral dose of radioactivity in the urine. Analysis of themouse and rat faeces showed that the remainder of the dose of radioactivity was excreted in the faeces. 5 Radiochemical analysis of the urine and faeces collected from rats and dogs after an intravenous dose of 1 mg 14C- and 3H-labetalol/kg showed that excretion of radioactivity occurred via both the kidney and bile. 6 An intravenous dose of 1 mg 3H-labetalol/kg to dog and 1 mg 'cold' labetalol/kg to man was not as extensively metabolized as a similar oral dose. 7 The percentage of the dose excreted in the urine as unchanged drug was 2% in the rabbit, 11% in the rat, 19% in the dog and up to 5% in man. The O-phenyl glucuronide was the major metabolite present in the mouse, rat, and rabbit urine. Dog and man also formed this metabolite, but to a lesser extent. A second glucuronide was the major metabolite present in dog urine. This was probably formed through conjugation of glucuronic acid was the secondary alcohol group of labetalol. The major metabolite present in human urine was an unidentified conjugate of labetalol. Minor metabolites of labetalol present in rat, rabbit and dog urine were hydroxylabetalol and its glucuronyl conjugate.", "contents": "Metabolism of labetalol by animals and man. 1 The disposition and metabolism of labetalol and either 14C- or 3H-labetalol has been studied in mouse, rat, rabbit, dog and man. 2 Radiolabelled labetalol was administered orally at doses of 100 mg/kg to the mouse, up to 50 mg/kg to the rat and rabbit, 20 mg/kg to the dog and 200 mg to man. From measurements of the total plasma radioactivity it was shown that labetalol was well absorbed by all the species. When the measurements of plasma radioactivity and labetalol concentrations were compared, it was found labetaol had been extensively metabolized by the first-pass effect in rat, rabbit and man. Metabolism by this route occurred to a lesser extent in the dog. 3 Radiochemical analysis of the tissues from rats, rabbits and dogs showed that the highest concentrations of radioactivity were found in the lung, liver and kidney. Very little radioactivity was present in the brain. Over 99% of the radioactivity was cleared from the tissues by 7 d. When doses of up to 200 mg 14C-labetalol/kg were given to pregnant rats and 50 mg 14C-labetalol/kg to pregnant rabbits, autoradiographic and radiochemical analysis of the full-term foetuses showed that only small amounts of radioactivity were present in the foetus. 4 The mouse excreted 72%, the rate 48%, the rabbit 61%, the dog 66% and man 60% of the oral dose of radioactivity in the urine. Analysis of themouse and rat faeces showed that the remainder of the dose of radioactivity was excreted in the faeces. 5 Radiochemical analysis of the urine and faeces collected from rats and dogs after an intravenous dose of 1 mg 14C- and 3H-labetalol/kg showed that excretion of radioactivity occurred via both the kidney and bile. 6 An intravenous dose of 1 mg 3H-labetalol/kg to dog and 1 mg 'cold' labetalol/kg to man was not as extensively metabolized as a similar oral dose. 7 The percentage of the dose excreted in the urine as unchanged drug was 2% in the rabbit, 11% in the rat, 19% in the dog and up to 5% in man. The O-phenyl glucuronide was the major metabolite present in the mouse, rat, and rabbit urine. Dog and man also formed this metabolite, but to a lesser extent. A second glucuronide was the major metabolite present in dog urine. This was probably formed through conjugation of glucuronic acid was the secondary alcohol group of labetalol. The major metabolite present in human urine was an unidentified conjugate of labetalol. Minor metabolites of labetalol present in rat, rabbit and dog urine were hydroxylabetalol and its glucuronyl conjugate.", "PMID": 990152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3569", "title": "Affinity of labetalol for ocular melanin.", "content": "1 The toxicity of labetalol has been studied in mice, rats, rabbits, and dogs, and reproductive studies have been carried out in rats and rabbits. Nothing was observed in any of these species to suggest that patients taking labetalol might be exposed to any toxic hazard. 2 During the reproductive studies 14C-labetalol was used to study placental transfer. Radioactivity was present in the uveal tract of the foetal eye. 3 Radioactive labetalol but not its metabolites was bound to the melanin pigment of the eye. This binding was reversible. It was not possible to saturate the melanin of the cat and dog eye even with prolonged dosing with labetalol. 4 Chloroquine, given orally at doses of 1.5-6 mg/kg/d for 4-7 weeks, produced changes in the cat retina. When oral doses of 20 mg labetalol/d were given to cats for 7 months, no oculotoxic effects were observed. 5 Detailed ophthalmological and histological examinations were carried out on the rats, rabbits, cats and dogs used in these studies. No changes indicative of oculotoxicity were observed. In the reproductive studies no effects were observed in the developing rat or rabbit eye, which could be consequent on the placental transfer of labetalol or its metabolites.", "contents": "Affinity of labetalol for ocular melanin. 1 The toxicity of labetalol has been studied in mice, rats, rabbits, and dogs, and reproductive studies have been carried out in rats and rabbits. Nothing was observed in any of these species to suggest that patients taking labetalol might be exposed to any toxic hazard. 2 During the reproductive studies 14C-labetalol was used to study placental transfer. Radioactivity was present in the uveal tract of the foetal eye. 3 Radioactive labetalol but not its metabolites was bound to the melanin pigment of the eye. This binding was reversible. It was not possible to saturate the melanin of the cat and dog eye even with prolonged dosing with labetalol. 4 Chloroquine, given orally at doses of 1.5-6 mg/kg/d for 4-7 weeks, produced changes in the cat retina. When oral doses of 20 mg labetalol/d were given to cats for 7 months, no oculotoxic effects were observed. 5 Detailed ophthalmological and histological examinations were carried out on the rats, rabbits, cats and dogs used in these studies. No changes indicative of oculotoxicity were observed. In the reproductive studies no effects were observed in the developing rat or rabbit eye, which could be consequent on the placental transfer of labetalol or its metabolites.", "PMID": 990153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3570", "title": "Labetalol in resistant hypertension.", "content": "1 The efficacy of labetalol in lowering blood pressure has been assessed in a group of 16 patients with severe hypertension whose blood pressure was inadequately controlled (supine diastolic blood pressure greater than 110 mmHg on two consecutive occasions) on existing therapy or in whom severe side-effects necessitated a change in therapy. 2 All patients had an original pretreatment supine diastolic blood pressure of greater than 120 mmHg and most had evidence of target organ damage. Patients were hospitalized for the purposes of changeover of therapy, labetalol being added to the existing regime which was reduced stepwise and eventually withdrawn. 3 Treatment with labetalol resulted in satisfactory blood pressure control in 10 of 16 patients in this study but high doses were required, the mean daily dose being 3,091 mg (range 1,200-8,000). 4 Treatment with discontinued in 6 patients on account of postural hypotension (3), failure to control supine diastolic blood pressure (2) and retention of urine (1). Long-term treatment was relatively free from side-effects. 5 From preliminary studies in animals it is suggested that an action within the central nervous system may contribute to the hypotensive effect of labetalol.", "contents": "Labetalol in resistant hypertension. 1 The efficacy of labetalol in lowering blood pressure has been assessed in a group of 16 patients with severe hypertension whose blood pressure was inadequately controlled (supine diastolic blood pressure greater than 110 mmHg on two consecutive occasions) on existing therapy or in whom severe side-effects necessitated a change in therapy. 2 All patients had an original pretreatment supine diastolic blood pressure of greater than 120 mmHg and most had evidence of target organ damage. Patients were hospitalized for the purposes of changeover of therapy, labetalol being added to the existing regime which was reduced stepwise and eventually withdrawn. 3 Treatment with labetalol resulted in satisfactory blood pressure control in 10 of 16 patients in this study but high doses were required, the mean daily dose being 3,091 mg (range 1,200-8,000). 4 Treatment with discontinued in 6 patients on account of postural hypotension (3), failure to control supine diastolic blood pressure (2) and retention of urine (1). Long-term treatment was relatively free from side-effects. 5 From preliminary studies in animals it is suggested that an action within the central nervous system may contribute to the hypotensive effect of labetalol.", "PMID": 990154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3571", "title": "A study of labetalol in patients of European, West Indian and West African origin.", "content": "1 Hypertension in West Indians and Africans is common and has an unacceptably high mortality in the younger patients. 2 Fifty-three patients received labetalol (a combined alpha- and beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist) as part of an open evaluation of its anti-hypertensive effect. Ten non-caucasian patients were included. 3 Significant reductions in systolic and diastolic pressures were obtained in the caucasian patients, the African and West Indian patients remaining refractory to therapy.", "contents": "A study of labetalol in patients of European, West Indian and West African origin. 1 Hypertension in West Indians and Africans is common and has an unacceptably high mortality in the younger patients. 2 Fifty-three patients received labetalol (a combined alpha- and beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist) as part of an open evaluation of its anti-hypertensive effect. Ten non-caucasian patients were included. 3 Significant reductions in systolic and diastolic pressures were obtained in the caucasian patients, the African and West Indian patients remaining refractory to therapy.", "PMID": 990155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3572", "title": "Acute haemodynamic effects of labetalol and its subsequent use of an oral hypotensive agent.", "content": "1 Fourteen patients whose lying diastolic blood pressure was persistently 110 mmHg or greater were given labetalol 0.5--1 mg/kg intravenously. 2 The maximum hypotensive effect developed between 20 and 40 min, and on average lasted 3 h. The lying systolic mean blood pressure fell by 30 mmHg and the lying diastolic blood pressure by 17 mmHg (P less than 0.001). 3 This acute hypotensive effect was associated with a significant reduction in the peripheral resistance (P less than 0.02). The hypotension was not associated with significant secondary changes in the stroke volume or pulse rate. 4 The above 14 patients plus 1 additional subject received labetalol orally at a daily dose ranging from 150-2400 mg. The mean lying systolic blood pressure fell by 22 mmHg (P less than0.01) and the mean lying diastolic blood pressure by 26 mmHg (P less than 0.001). The standing values were similar and postural hypotension at this dose did not develop. There was no significant change in the pulse rate. 5 Renal function was monitored by estimates of plasma creatinine and creatinine clearance. Some patients were followed for 2 yr and others for a few months. With the long-term patients, there was no significant reduction in either measurement although in a few patients a slight reduction in creatinine clearance was observed.", "contents": "Acute haemodynamic effects of labetalol and its subsequent use of an oral hypotensive agent. 1 Fourteen patients whose lying diastolic blood pressure was persistently 110 mmHg or greater were given labetalol 0.5--1 mg/kg intravenously. 2 The maximum hypotensive effect developed between 20 and 40 min, and on average lasted 3 h. The lying systolic mean blood pressure fell by 30 mmHg and the lying diastolic blood pressure by 17 mmHg (P less than 0.001). 3 This acute hypotensive effect was associated with a significant reduction in the peripheral resistance (P less than 0.02). The hypotension was not associated with significant secondary changes in the stroke volume or pulse rate. 4 The above 14 patients plus 1 additional subject received labetalol orally at a daily dose ranging from 150-2400 mg. The mean lying systolic blood pressure fell by 22 mmHg (P less than0.01) and the mean lying diastolic blood pressure by 26 mmHg (P less than 0.001). The standing values were similar and postural hypotension at this dose did not develop. There was no significant change in the pulse rate. 5 Renal function was monitored by estimates of plasma creatinine and creatinine clearance. Some patients were followed for 2 yr and others for a few months. With the long-term patients, there was no significant reduction in either measurement although in a few patients a slight reduction in creatinine clearance was observed.", "PMID": 990156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3573", "title": "Acute effect of intravenous labetalol in the treatment of systemic arterial hypertension.", "content": "1 The acute anti-hypertensive effect of intravenously administered labetalol, a combined alpha- and beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist, has been assessed in a pilot study involving 17 hypertensive patients. 2 In 11 patients with mild to moderately severe hypertension, there was a decrease in mean arterial pressure (24 mmHg) after a single intravenous dose of 50 mg labetalol. The peak response occurred approximately 4 min after administration of the drug. 3 In six patients with severe hypertension, there was a reduction in mean arterial pressure of 19 mmHg, but this was achieved after a further 50-mg dose administered 30 min after the initial injection. 4 In neither group was there any clinically significant decrease in heart rate, and drug-related side-effects were insignificant. 5 Labetalol reduced the blood pressure when administered intravenously and thus merits further investigation as a treatment for acute hypertensive crises.", "contents": "Acute effect of intravenous labetalol in the treatment of systemic arterial hypertension. 1 The acute anti-hypertensive effect of intravenously administered labetalol, a combined alpha- and beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist, has been assessed in a pilot study involving 17 hypertensive patients. 2 In 11 patients with mild to moderately severe hypertension, there was a decrease in mean arterial pressure (24 mmHg) after a single intravenous dose of 50 mg labetalol. The peak response occurred approximately 4 min after administration of the drug. 3 In six patients with severe hypertension, there was a reduction in mean arterial pressure of 19 mmHg, but this was achieved after a further 50-mg dose administered 30 min after the initial injection. 4 In neither group was there any clinically significant decrease in heart rate, and drug-related side-effects were insignificant. 5 Labetalol reduced the blood pressure when administered intravenously and thus merits further investigation as a treatment for acute hypertensive crises.", "PMID": 990157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3574", "title": "Treatment of phaeochromocytoma and of clonidine withdrawal hypertension with labetalol.", "content": "1 Labetalol has been used as medical treatment in five patients with phaeochromocytoma. 2 In four of the five patients, blood pressure was satisfactorily controlled, and symptoms and signs were relieved. 3 Labetalol also provided satisfactory cover across surgery for the removal of tumours in two cases. 4 In one instance, it was not possible to give sufficient labetalol orally to suppress the attacks of phaeochromocytoma. This patient was not effectively controlled at operation with a combination of propranolol and phenoxybenzamine. 5 Intravenous labetalol rapidly lowered blood pressure and relieved symptoms in a patient experienced hypertensive crisis after clonidine withdrawal. 6 Labetalol is a useful addition to the medical treatment of phaeochromocytoma.", "contents": "Treatment of phaeochromocytoma and of clonidine withdrawal hypertension with labetalol. 1 Labetalol has been used as medical treatment in five patients with phaeochromocytoma. 2 In four of the five patients, blood pressure was satisfactorily controlled, and symptoms and signs were relieved. 3 Labetalol also provided satisfactory cover across surgery for the removal of tumours in two cases. 4 In one instance, it was not possible to give sufficient labetalol orally to suppress the attacks of phaeochromocytoma. This patient was not effectively controlled at operation with a combination of propranolol and phenoxybenzamine. 5 Intravenous labetalol rapidly lowered blood pressure and relieved symptoms in a patient experienced hypertensive crisis after clonidine withdrawal. 6 Labetalol is a useful addition to the medical treatment of phaeochromocytoma.", "PMID": 990158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3575", "title": "Cardiovascular effects of labetalol during halothane anaesthesia.", "content": "1 The circulatory effects of labetalol 25 mg intravenously in six patients during 1% halothane anaesthesia were studied. 2Labetalol caused a marked decrease in arterial pressure and a consistent but modest (20%) decrease in cardiac output. Heart rate was slowed and stroke volume did not change significantly. Central venous pressure increased and peripheral resistance decreased. 3 Increasing the halothane concentration of 3% led to marked myocardial depression as evidenced by reduced cardiac output and increased central venous pressure with increasing arterial hypotension. 4 Labetalol may be a suitable drug for controlling induced hypotension under general anaesthesia, although high concentrations of halothane should be used with care.", "contents": "Cardiovascular effects of labetalol during halothane anaesthesia. 1 The circulatory effects of labetalol 25 mg intravenously in six patients during 1% halothane anaesthesia were studied. 2Labetalol caused a marked decrease in arterial pressure and a consistent but modest (20%) decrease in cardiac output. Heart rate was slowed and stroke volume did not change significantly. Central venous pressure increased and peripheral resistance decreased. 3 Increasing the halothane concentration of 3% led to marked myocardial depression as evidenced by reduced cardiac output and increased central venous pressure with increasing arterial hypotension. 4 Labetalol may be a suitable drug for controlling induced hypotension under general anaesthesia, although high concentrations of halothane should be used with care.", "PMID": 990159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3576", "title": "Exercise tests before and after heart valve replacement.", "content": "A simple progressive exercise test was performed before and after operation on five subjects undergoing mitral valve replacement and on five subjects undergoing aortic valve replacement. The responses of heart rate and ventilation were related to work rate )kilopond metres/min). The patients were also assessed clinically by the New York Heart Association grading and radiologically before each exercise test. The clinical grading was shown to be a poor guide to observed exercise tolerance, as the improvement noted in symptoms was not matched by the objective measurement of working capacity. Only two patients had normal exercise tolerance after surgery, although six of the ten patients claimed that they had no exertional dyspnoea after operation. The changes in simple ventilatory function tests before and after operation were generally small. We suggest that measurements of exercise tolerance before and after operation should be an essential part of heart valve replacement surgery.", "contents": "Exercise tests before and after heart valve replacement. A simple progressive exercise test was performed before and after operation on five subjects undergoing mitral valve replacement and on five subjects undergoing aortic valve replacement. The responses of heart rate and ventilation were related to work rate )kilopond metres/min). The patients were also assessed clinically by the New York Heart Association grading and radiologically before each exercise test. The clinical grading was shown to be a poor guide to observed exercise tolerance, as the improvement noted in symptoms was not matched by the objective measurement of working capacity. Only two patients had normal exercise tolerance after surgery, although six of the ten patients claimed that they had no exertional dyspnoea after operation. The changes in simple ventilatory function tests before and after operation were generally small. We suggest that measurements of exercise tolerance before and after operation should be an essential part of heart valve replacement surgery.", "PMID": 990160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3577", "title": "Chest pain in the presentation of sarcoidosis.", "content": "The cases of six patients are reported illustrating that chest pain may be a prominent feature of sarcoidosis. It may be severe and be the chief presenting symptom. In the cases described it was mostly retrosternal and had few consistent aggravating factors. In each case there was bilateral hilar lymph node enlargement and it is suggested that htis was chiefly responsible for this relatively uncommon symptom of sarcoidosis. It is also suggested that undue persisting pain may respond to corticosteroid administration.", "contents": "Chest pain in the presentation of sarcoidosis. The cases of six patients are reported illustrating that chest pain may be a prominent feature of sarcoidosis. It may be severe and be the chief presenting symptom. In the cases described it was mostly retrosternal and had few consistent aggravating factors. In each case there was bilateral hilar lymph node enlargement and it is suggested that htis was chiefly responsible for this relatively uncommon symptom of sarcoidosis. It is also suggested that undue persisting pain may respond to corticosteroid administration.", "PMID": 990161} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3578", "title": "Sex differences in chronic cor pulmonale in delhi.", "content": "Chronic cor pulmonale is more prevalent in northern India than in the south. It is equally common in men and in women and accounts for 20% of all admissions for heart disorder in Delhi. In a study of 766 patients (239 men and 527 women) carried out over a 15-year period there were some striking sex differences. Some 75% of men and 10% of women smoked. The women came from the poorest class and all of them cooked from an early age over smoky and primitive fireplaces in ill-ventilated huts, while only 7% of the men cooked their own food. Chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis were the commonest associated lung disorders in both sexes. The women developed heart failure 10-15 years earlier and showed more severe congestive failure with larger hearts and greater derangement of pulmonary function. It is concluded that the cause of chronic cor pulmonale in women in Delhi was damage to the lungs from exposure to smoky cooking fuels from girlhood onwards, followed by repeated chest infections.", "contents": "Sex differences in chronic cor pulmonale in delhi. Chronic cor pulmonale is more prevalent in northern India than in the south. It is equally common in men and in women and accounts for 20% of all admissions for heart disorder in Delhi. In a study of 766 patients (239 men and 527 women) carried out over a 15-year period there were some striking sex differences. Some 75% of men and 10% of women smoked. The women came from the poorest class and all of them cooked from an early age over smoky and primitive fireplaces in ill-ventilated huts, while only 7% of the men cooked their own food. Chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis were the commonest associated lung disorders in both sexes. The women developed heart failure 10-15 years earlier and showed more severe congestive failure with larger hearts and greater derangement of pulmonary function. It is concluded that the cause of chronic cor pulmonale in women in Delhi was damage to the lungs from exposure to smoky cooking fuels from girlhood onwards, followed by repeated chest infections.", "PMID": 990163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3579", "title": "Lung cancer model for studying multi-step metastasis.", "content": "The sequence of the spread of cancer has been a problem for over a century. A simple model based on lung cancer is proposed. It utilizes three well known facts: that lung cancer may selectively attack the adrenals, that such adrenal deposits may or may not invade the outflow venous tract and that contralateral lung deposits are uncommon in this cancer. Therefore any sequence of spread from the ipsilateral lung to the adrenal glands and thence to the contralateral lung merits attention. Its study might throw light on the laws governing multi-step metastasis in man.", "contents": "Lung cancer model for studying multi-step metastasis. The sequence of the spread of cancer has been a problem for over a century. A simple model based on lung cancer is proposed. It utilizes three well known facts: that lung cancer may selectively attack the adrenals, that such adrenal deposits may or may not invade the outflow venous tract and that contralateral lung deposits are uncommon in this cancer. Therefore any sequence of spread from the ipsilateral lung to the adrenal glands and thence to the contralateral lung merits attention. Its study might throw light on the laws governing multi-step metastasis in man.", "PMID": 990164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3580", "title": "Giant 'cryptococcoma' of the lung.", "content": "A case is described of cryptococcosis presenting as a large round intrathoracic lesion with superior vena caval obstruction and clubbing of the fingers. The patient was satisfactorily treated by lobectomy under cover of amphotericin B therapy.", "contents": "Giant 'cryptococcoma' of the lung. A case is described of cryptococcosis presenting as a large round intrathoracic lesion with superior vena caval obstruction and clubbing of the fingers. The patient was satisfactorily treated by lobectomy under cover of amphotericin B therapy.", "PMID": 990165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3581", "title": "Hypersensitivity to bacteria in eczema. IV. Cytotoxic effect of antibacterial antibody on skin cells acquiring bacterial antigens.", "content": "The sera of persons with generalized eczema (Whitfield-type) or with disseminated nummular eczema were examined for complement-activating antibacterial antibodies to test the hypothesis that some eczematous change results from an antibody-mediated cytotoxic reaction. Bacteria dying in the stratum corneum release soluble antigens, some of which diffuse into the stratum Malpighii and become firmly adsorbed to the epidermal cells. Antibacterial antibody and complement diffusing into the epidermis react with the antigens acquired by the cells and may induce vacuolation or lysis. Phenol-extracted and freeze-press-extracted antigens (both containing teichoic acids) from Staphylococcus aureus and a micrococcus (Baird-Parker types SI and MI respectively) are adsorbed by monolayers of human skin, embryo or amnion. Cells acquiring the antigen(s) are severely damaged when treated with sera containing the appropriate antibacterial antibodies and complement. IgM complement-fixing antibody appears to be much more cytotoxic in this test than IgG. The cytotoxic activity of a serum is specific for the acquired bacterial antigen and appears to depend on a sufficient concentration of the effective antibody, and not on the presence of antibodies with special properties. Explants of full thickness skin treated with bacterial antigen extracts were unharmed by the antibodies that were cytotoxic for monolayers of skin cells treated with the same antigens. The in vitro cytotoxic test should represent a potential in vivo cytotoxic phenomenon, because skin cell monolayers from two patients adsorbed bacterial antigen prepared from cultures obtained from the same patients, and were damaged by autologous serum containing anti-staphylococcal antibody and complement. It seems probable that this may be an aggravating but not necessarily an initiating factor in many cases of eczema.", "contents": "Hypersensitivity to bacteria in eczema. IV. Cytotoxic effect of antibacterial antibody on skin cells acquiring bacterial antigens. The sera of persons with generalized eczema (Whitfield-type) or with disseminated nummular eczema were examined for complement-activating antibacterial antibodies to test the hypothesis that some eczematous change results from an antibody-mediated cytotoxic reaction. Bacteria dying in the stratum corneum release soluble antigens, some of which diffuse into the stratum Malpighii and become firmly adsorbed to the epidermal cells. Antibacterial antibody and complement diffusing into the epidermis react with the antigens acquired by the cells and may induce vacuolation or lysis. Phenol-extracted and freeze-press-extracted antigens (both containing teichoic acids) from Staphylococcus aureus and a micrococcus (Baird-Parker types SI and MI respectively) are adsorbed by monolayers of human skin, embryo or amnion. Cells acquiring the antigen(s) are severely damaged when treated with sera containing the appropriate antibacterial antibodies and complement. IgM complement-fixing antibody appears to be much more cytotoxic in this test than IgG. The cytotoxic activity of a serum is specific for the acquired bacterial antigen and appears to depend on a sufficient concentration of the effective antibody, and not on the presence of antibodies with special properties. Explants of full thickness skin treated with bacterial antigen extracts were unharmed by the antibodies that were cytotoxic for monolayers of skin cells treated with the same antigens. The in vitro cytotoxic test should represent a potential in vivo cytotoxic phenomenon, because skin cell monolayers from two patients adsorbed bacterial antigen prepared from cultures obtained from the same patients, and were damaged by autologous serum containing anti-staphylococcal antibody and complement. It seems probable that this may be an aggravating but not necessarily an initiating factor in many cases of eczema.", "PMID": 990168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3582", "title": "The ultrastructure of the human epidermis following ultracentrifugation.", "content": "Ultracentrifugation of the human epidermis was undertaken to uncover the forces responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the supranuclear melanin cap in basal cells. The wide spacing and elasticity of the tonofibrils caused a selective trapping of melanosomes in this region. At the same time the experiments produced pictures resembling dedifferentiation of the plasma membrane as in the fetal state, and differentiation of the tonofibrillar mass resembling the granular and horny layers. Once the tonofibrils had retracted and massed together, the order of intracellular sedimentation was: melanosome, chromatin, mitochondrion, tonofibril and ribosome.", "contents": "The ultrastructure of the human epidermis following ultracentrifugation. Ultracentrifugation of the human epidermis was undertaken to uncover the forces responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the supranuclear melanin cap in basal cells. The wide spacing and elasticity of the tonofibrils caused a selective trapping of melanosomes in this region. At the same time the experiments produced pictures resembling dedifferentiation of the plasma membrane as in the fetal state, and differentiation of the tonofibrillar mass resembling the granular and horny layers. Once the tonofibrils had retracted and massed together, the order of intracellular sedimentation was: melanosome, chromatin, mitochondrion, tonofibril and ribosome.", "PMID": 990169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3583", "title": "The epidermis in thyroid disease.", "content": "Epidermal dimensions, replication and anabolic activity have been studied in thirteen patients with thyrotoxicosis and seven patients with hypothyroidism. Epidermal thickness and rete pattern were significantly reduced in hypothyroidism. The rates of epidermal cell division and anabolic activity in the epidermis were estimated by measuring the rates of incorporation of tritiated precursor compounds and were found to be increased in thyrotoxicosis. The mean autoradiographic labelling indices after the intracutaneous injection of tritiated thymidine were 9-1% in thyrotoxic patients and 4-3% in the hypothyroid group. None of the changes observed could be correlated accurately with the degree of thyroid gland activity, but increased thyroid activity was reflected in the epidermal changes better than decreased thyroid activity.", "contents": "The epidermis in thyroid disease. Epidermal dimensions, replication and anabolic activity have been studied in thirteen patients with thyrotoxicosis and seven patients with hypothyroidism. Epidermal thickness and rete pattern were significantly reduced in hypothyroidism. The rates of epidermal cell division and anabolic activity in the epidermis were estimated by measuring the rates of incorporation of tritiated precursor compounds and were found to be increased in thyrotoxicosis. The mean autoradiographic labelling indices after the intracutaneous injection of tritiated thymidine were 9-1% in thyrotoxic patients and 4-3% in the hypothyroid group. None of the changes observed could be correlated accurately with the degree of thyroid gland activity, but increased thyroid activity was reflected in the epidermal changes better than decreased thyroid activity.", "PMID": 990170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3584", "title": "Physical training and connective tissues in young mice. Biochemistry of skin.", "content": "The effect of physical training on some connective tissue components of the skin was studied in male mice of NMRI-strain. The mice to be trained and their controls were about 2-weeks-old at the beginning of the training, which took place on a 5 degree inclined treadmill 5 days a week for 3-22 weeks progressively. The final exercise bouts were 50 and 80 min for moderate programmes and 180 min for the intensive programme at a speed of 30 cm/s. At the end of each experiment skin samples from trained and control animals were taken for the analyses. We found increased concentrations of nitrogen, hexosamines and hydroxyproline in the skin of the trained mice compared to the controls. The unchanged DNA concentration suggests that the activation of synthesis occurred in a constant number of cells.", "contents": "Physical training and connective tissues in young mice. Biochemistry of skin. The effect of physical training on some connective tissue components of the skin was studied in male mice of NMRI-strain. The mice to be trained and their controls were about 2-weeks-old at the beginning of the training, which took place on a 5 degree inclined treadmill 5 days a week for 3-22 weeks progressively. The final exercise bouts were 50 and 80 min for moderate programmes and 180 min for the intensive programme at a speed of 30 cm/s. At the end of each experiment skin samples from trained and control animals were taken for the analyses. We found increased concentrations of nitrogen, hexosamines and hydroxyproline in the skin of the trained mice compared to the controls. The unchanged DNA concentration suggests that the activation of synthesis occurred in a constant number of cells.", "PMID": 990171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3585", "title": "Caustic ulcers caused by cement.", "content": "Seven similar cases with deep ulceration probably due to wet cement are presented. Within 12 hours after making a concrete floor in a kneeling position, curved ulcers developed on both sides of both patellae. The exposure time varied from 2 to 6 h. One patient got wet concrete into her boots and, consequently, ulcers developed on her feet. The high alkalinity of calcium hydroxide in wet cement was the only apparent causative agent in every case.", "contents": "Caustic ulcers caused by cement. Seven similar cases with deep ulceration probably due to wet cement are presented. Within 12 hours after making a concrete floor in a kneeling position, curved ulcers developed on both sides of both patellae. The exposure time varied from 2 to 6 h. One patient got wet concrete into her boots and, consequently, ulcers developed on her feet. The high alkalinity of calcium hydroxide in wet cement was the only apparent causative agent in every case.", "PMID": 990172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3586", "title": "Metastatic Crohn's disease.", "content": "Metastatic Crohn's disease is a term used to describe a granulomatous reaction occurring in flexures, and separated from the affected areas of the gastro-intestinal tract by normal skin. Previous reports refer to such lesions affecting the groins, the male genitalia, a flexure on the anterior abdominal wall of an obese patient, and submammary regions. A further case, in which the retro-auricular areas are involved, is presented.", "contents": "Metastatic Crohn's disease. Metastatic Crohn's disease is a term used to describe a granulomatous reaction occurring in flexures, and separated from the affected areas of the gastro-intestinal tract by normal skin. Previous reports refer to such lesions affecting the groins, the male genitalia, a flexure on the anterior abdominal wall of an obese patient, and submammary regions. A further case, in which the retro-auricular areas are involved, is presented.", "PMID": 990173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3587", "title": "Paroxysmal itching in multiple sclerosis.", "content": "In three women with multiple sclerosis, paroxysmal attacks of itching occurred. There were several similarities between these attacks and other types of paroxysmal phenomena previously described in multiple sclerosis. The attacks were brief, but usually lasted several minutes, they started and ended abruptly, and recurred several times a day. The were controlled effectively by carbamazepine. It is suggested that paroxysmal itching is caused by transversely spreading ephaptic activation of axons within a partially demyelinated lesion in pain-conducting fibre tracts in the central nervous system.", "contents": "Paroxysmal itching in multiple sclerosis. In three women with multiple sclerosis, paroxysmal attacks of itching occurred. There were several similarities between these attacks and other types of paroxysmal phenomena previously described in multiple sclerosis. The attacks were brief, but usually lasted several minutes, they started and ended abruptly, and recurred several times a day. The were controlled effectively by carbamazepine. It is suggested that paroxysmal itching is caused by transversely spreading ephaptic activation of axons within a partially demyelinated lesion in pain-conducting fibre tracts in the central nervous system.", "PMID": 990174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3588", "title": "An epidemiological study of the haemostatic and other effects of oral contraceptives.", "content": "Factors V, VII and VIII (each determined by biological assay), fibrinogen, platelet count and adhesiveness, and fibrinolytic activity were measured in 234 white pre-menopausal women, of whom 57 (24%) were on oral contraceptives and 177 (76%) were not. Cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure levels were also recorded. In 20 of the women on oral contraceptives, and in an age-matched group of 20 who were not, prothrombin, factor X, antithrombin III and alpha 2-macroglobulin levels were determined, and factors VII and VIII were also measured immunologically. For the majority of the variables studied, the differences between those using and not using oral contraceptives were greater in younger than older women; in the case of factor VII (biological assay) and fibrinogen, the differences between the regression slopes on age were statistically significant, and mean values were substantially higher in those on oral contraceptives. There was also a significant difference between regression slopes on age for cholesterol. Mean levels of prothrombin, factors VII (immunological assay) and X, triglycerides and blood pressure were significantly higher, and mean levels of antithrombin III significantly lower, in those on oral contraceptives compared with those not. Overall, fibrinolytic activity was significantly higher in the women on oral contraceptives; this difference was, however, almost entirely due to the greatly increased fibrinolytic activity of the non-smokers on oral contraceptives, activity in the smokers on oral contraceptives being similar to that of the women not on these preparations. There were no significant differences in mean platelet count or adhesiveness, or in haemoglobin, packed cell volume, uric acid and blood sugar levels. Among the women on oral contraceptives, there was a significant negative correlation between factor VIII and fibrinolytic activity; this was largely due to five women all of blood groups A and B, in whom, besides high factor-VIII levels and poor fibrinolytic activity, other variables (e.g. fibrinogen) were raised in a direction that might be expected to favour thrombogenesis. It is possible that it is those women whose fibrinolytic activity does not increase in order to compensate for the effects of oral contraceptives on clotting factors, lipids and blood pressure, who are at special risk of thromboembolic episodes. The differential effects of oral contraceptives by age must be borne in mind in evaluating the effects of these preparations on the haemostatic and lipid systems.", "contents": "An epidemiological study of the haemostatic and other effects of oral contraceptives. Factors V, VII and VIII (each determined by biological assay), fibrinogen, platelet count and adhesiveness, and fibrinolytic activity were measured in 234 white pre-menopausal women, of whom 57 (24%) were on oral contraceptives and 177 (76%) were not. Cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure levels were also recorded. In 20 of the women on oral contraceptives, and in an age-matched group of 20 who were not, prothrombin, factor X, antithrombin III and alpha 2-macroglobulin levels were determined, and factors VII and VIII were also measured immunologically. For the majority of the variables studied, the differences between those using and not using oral contraceptives were greater in younger than older women; in the case of factor VII (biological assay) and fibrinogen, the differences between the regression slopes on age were statistically significant, and mean values were substantially higher in those on oral contraceptives. There was also a significant difference between regression slopes on age for cholesterol. Mean levels of prothrombin, factors VII (immunological assay) and X, triglycerides and blood pressure were significantly higher, and mean levels of antithrombin III significantly lower, in those on oral contraceptives compared with those not. Overall, fibrinolytic activity was significantly higher in the women on oral contraceptives; this difference was, however, almost entirely due to the greatly increased fibrinolytic activity of the non-smokers on oral contraceptives, activity in the smokers on oral contraceptives being similar to that of the women not on these preparations. There were no significant differences in mean platelet count or adhesiveness, or in haemoglobin, packed cell volume, uric acid and blood sugar levels. Among the women on oral contraceptives, there was a significant negative correlation between factor VIII and fibrinolytic activity; this was largely due to five women all of blood groups A and B, in whom, besides high factor-VIII levels and poor fibrinolytic activity, other variables (e.g. fibrinogen) were raised in a direction that might be expected to favour thrombogenesis. It is possible that it is those women whose fibrinolytic activity does not increase in order to compensate for the effects of oral contraceptives on clotting factors, lipids and blood pressure, who are at special risk of thromboembolic episodes. The differential effects of oral contraceptives by age must be borne in mind in evaluating the effects of these preparations on the haemostatic and lipid systems.", "PMID": 990177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3589", "title": "Platelet density and size: the interpretation of heterogeneity.", "content": "Platelets have been separated according to buoyant density using a colloidal silica-polyvinylpyrrolidone system and subjected to electronic sizing. All density populations were found to be heterogeneous in size, the most dense platelets ranging from less than 3 fl to greater than 21 fl in both man and rat. Light platelet fractions contained no platelets greater than 13 fl in either species. Cohort labeling with [75Se]selenomethionine showed no indication of significant change in platelet buoyant density with ageing; greater specific activity found in young, dense platelets appears to be related to increased protein synthetic activity shown in vitro and likely to occur also in their precursor megakaryocytes. It is postulated that dense, intermediate and light platelets are released synchronously by the three different ploidy classes of megakaryocyte, that varying density indicates differing structural characteristics and presumably differences in function. The present findings do not deny the possibility that platelets decrease in size with ageing but if such occurs, it is not associated with a significant change in platelet buoyant density.", "contents": "Platelet density and size: the interpretation of heterogeneity. Platelets have been separated according to buoyant density using a colloidal silica-polyvinylpyrrolidone system and subjected to electronic sizing. All density populations were found to be heterogeneous in size, the most dense platelets ranging from less than 3 fl to greater than 21 fl in both man and rat. Light platelet fractions contained no platelets greater than 13 fl in either species. Cohort labeling with [75Se]selenomethionine showed no indication of significant change in platelet buoyant density with ageing; greater specific activity found in young, dense platelets appears to be related to increased protein synthetic activity shown in vitro and likely to occur also in their precursor megakaryocytes. It is postulated that dense, intermediate and light platelets are released synchronously by the three different ploidy classes of megakaryocyte, that varying density indicates differing structural characteristics and presumably differences in function. The present findings do not deny the possibility that platelets decrease in size with ageing but if such occurs, it is not associated with a significant change in platelet buoyant density.", "PMID": 990178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3590", "title": "Clinical experience with transfusion of cryopreserved platelets.", "content": "Multiple units of platelet concentrate obtained by plateletpheresis of normal, 'random' or HL-A matched donors were pooled and frozen in polyolefin bags using 5% dimethysulphoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotective agent and a controlled freezing rate of I degrees C/min. The platelets were stored at approximately-I20 degrees C for as long as 20I days, thawed rapidly at 37 degrees C, washed once and resuspended in ACD plasma prior to transfusion. Two different final concentrations of platelets (approximately 2.7 and 9.0 X 10(12)/1.) were studied. Twenty-three thrombocytopenic patients have received a total of 40 frozen platelet transfusions. The mean freeze-thaw loss was 2I% and was similar for both platelet concentrations. All transfusions were well tolerated and there were no side effects attributable to the small amounts of DMSO infused. Increments in platelet counts I h after transfusion ranged from 0 to 102 X 10(9)/1. with an overall mean corrected increase in evaluable patients of 12 800 (increase x surface area (m2)/number of platelets transfused x 10(11)). Corrected increases tended to be greater with the low concentration of platelets. Overall, the increase in count for the frozen platelet transfusions was 65% of the increments obtained with fresh platelet transfusions administered within 1 week of the frozen platelets. Bleeding times were partially corrected after four out of six transfusions with post-transfusion counts greater than 50 X 10(9)/1., and active haemorrhage was controlled in some patients by frozen platelet transfusions. These results indicate that pooled platelets can be frozen, thawed and transfused with reasonable efficiency. The frozen platelets can circulate and function haemostatically and may eventually play an important role in supportive care.", "contents": "Clinical experience with transfusion of cryopreserved platelets. Multiple units of platelet concentrate obtained by plateletpheresis of normal, 'random' or HL-A matched donors were pooled and frozen in polyolefin bags using 5% dimethysulphoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotective agent and a controlled freezing rate of I degrees C/min. The platelets were stored at approximately-I20 degrees C for as long as 20I days, thawed rapidly at 37 degrees C, washed once and resuspended in ACD plasma prior to transfusion. Two different final concentrations of platelets (approximately 2.7 and 9.0 X 10(12)/1.) were studied. Twenty-three thrombocytopenic patients have received a total of 40 frozen platelet transfusions. The mean freeze-thaw loss was 2I% and was similar for both platelet concentrations. All transfusions were well tolerated and there were no side effects attributable to the small amounts of DMSO infused. Increments in platelet counts I h after transfusion ranged from 0 to 102 X 10(9)/1. with an overall mean corrected increase in evaluable patients of 12 800 (increase x surface area (m2)/number of platelets transfused x 10(11)). Corrected increases tended to be greater with the low concentration of platelets. Overall, the increase in count for the frozen platelet transfusions was 65% of the increments obtained with fresh platelet transfusions administered within 1 week of the frozen platelets. Bleeding times were partially corrected after four out of six transfusions with post-transfusion counts greater than 50 X 10(9)/1., and active haemorrhage was controlled in some patients by frozen platelet transfusions. These results indicate that pooled platelets can be frozen, thawed and transfused with reasonable efficiency. The frozen platelets can circulate and function haemostatically and may eventually play an important role in supportive care.", "PMID": 990179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3591", "title": "Utilization of a new strength citrate anticoagulant during centrifugal plateletpheresis. I. Assessment of donor effects.", "content": "A reduction of donor effects during centrifugal plateletpheresis with the Haemonetics Blood Processor was achieved by reducing the concentration of the citrate anticoagulant. Serum citrate and ionized calcium levels, immediately and 1 h post-pheresis, were affected to a lesser extent by using 5.0 g total ionized citrate (TIC) THAN WITH EITHER 8.0 G OR 11.0 G. Total calcium, bicarbonate, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, ECG, and platelet counts were affected to a similar degree by all three TIC formulations. The total number of platelets collected per litre of blood processed was not significantly different among the three TIC formulations. In vitro studies employing the screen filtration pressure (SFP) technique showed no evidence of platelet aggregates in whole blood collected into either 0.01 M or 0.005 M citrate and agitated or left stationary at room temperature for 5 h. The use of different citrate concentrations in plateletpheresis is discussed.", "contents": "Utilization of a new strength citrate anticoagulant during centrifugal plateletpheresis. I. Assessment of donor effects. A reduction of donor effects during centrifugal plateletpheresis with the Haemonetics Blood Processor was achieved by reducing the concentration of the citrate anticoagulant. Serum citrate and ionized calcium levels, immediately and 1 h post-pheresis, were affected to a lesser extent by using 5.0 g total ionized citrate (TIC) THAN WITH EITHER 8.0 G OR 11.0 G. Total calcium, bicarbonate, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, ECG, and platelet counts were affected to a similar degree by all three TIC formulations. The total number of platelets collected per litre of blood processed was not significantly different among the three TIC formulations. In vitro studies employing the screen filtration pressure (SFP) technique showed no evidence of platelet aggregates in whole blood collected into either 0.01 M or 0.005 M citrate and agitated or left stationary at room temperature for 5 h. The use of different citrate concentrations in plateletpheresis is discussed.", "PMID": 990180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3592", "title": "Preparation and storage of platelet concentrates. I. Factors influencing the harvest of viable platelets from whole blood.", "content": "Factors affecting the yield and viability of concentrated platelets have been investigated in a blood component programme. It was found that 86+/-1% of the platelets from a unit of whole blood can be concentrated without loss of viability by processing ACD or CPD anticoagulated blood at room temperature. The steps are initial centrifugation at 1000 g for 9 min to harvest platelet-rich plasma; centrifugation of the platelet-rich plasma at 3000 g for 20 min to pack the platelets; and resuspension of the platelet pellet in residual plasma after 1 1/2 h.", "contents": "Preparation and storage of platelet concentrates. I. Factors influencing the harvest of viable platelets from whole blood. Factors affecting the yield and viability of concentrated platelets have been investigated in a blood component programme. It was found that 86+/-1% of the platelets from a unit of whole blood can be concentrated without loss of viability by processing ACD or CPD anticoagulated blood at room temperature. The steps are initial centrifugation at 1000 g for 9 min to harvest platelet-rich plasma; centrifugation of the platelet-rich plasma at 3000 g for 20 min to pack the platelets; and resuspension of the platelet pellet in residual plasma after 1 1/2 h.", "PMID": 990181} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3593", "title": "Evidence for a splenic release factor of platelets in chronic blood loss plasma of rabbits.", "content": "Rabbits subjected to chronic blood loss with iron supplementation raised their platelet count and megathrombocyte number 1.7 x and 2.1 x above baseline, respectively. In similarly treated splenectomized animals, no significant response was obtained. When chronic blood loss plasma was injected into recipient animals there was a rise in platelet count and megathrombocyte number of 1.8 x and 3.4 x respectively compared to animals injected with control plasma. In similarly treated splenectomized animals no such rise was obtained; neither was there a rise in platelet count or megathrombocyte number in intact recipient animals when chronic blood loss plasma was obtained from splenectomized animals. It is concluded that the thrombocytosis of chronic blood loss requires the presence of an intact spleen. The data suggest tha presence of a release factor which requires the spleen for its elaboration as well as expression.", "contents": "Evidence for a splenic release factor of platelets in chronic blood loss plasma of rabbits. Rabbits subjected to chronic blood loss with iron supplementation raised their platelet count and megathrombocyte number 1.7 x and 2.1 x above baseline, respectively. In similarly treated splenectomized animals, no significant response was obtained. When chronic blood loss plasma was injected into recipient animals there was a rise in platelet count and megathrombocyte number of 1.8 x and 3.4 x respectively compared to animals injected with control plasma. In similarly treated splenectomized animals no such rise was obtained; neither was there a rise in platelet count or megathrombocyte number in intact recipient animals when chronic blood loss plasma was obtained from splenectomized animals. It is concluded that the thrombocytosis of chronic blood loss requires the presence of an intact spleen. The data suggest tha presence of a release factor which requires the spleen for its elaboration as well as expression.", "PMID": 990182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3594", "title": "Inhibitor of stem cell proliferation in normal bone marrow.", "content": "A saline extract from normal bone marrow cells having a molecular weight in the range 50000-1000000 daltons has been found to protect rapidly proliferating haemopoietic spleen colony forming cells (CFUs) from the lethal effects of large doses of tritiated thymidine. This extract is non-toxic to the cells. It is not found in regenerating marrow where the CFUs population is rapidly proliferating. Its effect appears to be specific for the CFUs since it has no effect on the proliferation of its close descendant, the granulocytic precursor cell (CFUc), and no effect on the average cytoplasmic structuredness of the whole bone marrow cell population. The active material is probably protein since it is degraded by trypsin.", "contents": "Inhibitor of stem cell proliferation in normal bone marrow. A saline extract from normal bone marrow cells having a molecular weight in the range 50000-1000000 daltons has been found to protect rapidly proliferating haemopoietic spleen colony forming cells (CFUs) from the lethal effects of large doses of tritiated thymidine. This extract is non-toxic to the cells. It is not found in regenerating marrow where the CFUs population is rapidly proliferating. Its effect appears to be specific for the CFUs since it has no effect on the proliferation of its close descendant, the granulocytic precursor cell (CFUc), and no effect on the average cytoplasmic structuredness of the whole bone marrow cell population. The active material is probably protein since it is degraded by trypsin.", "PMID": 990183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3595", "title": "Quantitative studies of splenic erythropoiesis in polycythaemia vera and myelofibrosis.", "content": "A quantitative scanning method employing cyclotron-produced 52Fe has been developed to assess splenic erythropoiesis in patients with myeloproliferative disorders. In 12 patients with myelofibrosis splenic uptake of 52Fe was from 5.0% to 48% of the injected dose. Although a single patient with classical polycythaemia vera had a minor uptake of 2.8% of six other patients with this diagnosis showed no concentration of isotope in the splenic area. The fraction of 52Fe in the spleen of four patients with 'transitional' myeloproliferative disorders characterized by a high red cell mass, hypercellular bone marrow and a leucoerythroblastic blood film varied from 5% to 41%. No clear relationship was noted between the degree of splenic erythropoiesis as defined by this technique and the level of haemoglobin, the degree of splenomegaly, the effectiveness of erythropoiesis of traditional 59Fe surface counting. If splenectomy is considered in patients with myelofibrosis splenic 52Fe quantitation will provide more precise data on the contribution of splenic erythropoiesis than 59Fe surface counting alone.", "contents": "Quantitative studies of splenic erythropoiesis in polycythaemia vera and myelofibrosis. A quantitative scanning method employing cyclotron-produced 52Fe has been developed to assess splenic erythropoiesis in patients with myeloproliferative disorders. In 12 patients with myelofibrosis splenic uptake of 52Fe was from 5.0% to 48% of the injected dose. Although a single patient with classical polycythaemia vera had a minor uptake of 2.8% of six other patients with this diagnosis showed no concentration of isotope in the splenic area. The fraction of 52Fe in the spleen of four patients with 'transitional' myeloproliferative disorders characterized by a high red cell mass, hypercellular bone marrow and a leucoerythroblastic blood film varied from 5% to 41%. No clear relationship was noted between the degree of splenic erythropoiesis as defined by this technique and the level of haemoglobin, the degree of splenomegaly, the effectiveness of erythropoiesis of traditional 59Fe surface counting. If splenectomy is considered in patients with myelofibrosis splenic 52Fe quantitation will provide more precise data on the contribution of splenic erythropoiesis than 59Fe surface counting alone.", "PMID": 990184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3596", "title": "Folic acid metabolism in normal, folate deficient and alcoholic man.", "content": "Folate metabolism was studied in normal, folate-deficient and alcoholic man by tracer measurements of plasma clearance, urinary excretion, tissue storage and release of folate using both [3H]pteroylglutamic acid (3H-PteGlu) and 14C-methyl-H4PteGlu. Alcohol ingestion did not adversely affect tissue uptake of folates. Whether in normal or folate deficient subjects, the relative clearance rates of 3H-PteGlu and 14C-methyl-H4PteGlu were maintained in the face of alcohol ingestion and there was no evidence of increased urinary loss of intact vitamin or labelled breakdown products. As measured by the flushing technique, the rate of storage or tissue binding of 3H-PteGlu was not influenced by folate deficiency, folate store depletion or alcohol ingestion. However, alcohol may retard the release of methyl-H4PteGlu from tissue stores to plasma. A significantly greater recovery of 14C-methyl-H4PteGly with flush was observed in those normal subjects who ingested alcohol for 6 d. A partial block in the rate of release of tissue folate stores would be a possible mechanism behind the rapid depression in serum methyl-H4PteGlu levels and early induction of megaloblastic erythropoiesis which has been observed following acute alcohol ingestion.", "contents": "Folic acid metabolism in normal, folate deficient and alcoholic man. Folate metabolism was studied in normal, folate-deficient and alcoholic man by tracer measurements of plasma clearance, urinary excretion, tissue storage and release of folate using both [3H]pteroylglutamic acid (3H-PteGlu) and 14C-methyl-H4PteGlu. Alcohol ingestion did not adversely affect tissue uptake of folates. Whether in normal or folate deficient subjects, the relative clearance rates of 3H-PteGlu and 14C-methyl-H4PteGlu were maintained in the face of alcohol ingestion and there was no evidence of increased urinary loss of intact vitamin or labelled breakdown products. As measured by the flushing technique, the rate of storage or tissue binding of 3H-PteGlu was not influenced by folate deficiency, folate store depletion or alcohol ingestion. However, alcohol may retard the release of methyl-H4PteGlu from tissue stores to plasma. A significantly greater recovery of 14C-methyl-H4PteGly with flush was observed in those normal subjects who ingested alcohol for 6 d. A partial block in the rate of release of tissue folate stores would be a possible mechanism behind the rapid depression in serum methyl-H4PteGlu levels and early induction of megaloblastic erythropoiesis which has been observed following acute alcohol ingestion.", "PMID": 990185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3597", "title": "Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in children.", "content": "Forty-four children with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) are described: 31 had acute, subacute or chronic disease with warm autoantibodies and 13 had acute or chronic anaemia with cold autoantibodies. The commonest forms were the acute and subacute types with warm autoantibodies and these were more frequent in young children, while chronic AIHA occurred mainly among children at puberty. In about 16% the anaemia was accompanied by a chronic disorder but in over 50% the anaemia was preceded by an acute infection or immunization. The former gave rise mainly to chronic anaemia, but the latter was associated with the acute and subacute forms. In general the prognosis was good and death was never caused by anaemia per se. The prognosis was worse in patientw with clinical features of thrombocytopenia and bleeding and with the immunological findings of free autoantibodies in the serum and a positive direct antiglobulin test. In acute and subacute forms, treatment with corticosteroids and sometimes with blood transfusions was effective. In chronic forms of the disease it was often necessary to give additional immunosuppressive drugs or/and to perform a splenectomy.", "contents": "Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in children. Forty-four children with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) are described: 31 had acute, subacute or chronic disease with warm autoantibodies and 13 had acute or chronic anaemia with cold autoantibodies. The commonest forms were the acute and subacute types with warm autoantibodies and these were more frequent in young children, while chronic AIHA occurred mainly among children at puberty. In about 16% the anaemia was accompanied by a chronic disorder but in over 50% the anaemia was preceded by an acute infection or immunization. The former gave rise mainly to chronic anaemia, but the latter was associated with the acute and subacute forms. In general the prognosis was good and death was never caused by anaemia per se. The prognosis was worse in patientw with clinical features of thrombocytopenia and bleeding and with the immunological findings of free autoantibodies in the serum and a positive direct antiglobulin test. In acute and subacute forms, treatment with corticosteroids and sometimes with blood transfusions was effective. In chronic forms of the disease it was often necessary to give additional immunosuppressive drugs or/and to perform a splenectomy.", "PMID": 990186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3598", "title": "The Negro variety of hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin is a mild form of thalassaemia.", "content": "Further studies have been carried out on blood of the 15-year-old Negro male from Baltimore who was the first reported case of the homozygous state for hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin. His red cells contain only Hb F; Hbs A and A2 have never been detected. Over a 15-year period of follow up the red cells of this individual have shown persistent microcytosis with reduced MCH and MCV values. His whole-blood p50 value is decreased, probably because of lack of interaction between Hb F and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. However, his haemoglobin level at the age of 15 years is lower than would be predicted from the degree of increased oxygen affinity. Globin-chain synthesis studies suggest that this is because he has a mild thalassaemia disorder with an alpha/gamma-chain production ratio of about 1.5, similar to that found in beta-thalassemia heterozygotes. Thus Negro HPFH appears to be a well-compensated form of delta beta thalassaemia.", "contents": "The Negro variety of hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin is a mild form of thalassaemia. Further studies have been carried out on blood of the 15-year-old Negro male from Baltimore who was the first reported case of the homozygous state for hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin. His red cells contain only Hb F; Hbs A and A2 have never been detected. Over a 15-year period of follow up the red cells of this individual have shown persistent microcytosis with reduced MCH and MCV values. His whole-blood p50 value is decreased, probably because of lack of interaction between Hb F and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. However, his haemoglobin level at the age of 15 years is lower than would be predicted from the degree of increased oxygen affinity. Globin-chain synthesis studies suggest that this is because he has a mild thalassaemia disorder with an alpha/gamma-chain production ratio of about 1.5, similar to that found in beta-thalassemia heterozygotes. Thus Negro HPFH appears to be a well-compensated form of delta beta thalassaemia.", "PMID": 990187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3599", "title": "Globin synthesis in normal human bone marrow.", "content": "Globin synthesis has been studied by in vitro labelling with radioactive amino acids in 60 normal human bone-marrow samples. Under the conditions routinely used to fractionate alpha and beta chains by chromatography alpha/beta production ratios ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 were obtained, depending on the method of sample treatment. This variation was due entirely to the presence of non-haem proteins derived from white cells which chromagraphy with globin on CM-cellulose. Purification of globin on Sephadex G100 and fractionation of alpha and beta globin chains by a modified chromatographic system resulted in alpha/beta ratios of unity. The relevance of these findings to the study of marrows in which there is unbalanced globin chain production is discussed.", "contents": "Globin synthesis in normal human bone marrow. Globin synthesis has been studied by in vitro labelling with radioactive amino acids in 60 normal human bone-marrow samples. Under the conditions routinely used to fractionate alpha and beta chains by chromatography alpha/beta production ratios ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 were obtained, depending on the method of sample treatment. This variation was due entirely to the presence of non-haem proteins derived from white cells which chromagraphy with globin on CM-cellulose. Purification of globin on Sephadex G100 and fractionation of alpha and beta globin chains by a modified chromatographic system resulted in alpha/beta ratios of unity. The relevance of these findings to the study of marrows in which there is unbalanced globin chain production is discussed.", "PMID": 990188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3600", "title": "Ultrastructure of sickling and unsickling in time-lapse studies.", "content": "The denser subpopulation of erythrocytes from patients with sickle cell anaemia was deoxygenated to a pO2 of 4.7 kPa or reoxygenated to a pO2 of 12 kPa with a continuous-flow apparatus. Samples were collected into modified Karnovsky's fixative at intervals between 0.5 and 15 S. .The earliest event after deoxygenation was aggreagation of haemoglobin followed by the formation of fibres of 160-200 A diameter. The polymers were always randomly distributed in a loose network. A highly ordered, close packing of fibres characteristic of the nematic liquid crystal was not achieved within 15 S. Depolymerization involved a shortening of fibres followed by aggregation similar to that observed early in the polymerization process and prior to the return to the unperturbed state. Irreversibly sickled cells were the first to demonstrate polymers following deoxygenation and that last to lose polymers after reoxygenation. Polymerization of the haemoglobin preceded the appearnce of the sickled deformity of reversibly sickled cells and, following reoxygenation, the return to the discoid shape lagged behind the disappearance of polymers. These studies, carried out under physiologic conditions, have demonstrated intracellular changes during time intervals that correspond to the normal venous and arterial circulation that may contribute to the pathophysiology of sickling disorders.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of sickling and unsickling in time-lapse studies. The denser subpopulation of erythrocytes from patients with sickle cell anaemia was deoxygenated to a pO2 of 4.7 kPa or reoxygenated to a pO2 of 12 kPa with a continuous-flow apparatus. Samples were collected into modified Karnovsky's fixative at intervals between 0.5 and 15 S. .The earliest event after deoxygenation was aggreagation of haemoglobin followed by the formation of fibres of 160-200 A diameter. The polymers were always randomly distributed in a loose network. A highly ordered, close packing of fibres characteristic of the nematic liquid crystal was not achieved within 15 S. Depolymerization involved a shortening of fibres followed by aggregation similar to that observed early in the polymerization process and prior to the return to the unperturbed state. Irreversibly sickled cells were the first to demonstrate polymers following deoxygenation and that last to lose polymers after reoxygenation. Polymerization of the haemoglobin preceded the appearnce of the sickled deformity of reversibly sickled cells and, following reoxygenation, the return to the discoid shape lagged behind the disappearance of polymers. These studies, carried out under physiologic conditions, have demonstrated intracellular changes during time intervals that correspond to the normal venous and arterial circulation that may contribute to the pathophysiology of sickling disorders.", "PMID": 990189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3601", "title": "Serum \"uracil+uridine\" levels in pernicious anaemia.", "content": "The serum \"uracil+uridine\" level, expressed as uracil, has been measured in 21 cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, in which the serum folate was normal, and compared with the level in 97 normal subjects. The level in the vitamin B12 deficient group (11.9 mumol/1). was significantly lower than in the controls (15.7 mumol/1., P less than 0.005). Nine of the former were complicated by stystemic illness but the clinical and haematological features in the remaining 12 were consistent with the diagnosis of pernicious anaemia in relapse. The serum uracil level in this group was even lower (10.21 mumol/1., P less than 0.01). This finding is unexpected in view of the generally accepted indirect role of vitamine B12 in the methylation of deoxyuridine monophosphate to deoxythymidine monophosphate. Reasons are given for not accepting these results as reflecting the main biochemical lesion in vitamin B12 deficiency. Although they do not give direct support to an impairment in the methylation of deoxyuridine monophosphate, they do not exclude it as they test only one possible metabolic pathway and moreover they could represent the result of more than one action of vitamin B12 on uracil metabolism. They do show, however, that some aspect of uracil metabolism other than methylation is affected in vitamin B12 deficiency in man.", "contents": "Serum \"uracil+uridine\" levels in pernicious anaemia. The serum \"uracil+uridine\" level, expressed as uracil, has been measured in 21 cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, in which the serum folate was normal, and compared with the level in 97 normal subjects. The level in the vitamin B12 deficient group (11.9 mumol/1). was significantly lower than in the controls (15.7 mumol/1., P less than 0.005). Nine of the former were complicated by stystemic illness but the clinical and haematological features in the remaining 12 were consistent with the diagnosis of pernicious anaemia in relapse. The serum uracil level in this group was even lower (10.21 mumol/1., P less than 0.01). This finding is unexpected in view of the generally accepted indirect role of vitamine B12 in the methylation of deoxyuridine monophosphate to deoxythymidine monophosphate. Reasons are given for not accepting these results as reflecting the main biochemical lesion in vitamin B12 deficiency. Although they do not give direct support to an impairment in the methylation of deoxyuridine monophosphate, they do not exclude it as they test only one possible metabolic pathway and moreover they could represent the result of more than one action of vitamin B12 on uracil metabolism. They do show, however, that some aspect of uracil metabolism other than methylation is affected in vitamin B12 deficiency in man.", "PMID": 990190} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3602", "title": "Serum \"uracil+uridine\" levels before and after vitamin B12 therapy in pernicious anaemia.", "content": "The serum \"uracil+uridine\" levels, expressed as uracil, have been measured in 10 cases of pernicious anaemia both before and after treatment, and compared with the levels in 97 normal subjects. The mean pre-treamtent value (8.82 mumol/1., range 6.0-12.0 mumol/1.) differed significantly from that of the normal controls (15.7 mumol/1., range 5.7-40.5 mumol/1., t = 8.8, P less than 0.001). This confirms the low serum uracil level previously reported in pernicious anaemia relapse. The level rose progressively after treatment, reaching a maximum on the fourth day (mean 17.85 mumol/1., range 9.3-23.4 mumol/1.). This was not significantly different from the mean of the normal control group. The difference between the pre- and post-treatment levels was significant on days 3,4 and 5 (P less than 0.005, P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.005 respectively) and the rise preceded the reticulocyte response by 24 h. A further case was treated with pysiological doses of vitamin B12 (2 mug daily for 6 d) and a similar rise in the serum uracil level noted. These results are not explained by any of the known functions of vitamin B12. They are, however, similar to the changes in the serum methionine levels previously reported in pernicious anaemia. The latter were readily explained by the known action of vitamin B12 on \"de novo\" methionine synthesis and it is suggested that the synthesis of uracil, like that of methionine, might be influenced by vitamin B12 in man.", "contents": "Serum \"uracil+uridine\" levels before and after vitamin B12 therapy in pernicious anaemia. The serum \"uracil+uridine\" levels, expressed as uracil, have been measured in 10 cases of pernicious anaemia both before and after treatment, and compared with the levels in 97 normal subjects. The mean pre-treamtent value (8.82 mumol/1., range 6.0-12.0 mumol/1.) differed significantly from that of the normal controls (15.7 mumol/1., range 5.7-40.5 mumol/1., t = 8.8, P less than 0.001). This confirms the low serum uracil level previously reported in pernicious anaemia relapse. The level rose progressively after treatment, reaching a maximum on the fourth day (mean 17.85 mumol/1., range 9.3-23.4 mumol/1.). This was not significantly different from the mean of the normal control group. The difference between the pre- and post-treatment levels was significant on days 3,4 and 5 (P less than 0.005, P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.005 respectively) and the rise preceded the reticulocyte response by 24 h. A further case was treated with pysiological doses of vitamin B12 (2 mug daily for 6 d) and a similar rise in the serum uracil level noted. These results are not explained by any of the known functions of vitamin B12. They are, however, similar to the changes in the serum methionine levels previously reported in pernicious anaemia. The latter were readily explained by the known action of vitamin B12 on \"de novo\" methionine synthesis and it is suggested that the synthesis of uracil, like that of methionine, might be influenced by vitamin B12 in man.", "PMID": 990191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3603", "title": "Microcytosis, anisocytosis and the red cell indices in iron deficiency.", "content": "Red cell volume distribution curves have been used to measure microcytosis and anisocytosis in normal subjects, blood donors and patients with iron deficiency anaemia. These measurements were more sensitive than the conventional red cell indices for detecting blood donors with a low transferrin saturation. Three stages are suggested as iron deficiency progressively interferes with haemopoietic function. Anisocytosis and an increased percentage of microcytic cells are the first haematological abnormalities to occur and at this stage haemoglobin concentration is usually normal and trasferrin saturation less than 32%. At the second stage the MCV and MCH decline, haemoglobin concentration is generally sub-normal, though not below 9 g/dl, and transferrin saturation is usually below 16%. The final stage of iron deficiency is associated with a low MCHC, a haemoglobin concentration below 9 g/dl and a transferrin saturation of less than 16%.", "contents": "Microcytosis, anisocytosis and the red cell indices in iron deficiency. Red cell volume distribution curves have been used to measure microcytosis and anisocytosis in normal subjects, blood donors and patients with iron deficiency anaemia. These measurements were more sensitive than the conventional red cell indices for detecting blood donors with a low transferrin saturation. Three stages are suggested as iron deficiency progressively interferes with haemopoietic function. Anisocytosis and an increased percentage of microcytic cells are the first haematological abnormalities to occur and at this stage haemoglobin concentration is usually normal and trasferrin saturation less than 32%. At the second stage the MCV and MCH decline, haemoglobin concentration is generally sub-normal, though not below 9 g/dl, and transferrin saturation is usually below 16%. The final stage of iron deficiency is associated with a low MCHC, a haemoglobin concentration below 9 g/dl and a transferrin saturation of less than 16%.", "PMID": 990192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3604", "title": "Two biochemical markers in lymphocyte subpopulations.", "content": "Human blood lymphocytes can be separated into two populations according to the presence of surface complement receptors. Lymphocytes containing complement receptors (CR+) were found to have a high rate of RNA synthesis or turnover accompanied by increased protein synthesis. Lymphocytes not containing complement receptors (CR-) while maintaining a low profile in RNA synthesis, had a 10-12-fold greater activity in adenosine deaminase enzyme which is believed to be related to lymphocyte-immune responses and cell-mediated immunity. These two biochemical characteristics can be useful tools for future studies in lymphocyte functions. By using these two biochemical markers, we found that CLL lymphocytes were predominantly of the CR+ type, had high active RNA synthesis, and very low adenosine deaminase level. Lymphocytes from two patients with X-linked agammaglobulinaemia showed a picture opposite to that of CLL.", "contents": "Two biochemical markers in lymphocyte subpopulations. Human blood lymphocytes can be separated into two populations according to the presence of surface complement receptors. Lymphocytes containing complement receptors (CR+) were found to have a high rate of RNA synthesis or turnover accompanied by increased protein synthesis. Lymphocytes not containing complement receptors (CR-) while maintaining a low profile in RNA synthesis, had a 10-12-fold greater activity in adenosine deaminase enzyme which is believed to be related to lymphocyte-immune responses and cell-mediated immunity. These two biochemical characteristics can be useful tools for future studies in lymphocyte functions. By using these two biochemical markers, we found that CLL lymphocytes were predominantly of the CR+ type, had high active RNA synthesis, and very low adenosine deaminase level. Lymphocytes from two patients with X-linked agammaglobulinaemia showed a picture opposite to that of CLL.", "PMID": 990193} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3605", "title": "Megakaryocytes and the heterogeneity of circulating platelets.", "content": "Megakaryocytes mature to the point of cytoplasmic disintergration in three principal ploidy classes: 8n, 16n and 32n. Cells of each of these ploidy classes have been identified, using both microdensitometry and measurement of cell volume and submitted to morphometric analysis. Mature megakaryocytes of the three ploidy classes have been shown to differ in the concentration of cytoplasmic constituents which would be expected to relate to the buoyant density of their platelet progeny. Density separated platelets have been similarly analysed. Light platelets correspond with the 32n megakarycytes and are more liberally endowed with surface connected canalicular system than the progeny of the common 16n megakaryocytes; it is proposed that they have functional characteristics related to this finding. Dense platelets, which are larger in size, correspond with 8n megakaryocytes and show a greater content of granules and mitochondria than platelets of average density. These platelets most probably show specialized function relating to release of granule constituents. Fragments of cytoplasm released from megakaryocytes represent one form of \"megathrombocyte\" equated by others with newly formed platelets. The differences in structure between these fragments and circulating platelets are emphasized; each such fragment must undergo further disintergration into a number of platelets. It is suggested that the heterogeneity of circulating platelets with respect to both size and density stems from the origin of platelets of varying density from the different populations of megakaryocyte and their release in the form of large cytoplasmic fragments rather than as platelets.", "contents": "Megakaryocytes and the heterogeneity of circulating platelets. Megakaryocytes mature to the point of cytoplasmic disintergration in three principal ploidy classes: 8n, 16n and 32n. Cells of each of these ploidy classes have been identified, using both microdensitometry and measurement of cell volume and submitted to morphometric analysis. Mature megakaryocytes of the three ploidy classes have been shown to differ in the concentration of cytoplasmic constituents which would be expected to relate to the buoyant density of their platelet progeny. Density separated platelets have been similarly analysed. Light platelets correspond with the 32n megakarycytes and are more liberally endowed with surface connected canalicular system than the progeny of the common 16n megakaryocytes; it is proposed that they have functional characteristics related to this finding. Dense platelets, which are larger in size, correspond with 8n megakaryocytes and show a greater content of granules and mitochondria than platelets of average density. These platelets most probably show specialized function relating to release of granule constituents. Fragments of cytoplasm released from megakaryocytes represent one form of \"megathrombocyte\" equated by others with newly formed platelets. The differences in structure between these fragments and circulating platelets are emphasized; each such fragment must undergo further disintergration into a number of platelets. It is suggested that the heterogeneity of circulating platelets with respect to both size and density stems from the origin of platelets of varying density from the different populations of megakaryocyte and their release in the form of large cytoplasmic fragments rather than as platelets.", "PMID": 990194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3606", "title": "Relationship of factor VIII-like antigen (VIII AGN) and clot promoting acitivty (VIII AHF) as measured by one- and two-stage assays in patients with liver disease.", "content": "We recently observed a increase in factor-VIII clot promoting activity as measured by a one-stage assay (VIII AHF) in a haemophiliac with hepatitis. However, VIII AHF as measured by a two-stage assay (VIII AHF) was 0.013 u/ml at a time when VIII AHF measured 0.38 u/ml. We then studied seven non-haemophiliacs with liver disease, and attempted to correlate the lvels of VIII AHF and VIII AHF with factor VIII-like antigen (VIII AGN) as measured by quantitative immunoelectrophoresis. In four of the seven patients, disproportionate elevations of VIII AHF compared to VIII AHF were found. Furthermore, VIII AHF values correlated well with VIII AGN vales . No such discrepancy was apparent in four normal control subjects. These findings emphasize the necessity for performing two-stage assays in haemophiliacs as well as non-haemophiliacs with liver disease to assess factor-VIII levels. In addition, they suggest that confirmation of the diagnosis of haemophilia may not be possible in the haemophiliac with hepatitis unless VIII AHF determinations are performed. The reason for the disparity between VIII ahf and VIII AHF levels is not apparent. However, the correlation of VIII AGN and VIII AHF levels in the non-haemophiliacs with liver disease provides further support for the concept that VIII AGN and VIII AHF are closely related or identical molecular entities.", "contents": "Relationship of factor VIII-like antigen (VIII AGN) and clot promoting acitivty (VIII AHF) as measured by one- and two-stage assays in patients with liver disease. We recently observed a increase in factor-VIII clot promoting activity as measured by a one-stage assay (VIII AHF) in a haemophiliac with hepatitis. However, VIII AHF as measured by a two-stage assay (VIII AHF) was 0.013 u/ml at a time when VIII AHF measured 0.38 u/ml. We then studied seven non-haemophiliacs with liver disease, and attempted to correlate the lvels of VIII AHF and VIII AHF with factor VIII-like antigen (VIII AGN) as measured by quantitative immunoelectrophoresis. In four of the seven patients, disproportionate elevations of VIII AHF compared to VIII AHF were found. Furthermore, VIII AHF values correlated well with VIII AGN vales . No such discrepancy was apparent in four normal control subjects. These findings emphasize the necessity for performing two-stage assays in haemophiliacs as well as non-haemophiliacs with liver disease to assess factor-VIII levels. In addition, they suggest that confirmation of the diagnosis of haemophilia may not be possible in the haemophiliac with hepatitis unless VIII AHF determinations are performed. The reason for the disparity between VIII ahf and VIII AHF levels is not apparent. However, the correlation of VIII AGN and VIII AHF levels in the non-haemophiliacs with liver disease provides further support for the concept that VIII AGN and VIII AHF are closely related or identical molecular entities.", "PMID": 990195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3607", "title": "The effects of therapeutic conditions: positive results revisited.", "content": "This paper surveys evidence relating the 'therapeutic conditions' of Accurate Empathy, Non-Possessive Warmth and Genuineness to psychotherapeutic outcome. The studies reviewed include comparisons of 'good' therapy with no-treatment control groups, and correlational studies relating levels of 'conditions' to outcome. Even leaving aside the question of the validity of the outcome measures used, it is concluded that present evidence suggests no more than a weak relationship between these 'conditions' and patient improvement. It is suggested that a methodologically adequate, experimental, demonstration of their effectiveness has yet to be attempted.", "contents": "The effects of therapeutic conditions: positive results revisited. This paper surveys evidence relating the 'therapeutic conditions' of Accurate Empathy, Non-Possessive Warmth and Genuineness to psychotherapeutic outcome. The studies reviewed include comparisons of 'good' therapy with no-treatment control groups, and correlational studies relating levels of 'conditions' to outcome. Even leaving aside the question of the validity of the outcome measures used, it is concluded that present evidence suggests no more than a weak relationship between these 'conditions' and patient improvement. It is suggested that a methodologically adequate, experimental, demonstration of their effectiveness has yet to be attempted.", "PMID": 990206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3608", "title": "Training in feminine skills in a male transsexual: a pre-operative procedure.", "content": "This case study describes an attempt to modify the sex-role behaviour of a male transsexual in accordance with the subject's preferred sexual identity. The patient was treated before sex-change surgery. Treatment consisted of a modified form of social skills training and comprised such techniques as modelling, behaviour rehearsal and videotape feedback and focused on female elements of behaviour. Behavioural observations and psychometric testing were carried out before and after treatment and indicated significant change. The results indicated that: (a) behavioural intervention facilitated adoption of a new sex role; (b) the techniques used were particularly useful in modifying sex role behaviour; (c) the adoption of a new sex role in line with preferred identity was successful in terms of patient satisfaction.", "contents": "Training in feminine skills in a male transsexual: a pre-operative procedure. This case study describes an attempt to modify the sex-role behaviour of a male transsexual in accordance with the subject's preferred sexual identity. The patient was treated before sex-change surgery. Treatment consisted of a modified form of social skills training and comprised such techniques as modelling, behaviour rehearsal and videotape feedback and focused on female elements of behaviour. Behavioural observations and psychometric testing were carried out before and after treatment and indicated significant change. The results indicated that: (a) behavioural intervention facilitated adoption of a new sex role; (b) the techniques used were particularly useful in modifying sex role behaviour; (c) the adoption of a new sex role in line with preferred identity was successful in terms of patient satisfaction.", "PMID": 990208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3609", "title": "Language and cultural influences in the description of pain.", "content": "Several lines of argument have been pursued in the attempt to study the meanings of pain descriptions in English. First, the component terms of pain descriptions were heuristically classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary groups. Attention was then given to historical features of the primary pain terms. These were handled as morphological structures possessed of a history which has included their entry into the lexicon and their progressive modifications. Besides constituting morphological structures, the primary pain terms are also semantic categories; the history of this 'meaning' dimension was given attention. The sememes which have been bound together with the various primary pain terms were discussed. Brief attention was the given to the contemporary meanings of the secondary and tertiary pain terms. This emphasis on the meanings of the component terms of pain descriptions paved the way for a synchronic analysis of pain descriptions in contemporary English. In this instance, attention was given to the meanings which descriptions of a pain experience seen to have currently. Two modes of analysis were followed. First, the metaphorical roots of pain were explicated. Analyses of the ways in which native speakers use the various pain terms suggest that a 'model' of pain lies behind these descriptions: this model is of a physical process. What pain is being likened to, and what can be likened to pain, in other words, involves a common semantic matrix which is rooted in historical and cultural factors. Many of the sememes originally linked to the various primary pain terms are still 'alive' and implicated when native English speakers describe pain and 'pain-related' phenomena. The sememes which were originally tied to early uses of the primary pain terms no longer have the specific association which they once had with the term; however, it appears that the sememes do enter into the overall contemporary meanings of English pain. Metaphorical transfers implicit in English pain descriptions realize one important semantic component of pain in this language. The second way of analyzing semantic components of English pain involved a grammatical analysis of paradigmatic sentences which realize pain descriptions. A pain experience space was posited on the basis of this grammatical analysis. Each well-formed English sentence describing pain may be seen as associated with a small portion of this space. The sum of the spaces which a pain term can claim constitutes the overall meaning space of that term. The vaious pain terms were associated with different segments of the posited English pain space. It is important that the various spaces of the primary English terms were not sharply bounded and separated one from the other. Instead, the spaces of many terms seemed to be largely contained in the spaces of others...", "contents": "Language and cultural influences in the description of pain. Several lines of argument have been pursued in the attempt to study the meanings of pain descriptions in English. First, the component terms of pain descriptions were heuristically classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary groups. Attention was then given to historical features of the primary pain terms. These were handled as morphological structures possessed of a history which has included their entry into the lexicon and their progressive modifications. Besides constituting morphological structures, the primary pain terms are also semantic categories; the history of this 'meaning' dimension was given attention. The sememes which have been bound together with the various primary pain terms were discussed. Brief attention was the given to the contemporary meanings of the secondary and tertiary pain terms. This emphasis on the meanings of the component terms of pain descriptions paved the way for a synchronic analysis of pain descriptions in contemporary English. In this instance, attention was given to the meanings which descriptions of a pain experience seen to have currently. Two modes of analysis were followed. First, the metaphorical roots of pain were explicated. Analyses of the ways in which native speakers use the various pain terms suggest that a 'model' of pain lies behind these descriptions: this model is of a physical process. What pain is being likened to, and what can be likened to pain, in other words, involves a common semantic matrix which is rooted in historical and cultural factors. Many of the sememes originally linked to the various primary pain terms are still 'alive' and implicated when native English speakers describe pain and 'pain-related' phenomena. The sememes which were originally tied to early uses of the primary pain terms no longer have the specific association which they once had with the term; however, it appears that the sememes do enter into the overall contemporary meanings of English pain. Metaphorical transfers implicit in English pain descriptions realize one important semantic component of pain in this language. The second way of analyzing semantic components of English pain involved a grammatical analysis of paradigmatic sentences which realize pain descriptions. A pain experience space was posited on the basis of this grammatical analysis. Each well-formed English sentence describing pain may be seen as associated with a small portion of this space. The sum of the spaces which a pain term can claim constitutes the overall meaning space of that term. The vaious pain terms were associated with different segments of the posited English pain space. It is important that the various spaces of the primary English terms were not sharply bounded and separated one from the other. Instead, the spaces of many terms seemed to be largely contained in the spaces of others...", "PMID": 990209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3610", "title": "Factor analysis of analogue scales measuring subjective feelings before and after sleep.", "content": "A series of 18 visual analogue scales was used to report the subjective feelings of 38 healthy subjects on 732 occasions during experiments concerned with the quality of sleep. Factor analysis of scores from these scales, both for all subjects combined and within each of four subjects separately, yielded two factors consistently -- 'alertness' and 'tranquillity'. Scores derived from the first factor indicated that, in the laboratory setting levels of immediately after waking in the morning were reduced, in relation to those before falling asleep on the previous night.", "contents": "Factor analysis of analogue scales measuring subjective feelings before and after sleep. A series of 18 visual analogue scales was used to report the subjective feelings of 38 healthy subjects on 732 occasions during experiments concerned with the quality of sleep. Factor analysis of scores from these scales, both for all subjects combined and within each of four subjects separately, yielded two factors consistently -- 'alertness' and 'tranquillity'. Scores derived from the first factor indicated that, in the laboratory setting levels of immediately after waking in the morning were reduced, in relation to those before falling asleep on the previous night.", "PMID": 990210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3611", "title": "Cognitive dissonance in the placebo treatment of insomnia -- a pilot experiment.", "content": "Insomnia in 11 general hospital in-patients was treated by a placebo. The conditions of administration of the placebo were experimentally varied, and a hypothesis derived from Festinger's cognitive dissonance theory was tested. Consistent with this hypothesis, it was found that patients who were required to make meaningful decisions concerning their treatment derived significantly greater hypnotic (therapeutic) value from it than did patients whose treatment was simply administered to them and who were not required to make such decisions. The power of cognitive dissonance theory to explain the placebo effect, and the therapeutic potential of this approach are discussed.", "contents": "Cognitive dissonance in the placebo treatment of insomnia -- a pilot experiment. Insomnia in 11 general hospital in-patients was treated by a placebo. The conditions of administration of the placebo were experimentally varied, and a hypothesis derived from Festinger's cognitive dissonance theory was tested. Consistent with this hypothesis, it was found that patients who were required to make meaningful decisions concerning their treatment derived significantly greater hypnotic (therapeutic) value from it than did patients whose treatment was simply administered to them and who were not required to make such decisions. The power of cognitive dissonance theory to explain the placebo effect, and the therapeutic potential of this approach are discussed.", "PMID": 990212} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3612", "title": "Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in ovarian cancer: factors influencing its incidence and changes which occur in response to cytotoxic drugs.", "content": "We report the serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in 109 patients with ovarian cancer. Histology, degree of differentiation, and clinical stage influenced the incidence of positive CEA. Although CEA was significantly raised in patients with a variety of tumours, the highest incidence (77 per cent) was found in those with serious cystadenocarcinoma. Nearly all (94 per cent) of the poorly differentiated tumours were associated with a positive CEA result. Serial CEA levels provided a useful guide to management during cytotoxic chemotherapy, rapidly falling levels indicating a favourable tumour response which was reflected clinically. However, only two-thirds of tumours were associated with detectable CEA levels in serum, day-to-day variations in individual serum levels occurred, and CEA levels tended to fall paradoxically during terminal illness. The significance of persistently low levels in the apparent absence of disease was uncertain.", "contents": "Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in ovarian cancer: factors influencing its incidence and changes which occur in response to cytotoxic drugs. We report the serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in 109 patients with ovarian cancer. Histology, degree of differentiation, and clinical stage influenced the incidence of positive CEA. Although CEA was significantly raised in patients with a variety of tumours, the highest incidence (77 per cent) was found in those with serious cystadenocarcinoma. Nearly all (94 per cent) of the poorly differentiated tumours were associated with a positive CEA result. Serial CEA levels provided a useful guide to management during cytotoxic chemotherapy, rapidly falling levels indicating a favourable tumour response which was reflected clinically. However, only two-thirds of tumours were associated with detectable CEA levels in serum, day-to-day variations in individual serum levels occurred, and CEA levels tended to fall paradoxically during terminal illness. The significance of persistently low levels in the apparent absence of disease was uncertain.", "PMID": 990213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3613", "title": "Haematological changes during normal pregnancy: iron induced macrocytosis.", "content": "Haematological indices in 300 pregnant and 50 non-pregnant women were obtained by Coulter Counter analysis. In 47 women who did not receive iron supplements during pregnancy, haemoglobin concentration fell from a mean of 12-23 g/dl in early pregnancy to 11-04 g/dl at 34 weeks gestation, a level which was maintained until term. In the 153 women to whom iron supplements were given during pregnancy, the initial fall in haemoglobin concentration was less, was arrested by 28 weeks gestation and then rose to a level equivalent to the booking level. This different pattern in iron supplemented pregnancies was due to an increase in the red cell count together with a change in mean cell volume. Although the changed mean cell volume usually remained within the normal range in the group who did not take iron, a few women developed microcytosis which could reflect iron deficiency; a macrocytic change was noted in a small number of the women who received routine iron supplements and this could reflect iron \"over sufficiency\". The results are discussed in relation to the possible effects of giving routine oral iron to all pregnant women.", "contents": "Haematological changes during normal pregnancy: iron induced macrocytosis. Haematological indices in 300 pregnant and 50 non-pregnant women were obtained by Coulter Counter analysis. In 47 women who did not receive iron supplements during pregnancy, haemoglobin concentration fell from a mean of 12-23 g/dl in early pregnancy to 11-04 g/dl at 34 weeks gestation, a level which was maintained until term. In the 153 women to whom iron supplements were given during pregnancy, the initial fall in haemoglobin concentration was less, was arrested by 28 weeks gestation and then rose to a level equivalent to the booking level. This different pattern in iron supplemented pregnancies was due to an increase in the red cell count together with a change in mean cell volume. Although the changed mean cell volume usually remained within the normal range in the group who did not take iron, a few women developed microcytosis which could reflect iron deficiency; a macrocytic change was noted in a small number of the women who received routine iron supplements and this could reflect iron \"over sufficiency\". The results are discussed in relation to the possible effects of giving routine oral iron to all pregnant women.", "PMID": 990214} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3614", "title": "The response of the fetal heart rate of amniocentesis.", "content": "Fetal heart rate monitoring during 107 amniocenteses suggested that acceleration of the fetal heart rate indicated fetal well-being. Eight out of the 19 fetuses who did not show this response (as against 2 out of the 88 others) had a low Apgar score at birth.", "contents": "The response of the fetal heart rate of amniocentesis. Fetal heart rate monitoring during 107 amniocenteses suggested that acceleration of the fetal heart rate indicated fetal well-being. Eight out of the 19 fetuses who did not show this response (as against 2 out of the 88 others) had a low Apgar score at birth.", "PMID": 990215} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3615", "title": "Plasma levels of pregnancy-specific beta1-glycoprotein in normal pregnancy.", "content": "Pregnancy-specific beta-glycoprotein (PSbetaG) is a major product of the trophoblast which has only recently been identified. Like human placental lactogen, the concentration of PSbetaG in maternal blood rises throughout pregnancy until about 34 weeks, thereafter tending to remain constant until term, with only a small day-to-day variation in individuals. The circulating maternal levels of PSbetaG between 34 weeks and term are about 200 mug/ml, 20 to 30 times greater than the levels of placental lactogen, thus allowing detection and measurement of PSbetaG by relatively simple techniques. The levels of PSbetaG are above the normal range in the majority of twin pregnancies. It is suggested that PSbetaG measurements may be useful in assessing placental function and may help in the detection of multiple pregnancies at an early stage of gestation.", "contents": "Plasma levels of pregnancy-specific beta1-glycoprotein in normal pregnancy. Pregnancy-specific beta-glycoprotein (PSbetaG) is a major product of the trophoblast which has only recently been identified. Like human placental lactogen, the concentration of PSbetaG in maternal blood rises throughout pregnancy until about 34 weeks, thereafter tending to remain constant until term, with only a small day-to-day variation in individuals. The circulating maternal levels of PSbetaG between 34 weeks and term are about 200 mug/ml, 20 to 30 times greater than the levels of placental lactogen, thus allowing detection and measurement of PSbetaG by relatively simple techniques. The levels of PSbetaG are above the normal range in the majority of twin pregnancies. It is suggested that PSbetaG measurements may be useful in assessing placental function and may help in the detection of multiple pregnancies at an early stage of gestation.", "PMID": 990216} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3616", "title": "The effect of oxytocics on the human cervix during midtrimester pregnancy.", "content": "Observations of the effects of oxytocics on the human pregnant cervix have been made in vivo using a double open ended catheter technique. Prostaglandin E, prostaglandin F2alpha and oxytocin had similar but no specific effects upon the intracervical canal pressure; ergometrine caused contractions of the cervix. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to cervical rupture and cervico-vaginal fistulae that have been reported following second trimester abortion induced with prostaglandins.", "contents": "The effect of oxytocics on the human cervix during midtrimester pregnancy. Observations of the effects of oxytocics on the human pregnant cervix have been made in vivo using a double open ended catheter technique. Prostaglandin E, prostaglandin F2alpha and oxytocin had similar but no specific effects upon the intracervical canal pressure; ergometrine caused contractions of the cervix. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to cervical rupture and cervico-vaginal fistulae that have been reported following second trimester abortion induced with prostaglandins.", "PMID": 990217} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3617", "title": "The concentrations of prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2alpha in tissues within the fetoplacental unit after spontaneous or induced labour.", "content": "The concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) were measured by radioimmunoassay in portions of umbilical cord, placenta, amnion, chorion and decidua. The samples were obtained during 12 confinements immediately after the delivery of a healthy baby. Labour had either occurred spontaneously (6 subjects) or had been induced approximately two weeks after the estimated date of delivery. The results showed that the concentration of PGE2 was significantly higher (Student's 't' test) in samples of placenta (P less than 0-05), decidua (P less than 0-025), umbilical cord (P less than 0-0125) and amnion (P less than 0-0025), from those patients who had started labour spontaneously. In contrast, the concentration of PGF2alpha was only raised to a significant extent (P less than 0-025) in the amnion. The findings are discussed.", "contents": "The concentrations of prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2alpha in tissues within the fetoplacental unit after spontaneous or induced labour. The concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) were measured by radioimmunoassay in portions of umbilical cord, placenta, amnion, chorion and decidua. The samples were obtained during 12 confinements immediately after the delivery of a healthy baby. Labour had either occurred spontaneously (6 subjects) or had been induced approximately two weeks after the estimated date of delivery. The results showed that the concentration of PGE2 was significantly higher (Student's 't' test) in samples of placenta (P less than 0-05), decidua (P less than 0-025), umbilical cord (P less than 0-0125) and amnion (P less than 0-0025), from those patients who had started labour spontaneously. In contrast, the concentration of PGF2alpha was only raised to a significant extent (P less than 0-025) in the amnion. The findings are discussed.", "PMID": 990218} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3618", "title": "Cellular development of some embryonic organs and the chorion during the first trimester of human pregnancy.", "content": "The DNA, RNA and protein content of chorionic tissue, heart, liver, kidney, lung and brain was estimated in 27 fetuses obtained at termination of pregnancy between 50 and 105 days of menstrual age. For brain, heart and liver, growth appeared to be most rapid at the earliest period studied (50 to 60 days) whereas kidney and lung development was most rapid later in the first trimester. It is suggested that these periods of particularly rapid growth may be the times at which those tissues are most vulnerable to injury.", "contents": "Cellular development of some embryonic organs and the chorion during the first trimester of human pregnancy. The DNA, RNA and protein content of chorionic tissue, heart, liver, kidney, lung and brain was estimated in 27 fetuses obtained at termination of pregnancy between 50 and 105 days of menstrual age. For brain, heart and liver, growth appeared to be most rapid at the earliest period studied (50 to 60 days) whereas kidney and lung development was most rapid later in the first trimester. It is suggested that these periods of particularly rapid growth may be the times at which those tissues are most vulnerable to injury.", "PMID": 990219} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3619", "title": "Study of the uterine cavity by ultrasound in the early puerperium.", "content": "The uterine cavity length, maximum width and area were determined by ultrasonic scanning in ten women after their first full term delivery (primiparae) and ten women after their second full term delivery (secundiparase) during the first eight days of the puerperium. A consistent and progressive decrease in all three measurements was found; although faster between days 1 and 3 than between days 3 and 8 the difference was statistically significant only for cavity area. The rates of involution for both parity groups were similar and were not influenced by breast feeding. The cavity length in primiparae and secundiparae was also similar, but the maximum width on days 3, 5 and 8 and the area on days 3 and 5 were significantly greater in secundiparae. A correlation between the infant birth weight and cavity length on day 1 and between infant birth weight and cavity area on days 1, 3 and 5 was found in secundiparae.", "contents": "Study of the uterine cavity by ultrasound in the early puerperium. The uterine cavity length, maximum width and area were determined by ultrasonic scanning in ten women after their first full term delivery (primiparae) and ten women after their second full term delivery (secundiparase) during the first eight days of the puerperium. A consistent and progressive decrease in all three measurements was found; although faster between days 1 and 3 than between days 3 and 8 the difference was statistically significant only for cavity area. The rates of involution for both parity groups were similar and were not influenced by breast feeding. The cavity length in primiparae and secundiparae was also similar, but the maximum width on days 3, 5 and 8 and the area on days 3 and 5 were significantly greater in secundiparae. A correlation between the infant birth weight and cavity length on day 1 and between infant birth weight and cavity area on days 1, 3 and 5 was found in secundiparae.", "PMID": 990220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3620", "title": "Diagnostic ultrasound in the management of patients using intrauterine contraceptive devices.", "content": "A group of 80 patients was scanned by ultrasound within 24 hours of insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and re-examined clinically and/or by ultrasound after the next menstrual period. An attempt was made to identify factors such as uterine size, uterine flexion and the position of the IUCD which might be related to its expulsion or removal when, on initial scanning, the device was not located in the fundal area; removal was necessary in 5 out of 6 patients. In patients with an endometrial cavity of less than 40 mm length and/or acute uterine flexion, the overall figure for expulsion and removal was 54 per cent (13 out of 24). It is hoped that a consideration of these factors will lead to a reduction of the failure rate of the IUCD.", "contents": "Diagnostic ultrasound in the management of patients using intrauterine contraceptive devices. A group of 80 patients was scanned by ultrasound within 24 hours of insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and re-examined clinically and/or by ultrasound after the next menstrual period. An attempt was made to identify factors such as uterine size, uterine flexion and the position of the IUCD which might be related to its expulsion or removal when, on initial scanning, the device was not located in the fundal area; removal was necessary in 5 out of 6 patients. In patients with an endometrial cavity of less than 40 mm length and/or acute uterine flexion, the overall figure for expulsion and removal was 54 per cent (13 out of 24). It is hoped that a consideration of these factors will lead to a reduction of the failure rate of the IUCD.", "PMID": 990221} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3621", "title": "Angiomatous lymphoid hamartoma of the pelvis.", "content": "A mass removed from the pelvic retroperitoneal tissues of a 24-year-old women was found to be an angiomatous lymphoid hamartoma. The clinical, radiological and histological features are described, and the problems encountered in diagnosis discussed.", "contents": "Angiomatous lymphoid hamartoma of the pelvis. A mass removed from the pelvic retroperitoneal tissues of a 24-year-old women was found to be an angiomatous lymphoid hamartoma. The clinical, radiological and histological features are described, and the problems encountered in diagnosis discussed.", "PMID": 990222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3622", "title": "The theory, feasibility and accuracy of an ultrasonic method of estimating fetal weight.", "content": "We present the theory, method, feasibility and accuracy of estimating fetal weight by measuring the fetal volume using compound ultrasonic scanning. The two parameters had a very high coefficient of correlation (0-9794), and the standard error in one series of 20 patients was only +/- 106 g. The correlation coefficient achieved by one of us who was new to ultrasound techniques was 0-82, which compared favourably with correlations between fetal weight and biparietal diameter measurements (r = 0-26). A discussion as to the correction factors required to allow for the unknown value of the velocity of ultrasound in fetal tissues, the clinical use of this method, and the possible means by which the accuracy of estimating fetal weight may be further improved is included.", "contents": "The theory, feasibility and accuracy of an ultrasonic method of estimating fetal weight. We present the theory, method, feasibility and accuracy of estimating fetal weight by measuring the fetal volume using compound ultrasonic scanning. The two parameters had a very high coefficient of correlation (0-9794), and the standard error in one series of 20 patients was only +/- 106 g. The correlation coefficient achieved by one of us who was new to ultrasound techniques was 0-82, which compared favourably with correlations between fetal weight and biparietal diameter measurements (r = 0-26). A discussion as to the correction factors required to allow for the unknown value of the velocity of ultrasound in fetal tissues, the clinical use of this method, and the possible means by which the accuracy of estimating fetal weight may be further improved is included.", "PMID": 990223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3623", "title": "Relation of plasma oestriol to changes in blood pressure in pregnant patients with hypertension.", "content": "Serial plasma oestriol levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in 24 patients with severe hypertension in pregnancy. No significant correlation could be found between plasma oestriol and percentage change in diastolic blood pressure. It seems unlikely that hypotensive therapy significantly improves fetoplacental function.", "contents": "Relation of plasma oestriol to changes in blood pressure in pregnant patients with hypertension. Serial plasma oestriol levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in 24 patients with severe hypertension in pregnancy. No significant correlation could be found between plasma oestriol and percentage change in diastolic blood pressure. It seems unlikely that hypotensive therapy significantly improves fetoplacental function.", "PMID": 990224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3624", "title": "Plasma levels of oestriol-17 beta, oestriol and human placental lactogen during bed rest.", "content": "Plasma unconjugated oestradiol-17 beta, total oestriol and human placental lactogen levels were measured in twelve healthy volunteers admitted for bed rest in the last trimester of pregnancy. No significant alteration in levels was observed.", "contents": "Plasma levels of oestriol-17 beta, oestriol and human placental lactogen during bed rest. Plasma unconjugated oestradiol-17 beta, total oestriol and human placental lactogen levels were measured in twelve healthy volunteers admitted for bed rest in the last trimester of pregnancy. No significant alteration in levels was observed.", "PMID": 990225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3625", "title": "Umbilical vein cortisol after spontaneous and induced labour and at elective Caesarean section.", "content": "Umbilical vein (UV) plasma cortisol levels were assayed at delivery after spontaneous labour, oxytocin-induced labour, prostaglandin E2-induced labour and after delivery by elective Caesarean section. Higher mean UV cortisol levels were observed after vaginal delivery than after delivery by elective Caesarean section. The highest mean UV cortisol level was observed in the PGE2 group which accords with the known ability of prostaglandins to increase steroid production. The significance of these findings is discussed.", "contents": "Umbilical vein cortisol after spontaneous and induced labour and at elective Caesarean section. Umbilical vein (UV) plasma cortisol levels were assayed at delivery after spontaneous labour, oxytocin-induced labour, prostaglandin E2-induced labour and after delivery by elective Caesarean section. Higher mean UV cortisol levels were observed after vaginal delivery than after delivery by elective Caesarean section. The highest mean UV cortisol level was observed in the PGE2 group which accords with the known ability of prostaglandins to increase steroid production. The significance of these findings is discussed.", "PMID": 990226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3626", "title": "Relation of umbilical vein cortisol to neonatal bilirubin concentrations.", "content": "Umbilical vein cortisol levels were assayed following spontaneous labour in 30 patients. Serum bilirubin was measured in the infants born at three days after delivery. No correlation was demonstrated between third day bilirubin concentration and the cord blood cortisol. The implications of this finding are discussed.", "contents": "Relation of umbilical vein cortisol to neonatal bilirubin concentrations. Umbilical vein cortisol levels were assayed following spontaneous labour in 30 patients. Serum bilirubin was measured in the infants born at three days after delivery. No correlation was demonstrated between third day bilirubin concentration and the cord blood cortisol. The implications of this finding are discussed.", "PMID": 990227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3627", "title": "Placental transfer and fetal uptake of 3H-digoxin in humans.", "content": "Placental transmission and fetal distribution of 3H-digoxin were studied in seven pregnant women undergoing legal termination of pregnancy during the first half of gestation. The radioactivity in fetal and maternal plasma and in fetal tissues was estimated using the oxidation method, and the integrity of the labelled drug by thin layer chromatography. The 3H-digoxin activity was clearly demonstrated in the umbilical cord blood five minutes after injection of the drug into the maternal blood, and the fetal plasma concentrations of 3H-digoxin approximated to the maternal value 30 minutes after drug administration. The distribution of 3H-digoxin in the fetal tissues was relatively even, with the highest 3H concentrations found in the heart and placenta, the lowest in the brain. The results suggest that the capacity of human fetal heart to bind digoxin during the first half of gestation is limited.", "contents": "Placental transfer and fetal uptake of 3H-digoxin in humans. Placental transmission and fetal distribution of 3H-digoxin were studied in seven pregnant women undergoing legal termination of pregnancy during the first half of gestation. The radioactivity in fetal and maternal plasma and in fetal tissues was estimated using the oxidation method, and the integrity of the labelled drug by thin layer chromatography. The 3H-digoxin activity was clearly demonstrated in the umbilical cord blood five minutes after injection of the drug into the maternal blood, and the fetal plasma concentrations of 3H-digoxin approximated to the maternal value 30 minutes after drug administration. The distribution of 3H-digoxin in the fetal tissues was relatively even, with the highest 3H concentrations found in the heart and placenta, the lowest in the brain. The results suggest that the capacity of human fetal heart to bind digoxin during the first half of gestation is limited.", "PMID": 990228} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3628", "title": "Termination of abnormal intrauterine pregnancies with intramuscular administration of dihomo 15 methyl prostaglandin F 2alpha.", "content": "A synthetic compound, 2a, 2b dihomo 15 (S) 15 methyl prostaglandin F 2 alpha methyl ester given 8-hourly by intramuscular injection was used to terminate pregnancies in 72 patients with a missed abortion, intrauterine fetal death, molar or anencephalic pregnancies. Treatment was successful in all cases. A 4 mg dose of loperamide given orally at 15 to 30 minutes before the injection of prostaglandin analogue prevented diarrhoea as a side effect.", "contents": "Termination of abnormal intrauterine pregnancies with intramuscular administration of dihomo 15 methyl prostaglandin F 2alpha. A synthetic compound, 2a, 2b dihomo 15 (S) 15 methyl prostaglandin F 2 alpha methyl ester given 8-hourly by intramuscular injection was used to terminate pregnancies in 72 patients with a missed abortion, intrauterine fetal death, molar or anencephalic pregnancies. Treatment was successful in all cases. A 4 mg dose of loperamide given orally at 15 to 30 minutes before the injection of prostaglandin analogue prevented diarrhoea as a side effect.", "PMID": 990229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3629", "title": "Carcinoma of the cervical stump.", "content": "A study was made of 56 patients with carcinoma of thecervical stump after subtotal hysterectomy who were seen between 1946 and 1972 at the National Women's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. The duration of symptoms before diagnosis, stage distribution and five-year survival rates were examined and compared with those in 1459 patients with carcinoma of the cervix, and no previous subtotal hysterectomy, who presented over the same period.", "contents": "Carcinoma of the cervical stump. A study was made of 56 patients with carcinoma of thecervical stump after subtotal hysterectomy who were seen between 1946 and 1972 at the National Women's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. The duration of symptoms before diagnosis, stage distribution and five-year survival rates were examined and compared with those in 1459 patients with carcinoma of the cervix, and no previous subtotal hysterectomy, who presented over the same period.", "PMID": 990230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3630", "title": "Adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: cytological evidence of a long preclinical evolution.", "content": "Adenocarcinoma of the cervix occurred in 13 women who had previously had \"negative\" cervical smears. These smears were reviewed, and abnormalities were found in six cases, the intervals ranging from two to eight years. It is concluded that adenocarcinoma, like squamous carcinoma of the cervix, can have a prolonged evolution during which it is cytologically detectable.", "contents": "Adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: cytological evidence of a long preclinical evolution. Adenocarcinoma of the cervix occurred in 13 women who had previously had \"negative\" cervical smears. These smears were reviewed, and abnormalities were found in six cases, the intervals ranging from two to eight years. It is concluded that adenocarcinoma, like squamous carcinoma of the cervix, can have a prolonged evolution during which it is cytologically detectable.", "PMID": 990231} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3631", "title": "The effect of prolactin on the response of human lymphocytes to phytohaemagglutinin.", "content": "Lymphocytes were collected from ten normal human males and incubated with or without phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in the absence or presence of ovine prolactin in concentrations found in normal individuals and in human pregnancy. Prolactin consistently inhibited lymphocyte transformations. The degree of inhibition became progressively less as PHA concentrations were increased.", "contents": "The effect of prolactin on the response of human lymphocytes to phytohaemagglutinin. Lymphocytes were collected from ten normal human males and incubated with or without phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in the absence or presence of ovine prolactin in concentrations found in normal individuals and in human pregnancy. Prolactin consistently inhibited lymphocyte transformations. The degree of inhibition became progressively less as PHA concentrations were increased.", "PMID": 990232} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3632", "title": "Cataract after exposure to non-ionizing radiant energy.", "content": "The case histories of two individuals exposed to thermal radiation emitted from an electric oven and range were presented. In one patient, earlier exposure to medical diathermy appears to have initiated delayed or late-appearing, capsular cataracts. Instead of the anticipated slow progression, the cataractogenesis was accelerated following recent, repeated exposure to the intense, infrared radiation. In the other patient, exposed solely to infrared radiation, a chorioretinal lesion indistinguishable from the type characteristically secondary to repeated, thermal radiation was observed. More recently, the earliest sign of thermal radiation cataractogenesis, capsular opacification, has become evident. The widespread availability of radiant energy sources such as diathermy machines, microwave ovens, and electric ovens and ranges makes it imperative to examine carefully any possible hazards that may result from their use. With this in mind, radiant energy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cataractogenesis.", "contents": "Cataract after exposure to non-ionizing radiant energy. The case histories of two individuals exposed to thermal radiation emitted from an electric oven and range were presented. In one patient, earlier exposure to medical diathermy appears to have initiated delayed or late-appearing, capsular cataracts. Instead of the anticipated slow progression, the cataractogenesis was accelerated following recent, repeated exposure to the intense, infrared radiation. In the other patient, exposed solely to infrared radiation, a chorioretinal lesion indistinguishable from the type characteristically secondary to repeated, thermal radiation was observed. More recently, the earliest sign of thermal radiation cataractogenesis, capsular opacification, has become evident. The widespread availability of radiant energy sources such as diathermy machines, microwave ovens, and electric ovens and ranges makes it imperative to examine carefully any possible hazards that may result from their use. With this in mind, radiant energy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cataractogenesis.", "PMID": 990233} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3633", "title": "Treatment of uniocular aphakia. A comparison of iris clip lenses with hard corneal contact lenses.", "content": "The visual results, stereopsis, and complications have been assessed on 50 patients in a presenile age group treated for uniocular aphakia. Twenty-five patients received a Binkhorst four-loop lens implant at the time of cataract surgery and 25 were offered a conventional hard contact lens trial postoperatively. The period of follow-up ranged from one to three years.", "contents": "Treatment of uniocular aphakia. A comparison of iris clip lenses with hard corneal contact lenses. The visual results, stereopsis, and complications have been assessed on 50 patients in a presenile age group treated for uniocular aphakia. Twenty-five patients received a Binkhorst four-loop lens implant at the time of cataract surgery and 25 were offered a conventional hard contact lens trial postoperatively. The period of follow-up ranged from one to three years.", "PMID": 990234} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3634", "title": "Internuclear ophthalmoplegia. An electro-oculographic study of peak angular saccadic velocities.", "content": "Peak angular saccadic velocities were measured during 30 degrees saccades in 18 patients with internuclear ophthalmoplegia who had full or nearly full adduction range, and 25 normal subjects. The following observations were made: 1. In the normal group adduction velocities were significantly faster than abduction velocities and centring movements were faster than decentring movements. 2. In patients with internuclear ophthalmoplegia adduction movements were significantly slower than in normal subjects and were significantly slower than abduction velocities. 3. Abduction velocities in patients with internuclear ophthalmoplegia were significantly slower than abduction velocities in normal subjects. It was concluded that measurements of peak angular velocities during saccades may be useful in detecting internuclear ophthalmoplegia or confirming the presence of suspected internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Slow abduction suggests that many patients with internuclear ophthalmoplegia (60 per cent in this series) have lesions affecting the supranuclear pathways subserving horizontal conjugate gaze.", "contents": "Internuclear ophthalmoplegia. An electro-oculographic study of peak angular saccadic velocities. Peak angular saccadic velocities were measured during 30 degrees saccades in 18 patients with internuclear ophthalmoplegia who had full or nearly full adduction range, and 25 normal subjects. The following observations were made: 1. In the normal group adduction velocities were significantly faster than abduction velocities and centring movements were faster than decentring movements. 2. In patients with internuclear ophthalmoplegia adduction movements were significantly slower than in normal subjects and were significantly slower than abduction velocities. 3. Abduction velocities in patients with internuclear ophthalmoplegia were significantly slower than abduction velocities in normal subjects. It was concluded that measurements of peak angular velocities during saccades may be useful in detecting internuclear ophthalmoplegia or confirming the presence of suspected internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Slow abduction suggests that many patients with internuclear ophthalmoplegia (60 per cent in this series) have lesions affecting the supranuclear pathways subserving horizontal conjugate gaze.", "PMID": 990235} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3635", "title": "A study of head and eye movement in spasmus nutans.", "content": "A case of spasmus nutans was studied using objective recordings of head and eye displacement in order to generate a precise description of the ocular oscillations and head nodding and to investigate their interrelationships. The ocularoscillations consisted of 11-Hz sinusoidal convergence movements. The head nodding consisted of a 3-Hz, 3 degrees peak to peak, sinusoidal oscillation in the horizontal plane. The occurrence of the nodding always abolished the ocular oscillation which was replaced by normal compensatory eye movements which assisted visual acuity. The hypothesis is made that the head nodding is not pathological; it is a learned behavioural pattern which permits the patient to nullify the pathological eye movements. In order to test this hypothesis further, objective evidence is required to determine the precise order of appearance of the abnormal head and eye movements in spasmus nutans.", "contents": "A study of head and eye movement in spasmus nutans. A case of spasmus nutans was studied using objective recordings of head and eye displacement in order to generate a precise description of the ocular oscillations and head nodding and to investigate their interrelationships. The ocularoscillations consisted of 11-Hz sinusoidal convergence movements. The head nodding consisted of a 3-Hz, 3 degrees peak to peak, sinusoidal oscillation in the horizontal plane. The occurrence of the nodding always abolished the ocular oscillation which was replaced by normal compensatory eye movements which assisted visual acuity. The hypothesis is made that the head nodding is not pathological; it is a learned behavioural pattern which permits the patient to nullify the pathological eye movements. In order to test this hypothesis further, objective evidence is required to determine the precise order of appearance of the abnormal head and eye movements in spasmus nutans.", "PMID": 990236} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3636", "title": "Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme pattern in the eye muscles. Deviation in myopia.", "content": "The lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme patterns in 46 extraocular eye muscle samples removed at surgery for squint were determined by acrylamide-gel electrophoresis and reduction of NAD coupled with formazan reaction. Muscle type subunits predominated in the isoenzymes of the medial and lateral rectus muscles of emmetropic and hypermetropic eyes, whereas heart type subunits predominated in those of myopic eyes.", "contents": "Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme pattern in the eye muscles. Deviation in myopia. The lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme patterns in 46 extraocular eye muscle samples removed at surgery for squint were determined by acrylamide-gel electrophoresis and reduction of NAD coupled with formazan reaction. Muscle type subunits predominated in the isoenzymes of the medial and lateral rectus muscles of emmetropic and hypermetropic eyes, whereas heart type subunits predominated in those of myopic eyes.", "PMID": 990238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3637", "title": "Causes of blindness among students in blind school institutions in a developing country.", "content": "Out of 270 students in 17 blind school institutions in Malawi 73 per cent were blind before the age of three. The most common cause for the blindness was ocular infection (75-2 per cent). Meales, as a single cause, was responsible for 43-7 per cent of the cases and smallpox for 5-2 per cent. Bacterial infections were incriminated in 26-3 per cent of the cases. Most of these had received traditional medicine during the acute phase of the disease. Hereditary factors as causes of blindness were found in 7-8 per cent of the cases. These included congenital cataracts (2-6 per cent), optic atorphy of unknown origin (3-0 per cent), microphthalmos (1-5 per cent), and macular degeneration (0-7 per cent). Careful ophthalmological examination showed that in 37 cases an intervention could be attempted in order to improve the vision. In the 11 most favourable cases this was attempted, with the result that nine cases gained a useful vision of 4/60 to 6/18 in the better eye.", "contents": "Causes of blindness among students in blind school institutions in a developing country. Out of 270 students in 17 blind school institutions in Malawi 73 per cent were blind before the age of three. The most common cause for the blindness was ocular infection (75-2 per cent). Meales, as a single cause, was responsible for 43-7 per cent of the cases and smallpox for 5-2 per cent. Bacterial infections were incriminated in 26-3 per cent of the cases. Most of these had received traditional medicine during the acute phase of the disease. Hereditary factors as causes of blindness were found in 7-8 per cent of the cases. These included congenital cataracts (2-6 per cent), optic atorphy of unknown origin (3-0 per cent), microphthalmos (1-5 per cent), and macular degeneration (0-7 per cent). Careful ophthalmological examination showed that in 37 cases an intervention could be attempted in order to improve the vision. In the 11 most favourable cases this was attempted, with the result that nine cases gained a useful vision of 4/60 to 6/18 in the better eye.", "PMID": 990240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3638", "title": "Assembly of DNA with histones and nonhistone chromosomal proteins in vitro.", "content": "We have examined, by protein binding assays, thermal denaturation, and circular dichroism, the possible effects of histones on nonhistone chromosomal protein (NHCP) interactions with DNA. For these studies, we have fractionated mouse Krebs II chromosomal proteins into three discrete fractions: Mo, 5 M urea-soluble NHCP; M1, 5 M urea-1 M NaCl-soluble NHCP from 5 M urea-extracted chromatin; and M3, 5 M urea-3 M NaCl-soluble chromosomal proteins from 5 M urea-1 M NaCl-extracted chromatin. These fractions contain heterogeneous populations of NHCP, and were found to differentially affect histone binding to DNA by methods of reconstitution, or by direct binding of M0, M1, or M3 to urea-salt reconstituted DNA with histones. M0 was found to exert a unique effect on the thermal denaturation and circular dichroic spectra of DNA-histone complexes. M0 from Krebs II chromatin was also found to complete for DNA sites in the presence of M0 from mouse liver chromatin. In addition, in 5 M urea, pH 8.0, histone binding to DNA reached saturation at 1.85 mg/mg of DNA, higher than the in vivo ratio of 1.00 mg/mg of DNA. Saturation of histone binding to DNA occurred only in the presence of 5 M urea, resulting in a reduction of nonspecific histone-histone interactions on DNA.", "contents": "Assembly of DNA with histones and nonhistone chromosomal proteins in vitro. We have examined, by protein binding assays, thermal denaturation, and circular dichroism, the possible effects of histones on nonhistone chromosomal protein (NHCP) interactions with DNA. For these studies, we have fractionated mouse Krebs II chromosomal proteins into three discrete fractions: Mo, 5 M urea-soluble NHCP; M1, 5 M urea-1 M NaCl-soluble NHCP from 5 M urea-extracted chromatin; and M3, 5 M urea-3 M NaCl-soluble chromosomal proteins from 5 M urea-1 M NaCl-extracted chromatin. These fractions contain heterogeneous populations of NHCP, and were found to differentially affect histone binding to DNA by methods of reconstitution, or by direct binding of M0, M1, or M3 to urea-salt reconstituted DNA with histones. M0 was found to exert a unique effect on the thermal denaturation and circular dichroic spectra of DNA-histone complexes. M0 from Krebs II chromatin was also found to complete for DNA sites in the presence of M0 from mouse liver chromatin. In addition, in 5 M urea, pH 8.0, histone binding to DNA reached saturation at 1.85 mg/mg of DNA, higher than the in vivo ratio of 1.00 mg/mg of DNA. Saturation of histone binding to DNA occurred only in the presence of 5 M urea, resulting in a reduction of nonspecific histone-histone interactions on DNA.", "PMID": 990242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3639", "title": "Interactions of hydrated metal ions with nucleotides: the crystal structure of barium adenosine 5'-monophosphate heptahydrate.", "content": "The crystal and molecular structure of barium adenosine 5'-monophosphate heptahydrate was determined from x-ray diffraction data. Crystals of barium adenosine 5'-monophosphate heptahydrate are monoclinic, space group C2, with a = 32.559(3), b = 6.969(3), c = 9.597(1) A, and beta = 100.31(1) degrees. Intensity data were collected with an automated diffractometer. The structure was solved by the heavy-atom method and refined by least-squares to R = 0.034. This structure provides an example of an outer-sphere metal-nucleotide complex, in which a completely hydrated metal ion interacts with the nucleotide only through water bridges. The barium ion is coordinated to eight water molecules, which form a slightly distorted square antiprism. Seven of the eight water molecules from the barium hydration shell are hydrogen bonded to phosphate groups; three of these water molecules are also hydrogen bonded to other suitable acceptor sites on the base and ribose moieties. The conformation about the glycosidic bond is anti, with chiCN = 69 degrees, and, as in most nucleotide structures, the conformation about the C(4')-C(5') bond is gauche-gauche. However, the ribose displays an unusual conformation (best described as C(4')-exo) not previously observed in crystal structures of nucleosides or nucleotides, other than 3',5'-cyclic nucleotides. It is possible that this unusual conformation is a consequence of the metal-water-nucleotide bridging interactions.", "contents": "Interactions of hydrated metal ions with nucleotides: the crystal structure of barium adenosine 5'-monophosphate heptahydrate. The crystal and molecular structure of barium adenosine 5'-monophosphate heptahydrate was determined from x-ray diffraction data. Crystals of barium adenosine 5'-monophosphate heptahydrate are monoclinic, space group C2, with a = 32.559(3), b = 6.969(3), c = 9.597(1) A, and beta = 100.31(1) degrees. Intensity data were collected with an automated diffractometer. The structure was solved by the heavy-atom method and refined by least-squares to R = 0.034. This structure provides an example of an outer-sphere metal-nucleotide complex, in which a completely hydrated metal ion interacts with the nucleotide only through water bridges. The barium ion is coordinated to eight water molecules, which form a slightly distorted square antiprism. Seven of the eight water molecules from the barium hydration shell are hydrogen bonded to phosphate groups; three of these water molecules are also hydrogen bonded to other suitable acceptor sites on the base and ribose moieties. The conformation about the glycosidic bond is anti, with chiCN = 69 degrees, and, as in most nucleotide structures, the conformation about the C(4')-C(5') bond is gauche-gauche. However, the ribose displays an unusual conformation (best described as C(4')-exo) not previously observed in crystal structures of nucleosides or nucleotides, other than 3',5'-cyclic nucleotides. It is possible that this unusual conformation is a consequence of the metal-water-nucleotide bridging interactions.", "PMID": 990243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3640", "title": "Relaxation of chromatin structure by ethidium bromide binding: determined by viscometry and histone dissociation studies.", "content": "The effects of ethidium bromide intercalation on chromatin structure were monitored by viscometry and analysis of histone dissociation. Investigation of the NaCl concentration dependence of chromatin viscosity showed that the reduced viscosity (etared) was very low up to 0.4 M NaCl and increased gradually when the salt concentration was raised further. In chromatin intercalated by ethidium bromide, etared was not significantly different at low salt concentrations (up to 0.2 M NaCl). However, when the salt concentration was raised further, the viscosity response curve increased sharply to reach viscosities about 4-5 times higher than those for nonintercalated chromatin. The increase in viscosity was proportional to the increase in fluorescence intensity, when the ratio of ethidium bromide to DNA mucleotide was raised. The transition of intercalated chromatin into the relaxed form was reversible, dependent on the nature of the electrolyte and cooperative, as indicated by the small increase in salt concentration required to obtain chromatin relaxation. Investigation of the NaCl concentration dependence of histone dissociation revealed that total histones and each individual histone fraction were released from intercalated chromatin at much reduced NaCl concentrations. The midpoints of the dissociation curves of the individual histones ranged from 0.30 to 0.45 M NaCl and fell within the same range where the drastic viscosity change occurred. These results indicate that intercalation of ethidium bromide labilizes chromatin structure to relaxation by moderately elevated salt concentrations. It is suggested that the labilization is caused by changes in the DNA helix conformation due to dye intercalation decreasing the stability of histone-DNA interactions.", "contents": "Relaxation of chromatin structure by ethidium bromide binding: determined by viscometry and histone dissociation studies. The effects of ethidium bromide intercalation on chromatin structure were monitored by viscometry and analysis of histone dissociation. Investigation of the NaCl concentration dependence of chromatin viscosity showed that the reduced viscosity (etared) was very low up to 0.4 M NaCl and increased gradually when the salt concentration was raised further. In chromatin intercalated by ethidium bromide, etared was not significantly different at low salt concentrations (up to 0.2 M NaCl). However, when the salt concentration was raised further, the viscosity response curve increased sharply to reach viscosities about 4-5 times higher than those for nonintercalated chromatin. The increase in viscosity was proportional to the increase in fluorescence intensity, when the ratio of ethidium bromide to DNA mucleotide was raised. The transition of intercalated chromatin into the relaxed form was reversible, dependent on the nature of the electrolyte and cooperative, as indicated by the small increase in salt concentration required to obtain chromatin relaxation. Investigation of the NaCl concentration dependence of histone dissociation revealed that total histones and each individual histone fraction were released from intercalated chromatin at much reduced NaCl concentrations. The midpoints of the dissociation curves of the individual histones ranged from 0.30 to 0.45 M NaCl and fell within the same range where the drastic viscosity change occurred. These results indicate that intercalation of ethidium bromide labilizes chromatin structure to relaxation by moderately elevated salt concentrations. It is suggested that the labilization is caused by changes in the DNA helix conformation due to dye intercalation decreasing the stability of histone-DNA interactions.", "PMID": 990244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3641", "title": "A nuclear membrane-associated DNA complex in cultured mammalian cells capable of synthesizing DNA in vitro.", "content": "A DNA-nuclear membrane complex has been isolated by two different methods from the nuclei of cultured mouse fibroblast (3T3) cells. One method, utilizing the detergent sarkosyl (sodium lauroyl sarkosinate), yields a DNA-nuclear membrane complex (the M band), which contains virtually all of the DNA in the nuclei. However, treatment of the M band by sonication, vortexing, or freeze-thaw reduces the amount of DNA in the complex by approximately 50-80%, depending upon the phase of the cell cycle from which the complex was extracted. The remaining DNA is tightly bound to the nuclear membrane and resists further shearing procedures. Over 90% of the choline-labeled phospholipid present in nuclei is also found in these sheared M bands. The percentage of DNA associated with the nuclear membrane varies during the cell cycle and correlates well with the onset, continuation, and cessation of DNA synthesis. Thus, although DNA-membrane complexes can be detected throughout the cell cycle, the percentage of DNA bound to membrane increases during late G1 and S and decreases during G2. In addition, there are distinct qualitative differences in the type of DNA present in the membrane fraction, with a more highly d(A-T) rich DNA being present in confluent (G0) cells than in cells during the S phase. This d(A-T) rich DNA may be related to the mouse satellite DNA identified by others. The M band can be separated into two DNA-nuclear membrane subfractions by centrifugation through a continuous sucrose gradient. The relative proportions of these two subfractions depend upon the percentage of sarkosyl present in the M band prior to centrifugation, with complete removal of sarkosyl resulting in a very large increase in the sedimentation velocity of the complex and in the formation of only one fraction. Evidence that this is a complex of DNA with membrane is given by the finding that DNA is dissociated from the complex with Pronase, deoxycholate, or high levels of sarkosyl. Removal of virtually all of the DNA with DNase from this rapidly sedimenting complex does not dissociate any of the phospholipid which still sediments rapidly as a single band. A second method, which yields a DNA-membrane fraction from nuclei, utilizes sedimentation of lysed nuclei to equilibrium in CsCl density gradients. This low-density CsCl fraction contains only 10-15% of the total DNA, but contains most of the nascent DNA, which may be chased into a membrane-free fraction. The DNA-membrane fraction from CsCl gradients possesses properties in common with the M-band fraction and can be converted into an M band. DNA membrane complexes from sucrose gradients, as well as the crude M-band preparation and a non-membrane-associated DNA fraction from nuclei can synthesize DNA in vitro without the addition of an external DNA template or DNA polymerase. In contrast to the activity in the non-membrane-associated DNA fraction, the membrane-associated polymerase activity is strongly stimulated by adenosine triphosphate and is unaffected by ethidium bromide...", "contents": "A nuclear membrane-associated DNA complex in cultured mammalian cells capable of synthesizing DNA in vitro. A DNA-nuclear membrane complex has been isolated by two different methods from the nuclei of cultured mouse fibroblast (3T3) cells. One method, utilizing the detergent sarkosyl (sodium lauroyl sarkosinate), yields a DNA-nuclear membrane complex (the M band), which contains virtually all of the DNA in the nuclei. However, treatment of the M band by sonication, vortexing, or freeze-thaw reduces the amount of DNA in the complex by approximately 50-80%, depending upon the phase of the cell cycle from which the complex was extracted. The remaining DNA is tightly bound to the nuclear membrane and resists further shearing procedures. Over 90% of the choline-labeled phospholipid present in nuclei is also found in these sheared M bands. The percentage of DNA associated with the nuclear membrane varies during the cell cycle and correlates well with the onset, continuation, and cessation of DNA synthesis. Thus, although DNA-membrane complexes can be detected throughout the cell cycle, the percentage of DNA bound to membrane increases during late G1 and S and decreases during G2. In addition, there are distinct qualitative differences in the type of DNA present in the membrane fraction, with a more highly d(A-T) rich DNA being present in confluent (G0) cells than in cells during the S phase. This d(A-T) rich DNA may be related to the mouse satellite DNA identified by others. The M band can be separated into two DNA-nuclear membrane subfractions by centrifugation through a continuous sucrose gradient. The relative proportions of these two subfractions depend upon the percentage of sarkosyl present in the M band prior to centrifugation, with complete removal of sarkosyl resulting in a very large increase in the sedimentation velocity of the complex and in the formation of only one fraction. Evidence that this is a complex of DNA with membrane is given by the finding that DNA is dissociated from the complex with Pronase, deoxycholate, or high levels of sarkosyl. Removal of virtually all of the DNA with DNase from this rapidly sedimenting complex does not dissociate any of the phospholipid which still sediments rapidly as a single band. A second method, which yields a DNA-membrane fraction from nuclei, utilizes sedimentation of lysed nuclei to equilibrium in CsCl density gradients. This low-density CsCl fraction contains only 10-15% of the total DNA, but contains most of the nascent DNA, which may be chased into a membrane-free fraction. The DNA-membrane fraction from CsCl gradients possesses properties in common with the M-band fraction and can be converted into an M band. DNA membrane complexes from sucrose gradients, as well as the crude M-band preparation and a non-membrane-associated DNA fraction from nuclei can synthesize DNA in vitro without the addition of an external DNA template or DNA polymerase. In contrast to the activity in the non-membrane-associated DNA fraction, the membrane-associated polymerase activity is strongly stimulated by adenosine triphosphate and is unaffected by ethidium bromide...", "PMID": 990245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3642", "title": "Membrane microviscosity and human platelet function.", "content": "An increased sensitivity to epinephrine-induced aggregation has been observed both in platelets obtained from patients with type IIa hyperlipoproteinemia and in normal platelets following incubation with cholesterol-rich lecithin dispersions. We have reported previously that the membrane fraction of platelets is enriched with cholesterol relative to phospholipid under each of these conditions. To further explore the effect of cholesterol on platelet membranes, we have examined the fluidity (microviscosity) of whole platelets and platelet subcellular fractions using a hydrophobic fluorescent probe, 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), under conditions in which the cholesterol-to-phospholipid mole ratio (C/PL) of platelets was varied by incubation with various cholesterol-lecithin sonicated dispersions. The C/PL of platelets directly influenced the rotational diffusion of DPH, as indicated by changes in fluorescence polarization. This was reflected in an increase in microviscosity at 37 degrees C (ETA37) from 2.84 P in normal platelets to 4.06 P in platelets with a 118% increase in C/PL. Conversely, platelets with a 43% decrease in C/PL had a 13% decrease in eta37. A strong correlation (r = 0.94) existed between C/PL and eta37 throughout this entire range. However, C/PL had no effect on the excited-state fluorescence lifetime of DPH. Both C/PL and eta37 were lower in isolated platelet membranes than in the platelet granule fraction. When platelets were incubated for 20 h with cholesterol-rich dispersions, there was an increase in C/PL and eta37 in both the membrane and granule fractions. However, this occurred more rapidly in membranes so that, at 5 h (a time when an increased sensitivity of whole platelets to epinephrine is evident), membrane C/PL had increased 55% and eta37 had increased 42%, whereas granule C/PL and eta37 had changed minimally. Cholesterol-rich platelets and subcellular fractions had a lower fusion (or flow) activation energy for viscosity (deltaE), reflecting a higher degree of order, and the converse was true in cholesterol-poor platelets. Moreover, a strong negative correlation existed between the percent change in deltaE and the percent change in eta37 induced either by cholesterol incorporation or depletion. These data demonstrate that cholesterol influences the fluidity and the degree of order within the hydrophobic core of platelet membranes. Changes induced in these physical properties by an excess of cholesterol relative to phospholipid may underlie the abnormal reception or transmission of the aggregation stimulus in cholesterol-rich platelets.", "contents": "Membrane microviscosity and human platelet function. An increased sensitivity to epinephrine-induced aggregation has been observed both in platelets obtained from patients with type IIa hyperlipoproteinemia and in normal platelets following incubation with cholesterol-rich lecithin dispersions. We have reported previously that the membrane fraction of platelets is enriched with cholesterol relative to phospholipid under each of these conditions. To further explore the effect of cholesterol on platelet membranes, we have examined the fluidity (microviscosity) of whole platelets and platelet subcellular fractions using a hydrophobic fluorescent probe, 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), under conditions in which the cholesterol-to-phospholipid mole ratio (C/PL) of platelets was varied by incubation with various cholesterol-lecithin sonicated dispersions. The C/PL of platelets directly influenced the rotational diffusion of DPH, as indicated by changes in fluorescence polarization. This was reflected in an increase in microviscosity at 37 degrees C (ETA37) from 2.84 P in normal platelets to 4.06 P in platelets with a 118% increase in C/PL. Conversely, platelets with a 43% decrease in C/PL had a 13% decrease in eta37. A strong correlation (r = 0.94) existed between C/PL and eta37 throughout this entire range. However, C/PL had no effect on the excited-state fluorescence lifetime of DPH. Both C/PL and eta37 were lower in isolated platelet membranes than in the platelet granule fraction. When platelets were incubated for 20 h with cholesterol-rich dispersions, there was an increase in C/PL and eta37 in both the membrane and granule fractions. However, this occurred more rapidly in membranes so that, at 5 h (a time when an increased sensitivity of whole platelets to epinephrine is evident), membrane C/PL had increased 55% and eta37 had increased 42%, whereas granule C/PL and eta37 had changed minimally. Cholesterol-rich platelets and subcellular fractions had a lower fusion (or flow) activation energy for viscosity (deltaE), reflecting a higher degree of order, and the converse was true in cholesterol-poor platelets. Moreover, a strong negative correlation existed between the percent change in deltaE and the percent change in eta37 induced either by cholesterol incorporation or depletion. These data demonstrate that cholesterol influences the fluidity and the degree of order within the hydrophobic core of platelet membranes. Changes induced in these physical properties by an excess of cholesterol relative to phospholipid may underlie the abnormal reception or transmission of the aggregation stimulus in cholesterol-rich platelets.", "PMID": 990246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3643", "title": "Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance detection of unexpected phosphodiesters in muscle.", "content": "In the examination of intact muscles by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a number of signals have been detected in the phosphodiester region (-0.5 to 0.5 ppm) of the spectrum which could not be correlated with the known common phosphates of muscle tissue. These signals arise from perchloric acid extractable compounds with several common chemical properties, one of which is a ready solubility in nearly anhydrous ethanol solutions. A component contributing to the major resonance has been identified as glycerol-3-phosphorylcholine. This characterization is based on both 31P nuclear magnetic resonance and chromatographic data.", "contents": "Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance detection of unexpected phosphodiesters in muscle. In the examination of intact muscles by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a number of signals have been detected in the phosphodiester region (-0.5 to 0.5 ppm) of the spectrum which could not be correlated with the known common phosphates of muscle tissue. These signals arise from perchloric acid extractable compounds with several common chemical properties, one of which is a ready solubility in nearly anhydrous ethanol solutions. A component contributing to the major resonance has been identified as glycerol-3-phosphorylcholine. This characterization is based on both 31P nuclear magnetic resonance and chromatographic data.", "PMID": 990247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3644", "title": "Phosphorus-31 Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance study of mononucleotides and dinucleotides. 2. Coupling constants.", "content": "Stereosensitive 3JPH and 4JPH phosphorus-proton coupling constants have been measured directly from the phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of a variety of adenine, thymine, and uracil 3'-mononucleotides, 5'-mononucleotides, their cyclic analogues, and the corresponding dinucleotides, under various conditions of pH and temperature. For all 5'-mononucleotides, the identical 3JPH coupling to phosphorus of the two H5' protons is found essentially independent of the nature of the base, the presence of a 2'-OH on the sugar ring, the temperature, and the pH; the \"gauche-gauche\" rotamers about C5'-O5' and C4'-C5' remain overwhelmingly (85%) preferred. The \"gauche\" arrangement during C3'-O3' is favored in all cases for 3'-mononucleotides. However, while no sizeable pH effect is noted on 3'-monodeoxyribonucleotides, the pH dependence of 3JPH3 in 3'-monoribonucleotides strongly suggests an interaction between the 3'-phosphate and the 2'-OH. Molecular features affecting the magnitude of 4JPH coupling constants are discussed together with pH and temperature effects. The time-averaged preferential structural features of mononucleotides are found in dinucleotides with a higher probability; hence, dimerization induces an increase in the statistical conformational purity of the phosphodiester-sugar backbone, even at extreme pH. Temperature studies point out that the thermal unwinding of stacked dinucleotides occurs mainly via rotation about P3'-O3' and P5'-O5' bond axes.", "contents": "Phosphorus-31 Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance study of mononucleotides and dinucleotides. 2. Coupling constants. Stereosensitive 3JPH and 4JPH phosphorus-proton coupling constants have been measured directly from the phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of a variety of adenine, thymine, and uracil 3'-mononucleotides, 5'-mononucleotides, their cyclic analogues, and the corresponding dinucleotides, under various conditions of pH and temperature. For all 5'-mononucleotides, the identical 3JPH coupling to phosphorus of the two H5' protons is found essentially independent of the nature of the base, the presence of a 2'-OH on the sugar ring, the temperature, and the pH; the \"gauche-gauche\" rotamers about C5'-O5' and C4'-C5' remain overwhelmingly (85%) preferred. The \"gauche\" arrangement during C3'-O3' is favored in all cases for 3'-mononucleotides. However, while no sizeable pH effect is noted on 3'-monodeoxyribonucleotides, the pH dependence of 3JPH3 in 3'-monoribonucleotides strongly suggests an interaction between the 3'-phosphate and the 2'-OH. Molecular features affecting the magnitude of 4JPH coupling constants are discussed together with pH and temperature effects. The time-averaged preferential structural features of mononucleotides are found in dinucleotides with a higher probability; hence, dimerization induces an increase in the statistical conformational purity of the phosphodiester-sugar backbone, even at extreme pH. Temperature studies point out that the thermal unwinding of stacked dinucleotides occurs mainly via rotation about P3'-O3' and P5'-O5' bond axes.", "PMID": 990248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3645", "title": "Equilibrium binding of thrombin to platelets.", "content": "Binding of human [125I]thrombin to washed human platelets was studied in order to analyze the nonenzymic aspects of the thrombin stimulation of platelets. Highly purified alpha-thrombin that was iodinated with lactoperoxidase retained full clotting and esterase activities and full activity toward platelets, was not distinguished from native thrombin by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or gel chromatography, and bound to platelets the same as unlabeled thrombin. Bound and free [125I]thrombin were measured after rapid separation of platelets from the suspending medium by centrifugation through oil. Maximum binding was within 15 s, the shortest time measured. At concentrations of thrombin sufficient to cause less than maximal platelet stimulation, 90% of the total thrombin was free in the suspending solutions. Equilibrium binding was established, with both free thrombin and free platelets retaining activity, and with rapid reequilibration after dilution or addition of unlabeled thrombin. The equilibrium was complex, with the apparent number of binding sites and dissociation constants dependent on thrombin concentration. Analysis of bound thrombin as a function of thrombin concentration by double-reciprocal and Scatchard plots indicated 300-400 high affinity sites (Kdiss = 1.8-2 nM); these correlate with thrombin stimulation of Ca2+ secretion, which shows half maximal effect at 1.5 nM thrombin and maximal effect with 500-600 thrombins bound per platelet.", "contents": "Equilibrium binding of thrombin to platelets. Binding of human [125I]thrombin to washed human platelets was studied in order to analyze the nonenzymic aspects of the thrombin stimulation of platelets. Highly purified alpha-thrombin that was iodinated with lactoperoxidase retained full clotting and esterase activities and full activity toward platelets, was not distinguished from native thrombin by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or gel chromatography, and bound to platelets the same as unlabeled thrombin. Bound and free [125I]thrombin were measured after rapid separation of platelets from the suspending medium by centrifugation through oil. Maximum binding was within 15 s, the shortest time measured. At concentrations of thrombin sufficient to cause less than maximal platelet stimulation, 90% of the total thrombin was free in the suspending solutions. Equilibrium binding was established, with both free thrombin and free platelets retaining activity, and with rapid reequilibration after dilution or addition of unlabeled thrombin. The equilibrium was complex, with the apparent number of binding sites and dissociation constants dependent on thrombin concentration. Analysis of bound thrombin as a function of thrombin concentration by double-reciprocal and Scatchard plots indicated 300-400 high affinity sites (Kdiss = 1.8-2 nM); these correlate with thrombin stimulation of Ca2+ secretion, which shows half maximal effect at 1.5 nM thrombin and maximal effect with 500-600 thrombins bound per platelet.", "PMID": 990249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3646", "title": "Proteolytic activation of protein C from bovine plasma.", "content": "Protein C is a vitamin K dependent protein present in bovine plasma (Stenflo, J. (1976), J. Biol. Chem. 251, 355). It is a glycoprotein (mol wt approximately 62 000) composed of a heavy chain (mol wt 41 000) and a light chain (mol wt 21 000). The heavy chain has an amino-terminal sequence of Asp-Thr-Asn-Gln and contains nearly three-fourths of the carbohydrate. The light chain has an amino-terminal sequence of Ala-Asn-Ser-Phe. Incubation of protein C with either factor X activator from Russell's viper venom or trypsin resulted in the cleavage of an Arg-Ile bond between residues 14 and 15 of the heavy chain. Concomitant with this cleavage was the formation of a serine enzyme which was inhibited by diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate. Liberation of the tetradecapeptide decreased the molecular weight of the heavy chain from about 41 000 to 39 000 and resulted in the formation of a new amino-terminal sequence of Ile-Val-Asp-Gly in the heavy chain. No change in the molecular weight of the light chain was observed during the activation reaction. These results indicate that protein C, like the four vitamin K dependent coagulation proteins, exists in plasma in a precursor form and is converted to a serine protease by hydrolysis of a specific Arg-Ile peptide bond. The biological substrate for the enzymatic form of protein C and the physiological mechanism whereby protein C is converted to a serine enzyme are not known.", "contents": "Proteolytic activation of protein C from bovine plasma. Protein C is a vitamin K dependent protein present in bovine plasma (Stenflo, J. (1976), J. Biol. Chem. 251, 355). It is a glycoprotein (mol wt approximately 62 000) composed of a heavy chain (mol wt 41 000) and a light chain (mol wt 21 000). The heavy chain has an amino-terminal sequence of Asp-Thr-Asn-Gln and contains nearly three-fourths of the carbohydrate. The light chain has an amino-terminal sequence of Ala-Asn-Ser-Phe. Incubation of protein C with either factor X activator from Russell's viper venom or trypsin resulted in the cleavage of an Arg-Ile bond between residues 14 and 15 of the heavy chain. Concomitant with this cleavage was the formation of a serine enzyme which was inhibited by diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate. Liberation of the tetradecapeptide decreased the molecular weight of the heavy chain from about 41 000 to 39 000 and resulted in the formation of a new amino-terminal sequence of Ile-Val-Asp-Gly in the heavy chain. No change in the molecular weight of the light chain was observed during the activation reaction. These results indicate that protein C, like the four vitamin K dependent coagulation proteins, exists in plasma in a precursor form and is converted to a serine protease by hydrolysis of a specific Arg-Ile peptide bond. The biological substrate for the enzymatic form of protein C and the physiological mechanism whereby protein C is converted to a serine enzyme are not known.", "PMID": 990250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3647", "title": "Factor X activating enzyme from Russell's viper venom: isolation and characterization.", "content": "The protease from Russell's viper venom that activates factor X (Stuart factor), factor IX (Christmas factor), and protein C was purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-150 and QAE-Sephadex A-50 column chromatography. The purified enzyme migrated as a single band in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with an apparent molecular weight of 79 000. A minimal molecular weight of 78 500 +/- 800 was determined by sedimentation equilibrium in the presence of 6 M guanidine hydrochloride. Upon reduction with 2-mercaptoethanol, a heavy chain (mol wt 59 000) and a light chain were observed. The light chain migrated as a single band (mol wt 19 000) in 7.5% polyacrylamide-sodium dodecyl sulfate gels but appeared as a doublet (mol wt 18 000 and 20 000) in 10% polyacrylamide-sodium dodecyl sulfate gels. The amino-terminal end of the heavy chain was heterogeneous and contained isoleucine, valine and serine. The amino-terminal sequence of the light chain was Val-Leu-Asp. The factor X activator contained 13% carbohydrate including 6.0% hexose, 1.7% N-acetyleneuraminic acid, and 5.3% galactosamine. Most of the carbohydrate was found to be present in the heavy chain, although some was also observed in both forms of the light chain. The factor X activator had no esterase activity toward benzoyl-Phe-Val-Arg-p-nitroanilide or benzoylarginine ethyl ester and was not inhibited by 0.05 M diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate. These data indicate that factor X activator from Russell's viper venom is a highly specific protease composed of one heavy chain and one light chain, and these chains are held together by a disulfide bond(s).", "contents": "Factor X activating enzyme from Russell's viper venom: isolation and characterization. The protease from Russell's viper venom that activates factor X (Stuart factor), factor IX (Christmas factor), and protein C was purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-150 and QAE-Sephadex A-50 column chromatography. The purified enzyme migrated as a single band in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with an apparent molecular weight of 79 000. A minimal molecular weight of 78 500 +/- 800 was determined by sedimentation equilibrium in the presence of 6 M guanidine hydrochloride. Upon reduction with 2-mercaptoethanol, a heavy chain (mol wt 59 000) and a light chain were observed. The light chain migrated as a single band (mol wt 19 000) in 7.5% polyacrylamide-sodium dodecyl sulfate gels but appeared as a doublet (mol wt 18 000 and 20 000) in 10% polyacrylamide-sodium dodecyl sulfate gels. The amino-terminal end of the heavy chain was heterogeneous and contained isoleucine, valine and serine. The amino-terminal sequence of the light chain was Val-Leu-Asp. The factor X activator contained 13% carbohydrate including 6.0% hexose, 1.7% N-acetyleneuraminic acid, and 5.3% galactosamine. Most of the carbohydrate was found to be present in the heavy chain, although some was also observed in both forms of the light chain. The factor X activator had no esterase activity toward benzoyl-Phe-Val-Arg-p-nitroanilide or benzoylarginine ethyl ester and was not inhibited by 0.05 M diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate. These data indicate that factor X activator from Russell's viper venom is a highly specific protease composed of one heavy chain and one light chain, and these chains are held together by a disulfide bond(s).", "PMID": 990251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3648", "title": "Isolation, purification, and cross-linking profiles of elastin from lung and aorta.", "content": "Elastin from anatomically defined regions of young calf lung and dog aorta was isolated and purified by a procedure which sequentially removed lipids, collagen, structural glycoproteins, and the microfibrillar proteins without apparent damage to the cross-linking residues, which have been shown to be sensitive to autoclaving and hot alkali treatment. One of the methods described was effective in obtaining pure elastin from lung parenchyma. Visceral pleura was found to be the richest source (25% dry weight) of elastin in the lung tissues examined. The amino acid compositions of the elastins purified by different methods were compared for purity and for the detection of possible damage to cross-linking compounds. Cross-linking profiles were obtained by column chromatography either after reduction with 3[H]NaBH4 or after reaction with 14[C]NaCN and NH3. The 3[H]NaBH4 method, under carefully controlled conditions, proved not to be quantitatively reproducible. The reaction of elastin with 14[C]NaCN and NH3 appeared preferable due to its reproducibility; this procedure required one type of hydrolysis for the analysis of all the cross-linking compounds. Examination of the cross-linking profiles of the elastins from various tissue regions revealed differences in the type, distribution, and quality of cross-links.", "contents": "Isolation, purification, and cross-linking profiles of elastin from lung and aorta. Elastin from anatomically defined regions of young calf lung and dog aorta was isolated and purified by a procedure which sequentially removed lipids, collagen, structural glycoproteins, and the microfibrillar proteins without apparent damage to the cross-linking residues, which have been shown to be sensitive to autoclaving and hot alkali treatment. One of the methods described was effective in obtaining pure elastin from lung parenchyma. Visceral pleura was found to be the richest source (25% dry weight) of elastin in the lung tissues examined. The amino acid compositions of the elastins purified by different methods were compared for purity and for the detection of possible damage to cross-linking compounds. Cross-linking profiles were obtained by column chromatography either after reduction with 3[H]NaBH4 or after reaction with 14[C]NaCN and NH3. The 3[H]NaBH4 method, under carefully controlled conditions, proved not to be quantitatively reproducible. The reaction of elastin with 14[C]NaCN and NH3 appeared preferable due to its reproducibility; this procedure required one type of hydrolysis for the analysis of all the cross-linking compounds. Examination of the cross-linking profiles of the elastins from various tissue regions revealed differences in the type, distribution, and quality of cross-links.", "PMID": 990252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3649", "title": "Resonance Raman spectra of iron(III)-, copper(II)-, cobalt(III)-, and manganese(III)-transferrins and of bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenolato)diimidazolecopper(II) monohydrate, a possible model for copper(II) binding to transferrins.", "content": "Fe(III), Cu(II), Co(III), and Mn(III) complexes of ovo- and human serum transferrins show resonance enhanced Raman bands near 1600, 1500, 1270, and 1170 cm-1 upon excitation with laser frequencies which fall within the visible absorption bands of those metalloproteins. Comparison of the visible absorption and resonance Raman spectra of the Cu(II)-transferrin complexes with those for the Cu(II) model compound, bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenolato)diimidazolecopper(II) monohydrate, indicates that the resonance Raman bands are due to enhancement of phenolic vibrational modes. For the model (Cu(II) compound, a normal coordinate analysis was used to aid our assignment of the observed resonance bands at 1562, 1463, 1311, and 1122 cm-1 to A1 vibrational modes of the 2,4,6-trichlorophenolato moiety. These assignments are consistent with those made for Cu(II)-transferrins. The latter assignments were based upon calculated A1 frequencies for p-methylphenol (Cummings, D.L., and Wood, J.L. (1974), J. Mol. Struct. 20, 1). The wavelength shifts in the resonance bands for the model compound from those for Cu(II)-transferrins are due to the influence of the chloro substituents on the planar vibrations of phenol. These results clearly identify tyrosine as a ligand in copper binding to transferrins.", "contents": "Resonance Raman spectra of iron(III)-, copper(II)-, cobalt(III)-, and manganese(III)-transferrins and of bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenolato)diimidazolecopper(II) monohydrate, a possible model for copper(II) binding to transferrins. Fe(III), Cu(II), Co(III), and Mn(III) complexes of ovo- and human serum transferrins show resonance enhanced Raman bands near 1600, 1500, 1270, and 1170 cm-1 upon excitation with laser frequencies which fall within the visible absorption bands of those metalloproteins. Comparison of the visible absorption and resonance Raman spectra of the Cu(II)-transferrin complexes with those for the Cu(II) model compound, bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenolato)diimidazolecopper(II) monohydrate, indicates that the resonance Raman bands are due to enhancement of phenolic vibrational modes. For the model (Cu(II) compound, a normal coordinate analysis was used to aid our assignment of the observed resonance bands at 1562, 1463, 1311, and 1122 cm-1 to A1 vibrational modes of the 2,4,6-trichlorophenolato moiety. These assignments are consistent with those made for Cu(II)-transferrins. The latter assignments were based upon calculated A1 frequencies for p-methylphenol (Cummings, D.L., and Wood, J.L. (1974), J. Mol. Struct. 20, 1). The wavelength shifts in the resonance bands for the model compound from those for Cu(II)-transferrins are due to the influence of the chloro substituents on the planar vibrations of phenol. These results clearly identify tyrosine as a ligand in copper binding to transferrins.", "PMID": 990253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3650", "title": "Isolation and properties of a new, soluble, hemoprotein (H-450) from pig liver.", "content": "A new soluble hemoprotein, designated as H-450, has been purified from pig liver. The absolute absorption spectrum of H-450 shows maxima at 550 and 428 nm. The dithionite-reduced H-450 has absorption peaks at 572, 540, and 450 nm; the unique Soret band at 450 nm is the basis for our tentative designation of this new hemoprotein as H-450 (hemoprotein 450). The spectrum of dithionite-reduced H-450 at 77 K gives two alpha peaks (571 and 566 nm), three beta peaks (546, 537, and 529 nm), and a Soret band at 449 nm. The prosthetic group of H-450 has been identified as protoheme IX. Gel electrophoresis experiments show that H-450 is composed of two nonidentical subunits, alpha and beta (mol wts = 61 000 and 45 000). H-450 contains 1 mol of heme/alphabeta dimer of 106 000 molecular weight. Preliminary sedimentation equilibrium experiments suggest a minimum molecular weight of 218 000 for the native protein. This corresponds to a tetramer, alpha2beta2 containing two heme groups. H-450 is not reduced by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), NADH phosphate, ascorbate, or ferrocyanide. Neither reduced nor oxidized H-450 binds CO, 1 mM cyahide, or 1 mM azide. Dithionite-reduced H-450 is autoxidizable. The molar extinction coefficient of native H-450 is 261 X 103 at 280 nm and 263 X 103 at 428 nm. The purification procedure involves homogenization, high-speed centrifugation, ammonium sulfate fractionation, diethylaminoethylcellulose chromatography, density gradient centrifugation, a calcium phosphate gel step, and a second density gradient centrifugation. The procedure yeilds approximately 2 mg of purified protein from 750 g of pig liver.", "contents": "Isolation and properties of a new, soluble, hemoprotein (H-450) from pig liver. A new soluble hemoprotein, designated as H-450, has been purified from pig liver. The absolute absorption spectrum of H-450 shows maxima at 550 and 428 nm. The dithionite-reduced H-450 has absorption peaks at 572, 540, and 450 nm; the unique Soret band at 450 nm is the basis for our tentative designation of this new hemoprotein as H-450 (hemoprotein 450). The spectrum of dithionite-reduced H-450 at 77 K gives two alpha peaks (571 and 566 nm), three beta peaks (546, 537, and 529 nm), and a Soret band at 449 nm. The prosthetic group of H-450 has been identified as protoheme IX. Gel electrophoresis experiments show that H-450 is composed of two nonidentical subunits, alpha and beta (mol wts = 61 000 and 45 000). H-450 contains 1 mol of heme/alphabeta dimer of 106 000 molecular weight. Preliminary sedimentation equilibrium experiments suggest a minimum molecular weight of 218 000 for the native protein. This corresponds to a tetramer, alpha2beta2 containing two heme groups. H-450 is not reduced by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), NADH phosphate, ascorbate, or ferrocyanide. Neither reduced nor oxidized H-450 binds CO, 1 mM cyahide, or 1 mM azide. Dithionite-reduced H-450 is autoxidizable. The molar extinction coefficient of native H-450 is 261 X 103 at 280 nm and 263 X 103 at 428 nm. The purification procedure involves homogenization, high-speed centrifugation, ammonium sulfate fractionation, diethylaminoethylcellulose chromatography, density gradient centrifugation, a calcium phosphate gel step, and a second density gradient centrifugation. The procedure yeilds approximately 2 mg of purified protein from 750 g of pig liver.", "PMID": 990254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3651", "title": "Translation of satellite tobacco necrosis virus ribonucleic acid by an in vitro system from wheat germ.", "content": "The RNA of satellite tobacco necrosis virus (STNV) is an effective messenger RNA when translated in an in vitro system from wheat germ. This RNA codes for only STNV coat protein, as indicated (1) by coincidence of the tryptic fingerprints of the translation product and of STNV coat protein, (2) by equivalent size of the translation product and STNV coat protein, and (3) by isolation of an initial peptide of the in vitro product containing the amino acid sequence of the N terminus of STNV coat protein. STNV RNA does not contain a 5'-terminal m7G(5')ppp(5')Np---group and translation of STNV RNA by the wheat germ system does not involve prior formation of 5'-terminal m7G(5')ppp(5') nP---groups on STNV RNA. STNV RNA and 125I-labeled STNV RNA form a specific initiation complex when incubated with initiator tRNA, GTP, initiation factors, and wheat germ ribosomes. Treatment of this specific initiation complex with ribonuclease A allows isolation of an 125I-labeled oligonucleotide protected from ribonuclease A by the initiation complex. This specific oligonucleotide contains approximately 38 nucleotides, including nucleotide sequences that coincide with the codons of the N-terminal amino acids of STNV coat proteins.", "contents": "Translation of satellite tobacco necrosis virus ribonucleic acid by an in vitro system from wheat germ. The RNA of satellite tobacco necrosis virus (STNV) is an effective messenger RNA when translated in an in vitro system from wheat germ. This RNA codes for only STNV coat protein, as indicated (1) by coincidence of the tryptic fingerprints of the translation product and of STNV coat protein, (2) by equivalent size of the translation product and STNV coat protein, and (3) by isolation of an initial peptide of the in vitro product containing the amino acid sequence of the N terminus of STNV coat protein. STNV RNA does not contain a 5'-terminal m7G(5')ppp(5')Np---group and translation of STNV RNA by the wheat germ system does not involve prior formation of 5'-terminal m7G(5')ppp(5') nP---groups on STNV RNA. STNV RNA and 125I-labeled STNV RNA form a specific initiation complex when incubated with initiator tRNA, GTP, initiation factors, and wheat germ ribosomes. Treatment of this specific initiation complex with ribonuclease A allows isolation of an 125I-labeled oligonucleotide protected from ribonuclease A by the initiation complex. This specific oligonucleotide contains approximately 38 nucleotides, including nucleotide sequences that coincide with the codons of the N-terminal amino acids of STNV coat proteins.", "PMID": 990255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3652", "title": "Guanosine monophosphate reductase from Artemia salina: Inhibition by xanthosine monophosphate and activation by diguanosine tetraphosphate.", "content": "In the course of studies on the metabolic role of diguanosine tetraphosphate during development of Artemia salina, a guanosine monophosphate (GMP) reductase has been found in partially purified from the 150 000g Artemia cysts supernatant. From Lineweaver-Burk plots, two apparent Km values of 5 and 50 muM were obtained for GMP. Xanthosine monophosphate (XMP) is a very strong inhibitor of the reaction. In the presence of 1.5 muM XMP hyperbolic kinetics are found. Diguanosine tetraphosphate counteracts very effectively the inhibition of the activity by XMP, concomitantly changing to hyperbolic the kinetics of the enzyme, with a unique Km value of about 5 muM. The complex kinetic and the existence of allosteric e-fectors at physiological concentrations, together with our lack of success in resolving two isoenzymes, makes it very likely that GMP reductase presents negative cooperativity towards its substrate. The effect of diguanosine tetraphosphate on the enzyme is very specific; other structural analogues, diadenosine tetraphosphate and diguanosine triphosphate, tested a micromolar concentrations had no detectable effect on the enzyme. Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) (mM) was also able to counteract the inhibition of guanosine monophosphate (GMP) reductase by XMP. The properties of the Artemia GMP reductase are here compared with those of the similar enzyme from calf thymus and Escherchia coli. As a consequence, the regulation of eukaryotic GMP reductase is resulting to be quite different from that of the reductase from prokaryotes.", "contents": "Guanosine monophosphate reductase from Artemia salina: Inhibition by xanthosine monophosphate and activation by diguanosine tetraphosphate. In the course of studies on the metabolic role of diguanosine tetraphosphate during development of Artemia salina, a guanosine monophosphate (GMP) reductase has been found in partially purified from the 150 000g Artemia cysts supernatant. From Lineweaver-Burk plots, two apparent Km values of 5 and 50 muM were obtained for GMP. Xanthosine monophosphate (XMP) is a very strong inhibitor of the reaction. In the presence of 1.5 muM XMP hyperbolic kinetics are found. Diguanosine tetraphosphate counteracts very effectively the inhibition of the activity by XMP, concomitantly changing to hyperbolic the kinetics of the enzyme, with a unique Km value of about 5 muM. The complex kinetic and the existence of allosteric e-fectors at physiological concentrations, together with our lack of success in resolving two isoenzymes, makes it very likely that GMP reductase presents negative cooperativity towards its substrate. The effect of diguanosine tetraphosphate on the enzyme is very specific; other structural analogues, diadenosine tetraphosphate and diguanosine triphosphate, tested a micromolar concentrations had no detectable effect on the enzyme. Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) (mM) was also able to counteract the inhibition of guanosine monophosphate (GMP) reductase by XMP. The properties of the Artemia GMP reductase are here compared with those of the similar enzyme from calf thymus and Escherchia coli. As a consequence, the regulation of eukaryotic GMP reductase is resulting to be quite different from that of the reductase from prokaryotes.", "PMID": 990256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3653", "title": "Mechanism of pancreatic lipase action. 1. Interfacial activation of pancreatic lipase.", "content": "Hydrolysis of dissolved p-nitrophenyl acetate by pancreatic lipase follows the classical acyl enzyme pathway already proposed for other esterases. Kinetic parameters of the hydrolysis have been determined. The turnover rate of the reaction is many orders of magnitude slower than that for the natural emulsified substrates. Nevertheless, several arguments are in favor of the specificity of this hydrolysis: (1) triacetin, which resembles the usual substrates for the enzyme, is also hydrolyzed very slowly in solution; (2) dissolved triacetin and tripropionin are competitive inhibitors for the p-nitrophenyl acetate hydrolysis; (3) the same chemical structural features which are required in the case of emulsified substrates are also necessary to promote hydrolysis of dissolved p-nitrophenyl esters. This suggests that the same active site (or part of the same active site) is responsible for hydrolysis of both p-nitrophenyy acetate and specific emulsified substrates. Since deacylation is the rate-limiting step in the catalysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate, the intermediate acetyl enzyme can be isolated by trapping it at pH 5.0. Kinetic competence of this intermediate has been demonstrated. Hydrolysis by pancreatic lipase of dissolved monomeric p-nitrophenyl acetate and triacetin is considerably enhanced (100- to 500-fold) by various interfaces. This suggests that at least the deacylation step, which is rate limiting in absence of interface, is accelerated by the presence of inert interfaces. Siliconized glass beads were directly shown to accelerate the deacylation of isolated [3H]acetyl lipase by at least a hundred times. This step does not directly involve the ester substrate.Thus, it is suggested that a part of the activation of lipase at interfaces may be due to a conformational change resulting from adsorption.", "contents": "Mechanism of pancreatic lipase action. 1. Interfacial activation of pancreatic lipase. Hydrolysis of dissolved p-nitrophenyl acetate by pancreatic lipase follows the classical acyl enzyme pathway already proposed for other esterases. Kinetic parameters of the hydrolysis have been determined. The turnover rate of the reaction is many orders of magnitude slower than that for the natural emulsified substrates. Nevertheless, several arguments are in favor of the specificity of this hydrolysis: (1) triacetin, which resembles the usual substrates for the enzyme, is also hydrolyzed very slowly in solution; (2) dissolved triacetin and tripropionin are competitive inhibitors for the p-nitrophenyl acetate hydrolysis; (3) the same chemical structural features which are required in the case of emulsified substrates are also necessary to promote hydrolysis of dissolved p-nitrophenyl esters. This suggests that the same active site (or part of the same active site) is responsible for hydrolysis of both p-nitrophenyy acetate and specific emulsified substrates. Since deacylation is the rate-limiting step in the catalysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate, the intermediate acetyl enzyme can be isolated by trapping it at pH 5.0. Kinetic competence of this intermediate has been demonstrated. Hydrolysis by pancreatic lipase of dissolved monomeric p-nitrophenyl acetate and triacetin is considerably enhanced (100- to 500-fold) by various interfaces. This suggests that at least the deacylation step, which is rate limiting in absence of interface, is accelerated by the presence of inert interfaces. Siliconized glass beads were directly shown to accelerate the deacylation of isolated [3H]acetyl lipase by at least a hundred times. This step does not directly involve the ester substrate.Thus, it is suggested that a part of the activation of lipase at interfaces may be due to a conformational change resulting from adsorption.", "PMID": 990257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3654", "title": "Mechanism of pancreatic lipase action. 2. Catalytic properties of modified lipases.", "content": "Reaction of lipase with diethyl pyrocarbonate results in the modification of three histidine residues. One is highly reactive, although without affecting the activity, while the two others react more slowly with a concomitant loss of activity on both dissolved and emulsified substrates. As previously shown, lipase can also be modified either by reaction of five carboxyl groups with carbodiimide (5N-lipase) or by esterification of one serine residue with diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (DP-lipase). In the three cases, the activity on emulsified substrates is abolished. The modification of histidine residues results also in a loss of activity on dissolved substrates, suggesting that the essential histidine is at (or close to) the active site. The ability of lipase to be adsorbed on siliconized glass beads is not impaired in this reaction. By contrast, 5N-lipase is still able to hydrolyze dissolved monomeric substrates and to adsorb on siliconized glass beands. Therefore, the essential carboxyl group is assumed to play an important role in the interfacial activation. Finally, since DP-lipase is still fully active on dissolved p-nitrophenyl acetate, the serine residue, which has been previously suggested to be the acylable one, is more likely implicated in the recognition and the binding to interfaces, as confirmed by the inability of DP-lipase to be adsorbed on siliconized glass beads.", "contents": "Mechanism of pancreatic lipase action. 2. Catalytic properties of modified lipases. Reaction of lipase with diethyl pyrocarbonate results in the modification of three histidine residues. One is highly reactive, although without affecting the activity, while the two others react more slowly with a concomitant loss of activity on both dissolved and emulsified substrates. As previously shown, lipase can also be modified either by reaction of five carboxyl groups with carbodiimide (5N-lipase) or by esterification of one serine residue with diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (DP-lipase). In the three cases, the activity on emulsified substrates is abolished. The modification of histidine residues results also in a loss of activity on dissolved substrates, suggesting that the essential histidine is at (or close to) the active site. The ability of lipase to be adsorbed on siliconized glass beads is not impaired in this reaction. By contrast, 5N-lipase is still able to hydrolyze dissolved monomeric substrates and to adsorb on siliconized glass beands. Therefore, the essential carboxyl group is assumed to play an important role in the interfacial activation. Finally, since DP-lipase is still fully active on dissolved p-nitrophenyl acetate, the serine residue, which has been previously suggested to be the acylable one, is more likely implicated in the recognition and the binding to interfaces, as confirmed by the inability of DP-lipase to be adsorbed on siliconized glass beads.", "PMID": 990258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3655", "title": "Chemical modification of bacterial luciferase with ethoxyformic anhydride: evidence for an essential histidyl residue.", "content": "Bacterial luciferase is a heteropolymeric protein (alphabeta) that catalyses the conversion of chemical energy to light by oxidation of a reduced flavin mononucleotide and a long chain aliphatic aldehyde. Elucidation of the specific amino acid residues involved in the enzymatic reaction is essential for understanding the mechanisms of the bioluminescent reaction. Luciferase has been found to be inactivated by ethoxyformic anhydride with a second-order rate constant of 146 M-1 min-1 at pH 6.1 and 0 degrees C with a concomitant increase in absorbance at 240 nm due to formation of ethoxyformylhistidyl derivatives. Activity could be restored by hydroxylamine and the pH curve of inactivation indicated the involvement of a residue having a pKa of 6.8. Both substrates, FMNH2 and aldehyde, protected the enzyme against inactivation, suggesting that the modification occurred at or near the active site. Incorporation of [14C]ethoxyformyl groups in luciferase indicated that inactivation resulted from the modification of about three histidyl residues, one histidine being found on the alpha subunit and two on the beta subunit. Hybridization experiments, in which ethoxyformylluciferase, alphambetam, was complemented with native subunits, alpha or beta, showed that the hybrid alphambetam, has the same activity as alphambetam whereas the activity of the hybrid alphabetam, was close to that of the reconstituted luciferase alphabeta. The results indicate that modification of only one histidyl residue on the alpha subunit inactivates luciferase and suggest that this histidyl residue plays an essential role in the mechanism of the bacterial bioluminescent reaction.", "contents": "Chemical modification of bacterial luciferase with ethoxyformic anhydride: evidence for an essential histidyl residue. Bacterial luciferase is a heteropolymeric protein (alphabeta) that catalyses the conversion of chemical energy to light by oxidation of a reduced flavin mononucleotide and a long chain aliphatic aldehyde. Elucidation of the specific amino acid residues involved in the enzymatic reaction is essential for understanding the mechanisms of the bioluminescent reaction. Luciferase has been found to be inactivated by ethoxyformic anhydride with a second-order rate constant of 146 M-1 min-1 at pH 6.1 and 0 degrees C with a concomitant increase in absorbance at 240 nm due to formation of ethoxyformylhistidyl derivatives. Activity could be restored by hydroxylamine and the pH curve of inactivation indicated the involvement of a residue having a pKa of 6.8. Both substrates, FMNH2 and aldehyde, protected the enzyme against inactivation, suggesting that the modification occurred at or near the active site. Incorporation of [14C]ethoxyformyl groups in luciferase indicated that inactivation resulted from the modification of about three histidyl residues, one histidine being found on the alpha subunit and two on the beta subunit. Hybridization experiments, in which ethoxyformylluciferase, alphambetam, was complemented with native subunits, alpha or beta, showed that the hybrid alphambetam, has the same activity as alphambetam whereas the activity of the hybrid alphabetam, was close to that of the reconstituted luciferase alphabeta. The results indicate that modification of only one histidyl residue on the alpha subunit inactivates luciferase and suggest that this histidyl residue plays an essential role in the mechanism of the bacterial bioluminescent reaction.", "PMID": 990259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3656", "title": "Biosynthesis of the carbohydrate units of immunoglobulins. 1. Purification and properties of galactosyltransferases from swine mesentary lymph nodes.", "content": "Galactosyltransferase (UDPgalactose:glycoprotein galactosyltransferase EC 2.4.1.22) was isolated from swine mesentary lymhromatography on Sepharose 4B colums containing covalently bound p-aminophenyl-beta-D-N-acetylglucosamine. The homogenous enzyme showed a single band on disc gel electrophoresis and had a specific activity of 35 nmol min-1 (mg of protein)-1 at 37 degrees C. A molecular weight of 57 000 was obtained by exclusion chromatography, sucrose density centrifugation, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis. The same molecular weight was obtained after reduction and alkylation which indicates that the enzyme is composed of only a single polypeptide chain. The enzyme catalyzed the formation of beta1 leads to 4 bonds between galactose and free terminal N-acetylglucosaminyl residues of soluble preparations of porcine IgG immunoglobulin heavy chain, fetuin, ovalbumin, and ovomucoid. An endogenous glycoprotein, present in particulate subcellular preparations, was also a very good substrate for the enzyme, and it was identified as incomplete IgG immunoglobulin heavy chain. The Km of the purified enzyme was 2.9 x 10(-5) M for fetuin, 5.4 x 10(-5) M for ovalbumin, 2.0 x 10(-5) M for IgG immlnoglobulin heavy chain, and 2.2 x 10(-5) M for UDP-galactose. About 20% of the total galactosyltransferase activity in lymph node homogenates was present in the cytosol fraction, and 80% was in the microsomal and Golgi fractions. The kinetic properties of the bound and soluble galactosyltransferases were similar,and both required Mn2+ for maximal activity. However, the bound enzyme required the addition of detergent, lysolecithin, GDP-mannose, and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine for maximum activity. These compounds did not influence the activity of the soluble transferase. The membrane preparations catalyzed the transfer of galactose from UDP-galactose and N-acetylglycosamine from UDP-N-acetylglucosamine to incomplete oligosaccharide chains of endogenous IgG immunoglobulin bound to these particles. The labeled products of these reactions were isolated, and the structures of their oligosaccharide chains were determined and compared with those isolated from the heavy chain of porcine IgG immunoglobulin. The glycopeptide prepared from the endogenous acceptor and the major glycopeptide prepared by proteolytic digestion of the heavy chain of porcine IgG immunoglobulin has identical structures. The following structure for the carbohydrate chains of porcine IgG immunoglobulin was determined by sequential enzymatic hydrolysis and methylation studies.", "contents": "Biosynthesis of the carbohydrate units of immunoglobulins. 1. Purification and properties of galactosyltransferases from swine mesentary lymph nodes. Galactosyltransferase (UDPgalactose:glycoprotein galactosyltransferase EC 2.4.1.22) was isolated from swine mesentary lymhromatography on Sepharose 4B colums containing covalently bound p-aminophenyl-beta-D-N-acetylglucosamine. The homogenous enzyme showed a single band on disc gel electrophoresis and had a specific activity of 35 nmol min-1 (mg of protein)-1 at 37 degrees C. A molecular weight of 57 000 was obtained by exclusion chromatography, sucrose density centrifugation, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis. The same molecular weight was obtained after reduction and alkylation which indicates that the enzyme is composed of only a single polypeptide chain. The enzyme catalyzed the formation of beta1 leads to 4 bonds between galactose and free terminal N-acetylglucosaminyl residues of soluble preparations of porcine IgG immunoglobulin heavy chain, fetuin, ovalbumin, and ovomucoid. An endogenous glycoprotein, present in particulate subcellular preparations, was also a very good substrate for the enzyme, and it was identified as incomplete IgG immunoglobulin heavy chain. The Km of the purified enzyme was 2.9 x 10(-5) M for fetuin, 5.4 x 10(-5) M for ovalbumin, 2.0 x 10(-5) M for IgG immlnoglobulin heavy chain, and 2.2 x 10(-5) M for UDP-galactose. About 20% of the total galactosyltransferase activity in lymph node homogenates was present in the cytosol fraction, and 80% was in the microsomal and Golgi fractions. The kinetic properties of the bound and soluble galactosyltransferases were similar,and both required Mn2+ for maximal activity. However, the bound enzyme required the addition of detergent, lysolecithin, GDP-mannose, and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine for maximum activity. These compounds did not influence the activity of the soluble transferase. The membrane preparations catalyzed the transfer of galactose from UDP-galactose and N-acetylglycosamine from UDP-N-acetylglucosamine to incomplete oligosaccharide chains of endogenous IgG immunoglobulin bound to these particles. The labeled products of these reactions were isolated, and the structures of their oligosaccharide chains were determined and compared with those isolated from the heavy chain of porcine IgG immunoglobulin. The glycopeptide prepared from the endogenous acceptor and the major glycopeptide prepared by proteolytic digestion of the heavy chain of porcine IgG immunoglobulin has identical structures. The following structure for the carbohydrate chains of porcine IgG immunoglobulin was determined by sequential enzymatic hydrolysis and methylation studies.", "PMID": 990260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3657", "title": "Purification and characterization of the agglutinins from the sponge Aaptos papillata and a study of their combining sites.", "content": "The lectins from the sponge Aaptos papillata were isolated by affinity chromatography using polyleucyl blood group A + H substances from hog stomach linings as an absorbent and eluting with 3 M MgCl2. Further separation on diethylaminoethylcellulose and preparative disc electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gave the three fractions, Aaptos lectins I, II, and III. They were essentially homogenous in polyacrylamide electrophoresis and sedimentation analysis: a small second component was seen in lectins I and II in immunoelectrophoresis at high concentration. The S20,W0 values for Aaptos lectins I, II, and III were 3.5, 6.0, and 5.5. By electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate with an without beta-mercaptoethanol Aaptos lectin I showed two bands corresponding to molecular weights of 12 000 and 21 000; Aaptos lectins II and III gave only one band of molecular weight of 16 000. In isoelectric focusing, Aaptos lectin I showed bands at pH 4.7 and 5.4 and in the range between 6.8 and 7.6, while Aaptos lectins II and III were almost identical with bands at pH 3.8, 4.7 to 4.9, and 5.3. Aaptos lectin I differed from II and III in amino acid composition but the latter two were very similar. They contained no significant carbohydrate. Aaptos lectin I reacted best with blood group substances with terminal nonreducing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues precipitating about two-thirds of the lectin N added while blood group substances with terminal nonreducing DGalNAc were almost inactive. However, Aaptos lectin II was completely precipitated by blood group substances and glycoproteins containing terminal DGalNAc, DGlcNAc, or sialic acid residues. Aaptos lectin III had a precipitation pattern similar to Aaptos lectin II. DGlcNAc but not DGalNAc inhibited precipitation of Aaptos lectin I by blood group substances and N, N', N'', N'''-tetraacetylchitotetraose was the best inhibitor and was 2000 times more active than DGlcNAc. Precipitin reactions with Aaptos lectin II were inhibited by equal amounts of DGlcNAc and by sialic acid which were four times more potent than DGalNAc. N,N',N''-triacetylchiotriose was the best inhibitor and was 13 times better than DGlcNAc. At 37 degrees C three to four times higher amounts of inhibitor were necessary to inhibit precipitation of Aaptos lectin II than were needed at 4 degrees C, indicating higher affinity of blood group substances for Aaptos lectin II with increasing temperature. Aaptos lectin I was precipitated by the monofunctional hapten p-nitrophenyl-alphaDGalNAc, while p-nitrophenyl-betaDGalNAc did not precipitate and was a good inhibitor. Both phenomena indicate involvement of hydrophobic bonds.", "contents": "Purification and characterization of the agglutinins from the sponge Aaptos papillata and a study of their combining sites. The lectins from the sponge Aaptos papillata were isolated by affinity chromatography using polyleucyl blood group A + H substances from hog stomach linings as an absorbent and eluting with 3 M MgCl2. Further separation on diethylaminoethylcellulose and preparative disc electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gave the three fractions, Aaptos lectins I, II, and III. They were essentially homogenous in polyacrylamide electrophoresis and sedimentation analysis: a small second component was seen in lectins I and II in immunoelectrophoresis at high concentration. The S20,W0 values for Aaptos lectins I, II, and III were 3.5, 6.0, and 5.5. By electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate with an without beta-mercaptoethanol Aaptos lectin I showed two bands corresponding to molecular weights of 12 000 and 21 000; Aaptos lectins II and III gave only one band of molecular weight of 16 000. In isoelectric focusing, Aaptos lectin I showed bands at pH 4.7 and 5.4 and in the range between 6.8 and 7.6, while Aaptos lectins II and III were almost identical with bands at pH 3.8, 4.7 to 4.9, and 5.3. Aaptos lectin I differed from II and III in amino acid composition but the latter two were very similar. They contained no significant carbohydrate. Aaptos lectin I reacted best with blood group substances with terminal nonreducing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues precipitating about two-thirds of the lectin N added while blood group substances with terminal nonreducing DGalNAc were almost inactive. However, Aaptos lectin II was completely precipitated by blood group substances and glycoproteins containing terminal DGalNAc, DGlcNAc, or sialic acid residues. Aaptos lectin III had a precipitation pattern similar to Aaptos lectin II. DGlcNAc but not DGalNAc inhibited precipitation of Aaptos lectin I by blood group substances and N, N', N'', N'''-tetraacetylchitotetraose was the best inhibitor and was 2000 times more active than DGlcNAc. Precipitin reactions with Aaptos lectin II were inhibited by equal amounts of DGlcNAc and by sialic acid which were four times more potent than DGalNAc. N,N',N''-triacetylchiotriose was the best inhibitor and was 13 times better than DGlcNAc. At 37 degrees C three to four times higher amounts of inhibitor were necessary to inhibit precipitation of Aaptos lectin II than were needed at 4 degrees C, indicating higher affinity of blood group substances for Aaptos lectin II with increasing temperature. Aaptos lectin I was precipitated by the monofunctional hapten p-nitrophenyl-alphaDGalNAc, while p-nitrophenyl-betaDGalNAc did not precipitate and was a good inhibitor. Both phenomena indicate involvement of hydrophobic bonds.", "PMID": 990261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3658", "title": "Synthesis methylation, and capping of nuclear RNA by a subcellular system.", "content": "A subcellular system is described which is capable of in vitro synthesis of large nuclear RNA and the formation of both cap I [m7G(5')pppXmpYp] and capII [m7G(5')-pppXmpYmpZp] structures. This system, which consists of partially purified intact nuclei and residual cytoplasmic tags, carries out both guanosine addition, utilizing GTP, and the appropriate methylation reactions, utilizing S-adenosylmethionine as the methyl donor. The general structure of the caps was verified by analyses of methylated derivatives recovered after RNase T2 hydrolysis and after digestion with P1 nuclease, bacterial alkaline phosphatase,and nucleotide pyrophosphatase. Cap formation in large nuclear RNA species was found to be closely associated with transcription, as indicated by alpha-manitin sensitivity and a requirement for the presence of all four nucleoside triphosphates. Recovery of a class of cap II structures, in which only the methyl group at position Y is labeled, as well as capII structures in which all methylated constituents are labeled, indicates the presence of at least two independent methylation events in the in vitro system.", "contents": "Synthesis methylation, and capping of nuclear RNA by a subcellular system. A subcellular system is described which is capable of in vitro synthesis of large nuclear RNA and the formation of both cap I [m7G(5')pppXmpYp] and capII [m7G(5')-pppXmpYmpZp] structures. This system, which consists of partially purified intact nuclei and residual cytoplasmic tags, carries out both guanosine addition, utilizing GTP, and the appropriate methylation reactions, utilizing S-adenosylmethionine as the methyl donor. The general structure of the caps was verified by analyses of methylated derivatives recovered after RNase T2 hydrolysis and after digestion with P1 nuclease, bacterial alkaline phosphatase,and nucleotide pyrophosphatase. Cap formation in large nuclear RNA species was found to be closely associated with transcription, as indicated by alpha-manitin sensitivity and a requirement for the presence of all four nucleoside triphosphates. Recovery of a class of cap II structures, in which only the methyl group at position Y is labeled, as well as capII structures in which all methylated constituents are labeled, indicates the presence of at least two independent methylation events in the in vitro system.", "PMID": 990262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3659", "title": "Poly(adenylic acid) synthesis in isolated rat liver mitochondria.", "content": "Purified rat liver mitochondria were shown to synthesize poly(adenylic acid) (poly(A)) in vitro. Detection of the poly(A) synthesizing activity was facilitated by addition of NaF to the reaction was shown to be poly(A) by its insensitivity to digestion with pancreatic RNase and RNase T1, its degradation by venom phosphodiesterase and its retention on poly (uridylic acid) 20-23 AMP units and it was covalently attached to the endogenous RNA in the mitochondria. Poly(A) synthesis required ATP and a divalent ion and was maximally active in the pH range of 7-8. The reaction was inhibited by atractyloside, cordycepin triphosphate, Rose Bengal, rifamycin derivative AF/103, sodium pyrophosphate, and N-ethylmaleimide. These studies indicate that the mitochondrial poly(A) polymerase previously described in our laboratory (Jacob, S.T., Rose, K.M., and Morris, H.P. (1974), Biochim. Biophys. Acta 361, 312-320) is involved in the posttranscriptional addition of poly(A) sequence to mitochondrial RNA.", "contents": "Poly(adenylic acid) synthesis in isolated rat liver mitochondria. Purified rat liver mitochondria were shown to synthesize poly(adenylic acid) (poly(A)) in vitro. Detection of the poly(A) synthesizing activity was facilitated by addition of NaF to the reaction was shown to be poly(A) by its insensitivity to digestion with pancreatic RNase and RNase T1, its degradation by venom phosphodiesterase and its retention on poly (uridylic acid) 20-23 AMP units and it was covalently attached to the endogenous RNA in the mitochondria. Poly(A) synthesis required ATP and a divalent ion and was maximally active in the pH range of 7-8. The reaction was inhibited by atractyloside, cordycepin triphosphate, Rose Bengal, rifamycin derivative AF/103, sodium pyrophosphate, and N-ethylmaleimide. These studies indicate that the mitochondrial poly(A) polymerase previously described in our laboratory (Jacob, S.T., Rose, K.M., and Morris, H.P. (1974), Biochim. Biophys. Acta 361, 312-320) is involved in the posttranscriptional addition of poly(A) sequence to mitochondrial RNA.", "PMID": 990263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3660", "title": "Alkylation of ribose in RNA reacted with ethylnitrosourea at neutrality.", "content": "Ribose oxygens in TMV-RNA are ethylated by the carcinogen ethylnitrosourea in neutral aqueous solution (pH 6.1-7.3). 2'-O-ethyluridine, and 2'-O-ethylcytidine have been identified as reaction products. The four 2'-O-ethyl nucleosides are found in approximately equal amounts and the total extent of ribose alkylation is about 15% of the total ethylation. This finding, in conjunction with earlier results showing that all ring and phosphate oxygens can be ethylated, signifies that every oxygen in RNA or polyribonucleotides can react with ethylnitrosourea. The possible biological significance of ribose alkylation, resulting from chemical rather than enzymatic reaction, is discussed. The preparation of the new derivative 2'(3')-Oethylguanosine is described.", "contents": "Alkylation of ribose in RNA reacted with ethylnitrosourea at neutrality. Ribose oxygens in TMV-RNA are ethylated by the carcinogen ethylnitrosourea in neutral aqueous solution (pH 6.1-7.3). 2'-O-ethyluridine, and 2'-O-ethylcytidine have been identified as reaction products. The four 2'-O-ethyl nucleosides are found in approximately equal amounts and the total extent of ribose alkylation is about 15% of the total ethylation. This finding, in conjunction with earlier results showing that all ring and phosphate oxygens can be ethylated, signifies that every oxygen in RNA or polyribonucleotides can react with ethylnitrosourea. The possible biological significance of ribose alkylation, resulting from chemical rather than enzymatic reaction, is discussed. The preparation of the new derivative 2'(3')-Oethylguanosine is described.", "PMID": 990264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3661", "title": "Purification of a factor from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells specifically stimulating RNA polymerase II.", "content": "A factor stimulating RNA polymerase II from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells was purified. The final preparation appeared almost homogeneous on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and had a molecular weight of 38 000. The endonuclease activity of about 10 mug of purified factor, if any was well below the 10(-5) mug equivalent of pancreatic deoxyribonuclease, indicating that the stimulation of RNA synthesis by this factor was not due to contaminating endonuclease. This factor specifically stimulated RNA polymerase II on native DNA as template and did not affect RNA polymerase I at all. The molecular size of RNA synthesized in the presence of this factor increased markedly compared with that synthetized by RNA polymerase II alone.", "contents": "Purification of a factor from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells specifically stimulating RNA polymerase II. A factor stimulating RNA polymerase II from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells was purified. The final preparation appeared almost homogeneous on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and had a molecular weight of 38 000. The endonuclease activity of about 10 mug of purified factor, if any was well below the 10(-5) mug equivalent of pancreatic deoxyribonuclease, indicating that the stimulation of RNA synthesis by this factor was not due to contaminating endonuclease. This factor specifically stimulated RNA polymerase II on native DNA as template and did not affect RNA polymerase I at all. The molecular size of RNA synthesized in the presence of this factor increased markedly compared with that synthetized by RNA polymerase II alone.", "PMID": 990265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3662", "title": "Selective chemical cleavage of tryptophanyl peptide bonds by oxidative chlorination with N-chlorosuccinimide.", "content": "Tryptophanyl peptide bonds are selectively cleaved by N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) under acidic conditions. All other peptide bonds are resistant to cleabage by this reagent. Optimal conditions for cleavage are: 2 equiv of NCS, pH 4-5, or 50-80% acetic acid for 30 min at room temperature. Under these conditions methionine residues are oxidized to methionine sulfoxides and cysteine. Other amino acids are not modified. The cleavage reaction was studied with several peptides containing tryptophan residueas successfully applied to several proteins. In alpha-lactalbumin, Kunitz trypsin inhibitor ,and apomyoglobin, selective cleavage of the expected tryptophanyl peptide bonds was obtained in 19-58% yield. The glucagon molecule was fragmented into two peptides in 32% yield.", "contents": "Selective chemical cleavage of tryptophanyl peptide bonds by oxidative chlorination with N-chlorosuccinimide. Tryptophanyl peptide bonds are selectively cleaved by N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) under acidic conditions. All other peptide bonds are resistant to cleabage by this reagent. Optimal conditions for cleavage are: 2 equiv of NCS, pH 4-5, or 50-80% acetic acid for 30 min at room temperature. Under these conditions methionine residues are oxidized to methionine sulfoxides and cysteine. Other amino acids are not modified. The cleavage reaction was studied with several peptides containing tryptophan residueas successfully applied to several proteins. In alpha-lactalbumin, Kunitz trypsin inhibitor ,and apomyoglobin, selective cleavage of the expected tryptophanyl peptide bonds was obtained in 19-58% yield. The glucagon molecule was fragmented into two peptides in 32% yield.", "PMID": 990266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3663", "title": "Conversion of proparathyroid hormone to parathyroid hormone: studies in vitro with trypsin.", "content": "The conversion of proparathyroid hormone to parathyroid hormone (PTH) was studied in vitro employing pancreatic trypsin as a prototype converting enzyme. Digestion of intact radiolabeled bovine prohormone with trypsin (0.1%) (w/w) resulted in release of a peptide comigrating with intact hormone marker in systems resolving both on the basis of charge (urea polyacrylamide gels, pH 4.4) and size (sodium dodecyl sulfate-urea polyacrylamide gels, pH 7.2). Tryptic digestions of a synthetic analogue of bovine prohormone, ProPTH-(-6 + 34), consisting of the prohormone hexapeptide covalently bonded to the NIH2 terminus of the active fragment of the hormone, released in high yield the hexapeptide and the intact active hormone fragment before any other smaller fragments. Analyses of digestions were by: (i) thin-layer chromatography and amino acid analysis of digestion products; (ii) comparison of the biological activity of the prophormone substrate and the products of digestion; and (iii) peptide end-group analysis by the Edman method during progressive tryptic hydrolysis over 22 h. The latter experiments demonstrated cleavage of more than 75% of the hexapeptide-hormone peptide bond before cleavage of other trypsin-sensitive sites within the molecule. It is concluded that the specificity of cleavage at the hexapeptide-hormone bond in the process of intracellular hydrolysis of proparathyroid hormone resides primarily in the sequence and/or conformation of the precursor molecule; inasmuch as conversion of prohormone to hormone can be efficiently accomplished by pancreatic trypsin in vitro, there is, therefore, no need to postulate the existence of an intracellular converting enzyme within the parathyroid cell that possesses unique hydrolytic specificity.", "contents": "Conversion of proparathyroid hormone to parathyroid hormone: studies in vitro with trypsin. The conversion of proparathyroid hormone to parathyroid hormone (PTH) was studied in vitro employing pancreatic trypsin as a prototype converting enzyme. Digestion of intact radiolabeled bovine prohormone with trypsin (0.1%) (w/w) resulted in release of a peptide comigrating with intact hormone marker in systems resolving both on the basis of charge (urea polyacrylamide gels, pH 4.4) and size (sodium dodecyl sulfate-urea polyacrylamide gels, pH 7.2). Tryptic digestions of a synthetic analogue of bovine prohormone, ProPTH-(-6 + 34), consisting of the prohormone hexapeptide covalently bonded to the NIH2 terminus of the active fragment of the hormone, released in high yield the hexapeptide and the intact active hormone fragment before any other smaller fragments. Analyses of digestions were by: (i) thin-layer chromatography and amino acid analysis of digestion products; (ii) comparison of the biological activity of the prophormone substrate and the products of digestion; and (iii) peptide end-group analysis by the Edman method during progressive tryptic hydrolysis over 22 h. The latter experiments demonstrated cleavage of more than 75% of the hexapeptide-hormone peptide bond before cleavage of other trypsin-sensitive sites within the molecule. It is concluded that the specificity of cleavage at the hexapeptide-hormone bond in the process of intracellular hydrolysis of proparathyroid hormone resides primarily in the sequence and/or conformation of the precursor molecule; inasmuch as conversion of prohormone to hormone can be efficiently accomplished by pancreatic trypsin in vitro, there is, therefore, no need to postulate the existence of an intracellular converting enzyme within the parathyroid cell that possesses unique hydrolytic specificity.", "PMID": 990267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3664", "title": "Synthesis, structure determination, spectral properties, and energy-linked spectral responses of the extrinsic probe oxonol V in membranes.", "content": "The direct synthesis of bis]3-phenyl-5-oxoisoxazol-4-yl]pentamethineoxonol, which is shown to be the fluorescent probe OX-V (formerly MC-V), is described. The emission lifetime (0.9 +/- 0.1 ns) and the spectral properties of this dye in a number of systems are presented as well as the relative polarizations associated with the transition moments of the observable electronic transitions. The structure of OX-V was determined using elemental analysis and infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The use of the contact shift reagent, Eu(fod)3-d27, greatly facilitated the interpretation of the NMR results. In aqueous media, the anionic form of OX-V is present virtually exclusively due to the low solubility of the neutral species; formation of the latter species occurs when ethanol or methanol solutions of OX-V are acidiied. Both neutral and anionic dye forms can be detected in chloroform-ethanol solvents. The fluorescence intensity from excitation of the neutral species is an order of magnitude weaker than that from excitation of the anionic form and may result from the formation of excited anions due to the loss of a proton by the neutral species in the excited state. Polarization results indicate that the visible absorption of the dye is due to a single electronic transition. OX-V has been employed as a probe primarily in beef heart submitochondrial particles, reconstituted ATPase vesicles,a nd pigeon heart mitochondria. The energy-linked spectral changes of the probe in these preparations are described and mechanisms proposed for the spectral effects.", "contents": "Synthesis, structure determination, spectral properties, and energy-linked spectral responses of the extrinsic probe oxonol V in membranes. The direct synthesis of bis]3-phenyl-5-oxoisoxazol-4-yl]pentamethineoxonol, which is shown to be the fluorescent probe OX-V (formerly MC-V), is described. The emission lifetime (0.9 +/- 0.1 ns) and the spectral properties of this dye in a number of systems are presented as well as the relative polarizations associated with the transition moments of the observable electronic transitions. The structure of OX-V was determined using elemental analysis and infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The use of the contact shift reagent, Eu(fod)3-d27, greatly facilitated the interpretation of the NMR results. In aqueous media, the anionic form of OX-V is present virtually exclusively due to the low solubility of the neutral species; formation of the latter species occurs when ethanol or methanol solutions of OX-V are acidiied. Both neutral and anionic dye forms can be detected in chloroform-ethanol solvents. The fluorescence intensity from excitation of the neutral species is an order of magnitude weaker than that from excitation of the anionic form and may result from the formation of excited anions due to the loss of a proton by the neutral species in the excited state. Polarization results indicate that the visible absorption of the dye is due to a single electronic transition. OX-V has been employed as a probe primarily in beef heart submitochondrial particles, reconstituted ATPase vesicles,a nd pigeon heart mitochondria. The energy-linked spectral changes of the probe in these preparations are described and mechanisms proposed for the spectral effects.", "PMID": 990268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3665", "title": "Amino-terminal arginylation of chromosomal proteins by arginyl-tRNA.", "content": "Arginine was transferred from arginyl-tRNA to the amino-terminal end of chromatin proteins by L-arginyl-transferase. The reaction was dependent on the presence of potassium ion and beta-mercaptoethanol and was sensitive to RNase and trypsin. Treatment with DNase partially inhibited the transfer of arginine from arginyl-tRNA suggesting that intact chromatin structure is necessary for modification of chromatin. The radioactivity incorporated into chromatin was sensitive to trypsin but not to DNase or RNase. Most of the incorporated radioactivity was recovered in the phenol fraction, supporting the notion that modification of chromatin takes place in proteins but not in nucleic acids of chromatin. Modification of the proteins by transfer of arginine from arginyl-tRNA takes place mainly in the nonhistone fraction of chromatin. Major portions of chromosomal proteins modified in this manner appear to be released from chromatin. Incubation of incorporated radioactive product with [12C]arginyl-tRNA did not alter the product, showing that incorporated arginine is stable and does not exchange with added arginine or arginyl-tRNA. These observations suggest that aminoacyl-transferase may function in the modification of chromosomal proteins and that modification of chromatin may alter the regulatory mechanisms of cellular functions.", "contents": "Amino-terminal arginylation of chromosomal proteins by arginyl-tRNA. Arginine was transferred from arginyl-tRNA to the amino-terminal end of chromatin proteins by L-arginyl-transferase. The reaction was dependent on the presence of potassium ion and beta-mercaptoethanol and was sensitive to RNase and trypsin. Treatment with DNase partially inhibited the transfer of arginine from arginyl-tRNA suggesting that intact chromatin structure is necessary for modification of chromatin. The radioactivity incorporated into chromatin was sensitive to trypsin but not to DNase or RNase. Most of the incorporated radioactivity was recovered in the phenol fraction, supporting the notion that modification of chromatin takes place in proteins but not in nucleic acids of chromatin. Modification of the proteins by transfer of arginine from arginyl-tRNA takes place mainly in the nonhistone fraction of chromatin. Major portions of chromosomal proteins modified in this manner appear to be released from chromatin. Incubation of incorporated radioactive product with [12C]arginyl-tRNA did not alter the product, showing that incorporated arginine is stable and does not exchange with added arginine or arginyl-tRNA. These observations suggest that aminoacyl-transferase may function in the modification of chromosomal proteins and that modification of chromatin may alter the regulatory mechanisms of cellular functions.", "PMID": 990269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3666", "title": "Status of empirical methods for the prediction of protein backbone topography.", "content": "An empirical preduction algorithm which uses information on the shrs on either side) interactions in 20 proteins to assign every residue in a protein to one of five conformational states is described. The conformational states are defined in terms of the backbone dihedral angles of the residue so that the prediction algorithm can be used to generate starting conformations for subsequent energy-minimization procedures, which would be necessary to predict the three-dimensional structure of a protein. An estimate is made of the statistical error in the determination of the parameter- describing the effects of short-range and medium-range interactions in proteins, and it is shown that this statistical error plays a large role in limiting the accuracy of all prediture. Using the method described in this paper, 56% of the residues in 20 proteins were assigned correctly to one of five conformational states. It seems unlikely that any prediction method can significantly improve on this accuracy for assigning residues for specific backbone conformations unless the size of the data base is increased greatly.", "contents": "Status of empirical methods for the prediction of protein backbone topography. An empirical preduction algorithm which uses information on the shrs on either side) interactions in 20 proteins to assign every residue in a protein to one of five conformational states is described. The conformational states are defined in terms of the backbone dihedral angles of the residue so that the prediction algorithm can be used to generate starting conformations for subsequent energy-minimization procedures, which would be necessary to predict the three-dimensional structure of a protein. An estimate is made of the statistical error in the determination of the parameter- describing the effects of short-range and medium-range interactions in proteins, and it is shown that this statistical error plays a large role in limiting the accuracy of all prediture. Using the method described in this paper, 56% of the residues in 20 proteins were assigned correctly to one of five conformational states. It seems unlikely that any prediction method can significantly improve on this accuracy for assigning residues for specific backbone conformations unless the size of the data base is increased greatly.", "PMID": 990270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3667", "title": "Orientation of structural segments in globular proteins.", "content": "Twelve globular proteins have been examined to test whether structural segments are oriented at random. Structural segments are defined as the primary sequence of linear chain neighbors bounded by consecutive peptide chain turns. It is shown that, with this definition, a structural segment can be well approximated by a straight-line segment. Each protein in the test set was exhaustively partitioned into its constituent structural segments, and a method is presented for comparing pairwise intersegment orientations. Within a protein, it is found that three-dimensionally close-segments exhibit a pronounced tendency toward parallel orientation while distant segments are randomly oriented. Finally, some conclusions are presented relating to the general problem of segment packing in globular proteins.", "contents": "Orientation of structural segments in globular proteins. Twelve globular proteins have been examined to test whether structural segments are oriented at random. Structural segments are defined as the primary sequence of linear chain neighbors bounded by consecutive peptide chain turns. It is shown that, with this definition, a structural segment can be well approximated by a straight-line segment. Each protein in the test set was exhaustively partitioned into its constituent structural segments, and a method is presented for comparing pairwise intersegment orientations. Within a protein, it is found that three-dimensionally close-segments exhibit a pronounced tendency toward parallel orientation while distant segments are randomly oriented. Finally, some conclusions are presented relating to the general problem of segment packing in globular proteins.", "PMID": 990271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3668", "title": "Reversible unfolding of the major fraction of ovalbumin by guanidine hydrochloride.", "content": "The guanidine hydrochloride induced unfolding of the major fraction of ovalbumin (i.e. A1 which contains two phosphate groups and constitutes about 77% of the total protein) was investigated systematically by difference spectran and viscosity measurements. As judged by the intrinsic viscosity (3.9 ml/g), the native protein conformation is compact and globular. Difference spectral results showed extensive disruption of the native structure by guanidine hydrochloride with and without 0.1 M beta-mercaptoethanol were 31.1 and 27.0 ml/g. These and optical rotation results indicated that the denatured protein existed in a cross-linked random coil conformation in 6 M guanidine hydrochloride alone. Strikingly, in contrast to whole ovalbumin, the denaturation of its A1 fraction by guanidine hydrochloride was fully reversible and obeyed first-order kinetic law under different experimental condit ions of pH, temperature, and the denaturant concentration. The monotonic variation of deltaH for the unfolding of ovalbumin A1 by guanidine hydrochloride with temperature, the coincidence of the two transition curves obtained by measuring two independent properties (namely reduced viscosity and difference in light absorption at 288 nm (or 293 nm) as a function of the denaturant concentration, and finally the adherence of the unfolding as well as refolding reactions to first-order kinetic law suggested that the transition of ovalbumin. A1 can reasonably be approximated by a two-state mode. Analysis of the equilibrium data obtained at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C according to Aune and Tanford (Aune, K.C.,and Tanford, C. (1969), Biochemistry 8, 4586) showed that 12 additional binding sites for the denaturant with an association constant of 1.12 were freshly exposed by the unfolding process and that the native protein was marginally more stable (approximately 6 kcal/mol) than its unfolded form even under native condition. The temperature dependence of the equilibrium constant for the unfolding of ovalbumin A1 by guanidine hydrochloride which was studied in the range 10-60 degrees C at pH 7.0 can be described by assigning the following values of the thermodynamic parameters for the unfolding process: deltaH = 52 kcal/mol at 25 degrees C; deltaS = 153 cal deg-1 mol-1 at 25 degrees C; and delta Cp = 2700 +/- 400 cal deg-1 mol-1.", "contents": "Reversible unfolding of the major fraction of ovalbumin by guanidine hydrochloride. The guanidine hydrochloride induced unfolding of the major fraction of ovalbumin (i.e. A1 which contains two phosphate groups and constitutes about 77% of the total protein) was investigated systematically by difference spectran and viscosity measurements. As judged by the intrinsic viscosity (3.9 ml/g), the native protein conformation is compact and globular. Difference spectral results showed extensive disruption of the native structure by guanidine hydrochloride with and without 0.1 M beta-mercaptoethanol were 31.1 and 27.0 ml/g. These and optical rotation results indicated that the denatured protein existed in a cross-linked random coil conformation in 6 M guanidine hydrochloride alone. Strikingly, in contrast to whole ovalbumin, the denaturation of its A1 fraction by guanidine hydrochloride was fully reversible and obeyed first-order kinetic law under different experimental condit ions of pH, temperature, and the denaturant concentration. The monotonic variation of deltaH for the unfolding of ovalbumin A1 by guanidine hydrochloride with temperature, the coincidence of the two transition curves obtained by measuring two independent properties (namely reduced viscosity and difference in light absorption at 288 nm (or 293 nm) as a function of the denaturant concentration, and finally the adherence of the unfolding as well as refolding reactions to first-order kinetic law suggested that the transition of ovalbumin. A1 can reasonably be approximated by a two-state mode. Analysis of the equilibrium data obtained at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C according to Aune and Tanford (Aune, K.C.,and Tanford, C. (1969), Biochemistry 8, 4586) showed that 12 additional binding sites for the denaturant with an association constant of 1.12 were freshly exposed by the unfolding process and that the native protein was marginally more stable (approximately 6 kcal/mol) than its unfolded form even under native condition. The temperature dependence of the equilibrium constant for the unfolding of ovalbumin A1 by guanidine hydrochloride which was studied in the range 10-60 degrees C at pH 7.0 can be described by assigning the following values of the thermodynamic parameters for the unfolding process: deltaH = 52 kcal/mol at 25 degrees C; deltaS = 153 cal deg-1 mol-1 at 25 degrees C; and delta Cp = 2700 +/- 400 cal deg-1 mol-1.", "PMID": 990272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3669", "title": "Ultracentifuge studies of the binding of IgG of different subclasses to the Clq subunit of the first component of complement.", "content": "Normal IgG and myeloma proteins of the IgG1, 2, 3,and 4 subclasses were mixed with human Clq and studied in the analytical ultracentrifuge for complex formation. Binding of IgG to Clq is apparent both from the enlargement of area and from the increase in sedimentation rate of the well-separated schlieren peak of Clq. The accurate determination of binding parameters requires that sedimentation rates be corrected for hydrodynamic interaction, and area measurements corrected for the Johnston-Ogston effect. At the highest immunoglobulin concentrations employed in these studies more than ten IgG molecules are bound to each Clq. If we assume that the number of binding sites must be an integral multiple of 6, then the data best support a 12 binding site model, although an 18 site model cannot be rule out. Myeloma IgG proteins of all subclasses bind to Clq, with affinities decreasing in the order G3 greater than G1 greater than G2 greater than G4. No binding of IgA to Clq could be detected.", "contents": "Ultracentifuge studies of the binding of IgG of different subclasses to the Clq subunit of the first component of complement. Normal IgG and myeloma proteins of the IgG1, 2, 3,and 4 subclasses were mixed with human Clq and studied in the analytical ultracentrifuge for complex formation. Binding of IgG to Clq is apparent both from the enlargement of area and from the increase in sedimentation rate of the well-separated schlieren peak of Clq. The accurate determination of binding parameters requires that sedimentation rates be corrected for hydrodynamic interaction, and area measurements corrected for the Johnston-Ogston effect. At the highest immunoglobulin concentrations employed in these studies more than ten IgG molecules are bound to each Clq. If we assume that the number of binding sites must be an integral multiple of 6, then the data best support a 12 binding site model, although an 18 site model cannot be rule out. Myeloma IgG proteins of all subclasses bind to Clq, with affinities decreasing in the order G3 greater than G1 greater than G2 greater than G4. No binding of IgA to Clq could be detected.", "PMID": 990273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3670", "title": "Binding of human interferons to immobolized Cibacron Blue F3GA: The nature of molecular interaction.", "content": "Blue Dextran (Cibacron Blue F3GA-dextran) was immobilized on cyanogen bromide activated agarose and used as a ligand for human fibroblast and leukocyte interferons in a solvent of phosphate-buffered (pH 7.4), physiological saline (0.15 M NaCl). Fibroblast interferon binds completely and is not displaced from the column by an increase in ionic strength of the solvent (1.0 M NaCl); it can be, however, recovered with ethylene glycol, indicating the hydrophobic nature of interaction. Leukocyte interferon also binds to Blue Dextran-agarose but it can be recovered simply by an increase in the ionic strength of the solvent, indicating primarily the electrostatic nature of binding. Attempts to displace both interferons selectively with nucleosides and aromatic amino acids were unsuccessful. When Cibacron Blue F3GA is immobilized directly to agarose matrix or via molecular arm, the strength of binding of fibroblast interfern is significantly decreased, although ethylene glycol is still required for its displacement from the column. Leukocyte interferon, by contrast, does not bind at all under the same solvent conditions; it does bind when the pH value of the solvent is in the range 3-5 i.e., below its isoelectric point. Human fibroblast interferon binds completely to: aminobenzene, aminonaphthalene, and aminoanthracene, all immobilized on agarose, and it can be recovered with ethylene glycol. In contrast, human leukocyte interferon does not bind to benzene-agarose; it is retarded on naphthalene-agarose and completely retained on an anthracene-agarose column. All data point to a higher intrinsic hydrophobicity of human fibroblast interferon vis-\u00e1-vis human leukocyte interferon. Selective binding of human fibroblast interferon of Cibacron Blue F3GA-agarose results in a significant purification, about 800-fold.", "contents": "Binding of human interferons to immobolized Cibacron Blue F3GA: The nature of molecular interaction. Blue Dextran (Cibacron Blue F3GA-dextran) was immobilized on cyanogen bromide activated agarose and used as a ligand for human fibroblast and leukocyte interferons in a solvent of phosphate-buffered (pH 7.4), physiological saline (0.15 M NaCl). Fibroblast interferon binds completely and is not displaced from the column by an increase in ionic strength of the solvent (1.0 M NaCl); it can be, however, recovered with ethylene glycol, indicating the hydrophobic nature of interaction. Leukocyte interferon also binds to Blue Dextran-agarose but it can be recovered simply by an increase in the ionic strength of the solvent, indicating primarily the electrostatic nature of binding. Attempts to displace both interferons selectively with nucleosides and aromatic amino acids were unsuccessful. When Cibacron Blue F3GA is immobilized directly to agarose matrix or via molecular arm, the strength of binding of fibroblast interfern is significantly decreased, although ethylene glycol is still required for its displacement from the column. Leukocyte interferon, by contrast, does not bind at all under the same solvent conditions; it does bind when the pH value of the solvent is in the range 3-5 i.e., below its isoelectric point. Human fibroblast interferon binds completely to: aminobenzene, aminonaphthalene, and aminoanthracene, all immobilized on agarose, and it can be recovered with ethylene glycol. In contrast, human leukocyte interferon does not bind to benzene-agarose; it is retarded on naphthalene-agarose and completely retained on an anthracene-agarose column. All data point to a higher intrinsic hydrophobicity of human fibroblast interferon vis-\u00e1-vis human leukocyte interferon. Selective binding of human fibroblast interferon of Cibacron Blue F3GA-agarose results in a significant purification, about 800-fold.", "PMID": 990274} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3671", "title": "Ligand-induced structural changes in amylose partially complexed with iodine.", "content": "The influence of complexing agents such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, cyclohexanol and 2-octanol on the formation of a blue coloured amylose - iodine complex (pH 4.8), under suboptimum concentrations of iodine and in the absence of potassium iodide, is studied by recording the absorbance at 640 nm. A drop in absorbance at 640 nm accompanied by a blue shift in the spectrum (640-580 nm) was observed at higher concentrations of the complexing agents. This behaviour of amylose partially complexed with iodine appears to be due to ligand-induced structural changes in the amylose chain. The fall in absorbance at 640 nm observed when the temperature of amylose - iodine complex in the presence of complexing agents is raised, and the subsequent regeneration of the absorbance on cooling, indicates the possible helix to random coil transition of the amylose chain in an aqueous system.", "contents": "Ligand-induced structural changes in amylose partially complexed with iodine. The influence of complexing agents such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, cyclohexanol and 2-octanol on the formation of a blue coloured amylose - iodine complex (pH 4.8), under suboptimum concentrations of iodine and in the absence of potassium iodide, is studied by recording the absorbance at 640 nm. A drop in absorbance at 640 nm accompanied by a blue shift in the spectrum (640-580 nm) was observed at higher concentrations of the complexing agents. This behaviour of amylose partially complexed with iodine appears to be due to ligand-induced structural changes in the amylose chain. The fall in absorbance at 640 nm observed when the temperature of amylose - iodine complex in the presence of complexing agents is raised, and the subsequent regeneration of the absorbance on cooling, indicates the possible helix to random coil transition of the amylose chain in an aqueous system.", "PMID": 990275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3672", "title": "Movements of sodium and potassium into ejaculated boar spermatozoa suspended in seminal plasma and a biological salt solution.", "content": "Uptake of 22Na and 42K into ejaculated boar spermatozoa was measured in vitro. Cells were suspended either in seminal plasma or in a biological salt solution of essentially the same composition as boar seminal plasma. Samples were incubated at 30 degrees C. Correction was made for extracellular space in the centrifuged sperm pellet. This was determined as 22Na-space, which was less (P less than 0.001) than [14C] carboxyinulin space. Large differences were observed among individual ejaculates. The half-time for potassium uptake into the spermatozoa averaged 11.5 min, which is much faster than that for leukocytes or erythrocytes. When the spermatozoa were suspended in the biological salt solution, the initial rate of 42K uptake was significantly decreased. This may be due to disturbances of the protein components of the sperm membrane. The uptake of 22Na into the spermatozoa was slow. Sodium and potassium transport appeared not to be coupled in the 3/2 ratio which has been reported for erythrocyte membranes. The average concentration of sodium was 108 mM in seminal plasma and 26 mM in the spermatozoa (112 mmol/kg water and 38 mmol/kg water, respectively). The corresponding figures for potassium were 26 mM and 51 mM (27 mmol/kg water and 74 mmol/kg water). The random error for a single determination for the various methods used varied between 2.4 and 13.3% of the mean.", "contents": "Movements of sodium and potassium into ejaculated boar spermatozoa suspended in seminal plasma and a biological salt solution. Uptake of 22Na and 42K into ejaculated boar spermatozoa was measured in vitro. Cells were suspended either in seminal plasma or in a biological salt solution of essentially the same composition as boar seminal plasma. Samples were incubated at 30 degrees C. Correction was made for extracellular space in the centrifuged sperm pellet. This was determined as 22Na-space, which was less (P less than 0.001) than [14C] carboxyinulin space. Large differences were observed among individual ejaculates. The half-time for potassium uptake into the spermatozoa averaged 11.5 min, which is much faster than that for leukocytes or erythrocytes. When the spermatozoa were suspended in the biological salt solution, the initial rate of 42K uptake was significantly decreased. This may be due to disturbances of the protein components of the sperm membrane. The uptake of 22Na into the spermatozoa was slow. Sodium and potassium transport appeared not to be coupled in the 3/2 ratio which has been reported for erythrocyte membranes. The average concentration of sodium was 108 mM in seminal plasma and 26 mM in the spermatozoa (112 mmol/kg water and 38 mmol/kg water, respectively). The corresponding figures for potassium were 26 mM and 51 mM (27 mmol/kg water and 74 mmol/kg water). The random error for a single determination for the various methods used varied between 2.4 and 13.3% of the mean.", "PMID": 990277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3673", "title": "Photon correlation analysis of cytoplasmic streaming.", "content": "Laser light scattering has been used to investigate particle movements in a plant cell. Intensity autocorrelation functions are obtained by digital photon correlation of laser light scattered from cells of Nitella opaca both during cytoplasmic streaming and during the transitory cessation of streaming induced by electrical stimulation. The average velocity computed from the periodic oscillation in the intensity autocorrelation function during streaming corresponds to the velocity estimated using light microscopy. An estimate of the distribution of streaming velocities has been obtained from the decay in the amplitude of the envelope of the autocorrelation function derived from a streaming cell.", "contents": "Photon correlation analysis of cytoplasmic streaming. Laser light scattering has been used to investigate particle movements in a plant cell. Intensity autocorrelation functions are obtained by digital photon correlation of laser light scattered from cells of Nitella opaca both during cytoplasmic streaming and during the transitory cessation of streaming induced by electrical stimulation. The average velocity computed from the periodic oscillation in the intensity autocorrelation function during streaming corresponds to the velocity estimated using light microscopy. An estimate of the distribution of streaming velocities has been obtained from the decay in the amplitude of the envelope of the autocorrelation function derived from a streaming cell.", "PMID": 990278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3674", "title": "The polypeptide composition and ultrastructure of nuclear ghosts isolated from mammalian cells.", "content": "The polypeptide species of non-membranous nuclear ghosts from purified cell nuclei are conserved among a variety of human, hamster and mouse cell types studied, including HeLa, BHK, 3T6 and Hep-2 cell lines. The polypeptide species present in nuclear ghosts from HeLa cells synchronized in various stages of the cell cycle are largely the same with minor variations. The isolated nuclear ghosts are similar, in terms of polypeptide composition, to other residual nuclear structures isolated by independent techniques. The nuclear ghosts appear as flattened sac-like structures when viewed scanning electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy of the nuclear ghosts reveals ring-like structures which may represent the nuclear pores. Also observed are novel rodshaped structures approximately 260 nm in length and 50 nm in diameter. The latter images either arise by a rearrangement during isolation of the nuclear ghost macromolecules or are a heretofore undescribed structure of intact nuclei.", "contents": "The polypeptide composition and ultrastructure of nuclear ghosts isolated from mammalian cells. The polypeptide species of non-membranous nuclear ghosts from purified cell nuclei are conserved among a variety of human, hamster and mouse cell types studied, including HeLa, BHK, 3T6 and Hep-2 cell lines. The polypeptide species present in nuclear ghosts from HeLa cells synchronized in various stages of the cell cycle are largely the same with minor variations. The isolated nuclear ghosts are similar, in terms of polypeptide composition, to other residual nuclear structures isolated by independent techniques. The nuclear ghosts appear as flattened sac-like structures when viewed scanning electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy of the nuclear ghosts reveals ring-like structures which may represent the nuclear pores. Also observed are novel rodshaped structures approximately 260 nm in length and 50 nm in diameter. The latter images either arise by a rearrangement during isolation of the nuclear ghost macromolecules or are a heretofore undescribed structure of intact nuclei.", "PMID": 990279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3675", "title": "Vitamin D metabolite-binding proteins in human tissue.", "content": "Serum and post-microsomal supernatants of human lymphocyte, erythrocyte, skeletal muscle and parathyroid adenoma homogenates were examined for specific binding of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD3) and 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2D3). Muscle, lymphocytes and parathyroid adenomata extracts contained a 6-S 25-OHD3-binding protein which was not found in erythrocyte extracts, and which was distinct from the smaller serum transport alpha-globulin. A cathodal, 1, 25-(OH)2D3-binding protein, which sedimented at 3-4 S was also detected in parathyroid tissue. These observations suggest the possibility of direct physiologic interaction between vitamin D metabolites and nucleated human tissues other than intestine and bone.", "contents": "Vitamin D metabolite-binding proteins in human tissue. Serum and post-microsomal supernatants of human lymphocyte, erythrocyte, skeletal muscle and parathyroid adenoma homogenates were examined for specific binding of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD3) and 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2D3). Muscle, lymphocytes and parathyroid adenomata extracts contained a 6-S 25-OHD3-binding protein which was not found in erythrocyte extracts, and which was distinct from the smaller serum transport alpha-globulin. A cathodal, 1, 25-(OH)2D3-binding protein, which sedimented at 3-4 S was also detected in parathyroid tissue. These observations suggest the possibility of direct physiologic interaction between vitamin D metabolites and nucleated human tissues other than intestine and bone.", "PMID": 990280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3676", "title": "The amino acid sequence of topi pancreatic ribonuclease.", "content": "Pancreatic tissue from topi (Damaliscus korrigum) contains three ribonuclease components in a ratio of 8:22:70. Two components are glycosidated, whereas the third one does not contain carbohydrate. The amino acid sequence of topi ribonuclease A was deduced from a tryptic digest of the performic acid-oxidized protein. Peptides were positioned by homology with other bovid ribonucleases. Only peptides that differed in amino acid composition from the corresponding peptides of bovine ribonuclease were sequenced. The evidence obtained for the sequence of residues 67-73 is incomplete. Among the bovid ribonucleases (cow, bison, eland, sheep, goat and gnu), topi ribonuclease shows the closest resemblance with sheep and goat ribonucleases; except that the glutamic acid residue at position 103 in the ribonucleases from sheep and goat is substituted by a lysine residue in topi. Topi ribonucleases A and B differ only in the presence of carbohydrate attached to asparagine 34.", "contents": "The amino acid sequence of topi pancreatic ribonuclease. Pancreatic tissue from topi (Damaliscus korrigum) contains three ribonuclease components in a ratio of 8:22:70. Two components are glycosidated, whereas the third one does not contain carbohydrate. The amino acid sequence of topi ribonuclease A was deduced from a tryptic digest of the performic acid-oxidized protein. Peptides were positioned by homology with other bovid ribonucleases. Only peptides that differed in amino acid composition from the corresponding peptides of bovine ribonuclease were sequenced. The evidence obtained for the sequence of residues 67-73 is incomplete. Among the bovid ribonucleases (cow, bison, eland, sheep, goat and gnu), topi ribonuclease shows the closest resemblance with sheep and goat ribonucleases; except that the glutamic acid residue at position 103 in the ribonucleases from sheep and goat is substituted by a lysine residue in topi. Topi ribonucleases A and B differ only in the presence of carbohydrate attached to asparagine 34.", "PMID": 990282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3677", "title": "Affinity chromatography of human plasma and platelet factor XIII on organomercurial agarose.", "content": "A method for affinity chromatography of plasma and platelet factor XIII has been developed, based on known structural characteristics of these molecules. Plasma factor XIII is composed of a and b subunits which are held together by noncovalent interactions; platelet factor XIII has only a subunits. a subunit contains free sulfhydryl groups, while in b subunit all the cystines form disulfide bonds. The affinity gel is an organomercurial agarose with p-chloromercuribenzoate as the reactive group. Both the zymogen and activated forms of a subunit reversibly bind to the ligand by forming covalent mercaptide bonds and are eluted by reducing agents. b subunit does not bind to the affinity gel and is held to it only through interaction with a subunit. Affinity chromatography can be used to purify plasma and platelet factor XIII and to study interactions of the subunits. Experiments on the affinity chromatography of purified plasma factor XIII in several stages of activation agree with earlier observations that activation is a two-step procedure in which b subunit is not quantitatively released from the complex until the final stage of activation by Ca2+.", "contents": "Affinity chromatography of human plasma and platelet factor XIII on organomercurial agarose. A method for affinity chromatography of plasma and platelet factor XIII has been developed, based on known structural characteristics of these molecules. Plasma factor XIII is composed of a and b subunits which are held together by noncovalent interactions; platelet factor XIII has only a subunits. a subunit contains free sulfhydryl groups, while in b subunit all the cystines form disulfide bonds. The affinity gel is an organomercurial agarose with p-chloromercuribenzoate as the reactive group. Both the zymogen and activated forms of a subunit reversibly bind to the ligand by forming covalent mercaptide bonds and are eluted by reducing agents. b subunit does not bind to the affinity gel and is held to it only through interaction with a subunit. Affinity chromatography can be used to purify plasma and platelet factor XIII and to study interactions of the subunits. Experiments on the affinity chromatography of purified plasma factor XIII in several stages of activation agree with earlier observations that activation is a two-step procedure in which b subunit is not quantitatively released from the complex until the final stage of activation by Ca2+.", "PMID": 990283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3678", "title": "Insect haemolymph exo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase from Bombyx mori. Purification and properties.", "content": "Haemolymph exo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase from the silkworm, Bombyx mori was purified to homogeneity as shown by disc-electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation. It appeared to be composed of two identical subunits of 61 000 molecular weight, which were obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate-electrophoresis. The purified enzyme was capable of hydrolyzing phenyl N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide, phenyl N-acetyl-beta-D-galactosaminide and N N'-diacetylchitobiose in the relative ratios 100:20:3. The enzyme was found to be a glycoprotein containing about 4% of neutral sugar.", "contents": "Insect haemolymph exo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase from Bombyx mori. Purification and properties. Haemolymph exo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase from the silkworm, Bombyx mori was purified to homogeneity as shown by disc-electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation. It appeared to be composed of two identical subunits of 61 000 molecular weight, which were obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate-electrophoresis. The purified enzyme was capable of hydrolyzing phenyl N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide, phenyl N-acetyl-beta-D-galactosaminide and N N'-diacetylchitobiose in the relative ratios 100:20:3. The enzyme was found to be a glycoprotein containing about 4% of neutral sugar.", "PMID": 990284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3679", "title": "The major \"intrinsic\" membrane protein of human erythrocytes. Preparative isolation and immunoelectrophoretic analyses.", "content": "(1) Preparative dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis of human erythrocyte membrane proteins has been used to isolate dodecylsulfate band 3 containing the M,N-glycoprotein and the major \"intrinsic\" membrane protein (Fairbanks, G., Steck, T.L. and Wallach, D.F.H. (1971) Biochemistry 10, 2606-2617; Bretscher, M.S. (1971) J. Mol. Biol. 59,351-357; Bretscher, M.S. (1971) Nat. New Biol. 231, 229-232 and Marchesi, V.T. and Andrews, E.P. (1972) Science 174, 1247-1248). Subsequent isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels containing Triton X-100 separates these two entities and allows their simultaneous purification. (2) The proteins thus obtained retain their antigenic properties. They are pure according to electrophoretic and immunoelectrophoretic criteria. However, crossed immunoelectrophoresis yields evidence for molecular microheterogeneity of the major \"intrinsic\" protein. (3) Analyses utilizing crossed immunoelectrophoresis with antibodies absorbed with intact erythrocytes show that the major \"intrinsic\" protein possesses antigenic determinants on both membrane surfaces and therefore spans the erythrocyte membrane. All determinants of the M,N-glycoprotein detectable with our antibodies were found solely on the exterior membrane surface. (4) Neither the major \"intrinsic\" membrane protein nor the major M,N-glycoprotein bound significantly to concanavalin A in crossed immunoaffinoelectrophoresis.", "contents": "The major \"intrinsic\" membrane protein of human erythrocytes. Preparative isolation and immunoelectrophoretic analyses. (1) Preparative dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis of human erythrocyte membrane proteins has been used to isolate dodecylsulfate band 3 containing the M,N-glycoprotein and the major \"intrinsic\" membrane protein (Fairbanks, G., Steck, T.L. and Wallach, D.F.H. (1971) Biochemistry 10, 2606-2617; Bretscher, M.S. (1971) J. Mol. Biol. 59,351-357; Bretscher, M.S. (1971) Nat. New Biol. 231, 229-232 and Marchesi, V.T. and Andrews, E.P. (1972) Science 174, 1247-1248). Subsequent isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels containing Triton X-100 separates these two entities and allows their simultaneous purification. (2) The proteins thus obtained retain their antigenic properties. They are pure according to electrophoretic and immunoelectrophoretic criteria. However, crossed immunoelectrophoresis yields evidence for molecular microheterogeneity of the major \"intrinsic\" protein. (3) Analyses utilizing crossed immunoelectrophoresis with antibodies absorbed with intact erythrocytes show that the major \"intrinsic\" protein possesses antigenic determinants on both membrane surfaces and therefore spans the erythrocyte membrane. All determinants of the M,N-glycoprotein detectable with our antibodies were found solely on the exterior membrane surface. (4) Neither the major \"intrinsic\" membrane protein nor the major M,N-glycoprotein bound significantly to concanavalin A in crossed immunoaffinoelectrophoresis.", "PMID": 990285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3680", "title": "Effect of trypsin on rabbit skeletal muscle alpha-actinin.", "content": "5 min of tryptic digestion of purified rabbit skeletal alpha-actinin decreases by approximately 75% the ability of alpha-actinin to cross-link F-actin filaments as measured viscometrically at 27 degrees C, but has little effect on the sedimentation coefficient of alpha actinin at 20 degrees C or an alpha-actinin's ability to increase the Mg2+-modified ATPase activity and rate of turbidity increase of reconstituted actomyosin suspensions. Twenty to sixty min of trypsin treatment reduces the sedimentation coefficient of alpha-actinin and destroys much of alpha-actinin's ability to increase the MG2+-modified ATPase and rate of turbidity increase of reconstituted actomyosin suspensions. Therefore, the ability of alpha-actinin to increase the rate of in vitro measures of muscle contraction may not result directly from alpha-actinin's ability to cross-link F-actin filaments. Trypsin does not split alpha-actinin into large fragments as it does myosin. Previous studies have shown that 35 to 65% of total tryptic-susceptible peptide bonds in alpha-actinin are split after 60 min of incubation with trypsin and that 30% of these bonds split in 60 min are cleaved during the first 5 min in a rapid reaction. That splitting of this group of peptide bonds has little effect on the sedimentation coefficient of alpha-actinin indicates that these bonds are located in a region of the alpha-actinin molecule where noncovalent forces are strong enough to maintain conformation of the native alpha-actinin molecule even after these bonds have been split. This ostensible segregation of alpha-actinin's ability to cross-link F-actin filaments from its ability to increase rate of in vitro assays of contraction by tryptic digestion may suggest that alpha-actinin could have at least two different physiological roles: (1) to bind actin filaments to each other or to basal structures, and (2) to enhance the effectiveness of actin in supporting movement.", "contents": "Effect of trypsin on rabbit skeletal muscle alpha-actinin. 5 min of tryptic digestion of purified rabbit skeletal alpha-actinin decreases by approximately 75% the ability of alpha-actinin to cross-link F-actin filaments as measured viscometrically at 27 degrees C, but has little effect on the sedimentation coefficient of alpha actinin at 20 degrees C or an alpha-actinin's ability to increase the Mg2+-modified ATPase activity and rate of turbidity increase of reconstituted actomyosin suspensions. Twenty to sixty min of trypsin treatment reduces the sedimentation coefficient of alpha-actinin and destroys much of alpha-actinin's ability to increase the MG2+-modified ATPase and rate of turbidity increase of reconstituted actomyosin suspensions. Therefore, the ability of alpha-actinin to increase the rate of in vitro measures of muscle contraction may not result directly from alpha-actinin's ability to cross-link F-actin filaments. Trypsin does not split alpha-actinin into large fragments as it does myosin. Previous studies have shown that 35 to 65% of total tryptic-susceptible peptide bonds in alpha-actinin are split after 60 min of incubation with trypsin and that 30% of these bonds split in 60 min are cleaved during the first 5 min in a rapid reaction. That splitting of this group of peptide bonds has little effect on the sedimentation coefficient of alpha-actinin indicates that these bonds are located in a region of the alpha-actinin molecule where noncovalent forces are strong enough to maintain conformation of the native alpha-actinin molecule even after these bonds have been split. This ostensible segregation of alpha-actinin's ability to cross-link F-actin filaments from its ability to increase rate of in vitro assays of contraction by tryptic digestion may suggest that alpha-actinin could have at least two different physiological roles: (1) to bind actin filaments to each other or to basal structures, and (2) to enhance the effectiveness of actin in supporting movement.", "PMID": 990286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3681", "title": "Co-oligopeptides of glycine and aromatic amino acids with variable distance between the aromatic residues. IV. Spectroscopic properties of tryptophan-containing peptides in a cyclohexane phase.", "content": "L-Tryptophan, L-tryptophanylglycine, glycyl-L-tryptophan, glycyl-L-tryptophanylglycine and glycyl-L-tryptophanylglycylglycyl-L-tryptophanylglycine have been transferred from an aqueous solution (generally 0.1 M NaOH) to cyclohexane, using the quaternary ammonium salt trioctylmethyl ammonium chloride (NR+4Cl-, soluble in cyclohexane but not in water) as the transporting agent. The spectroscopic properties of L-tryptophan and tryptophan-containing peptides have been studied in the cyclohexane phase. With respect to the aqueous solutions, ultraviolet absorption spectra are characterized by a considerable red shift of the absorption maxima and by a hypochromicity of up to 10%. Fluorescence spectra generally show emission maxima which are characteristic of polar environments, accompanied by a significant enhancement of the quantum yield. CD spectra have also been investigated for all peptides and compared with those for aqueous systems reported in preceding publications. All these spectral changes cannot be attributed solely to the cyclohexane solvent effect. It is suggested that these anomalous spectral properties of the tryptophan-containing compounds in the cyclohexane-NR+4 solution are due to the influence the electrostatic field of the ion pair has on the indole chromophore. The possible implications of this finding for the spectroscopic properties of aromatic residues buried in the polar interior of proteins are discussed.", "contents": "Co-oligopeptides of glycine and aromatic amino acids with variable distance between the aromatic residues. IV. Spectroscopic properties of tryptophan-containing peptides in a cyclohexane phase. L-Tryptophan, L-tryptophanylglycine, glycyl-L-tryptophan, glycyl-L-tryptophanylglycine and glycyl-L-tryptophanylglycylglycyl-L-tryptophanylglycine have been transferred from an aqueous solution (generally 0.1 M NaOH) to cyclohexane, using the quaternary ammonium salt trioctylmethyl ammonium chloride (NR+4Cl-, soluble in cyclohexane but not in water) as the transporting agent. The spectroscopic properties of L-tryptophan and tryptophan-containing peptides have been studied in the cyclohexane phase. With respect to the aqueous solutions, ultraviolet absorption spectra are characterized by a considerable red shift of the absorption maxima and by a hypochromicity of up to 10%. Fluorescence spectra generally show emission maxima which are characteristic of polar environments, accompanied by a significant enhancement of the quantum yield. CD spectra have also been investigated for all peptides and compared with those for aqueous systems reported in preceding publications. All these spectral changes cannot be attributed solely to the cyclohexane solvent effect. It is suggested that these anomalous spectral properties of the tryptophan-containing compounds in the cyclohexane-NR+4 solution are due to the influence the electrostatic field of the ion pair has on the indole chromophore. The possible implications of this finding for the spectroscopic properties of aromatic residues buried in the polar interior of proteins are discussed.", "PMID": 990288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3682", "title": "Biosynthetic studies with isolated kidney glomeruli.", "content": "Glomeruli were isolated from rat kidneys and were found active in protein and glycoprotein synthesis in vitro. The incorporation of proline, galactose and fucose into macromolecules was linear for at least 8 h. The intracellular pool of free proline and lysine was 52 and 32 nmol/mg glomerular protein respectively. Vinblastin and cytochalasin B, two agents which interfere with normal cellular secretory processes, inhibited galactose and fucose incorporation, possibly by a feedback mechanism. Experimental nephrotic syndrome was induced in rats by the injection of puromycin aminonucleoside; the rate of proline and galactose incorporation was reduced in glomeruli isolated from the nephrotic animals. The system of isolated glomeruli is deemed suitable for future studies of selected kidney diseases which affect the glomeruli.", "contents": "Biosynthetic studies with isolated kidney glomeruli. Glomeruli were isolated from rat kidneys and were found active in protein and glycoprotein synthesis in vitro. The incorporation of proline, galactose and fucose into macromolecules was linear for at least 8 h. The intracellular pool of free proline and lysine was 52 and 32 nmol/mg glomerular protein respectively. Vinblastin and cytochalasin B, two agents which interfere with normal cellular secretory processes, inhibited galactose and fucose incorporation, possibly by a feedback mechanism. Experimental nephrotic syndrome was induced in rats by the injection of puromycin aminonucleoside; the rate of proline and galactose incorporation was reduced in glomeruli isolated from the nephrotic animals. The system of isolated glomeruli is deemed suitable for future studies of selected kidney diseases which affect the glomeruli.", "PMID": 990289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3683", "title": "Studies on microfibrils from alpha-keratin.", "content": "alpha-Keratin microfibrils have been isolated from the presumptive cortex of developing mammalian hair follicles and purified by a centrifugation procedure. They have been obtained on a scale sufficient to enable their physical and chemical nature to be studied directly. The amino acid and protein compositions of the microfibril preparation closely resemble those of the low-sulphur protein fraction extracted from the fully keratinized fibre. High resolution electron microscopy of isolated microfibrils has indicated that they possess structural features in line with those observed in sectioned material.", "contents": "Studies on microfibrils from alpha-keratin. alpha-Keratin microfibrils have been isolated from the presumptive cortex of developing mammalian hair follicles and purified by a centrifugation procedure. They have been obtained on a scale sufficient to enable their physical and chemical nature to be studied directly. The amino acid and protein compositions of the microfibril preparation closely resemble those of the low-sulphur protein fraction extracted from the fully keratinized fibre. High resolution electron microscopy of isolated microfibrils has indicated that they possess structural features in line with those observed in sectioned material.", "PMID": 990290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3684", "title": "An enriched reaction center preparation from green photosynthetic bacteria.", "content": "Bacteriochlorophyll a reaction-center complex I from Chlorobium limicola f. thiosulfatophilum 6230 (Tassajara) was incubated in 2 M guanidine - HCl and then chromatographed on cross-linked dextran or agarose gel. Two principal components were separated: a larger component with photochemical activity (bacteriochlorophyll a reaction-center complex II) and a smaller component without activity (bacteriochlorophyll a protein). Complex II contains carotenoid, bacteriochlorophyll a, reaction center(s), and cytochromes b and c, but lacks the well characterized bacteriochlorophyll a protein contained in Complex I. Complex II carries out a light-induced reduction of cytochrome b along with an oxidation of cytochrome c.", "contents": "An enriched reaction center preparation from green photosynthetic bacteria. Bacteriochlorophyll a reaction-center complex I from Chlorobium limicola f. thiosulfatophilum 6230 (Tassajara) was incubated in 2 M guanidine - HCl and then chromatographed on cross-linked dextran or agarose gel. Two principal components were separated: a larger component with photochemical activity (bacteriochlorophyll a reaction-center complex II) and a smaller component without activity (bacteriochlorophyll a protein). Complex II contains carotenoid, bacteriochlorophyll a, reaction center(s), and cytochromes b and c, but lacks the well characterized bacteriochlorophyll a protein contained in Complex I. Complex II carries out a light-induced reduction of cytochrome b along with an oxidation of cytochrome c.", "PMID": 990292} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3685", "title": "Fluorescence changes related in the primary photochemical reaction in the P-700-enriched particles isolated from spinach chloroplasts.", "content": "The light-induced changes in the yield of chlorophyll alpha fluorescence and photooxidation of P-700 in the P-700-enriched particles isolated from spinach chloroplasts were studied. 1. Fluorescence emitted from the particles was found to show light-induced transient changes in the yield. In the presence of ascorbate, illumination induced quenching of fluorescence in parallel to the photooxidation of P-700. The time course of dark reduction of photooxidized P-700 agreed well with that of dark recovery of variable fluorescence yield in the presence of ascorbate. When illuminated in the presence of dithionite, the emission yield increased, whereas no photooxidation of P-700 was observed. 2. The yield of variable fluorescence and redox state of P-700 depended similarly upon the redox potential. 3. At liquid nitrogen temperature, illumination induced a rise of the fluorescence yield and a complete photooxidation of P-700 in the ascorbate-treated sample. When the particles had been preincubated with dithionite in the light before cooling, light-induced rise in the fluorescence yield was accompanied by only a small extent of P-700 photooxidation. It is suggested that both the oxidized form of P-700 and the primary electron acceptor act as quenchers for the variable fluorescence. 4. The emission spectrum for the constant part of fluorescence (F679) has a peak at 679 nm, and that for the variable part of fluorescence (F694) has a peak at 694 nm at room temperature. The emission maxima were slightly shifted and the yield of variable fluorescence was markedly enhanced at liquid nitrogen temperature. 5. Excitation spectra determined show a peak at 672 nm for F679, and a peak at 672 nm and a shoulder at 685 nm for F694. Action spectrum for P-700 photooxidation was similar to the excitation spectrum for F694.", "contents": "Fluorescence changes related in the primary photochemical reaction in the P-700-enriched particles isolated from spinach chloroplasts. The light-induced changes in the yield of chlorophyll alpha fluorescence and photooxidation of P-700 in the P-700-enriched particles isolated from spinach chloroplasts were studied. 1. Fluorescence emitted from the particles was found to show light-induced transient changes in the yield. In the presence of ascorbate, illumination induced quenching of fluorescence in parallel to the photooxidation of P-700. The time course of dark reduction of photooxidized P-700 agreed well with that of dark recovery of variable fluorescence yield in the presence of ascorbate. When illuminated in the presence of dithionite, the emission yield increased, whereas no photooxidation of P-700 was observed. 2. The yield of variable fluorescence and redox state of P-700 depended similarly upon the redox potential. 3. At liquid nitrogen temperature, illumination induced a rise of the fluorescence yield and a complete photooxidation of P-700 in the ascorbate-treated sample. When the particles had been preincubated with dithionite in the light before cooling, light-induced rise in the fluorescence yield was accompanied by only a small extent of P-700 photooxidation. It is suggested that both the oxidized form of P-700 and the primary electron acceptor act as quenchers for the variable fluorescence. 4. The emission spectrum for the constant part of fluorescence (F679) has a peak at 679 nm, and that for the variable part of fluorescence (F694) has a peak at 694 nm at room temperature. The emission maxima were slightly shifted and the yield of variable fluorescence was markedly enhanced at liquid nitrogen temperature. 5. Excitation spectra determined show a peak at 672 nm for F679, and a peak at 672 nm and a shoulder at 685 nm for F694. Action spectrum for P-700 photooxidation was similar to the excitation spectrum for F694.", "PMID": 990293} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3686", "title": "Effects of cations upon chloroplast membrane subunit. Interactions and excitation energy distribution.", "content": "When isolated chloroplasts from mature pea (Pisum sativum) leaves were treated with digitonin under \"low salt\" conditions, the membranes were extensively solubilized into small subunits (as evidenced by analysis with small pore ultrafilters). From this solubilized preparation, a photochemically inactive chlorophyll - protein complex (chlorophyll alpha/beta ratio, 1.3) was isolated. We suggest that the detergent-derived membrane fragment from mature membranes is a structural complex within the membrane which contains the light-harvesting chlorophyll alpha/beta protein and which acts as a light-harvesting antenna primarily for Photosystem II. Cations dramatically alter the structural interaction of the light-harvesting complex with the photochemically active system II complex. This interaction has been measured by determining the amount of protein-bound chlorophyll beta and Photosystem II activity which can be released into dispersed subunits by digitonin treatment of chloroplast lamellae. When cations are present to cause interaction between the Photosystem II complex and the light-harvesting pigment - protein, the combined complexes pellet as a \"heavy\" membranous fraction during differential centrifugation of detergent treated lamellae. In the absence of cations, the two complexes dissociate and can be isolated in a \"light\" submembrane preparation from which the light-harvesting complex can be purified by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Cation effects on excitation energy distribution between Photosystems I and II have been monitored by following Photosystem II fluorescence changes under chloroplast incubation conditions identical to those used for detergent treatment (with the exception of chlorophyll concentration differences and omission of detergents). The cation dependency of the pigment - protein complex and Photosystem II reaction center interactions measured by detergent fractionation, and regulation of excitation energy distribution as measured by fluorescence changes, were identical. We conclude that changes in substructural organization of intact membranes, involving cation induced changes in the interaction of intramembranous subunits, are the primary factors regulating the distribution of excitation energy between Photosystems II and I.", "contents": "Effects of cations upon chloroplast membrane subunit. Interactions and excitation energy distribution. When isolated chloroplasts from mature pea (Pisum sativum) leaves were treated with digitonin under \"low salt\" conditions, the membranes were extensively solubilized into small subunits (as evidenced by analysis with small pore ultrafilters). From this solubilized preparation, a photochemically inactive chlorophyll - protein complex (chlorophyll alpha/beta ratio, 1.3) was isolated. We suggest that the detergent-derived membrane fragment from mature membranes is a structural complex within the membrane which contains the light-harvesting chlorophyll alpha/beta protein and which acts as a light-harvesting antenna primarily for Photosystem II. Cations dramatically alter the structural interaction of the light-harvesting complex with the photochemically active system II complex. This interaction has been measured by determining the amount of protein-bound chlorophyll beta and Photosystem II activity which can be released into dispersed subunits by digitonin treatment of chloroplast lamellae. When cations are present to cause interaction between the Photosystem II complex and the light-harvesting pigment - protein, the combined complexes pellet as a \"heavy\" membranous fraction during differential centrifugation of detergent treated lamellae. In the absence of cations, the two complexes dissociate and can be isolated in a \"light\" submembrane preparation from which the light-harvesting complex can be purified by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Cation effects on excitation energy distribution between Photosystems I and II have been monitored by following Photosystem II fluorescence changes under chloroplast incubation conditions identical to those used for detergent treatment (with the exception of chlorophyll concentration differences and omission of detergents). The cation dependency of the pigment - protein complex and Photosystem II reaction center interactions measured by detergent fractionation, and regulation of excitation energy distribution as measured by fluorescence changes, were identical. We conclude that changes in substructural organization of intact membranes, involving cation induced changes in the interaction of intramembranous subunits, are the primary factors regulating the distribution of excitation energy between Photosystems II and I.", "PMID": 990294} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3687", "title": "Purification, characterization and biological activity of three forms of ferredoxin from the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio gigas.", "content": "Three forms of ferredoxin FdI, FdI', and FdII have been isolated from Desulfovibrio gigas, a sulfate reducer. They are separated by a combination of DEAE-cellulose and gel filtration chromatographic procedures. FdI and FdI' present a slight difference in isoelectric point which enables the separation of the two forms over DEAE-cellulose, while FdII is easily separated from the two other forms by gel filtration. The three forms have the same amino acid composition and are isolated in different aggregation states. Molecular weight determinations by gel filtration gave values of 18 000 for FdI and FdI' and 24 000 for FdII, whereas a value of 6000 is determined when dissociation is accomplished with sodium dodecyl sulfate. The electronic spectra are different and their ultraviolet-visible absorbance rations are 0.77, 0.87 and 0.68 respectively for FdI, FdI' and FdII. Despite these differences, the physiological activities of the three forms are similar as far as the reduction of sulfite by molecular hydrogen is concerned.", "contents": "Purification, characterization and biological activity of three forms of ferredoxin from the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio gigas. Three forms of ferredoxin FdI, FdI', and FdII have been isolated from Desulfovibrio gigas, a sulfate reducer. They are separated by a combination of DEAE-cellulose and gel filtration chromatographic procedures. FdI and FdI' present a slight difference in isoelectric point which enables the separation of the two forms over DEAE-cellulose, while FdII is easily separated from the two other forms by gel filtration. The three forms have the same amino acid composition and are isolated in different aggregation states. Molecular weight determinations by gel filtration gave values of 18 000 for FdI and FdI' and 24 000 for FdII, whereas a value of 6000 is determined when dissociation is accomplished with sodium dodecyl sulfate. The electronic spectra are different and their ultraviolet-visible absorbance rations are 0.77, 0.87 and 0.68 respectively for FdI, FdI' and FdII. Despite these differences, the physiological activities of the three forms are similar as far as the reduction of sulfite by molecular hydrogen is concerned.", "PMID": 990295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3688", "title": "Effect of electric fields on the absorption spectrum of dye molecules in lipid layers. V. Refined analysis of the field-indicating absorption changes in photosynthetic membranes by comparison with electrochromic measurements in vitro.", "content": "The comparison of light-induced absorption changes in photosynthesis with electrochromic spectra of the isolated pigments in vitro is renewed more thoroughly and described in detail, involving new measurements of the linear electrochromism of oriented chlorophyll beta [6]. 1. The coincidence of the maxima and minima in the in vivo spectrum with those in the in vitro superposition is better than in previous studies [4]. 2. The molar ratio of the pigments now used for the superposition of the in vitro spectra is the same as that in vivo. 3. From this and from surface-pressure/area diagrams of the chlorophylls on a water surface, conclusions are drawn concerning the preferential orientations of the dipole moment differences of the red and blue absorption bands of the bulk chlorophylls in the membrane. 4. From the comparison of the electrochromism of the carotenoids with the absorption change at 520 nm in vivo, it is concluded that the bulk of the carotenoids are oriented at a rather flat angle in the membrane (approximately 16 degrees).", "contents": "Effect of electric fields on the absorption spectrum of dye molecules in lipid layers. V. Refined analysis of the field-indicating absorption changes in photosynthetic membranes by comparison with electrochromic measurements in vitro. The comparison of light-induced absorption changes in photosynthesis with electrochromic spectra of the isolated pigments in vitro is renewed more thoroughly and described in detail, involving new measurements of the linear electrochromism of oriented chlorophyll beta [6]. 1. The coincidence of the maxima and minima in the in vivo spectrum with those in the in vitro superposition is better than in previous studies [4]. 2. The molar ratio of the pigments now used for the superposition of the in vitro spectra is the same as that in vivo. 3. From this and from surface-pressure/area diagrams of the chlorophylls on a water surface, conclusions are drawn concerning the preferential orientations of the dipole moment differences of the red and blue absorption bands of the bulk chlorophylls in the membrane. 4. From the comparison of the electrochromism of the carotenoids with the absorption change at 520 nm in vivo, it is concluded that the bulk of the carotenoids are oriented at a rather flat angle in the membrane (approximately 16 degrees).", "PMID": 990296} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3689", "title": "Effects of ionic strength on calcium binding to rabbit skeletal myofibrils, thin filaments and myosin.", "content": "Calcium binding by rabbit skeletal myosin, thin filaments and myofibrils was measured in solutions with and without 2 mM MgATP and with ionic strengths adjusted with KCl to 0.05, 0.10 and 0.14 M. Free Mg2+ was held constant at 1 mM, pH at 7.0 and temperature at 25 degrees C. In the presence of MgATP, the relation between free Ca2+ and myofibrillar bound calcium shifted to the left as ionic strength was decreased from 0.14 to 0.05 M. In the absence of MgAPT, myofibrillar calcium binding was enhanced over a wide range of free Ca2+ concentration, but calcium binding was no longer a function of ionic strength. Similarly, calcium binding by thin filaments and myosin was unaffected by changes in ionic strength from 0.05 to 0.14 M. In view of evidence that cross-bridge connections between thick and thin filaments increase as ionic strength decreases, our results suggest that these connections enhance myofibrillar calcium binding. These results thus confirm previous data of Bremel and Weber (Bremel, R. D. and Weber, A. (1972) Nature New Biol. 238, 97-101) who first showed that nucleotide-free cross-bridge connections enhance thin filament calcium binding.", "contents": "Effects of ionic strength on calcium binding to rabbit skeletal myofibrils, thin filaments and myosin. Calcium binding by rabbit skeletal myosin, thin filaments and myofibrils was measured in solutions with and without 2 mM MgATP and with ionic strengths adjusted with KCl to 0.05, 0.10 and 0.14 M. Free Mg2+ was held constant at 1 mM, pH at 7.0 and temperature at 25 degrees C. In the presence of MgATP, the relation between free Ca2+ and myofibrillar bound calcium shifted to the left as ionic strength was decreased from 0.14 to 0.05 M. In the absence of MgAPT, myofibrillar calcium binding was enhanced over a wide range of free Ca2+ concentration, but calcium binding was no longer a function of ionic strength. Similarly, calcium binding by thin filaments and myosin was unaffected by changes in ionic strength from 0.05 to 0.14 M. In view of evidence that cross-bridge connections between thick and thin filaments increase as ionic strength decreases, our results suggest that these connections enhance myofibrillar calcium binding. These results thus confirm previous data of Bremel and Weber (Bremel, R. D. and Weber, A. (1972) Nature New Biol. 238, 97-101) who first showed that nucleotide-free cross-bridge connections enhance thin filament calcium binding.", "PMID": 990297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3690", "title": "Identification of acyl phosphatidylglycerol as a minor phospholipid of Pseudomonas BAL-31.", "content": "Compound X, a minor phospholipid of Pseudomonas BAL-31 and bacteriophage PM2, has been identified as X-3-phosphatidyl-1'-(3'-acyl)-glycerol, or acyl phosphatidylglycerol. The water-soluble product obtained by mild alkaline hydrolysis showed the same RF value as that of glycerophosphoryl-glycerol. The chemical analysis gave the ratio 1 : 3 : 2 for phosphate-acyl ester-glycerol. The position of the third acyl group was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance techniques.", "contents": "Identification of acyl phosphatidylglycerol as a minor phospholipid of Pseudomonas BAL-31. Compound X, a minor phospholipid of Pseudomonas BAL-31 and bacteriophage PM2, has been identified as X-3-phosphatidyl-1'-(3'-acyl)-glycerol, or acyl phosphatidylglycerol. The water-soluble product obtained by mild alkaline hydrolysis showed the same RF value as that of glycerophosphoryl-glycerol. The chemical analysis gave the ratio 1 : 3 : 2 for phosphate-acyl ester-glycerol. The position of the third acyl group was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance techniques.", "PMID": 990298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3691", "title": "Relationship between cell size, plasma cholesterol and rat adipocyte cholesterol storage.", "content": "Plasma cholesterol and cholesterol storage/10(6) adipocytes were determined in the epididymal, perirenal, subcutaneous, and mesenteric fat depots of the fasted male rat. Adipocyte cholesterol increased exponentially as functions of mean cell diameter, body weight, and cell size (mug triacylglycerol/cell) in all depots examined, whereas plasma cholesterol was best described as a parabolic function of body weight. In all but the mesenteric depot, expression of storage as a ratio of cellular cholesterol:triacylglycerol was also described as a parabolic function of body weight, resulting in curves parallel to the cholesterol-body weight relationship. It is suggested that (1) adipose tissue cholesterol storage is most rapid after adipocyte number becomes fixed, (2) the level of cholesterol in the plasma may be a major determinant of fat cell cholesterol storage, especially in subcutaneous cells from adult animals in which cell size is constant but cholesterol storage continues to increase, and (3) the effect of plasma cholesterol is less pronounced in mesenteric adipocytes.", "contents": "Relationship between cell size, plasma cholesterol and rat adipocyte cholesterol storage. Plasma cholesterol and cholesterol storage/10(6) adipocytes were determined in the epididymal, perirenal, subcutaneous, and mesenteric fat depots of the fasted male rat. Adipocyte cholesterol increased exponentially as functions of mean cell diameter, body weight, and cell size (mug triacylglycerol/cell) in all depots examined, whereas plasma cholesterol was best described as a parabolic function of body weight. In all but the mesenteric depot, expression of storage as a ratio of cellular cholesterol:triacylglycerol was also described as a parabolic function of body weight, resulting in curves parallel to the cholesterol-body weight relationship. It is suggested that (1) adipose tissue cholesterol storage is most rapid after adipocyte number becomes fixed, (2) the level of cholesterol in the plasma may be a major determinant of fat cell cholesterol storage, especially in subcutaneous cells from adult animals in which cell size is constant but cholesterol storage continues to increase, and (3) the effect of plasma cholesterol is less pronounced in mesenteric adipocytes.", "PMID": 990299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3692", "title": "The stereochemical configuration of lysobisphosphatidic acid from rat liver, rabbit lung and pig lung.", "content": "Lysobisphosphatidic acid known also as bis(monoacyl-glycerol)phosphate, was isolated from liver of rats treated with Triton WR1339, and from rabbit and pig lung. Alkaline hydrolysates of all these samples of lysobisphosphatidic acid were essentially similar and contained phosphorus, total glycerol, free glycerol, total glycerophosphates, beta-glycerophosphate, total alpha-glycerophosphates, sn-glycero-1-phosphate and sn-glycero-3-phosphate in a molar ratio of 1.0 : 2.0 : 1.0 : 1.0 :0.6 : 0.4 : 0.38 : 0.04. This proves that the backbone of the principal lysobisphosphatidic acid from all three sources has the structure of 1-sn-glycerophospho-1-sn-glycerol.", "contents": "The stereochemical configuration of lysobisphosphatidic acid from rat liver, rabbit lung and pig lung. Lysobisphosphatidic acid known also as bis(monoacyl-glycerol)phosphate, was isolated from liver of rats treated with Triton WR1339, and from rabbit and pig lung. Alkaline hydrolysates of all these samples of lysobisphosphatidic acid were essentially similar and contained phosphorus, total glycerol, free glycerol, total glycerophosphates, beta-glycerophosphate, total alpha-glycerophosphates, sn-glycero-1-phosphate and sn-glycero-3-phosphate in a molar ratio of 1.0 : 2.0 : 1.0 : 1.0 :0.6 : 0.4 : 0.38 : 0.04. This proves that the backbone of the principal lysobisphosphatidic acid from all three sources has the structure of 1-sn-glycerophospho-1-sn-glycerol.", "PMID": 990300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3693", "title": "Structural analysis of phosphatidylcholines of Yoshida ascites hepatoma and liver cells from host rats fed a control and an essential fatty acid-deficient diet.", "content": "In order to study the effect of a dietetic manipulation on the phospholipid molecular structure of a poorly differentiated tumor, the phosphatidylcholines from Yoshida hepatoma cells (AH130) grown either in essential fatty acid deficient or control rats were analyzed comparatively to those from the host livers. Due to essential fatty acid deficiency, the host rat liver exhibited an increased level of mono-unsaturated 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines, a reduced level of the species contained linoleic acid, and the substitution of tetra- and polyunsaturated-1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines with equivalent amounts of species containing eicosatrienoic acid. The structural analysis of the phosphatidylcholines from Yoshida hepatoma cells grown either in control or essential fatty acid deficient rats revealed the occurrence of 1-alkyl-2-acyl- together with 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines. The alkyl chains of ether-linked phosphatidylcholines were mainly constituted by 18 : 1, while the acyl chains were characterized by a high level of linoleic and arachidonic or eicosatrienoic acids. The 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines of the Yoshida hepatoma cells grown in control rats, when compared to those of the liver, showed a higher level of 1,2-disaturated, an increased proportion of mono-unsaturated and a lower proportion of tetra- and polyunsaturated species. In addition, the hepatoma cells showed the occurrence of high proportions of reverse isomeric and random species, such as 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-, 1,2-dioleoyl-, 1-oleoyl-2-linoleoyl- and 1-linoleoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines, scarcely represented in the liver. Growth of Yoshida hepatoma cells in essential fatty acid deficient rats resulted in :(i) the disappearence of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines containing linoleic acid; (ii) the substitution of tetra- and and polyunsaturated 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines with small quantities of species containing eicosatrienoic acid; (iii) an increase of of monounsaturated species, mainly 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl- and 1-palmitoyl-2-palmitoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines; (iv) a remarkable increase of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine.", "contents": "Structural analysis of phosphatidylcholines of Yoshida ascites hepatoma and liver cells from host rats fed a control and an essential fatty acid-deficient diet. In order to study the effect of a dietetic manipulation on the phospholipid molecular structure of a poorly differentiated tumor, the phosphatidylcholines from Yoshida hepatoma cells (AH130) grown either in essential fatty acid deficient or control rats were analyzed comparatively to those from the host livers. Due to essential fatty acid deficiency, the host rat liver exhibited an increased level of mono-unsaturated 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines, a reduced level of the species contained linoleic acid, and the substitution of tetra- and polyunsaturated-1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines with equivalent amounts of species containing eicosatrienoic acid. The structural analysis of the phosphatidylcholines from Yoshida hepatoma cells grown either in control or essential fatty acid deficient rats revealed the occurrence of 1-alkyl-2-acyl- together with 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines. The alkyl chains of ether-linked phosphatidylcholines were mainly constituted by 18 : 1, while the acyl chains were characterized by a high level of linoleic and arachidonic or eicosatrienoic acids. The 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines of the Yoshida hepatoma cells grown in control rats, when compared to those of the liver, showed a higher level of 1,2-disaturated, an increased proportion of mono-unsaturated and a lower proportion of tetra- and polyunsaturated species. In addition, the hepatoma cells showed the occurrence of high proportions of reverse isomeric and random species, such as 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-, 1,2-dioleoyl-, 1-oleoyl-2-linoleoyl- and 1-linoleoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines, scarcely represented in the liver. Growth of Yoshida hepatoma cells in essential fatty acid deficient rats resulted in :(i) the disappearence of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines containing linoleic acid; (ii) the substitution of tetra- and and polyunsaturated 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines with small quantities of species containing eicosatrienoic acid; (iii) an increase of of monounsaturated species, mainly 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl- and 1-palmitoyl-2-palmitoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines; (iv) a remarkable increase of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine.", "PMID": 990301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3694", "title": "An ornithine-containing lipid isolated from Gluconobacter cerinus.", "content": "The three ornithine-containing lipids of Gluconobacter cerinus were isolated from each other. One of the three lipids was postulated as Nalpha-3-hydroxypalmitoylornithine, to the fatty acid moiety of which 2-hydroxy fatty acid is linked by an ester linkage. The 2-hydroxy acid was possibly cis-11, 12-methylene-2-hydroxyoctadecanoate. Such an ornithine-containing lipid was found to be distributed in other acetic acid bacteria.", "contents": "An ornithine-containing lipid isolated from Gluconobacter cerinus. The three ornithine-containing lipids of Gluconobacter cerinus were isolated from each other. One of the three lipids was postulated as Nalpha-3-hydroxypalmitoylornithine, to the fatty acid moiety of which 2-hydroxy fatty acid is linked by an ester linkage. The 2-hydroxy acid was possibly cis-11, 12-methylene-2-hydroxyoctadecanoate. Such an ornithine-containing lipid was found to be distributed in other acetic acid bacteria.", "PMID": 990302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3695", "title": "Potentiation of ethanol fatty liver in rats by chronic administration of nicotinic acid.", "content": "Two groups of rats were fed isocalorically on alcohol and control semi-liquid diet for 28 days; two other groups had the same diets except for supplementation with nicotinic acid at 50 mg/100 ml of diet, Blood ethanol levels were unaffected by nicotinic acid administration, even though nicotinic acid was well absorbed and stored in the liver. Lipid analyses of liver and plasma after 28 days revealed that nicotinic acid, per se, stimulated fatty infiltration of the liver and this effect was potentiated when given in conjunction with ethanol.", "contents": "Potentiation of ethanol fatty liver in rats by chronic administration of nicotinic acid. Two groups of rats were fed isocalorically on alcohol and control semi-liquid diet for 28 days; two other groups had the same diets except for supplementation with nicotinic acid at 50 mg/100 ml of diet, Blood ethanol levels were unaffected by nicotinic acid administration, even though nicotinic acid was well absorbed and stored in the liver. Lipid analyses of liver and plasma after 28 days revealed that nicotinic acid, per se, stimulated fatty infiltration of the liver and this effect was potentiated when given in conjunction with ethanol.", "PMID": 990303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3696", "title": "Modification of the Ehrlich ascites tumor cell nuclear lipids.", "content": "The fatty acid composition of Ehrilich ascites tumor cell nuclei was differend when the tumor-bearing mice were fed diets rich in either coconut or sunflower oil. When coconut oil was fed, the monoenoic fatty acid content of many of the nuclear lipids was increased and their polyenoic fatty acid content was reduced as compared with the sunflower oil diet. By contrast, only small changes were produced in the saturated fatty acid contents of the nuclear lipids. The nuclear membrane choline phospholipid, ethanolamine phospholipid and combined serine phospholipid plus inositol phospholipid fractions exhibited statistically significant changes in fatty acid composition, but the sphingomyelins were not altered appreciably by dietary lipid modification. The fatty acid composition of the small quantity of phospholipids associated with the chromatin was much more resistant to diet-induced mosification. Except for sphingomyelin, the fatty acid composition of the chromatin phospholipids was different from that of the corresponding nuclear membrane phospholipids, containing much larger amounts of fatty acids having less than 16 carbon atoms. The fatty acid compositons of the nuclear triaclglycerols and cholesterol esters, which were associated almost entirely with the chromatin, were modified by the dietary lipid modifications. There were no changes in the DNA, RNA or lipid content of these nuclei. Therefore, this experimental system can be used to prepare mamalian nuclei that differ appreciably only in their fatty acyl composition.", "contents": "Modification of the Ehrlich ascites tumor cell nuclear lipids. The fatty acid composition of Ehrilich ascites tumor cell nuclei was differend when the tumor-bearing mice were fed diets rich in either coconut or sunflower oil. When coconut oil was fed, the monoenoic fatty acid content of many of the nuclear lipids was increased and their polyenoic fatty acid content was reduced as compared with the sunflower oil diet. By contrast, only small changes were produced in the saturated fatty acid contents of the nuclear lipids. The nuclear membrane choline phospholipid, ethanolamine phospholipid and combined serine phospholipid plus inositol phospholipid fractions exhibited statistically significant changes in fatty acid composition, but the sphingomyelins were not altered appreciably by dietary lipid modification. The fatty acid composition of the small quantity of phospholipids associated with the chromatin was much more resistant to diet-induced mosification. Except for sphingomyelin, the fatty acid composition of the chromatin phospholipids was different from that of the corresponding nuclear membrane phospholipids, containing much larger amounts of fatty acids having less than 16 carbon atoms. The fatty acid compositons of the nuclear triaclglycerols and cholesterol esters, which were associated almost entirely with the chromatin, were modified by the dietary lipid modifications. There were no changes in the DNA, RNA or lipid content of these nuclei. Therefore, this experimental system can be used to prepare mamalian nuclei that differ appreciably only in their fatty acyl composition.", "PMID": 990304} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3697", "title": "Comparison of linoleic acid and stearic acid absorption by the gallbladder.", "content": "The absorption of [14C]linoleic acid and [14C]stearic acid in guinea pig bile by the in situ guinea pig gallbladder was compared. Linoleic acid was adsorbed at a faster rate than was stearic acid. Differences were also observed in the incorporation of these two fatty acids into complex lipids of the gallbladder mucosa. A greater portion of adsorbed linoleic acid was incorporated into triacylglycerol whereas a greater portion of stearic acid was incorporated into sphingomyelin. The significance of these findings in relation to the fatty acid composition of bile is discussed.", "contents": "Comparison of linoleic acid and stearic acid absorption by the gallbladder. The absorption of [14C]linoleic acid and [14C]stearic acid in guinea pig bile by the in situ guinea pig gallbladder was compared. Linoleic acid was adsorbed at a faster rate than was stearic acid. Differences were also observed in the incorporation of these two fatty acids into complex lipids of the gallbladder mucosa. A greater portion of adsorbed linoleic acid was incorporated into triacylglycerol whereas a greater portion of stearic acid was incorporated into sphingomyelin. The significance of these findings in relation to the fatty acid composition of bile is discussed.", "PMID": 990305} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3698", "title": "Biosynthesis of cyclopentenyl fatty acids. (2-Cyclopentenyl)carboxylic acid (aleprolic acid) as a special primer for fatty acid biosynthesis in Flacourtiaceae.", "content": "The biosynthesis of cyclopentenyl fatty acids from (2-cyclopentenyl)carboxylic acid (aleprolic acid) via chain-lengthening by C2-units was tested in seeds and leaves of Caloncoba echinata and Hydnocarpus anthelminthica of Flacourtiaceae and in various prepatations of higher plants other than Fla courtiaceae. Only tissues of Flacourtiaceae, where cyclopentenyl fatty acids are found naturally, were able to accept aleprolic acid as a starter molecule for the synthesis of cyclic fatty acids. Labelling patterns of straight chain and cyclic fatty acids, synthesized after incubation of Flacourtiaceae seeds with [1-(14)C[-acetate, indicated de novo synthesis of C16 fatty acids in either case, followed by elongation to higher homologs.", "contents": "Biosynthesis of cyclopentenyl fatty acids. (2-Cyclopentenyl)carboxylic acid (aleprolic acid) as a special primer for fatty acid biosynthesis in Flacourtiaceae. The biosynthesis of cyclopentenyl fatty acids from (2-cyclopentenyl)carboxylic acid (aleprolic acid) via chain-lengthening by C2-units was tested in seeds and leaves of Caloncoba echinata and Hydnocarpus anthelminthica of Flacourtiaceae and in various prepatations of higher plants other than Fla courtiaceae. Only tissues of Flacourtiaceae, where cyclopentenyl fatty acids are found naturally, were able to accept aleprolic acid as a starter molecule for the synthesis of cyclic fatty acids. Labelling patterns of straight chain and cyclic fatty acids, synthesized after incubation of Flacourtiaceae seeds with [1-(14)C[-acetate, indicated de novo synthesis of C16 fatty acids in either case, followed by elongation to higher homologs.", "PMID": 990306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3699", "title": "Subcellular distribution of low- and high-molecular-weight acid phosphatases.", "content": "Acid phosphatases (orthophosphoric-monoester phosphohydrolases (acid optimum), EC 3.1.3.2) of low and high molecular weight were separated by Sephadex G-75 filtration from extracts of rat brain, liver and kidney. The proportion of each phosphatase in the extract depends critically on the method employed for homogenate preparation, and no interconversion between high and low molecular weight forms was detected. In extracts obtained from subcellular organelles only high-molecular-weight acid phosphatase was detected, which is of lysosomal origin. Low-molecular-weight acid -phosphatase is restricted to the cell sap. Low- and high-molecular-weight acid phosphatases were characterized by their elution volumes, specific inhibition and activity with two substrates. It is suggested that the distribution pattern found om rat tissues could be common to all eukaryotic cells.", "contents": "Subcellular distribution of low- and high-molecular-weight acid phosphatases. Acid phosphatases (orthophosphoric-monoester phosphohydrolases (acid optimum), EC 3.1.3.2) of low and high molecular weight were separated by Sephadex G-75 filtration from extracts of rat brain, liver and kidney. The proportion of each phosphatase in the extract depends critically on the method employed for homogenate preparation, and no interconversion between high and low molecular weight forms was detected. In extracts obtained from subcellular organelles only high-molecular-weight acid phosphatase was detected, which is of lysosomal origin. Low-molecular-weight acid -phosphatase is restricted to the cell sap. Low- and high-molecular-weight acid phosphatases were characterized by their elution volumes, specific inhibition and activity with two substrates. It is suggested that the distribution pattern found om rat tissues could be common to all eukaryotic cells.", "PMID": 990308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3700", "title": "Aminopeptidase activities on the surface of mammalian cells.", "content": "Activities of hydrolytic enzymes on the surface of monkey kidney, canine kidney, L. FM3A and various tumor cells were determined and compared with those in the cell homogenate. Although aminopeptidase (EC 3.4.11.-) activities were always detected on the surface membrane in mammalian cells, trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase activities were not detected while slight glycosidase activity was detected in a suspension of cultured cells. The activities of alanine-, leucine-, methionine- and phenylalanine-aminopeptidases were rather high but aminopeptidase A, proline-, valine-, glycyl propline dipeptidyl-and glycyl propyl leucine-tripeptidyl-aminopeptidases showed relatively low activities. Aminopeptidase activity was also demonstrated in the isolated membrane fractions. The specific activities of enzymes in these membrane fractions were not significantly greater than in cell homogenate so it was concluded that these enzyme activities were rather loosely bound to the cell membrane. Further evidence for the localization of the aminopeptidase activities on the cell surface was obtained by using glass-bead-bound substrate and detecting the release of the terminal residues. When bestatin, a specific inhibitor against aminopeptidase B and leucine aminopeptidase, was included in the assay system for the enzyme activities on the cell surface, the enzymes were commonly inhibited in all types of cells.", "contents": "Aminopeptidase activities on the surface of mammalian cells. Activities of hydrolytic enzymes on the surface of monkey kidney, canine kidney, L. FM3A and various tumor cells were determined and compared with those in the cell homogenate. Although aminopeptidase (EC 3.4.11.-) activities were always detected on the surface membrane in mammalian cells, trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase activities were not detected while slight glycosidase activity was detected in a suspension of cultured cells. The activities of alanine-, leucine-, methionine- and phenylalanine-aminopeptidases were rather high but aminopeptidase A, proline-, valine-, glycyl propline dipeptidyl-and glycyl propyl leucine-tripeptidyl-aminopeptidases showed relatively low activities. Aminopeptidase activity was also demonstrated in the isolated membrane fractions. The specific activities of enzymes in these membrane fractions were not significantly greater than in cell homogenate so it was concluded that these enzyme activities were rather loosely bound to the cell membrane. Further evidence for the localization of the aminopeptidase activities on the cell surface was obtained by using glass-bead-bound substrate and detecting the release of the terminal residues. When bestatin, a specific inhibitor against aminopeptidase B and leucine aminopeptidase, was included in the assay system for the enzyme activities on the cell surface, the enzymes were commonly inhibited in all types of cells.", "PMID": 990309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3701", "title": "Purification and properties of penicillin acylase of Bovista plumbea.", "content": "1. A penicillin acylase (penicillin amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.11) formed constitutively in the basidiomycete Bovista plumbea was purifed 220-fold by a combination of two gel filtration runs, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, ultrafiltration and final chromatography on hydroxyapatite. Recovery was 40%. 2. The enzyme was clearly distinguished from penicillin acylases previously characterized: the molecular weight of the purified enzyme was evaluated by gel filtration to be 88 000. Km for the best substrate phenoxymethylpenicillin was 1.67 mM. The maximum of activity occurred at 52 degrees C and pH 7.5. The activation energy calculated by Arrhenius' graphic method was 16.45 kJ/mol. 3. Neither 8-hydroxyquinoline nor EDTA, iodoacetic acid, or the products of enzymatic cleavage, 6-aminopenicillanic acid or phenoxyacetic acid, showed any characteristic inhibition effect. 4. The substrate spectrum of the enzyme was elucidated. Phenoxymethylpenicillin was the best substrate. N-Acylamino acids, dipeptides, and tripeptides were not hydrolyzed; affinity occurred only towards penicillins lacking a nitrogen atom in the side chain acid. Penicillins with aryloxy residues possessing hydrophilic groups are favoured above aryl residues and short side chains above bulky ones.", "contents": "Purification and properties of penicillin acylase of Bovista plumbea. 1. A penicillin acylase (penicillin amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.11) formed constitutively in the basidiomycete Bovista plumbea was purifed 220-fold by a combination of two gel filtration runs, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, ultrafiltration and final chromatography on hydroxyapatite. Recovery was 40%. 2. The enzyme was clearly distinguished from penicillin acylases previously characterized: the molecular weight of the purified enzyme was evaluated by gel filtration to be 88 000. Km for the best substrate phenoxymethylpenicillin was 1.67 mM. The maximum of activity occurred at 52 degrees C and pH 7.5. The activation energy calculated by Arrhenius' graphic method was 16.45 kJ/mol. 3. Neither 8-hydroxyquinoline nor EDTA, iodoacetic acid, or the products of enzymatic cleavage, 6-aminopenicillanic acid or phenoxyacetic acid, showed any characteristic inhibition effect. 4. The substrate spectrum of the enzyme was elucidated. Phenoxymethylpenicillin was the best substrate. N-Acylamino acids, dipeptides, and tripeptides were not hydrolyzed; affinity occurred only towards penicillins lacking a nitrogen atom in the side chain acid. Penicillins with aryloxy residues possessing hydrophilic groups are favoured above aryl residues and short side chains above bulky ones.", "PMID": 990310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3702", "title": "Determination of the binding constant of ligand to protein by thermal inactivation tehnique. Effect of two binding sites.", "content": "Theoretical considerations on the determining the binding constants (eta) of ligands to proteins were carried out. Whereas for a one-subunit protein the relationship between thermal inactivation rates and ligand concentration there is a simple linear function, for a protein with two subunits, a second-order relationship is derived. If the theory for one-subunit proteins is applied to multi-subunit proteins, the derived values of eta tend to be lower than the real binding constants. A method of determining the ligand binding constant for a two-subunit protein is described.", "contents": "Determination of the binding constant of ligand to protein by thermal inactivation tehnique. Effect of two binding sites. Theoretical considerations on the determining the binding constants (eta) of ligands to proteins were carried out. Whereas for a one-subunit protein the relationship between thermal inactivation rates and ligand concentration there is a simple linear function, for a protein with two subunits, a second-order relationship is derived. If the theory for one-subunit proteins is applied to multi-subunit proteins, the derived values of eta tend to be lower than the real binding constants. A method of determining the ligand binding constant for a two-subunit protein is described.", "PMID": 990311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3703", "title": "[Nature of the inhibition of some cephalosporinases by carbenicillin].", "content": "This paper deals with the kinetic inhibition of six cephalosporinases (cephalosporin amido-beta-lactamhydrolase, EC 3.5.2.8) by carbenicillin. In previous cases, the inhibition has appeared usually to be competitive and slowly reversible. This makes it possible to measure the two terms of the ratio Ki=k5/k4;k4 and k5 being respectively the velocity constants of formation and destruction of the enzyme-inhibitor complex. A program was prepared which made it possible to obtain these constants from only one experiment. With ampicillin and cloxacillin, we verified that the reaction is faster, and that only Ki can be measured. These facts suggest that special precautions should be taken in order to obtain signigicant values for the constants governing inhibition.", "contents": "[Nature of the inhibition of some cephalosporinases by carbenicillin]. This paper deals with the kinetic inhibition of six cephalosporinases (cephalosporin amido-beta-lactamhydrolase, EC 3.5.2.8) by carbenicillin. In previous cases, the inhibition has appeared usually to be competitive and slowly reversible. This makes it possible to measure the two terms of the ratio Ki=k5/k4;k4 and k5 being respectively the velocity constants of formation and destruction of the enzyme-inhibitor complex. A program was prepared which made it possible to obtain these constants from only one experiment. With ampicillin and cloxacillin, we verified that the reaction is faster, and that only Ki can be measured. These facts suggest that special precautions should be taken in order to obtain signigicant values for the constants governing inhibition.", "PMID": 990312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3704", "title": "Enolase isoenzymes. III. Chromatographic and immunological characteristics of rat brain enolase.", "content": "1. The chromatography of rat brain enolase (2-phospho-D-glycerate hydrolyase, EC 4.2.1.11) reveals three distinet components. One of these appears to be isoenzyme 1 (alpha alpha) but isoenzymes 2 (alpha beta) and 3 (beta beta) are absent. 2. The most acidic form of brain enolase was partially purified and an antiserum raised against it in the chicken. 3. a combination of chromatographic and immunological studies showed that a third type of subunit (gamma) is present in the brain giving rise to two further isoenzymes (alpha gamma and gamma gamma). 4. Developmental studies on the brain enzyme show an increase in total enolase activity from foetal life to maturity and a concurrent rise in the proportion of brain specific dimers. 5. It is therefore concluded that there are three genetic loci alpha, beta and gamma, coding for the enolase isoenzymes of rat tissues.", "contents": "Enolase isoenzymes. III. Chromatographic and immunological characteristics of rat brain enolase. 1. The chromatography of rat brain enolase (2-phospho-D-glycerate hydrolyase, EC 4.2.1.11) reveals three distinet components. One of these appears to be isoenzyme 1 (alpha alpha) but isoenzymes 2 (alpha beta) and 3 (beta beta) are absent. 2. The most acidic form of brain enolase was partially purified and an antiserum raised against it in the chicken. 3. a combination of chromatographic and immunological studies showed that a third type of subunit (gamma) is present in the brain giving rise to two further isoenzymes (alpha gamma and gamma gamma). 4. Developmental studies on the brain enzyme show an increase in total enolase activity from foetal life to maturity and a concurrent rise in the proportion of brain specific dimers. 5. It is therefore concluded that there are three genetic loci alpha, beta and gamma, coding for the enolase isoenzymes of rat tissues.", "PMID": 990313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3705", "title": "Multiple molecular forms of cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase from rat liver: purification and subunit structure.", "content": "Cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase (L-cysteine:tRNACys ligase (AMP-forming), EC 6.1.1.16) has been purified from rat liver in 23% overall yield. The enzyme was resolved by hydroxyapatite chromatography into three active forms (Fractions CRS-1, CRS-2 and CRS-3). The total activity ratio was about 0.7:2:1. The fractions CRS-2 and CRS-3 contained no other detectable aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase activity. CRS-2 was homogeneous by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, CRS-3 gave two active bands with mobilities corresponding to those of CRS-1 and CRS-2. The molecular weight of CRS-2 was about 240 000 by electrophoretic mobilities on the gels of various porosity, and 115 000-140 000 by sucrose gradient centrifugation. By gel-filtration, CRS-1, CRS-2 and CRS-3 exhibited apparent molecular weights of 122 000, 235 000 and 300 000, respectively. By sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, both CRS-2 and CRS-3 gave a single major band of 120 000 daltons. Stoichiometric study of cysteinyl adenylate formation indicated that CRS-2 has two active sites per molecule. These results are consistent with a dimeric structure of the type alpha2 for the major form of rat liver cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase, composed of two probably identical subunits of about 120 000 daltons. Available evidence also suggests that CRS-1 and CRS-3 are alpha and alpha3 (or alpha4), respectively.", "contents": "Multiple molecular forms of cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase from rat liver: purification and subunit structure. Cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase (L-cysteine:tRNACys ligase (AMP-forming), EC 6.1.1.16) has been purified from rat liver in 23% overall yield. The enzyme was resolved by hydroxyapatite chromatography into three active forms (Fractions CRS-1, CRS-2 and CRS-3). The total activity ratio was about 0.7:2:1. The fractions CRS-2 and CRS-3 contained no other detectable aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase activity. CRS-2 was homogeneous by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, CRS-3 gave two active bands with mobilities corresponding to those of CRS-1 and CRS-2. The molecular weight of CRS-2 was about 240 000 by electrophoretic mobilities on the gels of various porosity, and 115 000-140 000 by sucrose gradient centrifugation. By gel-filtration, CRS-1, CRS-2 and CRS-3 exhibited apparent molecular weights of 122 000, 235 000 and 300 000, respectively. By sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, both CRS-2 and CRS-3 gave a single major band of 120 000 daltons. Stoichiometric study of cysteinyl adenylate formation indicated that CRS-2 has two active sites per molecule. These results are consistent with a dimeric structure of the type alpha2 for the major form of rat liver cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase, composed of two probably identical subunits of about 120 000 daltons. Available evidence also suggests that CRS-1 and CRS-3 are alpha and alpha3 (or alpha4), respectively.", "PMID": 990314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3706", "title": "Purification of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase from membranes of Acholeplasma laidlawii.", "content": "The ethanol-extracted respiratory chain-linked NADH dehydrogenase of Acholeplasma laidlawii has been purified 25-35-fold. This purification involved delipidation of the ethanol-extracted minute non-sedimentable membrane fragments by detergent treatment and gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-200. Sodium deoxycholate-sucrose density gradient centrifugation was followed by dialysis of the active NADH dehydrogenase fractions which caused flocculation of 60% of the membrane proteins while the NADH dehydrogenase remained suspended. Poylacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified NADH dehydrogenase gave one major and two minor bands after staining with Coomassie Blue. The purified enzyme gave straight line kinetics in Lineweaver-Burk plots and a Km = 0.510 mM and V = 0.236 mumol/min. Fatty acid supplementation of A. laidlawii membranes had negligible effect on the membrane-bound or ethanol-extracted dehydrogenase, but substantiated the values of the Km and V. Purification, however, altered the constants by 2-4-fold, suggesting that alteration of the microenvironment or fragmentation of the dehydrogenase was significant. The purified dehydrogenase was very susceptible to a rapid inhibition was much slower (90 min) and less complete. Consideration of published purification procedures of NADH dehydrogenase strongly suggested that the purified A. laidlawii respiratory chian-linked NADH dehydrogenase was over 90% pure and certainly one of the most purified respiratory chain-linked bacterial NADH dehydrogenases.", "contents": "Purification of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase from membranes of Acholeplasma laidlawii. The ethanol-extracted respiratory chain-linked NADH dehydrogenase of Acholeplasma laidlawii has been purified 25-35-fold. This purification involved delipidation of the ethanol-extracted minute non-sedimentable membrane fragments by detergent treatment and gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-200. Sodium deoxycholate-sucrose density gradient centrifugation was followed by dialysis of the active NADH dehydrogenase fractions which caused flocculation of 60% of the membrane proteins while the NADH dehydrogenase remained suspended. Poylacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified NADH dehydrogenase gave one major and two minor bands after staining with Coomassie Blue. The purified enzyme gave straight line kinetics in Lineweaver-Burk plots and a Km = 0.510 mM and V = 0.236 mumol/min. Fatty acid supplementation of A. laidlawii membranes had negligible effect on the membrane-bound or ethanol-extracted dehydrogenase, but substantiated the values of the Km and V. Purification, however, altered the constants by 2-4-fold, suggesting that alteration of the microenvironment or fragmentation of the dehydrogenase was significant. The purified dehydrogenase was very susceptible to a rapid inhibition was much slower (90 min) and less complete. Consideration of published purification procedures of NADH dehydrogenase strongly suggested that the purified A. laidlawii respiratory chian-linked NADH dehydrogenase was over 90% pure and certainly one of the most purified respiratory chain-linked bacterial NADH dehydrogenases.", "PMID": 990315} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3707", "title": "Inhibition and recovery of ribosomal RNA synthesis in ultraviolet-irradiation mammalian cells.", "content": "The effects of ultravilet light on rRNA synthesis were studied in stationary, monkey kidney CV-1 cells. Separate cultures were irradiated with a single ultraviolet dose of up to 525 erg/mm2 at different time intervals before incubation with [3H]uridine. The labeled RNA prepared from whole cells was analyzed by polyacrylamide-agarose gel electrophoresis. In cells ultraviolet irradiated 30 min before transcription analysis, the rate of total RNA and of 45 S RNA synthesis are depressed whereas a synthesis of unusual RNAs, shorter than 45 S RNA, appears. The rates of 28 S and of 18 S RNA synthesis decrease as a function of ultravilet dose and at the same time the ratio of 18 S to 28 S RNA increases. These results are consistent with the idea of a premature RNA chain termination on ultraviolet-damaged DNA. The ultraviolet-induced alterations of transcription disappear progressively with time after irradiation: the rates of total RNA and of 45 S RNA synthesis increase whereas the synthesis of unusual RNAs decreases; in parallel the rates of 28 S and 18 S RNA synthesis recover with a shift of the 18 S to 28 S RNA ratio toward the normal value 1 : 1, probably as a direct consequence of the repair of ultraviolet-induced lesions in the DNA. The kinetics of recovery are dose dependent and are comparable to those of the excision-repair of DNA photoproducts as measured by unscheduled DNA synthesis in ultraviolet-irradiated CV-1 cells. Fluorodeoxyuridine does not affect recovery. The data also show that in CV-1 cells, rRNA genes are arranged after their promotor in the order 18 S rRNA -- 28 S rRNA.", "contents": "Inhibition and recovery of ribosomal RNA synthesis in ultraviolet-irradiation mammalian cells. The effects of ultravilet light on rRNA synthesis were studied in stationary, monkey kidney CV-1 cells. Separate cultures were irradiated with a single ultraviolet dose of up to 525 erg/mm2 at different time intervals before incubation with [3H]uridine. The labeled RNA prepared from whole cells was analyzed by polyacrylamide-agarose gel electrophoresis. In cells ultraviolet irradiated 30 min before transcription analysis, the rate of total RNA and of 45 S RNA synthesis are depressed whereas a synthesis of unusual RNAs, shorter than 45 S RNA, appears. The rates of 28 S and of 18 S RNA synthesis decrease as a function of ultravilet dose and at the same time the ratio of 18 S to 28 S RNA increases. These results are consistent with the idea of a premature RNA chain termination on ultraviolet-damaged DNA. The ultraviolet-induced alterations of transcription disappear progressively with time after irradiation: the rates of total RNA and of 45 S RNA synthesis increase whereas the synthesis of unusual RNAs decreases; in parallel the rates of 28 S and 18 S RNA synthesis recover with a shift of the 18 S to 28 S RNA ratio toward the normal value 1 : 1, probably as a direct consequence of the repair of ultraviolet-induced lesions in the DNA. The kinetics of recovery are dose dependent and are comparable to those of the excision-repair of DNA photoproducts as measured by unscheduled DNA synthesis in ultraviolet-irradiated CV-1 cells. Fluorodeoxyuridine does not affect recovery. The data also show that in CV-1 cells, rRNA genes are arranged after their promotor in the order 18 S rRNA -- 28 S rRNA.", "PMID": 990316} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3708", "title": "Effects of estrogen on gene expression in the chick oviduct. Isolation and fractionation of chromatin non-histone proteins.", "content": "Non-histones isolated from hen oviduct chromatin have been fractionated by a variety of methods. Chromatin was dissociated in 2 M NaC1, 5 M Urea, 0.1% beta-mercaptoethanol and 0.01 M Tris - HC1, pH 8.3, and the DNA removed by ultracentrifugation. After desalting by gel filtration the chromatin proteins were separated into three distinct fractions by stepwise elution with 0.10 M NaC1, 0.25 M Na C1 and 15% guanidine - HC1 from Bio-Rex 70 columns. Fractions I and II contain only non-histones and Fraction III contains histones plus a small amount of non-histones. Further fractionation of the non-histones was achieved by ammonium sulfate precipitation and DEAE-cellulose chromatography for Fraction I and phosphocellulose chromatography and gel filtration on Bio-Gel A-15 m for Fraction II. The histone and non-histones present in Fraction III were separated by gel filtration on Bio-Gel A-0.5 m. All fractionation methods have been used preparatively with reasonable recoveries of protein (greater than or equal to 60%). The fractions have been characterized by acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The integrity of the histones was maintained during the fractionation procedure indicating that proteolytic degradation was unlikely to have occurred. There was no selective loss of chromatin proteins during the ultracentrifugation and desalting steps and the non-histones were separated into distinct fractions with enrichment of some species not apparent prior to fractionation of the chromatin proteins.", "contents": "Effects of estrogen on gene expression in the chick oviduct. Isolation and fractionation of chromatin non-histone proteins. Non-histones isolated from hen oviduct chromatin have been fractionated by a variety of methods. Chromatin was dissociated in 2 M NaC1, 5 M Urea, 0.1% beta-mercaptoethanol and 0.01 M Tris - HC1, pH 8.3, and the DNA removed by ultracentrifugation. After desalting by gel filtration the chromatin proteins were separated into three distinct fractions by stepwise elution with 0.10 M NaC1, 0.25 M Na C1 and 15% guanidine - HC1 from Bio-Rex 70 columns. Fractions I and II contain only non-histones and Fraction III contains histones plus a small amount of non-histones. Further fractionation of the non-histones was achieved by ammonium sulfate precipitation and DEAE-cellulose chromatography for Fraction I and phosphocellulose chromatography and gel filtration on Bio-Gel A-15 m for Fraction II. The histone and non-histones present in Fraction III were separated by gel filtration on Bio-Gel A-0.5 m. All fractionation methods have been used preparatively with reasonable recoveries of protein (greater than or equal to 60%). The fractions have been characterized by acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The integrity of the histones was maintained during the fractionation procedure indicating that proteolytic degradation was unlikely to have occurred. There was no selective loss of chromatin proteins during the ultracentrifugation and desalting steps and the non-histones were separated into distinct fractions with enrichment of some species not apparent prior to fractionation of the chromatin proteins.", "PMID": 990317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3709", "title": "A polyethylene glycol/dextran procedure for the isolation of chromatin proteins (histones and nonhistones) from wheat germ.", "content": "A new procedure is described for the isolation of both histone and non-histone chromatin proteins, based on a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/dextran two-phase partition system. Chromatin is solubilized in high salt (5 M NaC1) and mixed with PEG and dextran to separate proteins (partitioned into the upper, PEG-rich phase) from nucleic acid (DNA recovered almost exclusively in the lower, dextran-rich phase). The proteins are then absorbed onto Bio-Rex 70 by dialysis to low salt (0.05 M NaC1), followed by salt elution to recover first non-histone proteins (less than 0.55 M NaC1), then histones (2 M NaC1). Cross-contamination is not detectable in either group of proteins. The procedure is rapid, gentle, and lends itself well to scale-up. The proteins are kept in pH range 7.0--8.1, and are not exposed to the denaturing reagents characteristic of most preparative procedures for chromatin proteins. Though developed specifically for the isolation of proteins from chromatin of wheat germ, the procedure should be readily applicable to other sources as well. Wheat germ (isolated wheat embryos) appears to be an excellent source of chromatin proteins; 100 g yields 225--300 mg histones and 30--45 mg nonhistone proteins, depending on technique.", "contents": "A polyethylene glycol/dextran procedure for the isolation of chromatin proteins (histones and nonhistones) from wheat germ. A new procedure is described for the isolation of both histone and non-histone chromatin proteins, based on a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/dextran two-phase partition system. Chromatin is solubilized in high salt (5 M NaC1) and mixed with PEG and dextran to separate proteins (partitioned into the upper, PEG-rich phase) from nucleic acid (DNA recovered almost exclusively in the lower, dextran-rich phase). The proteins are then absorbed onto Bio-Rex 70 by dialysis to low salt (0.05 M NaC1), followed by salt elution to recover first non-histone proteins (less than 0.55 M NaC1), then histones (2 M NaC1). Cross-contamination is not detectable in either group of proteins. The procedure is rapid, gentle, and lends itself well to scale-up. The proteins are kept in pH range 7.0--8.1, and are not exposed to the denaturing reagents characteristic of most preparative procedures for chromatin proteins. Though developed specifically for the isolation of proteins from chromatin of wheat germ, the procedure should be readily applicable to other sources as well. Wheat germ (isolated wheat embryos) appears to be an excellent source of chromatin proteins; 100 g yields 225--300 mg histones and 30--45 mg nonhistone proteins, depending on technique.", "PMID": 990318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3710", "title": "Purification and characterization of human endonucleases specific for damaged DNA. Analysis of lesions induced by ultraviolet or x-radiation.", "content": "1. An endonuclease activity from a cultured human lymphoblast cell line, CCRF-CEM, was further purified by chromatography on phosphocellulose to remove a nonspecific acid endonuclease. 2. The purified enzyme acted quantitatively on apurinic sites in the DNA of PM2 phage. It showed optimum activity over a broad range of pH (7.0--8.5), was absolutely dependent on Mg2+ (optimum concentration 0.5 mM) and did not have detectable activity against intact DNA. 3. This enzyme was used as a probe to estimate the number of apurinic or apyrimidinic lesions induced in PM2 DNA by either ultraviolet or X-ray irradiation. High doses of ultraviolet radiation (2500 to 5000 J/m2) immediately induced 0.2 to 0.4 endonuclease-susceptible lesions per molecule of DNA. The lesions continued to increase for several hours after irradiation, reaching a level more than double that found initially. By contrast, in DNA exposed to 5000 rads of X-ray irradiation, the number of endonuclease-susceptible sites reached a maximum of about 0.6 per molecule immediately after exposure and did not increase further. It thus appears that ultraviolet-irradiated (but not X-ray irradiated) DNA contains damaged bases that are lost spontaneously after irradiation. 4. A second endonuclease was purified and was shown to act on ultraviolet-induced lesions that are distinct from either apurinic or apyrimidinic sites. These new lesions occur about ten times more frequently than ultraviolet-induced apurinic or apyrimidinic sites.", "contents": "Purification and characterization of human endonucleases specific for damaged DNA. Analysis of lesions induced by ultraviolet or x-radiation. 1. An endonuclease activity from a cultured human lymphoblast cell line, CCRF-CEM, was further purified by chromatography on phosphocellulose to remove a nonspecific acid endonuclease. 2. The purified enzyme acted quantitatively on apurinic sites in the DNA of PM2 phage. It showed optimum activity over a broad range of pH (7.0--8.5), was absolutely dependent on Mg2+ (optimum concentration 0.5 mM) and did not have detectable activity against intact DNA. 3. This enzyme was used as a probe to estimate the number of apurinic or apyrimidinic lesions induced in PM2 DNA by either ultraviolet or X-ray irradiation. High doses of ultraviolet radiation (2500 to 5000 J/m2) immediately induced 0.2 to 0.4 endonuclease-susceptible lesions per molecule of DNA. The lesions continued to increase for several hours after irradiation, reaching a level more than double that found initially. By contrast, in DNA exposed to 5000 rads of X-ray irradiation, the number of endonuclease-susceptible sites reached a maximum of about 0.6 per molecule immediately after exposure and did not increase further. It thus appears that ultraviolet-irradiated (but not X-ray irradiated) DNA contains damaged bases that are lost spontaneously after irradiation. 4. A second endonuclease was purified and was shown to act on ultraviolet-induced lesions that are distinct from either apurinic or apyrimidinic sites. These new lesions occur about ten times more frequently than ultraviolet-induced apurinic or apyrimidinic sites.", "PMID": 990319} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3711", "title": "Regulation of RNA synthesis in corpora lutea nucleic by luteinizing hormone and derivatives.", "content": "Luteinizing hormone (lutropin) stimulates glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49) in isolated nuclei obtained from cow corpus luteum tissue. This increases the biosynthesis de novo of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides and their incorporation into RNA. RNA synthesis was measured after nuclei were incubated for 10 min in buffer media. Several reduction cleavage products and tryptic digests of lutropin inhibited the stimulatory effect of lutropin on RNA synthesis. A site of this inhibition was glucose-6-dehydrogenase.", "contents": "Regulation of RNA synthesis in corpora lutea nucleic by luteinizing hormone and derivatives. Luteinizing hormone (lutropin) stimulates glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49) in isolated nuclei obtained from cow corpus luteum tissue. This increases the biosynthesis de novo of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides and their incorporation into RNA. RNA synthesis was measured after nuclei were incubated for 10 min in buffer media. Several reduction cleavage products and tryptic digests of lutropin inhibited the stimulatory effect of lutropin on RNA synthesis. A site of this inhibition was glucose-6-dehydrogenase.", "PMID": 990320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3712", "title": "Estradiol-induced synthesis of vitellogenin. III. The isolation and characterization of vitellogenin messenger RNA from avian liver.", "content": "The messenger RNA of the hormone-induced protein vitellogenin was isolated from the liver of estrogen-treated roosters. Starting from total polysomal RNA, the vitellogenin messenger was purified 67-fold by oligo (dT)-cellulose chromatography and sizing on a sucrose gradient. The messenger was translated in vitro into a 170 000 dalton polypeptide chain, having the immunochemical characteristics of vitellogenin. From electrophoretic and immunochemical analysis of the in vitro product of translation at least 63% of the messenger activity of the RNA preparation could be attributed to vitellogenin mRNA. Gel electrophoresis of the most purified fraction revealed residual contamination with the larger ribosomal RNA species. The molecular weight of the messenger RNA molecule, obtained by contour length measurements in the electron microscope, lies between 2.5 - 10(6) and 2.8 - 10(6).", "contents": "Estradiol-induced synthesis of vitellogenin. III. The isolation and characterization of vitellogenin messenger RNA from avian liver. The messenger RNA of the hormone-induced protein vitellogenin was isolated from the liver of estrogen-treated roosters. Starting from total polysomal RNA, the vitellogenin messenger was purified 67-fold by oligo (dT)-cellulose chromatography and sizing on a sucrose gradient. The messenger was translated in vitro into a 170 000 dalton polypeptide chain, having the immunochemical characteristics of vitellogenin. From electrophoretic and immunochemical analysis of the in vitro product of translation at least 63% of the messenger activity of the RNA preparation could be attributed to vitellogenin mRNA. Gel electrophoresis of the most purified fraction revealed residual contamination with the larger ribosomal RNA species. The molecular weight of the messenger RNA molecule, obtained by contour length measurements in the electron microscope, lies between 2.5 - 10(6) and 2.8 - 10(6).", "PMID": 990321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3713", "title": "Lipid-mediated protein interaction in membranes.", "content": "This study describes the effects ensuing from a non-specific interaction between membrane integral proteins and the surrounding lipids. The results are obtained using an appropriate molecular field theory to describe the ordering of membrane lipids. The modification of the lipid structure near a protein molecule, while most pronounced within the annulus of the first neighbour molecules, extends two or three layers beyond the annulus. The ordering of lipids within the annulus has a modified temperature dependence, and becomes a continuous function of temperature for low lipid/protein ratios. The change in order of lipid molecules surrounding a protein leads to an indirect, lipid-mediated interaction between membrane integral proteins. This interaction depends sensitively on the bulk lipid order. Under favourable circumstances, it gives rise to protein aggregation.", "contents": "Lipid-mediated protein interaction in membranes. This study describes the effects ensuing from a non-specific interaction between membrane integral proteins and the surrounding lipids. The results are obtained using an appropriate molecular field theory to describe the ordering of membrane lipids. The modification of the lipid structure near a protein molecule, while most pronounced within the annulus of the first neighbour molecules, extends two or three layers beyond the annulus. The ordering of lipids within the annulus has a modified temperature dependence, and becomes a continuous function of temperature for low lipid/protein ratios. The change in order of lipid molecules surrounding a protein leads to an indirect, lipid-mediated interaction between membrane integral proteins. This interaction depends sensitively on the bulk lipid order. Under favourable circumstances, it gives rise to protein aggregation.", "PMID": 990322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3714", "title": "A surface glycoprotein modulating drug permeability in Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants.", "content": "Chinese hamster ovary cells selected for resistance to colchicine display pleiotropic cross-resistance to a wide range of amphiphilic drugs. The drug-resistant phenotype is due to a membrane alteration which reduces the rate of drug permeation. Surface labelling studies reveal that drug-resistant Chinese hamster ovary cell membranes possess a carbohydrate-containing component of 170 000 daltons apparent molecular weight which is not observed in wild type cells. Through studies of the metabolic incorporation of carbohydrate and protein precursors, and through the use of selective proteolysis, this component is shown to be a cell surface glycoprotein. Since this glycoprotein appears unique to mutant cells displaying altered drug permeability, we have designated it the P glycoprotein. The relative amount of surface labelled P glycoprotein correlates with the degree of drug resistance in a number of independent mutant and revertant clones. A similar high molecular weight glycoprotein is also present in drug-resistant mutants from another hamster cell line. Observations on the molecular basis of pleiotropic drug resistance are interpreted in terms of a model wherein certain surface glycoproteins control drug permeation by modulating the properties of hydrophobic membrane regions...", "contents": "A surface glycoprotein modulating drug permeability in Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants. Chinese hamster ovary cells selected for resistance to colchicine display pleiotropic cross-resistance to a wide range of amphiphilic drugs. The drug-resistant phenotype is due to a membrane alteration which reduces the rate of drug permeation. Surface labelling studies reveal that drug-resistant Chinese hamster ovary cell membranes possess a carbohydrate-containing component of 170 000 daltons apparent molecular weight which is not observed in wild type cells. Through studies of the metabolic incorporation of carbohydrate and protein precursors, and through the use of selective proteolysis, this component is shown to be a cell surface glycoprotein. Since this glycoprotein appears unique to mutant cells displaying altered drug permeability, we have designated it the P glycoprotein. The relative amount of surface labelled P glycoprotein correlates with the degree of drug resistance in a number of independent mutant and revertant clones. A similar high molecular weight glycoprotein is also present in drug-resistant mutants from another hamster cell line. Observations on the molecular basis of pleiotropic drug resistance are interpreted in terms of a model wherein certain surface glycoproteins control drug permeation by modulating the properties of hydrophobic membrane regions...", "PMID": 990323} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3715", "title": "Physico-chemical characterization of the spectrin tetramer from bovine erythrocyte membranes.", "content": "The tetramer of bovine spectrin has been purified and characterized in terms of its hydrodynamic and optical properties. (1) The molecular weight, from both sedimentation equilibrium and sedimentation velocity/diffusion measurements, is close to one million. (2) The hydrodynamic properties suggest a highly expanded but basically symmetrical molecule of Stokes radius 200 A. (3) Optical rotatory dispersion measurements indicate a high degree of order in the tertiary structure of the molecule. These results are not consistent with the assumption that is often made, that the spectrin molecule is a long fibrous rod.", "contents": "Physico-chemical characterization of the spectrin tetramer from bovine erythrocyte membranes. The tetramer of bovine spectrin has been purified and characterized in terms of its hydrodynamic and optical properties. (1) The molecular weight, from both sedimentation equilibrium and sedimentation velocity/diffusion measurements, is close to one million. (2) The hydrodynamic properties suggest a highly expanded but basically symmetrical molecule of Stokes radius 200 A. (3) Optical rotatory dispersion measurements indicate a high degree of order in the tertiary structure of the molecule. These results are not consistent with the assumption that is often made, that the spectrin molecule is a long fibrous rod.", "PMID": 990324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3716", "title": "Mucosal and serosal fluxes of alanine in rabbit ileum.", "content": "The four unidirectional fluxes of alanine across the mucosal and serosal borders of rabbit ileum were evaluated as functions of the alanine concentration on a single piece of tissue using a method previously described (Naftalin, R.J. and Curran, P.F. (1974) J. Membrane Biol. 16, 257-278). The effects of Na+ removal and of ouabain on these fluxes were investigated. Alanine was actively transported across the mucosal membrane under control conditions; Na+ removal or ouabain inhibited this process as a result of a decrease in flux from the mucosal solution to the cell and an increase in the flux in the opposite direction. The results concerning mucosal efflux of alanine are apparently inconsistent with the carrier model for alanine transport at this border. Alanine transfer across the serosal membrane appeared to involve a facilitated transfer mechanism. Alanine movement at the serosal side of the cell was not influenced by Na+.", "contents": "Mucosal and serosal fluxes of alanine in rabbit ileum. The four unidirectional fluxes of alanine across the mucosal and serosal borders of rabbit ileum were evaluated as functions of the alanine concentration on a single piece of tissue using a method previously described (Naftalin, R.J. and Curran, P.F. (1974) J. Membrane Biol. 16, 257-278). The effects of Na+ removal and of ouabain on these fluxes were investigated. Alanine was actively transported across the mucosal membrane under control conditions; Na+ removal or ouabain inhibited this process as a result of a decrease in flux from the mucosal solution to the cell and an increase in the flux in the opposite direction. The results concerning mucosal efflux of alanine are apparently inconsistent with the carrier model for alanine transport at this border. Alanine transfer across the serosal membrane appeared to involve a facilitated transfer mechanism. Alanine movement at the serosal side of the cell was not influenced by Na+.", "PMID": 990325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3717", "title": "Studies on subcellular fractions of human platelets by the lactoperoxidase-iodination technique.", "content": "Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed 125I iodination and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis have been performed on whole, washed platelets as well as on isolated platelet membranes and granules. Electrophoresis of the whole platelets demonstrated two major radioactive peaks, corresponding to glycopolypeptides of estimated molecular weights of 120 000 and 100 000. A small, but consistent amount of radioactivity was also associated with a 147 000 dalton glycopolypeptide. The membranes showed the same pattern of radioactivity as the whole platelets, whereas only negligible amounts of labeled material was found in the soluble and granule fractions. Practically all the polypeptides were labeled in membranes iodinated after their isolation. A glycopolypeptide of 147 000 molecular weight was observed also in the soluble and the granule fractions, but no radioactivity was associated with these substances. In unreduced form, the granule glycopolypeptide penetrated only slightly into the polyacrylamide gel. Thrombin induced the relase of this granule-located substance from whole platelets, as observed by gel electrophoresis of the supernatant after release reaction (secretion). The granule glycoproteins were only partly exposed on the granule membrane since about 50% of the acid-hydrolyzable sialic acid could be liberated by neuraminidase treatment of isolated granules. In whole, iodinated granules the bulk of the radioactivity was associated with a polypeptide of estimated molecular weight 46 000 (possibly actin). This polypeptide was not seen in the supernatant after removal of the thrombin-degranulated platelets by centrifugation, which indicates that the granule membrane is retained with the platelets during the secretion process.", "contents": "Studies on subcellular fractions of human platelets by the lactoperoxidase-iodination technique. Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed 125I iodination and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis have been performed on whole, washed platelets as well as on isolated platelet membranes and granules. Electrophoresis of the whole platelets demonstrated two major radioactive peaks, corresponding to glycopolypeptides of estimated molecular weights of 120 000 and 100 000. A small, but consistent amount of radioactivity was also associated with a 147 000 dalton glycopolypeptide. The membranes showed the same pattern of radioactivity as the whole platelets, whereas only negligible amounts of labeled material was found in the soluble and granule fractions. Practically all the polypeptides were labeled in membranes iodinated after their isolation. A glycopolypeptide of 147 000 molecular weight was observed also in the soluble and the granule fractions, but no radioactivity was associated with these substances. In unreduced form, the granule glycopolypeptide penetrated only slightly into the polyacrylamide gel. Thrombin induced the relase of this granule-located substance from whole platelets, as observed by gel electrophoresis of the supernatant after release reaction (secretion). The granule glycoproteins were only partly exposed on the granule membrane since about 50% of the acid-hydrolyzable sialic acid could be liberated by neuraminidase treatment of isolated granules. In whole, iodinated granules the bulk of the radioactivity was associated with a polypeptide of estimated molecular weight 46 000 (possibly actin). This polypeptide was not seen in the supernatant after removal of the thrombin-degranulated platelets by centrifugation, which indicates that the granule membrane is retained with the platelets during the secretion process.", "PMID": 990326} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3718", "title": "Effects of local anaesthetics on intracellular fusion processes. Enhancement of concanavalin A-induced macrophage vacuolation.", "content": "The extensive vacuolation elecited in mouse peritoneal macrophages in response to interaction with concanavalin A is markedly enhanced by a simultaneous exposure to anaesthetics. The potency of enchancing vacuolation increases within the series of normal alcohols with chain length C10 greater than C8 greater than C7 greater than C6. From the four tertiary amine local anaesthetics tested lidocaine and procaine are by far more effective than tetracaine and dibucaine. The latter two induce extensive cell shrinkage at concentrations at which the first two exhibit optimum enhancing capacity. Of the tested compounds chlorpromazine has the highest membrane/buffer partition coefficient and it exhibits its optimum enhancing effect on concanavalin A-induced macrophage vacuolation at the lowest drug concentration. The binding of [3H] concanavalin A as well as its internalization by macrophages incubated with the lectin for 15, 45 and 90 min are not affected significantly in the presence of decanol, procaine or chlorpromazine at concentrations of maximum enhancing effect on vacuolation. Thus enhancement of vacuolation does not stem from an increase in the rate or extent of concanavalin A interiorization. The rate at which vacuoles are generated is however markedly increased in the presence of chlorpromazine and the resulting vacuoles are of a larger diameter. At 2-5 fold the concentration required for inhibition of maximum enhancing effect, the drugs lead to extensive macrophage shrinkage and to depletion of intracellular ATP. Phagocytosis of heat-killed yeast cells is reduced by tertiary amine anaesthetics at concentrations optimal for enhancement of concanavalin A-induced vacuolation. Enhanced intracellular fusion of concanavalin A-bearing pinosomes to form vacuoles is discussed in terms of current ideas on factors vacuoles is discussed in terms of current ideas on factors vacuoles is discussed in terms of current ideas on factors affecting membrane fusion and the effects of anaesthetics on membrane organization of lipids, intramembraneous particles, glycoprotein receptors and the possible control by cytoskeletal elements. The results best fit the hypothesis that enhanced fusion correlates with membrane aggregation of both intramembraneous particles and concanavalin A receptor and the formation of areas relatively deplete of these structures and enriched in phospholipids.", "contents": "Effects of local anaesthetics on intracellular fusion processes. Enhancement of concanavalin A-induced macrophage vacuolation. The extensive vacuolation elecited in mouse peritoneal macrophages in response to interaction with concanavalin A is markedly enhanced by a simultaneous exposure to anaesthetics. The potency of enchancing vacuolation increases within the series of normal alcohols with chain length C10 greater than C8 greater than C7 greater than C6. From the four tertiary amine local anaesthetics tested lidocaine and procaine are by far more effective than tetracaine and dibucaine. The latter two induce extensive cell shrinkage at concentrations at which the first two exhibit optimum enhancing capacity. Of the tested compounds chlorpromazine has the highest membrane/buffer partition coefficient and it exhibits its optimum enhancing effect on concanavalin A-induced macrophage vacuolation at the lowest drug concentration. The binding of [3H] concanavalin A as well as its internalization by macrophages incubated with the lectin for 15, 45 and 90 min are not affected significantly in the presence of decanol, procaine or chlorpromazine at concentrations of maximum enhancing effect on vacuolation. Thus enhancement of vacuolation does not stem from an increase in the rate or extent of concanavalin A interiorization. The rate at which vacuoles are generated is however markedly increased in the presence of chlorpromazine and the resulting vacuoles are of a larger diameter. At 2-5 fold the concentration required for inhibition of maximum enhancing effect, the drugs lead to extensive macrophage shrinkage and to depletion of intracellular ATP. Phagocytosis of heat-killed yeast cells is reduced by tertiary amine anaesthetics at concentrations optimal for enhancement of concanavalin A-induced vacuolation. Enhanced intracellular fusion of concanavalin A-bearing pinosomes to form vacuoles is discussed in terms of current ideas on factors vacuoles is discussed in terms of current ideas on factors vacuoles is discussed in terms of current ideas on factors affecting membrane fusion and the effects of anaesthetics on membrane organization of lipids, intramembraneous particles, glycoprotein receptors and the possible control by cytoskeletal elements. The results best fit the hypothesis that enhanced fusion correlates with membrane aggregation of both intramembraneous particles and concanavalin A receptor and the formation of areas relatively deplete of these structures and enriched in phospholipids.", "PMID": 990327} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3719", "title": "Equilibration of pancratic digestive enzymes across zymogen granule membranes.", "content": "Zymogen granules isolated from the rat pancreas released digestive enzyms in response to lowering the enzyme concentration of the medium in which the granules were suspended, and reabsorbed enzyme when the enzyme concentration of the medium was increased. The evidence suggests that the distribution of digestive enzyme between zymogen granule and medium is the result of an equilibrium process. This equilibrium is apparently expressed across the granule membrane since the disruption of the membrane barrier eliminated the delay in establishing new equilibrium between the bound and free enzyme. The release of enzyme was continuous (equilibration did not occur) when the suspending medium was continuously filtered, thereby maintaining a constant state of disequilibrium between intragranular enzyme and enzyme in the medium. The data suggest the following: (1) that digestive enzyme passes through the intact granule membrane bidirectionally, and (2) that there is a free cytoplasmic pool of digestive enzyme in intact cells which is in equilibrium with the enzyme content of the zymogen granule.", "contents": "Equilibration of pancratic digestive enzymes across zymogen granule membranes. Zymogen granules isolated from the rat pancreas released digestive enzyms in response to lowering the enzyme concentration of the medium in which the granules were suspended, and reabsorbed enzyme when the enzyme concentration of the medium was increased. The evidence suggests that the distribution of digestive enzyme between zymogen granule and medium is the result of an equilibrium process. This equilibrium is apparently expressed across the granule membrane since the disruption of the membrane barrier eliminated the delay in establishing new equilibrium between the bound and free enzyme. The release of enzyme was continuous (equilibration did not occur) when the suspending medium was continuously filtered, thereby maintaining a constant state of disequilibrium between intragranular enzyme and enzyme in the medium. The data suggest the following: (1) that digestive enzyme passes through the intact granule membrane bidirectionally, and (2) that there is a free cytoplasmic pool of digestive enzyme in intact cells which is in equilibrium with the enzyme content of the zymogen granule.", "PMID": 990328} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3720", "title": "Quantitative studies on lysolecithin mediated hemolysis. Benzylated lysolecithin as a probe to study effects of temperature and red cell species on the hemolytic reaction.", "content": "The slow reacting hemolytic lysolecithin analog 1-octadecyl-2-benzyl-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine has been employed for a detailed study of the process of lysolecithin induced hemolysis. Using a radiolabelled analog we found that the different sensitivities of red cells from different species (chicken, man, cattle) are not paralleled by the binding affinities of lysolecithin. Moreover, lysophosphatide binding to the cells is reduced at low temperatures while the hemolytic activity increases. In contrast to continuous changes of lytic activity and binding between 0 and 37 degrees C, the velocity of the hemolytic reaction with human erythrocytes is extraordinarily fast at 10 degrees C. Experiments in sucrose containing buffer indicated principally different lysis mechanisms below and above 15 degrees C. We have further shown that cells loaded sublytically with the lysolecithin at 37 degrees C undergo spontaneous lysis upon cooling to 0 degrees C. The degree of lysis under these conditions, however, is diminished with increasing amounts of cell-bound lysolipid. Determinations of membrane microviscosities by means of fluorescence polarization revealed some qualitative relations between membrane fluidity and sensitivity to lysolecithin. The data are discussed on the basis of recent reports indicating that lysolecithin-distribution in mixed lipid phases may be heterogeneous depending on lipid composition and temperature.", "contents": "Quantitative studies on lysolecithin mediated hemolysis. Benzylated lysolecithin as a probe to study effects of temperature and red cell species on the hemolytic reaction. The slow reacting hemolytic lysolecithin analog 1-octadecyl-2-benzyl-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine has been employed for a detailed study of the process of lysolecithin induced hemolysis. Using a radiolabelled analog we found that the different sensitivities of red cells from different species (chicken, man, cattle) are not paralleled by the binding affinities of lysolecithin. Moreover, lysophosphatide binding to the cells is reduced at low temperatures while the hemolytic activity increases. In contrast to continuous changes of lytic activity and binding between 0 and 37 degrees C, the velocity of the hemolytic reaction with human erythrocytes is extraordinarily fast at 10 degrees C. Experiments in sucrose containing buffer indicated principally different lysis mechanisms below and above 15 degrees C. We have further shown that cells loaded sublytically with the lysolecithin at 37 degrees C undergo spontaneous lysis upon cooling to 0 degrees C. The degree of lysis under these conditions, however, is diminished with increasing amounts of cell-bound lysolipid. Determinations of membrane microviscosities by means of fluorescence polarization revealed some qualitative relations between membrane fluidity and sensitivity to lysolecithin. The data are discussed on the basis of recent reports indicating that lysolecithin-distribution in mixed lipid phases may be heterogeneous depending on lipid composition and temperature.", "PMID": 990329} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3721", "title": "The immunochemical approach to the characterization of membrane proteins. Human erythrocyte membrane proteins analysed as a model system.", "content": "1. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis was used for extensive characterization of individual proteins of human erythrocyte membranes solubilized in non-ionic detergent. 2. The precipitates were assigned to extrinsic or intrinsic proteins. 3. Four glycoproteins were identified by their lectin binding behaviour, whilst five proteins were affected by neuraminidase, indicating them to be sialoglycoproteins. 4. Enzymatic activity is retained in the solubilized system and the presence of acetylcholinesterase and an ATPase was demonstrated. The formation of phosphorylated membrane proteins on incubation with [32P]ATP was demonstrated by autoradiography on the immunoelectrophoresis plates. 5. Five proteins located on the outer cell surface were identified by antibody binding to intact cells. These same proteins were degraded by proteolytic enzymes in intact cells but only three of them were labelled by lactoperoxidase-catalysed 125I-iodination. 6. Analysis of erythrocyte membrane proteins using quantitive immunoelectrophoresis yields results concordant with those obtained by dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.", "contents": "The immunochemical approach to the characterization of membrane proteins. Human erythrocyte membrane proteins analysed as a model system. 1. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis was used for extensive characterization of individual proteins of human erythrocyte membranes solubilized in non-ionic detergent. 2. The precipitates were assigned to extrinsic or intrinsic proteins. 3. Four glycoproteins were identified by their lectin binding behaviour, whilst five proteins were affected by neuraminidase, indicating them to be sialoglycoproteins. 4. Enzymatic activity is retained in the solubilized system and the presence of acetylcholinesterase and an ATPase was demonstrated. The formation of phosphorylated membrane proteins on incubation with [32P]ATP was demonstrated by autoradiography on the immunoelectrophoresis plates. 5. Five proteins located on the outer cell surface were identified by antibody binding to intact cells. These same proteins were degraded by proteolytic enzymes in intact cells but only three of them were labelled by lactoperoxidase-catalysed 125I-iodination. 6. Analysis of erythrocyte membrane proteins using quantitive immunoelectrophoresis yields results concordant with those obtained by dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.", "PMID": 990330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3722", "title": "Partition in two-polymer aqueous phases reflects differences between membrane surface properties of erythrocytes, ghosts and membrane vesicles.", "content": "Partition of cells (defined as the percentage of added cells in the top phase) in dextran-polyethylene glycol aqueous two-phase systems is an extremely sensitive indicator of cell surface properties. By appropriate choice of polymer concentrations and salt composition and concentration one can, to some extent, select the membrane properties (e.g. charge (Walter, H. (1975) in Methods in Cell Biology (Prescott, D.M., ed.), Vol. 9, pp. 25-50, Academic Press, New York), lipid composition (Walter, H, Krob, E.J. and Brooks, D.E. (1976) Biochemistry, 15, 2959-2964)) that determine the partition behavior of cells (or membranes). In the present experiments we have obtained by partition information on separability, alteration and ensuing heterogeneity during preparation of human erythrocytes, ghosts and rightside-out and inside-out vesicles from human erythrocyte membranes. A phase system in which partition is greatly (although not exclusively) dtermined by membrane charge was used. It was found that: 1. The partition coefficients (and hence the membrane surfaces) of ghosts and of rightside-out vesicles differ from those of the erythrocytes from which they are derived. 2. Rightside-out and inside-out vesicles have different countercurrent distribution patterns with the rightside-out vesicles having the higher partition coefficient (probably reflecting higher membrane charge of the latter). 3. Rightside-out vesicles are highly heterogeneous membrane populations as evidenced by broader than theoretical countercurrent distribution curve which, in some experiments, even split into two populations outright. This heterogeneity is particularly interesting since the enzyme markers used to establish vesicle sidedness (Steck, T.L. (1974) in Methods in Membrane Biology (Korn, E.D., ed), Vol. 2, pp. 245-281, Plenum Press, New York) indicate \"pure\" rightside-out preparations. 4. Inside-out vesicles could, under no conditions tested, be rendered totally free of rightside-out vesicles according to the enzyme markers used to indicate vesicle sidedness (Steck, T.L. (1974) in Methods in Membrane Biology (Korn, E.D., ed), Vol. 2, pp. 245-281, Plenum Press, New York). A discussion of factors involved in the partition of the vesicles and ghosts together with analogies to the partition behavior of stored or in vitro modified human red blood cells is presented.", "contents": "Partition in two-polymer aqueous phases reflects differences between membrane surface properties of erythrocytes, ghosts and membrane vesicles. Partition of cells (defined as the percentage of added cells in the top phase) in dextran-polyethylene glycol aqueous two-phase systems is an extremely sensitive indicator of cell surface properties. By appropriate choice of polymer concentrations and salt composition and concentration one can, to some extent, select the membrane properties (e.g. charge (Walter, H. (1975) in Methods in Cell Biology (Prescott, D.M., ed.), Vol. 9, pp. 25-50, Academic Press, New York), lipid composition (Walter, H, Krob, E.J. and Brooks, D.E. (1976) Biochemistry, 15, 2959-2964)) that determine the partition behavior of cells (or membranes). In the present experiments we have obtained by partition information on separability, alteration and ensuing heterogeneity during preparation of human erythrocytes, ghosts and rightside-out and inside-out vesicles from human erythrocyte membranes. A phase system in which partition is greatly (although not exclusively) dtermined by membrane charge was used. It was found that: 1. The partition coefficients (and hence the membrane surfaces) of ghosts and of rightside-out vesicles differ from those of the erythrocytes from which they are derived. 2. Rightside-out and inside-out vesicles have different countercurrent distribution patterns with the rightside-out vesicles having the higher partition coefficient (probably reflecting higher membrane charge of the latter). 3. Rightside-out vesicles are highly heterogeneous membrane populations as evidenced by broader than theoretical countercurrent distribution curve which, in some experiments, even split into two populations outright. This heterogeneity is particularly interesting since the enzyme markers used to establish vesicle sidedness (Steck, T.L. (1974) in Methods in Membrane Biology (Korn, E.D., ed), Vol. 2, pp. 245-281, Plenum Press, New York) indicate \"pure\" rightside-out preparations. 4. Inside-out vesicles could, under no conditions tested, be rendered totally free of rightside-out vesicles according to the enzyme markers used to indicate vesicle sidedness (Steck, T.L. (1974) in Methods in Membrane Biology (Korn, E.D., ed), Vol. 2, pp. 245-281, Plenum Press, New York). A discussion of factors involved in the partition of the vesicles and ghosts together with analogies to the partition behavior of stored or in vitro modified human red blood cells is presented.", "PMID": 990331} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3723", "title": "Metabolism and transport of galactose by rat intestine.", "content": "Intestinal uptake and metabolism of galactose were examined in everted jejunal rings from fasted adult rats using 0.2-28 mM sugar. After 60-min incubations, the total uptake (free tissue plus amount metabolized) of galactose ranged from 1.75 mumol/g at 0.2 mM to 21 mumol/g at 28 mM. Free tissue galactose was 17% of the former and 73% of the latter amount while that oxidized to 14CO2 represented only 6-16% of amount taken up. Compared to glucose, similar amounts of galactose are taken up at 0.2-2.0 mM, however, gllcose rtween 0.2 and 2 mM similar amounts of both sugars are metabolized, although a greater portion of the glucose is oxidized to 14CO2. Above 2.0 mM, 2-3 times more glucose is metabolized than galactose. Both uptake and metabolism showed saturability and kinetic analysis revealed two limbed Linweaver-Burk plots, suggesting operation of a high affinity low Km and a low affinity high Km system for sugar transport. In a series of in vivo studies, to assess the role of the intestine in the total body metabolism of galactose, 14C-labeled galactose injected intraperitoneally at a dose of either 50 or 300 mg into fasted normal, sham operated and enterectomized rats, no observable difference in 14CO2 production resulted in between the groups. It would thus appear that although extensive metabolism of galactose may take place in intestinal tissue in vitro, the intestine does not play a significant role in galactose disposition in vivo.", "contents": "Metabolism and transport of galactose by rat intestine. Intestinal uptake and metabolism of galactose were examined in everted jejunal rings from fasted adult rats using 0.2-28 mM sugar. After 60-min incubations, the total uptake (free tissue plus amount metabolized) of galactose ranged from 1.75 mumol/g at 0.2 mM to 21 mumol/g at 28 mM. Free tissue galactose was 17% of the former and 73% of the latter amount while that oxidized to 14CO2 represented only 6-16% of amount taken up. Compared to glucose, similar amounts of galactose are taken up at 0.2-2.0 mM, however, gllcose rtween 0.2 and 2 mM similar amounts of both sugars are metabolized, although a greater portion of the glucose is oxidized to 14CO2. Above 2.0 mM, 2-3 times more glucose is metabolized than galactose. Both uptake and metabolism showed saturability and kinetic analysis revealed two limbed Linweaver-Burk plots, suggesting operation of a high affinity low Km and a low affinity high Km system for sugar transport. In a series of in vivo studies, to assess the role of the intestine in the total body metabolism of galactose, 14C-labeled galactose injected intraperitoneally at a dose of either 50 or 300 mg into fasted normal, sham operated and enterectomized rats, no observable difference in 14CO2 production resulted in between the groups. It would thus appear that although extensive metabolism of galactose may take place in intestinal tissue in vitro, the intestine does not play a significant role in galactose disposition in vivo.", "PMID": 990332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3724", "title": "Hydrolysis of an aliphatic monoester in emulsion by swine pancreas lipase: influence of interfacial bile salts molecules upon reaction rate.", "content": "The accumulation of four bile salts at the interface between water and n-hexyl laurate is studied. Gibb's interfacial excesses of these salts are calculated, starting from interfacial tension measurements. At the same time, emulsions of the ester are treated by lipase and reactions rates are plotted against the bile salt concentrations present in the water phase of the emulsions. Inhibition by conjugated bile salts appear before the critical micellar concentration is approached. There is no defined relationship between this inhibition and the fraction of interfacial area covered by detergent molecules. In accordance with recent publication, the discussion suggests that the energy level of interfaces is important for lipase action and that, when interfacial tension becomes too small, lipase does not attach to interfaces and appears as inactive.", "contents": "Hydrolysis of an aliphatic monoester in emulsion by swine pancreas lipase: influence of interfacial bile salts molecules upon reaction rate. The accumulation of four bile salts at the interface between water and n-hexyl laurate is studied. Gibb's interfacial excesses of these salts are calculated, starting from interfacial tension measurements. At the same time, emulsions of the ester are treated by lipase and reactions rates are plotted against the bile salt concentrations present in the water phase of the emulsions. Inhibition by conjugated bile salts appear before the critical micellar concentration is approached. There is no defined relationship between this inhibition and the fraction of interfacial area covered by detergent molecules. In accordance with recent publication, the discussion suggests that the energy level of interfaces is important for lipase action and that, when interfacial tension becomes too small, lipase does not attach to interfaces and appears as inactive.", "PMID": 990334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3725", "title": "[Complete structure of glycopeptides isolated from IgG immunoglobulins of cow colostrum].", "content": "Bovine immunoglobulins (IgG1 type) have been isolated from colostral whey. Hydrolysis by pronase, trypsin and (or) chymotrypsin yield several glycopeptides structural studies of which lead to the following results. 1. IgG1 colostral immunoglobulins possess two glycan moieties which are linked to the peptidic chain by an N-(beta-aspartyl)-N-acetylglucosaminylamine bound. 2. The peptidic sequence around the linkage region has been determined by classical methods and is as follows: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Glu-Glu-Gln-Phe-Asn(Glycan)-Ser-Thr-Tyr-Arg. 3. The following procedures: partial acidic hydrolysis, periodic oxidation, hydrazinolysis-nitrous deamination, methylation and use of specific glycosidases allowed us to determine the structure of the glycan moieties which fit with the general following scheme: (see article) Thus they could be related to the general glycan structure so-called of \"N-acetyllactosamine type\" because they possess the pentasaccharidic core common to numerous glycoproteins Man alpha 1 leads to [Man alpha 1 leads to 6] Man beta 1 leads to 4 GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 4 GlcNAc beta 1 leads to Asn on which are conjugated 2 N-acetyllactosamine residues. Besides they present a microheterogeneity which is due to the varying number of additional N-acetylneuraminic acid and fucose residues. 4. These structures are compared to various immunoglobulin structures proposed by others: bovine serum IgG and human serum IgG, IgE and IgA.", "contents": "[Complete structure of glycopeptides isolated from IgG immunoglobulins of cow colostrum]. Bovine immunoglobulins (IgG1 type) have been isolated from colostral whey. Hydrolysis by pronase, trypsin and (or) chymotrypsin yield several glycopeptides structural studies of which lead to the following results. 1. IgG1 colostral immunoglobulins possess two glycan moieties which are linked to the peptidic chain by an N-(beta-aspartyl)-N-acetylglucosaminylamine bound. 2. The peptidic sequence around the linkage region has been determined by classical methods and is as follows: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Glu-Glu-Gln-Phe-Asn(Glycan)-Ser-Thr-Tyr-Arg. 3. The following procedures: partial acidic hydrolysis, periodic oxidation, hydrazinolysis-nitrous deamination, methylation and use of specific glycosidases allowed us to determine the structure of the glycan moieties which fit with the general following scheme: (see article) Thus they could be related to the general glycan structure so-called of \"N-acetyllactosamine type\" because they possess the pentasaccharidic core common to numerous glycoproteins Man alpha 1 leads to [Man alpha 1 leads to 6] Man beta 1 leads to 4 GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 4 GlcNAc beta 1 leads to Asn on which are conjugated 2 N-acetyllactosamine residues. Besides they present a microheterogeneity which is due to the varying number of additional N-acetylneuraminic acid and fucose residues. 4. These structures are compared to various immunoglobulin structures proposed by others: bovine serum IgG and human serum IgG, IgE and IgA.", "PMID": 990335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3726", "title": "Pleiotypic response of rat heart cells in culture to serum stimulation.", "content": "The pleiotypic effects of medium replacement were studied in rat heart cell cultures. After each medium change alpha-aminoisobutyric acid and glucose transport are increased, RNA and protein syntheses are activated. DNA synthesis did not begin before 12 hours and was followed by a wave of mitoses. This sequence of events suggests that the stimulated cells were in early G 1 phase. DNA synthesis, following the shift to a fresh medium, is linearly related to the amount of serum used as is protein synthesis. However when serum concentrations higher than 20 percent were used no increased protein synthesis could be observed suggesting the existence of another limiting factor, which was probably the isoleucine content of the medium. The serum stimulating factor is heat stable, dialysable and was found in both human and fetal calf sera.", "contents": "Pleiotypic response of rat heart cells in culture to serum stimulation. The pleiotypic effects of medium replacement were studied in rat heart cell cultures. After each medium change alpha-aminoisobutyric acid and glucose transport are increased, RNA and protein syntheses are activated. DNA synthesis did not begin before 12 hours and was followed by a wave of mitoses. This sequence of events suggests that the stimulated cells were in early G 1 phase. DNA synthesis, following the shift to a fresh medium, is linearly related to the amount of serum used as is protein synthesis. However when serum concentrations higher than 20 percent were used no increased protein synthesis could be observed suggesting the existence of another limiting factor, which was probably the isoleucine content of the medium. The serum stimulating factor is heat stable, dialysable and was found in both human and fetal calf sera.", "PMID": 990336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3727", "title": "Electromyographic biofeedback for relief of tension in the facial and throat muscles of a woodwind musician.", "content": "Electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback, for the relaxation of specific throat and facial muscles, was given to a woodwind musician. The patient had a nineteen-year history of tics and high levels of tension in his throat and facial muscles. Eventurally these problems progressed to a point that interfered with his ability to perform as a professional woodwind musician. Following detoxification from alcohol and Dexamyl, and after a period of psychotherapy, EMG biofeedback relaxation training was started for the muscles specifically showing chronically high tension levels. The EMG training consisted of four phases designed to help the patient progressively lower tension and generalize these newly learned techniques to his professional life. He had a total of twenty treatments of approximately 45 minutes each. This procedure resulted in dramatic reductions in tension levels of the specific throat and facial muscles along with increased proficiency as a musician and in psychological functioning.", "contents": "Electromyographic biofeedback for relief of tension in the facial and throat muscles of a woodwind musician. Electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback, for the relaxation of specific throat and facial muscles, was given to a woodwind musician. The patient had a nineteen-year history of tics and high levels of tension in his throat and facial muscles. Eventurally these problems progressed to a point that interfered with his ability to perform as a professional woodwind musician. Following detoxification from alcohol and Dexamyl, and after a period of psychotherapy, EMG biofeedback relaxation training was started for the muscles specifically showing chronically high tension levels. The EMG training consisted of four phases designed to help the patient progressively lower tension and generalize these newly learned techniques to his professional life. He had a total of twenty treatments of approximately 45 minutes each. This procedure resulted in dramatic reductions in tension levels of the specific throat and facial muscles along with increased proficiency as a musician and in psychological functioning.", "PMID": 990339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3728", "title": "Electromyographic biofeedback treatment of a woman with chronic dysphagia.", "content": "In this case report, a 25-year-old female with chronic dysphagia spastica (difficulty swallowing because of constriction of the throat muscles) was treated with 20 sessions of frontal electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback and home-relaxation practice. The subject monitored on a 10-point scale her difficulty swallowing during meals for 2 months prior to treatment, during treatment, and after treatment. There was a significant decrease in reported difficulty swallowing associated with frontalis EMG feedback. Improvement was maintained at a 6-month follow-up.", "contents": "Electromyographic biofeedback treatment of a woman with chronic dysphagia. In this case report, a 25-year-old female with chronic dysphagia spastica (difficulty swallowing because of constriction of the throat muscles) was treated with 20 sessions of frontal electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback and home-relaxation practice. The subject monitored on a 10-point scale her difficulty swallowing during meals for 2 months prior to treatment, during treatment, and after treatment. There was a significant decrease in reported difficulty swallowing associated with frontalis EMG feedback. Improvement was maintained at a 6-month follow-up.", "PMID": 990340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3729", "title": "Differential shaping of EEG theta rhythms.", "content": "Heart rate, EEG, frontal EMG, and forearm EMG were recorded in 20 subjects for 3 baseline, 8 feedback, and 2 postbaseline sessions in order to compare two biofeedback methods of teaching subjects to increase theta EEG activity. Subjects were divided into high- and low-EMG groups. Five high-EMG subjects, and 5 low-EMG subjects then received 8 sessions of strictly theta feedback. The remaining 10 subjects, 5 from the high-EMG group, and 5 from the low-EMG group, received a \"graduated\" training which involved shaping the target response. This procedure consisted of 4 initial sessions of EMG feedback, followed by a second phase consisting of 4 sessions of theta feedback. Results showed a clear relationship between subjects' baseline frontal EMG levels and the effect of the training methods. Although subjects with high-EMG baseline increased their theta output only with the two-phase training, subjects with low-EMG baseline levels performed better when given theta feedback only. This result shows not only that amounts of theta can be reliably increased, but that training techniques should be adapted to the physiological characteristics of the individual--in this case, baseline levels of frontal EMG levels.", "contents": "Differential shaping of EEG theta rhythms. Heart rate, EEG, frontal EMG, and forearm EMG were recorded in 20 subjects for 3 baseline, 8 feedback, and 2 postbaseline sessions in order to compare two biofeedback methods of teaching subjects to increase theta EEG activity. Subjects were divided into high- and low-EMG groups. Five high-EMG subjects, and 5 low-EMG subjects then received 8 sessions of strictly theta feedback. The remaining 10 subjects, 5 from the high-EMG group, and 5 from the low-EMG group, received a \"graduated\" training which involved shaping the target response. This procedure consisted of 4 initial sessions of EMG feedback, followed by a second phase consisting of 4 sessions of theta feedback. Results showed a clear relationship between subjects' baseline frontal EMG levels and the effect of the training methods. Although subjects with high-EMG baseline increased their theta output only with the two-phase training, subjects with low-EMG baseline levels performed better when given theta feedback only. This result shows not only that amounts of theta can be reliably increased, but that training techniques should be adapted to the physiological characteristics of the individual--in this case, baseline levels of frontal EMG levels.", "PMID": 990342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3730", "title": "Detection of EEG abnormalities with feedback stimulation.", "content": "A feedback method for testing the reactivity of the occipital-parietal EEG in selected brain-lesioned patients revealed abnormalities of (a) insufficient reactivity, (b) bilateral differences in reactivity, and (3) asynchrony. These abnormalities were more evident during feedback stimulation than in the baseline conditions. The utility of feedback method for detecting EEG abnormalities rests on the increased stability or decreased \"noisy\" variation in the EEG during feedback. The EEG becomes more predictable even to the \"on-line\" human observer. This makes it easier to detect aberrations or deviations from normal effects. Some effects can only be seen with feedback such as the bilateral differences which occur when the left side controls the feedback compared to when the right side controls it. The results show that feedback EEG is a useful tool in clinical research and indicate that a clinical diagnostic test could be developed with more research. However, the feedback EEG method is not yet a proven diagnostic technique.", "contents": "Detection of EEG abnormalities with feedback stimulation. A feedback method for testing the reactivity of the occipital-parietal EEG in selected brain-lesioned patients revealed abnormalities of (a) insufficient reactivity, (b) bilateral differences in reactivity, and (3) asynchrony. These abnormalities were more evident during feedback stimulation than in the baseline conditions. The utility of feedback method for detecting EEG abnormalities rests on the increased stability or decreased \"noisy\" variation in the EEG during feedback. The EEG becomes more predictable even to the \"on-line\" human observer. This makes it easier to detect aberrations or deviations from normal effects. Some effects can only be seen with feedback such as the bilateral differences which occur when the left side controls the feedback compared to when the right side controls it. The results show that feedback EEG is a useful tool in clinical research and indicate that a clinical diagnostic test could be developed with more research. However, the feedback EEG method is not yet a proven diagnostic technique.", "PMID": 990343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3731", "title": "Conflicting results in EEG alpha feedback studies: why amplitude integration should replace percent time.", "content": "Success or failure of EEG feedback training for alpha enhancement can depend on how alpha activity is quantified and fed back. Alpha-enhancement failures usually employ a percent time (%) technique; successes typically use amplitude integration (variation of). To dramatize the differences between percent and integration techniques, we derived both measures simultaneously from left occipital (O1) and left central (C3) sites for 16 male subjects who were given 5.6 hours of integrated alpha feedback from the midline occipital (Ozeta) site. At both the O1 and C3 sites the integrated and percent measures were not equivalent and not linearly related. Statistically significant differences in the (integrated, percent) correlation coefficients (z-transpormed) were observed under the different recording conditions: alpha enhancement, alpha suppression, and baselines. Theoretical discussion of integration and percent techniques is given and the adoption of amplitude integration measures and feedback stimuli is strongly advocated.", "contents": "Conflicting results in EEG alpha feedback studies: why amplitude integration should replace percent time. Success or failure of EEG feedback training for alpha enhancement can depend on how alpha activity is quantified and fed back. Alpha-enhancement failures usually employ a percent time (%) technique; successes typically use amplitude integration (variation of). To dramatize the differences between percent and integration techniques, we derived both measures simultaneously from left occipital (O1) and left central (C3) sites for 16 male subjects who were given 5.6 hours of integrated alpha feedback from the midline occipital (Ozeta) site. At both the O1 and C3 sites the integrated and percent measures were not equivalent and not linearly related. Statistically significant differences in the (integrated, percent) correlation coefficients (z-transpormed) were observed under the different recording conditions: alpha enhancement, alpha suppression, and baselines. Theoretical discussion of integration and percent techniques is given and the adoption of amplitude integration measures and feedback stimuli is strongly advocated.", "PMID": 990344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3732", "title": "Self-regulation of response patterning: implications for psychophysiological research and therapy.", "content": "This paper develops the basic premise that learning to self-regulate a pattern of responses can have different consequences from those observed when controlling individual functions alone. It is suggested that the self-regulation of patterns of responses can be a particularly sensitive and effective procedure for (a) uncovering biological linkages and constraints between responses in the intact human, (b) investigating how multiphysiological systems combine to produce unique subjective experiences and effects on performance, and (c) enhancing the clinical effectiveness of biofeedback procedures by training patients to integrate and coordinate voluntarily specific patterns of cognitive, autonomic, and motor responses. These hypotheses are illustrated by basic research involving biofeedback training for patterns of blood pressure, heart rate and EEG activity, related experiments on the cognitive self-regulation of patterns of physiological responses using affective imagery and meditation procedures, and case studies of patients treated with biofeedback. The concept of electronic biofeedback as an \"unnatural act\" is presented with the goal of placing self-regulation within a more biobehavioral perspective emphasizing the natural patterning of physiological processes.", "contents": "Self-regulation of response patterning: implications for psychophysiological research and therapy. This paper develops the basic premise that learning to self-regulate a pattern of responses can have different consequences from those observed when controlling individual functions alone. It is suggested that the self-regulation of patterns of responses can be a particularly sensitive and effective procedure for (a) uncovering biological linkages and constraints between responses in the intact human, (b) investigating how multiphysiological systems combine to produce unique subjective experiences and effects on performance, and (c) enhancing the clinical effectiveness of biofeedback procedures by training patients to integrate and coordinate voluntarily specific patterns of cognitive, autonomic, and motor responses. These hypotheses are illustrated by basic research involving biofeedback training for patterns of blood pressure, heart rate and EEG activity, related experiments on the cognitive self-regulation of patterns of physiological responses using affective imagery and meditation procedures, and case studies of patients treated with biofeedback. The concept of electronic biofeedback as an \"unnatural act\" is presented with the goal of placing self-regulation within a more biobehavioral perspective emphasizing the natural patterning of physiological processes.", "PMID": 990345} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3733", "title": "Feedback-aided self-regulation of skin temperature with a single feedback locus. I. Acquisition and reversal training.", "content": "A technique has been developed that enables most humans to establish rapid self-regulatory control of their own skin temperature when provided with immediate visual feedback information concerning variations in local skin temperature. Training took place during 15-min periods within 45-min sessions. Clear evidence of learning was usually manifested within 4 sessions. After acquisition occurred, mean change per session was approximately 2.2 degrees F, ranging up to 6.5 degrees F. Training was continued with some subjects who were taught to alter temperature in opposite directions during successive periods on the same day. After practice, these subjects routinely displayed ranges of 9-14 degrees F within 15 min.", "contents": "Feedback-aided self-regulation of skin temperature with a single feedback locus. I. Acquisition and reversal training. A technique has been developed that enables most humans to establish rapid self-regulatory control of their own skin temperature when provided with immediate visual feedback information concerning variations in local skin temperature. Training took place during 15-min periods within 45-min sessions. Clear evidence of learning was usually manifested within 4 sessions. After acquisition occurred, mean change per session was approximately 2.2 degrees F, ranging up to 6.5 degrees F. Training was continued with some subjects who were taught to alter temperature in opposite directions during successive periods on the same day. After practice, these subjects routinely displayed ranges of 9-14 degrees F within 15 min.", "PMID": 990346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3734", "title": "Frontal EMG-biofeedback training of athetoid cerebral palsy patients: a report of six cases.", "content": "Six athetoid cerebral palsy patients participated in the following: speech and motor prebiofeedback training evaluation; frontal EMG biofeedback training, 6 wk; speech and motor postbiofeedback training evaluation. Frontal pretraining levels for the subjects averaged 28.9 muV p-p. Subjects' feedback consisted of an auditory signal (clicks) varying proportionately with frontal EMG activity. A visual meter display of the integrated EMG was also provided. Self-regulation of frontal EMG was evident for all subjects within session 1. Throughout all sessions, EMG levels of 2-4 mu V were often attained. Trend analysis of EMG acquisition curves showed significant reduction in frontal tension across sessions for all but one subject. Frontal posttraining levels averaged 13.0 muV p-p. Parents or subjects, or both, reported subtle improvements in various speech and motor functions, a finding confirmed by objective postbiofeedback training evaluation. Only the 2 most severely impaired subjects, JA and DS, failed to improve significantly on the speech measures. All subjects improved significantly on those measures that tapped fine and gross motor skills. Collectively, these results indicate that EMG biofeedback training shows promise as an additional treatment modality in the habilitation of cerebral palsy patients.", "contents": "Frontal EMG-biofeedback training of athetoid cerebral palsy patients: a report of six cases. Six athetoid cerebral palsy patients participated in the following: speech and motor prebiofeedback training evaluation; frontal EMG biofeedback training, 6 wk; speech and motor postbiofeedback training evaluation. Frontal pretraining levels for the subjects averaged 28.9 muV p-p. Subjects' feedback consisted of an auditory signal (clicks) varying proportionately with frontal EMG activity. A visual meter display of the integrated EMG was also provided. Self-regulation of frontal EMG was evident for all subjects within session 1. Throughout all sessions, EMG levels of 2-4 mu V were often attained. Trend analysis of EMG acquisition curves showed significant reduction in frontal tension across sessions for all but one subject. Frontal posttraining levels averaged 13.0 muV p-p. Parents or subjects, or both, reported subtle improvements in various speech and motor functions, a finding confirmed by objective postbiofeedback training evaluation. Only the 2 most severely impaired subjects, JA and DS, failed to improve significantly on the speech measures. All subjects improved significantly on those measures that tapped fine and gross motor skills. Collectively, these results indicate that EMG biofeedback training shows promise as an additional treatment modality in the habilitation of cerebral palsy patients.", "PMID": 990347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3735", "title": "Awareness during electromyographic biofeedback: of signal or process?", "content": "During relaxation training, awareness of trial-to-trial changes in frontalis-muscle tension levels was assessed with and without auditory electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback. Immediately after each 128-sec training trial, the subject was required to guess whether muscle tension indexed by EMG activity increased (\"Up\") or decreased (\"Down\") relative to the immediately preceding trial. The probability of correct guessing, P(c), improved as the absolute difference in EMG increased between trials only when biofeedback was presented. For subjects not receiving biofeedback, P(c) remained low even when the absolute difference between trials was large. Subjects in each condition employed a strategy to guess \"Down\" more often consistent with the expectation that they were being trained to relax. The \"Down\" set strategy was shown to be separable from the informational basis of P(c) provided by biofeedback. This procedure can be employed to evaluate central assumptions of biofeedback relating to posttraining awareness of changes in muscle tension and the relationship between awareness and control of muscle tension.", "contents": "Awareness during electromyographic biofeedback: of signal or process? During relaxation training, awareness of trial-to-trial changes in frontalis-muscle tension levels was assessed with and without auditory electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback. Immediately after each 128-sec training trial, the subject was required to guess whether muscle tension indexed by EMG activity increased (\"Up\") or decreased (\"Down\") relative to the immediately preceding trial. The probability of correct guessing, P(c), improved as the absolute difference in EMG increased between trials only when biofeedback was presented. For subjects not receiving biofeedback, P(c) remained low even when the absolute difference between trials was large. Subjects in each condition employed a strategy to guess \"Down\" more often consistent with the expectation that they were being trained to relax. The \"Down\" set strategy was shown to be separable from the informational basis of P(c) provided by biofeedback. This procedure can be employed to evaluate central assumptions of biofeedback relating to posttraining awareness of changes in muscle tension and the relationship between awareness and control of muscle tension.", "PMID": 990348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3736", "title": "Cognitive factors in biofeedback therapy.", "content": "The role that the client's cognitions (viz., his self-statements and images) play in each of the various phases of biofeedback training is examined. Biofeedback training is conceptualized as including three phases: initial conceptualization, skills-acquisition and -rehearsal, and transfer of treatment. Cognitive-behavior modification procedures to alter or employ the clients' cognitions at each of these phases of treatment are described. A cognitive theory of self-control is offered, postulating a three-stage mediational change process whereby: (1) the client must become an observer of his behavior and physiological responses; (2) this recognition becomes the cue to emit incompatible cognitions and behaviors; and, finally, (3) the content of the client's cognitions following change influences the generalization and persistence of treatment effects. The implications of this theory for biofeedback training are discussed.", "contents": "Cognitive factors in biofeedback therapy. The role that the client's cognitions (viz., his self-statements and images) play in each of the various phases of biofeedback training is examined. Biofeedback training is conceptualized as including three phases: initial conceptualization, skills-acquisition and -rehearsal, and transfer of treatment. Cognitive-behavior modification procedures to alter or employ the clients' cognitions at each of these phases of treatment are described. A cognitive theory of self-control is offered, postulating a three-stage mediational change process whereby: (1) the client must become an observer of his behavior and physiological responses; (2) this recognition becomes the cue to emit incompatible cognitions and behaviors; and, finally, (3) the content of the client's cognitions following change influences the generalization and persistence of treatment effects. The implications of this theory for biofeedback training are discussed.", "PMID": 990349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3737", "title": "EMG-biofeedback reduction of tension headache: a cognitive skills-training approach.", "content": "The biofeedback literature affirms the therapeutic efficacy of EMG-biofeedback-assisted relaxation for the treatment of tension headache. However, this form of therapy has failed to focus on the role of cognitive variables in the control and perception of tension headache. The present case study provides a prototype treatment combining cognitive behavior--modification procedures with EMG-biofeedback training to treat a subject with chronic tension headache. Phase I, baseline, involved collecting mean EMG and daily headache activity, emphasizing specification of environmental stressors. Phase II, cognitive skills--training, focused on: (1) identifying negative self-statements (cognitions) related to stressors, and (2) training the subject to replace negative self-statements with coping self-instructions. This treatment resulted in a 33% headache reduction over baseline, with no concomitant changes in frontalis EMG. Phase III, EMG-biofeedback training, resulted in a 38% reduction in mean EMG level and a 66% reduction in mean headache activity when compared to baseline. The results suggest the importance of attending to cognitive factors in the treatment of tension headache.", "contents": "EMG-biofeedback reduction of tension headache: a cognitive skills-training approach. The biofeedback literature affirms the therapeutic efficacy of EMG-biofeedback-assisted relaxation for the treatment of tension headache. However, this form of therapy has failed to focus on the role of cognitive variables in the control and perception of tension headache. The present case study provides a prototype treatment combining cognitive behavior--modification procedures with EMG-biofeedback training to treat a subject with chronic tension headache. Phase I, baseline, involved collecting mean EMG and daily headache activity, emphasizing specification of environmental stressors. Phase II, cognitive skills--training, focused on: (1) identifying negative self-statements (cognitions) related to stressors, and (2) training the subject to replace negative self-statements with coping self-instructions. This treatment resulted in a 33% headache reduction over baseline, with no concomitant changes in frontalis EMG. Phase III, EMG-biofeedback training, resulted in a 38% reduction in mean EMG level and a 66% reduction in mean headache activity when compared to baseline. The results suggest the importance of attending to cognitive factors in the treatment of tension headache.", "PMID": 990350} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3738", "title": "Effects of sham feedback following successful SMR training in an epileptic: follow-up study.", "content": "After 1 year of SMR biofeedback training of a severe epileptic teenage male, incidence of atonic seizures decreased from 8/hr to less than 1/3 hr. SMR increased from 10% to 70%. Epileptiform discharges decreased from 45% to 15%. Unknown to the patient, his family, or certain members of our research staff, noncontingent feedback was introduced on 7/22/74, ending 9/11/74. A significant decrease occurred for SMR (down 8%), and a significant increase for epileptiform discharges (up 4%). Rate of seizures increased, but was not statistically significant over preceding months of contingent feedback. Incidence of seizures associated with urine loss increased from approximately 6/month to 23/month during noncontingent feedback, a significant increase. Urine-loss results suggest that although seizures did not become more frequent, those the patient did experience were \"harder,\" i.e., more severe. Contingent feedback was reinstituted following the 7-wk sham, and recovery of all variables to their former levels (prior to sham) occurred.", "contents": "Effects of sham feedback following successful SMR training in an epileptic: follow-up study. After 1 year of SMR biofeedback training of a severe epileptic teenage male, incidence of atonic seizures decreased from 8/hr to less than 1/3 hr. SMR increased from 10% to 70%. Epileptiform discharges decreased from 45% to 15%. Unknown to the patient, his family, or certain members of our research staff, noncontingent feedback was introduced on 7/22/74, ending 9/11/74. A significant decrease occurred for SMR (down 8%), and a significant increase for epileptiform discharges (up 4%). Rate of seizures increased, but was not statistically significant over preceding months of contingent feedback. Incidence of seizures associated with urine loss increased from approximately 6/month to 23/month during noncontingent feedback, a significant increase. Urine-loss results suggest that although seizures did not become more frequent, those the patient did experience were \"harder,\" i.e., more severe. Contingent feedback was reinstituted following the 7-wk sham, and recovery of all variables to their former levels (prior to sham) occurred.", "PMID": 990351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3739", "title": "Biofeedback use of common objects: the bathroom scale in physical therapy.", "content": "Many common devices can be used as biofeedback devices. The feedback use of the bathroom scale in rehabilitation medicine (physical therapy) has been explored with stroke patients. These patients used two scales, one under each foot, to relearn their sense of weight distribution. In addition, the scale was used to teach patients to shift their weight distribution from their knees to their hands as they learned to crawl, and from their feet to their buttocks and the chair as they learned to sit down.", "contents": "Biofeedback use of common objects: the bathroom scale in physical therapy. Many common devices can be used as biofeedback devices. The feedback use of the bathroom scale in rehabilitation medicine (physical therapy) has been explored with stroke patients. These patients used two scales, one under each foot, to relearn their sense of weight distribution. In addition, the scale was used to teach patients to shift their weight distribution from their knees to their hands as they learned to crawl, and from their feet to their buttocks and the chair as they learned to sit down.", "PMID": 990352} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3740", "title": "The voluntary control of heart rate under differential somatic restraint.", "content": "The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that subjects (Ss) can exert voluntary, bidirectional heart rate (HR) control in the absence of concomitant changes in respiration rate (RR) and muscle activity (chin EMG). Feedback-assisted HR control was studied under four experimental conditions involving increasing levels of somatic restraint: (a) No somatic controls, (b) RR pacing, (c) EMG feedback, to maintain constant muscle activity, and (d) RR pacing plus EMG feedback. Fifteen Ss, eight females and seven males, were assigned to each of these four conditions (N = 60). The HR control task involved ten increase and ten decrease trials in random order, each lasting 60 sec and preceded by a 60-sec resting baseline period. The results indicated that Ss produced significant HR increases (Xdelta = +3.4 bpm), but were unable to effect decreases (Xdelta = -.3 bpm). Furthermore, the magnitude of the obtained HR changes did not differ by experimental condition, i.e., by level of somatic restraint. While concomitant bidirectional RR changes were found, the pacing procedure effectively reduced, and on HR increase trials, nearly eliminated, RR involvement. No increases in EMG activity were found on HR increase trials for any of the four experimental conditions, whereas all groups showed some EMG decreases on HR deceleration trials. With respect to the question of somatic mediation of autonomic control, it is concluded that HR increases produced under paced respiration \"favor\" an interpretation of unmediated HR acceleration.", "contents": "The voluntary control of heart rate under differential somatic restraint. The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that subjects (Ss) can exert voluntary, bidirectional heart rate (HR) control in the absence of concomitant changes in respiration rate (RR) and muscle activity (chin EMG). Feedback-assisted HR control was studied under four experimental conditions involving increasing levels of somatic restraint: (a) No somatic controls, (b) RR pacing, (c) EMG feedback, to maintain constant muscle activity, and (d) RR pacing plus EMG feedback. Fifteen Ss, eight females and seven males, were assigned to each of these four conditions (N = 60). The HR control task involved ten increase and ten decrease trials in random order, each lasting 60 sec and preceded by a 60-sec resting baseline period. The results indicated that Ss produced significant HR increases (Xdelta = +3.4 bpm), but were unable to effect decreases (Xdelta = -.3 bpm). Furthermore, the magnitude of the obtained HR changes did not differ by experimental condition, i.e., by level of somatic restraint. While concomitant bidirectional RR changes were found, the pacing procedure effectively reduced, and on HR increase trials, nearly eliminated, RR involvement. No increases in EMG activity were found on HR increase trials for any of the four experimental conditions, whereas all groups showed some EMG decreases on HR deceleration trials. With respect to the question of somatic mediation of autonomic control, it is concluded that HR increases produced under paced respiration \"favor\" an interpretation of unmediated HR acceleration.", "PMID": 990353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3741", "title": "Relaxation measured by EMG as a function of vibrotactile stimulation.", "content": "The present study investigated the effect of vibrotactile stimulation on relaxation as measured by EMG recording. Forty-eight subjects from three age groups were randomly divided into 8 experimental groups: (1) simultaneous footrest vibration and back vibration (A1C1); (2) simultaneous footrest vibration and back roller (A1C2); (3) simultaneous footrest vibration, back vibration and back roller (A1C3); (4) footrest vibration alone (A1C4): (5) back vibration alone (A2C1); (6) back roller alone (A2C2); (7) simultaneous back vibration and back roller (A2C3); and (8) control group (no vibration/stimulation) (A2C4). The three major variables studied were footrest vibration (A1 and A2), pre- and post-EMG measures (B1 and B2), and back vibration (C1C2C3C4). Results showed that footrest vibration had a significant effect on relaxation. Other conditions (except the control) produced a decrease in EMG levels, but did not reach significance. Pre- and postmeasures by experimental conditions were also significantly different. Application of vibration as an aid in relaxation is discussed.", "contents": "Relaxation measured by EMG as a function of vibrotactile stimulation. The present study investigated the effect of vibrotactile stimulation on relaxation as measured by EMG recording. Forty-eight subjects from three age groups were randomly divided into 8 experimental groups: (1) simultaneous footrest vibration and back vibration (A1C1); (2) simultaneous footrest vibration and back roller (A1C2); (3) simultaneous footrest vibration, back vibration and back roller (A1C3); (4) footrest vibration alone (A1C4): (5) back vibration alone (A2C1); (6) back roller alone (A2C2); (7) simultaneous back vibration and back roller (A2C3); and (8) control group (no vibration/stimulation) (A2C4). The three major variables studied were footrest vibration (A1 and A2), pre- and post-EMG measures (B1 and B2), and back vibration (C1C2C3C4). Results showed that footrest vibration had a significant effect on relaxation. Other conditions (except the control) produced a decrease in EMG levels, but did not reach significance. Pre- and postmeasures by experimental conditions were also significantly different. Application of vibration as an aid in relaxation is discussed.", "PMID": 990354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3742", "title": "EEG and behavioral changes in a hyperkinetic child concurrent with training of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR): a preliminary report.", "content": "Reduced seizure incidence coupled with voluntary motor inhibition accompanied conditioned increases in the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR), a 12- 14 Hz rhythm appearing over rolandic cortex. Although SMR biofeedback training has been successfully applied to various forms of epilepsy in humans, its potential use in decreasing hyperactivity has been limited to a few cases in which a seizure history was also a significant feature. The present study represents a first attempt to explore the technique's applicability to the problem of hyperkinesis independent of the epilepsy issue. The results of several months of EEG biofeedback training in a hyperkinetic child tend to corroborate and extend previous findings. Feedback presentations for SMR were contingent on the production of 12- 14-Hz activity in the absence of 4- 7-Hz slow-wave activity. A substantial increase in SMR motor inhibition, as gauged by laboratory measures of muscular tone (chin EMG) and by a global behavioral assessment in the classroom. Opposite trends in motor inhibition occurred when the training procedure was reversed and feedback presentations were contingent on the production of 4- 7 Hz in the absence of 12- 14-Hz activity. Although the preliminary nature of these results is stressed, the subject population has recently been increased to establish the validity and generality of the findings and will include the use of SMR biofeedback training after medication has been withdrawn.", "contents": "EEG and behavioral changes in a hyperkinetic child concurrent with training of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR): a preliminary report. Reduced seizure incidence coupled with voluntary motor inhibition accompanied conditioned increases in the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR), a 12- 14 Hz rhythm appearing over rolandic cortex. Although SMR biofeedback training has been successfully applied to various forms of epilepsy in humans, its potential use in decreasing hyperactivity has been limited to a few cases in which a seizure history was also a significant feature. The present study represents a first attempt to explore the technique's applicability to the problem of hyperkinesis independent of the epilepsy issue. The results of several months of EEG biofeedback training in a hyperkinetic child tend to corroborate and extend previous findings. Feedback presentations for SMR were contingent on the production of 12- 14-Hz activity in the absence of 4- 7-Hz slow-wave activity. A substantial increase in SMR motor inhibition, as gauged by laboratory measures of muscular tone (chin EMG) and by a global behavioral assessment in the classroom. Opposite trends in motor inhibition occurred when the training procedure was reversed and feedback presentations were contingent on the production of 4- 7 Hz in the absence of 12- 14-Hz activity. Although the preliminary nature of these results is stressed, the subject population has recently been increased to establish the validity and generality of the findings and will include the use of SMR biofeedback training after medication has been withdrawn.", "PMID": 990355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3743", "title": "The applications and techniques of cell electrophoresis and the Zeiss rectangular chamber cytopherometer.", "content": "The first part of this article is devoted to a description of the techniques of cell electrophoresis, its associated problems and its applications in research and clinical medicine. While the second part deals specifically with the techniques of the Zeiss rectangular cytopherometer, much of the information also applies to the Rank particle electrophoresis apparatus. Solutions to problems encountered in the use of this equipment with biological solutions are also discussed.", "contents": "The applications and techniques of cell electrophoresis and the Zeiss rectangular chamber cytopherometer. The first part of this article is devoted to a description of the techniques of cell electrophoresis, its associated problems and its applications in research and clinical medicine. While the second part deals specifically with the techniques of the Zeiss rectangular cytopherometer, much of the information also applies to the Rank particle electrophoresis apparatus. Solutions to problems encountered in the use of this equipment with biological solutions are also discussed.", "PMID": 990359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3744", "title": "A method for monitoring uterine activity in induced labour.", "content": "A system for the quantitative assessment of uterine activity during an oxytocin-induced labour has been developed. This has been achieved using relatively simple analogue techniques and can easily be used in the labour ward alongside existing monitoring equipment. Initial results indicate that a plateau of uterine activity can be easily recognised from the display and maintained at oxytocin dosage levels below those that might normally be used.", "contents": "A method for monitoring uterine activity in induced labour. A system for the quantitative assessment of uterine activity during an oxytocin-induced labour has been developed. This has been achieved using relatively simple analogue techniques and can easily be used in the labour ward alongside existing monitoring equipment. Initial results indicate that a plateau of uterine activity can be easily recognised from the display and maintained at oxytocin dosage levels below those that might normally be used.", "PMID": 990360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3745", "title": "Analysis and evaluation of functional status of lower extremity amputee-appliance systems: an integrated approach.", "content": "This paper introduces an integrated, objective and biomechanically sound approach for the analysis and evaluation of the functional status of lower extremity amputee-appliance systems. The method is demonstrated here in its application to the unilateral lower extremity amputee-axillary crutches system and the unilateral below-knee amputee-PTB prosthesis system, both of which are commonly encountered in day-to-day rehabilitation practice.", "contents": "Analysis and evaluation of functional status of lower extremity amputee-appliance systems: an integrated approach. This paper introduces an integrated, objective and biomechanically sound approach for the analysis and evaluation of the functional status of lower extremity amputee-appliance systems. The method is demonstrated here in its application to the unilateral lower extremity amputee-axillary crutches system and the unilateral below-knee amputee-PTB prosthesis system, both of which are commonly encountered in day-to-day rehabilitation practice.", "PMID": 990361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3746", "title": "A system for the determination of mineralocorticoid activity by electrical potential difference measurements.", "content": "An electronic measuring instrument, which automatically calculates the rectal potential difference, has been developed to determine mineralocorticoid activity in patients with primaroid disorders. A special probe with a disposable tip enables measurements to be made on successive patients without prior cleaning of the probe. The technique, results and their clinical implications are discussed. A highly significant correlation between plasma aldosterone and rectal potential difference is demonstrated.", "contents": "A system for the determination of mineralocorticoid activity by electrical potential difference measurements. An electronic measuring instrument, which automatically calculates the rectal potential difference, has been developed to determine mineralocorticoid activity in patients with primaroid disorders. A special probe with a disposable tip enables measurements to be made on successive patients without prior cleaning of the probe. The technique, results and their clinical implications are discussed. A highly significant correlation between plasma aldosterone and rectal potential difference is demonstrated.", "PMID": 990362} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3747", "title": "The spectrum of pressor-response to norepinephrine in normotensive and hypertensive patients.", "content": "The pressor-response to norepinephrine was determined in the whole body circulation of 15 normal subjects and 86 untreated essential hypertensive patients. The slope, the threshold-dose and the critical-dose were calculated from the log dose-response curve. In the overall population (101 subjects) a slight correlation (r = +0.20 less than 0.05) was observed between the basal diastolic arterial pressure and the threshold-dose. In contrast, highly significant parabolic correlations (r = +0.46 less than 0.00001) were observed between the diastolic arterial pressure and the slope or the critical dose. When diastolic arterial pressure was above 100 mmHg, the slope increased while the blood pressure increased. This result suggests either a decreased sympathetic tone or an adaptative structural change of the arterial wall. When diastolic arterial pressure was under 100 mmHg, the slope decreased while the blood pressure increased. This observation points to an enhanced sympathetic activity in mild blood pressure.", "contents": "The spectrum of pressor-response to norepinephrine in normotensive and hypertensive patients. The pressor-response to norepinephrine was determined in the whole body circulation of 15 normal subjects and 86 untreated essential hypertensive patients. The slope, the threshold-dose and the critical-dose were calculated from the log dose-response curve. In the overall population (101 subjects) a slight correlation (r = +0.20 less than 0.05) was observed between the basal diastolic arterial pressure and the threshold-dose. In contrast, highly significant parabolic correlations (r = +0.46 less than 0.00001) were observed between the diastolic arterial pressure and the slope or the critical dose. When diastolic arterial pressure was above 100 mmHg, the slope increased while the blood pressure increased. This result suggests either a decreased sympathetic tone or an adaptative structural change of the arterial wall. When diastolic arterial pressure was under 100 mmHg, the slope decreased while the blood pressure increased. This observation points to an enhanced sympathetic activity in mild blood pressure.", "PMID": 990371} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3748", "title": "Intravenous loading with arginine-hydrochloride and ornithine-aspartate in siblings of two families, presenting a familial neurological syndrome associated with cystinuria.", "content": "1. Arginine-hydrochloride and ornithine-aspartate solutions have been infused intravenously to children of two families. Three children of the WOL. family are affected with hyperargininemia and hyperammonemia, due to a lack of arginase. They present a secondary cystine-lysinuria. The three WIL. siblings are suffering from muscular hypotonia, dwarfism, incomplete renal tubular acidosis and primary cystinuria. 2. The aim was to verify how and to what extent the artificial rise of one serum amino acid could influence the serum concentrations and the urinary losses of the other amino acids. The results found for the serum have been submitted to a statistical analysis of variance. 3. The variations observed for the amino acids of the urea cycle can be interpreted as being the reflections of known metabolic pathways. 4. Additional remarks are made on a paradox in the lysinemia-lysinuria relation after arginine infusion, with a simultaneous rise of this essential amino acid in serum and urine.", "contents": "Intravenous loading with arginine-hydrochloride and ornithine-aspartate in siblings of two families, presenting a familial neurological syndrome associated with cystinuria. 1. Arginine-hydrochloride and ornithine-aspartate solutions have been infused intravenously to children of two families. Three children of the WOL. family are affected with hyperargininemia and hyperammonemia, due to a lack of arginase. They present a secondary cystine-lysinuria. The three WIL. siblings are suffering from muscular hypotonia, dwarfism, incomplete renal tubular acidosis and primary cystinuria. 2. The aim was to verify how and to what extent the artificial rise of one serum amino acid could influence the serum concentrations and the urinary losses of the other amino acids. The results found for the serum have been submitted to a statistical analysis of variance. 3. The variations observed for the amino acids of the urea cycle can be interpreted as being the reflections of known metabolic pathways. 4. Additional remarks are made on a paradox in the lysinemia-lysinuria relation after arginine infusion, with a simultaneous rise of this essential amino acid in serum and urine.", "PMID": 990372} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3749", "title": "[Absorption cooefficient for dietary cholesterol, the fundamental parameter of cholesterol dynamic equilibrium in rats].", "content": "By an isotopic equilibrium method turnover rates of rats cholesterol have been determined in 30 various experimental conditions. A deductive analysis of these overall old data discovers that absorption coefficient of dietary cholesterol is a determinative parameter of cholesterol dynamic equilibrium. Synthesis which takes places chiefly in the intestine, fecal external secretion and fecal excretion of cholesterol are linearly increasing when the absorption coefficient is decreasing. Two types of exception have been noted. The most interesting concerns the case where there is a supplementary synthesis. For pregnant of lactating female rats placenta or mammary glands are directly interested. For rats with ligated bile duct or feed with cholestryramine, liver must be incriminated. These two last cases are the alone on 30 where hepatic synthesis play very probably a notable role in the dynamic equilibrium of cholesterol.", "contents": "[Absorption cooefficient for dietary cholesterol, the fundamental parameter of cholesterol dynamic equilibrium in rats]. By an isotopic equilibrium method turnover rates of rats cholesterol have been determined in 30 various experimental conditions. A deductive analysis of these overall old data discovers that absorption coefficient of dietary cholesterol is a determinative parameter of cholesterol dynamic equilibrium. Synthesis which takes places chiefly in the intestine, fecal external secretion and fecal excretion of cholesterol are linearly increasing when the absorption coefficient is decreasing. Two types of exception have been noted. The most interesting concerns the case where there is a supplementary synthesis. For pregnant of lactating female rats placenta or mammary glands are directly interested. For rats with ligated bile duct or feed with cholestryramine, liver must be incriminated. These two last cases are the alone on 30 where hepatic synthesis play very probably a notable role in the dynamic equilibrium of cholesterol.", "PMID": 990373} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3750", "title": "Dietary fibre and cholesterol metabolism: effect of fibre rich polysaccharide from blackgram (Phaseolus mungo) on cholesterol metabolism in rats fed normal and atherogenic diet.", "content": "The effect of the fibre rich polysaccharide from black gram was studied on the concentration of cholesterol in the tissues, bile salts in the liver and faecal excretion of sterols and bile salts in rats fed normal and high fat cholesterol diet as compared to glucose and sucrose. The binding of bile salts \"in vitro\" by the polysaccharide was also studied. The rats fed polysaccharide showed the lowest level of cholesterol in the serum, liver and aorta both in normal and high fat -- cholesterol diet groups. Excretion of faecal sterols and bile salts was maximum in the animals fed polysaccharide. The concentration of bile salts in the liver was also maximum in the animals of this group. There was significant binding of bile salts by the polysaccharide when either natural bile or pure bile salt solution was shaken with it. The extent of binding of bile salts was however decreased in the presence of fatty acids, which also released some of the absorbed bile salts from the polysaccharide on subsequent shaking.", "contents": "Dietary fibre and cholesterol metabolism: effect of fibre rich polysaccharide from blackgram (Phaseolus mungo) on cholesterol metabolism in rats fed normal and atherogenic diet. The effect of the fibre rich polysaccharide from black gram was studied on the concentration of cholesterol in the tissues, bile salts in the liver and faecal excretion of sterols and bile salts in rats fed normal and high fat cholesterol diet as compared to glucose and sucrose. The binding of bile salts \"in vitro\" by the polysaccharide was also studied. The rats fed polysaccharide showed the lowest level of cholesterol in the serum, liver and aorta both in normal and high fat -- cholesterol diet groups. Excretion of faecal sterols and bile salts was maximum in the animals fed polysaccharide. The concentration of bile salts in the liver was also maximum in the animals of this group. There was significant binding of bile salts by the polysaccharide when either natural bile or pure bile salt solution was shaken with it. The extent of binding of bile salts was however decreased in the presence of fatty acids, which also released some of the absorbed bile salts from the polysaccharide on subsequent shaking.", "PMID": 990375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3751", "title": "Low-molecular-weight carbohydrate-rich compounds in pregnancy urine.", "content": "The isolation and the chemical composition of two low-molecular-weight carbohydrate-rich fractions individualized in non-pregnant and pregnant women urine is reported. The first one is almost composed of glycopeptides whereas the second one gathers the major part of oligosaccharides. It is shown that at the 8th month of pregnancy, both fractions contain a larger amount of neutral hexoses, N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-acetylhexosamines 6-deoxyhexoses and aminoacids than in normal urine. Further, a discrimination is observed in the enhancement of each fraction. The increased amount of fraction 2 is observed as soon as the 17th week of pregnancy, whilst the amount of fraction 1 increases slowly from the 17th week until the end of pregnancy. Both fractions exhibit a tremendous increase of all carbohydrates, one week after delivery. The increased amount of glycopeptide material could be related to glycoproteins catabolism, and the increased amount of oligosaccharide material could be related to the mammary tissue metabolism.", "contents": "Low-molecular-weight carbohydrate-rich compounds in pregnancy urine. The isolation and the chemical composition of two low-molecular-weight carbohydrate-rich fractions individualized in non-pregnant and pregnant women urine is reported. The first one is almost composed of glycopeptides whereas the second one gathers the major part of oligosaccharides. It is shown that at the 8th month of pregnancy, both fractions contain a larger amount of neutral hexoses, N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-acetylhexosamines 6-deoxyhexoses and aminoacids than in normal urine. Further, a discrimination is observed in the enhancement of each fraction. The increased amount of fraction 2 is observed as soon as the 17th week of pregnancy, whilst the amount of fraction 1 increases slowly from the 17th week until the end of pregnancy. Both fractions exhibit a tremendous increase of all carbohydrates, one week after delivery. The increased amount of glycopeptide material could be related to glycoproteins catabolism, and the increased amount of oligosaccharide material could be related to the mammary tissue metabolism.", "PMID": 990376} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3752", "title": "Prognosis of myeloid metaplasia with myelofibrosis.", "content": "The study of the evolution of 168 cases of idiopathic myeloid splenomegaly allowed to point out the prognostic value of the clinical hematologic, isotopic and radiological parameters. The correlation of these data with the histological type of the osteomedullary lesions at the time of the diagnosis, allows to confirm the long survival of the hyperplastic formes (type I) and the more reserved prognosis in advanced myelofibrosis (type II and III together). Indeed, median survival is of 82 months for type I, and 60 months for type II and type III together. It seems advice to gather the two last types and so, to compare two anatomoclinical entities : one is characterized by hyperplastic marrow with reticulinic fibrosis, usually associated with enlarged spleen and sometimes even with increase red blood cells volume but without radiological bone lesions; the other one is characterized by a marrow of middle importance or marked marrow depletion, fibrosis, with or not osteosclerosis, and shows moderate or marked radiological lesions (respectively 16,9% of the cases) and, often, pancytopenia.", "contents": "Prognosis of myeloid metaplasia with myelofibrosis. The study of the evolution of 168 cases of idiopathic myeloid splenomegaly allowed to point out the prognostic value of the clinical hematologic, isotopic and radiological parameters. The correlation of these data with the histological type of the osteomedullary lesions at the time of the diagnosis, allows to confirm the long survival of the hyperplastic formes (type I) and the more reserved prognosis in advanced myelofibrosis (type II and III together). Indeed, median survival is of 82 months for type I, and 60 months for type II and type III together. It seems advice to gather the two last types and so, to compare two anatomoclinical entities : one is characterized by hyperplastic marrow with reticulinic fibrosis, usually associated with enlarged spleen and sometimes even with increase red blood cells volume but without radiological bone lesions; the other one is characterized by a marrow of middle importance or marked marrow depletion, fibrosis, with or not osteosclerosis, and shows moderate or marked radiological lesions (respectively 16,9% of the cases) and, often, pancytopenia.", "PMID": 990377} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3753", "title": "Differences between elevations of plasma and serum potassium in pentobarbital-narcotized cats during asphyxia.", "content": "During acute asphyxia in pentobarbital-narcotized cats, the elevation in plasma potassium level was parallel to that of PCO2. From the time when PO2 reached its minimum, the elevation in serum potassium was higher than that of plasma potassium. The increase of the difference between serum and plasma potassium values seems therefore to be more related to hypoxia than hypercapnia; it could be due to membrane alteration of blood cells.", "contents": "Differences between elevations of plasma and serum potassium in pentobarbital-narcotized cats during asphyxia. During acute asphyxia in pentobarbital-narcotized cats, the elevation in plasma potassium level was parallel to that of PCO2. From the time when PO2 reached its minimum, the elevation in serum potassium was higher than that of plasma potassium. The increase of the difference between serum and plasma potassium values seems therefore to be more related to hypoxia than hypercapnia; it could be due to membrane alteration of blood cells.", "PMID": 990378} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3754", "title": "Urinary and kidney kallikrein in hypertensive rats.", "content": "Urinary and kidney kallikrein were studied in rats with renal clip hypertension. The effect of protease inhibitors on urinary and kidney BAEE esterase activity was similar. Both hypertensive and not hypertensive operated rats excrete significantly less kallikrein than controls; in the ischaemic kidney kallikrein is diminished whereas is not increased in contralateral. Kallikrein is therefore related to renal functional mass but does not seem responsible for a natriuretic effect.", "contents": "Urinary and kidney kallikrein in hypertensive rats. Urinary and kidney kallikrein were studied in rats with renal clip hypertension. The effect of protease inhibitors on urinary and kidney BAEE esterase activity was similar. Both hypertensive and not hypertensive operated rats excrete significantly less kallikrein than controls; in the ischaemic kidney kallikrein is diminished whereas is not increased in contralateral. Kallikrein is therefore related to renal functional mass but does not seem responsible for a natriuretic effect.", "PMID": 990380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3755", "title": "Deficit in neuraminidase associated with mucolipidosis II (I-cell disease).", "content": "Using a tritiated sialyloligosaccharide as a substrate, the authors showed that mucolipidosis II is characterized by a lack of neuraminidase activity in leucocytes, while the other acidic hydrolases activities are normal. According to Ashwell, terminal galactose is the required signal for glycoproteins uptake by the cells. Thus, a neuraminidase deficit may explain the increase of sialylated hydrolases activities in the plasma and the non-recognition of these enzymes by cultured fibroblasts.", "contents": "Deficit in neuraminidase associated with mucolipidosis II (I-cell disease). Using a tritiated sialyloligosaccharide as a substrate, the authors showed that mucolipidosis II is characterized by a lack of neuraminidase activity in leucocytes, while the other acidic hydrolases activities are normal. According to Ashwell, terminal galactose is the required signal for glycoproteins uptake by the cells. Thus, a neuraminidase deficit may explain the increase of sialylated hydrolases activities in the plasma and the non-recognition of these enzymes by cultured fibroblasts.", "PMID": 990381} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3756", "title": "Zinc, copper and ceruloplasmin in arteriosclerosis.", "content": "High serum levels of Zn, Cu and Ceruloplasmin were found in 13 patients with arteriosclerosis when compared with controls. The Zn/Cu ratio is much higher in arteriosclerotic patients than in healthy subjects.", "contents": "Zinc, copper and ceruloplasmin in arteriosclerosis. High serum levels of Zn, Cu and Ceruloplasmin were found in 13 patients with arteriosclerosis when compared with controls. The Zn/Cu ratio is much higher in arteriosclerotic patients than in healthy subjects.", "PMID": 990382} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3757", "title": "Human serum Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein in renal disease.", "content": "The serum concentrations of Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein (ZnaGP) were found to be increased in renal patients with both normal and restricted function; in the latter they showed significant correlation with serum creatinine and urea levels and a decrease after haemodialysis. Renal clearance of ZnaGP studied in four subjects was found to be from 0.1 to 0.8 per cent of that of inulin, and its excretion fraction was inversely proportional to the level of inulin clearance. The significance of the association of hyper-ZnaGP-aemia with renal pathology is unknown; it is supposed to be due rather to some defect in metabolic function of the kidney (utilization or degradation) than to restricted excretion, and its decrease after haemodialysis-with dialysis membrane not permeable to ZnaGP - to be caused by other factors than by the removal of the protein from the body.", "contents": "Human serum Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein in renal disease. The serum concentrations of Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein (ZnaGP) were found to be increased in renal patients with both normal and restricted function; in the latter they showed significant correlation with serum creatinine and urea levels and a decrease after haemodialysis. Renal clearance of ZnaGP studied in four subjects was found to be from 0.1 to 0.8 per cent of that of inulin, and its excretion fraction was inversely proportional to the level of inulin clearance. The significance of the association of hyper-ZnaGP-aemia with renal pathology is unknown; it is supposed to be due rather to some defect in metabolic function of the kidney (utilization or degradation) than to restricted excretion, and its decrease after haemodialysis-with dialysis membrane not permeable to ZnaGP - to be caused by other factors than by the removal of the protein from the body.", "PMID": 990383} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3758", "title": "Detection and characterization of circulating immune complexes in rheumatoid arthritis.", "content": "Circulating immune complexes (IC) were detected and quantified in serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by three methods: radiolabeled Clq binding test, anticomplementary activity and optical density of 3% PEG precipitated sera. Rheumatoid factor (RF) is characterized in PEG precipitates by the Waaler-Rose reaction. The relationship between IC, complement and RF levels are analyzed.", "contents": "Detection and characterization of circulating immune complexes in rheumatoid arthritis. Circulating immune complexes (IC) were detected and quantified in serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by three methods: radiolabeled Clq binding test, anticomplementary activity and optical density of 3% PEG precipitated sera. Rheumatoid factor (RF) is characterized in PEG precipitates by the Waaler-Rose reaction. The relationship between IC, complement and RF levels are analyzed.", "PMID": 990384} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3759", "title": "Murine tumor cell activity on in vitro hemostasis.", "content": "The procoagulant activity of various murine tumor cells was investigated. This activity is different from tumor to tumor in quality and strength. This parameter must be taken into account in any experiment designed to explore the metastatic spread or to cure tumors, including the use of drugs that modify hemostasis.", "contents": "Murine tumor cell activity on in vitro hemostasis. The procoagulant activity of various murine tumor cells was investigated. This activity is different from tumor to tumor in quality and strength. This parameter must be taken into account in any experiment designed to explore the metastatic spread or to cure tumors, including the use of drugs that modify hemostasis.", "PMID": 990385} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3760", "title": "The hepatic handling of 131I-labeled sulfobromophthalein in the dog. Comparison with sulfobromophthalein.", "content": "131I-labeled BSP is obtained by the incorporation of one molecule of radioactive iodine in BSP. The purpose of this work was to study the influence of the added iodine on the hepatic extraction and biliary excretion of BSP. Two types of experiments were performed. In the first, a compartmental analysis of BSP and 131I-labeled BSP disappearance curves was performed after the simultaneous injection of 5 mg per kg of b. wt. of BSP and 10 muCi of 131I-labeled BSP: both, the plasma to liver and liver to bile transfer rates were significantly lower for 131I-labeled BSP than for BSP; the liver to plasma transfer rates were not significantly different. In the second series of experiments, the hepatic uptake of BSP and 131I-labeled BSP was estimated by the multiple indicator dilution technique: the extraction of BSP (59% +/- SD 5) was significantly higher than that of 131I-labeled BSP (35% +/- SD 5) (P less than 0.001). In conclusion the labeling of BSP with 131I significantly modified the hepatic handling of the dye; 131I-labeled BSP cannot therefore be used as a tracer of BSP.", "contents": "The hepatic handling of 131I-labeled sulfobromophthalein in the dog. Comparison with sulfobromophthalein. 131I-labeled BSP is obtained by the incorporation of one molecule of radioactive iodine in BSP. The purpose of this work was to study the influence of the added iodine on the hepatic extraction and biliary excretion of BSP. Two types of experiments were performed. In the first, a compartmental analysis of BSP and 131I-labeled BSP disappearance curves was performed after the simultaneous injection of 5 mg per kg of b. wt. of BSP and 10 muCi of 131I-labeled BSP: both, the plasma to liver and liver to bile transfer rates were significantly lower for 131I-labeled BSP than for BSP; the liver to plasma transfer rates were not significantly different. In the second series of experiments, the hepatic uptake of BSP and 131I-labeled BSP was estimated by the multiple indicator dilution technique: the extraction of BSP (59% +/- SD 5) was significantly higher than that of 131I-labeled BSP (35% +/- SD 5) (P less than 0.001). In conclusion the labeling of BSP with 131I significantly modified the hepatic handling of the dye; 131I-labeled BSP cannot therefore be used as a tracer of BSP.", "PMID": 990386} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3761", "title": "Effect of acute sodium or potassium depletion on plasma renin activity in haemodialysed patients.", "content": "A closed loop closed batch dialysate delivery system was used to determine whether Na or K has an action on the renin-angiotensin system apart from volume changes. Twenty-eight patients on chronic haemodialysis were studied, 12 (group I) were normotensive and 16 (group II) had poorly controlled hypertension. Acute Na depletion or repletion (delta NA), AND K loss (delta K) were induced with or without net water loss. Net electrolyte and water movement across the dialysis membrane could be precisely quantitated.", "contents": "Effect of acute sodium or potassium depletion on plasma renin activity in haemodialysed patients. A closed loop closed batch dialysate delivery system was used to determine whether Na or K has an action on the renin-angiotensin system apart from volume changes. Twenty-eight patients on chronic haemodialysis were studied, 12 (group I) were normotensive and 16 (group II) had poorly controlled hypertension. Acute Na depletion or repletion (delta NA), AND K loss (delta K) were induced with or without net water loss. Net electrolyte and water movement across the dialysis membrane could be precisely quantitated.", "PMID": 990387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3762", "title": "The isoenzymes of pyruvate kinase in normal, hypothyroid and dysmature rats.", "content": "An electrophoretic study was made of the isozymes of pyruvate kinase (PK) in various adult and foetal tissues, normal or pathological (hypothyroid or dysmature as the result of retardation of intra-uterine growth) rats. The simultaneous kinetic study of PK with and without fructose diphosphate (FDP) showed that retardation of the maturation of the tissues revealed the presence of the M2 isozyme (PK III) longer than the normal foetal age. The increase of negative charges, observed in relation to age, may be the result of structural changes in the enzyme molecule which are yet to be resolved. The variations of relative electrophoretic mobility, and the reactivation of the isozyme by FDP suggest that there is a repression of the synthesis of certain isozymes in normal adult organs.", "contents": "The isoenzymes of pyruvate kinase in normal, hypothyroid and dysmature rats. An electrophoretic study was made of the isozymes of pyruvate kinase (PK) in various adult and foetal tissues, normal or pathological (hypothyroid or dysmature as the result of retardation of intra-uterine growth) rats. The simultaneous kinetic study of PK with and without fructose diphosphate (FDP) showed that retardation of the maturation of the tissues revealed the presence of the M2 isozyme (PK III) longer than the normal foetal age. The increase of negative charges, observed in relation to age, may be the result of structural changes in the enzyme molecule which are yet to be resolved. The variations of relative electrophoretic mobility, and the reactivation of the isozyme by FDP suggest that there is a repression of the synthesis of certain isozymes in normal adult organs.", "PMID": 990388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3763", "title": "Induced piezoelectricity in isotropic biomaterial.", "content": "Isotropic material can be made to exhibit piezoelectric effects by the application of a constant electric field. For insulators, the piezoelectric strain constant is proportional to the applied electric field and for semiconductors, an additional out-of-phase component of piezoelectricity is proportional to the electric current density in the sample. The two induced coefficients are proportional to the strain-dependent dielectric constant (depsilon/dS + epsilon) and resistivity (drho/dS - rho), respectively. The latter is more important at frequencies such that rhoepsilonomega less than 1, often the case in biopolymers. Signals from induced piezoelectricity in nature may be larger than those from true piezoelectricity.", "contents": "Induced piezoelectricity in isotropic biomaterial. Isotropic material can be made to exhibit piezoelectric effects by the application of a constant electric field. For insulators, the piezoelectric strain constant is proportional to the applied electric field and for semiconductors, an additional out-of-phase component of piezoelectricity is proportional to the electric current density in the sample. The two induced coefficients are proportional to the strain-dependent dielectric constant (depsilon/dS + epsilon) and resistivity (drho/dS - rho), respectively. The latter is more important at frequencies such that rhoepsilonomega less than 1, often the case in biopolymers. Signals from induced piezoelectricity in nature may be larger than those from true piezoelectricity.", "PMID": 990389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3764", "title": "Effects of alkali cations on the nuclear magnetic resonance intensity of 23Na in rat liver homogenate.", "content": "Effects of alkali cations on the nuclear magnetic resonance intensity of 23Na were studied in rat liver homogenate. The loss in the resonance intensity of 23Na in the homogenate was able to be divided into two components, one of which is abolished by the addition of Cs+ (\"Cs-sensitive component\"), the other being insensitive to Cs+ (\"Cs-insensitive component\"). Both components were sensitive to guanidinium ion. In a pH range of 7.4-4.9, the Cs-sensitive component varied remarkably, but the Cs-insensitive component remained virtually unchanged. The sequence of effectiveness of alkali cations (300 mmol/kg sample) in restoring the fractional intensity of 23Na was: Cs approximately Na greater than Li approximately Rb greater than K. It was suggested that the sequences of effectiveness of alkali cations in abolishing the two components are quite different from each other. The present results were examined within the framework of a simple model. Within this framework, the results suggest that there occur, in particulate fractions, sites whose affinity for Cs+ is sufficiently lower than that for Na+.", "contents": "Effects of alkali cations on the nuclear magnetic resonance intensity of 23Na in rat liver homogenate. Effects of alkali cations on the nuclear magnetic resonance intensity of 23Na were studied in rat liver homogenate. The loss in the resonance intensity of 23Na in the homogenate was able to be divided into two components, one of which is abolished by the addition of Cs+ (\"Cs-sensitive component\"), the other being insensitive to Cs+ (\"Cs-insensitive component\"). Both components were sensitive to guanidinium ion. In a pH range of 7.4-4.9, the Cs-sensitive component varied remarkably, but the Cs-insensitive component remained virtually unchanged. The sequence of effectiveness of alkali cations (300 mmol/kg sample) in restoring the fractional intensity of 23Na was: Cs approximately Na greater than Li approximately Rb greater than K. It was suggested that the sequences of effectiveness of alkali cations in abolishing the two components are quite different from each other. The present results were examined within the framework of a simple model. Within this framework, the results suggest that there occur, in particulate fractions, sites whose affinity for Cs+ is sufficiently lower than that for Na+.", "PMID": 990390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3765", "title": "A light-scattering measurement of membrane vesicle permeability.", "content": "Light-scattering/intensity autocorrelation measurements of vesicle diffusivity were used to follow the time course of the osmotic response of lobster abdominal sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles to five lipophobic nonelectrolytes. Steady-state portions of the resulting time traces show these vesicles to be permeable to ethylene glycol and glycerol and impermeable to erythritol, glucose, and sucrose. Using measured values of the hydrodynamic radii of these nonelectrolytes, it is concluded that under passive transport conditions, these vesicles may be thought of as having pores whose radii lie between 3.1 and 3.5 A. In addition, the results presented here indicated that above a certain impermeable nonelectrolyte concentration, vesicles did not respond osmotically even though they had not collapsed. This suggests that at least under the experimental conditions reported here, vesicles behaved as if rigid when their average volume had decreased to about 50% of its original isotonic value.", "contents": "A light-scattering measurement of membrane vesicle permeability. Light-scattering/intensity autocorrelation measurements of vesicle diffusivity were used to follow the time course of the osmotic response of lobster abdominal sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles to five lipophobic nonelectrolytes. Steady-state portions of the resulting time traces show these vesicles to be permeable to ethylene glycol and glycerol and impermeable to erythritol, glucose, and sucrose. Using measured values of the hydrodynamic radii of these nonelectrolytes, it is concluded that under passive transport conditions, these vesicles may be thought of as having pores whose radii lie between 3.1 and 3.5 A. In addition, the results presented here indicated that above a certain impermeable nonelectrolyte concentration, vesicles did not respond osmotically even though they had not collapsed. This suggests that at least under the experimental conditions reported here, vesicles behaved as if rigid when their average volume had decreased to about 50% of its original isotonic value.", "PMID": 990391} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3766", "title": "A study of solvent effects on the phosphorescence properties of flavins.", "content": "A combination of zero field triplet state techniques are used to study the excited electronic states of a series of flavin and flavin related molecules both in single crystals and glass matrices. Particular attention is given to the effects of solvent interaction on the triplet state properties of the flavin molecules. The total phosphorescence decay rate constants at 1.4 degrees K are reported for the flavin molecules in polar and nonpolar solvents. The rate constants are then correlated to the degree of solvent interaction. Results indicate possible complex formation between the isoalloxazine and adenine groups in FAD. Finally, the results and possible interpretation on the study of a flavoenzyme, L-amino acid oxidase are presented.", "contents": "A study of solvent effects on the phosphorescence properties of flavins. A combination of zero field triplet state techniques are used to study the excited electronic states of a series of flavin and flavin related molecules both in single crystals and glass matrices. Particular attention is given to the effects of solvent interaction on the triplet state properties of the flavin molecules. The total phosphorescence decay rate constants at 1.4 degrees K are reported for the flavin molecules in polar and nonpolar solvents. The rate constants are then correlated to the degree of solvent interaction. Results indicate possible complex formation between the isoalloxazine and adenine groups in FAD. Finally, the results and possible interpretation on the study of a flavoenzyme, L-amino acid oxidase are presented.", "PMID": 990392} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3767", "title": "A method for measuring picosecond phenomena in photolabile species: the emission lifetime of bacteriorhodopsin.", "content": "We have measured the emission lifetime of bacteriorhodopsin at physiological temperatures to be 15 +/- 3 ps using a technique which employs a mode-locked dye laser, a sum frequency light gate, and a continuous flow system. We observe no concentration dependence of the lifetime over the range of 1.1 X 10(-4) M to 1.0 X 10(-5) M. We conclude that the emission which we observe comes from bacteriorhodopsin and not one of its photochemically produced intermediates, and that the emission cannot originate from the state into which light is absorbed.", "contents": "A method for measuring picosecond phenomena in photolabile species: the emission lifetime of bacteriorhodopsin. We have measured the emission lifetime of bacteriorhodopsin at physiological temperatures to be 15 +/- 3 ps using a technique which employs a mode-locked dye laser, a sum frequency light gate, and a continuous flow system. We observe no concentration dependence of the lifetime over the range of 1.1 X 10(-4) M to 1.0 X 10(-5) M. We conclude that the emission which we observe comes from bacteriorhodopsin and not one of its photochemically produced intermediates, and that the emission cannot originate from the state into which light is absorbed.", "PMID": 990393} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3768", "title": "Effect of hydration on the water content of human erythrocytes.", "content": "An ideal, hydrated, nondilute pseudobinary salt-protein-water solution model of the RBC intracellular solution has been developed to describe the osmotic behavior of human erythrocytes during freezing and thawing. Because of the hydration of intracellular solutes (mostly cell proteins), our analytical results predict that at least 16.65% of the isotonic cell water content will be retained within RBCs placed in hypertonic solutions. These findings are consistent not only with the experimental measurements of the amount of isotonic cell water retained within RBCs subjected to nonisotonic extracellular solutions (20-32%) but also with the experimental evidence that all of the water within RBCs is solvent water. By modeling the RBC intracellular solution as a hydrated salt-protein-water solution, no anomalous osmotic behavior is apparent.", "contents": "Effect of hydration on the water content of human erythrocytes. An ideal, hydrated, nondilute pseudobinary salt-protein-water solution model of the RBC intracellular solution has been developed to describe the osmotic behavior of human erythrocytes during freezing and thawing. Because of the hydration of intracellular solutes (mostly cell proteins), our analytical results predict that at least 16.65% of the isotonic cell water content will be retained within RBCs placed in hypertonic solutions. These findings are consistent not only with the experimental measurements of the amount of isotonic cell water retained within RBCs subjected to nonisotonic extracellular solutions (20-32%) but also with the experimental evidence that all of the water within RBCs is solvent water. By modeling the RBC intracellular solution as a hydrated salt-protein-water solution, no anomalous osmotic behavior is apparent.", "PMID": 990394} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3769", "title": "Permeability of artificial membranes to a pluridisperse solution of 125I-polyvinylpyrrolidone.", "content": "The validity of the transport equation for uncharged macromolecules across a porous membrane developed by Verniory et al. (1973, J. Gen. Physiol. 62:489) has been tested on several types of artificial membranes (Amicon PM-30, XM-50, and XM-100 Diaflo ultrafilters) using a pluridisperse solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone as filtrand. The influence of the filtration pressure on the shape of the sieving curve predicted by the theory has been verified. A mean pore radius and the width of the pore demonstrated that the method used previously to determine the effective filtration pressure in the glomerulus from sieving data is valid. The transport equation previously proposed by Renkin (1954, J. Gen. Physiol. 38:225) gives results that are less consistent than those obtained with the new transport equation.", "contents": "Permeability of artificial membranes to a pluridisperse solution of 125I-polyvinylpyrrolidone. The validity of the transport equation for uncharged macromolecules across a porous membrane developed by Verniory et al. (1973, J. Gen. Physiol. 62:489) has been tested on several types of artificial membranes (Amicon PM-30, XM-50, and XM-100 Diaflo ultrafilters) using a pluridisperse solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone as filtrand. The influence of the filtration pressure on the shape of the sieving curve predicted by the theory has been verified. A mean pore radius and the width of the pore demonstrated that the method used previously to determine the effective filtration pressure in the glomerulus from sieving data is valid. The transport equation previously proposed by Renkin (1954, J. Gen. Physiol. 38:225) gives results that are less consistent than those obtained with the new transport equation.", "PMID": 990395} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3770", "title": "Bimolecular quenching of excitons and fluorescence in the photosynthetic unit.", "content": "The recent results of Campillo et al. and Mauzerall on the quenching of the fluorescence of chlorophyll a in Chlorella pyrenoidosa as a function of the intensity of the laser excitation pulses are rationalized by applying a model invoking singlet-singlet exciton annihilation.", "contents": "Bimolecular quenching of excitons and fluorescence in the photosynthetic unit. The recent results of Campillo et al. and Mauzerall on the quenching of the fluorescence of chlorophyll a in Chlorella pyrenoidosa as a function of the intensity of the laser excitation pulses are rationalized by applying a model invoking singlet-singlet exciton annihilation.", "PMID": 990396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3771", "title": "Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis of the products of methylation of sulfonylurea drugs.", "content": "Gas chromatographic analysis of the products of reaction of diazomethane with tolbutamide and chlorpropamide indicates the formation of three compounds in both cases. As expected, N-methylation (at sulfonamide nitrogen) is the predominant reaction; minor amounts of O-methylated product are also observed. The third product in both cases is the N-methylsulfonamide formed by decomposition of the N-methylated sulfonylurea during gas chromatography. Electron impact and chemulfonylurea during gas chromatography. Electron impact and chemical ionization mass spectrometric analysis, as well as 1H nuclear magnetic resonance examination of samples collected from gas chromatography, confirm the structural assignments. Additionally, proton magnetic resonance analysis of the crude reaction products established that N-methylsulfonamides are not formed in the course of the diazomethane reaction and that the O-methylated derivatives are true products of the reaction. The use of a paramagnetic shift reagent allowed direct estimation of the ratios of N- to O-methylation, and the demonstration that these ratios are not vitiated during gas chromatographic analysis.", "contents": "Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis of the products of methylation of sulfonylurea drugs. Gas chromatographic analysis of the products of reaction of diazomethane with tolbutamide and chlorpropamide indicates the formation of three compounds in both cases. As expected, N-methylation (at sulfonamide nitrogen) is the predominant reaction; minor amounts of O-methylated product are also observed. The third product in both cases is the N-methylsulfonamide formed by decomposition of the N-methylated sulfonylurea during gas chromatography. Electron impact and chemulfonylurea during gas chromatography. Electron impact and chemical ionization mass spectrometric analysis, as well as 1H nuclear magnetic resonance examination of samples collected from gas chromatography, confirm the structural assignments. Additionally, proton magnetic resonance analysis of the crude reaction products established that N-methylsulfonamides are not formed in the course of the diazomethane reaction and that the O-methylated derivatives are true products of the reaction. The use of a paramagnetic shift reagent allowed direct estimation of the ratios of N- to O-methylation, and the demonstration that these ratios are not vitiated during gas chromatographic analysis.", "PMID": 990417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3772", "title": "Simultaneous measurement of imipramine and desipramine by selected ion recording with deuterated internal standards.", "content": "A gas chromatographic mass spectrometric method for the quantitative determination of imipramine and its N-demethylated metabolite desipramine in plasma samples at the nanogram level is reported. The method involves derivatization of the extracted drugs with trifluoroacetylimidazole, a mild derivatizing reagent. Specificity is provided by selected ion recording of the [M + H]+ ions, formed upon chemical ionization with methane as reagent gas. Quantitation is achieved by stable isotope dilution techniques, using deuterium labeled analogs, prepared by acid-catalyzed exchange, as internal standards. Data on patient samples are presented.", "contents": "Simultaneous measurement of imipramine and desipramine by selected ion recording with deuterated internal standards. A gas chromatographic mass spectrometric method for the quantitative determination of imipramine and its N-demethylated metabolite desipramine in plasma samples at the nanogram level is reported. The method involves derivatization of the extracted drugs with trifluoroacetylimidazole, a mild derivatizing reagent. Specificity is provided by selected ion recording of the [M + H]+ ions, formed upon chemical ionization with methane as reagent gas. Quantitation is achieved by stable isotope dilution techniques, using deuterium labeled analogs, prepared by acid-catalyzed exchange, as internal standards. Data on patient samples are presented.", "PMID": 990418} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3773", "title": "Measurement of prostaglandin F2alpha in human cerebrospinal fluid by single ion monitoring.", "content": "An imporved method is described for measuring low levels of prostaglandin F2alpha in small volumes of cerebrospinal fluid. Single ion monitoring of the ion at m/e 423, derived from the methyl ester tri-TMS ether derivatives of prostaglandin F2alpha and the internal standard, w-trinor-16-cyclohexyl prostaglandin F2alpha, is employed. Injection of 2 pg of prostaglandin F2 alpha derivative gave a standard deviation of +/- 9%. The majority of patients had cerebrospinal fluid levels of up to 2 ng ml-1 of prostaglandin F2 alpha, whereas in certain neurological conditions with progressive disease, elevated levels were encountered, some of which were higher than 10 ng ml-1.", "contents": "Measurement of prostaglandin F2alpha in human cerebrospinal fluid by single ion monitoring. An imporved method is described for measuring low levels of prostaglandin F2alpha in small volumes of cerebrospinal fluid. Single ion monitoring of the ion at m/e 423, derived from the methyl ester tri-TMS ether derivatives of prostaglandin F2alpha and the internal standard, w-trinor-16-cyclohexyl prostaglandin F2alpha, is employed. Injection of 2 pg of prostaglandin F2 alpha derivative gave a standard deviation of +/- 9%. The majority of patients had cerebrospinal fluid levels of up to 2 ng ml-1 of prostaglandin F2 alpha, whereas in certain neurological conditions with progressive disease, elevated levels were encountered, some of which were higher than 10 ng ml-1.", "PMID": 990419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3774", "title": "Studies on trimethylsilyl derivatives of 1-alkyl-2-acylglycerols by gas-liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.", "content": "Trimethylsilyl derivatives of 1-hexadecyl-2-decanoyl-, -hexadecanoyl- and -octadecenoyglycerols and 1-octadecyl-2-decanoyl-, hexadecanoyl- and -octadecenoylglycerols as well as 1,2-dihexadecanoylglycerol were analysed by a gas chromatography mass spectrometer system. The following points are characteristic of the fragmentation pattern of these 1-alkyl-2-acyl derivatives: (1) in the spectra of alkyl acyl derivatives, ions at [M -15]+ and [M - 90A1+. are 14 mass units less than those of the corresponding diacyl derivatives; (2) the base peak is m/e 130; (3) alkyl acyl derivatives show fragments due to one acyl group instead of the two acyl groups of diacyl derivatives; (4) ions at m/e 314 and 342, [R1O + 73]+., are characteristic of the trimethylsilyl derivatives of hexadecyl- and octadecylglycerols, respecitvely; (5) the ion [M -R1O]+ is present, but the complementary alkoxy ion is absent.", "contents": "Studies on trimethylsilyl derivatives of 1-alkyl-2-acylglycerols by gas-liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Trimethylsilyl derivatives of 1-hexadecyl-2-decanoyl-, -hexadecanoyl- and -octadecenoyglycerols and 1-octadecyl-2-decanoyl-, hexadecanoyl- and -octadecenoylglycerols as well as 1,2-dihexadecanoylglycerol were analysed by a gas chromatography mass spectrometer system. The following points are characteristic of the fragmentation pattern of these 1-alkyl-2-acyl derivatives: (1) in the spectra of alkyl acyl derivatives, ions at [M -15]+ and [M - 90A1+. are 14 mass units less than those of the corresponding diacyl derivatives; (2) the base peak is m/e 130; (3) alkyl acyl derivatives show fragments due to one acyl group instead of the two acyl groups of diacyl derivatives; (4) ions at m/e 314 and 342, [R1O + 73]+., are characteristic of the trimethylsilyl derivatives of hexadecyl- and octadecylglycerols, respecitvely; (5) the ion [M -R1O]+ is present, but the complementary alkoxy ion is absent.", "PMID": 990420} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3775", "title": "Mass spectral studies on prostaglandins. IV--Prostaglandin F2alpha.", "content": "The mass spectroscopic behaviour of prostaglandin F2alpha and its methyl ester has been studied. Mechanisms are suggested for the formation of the prominent ions in the spectra of these compounds. The proposed fragmentation pathways have been confirmed with the aid of low electron voltage spectra, measurements on metastable ion decompositions, high resolution mass measurements and deuterium labelling.", "contents": "Mass spectral studies on prostaglandins. IV--Prostaglandin F2alpha. The mass spectroscopic behaviour of prostaglandin F2alpha and its methyl ester has been studied. Mechanisms are suggested for the formation of the prominent ions in the spectra of these compounds. The proposed fragmentation pathways have been confirmed with the aid of low electron voltage spectra, measurements on metastable ion decompositions, high resolution mass measurements and deuterium labelling.", "PMID": 990421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3776", "title": "Analysis of mixtures by collisional activation spectrometry: pyrolysis products of deoxyribonucleic acid.", "content": "Six major components of a mixture of the pyrolysis products of deoxyribonucleic acid have been analysed by combined low energy electron impact and collisional activation spectra. The method allowed the assignment of the structures of the different components in the complex mixture without prior separation.", "contents": "Analysis of mixtures by collisional activation spectrometry: pyrolysis products of deoxyribonucleic acid. Six major components of a mixture of the pyrolysis products of deoxyribonucleic acid have been analysed by combined low energy electron impact and collisional activation spectra. The method allowed the assignment of the structures of the different components in the complex mixture without prior separation.", "PMID": 990422} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3777", "title": "A novel metabolic pathway in the metabolism of 5-(4'-chloro-n-butyl)picolinic acid.", "content": "The metabolism of 5-(4'-chloro-n-butyl)picolinic acid, which inhibits dopamine beta-hydroxylase and exhibits an antihypertensive effect, has been studied by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, utilising characteristic reaction products after derivatization. In rat urine five metabolities were identified by mass spectral analysis. It is found that four were elongated by a C2 unit in the carboxyl group at the 2-position on the pyridine ring and accounted for approximately 50% of the radioactivity in the 24 hour urine. The facts show that the metabolic pathway corresponding to the chain elongation of fatty acids is the major route of metabolism for this drug in the rat. Furthermore, this pathway would be confirmed in man, rabbit, guinea pig and mouse.", "contents": "A novel metabolic pathway in the metabolism of 5-(4'-chloro-n-butyl)picolinic acid. The metabolism of 5-(4'-chloro-n-butyl)picolinic acid, which inhibits dopamine beta-hydroxylase and exhibits an antihypertensive effect, has been studied by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, utilising characteristic reaction products after derivatization. In rat urine five metabolities were identified by mass spectral analysis. It is found that four were elongated by a C2 unit in the carboxyl group at the 2-position on the pyridine ring and accounted for approximately 50% of the radioactivity in the 24 hour urine. The facts show that the metabolic pathway corresponding to the chain elongation of fatty acids is the major route of metabolism for this drug in the rat. Furthermore, this pathway would be confirmed in man, rabbit, guinea pig and mouse.", "PMID": 990423} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3778", "title": "The synthesis of alpha, alpha, beta, beta-d4-serotonin.", "content": "Alpha, alpha, beta, beta-d4-Serotonin (94% d4, 6% d3) has been synthesized for use as an internal standard in mass spectrometric determinations of serotonin in biological systems.", "contents": "The synthesis of alpha, alpha, beta, beta-d4-serotonin. Alpha, alpha, beta, beta-d4-Serotonin (94% d4, 6% d3) has been synthesized for use as an internal standard in mass spectrometric determinations of serotonin in biological systems.", "PMID": 990424} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3779", "title": "An automatic apparatus for continuous suspension culture with a concentrating device.", "content": "A chemostat in which mammalian cells can be raised in continuous suspension culture is described. It is constructed from commercially available parts. This apparatus has the advantage over earlier models in that the medium can be pumped off free of cells, thus suddenly increasing the cell concentration in the culture. The apparatus has been successfully used in studies on contact inhibition.", "contents": "An automatic apparatus for continuous suspension culture with a concentrating device. A chemostat in which mammalian cells can be raised in continuous suspension culture is described. It is constructed from commercially available parts. This apparatus has the advantage over earlier models in that the medium can be pumped off free of cells, thus suddenly increasing the cell concentration in the culture. The apparatus has been successfully used in studies on contact inhibition.", "PMID": 990426} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3780", "title": "Immobilization of enzymes based on hydrophobic interaction. I. Preparation and properties of a beta-amylase adsorbate.", "content": "Sweet potato beta-amylase (alpha-1,4 glucan maltohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.2) was immobilized through adsorption onto an agrose gel to which nonpolar side chains had been introduced via ether bridges. The adsorbent showed evidence of saturation at an enzyme content of 35 mg per milliliter of packed gel. The adsorption was rapid and yielded a product whose operational stability depended on the initial content of beta-amylase. Activity leakage was low. The relative activity of immobilized enzyme was inversely related to the amount of enzyme adsorbed to a given gel volume, having a maximal value of around 50% at low enzyme contents.", "contents": "Immobilization of enzymes based on hydrophobic interaction. I. Preparation and properties of a beta-amylase adsorbate. Sweet potato beta-amylase (alpha-1,4 glucan maltohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.2) was immobilized through adsorption onto an agrose gel to which nonpolar side chains had been introduced via ether bridges. The adsorbent showed evidence of saturation at an enzyme content of 35 mg per milliliter of packed gel. The adsorption was rapid and yielded a product whose operational stability depended on the initial content of beta-amylase. Activity leakage was low. The relative activity of immobilized enzyme was inversely related to the amount of enzyme adsorbed to a given gel volume, having a maximal value of around 50% at low enzyme contents.", "PMID": 990427} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3781", "title": "Immobilization of enzymes based on hydrophobic interaction. II. Preparation and properties of an amyloglucosidase adsorbate.", "content": "Amyloglucosidase from Aspergillus niger (alpha-1,4 and 1,6 glucan glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.3) was immobilized through adsorption onto a hexyl-Sepharose, containing 0.51 mol hexyl-group per mole of galactose. The adsporption limit of the carrier with respect to this enzyme was about 17 mg per gram wet conjugate. The retention of activity upon immobilization was high, varying from essentially full activity at low enzyme content down to 68% at the adsorption limit. The immobilized preparation, as well as the soluble enzyme, showed apparent zero order kinetics within 60% of the substrate's conversion limit. Product inhibition of the soluble enzyme showed a KI of 5-10(-2)M. In the presence of 3M NaCl, adsorbates were formed more rapidly and with a higher yield of immobilized protein, but with lower specific activity. Conjugates resulting from adsorption of amyloglucosidase in identical concentrations, but at different salt contents, showed comparable activities and operational stabilities. Continuous operation from three months reduced conjugate activity to 40%. The thermal stability of the adsorbate was inferior to that of the soluble enzyme, but was noticeably enhanced in the presence of substrate.", "contents": "Immobilization of enzymes based on hydrophobic interaction. II. Preparation and properties of an amyloglucosidase adsorbate. Amyloglucosidase from Aspergillus niger (alpha-1,4 and 1,6 glucan glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.3) was immobilized through adsorption onto a hexyl-Sepharose, containing 0.51 mol hexyl-group per mole of galactose. The adsporption limit of the carrier with respect to this enzyme was about 17 mg per gram wet conjugate. The retention of activity upon immobilization was high, varying from essentially full activity at low enzyme content down to 68% at the adsorption limit. The immobilized preparation, as well as the soluble enzyme, showed apparent zero order kinetics within 60% of the substrate's conversion limit. Product inhibition of the soluble enzyme showed a KI of 5-10(-2)M. In the presence of 3M NaCl, adsorbates were formed more rapidly and with a higher yield of immobilized protein, but with lower specific activity. Conjugates resulting from adsorption of amyloglucosidase in identical concentrations, but at different salt contents, showed comparable activities and operational stabilities. Continuous operation from three months reduced conjugate activity to 40%. The thermal stability of the adsorbate was inferior to that of the soluble enzyme, but was noticeably enhanced in the presence of substrate.", "PMID": 990428} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3782", "title": "Immobilization of enzymes based on hydrophobic interaction. III. Adsorbent substituent density and its impact on the immobilization of beta-amylase.", "content": "Hexyl-groups have been introduced into crosslinked Sepharose 6B, yielding gels with degrees of substitution which range from 0.02 to 0.70 mol hexyl-side chain per mole galactose residue. The gels were exposed to beta-amylase in solution, and the resulting adsorbates indicated a monotonic increase in adsorption capacity with an increasing hexyl-content. Adsorbate activity, by contrast, displayed a maximum for a carrier gel with a hexyl-galactose ratio of 0.51. Adsorbates based on gels with different hexyl-content were used in column reactors for continuous maltose production from a soluble starch substrate.", "contents": "Immobilization of enzymes based on hydrophobic interaction. III. Adsorbent substituent density and its impact on the immobilization of beta-amylase. Hexyl-groups have been introduced into crosslinked Sepharose 6B, yielding gels with degrees of substitution which range from 0.02 to 0.70 mol hexyl-side chain per mole galactose residue. The gels were exposed to beta-amylase in solution, and the resulting adsorbates indicated a monotonic increase in adsorption capacity with an increasing hexyl-content. Adsorbate activity, by contrast, displayed a maximum for a carrier gel with a hexyl-galactose ratio of 0.51. Adsorbates based on gels with different hexyl-content were used in column reactors for continuous maltose production from a soluble starch substrate.", "PMID": 990429} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3783", "title": "Bacterial yields on methanol, methylamine, formaldehyde, and formate.", "content": "Several bacteria utilizing C1-compounds as sole carbon sources were grown on these substrates in continuous culture. The molar yield values (g of cell dry wt/mol of substrate utilized) of bacteria which utilize C1-compounds via the ribulose monophosphate pathway were between 15.7 to 17.3 when grown on methanol; while the molar yield values of bacteria which use the serine pathway for the assimilation of C1-compounds varied between 9.8 and 13.1. The molar yield values of different bacteria which use the serine pathway decreased as the oxidation levels of the C1-growth substrates increased. On formaldehyde the values were between 7.2 to 9.6, whereas on formate the values varied from 3.3 to 6.9. It appears that bacteria utilize C1-compounds more efficiently via the ribulose monophosphate pathway than via the serine pathway. The oxidation step from methanol to formaldehyde (and from methylamine to formaldehyde) in the bacteria studied may be energy yielding. A comparison has been made between the experimental yield values obtained and theoretical values.", "contents": "Bacterial yields on methanol, methylamine, formaldehyde, and formate. Several bacteria utilizing C1-compounds as sole carbon sources were grown on these substrates in continuous culture. The molar yield values (g of cell dry wt/mol of substrate utilized) of bacteria which utilize C1-compounds via the ribulose monophosphate pathway were between 15.7 to 17.3 when grown on methanol; while the molar yield values of bacteria which use the serine pathway for the assimilation of C1-compounds varied between 9.8 and 13.1. The molar yield values of different bacteria which use the serine pathway decreased as the oxidation levels of the C1-growth substrates increased. On formaldehyde the values were between 7.2 to 9.6, whereas on formate the values varied from 3.3 to 6.9. It appears that bacteria utilize C1-compounds more efficiently via the ribulose monophosphate pathway than via the serine pathway. The oxidation step from methanol to formaldehyde (and from methylamine to formaldehyde) in the bacteria studied may be energy yielding. A comparison has been made between the experimental yield values obtained and theoretical values.", "PMID": 990435} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3784", "title": "A simple device for stationary cultivation of microorganisms.", "content": "A new device is designed that is suitable for both laboratory- and industrial-scale cultivation of microorganisms, particularly filamentous fungi, on the surface of liquid media. The device reliably ensures the sterility of cultivation, regardless of its duration. Its installation costs are relatively low and maximum production is reached per unit of installation space. In comparison with submerged cultures in fermentors, the proposed mode does not use a high consumption of energy for stirring and aeration (consequently, the duration of cultivation is not an economically relevant factor) and does not require maintenance of complicated equipment. Due to the building and construction of the technological equipment, the production plant is capable of very fast expansion and, when the need arises of very fast and economical liquidation.", "contents": "A simple device for stationary cultivation of microorganisms. A new device is designed that is suitable for both laboratory- and industrial-scale cultivation of microorganisms, particularly filamentous fungi, on the surface of liquid media. The device reliably ensures the sterility of cultivation, regardless of its duration. Its installation costs are relatively low and maximum production is reached per unit of installation space. In comparison with submerged cultures in fermentors, the proposed mode does not use a high consumption of energy for stirring and aeration (consequently, the duration of cultivation is not an economically relevant factor) and does not require maintenance of complicated equipment. Due to the building and construction of the technological equipment, the production plant is capable of very fast expansion and, when the need arises of very fast and economical liquidation.", "PMID": 990436} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3785", "title": "Continuous proteolysis with a stabilized protease. II. Continuous experiments.", "content": "Batch proteolysis experiments were performed in order to choose a protein-protease system to prepare a correct hydrolysate suitable for the enrichment of soft-drinks. The system eventually studied was casein-Alcalase. Comparative batch and continuous proteolysis of casein by Alcalase showed that the reaction, which does not exactly follow first order kinetics with respect to the substrate concentration, is inhibited by the reaction products. Furthermore, experiments were done in order to determine the reaction conditions (pH8.8 in the reactor, casein concentration 5%, 40 degrees C). Determining the molecular weight of Alcalase (43,000) suggested the choice of ultrafiltration membrane PM 30. Sutdies of continuous proteolysis with the chemically stabilized enzyme retained by the ultrafiltration reactor showed that protease reuse for seven days at 40 degrees C is possible and that the growth of microorganisms is practically inhibited under these conditions. Gel chromatography showed the molecular weight.range of the peptides to be less than 2,000. Triangular taste tests showed that the threshold identification concentration of the dry hydrolysate in orange juice is about 0.65%.", "contents": "Continuous proteolysis with a stabilized protease. II. Continuous experiments. Batch proteolysis experiments were performed in order to choose a protein-protease system to prepare a correct hydrolysate suitable for the enrichment of soft-drinks. The system eventually studied was casein-Alcalase. Comparative batch and continuous proteolysis of casein by Alcalase showed that the reaction, which does not exactly follow first order kinetics with respect to the substrate concentration, is inhibited by the reaction products. Furthermore, experiments were done in order to determine the reaction conditions (pH8.8 in the reactor, casein concentration 5%, 40 degrees C). Determining the molecular weight of Alcalase (43,000) suggested the choice of ultrafiltration membrane PM 30. Sutdies of continuous proteolysis with the chemically stabilized enzyme retained by the ultrafiltration reactor showed that protease reuse for seven days at 40 degrees C is possible and that the growth of microorganisms is practically inhibited under these conditions. Gel chromatography showed the molecular weight.range of the peptides to be less than 2,000. Triangular taste tests showed that the threshold identification concentration of the dry hydrolysate in orange juice is about 0.65%.", "PMID": 990437} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3786", "title": "Delayed mutation as a cause of retinoblastoma: application to genetic counseling.", "content": "The genealogic and genetic data on retinoblastoma were reviewed and interpreted according to the model of delayed mutation; then applications of the model to specific situations in genetic counseling were considered. Patients with multiple congenital abnormalities and systemic chromosome aberrations are regarded as belonging to a different category of retinoblastoma cases than the more common patients without such abnormalities. The model of delayed mutation is considered for the latter group of patients. According to the model, mutation at the retinoblastoma locus can be delayed or complete and can occur during meiotic or mitotic cell division. Genotypically, three clases of individuals can be identified in retinoblastoma families: homozygous normal, heterozygous for the premutated allele, and heterozygous for the (fully) mutated allele; the other possible combinations of individuals have apparently not been observed. There is to date no evidence to suggest incomplete penetrance of the mutant allele, but 14% of individuals who have the mutant gene are \"only\" unilaterally affected. Carriers produce normal, affected and carrier offspring in the empiric proportion of, respectively, 54.5%, 36.4% and 9.1%. Most difficulties in genetic counseling arise because affected individuals may have inherited the premutated or the mutated allele and because unaffected individuals may have inherited the normal or the premutated allele. These aspects were considered for individuals presenting as sporadic-unilateral, sporadic-bilateral, familial-unilateral and familial-bilateral cases, and the empiric risk figures for various situations were quoted from the literature.", "contents": "Delayed mutation as a cause of retinoblastoma: application to genetic counseling. The genealogic and genetic data on retinoblastoma were reviewed and interpreted according to the model of delayed mutation; then applications of the model to specific situations in genetic counseling were considered. Patients with multiple congenital abnormalities and systemic chromosome aberrations are regarded as belonging to a different category of retinoblastoma cases than the more common patients without such abnormalities. The model of delayed mutation is considered for the latter group of patients. According to the model, mutation at the retinoblastoma locus can be delayed or complete and can occur during meiotic or mitotic cell division. Genotypically, three clases of individuals can be identified in retinoblastoma families: homozygous normal, heterozygous for the premutated allele, and heterozygous for the (fully) mutated allele; the other possible combinations of individuals have apparently not been observed. There is to date no evidence to suggest incomplete penetrance of the mutant allele, but 14% of individuals who have the mutant gene are \"only\" unilaterally affected. Carriers produce normal, affected and carrier offspring in the empiric proportion of, respectively, 54.5%, 36.4% and 9.1%. Most difficulties in genetic counseling arise because affected individuals may have inherited the premutated or the mutated allele and because unaffected individuals may have inherited the normal or the premutated allele. These aspects were considered for individuals presenting as sporadic-unilateral, sporadic-bilateral, familial-unilateral and familial-bilateral cases, and the empiric risk figures for various situations were quoted from the literature.", "PMID": 990444} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3787", "title": "[Influence of the somatic region of the cortex on trace inhibitory processes in the posterior lateral nucleus of the thalamus].", "content": "Acute experiments were conducted on cats under nembutal anesthesia. A study was made of the dynamics of the changes occurring in the curve of restoration of the test response amplitude in the thalamo-cortical fibers to the pared stimulation of the medial lemniscus with various actions on the somatosensory ared. The curve under study served as an indicator of the corticofugal influences on the inhibitory after process in the transmission nucleus of the thalamus. The influences on one somatosensory area of the cortex blocked the transmission of the afferent signals in 70% of the neurons of the transmission nucleus of the thalamus. A correlation between the number of the neurons participating in the reaction and the character of the initial phase of the inhibitory afterprocess was noted.", "contents": "[Influence of the somatic region of the cortex on trace inhibitory processes in the posterior lateral nucleus of the thalamus]. Acute experiments were conducted on cats under nembutal anesthesia. A study was made of the dynamics of the changes occurring in the curve of restoration of the test response amplitude in the thalamo-cortical fibers to the pared stimulation of the medial lemniscus with various actions on the somatosensory ared. The curve under study served as an indicator of the corticofugal influences on the inhibitory after process in the transmission nucleus of the thalamus. The influences on one somatosensory area of the cortex blocked the transmission of the afferent signals in 70% of the neurons of the transmission nucleus of the thalamus. A correlation between the number of the neurons participating in the reaction and the character of the initial phase of the inhibitory afterprocess was noted.", "PMID": 990447} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3788", "title": "[Characteristics of afferent impulsation from cutaneous receptors during exposure to air currents].", "content": "The method of colliding pulses was used to study the afferent flows in various types of the nerve fibers of the skin nerve innervating the medial surface of the hair-covered skin of cat paw. Alterations in the intensity of the acting stimulus caused changes in the structure of the afferent flow. Increased air flow led to increase in the number of active fibers, of the frequency of the afferent impulsation, and also to inclusion of the fibers of the other types into the excitation.", "contents": "[Characteristics of afferent impulsation from cutaneous receptors during exposure to air currents]. The method of colliding pulses was used to study the afferent flows in various types of the nerve fibers of the skin nerve innervating the medial surface of the hair-covered skin of cat paw. Alterations in the intensity of the acting stimulus caused changes in the structure of the afferent flow. Increased air flow led to increase in the number of active fibers, of the frequency of the afferent impulsation, and also to inclusion of the fibers of the other types into the excitation.", "PMID": 990448} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3789", "title": "[Distensibility of the heart muscle during adaptation to a physical load].", "content": "Strips of the papillary muscle of rat left ventricle were extended by means of increasing loads. The curve of the strip elongation depending on the load value characterized the myocardial distensibility. Seven to eleven weeks from the beginning of regular swimming exercises (for 30 to 60 min) the distensibility curve showed a significant increase of the myocardial distensibility, and the maximal contraction amplitude was reached with a lesser force. An increased distension of the cardiac muscle of the adapted animals can serve as one of the components of dilatation of the \"trained\" heart and a more rapid mobilization of the contractile function during exercises.", "contents": "[Distensibility of the heart muscle during adaptation to a physical load]. Strips of the papillary muscle of rat left ventricle were extended by means of increasing loads. The curve of the strip elongation depending on the load value characterized the myocardial distensibility. Seven to eleven weeks from the beginning of regular swimming exercises (for 30 to 60 min) the distensibility curve showed a significant increase of the myocardial distensibility, and the maximal contraction amplitude was reached with a lesser force. An increased distension of the cardiac muscle of the adapted animals can serve as one of the components of dilatation of the \"trained\" heart and a more rapid mobilization of the contractile function during exercises.", "PMID": 990449} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3790", "title": "[Renin-angiotensin system in the presence of altered prostaglandin synthesis].", "content": "The activity of the renin-angiotensin system was studied in experiments on rats under conditions of the inhibited prostaglandin synthesis. It was found that the injection of indometacin in non-hypertensive doses was accompanied by a substantial lowering of the plasma renin activity and of the secretory function of the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidneys. The amount of lipid granules increased in the interstitial cells simultaneously, this reflecting the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the medulla of the kidneys. The results of these experiments permit the assumption to be made that the renin synthesis in the juxtaglomerular apparatus was connected with the synthesis of renal prostaglanins.", "contents": "[Renin-angiotensin system in the presence of altered prostaglandin synthesis]. The activity of the renin-angiotensin system was studied in experiments on rats under conditions of the inhibited prostaglandin synthesis. It was found that the injection of indometacin in non-hypertensive doses was accompanied by a substantial lowering of the plasma renin activity and of the secretory function of the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidneys. The amount of lipid granules increased in the interstitial cells simultaneously, this reflecting the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the medulla of the kidneys. The results of these experiments permit the assumption to be made that the renin synthesis in the juxtaglomerular apparatus was connected with the synthesis of renal prostaglanins.", "PMID": 990450} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3791", "title": "[Contractile properties of the smooth muscle cells of the aorta during development of experimental atherosclerosis].", "content": "Experiments were conducted on the isolated ring-shaped segments of rabbit aorta; the contractile reactions of the smooth muscle cells under the effect of catecholamines and KC1 were investigated at 27 and 37 degrees C both under normal conditions and at the initial stages of atherosclerosis. The contractile reactions of the atherosclerotic aorta stimulated by KC1 were lower in amplitude than those of the intact one; the opposite shifts were observed under the action of catecholamines. A decrease of the temperature reduced the contractile responses both under normal conditions and in atherosclerosis.", "contents": "[Contractile properties of the smooth muscle cells of the aorta during development of experimental atherosclerosis]. Experiments were conducted on the isolated ring-shaped segments of rabbit aorta; the contractile reactions of the smooth muscle cells under the effect of catecholamines and KC1 were investigated at 27 and 37 degrees C both under normal conditions and at the initial stages of atherosclerosis. The contractile reactions of the atherosclerotic aorta stimulated by KC1 were lower in amplitude than those of the intact one; the opposite shifts were observed under the action of catecholamines. A decrease of the temperature reduced the contractile responses both under normal conditions and in atherosclerosis.", "PMID": 990451} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3792", "title": "[Bile secreting function of the liver in birds of different ages with experimental atherosclerosis].", "content": "The bile-secretory function of normal liver and during the cholester-induced experimental atherosclerosis was studied in young (3-4-month-old) and adult (30-36-month-old) Russian white hens. In the course of natural ageing there was observed a decrease in the total and free serum cholesterol and in the bile-secretory function of the liver. Following the cholesterol administration these indices increased and the atherosclerotic injuries of the aorta developed. As compared with the young hens, the mentioned changes were more marked in adult experimental hens.", "contents": "[Bile secreting function of the liver in birds of different ages with experimental atherosclerosis]. The bile-secretory function of normal liver and during the cholester-induced experimental atherosclerosis was studied in young (3-4-month-old) and adult (30-36-month-old) Russian white hens. In the course of natural ageing there was observed a decrease in the total and free serum cholesterol and in the bile-secretory function of the liver. Following the cholesterol administration these indices increased and the atherosclerotic injuries of the aorta developed. As compared with the young hens, the mentioned changes were more marked in adult experimental hens.", "PMID": 990452} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3793", "title": "[Glucose transport in the small intestine of rats following section of the pancreatico-biliary duct].", "content": "Following ligation of the bile-pancreatic duct in rats a determination was made on the 4th, 7th, 14th and 28th day in 6 segments of their small intestine of the mucous-serous glucose transport by the concentration gradient and against it (a modified method of the \"inside out turned sac\"). Reconstruction dynamics of the transport systems characterized by a different dependence on the energy sources varied in each of the intestinal segments. At the early postoperative periods the transport became intensified by the concentration gradient; at the later periods the transport was against this gradient.", "contents": "[Glucose transport in the small intestine of rats following section of the pancreatico-biliary duct]. Following ligation of the bile-pancreatic duct in rats a determination was made on the 4th, 7th, 14th and 28th day in 6 segments of their small intestine of the mucous-serous glucose transport by the concentration gradient and against it (a modified method of the \"inside out turned sac\"). Reconstruction dynamics of the transport systems characterized by a different dependence on the energy sources varied in each of the intestinal segments. At the early postoperative periods the transport became intensified by the concentration gradient; at the later periods the transport was against this gradient.", "PMID": 990453} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3794", "title": "[Regional blood redistribution following blood loss in unanesthetized rats].", "content": "The authors describe relative changes in the blood filling of 46 vascular areas of the body in rats after a moderate and severe blood loss. Moderate blood loss caused redistribution of the blood from the skin of the chest and from the skin of the posterior limbs, the majority of the abdominal and pelvis minor organs, muscular and bone tissues of the abdomen, pelvis minor and extremities into the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach and into the muscles of the head and neck. In severe blood loss the changes were analogous, but the blood content in the kidneys and the stomach decreased, and there was also a relative elevation of the blood in the muscles and bones of the chest. The intensity of the redistributive reaction in severe blood loss was less than in moderate blood loss.", "contents": "[Regional blood redistribution following blood loss in unanesthetized rats]. The authors describe relative changes in the blood filling of 46 vascular areas of the body in rats after a moderate and severe blood loss. Moderate blood loss caused redistribution of the blood from the skin of the chest and from the skin of the posterior limbs, the majority of the abdominal and pelvis minor organs, muscular and bone tissues of the abdomen, pelvis minor and extremities into the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach and into the muscles of the head and neck. In severe blood loss the changes were analogous, but the blood content in the kidneys and the stomach decreased, and there was also a relative elevation of the blood in the muscles and bones of the chest. The intensity of the redistributive reaction in severe blood loss was less than in moderate blood loss.", "PMID": 990454} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3795", "title": "[Serum humoral factors--cause of the altered physiologic state of peripheral blood lymphocytes in schizophrenic patients].", "content": "Statistically significant correlations were revealed between the following: the percentage content in the lymphocyte cultures of patients suffering from schizophrenia of cells responding to stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) by DNA synthesis, and the percentage in the white blood cell cultures of healthy donors of lymphocytes failing to respond to the PHA stimulation by the DNA synthesis as a result of cultivation of these cells in a medium containing the blood serum (20%) of schizophrenic patients. Similar correlation was revealed between the percentage content in cultures of the white blood cells of schizophrenic patients of adhesive lymphocytes and the percentage of adhesive lymphocytes in the white blood cell cultures of healthy donors in cultivation of these cells in a medium containing the blood serum (20%) of schizophrenic patients. The data obtained confirmed a supposition that the altered physiological condition of the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients suffering from schizophrenia was caused by the factors contained in the blood serum of these patients.", "contents": "[Serum humoral factors--cause of the altered physiologic state of peripheral blood lymphocytes in schizophrenic patients]. Statistically significant correlations were revealed between the following: the percentage content in the lymphocyte cultures of patients suffering from schizophrenia of cells responding to stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) by DNA synthesis, and the percentage in the white blood cell cultures of healthy donors of lymphocytes failing to respond to the PHA stimulation by the DNA synthesis as a result of cultivation of these cells in a medium containing the blood serum (20%) of schizophrenic patients. Similar correlation was revealed between the percentage content in cultures of the white blood cells of schizophrenic patients of adhesive lymphocytes and the percentage of adhesive lymphocytes in the white blood cell cultures of healthy donors in cultivation of these cells in a medium containing the blood serum (20%) of schizophrenic patients. The data obtained confirmed a supposition that the altered physiological condition of the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients suffering from schizophrenia was caused by the factors contained in the blood serum of these patients.", "PMID": 990455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3796", "title": "[Mitochondrial respiration and the state of adenine nucleotide phosphorylation in rat liver following multiple administration of 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital].", "content": "After 4 injections of phenobarbital (PB), 3-methylcholantrene in olive oil (MC) or olive oil alone the corresponding concentrations of acyl-CoAs in the liver (in per cent to control) were: 73, 167, 230. The liver mitochondria from rats injected with oil and MC showed inhibition of the metabolic state 3 respiratory rate after Chance, Preincubation with carnitine elimated this inhibition. In accordance with these data the blood ketone body level in the administration of PB, MC and oil were 31, 136, and 342%, respectively. The phosphate potential value declined only after the injections of olive oil when the ATP concentration in the liver was markedly diminished. The AMP concentration doubled in the liver of rats after the PB and oil injection. Comparison of the data on the induction of microsomal monoxigenases by PB and MC permitted to draw a conclusion that there was a different metabolic fate of acyl-CoAs in these two cases.", "contents": "[Mitochondrial respiration and the state of adenine nucleotide phosphorylation in rat liver following multiple administration of 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital]. After 4 injections of phenobarbital (PB), 3-methylcholantrene in olive oil (MC) or olive oil alone the corresponding concentrations of acyl-CoAs in the liver (in per cent to control) were: 73, 167, 230. The liver mitochondria from rats injected with oil and MC showed inhibition of the metabolic state 3 respiratory rate after Chance, Preincubation with carnitine elimated this inhibition. In accordance with these data the blood ketone body level in the administration of PB, MC and oil were 31, 136, and 342%, respectively. The phosphate potential value declined only after the injections of olive oil when the ATP concentration in the liver was markedly diminished. The AMP concentration doubled in the liver of rats after the PB and oil injection. Comparison of the data on the induction of microsomal monoxigenases by PB and MC permitted to draw a conclusion that there was a different metabolic fate of acyl-CoAs in these two cases.", "PMID": 990457} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3797", "title": "[Effect of restoration of light flashes on energy processes in the cerebral visual system of animals developing under conditions of light deprivation].", "content": "The changes in the rate and the character of energy processes in the mitochondria of the visual system of the brain caused by prolonged dark-rearing of the animals (for 2 1/2 months from the time of birth) proved to be reversible. The extent of normalization differed in the case of mitochondria of the optic cortex and the superior colliculus. After the animals were placed under normal light conditions the rate of the mentioned processes (when glutamic acid was used as a substrate) increased in the course of a two-week restorative period, and reached the control level or even exceeded it. The rate of the electron transport in the area of cytochrome c -- cytochromoxidase succinic toxidase oxidation chain decreased at the period of restoration and approached the control level. The role of specific impulsation in the age formation of the energy processes of the brain mitochondria is discussed.", "contents": "[Effect of restoration of light flashes on energy processes in the cerebral visual system of animals developing under conditions of light deprivation]. The changes in the rate and the character of energy processes in the mitochondria of the visual system of the brain caused by prolonged dark-rearing of the animals (for 2 1/2 months from the time of birth) proved to be reversible. The extent of normalization differed in the case of mitochondria of the optic cortex and the superior colliculus. After the animals were placed under normal light conditions the rate of the mentioned processes (when glutamic acid was used as a substrate) increased in the course of a two-week restorative period, and reached the control level or even exceeded it. The rate of the electron transport in the area of cytochrome c -- cytochromoxidase succinic toxidase oxidation chain decreased at the period of restoration and approached the control level. The role of specific impulsation in the age formation of the energy processes of the brain mitochondria is discussed.", "PMID": 990458} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3798", "title": "[Lysosomal enzyme activity in the serum of rats with experimental lead poisoning].", "content": "Examination of the effect of experimental lead poisoning on permeability of lysosomal membranes in albino rats demonstrated activation of lysosomal enzymes (alpha-manosidase and beta-acetylglucosaminidase) in the blood serum as soon as the third day after daily administration of lead acetate (20 mg/kg). Apparently damage of the lysosomal membrane played an important role in the pathogenesis of lead poisoning.", "contents": "[Lysosomal enzyme activity in the serum of rats with experimental lead poisoning]. Examination of the effect of experimental lead poisoning on permeability of lysosomal membranes in albino rats demonstrated activation of lysosomal enzymes (alpha-manosidase and beta-acetylglucosaminidase) in the blood serum as soon as the third day after daily administration of lead acetate (20 mg/kg). Apparently damage of the lysosomal membrane played an important role in the pathogenesis of lead poisoning.", "PMID": 990459} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3799", "title": "[Effect of D-, M- and T-antagonists of serotonin on its absorption by human thrombocytes].", "content": "Serotonin M-antagonist -- cocaine, and D-antagonist -- dihydroergotamine depressed the serotonin absorption by guman platelets considerably (in a concentration of 10(-4) by 90 and 62%, respectively). Serotonin M-antagonist--morphine, D-antagonist--deseryl, and T-antagonist--typindol inhibited serotonin absorption much less (in a concentration of 10(-4)M by 33, 28 and 18%, respectively). It is supposed that \"serotonin\" centre of the membrane carrier participating in the process of transmembrane serotonin transport was not identical to any definite type of serotonin receptor.", "contents": "[Effect of D-, M- and T-antagonists of serotonin on its absorption by human thrombocytes]. Serotonin M-antagonist -- cocaine, and D-antagonist -- dihydroergotamine depressed the serotonin absorption by guman platelets considerably (in a concentration of 10(-4) by 90 and 62%, respectively). Serotonin M-antagonist--morphine, D-antagonist--deseryl, and T-antagonist--typindol inhibited serotonin absorption much less (in a concentration of 10(-4)M by 33, 28 and 18%, respectively). It is supposed that \"serotonin\" centre of the membrane carrier participating in the process of transmembrane serotonin transport was not identical to any definite type of serotonin receptor.", "PMID": 990460} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3800", "title": "[Interaction of nonachlazine and noradrenaline on a model phospholipid membrane].", "content": "The binding of nonachlazine (NCL), imipramine (IMP), and noradrenaline (NA) with the model phospholipid membrane vesicles--liposomes--was studied. The binding was determined by the qunching effect of these substances on the fluorescence of 3-methoxybenzantrone (MBA) present in the membrane of the fluorescent probe. A method rendering possible calculation of the binding of the preparations under study with the membrane of the basis of the fluorescence changes was developed. The binding constant of the NCL, IMP, and NA interaction with the membrane was equal to (4.3 +/- 0.3)-10(3)M-1, (2.7 +/- 0.2)-10(3)M-1, and (0.7 +/- 0.15)-10(3)M-1, respectively. It was shown that NCL and IMP could compete with NA for the membrane binding centers. Such competitive interactions could be regarded as a probable mechanism of the block of the reverse NA transport through the synaptic and the vesicular membranes characteristic of NCL and IMP.", "contents": "[Interaction of nonachlazine and noradrenaline on a model phospholipid membrane]. The binding of nonachlazine (NCL), imipramine (IMP), and noradrenaline (NA) with the model phospholipid membrane vesicles--liposomes--was studied. The binding was determined by the qunching effect of these substances on the fluorescence of 3-methoxybenzantrone (MBA) present in the membrane of the fluorescent probe. A method rendering possible calculation of the binding of the preparations under study with the membrane of the basis of the fluorescence changes was developed. The binding constant of the NCL, IMP, and NA interaction with the membrane was equal to (4.3 +/- 0.3)-10(3)M-1, (2.7 +/- 0.2)-10(3)M-1, and (0.7 +/- 0.15)-10(3)M-1, respectively. It was shown that NCL and IMP could compete with NA for the membrane binding centers. Such competitive interactions could be regarded as a probable mechanism of the block of the reverse NA transport through the synaptic and the vesicular membranes characteristic of NCL and IMP.", "PMID": 990461} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3801", "title": "[Effect of heparin on the lipid peroxidation reaction of erythrocytes and their stability].", "content": "Physiological concentration (10 units/ml) of heparin activates ascorbate-dependent lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes and reduces their stability in the citrate-phosphate buffer (pH 3.0). In a concentration of 100 units/ml heparin does not influence the thermal (62 degrees) oxidation of methyloleate. It follows that heparin is not direct prooxidant.", "contents": "[Effect of heparin on the lipid peroxidation reaction of erythrocytes and their stability]. Physiological concentration (10 units/ml) of heparin activates ascorbate-dependent lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes and reduces their stability in the citrate-phosphate buffer (pH 3.0). In a concentration of 100 units/ml heparin does not influence the thermal (62 degrees) oxidation of methyloleate. It follows that heparin is not direct prooxidant.", "PMID": 990462} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3802", "title": "[Relationship between the development of experimental leukemia and animals' capacity for a humoral immune response].", "content": "The tests on AKR and C57BL mice of different age were conducted using experimental models of transplanted Gross leukemia (the first passage), Pujman leukemia and spontaneous AKR mouse leukemia. An inverse relationship between the ability of mice to produce humoral antibodies and their susceptibility to transplantation of singeneic leukemic cells and the incidence of spontaneous leukemia has been established. The differences in the ability of the animals to develop immune response to a heterologous antigen were connected with the physiological processes of the aging organism. The data obtained indicated that the failure of one of the links of immunity did not always result in a higher risk of tumor development.", "contents": "[Relationship between the development of experimental leukemia and animals' capacity for a humoral immune response]. The tests on AKR and C57BL mice of different age were conducted using experimental models of transplanted Gross leukemia (the first passage), Pujman leukemia and spontaneous AKR mouse leukemia. An inverse relationship between the ability of mice to produce humoral antibodies and their susceptibility to transplantation of singeneic leukemic cells and the incidence of spontaneous leukemia has been established. The differences in the ability of the animals to develop immune response to a heterologous antigen were connected with the physiological processes of the aging organism. The data obtained indicated that the failure of one of the links of immunity did not always result in a higher risk of tumor development.", "PMID": 990463} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3803", "title": "[Participation of antibodies synthesized in vitro in rosette formation].", "content": "The author studied a possibility of rosette-formation by cells which became bound with the antibodies synthesized in vitro. It was found that antibodies capable of inducing formation of false rosettes appeared at the period of conduction of the rosette-formation reaction at 37 degrees C and with the prolongation of the incubation time in the culture medium. In carrying out the reaction of rosett-formation under conditions of cold the formation of false rosettes in the precipitate after the centrifugation was minimal.", "contents": "[Participation of antibodies synthesized in vitro in rosette formation]. The author studied a possibility of rosette-formation by cells which became bound with the antibodies synthesized in vitro. It was found that antibodies capable of inducing formation of false rosettes appeared at the period of conduction of the rosette-formation reaction at 37 degrees C and with the prolongation of the incubation time in the culture medium. In carrying out the reaction of rosett-formation under conditions of cold the formation of false rosettes in the precipitate after the centrifugation was minimal.", "PMID": 990464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3804", "title": "[Globulin producing cells in cultures of blast-transformed lymphocytes in vitro].", "content": "Globulin-producing cells -- lymphocytes, transitional transformed forms, blasts and plasmocyte-like cells were revealed with the aid of Coon's method in the culture of the human peripheral blood following stimulation with staphylococcus filtrate and phytohemagglutinin. Analysis of dynamics of the appearance of these cells suggests that they originate from a special B-lymphocyte subpopulation -- the immunological memory cells. Some of the globulin-producing cells arose from precursors without any division, in others differentiation was combined with proliferation.", "contents": "[Globulin producing cells in cultures of blast-transformed lymphocytes in vitro]. Globulin-producing cells -- lymphocytes, transitional transformed forms, blasts and plasmocyte-like cells were revealed with the aid of Coon's method in the culture of the human peripheral blood following stimulation with staphylococcus filtrate and phytohemagglutinin. Analysis of dynamics of the appearance of these cells suggests that they originate from a special B-lymphocyte subpopulation -- the immunological memory cells. Some of the globulin-producing cells arose from precursors without any division, in others differentiation was combined with proliferation.", "PMID": 990465} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3805", "title": "[Effect of different antisera on the magnitude of the immune response following induction of antibody formation by allogenic macrophages].", "content": "Data are presented on the effect of different antisera on the antibody-genesis induction by immune allogeneic macrophages. Significant decrease of the immune response was shown after administration of both alloantiserum and antimacrophagal serum during the first two days after the allogeneic macrophages transfer. Injection of these sera at the subsequent days did not significantly influence the entensity of the immune response. Antierythrocytic serum inhibits accumulation of antibody-producing cells when administered at different periods of time after allogeneic macrophages transplantation.", "contents": "[Effect of different antisera on the magnitude of the immune response following induction of antibody formation by allogenic macrophages]. Data are presented on the effect of different antisera on the antibody-genesis induction by immune allogeneic macrophages. Significant decrease of the immune response was shown after administration of both alloantiserum and antimacrophagal serum during the first two days after the allogeneic macrophages transfer. Injection of these sera at the subsequent days did not significantly influence the entensity of the immune response. Antierythrocytic serum inhibits accumulation of antibody-producing cells when administered at different periods of time after allogeneic macrophages transplantation.", "PMID": 990466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3806", "title": "[Kinetics of the colony-forming capacity of bone marrow cells following hydrocortisone administration to mice].", "content": "A study was made of the dynamics of the colony-forming and migration capacity of the polypotent stem hemopoietic cells of the bone marrow of the F1 (CBA X C57BL) mice after the hydrocortisone administration. The relative count of the stem hemopoietic cells in the bone marrow increased on the 3rd day after the hydrocortisone administration. This elevation was maximal on the 5th day after the hydrocortisone administration. On the 8th day the stem hemopoietic cell count decreased to the normal level.", "contents": "[Kinetics of the colony-forming capacity of bone marrow cells following hydrocortisone administration to mice]. A study was made of the dynamics of the colony-forming and migration capacity of the polypotent stem hemopoietic cells of the bone marrow of the F1 (CBA X C57BL) mice after the hydrocortisone administration. The relative count of the stem hemopoietic cells in the bone marrow increased on the 3rd day after the hydrocortisone administration. This elevation was maximal on the 5th day after the hydrocortisone administration. On the 8th day the stem hemopoietic cell count decreased to the normal level.", "PMID": 990467} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3807", "title": "[Concentration of free glutamine and glutaminase activity in the gastric mucosa of patients with precancerous diseases and cancer of the stomach].", "content": "Free glutamine content and phosphate-dependent glutaminase activity were studied in the biopsy specimens from the tissue of ulcer, polyps, carcinoma and the surrounding gastric mucosa of patients with precancerous diseases and carcinoma of the stomach. The glutamine content in carcinoma was not significantly different from that in the normal gastric mucosa. The glutamine level in the gastric mucosa remote from the tumour was considerably higher than normal. In case of polyposis of the stomach glutamine was present in the polyps and absent in the remote gastric mucosa. A marked glutaminase activity was revealed in the carcinoma of the stomach, but its level did not differ from the normal or in the case of precancerous diseases.", "contents": "[Concentration of free glutamine and glutaminase activity in the gastric mucosa of patients with precancerous diseases and cancer of the stomach]. Free glutamine content and phosphate-dependent glutaminase activity were studied in the biopsy specimens from the tissue of ulcer, polyps, carcinoma and the surrounding gastric mucosa of patients with precancerous diseases and carcinoma of the stomach. The glutamine content in carcinoma was not significantly different from that in the normal gastric mucosa. The glutamine level in the gastric mucosa remote from the tumour was considerably higher than normal. In case of polyposis of the stomach glutamine was present in the polyps and absent in the remote gastric mucosa. A marked glutaminase activity was revealed in the carcinoma of the stomach, but its level did not differ from the normal or in the case of precancerous diseases.", "PMID": 990468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3808", "title": "[Reactions of the rat submandibular salivary gland to injury of the contralateral gland].", "content": "After burn or resection of one submandibular salivary gland the contralateral gland responded by an increase of proliferation. The maximal mitotic index was observed 48 hours after the resection and 72 hours after the burn. Burn of the salivary gland initiated a stable, but weak compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral gland. Hypertrophy of the gland was accompanied by an increase in the size of the cells and the nuclei whose area enlarged by 10 and 17%, respectively. Resection of the salivary gland caused an increase in the weight of the intact contralateral gland only at the early periods of the experiment. By the 30th and the 45th day after the operation the weight of the intact contralateral gland failed to differ from control. The detected differences in the compensatory growth of the intact glands in two types of action on the contralateral salivary gland depended on the quantity of the tissue degeneration products and on the period of their stay in the organism.", "contents": "[Reactions of the rat submandibular salivary gland to injury of the contralateral gland]. After burn or resection of one submandibular salivary gland the contralateral gland responded by an increase of proliferation. The maximal mitotic index was observed 48 hours after the resection and 72 hours after the burn. Burn of the salivary gland initiated a stable, but weak compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral gland. Hypertrophy of the gland was accompanied by an increase in the size of the cells and the nuclei whose area enlarged by 10 and 17%, respectively. Resection of the salivary gland caused an increase in the weight of the intact contralateral gland only at the early periods of the experiment. By the 30th and the 45th day after the operation the weight of the intact contralateral gland failed to differ from control. The detected differences in the compensatory growth of the intact glands in two types of action on the contralateral salivary gland depended on the quantity of the tissue degeneration products and on the period of their stay in the organism.", "PMID": 990469} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3809", "title": "[Effect of neonatal androgenization on biogenic monoamines of the hypothalamus and the functional activity of the rat pituitary].", "content": "Injection of testosterone-propionate to female Wistar rats on the 2nd--4th days of birth failed to alter the serotonin level, but produced a sharp fall of the noradrenaline and dopamine levels in the hypothalamus of 3 1/2-month-old animals. This was accompanied by an increase in the prolactin content in the adenohypophysis with the retention of the normal somatotropic activity. The results of these studied indicated the participation of catecholamines in the pathogenesis of the anovular sterility, and elucidated current views on the control of the hypophysial gonadotropic function.", "contents": "[Effect of neonatal androgenization on biogenic monoamines of the hypothalamus and the functional activity of the rat pituitary]. Injection of testosterone-propionate to female Wistar rats on the 2nd--4th days of birth failed to alter the serotonin level, but produced a sharp fall of the noradrenaline and dopamine levels in the hypothalamus of 3 1/2-month-old animals. This was accompanied by an increase in the prolactin content in the adenohypophysis with the retention of the normal somatotropic activity. The results of these studied indicated the participation of catecholamines in the pathogenesis of the anovular sterility, and elucidated current views on the control of the hypophysial gonadotropic function.", "PMID": 990470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3810", "title": "[Effect of liver damage in females on reactive changes in the livers of the progeny].", "content": "The liver of 30-day ratlings was studied spectrocytophotometrically (glycogen, amino acid, RNA, and DNA content) and morphometrically (the size of the nuclei, nucleoli, mitotic index) 48 hours after the intragastric administration of CCI4; the mothers of these ratlings had sustained toxic hepatitis before pregnancy. The results obtained indicated that hepatitis sustained by the female animals not only influenced the morphological peculiarities and the histochemical properties of the liver of the progeny, but also largely conditioned the changes in the response of hepatocytes to the poison -- enhanced the damaging effect of the hepatotoxin.", "contents": "[Effect of liver damage in females on reactive changes in the livers of the progeny]. The liver of 30-day ratlings was studied spectrocytophotometrically (glycogen, amino acid, RNA, and DNA content) and morphometrically (the size of the nuclei, nucleoli, mitotic index) 48 hours after the intragastric administration of CCI4; the mothers of these ratlings had sustained toxic hepatitis before pregnancy. The results obtained indicated that hepatitis sustained by the female animals not only influenced the morphological peculiarities and the histochemical properties of the liver of the progeny, but also largely conditioned the changes in the response of hepatocytes to the poison -- enhanced the damaging effect of the hepatotoxin.", "PMID": 990471} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3811", "title": "[Transplacental and immediate effect of ortho-aminoazotoluol on organ cultures of embryonal mouse liver].", "content": "A study was made of the transplacental and direct action of orthoaminoazotoluol (OAAT) in the organ cultures of the embryonic liver of mice of a highly hepatomic CBA line. In direct action in vitro OAAT caused a marked reduction of survival of the organ cultures of the embryonic liver in comparison with control. In the transplacental action of OAAT the toxic effect was replaced at the last periods of cultivation by the growth stimulating one; the percentage of live experimental cultures increased by 30 in comparison with control.", "contents": "[Transplacental and immediate effect of ortho-aminoazotoluol on organ cultures of embryonal mouse liver]. A study was made of the transplacental and direct action of orthoaminoazotoluol (OAAT) in the organ cultures of the embryonic liver of mice of a highly hepatomic CBA line. In direct action in vitro OAAT caused a marked reduction of survival of the organ cultures of the embryonic liver in comparison with control. In the transplacental action of OAAT the toxic effect was replaced at the last periods of cultivation by the growth stimulating one; the percentage of live experimental cultures increased by 30 in comparison with control.", "PMID": 990472} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3812", "title": "[Effect of heparin on incorporation of H3-thymidine in cells of transplantable line A-1].", "content": "The effect of heparin on the thymidine-3H incorporation into the cells of the continous line A-1 was studied. Cell incubation in medium 199 containing heparin (1--200 units per ml) did not lead to reduction of the labeled nuclei percentage; the duration of the G2 and S periods also failed to change in comparison with control. However, the incorporation intensity of thymidine-3H (the mean number of granules per one labeled nucleus) was decreased significantly. The data obtained indicated that heparin influenced the plasmalemma permeability, but had no effect on the DNA synthesis. The antimitotic action of heparin was apparently due to its influence on the cell surface.", "contents": "[Effect of heparin on incorporation of H3-thymidine in cells of transplantable line A-1]. The effect of heparin on the thymidine-3H incorporation into the cells of the continous line A-1 was studied. Cell incubation in medium 199 containing heparin (1--200 units per ml) did not lead to reduction of the labeled nuclei percentage; the duration of the G2 and S periods also failed to change in comparison with control. However, the incorporation intensity of thymidine-3H (the mean number of granules per one labeled nucleus) was decreased significantly. The data obtained indicated that heparin influenced the plasmalemma permeability, but had no effect on the DNA synthesis. The antimitotic action of heparin was apparently due to its influence on the cell surface.", "PMID": 990473} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3813", "title": "[Effect of thyroxine on the mitotic cycle of cell cultures].", "content": "Thyroxin taken in concentration of 10 mug/ml exert a different influence on the mitotic cycle periods of the HeLe-cells in the log and stationary growth phases of the culture. During the log phase of growth thyroxine reduces the tG 2min period (for 2 hours), without influencing the other periods of mitotic cycle. In the stationary growth phase thyroxine reduces the mitotic cycle duration by 3--7 hours, chiefly on account of the accelerated G1 plus 1/2 M (by 4--8 hours) and partially of the G2min periods (by 1 hour). A conclusion on the hormonal stimulation of the cell entry into the mitotic cycle from the Go periods in the stationary culture was drawn.", "contents": "[Effect of thyroxine on the mitotic cycle of cell cultures]. Thyroxin taken in concentration of 10 mug/ml exert a different influence on the mitotic cycle periods of the HeLe-cells in the log and stationary growth phases of the culture. During the log phase of growth thyroxine reduces the tG 2min period (for 2 hours), without influencing the other periods of mitotic cycle. In the stationary growth phase thyroxine reduces the mitotic cycle duration by 3--7 hours, chiefly on account of the accelerated G1 plus 1/2 M (by 4--8 hours) and partially of the G2min periods (by 1 hour). A conclusion on the hormonal stimulation of the cell entry into the mitotic cycle from the Go periods in the stationary culture was drawn.", "PMID": 990474} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3814", "title": "[Subcellular changes in rat myocardium in nephrotoxic glomerulonephritis].", "content": "Disorganization of the mitochondria, myofibrillae, sarcolemma, intra- and intercellular edema, swelling and pyknosis of the endothelium, capillary obstruction by the blood elements, thickening of the basal membranes were revealed in the myocardium of rats with Mazugi nephritis. The maximum changes were observed on the 10--20th day after the onset of the reproduction of glomerulonephritis; the intracellular regenerative processes became intensified from the 20th day. There was a correlation in the dynamics of the subcellular histological and clinical manifestations of glomerulonephritis.", "contents": "[Subcellular changes in rat myocardium in nephrotoxic glomerulonephritis]. Disorganization of the mitochondria, myofibrillae, sarcolemma, intra- and intercellular edema, swelling and pyknosis of the endothelium, capillary obstruction by the blood elements, thickening of the basal membranes were revealed in the myocardium of rats with Mazugi nephritis. The maximum changes were observed on the 10--20th day after the onset of the reproduction of glomerulonephritis; the intracellular regenerative processes became intensified from the 20th day. There was a correlation in the dynamics of the subcellular histological and clinical manifestations of glomerulonephritis.", "PMID": 990475} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3815", "title": "[Morphologic analysis of the cortical substance of the adrenals under conditions of bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy].", "content": "After bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (in 7 to 45 days) there was revealed in Wistar rats an enlargement of the fascicular and the reticular zone of the adrenal cortex and a greater content of unsaturated phospholipids in their cells. A sharp dilatation of the venous sinusoids was noted in the medulla. Glucose administration to the vagotomized animals caused further accumulation of unsaturated phospholipids in the cells of the fascicular zone, but was not accompanied by any changes in the width of the zone. These cursors occurred in vagotomy; this was regarded as a morphological sign indicating the reduction of the functional activity of the fascicular and the reticular zones of the adrenal cortex.", "contents": "[Morphologic analysis of the cortical substance of the adrenals under conditions of bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy]. After bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (in 7 to 45 days) there was revealed in Wistar rats an enlargement of the fascicular and the reticular zone of the adrenal cortex and a greater content of unsaturated phospholipids in their cells. A sharp dilatation of the venous sinusoids was noted in the medulla. Glucose administration to the vagotomized animals caused further accumulation of unsaturated phospholipids in the cells of the fascicular zone, but was not accompanied by any changes in the width of the zone. These cursors occurred in vagotomy; this was regarded as a morphological sign indicating the reduction of the functional activity of the fascicular and the reticular zones of the adrenal cortex.", "PMID": 990476} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3816", "title": "[Effect of vagotomy on the ultrastructural organization of the enterochromaffin cells of the rat duodenal mucosa].", "content": "Detailed investigation of the ultrastructure of the enterochromaffine cells of the duodenal mucous membrane was conducted by electron microscopy. These cells were studied 7, 14, 28, and 56 days after bilateral subphrenic vagotomy. Vagotomy resulted in the alteration of the ultrastructural orgainzation of the enterochromaffine cells. These changes were due to disturbances of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonine) secretion. The changes in the ultrastructure of the enterochromaffine cells were most expressed 7 and 56 days after the operation. Temporary and relative normalization of the ultrastructure was observed in 28 days.", "contents": "[Effect of vagotomy on the ultrastructural organization of the enterochromaffin cells of the rat duodenal mucosa]. Detailed investigation of the ultrastructure of the enterochromaffine cells of the duodenal mucous membrane was conducted by electron microscopy. These cells were studied 7, 14, 28, and 56 days after bilateral subphrenic vagotomy. Vagotomy resulted in the alteration of the ultrastructural orgainzation of the enterochromaffine cells. These changes were due to disturbances of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonine) secretion. The changes in the ultrastructure of the enterochromaffine cells were most expressed 7 and 56 days after the operation. Temporary and relative normalization of the ultrastructure was observed in 28 days.", "PMID": 990477} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3817", "title": "[Hyperproduction of the epithelium and its vital rejection in the lumen of the small intestine outside the \"rejection zone\"].", "content": "Whole and histologically-treated biopsy material of the small intestinal mucosa of dogs with a full intestinal fistulae and of dogs with a portion of the small intestine excluded from digestion was studied. An intensive production of the surplus epithelial structures (protrusions, layers) was revealed in the areas of the crypts and the base of the villi. Rejection of these structures into the intestinal lumen occurred outside the \"expulsion zone\" with the preservation of the intactness of the villar surface. Less marked signs of this process were seen in control material. The data obtained testify to the fact of the existence of another way of development of the crypt cell leaving the crypt-villus system in the composition of the branching and rejecting epithelial structures.", "contents": "[Hyperproduction of the epithelium and its vital rejection in the lumen of the small intestine outside the \"rejection zone\"]. Whole and histologically-treated biopsy material of the small intestinal mucosa of dogs with a full intestinal fistulae and of dogs with a portion of the small intestine excluded from digestion was studied. An intensive production of the surplus epithelial structures (protrusions, layers) was revealed in the areas of the crypts and the base of the villi. Rejection of these structures into the intestinal lumen occurred outside the \"expulsion zone\" with the preservation of the intactness of the villar surface. Less marked signs of this process were seen in control material. The data obtained testify to the fact of the existence of another way of development of the crypt cell leaving the crypt-villus system in the composition of the branching and rejecting epithelial structures.", "PMID": 990478} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3818", "title": "[Telomeric chromosome fusion in cells treated with colcemid and 5-bromdeoxyuridine].", "content": "Specific chromosomes with two or more centromeres were found in the tetraploid metaphases of the second mitotic division after combined treatment with coldemid (0.05 mug/ml) and 5-bromodeoxyuridine (50 mug/ml) for 24 hours in the aneuploid Chinese hamster cell line. They were formed by telometric fusion of chromosomes and were absent in the cells treated with colcemid or 5-bromodeoxyuridine separately. A possible relation of this phenomenon to the telomeric association of chromosomes in the interphase nucleus, as well as to the chromosomal disturbances in the Louis Bar symdrome (ataxia -- telangiectasia) is discussed.", "contents": "[Telomeric chromosome fusion in cells treated with colcemid and 5-bromdeoxyuridine]. Specific chromosomes with two or more centromeres were found in the tetraploid metaphases of the second mitotic division after combined treatment with coldemid (0.05 mug/ml) and 5-bromodeoxyuridine (50 mug/ml) for 24 hours in the aneuploid Chinese hamster cell line. They were formed by telometric fusion of chromosomes and were absent in the cells treated with colcemid or 5-bromodeoxyuridine separately. A possible relation of this phenomenon to the telomeric association of chromosomes in the interphase nucleus, as well as to the chromosomal disturbances in the Louis Bar symdrome (ataxia -- telangiectasia) is discussed.", "PMID": 990480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3819", "title": "[Method of damaging rabbit myocardium during the intrauterine period].", "content": "The author describes a method used for injury of rabbit fetuses myocardium on the 20-24th days of pregnancy. The abdominal cavity and the uterus of pregnant rats were incised and the amniotic sac and thoracic wall of the fetus -- punctured, thus injuring the heart. Two methods were used: in the first case the amniotic sac was completely drawn out from the uterine cavity, and in the other case -- it remained in the uterus and was punctured through the uterine incision. If the operation was not followed by abortion the animals gave birth to viable full-term rabbits.", "contents": "[Method of damaging rabbit myocardium during the intrauterine period]. The author describes a method used for injury of rabbit fetuses myocardium on the 20-24th days of pregnancy. The abdominal cavity and the uterus of pregnant rats were incised and the amniotic sac and thoracic wall of the fetus -- punctured, thus injuring the heart. Two methods were used: in the first case the amniotic sac was completely drawn out from the uterine cavity, and in the other case -- it remained in the uterus and was punctured through the uterine incision. If the operation was not followed by abortion the animals gave birth to viable full-term rabbits.", "PMID": 990481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3820", "title": "[Analysis of muscle electrical activity during indirect rhythmic stimulation].", "content": "A mathematical model of transformation of the electrical signals in the peripheral neuromuscular junction, and a method of analysing the experimental data obtained in experiments on the muscle and muscle fibers of rat diaphragm in indirect rhythmic stimulation is described. The parameters characterizing the muscle by frequency potentiation and depression properties were determined as a result of the EMG analysis.", "contents": "[Analysis of muscle electrical activity during indirect rhythmic stimulation]. A mathematical model of transformation of the electrical signals in the peripheral neuromuscular junction, and a method of analysing the experimental data obtained in experiments on the muscle and muscle fibers of rat diaphragm in indirect rhythmic stimulation is described. The parameters characterizing the muscle by frequency potentiation and depression properties were determined as a result of the EMG analysis.", "PMID": 990482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3821", "title": "[Fractionation of normal human bone marrow on albumin gradients].", "content": "Bone marrow from 52 healthy donors has been fractionated on two discontinuous albumin gradients with different osmolarities in an effort to eliminate immunocompetent cells and to isolate hemopoietic stem cells. The nutrient agar system of Robinson was utilised as an assay procedure for the detection of colony-forming cells (CFU-c) in the resulting fractions. CFU-c, early granulocytic progenitors, are consistently present in the lighter fractions. On cytochemical staining, they showed a positive reaction for enzymes bound to lysosomes. The concentration of CFU-c was in an average 7 times that of the original marrow. At best, 1 X 10(5) CFU-c could be isolated from 10 ml marrow corresponding to 2 X 10(8) buffy-coat cells. The presence of immunocompetent cells was monitored by Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulation and T-cell rosette formation. In a human marrow transplant situation it appears that a better yield of CFU-c is necessary than is afforded by albumin gradient technique.", "contents": "[Fractionation of normal human bone marrow on albumin gradients]. Bone marrow from 52 healthy donors has been fractionated on two discontinuous albumin gradients with different osmolarities in an effort to eliminate immunocompetent cells and to isolate hemopoietic stem cells. The nutrient agar system of Robinson was utilised as an assay procedure for the detection of colony-forming cells (CFU-c) in the resulting fractions. CFU-c, early granulocytic progenitors, are consistently present in the lighter fractions. On cytochemical staining, they showed a positive reaction for enzymes bound to lysosomes. The concentration of CFU-c was in an average 7 times that of the original marrow. At best, 1 X 10(5) CFU-c could be isolated from 10 ml marrow corresponding to 2 X 10(8) buffy-coat cells. The presence of immunocompetent cells was monitored by Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulation and T-cell rosette formation. In a human marrow transplant situation it appears that a better yield of CFU-c is necessary than is afforded by albumin gradient technique.", "PMID": 990484} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3822", "title": "[Selenium concentration and activity of glutathione peroxidase in lysate of human erythrocytes].", "content": "The concentration of selenium in human red cells was measured by a fluorometric determination method after wet digestion of the biological material. In the red cells from the same blood samples the activity of the selenoenzyem glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9) was determined with tertiary butyl hydroperoxide as acceptor substrate. The results show that only 10% of the total selenium content of human red cells is fixed to the enzyme. No correlation between the enzyme activity and the selenium concentration could be found. On the basis of these results can be presumed that the protective effect of selenium in glutathione peroxidase against oxidant damage of cells is not the only biological function of this element.", "contents": "[Selenium concentration and activity of glutathione peroxidase in lysate of human erythrocytes]. The concentration of selenium in human red cells was measured by a fluorometric determination method after wet digestion of the biological material. In the red cells from the same blood samples the activity of the selenoenzyem glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9) was determined with tertiary butyl hydroperoxide as acceptor substrate. The results show that only 10% of the total selenium content of human red cells is fixed to the enzyme. No correlation between the enzyme activity and the selenium concentration could be found. On the basis of these results can be presumed that the protective effect of selenium in glutathione peroxidase against oxidant damage of cells is not the only biological function of this element.", "PMID": 990485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3823", "title": "Technical improvements in heat-ethanol isolation of serum albumin.", "content": "Although the heat-ethanol method of fractionation for the isolation of normal serum albumin (NSA) is technically easier and more economic than cold-ethanol methods, globulin removal and albumin concentration remain basic hinderances to a truly simplified procedure. Continuous flow centrifugation for the separation of precipitated proteins has been effectively replaced on the one hand by alluvial filtration (globulins), and onthe other hand by diafiltration (albumin). Through these changes, investive and running costs are further reduced, noise is all but eliminated, albumin yield is somewhat increased, and personnel required for a 600 1 plasma batch is reduced from four workers to one.", "contents": "Technical improvements in heat-ethanol isolation of serum albumin. Although the heat-ethanol method of fractionation for the isolation of normal serum albumin (NSA) is technically easier and more economic than cold-ethanol methods, globulin removal and albumin concentration remain basic hinderances to a truly simplified procedure. Continuous flow centrifugation for the separation of precipitated proteins has been effectively replaced on the one hand by alluvial filtration (globulins), and onthe other hand by diafiltration (albumin). Through these changes, investive and running costs are further reduced, noise is all but eliminated, albumin yield is somewhat increased, and personnel required for a 600 1 plasma batch is reduced from four workers to one.", "PMID": 990486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3824", "title": "[Changes of kappa/lambda ratio of human serum immunoglobulins in the course of development].", "content": "In sera of normal individuals of different age groups the kappa- and lambda-type immunoglobulins were measured and the kappa/lambda ratio was calculated. The relative concentration of lambda-immunoglobulins in sera of newborns and young children was found to be significantly higher than in the adult sera. The well-known asynchronous maturation of immunoglobulin classes and IgG subclasses in the early childhood is evidently accompagnied by a asynchronous maturation of immunoglobulin types.", "contents": "[Changes of kappa/lambda ratio of human serum immunoglobulins in the course of development]. In sera of normal individuals of different age groups the kappa- and lambda-type immunoglobulins were measured and the kappa/lambda ratio was calculated. The relative concentration of lambda-immunoglobulins in sera of newborns and young children was found to be significantly higher than in the adult sera. The well-known asynchronous maturation of immunoglobulin classes and IgG subclasses in the early childhood is evidently accompagnied by a asynchronous maturation of immunoglobulin types.", "PMID": 990487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3825", "title": "Re-entry of resting leukaemic blood cells into proliferation in human acute leukaemia during diffusion chamber culture.", "content": "From 17 patients with different forms of acute leukaemia, mononuclear blood cells were cultured in diffusion chambers (DC) implanted intraperitoneally into pre-irradiated mice. In 14 patients, growth of blast cells could be observed during the culture period of up to 21 days. To question whether this growth of blast cells was due only to proliferation of the initially proliferating fraction or whether a re-entry of resting leukaemic cells into proliferation was involved, various 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR) labelling studies were carried out. The absolute increase of blast cells in EC showed no correlation with the fraction of leukaemic blast cells in DNA-synthesis in the implanted cell suspension as measured by 3H-TdR labelling in vitro. Furthermore, in 2 patients where the kinetic behaviour of initially labelled leukaemic blast cells was followed during DC culture, the increase in total blast cells could only be attributed to a small extent to proliferation of those cells initially in the cell cycle. Lastly, \"in vivo\" labelling during the culture period showed that in one case 25% and in another case 60% of the blast cells in DC were proliferating. The conclusion is that, owing to the stimulation of the diffusion chamber milieu and possibly also due to removal of an in vivo inhibition, in most cases of acute leukaemia resting leukaemic blast cells can apparently re-enter the active cell cycle. This has relevance for an understanding of the self-maintenance of the leukaemic cell population and may also be a reason for relapse of leukaemia after the usual cytostatic drug treatment which affects mainly the proliferating leukaemic cells.", "contents": "Re-entry of resting leukaemic blood cells into proliferation in human acute leukaemia during diffusion chamber culture. From 17 patients with different forms of acute leukaemia, mononuclear blood cells were cultured in diffusion chambers (DC) implanted intraperitoneally into pre-irradiated mice. In 14 patients, growth of blast cells could be observed during the culture period of up to 21 days. To question whether this growth of blast cells was due only to proliferation of the initially proliferating fraction or whether a re-entry of resting leukaemic cells into proliferation was involved, various 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR) labelling studies were carried out. The absolute increase of blast cells in EC showed no correlation with the fraction of leukaemic blast cells in DNA-synthesis in the implanted cell suspension as measured by 3H-TdR labelling in vitro. Furthermore, in 2 patients where the kinetic behaviour of initially labelled leukaemic blast cells was followed during DC culture, the increase in total blast cells could only be attributed to a small extent to proliferation of those cells initially in the cell cycle. Lastly, \"in vivo\" labelling during the culture period showed that in one case 25% and in another case 60% of the blast cells in DC were proliferating. The conclusion is that, owing to the stimulation of the diffusion chamber milieu and possibly also due to removal of an in vivo inhibition, in most cases of acute leukaemia resting leukaemic blast cells can apparently re-enter the active cell cycle. This has relevance for an understanding of the self-maintenance of the leukaemic cell population and may also be a reason for relapse of leukaemia after the usual cytostatic drug treatment which affects mainly the proliferating leukaemic cells.", "PMID": 990489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3826", "title": "[Amh, a Bombay variant with cryptantigen H].", "content": "Untreated red cells of the Bombay variant Amh have traces of A. They are Le(b)-positive but H-negative. Following RDE-(Receptor destroying enzyme) treatment H is demonstrable by anti-HLa, -BHEe, and -HUe but not by anti-HLt. This type of reaction resembles that in O-newborns: H is present only in the form of a glycolipoid but not in the form of a mucoid. The barrier of neuraminic acid prevents recognition of H as his own. Anti-H is present. It has been shown that H as a precursor is necessary only for A1 but not for Am, A3, and A2.", "contents": "[Amh, a Bombay variant with cryptantigen H]. Untreated red cells of the Bombay variant Amh have traces of A. They are Le(b)-positive but H-negative. Following RDE-(Receptor destroying enzyme) treatment H is demonstrable by anti-HLa, -BHEe, and -HUe but not by anti-HLt. This type of reaction resembles that in O-newborns: H is present only in the form of a glycolipoid but not in the form of a mucoid. The barrier of neuraminic acid prevents recognition of H as his own. Anti-H is present. It has been shown that H as a precursor is necessary only for A1 but not for Am, A3, and A2.", "PMID": 990490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3827", "title": "[Polymorphism of human erythrocytic esterase D].", "content": "Within a population sample of 2530 blood donors the EsD-polymorphism in Northern Bavaria has been investigated. The calculated gene frequencies are: EsD1 = 0,8737; EsD2 = 0,1261; EsD3 = 0,0002.", "contents": "[Polymorphism of human erythrocytic esterase D]. Within a population sample of 2530 blood donors the EsD-polymorphism in Northern Bavaria has been investigated. The calculated gene frequencies are: EsD1 = 0,8737; EsD2 = 0,1261; EsD3 = 0,0002.", "PMID": 990491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3828", "title": "[Thoughts on carcinogenic pollution caused by ionizing radiation].", "content": "The pollution phenomenon groups the effects of small doses of radiation on large populations. These effects on Man are not directly accessible. One must: a) consider some epidemiological statistics (cosmic radiation at high altitudes; radioactivity from granitic surroundings); b) extrapolate from datas obtained with high doses; c) extrapolate from datas obtained with low doses in micro-organisms or mammalian cells in vitro. The interpolation scheme of Abrahamson et al. is so available for mutagenicity. The question of a threshold remains theoretical, although radiation-induced carcinogenesis often displays a dose-effects curve with a well market threshold. A new concept, that of a \"practical threshold\" is developped, which may be of great usefulness. The main genetic considerations are listed upon which the present international admissible doses are based. Finally, in order to establish quantitative comparisons between chemical and radiation carcinogenic pollution, the concept of \"rad equivalents\" for the main chemical mutagens is stressed.", "contents": "[Thoughts on carcinogenic pollution caused by ionizing radiation]. The pollution phenomenon groups the effects of small doses of radiation on large populations. These effects on Man are not directly accessible. One must: a) consider some epidemiological statistics (cosmic radiation at high altitudes; radioactivity from granitic surroundings); b) extrapolate from datas obtained with high doses; c) extrapolate from datas obtained with low doses in micro-organisms or mammalian cells in vitro. The interpolation scheme of Abrahamson et al. is so available for mutagenicity. The question of a threshold remains theoretical, although radiation-induced carcinogenesis often displays a dose-effects curve with a well market threshold. A new concept, that of a \"practical threshold\" is developped, which may be of great usefulness. The main genetic considerations are listed upon which the present international admissible doses are based. Finally, in order to establish quantitative comparisons between chemical and radiation carcinogenic pollution, the concept of \"rad equivalents\" for the main chemical mutagens is stressed.", "PMID": 990507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3829", "title": "Skin reaction as a biological parameter for prospective studies of different dose schedules with the CRE formula.", "content": "The validity of the CRE formula for prospective calculation of biologically equivalent radiation doses with different fractionation schedules has been investigated. Patients with breast cancer were irradiated postoperatively on bilateral parasternal fields. The biological radiation effect was studied by reflectance spectrophotometry of skin erythema and pigmentation. The results from daily irradiation in comparison with twice-a-week, once-a-week, 3-times-a-day and \"split-course\" irradiation indicate that the formula is a very good predictor of the acute skin erythema and pigmentation.", "contents": "Skin reaction as a biological parameter for prospective studies of different dose schedules with the CRE formula. The validity of the CRE formula for prospective calculation of biologically equivalent radiation doses with different fractionation schedules has been investigated. Patients with breast cancer were irradiated postoperatively on bilateral parasternal fields. The biological radiation effect was studied by reflectance spectrophotometry of skin erythema and pigmentation. The results from daily irradiation in comparison with twice-a-week, once-a-week, 3-times-a-day and \"split-course\" irradiation indicate that the formula is a very good predictor of the acute skin erythema and pigmentation.", "PMID": 990508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3830", "title": "[Anticancerous chemotherapy trial with duborimycin. Analysis of 151 cases].", "content": "Duborimycin is a new antimitotic agent approaching danorubicin and adriamycin in activity which has been tried on 151 patients suffering from cancer of different types, is an advanced local/regional stage and/or metastatic disease. It was administered intravenously every fortnight in a mean unit dose of 400 mg, and the duration of the treatment ranged from 2 to 52 weeks. Objective improvement was registered in 56 patients of the 135 cases in whcih the results were assessed (around 41.4% of cases). In 4 cases the regression of tumour volume was greater than 50% (one of these cases was in melanoma, the other a sarcoma) and in 2 cases regression was complete (a squamous cell carcinoma and an embryonal testicular tumour). The subjective effects were appreciable in 53 of the 115 cases which could be studied (46%) and above all in the refractory pain of bony secondaries from breast cancer (a favourable response in 78% of cases). Manifestations of intolerance/toxicity were of a minor nature on the haematologic side, that cardiologic ones relatively frequent (18% of treated cases) and occasionally serious (2 cases of asystole). Great care is therefore necessary in supervision of the treatment. However, the first results obtained by this line of approach, notably in chemo-resistant forms of tumour such as melanoma and sarcomas, utilizing the very strict criteria in one analysis encourage further study of duborimycin in cases of this sort (preferably in association and in accordance with protocols of comparative trials) so that its place in cancer chemotherapy may be more precisely defined.", "contents": "[Anticancerous chemotherapy trial with duborimycin. Analysis of 151 cases]. Duborimycin is a new antimitotic agent approaching danorubicin and adriamycin in activity which has been tried on 151 patients suffering from cancer of different types, is an advanced local/regional stage and/or metastatic disease. It was administered intravenously every fortnight in a mean unit dose of 400 mg, and the duration of the treatment ranged from 2 to 52 weeks. Objective improvement was registered in 56 patients of the 135 cases in whcih the results were assessed (around 41.4% of cases). In 4 cases the regression of tumour volume was greater than 50% (one of these cases was in melanoma, the other a sarcoma) and in 2 cases regression was complete (a squamous cell carcinoma and an embryonal testicular tumour). The subjective effects were appreciable in 53 of the 115 cases which could be studied (46%) and above all in the refractory pain of bony secondaries from breast cancer (a favourable response in 78% of cases). Manifestations of intolerance/toxicity were of a minor nature on the haematologic side, that cardiologic ones relatively frequent (18% of treated cases) and occasionally serious (2 cases of asystole). Great care is therefore necessary in supervision of the treatment. However, the first results obtained by this line of approach, notably in chemo-resistant forms of tumour such as melanoma and sarcomas, utilizing the very strict criteria in one analysis encourage further study of duborimycin in cases of this sort (preferably in association and in accordance with protocols of comparative trials) so that its place in cancer chemotherapy may be more precisely defined.", "PMID": 990509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3831", "title": "[Anticancerous chemotherapy and the general practitioner].", "content": "The evolution of anti-cancer chemotherapy has led to long duration treatments, which preferentially are given at home, with the participation of the general practitionner (G.P.). The indications and general supervision of these belong to the oncologist, so thus necessitates a coordinated effort between the many physicians. A postal inquiry has permitted the collection of the opinions of 169 G.P. (more than half of the consulted physicians) from the southwest of France, in the region depending on the Fondation Bergoni\u00e9. Thus it was possible to establish the importance of this type of treatment for the majority of the G.P., the details of problems of practical application, and the value attached to the relationships with the oncologist, which need further development.", "contents": "[Anticancerous chemotherapy and the general practitioner]. The evolution of anti-cancer chemotherapy has led to long duration treatments, which preferentially are given at home, with the participation of the general practitionner (G.P.). The indications and general supervision of these belong to the oncologist, so thus necessitates a coordinated effort between the many physicians. A postal inquiry has permitted the collection of the opinions of 169 G.P. (more than half of the consulted physicians) from the southwest of France, in the region depending on the Fondation Bergoni\u00e9. Thus it was possible to establish the importance of this type of treatment for the majority of the G.P., the details of problems of practical application, and the value attached to the relationships with the oncologist, which need further development.", "PMID": 990510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3832", "title": "Magnetic transverse relaxation time of the protons in transplantable melanotic and amelanotic melanoma and in some inner organs of golden hamster Mesocricetus auratus, Waterhouse.", "content": "The proton magnetic relaxation time T2 was measured in transplantable melanotic and amelanotic melanoma as well as in some organs of golden hamsters of agouti and albino strains. These measurement indicate that the proton relaxation rate depends upon the properties of the biopolymers contained in the tissues, such as melanin, upon the age of the animals, but also on pathological changes different from the neoplastic transformation of the tissues, such as oedema.", "contents": "Magnetic transverse relaxation time of the protons in transplantable melanotic and amelanotic melanoma and in some inner organs of golden hamster Mesocricetus auratus, Waterhouse. The proton magnetic relaxation time T2 was measured in transplantable melanotic and amelanotic melanoma as well as in some organs of golden hamsters of agouti and albino strains. These measurement indicate that the proton relaxation rate depends upon the properties of the biopolymers contained in the tissues, such as melanin, upon the age of the animals, but also on pathological changes different from the neoplastic transformation of the tissues, such as oedema.", "PMID": 990511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3833", "title": "[Response of digestive tract mucosa to single and fractionated irradiation. Practical implications for radiotherapy].", "content": "After a short description of the gastro-intestinal syndrome (for a single \"acute\" irradiation) and a discussion of the importance of fractionation in radiotherapy, the authors report their experimental results on intestinal tolerance in mice after fractionated irradiation. Intestinal tolerance was assessed from LD50 after abdomen irradiation. Variation of LD50 was first studied as a function of the fraction number N (keeping constant the overall time T). From these data iso-effect curves were calculated which can be used for clinical applications for correcting the total dose when the fraction number has to be modified (for T constant). In a second series of experiments, variation of LD50 was studied as a function of overall time T (keeping constant the fraction number N), this study confirms the large recovery capability of the intestinal mucosa, which is due to the combination of 2 mechanisms: shortening of the mitotic cycle of the surviving stem cells and increase of the size of the stem cell compartment. These 2 mechanisms were evaluated quantitatively for a fractionated irradiation. The data obtained for intestine are compared to similar data obtained for other tissues (skin, lung). The authors emphasize the risk of applying to late effects the conclusions obtained for early effets.", "contents": "[Response of digestive tract mucosa to single and fractionated irradiation. Practical implications for radiotherapy]. After a short description of the gastro-intestinal syndrome (for a single \"acute\" irradiation) and a discussion of the importance of fractionation in radiotherapy, the authors report their experimental results on intestinal tolerance in mice after fractionated irradiation. Intestinal tolerance was assessed from LD50 after abdomen irradiation. Variation of LD50 was first studied as a function of the fraction number N (keeping constant the overall time T). From these data iso-effect curves were calculated which can be used for clinical applications for correcting the total dose when the fraction number has to be modified (for T constant). In a second series of experiments, variation of LD50 was studied as a function of overall time T (keeping constant the fraction number N), this study confirms the large recovery capability of the intestinal mucosa, which is due to the combination of 2 mechanisms: shortening of the mitotic cycle of the surviving stem cells and increase of the size of the stem cell compartment. These 2 mechanisms were evaluated quantitatively for a fractionated irradiation. The data obtained for intestine are compared to similar data obtained for other tissues (skin, lung). The authors emphasize the risk of applying to late effects the conclusions obtained for early effets.", "PMID": 990512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3834", "title": "[Role of electrocoagulation in treatment of cancers of the rectum].", "content": "The authors describe the technics of a wide local electrocoagulation which was used in the treatment of 42 malignant tumors of the rectum: 27 adenocarcinomas and 15 malignant villous tumors. This not disabling technic, avoiding colostomy, is generally harmless even in old and poor risk patients. The mortality rate was 7 p. 100 in the adenocarcinomas series, nul in the malignant villous tumor series. The five year survival rate was 66 p. 100 in the first series and 80 p. 100 in the second. One third of the patients bearing adenocarcinomas developed recurrences, among which some were treated either by large surgery, iterative electrocoagulation, or radiotherapy after colostomy. The indications depend on the size and the site of the tumor. Electrocoagulation is found possible only for T1 or T2 tumors of the posterior and lateral walls of the rectum, provided that they are located at less than 10 cm from anus and above the sphincter.", "contents": "[Role of electrocoagulation in treatment of cancers of the rectum]. The authors describe the technics of a wide local electrocoagulation which was used in the treatment of 42 malignant tumors of the rectum: 27 adenocarcinomas and 15 malignant villous tumors. This not disabling technic, avoiding colostomy, is generally harmless even in old and poor risk patients. The mortality rate was 7 p. 100 in the adenocarcinomas series, nul in the malignant villous tumor series. The five year survival rate was 66 p. 100 in the first series and 80 p. 100 in the second. One third of the patients bearing adenocarcinomas developed recurrences, among which some were treated either by large surgery, iterative electrocoagulation, or radiotherapy after colostomy. The indications depend on the size and the site of the tumor. Electrocoagulation is found possible only for T1 or T2 tumors of the posterior and lateral walls of the rectum, provided that they are located at less than 10 cm from anus and above the sphincter.", "PMID": 990513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3835", "title": "A combined therapeutic approach for the management of advanced stages of rectal cancer.", "content": "Patients with moderately advanced, inoperable, recurrent or metastatic rectal cancer, referred to the R.R.T.I. since December 1970 till December 1973, were treated with combined therapeutic regimens that differed according to the stage of the disease. Patients with border operability rectal cancer were treated with preoperative radiotherapy (with or without 5-FU combination) followed by radical surgery within two weeks. Those treated with preoperative radiotherapy + surgery (group I) showed a survival rate of 62 per cent at 48 months while those treated with combined preoperative radiotherapy + 5-FU followed by surgery (group II) showed a survival rate of 78 per cent at 48 months. As for the inoperable patients (group IV) and the recurrent cases of the rectal amputation (group V) who were treated with a split course of combined radiotherapy + 5-FU, they showed a mean survival of 20 and 48 months respectively. Patients in groups III and VI were very few to yield any meaningful results. Detailed treatment policies, techniques and results are also discussed.", "contents": "A combined therapeutic approach for the management of advanced stages of rectal cancer. Patients with moderately advanced, inoperable, recurrent or metastatic rectal cancer, referred to the R.R.T.I. since December 1970 till December 1973, were treated with combined therapeutic regimens that differed according to the stage of the disease. Patients with border operability rectal cancer were treated with preoperative radiotherapy (with or without 5-FU combination) followed by radical surgery within two weeks. Those treated with preoperative radiotherapy + surgery (group I) showed a survival rate of 62 per cent at 48 months while those treated with combined preoperative radiotherapy + 5-FU followed by surgery (group II) showed a survival rate of 78 per cent at 48 months. As for the inoperable patients (group IV) and the recurrent cases of the rectal amputation (group V) who were treated with a split course of combined radiotherapy + 5-FU, they showed a mean survival of 20 and 48 months respectively. Patients in groups III and VI were very few to yield any meaningful results. Detailed treatment policies, techniques and results are also discussed.", "PMID": 990514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3836", "title": "[Chemotherapy of soft tissues sarcomas. Summary of a decade and current trends].", "content": "The results of palliative chemotherapy applied to 123 patients with disseminated soft tissue sarcomas are reviewed with the recent literature data. With the exception of embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas of children, which are considered separately, the response of these tumors to chemotherapy is poor but not negligible. The association of several active drugs should permit substantial progress, especially in the initial stage of local treatment, when the number of disseminated cells is still reduced. A follow-up of controlled clinical studies must specify the modalities of multidisciplinary treatment in an effort to reduce regional recurrence or metastasis.", "contents": "[Chemotherapy of soft tissues sarcomas. Summary of a decade and current trends]. The results of palliative chemotherapy applied to 123 patients with disseminated soft tissue sarcomas are reviewed with the recent literature data. With the exception of embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas of children, which are considered separately, the response of these tumors to chemotherapy is poor but not negligible. The association of several active drugs should permit substantial progress, especially in the initial stage of local treatment, when the number of disseminated cells is still reduced. A follow-up of controlled clinical studies must specify the modalities of multidisciplinary treatment in an effort to reduce regional recurrence or metastasis.", "PMID": 990515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3837", "title": "[Curative radiotherapy with hope of saving the breast in operable breast cancers 403 cases with 5-year survival].", "content": "Between 1960 and 1975, 1 078 operable mammary carcinomas were treated by caesium therapy with the objective of conserving the breast. The authors analyse the indications for and results of this treatment in the 403 cases which have had more than 5 years follow up (241 cases were irradiated as primary treatment, 162 after having a simple tumorectomy). For the whole group 92 mastectomies were ultimately carried out: in 30 of them no tumour was found in the operative specimen. The tumorectomy cases, restricted to stage 1 of the UICC classification (pre 1962) -- PRV 0 IGR yielded the best results: 86 per cent 5 yeat cures with 9 out of 10 women retaining both breasts. The primary irradiation cases, all types considered, gave results comparable with those for primary radical surgery: 58 per cent 5 year cures-but 2 out of 3 women retained both breasts. By itself caesium therapy is capable of eradicating tumour in breast and axilla in half of the cases. It really amounts to a \"double chance strategy\"--an attempt at cure if possible with avoidance of mastectomy, this being in reserve in the event of failure.", "contents": "[Curative radiotherapy with hope of saving the breast in operable breast cancers 403 cases with 5-year survival]. Between 1960 and 1975, 1 078 operable mammary carcinomas were treated by caesium therapy with the objective of conserving the breast. The authors analyse the indications for and results of this treatment in the 403 cases which have had more than 5 years follow up (241 cases were irradiated as primary treatment, 162 after having a simple tumorectomy). For the whole group 92 mastectomies were ultimately carried out: in 30 of them no tumour was found in the operative specimen. The tumorectomy cases, restricted to stage 1 of the UICC classification (pre 1962) -- PRV 0 IGR yielded the best results: 86 per cent 5 yeat cures with 9 out of 10 women retaining both breasts. The primary irradiation cases, all types considered, gave results comparable with those for primary radical surgery: 58 per cent 5 year cures-but 2 out of 3 women retained both breasts. By itself caesium therapy is capable of eradicating tumour in breast and axilla in half of the cases. It really amounts to a \"double chance strategy\"--an attempt at cure if possible with avoidance of mastectomy, this being in reserve in the event of failure.", "PMID": 990516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3838", "title": "[Data bank experience on cancer patients in a radiotherapy department].", "content": "6 000 cancer patients records are presently computerized in the department of Radiotherapy of the University of Li\u00e9ge. This registry is closely similar to a hospital based cancer registry. The aims of the registry are: clinical use, descriptive epidemiology and end results. The set up and the use of the registry have underlined the necessity to clarify a certain number of concepts to permit coding; the running cost of such a record estimated in December 1973 is of about 400 Belgian francs.", "contents": "[Data bank experience on cancer patients in a radiotherapy department]. 6 000 cancer patients records are presently computerized in the department of Radiotherapy of the University of Li\u00e9ge. This registry is closely similar to a hospital based cancer registry. The aims of the registry are: clinical use, descriptive epidemiology and end results. The set up and the use of the registry have underlined the necessity to clarify a certain number of concepts to permit coding; the running cost of such a record estimated in December 1973 is of about 400 Belgian francs.", "PMID": 990517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3839", "title": "[Role of facilitating antibodies during pregnancy and growth of tumors].", "content": "Maternal antibodies can be detected by immunofluorescence techniques on mouse placenta. Following acid elution, it is possible to characterize them as mostly IgG, mainly IgG1. It can be shown that they specifically bind paternal thymocytes and promote allogeneic mast cell degranulation, mainly specifically, but also to a lesser extent non specifically. The prolongation of survival of paternal strain tumor injected into a maternal strain animal demonstrate their enhancing activity.", "contents": "[Role of facilitating antibodies during pregnancy and growth of tumors]. Maternal antibodies can be detected by immunofluorescence techniques on mouse placenta. Following acid elution, it is possible to characterize them as mostly IgG, mainly IgG1. It can be shown that they specifically bind paternal thymocytes and promote allogeneic mast cell degranulation, mainly specifically, but also to a lesser extent non specifically. The prolongation of survival of paternal strain tumor injected into a maternal strain animal demonstrate their enhancing activity.", "PMID": 990518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3840", "title": "Metabolic fate of ethylenethiourea in pregnant rats.", "content": "Metabolic fate of ETU was investigated in the rats administered orally 100 mg/kg of C14-ETU on the twelfth day of gestation. ETU was absorbed readily from the gastrointestinal tract and passed away from the whole body tissues including the fetus rapidly. Only the exception was the thyroid gland and the radio-activity was accumulated in the gland. Most of the administered activity (80.2%,4,5-C14-ETU) was eliminated into the urine in 24 hr and the tissues (including the fetus) levels of radioactivity from 2-C14-ETU reached maximal within 2 hr and fell down to negligible levels by 24 hr. Radiocarbon(s) of 4,5-C14-ETU was expired as radioactive carbon dioxide and was incorporated into the serum and fetal cell constituents (crude protein fraction), but that of 2-C14-ETU was neither expired or incorporated into the cell constituents. From the fetus extract ETU and several radioactive metabolites were detected.", "contents": "Metabolic fate of ethylenethiourea in pregnant rats. Metabolic fate of ETU was investigated in the rats administered orally 100 mg/kg of C14-ETU on the twelfth day of gestation. ETU was absorbed readily from the gastrointestinal tract and passed away from the whole body tissues including the fetus rapidly. Only the exception was the thyroid gland and the radio-activity was accumulated in the gland. Most of the administered activity (80.2%,4,5-C14-ETU) was eliminated into the urine in 24 hr and the tissues (including the fetus) levels of radioactivity from 2-C14-ETU reached maximal within 2 hr and fell down to negligible levels by 24 hr. Radiocarbon(s) of 4,5-C14-ETU was expired as radioactive carbon dioxide and was incorporated into the serum and fetal cell constituents (crude protein fraction), but that of 2-C14-ETU was neither expired or incorporated into the cell constituents. From the fetus extract ETU and several radioactive metabolites were detected.", "PMID": 990524} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3841", "title": "[Study of worldwide nutritional requirements].", "content": "In 1972, for the first time in 20 years, world food production decreased and the resulting food crisis was aggravated by the energy and fertilizer crisis, the arrival of new and important countries on the internationl market and by the tendency to world wide inflation. Present food needs are shown in terms of mean share of protein and energy per person and from this it can be seen that in 1970 nearly 500 million people received a share inferior to maintain energy expenditure fixed at 1,5 time the basal metabolism. The projection of alimentary needs to the year 1985, taking into account population and revenue increase, show that a prodigious effort will have to be accomplished in the developing countries to meet the increasing demand and to supplement the production of the traditional food exporting countries who will soon reach their limit. Such an effort will only be able to be put into production if the industrialized countries, conscious of the need to promote development on a worldwide scale, agree to ensure a large part of the necessary financing.", "contents": "[Study of worldwide nutritional requirements]. In 1972, for the first time in 20 years, world food production decreased and the resulting food crisis was aggravated by the energy and fertilizer crisis, the arrival of new and important countries on the internationl market and by the tendency to world wide inflation. Present food needs are shown in terms of mean share of protein and energy per person and from this it can be seen that in 1970 nearly 500 million people received a share inferior to maintain energy expenditure fixed at 1,5 time the basal metabolism. The projection of alimentary needs to the year 1985, taking into account population and revenue increase, show that a prodigious effort will have to be accomplished in the developing countries to meet the increasing demand and to supplement the production of the traditional food exporting countries who will soon reach their limit. Such an effort will only be able to be put into production if the industrialized countries, conscious of the need to promote development on a worldwide scale, agree to ensure a large part of the necessary financing.", "PMID": 990568} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3842", "title": "[The socio-economic framework of nutritional problems in poor and in rich countries].", "content": "The explosive increase of population in almost all the underdeveloped countries--about 1900 it was round a milliard, now it is more than two milliard and at the turn of the century more than four milliard is to be expected--has given rise to serious concern that the Third World is approaching a nutritional catastrophe such as ROBERT MALTHUS has prophesied nearly two hundred years ago for the newly developing industrial countries. The actual development of the industrial countries has proved the opposite of MALTHUS' prognosis. And in the Third World also such pessimistic fears are not appropriate. The natural potential for the production of foodstuffs in most of the developing countries is immensely great. The nutrition of the additional milliard in this century could be kept at the approximately equal per capita level by cultivation of land reserves with traditional primitive methods without an increase of yield. In order to keep from hunger the number of consumers doubling once more in the coming twenty-five years, it is essential to apply the modern methods of food production developed in the industrial countries. This would allow double or threefold and more the yield on the same area of land. The available reserves of food production in all--taking the land reserves and the still more important progress in agricultural methods together--are so great that fear of general hunger through the exhaustion of resources, even with a world population of ten milliards, must be regarded as totally unfounded and misleading. This is so, however, only when all available forces for this great task are activated and put into productive action. In the industrial countries with their at present extremely high level of nutrition, which had never before in history been reached, a great increase of food production has been achieved in comparison with the former primitive and low productive agriculture. It would, however, be an inversion of the cause and effect to believe that the improvement of the nutrition standard was caused primarily by the increase in food production. The initial stimulus derived from the increase in income, purchasing power and demand at first for more, and later for better nutrition, which came with the industrialisation. This gave the impulse to agriculture to make better use of the given great possibilities to produce progressively more food by applying the continually improving agricultural technology and higher investment. Gradually the nutritional standard of the masses in the industrial countries has reached, thanks to the high purchasing power of the masses, many times the level at the beginning of industrialisation and also the level of most developing countries. A look back into the past and the present conditions in the Third World shows that each phase of development, with its typical average income, has a certain standard of nutrition...", "contents": "[The socio-economic framework of nutritional problems in poor and in rich countries]. The explosive increase of population in almost all the underdeveloped countries--about 1900 it was round a milliard, now it is more than two milliard and at the turn of the century more than four milliard is to be expected--has given rise to serious concern that the Third World is approaching a nutritional catastrophe such as ROBERT MALTHUS has prophesied nearly two hundred years ago for the newly developing industrial countries. The actual development of the industrial countries has proved the opposite of MALTHUS' prognosis. And in the Third World also such pessimistic fears are not appropriate. The natural potential for the production of foodstuffs in most of the developing countries is immensely great. The nutrition of the additional milliard in this century could be kept at the approximately equal per capita level by cultivation of land reserves with traditional primitive methods without an increase of yield. In order to keep from hunger the number of consumers doubling once more in the coming twenty-five years, it is essential to apply the modern methods of food production developed in the industrial countries. This would allow double or threefold and more the yield on the same area of land. The available reserves of food production in all--taking the land reserves and the still more important progress in agricultural methods together--are so great that fear of general hunger through the exhaustion of resources, even with a world population of ten milliards, must be regarded as totally unfounded and misleading. This is so, however, only when all available forces for this great task are activated and put into productive action. In the industrial countries with their at present extremely high level of nutrition, which had never before in history been reached, a great increase of food production has been achieved in comparison with the former primitive and low productive agriculture. It would, however, be an inversion of the cause and effect to believe that the improvement of the nutrition standard was caused primarily by the increase in food production. The initial stimulus derived from the increase in income, purchasing power and demand at first for more, and later for better nutrition, which came with the industrialisation. This gave the impulse to agriculture to make better use of the given great possibilities to produce progressively more food by applying the continually improving agricultural technology and higher investment. Gradually the nutritional standard of the masses in the industrial countries has reached, thanks to the high purchasing power of the masses, many times the level at the beginning of industrialisation and also the level of most developing countries. A look back into the past and the present conditions in the Third World shows that each phase of development, with its typical average income, has a certain standard of nutrition...", "PMID": 990569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3843", "title": "Subclinical and covert malnutrition.", "content": "Obvious or overt malnutrition is diagnosed from characteristic clinical signs. Subclinical malnutrition is revealed only by biochemical changes but is an unstable state which, if untreated, will develop to clinical malnutrition. There appears to be a stable state where the subject has adapted to low levels of nutrient intake for which the name 'covert malnutrition' is suggested. Examples are: (1) vitamin C intake of 10 mg per day which is adequate to prevent scurvy and where no clinical signs appear until the stress of wounding is applied to the tissues; (2) inadequate intake of vitamin A without signs of deficiency because the poor diet limits growth--deficiency shows up when growth is resumed: (3) protein intake which is adequate to maintain N balance but not adequate to withstand stress. All dietary surveys reveal apparently healthy individuals whose intake of nutrients appears to be grossly inadequate--these may be 'suffering' covert malnutrition, although there is no evidence to indicate whether or not this stable condition is harmful.", "contents": "Subclinical and covert malnutrition. Obvious or overt malnutrition is diagnosed from characteristic clinical signs. Subclinical malnutrition is revealed only by biochemical changes but is an unstable state which, if untreated, will develop to clinical malnutrition. There appears to be a stable state where the subject has adapted to low levels of nutrient intake for which the name 'covert malnutrition' is suggested. Examples are: (1) vitamin C intake of 10 mg per day which is adequate to prevent scurvy and where no clinical signs appear until the stress of wounding is applied to the tissues; (2) inadequate intake of vitamin A without signs of deficiency because the poor diet limits growth--deficiency shows up when growth is resumed: (3) protein intake which is adequate to maintain N balance but not adequate to withstand stress. All dietary surveys reveal apparently healthy individuals whose intake of nutrients appears to be grossly inadequate--these may be 'suffering' covert malnutrition, although there is no evidence to indicate whether or not this stable condition is harmful.", "PMID": 990570} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3844", "title": "[Early diagnosis and significance of avitaminoses].", "content": "For the early recognition of vitamin deficiencies, those methods are especially suitable in which changes in the biochemistry of blood or urine are measured. Here a low level of concentration of vitamins or their metabolites is seen, or a lowered activity of vitamin-dependent enzymes or hormones, and finally a disturbance of the actual metabolism. It is only when such metabolic disorders occur that there are functional disturbances or morphological changes. From the example of vitamin A, it is seen that in regions with endemic deficiency such functional disorders and morphological changes can be used to determine the degree of endemic deficiency, whereas in regions or population groups in which there are not manifest symptoms of deficiency, the certain criteria are lacking and there remain only indications. The same is true for the other vires of preventive medicine must be taken in the meanwhile. Certain arbitrary decisions as to the desirable level of blood and urine concentrations of vitamins and their metabolites, and the activity of vitamin-dependent enzymes and hormones, are indispensable. In the preparation of programs for prevention, the first consideration is whether it is for a region in which there is a general nutritional deficiency, or not. In the actual hunger regions, an improvement of the vitamin supply is vital where the vitamin deficiency is leading to irreversible damage, which represents a severe social burden. Such a situation is seen especially in the case of endemic vitamin A shortage. For the other vitamins, it can be assumed that an improvement in the supply of proteins and calories will include an improvement in the vitamin situation. Where this is not the case, the problems are similar to those of the industrial nations. ishort term measures should attempt the enrichment of the basic foodstuffs, on a legal basis, with certain essential food factors. How far nutritional habits can be changed by education is uncertain. In any case, this should be attempted as part of any longterm planning. Biochemical methods of early recognition of vitamin deficiency are suited for testing the success of such preventive actions. The duration of such actions which have been made on a world-wide scale, or are planned, and are tested by these methods is too short to allow any definite statement to be made as to their success.", "contents": "[Early diagnosis and significance of avitaminoses]. For the early recognition of vitamin deficiencies, those methods are especially suitable in which changes in the biochemistry of blood or urine are measured. Here a low level of concentration of vitamins or their metabolites is seen, or a lowered activity of vitamin-dependent enzymes or hormones, and finally a disturbance of the actual metabolism. It is only when such metabolic disorders occur that there are functional disturbances or morphological changes. From the example of vitamin A, it is seen that in regions with endemic deficiency such functional disorders and morphological changes can be used to determine the degree of endemic deficiency, whereas in regions or population groups in which there are not manifest symptoms of deficiency, the certain criteria are lacking and there remain only indications. The same is true for the other vires of preventive medicine must be taken in the meanwhile. Certain arbitrary decisions as to the desirable level of blood and urine concentrations of vitamins and their metabolites, and the activity of vitamin-dependent enzymes and hormones, are indispensable. In the preparation of programs for prevention, the first consideration is whether it is for a region in which there is a general nutritional deficiency, or not. In the actual hunger regions, an improvement of the vitamin supply is vital where the vitamin deficiency is leading to irreversible damage, which represents a severe social burden. Such a situation is seen especially in the case of endemic vitamin A shortage. For the other vitamins, it can be assumed that an improvement in the supply of proteins and calories will include an improvement in the vitamin situation. Where this is not the case, the problems are similar to those of the industrial nations. ishort term measures should attempt the enrichment of the basic foodstuffs, on a legal basis, with certain essential food factors. How far nutritional habits can be changed by education is uncertain. In any case, this should be attempted as part of any longterm planning. Biochemical methods of early recognition of vitamin deficiency are suited for testing the success of such preventive actions. The duration of such actions which have been made on a world-wide scale, or are planned, and are tested by these methods is too short to allow any definite statement to be made as to their success.", "PMID": 990571} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3845", "title": "Nutritional problems of children.", "content": "In the underdeveloped areas of the world malnutrition frequently starts \"in utero\" as indicated by a high proportion of low birth weight babies. These \"small for date\" babies have a high risk of death and contribute significantly to the high infant mortality rates observed in these populations. After birth inadequate physical growth is the most frequent manifestation of malnutrition. It is not yet clear if the observed mental retardation is directly related to malnutrition or more to psycho-social deprivation, but is is anyhow an important problem. The effects of transculturization resulting in early weaning is complicating the situation even more by producing severe malnutrition at earlier ages.", "contents": "Nutritional problems of children. In the underdeveloped areas of the world malnutrition frequently starts \"in utero\" as indicated by a high proportion of low birth weight babies. These \"small for date\" babies have a high risk of death and contribute significantly to the high infant mortality rates observed in these populations. After birth inadequate physical growth is the most frequent manifestation of malnutrition. It is not yet clear if the observed mental retardation is directly related to malnutrition or more to psycho-social deprivation, but is is anyhow an important problem. The effects of transculturization resulting in early weaning is complicating the situation even more by producing severe malnutrition at earlier ages.", "PMID": 990572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3846", "title": "[The infantile psychoorganic syndrome--a developmental psychological disorder?].", "content": "Many symptoms of infantile psychoorganic syndrome can be regarded as developmental variants or as the result of retarded development, particularly where they are not of marked degree. However, many symptoms are not assignable to either of these categories but, with respect to their pathology, must be classified otherwise. Thus it follows that infantile psychoorganic syndrome as a total entity--and only as a totality, of course, is it to any extent specific--cannot be viewed as a disorder of development.", "contents": "[The infantile psychoorganic syndrome--a developmental psychological disorder?]. Many symptoms of infantile psychoorganic syndrome can be regarded as developmental variants or as the result of retarded development, particularly where they are not of marked degree. However, many symptoms are not assignable to either of these categories but, with respect to their pathology, must be classified otherwise. Thus it follows that infantile psychoorganic syndrome as a total entity--and only as a totality, of course, is it to any extent specific--cannot be viewed as a disorder of development.", "PMID": 990573} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3847", "title": "[Neuropsychological examinations in childhood].", "content": "Three groups of children aged 8-12 years have been investigated by a test battery to gain insight into the problems surrounding the relationship between cerebral and behavioral development. One group was of children with circumscribed cortical lesions, one was a group of dyslexics with neurologic anomalies, and the third was a control group of children without brain lesions. General test intelligence did not differ significantly in the three groups. Marked differences between the various lesion groups are observable in some tests but not in others. For example, the results of children with left temporal lesions in the verbal part of the intelligence test and in fresh language memory were inferior to those of all other lesion groups and the controls, while the dyslexics showed a similar if less marked deficit. Non-linguistic (figural) memory did not differ as between groups. On the other hand, children with right frontal lesions were notable for inferior results in a visual learning test and a classification test. In a linguistic-dichotic test all the groups of brain lesions and the dyslexics differed from the control group, a fact which suggests retarded development of hemispheric dominance for speech functions. From these provisional results it can be concluded that the brain areas do not all specialize simultaneously, and that compensation of cerebral lesions in relation to different functions probably results in retardation of overall brain development and anatomico-functional specialization.", "contents": "[Neuropsychological examinations in childhood]. Three groups of children aged 8-12 years have been investigated by a test battery to gain insight into the problems surrounding the relationship between cerebral and behavioral development. One group was of children with circumscribed cortical lesions, one was a group of dyslexics with neurologic anomalies, and the third was a control group of children without brain lesions. General test intelligence did not differ significantly in the three groups. Marked differences between the various lesion groups are observable in some tests but not in others. For example, the results of children with left temporal lesions in the verbal part of the intelligence test and in fresh language memory were inferior to those of all other lesion groups and the controls, while the dyslexics showed a similar if less marked deficit. Non-linguistic (figural) memory did not differ as between groups. On the other hand, children with right frontal lesions were notable for inferior results in a visual learning test and a classification test. In a linguistic-dichotic test all the groups of brain lesions and the dyslexics differed from the control group, a fact which suggests retarded development of hemispheric dominance for speech functions. From these provisional results it can be concluded that the brain areas do not all specialize simultaneously, and that compensation of cerebral lesions in relation to different functions probably results in retardation of overall brain development and anatomico-functional specialization.", "PMID": 990574} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3848", "title": "[Perceptual disorders in childhood].", "content": "Cross-sectional findings in form of performance profiles of 71 severely language disturbed children three to ten years old corroborate the hypothesis that beside disturbances of complex performances, such as language, disturbances of earlier developmental performances mainly of the sensory-motor level can be observed. The prerequisites of these complex and of sensory-motor performances include different levels of perceptual integration. In each of the prefil constellation a different type of perceptual dysfunction can be observed: auditory dysfunction, or tactile-kinesthetic, or intermodal, or serial dysfunction. 15 children with intermodal and 8 with serial problems were exposed to therapy for several years. The therapy attempted to stimulate the disturbed perceptual processes. Longitudinal observations demonstrated that progress became first apparent in more primitive performances, and secondly, with a time lag, in more complex performances. These findings not only confirm the original hypothesis that in these children language disturbances are secondary to perceptual disturbances, but demonstrate also the possibility of early diagnosis and treatment of children with language difficulties.", "contents": "[Perceptual disorders in childhood]. Cross-sectional findings in form of performance profiles of 71 severely language disturbed children three to ten years old corroborate the hypothesis that beside disturbances of complex performances, such as language, disturbances of earlier developmental performances mainly of the sensory-motor level can be observed. The prerequisites of these complex and of sensory-motor performances include different levels of perceptual integration. In each of the prefil constellation a different type of perceptual dysfunction can be observed: auditory dysfunction, or tactile-kinesthetic, or intermodal, or serial dysfunction. 15 children with intermodal and 8 with serial problems were exposed to therapy for several years. The therapy attempted to stimulate the disturbed perceptual processes. Longitudinal observations demonstrated that progress became first apparent in more primitive performances, and secondly, with a time lag, in more complex performances. These findings not only confirm the original hypothesis that in these children language disturbances are secondary to perceptual disturbances, but demonstrate also the possibility of early diagnosis and treatment of children with language difficulties.", "PMID": 990575} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3849", "title": "[Drug therapy of early-childhood minimal brain damage].", "content": "Drug therapy in a child with juvenile psychoorganic syndrome is only one part of a comprehensive therapeutic program in which the main emphasis is on training and education, which are sometimes accompanied by psychotherapy. In many cases drug therapy is totally unnecessary. It may however provide essential support for the efforts of educators and therapists and is sometimes the factor which renders these possible at all. Not all symptoms respond equally well: the best results are obtained in disorders of drive and often in psychogenic disorders which have developed on the basis of the psychoorganic syndrome. Promotion of personality development, which is virtually always retarded in the child with psychoorganic syndrome, remains the exclusive preserve of training. Drug administration has psychogenic as well as chemical effects. It depends to a large extent on the reaction of the environment to the fact that drugs are being given at all, and to the behavioral changes exhibited by the treated child. Drug effects are thus modified, and, with time, determined by the environment, and thus in many cases treatment is possible only on a short-term or (sometimes) periodic basis. Where treatment is on a long-term basis the danger of drug dependency must be borne in mind, since patients with psychoorganic syndrome are particularly exposed to the risk of addiction. For this reason care is necessary in administering amphetamine-type substances. These drug should not be prescribed from puberty onwards; previously initiated treatment with them should be terminated before purberty. It should however be pointed out that the results registered with amphetamines and drugs with similar effect can usually be obtained equally with drugs involving fewer risks in this respect.", "contents": "[Drug therapy of early-childhood minimal brain damage]. Drug therapy in a child with juvenile psychoorganic syndrome is only one part of a comprehensive therapeutic program in which the main emphasis is on training and education, which are sometimes accompanied by psychotherapy. In many cases drug therapy is totally unnecessary. It may however provide essential support for the efforts of educators and therapists and is sometimes the factor which renders these possible at all. Not all symptoms respond equally well: the best results are obtained in disorders of drive and often in psychogenic disorders which have developed on the basis of the psychoorganic syndrome. Promotion of personality development, which is virtually always retarded in the child with psychoorganic syndrome, remains the exclusive preserve of training. Drug administration has psychogenic as well as chemical effects. It depends to a large extent on the reaction of the environment to the fact that drugs are being given at all, and to the behavioral changes exhibited by the treated child. Drug effects are thus modified, and, with time, determined by the environment, and thus in many cases treatment is possible only on a short-term or (sometimes) periodic basis. Where treatment is on a long-term basis the danger of drug dependency must be borne in mind, since patients with psychoorganic syndrome are particularly exposed to the risk of addiction. For this reason care is necessary in administering amphetamine-type substances. These drug should not be prescribed from puberty onwards; previously initiated treatment with them should be terminated before purberty. It should however be pointed out that the results registered with amphetamines and drugs with similar effect can usually be obtained equally with drugs involving fewer risks in this respect.", "PMID": 990576} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3850", "title": "[Minimal early-childhood brain damage in the pediatric practice and disability insurance].", "content": "In modern practice the pediatrician is called upon daily to take preventive, curative and rehabilitative action in children with cerebro-organic and psychosocial risk factors: 1. Eearly diagnosis of handicaps by POLTIBAC on the occasion of individual vaccinations and infectious diseases. 2. Fitness programs for infants to improve the mother-child relationship and reduce frustrations in children's homes and day nurseries. 3. Psychohygiene and mini-psychotherapy of ambivalent mothers during every pediatric consultation. The pediatrician's second patient is the mother. 4. The self-help mentality in pediatrician, parents and educationists assumes increasing importance as economy cames to rule pediatric practice in view of the cost explosion in the health sector. 5. In the Canton of St. Gall increasing numbers of children with cerebral lesions have been registered with the Disablement Insurance since 1970: in 1972 12%, in 1973 14% and in 1974 19% of first-registered minors. Since 1961 all definitely cerebral motor disorders have been registered with the Disablement Insurance, and since 1971 the infantile psychoorganic syndrome and questionable minimal \"dyskinesias\" have also been registered. The diagnostic and therapeutic costs for infantile minimal brain lesions according to Disablement Insurance tariffs are computed.", "contents": "[Minimal early-childhood brain damage in the pediatric practice and disability insurance]. In modern practice the pediatrician is called upon daily to take preventive, curative and rehabilitative action in children with cerebro-organic and psychosocial risk factors: 1. Eearly diagnosis of handicaps by POLTIBAC on the occasion of individual vaccinations and infectious diseases. 2. Fitness programs for infants to improve the mother-child relationship and reduce frustrations in children's homes and day nurseries. 3. Psychohygiene and mini-psychotherapy of ambivalent mothers during every pediatric consultation. The pediatrician's second patient is the mother. 4. The self-help mentality in pediatrician, parents and educationists assumes increasing importance as economy cames to rule pediatric practice in view of the cost explosion in the health sector. 5. In the Canton of St. Gall increasing numbers of children with cerebral lesions have been registered with the Disablement Insurance since 1970: in 1972 12%, in 1973 14% and in 1974 19% of first-registered minors. Since 1961 all definitely cerebral motor disorders have been registered with the Disablement Insurance, and since 1971 the infantile psychoorganic syndrome and questionable minimal \"dyskinesias\" have also been registered. The diagnostic and therapeutic costs for infantile minimal brain lesions according to Disablement Insurance tariffs are computed.", "PMID": 990577} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3851", "title": "[Coding of the acoustic information in the superior auditory centers].", "content": "The internal ear may be considered analysing acoustical signals in the frequency domain. This spectral analysis appears in the auditory pathways as a place code, each neuron being activated for a narrow and well defined frequency band. But in addition to this place code, temporal information on the phase and the period of low frequency signals is preserved in the low auditory centers. In the medial geniculate body, the last relay before the cerebral cortex, the place code shows the same properties as in lower centers but with a greater diversity in the response patterns and tuning properties. The tonotopic organization is less precise and, for the pars lateralis, follows the histological lamellar organization of this region. The most lateral laminae are composed of cells responding to low frequencies, the most medial ones of high frequency cells. In the auditory cortex intracellular recordings confirm the importance of an active inhibition underlying the diverse response patterns observed. Persistance of a time code is shown by certain cells presenting responses precisely time-locked to individual clicks in a train for rates ranging from 50 to 1000 Hz. Other cells respond selectively for certain click train frequencies without marking the temporal structure of the stimuli. Thus a temporal and a place code are still both present at the cortical level for this particular kind of signals.", "contents": "[Coding of the acoustic information in the superior auditory centers]. The internal ear may be considered analysing acoustical signals in the frequency domain. This spectral analysis appears in the auditory pathways as a place code, each neuron being activated for a narrow and well defined frequency band. But in addition to this place code, temporal information on the phase and the period of low frequency signals is preserved in the low auditory centers. In the medial geniculate body, the last relay before the cerebral cortex, the place code shows the same properties as in lower centers but with a greater diversity in the response patterns and tuning properties. The tonotopic organization is less precise and, for the pars lateralis, follows the histological lamellar organization of this region. The most lateral laminae are composed of cells responding to low frequencies, the most medial ones of high frequency cells. In the auditory cortex intracellular recordings confirm the importance of an active inhibition underlying the diverse response patterns observed. Persistance of a time code is shown by certain cells presenting responses precisely time-locked to individual clicks in a train for rates ranging from 50 to 1000 Hz. Other cells respond selectively for certain click train frequencies without marking the temporal structure of the stimuli. Thus a temporal and a place code are still both present at the cortical level for this particular kind of signals.", "PMID": 990578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3852", "title": "[Brain development: genetic and exogenous factors].", "content": "Growth disorders and differentiation of cerebral structures may be caused by mutations of exogenous noxae. The period of most active brain development is between the tenth week of pregnancy and the tenth year of life. In this period the brain is particularly sensitive to exogenous noxae. Basic research has revealed mechanisms that are responsible for normal development, and at the same time has led to the discovery of factors which may be associated with disturbance of these regulatory processess. Disorders of cerebral development may underlie minimal organic brain damage, though there is no proof of this as yet. Closer cooperation between basic and clinical research will be necessary to provide greater insight into the mechanisms of cerebral development. The knowledge thus obtained is one of the preconditions for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infantile minimal organic brain damage.", "contents": "[Brain development: genetic and exogenous factors]. Growth disorders and differentiation of cerebral structures may be caused by mutations of exogenous noxae. The period of most active brain development is between the tenth week of pregnancy and the tenth year of life. In this period the brain is particularly sensitive to exogenous noxae. Basic research has revealed mechanisms that are responsible for normal development, and at the same time has led to the discovery of factors which may be associated with disturbance of these regulatory processess. Disorders of cerebral development may underlie minimal organic brain damage, though there is no proof of this as yet. Closer cooperation between basic and clinical research will be necessary to provide greater insight into the mechanisms of cerebral development. The knowledge thus obtained is one of the preconditions for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infantile minimal organic brain damage.", "PMID": 990580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3853", "title": "[Neuropsychology and pathology of the cerebral cortex].", "content": "In all clinics we are faced with questions about certain aspects of cerebral dominance. We consider first the problem of recognition of faces where the right hemisphere plays a leading role. However, the disorders manifesting that function appear only bilateral lesions. This suggests that the left hemisphere participates in this process. The reception of language raises a problem which is analogous with the preceding: we propose the participation of both hemispheres in this activity: the left hemisphere is dominant in the analysis of phonemes and syntax, the right hemisphere seems implicated above all in the processing of prosodic aspects--in particular intonations and individual features of the voice.", "contents": "[Neuropsychology and pathology of the cerebral cortex]. In all clinics we are faced with questions about certain aspects of cerebral dominance. We consider first the problem of recognition of faces where the right hemisphere plays a leading role. However, the disorders manifesting that function appear only bilateral lesions. This suggests that the left hemisphere participates in this process. The reception of language raises a problem which is analogous with the preceding: we propose the participation of both hemispheres in this activity: the left hemisphere is dominant in the analysis of phonemes and syntax, the right hemisphere seems implicated above all in the processing of prosodic aspects--in particular intonations and individual features of the voice.", "PMID": 990581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3854", "title": "[Minimal cerebral lesions, peri- and prenatal, as a possible cause of the minimal brain dysfunction syndrome].", "content": "The existence of organic lesions in Minimal Brain Dysfunction is hypothetical. It is possible however that some of the minor lesions resulting from pre- or perinatal brain damage could explain this syndrome. Such lesions are described briefly. In the perinatal period a transient perfusion failure can result in localized brain damage in the cortex, white matter or more rarely basal ganglia. Before birth lesions occuring in the last trimester of pregnancy do not significantly differ from those occuring at birth, and their origin is also circulatory. During the first semester, a particular type of post migratory malformation also due to perfusion failure, microgyria, may remain localized to one cortical segment. A brief note is made of the possible relation between virus infections and disturbances of brain circulation. The problems of microcephaly without evident brain destruction, and the possible absence of all cerebral morphological alteration in certain mental defective are discussed.", "contents": "[Minimal cerebral lesions, peri- and prenatal, as a possible cause of the minimal brain dysfunction syndrome]. The existence of organic lesions in Minimal Brain Dysfunction is hypothetical. It is possible however that some of the minor lesions resulting from pre- or perinatal brain damage could explain this syndrome. Such lesions are described briefly. In the perinatal period a transient perfusion failure can result in localized brain damage in the cortex, white matter or more rarely basal ganglia. Before birth lesions occuring in the last trimester of pregnancy do not significantly differ from those occuring at birth, and their origin is also circulatory. During the first semester, a particular type of post migratory malformation also due to perfusion failure, microgyria, may remain localized to one cortical segment. A brief note is made of the possible relation between virus infections and disturbances of brain circulation. The problems of microcephaly without evident brain destruction, and the possible absence of all cerebral morphological alteration in certain mental defective are discussed.", "PMID": 990582} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3855", "title": "[Neurology of the so-called early-childhood, minimal, organic brain damage].", "content": "Infantile minimal brain damage is expressed through a wide range of behaviour disorders, learning disorders, speech disorders, short attention span and motor anomalies in combinations and degrees of intensity which vary with the individual. Neurologically it is frequently characterized by a delay in the development of sensomotor functions which is manifested, for example, by clumsiness, coordination disorders and motor restlessness. Special attention is drawn to the problems surrounding the so-called \"soft\" neurologic signs. Instead of generalizing, and therefore imprecise, diagnostic labels such as \"minimal cerebral dysfunction\", the physician should, if a more precise diagnosis is impossible, draw up a list of findings or problems as a basis for further diagnostic and therapeutic measures, if any.", "contents": "[Neurology of the so-called early-childhood, minimal, organic brain damage]. Infantile minimal brain damage is expressed through a wide range of behaviour disorders, learning disorders, speech disorders, short attention span and motor anomalies in combinations and degrees of intensity which vary with the individual. Neurologically it is frequently characterized by a delay in the development of sensomotor functions which is manifested, for example, by clumsiness, coordination disorders and motor restlessness. Special attention is drawn to the problems surrounding the so-called \"soft\" neurologic signs. Instead of generalizing, and therefore imprecise, diagnostic labels such as \"minimal cerebral dysfunction\", the physician should, if a more precise diagnosis is impossible, draw up a list of findings or problems as a basis for further diagnostic and therapeutic measures, if any.", "PMID": 990583} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3856", "title": "[Psychiatry of minimal, early-childhood brain damage].", "content": "Early psychoorganic syndrome in the child is the result of a diffuse cerebral lesion which usually occurs in pregnancy, during delivery or immediately post partum. In the majority of cases the symptoms are biological, normally of a neurologic character, and serve to underpin the diagnosis. They mainly comprise psychomotor disturbances, linguistic disorders and malregulation of central nervous functions. From the psychic viewpoint both intellectual and emotional disturbances are observable. Intellectually the disorders are chiefly of attention, perception and concentration, and in most cases lead to seriously impaired school performance. They are accompanied by an ideation which is frequently retarded and exhibits a tendency to perseveration. The psychoorganic child's affectivity is marked by pathologic lability, increased irritability and imperfect control of impulse and emotion. Secondary infantilism is nearly always observable. In very many cases reactive, and notably neurotic, disorders are superimposed on the psychoorganic substratum. There are thus a wide variety of clinical pictures. A broad spectrum of therapeutic resources is available, covering education, drugs and psychotherapy of superimposed reactive disorders.", "contents": "[Psychiatry of minimal, early-childhood brain damage]. Early psychoorganic syndrome in the child is the result of a diffuse cerebral lesion which usually occurs in pregnancy, during delivery or immediately post partum. In the majority of cases the symptoms are biological, normally of a neurologic character, and serve to underpin the diagnosis. They mainly comprise psychomotor disturbances, linguistic disorders and malregulation of central nervous functions. From the psychic viewpoint both intellectual and emotional disturbances are observable. Intellectually the disorders are chiefly of attention, perception and concentration, and in most cases lead to seriously impaired school performance. They are accompanied by an ideation which is frequently retarded and exhibits a tendency to perseveration. The psychoorganic child's affectivity is marked by pathologic lability, increased irritability and imperfect control of impulse and emotion. Secondary infantilism is nearly always observable. In very many cases reactive, and notably neurotic, disorders are superimposed on the psychoorganic substratum. There are thus a wide variety of clinical pictures. A broad spectrum of therapeutic resources is available, covering education, drugs and psychotherapy of superimposed reactive disorders.", "PMID": 990584} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3857", "title": "[Electroencephalographic contribution to the differentiation of functional and structural disorders].", "content": "Parametric and symptomatologic studies of the EEG in large populations have served to define stages of maturation and criteria of \"normality\". The younger the subjects, however, the wider are the variations. In the first stage of life only massive cerebral lesions afford unquestionable EEG evidence: in evaluating dysrhythmias it is necessary to bear in mind their high incidence in normal subjects. Hence their meaning is to be understood only by prolonged longitudinal studies. The reference here is not only to diffuse or focal slow anomalies, but also to specific pathologic rhythms. The difficulty of interpreting such anomalies is particularly evident when epileptogenic potentials are found, since they may be signs of a lesion but their clinical correlations are uncertain. The concept of \"masked epilepsy\" must be rejected. Only the diagnoses of latent or proven epilepsy are admissible, and these epilepsies may be without direct relationship to the clinical, psychiatric or central nervous findings in the affected subject. Numerous genetic, afferential, emotional or biologic factors are involved in the development of non-lesional disorders. Accordingly, the EEG has only a minor contribution to make in the definition of mild focal or diffuse pathologic anatomy of the brain in the very young subject.", "contents": "[Electroencephalographic contribution to the differentiation of functional and structural disorders]. Parametric and symptomatologic studies of the EEG in large populations have served to define stages of maturation and criteria of \"normality\". The younger the subjects, however, the wider are the variations. In the first stage of life only massive cerebral lesions afford unquestionable EEG evidence: in evaluating dysrhythmias it is necessary to bear in mind their high incidence in normal subjects. Hence their meaning is to be understood only by prolonged longitudinal studies. The reference here is not only to diffuse or focal slow anomalies, but also to specific pathologic rhythms. The difficulty of interpreting such anomalies is particularly evident when epileptogenic potentials are found, since they may be signs of a lesion but their clinical correlations are uncertain. The concept of \"masked epilepsy\" must be rejected. Only the diagnoses of latent or proven epilepsy are admissible, and these epilepsies may be without direct relationship to the clinical, psychiatric or central nervous findings in the affected subject. Numerous genetic, afferential, emotional or biologic factors are involved in the development of non-lesional disorders. Accordingly, the EEG has only a minor contribution to make in the definition of mild focal or diffuse pathologic anatomy of the brain in the very young subject.", "PMID": 990585} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3858", "title": "General anaesthetics and the acetylcholine-sensitivity of cortical neurons.", "content": "1The effects of general anaesthetics on neuronal responses to iontophoretically-applied acetylcholine have been examined in slices of guinea-pig olfactory cortex maintained in vitro. 2 Acetylcholine excited 61% of the prepiriform neurones tested. The excitation was blocked by atropine, but not by dihydro-beta-erythroidine or gallamine. 3 Alphaxalone reversibly depressed the acetylcholine-sensitivity of prepiriform neurones. Pentobarbitone did not consistently depress the acetylcholine sensitivity of these cells. 4 Ether, methoxyflurane, trichloroethylene and halothane caused a dose-related augmentation of acetylcholine-induced firing. 5 These results show that general anaesthetics do not necessarily depress the sensitivity of nerve cells to all excitatory substances and that different anaesthetics may affect a particular excitatory process in various ways.", "contents": "General anaesthetics and the acetylcholine-sensitivity of cortical neurons. 1The effects of general anaesthetics on neuronal responses to iontophoretically-applied acetylcholine have been examined in slices of guinea-pig olfactory cortex maintained in vitro. 2 Acetylcholine excited 61% of the prepiriform neurones tested. The excitation was blocked by atropine, but not by dihydro-beta-erythroidine or gallamine. 3 Alphaxalone reversibly depressed the acetylcholine-sensitivity of prepiriform neurones. Pentobarbitone did not consistently depress the acetylcholine sensitivity of these cells. 4 Ether, methoxyflurane, trichloroethylene and halothane caused a dose-related augmentation of acetylcholine-induced firing. 5 These results show that general anaesthetics do not necessarily depress the sensitivity of nerve cells to all excitatory substances and that different anaesthetics may affect a particular excitatory process in various ways.", "PMID": 990586} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3859", "title": "The inhibitory effect of gallamine on muscarinic receptors.", "content": "1 The inhibitory effect of gallamine (1.1 muM-1.1 mM) on negative inotropic responses to acetylcholine (ACh) or carbachol (CCh) was investigated in isolated electrically stimulated atria of the guinea-pig. Gallamine caused parallel rightward shifts of the dose-response curves to the agonists, with no depression of the maximal response. 2 Gallamine (0.11 - 1.1 mM) produced a greater degree of antagnism towards CCh than towards ACh. With either agonist, the degree of antagonism produced by gallamine in high concentrations was less than that expected for a competitive antagonist.. 3 Similar findings were made when either negative inotropic or chronotropic responses were recorded in spontaneously beating guinea-pig atria. The inhibitory effect of gallamine against the negative inotropic response to cholinomimetics in electrically stimulated atria was not altered either in the presence of propranol (17 muM) or in atria obtained from guinea-pigs pretreated with diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DEP) 12.5 mumol/kg, in divided doses over 3 days). 4 When ACh was used as the agonist, combination of gallamine with atropine (0.05-0.4 muM) produced dose-ratios which were less than expected for combination of two competitive antagonists. The same phenomenon was observed in atria obtained from guinea-pigs pretreated with DFP. 5 It is suggested that the antagonism produced by gallamine is a type of non-competitive inhibition, which has been termed \"metaffinoid antagonism\". An antagonist of this type allosterically alters the affinity of the agonist for its binding site, rather than changing the effectiveness of the agonist-receptor interaction.", "contents": "The inhibitory effect of gallamine on muscarinic receptors. 1 The inhibitory effect of gallamine (1.1 muM-1.1 mM) on negative inotropic responses to acetylcholine (ACh) or carbachol (CCh) was investigated in isolated electrically stimulated atria of the guinea-pig. Gallamine caused parallel rightward shifts of the dose-response curves to the agonists, with no depression of the maximal response. 2 Gallamine (0.11 - 1.1 mM) produced a greater degree of antagnism towards CCh than towards ACh. With either agonist, the degree of antagonism produced by gallamine in high concentrations was less than that expected for a competitive antagonist.. 3 Similar findings were made when either negative inotropic or chronotropic responses were recorded in spontaneously beating guinea-pig atria. The inhibitory effect of gallamine against the negative inotropic response to cholinomimetics in electrically stimulated atria was not altered either in the presence of propranol (17 muM) or in atria obtained from guinea-pigs pretreated with diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DEP) 12.5 mumol/kg, in divided doses over 3 days). 4 When ACh was used as the agonist, combination of gallamine with atropine (0.05-0.4 muM) produced dose-ratios which were less than expected for combination of two competitive antagonists. The same phenomenon was observed in atria obtained from guinea-pigs pretreated with DFP. 5 It is suggested that the antagonism produced by gallamine is a type of non-competitive inhibition, which has been termed \"metaffinoid antagonism\". An antagonist of this type allosterically alters the affinity of the agonist for its binding site, rather than changing the effectiveness of the agonist-receptor interaction.", "PMID": 990587} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3860", "title": "Prostaglandin antagonism by sodium p-benzyl-4-[1-oxo-2-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-phenylpropyl]pheenyl phosphonate (N-0164).", "content": "1 The ability of sodium p-benzyl-4-[1-oxo-2-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-phenylpropyl]phenyl phosphonate (N-0164) to antagonize contractions produced by prostaglandins E2 and F2a on isolated preparations of gerbil, rat and guinea-pig gastrointestinal muscle has been studied. 2 N-0164 was found to be a potent, partially selective prostaglandin antagonist in these isolated smooth muscle preparations. The blockade produced by N-0164 in the isolated stomach strip of the rat had some, but not all, the characteristics of a competitive antagonism. 3 N-0164 produced a dose-dependent decrease in tone in the rat stomach strip that was abolished by pretreatment of the preparation with indomethacin. 4 N-0164 prevented diarrhoea induced by prostaglandin E2 in mice when given by intraperitoneal injection but was less effective when given orally. 5 N-0164 inhibited oedema induced with croton-oil and pyridine-ether in the mouse ear. 6 N-0164 delayed the onset of erythema following ultraviolet irradiation of guinea-pig skin only when an equimolar amount of pralidoxime chloride was added to the vehicle. 7 It is concluded that N-0164 is a potent, partially selective prostaglandin antagonist on several isolated smooth msucle preparations. N-0164 exhibits activity in vivo particularly following local application when problems associated with penetration and distribution are minimized.", "contents": "Prostaglandin antagonism by sodium p-benzyl-4-[1-oxo-2-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-phenylpropyl]pheenyl phosphonate (N-0164). 1 The ability of sodium p-benzyl-4-[1-oxo-2-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-phenylpropyl]phenyl phosphonate (N-0164) to antagonize contractions produced by prostaglandins E2 and F2a on isolated preparations of gerbil, rat and guinea-pig gastrointestinal muscle has been studied. 2 N-0164 was found to be a potent, partially selective prostaglandin antagonist in these isolated smooth muscle preparations. The blockade produced by N-0164 in the isolated stomach strip of the rat had some, but not all, the characteristics of a competitive antagonism. 3 N-0164 produced a dose-dependent decrease in tone in the rat stomach strip that was abolished by pretreatment of the preparation with indomethacin. 4 N-0164 prevented diarrhoea induced by prostaglandin E2 in mice when given by intraperitoneal injection but was less effective when given orally. 5 N-0164 inhibited oedema induced with croton-oil and pyridine-ether in the mouse ear. 6 N-0164 delayed the onset of erythema following ultraviolet irradiation of guinea-pig skin only when an equimolar amount of pralidoxime chloride was added to the vehicle. 7 It is concluded that N-0164 is a potent, partially selective prostaglandin antagonist on several isolated smooth msucle preparations. N-0164 exhibits activity in vivo particularly following local application when problems associated with penetration and distribution are minimized.", "PMID": 990588} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3861", "title": "Glutamate antagonists in rat hippocampus.", "content": "1 Hippocampal cellular responses to acidic amino acids and some of their antagonists were measured in the rat anaesthetized with urethane. The effects of these antagonists of the field responses of the rat hippocampus to afferent stimulation were measured in acute as well as chronically prepared rats. 2. Hippocampal pyramidal cells were excited by microiontophoretic application of glutamate and aspartate. These responses were antagonized by glutamic acid diethyl ester (GDEE), glutamic acid dimethyl ester (GDME) and by proline. Partial specificity could be seen as excitatory responses to acetylcholine were less susceptible to the antagonists. 3 field responses of the hippocampus to commissural stimulation were reduced significantly in both an acutely prepared or the conscious rat following parenteral administration of GDEE and GDME but not proline. Responses to perforant path stimulation were not affected by these drugs. 4 It is suggested that an acidic amino acid may serve as a neurotransmitter in the commissural path to-area CA1 of the dorsal hippocampus.", "contents": "Glutamate antagonists in rat hippocampus. 1 Hippocampal cellular responses to acidic amino acids and some of their antagonists were measured in the rat anaesthetized with urethane. The effects of these antagonists of the field responses of the rat hippocampus to afferent stimulation were measured in acute as well as chronically prepared rats. 2. Hippocampal pyramidal cells were excited by microiontophoretic application of glutamate and aspartate. These responses were antagonized by glutamic acid diethyl ester (GDEE), glutamic acid dimethyl ester (GDME) and by proline. Partial specificity could be seen as excitatory responses to acetylcholine were less susceptible to the antagonists. 3 field responses of the hippocampus to commissural stimulation were reduced significantly in both an acutely prepared or the conscious rat following parenteral administration of GDEE and GDME but not proline. Responses to perforant path stimulation were not affected by these drugs. 4 It is suggested that an acidic amino acid may serve as a neurotransmitter in the commissural path to-area CA1 of the dorsal hippocampus.", "PMID": 990589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3862", "title": "Anaesthetics depress the sensitivity of cortical neurones to L-glutamate.", "content": "1 The effects of general anaesthetics on the responses of neurones to iontophoretically applied L-glutamate have been examined in slices of the guinea-pig olfactory cortex in vitro. 2 Concentrations of pentobarbitone, ether, methoxyflurance, trichloroethylene and alphaxalone that are known to depress synaptic transmission in the prepiriform cortex also depressed the sensitivity of prepiriform neurones to L-glutamate. 3 Halothane, in concentrations that depress synaptic transmission (less than 1%) did not alter sensitivity of neurones to glutamate. Higher concentrations (greater than 1% produced a dose-related depression of the glutamate sensitivity of neurones. 4 All four volatile anaesthetics tested caused some cells to alter their glutamate-evoked firing pattern to one in which the spike discharges were more closely grouped. Pentobarbitone and alphaxalone had no such effect. 5 If the sensitivity of the neurones to the endogenous excitatory transmitter is affected by anaesthetics in the same way as the glutamate-sensitivity, these results suggest that halothane depresses synaptic transmission by decreasing the amount of transmitter released from the nerve terminals, whereas the other anaesthetics depress the sensitivity of the post-synaptic membrane to the released transmitter.", "contents": "Anaesthetics depress the sensitivity of cortical neurones to L-glutamate. 1 The effects of general anaesthetics on the responses of neurones to iontophoretically applied L-glutamate have been examined in slices of the guinea-pig olfactory cortex in vitro. 2 Concentrations of pentobarbitone, ether, methoxyflurance, trichloroethylene and alphaxalone that are known to depress synaptic transmission in the prepiriform cortex also depressed the sensitivity of prepiriform neurones to L-glutamate. 3 Halothane, in concentrations that depress synaptic transmission (less than 1%) did not alter sensitivity of neurones to glutamate. Higher concentrations (greater than 1% produced a dose-related depression of the glutamate sensitivity of neurones. 4 All four volatile anaesthetics tested caused some cells to alter their glutamate-evoked firing pattern to one in which the spike discharges were more closely grouped. Pentobarbitone and alphaxalone had no such effect. 5 If the sensitivity of the neurones to the endogenous excitatory transmitter is affected by anaesthetics in the same way as the glutamate-sensitivity, these results suggest that halothane depresses synaptic transmission by decreasing the amount of transmitter released from the nerve terminals, whereas the other anaesthetics depress the sensitivity of the post-synaptic membrane to the released transmitter.", "PMID": 990590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3863", "title": "Mazindol anorexia is mediated by activation of dopaminergic mechanisms.", "content": "1 Anorexia in rats following injections of mazindol (0.1-8 mg/kg i.p.) could be antagonized by pretreatment with a dopamine receptor blocker (primozide) but not by pretreatment with an alpha-adrenoceptor blocker (phenoxybenzamine), a beta-adrenoceptor blocker ((-)-propranolol), or a 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor blocker (methergoline). 2 In rats with a unilateral lesion in the substantia nigra made by stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine, mazindol caused a dose-dependent turning towards the lesioned side, indicating an indirect mechanism of action. This effect could be antagonized by pretreatment with a dopamine receptor blocker. 3 In rats pretreated with reserpine and alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, mazindol did not have any motor stimulant action. 4 In vitro studies with synaptosomes prepared from rat brain, indicated that mazindol blocks uptake and causes release of dopamine. 5 It is concluded that the anorectic action of mazindol is mediated by a dopaminergic mechanism.", "contents": "Mazindol anorexia is mediated by activation of dopaminergic mechanisms. 1 Anorexia in rats following injections of mazindol (0.1-8 mg/kg i.p.) could be antagonized by pretreatment with a dopamine receptor blocker (primozide) but not by pretreatment with an alpha-adrenoceptor blocker (phenoxybenzamine), a beta-adrenoceptor blocker ((-)-propranolol), or a 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor blocker (methergoline). 2 In rats with a unilateral lesion in the substantia nigra made by stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine, mazindol caused a dose-dependent turning towards the lesioned side, indicating an indirect mechanism of action. This effect could be antagonized by pretreatment with a dopamine receptor blocker. 3 In rats pretreated with reserpine and alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, mazindol did not have any motor stimulant action. 4 In vitro studies with synaptosomes prepared from rat brain, indicated that mazindol blocks uptake and causes release of dopamine. 5 It is concluded that the anorectic action of mazindol is mediated by a dopaminergic mechanism.", "PMID": 990591} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3864", "title": "Structure-activity relations of excitatory amino acids on frog and rat spinal neurones.", "content": "1 A series of compounds structurally related to glutamic acid has been tested on frog and rat spinal neurones. The substances were added to procaine-containing medium bathing the isolated hemiscected spinal cord of the frog, and their potencies in depolarizing motoneurones were assessed by the magnitude of the potential produced in the ventral root. The electrophoretic technique was used to administer the substances around single interneurones of the rat spinal cord and the relative potencies of the compounds as excitants assessed by the magnitude of the currents required to produce similar rates of neuronal firing. 2 Parallel structure-activity relations were observed in the two series of experiments, suggesting that the receptors for excitatory amino acids on frog and rat spinal neurones are similar. 3 Quisqualate, domoate and kainate were the strongest excitants in both animals, with potencies around two orders of magnitude higher than that of L-glutamate. 4 2,4,5-Trihydroxyphenylalanine (6-OH-DOPA) was a stronger excitant and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) a weaker excotamt than L-glutamate on frog spinal motoneurones. The former compounds was also a more potent convulsant than L-glutamate on intraventricular injection into mouse brain. The lack of activity of 6-OH-DOPA on electrophoretic administration was attributed to oxidation. 5 Unlike the majority of amino acid excitants, several of the compounds shown in the present work to have moderate excitatory activity are not anionic at physiological pH. This indicates either that two negatively charged groups are not essential for interaction with a common excitatory receptor, or that more than one type of receptor is involved in the actions demonstrated.", "contents": "Structure-activity relations of excitatory amino acids on frog and rat spinal neurones. 1 A series of compounds structurally related to glutamic acid has been tested on frog and rat spinal neurones. The substances were added to procaine-containing medium bathing the isolated hemiscected spinal cord of the frog, and their potencies in depolarizing motoneurones were assessed by the magnitude of the potential produced in the ventral root. The electrophoretic technique was used to administer the substances around single interneurones of the rat spinal cord and the relative potencies of the compounds as excitants assessed by the magnitude of the currents required to produce similar rates of neuronal firing. 2 Parallel structure-activity relations were observed in the two series of experiments, suggesting that the receptors for excitatory amino acids on frog and rat spinal neurones are similar. 3 Quisqualate, domoate and kainate were the strongest excitants in both animals, with potencies around two orders of magnitude higher than that of L-glutamate. 4 2,4,5-Trihydroxyphenylalanine (6-OH-DOPA) was a stronger excitant and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) a weaker excotamt than L-glutamate on frog spinal motoneurones. The former compounds was also a more potent convulsant than L-glutamate on intraventricular injection into mouse brain. The lack of activity of 6-OH-DOPA on electrophoretic administration was attributed to oxidation. 5 Unlike the majority of amino acid excitants, several of the compounds shown in the present work to have moderate excitatory activity are not anionic at physiological pH. This indicates either that two negatively charged groups are not essential for interaction with a common excitatory receptor, or that more than one type of receptor is involved in the actions demonstrated.", "PMID": 990592} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3865", "title": "Actions of carbon tetrachloride, hexachlorotethane and the products of their metabolism in sheep on Fasciola hepatica.", "content": "1 An invitro preparation of Fasciola hepatica is described which responded to electrical stimulation with tetanic spasms. Both carbon tetrachloride (20-500 nl/ml), and its metabolite chloroform (50-1000nl/ml), produced contractions in the preparation which extinguished the responses to electrical stimulation. It is suggested that the spasmogenic action of carbon tetrachloride and its metabolite may contribute to the fasciolifugal action of the drug. 2 Hexachloroethane, another fasiolifuge, had very little effect in the preparation. However, pentachloroethane and tetrachloroethylene, the main products of the metabolism of hexachloroethane in sheep, were potent spasmogens in preparations of Fasciola hepatica. Pentachloroethane was about twice as potent as carbon tetrachloride. 3 Tetrodotoxin (2mug/ml) did not antagonize the responses of the preparation to electrical stimulation of carbon tetrachloride.", "contents": "Actions of carbon tetrachloride, hexachlorotethane and the products of their metabolism in sheep on Fasciola hepatica. 1 An invitro preparation of Fasciola hepatica is described which responded to electrical stimulation with tetanic spasms. Both carbon tetrachloride (20-500 nl/ml), and its metabolite chloroform (50-1000nl/ml), produced contractions in the preparation which extinguished the responses to electrical stimulation. It is suggested that the spasmogenic action of carbon tetrachloride and its metabolite may contribute to the fasciolifugal action of the drug. 2 Hexachloroethane, another fasiolifuge, had very little effect in the preparation. However, pentachloroethane and tetrachloroethylene, the main products of the metabolism of hexachloroethane in sheep, were potent spasmogens in preparations of Fasciola hepatica. Pentachloroethane was about twice as potent as carbon tetrachloride. 3 Tetrodotoxin (2mug/ml) did not antagonize the responses of the preparation to electrical stimulation of carbon tetrachloride.", "PMID": 990593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3866", "title": "The effect of nandrolone, an anabolic steroid on putrescine metabolism in the mouse.", "content": "1 The catabolism of injected 14 C-putrescine was studied in mice treated with nandrolone phenpropionate, an anabolic steroid. 2 The putrescine was rapidly metabolized; almost 50% of the injected radioactivity was recovered within 2 h as 14 CO2 in the expired air. 3 Considerable amounts of radioactive gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and an unidentified compound were found in the kidney and in the urine in addition to radioactive putrescine, spermidine and spermine both in controls and nandrolone-treated mice. 4 Nandrolone elevated the concentration of endogenous putrescine in the kidney and urine, eightfold and twentyfold, respectively, and the concentrations of spermidine and spermine were also increased 5 after the injection of 14C-putrescine the incorporation of 14C into spermidine was significantly increased in the kidney of mice receiving nandrolone.", "contents": "The effect of nandrolone, an anabolic steroid on putrescine metabolism in the mouse. 1 The catabolism of injected 14 C-putrescine was studied in mice treated with nandrolone phenpropionate, an anabolic steroid. 2 The putrescine was rapidly metabolized; almost 50% of the injected radioactivity was recovered within 2 h as 14 CO2 in the expired air. 3 Considerable amounts of radioactive gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and an unidentified compound were found in the kidney and in the urine in addition to radioactive putrescine, spermidine and spermine both in controls and nandrolone-treated mice. 4 Nandrolone elevated the concentration of endogenous putrescine in the kidney and urine, eightfold and twentyfold, respectively, and the concentrations of spermidine and spermine were also increased 5 after the injection of 14C-putrescine the incorporation of 14C into spermidine was significantly increased in the kidney of mice receiving nandrolone.", "PMID": 990594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3867", "title": "Volunteer adolescents in adolescent group therapy. Effects on patients and volunteers.", "content": "The effects on patients, volunteers and staff of using volunteer adolescents in adolescent group therapy are examined. From 40 candidates eight volunteers were selected and oriented to the group process. Four volunteers and four patients were placed in each of two groups, and eight patients were placed in the third group. Patients and volunteers were aware of their identities in the first group session. Attendance in the groups with volunteers was better than in the group without. The volunteers themselves gained new knowledge and skills, and their presence was even helpful to the group leaders.", "contents": "Volunteer adolescents in adolescent group therapy. Effects on patients and volunteers. The effects on patients, volunteers and staff of using volunteer adolescents in adolescent group therapy are examined. From 40 candidates eight volunteers were selected and oriented to the group process. Four volunteers and four patients were placed in each of two groups, and eight patients were placed in the third group. Patients and volunteers were aware of their identities in the first group session. Attendance in the groups with volunteers was better than in the group without. The volunteers themselves gained new knowledge and skills, and their presence was even helpful to the group leaders.", "PMID": 990652} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3868", "title": "On the psychopathology of transitivism and appersonation.", "content": "While the phenomena described under the terms transitivism and appersonation are well known, they have not been studied in detail either from the descriptive or from the psychopathological standpoints. Here only a brief reference is made to the descriptive data. An account of the psychopathological hypotheses on which an explanation of the phenomena is based is followed by a discussion of the relevance of the clinical manifestations for a theory of psychosis.", "contents": "On the psychopathology of transitivism and appersonation. While the phenomena described under the terms transitivism and appersonation are well known, they have not been studied in detail either from the descriptive or from the psychopathological standpoints. Here only a brief reference is made to the descriptive data. An account of the psychopathological hypotheses on which an explanation of the phenomena is based is followed by a discussion of the relevance of the clinical manifestations for a theory of psychosis.", "PMID": 990653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3869", "title": "Psychiatric service for the elderly: how many beds?", "content": "Reported here is a cohort study of five years' bed usage in the Goodmayes Psychiatric Unit for Old People. Patients first admitted in 1970 continued to use beds, by readmission or by continuing stay, over the next four years; subsequent cohorts of admissions made correspondingly extended use of beds. Bed-usage by men appears now to have stabilized, whilst for women it is still rising. Over the first six years the bed complement was reduced by 40%, despite an increase in referrals of over 40%; this is because the Unit's style of work prevented newly admitted patients from accumulating in beds made available by deaths. It looks as if in future not only will patients who die by replaced by new female admissions but more beds will be needed for these admissions. The present bed-usage is just within the Government's recommended guidelines, and the local issues are considered in the context of national policy.", "contents": "Psychiatric service for the elderly: how many beds? Reported here is a cohort study of five years' bed usage in the Goodmayes Psychiatric Unit for Old People. Patients first admitted in 1970 continued to use beds, by readmission or by continuing stay, over the next four years; subsequent cohorts of admissions made correspondingly extended use of beds. Bed-usage by men appears now to have stabilized, whilst for women it is still rising. Over the first six years the bed complement was reduced by 40%, despite an increase in referrals of over 40%; this is because the Unit's style of work prevented newly admitted patients from accumulating in beds made available by deaths. It looks as if in future not only will patients who die by replaced by new female admissions but more beds will be needed for these admissions. The present bed-usage is just within the Government's recommended guidelines, and the local issues are considered in the context of national policy.", "PMID": 990654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3870", "title": "Some features of 'new long-stay' male schizophrenics.", "content": "From an original cohort of 471 admissions of male schizophrenics (260 individuals) to Leverndale Hospital, Glasgow, in the years 1967-70 inclusive, 39 patients were found who in December 1973 had become long-term residents by virtue of over three years' stay. These patients were followed up two years later, when it was found that 33 remained. Three had died and two had been discharged, though one was later admitted elsewhere. Those remaining had an average age 45-4 years, and an average duration of illness of 15 years. The patients are considered in terms of their clinical state, management problems, accommodation, occupational grade, and social circumstances. It is concluded that they represent a hard cord and that very few of them are likely to be suitable for such alternative forms of care as are at present available.", "contents": "Some features of 'new long-stay' male schizophrenics. From an original cohort of 471 admissions of male schizophrenics (260 individuals) to Leverndale Hospital, Glasgow, in the years 1967-70 inclusive, 39 patients were found who in December 1973 had become long-term residents by virtue of over three years' stay. These patients were followed up two years later, when it was found that 33 remained. Three had died and two had been discharged, though one was later admitted elsewhere. Those remaining had an average age 45-4 years, and an average duration of illness of 15 years. The patients are considered in terms of their clinical state, management problems, accommodation, occupational grade, and social circumstances. It is concluded that they represent a hard cord and that very few of them are likely to be suitable for such alternative forms of care as are at present available.", "PMID": 990655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3871", "title": "A cross-national epidemiological study of mania.", "content": "An epidemiological study of the first admission rate for mania was carried out in London and Aarhus. The case registers in these two centres were used to conduct a retrospective study of case notes covering several years, and a screening procedure was used for the prospective collection of new cases over the course of one year. The annual incidence of mania was found to be virtually identical in both centres. The retrospective study gave a figure of 2-6 per 100,000 population in both Aarhus and London. But the London sample was found to contain 45 per cent of immigrants in contrast to the Aarhus sample in which only a negligible proportion were born outside Denmark. Male West Indians, in particular, were over-represented in the London sample.", "contents": "A cross-national epidemiological study of mania. An epidemiological study of the first admission rate for mania was carried out in London and Aarhus. The case registers in these two centres were used to conduct a retrospective study of case notes covering several years, and a screening procedure was used for the prospective collection of new cases over the course of one year. The annual incidence of mania was found to be virtually identical in both centres. The retrospective study gave a figure of 2-6 per 100,000 population in both Aarhus and London. But the London sample was found to contain 45 per cent of immigrants in contrast to the Aarhus sample in which only a negligible proportion were born outside Denmark. Male West Indians, in particular, were over-represented in the London sample.", "PMID": 990656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3872", "title": "Prenatal progesterone and educational attainments.", "content": "Children whose mothers received prenatal progesterone have been shown to be advanced in development at one year and to have greater academic achievement at 9-10 years. This study compares the educational attainments at 17-20 years of 34 progesterone children with 37 normal and 12 toxaemic controls. More progesterone children continued schooling after 16 years compared with controls; a higher proportion left school with 'O' level and 'A' level passes, the average number of passes per child was greater at both levels and more obtained a university place. The best academic results were in those whose mothers had received over 5 grams of prenatal progesterone, and for whom administration commenced before the sixteenth week and treatment lasted longer than eight weeks.", "contents": "Prenatal progesterone and educational attainments. Children whose mothers received prenatal progesterone have been shown to be advanced in development at one year and to have greater academic achievement at 9-10 years. This study compares the educational attainments at 17-20 years of 34 progesterone children with 37 normal and 12 toxaemic controls. More progesterone children continued schooling after 16 years compared with controls; a higher proportion left school with 'O' level and 'A' level passes, the average number of passes per child was greater at both levels and more obtained a university place. The best academic results were in those whose mothers had received over 5 grams of prenatal progesterone, and for whom administration commenced before the sixteenth week and treatment lasted longer than eight weeks.", "PMID": 990657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3873", "title": "A fatal case of pancytopenia due to levomepromazine.", "content": "A fatal pancytopenia occurred in a patient with an history of depression with hypomanic rebounds, admitted for a manic episode and treated with levomepromazine, diazepam and lithium carbonate.", "contents": "A fatal case of pancytopenia due to levomepromazine. A fatal pancytopenia occurred in a patient with an history of depression with hypomanic rebounds, admitted for a manic episode and treated with levomepromazine, diazepam and lithium carbonate.", "PMID": 990658} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3874", "title": "Schneider-oriented versus Conrad-oriented psychiatric diagnosis in the same German clinic.", "content": "The Chair of the University Nervenklinik in Homburg/Saar was held by Klaus Conrad from 1949-58 and by H.-H. Meyer, a former pupil and colleague of Kurt Schneider, from 1962-72. As the catchment area and admission policy of the clinic remained substantially unchanged throughout, comparison of the relative proportions of all admissions allocated to different diagnostic categories in 1949-58 and 1962-72 can be used to elucidate the similarities and differences between Conrad's and Schneider's diagnostic criteria. The results of this comparison indicate that Schneider's concept of schizophrenia was broader than Conrad's, and his concept of manic-depressive depression more restricted. More detailed comparisons are complicated by differences in nomenclature and in the varieties of functional mental illness recognized in the two periods. However, it seems that Conrad's concept of mania was wider only when the atypical schizophrenia-like psychoses diagnosed during the Conrad era were added to the Conrad-oriented cases of mania; when this was not done, the Schneiderian concept of mania was broader.", "contents": "Schneider-oriented versus Conrad-oriented psychiatric diagnosis in the same German clinic. The Chair of the University Nervenklinik in Homburg/Saar was held by Klaus Conrad from 1949-58 and by H.-H. Meyer, a former pupil and colleague of Kurt Schneider, from 1962-72. As the catchment area and admission policy of the clinic remained substantially unchanged throughout, comparison of the relative proportions of all admissions allocated to different diagnostic categories in 1949-58 and 1962-72 can be used to elucidate the similarities and differences between Conrad's and Schneider's diagnostic criteria. The results of this comparison indicate that Schneider's concept of schizophrenia was broader than Conrad's, and his concept of manic-depressive depression more restricted. More detailed comparisons are complicated by differences in nomenclature and in the varieties of functional mental illness recognized in the two periods. However, it seems that Conrad's concept of mania was wider only when the atypical schizophrenia-like psychoses diagnosed during the Conrad era were added to the Conrad-oriented cases of mania; when this was not done, the Schneiderian concept of mania was broader.", "PMID": 990659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3875", "title": "Respiratory ventilation and carbon dioxide levels in syndromes of depression.", "content": "The breathing rate and PCO2 in end-tidal air have been studied in controls and in patients with endogenous depression (retarded and non-retarded), with neurotic depression, and with schizophrenia. It has been shown that breathing rate goes up and PCO2 down in non-retarded and neurotic depression. Schizophrenia gives more anomalous results. The fact is emphasized that such changes must lead to alterations in pH and other variables. Studies showing some small chemical differences between these clinical entities and control subjects might therefore be explained by these findings.", "contents": "Respiratory ventilation and carbon dioxide levels in syndromes of depression. The breathing rate and PCO2 in end-tidal air have been studied in controls and in patients with endogenous depression (retarded and non-retarded), with neurotic depression, and with schizophrenia. It has been shown that breathing rate goes up and PCO2 down in non-retarded and neurotic depression. Schizophrenia gives more anomalous results. The fact is emphasized that such changes must lead to alterations in pH and other variables. Studies showing some small chemical differences between these clinical entities and control subjects might therefore be explained by these findings.", "PMID": 990660} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3876", "title": "A city looks at its problem of drug abuse by injection.", "content": "A retrospective, multi-source screening study has detected 148 users (110 males, 38 females) of intravenous drugs who presented to all relevant agencies between 1971 and 1973 in Bristol, a city where maintenance therapy is a very infrequent practice. The peak prevalence was found in the age group 20-24 years, and it appeared that the chief sources of drugs were burglaries of chemists' shops and general practitioner prescriptions. Sixty-four per cent of our users had not been notified to the Home Office. Suggestions are made for the future monitoring and development of services.", "contents": "A city looks at its problem of drug abuse by injection. A retrospective, multi-source screening study has detected 148 users (110 males, 38 females) of intravenous drugs who presented to all relevant agencies between 1971 and 1973 in Bristol, a city where maintenance therapy is a very infrequent practice. The peak prevalence was found in the age group 20-24 years, and it appeared that the chief sources of drugs were burglaries of chemists' shops and general practitioner prescriptions. Sixty-four per cent of our users had not been notified to the Home Office. Suggestions are made for the future monitoring and development of services.", "PMID": 990661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3877", "title": "Seasonal patterns of suicide, depression and electroconvulsive therapy.", "content": "This study examined the hypothesis that there are seasonal variations for suicide, hospital admissions for depressive illnesses and electroconvulsive therapy and that these are inter-related. It was found that the seasonal variations did coincide, with peaks occurring in the Ontario spring and autumn. The importance of depression as a cause of suicide and the effect of electroconvulsive therapy upon the suicide rate are discussed.", "contents": "Seasonal patterns of suicide, depression and electroconvulsive therapy. This study examined the hypothesis that there are seasonal variations for suicide, hospital admissions for depressive illnesses and electroconvulsive therapy and that these are inter-related. It was found that the seasonal variations did coincide, with peaks occurring in the Ontario spring and autumn. The importance of depression as a cause of suicide and the effect of electroconvulsive therapy upon the suicide rate are discussed.", "PMID": 990662} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3878", "title": "Comparison of antipsychotic depot injections in the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia.", "content": "122 Schizophrenic patients treated with injections of fluphenazine ethanate, 97 with fluphenazine decanoate and 199 with flupenthixol decanoate were followed up for mean times of 41, 33 and 21 months respectively. Their progress was compared by examining reasons for discontinuing injections and outcome in three separate groups defined according to first preparation given; relating the events causing patients to discontinue injections or be readmitted to patient-months spent on each drug; and analysing reasons for inter-drug transfers 43 per cent, 24 per cent and 23 per cent respectively of these three groups of patients discontinued the injections. Severe extrapyramidal effects were most frequent with fluphenazine ethanate, intermediate with fluphenazine decanote, and least frequent frequent with flupenthixol. Lack of cooperation was rather more frequent with flupenthixol than with the other drugs. Severe depression occurred with all three. More patients on fluphenazine injections were transferred for any reason to flupenthixol than vice-versa. A case of 'irreversible' movement disorder was seen with each preparation. It is suggested that current maintenance doses of flupenthixol decanoate are too low.", "contents": "Comparison of antipsychotic depot injections in the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. 122 Schizophrenic patients treated with injections of fluphenazine ethanate, 97 with fluphenazine decanoate and 199 with flupenthixol decanoate were followed up for mean times of 41, 33 and 21 months respectively. Their progress was compared by examining reasons for discontinuing injections and outcome in three separate groups defined according to first preparation given; relating the events causing patients to discontinue injections or be readmitted to patient-months spent on each drug; and analysing reasons for inter-drug transfers 43 per cent, 24 per cent and 23 per cent respectively of these three groups of patients discontinued the injections. Severe extrapyramidal effects were most frequent with fluphenazine ethanate, intermediate with fluphenazine decanote, and least frequent frequent with flupenthixol. Lack of cooperation was rather more frequent with flupenthixol than with the other drugs. Severe depression occurred with all three. More patients on fluphenazine injections were transferred for any reason to flupenthixol than vice-versa. A case of 'irreversible' movement disorder was seen with each preparation. It is suggested that current maintenance doses of flupenthixol decanoate are too low.", "PMID": 990663} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3879", "title": "Generalization of behaviour therapy with psychotics.", "content": "Generalization of improvement in the behavioural treatment of psychotic patients must be planned in after-care settings, and for durability over time. The transfer of clinical gains is not an automatic by-product of treatment with severely and chronically impaired mental patients. Treatment strategies that facilitate generalization from hospital to community are illustrated in a case study using empirical data. Systematic and specific treatment programmes were co-ordinated between a state hospital ward and a community-based day hospital. Setting step-wise and limited goals is a feature of successful outcomes. Maintaining consistency in reinforcement contingencies from hospital to community settings, using natural reinforcers, pinpointing functional behaviours as therapeutic goals, over-learning, and training natural caregivers are methods that promote generalization.", "contents": "Generalization of behaviour therapy with psychotics. Generalization of improvement in the behavioural treatment of psychotic patients must be planned in after-care settings, and for durability over time. The transfer of clinical gains is not an automatic by-product of treatment with severely and chronically impaired mental patients. Treatment strategies that facilitate generalization from hospital to community are illustrated in a case study using empirical data. Systematic and specific treatment programmes were co-ordinated between a state hospital ward and a community-based day hospital. Setting step-wise and limited goals is a feature of successful outcomes. Maintaining consistency in reinforcement contingencies from hospital to community settings, using natural reinforcers, pinpointing functional behaviours as therapeutic goals, over-learning, and training natural caregivers are methods that promote generalization.", "PMID": 990664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3880", "title": "Urological follow-up of 99 spinal cord injured patients initially managed by intermittent catheterisation.", "content": "99 spinal cord injured patients who were initially managed by intermittent catheterisation have been followed up for an average of 36 months (6 to 81 months) since their discharge from hospital. The urological results in this group of patients have been compared with those of 2 series in which indwelling catheters were used in the initial period. It appears that initial bladder management by intermittent catheterisation allows a higher percentage of patients to become catheter-free and gives a lower incidence of urological complications. The average incidence of re-infection of the urinary tracts and the condition of the upper tracts compares favourably with those reported after management by indwelling catheterisation.", "contents": "Urological follow-up of 99 spinal cord injured patients initially managed by intermittent catheterisation. 99 spinal cord injured patients who were initially managed by intermittent catheterisation have been followed up for an average of 36 months (6 to 81 months) since their discharge from hospital. The urological results in this group of patients have been compared with those of 2 series in which indwelling catheters were used in the initial period. It appears that initial bladder management by intermittent catheterisation allows a higher percentage of patients to become catheter-free and gives a lower incidence of urological complications. The average incidence of re-infection of the urinary tracts and the condition of the upper tracts compares favourably with those reported after management by indwelling catheterisation.", "PMID": 990671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3881", "title": "An apparatus for Helmstein's hydrostatic pressure treatment.", "content": "A new method of producing a balloon catheter for distension of the bladder is presented and an appropriate infusion set for the balloon is described. Various advantages and disadvantages have been discussed.", "contents": "An apparatus for Helmstein's hydrostatic pressure treatment. A new method of producing a balloon catheter for distension of the bladder is presented and an appropriate infusion set for the balloon is described. Various advantages and disadvantages have been discussed.", "PMID": 990672} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3882", "title": "Composition of bladder stones in Rwanda.", "content": "A small area of endemic bladder stone formation occurs in Rwanda, Central Africa. The X-ray diffraction of 13 of these stones revealed that they were mainly composed of calcium oxalate monohydrate. By X-ray fluorescence the presence of considerable amounts of rubidium was demonstrated which was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration of rubidium was about 2-5 times greater than that of zinc. Thy hypothesis that rubidium is an important lithogenic element is formulated. It might explain this endemic bladder stone formation which is exceptional for Central Africa.", "contents": "Composition of bladder stones in Rwanda. A small area of endemic bladder stone formation occurs in Rwanda, Central Africa. The X-ray diffraction of 13 of these stones revealed that they were mainly composed of calcium oxalate monohydrate. By X-ray fluorescence the presence of considerable amounts of rubidium was demonstrated which was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration of rubidium was about 2-5 times greater than that of zinc. Thy hypothesis that rubidium is an important lithogenic element is formulated. It might explain this endemic bladder stone formation which is exceptional for Central Africa.", "PMID": 990674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3883", "title": "The effects of drugs and anaesthetic agents on the urinary bladder and sphincters.", "content": "The influence of sedative, anaesthetic and neuromuscular blocking drugs on diagnostic urethral pressure profiles and cystometrograms has been investigated. These agents have marked effects on the results obtained; in particular, the urethral pressure profile was raised by opiates and lowered by anaesthetic induction agents. Bladder capacity as measured by the cystometrogram was greatly increased by halothane. These findings indicate that urodynamic studies should be performed only on conscious unsedated patients.", "contents": "The effects of drugs and anaesthetic agents on the urinary bladder and sphincters. The influence of sedative, anaesthetic and neuromuscular blocking drugs on diagnostic urethral pressure profiles and cystometrograms has been investigated. These agents have marked effects on the results obtained; in particular, the urethral pressure profile was raised by opiates and lowered by anaesthetic induction agents. Bladder capacity as measured by the cystometrogram was greatly increased by halothane. These findings indicate that urodynamic studies should be performed only on conscious unsedated patients.", "PMID": 990677} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3884", "title": "The urethral closure pressure profile. A new technique using gas and simultaneous EMG-recording from the urethra.", "content": "A new technique for recording of the urethral closure pressure profile using gas-inflation and simultaneous EMG-recording from the urethra is described. With the present technique, the parameters of the urethral closure pressure profile in healthy volunteers were in accordance with previous reports using water-infusion. The effect of alpha-adrenergic blockade on the pressure profile was studied in a series of patients. Half of the patients showed a marked reduction of the intraurethral pressure in the presphincteric part of the profile after alpha-adrenergic blockade. This indicated that sympathetic innervated smooth musculature gives a significant contribution to the total intraurethral pressure.", "contents": "The urethral closure pressure profile. A new technique using gas and simultaneous EMG-recording from the urethra. A new technique for recording of the urethral closure pressure profile using gas-inflation and simultaneous EMG-recording from the urethra is described. With the present technique, the parameters of the urethral closure pressure profile in healthy volunteers were in accordance with previous reports using water-infusion. The effect of alpha-adrenergic blockade on the pressure profile was studied in a series of patients. Half of the patients showed a marked reduction of the intraurethral pressure in the presphincteric part of the profile after alpha-adrenergic blockade. This indicated that sympathetic innervated smooth musculature gives a significant contribution to the total intraurethral pressure.", "PMID": 990680} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3885", "title": "Relative contributions of smooth and striated muscles to the canine urethral pressure profile.", "content": "Canine urethral pressure profiles were analysed using pharmacological and nerve sectioning techniques. The presence of significant sympathetic and somatic neural components was detected and their locations along the proximal urethra were identified. The neural components peaked at different points in the urethra but overlapped. The non-neural component appeared to form an even base along the whole proximal urethra. It was concluded that in the proximal part of the profile the non-neural and the sympathetic components are significant. The sympathetic component becomes larger in the peak pressure zone. More distally and overlapping with the sympathetic component is the contribution of the striated external sphincter.", "contents": "Relative contributions of smooth and striated muscles to the canine urethral pressure profile. Canine urethral pressure profiles were analysed using pharmacological and nerve sectioning techniques. The presence of significant sympathetic and somatic neural components was detected and their locations along the proximal urethra were identified. The neural components peaked at different points in the urethra but overlapped. The non-neural component appeared to form an even base along the whole proximal urethra. It was concluded that in the proximal part of the profile the non-neural and the sympathetic components are significant. The sympathetic component becomes larger in the peak pressure zone. More distally and overlapping with the sympathetic component is the contribution of the striated external sphincter.", "PMID": 990682} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3886", "title": "The response of lymph node metastases of testicular teratoma to radiation therapy.", "content": "The response to radiation therapy of lymph nodes metastases from testicular teratomas has been examined in 117 Stage I and II patients treated between 1962 and 1972. It is not possible to obtain reliable estimates of the percentage Stage I patients with occult retroperitoneal node metastases; however, available evidence suggests that spread of tumour to the lymph nodes has occurred in a proportion (possibly as many as 50%) of patients in this category. Radiation therapy is an effective method of achieving tumour eradication and overall survival results in this group are good (84%). In a smaller group of Stage II patients with unequivocal lymphographic evidence of nodal spread, the effectiveness of irradiation is dependent upon tumour volume. In those patients with metastases 2 centimetres or less in diameter, the results of treatment are similar to Stage I and we have designated this group Stage IIa. In those patients with larger volume metastases, two thirds have developed abdominal node relapse, in most cases associated with distant spread. We have designated this group Stage IIb. The implications of these observations for overall management are discussed.", "contents": "The response of lymph node metastases of testicular teratoma to radiation therapy. The response to radiation therapy of lymph nodes metastases from testicular teratomas has been examined in 117 Stage I and II patients treated between 1962 and 1972. It is not possible to obtain reliable estimates of the percentage Stage I patients with occult retroperitoneal node metastases; however, available evidence suggests that spread of tumour to the lymph nodes has occurred in a proportion (possibly as many as 50%) of patients in this category. Radiation therapy is an effective method of achieving tumour eradication and overall survival results in this group are good (84%). In a smaller group of Stage II patients with unequivocal lymphographic evidence of nodal spread, the effectiveness of irradiation is dependent upon tumour volume. In those patients with metastases 2 centimetres or less in diameter, the results of treatment are similar to Stage I and we have designated this group Stage IIa. In those patients with larger volume metastases, two thirds have developed abdominal node relapse, in most cases associated with distant spread. We have designated this group Stage IIb. The implications of these observations for overall management are discussed.", "PMID": 990684} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3887", "title": "Leukoplakia associated with renal tuberculosis in the chemotherapeutic era.", "content": "The association of renal tuberculosis and leukoplakia of the renal pelvis was quite common in the prechemotherapy era of tuberculosis but has apparently not been seen since effective drugs became available. Despite a prompt response of the tuberculosis to chemotherapy the leukoplakia formation with intermittent passage of keratinised material continued. Surgical removal of the accumulated material was of no lasting benefit.", "contents": "Leukoplakia associated with renal tuberculosis in the chemotherapeutic era. The association of renal tuberculosis and leukoplakia of the renal pelvis was quite common in the prechemotherapy era of tuberculosis but has apparently not been seen since effective drugs became available. Despite a prompt response of the tuberculosis to chemotherapy the leukoplakia formation with intermittent passage of keratinised material continued. Surgical removal of the accumulated material was of no lasting benefit.", "PMID": 990686} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3888", "title": "Urodynamic studies in the district general hospital.", "content": "The information given by urodynamic investigations has been of practical value in clinical practice and we feel that the time and money spent has been worthwhile. The results are particularly useful in patients with neuropathic bladders, women and stress incontinence in whom detrusor instability is also suspected, young men with \"obstructive\" symptoms and in men with post-prostatectomy problems. Its value in te large group of women with frequency, urgency and nocturia is debatable given our present lack of satisfactory treatment for these patients.", "contents": "Urodynamic studies in the district general hospital. The information given by urodynamic investigations has been of practical value in clinical practice and we feel that the time and money spent has been worthwhile. The results are particularly useful in patients with neuropathic bladders, women and stress incontinence in whom detrusor instability is also suspected, young men with \"obstructive\" symptoms and in men with post-prostatectomy problems. Its value in te large group of women with frequency, urgency and nocturia is debatable given our present lack of satisfactory treatment for these patients.", "PMID": 990687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3889", "title": "Major disasters: hospital admission procedures.", "content": "Triage in the accident and emergency department and the admission of all patients needing further care to one ward can form the basis of the successful hospital management of the victims of a major disaster.", "contents": "Major disasters: hospital admission procedures. Triage in the accident and emergency department and the admission of all patients needing further care to one ward can form the basis of the successful hospital management of the victims of a major disaster.", "PMID": 990691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3890", "title": "Blast injuries of the lungs.", "content": "Up until 1968 Northern Ireland was a relatively peaceful community. The outbreak of civil disturbance has resulted in many patients being admitted to hospital with severe injuries from bullets and bomb explosions. Initial resuscitation must not be unduly delayed to be effective and should be carried out by experienced personnel. Respiratory failure from bomb explosions is rare and invariably fatal. The mechanism is discussed and is thought to be due to direct compression.", "contents": "Blast injuries of the lungs. Up until 1968 Northern Ireland was a relatively peaceful community. The outbreak of civil disturbance has resulted in many patients being admitted to hospital with severe injuries from bullets and bomb explosions. Initial resuscitation must not be unduly delayed to be effective and should be carried out by experienced personnel. Respiratory failure from bomb explosions is rare and invariably fatal. The mechanism is discussed and is thought to be due to direct compression.", "PMID": 990692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3891", "title": "Limb and abdominal injuries: principles of treatment.", "content": "In the period reviewed, the Royal Victoria Hospital received over 7000 casualties, representing approximately half of the civil disturbance injuries for the province. Primary resuscitation did not differ from that of road traffic accidents, but the surgical management did. Extensive d\u00e9bridement was essential, followed by delayed primary suture some days later. Two hundred and nine penetrating abdominal wounds were reviewed, and the necessity of exploring the abdomen in all such injuries is emphasized.", "contents": "Limb and abdominal injuries: principles of treatment. In the period reviewed, the Royal Victoria Hospital received over 7000 casualties, representing approximately half of the civil disturbance injuries for the province. Primary resuscitation did not differ from that of road traffic accidents, but the surgical management did. Extensive d\u00e9bridement was essential, followed by delayed primary suture some days later. Two hundred and nine penetrating abdominal wounds were reviewed, and the necessity of exploring the abdomen in all such injuries is emphasized.", "PMID": 990693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3892", "title": "A new approach to the treatment of renal failure.", "content": "There is an apparent need for an alternative form of treatment for renal failure. This study, therefore, sought to determine the feasibility of dialysing across an isolated loop of colon and its possible application to augment failing renal function in chronic uraemic patients. Haemodialysis and renal transplantation are undisputedly effective in treating renal failure but have many drawbacks. They are unavailable in the underdeveloped world, extremely expensive to institute and maintain, and their need and expense are compounded every year by the discovery of new cases. Colonic loops were isolated in sheep and studies performed to find an effective solution in terms of urea clearance. The best solution was then used in animals in which acute or chronic uraemia was induced and, compared with controls, prolonged life significantly (P less than 0-05). Once it had been established that urea could be removed across the colonic mocosa, it was used in patients with established isolated loops of colon. Even though they had normal blood levels, urea was recovered in the dialysate. Results indicate that colonic dialysis, which is simple and inexpensive, may have a place as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of chronic renal failure.", "contents": "A new approach to the treatment of renal failure. There is an apparent need for an alternative form of treatment for renal failure. This study, therefore, sought to determine the feasibility of dialysing across an isolated loop of colon and its possible application to augment failing renal function in chronic uraemic patients. Haemodialysis and renal transplantation are undisputedly effective in treating renal failure but have many drawbacks. They are unavailable in the underdeveloped world, extremely expensive to institute and maintain, and their need and expense are compounded every year by the discovery of new cases. Colonic loops were isolated in sheep and studies performed to find an effective solution in terms of urea clearance. The best solution was then used in animals in which acute or chronic uraemia was induced and, compared with controls, prolonged life significantly (P less than 0-05). Once it had been established that urea could be removed across the colonic mocosa, it was used in patients with established isolated loops of colon. Even though they had normal blood levels, urea was recovered in the dialysate. Results indicate that colonic dialysis, which is simple and inexpensive, may have a place as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of chronic renal failure.", "PMID": 990694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3893", "title": "Complications of supraduodenal choledochotomy: a comparison of three methods of management.", "content": "The complications of elective choledochotomy in a prospective study of 116 patients with suspected intraduct calculi are reported. Management included T tube drainage (n = 59), primary closure of the bile duct (n = 29) and choledochoduodenostomy (n = 28). Septicaemia occurred in 12 patients (10%), with 1 death, and was unrelated to the type of operation. Thirty patients (26%) developed wound infection; this complication was more common after T tube drainage than the other procedures. Intra-abdominal abscess occurred in 3 patients only. Thrombo-embolism was recorded in 10 patients (9%), 7 of whom had an intraduct drain. Postoperative pancreatitis occurred in 5 patients (4%), with 2 deaths; a third of the patients in whom sphincteroplasty had been combined with supraduodenal choledochotomy developed this complication. Reoperation for stones was required in 3 patients with T tube; 3 patients developed a temporary biliary fistula after choledochoduodenostomy. The hospital stay was 9-5 days after primary closure, 14-0 days after choledochoduodenostomy and 16-8 days after T tube drainage. Wound sepsis (32%) and thrombo-embolism (12%) were more common in patients with bacterbilia than in patients where the bile was sterile at operation (13 and 3% respectively). Furthermore, wound sepsis, septicaemia and thrombo-embolism were reduced in patients who were given effective antibiotic cover.", "contents": "Complications of supraduodenal choledochotomy: a comparison of three methods of management. The complications of elective choledochotomy in a prospective study of 116 patients with suspected intraduct calculi are reported. Management included T tube drainage (n = 59), primary closure of the bile duct (n = 29) and choledochoduodenostomy (n = 28). Septicaemia occurred in 12 patients (10%), with 1 death, and was unrelated to the type of operation. Thirty patients (26%) developed wound infection; this complication was more common after T tube drainage than the other procedures. Intra-abdominal abscess occurred in 3 patients only. Thrombo-embolism was recorded in 10 patients (9%), 7 of whom had an intraduct drain. Postoperative pancreatitis occurred in 5 patients (4%), with 2 deaths; a third of the patients in whom sphincteroplasty had been combined with supraduodenal choledochotomy developed this complication. Reoperation for stones was required in 3 patients with T tube; 3 patients developed a temporary biliary fistula after choledochoduodenostomy. The hospital stay was 9-5 days after primary closure, 14-0 days after choledochoduodenostomy and 16-8 days after T tube drainage. Wound sepsis (32%) and thrombo-embolism (12%) were more common in patients with bacterbilia than in patients where the bile was sterile at operation (13 and 3% respectively). Furthermore, wound sepsis, septicaemia and thrombo-embolism were reduced in patients who were given effective antibiotic cover.", "PMID": 990695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3894", "title": "A clinical index for selection of breast cancer patients for adrenalectomy.", "content": "Selection of patients with disseminated breast cancer for endocrine surgery has not been facilitated by sophisticated biochemical techniques. The present study was designed to produce a method of prognosis based exclusively on clinical data. Eighteen features were studied in 95 patients who underwent adrenalectomy and oophorectomy, and correlated with their degree of response to produce predictive variables. In a further group of 90 patients a prognostic score (the sum of the predictive variables) was calculated. There were 17 patients who scored less than 0 and in no case was a good response to endocrine surgery achieved. There were 40 who scored over 10, 29 of whom had a good response. The remaining 33 scored between 0 and 10 and there was no correlation between score and response. This predictive system offers significant advantages over accepted methods of clinical assessment (chi2 = 6-61, P less than 0-02). When patients with a score between 0 and 10 are excluded, its advantages are even more obvious (chi2 = 11-26, P less than 0-001). Patients who are likely to respond to endocrine surgery can be selected by clinical parameters alone, and total failure to respond can be forecast with complete accuracy. Between these two there is a third group whose response is unpredictable.", "contents": "A clinical index for selection of breast cancer patients for adrenalectomy. Selection of patients with disseminated breast cancer for endocrine surgery has not been facilitated by sophisticated biochemical techniques. The present study was designed to produce a method of prognosis based exclusively on clinical data. Eighteen features were studied in 95 patients who underwent adrenalectomy and oophorectomy, and correlated with their degree of response to produce predictive variables. In a further group of 90 patients a prognostic score (the sum of the predictive variables) was calculated. There were 17 patients who scored less than 0 and in no case was a good response to endocrine surgery achieved. There were 40 who scored over 10, 29 of whom had a good response. The remaining 33 scored between 0 and 10 and there was no correlation between score and response. This predictive system offers significant advantages over accepted methods of clinical assessment (chi2 = 6-61, P less than 0-02). When patients with a score between 0 and 10 are excluded, its advantages are even more obvious (chi2 = 11-26, P less than 0-001). Patients who are likely to respond to endocrine surgery can be selected by clinical parameters alone, and total failure to respond can be forecast with complete accuracy. Between these two there is a third group whose response is unpredictable.", "PMID": 990696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3895", "title": "The plain X-ray in the acute abdomen: a surgeon's evaluation.", "content": "The plain abdominal X-rays of 277 patients suffering from five acute abdominal conditions were reviewed and specific radiological features found to occur in not less than 48% of the cases. In a second series of 249 patients admitted to hospital with an acute abdomen due to all types of disease, the plain abdominal X-rays were helpful in 42% of cases. A questionnaire of 50 plain abdominal X-rays was answered by surgeons and radiologists of varying clinical experience, the scores of the senior radiologists being higher. It is suggested that plain abdominal X-rays should become a routine investigation in the acute abdomen, and should be reported by senior radiologists at the time of the investigation.", "contents": "The plain X-ray in the acute abdomen: a surgeon's evaluation. The plain abdominal X-rays of 277 patients suffering from five acute abdominal conditions were reviewed and specific radiological features found to occur in not less than 48% of the cases. In a second series of 249 patients admitted to hospital with an acute abdomen due to all types of disease, the plain abdominal X-rays were helpful in 42% of cases. A questionnaire of 50 plain abdominal X-rays was answered by surgeons and radiologists of varying clinical experience, the scores of the senior radiologists being higher. It is suggested that plain abdominal X-rays should become a routine investigation in the acute abdomen, and should be reported by senior radiologists at the time of the investigation.", "PMID": 990697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3896", "title": "Evaluation of biliary tract disease by ultrasonic B-mode scanning.", "content": "To establish the value of diagnostic ultrasound (sonar) in the diagnosis of bilitary tract disease, 140 patients were scanned and also had a plain film of the biliary tract. Of these, 105 had contrast radiography and 123 were subjected to laparotomy. The results obtained suggest that in the absence of jaundice, sonar compares well with oral cholecystography in demonstrating the gallbladder, but is not as good as intravenous cholangiography in showing the duct system. In the presence of jaundice, however, sonar is considered the imaging investigation of choice.", "contents": "Evaluation of biliary tract disease by ultrasonic B-mode scanning. To establish the value of diagnostic ultrasound (sonar) in the diagnosis of bilitary tract disease, 140 patients were scanned and also had a plain film of the biliary tract. Of these, 105 had contrast radiography and 123 were subjected to laparotomy. The results obtained suggest that in the absence of jaundice, sonar compares well with oral cholecystography in demonstrating the gallbladder, but is not as good as intravenous cholangiography in showing the duct system. In the presence of jaundice, however, sonar is considered the imaging investigation of choice.", "PMID": 990698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3897", "title": "Acalculous gallbladder disease: a prospective study.", "content": "A prospective study of 62 cases of acalculous gallbladder disease is reported. The clinical, radiological and pathological features are described as well as the results of cholecystectomy with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. The results compare favourably with those for calculous disease, and it is concluded that there is no clear-cut distinction between acalculous and calculous biliary disease.", "contents": "Acalculous gallbladder disease: a prospective study. A prospective study of 62 cases of acalculous gallbladder disease is reported. The clinical, radiological and pathological features are described as well as the results of cholecystectomy with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. The results compare favourably with those for calculous disease, and it is concluded that there is no clear-cut distinction between acalculous and calculous biliary disease.", "PMID": 990699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3898", "title": "Is colostomy closure a hazardous procedure? A comparison of elemental diet and routine bowel preparation.", "content": "Morbidity after closure of a colostomy is low if a simple antiseptic technique of intraperitoneal closure is used. In 26 patients there was no example of major wound sepsis and only 2 faecal fistulas both of which rapidly closed spontaneously. A randomized study of preoperative bowel preparation incorporating an elemental diet showed no apparent advantage for this method using our criteria for assessment.", "contents": "Is colostomy closure a hazardous procedure? A comparison of elemental diet and routine bowel preparation. Morbidity after closure of a colostomy is low if a simple antiseptic technique of intraperitoneal closure is used. In 26 patients there was no example of major wound sepsis and only 2 faecal fistulas both of which rapidly closed spontaneously. A randomized study of preoperative bowel preparation incorporating an elemental diet showed no apparent advantage for this method using our criteria for assessment.", "PMID": 990700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3899", "title": "Results of jejuno-ileostomy for gross refractory obesity.", "content": "The results of jejuno-ileostomy in 182 patients have been studied. The operative mortality was 1-1% and the overall mortality 6-6%, of which 3-3% was attributable to the effects of the small bowel bypass. Weight reduction usually ceased at about 18-24 months postoperatively, by which time the average fall was 36-3% of the mean original body weight. Males and younger patients achieved better than average results. The main side-effects were fatty infiltration of the liver, polyarthralgia, excessive diarrhoea and electrolyte upsets.", "contents": "Results of jejuno-ileostomy for gross refractory obesity. The results of jejuno-ileostomy in 182 patients have been studied. The operative mortality was 1-1% and the overall mortality 6-6%, of which 3-3% was attributable to the effects of the small bowel bypass. Weight reduction usually ceased at about 18-24 months postoperatively, by which time the average fall was 36-3% of the mean original body weight. Males and younger patients achieved better than average results. The main side-effects were fatty infiltration of the liver, polyarthralgia, excessive diarrhoea and electrolyte upsets.", "PMID": 990701} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3900", "title": "Experimental studies on the aetiology of acute scorpion pancreatitis.", "content": "This study examined the action of the venom of the scorpion Tityus trintatis on the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract in anaesthetized dogs, on the isolated extracorporeal haemoperfused canine pancreas and on the isolated canine sphincter of Oddi. The venom induces exocrine secretion in both the isolated and intact pancreas and causes contraction of the isolated sphincter of Oddi. These results are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of acute scorpion pancreatitis and possibly of some other forms of acute pancreatitis.", "contents": "Experimental studies on the aetiology of acute scorpion pancreatitis. This study examined the action of the venom of the scorpion Tityus trintatis on the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract in anaesthetized dogs, on the isolated extracorporeal haemoperfused canine pancreas and on the isolated canine sphincter of Oddi. The venom induces exocrine secretion in both the isolated and intact pancreas and causes contraction of the isolated sphincter of Oddi. These results are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of acute scorpion pancreatitis and possibly of some other forms of acute pancreatitis.", "PMID": 990702} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3901", "title": "The value of preliminary bone scanning in staging and assessing the prognosis of breast cancer.", "content": "Preliminary bone scans have been performed on all patients with early breast cancer. The incidence of positive scans has been recorded and several factors determining scan status have been enumerated. Particular attention has been focused on the natrual history of scan positive and scan negative patients. Eighteen per cent of stage I and 41 per cent of stage II cancers had positive bone scans. Scan results were correlated with age, menopausal status, tumour position, tumour size and histological node status. Postmenopausal patients were found to have a significantly increased risk of being scan positive (P less than 0-01). Follow-up studies have confirmed that the lesions demonstrated by scanning actually represent metastatic foci. At 18 months 85-7 per cent of scan positive patients had evidence of disseminated disease compared with only 11-4 per cent of scan negative patients (P less than 0-01). Clinically overt advanced disease evolves from positive scan lesions. It is clear that a significant percentage of patients felt to have early breast cancer already have widely disseminated disease at the initial presentation. The biological significance of bone scan lesions makes a sensitive screening test for dissemination an essential part of the preliminary assessment of patients with breast cancer. Bone scans provide an excellent prognostic index at a patient's initial assessment.", "contents": "The value of preliminary bone scanning in staging and assessing the prognosis of breast cancer. Preliminary bone scans have been performed on all patients with early breast cancer. The incidence of positive scans has been recorded and several factors determining scan status have been enumerated. Particular attention has been focused on the natrual history of scan positive and scan negative patients. Eighteen per cent of stage I and 41 per cent of stage II cancers had positive bone scans. Scan results were correlated with age, menopausal status, tumour position, tumour size and histological node status. Postmenopausal patients were found to have a significantly increased risk of being scan positive (P less than 0-01). Follow-up studies have confirmed that the lesions demonstrated by scanning actually represent metastatic foci. At 18 months 85-7 per cent of scan positive patients had evidence of disseminated disease compared with only 11-4 per cent of scan negative patients (P less than 0-01). Clinically overt advanced disease evolves from positive scan lesions. It is clear that a significant percentage of patients felt to have early breast cancer already have widely disseminated disease at the initial presentation. The biological significance of bone scan lesions makes a sensitive screening test for dissemination an essential part of the preliminary assessment of patients with breast cancer. Bone scans provide an excellent prognostic index at a patient's initial assessment.", "PMID": 990703} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3902", "title": "A prolonged course of cyclophosphamide as an adjunct to mastectomy in the primary treatment of breast carcinoma.", "content": "Cyclophosphamide given after mastectomy for 4-6 months to a consecutive series of patients seen in one surgical practice in the years 1964 and 1965 significantly improved the 10-year survival rate of the treated patients as compared with the patients seen consecutively in the same surgical practice in the years 1957-63. Staging showed that the improvement was due to a significant increase in the survival rate in the patients with histologically negative axillary nodes (P less than 0-01). There was no significant difference in survival in the node positive or advanced disease groups.", "contents": "A prolonged course of cyclophosphamide as an adjunct to mastectomy in the primary treatment of breast carcinoma. Cyclophosphamide given after mastectomy for 4-6 months to a consecutive series of patients seen in one surgical practice in the years 1964 and 1965 significantly improved the 10-year survival rate of the treated patients as compared with the patients seen consecutively in the same surgical practice in the years 1957-63. Staging showed that the improvement was due to a significant increase in the survival rate in the patients with histologically negative axillary nodes (P less than 0-01). There was no significant difference in survival in the node positive or advanced disease groups.", "PMID": 990704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3903", "title": "Reconstruction of the breast as a primary and secondary procedure following mastectomy for carcinoma.", "content": "During a period of 8 years over 200 cases of carcinoma of the breast have had replacement procedures carried out as either a primary or a delayed procedure. The end results do not appear to be in any way inferior to those of conventional treatment of this condition. Selection of cases is important, but equally vital is meticulous dessection technique, haemostasis and planning of incisions together with preservation of the blood supply. Recurrence locally appears to be somewhat less than anticipated when compared with other methods of treatment. It can be treated by irradiation or excision without removal of the prosthesis.", "contents": "Reconstruction of the breast as a primary and secondary procedure following mastectomy for carcinoma. During a period of 8 years over 200 cases of carcinoma of the breast have had replacement procedures carried out as either a primary or a delayed procedure. The end results do not appear to be in any way inferior to those of conventional treatment of this condition. Selection of cases is important, but equally vital is meticulous dessection technique, haemostasis and planning of incisions together with preservation of the blood supply. Recurrence locally appears to be somewhat less than anticipated when compared with other methods of treatment. It can be treated by irradiation or excision without removal of the prosthesis.", "PMID": 990705} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3904", "title": "Scanning electron microscopy of normal human scar tissue and keloids.", "content": "The fibrous architecture of 5 normal human scars between 1 week and 1 year old and 4 keloid scars has been studied by scanning electron microscopy. In normal wounds, significant changes in fibril and fibre orientations and mode of aggregation take place as the scars mature, indicating that remodelling carries on for many months. There are also major differences between the edge and centre of the wound. These changes can be related to the stresses placed on the fibroblasts which have responded by laying down collagen aligned in such a way as to resist these forces. It is suggested that keloid fibroblasts may lack this ability to respond appropriately to orientational stress.", "contents": "Scanning electron microscopy of normal human scar tissue and keloids. The fibrous architecture of 5 normal human scars between 1 week and 1 year old and 4 keloid scars has been studied by scanning electron microscopy. In normal wounds, significant changes in fibril and fibre orientations and mode of aggregation take place as the scars mature, indicating that remodelling carries on for many months. There are also major differences between the edge and centre of the wound. These changes can be related to the stresses placed on the fibroblasts which have responded by laying down collagen aligned in such a way as to resist these forces. It is suggested that keloid fibroblasts may lack this ability to respond appropriately to orientational stress.", "PMID": 990706} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3905", "title": "Impact of the new generation coronary care unit.", "content": "A 30-bed coronary care unit with facilities for fluoroscopy, haemodynamic monitoring, mechanical heart assistance, and long-term electrocardiographic monitoring operated at a reasonable cost over five years. Much of the work was entrusted to trained nurses, and there was close consultation with cardiac surgeons over those patients who needed catheterisation or surgery. New procedures greatly reduced the numbers of early deaths from cardiac arrest and cardiac failure but had less influence on late mortality. Hospital mortality for all 3353 patients was 6-8%, and for patients under 65 with definite infarction, who were admitted direct it was 5-7%.", "contents": "Impact of the new generation coronary care unit. A 30-bed coronary care unit with facilities for fluoroscopy, haemodynamic monitoring, mechanical heart assistance, and long-term electrocardiographic monitoring operated at a reasonable cost over five years. Much of the work was entrusted to trained nurses, and there was close consultation with cardiac surgeons over those patients who needed catheterisation or surgery. New procedures greatly reduced the numbers of early deaths from cardiac arrest and cardiac failure but had less influence on late mortality. Hospital mortality for all 3353 patients was 6-8%, and for patients under 65 with definite infarction, who were admitted direct it was 5-7%.", "PMID": 990712} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3906", "title": "Referred itch (Mitempfindungen).", "content": "About one person in four or five is conscious that scratching an irritation may produce an itch elsewhere. The sensation is well localised, comes and goes quickly, and recurs when scratching is repeated a short while later. Scratch and referred itch are ipsilateral; scratching the site of the referred itch does not cause the original spot to itch. Scatching face, palms, or soles does not produce referred itching. Different people stimulated in the same region do not necessarily feel referred itch in the same place. The mechanism of the phenomenon is unknown, though it may be thalamic.", "contents": "Referred itch (Mitempfindungen). About one person in four or five is conscious that scratching an irritation may produce an itch elsewhere. The sensation is well localised, comes and goes quickly, and recurs when scratching is repeated a short while later. Scratch and referred itch are ipsilateral; scratching the site of the referred itch does not cause the original spot to itch. Scatching face, palms, or soles does not produce referred itching. Different people stimulated in the same region do not necessarily feel referred itch in the same place. The mechanism of the phenomenon is unknown, though it may be thalamic.", "PMID": 990713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3907", "title": "Continuous fetal monitoring in the ambulant patient in labour.", "content": "Fetal heart rate was monitored continuously in 30 ambulant women in labour by radiotelemetry. The procedure was practicable and, since contractions were less uncomfortable with the patient standing or walking about, reduced the need for analgesia. It also resulted in a more natural labour. Use of the procedure may lessen the risk of thromboembolism.", "contents": "Continuous fetal monitoring in the ambulant patient in labour. Fetal heart rate was monitored continuously in 30 ambulant women in labour by radiotelemetry. The procedure was practicable and, since contractions were less uncomfortable with the patient standing or walking about, reduced the need for analgesia. It also resulted in a more natural labour. Use of the procedure may lessen the risk of thromboembolism.", "PMID": 990714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3908", "title": "Genetic susceptibility in diabetes mellitus: analysis of the HLA association.", "content": "Two hundred and eighty-eight patients with insulin-dependent diabetes w,o were aged 30 or under at onset and 150 patients with late-onset diabetes, 50 of them dependent on insulin and 100 not dependent on insulin, were HLA-typed. There was a significant positive association between the young-onset insulin-dependent patients and HLA-B8, BW15, and B18 and a significant negative association with B7. These data were combined with those from two other centres. There was a significant concordance for the distribution of all the HLA antigens among these three series, producing evidence in favour of an HLA-linked diabetogenic gene (or genes) having a major role in all cases of juvenile-onset insulin-dependent diabetes. There was a positive association between late-onset insulin-dependent diabetes and B8, but no association between non-insulin-dependent diabetes and the HLA system. This provides further evidence for the existence of different pathogenetic mechanisms in the two major clinical forms of diabetes mellitus.", "contents": "Genetic susceptibility in diabetes mellitus: analysis of the HLA association. Two hundred and eighty-eight patients with insulin-dependent diabetes w,o were aged 30 or under at onset and 150 patients with late-onset diabetes, 50 of them dependent on insulin and 100 not dependent on insulin, were HLA-typed. There was a significant positive association between the young-onset insulin-dependent patients and HLA-B8, BW15, and B18 and a significant negative association with B7. These data were combined with those from two other centres. There was a significant concordance for the distribution of all the HLA antigens among these three series, producing evidence in favour of an HLA-linked diabetogenic gene (or genes) having a major role in all cases of juvenile-onset insulin-dependent diabetes. There was a positive association between late-onset insulin-dependent diabetes and B8, but no association between non-insulin-dependent diabetes and the HLA system. This provides further evidence for the existence of different pathogenetic mechanisms in the two major clinical forms of diabetes mellitus.", "PMID": 990715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3909", "title": "Screening for breast cancer.", "content": "The feasibility of mass population screening for breast cancer by clinical examination and x-ray mammography was studied. The results indicate that such a programme could be conducted effectively by non-medical staff and be safe from the dangers of irradiation. The response rate of women invited for screening suggests that such a service is acceptable to the general public. The additional work load produced by screening would not overburden the existing surgical services.", "contents": "Screening for breast cancer. The feasibility of mass population screening for breast cancer by clinical examination and x-ray mammography was studied. The results indicate that such a programme could be conducted effectively by non-medical staff and be safe from the dangers of irradiation. The response rate of women invited for screening suggests that such a service is acceptable to the general public. The additional work load produced by screening would not overburden the existing surgical services.", "PMID": 990724} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3910", "title": "Further experience with amoxycillin in typhoid fever in children.", "content": "A study of 155 children with typhoid fever proved by blood culture showed that amoxycillin was superior to chloramphenical with regard to clinical and temperature response and relapse and carrier rates. This confirmed the findings of a randomised clinical trial on 200 children with typhoid fever and lends support to the value of amoxycillin in this disease.", "contents": "Further experience with amoxycillin in typhoid fever in children. A study of 155 children with typhoid fever proved by blood culture showed that amoxycillin was superior to chloramphenical with regard to clinical and temperature response and relapse and carrier rates. This confirmed the findings of a randomised clinical trial on 200 children with typhoid fever and lends support to the value of amoxycillin in this disease.", "PMID": 990748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3911", "title": "Amoxycillin in treatment of typhoid fever in patients with haematological contraindications to chloramphenicol.", "content": "Thirty adults with proved typhoid fever were treated with amoxycillin 1 g six-hourly by mouth for an average of 14 days because of haematological contraindications to chloramphenicol. Eighteen patients were Egyptian men with the Mediterranean variety of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and an enzyme activity in the red cells fanging from 0 to 3%, and 12 patients had a history of severe but reversible myelosuppression after eight to 12 days' treatment with chloramphenicol 1-5-2 g daily. The clinical and bacteriological responses in this group of patients were compared with those of 30 haematologically normal patients of comparable age and sex treated with chloramphenicol. The results showed that amoxycillin is an effective alternative to chloramphenicol for treating typhoid fever in patients with haematological contraindications to chloramphenicol.", "contents": "Amoxycillin in treatment of typhoid fever in patients with haematological contraindications to chloramphenicol. Thirty adults with proved typhoid fever were treated with amoxycillin 1 g six-hourly by mouth for an average of 14 days because of haematological contraindications to chloramphenicol. Eighteen patients were Egyptian men with the Mediterranean variety of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and an enzyme activity in the red cells fanging from 0 to 3%, and 12 patients had a history of severe but reversible myelosuppression after eight to 12 days' treatment with chloramphenicol 1-5-2 g daily. The clinical and bacteriological responses in this group of patients were compared with those of 30 haematologically normal patients of comparable age and sex treated with chloramphenicol. The results showed that amoxycillin is an effective alternative to chloramphenicol for treating typhoid fever in patients with haematological contraindications to chloramphenicol.", "PMID": 990749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3912", "title": "Mode of referral to hospital of patients with heart attacks: relevance to home care and special ambulance services.", "content": "Out of 1250 consecutive patients brought to hospital with heart attacks 956 (76%) were at home when their symptoms began. Of these, 587 (61%) called their general practitioner, and for the remainder an ambulance was summoned by a member of the public. Of the 294 patients who were away from home when the attack occurred 291 were brought to hospital by ambulance. Of these, only 70 (24%) were attended by a general practitioner. Patients for whom ambulances were called by a general practitioner had had their symptoms significantly longer and had significantly lower prehospital and hospital mortalities than those for whom ambulances were summoned by members of the public. Special \"cardiac\" ambulances appear to be inappropriate for patients who have been seen by a general practitioner, and for this group home care may well be as effective as hospital admission.", "contents": "Mode of referral to hospital of patients with heart attacks: relevance to home care and special ambulance services. Out of 1250 consecutive patients brought to hospital with heart attacks 956 (76%) were at home when their symptoms began. Of these, 587 (61%) called their general practitioner, and for the remainder an ambulance was summoned by a member of the public. Of the 294 patients who were away from home when the attack occurred 291 were brought to hospital by ambulance. Of these, only 70 (24%) were attended by a general practitioner. Patients for whom ambulances were called by a general practitioner had had their symptoms significantly longer and had significantly lower prehospital and hospital mortalities than those for whom ambulances were summoned by members of the public. Special \"cardiac\" ambulances appear to be inappropriate for patients who have been seen by a general practitioner, and for this group home care may well be as effective as hospital admission.", "PMID": 990750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3913", "title": "Diffuse myelitis associated with rubella vaccination.", "content": "Two patients who had received live rubella vaccine developed diffuse myelitis shortly afterwards. Neither patient fully recovered her motor function. In one patients the time between vaccination and development of neurological signs was rather too short to indicate definitely a causal relation. Nevertheless, the chronological association is suggestive, and other observations of such an association may strengthen the suspicion that rubella vaccination may occasionally cause severe neurological damage.", "contents": "Diffuse myelitis associated with rubella vaccination. Two patients who had received live rubella vaccine developed diffuse myelitis shortly afterwards. Neither patient fully recovered her motor function. In one patients the time between vaccination and development of neurological signs was rather too short to indicate definitely a causal relation. Nevertheless, the chronological association is suggestive, and other observations of such an association may strengthen the suspicion that rubella vaccination may occasionally cause severe neurological damage.", "PMID": 990751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3914", "title": "The clinical estimation of liver size: a comparison of techniques and an analysis of the source of error.", "content": "The clinical estimation of liver size using radioisotope scintiscans as a standard of reference has been shown to be very inaccurate. The main source of error is in the location of the upper border of the liver. Physical characteristics of the patients influence this measurement.", "contents": "The clinical estimation of liver size: a comparison of techniques and an analysis of the source of error. The clinical estimation of liver size using radioisotope scintiscans as a standard of reference has been shown to be very inaccurate. The main source of error is in the location of the upper border of the liver. Physical characteristics of the patients influence this measurement.", "PMID": 990752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3915", "title": "Experiment in managing sociopathic behaviour disorders.", "content": "A ward catering for both sexes admitted patients with aggressive suicidal, or otherwise disturbed behaviour for observation and treatment until decisions could be made about their long-term needs. Patients were referred from the police, special hospitals, and the courts and some were transferred from other wards in the hospital. A third of the first 100 patients were admitted for forensic reasons. Twelve inmates were discharged to long-term accommodation for disturbed patients. The ward was intended to provide fairly short-term accommodation, though no time limits were set, and it was run as a medium secure unit. The ward was run by 16-18 nurses with support from medical teams, occupational therapists, and clinical psychologists. It has secured its status as a special unit within the hospital and will continue with the active support of the hospital staff.", "contents": "Experiment in managing sociopathic behaviour disorders. A ward catering for both sexes admitted patients with aggressive suicidal, or otherwise disturbed behaviour for observation and treatment until decisions could be made about their long-term needs. Patients were referred from the police, special hospitals, and the courts and some were transferred from other wards in the hospital. A third of the first 100 patients were admitted for forensic reasons. Twelve inmates were discharged to long-term accommodation for disturbed patients. The ward was intended to provide fairly short-term accommodation, though no time limits were set, and it was run as a medium secure unit. The ward was run by 16-18 nurses with support from medical teams, occupational therapists, and clinical psychologists. It has secured its status as a special unit within the hospital and will continue with the active support of the hospital staff.", "PMID": 990761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3916", "title": "Clinical judgement and antibiotic use in general practice.", "content": "Illustrated booklets that contained standard physical but variable social and psychological information relating to 16 patients with sore throats were posted to 1000 general practitioners. The doctors were asked whether they would prescribed antibiotics in each of the cases presented. Replies were received from 634 doctors and it was found that the variations in social and psychological history provided had significantly affected the doctor's responses.", "contents": "Clinical judgement and antibiotic use in general practice. Illustrated booklets that contained standard physical but variable social and psychological information relating to 16 patients with sore throats were posted to 1000 general practitioners. The doctors were asked whether they would prescribed antibiotics in each of the cases presented. Replies were received from 634 doctors and it was found that the variations in social and psychological history provided had significantly affected the doctor's responses.", "PMID": 990762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3917", "title": "Respiratory syncytial virus infection in north-east England.", "content": "During a period covering four winter epidemics 987 respiratory syncytial (RS) virus infections were identified in the children's wards that served a total population of about 875 000 in north-east England. The incidence of admission to hospital with RS virus infection tended to be twice as high among children in Tyneside as that among children from the rest of the catchment area. The risk of hospital admission with RS virus infection in the first year of life for city children was about 1 in 50. The risk tended to be increased when there was a high proportion of children in the population, overcrowded housing, and unemployment. There was no clear relation between climatic changes and the onset or progress of epidemics. Thirteen deaths associated with RS virus infection were identified, four of them sudden and unexpected at home, and nine of them in children with congenital or acquired abnormalities. Twelve children were admitted twice with distinct RS virus infections; the relative severity of their two illnesses depended on age. Hospital cross-infection accounted for 60 of the 987 illnesses. Large families and overcrowding among poorer families seem to lead to a higher incidence of RS virus infection, and measures to reduce overcrowding and improve housing should help to reduce the spread of infection. Breast-feeding also protects infants from infection, but further information is needed to pinpoint the infants at greater risk and how they may best be protected.", "contents": "Respiratory syncytial virus infection in north-east England. During a period covering four winter epidemics 987 respiratory syncytial (RS) virus infections were identified in the children's wards that served a total population of about 875 000 in north-east England. The incidence of admission to hospital with RS virus infection tended to be twice as high among children in Tyneside as that among children from the rest of the catchment area. The risk of hospital admission with RS virus infection in the first year of life for city children was about 1 in 50. The risk tended to be increased when there was a high proportion of children in the population, overcrowded housing, and unemployment. There was no clear relation between climatic changes and the onset or progress of epidemics. Thirteen deaths associated with RS virus infection were identified, four of them sudden and unexpected at home, and nine of them in children with congenital or acquired abnormalities. Twelve children were admitted twice with distinct RS virus infections; the relative severity of their two illnesses depended on age. Hospital cross-infection accounted for 60 of the 987 illnesses. Large families and overcrowding among poorer families seem to lead to a higher incidence of RS virus infection, and measures to reduce overcrowding and improve housing should help to reduce the spread of infection. Breast-feeding also protects infants from infection, but further information is needed to pinpoint the infants at greater risk and how they may best be protected.", "PMID": 990783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3918", "title": "Reversal of narcotic depression in the neonate by nalozone.", "content": "Naloxone 40 mug was administered intravenously one minute after birth to 20 out of 44 neonates whose mother had been given pethidine in labour. These neonates were compared with 20 others whose mothers had had only lumbar epidural block. Alveolar PCO2, alveolar ventilation, and ventilatory rate were measured 10 and 30 minutes after birth. The untreated neonates of mothers who had had pethidine showed significant ventilatory depression compared with infants in the epidural and naloxone-treated groups. The naloxone-treated neonates were comparable with the epidural group, although the effects of naloxone were diminishing at 30 minutes. Naloxone is an effective narcotic antagonist which should be considered to be the drug of choice for treating narcotic depression in the neonate.", "contents": "Reversal of narcotic depression in the neonate by nalozone. Naloxone 40 mug was administered intravenously one minute after birth to 20 out of 44 neonates whose mother had been given pethidine in labour. These neonates were compared with 20 others whose mothers had had only lumbar epidural block. Alveolar PCO2, alveolar ventilation, and ventilatory rate were measured 10 and 30 minutes after birth. The untreated neonates of mothers who had had pethidine showed significant ventilatory depression compared with infants in the epidural and naloxone-treated groups. The naloxone-treated neonates were comparable with the epidural group, although the effects of naloxone were diminishing at 30 minutes. Naloxone is an effective narcotic antagonist which should be considered to be the drug of choice for treating narcotic depression in the neonate.", "PMID": 990784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3919", "title": "Writing and speaking in medicine. How I read.", "content": "Not all who look at a journal are going to read even one of the articles in it. Writers must know, therefore, what turns a looker into a reader.", "contents": "Writing and speaking in medicine. How I read. Not all who look at a journal are going to read even one of the articles in it. Writers must know, therefore, what turns a looker into a reader.", "PMID": 990793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3920", "title": "The Brighton resuscitation ambulances: a continuing experiment in prehospital care by ambulance staff.", "content": "Two ambulances from the existing fleet in Brighton and one in Hove are equipped with portable defibrillator-oscilloscope units. Selected attendants have been trained not only to defibrillate patients but also to perform endotracheal intubation and administer intravenous atropine and lignocaine for carefully defined indications. In the two years up to December 1975 the ambulances responded to 2253 calls which were considered possible emergencies. Retrospective analysis showed that half of these had been for patients with myocardial infarction, coronary insufficiency, or angina. The ambulances took a median time of five minutes to reach a patient. Attempts at resuscitation were made in 207 patients with circulatory arrest, of whom 160 had ventricular fibrillation. Coordinated rhythm was restored at least transiently in 66 patients, and 27 of them survived to leave hospital. Sixteen of the survivors had been in ventricular fibrillation before the arrival of the ambulance. The delay before admission to hospital was reduced: over 50% of patients carried in the ambulances were admitted within two hours of the onset of major symptoms. No extra ambulance staff have been employed for the scheme. The increased load on hospital services has been limited by encouraging a rational admission policy and also by early discharge.", "contents": "The Brighton resuscitation ambulances: a continuing experiment in prehospital care by ambulance staff. Two ambulances from the existing fleet in Brighton and one in Hove are equipped with portable defibrillator-oscilloscope units. Selected attendants have been trained not only to defibrillate patients but also to perform endotracheal intubation and administer intravenous atropine and lignocaine for carefully defined indications. In the two years up to December 1975 the ambulances responded to 2253 calls which were considered possible emergencies. Retrospective analysis showed that half of these had been for patients with myocardial infarction, coronary insufficiency, or angina. The ambulances took a median time of five minutes to reach a patient. Attempts at resuscitation were made in 207 patients with circulatory arrest, of whom 160 had ventricular fibrillation. Coordinated rhythm was restored at least transiently in 66 patients, and 27 of them survived to leave hospital. Sixteen of the survivors had been in ventricular fibrillation before the arrival of the ambulance. The delay before admission to hospital was reduced: over 50% of patients carried in the ambulances were admitted within two hours of the onset of major symptoms. No extra ambulance staff have been employed for the scheme. The increased load on hospital services has been limited by encouraging a rational admission policy and also by early discharge.", "PMID": 990825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3921", "title": "Association of HLA-A9 and HLA-B5 with Buerger's disease.", "content": "Eighteen patients who satisfied stringent criteria for the diagnosis of Buerger's disease, healthy controls, and patients with atherosclerosis were tested for various HLA antigens. The incidence of HLA-A9 and HLA-B5 was significantly greater among those with Buerger's disease. This finding supports the concept that Buerger's disease is a distinct clinicopathological condition.", "contents": "Association of HLA-A9 and HLA-B5 with Buerger's disease. Eighteen patients who satisfied stringent criteria for the diagnosis of Buerger's disease, healthy controls, and patients with atherosclerosis were tested for various HLA antigens. The incidence of HLA-A9 and HLA-B5 was significantly greater among those with Buerger's disease. This finding supports the concept that Buerger's disease is a distinct clinicopathological condition.", "PMID": 990826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3922", "title": "Teesside coronary survey: an epidemiological study of acute attacks of myocardial infarction.", "content": "A 12-month epidemiological survey of attacks of acute myocardial infarction was carried out in a large urban population. The incidence and mortality at all ages and in both sexes were examined. Altogether, 1938 attacks were diagnosed--an overall incidence of 4-89 per 1000 population. The 28-day fatality rate was 50-5%. A third of the patients were treated at home and these patients had a lower fatality rate than those in hospital, a difference that could not be attributed to age, sex, or severity of attack. Half of the deaths that were witnessed occurred suddenly and a further 21% occurred within the next two hours. The median time to patients coming under care was about three hours. As used at present, coronary care units are unlikely to improve fatality rates. Future advances in treatment must take place outside hospital and will require re-education of the public and the general practitioner.", "contents": "Teesside coronary survey: an epidemiological study of acute attacks of myocardial infarction. A 12-month epidemiological survey of attacks of acute myocardial infarction was carried out in a large urban population. The incidence and mortality at all ages and in both sexes were examined. Altogether, 1938 attacks were diagnosed--an overall incidence of 4-89 per 1000 population. The 28-day fatality rate was 50-5%. A third of the patients were treated at home and these patients had a lower fatality rate than those in hospital, a difference that could not be attributed to age, sex, or severity of attack. Half of the deaths that were witnessed occurred suddenly and a further 21% occurred within the next two hours. The median time to patients coming under care was about three hours. As used at present, coronary care units are unlikely to improve fatality rates. Future advances in treatment must take place outside hospital and will require re-education of the public and the general practitioner.", "PMID": 990827} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3923", "title": "Use of cardiac pacemakers in Britain.", "content": "In Britain during 1975 cardiac pacemakers were implanted at the rate of 56 new patients per million population. This is about one-third the rate for other Western countries but still represents an increase of 150% since 1972. Six-thousand generators were used, and apparatus worth about 2m pounds was implanted. Over 90% of the initial implantations were by the transvenous route, and the mortality from this operation was only 0-3%. Electrode repositioning was needed in 10% of cases. The average age of patients at the time of first implantation was 70. Most patients with pacemakers were able to obtain driving licenses and insurance; only 10% had to pay an additional premium. There is no evidence from insurance comparnies that such patients have an increased risk of accidents. Patients who wished to undertake paid employment almost always did so, often in their previous job. About 80% of the patients were able to increase or maintain their leisure activities at the same level of effort as before pacing became necessary. The number of implantations may be expected to increase by about three times over the next five years.", "contents": "Use of cardiac pacemakers in Britain. In Britain during 1975 cardiac pacemakers were implanted at the rate of 56 new patients per million population. This is about one-third the rate for other Western countries but still represents an increase of 150% since 1972. Six-thousand generators were used, and apparatus worth about 2m pounds was implanted. Over 90% of the initial implantations were by the transvenous route, and the mortality from this operation was only 0-3%. Electrode repositioning was needed in 10% of cases. The average age of patients at the time of first implantation was 70. Most patients with pacemakers were able to obtain driving licenses and insurance; only 10% had to pay an additional premium. There is no evidence from insurance comparnies that such patients have an increased risk of accidents. Patients who wished to undertake paid employment almost always did so, often in their previous job. About 80% of the patients were able to increase or maintain their leisure activities at the same level of effort as before pacing became necessary. The number of implantations may be expected to increase by about three times over the next five years.", "PMID": 990834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3924", "title": "Small intestinal transit in diabetics.", "content": "Small intestinal transit was assessed in diabetic patients and healthy controls by measuring the breath hydrogen appearance time after the ingestion of lactulose. Transit in diabetics with autonomic neuropathy was significantly slower than in diabetics without neuropathy and controls. Delayed transit is probably due to vagal denervation. These slower transit times would allow bacteria to proliferate, which might explain why some diabetics have diarrhoea. The test cannot be used in patients with bacteria in the small bowel because these may metabolise lactulose and release hydrogen prematurely.", "contents": "Small intestinal transit in diabetics. Small intestinal transit was assessed in diabetic patients and healthy controls by measuring the breath hydrogen appearance time after the ingestion of lactulose. Transit in diabetics with autonomic neuropathy was significantly slower than in diabetics without neuropathy and controls. Delayed transit is probably due to vagal denervation. These slower transit times would allow bacteria to proliferate, which might explain why some diabetics have diarrhoea. The test cannot be used in patients with bacteria in the small bowel because these may metabolise lactulose and release hydrogen prematurely.", "PMID": 990859} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3925", "title": "Drug-induced haemolysis in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.", "content": "People with the variants of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) deficiency common in the southern Chinese (Canton, B(-)Chinese, and Hong Kong-Pokfulam) have a moderate shortening of red-cell survival but no anaemia when they are in the steady state. With a cross-transfusion technique, primaquine, nitrofurantoin, and large doses of aspirin were found to aggravate the haemolysis while sulphamethoxazole did so only in some people. Individual differences in drug metabolism may be the reason for this. Many commonly used drugs reported to accentuate haemolysis in GPD deficiency did not shorten red-cell survival.", "contents": "Drug-induced haemolysis in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. People with the variants of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) deficiency common in the southern Chinese (Canton, B(-)Chinese, and Hong Kong-Pokfulam) have a moderate shortening of red-cell survival but no anaemia when they are in the steady state. With a cross-transfusion technique, primaquine, nitrofurantoin, and large doses of aspirin were found to aggravate the haemolysis while sulphamethoxazole did so only in some people. Individual differences in drug metabolism may be the reason for this. Many commonly used drugs reported to accentuate haemolysis in GPD deficiency did not shorten red-cell survival.", "PMID": 990860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3926", "title": "The community hospital: a three-year study.", "content": "In a three-year period a community hospital of 40 beds discharged 2086 patients, their mean length of stay being 14.8 days. Some 68% of the patients treated were over 65, and 8.9% died in hospital. While the most common diagnosis on admission was disease of the respiratory tract, this does not indicate the actual cause of admission. For 142 patients from one practice this was acute illness in 44% of the cases, assessment in 20%, and a need for nursing care in 36%. If the community hospital had not been available about half these patients would have been admitted to the general hospital.", "contents": "The community hospital: a three-year study. In a three-year period a community hospital of 40 beds discharged 2086 patients, their mean length of stay being 14.8 days. Some 68% of the patients treated were over 65, and 8.9% died in hospital. While the most common diagnosis on admission was disease of the respiratory tract, this does not indicate the actual cause of admission. For 142 patients from one practice this was acute illness in 44% of the cases, assessment in 20%, and a need for nursing care in 36%. If the community hospital had not been available about half these patients would have been admitted to the general hospital.", "PMID": 990865} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3927", "title": "The erythrocyte sedimentation rate in syphilis.", "content": "The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was studied in 520 men and 202 women with syphilis. It was raised in 66-6 per cent. of sero-negative primary cases, 80 per cent. of sero-positive cases, 100 per cent. of secondary cases, 80 per cent. of early latent cases, and 73-9 per cent. of late latent cases. It was also raised in sixteen out of seventeen cases of neurosyphilis and in all eleven cases of cardiovascular syphilis. It was concluded that the ESR had little place in the management of syphilis in general, but could be helpful in the post-treatment follow-up of late syphilis.", "contents": "The erythrocyte sedimentation rate in syphilis. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was studied in 520 men and 202 women with syphilis. It was raised in 66-6 per cent. of sero-negative primary cases, 80 per cent. of sero-positive cases, 100 per cent. of secondary cases, 80 per cent. of early latent cases, and 73-9 per cent. of late latent cases. It was also raised in sixteen out of seventeen cases of neurosyphilis and in all eleven cases of cardiovascular syphilis. It was concluded that the ESR had little place in the management of syphilis in general, but could be helpful in the post-treatment follow-up of late syphilis.", "PMID": 990882} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3928", "title": "Diagnosis of gonorrhoea in women.", "content": "250 consecutive female contacts of men with gonorrhoea were examined in Lydia Department of Genito-urinary Medicine, St Thomas' Hospital, London, and 165 (66 per cent.) were found to be positive for gonorrhoea. Over 99 per cent. of the positive results were found by the first two sets of genital investigations. These results are compared with earlier and more recent results from our own and other centres and it is postulated that the higher early diagnosis rate is due to the introduction of a highly selective but non-inhibitory culture medium (VCNT), combined with a new incubator which accurately regulates temperature, humidity, and CO2 content. Reasons for the negative findings in 35 per cent. of the female gonorrhoea contacts are discussed.", "contents": "Diagnosis of gonorrhoea in women. 250 consecutive female contacts of men with gonorrhoea were examined in Lydia Department of Genito-urinary Medicine, St Thomas' Hospital, London, and 165 (66 per cent.) were found to be positive for gonorrhoea. Over 99 per cent. of the positive results were found by the first two sets of genital investigations. These results are compared with earlier and more recent results from our own and other centres and it is postulated that the higher early diagnosis rate is due to the introduction of a highly selective but non-inhibitory culture medium (VCNT), combined with a new incubator which accurately regulates temperature, humidity, and CO2 content. Reasons for the negative findings in 35 per cent. of the female gonorrhoea contacts are discussed.", "PMID": 990883} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3929", "title": "Drug misuse in a special clinic patient population in Glasgow.", "content": "During the period October, 1970, to October, 1972, a sample of 295 patients attending Special Clinics in the City of Glasgow participated in an investigation into drug misuse. Results show that, of the 136 males and 159 females who took part--all within an age range of 16 to 24 years, 43 per cent. of the males and 36 per cent. of the females admitted to having experimented with drugs. These percentage figures on the prevalence of drug misuse compare with 36 per cent. of males and 24 per cent. of females obtained from other Glasgow-domiciled target groups, comprising a sample of 2,514 individuals. The principal drug of misuse is shown to be cannabis, followed by LSD and sleeping pills. Data on drug availability suggest that little difficulty is experienced in obtaining drugs illicitly from a variety of sources. Comparison between drug misusers and non-misusers on domestic, educational, and social variables revealed no very distinctive patterns. Results of screening for personality characteristics, using Eysenck's Psychoticism, Extraversion and Neuroticism Inventory generally confirmed previous findings related to atypical scores on the P, E, and N parameters. Even so, results obtained by means of the PEN Inventory and IPAT Anxiety Scale revealed a pattern in which drug misuse is shown to be related to even higher scores of psychoticism, neuroticism, and anxiety. The results of the investigation are discussed with particular reference to the nature of the appeal of drugs to the sexually permissive and promiscuous.", "contents": "Drug misuse in a special clinic patient population in Glasgow. During the period October, 1970, to October, 1972, a sample of 295 patients attending Special Clinics in the City of Glasgow participated in an investigation into drug misuse. Results show that, of the 136 males and 159 females who took part--all within an age range of 16 to 24 years, 43 per cent. of the males and 36 per cent. of the females admitted to having experimented with drugs. These percentage figures on the prevalence of drug misuse compare with 36 per cent. of males and 24 per cent. of females obtained from other Glasgow-domiciled target groups, comprising a sample of 2,514 individuals. The principal drug of misuse is shown to be cannabis, followed by LSD and sleeping pills. Data on drug availability suggest that little difficulty is experienced in obtaining drugs illicitly from a variety of sources. Comparison between drug misusers and non-misusers on domestic, educational, and social variables revealed no very distinctive patterns. Results of screening for personality characteristics, using Eysenck's Psychoticism, Extraversion and Neuroticism Inventory generally confirmed previous findings related to atypical scores on the P, E, and N parameters. Even so, results obtained by means of the PEN Inventory and IPAT Anxiety Scale revealed a pattern in which drug misuse is shown to be related to even higher scores of psychoticism, neuroticism, and anxiety. The results of the investigation are discussed with particular reference to the nature of the appeal of drugs to the sexually permissive and promiscuous.", "PMID": 990885} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3930", "title": "Response of ventilation and of intracranial pressure during rebreathing of carbon dioxide in patients with acute brain damage.", "content": "A study of the ventilatory response to rising CO2 in 43 patients with acute brain damage, using a rebreathing method, has revealed several instances of abnormally low responsiveness. The increased responsiveness previously reported in chronic brain damage was not observed in these patients by this method. The incidence of a very low response to CO2 tended to be associated with hyperventilation and brain-stem damage, but the numbers were insufficient to define a statistical relationship. There was no association between responsiveness to CO2 and either bilateral forebrain damage or periodic breathing. Studies of changes in intracranial pressure with rising CO2 suggest that such a rebreathing test might provide a simple means of confirming the presence or absence of cerebrovascular response to changing CO2.", "contents": "Response of ventilation and of intracranial pressure during rebreathing of carbon dioxide in patients with acute brain damage. A study of the ventilatory response to rising CO2 in 43 patients with acute brain damage, using a rebreathing method, has revealed several instances of abnormally low responsiveness. The increased responsiveness previously reported in chronic brain damage was not observed in these patients by this method. The incidence of a very low response to CO2 tended to be associated with hyperventilation and brain-stem damage, but the numbers were insufficient to define a statistical relationship. There was no association between responsiveness to CO2 and either bilateral forebrain damage or periodic breathing. Studies of changes in intracranial pressure with rising CO2 suggest that such a rebreathing test might provide a simple means of confirming the presence or absence of cerebrovascular response to changing CO2.", "PMID": 990896} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3931", "title": "Ocular motor abnormalities in hereditary cerebellar ataxia.", "content": "Twelve members of a family with hereditary cerebellar ataxia of late onset were examined and, in 5, quantitative recording of eye movements were obtained. The initial and most severe symptom in all patients was ataxia of gait, followed by dysarthria and later by dysmetria of the limbs. Clinical examination did not reveal involvement of structures other than the cerebellum. Ocular motor examination showed: (1) inability to hold eccentric gaze resulting in gaze-paretic nystagmus; (2) downward beating nystagmus, accentuated on lateral gaze; (3) defective smooth pursuit, with relative preservation of optokinetic nystagmus induced by full-field stimulation; (4) rebound nystagmus; (5) enhanced gain (eye velocity/head velocity) of the vestibulo-ocular reflex during rotation in darkness; (6) decreased ability to suppress the vestibulo-ocular reflex during fixation of an object rotating with the patient; (7) saccadic dysmetria, especially downward overshoot; and (8) square wave-jerks. Although each of these signs can probably occur with lesions elsewhere in the brain, in combination they are highly suggestive of cerebellar involvement. With the reservation that we do not yet have pathological confirmation of the location of our patients' lesions, our results support the suggestion that the cerebellum specifically: (1) helps maintain eccentric gaze; (2) produces smooth pursuit eye movements; and (3) modulates the amplitude of saccadic eye movements. Many of the characteristics of the altered vestibulo-ocular responses and rebound nystagmus could be explained by the underlying anomaly in the smooth pursuit system.", "contents": "Ocular motor abnormalities in hereditary cerebellar ataxia. Twelve members of a family with hereditary cerebellar ataxia of late onset were examined and, in 5, quantitative recording of eye movements were obtained. The initial and most severe symptom in all patients was ataxia of gait, followed by dysarthria and later by dysmetria of the limbs. Clinical examination did not reveal involvement of structures other than the cerebellum. Ocular motor examination showed: (1) inability to hold eccentric gaze resulting in gaze-paretic nystagmus; (2) downward beating nystagmus, accentuated on lateral gaze; (3) defective smooth pursuit, with relative preservation of optokinetic nystagmus induced by full-field stimulation; (4) rebound nystagmus; (5) enhanced gain (eye velocity/head velocity) of the vestibulo-ocular reflex during rotation in darkness; (6) decreased ability to suppress the vestibulo-ocular reflex during fixation of an object rotating with the patient; (7) saccadic dysmetria, especially downward overshoot; and (8) square wave-jerks. Although each of these signs can probably occur with lesions elsewhere in the brain, in combination they are highly suggestive of cerebellar involvement. With the reservation that we do not yet have pathological confirmation of the location of our patients' lesions, our results support the suggestion that the cerebellum specifically: (1) helps maintain eccentric gaze; (2) produces smooth pursuit eye movements; and (3) modulates the amplitude of saccadic eye movements. Many of the characteristics of the altered vestibulo-ocular responses and rebound nystagmus could be explained by the underlying anomaly in the smooth pursuit system.", "PMID": 990897} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3932", "title": "Impaired temporal resolution of vision after acute retrobulbar neuritis.", "content": "Following retrobulbar neuritis patients need a greater interval between two flashes of light in order to see them as double. The abnormality is large and easily detectable; the values lie well outside the normal 99 per cent tolerance limits. The abnormality sometimes occurs in localized retinal areas but can cover the whole visual field. The abnormality is a persistent one, remaining up to five years after visual acuity has returned to normal. It can occur in the absence of optic atrophy and with normal visual fields. There is also a delay in visual perception following retrobulbar neuritis but when this and double flash discrimination are both measured at the same retinal sites, the areas of abnormality do not correlate for the two tests. This indicates that the two tests monitor different aspects of visual damage. Double flash threshold can be a more sensitive indication of visual damage due to demyelination than conventional clinical tests including critical flicker fusion frequency. It provides an absolute measurement of local damage in the visual field and has advantages over the recording of perceptual delay and of evoked potentials.", "contents": "Impaired temporal resolution of vision after acute retrobulbar neuritis. Following retrobulbar neuritis patients need a greater interval between two flashes of light in order to see them as double. The abnormality is large and easily detectable; the values lie well outside the normal 99 per cent tolerance limits. The abnormality sometimes occurs in localized retinal areas but can cover the whole visual field. The abnormality is a persistent one, remaining up to five years after visual acuity has returned to normal. It can occur in the absence of optic atrophy and with normal visual fields. There is also a delay in visual perception following retrobulbar neuritis but when this and double flash discrimination are both measured at the same retinal sites, the areas of abnormality do not correlate for the two tests. This indicates that the two tests monitor different aspects of visual damage. Double flash threshold can be a more sensitive indication of visual damage due to demyelination than conventional clinical tests including critical flicker fusion frequency. It provides an absolute measurement of local damage in the visual field and has advantages over the recording of perceptual delay and of evoked potentials.", "PMID": 990898} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3933", "title": "Visual \"closed-loop\" and \"open-loop\" characteristics of voluntary movement in patients with Parkinsonism and intention tremor.", "content": "Normal voluntary movements are considered to be of two kinds, or to involve two components, (i) a ballistic or \"open-loop\" type, which are preprogrammed and executed without reference to current sensory information and (ii) a corrective or \"closed-loop\" type, whose course or termination are regulated by such information. In a previous paper it was suggested that Parkinsonism disrupted the first kind of movement, but intention tremor did not. In the present paper three experiments designed to test this hypothesis are described. Subjects were tested on an acquisition-tracking task using an oscilloscope display and joystick control, and measurements were made of the duration, velocity and error of their initial movements to acquire the target. Parkinsonian movements were found to be considerably different from normal in that (a) most movements by this group lasted longer than the reaction time for their initiation, as if including some secondary correction in their execution, (b) the rate of movement was not varied for different amplitudes (so keeping the duration fairly constant) as in normal subjects, but rather movements of all amplitudes were made at a constant slow rate, so that duration increased markedly with the larger steps, (c) error increased disproportionately as the velocity of movement increased; in particular any movements completed in one reaction time or less tended to be wildly inaccurate, (d) removing either the target or the response marker from the screen at the beginning of a movement had a significant effect, making it shorter in duration and smaller in amplitude than those usually produced with both markers visible all the time. Parkinsonian subjects showed no improvement in performance with repeated attempts at one movement over a whole sequence, so their deficit appears to be stable even after practice on a known fixed task. These results are interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that Parkinsonism interferes with the generation of accurate ballistic action which are characteristic of normal skilled movement. Tremor subjects in general resembled normal control subjects in their initial acquistion movements, but their accuracy was less with the larger steps.", "contents": "Visual \"closed-loop\" and \"open-loop\" characteristics of voluntary movement in patients with Parkinsonism and intention tremor. Normal voluntary movements are considered to be of two kinds, or to involve two components, (i) a ballistic or \"open-loop\" type, which are preprogrammed and executed without reference to current sensory information and (ii) a corrective or \"closed-loop\" type, whose course or termination are regulated by such information. In a previous paper it was suggested that Parkinsonism disrupted the first kind of movement, but intention tremor did not. In the present paper three experiments designed to test this hypothesis are described. Subjects were tested on an acquisition-tracking task using an oscilloscope display and joystick control, and measurements were made of the duration, velocity and error of their initial movements to acquire the target. Parkinsonian movements were found to be considerably different from normal in that (a) most movements by this group lasted longer than the reaction time for their initiation, as if including some secondary correction in their execution, (b) the rate of movement was not varied for different amplitudes (so keeping the duration fairly constant) as in normal subjects, but rather movements of all amplitudes were made at a constant slow rate, so that duration increased markedly with the larger steps, (c) error increased disproportionately as the velocity of movement increased; in particular any movements completed in one reaction time or less tended to be wildly inaccurate, (d) removing either the target or the response marker from the screen at the beginning of a movement had a significant effect, making it shorter in duration and smaller in amplitude than those usually produced with both markers visible all the time. Parkinsonian subjects showed no improvement in performance with repeated attempts at one movement over a whole sequence, so their deficit appears to be stable even after practice on a known fixed task. These results are interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that Parkinsonism interferes with the generation of accurate ballistic action which are characteristic of normal skilled movement. Tremor subjects in general resembled normal control subjects in their initial acquistion movements, but their accuracy was less with the larger steps.", "PMID": 990899} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3934", "title": "Cerebrospinal fluid pressure changes in response to coughing.", "content": "CSF pressure recordings have been taken from the lumbar region and the cisterna magna of 16 patients during coughing in the sitting position. Isolated coughs of low amplitude have been studied. The lumbar pressure waves occur sooner and lower. Thus there is a phase during which the lumbar pressure exceeds the cisternal, followed by one in which the cisternal exceeds the lumbar. These phenomena may be conveniently displayed on a differential trace. The phase during which the cisternal pressure exceeds the lumbar may be protracted. It is suggested that Froin's syndrome, central subarachnoid pouches and syringobulbia may be associated with upward pressure waves. Cough headache, the filling stages of communicating syringomyelia and tonsillar herniation may be associated with valve-like blockage at the foramen magnum which produces craniospinal pressure dissociation by interfering with downward or rebound pulsation. Decompensation of hydrocephalus after birth may be related to pulsation in association with crying; also after removal of a meningocele sac decompensation may be related to the effects of similar pulsation modified by changes in capacitance following operation. The cord destruction of syringomyelia, and the mechanisms which fill spinal subarachnoid cysts may be related to pressure waves directed both upwards and downwards. The merits and limitations of cough impulse as a clinical test for spinal blockage are discussed, and the suggestion is made that after further evaluation they may provide a more sensitive indication of spinal blockage than Queckenstedt's test.", "contents": "Cerebrospinal fluid pressure changes in response to coughing. CSF pressure recordings have been taken from the lumbar region and the cisterna magna of 16 patients during coughing in the sitting position. Isolated coughs of low amplitude have been studied. The lumbar pressure waves occur sooner and lower. Thus there is a phase during which the lumbar pressure exceeds the cisternal, followed by one in which the cisternal exceeds the lumbar. These phenomena may be conveniently displayed on a differential trace. The phase during which the cisternal pressure exceeds the lumbar may be protracted. It is suggested that Froin's syndrome, central subarachnoid pouches and syringobulbia may be associated with upward pressure waves. Cough headache, the filling stages of communicating syringomyelia and tonsillar herniation may be associated with valve-like blockage at the foramen magnum which produces craniospinal pressure dissociation by interfering with downward or rebound pulsation. Decompensation of hydrocephalus after birth may be related to pulsation in association with crying; also after removal of a meningocele sac decompensation may be related to the effects of similar pulsation modified by changes in capacitance following operation. The cord destruction of syringomyelia, and the mechanisms which fill spinal subarachnoid cysts may be related to pressure waves directed both upwards and downwards. The merits and limitations of cough impulse as a clinical test for spinal blockage are discussed, and the suggestion is made that after further evaluation they may provide a more sensitive indication of spinal blockage than Queckenstedt's test.", "PMID": 990900} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3935", "title": "Depletion of attentional capacity after total commissurotomy in man.", "content": "The attentional capacity of 6 total commissurotomy patients and 2 partial commissurotomy patients was tested by means of a vigilance task in which signals were flashed to the left or right hemisphere. With complete commissurotomy a gross depletion of attentional capacity was discovered which was absent in the partial commissurotomy patients, whose performance equalled that of normal man. Hemisphere asymmetry was also observed. The left hand was more likely to act in the absence of appropriate signals; the left hemisphere showed none of the expected high level efficiency, displaying, instead, a discontinuous action characterized by gaps and holes in its relation to the stimuli. The results are interpreted to mean that some aspect of consciousness represented by sustained attention is dependent upon hemispheric co-operation and upon the integrity of the cerebral commissures.", "contents": "Depletion of attentional capacity after total commissurotomy in man. The attentional capacity of 6 total commissurotomy patients and 2 partial commissurotomy patients was tested by means of a vigilance task in which signals were flashed to the left or right hemisphere. With complete commissurotomy a gross depletion of attentional capacity was discovered which was absent in the partial commissurotomy patients, whose performance equalled that of normal man. Hemisphere asymmetry was also observed. The left hand was more likely to act in the absence of appropriate signals; the left hemisphere showed none of the expected high level efficiency, displaying, instead, a discontinuous action characterized by gaps and holes in its relation to the stimuli. The results are interpreted to mean that some aspect of consciousness represented by sustained attention is dependent upon hemispheric co-operation and upon the integrity of the cerebral commissures.", "PMID": 990901} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3936", "title": "The pattern-evoked potential in compression of the anterior visual pathways.", "content": "Pattern evoked responses have been recorded in 19 patients with compression of the optic nerve, chiasm or tract, verified at operation. These included 4 patients with orbital tumours, 5 with intracranial meningiomas, 2 with craniopharyngiomas and 8 with pituitary tumours. The evoked response was abnormal in all except one of these patients. The pattern of abnormalities in the response, however, differed from that in the earlier series of patients with primary demyelinating disease. The incidence of delayed responses was much lower, and the magnitude of the delays was smaller. Absent responses were particularly characteristic of patients with intracranial meningiomas. Tumours arising in the region of the sella turcica were associated with a high incidence of abnormalities of the waveform of the response, and asymmetry of the field of the occipital evoked potential was especially characteristic of this group. Most, but not all, asymmetric cases were associated with field defects.", "contents": "The pattern-evoked potential in compression of the anterior visual pathways. Pattern evoked responses have been recorded in 19 patients with compression of the optic nerve, chiasm or tract, verified at operation. These included 4 patients with orbital tumours, 5 with intracranial meningiomas, 2 with craniopharyngiomas and 8 with pituitary tumours. The evoked response was abnormal in all except one of these patients. The pattern of abnormalities in the response, however, differed from that in the earlier series of patients with primary demyelinating disease. The incidence of delayed responses was much lower, and the magnitude of the delays was smaller. Absent responses were particularly characteristic of patients with intracranial meningiomas. Tumours arising in the region of the sella turcica were associated with a high incidence of abnormalities of the waveform of the response, and asymmetry of the field of the occipital evoked potential was especially characteristic of this group. Most, but not all, asymmetric cases were associated with field defects.", "PMID": 990902} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3937", "title": "Landing from an unexpected fall and a voluntary step.", "content": "The electromyographic (EMG) response of soleus to a sudden fall has previously been shown to consist of two peaks of activity, the first a response to release, and the second in relation to landing (Greenwood and Hopkins, 1976). We have now examined activity in soleus during falls at various reduced accelerations. The amplitude of the first peak is proportional to acceleration and is not present during falls at accelerations of less than about 2-0 ms-2. The timing of the second peak is related to the timing of landing whether the duration of the fall depends upon the height or upon the acceleration of the fall. Its timing depends upon knowledge of the height of the fall, rather than to ongoing visual information, and upon labyrinthine function. EMG activity in soleus was also examined during voluntary downward steps which could be unexpectedly increased in height. The moment of landing is preceded by an increase of EMG activity and is followed by a number of peaks of activity. These peaks were not seen after the moment of expected landing during unexpectedly lengthened steps and thus probably represent reflex activity due to the mechanical event of landing.", "contents": "Landing from an unexpected fall and a voluntary step. The electromyographic (EMG) response of soleus to a sudden fall has previously been shown to consist of two peaks of activity, the first a response to release, and the second in relation to landing (Greenwood and Hopkins, 1976). We have now examined activity in soleus during falls at various reduced accelerations. The amplitude of the first peak is proportional to acceleration and is not present during falls at accelerations of less than about 2-0 ms-2. The timing of the second peak is related to the timing of landing whether the duration of the fall depends upon the height or upon the acceleration of the fall. Its timing depends upon knowledge of the height of the fall, rather than to ongoing visual information, and upon labyrinthine function. EMG activity in soleus was also examined during voluntary downward steps which could be unexpectedly increased in height. The moment of landing is preceded by an increase of EMG activity and is followed by a number of peaks of activity. These peaks were not seen after the moment of expected landing during unexpectedly lengthened steps and thus probably represent reflex activity due to the mechanical event of landing.", "PMID": 990903} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3938", "title": "Frontal cortex and response suppression in the rat.", "content": "Parts of the rat's neocortex were mapped for sites where electrical stimulation, square waves at 10/sec, will suppress a bar-press response for food. Effective sites were found in the frontal pole and over most of the frontal dorsolateral cortex. Within these regions the strongest inhibitory influences were at sites in the frontal pole and adjacent frontal cortex, and at sites along the midline. These data generally agree with results of previous cortical ablation studies, but they suggest that inhibitory processes are more widespread in the dorsolateral cortex than these studies indicated.", "contents": "Frontal cortex and response suppression in the rat. Parts of the rat's neocortex were mapped for sites where electrical stimulation, square waves at 10/sec, will suppress a bar-press response for food. Effective sites were found in the frontal pole and over most of the frontal dorsolateral cortex. Within these regions the strongest inhibitory influences were at sites in the frontal pole and adjacent frontal cortex, and at sites along the midline. These data generally agree with results of previous cortical ablation studies, but they suggest that inhibitory processes are more widespread in the dorsolateral cortex than these studies indicated.", "PMID": 990904} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3939", "title": "Spinocerebellar tracts in the brush-tailed possum, Trichosurus vulpecula.", "content": "The direct projections of the spinal cord onto the cerebellar cortex were traced using Nauta method following the placement of cervical or thoracic spinal cord hemisections in six brush-tailed possums. Degenerating fibres reached the cerebellum via typically placed dorsal and ventral spinocerebellar tracts. Although complete differentiation of the terminations of ventral and dorsal tracts was not possible, it was found that the dorsal tract terminates mainly in the ipsilateral anterior lobe ermis and in the pyramis and paraflocculus of the ipsilateral posterior lobe. The ventral tract ends almost entirely in the anterior lobe with the majority of fibres terminating contralateral to the side of the hemisection. Within the anterior lobe, degenerating fibers were distributed fairly symmetrically about the midline in five sagittal rows. Three such rows were found in the posterior lobe. The relatively small number of rows in the anterior lobe (five) may be a characteristic feature of marsupials when compared with eutherian mammals.", "contents": "Spinocerebellar tracts in the brush-tailed possum, Trichosurus vulpecula. The direct projections of the spinal cord onto the cerebellar cortex were traced using Nauta method following the placement of cervical or thoracic spinal cord hemisections in six brush-tailed possums. Degenerating fibres reached the cerebellum via typically placed dorsal and ventral spinocerebellar tracts. Although complete differentiation of the terminations of ventral and dorsal tracts was not possible, it was found that the dorsal tract terminates mainly in the ipsilateral anterior lobe ermis and in the pyramis and paraflocculus of the ipsilateral posterior lobe. The ventral tract ends almost entirely in the anterior lobe with the majority of fibres terminating contralateral to the side of the hemisection. Within the anterior lobe, degenerating fibers were distributed fairly symmetrically about the midline in five sagittal rows. Three such rows were found in the posterior lobe. The relatively small number of rows in the anterior lobe (five) may be a characteristic feature of marsupials when compared with eutherian mammals.", "PMID": 990905} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3940", "title": "Tail pinch-induced arousal and stimulus-bound behavior in rats with lateral hypothalamic lesions. Further evaluation of hypothalamic control of feeding and drinking.", "content": "Arousal induced by tail pinching results in stimulus-bound feeding, licking and gnawing in male rats during the aphagic and adipsic phase that follows electrolytic damage to the lateral hypothalamus (LH). Such stimulus-bound behavior is very similar to electrically induced stimulus-bound behavior. Furthermore, brain-damaged animals during tail pinch-induced drinking trials are responsive to the sensory properties of the test liquid. Chocolate milk is consumed but tap water is actively rejected. Tail pinch to sham-operated control rats failed to induce such behavior; instead, it induced rage behavior towards the hand that pinched the tail. The results support the conclusion that rats with LH lesions require an arousing stimulus for feeding but that the same externally applied arousing stimulus enhances active rejection of tap water.", "contents": "Tail pinch-induced arousal and stimulus-bound behavior in rats with lateral hypothalamic lesions. Further evaluation of hypothalamic control of feeding and drinking. Arousal induced by tail pinching results in stimulus-bound feeding, licking and gnawing in male rats during the aphagic and adipsic phase that follows electrolytic damage to the lateral hypothalamus (LH). Such stimulus-bound behavior is very similar to electrically induced stimulus-bound behavior. Furthermore, brain-damaged animals during tail pinch-induced drinking trials are responsive to the sensory properties of the test liquid. Chocolate milk is consumed but tap water is actively rejected. Tail pinch to sham-operated control rats failed to induce such behavior; instead, it induced rage behavior towards the hand that pinched the tail. The results support the conclusion that rats with LH lesions require an arousing stimulus for feeding but that the same externally applied arousing stimulus enhances active rejection of tap water.", "PMID": 990906} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3941", "title": "Pattern generator for repetitive avian vocalization: preliminary localization and functional characterization.", "content": "Electrical stimulation of the midbrain call areas was used to drive medullary neurons. Their activity was recorded with fine (25 mum) wire electrodes that allowed the nearer ones to be resolved as units. Syringeal (hypoglossal) motor neurons were identified by antidromic activation. Various units were turned on, speeded, slowed, stopped, or caused to fire in repetitive bursts. All units that were antidromically activated by hypoglossal stimulation fired in repetitive bursts with a rhythms which closely resembled that of calling. Many other units also fired in this bursting pattern, and the large majority of them were found at the obex or caudal to it despite extensive search rostrally. The nature of likely inputs to the medullary call neurons is discussed.", "contents": "Pattern generator for repetitive avian vocalization: preliminary localization and functional characterization. Electrical stimulation of the midbrain call areas was used to drive medullary neurons. Their activity was recorded with fine (25 mum) wire electrodes that allowed the nearer ones to be resolved as units. Syringeal (hypoglossal) motor neurons were identified by antidromic activation. Various units were turned on, speeded, slowed, stopped, or caused to fire in repetitive bursts. All units that were antidromically activated by hypoglossal stimulation fired in repetitive bursts with a rhythms which closely resembled that of calling. Many other units also fired in this bursting pattern, and the large majority of them were found at the obex or caudal to it despite extensive search rostrally. The nature of likely inputs to the medullary call neurons is discussed.", "PMID": 990907} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3942", "title": "Persistence of the pattern of feeding in chicks with hyperstriatal lesions.", "content": "Chicks with dorsal midline hyperstriatal lesions (DMHA) were trained to prefer red to yellow food before being presented with a choice from a plain floor (experiment 1) or a pebble-encrusted floor (experiment 2). On both tests DMHAs showed a relatively stable pattern of choice compared to controls. In experiment 1, controls decreased their intake of non-preferred yellow food on day 1, but this sharply increased on subsequent tests. In experiment 2, controls increased the number of pebbles pecked, and thus, the length of a run of pecks on non-preferred food changed with respect to DMHAs. Chicks with more lateral lesions gave patterns distinct from controls and DMHAs showing an initial disruption of the trained preference. The choice of chicks with more ventral or posterior lesions could not be distinguished from controls. The lack of lability of the trained feeding behavior of DMHA-lesioned chicks is interpreted as consistent with the suggestion that the DMHA may have functions which are similar to the \"hippocampus\" of mammals.", "contents": "Persistence of the pattern of feeding in chicks with hyperstriatal lesions. Chicks with dorsal midline hyperstriatal lesions (DMHA) were trained to prefer red to yellow food before being presented with a choice from a plain floor (experiment 1) or a pebble-encrusted floor (experiment 2). On both tests DMHAs showed a relatively stable pattern of choice compared to controls. In experiment 1, controls decreased their intake of non-preferred yellow food on day 1, but this sharply increased on subsequent tests. In experiment 2, controls increased the number of pebbles pecked, and thus, the length of a run of pecks on non-preferred food changed with respect to DMHAs. Chicks with more lateral lesions gave patterns distinct from controls and DMHAs showing an initial disruption of the trained preference. The choice of chicks with more ventral or posterior lesions could not be distinguished from controls. The lack of lability of the trained feeding behavior of DMHA-lesioned chicks is interpreted as consistent with the suggestion that the DMHA may have functions which are similar to the \"hippocampus\" of mammals.", "PMID": 990908} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3943", "title": "Comparisons between brains of a large and a small hystricomorph rodent: capybara, Hydrochoerus and guinea pig, Cavia; neocortical projection regions and measurements of brain subdivisions.", "content": "Somatic sensory, auditory and visual areas of cerebral neocortex were mapped in anesthetized capybaras using surface macroelectrode-evoked potential recording methods. The cortical motor area was mapped using electrical stimulation methods. The results of these experiments in the largest living rodent were similar to those found for the cortical sensory and motor areas of guinea pigs, a small rodent in a closely related family. The representation of the perioral skin in SI cortex was relatively large in capybaras and guinea pigs. In capybara, several cortical sulci reliably demarcate different cortical projection areas from one another. Quantitive neuroanatomical comparisons of volumes and neuron numbers in several major prosencephalic nuclei revealed that all nuclear masses are larger in capybara than in guinea pig, but that different nuclei are enlarged to different degrees. Possible causes of larger brains in larger animals are discussed.", "contents": "Comparisons between brains of a large and a small hystricomorph rodent: capybara, Hydrochoerus and guinea pig, Cavia; neocortical projection regions and measurements of brain subdivisions. Somatic sensory, auditory and visual areas of cerebral neocortex were mapped in anesthetized capybaras using surface macroelectrode-evoked potential recording methods. The cortical motor area was mapped using electrical stimulation methods. The results of these experiments in the largest living rodent were similar to those found for the cortical sensory and motor areas of guinea pigs, a small rodent in a closely related family. The representation of the perioral skin in SI cortex was relatively large in capybaras and guinea pigs. In capybara, several cortical sulci reliably demarcate different cortical projection areas from one another. Quantitive neuroanatomical comparisons of volumes and neuron numbers in several major prosencephalic nuclei revealed that all nuclear masses are larger in capybara than in guinea pig, but that different nuclei are enlarged to different degrees. Possible causes of larger brains in larger animals are discussed.", "PMID": 990909} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3944", "title": "Somatic sensory cortex of llama (Lama glama).", "content": "The somatic sensory cortex (SI and SII) was mapped in llamas using microelectrode mapping methods developed earlier in a study of SI of the slow loris. Projections to SI from the llama's prehensile browsing lips were differentially enlarged when compared to those reported for sheep. In llama, SII was reversed in its mediolatreal pattern from that reported for SII in most other mammals. Fissural landmarks reliably demarcated different projections within SI, between SI and SII and between SI or SII and other surrounding nonsensory areas. The use of microelectrode mapping methods in different mammals to determine gyral and fissural homologies is discussed.", "contents": "Somatic sensory cortex of llama (Lama glama). The somatic sensory cortex (SI and SII) was mapped in llamas using microelectrode mapping methods developed earlier in a study of SI of the slow loris. Projections to SI from the llama's prehensile browsing lips were differentially enlarged when compared to those reported for sheep. In llama, SII was reversed in its mediolatreal pattern from that reported for SII in most other mammals. Fissural landmarks reliably demarcated different projections within SI, between SI and SII and between SI or SII and other surrounding nonsensory areas. The use of microelectrode mapping methods in different mammals to determine gyral and fissural homologies is discussed.", "PMID": 990910} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3945", "title": "Some morphological, physiological and behavioral specializations in North American beavers (Castor canadensis).", "content": "In order to gain insight into the functional properties of the tail in North American beavers (Castor canadensis) we (1) examined morphological features of skeletal, muscular, vascular, cutaneous and neural structures; (2) determined the segmental organization of spinal roots and certain stimulus-response features of receptive fields of single dorsal root fibers; (3) mapped the main somatic sensory area (SI) of the cerebral neocortex, and (4) attempted to relate these findings to observations of tail behavior in living beavers. The behavioral observations revealed the beaver capable of forceful yet discrete movements of the tail in water. A morphological correlate of these motor skills was the distinct segmentally organized pattern of serial muscle tendon arrangements and spinal sensory and motor innervation. Neither the receptors innervating the scales or hairs of the tail, the stimulus-response properties of single dorsal root afferents, nor the representation of the tail in SI suggested unusual cutaneous sensory capabilities associated with the morphological and behavioral specializations exhibited by the beaver's tail.", "contents": "Some morphological, physiological and behavioral specializations in North American beavers (Castor canadensis). In order to gain insight into the functional properties of the tail in North American beavers (Castor canadensis) we (1) examined morphological features of skeletal, muscular, vascular, cutaneous and neural structures; (2) determined the segmental organization of spinal roots and certain stimulus-response features of receptive fields of single dorsal root fibers; (3) mapped the main somatic sensory area (SI) of the cerebral neocortex, and (4) attempted to relate these findings to observations of tail behavior in living beavers. The behavioral observations revealed the beaver capable of forceful yet discrete movements of the tail in water. A morphological correlate of these motor skills was the distinct segmentally organized pattern of serial muscle tendon arrangements and spinal sensory and motor innervation. Neither the receptors innervating the scales or hairs of the tail, the stimulus-response properties of single dorsal root afferents, nor the representation of the tail in SI suggested unusual cutaneous sensory capabilities associated with the morphological and behavioral specializations exhibited by the beaver's tail.", "PMID": 990911} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3946", "title": "Mapping the brain. Historical trends in functional localization.", "content": "This essay presents a brief review and evaluation of some guiding concepts during the past century of inquiry into localization of brain functions. Mapping methods are described and discussed as one useful set of approaches to defining functional localization. Each neurobiological discipline: neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry neuropsychology, neuroethology, clinical neurology, biophysics and bioengineering, all use map-making strategies in their search for valid spatial and temporal definitions of the phenomena in their field of interest. Particular emphasis is given to neurophysiological mapping procedures. How these procedures have evolved to become important tools for testing hypotheses about the neuroelectric, behavioral and psychological functions of specific neuroanatomical structures is discussed. The continued importance is emphasized of neurophysiological mapping as a basic set of descriptive sampling strategies for testing hypotheses about specific neural mechanisms and their adaptive operations.", "contents": "Mapping the brain. Historical trends in functional localization. This essay presents a brief review and evaluation of some guiding concepts during the past century of inquiry into localization of brain functions. Mapping methods are described and discussed as one useful set of approaches to defining functional localization. Each neurobiological discipline: neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry neuropsychology, neuroethology, clinical neurology, biophysics and bioengineering, all use map-making strategies in their search for valid spatial and temporal definitions of the phenomena in their field of interest. Particular emphasis is given to neurophysiological mapping procedures. How these procedures have evolved to become important tools for testing hypotheses about the neuroelectric, behavioral and psychological functions of specific neuroanatomical structures is discussed. The continued importance is emphasized of neurophysiological mapping as a basic set of descriptive sampling strategies for testing hypotheses about specific neural mechanisms and their adaptive operations.", "PMID": 990912} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3947", "title": "Microperoxisome distribution in the central nervous system of the rat.", "content": "The distribution of microperoxisomes was studied in areas of the central nervous system having high concentrations of catecholaminergic neurons and in areas lacking this neuron type, using the alkaline DAB cytochemical method for catalase. Substantial numbers of microperoxisomes are found in neurons in the locus coeruleus and in nucleus A1 of the medulla, as well as in the substantia nigra, whereas few catalase-reactive bodies are seen in neurons of the cerebrum and cerebellum. The number of catalase-reactive microperoxisomes per unit area in the catecholaminergic neurons of the CNS is comparable to the number seen previously in neurons of the peripheral cervical sympathetic ganglia. Some spinal cord neurons also contain reactive microperoxisomes. Catalase-reactive microperoxisomes are numerous in oligodendrocytes of all areas studied, and in ependymal cells bordering the third and fourth ventricles. Astrocytes contain few reactive structures in the cytoplasm near the nucleus, but they are readily found in astrocytic processes and end-feet.", "contents": "Microperoxisome distribution in the central nervous system of the rat. The distribution of microperoxisomes was studied in areas of the central nervous system having high concentrations of catecholaminergic neurons and in areas lacking this neuron type, using the alkaline DAB cytochemical method for catalase. Substantial numbers of microperoxisomes are found in neurons in the locus coeruleus and in nucleus A1 of the medulla, as well as in the substantia nigra, whereas few catalase-reactive bodies are seen in neurons of the cerebrum and cerebellum. The number of catalase-reactive microperoxisomes per unit area in the catecholaminergic neurons of the CNS is comparable to the number seen previously in neurons of the peripheral cervical sympathetic ganglia. Some spinal cord neurons also contain reactive microperoxisomes. Catalase-reactive microperoxisomes are numerous in oligodendrocytes of all areas studied, and in ependymal cells bordering the third and fourth ventricles. Astrocytes contain few reactive structures in the cytoplasm near the nucleus, but they are readily found in astrocytic processes and end-feet.", "PMID": 990913} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3948", "title": "Efferent projections of the insular and temporal neocortex of the cat.", "content": "Anterograde degeneration resulting from small lesions placed in either the insular or temporal cortex were traced with the Fink-Heimer reduced silver procedure. In neocortical regions ipsilateral to the lesion axonal degeneration was present in auditory subdivisions AI, AII, Ep, I, T, in the second somatosensory area (SII), in the anterior and middle suprasylvian gyrus, in the posteromedial suprasylvian and posterior lateral gyri, in the posterior splenial gyrus, in the anterior two-thirds of the cingulate gyrus and in the orbitofrontal regions. With respect to interhemispheric connections, evidence was obtained for a dual pattern of projection. In addition to significant amounts of axonal and terminal degeneration in the corresponding insular or temporal fields, axonal degeneration was also present in posterior AII. In the thalamus degeneration was found in the medial dorsal, suprageniculate, and lateral posterior-pulvinar nuclei. In the posterior nuclear group (Po) and the principal division of the medial geniculate (GMp) evidence was obtained for a topographic pattern of projection; significantly more degeneration occurred in caudal Po following insular lesions whereas with temporal lesions more degeneration occurred in caudal GMp. Degeneration was also found in the dorsal cortex of the ipsilateral inferior colliculus, bilaterally in the deep layers of the superior colliculus and the periventricular central gray region, ipsilaterally in the ventromedial aspects of the head and body of the caudate nucleus, and in the lateral and central nuclei of the amygdala. These findings are discussed in terms of their significance for a possible role for the insular and temporal neocortex (I-T) in both multimodal sensory discrimination and sensory-visceral integrative functions.", "contents": "Efferent projections of the insular and temporal neocortex of the cat. Anterograde degeneration resulting from small lesions placed in either the insular or temporal cortex were traced with the Fink-Heimer reduced silver procedure. In neocortical regions ipsilateral to the lesion axonal degeneration was present in auditory subdivisions AI, AII, Ep, I, T, in the second somatosensory area (SII), in the anterior and middle suprasylvian gyrus, in the posteromedial suprasylvian and posterior lateral gyri, in the posterior splenial gyrus, in the anterior two-thirds of the cingulate gyrus and in the orbitofrontal regions. With respect to interhemispheric connections, evidence was obtained for a dual pattern of projection. In addition to significant amounts of axonal and terminal degeneration in the corresponding insular or temporal fields, axonal degeneration was also present in posterior AII. In the thalamus degeneration was found in the medial dorsal, suprageniculate, and lateral posterior-pulvinar nuclei. In the posterior nuclear group (Po) and the principal division of the medial geniculate (GMp) evidence was obtained for a topographic pattern of projection; significantly more degeneration occurred in caudal Po following insular lesions whereas with temporal lesions more degeneration occurred in caudal GMp. Degeneration was also found in the dorsal cortex of the ipsilateral inferior colliculus, bilaterally in the deep layers of the superior colliculus and the periventricular central gray region, ipsilaterally in the ventromedial aspects of the head and body of the caudate nucleus, and in the lateral and central nuclei of the amygdala. These findings are discussed in terms of their significance for a possible role for the insular and temporal neocortex (I-T) in both multimodal sensory discrimination and sensory-visceral integrative functions.", "PMID": 990914} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3949", "title": "Inputs to trigeminal brain stem neurones from facial, oral, tooth pulp and pharyngolaryngeal tissues: I. Responses to innocuous and noxious stimuli.", "content": "Responses evoked in anaesthetized or decerebrate cats by stimulation of afferents supplying the face, mouth, pharynx, larynx, tooth pulp and jaw muscles were recorded from single neurones located in the trigeminal (V) main sensory nucleus, V nucleus oralis, and adjacent regions. Many cells (both V-thalamic relay and non-relay with localized V mechanoreceptive cutaneous fields could be activated by stimulation of a number of these afferents. A particularly prominent short-latency (often monosynaptic) input was noted from the canine tooth pulp, stimulation of which is generally considered to elicit only responses of pain in man. Control experiments showed that pulp-evoked responses were not the result of stimulus spread to tissues outside the pulp. The interaction of these various inputs to neurones at this level of the V brain stem complex typically resulted in a prolonged period of inhibition that was sometimes preceded by a short-lasting facilitatory phase. This inhibitory effect was also apparent in neurones located outside the complex, although a late facilitatory phase was frequently also noted. Our findings indicate a significant nociceptive input to V main sensory-oralis neurones, a proportion of which relay directly to the ventrobasal thalamus. The interactions described may be involved in perceptual and reflex aspects of responses to noxious and innocuous V stimuli.", "contents": "Inputs to trigeminal brain stem neurones from facial, oral, tooth pulp and pharyngolaryngeal tissues: I. Responses to innocuous and noxious stimuli. Responses evoked in anaesthetized or decerebrate cats by stimulation of afferents supplying the face, mouth, pharynx, larynx, tooth pulp and jaw muscles were recorded from single neurones located in the trigeminal (V) main sensory nucleus, V nucleus oralis, and adjacent regions. Many cells (both V-thalamic relay and non-relay with localized V mechanoreceptive cutaneous fields could be activated by stimulation of a number of these afferents. A particularly prominent short-latency (often monosynaptic) input was noted from the canine tooth pulp, stimulation of which is generally considered to elicit only responses of pain in man. Control experiments showed that pulp-evoked responses were not the result of stimulus spread to tissues outside the pulp. The interaction of these various inputs to neurones at this level of the V brain stem complex typically resulted in a prolonged period of inhibition that was sometimes preceded by a short-lasting facilitatory phase. This inhibitory effect was also apparent in neurones located outside the complex, although a late facilitatory phase was frequently also noted. Our findings indicate a significant nociceptive input to V main sensory-oralis neurones, a proportion of which relay directly to the ventrobasal thalamus. The interactions described may be involved in perceptual and reflex aspects of responses to noxious and innocuous V stimuli.", "PMID": 990915} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3950", "title": "Diamide acts intracellularly to enhance transmitter release: the differential permeation of diamide, DIP, DIP+1 and DIP+2 across the nerve terminal membrane.", "content": "The actions of the new potent thiol oxidizing agents, diazene dicarboxylic acid bis (N'-methyl piperazide) (DIP) and the N'-methyl iodide (DIP + 1) and the bis-N'-methyl iodide (DIP + 2) salts of DIP, were tested at the frog neuromuscular junction. At 20 degrees C, DIP was as fast as the thiol oxidizing agent, diamide, in evoking transmitter release but was appreciably less effective at 6 degrees C. DIP + 1 and DIP + 2 did not increase transmitter release. Since the three agents are potent oxidizers of glutathione and since the effectiveness of the compounds appears to depend on their ability to exist, at least in part, in a neutral form at physiological pH, it is concluded that their action as promoters of transmitter release depends on their ability to permeate nerve terminal membranes. Thus, both diamide and DIP act to increase transmitter release by the intracellular oxidation of glutathione. The two charged agents, DIP + 1 and DIP + 2, are potent muscular depolarizing agents. It is probable that the quaternary nitrogen groups of these compounds render them cholinomimetics.", "contents": "Diamide acts intracellularly to enhance transmitter release: the differential permeation of diamide, DIP, DIP+1 and DIP+2 across the nerve terminal membrane. The actions of the new potent thiol oxidizing agents, diazene dicarboxylic acid bis (N'-methyl piperazide) (DIP) and the N'-methyl iodide (DIP + 1) and the bis-N'-methyl iodide (DIP + 2) salts of DIP, were tested at the frog neuromuscular junction. At 20 degrees C, DIP was as fast as the thiol oxidizing agent, diamide, in evoking transmitter release but was appreciably less effective at 6 degrees C. DIP + 1 and DIP + 2 did not increase transmitter release. Since the three agents are potent oxidizers of glutathione and since the effectiveness of the compounds appears to depend on their ability to exist, at least in part, in a neutral form at physiological pH, it is concluded that their action as promoters of transmitter release depends on their ability to permeate nerve terminal membranes. Thus, both diamide and DIP act to increase transmitter release by the intracellular oxidation of glutathione. The two charged agents, DIP + 1 and DIP + 2, are potent muscular depolarizing agents. It is probable that the quaternary nitrogen groups of these compounds render them cholinomimetics.", "PMID": 990916} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3951", "title": "The influence of methylxanthines on precursor incorporation into protein and RNA of mouse brain.", "content": "Pentoxifyline at 1 mM had no effect on [14C]isoleucine incorporation into mouse brain tissue suspension. At 5-20 mM, this compound inhibited incorporation. The inhibition was prompt, and it was reversible. Aminophyline at 3-12 mM produced inhibition, but theophyline at 2-16 mM had no effect. Pentoxifylline inhibited the incorporation of uridine into brain RNA to the same extent and with a similar time course as its effect on protein synthesis.", "contents": "The influence of methylxanthines on precursor incorporation into protein and RNA of mouse brain. Pentoxifyline at 1 mM had no effect on [14C]isoleucine incorporation into mouse brain tissue suspension. At 5-20 mM, this compound inhibited incorporation. The inhibition was prompt, and it was reversible. Aminophyline at 3-12 mM produced inhibition, but theophyline at 2-16 mM had no effect. Pentoxifylline inhibited the incorporation of uridine into brain RNA to the same extent and with a similar time course as its effect on protein synthesis.", "PMID": 990917} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3952", "title": "Ascending collaterals of cutaneous neurons in the fasciculus gracilis of the cat.", "content": "Primary sensory neurons with myelinated axons in the sural nerve of the cat were found to be divisible into 3 systems on the basis of the length of their central collaterals in the dorsal columns. The short system consists of neurons that ascend only a segment or two in the fasciculus gracilis above their level of entry into the spinal cord. It is composed of all neurons with peripheral conduction velocities in the Adelta range and thus includes both D hair and nociceptive neurons. Approximately 35% of the Aalpha neurons join the intermediate system and ascend 4-12 segments before leaving the forsal columns. This system is composed of all sural type I neurons, as well as about 40% of the G2 hair, 40% of the intermediate field, and 50% of the F2 field neurons in the nerve. Those nociceptive neurons conducting at Aalpha velocities also contribute to the intermediate system. The remaining G2 hair, intermediate field, and F2 field neurons, together with almost all the sural type II, G1 hair, intermediate hair and F1 field neurons, join the long system and ascend to the nucleus gracilis. Fibers in the intermediate system showed a relatively abrupt decrease in conduction velocity usually of 50% or more (median 71%) a few millimeters rostral to their entry into the spinal cord. Members of the long system also decreased in conduction velocity at this point, but the magnitude of the changes was typically less than 50% of the peripheral velocity (median 36%). In addition, the ascending collaterals of the long system underwent a second reduction in conduction velocity near the cervical enlargement.", "contents": "Ascending collaterals of cutaneous neurons in the fasciculus gracilis of the cat. Primary sensory neurons with myelinated axons in the sural nerve of the cat were found to be divisible into 3 systems on the basis of the length of their central collaterals in the dorsal columns. The short system consists of neurons that ascend only a segment or two in the fasciculus gracilis above their level of entry into the spinal cord. It is composed of all neurons with peripheral conduction velocities in the Adelta range and thus includes both D hair and nociceptive neurons. Approximately 35% of the Aalpha neurons join the intermediate system and ascend 4-12 segments before leaving the forsal columns. This system is composed of all sural type I neurons, as well as about 40% of the G2 hair, 40% of the intermediate field, and 50% of the F2 field neurons in the nerve. Those nociceptive neurons conducting at Aalpha velocities also contribute to the intermediate system. The remaining G2 hair, intermediate field, and F2 field neurons, together with almost all the sural type II, G1 hair, intermediate hair and F1 field neurons, join the long system and ascend to the nucleus gracilis. Fibers in the intermediate system showed a relatively abrupt decrease in conduction velocity usually of 50% or more (median 71%) a few millimeters rostral to their entry into the spinal cord. Members of the long system also decreased in conduction velocity at this point, but the magnitude of the changes was typically less than 50% of the peripheral velocity (median 36%). In addition, the ascending collaterals of the long system underwent a second reduction in conduction velocity near the cervical enlargement.", "PMID": 990925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3953", "title": "Uptake and binding of [3H]hydrocortisone by various pig brain regions.", "content": "The cytosol fraction of septum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus of intact and adrenalectomized pigs possessed greater concentrations of radioactivity than the cytosol fraction of amygdala, pituitary, and cortex after an intraventricular injection of [1,2-3H]hydrocortisone. Nuclear extracts from the same brain regions possessed higher concentrations of radioactivity than nuclear extracts of the other brain regions of intact pigs. Nuclear extracts of amygdala, pituitary and hypothalamus from adrenalectomized pigs exhibited the greatest increase over intact pigs in labeled hormone concentration. When adrenalectomized pigs were administered dexamethasone prior to [3H]hydrocortisone, uptake of label was most depressed in hippocampal cytosol and cuclear extract. Also sensitive to the competitive effects of dexamethasone were septal and pituitary nuclear extracts. In intact pigs, pituitary, hippocampus and cortex exhibited higher ratios of bound to total hormone in the cytososl fraction than the other brain regions. Hippocampal and amygdala cytosol possessed the greater magnitude of increase in the ratio of bound to total hormone in adrenalectomized versus intact pigs. The pituitary, septum, amygdala, and cortex of intact and adrenalectomized pigs possessed a ratio of bound to total hormone in nuclear extract 5-10 times greater than that in hippocampus and hypothalamus. However, the latter two regions exhibited a greater increase in bound: total hormone after administration of labeled hormone to adrenalectomized pigs than nuclear extracts of the other brain regions.", "contents": "Uptake and binding of [3H]hydrocortisone by various pig brain regions. The cytosol fraction of septum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus of intact and adrenalectomized pigs possessed greater concentrations of radioactivity than the cytosol fraction of amygdala, pituitary, and cortex after an intraventricular injection of [1,2-3H]hydrocortisone. Nuclear extracts from the same brain regions possessed higher concentrations of radioactivity than nuclear extracts of the other brain regions of intact pigs. Nuclear extracts of amygdala, pituitary and hypothalamus from adrenalectomized pigs exhibited the greatest increase over intact pigs in labeled hormone concentration. When adrenalectomized pigs were administered dexamethasone prior to [3H]hydrocortisone, uptake of label was most depressed in hippocampal cytosol and cuclear extract. Also sensitive to the competitive effects of dexamethasone were septal and pituitary nuclear extracts. In intact pigs, pituitary, hippocampus and cortex exhibited higher ratios of bound to total hormone in the cytososl fraction than the other brain regions. Hippocampal and amygdala cytosol possessed the greater magnitude of increase in the ratio of bound to total hormone in adrenalectomized versus intact pigs. The pituitary, septum, amygdala, and cortex of intact and adrenalectomized pigs possessed a ratio of bound to total hormone in nuclear extract 5-10 times greater than that in hippocampus and hypothalamus. However, the latter two regions exhibited a greater increase in bound: total hormone after administration of labeled hormone to adrenalectomized pigs than nuclear extracts of the other brain regions.", "PMID": 990926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3954", "title": "Ascending collaterals of cutaneous neurons in the fasciculus gracilis of the cat during peripheral nerve regeneration.", "content": "Dorsal column projection patterns and conduction velocities of regenerating myelinated sensory neurons were studied at intervals between 1 and 12 months after transection of the sural nerve. The neurons had significantly decreased conduction velocities, both in the fasciculus gracilis and in the periphery. Although dorsal root reflexes were temporarily abolished, there was no evidence of gross rearrangement of the neurons' ascending collaterals in the dorsal columns in response to transection of their peripheral processes or as a result of reestablishment of functional peripheral connections. These findings support the hypothesis that when a regenerating cutaneous sensory neuron reforms functional peripheral connections in tissue it originally innervated, its receptor properties are similar to those it had before the nerve was lesioned.", "contents": "Ascending collaterals of cutaneous neurons in the fasciculus gracilis of the cat during peripheral nerve regeneration. Dorsal column projection patterns and conduction velocities of regenerating myelinated sensory neurons were studied at intervals between 1 and 12 months after transection of the sural nerve. The neurons had significantly decreased conduction velocities, both in the fasciculus gracilis and in the periphery. Although dorsal root reflexes were temporarily abolished, there was no evidence of gross rearrangement of the neurons' ascending collaterals in the dorsal columns in response to transection of their peripheral processes or as a result of reestablishment of functional peripheral connections. These findings support the hypothesis that when a regenerating cutaneous sensory neuron reforms functional peripheral connections in tissue it originally innervated, its receptor properties are similar to those it had before the nerve was lesioned.", "PMID": 990935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3955", "title": "Homology of the giant serotonergic neurons (metacerebral cells) in Aplysia and pulmonate molluscs.", "content": "The properties of the giant cerebral serotonin-containing neurons of the opisthobranch mollusc Aplysia californica were studied and were compared to the existing data on the giant serotonin-containing neurons (metacerebral cells) of pulmonate mulluscs. Among the properties examined were: axonal distribution, synaptic input and output, pharmacological responses, biophysical characteristics, and plasticity. With only minor exceptions, the properties of the serotonin-containing neurons of Aplysia and of pulmonate molluscs were remarkably similar, and it was concluded that these identified neurons are true homologues. The establishment of the homology of the metacerebral cells of Aplysia to the metacerebral cells of pulmonate molluscs extends the known distribution of these neurons to a second major subclass (Opisthobranchiata) of molluscs. Since pulmonate and opisthobranch molluscs differ substantially in behavioral and anatomical features, the study of the metacerebral cells of these two groups may promote the understanding of the evolutionary adaptation of the nervous system to different environmental pressures.", "contents": "Homology of the giant serotonergic neurons (metacerebral cells) in Aplysia and pulmonate molluscs. The properties of the giant cerebral serotonin-containing neurons of the opisthobranch mollusc Aplysia californica were studied and were compared to the existing data on the giant serotonin-containing neurons (metacerebral cells) of pulmonate mulluscs. Among the properties examined were: axonal distribution, synaptic input and output, pharmacological responses, biophysical characteristics, and plasticity. With only minor exceptions, the properties of the serotonin-containing neurons of Aplysia and of pulmonate molluscs were remarkably similar, and it was concluded that these identified neurons are true homologues. The establishment of the homology of the metacerebral cells of Aplysia to the metacerebral cells of pulmonate molluscs extends the known distribution of these neurons to a second major subclass (Opisthobranchiata) of molluscs. Since pulmonate and opisthobranch molluscs differ substantially in behavioral and anatomical features, the study of the metacerebral cells of these two groups may promote the understanding of the evolutionary adaptation of the nervous system to different environmental pressures.", "PMID": 990936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3956", "title": "A quantitative correlation between single unit activity and fluorescence intensity of dopamine neurones in zona compacta of substantia nigra, as demonstrated under the influence of nicotine and physostigmine.", "content": "In order to investigate the possible relationship between neuronal activity and cellular fluorescence intensity, extracellular recordings of single unit activity and determinations of fluorescence intensity of dopamine (DA) neurones by histochemical microfluorimetry were performed in the same (rostral) part of zona compacta of substantia nigra in male rats. In urethane anaesthesia, zona compacta neurones characteristically showed a slow and fairly regular type of firing. Nicotine (1 mg/kg s.c.) induced a transient decrease in unit activity for 1 min followed by a sustained increase in firing rate. During that stage, 4-5 neurones/rat were recorded at different anteroposterior levels, each during 200 sec. Microfluorimetric examination of the fluorescence intensity developed at the end of the 30-min observation period by the DA neurones of the same area revealed a marked rise in cellular fluorescence intensity. Similar results were obtained with a lower dose of nicotine and/or a shorter observation period. Additional microiontophoretic experiments supported the view that extracellular recordings of the correlative electrophysiological-microfluorimetric investigation belonged to DA neurones. Release of DA from terminals was indicated by an increase in HVA concentration of caudate-putamen in rats subjected to the same nicotine treatment. When tested on one cell during a prolonged period of time, physostigmine (0.25 mg/kg i.p.) caused an initial increase in firing rate of zona compacta neurones (5-10 min) followed by a decrease of unit activity (15-23 min). In agreement with previous observations in mice, fluorescence intensity of nigral DA neurones likewise showed a biphasic change with an initial rise and subsequent decrease (examined at 9.5 and 22-23.5 min, respectively). When mean unit activity and mean fluorescence intensity of individual rats out of various experimental groups were related to each other, a highly significant positive correlation between neuronal fluorescence intensity and firing rate was found. The results obtained with physostigmine demonstrate that mean intensity closely paralleled mean unit activity in time, so that this correlation was maintained. These findings indicate that cellular fluorescence intensity of DA neurone groups can be used as an index of the level of neuronal activity, except for cases where a drug treatment interferes directly with catecholamine synthesis or storage mechanisms.", "contents": "A quantitative correlation between single unit activity and fluorescence intensity of dopamine neurones in zona compacta of substantia nigra, as demonstrated under the influence of nicotine and physostigmine. In order to investigate the possible relationship between neuronal activity and cellular fluorescence intensity, extracellular recordings of single unit activity and determinations of fluorescence intensity of dopamine (DA) neurones by histochemical microfluorimetry were performed in the same (rostral) part of zona compacta of substantia nigra in male rats. In urethane anaesthesia, zona compacta neurones characteristically showed a slow and fairly regular type of firing. Nicotine (1 mg/kg s.c.) induced a transient decrease in unit activity for 1 min followed by a sustained increase in firing rate. During that stage, 4-5 neurones/rat were recorded at different anteroposterior levels, each during 200 sec. Microfluorimetric examination of the fluorescence intensity developed at the end of the 30-min observation period by the DA neurones of the same area revealed a marked rise in cellular fluorescence intensity. Similar results were obtained with a lower dose of nicotine and/or a shorter observation period. Additional microiontophoretic experiments supported the view that extracellular recordings of the correlative electrophysiological-microfluorimetric investigation belonged to DA neurones. Release of DA from terminals was indicated by an increase in HVA concentration of caudate-putamen in rats subjected to the same nicotine treatment. When tested on one cell during a prolonged period of time, physostigmine (0.25 mg/kg i.p.) caused an initial increase in firing rate of zona compacta neurones (5-10 min) followed by a decrease of unit activity (15-23 min). In agreement with previous observations in mice, fluorescence intensity of nigral DA neurones likewise showed a biphasic change with an initial rise and subsequent decrease (examined at 9.5 and 22-23.5 min, respectively). When mean unit activity and mean fluorescence intensity of individual rats out of various experimental groups were related to each other, a highly significant positive correlation between neuronal fluorescence intensity and firing rate was found. The results obtained with physostigmine demonstrate that mean intensity closely paralleled mean unit activity in time, so that this correlation was maintained. These findings indicate that cellular fluorescence intensity of DA neurone groups can be used as an index of the level of neuronal activity, except for cases where a drug treatment interferes directly with catecholamine synthesis or storage mechanisms.", "PMID": 990937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3957", "title": "Morphology of rats AV thalamic nucleus in light and electron microscopy.", "content": "The structure of the rat's antero-ventral thalamic (AVTh) nucleus has been investigated in order to provide background information for the accompanying study in which an attempt was made to identify the synaptic terminals of the different afferent fiber systems to this nucleus by means of both EM autoradiography and the EM degeneration techniques. Nissl stained sections showed that the rat's AVTh nucleus contains mainly relatively light staining neurons which in Golgi material were found to possess tufted dendrites. In EM material three types of synaptic terminals were found which showed a topical distribution over the neuronal surface. Soma and stem dendrites carry a limited number of terminal with symmetrical synapses and flattened vesiclesmproximal dendrites carry mainly large asymmetrical synaptic terminals while distal dendrites are crowded with small asymmetrical synaptic terminals.", "contents": "Morphology of rats AV thalamic nucleus in light and electron microscopy. The structure of the rat's antero-ventral thalamic (AVTh) nucleus has been investigated in order to provide background information for the accompanying study in which an attempt was made to identify the synaptic terminals of the different afferent fiber systems to this nucleus by means of both EM autoradiography and the EM degeneration techniques. Nissl stained sections showed that the rat's AVTh nucleus contains mainly relatively light staining neurons which in Golgi material were found to possess tufted dendrites. In EM material three types of synaptic terminals were found which showed a topical distribution over the neuronal surface. Soma and stem dendrites carry a limited number of terminal with symmetrical synapses and flattened vesiclesmproximal dendrites carry mainly large asymmetrical synaptic terminals while distal dendrites are crowded with small asymmetrical synaptic terminals.", "PMID": 990938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3958", "title": "The precise localization of nigral afferents in the rat as determined by a retrograde tracing technique.", "content": "Afferent innervation of the rat substantia nigra (SN) was studied by the retrograde horseradish peroxidase (HRP) method. High concentrations of HRP were deposited in discrete subregions of the SN by means of a microiontophoretic delivery system. Using this technique it was possible to demonstrate that the caudatonigral projection system is arranged topographically; All portions of the caudate-putamen except for a central medial core were found to contain HRP positive cells, indicative of retrograde transport. In the positive areas a much larger percentage of cells (30-50%) were found to participate in this projection than has previously been reported. Only medium size cells (12-20 mum) were found to contain the HRP reaction product. Other areas found to heavily innervate the SN were the globus pallidus, central nucleus of the amygdala and dorsal raphe nucleus. Areas containing fewer reactive cells but which also appear to innervate the SN included the prefrontal cortex and lateral habenula. These results emphasize the importance of striatonigral projections which recent studies have suggested contain a GABAergic link.", "contents": "The precise localization of nigral afferents in the rat as determined by a retrograde tracing technique. Afferent innervation of the rat substantia nigra (SN) was studied by the retrograde horseradish peroxidase (HRP) method. High concentrations of HRP were deposited in discrete subregions of the SN by means of a microiontophoretic delivery system. Using this technique it was possible to demonstrate that the caudatonigral projection system is arranged topographically; All portions of the caudate-putamen except for a central medial core were found to contain HRP positive cells, indicative of retrograde transport. In the positive areas a much larger percentage of cells (30-50%) were found to participate in this projection than has previously been reported. Only medium size cells (12-20 mum) were found to contain the HRP reaction product. Other areas found to heavily innervate the SN were the globus pallidus, central nucleus of the amygdala and dorsal raphe nucleus. Areas containing fewer reactive cells but which also appear to innervate the SN included the prefrontal cortex and lateral habenula. These results emphasize the importance of striatonigral projections which recent studies have suggested contain a GABAergic link.", "PMID": 990939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3959", "title": "Radioautographic study of in vivo incorporation of 3H-monoamines in the cat caudate nucleus: identification of serotoninergic fibers.", "content": "The localization of radioactivity was examined in the caudate nucleus of the cat, treated with an MAO inhibitor, following local superfusion of the ventricular surface of the structure with low concentration of 3H-catecholamines or [3H]5-HT. The caudate nucleus was superfused continuously from 30 to 240 min using a cup technique. Light microscope or high resolution radioautographs revealed: (1) a rather diffuse incorporation of 3H-catecholamines under the subependymal region which could be hardly attributed to a specific population of nerve terminals. A loose binding of 3H-catecholamines into dopaminergic terminals could be involved in this effect. (2) An intense and selective uptake of [3H]5-HT in fine scarce varicose nerve fibers localized in the ventricle as in the subependymal layer and in the neuropil of the nucleus. The labeled fibers contained numerous round or elongated large granular vesicles of 80-120 nm and exhibited only very few synaptic contacts suggesting a possible extrasynaptic liberation of 5-HT.", "contents": "Radioautographic study of in vivo incorporation of 3H-monoamines in the cat caudate nucleus: identification of serotoninergic fibers. The localization of radioactivity was examined in the caudate nucleus of the cat, treated with an MAO inhibitor, following local superfusion of the ventricular surface of the structure with low concentration of 3H-catecholamines or [3H]5-HT. The caudate nucleus was superfused continuously from 30 to 240 min using a cup technique. Light microscope or high resolution radioautographs revealed: (1) a rather diffuse incorporation of 3H-catecholamines under the subependymal region which could be hardly attributed to a specific population of nerve terminals. A loose binding of 3H-catecholamines into dopaminergic terminals could be involved in this effect. (2) An intense and selective uptake of [3H]5-HT in fine scarce varicose nerve fibers localized in the ventricle as in the subependymal layer and in the neuropil of the nucleus. The labeled fibers contained numerous round or elongated large granular vesicles of 80-120 nm and exhibited only very few synaptic contacts suggesting a possible extrasynaptic liberation of 5-HT.", "PMID": 990946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3960", "title": "Cytochemical studies of lectin binding sites in smooth membrane cisternae of rat brain.", "content": "The cytochemical localization of concanavalin A (con A) binding sites has been studied in Purkinje cell axons and presynaptic terminals of rat cerebellum. Smooth membrane cisternae just beneath the axolemma contain con A binding sites on the side of the membrane facing the cisternal space. At certain regions, such as the node of Ranvier, these cisternae lie in virtual apposition to the axolemma. Such a specialized system of cisternae could serve as a channel through which some of the materials synthesized in the Purkinje somata are moved to the axon terminals. The close association of the cisternae and axolemma at certain regions could be a site at which some of the transported materials contribute to renewal of the axolemma. The con A binding sites on intracellular membranes of the Purkinje cell are removed by prior glycosidic and proteolytic enzyme digestions. The results suggest that at least some of the carbohydrates lining membrane cisternae are glycoprotein in nature.", "contents": "Cytochemical studies of lectin binding sites in smooth membrane cisternae of rat brain. The cytochemical localization of concanavalin A (con A) binding sites has been studied in Purkinje cell axons and presynaptic terminals of rat cerebellum. Smooth membrane cisternae just beneath the axolemma contain con A binding sites on the side of the membrane facing the cisternal space. At certain regions, such as the node of Ranvier, these cisternae lie in virtual apposition to the axolemma. Such a specialized system of cisternae could serve as a channel through which some of the materials synthesized in the Purkinje somata are moved to the axon terminals. The close association of the cisternae and axolemma at certain regions could be a site at which some of the transported materials contribute to renewal of the axolemma. The con A binding sites on intracellular membranes of the Purkinje cell are removed by prior glycosidic and proteolytic enzyme digestions. The results suggest that at least some of the carbohydrates lining membrane cisternae are glycoprotein in nature.", "PMID": 990953} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3961", "title": "Effects of early retinal lesions on conduction velocity relationships in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat.", "content": "Bilateral retinal lesions have been made in and around the area centralis in 5 kittens 23-28 days of age. Twelve to 14 months later, microelectrode recordings were made in the LGN of these animals. Penetrations through the medial, deafferented portion of the nucleus encountered retinally innervated cells at the same rate as penetrations through the intact lateral half of the nucleus or through the LGN of normal adult cats. The correlation between orthodromic anc antidromic latency for LGN relay cells in experimental animals was reduced when compared to normal animals, and the percentage of cells receiving dual fast and slow retinal input was increased in experimental animals. These observations are interpreted as evidence that the medial portion of the LGN was reinnervated following the neonatal retinal lesions, and that the specificities that normally exist between relay cells and their retinal afferents in terms of axonal conduction velocity were not maintained during the course of this reinnervation.", "contents": "Effects of early retinal lesions on conduction velocity relationships in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat. Bilateral retinal lesions have been made in and around the area centralis in 5 kittens 23-28 days of age. Twelve to 14 months later, microelectrode recordings were made in the LGN of these animals. Penetrations through the medial, deafferented portion of the nucleus encountered retinally innervated cells at the same rate as penetrations through the intact lateral half of the nucleus or through the LGN of normal adult cats. The correlation between orthodromic anc antidromic latency for LGN relay cells in experimental animals was reduced when compared to normal animals, and the percentage of cells receiving dual fast and slow retinal input was increased in experimental animals. These observations are interpreted as evidence that the medial portion of the LGN was reinnervated following the neonatal retinal lesions, and that the specificities that normally exist between relay cells and their retinal afferents in terms of axonal conduction velocity were not maintained during the course of this reinnervation.", "PMID": 990956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3962", "title": "The relationship between striatal and mesolimbic dopamine dysfunction and the nature of circling responses following 6-hydroxydopamine and electrolytic lesions of the ascending dopamine systems of rat brain.", "content": "The importance of extrapyramidal and mesolimbic function for circling behaviour was investigated by placing 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and electrolesions in the cell bodies, axons and terminals of each system. Circling behaviour was weak when 6-OHDA was placed at the centre of the substantia nigra (SN), but the characteristic contralateral/ipsilateral turning to apomorphine/amphetamine were recorded. Circling was more marked when 6-OHDA was placed anterior to the SN but was generally absent following injections posterior to the SN. However, 6-OHDA placed in the medial forebrain bundle in the lateral hypothalamus resulted in intense contralateral/ipsilateral turning to apomorphine/amphetamine. Generally, the intensity of circling responses was related to the degree of striatal dopamine (DA) depletion but the more effective lesions also caused reductions in mesolimbic DA content. However, circling was not observed following any 6-OHDA injection into the mesolimbic DA system and it is concluded that mesolimbic DA function is not essential for the initiation of circling. In contrast to the 6-OHDA lesions, rats circled ipsilateral to both apomorphine and amphetamine when the SN was damaged by electrocoagulation to cause marked depletion of striatal dopamine. Lesser depletions of striatal dopamine after electrocoagulation in different regions of the medial forebrain bundle were associated with a lower intensity of ipsilateral circling to both drugs. In general, the differences between 6-OHDA and electrolesions could not be explained by additional damage to ascending noradrenaline or 5-hydroxytryptamine pathways. Lower doses of apomorphine were effective in the 6-OHDA circling rats, and the ipsilateral striatum of such rats was more sensitive to directly applied DA. Higher doses of apomorphine were required to produce circling after chronic electrolesions which rendered the ipsilateral striatum insensitive to DA. The contralateral circling to apomorphine after 6-OHDA lesions was abolished by chronic but not by acute electrolesion of the SN. It is suggested that electrolesions of the SN cause different effects to 6-OHDA because they destroy neuronal pathways in addition to the dopaminergic nigrostriatal tract. These appear to be required for the expression of circling behaviour caused by stimulation of the denervated striatum. Whereas 6-OHDA lesions result in super-sensitivity of the denervated strital DA receptors, electrolesions may cause a hypo-sensitivity of the same receptor sites.", "contents": "The relationship between striatal and mesolimbic dopamine dysfunction and the nature of circling responses following 6-hydroxydopamine and electrolytic lesions of the ascending dopamine systems of rat brain. The importance of extrapyramidal and mesolimbic function for circling behaviour was investigated by placing 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and electrolesions in the cell bodies, axons and terminals of each system. Circling behaviour was weak when 6-OHDA was placed at the centre of the substantia nigra (SN), but the characteristic contralateral/ipsilateral turning to apomorphine/amphetamine were recorded. Circling was more marked when 6-OHDA was placed anterior to the SN but was generally absent following injections posterior to the SN. However, 6-OHDA placed in the medial forebrain bundle in the lateral hypothalamus resulted in intense contralateral/ipsilateral turning to apomorphine/amphetamine. Generally, the intensity of circling responses was related to the degree of striatal dopamine (DA) depletion but the more effective lesions also caused reductions in mesolimbic DA content. However, circling was not observed following any 6-OHDA injection into the mesolimbic DA system and it is concluded that mesolimbic DA function is not essential for the initiation of circling. In contrast to the 6-OHDA lesions, rats circled ipsilateral to both apomorphine and amphetamine when the SN was damaged by electrocoagulation to cause marked depletion of striatal dopamine. Lesser depletions of striatal dopamine after electrocoagulation in different regions of the medial forebrain bundle were associated with a lower intensity of ipsilateral circling to both drugs. In general, the differences between 6-OHDA and electrolesions could not be explained by additional damage to ascending noradrenaline or 5-hydroxytryptamine pathways. Lower doses of apomorphine were effective in the 6-OHDA circling rats, and the ipsilateral striatum of such rats was more sensitive to directly applied DA. Higher doses of apomorphine were required to produce circling after chronic electrolesions which rendered the ipsilateral striatum insensitive to DA. The contralateral circling to apomorphine after 6-OHDA lesions was abolished by chronic but not by acute electrolesion of the SN. It is suggested that electrolesions of the SN cause different effects to 6-OHDA because they destroy neuronal pathways in addition to the dopaminergic nigrostriatal tract. These appear to be required for the expression of circling behaviour caused by stimulation of the denervated striatum. Whereas 6-OHDA lesions result in super-sensitivity of the denervated strital DA receptors, electrolesions may cause a hypo-sensitivity of the same receptor sites.", "PMID": 990957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3963", "title": "Comparative studies of intra- and extramitochondrial calcium phosphates from the hepatopancreas of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus).", "content": "Subcellular fractions of cytoplasmic mineral granules and mineral-loaded mitochondria were isolated from whole homogenates of hepatopancreas of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). Chemical, physical, and morphologic studies were carried out on both subcellular fractions, with and without prior removal of organic components by hydrazine extraction. In contrast to cytoplasmic granules, whole mitochondria contained appreciable amounts of mineral ions not associated with a solid mineral phase. Quantitative analyses and infrared spectroscopy showed cytoplasmic and mitochondrial mineral phases to be calcium phosphates of similar but not identical composition. Both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial mineral phases, as in synthetic amorphous calcium phosphate, show noncrystalline patterns when examined by infrared spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction, and a common ultrastructure of clustered spheres of approximately 100 A diameter. The findings suggest that amorphous calcium phosphate in biological systems may exhibit appreciable variation in Ca/P and in the content of foreign ions such as Mg2+, ADP, and ATP. A mitochondriogenic mechanism of calcification could not be confirmed nor refuted by this study.", "contents": "Comparative studies of intra- and extramitochondrial calcium phosphates from the hepatopancreas of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). Subcellular fractions of cytoplasmic mineral granules and mineral-loaded mitochondria were isolated from whole homogenates of hepatopancreas of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). Chemical, physical, and morphologic studies were carried out on both subcellular fractions, with and without prior removal of organic components by hydrazine extraction. In contrast to cytoplasmic granules, whole mitochondria contained appreciable amounts of mineral ions not associated with a solid mineral phase. Quantitative analyses and infrared spectroscopy showed cytoplasmic and mitochondrial mineral phases to be calcium phosphates of similar but not identical composition. Both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial mineral phases, as in synthetic amorphous calcium phosphate, show noncrystalline patterns when examined by infrared spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction, and a common ultrastructure of clustered spheres of approximately 100 A diameter. The findings suggest that amorphous calcium phosphate in biological systems may exhibit appreciable variation in Ca/P and in the content of foreign ions such as Mg2+, ADP, and ATP. A mitochondriogenic mechanism of calcification could not be confirmed nor refuted by this study.", "PMID": 990969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3964", "title": "Intestinal mitochondrial calcium uptake during adaptation to dietary calcium restriction.", "content": "In order to evaluate the role of mitochondrial calcium uptake in intestinal calcium absorption, the effect of adaptation to dietary calcium deficiency on the in vitro uptake of calcium by isolated duodenal mitochondria was studied. Experiments were performed utilizing 28-day-old cockerels which had received a diet adequate in vitamin D3 and phosphate and containing either 0.08% or 1.20% calcium. Mitochondrial 45Ca uptake from chicks deprived of dietary calcium was not significantly different from controls. These results suggest that increased calcium uptake by intestinal mitochondria is not crucial for adaptation to a low calcium diet.", "contents": "Intestinal mitochondrial calcium uptake during adaptation to dietary calcium restriction. In order to evaluate the role of mitochondrial calcium uptake in intestinal calcium absorption, the effect of adaptation to dietary calcium deficiency on the in vitro uptake of calcium by isolated duodenal mitochondria was studied. Experiments were performed utilizing 28-day-old cockerels which had received a diet adequate in vitamin D3 and phosphate and containing either 0.08% or 1.20% calcium. Mitochondrial 45Ca uptake from chicks deprived of dietary calcium was not significantly different from controls. These results suggest that increased calcium uptake by intestinal mitochondria is not crucial for adaptation to a low calcium diet.", "PMID": 990970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3965", "title": "The secretory stage of amelogenesis in rat mandibular incisor teeth observed by scanning electron microscopy.", "content": "In the scanning electron microscope (SEM), the structural organization of rat incisor enamel was divided into five regions: the initial prismless layer at the dentin-enamel junction; the decussating rods of inner enamel; intermediate enamel, where the structure changes from inner to outer enamel; outer enamel with parallel rods; and the surface prismless layer. There were alterations in the orientation of the ameloblasts and characteristic changes in the morphology of the Tomes' processes during the secretion of each of these regions. Initially, the developing Tomes' processes were seen within shallow pits which also contained fibrous material from dentin matrix. During the deposition of inner enamel, alternate rows of Tomes' processes were held at right angles to each other by cytoplasmic projections which originated from the proximal regions of the Tomes' processes. The cytoplasmic projections reorganized to perpendicular orientation relative to the enamel surface during the synthesis of outer enamel. Tomes' processes of outer enamel appeared as elongated flaps extending parallel to the long axis of the tooth. In the late secretory stage, the microvillous projections disappeared and the Tomes' processes were withdrawn into button-shaped structures which coalesced to form a smooth surface that rested on the enamel.", "contents": "The secretory stage of amelogenesis in rat mandibular incisor teeth observed by scanning electron microscopy. In the scanning electron microscope (SEM), the structural organization of rat incisor enamel was divided into five regions: the initial prismless layer at the dentin-enamel junction; the decussating rods of inner enamel; intermediate enamel, where the structure changes from inner to outer enamel; outer enamel with parallel rods; and the surface prismless layer. There were alterations in the orientation of the ameloblasts and characteristic changes in the morphology of the Tomes' processes during the secretion of each of these regions. Initially, the developing Tomes' processes were seen within shallow pits which also contained fibrous material from dentin matrix. During the deposition of inner enamel, alternate rows of Tomes' processes were held at right angles to each other by cytoplasmic projections which originated from the proximal regions of the Tomes' processes. The cytoplasmic projections reorganized to perpendicular orientation relative to the enamel surface during the synthesis of outer enamel. Tomes' processes of outer enamel appeared as elongated flaps extending parallel to the long axis of the tooth. In the late secretory stage, the microvillous projections disappeared and the Tomes' processes were withdrawn into button-shaped structures which coalesced to form a smooth surface that rested on the enamel.", "PMID": 990971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3966", "title": "Anticholinergic premedication.", "content": "Two hundred and forty-four surgical patients who received no anticholinergic premedication were compared with 160 patients who had received atropine or scopolamine before the induction of anaesthesia. Infants and patients undergoing heart surgery were excluded. Eleven anaesthetists participated in the study. They were asked to report problems with oropharyngeal and tracheobronchial secretions. Two per cent of unpremedicated patients experienced problems with secretions of a degree sufficient to require treatment. This small percentage appears insufficient to warrant routine preoperative anticholinergic medication.", "contents": "Anticholinergic premedication. Two hundred and forty-four surgical patients who received no anticholinergic premedication were compared with 160 patients who had received atropine or scopolamine before the induction of anaesthesia. Infants and patients undergoing heart surgery were excluded. Eleven anaesthetists participated in the study. They were asked to report problems with oropharyngeal and tracheobronchial secretions. Two per cent of unpremedicated patients experienced problems with secretions of a degree sufficient to require treatment. This small percentage appears insufficient to warrant routine preoperative anticholinergic medication.", "PMID": 990972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3967", "title": "Cardiac effects of succinyldicholine and succinylmonocholine.", "content": "The present study evaluated possible contribution of succinylmonocholine in producing serious cardiovascular effects with or without succinyldicholine, using albino rabbits as the experimental animal. Forty-eight experiments were performed, 22 in vivo and 26 in vitro (Langendort heart). Succinyldicholine and succinylmonocholine administered separately or together produced an immediate bradycardia in vivo as well as in vitro. The combination of these drugs had a direct arhythmogenic effect as well as an indirect reflux mediated cardiac effect. When succinyldicholine was given within five minutes following a dose of succinylmonocholine there was significant nodal and ventricular ectopic beats, but no bradycardia. Dysrhythmias in in vivo hearts were abolished by cord trans-section, trimethaphan and reserpine pretreatment. There was no evidence in vivo that succinylmonocholine produced more serious bradycardia, dysrhythmias or hypotension than succinyldicholine,", "contents": "Cardiac effects of succinyldicholine and succinylmonocholine. The present study evaluated possible contribution of succinylmonocholine in producing serious cardiovascular effects with or without succinyldicholine, using albino rabbits as the experimental animal. Forty-eight experiments were performed, 22 in vivo and 26 in vitro (Langendort heart). Succinyldicholine and succinylmonocholine administered separately or together produced an immediate bradycardia in vivo as well as in vitro. The combination of these drugs had a direct arhythmogenic effect as well as an indirect reflux mediated cardiac effect. When succinyldicholine was given within five minutes following a dose of succinylmonocholine there was significant nodal and ventricular ectopic beats, but no bradycardia. Dysrhythmias in in vivo hearts were abolished by cord trans-section, trimethaphan and reserpine pretreatment. There was no evidence in vivo that succinylmonocholine produced more serious bradycardia, dysrhythmias or hypotension than succinyldicholine,", "PMID": 990973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3968", "title": "Experiences with physostigmine in the reversal of adverse post-anaesthetic effects.", "content": "Physostigmine salicylate has proved to be a very useful agent for use in the recovery room. All but two of our first 110 patients receiving it were returned to full consciousness, whether they had been comatose or agitated. In our hands it has been used to reverse the adverse central effects of tranquilizers, antihistamines and belladonna alkaloids.", "contents": "Experiences with physostigmine in the reversal of adverse post-anaesthetic effects. Physostigmine salicylate has proved to be a very useful agent for use in the recovery room. All but two of our first 110 patients receiving it were returned to full consciousness, whether they had been comatose or agitated. In our hands it has been used to reverse the adverse central effects of tranquilizers, antihistamines and belladonna alkaloids.", "PMID": 990974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3969", "title": "[A new way of access into the internal jugular vein].", "content": "This paper describes a new technique for the canulation of the internal jugular vein. A transsection of the neck at the level of C4 (upper border of the thyroid cartilage) (Figure 1) shows the relative position of the internal jugular vein, the carotid artery and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The internal jugular vein at this level is more superficial than is usually imagined. A cutaneous point of entry placed at the level of the thyroid cartilage on the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle would be directly above, at the zenith of the carotid artery. From that point, moving a needle externally hugging the posterior aspect of the muscle will make it possible to reach the vein while actually moving away from the carotid artery.", "contents": "[A new way of access into the internal jugular vein]. This paper describes a new technique for the canulation of the internal jugular vein. A transsection of the neck at the level of C4 (upper border of the thyroid cartilage) (Figure 1) shows the relative position of the internal jugular vein, the carotid artery and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The internal jugular vein at this level is more superficial than is usually imagined. A cutaneous point of entry placed at the level of the thyroid cartilage on the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle would be directly above, at the zenith of the carotid artery. From that point, moving a needle externally hugging the posterior aspect of the muscle will make it possible to reach the vein while actually moving away from the carotid artery.", "PMID": 990977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3970", "title": "The use of procaine in acquired malignant hyperthermia in a patient with malignant melanoma metastatic to the parathyroid gland: a case report.", "content": "The use of intravenous procaine in the treatment of hyperpyrexia in a patient with hyperparathyroidism has not been previously reported. A case of metastatic malignant melanoma precipitating the syndrome of hypertonicity of muscle, hyperpyrexia, acidemia, hypercalcemia and elevated serum parathormone levels is presented. Mithramycin was used in an attempt to reduce elevated serum calcium concentrations. The use of intravenous procaine in \"caffeine rigor\" and malignant hyperthermia due to succinylcholine and halothane formed the basis for its trial in this case. The relationship between cyclic AMP and calcium ions is discussed in postulating mechanism of procaine action.", "contents": "The use of procaine in acquired malignant hyperthermia in a patient with malignant melanoma metastatic to the parathyroid gland: a case report. The use of intravenous procaine in the treatment of hyperpyrexia in a patient with hyperparathyroidism has not been previously reported. A case of metastatic malignant melanoma precipitating the syndrome of hypertonicity of muscle, hyperpyrexia, acidemia, hypercalcemia and elevated serum parathormone levels is presented. Mithramycin was used in an attempt to reduce elevated serum calcium concentrations. The use of intravenous procaine in \"caffeine rigor\" and malignant hyperthermia due to succinylcholine and halothane formed the basis for its trial in this case. The relationship between cyclic AMP and calcium ions is discussed in postulating mechanism of procaine action.", "PMID": 990978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3971", "title": "The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion test: comparison with the caffeine contracture test as a method of diagnosing malignant hyperthermia susceptibility.", "content": "The adenosine triphosphate (ATP depletion ratio, which is the ratio [ATP] in skeletal muscle equilibrated with carbogen and 4% halothane for 30 minutes divided by [ATP] in skeletal muscle equilibrated with carbogen alone for 30 minutes is less than normal in most but not in all rigid MHS patients. The ratio is normal in non-rigid MHS patients. This diagnostic tool is, therefore, useful in the diagnosis of rigid MH. It is not, however, such a sensitive diagnostic parameter as the caffeine contracture test.", "contents": "The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion test: comparison with the caffeine contracture test as a method of diagnosing malignant hyperthermia susceptibility. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP depletion ratio, which is the ratio [ATP] in skeletal muscle equilibrated with carbogen and 4% halothane for 30 minutes divided by [ATP] in skeletal muscle equilibrated with carbogen alone for 30 minutes is less than normal in most but not in all rigid MHS patients. The ratio is normal in non-rigid MHS patients. This diagnostic tool is, therefore, useful in the diagnosis of rigid MH. It is not, however, such a sensitive diagnostic parameter as the caffeine contracture test.", "PMID": 990979} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3972", "title": "Awareness and dreams during general anaesthesia for Caesarian section a study of incidence.", "content": "One hundred Nigerian patients presenting for emergency caesarian section were interviewed within the first 24 hours post-operatively. The purpose was to determine the incidence of awareness and dreams. The standard anaesthetic technique consisted of atropine 0.6 mg and thiopentone 250 mg given intravenously at the time of induction, suxamethonium bromide 40 mg intravenously to facilitate tracheal intubation and nitrous oxide/oxygen/pancuronium for maintenance. The incidence of awareness was 4% while the incidence of dreaming was 17%. Most (94%) of the patients said they dreamed only occasionally at home and of these, 15% claimed they dreamed more frequently when pregnant than when not pregnant.", "contents": "Awareness and dreams during general anaesthesia for Caesarian section a study of incidence. One hundred Nigerian patients presenting for emergency caesarian section were interviewed within the first 24 hours post-operatively. The purpose was to determine the incidence of awareness and dreams. The standard anaesthetic technique consisted of atropine 0.6 mg and thiopentone 250 mg given intravenously at the time of induction, suxamethonium bromide 40 mg intravenously to facilitate tracheal intubation and nitrous oxide/oxygen/pancuronium for maintenance. The incidence of awareness was 4% while the incidence of dreaming was 17%. Most (94%) of the patients said they dreamed only occasionally at home and of these, 15% claimed they dreamed more frequently when pregnant than when not pregnant.", "PMID": 990980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3973", "title": "Urinary morphine excretion during and after morphine anaesthesia for open-heart surgery in children.", "content": "The urine of 20 children undergoing complete correction of atrial septal defect (ASD) or tetralogy of Fallot (TF) were analyzed for morphine and its glucuronide conjugation product before and after induction of morphine anaesthesia, throughout the operation and for two hours post-operatively. Children with ASD had a higher, mean urine flow rate during anesthetic induction and during the entire operation than those with TF (P less than 0.01). ASD children excreted a greater percentage of the administered morphine by the time they reached the recovery room and after two hours in the recovery room than those with TF. Urinary morphine in the glucuronide form increased progressively from anaesthetic induction until the post-operative period in both groups and was more than 93% after two hours in the recovery room. Fifty-five per cent of ASD patients had respiratory dynamics that enabled them to be extubated within six hours of the end of their operation. Those that could be extubated after six hours had excreted a significantly greater percentage of morphine than those that couldn't (P less than 0.025). None of the children with TF could be extubated until the day after operation. These data demonstrate that the ability to maintain adequate spontaneous respiration after morphine anaesthesia is directly related to urinary output during anaesthesia and operation.", "contents": "Urinary morphine excretion during and after morphine anaesthesia for open-heart surgery in children. The urine of 20 children undergoing complete correction of atrial septal defect (ASD) or tetralogy of Fallot (TF) were analyzed for morphine and its glucuronide conjugation product before and after induction of morphine anaesthesia, throughout the operation and for two hours post-operatively. Children with ASD had a higher, mean urine flow rate during anesthetic induction and during the entire operation than those with TF (P less than 0.01). ASD children excreted a greater percentage of the administered morphine by the time they reached the recovery room and after two hours in the recovery room than those with TF. Urinary morphine in the glucuronide form increased progressively from anaesthetic induction until the post-operative period in both groups and was more than 93% after two hours in the recovery room. Fifty-five per cent of ASD patients had respiratory dynamics that enabled them to be extubated within six hours of the end of their operation. Those that could be extubated after six hours had excreted a significantly greater percentage of morphine than those that couldn't (P less than 0.025). None of the children with TF could be extubated until the day after operation. These data demonstrate that the ability to maintain adequate spontaneous respiration after morphine anaesthesia is directly related to urinary output during anaesthesia and operation.", "PMID": 990981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3974", "title": "Diazepam-ketamine anaesthesia for open heart surgery a \"micro-mini\" drip administration technique.", "content": "Two hundred open-heart cases were anaesthetized with a diazepam-ketamine combination. The results were excellent. A \"Micro-Mini\" drip technique insured low, even, but adequate dose levels of ketamine and less drug was used. Induction and maintenance are simple and smooth. Effects on the cardiovascular system and respiratory system are minimal. The margin of safety is wide and 100% oxygen can be used whenever needed.", "contents": "Diazepam-ketamine anaesthesia for open heart surgery a \"micro-mini\" drip administration technique. Two hundred open-heart cases were anaesthetized with a diazepam-ketamine combination. The results were excellent. A \"Micro-Mini\" drip technique insured low, even, but adequate dose levels of ketamine and less drug was used. Induction and maintenance are simple and smooth. Effects on the cardiovascular system and respiratory system are minimal. The margin of safety is wide and 100% oxygen can be used whenever needed.", "PMID": 990982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3975", "title": "Normocapnic ventilation using the circle system.", "content": "A formula is derived for maintaining normocapnia during controlled ventilation using a circle system without carbon dioxide absorption. In a series of 70 patients, unselected in terms of age, sex, obesity, ASA status, body position during operation, type of anaesthetic administered or type of circle system used, it was found that a total fresh gas flow of 50 ml/kg body weight/min and a minute ventilation of 120 to 150 ml/kg body weight at a rate of 10 to 12/min achieved normocapnia. For moderate hypocapnia a total fresh gas flow of 60 ml/kg body weight/min and a minute ventilation of 120 ml/kg at a rate of 10-12/min is suggested.", "contents": "Normocapnic ventilation using the circle system. A formula is derived for maintaining normocapnia during controlled ventilation using a circle system without carbon dioxide absorption. In a series of 70 patients, unselected in terms of age, sex, obesity, ASA status, body position during operation, type of anaesthetic administered or type of circle system used, it was found that a total fresh gas flow of 50 ml/kg body weight/min and a minute ventilation of 120 to 150 ml/kg body weight at a rate of 10 to 12/min achieved normocapnia. For moderate hypocapnia a total fresh gas flow of 60 ml/kg body weight/min and a minute ventilation of 120 ml/kg at a rate of 10-12/min is suggested.", "PMID": 990983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3976", "title": "The amino acid sequence of wheat beta-purothionin.", "content": "The complete amino acid sequence of beta-purothionin, a low molecular weight, very basic, protein isolated from wheat endosperm material, has been determined. beta-purothionin is toxic to some bacteria, to yeasts, and to animals when injected. The protein contains 45 amino acid residues and has a molecular weight of 4913. The 8 cysteine and 10 basic residues are distributed throughout the molecule. The primary structure of the protein shows considerable homology to those of the viscotoxins, which are toxic, small, basic proteins found in the leaves and stems of European mistletoe (Viscum album L.).", "contents": "The amino acid sequence of wheat beta-purothionin. The complete amino acid sequence of beta-purothionin, a low molecular weight, very basic, protein isolated from wheat endosperm material, has been determined. beta-purothionin is toxic to some bacteria, to yeasts, and to animals when injected. The protein contains 45 amino acid residues and has a molecular weight of 4913. The 8 cysteine and 10 basic residues are distributed throughout the molecule. The primary structure of the protein shows considerable homology to those of the viscotoxins, which are toxic, small, basic proteins found in the leaves and stems of European mistletoe (Viscum album L.).", "PMID": 990986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3977", "title": "Relationships between nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase activity and inosine triphosphate accumulation in human erythrocytes.", "content": "The relationship between nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolast (NTPH) (EC 3.6.1.19) activity in erythrocyte lysates and accumulation of radioactive inosine triphosphate (ITP) in human erythrocytes incubated in vitro with [14C]hypoxanthine, was studied in 93 humans. When ITP accumulation, expressed as percentage of total radioactive nucleotides, was plotted against NTPH specific activity, an inverse relationship was found to exist. A continous spectrum of NTPH specific activities and ITP accumulation values exists in the human population and the relationship between these two parameters follows the relationship of substrate concentration to enzyme activity predicted by Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics. One interpretation of these data is that the ITP concentration in human red blood cells is controlled by the degradation of ITP to IMP and pyrophosphate catalyzed by NTPH.", "contents": "Relationships between nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase activity and inosine triphosphate accumulation in human erythrocytes. The relationship between nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolast (NTPH) (EC 3.6.1.19) activity in erythrocyte lysates and accumulation of radioactive inosine triphosphate (ITP) in human erythrocytes incubated in vitro with [14C]hypoxanthine, was studied in 93 humans. When ITP accumulation, expressed as percentage of total radioactive nucleotides, was plotted against NTPH specific activity, an inverse relationship was found to exist. A continous spectrum of NTPH specific activities and ITP accumulation values exists in the human population and the relationship between these two parameters follows the relationship of substrate concentration to enzyme activity predicted by Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics. One interpretation of these data is that the ITP concentration in human red blood cells is controlled by the degradation of ITP to IMP and pyrophosphate catalyzed by NTPH.", "PMID": 990987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3978", "title": "Chloroplastic proteins of wheat and rye grown at warm and cold-hardening temperatures.", "content": "Soluble proteins and membrane polypeptides were separated from chloroplasts isolated intact from a cultivar each of spring wheat, winter wheat, and more freeze-resistant rye, and changes in them associated with cold hardening were detected by means of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. No drastic changes in chloroplast membrane polypeptides occurred during growth at low temperatures in the three cultivars. However, subtle changes were evident in the soluble chloroplast protein fraction. In this fraction at least one varietal difference was discernable, yet all cultivars produced a new protein band of lowest mobility during growth at low temperatures. After the preparations were fractionated by Sephadex G-50 all unhardened plant material displayed two peaks in the region of the fraction I protein band, whereas all cold-hardening material displayed one peak. A different band of soluble protein was present only after cold hardening in Kharkov whear and Puma rye, and was not present in extracts from the cold-grown spring wheat.", "contents": "Chloroplastic proteins of wheat and rye grown at warm and cold-hardening temperatures. Soluble proteins and membrane polypeptides were separated from chloroplasts isolated intact from a cultivar each of spring wheat, winter wheat, and more freeze-resistant rye, and changes in them associated with cold hardening were detected by means of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. No drastic changes in chloroplast membrane polypeptides occurred during growth at low temperatures in the three cultivars. However, subtle changes were evident in the soluble chloroplast protein fraction. In this fraction at least one varietal difference was discernable, yet all cultivars produced a new protein band of lowest mobility during growth at low temperatures. After the preparations were fractionated by Sephadex G-50 all unhardened plant material displayed two peaks in the region of the fraction I protein band, whereas all cold-hardening material displayed one peak. A different band of soluble protein was present only after cold hardening in Kharkov whear and Puma rye, and was not present in extracts from the cold-grown spring wheat.", "PMID": 990988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3979", "title": "Structure and function of insulin: preparation and biological activity of guinea pig des B-Asp30,des-A-Asn21-insulin.", "content": "Bovine des-B-Ala30,des-A-Asn21-insulin and guinea pig des-B-Asp30,des-A-Asn21-insulin were prepared from bovine and guinea pig insulin by digestion with carboxypeptidase A (EC 3.4.12.2). As reported by other investigators, the biological activity of bovine des-Ala30,des-Asn21-insulin was less than 10% that of bovine insulin. Contrary to theoretical consideration, removal of A-Asn21 and B-Asp30 from the carbosyl termini of guinea pig insulin resulted in a loss of more than 90% of the biological activity. Receptor binding studies of these insulin derivatives demonstrated a good correlation between the loss of biological activity and the decrease in binding affinity. It is suggested that the carboxyl terminal A-Asn21 of insulin may interact directly with the insulin receptor.", "contents": "Structure and function of insulin: preparation and biological activity of guinea pig des B-Asp30,des-A-Asn21-insulin. Bovine des-B-Ala30,des-A-Asn21-insulin and guinea pig des-B-Asp30,des-A-Asn21-insulin were prepared from bovine and guinea pig insulin by digestion with carboxypeptidase A (EC 3.4.12.2). As reported by other investigators, the biological activity of bovine des-Ala30,des-Asn21-insulin was less than 10% that of bovine insulin. Contrary to theoretical consideration, removal of A-Asn21 and B-Asp30 from the carbosyl termini of guinea pig insulin resulted in a loss of more than 90% of the biological activity. Receptor binding studies of these insulin derivatives demonstrated a good correlation between the loss of biological activity and the decrease in binding affinity. It is suggested that the carboxyl terminal A-Asn21 of insulin may interact directly with the insulin receptor.", "PMID": 990989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3980", "title": "Amino acid sequence of penicillopepsin. I. Isolation and characterization of the chymotryptic peptides.", "content": "The amino acid sequences of 48 peptides obtained from a chymotryptic digest of the mould acid protease, penicillopepsin (EC 3.4.23.7), have been determined. These peptides established the sequences of 26 unique fragments of up to 28 residues in length. The 28-residue fragment was identified as the N-terminal region. The C terminal region is represented by a 13-residue fragment. The amino acids contained in these fragments account for some 85% of the residues of the enzyme.", "contents": "Amino acid sequence of penicillopepsin. I. Isolation and characterization of the chymotryptic peptides. The amino acid sequences of 48 peptides obtained from a chymotryptic digest of the mould acid protease, penicillopepsin (EC 3.4.23.7), have been determined. These peptides established the sequences of 26 unique fragments of up to 28 residues in length. The 28-residue fragment was identified as the N-terminal region. The C terminal region is represented by a 13-residue fragment. The amino acids contained in these fragments account for some 85% of the residues of the enzyme.", "PMID": 990990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3981", "title": "Amino acid sequence of penicillopepsin. III. Isolation and characterization of amino terminal, tryptic, and tryptophanyl peptides.", "content": "The amino acid sequence of peptides isolated from a tryptic digest of penicillopepsin (EC 3.4.23.7), a subtilisin (EC 3.4.21.14) digest of maleylated penicillopepsin, and a chymotryptic digest of penicillopepsin modified with dinitrophenylsulfenyl (DNPS) chloride have been determined. The first two digests identified four of the five lysyl residues of the enzyme as well as the N-terminal peptide. The third digest provided overlaps at three of the tryptophanyl residues. The DNPS-tryptophan peptides were isolated on an affinity column prepared by coupling dinitrophenyl antibody raised in sheep to cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose.", "contents": "Amino acid sequence of penicillopepsin. III. Isolation and characterization of amino terminal, tryptic, and tryptophanyl peptides. The amino acid sequence of peptides isolated from a tryptic digest of penicillopepsin (EC 3.4.23.7), a subtilisin (EC 3.4.21.14) digest of maleylated penicillopepsin, and a chymotryptic digest of penicillopepsin modified with dinitrophenylsulfenyl (DNPS) chloride have been determined. The first two digests identified four of the five lysyl residues of the enzyme as well as the N-terminal peptide. The third digest provided overlaps at three of the tryptophanyl residues. The DNPS-tryptophan peptides were isolated on an affinity column prepared by coupling dinitrophenyl antibody raised in sheep to cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose.", "PMID": 990991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3982", "title": "Four-and five-step kinetic models of lactate dehydrogenase.", "content": "A five-step model for the reaction catalyzed by beef heart lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) reconciles differences observed in the four-step model if pre-steady-state data in the forward direction are compared with similar data in the reverse direction. The relationship between the four-and five-step models indicates what problems can develop when an incomplete model is proposed. Nevertheless, there are advantages to using the less complicated four-step model when comparing the molecular kinetics of enzymes catalyzing the same reaction but obtained from different sources.", "contents": "Four-and five-step kinetic models of lactate dehydrogenase. A five-step model for the reaction catalyzed by beef heart lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) reconciles differences observed in the four-step model if pre-steady-state data in the forward direction are compared with similar data in the reverse direction. The relationship between the four-and five-step models indicates what problems can develop when an incomplete model is proposed. Nevertheless, there are advantages to using the less complicated four-step model when comparing the molecular kinetics of enzymes catalyzing the same reaction but obtained from different sources.", "PMID": 990992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3983", "title": "Binding constants for tetramethylammonium ion determined with irreversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase.", "content": "The reversible binding constant (Ki) for tetramethylammonium ion (TMA) was determined from the decrease in the bimolecular rate constant (ki) observed with each of 21 organophosphate or carbamate inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7). The Ki values obtained were reasonably constant (5.8 X 10(-4) +/- 0.38 M), and this is consistent with reports indicating that TMA binds to a single site on the enzyme.", "contents": "Binding constants for tetramethylammonium ion determined with irreversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase. The reversible binding constant (Ki) for tetramethylammonium ion (TMA) was determined from the decrease in the bimolecular rate constant (ki) observed with each of 21 organophosphate or carbamate inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7). The Ki values obtained were reasonably constant (5.8 X 10(-4) +/- 0.38 M), and this is consistent with reports indicating that TMA binds to a single site on the enzyme.", "PMID": 990993} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3984", "title": "Genetic effects of feeding irradiated wheat to mice.", "content": "The effects of feeding irradiated wheat in mice on bone marrow and testis chromosomes, germ cell numbers and dominant lethal mutations were investigated. Feeding of freshly irradiated wheat resulted in significantly increased incidence of polyploid cells in bone marrow, aneuploid cells in testis, reduction in number of spermatogonia of types A, B and resting primary spermatocytes as well as a higher mutagenic index. Such a response was not observed when mice were fed stored irradiated wheat. Also there was no difference between the mice fed un-irradiated wheat and stored irradiated wheat.", "contents": "Genetic effects of feeding irradiated wheat to mice. The effects of feeding irradiated wheat in mice on bone marrow and testis chromosomes, germ cell numbers and dominant lethal mutations were investigated. Feeding of freshly irradiated wheat resulted in significantly increased incidence of polyploid cells in bone marrow, aneuploid cells in testis, reduction in number of spermatogonia of types A, B and resting primary spermatocytes as well as a higher mutagenic index. Such a response was not observed when mice were fed stored irradiated wheat. Also there was no difference between the mice fed un-irradiated wheat and stored irradiated wheat.", "PMID": 990994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3985", "title": "Linkage disequilibrium between functionally related enzyme loci of Drosophila mojavensis.", "content": "Gametic frequencies at four enzyme loci of the second chromosome of Drosophila mojavensis race B were obtained from six localities. The four loci were selected so that they code for functionally related enzymes; two code for esterases, one for xanthine dehydrogenase and one for acetaldehyde oxidase. In Drosophila the two latter enzymes are under the same regulatory control and their physiological functions might be related as well. Electrophoretic variants at the locicoding for these two enzymes were found not tobe in pair-wise linkage equilibrium. Other pair-wise combinations were in linkage equilibrium. It is argued that selectively maintained nonrandom associations may occur frequently between linked loci, the enzymatic products of which are functionally related, share common subunits or are under the same regulatory control.", "contents": "Linkage disequilibrium between functionally related enzyme loci of Drosophila mojavensis. Gametic frequencies at four enzyme loci of the second chromosome of Drosophila mojavensis race B were obtained from six localities. The four loci were selected so that they code for functionally related enzymes; two code for esterases, one for xanthine dehydrogenase and one for acetaldehyde oxidase. In Drosophila the two latter enzymes are under the same regulatory control and their physiological functions might be related as well. Electrophoretic variants at the locicoding for these two enzymes were found not tobe in pair-wise linkage equilibrium. Other pair-wise combinations were in linkage equilibrium. It is argued that selectively maintained nonrandom associations may occur frequently between linked loci, the enzymatic products of which are functionally related, share common subunits or are under the same regulatory control.", "PMID": 990995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3986", "title": "The Giemsa banding pattern of the Australian Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): chromosome homology with other bovidae.", "content": "A Giemsa banding method was used to obtain preparations from which a G-band idiogram for the chromosomes of the Australian Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) was constructed. Comparison with the G-banding patterns for goat, sheep, and ox chromosomes showed a remarkably close similarity individual paris, banding pattern homologies for the buffalo metacentric autosomes being identifiable among the acrocentric autosomes of the other species. However, the goat and sheep lacked a comparable autosome to the buffalo 10, the buffalo lacked an autosome comparable to the ox 12, the acrocentric X chromosome of the buffalo banded most closely to the goat X and was least like the ox. The buffalo Y chromosome was unlike its counterpart in the other species. The results are in keeping with the previously expressed view of evolution within the Bovidae by a Robertsonian mechanism modified by the apparent absence of one pari of autosomes from the buffalo and of a different pari from sheep and goats.", "contents": "The Giemsa banding pattern of the Australian Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): chromosome homology with other bovidae. A Giemsa banding method was used to obtain preparations from which a G-band idiogram for the chromosomes of the Australian Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) was constructed. Comparison with the G-banding patterns for goat, sheep, and ox chromosomes showed a remarkably close similarity individual paris, banding pattern homologies for the buffalo metacentric autosomes being identifiable among the acrocentric autosomes of the other species. However, the goat and sheep lacked a comparable autosome to the buffalo 10, the buffalo lacked an autosome comparable to the ox 12, the acrocentric X chromosome of the buffalo banded most closely to the goat X and was least like the ox. The buffalo Y chromosome was unlike its counterpart in the other species. The results are in keeping with the previously expressed view of evolution within the Bovidae by a Robertsonian mechanism modified by the apparent absence of one pari of autosomes from the buffalo and of a different pari from sheep and goats.", "PMID": 990996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3987", "title": "Quantitative aspects of secretion and hepatic removal of glucagon in sheep.", "content": "The secretion of immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) into the portal blood and its removal by the liver were determined in conscious-fed sheep by simultaneous measurement of venoarterial plasma concentration differences and portal and hepatic plasma flows. IRG was determined using Manns' antiserum and Unger's 30K antiserum, the latter being highly specific for pancreatic glucagon. In 21 experiments in which Manns' antiserum was used the IRG secretory rate was 7.1 +/- u.4 mug/h. The value using 30K antiserum was lower (5.5 +/- 1.3, n=6), but not significantly different. Although the hepatic extraction ratio (hepatic removal - total IRG presented to the liver) was only 7%, the hepatic removal of 2.4 +/- 0.5 mug/h was equivalent to 31-35% of the portal IRG secretory rate. Since during steady-state conditions, glucagon secretion equals glucagon removal, the liver must account for approximately one-third of the glucagon degraded by the entire body.", "contents": "Quantitative aspects of secretion and hepatic removal of glucagon in sheep. The secretion of immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) into the portal blood and its removal by the liver were determined in conscious-fed sheep by simultaneous measurement of venoarterial plasma concentration differences and portal and hepatic plasma flows. IRG was determined using Manns' antiserum and Unger's 30K antiserum, the latter being highly specific for pancreatic glucagon. In 21 experiments in which Manns' antiserum was used the IRG secretory rate was 7.1 +/- u.4 mug/h. The value using 30K antiserum was lower (5.5 +/- 1.3, n=6), but not significantly different. Although the hepatic extraction ratio (hepatic removal - total IRG presented to the liver) was only 7%, the hepatic removal of 2.4 +/- 0.5 mug/h was equivalent to 31-35% of the portal IRG secretory rate. Since during steady-state conditions, glucagon secretion equals glucagon removal, the liver must account for approximately one-third of the glucagon degraded by the entire body.", "PMID": 990997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3988", "title": "The influence of acute diazepam pretreatment on the action and disposition of [14C]pentobarbital in rats.", "content": "Diazepam (DZP) pretreatment (100mg/kg, ip) of rats 6 h before pentobarbital administration (45 mg/kg, ip) prolonged the barbiturate-induced narcosis. The concentrations of [14C]pentobarbital and total pentobarbital derivatives in blood or brain showed no differences between control and DZP-pretreated animals. The brain and blood concentrations of pentobarbital, when measured at a time corresponding to the respective arousal times from pentobarbital narcosis, were lower in the DZP-pretreated group. These results indicate that acute DZP pretreatment increases the sensitivity of the rat brain to pentobarbital rather than inducing changes in the disposition of the barbiturate.", "contents": "The influence of acute diazepam pretreatment on the action and disposition of [14C]pentobarbital in rats. Diazepam (DZP) pretreatment (100mg/kg, ip) of rats 6 h before pentobarbital administration (45 mg/kg, ip) prolonged the barbiturate-induced narcosis. The concentrations of [14C]pentobarbital and total pentobarbital derivatives in blood or brain showed no differences between control and DZP-pretreated animals. The brain and blood concentrations of pentobarbital, when measured at a time corresponding to the respective arousal times from pentobarbital narcosis, were lower in the DZP-pretreated group. These results indicate that acute DZP pretreatment increases the sensitivity of the rat brain to pentobarbital rather than inducing changes in the disposition of the barbiturate.", "PMID": 990998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3989", "title": "The perifused isolated left atrium: a preparation for studies on sugar transport in the myocardium.", "content": "A procedure is described for the in vitro perifusion of the rat left atrium by recirculating medium through the atrial cavity and around the tissue, and for making the left atrium completely quiescent using surgical methods. The main advantage of this preparation is that it provides direct data on metabolic and transport processes in resting myocardium. Its use is illustrated by data on the time course, concentration dependence, insulin sensitivity and chemical specificity of the sugar transport system; in all these respects the resting left atrium resembles resting skeletal muscle.", "contents": "The perifused isolated left atrium: a preparation for studies on sugar transport in the myocardium. A procedure is described for the in vitro perifusion of the rat left atrium by recirculating medium through the atrial cavity and around the tissue, and for making the left atrium completely quiescent using surgical methods. The main advantage of this preparation is that it provides direct data on metabolic and transport processes in resting myocardium. Its use is illustrated by data on the time course, concentration dependence, insulin sensitivity and chemical specificity of the sugar transport system; in all these respects the resting left atrium resembles resting skeletal muscle.", "PMID": 990999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3990", "title": "Effect of adrenaline on sugar transport in the perifused left atrium.", "content": "The effect of adrenaline on the membrane transport of 3-methylglucose was studied in perifused isolated rat left atria that had been fully arrested. In this preparation a high concentration of adrenaline stimulated and a low one decreased sugar transport. The stimulatory effect was strongly inhibited by the beta-adrenergic blocker propranolol and by the antilipolytic agent nicotinic acid. As the atria were not beating, the effects were not mediated by changes in the rate or strength of muscular contraction. The possible mechanisms of these effects of adrenaline on sugar transport are discussed.", "contents": "Effect of adrenaline on sugar transport in the perifused left atrium. The effect of adrenaline on the membrane transport of 3-methylglucose was studied in perifused isolated rat left atria that had been fully arrested. In this preparation a high concentration of adrenaline stimulated and a low one decreased sugar transport. The stimulatory effect was strongly inhibited by the beta-adrenergic blocker propranolol and by the antilipolytic agent nicotinic acid. As the atria were not beating, the effects were not mediated by changes in the rate or strength of muscular contraction. The possible mechanisms of these effects of adrenaline on sugar transport are discussed.", "PMID": 991000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3991", "title": "Influence of the degree of hydrolysis of beef tallow on its absorption in the young pig.", "content": "Beef tallow was hydrolyzed to produce a series of fats with 3, 10, 20, 46, and 100% free fatty acids, which were incorporated at the level of 10% into semipurified diets. These diets along with a low-fat control diet were each fed to five piglets from 10 to 22 days of age. Tridodecyl glycerol ether was used as an indicator of fat absorption. Feces samples were collected between 19 and 22 days of age and the pigs were killed to allow samples of digesta to be collected. Analysis of feces and digesta allowed the progress of fat absorption to be monitored through the digestive tract. The corrected absorbability of the total lipid was between 88 and 93% for the partially hydrolyzed tallows, but was only 75% for the completely hydrolyzed tallow. The oleic acid was well absorbed (95-99%) in all the diets; palmitic and stearic acids were also well absorbed in the intact and partially hydrolyzed tallow (82-84% and 63-77%, respectively, the for palmitic and stearic acids), but their absorption was impaired in the completely hydrolyzed tallow (62% and 38ll intestine is the major site of fat uptake. Comparison of the amounts of fatty acids in the ileal digesta and in thl feces showed that there was no change in the total amount of fat in the digesta as it passed through the large intestine.", "contents": "Influence of the degree of hydrolysis of beef tallow on its absorption in the young pig. Beef tallow was hydrolyzed to produce a series of fats with 3, 10, 20, 46, and 100% free fatty acids, which were incorporated at the level of 10% into semipurified diets. These diets along with a low-fat control diet were each fed to five piglets from 10 to 22 days of age. Tridodecyl glycerol ether was used as an indicator of fat absorption. Feces samples were collected between 19 and 22 days of age and the pigs were killed to allow samples of digesta to be collected. Analysis of feces and digesta allowed the progress of fat absorption to be monitored through the digestive tract. The corrected absorbability of the total lipid was between 88 and 93% for the partially hydrolyzed tallows, but was only 75% for the completely hydrolyzed tallow. The oleic acid was well absorbed (95-99%) in all the diets; palmitic and stearic acids were also well absorbed in the intact and partially hydrolyzed tallow (82-84% and 63-77%, respectively, the for palmitic and stearic acids), but their absorption was impaired in the completely hydrolyzed tallow (62% and 38ll intestine is the major site of fat uptake. Comparison of the amounts of fatty acids in the ileal digesta and in thl feces showed that there was no change in the total amount of fat in the digesta as it passed through the large intestine.", "PMID": 991001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3992", "title": "The composition of lipids in intestinal digesta of young pigs receiving diets containing tallow and tallow fatty acids.", "content": "Three semipurified diets containing a low level of fat or 10 percent of either beef tallow or beef tallow free fatty acids were fed to young pigs. Jejunal digesta was sampled 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 h after feeding by aspiration through tubes leading from the jejunal lumen to the exterior. The samples were forced through Millipore filters (1 x 10(-7) m pore size) to separate aqueous phase and oil phase lipid. The total and aqueous phase lipid was separated into triglyceride, monoglyceride, and free fatty acid, and the fatty acid composition of each fraction determined. The concentration of aqueous phase lipid was not influenced by diet, although the concentration of the oil phase lipid was generally higher for the addition of fat to the diets; the increase was greater for the beef tallow free fatty acid diet than for the beef tallow diet. Free fatty acids were the predominant component of the aqueous phase lipid along with some monoglyceride and traces of triglyceride. The major component of the oil phastions of triglyceride and monoglyceride. These must have been derived from endogenously secreted lipid in the case of the tallow fatty acid diet. Thus, the lower digestibility of completely hydrolyzed beef tallow than of conventional beef tallow was not due to an absence of monoglyceride in the intestinal lumen. The proportion of stearic acid in the jejunal digesta was greater than in the dietary lipid, whereas there were lower proportions of palmitic and oleic acids in the jejunal digesta than in the diet; the effect being most pronounced for the tallow free fatty acid diet. The ratio of oleic to palmitic acid in the aqueous phase was less than in the lipid phase suggesting preferential uptake of oleic acid from the micelle by the intestinal mucosa.", "contents": "The composition of lipids in intestinal digesta of young pigs receiving diets containing tallow and tallow fatty acids. Three semipurified diets containing a low level of fat or 10 percent of either beef tallow or beef tallow free fatty acids were fed to young pigs. Jejunal digesta was sampled 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 h after feeding by aspiration through tubes leading from the jejunal lumen to the exterior. The samples were forced through Millipore filters (1 x 10(-7) m pore size) to separate aqueous phase and oil phase lipid. The total and aqueous phase lipid was separated into triglyceride, monoglyceride, and free fatty acid, and the fatty acid composition of each fraction determined. The concentration of aqueous phase lipid was not influenced by diet, although the concentration of the oil phase lipid was generally higher for the addition of fat to the diets; the increase was greater for the beef tallow free fatty acid diet than for the beef tallow diet. Free fatty acids were the predominant component of the aqueous phase lipid along with some monoglyceride and traces of triglyceride. The major component of the oil phastions of triglyceride and monoglyceride. These must have been derived from endogenously secreted lipid in the case of the tallow fatty acid diet. Thus, the lower digestibility of completely hydrolyzed beef tallow than of conventional beef tallow was not due to an absence of monoglyceride in the intestinal lumen. The proportion of stearic acid in the jejunal digesta was greater than in the dietary lipid, whereas there were lower proportions of palmitic and oleic acids in the jejunal digesta than in the diet; the effect being most pronounced for the tallow free fatty acid diet. The ratio of oleic to palmitic acid in the aqueous phase was less than in the lipid phase suggesting preferential uptake of oleic acid from the micelle by the intestinal mucosa.", "PMID": 991002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3993", "title": "Insulin resistance and its reversal by in vivo infusion of ATP in hermorrhagic shock.", "content": "Hemorrhagic shock in rats was produced by bleeding the animals to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mmHg, which was maintained for 2 h. Muscles from these animals ('shock' muscles) demonstrated basal glucose uptake values unchanged from control values but, unlike the control muscles, the \"shock' muscles showed resistance to the stimulation of glucose uptake by insulin. Infusion of ATP-MgCl2, ADP-MgCl2, adenosine-MgCl2, or GTP-MgCl2 to animals following shock had no effect on basal glucose uptake; however, ATP-MgCl2 but not the other nucleotides permitted insulin to exert its stimulatory effect on such muscles. An optimal insulin effect in ATP-MgCl2 treated 'shock' muscles occurred at an insulin concentration of u.001 U/ml, which is also the concentration required to produce optimal insulin effect in control muscles. Following 1-h incubation in Krebs-HCO3 medium, intracellular ATP contents of 'shock' muscles were about 50% lower than in control muscles. Treatment with ATP-MgCl2 following shock, however, resulted in ATP contents in such muscles similar to those in control muscles. Possible mechanisms for this reversal of insulin resistance by in vivo infusion of ATP-MgCl2 in shock are discussed.", "contents": "Insulin resistance and its reversal by in vivo infusion of ATP in hermorrhagic shock. Hemorrhagic shock in rats was produced by bleeding the animals to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mmHg, which was maintained for 2 h. Muscles from these animals ('shock' muscles) demonstrated basal glucose uptake values unchanged from control values but, unlike the control muscles, the \"shock' muscles showed resistance to the stimulation of glucose uptake by insulin. Infusion of ATP-MgCl2, ADP-MgCl2, adenosine-MgCl2, or GTP-MgCl2 to animals following shock had no effect on basal glucose uptake; however, ATP-MgCl2 but not the other nucleotides permitted insulin to exert its stimulatory effect on such muscles. An optimal insulin effect in ATP-MgCl2 treated 'shock' muscles occurred at an insulin concentration of u.001 U/ml, which is also the concentration required to produce optimal insulin effect in control muscles. Following 1-h incubation in Krebs-HCO3 medium, intracellular ATP contents of 'shock' muscles were about 50% lower than in control muscles. Treatment with ATP-MgCl2 following shock, however, resulted in ATP contents in such muscles similar to those in control muscles. Possible mechanisms for this reversal of insulin resistance by in vivo infusion of ATP-MgCl2 in shock are discussed.", "PMID": 991003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3994", "title": "Uptake of ATP by liver and kidney in vitro.", "content": "Rat liver and kidney slices were incubated at 37 degrees C for 1 h in 1.0 ml of Krebs-HCO3 buffer containing 10mM glucose and one of the following: 5 mM [8-14C]ATP, 5 mM [8-14C]ADP, 5 mM [8-14C]AMP, or 5 mM [8-14C]ation medium and tissue extract were subjected to electrophoretic separation and the radioactivity present in ATP, ADP, AMP, IMP, inosine, adenosine, and hypoxanthine was counted. Extensive degradation of the added nucleotide was observed in the presence of both tissues. The concentrations of 14C-labeled ATP and ADP found in the liver and kidney indicated that these compounds were present within the cells. Evidence is presented which suggests that ATP, and to a lesser extent ADP, entered the liver and kidney as such and were not synthesized within the cell from 14C-labeled adenosine.", "contents": "Uptake of ATP by liver and kidney in vitro. Rat liver and kidney slices were incubated at 37 degrees C for 1 h in 1.0 ml of Krebs-HCO3 buffer containing 10mM glucose and one of the following: 5 mM [8-14C]ATP, 5 mM [8-14C]ADP, 5 mM [8-14C]AMP, or 5 mM [8-14C]ation medium and tissue extract were subjected to electrophoretic separation and the radioactivity present in ATP, ADP, AMP, IMP, inosine, adenosine, and hypoxanthine was counted. Extensive degradation of the added nucleotide was observed in the presence of both tissues. The concentrations of 14C-labeled ATP and ADP found in the liver and kidney indicated that these compounds were present within the cells. Evidence is presented which suggests that ATP, and to a lesser extent ADP, entered the liver and kidney as such and were not synthesized within the cell from 14C-labeled adenosine.", "PMID": 991004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3995", "title": "Phenobarbitone-induced urinary excretions of D-glucaric acid and 6beta-hydroxycortisol in man.", "content": "The urinary excretion of D-glucaric acid and 6beta-hydroxycortisol were determined in normal subjects before, during, and after 14 days treatment with placebo or phenobarbitone. The excretion of both metabolites was significantly potentiated by phenobarbitone and returned to baseline values 1 month after treatment was withdrawn. It was suggested that the determination of urinary D-glucaric acid reflects the activity of the hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidase system after the administration of an inducing agent such as phenobarbitone.", "contents": "Phenobarbitone-induced urinary excretions of D-glucaric acid and 6beta-hydroxycortisol in man. The urinary excretion of D-glucaric acid and 6beta-hydroxycortisol were determined in normal subjects before, during, and after 14 days treatment with placebo or phenobarbitone. The excretion of both metabolites was significantly potentiated by phenobarbitone and returned to baseline values 1 month after treatment was withdrawn. It was suggested that the determination of urinary D-glucaric acid reflects the activity of the hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidase system after the administration of an inducing agent such as phenobarbitone.", "PMID": 991005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3996", "title": "The effects of AMP on the potential of rat cerebral cortical neurones.", "content": "Intracellular recordings have shown that AMP, applied extracellularly, consistently produces a hyperpolarization in the absence of any pronounced alterations in membrane conductance and causes a reduction in spontaneously occurring and evoked postsynaptic potentials. Potential mechanisms of action of AMP are discussed, including the possibility that it may depress transmitter release from presynaptic nerve terminals.", "contents": "The effects of AMP on the potential of rat cerebral cortical neurones. Intracellular recordings have shown that AMP, applied extracellularly, consistently produces a hyperpolarization in the absence of any pronounced alterations in membrane conductance and causes a reduction in spontaneously occurring and evoked postsynaptic potentials. Potential mechanisms of action of AMP are discussed, including the possibility that it may depress transmitter release from presynaptic nerve terminals.", "PMID": 991006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3997", "title": "A randomized controlled trial of home care: clinical outcome for five surgical procedures.", "content": "The clinical function of patients receiving home care after five surgical procedures was assessed. Hospital patients who normally would have received minimal nursing care at the end of their hospital stay were randomly assigned to an experimental home-care group or a control group who were discharged from hospital after the normal length of stay. Comprisons of \"untoward events\" (discomfort, infection, delayed healing, or complications) are reported for the two groups in five surgical categories (varicose vein stripping, herniorrhaphy, cholecystectomy, anal and rectal operations and abdominal hysterectomy) where the home-care program operated efficientyl. No apparent differences in the rates of untoward events were noted between hospital and home-care groups. It is concluded that home care should be considered for reasons other than clinical function, such as socio-economic functioning, the wishes of the patient, or more efficient use of hospital space.", "contents": "A randomized controlled trial of home care: clinical outcome for five surgical procedures. The clinical function of patients receiving home care after five surgical procedures was assessed. Hospital patients who normally would have received minimal nursing care at the end of their hospital stay were randomly assigned to an experimental home-care group or a control group who were discharged from hospital after the normal length of stay. Comprisons of \"untoward events\" (discomfort, infection, delayed healing, or complications) are reported for the two groups in five surgical categories (varicose vein stripping, herniorrhaphy, cholecystectomy, anal and rectal operations and abdominal hysterectomy) where the home-care program operated efficientyl. No apparent differences in the rates of untoward events were noted between hospital and home-care groups. It is concluded that home care should be considered for reasons other than clinical function, such as socio-economic functioning, the wishes of the patient, or more efficient use of hospital space.", "PMID": 991009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3998", "title": "Spontaneous rupture of liver in patient on oral contraceptives.", "content": "Hemoperitoneum as a result of spontaneous rupture of the liver occurred in a 28-year-old woman who had been takingoral contraceptives for 7 years. The hemorrhage occurred between a benign tumour and the liver and was treated by left hepatic lobectomy. The pathologic aspects of this tumour are discussed and the current literature is reviewed. Conservative excision compatible with hemostasis is the recommended treatment.", "contents": "Spontaneous rupture of liver in patient on oral contraceptives. Hemoperitoneum as a result of spontaneous rupture of the liver occurred in a 28-year-old woman who had been takingoral contraceptives for 7 years. The hemorrhage occurred between a benign tumour and the liver and was treated by left hepatic lobectomy. The pathologic aspects of this tumour are discussed and the current literature is reviewed. Conservative excision compatible with hemostasis is the recommended treatment.", "PMID": 991010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_3999", "title": "Acute cardiac failure: the relation between coronary flow and cardiac function.", "content": "To study the effects of acute coronary hypotension on the working dog heart in situ, both coronary arteries were cannulated and perfused with oxygenated blood at controlled pressures (40 to 120 mm Hg). At a perfusion pressure of 120 mm Hg, total coronary artery flow appeared to be sufficient (0.95+/-0.08 ml/min-g) to maintain normal cardiac performance for a 2.5-hour observation period. During incremental decreases in coronary perfusion pressure, significant linear correlations were found between coronary flow and cardiac index (r=0.84), left ventricular maximum dP/dt (r=0.83), stroke index (r=0.82), stroke work (r=0.83) and mean arterial pressure (r=0.62). During simulated shock conditions (systolic arterial pressure, less than 75 mm Hg), relative reductions in coronary flow (-60.9+/-4.0%) paralleled changes seen in cardiac function and persisted for 28+/-4 min.", "contents": "Acute cardiac failure: the relation between coronary flow and cardiac function. To study the effects of acute coronary hypotension on the working dog heart in situ, both coronary arteries were cannulated and perfused with oxygenated blood at controlled pressures (40 to 120 mm Hg). At a perfusion pressure of 120 mm Hg, total coronary artery flow appeared to be sufficient (0.95+/-0.08 ml/min-g) to maintain normal cardiac performance for a 2.5-hour observation period. During incremental decreases in coronary perfusion pressure, significant linear correlations were found between coronary flow and cardiac index (r=0.84), left ventricular maximum dP/dt (r=0.83), stroke index (r=0.82), stroke work (r=0.83) and mean arterial pressure (r=0.62). During simulated shock conditions (systolic arterial pressure, less than 75 mm Hg), relative reductions in coronary flow (-60.9+/-4.0%) paralleled changes seen in cardiac function and persisted for 28+/-4 min.", "PMID": 991011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4000", "title": "Sagittal hemipatellectomy in the treatment of chondromalacia patellae.", "content": "A study of the preoperative assessment, surgical technique and follow-up in 17 surgical procedures (16 patients) indicates that sagital hemipatellectomy is an acceptable alternative form of surgical treatment in patients with chronic painful chondromalacia patellae. The study series comprised 16 patient (mean age, 21 years) in whom the duration of symptoms averaged 5 years, 2 months. In all patients the procedure relieved the pain and permitted a return to their accustomed work and exercise routine within 3 to 6 months after operation. The duration of follow-up is still too short to permit evaluation of possible late complications of this procedure.", "contents": "Sagittal hemipatellectomy in the treatment of chondromalacia patellae. A study of the preoperative assessment, surgical technique and follow-up in 17 surgical procedures (16 patients) indicates that sagital hemipatellectomy is an acceptable alternative form of surgical treatment in patients with chronic painful chondromalacia patellae. The study series comprised 16 patient (mean age, 21 years) in whom the duration of symptoms averaged 5 years, 2 months. In all patients the procedure relieved the pain and permitted a return to their accustomed work and exercise routine within 3 to 6 months after operation. The duration of follow-up is still too short to permit evaluation of possible late complications of this procedure.", "PMID": 991012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4001", "title": "Prosthetic replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament in dogs.", "content": "Prosthetic cruciate ligaments are now used clinically. Long-term results are not yet available and for that reason an attempt has been made to reproduce the clnical situation in dogs. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis was inevitably noted following simple excision of the anterior cruciate ligament in a control group of 10 animals. Different prosthetic materials were used and their breaking point was compared with that of normal anterior cruciate ligaments. The longest follow-up period was 6 months. Although some animals had no clinically demonstrable instability, at autopsy all prosthetic ligaments were noted to have failed. The degree of post-traumatic osteoarthritis was directly related to the duration of follow-up. The causes of failure of the prosthetic ligament do not appear to be related to the method of anchorage to bone but rather to the type of prosthetic material used. Although the tensile strength may occasionally have been sufficient, the materials did not have the required elastic characteristics to meet the physiologic demands of a normal cruciate ligament.", "contents": "Prosthetic replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament in dogs. Prosthetic cruciate ligaments are now used clinically. Long-term results are not yet available and for that reason an attempt has been made to reproduce the clnical situation in dogs. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis was inevitably noted following simple excision of the anterior cruciate ligament in a control group of 10 animals. Different prosthetic materials were used and their breaking point was compared with that of normal anterior cruciate ligaments. The longest follow-up period was 6 months. Although some animals had no clinically demonstrable instability, at autopsy all prosthetic ligaments were noted to have failed. The degree of post-traumatic osteoarthritis was directly related to the duration of follow-up. The causes of failure of the prosthetic ligament do not appear to be related to the method of anchorage to bone but rather to the type of prosthetic material used. Although the tensile strength may occasionally have been sufficient, the materials did not have the required elastic characteristics to meet the physiologic demands of a normal cruciate ligament.", "PMID": 991013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4002", "title": "The Canadian influenza decision, 1976.", "content": "This paper explains the Canadian decision process following the isolation and identification of A/New Jersey/8/76 at Fort Dix, New Jersey in February 1976. The cause for concern was the emergence of a swine-like strain related to that which caused the 1918-19 pandemic, together with proved man-to-man transmission. This concern was reinforced since all new influenza A strains known to have infected the number of persons involved at Fort Dix have become strains of epidemic importance. The Fort Dix outbreak gave sufficient warning to allow implementation of a national vaccination program, to prevent and protect against influenza. In the past such an opportunity had not occurred, and vaccine use had, at best, constituted an intervention in the course of an outbreak. The National Advisory Committee on Immunizing Agents had all available information when it reached its decision to recommend vaccination with bivalent (A/Victoria and A/New Jersey) or with monovalent (A/New Jersey) vaccine for selective, high-risk groups. This was an independent, scientifically based decision.", "contents": "The Canadian influenza decision, 1976. This paper explains the Canadian decision process following the isolation and identification of A/New Jersey/8/76 at Fort Dix, New Jersey in February 1976. The cause for concern was the emergence of a swine-like strain related to that which caused the 1918-19 pandemic, together with proved man-to-man transmission. This concern was reinforced since all new influenza A strains known to have infected the number of persons involved at Fort Dix have become strains of epidemic importance. The Fort Dix outbreak gave sufficient warning to allow implementation of a national vaccination program, to prevent and protect against influenza. In the past such an opportunity had not occurred, and vaccine use had, at best, constituted an intervention in the course of an outbreak. The National Advisory Committee on Immunizing Agents had all available information when it reached its decision to recommend vaccination with bivalent (A/Victoria and A/New Jersey) or with monovalent (A/New Jersey) vaccine for selective, high-risk groups. This was an independent, scientifically based decision.", "PMID": 991022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4003", "title": "Alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolism in Caucasians, Chinese and Amerinds.", "content": "Ethanol (0.4 to 0.8 g/kg in 30 minutes) was given by mouth to 102 healthy young volunteers (37 Caucasian men, 21 Caucasian women, 20 Chinese men and 24 Ojibwa men). Venous blood concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes after the end of drinking were measured by gas chromatography. The calculated rates of ethanol metabolism in the Caucasian men and women did not differ, but the overall group means for subgroups of Caucasians (103.6 mg/kg-h), Chinese (136.6 mg/kg-h) and Ojibwa (182.7 mg/kg-h) with decreasing postabsorption values differed significantly from each other. Mean acetaldehyde values paralleled the rates of ethanol metabolism: Ojibwa, 14.6 mug/ml; Chinese, 10.0 mug/ml; and Caucasians, 9.4 mug/ml. The high rate of ethanol metabolism in Amerind subjects differs from previous findings. Habitual level of alcohol consumption, proportion of body fat and genetic factors appear to account for most of the group differences.", "contents": "Alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolism in Caucasians, Chinese and Amerinds. Ethanol (0.4 to 0.8 g/kg in 30 minutes) was given by mouth to 102 healthy young volunteers (37 Caucasian men, 21 Caucasian women, 20 Chinese men and 24 Ojibwa men). Venous blood concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes after the end of drinking were measured by gas chromatography. The calculated rates of ethanol metabolism in the Caucasian men and women did not differ, but the overall group means for subgroups of Caucasians (103.6 mg/kg-h), Chinese (136.6 mg/kg-h) and Ojibwa (182.7 mg/kg-h) with decreasing postabsorption values differed significantly from each other. Mean acetaldehyde values paralleled the rates of ethanol metabolism: Ojibwa, 14.6 mug/ml; Chinese, 10.0 mug/ml; and Caucasians, 9.4 mug/ml. The high rate of ethanol metabolism in Amerind subjects differs from previous findings. Habitual level of alcohol consumption, proportion of body fat and genetic factors appear to account for most of the group differences.", "PMID": 991030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4004", "title": "Survey of impaired drivers, fatally injured or surviving, who caused fatal highway accidents in Alberta in 1970-72.", "content": "In 1970-72, 456 (53.4%) of 854 drivers responsible for a motor vehicle accident in which either they or other persons were killed had been drinking beforehand. Of surviving culpable drivers tested for blood alcohol concentration 81.7% were found to be legally impaired; however, only 24.8% of these drivers were tested. Because surviving culpable drivers pose a possible future hazard to highway safety it is important that data on this group be collected and analysed.", "contents": "Survey of impaired drivers, fatally injured or surviving, who caused fatal highway accidents in Alberta in 1970-72. In 1970-72, 456 (53.4%) of 854 drivers responsible for a motor vehicle accident in which either they or other persons were killed had been drinking beforehand. Of surviving culpable drivers tested for blood alcohol concentration 81.7% were found to be legally impaired; however, only 24.8% of these drivers were tested. Because surviving culpable drivers pose a possible future hazard to highway safety it is important that data on this group be collected and analysed.", "PMID": 991031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4005", "title": "Saskatchewan dial-access drug information service.", "content": "In September 1974 the colleges of pharmacy and medicine of the University of Saskatchewan began offering a drug information service to the pharmacists and physicians of Saskatchewan without charge. With the help of a radio-page system, calls are taken immediately by experienced pharmacists and pharmacologists. The cost of long-distance phone calls is borne by grants from the Saskatchewan medical and pharmaceutical associations. During the 1st year of operation 415 requests for information were received. Of 93 persons who called up to Feb. 28, 1975, 76% responded to an evaluation questionnaire; virtually all described the service as very valuable. The information received resulted in the alteration of drug therapy in one third of calls requesting information to assist in current treatment of a patient.", "contents": "Saskatchewan dial-access drug information service. In September 1974 the colleges of pharmacy and medicine of the University of Saskatchewan began offering a drug information service to the pharmacists and physicians of Saskatchewan without charge. With the help of a radio-page system, calls are taken immediately by experienced pharmacists and pharmacologists. The cost of long-distance phone calls is borne by grants from the Saskatchewan medical and pharmaceutical associations. During the 1st year of operation 415 requests for information were received. Of 93 persons who called up to Feb. 28, 1975, 76% responded to an evaluation questionnaire; virtually all described the service as very valuable. The information received resulted in the alteration of drug therapy in one third of calls requesting information to assist in current treatment of a patient.", "PMID": 991032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4006", "title": "Miliary tuberculosis presenting with hyponatremia and thrombocytopenia.", "content": "A 74-year-old woman with miliary tuberculosis had moderately severe hyponatremia due to inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and very severe thrombocytopenia without other hematologic abnormalities. She was treated with isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, prednisone, vincristine and fluid restriction and recovered completely. The SIADH may have been a response by the posterior pituitary to a decrease in intravascular volume resulting from the extensive pulmonary disease or associated hypoxia, or the tuberculous lung may have released ADH or an ADH-like substance. The thrombocytopenia may have resulted from a direct or indirect toxic effect of infection or, less likely, the tuberculosis may have activated latent idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.", "contents": "Miliary tuberculosis presenting with hyponatremia and thrombocytopenia. A 74-year-old woman with miliary tuberculosis had moderately severe hyponatremia due to inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and very severe thrombocytopenia without other hematologic abnormalities. She was treated with isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, prednisone, vincristine and fluid restriction and recovered completely. The SIADH may have been a response by the posterior pituitary to a decrease in intravascular volume resulting from the extensive pulmonary disease or associated hypoxia, or the tuberculous lung may have released ADH or an ADH-like substance. The thrombocytopenia may have resulted from a direct or indirect toxic effect of infection or, less likely, the tuberculosis may have activated latent idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.", "PMID": 991033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4007", "title": "Evolution of an active psychogeriatric day hospital.", "content": "A geriatric day hospital was established as part of the psychogeriatric unit of the Royal Ottawa Hospital. While initially this day hospital was integrated with day hospital programs of other units, it became apparent that a separate facility was desirable. The activities and programs of the psychogeriatric day hospital, run by one registered nurse, were integrated with those of the geriatric inpatient unit. It was found to be advantageous for inpatients and day hospital patients to share the same physical facilities. The majority of day hospital patients came from the inpatient unit; almost all had affective disorders. The emphasis was on reintegration into the community. During the 1st year of operation there were 75 patients in the program; only 3 needed admission to the inpatient unit and 1 was readmitted after discharge.", "contents": "Evolution of an active psychogeriatric day hospital. A geriatric day hospital was established as part of the psychogeriatric unit of the Royal Ottawa Hospital. While initially this day hospital was integrated with day hospital programs of other units, it became apparent that a separate facility was desirable. The activities and programs of the psychogeriatric day hospital, run by one registered nurse, were integrated with those of the geriatric inpatient unit. It was found to be advantageous for inpatients and day hospital patients to share the same physical facilities. The majority of day hospital patients came from the inpatient unit; almost all had affective disorders. The emphasis was on reintegration into the community. During the 1st year of operation there were 75 patients in the program; only 3 needed admission to the inpatient unit and 1 was readmitted after discharge.", "PMID": 991034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4008", "title": "Variation in response to dexamethasone of a patient with Cushing's syndrome.", "content": "A patient with Cushing's syndrome due to a nonresectable chromophobe adenoma underwent external irradiation of the hypothalamic-pituitary area. The signs of Cushing's syndrome ameliorated subsequently but recurred eventually, necessitating bilateral adrenalectomy 30 months after initial presentation. Response to dexamethasone suppression testing on four occasions varied greatly. These results may reflect alterations in sensitivity of the tumour or the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to feedback inhibition by glucocorticoids.", "contents": "Variation in response to dexamethasone of a patient with Cushing's syndrome. A patient with Cushing's syndrome due to a nonresectable chromophobe adenoma underwent external irradiation of the hypothalamic-pituitary area. The signs of Cushing's syndrome ameliorated subsequently but recurred eventually, necessitating bilateral adrenalectomy 30 months after initial presentation. Response to dexamethasone suppression testing on four occasions varied greatly. These results may reflect alterations in sensitivity of the tumour or the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to feedback inhibition by glucocorticoids.", "PMID": 991035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4009", "title": "Dermatitis herpetiformis and leiomyomas with HLA-B8, a marker of immune diseases.", "content": "Multiple cutaneous leiomyomas and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) were found in the same patient. This association has not been previously described, although the association of malignant tumours and DH is well known. HLA-B8 was found in this patient as well as in an older brother with polymyositis; this antigen is known to be associated with other immune diseases.", "contents": "Dermatitis herpetiformis and leiomyomas with HLA-B8, a marker of immune diseases. Multiple cutaneous leiomyomas and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) were found in the same patient. This association has not been previously described, although the association of malignant tumours and DH is well known. HLA-B8 was found in this patient as well as in an older brother with polymyositis; this antigen is known to be associated with other immune diseases.", "PMID": 991036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4010", "title": "Woringer-Kolopp disease. An epidermotropic variant of mycosis fungoides.", "content": "Woringer-Kolopp disease is characterized by the presence of a monomorphic, tumorous infiltrate in the epidermis. A light- and electron microscopic study, and cytophotometry, of one case were performed and the results are discussed. No explanation has been found for the epidermotropic character of this condition, although an intraepidermal origin of the tumor infiltrate seems improbable. The cytomorphologic characteristics of the tumor cells shows a striking analogy to the atypical cells in the Sezary syndrome and mycosis fungoides. These findings support the hypothesis that Woringer-Kolopp disease represents a clinical variant of mycosis fungoides and the Sezary syndrome.", "contents": "Woringer-Kolopp disease. An epidermotropic variant of mycosis fungoides. Woringer-Kolopp disease is characterized by the presence of a monomorphic, tumorous infiltrate in the epidermis. A light- and electron microscopic study, and cytophotometry, of one case were performed and the results are discussed. No explanation has been found for the epidermotropic character of this condition, although an intraepidermal origin of the tumor infiltrate seems improbable. The cytomorphologic characteristics of the tumor cells shows a striking analogy to the atypical cells in the Sezary syndrome and mycosis fungoides. These findings support the hypothesis that Woringer-Kolopp disease represents a clinical variant of mycosis fungoides and the Sezary syndrome.", "PMID": 991071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4011", "title": "Combination chemotherapy of Hodgkin's disease in children.", "content": "Forty-five children with advanced Hodgkin's disease (stages III and IV) received combination chemotherapy in three schedules: MOPP (mustargen, Oncovin, procarbazine, prednisolone); COPP (cyclophosphamide was substituted for mustargen); and CVPP (cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, procarbazine, prednisone). The results showed the efficacy of all drug combinations (93% complete and partial remissions). However, the superiority of the MOPP program in prolonging the duration of the complete remission rate was demonstrated. Of 29 patients who showed complete response, 24 continued in complete remission from 8 to 53 months (median duration, 21 months). The other five patients relapsed within 2 to 6 months. Thirty-six of the 45 treated patients are still alive after an average period of follow-up of 19 months. The nine patients who died were followed for an average of seven months. The histologic type, prior chemotherapy, and the age of the patients influenced the results of treatment. The role of maintenance therapy is not discussed in this series", "contents": "Combination chemotherapy of Hodgkin's disease in children. Forty-five children with advanced Hodgkin's disease (stages III and IV) received combination chemotherapy in three schedules: MOPP (mustargen, Oncovin, procarbazine, prednisolone); COPP (cyclophosphamide was substituted for mustargen); and CVPP (cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, procarbazine, prednisone). The results showed the efficacy of all drug combinations (93% complete and partial remissions). However, the superiority of the MOPP program in prolonging the duration of the complete remission rate was demonstrated. Of 29 patients who showed complete response, 24 continued in complete remission from 8 to 53 months (median duration, 21 months). The other five patients relapsed within 2 to 6 months. Thirty-six of the 45 treated patients are still alive after an average period of follow-up of 19 months. The nine patients who died were followed for an average of seven months. The histologic type, prior chemotherapy, and the age of the patients influenced the results of treatment. The role of maintenance therapy is not discussed in this series", "PMID": 991072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4012", "title": "Erythroplasia of Queyrat: treatment with topical 5-fluorouracil.", "content": "Seven adult men with biopsy-confirmed erythroplasia of Queyrat (EQ) were cured of their disease with topically applied 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) under occlusion. Post-treatment biopsy specimens revealed normal histologic findings and recurrence-free follow-up periods extended up to 70 months. It is suggested that topical 5-FU is the treatment of choice for histologically confirmed EQ because of its superior results compared with thoseof surgery or radiation therapy. Our view is corroborated by several single case reports of EQ similarly treated.", "contents": "Erythroplasia of Queyrat: treatment with topical 5-fluorouracil. Seven adult men with biopsy-confirmed erythroplasia of Queyrat (EQ) were cured of their disease with topically applied 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) under occlusion. Post-treatment biopsy specimens revealed normal histologic findings and recurrence-free follow-up periods extended up to 70 months. It is suggested that topical 5-FU is the treatment of choice for histologically confirmed EQ because of its superior results compared with thoseof surgery or radiation therapy. Our view is corroborated by several single case reports of EQ similarly treated.", "PMID": 991073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4013", "title": "Early detection of chemotherapy-related pancreatic enlargement in children using abdominal sonography: a preliminary report.", "content": "At least two chemotherapeutic agents, prednisone and L-asparaginase, have been demonstrated to produce pancreatic injury. Early diagnosis of pancreatitis is frequently not possible, as symptoms are vague, physical findings may be minimal, and laboratory studies are frequently inconclusive until the injury is severe. Abdominal echography, as a monitor of pancreatic size, has proven to be helpful in the diagnosis of subclinical and early pancreatic injury of 14 of 19 selected children receiving prednisone and/or L-asparaginase therapy for acute leukemia or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute. Employment of this new diagnostic method permits prompt withdrawal of the causative agent(s), thus preventing further insult.", "contents": "Early detection of chemotherapy-related pancreatic enlargement in children using abdominal sonography: a preliminary report. At least two chemotherapeutic agents, prednisone and L-asparaginase, have been demonstrated to produce pancreatic injury. Early diagnosis of pancreatitis is frequently not possible, as symptoms are vague, physical findings may be minimal, and laboratory studies are frequently inconclusive until the injury is severe. Abdominal echography, as a monitor of pancreatic size, has proven to be helpful in the diagnosis of subclinical and early pancreatic injury of 14 of 19 selected children receiving prednisone and/or L-asparaginase therapy for acute leukemia or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute. Employment of this new diagnostic method permits prompt withdrawal of the causative agent(s), thus preventing further insult.", "PMID": 991074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4014", "title": "Nafoxidine--an antiestrogen for the treatment of breast cancer.", "content": "Nafoxidine is a nonsteroidal antiestrogen available as an investigational agent from the Investigational Drug Branch of the National Cancer Institute. It has been used effectively in the treatment of breast cancer patients. A cumulative response rate of 31% is reported for a total of 200 patients treated with this drug. Most patients have been treated with a dose of 60 mg three times a day. Side effects include dryness of skin, photosensitivity reactions and, less commonly, partial hair loss. There is a strong correlation of response to nafoxidine with the presence of estrogen receptor in the tumor and also with the response to previous hormonal treatment. Nafoxidine is a useful addition to the list of hormonal treatments in the therapy of breast cancer.", "contents": "Nafoxidine--an antiestrogen for the treatment of breast cancer. Nafoxidine is a nonsteroidal antiestrogen available as an investigational agent from the Investigational Drug Branch of the National Cancer Institute. It has been used effectively in the treatment of breast cancer patients. A cumulative response rate of 31% is reported for a total of 200 patients treated with this drug. Most patients have been treated with a dose of 60 mg three times a day. Side effects include dryness of skin, photosensitivity reactions and, less commonly, partial hair loss. There is a strong correlation of response to nafoxidine with the presence of estrogen receptor in the tumor and also with the response to previous hormonal treatment. Nafoxidine is a useful addition to the list of hormonal treatments in the therapy of breast cancer.", "PMID": 991075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4015", "title": "Indium bone marrow scintigraphy as an aid in selecting marrow biopsy sites for the evaluation of marrow elements in patients with lymphoma.", "content": "One hundred and two previously treated lymphoma patients were studied with 111Indium bone marrow scans and bone marrow biopsies. The biopsies were considered to represent sampling errors when the cellularity of the biopsy did not reflect the general state of the marrow organ cellularity as demonstrated by the scan. In each instance the accuracy of the scan was confirmed by either another biopsy or the subsequent clinical course of the patient. Sampling errors were infrequent (1/51) in patients with normal peripheral blood counts and whose marrow had never been involved with tumor. Errors were especially likely (17/51) in patients who had had marrow involvement or those who had anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia. The 111Indium bone marrow scan allows the clinician to avoid selecting a biopsy site with a high risk for sampling error.", "contents": "Indium bone marrow scintigraphy as an aid in selecting marrow biopsy sites for the evaluation of marrow elements in patients with lymphoma. One hundred and two previously treated lymphoma patients were studied with 111Indium bone marrow scans and bone marrow biopsies. The biopsies were considered to represent sampling errors when the cellularity of the biopsy did not reflect the general state of the marrow organ cellularity as demonstrated by the scan. In each instance the accuracy of the scan was confirmed by either another biopsy or the subsequent clinical course of the patient. Sampling errors were infrequent (1/51) in patients with normal peripheral blood counts and whose marrow had never been involved with tumor. Errors were especially likely (17/51) in patients who had had marrow involvement or those who had anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia. The 111Indium bone marrow scan allows the clinician to avoid selecting a biopsy site with a high risk for sampling error.", "PMID": 991076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4016", "title": "Lymphographic evaluation of 250 patients with malignant melanoma.", "content": "Foot lymphography was performed in a selected group of 250 patients with malignant melanoma, with different sites of origin and of various stages. The overall incidence of metastases was 40%. The case material was evaluated in detail; the tumors of the inferior limb and those on different sites, e.g., vulva and abdomen, were considered separately. In the group of 188 patients with melanoma of the inferior limb, the incidence of metastases was 42%. In 51%, histologic confirmation was obtained. In the group of 62 patients with melanoma of different sites of the body, the incidence of metastases was 34% and histologic confirmation was obtained in 21 patients. The values of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity based on the histologic confirmation of the lymphographic reports ranged from 88% to 96%. These data justify the use of lymphography in the initial diagnostic work-up and in the follow-up of these patients.", "contents": "Lymphographic evaluation of 250 patients with malignant melanoma. Foot lymphography was performed in a selected group of 250 patients with malignant melanoma, with different sites of origin and of various stages. The overall incidence of metastases was 40%. The case material was evaluated in detail; the tumors of the inferior limb and those on different sites, e.g., vulva and abdomen, were considered separately. In the group of 188 patients with melanoma of the inferior limb, the incidence of metastases was 42%. In 51%, histologic confirmation was obtained. In the group of 62 patients with melanoma of different sites of the body, the incidence of metastases was 34% and histologic confirmation was obtained in 21 patients. The values of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity based on the histologic confirmation of the lymphographic reports ranged from 88% to 96%. These data justify the use of lymphography in the initial diagnostic work-up and in the follow-up of these patients.", "PMID": 991077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4017", "title": "Brain scanning in patients with recurrent breast cancer.", "content": "Brain scans were performed on 116 patients with recurrent breast cancer. Seventy-eight of 79 (98%) asymptomatic patients with recurrent disease had negative brain scans. Eleven of 37 (30%) patients with central nervous system (CNS) symptoms had scans indicative of intracranial metastases. There was no difference in the distribution of extracranial metastaic disease in patients who had positive brain scans when compared with those who did not. Brain scaning is of value in detecting intracranial metastases in patients with CNS symptoms. Brain scanning seems unnecessary, however, in the staging of patients with recurrent breast cancer who have no CNS symptoms.", "contents": "Brain scanning in patients with recurrent breast cancer. Brain scans were performed on 116 patients with recurrent breast cancer. Seventy-eight of 79 (98%) asymptomatic patients with recurrent disease had negative brain scans. Eleven of 37 (30%) patients with central nervous system (CNS) symptoms had scans indicative of intracranial metastases. There was no difference in the distribution of extracranial metastaic disease in patients who had positive brain scans when compared with those who did not. Brain scaning is of value in detecting intracranial metastases in patients with CNS symptoms. Brain scanning seems unnecessary, however, in the staging of patients with recurrent breast cancer who have no CNS symptoms.", "PMID": 991078} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4018", "title": "Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy: a case study.", "content": "The case of a 57-year-old man with lymphadenopathy fever, splenomegaly, and polyclonal gammopathy is described. The difficult clinical course, the short lived response to cytotoxic treatment, the frequent infections, the immunologic abnormality, and the histologic findings in lymph node biopsy and postmortem material justified our diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia, a new entity described recently.", "contents": "Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy: a case study. The case of a 57-year-old man with lymphadenopathy fever, splenomegaly, and polyclonal gammopathy is described. The difficult clinical course, the short lived response to cytotoxic treatment, the frequent infections, the immunologic abnormality, and the histologic findings in lymph node biopsy and postmortem material justified our diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia, a new entity described recently.", "PMID": 991079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4019", "title": "Environmental factors in cancer of the larynx: a second look.", "content": "During a retrospective case-control study of recent laryngeal cancer patients, several associated factors were studied to determine possible changes in the epidemiology of laryngeal cancer between 1956 and 1974. The large sex difference noted in the early survey (male: female ratio of 14.9:1) diminished considerably in the present sample (4.6:1) because more women are cigarette smokers in the cancer age group today than was the case 20 years ago. Laryngeal cancer patients tended to be less educated than the controls and included a smaller proportion of Jews and more Catholics than the control group. The risk for developing laryngeal cnacer was considerably lower for exsmokers and long-term (10+ years) filter cigarette smokers as compared with non-filter smokers. At each level of alcohol consumption, the risk increased as exposure to tobacco increased. Occupations associated with wood exposure were found to affect the development of laryngeal cancer, independently of smoking status. Future studies should include an extensive study of nutritional deficiencies associated with alcoholism to determine if a correlation exists between such deficiencies, socioeconomic status, and an increased risk of laryngeal cnacer.", "contents": "Environmental factors in cancer of the larynx: a second look. During a retrospective case-control study of recent laryngeal cancer patients, several associated factors were studied to determine possible changes in the epidemiology of laryngeal cancer between 1956 and 1974. The large sex difference noted in the early survey (male: female ratio of 14.9:1) diminished considerably in the present sample (4.6:1) because more women are cigarette smokers in the cancer age group today than was the case 20 years ago. Laryngeal cancer patients tended to be less educated than the controls and included a smaller proportion of Jews and more Catholics than the control group. The risk for developing laryngeal cnacer was considerably lower for exsmokers and long-term (10+ years) filter cigarette smokers as compared with non-filter smokers. At each level of alcohol consumption, the risk increased as exposure to tobacco increased. Occupations associated with wood exposure were found to affect the development of laryngeal cancer, independently of smoking status. Future studies should include an extensive study of nutritional deficiencies associated with alcoholism to determine if a correlation exists between such deficiencies, socioeconomic status, and an increased risk of laryngeal cnacer.", "PMID": 991080} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4020", "title": "Increase of serum complement levels in cancer patients with progressing tumors.", "content": "Complement levels (CH50, C3, C4 and C1q) were determined in sera of 90 healthy subjects and 200 cancer patients. Complement levels of cancer patients were significantly higher than those of the healthy subjects, but there was a stage-linked increase of complement levels. Patients in remission had nearly normal complement levels, but patients with local tumor had increased complement levels, and a further increase was observed in patients with distant metastases. Treatment of these patients with radiotherapy or cytostatic drugs lowered the complement levels. At the terminal phase of the disease we also noted a drop in complement levels.", "contents": "Increase of serum complement levels in cancer patients with progressing tumors. Complement levels (CH50, C3, C4 and C1q) were determined in sera of 90 healthy subjects and 200 cancer patients. Complement levels of cancer patients were significantly higher than those of the healthy subjects, but there was a stage-linked increase of complement levels. Patients in remission had nearly normal complement levels, but patients with local tumor had increased complement levels, and a further increase was observed in patients with distant metastases. Treatment of these patients with radiotherapy or cytostatic drugs lowered the complement levels. At the terminal phase of the disease we also noted a drop in complement levels.", "PMID": 991081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4021", "title": "Carcinoid tumor occurring in cystic teratoma of the kidney: a case report.", "content": "Although carcinoid tumors have occurred rarely in benign teratomas of the ovary and the testis, we believe this case is the first reported of carcinoid arising in a benign cystic teratoma of the kidney. The patient was admitted to the Tagawa Hospital with a left abdominal mass and severe epigastric pain. Retrograde and intravenous pyelograms revealed marked dilatation of the left kidney; a renal tumor was diagnosed clinically. At operation, a polycystic tumor weighing 1400g was removed. Histologically, a carcinoid tumor was evident among teratoid tissues, such as columnar epithelium, cartilage, smooth muscle, and mucous secretory glands. The patient did not have a carcinoid syndrome and had an uneventful recovery.", "contents": "Carcinoid tumor occurring in cystic teratoma of the kidney: a case report. Although carcinoid tumors have occurred rarely in benign teratomas of the ovary and the testis, we believe this case is the first reported of carcinoid arising in a benign cystic teratoma of the kidney. The patient was admitted to the Tagawa Hospital with a left abdominal mass and severe epigastric pain. Retrograde and intravenous pyelograms revealed marked dilatation of the left kidney; a renal tumor was diagnosed clinically. At operation, a polycystic tumor weighing 1400g was removed. Histologically, a carcinoid tumor was evident among teratoid tissues, such as columnar epithelium, cartilage, smooth muscle, and mucous secretory glands. The patient did not have a carcinoid syndrome and had an uneventful recovery.", "PMID": 991082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4022", "title": "Cervical lymph node metastasis as the first manifestation of localized extramedullary plasmacytoma.", "content": "Two patients who had cervical lymph node metastases as the first symptom of a localized soft tissue extramedullary plasmacytoma of the epiglottis and nasopharynx, respectively, are described. Classical multiple myeloma was excluded by bone marrow biopsies and x-ray studies of the skeleton. In both patients, the primary tumor was diagnosed 2 years after excision of the cervical lymph node. One patient had a IgD, lambda myeloma protein in the serum and excreted lambda Bence-Jones protein into the urine. No M-component was found in the other patient. Both are living with a long survival of 8 and 4 years respectively. The presence of a cervical lymph node plasmacytoma should suggest an upper respiratory tract or oropharynx plasmacytoma rather than a primary lymph node plasmacytoma.", "contents": "Cervical lymph node metastasis as the first manifestation of localized extramedullary plasmacytoma. Two patients who had cervical lymph node metastases as the first symptom of a localized soft tissue extramedullary plasmacytoma of the epiglottis and nasopharynx, respectively, are described. Classical multiple myeloma was excluded by bone marrow biopsies and x-ray studies of the skeleton. In both patients, the primary tumor was diagnosed 2 years after excision of the cervical lymph node. One patient had a IgD, lambda myeloma protein in the serum and excreted lambda Bence-Jones protein into the urine. No M-component was found in the other patient. Both are living with a long survival of 8 and 4 years respectively. The presence of a cervical lymph node plasmacytoma should suggest an upper respiratory tract or oropharynx plasmacytoma rather than a primary lymph node plasmacytoma.", "PMID": 991083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4023", "title": "Parathyroid hyperplasia in primary hyperparathyroidism: a review of 85 cases.", "content": "Parathyroid hyperplasia of all four glands was found to be the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism in 85 of 557 cases seen at the Massachusetts General Hospital between 1930 and 1973. There were 66 cases of chief cell hyperplasia and 19 cases of clear cell hyperplasia that were grossly, microscopically, and ultrastructurally distinct. Although the clinical findings overlap, there are several differences in the signs and symptoms between these two forms of hyperplasia. Both types are treated by subtotal removal of all the parathyroid tissue. Removal of insufficient tissue has left residual hyperparathyroidism in 45% of those with chief cell hyperplasia and 11% of those with clear cell hyperplasia after what was thought to be definitive surgery. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism was found in 15% of the patients with chief cell hyperplasia and in none with clear cell hyperplasia. These findings further suggest that removal of three and one-half glands in the more than 86% of patients with one gland involvement (adenoma or carcinoma) as the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism is unwarranted.", "contents": "Parathyroid hyperplasia in primary hyperparathyroidism: a review of 85 cases. Parathyroid hyperplasia of all four glands was found to be the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism in 85 of 557 cases seen at the Massachusetts General Hospital between 1930 and 1973. There were 66 cases of chief cell hyperplasia and 19 cases of clear cell hyperplasia that were grossly, microscopically, and ultrastructurally distinct. Although the clinical findings overlap, there are several differences in the signs and symptoms between these two forms of hyperplasia. Both types are treated by subtotal removal of all the parathyroid tissue. Removal of insufficient tissue has left residual hyperparathyroidism in 45% of those with chief cell hyperplasia and 11% of those with clear cell hyperplasia after what was thought to be definitive surgery. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism was found in 15% of the patients with chief cell hyperplasia and in none with clear cell hyperplasia. These findings further suggest that removal of three and one-half glands in the more than 86% of patients with one gland involvement (adenoma or carcinoma) as the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism is unwarranted.", "PMID": 991084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4024", "title": "Water clear cell hyperplasia of parathyroid: autopsy report of a case with supernumerary glands.", "content": "An unusual case of primary hyperparathyroidism involving six parathyroid glands is reported. Despite markedly elevated parathormone levels, neoplastic features were not found. This patient also had ovarian dysgenesis and hypertrophy and clear cell appearance of the salivary glands.", "contents": "Water clear cell hyperplasia of parathyroid: autopsy report of a case with supernumerary glands. An unusual case of primary hyperparathyroidism involving six parathyroid glands is reported. Despite markedly elevated parathormone levels, neoplastic features were not found. This patient also had ovarian dysgenesis and hypertrophy and clear cell appearance of the salivary glands.", "PMID": 991085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4025", "title": "Human chorionic gonadotrophins (hCG) in non-trophoblastic neoplasms. Assessment of abnormalities of hCG and CEA in bronchogenic and digestive neoplasms.", "content": "Evaluation of plasma hCG measurement in the diagnosis of nontrophoblastic neoplasms and assessment of the value of concomitant measurement of plasma hCG and CEA in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma and neoplasms of the digestive tract were undertaken. Only one of 70 normal control subjects had positive plasma hCG (3.5 ng/ml), whereas 54 of 320 patients with nontrophoblastic neoplasms had measurable plasma hCG (1.9 to 160 ng/ml). Forty of these patients had less than 5.1 ng/ml. Elevated plasma CEA levels of 3.6 to 140 ng/ml were found in 38 of the 70 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma and 30 of the 72 patients with neoplasms of the digestive tract in this series. Concomitant positive hCG was found in only six of the 68 patients who had elevated CEA levels, and positive hCG was found in eight of 74 patients who had normal plasma CEA. The low frequency and the modest elevation of plasma hCG, despite frequent advanced disease, indicate plasma hCG has limited value as a biologic marker for diagnosis and assessment of non-trophoblastic neoplasms.", "contents": "Human chorionic gonadotrophins (hCG) in non-trophoblastic neoplasms. Assessment of abnormalities of hCG and CEA in bronchogenic and digestive neoplasms. Evaluation of plasma hCG measurement in the diagnosis of nontrophoblastic neoplasms and assessment of the value of concomitant measurement of plasma hCG and CEA in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma and neoplasms of the digestive tract were undertaken. Only one of 70 normal control subjects had positive plasma hCG (3.5 ng/ml), whereas 54 of 320 patients with nontrophoblastic neoplasms had measurable plasma hCG (1.9 to 160 ng/ml). Forty of these patients had less than 5.1 ng/ml. Elevated plasma CEA levels of 3.6 to 140 ng/ml were found in 38 of the 70 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma and 30 of the 72 patients with neoplasms of the digestive tract in this series. Concomitant positive hCG was found in only six of the 68 patients who had elevated CEA levels, and positive hCG was found in eight of 74 patients who had normal plasma CEA. The low frequency and the modest elevation of plasma hCG, despite frequent advanced disease, indicate plasma hCG has limited value as a biologic marker for diagnosis and assessment of non-trophoblastic neoplasms.", "PMID": 991086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4026", "title": "Fecal bile acids and neutral sterols in patients with familial polyposis.", "content": "Fecal neutral steroids and bile acids were measured in patients with familial polyposis, family controls who are immediate relatives of patients, and controls other than relatives. All subjects were consuming a mixed Western diet at the time of collection of stool specimens. Although the total fecal neutral sterol concentrations were not different between the groups, the patients with familial polyposis excreted a high amount of cholesterol and low levels of coprostanol and coprostanone compared with other groups. Patients with familial polyposis excreted levels of total bile acids in their feces comparable to those excreted by controls; lithocholic acid excretion was decreased in patients with familial polyposis. These findings suggest that analysis of stools for cholesterol and its metabolites be useful in screening the siblings of polyposis families for latent disease.", "contents": "Fecal bile acids and neutral sterols in patients with familial polyposis. Fecal neutral steroids and bile acids were measured in patients with familial polyposis, family controls who are immediate relatives of patients, and controls other than relatives. All subjects were consuming a mixed Western diet at the time of collection of stool specimens. Although the total fecal neutral sterol concentrations were not different between the groups, the patients with familial polyposis excreted a high amount of cholesterol and low levels of coprostanol and coprostanone compared with other groups. Patients with familial polyposis excreted levels of total bile acids in their feces comparable to those excreted by controls; lithocholic acid excretion was decreased in patients with familial polyposis. These findings suggest that analysis of stools for cholesterol and its metabolites be useful in screening the siblings of polyposis families for latent disease.", "PMID": 991087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4027", "title": "Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the conjunctiva: a clinicopathologic study of five cases.", "content": "Five patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the conjunctiva were studied. The tumors were located close to the limbus in three patients, in the bulbar conjunctiva in one, and in the lower cul-de-sac in the remaining patient. Histopathologically, they exhibited lobules of tumor cells showing an admixture of epidermoid and mucus-secreting cells. Histochemical stains for mucin were most useful in arriving at a correct diagnosis. Follow-up information revealed that all five tumors recurred rapidly, invading the corneal stroma, intraocular structures, and orbit. Biologically, these tumors appear to be locally aggressive and should be differentiated histopathologically from the conventional squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva, which carries a better prognosis. They should be managed by wide local excision, and the margins should be carefully examined for residual tumor. Frequent follow-up is recommended to detect early recurrence.", "contents": "Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the conjunctiva: a clinicopathologic study of five cases. Five patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the conjunctiva were studied. The tumors were located close to the limbus in three patients, in the bulbar conjunctiva in one, and in the lower cul-de-sac in the remaining patient. Histopathologically, they exhibited lobules of tumor cells showing an admixture of epidermoid and mucus-secreting cells. Histochemical stains for mucin were most useful in arriving at a correct diagnosis. Follow-up information revealed that all five tumors recurred rapidly, invading the corneal stroma, intraocular structures, and orbit. Biologically, these tumors appear to be locally aggressive and should be differentiated histopathologically from the conventional squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva, which carries a better prognosis. They should be managed by wide local excision, and the margins should be carefully examined for residual tumor. Frequent follow-up is recommended to detect early recurrence.", "PMID": 991088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4028", "title": "Verrucous carcinoma of skin: epithelioma cuniculatum plantare.", "content": "Eight patients had plantar growths that were usually irregularly shaped, sharply outlined, verrucous, and several centimeters in greatest dimension. Clinical diagnoses included viral wart, deep mycosis, pyogenic granuloma, amelanotic melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and eccrine poroma. The median age of the patients, and duration of the growth, were 52 and 16 years, respectively. Therapeutic modalities other than total excision were ineffective. The tumor, derived from surface epidermis, was composed of masses of pale-staining benign-appearing prickle cells, deeply invaginated by thick, compact, partially parakeratotic horn. Several lesions have recurred; amputation was required in one patient. This distinctive entity, apparently not described in the American literature, has been reported from Europe under such titles as epithelioma cuniculatum and papillomatosis cutis carcinoides. We believe that it is best interpreted as a form of verrucous carcinoma, the first cutaneous tumor--as opposed to lesions of mucous membranes and mucocutaneous junctions--to be so classified.", "contents": "Verrucous carcinoma of skin: epithelioma cuniculatum plantare. Eight patients had plantar growths that were usually irregularly shaped, sharply outlined, verrucous, and several centimeters in greatest dimension. Clinical diagnoses included viral wart, deep mycosis, pyogenic granuloma, amelanotic melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and eccrine poroma. The median age of the patients, and duration of the growth, were 52 and 16 years, respectively. Therapeutic modalities other than total excision were ineffective. The tumor, derived from surface epidermis, was composed of masses of pale-staining benign-appearing prickle cells, deeply invaginated by thick, compact, partially parakeratotic horn. Several lesions have recurred; amputation was required in one patient. This distinctive entity, apparently not described in the American literature, has been reported from Europe under such titles as epithelioma cuniculatum and papillomatosis cutis carcinoides. We believe that it is best interpreted as a form of verrucous carcinoma, the first cutaneous tumor--as opposed to lesions of mucous membranes and mucocutaneous junctions--to be so classified.", "PMID": 991089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4029", "title": "Bone marrow manifestations of Hodgkin's disease.", "content": "Bone marrow trephine biopsies were performed on 107 previously untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD). Fifteen patients (14%) exhibited bone marrow involvement. These consisted of two of three patients (67%) with lymphocyte depletion, six of 27 patients (22%) with mixed cellularity, five of 64 patients (8%) with nodular sclerosis, and two who were unclassified. Twelve patients manifested a diffuse pattern of involvement; three, a focal pattern. In eight patients more than 70% of the marrow biopsy was replaced by Hodgkin's tissue, in one patient 50% of the marrow biopsy was replaced, and in six patients less than 30% of the marrow biopsy was replaced. Typical Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells were found in the trephine biopsies in 13 of the 15 patients and mononuclear RS variants in two. Bone marrow involvement was the only evidence of stage IV disease in 10 of the 15 patients. In addition to the 15 patients with initial involvement with HD, 11 patients without marrow involvement exhibited granulomas (six) and benign lymphocytic aggregates (five) in their trephine sections. Hematological parameters were studied in all pretreatment patients. Only in the nodular sclerosis group were these parameters useful in differentiating patients with and without Hodgkin's involvement of the marrow. Seventeen additional patients who had been previously treated at the time HD was demonstrated in their bone marrow were also studied. Large areas of necrosis were frequently seen in previously treated patients and one patient demonstrated cryptococcosis in the bone marrow.", "contents": "Bone marrow manifestations of Hodgkin's disease. Bone marrow trephine biopsies were performed on 107 previously untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD). Fifteen patients (14%) exhibited bone marrow involvement. These consisted of two of three patients (67%) with lymphocyte depletion, six of 27 patients (22%) with mixed cellularity, five of 64 patients (8%) with nodular sclerosis, and two who were unclassified. Twelve patients manifested a diffuse pattern of involvement; three, a focal pattern. In eight patients more than 70% of the marrow biopsy was replaced by Hodgkin's tissue, in one patient 50% of the marrow biopsy was replaced, and in six patients less than 30% of the marrow biopsy was replaced. Typical Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells were found in the trephine biopsies in 13 of the 15 patients and mononuclear RS variants in two. Bone marrow involvement was the only evidence of stage IV disease in 10 of the 15 patients. In addition to the 15 patients with initial involvement with HD, 11 patients without marrow involvement exhibited granulomas (six) and benign lymphocytic aggregates (five) in their trephine sections. Hematological parameters were studied in all pretreatment patients. Only in the nodular sclerosis group were these parameters useful in differentiating patients with and without Hodgkin's involvement of the marrow. Seventeen additional patients who had been previously treated at the time HD was demonstrated in their bone marrow were also studied. Large areas of necrosis were frequently seen in previously treated patients and one patient demonstrated cryptococcosis in the bone marrow.", "PMID": 991090} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4030", "title": "Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy in Hodgkin's disease: reversal with chemotherapy.", "content": "A case of nodular sclerosis Hodgkin's disease, stage IVB, with lung involvement and hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA), was treated with quadruple cytotoxic chemotherapy. The pulmonary lesions, which were thin walled cavities, and the lymphadenopathy resolved completely after two courses of chemotherapy. The clubbing and all evidence of periosteal new bone formation disappeared after six courses of treatment. Complete reversal of the syndrome by chemotherapy has not been previously described. A literature review revealed 13 more cases of Hodgkin's disease associated with HPOA. The syndrome occurred for the first time at the time of diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease in 11 cases, and at recurrence in two. Tha majority of patients had advanced disease (Stage IIIB or IV). Mediastinal involvement was present in all 12 cases for which data were given; lung involvement was present in six cases and pleural involvement in three. Three cases were of the nodular sclerosis type, and one of the lymphocyte-depletion type. The HPOA syndrome in young patients with malignancy is indicative of tumors other than primary bronchial carcinomas.", "contents": "Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy in Hodgkin's disease: reversal with chemotherapy. A case of nodular sclerosis Hodgkin's disease, stage IVB, with lung involvement and hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA), was treated with quadruple cytotoxic chemotherapy. The pulmonary lesions, which were thin walled cavities, and the lymphadenopathy resolved completely after two courses of chemotherapy. The clubbing and all evidence of periosteal new bone formation disappeared after six courses of treatment. Complete reversal of the syndrome by chemotherapy has not been previously described. A literature review revealed 13 more cases of Hodgkin's disease associated with HPOA. The syndrome occurred for the first time at the time of diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease in 11 cases, and at recurrence in two. Tha majority of patients had advanced disease (Stage IIIB or IV). Mediastinal involvement was present in all 12 cases for which data were given; lung involvement was present in six cases and pleural involvement in three. Three cases were of the nodular sclerosis type, and one of the lymphocyte-depletion type. The HPOA syndrome in young patients with malignancy is indicative of tumors other than primary bronchial carcinomas.", "PMID": 991091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4031", "title": "Hodgkin's disease complicated by the nephrotic syndrome.", "content": "A 12-year-old boy with nodular sclerosis Hodgkin's disease demonstrated nephrotic syndrome. A renal biopsy studied with light microscopy, electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence showed minimal change glomerulonephritis and some foci of fluorescence with anti-IgM. A literature review revealed that 35 cases of Hodgkin's disease with nephrotic syndrome have been reported. Possible etiologic mechanisms are discussed.", "contents": "Hodgkin's disease complicated by the nephrotic syndrome. A 12-year-old boy with nodular sclerosis Hodgkin's disease demonstrated nephrotic syndrome. A renal biopsy studied with light microscopy, electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence showed minimal change glomerulonephritis and some foci of fluorescence with anti-IgM. A literature review revealed that 35 cases of Hodgkin's disease with nephrotic syndrome have been reported. Possible etiologic mechanisms are discussed.", "PMID": 991092} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4032", "title": "Brenner tumor of the uterus.", "content": "Extraovarian Brenner tumors are extremely rare. Three paratesticular lesions have been observed in men. The only extraovarian Brenner tumor in a woman previously reported was located in the broad ligament. This paper describes a small tumor with histologic features of Brenner tumor within the wall of the uterus. The possible histogenesis is briefly discussed.", "contents": "Brenner tumor of the uterus. Extraovarian Brenner tumors are extremely rare. Three paratesticular lesions have been observed in men. The only extraovarian Brenner tumor in a woman previously reported was located in the broad ligament. This paper describes a small tumor with histologic features of Brenner tumor within the wall of the uterus. The possible histogenesis is briefly discussed.", "PMID": 991093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4033", "title": "Formalin treatment for intractable hemorrhagic cystitis: a review of the literature with 16 additional cases.", "content": "Acute, exsanguinating hemorrhagic cystitis secondary to cyclophosphamide therapy, radiation therapy, or an infiltrating bladder tumor may be managed successfully with intravesical Formalin therapy. The indications for its use, the technique, success rates, and complications are discussed. This treatment was effective in 14 of 16 patients in the present series and 79 of 90 cases reported in the literature. Dilutions of 4% or less were as effective as a 10% dilution and were associated with far fewer complications. The early use of Formalin in the treatment of intractable hemorrhagic cystitis is recommended.", "contents": "Formalin treatment for intractable hemorrhagic cystitis: a review of the literature with 16 additional cases. Acute, exsanguinating hemorrhagic cystitis secondary to cyclophosphamide therapy, radiation therapy, or an infiltrating bladder tumor may be managed successfully with intravesical Formalin therapy. The indications for its use, the technique, success rates, and complications are discussed. This treatment was effective in 14 of 16 patients in the present series and 79 of 90 cases reported in the literature. Dilutions of 4% or less were as effective as a 10% dilution and were associated with far fewer complications. The early use of Formalin in the treatment of intractable hemorrhagic cystitis is recommended.", "PMID": 991094} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4034", "title": "Primary pleural mesothelioma.", "content": "In this series of nine patients with primary pleural mesothelioma, three patients, all women, had \"localized benign\" tumors located in the left chest, although one had a recurrence on the right. Five patients all male, had the \"diffuse malignant\" type, and one woman had \"multiple discrete\" pleural tumors. Classification on the basis of gross appearance is useful clinically and prognostically, as reflected by the relatively benign behavior of localized pleural mesothelioma in contrast to the relentless lethal nature of the diffuse type. Although seven patients had pleural effusion, cytologic studies were of little help in establishing the diagnosis and all underwent thoracotomy. None of these patients had hypoglycemia or evidence of asbestosis, although three patients had a history of previous asbestos exposure.", "contents": "Primary pleural mesothelioma. In this series of nine patients with primary pleural mesothelioma, three patients, all women, had \"localized benign\" tumors located in the left chest, although one had a recurrence on the right. Five patients all male, had the \"diffuse malignant\" type, and one woman had \"multiple discrete\" pleural tumors. Classification on the basis of gross appearance is useful clinically and prognostically, as reflected by the relatively benign behavior of localized pleural mesothelioma in contrast to the relentless lethal nature of the diffuse type. Although seven patients had pleural effusion, cytologic studies were of little help in establishing the diagnosis and all underwent thoracotomy. None of these patients had hypoglycemia or evidence of asbestosis, although three patients had a history of previous asbestos exposure.", "PMID": 991095} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4035", "title": "Breast cancer--influence of growth rate on prognosis and treatment evaluation: a study based on mastectomy scar recurrences.", "content": "The growth rate of a mammary cancer can be calculated when a recurrence appears in the mastectomy scar. Growth rate can, at times, be approximated from the patient's history with reasonable accuracy. Approximately half of breast cancers exhibit rapid growth (tumor doubling time (Td), up to 25 days); one-third grow at an intermediate rate (Td 26 to 75 days) and 15% grow slowly (Td 76 days or longer). Anatomic (TNM) staging does not define a homogeneous patient group in breast cancer. Within each stage, there are rapid, intermediate, and slow-growing tumors. The prognosis varies importantly with the growth rate characteristics of the tumor. Survival is the product of the tumor doubling time and the number of tumor doublings through which the patient lives. Slowly growing and intermediate growth rate tumors are associated with a high percentage of 5-year survivors after mastectomy (between 80 and 100%). Rapidly growing tumors have few 5-year survivors. When survival after mastectomy is measured in the number of tumor doublings, the differences in survival of the three groups tended to disappear, indicating that in this select group of patients with scar recurrence there was no therapeutic advantage in any of the three groups, despite the differences in the survival times. The appreciable number of patients with tumors exhibiting slow or intermediate growth rates, in any series, suggests that the use of the 5-year interval is an inadequate measure of therapeutic response in breast cancer and may actually be misleading.", "contents": "Breast cancer--influence of growth rate on prognosis and treatment evaluation: a study based on mastectomy scar recurrences. The growth rate of a mammary cancer can be calculated when a recurrence appears in the mastectomy scar. Growth rate can, at times, be approximated from the patient's history with reasonable accuracy. Approximately half of breast cancers exhibit rapid growth (tumor doubling time (Td), up to 25 days); one-third grow at an intermediate rate (Td 26 to 75 days) and 15% grow slowly (Td 76 days or longer). Anatomic (TNM) staging does not define a homogeneous patient group in breast cancer. Within each stage, there are rapid, intermediate, and slow-growing tumors. The prognosis varies importantly with the growth rate characteristics of the tumor. Survival is the product of the tumor doubling time and the number of tumor doublings through which the patient lives. Slowly growing and intermediate growth rate tumors are associated with a high percentage of 5-year survivors after mastectomy (between 80 and 100%). Rapidly growing tumors have few 5-year survivors. When survival after mastectomy is measured in the number of tumor doublings, the differences in survival of the three groups tended to disappear, indicating that in this select group of patients with scar recurrence there was no therapeutic advantage in any of the three groups, despite the differences in the survival times. The appreciable number of patients with tumors exhibiting slow or intermediate growth rates, in any series, suggests that the use of the 5-year interval is an inadequate measure of therapeutic response in breast cancer and may actually be misleading.", "PMID": 991096} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4036", "title": "Rebound response after estrogen therapy for metastatic breast cancer.", "content": "The estrogen rebound response in metastatic breast cancer has been reported in the past as a rare and short-lived phenomenon, not clearly associated with any aspect of the patient's clinical profile. In this series, 25% of patients responding to estrogen therapy had a further response when they no longer received the hormone. The median duration of this palliation was a minimum of 18 months and was similar to that of the initial estrogen response. Patients with a rebound response had significantly longer disease-free intervals before estrogen therapy and estrogen remissions than those who did not have a rebound response. These clinical factors may, therefore, be helpful in predicting the chances of a rebound response in any given patient. It is urged that patients be observed for objective improvement without therapy upon escape from estrogen palliation. Further palliative therapy should not be offered until definite progression of disease has been documented after any rebound response that occurs.", "contents": "Rebound response after estrogen therapy for metastatic breast cancer. The estrogen rebound response in metastatic breast cancer has been reported in the past as a rare and short-lived phenomenon, not clearly associated with any aspect of the patient's clinical profile. In this series, 25% of patients responding to estrogen therapy had a further response when they no longer received the hormone. The median duration of this palliation was a minimum of 18 months and was similar to that of the initial estrogen response. Patients with a rebound response had significantly longer disease-free intervals before estrogen therapy and estrogen remissions than those who did not have a rebound response. These clinical factors may, therefore, be helpful in predicting the chances of a rebound response in any given patient. It is urged that patients be observed for objective improvement without therapy upon escape from estrogen palliation. Further palliative therapy should not be offered until definite progression of disease has been documented after any rebound response that occurs.", "PMID": 991097} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4037", "title": "The rare problem of late recurrence in neuroblastoma.", "content": "Two-year disease-free survival is considered highly predictive of therapeutic success with neuroblastoma and death from neuroblastoma greater than 5 years after diagnosis is a rare event. We report of an unusual case of death from neuroblastoma 20 years after diagnosis; a literature review and discussion of this rare phenomenon of late recurrence is also included. Five additional cases of late recurrence, defined as greater than 5 years after diagnosis, were found in the literature with adequate detail to be reviewed. Advanced disease was present at diagnosis in five of six cases; three of six had disseminated disease. No age or sex differences were noted. A peculiar tencency for recurrence during the teenage years, preceded by a long disease-free interval, was also present in all cases, perhaps a reflection of maturational alterations in the immune system or hormonal changes that previously had suppressed extensive disease. This phenomenon of late recurrence in neuroblastoma, albeit rare, adds another facet to the clinical behavior of an enigmatic and therapeutically unyielding childhood tumor.", "contents": "The rare problem of late recurrence in neuroblastoma. Two-year disease-free survival is considered highly predictive of therapeutic success with neuroblastoma and death from neuroblastoma greater than 5 years after diagnosis is a rare event. We report of an unusual case of death from neuroblastoma 20 years after diagnosis; a literature review and discussion of this rare phenomenon of late recurrence is also included. Five additional cases of late recurrence, defined as greater than 5 years after diagnosis, were found in the literature with adequate detail to be reviewed. Advanced disease was present at diagnosis in five of six cases; three of six had disseminated disease. No age or sex differences were noted. A peculiar tencency for recurrence during the teenage years, preceded by a long disease-free interval, was also present in all cases, perhaps a reflection of maturational alterations in the immune system or hormonal changes that previously had suppressed extensive disease. This phenomenon of late recurrence in neuroblastoma, albeit rare, adds another facet to the clinical behavior of an enigmatic and therapeutically unyielding childhood tumor.", "PMID": 991098} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4038", "title": "Bilateral Sertoli cell tumor of testes with feminizing and masculinizing activity occurring in a child.", "content": "A case of an unusual, histologically atypical, bilateral Sertoli cell tumor of testis, in association with masculinization and feminization effects, that occurring in a 5-year-old boy, is presented. Although Sertoli cell tumors are not infrequent, this case is morphologically and endocrinologically unique.", "contents": "Bilateral Sertoli cell tumor of testes with feminizing and masculinizing activity occurring in a child. A case of an unusual, histologically atypical, bilateral Sertoli cell tumor of testis, in association with masculinization and feminization effects, that occurring in a 5-year-old boy, is presented. Although Sertoli cell tumors are not infrequent, this case is morphologically and endocrinologically unique.", "PMID": 991099} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4039", "title": "Lymphoma of the spinal extradural space.", "content": "Ninety-four patients with lymphoma involving the extradural space with spinal cord compression proven at the time of laminectomy were reviewed. There were about three times as many patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma than with Hodgkin's disease. The majority of those with Hodgkin's disease had a proven histologic diagnosis before the onset of the spinal cord compression syndrome, whereas only 15% of those with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma had previously been so diagnosed. Plain roentgenograms of the spine were suggestive of tumor involvement in less than one-third of the patients, whereas myelograms were invariably abnormal. As noted by others, the outlook for functional recovery and extended life expectancy is relatively good for patients with this type of cancer, in contrast to reports in the literature regarding prognosis for patients who have metastatic carcinoma with extradural spinal cord compression.", "contents": "Lymphoma of the spinal extradural space. Ninety-four patients with lymphoma involving the extradural space with spinal cord compression proven at the time of laminectomy were reviewed. There were about three times as many patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma than with Hodgkin's disease. The majority of those with Hodgkin's disease had a proven histologic diagnosis before the onset of the spinal cord compression syndrome, whereas only 15% of those with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma had previously been so diagnosed. Plain roentgenograms of the spine were suggestive of tumor involvement in less than one-third of the patients, whereas myelograms were invariably abnormal. As noted by others, the outlook for functional recovery and extended life expectancy is relatively good for patients with this type of cancer, in contrast to reports in the literature regarding prognosis for patients who have metastatic carcinoma with extradural spinal cord compression.", "PMID": 991100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4040", "title": "Hodgkin's disease and chronic renal failure.", "content": "A case of uremia resulting from bilateral Hodgkin's lymphomatous infiltration of kidneys is reported. Uremia was an initial feature in the case and was the eventual cause of death.", "contents": "Hodgkin's disease and chronic renal failure. A case of uremia resulting from bilateral Hodgkin's lymphomatous infiltration of kidneys is reported. Uremia was an initial feature in the case and was the eventual cause of death.", "PMID": 991101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4041", "title": "Chromosome studies in \"preleukemia\". III. Myelofibrosis.", "content": "Cytogenetic studies were done on 18 patients with myelofibrosis or the closely related syndrome, undifferentiated myeloproliferative disorder (MPD). Clones of cells with chromosome abnormalities were demonstrated in the blood of eight individuals, including two with a history of radiation therapy and two with \"acute myelofibrosis\". Trisomy 8 was present in the latter two patients, but otherwise, there was no consistent cytogenetic pattern or correlation with specific hematologic findings. Sixteen of these patients have been followed for more than 1 year or until death; none has progressed to leukemia. The results indicate that chromosome abnormalities are relatively common in this disorder, but as with polycythemia vera, and unlike some other \"preleukemic\" states, the aberrant clones in myelofibrosis do not appear to indicate that clinical leukemia is imminent.", "contents": "Chromosome studies in \"preleukemia\". III. Myelofibrosis. Cytogenetic studies were done on 18 patients with myelofibrosis or the closely related syndrome, undifferentiated myeloproliferative disorder (MPD). Clones of cells with chromosome abnormalities were demonstrated in the blood of eight individuals, including two with a history of radiation therapy and two with \"acute myelofibrosis\". Trisomy 8 was present in the latter two patients, but otherwise, there was no consistent cytogenetic pattern or correlation with specific hematologic findings. Sixteen of these patients have been followed for more than 1 year or until death; none has progressed to leukemia. The results indicate that chromosome abnormalities are relatively common in this disorder, but as with polycythemia vera, and unlike some other \"preleukemic\" states, the aberrant clones in myelofibrosis do not appear to indicate that clinical leukemia is imminent.", "PMID": 991102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4042", "title": "Combination chemotherapy for metastatic breast carcinoma. Prospective comparison of multiple drug therapy with L-phenylalanine mustard.", "content": "A prospective randomized clinical trial was undertaken in 184 patients with metastatic breast carcinoma to compare single drug chemotherapy with L-phenylalanine mustard (L-PAM) and intermittent combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluourouracil (CMF). All patients had not been previously treated with cytotoxic drugs and all had objectively measurable visceral of soft tissue disease. Of the 93 patients who received CMF, 49 (53%) achieved a complete (14 patients) or partial (35 patients) regression of measurable tumor, for a median duration of 25 weeks. Eighteen of the 91 patients (20%) treated with L-PAM responded, for a median duration of 13 weeks. The toxicity was primarily hematologic, and greater in the CMF group, which also received more cycles of therapy because of the higher rate and duration of response. The overall survival of CMF-treated patients was superior to that of the single drug group. The differences were even greater when the patients were subclassified according to the presence of liver involvement or nonambulatory performance status. The superior antitumor effect of CMF over L-PAM suggests that it may be a more effective drug regimen to be used as an adjuvant to primary therapy.", "contents": "Combination chemotherapy for metastatic breast carcinoma. Prospective comparison of multiple drug therapy with L-phenylalanine mustard. A prospective randomized clinical trial was undertaken in 184 patients with metastatic breast carcinoma to compare single drug chemotherapy with L-phenylalanine mustard (L-PAM) and intermittent combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluourouracil (CMF). All patients had not been previously treated with cytotoxic drugs and all had objectively measurable visceral of soft tissue disease. Of the 93 patients who received CMF, 49 (53%) achieved a complete (14 patients) or partial (35 patients) regression of measurable tumor, for a median duration of 25 weeks. Eighteen of the 91 patients (20%) treated with L-PAM responded, for a median duration of 13 weeks. The toxicity was primarily hematologic, and greater in the CMF group, which also received more cycles of therapy because of the higher rate and duration of response. The overall survival of CMF-treated patients was superior to that of the single drug group. The differences were even greater when the patients were subclassified according to the presence of liver involvement or nonambulatory performance status. The superior antitumor effect of CMF over L-PAM suggests that it may be a more effective drug regimen to be used as an adjuvant to primary therapy.", "PMID": 991103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4043", "title": "Therapeutic trial of aniline mustard in patients with advanced cancer. Comparison of therapeutic response with cytochemical assessment of tumor cell beta-glucuronidase activity.", "content": "Seventy-eight patients with advanced cancer received an adequate therapeutic trial with aniline mustard (NSC 18429). Significant anticancer activity with clinical benefit was demonstrated in five patients with cancer of the prostate and one patient with renal cancer. beta-glucuronidase levels in aspirate and imprint preparations of tumor cells were assessed by a timed cytochemical technique. A partial correlation appeared to exist between very intense glucuronidase staining and tumor regression in prostate and kidney lesions; however, these high levels were observed only rarely. Sequential observations in two patients demonstrated loss of enzymatic activity concomitant with development of clinical relapse.", "contents": "Therapeutic trial of aniline mustard in patients with advanced cancer. Comparison of therapeutic response with cytochemical assessment of tumor cell beta-glucuronidase activity. Seventy-eight patients with advanced cancer received an adequate therapeutic trial with aniline mustard (NSC 18429). Significant anticancer activity with clinical benefit was demonstrated in five patients with cancer of the prostate and one patient with renal cancer. beta-glucuronidase levels in aspirate and imprint preparations of tumor cells were assessed by a timed cytochemical technique. A partial correlation appeared to exist between very intense glucuronidase staining and tumor regression in prostate and kidney lesions; however, these high levels were observed only rarely. Sequential observations in two patients demonstrated loss of enzymatic activity concomitant with development of clinical relapse.", "PMID": 991104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4044", "title": "Amphotericin B plus 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU-NSC no. 409962) in advanced cancer. Phase I and preliminary phase II results.", "content": "Twenty-one patients with advanced metastatic cancer received amphotericin B (AmB) plus BNUC in a Phase I chemotherapy trial. Of 11 patients with measurable metastases from bronchogenic carcinoma, five had partial antitumor responses lasting 1.5 to 12+ months, and one had objective improvement. Only two of six patients with other types of tumors had objective improvement of short duration. No consistent evidence of immunologic stimulation was observed in eight patients studied. These results suggest that amphotericin B may increase the therapeutic ratio of BCNU, and further trials of this new concept in chemotherapy of advanced tumors are in progress. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression, usually thrombocytopenia. No enhancement of BCNU toxicity by the addition of AmB was observed. The recommended dose for future studies is: AmB, 7.5 mg/m2 on day 1, 15 mg/m2 on day 1, 30 mg/m2 on days 3 and 4; plus BCNU, 250 mg/m3 on day 4. The regimen is repeated every 6 to 8 weeks.", "contents": "Amphotericin B plus 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU-NSC no. 409962) in advanced cancer. Phase I and preliminary phase II results. Twenty-one patients with advanced metastatic cancer received amphotericin B (AmB) plus BNUC in a Phase I chemotherapy trial. Of 11 patients with measurable metastases from bronchogenic carcinoma, five had partial antitumor responses lasting 1.5 to 12+ months, and one had objective improvement. Only two of six patients with other types of tumors had objective improvement of short duration. No consistent evidence of immunologic stimulation was observed in eight patients studied. These results suggest that amphotericin B may increase the therapeutic ratio of BCNU, and further trials of this new concept in chemotherapy of advanced tumors are in progress. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression, usually thrombocytopenia. No enhancement of BCNU toxicity by the addition of AmB was observed. The recommended dose for future studies is: AmB, 7.5 mg/m2 on day 1, 15 mg/m2 on day 1, 30 mg/m2 on days 3 and 4; plus BCNU, 250 mg/m3 on day 4. The regimen is repeated every 6 to 8 weeks.", "PMID": 991105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4045", "title": "Improved outlook for Ewing's sarcoma with combination chemotherapy (vincristine, actinomycin D and cyclophosphamide) and radiation therapy.", "content": "Vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide (VAC) were administered to 14 patients with Ewing's sarcoma. The primary tumors were treated with radiation therapy and concurrent chemotherapy. Nine patients had no visible metastases at diagnosis: two died following the development of pulmonary metastases and the rest have been free of disease for periods varying from 4 months to 4 1/2 years following completion of treatment. This contrasts with a 27% survival in patients previously treated at this center with single agent chemotherapy. Five other patients had demonstrable metastases at diagnosis: VAC chemotherapy achieved complete regression of pulmonary metastases in three for 9, 9+ and 24+ months, respectively. Following disappearance of tumor in the latter two, pulmonary irradiation was administered in an attempt to consolidate the response, but tumor recurred 6 months later. These patients eventually died of widespread disease although survival appeared prolonged in comparison to that seen in past experience. Chemotherapy was well tolerated, although three patients developed hemorrhagic cystitis, necessitating discontinuation of cyclophosphamide. The data suggest the potential for prolonged control and an increase in the cure rate with this therapeutic approach.", "contents": "Improved outlook for Ewing's sarcoma with combination chemotherapy (vincristine, actinomycin D and cyclophosphamide) and radiation therapy. Vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide (VAC) were administered to 14 patients with Ewing's sarcoma. The primary tumors were treated with radiation therapy and concurrent chemotherapy. Nine patients had no visible metastases at diagnosis: two died following the development of pulmonary metastases and the rest have been free of disease for periods varying from 4 months to 4 1/2 years following completion of treatment. This contrasts with a 27% survival in patients previously treated at this center with single agent chemotherapy. Five other patients had demonstrable metastases at diagnosis: VAC chemotherapy achieved complete regression of pulmonary metastases in three for 9, 9+ and 24+ months, respectively. Following disappearance of tumor in the latter two, pulmonary irradiation was administered in an attempt to consolidate the response, but tumor recurred 6 months later. These patients eventually died of widespread disease although survival appeared prolonged in comparison to that seen in past experience. Chemotherapy was well tolerated, although three patients developed hemorrhagic cystitis, necessitating discontinuation of cyclophosphamide. The data suggest the potential for prolonged control and an increase in the cure rate with this therapeutic approach.", "PMID": 991106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4046", "title": "Criteria for obtaining and interpreting breast thermagrams.", "content": "The thermal and graphic criteria which should be used to evaluate breast thermograms are outlined. Thermograms are then categorized as normal, suspicious, or abnormal on the basis of the criteria outlined. It is hoped that these criteria can be used widely to standardize breast thermographic evaluation.", "contents": "Criteria for obtaining and interpreting breast thermagrams. The thermal and graphic criteria which should be used to evaluate breast thermograms are outlined. Thermograms are then categorized as normal, suspicious, or abnormal on the basis of the criteria outlined. It is hoped that these criteria can be used widely to standardize breast thermographic evaluation.", "PMID": 991107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4047", "title": "Meningioma following irradiation.", "content": "The case of a young woman who developed initial symptoms of an intracranial mass lesion 17 years after undergoing irradiation for a port-wine stain of the right fronto-temporal and periorbital scalp and face is reported. A right sphenoid wing meningioma was removed 6 years later. The possible relationship betweenthe development of the meningioma and the previous radiotherapy is discussed.", "contents": "Meningioma following irradiation. The case of a young woman who developed initial symptoms of an intracranial mass lesion 17 years after undergoing irradiation for a port-wine stain of the right fronto-temporal and periorbital scalp and face is reported. A right sphenoid wing meningioma was removed 6 years later. The possible relationship betweenthe development of the meningioma and the previous radiotherapy is discussed.", "PMID": 991108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4048", "title": "Nonspecific lymphocyte cytotoxicity in patients with malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and sarcomas, and in nontumor patients.", "content": "Mononuclear cell-mediated tumor cell destruction was studied in 114 patients with malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or sarcomas, and in 122 non-tumor-bearing control subjects, with the use of the microcytoxicity assay. Cytotoxic reactions were found in all patients and control groups against melanoma, renal carcinoma, sarcoma, and fibroblast-derived cell cultures; mean levels of cytotoxicity against allogeneic combinations of tumor cells and fibroblasts were similar in tumor-bearing and control patients. These results support the concept that the reactions found represent nonspecific cytotoxicity.", "contents": "Nonspecific lymphocyte cytotoxicity in patients with malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and sarcomas, and in nontumor patients. Mononuclear cell-mediated tumor cell destruction was studied in 114 patients with malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or sarcomas, and in 122 non-tumor-bearing control subjects, with the use of the microcytoxicity assay. Cytotoxic reactions were found in all patients and control groups against melanoma, renal carcinoma, sarcoma, and fibroblast-derived cell cultures; mean levels of cytotoxicity against allogeneic combinations of tumor cells and fibroblasts were similar in tumor-bearing and control patients. These results support the concept that the reactions found represent nonspecific cytotoxicity.", "PMID": 991109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4049", "title": "Eosinophilic granular ceels in oligodendrogliomas. An ultrastructural study.", "content": "In three cases of oligodendrogliomas, atypical cells rich in eosinophilic cytoplasm, resembling plump astroyctic or astroblastic cells, were studied under the electron microscopy. These cells showed finely granular cytoplasm with routine hematoxylin-eosin preparation; ultrastructurally, they exhibited abundant, round cytoplasmic bodies of autophagic-vacuole type, in addition to other fine structures characteristic of oligodendroglioma cells.", "contents": "Eosinophilic granular ceels in oligodendrogliomas. An ultrastructural study. In three cases of oligodendrogliomas, atypical cells rich in eosinophilic cytoplasm, resembling plump astroyctic or astroblastic cells, were studied under the electron microscopy. These cells showed finely granular cytoplasm with routine hematoxylin-eosin preparation; ultrastructurally, they exhibited abundant, round cytoplasmic bodies of autophagic-vacuole type, in addition to other fine structures characteristic of oligodendroglioma cells.", "PMID": 991110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4050", "title": "Light microscopic and ultrastructural observations of a metastasizing malignant epithelioid schwannoma.", "content": "The light microscopy and ultrastructure of a malignant epithelioid schwannoma are described. Characteristic cells resembling perineural elements with various degrees of differentiation were observed. Primitive epithelioid cells contained scant ergastoplasm, and few tubules and filaments, but did have abundant free ribosomes and Golgi membranes. Also noted were junctional complexes and focal fusion of plasma membranes, basal laminae were absent. Better differentiated cells were completely limited by a well-developed basal membrane and had an abundance of intracytoplasmic filaments and multiple pinocytotic vesicles. The intercellular ground substance was composed of numerous fine collagen fibrils and amorphous, basement membrane-like, electron-dense material. A striking ultrastructural similarity of the tumor cells to those encountered in ethylnitrosourea-induced malignant schwannomas in rats was noteworthy.", "contents": "Light microscopic and ultrastructural observations of a metastasizing malignant epithelioid schwannoma. The light microscopy and ultrastructure of a malignant epithelioid schwannoma are described. Characteristic cells resembling perineural elements with various degrees of differentiation were observed. Primitive epithelioid cells contained scant ergastoplasm, and few tubules and filaments, but did have abundant free ribosomes and Golgi membranes. Also noted were junctional complexes and focal fusion of plasma membranes, basal laminae were absent. Better differentiated cells were completely limited by a well-developed basal membrane and had an abundance of intracytoplasmic filaments and multiple pinocytotic vesicles. The intercellular ground substance was composed of numerous fine collagen fibrils and amorphous, basement membrane-like, electron-dense material. A striking ultrastructural similarity of the tumor cells to those encountered in ethylnitrosourea-induced malignant schwannomas in rats was noteworthy.", "PMID": 991111} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4051", "title": "Increased tetraploidy: cell-specific for the Gardner gene in the cultured cell.", "content": "Human hereditary tumors in vivo are known to show tissue specificity. Increased endoreduplication with tetraploidy has been shown to occur in cultures established only from tissue containing epithelium (skin and colonic polyps) from patients with the Gardner syndrome. Cultures established from blood (short-term lymphocyte and lymphoid suspension) and connective tissue (subcutaneous tissue, lipoma, mesentery, and sebaceous cyst) from the same patients did not show increased tetraploidy. These observations demonstrated that tetraploidy as an expression of the gene for the Gardner syndrome was cell-specific in vitro and added further evidence that increased tetraploidy could be used for detection of the Gardner gene in families at risk.", "contents": "Increased tetraploidy: cell-specific for the Gardner gene in the cultured cell. Human hereditary tumors in vivo are known to show tissue specificity. Increased endoreduplication with tetraploidy has been shown to occur in cultures established only from tissue containing epithelium (skin and colonic polyps) from patients with the Gardner syndrome. Cultures established from blood (short-term lymphocyte and lymphoid suspension) and connective tissue (subcutaneous tissue, lipoma, mesentery, and sebaceous cyst) from the same patients did not show increased tetraploidy. These observations demonstrated that tetraploidy as an expression of the gene for the Gardner syndrome was cell-specific in vitro and added further evidence that increased tetraploidy could be used for detection of the Gardner gene in families at risk.", "PMID": 991112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4052", "title": "Mixed ovarian tumor composed of Brenner and thyroid elements.", "content": "An exceedingly rare ovarian neoplasm composed of mixed thyroid and Brenner tumor is reported. Review of the literature yielded only one well-documented case previously described. Although the possibility of a \"collision\" of two different tumors cannot be completely discarded, a possibility of an endodermal teratoma (thyroid-urothelium) is also proposed.", "contents": "Mixed ovarian tumor composed of Brenner and thyroid elements. An exceedingly rare ovarian neoplasm composed of mixed thyroid and Brenner tumor is reported. Review of the literature yielded only one well-documented case previously described. Although the possibility of a \"collision\" of two different tumors cannot be completely discarded, a possibility of an endodermal teratoma (thyroid-urothelium) is also proposed.", "PMID": 991113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4053", "title": "Squamous cell carcinoma originating in an hepatic cyst. Case report with a review of the hepatic cyst-carcinoma association.", "content": "A case of squamous cell carcinoma originating in an hepatic cyst is presented. A review of the literature reveals five other cases of carcinoma arising within congenital intrahepatic cysts; three adenocarcinomas and two squamous cell carcinomas. Neoplastic transformation may also be seen in association with Meyenburg complexes, considered by some to be the structures from which congenital cysts arise.", "contents": "Squamous cell carcinoma originating in an hepatic cyst. Case report with a review of the hepatic cyst-carcinoma association. A case of squamous cell carcinoma originating in an hepatic cyst is presented. A review of the literature reveals five other cases of carcinoma arising within congenital intrahepatic cysts; three adenocarcinomas and two squamous cell carcinomas. Neoplastic transformation may also be seen in association with Meyenburg complexes, considered by some to be the structures from which congenital cysts arise.", "PMID": 991114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4054", "title": "Pulmonary carcinoid tumors is tissue and organ culture.", "content": "Pulmonary carcinoid tumors arise from cells whose function is yet to be defined. Conditions for maintenance of cells of these tumors for prolonged periods of time in tissue and organ cultures were established in order to gain insight into their supposed endocrine activity. We succeeded in growing explants of these tumors in organ culture for as long as 5 months without the cells losing their ability to produce large numbers of neurosecretory-type granules.", "contents": "Pulmonary carcinoid tumors is tissue and organ culture. Pulmonary carcinoid tumors arise from cells whose function is yet to be defined. Conditions for maintenance of cells of these tumors for prolonged periods of time in tissue and organ cultures were established in order to gain insight into their supposed endocrine activity. We succeeded in growing explants of these tumors in organ culture for as long as 5 months without the cells losing their ability to produce large numbers of neurosecretory-type granules.", "PMID": 991115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4055", "title": "Malignant skin tumors of neural crest origin.", "content": "In a series of 90,000 consecutive surgical biopsies, ten malignant skin tumors were found that revealed at least two of three tissue components known to be derivatives of the neural crest, namely melanotic cells, neuroid structures, and chondrified tissue. The material studied supports a hypothesis presented earlier, that in spite of their morphologic variegation, such tumors from an entity defined by their common origin, the neural crest.", "contents": "Malignant skin tumors of neural crest origin. In a series of 90,000 consecutive surgical biopsies, ten malignant skin tumors were found that revealed at least two of three tissue components known to be derivatives of the neural crest, namely melanotic cells, neuroid structures, and chondrified tissue. The material studied supports a hypothesis presented earlier, that in spite of their morphologic variegation, such tumors from an entity defined by their common origin, the neural crest.", "PMID": 991116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4056", "title": "Familial Hodgkin's disease and associated cancer. A clinical-pathologic study.", "content": "The etiology of Hodgkin's disease is complex, as is evident in studies suggesting the importance of horizontal transmission, occupational factors, racial and ethnic background, and familial, genetic factors, or both, including HL-A associations. The present study is of a remarkable kindred in which Hodgkin's disease was histologically verified in two sibships involving second-cousins related through maternal great-grandparents. Cancer of the lung, breast, endometrium, ovary, pancreas, and brain, as well as leukemia and Wilms' tumor, occurred in first and second-degree relatives of the Hodgkin's patients. HL-A haplotypes in patients with Hodgkin's disease in this family showed HL-AB5 or HL-ABW35, an association confirmed in other reports. The findings of associated malignant neoplasms in familial Hodgkin's disease, here and elsewhere in the literature, suggest that in the quest for etiology of Hodgkin's disease one must view the disorder eclectically, with a painstaking search for multiple etiologies, genetic and environmental.", "contents": "Familial Hodgkin's disease and associated cancer. A clinical-pathologic study. The etiology of Hodgkin's disease is complex, as is evident in studies suggesting the importance of horizontal transmission, occupational factors, racial and ethnic background, and familial, genetic factors, or both, including HL-A associations. The present study is of a remarkable kindred in which Hodgkin's disease was histologically verified in two sibships involving second-cousins related through maternal great-grandparents. Cancer of the lung, breast, endometrium, ovary, pancreas, and brain, as well as leukemia and Wilms' tumor, occurred in first and second-degree relatives of the Hodgkin's patients. HL-A haplotypes in patients with Hodgkin's disease in this family showed HL-AB5 or HL-ABW35, an association confirmed in other reports. The findings of associated malignant neoplasms in familial Hodgkin's disease, here and elsewhere in the literature, suggest that in the quest for etiology of Hodgkin's disease one must view the disorder eclectically, with a painstaking search for multiple etiologies, genetic and environmental.", "PMID": 991117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4057", "title": "Prostatic carcinoma. Correlation of histologic features of prognostic value with cytomorphology.", "content": "Positive aspiration smears of 34 cases of histogically confirmed prostatic carcinoma were studied. Four features found to be of prognostic value in histologic material in a previous study--cell borders, lymphocytic infiltration, pleomorphism, and histologic typing of the tumor--were compared with the cytologic pattern present on the smears. Pleomorphism was the only feature for which good correlation was obtained between these two techniques. Unfortunately, the grade of pleomorphism is not reproducible from one observer to another. Cell borders, when present in groups of malignant cells in the smears, were also present in the sections. The absence of this feature in the smears did not imply absence in the sections.", "contents": "Prostatic carcinoma. Correlation of histologic features of prognostic value with cytomorphology. Positive aspiration smears of 34 cases of histogically confirmed prostatic carcinoma were studied. Four features found to be of prognostic value in histologic material in a previous study--cell borders, lymphocytic infiltration, pleomorphism, and histologic typing of the tumor--were compared with the cytologic pattern present on the smears. Pleomorphism was the only feature for which good correlation was obtained between these two techniques. Unfortunately, the grade of pleomorphism is not reproducible from one observer to another. Cell borders, when present in groups of malignant cells in the smears, were also present in the sections. The absence of this feature in the smears did not imply absence in the sections.", "PMID": 991118} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4058", "title": "Prostatic biopsy. A morphologic correlation of aspiration cytology with needle biopsy histology.", "content": "One hundred and eighteen aspiration biopsies of the prostate are correlated with needle biopsies. The overall accuracy of the needle biospy is 85.6% and that of the aspirates is 86.6%. The author recommends that both techniques should be used simultaneously in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the prostate. Descriptions are given of benign and malignant cell types in prostatic aspirates, with special emphasis on the features differentiating benign atypia of prostatic cells from well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, as this is potentially an important source of false-positive reports in aspiration smears.", "contents": "Prostatic biopsy. A morphologic correlation of aspiration cytology with needle biopsy histology. One hundred and eighteen aspiration biopsies of the prostate are correlated with needle biopsies. The overall accuracy of the needle biospy is 85.6% and that of the aspirates is 86.6%. The author recommends that both techniques should be used simultaneously in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the prostate. Descriptions are given of benign and malignant cell types in prostatic aspirates, with special emphasis on the features differentiating benign atypia of prostatic cells from well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, as this is potentially an important source of false-positive reports in aspiration smears.", "PMID": 991119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4059", "title": "Polyamines in malignant melanoma. Urinary excretion and disease progress.", "content": "Urinary polyamine concentrations in 91 samples were assayed in 79 patients with malignant melanoma who were classified as to clinical stage, as well as to activity of disease. Patients with active disease had higher mean polyamine values, increased frequency of polyamine elevations, and increased frequency of two or more elevations, than did patients with stable disease. Elevations of a single polyamine were seen as frequently in patients whose disease was considered stable as in those who showed progression. The polyamines may be useful as guides to activity of the disease, provided further studies can identify additional sources of nonspecific elevations.", "contents": "Polyamines in malignant melanoma. Urinary excretion and disease progress. Urinary polyamine concentrations in 91 samples were assayed in 79 patients with malignant melanoma who were classified as to clinical stage, as well as to activity of disease. Patients with active disease had higher mean polyamine values, increased frequency of polyamine elevations, and increased frequency of two or more elevations, than did patients with stable disease. Elevations of a single polyamine were seen as frequently in patients whose disease was considered stable as in those who showed progression. The polyamines may be useful as guides to activity of the disease, provided further studies can identify additional sources of nonspecific elevations.", "PMID": 991120} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4060", "title": "Metastatic uterine leiomyomata. A case report.", "content": "Pulmonary metastases from uterine leiomyomata are extremely rare and unpredictable, despite the high frequency of uterine leiomyoma. Review of the literature reveals seven previous examples of pulmonary metastasis from uterine leiomyomata; other cases may exist, but they were not considered because there was little evidence to distinguish them from leiomyosarcoma. The case we report is unusual in: 1) its prolonged course of 21 years, 2) its lack of pulmonary symptoms, despite extensive multiple nodules; and 3) the cystic change of the multiple lesions, which mimicked cystic lung disease.", "contents": "Metastatic uterine leiomyomata. A case report. Pulmonary metastases from uterine leiomyomata are extremely rare and unpredictable, despite the high frequency of uterine leiomyoma. Review of the literature reveals seven previous examples of pulmonary metastasis from uterine leiomyomata; other cases may exist, but they were not considered because there was little evidence to distinguish them from leiomyosarcoma. The case we report is unusual in: 1) its prolonged course of 21 years, 2) its lack of pulmonary symptoms, despite extensive multiple nodules; and 3) the cystic change of the multiple lesions, which mimicked cystic lung disease.", "PMID": 991121} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4061", "title": "Plasma estrogen in patients with endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma.", "content": "In a total of 53 patients, most of whom were over 40 years of age and who presented symptoms of vaginal bleeding, total plasma estrogens were measured with gas liquid chromatography, and the clinical correlates were studied. The results revealed that total plasma estrogen levels in the endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma groups were significantly higher than those measured in the control group. In addition, a positive, significant correlation was found between the plasma estrogen levels and obesity in the patients with endometrial carcinoma. The study provides objective data that document the clinical impressions that hyperestrogenism and obesity are significant findings in endometrial carcinoma.", "contents": "Plasma estrogen in patients with endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. In a total of 53 patients, most of whom were over 40 years of age and who presented symptoms of vaginal bleeding, total plasma estrogens were measured with gas liquid chromatography, and the clinical correlates were studied. The results revealed that total plasma estrogen levels in the endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma groups were significantly higher than those measured in the control group. In addition, a positive, significant correlation was found between the plasma estrogen levels and obesity in the patients with endometrial carcinoma. The study provides objective data that document the clinical impressions that hyperestrogenism and obesity are significant findings in endometrial carcinoma.", "PMID": 991122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4062", "title": "Pulmonary tumor emboli and cor pulmonale in primary carcinoma of the lung.", "content": "Tumor embolization was found at autopsy in the pulmonary arteries of 33 of 331 patients dying with primary carcinoma of the lung (other than oat cell carcinoma). Venous or lymphatic vascular involvement, or both, was greater frequency of tumor embolization htan epidermoid carcinomas (16.5% vs. 5.8%). In 16 of the 33 cases, diffuse, obliterative intimal fibrosis was found in small arteries affected by the tumor embolization. Enlargement of the right cardiac ventricle was present in 26 of the 33 cases. Dyspnea as the initial symptom or as one of the major symptoms, occurred in 21 patients. The average interval between onset of dyspnea and death was 4 weeks. It is concluded that pulmonary arterial embolization is a relatively frequent complication of primary lung carcinoma, particularly adenocarcinoma, which may lead to the developemnt of pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale Dyspnea, occurring de novo in patients with primary lung carcinoma is an ominous sign and should alert the clinician to the possibility of arterial pulmonary tumor embolization.", "contents": "Pulmonary tumor emboli and cor pulmonale in primary carcinoma of the lung. Tumor embolization was found at autopsy in the pulmonary arteries of 33 of 331 patients dying with primary carcinoma of the lung (other than oat cell carcinoma). Venous or lymphatic vascular involvement, or both, was greater frequency of tumor embolization htan epidermoid carcinomas (16.5% vs. 5.8%). In 16 of the 33 cases, diffuse, obliterative intimal fibrosis was found in small arteries affected by the tumor embolization. Enlargement of the right cardiac ventricle was present in 26 of the 33 cases. Dyspnea as the initial symptom or as one of the major symptoms, occurred in 21 patients. The average interval between onset of dyspnea and death was 4 weeks. It is concluded that pulmonary arterial embolization is a relatively frequent complication of primary lung carcinoma, particularly adenocarcinoma, which may lead to the developemnt of pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale Dyspnea, occurring de novo in patients with primary lung carcinoma is an ominous sign and should alert the clinician to the possibility of arterial pulmonary tumor embolization.", "PMID": 991123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4063", "title": "Unusual isomaylase in cancer-associated hyperamylasemia.", "content": "Hyperamylasemia and hyperamylasuria were found in two patients with carcinoma of the pancreas and in two other patients with carcinoma of the lung. Detailed isoamylase analyses were conducted on the serum amylase of three and the urine amylase of all four of these patients, using a modified chromatographic procedure. The studies demonstrated the existence, in one of the lung cancer patients and in one of the patients with pancreatic cancer, of an unusual component of amylase given the designation \"Y.\" This component had also been noted in some human milk samples. In one of the lung cancer patients, an isoamylase was found in the serum and urine after radiation treatment that was close to but not identical to the Y isoamylase in chromatographic position. Although a relationship of isoamylase component Y to generating tissue is suggested by these findings, such a relationship of isoamylase component Y to generating tissue is suggested by these findings, such a relationship remains to be proven.", "contents": "Unusual isomaylase in cancer-associated hyperamylasemia. Hyperamylasemia and hyperamylasuria were found in two patients with carcinoma of the pancreas and in two other patients with carcinoma of the lung. Detailed isoamylase analyses were conducted on the serum amylase of three and the urine amylase of all four of these patients, using a modified chromatographic procedure. The studies demonstrated the existence, in one of the lung cancer patients and in one of the patients with pancreatic cancer, of an unusual component of amylase given the designation \"Y.\" This component had also been noted in some human milk samples. In one of the lung cancer patients, an isoamylase was found in the serum and urine after radiation treatment that was close to but not identical to the Y isoamylase in chromatographic position. Although a relationship of isoamylase component Y to generating tissue is suggested by these findings, such a relationship of isoamylase component Y to generating tissue is suggested by these findings, such a relationship remains to be proven.", "PMID": 991124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4064", "title": "Alterations in plasma sialyltransferase associated with successful chemotherapy of a disseminated tumor. Case report.", "content": "Levels of plasma sialyltransferase were measured in a patient with disseminated carcinoma of the testes. Initial enzyme values, elevated six fold above those in normal controls, were among the highest thus far encountered in a population of patients with various stages and types of malignancy. During a remarkable respose to chemotherapy with cis-diaminodichloroplatinum, plasma sialyltransferase levels fell markedly. Serial measurement of this enzyme may aid in evaluation of tumor responsiveness to therapy in patients whose disease is not readily measurable.", "contents": "Alterations in plasma sialyltransferase associated with successful chemotherapy of a disseminated tumor. Case report. Levels of plasma sialyltransferase were measured in a patient with disseminated carcinoma of the testes. Initial enzyme values, elevated six fold above those in normal controls, were among the highest thus far encountered in a population of patients with various stages and types of malignancy. During a remarkable respose to chemotherapy with cis-diaminodichloroplatinum, plasma sialyltransferase levels fell markedly. Serial measurement of this enzyme may aid in evaluation of tumor responsiveness to therapy in patients whose disease is not readily measurable.", "PMID": 991125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4065", "title": "Neoplasms of the central nervous system. incidence and population selectivity in the Washington DC, metropolitan area.", "content": "During the period 1960 through 1969, 990 primary neoplasms of the central nervous system were diagnosed in hospitals in the Washington, DC, Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA). All cases were identified according to age, race, sex, histologic type, and date of diagnosis. A West African composite of 253 cases was used for comparison. In the Washington SMSA, the age-adjusted incidence rates were: for Caucasians 5.5 in males and 3.6 in females and for Negroes 4.8 in males and 3.4 in females per 100,000 annual population. Caucasians in the Washington SMSA had a higher relative proportion of gliomas than Negroes in the same area and in Africa (p less than 0.005). The relative proportion of pituitary adenomas was higher in American Negroes (p less than 0.005) and in Africans than in Caucasians. The comparable pattern of CNS tumors in American and African Negroes, relative to Caucasians, suggests that in the development of neoplasms of the central nervous system racial factors may be of importance.", "contents": "Neoplasms of the central nervous system. incidence and population selectivity in the Washington DC, metropolitan area. During the period 1960 through 1969, 990 primary neoplasms of the central nervous system were diagnosed in hospitals in the Washington, DC, Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA). All cases were identified according to age, race, sex, histologic type, and date of diagnosis. A West African composite of 253 cases was used for comparison. In the Washington SMSA, the age-adjusted incidence rates were: for Caucasians 5.5 in males and 3.6 in females and for Negroes 4.8 in males and 3.4 in females per 100,000 annual population. Caucasians in the Washington SMSA had a higher relative proportion of gliomas than Negroes in the same area and in Africa (p less than 0.005). The relative proportion of pituitary adenomas was higher in American Negroes (p less than 0.005) and in Africans than in Caucasians. The comparable pattern of CNS tumors in American and African Negroes, relative to Caucasians, suggests that in the development of neoplasms of the central nervous system racial factors may be of importance.", "PMID": 991126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4066", "title": "The ultrasonographic spectrum of abdominal and pelvic Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.", "content": "Diagnostic B-scan ultrasonography has the capacity to evaluate many potential sites of abdominal and pelvic involvement by Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The varying ultrasonographic features of lymphomatous involvement in the peritoneal cavity and retroperitoneal space are described and potential diagnostic pitfalls are discussed.", "contents": "The ultrasonographic spectrum of abdominal and pelvic Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Diagnostic B-scan ultrasonography has the capacity to evaluate many potential sites of abdominal and pelvic involvement by Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The varying ultrasonographic features of lymphomatous involvement in the peritoneal cavity and retroperitoneal space are described and potential diagnostic pitfalls are discussed.", "PMID": 991127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4067", "title": "Leptomeningeal mycosis fungoides.", "content": "Central nervous system involvement with mycosis fungoides complicated the clinical course of a patient at a time when his skin was clinically free of disease following systemic chemotherapy. A leptomeningeal syndrome of blurred vision and papilledema, and confusion progressing to coma, was associated with elevated spinal fluid pressure and abnormal spinal fluid cells morphologically similar to those seen in the Sezary syndrome. The symptoms were dramatically reversed by intrathecal methotrexate, brain irradiation, and steroids. Mycosis fungoides recurred in the skin, in the spinal fluid, and in both eyes. Despite continued systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy, the patient died from mycosis fungoides. This is the second patient reported with meningeal mycosis fungoides.", "contents": "Leptomeningeal mycosis fungoides. Central nervous system involvement with mycosis fungoides complicated the clinical course of a patient at a time when his skin was clinically free of disease following systemic chemotherapy. A leptomeningeal syndrome of blurred vision and papilledema, and confusion progressing to coma, was associated with elevated spinal fluid pressure and abnormal spinal fluid cells morphologically similar to those seen in the Sezary syndrome. The symptoms were dramatically reversed by intrathecal methotrexate, brain irradiation, and steroids. Mycosis fungoides recurred in the skin, in the spinal fluid, and in both eyes. Despite continued systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy, the patient died from mycosis fungoides. This is the second patient reported with meningeal mycosis fungoides.", "PMID": 991128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4068", "title": "Leiomyomata of the esophagus. An analysis of 838 cases.", "content": "Review of the world literature to the end of 1971 has provided data on 838 cases of esophageal leiomyomata, including our own 19 surgically removed lesions. Although esophageal leiomyoma is the most common of the benign tumors of the esophagus, it is still rare compared with carcinoma. It occurs in more men than women, by a ratio of 1.9 to 1. Over 50% of the patients with leiomyoma of the esophagus are asymptomatic. Dysphagia and vague pain are the most frequent symptoms. Pyrosis is mentioned in the literature as present in 40% of the cases, but it is considered mainly as symptom of coexistent hiatal hernia. Diagnostic problems often arise, as the smooth muscle tumors may mimic mediastinal neoplasms, cysts, or even aneurysms, or complicate coexisting hiatal hernia and esophageal diverticulum. Operative management by transthoracic enucleation is the procedure of choice, although resection of the esophagaus may be required in few cases. Postoperative morbidity is minimal and results are excellent.", "contents": "Leiomyomata of the esophagus. An analysis of 838 cases. Review of the world literature to the end of 1971 has provided data on 838 cases of esophageal leiomyomata, including our own 19 surgically removed lesions. Although esophageal leiomyoma is the most common of the benign tumors of the esophagus, it is still rare compared with carcinoma. It occurs in more men than women, by a ratio of 1.9 to 1. Over 50% of the patients with leiomyoma of the esophagus are asymptomatic. Dysphagia and vague pain are the most frequent symptoms. Pyrosis is mentioned in the literature as present in 40% of the cases, but it is considered mainly as symptom of coexistent hiatal hernia. Diagnostic problems often arise, as the smooth muscle tumors may mimic mediastinal neoplasms, cysts, or even aneurysms, or complicate coexisting hiatal hernia and esophageal diverticulum. Operative management by transthoracic enucleation is the procedure of choice, although resection of the esophagaus may be required in few cases. Postoperative morbidity is minimal and results are excellent.", "PMID": 991129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4069", "title": "Recurrent urothelial tumors following surgery for transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract.", "content": "A retrospective analysis of 74 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter treated at this institution over the past 30 years is presented. When nephrectomy alone or incomplete nephroureterectomy was performed, subsequent transitional cell carcinoma developed in 30% of the ureteral stumps. Subsequent bladder carcinoma occurred in 25% of the patients with primary upper urinary tract carcinoma. The type of initial surgery performed did not appear to influence this incidence of subsequent bladder tumors. Contralateral upper urinary tract carcinoma developed in only one patient. When nephroureterectomy is performed for carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter, a cuff of bladder that includes the ureteral orifice should be removed to obviate recurrent disease in the ureteral stump. Since single-incision nephroureterectomy did not include the intramural ureter in 50% of the cases in which it was performed, a second incision may be required for adequate exposure.", "contents": "Recurrent urothelial tumors following surgery for transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. A retrospective analysis of 74 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter treated at this institution over the past 30 years is presented. When nephrectomy alone or incomplete nephroureterectomy was performed, subsequent transitional cell carcinoma developed in 30% of the ureteral stumps. Subsequent bladder carcinoma occurred in 25% of the patients with primary upper urinary tract carcinoma. The type of initial surgery performed did not appear to influence this incidence of subsequent bladder tumors. Contralateral upper urinary tract carcinoma developed in only one patient. When nephroureterectomy is performed for carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter, a cuff of bladder that includes the ureteral orifice should be removed to obviate recurrent disease in the ureteral stump. Since single-incision nephroureterectomy did not include the intramural ureter in 50% of the cases in which it was performed, a second incision may be required for adequate exposure.", "PMID": 991130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4070", "title": "Psychological response of patients cured of advanced cancer.", "content": "Psychologic testing was performed in 22 patients with advanced cancer (breast, endometrium, testis, lymphoma) who had undergone a complete remission that had been maintained for 5 to 20 years since the last therapy. The reaction to the probability of being cured was measured. The patients' overall attitude was very positive towards life and the future. They had a greater appreciation of time, life, people, and interpersonal reactions. They were less concerned about the nonessentials of life. It appeared that recovery from advanced cancer was a good experience for character development.", "contents": "Psychological response of patients cured of advanced cancer. Psychologic testing was performed in 22 patients with advanced cancer (breast, endometrium, testis, lymphoma) who had undergone a complete remission that had been maintained for 5 to 20 years since the last therapy. The reaction to the probability of being cured was measured. The patients' overall attitude was very positive towards life and the future. They had a greater appreciation of time, life, people, and interpersonal reactions. They were less concerned about the nonessentials of life. It appeared that recovery from advanced cancer was a good experience for character development.", "PMID": 991131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4071", "title": "Sudden death.", "content": "The threat of sudden death due to a myocardial infarct inevitably places a severe strain on the patient, who may realize the severity of his condition, on the family who are justifiably concerned about the life threatening situation the patient is in, and on the coronary care nurse who is involved in his care. Each one reacts to this stress in his own way. If the nurse can begin to understand her own reactions and the reactions of the family and patient, she will be better equipped to help them cope with this crisis situation.", "contents": "Sudden death. The threat of sudden death due to a myocardial infarct inevitably places a severe strain on the patient, who may realize the severity of his condition, on the family who are justifiably concerned about the life threatening situation the patient is in, and on the coronary care nurse who is involved in his care. Each one reacts to this stress in his own way. If the nurse can begin to understand her own reactions and the reactions of the family and patient, she will be better equipped to help them cope with this crisis situation.", "PMID": 991132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4072", "title": "Home care after surgery for scoliosis.", "content": "Parents are normally highly motivated to learn how to give care to their children. Adolescents convalescing after Harrington instrumentation and spinal fusion need to actively participate in decisions concerning their care. As much effort as possible should be made to allow them to follow a normal routine, within the limits of the surgeon's instructions. Both parents and patients need teaching, support and reinforcement from the nurse. They need to know how they are coping. The parents need to be supported and reinforced in their performance of home care and in their acceptance of the patient within the family life-style. Adolescents need to be supported in their independence and adjustment to their new and temporary immobility. Assessment of the home and an informative teaching program on home care needs to be initiated as soon as possible after surgery.", "contents": "Home care after surgery for scoliosis. Parents are normally highly motivated to learn how to give care to their children. Adolescents convalescing after Harrington instrumentation and spinal fusion need to actively participate in decisions concerning their care. As much effort as possible should be made to allow them to follow a normal routine, within the limits of the surgeon's instructions. Both parents and patients need teaching, support and reinforcement from the nurse. They need to know how they are coping. The parents need to be supported and reinforced in their performance of home care and in their acceptance of the patient within the family life-style. Adolescents need to be supported in their independence and adjustment to their new and temporary immobility. Assessment of the home and an informative teaching program on home care needs to be initiated as soon as possible after surgery.", "PMID": 991138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4073", "title": "The identification and treatment of \"difficult\" babies.", "content": "The \"difficult\" baby can grow into the difficult child unless the early signs of behavior disruption are identified and treated. The best person to spot these warning signals and to aid and educate the new mother in techniques for overcoming them is the public health nurse. In her home visits and pre-and postnatal classes she is the key figure in an important preventive exercise.", "contents": "The identification and treatment of \"difficult\" babies. The \"difficult\" baby can grow into the difficult child unless the early signs of behavior disruption are identified and treated. The best person to spot these warning signals and to aid and educate the new mother in techniques for overcoming them is the public health nurse. In her home visits and pre-and postnatal classes she is the key figure in an important preventive exercise.", "PMID": 991139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4074", "title": "Towards independence for paraplegics.", "content": "Good rehabilitation emphasizes the abilities rather than the disabilities of the paraplegic and promotes the greatest level of self-care and independence possible. However, even with a level of independence, there still exist societal barriers that prevent the disabled from assuming a greater involvement in the community. Educating the government and the public, about the need for more and better suitable housing, more vocational opportunities, fewer physical barriers such as high curbs, stairs and narrow doorways that prevent access to public and commercial buildings and trying to encourage positive attitudes toward the disabled will help bring the paraplegic out of isolation and allow him to develop a full, active life.", "contents": "Towards independence for paraplegics. Good rehabilitation emphasizes the abilities rather than the disabilities of the paraplegic and promotes the greatest level of self-care and independence possible. However, even with a level of independence, there still exist societal barriers that prevent the disabled from assuming a greater involvement in the community. Educating the government and the public, about the need for more and better suitable housing, more vocational opportunities, fewer physical barriers such as high curbs, stairs and narrow doorways that prevent access to public and commercial buildings and trying to encourage positive attitudes toward the disabled will help bring the paraplegic out of isolation and allow him to develop a full, active life.", "PMID": 991142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4075", "title": "The market for nurses - we've come a long way.", "content": "The oldest and largest segment of nursing manpower is the diploma educated R.N. This year, several thousand R.N.'s across the country are actively seeking work and are unable to find it. Many of these unemployed nurses are in the province of Ontario. A look at the Ontario experience in the area of nursing manpower offers some interesting insights into developments in other provinces and territories.", "contents": "The market for nurses - we've come a long way. The oldest and largest segment of nursing manpower is the diploma educated R.N. This year, several thousand R.N.'s across the country are actively seeking work and are unable to find it. Many of these unemployed nurses are in the province of Ontario. A look at the Ontario experience in the area of nursing manpower offers some interesting insights into developments in other provinces and territories.", "PMID": 991143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4076", "title": "Modulating effects of levamisole (NSC-177023) on human lymphocyte response in vitro.", "content": "Human lymphocytes were cultured in vitro with multiple concentrations of antigen, mitogen, and allogeneic cells. The addition of levamisole to stimulated cultures in concentrations of 0.03-33 mug/ml significantly amplified the response of lymphocytes to these stimuli with little or no effect on control cultures. The combination of stimulus and levamisole concentration which produced amplification was unique for each individual culture. The inconsistent results found here and elsewhere may reflect instability of levamisole under conditions of the in vitro lymphocyte culture system.", "contents": "Modulating effects of levamisole (NSC-177023) on human lymphocyte response in vitro. Human lymphocytes were cultured in vitro with multiple concentrations of antigen, mitogen, and allogeneic cells. The addition of levamisole to stimulated cultures in concentrations of 0.03-33 mug/ml significantly amplified the response of lymphocytes to these stimuli with little or no effect on control cultures. The combination of stimulus and levamisole concentration which produced amplification was unique for each individual culture. The inconsistent results found here and elsewhere may reflect instability of levamisole under conditions of the in vitro lymphocyte culture system.", "PMID": 991144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4077", "title": "Trial of heparin and cyclophosphamide (NSC-26271) in the treatment of lung cancer.", "content": "Preliminary reports have suggested that heparin may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy for lung cancer. The VALCSG initiated a study to evaluate further the efficacy and feasibility of administering a heparin and chemotherapy regimen. Treatment consisted of continuous iv heparin infusion for 48--72 hours followed by iv administration of cyclophosphamide (1100 mg/m2) and continued treatment with heparin and warfarin. Only one of the 19 patients (5%) with nonresectable or metastatic lung cancer showed evidence of objective tumor response. This indicated no benefit from the addition of heparin. The study also revealed some of the limitations and problems of such a treatment program.", "contents": "Trial of heparin and cyclophosphamide (NSC-26271) in the treatment of lung cancer. Preliminary reports have suggested that heparin may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy for lung cancer. The VALCSG initiated a study to evaluate further the efficacy and feasibility of administering a heparin and chemotherapy regimen. Treatment consisted of continuous iv heparin infusion for 48--72 hours followed by iv administration of cyclophosphamide (1100 mg/m2) and continued treatment with heparin and warfarin. Only one of the 19 patients (5%) with nonresectable or metastatic lung cancer showed evidence of objective tumor response. This indicated no benefit from the addition of heparin. The study also revealed some of the limitations and problems of such a treatment program.", "PMID": 991145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4078", "title": "Study of in vivo tumor state and response to therapy by analysis of DNA distribution.", "content": "The growth characteristics of an in vivo tumor model were studied. This tumor offers an intermediate system useful for the study of tumor cells in the intact animal, but does not have the complexities of solid tumors. DNA distribution was correlated with macromolecular DNA synthesis. Mechlorethamine, BCNU, radiation, and hydroxyurea were studied and produced perturbation in stationary phase-cell kinetics. There was a redistribution of cell ages consistent with induced cycling activity with most, but not all, of the above agents. This indicated a recruitment from a stationary phase by cancer therapeutic agents, although subsequent cell-cycle traverse may also be greatly perturbed. A number of considerations important to the interpretation of this type of data are discussed.", "contents": "Study of in vivo tumor state and response to therapy by analysis of DNA distribution. The growth characteristics of an in vivo tumor model were studied. This tumor offers an intermediate system useful for the study of tumor cells in the intact animal, but does not have the complexities of solid tumors. DNA distribution was correlated with macromolecular DNA synthesis. Mechlorethamine, BCNU, radiation, and hydroxyurea were studied and produced perturbation in stationary phase-cell kinetics. There was a redistribution of cell ages consistent with induced cycling activity with most, but not all, of the above agents. This indicated a recruitment from a stationary phase by cancer therapeutic agents, although subsequent cell-cycle traverse may also be greatly perturbed. A number of considerations important to the interpretation of this type of data are discussed.", "PMID": 991146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4079", "title": "Maintenance of remission in adult acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia using intermittent courses of cytosine arabinoside (NSC-63878) and 6-thioguanine (NSC-752).", "content": "Twenty adults (median age, 58 yrs) with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia who had achieved complete remission were given maintenance therapy with monthly courses of cytosine arabinoside and 6-thioguanine, each in a dose of 100 mg/m2 every 12 hours for ten doses. The toxicity was minimal with no severe infections, bleeding, or treatment-related deaths. The treatment was often administered on an outpatient basis. The predicted life-table median remission duration is 14 months with 11 patients still in remission from 3+ to 29+ months.", "contents": "Maintenance of remission in adult acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia using intermittent courses of cytosine arabinoside (NSC-63878) and 6-thioguanine (NSC-752). Twenty adults (median age, 58 yrs) with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia who had achieved complete remission were given maintenance therapy with monthly courses of cytosine arabinoside and 6-thioguanine, each in a dose of 100 mg/m2 every 12 hours for ten doses. The toxicity was minimal with no severe infections, bleeding, or treatment-related deaths. The treatment was often administered on an outpatient basis. The predicted life-table median remission duration is 14 months with 11 patients still in remission from 3+ to 29+ months.", "PMID": 991147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4080", "title": "Study of cytosine arabinoside (NSC-63878) synchronization plus vincristine (NSC-67574), prednisone (NSC-10023), and L-asparaginase (NSC-109229) for remission induction in advanced acute leukemia in children.", "content": "Cytosine arabinoside (CA) was utilized in efforts to synchronize leukemic cells in DNA synthesis for treatment with vincristine, prednisone, and L-asparaginase in children with acute leukemia in relapse. The results did not indicate any therapeutic advantage for patients treated with this combination compared to those treated without any attempt at CA synchronization.", "contents": "Study of cytosine arabinoside (NSC-63878) synchronization plus vincristine (NSC-67574), prednisone (NSC-10023), and L-asparaginase (NSC-109229) for remission induction in advanced acute leukemia in children. Cytosine arabinoside (CA) was utilized in efforts to synchronize leukemic cells in DNA synthesis for treatment with vincristine, prednisone, and L-asparaginase in children with acute leukemia in relapse. The results did not indicate any therapeutic advantage for patients treated with this combination compared to those treated without any attempt at CA synchronization.", "PMID": 991148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4081", "title": "DTIC (nsc-45388) and combination therapy for melanoma. I. Studies with DTIC, BCNU (NSC-409962), CCNU (NSC-79037), vincristine (NSC-67574), and hydroxyurea (NSC-32065).", "content": "A total of 270 patients with metastatic malignant melanoma were entered into a randomized chemotherapy study conducted by the Central Oncology Group (COG) over a period of 2 years (COG protocol No. 7130). The study utilized DTIC, CCNU, BCNU, vincristine, and hydroxyurea. The results of therapy with DTIC alone were compared with three combinations: (a) DTIC, CCNU, and vincristine; (b) DTIC, BCNU, and vincristine: and (c) DTIC, BCNU, and hydroxyurea. There were 243 evaluable patients out of 270. The response rate was 17.3% (42 of 243 patients) for evaluable patients and 15.5% (42 of 270 patients) for all patients entered in the study. The results showed no statistically significant difference in the response rates among the four treatment arms. However, several significant points were observed: (a) A 13% response rate was obtained using a combination of agents that included DTIC in patients who had previously shown no response to DTIC used as a single agent. (b) There was a significant difference in survival time when comparing responders to those with no change and to those with progression. (c) Toxicity was noted to be greater in responders than in nonresponders. (d) Two of the four treatment arms were considered most advantageous due to the ease of administration. These treatment arms were DTIC, BCNU, and vincristine and DTIC, CCNU, and vincristine administered in 5-day courses every 6 weeks. (e) The percentage of response and length of survival were significantly greater in patients without brain or liver metastasis. (f) In comparing men to women there was no statistically significant difference in response in rates or durations of response. (g) There was no statistically significant difference in survival when comparing site of primary lesion.", "contents": "DTIC (nsc-45388) and combination therapy for melanoma. I. Studies with DTIC, BCNU (NSC-409962), CCNU (NSC-79037), vincristine (NSC-67574), and hydroxyurea (NSC-32065). A total of 270 patients with metastatic malignant melanoma were entered into a randomized chemotherapy study conducted by the Central Oncology Group (COG) over a period of 2 years (COG protocol No. 7130). The study utilized DTIC, CCNU, BCNU, vincristine, and hydroxyurea. The results of therapy with DTIC alone were compared with three combinations: (a) DTIC, CCNU, and vincristine; (b) DTIC, BCNU, and vincristine: and (c) DTIC, BCNU, and hydroxyurea. There were 243 evaluable patients out of 270. The response rate was 17.3% (42 of 243 patients) for evaluable patients and 15.5% (42 of 270 patients) for all patients entered in the study. The results showed no statistically significant difference in the response rates among the four treatment arms. However, several significant points were observed: (a) A 13% response rate was obtained using a combination of agents that included DTIC in patients who had previously shown no response to DTIC used as a single agent. (b) There was a significant difference in survival time when comparing responders to those with no change and to those with progression. (c) Toxicity was noted to be greater in responders than in nonresponders. (d) Two of the four treatment arms were considered most advantageous due to the ease of administration. These treatment arms were DTIC, BCNU, and vincristine and DTIC, CCNU, and vincristine administered in 5-day courses every 6 weeks. (e) The percentage of response and length of survival were significantly greater in patients without brain or liver metastasis. (f) In comparing men to women there was no statistically significant difference in response in rates or durations of response. (g) There was no statistically significant difference in survival when comparing site of primary lesion.", "PMID": 991149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4082", "title": "Phase I evaluation of dianhydrogalactitol (NSC-132313).", "content": "A toxicologic evaluation of dianhydrogalactitol in man was completed for a 5- and a 10-day schedule. The maximum tolerated dose was 30 mg/m2/day for the 5-day schedule and 21 mg/m2/day for the 10-day schedule. Dose-limiting myelosuppression occurred with both schedules, with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia being observed at median Days 15 and 19 respectively for the 5-day course and median Days 22 and 26 of the 10-day course. Nausea was infrequent and mild. Responses were obtained in one patient with laryngeal carcinoma and in one patient with adenocarcinoma of the lung.", "contents": "Phase I evaluation of dianhydrogalactitol (NSC-132313). A toxicologic evaluation of dianhydrogalactitol in man was completed for a 5- and a 10-day schedule. The maximum tolerated dose was 30 mg/m2/day for the 5-day schedule and 21 mg/m2/day for the 10-day schedule. Dose-limiting myelosuppression occurred with both schedules, with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia being observed at median Days 15 and 19 respectively for the 5-day course and median Days 22 and 26 of the 10-day course. Nausea was infrequent and mild. Responses were obtained in one patient with laryngeal carcinoma and in one patient with adenocarcinoma of the lung.", "PMID": 991150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4083", "title": "Isolation and chemical characterization of antitumor agents from plants.", "content": "This paper reviews methods which have evolved at the Research Triangle Institute during the last 15 years for the isolation and characterization of antitumor agents from plants. The isolation procedures stress mild, nonchemical methods. Solvent partition and the Craig Counter Current Distribution are used during the early stages of fractionation. Subsequent purification involves many types of chromatography: adsorption, partition, thin-layer, preparative thin layer, gel-exclusion, and medium- and high-pressure liquid chromatography. The pure compound is crystallized from a suitable solvent. The fractionation is monitored with in vitro and in vivo bioassays. Physical methods used for structure determination are: ultraviolet, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography.", "contents": "Isolation and chemical characterization of antitumor agents from plants. This paper reviews methods which have evolved at the Research Triangle Institute during the last 15 years for the isolation and characterization of antitumor agents from plants. The isolation procedures stress mild, nonchemical methods. Solvent partition and the Craig Counter Current Distribution are used during the early stages of fractionation. Subsequent purification involves many types of chromatography: adsorption, partition, thin-layer, preparative thin layer, gel-exclusion, and medium- and high-pressure liquid chromatography. The pure compound is crystallized from a suitable solvent. The fractionation is monitored with in vitro and in vivo bioassays. Physical methods used for structure determination are: ultraviolet, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography.", "PMID": 991155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4084", "title": "Preparation of plant extracts for antitumor screening.", "content": "Random collections of plants have been screened by the National Cancer Institute's screening program for almost two decades. The WARF Institute, Inc. (Madison, Wis) has been preparing most of the crude plant extracts for antitumor screening for the past 14 years. This paper describes our present method of extraction for preparation of crude plant extracts for screening and presents a history of past procedures used for the extraction of plant materials. Wherever possible, screening statistics have been included for plants which have been extracted by the various procedures.", "contents": "Preparation of plant extracts for antitumor screening. Random collections of plants have been screened by the National Cancer Institute's screening program for almost two decades. The WARF Institute, Inc. (Madison, Wis) has been preparing most of the crude plant extracts for antitumor screening for the past 14 years. This paper describes our present method of extraction for preparation of crude plant extracts for screening and presents a history of past procedures used for the extraction of plant materials. Wherever possible, screening statistics have been included for plants which have been extracted by the various procedures.", "PMID": 991158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4085", "title": "Polarized infrared spectra of crystalline glycosaminoglycans.", "content": "Polarized infrared spectra have been recorded for oriented, crystalline specimens of hyaluronates, chondroitin 4-sulfate and 6-sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and a cartilage proteoglycan, having different known chain conformations as determined by X-ray diffraction. The dichroism data for the vibrational modes of the amide and carboxyl groups have been interpreted with respect to the particular molecular structures.", "contents": "Polarized infrared spectra of crystalline glycosaminoglycans. Polarized infrared spectra have been recorded for oriented, crystalline specimens of hyaluronates, chondroitin 4-sulfate and 6-sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and a cartilage proteoglycan, having different known chain conformations as determined by X-ray diffraction. The dichroism data for the vibrational modes of the amide and carboxyl groups have been interpreted with respect to the particular molecular structures.", "PMID": 991159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4086", "title": "Magnetic, immobilised derivatives of enzymes.", "content": "A novel, water, insoluble, stable coating has been attached to various metals, which is capable of covalent attachment to enzymes. The coating (aminobenzoic acid-formaldehyde resin) can be attached to nickel, cobalt, tin, iron, and aluminium. beta-D-Glucosidase has been attached to the coated metals by diazotisation of the coating. The stability and usefulness of the resulting, metallic enzyme-preparations is discussed with special emphasis on the value of ferromagnetic supports for enzymes.", "contents": "Magnetic, immobilised derivatives of enzymes. A novel, water, insoluble, stable coating has been attached to various metals, which is capable of covalent attachment to enzymes. The coating (aminobenzoic acid-formaldehyde resin) can be attached to nickel, cobalt, tin, iron, and aluminium. beta-D-Glucosidase has been attached to the coated metals by diazotisation of the coating. The stability and usefulness of the resulting, metallic enzyme-preparations is discussed with special emphasis on the value of ferromagnetic supports for enzymes.", "PMID": 991160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4087", "title": "Cardiovascular action of verapamil in the dog with particular reference to myocardial contractility and atrioventricular conduction.", "content": "Verapamil (Isoptin) caused a dose-dependent peripheral vasodilation, increase in myocardial contractility, and tachycardia in the anaesthetized dog. Propranolol pretreatment blocked the cardiac stimulation following verapamil but the vasodilation was unaltered. Inflation of a thoracic aortic balloon prevented the fall in intravascular pressure and reduced the tachycardia and positive inotropic responses. These experiments suggest that clinical doses of verapamil cause peripheral vasodilation which leads to a sympathetic reflex induced increase in heart rate and myocardial contractility. Verapamil also had a direct myocardial depressant action which became evident at doses above the range used clinically. The drug increased the PR interval in conscious dogs for up to 60 minutes. This effect was partly mediated through cholinergic stimulation and partly through a direct depression on atrioventricular conduction.", "contents": "Cardiovascular action of verapamil in the dog with particular reference to myocardial contractility and atrioventricular conduction. Verapamil (Isoptin) caused a dose-dependent peripheral vasodilation, increase in myocardial contractility, and tachycardia in the anaesthetized dog. Propranolol pretreatment blocked the cardiac stimulation following verapamil but the vasodilation was unaltered. Inflation of a thoracic aortic balloon prevented the fall in intravascular pressure and reduced the tachycardia and positive inotropic responses. These experiments suggest that clinical doses of verapamil cause peripheral vasodilation which leads to a sympathetic reflex induced increase in heart rate and myocardial contractility. Verapamil also had a direct myocardial depressant action which became evident at doses above the range used clinically. The drug increased the PR interval in conscious dogs for up to 60 minutes. This effect was partly mediated through cholinergic stimulation and partly through a direct depression on atrioventricular conduction.", "PMID": 991162} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4088", "title": "Myocardial oxygen consumption after major coronary artery occlusion in anaesthetized dogs with constant left ventricular workload.", "content": "In dog preparations with fixed external workload, reduction of functioning myocardium from 13.3 to 40.9 degrees by coronary artery occlusion (CAO) did not affect myocardial oxygen consumption for periods up to 77 min following CAO. Thus, the use of reserve capacity supplementing equal functional loss of myocardium does not alter oxygen consumption.", "contents": "Myocardial oxygen consumption after major coronary artery occlusion in anaesthetized dogs with constant left ventricular workload. In dog preparations with fixed external workload, reduction of functioning myocardium from 13.3 to 40.9 degrees by coronary artery occlusion (CAO) did not affect myocardial oxygen consumption for periods up to 77 min following CAO. Thus, the use of reserve capacity supplementing equal functional loss of myocardium does not alter oxygen consumption.", "PMID": 991163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4089", "title": "A protective effect of verapamil on hypoxic heart muscle.", "content": "Hypoxic-induced damage of rabbit heart muscle has been quantitated in terms of the release of intracellular enzymes (including creating phosphokinase, CPK) into the extracellular space, a gain in tissue Na+ and Ca2+, a loss of tissue K+, the depletion of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CP) reserves, and ultrastructural damage. This ultrastructural damage incolves the disruption of the plasmalemma, swelling and distortion of the mitochondria, disruption of the myofilaments, and the development of contraction bands. In isolated Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts perfused under either aerobie (pO2 greater than 80.0 kPa [600 mm Hg]) or hypoxie (pO2 less than 0.80 kPa [6 mmHg]) conditions, and either with or without glucose substrate, 0.5-1.0 mg/litre dl verapamil reduced the amount of ultrastructural damage caused by hypoxie perfusion. Verapamil (0.5-1.0 mg/litre) also reduced the rate at which the hypoxie muscle gained Na+ and lost K+; it reduced the rate at which the endogenous stores of ATP and CP were depleted and, provided that the extracellular phase contained Ca2+, it decreased the rate at which CPK appeared in the coronary effluent. Verapamil failed to prevent the hypoxie muscle from gaining Ca2+. These results are discussed in terms of a possible protective effect of dl verapamil on hypoxie heart muscle.", "contents": "A protective effect of verapamil on hypoxic heart muscle. Hypoxic-induced damage of rabbit heart muscle has been quantitated in terms of the release of intracellular enzymes (including creating phosphokinase, CPK) into the extracellular space, a gain in tissue Na+ and Ca2+, a loss of tissue K+, the depletion of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CP) reserves, and ultrastructural damage. This ultrastructural damage incolves the disruption of the plasmalemma, swelling and distortion of the mitochondria, disruption of the myofilaments, and the development of contraction bands. In isolated Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts perfused under either aerobie (pO2 greater than 80.0 kPa [600 mm Hg]) or hypoxie (pO2 less than 0.80 kPa [6 mmHg]) conditions, and either with or without glucose substrate, 0.5-1.0 mg/litre dl verapamil reduced the amount of ultrastructural damage caused by hypoxie perfusion. Verapamil (0.5-1.0 mg/litre) also reduced the rate at which the hypoxie muscle gained Na+ and lost K+; it reduced the rate at which the endogenous stores of ATP and CP were depleted and, provided that the extracellular phase contained Ca2+, it decreased the rate at which CPK appeared in the coronary effluent. Verapamil failed to prevent the hypoxie muscle from gaining Ca2+. These results are discussed in terms of a possible protective effect of dl verapamil on hypoxie heart muscle.", "PMID": 991164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4090", "title": "Influence of inflation and atelectasis on the hypoxic pressor response in isolated dog lung lobes.", "content": "Apnoeic left lower lobes of dog lungs were inflated by increasing alveolar pressure or decreasing pleural pressure, or the lobes were collapsed and exposed to decreasing pleural pressure with the bronchus occluded. Under each of these conditions the lobe could be made 'hypoxic' by perfusion with mixed venous blood or 'normoxic' by perfusion with systemic arterial blood. Inflation of the lobes diminished the hypoxic presor response. The relative influence of decreasing pleural pressure on inflated and collapsed lobes was such that at low pleural pressures resistance to flow through the hypoxic atelectatic lobe was no greater than that through the inflated normoxic lobe. The results indicated that the level of lung inflation can alter the effectiveness of the hypoxic pressor response in reducing perfusion to underventilated regions.", "contents": "Influence of inflation and atelectasis on the hypoxic pressor response in isolated dog lung lobes. Apnoeic left lower lobes of dog lungs were inflated by increasing alveolar pressure or decreasing pleural pressure, or the lobes were collapsed and exposed to decreasing pleural pressure with the bronchus occluded. Under each of these conditions the lobe could be made 'hypoxic' by perfusion with mixed venous blood or 'normoxic' by perfusion with systemic arterial blood. Inflation of the lobes diminished the hypoxic presor response. The relative influence of decreasing pleural pressure on inflated and collapsed lobes was such that at low pleural pressures resistance to flow through the hypoxic atelectatic lobe was no greater than that through the inflated normoxic lobe. The results indicated that the level of lung inflation can alter the effectiveness of the hypoxic pressor response in reducing perfusion to underventilated regions.", "PMID": 991165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4091", "title": "Persistence of myocardial injury following brief periods of coronary occlusion.", "content": "Transient (20 min) occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery in open-chest anaesthetized dogs caused immediate aneurysmal bulging of the ischaemic segment, which preceded epicardial ST-segment elevation. Reperfusion after 20 min restored epicardial electrograms to normal, wheras mechanical dysfunction persisted for a least 45 min therafter. The study shows that there is temporal disparity between electrical and mechanical events both at the inception of myocardial ischaemia and during recovery from transient myocardial ischaemia.", "contents": "Persistence of myocardial injury following brief periods of coronary occlusion. Transient (20 min) occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery in open-chest anaesthetized dogs caused immediate aneurysmal bulging of the ischaemic segment, which preceded epicardial ST-segment elevation. Reperfusion after 20 min restored epicardial electrograms to normal, wheras mechanical dysfunction persisted for a least 45 min therafter. The study shows that there is temporal disparity between electrical and mechanical events both at the inception of myocardial ischaemia and during recovery from transient myocardial ischaemia.", "PMID": 991166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4092", "title": "Effects of lignocaine on intramyocardial conduction in nonischaemic and ischaemic canine myocardium.", "content": "The effect of lignocaine (USP: lidocaine) on intramyocardial conduction in ischaemic and nonischaemic areas of the left ventricular myocardium was determined in 11 mongrel dogs. Intramyocardial conduction times were assessed during control conditions, 15 min after coronary ligation, and following lignocaine administration. Coronary occlusion resulted in a disparity between the conduction velocities in the ischaemic and nonischaemic zones. Ater lignocaine administration conduction to the ischaemic area was further decreased. However, conduction to the nonischaemic area was decreased to a relatively greater extent, resulting in a significant decrease in the disparity of conduction velocities in the two areas. It is concluded (1) that lignocaine exerts dissimilar quantitative effects on the nonischaemic and acutely ischaemic myocardium and (2) that these differential effects decrease the inhomogeneity of intraventricular conduction. It is possible that this action may play a role in the suppression of re-entrant arrhythmias.", "contents": "Effects of lignocaine on intramyocardial conduction in nonischaemic and ischaemic canine myocardium. The effect of lignocaine (USP: lidocaine) on intramyocardial conduction in ischaemic and nonischaemic areas of the left ventricular myocardium was determined in 11 mongrel dogs. Intramyocardial conduction times were assessed during control conditions, 15 min after coronary ligation, and following lignocaine administration. Coronary occlusion resulted in a disparity between the conduction velocities in the ischaemic and nonischaemic zones. Ater lignocaine administration conduction to the ischaemic area was further decreased. However, conduction to the nonischaemic area was decreased to a relatively greater extent, resulting in a significant decrease in the disparity of conduction velocities in the two areas. It is concluded (1) that lignocaine exerts dissimilar quantitative effects on the nonischaemic and acutely ischaemic myocardium and (2) that these differential effects decrease the inhomogeneity of intraventricular conduction. It is possible that this action may play a role in the suppression of re-entrant arrhythmias.", "PMID": 991167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4093", "title": "Cardiovascular responses in man to a stream of cold air.", "content": "Cardiovascular responses to a stream of cold air (0-10degrees C) directed towards the face and abdomen separately were examined in 12 human subjects. Cold air directed at the side of the face produced a 36+/-6 degrees increase in forearm vascular resistance and 22\"/-4 degrees reduction in blood flow. Cold air on the abdomen did not produce a significant change in vascular resistance. The results are discussed in relation to angina pectoris evoked by cold wind.", "contents": "Cardiovascular responses in man to a stream of cold air. Cardiovascular responses to a stream of cold air (0-10degrees C) directed towards the face and abdomen separately were examined in 12 human subjects. Cold air directed at the side of the face produced a 36+/-6 degrees increase in forearm vascular resistance and 22\"/-4 degrees reduction in blood flow. Cold air on the abdomen did not produce a significant change in vascular resistance. The results are discussed in relation to angina pectoris evoked by cold wind.", "PMID": 991168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4094", "title": "[Comparative morphological study of the prothallial development in Asplenium species].", "content": "This study concerns the comparative development of gametophytes of nine Asplenium species. Some of them are diplo\u00efd, others tetraploid. They were studied on a cytogenetic point of view by british workers who found parental relationships between these species. The morphological analysis of the gametophytic development permits to determine the definite stages on which the tetraplo\u00efd species like to the supposed diploid parents. The inherited morphological characteristics are also described, for instance: formation of the prothallial plate, form of the marginal hairs. This qualitative analysis of the gametophytic development is not sufficient to confirm the supposed parental relationships. Therefore, precisions are given by the results of the quantitative analysis of the prothallial development and the study of the vascularization of the young sporophytes; these results will be soon published.", "contents": "[Comparative morphological study of the prothallial development in Asplenium species]. This study concerns the comparative development of gametophytes of nine Asplenium species. Some of them are diplo\u00efd, others tetraploid. They were studied on a cytogenetic point of view by british workers who found parental relationships between these species. The morphological analysis of the gametophytic development permits to determine the definite stages on which the tetraplo\u00efd species like to the supposed diploid parents. The inherited morphological characteristics are also described, for instance: formation of the prothallial plate, form of the marginal hairs. This qualitative analysis of the gametophytic development is not sufficient to confirm the supposed parental relationships. Therefore, precisions are given by the results of the quantitative analysis of the prothallial development and the study of the vascularization of the young sporophytes; these results will be soon published.", "PMID": 991190} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4095", "title": "[Quantitative study of the prothallial morphogenesis in Asplenium species].", "content": "A precedent paper concerned a qualitative analysis of the gametophytic development in nine Asplenium species. By a quantitative study, we specify the parental relationships among these species. The surface of the gametophyte and the number of maginal hairs increase differently for each species. The density of the marginal hairs depends on the considered species. The relation among the morphological gametophytic parameters is constant in a group of determined species. The principal componant analysis is realized for all the parameters measured during the prothallial development. It confirms parental relationships among the diploids and tetraploids species on a morphological point of vue.", "contents": "[Quantitative study of the prothallial morphogenesis in Asplenium species]. A precedent paper concerned a qualitative analysis of the gametophytic development in nine Asplenium species. By a quantitative study, we specify the parental relationships among these species. The surface of the gametophyte and the number of maginal hairs increase differently for each species. The density of the marginal hairs depends on the considered species. The relation among the morphological gametophytic parameters is constant in a group of determined species. The principal componant analysis is realized for all the parameters measured during the prothallial development. It confirms parental relationships among the diploids and tetraploids species on a morphological point of vue.", "PMID": 991191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4096", "title": "[A cytotaxonomic study of Rumex. IV. The Acetosa Mill. species].", "content": "1. Karyotypes of 18 species of the sections Scutati (2), Vesicarii (2), Hastati (4), Afroacetosae (2) and Acetosa (8) of the genus Acetosa have been investigated in detail. 2. Four evolutive tendancies were distinguished i.e.: decrease of chromosome number and arm ratio, increase of chromosome length and differentiation of sex crhomosomes. These tendancies are fully expressed in the section Acetosa as compared with the others. 3. In this section, relationships between the subsections Acetosa, Insectivalves and Americanae were established especially dealing with the change of sex determination from the type XX/XY to the type XX/XY1Y2. 4. Evolutive pathways within the genus Acetosa as well as in the whole group of Rumex sensu lato are described.", "contents": "[A cytotaxonomic study of Rumex. IV. The Acetosa Mill. species]. 1. Karyotypes of 18 species of the sections Scutati (2), Vesicarii (2), Hastati (4), Afroacetosae (2) and Acetosa (8) of the genus Acetosa have been investigated in detail. 2. Four evolutive tendancies were distinguished i.e.: decrease of chromosome number and arm ratio, increase of chromosome length and differentiation of sex crhomosomes. These tendancies are fully expressed in the section Acetosa as compared with the others. 3. In this section, relationships between the subsections Acetosa, Insectivalves and Americanae were established especially dealing with the change of sex determination from the type XX/XY to the type XX/XY1Y2. 4. Evolutive pathways within the genus Acetosa as well as in the whole group of Rumex sensu lato are described.", "PMID": 991192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4097", "title": "Freeze-etch and histochemical evidence for cycling in crayfish photoreceptor membranes.", "content": "Freeze-etched rhabdoms and adjacent cytoplasmic cytoplasmic organelles from crayfish compound eyes have been studied for evidence of photoreceptor membrane cycling. The protoplasmic leaflet face (PF) of split photoreceptor membrane of the microvilli is richly particulate. The particles (92 +/- 16 A in diameter in surface fractures; 70 +/- 9 A in cross fractures; density about 8000/mum2) probably indicate rhodopsin molecule localization. Closely similar particles appear in membranes of pinocytotic vesicles, multivesicular bodies (MVB) and secondary lysosomes. In contrast other retinular cell membranes like plasma membrane remote from the rhabdom are quite distinct (60 +/- 23 A particle diameter, density ca 1000/mum2.) Histochemical tests for acid phosphatase demonstrate its presence in well-developed (but not early stage) MVBs, mixed lamellar vesicular bodies (LVB) and lamellar bodies. Density of PF particles decreases from 8000 in MVB to roughly 4500/mum2 in LVB indicating a degradative sequence from rhabdom to lamellar bodies. Membrane leaflet orientations show that primary endocytosis from microvilli must be followed by secondary endocytosis of fused coated vesicles to form MVB. Morphological evidence for photoreceptor membrane resynthesis has not been found yet in crayfish but some has been obtained in other crustaceans.", "contents": "Freeze-etch and histochemical evidence for cycling in crayfish photoreceptor membranes. Freeze-etched rhabdoms and adjacent cytoplasmic cytoplasmic organelles from crayfish compound eyes have been studied for evidence of photoreceptor membrane cycling. The protoplasmic leaflet face (PF) of split photoreceptor membrane of the microvilli is richly particulate. The particles (92 +/- 16 A in diameter in surface fractures; 70 +/- 9 A in cross fractures; density about 8000/mum2) probably indicate rhodopsin molecule localization. Closely similar particles appear in membranes of pinocytotic vesicles, multivesicular bodies (MVB) and secondary lysosomes. In contrast other retinular cell membranes like plasma membrane remote from the rhabdom are quite distinct (60 +/- 23 A particle diameter, density ca 1000/mum2.) Histochemical tests for acid phosphatase demonstrate its presence in well-developed (but not early stage) MVBs, mixed lamellar vesicular bodies (LVB) and lamellar bodies. Density of PF particles decreases from 8000 in MVB to roughly 4500/mum2 in LVB indicating a degradative sequence from rhabdom to lamellar bodies. Membrane leaflet orientations show that primary endocytosis from microvilli must be followed by secondary endocytosis of fused coated vesicles to form MVB. Morphological evidence for photoreceptor membrane resynthesis has not been found yet in crayfish but some has been obtained in other crustaceans.", "PMID": 991193} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4098", "title": "Polymorphism in the rotifer Asplanchna sieboldi. Fine structure of saccate, cruciform and campanulate females.", "content": "The morphology of saccate, cruciform, and campanulate females of Asplanchna sieboldi was analyzed by light and electron microscopy. No major qualitative variations were observed in the ultrastructure of the hypodermis, gastric gland and yolk gland of females from the different morphotypes. Campanulate females did, however, possess larger secretory granules in their gastric gland as well as larger and more numerous nuclei in their gastric and yolk glands than both saccate and cruciform females. The structure of the secretory elements in the gastric gland varied between the two clones investigated.", "contents": "Polymorphism in the rotifer Asplanchna sieboldi. Fine structure of saccate, cruciform and campanulate females. The morphology of saccate, cruciform, and campanulate females of Asplanchna sieboldi was analyzed by light and electron microscopy. No major qualitative variations were observed in the ultrastructure of the hypodermis, gastric gland and yolk gland of females from the different morphotypes. Campanulate females did, however, possess larger secretory granules in their gastric gland as well as larger and more numerous nuclei in their gastric and yolk glands than both saccate and cruciform females. The structure of the secretory elements in the gastric gland varied between the two clones investigated.", "PMID": 991194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4099", "title": "Structure of cells and nerve endings in abdominal vagal paraganglia of the rat.", "content": "The abdominal vagal paraganglia of the rat consist of small groups of cells, interspersed by blood vessels and nerve bundles and lying close to, or within, the vagus nerve or its branches. Each cell group consists of 2-10 Type I cells incompletely invested by 1-3 satellite cells. Type I cells are characterised by the presence of numerous dense-cored vesicles in their cytoplasm and may exhibit 'synaptic'-like contact with each other. Small efferent nerve endings make synaptic contacts with Type I cells. Larger cup-shaped afferent nerve endings also make synaptic contacts of two kinds with Type I cells. Nerve-nerve synapses are often seen within or close to paraganglia. Attention is drawn to the close similarity of fine structure of abdominal vagal paraganglia, carotid body and small intensely fluorescent cells of the superior cervical ganglion in rats. Possible functional implications of this morphological similarity are discussed.", "contents": "Structure of cells and nerve endings in abdominal vagal paraganglia of the rat. The abdominal vagal paraganglia of the rat consist of small groups of cells, interspersed by blood vessels and nerve bundles and lying close to, or within, the vagus nerve or its branches. Each cell group consists of 2-10 Type I cells incompletely invested by 1-3 satellite cells. Type I cells are characterised by the presence of numerous dense-cored vesicles in their cytoplasm and may exhibit 'synaptic'-like contact with each other. Small efferent nerve endings make synaptic contacts with Type I cells. Larger cup-shaped afferent nerve endings also make synaptic contacts of two kinds with Type I cells. Nerve-nerve synapses are often seen within or close to paraganglia. Attention is drawn to the close similarity of fine structure of abdominal vagal paraganglia, carotid body and small intensely fluorescent cells of the superior cervical ganglion in rats. Possible functional implications of this morphological similarity are discussed.", "PMID": 991195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4100", "title": "Histological and ultrastructural studies of the rabbit pars intermedia in organ culture. I. Adult and young adult tissue.", "content": "Fuuly differentiated rabbit pars intermedia has been maintained successfully for over six weeks as organ culture. PI-glandular cells are the commonest type throughout the culture. They retain their differential condition for at least five weeks. Autoradiography indicates that cell division occurs in cultures for at least two weeks. Dense granules are seen in the intercellular, perivascular and vascular spaces and are taken to indicate secretory activity under the conditions of culture. Some interstitial cells remain recognisable throughout the culture and ACT-type cells for more than two weeks. Other interstitial cells lose their usual appearance and become peripheral dark cells. Modification of cytoplasmic organelles, including distortion and darkening of mitochondria, increase in intracellular filaments and enlargement and liberation of the content of the PI-vesicles are reported.", "contents": "Histological and ultrastructural studies of the rabbit pars intermedia in organ culture. I. Adult and young adult tissue. Fuuly differentiated rabbit pars intermedia has been maintained successfully for over six weeks as organ culture. PI-glandular cells are the commonest type throughout the culture. They retain their differential condition for at least five weeks. Autoradiography indicates that cell division occurs in cultures for at least two weeks. Dense granules are seen in the intercellular, perivascular and vascular spaces and are taken to indicate secretory activity under the conditions of culture. Some interstitial cells remain recognisable throughout the culture and ACT-type cells for more than two weeks. Other interstitial cells lose their usual appearance and become peripheral dark cells. Modification of cytoplasmic organelles, including distortion and darkening of mitochondria, increase in intracellular filaments and enlargement and liberation of the content of the PI-vesicles are reported.", "PMID": 991196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4101", "title": "Experimental study of changes in osteoblastic shape induced by calcitonin and parathyroid extract in an organ culture system.", "content": "Neonate rat endocranial osteoblasts were cultured on their bone surfaces in control medium (CC) or medium to which either parathyroid extract (PTE) or calcitonin (CT) had been added for 2, 4, 8 or 24 h. Some were cultured for 24 h in CC, then for 2, 4, 8 or 24 h in either CT or PTE medium; or for 24 h in PTE, then for 2, 4, 8 or 24 h in either CC or CT; or 24 h in CT and 2, 4, 8 or 24 h in CC. The dorsal ruffling of the cells in CC was found to be suppressed by later culturing with PTE and the disoriented cells reorganized to form arrays of parallel cells. The effects of PTE were also reversed by CC or CT: the osteoblasts in the second culture (CC) lost elongation and order, and proceeded through a proliferative phase before exhibiting the ruffling form similar to a single CC 24 h culture. PTE-cultured osteoblasts showed an increase in cell overlap and contact so that a more competent barrier was formed separating the bone from the medium. In control or CT medium, however, intercellular gaps were greater than in vivo.", "contents": "Experimental study of changes in osteoblastic shape induced by calcitonin and parathyroid extract in an organ culture system. Neonate rat endocranial osteoblasts were cultured on their bone surfaces in control medium (CC) or medium to which either parathyroid extract (PTE) or calcitonin (CT) had been added for 2, 4, 8 or 24 h. Some were cultured for 24 h in CC, then for 2, 4, 8 or 24 h in either CT or PTE medium; or for 24 h in PTE, then for 2, 4, 8 or 24 h in either CC or CT; or 24 h in CT and 2, 4, 8 or 24 h in CC. The dorsal ruffling of the cells in CC was found to be suppressed by later culturing with PTE and the disoriented cells reorganized to form arrays of parallel cells. The effects of PTE were also reversed by CC or CT: the osteoblasts in the second culture (CC) lost elongation and order, and proceeded through a proliferative phase before exhibiting the ruffling form similar to a single CC 24 h culture. PTE-cultured osteoblasts showed an increase in cell overlap and contact so that a more competent barrier was formed separating the bone from the medium. In control or CT medium, however, intercellular gaps were greater than in vivo.", "PMID": 991197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4102", "title": "Structural changes occurring during atresia in sheep ovarian follicles.", "content": "The structural changes that characterize primary, secondary and tertiary atresia in sheep Graafian follicles have been studied by means of histological, histochemical and ultrastructural techniques. In primary atresia vacuoles representing swollen endoplasmic reticulum are prominent along the antral border together with disorganized granulosa cells containing pyknotic nuclei. Phagocytic cells, which increase in number as atresia progresses, were seen within the membrana granulosa and are considered to be transformed granulosa cells. Even in follicles classified as nonatretic, a few antral vacuoles and occasional pyknotic nuclei are present. During secondary atresia there is a large increase in the number of cells with pyknotic nuclei; many of these nuclei had been extruded and had fused to form the characteristic Feulgen-positive atretic bodies found along the edge of the antral cavity. These bodies usually have a diameter of up to 15 mum but occasionally reached as much as 400 mum. A second area of degeneration is frequently present in the membrana granulosa, two or three cell layers from the basal lamina, and it is at this level that exfoliation of granulosa cells occurs in tertiary atresia. In contrast to the membrana granulosa, there are during secondary atresia, only slight indications of degeneration in the cumulus. In tertiary atresia the membrana granulosa is highly disorganized; the atretic bodies are often fewer in number than at earlier stages. The basal lamina remains essentially intact. It is at this stage that the first clear signs of degeneration occur in the theca interna. Despite some disintegration of the cumulus, the integrity of the oocyte is maintained and its nucleus remains vesicular. Changes in the thecal microcirculation may plan a key role in atresia: adjacent to the basal lamina of non-atretic follicles, there is a well-developed capillary network which is significantly reduced as atresia progresses.", "contents": "Structural changes occurring during atresia in sheep ovarian follicles. The structural changes that characterize primary, secondary and tertiary atresia in sheep Graafian follicles have been studied by means of histological, histochemical and ultrastructural techniques. In primary atresia vacuoles representing swollen endoplasmic reticulum are prominent along the antral border together with disorganized granulosa cells containing pyknotic nuclei. Phagocytic cells, which increase in number as atresia progresses, were seen within the membrana granulosa and are considered to be transformed granulosa cells. Even in follicles classified as nonatretic, a few antral vacuoles and occasional pyknotic nuclei are present. During secondary atresia there is a large increase in the number of cells with pyknotic nuclei; many of these nuclei had been extruded and had fused to form the characteristic Feulgen-positive atretic bodies found along the edge of the antral cavity. These bodies usually have a diameter of up to 15 mum but occasionally reached as much as 400 mum. A second area of degeneration is frequently present in the membrana granulosa, two or three cell layers from the basal lamina, and it is at this level that exfoliation of granulosa cells occurs in tertiary atresia. In contrast to the membrana granulosa, there are during secondary atresia, only slight indications of degeneration in the cumulus. In tertiary atresia the membrana granulosa is highly disorganized; the atretic bodies are often fewer in number than at earlier stages. The basal lamina remains essentially intact. It is at this stage that the first clear signs of degeneration occur in the theca interna. Despite some disintegration of the cumulus, the integrity of the oocyte is maintained and its nucleus remains vesicular. Changes in the thecal microcirculation may plan a key role in atresia: adjacent to the basal lamina of non-atretic follicles, there is a well-developed capillary network which is significantly reduced as atresia progresses.", "PMID": 991198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4103", "title": "Variations in mitochondrial size and ultrastructure during germ cell development.", "content": "Size variations and ultrastructural changes in mitochondria of developing germ cells of the female hamster were analyzed. Mitochondria in oogonia of foetus and newborn were elongate with transverse cristae. During pre-dictyate meiotic prophase they became small, rounded, and electron-dense with pleomorphic cristae. These changes were largely reversed when dictyate was reached. Maximum mitochondrial size and complexity of cristae were reached just at the beginning of the phase of rapid oocyte growth, and thereafter declined. As mitochondrial size and number of cristae decreased in the rapidly enlarging oocyte, the ratio of length to width increased, as did electron density of the matrix, until the formation of an antrum within the follicle. After antrum formation, the mitochondria again became more rounded and cristae were seldom seen. An attempt is made to correlate changes of mitochondrial morphology with other events occurring during oogenesis.", "contents": "Variations in mitochondrial size and ultrastructure during germ cell development. Size variations and ultrastructural changes in mitochondria of developing germ cells of the female hamster were analyzed. Mitochondria in oogonia of foetus and newborn were elongate with transverse cristae. During pre-dictyate meiotic prophase they became small, rounded, and electron-dense with pleomorphic cristae. These changes were largely reversed when dictyate was reached. Maximum mitochondrial size and complexity of cristae were reached just at the beginning of the phase of rapid oocyte growth, and thereafter declined. As mitochondrial size and number of cristae decreased in the rapidly enlarging oocyte, the ratio of length to width increased, as did electron density of the matrix, until the formation of an antrum within the follicle. After antrum formation, the mitochondria again became more rounded and cristae were seldom seen. An attempt is made to correlate changes of mitochondrial morphology with other events occurring during oogenesis.", "PMID": 991199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4104", "title": "Degenerated boutons in the fundus striati (nucleus accumbens septi) after lesion of the parafascicular nucleus in the cat.", "content": "An attempt has been made to reveal which of the nine different types of synapses in the fundus striati, discriminated in a previous study, degenerate following experimental lesions in the parafasciculo-center median complex of the cat. Two types of synaptic contacts were found to be degenerated two days after the lesion was performed: (1) the axo-spinous type IV, characterized by densely-packed, small, round vesicles and a strong asymmetric thickening, and (2) the axo-dendritic or axo-somatic type VII, again characterized by small, round vesicles in a dense accumulation and an asymmetric thickening. After two days of survival the original characteristics of the boutons could still be recognized in both types of synapses. A positive correlation exists between the location and extent of the coagulation foci in the parafascicular nucleus and the appearance of degenerated boutons in the fundus striati. Therefore, the conclusion that the parafasciculofundus neurons terminate as type IV or type VII boutons is entirely justified. Additionally, the role of the special types of boutons in the synaptic organization of the fundus striati has been discussed.", "contents": "Degenerated boutons in the fundus striati (nucleus accumbens septi) after lesion of the parafascicular nucleus in the cat. An attempt has been made to reveal which of the nine different types of synapses in the fundus striati, discriminated in a previous study, degenerate following experimental lesions in the parafasciculo-center median complex of the cat. Two types of synaptic contacts were found to be degenerated two days after the lesion was performed: (1) the axo-spinous type IV, characterized by densely-packed, small, round vesicles and a strong asymmetric thickening, and (2) the axo-dendritic or axo-somatic type VII, again characterized by small, round vesicles in a dense accumulation and an asymmetric thickening. After two days of survival the original characteristics of the boutons could still be recognized in both types of synapses. A positive correlation exists between the location and extent of the coagulation foci in the parafascicular nucleus and the appearance of degenerated boutons in the fundus striati. Therefore, the conclusion that the parafasciculofundus neurons terminate as type IV or type VII boutons is entirely justified. Additionally, the role of the special types of boutons in the synaptic organization of the fundus striati has been discussed.", "PMID": 991200} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4105", "title": "The pyramidal cells of Betz within the cingulate and precentral gigantopyramidal field in the human brain. A Golgi and pigmentarchitectonic study.", "content": "It can be demonstrated with the aid of Golgi-, Nissl-, and pigment preparations that the Betz cells represent a homogeneous class of giant cells within the human brain, which can readily be distinguished from other large pyramids by their densely aggregated lipofuscin deposits. In addition to the primary motor field (4, Brodmann), there exists only a small area on the medial surface of the hemisphere in front of the central sulcus which also contains large Betz pyramids in layer Vb. This recently discovered sulcus (Braak, 1976b). Compared with the Betz cells of the primary motor field (4, Brodmann), those of the cingulate area display numerous primitive traits. A small number of short basal dendrites springs off from the cell body. The apical dendrite forks in a short distance from the perikaryon repeatedly but issues only few side branches. A spine-free proximal dendritic segment is poorly developed or lacking. Moreover, numerous spines are encountered along the surface of the soma. In view of their primitive features the large pyramids of the cingulate gigantopyramidal area are interpreted as the forerunners of the precentral Betz pyramids.", "contents": "The pyramidal cells of Betz within the cingulate and precentral gigantopyramidal field in the human brain. A Golgi and pigmentarchitectonic study. It can be demonstrated with the aid of Golgi-, Nissl-, and pigment preparations that the Betz cells represent a homogeneous class of giant cells within the human brain, which can readily be distinguished from other large pyramids by their densely aggregated lipofuscin deposits. In addition to the primary motor field (4, Brodmann), there exists only a small area on the medial surface of the hemisphere in front of the central sulcus which also contains large Betz pyramids in layer Vb. This recently discovered sulcus (Braak, 1976b). Compared with the Betz cells of the primary motor field (4, Brodmann), those of the cingulate area display numerous primitive traits. A small number of short basal dendrites springs off from the cell body. The apical dendrite forks in a short distance from the perikaryon repeatedly but issues only few side branches. A spine-free proximal dendritic segment is poorly developed or lacking. Moreover, numerous spines are encountered along the surface of the soma. In view of their primitive features the large pyramids of the cingulate gigantopyramidal area are interpreted as the forerunners of the precentral Betz pyramids.", "PMID": 991201} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4106", "title": "Postnatal ontogenic development of the adrenergic innervation pattern in the rat portal vein. A histochemical study.", "content": "The postnatal development of the adrenergic innervation pattern in the rat portal vein has been studied with the histochemical fluorescence method of Hillarp and Falck. Stretch preparations and transverse freeze-dried sections of intact portal veins were studied from rats during the first 5 weeks of life and from adult rats. Orientation of undifferentiated smooth muscle cells into two layers was observed at 4 days of age. Dominance of the thick outer longitudinal muscle layer was apparent at two weeks of age. A terminal adrenergic nerve plexus with some varicosities was restricted outside the media at the end of the first week. Ingrowth of penetrating non-terminal adrenergic nerve fibers through the longitudinal muscle layer occurred during the second week of age when the main terminal nerve plexus was developing between the two muscle layers. After 3 weeks of age the adult pattern of a two-dimensional adrenergic plexus between the muscle was established. In the adult rat pharmacological treatment with nialamide and noradrenaline revealed the thin, penetrating non-terminal adrenergic nerve fibers in the longitudinal muscle layer which were poorly visible otherwise. The present observations strongly indicate that the main adrenergic plexus between the two muscle layers emanates directly from the outer axonal plexus. These findings are discussed regarding possible trophic interactions between ingrowing sympathetic adrenergic vasomotor nerves and maturing vascular smooth muscle.", "contents": "Postnatal ontogenic development of the adrenergic innervation pattern in the rat portal vein. A histochemical study. The postnatal development of the adrenergic innervation pattern in the rat portal vein has been studied with the histochemical fluorescence method of Hillarp and Falck. Stretch preparations and transverse freeze-dried sections of intact portal veins were studied from rats during the first 5 weeks of life and from adult rats. Orientation of undifferentiated smooth muscle cells into two layers was observed at 4 days of age. Dominance of the thick outer longitudinal muscle layer was apparent at two weeks of age. A terminal adrenergic nerve plexus with some varicosities was restricted outside the media at the end of the first week. Ingrowth of penetrating non-terminal adrenergic nerve fibers through the longitudinal muscle layer occurred during the second week of age when the main terminal nerve plexus was developing between the two muscle layers. After 3 weeks of age the adult pattern of a two-dimensional adrenergic plexus between the muscle was established. In the adult rat pharmacological treatment with nialamide and noradrenaline revealed the thin, penetrating non-terminal adrenergic nerve fibers in the longitudinal muscle layer which were poorly visible otherwise. The present observations strongly indicate that the main adrenergic plexus between the two muscle layers emanates directly from the outer axonal plexus. These findings are discussed regarding possible trophic interactions between ingrowing sympathetic adrenergic vasomotor nerves and maturing vascular smooth muscle.", "PMID": 991202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4107", "title": "Ultrastructural details of Sertoli cell junctional complexes in vivo and their modifications in tissue culture.", "content": "This study was carried out using thin sections, lanthanum tracing, and freeze-cleaving in order to investigate the Sertoli cell junctions of rat testis in vivo and their maintenance in culture. The presence of a new type of membrane specialization has been revealed. This consists of a close association between tight junctions and nexuses. The Sertoli cell contact specializations show a progressive disorganization in vitro correlated with the duration of the period in culture. The relationship between the morphological changes in Sertoli cell junctions and the lack of spermatogenesis in culture is discussed.", "contents": "Ultrastructural details of Sertoli cell junctional complexes in vivo and their modifications in tissue culture. This study was carried out using thin sections, lanthanum tracing, and freeze-cleaving in order to investigate the Sertoli cell junctions of rat testis in vivo and their maintenance in culture. The presence of a new type of membrane specialization has been revealed. This consists of a close association between tight junctions and nexuses. The Sertoli cell contact specializations show a progressive disorganization in vitro correlated with the duration of the period in culture. The relationship between the morphological changes in Sertoli cell junctions and the lack of spermatogenesis in culture is discussed.", "PMID": 991203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4108", "title": "Granulolysis in neurosecretory neurons of the rat supraoptico-posthypophyseal system.", "content": "Ultrastructural and cytochemical observations on neurosecretory neurons of the rat supraoptico-posthypophyseal systems were made under experimental conditions which resulted in striking changes in the amount of neurosecretory granules and lysosomes. Attention was focused on granulolysis. At the onset of rehydration following a 4 days water deprivation, very active autophage took place in neurosecretory axons of the neural lobe involving the marked increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum, microvesicles and neurosecretory granules, although the latter were still very few due to previous depletion. When axonal transport was inhibited by colchicine at the onset of rehydration, granules accumulated in the perikarya while granule reloading of the neural lobe was delayed. However autophagy, although always active in axons, remained scarce in perikarya. Moreover, in the latter there was only slight evidence of crinophagy. Hypophysectomy also induced granule accumulation in the perikarya, although accompanied by little granulolysis. Images indicative of crinophagy as shown by acid phosphatase localization were few and exclusively restricted to perikarya, while autophagy occurred essentially in axons. Autophagy appeared to be the predominant process for granulolysis and might be considered here as an aspect of the general turnover of cell constituents, related to the sudden regression of hyperactivity-induced hyperthrophy, rather than as an expression of a specific regulation of an excess of secretory material.", "contents": "Granulolysis in neurosecretory neurons of the rat supraoptico-posthypophyseal system. Ultrastructural and cytochemical observations on neurosecretory neurons of the rat supraoptico-posthypophyseal systems were made under experimental conditions which resulted in striking changes in the amount of neurosecretory granules and lysosomes. Attention was focused on granulolysis. At the onset of rehydration following a 4 days water deprivation, very active autophage took place in neurosecretory axons of the neural lobe involving the marked increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum, microvesicles and neurosecretory granules, although the latter were still very few due to previous depletion. When axonal transport was inhibited by colchicine at the onset of rehydration, granules accumulated in the perikarya while granule reloading of the neural lobe was delayed. However autophagy, although always active in axons, remained scarce in perikarya. Moreover, in the latter there was only slight evidence of crinophagy. Hypophysectomy also induced granule accumulation in the perikarya, although accompanied by little granulolysis. Images indicative of crinophagy as shown by acid phosphatase localization were few and exclusively restricted to perikarya, while autophagy occurred essentially in axons. Autophagy appeared to be the predominant process for granulolysis and might be considered here as an aspect of the general turnover of cell constituents, related to the sudden regression of hyperactivity-induced hyperthrophy, rather than as an expression of a specific regulation of an excess of secretory material.", "PMID": 991204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4109", "title": "Heterotopic allotransplantation of isolated aortic cells. An electron microscopic study.", "content": "Smooth muscle cells were enzymatically isolated from the tunica media of the aorta of 5-day-old rats. Following in vitro exposure to colloidal thorium dioxide particles the cells displayed numerous lysosomes filled with these particles. Intramuscular injection of isolated cells into the tongues of young rats of the same strain, resulted in the formation by both freshly isolated and thorium dioxide-labeled cells of a characteristic tissue similar to that found in the intact aortic wall. Thus, the transplants consisted of typical smooth muscle cells surrounded by an extracellular matrix consisting of a microfibrillar network, patches and fibers of elastin, collagen fibrils and small polygonal granules believed to represent proteoglycans. This system can be used for experimental studies on the production of extracellular matrix components and on other functions of arterial smooth muscle cells growing outside the vascular wall.", "contents": "Heterotopic allotransplantation of isolated aortic cells. An electron microscopic study. Smooth muscle cells were enzymatically isolated from the tunica media of the aorta of 5-day-old rats. Following in vitro exposure to colloidal thorium dioxide particles the cells displayed numerous lysosomes filled with these particles. Intramuscular injection of isolated cells into the tongues of young rats of the same strain, resulted in the formation by both freshly isolated and thorium dioxide-labeled cells of a characteristic tissue similar to that found in the intact aortic wall. Thus, the transplants consisted of typical smooth muscle cells surrounded by an extracellular matrix consisting of a microfibrillar network, patches and fibers of elastin, collagen fibrils and small polygonal granules believed to represent proteoglycans. This system can be used for experimental studies on the production of extracellular matrix components and on other functions of arterial smooth muscle cells growing outside the vascular wall.", "PMID": 991205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4110", "title": "Adrenal glomerulosa mitotic stimulation by posterior pituitary hormones.", "content": "Injection of posterior pituitary powder induces an intense mitotic stimulation in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland of young rats. This effect is much more pronounced in females than in males. It is maximal at two days treatment. Longer periods result in a hypertrophied zona glomerulosa and lower mitotic activity. A search for the hormone responsible for the stimulation shows that vasopressin, and to a lesser extent oxytocin, are mitogenic. ACTH, alpha-MSH, beta-MSH and the pineal hormones have no effect. Renin (but not angiotensin) induces a significant stimulation. It is concluded that vasopressin exerts a potent influence on the glomerulosa. This is in contrast with the prevalent view that the glomerulosa is little affected by the hypophysis.", "contents": "Adrenal glomerulosa mitotic stimulation by posterior pituitary hormones. Injection of posterior pituitary powder induces an intense mitotic stimulation in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland of young rats. This effect is much more pronounced in females than in males. It is maximal at two days treatment. Longer periods result in a hypertrophied zona glomerulosa and lower mitotic activity. A search for the hormone responsible for the stimulation shows that vasopressin, and to a lesser extent oxytocin, are mitogenic. ACTH, alpha-MSH, beta-MSH and the pineal hormones have no effect. Renin (but not angiotensin) induces a significant stimulation. It is concluded that vasopressin exerts a potent influence on the glomerulosa. This is in contrast with the prevalent view that the glomerulosa is little affected by the hypophysis.", "PMID": 991206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4111", "title": "Ultrastructure of the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis of the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica.", "content": "The structure of the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) of the Japanese quail has been studied by light and electron microscopy. The OVLT has a palisade arrangement. It forms a part of the terminal plate extending from the optic chiasma to the anterior commissure and is characterized by a special vascular arrangement. The organ consists of ependymal, internal and external zones. The ventricular surface of the organ is covered by non-ciliated ependymal cells characterized by the presence of raspberry-like ventricular protrusions. The ependymal zone is composed of two types of ependymal cells, one being a large, cuboidal cell with columinous cytoplasmic protrusions suggesting secretion into ventricle, and the other a slender tanycyte with long balar plexus of the external surface. The internal zone contains two types of secretory neurons, parvocellular neurons containing a few dense-cored granules 1,000 A in diameter, and mediocellular neurons containing in their perikarya many larger granules 1,300-1,500 A in diameter and well developed granular endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The granular formations are usually observed in the Golgi area of both types of cells, thus indicating of their secretory activities. There are three types of nerve terminals in the neuropil: (1) nerve endings containing spherical, dense-cored granules 800 A in diameter, which display axosomatic synapses with perikarya of the neurons, (2) nerve endings containing dense-cored granules 1,000 A in diameter and clear vesicles 400 A in diameter, and (3) nerve endings containing dense granules 1,300 A in diameter and clear vesicles. Types 2 and 3 do not display axo-xomatic synapses but often show axo-dendritic synaptic contacts with dendrites in the neuropil; thus they are probably axons originating from the parvocellular and mediocellular neurons of this organ. The functional significance of the neurons and axons of the OVLT is discussed and it is suggested that two kinds of neurohormones may be secreted from the OVLT of the Japanese quail.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis of the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica. The structure of the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) of the Japanese quail has been studied by light and electron microscopy. The OVLT has a palisade arrangement. It forms a part of the terminal plate extending from the optic chiasma to the anterior commissure and is characterized by a special vascular arrangement. The organ consists of ependymal, internal and external zones. The ventricular surface of the organ is covered by non-ciliated ependymal cells characterized by the presence of raspberry-like ventricular protrusions. The ependymal zone is composed of two types of ependymal cells, one being a large, cuboidal cell with columinous cytoplasmic protrusions suggesting secretion into ventricle, and the other a slender tanycyte with long balar plexus of the external surface. The internal zone contains two types of secretory neurons, parvocellular neurons containing a few dense-cored granules 1,000 A in diameter, and mediocellular neurons containing in their perikarya many larger granules 1,300-1,500 A in diameter and well developed granular endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The granular formations are usually observed in the Golgi area of both types of cells, thus indicating of their secretory activities. There are three types of nerve terminals in the neuropil: (1) nerve endings containing spherical, dense-cored granules 800 A in diameter, which display axosomatic synapses with perikarya of the neurons, (2) nerve endings containing dense-cored granules 1,000 A in diameter and clear vesicles 400 A in diameter, and (3) nerve endings containing dense granules 1,300 A in diameter and clear vesicles. Types 2 and 3 do not display axo-xomatic synapses but often show axo-dendritic synaptic contacts with dendrites in the neuropil; thus they are probably axons originating from the parvocellular and mediocellular neurons of this organ. The functional significance of the neurons and axons of the OVLT is discussed and it is suggested that two kinds of neurohormones may be secreted from the OVLT of the Japanese quail.", "PMID": 991207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4112", "title": "Investigations on the turnover of adrenocortical mitochondria. V. An autoradiographic study of the radioactivity decay in the mitochondrial compartment from the adrenal cortex of 3H-thymidine-injected rats.", "content": "The radioactivity decay of the mitochondrial compartment of 3H-thymidine-injected rats was followed by high resolution autoradiography. The number of days in which the radioactivity of the mitochondrial compartment is reduced to a half was calculated from the semilogarithmic plots of radioactivity versus time. Since DNA is a very stable molecule, it was assumed that this parameter can be an estimate of the half-life of adrenocortical mitochondria. It was found that the half-lives of mitochondria from the zonae glomerulosa, fasciculata and reticularis are, respectively, 8.20, 11.51 and 8.16 days.", "contents": "Investigations on the turnover of adrenocortical mitochondria. V. An autoradiographic study of the radioactivity decay in the mitochondrial compartment from the adrenal cortex of 3H-thymidine-injected rats. The radioactivity decay of the mitochondrial compartment of 3H-thymidine-injected rats was followed by high resolution autoradiography. The number of days in which the radioactivity of the mitochondrial compartment is reduced to a half was calculated from the semilogarithmic plots of radioactivity versus time. Since DNA is a very stable molecule, it was assumed that this parameter can be an estimate of the half-life of adrenocortical mitochondria. It was found that the half-lives of mitochondria from the zonae glomerulosa, fasciculata and reticularis are, respectively, 8.20, 11.51 and 8.16 days.", "PMID": 991208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4113", "title": "Ultrastructure of perfusion-fixed fetal capillaries in the human placenta.", "content": "The ultrastructure of human placental capillaries was investigated using perfusion fixation and the freeze-fracturing technique. The capillaries have a continuous endothelium especially rich in microfilaments, whereas micropinocytotic vesicles are exceedingly scarce. The endothelial cells are connected by three types of junctions: (1) zonulae occludentes characterized by 2 to 4 focal regions of membrane contact in thin-sectioned specimens and an equal number of ridges on the membrane E-face in freeze-fractured specimens; (2) small gap junctions associated with the zonula occludens. (3) attachment plaques resembling zonulae adhaerentes in their fine structure. Endothelial cells are provided with long, circularly oriented pseudopodial extensions, which may be responsible for intermittent constrictions of the vessel lumen. These findings indicate that diaplacental transport at the level of the fetal capillary is controlled by the cytoplasm of the endothelial cells and probably occurs only to a very limited extent by way of micropinocytotic vesicles.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of perfusion-fixed fetal capillaries in the human placenta. The ultrastructure of human placental capillaries was investigated using perfusion fixation and the freeze-fracturing technique. The capillaries have a continuous endothelium especially rich in microfilaments, whereas micropinocytotic vesicles are exceedingly scarce. The endothelial cells are connected by three types of junctions: (1) zonulae occludentes characterized by 2 to 4 focal regions of membrane contact in thin-sectioned specimens and an equal number of ridges on the membrane E-face in freeze-fractured specimens; (2) small gap junctions associated with the zonula occludens. (3) attachment plaques resembling zonulae adhaerentes in their fine structure. Endothelial cells are provided with long, circularly oriented pseudopodial extensions, which may be responsible for intermittent constrictions of the vessel lumen. These findings indicate that diaplacental transport at the level of the fetal capillary is controlled by the cytoplasm of the endothelial cells and probably occurs only to a very limited extent by way of micropinocytotic vesicles.", "PMID": 991209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4114", "title": "Tritiated thymidine autoradiographic study on cellular migration in the gastric gland of the golden hamster.", "content": "Ten hamsters received repeated injections of 3H-thymidine for 4 days and were allowed to survive for 7, 28, 42 and 100 days. Changes in spatial distribution of the labelled cells and in labelling indices of each cell line in the gastric glands were studied at various days after 3H-thymidine, the labelled parietal cells and the mucous neck cells were concentrated at the neck area. Starting from the neck area, they migrated an average of 3 micra downwards per day. By 42 days, they reached the middle level of the glands, where the labelled mucous neck cells decreased but the labelled chief cells increased in number. The differentiation of the chief cell then appears to take place at the middle level of the glands through transformation of the migratory mucous neck cells. After 4 days of the labelling, about 1.8% of the chief cells located in the lower part of the glands was found to undergo in situ replication. This indicates that the renewal of this cell type is partly assured by its own mitotic activity. The foveolar cell--the future surface epithelium--seems to migrate upwards along the long axis of the glandular tubule in the pipe line system, which means \"first produced, first migrates\". After migrating out from the neck area, the parietal cell and the mucous neck cell (the future chief cell) take an average of 200 days to reach the lower end of the glands. In the process of migration, however, the cells produced contemporaneously at the neck area became scatteringly spread from the neck towards the bottom of the gland. The time required for the newly-formed cells to reach the lower end of the gland varied between 100 and 300 days. In the gastric glands the cells first produced at the neck area do not first reach the lower end of the glands. This mode of random migration is referred to as the \"stochastic flow system\". As one of the probable factors which disturb the pipe line flow of downward cell migration, cellular movements perpendicular to the long axis of the glandular tubule were suggested to occur at random at any level of the gastric glands.", "contents": "Tritiated thymidine autoradiographic study on cellular migration in the gastric gland of the golden hamster. Ten hamsters received repeated injections of 3H-thymidine for 4 days and were allowed to survive for 7, 28, 42 and 100 days. Changes in spatial distribution of the labelled cells and in labelling indices of each cell line in the gastric glands were studied at various days after 3H-thymidine, the labelled parietal cells and the mucous neck cells were concentrated at the neck area. Starting from the neck area, they migrated an average of 3 micra downwards per day. By 42 days, they reached the middle level of the glands, where the labelled mucous neck cells decreased but the labelled chief cells increased in number. The differentiation of the chief cell then appears to take place at the middle level of the glands through transformation of the migratory mucous neck cells. After 4 days of the labelling, about 1.8% of the chief cells located in the lower part of the glands was found to undergo in situ replication. This indicates that the renewal of this cell type is partly assured by its own mitotic activity. The foveolar cell--the future surface epithelium--seems to migrate upwards along the long axis of the glandular tubule in the pipe line system, which means \"first produced, first migrates\". After migrating out from the neck area, the parietal cell and the mucous neck cell (the future chief cell) take an average of 200 days to reach the lower end of the glands. In the process of migration, however, the cells produced contemporaneously at the neck area became scatteringly spread from the neck towards the bottom of the gland. The time required for the newly-formed cells to reach the lower end of the gland varied between 100 and 300 days. In the gastric glands the cells first produced at the neck area do not first reach the lower end of the glands. This mode of random migration is referred to as the \"stochastic flow system\". As one of the probable factors which disturb the pipe line flow of downward cell migration, cellular movements perpendicular to the long axis of the glandular tubule were suggested to occur at random at any level of the gastric glands.", "PMID": 991210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4115", "title": "The marginal sinus in the perifollicular region of the rat spleen.", "content": "The marginal sinus in the spleen of the Wistar rat surrounds the follicle and has more numerous PAS positive fibers on the inner wall than on the outer wall. India ink- and lead oxide-gelatin were injected into the abdominal aorta. It was found that much of the india ink-gelatin accumulated in the marginal sinus, the marginal zone, and part of the red pulp, while most of the lead oxide-gelatin collected in the marginal sinus. Ultrastructurally, the capillaries of the follicle were found to open into the marginal sinus. Regions not perforated by the marginal sinus lie between the follicle and the marginal zone. The wall of the marginal sinus is discontinuous and the discontinuities are wider on the marginal zone side than on the follicle side. The relationship of these findings is discussed.", "contents": "The marginal sinus in the perifollicular region of the rat spleen. The marginal sinus in the spleen of the Wistar rat surrounds the follicle and has more numerous PAS positive fibers on the inner wall than on the outer wall. India ink- and lead oxide-gelatin were injected into the abdominal aorta. It was found that much of the india ink-gelatin accumulated in the marginal sinus, the marginal zone, and part of the red pulp, while most of the lead oxide-gelatin collected in the marginal sinus. Ultrastructurally, the capillaries of the follicle were found to open into the marginal sinus. Regions not perforated by the marginal sinus lie between the follicle and the marginal zone. The wall of the marginal sinus is discontinuous and the discontinuities are wider on the marginal zone side than on the follicle side. The relationship of these findings is discussed.", "PMID": 991211} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4116", "title": "A comparative study of the pineal complex in the deep-sea fishes Bathylagus Wesethi and Nezumia liolepis.", "content": "The pineal complexes of two deep-sea fishes, Bathylagus wesethi (family Bathylagidae) and Nezumia liolepis (family Macrouridae), were studied with both light and electron microscopy. Receptor and supportive cells were identified in the pineals of both species. The presence of receptor cells suggests that the pineals function in photoreception. Ganglion cells could be identified only in B. wesethi. A dorsal sac and a paraphysis were found in B. wesethi; both structures are absent in N. liolepis. Several trends were found when the results of this study were compared with those of a study on the pineal complex of another deep-sea fish, the myctophid Triphoturus mexicanus (McNulty and Nafpaktitis, 1976). Two of these trends, which are correlated with the vertical distributions of the species studied, suggest an increase in the photosensitivity of the pineals. These are: 1) an increase in the average number of outer segment lamellar membranes per receptor cell, and 2) an increase in the ratio of receptor cells to nerve fibers in the pineal stalks. A functional relationship between the dorsal sac, paraphysis, and pineal central lumen was suggested. The relationship may involve secretory activities.", "contents": "A comparative study of the pineal complex in the deep-sea fishes Bathylagus Wesethi and Nezumia liolepis. The pineal complexes of two deep-sea fishes, Bathylagus wesethi (family Bathylagidae) and Nezumia liolepis (family Macrouridae), were studied with both light and electron microscopy. Receptor and supportive cells were identified in the pineals of both species. The presence of receptor cells suggests that the pineals function in photoreception. Ganglion cells could be identified only in B. wesethi. A dorsal sac and a paraphysis were found in B. wesethi; both structures are absent in N. liolepis. Several trends were found when the results of this study were compared with those of a study on the pineal complex of another deep-sea fish, the myctophid Triphoturus mexicanus (McNulty and Nafpaktitis, 1976). Two of these trends, which are correlated with the vertical distributions of the species studied, suggest an increase in the photosensitivity of the pineals. These are: 1) an increase in the average number of outer segment lamellar membranes per receptor cell, and 2) an increase in the ratio of receptor cells to nerve fibers in the pineal stalks. A functional relationship between the dorsal sac, paraphysis, and pineal central lumen was suggested. The relationship may involve secretory activities.", "PMID": 991212} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4117", "title": "Origin, concentration and structural features of human mammary gland cells cultured from breast secretions.", "content": "This study traced the origin of cells observed in human breast secretion samples obtained during lactation and describes the appearance of these cells following prolonged maintenance in vitro. Human milk contains a large number of single vacuolated foam celsl and a small proportion of non-vacuolated epithelial cells in clusters. Foam cells are identified by their large size, the polarity of their cytoplasmic organelles, the variation in number and size of lipid vacuoles and the condensed chromatin of their eccentrically located nucleus. Both cell types originate by exfoliation from the mammary gland. This was established by comparing the structural characteristics of cells isolated from milk with those of the cuboidal cell linings of ducts and alveoli in lactating mammary tissue. Relatively pure populations of foam cells could be established from early lactation samples (3-7 days post/partum) while non-vacuolated epithelial cell clusters were more frequently cultured from late lactation specimens (1-10 days postweaning). Foam cells did not divide and lost cytoplasmic organization during prolonged culture. In contrast, non-vacuolated epithelium in clusters proliferated to form colonies of polygonal cells. These results, which imply that foam cells are an active form of the non-vacuolated mammary cells in clusters, call attention to one system for the study of the complex hormonal interactions necessary to induce and maintain lactation.", "contents": "Origin, concentration and structural features of human mammary gland cells cultured from breast secretions. This study traced the origin of cells observed in human breast secretion samples obtained during lactation and describes the appearance of these cells following prolonged maintenance in vitro. Human milk contains a large number of single vacuolated foam celsl and a small proportion of non-vacuolated epithelial cells in clusters. Foam cells are identified by their large size, the polarity of their cytoplasmic organelles, the variation in number and size of lipid vacuoles and the condensed chromatin of their eccentrically located nucleus. Both cell types originate by exfoliation from the mammary gland. This was established by comparing the structural characteristics of cells isolated from milk with those of the cuboidal cell linings of ducts and alveoli in lactating mammary tissue. Relatively pure populations of foam cells could be established from early lactation samples (3-7 days post/partum) while non-vacuolated epithelial cell clusters were more frequently cultured from late lactation specimens (1-10 days postweaning). Foam cells did not divide and lost cytoplasmic organization during prolonged culture. In contrast, non-vacuolated epithelium in clusters proliferated to form colonies of polygonal cells. These results, which imply that foam cells are an active form of the non-vacuolated mammary cells in clusters, call attention to one system for the study of the complex hormonal interactions necessary to induce and maintain lactation.", "PMID": 991213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4118", "title": "Mitochondrial abnormalities in human phaeochromocytoma.", "content": "Mitochondrial abnormalities are reported in four cases of phaeochromocytoma. These abnormalities include swelling and scant cristae, intramitochondrial dense bodies, septate-like junctions, intercristal fusion plus spheroidal bodies, and intramitochondrial rodlets. These structural mitochondrial changes are associated with reduction in activity of the mitochondrial enzymes, monoamine oxidase and succinic dehydrogenase.", "contents": "Mitochondrial abnormalities in human phaeochromocytoma. Mitochondrial abnormalities are reported in four cases of phaeochromocytoma. These abnormalities include swelling and scant cristae, intramitochondrial dense bodies, septate-like junctions, intercristal fusion plus spheroidal bodies, and intramitochondrial rodlets. These structural mitochondrial changes are associated with reduction in activity of the mitochondrial enzymes, monoamine oxidase and succinic dehydrogenase.", "PMID": 991214} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4119", "title": "Substrate dependence of cell migration from explanted neural tubes in vitro.", "content": "Embryonic chick neural tubes containing neural crest cells were cultured in vitro on tissue culture plastic and collagen. Two parameters, the time of onset of cell migration from the neural tube and the rate of movement of the cell front away from the neural tube explant, were determined. On collagen, cell migration consistently began after four to six h in vitro, about five h prior to the onset of cell migration on tissue culture plastic. The identity of the migrating cells as neural crest cells is established by their eventual differentiation into melanocytes. Ablation experiments reveal that collagen also causes the early onset of migration of cells not of neural crest origin. These results provide in vitro support for the idea that extracellular materials may alter cell migratory behaviour in morphogenesis.", "contents": "Substrate dependence of cell migration from explanted neural tubes in vitro. Embryonic chick neural tubes containing neural crest cells were cultured in vitro on tissue culture plastic and collagen. Two parameters, the time of onset of cell migration from the neural tube and the rate of movement of the cell front away from the neural tube explant, were determined. On collagen, cell migration consistently began after four to six h in vitro, about five h prior to the onset of cell migration on tissue culture plastic. The identity of the migrating cells as neural crest cells is established by their eventual differentiation into melanocytes. Ablation experiments reveal that collagen also causes the early onset of migration of cells not of neural crest origin. These results provide in vitro support for the idea that extracellular materials may alter cell migratory behaviour in morphogenesis.", "PMID": 991215} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4120", "title": "Small granulated cell types in rat superior cervical and coeliac-mesenteric ganglia.", "content": "In the rat superior cervical and coeliac-mesenteric ganglia we have observed three types of small granulated (SG) cell: Type I cells are characterised by membrane-bounded cytoplasmic granules with a core of variable, moderate to low electron-density, whose limiting membranes are rounded in profile ranging from 50-150 nm in diameter. Type II SG cells contain numerous highly electron-dense, polymorphic cytoplasmic granules ranging from 100-300 nm in diameter. The haloes of Type II cell granules are variable in shape, and the core is often eccentrically located or fragmented. Type III SG cells contain membrane-bounded granules with a core of variable moderate to low electron-density. In profile these granules appear oblong or circular with average dimensions of 170 x 50 nm. All three SG cell types receive cholinergic-type pre-ganglionic terminals whose afferent nature is confirmed by their degeneration following pre-ganglionic neurectomy. Only Type I cells have been observed to donate efferent synapses to dendrites of principal ganglionic neurones and are thus interneuronal.", "contents": "Small granulated cell types in rat superior cervical and coeliac-mesenteric ganglia. In the rat superior cervical and coeliac-mesenteric ganglia we have observed three types of small granulated (SG) cell: Type I cells are characterised by membrane-bounded cytoplasmic granules with a core of variable, moderate to low electron-density, whose limiting membranes are rounded in profile ranging from 50-150 nm in diameter. Type II SG cells contain numerous highly electron-dense, polymorphic cytoplasmic granules ranging from 100-300 nm in diameter. The haloes of Type II cell granules are variable in shape, and the core is often eccentrically located or fragmented. Type III SG cells contain membrane-bounded granules with a core of variable moderate to low electron-density. In profile these granules appear oblong or circular with average dimensions of 170 x 50 nm. All three SG cell types receive cholinergic-type pre-ganglionic terminals whose afferent nature is confirmed by their degeneration following pre-ganglionic neurectomy. Only Type I cells have been observed to donate efferent synapses to dendrites of principal ganglionic neurones and are thus interneuronal.", "PMID": 991216} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4121", "title": "The structure and innervation of the sinu-atrial node of the mole heart.", "content": "The sinu-atrial node in the heart of the mole, Mogera wogera, contains myocytes which are devoid of atrial specific granules and which may be classified into two types: electron-lucent (majority) and dark (minority). Numerous unmyelinated axon terminals, containing synaptic vesicles, face the nodal myocyte surface with interspaces of less than 300 nm. There are about 6 terminals per myocyte profile and about 10 per profile at nuclear levels. Of a total of 2717 of these terminals 85.2% are 50-200 nm from the nodal myocytes, and 9.6% form closer neuromuscular junctions, with less than 50 nm interspace and some membrane specialization. Such specilizations are almost exclusively found in relation to the dark, minority-type of nodal myocyte. Myelinated nerve fibers are also numerous within the mole SA node, and may terminate almost directly on a nodal myocyte. A few nerve fibers contain many mitochondria and may represent afferent endings. Nodal capillaries are smaller and fewer than capillaries in the juxtanodal myocardium, probably indicating a lesser blood supply to the SA node than to the ordinary myocardium.", "contents": "The structure and innervation of the sinu-atrial node of the mole heart. The sinu-atrial node in the heart of the mole, Mogera wogera, contains myocytes which are devoid of atrial specific granules and which may be classified into two types: electron-lucent (majority) and dark (minority). Numerous unmyelinated axon terminals, containing synaptic vesicles, face the nodal myocyte surface with interspaces of less than 300 nm. There are about 6 terminals per myocyte profile and about 10 per profile at nuclear levels. Of a total of 2717 of these terminals 85.2% are 50-200 nm from the nodal myocytes, and 9.6% form closer neuromuscular junctions, with less than 50 nm interspace and some membrane specialization. Such specilizations are almost exclusively found in relation to the dark, minority-type of nodal myocyte. Myelinated nerve fibers are also numerous within the mole SA node, and may terminate almost directly on a nodal myocyte. A few nerve fibers contain many mitochondria and may represent afferent endings. Nodal capillaries are smaller and fewer than capillaries in the juxtanodal myocardium, probably indicating a lesser blood supply to the SA node than to the ordinary myocardium.", "PMID": 991217} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4122", "title": "Electron microscopy of the rabbit pineal organ in vitro. Evidence of norepinephrine-stimulated secretory activity of the Golgi apparatus.", "content": "The results presented in this study show that the rabbit pineal organ cultured in vitro retained its in vivo fine structure for at least eight days. However, the Golgi complex in the light pinealocytes stopped forming dense core vesicles while vesicle-crowned ribbons increased in number. After addition of norepinephrine to the culture medium, the Golgi complex once more began the production of dense core vessicles. Terminals of light pinealocytic processes then often contained Golgi dense core vesicles in close contact with the cell membrane, suggesting the release of the vesicular content into the intercellular and perivascular spaces. A close topographical relationship between Golgi dense core vesicles and vesicle-crowned ribbons was observed.", "contents": "Electron microscopy of the rabbit pineal organ in vitro. Evidence of norepinephrine-stimulated secretory activity of the Golgi apparatus. The results presented in this study show that the rabbit pineal organ cultured in vitro retained its in vivo fine structure for at least eight days. However, the Golgi complex in the light pinealocytes stopped forming dense core vesicles while vesicle-crowned ribbons increased in number. After addition of norepinephrine to the culture medium, the Golgi complex once more began the production of dense core vessicles. Terminals of light pinealocytic processes then often contained Golgi dense core vesicles in close contact with the cell membrane, suggesting the release of the vesicular content into the intercellular and perivascular spaces. A close topographical relationship between Golgi dense core vesicles and vesicle-crowned ribbons was observed.", "PMID": 991218} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4123", "title": "The aesthetes of chitons. III. Shell surface observations.", "content": "The shells of the chitons Lepidochitona cinereus, Sypharochiton pelliserpentis, Amaurochiton glaucus and Onithochiton neglectus were examined by scanning electron microscopy. In all species the surface terminations of the megalaesthete and micraesthete organs could be identified lying flush with the shell surface, as well as, lenses of the shell eyes in O. neglectus. Periostracal debris and encrusting diatoms were a usual feature of the shell surfaces. The micraesthete subsidiary caps normally appear featureless, but the megalaesthete apical caps sometimes appear to be perforated. The reasons for this perforate appearance are discussed and it is concluded that it provides no evidence for the normal passage of substances out of or into the megalaesthete.", "contents": "The aesthetes of chitons. III. Shell surface observations. The shells of the chitons Lepidochitona cinereus, Sypharochiton pelliserpentis, Amaurochiton glaucus and Onithochiton neglectus were examined by scanning electron microscopy. In all species the surface terminations of the megalaesthete and micraesthete organs could be identified lying flush with the shell surface, as well as, lenses of the shell eyes in O. neglectus. Periostracal debris and encrusting diatoms were a usual feature of the shell surfaces. The micraesthete subsidiary caps normally appear featureless, but the megalaesthete apical caps sometimes appear to be perforated. The reasons for this perforate appearance are discussed and it is concluded that it provides no evidence for the normal passage of substances out of or into the megalaesthete.", "PMID": 991219} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4124", "title": "Studies on the fine structure of invertebrate blood vessels. II. The valves of the lateral sinus of the leech, Hirudo medicinalis L.", "content": "The position, structure and function of the valves within the lateral sinus of the medical leech, Hirudo medicinalis, are described on the basis of vital, light- and electron microscopy. In this species the valvular apparatus consists of multiple elongated fir cone-shaped fibrous villi surrounding the orifices of the latero-lateral and latero-dorsal vessel like a tentacular crest. Each villus is covered by a thin sheet of a continuous endothelium. The valves prevent the backflow of hemolymph during systolic contraction of the lateral sinus. The endothelium contains many small mitochondria and polyribosomes in the perinuclear cytoplasm and it develops deep projections into the underlying connective tissue. Each of these consists of a multilayered system of closely interwoven thin endothelial membranes. The endothelium is anchored to its basement membrane by means of a great number of poorly defined hemidesmosomes. The fibrous tissue of the villi consists mainly of a homogeneous vitreous matrix in which few cellular components and very fine filaments are dispersed. Close to the endothelium this matrix appears to be condensed to form a multilayered framework made out of a basement membrane-like material. Though the valves themselves are devoid of muscle cells, those situated at their base and thus belonging to the vascular wall proper, display some specific morphological features: in particular the nuclei of these cells show a distinct fibrous lamina. Moreover, these muscle cells seem to be innervated only by one type of axon, containing both small, lucent synaptic vesicles as well as some of the dense-core variety. These findings are compared with data from earlier works and are discussed in relation to the hemodynamic functions of this valvular apparatus.", "contents": "Studies on the fine structure of invertebrate blood vessels. II. The valves of the lateral sinus of the leech, Hirudo medicinalis L. The position, structure and function of the valves within the lateral sinus of the medical leech, Hirudo medicinalis, are described on the basis of vital, light- and electron microscopy. In this species the valvular apparatus consists of multiple elongated fir cone-shaped fibrous villi surrounding the orifices of the latero-lateral and latero-dorsal vessel like a tentacular crest. Each villus is covered by a thin sheet of a continuous endothelium. The valves prevent the backflow of hemolymph during systolic contraction of the lateral sinus. The endothelium contains many small mitochondria and polyribosomes in the perinuclear cytoplasm and it develops deep projections into the underlying connective tissue. Each of these consists of a multilayered system of closely interwoven thin endothelial membranes. The endothelium is anchored to its basement membrane by means of a great number of poorly defined hemidesmosomes. The fibrous tissue of the villi consists mainly of a homogeneous vitreous matrix in which few cellular components and very fine filaments are dispersed. Close to the endothelium this matrix appears to be condensed to form a multilayered framework made out of a basement membrane-like material. Though the valves themselves are devoid of muscle cells, those situated at their base and thus belonging to the vascular wall proper, display some specific morphological features: in particular the nuclei of these cells show a distinct fibrous lamina. Moreover, these muscle cells seem to be innervated only by one type of axon, containing both small, lucent synaptic vesicles as well as some of the dense-core variety. These findings are compared with data from earlier works and are discussed in relation to the hemodynamic functions of this valvular apparatus.", "PMID": 991220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4125", "title": "Degeneration of monoamine nerves in anterior byssus retractor muscle of Mytilus induced by 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine.", "content": "Preliminary ultrastructural studies on the effects of 5,6-Dihydroxytryptamine (5,6-DHT) on the anterior byssus retractor muscle (ABRM) of Mytilus show degeneration of 2 types of monoaminergic nerves after 10 days of drug treatment. One type contained large granular vesicles (560-1,680 A) possibly represent serotonergic and dopaminergic nerves, thought to innervate this muscle. Two other types of profiles seemed to be unaffected by the drug. One conforms to cholinergic nerves while the other has a predominance of large opaque vesicles (1,200-2,500 A). The significance of these findings is discussed in the light of recent observations on the neurotoxic effects of 5,6-DHT on vertebrate and molluscan nerves.", "contents": "Degeneration of monoamine nerves in anterior byssus retractor muscle of Mytilus induced by 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine. Preliminary ultrastructural studies on the effects of 5,6-Dihydroxytryptamine (5,6-DHT) on the anterior byssus retractor muscle (ABRM) of Mytilus show degeneration of 2 types of monoaminergic nerves after 10 days of drug treatment. One type contained large granular vesicles (560-1,680 A) possibly represent serotonergic and dopaminergic nerves, thought to innervate this muscle. Two other types of profiles seemed to be unaffected by the drug. One conforms to cholinergic nerves while the other has a predominance of large opaque vesicles (1,200-2,500 A). The significance of these findings is discussed in the light of recent observations on the neurotoxic effects of 5,6-DHT on vertebrate and molluscan nerves.", "PMID": 991221} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4126", "title": "Cell junctions in the epithelium of Bowman's capsule.", "content": "The intercellular connections between the epithelial cells of Bowman's capsule were investigated. It could be demonstrated that typical zonulae occludentes (tight junctions) are present in the species (rat, hamster, and Tupaia) studied. Freeze-fracturing shows a network of anastomizing strands; some species variations are described. In the rat two strands are common. In the golden hamster mostly two to four and occasionally five strands occur. In Tupaia regularly three tight junction strands are found and also gap junctions associated with the zonulae occludentes. In thin sections the goniometric analysis confirms the freeze-fracturing results and reveals attachment zones of macular shape, which are classified as intermediate junctions and desmosomes. The functional role of these cell junctions observed in the epithelium of Bowman's capsule is discussed.", "contents": "Cell junctions in the epithelium of Bowman's capsule. The intercellular connections between the epithelial cells of Bowman's capsule were investigated. It could be demonstrated that typical zonulae occludentes (tight junctions) are present in the species (rat, hamster, and Tupaia) studied. Freeze-fracturing shows a network of anastomizing strands; some species variations are described. In the rat two strands are common. In the golden hamster mostly two to four and occasionally five strands occur. In Tupaia regularly three tight junction strands are found and also gap junctions associated with the zonulae occludentes. In thin sections the goniometric analysis confirms the freeze-fracturing results and reveals attachment zones of macular shape, which are classified as intermediate junctions and desmosomes. The functional role of these cell junctions observed in the epithelium of Bowman's capsule is discussed.", "PMID": 991222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4127", "title": "Ultrastructural study of the shell-repair membrane in the snail, Helix pomatia L..", "content": "The shell-repair membrane of the snail, Helix pomatia, has been studied with the transmission electron microscope (TEM). The ultrastructure of the repair membrane, in the initial stages of calcification, revealed the presence of a fibrillar protein, proteoglycan granules, osmiophilic vesicles, and cytoplasmic dense bodies of different size and structure. The involvement of the cell constituents in the formation of calcifying centra and initial crystal formation is discussed. The amoebocytes present within the repair membrane appeared to be involved in three different functions: (1) phagocytosis, (2) release of granules, vesicles and dense bodies, and (3) secretin of a fibrillar protein. The possible lytic function of the amoebocytes is mentioned. The common features in the minearlizing process of the shell-repair membrane of the snail and the epiphyseal cartilage of the mammals were noted.", "contents": "Ultrastructural study of the shell-repair membrane in the snail, Helix pomatia L.. The shell-repair membrane of the snail, Helix pomatia, has been studied with the transmission electron microscope (TEM). The ultrastructure of the repair membrane, in the initial stages of calcification, revealed the presence of a fibrillar protein, proteoglycan granules, osmiophilic vesicles, and cytoplasmic dense bodies of different size and structure. The involvement of the cell constituents in the formation of calcifying centra and initial crystal formation is discussed. The amoebocytes present within the repair membrane appeared to be involved in three different functions: (1) phagocytosis, (2) release of granules, vesicles and dense bodies, and (3) secretin of a fibrillar protein. The possible lytic function of the amoebocytes is mentioned. The common features in the minearlizing process of the shell-repair membrane of the snail and the epiphyseal cartilage of the mammals were noted.", "PMID": 991223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4128", "title": "Fine structural observations of sperm resorption in the seminal vesicle of a marine snail, Littorina scutulata (Gould, 1849).", "content": "Waste sperm and spermatozeugmata in the seminal vesicles of Littorina scutulata are phagocytised either by cell buds (large vesicles given off from the epithelial cells) or by the epithelial cells themselves. Cell buds containing sperm, are in turn engulfed by epithelial cells. In both cases, heterophagic vacuoles are formed inside of the cell and subsequently the vacuoles are fused with primary lysosomes or lysosomal derivatives to become secondary lysosomes. Throughout this process the sperm are being digested. The second lysosome transforms further to telolysosome and finally to residual body when the sperm is completely digested.", "contents": "Fine structural observations of sperm resorption in the seminal vesicle of a marine snail, Littorina scutulata (Gould, 1849). Waste sperm and spermatozeugmata in the seminal vesicles of Littorina scutulata are phagocytised either by cell buds (large vesicles given off from the epithelial cells) or by the epithelial cells themselves. Cell buds containing sperm, are in turn engulfed by epithelial cells. In both cases, heterophagic vacuoles are formed inside of the cell and subsequently the vacuoles are fused with primary lysosomes or lysosomal derivatives to become secondary lysosomes. Throughout this process the sperm are being digested. The second lysosome transforms further to telolysosome and finally to residual body when the sperm is completely digested.", "PMID": 991224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4129", "title": "Localization of monoamines in the corpora cardiaca and the hypocerebral ganglion of locusts.", "content": "The Falck-Hillarp method reveals yellow and green fluorescent areas in the neurohemal part of the corpora cardiaca. Some neurons and the neuropile of the hypocerebral ganglion appear green. The localization of triatiated serotonin taken up and stored in the corpora cardiaca was studied radioautographically in vivo and in vitro with the use of low concentrations of tritiated serotonin. In the neural part of the corpora cardiaca, fibers with 100 nm dense granules were shown to be indolaminergic. Fibers containing 200 nm dense granules and 250 nm clear vesicles are thought to be catecholaminergic.", "contents": "Localization of monoamines in the corpora cardiaca and the hypocerebral ganglion of locusts. The Falck-Hillarp method reveals yellow and green fluorescent areas in the neurohemal part of the corpora cardiaca. Some neurons and the neuropile of the hypocerebral ganglion appear green. The localization of triatiated serotonin taken up and stored in the corpora cardiaca was studied radioautographically in vivo and in vitro with the use of low concentrations of tritiated serotonin. In the neural part of the corpora cardiaca, fibers with 100 nm dense granules were shown to be indolaminergic. Fibers containing 200 nm dense granules and 250 nm clear vesicles are thought to be catecholaminergic.", "PMID": 991225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4130", "title": "Hatching glands in salmonid fishes, Salmo gairdneri, Salmo trutta, Salvelinus fontinalis and Salvelinus pluvius.", "content": "The unicellular hatching glands (UHGs) of four species of salmonid fish, Salmo gairdneri, Salmo trutta, Salvelinus fontinalis and Salvelinus pluvius were studied by light and electron microscopy. The UHGs are distributed on the epidermis of head and yolk sac, and on the epithelium of the mouth and gills. Since these cells are large and include dilated cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum from the primitive to the mature stages they are conspicuous. Around the Golgi complexes, there are consecutive figures showing synthesis of secretory granules with close relationships to the Golgi vesicles. The secretory granules grow in size and vary in density during maturation; some have enclosed cytoplasmic structures. At the hatching stage, they are discharged with some cytoplasmic structures from the UHG which is located in the superficial layer of epithelium. After exhaustion of the secretory granules, the remainder of the contents of UHGs is liberated.", "contents": "Hatching glands in salmonid fishes, Salmo gairdneri, Salmo trutta, Salvelinus fontinalis and Salvelinus pluvius. The unicellular hatching glands (UHGs) of four species of salmonid fish, Salmo gairdneri, Salmo trutta, Salvelinus fontinalis and Salvelinus pluvius were studied by light and electron microscopy. The UHGs are distributed on the epidermis of head and yolk sac, and on the epithelium of the mouth and gills. Since these cells are large and include dilated cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum from the primitive to the mature stages they are conspicuous. Around the Golgi complexes, there are consecutive figures showing synthesis of secretory granules with close relationships to the Golgi vesicles. The secretory granules grow in size and vary in density during maturation; some have enclosed cytoplasmic structures. At the hatching stage, they are discharged with some cytoplasmic structures from the UHG which is located in the superficial layer of epithelium. After exhaustion of the secretory granules, the remainder of the contents of UHGs is liberated.", "PMID": 991226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4131", "title": "Intestinal endocrine cells of chicks around the time of hatching.", "content": "The duodenum of 16-day Black Australorp chick embryos, and the duodenum, ileum, large intestine and caeca of 18-day embryos and of chicks within 30 h of hatching, have been studied by electron microscopy. Cells were found with secretory granules resembling those in mammalian EC, S, A-like, EG and D cells (terminology of Solcia et al., 1973), and were on this basis tentatively identified accordingly. The distribution and frequency of the chick cells in different parts of the tract correspond well to the situation in mammals.", "contents": "Intestinal endocrine cells of chicks around the time of hatching. The duodenum of 16-day Black Australorp chick embryos, and the duodenum, ileum, large intestine and caeca of 18-day embryos and of chicks within 30 h of hatching, have been studied by electron microscopy. Cells were found with secretory granules resembling those in mammalian EC, S, A-like, EG and D cells (terminology of Solcia et al., 1973), and were on this basis tentatively identified accordingly. The distribution and frequency of the chick cells in different parts of the tract correspond well to the situation in mammals.", "PMID": 991227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4132", "title": "Endocrine cells of the stomach of chicks around the time of hatching.", "content": "The proventriculus, gizzard and pyloric antrum (region between the gizzard and the duodenum) of 18-day Black Australorp chick embryos and of chicks within 30 h of hatching have been studied by electron microscopy. D and EC cells, and putative G, D1 and A-like cells were identified (terminology of Solcia et al., 1973) but no ECL cells. No endocrine cells of any kind were revealed in the gizzard.", "contents": "Endocrine cells of the stomach of chicks around the time of hatching. The proventriculus, gizzard and pyloric antrum (region between the gizzard and the duodenum) of 18-day Black Australorp chick embryos and of chicks within 30 h of hatching have been studied by electron microscopy. D and EC cells, and putative G, D1 and A-like cells were identified (terminology of Solcia et al., 1973) but no ECL cells. No endocrine cells of any kind were revealed in the gizzard.", "PMID": 991228} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4133", "title": "Innervation of the carotid body of the adult rat. A serial ultrathin section analysis.", "content": "The innervation of the carotid body of adult rats was studied by means of serial ultrathin sections. A single branching nerve fiber innervates 12 chief cells through several kinds of terminals (vesicle-containing, mitochondrial sack, and calyx-type) in en-passant and bouton forms.Two types of synaptic contacts between nerve terminals and chief cells are found; type 1 in which chief cells are postsynaptic, and type 2 in which chief cells are presynaptic. Since a single nerve fiber (possibly from the glossopharyngeal nerve) forms both types of synapses with type 2 predominating, the nerve fiber is considered basically sensory or centripetal. In addition to their synaptic connections with sensory nerve fibers, chief cells located in the periphery of this organ are in synaptic relation with dendrites of a few ganglion cells adjacent to these cells. Here the chief cells are presynaptic. A few synaptic contacts between two adjacent chief cells are seen, and so are direct contacts between thief cells and preganglionic efferent nerve fibers terminating on ganglion cells.", "contents": "Innervation of the carotid body of the adult rat. A serial ultrathin section analysis. The innervation of the carotid body of adult rats was studied by means of serial ultrathin sections. A single branching nerve fiber innervates 12 chief cells through several kinds of terminals (vesicle-containing, mitochondrial sack, and calyx-type) in en-passant and bouton forms.Two types of synaptic contacts between nerve terminals and chief cells are found; type 1 in which chief cells are postsynaptic, and type 2 in which chief cells are presynaptic. Since a single nerve fiber (possibly from the glossopharyngeal nerve) forms both types of synapses with type 2 predominating, the nerve fiber is considered basically sensory or centripetal. In addition to their synaptic connections with sensory nerve fibers, chief cells located in the periphery of this organ are in synaptic relation with dendrites of a few ganglion cells adjacent to these cells. Here the chief cells are presynaptic. A few synaptic contacts between two adjacent chief cells are seen, and so are direct contacts between thief cells and preganglionic efferent nerve fibers terminating on ganglion cells.", "PMID": 991229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4134", "title": "Mesothelial intercellular junctions and pathways.", "content": "Freeze-etch preparations of mesothelial cells taken from the peritoneum of mouse reveal the presence of vesicles invaginating the apical and the basal cell surfaces. These vesicles are scarcely seen within the cytoplasm. Long tortuous tubular profiles extend for considerable distance within the cytoplasm and are frequently associated with the vesicles. The possible nature and role of the vesicles and the tubules in transport phenomena across the mesothelial barrier, are discussed in relation to the pore theory advanced by physiologists and the \"stomata\" concept observed by early German and contemporary anatomists. \"Occludens\" junctions of the leaky type are seen though their macular or zonular nature is yet to be established.", "contents": "Mesothelial intercellular junctions and pathways. Freeze-etch preparations of mesothelial cells taken from the peritoneum of mouse reveal the presence of vesicles invaginating the apical and the basal cell surfaces. These vesicles are scarcely seen within the cytoplasm. Long tortuous tubular profiles extend for considerable distance within the cytoplasm and are frequently associated with the vesicles. The possible nature and role of the vesicles and the tubules in transport phenomena across the mesothelial barrier, are discussed in relation to the pore theory advanced by physiologists and the \"stomata\" concept observed by early German and contemporary anatomists. \"Occludens\" junctions of the leaky type are seen though their macular or zonular nature is yet to be established.", "PMID": 991230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4135", "title": "Formaldehyde induced catecholamine fluoroscence in the mouse inferior laryngeal paraganglion.", "content": "The presence of high concentrations of catecholamines is shown in the mouse's inferior laryngeal paraganglion by means of fluorescence histochemistry. In mice, the entire organ is composed of 20 to 25 small, intensely fluorescent cells of oval shape (about 15 mum in diameter). The paraganglion is well provided with capillaries. The identification of catecholamines in the inferior laryngeal paraganglion, originally described as nonchromaffin (parasympathetic) paraganglion, presents additional evidence that all paraganglia store biogenic amines, are related to the sympathetic nervous system, and belong to the APUD cell series.", "contents": "Formaldehyde induced catecholamine fluoroscence in the mouse inferior laryngeal paraganglion. The presence of high concentrations of catecholamines is shown in the mouse's inferior laryngeal paraganglion by means of fluorescence histochemistry. In mice, the entire organ is composed of 20 to 25 small, intensely fluorescent cells of oval shape (about 15 mum in diameter). The paraganglion is well provided with capillaries. The identification of catecholamines in the inferior laryngeal paraganglion, originally described as nonchromaffin (parasympathetic) paraganglion, presents additional evidence that all paraganglia store biogenic amines, are related to the sympathetic nervous system, and belong to the APUD cell series.", "PMID": 991231} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4136", "title": "Electron microscopy of two types of reflecting chromatophores (iridophores and leucophores) in the guppy, Lebistes reticulatus Peters.", "content": "Reflecting chromatophores in the integument of the guppy, Lebistes reticulatus Peters, are of two distinct types, iridophores and leucophores. The iridophores are smaller and fixed, producing a metallic iridescent color. The cytoplasmic organelles involved in the coloration of iridophores are the reflecting platelets, as in the iridophores of other fish and amphibian species on which earlier reports have been made. Spherical granules of pleiomorphic internal structure, quite variable in size but generally 0.2 mum to 1.0 mum in diameter, are also numerous in the iridophores. The nature of these granules remains unknown. The leucophores are larger, and highly dendritic; their pigment granules are migratory and they exhibit a dull whitish color. Pigment granules of the leucophores are spherical in form, varying from 0.5-0.8 mum in diameter, with a double membrane enclosing the internal fibrous materials. Melamine-treatment of the fish caused degenerative changes in the pigment granules and also the other cytoplasmic organelles of the leucophores, whereas the other kinds of chromatophores, including the iridiophores, remained intact. Some problems in general characterization and classification between these two types of chromatophores were discussed.", "contents": "Electron microscopy of two types of reflecting chromatophores (iridophores and leucophores) in the guppy, Lebistes reticulatus Peters. Reflecting chromatophores in the integument of the guppy, Lebistes reticulatus Peters, are of two distinct types, iridophores and leucophores. The iridophores are smaller and fixed, producing a metallic iridescent color. The cytoplasmic organelles involved in the coloration of iridophores are the reflecting platelets, as in the iridophores of other fish and amphibian species on which earlier reports have been made. Spherical granules of pleiomorphic internal structure, quite variable in size but generally 0.2 mum to 1.0 mum in diameter, are also numerous in the iridophores. The nature of these granules remains unknown. The leucophores are larger, and highly dendritic; their pigment granules are migratory and they exhibit a dull whitish color. Pigment granules of the leucophores are spherical in form, varying from 0.5-0.8 mum in diameter, with a double membrane enclosing the internal fibrous materials. Melamine-treatment of the fish caused degenerative changes in the pigment granules and also the other cytoplasmic organelles of the leucophores, whereas the other kinds of chromatophores, including the iridiophores, remained intact. Some problems in general characterization and classification between these two types of chromatophores were discussed.", "PMID": 991232} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4137", "title": "Effect of a low calcium diet on the ultrastructure of the parathyroid gland of chicks.", "content": "The effect of a low calcium diet on the ultrastructure of the parathyroid gland in the chick was examined. Two-week-old White Leghorn chicks were fed a low calcium diet (calcium content 0.63%) for two weeks. In these chicks, the parathyroid glands are grossly enlarged. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the chief cells are evident. The plasma membranes between adjacent cells are relatively straight but interdigitate in some places. Chief cells contain occasional membrane-limited secretory granules (150-350 mmu in diameter) and with contents of variable electron density. Secretory granules are distributed randomly but some are closely applied to the plasma membrane. There is an increase in the development of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. The Golgi complex is enlarged and consists of cisternae arranged in concentric layers, smooth-surfaced and coated vesicles and condensing vacuoles. Dilatations of the cisternae at several points are observed. Mitochondria and filaments are also encountered. These morphological features suggest that low calcium intake stimulates the synthetic activity of the chief cells of the chick parathyroid.", "contents": "Effect of a low calcium diet on the ultrastructure of the parathyroid gland of chicks. The effect of a low calcium diet on the ultrastructure of the parathyroid gland in the chick was examined. Two-week-old White Leghorn chicks were fed a low calcium diet (calcium content 0.63%) for two weeks. In these chicks, the parathyroid glands are grossly enlarged. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the chief cells are evident. The plasma membranes between adjacent cells are relatively straight but interdigitate in some places. Chief cells contain occasional membrane-limited secretory granules (150-350 mmu in diameter) and with contents of variable electron density. Secretory granules are distributed randomly but some are closely applied to the plasma membrane. There is an increase in the development of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. The Golgi complex is enlarged and consists of cisternae arranged in concentric layers, smooth-surfaced and coated vesicles and condensing vacuoles. Dilatations of the cisternae at several points are observed. Mitochondria and filaments are also encountered. These morphological features suggest that low calcium intake stimulates the synthetic activity of the chief cells of the chick parathyroid.", "PMID": 991233} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4138", "title": "Electron microscopic studies of the pressoreceptor fields of the carotid sinus of the dog.", "content": "In the dog, pressosensitive endings of the sinus nerve extend along the border between the adventitia and media of the carotid sinus wall. The axon endings, containing a great number of mitochondria, can be divided into small (600-2,000 nm) and large (6,000-8,000 nm) end swellings. In the terminal region the pressosensitive fibers are surrounded by ramified and highly structured Schwann \"terminal cells\". The topographic location in relation to elastic and collagenous tissue indicates a functional connection between receptors and efferent nerve endings in the immediate surroundings has been discussed in this report. Several axon endings contain variable amounts of glycogen which is regarded as an indication for the inactive metabolic state of the ending. Axonal swellings demonstrate considerable modification in structure, such as loss of structural integrity in mitochondria, the formation of lamellar fields, vesicular irregularities and disintegration of axoplasm, all of which are considered as the morphological expression of \"wearing out\", degeneration and possibly regeneration.", "contents": "Electron microscopic studies of the pressoreceptor fields of the carotid sinus of the dog. In the dog, pressosensitive endings of the sinus nerve extend along the border between the adventitia and media of the carotid sinus wall. The axon endings, containing a great number of mitochondria, can be divided into small (600-2,000 nm) and large (6,000-8,000 nm) end swellings. In the terminal region the pressosensitive fibers are surrounded by ramified and highly structured Schwann \"terminal cells\". The topographic location in relation to elastic and collagenous tissue indicates a functional connection between receptors and efferent nerve endings in the immediate surroundings has been discussed in this report. Several axon endings contain variable amounts of glycogen which is regarded as an indication for the inactive metabolic state of the ending. Axonal swellings demonstrate considerable modification in structure, such as loss of structural integrity in mitochondria, the formation of lamellar fields, vesicular irregularities and disintegration of axoplasm, all of which are considered as the morphological expression of \"wearing out\", degeneration and possibly regeneration.", "PMID": 991234} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4139", "title": "Ultrastructure of the ampullary electroreceptors in lungfish and Brachiopterygii.", "content": "Electron microscopy shows that the electroreceptors of Protopterus dolloi (Dipnoi) and Calamoichthys calabaricus (Brachiopterygii) are very similar to the known ampullary electroreceptors of other primitive fish groups. With Protopterus, however, there is one difference: at the apical surface of the receptor cells, instead of a kinocilium, a club-shaped protrusion is found. The club-shaped protrusion has no fixed number nor a fixed arrangement of microtubules (Fig. 4). The presynaptic ribbons are in direct contact with the presynaptic membrane, and may be invaginations of the presynaptic membrane (Fig. 3). The functional significance of the kinocilium and of the club-shaped protrusion is discussed. Furthermore, a possible biological role of the ampullary electroreceptors in fish coming into frequent contact with the water surface (Dipnoi, Brachiopterygii) is considered.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of the ampullary electroreceptors in lungfish and Brachiopterygii. Electron microscopy shows that the electroreceptors of Protopterus dolloi (Dipnoi) and Calamoichthys calabaricus (Brachiopterygii) are very similar to the known ampullary electroreceptors of other primitive fish groups. With Protopterus, however, there is one difference: at the apical surface of the receptor cells, instead of a kinocilium, a club-shaped protrusion is found. The club-shaped protrusion has no fixed number nor a fixed arrangement of microtubules (Fig. 4). The presynaptic ribbons are in direct contact with the presynaptic membrane, and may be invaginations of the presynaptic membrane (Fig. 3). The functional significance of the kinocilium and of the club-shaped protrusion is discussed. Furthermore, a possible biological role of the ampullary electroreceptors in fish coming into frequent contact with the water surface (Dipnoi, Brachiopterygii) is considered.", "PMID": 991235} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4140", "title": "Morphology and ultrastructure of the antennal chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors of worker Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki.", "content": "Three types of setae were found on the antenna of workers of C. formosanus. Sensilla basiconica function as chemoreceptors. They are non-socketed, with fixed plate base, thin walled, and perforated. Pore tubules are contained within the cuticular pores of s. basiconica. The pore tubules have direct contact with the dendritic branches within the sensilla. The other sensilla are tactile mechanoreceptors. The longest setae (sensilla trichodea) are thick walled, socketed, mononeuronic, and non-perforated. The shorter mechanoreceptors (sensilla chaetica) have the same characteristics as s. trichodea, except that they are sometimes dineuronic. The numbers and distribution of the sensilla were established.", "contents": "Morphology and ultrastructure of the antennal chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors of worker Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Three types of setae were found on the antenna of workers of C. formosanus. Sensilla basiconica function as chemoreceptors. They are non-socketed, with fixed plate base, thin walled, and perforated. Pore tubules are contained within the cuticular pores of s. basiconica. The pore tubules have direct contact with the dendritic branches within the sensilla. The other sensilla are tactile mechanoreceptors. The longest setae (sensilla trichodea) are thick walled, socketed, mononeuronic, and non-perforated. The shorter mechanoreceptors (sensilla chaetica) have the same characteristics as s. trichodea, except that they are sometimes dineuronic. The numbers and distribution of the sensilla were established.", "PMID": 991236} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4141", "title": "The elastic cartilage in the normal rat epiglottis. I. Fine structure.", "content": "Chondrocytes of the rat epiglottis contain large amounts of glycogen and lipids, which often make the cells resemble fat cells. The content of lipids is interpreted as being related to the function of the cells. The membranes of some of the large vacuoles are stained with ruthenium red. The cells give rise to long cytoplasmic processes. As in hyaline cartilage the intercellular substance consists of a fine network containing proteoglycan granules together with thicker cross striated fibers. Furthermore elastic fibers are found, consisting of amorphous and microfibrillar parts. In the matrix, both lysosome-like granules and more or less empty vesicles are observed. Accumulations of a finely particulate electron dense material and of a translucent amorphous material containing membrane bound granules are found in some lacunae situated in the outer part of the cartilage. These accumulations are possibly related to the development of collagenous and elastic fibers.", "contents": "The elastic cartilage in the normal rat epiglottis. I. Fine structure. Chondrocytes of the rat epiglottis contain large amounts of glycogen and lipids, which often make the cells resemble fat cells. The content of lipids is interpreted as being related to the function of the cells. The membranes of some of the large vacuoles are stained with ruthenium red. The cells give rise to long cytoplasmic processes. As in hyaline cartilage the intercellular substance consists of a fine network containing proteoglycan granules together with thicker cross striated fibers. Furthermore elastic fibers are found, consisting of amorphous and microfibrillar parts. In the matrix, both lysosome-like granules and more or less empty vesicles are observed. Accumulations of a finely particulate electron dense material and of a translucent amorphous material containing membrane bound granules are found in some lacunae situated in the outer part of the cartilage. These accumulations are possibly related to the development of collagenous and elastic fibers.", "PMID": 991237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4142", "title": "Effects of light and dark upon photoreceptor synapses in the retina of Xenopus laevis.", "content": "Photoreceptor synapses in Xenopus retina were studied after exposure to day/night cycles and continuous light or dark. In the rods, dense-core vesicles appear alongside the synaptic ribbons in animals exposed to light. In dark-adapted rods, electron-dense material is present in the synaptic clefts, but no dense-core vesicles are found associated with the synaptic ribbons. Cone photoreceptors do not show these ultrastructural changes in response to light and dark. Prolonged exposure to light (21 days) causes flattening of the synaptic vesicles associated with the synaptic ribbons in both rods and cones. The results are discussed in the light of what is known about transmitter release from photoreceptors.", "contents": "Effects of light and dark upon photoreceptor synapses in the retina of Xenopus laevis. Photoreceptor synapses in Xenopus retina were studied after exposure to day/night cycles and continuous light or dark. In the rods, dense-core vesicles appear alongside the synaptic ribbons in animals exposed to light. In dark-adapted rods, electron-dense material is present in the synaptic clefts, but no dense-core vesicles are found associated with the synaptic ribbons. Cone photoreceptors do not show these ultrastructural changes in response to light and dark. Prolonged exposure to light (21 days) causes flattening of the synaptic vesicles associated with the synaptic ribbons in both rods and cones. The results are discussed in the light of what is known about transmitter release from photoreceptors.", "PMID": 991238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4143", "title": "The sympathetic innervation of the ciliary body and trabecular meshwork of the cat. Fluorescence histochemistry and electron microscopy.", "content": "The ciliary body of the cat was investigated by fluorescence histochemistry and electron microscopy in an attempt to clarify its sympathetic innervation. Subconjunctival doses of 5-hydroxydopamine (5-OHDA) or 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) were given to establish the precise location of the sympathetic nerve terminals. The distribution of noradrenergic fibers and terminals was shown by fluorescence histochemistry to be sparse in the trabecular meshwork and the anterior portion of the ciliary muscle, but dense in the subepithelial tissue. The small and large dense core vesicles which occur in many nerve endings of the subepithelial tissue adjacent to the pigmented epithelial layer increased in electron density following the administration of 5-OHDA. Many degenerating nerve endings were found in the same region of animals treated with 6-OHDA. In contrast, there were few noradrenergic terminals in the ciliary muscle except for a portion of the smooth muscle which was shown to be dually innervated. The noradrenergic fibers in the subepithelial region and the trabecular meshwork may play an important role in aqueous secretion and outflow.", "contents": "The sympathetic innervation of the ciliary body and trabecular meshwork of the cat. Fluorescence histochemistry and electron microscopy. The ciliary body of the cat was investigated by fluorescence histochemistry and electron microscopy in an attempt to clarify its sympathetic innervation. Subconjunctival doses of 5-hydroxydopamine (5-OHDA) or 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) were given to establish the precise location of the sympathetic nerve terminals. The distribution of noradrenergic fibers and terminals was shown by fluorescence histochemistry to be sparse in the trabecular meshwork and the anterior portion of the ciliary muscle, but dense in the subepithelial tissue. The small and large dense core vesicles which occur in many nerve endings of the subepithelial tissue adjacent to the pigmented epithelial layer increased in electron density following the administration of 5-OHDA. Many degenerating nerve endings were found in the same region of animals treated with 6-OHDA. In contrast, there were few noradrenergic terminals in the ciliary muscle except for a portion of the smooth muscle which was shown to be dually innervated. The noradrenergic fibers in the subepithelial region and the trabecular meshwork may play an important role in aqueous secretion and outflow.", "PMID": 991239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4144", "title": "Changes in the ultrastructure of the gills of the river lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis (L.), during the anadromous spawning migration.", "content": "Two types of mitochondria-rich cells were found in the interplatelet areas of the gills of the migrating river lamprey. Both cell types are thought to be responsible for ion-transport across the gills. In the fresh-run migrant the gills are dominated by large, flask-shaped cells which show some ultrastructural similarities with the teleost chloride cell and have been tentatively referred to as ion-excretory cells. During the spawning migration the ion-excretory cells are replaced by smaller, mitochondria-rich cells which are similar in structure to the presumed ion-transporting cells in the ammocoete gill. They lack the tubular, smooth-membraned endoplasmic reticulum so characteristic of the lamprey ion-excretory cell and the teleost chloride cell and have been referred to as ion-uptake cells. The ion-uptake cells are found during the stenohaline, freshwater phases of the lamprey's life history. Ion-excretory cells are present during the periods of the life cycle when the animal is euryhaline. The possibility that the ion-excretory cells are also responsible for ion-uptake in fresh water is discussed.", "contents": "Changes in the ultrastructure of the gills of the river lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis (L.), during the anadromous spawning migration. Two types of mitochondria-rich cells were found in the interplatelet areas of the gills of the migrating river lamprey. Both cell types are thought to be responsible for ion-transport across the gills. In the fresh-run migrant the gills are dominated by large, flask-shaped cells which show some ultrastructural similarities with the teleost chloride cell and have been tentatively referred to as ion-excretory cells. During the spawning migration the ion-excretory cells are replaced by smaller, mitochondria-rich cells which are similar in structure to the presumed ion-transporting cells in the ammocoete gill. They lack the tubular, smooth-membraned endoplasmic reticulum so characteristic of the lamprey ion-excretory cell and the teleost chloride cell and have been referred to as ion-uptake cells. The ion-uptake cells are found during the stenohaline, freshwater phases of the lamprey's life history. Ion-excretory cells are present during the periods of the life cycle when the animal is euryhaline. The possibility that the ion-excretory cells are also responsible for ion-uptake in fresh water is discussed.", "PMID": 991240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4145", "title": "Some peculiar synaptic complexes in the first visual ganglion of the fly, Musca domestica.", "content": "In the lamina ganglionaris, the first optic ganglion of the fly, the inventory of cell types as well as the patterns of their connections are well known from light microscopic investigations. Even the synaptic contacts are known with relative completeness. However, the structural details visible on electron micrographs are very difficult to interpret in functional terms. This paper concentrates on two aspects: 1) the synaptic complex between a retinula cell axon and four postsynaptic elements, arranged in a constant elongated array (it is suggested that all synapses in which the retinula cell is presynaptic are of this kind), and 2) the \"gnarl\" complex in which a presynaptic specialization in one neuron is separated from another neuron by a complicated glial invagination. The participation of glia at postsynaptic sites seems to be quite common in this ganglion. Occasionally it seems that a glia cell is the only postsynaptic partner facing a presynaptic specialization within a neuron.", "contents": "Some peculiar synaptic complexes in the first visual ganglion of the fly, Musca domestica. In the lamina ganglionaris, the first optic ganglion of the fly, the inventory of cell types as well as the patterns of their connections are well known from light microscopic investigations. Even the synaptic contacts are known with relative completeness. However, the structural details visible on electron micrographs are very difficult to interpret in functional terms. This paper concentrates on two aspects: 1) the synaptic complex between a retinula cell axon and four postsynaptic elements, arranged in a constant elongated array (it is suggested that all synapses in which the retinula cell is presynaptic are of this kind), and 2) the \"gnarl\" complex in which a presynaptic specialization in one neuron is separated from another neuron by a complicated glial invagination. The participation of glia at postsynaptic sites seems to be quite common in this ganglion. Occasionally it seems that a glia cell is the only postsynaptic partner facing a presynaptic specialization within a neuron.", "PMID": 991241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4146", "title": "Junctional structures in the crystalline cone of the crayfish compound eye.", "content": "The junction in the crystalline cone in the compound eye of the crayfish Procambarus clarki is described. It consists of electron-dense pentahedrons arranged regularly all over the cytoplasmic surface of each membrane and dense material in the intercellular space. The cone is an entity formed by the secretion of the four cone cells so the junctional structures may serve a cohesive function. This junction is therefore designated as a coherent junction.", "contents": "Junctional structures in the crystalline cone of the crayfish compound eye. The junction in the crystalline cone in the compound eye of the crayfish Procambarus clarki is described. It consists of electron-dense pentahedrons arranged regularly all over the cytoplasmic surface of each membrane and dense material in the intercellular space. The cone is an entity formed by the secretion of the four cone cells so the junctional structures may serve a cohesive function. This junction is therefore designated as a coherent junction.", "PMID": 991242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4147", "title": "The nucleolar fibrillar centres in various cell types in vivo or in vitro.", "content": "Nucleoli were studied in chick fibroblasts cultured in vitro, under normal or under experimental conditions, and in several mammalian cell types in vivo. All these cells frequently contain nucleoli with fibrillar centres. The nucleolar fibrillar centres are composed of fibrous material of low electron density and are always intimately associated with the dense fibrillar component. Their morphology is very similar to that analysed cytochemically in Ehrlich tumour cells. It therefore appears that they could be related to the nucleolar organizers as suggested in Ehrlich tumour cells.", "contents": "The nucleolar fibrillar centres in various cell types in vivo or in vitro. Nucleoli were studied in chick fibroblasts cultured in vitro, under normal or under experimental conditions, and in several mammalian cell types in vivo. All these cells frequently contain nucleoli with fibrillar centres. The nucleolar fibrillar centres are composed of fibrous material of low electron density and are always intimately associated with the dense fibrillar component. Their morphology is very similar to that analysed cytochemically in Ehrlich tumour cells. It therefore appears that they could be related to the nucleolar organizers as suggested in Ehrlich tumour cells.", "PMID": 991243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4148", "title": "Effects of d-propranolol and estradiol on the cervicovaginal epithelium.", "content": "The cervicovaginal epithelium of neonatal mice produces a material with specific antigenic properties (CVA) and this material is produced in increased amounts after estradiol treatment. Using a cytochemical method, estradiol treatment was shown to result in an increase of adenylate cyclase activity in the same epithelium. When d-propranolol is injected together with estradiol, the increase in CVA is inhibited, while the hormone-induced proliferation of epithelial cells is not influenced. When adenylate cyclase activity is studied under identical conditions, the estradiol-promoted increase in enzyme activity is largely counteracted by d-propranolol. These findings would suggest that Adenosine 3\"5\"-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) has a role in some, but not all, estradiol-mediated effects in the neonatal cervicovaginal epithelium.", "contents": "Effects of d-propranolol and estradiol on the cervicovaginal epithelium. The cervicovaginal epithelium of neonatal mice produces a material with specific antigenic properties (CVA) and this material is produced in increased amounts after estradiol treatment. Using a cytochemical method, estradiol treatment was shown to result in an increase of adenylate cyclase activity in the same epithelium. When d-propranolol is injected together with estradiol, the increase in CVA is inhibited, while the hormone-induced proliferation of epithelial cells is not influenced. When adenylate cyclase activity is studied under identical conditions, the estradiol-promoted increase in enzyme activity is largely counteracted by d-propranolol. These findings would suggest that Adenosine 3\"5\"-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) has a role in some, but not all, estradiol-mediated effects in the neonatal cervicovaginal epithelium.", "PMID": 991244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4149", "title": "Concentration of dopaminergic fibres in the marginal zone of the bird retina.", "content": "Nerve fibres containing dense core vesicles of 100-160 nm diameter are concentrated in a narrow zone (near the ora serrata) of the marginal retina in the pigeon and the chicken. Synaptic junctions exist between terminals containing dense core vesicles and the most marginal ganglion cells; however, numerous fibres seem to end freely near the vitreous body or even penetrate the pars plana of the ciliary body. Histofluorescence demonstrates the aminergic nature of these fibres. Determination of catecholamines with the dansylation technique reveals six times more dopamine in the marginal than in the central retina, whereas the noradrenalin level is unchanged. The dopaminergic fibres originate in neurons of the innermost zone of the inner nuclear layer. The marginal localisation of these fibres apparently excluding any visual function seems rather to indicate a possible photoreceptor system involved in neuro-endocrine regulation.", "contents": "Concentration of dopaminergic fibres in the marginal zone of the bird retina. Nerve fibres containing dense core vesicles of 100-160 nm diameter are concentrated in a narrow zone (near the ora serrata) of the marginal retina in the pigeon and the chicken. Synaptic junctions exist between terminals containing dense core vesicles and the most marginal ganglion cells; however, numerous fibres seem to end freely near the vitreous body or even penetrate the pars plana of the ciliary body. Histofluorescence demonstrates the aminergic nature of these fibres. Determination of catecholamines with the dansylation technique reveals six times more dopamine in the marginal than in the central retina, whereas the noradrenalin level is unchanged. The dopaminergic fibres originate in neurons of the innermost zone of the inner nuclear layer. The marginal localisation of these fibres apparently excluding any visual function seems rather to indicate a possible photoreceptor system involved in neuro-endocrine regulation.", "PMID": 991245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4150", "title": "The origin of reactive cells in retrograde and Wallerian degeneration. Experiments with intravenous injection of 3H-DFP-labeled macrophages.", "content": "In order to examine the possible haematogenous origin of phagocytes in anterograde and retrograde degeneration, rabbit peritoneal macrophages were labeled in vitro with 3H-DFP and injected intravenously into host animals. Four or five days prior to the injection, the facial nerve was avulsed and the sciatic nerve ligated in five recipients. The animals were killed 24 h after the injection of the macrophages. Labeled cells were found in that part of the sciatic nerve which was mechanically damaged and in the liver and spleen but not in areas with retrograde or Wallerian degeneration. The possible interpretation of these findings is discussed.", "contents": "The origin of reactive cells in retrograde and Wallerian degeneration. Experiments with intravenous injection of 3H-DFP-labeled macrophages. In order to examine the possible haematogenous origin of phagocytes in anterograde and retrograde degeneration, rabbit peritoneal macrophages were labeled in vitro with 3H-DFP and injected intravenously into host animals. Four or five days prior to the injection, the facial nerve was avulsed and the sciatic nerve ligated in five recipients. The animals were killed 24 h after the injection of the macrophages. Labeled cells were found in that part of the sciatic nerve which was mechanically damaged and in the liver and spleen but not in areas with retrograde or Wallerian degeneration. The possible interpretation of these findings is discussed.", "PMID": 991246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4151", "title": "The fine structure of fins and finrays of Tilapia mossambica (Peters).", "content": "Light and electron-microscopic studies were carried out on the fins of the fish Tilapia mossambica (Peters). A detailed description is presented of the different skeletal components comprising the finrays. The mode of development of the hemisegments appears in several ways similar to that of fish scales. Each hemisegment is contained by an envelope of scleroblasts which secrete collagen fibres in a unipolar fashion. Calcification takes place as a result of deposition of hydroxyapatite-like crystals between the collagen fibres. However, the orientation of these fibres is not as regular as that of the fibres occurring in scales.", "contents": "The fine structure of fins and finrays of Tilapia mossambica (Peters). Light and electron-microscopic studies were carried out on the fins of the fish Tilapia mossambica (Peters). A detailed description is presented of the different skeletal components comprising the finrays. The mode of development of the hemisegments appears in several ways similar to that of fish scales. Each hemisegment is contained by an envelope of scleroblasts which secrete collagen fibres in a unipolar fashion. Calcification takes place as a result of deposition of hydroxyapatite-like crystals between the collagen fibres. However, the orientation of these fibres is not as regular as that of the fibres occurring in scales.", "PMID": 991247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4152", "title": "Structure of the adenohypophysis in juvenile harp seal, Pagophilus groenlandicus.", "content": "A study was made of the morphology of the adenohypophysis in immature harp seals and the fine structure of cellular components of the pars tuberalis, pars intermedia and pars distalis was described. The pars intermedia composed 8-15% of the hypophysis and contained colloid filled vesicles similar to those found in the other mammalian species. The pars distalis cells were grouped into more or less well defined regions, thus facilitating the correlation of cellular identification from both light and electron micrographs. Five chromophilic cell types were tentatively identified, one acidophil (putative somatotroph), four basophils (3 putative gonadotrophs and one cell type with the characteristics of both corticotrophs and thyrotrophs) and non-granulated \"stellate\" cells. The absence of a positive prolactin cell identification was thought to be due to the immaturity of the seals used in the study.", "contents": "Structure of the adenohypophysis in juvenile harp seal, Pagophilus groenlandicus. A study was made of the morphology of the adenohypophysis in immature harp seals and the fine structure of cellular components of the pars tuberalis, pars intermedia and pars distalis was described. The pars intermedia composed 8-15% of the hypophysis and contained colloid filled vesicles similar to those found in the other mammalian species. The pars distalis cells were grouped into more or less well defined regions, thus facilitating the correlation of cellular identification from both light and electron micrographs. Five chromophilic cell types were tentatively identified, one acidophil (putative somatotroph), four basophils (3 putative gonadotrophs and one cell type with the characteristics of both corticotrophs and thyrotrophs) and non-granulated \"stellate\" cells. The absence of a positive prolactin cell identification was thought to be due to the immaturity of the seals used in the study.", "PMID": 991248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4153", "title": "Formation of myoneural and myotendinous junctions in the chick embryo. Role of acetylcholinesterase-rich granules in the developing muscle fibers.", "content": "The mode of formation of the myoneural and myotendinous junctions was investigated in the thigh muscles of the chick embryo. Myotendinous junctions first appeared on day 11 of incubation, whereas myoneural junctions developed on day 12. Intracellular AChE activity in the muscles increased by the 12th day of incubation, and decreased rapidly after the formation of the myoneural junctions. Light and electron microscopically, AChE activity was demonstrated in the nuclear envelope, sarcoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, and in large granules which appeared to be derived from the Golgi complex. Large granules showing an intense AChE activity accumulated in the sarcoplasm at the poles of the muscle fiber before the formation of myotendinous junctions. After the translocation of this intracellular enzyme onto the sarcolemma, most likely the result of an exocytosis of the granules, the myotendinous junctions were formed. The AChE-rich granules present in the middle of myotubes developed into spindle- or comma-shaped cisternae which were located in the sarcoplasm just below the presumptive motor endplates. The present results suggest that the transport of AChE-rich granules to the sarcolamma is the first step in the formation of myoneural and myotendinous junctions.", "contents": "Formation of myoneural and myotendinous junctions in the chick embryo. Role of acetylcholinesterase-rich granules in the developing muscle fibers. The mode of formation of the myoneural and myotendinous junctions was investigated in the thigh muscles of the chick embryo. Myotendinous junctions first appeared on day 11 of incubation, whereas myoneural junctions developed on day 12. Intracellular AChE activity in the muscles increased by the 12th day of incubation, and decreased rapidly after the formation of the myoneural junctions. Light and electron microscopically, AChE activity was demonstrated in the nuclear envelope, sarcoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, and in large granules which appeared to be derived from the Golgi complex. Large granules showing an intense AChE activity accumulated in the sarcoplasm at the poles of the muscle fiber before the formation of myotendinous junctions. After the translocation of this intracellular enzyme onto the sarcolemma, most likely the result of an exocytosis of the granules, the myotendinous junctions were formed. The AChE-rich granules present in the middle of myotubes developed into spindle- or comma-shaped cisternae which were located in the sarcoplasm just below the presumptive motor endplates. The present results suggest that the transport of AChE-rich granules to the sarcolamma is the first step in the formation of myoneural and myotendinous junctions.", "PMID": 991249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4154", "title": "Morphological aspects of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal system. VI. The tanycytes: their relation to the sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus. An enzyme-histochemical study.", "content": "Enzyme-histochemical methods were used to study the metabolic activity of specialized ependyma of the ventrolateral walls and floor of the third ventricle in young male and female rats during the \"critical period\" of sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus (one week after birth). Histochemical tests were conducted for glutamic dehydrogenase, lactic dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and NADH2-dehydrogenase. Enzyme activity was judged by cytospectrophotometry. All the data were treated statistically. It was found that the specialized ependyma of the ventrolateral wall and floor of the third ventricle (median eminence) in rats differed in their enzyme behaviour in males and females during the \"critical period\" of sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus. At the level of the arcuate nucleus (alpha2-tanycytes) and the medial part of the median eminence (beta2-tanycytes) the ependyma was characterized by similar indices of metabolic activity in males and females in the decisive terms of the \"critical period\" (days 3, 5, and 7). On day 5 metabolic activity of these cells was reduced both in the males and in the females. Prominent sexual differences in the intensity of the enzyme reactions studied were noted in the ependyma of the lateral parts of the median eminence (beta1-tanycytes) in the \"critical period\". On day 5 metabolic activity of beta1-tanycytes was reduced in males and increased in females. It is suggested that these differences are caused by the receptor nature of beta1 tanycytes and suggest their implication in the mechanisms of sexual differentiation of hypothalamus.", "contents": "Morphological aspects of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal system. VI. The tanycytes: their relation to the sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus. An enzyme-histochemical study. Enzyme-histochemical methods were used to study the metabolic activity of specialized ependyma of the ventrolateral walls and floor of the third ventricle in young male and female rats during the \"critical period\" of sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus (one week after birth). Histochemical tests were conducted for glutamic dehydrogenase, lactic dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and NADH2-dehydrogenase. Enzyme activity was judged by cytospectrophotometry. All the data were treated statistically. It was found that the specialized ependyma of the ventrolateral wall and floor of the third ventricle (median eminence) in rats differed in their enzyme behaviour in males and females during the \"critical period\" of sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus. At the level of the arcuate nucleus (alpha2-tanycytes) and the medial part of the median eminence (beta2-tanycytes) the ependyma was characterized by similar indices of metabolic activity in males and females in the decisive terms of the \"critical period\" (days 3, 5, and 7). On day 5 metabolic activity of these cells was reduced both in the males and in the females. Prominent sexual differences in the intensity of the enzyme reactions studied were noted in the ependyma of the lateral parts of the median eminence (beta1-tanycytes) in the \"critical period\". On day 5 metabolic activity of beta1-tanycytes was reduced in males and increased in females. It is suggested that these differences are caused by the receptor nature of beta1 tanycytes and suggest their implication in the mechanisms of sexual differentiation of hypothalamus.", "PMID": 991250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4155", "title": "Water regulation in aestivating snails. Ultrastructural and analytical evidence for an unusual cellular phenomenon.", "content": "Aestivating snails form abundant lamellate vesicles in the cells of the mantle collar, an epithelium known to regulate the rate at which water is lost from its surface. Since lamellate vesicles are much reduced in hydrated mantle tissue of recently stimulated animals it is tentatively concluded that the vesicles, and their contents, form a barrier to water movement within these cells. X-ray microanalysis of unfixed thin sections shows that there is a concentration gradient of ions within these cells in aestivating animals which is not present in stimulated snails.", "contents": "Water regulation in aestivating snails. Ultrastructural and analytical evidence for an unusual cellular phenomenon. Aestivating snails form abundant lamellate vesicles in the cells of the mantle collar, an epithelium known to regulate the rate at which water is lost from its surface. Since lamellate vesicles are much reduced in hydrated mantle tissue of recently stimulated animals it is tentatively concluded that the vesicles, and their contents, form a barrier to water movement within these cells. X-ray microanalysis of unfixed thin sections shows that there is a concentration gradient of ions within these cells in aestivating animals which is not present in stimulated snails.", "PMID": 991251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4156", "title": "The pit cell: description of a new type of cell occurring in rat liver sinusoids and peripheral blood.", "content": "Pit cells--a new type of cell first described here and so named because they contain highly characteristic granules--are situated in the wall of rat liver sinusoids, and have hyaloplasmic pseudopodia intermingling with the microvilli of the parenchymal cells. The characteristic granules are mainly situated at one side of the nucleus, the other side showing organelle-free hyaloplasm. Pit cells are also found in portal tracts and in granuloma-like cellular aggregates. They also occur in rat peripheral blood, although there are morphological differences between cells in these two sites. Pit cells can be regarded as regular inhabitants of the sinusoidal wall, and therefore belong to the series of sinusoidal cells, i.e., the endothelial (Wisse, 1972), Kupffer (Widmann et al., 1972; Wisse and Daems, 1970; Wisse, 1974a, b), and fat-storing cells (Ito, 1973). Pit cells do not phagocytose and do not react to a great number of experimental conditions, to which endothelial and Kupffer cells do react (Wisse, 1972, 1974b). Mitosis has been observed in a pit cell. The function of pit cells remains obscure, but an endocrine function is suggested by the morphology of their highly characteristic granules.", "contents": "The pit cell: description of a new type of cell occurring in rat liver sinusoids and peripheral blood. Pit cells--a new type of cell first described here and so named because they contain highly characteristic granules--are situated in the wall of rat liver sinusoids, and have hyaloplasmic pseudopodia intermingling with the microvilli of the parenchymal cells. The characteristic granules are mainly situated at one side of the nucleus, the other side showing organelle-free hyaloplasm. Pit cells are also found in portal tracts and in granuloma-like cellular aggregates. They also occur in rat peripheral blood, although there are morphological differences between cells in these two sites. Pit cells can be regarded as regular inhabitants of the sinusoidal wall, and therefore belong to the series of sinusoidal cells, i.e., the endothelial (Wisse, 1972), Kupffer (Widmann et al., 1972; Wisse and Daems, 1970; Wisse, 1974a, b), and fat-storing cells (Ito, 1973). Pit cells do not phagocytose and do not react to a great number of experimental conditions, to which endothelial and Kupffer cells do react (Wisse, 1972, 1974b). Mitosis has been observed in a pit cell. The function of pit cells remains obscure, but an endocrine function is suggested by the morphology of their highly characteristic granules.", "PMID": 991252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4157", "title": "Structural alterations of rabbit ovarian follicles after mating with special reference to the overlying surface epithelium.", "content": "Rabbit ovarian preovulatory follicles and in particular the overlying surface epithelium were studied by morphological and ultrahistochemical means at different times after mating. By light microscopy an increase of cytoplasmic granules was found in the surface epithelium at the follicle apex 4 h after mating. The granules increased in amount and showed maximal accumulation 8-9 h after mating. They then disappeared at the same time as the connective tissue elements in the underlying tunica albuginea and theca externa disintegrated. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the membrane-bounded granules or dense bodies fused with one another and by 8 h after mating they often changed character and appeared more electron lucent. Furthermore, open communications were found between altered granules and vacuoles and between vacuoles and the extracellular space below the epithelium. Acid phosphatase reaction product was localized to the granules and Golgi cisternae. Not all the dense bodies were enzyme positive. At later stages, close to the time of follicle rupture, the epithelial cells were attenuated and thin, with only a few granules. By scanning electron microscopy it was found that the epithelial cells at the follicle apex increased in size approaching the time of follicle rupture and that their microvilli decreased in number and in size. At 8 h and later, the contours of intracellular granules could be visualized. The results of this study were similar to those found when rabbits were induced to ovulate by HCG-stimulation. This further strengthens the hypothesis that the surface epithelium contributes porteolytic enzymes which help to disintegrate the follicle apex prior to rupture.", "contents": "Structural alterations of rabbit ovarian follicles after mating with special reference to the overlying surface epithelium. Rabbit ovarian preovulatory follicles and in particular the overlying surface epithelium were studied by morphological and ultrahistochemical means at different times after mating. By light microscopy an increase of cytoplasmic granules was found in the surface epithelium at the follicle apex 4 h after mating. The granules increased in amount and showed maximal accumulation 8-9 h after mating. They then disappeared at the same time as the connective tissue elements in the underlying tunica albuginea and theca externa disintegrated. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the membrane-bounded granules or dense bodies fused with one another and by 8 h after mating they often changed character and appeared more electron lucent. Furthermore, open communications were found between altered granules and vacuoles and between vacuoles and the extracellular space below the epithelium. Acid phosphatase reaction product was localized to the granules and Golgi cisternae. Not all the dense bodies were enzyme positive. At later stages, close to the time of follicle rupture, the epithelial cells were attenuated and thin, with only a few granules. By scanning electron microscopy it was found that the epithelial cells at the follicle apex increased in size approaching the time of follicle rupture and that their microvilli decreased in number and in size. At 8 h and later, the contours of intracellular granules could be visualized. The results of this study were similar to those found when rabbits were induced to ovulate by HCG-stimulation. This further strengthens the hypothesis that the surface epithelium contributes porteolytic enzymes which help to disintegrate the follicle apex prior to rupture.", "PMID": 991253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4158", "title": "The membrane systems of the cardiac muscle cell of Tmetonyx cicada O. Fabricius (Crustacea, Amphipoda).", "content": "The membrane systems of the cardiac muscle cell of the amphipod Tmetonyx cicada (O. Fabricus) are described. The sarcolemma invaginates and forms a transverse network of tubules at the level of the Z band. Narrow longitudinal tubules branch from the network and connect to another transverse network of tubules at the H band level, where dyadic and triadic junctions are formed with the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Adjacent myofibrils are normally separated by a well developed double layer of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In areas where the myofibrils closely approach the outer sarcolemma, peripheral couplings have been found at the level of the H band.", "contents": "The membrane systems of the cardiac muscle cell of Tmetonyx cicada O. Fabricius (Crustacea, Amphipoda). The membrane systems of the cardiac muscle cell of the amphipod Tmetonyx cicada (O. Fabricus) are described. The sarcolemma invaginates and forms a transverse network of tubules at the level of the Z band. Narrow longitudinal tubules branch from the network and connect to another transverse network of tubules at the H band level, where dyadic and triadic junctions are formed with the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Adjacent myofibrils are normally separated by a well developed double layer of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In areas where the myofibrils closely approach the outer sarcolemma, peripheral couplings have been found at the level of the H band.", "PMID": 991254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4159", "title": "The ultrastructure of basal cells of rat and dog prostate.", "content": "The ultrastructure of the basal cells of rat lateral and ventral prostate and of dog prostate has been studied. Basal cells from both species appear as undifferentiated cells, characterised by a lack of cytoplasmic organelles and a poorly developed Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum. The presence of cytoplasmic filaments and micropinocytosis is not considered to be sufficient evidence to assume any similarity to myoepithelium, as has been previously suggested. Basal cells are instead considered to be precursors of secretory epithelial cells.", "contents": "The ultrastructure of basal cells of rat and dog prostate. The ultrastructure of the basal cells of rat lateral and ventral prostate and of dog prostate has been studied. Basal cells from both species appear as undifferentiated cells, characterised by a lack of cytoplasmic organelles and a poorly developed Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum. The presence of cytoplasmic filaments and micropinocytosis is not considered to be sufficient evidence to assume any similarity to myoepithelium, as has been previously suggested. Basal cells are instead considered to be precursors of secretory epithelial cells.", "PMID": 991255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4160", "title": "The pineal gland of the mole-rat (Spalax ehrenbergi, Nehring). I. The fine structure of pinealocytes.", "content": "The ultrastructure of pinealocytes of the mole-rat (Spalax ehrenbergi), a blind subterranean mammal living in complete darkness, was examined and compared with pinealocytes of other mammals. Two different populations of pinealocytes (I and II) were observed. They differed in general aspect. In location and especially in their content of cell organelles involved in synthetic processes. Mitochondria, ribosomes, granular endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, lipid inclusions and glycogen granules were present in the perikarya of pinealocytes of both populations. In the pinealocyte of population I some granular vesicles were occasionally observed in the cell body. Their presumed origin from the Golgi apparatus could not be clearly demonstrated. In the perikaryon of this pinealocyte, concentrations of ribosomes and of cisternae of the granular endoplasmic reticulum were constantly observed. These concentrations may indicate an intensive synthetic activity. Pinealocytes of population II were characterized by accumulations of proteinaceous material in some cisternae of the granular endoplasmic reticulum and between the two layers of the nuclear membrane. The origin of these peculiar elements is discussed.", "contents": "The pineal gland of the mole-rat (Spalax ehrenbergi, Nehring). I. The fine structure of pinealocytes. The ultrastructure of pinealocytes of the mole-rat (Spalax ehrenbergi), a blind subterranean mammal living in complete darkness, was examined and compared with pinealocytes of other mammals. Two different populations of pinealocytes (I and II) were observed. They differed in general aspect. In location and especially in their content of cell organelles involved in synthetic processes. Mitochondria, ribosomes, granular endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, lipid inclusions and glycogen granules were present in the perikarya of pinealocytes of both populations. In the pinealocyte of population I some granular vesicles were occasionally observed in the cell body. Their presumed origin from the Golgi apparatus could not be clearly demonstrated. In the perikaryon of this pinealocyte, concentrations of ribosomes and of cisternae of the granular endoplasmic reticulum were constantly observed. These concentrations may indicate an intensive synthetic activity. Pinealocytes of population II were characterized by accumulations of proteinaceous material in some cisternae of the granular endoplasmic reticulum and between the two layers of the nuclear membrane. The origin of these peculiar elements is discussed.", "PMID": 991256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4161", "title": "A combined scanning and transmission electron microscopic study and electron probe microanalysis of human pineal acervuli.", "content": "Untreated, decalcified and trypsinized acervuli from human pineal bodies were studied with the scanning and transmission electron microscope as well as by electron probe microanalysis. The mulberry-like acervuli are composed of a various number of spherical lobes (135-800 mum) between which clustered groups of globuli (4--14 mum in diameter) are observed. The acervular lobes are very probably formed by an aggregation of these globuli. Small round particles 125--500 A in diameter are observed on the surface of the pineal concretions. These are not influenced by either decalcification or trypsin treatment. The acervular mineral corresponds morphologically to hydroxyapatite. The electron probe microanalysis reveals the existence of calcium and phosphorus as main components of the acervuli. Small quantities of magnesium and strontium were also detected.", "contents": "A combined scanning and transmission electron microscopic study and electron probe microanalysis of human pineal acervuli. Untreated, decalcified and trypsinized acervuli from human pineal bodies were studied with the scanning and transmission electron microscope as well as by electron probe microanalysis. The mulberry-like acervuli are composed of a various number of spherical lobes (135-800 mum) between which clustered groups of globuli (4--14 mum in diameter) are observed. The acervular lobes are very probably formed by an aggregation of these globuli. Small round particles 125--500 A in diameter are observed on the surface of the pineal concretions. These are not influenced by either decalcification or trypsin treatment. The acervular mineral corresponds morphologically to hydroxyapatite. The electron probe microanalysis reveals the existence of calcium and phosphorus as main components of the acervuli. Small quantities of magnesium and strontium were also detected.", "PMID": 991257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4162", "title": "Ciliated neurons and different types of synapses in anterior hypothalamic nuclei of reptiles.", "content": "The magnocellular paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei and the parvocellular preoptic and periventricular nuclei have been studied by light and electron microscopy in Emys orbicularis, Lacerta agilis and Elaphe longissima. The ultrastructure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting neurons was described in the preoptic and periventricular nuclei of Emys and Lacerta species. Single 9 X 2 + 0 cilia similar to those of the CSF-contacting dendritic terminals were found on perikarya of non CSF-contacting nerve cells, in all four investigated nuclei. The cilia project from funnel-like invaginations of the perikarya into the intercellular space. In the neurons of the nuclei studied, granular vesicles were found, their size being mainly 1,600 A in the paraventricular nucleus, about 1,800 A in the supraoptic nucleus, 1,100 A in the periventricular nucleus and 800 A, or up to 1,250 A in the preoptic nucleus. In general, the neurons possess synapses of the axo-somatic, axo-somatic spine, axo-dendritic and axo-dendritic spine types. In the supraoptic nucleus, multiple interdigitated synapses were observed. Presynaptically, eif different sizes (600 to 800 A, about 1,100 A, 1250 A, and up to 2,000 A) were found. It is discussed whether the above described 9 X 2 + 0 cilia may represent some kind of hypothalamic sensory structure that earlier physiological studies postulated to exist. The ciliated hypothalamic perikarya are considered by the authors to be a more differentiated form of the CSF-contacting neurons. The different types of synapses indicate multilateral connections of the nerve cells of the nuclei studied.", "contents": "Ciliated neurons and different types of synapses in anterior hypothalamic nuclei of reptiles. The magnocellular paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei and the parvocellular preoptic and periventricular nuclei have been studied by light and electron microscopy in Emys orbicularis, Lacerta agilis and Elaphe longissima. The ultrastructure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting neurons was described in the preoptic and periventricular nuclei of Emys and Lacerta species. Single 9 X 2 + 0 cilia similar to those of the CSF-contacting dendritic terminals were found on perikarya of non CSF-contacting nerve cells, in all four investigated nuclei. The cilia project from funnel-like invaginations of the perikarya into the intercellular space. In the neurons of the nuclei studied, granular vesicles were found, their size being mainly 1,600 A in the paraventricular nucleus, about 1,800 A in the supraoptic nucleus, 1,100 A in the periventricular nucleus and 800 A, or up to 1,250 A in the preoptic nucleus. In general, the neurons possess synapses of the axo-somatic, axo-somatic spine, axo-dendritic and axo-dendritic spine types. In the supraoptic nucleus, multiple interdigitated synapses were observed. Presynaptically, eif different sizes (600 to 800 A, about 1,100 A, 1250 A, and up to 2,000 A) were found. It is discussed whether the above described 9 X 2 + 0 cilia may represent some kind of hypothalamic sensory structure that earlier physiological studies postulated to exist. The ciliated hypothalamic perikarya are considered by the authors to be a more differentiated form of the CSF-contacting neurons. The different types of synapses indicate multilateral connections of the nerve cells of the nuclei studied.", "PMID": 991258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4163", "title": "Cytophysiology and innervation of gonadotropic cells in the pituitary of the black molly (Poecilia latipinna). An electron microscopical study.", "content": "In the male black molly, poecilia latipinna, morphological and functional aspects of the gonadotropic (GTH-)cells have been studied at the ultrastructural level. The cells exclusively occupy the ventral and lateral areas of the meso-adenohypophysis. In the black molly there is evidence of the presence of only one type of gonadotropic cell. In the GTH-cells of most specimens, the rough endoplasmic reticulum is weakly developed. The secretory vesicles are characterized by cores with varying diameters; this variation was not observed in the secretory vesicles of the other types of pituitary cells, except in the TSH-cells. After applying a histochemical method for the demonstration of polysaccharides, small black deposits appear in the core of the secretory vesicles of the GTH- and TSH-cells only; this indicates the glycoproteinaceous nature of the hormones produced in these cells. Male black mollies treated with methyl-testosterone have significantly smaller GTH-cells and a lesser number of secretory vesicles and mitochondria in these cells. GTH-cell activity in Poeciliinae may be thus influenced by androgens by means of a negative feed-back mechanism. The GTH-cells are innervated by both type A and type B neurosecretory fibres. There are indications that the type A fibres may originate from the pars lateralis cells of the nucleus lateralis tuberis; the origin of the type B fibres is uncertain.", "contents": "Cytophysiology and innervation of gonadotropic cells in the pituitary of the black molly (Poecilia latipinna). An electron microscopical study. In the male black molly, poecilia latipinna, morphological and functional aspects of the gonadotropic (GTH-)cells have been studied at the ultrastructural level. The cells exclusively occupy the ventral and lateral areas of the meso-adenohypophysis. In the black molly there is evidence of the presence of only one type of gonadotropic cell. In the GTH-cells of most specimens, the rough endoplasmic reticulum is weakly developed. The secretory vesicles are characterized by cores with varying diameters; this variation was not observed in the secretory vesicles of the other types of pituitary cells, except in the TSH-cells. After applying a histochemical method for the demonstration of polysaccharides, small black deposits appear in the core of the secretory vesicles of the GTH- and TSH-cells only; this indicates the glycoproteinaceous nature of the hormones produced in these cells. Male black mollies treated with methyl-testosterone have significantly smaller GTH-cells and a lesser number of secretory vesicles and mitochondria in these cells. GTH-cell activity in Poeciliinae may be thus influenced by androgens by means of a negative feed-back mechanism. The GTH-cells are innervated by both type A and type B neurosecretory fibres. There are indications that the type A fibres may originate from the pars lateralis cells of the nucleus lateralis tuberis; the origin of the type B fibres is uncertain.", "PMID": 991259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4164", "title": "The fine structure of polychaete septate junctions.", "content": "Epidermal septate junctions of Nereis sp. and Cirriformia sp. fixed with OsO4 or glutaraldehyde/OsO4 display variable structure in electron micrographs. In transverse section the septa are often indistinct and obscured by opaque material that fills the junctional cleft. Septa (spaced at 180--280 A) are more clearly defined in slightly oblique transverse section; they exhibit an electron lucent center and appear to be linked by arms. En face views of the junction show a honeycomb pattern. Cytoplasmic faces of junctional membranes are backed with plaques opposite the septa. Lanthanum used as a tracer delineates junctional structure in negative contrast. In transverse section a chain-like lattice is present in the junctional cleft. En face vies show parallel rows of pleated elements often linked by arms into honeycomb arrays. Oblique sections demonstrate that these pleated elements are continuous with the chain-like lattice seen in transverse sections. Lanthanum does not pass entirely through the junction. Lanthanum reveals that the septa have a very intricate substructure, but it is difficult to visualize the architecture that could generate the various images presented by these junctions when seen in different orientations. However, it is clear that these junctions possess some features that are diagnostic of several supposedly different types of septate junctions in invertebrates.", "contents": "The fine structure of polychaete septate junctions. Epidermal septate junctions of Nereis sp. and Cirriformia sp. fixed with OsO4 or glutaraldehyde/OsO4 display variable structure in electron micrographs. In transverse section the septa are often indistinct and obscured by opaque material that fills the junctional cleft. Septa (spaced at 180--280 A) are more clearly defined in slightly oblique transverse section; they exhibit an electron lucent center and appear to be linked by arms. En face views of the junction show a honeycomb pattern. Cytoplasmic faces of junctional membranes are backed with plaques opposite the septa. Lanthanum used as a tracer delineates junctional structure in negative contrast. In transverse section a chain-like lattice is present in the junctional cleft. En face vies show parallel rows of pleated elements often linked by arms into honeycomb arrays. Oblique sections demonstrate that these pleated elements are continuous with the chain-like lattice seen in transverse sections. Lanthanum does not pass entirely through the junction. Lanthanum reveals that the septa have a very intricate substructure, but it is difficult to visualize the architecture that could generate the various images presented by these junctions when seen in different orientations. However, it is clear that these junctions possess some features that are diagnostic of several supposedly different types of septate junctions in invertebrates.", "PMID": 991260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4165", "title": "\"Axonal spheroids\" in the spinal cord of normal rabbits.", "content": "Within the gray matter and the white matter of the spinal cord of apparently healthy rabbits, myelinated and unmyelinated axonal swellings, so callled \"xonal spheroids\", occur. Most of the spheroids contain mitochondria, dense bodies, vesicles and fragments of the tubular or smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In myelinated spheroids the process of swelling is effected by slippage of the myelin leaflets. At the periphery of the unmyelinated parts of the spheroids, synapses are regularly found. The presynpatic terminal bouton is formed by the spheroid. A few myelinated and unmyelinated spheroids are packed with fine granular material while mitochondria are lacking. The axonal spheroids may represent a physiological, perhaps agedependent phenomenon.", "contents": "\"Axonal spheroids\" in the spinal cord of normal rabbits. Within the gray matter and the white matter of the spinal cord of apparently healthy rabbits, myelinated and unmyelinated axonal swellings, so callled \"xonal spheroids\", occur. Most of the spheroids contain mitochondria, dense bodies, vesicles and fragments of the tubular or smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In myelinated spheroids the process of swelling is effected by slippage of the myelin leaflets. At the periphery of the unmyelinated parts of the spheroids, synapses are regularly found. The presynpatic terminal bouton is formed by the spheroid. A few myelinated and unmyelinated spheroids are packed with fine granular material while mitochondria are lacking. The axonal spheroids may represent a physiological, perhaps agedependent phenomenon.", "PMID": 991261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4166", "title": "Comparison of left and right ventricular function in acute myocardial infarction.", "content": "Pulmonary arterial end-diastolic and mean right atrial pressures were compared in 25 patients with acute myocardial infarction and in one patient with unstable angina. No consistent relationship was observed between these pressures. Simultaneous ventricular function curves relating the stroke work of each ventricle to its respective filling pressure were constructed on 34 occasions, dextran infusion or diuresis being used to alter the filling pressure. The curves from each ventricle were described mathematically by a quadratic (parabolic) function as well as by a straight line function and then compared by canonical correlation analysis. Alterations in the left ventricular function curves occurred with and without depression or right ventricular function curves. These hemodynamic measurements demonstrate that acute myocardial infarction can alter the relationship between left and right ventricular function.", "contents": "Comparison of left and right ventricular function in acute myocardial infarction. Pulmonary arterial end-diastolic and mean right atrial pressures were compared in 25 patients with acute myocardial infarction and in one patient with unstable angina. No consistent relationship was observed between these pressures. Simultaneous ventricular function curves relating the stroke work of each ventricle to its respective filling pressure were constructed on 34 occasions, dextran infusion or diuresis being used to alter the filling pressure. The curves from each ventricle were described mathematically by a quadratic (parabolic) function as well as by a straight line function and then compared by canonical correlation analysis. Alterations in the left ventricular function curves occurred with and without depression or right ventricular function curves. These hemodynamic measurements demonstrate that acute myocardial infarction can alter the relationship between left and right ventricular function.", "PMID": 991262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4167", "title": "Caliber and distribution of normal coronary arterial anatomy.", "content": "Selective coronary arteriograms of 125 patients with normal coronary arteries were reviewed to establish the caliber and distribution of normal coronary arterial anatomy. Measurements established the following normal values for coronary arterial caliber in right (R), (M), and left (L) inferior emphasis systems expressed in mm (+/-SEM): (See article). Significant differences in the caliber of right coronary arterial systems and left circumflex coronary arterial systems validate the separation of coronary arterial anatomy into right, mixed, and left inferior emphasis systems, depending upon the blood supply to the inferior wall of the left ventricle. Classification of the anatomical pattern into right, mixed, and left inferior emphasis systems is useful in the cardiac catheterization laboratory at the time of selective coronary arteriography. If the expected distribution of the coronary vessels is not found, then missing vessels must be sought out. A knowledge of the range of normal size for the coronary arterial tree should be of value in defining the severity of coronary arterial narrowing.", "contents": "Caliber and distribution of normal coronary arterial anatomy. Selective coronary arteriograms of 125 patients with normal coronary arteries were reviewed to establish the caliber and distribution of normal coronary arterial anatomy. Measurements established the following normal values for coronary arterial caliber in right (R), (M), and left (L) inferior emphasis systems expressed in mm (+/-SEM): (See article). Significant differences in the caliber of right coronary arterial systems and left circumflex coronary arterial systems validate the separation of coronary arterial anatomy into right, mixed, and left inferior emphasis systems, depending upon the blood supply to the inferior wall of the left ventricle. Classification of the anatomical pattern into right, mixed, and left inferior emphasis systems is useful in the cardiac catheterization laboratory at the time of selective coronary arteriography. If the expected distribution of the coronary vessels is not found, then missing vessels must be sought out. A knowledge of the range of normal size for the coronary arterial tree should be of value in defining the severity of coronary arterial narrowing.", "PMID": 991263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4168", "title": "The clinical and angiographic spectrum of isolated, nondominant, left circumflex coronary disease.", "content": "Sixteen of 994 patients with arteriosclerotic heart disease and dominant right coronary arteries had isolated left circumflex obstruction. Of these, 6 patients had significant (75%) narrowing in the main circumflex, 10 in 1 or the marginal branches and 1 in the atrioventricular groove branch. Angina was mild in 5, moderate to severe in 8, and unstable in 1. Four patients had prior myocardial infarction (MI), and 1 had a recent MI complicated by posterior papillary muscle rupture. The EKG was normal in 5, showed an MI in 2, LBBB in 1, RBBB in 2, ST-T wave changes in 3, LVH in 2, and atrial fibrillation in 2. Left ventricular angiography performed in the right anterior oblique projection revealed normal contraction in 9 patients, apical hypokinesis in 4, posterobasal hypokinesis in 1, and diffuse hypokinesis in 2. The left ventribular end diastolic pressure was normal in 11 patients and elevated in 5. The cardiac index was normal in 12 patients and reduced in 2. Isolated, nondominant, left circumflex coronary disease is an uncommon entity in symptomatic patients. However, when present, it may produce significant clinical and hemodynamic impairment.", "contents": "The clinical and angiographic spectrum of isolated, nondominant, left circumflex coronary disease. Sixteen of 994 patients with arteriosclerotic heart disease and dominant right coronary arteries had isolated left circumflex obstruction. Of these, 6 patients had significant (75%) narrowing in the main circumflex, 10 in 1 or the marginal branches and 1 in the atrioventricular groove branch. Angina was mild in 5, moderate to severe in 8, and unstable in 1. Four patients had prior myocardial infarction (MI), and 1 had a recent MI complicated by posterior papillary muscle rupture. The EKG was normal in 5, showed an MI in 2, LBBB in 1, RBBB in 2, ST-T wave changes in 3, LVH in 2, and atrial fibrillation in 2. Left ventricular angiography performed in the right anterior oblique projection revealed normal contraction in 9 patients, apical hypokinesis in 4, posterobasal hypokinesis in 1, and diffuse hypokinesis in 2. The left ventribular end diastolic pressure was normal in 11 patients and elevated in 5. The cardiac index was normal in 12 patients and reduced in 2. Isolated, nondominant, left circumflex coronary disease is an uncommon entity in symptomatic patients. However, when present, it may produce significant clinical and hemodynamic impairment.", "PMID": 991264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4169", "title": "Noninvasive diagnostic evaluation of the normal Beall mitral prosthesis.", "content": "Phonocardiography and echocardiography were used to examine 20 patients with a normally functioning Beall disc mitral valve prosthesis. Phonocardiographic intervals were: Q-S1 interval 67 +/- 3 msec; A2-OC interval 118 +/- 8 msec. Maximal variation of the Q-S1 interval within one examination was 21 +/- 2 msec, for A2-OC interval it was 31 +/- 5 msec. Echocardiographic disc velocities were: opening velocity 296 +/- 30 mm/sec, closing velocity 414 +/- 44 mm/sec. Maximal variation of the opening velocity was 126 +/- 25 msec; maximal variation of the closing velocity was 334 +/- 57 msec. Abnormal poppet function was suspected in one patient with unusual prolongation and variability of A2-OC interval.", "contents": "Noninvasive diagnostic evaluation of the normal Beall mitral prosthesis. Phonocardiography and echocardiography were used to examine 20 patients with a normally functioning Beall disc mitral valve prosthesis. Phonocardiographic intervals were: Q-S1 interval 67 +/- 3 msec; A2-OC interval 118 +/- 8 msec. Maximal variation of the Q-S1 interval within one examination was 21 +/- 2 msec, for A2-OC interval it was 31 +/- 5 msec. Echocardiographic disc velocities were: opening velocity 296 +/- 30 mm/sec, closing velocity 414 +/- 44 mm/sec. Maximal variation of the opening velocity was 126 +/- 25 msec; maximal variation of the closing velocity was 334 +/- 57 msec. Abnormal poppet function was suspected in one patient with unusual prolongation and variability of A2-OC interval.", "PMID": 991265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4170", "title": "Treatment of angiographically produced cord seizures by intra-arterial diazepam.", "content": "10 MG OF Diazepam administered into the lumbar artery supplying the artery of Adamkiewicz abolished cord seizures produced by accidental flooding of the cord with a high concentration of contrast material. Selective intra-arterial Diazepam is a safe and effective method of controlling cord seizures.", "contents": "Treatment of angiographically produced cord seizures by intra-arterial diazepam. 10 MG OF Diazepam administered into the lumbar artery supplying the artery of Adamkiewicz abolished cord seizures produced by accidental flooding of the cord with a high concentration of contrast material. Selective intra-arterial Diazepam is a safe and effective method of controlling cord seizures.", "PMID": 991266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4171", "title": "Coronary artery dissection - a complication of cardiac catheterization without sequelae: case report and review of the literature.", "content": "This report describes an acute right coronary artery dissection occurring during diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Following catheter manipulation in the vicinity of the aortic valve, the patient complained of mild chest discomfort and had transient electrocardiographic evidence of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction with runs of 2:1 atrioventricular block. Within 5 min, the EKG reverted to precatheterization appearance, and the patient was asymptomatic. Coronary angiography revealed a dissection of the proximal vessel without obstruction. The patient had no clinical sequelae while monitored in the intensive care unit. The patient underwent elective aortic and mitral valve replacement. The area of the dissection was directly visualized, and no abnormality was noted. We review the literature of spontaneous and iatrogenic coronary artery dissections with regard to pathology, diagnosis, and prognosis, and make recommendations for therapy.", "contents": "Coronary artery dissection - a complication of cardiac catheterization without sequelae: case report and review of the literature. This report describes an acute right coronary artery dissection occurring during diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Following catheter manipulation in the vicinity of the aortic valve, the patient complained of mild chest discomfort and had transient electrocardiographic evidence of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction with runs of 2:1 atrioventricular block. Within 5 min, the EKG reverted to precatheterization appearance, and the patient was asymptomatic. Coronary angiography revealed a dissection of the proximal vessel without obstruction. The patient had no clinical sequelae while monitored in the intensive care unit. The patient underwent elective aortic and mitral valve replacement. The area of the dissection was directly visualized, and no abnormality was noted. We review the literature of spontaneous and iatrogenic coronary artery dissections with regard to pathology, diagnosis, and prognosis, and make recommendations for therapy.", "PMID": 991267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4172", "title": "Pulmonary arteriography in congenital heart disease.", "content": "Pulmonary outflow tract obstruction may occur at subvalve, valve, or pulmonary artery level. Selective ventriculography will usually define the intracardiac obstruction (whether valve, subvalve, or both) and may define pulmonary arterial abnormalities. Increasing experience in the surgical management of patients with tetralogy of Fallot and other conotruncal abnormalities characterized by significant pulmonary outflow tract obstruction suggests that preoperative recognition of pulmonary arterial stenosis is essential to the successful operative management of these patients (1-4). Because of the anatomicospacial relationships of the pulmonary arteries in \"simple\" (tetralogy of Fallot) and complex conotruncal malformations, selective ventriculography may not invariably provide sufficient detail about the morphologic state of the pulmonary arteries. Similarly, even selective pulmonary arteriography in the standard anterioposterior, lateral, and oblique views may not always allow accurate anatomic assessment of these vessels. Therefore, we wish to document a maneuver that has proved valuable in the assessment of pulmonary arteries during selective pulmonary arteriography. This maneuver was originally suggested to Peter M. Olley by Dr. L. M. Bargeron, Jr., and the surgical valve obtained from this angiographic view was stressed by Dr. John Kirklin in his John Keith lecture at the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (5). Although it is being used at some cardiovascular centers, we feel its application warrants this report.", "contents": "Pulmonary arteriography in congenital heart disease. Pulmonary outflow tract obstruction may occur at subvalve, valve, or pulmonary artery level. Selective ventriculography will usually define the intracardiac obstruction (whether valve, subvalve, or both) and may define pulmonary arterial abnormalities. Increasing experience in the surgical management of patients with tetralogy of Fallot and other conotruncal abnormalities characterized by significant pulmonary outflow tract obstruction suggests that preoperative recognition of pulmonary arterial stenosis is essential to the successful operative management of these patients (1-4). Because of the anatomicospacial relationships of the pulmonary arteries in \"simple\" (tetralogy of Fallot) and complex conotruncal malformations, selective ventriculography may not invariably provide sufficient detail about the morphologic state of the pulmonary arteries. Similarly, even selective pulmonary arteriography in the standard anterioposterior, lateral, and oblique views may not always allow accurate anatomic assessment of these vessels. Therefore, we wish to document a maneuver that has proved valuable in the assessment of pulmonary arteries during selective pulmonary arteriography. This maneuver was originally suggested to Peter M. Olley by Dr. L. M. Bargeron, Jr., and the surgical valve obtained from this angiographic view was stressed by Dr. John Kirklin in his John Keith lecture at the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (5). Although it is being used at some cardiovascular centers, we feel its application warrants this report.", "PMID": 991268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4173", "title": "Induction by ouabain of hemoglobin synthesis in cultured Friend erythroleukemic cells.", "content": "Induction of erythroid differentiation in ouabain-resistant murine erythroleukemia cells by ouabain is reported. Ouabain induction results in the appearance of hemoglobin-containing cells 12-24 hr earlier than induction of the same clone by dimethyl sulfoxide. The levels of globin mRNA after ouabain induction are similar in amount to the globin mRNA levels observed after induction by dimethyl sulfoxide. The concentration of ouabain required to induce hemoglobin synthesis depends upon the K+ ion levels in the culture medium. Lowering the extracellular K+ ion concentration 2-4 fold reduced by 10-40 fold the ouabain concentration necessary for the induction of hemoglobin synthesis. In low K+ medium (1.8 mM), ouabain is an effective inducer of hemoglobin synthesis at a concentration of 0.02 mM. This K+ effect is specific for ouabain induction, since induction by other inducers, such as dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl acetamide, does not exhibit this marked sensitivity to the levels of K+ ions in the culture medium. These results suggest that the binding of ouabain to the plasma membrane enzyme, Na/K ATPase, is required for the induction of erythroid differentiation by ouabain. A small but significant proportion of wild-type, ouabain-sensitive cells also can be induced by ouabain, below ouabain concentrations that are toxic to these cells. The observation that the binding of ouabain to the Na/K ATPase induces hemoglobin synthesis suggests that changes in the intracellular concentration of K+ ions may be involved in the control of erythroid differentiation in Friend erythroleukemic cells.", "contents": "Induction by ouabain of hemoglobin synthesis in cultured Friend erythroleukemic cells. Induction of erythroid differentiation in ouabain-resistant murine erythroleukemia cells by ouabain is reported. Ouabain induction results in the appearance of hemoglobin-containing cells 12-24 hr earlier than induction of the same clone by dimethyl sulfoxide. The levels of globin mRNA after ouabain induction are similar in amount to the globin mRNA levels observed after induction by dimethyl sulfoxide. The concentration of ouabain required to induce hemoglobin synthesis depends upon the K+ ion levels in the culture medium. Lowering the extracellular K+ ion concentration 2-4 fold reduced by 10-40 fold the ouabain concentration necessary for the induction of hemoglobin synthesis. In low K+ medium (1.8 mM), ouabain is an effective inducer of hemoglobin synthesis at a concentration of 0.02 mM. This K+ effect is specific for ouabain induction, since induction by other inducers, such as dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl acetamide, does not exhibit this marked sensitivity to the levels of K+ ions in the culture medium. These results suggest that the binding of ouabain to the plasma membrane enzyme, Na/K ATPase, is required for the induction of erythroid differentiation by ouabain. A small but significant proportion of wild-type, ouabain-sensitive cells also can be induced by ouabain, below ouabain concentrations that are toxic to these cells. The observation that the binding of ouabain to the Na/K ATPase induces hemoglobin synthesis suggests that changes in the intracellular concentration of K+ ions may be involved in the control of erythroid differentiation in Friend erythroleukemic cells.", "PMID": 991269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4174", "title": "Transfer of murine intracisternal A particle phenotype in chloramphenicol-resistant cytoplasts.", "content": "Murine intracisternal A particles have a number of properties which are common to known RNA tumor viruses, but horizontal transmission has not been previously demonstrated. The apparent absence of infectivity may be related to the failure of these particles to be released from cisternae of endo-plasmic reticulum. Previous biological studies using isolated, purified A particles have been compromised by the fact that the isolation procedure requires small amounts of nonionic detergent. Using some techniques of somatic cell hybridization, we have assessed the capacity for A particle genome transfer from positive to negative cells. Since it has been previously shown that some chloramphenicol-resistant cell lines can transfer this resistance in the cytoplasm, we have used this characteristic as a marker for cytoplasmic fragments. Mouse cells containing A particles were mutagenized, and clones resistant to chloramphenicol were selected; by enucleating these cells and fusing the resultant cytoplasts to each of two recipient mouse cell lines negative for A particles, it is possible to identify clones of cells known to be the product of a fusion event between a cytoplast and a whole cell (cybrids). Under these conditions, intracisternal A particles appear in the cybrid clones as a phenotypic trait that has not been segregated over at least 60-80 cell generations.", "contents": "Transfer of murine intracisternal A particle phenotype in chloramphenicol-resistant cytoplasts. Murine intracisternal A particles have a number of properties which are common to known RNA tumor viruses, but horizontal transmission has not been previously demonstrated. The apparent absence of infectivity may be related to the failure of these particles to be released from cisternae of endo-plasmic reticulum. Previous biological studies using isolated, purified A particles have been compromised by the fact that the isolation procedure requires small amounts of nonionic detergent. Using some techniques of somatic cell hybridization, we have assessed the capacity for A particle genome transfer from positive to negative cells. Since it has been previously shown that some chloramphenicol-resistant cell lines can transfer this resistance in the cytoplasm, we have used this characteristic as a marker for cytoplasmic fragments. Mouse cells containing A particles were mutagenized, and clones resistant to chloramphenicol were selected; by enucleating these cells and fusing the resultant cytoplasts to each of two recipient mouse cell lines negative for A particles, it is possible to identify clones of cells known to be the product of a fusion event between a cytoplast and a whole cell (cybrids). Under these conditions, intracisternal A particles appear in the cybrid clones as a phenotypic trait that has not been segregated over at least 60-80 cell generations.", "PMID": 991270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4175", "title": "A model for chromatin based upon two symmetrically paired half-nucleosomes.", "content": "We propose that the basic unit of chromatin is constructed of two isologously paired heterotypic protein tetramers each containing one molecule of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone. These proteins form a core that holds 140 base pairs (bp) of DNA in a single left-handed, non-interwound DNA super-coil approximately 95 bp in circumference, creating a nucleosome particle (DNA and protein) organized about a dyad axis of symmetry. Such a nucleosome can open up into its separate half-nucleosomes to allow genetic readout without requiring histone displacement.", "contents": "A model for chromatin based upon two symmetrically paired half-nucleosomes. We propose that the basic unit of chromatin is constructed of two isologously paired heterotypic protein tetramers each containing one molecule of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone. These proteins form a core that holds 140 base pairs (bp) of DNA in a single left-handed, non-interwound DNA super-coil approximately 95 bp in circumference, creating a nucleosome particle (DNA and protein) organized about a dyad axis of symmetry. Such a nucleosome can open up into its separate half-nucleosomes to allow genetic readout without requiring histone displacement.", "PMID": 991271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4176", "title": "Cooperative alignment of nu bodies during chromosome replication in the presence of cycloheximide.", "content": "50% of control DNA is resistant to staphylococcal nuclease after digestion in isolated nuclei, while only 25% of the labeled DNA made in the presence of cycloheximide is resistant to nuclease. Nevertheless, cycloheximide DNA is folded into normal chromosomal subunits as evidence by the observation that it generates nuclease limit-digest DNA fragments that are indistinguishable from controls. These results indicate that cycloheximide chromatin is associated with half the number of normal nu bodies. These nu bodies are probably recycled from the parental chromosome. Partial nuclease digestion of cycloheximide chromatin reveals that a normal pattern of monomer and multimer DNA fragments is generated up to octamers. The data are consistent with the idea that in the presence of cycloheximide, recycled parental histones become cooperatively aligned along the daughter double helices.", "contents": "Cooperative alignment of nu bodies during chromosome replication in the presence of cycloheximide. 50% of control DNA is resistant to staphylococcal nuclease after digestion in isolated nuclei, while only 25% of the labeled DNA made in the presence of cycloheximide is resistant to nuclease. Nevertheless, cycloheximide DNA is folded into normal chromosomal subunits as evidence by the observation that it generates nuclease limit-digest DNA fragments that are indistinguishable from controls. These results indicate that cycloheximide chromatin is associated with half the number of normal nu bodies. These nu bodies are probably recycled from the parental chromosome. Partial nuclease digestion of cycloheximide chromatin reveals that a normal pattern of monomer and multimer DNA fragments is generated up to octamers. The data are consistent with the idea that in the presence of cycloheximide, recycled parental histones become cooperatively aligned along the daughter double helices.", "PMID": 991272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4177", "title": "Studies on the mode of segregation of histone nu bodies during replication in HeLa cells.", "content": "Two models were tested for the mode of distribution of histone nu bodies at the replication fork. The replication fork was labeled by brief incubation of cells with 3H-thymidine. Nuclei were isolated and digested with low levels of micrococcal nuclease, and the kinetics of cleavage of the pulse-labeled chromatin DNA were compared to the kinetics of clevage of perental chromatin DNA. In chromatin labeled for 30 sec to 10 min, the rate of cleavage of the pulse-labeled region into monomeric nu body-sized units exceeded the rate of cleavage of parental chromatin by a factor of 2, but did not approach the predicted value of 5-6 for random segregation. This value dropped to 1.6 in 15 min and was equivalent to perental chromatin in 20 min labeling experiments. DNA synthesized in the presence of cycloheximide was also digested at twice the rate of parental chromatin DNA. A Poisson analysis of the kinetics of cleavage by micrococcal nuclease further confirmed these observations. The predicted difference in the rate of production of monomeric, dimeric, and trimeric deoxyribonucleoprotein units was very similar to the experimental values of both total chromatin and nascent chromatin. Thus the nu body spacings in newly replicated chromatin closely approximate those in parental chromatin. These results agree well with a conservative or nondispersive model of nucleosome distribution in which the proteins are associated with one of the two daughter chromosomes during replication.", "contents": "Studies on the mode of segregation of histone nu bodies during replication in HeLa cells. Two models were tested for the mode of distribution of histone nu bodies at the replication fork. The replication fork was labeled by brief incubation of cells with 3H-thymidine. Nuclei were isolated and digested with low levels of micrococcal nuclease, and the kinetics of cleavage of the pulse-labeled chromatin DNA were compared to the kinetics of clevage of perental chromatin DNA. In chromatin labeled for 30 sec to 10 min, the rate of cleavage of the pulse-labeled region into monomeric nu body-sized units exceeded the rate of cleavage of parental chromatin by a factor of 2, but did not approach the predicted value of 5-6 for random segregation. This value dropped to 1.6 in 15 min and was equivalent to perental chromatin in 20 min labeling experiments. DNA synthesized in the presence of cycloheximide was also digested at twice the rate of parental chromatin DNA. A Poisson analysis of the kinetics of cleavage by micrococcal nuclease further confirmed these observations. The predicted difference in the rate of production of monomeric, dimeric, and trimeric deoxyribonucleoprotein units was very similar to the experimental values of both total chromatin and nascent chromatin. Thus the nu body spacings in newly replicated chromatin closely approximate those in parental chromatin. These results agree well with a conservative or nondispersive model of nucleosome distribution in which the proteins are associated with one of the two daughter chromosomes during replication.", "PMID": 991273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4178", "title": "DNA-dependent in vitro synthesis of fibosomal proteins, protein elongation factors, and RNA polymerase subunit alpha: inhibition by ppGpp.", "content": "We have previously shown that the synthesis of ribosomal proteins (r proteins) in E. coli cells is under stringent control (Dennis and Nomura, 1974). Since guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) has been implicated in stringent control, we examined the effects of ppGpp on the in vitro synthesis of r proteins directed by DNA from transducing phage lambdafus3 and lambdarifd18. lambdafus3 carries genes for protein elongation factors EF-Tu and EF-G, and RNA polymerase subunit alpha, in addition to genes for approximately 27 r proteins. lambdarifd18 carries genes for EF-Tu, RNA polymerase subunits beta and beta1, and a set of rRNAs, in addition to genes for approximately five r proteins. We have shown that low concentrations of ppGpp (0.2-0.3 mM) specifically inhibit DNA-dependent r protein synthesis in this system, and that this inhibition takes place directly, rather than as a consequence of the inhibition of rRNA synthesis by ppGpp. In addition, we have also shown that ppGpp inhibits the synthesis of EF-G, EF-Tu, and RNA polymerase subunit alpha, as well as rRNAs.", "contents": "DNA-dependent in vitro synthesis of fibosomal proteins, protein elongation factors, and RNA polymerase subunit alpha: inhibition by ppGpp. We have previously shown that the synthesis of ribosomal proteins (r proteins) in E. coli cells is under stringent control (Dennis and Nomura, 1974). Since guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) has been implicated in stringent control, we examined the effects of ppGpp on the in vitro synthesis of r proteins directed by DNA from transducing phage lambdafus3 and lambdarifd18. lambdafus3 carries genes for protein elongation factors EF-Tu and EF-G, and RNA polymerase subunit alpha, in addition to genes for approximately 27 r proteins. lambdarifd18 carries genes for EF-Tu, RNA polymerase subunits beta and beta1, and a set of rRNAs, in addition to genes for approximately five r proteins. We have shown that low concentrations of ppGpp (0.2-0.3 mM) specifically inhibit DNA-dependent r protein synthesis in this system, and that this inhibition takes place directly, rather than as a consequence of the inhibition of rRNA synthesis by ppGpp. In addition, we have also shown that ppGpp inhibits the synthesis of EF-G, EF-Tu, and RNA polymerase subunit alpha, as well as rRNAs.", "PMID": 991274} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4179", "title": "hnRNA in HeLa cells: distribution of transcript sizes estimated from nascent molecule profile.", "content": "In HeLa cells, about half the hnRNA is synthesized from transcription units which are less than 5000 bases in length, although over 80% is larger than the average mRNA. This conclusion was derived from a quantitative analysis of the nascent chain sedimentation profile.", "contents": "hnRNA in HeLa cells: distribution of transcript sizes estimated from nascent molecule profile. In HeLa cells, about half the hnRNA is synthesized from transcription units which are less than 5000 bases in length, although over 80% is larger than the average mRNA. This conclusion was derived from a quantitative analysis of the nascent chain sedimentation profile.", "PMID": 991275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4180", "title": "Evidence for a foot-inhibiting substance in hydra.", "content": "Crude extracts of hydra contain a substance or substances which specifically inhibit foot formation in regenerating hydra. This foot inhibitor(s) is probably of low molecular weight, and it is present in the animal in an inactive, structure-bound form as a gradient from foot to head. The foot region contains 60% of this inhibitor in a 7-8 fold higher concentration than the other regions. The foot inhibitor was purified chemically from the head activator (Schaller, 1973) and the 'head' inhibitor (Berking, 1974). It is suggested that the substance under investigation is a new morphogen, responsible for foot inhibition in hydra.", "contents": "Evidence for a foot-inhibiting substance in hydra. Crude extracts of hydra contain a substance or substances which specifically inhibit foot formation in regenerating hydra. This foot inhibitor(s) is probably of low molecular weight, and it is present in the animal in an inactive, structure-bound form as a gradient from foot to head. The foot region contains 60% of this inhibitor in a 7-8 fold higher concentration than the other regions. The foot inhibitor was purified chemically from the head activator (Schaller, 1973) and the 'head' inhibitor (Berking, 1974). It is suggested that the substance under investigation is a new morphogen, responsible for foot inhibition in hydra.", "PMID": 991276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4181", "title": "Intercellular bridges in lizard oogenesis.", "content": "Study of the germinal epithelium in the adult lizard shows that the germ cells constitute clusters of synchronized cells interconnected by intercellular bridges. Such bridges interconnect oogonia as well as early meiotic prophase oocytes (zygo-pachitene). Besides true intercellular bridges in oocytes, there are plasma membrane interruptions forming large zones that ensure cytoplasmic continuity between adjacent cells. In early diplotene, germ cells are isolated. Later, during auxocytosis, when the polymorphic follicular epithelium around the oocyte starts differentiating, intercellular bridges appear between the follicle cells and oocyte. No relationship is observed between the intercellular bridges found in the germinal epithelium and those found between the follicle cells and oocyte.", "contents": "Intercellular bridges in lizard oogenesis. Study of the germinal epithelium in the adult lizard shows that the germ cells constitute clusters of synchronized cells interconnected by intercellular bridges. Such bridges interconnect oogonia as well as early meiotic prophase oocytes (zygo-pachitene). Besides true intercellular bridges in oocytes, there are plasma membrane interruptions forming large zones that ensure cytoplasmic continuity between adjacent cells. In early diplotene, germ cells are isolated. Later, during auxocytosis, when the polymorphic follicular epithelium around the oocyte starts differentiating, intercellular bridges appear between the follicle cells and oocyte. No relationship is observed between the intercellular bridges found in the germinal epithelium and those found between the follicle cells and oocyte.", "PMID": 991277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4182", "title": "1-Hydroxy-2-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine. A useful intermediate in the synthesis of short acyl chain 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholines.", "content": "The synthesis of 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholines in particular those containing short fatty acyl chains are described. The method involves the use of 1-acyl-2-tert-butyl-dimethylsilyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholines which can be readily prepared by reacting hens' egg yolk 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholines with tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane with imidazole as catalyst and dimethylformamide as solvent. Deacylation of the 1-acyl-2-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholines with saturated anhydrous potassium carbonate in methanol yields the 2-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine. Reacylation of the 2-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine with fatty acyl anhydride in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine in anhydrous chloroform followed by removal of the tert-butyldimethylsilyl protecting group by treatment with dry hydrogen chloride gas in anhydrous chloroform at 0 degrees yields the desired 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine. Various facets of the reactions involved in developing the synthetic procedures in this study are discussed.", "contents": "1-Hydroxy-2-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine. A useful intermediate in the synthesis of short acyl chain 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholines. The synthesis of 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholines in particular those containing short fatty acyl chains are described. The method involves the use of 1-acyl-2-tert-butyl-dimethylsilyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholines which can be readily prepared by reacting hens' egg yolk 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholines with tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane with imidazole as catalyst and dimethylformamide as solvent. Deacylation of the 1-acyl-2-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholines with saturated anhydrous potassium carbonate in methanol yields the 2-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine. Reacylation of the 2-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine with fatty acyl anhydride in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine in anhydrous chloroform followed by removal of the tert-butyldimethylsilyl protecting group by treatment with dry hydrogen chloride gas in anhydrous chloroform at 0 degrees yields the desired 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine. Various facets of the reactions involved in developing the synthetic procedures in this study are discussed.", "PMID": 991373} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4183", "title": "Application of enantiomeric 2-sn-phosphatidylcholines in interfacial enzyme kinetics of lipolysis.", "content": "Two enantiomeric 2-sn-phosphatidylcholines containing hexanoyl and dodecanoyl acyl chains have been synthesized, enabling the study of the action of phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4) at lipid-water interfaces characterized by identical physico-chemical properties. Monolayer kinetics and bulk kinetics in the presence of Triton X-100 micelles were studied but the interpretation of the results is impeded by the fact that interfacial saturation conditions cannot be reached. In contrast, the use of the substrate analog n-tetradecylphosphorylcholine allows the determination of the interfacial kinetic parameters kcat and K*m. Dodecanoic acid is released from the most susceptible isomer about 13 times more rapidly than hexanoic acid from the stereoisomer in spite of the higher K*m of the former. The results are discussed in terms of the particular active site architecture and the possible influence of the \"quality of the interface\" on the kinetic parameters.", "contents": "Application of enantiomeric 2-sn-phosphatidylcholines in interfacial enzyme kinetics of lipolysis. Two enantiomeric 2-sn-phosphatidylcholines containing hexanoyl and dodecanoyl acyl chains have been synthesized, enabling the study of the action of phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4) at lipid-water interfaces characterized by identical physico-chemical properties. Monolayer kinetics and bulk kinetics in the presence of Triton X-100 micelles were studied but the interpretation of the results is impeded by the fact that interfacial saturation conditions cannot be reached. In contrast, the use of the substrate analog n-tetradecylphosphorylcholine allows the determination of the interfacial kinetic parameters kcat and K*m. Dodecanoic acid is released from the most susceptible isomer about 13 times more rapidly than hexanoic acid from the stereoisomer in spite of the higher K*m of the former. The results are discussed in terms of the particular active site architecture and the possible influence of the \"quality of the interface\" on the kinetic parameters.", "PMID": 991374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4184", "title": "An improved synthesis of 1-0-[3H] alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphorylethanolamine with an unsaturated acyl chain.", "content": "A method is described for the synthesis of 1-0-[9', 10'-(3)H2] octadecyl-2-octadecenoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphorylethanol-amine, starting from rac 1-0-octadecen-9'-ylglycerol. The sn-1-alkyl enantiomer is obtained by an enzymatic reaction involving deacylation of rac 1-0-octadecen-9'-yl-2-octadecenoyl-glycerol-3-phosphoryl-N-(tert.-butyloxycarbonyl) ethanolamine with phospholipase A2. The resulting lyso compound is tritiated with 3H2 in the presence of platinum catalyst and reacylated with oleoyl anhydride to yield the final product.", "contents": "An improved synthesis of 1-0-[3H] alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphorylethanolamine with an unsaturated acyl chain. A method is described for the synthesis of 1-0-[9', 10'-(3)H2] octadecyl-2-octadecenoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphorylethanol-amine, starting from rac 1-0-octadecen-9'-ylglycerol. The sn-1-alkyl enantiomer is obtained by an enzymatic reaction involving deacylation of rac 1-0-octadecen-9'-yl-2-octadecenoyl-glycerol-3-phosphoryl-N-(tert.-butyloxycarbonyl) ethanolamine with phospholipase A2. The resulting lyso compound is tritiated with 3H2 in the presence of platinum catalyst and reacylated with oleoyl anhydride to yield the final product.", "PMID": 991375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4185", "title": "Synthesis of monophytanyl ether analogues of lysophosphatidic and lysophosphatidyl glycerol.", "content": "The chemical synthesis of 3-O-phytanyl-sn-glycero-1-phosphoric acid (monophytanyl ether analogue of lysophosphatidic acid) was effected by condensation of 1-iodo-2-O-benzyl-3-O-phytanyl-sn-glycerol with silver di-p-nitrobenzyl phosphate in anhydrous toluene followed by catalytic hydrogenolysis of the resulting phosphotriester to remove the benzyl and p-nitrobenzyl groups. Synthesis of 3-O-phytanyl-sn-glycero-1-phosphoryl-1'-sn-glycerol (monophytanyl ether analogue of lysophosphatidyl glycerol) was carried out by conversion of the above phosphotriester to the monosilver salt of the suitably blocked lysophosphatidic acid which was condensed with 1-iodo-2-O-t-butyl-3-O-benzyl-sn-glycerol. Removal of the protecting aromatic and t-butyl groups from the resulting blocked triester intermediate gave the desired phytanyl ether analogue of lysophosphatidyl glycerol. Both lyso analogues were isolated as analytically and chromatographically pure potassium salts. Their physical properties and behavior towards acid hydrolysis are described.", "contents": "Synthesis of monophytanyl ether analogues of lysophosphatidic and lysophosphatidyl glycerol. The chemical synthesis of 3-O-phytanyl-sn-glycero-1-phosphoric acid (monophytanyl ether analogue of lysophosphatidic acid) was effected by condensation of 1-iodo-2-O-benzyl-3-O-phytanyl-sn-glycerol with silver di-p-nitrobenzyl phosphate in anhydrous toluene followed by catalytic hydrogenolysis of the resulting phosphotriester to remove the benzyl and p-nitrobenzyl groups. Synthesis of 3-O-phytanyl-sn-glycero-1-phosphoryl-1'-sn-glycerol (monophytanyl ether analogue of lysophosphatidyl glycerol) was carried out by conversion of the above phosphotriester to the monosilver salt of the suitably blocked lysophosphatidic acid which was condensed with 1-iodo-2-O-t-butyl-3-O-benzyl-sn-glycerol. Removal of the protecting aromatic and t-butyl groups from the resulting blocked triester intermediate gave the desired phytanyl ether analogue of lysophosphatidyl glycerol. Both lyso analogues were isolated as analytically and chromatographically pure potassium salts. Their physical properties and behavior towards acid hydrolysis are described.", "PMID": 991376} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4186", "title": "Isosteres of natural phosphates. 4. The synthesis of phosphonic acid analogues of phosphatidic acid and acyldihydroxy acetone phosphate.", "content": "The chemical synthesis of 3,4-diacyloxybutyl-1-phosphonic acids having palmitoyl and oleoyl groups is described. These were prepared by reaction of the appropriate 3,4-diacyloxybutyl-1-bromide with tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphite followed by mild hydrolysis of the trimethyl-silyl groups from the phosphonic acid. Also reported is the preparation of 4-palmitoyl-3-oxobutyl-1-phosphonic acid by the acylation of 4-hydroxy-3-oxobutyl-1-phosphonic acid. This latter compound is an isosteric analogue of acyldihydroxyacetone phosphate.", "contents": "Isosteres of natural phosphates. 4. The synthesis of phosphonic acid analogues of phosphatidic acid and acyldihydroxy acetone phosphate. The chemical synthesis of 3,4-diacyloxybutyl-1-phosphonic acids having palmitoyl and oleoyl groups is described. These were prepared by reaction of the appropriate 3,4-diacyloxybutyl-1-bromide with tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphite followed by mild hydrolysis of the trimethyl-silyl groups from the phosphonic acid. Also reported is the preparation of 4-palmitoyl-3-oxobutyl-1-phosphonic acid by the acylation of 4-hydroxy-3-oxobutyl-1-phosphonic acid. This latter compound is an isosteric analogue of acyldihydroxyacetone phosphate.", "PMID": 991377} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4187", "title": "Mass spectral identification of 2-(O-acyl)hydroxy fatty acid esters in the white portion of the rabbit Harderian gland.", "content": "A major lipid component of white portion of the rabbit harderian gland has been shown to be a mixture of 2-(O-acyl)hydroxy fatty acid esters. The fatty acid moieties in this lipid class are exclusively saturated and range in chain length from C14:0 to C22:0, with C16:0 being the major component (65%). The fatty alcohols are also saturated and composed primarily of C20:0, C21:0, and C22:0 chains. The hydroxy fatty acids are composed of C14:0, C15:0, and C16:0 and mass spectroscopy combined with chemical techniques placed the hydroxyl group at the 2-carbon. 2-(O-acyl)Hydroxy fatty acid esters are not found in the pink portion of the rabbit harderian gland nor have they been reported to occur in harderian glands or other species.", "contents": "Mass spectral identification of 2-(O-acyl)hydroxy fatty acid esters in the white portion of the rabbit Harderian gland. A major lipid component of white portion of the rabbit harderian gland has been shown to be a mixture of 2-(O-acyl)hydroxy fatty acid esters. The fatty acid moieties in this lipid class are exclusively saturated and range in chain length from C14:0 to C22:0, with C16:0 being the major component (65%). The fatty alcohols are also saturated and composed primarily of C20:0, C21:0, and C22:0 chains. The hydroxy fatty acids are composed of C14:0, C15:0, and C16:0 and mass spectroscopy combined with chemical techniques placed the hydroxyl group at the 2-carbon. 2-(O-acyl)Hydroxy fatty acid esters are not found in the pink portion of the rabbit harderian gland nor have they been reported to occur in harderian glands or other species.", "PMID": 991379} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4188", "title": "Novel lipids of Butyrivibrio spp.", "content": "(1) An analysis has been conducted of the lipids present in three obligately anaerobic bacteria isolated from the ovine rumen belonging to the genus Butyrivibrio. Two of these organisms are rich in phospholipase (A1 + A2) activity, and appear to be different strains of the species fibrisolvens. (2) The only N-containing lipids comprise N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine occurring as a minor component in all organisms and a new lipid, diglyceride galactosylphosphorylethanolamine in one of these. (3) All three organisms contained the n-butyryl ester of phosphatidyl-glycerol and in one this represented the major phospholipid present. Valeryl, iso-valeryl, propionyl and myristoyl esters of phosphatidylglycerol were also detected. (4) Two organisms contained glycerylphosphorylgalactosyldiglyceride and one of these also contained a large proportion of a less polar galactophospholipid which is probably a diacyl derivative of the former lipid. (5) All three organisms contained monogalactofuranosyl diglyceride and from one a n-butyryl ester of this galactolipid was isolated. (6) In all of the lipids examined the \"diglyceride' moiety consisted almost entirely of plasmalogenic diglyceride (alk-1-enyl, acyl, glycerol).", "contents": "Novel lipids of Butyrivibrio spp. (1) An analysis has been conducted of the lipids present in three obligately anaerobic bacteria isolated from the ovine rumen belonging to the genus Butyrivibrio. Two of these organisms are rich in phospholipase (A1 + A2) activity, and appear to be different strains of the species fibrisolvens. (2) The only N-containing lipids comprise N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine occurring as a minor component in all organisms and a new lipid, diglyceride galactosylphosphorylethanolamine in one of these. (3) All three organisms contained the n-butyryl ester of phosphatidyl-glycerol and in one this represented the major phospholipid present. Valeryl, iso-valeryl, propionyl and myristoyl esters of phosphatidylglycerol were also detected. (4) Two organisms contained glycerylphosphorylgalactosyldiglyceride and one of these also contained a large proportion of a less polar galactophospholipid which is probably a diacyl derivative of the former lipid. (5) All three organisms contained monogalactofuranosyl diglyceride and from one a n-butyryl ester of this galactolipid was isolated. (6) In all of the lipids examined the \"diglyceride' moiety consisted almost entirely of plasmalogenic diglyceride (alk-1-enyl, acyl, glycerol).", "PMID": 991380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4189", "title": "Configurational analysis of long-chain alkanediols.", "content": "Long-chain 1,2-alkanediols can be separated into their enantiomers by thin-layer chromatography of the bis-L-acetylmandelates. The method is also applicable to the separation of enantiomeric 1,3-alkanediols. Both 2-hydroxy fatty acids and 1,2-alkanediols derived from diester waxes of rat skin have the D-configuration. The D-enantiomer of 2DL-1,2-octadecanediol is preferentially utilized by myelinating rat brain in the formation of choline phospholipids having a 1,2-octadecanediol backbone. The D-configuration of the chiral center at carbon-2 of 2-acyl-1,2-alkanediol phosphocholine corresponds to the configuration at carbon-2 of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine.", "contents": "Configurational analysis of long-chain alkanediols. Long-chain 1,2-alkanediols can be separated into their enantiomers by thin-layer chromatography of the bis-L-acetylmandelates. The method is also applicable to the separation of enantiomeric 1,3-alkanediols. Both 2-hydroxy fatty acids and 1,2-alkanediols derived from diester waxes of rat skin have the D-configuration. The D-enantiomer of 2DL-1,2-octadecanediol is preferentially utilized by myelinating rat brain in the formation of choline phospholipids having a 1,2-octadecanediol backbone. The D-configuration of the chiral center at carbon-2 of 2-acyl-1,2-alkanediol phosphocholine corresponds to the configuration at carbon-2 of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine.", "PMID": 991381} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4190", "title": "Intracellular phospholipid transfer and exchange.", "content": "The intracellular transfer of phospholipids in rat liver was studied. The factors affecting the transport and the role of phospholipid transfer proteins in this process were investigated. The procedure was based upon the labelling of microsomal phospholipids with either 14C or 32P, and incubation with unlabelled mitochondria in an in vitro system. The re-isolated mitochondria became labelled demonstrating an exchange of phospholipid between the two membranes. The transfer was stimulated by the addition of high-speed supernatant, was unaffected by the addition of ATP, but did not occur at 0 degrees C. Phospholipid transfer between liposomes and mitochondria was shown to occur, suggesting that the participation of natural membranes is not required for transfer to take place. The conditions required were found to be similar, and the high speed supernatant promoted transfer to the same extent as when labelled microsomes acted as the donor. The transfer activity of the high-speed supernatant was abolished by treatment with sulphydryl-blocking agents. Beef supernatant was adjusted to pH 5.1 and the activity remained in the supernatant. The pH 5.1 supernatant was applied to a Sephadex G-75 column and two active fractions were collected. The higher molecular weight fraction contained several proteins and stimulated the transfer of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The lower molecular weight active fraction contained a protein which specifically stimulated the transfer of phosphatidylcholine.", "contents": "Intracellular phospholipid transfer and exchange. The intracellular transfer of phospholipids in rat liver was studied. The factors affecting the transport and the role of phospholipid transfer proteins in this process were investigated. The procedure was based upon the labelling of microsomal phospholipids with either 14C or 32P, and incubation with unlabelled mitochondria in an in vitro system. The re-isolated mitochondria became labelled demonstrating an exchange of phospholipid between the two membranes. The transfer was stimulated by the addition of high-speed supernatant, was unaffected by the addition of ATP, but did not occur at 0 degrees C. Phospholipid transfer between liposomes and mitochondria was shown to occur, suggesting that the participation of natural membranes is not required for transfer to take place. The conditions required were found to be similar, and the high speed supernatant promoted transfer to the same extent as when labelled microsomes acted as the donor. The transfer activity of the high-speed supernatant was abolished by treatment with sulphydryl-blocking agents. Beef supernatant was adjusted to pH 5.1 and the activity remained in the supernatant. The pH 5.1 supernatant was applied to a Sephadex G-75 column and two active fractions were collected. The higher molecular weight fraction contained several proteins and stimulated the transfer of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The lower molecular weight active fraction contained a protein which specifically stimulated the transfer of phosphatidylcholine.", "PMID": 991382} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4191", "title": "Effect of unsaturated lipids on the bile flow and biliary excretion of cholesterol and bile salts in rats.", "content": "When rats were fed safflower oil or coconut oil for 30 days, or soyalecithin (EPL) or egg phospholipids for 7 days, the rates of bile flow, concentration of cholesterol in the bile as well as unsaturation in the biliary phospholipids were markedly higher in the animals receiving the more unsaturated lipids. It is concluded that feeding of lipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids effects an increase in the unsaturation of the biliary phospholipids and thereby causes increased excretion of cholesterol through the bile.", "contents": "Effect of unsaturated lipids on the bile flow and biliary excretion of cholesterol and bile salts in rats. When rats were fed safflower oil or coconut oil for 30 days, or soyalecithin (EPL) or egg phospholipids for 7 days, the rates of bile flow, concentration of cholesterol in the bile as well as unsaturation in the biliary phospholipids were markedly higher in the animals receiving the more unsaturated lipids. It is concluded that feeding of lipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids effects an increase in the unsaturation of the biliary phospholipids and thereby causes increased excretion of cholesterol through the bile.", "PMID": 991383} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4192", "title": "Asymmetry of the lipid-bilayer of Sindbis virus.", "content": "The organization of the lipid bilayer of the enveloped Sindbis virus has been studied. In the model membrane which consists only of two virus specific glycoproteins and host derived lipids the latter were radioactively labelled with 14C-palmitic acid by prelabelling their BHK 21 host cell lipids. The purified virus particles were submitted to neuramidase, bromelain and combromelain-neuraminidase treatment. It could be demonstrated that N-acetyl neuraminic acid residue of the total hematoside present in the virion is hydrolyzed by neuraminidase leaving the particles fully intact. Proteolysis of the spikes leads to particle aggregation yet an unchanged hematoside content. This was fully transformed into ceramidelactoside by subsequent neuraminidase treatment. The analyses of the ceramide species present in hematoside of the control particles and ceramidelactoside derived thereof by neuraminidase hydrolysis are in very close agreement. From these experiments it is concluded that all hematoside molecules are organized in the outer half of the bilayer of the envelope.", "contents": "Asymmetry of the lipid-bilayer of Sindbis virus. The organization of the lipid bilayer of the enveloped Sindbis virus has been studied. In the model membrane which consists only of two virus specific glycoproteins and host derived lipids the latter were radioactively labelled with 14C-palmitic acid by prelabelling their BHK 21 host cell lipids. The purified virus particles were submitted to neuramidase, bromelain and combromelain-neuraminidase treatment. It could be demonstrated that N-acetyl neuraminic acid residue of the total hematoside present in the virion is hydrolyzed by neuraminidase leaving the particles fully intact. Proteolysis of the spikes leads to particle aggregation yet an unchanged hematoside content. This was fully transformed into ceramidelactoside by subsequent neuraminidase treatment. The analyses of the ceramide species present in hematoside of the control particles and ceramidelactoside derived thereof by neuraminidase hydrolysis are in very close agreement. From these experiments it is concluded that all hematoside molecules are organized in the outer half of the bilayer of the envelope.", "PMID": 991384} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4193", "title": "Calorimetric behaviour of individual phospholipid classes from human and bovine erythrocyte membranes.", "content": "The predominant phospholipids from human and bovine erythrocytes were isolated and purified from ghost preparations. Their gel to liquid-crystalline phase transitions were detected by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. In addition calorimetric experiments were performed on phospholipid mixtures which mimic the inner or outer monolayer of both membranes. From the results it can be concluded that, ignoring the presence of cholesterol, there can be a marked difference in fluidity between the outer and inner monolayer of erythrocyte membranes.", "contents": "Calorimetric behaviour of individual phospholipid classes from human and bovine erythrocyte membranes. The predominant phospholipids from human and bovine erythrocytes were isolated and purified from ghost preparations. Their gel to liquid-crystalline phase transitions were detected by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. In addition calorimetric experiments were performed on phospholipid mixtures which mimic the inner or outer monolayer of both membranes. From the results it can be concluded that, ignoring the presence of cholesterol, there can be a marked difference in fluidity between the outer and inner monolayer of erythrocyte membranes.", "PMID": 991385} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4194", "title": "Detection of lipid phase transitions by surface tensiometry.", "content": "A technique for the detection of lipid phase transitions is described, which involves measurement of the surface tension as a function of temperature. In the case of insoluble lipids, such as dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) the lipid is spread as a multibilayer film on an aqueous substrate, while in the case of water-soluble lipids such as lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) the surface tension of aqueous sols is measured. Surface tension at the interface, is monitored using a Wilhelmy plate while the temperature is continuously varied. Discontinuities or changes in slope in the surface tension-temperature (gamma-T) curve reflect phase transitions in the lipid. In the case of DPPC, the technique has been used to demonstrate the well-known gel-liquid crystalline thermal transition. This occurs at 36-38 degrees C in the multibilayer films; in bulk DPPC-water dispersions the transition is at 41 degrees. Cholesterol has the effect of lowering the thermal transition and broadening the temperature range. In films containing DPPC-cholesterol at a molar ratio of 2:1 or less, the transition is not present. These results are in agreement with a large number of previous studies of this system. In the case of LPC sols, a phase transition at about 70 degrees was detected when the concentration of SPC was close to the critical micelle concentration (CMC) at 70 degrees. This transition appears to reflect an increase in the equilibrium constant for micelle formation at this temperature. At higher concentrations of LPC a transition at 30 degrees, corresponding to a gel-liquid crystalline transition, was also detected. A complete description of gamma as a function of concentration and temperature in the range 10(-7) to 10(-3) g cm-3 and 20 degrees to 80 degrees has been obtained for LPC sols. The CMC varies from 6 X 10(-6) g cm-3 at 20 degrees to 10(-5) g cm-3 at 80 degrees.", "contents": "Detection of lipid phase transitions by surface tensiometry. A technique for the detection of lipid phase transitions is described, which involves measurement of the surface tension as a function of temperature. In the case of insoluble lipids, such as dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) the lipid is spread as a multibilayer film on an aqueous substrate, while in the case of water-soluble lipids such as lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) the surface tension of aqueous sols is measured. Surface tension at the interface, is monitored using a Wilhelmy plate while the temperature is continuously varied. Discontinuities or changes in slope in the surface tension-temperature (gamma-T) curve reflect phase transitions in the lipid. In the case of DPPC, the technique has been used to demonstrate the well-known gel-liquid crystalline thermal transition. This occurs at 36-38 degrees C in the multibilayer films; in bulk DPPC-water dispersions the transition is at 41 degrees. Cholesterol has the effect of lowering the thermal transition and broadening the temperature range. In films containing DPPC-cholesterol at a molar ratio of 2:1 or less, the transition is not present. These results are in agreement with a large number of previous studies of this system. In the case of LPC sols, a phase transition at about 70 degrees was detected when the concentration of SPC was close to the critical micelle concentration (CMC) at 70 degrees. This transition appears to reflect an increase in the equilibrium constant for micelle formation at this temperature. At higher concentrations of LPC a transition at 30 degrees, corresponding to a gel-liquid crystalline transition, was also detected. A complete description of gamma as a function of concentration and temperature in the range 10(-7) to 10(-3) g cm-3 and 20 degrees to 80 degrees has been obtained for LPC sols. The CMC varies from 6 X 10(-6) g cm-3 at 20 degrees to 10(-5) g cm-3 at 80 degrees.", "PMID": 991386} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4195", "title": "Reaction of amino-phospholipids of the inner mitochondrial membrane with fluorodinitrobenzene and trinitrobenzenesulfonate.", "content": "Mitoplasts from rat liver mitochondria and ETPH particles from beef heart mitochondria were reacted with TNBS and FDNB in sucrose-mannitol-bicarbonate buffer pH 8.2 (BUFFER A) and in sodium chloride-bicarbonate buffer pH 8.5 (buffer B). Mitoplasts and ETPH particles are more stable in buffer A and very little hydrolysis of phospholipids occurs during the reaction period. In this buffer TNBS reacts to a lesser extent with phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) than does FDNB. The data suggests that with mitoplasts 65% of the total PE is localized on the outer surface of the membrane. With mitoplasts the labeling of membrane proteins is much more extensive with FDNB and suggests that 66% of the proteins are localized on the inner membrane surface. Thus a dual type of asymmetry occurs in the mitoplast membrane with more PE localized on the outer surface and more protein localized on the inner surface. In buffer B, extensive degradation of the dinitrophenylated and trinitrophenylated PE and LPE occurs to yield DNP-GPE and TNP-GPE respectively. DNP-GPE and TNP-GPE are degraded by a phosphodiesterase to DNP-ethanolamine and TNP-ethanolamine. When ETPH particles are labeled with TNBS and FDNB, washed, and incubated in buffer A and buffer B, a resynthesis of TNP-PE and DNP-PE occurs in buffer A by acylation of TNP-LPE whereas DNP-PE continues to be formed, primarily from DNP-GPE. These studies provide evidence for an asymmetric arrangement of PE in the inner mitochondrial membrane and demonstrate the presence of membrane-bound phospholipases which act on dinitrophenylated and trinitrophenylated amino-phospholipids. A membrane bound phosphodiesterase is also present which degrades dinitrophenylated or trinitrophenylated GPE. The degradative reactions prevail in bicarbonate-NaCl buffer B whereas acylation reactions prevail in sucrose-mannitol buffer A.", "contents": "Reaction of amino-phospholipids of the inner mitochondrial membrane with fluorodinitrobenzene and trinitrobenzenesulfonate. Mitoplasts from rat liver mitochondria and ETPH particles from beef heart mitochondria were reacted with TNBS and FDNB in sucrose-mannitol-bicarbonate buffer pH 8.2 (BUFFER A) and in sodium chloride-bicarbonate buffer pH 8.5 (buffer B). Mitoplasts and ETPH particles are more stable in buffer A and very little hydrolysis of phospholipids occurs during the reaction period. In this buffer TNBS reacts to a lesser extent with phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) than does FDNB. The data suggests that with mitoplasts 65% of the total PE is localized on the outer surface of the membrane. With mitoplasts the labeling of membrane proteins is much more extensive with FDNB and suggests that 66% of the proteins are localized on the inner membrane surface. Thus a dual type of asymmetry occurs in the mitoplast membrane with more PE localized on the outer surface and more protein localized on the inner surface. In buffer B, extensive degradation of the dinitrophenylated and trinitrophenylated PE and LPE occurs to yield DNP-GPE and TNP-GPE respectively. DNP-GPE and TNP-GPE are degraded by a phosphodiesterase to DNP-ethanolamine and TNP-ethanolamine. When ETPH particles are labeled with TNBS and FDNB, washed, and incubated in buffer A and buffer B, a resynthesis of TNP-PE and DNP-PE occurs in buffer A by acylation of TNP-LPE whereas DNP-PE continues to be formed, primarily from DNP-GPE. These studies provide evidence for an asymmetric arrangement of PE in the inner mitochondrial membrane and demonstrate the presence of membrane-bound phospholipases which act on dinitrophenylated and trinitrophenylated amino-phospholipids. A membrane bound phosphodiesterase is also present which degrades dinitrophenylated or trinitrophenylated GPE. The degradative reactions prevail in bicarbonate-NaCl buffer B whereas acylation reactions prevail in sucrose-mannitol buffer A.", "PMID": 991387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4196", "title": "Stearoyl paratoluenesulfonate. A powerful acylating agent for lipid synthesis.", "content": "The utility of the mixed carboxylic-sulfonic acid anhydride stearoyl p-toluenesulfonate as a powerful, mild acylating agent for lipid synthesis is shown by the synthesis of rac 1,2-distearoyl-3-iodopropane, lecithin and a spin-labeled choline derivative from the corresponding alcohols. The method constitutes a significant improvement of earlier acylating methods.", "contents": "Stearoyl paratoluenesulfonate. A powerful acylating agent for lipid synthesis. The utility of the mixed carboxylic-sulfonic acid anhydride stearoyl p-toluenesulfonate as a powerful, mild acylating agent for lipid synthesis is shown by the synthesis of rac 1,2-distearoyl-3-iodopropane, lecithin and a spin-labeled choline derivative from the corresponding alcohols. The method constitutes a significant improvement of earlier acylating methods.", "PMID": 991389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4197", "title": "Preparation of 1-acyl-2-succinyl glycero-3-phosphorylcholine and evidence against its involvement in succinate dehydrogenase action.", "content": "1-Acyl-2-succinyl glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (GPC) was synthesized and its properties described. Although 1-acyl-2-succinyl GPC is a good substrate for succinate dehydrogenase, experiments on the incorporation of [2,3-14C] succinate into mitochondrial lipids gave no evidence to indicate that it is an intermediate in the enzymic oxidation of succinate to fumerate, as has been suggested earlier.", "contents": "Preparation of 1-acyl-2-succinyl glycero-3-phosphorylcholine and evidence against its involvement in succinate dehydrogenase action. 1-Acyl-2-succinyl glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (GPC) was synthesized and its properties described. Although 1-acyl-2-succinyl GPC is a good substrate for succinate dehydrogenase, experiments on the incorporation of [2,3-14C] succinate into mitochondrial lipids gave no evidence to indicate that it is an intermediate in the enzymic oxidation of succinate to fumerate, as has been suggested earlier.", "PMID": 991390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4198", "title": "The effect of cholesterol on the viscosity of protein-lipid monolayers.", "content": "The addition of cholesterol to a layer of lipids in a membrane structure is generally believed to result in an increase in the viscosity of the layer. We have shown that cholesterol and two other monolayer-forming lipids markedly decrease the viscosity of a serum albumin monolayer at the decane-water interface, a model membrane system. However, when the protein monolayer already has a surface active lipid component present, the effect of added cholesterol depends upon the other substance. When the albumin monolayer contains tristearin, added cholesterol increases the viscosity. When the lipid is octadecanol, cholesterol decreases the viscosity. The dependence of the change in interfacial viscosity due to cholesterol upon the original composition of the interfacial layer may be useful for characterizing the composition of layers of unknown composition, e.g. some natural membranes.", "contents": "The effect of cholesterol on the viscosity of protein-lipid monolayers. The addition of cholesterol to a layer of lipids in a membrane structure is generally believed to result in an increase in the viscosity of the layer. We have shown that cholesterol and two other monolayer-forming lipids markedly decrease the viscosity of a serum albumin monolayer at the decane-water interface, a model membrane system. However, when the protein monolayer already has a surface active lipid component present, the effect of added cholesterol depends upon the other substance. When the albumin monolayer contains tristearin, added cholesterol increases the viscosity. When the lipid is octadecanol, cholesterol decreases the viscosity. The dependence of the change in interfacial viscosity due to cholesterol upon the original composition of the interfacial layer may be useful for characterizing the composition of layers of unknown composition, e.g. some natural membranes.", "PMID": 991391} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4199", "title": "Studies on the interaction of cholesterol with diester- and dietherlecithin.", "content": "The lamellar repeat distances of aqueous dispersions of rac-1,2-dioctadec-9'-cis-enyl-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (dietherlecithin) and 1,2-dioctade-9'-cis-enoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (diesterlecithin) have been measured by X-ray diffraction as a function of water concentration. The point of maximum hydration was found to be 43% (w/w) for dietherlecithin and diesterlecithin respectively; the corresponding lamellar repeat distances being 62.3 \u00e5 and 60.5 \u00e3. Incorporation of cholesterol above maximum hydration results in the initial increase in the lamellar repeat distance with a maximum around cholesterol concentrations of 25 and 33 mol% for dietherlecithin and die diesterlecithin respectively. The apparent partial specific volumes fo the two lecithins and for lecithin--cholesterol mixtures in sonicated aqueous dispersions were measured. Values of 1.024 cm3-g-1 and 0.987 cm3-g(-1) were obtained for diether- and diesterlecithin, respectively, at 20 degrees C. Diesterlecithin-cholesterol mixtures showed a very small change in partial specific volume while mixtures of dietherlecithin-cholesterol showed a very marked decrease with increasing proportions of cholesterol. From these data a series of structure parameters are derived for the two lecithins and possible implications for the nature of the lecithin-cholesterol interaction are discussed.", "contents": "Studies on the interaction of cholesterol with diester- and dietherlecithin. The lamellar repeat distances of aqueous dispersions of rac-1,2-dioctadec-9'-cis-enyl-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (dietherlecithin) and 1,2-dioctade-9'-cis-enoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (diesterlecithin) have been measured by X-ray diffraction as a function of water concentration. The point of maximum hydration was found to be 43% (w/w) for dietherlecithin and diesterlecithin respectively; the corresponding lamellar repeat distances being 62.3 \u00e5 and 60.5 \u00e3. Incorporation of cholesterol above maximum hydration results in the initial increase in the lamellar repeat distance with a maximum around cholesterol concentrations of 25 and 33 mol% for dietherlecithin and die diesterlecithin respectively. The apparent partial specific volumes fo the two lecithins and for lecithin--cholesterol mixtures in sonicated aqueous dispersions were measured. Values of 1.024 cm3-g-1 and 0.987 cm3-g(-1) were obtained for diether- and diesterlecithin, respectively, at 20 degrees C. Diesterlecithin-cholesterol mixtures showed a very small change in partial specific volume while mixtures of dietherlecithin-cholesterol showed a very marked decrease with increasing proportions of cholesterol. From these data a series of structure parameters are derived for the two lecithins and possible implications for the nature of the lecithin-cholesterol interaction are discussed.", "PMID": 991392} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4200", "title": "Raman studies of the C-H and C-D stretching regions in stearic acid and some specifically deuterated derivatives.", "content": "Raman spectra of polycrystalline stearic acid-do, stearic acid-d35, 16:16-d2-18:18:18-d3-stearic acid, 18:18:18-d3-stearic acid, 17:17-d2-stearic acid, 17-d1-stearic acid, 16:16-d2-stearic acid, 12:12-d2-stearic acid and 12-d1-stearic acid have been obtained for the region containing the C-D and C-H stretching vibrations. Assignments of the methyl, methyl-d3, methylene, methylene-d2 and methylene-d1 stretching vibrations are discussed.", "contents": "Raman studies of the C-H and C-D stretching regions in stearic acid and some specifically deuterated derivatives. Raman spectra of polycrystalline stearic acid-do, stearic acid-d35, 16:16-d2-18:18:18-d3-stearic acid, 18:18:18-d3-stearic acid, 17:17-d2-stearic acid, 17-d1-stearic acid, 16:16-d2-stearic acid, 12:12-d2-stearic acid and 12-d1-stearic acid have been obtained for the region containing the C-D and C-H stretching vibrations. Assignments of the methyl, methyl-d3, methylene, methylene-d2 and methylene-d1 stretching vibrations are discussed.", "PMID": 991393} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4201", "title": "Mass spectrometry of sterols. Electron ionization induced fragmentation of C-4-alkylated cholesterols.", "content": "The electron impact ionization of C-4-alkylated cholest-5-en-3beta-hydroxysterols has been investigated. The mass spectra of the C-4-alkylated cholesterols contain a number of ions in the high mass region for which analogous ions are not found in the spectrum of cholesterol. Detailed studies of the composition and origin of these ions have been made by high resolution mass spectrometry and analysis of metastable ions. In addition, a large number of isotopically (deuterium and 18O) substituted C-4-alkylated analogues have been prepared to assist in the interpretation of the spectra. The combined results indicate the occurrence of a number of very complex and unusual electron ionization induced fragmentations. Most notable of the findings reported herein concerns the demonstration of the formation of an ion involving loss of the elements of ring A with an intramolecular shift of the oxygen and hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl function to the charge-retaining species.", "contents": "Mass spectrometry of sterols. Electron ionization induced fragmentation of C-4-alkylated cholesterols. The electron impact ionization of C-4-alkylated cholest-5-en-3beta-hydroxysterols has been investigated. The mass spectra of the C-4-alkylated cholesterols contain a number of ions in the high mass region for which analogous ions are not found in the spectrum of cholesterol. Detailed studies of the composition and origin of these ions have been made by high resolution mass spectrometry and analysis of metastable ions. In addition, a large number of isotopically (deuterium and 18O) substituted C-4-alkylated analogues have been prepared to assist in the interpretation of the spectra. The combined results indicate the occurrence of a number of very complex and unusual electron ionization induced fragmentations. Most notable of the findings reported herein concerns the demonstration of the formation of an ion involving loss of the elements of ring A with an intramolecular shift of the oxygen and hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl function to the charge-retaining species.", "PMID": 991394} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4202", "title": "Left anterior and left posterior hemiblock in tricuspid atresia and transposition of the great vessels: observations and electrocardiographic nomenclature and electrophysiologic mechanisms.", "content": "A patient with tricuspid atresia and characteristic electrocardiographic features of counterclockwise and superiorly oriented frontal plane QRS loop (left anterior hemiblock) is presented. Operative intervention resulted in a clockwise and inferior rotation of the frontal QRS loop (left posterior hemiblock) without the development of complete left bundle branch block. This observation suggests that the electrocardiographic pattern of left anterior hemiblock may result from other mechanisms in addition to block of the left bundle branch fibers oriented toward the anterior part of the left ventricle. The case further suggests that electrocardiographic patterns of apparent A-V conduction defects may not be at all associated with true block in the A-V conduction system. Further, it emphasizes the fact that various electrophysiologic mechanisms may account for identical electrocardiographic patterns.", "contents": "Left anterior and left posterior hemiblock in tricuspid atresia and transposition of the great vessels: observations and electrocardiographic nomenclature and electrophysiologic mechanisms. A patient with tricuspid atresia and characteristic electrocardiographic features of counterclockwise and superiorly oriented frontal plane QRS loop (left anterior hemiblock) is presented. Operative intervention resulted in a clockwise and inferior rotation of the frontal QRS loop (left posterior hemiblock) without the development of complete left bundle branch block. This observation suggests that the electrocardiographic pattern of left anterior hemiblock may result from other mechanisms in addition to block of the left bundle branch fibers oriented toward the anterior part of the left ventricle. The case further suggests that electrocardiographic patterns of apparent A-V conduction defects may not be at all associated with true block in the A-V conduction system. Further, it emphasizes the fact that various electrophysiologic mechanisms may account for identical electrocardiographic patterns.", "PMID": 991401} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4203", "title": "Cognitive-perceptual treatment of exceptional children.", "content": "Adopting the notion that cognitive operations consist of multiple stages of information-processing, this treatment is designed to specify the locus and nature of the child's deficits in information processing and to compensate for these deficits. Our own clinical and empirical observations, as well as the findings of others, have convinced us that this treatment programme can be applied to exceptional children of many different diagnoses, including emotionally disturbed, learning disabled, autistic, and mentally retarded. A case study involving a seven-year-old autistic child is presented to illustrate the technique, process, and effectiveness of the treatment programme.", "contents": "Cognitive-perceptual treatment of exceptional children. Adopting the notion that cognitive operations consist of multiple stages of information-processing, this treatment is designed to specify the locus and nature of the child's deficits in information processing and to compensate for these deficits. Our own clinical and empirical observations, as well as the findings of others, have convinced us that this treatment programme can be applied to exceptional children of many different diagnoses, including emotionally disturbed, learning disabled, autistic, and mentally retarded. A case study involving a seven-year-old autistic child is presented to illustrate the technique, process, and effectiveness of the treatment programme.", "PMID": 991395} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4204", "title": "Behaviour modification: toilet-training procedures in a special care unit.", "content": "The design and implementation of a behaviour modification programme for toilet-training is outlined. Two of nine subjects were successfully trained. The results are discussed briefly.", "contents": "Behaviour modification: toilet-training procedures in a special care unit. The design and implementation of a behaviour modification programme for toilet-training is outlined. Two of nine subjects were successfully trained. The results are discussed briefly.", "PMID": 991397} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4205", "title": "Reduced cholinergic sinus node restraint in hyperthyroidism.", "content": "The role of the cholinergic nervous system in the tachycardia of hyperthyroidism was investigated in this study of dogs made severely thyrotoxic by the administration of Na-L-thyroxine over a six to nine month period. Differences in heart rate between control and thyrotoxic unanesthetized dogs could be abolished by cumulative doses of intravenous atropine both before and after beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol, and at submaximal as well as maximal heart rates. There were no differences in the heart rate response of control and thyrotoxic anesthetized dogs to vagal stimulation or to the selective injection of hypertonic saline or acetylcholine into the perfused sinus node artery. The results indicate that in addition to the direct effects of thyroid hormone on sinus node automaticity there is an abnormality in parasympathetic control of heart rate in hyperthyroidism. The data suggest that this abnormality is not due to a decreased responsiveness of the sinus node or an impaired release of the cholinergic neurotransmitter, but may reflect a reduction in cholinergic efferent activity in the thyrotoxic state.", "contents": "Reduced cholinergic sinus node restraint in hyperthyroidism. The role of the cholinergic nervous system in the tachycardia of hyperthyroidism was investigated in this study of dogs made severely thyrotoxic by the administration of Na-L-thyroxine over a six to nine month period. Differences in heart rate between control and thyrotoxic unanesthetized dogs could be abolished by cumulative doses of intravenous atropine both before and after beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol, and at submaximal as well as maximal heart rates. There were no differences in the heart rate response of control and thyrotoxic anesthetized dogs to vagal stimulation or to the selective injection of hypertonic saline or acetylcholine into the perfused sinus node artery. The results indicate that in addition to the direct effects of thyroid hormone on sinus node automaticity there is an abnormality in parasympathetic control of heart rate in hyperthyroidism. The data suggest that this abnormality is not due to a decreased responsiveness of the sinus node or an impaired release of the cholinergic neurotransmitter, but may reflect a reduction in cholinergic efferent activity in the thyrotoxic state.", "PMID": 991402} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4206", "title": "Angiographic findigs and prognostic indicators in patients resuscitated from sudden cardiac death.", "content": "Sixty-four patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who had been resuscitated from out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF) underwent cardiac catheterization and angiography. The majority (72%) had a previous history of cardiovascular disease; in the remaining 28%, VF was the first manifestation of CAD. Advanced coronary atherosclerosis was a common finding; 94% of the patients had severe stenoses (70% or greater diameter narrowing) in one or more of the major coronary arteries, and most (70%) had ventricular wall contraction abnormalities. In over half of the patients, coronary anatomy was potentially suitable for complete revascularization. During an average follow-up period of 20.4 months, fourteen of the 64 patients developed a second episode of VF and/or died suddenly (VF/SD). In an attempt to identify characteristics which might be of prognostic value, the clinical, hemodynamic, and angiographic characteristics of this group were compared to those patients who had a single episode of VF and survived during follow-up. Patients who developed recurrent VF/SD had more triple vessel CAD (P less than 0.01), lower ejection fractions (P less than 0.05), and far more severe abnormalities of left ventricular contraction (P less than 0.001). These results indicate that angiographic findings can identify individuals at high risk for recurrent VF and also suggest that myocardial scarring may be an important factor in the initiation of ventricular fibrillation and in its recurrence.", "contents": "Angiographic findigs and prognostic indicators in patients resuscitated from sudden cardiac death. Sixty-four patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who had been resuscitated from out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF) underwent cardiac catheterization and angiography. The majority (72%) had a previous history of cardiovascular disease; in the remaining 28%, VF was the first manifestation of CAD. Advanced coronary atherosclerosis was a common finding; 94% of the patients had severe stenoses (70% or greater diameter narrowing) in one or more of the major coronary arteries, and most (70%) had ventricular wall contraction abnormalities. In over half of the patients, coronary anatomy was potentially suitable for complete revascularization. During an average follow-up period of 20.4 months, fourteen of the 64 patients developed a second episode of VF and/or died suddenly (VF/SD). In an attempt to identify characteristics which might be of prognostic value, the clinical, hemodynamic, and angiographic characteristics of this group were compared to those patients who had a single episode of VF and survived during follow-up. Patients who developed recurrent VF/SD had more triple vessel CAD (P less than 0.01), lower ejection fractions (P less than 0.05), and far more severe abnormalities of left ventricular contraction (P less than 0.001). These results indicate that angiographic findings can identify individuals at high risk for recurrent VF and also suggest that myocardial scarring may be an important factor in the initiation of ventricular fibrillation and in its recurrence.", "PMID": 991403} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4207", "title": "Drugs in use in schools for severely subnormal children.", "content": "This paper provides a review of the drug therapy used in the management of the severely subnormal child at school following the introduction of the 1970 Education Act.", "contents": "Drugs in use in schools for severely subnormal children. This paper provides a review of the drug therapy used in the management of the severely subnormal child at school following the introduction of the 1970 Education Act.", "PMID": 991396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4208", "title": "The expression of normal ventricular repolarization in the body surface distribution of T potentials.", "content": "Isopotential maps from 120 normal subjects were obtained from 192 simultaneously recorded electrocardiographic leads. Maps were plotted at 1 msec intervals during the QRS and 5 msec intervals during the ST-T deflection. Repetition of QRS features was evident during all but the first few msec of the initial half of serial T maps. This suggests similarities of the normal sequence of ventricular excitation and recovery. Such similarities have been demonstrated by direct studies but are not evident from other electrocardiographic examinations. Serial maps during later portions of the T wave showed decreasing intensity of potentials with little change of body surface locations. This also correlates with an established feature of ventricular repolarization, namely that potential difference boundaries with stable locations are widely distributed during part of that process. Findings suggest isopotential maps show features of ventricular recovery not apparent from less extensive examinations.", "contents": "The expression of normal ventricular repolarization in the body surface distribution of T potentials. Isopotential maps from 120 normal subjects were obtained from 192 simultaneously recorded electrocardiographic leads. Maps were plotted at 1 msec intervals during the QRS and 5 msec intervals during the ST-T deflection. Repetition of QRS features was evident during all but the first few msec of the initial half of serial T maps. This suggests similarities of the normal sequence of ventricular excitation and recovery. Such similarities have been demonstrated by direct studies but are not evident from other electrocardiographic examinations. Serial maps during later portions of the T wave showed decreasing intensity of potentials with little change of body surface locations. This also correlates with an established feature of ventricular repolarization, namely that potential difference boundaries with stable locations are widely distributed during part of that process. Findings suggest isopotential maps show features of ventricular recovery not apparent from less extensive examinations.", "PMID": 991404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4209", "title": "A behavioural programme for the modification of encopresis.", "content": "This paper describes a behaviour modification programme for the treatment of encopresis. The programme, which is carried out by the parents over a relatively short period of time in the home setting, aims to make the child aware of internal cues prior to elimination and to rearrange the contingencies for appropriate use of the toilet. To date, seven of eleven children, both continuous and discontinuous encopretics, have been treated successfully and have remained clean for up to 7 months regardless of other problems in the child and his family. From a relatively detailed analysis of those treated it can be concluded that a behavioural approach is effective with chronic encopretic children, many of whom had been previously treated unsuccessfully by both physical and psychotherapeutic procedures. The failures suggest, firstly that careful assessment of each child and the motivation of the parents is required, so that the standard programme can be modified to suit each individual case. Secondly a maintenance programme must follow the intensive treatment procedure to ensure that parents continue to handle the child consistently.", "contents": "A behavioural programme for the modification of encopresis. This paper describes a behaviour modification programme for the treatment of encopresis. The programme, which is carried out by the parents over a relatively short period of time in the home setting, aims to make the child aware of internal cues prior to elimination and to rearrange the contingencies for appropriate use of the toilet. To date, seven of eleven children, both continuous and discontinuous encopretics, have been treated successfully and have remained clean for up to 7 months regardless of other problems in the child and his family. From a relatively detailed analysis of those treated it can be concluded that a behavioural approach is effective with chronic encopretic children, many of whom had been previously treated unsuccessfully by both physical and psychotherapeutic procedures. The failures suggest, firstly that careful assessment of each child and the motivation of the parents is required, so that the standard programme can be modified to suit each individual case. Secondly a maintenance programme must follow the intensive treatment procedure to ensure that parents continue to handle the child consistently.", "PMID": 991398} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4210", "title": "Some aspects of community child health in an inner urban area.", "content": "Some aspects of child health within the community are discussed by a doctor working at the clinical level. The community chosen for discussion is an inner urban area with a multiracial population and problems of poor housing and social deprivation. Reasons for attendance at child health clinics are considered. The provision of care for the preschool handicapped child and the child with special needs is examined.", "contents": "Some aspects of community child health in an inner urban area. Some aspects of child health within the community are discussed by a doctor working at the clinical level. The community chosen for discussion is an inner urban area with a multiracial population and problems of poor housing and social deprivation. Reasons for attendance at child health clinics are considered. The provision of care for the preschool handicapped child and the child with special needs is examined.", "PMID": 991399} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4211", "title": "Anterior infarctional changes occurring during mid and late ventricular activation detectable by surface mapping techniques.", "content": "This is a comparative body surface potential map study of 26 patients with a recent acute anterior myocardial infarction. The mean plus or minus two standard deviations (+/- 2 SD) for the voltage distribution was established at 5 msec intervals throughout the cardiac cycle in 30 normal subjects at each of 142 recording sites. Instances in which a patient's potential distribution fell outside the normal range were analyzed as to location, duration and intensity against the expected time course of ventricular activation. Only four patients had departures from the normal distribution confined to the Q time zone. Twenty patients had not only Q time zone abnormalities, but had areas of both positivity and negativity exceeding +/- 2 SD, which occurred well after 30 msec. Two patients with clearly documented diagnostic Q waves during the first few days of hospitalization had lost these findings by the date of body surface mapping. They did retain, however, departure map findings demonstrating significant abnormalities occurring between 30 and 60 msec after onset of ventricular activation. These changes occurring in the mid and late time zones of the activation sequence are not detectable by conventional electrocardiography or vectorcardiography, yet present a strikingly apparent finding by this technique of analysis and display.", "contents": "Anterior infarctional changes occurring during mid and late ventricular activation detectable by surface mapping techniques. This is a comparative body surface potential map study of 26 patients with a recent acute anterior myocardial infarction. The mean plus or minus two standard deviations (+/- 2 SD) for the voltage distribution was established at 5 msec intervals throughout the cardiac cycle in 30 normal subjects at each of 142 recording sites. Instances in which a patient's potential distribution fell outside the normal range were analyzed as to location, duration and intensity against the expected time course of ventricular activation. Only four patients had departures from the normal distribution confined to the Q time zone. Twenty patients had not only Q time zone abnormalities, but had areas of both positivity and negativity exceeding +/- 2 SD, which occurred well after 30 msec. Two patients with clearly documented diagnostic Q waves during the first few days of hospitalization had lost these findings by the date of body surface mapping. They did retain, however, departure map findings demonstrating significant abnormalities occurring between 30 and 60 msec after onset of ventricular activation. These changes occurring in the mid and late time zones of the activation sequence are not detectable by conventional electrocardiography or vectorcardiography, yet present a strikingly apparent finding by this technique of analysis and display.", "PMID": 991405} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4212", "title": "Multilevel atrioventricular block.", "content": "Arrhythmias displaying conduction disturbances consistent with block at more than one level within the atrioventricular conduction system were seen in 36 patients during a two year period in a community hospital. Two levels of block were postulated in each patient; one patient also demonstrated a third level of block. In 24 patients (Type A), there was an integral conduction ratio at the upper level of block. This pattern was most frequently seen in atrial flutter (mean atrial rate 284 +/- 35 beats/min) with 2:1 block at the upper level and Wenckebach at the lower level. Progression to 2:1 block at the lower level resulted in 4:1 block. Twelve patients (Type B) had a nonintegral conduction ratio of their block at the upper level with a mean atrial rate of 162 +/- 62 beats/min. Their conduction patterns consisted of Wenckebach block at the upper level with either integral (2:1) or nonintegral (Wenckebach) block at the lower level. The presence of multilevel block was not related to specific etiological diagnoses, medications, or electrolyte patterns. It is suggested that multilevel block is a common, frequently transient, conduction pattern seen in a variety of clinical conditions. It is readily recognized from a standard electrocardiogram and, of itself, has no short-term detrimental prognostic implications.", "contents": "Multilevel atrioventricular block. Arrhythmias displaying conduction disturbances consistent with block at more than one level within the atrioventricular conduction system were seen in 36 patients during a two year period in a community hospital. Two levels of block were postulated in each patient; one patient also demonstrated a third level of block. In 24 patients (Type A), there was an integral conduction ratio at the upper level of block. This pattern was most frequently seen in atrial flutter (mean atrial rate 284 +/- 35 beats/min) with 2:1 block at the upper level and Wenckebach at the lower level. Progression to 2:1 block at the lower level resulted in 4:1 block. Twelve patients (Type B) had a nonintegral conduction ratio of their block at the upper level with a mean atrial rate of 162 +/- 62 beats/min. Their conduction patterns consisted of Wenckebach block at the upper level with either integral (2:1) or nonintegral (Wenckebach) block at the lower level. The presence of multilevel block was not related to specific etiological diagnoses, medications, or electrolyte patterns. It is suggested that multilevel block is a common, frequently transient, conduction pattern seen in a variety of clinical conditions. It is readily recognized from a standard electrocardiogram and, of itself, has no short-term detrimental prognostic implications.", "PMID": 991406} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4213", "title": "Echocardiographic evaluation of the Valsalva Maneuver in healthy subjects and patients with and without heart failure.", "content": "The Valsalva maneuver was evaluated by echocardiography in three groups: A) 10 normal volunteers, B) 10 patients with no history of heart failure and normal ejection fractions, and C) 10 patients with heart failure and depressed ejection fractions. Groups A and B had a significant fall in left ventricular internal dimensions and calculated stroke volume by end strain which returned rapidly to baseline in recovery without significant overshoot. Arterial pressure showed a signoidal strain pattern with a normal overshoot in early recovery in all group B patients. In group C ventricular dimensions did not diminish during strain; arterial pressures showed a \"square wave\" pressure elevation during strain without an overshoot in recovery. Echocardiography allows a new approach to evaluate further the left ventricular response to the Valsalva maneuver. Patients with severely depressed ejection fractions, unlike those with normal ventricular function, are unable to alter stroke output in response to acutely increased intrathoracic pressure. A square wave pressure response is a likely consequence of a fixed stroke output during the strain maneuver.", "contents": "Echocardiographic evaluation of the Valsalva Maneuver in healthy subjects and patients with and without heart failure. The Valsalva maneuver was evaluated by echocardiography in three groups: A) 10 normal volunteers, B) 10 patients with no history of heart failure and normal ejection fractions, and C) 10 patients with heart failure and depressed ejection fractions. Groups A and B had a significant fall in left ventricular internal dimensions and calculated stroke volume by end strain which returned rapidly to baseline in recovery without significant overshoot. Arterial pressure showed a signoidal strain pattern with a normal overshoot in early recovery in all group B patients. In group C ventricular dimensions did not diminish during strain; arterial pressures showed a \"square wave\" pressure elevation during strain without an overshoot in recovery. Echocardiography allows a new approach to evaluate further the left ventricular response to the Valsalva maneuver. Patients with severely depressed ejection fractions, unlike those with normal ventricular function, are unable to alter stroke output in response to acutely increased intrathoracic pressure. A square wave pressure response is a likely consequence of a fixed stroke output during the strain maneuver.", "PMID": 991407} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4214", "title": "Effects of acute coronary occlusion on the motion and perfusion of the normal and ischemic interventricular septum.", "content": "To establish the effect of local and remote myocardial ischemia on interventricular septal motion, 27 open-chest dogs were studied using ultrasound and radioactive microspheres. In 14 dogs the left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated. If the ultrasound beam traversed ischemic septum (proximal LAD occlusion), significant (P less than 0.05) declines in systolic septal velocity (26.4 +/- 2.9 to 6.4 +/- 1.8 mm/sec), and excursion (2.6 +/- 0.3 to 0.7 +/- 0.2 mm) occurred, and systolic thickening was reduced. Similar significant changes were seen when the ultrasound beam traversed nonischemic septum adjacent to the ischemic area (distal LAD occlusion). In 13 additional dogs, circumflex coronary ligation produced posterior ischemia. The mean septal velocity for this group increased significantly (21.8 +/- 2.6 to 26.5 +/- 3.3 mm/sec), as did the septal excursion (2.5 +/- 0.2 to 3.1 +/- 0.4 mm). We conclude that acute LAD occlusion causes a reduction in systolic velocity, excursion, and thickening of both the involved ischemic and the adjacent nonischemic septum. When myocardial ischemia was produced in a part of the ventricle remote from the septum, septal velocity and excursion increased.", "contents": "Effects of acute coronary occlusion on the motion and perfusion of the normal and ischemic interventricular septum. To establish the effect of local and remote myocardial ischemia on interventricular septal motion, 27 open-chest dogs were studied using ultrasound and radioactive microspheres. In 14 dogs the left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated. If the ultrasound beam traversed ischemic septum (proximal LAD occlusion), significant (P less than 0.05) declines in systolic septal velocity (26.4 +/- 2.9 to 6.4 +/- 1.8 mm/sec), and excursion (2.6 +/- 0.3 to 0.7 +/- 0.2 mm) occurred, and systolic thickening was reduced. Similar significant changes were seen when the ultrasound beam traversed nonischemic septum adjacent to the ischemic area (distal LAD occlusion). In 13 additional dogs, circumflex coronary ligation produced posterior ischemia. The mean septal velocity for this group increased significantly (21.8 +/- 2.6 to 26.5 +/- 3.3 mm/sec), as did the septal excursion (2.5 +/- 0.2 to 3.1 +/- 0.4 mm). We conclude that acute LAD occlusion causes a reduction in systolic velocity, excursion, and thickening of both the involved ischemic and the adjacent nonischemic septum. When myocardial ischemia was produced in a part of the ventricle remote from the septum, septal velocity and excursion increased.", "PMID": 991408} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4215", "title": "Detection of left ventricular aneurysms by cross-sectional echocardiography.", "content": "Real-time cross-sectional echocardiographic studies of the left ventricle were performed in 31 consecutive patients with angiographically proven left ventricular aneurysms (group I). In each of these patients the presence and location of the aneurysm was visualized by the cross-sectional echocardiography. In four patients discrepancy in the extent of the aneurysm was noted due either to failure of the cross-sectional technique to visualize the entire anterior wall of the ventricle (3) or failure of the single plane angiogram to adequately define the lateral extent of the aneurysm (1). Ventricular shape and contraction sequence in patients with aneurysms were compared with similar patterns in 20 patients with normal left ventricles (group II), and 20 patients with ischemic heart disease and localized ventricular dysfunction without aneurysm formation (group III). Other noninvasive methods for detecting aneurysms (including physical examination, chest roentgenography, electrocardiography, and M-mode echocardiography) were also evaluated in the aneurysm group. This report suggests that cross-sectional echocardiography is a useful method for detecting ventricular aneurysms noninvasively.", "contents": "Detection of left ventricular aneurysms by cross-sectional echocardiography. Real-time cross-sectional echocardiographic studies of the left ventricle were performed in 31 consecutive patients with angiographically proven left ventricular aneurysms (group I). In each of these patients the presence and location of the aneurysm was visualized by the cross-sectional echocardiography. In four patients discrepancy in the extent of the aneurysm was noted due either to failure of the cross-sectional technique to visualize the entire anterior wall of the ventricle (3) or failure of the single plane angiogram to adequately define the lateral extent of the aneurysm (1). Ventricular shape and contraction sequence in patients with aneurysms were compared with similar patterns in 20 patients with normal left ventricles (group II), and 20 patients with ischemic heart disease and localized ventricular dysfunction without aneurysm formation (group III). Other noninvasive methods for detecting aneurysms (including physical examination, chest roentgenography, electrocardiography, and M-mode echocardiography) were also evaluated in the aneurysm group. This report suggests that cross-sectional echocardiography is a useful method for detecting ventricular aneurysms noninvasively.", "PMID": 991409} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4216", "title": "Echophonocardiographic studies of the contribution of the atrioventricular valves to the first heart sound.", "content": "The movements of the mitral, tricuspid and aortic valves have been recorded echocardiographically and related to the first heart sound (S1) in patients with various hemodynamic and conduction abnormalities. Closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves has been studied with respect to the corresponding atrioventricular pressure crossover and it is clear that both valves finish closing about 50 msec after pressure crossover. In order to clarify the relative contribution of tricuspid valve closure and aortic root events to the second high frequency component of S1, a new simultaneous dual echophonocardiographic technique was employed. This permitted the simultaneous registration of tricuspid and aortic valve movements and demonstrated that in certain circumstances the second high frequency component of S1, could be attributed to tricuspid closure, aortic root events being excluded from the genesis of this sound. These observations suggest that the two high frequency components of S1 are related to closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves. The results do not however, exclude a contribution to S1 of aortic root events, which may be of lower frequency vibrations.", "contents": "Echophonocardiographic studies of the contribution of the atrioventricular valves to the first heart sound. The movements of the mitral, tricuspid and aortic valves have been recorded echocardiographically and related to the first heart sound (S1) in patients with various hemodynamic and conduction abnormalities. Closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves has been studied with respect to the corresponding atrioventricular pressure crossover and it is clear that both valves finish closing about 50 msec after pressure crossover. In order to clarify the relative contribution of tricuspid valve closure and aortic root events to the second high frequency component of S1, a new simultaneous dual echophonocardiographic technique was employed. This permitted the simultaneous registration of tricuspid and aortic valve movements and demonstrated that in certain circumstances the second high frequency component of S1, could be attributed to tricuspid closure, aortic root events being excluded from the genesis of this sound. These observations suggest that the two high frequency components of S1 are related to closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves. The results do not however, exclude a contribution to S1 of aortic root events, which may be of lower frequency vibrations.", "PMID": 991410} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4217", "title": "Subendocardial blood flow in children with congenital aortic stenosis.", "content": "Subendocardial blood flow may be estimated from the ratio of flow to the subendocardium to myocardial oxygen consumption. The first may be estimated from the diastolic pressure time index (area between aortic and left ventricular (LV) pressure during diastole) and the latter by the tension time index (integral of LV pressure during systolic ejection). Subendocardial flow index (SEFI) averaged 1.27 (0.96-1.78) in 13 children with normal aortic valves. SEFI averaged 0.88 (0.43-1.65) in asymptomatic children with congenital aortic stenosis and was never greater than 0.9 in symptomatic children. Aortic valve area and systolic pressure difference did not correlate well with symptoms. SEFI and aortic valve area increased in 26 of 28 patients after surgery. However, 23 of 28 had varying degrees of aortic regurgitation following valvotomy. Since calculation of SEFI is not affected by aortic regurgitation, it would appear to be a more useful measure of surgical success than aortic valve area.", "contents": "Subendocardial blood flow in children with congenital aortic stenosis. Subendocardial blood flow may be estimated from the ratio of flow to the subendocardium to myocardial oxygen consumption. The first may be estimated from the diastolic pressure time index (area between aortic and left ventricular (LV) pressure during diastole) and the latter by the tension time index (integral of LV pressure during systolic ejection). Subendocardial flow index (SEFI) averaged 1.27 (0.96-1.78) in 13 children with normal aortic valves. SEFI averaged 0.88 (0.43-1.65) in asymptomatic children with congenital aortic stenosis and was never greater than 0.9 in symptomatic children. Aortic valve area and systolic pressure difference did not correlate well with symptoms. SEFI and aortic valve area increased in 26 of 28 patients after surgery. However, 23 of 28 had varying degrees of aortic regurgitation following valvotomy. Since calculation of SEFI is not affected by aortic regurgitation, it would appear to be a more useful measure of surgical success than aortic valve area.", "PMID": 991411} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4218", "title": "Pulmonary regurgitation in large atrial shunts without pulmonary hypertension.", "content": "Seven patients with pulmonary regurgitation (PR), normal pulmonary artery (PA) pressures and large left-to-right atrial shunts are reported. Six had secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) and one had anomalous pulmonary venous drainage. These comprised 4% of 180 patients with atrial shunts and normal PA pressures. Pulmonary regurgitation was diagnosed clinically by mid-frequency diastolic decrescendo murmurs beginning after the pulmonic component of the second heart sound, and diagnoses were confirmed by catheterization. In two patients who had serial preoperative catheterizations over 8 and 16 years, PR progressed in one and was present only on the second study in the other. All patients underwent shunt correction, at which time the pulmonic anulus and artery appeared dilated, but the pulmonic valves were normal and did not require revision. In all patients the PR murmur disappeared after shunt correction alone, and on chest X-ray both PA and overall heart size decreased. Although it is known that pulmonary regurgitation occurs with atrial septal defects and pulmonary hypertension, the present study demonstrates that it also occurs with high flow atrial shunts, in which setting it has different implications and is reversible with shunt correction alone.", "contents": "Pulmonary regurgitation in large atrial shunts without pulmonary hypertension. Seven patients with pulmonary regurgitation (PR), normal pulmonary artery (PA) pressures and large left-to-right atrial shunts are reported. Six had secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) and one had anomalous pulmonary venous drainage. These comprised 4% of 180 patients with atrial shunts and normal PA pressures. Pulmonary regurgitation was diagnosed clinically by mid-frequency diastolic decrescendo murmurs beginning after the pulmonic component of the second heart sound, and diagnoses were confirmed by catheterization. In two patients who had serial preoperative catheterizations over 8 and 16 years, PR progressed in one and was present only on the second study in the other. All patients underwent shunt correction, at which time the pulmonic anulus and artery appeared dilated, but the pulmonic valves were normal and did not require revision. In all patients the PR murmur disappeared after shunt correction alone, and on chest X-ray both PA and overall heart size decreased. Although it is known that pulmonary regurgitation occurs with atrial septal defects and pulmonary hypertension, the present study demonstrates that it also occurs with high flow atrial shunts, in which setting it has different implications and is reversible with shunt correction alone.", "PMID": 991412} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4219", "title": "The effect of left ventricular pressure or volume overload on ventricular dimension in children. Left ventricular volume determination from one or two ventricular dimensions.", "content": "The effect of pressure or volume overload on the geometry of the left ventricle (LV) was determined in order to examine the feasibility and accuracy of LV volume determinations from one minor axis or two dimensions (one minor axis and the longest length). The longest length (LL) and minor axis (MA) in both the anteroposterior (AP) view and lateral (LAT) view were determined from the LV cine silhouette in patients with normal LV volume and pressure (group 1), LV pressure (LVP) overload group (LVP greater than 140 mm Hg, group 2), and LV volume overload group (LV end-diastolic volume greater than 124% of normal, group 3). The ratio of the MA to the LL, which represents the spherical configuration of the LV, was less than \"normal\" in group 2, and higher than \"normal\" in group 3. In all groups the LV was less spherical at end-systole than at end-diastole. Additionally, the (MA)3 had a different relationship to true LV volume (biplane LV volume) in the three groups and from diastole to systole in each group. Left ventricular volume calculation from one minor axis was associated with a large error. In contrast, left ventricular volume can be accurately determined from two ventricular dimensions using either the anteroposterior or lateral ventricular image (r larger than or equal to 0.97).", "contents": "The effect of left ventricular pressure or volume overload on ventricular dimension in children. Left ventricular volume determination from one or two ventricular dimensions. The effect of pressure or volume overload on the geometry of the left ventricle (LV) was determined in order to examine the feasibility and accuracy of LV volume determinations from one minor axis or two dimensions (one minor axis and the longest length). The longest length (LL) and minor axis (MA) in both the anteroposterior (AP) view and lateral (LAT) view were determined from the LV cine silhouette in patients with normal LV volume and pressure (group 1), LV pressure (LVP) overload group (LVP greater than 140 mm Hg, group 2), and LV volume overload group (LV end-diastolic volume greater than 124% of normal, group 3). The ratio of the MA to the LL, which represents the spherical configuration of the LV, was less than \"normal\" in group 2, and higher than \"normal\" in group 3. In all groups the LV was less spherical at end-systole than at end-diastole. Additionally, the (MA)3 had a different relationship to true LV volume (biplane LV volume) in the three groups and from diastole to systole in each group. Left ventricular volume calculation from one minor axis was associated with a large error. In contrast, left ventricular volume can be accurately determined from two ventricular dimensions using either the anteroposterior or lateral ventricular image (r larger than or equal to 0.97).", "PMID": 991413} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4220", "title": "Assessment of left ventricular function in severe aortic regurgitation.", "content": "Echocardiographic (echo) measurements of left ventricular ejection phase indices--ejection fraction, percent shortening of the minor diameter (%deltaD), and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (Vcf)--are said to be accurate reflections of their angiographic (angio) counterparts. Most studies correlating echo and angio left ventricular function parameters have included relatively few patients with aortic regurgitation. Echo and angio measurements of left ventricular ejection phase indices thus might not correlate in these patients in whom left ventricular geometry may have been altered due to the volume overload. To test this hypothesis, left ventricular ejection phase indices were determined by angiography and echocardiography and compared in 20 patients with isolated, symptomatic, severe aortic regurgitation. Ejection fraction, %deltaD, and Vcf by LAO cineangiograms and echo were uniformly higher than corresponding measurements from RAO angio, and were often normal in the presence of other indicators of significant left ventricular dysfunction. We conclude that the usual, linear echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular wall motion may not reflect significant myocardial dysfunction in patients with severe aortic regurgitation.", "contents": "Assessment of left ventricular function in severe aortic regurgitation. Echocardiographic (echo) measurements of left ventricular ejection phase indices--ejection fraction, percent shortening of the minor diameter (%deltaD), and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (Vcf)--are said to be accurate reflections of their angiographic (angio) counterparts. Most studies correlating echo and angio left ventricular function parameters have included relatively few patients with aortic regurgitation. Echo and angio measurements of left ventricular ejection phase indices thus might not correlate in these patients in whom left ventricular geometry may have been altered due to the volume overload. To test this hypothesis, left ventricular ejection phase indices were determined by angiography and echocardiography and compared in 20 patients with isolated, symptomatic, severe aortic regurgitation. Ejection fraction, %deltaD, and Vcf by LAO cineangiograms and echo were uniformly higher than corresponding measurements from RAO angio, and were often normal in the presence of other indicators of significant left ventricular dysfunction. We conclude that the usual, linear echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular wall motion may not reflect significant myocardial dysfunction in patients with severe aortic regurgitation.", "PMID": 991414} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4221", "title": "Myocsrdial uptake of technetium-99m stannous pyrophosphate following direct current transthoracic countershock.", "content": "The effect of direct current (DC) countershock upon myocardial technetium-99m stannous pyrophosphate (PYP) uptake was studied in 22 dogs. All eight dogs imaged had positive abnormal PYP scintigrams that were usually indistinguishable from experimental infarction. In three animals, additional areas of radionuclide uptake were seen in overlying noncardiac tissue. Left and right ventricular myocardial PYP uptake averaged (+/- SEM) 23 +/- 5 times control and 24 +/- 6 times control, respectively. These activity ratios occurred without reduction in regional myocardial blood flow (RMBF), and were associated with histologic evidence of necrosis. The necrosis was usually epicardial, corresponding to the transmural site of greatest PYP uptake. The magnitude of PYP accumulation and the weight of damaged tissue increased with increasing applied energy. Thus, PYP uptake following DC countershock could result in false-positive interpretation of acute ischemic myocardial infarction. Since RMBF is normal in regions of PYP uptake, the major determinant of radionuclide accumulation is the extent of cellular damage.", "contents": "Myocsrdial uptake of technetium-99m stannous pyrophosphate following direct current transthoracic countershock. The effect of direct current (DC) countershock upon myocardial technetium-99m stannous pyrophosphate (PYP) uptake was studied in 22 dogs. All eight dogs imaged had positive abnormal PYP scintigrams that were usually indistinguishable from experimental infarction. In three animals, additional areas of radionuclide uptake were seen in overlying noncardiac tissue. Left and right ventricular myocardial PYP uptake averaged (+/- SEM) 23 +/- 5 times control and 24 +/- 6 times control, respectively. These activity ratios occurred without reduction in regional myocardial blood flow (RMBF), and were associated with histologic evidence of necrosis. The necrosis was usually epicardial, corresponding to the transmural site of greatest PYP uptake. The magnitude of PYP accumulation and the weight of damaged tissue increased with increasing applied energy. Thus, PYP uptake following DC countershock could result in false-positive interpretation of acute ischemic myocardial infarction. Since RMBF is normal in regions of PYP uptake, the major determinant of radionuclide accumulation is the extent of cellular damage.", "PMID": 991415} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4222", "title": "The relationship of education to blood pressure: findings on 40,000 employed Chicagoans.", "content": "The relationship of education to both actual blood pressure and the prevalence of high blood pressure, based on a systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg or greater or a diastolic pressure of 95 mm Hg or greater, was analyzed among 27,033 men and women, white and black, age 25-44 and 45-64, from the Chicago Heart Association Detection Project in Industry. The educational status of each individual was categorized as not a high school graduate, high school graduate, some college, or college graduate. A statistically significant inverse association between education and high blood pressure was present in all groups of whites. This association could not be \"accounted for\" by differences in age, relative weight, and heart rate among the educational strata. Controlling for these variables did, however, lessen the association. Among black males a significant inverse association between education level and blood pressure was found for the younger group. For the older black males there was a clear inverse association although with the small numbers it did not achieve statistical significance. For black females there was no clear association.", "contents": "The relationship of education to blood pressure: findings on 40,000 employed Chicagoans. The relationship of education to both actual blood pressure and the prevalence of high blood pressure, based on a systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg or greater or a diastolic pressure of 95 mm Hg or greater, was analyzed among 27,033 men and women, white and black, age 25-44 and 45-64, from the Chicago Heart Association Detection Project in Industry. The educational status of each individual was categorized as not a high school graduate, high school graduate, some college, or college graduate. A statistically significant inverse association between education and high blood pressure was present in all groups of whites. This association could not be \"accounted for\" by differences in age, relative weight, and heart rate among the educational strata. Controlling for these variables did, however, lessen the association. Among black males a significant inverse association between education level and blood pressure was found for the younger group. For the older black males there was a clear inverse association although with the small numbers it did not achieve statistical significance. For black females there was no clear association.", "PMID": 991416} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4223", "title": "Blood pressure in tenth-grade students: results from the Chicago Heart Association Pediatric Heart Screening Project.", "content": "This report is based on 13,231 tenth-grade students who participated in the Chicago Heart Association Pediatric Heart Screening Project. The blood pressures of these fifteen and sixteen-year-olds were analyzed with respect to sex, race, adiposity, pulse rate, and father's educational attainment. The mean systolic blood pressure was higher in boys than girls by nearly 5 mm Hg, but mean diastolic blood pressure was lower by less than 1 mm Hg. Black tenth-graders had higher mean diastolic blood pressure than whites; the difference in systolic blood pressure was not statistically significant. Adiposity and resting pulse rate were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure and, to a lesser degree, with diastolic blood pressure. After taking adiposity and pulse rate into account, father's educational attainment had a small but statistically significant negative association with diastolic blood pressure in white but not in black students. Nearly 5 percent of students were recalled for a second test because the initial screening blood pressures equaled or exceeded 150 mm Hg systolic or 90 mm Hg diastolic, and almost half of students at the recall examination continued to have pressures of 145/85 or greater.", "contents": "Blood pressure in tenth-grade students: results from the Chicago Heart Association Pediatric Heart Screening Project. This report is based on 13,231 tenth-grade students who participated in the Chicago Heart Association Pediatric Heart Screening Project. The blood pressures of these fifteen and sixteen-year-olds were analyzed with respect to sex, race, adiposity, pulse rate, and father's educational attainment. The mean systolic blood pressure was higher in boys than girls by nearly 5 mm Hg, but mean diastolic blood pressure was lower by less than 1 mm Hg. Black tenth-graders had higher mean diastolic blood pressure than whites; the difference in systolic blood pressure was not statistically significant. Adiposity and resting pulse rate were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure and, to a lesser degree, with diastolic blood pressure. After taking adiposity and pulse rate into account, father's educational attainment had a small but statistically significant negative association with diastolic blood pressure in white but not in black students. Nearly 5 percent of students were recalled for a second test because the initial screening blood pressures equaled or exceeded 150 mm Hg systolic or 90 mm Hg diastolic, and almost half of students at the recall examination continued to have pressures of 145/85 or greater.", "PMID": 991417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4224", "title": "Postcardiotomy low cardiac output clinical experience with a left heart assist device.", "content": "Fifteen patients with advanced heart disease who could not be withdrawn from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPBP) because of low cardiac output were supported with a left heart assist device (LHAD). The system (left atrium to ascending aorta bypass of left ventricle) was not employed until all other measures had failed to allow separation from CPBP, including intraaortic balloon counterpulsation whenever possible. In this experience no attempt was made to totally bypass the left ventricle (LV). Rather, LHAD flow rate was adjusted so that the combined output of the LHAD and depressed LV achieved satisfactory levels of systemic blood flow at acceptable LV filling pressures. With improved cardiac performance patients were separated from the LHAD without need for thoracic reentry. Of the 15 patients having LHAD support (longest 21 days), 10 could be separated from the device and six were dismissed from the hospital. Four remain well, the longest 1.6 years postoperatively. Patients requiring 3 days or less of circulatory assistance had a more favorable prognosis than those needing more extended periods of support.", "contents": "Postcardiotomy low cardiac output clinical experience with a left heart assist device. Fifteen patients with advanced heart disease who could not be withdrawn from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPBP) because of low cardiac output were supported with a left heart assist device (LHAD). The system (left atrium to ascending aorta bypass of left ventricle) was not employed until all other measures had failed to allow separation from CPBP, including intraaortic balloon counterpulsation whenever possible. In this experience no attempt was made to totally bypass the left ventricle (LV). Rather, LHAD flow rate was adjusted so that the combined output of the LHAD and depressed LV achieved satisfactory levels of systemic blood flow at acceptable LV filling pressures. With improved cardiac performance patients were separated from the LHAD without need for thoracic reentry. Of the 15 patients having LHAD support (longest 21 days), 10 could be separated from the device and six were dismissed from the hospital. Four remain well, the longest 1.6 years postoperatively. Patients requiring 3 days or less of circulatory assistance had a more favorable prognosis than those needing more extended periods of support.", "PMID": 991418} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4225", "title": "Improved myocardial performance after aortic cross clamping by combining pharmacologic arrest with topical hypothermia.", "content": "In 22 dogs, we compared the protective effects of combining topical hypothermia and cardioplegia to those of either technique alone on myocardial flow, distribution, metabolism, compliance, and performance after 1 hour of aortic cross clamping. Topical hypothermia alone caused redistribution of coronary flow away from the subendocardium (endocardial/epicardial flow fell from 1.13 to 0.77) and reduced left ventricular compliance and performance severely (48% depression of ventricular function). Cardioplegia alone caused redistribution of flow toward the subendocardium (endocardial/epicardial flow increased to 1.4) and decreased compliance and function moderately (31% depression). In contrast, combined topical hypothermia and cardioplegia caused no significant change in left ventricular flow distribution, compliance, or performance. We concluded that the normal heart can be cross clamped safely for up to 60 minutes (no myocardial depression) only when cardioplegia and topical hypothermia are used in combination (P less than 0.01).", "contents": "Improved myocardial performance after aortic cross clamping by combining pharmacologic arrest with topical hypothermia. In 22 dogs, we compared the protective effects of combining topical hypothermia and cardioplegia to those of either technique alone on myocardial flow, distribution, metabolism, compliance, and performance after 1 hour of aortic cross clamping. Topical hypothermia alone caused redistribution of coronary flow away from the subendocardium (endocardial/epicardial flow fell from 1.13 to 0.77) and reduced left ventricular compliance and performance severely (48% depression of ventricular function). Cardioplegia alone caused redistribution of flow toward the subendocardium (endocardial/epicardial flow increased to 1.4) and decreased compliance and function moderately (31% depression). In contrast, combined topical hypothermia and cardioplegia caused no significant change in left ventricular flow distribution, compliance, or performance. We concluded that the normal heart can be cross clamped safely for up to 60 minutes (no myocardial depression) only when cardioplegia and topical hypothermia are used in combination (P less than 0.01).", "PMID": 991419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4226", "title": "Surgical treatment of aneurysms of the ascending aorta.", "content": "From January 1970 to April 1975, 132 patients underwent surgical repair of aneurysms of the ascending aorta at this institution, 24 of whom had acute dissections. In almost all cases the ascending aorta was replaced with a Dacron tube graft. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 100 patients and 23 patients underwent coronary artery revision or bypass. Fifteen hospital deaths occurred. Although chronic or nondissecting aneurysms may be dealt with on an elective basis, acute dissections require prompt surgical intervention. Symptomatology and radiographic findings are such that angiography may not be necessary to establish the diagnosis. Clinical evidence of aortic regurgitation in an acute dissecting aneurysm is sufficient indication for immediate operation. Improvements in surgical techniques, fabric grafts, and valve prostheses have all contributed to the successful surgical treatment of aneurysms of the ascending aorta.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of aneurysms of the ascending aorta. From January 1970 to April 1975, 132 patients underwent surgical repair of aneurysms of the ascending aorta at this institution, 24 of whom had acute dissections. In almost all cases the ascending aorta was replaced with a Dacron tube graft. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 100 patients and 23 patients underwent coronary artery revision or bypass. Fifteen hospital deaths occurred. Although chronic or nondissecting aneurysms may be dealt with on an elective basis, acute dissections require prompt surgical intervention. Symptomatology and radiographic findings are such that angiography may not be necessary to establish the diagnosis. Clinical evidence of aortic regurgitation in an acute dissecting aneurysm is sufficient indication for immediate operation. Improvements in surgical techniques, fabric grafts, and valve prostheses have all contributed to the successful surgical treatment of aneurysms of the ascending aorta.", "PMID": 991420} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4227", "title": "Pulmonary artery banding for truncus arteriosus in the first year of life.", "content": "Results of pulmonary artery banding (PAB) for truncus arteriosus (TA) in infancy are reviewed in 15 children between 1957 and 1974. There were ten hospital and one late deaths (73%). A policy of early correction of severely symptomatic infants with TA was adopted in 1974. Since October, 1974, four infants with TA and one with hemitruncus had a complete correction. Three of these are surviving 22, 17, and 9 months after the operation. Their weight at operation was 4.7, 6.0, and 3.5 kg.", "contents": "Pulmonary artery banding for truncus arteriosus in the first year of life. Results of pulmonary artery banding (PAB) for truncus arteriosus (TA) in infancy are reviewed in 15 children between 1957 and 1974. There were ten hospital and one late deaths (73%). A policy of early correction of severely symptomatic infants with TA was adopted in 1974. Since October, 1974, four infants with TA and one with hemitruncus had a complete correction. Three of these are surviving 22, 17, and 9 months after the operation. Their weight at operation was 4.7, 6.0, and 3.5 kg.", "PMID": 991421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4228", "title": "Perioperative myocardial infarction diagnosed by technetium 99m stannous pyrophosphate myocardial scintigrams.", "content": "Two groups of patients have been studied using 99mTc stannous pyrophosphate myocardial imaging prior to and 3-5 days after myocardial revascularization. The first group consisted of 48 patients undergoing revascularization, including 26 with unstable angina and seven with concomitant valve replacement. There were 3 deaths (6%), and the incidence of perioperative infarction by electrocardiogram (ECG) and enzyme analysis was 6/48 (12%), while 15 of 48 (31%) had positive myocardial scintigrams. The second group of 29 patients included one nonischemic death (3%) that was excluded. The operative technique was changed (optical magnification used, silastic tapes avoided, venting avoided, while aortic cross clamping was used frequently). In this latter group two of 29 (7%) had ECG evidence of infarction while four of 28 (14%) had positive scintigrams, compared to the pervious incidence of 31%. The imaging technique is simple, reliable, and probably more sensitive in the postoperative setting than ECG and enzyme analysis. It appears useful in evaluating the influence of changes in operative technique on myocardial preservation.", "contents": "Perioperative myocardial infarction diagnosed by technetium 99m stannous pyrophosphate myocardial scintigrams. Two groups of patients have been studied using 99mTc stannous pyrophosphate myocardial imaging prior to and 3-5 days after myocardial revascularization. The first group consisted of 48 patients undergoing revascularization, including 26 with unstable angina and seven with concomitant valve replacement. There were 3 deaths (6%), and the incidence of perioperative infarction by electrocardiogram (ECG) and enzyme analysis was 6/48 (12%), while 15 of 48 (31%) had positive myocardial scintigrams. The second group of 29 patients included one nonischemic death (3%) that was excluded. The operative technique was changed (optical magnification used, silastic tapes avoided, venting avoided, while aortic cross clamping was used frequently). In this latter group two of 29 (7%) had ECG evidence of infarction while four of 28 (14%) had positive scintigrams, compared to the pervious incidence of 31%. The imaging technique is simple, reliable, and probably more sensitive in the postoperative setting than ECG and enzyme analysis. It appears useful in evaluating the influence of changes in operative technique on myocardial preservation.", "PMID": 991422} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4229", "title": "Pulmonary atresia: surgical considerations and results in 103 patients undergoing definitive repair.", "content": "Surgical considerations and results of repair of 103 patients with pulmonary atresia are reviewed. The operative mortality was 10%, related primarily to inability to relieve right ventricular hypertension and to low cardiac output after complex repairs involving significant associated anomalies. In a follow-up study ranging from 6 months to 8 years, there were four late deaths, each being a result of persistent right ventricular hypertension. All but one of the surviving patients are in Class I or Class II. Since operative and late mortality and morbidity are related to unrelieved right ventricular hypertension due to restricted pulmonary arterial outflow, it should be possible to improve results by performance of a preliminary systemic-pulmonary arterial shunt for patients with hypoplastic pulmonary arteries and by correction of patients with large systemic-pulmonary arterial shunts before the development of pulmonary vascular obstructive disease. The striking relief of cyanosis, exercise intolerance, and other symptoms, and the generally favorable operative risk, justify the continued application of surgical correction of pulmonary atresia.", "contents": "Pulmonary atresia: surgical considerations and results in 103 patients undergoing definitive repair. Surgical considerations and results of repair of 103 patients with pulmonary atresia are reviewed. The operative mortality was 10%, related primarily to inability to relieve right ventricular hypertension and to low cardiac output after complex repairs involving significant associated anomalies. In a follow-up study ranging from 6 months to 8 years, there were four late deaths, each being a result of persistent right ventricular hypertension. All but one of the surviving patients are in Class I or Class II. Since operative and late mortality and morbidity are related to unrelieved right ventricular hypertension due to restricted pulmonary arterial outflow, it should be possible to improve results by performance of a preliminary systemic-pulmonary arterial shunt for patients with hypoplastic pulmonary arteries and by correction of patients with large systemic-pulmonary arterial shunts before the development of pulmonary vascular obstructive disease. The striking relief of cyanosis, exercise intolerance, and other symptoms, and the generally favorable operative risk, justify the continued application of surgical correction of pulmonary atresia.", "PMID": 991423} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4230", "title": "Hemodynamic effects of nitroprusside infusion during coronary artery operation in man.", "content": "The hemodynamic response to vasodilator therapy with sodium nitroprusside has been assessed in 33 patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) during coronary artery operation. The patients were divided into three groups; Group 1 included seven patients with CAD and normal left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP less than 12 mm Hg); Group 2 included 18 patients with CAD and chronic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (LVFP greater than 12 mm Hg) and Group 3 included eight patients with CAD and acute LV dysfunction (LVFP greater than 12 mm Hg) associated with an intraoperative hypertensive episode. Nitroprusside was administered intraoperatively at an initial infusion rate of 10-15 mcg/min and the rate was gradually increased thereafter until the criteria for effective therapy were satisfied. The effective dose ranged from 10-120 mcg/min with an average of 52 +/- 4 (SEM) mcg/min. In all three groups, pulmonary and systemic arterial pressure, right and left ventricular filling pressure, and pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance decreased significantly with nitroprusside infusion. Heart rate increased significantly in Group 1 and remained unchanged in Group 2 and 3. Heart rate X systolic arterial pressure decreased significantly in Group 1 and 3 and did not change in Group 2. Stroke index increased significantly in both groups of patients with elevated control LVFP (Group 2 and 3) and remained unchanged in patients with normal left ventricular function (Group 1). Left ventricular stroke work index decreased in Group 1, increased in Group 2, and remained unchanged in Group 3. Right ventricular stroke work index decreased significantly in all groups. These findings suggest that judicious intraoperative administration of sodium nitroprusside improves left ventricular function in patients with acute or chronic elevation of LVFP and LV dysfunction associated with severe CAD. Furthermore, nitroprusside is an effective drug for control of intraoperative hypertensive episodes in such patients.", "contents": "Hemodynamic effects of nitroprusside infusion during coronary artery operation in man. The hemodynamic response to vasodilator therapy with sodium nitroprusside has been assessed in 33 patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) during coronary artery operation. The patients were divided into three groups; Group 1 included seven patients with CAD and normal left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP less than 12 mm Hg); Group 2 included 18 patients with CAD and chronic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (LVFP greater than 12 mm Hg) and Group 3 included eight patients with CAD and acute LV dysfunction (LVFP greater than 12 mm Hg) associated with an intraoperative hypertensive episode. Nitroprusside was administered intraoperatively at an initial infusion rate of 10-15 mcg/min and the rate was gradually increased thereafter until the criteria for effective therapy were satisfied. The effective dose ranged from 10-120 mcg/min with an average of 52 +/- 4 (SEM) mcg/min. In all three groups, pulmonary and systemic arterial pressure, right and left ventricular filling pressure, and pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance decreased significantly with nitroprusside infusion. Heart rate increased significantly in Group 1 and remained unchanged in Group 2 and 3. Heart rate X systolic arterial pressure decreased significantly in Group 1 and 3 and did not change in Group 2. Stroke index increased significantly in both groups of patients with elevated control LVFP (Group 2 and 3) and remained unchanged in patients with normal left ventricular function (Group 1). Left ventricular stroke work index decreased in Group 1, increased in Group 2, and remained unchanged in Group 3. Right ventricular stroke work index decreased significantly in all groups. These findings suggest that judicious intraoperative administration of sodium nitroprusside improves left ventricular function in patients with acute or chronic elevation of LVFP and LV dysfunction associated with severe CAD. Furthermore, nitroprusside is an effective drug for control of intraoperative hypertensive episodes in such patients.", "PMID": 991424} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4231", "title": "Mitral valve replacement: a 10-year follow-up of non-cloth-covered vs. cloth-covered caged-ball prostheses.", "content": "The timing of operation and the selection of prosthesis depend upon the evaluation of long-term results at 5 years and beyond. From 1965 to 1975, 290 patients had isolated mitral valve replacement with currently used prostheses, resulting in a 6.6% operative mortality and 64% relative survival at 10 years. In considering mortality, the results obtained with both series of valves were combined and a search made for significant differences in preoperative variables between the operative deaths and operative survivors. The significant variables for operative mortality were valve model, preoperative functional class, pump time, and the presence or absence of right ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiography. There were significant differences in long-term survival only with regard to preoperative functional class, pulmonary vascular resistance, and pump time. Exponential curves were fitted to the event-free rates, and long-term results were then extrapolated. The 10-year projection of the percentage of patients alive and free of embolus (disregarding transient ischemic attacks) for the Model 6310-6320 (50%) was similar to that actually observed for the Model 6120 (46%). Although further experience may show one prosthesis more effective than the other, statistical extrapolations suggest continued comparable performance.", "contents": "Mitral valve replacement: a 10-year follow-up of non-cloth-covered vs. cloth-covered caged-ball prostheses. The timing of operation and the selection of prosthesis depend upon the evaluation of long-term results at 5 years and beyond. From 1965 to 1975, 290 patients had isolated mitral valve replacement with currently used prostheses, resulting in a 6.6% operative mortality and 64% relative survival at 10 years. In considering mortality, the results obtained with both series of valves were combined and a search made for significant differences in preoperative variables between the operative deaths and operative survivors. The significant variables for operative mortality were valve model, preoperative functional class, pump time, and the presence or absence of right ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiography. There were significant differences in long-term survival only with regard to preoperative functional class, pulmonary vascular resistance, and pump time. Exponential curves were fitted to the event-free rates, and long-term results were then extrapolated. The 10-year projection of the percentage of patients alive and free of embolus (disregarding transient ischemic attacks) for the Model 6310-6320 (50%) was similar to that actually observed for the Model 6120 (46%). Although further experience may show one prosthesis more effective than the other, statistical extrapolations suggest continued comparable performance.", "PMID": 991425} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4232", "title": "Use of a valved conduit from right atrium to pulmonary artery for \"correction\" of single ventricle.", "content": "Nine patients with single ventricle and pulmonary stenosis were treated by using a valved conduit from right atrium to the main pulmonary artery. The patient's own mobilized pulmonary valve was used in one patient and fresh, adult-sized aortic homograft in the remaining eight. Two additional unstented homografts were inserted at the entrance of both superior and inferior venae cavae in four patients. A pericardial baffle was used to direct pulmonary venous blood to both atrioventricular valves in three, and the tricuspid valve was oversewn in six. L-transposition of the great arteries was present in five patients and D-transposition in one. Tricuspid valve hypoplasia was present in one and mitral hypoplasia in one. The age at operation was 4 months to 36 years. All patients were severely incapacitated with arterial oxygen saturation varying from 28% to 76%. Four patients died within the first week after operation, the remaining five patients derived excellent symptomatic improvement. Repeat cardiac catheterization, performed in five patients, showed a mean right atrial pressure varying from 8 to 17 mm Hg and a prominent right atrial A wave, measuring 10 to 25 mm Hg, with evidence of good function of the homografts at the entrance of the venae cavae. The arterial oxygen saturation varied from 88% to 97%.", "contents": "Use of a valved conduit from right atrium to pulmonary artery for \"correction\" of single ventricle. Nine patients with single ventricle and pulmonary stenosis were treated by using a valved conduit from right atrium to the main pulmonary artery. The patient's own mobilized pulmonary valve was used in one patient and fresh, adult-sized aortic homograft in the remaining eight. Two additional unstented homografts were inserted at the entrance of both superior and inferior venae cavae in four patients. A pericardial baffle was used to direct pulmonary venous blood to both atrioventricular valves in three, and the tricuspid valve was oversewn in six. L-transposition of the great arteries was present in five patients and D-transposition in one. Tricuspid valve hypoplasia was present in one and mitral hypoplasia in one. The age at operation was 4 months to 36 years. All patients were severely incapacitated with arterial oxygen saturation varying from 28% to 76%. Four patients died within the first week after operation, the remaining five patients derived excellent symptomatic improvement. Repeat cardiac catheterization, performed in five patients, showed a mean right atrial pressure varying from 8 to 17 mm Hg and a prominent right atrial A wave, measuring 10 to 25 mm Hg, with evidence of good function of the homografts at the entrance of the venae cavae. The arterial oxygen saturation varied from 88% to 97%.", "PMID": 991426} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4233", "title": "Continuous detection of microemboli during cardiopulmonary bypass in animals and man.", "content": "A device that continuously and accurately detects solid and gaseous microemboli (75-100 muM) during cardiopulmonary bypass is described. A continuous ultrasonic standingwave field was generated between two parallel piezoelectric crystals. Extremely high sensitivity to small changes in ultrasonic attenuation was achieved with a transmission oscillator ultrasonic spectrometer (TOUS). The device was relatively insensitive to variations in flow rate, gradual temperature changes, hematocrit, protein content, and pressure. The system was tested with 100, 200, and 300 muM microspheres. Animal perfusions demonstrated high initial counts that were markedly reduced by an arterial line filter. Furthermore, high cardiotomy suction rates, use of nitrogen, and physical disturbances of the oxygenator increased the microemboli rate. Of 30 clinical perfusions, 15 had complete data for analysis. There was a statistically significant difference (P less than 0.01) in the total number of microemboli between the first 10 minutes (4398 +/- 1132) versus the second 10 minutes of perfusion (2739 +/- 1195). It is concluded that an accurate device that continuously measures the number of microemboli may provide data that will lead to significant improvements in the quality of extracorporeal circulation in the future.", "contents": "Continuous detection of microemboli during cardiopulmonary bypass in animals and man. A device that continuously and accurately detects solid and gaseous microemboli (75-100 muM) during cardiopulmonary bypass is described. A continuous ultrasonic standingwave field was generated between two parallel piezoelectric crystals. Extremely high sensitivity to small changes in ultrasonic attenuation was achieved with a transmission oscillator ultrasonic spectrometer (TOUS). The device was relatively insensitive to variations in flow rate, gradual temperature changes, hematocrit, protein content, and pressure. The system was tested with 100, 200, and 300 muM microspheres. Animal perfusions demonstrated high initial counts that were markedly reduced by an arterial line filter. Furthermore, high cardiotomy suction rates, use of nitrogen, and physical disturbances of the oxygenator increased the microemboli rate. Of 30 clinical perfusions, 15 had complete data for analysis. There was a statistically significant difference (P less than 0.01) in the total number of microemboli between the first 10 minutes (4398 +/- 1132) versus the second 10 minutes of perfusion (2739 +/- 1195). It is concluded that an accurate device that continuously measures the number of microemboli may provide data that will lead to significant improvements in the quality of extracorporeal circulation in the future.", "PMID": 991427} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4234", "title": "Homograft and prosthetic aortic valve replacement: a comparative study.", "content": "Homograft aortic valve replacement was done in 103 patients and prosthetic aortic valve replacement in 106 between January 1962 and December 1973. Patients who received homograft and prosthetic valves were compared with respect to age, sex, preoperative functional impairment, infection, dyspnea, angina, hemodynamics, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, associated operations, early and late mortality, and valve failure. Combined total mortality was 28% (12% operative, 8% first postoperative year, 8% late). Ten percent of valve required replacement. One year after operation, 70% of survivors were asymptomatic, 27% were improved, and 3% were unchanged or between homograft and prosthetic valve replacement. Valve-related failure and infections were more common after homograft aortic valve replacement. Emboli, hemorrhage, and hemolysis were commoner after prosthetic valve replacement. Fungal infections occurred in five homograft patients but in no patient with a prosthetic aortic valve. Severe properative symptoms or recent endocarditis was associated with greater mortality and valve failure in both the homograft and the prosthetic series. Increased mortality and failure was also seen in patients with either preoperative aortic regurgitation with high left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and low cardiac index, or aortic stenosis with cardiomegaly or roentgenographic evidence of congestive heart failure. Therefore, in two series of patients at equal risk, mortality and valve failure were similar for homograft and prosthetic aortic valve replacement.", "contents": "Homograft and prosthetic aortic valve replacement: a comparative study. Homograft aortic valve replacement was done in 103 patients and prosthetic aortic valve replacement in 106 between January 1962 and December 1973. Patients who received homograft and prosthetic valves were compared with respect to age, sex, preoperative functional impairment, infection, dyspnea, angina, hemodynamics, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, associated operations, early and late mortality, and valve failure. Combined total mortality was 28% (12% operative, 8% first postoperative year, 8% late). Ten percent of valve required replacement. One year after operation, 70% of survivors were asymptomatic, 27% were improved, and 3% were unchanged or between homograft and prosthetic valve replacement. Valve-related failure and infections were more common after homograft aortic valve replacement. Emboli, hemorrhage, and hemolysis were commoner after prosthetic valve replacement. Fungal infections occurred in five homograft patients but in no patient with a prosthetic aortic valve. Severe properative symptoms or recent endocarditis was associated with greater mortality and valve failure in both the homograft and the prosthetic series. Increased mortality and failure was also seen in patients with either preoperative aortic regurgitation with high left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and low cardiac index, or aortic stenosis with cardiomegaly or roentgenographic evidence of congestive heart failure. Therefore, in two series of patients at equal risk, mortality and valve failure were similar for homograft and prosthetic aortic valve replacement.", "PMID": 991428} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4235", "title": "Myocardial revascularization and mitral repair or replacement for mitral insufficiency due to coronary artery disease.", "content": "During the past 5 years, 45 patients were operated on for mitral insufficiency due to coronary artery disease. Preoperatively, 33 had angina; 24 were in NYHA Class IV; and 21 were in Class III. The ejection fraction ranged from 0.1 to 0.7 (mean 0.40). The degree of mitral regurgitation ranged from Grade II/VI to Grade V/VI. Mitral repair was performed in 38 (84%) and replacement in seven (16%). At surgery, a ruptured papillary muscle or torn chordae tendineae with a dilated annulus were found in 21 patients and a dilated annulus only in 24. Seventy-six vein grafts and eight internal mammary anastomoses were performed. There were three hospital deaths (7%). Postoperative follow-up of 36 long-term survivors revealed symptomatic improvement in all but one patient. Twenty patients were in NYHA Class I, 15 in Class II, and one in Class III. In eight patients restudied, 17 of 18 vein grafts were patent (94%). Mitral regurgitation decreased from a mean of 2.7 to a mean of 0.6 (P less than 0.001). Average improvement in ejection fraction was 0.14, significant at P less than 0.01. Actuarial studies revealed an 80% survival rate at 5 years.", "contents": "Myocardial revascularization and mitral repair or replacement for mitral insufficiency due to coronary artery disease. During the past 5 years, 45 patients were operated on for mitral insufficiency due to coronary artery disease. Preoperatively, 33 had angina; 24 were in NYHA Class IV; and 21 were in Class III. The ejection fraction ranged from 0.1 to 0.7 (mean 0.40). The degree of mitral regurgitation ranged from Grade II/VI to Grade V/VI. Mitral repair was performed in 38 (84%) and replacement in seven (16%). At surgery, a ruptured papillary muscle or torn chordae tendineae with a dilated annulus were found in 21 patients and a dilated annulus only in 24. Seventy-six vein grafts and eight internal mammary anastomoses were performed. There were three hospital deaths (7%). Postoperative follow-up of 36 long-term survivors revealed symptomatic improvement in all but one patient. Twenty patients were in NYHA Class I, 15 in Class II, and one in Class III. In eight patients restudied, 17 of 18 vein grafts were patent (94%). Mitral regurgitation decreased from a mean of 2.7 to a mean of 0.6 (P less than 0.001). Average improvement in ejection fraction was 0.14, significant at P less than 0.01. Actuarial studies revealed an 80% survival rate at 5 years.", "PMID": 991429} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4236", "title": "Operative management of tricuspid regurgitation.", "content": "From January 1968 to June 1975 tricuspid regurgitation was encountered in 238 patients of a total of 1074 patients undergoing operations on the mitral valve. During this time tricuspid annuloplasty (TA) was performed in 137 patients and the tricuspid valve was replaced (TVR) in 101 patients. Comparison of hospital mortality of 15% (20 of 137) for TA as against 40% (40 or 101) for TVR suggests the superiority of repair over replacement. A new technique for repair makes this operation even more attractive. It satisfies the dual objectives of producing competency but not obstruction by creating a measured orifice. As experience with TA was gained, the incidence of valve replacement dropped from 69% (22 of 32) in the first 2 years of the study to 16% (11 of 70) for the last 2 years.", "contents": "Operative management of tricuspid regurgitation. From January 1968 to June 1975 tricuspid regurgitation was encountered in 238 patients of a total of 1074 patients undergoing operations on the mitral valve. During this time tricuspid annuloplasty (TA) was performed in 137 patients and the tricuspid valve was replaced (TVR) in 101 patients. Comparison of hospital mortality of 15% (20 of 137) for TA as against 40% (40 or 101) for TVR suggests the superiority of repair over replacement. A new technique for repair makes this operation even more attractive. It satisfies the dual objectives of producing competency but not obstruction by creating a measured orifice. As experience with TA was gained, the incidence of valve replacement dropped from 69% (22 of 32) in the first 2 years of the study to 16% (11 of 70) for the last 2 years.", "PMID": 991430} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4237", "title": "Hemodynamic evaluation of Fontan operation in tricuspid atresia.", "content": "Six patients underwent hemodynamic studies at 2 to 34 months (mean 15 months) following a modified Fontan operation. Only one patient had a valve at the inferior vena cava (IVC)-right atrium (RA) junction. Average age at surgery was 12 years (range 5-26 years). Three patients were catheterized twice. Postoperative studies showed four patients to be in sinus rhythm and two in junctional rhythm. Two patients had a RA-left pulmonary artery (LPA) gradient across the conduit of 1.5-10 mm Hg. The RA pressure was elevated an average of 17 mm Hg (10-34). All patients showed good atrial transport function regardless of their rhythm. The average arterial saturation was 92% (87%-97%), which was an improvement of 13% over preoperative values. Residual hypoxemia was due to pulmonary vein desaturation and to atrial right-to-left shunting early after surgery and to atrial right-to-left shunt alone, later. Death followed re-operation for removal of the porcine valves in the patient with two valves inserted. Macroscopically, both valves were found to have fibrous tissue ingrowth that had fixed them in a semi-open position.", "contents": "Hemodynamic evaluation of Fontan operation in tricuspid atresia. Six patients underwent hemodynamic studies at 2 to 34 months (mean 15 months) following a modified Fontan operation. Only one patient had a valve at the inferior vena cava (IVC)-right atrium (RA) junction. Average age at surgery was 12 years (range 5-26 years). Three patients were catheterized twice. Postoperative studies showed four patients to be in sinus rhythm and two in junctional rhythm. Two patients had a RA-left pulmonary artery (LPA) gradient across the conduit of 1.5-10 mm Hg. The RA pressure was elevated an average of 17 mm Hg (10-34). All patients showed good atrial transport function regardless of their rhythm. The average arterial saturation was 92% (87%-97%), which was an improvement of 13% over preoperative values. Residual hypoxemia was due to pulmonary vein desaturation and to atrial right-to-left shunting early after surgery and to atrial right-to-left shunt alone, later. Death followed re-operation for removal of the porcine valves in the patient with two valves inserted. Macroscopically, both valves were found to have fibrous tissue ingrowth that had fixed them in a semi-open position.", "PMID": 991431} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4238", "title": "Retarded incorporation of [14C]mannose into thyroglobulin of human thyrotoxic thyroid glands.", "content": "In vitro studies using thyroid slices from human non-toxic goitres and from thyrotoxic glands show retarded incorporation of [14C]mannose into the 19S protein of thyrotoxic glands. This was not found using [14C]galactose with thyrotoxic glands or using either labelled sugar with slices from non-toxic goitres. Experiments with thyroid tissue from rats on a variety of treatment regimes such as iodine supplements, carbimazole alone or with iodine supplements did not show this differential delay of [14C]mannose incorporation. This suggests that there may be some abnormality of carbohydrate incorporation into thyroglobulin in thyrotoxicosis.", "contents": "Retarded incorporation of [14C]mannose into thyroglobulin of human thyrotoxic thyroid glands. In vitro studies using thyroid slices from human non-toxic goitres and from thyrotoxic glands show retarded incorporation of [14C]mannose into the 19S protein of thyrotoxic glands. This was not found using [14C]galactose with thyrotoxic glands or using either labelled sugar with slices from non-toxic goitres. Experiments with thyroid tissue from rats on a variety of treatment regimes such as iodine supplements, carbimazole alone or with iodine supplements did not show this differential delay of [14C]mannose incorporation. This suggests that there may be some abnormality of carbohydrate incorporation into thyroglobulin in thyrotoxicosis.", "PMID": 991432} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4239", "title": "Acromegaly caused by pulmonary carcinoid tumours.", "content": "Two patients are described whose acromegaly was cured by removal of a bronchial carcinoid tumour. One had an enlarged pituitary fossa and evidence is presented that in this patient the tumour was not secreting growth hormone. The evidence available suggests that the tumour was producing a growth hormone releasing substance. It is suggested that some cases of the pluriglandular syndrome may be secondary to small bronchial carcinoid tumours that produce substances as yet unidentified, that stimulate the growth and hyperactivity of other endocrine tissue.", "contents": "Acromegaly caused by pulmonary carcinoid tumours. Two patients are described whose acromegaly was cured by removal of a bronchial carcinoid tumour. One had an enlarged pituitary fossa and evidence is presented that in this patient the tumour was not secreting growth hormone. The evidence available suggests that the tumour was producing a growth hormone releasing substance. It is suggested that some cases of the pluriglandular syndrome may be secondary to small bronchial carcinoid tumours that produce substances as yet unidentified, that stimulate the growth and hyperactivity of other endocrine tissue.", "PMID": 991433} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4240", "title": "Prolactin and somatomedin studies in the syndrome of growth hormone-independent growth.", "content": "Three children with hypothalamic mass lesions and continued linear growth in the absence of circulating growth hormone are presented. Serum growth hormone levels were either undetectable or very low both basally and following insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, whereas serum somatomedin levels were normal. Two subjects had elevated serum levels of prolactin, and in one of these prolactin suppression with bromoergocryptine failed to influence either somatomedin levels or urinary excretion of nitrogen, hydroxyproline and calcium. Although only one case was studied in detail these data suggest that maintenance of serum somatomedin and of normal growth in these children was not dependent upon prolactin secretion.", "contents": "Prolactin and somatomedin studies in the syndrome of growth hormone-independent growth. Three children with hypothalamic mass lesions and continued linear growth in the absence of circulating growth hormone are presented. Serum growth hormone levels were either undetectable or very low both basally and following insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, whereas serum somatomedin levels were normal. Two subjects had elevated serum levels of prolactin, and in one of these prolactin suppression with bromoergocryptine failed to influence either somatomedin levels or urinary excretion of nitrogen, hydroxyproline and calcium. Although only one case was studied in detail these data suggest that maintenance of serum somatomedin and of normal growth in these children was not dependent upon prolactin secretion.", "PMID": 991434} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4241", "title": "Effect of two serotonin antagonists on prolactin and thyrotrophin secretion in man.", "content": "The effects of serotoninergic blockade on prolactin and thyrotrophin secretion in man was evaluated by determining the basal and TRH-stimulated serum prolactin and TSH concentrations in normal volunteers before and after a 3 days course of cyproheptadine or methergoline administration. Cyproheptadine, a serotonin antagonist with antihistaminic, anticholinergic and antidopaminergic properties as well, did not affect prolactin secretion, while it reduced the serum TSH response to TRH; methergoline, a specific blocker of central serotonin receptors, decreased basal and TRH-induced serum prolactin levels, without affecting TSH secretion. These results support the existence of serotoninergic stimulatory influences on human prolactin release, while suggesting that human TSH secretion is not modulated by serotoninergic inputs.", "contents": "Effect of two serotonin antagonists on prolactin and thyrotrophin secretion in man. The effects of serotoninergic blockade on prolactin and thyrotrophin secretion in man was evaluated by determining the basal and TRH-stimulated serum prolactin and TSH concentrations in normal volunteers before and after a 3 days course of cyproheptadine or methergoline administration. Cyproheptadine, a serotonin antagonist with antihistaminic, anticholinergic and antidopaminergic properties as well, did not affect prolactin secretion, while it reduced the serum TSH response to TRH; methergoline, a specific blocker of central serotonin receptors, decreased basal and TRH-induced serum prolactin levels, without affecting TSH secretion. These results support the existence of serotoninergic stimulatory influences on human prolactin release, while suggesting that human TSH secretion is not modulated by serotoninergic inputs.", "PMID": 991435} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4242", "title": "Prenatal diagnosis of fucosidosis.", "content": "A pregnancy from a family at risk for fucosidosis was monitored. Determinations of fucosidase and mannosidase were performed on the serum and white blood cells of several members of the family, om amniotic fluid and amniotic fluid cells of the fetus at several passages, and on fibroblast cell lines from index cases. The fetus was diagnosed as being free from the disease. This conclusion was confirmed after birth by fucosidase determination in plasma and white cells from cord blood, and in the placenta. Fluctuations in fucosidase activity were observed in extracts from cultured amniotic cells at various passages. The possible causes of this variability are discussed.", "contents": "Prenatal diagnosis of fucosidosis. A pregnancy from a family at risk for fucosidosis was monitored. Determinations of fucosidase and mannosidase were performed on the serum and white blood cells of several members of the family, om amniotic fluid and amniotic fluid cells of the fetus at several passages, and on fibroblast cell lines from index cases. The fetus was diagnosed as being free from the disease. This conclusion was confirmed after birth by fucosidase determination in plasma and white cells from cord blood, and in the placenta. Fluctuations in fucosidase activity were observed in extracts from cultured amniotic cells at various passages. The possible causes of this variability are discussed.", "PMID": 991436} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4243", "title": "True hermaphroditism with XX/XY sex chromosome mosaicism: report of a case.", "content": "A case of true hermaphroditism with 46, XX/46, XY karyotype is reported. The propositus, reared as a male, showed ambiguous external genitalia with perineoscrotal hypospadias, and internal genitalia represented by bilateral ovotestes, normal uterus and tubes. Periodic menstrual bleedings appeared at puberty. The endocrinologic data demonstrated the secretory activity of both the ovarian and the testicular tissue. The analysis of red cell, lymphocyte and serum markers, done on the propositus and on his parents, failed to show any evidence of double fertilization. On this basis, the origin of the XX/XY condition (mosaicism versus chimerism) and its developmental consequences are discussed.", "contents": "True hermaphroditism with XX/XY sex chromosome mosaicism: report of a case. A case of true hermaphroditism with 46, XX/46, XY karyotype is reported. The propositus, reared as a male, showed ambiguous external genitalia with perineoscrotal hypospadias, and internal genitalia represented by bilateral ovotestes, normal uterus and tubes. Periodic menstrual bleedings appeared at puberty. The endocrinologic data demonstrated the secretory activity of both the ovarian and the testicular tissue. The analysis of red cell, lymphocyte and serum markers, done on the propositus and on his parents, failed to show any evidence of double fertilization. On this basis, the origin of the XX/XY condition (mosaicism versus chimerism) and its developmental consequences are discussed.", "PMID": 991437} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4244", "title": "Hypertrichosis lanuginosa in a mother and son.", "content": "Hypertrichosis lanuginosa (without gingival hyperplasia) is described in a mother and son; the latter also had photophobia, infantile genitalia, growth retardation, hypotension, low IQ and dental abnormalities (hyperdontia, permanence of deciduous and delayed eruption of permanent teeth). Both have normal dermatoglyphics. Some clinical findings are discussed. The presence of this syndrome in a mother and son supports an autosomal mode of inheritance (with variable expressivity). Hypertrichosis lanuginosa is a pure monomultidysplasia and may be classified with the tricho-odontic sub-group of the ectodermal dysplasias.", "contents": "Hypertrichosis lanuginosa in a mother and son. Hypertrichosis lanuginosa (without gingival hyperplasia) is described in a mother and son; the latter also had photophobia, infantile genitalia, growth retardation, hypotension, low IQ and dental abnormalities (hyperdontia, permanence of deciduous and delayed eruption of permanent teeth). Both have normal dermatoglyphics. Some clinical findings are discussed. The presence of this syndrome in a mother and son supports an autosomal mode of inheritance (with variable expressivity). Hypertrichosis lanuginosa is a pure monomultidysplasia and may be classified with the tricho-odontic sub-group of the ectodermal dysplasias.", "PMID": 991438} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4245", "title": "Interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome no. 7 (7q-) in an infant with multiple anomalies.", "content": "An infant is reported with partial deletion of the long arm of chromosome no. 7. She presented with hypertonia, seizures, feeding difficulty, and multiple congenital anomalies. The abnormalities include low-set dysplastic ears, hypoplastic orbital bones, upslanting and small palpebral fissures, prominent cheeks with a relatively large mouth, micrognathia, abnormal creases of the hands and a congenital heart defect. With age her hypotonia and feeding difficulty have improved. Her mother has no detectable chromosome abnormality.", "contents": "Interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome no. 7 (7q-) in an infant with multiple anomalies. An infant is reported with partial deletion of the long arm of chromosome no. 7. She presented with hypertonia, seizures, feeding difficulty, and multiple congenital anomalies. The abnormalities include low-set dysplastic ears, hypoplastic orbital bones, upslanting and small palpebral fissures, prominent cheeks with a relatively large mouth, micrognathia, abnormal creases of the hands and a congenital heart defect. With age her hypotonia and feeding difficulty have improved. Her mother has no detectable chromosome abnormality.", "PMID": 991439} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4246", "title": "The frequency of PKU and hyperphenylalaninemia in Sweden - a study in institutions for the mentally retarded as well as in neonates.", "content": "In a country-wide screening examination in Sweden, PKU was observed in 75 (4.5 per 1,000) and hyperphenylalaninemia in 14 (0.8 per 1,000) of a total of 16,805 patients in institutions for the mentally retarded. In the national neonatal screening program in 1965-1975, which covered nearly 1 million individuals, PKU was observed in 36 and hyperphenylalaninemia in 19 individuals. The incidences of PKU and hyperphenylalaninemia in newborns are calculated to be 1/26,000 and 1/50,000, respectively. In addition, PKU and hyperphenylalaninemia were diagnosed in 14 and 1 non-institutionalized individuals, respectively, born before September 1965. The total numbers of individuals detected as having PKU and hyperphenylalaninemia in Sweden in the present investigation are 125 and 34, respectively.", "contents": "The frequency of PKU and hyperphenylalaninemia in Sweden - a study in institutions for the mentally retarded as well as in neonates. In a country-wide screening examination in Sweden, PKU was observed in 75 (4.5 per 1,000) and hyperphenylalaninemia in 14 (0.8 per 1,000) of a total of 16,805 patients in institutions for the mentally retarded. In the national neonatal screening program in 1965-1975, which covered nearly 1 million individuals, PKU was observed in 36 and hyperphenylalaninemia in 19 individuals. The incidences of PKU and hyperphenylalaninemia in newborns are calculated to be 1/26,000 and 1/50,000, respectively. In addition, PKU and hyperphenylalaninemia were diagnosed in 14 and 1 non-institutionalized individuals, respectively, born before September 1965. The total numbers of individuals detected as having PKU and hyperphenylalaninemia in Sweden in the present investigation are 125 and 34, respectively.", "PMID": 991440} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4247", "title": "Partial monosomy or trisomy resulting from crossing over within a rearranged chromosome 1.", "content": "Two sibs, both monosomic for the same portion of 1q (q25q32), had similar severe mental and physical retardation. An older sib was found to be trisomic for the same portion of 1q and less severely affected. These partially monosomic and partially trisomic No. 1 chromosomes resulted from meiotic crossover in the mother, who is a balanced heterozygote of the type 46,XX, ins (1) (p32q25q32).", "contents": "Partial monosomy or trisomy resulting from crossing over within a rearranged chromosome 1. Two sibs, both monosomic for the same portion of 1q (q25q32), had similar severe mental and physical retardation. An older sib was found to be trisomic for the same portion of 1q and less severely affected. These partially monosomic and partially trisomic No. 1 chromosomes resulted from meiotic crossover in the mother, who is a balanced heterozygote of the type 46,XX, ins (1) (p32q25q32).", "PMID": 991441} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4248", "title": "Aberrant axillary breast tissue: A report of a family with six affected women in two generations.", "content": "A family with bilateral accessory axillary breasts without nipples or areolae in six adult females of two generations is reported. The anomaly is most likely caused by an autosomal dominant gene of variable expressivity which prevents normal regression of the embryonal mammary ridge. Accessory breasts with and without nipples and areolae have been seen in another family in the literature. In the absence of areolae or nipples the trait will usually be undetectable in prepubertal females and in males of all ages.", "contents": "Aberrant axillary breast tissue: A report of a family with six affected women in two generations. A family with bilateral accessory axillary breasts without nipples or areolae in six adult females of two generations is reported. The anomaly is most likely caused by an autosomal dominant gene of variable expressivity which prevents normal regression of the embryonal mammary ridge. Accessory breasts with and without nipples and areolae have been seen in another family in the literature. In the absence of areolae or nipples the trait will usually be undetectable in prepubertal females and in males of all ages.", "PMID": 991442} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4249", "title": "Structural aberrations of the long arm of chromosome no. 22. Report fo a family with translocation t(11;22) (q25;q11).", "content": "A chromosomal translocation t(11;22) (q25q11) is described in a family. Four members, in two generations, had the same translocation but showed phenotypic variation. Case reports of chromosome aberrations involving the long arm of chromosome 22 associated with and without chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are reviewed. It appears that the distal segment of the long arm or chromosome 22 is either translocated or deleted, resulting in congenital anomalies, presumably due to chromosome imbalance. In other instances, a specific breakpoint on 22q results in the origin of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1) associated with CML.", "contents": "Structural aberrations of the long arm of chromosome no. 22. Report fo a family with translocation t(11;22) (q25;q11). A chromosomal translocation t(11;22) (q25q11) is described in a family. Four members, in two generations, had the same translocation but showed phenotypic variation. Case reports of chromosome aberrations involving the long arm of chromosome 22 associated with and without chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are reviewed. It appears that the distal segment of the long arm or chromosome 22 is either translocated or deleted, resulting in congenital anomalies, presumably due to chromosome imbalance. In other instances, a specific breakpoint on 22q results in the origin of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1) associated with CML.", "PMID": 991443} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4250", "title": "The subclasses of human IgG antibodies against tetanus toxoid.", "content": "The subclass of IgG antibodies against tetanus present in the serum of thirty-five human individuals, who received an injection with tetanus toxoid, was determined. Six successive serum samples were obtained from twenty-five normal individuals (laboratory personnel) 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 days and 2-3 months after the injection with tetanus toxoid had been given. Another ten serum samples were obtained from ten persons with a positive IgE-RAST, taken 2 weeks after the injection. Antibodies were determined with a quantitative immunofluorescence method known as the defined antigen substrate spheres (DASS) system. The normal individuals in whose serum a clearly positive IgG binding was found (nineteen) showed activity in all four subclasses. The binding activity in all individuals reached a maximum between 2 and 4 weeks after the injection. The antibody activity in the serum of four individuals whose serum gave weak IgG binding was confined to IgG1. Two individuals did not show any IgG binding activity at all. In the ten persons with a positive IgE-RAST and three of the normal individuals, who also had a positive IgE-RAST, the distribution of the antibodies over the subclasses was the same as in the others.", "contents": "The subclasses of human IgG antibodies against tetanus toxoid. The subclass of IgG antibodies against tetanus present in the serum of thirty-five human individuals, who received an injection with tetanus toxoid, was determined. Six successive serum samples were obtained from twenty-five normal individuals (laboratory personnel) 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 days and 2-3 months after the injection with tetanus toxoid had been given. Another ten serum samples were obtained from ten persons with a positive IgE-RAST, taken 2 weeks after the injection. Antibodies were determined with a quantitative immunofluorescence method known as the defined antigen substrate spheres (DASS) system. The normal individuals in whose serum a clearly positive IgG binding was found (nineteen) showed activity in all four subclasses. The binding activity in all individuals reached a maximum between 2 and 4 weeks after the injection. The antibody activity in the serum of four individuals whose serum gave weak IgG binding was confined to IgG1. Two individuals did not show any IgG binding activity at all. In the ten persons with a positive IgE-RAST and three of the normal individuals, who also had a positive IgE-RAST, the distribution of the antibodies over the subclasses was the same as in the others.", "PMID": 991444} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4251", "title": "Macrophage migration inhibition studies of lymphocytes taken from guinea-pigs suffering from experimental polymyositis.", "content": "An experimental form of polymyositis, induced in guinea-pigs by means of injections of rabbit muscle homogenate in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), had been investigated with a view to the analysis of the role of cellular immune response in this disease. We have used the direct macrophage migration inhibition test on peritoneal exudate cells taken from myositic animals, so as to identify those components of muscle against which lymphocytes of myositic animals are sensitized. These lymphocytes were found to be sensitized principally against the myofibrillar fraction of muscle. Moreover, when tested against purified myofibrillar proteins, they were found to be strongly sensitized against myosin and tropomyosin, but not against troponin. A similar migration inhibition technique is now being developed for use as a diagnostic and investigatory tool in the study of human polymyositis.", "contents": "Macrophage migration inhibition studies of lymphocytes taken from guinea-pigs suffering from experimental polymyositis. An experimental form of polymyositis, induced in guinea-pigs by means of injections of rabbit muscle homogenate in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), had been investigated with a view to the analysis of the role of cellular immune response in this disease. We have used the direct macrophage migration inhibition test on peritoneal exudate cells taken from myositic animals, so as to identify those components of muscle against which lymphocytes of myositic animals are sensitized. These lymphocytes were found to be sensitized principally against the myofibrillar fraction of muscle. Moreover, when tested against purified myofibrillar proteins, they were found to be strongly sensitized against myosin and tropomyosin, but not against troponin. A similar migration inhibition technique is now being developed for use as a diagnostic and investigatory tool in the study of human polymyositis.", "PMID": 991445} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4252", "title": "A quantitative test to detect lymphocytes sensitized against the surface of muscle cells.", "content": "A test is described which assesses quantitatively the capacity of lymphocytes taken from myositic animals to adhere to skeletal muscle cells in vitro. Lymphocytes were taken from guinea-pigs in which a polymyositis had been induced by injection of rabbit skeletal muscle and complete Freund's adjuvant. These lymphocytes attached themselves preferentially to multinucleate myotubes as opposed to the mononuclear cells in tissue cultures made from chick skeletal muscle. The degree of preference was calculated as a Preferential Attachment (PA) index. This index was high in those animals which developed myositis. In contrast lymphocytes from various groups of control guinea-pigs all gave a PA index of around 1. This test is now being adapted for use in the diagnosis and study of polymyositis in human patients.", "contents": "A quantitative test to detect lymphocytes sensitized against the surface of muscle cells. A test is described which assesses quantitatively the capacity of lymphocytes taken from myositic animals to adhere to skeletal muscle cells in vitro. Lymphocytes were taken from guinea-pigs in which a polymyositis had been induced by injection of rabbit skeletal muscle and complete Freund's adjuvant. These lymphocytes attached themselves preferentially to multinucleate myotubes as opposed to the mononuclear cells in tissue cultures made from chick skeletal muscle. The degree of preference was calculated as a Preferential Attachment (PA) index. This index was high in those animals which developed myositis. In contrast lymphocytes from various groups of control guinea-pigs all gave a PA index of around 1. This test is now being adapted for use in the diagnosis and study of polymyositis in human patients.", "PMID": 991446} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4253", "title": "Further characterization of a low-molecular weight allergen fragment isolated from the green pea.", "content": "A low molecular weight allergen fragment present in the pea dialysate fraction was purified by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The highly purified allergen fragment inhibits both antigen-indiced passive cutaneous anaphlaxix reactions in guinea-pigs sensitized with rabbit anti-pea extract sera and Prausnitz-K\u00fcstner reactions in non-allergic volunteers sensitized with the sera of patients sensitive to green peas. Preliminary analysis of the purified allergen fragment indicates that it is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 1800 +/- 250.", "contents": "Further characterization of a low-molecular weight allergen fragment isolated from the green pea. A low molecular weight allergen fragment present in the pea dialysate fraction was purified by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The highly purified allergen fragment inhibits both antigen-indiced passive cutaneous anaphlaxix reactions in guinea-pigs sensitized with rabbit anti-pea extract sera and Prausnitz-K\u00fcstner reactions in non-allergic volunteers sensitized with the sera of patients sensitive to green peas. Preliminary analysis of the purified allergen fragment indicates that it is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 1800 +/- 250.", "PMID": 991447} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4254", "title": "Uptake and catabolism of antigen by alvelar macrophages of dogs with respiratory hypersensitivity. Processing of antigen by alveolar macrophages.", "content": "The ability of alveolar macrophages of dogs to bind and metabolize two antigens was studied. The antigens were ragweed antigen E (AgE) and keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH). These antigens were chosen because of the availability of dogs with respiratory hypersensitivity to them and because they are of very different molecular weights. It was shown that: (1) antigen processing was identical using macrophages from hypersensitive as compared with normal dogs; (2) in comparison with AgE, much more of the higher molecular weight antigen, KLH, was bound to macrophages and much less degraded during subsequent incubation, leaving a greater proportion of the antigen bound to the cell membrane; (3) respiratory cells which had taken up AgE at 0 degrees C instead of 37 degrees C and were then incubated at 37 degrees C were much more active in catabolizing bound antigen with consequently less membrane bound antigen remaining; (4) increases in catabolism of bound AgE were also found in cells from relatively recently lavaged animals; (5) there was no evidence that cytophilic antibody contributed to the uptake of AgE.", "contents": "Uptake and catabolism of antigen by alvelar macrophages of dogs with respiratory hypersensitivity. Processing of antigen by alveolar macrophages. The ability of alveolar macrophages of dogs to bind and metabolize two antigens was studied. The antigens were ragweed antigen E (AgE) and keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH). These antigens were chosen because of the availability of dogs with respiratory hypersensitivity to them and because they are of very different molecular weights. It was shown that: (1) antigen processing was identical using macrophages from hypersensitive as compared with normal dogs; (2) in comparison with AgE, much more of the higher molecular weight antigen, KLH, was bound to macrophages and much less degraded during subsequent incubation, leaving a greater proportion of the antigen bound to the cell membrane; (3) respiratory cells which had taken up AgE at 0 degrees C instead of 37 degrees C and were then incubated at 37 degrees C were much more active in catabolizing bound antigen with consequently less membrane bound antigen remaining; (4) increases in catabolism of bound AgE were also found in cells from relatively recently lavaged animals; (5) there was no evidence that cytophilic antibody contributed to the uptake of AgE.", "PMID": 991448} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4255", "title": "Pinnal anaphylaxis in the mouse. Mediating antibodies and rhythmic variations in the response.", "content": "The anaphylactic reaction in the pinna of a mouse actively sensitized to horse serum is mediated by IgG1 and IgE antibodies. Anaphylactic sensitivity is subject to diurnal variation, peak sensitivity occurring at 16.00 hours and minimum sensitivity at 10.00 hours. Anaphylactic sensitivity also varied with the season of the year, being lower during June and July than in the rest of the year, when the reaction was fairly constant.", "contents": "Pinnal anaphylaxis in the mouse. Mediating antibodies and rhythmic variations in the response. The anaphylactic reaction in the pinna of a mouse actively sensitized to horse serum is mediated by IgG1 and IgE antibodies. Anaphylactic sensitivity is subject to diurnal variation, peak sensitivity occurring at 16.00 hours and minimum sensitivity at 10.00 hours. Anaphylactic sensitivity also varied with the season of the year, being lower during June and July than in the rest of the year, when the reaction was fairly constant.", "PMID": 991449} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4256", "title": "Variability of sequential studies of lymphocyte blastogenesis in normal adults.", "content": "Sixteen healthy adults had serial studies of delayed-type skin test reactivity and in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis to several antigens over a period of 7 months. In many subjects blastogenesis varied broadly from month to month without apparent cause. Responses to all antigens usually increased or decreased together on sequential testing. Blastogenesis to coccidioidin appeared to result largely from cross-reaction with histoplasmin. Humoral factors were not demonstrably responsible for these changes. Blastogenesis rose consistently and non-specifically in subjects following revaccination to vaccinia virus. These studies reflect the lymphocyte blastogenesis reaction as a dynamic equilibrium, subject to spontaneous variation, and responding non-specifically to stimuli such as vaccination. Whatever the causes for these changes, it is clear that serial determinations of blastogenesis response to various antigens do not carry the apparent consistency of the skin test response to that antigen, and single tests must be cautiously interpreted.", "contents": "Variability of sequential studies of lymphocyte blastogenesis in normal adults. Sixteen healthy adults had serial studies of delayed-type skin test reactivity and in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis to several antigens over a period of 7 months. In many subjects blastogenesis varied broadly from month to month without apparent cause. Responses to all antigens usually increased or decreased together on sequential testing. Blastogenesis to coccidioidin appeared to result largely from cross-reaction with histoplasmin. Humoral factors were not demonstrably responsible for these changes. Blastogenesis rose consistently and non-specifically in subjects following revaccination to vaccinia virus. These studies reflect the lymphocyte blastogenesis reaction as a dynamic equilibrium, subject to spontaneous variation, and responding non-specifically to stimuli such as vaccination. Whatever the causes for these changes, it is clear that serial determinations of blastogenesis response to various antigens do not carry the apparent consistency of the skin test response to that antigen, and single tests must be cautiously interpreted.", "PMID": 991450} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4257", "title": "Serum inhibitory factors (SIF) in patients with acute and chronic hepatitis and their clinical significance.", "content": "Serum inhibitory factors (SIF) were demonstrated in a follow-up study in eighteen patients with HBSAg-positive viral hepatitis, in nine patients with chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH) and in six patients with progressive viral hepatitis (CAH). In addition these factors were studied in fifteen patients with HBSAg-positive and HBSAg-negative CAH. SIF appeared during the incubation period up to 4 weeks before onset and disappeared in most instances within 4 weeks after onset of jaundice. Sera from patients with CPH showed no marked inhibitory activity when studied over a period of up to 3 years as compared to patients with a progressive course of hepatitis. The presense of SIF may depend upon persistence of virus, and may help to predict the development of chronic hepatitis.", "contents": "Serum inhibitory factors (SIF) in patients with acute and chronic hepatitis and their clinical significance. Serum inhibitory factors (SIF) were demonstrated in a follow-up study in eighteen patients with HBSAg-positive viral hepatitis, in nine patients with chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH) and in six patients with progressive viral hepatitis (CAH). In addition these factors were studied in fifteen patients with HBSAg-positive and HBSAg-negative CAH. SIF appeared during the incubation period up to 4 weeks before onset and disappeared in most instances within 4 weeks after onset of jaundice. Sera from patients with CPH showed no marked inhibitory activity when studied over a period of up to 3 years as compared to patients with a progressive course of hepatitis. The presense of SIF may depend upon persistence of virus, and may help to predict the development of chronic hepatitis.", "PMID": 991451} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4258", "title": "Studies of HLA antigen frequencies, IgE levels, and specific allergic sensitivities in patients having ragweed hayfever, with and without asthma.", "content": "In order to study genetic and immunological features which might be important in the pathogenesis of asthma, forty-one ragweed allergic seasonal asthmatics were first matched with forty-one ragweed allergic nonasthmatics on the basis of similar total IgE levels. No significant differences were observed in their sensitivity to ragweed antigen E (measured by histamine release), or in their skin response to ragweed antigens E, Ra3 and Ra5. An increased frequency of HLA-B5 was observed in nonasthmatics as compared to asthmatics (P = 0-03). Although frequencies of HLA-A1 and B8 were also elevated in nonasthmatics and HLA-B40 in asthmatics, these differences were not significant. The forty-one asthmatic patients were than paired with forty-one nonasthmatics patients were then paired with forty-one nonasthmatics on the basis of leucocyte sensitivity to ragweed antigen E. Similar HLA differences were found which were non-significant. No significant difference in total IgE levels were found between the two groups. Whereas no differences in IgE synthesis or antigen sensitivity was found in the two populations, the frequency of HLA antigens needs further study in larger groups.", "contents": "Studies of HLA antigen frequencies, IgE levels, and specific allergic sensitivities in patients having ragweed hayfever, with and without asthma. In order to study genetic and immunological features which might be important in the pathogenesis of asthma, forty-one ragweed allergic seasonal asthmatics were first matched with forty-one ragweed allergic nonasthmatics on the basis of similar total IgE levels. No significant differences were observed in their sensitivity to ragweed antigen E (measured by histamine release), or in their skin response to ragweed antigens E, Ra3 and Ra5. An increased frequency of HLA-B5 was observed in nonasthmatics as compared to asthmatics (P = 0-03). Although frequencies of HLA-A1 and B8 were also elevated in nonasthmatics and HLA-B40 in asthmatics, these differences were not significant. The forty-one asthmatic patients were than paired with forty-one nonasthmatics patients were then paired with forty-one nonasthmatics on the basis of leucocyte sensitivity to ragweed antigen E. Similar HLA differences were found which were non-significant. No significant difference in total IgE levels were found between the two groups. Whereas no differences in IgE synthesis or antigen sensitivity was found in the two populations, the frequency of HLA antigens needs further study in larger groups.", "PMID": 991452} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4259", "title": "IgM and IgG antibody levels to ampicillin in patients with infectious mononucleosis.", "content": "By means of a sensitive radio-immunoassay an antibody-like activity against ampicillin was detected in both IgM and IgG immunoglobulin classes of patients with infectious mononucleosis, being fifteen times the level (for IgM) and six and a half times the level (for IgG) of control subjects. Such ampicillin antibody occurred without obvious relation to prior therapy with ampicillin. This antibody which may originate in a similar manner to Paul-Bunnell antibody was nevertheless immunologically unrelated. The possibility is discussed that the ampicillin rash in infectious mononucleosis results from a disseminated reaction of the small blood vessels to circulating ampicillin-antibody complexes.", "contents": "IgM and IgG antibody levels to ampicillin in patients with infectious mononucleosis. By means of a sensitive radio-immunoassay an antibody-like activity against ampicillin was detected in both IgM and IgG immunoglobulin classes of patients with infectious mononucleosis, being fifteen times the level (for IgM) and six and a half times the level (for IgG) of control subjects. Such ampicillin antibody occurred without obvious relation to prior therapy with ampicillin. This antibody which may originate in a similar manner to Paul-Bunnell antibody was nevertheless immunologically unrelated. The possibility is discussed that the ampicillin rash in infectious mononucleosis results from a disseminated reaction of the small blood vessels to circulating ampicillin-antibody complexes.", "PMID": 991453} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4260", "title": "Cell-mediated immunity to homologous spermatozoa following vasectomy in the human male.", "content": "Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to homologous spermatozoal antigens was studied in sixty-two males following vasectomy of a duration of 1-10 years. A group of twenty-two normal, fertile non-vasectomized males was also included in the study. The inhibition in the leucocyte migration test (LMT), in the presence of spermatozoal antigen, was taken as an index of CMI. Twenty of the sixty-two vasectomized males (32.2 percent) showed a positive LMT reaction. When the results were analysed with reference to the duration of vasectomy, it was noted that four cases each (22.2 percent), showed a positive LMT reaction in the groups 0-2 years, and 3.5 years. On the other hand twelve cases gave a positive reaction in the group 6-10 years (46.1 percent). It appears that the incidence of CMI to spermatozoa increases with the duration in vasectomy.", "contents": "Cell-mediated immunity to homologous spermatozoa following vasectomy in the human male. Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to homologous spermatozoal antigens was studied in sixty-two males following vasectomy of a duration of 1-10 years. A group of twenty-two normal, fertile non-vasectomized males was also included in the study. The inhibition in the leucocyte migration test (LMT), in the presence of spermatozoal antigen, was taken as an index of CMI. Twenty of the sixty-two vasectomized males (32.2 percent) showed a positive LMT reaction. When the results were analysed with reference to the duration of vasectomy, it was noted that four cases each (22.2 percent), showed a positive LMT reaction in the groups 0-2 years, and 3.5 years. On the other hand twelve cases gave a positive reaction in the group 6-10 years (46.1 percent). It appears that the incidence of CMI to spermatozoa increases with the duration in vasectomy.", "PMID": 991454} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4261", "title": "Cell-mediated autoimmunity in coeliac disease.", "content": "Lymphocyte transformation in response to a crude freeze-dried prepartion of whole jejunal mucosa was studied in fifteen patients with coeliac disease and compared with the findings in fifteen age-matched controls. The transformation ratio was markedly increased in three patients. These observations suggest the possible existence of cell-mediated autoimmunity to jejunal mucosa in some patients with coeliac disease and might be relevant to the development of some of the complications of the disease.", "contents": "Cell-mediated autoimmunity in coeliac disease. Lymphocyte transformation in response to a crude freeze-dried prepartion of whole jejunal mucosa was studied in fifteen patients with coeliac disease and compared with the findings in fifteen age-matched controls. The transformation ratio was markedly increased in three patients. These observations suggest the possible existence of cell-mediated autoimmunity to jejunal mucosa in some patients with coeliac disease and might be relevant to the development of some of the complications of the disease.", "PMID": 991455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4262", "title": "Inhibition of complement-dependent lymphocyte rosette formation by sera of patients with chronic glomerulonephritis.", "content": "It has been demonstrated that activated C3 products might bind to lymphocyte C3 receptors and inhibit subsequent complement-dependent lymphocyte rosette formation. Sera from patients with various types of chronic glomerulonephritis (GN) have been tested in a complement-dependent rosette inhibition assay using normal donors' lymphocytes as reacting cells. Control subjects consisted of healthy donors and patients with miscellaneous renal and general diseases. Most sera of membranoproliferative GN and of systemic lupus erythematosus, and two-thirds sera of focal glomerolosclerosis patients, significantly inhibited rosette formation. Only 15-40 percent sera of patients with other types of GN were inhibitory. Serum inhibiting activity usually correlated with low serum C3 level (P less than 0.0005), although inhibition could be observed with normal serum C3. However, no correlation was found between a patient's own complement-dependent lymphocyte rosette count and his serum inhibitory activity. These results extend previous findings and suggest that the complement-dependent rosette inhibition assay can be used routinely to detect serum activated complement components either free or bound to immune complexes.", "contents": "Inhibition of complement-dependent lymphocyte rosette formation by sera of patients with chronic glomerulonephritis. It has been demonstrated that activated C3 products might bind to lymphocyte C3 receptors and inhibit subsequent complement-dependent lymphocyte rosette formation. Sera from patients with various types of chronic glomerulonephritis (GN) have been tested in a complement-dependent rosette inhibition assay using normal donors' lymphocytes as reacting cells. Control subjects consisted of healthy donors and patients with miscellaneous renal and general diseases. Most sera of membranoproliferative GN and of systemic lupus erythematosus, and two-thirds sera of focal glomerolosclerosis patients, significantly inhibited rosette formation. Only 15-40 percent sera of patients with other types of GN were inhibitory. Serum inhibiting activity usually correlated with low serum C3 level (P less than 0.0005), although inhibition could be observed with normal serum C3. However, no correlation was found between a patient's own complement-dependent lymphocyte rosette count and his serum inhibitory activity. These results extend previous findings and suggest that the complement-dependent rosette inhibition assay can be used routinely to detect serum activated complement components either free or bound to immune complexes.", "PMID": 991456} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4263", "title": "Antigenicity of janin, a new protein from smooth muscle.", "content": "The exact nature of smooth muscle autoantibodies is still unclear. The antigen(s) which they are directed against remain unknown. Janin, a so far unknown smooth muscle protein, was obtained from smooth muscle tissue extracts and purified by means of three different procedures. Its mol. w. was estimated at 60,000 daltons. It stimulated a specific anti-janin antibody in rabbits as shown by tube test, double diffusion in agar and indirect immunofluorescence. The new protein absorbed eighteen out of 104 human smooth muscle positive sera that were not absorbed with smooth muscle actin, myosin, heavy meromyosin, light meromyosin, tropomyosin and brain tubulin. This would vindicate a view that smooth muscle autoantibodies differ from patient to patient with regard to the autoantigen(s) involved.", "contents": "Antigenicity of janin, a new protein from smooth muscle. The exact nature of smooth muscle autoantibodies is still unclear. The antigen(s) which they are directed against remain unknown. Janin, a so far unknown smooth muscle protein, was obtained from smooth muscle tissue extracts and purified by means of three different procedures. Its mol. w. was estimated at 60,000 daltons. It stimulated a specific anti-janin antibody in rabbits as shown by tube test, double diffusion in agar and indirect immunofluorescence. The new protein absorbed eighteen out of 104 human smooth muscle positive sera that were not absorbed with smooth muscle actin, myosin, heavy meromyosin, light meromyosin, tropomyosin and brain tubulin. This would vindicate a view that smooth muscle autoantibodies differ from patient to patient with regard to the autoantigen(s) involved.", "PMID": 991457} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4264", "title": "Specificity of immediate skin reaction with streptokinase-streptodornase (SK-SD) in humans.", "content": "Streptokinase-streptodornase (SK-SD) induced immediate and delayed skin test reactions in a high proportion of patients with disorders in which beta-streptococcal infection may be involved. The P-K test and absorption experiments with antigen or anti-IgE suggested that the immediate reaction was mediated by specific IgE antibody against SK-SD. Furthermore, the ratio of specific IgE antibody against SK-SD to total IgE was roughly calculated to be 20 percent. Finally, the RAST technique was applied to detect specific IgE antibody against SK-SD which showed high radiocounts bound to SK-SD-coupled particles in the sera of nephrotic patients who had a strong immediate reaction against SK-SD and a severe disease state.", "contents": "Specificity of immediate skin reaction with streptokinase-streptodornase (SK-SD) in humans. Streptokinase-streptodornase (SK-SD) induced immediate and delayed skin test reactions in a high proportion of patients with disorders in which beta-streptococcal infection may be involved. The P-K test and absorption experiments with antigen or anti-IgE suggested that the immediate reaction was mediated by specific IgE antibody against SK-SD. Furthermore, the ratio of specific IgE antibody against SK-SD to total IgE was roughly calculated to be 20 percent. Finally, the RAST technique was applied to detect specific IgE antibody against SK-SD which showed high radiocounts bound to SK-SD-coupled particles in the sera of nephrotic patients who had a strong immediate reaction against SK-SD and a severe disease state.", "PMID": 991458} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4265", "title": "Age-related changes in localization of injected radiolabelled lymphocytes in the lymph nodes of antigen-stimulated mice.", "content": "The localization of i.v. injected syngeneic lymph node cells, radiolabelled with 51Cr or 75Se-L-selenomethionine, was studied in male CBA/H mice aged between 3 and 30 months. The following results were obtained. (1) Localization of cells from young adult donors was greater in the s.c. lymph nodes of old than of young recipients, the main increase being between 15 and 17 months of age. Increases in lymph node weight and DNA-synthesis were also seen at this time; but the rise in cell localization was significant even when calculated per unit of tissue weight. Splenic localization either declined slightly with age or, like the liver, showed no significant change. (2) Local antigenic stimulation by a single injection of sheep erythrocytes into one front footpad, 24 hr before lymph node cell injection, resulted in increased localization in the regional lymph nodes of 3-17 month old, but rarely of 24-30 month old mice. (3) No consistent differences in localization were observed between lymph node cells from 4-month and 25-month old donors. Both age-related and antigen-related increases in cell localization were at least partly attributable to an enhanced rate of entry of lymphocytes from the blood to the lymph nodes. Although the changes underlying the decline in antigen-related localization of cells in old recipients have still to be clarified, it is probable that the defective immune responses of old mice result partly from this decline.", "contents": "Age-related changes in localization of injected radiolabelled lymphocytes in the lymph nodes of antigen-stimulated mice. The localization of i.v. injected syngeneic lymph node cells, radiolabelled with 51Cr or 75Se-L-selenomethionine, was studied in male CBA/H mice aged between 3 and 30 months. The following results were obtained. (1) Localization of cells from young adult donors was greater in the s.c. lymph nodes of old than of young recipients, the main increase being between 15 and 17 months of age. Increases in lymph node weight and DNA-synthesis were also seen at this time; but the rise in cell localization was significant even when calculated per unit of tissue weight. Splenic localization either declined slightly with age or, like the liver, showed no significant change. (2) Local antigenic stimulation by a single injection of sheep erythrocytes into one front footpad, 24 hr before lymph node cell injection, resulted in increased localization in the regional lymph nodes of 3-17 month old, but rarely of 24-30 month old mice. (3) No consistent differences in localization were observed between lymph node cells from 4-month and 25-month old donors. Both age-related and antigen-related increases in cell localization were at least partly attributable to an enhanced rate of entry of lymphocytes from the blood to the lymph nodes. Although the changes underlying the decline in antigen-related localization of cells in old recipients have still to be clarified, it is probable that the defective immune responses of old mice result partly from this decline.", "PMID": 991459} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4266", "title": "The effect of levamisole on cellular immunity in multiple sclerosis.", "content": "The lymphocyte stimulation test has been standardized in a normal human population using four virus cell-associated antigens (VCAA): human embryonic lung cells infected with the LEC and Norrby strains of measles virus, mumps virus, and vaccinia virus. Following 1 week of treatment with the immunopotentiating drug levamisole, a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients was found to have increased lymphocyte stimulation responses toward VCAA and increased delayed hypersensitivity responses towards a battery of skin test antigens. No change in the percentage of short- or long-incubation E rosettes occurred. Measles haemagglutinin inhibition (HI) antibody titres measured before and after the entire course of levamisole therapy (12 weeks) did not change. The neurological status of five out of seven MS patients deteriorated while they were taking levamisole.", "contents": "The effect of levamisole on cellular immunity in multiple sclerosis. The lymphocyte stimulation test has been standardized in a normal human population using four virus cell-associated antigens (VCAA): human embryonic lung cells infected with the LEC and Norrby strains of measles virus, mumps virus, and vaccinia virus. Following 1 week of treatment with the immunopotentiating drug levamisole, a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients was found to have increased lymphocyte stimulation responses toward VCAA and increased delayed hypersensitivity responses towards a battery of skin test antigens. No change in the percentage of short- or long-incubation E rosettes occurred. Measles haemagglutinin inhibition (HI) antibody titres measured before and after the entire course of levamisole therapy (12 weeks) did not change. The neurological status of five out of seven MS patients deteriorated while they were taking levamisole.", "PMID": 991460} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4267", "title": "The characteristics of binding of Corynebacterium parvum to glass-adherent mouse peritoneal exudate cells.", "content": "Corynebacterium parvum, strain 10390, whole organisms were shown to bind to the surface of glass-adherent mouse peritoneal exudate cells in vitro. An HCl extract and a lipid extract of the organism were both capable of inhibiting this binding. The attachment of organisms was not affected by trypsin treatment of the cells, indicating that the plasma membrane receptor is not cell-bound antibody in nature. The binding was inhibited by various sugars, most of which are major components of the cell wall of C. parvum. Removal of divalent cations prevented binding. At room temperature some binding occurred in the presence of magnesium ions alone, whereas both calcium and magnesium ions were required at 4 degrees C. The possibility is discussed that the attachment of C. parvum to the plasma membrane of macrophages may lead directly to their activation.", "contents": "The characteristics of binding of Corynebacterium parvum to glass-adherent mouse peritoneal exudate cells. Corynebacterium parvum, strain 10390, whole organisms were shown to bind to the surface of glass-adherent mouse peritoneal exudate cells in vitro. An HCl extract and a lipid extract of the organism were both capable of inhibiting this binding. The attachment of organisms was not affected by trypsin treatment of the cells, indicating that the plasma membrane receptor is not cell-bound antibody in nature. The binding was inhibited by various sugars, most of which are major components of the cell wall of C. parvum. Removal of divalent cations prevented binding. At room temperature some binding occurred in the presence of magnesium ions alone, whereas both calcium and magnesium ions were required at 4 degrees C. The possibility is discussed that the attachment of C. parvum to the plasma membrane of macrophages may lead directly to their activation.", "PMID": 991461} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4268", "title": "Comparative study of cyclophosphamide, 6-mercaptopurine, azathiopurine and methotrexate. Relative effects on the humoral and the cellular immune response in the mouse.", "content": "The effects of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine on the concomitant development of the humoral and the cellular immune responses of mice to a single antigen, the El4 tumour cell, were investigated. The measurements of cellular and humoral immunity were carried out in the same animal using lymphocyte and antibody mediated lysis of the El4 cell, a measurement system independent of underlying anti-inflammatory effects. A regimen of daily cyclophosphamide had a more pronounced suppressive effect on the humoral response than on the cellular response, in agreement with other investigators. A single low dose of cyclophosphamide stimulated the cellular response and suppressed the humoral response. Single or multiple high doses of cyclophosphamide maximally suppressed both the cellular and humoral response. Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine, in contrast to the results of other investigations, caused equivalent inhibition of both the humoral and cellular responses and thus lacked selectivity. Methotrexate also provided equivalent inhibition of both the humoral and cellular responses at all dose levels investigated.", "contents": "Comparative study of cyclophosphamide, 6-mercaptopurine, azathiopurine and methotrexate. Relative effects on the humoral and the cellular immune response in the mouse. The effects of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine on the concomitant development of the humoral and the cellular immune responses of mice to a single antigen, the El4 tumour cell, were investigated. The measurements of cellular and humoral immunity were carried out in the same animal using lymphocyte and antibody mediated lysis of the El4 cell, a measurement system independent of underlying anti-inflammatory effects. A regimen of daily cyclophosphamide had a more pronounced suppressive effect on the humoral response than on the cellular response, in agreement with other investigators. A single low dose of cyclophosphamide stimulated the cellular response and suppressed the humoral response. Single or multiple high doses of cyclophosphamide maximally suppressed both the cellular and humoral response. Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine, in contrast to the results of other investigations, caused equivalent inhibition of both the humoral and cellular responses and thus lacked selectivity. Methotrexate also provided equivalent inhibition of both the humoral and cellular responses at all dose levels investigated.", "PMID": 991462} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4269", "title": "Evidence for suppressor cell activity associated with depression of contact sensitivity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected mice.", "content": "Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection depresses contact sensitivity to 2-phenyl-4-ethoximethylene-oxazolone (oxazolone), and enhances the antibody response to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) in the mouse. Anti-oxazolone antibody titres were found not to be significantly different in infected and uninfected animals; thus, the major circulating classes of antibodies do not seem to be responsibile for the observed depression of skin reactivity. Low dose (20 mg/Kg) cyclophosphamide (CY) pretreatment induced a further potentiation of antibody response to SRBC, and prevented depression of contact sensitivity in infected mice. On the other hand, when infected animals were pretreated with high doses (200 mg/Kg) of CY, antibody production was completely suppressed, whereas contact sensitivity was unaffected. Since CY treatment is known to selectively inhibit B lymphocytes, and since it can abrogate the infection-induced depression of reactivity to oxazolone, it is suggested that suppressor cells, which may have B-cell characteristics, are stimulated during P. aeruginosa infection in the mouse.", "contents": "Evidence for suppressor cell activity associated with depression of contact sensitivity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected mice. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection depresses contact sensitivity to 2-phenyl-4-ethoximethylene-oxazolone (oxazolone), and enhances the antibody response to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) in the mouse. Anti-oxazolone antibody titres were found not to be significantly different in infected and uninfected animals; thus, the major circulating classes of antibodies do not seem to be responsibile for the observed depression of skin reactivity. Low dose (20 mg/Kg) cyclophosphamide (CY) pretreatment induced a further potentiation of antibody response to SRBC, and prevented depression of contact sensitivity in infected mice. On the other hand, when infected animals were pretreated with high doses (200 mg/Kg) of CY, antibody production was completely suppressed, whereas contact sensitivity was unaffected. Since CY treatment is known to selectively inhibit B lymphocytes, and since it can abrogate the infection-induced depression of reactivity to oxazolone, it is suggested that suppressor cells, which may have B-cell characteristics, are stimulated during P. aeruginosa infection in the mouse.", "PMID": 991463} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4270", "title": "Changes in immunoglobulin class and subclass of anti-DNA antibodies with increasing age in N/ZBW F1 hybrid mice.", "content": "The immunoglobulin class and subclass distribution of antibodies to double-stranded (ds) DNA has been determined in NZB/W F1 hybrid mice by a double antibody radioimmunoassay. The results show that there are marked age- and sex-related variations in the class and subclass distribution of these antibodies. In young mice of both sexes, the predominant anti-ds DNA antibody was of the IgM class, but as the animals aged, there was an increase in the level of the IgG2a and IgG2b antibodies. An apparent switch from predominantly IgM to IgG antibody occurred in females before males and at about the age of onset of overt immune complex disease in these animals. The possible significance of these results in the pathogenesis of the murine lupus syndrome is discussed.", "contents": "Changes in immunoglobulin class and subclass of anti-DNA antibodies with increasing age in N/ZBW F1 hybrid mice. The immunoglobulin class and subclass distribution of antibodies to double-stranded (ds) DNA has been determined in NZB/W F1 hybrid mice by a double antibody radioimmunoassay. The results show that there are marked age- and sex-related variations in the class and subclass distribution of these antibodies. In young mice of both sexes, the predominant anti-ds DNA antibody was of the IgM class, but as the animals aged, there was an increase in the level of the IgG2a and IgG2b antibodies. An apparent switch from predominantly IgM to IgG antibody occurred in females before males and at about the age of onset of overt immune complex disease in these animals. The possible significance of these results in the pathogenesis of the murine lupus syndrome is discussed.", "PMID": 991464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4271", "title": "The use of hydroxy-DL-proline-2-(14)C in the investigation of hydroxyproline metabolism in normal subjects and in patients with renal insufficiency.", "content": "The metabolism of hydroxyproline was investigated in six healthy subjects and four patients with chronic renal insufficiency (creatinine clearances respectively 40, 10, 7, 2 1/2 ml/min). For this purpose hydroxy-DL-proline-2-(14)C was administered intravenously and the excretion patterns of radio-activity in plasma, urine and expired air (14CO2) were determined. A separation procedure (using thin layer chromatography followed by oxidation with D-amino acid oxidase) made it possible to determine the concentration of hydroxy-L-proline-2-(14)C in the presence of the D-isomer and the degradation products of both. Although the use of a racemic mixture as tracer made conclusions more difficult, it could be shown that in uremic patients the concentration of hydroxy-DL-proline -2-(14)C remained high in the blood for a longer period, the metabolites appeared in the urine later, and the peak respiratory 14CO2 excretion was reached later and was lower than in the healthy subjects. On this basis it was concluded that the metabolism of hydroxyproline is diminished in patients with renal insufficiency.", "contents": "The use of hydroxy-DL-proline-2-(14)C in the investigation of hydroxyproline metabolism in normal subjects and in patients with renal insufficiency. The metabolism of hydroxyproline was investigated in six healthy subjects and four patients with chronic renal insufficiency (creatinine clearances respectively 40, 10, 7, 2 1/2 ml/min). For this purpose hydroxy-DL-proline-2-(14)C was administered intravenously and the excretion patterns of radio-activity in plasma, urine and expired air (14CO2) were determined. A separation procedure (using thin layer chromatography followed by oxidation with D-amino acid oxidase) made it possible to determine the concentration of hydroxy-L-proline-2-(14)C in the presence of the D-isomer and the degradation products of both. Although the use of a racemic mixture as tracer made conclusions more difficult, it could be shown that in uremic patients the concentration of hydroxy-DL-proline -2-(14)C remained high in the blood for a longer period, the metabolites appeared in the urine later, and the peak respiratory 14CO2 excretion was reached later and was lower than in the healthy subjects. On this basis it was concluded that the metabolism of hydroxyproline is diminished in patients with renal insufficiency.", "PMID": 991465} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4272", "title": "Effects of D-penicillamine administration to rats, induction of renal changes: preliminary communication.", "content": "Oral administration of synthetic D-penicillamine to rats induces alterations of the renal mesangium, apparently without involvement of immune mechanisms. Alterations of mitochondria, especially enlargement, were seen in the proximal tubular epithelium. These results are discussed in the light of recent findings in \"penicillamine\" nephritis and diseased human kidneys in general.", "contents": "Effects of D-penicillamine administration to rats, induction of renal changes: preliminary communication. Oral administration of synthetic D-penicillamine to rats induces alterations of the renal mesangium, apparently without involvement of immune mechanisms. Alterations of mitochondria, especially enlargement, were seen in the proximal tubular epithelium. These results are discussed in the light of recent findings in \"penicillamine\" nephritis and diseased human kidneys in general.", "PMID": 991466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4273", "title": "On the pathogenesis of Bartter's syndrome: report of studies in a patient with this disorder.", "content": "A 25 year old male with features typical of Bartter's syndrome is described. Studies were performed to evaluate the pathogenesis of this disorder. In response to oral water loading the subject excreted free water normally. Normal renal sodium conservation was documented. Autonomy of the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system was excluded by demonstrating appropriate directional changes in plasma renin activity and aldosterone excretion in response to alterations in sodium and potassium intake. During aminoglutethimide inhibition of aldosterone synthesis the subject was able to maintain potassium balance at a normal serum potassium concentration on a potassium intake of 130 mEq/day which suggests that aldosterone is the major cause of the potassium wasting. Decreased vascular responses to intra-arterial infusions of angiotensin II and norepinephrine were documented in the absence of extracellular volume depletion. These findings argue against tachyphylaxis as the explanation for the vascular insensitivity and implicate a defect at some step in the sequence between agonist-receptor interaction and the contractile response. It is proposed that the vascular defect plays a primary role in the pathogenesis of the hyperreninemia by interrupting pressure-mediated inhibition of renin secretion and/or impairing direct feedback inhibition of renin secretion by angiotensin II. A unique finding in our case was the lack of a postural influence on plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone. An accentuated plasma aldosterone circadian rhythm was observed independent of plasma renin activity and plasma potassium concentration. Dexamethasone suppression of ACTH reduced but did not abolish the circadian rhythm. Thus some factor in addition to plasma renin activity, potassium and ACTH appears to influence aldosterone secretion in this patient.", "contents": "On the pathogenesis of Bartter's syndrome: report of studies in a patient with this disorder. A 25 year old male with features typical of Bartter's syndrome is described. Studies were performed to evaluate the pathogenesis of this disorder. In response to oral water loading the subject excreted free water normally. Normal renal sodium conservation was documented. Autonomy of the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system was excluded by demonstrating appropriate directional changes in plasma renin activity and aldosterone excretion in response to alterations in sodium and potassium intake. During aminoglutethimide inhibition of aldosterone synthesis the subject was able to maintain potassium balance at a normal serum potassium concentration on a potassium intake of 130 mEq/day which suggests that aldosterone is the major cause of the potassium wasting. Decreased vascular responses to intra-arterial infusions of angiotensin II and norepinephrine were documented in the absence of extracellular volume depletion. These findings argue against tachyphylaxis as the explanation for the vascular insensitivity and implicate a defect at some step in the sequence between agonist-receptor interaction and the contractile response. It is proposed that the vascular defect plays a primary role in the pathogenesis of the hyperreninemia by interrupting pressure-mediated inhibition of renin secretion and/or impairing direct feedback inhibition of renin secretion by angiotensin II. A unique finding in our case was the lack of a postural influence on plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone. An accentuated plasma aldosterone circadian rhythm was observed independent of plasma renin activity and plasma potassium concentration. Dexamethasone suppression of ACTH reduced but did not abolish the circadian rhythm. Thus some factor in addition to plasma renin activity, potassium and ACTH appears to influence aldosterone secretion in this patient.", "PMID": 991467} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4274", "title": "Effect of urine metabolites from healthy and uremic subjects on gluconeogenesis in slices of rat kidney cortex and liver.", "content": "A high molecular weight fraction was obtained by extended dialysis of urine of healthy and uremic subjects. After addition to the incubation medium, this fraction inhibited gluconeogenesis by rat kidney cortex slices. From the six subfractions extracted by gel chromatography (Sephadex G 100) fraction IV caused a decrease of glucose formation. The activity of PEP-carboxykinase but not of pyruvate carboxylase was reduced, indicating a decreased formation of phosphoenol pyruvate. The total high molecular weight fraction stimulated glucose release by liver slices from fed but not from starved rats. In the absence of amino acids, urea formation was not stimulated. The activity of pyruvate carboxylase was reduced in both groups, PEP-carboxykinase activity was, however, only reduced in the starved group. The addition of uremic serum caused increased glucose release. Inhibition of PEP-carboxykinase activity by quinolinic acid (15 mM) resulted in inhibition of glucose formation by 35% in the uremic group and 54% in the control group in livers of 24 hr starved rats. Thus in uremia there may be incorporation of serine carbon skeletons into glucose via hydroxypyruvate, not via pyruvate. Chromatography on calibrated columns indicated that about 40% of the urinary fractions had molecular weights in the upper range of the \"middle molecules\" category. The positive correlation between toxicity and the total amount of high molecular weight substances excreted do not confirm the hypothesis of augmented retention of \"toxins\" in uremic patients. It must be appreciated that these results refer only to the undialyzable fraction of urine which contains only 0.5% by weight of the total urine solids.", "contents": "Effect of urine metabolites from healthy and uremic subjects on gluconeogenesis in slices of rat kidney cortex and liver. A high molecular weight fraction was obtained by extended dialysis of urine of healthy and uremic subjects. After addition to the incubation medium, this fraction inhibited gluconeogenesis by rat kidney cortex slices. From the six subfractions extracted by gel chromatography (Sephadex G 100) fraction IV caused a decrease of glucose formation. The activity of PEP-carboxykinase but not of pyruvate carboxylase was reduced, indicating a decreased formation of phosphoenol pyruvate. The total high molecular weight fraction stimulated glucose release by liver slices from fed but not from starved rats. In the absence of amino acids, urea formation was not stimulated. The activity of pyruvate carboxylase was reduced in both groups, PEP-carboxykinase activity was, however, only reduced in the starved group. The addition of uremic serum caused increased glucose release. Inhibition of PEP-carboxykinase activity by quinolinic acid (15 mM) resulted in inhibition of glucose formation by 35% in the uremic group and 54% in the control group in livers of 24 hr starved rats. Thus in uremia there may be incorporation of serine carbon skeletons into glucose via hydroxypyruvate, not via pyruvate. Chromatography on calibrated columns indicated that about 40% of the urinary fractions had molecular weights in the upper range of the \"middle molecules\" category. The positive correlation between toxicity and the total amount of high molecular weight substances excreted do not confirm the hypothesis of augmented retention of \"toxins\" in uremic patients. It must be appreciated that these results refer only to the undialyzable fraction of urine which contains only 0.5% by weight of the total urine solids.", "PMID": 991468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4275", "title": "Blood access in hemodialysis.", "content": "Four hundred seventy blood access procedures performed on 170 dialysis patients during the period 1962-1975 have been analyzed according to survival of access with respect to age, sex and cause of failure. Subcutaneous forms of blood access have a significantly longer life and are more free of complications than external shunts. Although the mode of access can now be tailored to the individual patient, the arterio-venous fistula remains the least expensive and simplest surgical procedure. It should therefore remain as the first choice of access for most patients.", "contents": "Blood access in hemodialysis. Four hundred seventy blood access procedures performed on 170 dialysis patients during the period 1962-1975 have been analyzed according to survival of access with respect to age, sex and cause of failure. Subcutaneous forms of blood access have a significantly longer life and are more free of complications than external shunts. Although the mode of access can now be tailored to the individual patient, the arterio-venous fistula remains the least expensive and simplest surgical procedure. It should therefore remain as the first choice of access for most patients.", "PMID": 991469} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4276", "title": "Pulmonary calcification in chronic renal failure: use of diphosphonate scintiscan as a diagnostic tool.", "content": "A patient with end-stage renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis for fifty-five months presented with signs and symptoms of cardiorespiratory failure and chest X-ray evidence of cardiomegaly and persistent bilateral nodular lung densities. A lung scan employing a bone seeking radionuclide, 99 Tc Diphosphonate, revealed active uptake in all areas corresponding to the X-ray densities. It was concluded that these densities represented active calcification. Thus, a diagnosis of pulmonary calcification was established without the need to resort to lung biopsy. It is suggested that bone-seeking radionuclides may be employed effectively to help establish an early diagnosis of pulmonary calcification especially in high risk dialysis patients.", "contents": "Pulmonary calcification in chronic renal failure: use of diphosphonate scintiscan as a diagnostic tool. A patient with end-stage renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis for fifty-five months presented with signs and symptoms of cardiorespiratory failure and chest X-ray evidence of cardiomegaly and persistent bilateral nodular lung densities. A lung scan employing a bone seeking radionuclide, 99 Tc Diphosphonate, revealed active uptake in all areas corresponding to the X-ray densities. It was concluded that these densities represented active calcification. Thus, a diagnosis of pulmonary calcification was established without the need to resort to lung biopsy. It is suggested that bone-seeking radionuclides may be employed effectively to help establish an early diagnosis of pulmonary calcification especially in high risk dialysis patients.", "PMID": 991470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4277", "title": "Candida peritonitis complicating peritoneal dialysis: successful treatment with low dose amphotericin B therapy.", "content": "Two patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis with permanent indwelling peritoneal catheters who developed Candida albicans peritonitis are presented. Both patients were successfully treated with low dose intravenous amphotericin B. Sequential candida precipitin assays were performed and the diagnostic application is discussed.", "contents": "Candida peritonitis complicating peritoneal dialysis: successful treatment with low dose amphotericin B therapy. Two patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis with permanent indwelling peritoneal catheters who developed Candida albicans peritonitis are presented. Both patients were successfully treated with low dose intravenous amphotericin B. Sequential candida precipitin assays were performed and the diagnostic application is discussed.", "PMID": 991471} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4278", "title": "Midtrimester amniocentesis and culture of aminiotic fluid cells.", "content": "On the basis of the large, well-controlled, prospective study from the NICHD, it can be stated that midtrimester ammniocentesis is safe if properly performed. The details of performance, with emphasis on possible pitfalls, are presented in an effort to encourage more practicing obstetricians to begin performing the procedure in cooperation with their area genetics laboratories (11). Emphasis is also placed on performing this procedure in a manner most likely to produce success. This success is measured not only in obtaining the fluid, but more importantly in gaining useful information from the analysis of the fluid. Although the aspects of diagnosing and preventing genetic disease have been emphasized, perhaps the greatest value of midtrimester amniocentesis is the reassurance afforded the more than 95% of couples when the fluid analysis is normal (19). The consumer demand for amniocentesis is rapidly increasing. Although the medicolegal implications of the techniques are not fully understood at present, it is clear that failure on the part of a clinician to offer indicated diagnostic amniocentesis may make the clinician vulnerable to litigation if the pregnancy outcome is abnormal. The demand for amniocentesis and laboratory analysis of the fluid will soon overtax existing facilities. Until such time as new and expanded facilities are available, discretion must be used in offering the procedures. Governmental action may soon be forthcoming to provide facilities designed to make midtrimester diagnostic amniocentesis available to all for whom it is indicated.", "contents": "Midtrimester amniocentesis and culture of aminiotic fluid cells. On the basis of the large, well-controlled, prospective study from the NICHD, it can be stated that midtrimester ammniocentesis is safe if properly performed. The details of performance, with emphasis on possible pitfalls, are presented in an effort to encourage more practicing obstetricians to begin performing the procedure in cooperation with their area genetics laboratories (11). Emphasis is also placed on performing this procedure in a manner most likely to produce success. This success is measured not only in obtaining the fluid, but more importantly in gaining useful information from the analysis of the fluid. Although the aspects of diagnosing and preventing genetic disease have been emphasized, perhaps the greatest value of midtrimester amniocentesis is the reassurance afforded the more than 95% of couples when the fluid analysis is normal (19). The consumer demand for amniocentesis is rapidly increasing. Although the medicolegal implications of the techniques are not fully understood at present, it is clear that failure on the part of a clinician to offer indicated diagnostic amniocentesis may make the clinician vulnerable to litigation if the pregnancy outcome is abnormal. The demand for amniocentesis and laboratory analysis of the fluid will soon overtax existing facilities. Until such time as new and expanded facilities are available, discretion must be used in offering the procedures. Governmental action may soon be forthcoming to provide facilities designed to make midtrimester diagnostic amniocentesis available to all for whom it is indicated.", "PMID": 991481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4279", "title": "Stress fracture of the pubic ramus stimulating a loose total hip replacement.", "content": "Severe pain in the groin following total hip replacement may occur suddenly without any trauma. Roentgenograms can be misleading when a radiolucent line is noted about the acetabular component which suggests loosening but in fact may be a stress fracture of the pubis.", "contents": "Stress fracture of the pubic ramus stimulating a loose total hip replacement. Severe pain in the groin following total hip replacement may occur suddenly without any trauma. Roentgenograms can be misleading when a radiolucent line is noted about the acetabular component which suggests loosening but in fact may be a stress fracture of the pubis.", "PMID": 991486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4280", "title": "Fat embolism syndrome following total hip arthroplasty.", "content": "This is a case report of total hip arthroplasty in a healthy 38-year-old woman with the unusual complication of fat embolism with no evidence of hypotension or other intraoperative incidence. Prompt recognition of fat embolism and appropriate supportive therapy resulted in the successful resuscitation of the patient and an excellent functional hip joint.", "contents": "Fat embolism syndrome following total hip arthroplasty. This is a case report of total hip arthroplasty in a healthy 38-year-old woman with the unusual complication of fat embolism with no evidence of hypotension or other intraoperative incidence. Prompt recognition of fat embolism and appropriate supportive therapy resulted in the successful resuscitation of the patient and an excellent functional hip joint.", "PMID": 991487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4281", "title": "Prevention of thromboembolic phenomena.", "content": "The leading cause of death from total hip replacement is pulmonary embolism. Prophylactic anticoagulation has been effective in decreasing thromboembolic phenomena but has been associated with a high rate of complications. A low dose warfarin prophylaxis combined with anti-embolic hose, elevation of the legs and early ambulation was employed in 415 total hip replacements. Clinical thrombosis occurred in 2.4 per cent and there was 1.45 per cent pulmonary emboli but none resulted in death. Two deaths from non-embolic causes occurred for a mortality rate of 0.49 per cent. Systemic complications of the warfarin were few with 5 mild gastroentestinal hemorrhages but no deaths related to the medication. Wound hemorrhage occurred in 4.6 per cent of patients and it is recommended that severe, deep superficial hematomas be treated with early surgical evacuation. The management program appeared to be safe and effective in preventing postoperative mortality from pulmonary emboli but close monitoring is essential.", "contents": "Prevention of thromboembolic phenomena. The leading cause of death from total hip replacement is pulmonary embolism. Prophylactic anticoagulation has been effective in decreasing thromboembolic phenomena but has been associated with a high rate of complications. A low dose warfarin prophylaxis combined with anti-embolic hose, elevation of the legs and early ambulation was employed in 415 total hip replacements. Clinical thrombosis occurred in 2.4 per cent and there was 1.45 per cent pulmonary emboli but none resulted in death. Two deaths from non-embolic causes occurred for a mortality rate of 0.49 per cent. Systemic complications of the warfarin were few with 5 mild gastroentestinal hemorrhages but no deaths related to the medication. Wound hemorrhage occurred in 4.6 per cent of patients and it is recommended that severe, deep superficial hematomas be treated with early surgical evacuation. The management program appeared to be safe and effective in preventing postoperative mortality from pulmonary emboli but close monitoring is essential.", "PMID": 991488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4282", "title": "Oxygen intake and walking speed before and after total hip replacement.", "content": "The objective of the study was to evaluate the walking ability and the energy cost of walking in patients before and after total hip replacement. The oxygen intake and the maximum walking speed were measured immediately before and 6 months after operation in 25 patients. Although the oxygen intake did not change significantly in most patients it was decreased in those patients who before surgery had had the worst walking capacity. The average maximum walking speed almost doubled in the 25 patients.", "contents": "Oxygen intake and walking speed before and after total hip replacement. The objective of the study was to evaluate the walking ability and the energy cost of walking in patients before and after total hip replacement. The oxygen intake and the maximum walking speed were measured immediately before and 6 months after operation in 25 patients. Although the oxygen intake did not change significantly in most patients it was decreased in those patients who before surgery had had the worst walking capacity. The average maximum walking speed almost doubled in the 25 patients.", "PMID": 991489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4283", "title": "Femoral loosening in total hip replacement.", "content": "Ten cases of loosening of the femoral component following a Charnley total hip replacement were noted in a series of 160 patients. In 3 patients, the femoral component bent without fracturing. All of the patients were overweight. Loosening occurred despite the fact that the femoral component was in a valgus position in 9 of the 10 cases. Collapse of the cancellous bone in the region of the calcar may be a manifestation of the stress of excessive body weight upon the femoral component.", "contents": "Femoral loosening in total hip replacement. Ten cases of loosening of the femoral component following a Charnley total hip replacement were noted in a series of 160 patients. In 3 patients, the femoral component bent without fracturing. All of the patients were overweight. Loosening occurred despite the fact that the femoral component was in a valgus position in 9 of the 10 cases. Collapse of the cancellous bone in the region of the calcar may be a manifestation of the stress of excessive body weight upon the femoral component.", "PMID": 991490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4284", "title": "Conversion of hip joint pseudarthrosis to total hip replacement.", "content": "Forth hips in 35 patients were converted from pseudarthrosis to low friction total hip arthroplasty (LFA). Pain, function and range of motion were improved in most cases. Gait was improved and number of walking aids required were reduced in most cases. Abduction against gravity and straight leg raising were also improved. Limb length was restored in all but 9 cases. Two cases dislocated postoperatively. One was reduced and did well; the other had a trochanter avulsion with recurrent subluxation. Improvement of function is a prime indication for converting a pseudarthrosis to LFA whereas pain is not so significant a factor. This is a formidable procedure requiring a complete range of prostheses and instruments and complete familiarity with the technique of total hip replacement but the end results are gratifying.", "contents": "Conversion of hip joint pseudarthrosis to total hip replacement. Forth hips in 35 patients were converted from pseudarthrosis to low friction total hip arthroplasty (LFA). Pain, function and range of motion were improved in most cases. Gait was improved and number of walking aids required were reduced in most cases. Abduction against gravity and straight leg raising were also improved. Limb length was restored in all but 9 cases. Two cases dislocated postoperatively. One was reduced and did well; the other had a trochanter avulsion with recurrent subluxation. Improvement of function is a prime indication for converting a pseudarthrosis to LFA whereas pain is not so significant a factor. This is a formidable procedure requiring a complete range of prostheses and instruments and complete familiarity with the technique of total hip replacement but the end results are gratifying.", "PMID": 991491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4285", "title": "Dislocation and instability complicating low friction arthroplasty of the hip joint.", "content": "Among the complications in a series of 1,400 consecutive Charnley low friction arthroplasty procedures, there were 8 dislocations, and 3 highly unstable hips. Three dislocations followed severe trauma, in 2 of the 3 there was only fibrous union of the greater trochanter. In all but 2 of the hips, more than one previous operation had been performed. More than one technical fault was evident in most dislocations. Six of the 8 dislocations required reoperation. Meticulous attention to the Charnley procedure, including soft tissue elements of the hip joint is necessary to avoid instability and dislocation following total hip arthroplasty.", "contents": "Dislocation and instability complicating low friction arthroplasty of the hip joint. Among the complications in a series of 1,400 consecutive Charnley low friction arthroplasty procedures, there were 8 dislocations, and 3 highly unstable hips. Three dislocations followed severe trauma, in 2 of the 3 there was only fibrous union of the greater trochanter. In all but 2 of the hips, more than one previous operation had been performed. More than one technical fault was evident in most dislocations. Six of the 8 dislocations required reoperation. Meticulous attention to the Charnley procedure, including soft tissue elements of the hip joint is necessary to avoid instability and dislocation following total hip arthroplasty.", "PMID": 991492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4286", "title": "Can wear in total hip arthroplasties be assessed from radiographs?", "content": "The validity of wear measurements from total-hip radiographs was assessed using a wear simulator which consisted of a total hip prosthesis mounted on a Plexiglas orientation jig. Wear was mesured by a micrometer device and uni- and duoradiographic methods of wear measurement were used with a variety of acetabular cup orientations. In the initial calibration studies the duoradiographic technique proved to be more accurate. The source of the inaccuracies of the uniradiographic method was determined analytically by means of a geometrical model. Forty-inch or 72'' source-to-object film-distances provided similar accuracy and the errors in wear measurement varied from --0.1 +/- 0.4 mm (2 S.D.) to 0 +/- 0.9 mm for wear magnitudes of 1 and 5 mm respectively, regardless of cup position. In subsequent calibration studies the previous radiographs were compiled to represent seven hypothetical patients at various stages of follow-up whose prostheses exhibited between 1 and 5 mm wear. Clinicians assessed the degree of wear, using both the uni- and duoradiographic techniques, under supervision but unaware of the true position and orientation of the wear track. The resulting errors were of the same order as the wear magnitudes being measured. The location of the measurements on the radiographs was then restricted to approximately the true wear axis but again the errors were so large that it was still impossible to make any valid wear assessments. The calibration runs were therefore terminated at this point and it was concluded that wear measurements could not be made from clinical radiographs.", "contents": "Can wear in total hip arthroplasties be assessed from radiographs? The validity of wear measurements from total-hip radiographs was assessed using a wear simulator which consisted of a total hip prosthesis mounted on a Plexiglas orientation jig. Wear was mesured by a micrometer device and uni- and duoradiographic methods of wear measurement were used with a variety of acetabular cup orientations. In the initial calibration studies the duoradiographic technique proved to be more accurate. The source of the inaccuracies of the uniradiographic method was determined analytically by means of a geometrical model. Forty-inch or 72'' source-to-object film-distances provided similar accuracy and the errors in wear measurement varied from --0.1 +/- 0.4 mm (2 S.D.) to 0 +/- 0.9 mm for wear magnitudes of 1 and 5 mm respectively, regardless of cup position. In subsequent calibration studies the previous radiographs were compiled to represent seven hypothetical patients at various stages of follow-up whose prostheses exhibited between 1 and 5 mm wear. Clinicians assessed the degree of wear, using both the uni- and duoradiographic techniques, under supervision but unaware of the true position and orientation of the wear track. The resulting errors were of the same order as the wear magnitudes being measured. The location of the measurements on the radiographs was then restricted to approximately the true wear axis but again the errors were so large that it was still impossible to make any valid wear assessments. The calibration runs were therefore terminated at this point and it was concluded that wear measurements could not be made from clinical radiographs.", "PMID": 991493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4287", "title": "Vascularity of the femoral head. Tc diphosphonate scintigraphy validated with tetracycline labeling.", "content": "99MTc diphosphonate scintigraphy and tetracycline labeling were performed on 22 hips in 20 patients in whom the femoral heads were subsequently removed. Twelve of the hips had acute neck fractures, and 10 hips had roentgenographic evidence of avascular necrosis. This technique is of greater value for recent fractures, for once revascularization begins to occur, increased radioactivity is usually found by scintiscan. There was good correlation between roentgenogram, scintiscan and tetracycline fluorescence. 99mTe diphosphonate scintigraphy, which can be performed outside the operating theater with little discomfort to the patient, proved to be a reliable, noninvasive method of assessing the blood flow to the femoral head. 99mTc diphosphonate scintigraphy is not a quantitative technique; it detects the presence or absence of femoral head blood flow, not the adequacy of that blood supply.", "contents": "Vascularity of the femoral head. Tc diphosphonate scintigraphy validated with tetracycline labeling. 99MTc diphosphonate scintigraphy and tetracycline labeling were performed on 22 hips in 20 patients in whom the femoral heads were subsequently removed. Twelve of the hips had acute neck fractures, and 10 hips had roentgenographic evidence of avascular necrosis. This technique is of greater value for recent fractures, for once revascularization begins to occur, increased radioactivity is usually found by scintiscan. There was good correlation between roentgenogram, scintiscan and tetracycline fluorescence. 99mTe diphosphonate scintigraphy, which can be performed outside the operating theater with little discomfort to the patient, proved to be a reliable, noninvasive method of assessing the blood flow to the femoral head. 99mTc diphosphonate scintigraphy is not a quantitative technique; it detects the presence or absence of femoral head blood flow, not the adequacy of that blood supply.", "PMID": 991494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4288", "title": "Compression fixation of peritrochanteric fractures and early weight bearing.", "content": "Forty-two patients with peritrochanteric fractures of the femur were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a 95 degree A-Ocompression plate. In 30 of 42 patients (71%) resumption of weight-bearing was achieved by 4 weeks from the time of surgery. Compressive fixation devices have biomechanical advantages over other types of standard nail-plates.", "contents": "Compression fixation of peritrochanteric fractures and early weight bearing. Forty-two patients with peritrochanteric fractures of the femur were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a 95 degree A-Ocompression plate. In 30 of 42 patients (71%) resumption of weight-bearing was achieved by 4 weeks from the time of surgery. Compressive fixation devices have biomechanical advantages over other types of standard nail-plates.", "PMID": 991496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4289", "title": "Congenital dislocation of the hip associated with congenital muscular torticollis.", "content": "Four recently identified cases of congenital dislocation of the hip associated with congenital muscular torticollis out of 49 consecutive cases of frank dislocation of the hip suggest that: the coexistence of congenital muscular torticollis and congenital dislocation of the hip occurs more commonly than is generally appreciated; the presence of either abnormality should initiate a careful appraisal for the presence of the other; although both conditions are seen more commonly in children delivered by breech extraction, a direct causal relationship has not yet been established although the abnormal uterine position is definitely related to each condition.", "contents": "Congenital dislocation of the hip associated with congenital muscular torticollis. Four recently identified cases of congenital dislocation of the hip associated with congenital muscular torticollis out of 49 consecutive cases of frank dislocation of the hip suggest that: the coexistence of congenital muscular torticollis and congenital dislocation of the hip occurs more commonly than is generally appreciated; the presence of either abnormality should initiate a careful appraisal for the presence of the other; although both conditions are seen more commonly in children delivered by breech extraction, a direct causal relationship has not yet been established although the abnormal uterine position is definitely related to each condition.", "PMID": 991497} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4290", "title": "Lymphangioma of the thigh following acute trauma.", "content": "Only 2 cases of lymphangioma of traumatic origin have been previously reported, and in both it was a matter of repeated microtraumas. This is a report of a circumscribed lymphangioma in a 22-year-old man after a severe direct trauma of the thigh. Five months after the trauma a painless, slowly growing mass appeared in this area. Histologically, the removed mass appeared to be a combination of cavernous and cystic lymphangioma. The development of this lesion, which must be considered a hamartoma, may possibly be attributable to a traumatic hematoma and to subsequent reactive fibrosis which may have blocked the lymph drainage possibly from a sequestrated portion of the primitive lymphatic anlage.", "contents": "Lymphangioma of the thigh following acute trauma. Only 2 cases of lymphangioma of traumatic origin have been previously reported, and in both it was a matter of repeated microtraumas. This is a report of a circumscribed lymphangioma in a 22-year-old man after a severe direct trauma of the thigh. Five months after the trauma a painless, slowly growing mass appeared in this area. Histologically, the removed mass appeared to be a combination of cavernous and cystic lymphangioma. The development of this lesion, which must be considered a hamartoma, may possibly be attributable to a traumatic hematoma and to subsequent reactive fibrosis which may have blocked the lymph drainage possibly from a sequestrated portion of the primitive lymphatic anlage.", "PMID": 991499} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4291", "title": "Complications following total knee replacement.", "content": "Forty-two months follow-up examinations on 30 total knee arthroplasties revealed the following significant complications: phlebothrombosis, 13 knees (46%); pulmonary embolism 3 patients (11%); asymptomatic loosening, 8 knees (11.4%); symptomatic loosening, 3 knees (4.8%); superficial infections, 4 knees (5.4%); deep infections, 4 knees (5.4%); peroneal palsy, 3 patients (4.3%). Early detection of thrombophlebitis by 125I fibrinogen scan and possible aspirin prophylaxis were evaluated. In view of the limited number of encouraging results, e.g. excellent 58.6 per cent; good 28.5 per cent; fair 5.4 per cent and poor 7.1 per cent, caution is advocated until extensive time elapses for more clinical experience with total knee arthroplasty.", "contents": "Complications following total knee replacement. Forty-two months follow-up examinations on 30 total knee arthroplasties revealed the following significant complications: phlebothrombosis, 13 knees (46%); pulmonary embolism 3 patients (11%); asymptomatic loosening, 8 knees (11.4%); symptomatic loosening, 3 knees (4.8%); superficial infections, 4 knees (5.4%); deep infections, 4 knees (5.4%); peroneal palsy, 3 patients (4.3%). Early detection of thrombophlebitis by 125I fibrinogen scan and possible aspirin prophylaxis were evaluated. In view of the limited number of encouraging results, e.g. excellent 58.6 per cent; good 28.5 per cent; fair 5.4 per cent and poor 7.1 per cent, caution is advocated until extensive time elapses for more clinical experience with total knee arthroplasty.", "PMID": 991500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4292", "title": "An unusual case of cystic chondroblastoma of the patella.", "content": "An unusual case of chondroblastoma of the patella is presented in which the dominant feature was a hemorrhagic cyst. The chondroblastoma was located in a small gritty mass at one pole of the cyst, which could have easily been overlooked.", "contents": "An unusual case of cystic chondroblastoma of the patella. An unusual case of chondroblastoma of the patella is presented in which the dominant feature was a hemorrhagic cyst. The chondroblastoma was located in a small gritty mass at one pole of the cyst, which could have easily been overlooked.", "PMID": 991501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4293", "title": "Scintimetric evaluation of complications after femoral neck fractures.", "content": "The primary surgical approach to the femoral neck fracture should be one with the lowest mortality and morbidity. Internal fixation appears to be the safe and logical approach for most of the reducible intracapsular fractures. Careful follow-up of these patients then is important. 85Sr scintimetry is a simple and accurate method in the early detection and evaluation of secondary complications in these patients. The 85Sr scintimetric pattern in the normal healing process was defined in relation to time interval after the fracture. At any time after 4 months following fracture, those hips destined for osteonecrosis, with or without non-union, showed significantly more radionuclide uptake over the femoral head than those hips which healed normally. In non-union there was a trend toward increased counts over the fracture site during 6 to 18 months after fracture, but no such tendency was noted in other periods.", "contents": "Scintimetric evaluation of complications after femoral neck fractures. The primary surgical approach to the femoral neck fracture should be one with the lowest mortality and morbidity. Internal fixation appears to be the safe and logical approach for most of the reducible intracapsular fractures. Careful follow-up of these patients then is important. 85Sr scintimetry is a simple and accurate method in the early detection and evaluation of secondary complications in these patients. The 85Sr scintimetric pattern in the normal healing process was defined in relation to time interval after the fracture. At any time after 4 months following fracture, those hips destined for osteonecrosis, with or without non-union, showed significantly more radionuclide uptake over the femoral head than those hips which healed normally. In non-union there was a trend toward increased counts over the fracture site during 6 to 18 months after fracture, but no such tendency was noted in other periods.", "PMID": 991495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4294", "title": "Microscopic comparison of the synovial changes in posttraumatic synovitis and osteoarthritis.", "content": "The similarity of the histopathologic changes in posttraumatic synovitis and osteoarthritis suggests that similar etiologic agents, possibly macro- and microtraumata, were pathogenetic factors in common.", "contents": "Microscopic comparison of the synovial changes in posttraumatic synovitis and osteoarthritis. The similarity of the histopathologic changes in posttraumatic synovitis and osteoarthritis suggests that similar etiologic agents, possibly macro- and microtraumata, were pathogenetic factors in common.", "PMID": 991502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4295", "title": "Intrapelvic migration of a threaded Steinmann pin in Parkinson's disease.", "content": "Intrapelvic migration of a threaded Steinmann pin complicated internal fixation of a displaced femoral neck fracture in an elderly man with untreated Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonian tremors may have contributed to this unusual complication. This case, in the light of a review of the literature, suggests that transfixation pins and wires should not be used in patients with Parkinson's disease. Endoprosthetic replacement combined with chemotherapy is better tolerated by femoral neck fractures in patients with Parkinsonism.", "contents": "Intrapelvic migration of a threaded Steinmann pin in Parkinson's disease. Intrapelvic migration of a threaded Steinmann pin complicated internal fixation of a displaced femoral neck fracture in an elderly man with untreated Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonian tremors may have contributed to this unusual complication. This case, in the light of a review of the literature, suggests that transfixation pins and wires should not be used in patients with Parkinson's disease. Endoprosthetic replacement combined with chemotherapy is better tolerated by femoral neck fractures in patients with Parkinsonism.", "PMID": 991498} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4296", "title": "Coccidioidomycosis of bone and joints.", "content": "Sixteen cases of coccidioidomycosis involving bone and joints were treated with Amphotericin B. In all systemic or disseminated cases Amphotericin B should be prescribed. Local Amphotericin B is useful in joints if the disease is limited, and in patients who do not tolerate Amphotericin B by systemic route. If the patient cannot be treated with systemic Amphotericin B, surgical treatment should be directed to remove all possible infected tissue. Patients with a negative skin test and albuminuria in disseminated coccidioidomycosis should be treated with Amphotericin B and passive immune transfer.", "contents": "Coccidioidomycosis of bone and joints. Sixteen cases of coccidioidomycosis involving bone and joints were treated with Amphotericin B. In all systemic or disseminated cases Amphotericin B should be prescribed. Local Amphotericin B is useful in joints if the disease is limited, and in patients who do not tolerate Amphotericin B by systemic route. If the patient cannot be treated with systemic Amphotericin B, surgical treatment should be directed to remove all possible infected tissue. Patients with a negative skin test and albuminuria in disseminated coccidioidomycosis should be treated with Amphotericin B and passive immune transfer.", "PMID": 991503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4297", "title": "Radiological demarcation of cemented sockets in total hip replacement.", "content": "The frequency of radiological demarcation of the cement-bone junction in the acetabulum after total hip replacement has been examined in 141 Charnley low-friction arthroplasties followed for an average of 10.1 years. Sixty-nine per cent showed demarcation of various degrees and 9.2 per cent of the series showed evidence of progressive migration of the socket. The vast majority of cases with demarcation were symptomless. In most cases where demarcation was accompanied by migration the operation notes suggested a technical explanation and in three cases low-grade sepsis was responsible. The fact that nearly 30 per cent of cases showed no demarcation even after 10 years supports the idea that there is no fundamental defect in the principle of employing cement in the acetabulum. Better surgical technique may increase the number of cases showing no demarcation.", "contents": "Radiological demarcation of cemented sockets in total hip replacement. The frequency of radiological demarcation of the cement-bone junction in the acetabulum after total hip replacement has been examined in 141 Charnley low-friction arthroplasties followed for an average of 10.1 years. Sixty-nine per cent showed demarcation of various degrees and 9.2 per cent of the series showed evidence of progressive migration of the socket. The vast majority of cases with demarcation were symptomless. In most cases where demarcation was accompanied by migration the operation notes suggested a technical explanation and in three cases low-grade sepsis was responsible. The fact that nearly 30 per cent of cases showed no demarcation even after 10 years supports the idea that there is no fundamental defect in the principle of employing cement in the acetabulum. Better surgical technique may increase the number of cases showing no demarcation.", "PMID": 991504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4298", "title": "Comparison of disk excision and combined disk excision and spinal fusion for lumbar disk ruptures.", "content": "In a series of private patients 77 per cent over-all satisfactory results were obtained from surgical disk excision performed without spinal fusion. Patients in whom spinal fusion combined with discectomy has been recommended by other authors are not much more satisfied than patients with discectomy alone without fusion (81% versus 74% satisfactory). Patients in whom the third party influence prevails were significantly more dissatisfied (only 59% satisfactory). Findings of a definite disk rupture at the time of surgery result in a higher incidence of satisfactory rating than those with degenerative changes or with normal findings.", "contents": "Comparison of disk excision and combined disk excision and spinal fusion for lumbar disk ruptures. In a series of private patients 77 per cent over-all satisfactory results were obtained from surgical disk excision performed without spinal fusion. Patients in whom spinal fusion combined with discectomy has been recommended by other authors are not much more satisfied than patients with discectomy alone without fusion (81% versus 74% satisfactory). Patients in whom the third party influence prevails were significantly more dissatisfied (only 59% satisfactory). Findings of a definite disk rupture at the time of surgery result in a higher incidence of satisfactory rating than those with degenerative changes or with normal findings.", "PMID": 991505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4299", "title": "Rupture of the long tendon of the biceps brachi muscle. An unusual case related to use of the pneumatic tourniquet.", "content": "Tourniquet paralysis, arterial spasm, aneurysm formation, and the post-ischemic hand syndrome are all complications of penumatic tourniquet use in surgery of the extremities. This is a case report of another complication of tourniquet use, rupture of the long tendon of the biceps brachii muscle. Some underlying pathologic or degenerative condition usually exists before rupture can occur. Both rheumatoid arthritis and local corticosteroid injections into the long tendon of the biceps probably accounted for weakening the tensile strength of the tendon and subsequent rupture in the case described.", "contents": "Rupture of the long tendon of the biceps brachi muscle. An unusual case related to use of the pneumatic tourniquet. Tourniquet paralysis, arterial spasm, aneurysm formation, and the post-ischemic hand syndrome are all complications of penumatic tourniquet use in surgery of the extremities. This is a case report of another complication of tourniquet use, rupture of the long tendon of the biceps brachii muscle. Some underlying pathologic or degenerative condition usually exists before rupture can occur. Both rheumatoid arthritis and local corticosteroid injections into the long tendon of the biceps probably accounted for weakening the tensile strength of the tendon and subsequent rupture in the case described.", "PMID": 991506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4300", "title": "Semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty.", "content": "Diminution of elbow function may be both embarrassing and severely disabling, especially in patients with multiple arthritic joints. Over the past century, multiple techniques of soft tissue reconstruction of the elbow have been advocated. In general, they do not compare well with total elbow arthroplasty. Arthrolysis has often resulted in little improvement of elbow motion and interposition arthroplasty to instability. Synovectomy may however offer satisfactory relief of disability for the rheumatoid elbow provided that initially there is little evidence of joint destruction. The major problem with rigidly linked total elbow arthroplasty has been a high incidence of prosthetic loosening. Biomechanical analysis has shown that high moments tend to disrupt the osseousmethacrylate junction in the humoral medulary canal. Development of a semi-constrained total elbow prosthesis transfers the developed stress to the collateral soft tissues and reduces prosthetic loosening to approximately 3 per cent. This is about one-tenth of the incidence of loosening of the hinge type arthroplasty. This reduction in prosthetic loosening has been coupled with excellent gains in flexion and estension. However, improvement in forearm rotation has not been predictable, especially in elbows exhibiting preoperative fusion or fibrous ankylosis. Though the semi-counstrained total elbow has only been generally available for 3 years, a review of these results justifies its continued use for elbow reconstruction.", "contents": "Semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty. Diminution of elbow function may be both embarrassing and severely disabling, especially in patients with multiple arthritic joints. Over the past century, multiple techniques of soft tissue reconstruction of the elbow have been advocated. In general, they do not compare well with total elbow arthroplasty. Arthrolysis has often resulted in little improvement of elbow motion and interposition arthroplasty to instability. Synovectomy may however offer satisfactory relief of disability for the rheumatoid elbow provided that initially there is little evidence of joint destruction. The major problem with rigidly linked total elbow arthroplasty has been a high incidence of prosthetic loosening. Biomechanical analysis has shown that high moments tend to disrupt the osseousmethacrylate junction in the humoral medulary canal. Development of a semi-constrained total elbow prosthesis transfers the developed stress to the collateral soft tissues and reduces prosthetic loosening to approximately 3 per cent. This is about one-tenth of the incidence of loosening of the hinge type arthroplasty. This reduction in prosthetic loosening has been coupled with excellent gains in flexion and estension. However, improvement in forearm rotation has not been predictable, especially in elbows exhibiting preoperative fusion or fibrous ankylosis. Though the semi-counstrained total elbow has only been generally available for 3 years, a review of these results justifies its continued use for elbow reconstruction.", "PMID": 991507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4301", "title": "Pathogenesis of renal calculi in distal renal tubular acidosis. Possible role of parathyroid hormone.", "content": "Elevated circulating levels of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (PTH), hypercalciuria and renal calculi were found in 3 patients with distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA). Treatment with alkali resulted in a fall of PTH toward normal and a reduction in urinary calcium, but the frequency of urolithiasis was unchanged. In one patient in whom prolonged follow-up was possible, a subtotal parathyroidectomy was performed. This was followed by virtual cessation of stone formation despite persistence of the acidification defect. This study suggests that RTA may be associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism and that the consequent elevation in PTH may play a contributory role in the pathogenesis of renal calculi.", "contents": "Pathogenesis of renal calculi in distal renal tubular acidosis. Possible role of parathyroid hormone. Elevated circulating levels of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (PTH), hypercalciuria and renal calculi were found in 3 patients with distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA). Treatment with alkali resulted in a fall of PTH toward normal and a reduction in urinary calcium, but the frequency of urolithiasis was unchanged. In one patient in whom prolonged follow-up was possible, a subtotal parathyroidectomy was performed. This was followed by virtual cessation of stone formation despite persistence of the acidification defect. This study suggests that RTA may be associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism and that the consequent elevation in PTH may play a contributory role in the pathogenesis of renal calculi.", "PMID": 991509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4302", "title": "An anomalous flexor digitorum sublimis muscle. A case report.", "content": "A report of an anomalous flexor digitorum superficialis muscle in a 14-year-old presenting as a painful, enlarging palmar mass was explored and found to lie on the ulnar side of the flexor, separate from the lumbrical. The anomalous flexor digitorum superficialis muscle was found attached to a normal flexor digitorum superficialis tendon supplied by a branch of the median nerve, and resected. The muscle represents a rare lesion to consider in diagnosis of hand masses. A phylogenetic anatomic explanation for the anomaly is feasible.", "contents": "An anomalous flexor digitorum sublimis muscle. A case report. A report of an anomalous flexor digitorum superficialis muscle in a 14-year-old presenting as a painful, enlarging palmar mass was explored and found to lie on the ulnar side of the flexor, separate from the lumbrical. The anomalous flexor digitorum superficialis muscle was found attached to a normal flexor digitorum superficialis tendon supplied by a branch of the median nerve, and resected. The muscle represents a rare lesion to consider in diagnosis of hand masses. A phylogenetic anatomic explanation for the anomaly is feasible.", "PMID": 991508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4303", "title": "Stabilization of silastic implant arthroplasty at the trapezometacarpal joint.", "content": "Instability of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb may accompany silastic implant arthroplasty. A collapse deformity of the thumb with resultant loss of pinch power impairs hand function. A procedure is described, which allows apical stabilization of the base of the thumb. Compressive forces may then act on the thumb to produce divergence in abduction without collapse instability and yet allow enough motion for convergence in oposition and restoration of asymptomatic three-point pinch.", "contents": "Stabilization of silastic implant arthroplasty at the trapezometacarpal joint. Instability of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb may accompany silastic implant arthroplasty. A collapse deformity of the thumb with resultant loss of pinch power impairs hand function. A procedure is described, which allows apical stabilization of the base of the thumb. Compressive forces may then act on the thumb to produce divergence in abduction without collapse instability and yet allow enough motion for convergence in oposition and restoration of asymptomatic three-point pinch.", "PMID": 991511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4304", "title": "Injuries of the talus and its joints.", "content": "To understand the mechanism of injury and classify fractures of the talus requires knowledge of the anatomy of the hindfoot, its function and the nature of the traumatic forces. The talus has an irregular shape with articular surfaces for tibia, fibula, calcaneus and navicular. It functions as a complex universal joint between the leg and foot created by the ankle, sub-talar and midtarsal joints. Injury may disturb function and create serious disability. As in the femoral head, osteonecrosis is a serious problem after injury to the talus. The reason for this lies in a peculiar distribution of the arterial circulation which exposes it to some injuries, but not to others. To understand the mechanism of injury is to be better prepared to properly treat these injuries and to more accurately predict their consequences. Injury occurs as motion caused by an extrinsic force is applied to the part, and when the motion is forceful enough to overcome resistance. For the talus and its joints the mechanisms of injury are: extension, flexion, inversion, eversion, and compression. Rotation, medial and lateral, may be important in the production of fractures of the talar trochlea. Combinations of these mechanisms cause complex injuries.", "contents": "Injuries of the talus and its joints. To understand the mechanism of injury and classify fractures of the talus requires knowledge of the anatomy of the hindfoot, its function and the nature of the traumatic forces. The talus has an irregular shape with articular surfaces for tibia, fibula, calcaneus and navicular. It functions as a complex universal joint between the leg and foot created by the ankle, sub-talar and midtarsal joints. Injury may disturb function and create serious disability. As in the femoral head, osteonecrosis is a serious problem after injury to the talus. The reason for this lies in a peculiar distribution of the arterial circulation which exposes it to some injuries, but not to others. To understand the mechanism of injury is to be better prepared to properly treat these injuries and to more accurately predict their consequences. Injury occurs as motion caused by an extrinsic force is applied to the part, and when the motion is forceful enough to overcome resistance. For the talus and its joints the mechanisms of injury are: extension, flexion, inversion, eversion, and compression. Rotation, medial and lateral, may be important in the production of fractures of the talar trochlea. Combinations of these mechanisms cause complex injuries.", "PMID": 991510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4305", "title": "Idiopathic subluxation of the radial head.", "content": "Idiopathic subluxation of the radial head is a different entity from congenital dislocation. The former is always painful, with marked loss of rotation. The radius articulates with the capitellum and the radial head is concave, possibly representing a lesser stage of dislocation. There also may be a correlation with true posterior dislocation. Since it successfully alleviates pain in this condition, radial head resection is often advisable. However, the operation should be delayed until growth is complete and the danger of disruption of the distal radioulnar joint is avoidable.", "contents": "Idiopathic subluxation of the radial head. Idiopathic subluxation of the radial head is a different entity from congenital dislocation. The former is always painful, with marked loss of rotation. The radius articulates with the capitellum and the radial head is concave, possibly representing a lesser stage of dislocation. There also may be a correlation with true posterior dislocation. Since it successfully alleviates pain in this condition, radial head resection is often advisable. However, the operation should be delayed until growth is complete and the danger of disruption of the distal radioulnar joint is avoidable.", "PMID": 991512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4306", "title": "Relationship between ultrastructure and \"pin test\" in osteons.", "content": "In the 3 types commonly recognizable under the polarizing microscope (longitudinally, alternately and transversally structured osteons), the lamellar appearance of osteons in electron micrographs (EM) is due to the presence of layers of paralleloriented collagen bundles, with the orientation of the bundles changing abruptly through about 90 degrees in successive layers. On the EM scale, lamellae appear as completely independent entities. All 3 osteon types can be considered as consisting of a series of complete or incomplete lamellae. The quantities of collagen bundles in each of the 2 types of lamella--those with longitudinally or concentrically oriented bundles--is a distinctive feature determining the specific appearance of each type of osteon. This view has interesting implications as regards the nature of the factors which instruct and regulate osteoblasts in determining the cross-parallel arrangement of lamellar bone, and the specific characteristics of the various types of osteon. The mechanical properties of osteons are closely related to their structure. The highest values for ultimate dilating strength were obtained with transversally and alternately structured osteons, and the lowest values with longitudinally structured ones.", "contents": "Relationship between ultrastructure and \"pin test\" in osteons. In the 3 types commonly recognizable under the polarizing microscope (longitudinally, alternately and transversally structured osteons), the lamellar appearance of osteons in electron micrographs (EM) is due to the presence of layers of paralleloriented collagen bundles, with the orientation of the bundles changing abruptly through about 90 degrees in successive layers. On the EM scale, lamellae appear as completely independent entities. All 3 osteon types can be considered as consisting of a series of complete or incomplete lamellae. The quantities of collagen bundles in each of the 2 types of lamella--those with longitudinally or concentrically oriented bundles--is a distinctive feature determining the specific appearance of each type of osteon. This view has interesting implications as regards the nature of the factors which instruct and regulate osteoblasts in determining the cross-parallel arrangement of lamellar bone, and the specific characteristics of the various types of osteon. The mechanical properties of osteons are closely related to their structure. The highest values for ultimate dilating strength were obtained with transversally and alternately structured osteons, and the lowest values with longitudinally structured ones.", "PMID": 991513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4307", "title": "Bone morphogenesis and surface charge.", "content": "The electrophoretic mobility of variously treated bone specimens, with and without bone morphogenetic activity, has been measured in physiological solutions. The Bone Morphogenetic Principle appears to be associated with a minimum negative surface charge on the implant that corresponds to that of normal undemineralized cortical bone in saline. Demineralization of cortical bone in 0.6 N HCI at 2 degrees consistently increases the bone negative surface charge, and biologically produces an implant with morphogenetic activity. It is suggested that through the mediation of the positively charges ionic layer surrounding the negative implant that the negatively charged mesenchymal cell is able to reside in very close contact with the surfaces of the implant. The binding force can be expected to be directly proportional to the degree of negativity of the implant. However, implants with a positive zeta potentaial will be surrounded by ions with a net negative charge so discouraging the stable positioning of mesenchymal cells in close contact with the implant. The negative surface charge corresponding to that of untreated cortical bone is apparently borderline in permitting such a close contact for a sufficiently long period of time for differentiation to follow.", "contents": "Bone morphogenesis and surface charge. The electrophoretic mobility of variously treated bone specimens, with and without bone morphogenetic activity, has been measured in physiological solutions. The Bone Morphogenetic Principle appears to be associated with a minimum negative surface charge on the implant that corresponds to that of normal undemineralized cortical bone in saline. Demineralization of cortical bone in 0.6 N HCI at 2 degrees consistently increases the bone negative surface charge, and biologically produces an implant with morphogenetic activity. It is suggested that through the mediation of the positively charges ionic layer surrounding the negative implant that the negatively charged mesenchymal cell is able to reside in very close contact with the surfaces of the implant. The binding force can be expected to be directly proportional to the degree of negativity of the implant. However, implants with a positive zeta potentaial will be surrounded by ions with a net negative charge so discouraging the stable positioning of mesenchymal cells in close contact with the implant. The negative surface charge corresponding to that of untreated cortical bone is apparently borderline in permitting such a close contact for a sufficiently long period of time for differentiation to follow.", "PMID": 991514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4308", "title": "The cell density of human femoral head cartilage.", "content": "The human femoral head cartilage in 63 subjects with ages ranging from 16 to 100 years demonstrates that in the course of aging the cell density of the whole cartilage thickness decreases about 40 per cent. The reduction of the cellularity with age is more accentuated in the superficial than in the deeper zone and is even limited to the superficial zone during the latter part of aging. Proportionately the cell loss is similar in the superior and inferior poles of femoral head suggesting a uniform distribution of age related changes. In absolute value, the decrease of the superficial cell density is much higher in the inferior than in the superior pole; the decrease may be related to the propensity of this region to fibrillation.", "contents": "The cell density of human femoral head cartilage. The human femoral head cartilage in 63 subjects with ages ranging from 16 to 100 years demonstrates that in the course of aging the cell density of the whole cartilage thickness decreases about 40 per cent. The reduction of the cellularity with age is more accentuated in the superficial than in the deeper zone and is even limited to the superficial zone during the latter part of aging. Proportionately the cell loss is similar in the superior and inferior poles of femoral head suggesting a uniform distribution of age related changes. In absolute value, the decrease of the superficial cell density is much higher in the inferior than in the superior pole; the decrease may be related to the propensity of this region to fibrillation.", "PMID": 991515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4309", "title": "Comparison of functional performance after McKee-Farrar, Charnley, and Muller total hip replacement. A six-month follow-up of one hundred sixty-five cases.", "content": "Measurements of functional performance were compared before and at 6 months after 58 McKee-Farrar, 50 Charnley, and 57 Muller total hip replacements in 143 patients. The measurment included: range of motion of the hip, hip abductor and adductor-muscle torque, weight-bearing activity during standing, forces applied to canes or crutches, and multiple components of walking performance. Each group of patients improved significantly after surgery in all of the components measured. Early postoperative differences among the 3 groups were found with respect to pain ratings, impressions of hip status, hip motions, muscle torque, the number of patients using assistive devices, and certain components of walking performance. There is nothing to suggest that the performance of any 1 group is distinctly better or worse than that of any other group 6 months after surgery. On the basis of average values, each group improved in every component of function and it is gratifying that, except for a few patients who developed postoperative infection, each patient could be considered to have successful reconstruction.", "contents": "Comparison of functional performance after McKee-Farrar, Charnley, and Muller total hip replacement. A six-month follow-up of one hundred sixty-five cases. Measurements of functional performance were compared before and at 6 months after 58 McKee-Farrar, 50 Charnley, and 57 Muller total hip replacements in 143 patients. The measurment included: range of motion of the hip, hip abductor and adductor-muscle torque, weight-bearing activity during standing, forces applied to canes or crutches, and multiple components of walking performance. Each group of patients improved significantly after surgery in all of the components measured. Early postoperative differences among the 3 groups were found with respect to pain ratings, impressions of hip status, hip motions, muscle torque, the number of patients using assistive devices, and certain components of walking performance. There is nothing to suggest that the performance of any 1 group is distinctly better or worse than that of any other group 6 months after surgery. On the basis of average values, each group improved in every component of function and it is gratifying that, except for a few patients who developed postoperative infection, each patient could be considered to have successful reconstruction.", "PMID": 991517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4310", "title": "Comparison of preoperative, intraoperative and early postoperative total hip replacement with and without trochanteric osteotomy.", "content": "A series of 100 consecutive patients with total hip replacements in whom trochanteric osteotomy was performed was compared with 100 patients in whom the greater trochanter was left in place. The groups were comparable with respect to age and incidence of osteoarthritis and connective tissue disorders. Although no statistically significant difference was noted among trochanterectomy groups or disease subgroups in terms of preoperative impairment as indicated by preoperative Harris score, 16 patients presented exposure problems necessitating trochanteric osteotomy despite preoperative plans to leave the trochanter in place. Salvage operations after unsuccessful previous operations were performed in 18 patients in the osteotomy group and 11 in the nonosteotomy group. Mean operating time was 3 hours for patients in the osteotomy group and 2 hours for those in the nonosteotomy group. Considerably more intraoperative and postoperative blood replacement was required in the patients having osteotomy. Patients sat, stood, walked, and left the hospital sooner in the nonosteotomy group than in the osteotomy group. Trochanteric bursitis requiring treatment 3 or more months after operation occurred in 17 patients having osteotomy and in 3 patients not having osteotomy. Hematomas developed in 15 patients in the osteotomy group and in 4 in the nonosteotomy group. Ectopic bone formation was observed in 12 of the osteotomy group, 8 with limitation of function, and 5 of the nonosteotomy group; non had symptoms. Six osteotomized patients had troublesome abductor weakness secondary to wire breakage and proximal migration of the trochanter. The rates of infection and thrombophlebitis were low in both groups. When exposure was not difficult, leaving the trochanter intact had many advantages.", "contents": "Comparison of preoperative, intraoperative and early postoperative total hip replacement with and without trochanteric osteotomy. A series of 100 consecutive patients with total hip replacements in whom trochanteric osteotomy was performed was compared with 100 patients in whom the greater trochanter was left in place. The groups were comparable with respect to age and incidence of osteoarthritis and connective tissue disorders. Although no statistically significant difference was noted among trochanterectomy groups or disease subgroups in terms of preoperative impairment as indicated by preoperative Harris score, 16 patients presented exposure problems necessitating trochanteric osteotomy despite preoperative plans to leave the trochanter in place. Salvage operations after unsuccessful previous operations were performed in 18 patients in the osteotomy group and 11 in the nonosteotomy group. Mean operating time was 3 hours for patients in the osteotomy group and 2 hours for those in the nonosteotomy group. Considerably more intraoperative and postoperative blood replacement was required in the patients having osteotomy. Patients sat, stood, walked, and left the hospital sooner in the nonosteotomy group than in the osteotomy group. Trochanteric bursitis requiring treatment 3 or more months after operation occurred in 17 patients having osteotomy and in 3 patients not having osteotomy. Hematomas developed in 15 patients in the osteotomy group and in 4 in the nonosteotomy group. Ectopic bone formation was observed in 12 of the osteotomy group, 8 with limitation of function, and 5 of the nonosteotomy group; non had symptoms. Six osteotomized patients had troublesome abductor weakness secondary to wire breakage and proximal migration of the trochanter. The rates of infection and thrombophlebitis were low in both groups. When exposure was not difficult, leaving the trochanter intact had many advantages.", "PMID": 991518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4311", "title": "Articular interposition of trochanteric wires in a failed total hip replacement.", "content": "This is a case report of a previously unrecorded complication of trochanteric osteomy in a total hip arthroplasty. The trochanteric wire fixation failed and wire fragments migrated from the osteotomy site into the joint space. Revision total arthroplasty was elected. An additional potential complication of trochanteric osteotomy is noted.", "contents": "Articular interposition of trochanteric wires in a failed total hip replacement. This is a case report of a previously unrecorded complication of trochanteric osteomy in a total hip arthroplasty. The trochanteric wire fixation failed and wire fragments migrated from the osteotomy site into the joint space. Revision total arthroplasty was elected. An additional potential complication of trochanteric osteotomy is noted.", "PMID": 991519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4312", "title": "In vitro measurement of bone-acrylic interface pressure during femoral component insertion.", "content": "Bone-acrylic interface pressure measurements were recorded at the medial interior rasped surfaces of fresh cadaver femurs during digital packing of acrylic bone cement and during insertion and seating of a Trapezoidal-28 femoral total hip component. Plugging of the femoral canal below the tip of the prosthesis stem was an effective means for increasing pressure in the distal femoral canal when the stem was inserted in the early stages of acrylic polymerization (i.e. immediately after dough time). At surgery, this can be accomplished by inserting a small bolus of acrylic down the canal to a depth below the tip of the seated stem and allowing it to polymerize in place. This forms an effective seal which prevents distal extrusion of the acrylic when the cavity is then packed prior to prosthesis insertion. Elimination of cement in the distal canal also avoids any future difficulty of acrylic removal should revision become necessary due to loosening or infection. No significant pressure differences were observed between one and two millimeter thicknesses of acrylic between the metal and bone. Interface pressures developed during finger packing were of the same order of magnitude as those achieved during seating of the femoral component. Use of a rubber diaphragm stretched tightly over the margins of the rasped femoral cavity helped to contain the acrylic and prevent extrusion during finger packing but was ineffective in increasing interface pressure. When this method is used, the acrylic can be poured or injected into the canal and packed before dough stage and thus facilitate increased cancellous penetration when the acrylic is in a state of low viscosity.", "contents": "In vitro measurement of bone-acrylic interface pressure during femoral component insertion. Bone-acrylic interface pressure measurements were recorded at the medial interior rasped surfaces of fresh cadaver femurs during digital packing of acrylic bone cement and during insertion and seating of a Trapezoidal-28 femoral total hip component. Plugging of the femoral canal below the tip of the prosthesis stem was an effective means for increasing pressure in the distal femoral canal when the stem was inserted in the early stages of acrylic polymerization (i.e. immediately after dough time). At surgery, this can be accomplished by inserting a small bolus of acrylic down the canal to a depth below the tip of the seated stem and allowing it to polymerize in place. This forms an effective seal which prevents distal extrusion of the acrylic when the cavity is then packed prior to prosthesis insertion. Elimination of cement in the distal canal also avoids any future difficulty of acrylic removal should revision become necessary due to loosening or infection. No significant pressure differences were observed between one and two millimeter thicknesses of acrylic between the metal and bone. Interface pressures developed during finger packing were of the same order of magnitude as those achieved during seating of the femoral component. Use of a rubber diaphragm stretched tightly over the margins of the rasped femoral cavity helped to contain the acrylic and prevent extrusion during finger packing but was ineffective in increasing interface pressure. When this method is used, the acrylic can be poured or injected into the canal and packed before dough stage and thus facilitate increased cancellous penetration when the acrylic is in a state of low viscosity.", "PMID": 991520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4313", "title": "Cardiovascular malformations associated with congenital anomalies of the urinary system. Observations in a series of 453 infants and children with urinary system malformations.", "content": "Thirty-four (8%) of 453 infants and children with urinary system malformations had cardiovascular malformations. Cardiac defects were seen frequently in Potter syndrome, unilateral renal agenesis, and horseshoe kidney. The most frequently encountered types of heart defects were ventricular septal defect (33%), endocardial cushion defect (15%), tetralogy of Fallot (12%), and patent ductus arteriosus (12%).", "contents": "Cardiovascular malformations associated with congenital anomalies of the urinary system. Observations in a series of 453 infants and children with urinary system malformations. Thirty-four (8%) of 453 infants and children with urinary system malformations had cardiovascular malformations. Cardiac defects were seen frequently in Potter syndrome, unilateral renal agenesis, and horseshoe kidney. The most frequently encountered types of heart defects were ventricular septal defect (33%), endocardial cushion defect (15%), tetralogy of Fallot (12%), and patent ductus arteriosus (12%).", "PMID": 991526} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4314", "title": "The effect of high pressure insertion and antibiotic inclusions upon the mechanical properties of polymethylmethacrylate.", "content": "The properties of self-curing polymethylmethacrylate as affected by the admixing of an antibiotic to the powder-liquid mixture and as affected by insertion technique demonstrated that the antibiotic agent may leach from the surface of the acrylic, but not necessarily from the interior. The compressive and tensile strength, determined on two different commercial formulations, suggests that the antibiotic additive is not detrimental to the mechanical properties. A high pressure insertion technique produces a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the self-curing acrylic material.", "contents": "The effect of high pressure insertion and antibiotic inclusions upon the mechanical properties of polymethylmethacrylate. The properties of self-curing polymethylmethacrylate as affected by the admixing of an antibiotic to the powder-liquid mixture and as affected by insertion technique demonstrated that the antibiotic agent may leach from the surface of the acrylic, but not necessarily from the interior. The compressive and tensile strength, determined on two different commercial formulations, suggests that the antibiotic additive is not detrimental to the mechanical properties. A high pressure insertion technique produces a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the self-curing acrylic material.", "PMID": 991521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4315", "title": "Improved methods for quantitative radiographic evaluation with particular reference to total-hip arthroplasty.", "content": "The range of magnification factors in 40'' and 72'' radiographs were calibrated using three simple mathods. The relationship between X-ray source to cassette distance, object to cassette distance and magnification factors was determined experimentally for both 40'' and 72'' radiographs. The resulting nomogram showed that: (1) there was no significant magnification difference between centered (AP-hip) and offset (AP-pelvis) radiographs; (2) magnification factors of 40'' films were twice those of 72'' films for the same object to cassette distances; and (3) due to the smaller magnification range of 72'' films (1 to 13%) compared to 40'' films (1 to 26%) there was less chance of error in determining magnification factors for the larger film distances. The skin radiation dosage for the patient was similar in both procedures. Magnification factors were also calculated from 414 A-P radiogrphs of total-hip prosthesis, using the femoral ball as a calibration standard. This provided magnifications of 20 per cent +/- 6(2SD) for 40'' films and by extrapolation on the nomogram gave corresponding values of 10 per cent +/- 3 for the 72'' films. The associated hip to cassette distances (L), also obtained from the nomogram, varied from 125 to 205 mm, average 165 mm. In subsequent clinical trials using 72'' films, it was possible to represent the patients as either small (L less than 145 mm) medium (145 less than or equal to L less than or equal to 185 mm) or large (L greater than 185 mm) with corresponding magnification factors of 8, 10 and 12 per cent, respectively. The error with this simplification was still within +/-21/2 per cent. For 40'' films the corresponding magnification factors for small, medium or large patient categories were 16, 20 and 24 per cent respectively with likely errors within +/-5 per cent. Magnification factors were also calculated from the radiographic image of a 100 mm long rod which had been attached to the patien's thigh. The overall accuracy with this method was comparable to the techniques described above and had the advantage that every radiograph featured its own scale, a particularly important feature for preoperative films which have no implant for calibration purposes. As a result of such simple calibration procedures, it was possible to identify the overall magnification variations and specify particular magnification factors within +/-21/2 per cent (72'' films) or +/-5 per cent (40'' films).", "contents": "Improved methods for quantitative radiographic evaluation with particular reference to total-hip arthroplasty. The range of magnification factors in 40'' and 72'' radiographs were calibrated using three simple mathods. The relationship between X-ray source to cassette distance, object to cassette distance and magnification factors was determined experimentally for both 40'' and 72'' radiographs. The resulting nomogram showed that: (1) there was no significant magnification difference between centered (AP-hip) and offset (AP-pelvis) radiographs; (2) magnification factors of 40'' films were twice those of 72'' films for the same object to cassette distances; and (3) due to the smaller magnification range of 72'' films (1 to 13%) compared to 40'' films (1 to 26%) there was less chance of error in determining magnification factors for the larger film distances. The skin radiation dosage for the patient was similar in both procedures. Magnification factors were also calculated from 414 A-P radiogrphs of total-hip prosthesis, using the femoral ball as a calibration standard. This provided magnifications of 20 per cent +/- 6(2SD) for 40'' films and by extrapolation on the nomogram gave corresponding values of 10 per cent +/- 3 for the 72'' films. The associated hip to cassette distances (L), also obtained from the nomogram, varied from 125 to 205 mm, average 165 mm. In subsequent clinical trials using 72'' films, it was possible to represent the patients as either small (L less than 145 mm) medium (145 less than or equal to L less than or equal to 185 mm) or large (L greater than 185 mm) with corresponding magnification factors of 8, 10 and 12 per cent, respectively. The error with this simplification was still within +/-21/2 per cent. For 40'' films the corresponding magnification factors for small, medium or large patient categories were 16, 20 and 24 per cent respectively with likely errors within +/-5 per cent. Magnification factors were also calculated from the radiographic image of a 100 mm long rod which had been attached to the patien's thigh. The overall accuracy with this method was comparable to the techniques described above and had the advantage that every radiograph featured its own scale, a particularly important feature for preoperative films which have no implant for calibration purposes. As a result of such simple calibration procedures, it was possible to identify the overall magnification variations and specify particular magnification factors within +/-21/2 per cent (72'' films) or +/-5 per cent (40'' films).", "PMID": 991522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4316", "title": "Dislocation and subluxation of the total hip replacement.", "content": "In 502 total hip replacements, it was noted that 7 (1%) dislocated postoperatively in the first 6 weeks. This was usually related to improper positioning of the implant or to improper positioning of the implant or to unusual positioning of the patient postoperatively. There was no difference noted between the type of implant and the incidence of dislocations. Twenty-eight subluxations (5.5%) occurred. There was no statistical correlation with the percentage of nonunions and the type of prosthesis; however, 22 of the 28 subluxations were in Charnley prostheses. Ninety-three per cent of the subluxations were secondary to hyperflexing activities.", "contents": "Dislocation and subluxation of the total hip replacement. In 502 total hip replacements, it was noted that 7 (1%) dislocated postoperatively in the first 6 weeks. This was usually related to improper positioning of the implant or to improper positioning of the implant or to unusual positioning of the patient postoperatively. There was no difference noted between the type of implant and the incidence of dislocations. Twenty-eight subluxations (5.5%) occurred. There was no statistical correlation with the percentage of nonunions and the type of prosthesis; however, 22 of the 28 subluxations were in Charnley prostheses. Ninety-three per cent of the subluxations were secondary to hyperflexing activities.", "PMID": 991523} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4317", "title": "The temperature problem at the bone-acrylic cement interface of the total hip replacement.", "content": "Loosening of total joint replacements may be caused in part by thermal necrosis of bone in contact with the high temperature of the polymerizing PMMA acrylic cement. This study reports a method to reduce the temperature of the bone-cement interface below the temperature at which bone results in definite necrosis. By precooling the acetubular component to --84 degrees before insertion into the cement, the temperature during polymerization at a simulated bone-cement interface can be reduced from 70 degrees to 49 degrees with an increase of only approximately 51/2 minutes in the cement setting time.", "contents": "The temperature problem at the bone-acrylic cement interface of the total hip replacement. Loosening of total joint replacements may be caused in part by thermal necrosis of bone in contact with the high temperature of the polymerizing PMMA acrylic cement. This study reports a method to reduce the temperature of the bone-cement interface below the temperature at which bone results in definite necrosis. By precooling the acetubular component to --84 degrees before insertion into the cement, the temperature during polymerization at a simulated bone-cement interface can be reduced from 70 degrees to 49 degrees with an increase of only approximately 51/2 minutes in the cement setting time.", "PMID": 991524} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4318", "title": "Penetration and flow of acrylic bone cement.", "content": "Fixation of prosthetic joint components into bone is influenced by the degree of mechanical interdigitation of the acrylic into cancellous interstices. The rheology of polymerizing polymethylmethacrylate was studied by pressurizing acrylic bone cement with a piston apparatus to produce flow into cylindrical cavities one to 3 mm in diameter. The acrylic penetration per unit of applied pressure increased with increasing cavity diameter. This suggests that greater penetration should occur in cancellous bone containing larger interstitial cavities. More than one-half (64 %) of the filling observed in our experiments took place within the first second of pressure application. Short duration, high level pressure pulses are the most effective means to achieve maximum penetration. Clinically, this is accomplished by vigorous finger packing. The cement should be pressurized as early as possible within the rasped cavity (immediately after dough stage if possible). The depth of penetration for 4-minute pressurization averaged three times that for 6 1/2-minute pressurization for the range of hole sizes and pressure levels tested.", "contents": "Penetration and flow of acrylic bone cement. Fixation of prosthetic joint components into bone is influenced by the degree of mechanical interdigitation of the acrylic into cancellous interstices. The rheology of polymerizing polymethylmethacrylate was studied by pressurizing acrylic bone cement with a piston apparatus to produce flow into cylindrical cavities one to 3 mm in diameter. The acrylic penetration per unit of applied pressure increased with increasing cavity diameter. This suggests that greater penetration should occur in cancellous bone containing larger interstitial cavities. More than one-half (64 %) of the filling observed in our experiments took place within the first second of pressure application. Short duration, high level pressure pulses are the most effective means to achieve maximum penetration. Clinically, this is accomplished by vigorous finger packing. The cement should be pressurized as early as possible within the rasped cavity (immediately after dough stage if possible). The depth of penetration for 4-minute pressurization averaged three times that for 6 1/2-minute pressurization for the range of hole sizes and pressure levels tested.", "PMID": 991525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4319", "title": "Acute hemiplegia in children complicating upper respiratory infections. Report of three cases with angiographic findings.", "content": "Three children presented with acute onset of hemiplegia following an upper respiratory infection. Angiography revealed irregulaities, beading, and slow flow of a peripheral branch of a middle cerebral artery. In addition, one child had narrowing of the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery. An inflammatory arteritis of the cervical internal carotid artery is presumably the site of the formation of cerebral emboli.", "contents": "Acute hemiplegia in children complicating upper respiratory infections. Report of three cases with angiographic findings. Three children presented with acute onset of hemiplegia following an upper respiratory infection. Angiography revealed irregulaities, beading, and slow flow of a peripheral branch of a middle cerebral artery. In addition, one child had narrowing of the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery. An inflammatory arteritis of the cervical internal carotid artery is presumably the site of the formation of cerebral emboli.", "PMID": 991530} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4320", "title": "Preliminary field-testing of The Physician's Developmental Quick Screen for Speech Disorders (\"PDQ\"). A 5-minute procedure for testing children six months to six years.", "content": "This report describes the development of The Physician's Developmental Quick Screen for Speech Disorders (the PDQ), a screening test designed for use by nonspeech pathologists with children aged six months to six years. Disorders of language, articulation, voice, rhythm of speech, and the speaking mechanism are considered by the PDQ. Validation studies resulted in 90 per cent agreement (p less than .001) between nonspeech pathologists utilizing the PDQ and speech pathologists employing a battery of more established tests.", "contents": "Preliminary field-testing of The Physician's Developmental Quick Screen for Speech Disorders (\"PDQ\"). A 5-minute procedure for testing children six months to six years. This report describes the development of The Physician's Developmental Quick Screen for Speech Disorders (the PDQ), a screening test designed for use by nonspeech pathologists with children aged six months to six years. Disorders of language, articulation, voice, rhythm of speech, and the speaking mechanism are considered by the PDQ. Validation studies resulted in 90 per cent agreement (p less than .001) between nonspeech pathologists utilizing the PDQ and speech pathologists employing a battery of more established tests.", "PMID": 991531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4321", "title": "Cervical adenitis in infancy. Report of four cases due to staphylococci.", "content": "Four cases of cervical adenitis occurring in infants under four months of age are presented. Coagulase positive staphylococci were recovered in pure culture from the involved lymph node in each instance. Staphylococcal aureus as a cause of lymphadenitis should be suspected in patients who present with acute lymph node swelling and no obvious focus of infection. Antibiotic management of this clinical problem should include therapy specific for the staphylococcus.", "contents": "Cervical adenitis in infancy. Report of four cases due to staphylococci. Four cases of cervical adenitis occurring in infants under four months of age are presented. Coagulase positive staphylococci were recovered in pure culture from the involved lymph node in each instance. Staphylococcal aureus as a cause of lymphadenitis should be suspected in patients who present with acute lymph node swelling and no obvious focus of infection. Antibiotic management of this clinical problem should include therapy specific for the staphylococcus.", "PMID": 991533} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4322", "title": "Enhanced phenacetin metabolism in human subjects fed charcoal-broiled beef.", "content": "There were marked individual differences in the plasma levels of phenacetin after oral administration of a 900-mg dose to 9 normal volunteers eating customary home diet. Feeding a diet that contained charcoal-broiled beef for 4 days prior to the administration of phenacetin markedly decreased the plasma levels of this drug without appreciably influencing the plasma concentrations of phenacetin's metabolite, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP), or the plasma half-life of phenacetin. The average peak concentration of phenacetin in plasma, after a 900-mg oral dose, fell from 1,628 ng/ml, when the subjects were fed a control diet for 7 days, to 352 ng/ml after they were fed the same diet which contained charcoal-broiled beef for 4 days. The average peak concentration of phenacetin rose to 1,885 ng/ml after the subjects were subsequently fed the control diet for 7 days. The ratios of the average concentrations of APAP in plasma to those of phenacetin markedly increased after the charcoal-broiled beef diet. The results suggest that a diet containing charcoal-broiled beef enhances the metabolism of phenacetin in the gastrointestinal tract and/or during its first pass through the liver. This effect greatly decreases the bioavailability of phenacetin.", "contents": "Enhanced phenacetin metabolism in human subjects fed charcoal-broiled beef. There were marked individual differences in the plasma levels of phenacetin after oral administration of a 900-mg dose to 9 normal volunteers eating customary home diet. Feeding a diet that contained charcoal-broiled beef for 4 days prior to the administration of phenacetin markedly decreased the plasma levels of this drug without appreciably influencing the plasma concentrations of phenacetin's metabolite, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP), or the plasma half-life of phenacetin. The average peak concentration of phenacetin in plasma, after a 900-mg oral dose, fell from 1,628 ng/ml, when the subjects were fed a control diet for 7 days, to 352 ng/ml after they were fed the same diet which contained charcoal-broiled beef for 4 days. The average peak concentration of phenacetin rose to 1,885 ng/ml after the subjects were subsequently fed the control diet for 7 days. The ratios of the average concentrations of APAP in plasma to those of phenacetin markedly increased after the charcoal-broiled beef diet. The results suggest that a diet containing charcoal-broiled beef enhances the metabolism of phenacetin in the gastrointestinal tract and/or during its first pass through the liver. This effect greatly decreases the bioavailability of phenacetin.", "PMID": 991534} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4323", "title": "Influence of dietary protein and carbohydrate on antipyrine and theophylline metabolism in man.", "content": "This study was undertaken to examine the influence of changes in dietary carbohydrate and protein content on the oxidation of antipyrine and theophylline in man. When the diets of 6 normal volunteers were changed from their usual home diets to low carbohydrate-high protein diets, the plasma half-life of antipyrine decreased from 16.2 hr to 9.5 hr, and the half-life of theophylline decreased from 8.1 hr to 5.2 hr. When the subjects' diets were changed from low carbohydrate-high protein diets to a high carbohydrate-low protein diets, the mean antipyrine half-life increased from 9.5 hr to 15.6 hr and the mean theophylline half-life increased from 5.2 hr to 7.6 hr. These changes in half-lives were accompanied by changes in metabolic clearance rates but not in the apparent volumes of distribution of the drugs tested. Qualitatively similar results were obtained when the subjects were placed on standard diets followed by the standard diets supplemented with carbohydrate or protein. Supplementing the standard diets with carbohydrate caused an increase in drug half-lives, whereas a protein supplement caused a decrease in the drug half-lives. These data demonstrate marked influences of nutritional factors on oxidative biotransformation of drugs in man.", "contents": "Influence of dietary protein and carbohydrate on antipyrine and theophylline metabolism in man. This study was undertaken to examine the influence of changes in dietary carbohydrate and protein content on the oxidation of antipyrine and theophylline in man. When the diets of 6 normal volunteers were changed from their usual home diets to low carbohydrate-high protein diets, the plasma half-life of antipyrine decreased from 16.2 hr to 9.5 hr, and the half-life of theophylline decreased from 8.1 hr to 5.2 hr. When the subjects' diets were changed from low carbohydrate-high protein diets to a high carbohydrate-low protein diets, the mean antipyrine half-life increased from 9.5 hr to 15.6 hr and the mean theophylline half-life increased from 5.2 hr to 7.6 hr. These changes in half-lives were accompanied by changes in metabolic clearance rates but not in the apparent volumes of distribution of the drugs tested. Qualitatively similar results were obtained when the subjects were placed on standard diets followed by the standard diets supplemented with carbohydrate or protein. Supplementing the standard diets with carbohydrate caused an increase in drug half-lives, whereas a protein supplement caused a decrease in the drug half-lives. These data demonstrate marked influences of nutritional factors on oxidative biotransformation of drugs in man.", "PMID": 991535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4324", "title": "Aminopyrine disposition: studies on breath, saliva, and urine of normal subjects and patients with liver disease.", "content": "To investigate aminopyrine disposition, breath, saliva, and urine were collected from 25 control patients, 15 patients with hepatocellular disease, and 26 patients with hepatic neoplasm after oral administration of 2 muCi [14C]aminopyrine. The percentage 14C excreted in breath 14CO2 in 2 hr (aminopyrine breath test, ABT) correlated with the breath 14CO2 elimination rate (r = 0.92, p less than 0.01), with the aminopyrine metabolic clearance rate (MCR) (r = 0.85, p less than 0.01), and with the plasma half-life of 4-aminoantipyrine (r = -0.54, p less than 0.05). The ABT permits study of aminopyrine disposition with simplicity, accuracy, and safety.", "contents": "Aminopyrine disposition: studies on breath, saliva, and urine of normal subjects and patients with liver disease. To investigate aminopyrine disposition, breath, saliva, and urine were collected from 25 control patients, 15 patients with hepatocellular disease, and 26 patients with hepatic neoplasm after oral administration of 2 muCi [14C]aminopyrine. The percentage 14C excreted in breath 14CO2 in 2 hr (aminopyrine breath test, ABT) correlated with the breath 14CO2 elimination rate (r = 0.92, p less than 0.01), with the aminopyrine metabolic clearance rate (MCR) (r = 0.85, p less than 0.01), and with the plasma half-life of 4-aminoantipyrine (r = -0.54, p less than 0.05). The ABT permits study of aminopyrine disposition with simplicity, accuracy, and safety.", "PMID": 991536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4325", "title": "Interaction between antipyrine and aminopyrine.", "content": "Aminopyrine administered to normal human volunteers in an oral dose of either 9 mg/kg or 4.5 mg/kg prolonged the plasma half-life and reduced the metabolic clearance rate of antipyrine (18 mg/kg, orally) without changing its apparent volume of distribution. By contrast, this same oral dose of antipyrine given simultaneously with 9 mg/kg aminopyrine failed to alter aminopyrine disposition. Thus, antipyrine and aminopyrine should not be administered simultaneously to measure different steps in hepatic drug oxidation, although in man aminopyrine can be given for this purpose 24 hr after antipyrine. Antipyrine elimination was prolonged to the same extent when aminopyrine was given 5 hr before antipyrine as when the drugs were given simultaneoulsy. Since in man aminopyrine has a biologic halic-life of approximately 2.7 hr, the marked inhibitory effects observed 5 hr after aminopyrine administration may be due to its major metabolite, 4-aminoantipyrine. To define mechanism by which aminopyrine affects antipyrine disposition in vivo, hepatic microsomes were prepared from rats, mice, and dogs, and rates of antipyrine hydroxylation were measured in vitro both in the absence and in the presence of aminopyrine. In these species in vitro inhibition of antipyrine hydroxylation by 4-aminoantipyrine was of a mixed type; antipyrine inhibited competitively aminopyrine N-demethylation in vitro in rats, mice, and dogs. There were some sex and species differences in the Km' V max' and Ki for aminopyrine and antipyrine.", "contents": "Interaction between antipyrine and aminopyrine. Aminopyrine administered to normal human volunteers in an oral dose of either 9 mg/kg or 4.5 mg/kg prolonged the plasma half-life and reduced the metabolic clearance rate of antipyrine (18 mg/kg, orally) without changing its apparent volume of distribution. By contrast, this same oral dose of antipyrine given simultaneously with 9 mg/kg aminopyrine failed to alter aminopyrine disposition. Thus, antipyrine and aminopyrine should not be administered simultaneously to measure different steps in hepatic drug oxidation, although in man aminopyrine can be given for this purpose 24 hr after antipyrine. Antipyrine elimination was prolonged to the same extent when aminopyrine was given 5 hr before antipyrine as when the drugs were given simultaneoulsy. Since in man aminopyrine has a biologic halic-life of approximately 2.7 hr, the marked inhibitory effects observed 5 hr after aminopyrine administration may be due to its major metabolite, 4-aminoantipyrine. To define mechanism by which aminopyrine affects antipyrine disposition in vivo, hepatic microsomes were prepared from rats, mice, and dogs, and rates of antipyrine hydroxylation were measured in vitro both in the absence and in the presence of aminopyrine. In these species in vitro inhibition of antipyrine hydroxylation by 4-aminoantipyrine was of a mixed type; antipyrine inhibited competitively aminopyrine N-demethylation in vitro in rats, mice, and dogs. There were some sex and species differences in the Km' V max' and Ki for aminopyrine and antipyrine.", "PMID": 991537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4326", "title": "Effect of oral contraceptives on platelet monoamine oxidase, monoamine excretion, and adrenocortical function.", "content": "Studies with animals indicate that there are cyclical changes in the monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity of brain and uterus, and that these changes may be due to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. To determine if oral contraceptives (OC) alter the tissue MAO activity of healthy women, we measured platelet MAO activity in 7 control women and in 7 women who were receiving combination estrogen-progesterone OC. The platelet MAO of the control women and the women receiving OC did not differ with the use of tryptamine and serotonin as MAO substrates. The two groups did not differ with respect to the following: serum serotonin, plasma tryptophan, plasma tyrosine, and the urinary excretion of tryptamine, tyramine, serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, creatinine, 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, 17-ketosteroids, and urinary free cortisol. The subjects receiving OC had higher plasma cortisol concentrations than the controls. Two women in the seventh month of uncomplicated pregnancy, who underwent these studies, had higher plasma cortisol and urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion than control subjects. In the remaining tests the results of pregnant subjects did not differ from those of control subjects. We conclude that tissue MAO activity is not altered by OC or pregnancy.", "contents": "Effect of oral contraceptives on platelet monoamine oxidase, monoamine excretion, and adrenocortical function. Studies with animals indicate that there are cyclical changes in the monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity of brain and uterus, and that these changes may be due to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. To determine if oral contraceptives (OC) alter the tissue MAO activity of healthy women, we measured platelet MAO activity in 7 control women and in 7 women who were receiving combination estrogen-progesterone OC. The platelet MAO of the control women and the women receiving OC did not differ with the use of tryptamine and serotonin as MAO substrates. The two groups did not differ with respect to the following: serum serotonin, plasma tryptophan, plasma tyrosine, and the urinary excretion of tryptamine, tyramine, serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, creatinine, 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, 17-ketosteroids, and urinary free cortisol. The subjects receiving OC had higher plasma cortisol concentrations than the controls. Two women in the seventh month of uncomplicated pregnancy, who underwent these studies, had higher plasma cortisol and urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion than control subjects. In the remaining tests the results of pregnant subjects did not differ from those of control subjects. We conclude that tissue MAO activity is not altered by OC or pregnancy.", "PMID": 991538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4327", "title": "Correlation between electrocardiographic changes, serum digoxin, and total body digoxin content.", "content": "Serial electrocardiograms and serum digoxin levels were obtained in four healthy volunteers receiving daily doses of digoxin, 0.25 mg for the first two weeks and 0.5 mg for two more weeks. We found a linear relationship between serum digoxin levels and the \"PTQ index\" (a function of the PR-interval, corrected QT-time, and T-wave depression). In 3 of the 4 subjects the correlation was statistically significant. The degree of linear correlation was improved when PTQ was correlated with the computer-calculated total body burden of digoxin.", "contents": "Correlation between electrocardiographic changes, serum digoxin, and total body digoxin content. Serial electrocardiograms and serum digoxin levels were obtained in four healthy volunteers receiving daily doses of digoxin, 0.25 mg for the first two weeks and 0.5 mg for two more weeks. We found a linear relationship between serum digoxin levels and the \"PTQ index\" (a function of the PR-interval, corrected QT-time, and T-wave depression). In 3 of the 4 subjects the correlation was statistically significant. The degree of linear correlation was improved when PTQ was correlated with the computer-calculated total body burden of digoxin.", "PMID": 991539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4328", "title": "Changes in serum thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and thyrotropin induced by lithium in normal subjects and in rats.", "content": "Serum thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyrotropin (TSH) were measured in 4 normal subjects before, during, and 2 wk after administration of lithium carbonate (1,200 mg/day) for 6 wk. All subjects developed thyroid enlargement associated with increase in TSH. Serum T3 and T4 did not change significantly. In 3 hypothyroid maintained on thyroxine replacement, lithium administration did not alter circulating levels of T4 or T3, suggesting no effect of lithium on the extrathyroidal metabolism of the thyroid hormones. In rats fed a low iodine diet containing 122 mg/kg/day lithium carbonate, goiter, increased 131I uptake, and a decrease in intrathyroidal T3 and T4 with an increase in MIT, DIT, and MIT/DIT were observed at 3 wk. Serum T3 fell significantly only during the third week, while T4 did not change. Thyroid enlargement, secondary to a rise in TSH, appears to play a role in the adaptation of the thyroid gland to lithium carbonate. The exact mechanism for the elevation of TSH has not been elucidated.", "contents": "Changes in serum thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and thyrotropin induced by lithium in normal subjects and in rats. Serum thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyrotropin (TSH) were measured in 4 normal subjects before, during, and 2 wk after administration of lithium carbonate (1,200 mg/day) for 6 wk. All subjects developed thyroid enlargement associated with increase in TSH. Serum T3 and T4 did not change significantly. In 3 hypothyroid maintained on thyroxine replacement, lithium administration did not alter circulating levels of T4 or T3, suggesting no effect of lithium on the extrathyroidal metabolism of the thyroid hormones. In rats fed a low iodine diet containing 122 mg/kg/day lithium carbonate, goiter, increased 131I uptake, and a decrease in intrathyroidal T3 and T4 with an increase in MIT, DIT, and MIT/DIT were observed at 3 wk. Serum T3 fell significantly only during the third week, while T4 did not change. Thyroid enlargement, secondary to a rise in TSH, appears to play a role in the adaptation of the thyroid gland to lithium carbonate. The exact mechanism for the elevation of TSH has not been elucidated.", "PMID": 991540} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4329", "title": "Artificial kidneys and clearance calculations.", "content": "Clearance of solutes by artificial kidneys can be calculated using plasma flow and solute concentration, whole blood flow and plasma solute concentration, and midpoint of dialysis blood or plasma solute concentration and total amount of solute removed. Using these methods, the clearance of procainamide (PA) and N-acetylprocainamide (NAPA) was determined in 4 patients. In all but one case clearances using total amount recovered were greater than clearances using whole blood flow and plasma concentration. Without exception, clearance determined using amount recovered was substantially greater than clearance using plasma flow and plasma levels, suggesting that both PA and NAPA are removed not only from plasma but also from red blood cells. In vitro clearance of PA, NAPA, quinidine, and phenobarbital by 11 clinically available artificial kidneys and an XAD-4 hemoperfusion column was determined and differences were found.", "contents": "Artificial kidneys and clearance calculations. Clearance of solutes by artificial kidneys can be calculated using plasma flow and solute concentration, whole blood flow and plasma solute concentration, and midpoint of dialysis blood or plasma solute concentration and total amount of solute removed. Using these methods, the clearance of procainamide (PA) and N-acetylprocainamide (NAPA) was determined in 4 patients. In all but one case clearances using total amount recovered were greater than clearances using whole blood flow and plasma concentration. Without exception, clearance determined using amount recovered was substantially greater than clearance using plasma flow and plasma levels, suggesting that both PA and NAPA are removed not only from plasma but also from red blood cells. In vitro clearance of PA, NAPA, quinidine, and phenobarbital by 11 clinically available artificial kidneys and an XAD-4 hemoperfusion column was determined and differences were found.", "PMID": 991541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4330", "title": "The mechanism for small-bowel adaptation in lactating rats.", "content": "1. To study the relative contributions of luminal nutrition, bile and pancreatic secretions and hormonal factors in intestinal adaptation, lactation hyperphagia was chosen as a model for increased luminal nutrition, either alone (intestinal transection control group) or in combination with (i) exclusion of bile and pancreatic secretions from the jejunum (by transposition of the jejunum above the Ampulla of Vater) or (ii) exclusion of bile, pancreatic secretions and exogenous luminal nutrition from the jejunum (proximal Thiry-Vella by-pass group). 2. The results confirm that in lactation there is mucosal hyperplasia with increases in villus height and crypt depth, and in small-bowel wet and defatted dry-tissue weights per unit length of intestine. 3. There are corresponding changes in absorptive function with increased glucose and water absorption per unit length of intestine. 4. These structural and functional adaptive changes are proportionately greater in ileum than in jejunum. 5. The exclusion of exogenous luminal nutrition, bile and pancreatic secretions from the jejunum did not diminish the degree of intestinal mucosal hyperplasia and functional adaptation seen in lactation. 6. Diversion to the ileum of greater than normal amounts of bile, pancreatic secretions and luminal nutrition did not further increase the degree of mucosal hyperplasia and enhanced absorption seen in the lactating intestinal transection control group. 7. Unlike other models of intestinal adaptation, the changes in small-bowel mucosal structure and function seen in lactation are probably due to hormonal factors.", "contents": "The mechanism for small-bowel adaptation in lactating rats. 1. To study the relative contributions of luminal nutrition, bile and pancreatic secretions and hormonal factors in intestinal adaptation, lactation hyperphagia was chosen as a model for increased luminal nutrition, either alone (intestinal transection control group) or in combination with (i) exclusion of bile and pancreatic secretions from the jejunum (by transposition of the jejunum above the Ampulla of Vater) or (ii) exclusion of bile, pancreatic secretions and exogenous luminal nutrition from the jejunum (proximal Thiry-Vella by-pass group). 2. The results confirm that in lactation there is mucosal hyperplasia with increases in villus height and crypt depth, and in small-bowel wet and defatted dry-tissue weights per unit length of intestine. 3. There are corresponding changes in absorptive function with increased glucose and water absorption per unit length of intestine. 4. These structural and functional adaptive changes are proportionately greater in ileum than in jejunum. 5. The exclusion of exogenous luminal nutrition, bile and pancreatic secretions from the jejunum did not diminish the degree of intestinal mucosal hyperplasia and functional adaptation seen in lactation. 6. Diversion to the ileum of greater than normal amounts of bile, pancreatic secretions and luminal nutrition did not further increase the degree of mucosal hyperplasia and enhanced absorption seen in the lactating intestinal transection control group. 7. Unlike other models of intestinal adaptation, the changes in small-bowel mucosal structure and function seen in lactation are probably due to hormonal factors.", "PMID": 991542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4331", "title": "Neural factors contributing to renin release during reduction in renal perfusion pressure and blood flow in cats.", "content": "1. The participation of neural mechanisms in mediating the renin release induced by reduction of renal perfusion pressure was explored in anaesthetized cats by comparing renin release from the two kidneys, one acutely denervated and the other intact. 2. Suprarenal aortic stenosis of 10 min duration reduced renal perfusion pressure to 50 mmHg and halved blood flow to both kidneys, but cause a greater release of renin from the innervated kidney than from the contralateral denervated one (increments of 72 +/- 17 and 29 +/-20 pmol/min respectively). 3. A study of the time-course of the response during aortic stenosis of 30 min duration showed early release of renin from the innervated kidney at a time (5 min) when little release occurred from the denervated one. In later samplings (15 and 30 min) the response of the innervated kidney levelled out at somewhat lower values, and that of the denervated organ progressively increased, but remained smaller than on the side with intact nerves. 4. There was no parallelism between renin release and renal vasomotor changes induced by aortic stenosis, as vasomotor changes were equal in the two kidneys and remained constant from beginning to end of stenosis. It is concluded that a significant part of the renin release induced by aortic stenosis is dependent on neural mechanisms: the neural differs from the non-neural component in being of more rapid onset and probably of shorter duration.", "contents": "Neural factors contributing to renin release during reduction in renal perfusion pressure and blood flow in cats. 1. The participation of neural mechanisms in mediating the renin release induced by reduction of renal perfusion pressure was explored in anaesthetized cats by comparing renin release from the two kidneys, one acutely denervated and the other intact. 2. Suprarenal aortic stenosis of 10 min duration reduced renal perfusion pressure to 50 mmHg and halved blood flow to both kidneys, but cause a greater release of renin from the innervated kidney than from the contralateral denervated one (increments of 72 +/- 17 and 29 +/-20 pmol/min respectively). 3. A study of the time-course of the response during aortic stenosis of 30 min duration showed early release of renin from the innervated kidney at a time (5 min) when little release occurred from the denervated one. In later samplings (15 and 30 min) the response of the innervated kidney levelled out at somewhat lower values, and that of the denervated organ progressively increased, but remained smaller than on the side with intact nerves. 4. There was no parallelism between renin release and renal vasomotor changes induced by aortic stenosis, as vasomotor changes were equal in the two kidneys and remained constant from beginning to end of stenosis. It is concluded that a significant part of the renin release induced by aortic stenosis is dependent on neural mechanisms: the neural differs from the non-neural component in being of more rapid onset and probably of shorter duration.", "PMID": 991543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4332", "title": "Skin collagen in idiopathic adolescent scoliosis and Marfan's syndrome.", "content": "1. Skin collagen from fifteen patients with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis, three with congenital scoliosis, and fourteen patients with various degrees of Marfan's syndrome has been examined. 2. The stability of a polymeric collagen fraction, extracted from the skin of these patients, to depolymerization, has been compared with that from thirty-one matched control subjects. 3. The mean polymeric collagen stability was significantly reduced (P less than 0-01) in the group of fifteen patients with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. The individual reductions in stability were greater in the younger patients and no reduction was found in two patients aged 19 years who had a mature skeleton. 4. The mean stability of polymeric skin collagen from the group of patients with Marfan's syndrome was not significantly abnormal, although there were individual low values. 5. Polymeric collagen of low stability was present in individual patients from each clinical group. Instability of collagen (from whatever cause) at a time of rapid growth may contribute to the high incidence of scoliosis in adolescent girls. In boys, adolescent scoliosis is less common and the maximum growth rate occurs at a time when collagen stability is less reduced.", "contents": "Skin collagen in idiopathic adolescent scoliosis and Marfan's syndrome. 1. Skin collagen from fifteen patients with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis, three with congenital scoliosis, and fourteen patients with various degrees of Marfan's syndrome has been examined. 2. The stability of a polymeric collagen fraction, extracted from the skin of these patients, to depolymerization, has been compared with that from thirty-one matched control subjects. 3. The mean polymeric collagen stability was significantly reduced (P less than 0-01) in the group of fifteen patients with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. The individual reductions in stability were greater in the younger patients and no reduction was found in two patients aged 19 years who had a mature skeleton. 4. The mean stability of polymeric skin collagen from the group of patients with Marfan's syndrome was not significantly abnormal, although there were individual low values. 5. Polymeric collagen of low stability was present in individual patients from each clinical group. Instability of collagen (from whatever cause) at a time of rapid growth may contribute to the high incidence of scoliosis in adolescent girls. In boys, adolescent scoliosis is less common and the maximum growth rate occurs at a time when collagen stability is less reduced.", "PMID": 991544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4333", "title": "Plasma cadmium and zinc in human hypertension.", "content": "1. Plasma cadmium and zinc were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in inferior venal caval or peripheral venous blood in thrity hypertensive patients and fifteen normal subjects. 2. The mean plasma cadium in hypertensive patients was significantly higher than in normal control subjects. 3. The plasma cadmium/zinc ratio was significantly greater in hypertensive patients. 4. There was a significant positive correlation between the plasma cadmium/zinc ratio and the mean arterial blood pressure.", "contents": "Plasma cadmium and zinc in human hypertension. 1. Plasma cadmium and zinc were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in inferior venal caval or peripheral venous blood in thrity hypertensive patients and fifteen normal subjects. 2. The mean plasma cadium in hypertensive patients was significantly higher than in normal control subjects. 3. The plasma cadmium/zinc ratio was significantly greater in hypertensive patients. 4. There was a significant positive correlation between the plasma cadmium/zinc ratio and the mean arterial blood pressure.", "PMID": 991545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4334", "title": "Changes in cardiac and hepatic glucocorticoid receptors after adrenalectomy.", "content": "1. The total number of specific dexamethasone-binding sites in rat heart and liver cytosol was measured at intervals after adrenalectomy. 2. Between 12 and 48 h after adrenalectomy there was a significant increase in the number of binding sites in both heart and liver cytosol. Affinity was unchanged. 3. Of the [3H]corticosterone bound to liver cytosol proteins after an intravenous injection 98% disappeared within 2 h in vivo. Dissociation of endogenous corticosterone-receptor complexes in liver cytol will thus be substantially complete some hours before the number of receptors increases. 4. It was concluded that there is a true increase in the number of glucocorticoid receptors occurring principally between 12 and 48 h after suppression of endogenous steroids.", "contents": "Changes in cardiac and hepatic glucocorticoid receptors after adrenalectomy. 1. The total number of specific dexamethasone-binding sites in rat heart and liver cytosol was measured at intervals after adrenalectomy. 2. Between 12 and 48 h after adrenalectomy there was a significant increase in the number of binding sites in both heart and liver cytosol. Affinity was unchanged. 3. Of the [3H]corticosterone bound to liver cytosol proteins after an intravenous injection 98% disappeared within 2 h in vivo. Dissociation of endogenous corticosterone-receptor complexes in liver cytol will thus be substantially complete some hours before the number of receptors increases. 4. It was concluded that there is a true increase in the number of glucocorticoid receptors occurring principally between 12 and 48 h after suppression of endogenous steroids.", "PMID": 991546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4335", "title": "Carbon monoxide in alveolar air as an index of exposure to cigarette smoke.", "content": "1. A rapid method for the analysis of CO in expired air has been developed, which is suitable for use in studies of smoking. 2. The Bohr equation has been used to calculate the mean alveolar CO partial pressure (PA,CO). 3. The values of PA,CO obtained are highly correlated with direct measurements of venous carboxyhaemoglobin (r = 0-96). 4. The method will distinguish between populations of smokers and non-smokers, and can allow the changes of CO in a smoker throughout a 12 h period to be followed. It provides a measure of the dose of cigarette smoke (vapour phase) that results from smoking a single cigarette.", "contents": "Carbon monoxide in alveolar air as an index of exposure to cigarette smoke. 1. A rapid method for the analysis of CO in expired air has been developed, which is suitable for use in studies of smoking. 2. The Bohr equation has been used to calculate the mean alveolar CO partial pressure (PA,CO). 3. The values of PA,CO obtained are highly correlated with direct measurements of venous carboxyhaemoglobin (r = 0-96). 4. The method will distinguish between populations of smokers and non-smokers, and can allow the changes of CO in a smoker throughout a 12 h period to be followed. It provides a measure of the dose of cigarette smoke (vapour phase) that results from smoking a single cigarette.", "PMID": 991547} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4336", "title": "Effect of acupuncture on bronchial asthma.", "content": "1. Needle acupuncture was performed at three sites in twenty patients in a clinical attack of bronchial asthma. 2. In all patients the symptoms of bronchoconstriction improved during the attacks when the correct site was stimulated, and in five patients wheezing was abolished. 3. Stimulation at the correct site produced a significant increase in the mean FEV1-0 (58%) and FVC (29%) but not in maximal mid-expiratory flow rate (MMFR; 76%), when compared with the findings before acupuncture, along with a significant fall in the Pa,CO2 and an insignificant fall in Pa,O2. A mild tachycardia was also observed. 4. After acupuncture a greater improvement in FEV1-0, FVC and MMFR was produced by inhalation of isoprenaline. 5. No significant changes in FEV1-0, FVC, MMFR, pulse rate or arterial blood gas tensions occurred after acupuncture at control sites. 6. In four of the patients during clinical remission acupuncture was performed before and after histamine aerosol challenge, but there was no effect on either the severity or the duration of the histamine-induced bronchoconstriction. 7. It is concluded that acupunture probably reduced the reflex component of the bronchoconstriction, but failed to influence direct smooth muscle constriction caused by histamine.", "contents": "Effect of acupuncture on bronchial asthma. 1. Needle acupuncture was performed at three sites in twenty patients in a clinical attack of bronchial asthma. 2. In all patients the symptoms of bronchoconstriction improved during the attacks when the correct site was stimulated, and in five patients wheezing was abolished. 3. Stimulation at the correct site produced a significant increase in the mean FEV1-0 (58%) and FVC (29%) but not in maximal mid-expiratory flow rate (MMFR; 76%), when compared with the findings before acupuncture, along with a significant fall in the Pa,CO2 and an insignificant fall in Pa,O2. A mild tachycardia was also observed. 4. After acupuncture a greater improvement in FEV1-0, FVC and MMFR was produced by inhalation of isoprenaline. 5. No significant changes in FEV1-0, FVC, MMFR, pulse rate or arterial blood gas tensions occurred after acupuncture at control sites. 6. In four of the patients during clinical remission acupuncture was performed before and after histamine aerosol challenge, but there was no effect on either the severity or the duration of the histamine-induced bronchoconstriction. 7. It is concluded that acupunture probably reduced the reflex component of the bronchoconstriction, but failed to influence direct smooth muscle constriction caused by histamine.", "PMID": 991548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4337", "title": "A simple method for the differential measurement of 125I and 3H by liquid-scintillatin spectrometry.", "content": "1. A method is described for the differential radioactivity counting of 125I and 3H in a liquid-scintillation spectrometer without a separate gamma counter. 2. The sample was contained in a polyethylene miniature vial placed centrally in a standard 20 ml glass scintillation vial containing a tin-loaded scintillant. 3. A direct measure of the 125I radioactivity at an efficiency of 30% was then obtained by radioactivity counting in the pre-set 3H window of a scintillation spectrometer. No counts for 3H radioactivity were registered at this stage because of the barrier to the passage of the low-energy beta-particles provided by the wall of the polyethylene vial. 4. After mixing the sample and scintillant both 125I and 3H were detected at efficiencies of 73% and 29% respectively. Subtraction of the 125I contribution from the combined radioactivity count rate then gave the net 3H count.", "contents": "A simple method for the differential measurement of 125I and 3H by liquid-scintillatin spectrometry. 1. A method is described for the differential radioactivity counting of 125I and 3H in a liquid-scintillation spectrometer without a separate gamma counter. 2. The sample was contained in a polyethylene miniature vial placed centrally in a standard 20 ml glass scintillation vial containing a tin-loaded scintillant. 3. A direct measure of the 125I radioactivity at an efficiency of 30% was then obtained by radioactivity counting in the pre-set 3H window of a scintillation spectrometer. No counts for 3H radioactivity were registered at this stage because of the barrier to the passage of the low-energy beta-particles provided by the wall of the polyethylene vial. 4. After mixing the sample and scintillant both 125I and 3H were detected at efficiencies of 73% and 29% respectively. Subtraction of the 125I contribution from the combined radioactivity count rate then gave the net 3H count.", "PMID": 991549} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4338", "title": "Intractable peptic ulcer disease.", "content": "The intractable ulcer is usually complicated because of posterior penetration, obstruction, or postbulbar or channel location; or it is an atypical ulcer such as those occurring with the ZE syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, and the milk-alkali syndrome. The management of intractability depends upon finding the cause and initiating the appropriate therapy. Many abdominal diseases may masquerade as intractable ulcers, so every patient must be evaluated thoroughly to prove that his ulcer is indeed intracetable.", "contents": "Intractable peptic ulcer disease. The intractable ulcer is usually complicated because of posterior penetration, obstruction, or postbulbar or channel location; or it is an atypical ulcer such as those occurring with the ZE syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, and the milk-alkali syndrome. The management of intractability depends upon finding the cause and initiating the appropriate therapy. Many abdominal diseases may masquerade as intractable ulcers, so every patient must be evaluated thoroughly to prove that his ulcer is indeed intracetable.", "PMID": 991581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4339", "title": "Community mental health centers and the decreasing use of state mental hospitals.", "content": "To test the success of the Community Mental Health Centers Program goal of reducing state hospital utilization, changes in state mental hospital resident and admission rates were calculated, using 16 states, for counties wholly within or outside of catchment areas served by operating, federally funded community mental health centers. There was no consistent relationship between the opening of centers and changes in state hospital resident rates. However, counties with centers tended to decrease more (or increase less) in state hospital admission rates than areas without centers.", "contents": "Community mental health centers and the decreasing use of state mental hospitals. To test the success of the Community Mental Health Centers Program goal of reducing state hospital utilization, changes in state mental hospital resident and admission rates were calculated, using 16 states, for counties wholly within or outside of catchment areas served by operating, federally funded community mental health centers. There was no consistent relationship between the opening of centers and changes in state hospital resident rates. However, counties with centers tended to decrease more (or increase less) in state hospital admission rates than areas without centers.", "PMID": 991588} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4340", "title": "The paraprofessional as a referral link in the mental health delivery system.", "content": "The role of the paraprofessional in the delivery of mental health services is often ambiguously defined. Even while performing the specific task of making a referral, the activities of the paraprofessional are subject to controversy. In this study the clients, the agency board members, and the community mental health agency workers all have different expectations of the qualifications, the knowledge, and the activities of the paraprofessional referral worker. It is suggested that the disparate views the participants bring to the referral situation make it unlikely that the paraprofessional will satisfy the expectations of all of them.", "contents": "The paraprofessional as a referral link in the mental health delivery system. The role of the paraprofessional in the delivery of mental health services is often ambiguously defined. Even while performing the specific task of making a referral, the activities of the paraprofessional are subject to controversy. In this study the clients, the agency board members, and the community mental health agency workers all have different expectations of the qualifications, the knowledge, and the activities of the paraprofessional referral worker. It is suggested that the disparate views the participants bring to the referral situation make it unlikely that the paraprofessional will satisfy the expectations of all of them.", "PMID": 991589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4341", "title": "Social characteristics of patients admitted to the terminated from mental health centers.", "content": "The assumption that terminations data represent a cross section of patients treated at mental health centers is investigated by comparing social characteristics of patients admitted to and terminated from mental health centers. The great majority of patient characteristics of the two groups are similar enough to make the above assumption safely.", "contents": "Social characteristics of patients admitted to the terminated from mental health centers. The assumption that terminations data represent a cross section of patients treated at mental health centers is investigated by comparing social characteristics of patients admitted to and terminated from mental health centers. The great majority of patient characteristics of the two groups are similar enough to make the above assumption safely.", "PMID": 991590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4342", "title": "The emerging role of sociological consultation in the field of community mental health.", "content": "One of the most innovative features of the community mental health movement is its expansion to include other than the traditional mental health personnel. It seems most appropriate now that the sociologist be among the new manpower resources put to use by the various agencies concerned with the community mental health movement. In this regard, it is necessary that both professionals and lay people working in mental health be made aware of what the sociologist can contribute to the mental health movement. Sociological services relative to the comprehensive community mental health centers, to other mental health agencies, and to lay and professional persons concerned with mental health are described. The emergence of this role will not be without problems, several of which are described here.", "contents": "The emerging role of sociological consultation in the field of community mental health. One of the most innovative features of the community mental health movement is its expansion to include other than the traditional mental health personnel. It seems most appropriate now that the sociologist be among the new manpower resources put to use by the various agencies concerned with the community mental health movement. In this regard, it is necessary that both professionals and lay people working in mental health be made aware of what the sociologist can contribute to the mental health movement. Sociological services relative to the comprehensive community mental health centers, to other mental health agencies, and to lay and professional persons concerned with mental health are described. The emergence of this role will not be without problems, several of which are described here.", "PMID": 991591} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4343", "title": "Social workers' orientations toward community mental health concepts.", "content": "Relations between ideological priorities in social work and community mental health were examined by a Likert-type questionnaire containing statements representing Caplan's Conceptual Models in Community Mental Health. Seventy social workers were sampled, with equal subsamples representing the five largest fields of practice in social work. This sample appeared to be highly representative of the national social work population by fields of personal service. By analyses of variance and correlation, significant differences were found between levels of approval for respective models by the total sample, but no significant differences were found by fields of practice, or any other professional or demographic attribute. This indicates a consensual integrity in the social work profession's community mental health orientation, and strong mutuality between social work and community mental health value orientations.", "contents": "Social workers' orientations toward community mental health concepts. Relations between ideological priorities in social work and community mental health were examined by a Likert-type questionnaire containing statements representing Caplan's Conceptual Models in Community Mental Health. Seventy social workers were sampled, with equal subsamples representing the five largest fields of practice in social work. This sample appeared to be highly representative of the national social work population by fields of personal service. By analyses of variance and correlation, significant differences were found between levels of approval for respective models by the total sample, but no significant differences were found by fields of practice, or any other professional or demographic attribute. This indicates a consensual integrity in the social work profession's community mental health orientation, and strong mutuality between social work and community mental health value orientations.", "PMID": 991592} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4344", "title": "Treatment progress by objectives: Kiresuk's and Sherman's approach simplified.", "content": "A simplification of Kiresuk's and Sherman's approach to the measurement of therapeutic success is proposed. Hypothetical cases are given as examples.", "contents": "Treatment progress by objectives: Kiresuk's and Sherman's approach simplified. A simplification of Kiresuk's and Sherman's approach to the measurement of therapeutic success is proposed. Hypothetical cases are given as examples.", "PMID": 991593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4345", "title": "Program evaluation in the public interest: a new research methodology.", "content": "For every social welfare or social control service program there are several parties, each with different interests: patients, clients, staff, management, and sponsors. Evaluation of such a program in the public interest must take the interests of these parties into account. To do so requires an untraditional methodology, that of a second-person, or communal, science, which is not above the conflict of parties and their interests in specifying the variables, staffing the research, balancing considerations of intrusion against those of bias, considering the action implications of the data, sequentially staging the research, or even publishing findings. This all makes evaluation in the public interest a highly political process often unlikely to be logically decisive about intervariable relationships, to yield generalizable results, or even to be completed.", "contents": "Program evaluation in the public interest: a new research methodology. For every social welfare or social control service program there are several parties, each with different interests: patients, clients, staff, management, and sponsors. Evaluation of such a program in the public interest must take the interests of these parties into account. To do so requires an untraditional methodology, that of a second-person, or communal, science, which is not above the conflict of parties and their interests in specifying the variables, staffing the research, balancing considerations of intrusion against those of bias, considering the action implications of the data, sequentially staging the research, or even publishing findings. This all makes evaluation in the public interest a highly political process often unlikely to be logically decisive about intervariable relationships, to yield generalizable results, or even to be completed.", "PMID": 991594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4346", "title": "The psychologist in the pediatrician's office: one approach to community psychology.", "content": "This paper describes a community psychology program that was based in a pediatrician's office in a rural community. Three broad categories of psychological problems were encountered: (1) emotional disturbance, (2) developmental delay in children, and (3) ineffective child management procedures used by parents. The advantages and the problems involved in using the pediatric office as a setting to provide primary mental health care to children and families are outlined.", "contents": "The psychologist in the pediatrician's office: one approach to community psychology. This paper describes a community psychology program that was based in a pediatrician's office in a rural community. Three broad categories of psychological problems were encountered: (1) emotional disturbance, (2) developmental delay in children, and (3) ineffective child management procedures used by parents. The advantages and the problems involved in using the pediatric office as a setting to provide primary mental health care to children and families are outlined.", "PMID": 991595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4347", "title": "Psychological consultation to a police training academy: problems and opportunities.", "content": "Police departments are systems of social regulation affecting the lives of many citizens. Psychological instruction to trainees can increase the armamentarium of police techniques in dealing with civil disturbances. Such instruction must be cognizant of attitudinal resistances toward new police instructors, particularly those with an intellectual or university orientation. Crisis situations that are handled by a proper balancing of coercive and negotiation types of techniques generate the most effective solution to disturbance situations. An approach is offered for effective teaching of a balanced-coercive alliance model.", "contents": "Psychological consultation to a police training academy: problems and opportunities. Police departments are systems of social regulation affecting the lives of many citizens. Psychological instruction to trainees can increase the armamentarium of police techniques in dealing with civil disturbances. Such instruction must be cognizant of attitudinal resistances toward new police instructors, particularly those with an intellectual or university orientation. Crisis situations that are handled by a proper balancing of coercive and negotiation types of techniques generate the most effective solution to disturbance situations. An approach is offered for effective teaching of a balanced-coercive alliance model.", "PMID": 991596} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4348", "title": "The use of clemastine (\"Tavegil') administered parenterally in acute allergic episodes.", "content": "An open study was carried out in 41 patients, requireing an emergency doctor visit because of an acute allergic episode, to assess the effectiveness of an antihistamine, clemastine, given parenterally. The results showed that a single intramuscular injection of 2 mg clemastine was 'fully effective' in relieving the sumptoms of 19 (46.3%) patients, and gave 'some relief' in 20 (48.8%). Two (4.9%) patients failed to respond. No side-effects of treatment were reported.", "contents": "The use of clemastine (\"Tavegil') administered parenterally in acute allergic episodes. An open study was carried out in 41 patients, requireing an emergency doctor visit because of an acute allergic episode, to assess the effectiveness of an antihistamine, clemastine, given parenterally. The results showed that a single intramuscular injection of 2 mg clemastine was 'fully effective' in relieving the sumptoms of 19 (46.3%) patients, and gave 'some relief' in 20 (48.8%). Two (4.9%) patients failed to respond. No side-effects of treatment were reported.", "PMID": 991616} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4349", "title": "Pulmonary function study in old age.", "content": "A study was carried out in 100 patients aged between 70 and 90 years to investigate pathological and respiratory function changes in old age. Vitalograph and peak flow meter measurements were made, but blood gas analysis was only carried out in 6 patients in view of the technical difficulties. Analysis of the results showed that there was a definite, moderate, restrictive type of defect in pulmonary function in almost all the patients, in those with generalized senile changes as well as in those with a pathological condition. Blood gas analysis showed a minimum degree of alteration in oxygen tension and saturation with normal carbon dioxide tension.", "contents": "Pulmonary function study in old age. A study was carried out in 100 patients aged between 70 and 90 years to investigate pathological and respiratory function changes in old age. Vitalograph and peak flow meter measurements were made, but blood gas analysis was only carried out in 6 patients in view of the technical difficulties. Analysis of the results showed that there was a definite, moderate, restrictive type of defect in pulmonary function in almost all the patients, in those with generalized senile changes as well as in those with a pathological condition. Blood gas analysis showed a minimum degree of alteration in oxygen tension and saturation with normal carbon dioxide tension.", "PMID": 991617} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4350", "title": "Long-term effects of an amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide combination ('Moduretic') on electrolyte balance.", "content": "A study was carried out of plasma electrolyte estimations made before and after long-term use of a combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide in 23 patients. The mean duration of use was 20.3 months. No significant differences were found in plasma potassium, sodium, bicarbonate or urea from baseline levels.", "contents": "Long-term effects of an amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide combination ('Moduretic') on electrolyte balance. A study was carried out of plasma electrolyte estimations made before and after long-term use of a combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide in 23 patients. The mean duration of use was 20.3 months. No significant differences were found in plasma potassium, sodium, bicarbonate or urea from baseline levels.", "PMID": 991618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4351", "title": "Changes in plasma and urine magnesium following subcutaneous insulin.", "content": "In 7 of 13 patients given subcutaneous insulin as part of the assessment of their endocrinological status, serum magnesium levels fell below the lower limit of the normal range for the laboratory 1 to 2 hours after insulin administration. This relative hypomagnesaemia was not accompanied by any change in the red cell magnesium concentration, and did not bear a close relationship to the degree of hypoglycaemia developed. During the 2 1/2 hour period following insulin therapy there was renal conservation of magnesium ion.", "contents": "Changes in plasma and urine magnesium following subcutaneous insulin. In 7 of 13 patients given subcutaneous insulin as part of the assessment of their endocrinological status, serum magnesium levels fell below the lower limit of the normal range for the laboratory 1 to 2 hours after insulin administration. This relative hypomagnesaemia was not accompanied by any change in the red cell magnesium concentration, and did not bear a close relationship to the degree of hypoglycaemia developed. During the 2 1/2 hour period following insulin therapy there was renal conservation of magnesium ion.", "PMID": 991619} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4352", "title": "Translocations of acrocentric chromosomes and their implications in the evolution of sheep (Ovis).", "content": "Cytogenetic evidence suggests that the caprids (sheep and goats) evolved from a common ancestor with a 2n=60 karyotype. Although goats (Capra) retained the primitive 2n=60 karyotype, sheep (Ovis) underwent a sequential reduction in the number of chromosomes by means of acrocentric translocation. The formation of the first metacentric autosome (M1) occurred in the aoudad (Ammotragus) and urial (O. vignei), resulting in a 2n=58 karyotype. The G-bands are homologous, which implies both genotypes arose from a common ancestor, possibly a rupicaprid. Based on G-bands, acrocentric chromosomes 1 and 7 of the 2n=60 karyotype formed the M1. The X chromosome, which is the second longest acrocentric in the 2n=60 karyotype, became the longest acrocentric in Ammotragus and Ovis (2n=58). The second pair of metacentrics to evolve, which is ranked in the M3 position of the 2n=54 karotype, resulted from the translocations of acrocentric chromosomes 4 and 14 or 15 in the 2n=60 karyotype. The M2 was the third pair of metacentrics to be formed and resulted from the translocations of acrocentric chromosomes 3 and 12 or 13 in the 2n=60 karyotype. The G-bands of all 2n=54 karyotypes are homologous, which indicates origin from a common ancestor. Evidence is presented that suggests a prezygotic selection is bringing about a reduction in diploid chromosome numbers. The possible roles of fission and fusion in the karyotypic evolution of Ovis are discussed.", "contents": "Translocations of acrocentric chromosomes and their implications in the evolution of sheep (Ovis). Cytogenetic evidence suggests that the caprids (sheep and goats) evolved from a common ancestor with a 2n=60 karyotype. Although goats (Capra) retained the primitive 2n=60 karyotype, sheep (Ovis) underwent a sequential reduction in the number of chromosomes by means of acrocentric translocation. The formation of the first metacentric autosome (M1) occurred in the aoudad (Ammotragus) and urial (O. vignei), resulting in a 2n=58 karyotype. The G-bands are homologous, which implies both genotypes arose from a common ancestor, possibly a rupicaprid. Based on G-bands, acrocentric chromosomes 1 and 7 of the 2n=60 karyotype formed the M1. The X chromosome, which is the second longest acrocentric in the 2n=60 karyotype, became the longest acrocentric in Ammotragus and Ovis (2n=58). The second pair of metacentrics to evolve, which is ranked in the M3 position of the 2n=54 karotype, resulted from the translocations of acrocentric chromosomes 4 and 14 or 15 in the 2n=60 karyotype. The M2 was the third pair of metacentrics to be formed and resulted from the translocations of acrocentric chromosomes 3 and 12 or 13 in the 2n=60 karyotype. The G-bands of all 2n=54 karyotypes are homologous, which indicates origin from a common ancestor. Evidence is presented that suggests a prezygotic selection is bringing about a reduction in diploid chromosome numbers. The possible roles of fission and fusion in the karyotypic evolution of Ovis are discussed.", "PMID": 991654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4353", "title": "Spontaneous triploidy in the California roach Hesperoleucus symmetricus (Pisces: Cyprinidae).", "content": "A single triploid individual (3n = 75) of the Calfornia roach, Hesperoleucus symmetricus, was identified among a sample of nine specimens from the Russian River, California. The diploid number of H. symmetricus, as revealed by the karyotypes of the remaining eight specimens, is 50. Aside from the all-female triploid unisexual fishes, this is the first report of a triploid fish from the wild, and the second report of a triploid in a bisexual fish species. The most likely origin of the triploid was probably fusion of a haploid sperm with an unreduced ovum.", "contents": "Spontaneous triploidy in the California roach Hesperoleucus symmetricus (Pisces: Cyprinidae). A single triploid individual (3n = 75) of the Calfornia roach, Hesperoleucus symmetricus, was identified among a sample of nine specimens from the Russian River, California. The diploid number of H. symmetricus, as revealed by the karyotypes of the remaining eight specimens, is 50. Aside from the all-female triploid unisexual fishes, this is the first report of a triploid fish from the wild, and the second report of a triploid in a bisexual fish species. The most likely origin of the triploid was probably fusion of a haploid sperm with an unreduced ovum.", "PMID": 991656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4354", "title": "Nondisjunction in aging female mice.", "content": "Oocytes from CBA mice varying in age from 2 to 11 months were cultured to the metaphase II stage of meiosis and the chromosomes analyzed. The oocytes from three maternal age groups were compared with respect to the mean number of oocytes obtained per mouse, the frequency of maturation to metaphase II, and the frequency of numerical chromosomes abnormalities. Both the mean number of oocytes obtained per mouse and the frequency of maturation decreased markedly with maternal age. The frequency of chromosome abnormalities in the oocytes increased with maternal age from the young to the middle-aged mice but dropped off in the oldest maternal age group. No hyperploid (n + 1) oocytes were observed in the young or old group of mice, but 5.2% hyperploidy occurred in the middle-aged group. It is suggested that the lack of hyperploid oocytes in the old CBA females might be due to a threshold effect in which oocytes that are damaged by the number of univalents present at metaphase I become atretic and do not progress to metaphase II. The frequency of diploid (2n) oocytes was 1.7% and was not maternal-age dependent.", "contents": "Nondisjunction in aging female mice. Oocytes from CBA mice varying in age from 2 to 11 months were cultured to the metaphase II stage of meiosis and the chromosomes analyzed. The oocytes from three maternal age groups were compared with respect to the mean number of oocytes obtained per mouse, the frequency of maturation to metaphase II, and the frequency of numerical chromosomes abnormalities. Both the mean number of oocytes obtained per mouse and the frequency of maturation decreased markedly with maternal age. The frequency of chromosome abnormalities in the oocytes increased with maternal age from the young to the middle-aged mice but dropped off in the oldest maternal age group. No hyperploid (n + 1) oocytes were observed in the young or old group of mice, but 5.2% hyperploidy occurred in the middle-aged group. It is suggested that the lack of hyperploid oocytes in the old CBA females might be due to a threshold effect in which oocytes that are damaged by the number of univalents present at metaphase I become atretic and do not progress to metaphase II. The frequency of diploid (2n) oocytes was 1.7% and was not maternal-age dependent.", "PMID": 991657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4355", "title": "Hydrocephalus in infancy and childhood. Our experience of CSF shunting.", "content": "A surgical series of 346 children with nontumoral hydrocephalus shunted in the period January 1957 to December 1973 is presented. The etiological factors, preoperative clinical and anatomical status of the patients, their surgical career, the reasons for revision operations and causes of death, are analyzed and discussed in relation to each of the four groups constituting the series: tetraventricular communicating hydrocephalus, triventricular hydrocephalus, obstructive hydrocephalus from ventriculocisternal block and postmeningocele or postmyelomeningocele hydrocephalus. 141 patients required 218 revision operations. 16 patients died after the first operation, 27 on revision and 38 sometime later. 41 patients were lost to follow-up. A recent clinical and instrumental review of the physical, neurological and mental status of the remaining 224 patients showed that 136 (60.7%) are well or very well, 68 (30.3%) have residual deficits likely to regress with treatment and 20 (8.9%) are severely handicapped. These long-term results and the surgical aspects of the problem are discussed in the light of the literature.", "contents": "Hydrocephalus in infancy and childhood. Our experience of CSF shunting. A surgical series of 346 children with nontumoral hydrocephalus shunted in the period January 1957 to December 1973 is presented. The etiological factors, preoperative clinical and anatomical status of the patients, their surgical career, the reasons for revision operations and causes of death, are analyzed and discussed in relation to each of the four groups constituting the series: tetraventricular communicating hydrocephalus, triventricular hydrocephalus, obstructive hydrocephalus from ventriculocisternal block and postmeningocele or postmyelomeningocele hydrocephalus. 141 patients required 218 revision operations. 16 patients died after the first operation, 27 on revision and 38 sometime later. 41 patients were lost to follow-up. A recent clinical and instrumental review of the physical, neurological and mental status of the remaining 224 patients showed that 136 (60.7%) are well or very well, 68 (30.3%) have residual deficits likely to regress with treatment and 20 (8.9%) are severely handicapped. These long-term results and the surgical aspects of the problem are discussed in the light of the literature.", "PMID": 991664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4356", "title": "X-linked hydrocephalus, with aqueductal stenosis, mental retardation, and adduction-flexion deformity of the thumbs. Report of a family.", "content": "A new family is reported of a Bickers-Adams-Edwards syndrome. This family has been studied up to three generations. Two female carriers are known. Among the six male children who are affected, four are severely mentally retarded, have spasticity of the legs, and survived with a mild macrocephaly, and two show a more severe and rapid progression of head enlargement. A partial aqueductal stenosis, with remarkable ventricular dilatation, has been demonstrated by pneumoence-phalography in three boys. A deformity of the thumbs links these six children together. One of them has been treated by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, when 18 months old, without any improvement in the neurological condition. The mental deficiency is much more severe than could be expected from the degree of hydrocephalus, at least as estimated clinically by the macrocephaly. Hydrocephalus is precocious, and the ventricular dilatation very advanced when seen by PEG studies. Recognition of the female carriers is not possible.", "contents": "X-linked hydrocephalus, with aqueductal stenosis, mental retardation, and adduction-flexion deformity of the thumbs. Report of a family. A new family is reported of a Bickers-Adams-Edwards syndrome. This family has been studied up to three generations. Two female carriers are known. Among the six male children who are affected, four are severely mentally retarded, have spasticity of the legs, and survived with a mild macrocephaly, and two show a more severe and rapid progression of head enlargement. A partial aqueductal stenosis, with remarkable ventricular dilatation, has been demonstrated by pneumoence-phalography in three boys. A deformity of the thumbs links these six children together. One of them has been treated by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, when 18 months old, without any improvement in the neurological condition. The mental deficiency is much more severe than could be expected from the degree of hydrocephalus, at least as estimated clinically by the macrocephaly. Hydrocephalus is precocious, and the ventricular dilatation very advanced when seen by PEG studies. Recognition of the female carriers is not possible.", "PMID": 991665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4357", "title": "Hydrocephalus secondary to intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants.", "content": "Premature (low birth weight) infants are particularly susceptible to intracranial hemorrhage. This frequently arises from the subependymal area and may dissect into the brain or into the ventricles. If the infant survives, hydrocephalus is a frequent sequela. Because of major improvements in the care of premature infants in recent years and the proliferation of intensive care nurseries, increasing numbers of low birth weight infants are surviving and developing hydrocephalus. Seven cases are described of infants who developed hydrocephalus following intracranial bleeding. Initially, ventricular and lumbar punctures were done to attempt to control head growth but this was unsuccessful. Two were treated with temporary external ventriculostomy which did not permanently control the hydrocephalus. Definitive treatment included ventriculo-atrial shunts using an expandable 'telescopic' cardiac catheter in two and ventriculoperitoneal shunts in five. The pathogenesis and management of the condition are discussed.", "contents": "Hydrocephalus secondary to intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants. Premature (low birth weight) infants are particularly susceptible to intracranial hemorrhage. This frequently arises from the subependymal area and may dissect into the brain or into the ventricles. If the infant survives, hydrocephalus is a frequent sequela. Because of major improvements in the care of premature infants in recent years and the proliferation of intensive care nurseries, increasing numbers of low birth weight infants are surviving and developing hydrocephalus. Seven cases are described of infants who developed hydrocephalus following intracranial bleeding. Initially, ventricular and lumbar punctures were done to attempt to control head growth but this was unsuccessful. Two were treated with temporary external ventriculostomy which did not permanently control the hydrocephalus. Definitive treatment included ventriculo-atrial shunts using an expandable 'telescopic' cardiac catheter in two and ventriculoperitoneal shunts in five. The pathogenesis and management of the condition are discussed.", "PMID": 991666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4358", "title": "Hydrodynamics of shunt valves.", "content": "A study of differential pressure valves (DPV) used in the treatment of hydrocephalus was undertaken to determine their pressure-flow characteristics and compatability with the antisiphon valve (ASV). DPV could be classified into two groups: low resistance valves (LRV) and high resistance valves (HRV). The LRV maintains intraventricular pressure (IVP) near the closing pressure (CP) of the valve by permitting a high flow whenever CP is exceeded. The HRV regulates IVP by attempting to match inflow with some point on the pressure-flow curve of the valve. These characteristics were lost unless valve outlet pressure was maintained at atmospheric pressure. This could be accomplished by using a proximal DPV with an ASV at the DPV outlet, thus converting the DPV into a gauge pressure valve and preventing the 'siphon effect' seen with the use of a DPV alone.", "contents": "Hydrodynamics of shunt valves. A study of differential pressure valves (DPV) used in the treatment of hydrocephalus was undertaken to determine their pressure-flow characteristics and compatability with the antisiphon valve (ASV). DPV could be classified into two groups: low resistance valves (LRV) and high resistance valves (HRV). The LRV maintains intraventricular pressure (IVP) near the closing pressure (CP) of the valve by permitting a high flow whenever CP is exceeded. The HRV regulates IVP by attempting to match inflow with some point on the pressure-flow curve of the valve. These characteristics were lost unless valve outlet pressure was maintained at atmospheric pressure. This could be accomplished by using a proximal DPV with an ASV at the DPV outlet, thus converting the DPV into a gauge pressure valve and preventing the 'siphon effect' seen with the use of a DPV alone.", "PMID": 991667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4359", "title": "Clinical and radioisotopic follow-up study of 'Moyamoya'.", "content": "24 children with 'moyamoya' had average follow-up periods of 5 years and 9 months. The following factors were noted to influence the prognosis for mental function: early onset, repeated transient ischemic attacks followed by residual neurological deficit, symptoms suggesting bilateral or dominant hemispheric lesions, and angiographically widespread occlusion. Futhermore, radioisotopic procedures could replace angiography for follow-up studies of patients with Moyamoya.", "contents": "Clinical and radioisotopic follow-up study of 'Moyamoya'. 24 children with 'moyamoya' had average follow-up periods of 5 years and 9 months. The following factors were noted to influence the prognosis for mental function: early onset, repeated transient ischemic attacks followed by residual neurological deficit, symptoms suggesting bilateral or dominant hemispheric lesions, and angiographically widespread occlusion. Futhermore, radioisotopic procedures could replace angiography for follow-up studies of patients with Moyamoya.", "PMID": 991668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4360", "title": "[Total shoulder endoprosthesis design St. Georg].", "content": "Experiences with shoulder replacement in 40 cases since 1966 and the development of a nonblocked total prosthesis are described. The replacement of both joint surfaces according to the principles of low friction arthroplasty ist needed to obtain relief of pain. The nonblocked system corresponds in a high degree to physiologic conditions. The shape of the implant and the meticulous reconstruction of the inner and outer rotator cuffs reduce the danger of dislocation considerably. Only small bone resection is necessary. In cases of dislocated compound fractures and of painful posttraumatic and rheumatic arthrosis, total replacement could be an alternative to resection of the humeral head as well as to shoulder arthrodesis.", "contents": "[Total shoulder endoprosthesis design St. Georg]. Experiences with shoulder replacement in 40 cases since 1966 and the development of a nonblocked total prosthesis are described. The replacement of both joint surfaces according to the principles of low friction arthroplasty ist needed to obtain relief of pain. The nonblocked system corresponds in a high degree to physiologic conditions. The shape of the implant and the meticulous reconstruction of the inner and outer rotator cuffs reduce the danger of dislocation considerably. Only small bone resection is necessary. In cases of dislocated compound fractures and of painful posttraumatic and rheumatic arthrosis, total replacement could be an alternative to resection of the humeral head as well as to shoulder arthrodesis.", "PMID": 991669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4361", "title": "[Total replacement of humerus including shoulder and elbow joints].", "content": "A case of total alloplastic replacement of the humerus, including the neighboring joints, is reported. The method may be used for treatment of large defects of the humerus due to tumor, osteomyelitis, or trauma. The alloplastic replacement seems superior to autoplastic fibula transplantation.", "contents": "[Total replacement of humerus including shoulder and elbow joints]. A case of total alloplastic replacement of the humerus, including the neighboring joints, is reported. The method may be used for treatment of large defects of the humerus due to tumor, osteomyelitis, or trauma. The alloplastic replacement seems superior to autoplastic fibula transplantation.", "PMID": 991670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4362", "title": "[Partial replacement of the humerus].", "content": "Based on twelve cases, this paper reviews the possibilities of partial replacement of the humerus. In 6 cases an interpolation was successfully performed replacing a resected part of the humeral shaft while maintaining the shoulder and elbow joint. The interpolated material is polyethylene, centrally reinforced by metal. A resection of up to 17 cm was performed. The longest period of observation is more than 2 years. This operative procedure is preferred to the methods so far used in cases of extensive destruction of the humeral shaft. Primarily, osteolyses are an indication for this type of operation.", "contents": "[Partial replacement of the humerus]. Based on twelve cases, this paper reviews the possibilities of partial replacement of the humerus. In 6 cases an interpolation was successfully performed replacing a resected part of the humeral shaft while maintaining the shoulder and elbow joint. The interpolated material is polyethylene, centrally reinforced by metal. A resection of up to 17 cm was performed. The longest period of observation is more than 2 years. This operative procedure is preferred to the methods so far used in cases of extensive destruction of the humeral shaft. Primarily, osteolyses are an indication for this type of operation.", "PMID": 991671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4363", "title": "[Results in the implantation of total or partial prosthesis in the knee joint].", "content": "A report of the results achieved by treating of corrosive diseases of knee joint by partial and total endoprosthesis. A total of 74 knee joints were operated on. Improvement of movement and stress capability was achieved in 93% of all cases. Complications are presented and discussed. Follow-up and summary of all cases reveals that the total endoprosthesis is increasingly indicated. The replacement of a sliding endoprosthesis by a total endoprosthesis has since become necessary in three cases and resulted in marked improvement of function. One patient is not free of complaints, and an exchange operation is indicated. The indications for implantation of a sliding endoprosthesis will in the future surely be much more closely drawn. Follow-up reveales that increasing reactive changes of the knee joint cause pain of increasing measure. An initially painless interval is followed by a period of increasing pain. Results of follow-uthesis may be extended. The continued pain that totally operated patients in part by the high-grade and progressive changes in the femoro-patellar joint.", "contents": "[Results in the implantation of total or partial prosthesis in the knee joint]. A report of the results achieved by treating of corrosive diseases of knee joint by partial and total endoprosthesis. A total of 74 knee joints were operated on. Improvement of movement and stress capability was achieved in 93% of all cases. Complications are presented and discussed. Follow-up and summary of all cases reveals that the total endoprosthesis is increasingly indicated. The replacement of a sliding endoprosthesis by a total endoprosthesis has since become necessary in three cases and resulted in marked improvement of function. One patient is not free of complaints, and an exchange operation is indicated. The indications for implantation of a sliding endoprosthesis will in the future surely be much more closely drawn. Follow-up reveales that increasing reactive changes of the knee joint cause pain of increasing measure. An initially painless interval is followed by a period of increasing pain. Results of follow-uthesis may be extended. The continued pain that totally operated patients in part by the high-grade and progressive changes in the femoro-patellar joint.", "PMID": 991672} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4364", "title": "[Chondropathy of the patella. Experiences with 100 medializations].", "content": "After a brief reference to the biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint, the anamnesis and the clinical and the radiologic symptomatology of chondropathia and the possibilities of its therapy are described. Patellofemoral arthrography is very helpful for the diagnosis. The technique of our operation is also described. After close study of current available literature and careful control of our 100 medialization cases, the results after 6, 12, 24, and 36 months are shown in tabular form. The operation is recommended for primary chondropathia patellae with lateroposition or lateral-tipped patella.", "contents": "[Chondropathy of the patella. Experiences with 100 medializations]. After a brief reference to the biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint, the anamnesis and the clinical and the radiologic symptomatology of chondropathia and the possibilities of its therapy are described. Patellofemoral arthrography is very helpful for the diagnosis. The technique of our operation is also described. After close study of current available literature and careful control of our 100 medialization cases, the results after 6, 12, 24, and 36 months are shown in tabular form. The operation is recommended for primary chondropathia patellae with lateroposition or lateral-tipped patella.", "PMID": 991673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4365", "title": "[Ultrasonic welding of bones. Preliminary results].", "content": "Experiments with ultrasonic applied welding, a method first developed in the USSR are reported. In standardized isolated bone preparations stability values could be obtained of 10% [and in one case of 40% (!)] of the stability of the nonfractured bone. With these values the requirements of the method of osteosynthesis are met. Results of in vivo experiments are expected.", "contents": "[Ultrasonic welding of bones. Preliminary results]. Experiments with ultrasonic applied welding, a method first developed in the USSR are reported. In standardized isolated bone preparations stability values could be obtained of 10% [and in one case of 40% (!)] of the stability of the nonfractured bone. With these values the requirements of the method of osteosynthesis are met. Results of in vivo experiments are expected.", "PMID": 991674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4366", "title": "[Serum enzymes in seriously injured patients].", "content": "In 45 patients with multiple injuries due to trauma, admitted consecutively to our clinic, the following enzyme activities were studied, beginning at the onset of treatment: SDH, GPT, GLDH, and acid phosphatase. The mean levels of SDH rose in all patients between 2 and 24 h after trauma. The mean values of GPT were above normal between 2 and 48 h after trauma; this rise was more pronounced and statistically significant in those patients who eventually died of trauma than in the less severely injured ones. Twenty-four hours after trauma, the levels of GLDH were 16 times higher in the first group of patients than in the less severely injured group. These results lead us to the conclusion that through serum level measurements of these enzymes particularly of GPT it is possible to evaluate the degree of tissue damage and the general state of this group of patients.", "contents": "[Serum enzymes in seriously injured patients]. In 45 patients with multiple injuries due to trauma, admitted consecutively to our clinic, the following enzyme activities were studied, beginning at the onset of treatment: SDH, GPT, GLDH, and acid phosphatase. The mean levels of SDH rose in all patients between 2 and 24 h after trauma. The mean values of GPT were above normal between 2 and 48 h after trauma; this rise was more pronounced and statistically significant in those patients who eventually died of trauma than in the less severely injured ones. Twenty-four hours after trauma, the levels of GLDH were 16 times higher in the first group of patients than in the less severely injured group. These results lead us to the conclusion that through serum level measurements of these enzymes particularly of GPT it is possible to evaluate the degree of tissue damage and the general state of this group of patients.", "PMID": 991675} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4367", "title": "[Ganglioneuroma of the small intestine].", "content": "The ganglioneuroma is a rare, benign tumor of the small bowel. The clinical symptomatology and morphology of the tumor are presented in detail. The differences in histopathology between ganglioneuroma and eosinophilic granulomatous polyp are discussed. Therapy should be resection of the tumor.", "contents": "[Ganglioneuroma of the small intestine]. The ganglioneuroma is a rare, benign tumor of the small bowel. The clinical symptomatology and morphology of the tumor are presented in detail. The differences in histopathology between ganglioneuroma and eosinophilic granulomatous polyp are discussed. Therapy should be resection of the tumor.", "PMID": 991676} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4368", "title": "[Preoperative determination of the probability of a pulmocardiac insufficiency after resection of the lung].", "content": "Pneumonectomy is endangered above all by pulmocardial insufficiency. Its probability can be calculated in advance by a simple formula and a nomogram. With the help of a special mathematical method the most important functional parameters have been investigated and the formula and nomogram have been derived. The safety of the prediction comes up to the demands of biostatistical significance.", "contents": "[Preoperative determination of the probability of a pulmocardiac insufficiency after resection of the lung]. Pneumonectomy is endangered above all by pulmocardial insufficiency. Its probability can be calculated in advance by a simple formula and a nomogram. With the help of a special mathematical method the most important functional parameters have been investigated and the formula and nomogram have been derived. The safety of the prediction comes up to the demands of biostatistical significance.", "PMID": 991682} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4369", "title": "[Radiation load of patients and radiation-exposed personnel in the endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreaticography].", "content": "Measurements of radiation in 54 patients and examiners during endoscopic-retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) were analyzed. The values of radiation were relatively low and were compared favorably with those of gastroenterologic x-ray diagnostics. With greater experience it can be lowered further. Dangerous exposition to radiation was not found in patient or in examiner. The values obtained are far below the maximum dose permitted by radiation legislation. The question of a danger from repeated examination is not important, on the contrary, due to minimal exposition, the frequency of ERCP can be increased.", "contents": "[Radiation load of patients and radiation-exposed personnel in the endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreaticography]. Measurements of radiation in 54 patients and examiners during endoscopic-retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) were analyzed. The values of radiation were relatively low and were compared favorably with those of gastroenterologic x-ray diagnostics. With greater experience it can be lowered further. Dangerous exposition to radiation was not found in patient or in examiner. The values obtained are far below the maximum dose permitted by radiation legislation. The question of a danger from repeated examination is not important, on the contrary, due to minimal exposition, the frequency of ERCP can be increased.", "PMID": 991683} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4370", "title": "[Clinical problems of the breast carcinoma in situ].", "content": "A report of carcinoma in situ of the breast, including problems of diagnosis and treatment. Over a 6-year period cut of a total of 743 carcinomas of the breast, 77 carcinomas in situ were observed. The difficulties of diagnosis are reviewed. Treatment consisted of simple mastectomy. In view of the inadequate therapeutic results it is recommended that a modified radical mastectomy should also be done in all cases of carcinoma in situ of the breast. The pros and cons of postoperative radiation are discussed.", "contents": "[Clinical problems of the breast carcinoma in situ]. A report of carcinoma in situ of the breast, including problems of diagnosis and treatment. Over a 6-year period cut of a total of 743 carcinomas of the breast, 77 carcinomas in situ were observed. The difficulties of diagnosis are reviewed. Treatment consisted of simple mastectomy. In view of the inadequate therapeutic results it is recommended that a modified radical mastectomy should also be done in all cases of carcinoma in situ of the breast. The pros and cons of postoperative radiation are discussed.", "PMID": 991684} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4371", "title": "[Therapy and prognosis of cardia carcinoma. Study on 225 cases].", "content": "From 1955 to 1974, 225 patients with cardia carcinoma were treated at the Department of Surgery in the University of G\u00f6ttingen. The resection rate was 46,6%. Only 35 of our 105 patients who underwent resection, were operated on radically; in all other patients a palliative resection was done. In 59% of the resection cases a abdominothoracic approach was performed, whereas in 21% an abdominal, and in 20% a thoracic approach was preferred. The abdominal approach seems to be less effective, since a radical operation in most cases was not guaranteed. In 62% of the resected cases, postoperative complications occurred, mainly of pulmonal origin. The postoperative lethality was 18.1%. The prognosis depends on the degree of tumor metastases. The mean survival rate of the radically operated patients was 36.2 months, compared to 9.7 months of the palliatively resected cases. The 5-year survival rate of the resected patients was 12.2%. An improvement of the results can only be achieved by increasing the resection rate and earlier detection of the tumors.", "contents": "[Therapy and prognosis of cardia carcinoma. Study on 225 cases]. From 1955 to 1974, 225 patients with cardia carcinoma were treated at the Department of Surgery in the University of G\u00f6ttingen. The resection rate was 46,6%. Only 35 of our 105 patients who underwent resection, were operated on radically; in all other patients a palliative resection was done. In 59% of the resection cases a abdominothoracic approach was performed, whereas in 21% an abdominal, and in 20% a thoracic approach was preferred. The abdominal approach seems to be less effective, since a radical operation in most cases was not guaranteed. In 62% of the resected cases, postoperative complications occurred, mainly of pulmonal origin. The postoperative lethality was 18.1%. The prognosis depends on the degree of tumor metastases. The mean survival rate of the radically operated patients was 36.2 months, compared to 9.7 months of the palliatively resected cases. The 5-year survival rate of the resected patients was 12.2%. An improvement of the results can only be achieved by increasing the resection rate and earlier detection of the tumors.", "PMID": 991685} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4372", "title": "[Use of alloplastic material on the extrahepatic bile ducts].", "content": "Dogs (20 kg body weight) were laparotomized and the choledochous duct was ligated. Pre- and postoperative laboratory-parameters such as bilirubin, GOT, GPT, and alcaline phosphatase were controlled. Then, 8 days later, a patch-widening-plasty was performed after incision of the stenosis in 10 dogs. In the 10 other dogs the stenosis was resected and the defect was bridged over with a Teflon prosthesis. A few days later laboratory parameters became normal. Histologic investigation showed that after 4 weeks the Teflon prosthesis was covered with a bile duct-epithelial layer. In one of 3 patients with normal laboratory findings who have a Teflon patch, the operation took place 2 years ago.", "contents": "[Use of alloplastic material on the extrahepatic bile ducts]. Dogs (20 kg body weight) were laparotomized and the choledochous duct was ligated. Pre- and postoperative laboratory-parameters such as bilirubin, GOT, GPT, and alcaline phosphatase were controlled. Then, 8 days later, a patch-widening-plasty was performed after incision of the stenosis in 10 dogs. In the 10 other dogs the stenosis was resected and the defect was bridged over with a Teflon prosthesis. A few days later laboratory parameters became normal. Histologic investigation showed that after 4 weeks the Teflon prosthesis was covered with a bile duct-epithelial layer. In one of 3 patients with normal laboratory findings who have a Teflon patch, the operation took place 2 years ago.", "PMID": 991686} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4373", "title": "[Ureteral lesions after abdomino-perineal resection of the rectum].", "content": "Three ureter lesions in abdominoperineal rectum amputations are described. The surgical literature on this subject is discussed. Particularly dangerous points in the procedure of abdominoperineal rectum amputation concerning injuries of the ureter are accentuated. Possibilities of avoiding and recognizing early ureter injuries are indicated. More attention should be given to intraoperative lesions of the ureter.", "contents": "[Ureteral lesions after abdomino-perineal resection of the rectum]. Three ureter lesions in abdominoperineal rectum amputations are described. The surgical literature on this subject is discussed. Particularly dangerous points in the procedure of abdominoperineal rectum amputation concerning injuries of the ureter are accentuated. Possibilities of avoiding and recognizing early ureter injuries are indicated. More attention should be given to intraoperative lesions of the ureter.", "PMID": 991687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4374", "title": "[Spigelian hernia].", "content": "Spigelian hernia is very rare. Together with the direct inguinal hernia which emerges between the inferior epigastric artery and the edge of the rectus muscle, it is more frequent. Congenital openings in the aponeurosis of the transverse muscle permit the hernia either above or under the inferior epigastric artery. Due to neglect of this type of hernia and absence of herniation, the diagnosis can be difficult. Complaints are often uncharacteristic. Surgical intervention is indicated.", "contents": "[Spigelian hernia]. Spigelian hernia is very rare. Together with the direct inguinal hernia which emerges between the inferior epigastric artery and the edge of the rectus muscle, it is more frequent. Congenital openings in the aponeurosis of the transverse muscle permit the hernia either above or under the inferior epigastric artery. Due to neglect of this type of hernia and absence of herniation, the diagnosis can be difficult. Complaints are often uncharacteristic. Surgical intervention is indicated.", "PMID": 991688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4375", "title": "[Peculiarities of acute appendicitis in women].", "content": "A complete documentation of the clinical and operative findings and a comparison of these with the histologic diagnosis in nearly 900 appendectomy patients from a period of more than two years is presented. In this publication an account of the specific results of nearly 500 women is given. The influences of age, menstruation, and gynecologic illnesses are reported in detail. Sixty-five percent of all women were treated unnecessarily with appendectomy. However, the indications for this operation should not be limited on these grounds.", "contents": "[Peculiarities of acute appendicitis in women]. A complete documentation of the clinical and operative findings and a comparison of these with the histologic diagnosis in nearly 900 appendectomy patients from a period of more than two years is presented. In this publication an account of the specific results of nearly 500 women is given. The influences of age, menstruation, and gynecologic illnesses are reported in detail. Sixty-five percent of all women were treated unnecessarily with appendectomy. However, the indications for this operation should not be limited on these grounds.", "PMID": 991689} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4376", "title": "[Problems of a suitable pressure-measuring technic for the esophagus and its sphincter].", "content": "The functional analysis of the esophagus and its lower sphincter requires an adequate procedure of pressure measurement. The value of studies on the motility and the terminal closing segment, using different pressure transducers, is examined. The pressure measuring device, constructed by us, makes possible the investigation of the mechanical behaviour of the closing muscular segment by means of extension under gradual increases in pressure.", "contents": "[Problems of a suitable pressure-measuring technic for the esophagus and its sphincter]. The functional analysis of the esophagus and its lower sphincter requires an adequate procedure of pressure measurement. The value of studies on the motility and the terminal closing segment, using different pressure transducers, is examined. The pressure measuring device, constructed by us, makes possible the investigation of the mechanical behaviour of the closing muscular segment by means of extension under gradual increases in pressure.", "PMID": 991692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4377", "title": "[Temporary gastrostomy as an alternative procedure for nasogastric suction].", "content": "Based on personal experience with 70 cases of temporary tube gastrostomy - used as an alternative procedure to nasogastric suction in 50 cases and as a double-purpose tube in 20 cases of radical esophagectomy - pertinent problems concerning indication, technique, advantages, and possible complications are presented. The results indicate that temporary gastrostomy is a safe procedure, reduces cardiopulmonary disorders, and increases the patient's comfort. The procedure is therefore strongly recommended for patients with poor cardiopulmonary reserve and for the age group above 60 years. Temporary gastrostomy is also indicated in younger patients, if prolonged gastric distension with the necessity of decompression is anticipated.", "contents": "[Temporary gastrostomy as an alternative procedure for nasogastric suction]. Based on personal experience with 70 cases of temporary tube gastrostomy - used as an alternative procedure to nasogastric suction in 50 cases and as a double-purpose tube in 20 cases of radical esophagectomy - pertinent problems concerning indication, technique, advantages, and possible complications are presented. The results indicate that temporary gastrostomy is a safe procedure, reduces cardiopulmonary disorders, and increases the patient's comfort. The procedure is therefore strongly recommended for patients with poor cardiopulmonary reserve and for the age group above 60 years. Temporary gastrostomy is also indicated in younger patients, if prolonged gastric distension with the necessity of decompression is anticipated.", "PMID": 991694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4378", "title": "[Gastrointestinal anastomoses and carcinoma in the operated on stomach].", "content": "This study examines the question of which type of gastroenteral anastomosis is predisposed to carcinoma of the gastric stump. Evaluation of operative or autopsy reports of 72 patients with carcinomas of the gastric stump following ulcer resection was undertaken. The interval after resection for ulcer was on the average 23 years. In 69 cases a Billroth II resection with retrocolic anastomosis (Polya type) had been performed; 7 patients had a Billroth II resection with enteroanastomosis (Braun's type); only 3 cases of Billroth I resection were found in the whole collective. From the results it may be concluded that carcinoma of the gastric stump develops predominantly in the remaining stomach following Billroth II resection with retrocolic anastomosis (without Braun's enteroanastomosis). When retrocolic anastomosis is performed, the duodenogastric reflux definitely passes through via atrophic gastritis to the development of a stump carcinoma. However, when Billroth I resection or Billroth II resection with enteroanastomosis is performed, the duodenogastric reflux is low or is quantitatively derived into the jejunum.", "contents": "[Gastrointestinal anastomoses and carcinoma in the operated on stomach]. This study examines the question of which type of gastroenteral anastomosis is predisposed to carcinoma of the gastric stump. Evaluation of operative or autopsy reports of 72 patients with carcinomas of the gastric stump following ulcer resection was undertaken. The interval after resection for ulcer was on the average 23 years. In 69 cases a Billroth II resection with retrocolic anastomosis (Polya type) had been performed; 7 patients had a Billroth II resection with enteroanastomosis (Braun's type); only 3 cases of Billroth I resection were found in the whole collective. From the results it may be concluded that carcinoma of the gastric stump develops predominantly in the remaining stomach following Billroth II resection with retrocolic anastomosis (without Braun's enteroanastomosis). When retrocolic anastomosis is performed, the duodenogastric reflux definitely passes through via atrophic gastritis to the development of a stump carcinoma. However, when Billroth I resection or Billroth II resection with enteroanastomosis is performed, the duodenogastric reflux is low or is quantitatively derived into the jejunum.", "PMID": 991695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4379", "title": "[Problems in the therapy of central arterial ectasias and elongations in long-lasting arteriovenous fistulas].", "content": "Acquired arteriovenous fistulas should be surgically cured as soon as possible after the diagnosis. In all the patients we treated, the arteriovenous fistula had existed for quite a long time, i.e. up to 26 years. These arteriovenous fistulas were surgically closed by the separation-method, the resection of the vessels and vascular reconstruction, or by the transvenous technique. - Arteriovenous fistulas, which have been in existence for quite a long time, result in cardiac dilatation, which can be cured after closure of the arteriovenous fistula. Furthermore, there can be pathologic changes of the vein and artery wall: chronic venous insufficiency and arterial ectasia can result. - After closure of the arteriovenous fistula our patients no longer complained of venous reflux disturbances. Even after closure of the arteriovenous fistula, an arterial ectasia is not reversible. The reasons for this are discussed. Symptoms, which occur after the closure of an arteriovenous fistula, which had existed for a long period and had produced a severe arterial ectasia, are looked upon as an autonomous disease. During the progress of this disease many complications can occur, even the rupture of the ectatic artery. The question is therefore discussed, whether it is justified to resect the ectatic arterial segment together with the arteriovenous fistula and to implant an alloplastic vascular graft in its place during the initial operation.", "contents": "[Problems in the therapy of central arterial ectasias and elongations in long-lasting arteriovenous fistulas]. Acquired arteriovenous fistulas should be surgically cured as soon as possible after the diagnosis. In all the patients we treated, the arteriovenous fistula had existed for quite a long time, i.e. up to 26 years. These arteriovenous fistulas were surgically closed by the separation-method, the resection of the vessels and vascular reconstruction, or by the transvenous technique. - Arteriovenous fistulas, which have been in existence for quite a long time, result in cardiac dilatation, which can be cured after closure of the arteriovenous fistula. Furthermore, there can be pathologic changes of the vein and artery wall: chronic venous insufficiency and arterial ectasia can result. - After closure of the arteriovenous fistula our patients no longer complained of venous reflux disturbances. Even after closure of the arteriovenous fistula, an arterial ectasia is not reversible. The reasons for this are discussed. Symptoms, which occur after the closure of an arteriovenous fistula, which had existed for a long period and had produced a severe arterial ectasia, are looked upon as an autonomous disease. During the progress of this disease many complications can occur, even the rupture of the ectatic artery. The question is therefore discussed, whether it is justified to resect the ectatic arterial segment together with the arteriovenous fistula and to implant an alloplastic vascular graft in its place during the initial operation.", "PMID": 991696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4380", "title": "[Amyloid tumors in soft tissues of the neck].", "content": "Tumorous amyloid deposits in the neck region of a 31-year-old man caused difficulties in the preoperative differential diagnosis of a tumorous process of the thyroid gland. Several tumorous amyloid deposits compressing and eroding the left nevus vagus and having no connection to the trachea or thyroid gland were removed. Such isolated tumorous amyloid deposits in the neck region have not been described before. Histologically no thyroid tissue was found. A medullar cancer of the thyorid gland that has to be excluded in such cases was not found.", "contents": "[Amyloid tumors in soft tissues of the neck]. Tumorous amyloid deposits in the neck region of a 31-year-old man caused difficulties in the preoperative differential diagnosis of a tumorous process of the thyroid gland. Several tumorous amyloid deposits compressing and eroding the left nevus vagus and having no connection to the trachea or thyroid gland were removed. Such isolated tumorous amyloid deposits in the neck region have not been described before. Histologically no thyroid tissue was found. A medullar cancer of the thyorid gland that has to be excluded in such cases was not found.", "PMID": 991697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4381", "title": "[Injuries of the central base of the skull].", "content": "In different types of lesions, especially in frontobasal and laterobasal ones, the central base of the skull is injured, too (in about 20% of severe frontabasal lesions). Surgical treatment is necessary. Examination of intra- and infrabasal structures and localized intracranial operations may be performed by transthemoidal-transphenoidal or transpyramidal approaches. Main problems are the treatment of dura lesions, the control of hemorrhages, the examination of the optic nerve, and the compensation of disturbances of central regulation. The above experiences we gathered from patients in the ORL Clinic of Jena University.", "contents": "[Injuries of the central base of the skull]. In different types of lesions, especially in frontobasal and laterobasal ones, the central base of the skull is injured, too (in about 20% of severe frontabasal lesions). Surgical treatment is necessary. Examination of intra- and infrabasal structures and localized intracranial operations may be performed by transthemoidal-transphenoidal or transpyramidal approaches. Main problems are the treatment of dura lesions, the control of hemorrhages, the examination of the optic nerve, and the compensation of disturbances of central regulation. The above experiences we gathered from patients in the ORL Clinic of Jena University.", "PMID": 991698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4382", "title": "[Sequelae of injuries on the lower urogenital system].", "content": "A description of aetiology, symptomatology, and diagnosis of traumatic lesions of the bladder, urethra, and genital organs is followed by a critical discussion of therapy. Contributions to these topics coming from round-table discussions, held at several international urological meetings during the past few years, are considered. Important points concerning traumatic lesions of the bladder, and the male, female, and infant urethra are stressed. Consideration is given to diagnostic methods and to surgical methods relative to localisation, degree, and age of urethral lesion. Complications resulting with and without therapy are laid down.", "contents": "[Sequelae of injuries on the lower urogenital system]. A description of aetiology, symptomatology, and diagnosis of traumatic lesions of the bladder, urethra, and genital organs is followed by a critical discussion of therapy. Contributions to these topics coming from round-table discussions, held at several international urological meetings during the past few years, are considered. Important points concerning traumatic lesions of the bladder, and the male, female, and infant urethra are stressed. Consideration is given to diagnostic methods and to surgical methods relative to localisation, degree, and age of urethral lesion. Complications resulting with and without therapy are laid down.", "PMID": 991699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4383", "title": "Colonic anastomosis-a new approach: preliminary report.", "content": "The exact incidence of colonic anastomotic breakdown is difficult to assess. The low incidence reported on the basis of clinical observation only is misleading, since it has been demonstrated that leakages occur without clinical manifestation. Better evaluation of the rate of incidence will require meticulous postoperative investigation, as shown by Goligher. A new colonic anastomosis was performed in 24 cases of high and low anterior resections. The principal of forming a seromuscular cuff has been employed. The encouraging results merit further trial.", "contents": "Colonic anastomosis-a new approach: preliminary report. The exact incidence of colonic anastomotic breakdown is difficult to assess. The low incidence reported on the basis of clinical observation only is misleading, since it has been demonstrated that leakages occur without clinical manifestation. Better evaluation of the rate of incidence will require meticulous postoperative investigation, as shown by Goligher. A new colonic anastomosis was performed in 24 cases of high and low anterior resections. The principal of forming a seromuscular cuff has been employed. The encouraging results merit further trial.", "PMID": 991710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4384", "title": "A metachronous colorectal tumor: report of a case.", "content": "A patient with a cancer of the colon or rectum is at increased risk for developing subsequent cancer of his remaining large bowel, particularly when associated polyps and papillomas are present, and when the initial resection is for two or more growths. Patients who develop signs and symptoms of large-bowel tumors following colonic resections for carcinoma should be completely evaluated for another primary tumor. If it is assumed that these patients simply have recurrences of their initial cancers and therefore they are not treated, many patients would be denied a potentially curative operation. All investigators agree that this group warrants long-term follow up, ideally with regular and double-contrast enema studies and sigmoidoscopy. Earlier diagnosis of a second colorectal cancer should improve the resectability rate and prognosis. Those patients with intact cell-mediated immunologic responses seem to do better after surgical treatment.", "contents": "A metachronous colorectal tumor: report of a case. A patient with a cancer of the colon or rectum is at increased risk for developing subsequent cancer of his remaining large bowel, particularly when associated polyps and papillomas are present, and when the initial resection is for two or more growths. Patients who develop signs and symptoms of large-bowel tumors following colonic resections for carcinoma should be completely evaluated for another primary tumor. If it is assumed that these patients simply have recurrences of their initial cancers and therefore they are not treated, many patients would be denied a potentially curative operation. All investigators agree that this group warrants long-term follow up, ideally with regular and double-contrast enema studies and sigmoidoscopy. Earlier diagnosis of a second colorectal cancer should improve the resectability rate and prognosis. Those patients with intact cell-mediated immunologic responses seem to do better after surgical treatment.", "PMID": 991713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4385", "title": "Combination preoperative radiation and chemotherapy in adenocarcinoma of the rectum: preliminary report.", "content": "The plausibility of preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of patients with carcinoma of the rectum is demonstrated. The finding of specimens with no tumor along with a higher proportion of Dukes' A lesions than expected was most encouraging. Whether this is a false impression because of the small number of patients, or whether it demonstrates upgrading of pathologic staging by preoperative adjuvant therapy, remains to be determined.", "contents": "Combination preoperative radiation and chemotherapy in adenocarcinoma of the rectum: preliminary report. The plausibility of preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of patients with carcinoma of the rectum is demonstrated. The finding of specimens with no tumor along with a higher proportion of Dukes' A lesions than expected was most encouraging. Whether this is a false impression because of the small number of patients, or whether it demonstrates upgrading of pathologic staging by preoperative adjuvant therapy, remains to be determined.", "PMID": 991708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4386", "title": "Purulent pericarditis occurring in a patient with cecal carcinoma: report of a case.", "content": "We report the unusual concatenation of cecal carcinoma complicated by bacteremia and purulent pericarditis. The organism responsible for the pericarditis was not definitely established. The pericarditis was successfully managed by surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy. Colonic surgery followed eradication of the pericarditis.", "contents": "Purulent pericarditis occurring in a patient with cecal carcinoma: report of a case. We report the unusual concatenation of cecal carcinoma complicated by bacteremia and purulent pericarditis. The organism responsible for the pericarditis was not definitely established. The pericarditis was successfully managed by surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy. Colonic surgery followed eradication of the pericarditis.", "PMID": 991715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4387", "title": "Clinical evaluation of acupuncture in 129 patients.", "content": "The scope of effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving pain was tested in an Acupuncture Clinic for nonemergency care: 129 patients were treated, mainly for intractable pain associated with a wide variety of conditions. Only mechanical stimulation was used. Acupuncture anesthesia was not evaluated. Response was excellent or good in 87 patients. Acupuncture was most effective in conditions attributable to musculoskeletal or visceral muscle spasm. In some situations it inhibited pain recurrence, such as menstrual cramps in subsequent periods. It did not mask pathology: pain recurred promptly if underlying stimulus persisted. Relief of pain was usually immediate; side effects were negligible. Neurophysiologic principles appear to offer a basis for explaining the mechanism of action. Acupuncture is sufficiently promising as an adjunct to standard medical methods to deserve clinical and theoretical investigation.", "contents": "Clinical evaluation of acupuncture in 129 patients. The scope of effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving pain was tested in an Acupuncture Clinic for nonemergency care: 129 patients were treated, mainly for intractable pain associated with a wide variety of conditions. Only mechanical stimulation was used. Acupuncture anesthesia was not evaluated. Response was excellent or good in 87 patients. Acupuncture was most effective in conditions attributable to musculoskeletal or visceral muscle spasm. In some situations it inhibited pain recurrence, such as menstrual cramps in subsequent periods. It did not mask pathology: pain recurred promptly if underlying stimulus persisted. Relief of pain was usually immediate; side effects were negligible. Neurophysiologic principles appear to offer a basis for explaining the mechanism of action. Acupuncture is sufficiently promising as an adjunct to standard medical methods to deserve clinical and theoretical investigation.", "PMID": 991721} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4388", "title": "Adenocarcinoma of the cecum manifesting as intussesception in a 16-year-old patient: report of a case.", "content": "A 16-year-old Negro girl underwent exploratory laparotomy for ileocecal intussusception and was found to have moderately well-differentiated mucin-producing adenocarcinoma of the ileocecal valve. Specific aspects of this disease in children are discussed and an appeal for early diagnostic studies in cases of children who complain of weight loss, chronic constipation, and abdominal pain is made. Finially, on the basis of the natural history of the disease, a \"second-look\" operation is recommended.", "contents": "Adenocarcinoma of the cecum manifesting as intussesception in a 16-year-old patient: report of a case. A 16-year-old Negro girl underwent exploratory laparotomy for ileocecal intussusception and was found to have moderately well-differentiated mucin-producing adenocarcinoma of the ileocecal valve. Specific aspects of this disease in children are discussed and an appeal for early diagnostic studies in cases of children who complain of weight loss, chronic constipation, and abdominal pain is made. Finially, on the basis of the natural history of the disease, a \"second-look\" operation is recommended.", "PMID": 991711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4389", "title": "Central core disease--a congenital myopathy.", "content": "A case is reported of a 28-year-old woman with central core disease who prior to muscle biopsy was diagnosed to have muscular dystrophy. Histologic evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of central core disease, a nonprogressive or slowly progressive disorder of voluntary muscle belonging to a group of muscle diseases called benign congenital myopathies. The clinical and pathologic features fo this benign disorder are reviewed. Two sons were examined and found to be normal.", "contents": "Central core disease--a congenital myopathy. A case is reported of a 28-year-old woman with central core disease who prior to muscle biopsy was diagnosed to have muscular dystrophy. Histologic evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of central core disease, a nonprogressive or slowly progressive disorder of voluntary muscle belonging to a group of muscle diseases called benign congenital myopathies. The clinical and pathologic features fo this benign disorder are reviewed. Two sons were examined and found to be normal.", "PMID": 991722} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4390", "title": "Volvulus of the transverse colon, a long-term complication of hemicolectomy: report of a case.", "content": "A redundant limb of ileum left after a hemicolectomy is postulated to be the causative factor in a case of volvulus of the transverse colon and distal ileum after hemicolectomy 20 years before. A case is presented and the etiology of volvulus briefly discussed.", "contents": "Volvulus of the transverse colon, a long-term complication of hemicolectomy: report of a case. A redundant limb of ileum left after a hemicolectomy is postulated to be the causative factor in a case of volvulus of the transverse colon and distal ileum after hemicolectomy 20 years before. A case is presented and the etiology of volvulus briefly discussed.", "PMID": 991712} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4391", "title": "Detachment of the continent ileostomy poucn from the anterior abdominal wall: report of two unusual cases.", "content": "The cases of two patients with continent ileostomies are presented. These illustrate the problems encountered with detachment of the pouch from the abdominal wall resulting in angulation of the efferent loop of the pouch in relation to the nipple valve and difficulty intubating the pouch. Both patients required operative correction of the separation. Several suggestions are made in order to prevent or decrease the incidence of the complications. Removal of a peritoneal strip around the efferent loop of the pouch appears to facilitate adequate fixation of the pouch to the anterior abdominal wall.", "contents": "Detachment of the continent ileostomy poucn from the anterior abdominal wall: report of two unusual cases. The cases of two patients with continent ileostomies are presented. These illustrate the problems encountered with detachment of the pouch from the abdominal wall resulting in angulation of the efferent loop of the pouch in relation to the nipple valve and difficulty intubating the pouch. Both patients required operative correction of the separation. Several suggestions are made in order to prevent or decrease the incidence of the complications. Removal of a peritoneal strip around the efferent loop of the pouch appears to facilitate adequate fixation of the pouch to the anterior abdominal wall.", "PMID": 991716} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4392", "title": "Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumoretroperitoneum, and pneumomediastinum following rectal surgery: report of a case and review of the literature.", "content": "A case of retroperitoneal, mediastinal, and subcutaneous emphysema following rectal surgery is described. This complication has not been reported in medical literature. Treatment was based on the fear of a more extensive and irreversible situation, because on the basis of the single case, it could not be demonstrated that the intestinal gas was not associated with infection.", "contents": "Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumoretroperitoneum, and pneumomediastinum following rectal surgery: report of a case and review of the literature. A case of retroperitoneal, mediastinal, and subcutaneous emphysema following rectal surgery is described. This complication has not been reported in medical literature. Treatment was based on the fear of a more extensive and irreversible situation, because on the basis of the single case, it could not be demonstrated that the intestinal gas was not associated with infection.", "PMID": 991717} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4393", "title": "[Treatment of hyperuricaemia with a combination of allopurinol and benzbromaron (author's transl)].", "content": "Three patients with gout and seven with hyperuricaemia, previously untreated, took a single dose of 100 mg allopurinol and 20 mg benzbromaron (as a combined preparation) each morning. There occurred a highly significant decrease in serum uric acid concentration from 430.7 mumol/l (72.4 mg/l) to 268.6 mumol/l (45.2 mg/l), without any significant increase in urinary excretion of uric acid.", "contents": "[Treatment of hyperuricaemia with a combination of allopurinol and benzbromaron (author's transl)]. Three patients with gout and seven with hyperuricaemia, previously untreated, took a single dose of 100 mg allopurinol and 20 mg benzbromaron (as a combined preparation) each morning. There occurred a highly significant decrease in serum uric acid concentration from 430.7 mumol/l (72.4 mg/l) to 268.6 mumol/l (45.2 mg/l), without any significant increase in urinary excretion of uric acid.", "PMID": 991731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4394", "title": "[Heterologous grafts (from calves) in peripheral arterial reconstruction (author's transl)].", "content": "A new collagen graft from calves was used in 45 patients with a variety of peripheral arterial occlusions. Favourable early results were obtained in two-thirds of cases, but late results are not yet available.", "contents": "[Heterologous grafts (from calves) in peripheral arterial reconstruction (author's transl)]. A new collagen graft from calves was used in 45 patients with a variety of peripheral arterial occlusions. Favourable early results were obtained in two-thirds of cases, but late results are not yet available.", "PMID": 991739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4395", "title": "[A new immunochemical tube test for pregnancy using the latex-agglutination inhibition reaction. II. Clinical results (author's transl)].", "content": "In a multi-centre study 1117 morning urine samples were tested using the new immunochemical pregnancy tube test (Roche), based on the principle of indirect latex-agglutination inhibition. The test proved to be both qualitatively and semi-guantitatively suitable for demonstration of HCG in urine. There was only one false-negative result among 320 pregnancy tests (after 50th postmenstrual day). In 94 early pregnancies (test done before the 50th day) there were only two false-negative results. No false-positive result were seen. In the prognosis of threatened abortion, diagnosis of incomplete abortion, hydatid cyst, or chorionepithelioma the semiquantitative performance of the test was clinically useful and especially suitable because the result of the agglutination-inhibition reaction is unequivocal.", "contents": "[A new immunochemical tube test for pregnancy using the latex-agglutination inhibition reaction. II. Clinical results (author's transl)]. In a multi-centre study 1117 morning urine samples were tested using the new immunochemical pregnancy tube test (Roche), based on the principle of indirect latex-agglutination inhibition. The test proved to be both qualitatively and semi-guantitatively suitable for demonstration of HCG in urine. There was only one false-negative result among 320 pregnancy tests (after 50th postmenstrual day). In 94 early pregnancies (test done before the 50th day) there were only two false-negative results. No false-positive result were seen. In the prognosis of threatened abortion, diagnosis of incomplete abortion, hydatid cyst, or chorionepithelioma the semiquantitative performance of the test was clinically useful and especially suitable because the result of the agglutination-inhibition reaction is unequivocal.", "PMID": 991740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4396", "title": "[Duodenogastric reflux and stress ulcer (author's transl)].", "content": "Duodenogastric reflux in 14 patients in an intensive care unit was compared with that in 12 healthy controls. In addition, intragastric bromsulphalein concentration was measured up to 60 minutes after intravenous administration. Reflux was much more frequent in the intensive-care patients and correlated with the incidence of gastric erosions and stress ulcers. Reflux is apparently one of three factors (in addition to ischaemia and HCl) which synergistically lead to stress-induced lesions of the gastric mucosa.", "contents": "[Duodenogastric reflux and stress ulcer (author's transl)]. Duodenogastric reflux in 14 patients in an intensive care unit was compared with that in 12 healthy controls. In addition, intragastric bromsulphalein concentration was measured up to 60 minutes after intravenous administration. Reflux was much more frequent in the intensive-care patients and correlated with the incidence of gastric erosions and stress ulcers. Reflux is apparently one of three factors (in addition to ischaemia and HCl) which synergistically lead to stress-induced lesions of the gastric mucosa.", "PMID": 991741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4397", "title": "[Total parathyroidectomy and autologous parathyroid transplantation in secondary hyperparathyroidism (author's transl)].", "content": "In a 17-year-old female patient with marked secondary hyperparathyroidism and progressive bone changes all four parathyroid glands were removed. Part of the endocrine tissue was reimplanted into the muscles of the forearm. The transplant took successfully and showed a satisfactory function. Total parathyroidectomy and autologous parathyroid transplantation has a number of advantages as compared with subtotal parathyroidectomy: The function of the transplant can be directly observed and tissue can be easily removed in the further course of the disease. It is thus possible to regulate parathormone secretion over long periods in patients with chronic renal failure.", "contents": "[Total parathyroidectomy and autologous parathyroid transplantation in secondary hyperparathyroidism (author's transl)]. In a 17-year-old female patient with marked secondary hyperparathyroidism and progressive bone changes all four parathyroid glands were removed. Part of the endocrine tissue was reimplanted into the muscles of the forearm. The transplant took successfully and showed a satisfactory function. Total parathyroidectomy and autologous parathyroid transplantation has a number of advantages as compared with subtotal parathyroidectomy: The function of the transplant can be directly observed and tissue can be easily removed in the further course of the disease. It is thus possible to regulate parathormone secretion over long periods in patients with chronic renal failure.", "PMID": 991747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4398", "title": "[Significance of the size of an acute infarct for left ventricular haemodynamics (author's transl)].", "content": "Acute infarct size was estimated from serial determinations of creatine-kinase (CK) activity. In 15 patients the infarct size was obtained post-mortem, using nitro-blue-tetrazolium stain. There was good correlation between the two measurements (r = 0.98). The relationship between the calculated infarct size and haemodynamic values was obtained in 50 patients (end-diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure [PAEDP], cardiac output, stroke volume, stroke volume/filling pressure of left ventricle [SVI/PAEDP]). On average there was a tendency towards impaired left ventricular haemodynamics with increasing infarct size. Among the survivors the infarct size (51 g) was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of those who had died (83 g). PAEDP at 24 mm Hg was significantly higher in those who died than in the survivors (17 mm Hg), cardiac index was 2.95 l/min-m2 in the survivors compared with 2.14 l/min-m2, while SVI/PAEDP was 2.4 ml/m2-mm Hg in the former and 0.9 ml/m2-mm Hg in the latter. However, in individual cases the infarct size sometimes did not correlate with haemodynamic values. Taking into account infarct size and haemodynamics, four classes could be distinguished: (a) infarct size less than 65 g with good haemodynamics (PAEDP less than 18 mm Hg, normal cardiac index); (b) infarct size greater than 65 g with PAEDP greater than 18 mm Hg and markedly reduced cardiac index). Only 10% of those a to c had previously had infarcts, compared with 60% of those in class d (infarct less than 65 g, PAEDP above 18 mm Hg). Small infarcts with markedly impaired haemodynamics thus indicate that there has been previous damage to remaining myocardium.", "contents": "[Significance of the size of an acute infarct for left ventricular haemodynamics (author's transl)]. Acute infarct size was estimated from serial determinations of creatine-kinase (CK) activity. In 15 patients the infarct size was obtained post-mortem, using nitro-blue-tetrazolium stain. There was good correlation between the two measurements (r = 0.98). The relationship between the calculated infarct size and haemodynamic values was obtained in 50 patients (end-diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure [PAEDP], cardiac output, stroke volume, stroke volume/filling pressure of left ventricle [SVI/PAEDP]). On average there was a tendency towards impaired left ventricular haemodynamics with increasing infarct size. Among the survivors the infarct size (51 g) was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of those who had died (83 g). PAEDP at 24 mm Hg was significantly higher in those who died than in the survivors (17 mm Hg), cardiac index was 2.95 l/min-m2 in the survivors compared with 2.14 l/min-m2, while SVI/PAEDP was 2.4 ml/m2-mm Hg in the former and 0.9 ml/m2-mm Hg in the latter. However, in individual cases the infarct size sometimes did not correlate with haemodynamic values. Taking into account infarct size and haemodynamics, four classes could be distinguished: (a) infarct size less than 65 g with good haemodynamics (PAEDP less than 18 mm Hg, normal cardiac index); (b) infarct size greater than 65 g with PAEDP greater than 18 mm Hg and markedly reduced cardiac index). Only 10% of those a to c had previously had infarcts, compared with 60% of those in class d (infarct less than 65 g, PAEDP above 18 mm Hg). Small infarcts with markedly impaired haemodynamics thus indicate that there has been previous damage to remaining myocardium.", "PMID": 991748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4399", "title": "[Bleeding times in haemophilia patients treated with lyophilised antihaemophilic globulin (AHG) (author's transl)].", "content": "Tests on 16 patients with haemophilia A confirmed earlier studies that bleeding times may be prolonged after treatment with antihaemophilic globulin (AHG). Despite adequate factor VIII substitution by AHG, treatment effect was unsatisfactory in all 16 patients and there were abnormally prolonged bleeding times after several AHG infusions. But determination of bleeding times after single AHG infusion provides no pointer to possible later problems.", "contents": "[Bleeding times in haemophilia patients treated with lyophilised antihaemophilic globulin (AHG) (author's transl)]. Tests on 16 patients with haemophilia A confirmed earlier studies that bleeding times may be prolonged after treatment with antihaemophilic globulin (AHG). Despite adequate factor VIII substitution by AHG, treatment effect was unsatisfactory in all 16 patients and there were abnormally prolonged bleeding times after several AHG infusions. But determination of bleeding times after single AHG infusion provides no pointer to possible later problems.", "PMID": 991757} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4400", "title": "[Spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus (author's transl)].", "content": "During the last 4 years three so-called spontaneous perforations of the oesophagus were treated, twice by surgical intervention 12 anys after the rupture. Two patients survived. The classical history of retching or vomiting and retrosternal splitting pain is indicative, wht medium, amidotrizoate sodium (Gastrografin), from the oesophagus. Prognosis depends decisively on the time of operation after the rupture. Direct suture of the rupture with plastic coverage of the defect by sewing on of the gastric fundus or by plication of the fundus have proved valuable.", "contents": "[Spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus (author's transl)]. During the last 4 years three so-called spontaneous perforations of the oesophagus were treated, twice by surgical intervention 12 anys after the rupture. Two patients survived. The classical history of retching or vomiting and retrosternal splitting pain is indicative, wht medium, amidotrizoate sodium (Gastrografin), from the oesophagus. Prognosis depends decisively on the time of operation after the rupture. Direct suture of the rupture with plastic coverage of the defect by sewing on of the gastric fundus or by plication of the fundus have proved valuable.", "PMID": 991758} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4401", "title": "[Successful zinc treatment of a severe case of acrodermatitis enteropathica (author's tteropathica].", "content": "A 24-year-old patient treated with hydroxychinoline preparations without cure for acrodermatitis enteropathica since he was nine years old was given zinc oxide orally, at first 50 mg three times, later twice daily. Zinc concentrations in blood plasma, whole blood and sputum were serially determined. At the start of treatment they were significantly below that in four healthy controls. One week after starting zinc therapy the blood level had returned to normal and with it the changes in skin, hair and nails had regressed, as had the emotional disturbances.", "contents": "[Successful zinc treatment of a severe case of acrodermatitis enteropathica (author's tteropathica]. A 24-year-old patient treated with hydroxychinoline preparations without cure for acrodermatitis enteropathica since he was nine years old was given zinc oxide orally, at first 50 mg three times, later twice daily. Zinc concentrations in blood plasma, whole blood and sputum were serially determined. At the start of treatment they were significantly below that in four healthy controls. One week after starting zinc therapy the blood level had returned to normal and with it the changes in skin, hair and nails had regressed, as had the emotional disturbances.", "PMID": 991759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4402", "title": "[A highly sensitive C-terminal specific radioimmunoassay for human parathormone as a routine method (author's transl)].", "content": "The basis for the radioimmunoassay of parathormone (PTH) as a routine method is a new sheep antiserum and a labelled PTH stabilised by a modification of the purification technique. The antiserum is obtained by immunisation with pig and cattle parathormone, it is C-terminal specific and is used in the assay in a final dilution of 1:35000. The affinity to human PTH is markedly greater than of the antisera used up to now. Two purification steps of 125J labelled bovine PTH lead to a tracer with a nonspecific binding of approximately 5% which increases to approximately 10% within 6 weeks. All normal sera investigated so far were measurable quantitatively (normal range 0.7 to 2.5 mul/equiv.). The lower sensitivity range was at 0.3 mul/equiv. All patients with chronic renal insufficiency and dialysis patients have an increased PTH concentration (3.9 to greater than 20 mul/equiv.). This also applies to patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (2.9 to greater than 20 mul/equiv.).", "contents": "[A highly sensitive C-terminal specific radioimmunoassay for human parathormone as a routine method (author's transl)]. The basis for the radioimmunoassay of parathormone (PTH) as a routine method is a new sheep antiserum and a labelled PTH stabilised by a modification of the purification technique. The antiserum is obtained by immunisation with pig and cattle parathormone, it is C-terminal specific and is used in the assay in a final dilution of 1:35000. The affinity to human PTH is markedly greater than of the antisera used up to now. Two purification steps of 125J labelled bovine PTH lead to a tracer with a nonspecific binding of approximately 5% which increases to approximately 10% within 6 weeks. All normal sera investigated so far were measurable quantitatively (normal range 0.7 to 2.5 mul/equiv.). The lower sensitivity range was at 0.3 mul/equiv. All patients with chronic renal insufficiency and dialysis patients have an increased PTH concentration (3.9 to greater than 20 mul/equiv.). This also applies to patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (2.9 to greater than 20 mul/equiv.).", "PMID": 991760} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4403", "title": "[Haemodynamic effect of dobutamine in cardiac failure (author's transl)].", "content": "Dobutamine, a new catecholamine with a positive inotropic action, was given by infusion to 9 patients with cardiac failure in a dosage of 5 and 7.5 mug/kg-min over a period of 15 minutes. An improvement of left ventricular function was proven by an increase of cardiac output by 33%, a reduction of end-diastolic pressure from 21 to 14 mm Hg, an improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction from 29 to 39% and of the mean circumferential fibre contraction velocity from 0.4 to 0.8 circ/s. The systolic aortic pressure increased by a mean of 14% (5 mug/kg-min) and 23% (7.5 mug/kg-min). However, the resistance of the systemic circulation decreased from 1858 to 1439 and 1444 dyn-s-cm-5. Cardiac frequency remained unchanged with a dosage of 5 mug/kg-min and increased by a mere 7 beats/min with a dosage of 7.5 mug/kg-min. There was no increased tendency for arrhythmia. Dobutamine thus appears to act relatively selectively on myocardial beta-1 receptors. Results so far indicate therapeutic success in patients with severe cardiac failure, particularly in the low-output syndrome.", "contents": "[Haemodynamic effect of dobutamine in cardiac failure (author's transl)]. Dobutamine, a new catecholamine with a positive inotropic action, was given by infusion to 9 patients with cardiac failure in a dosage of 5 and 7.5 mug/kg-min over a period of 15 minutes. An improvement of left ventricular function was proven by an increase of cardiac output by 33%, a reduction of end-diastolic pressure from 21 to 14 mm Hg, an improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction from 29 to 39% and of the mean circumferential fibre contraction velocity from 0.4 to 0.8 circ/s. The systolic aortic pressure increased by a mean of 14% (5 mug/kg-min) and 23% (7.5 mug/kg-min). However, the resistance of the systemic circulation decreased from 1858 to 1439 and 1444 dyn-s-cm-5. Cardiac frequency remained unchanged with a dosage of 5 mug/kg-min and increased by a mere 7 beats/min with a dosage of 7.5 mug/kg-min. There was no increased tendency for arrhythmia. Dobutamine thus appears to act relatively selectively on myocardial beta-1 receptors. Results so far indicate therapeutic success in patients with severe cardiac failure, particularly in the low-output syndrome.", "PMID": 991768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4404", "title": "[On the method of indirect electrogastrography and its diagnostic applicability (author's transl)].", "content": "The cutaneous recording of the gastric electrical activity according to the modified method of Sobakin was utilized. In fasting individuals changes in potential occured between 2 and 5 per min., in most of the cases after standard breakfast the frequency increased while lower amplitudes appeared. The frequency of electrical waves from the duodenum increased remarkably. It could be demonstrated that the peristalsis recorded by gastroscopy was synchronous with the electrogastrographic potentials. The applicability of the method for clinical diagnostic purposes is limited at the present time, because a \"normal\" electrogastrogram has not yet been established. Specific changes of the electrogastrogram have not been observed in various gastric diseases, which may be verified by routine diagnostic procedures.", "contents": "[On the method of indirect electrogastrography and its diagnostic applicability (author's transl)]. The cutaneous recording of the gastric electrical activity according to the modified method of Sobakin was utilized. In fasting individuals changes in potential occured between 2 and 5 per min., in most of the cases after standard breakfast the frequency increased while lower amplitudes appeared. The frequency of electrical waves from the duodenum increased remarkably. It could be demonstrated that the peristalsis recorded by gastroscopy was synchronous with the electrogastrographic potentials. The applicability of the method for clinical diagnostic purposes is limited at the present time, because a \"normal\" electrogastrogram has not yet been established. Specific changes of the electrogastrogram have not been observed in various gastric diseases, which may be verified by routine diagnostic procedures.", "PMID": 991794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4405", "title": "[Paradoxical effects of neuroleptics].", "content": "Paradoxical effects of major tranquillizers are discussed by the author about his observation on two patients, above all in connection with the sedative and stimulating properties of these drugs. These two observations concern a treatment with Haloperidol at high dosages giving surprising effects: syndrom of excitement with an increase in delusive activity along with hallucinations and a touch of depressive mood. From this point of view, a few questions can be raised about the correlation between the antipsychotic activity of the major tranquillizers and these sedative or stimulating effects. The author has also discussed the stress upon mood.", "contents": "[Paradoxical effects of neuroleptics]. Paradoxical effects of major tranquillizers are discussed by the author about his observation on two patients, above all in connection with the sedative and stimulating properties of these drugs. These two observations concern a treatment with Haloperidol at high dosages giving surprising effects: syndrom of excitement with an increase in delusive activity along with hallucinations and a touch of depressive mood. From this point of view, a few questions can be raised about the correlation between the antipsychotic activity of the major tranquillizers and these sedative or stimulating effects. The author has also discussed the stress upon mood.", "PMID": 991797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4406", "title": "[Present status of narcissism].", "content": "From the book \"The Analysis of the self\" by Heinz KOHUT, recently translated into French, the author studies how several notions coming from the psychanalysis of those cases may be used in practical psychiatry, more particularly the notions of: self-object, grandiose self, double cleavage, independance of the development of the libido and narcissim.", "contents": "[Present status of narcissism]. From the book \"The Analysis of the self\" by Heinz KOHUT, recently translated into French, the author studies how several notions coming from the psychanalysis of those cases may be used in practical psychiatry, more particularly the notions of: self-object, grandiose self, double cleavage, independance of the development of the libido and narcissim.", "PMID": 991798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4407", "title": "[An apperture effect in hypochondria].", "content": "It is usual to consider hypocondriac patients as jailed in their own bodies; of course, this jail may be a protection against declared paranoiac or paranoid states. However, our experience has shown us that in certain cases, there are some possibilities of aperture if we feel ourself free enough with our medical identity and if we keep silent as long as the patient is not able to hear us. A step is then allowed to him. Our prudent remark concerns the story which is then gradually revealed: it is often the story of the secret of maternal suffering which is enclosed in his own body.", "contents": "[An apperture effect in hypochondria]. It is usual to consider hypocondriac patients as jailed in their own bodies; of course, this jail may be a protection against declared paranoiac or paranoid states. However, our experience has shown us that in certain cases, there are some possibilities of aperture if we feel ourself free enough with our medical identity and if we keep silent as long as the patient is not able to hear us. A step is then allowed to him. Our prudent remark concerns the story which is then gradually revealed: it is often the story of the secret of maternal suffering which is enclosed in his own body.", "PMID": 991799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4408", "title": "[The psychiatric examination as the first \"therapeutic act\"].", "content": "The author thinks that psychiatric examination (asked by the judge) can be a therapeutic act: the first. The expert should not think he is a therapeutic man, nor should he say he is, but he must create by his intervention the circumstances that are necessary for a therapy.", "contents": "[The psychiatric examination as the first \"therapeutic act\"]. The author thinks that psychiatric examination (asked by the judge) can be a therapeutic act: the first. The expert should not think he is a therapeutic man, nor should he say he is, but he must create by his intervention the circumstances that are necessary for a therapy.", "PMID": 991800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4409", "title": "[Blood level of tryptophan in psychiatric diseases].", "content": "The dosage of the free tryptophan and of the total tryptophan is interesting in psychiatric diseases when a possible role of serotonin is suspected: endogenous melancolia, schizophrenia, sleep disorders. The dosage of tryptophan is made by ultracentrifugation and separation then spectrofluorimetry by increasing 15 times the native fluorescence of tryptophan. The data are given for 16 healthy volunteers and 12 schizophrenics treated and not treated. The methodology of sampling is described and must be strictly standardized to get interpretable data.", "contents": "[Blood level of tryptophan in psychiatric diseases]. The dosage of the free tryptophan and of the total tryptophan is interesting in psychiatric diseases when a possible role of serotonin is suspected: endogenous melancolia, schizophrenia, sleep disorders. The dosage of tryptophan is made by ultracentrifugation and separation then spectrofluorimetry by increasing 15 times the native fluorescence of tryptophan. The data are given for 16 healthy volunteers and 12 schizophrenics treated and not treated. The methodology of sampling is described and must be strictly standardized to get interpretable data.", "PMID": 991801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4410", "title": "[Regional medico-psychologic centers].", "content": "The intervention of the psychiatrist in the prison world is a comparatively recent phenomenon, since it has been actually effective only since 1945 onwards, at least in France. It is not until 1959 that the Penal Regulations have provided for the setting up of Regional Medical and Psychological Centers (C.M.P.R.). Among the main duties of these centers, the following two are of paramount importance: -- The supervision and treatment of patients who, although they are free from mental disorders calling for institutionalization, show behavioral troubles which may create difficulties, or danger, if they are remanded in normal custody; -- Psychiatrist's advice and, if required (albeit not compulsorily), prescription of medicines. Psychiatrist's advice may be sought either at the request of the inmate (which is the most common procedure), or of the other medical staff of the prison, or required by the Judicial Authority or Administration. The major cause of concern currently challenging the C.M.P.R. is the always unsufficient, and sometimes underqualified, staff.", "contents": "[Regional medico-psychologic centers]. The intervention of the psychiatrist in the prison world is a comparatively recent phenomenon, since it has been actually effective only since 1945 onwards, at least in France. It is not until 1959 that the Penal Regulations have provided for the setting up of Regional Medical and Psychological Centers (C.M.P.R.). Among the main duties of these centers, the following two are of paramount importance: -- The supervision and treatment of patients who, although they are free from mental disorders calling for institutionalization, show behavioral troubles which may create difficulties, or danger, if they are remanded in normal custody; -- Psychiatrist's advice and, if required (albeit not compulsorily), prescription of medicines. Psychiatrist's advice may be sought either at the request of the inmate (which is the most common procedure), or of the other medical staff of the prison, or required by the Judicial Authority or Administration. The major cause of concern currently challenging the C.M.P.R. is the always unsufficient, and sometimes underqualified, staff.", "PMID": 991802} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4411", "title": "[Grandmothers in child psychiatry].", "content": "Presenting three case-histories, the author stresses on the importance of grand mother psychopathology-- There upon he discusses some special aspect relevant in child psychiatry.", "contents": "[Grandmothers in child psychiatry]. Presenting three case-histories, the author stresses on the importance of grand mother psychopathology-- There upon he discusses some special aspect relevant in child psychiatry.", "PMID": 991803} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4412", "title": "[From N-doep to psychodrama].", "content": "The interest taken in traditional African Therapies was classically supported by a system of anthropological eurocentric references, motivated amongst other things by a folkloric curiosity. The socio-political evolution has progressively modified the vision of ethnologic teams of psycho-sociologists and psychiatrists. COLLOMB and LAMBO permitted recognition of a psycho-pathology which integrates with the cultural reality of the Africans and the Negros. The O.M.S. at present is supervising a number of enquiries into traditional African medicine. Obviously, such an ideological mutation imposes on occidental psychiatry the conceptualisation sociometry of certain traditional group therapies, distinctly making n'doep the forerunner in morenian psychodrama, and putting the healer in the position of leader in certain domains of modern psychiatry. Should occidental Europe be listening to the African Models?", "contents": "[From N-doep to psychodrama]. The interest taken in traditional African Therapies was classically supported by a system of anthropological eurocentric references, motivated amongst other things by a folkloric curiosity. The socio-political evolution has progressively modified the vision of ethnologic teams of psycho-sociologists and psychiatrists. COLLOMB and LAMBO permitted recognition of a psycho-pathology which integrates with the cultural reality of the Africans and the Negros. The O.M.S. at present is supervising a number of enquiries into traditional African medicine. Obviously, such an ideological mutation imposes on occidental psychiatry the conceptualisation sociometry of certain traditional group therapies, distinctly making n'doep the forerunner in morenian psychodrama, and putting the healer in the position of leader in certain domains of modern psychiatry. Should occidental Europe be listening to the African Models?", "PMID": 991804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4413", "title": "[Influence of psychotropic therapy on thrombogenesis and platelet functions. A propos of 4 cases of thromboembolic accidents occurring in patients treated by neuroleptics and antidepressants].", "content": "Thromboembolic complications secondary to psychiatric therapy are known but relatively rare. Four pulmonary embolisms happening in a few months' time in our services have lead us to reconsider the incidence of psychotropes on thrombogenesis, and more particularly on the aggregability of blood-platelets. We have found hyperaggregability curves for a significant number of cases in patients undergoing treatment in comparison with reference patients undergoing no treatment. We have tried to explain the difference in the results of works concerning the aggregability of blood-platelets and psychotropes by problems of dosage and of level of action of these medications and of their metabolites, the effects often oposite for a limit dose, the danger of extrapolating in vivo the results found in vitro, finally the complexity and numerous unknown elements in the working of aggregation of blood-platelets.", "contents": "[Influence of psychotropic therapy on thrombogenesis and platelet functions. A propos of 4 cases of thromboembolic accidents occurring in patients treated by neuroleptics and antidepressants]. Thromboembolic complications secondary to psychiatric therapy are known but relatively rare. Four pulmonary embolisms happening in a few months' time in our services have lead us to reconsider the incidence of psychotropes on thrombogenesis, and more particularly on the aggregability of blood-platelets. We have found hyperaggregability curves for a significant number of cases in patients undergoing treatment in comparison with reference patients undergoing no treatment. We have tried to explain the difference in the results of works concerning the aggregability of blood-platelets and psychotropes by problems of dosage and of level of action of these medications and of their metabolites, the effects often oposite for a limit dose, the danger of extrapolating in vivo the results found in vitro, finally the complexity and numerous unknown elements in the working of aggregation of blood-platelets.", "PMID": 991805} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4414", "title": "[Chemotherapy of melancholia by sequential neuroleptic-viloxazine association].", "content": "Viloxazine administered as a unique antidepressant may in some cases cause an aggravation of anxiety and agitation or manic states. In order to control this effect, we thought of administering neuroleptics and anxiolytics: 1) Before Viloxazine for a few days. 2) Then during antidepressant treatment. The results were as follow: 1) Quick and efficient upon melancholic states in manic -- depressive psychoses. 2) Irregular and questionable upon other depressions.", "contents": "[Chemotherapy of melancholia by sequential neuroleptic-viloxazine association]. Viloxazine administered as a unique antidepressant may in some cases cause an aggravation of anxiety and agitation or manic states. In order to control this effect, we thought of administering neuroleptics and anxiolytics: 1) Before Viloxazine for a few days. 2) Then during antidepressant treatment. The results were as follow: 1) Quick and efficient upon melancholic states in manic -- depressive psychoses. 2) Irregular and questionable upon other depressions.", "PMID": 991806} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4415", "title": "[Pharmacokinetic profile of perphenazine enanthate].", "content": "Publications on blood kinetics, biotransformations, excretion and tissular distribution of Perphenazine and its enanthic ester were analyzed. They allowed to make the pharmacokinetic profile of Perphenazine Enanthate, a long-acting neuroleptic, and to draw some information concerning its therapeutic use.", "contents": "[Pharmacokinetic profile of perphenazine enanthate]. Publications on blood kinetics, biotransformations, excretion and tissular distribution of Perphenazine and its enanthic ester were analyzed. They allowed to make the pharmacokinetic profile of Perphenazine Enanthate, a long-acting neuroleptic, and to draw some information concerning its therapeutic use.", "PMID": 991807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4416", "title": "[The use of rating scales for the study of diagnostic models: recognition of the uncertainties in classification principles].", "content": "In a cross cultural comparison of diagnostic concepts, we obtained from 45 expert italian psychiatrits symptom rating profiles, in terms of B.P.R.S., of the 12 most used diagnostic categories. While for 11 diagnostic concepts agreement was reasonably good, for cyclo\u00efd psychosis the variability of results supported the conclusion that this diagnostic concept is rather non specific among italian psychiatrists.", "contents": "[The use of rating scales for the study of diagnostic models: recognition of the uncertainties in classification principles]. In a cross cultural comparison of diagnostic concepts, we obtained from 45 expert italian psychiatrits symptom rating profiles, in terms of B.P.R.S., of the 12 most used diagnostic categories. While for 11 diagnostic concepts agreement was reasonably good, for cyclo\u00efd psychosis the variability of results supported the conclusion that this diagnostic concept is rather non specific among italian psychiatrists.", "PMID": 991808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4417", "title": "Circadian variations of the urinary excretion of catecholamines and electrolytes.", "content": "Concomitant measurements of circadian variations in the urinary excretion of dopamine (DA), homovanillic acid (HVA), norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E) as well as of creatinine, sodium and potassium under controlled dietary conditions during relative physical and emotional rest in 13 volunteers have shown that maximum excretion of all these substances occurred in the afternoon period between 14:30h and 18:00h, and minimum excretion in the morning between 4:00h and 5:00h. The changes were in some cases progressive from one collection period to the other, and synchronized for NE and E. DA and HVA excretions fluctuated from subject to subject. Excretory rhythms of sodium and potassium were found to be similar to those of the catecholamines. This can be explained by diurnal changes in renal blood flow and different renal excretory mechanisms of catecholamines. None of the catecholamines correlated with the urinary volume but urinary NE and E positively correlated with urinary creatinine, urinary NE and E with urinary DA and urinary sodium with urinary E. There are some common patterns in the diurnal rhythms of catecholamines and electrolytes but their interrelationship is different for individual catecholamines.", "contents": "Circadian variations of the urinary excretion of catecholamines and electrolytes. Concomitant measurements of circadian variations in the urinary excretion of dopamine (DA), homovanillic acid (HVA), norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E) as well as of creatinine, sodium and potassium under controlled dietary conditions during relative physical and emotional rest in 13 volunteers have shown that maximum excretion of all these substances occurred in the afternoon period between 14:30h and 18:00h, and minimum excretion in the morning between 4:00h and 5:00h. The changes were in some cases progressive from one collection period to the other, and synchronized for NE and E. DA and HVA excretions fluctuated from subject to subject. Excretory rhythms of sodium and potassium were found to be similar to those of the catecholamines. This can be explained by diurnal changes in renal blood flow and different renal excretory mechanisms of catecholamines. None of the catecholamines correlated with the urinary volume but urinary NE and E positively correlated with urinary creatinine, urinary NE and E with urinary DA and urinary sodium with urinary E. There are some common patterns in the diurnal rhythms of catecholamines and electrolytes but their interrelationship is different for individual catecholamines.", "PMID": 991809} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4418", "title": "Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin preparations on amino acid uptake and incorporation into protein in vitro.", "content": "Human chorionic gonadotropin preparations were tested for their effect on protein metabolism by cultured fibroblasts. Commercial preparations of HCG strongly inhibit amino acid uptake and incorporation into protein by a variety of human adult and fetal fibroblast lines, whereas, highly purified HCG is without such an effect.", "contents": "Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin preparations on amino acid uptake and incorporation into protein in vitro. Human chorionic gonadotropin preparations were tested for their effect on protein metabolism by cultured fibroblasts. Commercial preparations of HCG strongly inhibit amino acid uptake and incorporation into protein by a variety of human adult and fetal fibroblast lines, whereas, highly purified HCG is without such an effect.", "PMID": 991810} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4419", "title": "Action of prolactin on ornithine decarboxylase activity in mammary gland explants of mice.", "content": "Prolactin stimulated ornithine decarboxylase activity in mammary gland explants from midpregnant mice. The enhanced enzyme activity occurred in explants which were preincubated for 1 day in medium containing insulin, hydrocortisone, insulin plus hydrocortisone, or in medium containing no hormones. The largest prolactin effect was observed in tissues which were pretreated with insulin plus hydrocortisone; a greater than ten-fold increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity was observed when these tissues were incubated with prolactin for 2 hours. An effect of prolactin on ornithine decarboxylase activity was also observed in explants prepared from lactating mouse mammary glands.", "contents": "Action of prolactin on ornithine decarboxylase activity in mammary gland explants of mice. Prolactin stimulated ornithine decarboxylase activity in mammary gland explants from midpregnant mice. The enhanced enzyme activity occurred in explants which were preincubated for 1 day in medium containing insulin, hydrocortisone, insulin plus hydrocortisone, or in medium containing no hormones. The largest prolactin effect was observed in tissues which were pretreated with insulin plus hydrocortisone; a greater than ten-fold increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity was observed when these tissues were incubated with prolactin for 2 hours. An effect of prolactin on ornithine decarboxylase activity was also observed in explants prepared from lactating mouse mammary glands.", "PMID": 991811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4420", "title": "Influence of serum, estrogen, and gonadotropins upon growth and progesterone secretion by cultures of granulosa cells from small porcine follicles.", "content": "Granulosa cells from small (less than 2mm) antral porcine follicles were grown in culture to study the effects of various hormones on growth, morphology and progesterone secretion. Culture medium 199D + 4% serum was found to be most suitable since it maintained a fairly constant cell population. Estradiol (1mug/ml) and human FSH stimulated cell growth. LH and FSH stimulated progesterone secretion and induced morphological changes associated with luteinization. Estradiol (0.1 mug/ml) inhibited progesterone secretion by granulosa cells.", "contents": "Influence of serum, estrogen, and gonadotropins upon growth and progesterone secretion by cultures of granulosa cells from small porcine follicles. Granulosa cells from small (less than 2mm) antral porcine follicles were grown in culture to study the effects of various hormones on growth, morphology and progesterone secretion. Culture medium 199D + 4% serum was found to be most suitable since it maintained a fairly constant cell population. Estradiol (1mug/ml) and human FSH stimulated cell growth. LH and FSH stimulated progesterone secretion and induced morphological changes associated with luteinization. Estradiol (0.1 mug/ml) inhibited progesterone secretion by granulosa cells.", "PMID": 991812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4421", "title": "Unconjugated estradiol in the myometrium of pregnancy.", "content": "By chemically digesting myometrium in a mixture of NaOH and sodium dodecyl sulphate, estradiol could be recovered almost completely by extraction with ethyl acetate. The concentration of estradiol-17beta (E2) in the extracted samples could reliably be determined by radioimmunoassay. Compared to its concentration in the plasma, E2 in the pregnant human myometrium was very low, and as a result, the tissue/plasma estradiol concentration ratio was less than 0.5. In the pseudopregnant rabbit, this ratio ranged between 16 and 20.", "contents": "Unconjugated estradiol in the myometrium of pregnancy. By chemically digesting myometrium in a mixture of NaOH and sodium dodecyl sulphate, estradiol could be recovered almost completely by extraction with ethyl acetate. The concentration of estradiol-17beta (E2) in the extracted samples could reliably be determined by radioimmunoassay. Compared to its concentration in the plasma, E2 in the pregnant human myometrium was very low, and as a result, the tissue/plasma estradiol concentration ratio was less than 0.5. In the pseudopregnant rabbit, this ratio ranged between 16 and 20.", "PMID": 991813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4422", "title": "Gastric A-cell function in insulin-deprived depancreatized dogs.", "content": "To determine if gastric A-cells are a major source of the glucagonemia of insulin-deprived depancreatized dogs and to examine their secretory behavior, immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) was measured simultaneously in plasma from the inferior vena cava (VC) and from a gastric vein (GV) draining the fundus. Basal GV IRG averaged 205 +/- 35 pg/ml, significantly above the VC level of 71 +/- 30 (P less than 0.001) and rose to 1417 +/- 498 1.5 minutes after the start of an arginine infusion, exceeding VC IRG at all points (P less than 0.01). Measurement of IRG in gastric, jejunal, and ileal veins and vena cava revealed an IRG gradient only across the stomach. Measurement of glucagon-like immunoreactivity (GLI) revealed no gradient across the stomach, jejunum, or ileum, thus excluding cross-reaction with GLI as the cause of the GV hyperglucagonemia. Intragastric arginine elicited a near doubling of GV IRG within 1.5 minutes and this persisted for at least 120 minutes, ranging from 142 to 623 pg/ml above the VC level. Infusion of insulin at a physiologic rate lowered GV IRG from 665 +/- 66 to 151 +/- 49 pg/ml in 20 minutes and abolished the GV-VC gradient within 60 minutes, whereas intravenous and intragastric glucose administration without insulin did not alter GV IRG. It is concluded that: 1) in the insulin-deprived depancreatized dog, the stomach is a major source of IRG; 2) gastric IRG secretion is somehow stimulated by intravenous and intragastric arginine administration; 3) it is not influenced by intravenous or intragastric glucose administration; and 4) its release is suppressed by physiologic levels of insulin.", "contents": "Gastric A-cell function in insulin-deprived depancreatized dogs. To determine if gastric A-cells are a major source of the glucagonemia of insulin-deprived depancreatized dogs and to examine their secretory behavior, immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) was measured simultaneously in plasma from the inferior vena cava (VC) and from a gastric vein (GV) draining the fundus. Basal GV IRG averaged 205 +/- 35 pg/ml, significantly above the VC level of 71 +/- 30 (P less than 0.001) and rose to 1417 +/- 498 1.5 minutes after the start of an arginine infusion, exceeding VC IRG at all points (P less than 0.01). Measurement of IRG in gastric, jejunal, and ileal veins and vena cava revealed an IRG gradient only across the stomach. Measurement of glucagon-like immunoreactivity (GLI) revealed no gradient across the stomach, jejunum, or ileum, thus excluding cross-reaction with GLI as the cause of the GV hyperglucagonemia. Intragastric arginine elicited a near doubling of GV IRG within 1.5 minutes and this persisted for at least 120 minutes, ranging from 142 to 623 pg/ml above the VC level. Infusion of insulin at a physiologic rate lowered GV IRG from 665 +/- 66 to 151 +/- 49 pg/ml in 20 minutes and abolished the GV-VC gradient within 60 minutes, whereas intravenous and intragastric glucose administration without insulin did not alter GV IRG. It is concluded that: 1) in the insulin-deprived depancreatized dog, the stomach is a major source of IRG; 2) gastric IRG secretion is somehow stimulated by intravenous and intragastric arginine administration; 3) it is not influenced by intravenous or intragastric glucose administration; and 4) its release is suppressed by physiologic levels of insulin.", "PMID": 991814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4423", "title": "Metabolic clearance of immunoreactive vasopressin and immunoreactive [131I]iodo vasopressin in the hypophysectomized dog.", "content": "Fourteen acutely hypophysectomized, anesthetized dogs were given a constant infusion of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and 131I-labeled arginine vasopressin ([131I]AVP). After 90 min, 3 blood samples were collected at 15 min intervals for determination of total body clearances of immunoreactive AVP and immunoreactive [131I]AVP. Seven dogs were then nephrectomized. Ninety minutes later, a second set of 3 blood samples was collected at 15 min intervals for clearance measurements in these and the 7 time-control dogs. Prenephrectomy AVP clearance averaged 5.1+/-1.0 ml/min-kg (mean +/- SE, n=7), and the 210-240 min postnephrectomy AVP clearance average 4.9+/-0.8. The 90-120 min average clearance in the time-control dogs was 6.1+/-0.9 ml/min-kg (n=7) and AVP clearance in these dogs increased (P less than 0.01) with time to 7.3+/-0.9 ml/min-kg during the 210-240 min period of constant infusion. Although the postnephrectomy AVP clearance was not significantly changed from prenephrectomy levels, it was significantly lower (P less than 0.05) than the 210-240 min average clearance in the time-controls. Clearance of [131I]AVP was 3.3+/-0.2 ml/min-kg (n=7) before nephrectomy and 2.9+/-0.2 ml/min-kg after nephrectomy. This was a significant 12% reduction (P less than 0.01). [131I]AVP clearance in the time control dogs was 3.9+/-0.3 during 90-120 min of infusion and 3.9+/-0.4 during 210-240 min of infusion. [131I]AVP clearance before nephrectomy was 79+/-12% of AVP clearance (P less than 0.005) and afther nephrectomy was 74+/-16% of AVP clearance (P less than 0.05). Although these results might suggest that [131I]AVP clearance is at least a qualitative indicator of AVP clearance, there was no significant correlation (P less than 0.20) between AVP clearance and [131I]AVP clearance.", "contents": "Metabolic clearance of immunoreactive vasopressin and immunoreactive [131I]iodo vasopressin in the hypophysectomized dog. Fourteen acutely hypophysectomized, anesthetized dogs were given a constant infusion of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and 131I-labeled arginine vasopressin ([131I]AVP). After 90 min, 3 blood samples were collected at 15 min intervals for determination of total body clearances of immunoreactive AVP and immunoreactive [131I]AVP. Seven dogs were then nephrectomized. Ninety minutes later, a second set of 3 blood samples was collected at 15 min intervals for clearance measurements in these and the 7 time-control dogs. Prenephrectomy AVP clearance averaged 5.1+/-1.0 ml/min-kg (mean +/- SE, n=7), and the 210-240 min postnephrectomy AVP clearance average 4.9+/-0.8. The 90-120 min average clearance in the time-control dogs was 6.1+/-0.9 ml/min-kg (n=7) and AVP clearance in these dogs increased (P less than 0.01) with time to 7.3+/-0.9 ml/min-kg during the 210-240 min period of constant infusion. Although the postnephrectomy AVP clearance was not significantly changed from prenephrectomy levels, it was significantly lower (P less than 0.05) than the 210-240 min average clearance in the time-controls. Clearance of [131I]AVP was 3.3+/-0.2 ml/min-kg (n=7) before nephrectomy and 2.9+/-0.2 ml/min-kg after nephrectomy. This was a significant 12% reduction (P less than 0.01). [131I]AVP clearance in the time control dogs was 3.9+/-0.3 during 90-120 min of infusion and 3.9+/-0.4 during 210-240 min of infusion. [131I]AVP clearance before nephrectomy was 79+/-12% of AVP clearance (P less than 0.005) and afther nephrectomy was 74+/-16% of AVP clearance (P less than 0.05). Although these results might suggest that [131I]AVP clearance is at least a qualitative indicator of AVP clearance, there was no significant correlation (P less than 0.20) between AVP clearance and [131I]AVP clearance.", "PMID": 991815} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4424", "title": "Uterine norepinephrine levels as related to plasma and tissue progesterone in pseudopregnant rabbits.", "content": "Pseudopregnancy was induced in rabbits by a single iv injection of 100 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Uterine norepinephrine, located exclusively in adrenergic nerves, was markedly reduced (fluorometric determinations) during the first 6 days of pseudopregnancy and then returned towards pre-injection values. Plasma progesterone (measured by radioimmunoassay) was found to be elevated at days 3,6, and 12 of pseudopregnancy as compared to the very low values of the untreated controls. Although tissue progesterone also increased during pseudopregnancy (fourfold at day 6), there was a somewhat paradoxical relationship between plasma and tissue progesterone. In spite of unchanged plasma levels, tissue progesterone decreased considerably between days 6 and 12. The uterine/plasma progesterone ratio was very high (approximately 28) in non-pregnant (control) animals and ranged between 1 and 3 during pseudopregnancy. These results suggest that there is a causal relationship between the high levels of progesterone in the uterus and the reduced amount of norepinephrine transmitter in the adrenergic nerves in this organ, and that plasma progesterone concentration and the changing progesterone receptor levels regulate uterine progesterone concentration.", "contents": "Uterine norepinephrine levels as related to plasma and tissue progesterone in pseudopregnant rabbits. Pseudopregnancy was induced in rabbits by a single iv injection of 100 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Uterine norepinephrine, located exclusively in adrenergic nerves, was markedly reduced (fluorometric determinations) during the first 6 days of pseudopregnancy and then returned towards pre-injection values. Plasma progesterone (measured by radioimmunoassay) was found to be elevated at days 3,6, and 12 of pseudopregnancy as compared to the very low values of the untreated controls. Although tissue progesterone also increased during pseudopregnancy (fourfold at day 6), there was a somewhat paradoxical relationship between plasma and tissue progesterone. In spite of unchanged plasma levels, tissue progesterone decreased considerably between days 6 and 12. The uterine/plasma progesterone ratio was very high (approximately 28) in non-pregnant (control) animals and ranged between 1 and 3 during pseudopregnancy. These results suggest that there is a causal relationship between the high levels of progesterone in the uterus and the reduced amount of norepinephrine transmitter in the adrenergic nerves in this organ, and that plasma progesterone concentration and the changing progesterone receptor levels regulate uterine progesterone concentration.", "PMID": 991816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4425", "title": "Biotransformations of pituitary luteinizing hormone in serum and urine. I. Association with serum components.", "content": "In the effort to elucidate the nature of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the circulation, studies in adult male rats have been conducted using a highly purified and well-characterized tritiated and methylated ovine pituitary LH, a derivative which retains full biological activity. Following an intravenous injection of the radioactive hormone, serum chromatograms (molecular exclusion chromatography) are characterized by three radioactive components. The first one, a rapidly formed high molecular weight heterogeneous fraction, involves the non-covalent interaction of the hormone with one or more circulating proteins. These high molecular weight complexes are cleared rather slowly from the circulation, relative to the non-associated hormone. A second component co-chromatographs with control hormone and is rapidly cleared from the circulation. These two fractions retain full biological activity judged by their ability to stimulate testosterone production in Leydig cell suspensions. A third component is observed in the circulation about 15 minutes after injection and was shown to represent tritiated amino acids. The lag period for the appearance of the labeled amino acids in the circulation correlates with the kinetics of hepatic and renal uptake and subsequent lysosomal catabolism of [3H]methylated-LH. The high molecular weight fraction may represent a physiologically important circulatory storage form for LH by conferring a relatively long circulatory half-life. This appears to be brought about mainly by reduced urinary excretion, presumably due to its high molecular weight.", "contents": "Biotransformations of pituitary luteinizing hormone in serum and urine. I. Association with serum components. In the effort to elucidate the nature of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the circulation, studies in adult male rats have been conducted using a highly purified and well-characterized tritiated and methylated ovine pituitary LH, a derivative which retains full biological activity. Following an intravenous injection of the radioactive hormone, serum chromatograms (molecular exclusion chromatography) are characterized by three radioactive components. The first one, a rapidly formed high molecular weight heterogeneous fraction, involves the non-covalent interaction of the hormone with one or more circulating proteins. These high molecular weight complexes are cleared rather slowly from the circulation, relative to the non-associated hormone. A second component co-chromatographs with control hormone and is rapidly cleared from the circulation. These two fractions retain full biological activity judged by their ability to stimulate testosterone production in Leydig cell suspensions. A third component is observed in the circulation about 15 minutes after injection and was shown to represent tritiated amino acids. The lag period for the appearance of the labeled amino acids in the circulation correlates with the kinetics of hepatic and renal uptake and subsequent lysosomal catabolism of [3H]methylated-LH. The high molecular weight fraction may represent a physiologically important circulatory storage form for LH by conferring a relatively long circulatory half-life. This appears to be brought about mainly by reduced urinary excretion, presumably due to its high molecular weight.", "PMID": 991817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4426", "title": "Biotransformations of pituitary luteinizing hormone in serum and urine. II. Evidence for reduced potency following urinary excretion.", "content": "The renal clearance of tritiated and methylated ovine pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) has been determined in mature male rats, and the urinary product has been characterized with regard to molecular size, charge, and heterogeneity. [3H]Methylated-LH was found to have a renal clearance of 0.17+/-0.03 ml/min/100 g body weight, compared to a value of 0.99+/-0.18 for tritiated inulin. This indicates that LH is not secreted and that much of the filtered hormone is reabsorbed from the tubular lumen. Evidence is presented which shows that urinary ovine [3H]methylated-LH is not extensively degraded; yet, the biological potency is only 10-20% that of pituitary and serum LH. The large reduction in potency is a result of excretion since the in vitro incubation of LH with urine does not produce the same effect. The biotransformation occurring during excretion results in charge heterogeneity of LH; this may arise from either inhibitor binding or enzymic alterations.", "contents": "Biotransformations of pituitary luteinizing hormone in serum and urine. II. Evidence for reduced potency following urinary excretion. The renal clearance of tritiated and methylated ovine pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) has been determined in mature male rats, and the urinary product has been characterized with regard to molecular size, charge, and heterogeneity. [3H]Methylated-LH was found to have a renal clearance of 0.17+/-0.03 ml/min/100 g body weight, compared to a value of 0.99+/-0.18 for tritiated inulin. This indicates that LH is not secreted and that much of the filtered hormone is reabsorbed from the tubular lumen. Evidence is presented which shows that urinary ovine [3H]methylated-LH is not extensively degraded; yet, the biological potency is only 10-20% that of pituitary and serum LH. The large reduction in potency is a result of excretion since the in vitro incubation of LH with urine does not produce the same effect. The biotransformation occurring during excretion results in charge heterogeneity of LH; this may arise from either inhibitor binding or enzymic alterations.", "PMID": 991818} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4427", "title": "Interactions of the light-dark cycle, adrenal glands and time of steroid administration in determining the temporal sequence of LH and prolactin release in female rats.", "content": "The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the light-dark cycle, adrenal glands and steroid treatment schedule on LH and prolactin release in rats. Rats maintained in either a 14 h light: 10 h dark schedule (LD) or constant illumination (LL) were ovariectomized (Ovx) or ovariectomized and adrenalectomized (Ovx-Adx). Three weeks later at 1000 h, animals received a SC injection of estradiol benzoate (EB 10 mug/100 g BW) or oil. Three days after EB administration, rats were given a 2 mg injection of progesterone (P) or oil at either 0200, 0500, or 0900 h, and were sequentially bled at four-hour intervals until 1700 h. P administered at all three times increased the amplitude of the plasma LH surge and advanced it, though by no more than 4 hours, in LD. In LL, P was more effective in advancing the time of LH release, although peak plasma LH levels were considerably less than those observed in LD. Adrenalectomy increased the sensitivity of Ovx rats to the effects of EB and P on LH release. P administration at either 0200, 0500 or 0900 h advanced prolactin release in EB-primed Ovx and Ovx-Adx in LL and LD, but only in LL did P increase the amplitude of the plasma prolactin surge. The lighting conditions did not alter the effectiveness of P in advancing prolactin release. Our study demonstrates that the light-dark cycle and adrenal steroids interact to synchronize the timing of LH release in rats, but the regulatory mechanism controlling prolactin release is less strictly cued to these environmental factors.", "contents": "Interactions of the light-dark cycle, adrenal glands and time of steroid administration in determining the temporal sequence of LH and prolactin release in female rats. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the light-dark cycle, adrenal glands and steroid treatment schedule on LH and prolactin release in rats. Rats maintained in either a 14 h light: 10 h dark schedule (LD) or constant illumination (LL) were ovariectomized (Ovx) or ovariectomized and adrenalectomized (Ovx-Adx). Three weeks later at 1000 h, animals received a SC injection of estradiol benzoate (EB 10 mug/100 g BW) or oil. Three days after EB administration, rats were given a 2 mg injection of progesterone (P) or oil at either 0200, 0500, or 0900 h, and were sequentially bled at four-hour intervals until 1700 h. P administered at all three times increased the amplitude of the plasma LH surge and advanced it, though by no more than 4 hours, in LD. In LL, P was more effective in advancing the time of LH release, although peak plasma LH levels were considerably less than those observed in LD. Adrenalectomy increased the sensitivity of Ovx rats to the effects of EB and P on LH release. P administration at either 0200, 0500 or 0900 h advanced prolactin release in EB-primed Ovx and Ovx-Adx in LL and LD, but only in LL did P increase the amplitude of the plasma prolactin surge. The lighting conditions did not alter the effectiveness of P in advancing prolactin release. Our study demonstrates that the light-dark cycle and adrenal steroids interact to synchronize the timing of LH release in rats, but the regulatory mechanism controlling prolactin release is less strictly cued to these environmental factors.", "PMID": 991819} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4428", "title": "Levels of testosterone in the plasma, gonads, and adrenals during fetal development of the rabbit.", "content": "Testerone (T) concentrations in the plasma, gonads, and adrenals were measured by radioimmunoassay in 188 male and 160 female rabbit fetuses. Determinations were performed daily from the 20th to the 31st day of gestation and were correlated with the maternal plasma concentration of T. The T content of both testes remained relatively constant from the 20th (3040 pg) to the 26th day (3940 pg), and subsequently decreased until the 31st day (1630pg). the concentration of testicular T fluctuated only slightly from the 20th (1040 pg/mg) to the 23rd day (783 pg/mg), and thereafter decreased until the 31st day (138 pg/mg). The T levels in plasma of males (132-361 pg/ml) were significantly higher than those of females (21-116 pg/ml). Plasma T levels in males were relatively constant and did not exhibit any rise, which is similar to observations of the testis during differentiation of the genital tract. Testosterone concentrations were low in the adrenals (3.5-12.3 pg/mg) of both sexes and in the ovaries (1.5-20.4 pg/mg) of fetuses. These data provide the first evidence for testicular T secretion at the time of genital differentiation in the rabbit.", "contents": "Levels of testosterone in the plasma, gonads, and adrenals during fetal development of the rabbit. Testerone (T) concentrations in the plasma, gonads, and adrenals were measured by radioimmunoassay in 188 male and 160 female rabbit fetuses. Determinations were performed daily from the 20th to the 31st day of gestation and were correlated with the maternal plasma concentration of T. The T content of both testes remained relatively constant from the 20th (3040 pg) to the 26th day (3940 pg), and subsequently decreased until the 31st day (1630pg). the concentration of testicular T fluctuated only slightly from the 20th (1040 pg/mg) to the 23rd day (783 pg/mg), and thereafter decreased until the 31st day (138 pg/mg). The T levels in plasma of males (132-361 pg/ml) were significantly higher than those of females (21-116 pg/ml). Plasma T levels in males were relatively constant and did not exhibit any rise, which is similar to observations of the testis during differentiation of the genital tract. Testosterone concentrations were low in the adrenals (3.5-12.3 pg/mg) of both sexes and in the ovaries (1.5-20.4 pg/mg) of fetuses. These data provide the first evidence for testicular T secretion at the time of genital differentiation in the rabbit.", "PMID": 991820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4429", "title": "Androgen and estrogen receptors in the developing mouse brain.", "content": "Specific binding of the androgens, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone, and of 17beta-estradiol by brain cytosol from mice at 3-5,9-11, and 18-23 days of age was measured by charcoal assay and glycerol gradient centrifugation and analyzed by Scatchard plots. The immature mouse brain contains putative receptors for these steroids which migrate at 8 S in gradients at low ionic strength and at 5 S in 0.5 M KCl. Investigation of estradiol binding was complicated by the presence in cytosol from 3-5 day-old mice, and to a lesser extent from 9-11 day-old mice, of the high capacity, fetoneonatal estradiol binding protein (FEBP) which is no longer detectable at 3 weeks. The rapid dissociation of the FEBP-estradiol complex under non-equilibrium conditions probably led to over-estimation of free steroid concentration and thus to an apparent increase in the affinity of 8 S receptor for estradiol with age (for female brain cytosol KD=9.5 X 10(-10)M at 3-5 days and 2.7 X 10(-10)M at 18-23 days). The number of estradiol binding sites remains relatively constant during the first 3 weeks at 7-9 fmol/mg protein, while the number of DHT binding sites in female brain increases from 3.2+/-0.3 to 6.6+/-0.9 to 9.6+/-0.3 (mean+/-SE) fmol/mg protein in the 3 age groups. Dissociation constants and numbers of sites for both DHT and estradiol binding are similar in brain cytosol from male and female mice. Testosterone and DHT compete for the same binding site, but its affinity for DHT is about twice that for testosterone. The high affinity of the brain receptor for DHT (KD=4-5 X 10(-10)M) may reflect the slow metabolism of DHT to 5alpha-androstanediols, amounting to less than 10% after 2 h at 0 C. Binding of DHT and estradiol to cytosol from brain regions was also investigated. DHT receptors increase in parallel in various regions with age; the concentration of sites in the hypothalamus-preoptic area (HPOA) is 1.2-3.4 times that in the cerebral cortex (C). The concentration of estradiol binding sites in HPOA to that in C increases about 12-fold from neonatal to adult stages, reflecting both an increase in HPOA sites and a decrease in C sites, while the concentration in the remainder of the brain shows little change. Androgen and estrogen receptors in brain cytosol from immature mice can be distinguished by their different specificities and developmental patterns in whole brain and brain regions. The presence and properties of these receptors in the brain of neonatal mice are discussed with respect to their possible role in sexual differentiation of the brain.", "contents": "Androgen and estrogen receptors in the developing mouse brain. Specific binding of the androgens, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone, and of 17beta-estradiol by brain cytosol from mice at 3-5,9-11, and 18-23 days of age was measured by charcoal assay and glycerol gradient centrifugation and analyzed by Scatchard plots. The immature mouse brain contains putative receptors for these steroids which migrate at 8 S in gradients at low ionic strength and at 5 S in 0.5 M KCl. Investigation of estradiol binding was complicated by the presence in cytosol from 3-5 day-old mice, and to a lesser extent from 9-11 day-old mice, of the high capacity, fetoneonatal estradiol binding protein (FEBP) which is no longer detectable at 3 weeks. The rapid dissociation of the FEBP-estradiol complex under non-equilibrium conditions probably led to over-estimation of free steroid concentration and thus to an apparent increase in the affinity of 8 S receptor for estradiol with age (for female brain cytosol KD=9.5 X 10(-10)M at 3-5 days and 2.7 X 10(-10)M at 18-23 days). The number of estradiol binding sites remains relatively constant during the first 3 weeks at 7-9 fmol/mg protein, while the number of DHT binding sites in female brain increases from 3.2+/-0.3 to 6.6+/-0.9 to 9.6+/-0.3 (mean+/-SE) fmol/mg protein in the 3 age groups. Dissociation constants and numbers of sites for both DHT and estradiol binding are similar in brain cytosol from male and female mice. Testosterone and DHT compete for the same binding site, but its affinity for DHT is about twice that for testosterone. The high affinity of the brain receptor for DHT (KD=4-5 X 10(-10)M) may reflect the slow metabolism of DHT to 5alpha-androstanediols, amounting to less than 10% after 2 h at 0 C. Binding of DHT and estradiol to cytosol from brain regions was also investigated. DHT receptors increase in parallel in various regions with age; the concentration of sites in the hypothalamus-preoptic area (HPOA) is 1.2-3.4 times that in the cerebral cortex (C). The concentration of estradiol binding sites in HPOA to that in C increases about 12-fold from neonatal to adult stages, reflecting both an increase in HPOA sites and a decrease in C sites, while the concentration in the remainder of the brain shows little change. Androgen and estrogen receptors in brain cytosol from immature mice can be distinguished by their different specificities and developmental patterns in whole brain and brain regions. The presence and properties of these receptors in the brain of neonatal mice are discussed with respect to their possible role in sexual differentiation of the brain.", "PMID": 991821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4430", "title": "Androgen receptors in the anterior pituitary and central nervous system of the androgen \"insensitive\" (Tfm) rat: correlation between receptor binding and effects of androgens on gonadotropin secretion.", "content": "The cytosol fractions of the anterior pituitary, hypothalamus, preoptic area and brain cortex of androgen \"insensitive\" (Tfm) rats possess androgen receptors. However, in the Tfm rats the androgen binding per mg protein was only 10-15% of that in the corresponding normal littermates (Nl). The physicochemical properties of the androgen receptors in the anterior pituitary of the Tfm rat were indistinguishable from those of the normal rat. Thus, no distinctive differences were observed with regard to electrophoretic mobility in 3.25% polyacrylamide gels, isoelectric point (pI=5.8), binding affinity (KD=1.5 X 10(-9)M), temperature stability, sulfhydryl dependence and steroid specificity. It is, therefore, likely that the very low androgen binding capacity by the anterior pituitary and the central nervous system is due to an extreme reduction in the receptor number rather than to the presence of abnormal receptors. Since in the Tfm animals the androgen receptor number is reduced by 85-90%, it is to be expected that very high doses of androgens would be required to achieve hormonal effects. In fact, low doses of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone propionate (50 mug/100 g body weight) given sc daily for 12 days had no effect on serum levels of LH and FSH. However, very high doses (2 mg/100 g body weight) of testosterone propionate and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone propionate, which maintained circulating androgen levels above 20 ng/ml, significantly reduced serum gonadotropin levels in castrated Tfm rats. In normal littermates both low and high doses of the androgens suppressed gonadotropin secretion to low levels. These findings strongly indicate that androgen receptors are essential to androgen action on the anterior pituitary and central nervous system in the rat. The serum levels of testosterone (7.7+/-0.15 (SE) ng/ml) and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (0.37+/-0.06 ng/ml) were significantly higher in intact Tfm rats than in normal littermates (2.6+/-0.03 and less than 0.1 ng/ml, respectively). The failure of the elevated concentrations of serum androgens to reduce the high serum levels of LH and FSH in intact Tfm rats is most likely due to the extreme reduction of the androgen receptor number and the consequent insufficient hypothalamic and/or pituitary response to androgens.", "contents": "Androgen receptors in the anterior pituitary and central nervous system of the androgen \"insensitive\" (Tfm) rat: correlation between receptor binding and effects of androgens on gonadotropin secretion. The cytosol fractions of the anterior pituitary, hypothalamus, preoptic area and brain cortex of androgen \"insensitive\" (Tfm) rats possess androgen receptors. However, in the Tfm rats the androgen binding per mg protein was only 10-15% of that in the corresponding normal littermates (Nl). The physicochemical properties of the androgen receptors in the anterior pituitary of the Tfm rat were indistinguishable from those of the normal rat. Thus, no distinctive differences were observed with regard to electrophoretic mobility in 3.25% polyacrylamide gels, isoelectric point (pI=5.8), binding affinity (KD=1.5 X 10(-9)M), temperature stability, sulfhydryl dependence and steroid specificity. It is, therefore, likely that the very low androgen binding capacity by the anterior pituitary and the central nervous system is due to an extreme reduction in the receptor number rather than to the presence of abnormal receptors. Since in the Tfm animals the androgen receptor number is reduced by 85-90%, it is to be expected that very high doses of androgens would be required to achieve hormonal effects. In fact, low doses of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone propionate (50 mug/100 g body weight) given sc daily for 12 days had no effect on serum levels of LH and FSH. However, very high doses (2 mg/100 g body weight) of testosterone propionate and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone propionate, which maintained circulating androgen levels above 20 ng/ml, significantly reduced serum gonadotropin levels in castrated Tfm rats. In normal littermates both low and high doses of the androgens suppressed gonadotropin secretion to low levels. These findings strongly indicate that androgen receptors are essential to androgen action on the anterior pituitary and central nervous system in the rat. The serum levels of testosterone (7.7+/-0.15 (SE) ng/ml) and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (0.37+/-0.06 ng/ml) were significantly higher in intact Tfm rats than in normal littermates (2.6+/-0.03 and less than 0.1 ng/ml, respectively). The failure of the elevated concentrations of serum androgens to reduce the high serum levels of LH and FSH in intact Tfm rats is most likely due to the extreme reduction of the androgen receptor number and the consequent insufficient hypothalamic and/or pituitary response to androgens.", "PMID": 991822} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4431", "title": "Dose-dependent prolactin releasing activity of arginine vasotocin in intact and pinealectomized estrogen-progesterone treated adult male rats.", "content": "Estrogen-progesterone (EP) treated adult male rats were injected intravenously (iv) with 0.1, 1 or 10 mug arginine vasotocin (AVT) or Ringers lactate solution. A significant dose-related rise in plasma prolactin was evident 10 min after injection with AVT. In a second experiment, sham-operated or pinealectomized EP-treated male rats were injected iv with 0.1 or 1 mug AVT or diluent. Plasma prolactin was significantly elevated in both sham-operated and pinealectomized groups at both 10 and 20 min post-injection of 1 mug AVT. These results indicate that AVT has prolactin-releasing activity and that this activity is not dependent upon the presence of an intact pineal gland.", "contents": "Dose-dependent prolactin releasing activity of arginine vasotocin in intact and pinealectomized estrogen-progesterone treated adult male rats. Estrogen-progesterone (EP) treated adult male rats were injected intravenously (iv) with 0.1, 1 or 10 mug arginine vasotocin (AVT) or Ringers lactate solution. A significant dose-related rise in plasma prolactin was evident 10 min after injection with AVT. In a second experiment, sham-operated or pinealectomized EP-treated male rats were injected iv with 0.1 or 1 mug AVT or diluent. Plasma prolactin was significantly elevated in both sham-operated and pinealectomized groups at both 10 and 20 min post-injection of 1 mug AVT. These results indicate that AVT has prolactin-releasing activity and that this activity is not dependent upon the presence of an intact pineal gland.", "PMID": 991823} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4432", "title": "Serum immunoreactive relaxin and softening of the uterine cervix in pregnant hamsters.", "content": "Serum immunoreactive relaxin levels and ripening of the cervix were measured throughout pregnancy in hamsters. RIA relaxin rose from an undetectable level on day 7 to a maximum value of 29 ng/ml on day 15 of gestation and then fell prior to parturition. The cervix became progressively more dilatable from the 12th to the 16th day of pregnancy. It is suggested that the endogenous relaxin measured by RIA may induce the cervical softening. The absolute levels of immunoreactive relaxin appear to be 10 to 15-fold higher than those previously observed in rats, mice and guinea pigs.", "contents": "Serum immunoreactive relaxin and softening of the uterine cervix in pregnant hamsters. Serum immunoreactive relaxin levels and ripening of the cervix were measured throughout pregnancy in hamsters. RIA relaxin rose from an undetectable level on day 7 to a maximum value of 29 ng/ml on day 15 of gestation and then fell prior to parturition. The cervix became progressively more dilatable from the 12th to the 16th day of pregnancy. It is suggested that the endogenous relaxin measured by RIA may induce the cervical softening. The absolute levels of immunoreactive relaxin appear to be 10 to 15-fold higher than those previously observed in rats, mice and guinea pigs.", "PMID": 991824} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4433", "title": "Enzymatic sulfation of steroids: II. The control of the hepatic cortisol sulfotransferase activity and of the individual hepatic steroid sulfotransferases of rats by gonads and gonadal hormones.", "content": "Ovariectomy has relatively little effect on hepatic cortisol sulfotransferase activity (HCSA) in female rats, diminishing it only 30%. On the other hand, castration more than doubles HCSA in males. HCSA is due to 3 steroid sulfotransferases, STI, STII, and STIII. Its dimunition in ovariectomized rats is due to decreased STI and STII. Castration of males results in elevation of STII. Thus, ovaries appear to stimulate STI and STII production and testes appear to inhibit production of STII and perhaps STI. Studies with testosterone and estradiol-17beta support a role for sex hormones as mediators of gonadal effects on HCSA, by stimulating or inhibiting production of the individual enzymes. Estradiol-17beta administration reverses the effect of ovariectomy on HCSA. Testosterone administration to intact or castrated females decreases HCSA by 60-70%, due to disappearance of all STI and most STII activity. Thus, androgen administration appears to suppress both STI and STII production. In intact males testosterone administration elevates HCSA 70-80% due to increased STIII. Estradiol-17beta administration to intact or castrated males elevates HCSA 9-10-fold. In intact animals this is due to elevated STI and STII but not STIII. In castrates all three enzymes are elevated by the estrogen.", "contents": "Enzymatic sulfation of steroids: II. The control of the hepatic cortisol sulfotransferase activity and of the individual hepatic steroid sulfotransferases of rats by gonads and gonadal hormones. Ovariectomy has relatively little effect on hepatic cortisol sulfotransferase activity (HCSA) in female rats, diminishing it only 30%. On the other hand, castration more than doubles HCSA in males. HCSA is due to 3 steroid sulfotransferases, STI, STII, and STIII. Its dimunition in ovariectomized rats is due to decreased STI and STII. Castration of males results in elevation of STII. Thus, ovaries appear to stimulate STI and STII production and testes appear to inhibit production of STII and perhaps STI. Studies with testosterone and estradiol-17beta support a role for sex hormones as mediators of gonadal effects on HCSA, by stimulating or inhibiting production of the individual enzymes. Estradiol-17beta administration reverses the effect of ovariectomy on HCSA. Testosterone administration to intact or castrated females decreases HCSA by 60-70%, due to disappearance of all STI and most STII activity. Thus, androgen administration appears to suppress both STI and STII production. In intact males testosterone administration elevates HCSA 70-80% due to increased STIII. Estradiol-17beta administration to intact or castrated males elevates HCSA 9-10-fold. In intact animals this is due to elevated STI and STII but not STIII. In castrates all three enzymes are elevated by the estrogen.", "PMID": 991825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4434", "title": "Androgen receptor dependent and independent activities of testosterone on hepatic microsomal drug metabolism.", "content": "Administration of testosterone for 6 days to intact female and castrate male BALB/cJ mice stimulated hepatic microsomal ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity and cytochrome P-450 content by 50-75%. Testosterone also stimulated hepatic microsomal NADPH-oxidase activity, but to a lesser degree. To probe the mechanism of this effect of androgens, two antiandrogens (cyproterone acetate and flutamide) were employed. Since cyproterone acetate was a potent stimulator of hepatic microsomal ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity and cytochrome P-450 content, no antiandrogenic activity of this steroid could be detected. By contrast, flutamide alone had little effect on either ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity or cytochrome P-450 content. However, this drug effectively blocked the stimulatory effects of testosterone on ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity and cytochrome P-450 content but not on NADPH-oxidase activity. This effect was not species specific, since flutamide also prevented androgen stimulation of ethylmorphine metabolism in adult castrate and prepubertal male Fisher rats. The testosterone-induced increase of hepatic weight and microsomal protein content was not affected by the administration of flutamide. The observations are consistent with the hypothesis that androgens have two distinct effects on the liver. First, testosterone may act as a general, nonspecific stimulant of liver weight and microsomal protein content which is independent of the androgen receptor. Secondly, testosterone action in the liver may be expressed via an androgen-specific or androgen receptor-dependent mechanism which controls, in part, the cytochrome P-450-dependent demethylase system.", "contents": "Androgen receptor dependent and independent activities of testosterone on hepatic microsomal drug metabolism. Administration of testosterone for 6 days to intact female and castrate male BALB/cJ mice stimulated hepatic microsomal ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity and cytochrome P-450 content by 50-75%. Testosterone also stimulated hepatic microsomal NADPH-oxidase activity, but to a lesser degree. To probe the mechanism of this effect of androgens, two antiandrogens (cyproterone acetate and flutamide) were employed. Since cyproterone acetate was a potent stimulator of hepatic microsomal ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity and cytochrome P-450 content, no antiandrogenic activity of this steroid could be detected. By contrast, flutamide alone had little effect on either ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity or cytochrome P-450 content. However, this drug effectively blocked the stimulatory effects of testosterone on ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity and cytochrome P-450 content but not on NADPH-oxidase activity. This effect was not species specific, since flutamide also prevented androgen stimulation of ethylmorphine metabolism in adult castrate and prepubertal male Fisher rats. The testosterone-induced increase of hepatic weight and microsomal protein content was not affected by the administration of flutamide. The observations are consistent with the hypothesis that androgens have two distinct effects on the liver. First, testosterone may act as a general, nonspecific stimulant of liver weight and microsomal protein content which is independent of the androgen receptor. Secondly, testosterone action in the liver may be expressed via an androgen-specific or androgen receptor-dependent mechanism which controls, in part, the cytochrome P-450-dependent demethylase system.", "PMID": 991826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4435", "title": "Secretion of a bone resorbing factor by chick thyroid glands in organ culture.", "content": "The ability of the thyroid gland to secrete a bone resorbing factor in vitro was studied using glands obtained from 20-day-old chick embryos. The glands were incubated in a modified BGJ medium containing 1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin under 5% CO2-40% O2 at 37 C. The culture media were assayed in vitro by measuring the stimulation of the release of previously incorporated 45Ca from cultured 19-day fetal rat bone shafts over a 48 h period. The glands secreted a stimulator of bone resorption which did not appear to be parathyroid hormone (PTH). The dose-response curve for the thyroid gland factor was not parallel to that obtained using PTH and secretion was not under calcium control. Neither thyroxine (T4) nor triiodothyronine (T3) produced a marked stimulation of bone resorption over a wide range of doses. Bone resorption stimulated by the thyroid gland factor was inhibited by calcitonin (CT). Concentrations of TH and thyroid gland factor which were minimally effective when tested separately, produced a marked synergistic response when added together. This synergism was not seen when T4, T3, PGE1, or PGE2 were tested with PTH. Media obtained by culturing explants of embryonic chick liver, heart and muscle did not have bone resorbing activity. Secretion of the bone resorbing factor by thyroid glands was blocked by Indomethacin (10(-5)M) but the effects of the factor on bone were not blocked by this agent. These results suggest that the thyroid gland is capable of secreting a stimulator of bone resorption, possibly a prostaglandin, which is capable of synergizing with PTH, and which may represent a tissue factor which under certain circumstances may exert an influence on bone.", "contents": "Secretion of a bone resorbing factor by chick thyroid glands in organ culture. The ability of the thyroid gland to secrete a bone resorbing factor in vitro was studied using glands obtained from 20-day-old chick embryos. The glands were incubated in a modified BGJ medium containing 1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin under 5% CO2-40% O2 at 37 C. The culture media were assayed in vitro by measuring the stimulation of the release of previously incorporated 45Ca from cultured 19-day fetal rat bone shafts over a 48 h period. The glands secreted a stimulator of bone resorption which did not appear to be parathyroid hormone (PTH). The dose-response curve for the thyroid gland factor was not parallel to that obtained using PTH and secretion was not under calcium control. Neither thyroxine (T4) nor triiodothyronine (T3) produced a marked stimulation of bone resorption over a wide range of doses. Bone resorption stimulated by the thyroid gland factor was inhibited by calcitonin (CT). Concentrations of TH and thyroid gland factor which were minimally effective when tested separately, produced a marked synergistic response when added together. This synergism was not seen when T4, T3, PGE1, or PGE2 were tested with PTH. Media obtained by culturing explants of embryonic chick liver, heart and muscle did not have bone resorbing activity. Secretion of the bone resorbing factor by thyroid glands was blocked by Indomethacin (10(-5)M) but the effects of the factor on bone were not blocked by this agent. These results suggest that the thyroid gland is capable of secreting a stimulator of bone resorption, possibly a prostaglandin, which is capable of synergizing with PTH, and which may represent a tissue factor which under certain circumstances may exert an influence on bone.", "PMID": 991827} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4436", "title": "Dopamine/neuroleptic receptors in basal hypothalamus and pituitary.", "content": "In order to determine whether the basal hypothalamus or the pituitary (or both) is the likely locus of action of the tuberoinfundibular (TI) dopamine neurons, these regions were examined for dopamine and neuroleptic receptors. High affinity receptors for haloperidol and dopamine were found in the rat pituitary while none were detected in rat basal hypothalamus. The relative ability of two neuroleptics, chlorpromazine and haloperidol, to displace (3H)haloperidol from the receptor in monkey pituitary is similar to that for rat striatum. The lack of receptors capable of binding (3H)haloperidol or (3H)dopamine in the basal hypothalamus strongly suggests that the TI neurons do not produce postsynaptic effects in this region. The pituitary receptors for (3H)haloperidol and (3H)dopamine have the characteristics of a functional system. The presence of neuroleptic/dopamine receptors in the pituitary and lack of such receptors in the basal hypothalamus supports the hypothesis that dopamine may act directly as a prolactin release inhibiting factor (PIF) rather than releasing PIF from adjacent nerve terminals in the median eminence.", "contents": "Dopamine/neuroleptic receptors in basal hypothalamus and pituitary. In order to determine whether the basal hypothalamus or the pituitary (or both) is the likely locus of action of the tuberoinfundibular (TI) dopamine neurons, these regions were examined for dopamine and neuroleptic receptors. High affinity receptors for haloperidol and dopamine were found in the rat pituitary while none were detected in rat basal hypothalamus. The relative ability of two neuroleptics, chlorpromazine and haloperidol, to displace (3H)haloperidol from the receptor in monkey pituitary is similar to that for rat striatum. The lack of receptors capable of binding (3H)haloperidol or (3H)dopamine in the basal hypothalamus strongly suggests that the TI neurons do not produce postsynaptic effects in this region. The pituitary receptors for (3H)haloperidol and (3H)dopamine have the characteristics of a functional system. The presence of neuroleptic/dopamine receptors in the pituitary and lack of such receptors in the basal hypothalamus supports the hypothesis that dopamine may act directly as a prolactin release inhibiting factor (PIF) rather than releasing PIF from adjacent nerve terminals in the median eminence.", "PMID": 991828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4437", "title": "Decreased pancreatic somatostatin (SRIF) concentration in spontaneously diabetic mice.", "content": "Spontaneously diabetic C57BL/6J obob and C57BL/Ks dbdb mice have been shown to have significantly decreased immunoassayable pancreatic somatostatin concentrations compared to lean littermate controls at 11-12 weeks: obob 1.06+/-0.15 pg/mug protein (n=10) vs control 1.94+/-0.-6 pg/mug protein (n=10) (mean +/- SE; p less than 0.005); dbdb 0.7+/-0.2 pg/mug protein (n=8) vs control 1.5+/-0.2 pg/mug protein (n=8) (mean +/- SE; p less than 0.005). An inverse relationship between circulating insulin levels and pancreatic SRIF concentration is suggested.", "contents": "Decreased pancreatic somatostatin (SRIF) concentration in spontaneously diabetic mice. Spontaneously diabetic C57BL/6J obob and C57BL/Ks dbdb mice have been shown to have significantly decreased immunoassayable pancreatic somatostatin concentrations compared to lean littermate controls at 11-12 weeks: obob 1.06+/-0.15 pg/mug protein (n=10) vs control 1.94+/-0.-6 pg/mug protein (n=10) (mean +/- SE; p less than 0.005); dbdb 0.7+/-0.2 pg/mug protein (n=8) vs control 1.5+/-0.2 pg/mug protein (n=8) (mean +/- SE; p less than 0.005). An inverse relationship between circulating insulin levels and pancreatic SRIF concentration is suggested.", "PMID": 991829} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4438", "title": "Comparison of the changes in plasma human growth hormone (HGH) and immuno-reactive glucagon (IRG) after intravenous and subcutaneous injection of glucagon.", "content": "Ten healthy male volunteers were studied to compare the effectiveness of intravenous and subcutaneous injections of 1 mg of glucagon on HG secretion. Plasma HGH level rose to a peak of 6 ng/ml or greater 120 minutes after the subcutaneous injection of glucagon (sc glucagon) in all subjects, whereas the intravenous injection of glucagon (iv glucagon) caused comparable increments in plasma HGH in only six out of ten subjects. Furthermore, in comparison to those in sc glucagon the periods required to show maximum responses were less consistent in iv glucagon. Plasma IRG levels reached a peak of 102.4+/-22.6 ng/ml at two minutes following iv glucagon, and a peak of 3.33+/-1.08 ng/ml at 15 minutes following sc glucagon. These fell to initial levels at 60 minutes and at 180 minutes, respectively. There was no definite correlation either between the magnitudes of changes in plasma IRG and HGH levels or between the velocities of decrement in blood sugar and HGH responsiveness. Judging from its simplicity and reproducibility it may be concluded that sc glucagon is more suitable for a clinical provocative test of HGH release than is iv glucagon. In regards to the mechanism of glucagon-induced HGH release, neither glucagon per se nor the fall of blood sugar after hyperglycemia was assumed to play any major role. The sustained elevation of plasma IRG for a certain period might be responsible for the glucagon-induced HGH release.", "contents": "Comparison of the changes in plasma human growth hormone (HGH) and immuno-reactive glucagon (IRG) after intravenous and subcutaneous injection of glucagon. Ten healthy male volunteers were studied to compare the effectiveness of intravenous and subcutaneous injections of 1 mg of glucagon on HG secretion. Plasma HGH level rose to a peak of 6 ng/ml or greater 120 minutes after the subcutaneous injection of glucagon (sc glucagon) in all subjects, whereas the intravenous injection of glucagon (iv glucagon) caused comparable increments in plasma HGH in only six out of ten subjects. Furthermore, in comparison to those in sc glucagon the periods required to show maximum responses were less consistent in iv glucagon. Plasma IRG levels reached a peak of 102.4+/-22.6 ng/ml at two minutes following iv glucagon, and a peak of 3.33+/-1.08 ng/ml at 15 minutes following sc glucagon. These fell to initial levels at 60 minutes and at 180 minutes, respectively. There was no definite correlation either between the magnitudes of changes in plasma IRG and HGH levels or between the velocities of decrement in blood sugar and HGH responsiveness. Judging from its simplicity and reproducibility it may be concluded that sc glucagon is more suitable for a clinical provocative test of HGH release than is iv glucagon. In regards to the mechanism of glucagon-induced HGH release, neither glucagon per se nor the fall of blood sugar after hyperglycemia was assumed to play any major role. The sustained elevation of plasma IRG for a certain period might be responsible for the glucagon-induced HGH release.", "PMID": 991830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4439", "title": "Direct inhibitions of basal and arginine-induced plasma gastrin secretion by somatostatin in anesthetized dogs.", "content": "Effect of somatostatin on plasma gastrin levels was investigated in anesthetized dogs. Somatostatin was infused into the right gastroepiploic artery and plasma gastrin levels in the right gastroepiploic, superior pancreaticoduodenal and peripheral veins were measured by radioimmnuoassay. Somatostatin suppressed basal gastrin level promptly in the right gastroepiploic vein and impaired the normal gastrin secretion in response to intravenous infusion of arginine. The inhibitory effect of somatostatin on the plasma gastrin secretion was quite clearly demonstrated in the right gastroepiploic vein. It appears likely that the inhibition of gastrin secretion by somatostatin resulted in direct action on the gastrin secretory cell.", "contents": "Direct inhibitions of basal and arginine-induced plasma gastrin secretion by somatostatin in anesthetized dogs. Effect of somatostatin on plasma gastrin levels was investigated in anesthetized dogs. Somatostatin was infused into the right gastroepiploic artery and plasma gastrin levels in the right gastroepiploic, superior pancreaticoduodenal and peripheral veins were measured by radioimmnuoassay. Somatostatin suppressed basal gastrin level promptly in the right gastroepiploic vein and impaired the normal gastrin secretion in response to intravenous infusion of arginine. The inhibitory effect of somatostatin on the plasma gastrin secretion was quite clearly demonstrated in the right gastroepiploic vein. It appears likely that the inhibition of gastrin secretion by somatostatin resulted in direct action on the gastrin secretory cell.", "PMID": 991831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4440", "title": "Determination of triiodothyronine in red blood cells by radioimmunoassay.", "content": "This study was undertaken to determine T3 content in red cells by radioimmunoassay. T3 in red blood cells was solubilized fairly from the stroma by hemolysis and red-cell T3 content could be determined directly by radioimmunoassay of the lysate. After hemolysing red cells with an equal volume of distilled water, 0.4 ml of the hemolyzate was used for the assay. The red-cell T3 content was expressed as ng/ml of red-cell volume. The normal T3 range in red cells was 0.20-0.45 ng/ml, and the Mean+/-SD was 0.32+/-0.10 ng/ml. The limit of detectability was 0.2 ng/ml. In hyperthyroid patients, the red-cell T3 content was more than 0.50 ng/ml with a Mean +/-SD of 1.35+/-0.65 ng/ml. In hypothyroid patients, red cells contained less than 0.25 ng/ml of T3, and there was an overlap from 0.20 to 0.25 ng/ml in the content of red-cell T3 in hypothyroid and euthyroid subjects. The patients with T3 toxicosis showed a high or normal level of red-cell T3. A positive correlation was noted between the red-cell T3 content and the serum T3 level (r=0.66). The correlation between the red-cell T3 content and the free T4 index (expressed as T7) was also positive (r=0.67). From these experiments, it is suggested that the red-cell T3 is low in comparison with the serum T3 levels, and depends on two factors; serum T4 and serum T3 levels.", "contents": "Determination of triiodothyronine in red blood cells by radioimmunoassay. This study was undertaken to determine T3 content in red cells by radioimmunoassay. T3 in red blood cells was solubilized fairly from the stroma by hemolysis and red-cell T3 content could be determined directly by radioimmunoassay of the lysate. After hemolysing red cells with an equal volume of distilled water, 0.4 ml of the hemolyzate was used for the assay. The red-cell T3 content was expressed as ng/ml of red-cell volume. The normal T3 range in red cells was 0.20-0.45 ng/ml, and the Mean+/-SD was 0.32+/-0.10 ng/ml. The limit of detectability was 0.2 ng/ml. In hyperthyroid patients, the red-cell T3 content was more than 0.50 ng/ml with a Mean +/-SD of 1.35+/-0.65 ng/ml. In hypothyroid patients, red cells contained less than 0.25 ng/ml of T3, and there was an overlap from 0.20 to 0.25 ng/ml in the content of red-cell T3 in hypothyroid and euthyroid subjects. The patients with T3 toxicosis showed a high or normal level of red-cell T3. A positive correlation was noted between the red-cell T3 content and the serum T3 level (r=0.66). The correlation between the red-cell T3 content and the free T4 index (expressed as T7) was also positive (r=0.67). From these experiments, it is suggested that the red-cell T3 is low in comparison with the serum T3 levels, and depends on two factors; serum T4 and serum T3 levels.", "PMID": 991832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4441", "title": "A female case of the HCG-producing ectopic pinealoma associated with precocious puberty.", "content": "A female case of precocious puberty associated with HCG-producing ectopic pinealoma was reported. The patient, a 5-year-old girl, was referred to the hospital because of headache and choked discs. Physical examination revealed normal physical growth with breast enlargement. Endocrinological study revealed a high plasma HCG concentration of 1192 ng/ml with a normal FSH level. None of HCG, LH and FSH did respond to the LH-RH test. A partial resection of the tumor and an external X-ray irradiation relieved the symptoms and breast enlargement subsided with a remarkable decrease in the plasma HCG level. Histological examination revealed two-cell-pattern pinealoma and electron microscopic findings showed abundant secretory granules in the dark cells. HCG content in the tumor was as high was 400 ng/mg of acetone dried tumor tissue, but no FSH was detectable. Hitherto, all of the reported cases of precocious puberty associated with pineal tumors have been exclusively boys. A normal level of plasma FSH concentration with a somewhat elevated prolactin level might be a contributory factor for the development of precocial sexual development in the present case.", "contents": "A female case of the HCG-producing ectopic pinealoma associated with precocious puberty. A female case of precocious puberty associated with HCG-producing ectopic pinealoma was reported. The patient, a 5-year-old girl, was referred to the hospital because of headache and choked discs. Physical examination revealed normal physical growth with breast enlargement. Endocrinological study revealed a high plasma HCG concentration of 1192 ng/ml with a normal FSH level. None of HCG, LH and FSH did respond to the LH-RH test. A partial resection of the tumor and an external X-ray irradiation relieved the symptoms and breast enlargement subsided with a remarkable decrease in the plasma HCG level. Histological examination revealed two-cell-pattern pinealoma and electron microscopic findings showed abundant secretory granules in the dark cells. HCG content in the tumor was as high was 400 ng/mg of acetone dried tumor tissue, but no FSH was detectable. Hitherto, all of the reported cases of precocious puberty associated with pineal tumors have been exclusively boys. A normal level of plasma FSH concentration with a somewhat elevated prolactin level might be a contributory factor for the development of precocial sexual development in the present case.", "PMID": 991833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4442", "title": "Effect of a spironolactone derivative (SC 14266) on Plasma renin activity in adrenal regeneration hypertension.", "content": "The effects of treatment with a spironolactone derivative (SC 14266) for 9 experimental weeks on blood pressure and plasma renin activity (PRA) were investigated in unilaterally nephroadrenalectomized rats drinking 1% saline (\"unilater nephrectomy\"), unilaterally nephroadrenalectomized and contralaterally adrenal-enucleated rats drinking 1% saline (\"adrenal enucleation\") and intact rats drinking tap water (\"normal\"). The development of hypertension in \"adrenal enucleation\" rats was prevented by treatment with SC 14266 and the drug did not significantly affect the blood pressure in either \"unilateral nephrectomy\" or \"normal\" rats. SC 14266 did not influence a low level of basal PRA and the blunted response of PRA to furosemide administration in either \"unilateral nephrectomy\" or \"adrenal enucleation\" rats. On the other hand, PRA after furosemide administration in \"normal\" rats receiving SC 14266 was significantly higher than that in those rats treated with vehicle. The results suggest that the mineralocorticoid(s) secreted by the enucleated adrenal has a hypertensogenic property but no effect on the suppression of renin secretion under a high sodium intake and the unilateral nephrectomy.", "contents": "Effect of a spironolactone derivative (SC 14266) on Plasma renin activity in adrenal regeneration hypertension. The effects of treatment with a spironolactone derivative (SC 14266) for 9 experimental weeks on blood pressure and plasma renin activity (PRA) were investigated in unilaterally nephroadrenalectomized rats drinking 1% saline (\"unilater nephrectomy\"), unilaterally nephroadrenalectomized and contralaterally adrenal-enucleated rats drinking 1% saline (\"adrenal enucleation\") and intact rats drinking tap water (\"normal\"). The development of hypertension in \"adrenal enucleation\" rats was prevented by treatment with SC 14266 and the drug did not significantly affect the blood pressure in either \"unilateral nephrectomy\" or \"normal\" rats. SC 14266 did not influence a low level of basal PRA and the blunted response of PRA to furosemide administration in either \"unilateral nephrectomy\" or \"adrenal enucleation\" rats. On the other hand, PRA after furosemide administration in \"normal\" rats receiving SC 14266 was significantly higher than that in those rats treated with vehicle. The results suggest that the mineralocorticoid(s) secreted by the enucleated adrenal has a hypertensogenic property but no effect on the suppression of renin secretion under a high sodium intake and the unilateral nephrectomy.", "PMID": 991834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4443", "title": "The simultaneous assay of progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and deoxycorticosterone in human plasma by competitive protein binding.", "content": "A method is described for the simultaneous measurement of prosterone (P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and deoxycorticosterone (DOC) in plasma by competitive protein-binding assay. After extraction, these steroids were purified by Sephadex LH-20 columns. The methods described here is sensitive enough to detect the above-mentioned steroids in as little as 5 ml of plasma under physiological conditions. The mean physiological plasma level (ng/100 ml) of P, 17-OHP and DOC are 18.2+/-1.6 (SE), 136.5+/-11.7, and 8.6+/-1.0 in men, 14.7+/-1.7, 61,2+/-3.6 and 6.0+/-1.2 in women in the follicular phase, and 645.0+/-108.1, 155.2+/-16.9, and 7.5+/-1.2, in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. By this method and others, the responses of plasma levels of 7 adrenal steroids (P, 17-OH, doc, corticosterone, deoxycortisol, cortisol and aldosterone) to ACTH infusion (25U i.v. over 8 hours) were investigated in healthy men. The increase of DOC was more pronounced than that of the other steroids.", "contents": "The simultaneous assay of progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and deoxycorticosterone in human plasma by competitive protein binding. A method is described for the simultaneous measurement of prosterone (P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and deoxycorticosterone (DOC) in plasma by competitive protein-binding assay. After extraction, these steroids were purified by Sephadex LH-20 columns. The methods described here is sensitive enough to detect the above-mentioned steroids in as little as 5 ml of plasma under physiological conditions. The mean physiological plasma level (ng/100 ml) of P, 17-OHP and DOC are 18.2+/-1.6 (SE), 136.5+/-11.7, and 8.6+/-1.0 in men, 14.7+/-1.7, 61,2+/-3.6 and 6.0+/-1.2 in women in the follicular phase, and 645.0+/-108.1, 155.2+/-16.9, and 7.5+/-1.2, in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. By this method and others, the responses of plasma levels of 7 adrenal steroids (P, 17-OH, doc, corticosterone, deoxycortisol, cortisol and aldosterone) to ACTH infusion (25U i.v. over 8 hours) were investigated in healthy men. The increase of DOC was more pronounced than that of the other steroids.", "PMID": 991835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4444", "title": "Effects of age and diseases on human serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol determined by competitive protein-binding assay.", "content": "Competitive protein-binding assay of 25-OH-D was developed by the use of specific vitamin D-binding proteins from vitamin D-deficient rat serum. Ether extract of serum sample which was dried and dissolved in ethanol, or standard solution of 25-OH-D3, was incubated with 3H-25-OH-D3 and vitamin D-binding protein for 2 hours at 4degreesC. Free and bound 3H-25-OH-D3 were separated through dextran-coated charcoal. The sensitivity of the assay system was 0.22 ng/tube. Percent cross reaction in the assay was 2.18% in vitamin D3, 0.70% in 1, 25-(OH)2-D3, less than 0.28% in 1alpha-OH-D3, and less than 0.06% in dihydrotachysterol, cholesterol and cortisol. Human serum 25-OH-D is 28.9+/-2.9 ng/ml in 19 normal subjects. Serum 25-OH-D in the old-age group (50-70 years of age) was significantly decreased, compared with that in the young-age group (20-40 years of age). Serum 25-OH-D was significantly decreased in gastrectomized and osteoporotic patients as well as in the patients with liver cirrhosis, in comparison with their age-controls.", "contents": "Effects of age and diseases on human serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol determined by competitive protein-binding assay. Competitive protein-binding assay of 25-OH-D was developed by the use of specific vitamin D-binding proteins from vitamin D-deficient rat serum. Ether extract of serum sample which was dried and dissolved in ethanol, or standard solution of 25-OH-D3, was incubated with 3H-25-OH-D3 and vitamin D-binding protein for 2 hours at 4degreesC. Free and bound 3H-25-OH-D3 were separated through dextran-coated charcoal. The sensitivity of the assay system was 0.22 ng/tube. Percent cross reaction in the assay was 2.18% in vitamin D3, 0.70% in 1, 25-(OH)2-D3, less than 0.28% in 1alpha-OH-D3, and less than 0.06% in dihydrotachysterol, cholesterol and cortisol. Human serum 25-OH-D is 28.9+/-2.9 ng/ml in 19 normal subjects. Serum 25-OH-D in the old-age group (50-70 years of age) was significantly decreased, compared with that in the young-age group (20-40 years of age). Serum 25-OH-D was significantly decreased in gastrectomized and osteoporotic patients as well as in the patients with liver cirrhosis, in comparison with their age-controls.", "PMID": 991836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4445", "title": "p-Nitroanilides of 3-carboxypropionyl-peptides. Their cleavage by elastase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin.", "content": "Fourteen 3-carboxypropionyl-tripeptide-p-nitroanilides of the general formula 3-carboxypropionyl-alanyl-alanyl-Y-p-nitroanilide (Y = glycine, norvaline, S-methylcysteine, valine, norleucine, S-ethylcysteine, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, S-benzylcysteine, Calpha-phenylglycine, and proline) were synthesized and their cleavage by elastase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin (Km, kcat and kcat/Km) was determined. The significance of amino acid residues in the position of Y was evaluated firstly with respect to their structure (topographically), and secondly with respect to their free energy (thermodynamically). The alanine residue substrate was cleaved best by elastase, the phenylalanine substrate by chymotrypsin. Trypsin cleaved two substrates only, that is those containing a phenylalanine and a tyrosine residue. The optimum length of the elastolytic substrates was studied in a series of N-3-carboxypropionyl-(Ala)n-p-nitroanilides (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), N-3-carboxypropionyl-(Gly)n-p-nitroanilides (n = 1, 2, 3), and in p-nitroanilides of fatty acids with two to seven carbon atoms. Elastase cleaved tri, tetra, and pentapeptides of alanine. p-Nitroanilides of the glycine series, as well as p-nitroanilides of fatty acids were not cleaved. 3-Carboxypropionyl-tetra-alanine-p-nitroanilide was the most suitable substrate so far found for elastase cleavage; it is not cleaved by trypsin nor chymotrypsin. The optimum distance between Y and the terminal anionic carboxyl residue was found to be 1.8 nm in elastolytic substrates.", "contents": "p-Nitroanilides of 3-carboxypropionyl-peptides. Their cleavage by elastase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Fourteen 3-carboxypropionyl-tripeptide-p-nitroanilides of the general formula 3-carboxypropionyl-alanyl-alanyl-Y-p-nitroanilide (Y = glycine, norvaline, S-methylcysteine, valine, norleucine, S-ethylcysteine, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, S-benzylcysteine, Calpha-phenylglycine, and proline) were synthesized and their cleavage by elastase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin (Km, kcat and kcat/Km) was determined. The significance of amino acid residues in the position of Y was evaluated firstly with respect to their structure (topographically), and secondly with respect to their free energy (thermodynamically). The alanine residue substrate was cleaved best by elastase, the phenylalanine substrate by chymotrypsin. Trypsin cleaved two substrates only, that is those containing a phenylalanine and a tyrosine residue. The optimum length of the elastolytic substrates was studied in a series of N-3-carboxypropionyl-(Ala)n-p-nitroanilides (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), N-3-carboxypropionyl-(Gly)n-p-nitroanilides (n = 1, 2, 3), and in p-nitroanilides of fatty acids with two to seven carbon atoms. Elastase cleaved tri, tetra, and pentapeptides of alanine. p-Nitroanilides of the glycine series, as well as p-nitroanilides of fatty acids were not cleaved. 3-Carboxypropionyl-tetra-alanine-p-nitroanilide was the most suitable substrate so far found for elastase cleavage; it is not cleaved by trypsin nor chymotrypsin. The optimum distance between Y and the terminal anionic carboxyl residue was found to be 1.8 nm in elastolytic substrates.", "PMID": 991849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4446", "title": "Characterization of collagen and its precursors synthesized by rabbit-articular-cartilage cells in various culture systems.", "content": "Rabbit articular cartilage synthesizes type II collagen, comprised of alpha1(II) chains, in vivo or in vitro. Chondrocytes from the same tissue have the ability to produce type I chollagen with the chain composition 2alpha(I)-alpha2 or type II collagen, depending upon the culture systems in which they are maintained. Type I collagen and its precursors have been identified in the medium of monolayer cultures. Upon transfer from monolayer to suspension cultures, the cells synthesize type II collagen in the medium devoid of CaCl2 and type I collagen and its precursors in the complete medium.", "contents": "Characterization of collagen and its precursors synthesized by rabbit-articular-cartilage cells in various culture systems. Rabbit articular cartilage synthesizes type II collagen, comprised of alpha1(II) chains, in vivo or in vitro. Chondrocytes from the same tissue have the ability to produce type I chollagen with the chain composition 2alpha(I)-alpha2 or type II collagen, depending upon the culture systems in which they are maintained. Type I collagen and its precursors have been identified in the medium of monolayer cultures. Upon transfer from monolayer to suspension cultures, the cells synthesize type II collagen in the medium devoid of CaCl2 and type I collagen and its precursors in the complete medium.", "PMID": 991850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4447", "title": "Isolation and partial characterization of elastase from dog granulocytes.", "content": "1. An elastolytic enzyme has been isolated from dog granulocyte leukocytes. The purification procedure included preparation of the granula fraction, chromatography on Sephadex G-75 and ion-exchange chromatography on SP-Sephadex C-50 at pH 6.0. 2. The elastase isolated was homogeneous in analytical disc electrophoresis and showed in sodium dodecylsulfate electrophoresis a single protein component with the molecular weight of 24800. The enzyme lacked tyrosine and lysine and the N-terminal amino acid was phenylalanine. No carbohydrate or sialic acid were detected. 3. The dog granulocyte elastase showed similar activities as human granulocyte elastase on elastin and fibrin. The Km value for 3-carboxypropionyl-L-alanyl-L-alanyl-L-alanyl-p-nitroanilide was 2.50 mM and the pH optimum 8.5. The elastase preparation obtained was 99.5% active as judged from active-site titration. 4. The enzyme is a cationic protein and shows pronounced trailing on agarose gel electrophoresis. 5. A monospecific antiserum against the purified enzyme was produced in rabbits.", "contents": "Isolation and partial characterization of elastase from dog granulocytes. 1. An elastolytic enzyme has been isolated from dog granulocyte leukocytes. The purification procedure included preparation of the granula fraction, chromatography on Sephadex G-75 and ion-exchange chromatography on SP-Sephadex C-50 at pH 6.0. 2. The elastase isolated was homogeneous in analytical disc electrophoresis and showed in sodium dodecylsulfate electrophoresis a single protein component with the molecular weight of 24800. The enzyme lacked tyrosine and lysine and the N-terminal amino acid was phenylalanine. No carbohydrate or sialic acid were detected. 3. The dog granulocyte elastase showed similar activities as human granulocyte elastase on elastin and fibrin. The Km value for 3-carboxypropionyl-L-alanyl-L-alanyl-L-alanyl-p-nitroanilide was 2.50 mM and the pH optimum 8.5. The elastase preparation obtained was 99.5% active as judged from active-site titration. 4. The enzyme is a cationic protein and shows pronounced trailing on agarose gel electrophoresis. 5. A monospecific antiserum against the purified enzyme was produced in rabbits.", "PMID": 991851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4448", "title": "Kinetics of dimerization of the variable fragment of the Bence-Jones protein Au.", "content": "The dimerization of the variable fragment of the Bence-Jones protein Au was examined in phosphate buffers at pH 6.8-6.9 And ionic strength of 0.1 M or 0.2 M at 20 degrees C. The dimerization constant was about 1 X 10(5) M-1. The reaction enthalpy was positive and the process was entropy driven. The association and dissociation rate constants were 9 X 10(6) M-1 s-1 and 1.5 X 10(2) s-1 respectively. Temperature-jump experiments exhibited the presence of two isomers of the dimer, which are present at equilibrium in a ratio of about 1:1. Isomerization occurred with a half-life of about 0.1 s.", "contents": "Kinetics of dimerization of the variable fragment of the Bence-Jones protein Au. The dimerization of the variable fragment of the Bence-Jones protein Au was examined in phosphate buffers at pH 6.8-6.9 And ionic strength of 0.1 M or 0.2 M at 20 degrees C. The dimerization constant was about 1 X 10(5) M-1. The reaction enthalpy was positive and the process was entropy driven. The association and dissociation rate constants were 9 X 10(6) M-1 s-1 and 1.5 X 10(2) s-1 respectively. Temperature-jump experiments exhibited the presence of two isomers of the dimer, which are present at equilibrium in a ratio of about 1:1. Isomerization occurred with a half-life of about 0.1 s.", "PMID": 991852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4449", "title": "Some properties of phospholipid exchange proteins from rat liver.", "content": "The phospholipid exchange proteins of rat liver that catalyze the transfer of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol from rat liver microsomes to liposomes, have been purified and characterized. Two proteins were detected with dual specificities catalyzing the transfer of both phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine. Both proteins showed a strong preference for phosphatidylinositol transferring 8 to 9 times as much of the microsomal phosphatidylinositol pool as the microsomal phosphatidylcholine pool. The two proteins had iso-electric points of 5.1 and 5.3 and were purified 300-fold and 500-fold, respectively. A protein that catalyzed specifically the transfer of phosphatidylcholine, was purified 7000-fold. This protein had an iso-electric point of 8.4 and a molecular weight of approximately 16000 calculated from Sephadex G-50 chromatography and sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; the amino acid composition was determined. An antiserum against this protein was raised in rabbits. Treatment of a rat liver supernatant fraction with the antiserum immunoglobulin fraction demonstrated that 60% of the phosphatidylcholine transfer activity is due to this protein.", "contents": "Some properties of phospholipid exchange proteins from rat liver. The phospholipid exchange proteins of rat liver that catalyze the transfer of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol from rat liver microsomes to liposomes, have been purified and characterized. Two proteins were detected with dual specificities catalyzing the transfer of both phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine. Both proteins showed a strong preference for phosphatidylinositol transferring 8 to 9 times as much of the microsomal phosphatidylinositol pool as the microsomal phosphatidylcholine pool. The two proteins had iso-electric points of 5.1 and 5.3 and were purified 300-fold and 500-fold, respectively. A protein that catalyzed specifically the transfer of phosphatidylcholine, was purified 7000-fold. This protein had an iso-electric point of 8.4 and a molecular weight of approximately 16000 calculated from Sephadex G-50 chromatography and sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; the amino acid composition was determined. An antiserum against this protein was raised in rabbits. Treatment of a rat liver supernatant fraction with the antiserum immunoglobulin fraction demonstrated that 60% of the phosphatidylcholine transfer activity is due to this protein.", "PMID": 991853} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4450", "title": "Snake venom toxins. Purification and properties of low-molecular-weight polypeptides of Dendroaspis polylepis polylepis (black mamba) venom.", "content": "Twelve low-molecular-weight proteins, of which eleven have subcutaneous LD50 values of less than 40 mug/g mouse, were purified from Dendroaspis polylepis polylepis venom. Ion-exchange chromatography on Amberlite CG-50 and ion-exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl-cellulose and/or phosphocellulose was used for the purification. The amino-terminal sequences of these proteins were determined and used to indicate that five groups of low-molecular-weight polypeptides are to be found in black mamba venom. Proteins from two of these groups which have low toxicity individually, when used together show synergism, in that their toxicity in combination is greater than the sum of their individual toxicities.", "contents": "Snake venom toxins. Purification and properties of low-molecular-weight polypeptides of Dendroaspis polylepis polylepis (black mamba) venom. Twelve low-molecular-weight proteins, of which eleven have subcutaneous LD50 values of less than 40 mug/g mouse, were purified from Dendroaspis polylepis polylepis venom. Ion-exchange chromatography on Amberlite CG-50 and ion-exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl-cellulose and/or phosphocellulose was used for the purification. The amino-terminal sequences of these proteins were determined and used to indicate that five groups of low-molecular-weight polypeptides are to be found in black mamba venom. Proteins from two of these groups which have low toxicity individually, when used together show synergism, in that their toxicity in combination is greater than the sum of their individual toxicities.", "PMID": 991854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4451", "title": "The binding of specific ligands to adenosine-triphosphate phosphoribosyltransferase.", "content": "Ligand binding by adenosine-triphosphate phosphoribosyltransferase was studied by different methods. 200000 daltons of enzyme bound approximately 3 molecules of histidine cooperatively with a Hill plot slope of 1.23 (half-maximal binding at 520 muM). AMP increased the affinity of the enzyme for histidine (half-maximal binding at 80 muM). In the presence of AMP the binding of histidine was strongly cooperative with a Hill plot slope of 2.3. The transferase binds a little more than 3 molecules of AMP per hexamer of enzyme with a dissociation constant of the transferase-AMP complex of approximately 25 muM. ATP was able to displace radioactive AMP from the enzyme only at a concentration ratio of 25 in favour of ATP. The transferase bound 3 molecules of ATP per 200000 daltons to an inhomogeneous population of sites, or by a mechanism of negative cooperativity. The binding of phosphoribosyladenosine triphosphate took place preferably at 1-2 sites per hexamer of enzyme, depending on several factors including the magnesium concentration.", "contents": "The binding of specific ligands to adenosine-triphosphate phosphoribosyltransferase. Ligand binding by adenosine-triphosphate phosphoribosyltransferase was studied by different methods. 200000 daltons of enzyme bound approximately 3 molecules of histidine cooperatively with a Hill plot slope of 1.23 (half-maximal binding at 520 muM). AMP increased the affinity of the enzyme for histidine (half-maximal binding at 80 muM). In the presence of AMP the binding of histidine was strongly cooperative with a Hill plot slope of 2.3. The transferase binds a little more than 3 molecules of AMP per hexamer of enzyme with a dissociation constant of the transferase-AMP complex of approximately 25 muM. ATP was able to displace radioactive AMP from the enzyme only at a concentration ratio of 25 in favour of ATP. The transferase bound 3 molecules of ATP per 200000 daltons to an inhomogeneous population of sites, or by a mechanism of negative cooperativity. The binding of phosphoribosyladenosine triphosphate took place preferably at 1-2 sites per hexamer of enzyme, depending on several factors including the magnesium concentration.", "PMID": 991855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4452", "title": "Isolation of a crosslinked cyanogen-bromide peptide from insoluble rabbit collagen. Tissue differences in hydroxylation and glycosylation of the crosslink.", "content": "A radioactive peptide has been isolated from cyanogen bromide digests of sodium boro[3H]-hydride-reduced collagen from rabbit bone, tendon and skin. It was identified as a crosslinked peptide linking the short C-terminal cyanogen bromide peptide alpha1-CB6B (17 amino acid residues) to alpha1-CB5 (37 residues) from the helical part of the chain of an adjacent molecule. Both peptides could be separated after cleaving the crosslink with periodate. Thus the crosslinked peptide alpha1-CB5 X alpha1-CB6B originates from an intermolecular crosslink between quarter-staggered molecules within collagen fibrils previously assigned as 'head-to-tail' link. The chemical nature of the reduced crosslinking component was identified and was shown to differ between peptides derived from different tissues: alpha1-CB6B X alpha1 CB5 from bone contains hydroxylysinohydroxynorleucine [o5Lys(o5omegaNle)] whereas the skin peptide contains hydroxylysinonorleucine [o5Lys(omegaNle)]. The peptide derived from tendon contains both components. The relation of o5Lys(omegaNle) to o5Lys(o5omegaNle) in the peptides corresponds to that of the original tissue. On the other hand, histidino-hydroxymerodesmosine which is a major reduced cross-linking component in skin and tendon, is completely absent in the isolated peptides. The crosslinking component in the skin peptide is completely glycosylated, mainly by glucosylgalactosyl residues and to a smaller extent by galactosyl residues. o5Lys(o5omegaNle) from the bone peptide is only partly glycosylated, containing equal amounts of the disaccharide and monosaccharide. Only slight glycosylation was found in the tendon peptide.", "contents": "Isolation of a crosslinked cyanogen-bromide peptide from insoluble rabbit collagen. Tissue differences in hydroxylation and glycosylation of the crosslink. A radioactive peptide has been isolated from cyanogen bromide digests of sodium boro[3H]-hydride-reduced collagen from rabbit bone, tendon and skin. It was identified as a crosslinked peptide linking the short C-terminal cyanogen bromide peptide alpha1-CB6B (17 amino acid residues) to alpha1-CB5 (37 residues) from the helical part of the chain of an adjacent molecule. Both peptides could be separated after cleaving the crosslink with periodate. Thus the crosslinked peptide alpha1-CB5 X alpha1-CB6B originates from an intermolecular crosslink between quarter-staggered molecules within collagen fibrils previously assigned as 'head-to-tail' link. The chemical nature of the reduced crosslinking component was identified and was shown to differ between peptides derived from different tissues: alpha1-CB6B X alpha1 CB5 from bone contains hydroxylysinohydroxynorleucine [o5Lys(o5omegaNle)] whereas the skin peptide contains hydroxylysinonorleucine [o5Lys(omegaNle)]. The peptide derived from tendon contains both components. The relation of o5Lys(omegaNle) to o5Lys(o5omegaNle) in the peptides corresponds to that of the original tissue. On the other hand, histidino-hydroxymerodesmosine which is a major reduced cross-linking component in skin and tendon, is completely absent in the isolated peptides. The crosslinking component in the skin peptide is completely glycosylated, mainly by glucosylgalactosyl residues and to a smaller extent by galactosyl residues. o5Lys(o5omegaNle) from the bone peptide is only partly glycosylated, containing equal amounts of the disaccharide and monosaccharide. Only slight glycosylation was found in the tendon peptide.", "PMID": 991856} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4453", "title": "Daunorubicin inhibition of DNA-dependent RNA polymerases from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.", "content": "Two different forms of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase have been solubilized and purified from nuclei of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The purification procedure involves ammonium sulfate precipitation and gel filtration on Sephadex G-25. The separation of A and B activities is achieved by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. Nuclei are prepared from cells, sensitive or resistant to daunorubicin. RNA polymerases A and B have an absolute requirement of divalent cations for activity. Native DNAs are better templates than heat-denatured DNAs for RNA polymerase A. On the contrary heat-denatured DNA is more transcribed than the native one by RNA polymerase B. The low level of transcription of total and nucleolar ascites DNAs is due to the DNA, the same results being obtained with ascites and calf thymus RNA polymerases A and B. The inhibitory action of daunorubicin on RNA polymerases A and B from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells has been studied in vitro. The same results are obtained with enzymes extracted from sensitive or resistant cells. Daunorubicin does not inhibit the binding of RNA polymerases to the DNA template, but prevents the transformation of the DNA-daunorubicin-RNA-polymerase unstable complex into the highly stable one. This inactive ternary complex has a dissociation rate faster than the stable complex formed without daunorubicin. The size of the RNA synthesized in the presence or absence of daunorubicin is the same.", "contents": "Daunorubicin inhibition of DNA-dependent RNA polymerases from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Two different forms of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase have been solubilized and purified from nuclei of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The purification procedure involves ammonium sulfate precipitation and gel filtration on Sephadex G-25. The separation of A and B activities is achieved by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. Nuclei are prepared from cells, sensitive or resistant to daunorubicin. RNA polymerases A and B have an absolute requirement of divalent cations for activity. Native DNAs are better templates than heat-denatured DNAs for RNA polymerase A. On the contrary heat-denatured DNA is more transcribed than the native one by RNA polymerase B. The low level of transcription of total and nucleolar ascites DNAs is due to the DNA, the same results being obtained with ascites and calf thymus RNA polymerases A and B. The inhibitory action of daunorubicin on RNA polymerases A and B from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells has been studied in vitro. The same results are obtained with enzymes extracted from sensitive or resistant cells. Daunorubicin does not inhibit the binding of RNA polymerases to the DNA template, but prevents the transformation of the DNA-daunorubicin-RNA-polymerase unstable complex into the highly stable one. This inactive ternary complex has a dissociation rate faster than the stable complex formed without daunorubicin. The size of the RNA synthesized in the presence or absence of daunorubicin is the same.", "PMID": 991857} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4454", "title": "Substrate specificity of the ultraviolet-endonuclease from Micrococcus luteus. Endonucleolytic cleavage of depurinated DNA.", "content": "The ultraviolet-endonuclease isolated from Micrococcul luteus, specific for pyrimidine dimers, is able to attack not only ultraviolet-irradiated DNA (leading to 3'OH-5'PO4 single-strand breaks) but also superhelical covalently-closed circular DNA of phage lambda damaged by heating at 70 degrees C, pH 5.93. The number of endonuclease-sensitive defects in the DNA corresponds to the number of alkalilabile bonds (apurinic sites) induced by heating. Competition between ultraviolet-induced lesions and apurinic sites for ultraviolet-endonuclease is demonstrated; the affinity of the enzyme for pyrimidine dimers is about three times that for apurinic sites. Both activities of the ultraviolet-endonuclease are inactivated at 50 degrees C at the same rate. The ultraviolet-endonuclease is able to reduce the infectious activity of depurinated lambda DNA towards Ca2+-treated uvr+ and uvr A Escherichia coli cells. It is concluded that both pyrimidine dimers and apurinic sites can be recognized by one and the same enzyme (the ultraviolet-endonuclease).", "contents": "Substrate specificity of the ultraviolet-endonuclease from Micrococcus luteus. Endonucleolytic cleavage of depurinated DNA. The ultraviolet-endonuclease isolated from Micrococcul luteus, specific for pyrimidine dimers, is able to attack not only ultraviolet-irradiated DNA (leading to 3'OH-5'PO4 single-strand breaks) but also superhelical covalently-closed circular DNA of phage lambda damaged by heating at 70 degrees C, pH 5.93. The number of endonuclease-sensitive defects in the DNA corresponds to the number of alkalilabile bonds (apurinic sites) induced by heating. Competition between ultraviolet-induced lesions and apurinic sites for ultraviolet-endonuclease is demonstrated; the affinity of the enzyme for pyrimidine dimers is about three times that for apurinic sites. Both activities of the ultraviolet-endonuclease are inactivated at 50 degrees C at the same rate. The ultraviolet-endonuclease is able to reduce the infectious activity of depurinated lambda DNA towards Ca2+-treated uvr+ and uvr A Escherichia coli cells. It is concluded that both pyrimidine dimers and apurinic sites can be recognized by one and the same enzyme (the ultraviolet-endonuclease).", "PMID": 991858} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4455", "title": "The transient-state kinetics of two-substrate enzyme systems operating by an ordered ternary-complex mechanism.", "content": "Transient-state kinetic equations, applicable to single-turnover experiments with limiting amounts of substrate and catalytic-suicide experiments with substrates in excess to enzyme, have been derived for two-substrate enzyme reactions occurring by an ordered ternary-complex mechanism. The relative magnitude and dependence on substrate concentrations of rates and amplitudes for the exponential transients corresponding to this mechanism. It is shown that ordered ternary-complex reactions under standard assay conditions may exhibit a biphasic transient rate behaviour, and the precise conditions under which two transients can be detected are described and discussed.", "contents": "The transient-state kinetics of two-substrate enzyme systems operating by an ordered ternary-complex mechanism. Transient-state kinetic equations, applicable to single-turnover experiments with limiting amounts of substrate and catalytic-suicide experiments with substrates in excess to enzyme, have been derived for two-substrate enzyme reactions occurring by an ordered ternary-complex mechanism. The relative magnitude and dependence on substrate concentrations of rates and amplitudes for the exponential transients corresponding to this mechanism. It is shown that ordered ternary-complex reactions under standard assay conditions may exhibit a biphasic transient rate behaviour, and the precise conditions under which two transients can be detected are described and discussed.", "PMID": 991859} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4456", "title": "The effects of temperature and some inhibitors on the carnitine exchange system of heart mitochondria.", "content": "1. 11-Trimethylamino-undecanoyl-L-carnitine (Ki = 56 muM) and 6-trimethylaminohexanoyl-L-carnitine (Ki = 1.3 mM) are competitive inhibitors of the ox heart mitochondrial carnitine exchange system. The latter is itself a poor substrate, with a V about 0.7% of that for carnitine. These compounds have been used as 'stop inhibitors' in a study of the effect of temperature on the carnitine exchange. 2. The carnitineout in equilibrium carnitinein exchange has a temperature coefficient (Q10) of 8.5 and an activation energy of 176 kJ/mol which is constant from 0 degrees - 18 degrees C. The Km for L-carnitine (5.3 mM) is also constant over this temperature range. 3. The slow efflux (leak) of mitochondrial L-[14C]carnitine in the absence of external substrate has a similar temperature dependence and is also inhibited by 11-trimethylamino-undecanoyl-L-carnitine. It is probably mediated by the same system as the very much faster exchange with external carnitine.", "contents": "The effects of temperature and some inhibitors on the carnitine exchange system of heart mitochondria. 1. 11-Trimethylamino-undecanoyl-L-carnitine (Ki = 56 muM) and 6-trimethylaminohexanoyl-L-carnitine (Ki = 1.3 mM) are competitive inhibitors of the ox heart mitochondrial carnitine exchange system. The latter is itself a poor substrate, with a V about 0.7% of that for carnitine. These compounds have been used as 'stop inhibitors' in a study of the effect of temperature on the carnitine exchange. 2. The carnitineout in equilibrium carnitinein exchange has a temperature coefficient (Q10) of 8.5 and an activation energy of 176 kJ/mol which is constant from 0 degrees - 18 degrees C. The Km for L-carnitine (5.3 mM) is also constant over this temperature range. 3. The slow efflux (leak) of mitochondrial L-[14C]carnitine in the absence of external substrate has a similar temperature dependence and is also inhibited by 11-trimethylamino-undecanoyl-L-carnitine. It is probably mediated by the same system as the very much faster exchange with external carnitine.", "PMID": 991860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4457", "title": "4-Alkyldihydroflavin: coenzyme synthesis and modification of flavodoxin.", "content": "A stable (i.e. non-oxidisable), reduced flavocoenzyme, 4a-(n-propyl)-4a,5-dihydro-riboflavin 5'-monophosphate, has been synthesized. The method of choice was selective photo-allylation in position 4a. Stabilization of this substituent was achieved by hydrogenation after N(5) protection, while hydrogenation of the unprotected compound would have led to removal of the allyl substituent. The mode of this substituent mobility has been checked with deuterated photosubstrate. Upon hydrogenation, the allyl substituent becomes firmly and irreversibly fixed to the flavin surface. The diastereomers thus formed have been separated and characterized by their ultraviolet, circular dichroic and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. After subsequent side chain phosphorylation it has been shown that only one of the diastereomeric dihydro-flavocoenzymes is firmly bound by Peptostreptococcus elsdenii apoflavodoxin. This leads to the hypothesis that (a) the non-planar 4a,5-dihydro-flavin isomer and, therefore, C(4a) as active flavin center, may have biological relevance, while (b) the flavin site in flavodoxin is accessible to some extent for a stacking interaction with a redox-partner group.", "contents": "4-Alkyldihydroflavin: coenzyme synthesis and modification of flavodoxin. A stable (i.e. non-oxidisable), reduced flavocoenzyme, 4a-(n-propyl)-4a,5-dihydro-riboflavin 5'-monophosphate, has been synthesized. The method of choice was selective photo-allylation in position 4a. Stabilization of this substituent was achieved by hydrogenation after N(5) protection, while hydrogenation of the unprotected compound would have led to removal of the allyl substituent. The mode of this substituent mobility has been checked with deuterated photosubstrate. Upon hydrogenation, the allyl substituent becomes firmly and irreversibly fixed to the flavin surface. The diastereomers thus formed have been separated and characterized by their ultraviolet, circular dichroic and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. After subsequent side chain phosphorylation it has been shown that only one of the diastereomeric dihydro-flavocoenzymes is firmly bound by Peptostreptococcus elsdenii apoflavodoxin. This leads to the hypothesis that (a) the non-planar 4a,5-dihydro-flavin isomer and, therefore, C(4a) as active flavin center, may have biological relevance, while (b) the flavin site in flavodoxin is accessible to some extent for a stacking interaction with a redox-partner group.", "PMID": 991861} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4458", "title": "Reiteration frequency of the histone genes in the genome of the amphibian, Xenopus laevis.", "content": "Radioactive RNA was obtained from Xenopus laevis gastrula-stage embryos which had been labelled by microinjection of [3H]uridine. A 9-12-S RNA fraction was isolated by phenol extraction of whole embryos followed by sucrose gradient centrifugation of the RNA and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This RNA was identified as histone mRNA on the basis of its chemical and physical properties. On polyacrylamide gels the labelled RNA could be subfractionated into different components with electrophoretic mobilities similar to those of histone mRNAs of the sea urchin. 9-12-S RNA lacked poly(A) sequences. In a protein synthesis system in vitro the RNA fraction directed the synthesis of the histones H4, H2A, H2B, H3 and, possibly, of H1 protein. The Xenopus gistone mRNA was challenged with Xenopus DNA under conditions of vast DNA excess. A cot1/2 of between 110 and 250 mol-s-1(-1) was obtained from the RNA trace curve, indicating that the histone genes were 20-50-fold reiterated in the haploid genome of the species. This value indicates that although amphibians have several embryological and morphological features in common with sea urchins, the reiteration frequency for Xenopus histone genes is closer to the value of 10-20 established for mammals than the value of 400-1000 determined for sea urchins.", "contents": "Reiteration frequency of the histone genes in the genome of the amphibian, Xenopus laevis. Radioactive RNA was obtained from Xenopus laevis gastrula-stage embryos which had been labelled by microinjection of [3H]uridine. A 9-12-S RNA fraction was isolated by phenol extraction of whole embryos followed by sucrose gradient centrifugation of the RNA and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This RNA was identified as histone mRNA on the basis of its chemical and physical properties. On polyacrylamide gels the labelled RNA could be subfractionated into different components with electrophoretic mobilities similar to those of histone mRNAs of the sea urchin. 9-12-S RNA lacked poly(A) sequences. In a protein synthesis system in vitro the RNA fraction directed the synthesis of the histones H4, H2A, H2B, H3 and, possibly, of H1 protein. The Xenopus gistone mRNA was challenged with Xenopus DNA under conditions of vast DNA excess. A cot1/2 of between 110 and 250 mol-s-1(-1) was obtained from the RNA trace curve, indicating that the histone genes were 20-50-fold reiterated in the haploid genome of the species. This value indicates that although amphibians have several embryological and morphological features in common with sea urchins, the reiteration frequency for Xenopus histone genes is closer to the value of 10-20 established for mammals than the value of 400-1000 determined for sea urchins.", "PMID": 991862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4459", "title": "Error structure of enzyme kinetic experiments. Implications for weighting in regression analysis of experimental data.", "content": "Knowledge of the error structure of a given set of experimental data is a necessary prerequisite for incisive analysis and for discrimination between alternative mathematical models of the data set. A reaction system consisting of glutathione S-transferase A (glutathione S-aryltransferase), glutathione, and 3,4-dichloro-1-nitrobenzene was investigated under steady-state conditions. It was found that the experimental error increased with initial velocity, v, and that the variance (estimated by replicates) could be described by a polynomial in v Var (v) = K0 + K1 - v + K2 - v2 or by a power function Var (v) = K0 + K1 - vK2. These equations were good approximations irrespective of whether different v values were generated by changing substrate or enzyme concentrations. The selection of these models was based mainly on experiments involving varying enzyme concentration, which, unlike v, is not considered a stochastic variable. Different models of the variance, expressed as functions of enzyme concentration, were examined by regression analysis, and the models could then be transformed to functions in which velocity is substituted for enzyme concentration owing to the proportionality between these variables. Thus, neither the absolute nor the relative error was independent of velocity, a result previously obtained for glutathione reductase in this laboratory [BioSystems 7, 101-119 (1975)]. If the experimental errors or velocities were standardized by division with their corresponding mean velocity value they showed a normal (Gaussian) distribution provided that the coefficient of variation was approximately constant for the data considered. Furthermore, it was established that the errors in the independent variables (enzyme and substrate concentrations) were small in comparison with the error in the velocity determinations. For weighting in regression analysis the inverted value of the local variance in each experimental point should be used. It was found that the assumption of proportionality between variance and valpha (where alpha is an empirically determined exponent) was a good approximation for the weighting. The value of alpha was 1.6 in the present case. The weight function was tested in the fitting of a rate equation to a kinetic-data set involving variable substrate concentrations. Recommendations are given regarding the establishment of the error structure in a general case and its application in regression analysis.", "contents": "Error structure of enzyme kinetic experiments. Implications for weighting in regression analysis of experimental data. Knowledge of the error structure of a given set of experimental data is a necessary prerequisite for incisive analysis and for discrimination between alternative mathematical models of the data set. A reaction system consisting of glutathione S-transferase A (glutathione S-aryltransferase), glutathione, and 3,4-dichloro-1-nitrobenzene was investigated under steady-state conditions. It was found that the experimental error increased with initial velocity, v, and that the variance (estimated by replicates) could be described by a polynomial in v Var (v) = K0 + K1 - v + K2 - v2 or by a power function Var (v) = K0 + K1 - vK2. These equations were good approximations irrespective of whether different v values were generated by changing substrate or enzyme concentrations. The selection of these models was based mainly on experiments involving varying enzyme concentration, which, unlike v, is not considered a stochastic variable. Different models of the variance, expressed as functions of enzyme concentration, were examined by regression analysis, and the models could then be transformed to functions in which velocity is substituted for enzyme concentration owing to the proportionality between these variables. Thus, neither the absolute nor the relative error was independent of velocity, a result previously obtained for glutathione reductase in this laboratory [BioSystems 7, 101-119 (1975)]. If the experimental errors or velocities were standardized by division with their corresponding mean velocity value they showed a normal (Gaussian) distribution provided that the coefficient of variation was approximately constant for the data considered. Furthermore, it was established that the errors in the independent variables (enzyme and substrate concentrations) were small in comparison with the error in the velocity determinations. For weighting in regression analysis the inverted value of the local variance in each experimental point should be used. It was found that the assumption of proportionality between variance and valpha (where alpha is an empirically determined exponent) was a good approximation for the weighting. The value of alpha was 1.6 in the present case. The weight function was tested in the fitting of a rate equation to a kinetic-data set involving variable substrate concentrations. Recommendations are given regarding the establishment of the error structure in a general case and its application in regression analysis.", "PMID": 991863} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4460", "title": "Epoxides derived from various polycyclic hydrocarbons as substrates of homogeneous and microsome-bound epoxide hydratase. A general assay and kinetic properties.", "content": "A general assay for epoxide hydratase using epoxides derived from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as substrates is described. Addition of dimethylsulphoxide to the incubation mixture after incubation allowed unreacted epoxide and its phenolic by-product to be extracted into light petroleum whilst the product dihydrodiol remained in the aqueous phase. The product was then extracted into ethyl acetate and estimated radiochemically. This assay gave low extraction blanks (0.8-3.8%) when six K-region epoxides of polycyclic hydrocarbons were used, with high recoveries of the corresponding dihydrodiol in the ethyl acetate phase (65-89%). Radiochromatograms demonstrated that all the radioactivity in the ethyl acetate extracts of active incubations above that of boiled enzyme blanks was confined to a single band that always cochromatographed with the authentic trans-dihydrodiol. Using this assay, the kinetic parameters of six K-region epoxides were estimated. In all cases the apparent Km was low (2-5.9 muM). This is about 100-fold lower than the known apparent Km of epoxide hydratase for styrene oxide, an alkene oxide that is widely used as a substrate for epoxide hydratase. The rate of hydration varied with the substrate. Thus the maximum velocity for hydration of phenanthrene 9,10-oxide greater than 7-methylbenz[a]anthracene 5,6-oxide approximately benz[a]anthracene 5,6-oxide approximately benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-oxide greater than 3-methylcholanthrene 11,12-oxide greater than dibenz[a,h] anthracene 5,6-oxide. This relationship between the individual epoxides was found in microsomal fractions from both rat skin and rat liver, although the activity was always much lower in skin microsomes. All six arene oxides derived from polycyclic hydrocarbons were substrates for the homogeneous epoxide hydratase that was isolated from rat liver microsomal fractions using styrene oxide, an alkene oxide, as substrate to follow the purification.", "contents": "Epoxides derived from various polycyclic hydrocarbons as substrates of homogeneous and microsome-bound epoxide hydratase. A general assay and kinetic properties. A general assay for epoxide hydratase using epoxides derived from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as substrates is described. Addition of dimethylsulphoxide to the incubation mixture after incubation allowed unreacted epoxide and its phenolic by-product to be extracted into light petroleum whilst the product dihydrodiol remained in the aqueous phase. The product was then extracted into ethyl acetate and estimated radiochemically. This assay gave low extraction blanks (0.8-3.8%) when six K-region epoxides of polycyclic hydrocarbons were used, with high recoveries of the corresponding dihydrodiol in the ethyl acetate phase (65-89%). Radiochromatograms demonstrated that all the radioactivity in the ethyl acetate extracts of active incubations above that of boiled enzyme blanks was confined to a single band that always cochromatographed with the authentic trans-dihydrodiol. Using this assay, the kinetic parameters of six K-region epoxides were estimated. In all cases the apparent Km was low (2-5.9 muM). This is about 100-fold lower than the known apparent Km of epoxide hydratase for styrene oxide, an alkene oxide that is widely used as a substrate for epoxide hydratase. The rate of hydration varied with the substrate. Thus the maximum velocity for hydration of phenanthrene 9,10-oxide greater than 7-methylbenz[a]anthracene 5,6-oxide approximately benz[a]anthracene 5,6-oxide approximately benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-oxide greater than 3-methylcholanthrene 11,12-oxide greater than dibenz[a,h] anthracene 5,6-oxide. This relationship between the individual epoxides was found in microsomal fractions from both rat skin and rat liver, although the activity was always much lower in skin microsomes. All six arene oxides derived from polycyclic hydrocarbons were substrates for the homogeneous epoxide hydratase that was isolated from rat liver microsomal fractions using styrene oxide, an alkene oxide, as substrate to follow the purification.", "PMID": 991864} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4461", "title": "A case for the medical administrator of an intensive therapy unit to be trained in intensive therapy.", "content": "It is suggested that there should be available post-graduate training schemes for members of the profession who ultimately wish to work on an Intensive Therapy Unit at Consultant level. The duties of the Medical Unit administrator are described and schemes are suggested for further training of an anaesthetist or physician particularly interested in critical patient care.", "contents": "A case for the medical administrator of an intensive therapy unit to be trained in intensive therapy. It is suggested that there should be available post-graduate training schemes for members of the profession who ultimately wish to work on an Intensive Therapy Unit at Consultant level. The duties of the Medical Unit administrator are described and schemes are suggested for further training of an anaesthetist or physician particularly interested in critical patient care.", "PMID": 991865} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4462", "title": "A modified balance chart -- ordering and charting intravenous fluids by \"B numbers\".", "content": "Most difficulties with intravenous fluid charting are due to the inability to identify which bottle/bag on the balance sheet corresponds to the bottle/bag on the order sheet. These can be eliminated by allocating every bottle/bag a number in sequence and charting intravenous fluids in START and FINISH columns against a time scale. Accumulation of the Running Total minimises arithmetical errors as only two numbers are added together on any one occasion. A definitive balance form and order sheet, printed on both sides of a single sheet of A4 paper illustrates the \"B Number\" method with a reasonably complicated example of fluid balance.", "contents": "A modified balance chart -- ordering and charting intravenous fluids by \"B numbers\". Most difficulties with intravenous fluid charting are due to the inability to identify which bottle/bag on the balance sheet corresponds to the bottle/bag on the order sheet. These can be eliminated by allocating every bottle/bag a number in sequence and charting intravenous fluids in START and FINISH columns against a time scale. Accumulation of the Running Total minimises arithmetical errors as only two numbers are added together on any one occasion. A definitive balance form and order sheet, printed on both sides of a single sheet of A4 paper illustrates the \"B Number\" method with a reasonably complicated example of fluid balance.", "PMID": 991866} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4463", "title": "The management of septic abortion in an intensive care unit.", "content": "The value of ICU treatment in the management of septic abortion has been assessed. Of patients subjected to hysterectomy, the mortality is now 20%, as opposed to 37% prior to the advent of ICU. It would therefore appear that these patients can benefit from intensive nursing and medical attention.", "contents": "The management of septic abortion in an intensive care unit. The value of ICU treatment in the management of septic abortion has been assessed. Of patients subjected to hysterectomy, the mortality is now 20%, as opposed to 37% prior to the advent of ICU. It would therefore appear that these patients can benefit from intensive nursing and medical attention.", "PMID": 991867} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4464", "title": "Bacteroides infection in a patient requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.", "content": "A case of fulminant bacteroides plus anaerobic streptococcus bacteraemia is reported. Therapy included the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the resultant acute respiratory failure. The problem of bacteroides infections is reviewed.", "contents": "Bacteroides infection in a patient requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A case of fulminant bacteroides plus anaerobic streptococcus bacteraemia is reported. Therapy included the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the resultant acute respiratory failure. The problem of bacteroides infections is reviewed.", "PMID": 991868} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4465", "title": "A study of mortality and urinary excretion of oxalate in male rats following acute experimental intoxication with diethylene-glycol. Preliminary report.", "content": "Acute intoxication by diethylene glycol (LD 50) in male rats is associated with a considerable urinary excretion of oxalate, which is significantly decreased by alkalinisatin and/or intraperitoneal injection of ethanol with hydration. Mortality during the five days following intoxication is significantly decreased by major hydration only or together with pyridoxine administration, but is cancelled by major hydration together with alkalinisation or intraperitoneal administration of ethanol, plus hydration, with or without alkalinisation. -- It might be inferred that diethylene glycol has the same metabolic pathway as ethylene glycol and treatment of acute intoxication by diethylene-glycol should be the same as that of acute poisoning with ethylene glycol.", "contents": "A study of mortality and urinary excretion of oxalate in male rats following acute experimental intoxication with diethylene-glycol. Preliminary report. Acute intoxication by diethylene glycol (LD 50) in male rats is associated with a considerable urinary excretion of oxalate, which is significantly decreased by alkalinisatin and/or intraperitoneal injection of ethanol with hydration. Mortality during the five days following intoxication is significantly decreased by major hydration only or together with pyridoxine administration, but is cancelled by major hydration together with alkalinisation or intraperitoneal administration of ethanol, plus hydration, with or without alkalinisation. -- It might be inferred that diethylene glycol has the same metabolic pathway as ethylene glycol and treatment of acute intoxication by diethylene-glycol should be the same as that of acute poisoning with ethylene glycol.", "PMID": 991869} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4466", "title": "Studies of malformation syndromes of man XXXXIIB: mother and son affected with the ulnar-mammary syndrome type Pallister.", "content": "We report mother and son with the ulnar-mammary syndrome type Pallister: both had postaxial polydactyly in one upper limb and absence or hypoplasia of the axillary apocrine glands bilaterally. The mother had total lack of the mammary gland tissue and absence of one kidney. Her son also had unilateral oligodactyly, an absent ulna and hypoplasia of the ipsilateral shoulder girdle.", "contents": "Studies of malformation syndromes of man XXXXIIB: mother and son affected with the ulnar-mammary syndrome type Pallister. We report mother and son with the ulnar-mammary syndrome type Pallister: both had postaxial polydactyly in one upper limb and absence or hypoplasia of the axillary apocrine glands bilaterally. The mother had total lack of the mammary gland tissue and absence of one kidney. Her son also had unilateral oligodactyly, an absent ulna and hypoplasia of the ipsilateral shoulder girdle.", "PMID": 991870} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4467", "title": "The syndrome of partial trisomy 14q.", "content": "The case of a 4-month-old male with de novo partial trisomy for chromosome 14 involving the p13 leads to q24 portion is reported. He presented with growth and psychomotor retardation, peculiar facies due to nose-mouth anomalies, monolateral microphtalmia, high arched palate, and anomalies of hands and feet. These symptoms are found also in the other 8 cases of partial trisomy 14 reported in the literature. This confirms a characteristic chromosomal syndrome although the breaking points on the extra chromosome 14 are not the same in the 9 cases. The clinical picture of our case calls for careful investigations of the chronology of bone age and of the immunologic situation in further cases of total and partial trisomy 14.", "contents": "The syndrome of partial trisomy 14q. The case of a 4-month-old male with de novo partial trisomy for chromosome 14 involving the p13 leads to q24 portion is reported. He presented with growth and psychomotor retardation, peculiar facies due to nose-mouth anomalies, monolateral microphtalmia, high arched palate, and anomalies of hands and feet. These symptoms are found also in the other 8 cases of partial trisomy 14 reported in the literature. This confirms a characteristic chromosomal syndrome although the breaking points on the extra chromosome 14 are not the same in the 9 cases. The clinical picture of our case calls for careful investigations of the chronology of bone age and of the immunologic situation in further cases of total and partial trisomy 14.", "PMID": 991871} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4468", "title": "Septicemia in the newborn due to gram-negative bacilli. Risk factors, clinical symptoms, and hematologic changes.", "content": "The case histories of 17 newborns developing septic shock due to gram-negative bacilli were studied for pre- and perinatal risk factors, clinical symptoms, and hematologic changes. Immaturity, resuscitation procedures, and hypothermia on admission were found to be the risk factors most frequently preceding septicemia. A skin color fading and changing from reddish-pink to yellow-green was the most early noticeable clinical symptom in all patients. The total leukocyte counts as well as the relative proportion of bands increased significantly at the onset of illness. When septicemia advanced, a marked drop of leukocytes was found, while the relative proportion of bands increased further. Only 1 in 12 cases showed a decrease in the platelet counts at the height of septicemia. A procedure for the early diagnosis of a neonatal septicemia is proposed: (1) Registration of perinatal risk factors. (2) With perinatal risk factors a skilled and attentive clinical observation is necessary. Particular attention should be paid to changes of skin color. (3) White blood cell picture: (a) every day in patients with perinatal risk factors and (b) every 6 h in patients showing suspicious symptoms.", "contents": "Septicemia in the newborn due to gram-negative bacilli. Risk factors, clinical symptoms, and hematologic changes. The case histories of 17 newborns developing septic shock due to gram-negative bacilli were studied for pre- and perinatal risk factors, clinical symptoms, and hematologic changes. Immaturity, resuscitation procedures, and hypothermia on admission were found to be the risk factors most frequently preceding septicemia. A skin color fading and changing from reddish-pink to yellow-green was the most early noticeable clinical symptom in all patients. The total leukocyte counts as well as the relative proportion of bands increased significantly at the onset of illness. When septicemia advanced, a marked drop of leukocytes was found, while the relative proportion of bands increased further. Only 1 in 12 cases showed a decrease in the platelet counts at the height of septicemia. A procedure for the early diagnosis of a neonatal septicemia is proposed: (1) Registration of perinatal risk factors. (2) With perinatal risk factors a skilled and attentive clinical observation is necessary. Particular attention should be paid to changes of skin color. (3) White blood cell picture: (a) every day in patients with perinatal risk factors and (b) every 6 h in patients showing suspicious symptoms.", "PMID": 991872} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4469", "title": "Development of subcutaneous fat in infancy. Standards for tricipital, subscapular, and suprailiacal skinfolds in german infants.", "content": "In order to assess the nutritional status of healthy infants in Berlin, the tricipital (TRI), subscapular (SCA), and suprailiacal (SIL) skinfolds were measured at several instances (2--14 times) during regular presentations at the well baby clinic offices in 265 infants of normal gestation, 140 boys and 125 girls, using the Holtain skinfold caliper. The characteristic pattern of skinfold development in infancy includes a rapid increase in width of all diameters until 3--5 months of age, and a gradual decrease thereafter. This diminution of skinfold thickness is more pronounced at the trunk (SIL and SCA) than at the limbs (TRI), indicating a change in distribution of subcutaneous tissue during infancy. Compared to the present study, previous investigations in Great Britain and Sweden have shown a maintenance of maximal skinfold values rather than a decrease during the second half of the first year. It is suggested that differences of feeding habits and calorie intake may be responsible for these discrepancies. The results of this mixed longitudinal study, performed in 1974/1975, were computed to calculate centile curves of the skinfold development in infancy, which may serve as standards for infants living under similar socioeconomic and nutritional conditions.", "contents": "Development of subcutaneous fat in infancy. Standards for tricipital, subscapular, and suprailiacal skinfolds in german infants. In order to assess the nutritional status of healthy infants in Berlin, the tricipital (TRI), subscapular (SCA), and suprailiacal (SIL) skinfolds were measured at several instances (2--14 times) during regular presentations at the well baby clinic offices in 265 infants of normal gestation, 140 boys and 125 girls, using the Holtain skinfold caliper. The characteristic pattern of skinfold development in infancy includes a rapid increase in width of all diameters until 3--5 months of age, and a gradual decrease thereafter. This diminution of skinfold thickness is more pronounced at the trunk (SIL and SCA) than at the limbs (TRI), indicating a change in distribution of subcutaneous tissue during infancy. Compared to the present study, previous investigations in Great Britain and Sweden have shown a maintenance of maximal skinfold values rather than a decrease during the second half of the first year. It is suggested that differences of feeding habits and calorie intake may be responsible for these discrepancies. The results of this mixed longitudinal study, performed in 1974/1975, were computed to calculate centile curves of the skinfold development in infancy, which may serve as standards for infants living under similar socioeconomic and nutritional conditions.", "PMID": 991873} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4470", "title": "Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome (?) and Prader-Willi syndrome (?) in a single family.", "content": "Mental retardation, hypogonadism, obesity, and abnormal blood sugar regulation were common findings in two siblings. In addition, the 17-year-old female patient showed short stature, muscular hypotonia in infancy, and small hands with tapering fingers suggesting Prader-Willi syndrome, and the 12-year-old male patient showed retinitis pigmentosa, normal height, and normal muscular tonicity suggesting Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome, though polydactyly was absent. Possible consideration was discussed.", "contents": "Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome (?) and Prader-Willi syndrome (?) in a single family. Mental retardation, hypogonadism, obesity, and abnormal blood sugar regulation were common findings in two siblings. In addition, the 17-year-old female patient showed short stature, muscular hypotonia in infancy, and small hands with tapering fingers suggesting Prader-Willi syndrome, and the 12-year-old male patient showed retinitis pigmentosa, normal height, and normal muscular tonicity suggesting Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome, though polydactyly was absent. Possible consideration was discussed.", "PMID": 991874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4471", "title": "Trisomy 8 mosaicism. A case report and a proposed list of the clinical features.", "content": "A 16-year-old boy with trisomy 8 mosaicism is presented. Increased birth weight, delayed psychomotoric and accelerated somatic development, and mental retardation were noted; he exhibited a prominent forehead, a broad-bridged upturned nose, an everted lower lip, low set dysmorphic ears, strabismus, slender trunk, narrow pelvis, osseous and joint anomalies, clinodactyly, deep skin furrows on the soles, and agenesis of the corpus callosum. The trisomic cell line was observed throughout the follow-up examinations from the fibroblast cultures between 1962 and 1973, but has disappeared from the lymphocyte culture. The clinical picture of this case is compared with the leading clinical signs and symptoms of the 25 cases with confirmed trisomy 8 so far published. A scheme is proposed in order to keep in mind the clinical picture suggesting trisomy 8.", "contents": "Trisomy 8 mosaicism. A case report and a proposed list of the clinical features. A 16-year-old boy with trisomy 8 mosaicism is presented. Increased birth weight, delayed psychomotoric and accelerated somatic development, and mental retardation were noted; he exhibited a prominent forehead, a broad-bridged upturned nose, an everted lower lip, low set dysmorphic ears, strabismus, slender trunk, narrow pelvis, osseous and joint anomalies, clinodactyly, deep skin furrows on the soles, and agenesis of the corpus callosum. The trisomic cell line was observed throughout the follow-up examinations from the fibroblast cultures between 1962 and 1973, but has disappeared from the lymphocyte culture. The clinical picture of this case is compared with the leading clinical signs and symptoms of the 25 cases with confirmed trisomy 8 so far published. A scheme is proposed in order to keep in mind the clinical picture suggesting trisomy 8.", "PMID": 991875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4472", "title": "Apnea in premature infants: recording by arterial catheter.", "content": "Respirations and apnea were recorded through an arterial catheter and observed simultaneously in 13 premature infants. Based on simultaneous clinical observation and characteristic recordings of preapneic and apneic periods, three distinct mechanisms of evolution of apneic spells were noted. Studies to elucidate pathophysiologic changes during apnea should recognize varied mechanisms of their origin.", "contents": "Apnea in premature infants: recording by arterial catheter. Respirations and apnea were recorded through an arterial catheter and observed simultaneously in 13 premature infants. Based on simultaneous clinical observation and characteristic recordings of preapneic and apneic periods, three distinct mechanisms of evolution of apneic spells were noted. Studies to elucidate pathophysiologic changes during apnea should recognize varied mechanisms of their origin.", "PMID": 991876} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4473", "title": "Multiple sclerosis and measles: a study of cellular sensitization.", "content": "Lymphocyte sensitization to measles has been studied in comparable groups of multiple sclerosis, other neurologic disease and normal subjects. The macrophage electrophoretic mobility test has been used. No difference between the three groups has been found, though there is a small group of children with obscure neurological disease which might well be multiple sclerosis and which fails to mount an adequate response to measles. The role of measles (and other banal infections) in aetiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis is briefly discussed.", "contents": "Multiple sclerosis and measles: a study of cellular sensitization. Lymphocyte sensitization to measles has been studied in comparable groups of multiple sclerosis, other neurologic disease and normal subjects. The macrophage electrophoretic mobility test has been used. No difference between the three groups has been found, though there is a small group of children with obscure neurological disease which might well be multiple sclerosis and which fails to mount an adequate response to measles. The role of measles (and other banal infections) in aetiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis is briefly discussed.", "PMID": 991877} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4474", "title": "Reduced CSF IgG in patients treated with phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin).", "content": "In the CSF's from 13 out of 30 phenytoin-treated patients the IgG concentrations were lower than the lowest amont 20 controls, while only 3 out of 37 patients with brain lesions without epilepsy had so low IgG value. Titers of IgG antibodies to rabbit erythrocytes were similar in the three groups. It should be kept in mind, when evaluating results of IgG determinations in clinical neurology, that reduced IgG may be a consequence of phenytoin treatment. Reduced IgG concentrations without reduction of an antibody belonging to the IgG class indicate that the suppression of immunoglobulin synthesis by phenytoin may be selective.", "contents": "Reduced CSF IgG in patients treated with phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin). In the CSF's from 13 out of 30 phenytoin-treated patients the IgG concentrations were lower than the lowest amont 20 controls, while only 3 out of 37 patients with brain lesions without epilepsy had so low IgG value. Titers of IgG antibodies to rabbit erythrocytes were similar in the three groups. It should be kept in mind, when evaluating results of IgG determinations in clinical neurology, that reduced IgG may be a consequence of phenytoin treatment. Reduced IgG concentrations without reduction of an antibody belonging to the IgG class indicate that the suppression of immunoglobulin synthesis by phenytoin may be selective.", "PMID": 991879} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4475", "title": "Electrocardiographic findings in motor neurone disease.", "content": "The electrocardiogram was analyzed in 31 patients with motor neurone disease. ECG abnormalities were encountered in 27 of the patients. The dominating ECG changes consisted of ST-T wave changes and supraventricular arrhythmias. The underlying mechanisms are discussed in relation to the neurological symptomatology.", "contents": "Electrocardiographic findings in motor neurone disease. The electrocardiogram was analyzed in 31 patients with motor neurone disease. ECG abnormalities were encountered in 27 of the patients. The dominating ECG changes consisted of ST-T wave changes and supraventricular arrhythmias. The underlying mechanisms are discussed in relation to the neurological symptomatology.", "PMID": 991880} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4476", "title": "Myasthenia gravis: a quantitative evaluation system. Disability status scale (DSS) applied for myasthenia gravis.", "content": "On the experience of long-lasting personal observation of 350 myasthenic patients the author has applied the 'disability status scale' (known as Kurtzke or Bronx scale in multiple sclerosis practice) for myasthenia gravis. This system renders the quantitative evaluation of the different parameters possible. There are ten grades of gravity (from 1 to 10) and six functional systems (ocular, facial, bulbar, sceletal, respiratory and other functions).", "contents": "Myasthenia gravis: a quantitative evaluation system. Disability status scale (DSS) applied for myasthenia gravis. On the experience of long-lasting personal observation of 350 myasthenic patients the author has applied the 'disability status scale' (known as Kurtzke or Bronx scale in multiple sclerosis practice) for myasthenia gravis. This system renders the quantitative evaluation of the different parameters possible. There are ten grades of gravity (from 1 to 10) and six functional systems (ocular, facial, bulbar, sceletal, respiratory and other functions).", "PMID": 991881} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4477", "title": "Sensory and motor coduction in chronic carbon disulphide poisoning.", "content": "The greater decrease of conduction velocity in sensory than in motor fibres of the peroneal, median and ulnar nerves (particularly in the digital segments) found in patients with chronic carbon disulphide poisoning, permitted the diagnosis of polyneuropathy to be made in the subclinical stage, even while the conduction in motor fibres was still within normal limits. A process of axonal degeneration is presumed to underlie occurrence of neuropathy consequent to carbon disulphide poisoning.", "contents": "Sensory and motor coduction in chronic carbon disulphide poisoning. The greater decrease of conduction velocity in sensory than in motor fibres of the peroneal, median and ulnar nerves (particularly in the digital segments) found in patients with chronic carbon disulphide poisoning, permitted the diagnosis of polyneuropathy to be made in the subclinical stage, even while the conduction in motor fibres was still within normal limits. A process of axonal degeneration is presumed to underlie occurrence of neuropathy consequent to carbon disulphide poisoning.", "PMID": 991882} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4478", "title": "The use of psychotropic drugs in the treatment of chronic, severe pains.", "content": "The results of long experience in the treatment of chronic and severe pains resistant to ordinary therapy with psychotropic drugs are reported. Out of 103 impatients with chronic and severe pains caused by neurological conditions, who were treated with a combination of thymoleptics and neuroleptics, 82 (approx. 82%) showed marked improvement. These encouraging results are compared with others published in this field. The pharmacological basis of this good action is briefly discussed, also the advantages of the use of psychotropic drugs, especially of the combination of thymoleptics and neuroleptics. A dosage schedule for in- and outpatients has been established, using imipramine (Tofranil) or chlorimipramine (Anafranil), and haloperidol (Haldol).", "contents": "The use of psychotropic drugs in the treatment of chronic, severe pains. The results of long experience in the treatment of chronic and severe pains resistant to ordinary therapy with psychotropic drugs are reported. Out of 103 impatients with chronic and severe pains caused by neurological conditions, who were treated with a combination of thymoleptics and neuroleptics, 82 (approx. 82%) showed marked improvement. These encouraging results are compared with others published in this field. The pharmacological basis of this good action is briefly discussed, also the advantages of the use of psychotropic drugs, especially of the combination of thymoleptics and neuroleptics. A dosage schedule for in- and outpatients has been established, using imipramine (Tofranil) or chlorimipramine (Anafranil), and haloperidol (Haldol).", "PMID": 991883} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4479", "title": "Retrograde perfusion as a method for myocardial revascularization.", "content": "Retroperfusion of the superficial coronary venous system was studied in 44 canine fibrillating in vivo, normothermic preparations, with exclusion of the systemic circulation using cardiopulmonary bypass techniques in order to assess its value as a method of myocardial revascularization. Perfusion of either the isolated aortic arch via a brachiocephalic cannula or of the coronary sinus through the free end of a vein anastomosed to the atrial rim of the sinus was performed for 1 h at 100 cm3/min in groups II-IV following 30 min of anoxia. Oxygen uptake, vascular resistance, venous outflow and venous enzyme levels (CPK, GDH) were studied. Group I controls (antegrade perfusion, no anoxia) showed continued aerobic metabolism in contrast to group II (antegrade perfusion) and III (retrograde perfusion) which displayed negative lactate balance. Oxygen consumption was greater in group III than II (p less than 0.01) with a higher oxygen extraction in III (p less than 0.005). Group IV, which was given intravenously 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone prior to anoxia and then retroperfused, showed continued aerobic metabolism with low GDH venous levels and adequate oxygen consumption. Three dogs were then subjected to aortoatrial rim coronary sinus vein grafts with ligation of the left common coronary artery at its bifurcation with distal left circumflex and anterior descending artery-internal mammary vein anastomoses for venous drainage. The right coronary artery was left intact. Arterial inflow into the coronary sinus was associated with a left ventricular pressure of 70-80 mm Hg for up to 1.5 h while regular sinus rhythm was maintained. We conclude that retroperfusion of the coronary sinus represents a surgically feasible technique for providing oxygen delivery to the ischemic myocardium.", "contents": "Retrograde perfusion as a method for myocardial revascularization. Retroperfusion of the superficial coronary venous system was studied in 44 canine fibrillating in vivo, normothermic preparations, with exclusion of the systemic circulation using cardiopulmonary bypass techniques in order to assess its value as a method of myocardial revascularization. Perfusion of either the isolated aortic arch via a brachiocephalic cannula or of the coronary sinus through the free end of a vein anastomosed to the atrial rim of the sinus was performed for 1 h at 100 cm3/min in groups II-IV following 30 min of anoxia. Oxygen uptake, vascular resistance, venous outflow and venous enzyme levels (CPK, GDH) were studied. Group I controls (antegrade perfusion, no anoxia) showed continued aerobic metabolism in contrast to group II (antegrade perfusion) and III (retrograde perfusion) which displayed negative lactate balance. Oxygen consumption was greater in group III than II (p less than 0.01) with a higher oxygen extraction in III (p less than 0.005). Group IV, which was given intravenously 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone prior to anoxia and then retroperfused, showed continued aerobic metabolism with low GDH venous levels and adequate oxygen consumption. Three dogs were then subjected to aortoatrial rim coronary sinus vein grafts with ligation of the left common coronary artery at its bifurcation with distal left circumflex and anterior descending artery-internal mammary vein anastomoses for venous drainage. The right coronary artery was left intact. Arterial inflow into the coronary sinus was associated with a left ventricular pressure of 70-80 mm Hg for up to 1.5 h while regular sinus rhythm was maintained. We conclude that retroperfusion of the coronary sinus represents a surgically feasible technique for providing oxygen delivery to the ischemic myocardium.", "PMID": 991884} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4480", "title": "Lung function and morphology after bilateral hilar stripping in dogs.", "content": "Acute changes of lung function and morphology were studied in 3 groups of dogs: after bilateral hilar stripping by ipsilateral approach (group 1), after right-side hilar stripping and left pneumonectomy by left-sided approach only (group 2) and in a control group. All dogs of group 1 showed a syndrome corresponding to functional hilar stripping with absent Hering-Breuer and cough reflex, slow respiration with increased tidal volume and discharge of fluid from the airways. Alveolar ventilation and oxygen tension, dead space/tidal volume ratio and pulmonary shunting did not change. Cardiac output and arterial oxygen tension were decreased. The lungs were heavy and histological examination showed lymphostasis and interstitial edema. The dogs of group 2 did not show significant changes in comparison to the control group.", "contents": "Lung function and morphology after bilateral hilar stripping in dogs. Acute changes of lung function and morphology were studied in 3 groups of dogs: after bilateral hilar stripping by ipsilateral approach (group 1), after right-side hilar stripping and left pneumonectomy by left-sided approach only (group 2) and in a control group. All dogs of group 1 showed a syndrome corresponding to functional hilar stripping with absent Hering-Breuer and cough reflex, slow respiration with increased tidal volume and discharge of fluid from the airways. Alveolar ventilation and oxygen tension, dead space/tidal volume ratio and pulmonary shunting did not change. Cardiac output and arterial oxygen tension were decreased. The lungs were heavy and histological examination showed lymphostasis and interstitial edema. The dogs of group 2 did not show significant changes in comparison to the control group.", "PMID": 991885} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4481", "title": "Rationale for primary operations on the papilla of Vater.", "content": "A procedure is described which allows to objectify the indication for primary operations on the papilla of Vater. During operations on the gallbladder or biliary tract, a radiomanometric examination of the common bile duct is carried out. The study comprises 255 patients. Based upon the results of radiomanometry in 77 patients, a transduodenal revision (papilloplasty) of the papilla was performed. Biopsies from the papilla revealed a high incidence of histological changes. There was a significant correlation between pathological findings on the papilla and abnormal bile pressures. Biochemical signs of cholestasis also correlated significantly with bile pressures. The results of intraoperative manometry allowed therefore conclusions on the functional and morphological state of the papilla. By this method, the indication for operations on the papilla can be objectified and unnecessary papillotomies avoided.", "contents": "Rationale for primary operations on the papilla of Vater. A procedure is described which allows to objectify the indication for primary operations on the papilla of Vater. During operations on the gallbladder or biliary tract, a radiomanometric examination of the common bile duct is carried out. The study comprises 255 patients. Based upon the results of radiomanometry in 77 patients, a transduodenal revision (papilloplasty) of the papilla was performed. Biopsies from the papilla revealed a high incidence of histological changes. There was a significant correlation between pathological findings on the papilla and abnormal bile pressures. Biochemical signs of cholestasis also correlated significantly with bile pressures. The results of intraoperative manometry allowed therefore conclusions on the functional and morphological state of the papilla. By this method, the indication for operations on the papilla can be objectified and unnecessary papillotomies avoided.", "PMID": 991886} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4482", "title": "Telemetric estimation of the descending colon pressure changes on dogs before and after total and selective vagotomy.", "content": "This experimental study describes the pressure changes of the descending colon before and after total and selective vagotomy combined with Finney's pyloroplasty as estimated by telemetry. The results obtained from the study of 20 dogs show that the motility of the descending colon is extremely reduced after total vagotomy with no change after selective vagotomy.", "contents": "Telemetric estimation of the descending colon pressure changes on dogs before and after total and selective vagotomy. This experimental study describes the pressure changes of the descending colon before and after total and selective vagotomy combined with Finney's pyloroplasty as estimated by telemetry. The results obtained from the study of 20 dogs show that the motility of the descending colon is extremely reduced after total vagotomy with no change after selective vagotomy.", "PMID": 991887} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4483", "title": "Role of mechanical stimulation in maintaining small intestinal mass in Thiry-Vella loops in the rat.", "content": "Two 10-cm long Thiry-Vella (TV) loops were constructed in each of 20 rats. An elastic-plastic device, which served as a source of continuous intraluminal mechanical stimulation, was fixed in one of the loops. Two weeks later the jejunum, ileum and both TV-loops were biopsied. Wet and dry weight per 3 cm intestine, villus height and muscular thickness, were determined. Both TV loops were atrophic, but the wet and dry weight and muscular thickness were significantly greater in the mechanically stimulated ones. The villus height was not significantly effected by the mechanical stimulation. The experiments demonstrate that the effect of mechanical stimulation on the food-deprived small intestine is limited to a certain extent of muscular hypertrophy resulting in a lesser degree of atrophy expressed in terms of wet and dry weight of the intestine.", "contents": "Role of mechanical stimulation in maintaining small intestinal mass in Thiry-Vella loops in the rat. Two 10-cm long Thiry-Vella (TV) loops were constructed in each of 20 rats. An elastic-plastic device, which served as a source of continuous intraluminal mechanical stimulation, was fixed in one of the loops. Two weeks later the jejunum, ileum and both TV-loops were biopsied. Wet and dry weight per 3 cm intestine, villus height and muscular thickness, were determined. Both TV loops were atrophic, but the wet and dry weight and muscular thickness were significantly greater in the mechanically stimulated ones. The villus height was not significantly effected by the mechanical stimulation. The experiments demonstrate that the effect of mechanical stimulation on the food-deprived small intestine is limited to a certain extent of muscular hypertrophy resulting in a lesser degree of atrophy expressed in terms of wet and dry weight of the intestine.", "PMID": 991888} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4484", "title": "Induced fat embolism in rabbits: effects of defibrinogenation and thrombocytopenia.", "content": "Fat embolism was induced in rabbits by giving an intravenous injection of radioactively labelled homologous retroperitoneal fat. One group was defibrinogenated by Arvin. A second group was made thrombocytopenic by treatment with Busulphan. After the animals had been made thrombocytopenic and had been defibrinogenated, respectively, fat embolism was induced. Macroscopic and histologic examinations were carried out, as well as recordings of wet weight and radioactivity content of the lung. There was a highly significant increase in the pulmonary wet weight of thrombocytopenic animals compared with controls. Macroscopic as well as histologic examination revealed a massive interstitial and alveolar oedema. Half of the specimens showed moderate to massive bleedings. Defibrinogenated animals did not differ from controls. Under the given circumstances, the results suggest that platelets are protective to the endothelial lining of the pulmonary capillaries during embolism. The presence or absence of fibrinogen initially does not seem to be of major importance for the pulmonary damage induced by fat injection.", "contents": "Induced fat embolism in rabbits: effects of defibrinogenation and thrombocytopenia. Fat embolism was induced in rabbits by giving an intravenous injection of radioactively labelled homologous retroperitoneal fat. One group was defibrinogenated by Arvin. A second group was made thrombocytopenic by treatment with Busulphan. After the animals had been made thrombocytopenic and had been defibrinogenated, respectively, fat embolism was induced. Macroscopic and histologic examinations were carried out, as well as recordings of wet weight and radioactivity content of the lung. There was a highly significant increase in the pulmonary wet weight of thrombocytopenic animals compared with controls. Macroscopic as well as histologic examination revealed a massive interstitial and alveolar oedema. Half of the specimens showed moderate to massive bleedings. Defibrinogenated animals did not differ from controls. Under the given circumstances, the results suggest that platelets are protective to the endothelial lining of the pulmonary capillaries during embolism. The presence or absence of fibrinogen initially does not seem to be of major importance for the pulmonary damage induced by fat injection.", "PMID": 991889} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4485", "title": "A simple device to obtain a pulsatile flow. Application to the vascular perfusion of dogs isolated intestinal segments.", "content": "A simple device allowing a pulsatile flow to be obtained in isolated organ perfusion has been developed and applied to the vascular perfusion of isolated canine jejunal segments. The principle of the device consists of superimposing on a constant pressure produced by a roller pump, a pulsatile pressure of which the amplitude, frequency, and shape of the pulses can be adjusted separately and independently of the mean pressure value. The role of the arterial pulse in intestinal vascular perfusion has been studied by comparing the hemodynamic and metabolic behavior during alternate periods of pulsatile and nonpulsatile pumping. While no striking change in vascular resistance was observed, the O2 consumption was significantly increased under pulsatile flow. These results testify to better metabolic conditions and enhanced organ functions under pulsatile pumping and also argue for improved intestinal microcirculation despite the constancy of the vascular resistance.", "contents": "A simple device to obtain a pulsatile flow. Application to the vascular perfusion of dogs isolated intestinal segments. A simple device allowing a pulsatile flow to be obtained in isolated organ perfusion has been developed and applied to the vascular perfusion of isolated canine jejunal segments. The principle of the device consists of superimposing on a constant pressure produced by a roller pump, a pulsatile pressure of which the amplitude, frequency, and shape of the pulses can be adjusted separately and independently of the mean pressure value. The role of the arterial pulse in intestinal vascular perfusion has been studied by comparing the hemodynamic and metabolic behavior during alternate periods of pulsatile and nonpulsatile pumping. While no striking change in vascular resistance was observed, the O2 consumption was significantly increased under pulsatile flow. These results testify to better metabolic conditions and enhanced organ functions under pulsatile pumping and also argue for improved intestinal microcirculation despite the constancy of the vascular resistance.", "PMID": 991890} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4486", "title": "The peritoneal reaction to starch and its modification by prednisone.", "content": "A saline suspension of 1.5 g of starch powder (Biosorb) inoculated into the peritoneal cavity of rats produced a massive granulomatous reaction which persisted for up to 18 months. From 15 months onwards, starch particles could only be detected with PAS staining. Prednisone at a dosage of approximately 1 mg/kg daily by the oral route produced significant reduction of this phenomenon only when commenced 2 weeks before inoculation. Therapy commenced at the time of starch inoculation had only a minor effect on this response, but if commenced 2 weeks after inoculation failed to ameliorate the granulomatous reaction.", "contents": "The peritoneal reaction to starch and its modification by prednisone. A saline suspension of 1.5 g of starch powder (Biosorb) inoculated into the peritoneal cavity of rats produced a massive granulomatous reaction which persisted for up to 18 months. From 15 months onwards, starch particles could only be detected with PAS staining. Prednisone at a dosage of approximately 1 mg/kg daily by the oral route produced significant reduction of this phenomenon only when commenced 2 weeks before inoculation. Therapy commenced at the time of starch inoculation had only a minor effect on this response, but if commenced 2 weeks after inoculation failed to ameliorate the granulomatous reaction.", "PMID": 991891} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4487", "title": "Studies of the presence of membrane receptors for complement, IgG and the sheep erythrocyte rosetting capacity on the same human lymphocytes.", "content": "Normal peripheral blood lymphocytes were tested by a mixed rosette method, employing different sized erythrocytes as indicators to identify lymphocytes simultaneously possessing membrane markers found commonly on B and T cells. Only small populations of these lymphocytes were detected regularly in normal lymphocyte preparations. One type of lymphocyte (ranged from 0.5%-8%) was shown to possess the following markers: receptors for human and rabbit IgG, receptors for the third complement component C3b and C3b inactivator-cleaved C3b (C3d), and the capacity to rosette spontaneously with uncoated sheep erythrocytes (SRBC). Another lymphocyte cell type was shown to possess both SRBC and IgG receptors but lack membrane immunoglobulins and complement receptors. This population was detected in lymphocyte preparations depleted of complement receptor cells, and an increased number of these cells was found in rosette preparations incubated with human serum. The possible presence of some lymphocytes possessing both complement and SRBC receptors and lacking other markers was considered. The possibility that these small populations of human lymphocytes are sub-populations of T cells with certain cytotoxic function is postulated.", "contents": "Studies of the presence of membrane receptors for complement, IgG and the sheep erythrocyte rosetting capacity on the same human lymphocytes. Normal peripheral blood lymphocytes were tested by a mixed rosette method, employing different sized erythrocytes as indicators to identify lymphocytes simultaneously possessing membrane markers found commonly on B and T cells. Only small populations of these lymphocytes were detected regularly in normal lymphocyte preparations. One type of lymphocyte (ranged from 0.5%-8%) was shown to possess the following markers: receptors for human and rabbit IgG, receptors for the third complement component C3b and C3b inactivator-cleaved C3b (C3d), and the capacity to rosette spontaneously with uncoated sheep erythrocytes (SRBC). Another lymphocyte cell type was shown to possess both SRBC and IgG receptors but lack membrane immunoglobulins and complement receptors. This population was detected in lymphocyte preparations depleted of complement receptor cells, and an increased number of these cells was found in rosette preparations incubated with human serum. The possible presence of some lymphocytes possessing both complement and SRBC receptors and lacking other markers was considered. The possibility that these small populations of human lymphocytes are sub-populations of T cells with certain cytotoxic function is postulated.", "PMID": 991902} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4488", "title": "Immune response region-associated antigens of the mouse: biochemical properties of detergent and papain solubilized molecules.", "content": "Immune response region-associated (Ia) antigens and classical H-2 antigens are glycoproteins which differ in their molecular weight and tissue distribution. Ia and H-2 molecules also show differences in overall charge, apparent isoelectric point and susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, acid treatment and exposure to 56 degrees C. In the present paper, Ia.11d antigens were shown to have a molecular weight of about 35000 after solubilization with nonionic detergents. Purified Iad antigens, solubilized by controlled papain digestion, display a molecular weight of about 26000 after final purification by indirect immune coprecipitation. This figure corresponds to the molecular weight of a highly purified H-2 polypeptide fragment obtained after papain solubilization. The remarkable size similarity of proteolytic fragments from Ia and H-2 antigens could suggest that these genetically and functionally related molecules possess some structural features in common.", "contents": "Immune response region-associated antigens of the mouse: biochemical properties of detergent and papain solubilized molecules. Immune response region-associated (Ia) antigens and classical H-2 antigens are glycoproteins which differ in their molecular weight and tissue distribution. Ia and H-2 molecules also show differences in overall charge, apparent isoelectric point and susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, acid treatment and exposure to 56 degrees C. In the present paper, Ia.11d antigens were shown to have a molecular weight of about 35000 after solubilization with nonionic detergents. Purified Iad antigens, solubilized by controlled papain digestion, display a molecular weight of about 26000 after final purification by indirect immune coprecipitation. This figure corresponds to the molecular weight of a highly purified H-2 polypeptide fragment obtained after papain solubilization. The remarkable size similarity of proteolytic fragments from Ia and H-2 antigens could suggest that these genetically and functionally related molecules possess some structural features in common.", "PMID": 991903} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4489", "title": "Immunoglobulins M and D as antigen-binding receptors on the same cell, with shared specificity.", "content": "Antigen-binding cells specific for Type 3 pneumococcal polysaccharide were detected among normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes, tonsillar lymphocytes, and umbilical cord blood lymphocytes. By using mu and delta-specific antiserum it was shown that some specific antigen-binding cells simultaneously expressed both IgM and IgD on their surface. Both classes on individual cells were able to bind the same antigen, suggesting that the variable regions of each immunoglobulin class, when present on the same cell membrane, are coded by the same V gene.", "contents": "Immunoglobulins M and D as antigen-binding receptors on the same cell, with shared specificity. Antigen-binding cells specific for Type 3 pneumococcal polysaccharide were detected among normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes, tonsillar lymphocytes, and umbilical cord blood lymphocytes. By using mu and delta-specific antiserum it was shown that some specific antigen-binding cells simultaneously expressed both IgM and IgD on their surface. Both classes on individual cells were able to bind the same antigen, suggesting that the variable regions of each immunoglobulin class, when present on the same cell membrane, are coded by the same V gene.", "PMID": 991904} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4490", "title": "Modifications of the thymocyte membrane during redistribution of concanavalin A receptors.", "content": "The modifications of the thymocyte membrane which are induced by concanavalin A (Con A) were studied by means of the variation of electrophoretic mobility which the lectin induces on the cell. The electrophoretic mobility of thymocytes is increased when Con A is used under conditions expected to induce a cap formation and the subsequent endocytosis. This increase persists as long as the lectin is present in the medium and disappears as soon as the lectin is eliminated. The redistribution of the Con A receptors into spots and caps may partially explain this electrical modification. The ionized groups of the thymocyte membrane are drastically modified during these phenomena with: 1) a diminution by 61% in the density of the sialic carboxyl groups, 2) a decrease of 40% in the density of phosphate groups and of 60% in the density of amino groups, 3) a 20 times higher density of unidentified negatively charged groups. The electrophoretic mobility of normal human blood lymphocytes is similarly increased by Con A. A marginal difference exists in the shape of the dose response curves obtained when normal and cancerous thymocytes react with increasing doses of Con A. No measurable electrical modification was observed during redistribution of H-2 and Thy-1.2 antigens on EL4 cells. Some experiments suggest a possible correlation between the mitogenicity of the lectin and a measurable modification of the cell electrophoretic mobility.", "contents": "Modifications of the thymocyte membrane during redistribution of concanavalin A receptors. The modifications of the thymocyte membrane which are induced by concanavalin A (Con A) were studied by means of the variation of electrophoretic mobility which the lectin induces on the cell. The electrophoretic mobility of thymocytes is increased when Con A is used under conditions expected to induce a cap formation and the subsequent endocytosis. This increase persists as long as the lectin is present in the medium and disappears as soon as the lectin is eliminated. The redistribution of the Con A receptors into spots and caps may partially explain this electrical modification. The ionized groups of the thymocyte membrane are drastically modified during these phenomena with: 1) a diminution by 61% in the density of the sialic carboxyl groups, 2) a decrease of 40% in the density of phosphate groups and of 60% in the density of amino groups, 3) a 20 times higher density of unidentified negatively charged groups. The electrophoretic mobility of normal human blood lymphocytes is similarly increased by Con A. A marginal difference exists in the shape of the dose response curves obtained when normal and cancerous thymocytes react with increasing doses of Con A. No measurable electrical modification was observed during redistribution of H-2 and Thy-1.2 antigens on EL4 cells. Some experiments suggest a possible correlation between the mitogenicity of the lectin and a measurable modification of the cell electrophoretic mobility.", "PMID": 991905} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4491", "title": "Differential cytotoxicity of activated lymphocytes on allogeneic and xenogeneic target cells. III. Species specificity of lymphocyte target cell recognition in vitro.", "content": "Cytotoxic effector lymphocytes were produced by stimulation of human peripheral blood or mouse spleen lymphocytes with PPD, PHA or PWM in vitro. The specificity of the lymphocyte target cell interaction was studied in vitro. The specificity of the lymphocyte target cell interaction was studied by adsorption of effector cells on various target cell monolayers. The cytotoxic activity of human lymphocytes against 51Cr-labeled human or monkey target cells was reduced by prior incubation on primate monolayers while it was much less affected by incubation on rodent monolayers. Conversely the cytotoxicity of mouse lymphocytes against mouse L cells was strongly reduced by absorption on mouse or rat monolayers but significantly less by that on human monolayers. This suggests that this species-specific cytotoxicity reflects recognition by activated lymphocytes of some common surface structures present only on cells of the species of the effector cell donor, or on cells from phylogenetically closely related species. Lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against xenogeneic target cells was studied after stimulation with PWM. The capacity of human lymphocytes to kill 51Cr-labeled mouse cells was reduced by adsorption on either rodent or primate monolayers. Conversely, prior incubation of mouse lymphocytes on either human or mouse monolayers led to inhibition of 51Cr release from labeled Chang cells. These results suggest that the mitogen-activated effector cells which are cytotoxic for more distantly related xenogeneic target cells have receptors for structures which are common for these cells and for target cells of the species of the lymphocyte donors.", "contents": "Differential cytotoxicity of activated lymphocytes on allogeneic and xenogeneic target cells. III. Species specificity of lymphocyte target cell recognition in vitro. Cytotoxic effector lymphocytes were produced by stimulation of human peripheral blood or mouse spleen lymphocytes with PPD, PHA or PWM in vitro. The specificity of the lymphocyte target cell interaction was studied in vitro. The specificity of the lymphocyte target cell interaction was studied by adsorption of effector cells on various target cell monolayers. The cytotoxic activity of human lymphocytes against 51Cr-labeled human or monkey target cells was reduced by prior incubation on primate monolayers while it was much less affected by incubation on rodent monolayers. Conversely the cytotoxicity of mouse lymphocytes against mouse L cells was strongly reduced by absorption on mouse or rat monolayers but significantly less by that on human monolayers. This suggests that this species-specific cytotoxicity reflects recognition by activated lymphocytes of some common surface structures present only on cells of the species of the effector cell donor, or on cells from phylogenetically closely related species. Lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against xenogeneic target cells was studied after stimulation with PWM. The capacity of human lymphocytes to kill 51Cr-labeled mouse cells was reduced by adsorption on either rodent or primate monolayers. Conversely, prior incubation of mouse lymphocytes on either human or mouse monolayers led to inhibition of 51Cr release from labeled Chang cells. These results suggest that the mitogen-activated effector cells which are cytotoxic for more distantly related xenogeneic target cells have receptors for structures which are common for these cells and for target cells of the species of the lymphocyte donors.", "PMID": 991906} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4492", "title": "Immune complex nephritis in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice.", "content": "Swiss outbred mice infected with 80-100 cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni developed in 60% of the cases a wide range of glomerular lesions involving mainly the mesangium. The lesions were associated with the presence of granular deposits of murine immunoglobulins and C3, suggesting an immune complex mechanism. In addition, nephritic glomeruli in about 20% of the cases could be stained by a specific rabbit antischistosoma serum after removal of excess host immunoglobulins. The presence of circulating immune complexes in the serum of infected animals was suggested by the increased molecular weight of circulating C3. The onset of the immunopathologic lesions appeared to be related to duration, intensity and type of infection. Single-sex parasite infection, in fact, led to significant reduction of glomerular lesions.", "contents": "Immune complex nephritis in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. Swiss outbred mice infected with 80-100 cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni developed in 60% of the cases a wide range of glomerular lesions involving mainly the mesangium. The lesions were associated with the presence of granular deposits of murine immunoglobulins and C3, suggesting an immune complex mechanism. In addition, nephritic glomeruli in about 20% of the cases could be stained by a specific rabbit antischistosoma serum after removal of excess host immunoglobulins. The presence of circulating immune complexes in the serum of infected animals was suggested by the increased molecular weight of circulating C3. The onset of the immunopathologic lesions appeared to be related to duration, intensity and type of infection. Single-sex parasite infection, in fact, led to significant reduction of glomerular lesions.", "PMID": 991907} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4493", "title": "Membrane Ig on human lymphocytes: rate of turnover of IgD and IgM on the surface of human tonsil cells.", "content": "The turnover of IgM and IgD molecules present on the membrane of human tonsil cells has been studied using immunofluorescence and peroxidase-catalyzed membrane radioiodination. With the first of the two techniques cells were treated with pronase to remove membrane immunoglobulin (mIg), placed in culture and stained at intervals to check the reappearance of membrane IgD and IgM on the cell membrane. These experiments showed that membrane IgD (in contrast to membrane IgM) are extremely susceptible to proteolysis. Furthermore, cells treated with a concentration of pronase found to be optimal to remove membrane IgM failed to re-express membrane IgD in vitro. The large majority of tonsil lymphocytes has both membrane IgM and IgD. Due to the different behavior of reappearance of the two membrane molecules after treatment with pronase, it was not possible to obtain the simultaneous re-expression of membrane IgM and IgD by the cells \"stripped\" with pronase. However, the two molecules were re-expressed in vitro by the cells treated with different pronase concentrations with a similar timing, i.e. 50% or more of the cells re-expressed membrane IgD and IgM after 8 h in culture. 131I-radioiodinated membrane IgD and IgM were also released from the cell surface with a similar timing, the half-life of permanence on the cell membrane being about 4 h for both molecules. These findings thus indicate that IgM and IgD molecules have a similar turnover and that a cell is capable of placing two different Ig molecules at a time on its surface.", "contents": "Membrane Ig on human lymphocytes: rate of turnover of IgD and IgM on the surface of human tonsil cells. The turnover of IgM and IgD molecules present on the membrane of human tonsil cells has been studied using immunofluorescence and peroxidase-catalyzed membrane radioiodination. With the first of the two techniques cells were treated with pronase to remove membrane immunoglobulin (mIg), placed in culture and stained at intervals to check the reappearance of membrane IgD and IgM on the cell membrane. These experiments showed that membrane IgD (in contrast to membrane IgM) are extremely susceptible to proteolysis. Furthermore, cells treated with a concentration of pronase found to be optimal to remove membrane IgM failed to re-express membrane IgD in vitro. The large majority of tonsil lymphocytes has both membrane IgM and IgD. Due to the different behavior of reappearance of the two membrane molecules after treatment with pronase, it was not possible to obtain the simultaneous re-expression of membrane IgM and IgD by the cells \"stripped\" with pronase. However, the two molecules were re-expressed in vitro by the cells treated with different pronase concentrations with a similar timing, i.e. 50% or more of the cells re-expressed membrane IgD and IgM after 8 h in culture. 131I-radioiodinated membrane IgD and IgM were also released from the cell surface with a similar timing, the half-life of permanence on the cell membrane being about 4 h for both molecules. These findings thus indicate that IgM and IgD molecules have a similar turnover and that a cell is capable of placing two different Ig molecules at a time on its surface.", "PMID": 991908} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4494", "title": "Inheritance of antibody specificity: the IgM anti-lipopolysaccharide response in mice.", "content": "Mice of different genotypes were immunized with Salmonella anatum. The cross-reactivity patterns of their IgM anti-S. anatum lipopolysaccharide (LPSAN) antibodies were characterized by their relative avidity toward heterologous LPS. When the LPS from S.cholera suis (LPSCHS) was used as the heterologous LPS, clear differences between mouse strains were found. DBA/2 and DBA/1 showed cross-reacting IgM, whereas C57BL/10, C57BL/6 BABL/c-Igb and B10. D2 had mainly noncross-reacting IgM. In C3H and C57BL/6-Iga, individual mice express either the cross-reacting or the noncross-reacting antibodies. The IgM antibodies from individual mice were further characterized for their cross-reactivity toward the LPS from S. strasbourg (LPSSTR) and S illinois (LPSILL). Only individual patterns with no correlation to the cross-reactivity pattern with LPSCHS were found.This shows that more than one antibody type is characterized by cross-reactivity.(B10.D2 X DBA/1)F1 mice showed a biphasic distribution of cross-reactivity. Of the F1 X DBA backcross mice 21% had IgM antibodies which showed no cross-reaction with LPSCHS. This still is in agreement with one locus controlling this phenotype. This locus segregates independently from Ig allotype since no correlation was found between allotype and cross-reactivity pattern in F1 X DBA backcross mice.", "contents": "Inheritance of antibody specificity: the IgM anti-lipopolysaccharide response in mice. Mice of different genotypes were immunized with Salmonella anatum. The cross-reactivity patterns of their IgM anti-S. anatum lipopolysaccharide (LPSAN) antibodies were characterized by their relative avidity toward heterologous LPS. When the LPS from S.cholera suis (LPSCHS) was used as the heterologous LPS, clear differences between mouse strains were found. DBA/2 and DBA/1 showed cross-reacting IgM, whereas C57BL/10, C57BL/6 BABL/c-Igb and B10. D2 had mainly noncross-reacting IgM. In C3H and C57BL/6-Iga, individual mice express either the cross-reacting or the noncross-reacting antibodies. The IgM antibodies from individual mice were further characterized for their cross-reactivity toward the LPS from S. strasbourg (LPSSTR) and S illinois (LPSILL). Only individual patterns with no correlation to the cross-reactivity pattern with LPSCHS were found.This shows that more than one antibody type is characterized by cross-reactivity.(B10.D2 X DBA/1)F1 mice showed a biphasic distribution of cross-reactivity. Of the F1 X DBA backcross mice 21% had IgM antibodies which showed no cross-reaction with LPSCHS. This still is in agreement with one locus controlling this phenotype. This locus segregates independently from Ig allotype since no correlation was found between allotype and cross-reactivity pattern in F1 X DBA backcross mice.", "PMID": 991909} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4495", "title": "Cellular reaction induced by \"nonantigenic\" substances.", "content": "A previously designed isotopic in vivo method for measuring delayed hypersensitivity was used with nonantigenic (or weakly antigenic) phlogogenic substances. A strong reaction was observed in some circumstances, witnessing the fact that the method has a specific and a nonspecific component. The reaction is drastically augmented by a mild whole-body irradiation of the reacting animals. In the case of the studied substances (carbon, oil and bentonite) the reaction is bound by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), but it was found to be independent of the number of circulating PMN in the blood.", "contents": "Cellular reaction induced by \"nonantigenic\" substances. A previously designed isotopic in vivo method for measuring delayed hypersensitivity was used with nonantigenic (or weakly antigenic) phlogogenic substances. A strong reaction was observed in some circumstances, witnessing the fact that the method has a specific and a nonspecific component. The reaction is drastically augmented by a mild whole-body irradiation of the reacting animals. In the case of the studied substances (carbon, oil and bentonite) the reaction is bound by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), but it was found to be independent of the number of circulating PMN in the blood.", "PMID": 991910} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4496", "title": "Long-term immunoglobulin G production by transplanted thymus cells.", "content": "Two sublines of CBA/H mice congenic for the Igl allotype locus were used to study donor-allotype IgG2a concentrations in the serum of mice injected intravenously with thymus cells. High concentrations (up to several mg/ml) were found in x-irradiated recipients (exposed to 650 rad, or to 900 rad with a restorative injection of fetal liver cells). The highest concentrations were seen 1-2 months after injection, but detectable quantities were still present in most individuals after 377 days. No donor-allotype Ig was detected in non-irradiated recipients. Cell for cell, lymph node cells were about as efficient as thymus cells at transferring IgG production. Although pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells were found in the thymus, their concentration (about 10(-8)) was too low to account for the results. It is suggested that the thymus contains B lymphocytes, or their precursors, with considerably greater powers of self-maintenance and expansion than are possessed, on average, by the B lymphocytes in lymph nodes.", "contents": "Long-term immunoglobulin G production by transplanted thymus cells. Two sublines of CBA/H mice congenic for the Igl allotype locus were used to study donor-allotype IgG2a concentrations in the serum of mice injected intravenously with thymus cells. High concentrations (up to several mg/ml) were found in x-irradiated recipients (exposed to 650 rad, or to 900 rad with a restorative injection of fetal liver cells). The highest concentrations were seen 1-2 months after injection, but detectable quantities were still present in most individuals after 377 days. No donor-allotype Ig was detected in non-irradiated recipients. Cell for cell, lymph node cells were about as efficient as thymus cells at transferring IgG production. Although pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells were found in the thymus, their concentration (about 10(-8)) was too low to account for the results. It is suggested that the thymus contains B lymphocytes, or their precursors, with considerably greater powers of self-maintenance and expansion than are possessed, on average, by the B lymphocytes in lymph nodes.", "PMID": 991911} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4497", "title": "Efferent enhancement of a methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma transplantable in strain 13 guinea pigs.", "content": "The immunobiology of an antigenic methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma (MC-D) of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs has been investigated. The induction of concomitant immunity by growing MC-D tumors was indicated by the suppression of small tumor inocula in the presence of a large tumor cell dose and by the regression of intradermal tumor nodules. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that this tumor was coated with antibody in vivo. Previous studies showed that MC-D tumors were infiltrated with killer T cells which were capable of complete tumor destruction in vitro, but could never induce spontaneous regression in vivo. On the basis of all these facts, antibody-mediated efferent enhancement is proposed to be the major escape mechanism of this tumor.", "contents": "Efferent enhancement of a methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma transplantable in strain 13 guinea pigs. The immunobiology of an antigenic methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma (MC-D) of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs has been investigated. The induction of concomitant immunity by growing MC-D tumors was indicated by the suppression of small tumor inocula in the presence of a large tumor cell dose and by the regression of intradermal tumor nodules. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that this tumor was coated with antibody in vivo. Previous studies showed that MC-D tumors were infiltrated with killer T cells which were capable of complete tumor destruction in vitro, but could never induce spontaneous regression in vivo. On the basis of all these facts, antibody-mediated efferent enhancement is proposed to be the major escape mechanism of this tumor.", "PMID": 991912} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4498", "title": "Polyclonal stimulation of lymphocytes by macrophages.", "content": "To analyze the interaction between macrophages and splenic lymphocytes with reference to time and concentration, the Mishell-Dutton system was divided into two experimental steps. Step 1 consisted of the cocultivation of spleen cells with various doses of macrophages for different periods of time, while in step 2 macrophages were removed, spleen cells transferred to fresh petri dishes and cultivated until plaque assay. Cocultivation of spleen cells with high doses of macrophages for 4--8 h markedly enhanced the DNA synthesis and plaque-forming cell (PFC) response of sheep red blood cell-stimulated and unstimulated cultures. A cocultivation longer than 24 h resulted in an inhibition of both DNA synthesis and PFC response of spleen cells. These studies suggest a nonspecific function of macrophages on proliferation and differentiation processes in antibody formation.", "contents": "Polyclonal stimulation of lymphocytes by macrophages. To analyze the interaction between macrophages and splenic lymphocytes with reference to time and concentration, the Mishell-Dutton system was divided into two experimental steps. Step 1 consisted of the cocultivation of spleen cells with various doses of macrophages for different periods of time, while in step 2 macrophages were removed, spleen cells transferred to fresh petri dishes and cultivated until plaque assay. Cocultivation of spleen cells with high doses of macrophages for 4--8 h markedly enhanced the DNA synthesis and plaque-forming cell (PFC) response of sheep red blood cell-stimulated and unstimulated cultures. A cocultivation longer than 24 h resulted in an inhibition of both DNA synthesis and PFC response of spleen cells. These studies suggest a nonspecific function of macrophages on proliferation and differentiation processes in antibody formation.", "PMID": 991913} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4499", "title": "Induction of immune responsiveness in a genetically low-responsive tumor-host combination by chemical modification of the immunogen.", "content": "Trinitrophenylated Moloney virus-induced YAC cells induced a higher cytotoxic antibody response and better protection against small tumor cell doses in syngeneic, low-responsive strain A mice than nonmodified YAC cells that had been inactivated by irradiation or mitomycin C treatment. The results indicated that genetically determined low responsiveness to a virally induced antigen can be overcome, at least to some extent, by coupling the immunizing cells to a strong immunogenic hapten.", "contents": "Induction of immune responsiveness in a genetically low-responsive tumor-host combination by chemical modification of the immunogen. Trinitrophenylated Moloney virus-induced YAC cells induced a higher cytotoxic antibody response and better protection against small tumor cell doses in syngeneic, low-responsive strain A mice than nonmodified YAC cells that had been inactivated by irradiation or mitomycin C treatment. The results indicated that genetically determined low responsiveness to a virally induced antigen can be overcome, at least to some extent, by coupling the immunizing cells to a strong immunogenic hapten.", "PMID": 991914} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4500", "title": "Isolation of a murine liver-specific alloantigen, F antigen, and examination of its immunogenic properties by radioimmunoassay.", "content": "The autoantibody response induced in mice by alloimmunization with liver-specific F antigen is an example of the circumvention of humoral self-tolerance. The F molecule has been isolated and shown to be a protein with a mol. wt. of 40 000 Daltons which migrated as a beta-globulin. The purified antigen retains both the immunogenic and antibody-combining properties of crude liver homogenate. Successful iodination of the protein allowed the establishment of a radioimmunoassay which demonstrated high titers of antibodies in responder strains. At the same time it was clearly shown that no antibody could be detected, either as a result of syngeneic immunization or as a result of alloimmunization in nonresponder strains. The characteristics of the F antigen immune response distinguish it from that induced by other proteins.", "contents": "Isolation of a murine liver-specific alloantigen, F antigen, and examination of its immunogenic properties by radioimmunoassay. The autoantibody response induced in mice by alloimmunization with liver-specific F antigen is an example of the circumvention of humoral self-tolerance. The F molecule has been isolated and shown to be a protein with a mol. wt. of 40 000 Daltons which migrated as a beta-globulin. The purified antigen retains both the immunogenic and antibody-combining properties of crude liver homogenate. Successful iodination of the protein allowed the establishment of a radioimmunoassay which demonstrated high titers of antibodies in responder strains. At the same time it was clearly shown that no antibody could be detected, either as a result of syngeneic immunization or as a result of alloimmunization in nonresponder strains. The characteristics of the F antigen immune response distinguish it from that induced by other proteins.", "PMID": 991915} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4501", "title": "Effect of anti-carrier antibody on carrier-determined tolerance.", "content": "These experiments were originally designed to determine whether an anti-carrier antibody, e.g., anti-allotype could break hapten-specific tolerance in vivo. Tolerance to 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) was induced in C57BL/6J mice using DNP-BALB/c IgG2a conjugate. When anti-allotype serum was injected in C57BL/6J mice one day after a single injection of DNP-IgG2a the mice were not tolerant. In contrast, when tolerance was induced by four weekly injections of tolerogen, the anti-allotype serum had no effect on the tolerant state. This effect was specific for tolerance-inducing carrier. Anti-carrier antibody injected in C57BL/6J mice one day after DNP-IgG2a produced a small but significant anti-DNP response without administration of the immunogen, whereas the tolerogen (DNP-IgG2a) by itself was not immunogenic. Similarly, despite multiple injections of DNP-IgG2a bearing the foreign allotype, only one out of 7 C57BL/6J mice showed a weak anti-carrier response. In contrast, a marked anti-carrier (IgG2a) response was obtained when the anti-allotype antibody was passively administered in C57BL/6J mice. In conclusion, these experiments suggest that tolerance to an antigenic determinant may be broken by an antibody directed not to this determinant, but to another on the same molecule. The significance of this finding in relationship to the mechanism of the carrier-determined tolerance and the breakdown of self-tolerance is discussed.", "contents": "Effect of anti-carrier antibody on carrier-determined tolerance. These experiments were originally designed to determine whether an anti-carrier antibody, e.g., anti-allotype could break hapten-specific tolerance in vivo. Tolerance to 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) was induced in C57BL/6J mice using DNP-BALB/c IgG2a conjugate. When anti-allotype serum was injected in C57BL/6J mice one day after a single injection of DNP-IgG2a the mice were not tolerant. In contrast, when tolerance was induced by four weekly injections of tolerogen, the anti-allotype serum had no effect on the tolerant state. This effect was specific for tolerance-inducing carrier. Anti-carrier antibody injected in C57BL/6J mice one day after DNP-IgG2a produced a small but significant anti-DNP response without administration of the immunogen, whereas the tolerogen (DNP-IgG2a) by itself was not immunogenic. Similarly, despite multiple injections of DNP-IgG2a bearing the foreign allotype, only one out of 7 C57BL/6J mice showed a weak anti-carrier response. In contrast, a marked anti-carrier (IgG2a) response was obtained when the anti-allotype antibody was passively administered in C57BL/6J mice. In conclusion, these experiments suggest that tolerance to an antigenic determinant may be broken by an antibody directed not to this determinant, but to another on the same molecule. The significance of this finding in relationship to the mechanism of the carrier-determined tolerance and the breakdown of self-tolerance is discussed.", "PMID": 991916} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4502", "title": "Genetic control of the immune response: ability of antigens of defined amino acid sequence to be recognized by the Ir-1 gene system.", "content": "Mice were injected with a series of (T,G)-A--L[poly (L Tyr, L Glu)-poly DL Ala)--poly (L Lys)]-like compounds with side chains of homogeneous sequences: T-A--L, GT-A--L, GGT-A--L, and TG-A--L. T-A--L was not immunogenic. However, T-A--L was able to bind antibodies to (T, G)-A--L 509, and this binding could not be blocked by A--L. When complexed with bovine serum albumin, T-A--L, was immunogenic in both responder and nonresponder strains of mice. GT-A--L and GGT-A--L were both immunogenic and elicited the characteristic responder-nonresponder difference induced by (T,G)-A--L. TG-A--L was also immunogenic, but there was considerable overlap in the response of responder and nonresponder strains. On the average, responder mouse serum had a slightly higher antigen-binding capacity than nonresponder mouse serum. In contrast to antibodies against GGT-A--L, antibodies against TG-A--L bound heterologous antigens poorly. These data, along with the results of other investigators, are consistent with the hypothesis that there are multiple Ir- 1 genes which recognize different sequences. The specificity of the Ir- 1 genes is extraordinary. The polypeptides TG-A--L, TGTG-A--L and GTTG-A--L do not appear to be recognized by these genes.", "contents": "Genetic control of the immune response: ability of antigens of defined amino acid sequence to be recognized by the Ir-1 gene system. Mice were injected with a series of (T,G)-A--L[poly (L Tyr, L Glu)-poly DL Ala)--poly (L Lys)]-like compounds with side chains of homogeneous sequences: T-A--L, GT-A--L, GGT-A--L, and TG-A--L. T-A--L was not immunogenic. However, T-A--L was able to bind antibodies to (T, G)-A--L 509, and this binding could not be blocked by A--L. When complexed with bovine serum albumin, T-A--L, was immunogenic in both responder and nonresponder strains of mice. GT-A--L and GGT-A--L were both immunogenic and elicited the characteristic responder-nonresponder difference induced by (T,G)-A--L. TG-A--L was also immunogenic, but there was considerable overlap in the response of responder and nonresponder strains. On the average, responder mouse serum had a slightly higher antigen-binding capacity than nonresponder mouse serum. In contrast to antibodies against GGT-A--L, antibodies against TG-A--L bound heterologous antigens poorly. These data, along with the results of other investigators, are consistent with the hypothesis that there are multiple Ir- 1 genes which recognize different sequences. The specificity of the Ir- 1 genes is extraordinary. The polypeptides TG-A--L, TGTG-A--L and GTTG-A--L do not appear to be recognized by these genes.", "PMID": 991917} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4503", "title": "Amino acid sequence studies on the branched, synthetic polypeptide antigens of the immune response- 1 gene system.", "content": "Three immunogens with side chains of random amino acid sequence, poly (L Phe, l glu)-poly (DL Ala)--poly (L Lys) [(Phe, G)-A--L 223], poly (L Tyr, L Glu)-poly (DL Ala)--poly (L Lys) [(T, G)-A--L 509] and (T, G)-A-L 52, as well as two immunogens with side chains of defined amino acid sequences, GGT-A--L and TG-A--L, were sequenced using a Beckman automated sequenator. Despite the lack of a unique amino acid sequence for the amino terminus, reasonable results for the sequence studies were obtained using the Edman reaction. GGT-A--L and TG-A--L had 70% and 80% of their side chains respectively, with the desired sequence. The three compounds of random amino acid sequence were found to contain a large proportion of their A--L side chains unsubstituted. The side chains had a much greater probability of terminating in the aromatic amino acid than in the glutamic acid. The distribution of the length of side chains and their amino acid sequences was completely heterogeneous.", "contents": "Amino acid sequence studies on the branched, synthetic polypeptide antigens of the immune response- 1 gene system. Three immunogens with side chains of random amino acid sequence, poly (L Phe, l glu)-poly (DL Ala)--poly (L Lys) [(Phe, G)-A--L 223], poly (L Tyr, L Glu)-poly (DL Ala)--poly (L Lys) [(T, G)-A--L 509] and (T, G)-A-L 52, as well as two immunogens with side chains of defined amino acid sequences, GGT-A--L and TG-A--L, were sequenced using a Beckman automated sequenator. Despite the lack of a unique amino acid sequence for the amino terminus, reasonable results for the sequence studies were obtained using the Edman reaction. GGT-A--L and TG-A--L had 70% and 80% of their side chains respectively, with the desired sequence. The three compounds of random amino acid sequence were found to contain a large proportion of their A--L side chains unsubstituted. The side chains had a much greater probability of terminating in the aromatic amino acid than in the glutamic acid. The distribution of the length of side chains and their amino acid sequences was completely heterogeneous.", "PMID": 991918} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4504", "title": "Mechanisms of phytohaemagglutinin-P-, concanavalin-A- and kaolin-induced oedemas in the rat.", "content": "Subplantar administration of either Phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA), Concanavalin-A (Con A) or kaolin into the rat hind paw produced a dose related oedema which was still present at 48 h. Both of the lectins were more inflammagenic than kaolin on a weight per weight basis. As a result of studies using mediator inhibitors and depletors it appears that 5HT, but not histamine, may play a role in the early phases (0.5-1.5 h) of both PHA and Con A responses. Neither mediator appears to be involved in the kaolin oedema. Kinins are also likely mediators of the inflammatory response to all three irritants and could be detected in irritant injected air blebs in the rat. Prostaglandins are unlikely to play a significant role in PHA or Con A oedema since indomethacin-induced inhibition of their synthesis has only a slight inhibitory effect on the lectin induced paw oedemas and only small amounts of prostaglandin-like material could be detected in PHA or Con A blebs. However, kaolin oedema appears to have a significant prostaglandin component since large amounts of prostaglandin-like materials were detected in kaolin blebs and also indomethacin reduced the kaolin induced paw oedema. Other mediators of the inflammatory process such as complement are likely to be involved in all three irritant induced oedemas.", "contents": "Mechanisms of phytohaemagglutinin-P-, concanavalin-A- and kaolin-induced oedemas in the rat. Subplantar administration of either Phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA), Concanavalin-A (Con A) or kaolin into the rat hind paw produced a dose related oedema which was still present at 48 h. Both of the lectins were more inflammagenic than kaolin on a weight per weight basis. As a result of studies using mediator inhibitors and depletors it appears that 5HT, but not histamine, may play a role in the early phases (0.5-1.5 h) of both PHA and Con A responses. Neither mediator appears to be involved in the kaolin oedema. Kinins are also likely mediators of the inflammatory response to all three irritants and could be detected in irritant injected air blebs in the rat. Prostaglandins are unlikely to play a significant role in PHA or Con A oedema since indomethacin-induced inhibition of their synthesis has only a slight inhibitory effect on the lectin induced paw oedemas and only small amounts of prostaglandin-like material could be detected in PHA or Con A blebs. However, kaolin oedema appears to have a significant prostaglandin component since large amounts of prostaglandin-like materials were detected in kaolin blebs and also indomethacin reduced the kaolin induced paw oedema. Other mediators of the inflammatory process such as complement are likely to be involved in all three irritant induced oedemas.", "PMID": 991919} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4505", "title": "Picrotoxin convulsions and GABA metabolism after injection of anticonvulsants in chicks.", "content": "Two clinically effective anticonvulsants, phenobarbitone and diazepam, protected 5-day old chicks against picrotoxin convulsions without reducing brain GABA-transaminase activity or raising brain GABA concentration. Ethanolamine-O-sulphate and amino-oxyacetic acid, in doses which inhibited GABA-transminase by at least 63% and approximately doubled brain GABA concentration, did not significantly affect the ED50 for picrotoxin convulsions. The ED50 for picrotoxin convulsions was significantly raised by di-n-propylacetate (800 mg/kg) which inhibited GABA transaminase activity by 6% and elevated brain GABA concentration by 26%.", "contents": "Picrotoxin convulsions and GABA metabolism after injection of anticonvulsants in chicks. Two clinically effective anticonvulsants, phenobarbitone and diazepam, protected 5-day old chicks against picrotoxin convulsions without reducing brain GABA-transaminase activity or raising brain GABA concentration. Ethanolamine-O-sulphate and amino-oxyacetic acid, in doses which inhibited GABA-transminase by at least 63% and approximately doubled brain GABA concentration, did not significantly affect the ED50 for picrotoxin convulsions. The ED50 for picrotoxin convulsions was significantly raised by di-n-propylacetate (800 mg/kg) which inhibited GABA transaminase activity by 6% and elevated brain GABA concentration by 26%.", "PMID": 991920} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4506", "title": "On the selective inhibition of serotonin uptake in vivo by Org 6582.", "content": "In vivo blockade of 5-HT uptake was studied by investigating the effect of drug pretreatment on the ability of p-chloramphetamine to lower rat brain 5-HT levels. Org 6582 was approximately twice as potent as fluoxetine, five times more potent than chlorimipramine and 14 times more potent than desipramine in blocking the ability of p-chloroamphetamine to lower rat brain 5-HT content. Org 6582 also had a longer duration of action than either fluoxetine or chlorimipramine. Org 6582, whilst having no effect on amine steady state levels, decreased rat brain 5-HT turnover and also lowered rat brain levels of 5-HIAA. In contrast to both desipramine and chlorimipramine, Org 6582 was devoid of effect on the ability of 1-metaraminol and 6-hydroxydopamine to lower rat heart NA levels. The ability of intraventricularly administered 6-hydroxydopamine to lower rat brain NA levels was unaltered by Org 6582 pretreatment. The corresponding i.p. ED50 values for desipramine and chlorimipramine were 7.3 mg/kg and 28.8 mg/kg respectively. Like desipramine and chlorimipramine, Org 6582 had no effect on the ability of intraventricular 6-hydroxydopamine to lower rat brain DA content. Org 6582 had no effect on steady state levels or on the turnover of NA and DA in the rat brain. It is concluded that Org 6582 is a potent long acting selective inhibitor of 5-HT uptake in vivo.", "contents": "On the selective inhibition of serotonin uptake in vivo by Org 6582. In vivo blockade of 5-HT uptake was studied by investigating the effect of drug pretreatment on the ability of p-chloramphetamine to lower rat brain 5-HT levels. Org 6582 was approximately twice as potent as fluoxetine, five times more potent than chlorimipramine and 14 times more potent than desipramine in blocking the ability of p-chloroamphetamine to lower rat brain 5-HT content. Org 6582 also had a longer duration of action than either fluoxetine or chlorimipramine. Org 6582, whilst having no effect on amine steady state levels, decreased rat brain 5-HT turnover and also lowered rat brain levels of 5-HIAA. In contrast to both desipramine and chlorimipramine, Org 6582 was devoid of effect on the ability of 1-metaraminol and 6-hydroxydopamine to lower rat heart NA levels. The ability of intraventricularly administered 6-hydroxydopamine to lower rat brain NA levels was unaltered by Org 6582 pretreatment. The corresponding i.p. ED50 values for desipramine and chlorimipramine were 7.3 mg/kg and 28.8 mg/kg respectively. Like desipramine and chlorimipramine, Org 6582 had no effect on the ability of intraventricular 6-hydroxydopamine to lower rat brain DA content. Org 6582 had no effect on steady state levels or on the turnover of NA and DA in the rat brain. It is concluded that Org 6582 is a potent long acting selective inhibitor of 5-HT uptake in vivo.", "PMID": 991921} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4507", "title": "Comparison of effects of drugs on dopamine metabolism in the substantia nigra and the corpus striatum of rat brain.", "content": "The influence of apomorphine, chloral hydrate, haloperidol, morphine, oxotremorine, pargyline, probenecid and promethazine on DOPAC and HVA levels was studied in the substantia nigra (including the ventral tegmental dopaminergic regions) and corpus striatum of the rat brain. The time--effect curves of changes in HVA levels after pretreatment with apomorphine, haloperidol, morphine, oxotremorine or promethazine are presented. The time--effect curves for the substantia nigra showed an initial rapid HVA rise, which was not observed in the corpus striatum. Promethazine treatment caused a small but significant HVA rise in the substantia nigra only. Chloral hydrate, morphine and oxotremorine induced a similar percentage increase in DOPAC and HVA levels in the substantia nigra as well as in the corpus striatum. Haloperidol, however, caused a small percentage change in the metabolite levels in the substantia nigra when compared to the pronounced rise seen in the corpus striatum. The apomorphine-induced HVA decrease observed in both structures provides evidence for the presence of a dopaminergic receptor in the substantia nigra.", "contents": "Comparison of effects of drugs on dopamine metabolism in the substantia nigra and the corpus striatum of rat brain. The influence of apomorphine, chloral hydrate, haloperidol, morphine, oxotremorine, pargyline, probenecid and promethazine on DOPAC and HVA levels was studied in the substantia nigra (including the ventral tegmental dopaminergic regions) and corpus striatum of the rat brain. The time--effect curves of changes in HVA levels after pretreatment with apomorphine, haloperidol, morphine, oxotremorine or promethazine are presented. The time--effect curves for the substantia nigra showed an initial rapid HVA rise, which was not observed in the corpus striatum. Promethazine treatment caused a small but significant HVA rise in the substantia nigra only. Chloral hydrate, morphine and oxotremorine induced a similar percentage increase in DOPAC and HVA levels in the substantia nigra as well as in the corpus striatum. Haloperidol, however, caused a small percentage change in the metabolite levels in the substantia nigra when compared to the pronounced rise seen in the corpus striatum. The apomorphine-induced HVA decrease observed in both structures provides evidence for the presence of a dopaminergic receptor in the substantia nigra.", "PMID": 991922} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4508", "title": "On the possible role of brain protein synthesis in functional barbiturate tolerance.", "content": "Pentobarbital pellet implantation increased more than 200% the ED50 dose of pentobarbital required to induce loss of the righting reflex within 2 min of i.p. injection and increased the onset of barbital-induced sleep. Both tests of functional barbiturate tolerance were blocked by the intraventricular injection of cycloheximide. The effects of acute (45 mg/kg i.p.) and chronic (pellet implantation) pentobarbital treatment on the incorporation of 3/-lysine into the protein of various subcellular fractions of the cortex and subcortex were studied. In the subcortex, chronic pentobarbital treatment significantly stimulated protein synthesis 40-50% in the microsomal, soluble and mitochondrial fractions. Both acute and chronic pentobarbital treatments significantly increased (3H-lys)-protein accumulation in a fraction of synaptic plasma membranes derived from a population of nerve ending particles (NEP) enriched in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The possible significance of these data to pentobarbital tolerance and dependence development is discussed.", "contents": "On the possible role of brain protein synthesis in functional barbiturate tolerance. Pentobarbital pellet implantation increased more than 200% the ED50 dose of pentobarbital required to induce loss of the righting reflex within 2 min of i.p. injection and increased the onset of barbital-induced sleep. Both tests of functional barbiturate tolerance were blocked by the intraventricular injection of cycloheximide. The effects of acute (45 mg/kg i.p.) and chronic (pellet implantation) pentobarbital treatment on the incorporation of 3/-lysine into the protein of various subcellular fractions of the cortex and subcortex were studied. In the subcortex, chronic pentobarbital treatment significantly stimulated protein synthesis 40-50% in the microsomal, soluble and mitochondrial fractions. Both acute and chronic pentobarbital treatments significantly increased (3H-lys)-protein accumulation in a fraction of synaptic plasma membranes derived from a population of nerve ending particles (NEP) enriched in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The possible significance of these data to pentobarbital tolerance and dependence development is discussed.", "PMID": 991923} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4509", "title": "Suppression of renin secretion in the isolated rat kidney by cycloheximide.", "content": "The effect of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, on basal and stimulated renin secretion was examined in the isolated perfused rat kidney. Cycloheximide (0.05 mmol) was administered one hour before preparing the kidneys for perfusion. Both basal renin secretion and the response to intrarenal infusion of isoprenaline (0.06 nmol/min/g) or glucagon (0.1 nmol/min/g) were consistently reduced in the cycloheximide-treated group, suggesting dependence of these processes on protein synthesis.", "contents": "Suppression of renin secretion in the isolated rat kidney by cycloheximide. The effect of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, on basal and stimulated renin secretion was examined in the isolated perfused rat kidney. Cycloheximide (0.05 mmol) was administered one hour before preparing the kidneys for perfusion. Both basal renin secretion and the response to intrarenal infusion of isoprenaline (0.06 nmol/min/g) or glucagon (0.1 nmol/min/g) were consistently reduced in the cycloheximide-treated group, suggesting dependence of these processes on protein synthesis.", "PMID": 991924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4510", "title": "Restoration of self-stimulation inhibited by neuroleptics.", "content": "Pimozide-induced inhibition of lever-pressing for brain stimulation in the lateral hypothalamic area was differentially restored by the centrally acting anticholinergic, dexetimide and by different dopaminergic drugs. In addition, a differential antagonism towards chlorpromazine-induced inhibition of self-stimulation was shown. The results indicate that anticholinergis (non-competitive antagonism) or drugs which enhance endogenous neuro-transmission by increased release or by uptake blockade (competitive antagonism) are able to reserve the neuroleptic-induced inhibition of self-stimulation more effectively than are receptor agonists.", "contents": "Restoration of self-stimulation inhibited by neuroleptics. Pimozide-induced inhibition of lever-pressing for brain stimulation in the lateral hypothalamic area was differentially restored by the centrally acting anticholinergic, dexetimide and by different dopaminergic drugs. In addition, a differential antagonism towards chlorpromazine-induced inhibition of self-stimulation was shown. The results indicate that anticholinergis (non-competitive antagonism) or drugs which enhance endogenous neuro-transmission by increased release or by uptake blockade (competitive antagonism) are able to reserve the neuroleptic-induced inhibition of self-stimulation more effectively than are receptor agonists.", "PMID": 991925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4511", "title": "Cocaine cue in rats as it relates to subjective drug effects: a preliminary report.", "content": "Using a food-reinforced two-lever operant method, rats (n=5) could be trained to discriminate 10 mg/kg cocaine from saline. Stimulus generalization experiments with lower doses (0.31-5.0 mg/kg) revealed that the cocaine cue is a dose-related phenomenon. Neuroleptic drugs were found relatively ineffective as possible antagonists of the cocaine cue, and no antagonistic effect whatsoever was obtained with dibenamine, propranolol, cyproheptadine and methysergide. iamphetamine (1.25 mg/kg) and apomorphine (0.31 mg/kg) were generalized with cocaine, and a dopaminergic involvement is discussed.", "contents": "Cocaine cue in rats as it relates to subjective drug effects: a preliminary report. Using a food-reinforced two-lever operant method, rats (n=5) could be trained to discriminate 10 mg/kg cocaine from saline. Stimulus generalization experiments with lower doses (0.31-5.0 mg/kg) revealed that the cocaine cue is a dose-related phenomenon. Neuroleptic drugs were found relatively ineffective as possible antagonists of the cocaine cue, and no antagonistic effect whatsoever was obtained with dibenamine, propranolol, cyproheptadine and methysergide. iamphetamine (1.25 mg/kg) and apomorphine (0.31 mg/kg) were generalized with cocaine, and a dopaminergic involvement is discussed.", "PMID": 991926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4512", "title": "Sex specific differences in chlorimipramine inhibition of serotonin uptake in human platelets.", "content": "The uptake of 14C-serotonin in platelet-rich plasma was similar in clinically healthy men and women. Serotonin uptake inhibition by chlorimipramine was significantly less in women than in men, the extent of inhibition correlating with the stage of the menstrual cycle.", "contents": "Sex specific differences in chlorimipramine inhibition of serotonin uptake in human platelets. The uptake of 14C-serotonin in platelet-rich plasma was similar in clinically healthy men and women. Serotonin uptake inhibition by chlorimipramine was significantly less in women than in men, the extent of inhibition correlating with the stage of the menstrual cycle.", "PMID": 991927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4513", "title": "Role of dopamine in the anorexigenic effect of DITA; comparison with d-amphetamine.", "content": "The effects of d,1-alpha-methyltyrosine (alphaMT), haloperidol, phenoxybenazmine, propranolol, methysergide and cyproheptadine on the anorexigenic activities of DITA and d-amphetamine were studied in male mice. The pretreatment of mice with methysergide (10 mg/kg, s.c.), cyproheptadine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), phenoxybenzamine (10 mg/kg, i.p.), and propranolol (5 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to alter the anorexigenic effect of DITA and d-amphetamine. On the other hand, alphaMT (32 mg/kg, i.p.) and haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly antagonized the anorexigenic effect of DITA and d-amphetamine. Our data indicate that the anorexigenic activities of DITA and d-amphetamine are mediated mainly through the dopaminergic system.", "contents": "Role of dopamine in the anorexigenic effect of DITA; comparison with d-amphetamine. The effects of d,1-alpha-methyltyrosine (alphaMT), haloperidol, phenoxybenazmine, propranolol, methysergide and cyproheptadine on the anorexigenic activities of DITA and d-amphetamine were studied in male mice. The pretreatment of mice with methysergide (10 mg/kg, s.c.), cyproheptadine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), phenoxybenzamine (10 mg/kg, i.p.), and propranolol (5 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to alter the anorexigenic effect of DITA and d-amphetamine. On the other hand, alphaMT (32 mg/kg, i.p.) and haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly antagonized the anorexigenic effect of DITA and d-amphetamine. Our data indicate that the anorexigenic activities of DITA and d-amphetamine are mediated mainly through the dopaminergic system.", "PMID": 991928} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4514", "title": "The effect of a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation, BL-3459, on adrenaline-induced myocardial necrosis in beagle dogs.", "content": "The effect of a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation, BL-3459, on adrenaline-induced myocardial necrosis was investigated in beagle dogs. BL-3459, an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine, and a beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, propranolol, were compared for their ability to modify the effects of adrenaline on platelet function, arterial blood pressure and myocardial damage. Adrenaline infusion led to a dose-related myocardial damage, elevation in arterial blood pressure, elevation in screen filtration pressure (SFP) and fall in platelet count. BL-3459 inhibited the elevation in SFP and the fall in platelet count as well as limiting the extent of myocardial damage. Phenoxybenzamine significantly modified all adrenaline-induced changes except the elevation in SFP. Propranolol had little effect alone and seemed to antagonize the beneficial effects of BL-3459 when the two drugs were combined. These results suggest that while other factors may also be involved, platelet aggregation and transient hypertension are correlated with the extent of adrenaline-induced myocardial necrosis observed in this model. A potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation, BL-3459, and the alpha-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine, appear to afford protection against the observed pathological effects.", "contents": "The effect of a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation, BL-3459, on adrenaline-induced myocardial necrosis in beagle dogs. The effect of a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation, BL-3459, on adrenaline-induced myocardial necrosis was investigated in beagle dogs. BL-3459, an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine, and a beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, propranolol, were compared for their ability to modify the effects of adrenaline on platelet function, arterial blood pressure and myocardial damage. Adrenaline infusion led to a dose-related myocardial damage, elevation in arterial blood pressure, elevation in screen filtration pressure (SFP) and fall in platelet count. BL-3459 inhibited the elevation in SFP and the fall in platelet count as well as limiting the extent of myocardial damage. Phenoxybenzamine significantly modified all adrenaline-induced changes except the elevation in SFP. Propranolol had little effect alone and seemed to antagonize the beneficial effects of BL-3459 when the two drugs were combined. These results suggest that while other factors may also be involved, platelet aggregation and transient hypertension are correlated with the extent of adrenaline-induced myocardial necrosis observed in this model. A potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation, BL-3459, and the alpha-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine, appear to afford protection against the observed pathological effects.", "PMID": 991929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4515", "title": "Effects of inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis on rebound excitation of guinea-pig small bowel.", "content": "The prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors indomethacin and acetyl salicylic acid did not affect the post-stimulus rebound excitation of guinea-pig duodenal and jejunal circular muscle with transmural electrical stimulation at 1 min intervals. In the absence of any drug, sequential time-dependent changes in amplitude of the rebound contractions were: (1) progressive increase during first 10 min, (2) a plateau at 30 min, (3) progressive decline to almost no response over 3 h. The results indicate that, in the circular muscle layer, prostaglandin synthesis is not required for production of the rebound response following electrical stimulation of inhibitory neurons.", "contents": "Effects of inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis on rebound excitation of guinea-pig small bowel. The prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors indomethacin and acetyl salicylic acid did not affect the post-stimulus rebound excitation of guinea-pig duodenal and jejunal circular muscle with transmural electrical stimulation at 1 min intervals. In the absence of any drug, sequential time-dependent changes in amplitude of the rebound contractions were: (1) progressive increase during first 10 min, (2) a plateau at 30 min, (3) progressive decline to almost no response over 3 h. The results indicate that, in the circular muscle layer, prostaglandin synthesis is not required for production of the rebound response following electrical stimulation of inhibitory neurons.", "PMID": 991930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4516", "title": "Disposition of propranolol isomers in mice.", "content": "l-Propranolol was found to protect mice from hyperbaric oxygen-induced seizures. The disposition of effective doses of propranolol isomers in mice was followed using stereospecific antibodies with a radioimmunoassay procedure. Serum and tissue concentrations were determined and correlated with the protective effect. Following racemic administration, there were no differences in serum disposition of d- and l-propranolol, although there was initially a preferential uptake of the 1-isomer both into cardiac and brain tissue. The d-isomer exerted synergistic action on the 1-isomer protective effect.", "contents": "Disposition of propranolol isomers in mice. l-Propranolol was found to protect mice from hyperbaric oxygen-induced seizures. The disposition of effective doses of propranolol isomers in mice was followed using stereospecific antibodies with a radioimmunoassay procedure. Serum and tissue concentrations were determined and correlated with the protective effect. Following racemic administration, there were no differences in serum disposition of d- and l-propranolol, although there was initially a preferential uptake of the 1-isomer both into cardiac and brain tissue. The d-isomer exerted synergistic action on the 1-isomer protective effect.", "PMID": 991931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4517", "title": "Local anesthetic blockade of Ca2+ -mediated action potentials in cardiac muscle.", "content": "The effects of local anesthetic agents (lidocaine, procaine, cocaine) and diphenylhydantoin (DPH) were studied on the slow electrical responses induced by isoproterenol or caffeine in cardiac muscle preparations rendered inexcitable by tetrodotoxin (TTX) or by partial depolarization with elevated K+ (26 mM). In such inexcitable cells, we previously demonstrated that addition of some positive inotropic agents, such as catecholamines, histamine, and methylxanthines, rapidly increase the number of available slow Ca2+--Na+ channels, thus allowing slowly rising electrical responses resembling the plateau component of the cardiac action potential. In embryonic chick (16-20-day-old) myocardial cells (ventricular) studied as intact perfused hearts or as reaggregated cell cultures of trypsin-dispersed cells, high concentrations (10-(3) M) of all of the above drugs blocked the induced slow responses with their associated contractions; low concentrations (10-(5) M) of these agents reduced the maximal rate of rise (+Vmax) of the slow responses and depressed the contractions. For comparison with their effects on the slow response, the actions of these drugs on the normal action potential were also studied. As with the slow response, all of these drugs depressed the rate of rise of the action potential (10-(4) M) or blocked it at higher concentrations (10-(3) M); in contrast, low concentrations (10-(5) M) of lidocaine and DPH increased +V max. These findings suggest that local anesthetics, which interact with the lipid phase of the cell membrane, lead to blockade of the slow Ca2+--Na+ channels as well as of the fast Na+ channels in the myocardial sarcolemma.", "contents": "Local anesthetic blockade of Ca2+ -mediated action potentials in cardiac muscle. The effects of local anesthetic agents (lidocaine, procaine, cocaine) and diphenylhydantoin (DPH) were studied on the slow electrical responses induced by isoproterenol or caffeine in cardiac muscle preparations rendered inexcitable by tetrodotoxin (TTX) or by partial depolarization with elevated K+ (26 mM). In such inexcitable cells, we previously demonstrated that addition of some positive inotropic agents, such as catecholamines, histamine, and methylxanthines, rapidly increase the number of available slow Ca2+--Na+ channels, thus allowing slowly rising electrical responses resembling the plateau component of the cardiac action potential. In embryonic chick (16-20-day-old) myocardial cells (ventricular) studied as intact perfused hearts or as reaggregated cell cultures of trypsin-dispersed cells, high concentrations (10-(3) M) of all of the above drugs blocked the induced slow responses with their associated contractions; low concentrations (10-(5) M) of these agents reduced the maximal rate of rise (+Vmax) of the slow responses and depressed the contractions. For comparison with their effects on the slow response, the actions of these drugs on the normal action potential were also studied. As with the slow response, all of these drugs depressed the rate of rise of the action potential (10-(4) M) or blocked it at higher concentrations (10-(3) M); in contrast, low concentrations (10-(5) M) of lidocaine and DPH increased +V max. These findings suggest that local anesthetics, which interact with the lipid phase of the cell membrane, lead to blockade of the slow Ca2+--Na+ channels as well as of the fast Na+ channels in the myocardial sarcolemma.", "PMID": 991932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4518", "title": "Effect of pentobarbital, verapamil and manganese on the frequency-force relationship of the isolated atrium and ventricle of the dog heart.", "content": "The canine right atrium was perfused with arterial blood led from a carotid artery of the heparinized support dog and suspended in a bath filled with blood. In 5 non-spontaneously beating preparations, the frequency-force relationship was investigated by electric stimulation at a frequency range from 0.017 to 3 Hz. At a low frequency level, a large peak tension developed. At 0.5 Hz, minimum values of developed tension were obtained. At a range of 0.5-3 Hz, the developed tension increased with the frequency. Higher frequencies than 4 Hz usually caused pulsus alternans. The staircase phenomena were not influenced by treatment with propranolol or atropine. Therefore, there may be no participation of the autonomic nerve stimulation on the frequency-force relationship. Effects of pentobarbital, (+/-)-verapamil and manganese on the frequency-force relationship were investigated with both the blood-perfused, isolated atrium preparations and isolated ventricular preparations. Pentobarbital and manganese chloride produced a uniform depression of the developed tension at all frequencies but the depression with (+/-)-verapamil was greater at higher frequencies in both atrial and ventricular muscles.", "contents": "Effect of pentobarbital, verapamil and manganese on the frequency-force relationship of the isolated atrium and ventricle of the dog heart. The canine right atrium was perfused with arterial blood led from a carotid artery of the heparinized support dog and suspended in a bath filled with blood. In 5 non-spontaneously beating preparations, the frequency-force relationship was investigated by electric stimulation at a frequency range from 0.017 to 3 Hz. At a low frequency level, a large peak tension developed. At 0.5 Hz, minimum values of developed tension were obtained. At a range of 0.5-3 Hz, the developed tension increased with the frequency. Higher frequencies than 4 Hz usually caused pulsus alternans. The staircase phenomena were not influenced by treatment with propranolol or atropine. Therefore, there may be no participation of the autonomic nerve stimulation on the frequency-force relationship. Effects of pentobarbital, (+/-)-verapamil and manganese on the frequency-force relationship were investigated with both the blood-perfused, isolated atrium preparations and isolated ventricular preparations. Pentobarbital and manganese chloride produced a uniform depression of the developed tension at all frequencies but the depression with (+/-)-verapamil was greater at higher frequencies in both atrial and ventricular muscles.", "PMID": 991933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4519", "title": "Anticholinergic and cardiodepressive effects of levomepromazine and two of its metabolites on isolated rat atria.", "content": "The effects of monodesmethyl levomepromazine on effective refractory period (ERP) threshold for electrical stimulation and contractile force on isolated rat atria were compared to the effects of levomepromazine and levomepromazine sulfoxide. All agents caused an apparently dose-dependent increase in ERP, and antagonized acetylcholine-induced reductions in ERP. Levomepromazine and monodesmethyl levomepromazine decreased excitability and contractile force to a similar extent.", "contents": "Anticholinergic and cardiodepressive effects of levomepromazine and two of its metabolites on isolated rat atria. The effects of monodesmethyl levomepromazine on effective refractory period (ERP) threshold for electrical stimulation and contractile force on isolated rat atria were compared to the effects of levomepromazine and levomepromazine sulfoxide. All agents caused an apparently dose-dependent increase in ERP, and antagonized acetylcholine-induced reductions in ERP. Levomepromazine and monodesmethyl levomepromazine decreased excitability and contractile force to a similar extent.", "PMID": 991934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4520", "title": "The distribution and metabolism of chlorpromazine in rats and the relationship to effects on cerebral monoamine metabolism.", "content": "Rats were injected with chlorpromazine (CPZ), 21 mumoles/kg (7.5 mg/kg) i.p., and killed after different time intervals up to 24 h. Mass fragmentographic methods were used to determine the levels of CPZ, monodemethyl-chlorpromazine (nor1-CPZ) and 7-hydroxy-chlorpromazine (7-OH-CPZ) in brain and blood and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxy-3-indoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the striatum. Significant correlations between the brain and blood concentrations of CPZ as well as its active metabolites and the levels of DOPAC and HVA were obtained at several time points. The similarity between the time curves for CPZ dominantly the unchanged drug in the brain which determines the acceleration of DA metabolism.", "contents": "The distribution and metabolism of chlorpromazine in rats and the relationship to effects on cerebral monoamine metabolism. Rats were injected with chlorpromazine (CPZ), 21 mumoles/kg (7.5 mg/kg) i.p., and killed after different time intervals up to 24 h. Mass fragmentographic methods were used to determine the levels of CPZ, monodemethyl-chlorpromazine (nor1-CPZ) and 7-hydroxy-chlorpromazine (7-OH-CPZ) in brain and blood and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxy-3-indoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the striatum. Significant correlations between the brain and blood concentrations of CPZ as well as its active metabolites and the levels of DOPAC and HVA were obtained at several time points. The similarity between the time curves for CPZ dominantly the unchanged drug in the brain which determines the acceleration of DA metabolism.", "PMID": 991935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4521", "title": "Acute effects of morphine on rat intestinal motility.", "content": "Systemic injection of morphine (0.5-16 mg/kg) caused dose-related increases in intestinal intraluminal pressure in anesthetized rats. Injection of morphine into cerebral ventricles was no more effective than the intravenous (i.v.) route. Decapitation of the animals did not prevent the intestinal stimulatory effect of i.v. morphine. The intestinal stimulation induced by i.v. morphine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), but not that induced by cholecystokinin octapeptide, was antagonized by methysergide. Morphine appears to stimulate contractions of intestinal circular muscle in the rat by release of local, endogenous 5-HT.", "contents": "Acute effects of morphine on rat intestinal motility. Systemic injection of morphine (0.5-16 mg/kg) caused dose-related increases in intestinal intraluminal pressure in anesthetized rats. Injection of morphine into cerebral ventricles was no more effective than the intravenous (i.v.) route. Decapitation of the animals did not prevent the intestinal stimulatory effect of i.v. morphine. The intestinal stimulation induced by i.v. morphine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), but not that induced by cholecystokinin octapeptide, was antagonized by methysergide. Morphine appears to stimulate contractions of intestinal circular muscle in the rat by release of local, endogenous 5-HT.", "PMID": 991936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4522", "title": "The effect of metyrapone on uterine prostaglandin output and smooth muscle activity.", "content": "Metyrapone, at low doses (0.5-1.0 mM), stimulated the output of both PGE and PGF from the isolated uterus of the pregnant rat determined following extraction of bath fluid, chromatographic separation and bioassay of the prostaglandin. At higher doses (2-4 mM), metyrapone inhibited PGF output, but had no effect on PGE output. Uterine activity was rapidly inhibited by metyrapone in a dose-related manner. This inhibition was not related to PG output as, at 1 mM metyrapone, activity was inhibited and PG output stimulated. Both metyrapone and papaverine produced dose-dependent inhibition of the activity of the isolated rabbit ileum, papaverine being 10 times more potent than metyrapone. Propranolol antagonised the response of the ileum to isoprenaline, but had no effect on the response to metyrapone. These observations confirm earlier data, suggsting that metyrapone exerts a differential effect on uterine PGE and PGF production and indicate that metyrapone has a direct inhibitory effect on smooth muscle activity.", "contents": "The effect of metyrapone on uterine prostaglandin output and smooth muscle activity. Metyrapone, at low doses (0.5-1.0 mM), stimulated the output of both PGE and PGF from the isolated uterus of the pregnant rat determined following extraction of bath fluid, chromatographic separation and bioassay of the prostaglandin. At higher doses (2-4 mM), metyrapone inhibited PGF output, but had no effect on PGE output. Uterine activity was rapidly inhibited by metyrapone in a dose-related manner. This inhibition was not related to PG output as, at 1 mM metyrapone, activity was inhibited and PG output stimulated. Both metyrapone and papaverine produced dose-dependent inhibition of the activity of the isolated rabbit ileum, papaverine being 10 times more potent than metyrapone. Propranolol antagonised the response of the ileum to isoprenaline, but had no effect on the response to metyrapone. These observations confirm earlier data, suggsting that metyrapone exerts a differential effect on uterine PGE and PGF production and indicate that metyrapone has a direct inhibitory effect on smooth muscle activity.", "PMID": 991937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4523", "title": "Mechanism of morphine block of electrical activity in ganglia of Auerbach's plexus.", "content": "A study was made of the effect of morphine on electrical activity within single ganglia of Auerbach's plexus of guinea pig longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus as monitored by means of external electrodes. Morphine produces a concentration dependent block of single spike activity. This effect is competitively antagonized by naloxone. The ED50 for morphine effect is about 7 X 10(-7) M. Naloxone and dextrorphan have no effect on electrical activity. Acetylcholine in the concentration range of 10(-7)--10(-5) M augments electrical activity of ganglia. Morphine has little if any effect on the enhanced stimulation produced by acetylcholine thus indicating that the drug does not act directly upon the ganglion. Our results suggest that a specific opiate receptor is present on the preganglionic nerve terminals and that morphine and other opiates block ganglionic transmission by inhibiting the release of preganglionic acetylcholine.", "contents": "Mechanism of morphine block of electrical activity in ganglia of Auerbach's plexus. A study was made of the effect of morphine on electrical activity within single ganglia of Auerbach's plexus of guinea pig longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus as monitored by means of external electrodes. Morphine produces a concentration dependent block of single spike activity. This effect is competitively antagonized by naloxone. The ED50 for morphine effect is about 7 X 10(-7) M. Naloxone and dextrorphan have no effect on electrical activity. Acetylcholine in the concentration range of 10(-7)--10(-5) M augments electrical activity of ganglia. Morphine has little if any effect on the enhanced stimulation produced by acetylcholine thus indicating that the drug does not act directly upon the ganglion. Our results suggest that a specific opiate receptor is present on the preganglionic nerve terminals and that morphine and other opiates block ganglionic transmission by inhibiting the release of preganglionic acetylcholine.", "PMID": 991938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4524", "title": "Changes in regional brain acetylcholine levels during drug-induced convulsions.", "content": "Acetylcholine (ACh) levels were determined in the brain of rats killed by decapitation or focussed microwave radiation during drug-induced convulsions. During metrazol or strychnine-induced convulsions a diffuse decrease in ACh levels was found in rats killed by decapitation. When the rats were killed by radiation and the brain was only divided into three large regions, strychnine caused no changes in ACh levels; metrazol caused a decrease in the cerebral cortex and lower brainstem. When discrete brain regions were investigated in rats killed by radiation, metrazol-induced convulsions were associated with a decrease in ACh level in all regions dissected and strychnine-induced convulsions with a decrease in the hippocampus and caudate nucleus only. Picrotoxin-induced convulsions were associated with a decrease in ACh level in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, midbrain and medulla-pons, those induced by bicuculline with an increase in ACh level in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, midbrain and medulla-pons, by dimefline with an increase in the frontal cortex, midbrain and medulla-pons and a decrease in the caudate nucleus. The experiments show that each type of convulsant affects ACh levels in discrete brain regions in a different way.", "contents": "Changes in regional brain acetylcholine levels during drug-induced convulsions. Acetylcholine (ACh) levels were determined in the brain of rats killed by decapitation or focussed microwave radiation during drug-induced convulsions. During metrazol or strychnine-induced convulsions a diffuse decrease in ACh levels was found in rats killed by decapitation. When the rats were killed by radiation and the brain was only divided into three large regions, strychnine caused no changes in ACh levels; metrazol caused a decrease in the cerebral cortex and lower brainstem. When discrete brain regions were investigated in rats killed by radiation, metrazol-induced convulsions were associated with a decrease in ACh level in all regions dissected and strychnine-induced convulsions with a decrease in the hippocampus and caudate nucleus only. Picrotoxin-induced convulsions were associated with a decrease in ACh level in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, midbrain and medulla-pons, those induced by bicuculline with an increase in ACh level in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, midbrain and medulla-pons, by dimefline with an increase in the frontal cortex, midbrain and medulla-pons and a decrease in the caudate nucleus. The experiments show that each type of convulsant affects ACh levels in discrete brain regions in a different way.", "PMID": 991939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4525", "title": "The influence of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol on pilocarpine-induced parotid secretions of the rat.", "content": "The effects of delta9-THC and its ethanol vehicle on pilocarpine-induced parotid gland secretions were investigated in rats. Single doses of delta9-THC (1, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) or 95% ethanol were administered i.v. prior to pilocarpine stimulation of saliva. Total flow, alpha-amylase and cation content of the induced saliva were determined at the end of the collection period; while heart rate and blood pressure were monitored throughout each experiment. The ethanol vehicle did not alter any of the parameters when compared to the pilocarpine controls. delta9-THC produced a bradycardia and hypotension which was not dose related in spontaneously breathing rats. Furthermore delta9-THC caused an increase in alpha-amylase concentration without a reduction in salivary flow. The results suggest that delta9-THC exerts a profound influence on the protein composition of parotid secretion which is independent of its cardiovascular effects and its ethanol vehicle.", "contents": "The influence of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol on pilocarpine-induced parotid secretions of the rat. The effects of delta9-THC and its ethanol vehicle on pilocarpine-induced parotid gland secretions were investigated in rats. Single doses of delta9-THC (1, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) or 95% ethanol were administered i.v. prior to pilocarpine stimulation of saliva. Total flow, alpha-amylase and cation content of the induced saliva were determined at the end of the collection period; while heart rate and blood pressure were monitored throughout each experiment. The ethanol vehicle did not alter any of the parameters when compared to the pilocarpine controls. delta9-THC produced a bradycardia and hypotension which was not dose related in spontaneously breathing rats. Furthermore delta9-THC caused an increase in alpha-amylase concentration without a reduction in salivary flow. The results suggest that delta9-THC exerts a profound influence on the protein composition of parotid secretion which is independent of its cardiovascular effects and its ethanol vehicle.", "PMID": 991940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4526", "title": "Antagonism of arachidonic acid-induced bronchoconstriction in cats by aspirin-like analgesics.", "content": "In cats, anesthetized with chloralose, vagotomized and relaxed by infusion of sexamethonium, bronchoconstrictor reactions were induced by the i.v. injection of arachidonic acid (50 to 200 mug/kg). These reactions could be completely suppressed by the following drugs: indomethacin (ED50 0.16 mg/kg), flufenamic acid (1.8 mg/kg), acetylsalicylic acid (2.4 mg/kg) and phenylbutazone (4.7 mg/kg), but paracetamol was only partly effective even in doses up to 50 mg/kg. The results show that rather small doses of most weak analgesics can effectively inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis in the bronchi and make it likely that this inhibition is involved in the drug-induced bronchoconstrictor reactions, which have been observed clinically.", "contents": "Antagonism of arachidonic acid-induced bronchoconstriction in cats by aspirin-like analgesics. In cats, anesthetized with chloralose, vagotomized and relaxed by infusion of sexamethonium, bronchoconstrictor reactions were induced by the i.v. injection of arachidonic acid (50 to 200 mug/kg). These reactions could be completely suppressed by the following drugs: indomethacin (ED50 0.16 mg/kg), flufenamic acid (1.8 mg/kg), acetylsalicylic acid (2.4 mg/kg) and phenylbutazone (4.7 mg/kg), but paracetamol was only partly effective even in doses up to 50 mg/kg. The results show that rather small doses of most weak analgesics can effectively inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis in the bronchi and make it likely that this inhibition is involved in the drug-induced bronchoconstrictor reactions, which have been observed clinically.", "PMID": 991941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4527", "title": "Conformational aspects of the antifibrillatory activity of procaine.", "content": "The effects of procaine and four semi-rigid conformational analogs (compounds 1,2,3 and 4) were tested and compared on isolated rabbit atria. Procaine and the four analogs produced positive inotropic effects at all dose levels tested. The antifibrillatory activity of procaine and its analogs arranged in decreasing order of activity was compound 4 greater than 3 greater than 2 greater than 1 greater than procaine. The antifibrillatory activity of the compounds correlated to the distance between the ring nitrogen and the ester oxygen; that is, as the N-O distance increased the concentration required to reduce the following frequency decreased. However, the compound became more toxic as the N-O distance increased. Our data do not confirm the commonly regarded direct relationship between local anesthetic activity and antifibrillatory activity of procaine. Differences in activity displayed by the isomers of procaine could reflect differences in the ability of these analogs to bind to receptors responsible for the respective actions.", "contents": "Conformational aspects of the antifibrillatory activity of procaine. The effects of procaine and four semi-rigid conformational analogs (compounds 1,2,3 and 4) were tested and compared on isolated rabbit atria. Procaine and the four analogs produced positive inotropic effects at all dose levels tested. The antifibrillatory activity of procaine and its analogs arranged in decreasing order of activity was compound 4 greater than 3 greater than 2 greater than 1 greater than procaine. The antifibrillatory activity of the compounds correlated to the distance between the ring nitrogen and the ester oxygen; that is, as the N-O distance increased the concentration required to reduce the following frequency decreased. However, the compound became more toxic as the N-O distance increased. Our data do not confirm the commonly regarded direct relationship between local anesthetic activity and antifibrillatory activity of procaine. Differences in activity displayed by the isomers of procaine could reflect differences in the ability of these analogs to bind to receptors responsible for the respective actions.", "PMID": 991942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4528", "title": "No evidence for central histamine-receptor involvement with the hypotensive effect of clonidine in cats.", "content": "In conscious hypertensive cats, intraventricular (i.c.v.) administration of clonidine (25 mug), induced hypotension and bradycardia. Pretreatment with metiamide (2 mg i.c.v.) did not significantly antagonise either the hypotension or bradycardia induced by clonidine (25 mug), but induced marked behavioural changes. Central pretreatment with mepyramine (200 mug, i.c.v.) or procaine (600 mug i.c.v.), reduced the hypotension evoked by clonidine (25 mug), but no antagonism of the clonidine-induced bradycardia was apparent. Central phentolamine (200 mug, i.c.v.) or tolazoline (200 mug, i.c.v.) antagonised the hypotension and bradycardia evoked by i.c.v. clonidine.", "contents": "No evidence for central histamine-receptor involvement with the hypotensive effect of clonidine in cats. In conscious hypertensive cats, intraventricular (i.c.v.) administration of clonidine (25 mug), induced hypotension and bradycardia. Pretreatment with metiamide (2 mg i.c.v.) did not significantly antagonise either the hypotension or bradycardia induced by clonidine (25 mug), but induced marked behavioural changes. Central pretreatment with mepyramine (200 mug, i.c.v.) or procaine (600 mug i.c.v.), reduced the hypotension evoked by clonidine (25 mug), but no antagonism of the clonidine-induced bradycardia was apparent. Central phentolamine (200 mug, i.c.v.) or tolazoline (200 mug, i.c.v.) antagonised the hypotension and bradycardia evoked by i.c.v. clonidine.", "PMID": 991943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4529", "title": "Spinal branching of corticospinal axons in the cat.", "content": "Branching patterns of single corticospinal (CS) neurons were studied in the cat by activating these neurons antidromically from various regions of the spinal cord. 1. One hundred and ninety-three neurons were activated antidromically by microstimulation in the gray substance of the cervical cord and the majority of them were found in the forelimb area of the pericruciate cortex. 2. Branches to the lower levels of the spinal cord were found for 30% of the neurons projecting to the cervical gray matter. 3. The remaining 70% sent axons only to the cervical gray matter and some of them sent multiple branches to several segments in the cervical cord. 4. Only a few CS neurons located outside of the forelimb area could be activated from the cervical cord, but all of them also sent branches to the lower levels of the spinal cord. Neurons projecting to both the cervical cord and the lower levels were intermingled in the cortex with those projecting only to the cervical cord. 5. CS neurons activated from a given area of the cervical cord were often clustered together in a small area of the cortex, although some of these CS neurons sent their other branches to other parts of the spinal cord and neurons projecting to other parts were also intermingled among them. 6. The functional significance of multiple axonal branching of CS neurons is discussed in relation to cortical motor functions.", "contents": "Spinal branching of corticospinal axons in the cat. Branching patterns of single corticospinal (CS) neurons were studied in the cat by activating these neurons antidromically from various regions of the spinal cord. 1. One hundred and ninety-three neurons were activated antidromically by microstimulation in the gray substance of the cervical cord and the majority of them were found in the forelimb area of the pericruciate cortex. 2. Branches to the lower levels of the spinal cord were found for 30% of the neurons projecting to the cervical gray matter. 3. The remaining 70% sent axons only to the cervical gray matter and some of them sent multiple branches to several segments in the cervical cord. 4. Only a few CS neurons located outside of the forelimb area could be activated from the cervical cord, but all of them also sent branches to the lower levels of the spinal cord. Neurons projecting to both the cervical cord and the lower levels were intermingled in the cortex with those projecting only to the cervical cord. 5. CS neurons activated from a given area of the cervical cord were often clustered together in a small area of the cortex, although some of these CS neurons sent their other branches to other parts of the spinal cord and neurons projecting to other parts were also intermingled among them. 6. The functional significance of multiple axonal branching of CS neurons is discussed in relation to cortical motor functions.", "PMID": 991954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4530", "title": "An experimental study of the corticofugal system following cerebral lesions in the albino rats.", "content": "Following neonatal lesion in the sensorimotor and adjacent cortex (SMC) in the albino rats, a corresponding region in the contralateral intact cortex gave rise to a bilateral corticofugal projection to the pretectal area, superior colliculus, pons, gracile and cuneate nuclei, the nucleus of Bischoff, caudal medullary reticular formation and the spinal cord. The anomalous growth response was greatest when the initial lesion was made within the first three days after birth, but became much reduced as the initial lesion was made at a progressively older age. A significant amount of anomalous projection could, however, still be demonstrated in the pons even in animals first lesioned as late as 20 days postnatal. The sprouting phenomenon was precise and ordered and in the various regions studied, the pattern of anomalous projection mirrored that of the normal projection. The anomalous fibres reached their specific target cells either by deflecting ipsilaterally at the pyramidal decussation to reach the spinal cord and the caudal medulla or by running across the mid-line to the contralateral pons, superior colliculus, pretectal area and the thalamic ventrobasal complex. In contradistinction to the findings of Hicks and D'Amato (1975) no anomalous fibres could be traced to the trigeminal complex and the rostral reticular formation in the medulla. A mechanism of competitive occupation of vacant synaptic sites was proposed to explain the sprouting phenomenon.", "contents": "An experimental study of the corticofugal system following cerebral lesions in the albino rats. Following neonatal lesion in the sensorimotor and adjacent cortex (SMC) in the albino rats, a corresponding region in the contralateral intact cortex gave rise to a bilateral corticofugal projection to the pretectal area, superior colliculus, pons, gracile and cuneate nuclei, the nucleus of Bischoff, caudal medullary reticular formation and the spinal cord. The anomalous growth response was greatest when the initial lesion was made within the first three days after birth, but became much reduced as the initial lesion was made at a progressively older age. A significant amount of anomalous projection could, however, still be demonstrated in the pons even in animals first lesioned as late as 20 days postnatal. The sprouting phenomenon was precise and ordered and in the various regions studied, the pattern of anomalous projection mirrored that of the normal projection. The anomalous fibres reached their specific target cells either by deflecting ipsilaterally at the pyramidal decussation to reach the spinal cord and the caudal medulla or by running across the mid-line to the contralateral pons, superior colliculus, pretectal area and the thalamic ventrobasal complex. In contradistinction to the findings of Hicks and D'Amato (1975) no anomalous fibres could be traced to the trigeminal complex and the rostral reticular formation in the medulla. A mechanism of competitive occupation of vacant synaptic sites was proposed to explain the sprouting phenomenon.", "PMID": 991955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4531", "title": "Changes in the protein metabolism of the CNS of a teleost following stimulation of the lateral-line organ.", "content": "Unilateral stimulation of the lateral-line organ (LLO) of the teleost Scardinius erythrophthalmus by current water caused an increase in the afferent fibre activity in the stimulated organ of about 3.5 times as compared with the non-stimulated LLO. There was an increase of [3H] histidine incorporation as compared to controls following stimulation applied either at the beginning (1 h) or at the end (1.5-6 h) of various incorporation times. Following a 1 h stimulation period, the different areas of the LLO-system (lateral nerve, medulla oblongata, cerebellum and valvulae cerebelli), as well as the optic tectum, subtectum and spinal cord showed a significant increase of protein labelling; whereas after 12 h post-incorporation times only the lateral nerve showed highly significant differences as compared to controls. In animals stimulated at the end of a 12 h pre-incorporation period (1.5-6 h) there was a significant increase of protein labelling in all investigated structures of the brain as compared to controls.", "contents": "Changes in the protein metabolism of the CNS of a teleost following stimulation of the lateral-line organ. Unilateral stimulation of the lateral-line organ (LLO) of the teleost Scardinius erythrophthalmus by current water caused an increase in the afferent fibre activity in the stimulated organ of about 3.5 times as compared with the non-stimulated LLO. There was an increase of [3H] histidine incorporation as compared to controls following stimulation applied either at the beginning (1 h) or at the end (1.5-6 h) of various incorporation times. Following a 1 h stimulation period, the different areas of the LLO-system (lateral nerve, medulla oblongata, cerebellum and valvulae cerebelli), as well as the optic tectum, subtectum and spinal cord showed a significant increase of protein labelling; whereas after 12 h post-incorporation times only the lateral nerve showed highly significant differences as compared to controls. In animals stimulated at the end of a 12 h pre-incorporation period (1.5-6 h) there was a significant increase of protein labelling in all investigated structures of the brain as compared to controls.", "PMID": 991956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4532", "title": "Effects of stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation upon thalamo-cortical neurones responsible for cortical recruiting responses.", "content": "1. In lightly nembutalized cats, effects of high frequency (60-100/sec) repetitive stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation (RF) were tested upon the thalamo-cortical (T-C) neurones which project from the anterior ventral (VA) nucleus of the thalamus and its vicinities to the parietal association cortex and convey impulses responsible for cortical recruiting and spindling-like responses. 2. Tonic maintained or rhythmic grouped firings of the T-C neurones recorded as extracellular units with microelectrode in the thalamus were in the majority suppressed by high frequency RF stimulation during and often for a short time after the stimulation, and they showed later tonic discharges for many seconds or minutes. Intracellular recording from the T-C neurones revealed hyperpolarizing potential changes corresponding to the suppression on high frequency RF stimulation. Field potential analysis in the VA nucleus indicated that the hyperpolarization is ascribed at least in part to IPSPs elicited in the T-C neurones. Responses in some other types of thalamic neurones to the RF stimulation were exemplified to be compared and related with those of the T-C neurones. 3. Desynchronization of the parietal electrocorticogram coincided with the suppression of the T-C neurones and lasted for the time of the later tonic discharges, which contrasted with the rhythmic grouped discharges of the T-C neurones in association with recruiting and spindling-like responses of the cortex. Relations between the thalamo-cortical recruiting system and the ascending reticular activating system were discussed.", "contents": "Effects of stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation upon thalamo-cortical neurones responsible for cortical recruiting responses. 1. In lightly nembutalized cats, effects of high frequency (60-100/sec) repetitive stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation (RF) were tested upon the thalamo-cortical (T-C) neurones which project from the anterior ventral (VA) nucleus of the thalamus and its vicinities to the parietal association cortex and convey impulses responsible for cortical recruiting and spindling-like responses. 2. Tonic maintained or rhythmic grouped firings of the T-C neurones recorded as extracellular units with microelectrode in the thalamus were in the majority suppressed by high frequency RF stimulation during and often for a short time after the stimulation, and they showed later tonic discharges for many seconds or minutes. Intracellular recording from the T-C neurones revealed hyperpolarizing potential changes corresponding to the suppression on high frequency RF stimulation. Field potential analysis in the VA nucleus indicated that the hyperpolarization is ascribed at least in part to IPSPs elicited in the T-C neurones. Responses in some other types of thalamic neurones to the RF stimulation were exemplified to be compared and related with those of the T-C neurones. 3. Desynchronization of the parietal electrocorticogram coincided with the suppression of the T-C neurones and lasted for the time of the later tonic discharges, which contrasted with the rhythmic grouped discharges of the T-C neurones in association with recruiting and spindling-like responses of the cortex. Relations between the thalamo-cortical recruiting system and the ascending reticular activating system were discussed.", "PMID": 991957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4533", "title": "Electrical responses of the auditory area of the cerebellar cortex to acoustic stimulation.", "content": "Single unit activity from the VI and VII lobuli of the cerebellar vermis cortex was studied following acoustical stimulation with sound signals of different parameters. Cerebellar neurons, as compared to those from the auditory system, showed low selectivity to sound frequency, intensity and duration. However, about 2/3 of the neurons were selectively sensitive to interaural time and intensity differences; about 1/3 of neurons showed a specific response to signals simulating sound motion in a definite direction. Thus, cerebellar neurons seem to be mainly responsive to those sound parameters which are essential for sound localization.", "contents": "Electrical responses of the auditory area of the cerebellar cortex to acoustic stimulation. Single unit activity from the VI and VII lobuli of the cerebellar vermis cortex was studied following acoustical stimulation with sound signals of different parameters. Cerebellar neurons, as compared to those from the auditory system, showed low selectivity to sound frequency, intensity and duration. However, about 2/3 of the neurons were selectively sensitive to interaural time and intensity differences; about 1/3 of neurons showed a specific response to signals simulating sound motion in a definite direction. Thus, cerebellar neurons seem to be mainly responsive to those sound parameters which are essential for sound localization.", "PMID": 991958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4534", "title": "Autoradiographic studies on the uptake of 3H-noradrenaline and 3H-GABA in cultured rat cerebellum.", "content": "Autoradiographic studies were made on the uptake of 3H-noradrenaline and 3H-GABA in rat cerebellum grown in tissue culture. GABA was taken up by Purkinje cells and interneurones as well as by glial cells. In contrast, 3H-noradrenaline was only accumulated by nerve fibres but not by neuronal cell bodies and by glial cells.", "contents": "Autoradiographic studies on the uptake of 3H-noradrenaline and 3H-GABA in cultured rat cerebellum. Autoradiographic studies were made on the uptake of 3H-noradrenaline and 3H-GABA in rat cerebellum grown in tissue culture. GABA was taken up by Purkinje cells and interneurones as well as by glial cells. In contrast, 3H-noradrenaline was only accumulated by nerve fibres but not by neuronal cell bodies and by glial cells.", "PMID": 991959} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4535", "title": "[Labyrinth nuclei as observed in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and fibroxanthoma (author's transl)].", "content": "In the electron microscope the nuclei of benign and malignant tumors as well as the nuclei of normal cells exhibit relatively various structural features. In this study the author reports on two mesenchymal tumors of the skin (one case of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and one of fibroxanthoma) with pecular nuclear polymorphism which can be visualized by electron microscopy only.", "contents": "[Labyrinth nuclei as observed in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and fibroxanthoma (author's transl)]. In the electron microscope the nuclei of benign and malignant tumors as well as the nuclei of normal cells exhibit relatively various structural features. In this study the author reports on two mesenchymal tumors of the skin (one case of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and one of fibroxanthoma) with pecular nuclear polymorphism which can be visualized by electron microscopy only.", "PMID": 991961} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4536", "title": "Sequential histopathological and biochemical events in rat caput epididymis after alpha monochlorohydrin administration.", "content": "This paper presents sequential histological, histochemical and biochemical changes in rat caput epididymis after a single 100 mg/kg oral dose of alpha chlorohydrin. Desquamation of caput epithelium occurs as early as two days after drug treatment. The caput epididymis is blocked because of accumulation of testicular fluid containing exfoliated immature testicular cells and caput epithelium. There was no effect of drug on motility and morphology of spermatozoa examined from different segments of epididymis and vas deferens. Marked decrease in acid and alkaline phosphatases, nucleic acids and proteins have been registered after drug treatment. On the contrary increase in SDH, cholesterol and glycogen was observed after drug treatment. Decrease in phospholipids in initial stages has also been observed.", "contents": "Sequential histopathological and biochemical events in rat caput epididymis after alpha monochlorohydrin administration. This paper presents sequential histological, histochemical and biochemical changes in rat caput epididymis after a single 100 mg/kg oral dose of alpha chlorohydrin. Desquamation of caput epithelium occurs as early as two days after drug treatment. The caput epididymis is blocked because of accumulation of testicular fluid containing exfoliated immature testicular cells and caput epithelium. There was no effect of drug on motility and morphology of spermatozoa examined from different segments of epididymis and vas deferens. Marked decrease in acid and alkaline phosphatases, nucleic acids and proteins have been registered after drug treatment. On the contrary increase in SDH, cholesterol and glycogen was observed after drug treatment. Decrease in phospholipids in initial stages has also been observed.", "PMID": 991962} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4537", "title": "[Glutamic dehydrogenase activities in renal tissue during experimental and human ehronie pyelonephritis (author's transl)].", "content": "These studies are one part of systemic comparative investigations concerning biochemically feasible changes of renal cells and tissues due to chronic pyelonephritis (PN) as correlated to the histological results. The experiments aim at more detailed knowledge on the pathogenesis and conditions of the progressive chronicity of PN which could be of value for the further development of therapeutic measures. In previous papers (Esp. Path., vols. 8, 9 and 10) the author reported on the acid and alkaline phosphatase as well as on the glutaminase I activities. In the present study the glutamic dehydrogenase (GIDH) activities are analyzed. In 139 adult male rabbits (body weight 2.4 to 2.8 kg) unilateral pyelonephritis was experimentally induced in the left kidney. In additional 19 rabbits no PN developed despite of similar technique. 37 animals were used for controls. The animals were kept on standard diet in individual cages. Dependent on duration of the disease the 139 rabbits affected by experimental PN were divided into 6 groups: 1. Sacrification after 20 days, 2. Sacrification after 31 days, 3. Sacrification after 64 days 4. Sacrification after 100 days, 5. Sacrification after 212 days, 6. Sacrification after 261 days. The 19 rabbits which did not develop PN WERE LIKEWISE SACRIFICED AT DIFFERENT TERMS: AFTER 64 DAYS (5 ANIMALS), AFTER 100 DAYS (7 ANIMALS), AFTER 212 DAYS (7ANIMALS). These rabbits were designated \"B-series\". From 31 human kidneys with clinically quiescent pyelonephritic renal shrinkage wedge-shaped tissue samples were removed. Furthermore, 20 tissue samples of surgical specimens of extirpated human tumor kidneys were removed far distant from the site of the tumor. Induction of unilateral PN in the rabbits was done after the method of LEPPER (5) as modified by PRAT et al. (14). Coli of the strain O 55 K 59 were used for infection in a germ suspension of 500 millions of bacterial/ml 0.9% sterile physiological saline (control of the germ suspension by means of nephelometry). 24 hours after unilateral renal ligation each animal was i.v. administered 800-1000 millions of germs. At the end of the test the left side lesioned kidney was removed within maximally 100 sec after having been rinsed bloodless by means of cooled physiological saline (0 to 2 degrees C) during this period. On an ice-cooled glass plate the decapsulation and preparative separation of the medulla from the cortex was done using a magnifier; remnants of the capsule, hilar and fatty tissue were removed. Simultaneously tissue samples were obtained from 70 impaired kidneys and from 6 animals of the B-series (see above) for histological examination. The medullary and cortical parts were immediately swabbed with filter paper and weighed in moist state. Preparation for enzyme analysis: The renal medulla was minced and homogenized after the method of SCHMIDT, SCHMIDT and WILDHIRT (17) for 5 min at 0 degrees C...", "contents": "[Glutamic dehydrogenase activities in renal tissue during experimental and human ehronie pyelonephritis (author's transl)]. These studies are one part of systemic comparative investigations concerning biochemically feasible changes of renal cells and tissues due to chronic pyelonephritis (PN) as correlated to the histological results. The experiments aim at more detailed knowledge on the pathogenesis and conditions of the progressive chronicity of PN which could be of value for the further development of therapeutic measures. In previous papers (Esp. Path., vols. 8, 9 and 10) the author reported on the acid and alkaline phosphatase as well as on the glutaminase I activities. In the present study the glutamic dehydrogenase (GIDH) activities are analyzed. In 139 adult male rabbits (body weight 2.4 to 2.8 kg) unilateral pyelonephritis was experimentally induced in the left kidney. In additional 19 rabbits no PN developed despite of similar technique. 37 animals were used for controls. The animals were kept on standard diet in individual cages. Dependent on duration of the disease the 139 rabbits affected by experimental PN were divided into 6 groups: 1. Sacrification after 20 days, 2. Sacrification after 31 days, 3. Sacrification after 64 days 4. Sacrification after 100 days, 5. Sacrification after 212 days, 6. Sacrification after 261 days. The 19 rabbits which did not develop PN WERE LIKEWISE SACRIFICED AT DIFFERENT TERMS: AFTER 64 DAYS (5 ANIMALS), AFTER 100 DAYS (7 ANIMALS), AFTER 212 DAYS (7ANIMALS). These rabbits were designated \"B-series\". From 31 human kidneys with clinically quiescent pyelonephritic renal shrinkage wedge-shaped tissue samples were removed. Furthermore, 20 tissue samples of surgical specimens of extirpated human tumor kidneys were removed far distant from the site of the tumor. Induction of unilateral PN in the rabbits was done after the method of LEPPER (5) as modified by PRAT et al. (14). Coli of the strain O 55 K 59 were used for infection in a germ suspension of 500 millions of bacterial/ml 0.9% sterile physiological saline (control of the germ suspension by means of nephelometry). 24 hours after unilateral renal ligation each animal was i.v. administered 800-1000 millions of germs. At the end of the test the left side lesioned kidney was removed within maximally 100 sec after having been rinsed bloodless by means of cooled physiological saline (0 to 2 degrees C) during this period. On an ice-cooled glass plate the decapsulation and preparative separation of the medulla from the cortex was done using a magnifier; remnants of the capsule, hilar and fatty tissue were removed. Simultaneously tissue samples were obtained from 70 impaired kidneys and from 6 animals of the B-series (see above) for histological examination. The medullary and cortical parts were immediately swabbed with filter paper and weighed in moist state. Preparation for enzyme analysis: The renal medulla was minced and homogenized after the method of SCHMIDT, SCHMIDT and WILDHIRT (17) for 5 min at 0 degrees C...", "PMID": 991963} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4538", "title": "The influence of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism on the wound healing of experimental myocardial infarction in the rat.", "content": "In hyperthyroid and hypothyroid rats myocardial infarction was produced by coronary artery ligature. At different times following the ligature the animals were given 3H-thymidine or 3H-proline. The following parameters were determined: the number of DNA- and tropocollagen-synthesizing connective-tissue cells at the infarction border and at the infarction site; the mean silver-grain density above the nuclei or cells; the duration of one cell cycle; and the number of mitoses. The labelling and mitotic indices as well as the percentage of the standard deviation from the mean values were estimated. The following results were obtained: 1. In hyperthyroidism wound healing is accelerated. The number of DNA-synthesizing connective-tissue cells is increased. The cell-cycles are shorter. The release of tropocollagen by the fibroblasts takes place at a strikingly fast rate. 2. In hypothyroidism wound healing is delayed. The 3H-thymidine and mitotic indices are lowered. The release of tropocollagen is slowed down. The granulation tissue contains localized accumulations of mucopolysaccharides.", "contents": "The influence of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism on the wound healing of experimental myocardial infarction in the rat. In hyperthyroid and hypothyroid rats myocardial infarction was produced by coronary artery ligature. At different times following the ligature the animals were given 3H-thymidine or 3H-proline. The following parameters were determined: the number of DNA- and tropocollagen-synthesizing connective-tissue cells at the infarction border and at the infarction site; the mean silver-grain density above the nuclei or cells; the duration of one cell cycle; and the number of mitoses. The labelling and mitotic indices as well as the percentage of the standard deviation from the mean values were estimated. The following results were obtained: 1. In hyperthyroidism wound healing is accelerated. The number of DNA-synthesizing connective-tissue cells is increased. The cell-cycles are shorter. The release of tropocollagen by the fibroblasts takes place at a strikingly fast rate. 2. In hypothyroidism wound healing is delayed. The 3H-thymidine and mitotic indices are lowered. The release of tropocollagen is slowed down. The granulation tissue contains localized accumulations of mucopolysaccharides.", "PMID": 991964} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4539", "title": "[Influence of carbohydrate load on enchondral ossification (author's transl)].", "content": "Several authors reported disturbances in skeletal growth due to disorders in carbohydrate metabolism. In this study changes in enchondral ossification due to fructose and glucose load are to be demonstrated and analyzed by X-ray examination and by light microscopic morphometric analysis.", "contents": "[Influence of carbohydrate load on enchondral ossification (author's transl)]. Several authors reported disturbances in skeletal growth due to disorders in carbohydrate metabolism. In this study changes in enchondral ossification due to fructose and glucose load are to be demonstrated and analyzed by X-ray examination and by light microscopic morphometric analysis.", "PMID": 991965} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4540", "title": "The effect of cyclophosphamide on the experimental inflammation induced by the toxic mushroom Cortinarius speciosissimus in the rat kidney.", "content": "A single intraperitoneal dose of cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg) given at the same time as an oral dose of Cortinarius speciosissimus prevented the renal inflammation induced by this toxic mushroom in the male rat. Furthermore, a scar formation around dilated collecting ducts was clearly reduced by cyclophosphamide treatment. In general the only lesions observed in the cyclophosphamide treated animals were dilated collecting ducts in the outer medullary zone, the epithelia of which were either in regenerative mitosis or were atrophic. Apparently the primary sites of action of Cortinarius toxins in male rats are the collecting ducts of the outer medullary zone. When inflammation and the subsequent scar formation is prevented by cyclophosphamide, the damaged tubules can regenerate by mitotic activity and perhaps restore normal function.", "contents": "The effect of cyclophosphamide on the experimental inflammation induced by the toxic mushroom Cortinarius speciosissimus in the rat kidney. A single intraperitoneal dose of cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg) given at the same time as an oral dose of Cortinarius speciosissimus prevented the renal inflammation induced by this toxic mushroom in the male rat. Furthermore, a scar formation around dilated collecting ducts was clearly reduced by cyclophosphamide treatment. In general the only lesions observed in the cyclophosphamide treated animals were dilated collecting ducts in the outer medullary zone, the epithelia of which were either in regenerative mitosis or were atrophic. Apparently the primary sites of action of Cortinarius toxins in male rats are the collecting ducts of the outer medullary zone. When inflammation and the subsequent scar formation is prevented by cyclophosphamide, the damaged tubules can regenerate by mitotic activity and perhaps restore normal function.", "PMID": 991966} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4541", "title": "An electronmicroscopic study of experimental hematogenous pyelonephritis.", "content": "This paper consists of an electronmicroscopic study of hematogenous experimental pyelonephritis. In the first 5 days cell degenerations mitochondrial swellings, slight lysosomal increase, rupture of the apical cell membranes, deterioration of the basal labyrinth and a leucocyte-predominant cell infiltration into the interstitial tissue were observed. On the 10th day, beside these common findings, the complete necrosis of the tubular cells was also observed and was supposed to be the result of an increase of lysosomes directly proportional with elapsed time and of the destruction and extreme contraction of the basal membrane. The cause of these destructions was supposed to be primary schaemia and probably the antigen-antibody-complement complex.", "contents": "An electronmicroscopic study of experimental hematogenous pyelonephritis. This paper consists of an electronmicroscopic study of hematogenous experimental pyelonephritis. In the first 5 days cell degenerations mitochondrial swellings, slight lysosomal increase, rupture of the apical cell membranes, deterioration of the basal labyrinth and a leucocyte-predominant cell infiltration into the interstitial tissue were observed. On the 10th day, beside these common findings, the complete necrosis of the tubular cells was also observed and was supposed to be the result of an increase of lysosomes directly proportional with elapsed time and of the destruction and extreme contraction of the basal membrane. The cause of these destructions was supposed to be primary schaemia and probably the antigen-antibody-complement complex.", "PMID": 991967} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4542", "title": "[Histological and biochemical studies on the postnatal development of the guinea pig liver (author's transl)].", "content": "In newborn guinea pigs the structural development of the liver was studied with emphasis on changes in the lipid content as related to biochemical parameters. The livers of 149 guinea pigs (strain PIRBRIGHT) up to an age of 21 days were examined. The mothers were grouped in cages and kept as usual (room temperature 22 degrees C, air humidity 60-70%, natural light-dark rhythm and commercial standard diet ad libitum, sawdust and straw as bedding). Pregnant animals were placed in individual cages being left there together with their offspring until weaning or sacrification. In this period additional uptake of solid diet was allowed to the guinea pigs. The animals were bleeded to death in anesthesia (by head stroke). For histological examination tissue samples from the Lobes sinister lateralis were fixed in Barker's formol or absolute alcohol. The following staining reactions were applied (paraffin embedding or frozen sections): haemalum-eosin stain; PAS-reaction; Sudan III; Sudan black; Best's carmine (for details on the techniques see ROMEIS 1968). In biochemical analysis the total lipids of the liver were determined by the isolation methods reported by FOLCH et al.(1957). Moreover, in modification of the analytical procedures earlier described (SALLMANN 1972 a, b) several fractions of the liver total lipids could be isolated. By dialysis against a rubber membrane a dialysable lipid component (hydrocarbons, triglycerides, incomplete glycerides, cholesterol and free lipid acids) was isolated from the phosphatide fractions. Further separation of the \"dialysable\" lipids on Florisil columns yielded purified glyceride fractions. The total lipids as well as all components isolated from these were determined gravimetrically after removal of the solvents concerned. In biochemical analysis the livers of fetuses 10-12 days ante partum and of young animals up to 53 days were included. Results (see also table 1): The relative liver weight--related to the body weight reduced for that of the gastrointestinal tract--is highest at birth. It is lowered independent of the development of the gastrointestinal tract within a short period, then it remains fairly constant during the rest of the time of observation. On the 1st day abundant lipids are regularly distributed throughout the whole liver lobule (fig. 1). Beginning with the 3rd day the central parts of the lobules are nearly free from lipids, only in the peripheral zones of the lobules lipid augmentation was still observed. Consequently the marked decrease in liver weight is due to the rapid reduction of lipids within the first 3 days of life. These observations are in accordance with the biochemical findings: about 10 days ante partum noticeable storage of lipids occurs in the liver reaching its peak 2 to 3 days after birth (physiological fatty infiltration of the liver during the last days of intrauterine life). In fetal liver tissue predominantly tryglycerides are augmented.", "contents": "[Histological and biochemical studies on the postnatal development of the guinea pig liver (author's transl)]. In newborn guinea pigs the structural development of the liver was studied with emphasis on changes in the lipid content as related to biochemical parameters. The livers of 149 guinea pigs (strain PIRBRIGHT) up to an age of 21 days were examined. The mothers were grouped in cages and kept as usual (room temperature 22 degrees C, air humidity 60-70%, natural light-dark rhythm and commercial standard diet ad libitum, sawdust and straw as bedding). Pregnant animals were placed in individual cages being left there together with their offspring until weaning or sacrification. In this period additional uptake of solid diet was allowed to the guinea pigs. The animals were bleeded to death in anesthesia (by head stroke). For histological examination tissue samples from the Lobes sinister lateralis were fixed in Barker's formol or absolute alcohol. The following staining reactions were applied (paraffin embedding or frozen sections): haemalum-eosin stain; PAS-reaction; Sudan III; Sudan black; Best's carmine (for details on the techniques see ROMEIS 1968). In biochemical analysis the total lipids of the liver were determined by the isolation methods reported by FOLCH et al.(1957). Moreover, in modification of the analytical procedures earlier described (SALLMANN 1972 a, b) several fractions of the liver total lipids could be isolated. By dialysis against a rubber membrane a dialysable lipid component (hydrocarbons, triglycerides, incomplete glycerides, cholesterol and free lipid acids) was isolated from the phosphatide fractions. Further separation of the \"dialysable\" lipids on Florisil columns yielded purified glyceride fractions. The total lipids as well as all components isolated from these were determined gravimetrically after removal of the solvents concerned. In biochemical analysis the livers of fetuses 10-12 days ante partum and of young animals up to 53 days were included. Results (see also table 1): The relative liver weight--related to the body weight reduced for that of the gastrointestinal tract--is highest at birth. It is lowered independent of the development of the gastrointestinal tract within a short period, then it remains fairly constant during the rest of the time of observation. On the 1st day abundant lipids are regularly distributed throughout the whole liver lobule (fig. 1). Beginning with the 3rd day the central parts of the lobules are nearly free from lipids, only in the peripheral zones of the lobules lipid augmentation was still observed. Consequently the marked decrease in liver weight is due to the rapid reduction of lipids within the first 3 days of life. These observations are in accordance with the biochemical findings: about 10 days ante partum noticeable storage of lipids occurs in the liver reaching its peak 2 to 3 days after birth (physiological fatty infiltration of the liver during the last days of intrauterine life). In fetal liver tissue predominantly tryglycerides are augmented.", "PMID": 991968} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4543", "title": "Inverse localization of Ca2+ and La3+ high affinity binding sites of the red cell membrane.", "content": "Glutaraldehyde fixation in the presence of both 90 mM La3+ resulted in opaque deposits were also seen in specimens fixed in a glutaraldehyde-CaCl2 medium devoid of La3+. In that case only small amounts of a moderately opaque substance had accumulated or remained at the external surface of the erythrocyte membrane. Specimens previously fixed with Ca2+, La3+ supplemented glutaraldehyde lost their internal deposits completely during postifixation with OsO4. The findings provide evidence of Ca2+ high affinity binding sites at the internal surface of the erythrocyte membrane presumably identical with the filamentous matrix. Glycocalyx constituents are considered external Ca2+ low affinity binding sites, however, capable of accumulating high amounts of La3+ during glutaraldehyde fixation.", "contents": "Inverse localization of Ca2+ and La3+ high affinity binding sites of the red cell membrane. Glutaraldehyde fixation in the presence of both 90 mM La3+ resulted in opaque deposits were also seen in specimens fixed in a glutaraldehyde-CaCl2 medium devoid of La3+. In that case only small amounts of a moderately opaque substance had accumulated or remained at the external surface of the erythrocyte membrane. Specimens previously fixed with Ca2+, La3+ supplemented glutaraldehyde lost their internal deposits completely during postifixation with OsO4. The findings provide evidence of Ca2+ high affinity binding sites at the internal surface of the erythrocyte membrane presumably identical with the filamentous matrix. Glycocalyx constituents are considered external Ca2+ low affinity binding sites, however, capable of accumulating high amounts of La3+ during glutaraldehyde fixation.", "PMID": 991969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4544", "title": "Effects of kidney extract on the folic acid induced proliferation of the rat kidney.", "content": "Single injection of a high dose of folic acid causes a proliferation of the kidney with an increase of the 3H-thymidine incorporation into the DNA of kidney cortex slices in rats. An aqueous extract from rat kidneys inhibits the increase of 3H-thymidine incorporation. The inhibition begins after 4 hours. The maximum effect is observed between 11 and 17 hours after injection of the kidney extract. The kidney extract also inhibits the increase of the DNA content per kidney after folic acid injection. Heart, lung, spleen and liver extracts and bovine serum albumin do not lead to inhibition of the 3H-thymidine incorporation into the DNA of kidney cortex sclices.", "contents": "Effects of kidney extract on the folic acid induced proliferation of the rat kidney. Single injection of a high dose of folic acid causes a proliferation of the kidney with an increase of the 3H-thymidine incorporation into the DNA of kidney cortex slices in rats. An aqueous extract from rat kidneys inhibits the increase of 3H-thymidine incorporation. The inhibition begins after 4 hours. The maximum effect is observed between 11 and 17 hours after injection of the kidney extract. The kidney extract also inhibits the increase of the DNA content per kidney after folic acid injection. Heart, lung, spleen and liver extracts and bovine serum albumin do not lead to inhibition of the 3H-thymidine incorporation into the DNA of kidney cortex sclices.", "PMID": 991970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4545", "title": "Diterpene acids as larval growth inhibitors.", "content": "Kaurenoic and trachylobanoic acids from sunflower inhibited larval development in several Lepidoptera species. The tricyclic resin acids were also effective in curtailing growth of Pectinophora gossypiella and either reduction to carbinol or esterification of the carboxyl group lowered activity. Partial reversal of growth inhibition in the presence of relatively large amounts of cholesterol suggests an interaction with the insects' hormonal system.", "contents": "Diterpene acids as larval growth inhibitors. Kaurenoic and trachylobanoic acids from sunflower inhibited larval development in several Lepidoptera species. The tricyclic resin acids were also effective in curtailing growth of Pectinophora gossypiella and either reduction to carbinol or esterification of the carboxyl group lowered activity. Partial reversal of growth inhibition in the presence of relatively large amounts of cholesterol suggests an interaction with the insects' hormonal system.", "PMID": 991971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4546", "title": "The citrate synthase from Bacillus Stearothermophilus.", "content": "Citrate synthase has been purified to apparent homogeneity from Bacillus stearothermophilus. Its kinetic and regulatory properties, and molecular weight, are similar to those of the enzymes from suitable mesophilic counterparts, but its thermal stability is considerably greater.", "contents": "The citrate synthase from Bacillus Stearothermophilus. Citrate synthase has been purified to apparent homogeneity from Bacillus stearothermophilus. Its kinetic and regulatory properties, and molecular weight, are similar to those of the enzymes from suitable mesophilic counterparts, but its thermal stability is considerably greater.", "PMID": 991973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4547", "title": "Increased in vitro phosphorylation of rat liver nucleolar proteins following triiodothyronine administration.", "content": "It has been shown that triiodothyronine (Ta) administration to thyroidectomized rats induces an increase in the in vitro net 32P uptake into liver nucleolar proteins. Such an increase depends on a stimulation of the nucleolus-associated protein kinase activity and not on a lower dephosphorylation rate.", "contents": "Increased in vitro phosphorylation of rat liver nucleolar proteins following triiodothyronine administration. It has been shown that triiodothyronine (Ta) administration to thyroidectomized rats induces an increase in the in vitro net 32P uptake into liver nucleolar proteins. Such an increase depends on a stimulation of the nucleolus-associated protein kinase activity and not on a lower dephosphorylation rate.", "PMID": 991974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4548", "title": "Synthesis of S-lactoyl-glutathione using glyoxalase I bound to sepharose 4B.", "content": "Glyoxalase I bound to Sepharose 4B was used for synthesis of S-lactoyl-glutathione. The bound enzyme does not lose its activity during several months storing and can be used many times for synthesis of S-lactoyl-glutathione. This reaction product can be used as a substrate for glyoxalase II without any further purification.", "contents": "Synthesis of S-lactoyl-glutathione using glyoxalase I bound to sepharose 4B. Glyoxalase I bound to Sepharose 4B was used for synthesis of S-lactoyl-glutathione. The bound enzyme does not lose its activity during several months storing and can be used many times for synthesis of S-lactoyl-glutathione. This reaction product can be used as a substrate for glyoxalase II without any further purification.", "PMID": 991975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4549", "title": "Stable lipid peroxidation products in human skin: detection, ultraviolet light-induced increase, pathogenic importance.", "content": "Products of lipid peroxidation (malonaldehyde, Schiff-bases) were detected in human skin. These products were increased after UV-light exposition, on chronically sun-exposed areas as well as with advancing age. Malonaldehyde cross linked epidermal glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase and diminished their activity.", "contents": "Stable lipid peroxidation products in human skin: detection, ultraviolet light-induced increase, pathogenic importance. Products of lipid peroxidation (malonaldehyde, Schiff-bases) were detected in human skin. These products were increased after UV-light exposition, on chronically sun-exposed areas as well as with advancing age. Malonaldehyde cross linked epidermal glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase and diminished their activity.", "PMID": 991977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4550", "title": "Macronuclear response of Paramaecium multimicronucleatum to L-lysine.", "content": "A strain of Paramaecium multimicronucleatum was exposed to a medium containing L-lysine; the concentrations of the amino acid were 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0% for different sets of experiments. In these two latter concentrations, the macronucleus of the ciliate broke down into innumerable small fragments, the microspheres. The micro-nuclei remained inert. The microspheres left the body of paramaecium as cell-free, self-duplicating entities constituted of DNA and RNA and enveloped by a protein coat. They had no nuclear membrane and they resembled the prokaryotes. Grown in culture medium with 0.1% horse serum, the microspheres transformed into small amoebae having typical eukaryotic features. These amoebae maintained a typical cyst-trophic cycle during the successive sub-cultures; they had no similarity with the paramaecia.", "contents": "Macronuclear response of Paramaecium multimicronucleatum to L-lysine. A strain of Paramaecium multimicronucleatum was exposed to a medium containing L-lysine; the concentrations of the amino acid were 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0% for different sets of experiments. In these two latter concentrations, the macronucleus of the ciliate broke down into innumerable small fragments, the microspheres. The micro-nuclei remained inert. The microspheres left the body of paramaecium as cell-free, self-duplicating entities constituted of DNA and RNA and enveloped by a protein coat. They had no nuclear membrane and they resembled the prokaryotes. Grown in culture medium with 0.1% horse serum, the microspheres transformed into small amoebae having typical eukaryotic features. These amoebae maintained a typical cyst-trophic cycle during the successive sub-cultures; they had no similarity with the paramaecia.", "PMID": 991978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4551", "title": "Unusual membrane fracture faces in polymorphonuclear leukocyte granules.", "content": "Freeze fracturing of azurophil and specific granules from rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes reveals unusually high numbers of intramembrane particles. Both granules have significantly higher particle densities on the B than on the A fracture face.", "contents": "Unusual membrane fracture faces in polymorphonuclear leukocyte granules. Freeze fracturing of azurophil and specific granules from rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes reveals unusually high numbers of intramembrane particles. Both granules have significantly higher particle densities on the B than on the A fracture face.", "PMID": 991979} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4552", "title": "Degranulating activity in hybrid cells derived from rat peritoneal mast cells and ehrlich ascites.", "content": "Fusion of rat mast cells and Ehrlich ascites tumor cells was mediated by HVJ. Compound 48/80-induced degranulation occurred in the fused cells formed from two mast cells and one tumor cell, but not in the fused cells from one mast cell and two or more tumor cells.", "contents": "Degranulating activity in hybrid cells derived from rat peritoneal mast cells and ehrlich ascites. Fusion of rat mast cells and Ehrlich ascites tumor cells was mediated by HVJ. Compound 48/80-induced degranulation occurred in the fused cells formed from two mast cells and one tumor cell, but not in the fused cells from one mast cell and two or more tumor cells.", "PMID": 991980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4553", "title": "Correlation of blood and brain amino acids in hypoglycemic and normoglycemic rats.", "content": "Utilization of gluconeogenic amino acids as a source of energy by brain can occur in starved newborn rats. This capacity is lost later in life as evidenced by changing ratios in blood and brain concentrations between fed and fasted animals.", "contents": "Correlation of blood and brain amino acids in hypoglycemic and normoglycemic rats. Utilization of gluconeogenic amino acids as a source of energy by brain can occur in starved newborn rats. This capacity is lost later in life as evidenced by changing ratios in blood and brain concentrations between fed and fasted animals.", "PMID": 991982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4554", "title": "Neurochemical correlates of alloxan diabetes: protein and ribonucleic acid levels in the different regions of the rat brain.", "content": "The levels of protein and ribonucleic acid in the cerebrum, cerebellum, optic lobes and medulla oblongata of normal and alloxan-diabetic rats were measured. In general, the protein content and levels of ribonucleic acid in the broad compartments of the brain of rat decreased during diabetes.", "contents": "Neurochemical correlates of alloxan diabetes: protein and ribonucleic acid levels in the different regions of the rat brain. The levels of protein and ribonucleic acid in the cerebrum, cerebellum, optic lobes and medulla oblongata of normal and alloxan-diabetic rats were measured. In general, the protein content and levels of ribonucleic acid in the broad compartments of the brain of rat decreased during diabetes.", "PMID": 991983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4555", "title": "Cardiac pressoreceptors and peripheral resistance.", "content": "The results obtained show that the pressoreceptors, probably ubicated in the left ventricle of the rat, respond to the distention with vasodilatation. The afferent tract of this reflex is in the vagus nerve and the efferent one is in the sympathetic nervous system. The probable function of this reflex is discussed.", "contents": "Cardiac pressoreceptors and peripheral resistance. The results obtained show that the pressoreceptors, probably ubicated in the left ventricle of the rat, respond to the distention with vasodilatation. The afferent tract of this reflex is in the vagus nerve and the efferent one is in the sympathetic nervous system. The probable function of this reflex is discussed.", "PMID": 991984} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4556", "title": "Hypervascularization of the cerebral cortex in lead-induced encephalopathy.", "content": "Pregnant rats were fed a diet containing 1.8% lead acetate for 8 days before delivery until the young were 3 month old. The density of the cerebral cortex capillaries of the infant rats and their convolution rate were studied morphometrically and noted to increase significantly according to the duration of lead treatment, as demonstrated by two-way analysis of variance. On the other hand, the thickness of the cortex reduced progressively. The increase of both capillary density and convolution rate is supposed to be related with this involution of cortex. This provides a quantitative insight of the previously described 'capillary activation' phenomenon, caused by lead encephalopathy and reveals it as a significant sequel of saturnine action.", "contents": "Hypervascularization of the cerebral cortex in lead-induced encephalopathy. Pregnant rats were fed a diet containing 1.8% lead acetate for 8 days before delivery until the young were 3 month old. The density of the cerebral cortex capillaries of the infant rats and their convolution rate were studied morphometrically and noted to increase significantly according to the duration of lead treatment, as demonstrated by two-way analysis of variance. On the other hand, the thickness of the cortex reduced progressively. The increase of both capillary density and convolution rate is supposed to be related with this involution of cortex. This provides a quantitative insight of the previously described 'capillary activation' phenomenon, caused by lead encephalopathy and reveals it as a significant sequel of saturnine action.", "PMID": 991985} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4557", "title": "Regional variations of choline-acetyltransferase in the chick embryo optic lobe.", "content": "The specific activity of CAT and AChE was determined in different regions of the chick embryo optic lobe at several stages of development. Regional differences in CAT activity appeared in 9-day-old tectum, being the posterobasal area the one with higher enzymatic activity. On the other hand, at 6th and 13th day of development, the levels of AChE and CAT are similar throughout the optic lobe.", "contents": "Regional variations of choline-acetyltransferase in the chick embryo optic lobe. The specific activity of CAT and AChE was determined in different regions of the chick embryo optic lobe at several stages of development. Regional differences in CAT activity appeared in 9-day-old tectum, being the posterobasal area the one with higher enzymatic activity. On the other hand, at 6th and 13th day of development, the levels of AChE and CAT are similar throughout the optic lobe.", "PMID": 991986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4558", "title": "Dyslexia and specifically distorted drawings of the face - a new subgroup with prosopagnosia-like signs.", "content": "Identification of a subgroup (38%) of dyslexics (new syndrome?). These, against controls (5.5%), drew 'neolithic' face configurations analogous to those visually experienced in prosop-agnosia. Essential symptoms of this subgroup are seen as result of specific early ways of processing visual data: lexical shapes (letters, words) and facial features, as if these were concrete entities, not abstract component parts. Thus, with letters, taken as entities, d = q, d = b, N = Z.", "contents": "Dyslexia and specifically distorted drawings of the face - a new subgroup with prosopagnosia-like signs. Identification of a subgroup (38%) of dyslexics (new syndrome?). These, against controls (5.5%), drew 'neolithic' face configurations analogous to those visually experienced in prosop-agnosia. Essential symptoms of this subgroup are seen as result of specific early ways of processing visual data: lexical shapes (letters, words) and facial features, as if these were concrete entities, not abstract component parts. Thus, with letters, taken as entities, d = q, d = b, N = Z.", "PMID": 991987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4559", "title": "Experimental coupling of crab (Carcinus maenas) second maxilla neural motor to an alternating current.", "content": "Movements of the crab gill bailer were entrained to an alternating current applied to the thoracic ganglion. There was little distortion of the muscle recruitment cycle, both absolute and relative coordination were observed, and the phase of the driven system in the driving cycle was a function of the difference between free running and driving frequencies.", "contents": "Experimental coupling of crab (Carcinus maenas) second maxilla neural motor to an alternating current. Movements of the crab gill bailer were entrained to an alternating current applied to the thoracic ganglion. There was little distortion of the muscle recruitment cycle, both absolute and relative coordination were observed, and the phase of the driven system in the driving cycle was a function of the difference between free running and driving frequencies.", "PMID": 991988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4560", "title": "Release of renal kallikrein to the perfusate by isolated rat kidney.", "content": "The addition of furosemide to the fluid used to perfuse isolated rat kidney increases the kallikrein activity found in the perfusion fluid. The experiments favour the concept that furosemide activates a kallikrein precursor or/and the synthesis and release of kallikrein in the kidneys.", "contents": "Release of renal kallikrein to the perfusate by isolated rat kidney. The addition of furosemide to the fluid used to perfuse isolated rat kidney increases the kallikrein activity found in the perfusion fluid. The experiments favour the concept that furosemide activates a kallikrein precursor or/and the synthesis and release of kallikrein in the kidneys.", "PMID": 991989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4561", "title": "Changes in heart rate levels during avoidance conditioning in the rabbit.", "content": "During avoidance conditioning heart rate levels tend to increase or to decrease according to their initial values and these changes are not related to learning or performance of the task.", "contents": "Changes in heart rate levels during avoidance conditioning in the rabbit. During avoidance conditioning heart rate levels tend to increase or to decrease according to their initial values and these changes are not related to learning or performance of the task.", "PMID": 991990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4562", "title": "[The waxwing Bombycilla garrulus as a frugivorous feeding specialist (author's transl)].", "content": "Eight waxwings, Bombycilla garrulus, were fed exclusively with vegetable food for periods of 10-18 days. In contrast to other song birds, they maintained or increased body weight during that time, or reduced it only moderately. Thus the waxwing is a feeding specialist which can subsist at least temporarily on a totally vegetable diet.", "contents": "[The waxwing Bombycilla garrulus as a frugivorous feeding specialist (author's transl)]. Eight waxwings, Bombycilla garrulus, were fed exclusively with vegetable food for periods of 10-18 days. In contrast to other song birds, they maintained or increased body weight during that time, or reduced it only moderately. Thus the waxwing is a feeding specialist which can subsist at least temporarily on a totally vegetable diet.", "PMID": 991992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4563", "title": "Cholinesterase reactivators - contribution to the study of their metabolic effects.", "content": "Cholinesterase reactivators - trimedoxim, methoxim and obidoxim - injected in the dose of 20 mg/kg s.c., increase muscle glycogen concentration in normal, but not in adrenalectomized rats. This effect may be in connection with simoultaneously found rise of serum corticosteron level. Trimedoxim decreases adrenaline, methoxim and obidoxim noradrenaline concentration in adrenals.", "contents": "Cholinesterase reactivators - contribution to the study of their metabolic effects. Cholinesterase reactivators - trimedoxim, methoxim and obidoxim - injected in the dose of 20 mg/kg s.c., increase muscle glycogen concentration in normal, but not in adrenalectomized rats. This effect may be in connection with simoultaneously found rise of serum corticosteron level. Trimedoxim decreases adrenaline, methoxim and obidoxim noradrenaline concentration in adrenals.", "PMID": 991993} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4564", "title": "Early investigations on the effect of methyl mercuric chloride upon DMN-acute hepatotoxicity.", "content": "Acute toxicity induced by DMN was partially prevented by previously administering methyl mercuric chloride (MMC), a chemical inhibitor of the drug metabolizing enzyme system (DMES). We have studied the early changes occurring during the course of DMN-intoxication, namely disaggregation of polysomal profiles and necrosis, evaluated morphologically and by the release of S-GPT.", "contents": "Early investigations on the effect of methyl mercuric chloride upon DMN-acute hepatotoxicity. Acute toxicity induced by DMN was partially prevented by previously administering methyl mercuric chloride (MMC), a chemical inhibitor of the drug metabolizing enzyme system (DMES). We have studied the early changes occurring during the course of DMN-intoxication, namely disaggregation of polysomal profiles and necrosis, evaluated morphologically and by the release of S-GPT.", "PMID": 991994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4565", "title": "Mescaline: its effects on learning rate and dopamine metabolism in goldfish (Carassius auratus).", "content": "The pharmacological action of mescaline on goldfish was studied with the Bitterman-Agranoff shock-avoidance test. In short term experiments with high mescaline doses an increase in learning rates was observed. Similar results were obtained with apomorphine and L-dopa. However, when the fish were exposed to smaller mescaline doses (or to fluphenazine) for 3 days, their ability to avoid electric shock was reduced. Apparently, mescaline induced a release of dopamine which stimulated central dopaminergic systems. Subsequently, MAO destroys the liberated dopamine. Thus, the ensuing dopamine deficit appears to be responsible for the marked changes in behavior in the chronic experiment.", "contents": "Mescaline: its effects on learning rate and dopamine metabolism in goldfish (Carassius auratus). The pharmacological action of mescaline on goldfish was studied with the Bitterman-Agranoff shock-avoidance test. In short term experiments with high mescaline doses an increase in learning rates was observed. Similar results were obtained with apomorphine and L-dopa. However, when the fish were exposed to smaller mescaline doses (or to fluphenazine) for 3 days, their ability to avoid electric shock was reduced. Apparently, mescaline induced a release of dopamine which stimulated central dopaminergic systems. Subsequently, MAO destroys the liberated dopamine. Thus, the ensuing dopamine deficit appears to be responsible for the marked changes in behavior in the chronic experiment.", "PMID": 991995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4566", "title": "Lamellated sensory nerve endings in guinea-pig adrenals.", "content": "Lamellated sensory nerve endings were observed in the adrenal gland of guinea-pigs located at the corticomedullary junction close to venous blood vessels. We suggest that they form the afferents of a system contributing to a local regulation of adrenal blood flow.", "contents": "Lamellated sensory nerve endings in guinea-pig adrenals. Lamellated sensory nerve endings were observed in the adrenal gland of guinea-pigs located at the corticomedullary junction close to venous blood vessels. We suggest that they form the afferents of a system contributing to a local regulation of adrenal blood flow.", "PMID": 991996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4567", "title": "Failure of 3H-serine to induce radioactivity in presumed glycinergic retinal neurons.", "content": "3H-serine does not label retinal neurons selectively when injected intraocularly in rabbits, as would have been expected if it had been converted to neutrotransmitter glycine. The reason is unknown, but one possibility is that the conversion was blocked during the conditions of the experiment.", "contents": "Failure of 3H-serine to induce radioactivity in presumed glycinergic retinal neurons. 3H-serine does not label retinal neurons selectively when injected intraocularly in rabbits, as would have been expected if it had been converted to neutrotransmitter glycine. The reason is unknown, but one possibility is that the conversion was blocked during the conditions of the experiment.", "PMID": 991997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4568", "title": "Penetration of melanocytes from embryonic japanese quail peritoneum into associated embryonic avian gonads, grown on chicken chorioallantoic membrane.", "content": "After association on chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of an embryonic bird testis with pigmented peritoneum from a Japanese quail embryo, numerous melanocytes penetrate in its interstitial tissue. If, instead of a testis, an ovary is transplanted under similar conditions, then the melanocytes may be found in the medulla or between the secondary sex cords at the rim of the ovary.", "contents": "Penetration of melanocytes from embryonic japanese quail peritoneum into associated embryonic avian gonads, grown on chicken chorioallantoic membrane. After association on chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of an embryonic bird testis with pigmented peritoneum from a Japanese quail embryo, numerous melanocytes penetrate in its interstitial tissue. If, instead of a testis, an ovary is transplanted under similar conditions, then the melanocytes may be found in the medulla or between the secondary sex cords at the rim of the ovary.", "PMID": 991998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4569", "title": "The exotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis: a new C-mitotic agent.", "content": "Thuringiensin A, an exotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis, a constituent of the microbial insectide thuricide has been found to inhibit mitotic spindle, condense and scatter chromosomes. It may therefore be a promizing tool in future cell biological studies.", "contents": "The exotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis: a new C-mitotic agent. Thuringiensin A, an exotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis, a constituent of the microbial insectide thuricide has been found to inhibit mitotic spindle, condense and scatter chromosomes. It may therefore be a promizing tool in future cell biological studies.", "PMID": 991999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4570", "title": "Mast-cell reaction in precancerous mouse skin: an immunological response?", "content": "The promotion phase of carcinogenesis in mouse skin is accompanied by a mast-cell reaction in the upper dermis. Evidence is presented which suggests that this may be an immunological response, whereby distant lymphocytes migrate to the area and, in the presence of young fibroblasts, become transformed into tissue mast cells.", "contents": "Mast-cell reaction in precancerous mouse skin: an immunological response? The promotion phase of carcinogenesis in mouse skin is accompanied by a mast-cell reaction in the upper dermis. Evidence is presented which suggests that this may be an immunological response, whereby distant lymphocytes migrate to the area and, in the presence of young fibroblasts, become transformed into tissue mast cells.", "PMID": 992000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4571", "title": "The origin of experimental brain tumours: a sequential study.", "content": "A sequential study of rat brains treated transplacetally with the neurotropic carcinogen ethylnitrosourea reveals small foci of cell proliferations from the age of 8 weeks. These lesions consist mainly of undifferentiated cells of the subependymal plate type. They occur in those areas in which gliomas develop and represent the earliest, histologically detectable, changes in the development of brain tumours.", "contents": "The origin of experimental brain tumours: a sequential study. A sequential study of rat brains treated transplacetally with the neurotropic carcinogen ethylnitrosourea reveals small foci of cell proliferations from the age of 8 weeks. These lesions consist mainly of undifferentiated cells of the subependymal plate type. They occur in those areas in which gliomas develop and represent the earliest, histologically detectable, changes in the development of brain tumours.", "PMID": 992001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4572", "title": "The effect of two forms of light on the development of the neonatal rat retina.", "content": "The effects of red and far red light on the development of the retinas were studied in the neonatal rat models. Red light appeared to be stimulatory and far red light appeared to be inhibitory.", "contents": "The effect of two forms of light on the development of the neonatal rat retina. The effects of red and far red light on the development of the retinas were studied in the neonatal rat models. Red light appeared to be stimulatory and far red light appeared to be inhibitory.", "PMID": 992002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4573", "title": "Inhibition and stimulation by 5-bromodeoxyuridine of erythropoiesis by chick blood island cells.", "content": "Erythropoiesis in liquid cultures of cell populations resolved from chick blastodiscs at the primitive streak and head-fold stages was totally inhibited by 5-8 mug/ml of 5-bromodeoxyuridine. However, concentrations of 0.2 mug/ml of the nucleoside enhanced the number of erythroid cells formed.", "contents": "Inhibition and stimulation by 5-bromodeoxyuridine of erythropoiesis by chick blood island cells. Erythropoiesis in liquid cultures of cell populations resolved from chick blastodiscs at the primitive streak and head-fold stages was totally inhibited by 5-8 mug/ml of 5-bromodeoxyuridine. However, concentrations of 0.2 mug/ml of the nucleoside enhanced the number of erythroid cells formed.", "PMID": 992003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4574", "title": "The abscence of intravascular clotting in rat anaphylaxis.", "content": "Intravascular fibrin formation could not be detected in various phase of IgE mediated anaphylactic shock of rats, either by using an isotope technique or testing the plasma samples by the ethanol gelation test.", "contents": "The abscence of intravascular clotting in rat anaphylaxis. Intravascular fibrin formation could not be detected in various phase of IgE mediated anaphylactic shock of rats, either by using an isotope technique or testing the plasma samples by the ethanol gelation test.", "PMID": 992005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4575", "title": "Plasma fibrinogen response in the rat after thyroid stimulating hormone therapy.", "content": "Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) increased the levels of plasma fibrinogen in the presence or absence of the thyroid gland. This finding suggests that this hormone produces an elevation of fibrinogen in rats by an extra-thyroideal mechanism.", "contents": "Plasma fibrinogen response in the rat after thyroid stimulating hormone therapy. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) increased the levels of plasma fibrinogen in the presence or absence of the thyroid gland. This finding suggests that this hormone produces an elevation of fibrinogen in rats by an extra-thyroideal mechanism.", "PMID": 992006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4576", "title": "[Observations on the acceleration of the sexual maturation of female mice by the presence of males and by exogenous oestrogen (author's transl)].", "content": "The influence of the presence of adult males on the acceleration of sexual maturation of female mice was examined under various experimental conditions and compared with the influence of exogenous oestrogen. The criteria of sexual maturation were not equally influenced. It is concluded that sexual maturation is a complex feature and that acceleration of single criteria does not signify sexual maturation.", "contents": "[Observations on the acceleration of the sexual maturation of female mice by the presence of males and by exogenous oestrogen (author's transl)]. The influence of the presence of adult males on the acceleration of sexual maturation of female mice was examined under various experimental conditions and compared with the influence of exogenous oestrogen. The criteria of sexual maturation were not equally influenced. It is concluded that sexual maturation is a complex feature and that acceleration of single criteria does not signify sexual maturation.", "PMID": 992007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4577", "title": "A simple method for blood exchange in mice.", "content": "Ease of transfusion and high long-term survival rate were obtained when whole blood was administered via the corpus cavernosum of the penis and removed from the orbital sinus of male C57Bl mice. When 2 volumes of blood are replaced approximately 14% of pre-transfusion red cells remain after hematocrit corrections are made. The post-transfusion hematocrit levels dropped 19%, probably the result of leakage, which is difficult to avoid.", "contents": "A simple method for blood exchange in mice. Ease of transfusion and high long-term survival rate were obtained when whole blood was administered via the corpus cavernosum of the penis and removed from the orbital sinus of male C57Bl mice. When 2 volumes of blood are replaced approximately 14% of pre-transfusion red cells remain after hematocrit corrections are made. The post-transfusion hematocrit levels dropped 19%, probably the result of leakage, which is difficult to avoid.", "PMID": 992008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4578", "title": "A simple algorithm for the solution of the 'n X m' case of a binding equilibrium.", "content": "Accurate estimates of the equilibrium concentrations in the non-interactive reaction of several ligands with several classes of binding sites with univalent stoichiometry can be rapidly obtained by a simple method of successive approximations on a programmable desk calculator.", "contents": "A simple algorithm for the solution of the 'n X m' case of a binding equilibrium. Accurate estimates of the equilibrium concentrations in the non-interactive reaction of several ligands with several classes of binding sites with univalent stoichiometry can be rapidly obtained by a simple method of successive approximations on a programmable desk calculator.", "PMID": 992009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4579", "title": "[The primary structure of bovine alpha s2 caseins].", "content": "The bovine alphas2-, alphas3-, alphas4- and alphas6-caseins [1] were isolated. The 4 proteins had the same amino-acid composition and C-terminal sequence, but different phosphorus contents. From a mixture of these proteins (designated as 'alphas2-complex') and from alphas3-casein a single and identical N-terminal sequence was obtained by Edman degradation. It seems therefore that the 4 proteins have the same peptide chain and only differ in their phosphorus content. For this reason we propose to modify the nomenclature of Annan and Mason [1] and to use in future the single term alphas2 to designate the caseins which have been previously called alphas2,alphas3,alphas4 and alphas6 by these authors. The study of the primary structure of the peptide chain, which has confirmed these results, was undertaken on the S-carboxymethylated alphas2-complex. From a cyanogen bromide digest and from a tryptic hydrolyzate of the alphas2-complex, 5 and 25 peptides were obtained respectively, both sets of peptides accounting for the whole peptide chain. Examination of the tryptic peptides containing methionine combined with the N- and C-terminal sequences of the alphas2-complex and some CNBr peptides, gave the order of the CNBr peptides, H.CN4--CN2--CN5--CN1--CN3.OH, which contain 4, 22, 115, 49 and 17 residues respectively. A partial sequence accounting for half of the peptide chain of the alphas2-complex is given. This peptide chain is likely composed of 207 amino-acid residues.", "contents": "[The primary structure of bovine alpha s2 caseins]. The bovine alphas2-, alphas3-, alphas4- and alphas6-caseins [1] were isolated. The 4 proteins had the same amino-acid composition and C-terminal sequence, but different phosphorus contents. From a mixture of these proteins (designated as 'alphas2-complex') and from alphas3-casein a single and identical N-terminal sequence was obtained by Edman degradation. It seems therefore that the 4 proteins have the same peptide chain and only differ in their phosphorus content. For this reason we propose to modify the nomenclature of Annan and Mason [1] and to use in future the single term alphas2 to designate the caseins which have been previously called alphas2,alphas3,alphas4 and alphas6 by these authors. The study of the primary structure of the peptide chain, which has confirmed these results, was undertaken on the S-carboxymethylated alphas2-complex. From a cyanogen bromide digest and from a tryptic hydrolyzate of the alphas2-complex, 5 and 25 peptides were obtained respectively, both sets of peptides accounting for the whole peptide chain. Examination of the tryptic peptides containing methionine combined with the N- and C-terminal sequences of the alphas2-complex and some CNBr peptides, gave the order of the CNBr peptides, H.CN4--CN2--CN5--CN1--CN3.OH, which contain 4, 22, 115, 49 and 17 residues respectively. A partial sequence accounting for half of the peptide chain of the alphas2-complex is given. This peptide chain is likely composed of 207 amino-acid residues.", "PMID": 992079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4580", "title": "NIH funding and biomedical publication output.", "content": "An investigation of the relationship between NIH funding and biomedical publication output is reported for 229 major NIH supported institutions. A correlation of 0.95 was found between the amount of NIH funding and the number biomedical publications for 132 U.S. universities. For 52 hospitals a correlation of 0.89 was found. For all 229 institutions it was found that NIH provided 91% of the boimedical research support from major federal agencies, and more than half of the total extramural biomedical research support. There was no indication of either economies or diseconomies of scale in the number of publications produced by the institutions, which ranged from a few publications per year to over 700 per year.", "contents": "NIH funding and biomedical publication output. An investigation of the relationship between NIH funding and biomedical publication output is reported for 229 major NIH supported institutions. A correlation of 0.95 was found between the amount of NIH funding and the number biomedical publications for 132 U.S. universities. For 52 hospitals a correlation of 0.89 was found. For all 229 institutions it was found that NIH provided 91% of the boimedical research support from major federal agencies, and more than half of the total extramural biomedical research support. There was no indication of either economies or diseconomies of scale in the number of publications produced by the institutions, which ranged from a few publications per year to over 700 per year.", "PMID": 992100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4581", "title": "The ins and outs of calcium transport in squid axons: internal and external ion activation of calcium efflux.", "content": "The intracellular ionized calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in squid axons is far below that expected at equilibrium, and Ca2+ must therefore be extruded against a large electrochemical gradient in order to maintain the steady state. In the absence of ATP, Ca efflux from internally-dialyzed axons is largely dependent on external Na, and is associated with a Cai-dependent Na influx. An Nai-dependent Ca influx and Cao-dependent Na efflux have also been observed in squid axons. The data imply that the axolemma has a \"carrier\" mechanism that can mediate the counterflow exchange of Na+ for Ca2+. Several observations indicate that the stoichiometry of the exchange is about 3 Na+-for-1 Ca2+:a) Ca efflux appears to be a cubic function of external Na concentration; b) Ca efflux is reduced when the membrane is depolarized; and c) the Nao-dependent Ca efflux is about 1.5 pmoles/cm2-sec when free [Ca2+]i is about 160 mum, while the Cai-dependent Na influx is about 5 pmoles/cm2sec. If the stoichiometry is 3-for-1, the Na electrochemical gradient, alone, could provide sufficient energy to maintain [Ca2+]i at about 50-200 nM. ATP also influences the Ca efflux: it appears to increase the affinity of the transport mechanism for internal Ca, but does not affect the maximum velocity of transport. Thus ATP may catalyze, but not necessarily energize Ca transport.", "contents": "The ins and outs of calcium transport in squid axons: internal and external ion activation of calcium efflux. The intracellular ionized calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in squid axons is far below that expected at equilibrium, and Ca2+ must therefore be extruded against a large electrochemical gradient in order to maintain the steady state. In the absence of ATP, Ca efflux from internally-dialyzed axons is largely dependent on external Na, and is associated with a Cai-dependent Na influx. An Nai-dependent Ca influx and Cao-dependent Na efflux have also been observed in squid axons. The data imply that the axolemma has a \"carrier\" mechanism that can mediate the counterflow exchange of Na+ for Ca2+. Several observations indicate that the stoichiometry of the exchange is about 3 Na+-for-1 Ca2+:a) Ca efflux appears to be a cubic function of external Na concentration; b) Ca efflux is reduced when the membrane is depolarized; and c) the Nao-dependent Ca efflux is about 1.5 pmoles/cm2-sec when free [Ca2+]i is about 160 mum, while the Cai-dependent Na influx is about 5 pmoles/cm2sec. If the stoichiometry is 3-for-1, the Na electrochemical gradient, alone, could provide sufficient energy to maintain [Ca2+]i at about 50-200 nM. ATP also influences the Ca efflux: it appears to increase the affinity of the transport mechanism for internal Ca, but does not affect the maximum velocity of transport. Thus ATP may catalyze, but not necessarily energize Ca transport.", "PMID": 992108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4582", "title": "The influence of nucleotides on calcium fluxes.", "content": "The effect of ATP and other nucleotides on calcium efflux was studied in squid axons dialyzed with Ca:ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid buffers to control the internal ionized calcium concentration. In the virtual absence of internal ATP (ca. 1 muM) a significant level of calcium efflux occurs which could be increased by the addition of internal ATP. At low concentrations of ionized calcium (ca. 200 nM), efflux increased 10-fold. At high levels of ionized calcium (ca. 100 muM), the increase was only twofold. This stimulation of efflux by ATP requires internal sodium. Conversely, ATP renders the calcium efflux insensitive to internal sodium and prevents the inhibition of calcium efflux produced by internal sodium in the absence of ATP. Of 12 nucleotides tested, only ATP, deoxy-ATP and alpha, beta-methylene ATP significantly stimulated calcium efflux. The data are interpreted as indicating that ATP induces an affinity in change in the carrier system binding calcium to the internal site, possibly by a phosphorylating step.", "contents": "The influence of nucleotides on calcium fluxes. The effect of ATP and other nucleotides on calcium efflux was studied in squid axons dialyzed with Ca:ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid buffers to control the internal ionized calcium concentration. In the virtual absence of internal ATP (ca. 1 muM) a significant level of calcium efflux occurs which could be increased by the addition of internal ATP. At low concentrations of ionized calcium (ca. 200 nM), efflux increased 10-fold. At high levels of ionized calcium (ca. 100 muM), the increase was only twofold. This stimulation of efflux by ATP requires internal sodium. Conversely, ATP renders the calcium efflux insensitive to internal sodium and prevents the inhibition of calcium efflux produced by internal sodium in the absence of ATP. Of 12 nucleotides tested, only ATP, deoxy-ATP and alpha, beta-methylene ATP significantly stimulated calcium efflux. The data are interpreted as indicating that ATP induces an affinity in change in the carrier system binding calcium to the internal site, possibly by a phosphorylating step.", "PMID": 992109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4583", "title": "Steady-state calcium fluxes: membrane versus mitochondrial control of ionized calcium in axoplasm.", "content": "Squid axons appear in a steady state with respect to ionized Ca when [Ca]o is ca. 3 mM and [Ca]i is ca. 30 nM. A membrane pump energized by the Na gradient across the membrane is capable of maintaining this ratio of ionized Ca if four Na enter per Ca extruded. Empirically, it is noted that if the difference between the electrochemical gradient for Na+ and that for Ca2+ is large and positive, Ca efflux is large; for a large but negative difference in the gradient, Ca influx is large. Net fluxes of Ca into the fiber are induced by Na-free solutions or stimulation. These are buffered in axoplasm principally by a high affinity Ca buffer. Mitochondria apparently do not contain large amounts of stored Ca as CN poisoning does not increase ionized Ca in axoplasm if the seawater is Ca-free.", "contents": "Steady-state calcium fluxes: membrane versus mitochondrial control of ionized calcium in axoplasm. Squid axons appear in a steady state with respect to ionized Ca when [Ca]o is ca. 3 mM and [Ca]i is ca. 30 nM. A membrane pump energized by the Na gradient across the membrane is capable of maintaining this ratio of ionized Ca if four Na enter per Ca extruded. Empirically, it is noted that if the difference between the electrochemical gradient for Na+ and that for Ca2+ is large and positive, Ca efflux is large; for a large but negative difference in the gradient, Ca influx is large. Net fluxes of Ca into the fiber are induced by Na-free solutions or stimulation. These are buffered in axoplasm principally by a high affinity Ca buffer. Mitochondria apparently do not contain large amounts of stored Ca as CN poisoning does not increase ionized Ca in axoplasm if the seawater is Ca-free.", "PMID": 992110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4584", "title": "Interactions of chlorinated hydrocarbons with steroid hormones.", "content": "Effects of chlorinated hydrocarbons of the DDT class in mammals were examined. Two effects were considered: a) induction of hepatic mixed function oxidase (MFO), and b) estrogenic activities. The induction of MFO was discussed primarily with reference to the enhancement of steroid hydroxylation. In turn, the increase in steroid hydroxylation by chlorinated hydrocarbons was usually accompanied by a decrease in the biological activity of endogenous and administered steroid hormones. The estrogenic activity of chlorinated hydrocarbons was found to reside primarily in the o,p'-DDT (a major contaminant of technical grade DDT). The mechanism of the estrogenic activity by DDT homologs was explored. It appears that o,p'-DDT acts like estradiol (E2). Similarly to E2, o,p'-DDT binds to the uterine cytosolic receptor. Furthermore, like E2, o,p'-DDT is a potent inducer of certain uterine enzymes. For instance induction of ornithine decarboxylase of about 200-fold was observed with a high dose (250 mg/kg body wt); however as little as 5 mg/kg of o,p'-DDT exhibited marked induction of this enzyme--about threefold. The above activities of the chlorinated hydrocarbons were considered with respect to the potential long-term toxic effects which these compounds might elicit.", "contents": "Interactions of chlorinated hydrocarbons with steroid hormones. Effects of chlorinated hydrocarbons of the DDT class in mammals were examined. Two effects were considered: a) induction of hepatic mixed function oxidase (MFO), and b) estrogenic activities. The induction of MFO was discussed primarily with reference to the enhancement of steroid hydroxylation. In turn, the increase in steroid hydroxylation by chlorinated hydrocarbons was usually accompanied by a decrease in the biological activity of endogenous and administered steroid hormones. The estrogenic activity of chlorinated hydrocarbons was found to reside primarily in the o,p'-DDT (a major contaminant of technical grade DDT). The mechanism of the estrogenic activity by DDT homologs was explored. It appears that o,p'-DDT acts like estradiol (E2). Similarly to E2, o,p'-DDT binds to the uterine cytosolic receptor. Furthermore, like E2, o,p'-DDT is a potent inducer of certain uterine enzymes. For instance induction of ornithine decarboxylase of about 200-fold was observed with a high dose (250 mg/kg body wt); however as little as 5 mg/kg of o,p'-DDT exhibited marked induction of this enzyme--about threefold. The above activities of the chlorinated hydrocarbons were considered with respect to the potential long-term toxic effects which these compounds might elicit.", "PMID": 992112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4585", "title": "[Response of the receptive fields of the lateral geniculate body to temporal changes in the area of a light stimulus].", "content": "Neuronal responses of the cat LGB to light spots the area of which was changing in time with different speed, were studied. All the neurons responding to switching on and off of the test spot respond to changing in time of the spot area too. The on-neurons respond to enlargening of the area while the off-neurons - to its reducing. The on- and off-responses of these fields occurred at the moment of passing of the margin of reducing (growing) spot across a certain point of neuron's receptive field. This point changed when the speed of reducing (growing) of the test spot changed.", "contents": "[Response of the receptive fields of the lateral geniculate body to temporal changes in the area of a light stimulus]. Neuronal responses of the cat LGB to light spots the area of which was changing in time with different speed, were studied. All the neurons responding to switching on and off of the test spot respond to changing in time of the spot area too. The on-neurons respond to enlargening of the area while the off-neurons - to its reducing. The on- and off-responses of these fields occurred at the moment of passing of the margin of reducing (growing) spot across a certain point of neuron's receptive field. This point changed when the speed of reducing (growing) of the test spot changed.", "PMID": 992132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4586", "title": "[Electrophysiologic study of trace changes in the excitability of the rat spinal cord].", "content": "In white rats, retention of the amplitude asymmetry of the monosynaptic reflex responses (MSRR) in the ventral roots of the spinal lumbosacral segments due to removal of half of the cerebellum, was studied. The MSRR asymmetry remained after the consequent spinal cord section at the thoracic level if it had existed over 20 min (fixation period) before this section. When tested with electric stimuli applied to the nerves of muscles-antagonists, the stable MSRR asymmetry could be unidirectional or reciprocal. Prolonged unilateral stimulation of the muscle nerve central end in the spinal rat with stimuli of different frequency and intensity evoked no MSRR amplitude asymmetry during subsequent bilateral testing of the same nerves. But in decerebrated rats the MSRR asymmetry has frequently appeared after such stimulation. Asymmetry of the reticular descending influence is supposed to play a major role in the trace stable changes of excitability of the spinal cord neuronal substrate as well as different capacities of different neurons (or their elements) for fixation and retention of such changes.", "contents": "[Electrophysiologic study of trace changes in the excitability of the rat spinal cord]. In white rats, retention of the amplitude asymmetry of the monosynaptic reflex responses (MSRR) in the ventral roots of the spinal lumbosacral segments due to removal of half of the cerebellum, was studied. The MSRR asymmetry remained after the consequent spinal cord section at the thoracic level if it had existed over 20 min (fixation period) before this section. When tested with electric stimuli applied to the nerves of muscles-antagonists, the stable MSRR asymmetry could be unidirectional or reciprocal. Prolonged unilateral stimulation of the muscle nerve central end in the spinal rat with stimuli of different frequency and intensity evoked no MSRR amplitude asymmetry during subsequent bilateral testing of the same nerves. But in decerebrated rats the MSRR asymmetry has frequently appeared after such stimulation. Asymmetry of the reticular descending influence is supposed to play a major role in the trace stable changes of excitability of the spinal cord neuronal substrate as well as different capacities of different neurons (or their elements) for fixation and retention of such changes.", "PMID": 992133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4587", "title": "[Responses in the superior thoracic white rami communicantes to stimulation of the dorsolateral funiculi of the spinal cord].", "content": "In anesthetized cats, the responses in T3 white rami to stimulation of the spinal dorsolateral funiculi at C5 level displayed three typical waves. The short latency first wave is the result of stimulation of descending fibres with conduction velocity over 20 m/sec, which activate some sympathetic preganglionic neurons monosynaptically. These neurons are, probably, outside of the lateral horns and have axons with conduction velocities over 10 m/sec. The second wave is associated with the discharges of lateral horn's sympathetic preganglionic neurons disynaptically activated by descending fibres with conduction velocity about 6 m/sec.", "contents": "[Responses in the superior thoracic white rami communicantes to stimulation of the dorsolateral funiculi of the spinal cord]. In anesthetized cats, the responses in T3 white rami to stimulation of the spinal dorsolateral funiculi at C5 level displayed three typical waves. The short latency first wave is the result of stimulation of descending fibres with conduction velocity over 20 m/sec, which activate some sympathetic preganglionic neurons monosynaptically. These neurons are, probably, outside of the lateral horns and have axons with conduction velocities over 10 m/sec. The second wave is associated with the discharges of lateral horn's sympathetic preganglionic neurons disynaptically activated by descending fibres with conduction velocity about 6 m/sec.", "PMID": 992134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4588", "title": "[Effect of adrenaline on the secretory activity of the ocular ciliary body in rabbits].", "content": "In intact rabbits and in rabbits with intracerebral unilateral section of the n. oculomotorius, instillation of 2 drops of 0.1% adrenaline into the conjunctival sack increased and then decreased the intraocular pressure (IOP); i.v. administration of adrenaline (50 mcg) or electrophoresis decreased IOP. In conditions of disturbed parasympathetic innervation of the eye its sensitivity to adrenaline increased as revealed by a sharper lowering of IOP.", "contents": "[Effect of adrenaline on the secretory activity of the ocular ciliary body in rabbits]. In intact rabbits and in rabbits with intracerebral unilateral section of the n. oculomotorius, instillation of 2 drops of 0.1% adrenaline into the conjunctival sack increased and then decreased the intraocular pressure (IOP); i.v. administration of adrenaline (50 mcg) or electrophoresis decreased IOP. In conditions of disturbed parasympathetic innervation of the eye its sensitivity to adrenaline increased as revealed by a sharper lowering of IOP.", "PMID": 992136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4589", "title": "[Reflex responses during the early period of recovery of motor function in a transplanted limb].", "content": "In immobilized anesthetized rats, monosynaptic reflex responses before and after (3 months) the autoreplantation of the left hind limb were studied. The early period after replantation was characterized by the lowering of excitability, the increase of latency, the decrease of differences between reflex responses to nerves stimulation. Differences existed between responses to stimulation of flexors and extensors but only with a major time summation which suggested that they were due to dendrite processes in chromatotized motoneurons.", "contents": "[Reflex responses during the early period of recovery of motor function in a transplanted limb]. In immobilized anesthetized rats, monosynaptic reflex responses before and after (3 months) the autoreplantation of the left hind limb were studied. The early period after replantation was characterized by the lowering of excitability, the increase of latency, the decrease of differences between reflex responses to nerves stimulation. Differences existed between responses to stimulation of flexors and extensors but only with a major time summation which suggested that they were due to dendrite processes in chromatotized motoneurons.", "PMID": 992137} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4590", "title": "[Effect of electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus on the process of blood platelet aggregation].", "content": "Stimulation of hypothalamic ventromedial and posterior nuclei via implanted electrodes was followed by phasic changes of the blood coagulation processes and thrombocytes dynamic functions. Within the first minutes after stimulation, an increase of the blood coagulation potential, of aggregation and adhesive features of thrombocytes was observed, replaced later by reduction of thrombocytes dynamic features and by decreasing blood coagulation potential. The above changes are associated with alteration of the blood content of aggregating agents, inhibitors of aggregation, and blood coagulating factors. The hypothalamic structures are suggested to exert control over thrombocytes hemostatic functions via a humoral link.", "contents": "[Effect of electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus on the process of blood platelet aggregation]. Stimulation of hypothalamic ventromedial and posterior nuclei via implanted electrodes was followed by phasic changes of the blood coagulation processes and thrombocytes dynamic functions. Within the first minutes after stimulation, an increase of the blood coagulation potential, of aggregation and adhesive features of thrombocytes was observed, replaced later by reduction of thrombocytes dynamic features and by decreasing blood coagulation potential. The above changes are associated with alteration of the blood content of aggregating agents, inhibitors of aggregation, and blood coagulating factors. The hypothalamic structures are suggested to exert control over thrombocytes hemostatic functions via a humoral link.", "PMID": 992138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4591", "title": "[The anticoagulant system following intravenous administration of factor XIII and thromboplastin].", "content": "The inactivated factor XIII does not change the functional state of the anticoagulating system. The i.v. administration of thromboplastin activates the anticoagulating system in rats which cannot be prevented by an artificial rise of the titre of the inactivated factor XIII in blood. The i.v. injections of the secondary adreanlin-heparin--fibrinogen complex with higher level of the factor XIII is followed by a sharp increase in the functional activity of the anticoagulating system.", "contents": "[The anticoagulant system following intravenous administration of factor XIII and thromboplastin]. The inactivated factor XIII does not change the functional state of the anticoagulating system. The i.v. administration of thromboplastin activates the anticoagulating system in rats which cannot be prevented by an artificial rise of the titre of the inactivated factor XIII in blood. The i.v. injections of the secondary adreanlin-heparin--fibrinogen complex with higher level of the factor XIII is followed by a sharp increase in the functional activity of the anticoagulating system.", "PMID": 992139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4592", "title": "[Effect of thyroxine and 2,4-dinitrophenol on cardiac energetics].", "content": "The administrations of 1-thyrohine (20 mg/kg) for two sucessive daysin the rats or 10(-3) M 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) in vitro reduced the mechanical of the heart in working isolated preparations of the rat heart. Oxygen consumption of inactive heart did not react to thyroxine and significantly increased after 2,4-DNP administration. The reduction of the heart efficiency due to thyroxine is, probably, associated with a decreased efficiency of mechanochemical conjugation in the myocardium muscular fibers.", "contents": "[Effect of thyroxine and 2,4-dinitrophenol on cardiac energetics]. The administrations of 1-thyrohine (20 mg/kg) for two sucessive daysin the rats or 10(-3) M 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) in vitro reduced the mechanical of the heart in working isolated preparations of the rat heart. Oxygen consumption of inactive heart did not react to thyroxine and significantly increased after 2,4-DNP administration. The reduction of the heart efficiency due to thyroxine is, probably, associated with a decreased efficiency of mechanochemical conjugation in the myocardium muscular fibers.", "PMID": 992140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4593", "title": "[Characteristics of atrial mechanoreceptors and elastic properties of the atria in experimental cardiac failure].", "content": "Cats developed heart failure as a result of a partial stenosis operation of the pulmonary artery. Within 10 to 25 days after the operation, pressure in the right atrium was higher than normal and the atrium diameter was larger. The dependence of atrial distension and integral mechanoreceptor activity in the right atrium on atrial pressure was studied. A possible physiological significance of the change in atrial mechanoreceptor characteristics of animals with heart failure, was investigated.", "contents": "[Characteristics of atrial mechanoreceptors and elastic properties of the atria in experimental cardiac failure]. Cats developed heart failure as a result of a partial stenosis operation of the pulmonary artery. Within 10 to 25 days after the operation, pressure in the right atrium was higher than normal and the atrium diameter was larger. The dependence of atrial distension and integral mechanoreceptor activity in the right atrium on atrial pressure was studied. A possible physiological significance of the change in atrial mechanoreceptor characteristics of animals with heart failure, was investigated.", "PMID": 992141} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4594", "title": "[Cationic composition of pancreatic juice and blood plasma during functional changes in the pancreas].", "content": "In chronic experiments on dogs with Pavlov's fistula, potassium and calcium concentration in the blood plasma was increased after feeding; their pancreatic concentration was lower, respectively, by 0.2 and 0.3 units/ml prior to feeding and 0.3 and 0.6 after the feeding. Sodium concentration in the pancreatic juice corresponded to its concentration in the blood plasma and did not change after feeding. Changes of sodium concentration in the blood plasma or pancreatic juice indicate disturbances in pancreatic function.", "contents": "[Cationic composition of pancreatic juice and blood plasma during functional changes in the pancreas]. In chronic experiments on dogs with Pavlov's fistula, potassium and calcium concentration in the blood plasma was increased after feeding; their pancreatic concentration was lower, respectively, by 0.2 and 0.3 units/ml prior to feeding and 0.3 and 0.6 after the feeding. Sodium concentration in the pancreatic juice corresponded to its concentration in the blood plasma and did not change after feeding. Changes of sodium concentration in the blood plasma or pancreatic juice indicate disturbances in pancreatic function.", "PMID": 992142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4595", "title": "The significance of the cell surface for the homing affinity of injected lymphoid cells in mice.", "content": "51Cr-labelled lymph node cells were injected into syngeneic or non-syngeneic mice and their relative tissue distribution was compared under conditions where, for the reason of either timing or genetic combination, the host-versus-graft response could be neglected. The immigration of injected lymphoid cells to lymph nodes was markedly reduced when the recipients were non-syngeneic or when the level of glycosaminoglycans in their blood was artificially increased. In contrast, the homing affinity to the spleen was inhibited only for a relatively short period of time following stress. In the various tested situations in which the migration of cells to lymph nodes was inhibited, it seemed to be the relationship of the cell surfaces of the sessile and circulating cells which played an important role in the outcome of their interactions. This relationship may be influenced both by certain genetic differences and experimentally, for example, through adsorption.", "contents": "The significance of the cell surface for the homing affinity of injected lymphoid cells in mice. 51Cr-labelled lymph node cells were injected into syngeneic or non-syngeneic mice and their relative tissue distribution was compared under conditions where, for the reason of either timing or genetic combination, the host-versus-graft response could be neglected. The immigration of injected lymphoid cells to lymph nodes was markedly reduced when the recipients were non-syngeneic or when the level of glycosaminoglycans in their blood was artificially increased. In contrast, the homing affinity to the spleen was inhibited only for a relatively short period of time following stress. In the various tested situations in which the migration of cells to lymph nodes was inhibited, it seemed to be the relationship of the cell surfaces of the sessile and circulating cells which played an important role in the outcome of their interactions. This relationship may be influenced both by certain genetic differences and experimentally, for example, through adsorption.", "PMID": 992149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4596", "title": "Repair synthesis of DNA after irradiation and its modification due to radioprotection in vivo.", "content": "Repair DNA synthesis was examined in bone marrow cells exposed to LD 50/30 in vivo. Intensive repair synthesis took place during the irradiation, and the increase in 3HTdR uptake prevailed over the inhibitory effect of radiation and AET upon DNA synthesis. After LD 50/30, the intensity of DNA repair was reduced. Application of AET resulted in an increase in repair DNA synthesis after irradiation, indicated by a significantly higher incorporation of 3HTdR.", "contents": "Repair synthesis of DNA after irradiation and its modification due to radioprotection in vivo. Repair DNA synthesis was examined in bone marrow cells exposed to LD 50/30 in vivo. Intensive repair synthesis took place during the irradiation, and the increase in 3HTdR uptake prevailed over the inhibitory effect of radiation and AET upon DNA synthesis. After LD 50/30, the intensity of DNA repair was reduced. Application of AET resulted in an increase in repair DNA synthesis after irradiation, indicated by a significantly higher incorporation of 3HTdR.", "PMID": 992150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4597", "title": "Prediction of radiosensitivity of individual mice by multidimensional analysis.", "content": "Ten physiological indices on each mouse were measured before an exposure to ionizing radiation. The exposure of mice to 700R of X-rays induced 45% mortality within 30 days. A prediction of death or life of each mouse was done by a multidimensional quantification. The highest success rate of prediction was obtained by using all ten indices and it resulted in 74.1%. Accordingly, it was possible to predict death of individual mice exposed to a dose around LD50 (30) with a high rate of success. When one selected five indices out of the ten indices by some criterion, the success rate of prediction decreased to 67.1%.", "contents": "Prediction of radiosensitivity of individual mice by multidimensional analysis. Ten physiological indices on each mouse were measured before an exposure to ionizing radiation. The exposure of mice to 700R of X-rays induced 45% mortality within 30 days. A prediction of death or life of each mouse was done by a multidimensional quantification. The highest success rate of prediction was obtained by using all ten indices and it resulted in 74.1%. Accordingly, it was possible to predict death of individual mice exposed to a dose around LD50 (30) with a high rate of success. When one selected five indices out of the ten indices by some criterion, the success rate of prediction decreased to 67.1%.", "PMID": 992151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4598", "title": "The role of bursa of Fabricius and thymus in antibody-mediated allograft rejection in ducks.", "content": "Duck immune sera that are capable of destroying the tolerated skin allografts require the presence of functional host's lymphoid cells for a successful course of the rejection reaction. The effective sera are not able to destroy the grafts in birds surgically bursectomized or thymectomized at hatching. This deficiency can be repaired by thymic, not bursal, implants in bursectomized or thymectomized graft hosts. Similarly, measurements of the radioactivity after application of 125I-labelled gamma globulin to allografted or autografted ducklings confirm a major role of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus in the destruction of the tolerated skin allografts by immune serum.", "contents": "The role of bursa of Fabricius and thymus in antibody-mediated allograft rejection in ducks. Duck immune sera that are capable of destroying the tolerated skin allografts require the presence of functional host's lymphoid cells for a successful course of the rejection reaction. The effective sera are not able to destroy the grafts in birds surgically bursectomized or thymectomized at hatching. This deficiency can be repaired by thymic, not bursal, implants in bursectomized or thymectomized graft hosts. Similarly, measurements of the radioactivity after application of 125I-labelled gamma globulin to allografted or autografted ducklings confirm a major role of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus in the destruction of the tolerated skin allografts by immune serum.", "PMID": 992153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4599", "title": "Effect of inflammation on serum glycoproteins in rabbits.", "content": "Quantitative changes in the concentration of rabbit serum proteins and glycoproteins accompanying a non-specific injury (terpentine oil inflammation) were studied by conventional electrophoretic and quantitative crossed immunoelectrophoretic analysis. Most significant changes were observed in the alpha2- and beta-globulin region as well as in some individual glycoproteins (haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, IgM globulin). In the paper the parallel changes in sugar components of glycoproteins were also recorded.", "contents": "Effect of inflammation on serum glycoproteins in rabbits. Quantitative changes in the concentration of rabbit serum proteins and glycoproteins accompanying a non-specific injury (terpentine oil inflammation) were studied by conventional electrophoretic and quantitative crossed immunoelectrophoretic analysis. Most significant changes were observed in the alpha2- and beta-globulin region as well as in some individual glycoproteins (haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, IgM globulin). In the paper the parallel changes in sugar components of glycoproteins were also recorded.", "PMID": 992154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4600", "title": "The effect of thymosin application upon radiation sickness in mice.", "content": "The mechanism of thymosin effect upon radiation sickness was analyzed in mice. Thymosin (fraction 5) applied before and after a whole-body radiation exposure increased the LD 50/30 of treated animals by 250R. In mice exposed to 500R, thymosin treatment resulted in a faster recovery of haemopoiesis and lymphopoiesis, as indicated by higher bone marrow cellularity, higher lymph node, thymus and spleen weights, and greater 59Fe uptake in the spleen and femur and 125IUdR uptake in the spleens, femur and thymus. The results provide an indication that thymus and its humoral factor markedly influence the haemopoietic stem cells in the population surviving the sublethal irradiation of an organism. They further suggest the existence of feed-back mechanisms between the thymus and harmopoiesis.", "contents": "The effect of thymosin application upon radiation sickness in mice. The mechanism of thymosin effect upon radiation sickness was analyzed in mice. Thymosin (fraction 5) applied before and after a whole-body radiation exposure increased the LD 50/30 of treated animals by 250R. In mice exposed to 500R, thymosin treatment resulted in a faster recovery of haemopoiesis and lymphopoiesis, as indicated by higher bone marrow cellularity, higher lymph node, thymus and spleen weights, and greater 59Fe uptake in the spleen and femur and 125IUdR uptake in the spleens, femur and thymus. The results provide an indication that thymus and its humoral factor markedly influence the haemopoietic stem cells in the population surviving the sublethal irradiation of an organism. They further suggest the existence of feed-back mechanisms between the thymus and harmopoiesis.", "PMID": 992155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4601", "title": "Proliferation kinetics and lethality after irradiation; modification by radioprotection.", "content": "By means of radioprotection, it was shown that a correlation exists after LD 50/30 between radiation-induced changes in cellular proliferation of critical radiosensitive tissue (bone marrow) and lethality, both in the time course and in the degree of the effect. Close correspondence between proliferation changes after irradiation and radiation lethality indicates that the inhibition of proliferation activity may play a major role in the mechanism of the death of irradiated organisms. A modification of cellular proliferation results in a change in radiation mortality. Pretreatment with the radioprotective compound AET leads to a moderation of both the inhibitory effect of radiation upon proliferation and radiation lethality.", "contents": "Proliferation kinetics and lethality after irradiation; modification by radioprotection. By means of radioprotection, it was shown that a correlation exists after LD 50/30 between radiation-induced changes in cellular proliferation of critical radiosensitive tissue (bone marrow) and lethality, both in the time course and in the degree of the effect. Close correspondence between proliferation changes after irradiation and radiation lethality indicates that the inhibition of proliferation activity may play a major role in the mechanism of the death of irradiated organisms. A modification of cellular proliferation results in a change in radiation mortality. Pretreatment with the radioprotective compound AET leads to a moderation of both the inhibitory effect of radiation upon proliferation and radiation lethality.", "PMID": 992156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4602", "title": "Changing patterns of migration between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in the United States: recent evidence.", "content": "Data from the 1975 Current Population Survey confirm that, during 1970-1975, there was a reversal of the traditional net migration stream between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in the United States. During this period, there was net in-migration of 1,600,000 persons to nonmetropolitan areas, in contrast to net out-migration of 350,000 persons from these areas in 1965-1970. Reversal was caused by a 12 percent decrease in the number of nonmetropolitan out-migrants and a 23 percent increase in the number of SMSA residents moving to nonmetropolitan territory over 1965-1970 levels. While some changes in the size of migration streams were due to changes in age structures and population bases in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, they were caused primarily by real shifts in out-migration propensities at practically all ages in both areas.", "contents": "Changing patterns of migration between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in the United States: recent evidence. Data from the 1975 Current Population Survey confirm that, during 1970-1975, there was a reversal of the traditional net migration stream between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in the United States. During this period, there was net in-migration of 1,600,000 persons to nonmetropolitan areas, in contrast to net out-migration of 350,000 persons from these areas in 1965-1970. Reversal was caused by a 12 percent decrease in the number of nonmetropolitan out-migrants and a 23 percent increase in the number of SMSA residents moving to nonmetropolitan territory over 1965-1970 levels. While some changes in the size of migration streams were due to changes in age structures and population bases in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, they were caused primarily by real shifts in out-migration propensities at practically all ages in both areas.", "PMID": 992168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4603", "title": "Recent urbanization trends in Peninsular Malaysia.", "content": "The pace of urbanization in Peninsular Malaysia was slower in the most recent intercensal interval, 1957 to 1970, than in the previous period, 1947 to 1957. Most of the small change in the rural-urban balance from 1957 to 1970 appears due to the growth of towns into the urban classification rather than to a redistribution of population into the previous urban settlements. A number of towns in Peninsular Malaysia do show exceptional growth from 1957 to 1970, but there seems to be no clear relationship between a city's size and its subsequent growth. The rural areas on the outskirts of the largest cities do show rapid growth, especially the periphery of the capital city. It appears that neither the classic model of urbanization based upon Western experience nor the over-urbanization thesis explain the urbanization process in Peninsular Malaysia.", "contents": "Recent urbanization trends in Peninsular Malaysia. The pace of urbanization in Peninsular Malaysia was slower in the most recent intercensal interval, 1957 to 1970, than in the previous period, 1947 to 1957. Most of the small change in the rural-urban balance from 1957 to 1970 appears due to the growth of towns into the urban classification rather than to a redistribution of population into the previous urban settlements. A number of towns in Peninsular Malaysia do show exceptional growth from 1957 to 1970, but there seems to be no clear relationship between a city's size and its subsequent growth. The rural areas on the outskirts of the largest cities do show rapid growth, especially the periphery of the capital city. It appears that neither the classic model of urbanization based upon Western experience nor the over-urbanization thesis explain the urbanization process in Peninsular Malaysia.", "PMID": 992169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4604", "title": "The effect of subsidized family planning services on reproductive behavior in the United States, 1969-1974.", "content": "This paper evaluates the impact of federally subsidized family planning programs in the United States, from 1969 to 1974, on the reproductive behavior of ever-married women, 15-44 years old. The study began with an experimental design and the random assigment of areas to treatment and control but was completed as a multivariate analysis, treating program input as an interval-scaled independent variable. Using \"before\" and \"after\" area sample surveys and patient service data from operating programs, the demographic impact of the program was estimated. The impact detected was nonsignificant; according to our analysis, overall use of physician-administered contraception was not affected by the subsidized programs. The only program-induced change of activity related to reproduction that we recorded was increased use of subsidized services in study areas with high program input and increased use of private physician services where program input was low. These findings need to be interpreted with the caution usually exercised in evaluating imperfect field experiments.", "contents": "The effect of subsidized family planning services on reproductive behavior in the United States, 1969-1974. This paper evaluates the impact of federally subsidized family planning programs in the United States, from 1969 to 1974, on the reproductive behavior of ever-married women, 15-44 years old. The study began with an experimental design and the random assigment of areas to treatment and control but was completed as a multivariate analysis, treating program input as an interval-scaled independent variable. Using \"before\" and \"after\" area sample surveys and patient service data from operating programs, the demographic impact of the program was estimated. The impact detected was nonsignificant; according to our analysis, overall use of physician-administered contraception was not affected by the subsidized programs. The only program-induced change of activity related to reproduction that we recorded was increased use of subsidized services in study areas with high program input and increased use of private physician services where program input was low. These findings need to be interpreted with the caution usually exercised in evaluating imperfect field experiments.", "PMID": 992170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4605", "title": "Motivations for the use of birth control: evidence from West Africa.", "content": "A conventional assumption in the family planning literature is that birth control in developing countries is first adopted by high parity women who wish to cease childbearing. The empirical support for this belief has mainly been drawn from interview surveys on the motivations for, and the timing of, the inception of birth control among married women in areas where there is no cultural precedent for birth spacing by traditional means. This study, on the other hand, is based on data drawn from an area sample of 6,606 women, married or single, aged 15-59, in Ibadan, Nigeria, where there is a tradition for the practice of abstinence after a birth for the purpose of birth spacing. The Nigerian pattern revealed in the data presented here is indeed distinctive in many respects: (a) although premarital sex is prevalent, levels of premarital contraception are high; and (b) within marriage, spacing is the most prominent motivation for contraceptive practice, more important than the limitation of family size.", "contents": "Motivations for the use of birth control: evidence from West Africa. A conventional assumption in the family planning literature is that birth control in developing countries is first adopted by high parity women who wish to cease childbearing. The empirical support for this belief has mainly been drawn from interview surveys on the motivations for, and the timing of, the inception of birth control among married women in areas where there is no cultural precedent for birth spacing by traditional means. This study, on the other hand, is based on data drawn from an area sample of 6,606 women, married or single, aged 15-59, in Ibadan, Nigeria, where there is a tradition for the practice of abstinence after a birth for the purpose of birth spacing. The Nigerian pattern revealed in the data presented here is indeed distinctive in many respects: (a) although premarital sex is prevalent, levels of premarital contraception are high; and (b) within marriage, spacing is the most prominent motivation for contraceptive practice, more important than the limitation of family size.", "PMID": 992171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4606", "title": "Abortion and family-binding models: fertility limitation in Hungary.", "content": "This paper demonstrates how family-building models can be used for checking the quality of abortion data. A family-building model, called FERMODA, is presented and used to check whether the available data on abortion for Hungary are consistent with Hungarian data on other aspects of family building. Model cohorts are generated, using in FERMODA the proportions of women married and the birth and abortion rates of two selected Hungarian cohorts. The estimates obtained from the simulated cohorts concerning use of contraception are compared with the information available on contraception, and, on the basis of this comparison, a judgment is made about the quality of abortion data for Hungary.", "contents": "Abortion and family-binding models: fertility limitation in Hungary. This paper demonstrates how family-building models can be used for checking the quality of abortion data. A family-building model, called FERMODA, is presented and used to check whether the available data on abortion for Hungary are consistent with Hungarian data on other aspects of family building. Model cohorts are generated, using in FERMODA the proportions of women married and the birth and abortion rates of two selected Hungarian cohorts. The estimates obtained from the simulated cohorts concerning use of contraception are compared with the information available on contraception, and, on the basis of this comparison, a judgment is made about the quality of abortion data for Hungary.", "PMID": 992172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4607", "title": "Some extensions of the Keyfitz momentum relationship.", "content": "A stable population, such that the total birthrate B(t) = Boerot, is abruptly altered by modifying the age-specific birth rate, m(x). The survivor function remains unaltered. The modified population ultimately settles down to a stable behavior, such that B(t) = B1er1t. It is shown that B1/Bo = (Ro-R1)/\u00bfe1(ro-r1)RoZ1], where Ro, R1 are the net reproduction rates before and after the change, and Za = expected age giving birth for the stable population after the change. The age structure and transients resulting from the change are also described. The effect of an abrupt change in the survivor function l(x) is also investigated for the simple case where the change is caused by altering l(x) to e-lambdaxl(x). It is shown that the above ratio becomes B1/Bo = N1/No = [1 - zota o e-kxg(x)dx]/Z1lambda, where N refers to the numbers in the population, k = ro + lambda, and g(x) = m(x)l(x), the value before the change. A measure for the reproductive worth of the population is also established.", "contents": "Some extensions of the Keyfitz momentum relationship. A stable population, such that the total birthrate B(t) = Boerot, is abruptly altered by modifying the age-specific birth rate, m(x). The survivor function remains unaltered. The modified population ultimately settles down to a stable behavior, such that B(t) = B1er1t. It is shown that B1/Bo = (Ro-R1)/\u00bfe1(ro-r1)RoZ1], where Ro, R1 are the net reproduction rates before and after the change, and Za = expected age giving birth for the stable population after the change. The age structure and transients resulting from the change are also described. The effect of an abrupt change in the survivor function l(x) is also investigated for the simple case where the change is caused by altering l(x) to e-lambdaxl(x). It is shown that the above ratio becomes B1/Bo = N1/No = [1 - zota o e-kxg(x)dx]/Z1lambda, where N refers to the numbers in the population, k = ro + lambda, and g(x) = m(x)l(x), the value before the change. A measure for the reproductive worth of the population is also established.", "PMID": 992173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4608", "title": "Influence of instantaneous fertility decline to replacement level on population growth: an alternative model.", "content": "If age-specific birth rate mx of a stable population drop abruptly to mx/Ro, where Ro is the net reproduction rate, then, according to Keyfitz, the size of the ultimate stationary population relative to that at the beginning of the process is given by I = beoo(Ro - 1)/(rmuRo), where b and r are the birth rate and the rate of growth, respectively, of the stable population, eoo the life expectancy at birth, and mu the average age at childbirth in resulting stationary population. Noting that the decline in mx need not necessarily be uniform, investigation has veen carried out to examine the effect on I when fertility decline is more rapid at higher ages. In particular, the effect of the reduced age-specific rates such as mxe-rx (which also produces a stationary population) has been analyzed, and simplifications of the results carried out separately for three different models of the net maternity function. It has also been shown the when mx drops abruptly to some m* x, where the form of m*x need not be specified except for the restriction that the resulting population will be stationary, the value of the index can be approximately obtained from I* = beoo (1 - rmu/2), where mu is the average age at childbearing of theinitial stable population.", "contents": "Influence of instantaneous fertility decline to replacement level on population growth: an alternative model. If age-specific birth rate mx of a stable population drop abruptly to mx/Ro, where Ro is the net reproduction rate, then, according to Keyfitz, the size of the ultimate stationary population relative to that at the beginning of the process is given by I = beoo(Ro - 1)/(rmuRo), where b and r are the birth rate and the rate of growth, respectively, of the stable population, eoo the life expectancy at birth, and mu the average age at childbirth in resulting stationary population. Noting that the decline in mx need not necessarily be uniform, investigation has veen carried out to examine the effect on I when fertility decline is more rapid at higher ages. In particular, the effect of the reduced age-specific rates such as mxe-rx (which also produces a stationary population) has been analyzed, and simplifications of the results carried out separately for three different models of the net maternity function. It has also been shown the when mx drops abruptly to some m* x, where the form of m*x need not be specified except for the restriction that the resulting population will be stationary, the value of the index can be approximately obtained from I* = beoo (1 - rmu/2), where mu is the average age at childbearing of theinitial stable population.", "PMID": 992174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4609", "title": "Sensitivity analysis of discrete-time interregional population systems.", "content": "This paper shows analytically how (a) the long-run growth rate and (b) the long-run proportional distribution of an interregional population system with a time-homogeneous structural matrix are affected by small changes or errors in (a) the natural growth rates of individual regions and (b) the interregional migration rates. Furthermore, the analytic results are applied to an eight-region Canadian population system. Finally, it is claimed that the method introduced here can be easily applied to sensitivity analysis of both the intrinsic growth rate and the \"stable\" age-composition of the Leslie model with respect to changes in age-specific birth and survival rates.", "contents": "Sensitivity analysis of discrete-time interregional population systems. This paper shows analytically how (a) the long-run growth rate and (b) the long-run proportional distribution of an interregional population system with a time-homogeneous structural matrix are affected by small changes or errors in (a) the natural growth rates of individual regions and (b) the interregional migration rates. Furthermore, the analytic results are applied to an eight-region Canadian population system. Finally, it is claimed that the method introduced here can be easily applied to sensitivity analysis of both the intrinsic growth rate and the \"stable\" age-composition of the Leslie model with respect to changes in age-specific birth and survival rates.", "PMID": 992175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4610", "title": "Life table techniques for multiple-cause mortality.", "content": "A lethal defect-wear model of mortality is presented which rationalizes the assumption of independent risks when death may be due to more than a single condition. Under this model, it is shown how competing risk theory and standard categorical data methods may be merged in a unified approach to the analysis of multiple-cause mortality data. The methodology is used to analyze linkages among diseases in the mortality data and evaluate the implication of the elimination of patterns of morbid states for multiple-cause mortality data from deaths occurring in 1969 in North Carolina.", "contents": "Life table techniques for multiple-cause mortality. A lethal defect-wear model of mortality is presented which rationalizes the assumption of independent risks when death may be due to more than a single condition. Under this model, it is shown how competing risk theory and standard categorical data methods may be merged in a unified approach to the analysis of multiple-cause mortality data. The methodology is used to analyze linkages among diseases in the mortality data and evaluate the implication of the elimination of patterns of morbid states for multiple-cause mortality data from deaths occurring in 1969 in North Carolina.", "PMID": 992176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4611", "title": "A note on migration and employment.", "content": "This paper examines the nature of the relation between migration and employment. A preliminary investigation confirms a previous observation that the employment rate of migrants is generally lower than that of nonmigrants. A further analysis, however, suggests that this does not mean that migration has no effect on employment; in fact, the two appear to be strongly related. Migration enables some unemployed and initially disadvantaged persons to improve their employment status, making it more nearly comparable, though not equal, to that of the general population.", "contents": "A note on migration and employment. This paper examines the nature of the relation between migration and employment. A preliminary investigation confirms a previous observation that the employment rate of migrants is generally lower than that of nonmigrants. A further analysis, however, suggests that this does not mean that migration has no effect on employment; in fact, the two appear to be strongly related. Migration enables some unemployed and initially disadvantaged persons to improve their employment status, making it more nearly comparable, though not equal, to that of the general population.", "PMID": 992177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4612", "title": "Race and intra-urban migration.", "content": "Data from the urban renewal experience in Syracuse, New York are used to examine the impact of race on patterns of intra-urban migration. The results show that, overall, the migration patterns exhibited an exponential decay in frequency with increasing distance. Both blacks and whites display this pattern, but blacks tend to cluster more closely around the point of origin. Indirect evidence is developed to show that this phenomenon is due to blacks and whites having different access to information about housing, which ultimately maintains housing segregation.", "contents": "Race and intra-urban migration. Data from the urban renewal experience in Syracuse, New York are used to examine the impact of race on patterns of intra-urban migration. The results show that, overall, the migration patterns exhibited an exponential decay in frequency with increasing distance. Both blacks and whites display this pattern, but blacks tend to cluster more closely around the point of origin. Indirect evidence is developed to show that this phenomenon is due to blacks and whites having different access to information about housing, which ultimately maintains housing segregation.", "PMID": 992178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4613", "title": "An instance of reverse heaping of ages.", "content": "This note reports on an interesting example of reverse heaping of ages for data from the Saudi Arabian social insurance system. Peaks occur for the number of workers at ages corresponding to years of birth ending in zeros and fives, while there are troughs at such ages for the average monthly wages. Such troughs almost certainly are the result of workers with less education using a rounded year of birth, and, correspondingly, such workers would tend to have lower earnings.", "contents": "An instance of reverse heaping of ages. This note reports on an interesting example of reverse heaping of ages for data from the Saudi Arabian social insurance system. Peaks occur for the number of workers at ages corresponding to years of birth ending in zeros and fives, while there are troughs at such ages for the average monthly wages. Such troughs almost certainly are the result of workers with less education using a rounded year of birth, and, correspondingly, such workers would tend to have lower earnings.", "PMID": 992179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4614", "title": "[Sebaceous hyperplasias, kerato-acanthomas, epitheliomas of the face and cancer of the colon. A new entity?].", "content": "Numerous skin lesions: sebaceous hyperplasias, benign acanthoma, keratoacanthomas and squamous cell epitheliomas appeared on the face, especially on the nose, on the cheeks and around the lips of a 45-year-old obese man with mild diabetes. In 1969, an adenocarcinoma had been found in the rectosigmoid and another one in the colon. In 1974, an excision of a well-differenciated epidermoid carcinoma was performed in the right external auditory meatus. A rectoscopy showed a micropolyp at the rectosigmoid junction. In 1975, an abdominal exploration was performed following a sudden relapse of about 50 skin lesions in the face, partly sebaceous adenomas, partly sebaceous gland epitheliomas, and about 10 precancerous lesions on the dorsum of the hands. A villous adenoma of the colon was removed. Inheritance appears to the autosomal dominant with variability in the expressiveness of the cutaneo-intestinal symptoms.", "contents": "[Sebaceous hyperplasias, kerato-acanthomas, epitheliomas of the face and cancer of the colon. A new entity?]. Numerous skin lesions: sebaceous hyperplasias, benign acanthoma, keratoacanthomas and squamous cell epitheliomas appeared on the face, especially on the nose, on the cheeks and around the lips of a 45-year-old obese man with mild diabetes. In 1969, an adenocarcinoma had been found in the rectosigmoid and another one in the colon. In 1974, an excision of a well-differenciated epidermoid carcinoma was performed in the right external auditory meatus. A rectoscopy showed a micropolyp at the rectosigmoid junction. In 1975, an abdominal exploration was performed following a sudden relapse of about 50 skin lesions in the face, partly sebaceous adenomas, partly sebaceous gland epitheliomas, and about 10 precancerous lesions on the dorsum of the hands. A villous adenoma of the colon was removed. Inheritance appears to the autosomal dominant with variability in the expressiveness of the cutaneo-intestinal symptoms.", "PMID": 992186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4615", "title": "Pyoderma gangrenosum in immunosuppressed patients.", "content": "Two cases with pyoderma gangrenosum are presented. The course, in both cases, suggested that immunosuppressive therapy may play an etiological role in the disease. The first was a kidney recipient receiving prednisone and azathioprine and the second, a patient with pemphigus vulgaris who was treated with prednisone and methotrexate.", "contents": "Pyoderma gangrenosum in immunosuppressed patients. Two cases with pyoderma gangrenosum are presented. The course, in both cases, suggested that immunosuppressive therapy may play an etiological role in the disease. The first was a kidney recipient receiving prednisone and azathioprine and the second, a patient with pemphigus vulgaris who was treated with prednisone and methotrexate.", "PMID": 992187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4616", "title": "Primary eruption of prurigo simplex subacuta.", "content": "28 patients with typical picture of prurigo simplex subacuta were examined for the primary eruption. In all patients, the first visible lesion was a papule, at the top of which a vesicular element was never seen. 46 biopsy specimens of the initial eruption were serially sectioned. The histological changes were found in connection with hair follicles, which consisted of spongiosis and mononuclear cell migration at the follicular epidermis and perifollicular infiltrates of mononuclear cells.", "contents": "Primary eruption of prurigo simplex subacuta. 28 patients with typical picture of prurigo simplex subacuta were examined for the primary eruption. In all patients, the first visible lesion was a papule, at the top of which a vesicular element was never seen. 46 biopsy specimens of the initial eruption were serially sectioned. The histological changes were found in connection with hair follicles, which consisted of spongiosis and mononuclear cell migration at the follicular epidermis and perifollicular infiltrates of mononuclear cells.", "PMID": 992188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4617", "title": "[Urinary excretion of catecholamines in obese subjects and in diabetics (author's transl)].", "content": "95 obese subjects, 40 diabetics and 22 normal controls were investigated. The weight of all obese subjects was at least 20% higher than the ideal weight. Catecholamine excretion was determined a few days after hospitalization to minimize the influence of environmental changes. Spectrofluorimetric estimation of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the urine was carried out according to the method of von Euler and Lihajko. Statistical analysis of the results showed a significant increase in both adrenaline and noradrenaline excretion in the group of obeses subjects compared with the diabetics. The increased catecholamine excretion may represent the response of the adrenal medulla to the stress of the disease. Such an increase may be responsible for perpheral insulin resistence and hence acts as a diabetogenic factor. The results obtained emphasize the influence of catecholamines on insulin responsiveness, possibly constituting a major contribution to the diabetic state.", "contents": "[Urinary excretion of catecholamines in obese subjects and in diabetics (author's transl)]. 95 obese subjects, 40 diabetics and 22 normal controls were investigated. The weight of all obese subjects was at least 20% higher than the ideal weight. Catecholamine excretion was determined a few days after hospitalization to minimize the influence of environmental changes. Spectrofluorimetric estimation of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the urine was carried out according to the method of von Euler and Lihajko. Statistical analysis of the results showed a significant increase in both adrenaline and noradrenaline excretion in the group of obeses subjects compared with the diabetics. The increased catecholamine excretion may represent the response of the adrenal medulla to the stress of the disease. Such an increase may be responsible for perpheral insulin resistence and hence acts as a diabetogenic factor. The results obtained emphasize the influence of catecholamines on insulin responsiveness, possibly constituting a major contribution to the diabetic state.", "PMID": 992195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4618", "title": "[Changes in carbohydrate metabolism and efficiency of hypoglycemic drugs related to the light dark cycle in rats. A study on stimulated diaphragm (author's transl)].", "content": "A study of glucose uptake and lactate release was performed on isolated diaphragm stimulated regularly by an electric device. This stimulated model is much more sensitive than the motionless diaphragm preparation in the Warburg apparatus. The diaphragms take up twice as much glucose and release one and a half times more lactate during summer than during winter. This increase relates to lighting conditions. It is suppressed even during summer, if rats are maintained in darkness for 15 days before the experiment, other factors remaining unchanged. Several antidiabetic drugs (insulin, metformin, phenformin, buformin), active on the stimulated diaphragm, have their effects reduced or suppressed when animals are exposed to intense light; they regain their effect even during summer, if the animals are kept in the dark. The mechanism and practical implication of these findings are discussed.", "contents": "[Changes in carbohydrate metabolism and efficiency of hypoglycemic drugs related to the light dark cycle in rats. A study on stimulated diaphragm (author's transl)]. A study of glucose uptake and lactate release was performed on isolated diaphragm stimulated regularly by an electric device. This stimulated model is much more sensitive than the motionless diaphragm preparation in the Warburg apparatus. The diaphragms take up twice as much glucose and release one and a half times more lactate during summer than during winter. This increase relates to lighting conditions. It is suppressed even during summer, if rats are maintained in darkness for 15 days before the experiment, other factors remaining unchanged. Several antidiabetic drugs (insulin, metformin, phenformin, buformin), active on the stimulated diaphragm, have their effects reduced or suppressed when animals are exposed to intense light; they regain their effect even during summer, if the animals are kept in the dark. The mechanism and practical implication of these findings are discussed.", "PMID": 992196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4619", "title": "[Studies of lipoprotein lipase activity and adipocyte characteristics in the human: effect of obesity and diabetes (author's transl)].", "content": "Adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity (LPLA) and cellularity have been studied in controls, in diabetic or non-diabetic obese subjects and in insulin dependent diabetic patients. LPLA is increased in diabetic or non-diabetic obese subjects and in insulin dependent diabetic patients. LPLA is increased in diabetic or non-diabetic obese subjects (p less than 0.02) and decreased in insulin dependent diabetic patients (p less than 0.02). Adipocyte size is larger in obese subjects, whether diabetic or not (p less than 0.05). As defined by LPLA and cell size means, the different groups are related linearly. The implications of this relationship between LPLA and adipocyte size are considered.", "contents": "[Studies of lipoprotein lipase activity and adipocyte characteristics in the human: effect of obesity and diabetes (author's transl)]. Adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity (LPLA) and cellularity have been studied in controls, in diabetic or non-diabetic obese subjects and in insulin dependent diabetic patients. LPLA is increased in diabetic or non-diabetic obese subjects and in insulin dependent diabetic patients. LPLA is increased in diabetic or non-diabetic obese subjects (p less than 0.02) and decreased in insulin dependent diabetic patients (p less than 0.02). Adipocyte size is larger in obese subjects, whether diabetic or not (p less than 0.05). As defined by LPLA and cell size means, the different groups are related linearly. The implications of this relationship between LPLA and adipocyte size are considered.", "PMID": 992197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4620", "title": "Growth hormone stimulating the growth of arterial medial cells in vitro. Absence of effect of insulin.", "content": "Earlier studies have shown a stimulatory effect of diabetic serum on the growth of rabbit aortic medial cell cultures. Growth media supplemented with normal serum with added insulin (50-2,000 muU./ml. serum) did not enhance the growth of the medial cell cultures. Control media containing serum from recent diabetics with low insulin concentration stimulated the growth (2p less than 0.01). Supplementation of normal serum with human growth hormone (final concentration 1-5 ng./ml. medium) resulted in a significant enhancement of growth (2p less than 0.005). The growth-promoting effect of growth hormone was not detectable with lower concentrations (0.5 ng. and 0.1 ng./ml. medium). The growth effect of the low concentration of growth hormone could not be augmented by increasing the concentration of glucose in the incubation medium. Growth hormone in an amount of 1 ng./ml. medium increased both the number of 3H-thymidine-labeled cells as identified by autoradiography and the number of mitotic bodies (2p less than 0.005 and 2 p less than 0.025). The present results demonstrate that the growth-stimulating factor(s) in diabetic human serum described earlier is not insulin but may well be growth hormone.", "contents": "Growth hormone stimulating the growth of arterial medial cells in vitro. Absence of effect of insulin. Earlier studies have shown a stimulatory effect of diabetic serum on the growth of rabbit aortic medial cell cultures. Growth media supplemented with normal serum with added insulin (50-2,000 muU./ml. serum) did not enhance the growth of the medial cell cultures. Control media containing serum from recent diabetics with low insulin concentration stimulated the growth (2p less than 0.01). Supplementation of normal serum with human growth hormone (final concentration 1-5 ng./ml. medium) resulted in a significant enhancement of growth (2p less than 0.005). The growth-promoting effect of growth hormone was not detectable with lower concentrations (0.5 ng. and 0.1 ng./ml. medium). The growth effect of the low concentration of growth hormone could not be augmented by increasing the concentration of glucose in the incubation medium. Growth hormone in an amount of 1 ng./ml. medium increased both the number of 3H-thymidine-labeled cells as identified by autoradiography and the number of mitotic bodies (2p less than 0.005 and 2 p less than 0.025). The present results demonstrate that the growth-stimulating factor(s) in diabetic human serum described earlier is not insulin but may well be growth hormone.", "PMID": 992222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4621", "title": "Effect of environmental temperature on glucose-induced insulin response in the newborn rat.", "content": "Blood glucose and plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations were determined in full-term rats delivered by cesarean section and exposed to 37 degrees C. or 24 degrees C. environmental temperature during the first hours of extrauterine life. When newborn rats were maintained at thermal neutrality (37 degrees C.), a transient period of hypoglycemia of two hours occurred, associated with a rapid fall in plasma insulin and a rise in plasma glucagon concentrations. During cold exposure (24 degrees C.), the blood glucose level remained stable over the four hours studied; the decrease of plasma insulin was sluggish while the rise of plasma glucagon was unchanged. In newborn rats maintained at 37 degrees C., an intraperitoneal glucose load one hour after delivery produced a marked rise in blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations one hour later. The distribution of experimental points suggested a sigmoidal dose-response curve. By contrast in newborn rats kept at room temperature (24 degrees C.) the same glucose load did not induce any increase in plasma insulin in spite of hyperglycemia. However, phentolamine resulted in pronounced plasma insulin rise in hypothermic newborns in response to glucose administration. From these observations it is concluded that the in-vivo unresponsiveness of the beta cells to glucose at birth, reported by others, is mainly due to the experimental conditions.", "contents": "Effect of environmental temperature on glucose-induced insulin response in the newborn rat. Blood glucose and plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations were determined in full-term rats delivered by cesarean section and exposed to 37 degrees C. or 24 degrees C. environmental temperature during the first hours of extrauterine life. When newborn rats were maintained at thermal neutrality (37 degrees C.), a transient period of hypoglycemia of two hours occurred, associated with a rapid fall in plasma insulin and a rise in plasma glucagon concentrations. During cold exposure (24 degrees C.), the blood glucose level remained stable over the four hours studied; the decrease of plasma insulin was sluggish while the rise of plasma glucagon was unchanged. In newborn rats maintained at 37 degrees C., an intraperitoneal glucose load one hour after delivery produced a marked rise in blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations one hour later. The distribution of experimental points suggested a sigmoidal dose-response curve. By contrast in newborn rats kept at room temperature (24 degrees C.) the same glucose load did not induce any increase in plasma insulin in spite of hyperglycemia. However, phentolamine resulted in pronounced plasma insulin rise in hypothermic newborns in response to glucose administration. From these observations it is concluded that the in-vivo unresponsiveness of the beta cells to glucose at birth, reported by others, is mainly due to the experimental conditions.", "PMID": 992223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4622", "title": "Reversal of somatostatin inhibition of insulin and glucagon secretion.", "content": "These studies were designed to elucidate the mechanism of inhibitory action of somatostatin (SRIF) on glucagon (IRG) and insulin (IRI) secretion. Studies were carried out in the unrecirculated isolated rat pancreas perfusion with arginine 19.2 mM and glucose 5.5 mM as stimulus primarily for IRG but also IRI secretion. The effects of excess Ca++ (15.2 mEq./L.) and excess K+ (12.8 mEq./L.) on IRG, IRI, and the SRIF-inhibited pancreas were studied. Ca++ excess in five perfusions strikingly stimulated IRG secretion (+92 per cent) but only stabilized IRI secretion compared with control perfusions. K+ excess (in seven perfusions) markedly inhibited IRG secretion (-39 per cent) while stimulating IRI secretion (+16 per cent). Restoration of normal concentrations of K+ resulted in a rebound of IRG to levels 120 per cent that of controls. SRIF, at concentrations from 0.1-20 ng./ml., produced inhibition of both IRG and IRI. In 11 perfusions, with SRIF at 10 ng./ml., IRG decreased more than IRI (-75.2 per cent IRG and -46.9 per cent IRI). In five perfusions, addition of Ca++ (15.2 mEq./L.) 10 minutes after SRIF was started resulted in a reversal of IRG inhibition to 69.4 per cent and IRI to 73.2 per cent of the arginine controls. The reversal by Ca++ of SRIF effect on IRG was greater at higher concentrations of Ca++, suggesting some form of competition. In four perfusions, excess K+ reversed SRIF-induced IRI inhibition to 79.6 per cent that of controls but had no effect on IRG inhibition. Studies in vitro with isolated islets revealed that SRIF (2 mug./ml.) inhibited 45Ca uptake of islets as did epinephrine (10(-5) M). It was concluded that SRIF-induced inhibition of hormone release appears related to an action on Ca++ uptake.", "contents": "Reversal of somatostatin inhibition of insulin and glucagon secretion. These studies were designed to elucidate the mechanism of inhibitory action of somatostatin (SRIF) on glucagon (IRG) and insulin (IRI) secretion. Studies were carried out in the unrecirculated isolated rat pancreas perfusion with arginine 19.2 mM and glucose 5.5 mM as stimulus primarily for IRG but also IRI secretion. The effects of excess Ca++ (15.2 mEq./L.) and excess K+ (12.8 mEq./L.) on IRG, IRI, and the SRIF-inhibited pancreas were studied. Ca++ excess in five perfusions strikingly stimulated IRG secretion (+92 per cent) but only stabilized IRI secretion compared with control perfusions. K+ excess (in seven perfusions) markedly inhibited IRG secretion (-39 per cent) while stimulating IRI secretion (+16 per cent). Restoration of normal concentrations of K+ resulted in a rebound of IRG to levels 120 per cent that of controls. SRIF, at concentrations from 0.1-20 ng./ml., produced inhibition of both IRG and IRI. In 11 perfusions, with SRIF at 10 ng./ml., IRG decreased more than IRI (-75.2 per cent IRG and -46.9 per cent IRI). In five perfusions, addition of Ca++ (15.2 mEq./L.) 10 minutes after SRIF was started resulted in a reversal of IRG inhibition to 69.4 per cent and IRI to 73.2 per cent of the arginine controls. The reversal by Ca++ of SRIF effect on IRG was greater at higher concentrations of Ca++, suggesting some form of competition. In four perfusions, excess K+ reversed SRIF-induced IRI inhibition to 79.6 per cent that of controls but had no effect on IRG inhibition. Studies in vitro with isolated islets revealed that SRIF (2 mug./ml.) inhibited 45Ca uptake of islets as did epinephrine (10(-5) M). It was concluded that SRIF-induced inhibition of hormone release appears related to an action on Ca++ uptake.", "PMID": 992224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4623", "title": "Treatment of insulin-induced lipoatrophy.", "content": "Twenty children with insulin-induced lipoatrophy were successfully treated by injecting the insulin into the lipoatrophic area. In 10 children insulin therapy was replaced by monocomponent insulins, while the other 10 children were treated with the insulins they previously used. It is concluded that both monocomponent and less purified insulins are suitable for treating the complication of insulin therapy when the insulin is injected into the lipoatrophic area.", "contents": "Treatment of insulin-induced lipoatrophy. Twenty children with insulin-induced lipoatrophy were successfully treated by injecting the insulin into the lipoatrophic area. In 10 children insulin therapy was replaced by monocomponent insulins, while the other 10 children were treated with the insulins they previously used. It is concluded that both monocomponent and less purified insulins are suitable for treating the complication of insulin therapy when the insulin is injected into the lipoatrophic area.", "PMID": 992225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4624", "title": "Abnormal carbohydrate metabolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinsonism-dementia on Guam.", "content": "Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinsonism-dementia are unusually prevalent on Guam. Carbohydrate metabolism was studied in 110 patients with evidence diagnostic of or suspecious for these diseases. The combined incidence of known diabetes in 29 per cent of them plus a high percentage of glucose tolerance tests interpreted as abnormal, even when most age-related criteria were considered, was considerably higher than the incidence of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism reported elsewhere in the general population of the United States, the tropical Pacific area, or in recent surveys on Guam itself. The diabetes was generally mild in nature and noteworthy for a lack of retinopathy and other complications. Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperuricemia, although highly prevalent, were not consistently associated with abnormal glucose metabolism. Similarly, no consistent association was demonstrated with such factors as age, muscle atrophy, or physical activity.", "contents": "Abnormal carbohydrate metabolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinsonism-dementia on Guam. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinsonism-dementia are unusually prevalent on Guam. Carbohydrate metabolism was studied in 110 patients with evidence diagnostic of or suspecious for these diseases. The combined incidence of known diabetes in 29 per cent of them plus a high percentage of glucose tolerance tests interpreted as abnormal, even when most age-related criteria were considered, was considerably higher than the incidence of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism reported elsewhere in the general population of the United States, the tropical Pacific area, or in recent surveys on Guam itself. The diabetes was generally mild in nature and noteworthy for a lack of retinopathy and other complications. Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperuricemia, although highly prevalent, were not consistently associated with abnormal glucose metabolism. Similarly, no consistent association was demonstrated with such factors as age, muscle atrophy, or physical activity.", "PMID": 992226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4625", "title": "Insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin in normal physiology and diabetes mellitus.", "content": "Studies are reviewed in which the roles of insulin and glucagon in normal physiology and in diabetes are examined. In normal man, glucose ingestion is accompanied by a rise in insulin and fall in glucagon and is primarily disposed of in the liver, an organ sensitive to both hormones. However, infusions of glucagon in physiologic amounts indicate that insulin secretion rather than glucagon inhibition is the primary factor determining glucose disposal. Furthermore, minor elevations in blood glucose elicit increments in insulin concentration and inhibition of hepatic glucose output in the absence of changes in plasma glucagon. The primary physiologic role of glucagon is to prevent the hypoglycemia that would otherwise accompany noncarbohydrate (protein)-mediated insulin secretion. In diabetic as well as normal patients the stimulatory effect of glucagon on hepatic glucose production is evanescent. Increases in glucagon or changes in the I/G ratio can bring about deterioration in glucose tolerance or in diabetic control only so long as absolute insulin deficiency is present or pharmacologic elevations in glucagon are produced. After somatostatin administration, prolonged hypoinsulinemia in normal subjects is observed to result in fasting hyperglycemia in the absence of basal glucagon secretion. In diabetic patients the improvement in postprandial hyperglycemia produced by somatostatin can be accounted for by its inhibitory action on carbohydrate absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. It is concluded that insulin deficiency is the primary pathophysiologic disturbance in diabetes. While glocagon may worsen the consequences of insulin lack, it is neither sufficient nor necessary for the development of diabetes.", "contents": "Insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin in normal physiology and diabetes mellitus. Studies are reviewed in which the roles of insulin and glucagon in normal physiology and in diabetes are examined. In normal man, glucose ingestion is accompanied by a rise in insulin and fall in glucagon and is primarily disposed of in the liver, an organ sensitive to both hormones. However, infusions of glucagon in physiologic amounts indicate that insulin secretion rather than glucagon inhibition is the primary factor determining glucose disposal. Furthermore, minor elevations in blood glucose elicit increments in insulin concentration and inhibition of hepatic glucose output in the absence of changes in plasma glucagon. The primary physiologic role of glucagon is to prevent the hypoglycemia that would otherwise accompany noncarbohydrate (protein)-mediated insulin secretion. In diabetic as well as normal patients the stimulatory effect of glucagon on hepatic glucose production is evanescent. Increases in glucagon or changes in the I/G ratio can bring about deterioration in glucose tolerance or in diabetic control only so long as absolute insulin deficiency is present or pharmacologic elevations in glucagon are produced. After somatostatin administration, prolonged hypoinsulinemia in normal subjects is observed to result in fasting hyperglycemia in the absence of basal glucagon secretion. In diabetic patients the improvement in postprandial hyperglycemia produced by somatostatin can be accounted for by its inhibitory action on carbohydrate absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. It is concluded that insulin deficiency is the primary pathophysiologic disturbance in diabetes. While glocagon may worsen the consequences of insulin lack, it is neither sufficient nor necessary for the development of diabetes.", "PMID": 992227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4626", "title": "Early detection of diabetic visceral neuropathy. An electrophysiologic study of bladder and urethral innervation.", "content": "The segmental and supraspinal innervation of the detrusor muscle and periurethral striated musculature was studied in 27 patients with diabetes mellitus by gas cystometry, integrated sphincter electromyography, and spinal evoked-response latency measurements. Slowing of neural conduction velocities was a consistent finding in all the patients, even when cystometry did not show abnormalities. Thus, neuropathy in the segmental innervation of the bladder and urethra was documented.", "contents": "Early detection of diabetic visceral neuropathy. An electrophysiologic study of bladder and urethral innervation. The segmental and supraspinal innervation of the detrusor muscle and periurethral striated musculature was studied in 27 patients with diabetes mellitus by gas cystometry, integrated sphincter electromyography, and spinal evoked-response latency measurements. Slowing of neural conduction velocities was a consistent finding in all the patients, even when cystometry did not show abnormalities. Thus, neuropathy in the segmental innervation of the bladder and urethra was documented.", "PMID": 992228} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4627", "title": "Leucocyte-migration inhibition induced by uveoretinal antigen in patients with diabetic retinopathy.", "content": "Leucocyte-migration inhibition was to determine the state of hypersensitivity in 65 diabetic patients with different stages of retinopathy and 21 nondiabetic controls. About one third of the patients with simple or proliferative retinopathy exhibited significant leucocyte-migration inhibition of 0.2 mg/ml. protein concentration of uvreoretinal antigen. In contrast, only one of 15 patients with minimal retinopathy and none of the controls showed significant leucocyte-migration inhibition. Corneal and lenticular antigens did not evoke a cellular immune response in any of the tested individuals. These findings suggest that cell-mediated hypersensitivity to uveoretinal antigen may develop in diabetic patients with prolonged, progressive, simple or proliferative retinopathy.", "contents": "Leucocyte-migration inhibition induced by uveoretinal antigen in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Leucocyte-migration inhibition was to determine the state of hypersensitivity in 65 diabetic patients with different stages of retinopathy and 21 nondiabetic controls. About one third of the patients with simple or proliferative retinopathy exhibited significant leucocyte-migration inhibition of 0.2 mg/ml. protein concentration of uvreoretinal antigen. In contrast, only one of 15 patients with minimal retinopathy and none of the controls showed significant leucocyte-migration inhibition. Corneal and lenticular antigens did not evoke a cellular immune response in any of the tested individuals. These findings suggest that cell-mediated hypersensitivity to uveoretinal antigen may develop in diabetic patients with prolonged, progressive, simple or proliferative retinopathy.", "PMID": 992229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4628", "title": "Community screening for diabetes by blood glucose measurement. Results of a five-year experience.", "content": "The Diabetes Association of greater Cleveland screened 307,000 individuals in the metropolitan area for diabetes with a 75-gm. oral load of carbohydrate. Of these subjects 12,600 (4.1 per cent) had a two-capillary blood glucose level of greater than 139 mg. per cent and were defined as positive. Seventy per cent of the positives were retested, and 65 per cent of these again had two-hour levels greater than 139 mg. per cent. Seventy-one per cent of the original screening values were between 104 and 199 mg. per cent. The rate of positivity on retesting increased with the original screening bracket reaching 90 per cent at an original screening level of 240 mg. per cent or higher. The frequency of positive retests also increased with age irrespective of whether the original screening level was less than or greater than 200 mg. per cent. The implications of this large detection experience for conducting future mass surveys for diabetes are discussed.", "contents": "Community screening for diabetes by blood glucose measurement. Results of a five-year experience. The Diabetes Association of greater Cleveland screened 307,000 individuals in the metropolitan area for diabetes with a 75-gm. oral load of carbohydrate. Of these subjects 12,600 (4.1 per cent) had a two-capillary blood glucose level of greater than 139 mg. per cent and were defined as positive. Seventy per cent of the positives were retested, and 65 per cent of these again had two-hour levels greater than 139 mg. per cent. Seventy-one per cent of the original screening values were between 104 and 199 mg. per cent. The rate of positivity on retesting increased with the original screening bracket reaching 90 per cent at an original screening level of 240 mg. per cent or higher. The frequency of positive retests also increased with age irrespective of whether the original screening level was less than or greater than 200 mg. per cent. The implications of this large detection experience for conducting future mass surveys for diabetes are discussed.", "PMID": 992230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4629", "title": "Effects of pregnancy on hemoglobin AIc in normal, gestational diabetic, and diabetic women.", "content": "Hemoglobin AIc, a normal minor hemoglobin, has glucose linked by a Schiff base to the N-terminal end of the beta chain. The glucose interferes with the binding of 2,3 diphosphoglycerate, probably resulting in an increased affinity of that hemoglobin for oxygen. Hb AIc is increased to twice normal levels in juvenile-onset (insulin-dependent) diabetes. In the present studies, the Hb AIc, when expressed as per cent of total hemoglobin, was found to be elevated slightly in pregnany normal (m = 6.97 per cent), pregnant nondiabetic obese (m = 6.89 per cent), and gestationally diabetic subjects (m = 8.77 per cent) above that of normal females (m = 5.68 per cent). A remarkable difference was observed between the nonpregnant diabetics (m = 12.77 per cent) and the pregnant diabetics (m = 8.46 per cent). This decrease in the level of Hb AIc in diabetics who are pregnant more than 30 weeks may reflect either a better state of diabetic control and/or a compensatory mechanism to protect the fetus by facilitating oxygen exchange from mother to fetus.", "contents": "Effects of pregnancy on hemoglobin AIc in normal, gestational diabetic, and diabetic women. Hemoglobin AIc, a normal minor hemoglobin, has glucose linked by a Schiff base to the N-terminal end of the beta chain. The glucose interferes with the binding of 2,3 diphosphoglycerate, probably resulting in an increased affinity of that hemoglobin for oxygen. Hb AIc is increased to twice normal levels in juvenile-onset (insulin-dependent) diabetes. In the present studies, the Hb AIc, when expressed as per cent of total hemoglobin, was found to be elevated slightly in pregnany normal (m = 6.97 per cent), pregnant nondiabetic obese (m = 6.89 per cent), and gestationally diabetic subjects (m = 8.77 per cent) above that of normal females (m = 5.68 per cent). A remarkable difference was observed between the nonpregnant diabetics (m = 12.77 per cent) and the pregnant diabetics (m = 8.46 per cent). This decrease in the level of Hb AIc in diabetics who are pregnant more than 30 weeks may reflect either a better state of diabetic control and/or a compensatory mechanism to protect the fetus by facilitating oxygen exchange from mother to fetus.", "PMID": 992231} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4630", "title": "Scanning electron microscopy of cell-surface changes in methylnitrosurea (MNU)-treated rat bladders in vivo and in vitro.", "content": "Scanning electron microscopy has been used (1) to characterize epithelial cells of bladders from normal rats and from rats treated with a single initiating but non-carcinogenic dose of 2 mg methylnitrosurea (MNU), 24 h and 6 weeks after treatment; and (2) to compare morphological aspects of epithelial differentiation in organ culture of bladder explants taken from untreated and MNU-treated rats at these time intervals. There are marked differences in vivo between the surface organization of normal urothelium and urothelium undergoing reversible hyperplasia following MNU treatment. Maturation of the normal rat bladder epithelium in vivo is shown to be related to a series of well-defined cell-surface changes readily identified by SEM. By contrast the maturation response is perturbed in the hyperplastic epithelium; the cells lose their ability to differentiate normally and form instead an excess of stubby globular microvilli which project from the cell surface. In organ culture, maturation of normal bladder epithelium (both in re-epithelialized areas of the explant and in areas of epithelial outgrowth over cellulose acetate substrates) can be also related to a series of cell surface changes showing close similarities to those in vivo. However, epithelial maturation remains defective in organ cultures of bladders from MNU-treated animals. The closely parallel behaviour of the bladder epithelium in vivo and in vitro in both normal and treated tissues underlines the potential value of the bladder organ culture system for studying the comparative biology of hyperplastic development produced by a single initiating dose of MNU and suggests it will be useful with which to study carcinogenesis following multiple doses of MNU.", "contents": "Scanning electron microscopy of cell-surface changes in methylnitrosurea (MNU)-treated rat bladders in vivo and in vitro. Scanning electron microscopy has been used (1) to characterize epithelial cells of bladders from normal rats and from rats treated with a single initiating but non-carcinogenic dose of 2 mg methylnitrosurea (MNU), 24 h and 6 weeks after treatment; and (2) to compare morphological aspects of epithelial differentiation in organ culture of bladder explants taken from untreated and MNU-treated rats at these time intervals. There are marked differences in vivo between the surface organization of normal urothelium and urothelium undergoing reversible hyperplasia following MNU treatment. Maturation of the normal rat bladder epithelium in vivo is shown to be related to a series of well-defined cell-surface changes readily identified by SEM. By contrast the maturation response is perturbed in the hyperplastic epithelium; the cells lose their ability to differentiate normally and form instead an excess of stubby globular microvilli which project from the cell surface. In organ culture, maturation of normal bladder epithelium (both in re-epithelialized areas of the explant and in areas of epithelial outgrowth over cellulose acetate substrates) can be also related to a series of cell surface changes showing close similarities to those in vivo. However, epithelial maturation remains defective in organ cultures of bladders from MNU-treated animals. The closely parallel behaviour of the bladder epithelium in vivo and in vitro in both normal and treated tissues underlines the potential value of the bladder organ culture system for studying the comparative biology of hyperplastic development produced by a single initiating dose of MNU and suggests it will be useful with which to study carcinogenesis following multiple doses of MNU.", "PMID": 992239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4631", "title": "Effect of rate of replication upon transcription in chick embryo limb bud mesenchyme cells in organ culture.", "content": "In partially synchronized organ cultures of limb bud mesenchyme cells of the 3 1/2-day chick embryo the net accumulation of RNA per cell, including DNA-like RNA, is greater than in randomly dividing cells. Based on levels of newly synthesized DNA, RNA accumulation is greater in the last half of the S period when the rate of DNA synthesis is slower. The ratio of newly synthesized RNA, including DNA-like RNA, to newly.synthesized DNA, is also increased when the rate of DNA replication is reduced with cytosine arabinoside and hydroxyurea. The proportion of newly synthesized non-histone protein to total protein in the chromatin increased with a slower rate of DNA replication and this may account for the augmented transcription. At equivalent levels of inhibition of protein synthesis with the arginine analogue, canavanine, and cycloheximide, it was found that canavanine was more effective in reducing the rate of DNA replication. This suggests that histone synthesis plays a role in controlling the rate of DNA replication. The importance of such findings is that a difference in rate of replication of the same DNA sequences in two cells could cause differential transcription resulting in these cells expressing diverse patterns of cell differentiation.", "contents": "Effect of rate of replication upon transcription in chick embryo limb bud mesenchyme cells in organ culture. In partially synchronized organ cultures of limb bud mesenchyme cells of the 3 1/2-day chick embryo the net accumulation of RNA per cell, including DNA-like RNA, is greater than in randomly dividing cells. Based on levels of newly synthesized DNA, RNA accumulation is greater in the last half of the S period when the rate of DNA synthesis is slower. The ratio of newly synthesized RNA, including DNA-like RNA, to newly.synthesized DNA, is also increased when the rate of DNA replication is reduced with cytosine arabinoside and hydroxyurea. The proportion of newly synthesized non-histone protein to total protein in the chromatin increased with a slower rate of DNA replication and this may account for the augmented transcription. At equivalent levels of inhibition of protein synthesis with the arginine analogue, canavanine, and cycloheximide, it was found that canavanine was more effective in reducing the rate of DNA replication. This suggests that histone synthesis plays a role in controlling the rate of DNA replication. The importance of such findings is that a difference in rate of replication of the same DNA sequences in two cells could cause differential transcription resulting in these cells expressing diverse patterns of cell differentiation.", "PMID": 992240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4632", "title": "Hormone-induced alterations in nonhistone protein. Methylation and phosphorylation in Sciara coprophila.", "content": "Methylation and phosphorylation of chromosomal nonhistone protein (NHP) has been demonstrated in the salivary gland cells of diptera [5, 7] and implicated in the control of gene expression [35, 36]. Furthermore, hormones can stimulate methyl and phosphoryl side chain metabolism and thus enhance template activity. Salivary glands from late fourth instar female larvae of Sciara coprophila (cortisone-supplemented and normal diet) were incubated in 3H-uridine (10 muCi/ml), 3H-thymidine (10 muCi/ml), 3H-methyl-methionine (20 muCi/ml), 35S-methionine (10 muCi/ml) and 32P-orthophosphate (1 mc/ml), for varying time periods, to measure RNA synthesis, DNA synthesis, methylation, protein synthesis and phosphorylation, respectively. Following selective extraction of lipid, histone and nucleic acids, glands were prepared for light microscope autoradiography. A more specific labelling pattern, as well as increased grain number on particular bands, interbands and bulbs, was noted on chromosomes from cortisone-fed larvae incubated in 3H-methyl-methionine for 1 min when compared with larvae on the standard diet. Cortisone also increased RNA synthesis and nucleoprotein phosphorylation, but not DNA or protein synthesis. In summary, cortisone enhances the specificity and degree of NHP methylation and phosphorylation at discrete chromosomal loci, i.e. alterations in side chain metabolism which may be responsible for increased RNA synthesis.", "contents": "Hormone-induced alterations in nonhistone protein. Methylation and phosphorylation in Sciara coprophila. Methylation and phosphorylation of chromosomal nonhistone protein (NHP) has been demonstrated in the salivary gland cells of diptera [5, 7] and implicated in the control of gene expression [35, 36]. Furthermore, hormones can stimulate methyl and phosphoryl side chain metabolism and thus enhance template activity. Salivary glands from late fourth instar female larvae of Sciara coprophila (cortisone-supplemented and normal diet) were incubated in 3H-uridine (10 muCi/ml), 3H-thymidine (10 muCi/ml), 3H-methyl-methionine (20 muCi/ml), 35S-methionine (10 muCi/ml) and 32P-orthophosphate (1 mc/ml), for varying time periods, to measure RNA synthesis, DNA synthesis, methylation, protein synthesis and phosphorylation, respectively. Following selective extraction of lipid, histone and nucleic acids, glands were prepared for light microscope autoradiography. A more specific labelling pattern, as well as increased grain number on particular bands, interbands and bulbs, was noted on chromosomes from cortisone-fed larvae incubated in 3H-methyl-methionine for 1 min when compared with larvae on the standard diet. Cortisone also increased RNA synthesis and nucleoprotein phosphorylation, but not DNA or protein synthesis. In summary, cortisone enhances the specificity and degree of NHP methylation and phosphorylation at discrete chromosomal loci, i.e. alterations in side chain metabolism which may be responsible for increased RNA synthesis.", "PMID": 992241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4633", "title": "Ontogeny of LDH-isozymes in Mexican Axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum by thin-layer isoelectric focusing.", "content": "The ontogeny of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isozymes in developing Mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum was investigated by thin-layer isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel. The isoelectric points (pI values) of the isozymes were determined. The minor components generally remained masked during conventional electrophoresis, but became sharp as isofocusing progressed. We identified in developing eggs and embryos five major LDH isozymes, which could also be traced in the ovarian eggs. All these isozymes, except LDH-1, consisted of one major and one minor component. Heterogeneity in axolotl LDH is reported for the first time. The separated isozymes had pI values from 5.24-6.60. Contrary to observations made by others, it was found that the anodal forms of LDH (PIs 5.24-5.80) were prominent throughout, while the remainder (pIs 6.16-6.60) gradually lost their stainability. It thus appears that isoelectric focusing is a possible method for the analysis of protein mixtures and can be successfully applied to problems of differentiation.", "contents": "Ontogeny of LDH-isozymes in Mexican Axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum by thin-layer isoelectric focusing. The ontogeny of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isozymes in developing Mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum was investigated by thin-layer isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel. The isoelectric points (pI values) of the isozymes were determined. The minor components generally remained masked during conventional electrophoresis, but became sharp as isofocusing progressed. We identified in developing eggs and embryos five major LDH isozymes, which could also be traced in the ovarian eggs. All these isozymes, except LDH-1, consisted of one major and one minor component. Heterogeneity in axolotl LDH is reported for the first time. The separated isozymes had pI values from 5.24-6.60. Contrary to observations made by others, it was found that the anodal forms of LDH (PIs 5.24-5.80) were prominent throughout, while the remainder (pIs 6.16-6.60) gradually lost their stainability. It thus appears that isoelectric focusing is a possible method for the analysis of protein mixtures and can be successfully applied to problems of differentiation.", "PMID": 992242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4634", "title": "Deconjugation of bile acids by human intestinal bacteria.", "content": "The purpose of this report is to present the deconjugation of bile acids by numbers of strains of bacteria in the small intestine and feces. The small intestinal juice was aseptically aspirated by a double lumen tube with a rubber cover on the tip devised by us (\"Fukushima Type 1\"). Bile acids were analyzed with thin layer chromatography. 1) Among aerobic bacteria, species of which all of the strains split conjugated bile acids was enterococcus, and most of the strains split were Staphylococcus (S.) epidermidis and Lactobacillus (L.) bifidus. Species of which none of the strains split were Escherichia (E.) coli, E. communior, E. freundii, L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, L. buchneri, L. cellobiosus, L. bulgaricus, S. aureus, Aerobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, candida, proteus, serratia, and almost none of the species split was Intermediate coliform bacilli. 2) Among anaerobic bacteria, species of which all of the strains split were Bacteroides (B.) vulgatus, B. thetaiotaomicron, B. uniformis, Corynebacterium (C.) granulosum, C. avidum, Peptostreptococcus (Peptostrept.) putridus, Eubacterium (Eubact.) lentum, Peptococcus (Pept.) grigoroffii, Pept. anaerobius, Veillonella (V.) orbiculus, and most of the strains split were Coryne. diphtheroides, Eubact. parvum, Peptostrept. intermedius. Species of which none of the strains split were Coryne, parvum, Peptostrept. micros, V. alcalescens, V. parvula, Catenabacterium (Catena.) catenaforme, and Catena. filamentosum. 3) All or none, or almost all or none, of the strains of each species tested split conjugated bile acids, and it seems probably that the presence or absence of this ability would be a proper character of eachspecies.", "contents": "Deconjugation of bile acids by human intestinal bacteria. The purpose of this report is to present the deconjugation of bile acids by numbers of strains of bacteria in the small intestine and feces. The small intestinal juice was aseptically aspirated by a double lumen tube with a rubber cover on the tip devised by us (\"Fukushima Type 1\"). Bile acids were analyzed with thin layer chromatography. 1) Among aerobic bacteria, species of which all of the strains split conjugated bile acids was enterococcus, and most of the strains split were Staphylococcus (S.) epidermidis and Lactobacillus (L.) bifidus. Species of which none of the strains split were Escherichia (E.) coli, E. communior, E. freundii, L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, L. buchneri, L. cellobiosus, L. bulgaricus, S. aureus, Aerobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, candida, proteus, serratia, and almost none of the species split was Intermediate coliform bacilli. 2) Among anaerobic bacteria, species of which all of the strains split were Bacteroides (B.) vulgatus, B. thetaiotaomicron, B. uniformis, Corynebacterium (C.) granulosum, C. avidum, Peptostreptococcus (Peptostrept.) putridus, Eubacterium (Eubact.) lentum, Peptococcus (Pept.) grigoroffii, Pept. anaerobius, Veillonella (V.) orbiculus, and most of the strains split were Coryne. diphtheroides, Eubact. parvum, Peptostrept. intermedius. Species of which none of the strains split were Coryne, parvum, Peptostrept. micros, V. alcalescens, V. parvula, Catenabacterium (Catena.) catenaforme, and Catena. filamentosum. 3) All or none, or almost all or none, of the strains of each species tested split conjugated bile acids, and it seems probably that the presence or absence of this ability would be a proper character of eachspecies.", "PMID": 992250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4635", "title": "Mucous barrier and peptic ulcer of the stomach.", "content": "Mucous barrier was searched by the histochemical method of mucopolysaccharides and by the measurement of precipitated mucus of gastric juice. The neutral polysaccharide stored within the surface epithelial cells must be a source of the mucus of the gastric juice. The storage of the polysaccaride was decreased by a long-term stimulation by histamine, and the precipitated mucus volume was also decreased shortly after the stimulation. Therefore, some kind of the stimulation for the gastric secretion must be avoided for prevention of peptic ulcer. The oral administration of the sulfuric polysaccharide extracted from seaweed prevented the occurrence of experimental ulcer. It may be concluded that the exogeneous polysaccaride can take the place of the endogenous polysaccharide.", "contents": "Mucous barrier and peptic ulcer of the stomach. Mucous barrier was searched by the histochemical method of mucopolysaccharides and by the measurement of precipitated mucus of gastric juice. The neutral polysaccharide stored within the surface epithelial cells must be a source of the mucus of the gastric juice. The storage of the polysaccaride was decreased by a long-term stimulation by histamine, and the precipitated mucus volume was also decreased shortly after the stimulation. Therefore, some kind of the stimulation for the gastric secretion must be avoided for prevention of peptic ulcer. The oral administration of the sulfuric polysaccharide extracted from seaweed prevented the occurrence of experimental ulcer. It may be concluded that the exogeneous polysaccaride can take the place of the endogenous polysaccharide.", "PMID": 992251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4636", "title": "Effects of anticancer agents of the intestinal epithelium. A morphologic study.", "content": "In order to make clear the pathophysiology of digestive symptoms which are caused with anticancer agents, three anticancer agents, i.e., mitomycin C, 5-FU and cytosine arabinoside were administered pre-operatively, and the ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium, especially that of absorptive cells, were studied on the specimens collected intra-operatively. In view of the finding that severe degeneration occurred inside cytoplasms, chiefly their nuclei, it was surmised that the biosynthesis and supply of proteins such as digestive enzymes were not amply carried on; hence, the chemotherapy could give rise to severe digestion and absorption disorders. It appeared necessary to further study the dosage and dosage schedule of the anticancer agents, along with the necessity for taking ample care of patients presenting such disorders.", "contents": "Effects of anticancer agents of the intestinal epithelium. A morphologic study. In order to make clear the pathophysiology of digestive symptoms which are caused with anticancer agents, three anticancer agents, i.e., mitomycin C, 5-FU and cytosine arabinoside were administered pre-operatively, and the ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium, especially that of absorptive cells, were studied on the specimens collected intra-operatively. In view of the finding that severe degeneration occurred inside cytoplasms, chiefly their nuclei, it was surmised that the biosynthesis and supply of proteins such as digestive enzymes were not amply carried on; hence, the chemotherapy could give rise to severe digestion and absorption disorders. It appeared necessary to further study the dosage and dosage schedule of the anticancer agents, along with the necessity for taking ample care of patients presenting such disorders.", "PMID": 992252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4637", "title": "Consideration of hepatic factor influence on drip infusion cholangiography.", "content": "The plasma disappearance rate (K) and transfer rate constants for the two compartmental system of Indocyanine Green (ICG) were calculated in visualized and nonvisualized cases of the biliary tract with hepatobiliary disease using drip infusion cholangiography (DIC). In nonvisualized cases with hepatocellular disorder K and the fractional hepatic removal rate mainly decreased, and in nonvisualized cases with cholelithiasis the fractional biliary secretory rate significantly decreased by DIC-A, utilizing it as a screening test. Three methods (B,C and D) of drip infusion cholangiography were established according to the result of the I-CG test. Through DIC-B, C- or -D in addition to DIC-A the visualization of the biliary tract significantly elevated in patients with hepatocellular disorder and cholelithiasis. These results were confirmed using 131I-iodipamide. In some cases the serum transaminase activity elevated, but the elevation was temporary.", "contents": "Consideration of hepatic factor influence on drip infusion cholangiography. The plasma disappearance rate (K) and transfer rate constants for the two compartmental system of Indocyanine Green (ICG) were calculated in visualized and nonvisualized cases of the biliary tract with hepatobiliary disease using drip infusion cholangiography (DIC). In nonvisualized cases with hepatocellular disorder K and the fractional hepatic removal rate mainly decreased, and in nonvisualized cases with cholelithiasis the fractional biliary secretory rate significantly decreased by DIC-A, utilizing it as a screening test. Three methods (B,C and D) of drip infusion cholangiography were established according to the result of the I-CG test. Through DIC-B, C- or -D in addition to DIC-A the visualization of the biliary tract significantly elevated in patients with hepatocellular disorder and cholelithiasis. These results were confirmed using 131I-iodipamide. In some cases the serum transaminase activity elevated, but the elevation was temporary.", "PMID": 992253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4638", "title": "Serum amylase isozyme changes in chronic pancreatitis and their clinical significance.", "content": "The diagnostic usefulness of serum amylase isozyme measurement was investigated in 17 cases of definite chronic pancreatitis and 13 cases of suspected chronic pancreatitis, a total of 30 cases. Six types of serum isoamylase patterns were distinguished according to the character of the two main amylase activities at the fraction of fast-gamma globulin and pre-gamma globulin. The amylase activity of the fast-gamma fraction rises in acute exacerbation, and falls in cases of chronic calcifying pancreatitis and in cases with a marked decrease in pancreatic exocrine function. Especially, a fall in fast-gamma amylase activity excellently reflects a decrease in pancreatic enzyme production. The measurement of amylase activity at the fast-gamma fraction therefore appears to be a useful method for assessing pancreatic damage. The significance of a frequent rise in pre-gamma amylase activity in chronic pancreatitis remains unknown.", "contents": "Serum amylase isozyme changes in chronic pancreatitis and their clinical significance. The diagnostic usefulness of serum amylase isozyme measurement was investigated in 17 cases of definite chronic pancreatitis and 13 cases of suspected chronic pancreatitis, a total of 30 cases. Six types of serum isoamylase patterns were distinguished according to the character of the two main amylase activities at the fraction of fast-gamma globulin and pre-gamma globulin. The amylase activity of the fast-gamma fraction rises in acute exacerbation, and falls in cases of chronic calcifying pancreatitis and in cases with a marked decrease in pancreatic exocrine function. Especially, a fall in fast-gamma amylase activity excellently reflects a decrease in pancreatic enzyme production. The measurement of amylase activity at the fast-gamma fraction therefore appears to be a useful method for assessing pancreatic damage. The significance of a frequent rise in pre-gamma amylase activity in chronic pancreatitis remains unknown.", "PMID": 992254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4639", "title": "New insertion technique in colonoscopy, forming N-loop and using a stiffening cord.", "content": "New insertion technique in colonoscopy with a middle length colonscope which is easy to be handled and without guidance of fluoroscopy was reported. Forming a small N-loop at the sigmoid colon, it was easy to pass the sigmoid colon where is one of the most difficult points to pass through. Further, using a differing cord, the sigmoid colon and the transverse colon were easily straightened and no more loop was seen. With this technique, ileocecal area was observed in 26 of 30 cases (86.7%) and its average time for the insertion required only 17.4 minutes. Therefore, with this technique ,it is emphasized that we can easily observed almost all parts of the colonic mucosa and also terminal ileum without the fluoroscopic control.", "contents": "New insertion technique in colonoscopy, forming N-loop and using a stiffening cord. New insertion technique in colonoscopy with a middle length colonscope which is easy to be handled and without guidance of fluoroscopy was reported. Forming a small N-loop at the sigmoid colon, it was easy to pass the sigmoid colon where is one of the most difficult points to pass through. Further, using a differing cord, the sigmoid colon and the transverse colon were easily straightened and no more loop was seen. With this technique, ileocecal area was observed in 26 of 30 cases (86.7%) and its average time for the insertion required only 17.4 minutes. Therefore, with this technique ,it is emphasized that we can easily observed almost all parts of the colonic mucosa and also terminal ileum without the fluoroscopic control.", "PMID": 992255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4640", "title": "Thymus abnormalities in ulcerative colitis- comparative study with other autoimmune diseases.", "content": "Since the thymus is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, thymus abnormalities were studied on 18 cases of ulcerative colitis by using pneumomediastinography and histopathological examination. We have compared the thymic abnormality of ulcerative colitis with that of 104 cases of variety of autoimmune diseases. The denser and larger thymic shadow was seen in ulcerative colitis and this finding was same as in other autoimmune diseases. But the thymic size in ulcerative colitis was the largest in all examined autoimmune diseases. The incidence of thymic lymphoid follicle formation in ulcerative colitis was significantly higher than that of accidental death and this high incidence of lymphoid follicle formation is similar to other autoimmune diseases. We suggested that ulcerative colitis might be caused by the abnormal thymus dependent system.", "contents": "Thymus abnormalities in ulcerative colitis- comparative study with other autoimmune diseases. Since the thymus is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, thymus abnormalities were studied on 18 cases of ulcerative colitis by using pneumomediastinography and histopathological examination. We have compared the thymic abnormality of ulcerative colitis with that of 104 cases of variety of autoimmune diseases. The denser and larger thymic shadow was seen in ulcerative colitis and this finding was same as in other autoimmune diseases. But the thymic size in ulcerative colitis was the largest in all examined autoimmune diseases. The incidence of thymic lymphoid follicle formation in ulcerative colitis was significantly higher than that of accidental death and this high incidence of lymphoid follicle formation is similar to other autoimmune diseases. We suggested that ulcerative colitis might be caused by the abnormal thymus dependent system.", "PMID": 992256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4641", "title": "An autopsy case of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome.", "content": "An autopsy case of Cronkhite-Canada's syndrome characterized by diffuse gastrointestinal polyposis, alopetia, onychodystrophia and pigmentation of the skin is reported. The patient, 51 year-old-male, died with general weakness and pneumonia at 6 months after the first notice of alopetia anorexia and weight loss. Numerous and various sized polyps and polypoid lesions were revealed in the gastrointestinal tracts at the autopsy. The microscopic pictures of the lesions were composed of hyperplastic or papillary adenomatous polyps with hyperplasia of mucosa epithelium. In some of the lesions, the glands are cystically dilated containing mucous. Lymph vessels of thelamina propria and the submucosa benerked chronic inflammatory infiltrate was noted. The present report is described the histopathological findings of the gastrointestinal lesions with Cronkhite-Canada syndrome and discussed with literature.", "contents": "An autopsy case of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome. An autopsy case of Cronkhite-Canada's syndrome characterized by diffuse gastrointestinal polyposis, alopetia, onychodystrophia and pigmentation of the skin is reported. The patient, 51 year-old-male, died with general weakness and pneumonia at 6 months after the first notice of alopetia anorexia and weight loss. Numerous and various sized polyps and polypoid lesions were revealed in the gastrointestinal tracts at the autopsy. The microscopic pictures of the lesions were composed of hyperplastic or papillary adenomatous polyps with hyperplasia of mucosa epithelium. In some of the lesions, the glands are cystically dilated containing mucous. Lymph vessels of thelamina propria and the submucosa benerked chronic inflammatory infiltrate was noted. The present report is described the histopathological findings of the gastrointestinal lesions with Cronkhite-Canada syndrome and discussed with literature.", "PMID": 992257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4642", "title": "Studies on the relationship between the histological changes and liver cell function or plasma proteins in hepatic diseases.", "content": "Histological changes of liver biopsy specimens were compared with functioning liver cell mass estimated by an index, ICG capacity, and with plasma levels of various proteins, in 85 patients with liver diseases. IGC capacity was inversely proportional to the degrees of liver cell degeneration and lymphocyte infiltration in the portal tracts and parenchyma, in contrast to plasma disappearance rate of ICG (K), which was inversely proportional to the degrees of portal tract fibrosis and bridge formation. Among the plasma proteins synthesized in the liver, the plasma levels of prealbumin, and alpha1-acid glycoprotein showed the tendencies to decrease with the increase in the degrees of liver cell degeneration. The levels of ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin beta1A/C and transferrin were proportional to the degree of the degeneration. Plasma albumin had no correlation to any histological change. The plasma levels of gamma-globulin and IgG were both proportional to the degrees of portal tract fibrosis and bridge formation. IgM also paralleled to the degree of the fibrosis. The level of IgA was inversely proportional to the degree of liver cell swelling. It was concluded that quantitative estimations of some histological changes in the liver are valuable for the estimations of liver function and the grade of the diseases of the liver.", "contents": "Studies on the relationship between the histological changes and liver cell function or plasma proteins in hepatic diseases. Histological changes of liver biopsy specimens were compared with functioning liver cell mass estimated by an index, ICG capacity, and with plasma levels of various proteins, in 85 patients with liver diseases. IGC capacity was inversely proportional to the degrees of liver cell degeneration and lymphocyte infiltration in the portal tracts and parenchyma, in contrast to plasma disappearance rate of ICG (K), which was inversely proportional to the degrees of portal tract fibrosis and bridge formation. Among the plasma proteins synthesized in the liver, the plasma levels of prealbumin, and alpha1-acid glycoprotein showed the tendencies to decrease with the increase in the degrees of liver cell degeneration. The levels of ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin beta1A/C and transferrin were proportional to the degree of the degeneration. Plasma albumin had no correlation to any histological change. The plasma levels of gamma-globulin and IgG were both proportional to the degrees of portal tract fibrosis and bridge formation. IgM also paralleled to the degree of the fibrosis. The level of IgA was inversely proportional to the degree of liver cell swelling. It was concluded that quantitative estimations of some histological changes in the liver are valuable for the estimations of liver function and the grade of the diseases of the liver.", "PMID": 992258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4643", "title": "Investigation of the hepatic excretion mechanism of indocyanine green in patients with liver disease.", "content": "The purpose of the present paper is to clarify the disturbance of the indocyanine green (ICG) uptake-excretion mechanism in patients with liver disease. The following parameters were used to indicate the disappearance rate of various dyes from plasma; K for ICG, KAU for 198Au colloid and KRB for 131I-rose bengal. ICG was administered intravenously using three different continuous infusion rates on all patients. The maximum rate of biliary excretion (Tm) as well as the relative hepatic storage capacity (S) were determined. Tm and S definitely decreased in cases with liver cirrhosis. Tm had no relationship to the degree of liver damage, but S fell in proportion to its dysfunction. KAU and KRB significantly decreased in cases of liver cirrhosis, while chronic aggressive hepatitis revealed a marked decrease of Krb without an equivalent decrease of KAU. The correlation coefficient between K and S was definitely higher than that between K and Tm, and K was more closely correlated with KRB than KAU. From these results, it was reasonable to presume that K was more influenced by the hepatic uptake and storage than by the excretion of ICG in the bile, and indicated that the capacity of the liver to handle dyes.", "contents": "Investigation of the hepatic excretion mechanism of indocyanine green in patients with liver disease. The purpose of the present paper is to clarify the disturbance of the indocyanine green (ICG) uptake-excretion mechanism in patients with liver disease. The following parameters were used to indicate the disappearance rate of various dyes from plasma; K for ICG, KAU for 198Au colloid and KRB for 131I-rose bengal. ICG was administered intravenously using three different continuous infusion rates on all patients. The maximum rate of biliary excretion (Tm) as well as the relative hepatic storage capacity (S) were determined. Tm and S definitely decreased in cases with liver cirrhosis. Tm had no relationship to the degree of liver damage, but S fell in proportion to its dysfunction. KAU and KRB significantly decreased in cases of liver cirrhosis, while chronic aggressive hepatitis revealed a marked decrease of Krb without an equivalent decrease of KAU. The correlation coefficient between K and S was definitely higher than that between K and Tm, and K was more closely correlated with KRB than KAU. From these results, it was reasonable to presume that K was more influenced by the hepatic uptake and storage than by the excretion of ICG in the bile, and indicated that the capacity of the liver to handle dyes.", "PMID": 992259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4644", "title": "Stereological changes in rat parietal cells after vagotomy and antrectomy.", "content": "Gastric parietal cells from 44 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were studied in the electron microscope. The animals were divided into seven groups: normal fasted, normal nonfasted, 4 weeks after vagotomy, 10 weeks after vagotomy and pyloroplasty, 10 weeks after pyloroplasty, 4 weeks after antrectomy, and 10 weeks after antrectomy. Stereological data were obtained from 30 to 40 parietal cells in each animal. In the normal nonfasted rats the parietal cells high up in the glands had a larger secretory surface density than those at deeper levels of the mucosa. Neck parietal cells containing a few mucous granules constituted about 10% of the total number of parietal cells in the normal rats; they were most common in the midgland region. The average parietal cell volume in the normal fasted rats was calculated to be 1100 mu3; the cells were significantly smaller 10 weeks after vagotomy and pyloroplasty and still smaller 10 weeks after antrectomy. In this respect the results after vagotomy and pyloroplasty did not differ from those after pyloroplasty alone. The parietal cell density in the normal fasted rats averaged 144 X 10(3) cells per mm3; in the operated rats (except for the 4-week vagotomized rats) the cells became more numerous. The parietal cell volume density was about equal in all groups of animals, except for the 10-week antrectomized rats, where a significant reduction occurred.", "contents": "Stereological changes in rat parietal cells after vagotomy and antrectomy. Gastric parietal cells from 44 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were studied in the electron microscope. The animals were divided into seven groups: normal fasted, normal nonfasted, 4 weeks after vagotomy, 10 weeks after vagotomy and pyloroplasty, 10 weeks after pyloroplasty, 4 weeks after antrectomy, and 10 weeks after antrectomy. Stereological data were obtained from 30 to 40 parietal cells in each animal. In the normal nonfasted rats the parietal cells high up in the glands had a larger secretory surface density than those at deeper levels of the mucosa. Neck parietal cells containing a few mucous granules constituted about 10% of the total number of parietal cells in the normal rats; they were most common in the midgland region. The average parietal cell volume in the normal fasted rats was calculated to be 1100 mu3; the cells were significantly smaller 10 weeks after vagotomy and pyloroplasty and still smaller 10 weeks after antrectomy. In this respect the results after vagotomy and pyloroplasty did not differ from those after pyloroplasty alone. The parietal cell density in the normal fasted rats averaged 144 X 10(3) cells per mm3; in the operated rats (except for the 4-week vagotomized rats) the cells became more numerous. The parietal cell volume density was about equal in all groups of animals, except for the 10-week antrectomized rats, where a significant reduction occurred.", "PMID": 992262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4645", "title": "Structural locus of transmucosal albumin efflux in canine ileum. A fluorescent study.", "content": "This study demonstrates the effects of elevated intestinal venous pressure on the intestinal tissue spaces and the histological locus of the transmucosal albumin flux under such conditions. The authors were able to localize albumin in the tissues using an Evans blue-albumin fluorescence technique. This technique makes use of the fluorescence properties and albumin affinity of Evans blue dye (T-1824). Evans blue dye has a high affinity for albumin and emits a red-orange fluorescence at a wavelength of 720 nm. Evans blue was mixed with a solution of bovine serum albumin at concentrations that yield negligible amounts of free dye. Control ileal samples were obtained in order to visualize the natural tissue morphology and fluorescence. The Evans blue-albumin solution was injected and tissue samples were obtained 15 and 60 min postinjection, then venous outflow was occluded and after 15 and 60 min the tissues were sampled. Each sample was immediately frozen, freeze dried, embedded in paraffin, and 7-mu sections were made. The Evans blue-albumin was demonstrated histologically with a fluorescence microscope. No leakage sites were apparent at normal venous pressures. However, after elevation of venous pressure, Evans blue-albumin was observed in the interepithelial and/or intraepithelial spaces of villus tips, but no Evans blue-albumin was observed either between or within the epithelial cells of the crypts, or within the tubular crypt lumina. These results indicate that at elevated venous pressures, the transmucosal albumin flux occurs exclusively at the villus tip region, suggesting a great vulnerability of the cells found in this region to elevations in tissue pressure as compared to the crypt epithelial cells.", "contents": "Structural locus of transmucosal albumin efflux in canine ileum. A fluorescent study. This study demonstrates the effects of elevated intestinal venous pressure on the intestinal tissue spaces and the histological locus of the transmucosal albumin flux under such conditions. The authors were able to localize albumin in the tissues using an Evans blue-albumin fluorescence technique. This technique makes use of the fluorescence properties and albumin affinity of Evans blue dye (T-1824). Evans blue dye has a high affinity for albumin and emits a red-orange fluorescence at a wavelength of 720 nm. Evans blue was mixed with a solution of bovine serum albumin at concentrations that yield negligible amounts of free dye. Control ileal samples were obtained in order to visualize the natural tissue morphology and fluorescence. The Evans blue-albumin solution was injected and tissue samples were obtained 15 and 60 min postinjection, then venous outflow was occluded and after 15 and 60 min the tissues were sampled. Each sample was immediately frozen, freeze dried, embedded in paraffin, and 7-mu sections were made. The Evans blue-albumin was demonstrated histologically with a fluorescence microscope. No leakage sites were apparent at normal venous pressures. However, after elevation of venous pressure, Evans blue-albumin was observed in the interepithelial and/or intraepithelial spaces of villus tips, but no Evans blue-albumin was observed either between or within the epithelial cells of the crypts, or within the tubular crypt lumina. These results indicate that at elevated venous pressures, the transmucosal albumin flux occurs exclusively at the villus tip region, suggesting a great vulnerability of the cells found in this region to elevations in tissue pressure as compared to the crypt epithelial cells.", "PMID": 992263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4646", "title": "Intestinal adaptation to dietary calcium restriction: in vivo cecal and colonic calcium transport in the rat.", "content": "Small intestinal calcium transport adapts to dietary calcium restriction, but conservation of calcium by the ileum is incomplete. To examine the role of large intestine in calcium homeostasis, weight-matched growing rats were placed on semisynthetic diets containing 1.2 or 0.02% calcium. After 3 to 4 weeks, net calcium movements in cecum and colon (large bowel excluding cecum and distal rectum) were studied in vivo by perfusing a 0.4, 0.8, or 3.4 mM calcium solution. In animals taking 1.2% calcium, the cecum absorbed calcium actively at 0.8 mM; the colon showed net secretion except at 3.4 mM. In calcium-restricted animals, the cecum absorbed at all concentrations; the colon reduced secretion at 0.4 mM, converted to net absorption at 0.8 mM, and greatly increased net absorption at 3.4 mM. These observations suggest that the large intestine may have a role in calcium homeostasis, particularly when dietary calcium is restricted.", "contents": "Intestinal adaptation to dietary calcium restriction: in vivo cecal and colonic calcium transport in the rat. Small intestinal calcium transport adapts to dietary calcium restriction, but conservation of calcium by the ileum is incomplete. To examine the role of large intestine in calcium homeostasis, weight-matched growing rats were placed on semisynthetic diets containing 1.2 or 0.02% calcium. After 3 to 4 weeks, net calcium movements in cecum and colon (large bowel excluding cecum and distal rectum) were studied in vivo by perfusing a 0.4, 0.8, or 3.4 mM calcium solution. In animals taking 1.2% calcium, the cecum absorbed calcium actively at 0.8 mM; the colon showed net secretion except at 3.4 mM. In calcium-restricted animals, the cecum absorbed at all concentrations; the colon reduced secretion at 0.4 mM, converted to net absorption at 0.8 mM, and greatly increased net absorption at 3.4 mM. These observations suggest that the large intestine may have a role in calcium homeostasis, particularly when dietary calcium is restricted.", "PMID": 992264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4647", "title": "Abnormal regulation of plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate in patients with liver disease.", "content": "Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the coenzyme form of vitamin B6, is essential for many biochemical reactions in the body. Studies in experimental animals have suggested that the liver is a primary site for the formation of PLP circulating in the plasma, and that it may also participate in its degradation. This study evaluates, for the first time, the effects of liver disease in man on the regulation of plasma PLP. The plasma PLP level was measured before and sequentially after the rapid intravenous administration of 50 mg of pyridoxine to patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, acute hepatitis, and extrahepatic obstruction, and to normal control subjects. The base line plasma PLP concentration was significantly lower in cirrhotic patients than in normal persons (P less than 0.025), and there was a tendency for it to be reduced in patients with extrahepatic obstruction. After administration of pyridoxine there was a significant increase in the plasma PLP level over a 2- to 12-hr period, after which the concentration returned gradually toward the initial value. The area under the concentration/time curve was from 2 to 8 times smaller (P less than 0.002) in the patients with liver disease. To assess possible mechanisms of this change, 5 mg of PLP were intravenously administered to the various patient groups and the pharmacokinetics of the disposition were assessed. The initial and steady state volumes of distribution of PLP were comparable in cirrhotics and controls (P greater than 0.05), but the clearance of plasma PLP in cirrhotics was much faster (63.0 +/- 7.4 versus 31.7 +/- 2.7 ml per min, P less than 0.004). Similar findings were obtained in the other liver disease subjects. The in vitro plasma binding of PLP at supracirculatory concentrations was comparable in cirrhotics and controls (99.4 versus 99.5%, P greater than 0.05). (1) plasma PLP regulation in patients with liver disease is abnormal, (2) a significant factor in the decrease in plasma PLP after intravenous pyridoxine administration in these patients appears to be an increase in the total plasma clearance of the coenzyme, and (3) it is postulated that this may be due to increased degradation of PLP by the diseased liver.", "contents": "Abnormal regulation of plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate in patients with liver disease. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the coenzyme form of vitamin B6, is essential for many biochemical reactions in the body. Studies in experimental animals have suggested that the liver is a primary site for the formation of PLP circulating in the plasma, and that it may also participate in its degradation. This study evaluates, for the first time, the effects of liver disease in man on the regulation of plasma PLP. The plasma PLP level was measured before and sequentially after the rapid intravenous administration of 50 mg of pyridoxine to patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, acute hepatitis, and extrahepatic obstruction, and to normal control subjects. The base line plasma PLP concentration was significantly lower in cirrhotic patients than in normal persons (P less than 0.025), and there was a tendency for it to be reduced in patients with extrahepatic obstruction. After administration of pyridoxine there was a significant increase in the plasma PLP level over a 2- to 12-hr period, after which the concentration returned gradually toward the initial value. The area under the concentration/time curve was from 2 to 8 times smaller (P less than 0.002) in the patients with liver disease. To assess possible mechanisms of this change, 5 mg of PLP were intravenously administered to the various patient groups and the pharmacokinetics of the disposition were assessed. The initial and steady state volumes of distribution of PLP were comparable in cirrhotics and controls (P greater than 0.05), but the clearance of plasma PLP in cirrhotics was much faster (63.0 +/- 7.4 versus 31.7 +/- 2.7 ml per min, P less than 0.004). Similar findings were obtained in the other liver disease subjects. The in vitro plasma binding of PLP at supracirculatory concentrations was comparable in cirrhotics and controls (99.4 versus 99.5%, P greater than 0.05). (1) plasma PLP regulation in patients with liver disease is abnormal, (2) a significant factor in the decrease in plasma PLP after intravenous pyridoxine administration in these patients appears to be an increase in the total plasma clearance of the coenzyme, and (3) it is postulated that this may be due to increased degradation of PLP by the diseased liver.", "PMID": 992265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4648", "title": "Morphometric analysis of rat hepatocytes after total billary obstruction.", "content": "Using light and electron microscopic morphometric techniques, the effects of 48 hr of extrahepatic biliary obstruction on hepatocyte structure were examined in the rat. Liver cells near the portal area were compared to those in the centrilobular regions of the hepatic lobule. Observations on the normal animals confirm earlier evidence of quantitative differences in the surface density of organelles in hepatocytes located within different regions of the lobule. A striking difference in the quantity of the Golgi complex in the two areas of the lobule was noted for the first time, with the portal cells containing a significantly greater quantity of this organelle than centrolobular hepatocytes. After 48 hr of total obstruction, most of the previously reported qualitative changes in the canalicular and pericanalicular regions were confirmed. Morphometric analysis at the light-microscopic level showed an increase in the number of cells and a decrease in cell size in those cells near the portal area were compared to those in the centrolobular regions of the helar level demonstrated a significant decrease in both rough and smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum in cells of both zones, a finding in marked contrast to the hypertrophy of smooth endoplasmic reticulum suggested by other investigators on the basis of qualitative assessments. There was also a striking decrease in the amount of the Golgi complex, limited to cells in the portal regions. In addition, in all zones a decrease in the volume density of mitochondria and lysosomes was noted, whereas the volume of microbodies was increased. It is suggested that this loss in total membrane material within the cell may be secondary to the degranulation and decrease in total surface area of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, an organelle thought to be responsible in part for the synthesis of new cellular membranes. These observations suggest that present concepts concerning the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver disease require reappraisal.", "contents": "Morphometric analysis of rat hepatocytes after total billary obstruction. Using light and electron microscopic morphometric techniques, the effects of 48 hr of extrahepatic biliary obstruction on hepatocyte structure were examined in the rat. Liver cells near the portal area were compared to those in the centrilobular regions of the hepatic lobule. Observations on the normal animals confirm earlier evidence of quantitative differences in the surface density of organelles in hepatocytes located within different regions of the lobule. A striking difference in the quantity of the Golgi complex in the two areas of the lobule was noted for the first time, with the portal cells containing a significantly greater quantity of this organelle than centrolobular hepatocytes. After 48 hr of total obstruction, most of the previously reported qualitative changes in the canalicular and pericanalicular regions were confirmed. Morphometric analysis at the light-microscopic level showed an increase in the number of cells and a decrease in cell size in those cells near the portal area were compared to those in the centrolobular regions of the helar level demonstrated a significant decrease in both rough and smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum in cells of both zones, a finding in marked contrast to the hypertrophy of smooth endoplasmic reticulum suggested by other investigators on the basis of qualitative assessments. There was also a striking decrease in the amount of the Golgi complex, limited to cells in the portal regions. In addition, in all zones a decrease in the volume density of mitochondria and lysosomes was noted, whereas the volume of microbodies was increased. It is suggested that this loss in total membrane material within the cell may be secondary to the degranulation and decrease in total surface area of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, an organelle thought to be responsible in part for the synthesis of new cellular membranes. These observations suggest that present concepts concerning the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver disease require reappraisal.", "PMID": 992266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4649", "title": "Glucose administration and heme catabolism after caloric restriction.", "content": "Heme catabolism was monitored through the determination of total serum bilirubin and endogenous production of carbon monoxide in 6 healthy males before and after administration of 100 g of glucose orally and intravenously, respectively. To facilitate comparison, hyperbilirubinemia was induced through a 36-hr period of subtotal caloric restriction before the study. A decrease in production of carbon monoxide was seen after glucose given orally as well as intravenously, whereas total serum bilirubin decreased significantly only after glucose orally. It is suggested that oral as well as intravenous glucose administration temporarily inhibits heme catabolism, at least when given after a period of caloric restriction. In addition, oral glucose might have--probably via a gut-related factor--a facilitating effect on liver uptake of bilirubin.", "contents": "Glucose administration and heme catabolism after caloric restriction. Heme catabolism was monitored through the determination of total serum bilirubin and endogenous production of carbon monoxide in 6 healthy males before and after administration of 100 g of glucose orally and intravenously, respectively. To facilitate comparison, hyperbilirubinemia was induced through a 36-hr period of subtotal caloric restriction before the study. A decrease in production of carbon monoxide was seen after glucose given orally as well as intravenously, whereas total serum bilirubin decreased significantly only after glucose orally. It is suggested that oral as well as intravenous glucose administration temporarily inhibits heme catabolism, at least when given after a period of caloric restriction. In addition, oral glucose might have--probably via a gut-related factor--a facilitating effect on liver uptake of bilirubin.", "PMID": 992267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4650", "title": "Bile acid structure and biliary secretion of cholesterol and phospholipid in the cat.", "content": "The effect of bile acid structure on biliary lipid composition was studied on the anesthetized bile fistula cat. The sodium salts of taurocholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid, and taurochenodeoxycholic acid were infused intravenously in 6 animals in random order in a Latin square design. Bile acids were infused for 2 hr at approximately 270 mumoles per hr; each bile acid period was preceded by a 1-hr infusion of isotonic NaCl. Bile samples from the 2nd hr of bile acid infusion, a period of steady bile acid secretion, were compared, and their bile acid, cholesterol, and phospholipid contents were measured. Mean bile acid secretion rates did not differ among the three bile acids, nor did mean phospholipd secretion rates. In contrast, cholesterol secretion was 3 to 4 times greater with the dihydroxy bile acids than with the trihydroxy bile acid, taurocholic acid. It is concluded that bile acid structure is an important determinant of the lipid composition of bile. Further, this comparison of bile acids has dissociated cholesterol from phospholipid secretion, suggesting that bile acids may influence cholesterol and phospholipid secretion independently.", "contents": "Bile acid structure and biliary secretion of cholesterol and phospholipid in the cat. The effect of bile acid structure on biliary lipid composition was studied on the anesthetized bile fistula cat. The sodium salts of taurocholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid, and taurochenodeoxycholic acid were infused intravenously in 6 animals in random order in a Latin square design. Bile acids were infused for 2 hr at approximately 270 mumoles per hr; each bile acid period was preceded by a 1-hr infusion of isotonic NaCl. Bile samples from the 2nd hr of bile acid infusion, a period of steady bile acid secretion, were compared, and their bile acid, cholesterol, and phospholipid contents were measured. Mean bile acid secretion rates did not differ among the three bile acids, nor did mean phospholipd secretion rates. In contrast, cholesterol secretion was 3 to 4 times greater with the dihydroxy bile acids than with the trihydroxy bile acid, taurocholic acid. It is concluded that bile acid structure is an important determinant of the lipid composition of bile. Further, this comparison of bile acids has dissociated cholesterol from phospholipid secretion, suggesting that bile acids may influence cholesterol and phospholipid secretion independently.", "PMID": 992268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4651", "title": "Intrapancreatic choledochal cyst. Diagnosis by peroral transduodenal cholangiography with description of a new method of surgical treatment.", "content": "A patient with a choledochal cyst presenting solely with abdominal pain is described. The cyst was diagnosed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. The clinical, radiographic, and surgical features of this disorder are briefly reviewed and the need to consider this entity as a possible cause of obscure abdominal pain is stressed.", "contents": "Intrapancreatic choledochal cyst. Diagnosis by peroral transduodenal cholangiography with description of a new method of surgical treatment. A patient with a choledochal cyst presenting solely with abdominal pain is described. The cyst was diagnosed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. The clinical, radiographic, and surgical features of this disorder are briefly reviewed and the need to consider this entity as a possible cause of obscure abdominal pain is stressed.", "PMID": 992269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4652", "title": "Detection of a circulating gastric secretagogue in plasma extracts from normogastrinemic patients with acid hypersecretion.", "content": "Extracts were prepared from plasma of 12 subjects with normal serum gastrin concentration (less than 125 pg/ml), 5 normal subjects and 7 patients with duodenal ulcer and basal gastric acid hypersecretion (greater than 15 mEg/hr). Bioassays of plasma extracts were performed in anesthetized rats with perfused stomachs and acid out-puts were compared with those produced by normal saline and by 50 ng pentagastrin given in random order. Compared with saline, plasma extracts from 5 of 7 hypersecretor patients produced significant stimulation of acid secretion while none of the extracts from normal subjects produced acid stimulation. The stimulant identified in plasma from hypersecretor patients appears to be distinct from gastrin.", "contents": "Detection of a circulating gastric secretagogue in plasma extracts from normogastrinemic patients with acid hypersecretion. Extracts were prepared from plasma of 12 subjects with normal serum gastrin concentration (less than 125 pg/ml), 5 normal subjects and 7 patients with duodenal ulcer and basal gastric acid hypersecretion (greater than 15 mEg/hr). Bioassays of plasma extracts were performed in anesthetized rats with perfused stomachs and acid out-puts were compared with those produced by normal saline and by 50 ng pentagastrin given in random order. Compared with saline, plasma extracts from 5 of 7 hypersecretor patients produced significant stimulation of acid secretion while none of the extracts from normal subjects produced acid stimulation. The stimulant identified in plasma from hypersecretor patients appears to be distinct from gastrin.", "PMID": 992275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4653", "title": "Pentagastrin stimulates epithelial cell proliferation in duodenal and colonic crypts in fasted rats.", "content": "In fasted rats, single injection of pentagastrin (250 mug/kg) stimulates epithelial cell proliferation in the duodenum and colon, but not in the esophagus. Fasting for 64 hours suppresses cell proliferation more markedly in colonic crypts than in duodenal crypts, and pentagastrin restores the cell proliferative activity of the colon and duodenum to levels comparable with those of fed rats. In both duodenal and colonic crypts, differentiating-proliferative cells in the mid-portion of the crypts are more responsive to pentagastrin stimulation than immature proliferative cells at the base of the crypts. Non-dividing epithelial cells are not affected. Pentagastrin has no influence on cell proliferation in fed rats.", "contents": "Pentagastrin stimulates epithelial cell proliferation in duodenal and colonic crypts in fasted rats. In fasted rats, single injection of pentagastrin (250 mug/kg) stimulates epithelial cell proliferation in the duodenum and colon, but not in the esophagus. Fasting for 64 hours suppresses cell proliferation more markedly in colonic crypts than in duodenal crypts, and pentagastrin restores the cell proliferative activity of the colon and duodenum to levels comparable with those of fed rats. In both duodenal and colonic crypts, differentiating-proliferative cells in the mid-portion of the crypts are more responsive to pentagastrin stimulation than immature proliferative cells at the base of the crypts. Non-dividing epithelial cells are not affected. Pentagastrin has no influence on cell proliferation in fed rats.", "PMID": 992276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4654", "title": "Disseminated intravascular coagulation in nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia: the lack of specificity of fibrin thrombi in intestinal infarction.", "content": "The significance and frequency of fibrin thrombi (FT), the pathological hallmark of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), in ischemic intestine were analyzed in a retrospective study of the infarcted bowel of patients with occlusive mesenteric ischemia (OMI) and nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI). Representative intestinal sections were studied from 10 patients with NOMI of the small and/or large bowel and 12 patients, with OMI of varied etiology. Three patients with inflammatory bowel disease and 1 patient with DIC and bowel necrosis were also studied. Routine hematoxylin and eosin stains for fibrin were prepared for each specimen. The number of FT was quantitated. FT were identified in each of the 10 cases of NOMI; however in only 2 were they prominent. FT were identified in 6 of the 12 cases of OMI and in 4 of these 6 they were a prominent feature. Rare FT were present in the cases of inflammatory bowel disease and did not correlate with the inflammatory process. No FT were present in the intestinal sections of the DIC case. FT are a nonspecific feature of necrosis and can be identified in both occlusive and nonocclusive ischemic bowel disease. Their presence in the intestine of NOMI therefore cannot be used to implicate DIC as the primary cause of this entity.", "contents": "Disseminated intravascular coagulation in nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia: the lack of specificity of fibrin thrombi in intestinal infarction. The significance and frequency of fibrin thrombi (FT), the pathological hallmark of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), in ischemic intestine were analyzed in a retrospective study of the infarcted bowel of patients with occlusive mesenteric ischemia (OMI) and nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI). Representative intestinal sections were studied from 10 patients with NOMI of the small and/or large bowel and 12 patients, with OMI of varied etiology. Three patients with inflammatory bowel disease and 1 patient with DIC and bowel necrosis were also studied. Routine hematoxylin and eosin stains for fibrin were prepared for each specimen. The number of FT was quantitated. FT were identified in each of the 10 cases of NOMI; however in only 2 were they prominent. FT were identified in 6 of the 12 cases of OMI and in 4 of these 6 they were a prominent feature. Rare FT were present in the cases of inflammatory bowel disease and did not correlate with the inflammatory process. No FT were present in the intestinal sections of the DIC case. FT are a nonspecific feature of necrosis and can be identified in both occlusive and nonocclusive ischemic bowel disease. Their presence in the intestine of NOMI therefore cannot be used to implicate DIC as the primary cause of this entity.", "PMID": 992277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4655", "title": "Altered pancreatic function after proximal gastric vagotomy in man.", "content": "The secretion of bicarbonate into the duodenum in response to stepwise increasing doses of secretin (0.078, 0.23, 0.7, and 2.1 U/kg-hr) was investigated in 11 duodenal ulcer patients before and about 1 1/2 years after proximal gastric vagotomy. After the vagotomy the mean output of bicarbonate in response to the two lowest doses of secretin increased from 2.2 to 3.7 mmoles per 30 min im response to 0.078 U/kg-hr and from 6.6 to 9.8 mmoles per 30 min in response to 0.23 U/kg-hr. On the other hand, the output of bicarbonate in response to the highest dose of secretin decreased from 20.3 mmoles per 30 min before to 16.5 mmoles per 30 min after the vagotomy. The dose of secretin required for half-maximal stimulation decreased from 0.7 to 0.3 U/kg-hr. The calculated maximal bicarbonate response decreased from 27.8 to 17.7 mmoles per 30 min. Thus, increased sensitivity of the bicarbonate-producing cells to low doses of secretin and decreased bicarbonate secretory capacity of the pancreas after proximal gastric vagotomy were found.", "contents": "Altered pancreatic function after proximal gastric vagotomy in man. The secretion of bicarbonate into the duodenum in response to stepwise increasing doses of secretin (0.078, 0.23, 0.7, and 2.1 U/kg-hr) was investigated in 11 duodenal ulcer patients before and about 1 1/2 years after proximal gastric vagotomy. After the vagotomy the mean output of bicarbonate in response to the two lowest doses of secretin increased from 2.2 to 3.7 mmoles per 30 min im response to 0.078 U/kg-hr and from 6.6 to 9.8 mmoles per 30 min in response to 0.23 U/kg-hr. On the other hand, the output of bicarbonate in response to the highest dose of secretin decreased from 20.3 mmoles per 30 min before to 16.5 mmoles per 30 min after the vagotomy. The dose of secretin required for half-maximal stimulation decreased from 0.7 to 0.3 U/kg-hr. The calculated maximal bicarbonate response decreased from 27.8 to 17.7 mmoles per 30 min. Thus, increased sensitivity of the bicarbonate-producing cells to low doses of secretin and decreased bicarbonate secretory capacity of the pancreas after proximal gastric vagotomy were found.", "PMID": 992278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4656", "title": "A reproducible animal model of acute bleeding ulcer-the \"ulcer maker\".", "content": "An instrument has been developed which creates an experimental model of an acute bleeding gastric ulcer. The diameter and depth of these gastric ulcers are reproducible. The instrument can be used endoscopically or at laparotomy. Using this ulcer model nonsurgical modalities for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be compared in a controlled manner. This standard experimental model may also facilitate comparison of results among different research groups.", "contents": "A reproducible animal model of acute bleeding ulcer-the \"ulcer maker\". An instrument has been developed which creates an experimental model of an acute bleeding gastric ulcer. The diameter and depth of these gastric ulcers are reproducible. The instrument can be used endoscopically or at laparotomy. Using this ulcer model nonsurgical modalities for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be compared in a controlled manner. This standard experimental model may also facilitate comparison of results among different research groups.", "PMID": 992279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4657", "title": "Heptadecapeptide gastrin: measurement in blood by specific radioimmunoassay.", "content": "The characteristics are described of an antibody (designated L6) which has virtually absolute specificity for heptadecapeptide gastrin. This antibody binds G17, but does not bind peptide fragments or molecular forms of gastrin comprising G17 with either amino acid deletions, or additions, at the carboxyl- and amino-terminals. In serum from patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome the only form of gastrin revealed by L6 was compatible with G17, and there was good agreement between estimated G17 concentrations in serum analyzed by gel filtration and by direct radioimmunoassay using L6. Using L6 in conjunction with antibodies specific for carboxyl- and amino-terminals of G17 it has been possible to measure concentrations of different forms of gastrin in serum of normal subjects after a meal in greater detail than previously possible. After a light meal consisting of eggs, toast, and Oxo, serum concentrations of G17 measured by L6 increased to a peak 20 min after feeding (delta gastrin, 19 pmoles per liter; n = 17). In contrast, concentration of G34 peaked at 50 min (delta gastrin, 27 pmoles per liter). Small amounts of amino-terminal fragments of G17 were present throughout the digestive period. Applying the known ratio of biological potencies of G34 and G17 for stimulation of acid secretion in man, it is estimated that G17 accounts for about 75% of the biological activity in blood after a meal, even though G34 is present in higher molar concentrations.", "contents": "Heptadecapeptide gastrin: measurement in blood by specific radioimmunoassay. The characteristics are described of an antibody (designated L6) which has virtually absolute specificity for heptadecapeptide gastrin. This antibody binds G17, but does not bind peptide fragments or molecular forms of gastrin comprising G17 with either amino acid deletions, or additions, at the carboxyl- and amino-terminals. In serum from patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome the only form of gastrin revealed by L6 was compatible with G17, and there was good agreement between estimated G17 concentrations in serum analyzed by gel filtration and by direct radioimmunoassay using L6. Using L6 in conjunction with antibodies specific for carboxyl- and amino-terminals of G17 it has been possible to measure concentrations of different forms of gastrin in serum of normal subjects after a meal in greater detail than previously possible. After a light meal consisting of eggs, toast, and Oxo, serum concentrations of G17 measured by L6 increased to a peak 20 min after feeding (delta gastrin, 19 pmoles per liter; n = 17). In contrast, concentration of G34 peaked at 50 min (delta gastrin, 27 pmoles per liter). Small amounts of amino-terminal fragments of G17 were present throughout the digestive period. Applying the known ratio of biological potencies of G34 and G17 for stimulation of acid secretion in man, it is estimated that G17 accounts for about 75% of the biological activity in blood after a meal, even though G34 is present in higher molar concentrations.", "PMID": 992280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4658", "title": "Effects of synthetic human gastrin I on movements on water, electrolytes, and glucose across the human small intestine.", "content": "The effect of graded doses (0.125, 0.500, 1.00 and 2.00 mug per kg per hr) of intravenous synthetic human gastrin I (SHG) on jejunal transport of water, electrolytes, and glucose from a glucose-saline solution (solution II) was studied in 12 healthy volunteers, using an intestinal perfusion technique with a proximal occluding balloon. SHG when infused at rates of 0.500 mug per kg per hr or greater significantly reduced water and electrolyte absorption; this effect was linearly related to the dose and reached 40 to 60% of basal absorption (and only 10% for glucose) with the highest dose; insorption of sodium and water were significantly decreased by SHG. In a further group of 9 subjects no effect of SHG (2 mug per kg per hr) was found on jejunal absorption from a mannitol-saline solution (solution I) and on ileal absorption from solutions I and II; in 5 additional subjects, SHG did not decrease jejunal transit time of intraluminal fluid. There was no increase in serum thyrocalcitonin during SHG infusion. It is proposed that SHG selectively depresses the glucose-stimulated sodium transport as suggested by the reduction of the rate of net sodium absorption per micromole of glucose absorbed during SHG infusion. Physiological and pathological implications of these findings are discussed, especially in the light of the circulating levels of immunoreactive gastrin achieved during SHG infusion.", "contents": "Effects of synthetic human gastrin I on movements on water, electrolytes, and glucose across the human small intestine. The effect of graded doses (0.125, 0.500, 1.00 and 2.00 mug per kg per hr) of intravenous synthetic human gastrin I (SHG) on jejunal transport of water, electrolytes, and glucose from a glucose-saline solution (solution II) was studied in 12 healthy volunteers, using an intestinal perfusion technique with a proximal occluding balloon. SHG when infused at rates of 0.500 mug per kg per hr or greater significantly reduced water and electrolyte absorption; this effect was linearly related to the dose and reached 40 to 60% of basal absorption (and only 10% for glucose) with the highest dose; insorption of sodium and water were significantly decreased by SHG. In a further group of 9 subjects no effect of SHG (2 mug per kg per hr) was found on jejunal absorption from a mannitol-saline solution (solution I) and on ileal absorption from solutions I and II; in 5 additional subjects, SHG did not decrease jejunal transit time of intraluminal fluid. There was no increase in serum thyrocalcitonin during SHG infusion. It is proposed that SHG selectively depresses the glucose-stimulated sodium transport as suggested by the reduction of the rate of net sodium absorption per micromole of glucose absorbed during SHG infusion. Physiological and pathological implications of these findings are discussed, especially in the light of the circulating levels of immunoreactive gastrin achieved during SHG infusion.", "PMID": 992281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4659", "title": "Studies on translocation of immunoglobulins across intestinal epithelium. II. Immunoelectron-microscopic localization of immunoglobulins and secretory component in human intestinal mucosa.", "content": "To define mechanisms involved in the transport of immunoglobulins into intestinal fluids, we localized IgM, IgA, IgG, and secretory component (SC) in human intestinal mucosa by the peroxidase-labeled antibody technique. At the light microscopic level, immunocytes containing IgA, IgM, or IgG were found in the lamina propria. IgA, IgM, and SC were prominent in the epithelium of gland crypts; IgG was limited to a few cells at tips of villi. At the electron-microscopic level, SC was localized to perinuclear spaces, endoplasmic reticulum, saccules associated with Golgi complexes, cytoplasmic vesicles, and lateral and basal plasma membranes of columnar epithelial cells. IgA and IgM, but not IgG, also were localized to plasma membranes and cytoplasmic vesicles of these cells. Neither the immunoglobulins nor SC was found within other types of epithelial cells (Paneth, goblet, endocrine). The findings provide evidence that (1) the site of SC synthesis in intestinal epithelium is secretory columnar cells, principally those in gland crypts; (2) the polymeric immunoglobulins IgM and IgA are translocated through such SC-containing cells by a process that involves formation of cytoplasmic vesicles; (3) IgM and IgA could combine with SC during transcellular transport (likely sites are lateral or basal plasma membranes or supranuclear cytoplasm); (4) the monomeric immunoglobulin IgG does not share the transepithelial cell route involved in IgM and IgA transport.", "contents": "Studies on translocation of immunoglobulins across intestinal epithelium. II. Immunoelectron-microscopic localization of immunoglobulins and secretory component in human intestinal mucosa. To define mechanisms involved in the transport of immunoglobulins into intestinal fluids, we localized IgM, IgA, IgG, and secretory component (SC) in human intestinal mucosa by the peroxidase-labeled antibody technique. At the light microscopic level, immunocytes containing IgA, IgM, or IgG were found in the lamina propria. IgA, IgM, and SC were prominent in the epithelium of gland crypts; IgG was limited to a few cells at tips of villi. At the electron-microscopic level, SC was localized to perinuclear spaces, endoplasmic reticulum, saccules associated with Golgi complexes, cytoplasmic vesicles, and lateral and basal plasma membranes of columnar epithelial cells. IgA and IgM, but not IgG, also were localized to plasma membranes and cytoplasmic vesicles of these cells. Neither the immunoglobulins nor SC was found within other types of epithelial cells (Paneth, goblet, endocrine). The findings provide evidence that (1) the site of SC synthesis in intestinal epithelium is secretory columnar cells, principally those in gland crypts; (2) the polymeric immunoglobulins IgM and IgA are translocated through such SC-containing cells by a process that involves formation of cytoplasmic vesicles; (3) IgM and IgA could combine with SC during transcellular transport (likely sites are lateral or basal plasma membranes or supranuclear cytoplasm); (4) the monomeric immunoglobulin IgG does not share the transepithelial cell route involved in IgM and IgA transport.", "PMID": 992282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4660", "title": "Mechanism of action of metoclopramide on opossum lower esophageal sphincter muscle.", "content": "The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of metoclopramide on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle of the opossum. Metoclopramide gave a dose-related increase in LES muscle active tension. A peak response of 12.5 +/- 2.1 g (mean +/- SEM) was achieved at 3.1 X 10(-4) M. The maximal and submaximal LES muscle response to metoclopramide could not be antagonized by atropine, hyoscine, hexamethonium, tetrodotoxin, phentolamine, diphenhydramine, or propranolol. Metoclopramide did not augment the submaximal muscle responses to gastrin I, acetylcholine, or norepinephrine. These studies suggest that in the opossum, metoclopramide acts through a direct action on the smooth muscle.", "contents": "Mechanism of action of metoclopramide on opossum lower esophageal sphincter muscle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of metoclopramide on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle of the opossum. Metoclopramide gave a dose-related increase in LES muscle active tension. A peak response of 12.5 +/- 2.1 g (mean +/- SEM) was achieved at 3.1 X 10(-4) M. The maximal and submaximal LES muscle response to metoclopramide could not be antagonized by atropine, hyoscine, hexamethonium, tetrodotoxin, phentolamine, diphenhydramine, or propranolol. Metoclopramide did not augment the submaximal muscle responses to gastrin I, acetylcholine, or norepinephrine. These studies suggest that in the opossum, metoclopramide acts through a direct action on the smooth muscle.", "PMID": 992283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4661", "title": "Relationship of cervical and abdominal vagal activity to lower esophageal sphincter function.", "content": "The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of electrical stimulation of the abdominal and cervical portions of the vagus on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in the anesthetized opossum. Unilateral or bilateral abdominal vagotomy gave no significant change in basal LES pressure or in the sphincteric response to swallowing. Electrical stimulation of the peripheral end of the sectioned cervical vagus gave a frequency-related decrease in LES pressure with a maximum reduction of 93.5 +/- 2.5% at 10 HZ, 10 V. Stimulation of the central end of the cervical vagus increased LES pressure, with a maximum response of 34.0 +/- 1.9 mm Hg. Neither peripheral nor central stimulation of the sectioned abdominal vagus had significant effect on LES pressure (P greater than 0.05). Additionally, LES relaxation in response to swallowing or cervical vagal stimulation was intact after bilateral abdominal vagotomy. These studies suggest that whereas the cervical portion of the vagus mediates inhibitory and excitatory changes in LES pressure, the abdominal vagus has no demonstrable role in the control of LES function.", "contents": "Relationship of cervical and abdominal vagal activity to lower esophageal sphincter function. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of electrical stimulation of the abdominal and cervical portions of the vagus on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in the anesthetized opossum. Unilateral or bilateral abdominal vagotomy gave no significant change in basal LES pressure or in the sphincteric response to swallowing. Electrical stimulation of the peripheral end of the sectioned cervical vagus gave a frequency-related decrease in LES pressure with a maximum reduction of 93.5 +/- 2.5% at 10 HZ, 10 V. Stimulation of the central end of the cervical vagus increased LES pressure, with a maximum response of 34.0 +/- 1.9 mm Hg. Neither peripheral nor central stimulation of the sectioned abdominal vagus had significant effect on LES pressure (P greater than 0.05). Additionally, LES relaxation in response to swallowing or cervical vagal stimulation was intact after bilateral abdominal vagotomy. These studies suggest that whereas the cervical portion of the vagus mediates inhibitory and excitatory changes in LES pressure, the abdominal vagus has no demonstrable role in the control of LES function.", "PMID": 992284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4662", "title": "[Breech presentation and its significance (author's transl)].", "content": "From 1959 to 1975, 1060 (3.6%) breech presentations were found among 29,463 infants. The breech deliveries from May 1, 1959 to December 31, 1965 were compared with those from January 1, 1966 to December 31, 1975. Among the 3.6% breech deliveries there were 47% male and 53% female. There were more primigravida breech deliveries in both groups. The mean age of the mothers was 25.4 years for primigravidas and 29.4 years for multiparas. There was a maternal mortality of 0.2% (2 cases) in breech delivery. 29% of the breech deliveries were premature deliveries. There was a strickingly high incidence of frank and full breech deliveries among all patients. Knee presentations were rare. Delivery was primarily accomplished with the Bracht manoeuver in over 80% of the cases. Complete breech extractions decreased and the incidence of Caesarean Sections rose from 6% in the first group to 21% in the second group of patients. During the past 3 years the Caesarean Section rate was approximately 30%. Perinatal complications in the breech deliveries compare well to those reported in the literature. Of 750 mature infants (70.8%), 12 died (1.6%). Discounting children with congenital malformations and intrauterine stillbirth there remained 5 deaths from breech deliveries (0.7%). Of 1032 breech deliveries with a birth weight of 1000 grams or over, 74 infants (over all perinatal mortality 7.2%) died. 110 infants of all breech deliveries had a birth weight of less than 2500 grams (prematurity rate 29.2%). Of 102 cases of perinatal mortality in breech deliveries including those below 1000 grams 90 (88.2%) were premature. Of those 90 premature deaths, 28 infants were less than 1000 grams. 25 infants showed fetal congenital abnormalities. The corrected perinatal mortality of the premature deliveries was therefore 11.9%. The rate of birth trauma was 6.3% in the first group and 2.7% in the second group.", "contents": "[Breech presentation and its significance (author's transl)]. From 1959 to 1975, 1060 (3.6%) breech presentations were found among 29,463 infants. The breech deliveries from May 1, 1959 to December 31, 1965 were compared with those from January 1, 1966 to December 31, 1975. Among the 3.6% breech deliveries there were 47% male and 53% female. There were more primigravida breech deliveries in both groups. The mean age of the mothers was 25.4 years for primigravidas and 29.4 years for multiparas. There was a maternal mortality of 0.2% (2 cases) in breech delivery. 29% of the breech deliveries were premature deliveries. There was a strickingly high incidence of frank and full breech deliveries among all patients. Knee presentations were rare. Delivery was primarily accomplished with the Bracht manoeuver in over 80% of the cases. Complete breech extractions decreased and the incidence of Caesarean Sections rose from 6% in the first group to 21% in the second group of patients. During the past 3 years the Caesarean Section rate was approximately 30%. Perinatal complications in the breech deliveries compare well to those reported in the literature. Of 750 mature infants (70.8%), 12 died (1.6%). Discounting children with congenital malformations and intrauterine stillbirth there remained 5 deaths from breech deliveries (0.7%). Of 1032 breech deliveries with a birth weight of 1000 grams or over, 74 infants (over all perinatal mortality 7.2%) died. 110 infants of all breech deliveries had a birth weight of less than 2500 grams (prematurity rate 29.2%). Of 102 cases of perinatal mortality in breech deliveries including those below 1000 grams 90 (88.2%) were premature. Of those 90 premature deaths, 28 infants were less than 1000 grams. 25 infants showed fetal congenital abnormalities. The corrected perinatal mortality of the premature deliveries was therefore 11.9%. The rate of birth trauma was 6.3% in the first group and 2.7% in the second group.", "PMID": 992296} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4663", "title": "[The prognosis of intrauterine fetal growth retardation (author's transl)].", "content": "Intrauterine growth retardation is described and 232 cases observed between 1970 and 1973 are reported. The prognosis for the infant is dependant upon the birth weight. Dysmature infants with a birth weight above 2000 grams show relatively few signs of antenatal and postnatal pathology. With a birth weight between 1000 and 2000 grams a perinatal mortality of 50% must be expected unless delivery is performed by primary Caesarean Section. The available methods of observation of high risk pregnancies permit an accurate determination of the best time to terminate the pregnancy. Under optimal conditions the long term prognosis for dysmature infants around 1500 grams birth weight is good.", "contents": "[The prognosis of intrauterine fetal growth retardation (author's transl)]. Intrauterine growth retardation is described and 232 cases observed between 1970 and 1973 are reported. The prognosis for the infant is dependant upon the birth weight. Dysmature infants with a birth weight above 2000 grams show relatively few signs of antenatal and postnatal pathology. With a birth weight between 1000 and 2000 grams a perinatal mortality of 50% must be expected unless delivery is performed by primary Caesarean Section. The available methods of observation of high risk pregnancies permit an accurate determination of the best time to terminate the pregnancy. Under optimal conditions the long term prognosis for dysmature infants around 1500 grams birth weight is good.", "PMID": 992297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4664", "title": "[The importance of the results of pretreatment pelvic lymphographies in the prognosis of carcinomas of the uterine cervix. A critical evaluation of the proposal to classify these tumors according to the TNM system (author's transl)].", "content": "Between 1966 and 1969, 494 patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix stages I a to IV were admitted in our hospital for primary treatment. In 420 of these patients with carcinoma of the cervix stage I b to IV, complete results of bilateral pretreatment pelvic lymphography are available. The correlation between the results of the lymphographies, the choice of the operative treatment and the cure rates in these 420 cases are reported. All the correlations between the results of the pretreatment lymphography and the prognosis are described. A positive lymphography was in our series of high prognostic value. A plea is therefore made to include the results of the pretreatment lymphography into the classification of carcinoma of the cervix. Classification of the carcinoma of the cervix into the TNM categories is desirable. Our series is reported in these TNM categories. The advantages of such classification are described. The morbid entity of carcinoma of the cervix becomes more transparent to the observer and the choice of operative therapy becomes easier. The prognosis is more clearly established. The proposals of the TNM committee of the UICC for the classification of carcinoma of the cervix according to the TNM categories and the staging according to these categories are discussed critically.", "contents": "[The importance of the results of pretreatment pelvic lymphographies in the prognosis of carcinomas of the uterine cervix. A critical evaluation of the proposal to classify these tumors according to the TNM system (author's transl)]. Between 1966 and 1969, 494 patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix stages I a to IV were admitted in our hospital for primary treatment. In 420 of these patients with carcinoma of the cervix stage I b to IV, complete results of bilateral pretreatment pelvic lymphography are available. The correlation between the results of the lymphographies, the choice of the operative treatment and the cure rates in these 420 cases are reported. All the correlations between the results of the pretreatment lymphography and the prognosis are described. A positive lymphography was in our series of high prognostic value. A plea is therefore made to include the results of the pretreatment lymphography into the classification of carcinoma of the cervix. Classification of the carcinoma of the cervix into the TNM categories is desirable. Our series is reported in these TNM categories. The advantages of such classification are described. The morbid entity of carcinoma of the cervix becomes more transparent to the observer and the choice of operative therapy becomes easier. The prognosis is more clearly established. The proposals of the TNM committee of the UICC for the classification of carcinoma of the cervix according to the TNM categories and the staging according to these categories are discussed critically.", "PMID": 992298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4665", "title": "[The maternal and fetal levels of human chorionic gonadotropin, human placental lactogen and prolactin during the perinatal period (author's transl)].", "content": "The levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), human placental lactogen (human choriosomatomamotropin HCS) and prolactin (PRL) were determined in the serum of 72 maternity patients and the serum of the newborn infants. The determinations were done with radioimmunologic tests (RIA). These three protein hormones were also determined in the amniotic fluid and in the maternal serum from 4-6 days prior to the delivery of the infant. The concentration of HCG or HCS in the serum of the newborn infants was a mean 0.43 or 0.37% of the level in the maternal serum. The concentration of PRL in the serum of the newborn was 118% and slightly higher than in the serum of the mothers. The concentration in the amniotic fluid was 1.5% for HCG, 5.8% for HCS, and 252% for PRL, compared to the corresponding levels in the maternal serum. The fact that the hormone concentrations in the amniotic fluid are significantly higher than in the serum of the newborn suggests excretion of the hormones from the fetal circulation via the fetal liver and the fetal kidney. The high levels of PRL in the maternal and the newborn serum may be caused by the high concentrations of estrogen or progesterone. Increased during the course of the pregnancy there was a significant sex linked difference in the level of HCG in the maternal serum correlated to the sex of the newborn infant.", "contents": "[The maternal and fetal levels of human chorionic gonadotropin, human placental lactogen and prolactin during the perinatal period (author's transl)]. The levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), human placental lactogen (human choriosomatomamotropin HCS) and prolactin (PRL) were determined in the serum of 72 maternity patients and the serum of the newborn infants. The determinations were done with radioimmunologic tests (RIA). These three protein hormones were also determined in the amniotic fluid and in the maternal serum from 4-6 days prior to the delivery of the infant. The concentration of HCG or HCS in the serum of the newborn infants was a mean 0.43 or 0.37% of the level in the maternal serum. The concentration of PRL in the serum of the newborn was 118% and slightly higher than in the serum of the mothers. The concentration in the amniotic fluid was 1.5% for HCG, 5.8% for HCS, and 252% for PRL, compared to the corresponding levels in the maternal serum. The fact that the hormone concentrations in the amniotic fluid are significantly higher than in the serum of the newborn suggests excretion of the hormones from the fetal circulation via the fetal liver and the fetal kidney. The high levels of PRL in the maternal and the newborn serum may be caused by the high concentrations of estrogen or progesterone. Increased during the course of the pregnancy there was a significant sex linked difference in the level of HCG in the maternal serum correlated to the sex of the newborn infant.", "PMID": 992299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4666", "title": "[Further reproduction after clomiphene-induced pregnancy (author's transl)].", "content": "The study of menstrual pattern and further pregnancy after clomiphene-induced pregnancy showed a comparatively high rate of improved menstrual pattern and of spontaneous conception. 12 of 29 women, who concluded a clomiphene-induced pregnancy more than 2 years ago, showed an improvement of menstrual pattern. Spontaneous conception occurred in 16 of the 29 women, in 2 cases once more. It is remarkable, that 7 of these 16 women conceived spontaneously without any improvement of menstrual pattern following the clomiphene-induced pregnancy. It is therefore difficult, to advise patients and to make a prognosis concerning further fertility. It is not possible to say, that spontaneous conception can be excluded respectively that it will occur. In case of desire for pregnancy another induction of ovulation is indicated, on the contrary contraceptive questions are to be discussed.", "contents": "[Further reproduction after clomiphene-induced pregnancy (author's transl)]. The study of menstrual pattern and further pregnancy after clomiphene-induced pregnancy showed a comparatively high rate of improved menstrual pattern and of spontaneous conception. 12 of 29 women, who concluded a clomiphene-induced pregnancy more than 2 years ago, showed an improvement of menstrual pattern. Spontaneous conception occurred in 16 of the 29 women, in 2 cases once more. It is remarkable, that 7 of these 16 women conceived spontaneously without any improvement of menstrual pattern following the clomiphene-induced pregnancy. It is therefore difficult, to advise patients and to make a prognosis concerning further fertility. It is not possible to say, that spontaneous conception can be excluded respectively that it will occur. In case of desire for pregnancy another induction of ovulation is indicated, on the contrary contraceptive questions are to be discussed.", "PMID": 992300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4667", "title": "[The prognosis of female genital sarcomas of the adult woman with special reference to sarcomas of the uterine corpus (author's transl)].", "content": "Report on 88 cases of sarcomas of the female genital organs. The sarcomas were confined to the uterine body in 72 cases. The prognosis of this disease depends primarily on the adequacy of the treatment. The treatment consists of as radical an operation as possible followed by external radiation and intra-vaginal application of radium. The microscopic type of the sarcoma of the uterus is of secondary importance. Patients who survived for 3 years following this treatment have a good prognosis for a 5 year or a 10 year cure. Other sarcomas of the female genital tract are mentioned.", "contents": "[The prognosis of female genital sarcomas of the adult woman with special reference to sarcomas of the uterine corpus (author's transl)]. Report on 88 cases of sarcomas of the female genital organs. The sarcomas were confined to the uterine body in 72 cases. The prognosis of this disease depends primarily on the adequacy of the treatment. The treatment consists of as radical an operation as possible followed by external radiation and intra-vaginal application of radium. The microscopic type of the sarcoma of the uterus is of secondary importance. Patients who survived for 3 years following this treatment have a good prognosis for a 5 year or a 10 year cure. Other sarcomas of the female genital tract are mentioned.", "PMID": 992301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4668", "title": "[Vaginal hysterectomy for therapeutic abortion and simultaneous sterilization (author's transl)].", "content": "Report about the experiences in termination of 25 early pregnancies by vaginal hysterectomy in cases final infertilisation was necessary. Advantages of the method are seen in avoiding dilatation of the cervix and in the calculable blood loss as compared to suction or curettage for abortion and simultaneous sterilization. In contrast to many apprehensions the risks do not seem to rise when performing vaginal hysterectomy of the pregnant uterus up to the 12th week. Advantages and criteria of the method are discussed.", "contents": "[Vaginal hysterectomy for therapeutic abortion and simultaneous sterilization (author's transl)]. Report about the experiences in termination of 25 early pregnancies by vaginal hysterectomy in cases final infertilisation was necessary. Advantages of the method are seen in avoiding dilatation of the cervix and in the calculable blood loss as compared to suction or curettage for abortion and simultaneous sterilization. In contrast to many apprehensions the risks do not seem to rise when performing vaginal hysterectomy of the pregnant uterus up to the 12th week. Advantages and criteria of the method are discussed.", "PMID": 992302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4669", "title": "[Cytogenetic studies in women with primary amenorrhea (author's transl)].", "content": "During the past 10 years, 106 women with primary amenorrhea were studied. According to the X chromatin determination the cases were subdivided into 2 main groups. In the X chromatin negative group the Y chromatin positive and the Y chromatin negative cases were differentiated by fluorescent methods. The diagnosis was made according to the chromosome analysis. The X chromatin positive cases were classified following in detail clinical and cytogenetic studies. In our series, 50% of the cases showed chromosomal abnormalities whereas the literature reports 20-25% chromosomal abnormalities.", "contents": "[Cytogenetic studies in women with primary amenorrhea (author's transl)]. During the past 10 years, 106 women with primary amenorrhea were studied. According to the X chromatin determination the cases were subdivided into 2 main groups. In the X chromatin negative group the Y chromatin positive and the Y chromatin negative cases were differentiated by fluorescent methods. The diagnosis was made according to the chromosome analysis. The X chromatin positive cases were classified following in detail clinical and cytogenetic studies. In our series, 50% of the cases showed chromosomal abnormalities whereas the literature reports 20-25% chromosomal abnormalities.", "PMID": 992303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4670", "title": "[Cytological, bioptical and cytophotometric studies on tumors of the breast (author's transl)].", "content": "209 mammary biopsies were evaluated by cytological and histological methods. 23 of them were analysed by microspectrophotometry. 9,5% of the cases could be classified as Papanicolaou III. At one hand the mammary carcinomas of this group were underestimated, on the other hand fibroadenomas and hyperplastic lesions of cystic disease of the breast were overevaluated. The DNA-histograms of these fibroadenomas and hyperplastic lesions reflect closely the tendency of proliferation of epithelium and correspond with the cytomorphological findings, a reliable differentiation of these diseases on the basis of a tumor-histogram is not possible. False negative tumor histograms are particularly found in high differentiated carcinomas. In the other groups the cytological findings were in agreement with histological examination in 92-98% of the cases.", "contents": "[Cytological, bioptical and cytophotometric studies on tumors of the breast (author's transl)]. 209 mammary biopsies were evaluated by cytological and histological methods. 23 of them were analysed by microspectrophotometry. 9,5% of the cases could be classified as Papanicolaou III. At one hand the mammary carcinomas of this group were underestimated, on the other hand fibroadenomas and hyperplastic lesions of cystic disease of the breast were overevaluated. The DNA-histograms of these fibroadenomas and hyperplastic lesions reflect closely the tendency of proliferation of epithelium and correspond with the cytomorphological findings, a reliable differentiation of these diseases on the basis of a tumor-histogram is not possible. False negative tumor histograms are particularly found in high differentiated carcinomas. In the other groups the cytological findings were in agreement with histological examination in 92-98% of the cases.", "PMID": 992305} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4671", "title": "[The success prognosis of plastic diaphragma operation on women with stress incontinence (author's transl)A1].", "content": "The paper refers to 126 patients on whom a plastic diaphragma operation was performed at the 1st Department of Obstet. and Gynec. of the University of Vienna. Based on the results one year after the operation, the success chances are shown and set into relation to several preexistent factors, such as severity of the incontinence, weight, parity, age and conduct of life. An increasing of the two first mentioned factors led to a significant deterioration of results. The influence of an incontinence remains incontested, yet a higher parity does not lead to significantly poorer operation results. As to the factor \"age\", there were no significant differences in our material. Conduct of life and additional stress in women employed in an occupation are being discussed. Furthermore it was possible to confirm the postoperative space of time needed until restoration of an undisturbed bladder function as a relatively reliable prognostic hint to the expected success of the operation. For this confirmation an objective examination method (sphincterotonometry) was used.", "contents": "[The success prognosis of plastic diaphragma operation on women with stress incontinence (author's transl)A1]. The paper refers to 126 patients on whom a plastic diaphragma operation was performed at the 1st Department of Obstet. and Gynec. of the University of Vienna. Based on the results one year after the operation, the success chances are shown and set into relation to several preexistent factors, such as severity of the incontinence, weight, parity, age and conduct of life. An increasing of the two first mentioned factors led to a significant deterioration of results. The influence of an incontinence remains incontested, yet a higher parity does not lead to significantly poorer operation results. As to the factor \"age\", there were no significant differences in our material. Conduct of life and additional stress in women employed in an occupation are being discussed. Furthermore it was possible to confirm the postoperative space of time needed until restoration of an undisturbed bladder function as a relatively reliable prognostic hint to the expected success of the operation. For this confirmation an objective examination method (sphincterotonometry) was used.", "PMID": 992307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4672", "title": "[The uterotropismus of halothane, chloroform or methoxyflurane in clinical use (author's transl)].", "content": "To perform episiotomy, 89 women after childbirth were anaesthetized with either halothane (50 patients), methoxyflurane (24 patients) or chloroform (15 patients). The activity of the uterus was registered tocodynamographically. To examine the alternate influence of narcotics and uterotonica, 57 patients were pre-medicated with sintocinon and methergin i.m. as a prophylaxis. The second group (32 patients) received no premedication to stimulate labor activity, however in 18 cases towards the end of narcosis oxytocin and methergin were given i.v. In addition to these examinations 5 vaginal deliveries were anaesthetised with halothane only. Concerning our own experimental study it can be observed: 1. The relaxative properties of halothane wich suppresses completly the activity of myometrium during the deep stages of anaesthesia are superior to chloroform and methoxyflurane. 2. More rapid relaxation of the uterus with halothane compared with chloroform and methoxyflurane. 3. After the use of halothane a quicker return of the activity of the uterus compared with chloroform and methoxyflurane. 4. The value of a prophylaxis with uterotonica can be demonstrated by a comparatively reduced slowing-down of labour-activity during anaesthesia. 5. In every one of the cases, an interuption of the labour-suppressing, caused by the anaesthesia, can be obtained by injecting intravenously oxytocin or methergin. 6. During vaginal delivery, compared to the post placentar phase, there is no need for higher concentrations of halothane to be used to suppress labour contractions. The discussion deals with the intensity of reduction of the uterus contraction caused by the above mentioned narcotics, the dangers of the atony of the uterus, and the indications and contra-indications of obstetrical anaesthesia with halothane or methoxyflurane.", "contents": "[The uterotropismus of halothane, chloroform or methoxyflurane in clinical use (author's transl)]. To perform episiotomy, 89 women after childbirth were anaesthetized with either halothane (50 patients), methoxyflurane (24 patients) or chloroform (15 patients). The activity of the uterus was registered tocodynamographically. To examine the alternate influence of narcotics and uterotonica, 57 patients were pre-medicated with sintocinon and methergin i.m. as a prophylaxis. The second group (32 patients) received no premedication to stimulate labor activity, however in 18 cases towards the end of narcosis oxytocin and methergin were given i.v. In addition to these examinations 5 vaginal deliveries were anaesthetised with halothane only. Concerning our own experimental study it can be observed: 1. The relaxative properties of halothane wich suppresses completly the activity of myometrium during the deep stages of anaesthesia are superior to chloroform and methoxyflurane. 2. More rapid relaxation of the uterus with halothane compared with chloroform and methoxyflurane. 3. After the use of halothane a quicker return of the activity of the uterus compared with chloroform and methoxyflurane. 4. The value of a prophylaxis with uterotonica can be demonstrated by a comparatively reduced slowing-down of labour-activity during anaesthesia. 5. In every one of the cases, an interuption of the labour-suppressing, caused by the anaesthesia, can be obtained by injecting intravenously oxytocin or methergin. 6. During vaginal delivery, compared to the post placentar phase, there is no need for higher concentrations of halothane to be used to suppress labour contractions. The discussion deals with the intensity of reduction of the uterus contraction caused by the above mentioned narcotics, the dangers of the atony of the uterus, and the indications and contra-indications of obstetrical anaesthesia with halothane or methoxyflurane.", "PMID": 992308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4673", "title": "[Religion and size of family (author's transl)].", "content": "In the present economic society with its production patterns, religion slowly looses its influence on the size of the family. The vital statistics from 1973 to 1975 in Bavaria were reviewed regarding the birth registry in correlation to the religion of the marriage partners and to the birth rate was obvious not only in mixed marriages but also in marriages of the same religion. This development was especially apparent in marriages of less than 2 years duration. Exceptions were marriages in which one of the 2 christian religions, Roman Catholic or Protestant. In these cases, one marriage partner was usually not a German citizen. Different religions, value systems, different ethical values and ethnic considerations were of importance. In industrial societies, technology and economics are the dominant factors influencing human reproduction. This opens a large field for investigation by demographers, sociologists, psychologists, and physicians.", "contents": "[Religion and size of family (author's transl)]. In the present economic society with its production patterns, religion slowly looses its influence on the size of the family. The vital statistics from 1973 to 1975 in Bavaria were reviewed regarding the birth registry in correlation to the religion of the marriage partners and to the birth rate was obvious not only in mixed marriages but also in marriages of the same religion. This development was especially apparent in marriages of less than 2 years duration. Exceptions were marriages in which one of the 2 christian religions, Roman Catholic or Protestant. In these cases, one marriage partner was usually not a German citizen. Different religions, value systems, different ethical values and ethnic considerations were of importance. In industrial societies, technology and economics are the dominant factors influencing human reproduction. This opens a large field for investigation by demographers, sociologists, psychologists, and physicians.", "PMID": 992309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4674", "title": "[Experience with the use of cystometry and simultaneous cystometry and urethrometry to clarify urinary incontinence in women (author's transl)].", "content": "Cystometry and simultaneous cystometry and urethrometry were conducted in 81 incontinent female patients (46 Grade I, 35 Grade II, according to the Ingelman-Sundberg Scale). The tonometric criteria for stress incontinence were presented and discussed by statistically comparing the pressure parameters for continent and incontinent patients. The results of both examinations indicated that, in almost all cases, the cause of incontinence (bladder, bladder obstruction or combination of both) can be determined with certainty. This method is well suited as a routine procedure to clarify urinary incontinence in women.", "contents": "[Experience with the use of cystometry and simultaneous cystometry and urethrometry to clarify urinary incontinence in women (author's transl)]. Cystometry and simultaneous cystometry and urethrometry were conducted in 81 incontinent female patients (46 Grade I, 35 Grade II, according to the Ingelman-Sundberg Scale). The tonometric criteria for stress incontinence were presented and discussed by statistically comparing the pressure parameters for continent and incontinent patients. The results of both examinations indicated that, in almost all cases, the cause of incontinence (bladder, bladder obstruction or combination of both) can be determined with certainty. This method is well suited as a routine procedure to clarify urinary incontinence in women.", "PMID": 992310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4675", "title": "[Local tissue necrosis after appendicitis in pregnancy (author's transl)].", "content": "A local necrosis of the abdominal wall in the previous appendectomy scar was observed in a Gravida 3 at 32 weeks gestation following appendectomy for acute appendicitis. The findings and the clinical course were suspicious of a condition resembling local Shwartzman Phenomenon.", "contents": "[Local tissue necrosis after appendicitis in pregnancy (author's transl)]. A local necrosis of the abdominal wall in the previous appendectomy scar was observed in a Gravida 3 at 32 weeks gestation following appendectomy for acute appendicitis. The findings and the clinical course were suspicious of a condition resembling local Shwartzman Phenomenon.", "PMID": 992311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4676", "title": "[The untreated congenital adrenogenital syndrome on the light of modern diagnosis and individualized treatment (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of untreated adrenogenital syndrome in a 19 year old patient is described. The patient refused treatment and a name and sex change was effected in the registry following psychiatric consultation. The clinical, genetic and psychological problems of the adrenogenital syndrome are discussed. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment are again emphasized.", "contents": "[The untreated congenital adrenogenital syndrome on the light of modern diagnosis and individualized treatment (author's transl)]. A case of untreated adrenogenital syndrome in a 19 year old patient is described. The patient refused treatment and a name and sex change was effected in the registry following psychiatric consultation. The clinical, genetic and psychological problems of the adrenogenital syndrome are discussed. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment are again emphasized.", "PMID": 992312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4677", "title": "[A report about the problem of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuester-syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "Twenty cases of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuester-syndrome from Iran are reported with the results of corrective surgery. One pecularity of this syndrome never recorded previously is the unilaterality of the condition and endometrium in the secretory phase. We suggest that this abnormality may have some racial or sectorial incidence.", "contents": "[A report about the problem of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuester-syndrome (author's transl)]. Twenty cases of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuester-syndrome from Iran are reported with the results of corrective surgery. One pecularity of this syndrome never recorded previously is the unilaterality of the condition and endometrium in the secretory phase. We suggest that this abnormality may have some racial or sectorial incidence.", "PMID": 992313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4678", "title": "[Transcervical electro-resection of large polyps of the uterine cavity (author's transl)].", "content": "A 65 year old hypertensive and diabetic patient who had several laparotomies and several unsuccessful curettages for vaginal bleeding was relieved of bleeding endometrial polyps with the aid of a 24 Charrier-Wolf electro-resectoscope for urological use.", "contents": "[Transcervical electro-resection of large polyps of the uterine cavity (author's transl)]. A 65 year old hypertensive and diabetic patient who had several laparotomies and several unsuccessful curettages for vaginal bleeding was relieved of bleeding endometrial polyps with the aid of a 24 Charrier-Wolf electro-resectoscope for urological use.", "PMID": 992314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4679", "title": "[A case of actinomycosis of the fallopian tube (author's transl)].", "content": "Reported is the rare case of an actinomycosis of the right Fallopian tube. The clinical picture is characterized by a comparatively sudden onset of abdominal pain, obstipation and feaver as well as a markedly increased ESR. Good co-operation between the various clinical disciplines (urology, surgery, internal medicine, gynecology) lead to an exact preoperative localization of the scaring and infiltrating process that is then verified by laparotomy. The right adnexae show massive inflammatory infiltrates and form a conglomerate tumor with the adjacent sigma and appendix. Characteristic actinomycetic druses are found histologically only in the right Fallopian tube. On the left side a florid non-specific salpingitis is antibiotics is withoug complications. Mode of infection, differential diagnosis and prognosis that is dependent on a correct diagnosis at an early stage are discussed.", "contents": "[A case of actinomycosis of the fallopian tube (author's transl)]. Reported is the rare case of an actinomycosis of the right Fallopian tube. The clinical picture is characterized by a comparatively sudden onset of abdominal pain, obstipation and feaver as well as a markedly increased ESR. Good co-operation between the various clinical disciplines (urology, surgery, internal medicine, gynecology) lead to an exact preoperative localization of the scaring and infiltrating process that is then verified by laparotomy. The right adnexae show massive inflammatory infiltrates and form a conglomerate tumor with the adjacent sigma and appendix. Characteristic actinomycetic druses are found histologically only in the right Fallopian tube. On the left side a florid non-specific salpingitis is antibiotics is withoug complications. Mode of infection, differential diagnosis and prognosis that is dependent on a correct diagnosis at an early stage are discussed.", "PMID": 992315} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4680", "title": "[Ultrasound diagnoses and cardiotocography in case of full-time carried intraligamentous gravidity (author's transl)].", "content": "Description of the course of disease concerning an intraligamentous pregnancy carried to full term, but diagnosed only during operation. Subsequent evaluation of the ultrasonic and cardiotocologic graphs. Constantly rectilinear pressure curves without uterine activities are interpreted as characteristic tocographic criteria of an advanced ectopic gravidity.", "contents": "[Ultrasound diagnoses and cardiotocography in case of full-time carried intraligamentous gravidity (author's transl)]. Description of the course of disease concerning an intraligamentous pregnancy carried to full term, but diagnosed only during operation. Subsequent evaluation of the ultrasonic and cardiotocologic graphs. Constantly rectilinear pressure curves without uterine activities are interpreted as characteristic tocographic criteria of an advanced ectopic gravidity.", "PMID": 992316} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4681", "title": "[Arteriopathia calcificans infantum (author's transl)].", "content": "Three stillbirths of one woman are reported, which showed an arteriopathia calcificans infantum in the autopsy. There are 84 cases of this illness in the international literature. After a presentation of the autopsy results, comments are given on the etiology and pathogenesis, using the clinical and chemical findings of the mother.", "contents": "[Arteriopathia calcificans infantum (author's transl)]. Three stillbirths of one woman are reported, which showed an arteriopathia calcificans infantum in the autopsy. There are 84 cases of this illness in the international literature. After a presentation of the autopsy results, comments are given on the etiology and pathogenesis, using the clinical and chemical findings of the mother.", "PMID": 992317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4682", "title": "[Cytology and histology of vaginal leiomyosarcoma: a rare tumor (author's transl)].", "content": "Leiomyosarcomas as primary tumors are usually found in the corpus uteri or the cervix, they are extremely rare in the vagina. Case report of a 45 yr old woman with primary Leiomyosarcoma of the vagina. The cytological diagnosis was difficult, as a differentiation between Leiomyosarcoma, Melanoma and mesodermal mixed-tumor by means of cytology is not univocal. The histological diagnosis is certain. The tumor is demonstrated in its many histological and cytological aspects. The reaction to radiation is poor. Prognosis depends upon time of diagnosis and treatment and is usually unfavorable.", "contents": "[Cytology and histology of vaginal leiomyosarcoma: a rare tumor (author's transl)]. Leiomyosarcomas as primary tumors are usually found in the corpus uteri or the cervix, they are extremely rare in the vagina. Case report of a 45 yr old woman with primary Leiomyosarcoma of the vagina. The cytological diagnosis was difficult, as a differentiation between Leiomyosarcoma, Melanoma and mesodermal mixed-tumor by means of cytology is not univocal. The histological diagnosis is certain. The tumor is demonstrated in its many histological and cytological aspects. The reaction to radiation is poor. Prognosis depends upon time of diagnosis and treatment and is usually unfavorable.", "PMID": 992318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4683", "title": "[The value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of female genital tract tumors (author's transl)].", "content": "In 199 patients with female genital tract tumors the preoperative diagnosis recorded by palpation and ultrasound examination with the A and B apparatus of Kretz were compared with the microscopic findings at laparotomy. The sonographic description of the findings was accurate in 60% of the cases, largely correct in 33% of the cases and mostly erroneous in 7% of the cases. By palpation a correct diagnosis was made in 38% of the cases, largely correct diagnosis was established in 45% of the cases and a mostly erroneous diagnosis was made in 17% of the cases. With tumors up to 4 cm. in diameter, both methods were of approximately equal value. A prognosis as to the likely histology was not possible with the ultrasound technique. A prediction as to malignancy was possible in many cases. Only 4% of the homogenous tumors were malignant whereas 27% of the inhomogenous tumors were malignant tumors.", "contents": "[The value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of female genital tract tumors (author's transl)]. In 199 patients with female genital tract tumors the preoperative diagnosis recorded by palpation and ultrasound examination with the A and B apparatus of Kretz were compared with the microscopic findings at laparotomy. The sonographic description of the findings was accurate in 60% of the cases, largely correct in 33% of the cases and mostly erroneous in 7% of the cases. By palpation a correct diagnosis was made in 38% of the cases, largely correct diagnosis was established in 45% of the cases and a mostly erroneous diagnosis was made in 17% of the cases. With tumors up to 4 cm. in diameter, both methods were of approximately equal value. A prognosis as to the likely histology was not possible with the ultrasound technique. A prediction as to malignancy was possible in many cases. Only 4% of the homogenous tumors were malignant whereas 27% of the inhomogenous tumors were malignant tumors.", "PMID": 992319} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4684", "title": "[Comparative cytogenetic studies of a primary squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and the local recurrence of the same tumor (author's transl)].", "content": "Comparative cytogenetic studies of a primary squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and the local recurrence of the same tumor following radio therapy are reported. The microscopic features of both tumors were identical. The cytogenetic features of both tumors were almost identical as to the degree of ploidy, the disturbances of the distribution of the chromosomes from Group A to Group G and the type and frequency of Marker chromosomes. It is therefore concluded that the primary tumor and its local recurrence are represented by the same cell lines. Apparently certain cell lines are of decisive importance in malignant growth.", "contents": "[Comparative cytogenetic studies of a primary squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and the local recurrence of the same tumor (author's transl)]. Comparative cytogenetic studies of a primary squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and the local recurrence of the same tumor following radio therapy are reported. The microscopic features of both tumors were identical. The cytogenetic features of both tumors were almost identical as to the degree of ploidy, the disturbances of the distribution of the chromosomes from Group A to Group G and the type and frequency of Marker chromosomes. It is therefore concluded that the primary tumor and its local recurrence are represented by the same cell lines. Apparently certain cell lines are of decisive importance in malignant growth.", "PMID": 992320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4685", "title": "[Evaluation of the results of diminution mammoplasties (author's transl)].", "content": "The results of diminution mammoplasties are reported. From 1972 to 1974, 70 diminution mammoplasties according to Str\u00f6mbeck were carried out. Indication for the operation was hypertrophy of the breasts with side effects of morbid value. In 47 patients side effects of the body posture were the leading indication. In 23 patients, psychosocial problems were the indication. Only patients with side effects of morbid value were considered to be sufficiently motivated to tolerate the total stress of the operation and the possible post-operative complications. The technical problems of the operation and the post-operative complications are described. 43 patients were followed up at least one year after the operation. In 36 patients the pre-operative complaints were alleviated by the operation. In 7 patients there was improvement. No patient had continuing pre-operative complaints. The mentally depressed and physically and psychologically in their relationship to their environment handicapped patients became usually more satisfied by the operation. Diminution mammoplasties are recommended for the operative treatment of hypertrophy of the breast with side effects of morbid value.", "contents": "[Evaluation of the results of diminution mammoplasties (author's transl)]. The results of diminution mammoplasties are reported. From 1972 to 1974, 70 diminution mammoplasties according to Str\u00f6mbeck were carried out. Indication for the operation was hypertrophy of the breasts with side effects of morbid value. In 47 patients side effects of the body posture were the leading indication. In 23 patients, psychosocial problems were the indication. Only patients with side effects of morbid value were considered to be sufficiently motivated to tolerate the total stress of the operation and the possible post-operative complications. The technical problems of the operation and the post-operative complications are described. 43 patients were followed up at least one year after the operation. In 36 patients the pre-operative complaints were alleviated by the operation. In 7 patients there was improvement. No patient had continuing pre-operative complaints. The mentally depressed and physically and psychologically in their relationship to their environment handicapped patients became usually more satisfied by the operation. Diminution mammoplasties are recommended for the operative treatment of hypertrophy of the breast with side effects of morbid value.", "PMID": 992321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4686", "title": "[The psychosomatic aspects of complaints of varicose veins during pregnancy. A psychosometric investigation in 345 antenatal patients (author's transl)].", "content": "A discrepancy between complaints of varicose veins of the legs such as stabbing in the legs, pain in the legs, tiredness of the legs, heaviness of the legs, feeling of swelling in the legs and nocturnal cramps in the calves, and anatomical signs of varicose veins in the legs was observed. Therefore these complaints were analyzed in 345 antenatal patients regarding their psychological aspects. No complaints of venous insufficiency were found in 47% of the pregnant women. Of the 53% antenatal patients with complaints, 24% had mild, 18% had moderate and 11% had severe complaints. Antenatal patients with well noticable neurotic personality traits in the MPI had complaints twice as often as women without neurotic traits (p smaller than 0.05). Introverted antenatal patients (according to the MPI) had more venous leg complaints than expected (p smaller than 0.05). Pregnant women with frequent psychosomatic complaints and altered general well being had the highest incidence of varicose veins complaints (p smaller than 0.001) or p smaller than 0.05). In addition to these psychometric data, there was also a correlation of the gynaecological history with complaints of venous insufficiency in the legs during pregnancy. Pregnant women with a very painful menarche had more varicose vein complaints than expected (p smaller than 0.05). The incidence was also higher with a history of abortion (p smaller than 0.05), marked dysmenorrhea (p smaller than 0.01) and side effects from oral contraception (p smaller than 0.01) and in primigravida (p smaller than 0.05). Age was only correlated to the symptom of stabbing pain in the legs in a statistically significant correlation (p smaller than 0.05). The results were tested statistically for significance with the X2-method.", "contents": "[The psychosomatic aspects of complaints of varicose veins during pregnancy. A psychosometric investigation in 345 antenatal patients (author's transl)]. A discrepancy between complaints of varicose veins of the legs such as stabbing in the legs, pain in the legs, tiredness of the legs, heaviness of the legs, feeling of swelling in the legs and nocturnal cramps in the calves, and anatomical signs of varicose veins in the legs was observed. Therefore these complaints were analyzed in 345 antenatal patients regarding their psychological aspects. No complaints of venous insufficiency were found in 47% of the pregnant women. Of the 53% antenatal patients with complaints, 24% had mild, 18% had moderate and 11% had severe complaints. Antenatal patients with well noticable neurotic personality traits in the MPI had complaints twice as often as women without neurotic traits (p smaller than 0.05). Introverted antenatal patients (according to the MPI) had more venous leg complaints than expected (p smaller than 0.05). Pregnant women with frequent psychosomatic complaints and altered general well being had the highest incidence of varicose veins complaints (p smaller than 0.001) or p smaller than 0.05). In addition to these psychometric data, there was also a correlation of the gynaecological history with complaints of venous insufficiency in the legs during pregnancy. Pregnant women with a very painful menarche had more varicose vein complaints than expected (p smaller than 0.05). The incidence was also higher with a history of abortion (p smaller than 0.05), marked dysmenorrhea (p smaller than 0.01) and side effects from oral contraception (p smaller than 0.01) and in primigravida (p smaller than 0.05). Age was only correlated to the symptom of stabbing pain in the legs in a statistically significant correlation (p smaller than 0.05). The results were tested statistically for significance with the X2-method.", "PMID": 992322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4687", "title": "The psychological development of orphanage-reared infants: interventions with outcomes (Tehran).", "content": "This paper describes five successive interventions in the rearing of infants at an orphanage in Tehran, with their outcomes. The outcomes were assessed longitudinally. The first of the successive groups, here called \"waves\", numbered 15. These Ss constitute the controls. The only intervention consisted of examining the infants every other week during the first year and every fourth week thereafter with the ordinal, sensorimotor scales of Uzgiris and Hunt. The audio-visual intervention intended for the second wave of 10 infants was tape-recorded mother talk and music under the control of the infants and mobiles that the infants could activate. This plan was never adequately implemented because of inadequate supervision. The third wave of 10 infants got extra untutored human care. The fourth wave of 20 infants got the kind of audio-visual intervention originally intended for the second wave plus access to responsive inanimate materials. For the fifth wave, numbering 11, the infant-caretaker ratio was reduced to two or three to one and the caretakers were taught the Badger program supplemented with procedures to foster vocal imitation and semantic mastery of body parts, clothing, toys, and other objects and events regularly encountered. The results show that each successive wave, excepting the second, achieved the top steps of nearly all seven of the ordinal scales at mean ages younger than the preceding wave, and the fifth wave surpassed even home-reared American children from predominantly professional families in achieving the top steps on five of the seven scales. The findings show that infants need not advance along all branches simultaneously and that the kinds of experience encountered determine the branch along which advancement occurs. A number of theoretical implications are examined. Especially important is the idea that a dependable educational psychology for infancy and early childhood calls for much more knowledge than we now have of the kinds of experience that advance development along each of the various branches.", "contents": "The psychological development of orphanage-reared infants: interventions with outcomes (Tehran). This paper describes five successive interventions in the rearing of infants at an orphanage in Tehran, with their outcomes. The outcomes were assessed longitudinally. The first of the successive groups, here called \"waves\", numbered 15. These Ss constitute the controls. The only intervention consisted of examining the infants every other week during the first year and every fourth week thereafter with the ordinal, sensorimotor scales of Uzgiris and Hunt. The audio-visual intervention intended for the second wave of 10 infants was tape-recorded mother talk and music under the control of the infants and mobiles that the infants could activate. This plan was never adequately implemented because of inadequate supervision. The third wave of 10 infants got extra untutored human care. The fourth wave of 20 infants got the kind of audio-visual intervention originally intended for the second wave plus access to responsive inanimate materials. For the fifth wave, numbering 11, the infant-caretaker ratio was reduced to two or three to one and the caretakers were taught the Badger program supplemented with procedures to foster vocal imitation and semantic mastery of body parts, clothing, toys, and other objects and events regularly encountered. The results show that each successive wave, excepting the second, achieved the top steps of nearly all seven of the ordinal scales at mean ages younger than the preceding wave, and the fifth wave surpassed even home-reared American children from predominantly professional families in achieving the top steps on five of the seven scales. The findings show that infants need not advance along all branches simultaneously and that the kinds of experience encountered determine the branch along which advancement occurs. A number of theoretical implications are examined. Especially important is the idea that a dependable educational psychology for infancy and early childhood calls for much more knowledge than we now have of the kinds of experience that advance development along each of the various branches.", "PMID": 992359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4688", "title": "A child's conception of space as a prerequisite to his understanding of spatial locatives.", "content": "This study was performed to test whether or not cognitive structures give rise to linguistic forms. In this research, 12 male and 12 female Ss, ages 2-1/2 to 7-1/2, were assigned to stages of spatial development as a result of performance on a Piaget task of spatial conception. A series of language tasks was then administered to test both comprehension and production of spatial locatives. The results showed that spatial stages, whether topological, projective, or Euclidian, determined the use of locatives, suggesting that cognition precedes and is a prerequisite to certain language forms. A finding of some interest was that objects which have inherent fronts and backs, like cars or dolls, facilitate the comprehension and production of some locatives, presumably because the objects themselves provide additional linguistic cues which aid the child in organizing the structure of his language.", "contents": "A child's conception of space as a prerequisite to his understanding of spatial locatives. This study was performed to test whether or not cognitive structures give rise to linguistic forms. In this research, 12 male and 12 female Ss, ages 2-1/2 to 7-1/2, were assigned to stages of spatial development as a result of performance on a Piaget task of spatial conception. A series of language tasks was then administered to test both comprehension and production of spatial locatives. The results showed that spatial stages, whether topological, projective, or Euclidian, determined the use of locatives, suggesting that cognition precedes and is a prerequisite to certain language forms. A finding of some interest was that objects which have inherent fronts and backs, like cars or dolls, facilitate the comprehension and production of some locatives, presumably because the objects themselves provide additional linguistic cues which aid the child in organizing the structure of his language.", "PMID": 992360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4689", "title": "Partitioning average and heterotic components of direct and maternal genetic effects on growth in mice using crossfostering techniques.", "content": "Crossfostering was performed using lines selected for increased 6-week body weight (H6) and increased 3-to 6-week postweaning gain (M16) and their reciprocal F1 crosses as nurse dams in the selected crossfostering group, and base population controls (C2, ICR) and their reciprocal F1 crosses in the control group. The offspring suckled were H6, M16 and F2 crosses in the selected group, and C2, ICR and their F2 crosses in the control group. Measurements taken on the individual offspring were body weights at birth (WB) and at 12, 21, 31, 42, and 63 days (W12, W21, W31, W42 and W63, respectively) and weight gains between adjacent ages (GB-12, G12-21, G21-31, G31-42 and G42-63, respectively). Least squares constants fitted to populations of genetic and nurse dams were used to calculate specific linear contrasts. Correlated responses to selection in average direct genetic effects were significant and positive for all traits examined in both H6 and M16, while the correlated responses in average maternal genetic effects were negative in M16 and negligible in H6. Selection response was primarily due to average direct genetic effects while the contribution of average maternal genetic effects was of secondary importance. The response in average direct genetic effects was smaller in M16 for postweaning weights (W31, W42 and W63). The correlated responses in average maternal genetic effects were consistently smaller in M16 than in H6. Direct heterosis was significant for all traits except for G12-21 and G42-63 in the control group, whereas maternal heterosis was significant for weight gains at early ages and for body weights. Direct heterosis tended to be larger than maternal heterosis in both selected and control crosses. Percent direct heterosis for body weight was larger in the selected crosses relative to the control crosses through 31 days of age, but the trend was reversed by 63 days. Percent maternal heterosis was consistently larger in the selected crosses.", "contents": "Partitioning average and heterotic components of direct and maternal genetic effects on growth in mice using crossfostering techniques. Crossfostering was performed using lines selected for increased 6-week body weight (H6) and increased 3-to 6-week postweaning gain (M16) and their reciprocal F1 crosses as nurse dams in the selected crossfostering group, and base population controls (C2, ICR) and their reciprocal F1 crosses in the control group. The offspring suckled were H6, M16 and F2 crosses in the selected group, and C2, ICR and their F2 crosses in the control group. Measurements taken on the individual offspring were body weights at birth (WB) and at 12, 21, 31, 42, and 63 days (W12, W21, W31, W42 and W63, respectively) and weight gains between adjacent ages (GB-12, G12-21, G21-31, G31-42 and G42-63, respectively). Least squares constants fitted to populations of genetic and nurse dams were used to calculate specific linear contrasts. Correlated responses to selection in average direct genetic effects were significant and positive for all traits examined in both H6 and M16, while the correlated responses in average maternal genetic effects were negative in M16 and negligible in H6. Selection response was primarily due to average direct genetic effects while the contribution of average maternal genetic effects was of secondary importance. The response in average direct genetic effects was smaller in M16 for postweaning weights (W31, W42 and W63). The correlated responses in average maternal genetic effects were consistently smaller in M16 than in H6. Direct heterosis was significant for all traits except for G12-21 and G42-63 in the control group, whereas maternal heterosis was significant for weight gains at early ages and for body weights. Direct heterosis tended to be larger than maternal heterosis in both selected and control crosses. Percent direct heterosis for body weight was larger in the selected crosses relative to the control crosses through 31 days of age, but the trend was reversed by 63 days. Percent maternal heterosis was consistently larger in the selected crosses.", "PMID": 992361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4690", "title": "Selection for rate and efficiency of lean gain in the rat.", "content": "Full-sib family selection for rate (WP) or efficiency (WP/F) of protein gain in rats from 3 to 9 weeks of age was applied for five generations. Three rats per litter were killed to estimate carcass protein. Standardized response/cumulative selection for WP was .19+/-.10 for WP, .28+/-.10 for 3- to 9-week gain .28+/-.08 for 9-week weight, .16+/-.08 for litter size, .22+/-.12 for skinning loss and -.07+/-.09 for fraction of protein in the live weight. Response from selection for WP/F was .18+/-.16 for WP/F, .20+/-.11 for WP, .21+/-.11 for weight gain, .16+/-.11 for 3-week weight, .21+/-.10 for 9-week weight, but negligible for skinning loss or body protein. Response to WP/F selection was extremely variable among generations, associated with generation differences in weight and composition at 9 weeks. Estimates of heritability from offspring-midparent regression were .20+/-.12 for WP and .24+/-.08 for WP/F. Estimates of genotype-generation environment interaction were large for growth, feed intake and skinning loss. Maternal effects were large for weaning weight, fraction of body protein and WP. Sire component genetic correlations were 1.08+/-.13 for WP with total gain, .92+/-.08 for WP/F with gross efficiency and .29+/-.25 for WP with WP/F. A partitional calorimeter was used to evaluate heat production of rats. Lines differed in average heat loss but not in heat loss per unit actual or metabolic weight. Response to selection has been steady for WP but probably could be improved by selecting for WP/F at a constant weight rather than a constant age.", "contents": "Selection for rate and efficiency of lean gain in the rat. Full-sib family selection for rate (WP) or efficiency (WP/F) of protein gain in rats from 3 to 9 weeks of age was applied for five generations. Three rats per litter were killed to estimate carcass protein. Standardized response/cumulative selection for WP was .19+/-.10 for WP, .28+/-.10 for 3- to 9-week gain .28+/-.08 for 9-week weight, .16+/-.08 for litter size, .22+/-.12 for skinning loss and -.07+/-.09 for fraction of protein in the live weight. Response from selection for WP/F was .18+/-.16 for WP/F, .20+/-.11 for WP, .21+/-.11 for weight gain, .16+/-.11 for 3-week weight, .21+/-.10 for 9-week weight, but negligible for skinning loss or body protein. Response to WP/F selection was extremely variable among generations, associated with generation differences in weight and composition at 9 weeks. Estimates of heritability from offspring-midparent regression were .20+/-.12 for WP and .24+/-.08 for WP/F. Estimates of genotype-generation environment interaction were large for growth, feed intake and skinning loss. Maternal effects were large for weaning weight, fraction of body protein and WP. Sire component genetic correlations were 1.08+/-.13 for WP with total gain, .92+/-.08 for WP/F with gross efficiency and .29+/-.25 for WP with WP/F. A partitional calorimeter was used to evaluate heat production of rats. Lines differed in average heat loss but not in heat loss per unit actual or metabolic weight. Response to selection has been steady for WP but probably could be improved by selecting for WP/F at a constant weight rather than a constant age.", "PMID": 992362} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4691", "title": "Genetic variation in a heterogeneous environment. II. Temporal heterogeneity and directional selection.", "content": "The maintenance of genetic variation is investigated in a finite population where selection at an autosomal locus with two alleles varies temporally between two environments and the heterozygote has an intermediate fitness value. When there is additive gene action and equal selection in both environments, the autocorrelation between subsequent environments must be negative for more maintenance of genetic variation than for neutrality. The maximum maintenance occurs when there is equal selection in the two environments and the autocorrelation approaches -1.0 (for a stochastic model), or when there is short repeating cycle such as one related to seasons. Also comparison of the effects of stochastic variation in selection in finite ans infinite populations is made by using Monte Carlo simulation. One situation was found where temporal environmental variation maintains genetic variation very effectively even in a small population and that is when there is evolution of dominance, i.e., the heterozygote is closer in fitness to the favored homozygote than the other homozygote. An important conclusion is that in a finite population genetic tracing of environmental change, particularly when there is a positive autocorrelation between environments or a long environmental cycle, leads to an increased loss of genetic variation making such a response undesirable in the long term, a result different from that in infinite populations.", "contents": "Genetic variation in a heterogeneous environment. II. Temporal heterogeneity and directional selection. The maintenance of genetic variation is investigated in a finite population where selection at an autosomal locus with two alleles varies temporally between two environments and the heterozygote has an intermediate fitness value. When there is additive gene action and equal selection in both environments, the autocorrelation between subsequent environments must be negative for more maintenance of genetic variation than for neutrality. The maximum maintenance occurs when there is equal selection in the two environments and the autocorrelation approaches -1.0 (for a stochastic model), or when there is short repeating cycle such as one related to seasons. Also comparison of the effects of stochastic variation in selection in finite ans infinite populations is made by using Monte Carlo simulation. One situation was found where temporal environmental variation maintains genetic variation very effectively even in a small population and that is when there is evolution of dominance, i.e., the heterozygote is closer in fitness to the favored homozygote than the other homozygote. An important conclusion is that in a finite population genetic tracing of environmental change, particularly when there is a positive autocorrelation between environments or a long environmental cycle, leads to an increased loss of genetic variation making such a response undesirable in the long term, a result different from that in infinite populations.", "PMID": 992363} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4692", "title": "Q- and C-band chromosome markers in inbred strains of Mus musculus.", "content": "Differences in the number of chromosomes with secondary constrictions and in the size of the C-band region on certain chromosomes have been observed among the following inbred strains of Mus musculus: C57BL/10J, C57BR/cdJ, DBA/1J, CBA/J, BALB/cJ, and AKR. These differences are useful as indicators of the location of rRNA genes and as normal chromosome markers. The size of each C-band region appears to remain constant over many generations. Only one probable change in the size of a C-band region was found.", "contents": "Q- and C-band chromosome markers in inbred strains of Mus musculus. Differences in the number of chromosomes with secondary constrictions and in the size of the C-band region on certain chromosomes have been observed among the following inbred strains of Mus musculus: C57BL/10J, C57BR/cdJ, DBA/1J, CBA/J, BALB/cJ, and AKR. These differences are useful as indicators of the location of rRNA genes and as normal chromosome markers. The size of each C-band region appears to remain constant over many generations. Only one probable change in the size of a C-band region was found.", "PMID": 992364} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4693", "title": "[Effect of mutagens on RNA-containing phages and its infectious RNA. VII. Genetic nature of morphologic mutants of RNA-containing phage MS2].", "content": "Temperature-sensitive \"leaky\" mutants of phage MS2 having white dense ring around negative colonies are described. As these mutants are used for quantitative genetic studies, the white ring presents interest. Typical mutant 40 is used as a model for investigation. Light microscopy has shown, that cells from white ring zone have spore-like inclusions, which determine the characteristic structure of surrounding mutant negative colonies. Cytochemical reactions for the presence of glicogen, lipids, volutin, nuclear material and spores were negative. Electrone microscopy of negatively stained samples and ultrathin sections has revealed that cells from white ring zone, unlike phage-infected wild type cells, have two types of electron dense inclusions: 1) crystalline structures formed with great number of closely packed mature phage particles, and 2) large amorphic bodies. Electrone microscope-cytochemical data showed that inclusions remain intact under treatment of ultrathin sections of white zone ring with DNase and perchloric acid, while nuclear material was completely destroyed. Amorphic bodied were completely destructed after the treatment with RNase, while nuclear material and crystalline phage aggregated remained unchanged. Therefore, amorphic bodies consist of RNA, which has not been used to form virions. Single cycle of the development of mutant 40 at 37 degrees and 43 degrees C and under the temperature of incubation 37 degrees leads to 43 degrees C and 43 degrees leads to 37 degrees C in the course of intracellular reproduction is investigated. Influence of the phage on growth on infected culture is studied. The data obtained draw to a conclusion that the impaired function belongs to cystron protein of the phage membrane. As certain mutations in this cystrone of RNA-containing phage result in the depression of cystrone RNA polymerase, it is supposed that the formation of RNA containing bodies in infected cells, determining the formation of white rings in NA, together with cristalline aggregates of cells, is a result of mutation damage of cystrone protein of the phage MS2 membrane.", "contents": "[Effect of mutagens on RNA-containing phages and its infectious RNA. VII. Genetic nature of morphologic mutants of RNA-containing phage MS2]. Temperature-sensitive \"leaky\" mutants of phage MS2 having white dense ring around negative colonies are described. As these mutants are used for quantitative genetic studies, the white ring presents interest. Typical mutant 40 is used as a model for investigation. Light microscopy has shown, that cells from white ring zone have spore-like inclusions, which determine the characteristic structure of surrounding mutant negative colonies. Cytochemical reactions for the presence of glicogen, lipids, volutin, nuclear material and spores were negative. Electrone microscopy of negatively stained samples and ultrathin sections has revealed that cells from white ring zone, unlike phage-infected wild type cells, have two types of electron dense inclusions: 1) crystalline structures formed with great number of closely packed mature phage particles, and 2) large amorphic bodies. Electrone microscope-cytochemical data showed that inclusions remain intact under treatment of ultrathin sections of white zone ring with DNase and perchloric acid, while nuclear material was completely destroyed. Amorphic bodied were completely destructed after the treatment with RNase, while nuclear material and crystalline phage aggregated remained unchanged. Therefore, amorphic bodies consist of RNA, which has not been used to form virions. Single cycle of the development of mutant 40 at 37 degrees and 43 degrees C and under the temperature of incubation 37 degrees leads to 43 degrees C and 43 degrees leads to 37 degrees C in the course of intracellular reproduction is investigated. Influence of the phage on growth on infected culture is studied. The data obtained draw to a conclusion that the impaired function belongs to cystron protein of the phage membrane. As certain mutations in this cystrone of RNA-containing phage result in the depression of cystrone RNA polymerase, it is supposed that the formation of RNA containing bodies in infected cells, determining the formation of white rings in NA, together with cristalline aggregates of cells, is a result of mutation damage of cystrone protein of the phage MS2 membrane.", "PMID": 992365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4694", "title": "[Increase in the frequency of spontaneous chromosome aberrations with age in rats].", "content": "675 oocytes from 1294 studied were found suitable for counting chromosomes and caryotyping. 86,8% of oocytes (586) had a normal chromosome number, while aneuploidy was observed in 12,7% of oocytes (86). Among them 72 (10,67%) were with hypoploidy, while only 14 (2,07%) were hyperploid with 22 chromosomes. Structural chromosome aberrations were found in three oocytes: two of them had chromosome fragments and one had a break in the long arm of the chromosome 1.", "contents": "[Increase in the frequency of spontaneous chromosome aberrations with age in rats]. 675 oocytes from 1294 studied were found suitable for counting chromosomes and caryotyping. 86,8% of oocytes (586) had a normal chromosome number, while aneuploidy was observed in 12,7% of oocytes (86). Among them 72 (10,67%) were with hypoploidy, while only 14 (2,07%) were hyperploid with 22 chromosomes. Structural chromosome aberrations were found in three oocytes: two of them had chromosome fragments and one had a break in the long arm of the chromosome 1.", "PMID": 992366} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4695", "title": "[Cytogenetic effect of ultraviolet rays in mammalian cells at the DNA synthesis stage].", "content": "The frequency of chromosome aberrations induced by UV light at various wavelengths in the primary culture of mouse embryonic fibroblasts during the S-phase was studied. The aberration frequency is wavelength-dependent and reaches a maximum at 265 nm. The action spectrum for the chromosome aberrations determined at 254, 265, 280 and 302 nm closely conforms to the absorption spectra of thymidine. The value of caffeine potentiation was the same for 265 and 280 nm UV-induced aberrations. This indicates that primary chromosome damages and their transformation in cells are similar at these two wavelengths. The data obtained suggest that the formation of DNA cross-links following thymine dimerization is the first step in the formation of UV-induced chromosome aberrations in mammalian cells at the S phase.", "contents": "[Cytogenetic effect of ultraviolet rays in mammalian cells at the DNA synthesis stage]. The frequency of chromosome aberrations induced by UV light at various wavelengths in the primary culture of mouse embryonic fibroblasts during the S-phase was studied. The aberration frequency is wavelength-dependent and reaches a maximum at 265 nm. The action spectrum for the chromosome aberrations determined at 254, 265, 280 and 302 nm closely conforms to the absorption spectra of thymidine. The value of caffeine potentiation was the same for 265 and 280 nm UV-induced aberrations. This indicates that primary chromosome damages and their transformation in cells are similar at these two wavelengths. The data obtained suggest that the formation of DNA cross-links following thymine dimerization is the first step in the formation of UV-induced chromosome aberrations in mammalian cells at the S phase.", "PMID": 992367} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4696", "title": "[Suppression of DNA-ligase deficiency and selective breeding of mutants and recombinants of T4 phage with phenotype rII].", "content": "A number of methods which greatly simplify the introduction of frame shift mutations in the limited segment of the phage T4 rII genes were developed for studying genetical recombination between closely linked markers. These methods enable to construct multiple rII mutants with relatively small expenditure of labour. Suppression of gene 30 deficiency by rII mutations has been studied for a variety of conditions. The results obtained indicate that rIIB polypeptide is involved in two different activities: rIIB region which is dispensable for growth on lambda-lysogenic Escherichia coli strains behaves as indispensable in phenomenon of suppression of ligase deficiency.", "contents": "[Suppression of DNA-ligase deficiency and selective breeding of mutants and recombinants of T4 phage with phenotype rII]. A number of methods which greatly simplify the introduction of frame shift mutations in the limited segment of the phage T4 rII genes were developed for studying genetical recombination between closely linked markers. These methods enable to construct multiple rII mutants with relatively small expenditure of labour. Suppression of gene 30 deficiency by rII mutations has been studied for a variety of conditions. The results obtained indicate that rIIB polypeptide is involved in two different activities: rIIB region which is dispensable for growth on lambda-lysogenic Escherichia coli strains behaves as indispensable in phenomenon of suppression of ligase deficiency.", "PMID": 992368} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4697", "title": "Effects of Cis- and trans-clomiphene on the uterine blood flow of oophorectomized ewes.", "content": "Changes in the left uterine artery blood flow (YBF) after intraarterial administration of estradiol-17beta and cis- and trans-clomiphene citrate to conscious, oophorectomized ewes were monitored by chronically implanted electromagnetic flow probes. Cis-clomiphene produced UBF increases comparable to or greater than those produced by estradiol-17beta but at dose levels 20 times greater. Comparison of UBF response curves for cis-clomiphene with those for estradiol-17beta showed a delayed onset of initial vasodilation and a delayed peak response. The duration of uterine vasodilation produced by cis-clomiphene was dose-dependent and exceeded that produced by estradiol-17beta. Similar reponses were observed with trans-clomiphene but at dose levels at least 1,000 times those of estradiol-17beta. The characteristics of clomiphene-induced UBF responses that differed from those after estradiol-17beta may reflect differences in estrogen receptor activation between the compounds.", "contents": "Effects of Cis- and trans-clomiphene on the uterine blood flow of oophorectomized ewes. Changes in the left uterine artery blood flow (YBF) after intraarterial administration of estradiol-17beta and cis- and trans-clomiphene citrate to conscious, oophorectomized ewes were monitored by chronically implanted electromagnetic flow probes. Cis-clomiphene produced UBF increases comparable to or greater than those produced by estradiol-17beta but at dose levels 20 times greater. Comparison of UBF response curves for cis-clomiphene with those for estradiol-17beta showed a delayed onset of initial vasodilation and a delayed peak response. The duration of uterine vasodilation produced by cis-clomiphene was dose-dependent and exceeded that produced by estradiol-17beta. Similar reponses were observed with trans-clomiphene but at dose levels at least 1,000 times those of estradiol-17beta. The characteristics of clomiphene-induced UBF responses that differed from those after estradiol-17beta may reflect differences in estrogen receptor activation between the compounds.", "PMID": 992480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4698", "title": "In vitro perfusion studies of the human placenta. IV. Some characteristics of the glucose transport system in the human placenta.", "content": "In vitro perfusion studies of glucose transport in the human placenta show saturation kinetics at high glucose concentrations and competitive inhibition of glucose transfer by the nonmetablizable glucose analog 3-O-methyl-alpha-D glucopyranoside. These characteristics provide further evidence that glucose is transported by a facilitated diffusion process in the human placenta.", "contents": "In vitro perfusion studies of the human placenta. IV. Some characteristics of the glucose transport system in the human placenta. In vitro perfusion studies of glucose transport in the human placenta show saturation kinetics at high glucose concentrations and competitive inhibition of glucose transfer by the nonmetablizable glucose analog 3-O-methyl-alpha-D glucopyranoside. These characteristics provide further evidence that glucose is transported by a facilitated diffusion process in the human placenta.", "PMID": 992481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4699", "title": "Alterations in metabolism of H-epinephrine in the pregnant and non-pregnant state and in males.", "content": "The influence of sex, pregnancy and parturition of biological accumulation and metabolic fate was studied in Sherman rats. 3H-epinephrine was used as a tracer to determine differences in metabolite formation in normal males and females as well as pregnant rats from 18 days post coitum to the end of parturition. The disappearance of 3H-epinephrine and its metabolites was measured in blood, heart, kidney and brain at different intervals but 20 min after the injection of tracer was found the most appropriate time to find appreciable radioactivity in most of the organs studied. All the comparisons for 3H-epinephrine accumulation and its transformation to metabolites have been reported 20 min post-perfusion period. Marked changes of high statistical significance in 3H-epinephrine accumulation and its transformation to 3H-metanephrine and 3H-acid metabolities were observed between males and females. Heart, adrenals, and spleen showed lower rate of metabolism but higher rate of accumulation during pregnancy. Kidney, ovary, and uterus demonstrated higher rate of metabolism but lower rate of accumulation during gestation. In brain regions, hypophysis discriminated greatly between males and females for the three parameters studied. There were important alterations in metabolite formation during 18 and 21 days of pregnancy. The observed variations have been considered due to modified endocrine activity during pregnancy and parturition.", "contents": "Alterations in metabolism of H-epinephrine in the pregnant and non-pregnant state and in males. The influence of sex, pregnancy and parturition of biological accumulation and metabolic fate was studied in Sherman rats. 3H-epinephrine was used as a tracer to determine differences in metabolite formation in normal males and females as well as pregnant rats from 18 days post coitum to the end of parturition. The disappearance of 3H-epinephrine and its metabolites was measured in blood, heart, kidney and brain at different intervals but 20 min after the injection of tracer was found the most appropriate time to find appreciable radioactivity in most of the organs studied. All the comparisons for 3H-epinephrine accumulation and its transformation to metabolites have been reported 20 min post-perfusion period. Marked changes of high statistical significance in 3H-epinephrine accumulation and its transformation to 3H-metanephrine and 3H-acid metabolities were observed between males and females. Heart, adrenals, and spleen showed lower rate of metabolism but higher rate of accumulation during pregnancy. Kidney, ovary, and uterus demonstrated higher rate of metabolism but lower rate of accumulation during gestation. In brain regions, hypophysis discriminated greatly between males and females for the three parameters studied. There were important alterations in metabolite formation during 18 and 21 days of pregnancy. The observed variations have been considered due to modified endocrine activity during pregnancy and parturition.", "PMID": 992482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4700", "title": "The validity of the atropine test.", "content": "In order to evaluate the clinical validity of the so-called \"atropine test\", it has been performed in 83 women in their 35th to 43rd week of pregnancy. A statistical evaluation of the data has shown a serious limitation of both diagnostic and prognostic possibilities of the test; this can be attributed to the great variability of maternal environments.", "contents": "The validity of the atropine test. In order to evaluate the clinical validity of the so-called \"atropine test\", it has been performed in 83 women in their 35th to 43rd week of pregnancy. A statistical evaluation of the data has shown a serious limitation of both diagnostic and prognostic possibilities of the test; this can be attributed to the great variability of maternal environments.", "PMID": 992483} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4701", "title": "Thermography as a diagnostic aid in tennis elbow.", "content": "Thermal screening was used in order to distinguish between Tennis Elbow and entrapment of posterior interosseous nerve. Both conditions have a very similar clinical picture but there should be an altogether different approach concerning treatment. The differential diagnosis is therefore of great importance and thermography of the elbow is a valuable aid in this distinction.", "contents": "Thermography as a diagnostic aid in tennis elbow. Thermal screening was used in order to distinguish between Tennis Elbow and entrapment of posterior interosseous nerve. Both conditions have a very similar clinical picture but there should be an altogether different approach concerning treatment. The differential diagnosis is therefore of great importance and thermography of the elbow is a valuable aid in this distinction.", "PMID": 992484} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4702", "title": "[Transaxillary approach for the resection of the first rib in costo-clavicular compression syndrome].", "content": "80 operations for decompression of the thoracic outlet were performed on 70 patients. Clinical follow-up examinations with phono-angiograms were obtainedin 60 cases. The majority of patients with total relief of symptoms were found after transaxillary resection of the first rib combined with scalenotomy. The phono-angiographic controls of postoperative results were in accordance to signs and symptoms.", "contents": "[Transaxillary approach for the resection of the first rib in costo-clavicular compression syndrome]. 80 operations for decompression of the thoracic outlet were performed on 70 patients. Clinical follow-up examinations with phono-angiograms were obtainedin 60 cases. The majority of patients with total relief of symptoms were found after transaxillary resection of the first rib combined with scalenotomy. The phono-angiographic controls of postoperative results were in accordance to signs and symptoms.", "PMID": 992485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4703", "title": "[Radial nerve compression].", "content": "A new compression syndrome of the deep branch of the radial nerve is described, in which a sudden anterior displacement of a part of this nerve under maximal tension is followed by an axonotmesis. This happens in an area in which the deep branch of the radial nerve crossed some narrow structures which are unyielding and have more compression strength (tense cords of connective tissue Fig. 3). The operative finding of a torsion of the injured fascicles justifies the correctness of the immediate operative revision; otherwise the nerve regeneration would be impaired by the torted empty endoneural tubes. This description is a further constribution not observed before to the compression syndromes of the radial nerve, since in 1970 the author was able to give an explanation for the pathogenesis of compression palsies of the radial nerve, unclear up to that time but observed after forceful muscle contractions again and again since the beginning of this century. This observation gives the evidence that the occurrence of a peripheral compression lesion of nerves is not bound absolutely on the existence of a \"physiological narrowness\" (fibrous or osteofibrous tunnel etc.). This is also true for the median nerve.", "contents": "[Radial nerve compression]. A new compression syndrome of the deep branch of the radial nerve is described, in which a sudden anterior displacement of a part of this nerve under maximal tension is followed by an axonotmesis. This happens in an area in which the deep branch of the radial nerve crossed some narrow structures which are unyielding and have more compression strength (tense cords of connective tissue Fig. 3). The operative finding of a torsion of the injured fascicles justifies the correctness of the immediate operative revision; otherwise the nerve regeneration would be impaired by the torted empty endoneural tubes. This description is a further constribution not observed before to the compression syndromes of the radial nerve, since in 1970 the author was able to give an explanation for the pathogenesis of compression palsies of the radial nerve, unclear up to that time but observed after forceful muscle contractions again and again since the beginning of this century. This observation gives the evidence that the occurrence of a peripheral compression lesion of nerves is not bound absolutely on the existence of a \"physiological narrowness\" (fibrous or osteofibrous tunnel etc.). This is also true for the median nerve.", "PMID": 992486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4704", "title": "[Intraneural neurolysis of the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome].", "content": "Out of 250 neurolyses with microsurgical technique in the past six years 51 performed in carpal tunnel syndrome. The nerve compression was caused in most cases by unspecific sclerotic and fibrous tendovaginitis with pathologic changes of the nerve by adhesions between epineurium and tendon sheath. One patient showed a tuberculous tenosynovitis. In 20% of the patients no visible changes of the nerve was found during operation (stage I), while more than 50% showed slight compression (stage II) and 25% severe compression. Postoperatively the clinical examination including some special tests for function revealed in almost all cases a normalization of sensibility and motor function.", "contents": "[Intraneural neurolysis of the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome]. Out of 250 neurolyses with microsurgical technique in the past six years 51 performed in carpal tunnel syndrome. The nerve compression was caused in most cases by unspecific sclerotic and fibrous tendovaginitis with pathologic changes of the nerve by adhesions between epineurium and tendon sheath. One patient showed a tuberculous tenosynovitis. In 20% of the patients no visible changes of the nerve was found during operation (stage I), while more than 50% showed slight compression (stage II) and 25% severe compression. Postoperatively the clinical examination including some special tests for function revealed in almost all cases a normalization of sensibility and motor function.", "PMID": 992487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4705", "title": "[Evaluation criteria in follow-up studies of flexor tendon therapy].", "content": "A comparison of results in flexor tendon repair is of value only if standard methods of measurement and recording are used. The function of the involved finger(s) can be judged by measurement of the distance between the finger tip and the distal palmar crease, the total maximum flexion at all three finger joints (composite flexion), the lack of extension as an aggregate of the minimum angles which can be achieved at each of the three finger joints (composite extension deficit), and the total amount of movement (composite flexion minus composite extension deficit). Each of these measurements graded according to a scale of values (table 2 and 3); the sum of these values gives a final classification (excellent, good moderate and poor). In a series of 157 follow-up examinations with 223 fingers with flexor tendon repair this method of recording the results of flexor tendon repair was evaluated.", "contents": "[Evaluation criteria in follow-up studies of flexor tendon therapy]. A comparison of results in flexor tendon repair is of value only if standard methods of measurement and recording are used. The function of the involved finger(s) can be judged by measurement of the distance between the finger tip and the distal palmar crease, the total maximum flexion at all three finger joints (composite flexion), the lack of extension as an aggregate of the minimum angles which can be achieved at each of the three finger joints (composite extension deficit), and the total amount of movement (composite flexion minus composite extension deficit). Each of these measurements graded according to a scale of values (table 2 and 3); the sum of these values gives a final classification (excellent, good moderate and poor). In a series of 157 follow-up examinations with 223 fingers with flexor tendon repair this method of recording the results of flexor tendon repair was evaluated.", "PMID": 992488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4706", "title": "[Treatment of the contracted thumb web space by means of an augmented transposition flap method].", "content": "The augmented transposition flap plasty consists of a Z-plasty, to which a triangular flap from the dorsal ulnar aspect of the thumb is added. Remaining skin defects have to be covered by thick split thickness skin grafts. This procedure has been successfully during the past five years for the release of congenital or posttraumatic first web contractures of moderate severity.", "contents": "[Treatment of the contracted thumb web space by means of an augmented transposition flap method]. The augmented transposition flap plasty consists of a Z-plasty, to which a triangular flap from the dorsal ulnar aspect of the thumb is added. Remaining skin defects have to be covered by thick split thickness skin grafts. This procedure has been successfully during the past five years for the release of congenital or posttraumatic first web contractures of moderate severity.", "PMID": 992489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4707", "title": "[Modification of the Kutler flap: neurovascular pedicle].", "content": "Digital pulp reconstruction by a modification of the KUTLER double V-Y plasty has been performed in all digits. Greater mobility of the flaps was obtained by dissecting out the neuro-vascular pedicle employing microsurgical techniques. This permits successful coverage of larger pulp defects, giving satisfactory padding and excellent sensibility following reconstruction of finger tip. The technique is described and late results reported.", "contents": "[Modification of the Kutler flap: neurovascular pedicle]. Digital pulp reconstruction by a modification of the KUTLER double V-Y plasty has been performed in all digits. Greater mobility of the flaps was obtained by dissecting out the neuro-vascular pedicle employing microsurgical techniques. This permits successful coverage of larger pulp defects, giving satisfactory padding and excellent sensibility following reconstruction of finger tip. The technique is described and late results reported.", "PMID": 992490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4708", "title": "[Moberg's neurovascular pedicled palmar moving flap. Analysis of unsatisfactory results].", "content": "Large soft tissue defects of the pulp of the thumb and fingers may be successfully covered using the palmar advancement flap described by MOBERG, which is based on both neurovascular pedicles. In a series of 21 cases there were no shortcomings with regard to sensibility, padding of the distal phalanx or joint function. In 50% of the cases however there was a deformity of the nail and dysesthesia in the region of the hyponychium.", "contents": "[Moberg's neurovascular pedicled palmar moving flap. Analysis of unsatisfactory results]. Large soft tissue defects of the pulp of the thumb and fingers may be successfully covered using the palmar advancement flap described by MOBERG, which is based on both neurovascular pedicles. In a series of 21 cases there were no shortcomings with regard to sensibility, padding of the distal phalanx or joint function. In 50% of the cases however there was a deformity of the nail and dysesthesia in the region of the hyponychium.", "PMID": 992491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4709", "title": "[Prosthesis control by traction instead of myoelectricity in upper arm amputations].", "content": "This paper is concerned with the provision of an upper limb prosthesis in the presence of an axillaris nerve paralysis and additional injuries such as clavicular and scapular fractures, dislocation of the shoulder and major psychological changes. Such paralysis and injuries exclude the use of a myoelectric prosthesis. The shoulder muscles were trained to provide traction forces which controlled an MGH-S hand (VIENNATONE).", "contents": "[Prosthesis control by traction instead of myoelectricity in upper arm amputations]. This paper is concerned with the provision of an upper limb prosthesis in the presence of an axillaris nerve paralysis and additional injuries such as clavicular and scapular fractures, dislocation of the shoulder and major psychological changes. Such paralysis and injuries exclude the use of a myoelectric prosthesis. The shoulder muscles were trained to provide traction forces which controlled an MGH-S hand (VIENNATONE).", "PMID": 992492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4710", "title": "[The 2 prong star].", "content": "The development of a device for determining two point discrimination is described. Prongs of metal set apart by distances ranging from 2 mm to 25 mm protrude from the periphery of a metal disc and permit speedier evaluation than that achieved by conventional methods. The instrument weighs a standard twenty grams and so a constant pressure is applied to whichever prongs are employed.", "contents": "[The 2 prong star]. The development of a device for determining two point discrimination is described. Prongs of metal set apart by distances ranging from 2 mm to 25 mm protrude from the periphery of a metal disc and permit speedier evaluation than that achieved by conventional methods. The instrument weighs a standard twenty grams and so a constant pressure is applied to whichever prongs are employed.", "PMID": 992493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4711", "title": "Psychosocial aspects of sickle cell disease.", "content": "The study described in this article deals with sickle cell patients in Jamaica whose illness is accompanied by leg ulceration, a common complication of sickle cell disease. After exploring the disease's psychological, social, and economic effects, the authors suggest various ways for social workers to help sickle cell patients.", "contents": "Psychosocial aspects of sickle cell disease. The study described in this article deals with sickle cell patients in Jamaica whose illness is accompanied by leg ulceration, a common complication of sickle cell disease. After exploring the disease's psychological, social, and economic effects, the authors suggest various ways for social workers to help sickle cell patients.", "PMID": 992494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4712", "title": "The four Rs: social diagnosis in health care.", "content": "As limited stays in the hospital become more the rule, a patient's record must be comprehensive enough to include both his medical condition and the social problems that may accompany it. The conceptual model presented in this article -- the four Rs of the medical-social diagnosis -- can be used as a checklist to insure rapid and systematic intervention.", "contents": "The four Rs: social diagnosis in health care. As limited stays in the hospital become more the rule, a patient's record must be comprehensive enough to include both his medical condition and the social problems that may accompany it. The conceptual model presented in this article -- the four Rs of the medical-social diagnosis -- can be used as a checklist to insure rapid and systematic intervention.", "PMID": 992495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4713", "title": "Histochemical studies on the mucins of the vertebrate tongues. VIII. Histochemical analysis of mucosubstances in the tongue of the turtle.", "content": "The tongue of the fresh-water turtle, Geomyda trijuga, was investigated histochemically to determine the localization and nature of mucosubstances in it. The results were considered in comparison with the lingual mucosubstances of other vertebrates. A heterogenous distribution of neutral mucosubstances, sulphomucins, sialomucins and hyaluronic acid in various lingual sites was noted. The anterior half of the lingual surface was keratinized, whereas on the posterior half numerous broad papillae and three types of goblet cells were found. The lingual salivary glands were absent from the turtle tongue. The importance of lingual histology in establishing the phylogeny of vertebrates and the possible functional significance of mucosubstances in the physiology of gustation are discussed.", "contents": "Histochemical studies on the mucins of the vertebrate tongues. VIII. Histochemical analysis of mucosubstances in the tongue of the turtle. The tongue of the fresh-water turtle, Geomyda trijuga, was investigated histochemically to determine the localization and nature of mucosubstances in it. The results were considered in comparison with the lingual mucosubstances of other vertebrates. A heterogenous distribution of neutral mucosubstances, sulphomucins, sialomucins and hyaluronic acid in various lingual sites was noted. The anterior half of the lingual surface was keratinized, whereas on the posterior half numerous broad papillae and three types of goblet cells were found. The lingual salivary glands were absent from the turtle tongue. The importance of lingual histology in establishing the phylogeny of vertebrates and the possible functional significance of mucosubstances in the physiology of gustation are discussed.", "PMID": 992500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4714", "title": "The activity of certain hydrolases of rat erythrocytes in experimental magnesium deficiency.", "content": "In rats with induced syndrome of chronic magnesium deficiency, occurrence of haemolytic anaemia in conjuction with a shortening of the erythrocyte survival time and marked reticulocytosis among other symptoms became noticeable. In the present experiment the authors undertook to study the behaviour of the lysosomal enzymes in the erythrocytes of magnesium-deficient rats. In these animals anaemia and reticulocytosis as well as a marked increase in the percentage of the erythrocytes showing positive reactions to the acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase tests developed. It seems likely that the positive lysosomal reactions were obtained with younger blood cells which did not stain with brilliant cresyl blue but still retained single lysosomes in their cytoplasm. This assumption was confirmed by ultrastructural studies which demonstrated the presence of siderosomes inside both the reticulocytes and the mature erythrocytes. The changes in the percentages of reticulocytes and enzyme-positive erythrocytes were independent of the histological structure of the experimental rat's thymus. In the reticulocytes as well as in the mature erythrocytes, the noteworthy presence of degenerated mitochondria containing electron-dense material seems to be a morphological sign of impairment of the magnesium-deficient rat's erythrocytes.", "contents": "The activity of certain hydrolases of rat erythrocytes in experimental magnesium deficiency. In rats with induced syndrome of chronic magnesium deficiency, occurrence of haemolytic anaemia in conjuction with a shortening of the erythrocyte survival time and marked reticulocytosis among other symptoms became noticeable. In the present experiment the authors undertook to study the behaviour of the lysosomal enzymes in the erythrocytes of magnesium-deficient rats. In these animals anaemia and reticulocytosis as well as a marked increase in the percentage of the erythrocytes showing positive reactions to the acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase tests developed. It seems likely that the positive lysosomal reactions were obtained with younger blood cells which did not stain with brilliant cresyl blue but still retained single lysosomes in their cytoplasm. This assumption was confirmed by ultrastructural studies which demonstrated the presence of siderosomes inside both the reticulocytes and the mature erythrocytes. The changes in the percentages of reticulocytes and enzyme-positive erythrocytes were independent of the histological structure of the experimental rat's thymus. In the reticulocytes as well as in the mature erythrocytes, the noteworthy presence of degenerated mitochondria containing electron-dense material seems to be a morphological sign of impairment of the magnesium-deficient rat's erythrocytes.", "PMID": 992501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4715", "title": "Histochemistry of mucosubstances in the mantle of fresh water mussel Parreysia corrugata var. nagpoorensis (Lea). I. Mucosubstances of the inner marginal fold.", "content": "Formol-calcium acetate-fixed sections of the mantle of Parreysia corrugata var. nagpoorensis (Lea) were subjected to various histochemical reactions for mucosubstances. The results of these reactions on the inner marginal fold indicate that it possesses two types of mucous cells secreting sulphomucins and sialomucins. The sulphated mucus is strongly alcianophilic. Its alcianophilia persists when the tissues are stained with Alcian blue in concentration of up to 0.5 M magnesium chloride. The basal inner epithelial cells of the fold contain glycogen while the remaining cells contain neutral muscosubstances. The role of the mucosubstances with reference to feeding is discussed.", "contents": "Histochemistry of mucosubstances in the mantle of fresh water mussel Parreysia corrugata var. nagpoorensis (Lea). I. Mucosubstances of the inner marginal fold. Formol-calcium acetate-fixed sections of the mantle of Parreysia corrugata var. nagpoorensis (Lea) were subjected to various histochemical reactions for mucosubstances. The results of these reactions on the inner marginal fold indicate that it possesses two types of mucous cells secreting sulphomucins and sialomucins. The sulphated mucus is strongly alcianophilic. Its alcianophilia persists when the tissues are stained with Alcian blue in concentration of up to 0.5 M magnesium chloride. The basal inner epithelial cells of the fold contain glycogen while the remaining cells contain neutral muscosubstances. The role of the mucosubstances with reference to feeding is discussed.", "PMID": 992502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4716", "title": "Cytochemical and ultrastructural studies of changes in the nucleus and nucleolus during cell differentiation in the root cortex of Haemanthus katharinae.", "content": "Dimensions,dry mass content, binding of [3H]actinomycin D ([3H]AMD), and [3H]uridine incorporation in the nuclei and nucleoli as well as their ultrastructure during growth and differentiation of the root cortex cells of Haemanthus katharinae were compared. The dry mass of the nuclei did not change, the condensed chromatin content was slightly augmented, and the ability of the nuclei to bind [3H]AMD became somewhat decreased, whereas a considerable reduction was observed in the [3H]uridine incorporation. The highest capability for the binding of [3H]AMD and the highest intensity of RNA synthesis were demonstrated by nuclei in the meristematic zone and during the most intensive cell growth. The size of the nucleoli, their dry mass, the amount of granular component, and the intensity of [3H]uridine incorporation underwent a steady decrease as the cells grew and differentiated. The progressing differentiation of the cells was accompanied by an increasing participation of arginine-rich histones in restraining the capacity for [3H]AMD binding.", "contents": "Cytochemical and ultrastructural studies of changes in the nucleus and nucleolus during cell differentiation in the root cortex of Haemanthus katharinae. Dimensions,dry mass content, binding of [3H]actinomycin D ([3H]AMD), and [3H]uridine incorporation in the nuclei and nucleoli as well as their ultrastructure during growth and differentiation of the root cortex cells of Haemanthus katharinae were compared. The dry mass of the nuclei did not change, the condensed chromatin content was slightly augmented, and the ability of the nuclei to bind [3H]AMD became somewhat decreased, whereas a considerable reduction was observed in the [3H]uridine incorporation. The highest capability for the binding of [3H]AMD and the highest intensity of RNA synthesis were demonstrated by nuclei in the meristematic zone and during the most intensive cell growth. The size of the nucleoli, their dry mass, the amount of granular component, and the intensity of [3H]uridine incorporation underwent a steady decrease as the cells grew and differentiated. The progressing differentiation of the cells was accompanied by an increasing participation of arginine-rich histones in restraining the capacity for [3H]AMD binding.", "PMID": 992503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4717", "title": "Thymineless death in a thymine-dependent mutant of Micrococcus radiodurans T2 in the presence of chloramphenicol and rifampicin.", "content": "A possibility to prevent cells of a thymine-dependent mutant of Micrococcus radiodurans T2 from thymineless death was investigated. It was found that the presence of chloramphenicol (CAP) in a thymineless medium only decelerated the death of cells. The presence of rifampicin (RFP) considerably decreased the death rate of cells but could not prevent thymineless death completely.", "contents": "Thymineless death in a thymine-dependent mutant of Micrococcus radiodurans T2 in the presence of chloramphenicol and rifampicin. A possibility to prevent cells of a thymine-dependent mutant of Micrococcus radiodurans T2 from thymineless death was investigated. It was found that the presence of chloramphenicol (CAP) in a thymineless medium only decelerated the death of cells. The presence of rifampicin (RFP) considerably decreased the death rate of cells but could not prevent thymineless death completely.", "PMID": 992504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4718", "title": "A method of preparation and application of nitrous acid as a mutagen in Claviceps purpurea.", "content": "A simple and speedy procedure is described for the preparation and application of nitrous acid in mutagenic experiments. The conventional incubation mixture of sodium nitrite solution with acetate buffer is replaced by an aqueous solution of nitrous acid prepared by running a solution of sodium nitrite through a column of ion exchange. The procedure eliminates also the interference of other substances. Experimental appraisal of the technique was done during the mutagenic improval of the fungus Claviceps purpurea.", "contents": "A method of preparation and application of nitrous acid as a mutagen in Claviceps purpurea. A simple and speedy procedure is described for the preparation and application of nitrous acid in mutagenic experiments. The conventional incubation mixture of sodium nitrite solution with acetate buffer is replaced by an aqueous solution of nitrous acid prepared by running a solution of sodium nitrite through a column of ion exchange. The procedure eliminates also the interference of other substances. Experimental appraisal of the technique was done during the mutagenic improval of the fungus Claviceps purpurea.", "PMID": 992505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4719", "title": "Ergot alkaloids. VI. Nitrogen metabolism during the development of sclerotium of Claviceps purpurea.", "content": "The developmental transition of ergot from the sphacelial to the sclerotial phase is accompanied by marked changes in morphology, growth and metabolism. The production of alkaloids is paralleled by a concomitant protein synthesis, a decline in the contents of both total N and P, and an attendant rise in the value of the N/P ratio. The total level of free amino acids drops with proceeding development of the sclerotium. The most conspicuous drop, observed at the beginning of the production phase, is due to a sharp decrease in the level of free lysine. This drop attests to profound changes in the metabolism of the parasite in the period of transition from nonproducing sphacelium to producing sclerotium. The gradually decreasing level of free proline reflects the accumulation of the alkaloids. In a parasitic culture, proline is probably supplied in sufficient amounts by the host plant and the main difference between the metabolism of fungal sphacelium and sclerotium is a different utilisation of acetyl-CoA.", "contents": "Ergot alkaloids. VI. Nitrogen metabolism during the development of sclerotium of Claviceps purpurea. The developmental transition of ergot from the sphacelial to the sclerotial phase is accompanied by marked changes in morphology, growth and metabolism. The production of alkaloids is paralleled by a concomitant protein synthesis, a decline in the contents of both total N and P, and an attendant rise in the value of the N/P ratio. The total level of free amino acids drops with proceeding development of the sclerotium. The most conspicuous drop, observed at the beginning of the production phase, is due to a sharp decrease in the level of free lysine. This drop attests to profound changes in the metabolism of the parasite in the period of transition from nonproducing sphacelium to producing sclerotium. The gradually decreasing level of free proline reflects the accumulation of the alkaloids. In a parasitic culture, proline is probably supplied in sufficient amounts by the host plant and the main difference between the metabolism of fungal sphacelium and sclerotium is a different utilisation of acetyl-CoA.", "PMID": 992506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4720", "title": "Composition of lipids and production of mucidin in a submerged culture of the basidiomycete Oudemansiella mucida.", "content": "Mycelial lipids of the submerged culture of Oudemansiella mucida contain acylglycerols, free and esterified sterols. Free fatty acids are not present. Development of the culture is associated with an increased content of unsaturated fatty acids and, on the contrary, with a decreased content of saturated fatty acids. Content of total lipids depends on age of the culture and is inversely related with production of the antibiotic mucidin.", "contents": "Composition of lipids and production of mucidin in a submerged culture of the basidiomycete Oudemansiella mucida. Mycelial lipids of the submerged culture of Oudemansiella mucida contain acylglycerols, free and esterified sterols. Free fatty acids are not present. Development of the culture is associated with an increased content of unsaturated fatty acids and, on the contrary, with a decreased content of saturated fatty acids. Content of total lipids depends on age of the culture and is inversely related with production of the antibiotic mucidin.", "PMID": 992507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4721", "title": "Ontogenetic studies of seizure patterns and seizure activities induced by cortical focus.", "content": "Ontogenetic studies of epileptogenic process were carried out in albino rats ranging in age from birth to 45 days. Experimental epilepsy was produced by two different procedures and the results were compared with each other. Tungstic acid gel was applied to the motor area of the left side of the cortex, and the following results were obtained. The latency of the seizure appearance was long during 10 days after birth, became progressively short thereafter and reached the minimum in about 20 days of age, and gradually returned to the adult level again by 45 days of age. No abvvious seizure was exhibited until five days of age. Seizure patterns developed from tonic or twitch-like jerky convulsion (10 days old) to rhythmic or clonic type of seizure (13 days old), and the seizure patterns similar to those in the adult rat were observed in about 20 days of age. Cortical seizure activity was initially observed in about 10-day-old rats; single high amplitude slow wave appeared and small spikes became superimposed on it in the course of maturation. Atypical spike and wave complexes were observed after 20 days of age. Electrical stimulation was applied to the left cortical motor area by constant current stimulator, and the following seizure patterns were observed: No obvious seizure could be elicited in newborn rat, whereas from three days of age, tonic seizure of the whole body, and from seven days old twitch-like convulsion of extremities were observed. In ages from 10 to 20 days, seizure induced by electrical stimulation was mainly tonic in pattern; extension of forelimbs and flexion of hindlimbs in most cases were observed before 13 days old, but both fore-and hindlimbs were extended therafter. Tonic-clonic seizure patterns were exhibited after 20 days of age. From these results, it was considered that tonic convulsions and high voltage slow cortical seizure activites were produced from the activites of the local cortical neuronal connections, and rhythmic and/or clonic seizure patterns and spike and wave seizure activities were elicited from the more complex, i.e. cortico-subcortical neuronal circuits. Possible contributing factors for the determination of seizure susceptibility in immautre rats were also discussed.", "contents": "Ontogenetic studies of seizure patterns and seizure activities induced by cortical focus. Ontogenetic studies of epileptogenic process were carried out in albino rats ranging in age from birth to 45 days. Experimental epilepsy was produced by two different procedures and the results were compared with each other. Tungstic acid gel was applied to the motor area of the left side of the cortex, and the following results were obtained. The latency of the seizure appearance was long during 10 days after birth, became progressively short thereafter and reached the minimum in about 20 days of age, and gradually returned to the adult level again by 45 days of age. No abvvious seizure was exhibited until five days of age. Seizure patterns developed from tonic or twitch-like jerky convulsion (10 days old) to rhythmic or clonic type of seizure (13 days old), and the seizure patterns similar to those in the adult rat were observed in about 20 days of age. Cortical seizure activity was initially observed in about 10-day-old rats; single high amplitude slow wave appeared and small spikes became superimposed on it in the course of maturation. Atypical spike and wave complexes were observed after 20 days of age. Electrical stimulation was applied to the left cortical motor area by constant current stimulator, and the following seizure patterns were observed: No obvious seizure could be elicited in newborn rat, whereas from three days of age, tonic seizure of the whole body, and from seven days old twitch-like convulsion of extremities were observed. In ages from 10 to 20 days, seizure induced by electrical stimulation was mainly tonic in pattern; extension of forelimbs and flexion of hindlimbs in most cases were observed before 13 days old, but both fore-and hindlimbs were extended therafter. Tonic-clonic seizure patterns were exhibited after 20 days of age. From these results, it was considered that tonic convulsions and high voltage slow cortical seizure activites were produced from the activites of the local cortical neuronal connections, and rhythmic and/or clonic seizure patterns and spike and wave seizure activities were elicited from the more complex, i.e. cortico-subcortical neuronal circuits. Possible contributing factors for the determination of seizure susceptibility in immautre rats were also discussed.", "PMID": 992511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4722", "title": "Prognosis of the Lennox syndrome-long-term clinical and electroencephalographic follow-up study, especially with special reference to relationship with the West syndrome.", "content": "The long-term clinical and electroencephalographic follow-up studies were carried out for more than three years, up to 14 years in the longest, on 116 cases with Lennox syndrome. And the results of s-ystematic study on changing patterns and out come have been reported. The follow-up examination was performed also on West syndrome which is closely related with Lennox syndrome; especially the relationship between both syndromes regarding prognosis has been clarified. (1) According to the long-term follow-up on 116 cases with Lennox syndrome, there were 98 cases (84.5%) having mes (61.2%) and persisted as Lennox syndrome except for one case. (2) Generally speaking, the cases with age of onset before two years old showed unfavorable outcome. (3) There were 42 cases (36.2%), which were converted from West syndrome and showed markedly unfaborable prognosis in regard to intelligence as well as the remainging of seizure. (31 cases, 77.5%) (4) On thehand, in 23 idiopathic cases, which showed no developmental retardation before onset of seizure, had favorable outcome, and the remaining of seizure was observed in eight cases (34.8%). However, even in such cases, it was noticed that those displaying mental defect at the follow-up attained 14 cases (60.9%). That is to say, it was clarified that persistence of even minor seizures induced mental deterioration. (5) The cases with favorable prognosis showed usually a typical slow spike-and-wave pattern electroencephalographically, whereas those with poor prognosis showed mostly an asymmetric or disorganized slow spike-and-wave pattern. (6) In many cases displaying signs of brain atrophy with pneumoencephalograpm and accompanying overt neurological signs at the initial examination, prognosis is obviously poor. (7) From the follow-up examination on 94 cases with West syndrome for three to 15 years transformed into Lennox syndrome Among them, those cases with the remaining of seizure at the time of follow-up were 44 (46.8%) out 94 cases, of which 37 cases (83.8%) had remaining seizure as Lennox syndrome. (8) From the above results, it is emphasized that Lennox and West syndromes show close relationship with each other and that a study should be done on the interrelation between their prognosis.", "contents": "Prognosis of the Lennox syndrome-long-term clinical and electroencephalographic follow-up study, especially with special reference to relationship with the West syndrome. The long-term clinical and electroencephalographic follow-up studies were carried out for more than three years, up to 14 years in the longest, on 116 cases with Lennox syndrome. And the results of s-ystematic study on changing patterns and out come have been reported. The follow-up examination was performed also on West syndrome which is closely related with Lennox syndrome; especially the relationship between both syndromes regarding prognosis has been clarified. (1) According to the long-term follow-up on 116 cases with Lennox syndrome, there were 98 cases (84.5%) having mes (61.2%) and persisted as Lennox syndrome except for one case. (2) Generally speaking, the cases with age of onset before two years old showed unfavorable outcome. (3) There were 42 cases (36.2%), which were converted from West syndrome and showed markedly unfaborable prognosis in regard to intelligence as well as the remainging of seizure. (31 cases, 77.5%) (4) On thehand, in 23 idiopathic cases, which showed no developmental retardation before onset of seizure, had favorable outcome, and the remaining of seizure was observed in eight cases (34.8%). However, even in such cases, it was noticed that those displaying mental defect at the follow-up attained 14 cases (60.9%). That is to say, it was clarified that persistence of even minor seizures induced mental deterioration. (5) The cases with favorable prognosis showed usually a typical slow spike-and-wave pattern electroencephalographically, whereas those with poor prognosis showed mostly an asymmetric or disorganized slow spike-and-wave pattern. (6) In many cases displaying signs of brain atrophy with pneumoencephalograpm and accompanying overt neurological signs at the initial examination, prognosis is obviously poor. (7) From the follow-up examination on 94 cases with West syndrome for three to 15 years transformed into Lennox syndrome Among them, those cases with the remaining of seizure at the time of follow-up were 44 (46.8%) out 94 cases, of which 37 cases (83.8%) had remaining seizure as Lennox syndrome. (8) From the above results, it is emphasized that Lennox and West syndromes show close relationship with each other and that a study should be done on the interrelation between their prognosis.", "PMID": 992512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4723", "title": "Long-term prognosis of epilepsy in children--a follow-up report beyond 18 years of age.", "content": "The long-term prognosis of 185 children with epilepsy, who continued to attend the Clinic for Epileptic Children, the Department of Pediatrics, the University of Tokyo, beyond the age of 18 years, was reported. The length of follow-up varied from three to 20 years, but most of them were followed longer than 10 years. The presumed etiology in these children was divided into a cryptogenic group (124, 67.0%) and a symptomatic group (61). The types of seizures were classified into grand mal (86 cases), focal seizure (27), petit mal absence (4), psychomotro seizure (5), infantile spasms (7), and so on. It may be noted that the highest frequency of grand mal was demonstrated, while the incidences of infantile spasms, myoclonic seizure, and akinetic seizure were low in the series. Only 28 children (15.1%) had complications of physical and/or mental handicaps. The follow-up study revealed that 140 patients (75.7%) had been seizure-free in the last 12 months. One hundred and fifteen of them had no seizures for five years or longer. On the other hand, electroencephalographic abnormalities generally continued for a long time after disappearance of seizures. Eightly-one of well-controlled patients were gradually decreasing the doses of anticonvulsants. As for seizure types, it is noted that focal seizure, psychomotor seizure, and infantile spasms were relatively difficult to be controlled. Except for 27 patients, most of them attended normal schools, including junior colleges or universities, and engaged in various occupations. Fifteen female patients had already married, and out of 13 babies who were born from these patients, there were one with ventricular septal defect, one with mental deficiency, and one with anencephaly, while the rest were entirely normal. Additional problems on withdrawal of anticonvulsants after a long-term seizure-free period, and what a medical system should be for treatment of epilepsy in children up to their adulthood were discussed.", "contents": "Long-term prognosis of epilepsy in children--a follow-up report beyond 18 years of age. The long-term prognosis of 185 children with epilepsy, who continued to attend the Clinic for Epileptic Children, the Department of Pediatrics, the University of Tokyo, beyond the age of 18 years, was reported. The length of follow-up varied from three to 20 years, but most of them were followed longer than 10 years. The presumed etiology in these children was divided into a cryptogenic group (124, 67.0%) and a symptomatic group (61). The types of seizures were classified into grand mal (86 cases), focal seizure (27), petit mal absence (4), psychomotro seizure (5), infantile spasms (7), and so on. It may be noted that the highest frequency of grand mal was demonstrated, while the incidences of infantile spasms, myoclonic seizure, and akinetic seizure were low in the series. Only 28 children (15.1%) had complications of physical and/or mental handicaps. The follow-up study revealed that 140 patients (75.7%) had been seizure-free in the last 12 months. One hundred and fifteen of them had no seizures for five years or longer. On the other hand, electroencephalographic abnormalities generally continued for a long time after disappearance of seizures. Eightly-one of well-controlled patients were gradually decreasing the doses of anticonvulsants. As for seizure types, it is noted that focal seizure, psychomotor seizure, and infantile spasms were relatively difficult to be controlled. Except for 27 patients, most of them attended normal schools, including junior colleges or universities, and engaged in various occupations. Fifteen female patients had already married, and out of 13 babies who were born from these patients, there were one with ventricular septal defect, one with mental deficiency, and one with anencephaly, while the rest were entirely normal. Additional problems on withdrawal of anticonvulsants after a long-term seizure-free period, and what a medical system should be for treatment of epilepsy in children up to their adulthood were discussed.", "PMID": 992513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4724", "title": "The electroencephalographic study on adult-type Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.", "content": "Polygraphic recordings were performed 22 times during a period of about two years on a 25-years-old man with the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome of the adult type. He had several generalized convulsions initially when he was eight years old, and had the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome since the age of 17 years. The paroxysmal fast rhythm shown 214 times in the recordings, which appeared only in the light stage of sleep, was analyzed. The pattern of the paroxysms, and the relationship between the pattern and the clinical seizures was studied. The parozysms were composed of a series of spikes and slow spike and wave. They appeared diffuse and bilaterally synchronous. And so, were classafied these paroxysms into four types. A through D, from the differences of basic activity before appearance of the paroxysms, amplitude, frequency and fluctuation of amplitude and frequency. Consequently D type was thought to be different from the other types of the pattern in spite of the differences in frequency, fluctuation of that and duration of the discharge. All of the clinical seizures which appeared with these paroxysmal fast rhythms was local tonic spasm in the lip. But D type never failed to associate with local tonic spasms and usually developed generalized tonic seizure. Except for D type, it was shown obviously that the same local tonic spasm appeared when the duration of the paroxysm was longer than 4.9 sec. We proposed the paroxysmal fast rhythm of a name \"tonic seizure discharge\" on the basis of the findings of this patient.", "contents": "The electroencephalographic study on adult-type Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Polygraphic recordings were performed 22 times during a period of about two years on a 25-years-old man with the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome of the adult type. He had several generalized convulsions initially when he was eight years old, and had the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome since the age of 17 years. The paroxysmal fast rhythm shown 214 times in the recordings, which appeared only in the light stage of sleep, was analyzed. The pattern of the paroxysms, and the relationship between the pattern and the clinical seizures was studied. The parozysms were composed of a series of spikes and slow spike and wave. They appeared diffuse and bilaterally synchronous. And so, were classafied these paroxysms into four types. A through D, from the differences of basic activity before appearance of the paroxysms, amplitude, frequency and fluctuation of amplitude and frequency. Consequently D type was thought to be different from the other types of the pattern in spite of the differences in frequency, fluctuation of that and duration of the discharge. All of the clinical seizures which appeared with these paroxysmal fast rhythms was local tonic spasm in the lip. But D type never failed to associate with local tonic spasms and usually developed generalized tonic seizure. Except for D type, it was shown obviously that the same local tonic spasm appeared when the duration of the paroxysm was longer than 4.9 sec. We proposed the paroxysmal fast rhythm of a name \"tonic seizure discharge\" on the basis of the findings of this patient.", "PMID": 992514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4725", "title": "Photoconvulsive response and disposition.", "content": "A total of 21 siblings of 17 cases (16 epileptics and one patient with atypical psychosis), in which generalized paroxysmal discharges were provoked either by red-flicker or flickering-pattern and/or pattern, was examined by giving the same stimuli. Similar generalized paroxysmal dischages were provoked in five siblings (23.8%). Of these, two pairs of siblings were identical twins. As a control group, the same EEG activation was carried out in 37 normal healthy 11-year-old children (18 males and 19 females); there were no activation effects. The difference between the two groups was highly signifcant (p less than 0.005). From this study, it was stressed that possible functional vulnerability in the centrencephalon due to disposition might play an important role in the appearance of the GPD's provoked by the visual stimuli as described above. A discussion was also given about the exogenic factor influencing this mechanism.", "contents": "Photoconvulsive response and disposition. A total of 21 siblings of 17 cases (16 epileptics and one patient with atypical psychosis), in which generalized paroxysmal discharges were provoked either by red-flicker or flickering-pattern and/or pattern, was examined by giving the same stimuli. Similar generalized paroxysmal dischages were provoked in five siblings (23.8%). Of these, two pairs of siblings were identical twins. As a control group, the same EEG activation was carried out in 37 normal healthy 11-year-old children (18 males and 19 females); there were no activation effects. The difference between the two groups was highly signifcant (p less than 0.005). From this study, it was stressed that possible functional vulnerability in the centrencephalon due to disposition might play an important role in the appearance of the GPD's provoked by the visual stimuli as described above. A discussion was also given about the exogenic factor influencing this mechanism.", "PMID": 992517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4726", "title": "A neuropathological case-study of myoclonus epilepsy.", "content": "A 28-year-old male of progressive myoclonus epilepsy was reported, who had showed a gradual progression in myoclonus, mental retardation and cerebellar symptoms, and had been treated with a large dosage of diphenylhydantoin. Neuropathologically, slight degenerative changes of the cerebrl cortex, especially in the IV layer, the external pallidum, and the dentate and olivary nuclei were observed. The most obvious change was diffuse reduction of Purkinje's and granular cells in the cerebellum. A congenital cyst was found with surrounding gliosis in the central tegmental tract of the pons. A significant relationship between myoclonus and the cyst was proposed, and furthermore, influences of diphenylhydantoin intoxication on the clinicopathological development of myoclonus epilepsy were emphasized.", "contents": "A neuropathological case-study of myoclonus epilepsy. A 28-year-old male of progressive myoclonus epilepsy was reported, who had showed a gradual progression in myoclonus, mental retardation and cerebellar symptoms, and had been treated with a large dosage of diphenylhydantoin. Neuropathologically, slight degenerative changes of the cerebrl cortex, especially in the IV layer, the external pallidum, and the dentate and olivary nuclei were observed. The most obvious change was diffuse reduction of Purkinje's and granular cells in the cerebellum. A congenital cyst was found with surrounding gliosis in the central tegmental tract of the pons. A significant relationship between myoclonus and the cyst was proposed, and furthermore, influences of diphenylhydantoin intoxication on the clinicopathological development of myoclonus epilepsy were emphasized.", "PMID": 992518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4727", "title": "Etiology of convulsions in neonatal and infantile period.", "content": "1) Etiology of convulsions starting prior to two years of age was discussed in 418 cases. Neonatal seizures before 30 days old appeared in 86 cases (53 boys and 33 girls). Three hundred and thirty-two patients (172 boys and 160 girls) had convulsions in infancy. Twelve patients (9 boys and 3 girls) suffered from convulsions both in neonatal and infantile period. 2)Etiology of convulsions was prenatal in 67 cases (16%), natal in 49 cases (12%), postnatal in 158 cases (38%) and unknown in 144 cases (34%). Prenatal factors consisted of cerebral malformation (23 cases, 6%), associated physical minor anomaly such as cataracta or finger abomaly (11 cases, 3%), abnormal pernatal history (8 cases, 2%), congenital heart disease 3) cases, 1%), tuberose scleorsis (7 cases, 2%) and positive family history (13 cases, 3%). Postnatal causes included hypocalcemia or hypoglycemia (7 cases, 2%), brain tumors (3 cases, 1%), breath-holding spells (21 cases, 5%), febrile convulsion (44 cases, 11%), bathing (3 cases, 1%), afebrile colds (3 cases, 1%), purulent meningitis (17 cases, 4%), DPT immunization (10 cases 2%), vaccination (7 cases, 2%) and acute hemiplegia (10 cases, 2%). The group of unknown etiology were as fns (38 cases, 9%), epilepsy associated with interictal signs (23 cases, 6%), benign infantile convulsions (57 cases, 14%), neonatal convulsion of unknown etiology (12 cases, 3%) and miscellaneous categories (4%). 3) Pregnancy was abnormal in 53% of cases with cerebral malformation. Asphyxia at birth was noted in 43% of patients with tuberose sclerosis and in 35% of congenital cerebral abomaly. 4) Pneumoencephalographic examinations revealed midline anomaly in 50% of cerebral malformation. It was abnormal in all cases with tuberose sclerosis, head injury and epilepsy with interseizure neurological signs. 5) There were no correlations between the seizure pattern and the etiology in neonatal convulsion. In infancy, focal-unilateral convulsions and infantile spasms were frequently associated with organic damages. Generalized seizures were seen in organic lesions as well as functional ones although approximately half of the cases were febrile convulsion, benign infantile convulsion or breath-holding spell. 6) EEG features of cerebral malformation were asymmetrical or multifocal dischages in neonatal period and hypsarhythmia or focal-unilateral spike discharges in infancy. Tuberose sclerosis showed hypsarhythmia in infancy. In birth injury or cerebral anoxia, EEG mostly revealed focal-unilateral abnormality or suppression-burst activity in newborns and hypsarhythmia or focal features in infants. 7) The occurrence rate of neonatal seizures in autopsy cases with intracranial pathology was demonstrated. EEG with intravenous diazepam was useful to know pathophysiology of infantile spasms.", "contents": "Etiology of convulsions in neonatal and infantile period. 1) Etiology of convulsions starting prior to two years of age was discussed in 418 cases. Neonatal seizures before 30 days old appeared in 86 cases (53 boys and 33 girls). Three hundred and thirty-two patients (172 boys and 160 girls) had convulsions in infancy. Twelve patients (9 boys and 3 girls) suffered from convulsions both in neonatal and infantile period. 2)Etiology of convulsions was prenatal in 67 cases (16%), natal in 49 cases (12%), postnatal in 158 cases (38%) and unknown in 144 cases (34%). Prenatal factors consisted of cerebral malformation (23 cases, 6%), associated physical minor anomaly such as cataracta or finger abomaly (11 cases, 3%), abnormal pernatal history (8 cases, 2%), congenital heart disease 3) cases, 1%), tuberose scleorsis (7 cases, 2%) and positive family history (13 cases, 3%). Postnatal causes included hypocalcemia or hypoglycemia (7 cases, 2%), brain tumors (3 cases, 1%), breath-holding spells (21 cases, 5%), febrile convulsion (44 cases, 11%), bathing (3 cases, 1%), afebrile colds (3 cases, 1%), purulent meningitis (17 cases, 4%), DPT immunization (10 cases 2%), vaccination (7 cases, 2%) and acute hemiplegia (10 cases, 2%). The group of unknown etiology were as fns (38 cases, 9%), epilepsy associated with interictal signs (23 cases, 6%), benign infantile convulsions (57 cases, 14%), neonatal convulsion of unknown etiology (12 cases, 3%) and miscellaneous categories (4%). 3) Pregnancy was abnormal in 53% of cases with cerebral malformation. Asphyxia at birth was noted in 43% of patients with tuberose sclerosis and in 35% of congenital cerebral abomaly. 4) Pneumoencephalographic examinations revealed midline anomaly in 50% of cerebral malformation. It was abnormal in all cases with tuberose sclerosis, head injury and epilepsy with interseizure neurological signs. 5) There were no correlations between the seizure pattern and the etiology in neonatal convulsion. In infancy, focal-unilateral convulsions and infantile spasms were frequently associated with organic damages. Generalized seizures were seen in organic lesions as well as functional ones although approximately half of the cases were febrile convulsion, benign infantile convulsion or breath-holding spell. 6) EEG features of cerebral malformation were asymmetrical or multifocal dischages in neonatal period and hypsarhythmia or focal-unilateral spike discharges in infancy. Tuberose sclerosis showed hypsarhythmia in infancy. In birth injury or cerebral anoxia, EEG mostly revealed focal-unilateral abnormality or suppression-burst activity in newborns and hypsarhythmia or focal features in infants. 7) The occurrence rate of neonatal seizures in autopsy cases with intracranial pathology was demonstrated. EEG with intravenous diazepam was useful to know pathophysiology of infantile spasms.", "PMID": 992519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4728", "title": "A prospective study of epilepsy following neonatal convulsions.", "content": "In a prospective study of 130 infants with neonatal convulsions, the frequency and type of epilepsy and the relationship between the presumptive etiology of neonatal convulsions and subsequent epilepsy were investigated in 82 survivors exclouding those dying and lost to follow-up. Of these 82 children, 15 (18.2%) were found to have epilepsy, which was of generalized type in seven (8.5%), infantile spasm in four (4.9%), focal seizures in three (3.6%) and myoclonic seizures in one (1.2%). Febrile convulf neonatal convulsions were asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage or neonatal meningitides in most instances, but no particular relationship was noted between the presumptive etiology of neonatal convulsions and the type of subsequent epilepsy. In 11 (73.3%) of the 15 epileptic children, convurrent mental retardation, cerebral palsy and postmeningitic hydrocephalus were noted. Evidence from RI cisternography, pneumoencephalography and cerebral angiography indicated that perinatal or neonatal brain damage responsible for epilepsy might be organic in nature. The fact that epilepsy occurred later in many of cases of neonatal convulsions of unidentified etiology suggests that brain damage incurred during fetal life might also be implicated at least in some instances. The onset of epilepsy in this series was relatively early, invariably before three years of age.", "contents": "A prospective study of epilepsy following neonatal convulsions. In a prospective study of 130 infants with neonatal convulsions, the frequency and type of epilepsy and the relationship between the presumptive etiology of neonatal convulsions and subsequent epilepsy were investigated in 82 survivors exclouding those dying and lost to follow-up. Of these 82 children, 15 (18.2%) were found to have epilepsy, which was of generalized type in seven (8.5%), infantile spasm in four (4.9%), focal seizures in three (3.6%) and myoclonic seizures in one (1.2%). Febrile convulf neonatal convulsions were asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage or neonatal meningitides in most instances, but no particular relationship was noted between the presumptive etiology of neonatal convulsions and the type of subsequent epilepsy. In 11 (73.3%) of the 15 epileptic children, convurrent mental retardation, cerebral palsy and postmeningitic hydrocephalus were noted. Evidence from RI cisternography, pneumoencephalography and cerebral angiography indicated that perinatal or neonatal brain damage responsible for epilepsy might be organic in nature. The fact that epilepsy occurred later in many of cases of neonatal convulsions of unidentified etiology suggests that brain damage incurred during fetal life might also be implicated at least in some instances. The onset of epilepsy in this series was relatively early, invariably before three years of age.", "PMID": 992520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4729", "title": "Clinical investigation of infantile convulsion.", "content": "We investigated 104 cases of infantile convulsions which occurred before two years of age. These cases had no detectable signs of acute brain disorders, and they had normal psychomotor development and normal EEG findings at onset. (1) Sex ratio was 1:1. (2) A positive family history of various types of convulsions was obtained in 30.8% (Febrile convulsion: 65.7%) (3) The incidence of perinatal anoxic brain damage was higher than that in the control group. This was probably related to the incidence of infantile convulsion. (4) More than half the cases (66.3%) had the first convulsion between three and eight months of age, and 95.6% of prospectively follow-up cases were shown free from attacks before two years of age. (5) Precipitating factors to convulsion were found in 45.1% of all cases. These factors were bathing and non-febrile infection. (6) The most common form of infantile convulsion is generalized tonic and/or clonic convulsion (78.8%) within 5 min. (82.7%). This convulsion reccurs frequently in a relatively short period. (7) The incidence of subsequent epilepsy seems to have been found among patients who had had an initial attack between three and five months of age, and had then experienced convulsion more than six times or in a prolonged state.", "contents": "Clinical investigation of infantile convulsion. We investigated 104 cases of infantile convulsions which occurred before two years of age. These cases had no detectable signs of acute brain disorders, and they had normal psychomotor development and normal EEG findings at onset. (1) Sex ratio was 1:1. (2) A positive family history of various types of convulsions was obtained in 30.8% (Febrile convulsion: 65.7%) (3) The incidence of perinatal anoxic brain damage was higher than that in the control group. This was probably related to the incidence of infantile convulsion. (4) More than half the cases (66.3%) had the first convulsion between three and eight months of age, and 95.6% of prospectively follow-up cases were shown free from attacks before two years of age. (5) Precipitating factors to convulsion were found in 45.1% of all cases. These factors were bathing and non-febrile infection. (6) The most common form of infantile convulsion is generalized tonic and/or clonic convulsion (78.8%) within 5 min. (82.7%). This convulsion reccurs frequently in a relatively short period. (7) The incidence of subsequent epilepsy seems to have been found among patients who had had an initial attack between three and five months of age, and had then experienced convulsion more than six times or in a prolonged state.", "PMID": 992522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4730", "title": "[Old and new views on resuscitation].", "content": "The pro and contra of reanimation are discussed and the essentials of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are lined out according to the ABC of reanimation by Safar. The review of the literature shows that the majority of the therapeutic measures practised today is known already for over 200 years. A survey of the results of these live safing measures is given and the attitude and opinion of resuscitated patients are discussed.", "contents": "[Old and new views on resuscitation]. The pro and contra of reanimation are discussed and the essentials of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are lined out according to the ABC of reanimation by Safar. The review of the literature shows that the majority of the therapeutic measures practised today is known already for over 200 years. A survey of the results of these live safing measures is given and the attitude and opinion of resuscitated patients are discussed.", "PMID": 992532} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4731", "title": "[Psychophysiological studies in the pre-school children].", "content": "The behavior of 24 children, aged 3-6 years, was recorded on video-tape. Simultaneously the ECG was recorded telemetrically. These observations were made during two pre-school educational programs lasting 90 minutes each: \"Didactic games\" and \"Elementary music and movement program\". For each child a scale was developed to show the correlation of mean heart-rate and well defined motor-activity. It was evident that the mean heart-rate was higher during the music program than during the didactic program, corresponding to the higher motor-activity. But it was found that in the didactic program the variation of the heart-rate within short intervals was higher due to the more frequent occurrence of respiratory arrhythmias. It was also seen that during the music program the children showed no signs of exertion as they did towards the end of the didactic program. Respiratory arrhythmias were not seen in children who according to the Schellong-test were classified as stable in their cardiovascular system. The arrhythmias occurred mainly when the children showed signs of fatigue.", "contents": "[Psychophysiological studies in the pre-school children]. The behavior of 24 children, aged 3-6 years, was recorded on video-tape. Simultaneously the ECG was recorded telemetrically. These observations were made during two pre-school educational programs lasting 90 minutes each: \"Didactic games\" and \"Elementary music and movement program\". For each child a scale was developed to show the correlation of mean heart-rate and well defined motor-activity. It was evident that the mean heart-rate was higher during the music program than during the didactic program, corresponding to the higher motor-activity. But it was found that in the didactic program the variation of the heart-rate within short intervals was higher due to the more frequent occurrence of respiratory arrhythmias. It was also seen that during the music program the children showed no signs of exertion as they did towards the end of the didactic program. Respiratory arrhythmias were not seen in children who according to the Schellong-test were classified as stable in their cardiovascular system. The arrhythmias occurred mainly when the children showed signs of fatigue.", "PMID": 992536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4732", "title": "[Chronic geriatric patient in the hospital].", "content": "The cost explosion in the health system, especially in the hospital field, and the prolongation of life, i.e. the increase of the proportion of old people in the total population, oblige us to ask the question as to the part of geriatric patients in the present and future hospital treatment. By means of statistically relevant material, i.e. 25,342 female and 20,189 male in-patients in the Municipal Hospitals Nuremberg during the year 1974, compared with investigations of the year 1964, the growing significance of the geriatric patients for the total health system is demonstrated. Particular interest is paid to the old chronically ill persons, as is shown in an estimate of the internal in-patients. 50% of the internal in-patients are chronically ill persons. The present structure of hospitals is by no means complying with this situation. As an improvement, a ward system with different aims instead of the one complex acute hospital is presented. Apart from the existing acute stations there should be provided geriatric rehabilitation wards, social stations and day-hospitals. Humanitarian and financial advantages to be expected of these new wards are outlined. Particular emphasis is given to the active rehabilitation in the sense of a comprising social-medical help.", "contents": "[Chronic geriatric patient in the hospital]. The cost explosion in the health system, especially in the hospital field, and the prolongation of life, i.e. the increase of the proportion of old people in the total population, oblige us to ask the question as to the part of geriatric patients in the present and future hospital treatment. By means of statistically relevant material, i.e. 25,342 female and 20,189 male in-patients in the Municipal Hospitals Nuremberg during the year 1974, compared with investigations of the year 1964, the growing significance of the geriatric patients for the total health system is demonstrated. Particular interest is paid to the old chronically ill persons, as is shown in an estimate of the internal in-patients. 50% of the internal in-patients are chronically ill persons. The present structure of hospitals is by no means complying with this situation. As an improvement, a ward system with different aims instead of the one complex acute hospital is presented. Apart from the existing acute stations there should be provided geriatric rehabilitation wards, social stations and day-hospitals. Humanitarian and financial advantages to be expected of these new wards are outlined. Particular emphasis is given to the active rehabilitation in the sense of a comprising social-medical help.", "PMID": 992538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4733", "title": "[Influence of isoxsuprine HCl on blood viscosity].", "content": "A decrease of blood viscosity is a working principle in the therapy of severe disorders of arterial blood flow. Isoxsuprine-HCl was found effective in lowering the blood viscosity when given intravenously in a dose of 30 mg over 60 min. This effect derives probably from a decrease of the tendency to aggregate and an increase of the flexibility of red blood cells. 30 min after termination of the infusion this effect has its maximum and 60 min later still is significantly raised.", "contents": "[Influence of isoxsuprine HCl on blood viscosity]. A decrease of blood viscosity is a working principle in the therapy of severe disorders of arterial blood flow. Isoxsuprine-HCl was found effective in lowering the blood viscosity when given intravenously in a dose of 30 mg over 60 min. This effect derives probably from a decrease of the tendency to aggregate and an increase of the flexibility of red blood cells. 30 min after termination of the infusion this effect has its maximum and 60 min later still is significantly raised.", "PMID": 992539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4734", "title": "[Surgery of malignant kidney tumors].", "content": "Critical examination of the results in surgical treatment and new surgical techniques have lead to some changes in operative therapy of hypernephroid kidney cancer. Indications for surgical treatment and different operative techniques are described in dependence of grade of metastases. The possibility of arterial embolization in renal hemorrhage in inoperable patients is discussed.", "contents": "[Surgery of malignant kidney tumors]. Critical examination of the results in surgical treatment and new surgical techniques have lead to some changes in operative therapy of hypernephroid kidney cancer. Indications for surgical treatment and different operative techniques are described in dependence of grade of metastases. The possibility of arterial embolization in renal hemorrhage in inoperable patients is discussed.", "PMID": 992541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4735", "title": "[Modified in situ perfusion of the kidney using balloon catheters].", "content": "Experiences with the in situ hypotherme perfusion in the operative treatment of calculus in kidneys and calices are reported. A modified technique is presented using an inflatable Swan-Ganz-ballon catheter for simultaneous blocking of renal blood flow and perfusion.", "contents": "[Modified in situ perfusion of the kidney using balloon catheters]. Experiences with the in situ hypotherme perfusion in the operative treatment of calculus in kidneys and calices are reported. A modified technique is presented using an inflatable Swan-Ganz-ballon catheter for simultaneous blocking of renal blood flow and perfusion.", "PMID": 992542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4736", "title": "[Transvenous kidney puncture. New procedure for withdrawal of kidney tissue].", "content": "A transvenous catheter technique for renal puncture is described which was successful in 9 of 11 punctures performed in 8 dogs. Macrohematuria was not observed in any case. Autopsy revealed only small subcapsular hematomas. The advantage of this procedure is the reduced risk of bleeding achieved by peripheral puncture and by-passing of the great central vessels with aid of phlebographic controls. Moreover localization of kidneys by excretion urography--impossible in patients with renal insufficiency--is unnecessary.", "contents": "[Transvenous kidney puncture. New procedure for withdrawal of kidney tissue]. A transvenous catheter technique for renal puncture is described which was successful in 9 of 11 punctures performed in 8 dogs. Macrohematuria was not observed in any case. Autopsy revealed only small subcapsular hematomas. The advantage of this procedure is the reduced risk of bleeding achieved by peripheral puncture and by-passing of the great central vessels with aid of phlebographic controls. Moreover localization of kidneys by excretion urography--impossible in patients with renal insufficiency--is unnecessary.", "PMID": 992543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4737", "title": "[Effectiveness of nuclear medicine kidney clearance procedure].", "content": "Methods and clinical indications of divided renal clearance determination using 131I-hippuran are presented and their value as a diagnostic tool in urology is shown by two case reports. For quantitative assessment of renal function we prefer the whole body clearance (with partial shielding of kidneys and bladder), which obviates the necessity of the theoretical assumption of compartmental distribution of radiopharmaceuticals. Using simplified clearance tecniques only based on analysis of plasma disappearance curves (slope clearance one- and two-compartment model), clinically useful results are also obtainable, especially in follow up studies. The evaluation of tubular and glomerular kidney function by simultaneous application of 131I-hippuran and 99mTc-DTPA is suitable for estimation of filtration fraction in patients with urological and nephrological diseases. Even with regard to therapy and follow up studies of urinary tract tuberculosis, remarkable diagnostic informations may be achieved.", "contents": "[Effectiveness of nuclear medicine kidney clearance procedure]. Methods and clinical indications of divided renal clearance determination using 131I-hippuran are presented and their value as a diagnostic tool in urology is shown by two case reports. For quantitative assessment of renal function we prefer the whole body clearance (with partial shielding of kidneys and bladder), which obviates the necessity of the theoretical assumption of compartmental distribution of radiopharmaceuticals. Using simplified clearance tecniques only based on analysis of plasma disappearance curves (slope clearance one- and two-compartment model), clinically useful results are also obtainable, especially in follow up studies. The evaluation of tubular and glomerular kidney function by simultaneous application of 131I-hippuran and 99mTc-DTPA is suitable for estimation of filtration fraction in patients with urological and nephrological diseases. Even with regard to therapy and follow up studies of urinary tract tuberculosis, remarkable diagnostic informations may be achieved.", "PMID": 992544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4738", "title": "[Sickle cell anemia].", "content": "Sickle cell disease is a hereditary chronic hemolytic anaemia mostly found in negroes. The blood of these patients contains hemoglobin S. Absence of oxygen determines the sickling to the red blood cells. In the heterozygous state clinical manifestations usually are absent. The homozygous form shows different symptoms. The progressive course with hemolytic, aplastic or thrombotic crises mostly ends in an early death in infancy or childhood. Treatment is largely palliative. Transfusions, treatment of the crises and general measures play the most essential role.", "contents": "[Sickle cell anemia]. Sickle cell disease is a hereditary chronic hemolytic anaemia mostly found in negroes. The blood of these patients contains hemoglobin S. Absence of oxygen determines the sickling to the red blood cells. In the heterozygous state clinical manifestations usually are absent. The homozygous form shows different symptoms. The progressive course with hemolytic, aplastic or thrombotic crises mostly ends in an early death in infancy or childhood. Treatment is largely palliative. Transfusions, treatment of the crises and general measures play the most essential role.", "PMID": 992545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4739", "title": "[Clinical pictures of hemiblock and fascicular block. Diagnosis and clinical significance].", "content": "In intraventricular conducting defects distal the bundle of His we see different forms, i.e. left anterior and left posterior hemiblock, left bundle branch block and right bundle branch block. The left anterior hemiblock is electrocardiographically responsible for a left axis deviation, the left posteriof hemiblock for a vertical axis or right axis deviation. If there is in addition to a hemiblock a right bundle branch block, it is called a bifascicular block. Are at the same time all three fascicles concerned, there will be a trifascicular block, i.e. a complete atrioventricular block, the so-called peripheral form. The common cause of fascicular blocks is coronary heart disease. Because of the possible progressing of the disease patients need further surveillance and eventually therapy.", "contents": "[Clinical pictures of hemiblock and fascicular block. Diagnosis and clinical significance]. In intraventricular conducting defects distal the bundle of His we see different forms, i.e. left anterior and left posterior hemiblock, left bundle branch block and right bundle branch block. The left anterior hemiblock is electrocardiographically responsible for a left axis deviation, the left posteriof hemiblock for a vertical axis or right axis deviation. If there is in addition to a hemiblock a right bundle branch block, it is called a bifascicular block. Are at the same time all three fascicles concerned, there will be a trifascicular block, i.e. a complete atrioventricular block, the so-called peripheral form. The common cause of fascicular blocks is coronary heart disease. Because of the possible progressing of the disease patients need further surveillance and eventually therapy.", "PMID": 992547} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4740", "title": "[Pacemaker implantation data registry. Supervision of the function of pacemaker and longevity].", "content": "To prolong the expected lifetime of pacemakers, more and more pulse generators with reduced output and electrodes with high impedance are used nowadays. Therefore it becomes necessary to measure carefully the physiological parameters as threshold, intracradial potential or the electrode-myocard impedance. When evaluating the threshold it is important to know the output properties of the pacemaker to be used and to take into consideration that the pacemaker itself also will influence the size of the intracardial potential. As no reliable data about the longevity of pacemaker electrodes is available, the total electrode impedance should be measured. Thus at least insulation defects can be detected and impending pacemaker failure be avoided. To observe long term changes in those parameters it is advisable to keep a comprehensive implantation protocol.", "contents": "[Pacemaker implantation data registry. Supervision of the function of pacemaker and longevity]. To prolong the expected lifetime of pacemakers, more and more pulse generators with reduced output and electrodes with high impedance are used nowadays. Therefore it becomes necessary to measure carefully the physiological parameters as threshold, intracradial potential or the electrode-myocard impedance. When evaluating the threshold it is important to know the output properties of the pacemaker to be used and to take into consideration that the pacemaker itself also will influence the size of the intracardial potential. As no reliable data about the longevity of pacemaker electrodes is available, the total electrode impedance should be measured. Thus at least insulation defects can be detected and impending pacemaker failure be avoided. To observe long term changes in those parameters it is advisable to keep a comprehensive implantation protocol.", "PMID": 992548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4741", "title": "[Dysphagia. Diagnosis, differential diagnosis].", "content": "The wide scope of differential diagnosis in dysphagia makes interdisplinary team-work essential. The aim of this review therefore is to show the various specialties of medicine dealing with dysphagia and to point out possible causes and therapeutic measures.", "contents": "[Dysphagia. Diagnosis, differential diagnosis]. The wide scope of differential diagnosis in dysphagia makes interdisplinary team-work essential. The aim of this review therefore is to show the various specialties of medicine dealing with dysphagia and to point out possible causes and therapeutic measures.", "PMID": 992550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4742", "title": "[Gastritis. Cause and significance].", "content": "Despite the high incidence and the increasing frequency gastritis is a true pathological process of the gastric mucosa. The importance of gastritis is not due to the symptoms but due to the altered reagibility of the stomach mucosa against exogenous and endogenous noxes. Two different forms fo chronic atrophic gastritis are to be distinguish concerning localization and etiology. Type A possibly is caused by an immunological process and is localized in the corpus mucosa. The more frequent typ B is localized in the antral mucosa and may be caused by exogen factors. None of these different forms of gastritis is a true precancerosis. However, dysplasia and enterocolic metaplasia which can appear in the course of chronic atrophic gastritis should be payed special attention because of a possible increased frequency of malignancy.", "contents": "[Gastritis. Cause and significance]. Despite the high incidence and the increasing frequency gastritis is a true pathological process of the gastric mucosa. The importance of gastritis is not due to the symptoms but due to the altered reagibility of the stomach mucosa against exogenous and endogenous noxes. Two different forms fo chronic atrophic gastritis are to be distinguish concerning localization and etiology. Type A possibly is caused by an immunological process and is localized in the corpus mucosa. The more frequent typ B is localized in the antral mucosa and may be caused by exogen factors. None of these different forms of gastritis is a true precancerosis. However, dysplasia and enterocolic metaplasia which can appear in the course of chronic atrophic gastritis should be payed special attention because of a possible increased frequency of malignancy.", "PMID": 992551} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4743", "title": "[Endocrine regulation of the menstrual cycle].", "content": "Physiological data concerning the serum concentrations and the pituitary content of varian steroids and gonadotropins, respectively, are reviewed. On the basis of these physiological data results from experimental studies are critically evaluated as far as their significance for the understanding of the physiology of the cycle is concerned. Data from the literatur and results from own studies are incorporated in a concept of the endocrine regulation of the human menstrual cycle.", "contents": "[Endocrine regulation of the menstrual cycle]. Physiological data concerning the serum concentrations and the pituitary content of varian steroids and gonadotropins, respectively, are reviewed. On the basis of these physiological data results from experimental studies are critically evaluated as far as their significance for the understanding of the physiology of the cycle is concerned. Data from the literatur and results from own studies are incorporated in a concept of the endocrine regulation of the human menstrual cycle.", "PMID": 992554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4744", "title": "[Drug-induced icterus].", "content": "From the clinical point of view, the classification of drug-induced liver damage into predictable, unpredictable and simulated, has proved useful (Popper and Greim 1973). Forms of jaundice can be predominantly cholestatic or predominantly hepatocellular and can closely imitate an obstructive syndrome or hepatitis. Mixed forms are also frequent.", "contents": "[Drug-induced icterus]. From the clinical point of view, the classification of drug-induced liver damage into predictable, unpredictable and simulated, has proved useful (Popper and Greim 1973). Forms of jaundice can be predominantly cholestatic or predominantly hepatocellular and can closely imitate an obstructive syndrome or hepatitis. Mixed forms are also frequent.", "PMID": 992555} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4745", "title": "[X-ray symptoms in ulcerative colitis].", "content": "Barium enema studies in 200 patients with ulcerative colitis were analyzed according to radiological symptoms. The results of the radiological examination were compared with those of rectoscopy and biopsy. In about 75 per cent of patients good agreement was achieved.", "contents": "[X-ray symptoms in ulcerative colitis]. Barium enema studies in 200 patients with ulcerative colitis were analyzed according to radiological symptoms. The results of the radiological examination were compared with those of rectoscopy and biopsy. In about 75 per cent of patients good agreement was achieved.", "PMID": 992556} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4746", "title": "[Influence of various forms of vagotomy on the exocrine function of the pancres].", "content": "In surgical treatment of the duodenal ulcer a selective proximal vagotomy is the only method to vagotomize parietal cell area of the stomach alone and to let the motoric and endocrine function of the antrum, as well as the vagal innervation of the liver, the pancreas and the gut indisturbed. Our experimental investigations on dogs with total and selective proximal vagotomy show, that an intact vagal innervation of the pancreas is important for its normal function and that selective proximal vagotomy does not change the exocrine pancreatic secretion. Otherwise a total vagotomy diminishes significantly the pancreatic production of volume and enzymes after insulin stimulation. In respect of the vagal innervation and normal function of the pancreas, a selective proximal vagotomy therefore seems to be the best method in surgical treatment of the duodenal ulcer.", "contents": "[Influence of various forms of vagotomy on the exocrine function of the pancres]. In surgical treatment of the duodenal ulcer a selective proximal vagotomy is the only method to vagotomize parietal cell area of the stomach alone and to let the motoric and endocrine function of the antrum, as well as the vagal innervation of the liver, the pancreas and the gut indisturbed. Our experimental investigations on dogs with total and selective proximal vagotomy show, that an intact vagal innervation of the pancreas is important for its normal function and that selective proximal vagotomy does not change the exocrine pancreatic secretion. Otherwise a total vagotomy diminishes significantly the pancreatic production of volume and enzymes after insulin stimulation. In respect of the vagal innervation and normal function of the pancreas, a selective proximal vagotomy therefore seems to be the best method in surgical treatment of the duodenal ulcer.", "PMID": 992557} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4747", "title": "[Behavior of exocrine pancreatic function during treatment with antibiotics and antineoplastic agents].", "content": "The thesis is composed of two parts, the first part is concerned with experiments in rats, the second part confirms the findings in human beings. After administration of oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol and cyclophosphamide, respectively, to rats an approximately dose-dependent decrease in the pancreatic secretion of proteins and enzyme activities was demonstrable in vivo under exogenous stimulation. The exocrine pancreatic function was studied in humans by performing a secretin-pancreocymin test before and after treatment with oxytetracycline or chloramphenicol and before and after massive-dose therapy with cyclophosphamide or combined cytotoxic treatment (as outlined by De Vita). The investigations further included an examination of the exocrine pancreatic function in subjects on maintenance therapy with cyclophosphamide or busulfan and a comparison with the exocrine pancreatic function in a group of controls. In the oxytetracycline-treated humans there was a depression of the amylase and lipase activities in the duodenal secretion. Administration of chloramphenicol produced a decrease in the amylase output only. In the patients on massive-dose or continued therapy with cyclophosphamide the pancreatic function remained essentially unchanged. In contrast, cytotoxic combination treatment resulted in decreased activities of amylase and lipase. After maintenance treatment with busulfan a reduction of the trypsin and amylase activities was detectable. The volume and electrolyte outputs were found to remain essentially unchanged in all investigations. An impairment in enzyme synthesis is suggested as the major cause of the observed changes of pancreatic secretion after antibiotic and cytotoxic treatment.", "contents": "[Behavior of exocrine pancreatic function during treatment with antibiotics and antineoplastic agents]. The thesis is composed of two parts, the first part is concerned with experiments in rats, the second part confirms the findings in human beings. After administration of oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol and cyclophosphamide, respectively, to rats an approximately dose-dependent decrease in the pancreatic secretion of proteins and enzyme activities was demonstrable in vivo under exogenous stimulation. The exocrine pancreatic function was studied in humans by performing a secretin-pancreocymin test before and after treatment with oxytetracycline or chloramphenicol and before and after massive-dose therapy with cyclophosphamide or combined cytotoxic treatment (as outlined by De Vita). The investigations further included an examination of the exocrine pancreatic function in subjects on maintenance therapy with cyclophosphamide or busulfan and a comparison with the exocrine pancreatic function in a group of controls. In the oxytetracycline-treated humans there was a depression of the amylase and lipase activities in the duodenal secretion. Administration of chloramphenicol produced a decrease in the amylase output only. In the patients on massive-dose or continued therapy with cyclophosphamide the pancreatic function remained essentially unchanged. In contrast, cytotoxic combination treatment resulted in decreased activities of amylase and lipase. After maintenance treatment with busulfan a reduction of the trypsin and amylase activities was detectable. The volume and electrolyte outputs were found to remain essentially unchanged in all investigations. An impairment in enzyme synthesis is suggested as the major cause of the observed changes of pancreatic secretion after antibiotic and cytotoxic treatment.", "PMID": 992558} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4748", "title": "[Serum cholesterol concentrations in various basic diseases. Studies in 2466 hospital patients].", "content": "In 2466 in-patients the blood cholesterol concentration was measured. Also age, height, weight, excretory liver function, glucose tolerance, the concentration of total lipids, uric acid and the clinical diagnosis were correlated with the cholesterol levels. Higher cholesterol levels were found in elderly patients and in patients with impairment of liver function, glucose tolerance and with overweight. With increasing hight cholesterol decreases. Patients with disorders of gallbladder and liver had significantly higher cholesterol levels compared with patients with hematological disorders, malignancies and pulmonary affections.", "contents": "[Serum cholesterol concentrations in various basic diseases. Studies in 2466 hospital patients]. In 2466 in-patients the blood cholesterol concentration was measured. Also age, height, weight, excretory liver function, glucose tolerance, the concentration of total lipids, uric acid and the clinical diagnosis were correlated with the cholesterol levels. Higher cholesterol levels were found in elderly patients and in patients with impairment of liver function, glucose tolerance and with overweight. With increasing hight cholesterol decreases. Patients with disorders of gallbladder and liver had significantly higher cholesterol levels compared with patients with hematological disorders, malignancies and pulmonary affections.", "PMID": 992559} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4749", "title": "[Redioimmunoassay for secretin (author's transl)].", "content": "The synthesis of a secretin with an elongated N-terminus, namely Nalpha-(deaminotyrosyl-beta-alanyl)- secretin (DATA-secretin), using a conventional strategy, is described. After purification of the product by means of ion exchange chromatography on SP-Sephadex C-25 and by continuous carrier-free electrophoresis, immunological studies on the synthetic DATA-secretin were carried out using secretin antibodies. In comparison to 125iodine-labelled secretin and [Tyr6]secretin, 125iodine-DATA-secretin proved to be by far the best \"tracer\". Elaboration of a radioimmunoassay for secretin is therefore possible.", "contents": "[Redioimmunoassay for secretin (author's transl)]. The synthesis of a secretin with an elongated N-terminus, namely Nalpha-(deaminotyrosyl-beta-alanyl)- secretin (DATA-secretin), using a conventional strategy, is described. After purification of the product by means of ion exchange chromatography on SP-Sephadex C-25 and by continuous carrier-free electrophoresis, immunological studies on the synthetic DATA-secretin were carried out using secretin antibodies. In comparison to 125iodine-labelled secretin and [Tyr6]secretin, 125iodine-DATA-secretin proved to be by far the best \"tracer\". Elaboration of a radioimmunoassay for secretin is therefore possible.", "PMID": 992560} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4750", "title": "Quantitative mass spectral identification of p-bromophenylthiohydantoins from Edman degradations by tetradeuterated internal standards.", "content": "p-Bromophenylisothiocyanate is a reagent well suited for the Edman degradation of peptide chains[1-5]. The relative rate of the coupling reaction at the N-terminus is slightly more rapid than with phenyl- or methylisothiocyanate, but less rapid than with pentafluorophenylisothiocyanate. The latter reagent, however, is rapidly hydrolyzed under the conditions of the coupling reaction. The p-bromo substituent facilitates mass spectral identification of the p-bromophenylthiohydantoins obtained, due to its characteristic double peak[1-4]. Quantitation of the amount of p-bromophenylthiohydantoin obtained can easily be achieved in the parent mass spectrum by addition of a known amount of tetradeutero-p-bromophenylthiohydantoin as an internal standard. The tetradeuterated standards give rise to molecular ion peaks four mass units higher than the corresponding undeuterated probes. Standard and probe volatilize almost equally well. The composition in the vapor indicated by the H/D ratio reflects the molar concentrations over the entire range of probe evaporation. A procedure for the preparation of the tetradeutero-p-bromophenyl-isothiocyanate and the respective tetradeuterated amino acid p-bromophenylthiohydantoins is given.", "contents": "Quantitative mass spectral identification of p-bromophenylthiohydantoins from Edman degradations by tetradeuterated internal standards. p-Bromophenylisothiocyanate is a reagent well suited for the Edman degradation of peptide chains[1-5]. The relative rate of the coupling reaction at the N-terminus is slightly more rapid than with phenyl- or methylisothiocyanate, but less rapid than with pentafluorophenylisothiocyanate. The latter reagent, however, is rapidly hydrolyzed under the conditions of the coupling reaction. The p-bromo substituent facilitates mass spectral identification of the p-bromophenylthiohydantoins obtained, due to its characteristic double peak[1-4]. Quantitation of the amount of p-bromophenylthiohydantoin obtained can easily be achieved in the parent mass spectrum by addition of a known amount of tetradeutero-p-bromophenylthiohydantoin as an internal standard. The tetradeuterated standards give rise to molecular ion peaks four mass units higher than the corresponding undeuterated probes. Standard and probe volatilize almost equally well. The composition in the vapor indicated by the H/D ratio reflects the molar concentrations over the entire range of probe evaporation. A procedure for the preparation of the tetradeutero-p-bromophenyl-isothiocyanate and the respective tetradeuterated amino acid p-bromophenylthiohydantoins is given.", "PMID": 992561} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4751", "title": "Succinylation of proteins associated with the ribosomal attachment site on microsomal membranes.", "content": "Ribosome-free membranes, prepared from rat liver endoplasmic reticulum by means of 2M LiCl, lost 90% of their ability to accept ribosomes for reattachment after exposure to succinic anhydride. However, treatment of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum with succinic anhydride, prior to the removal of bound ribosomes by 2M LiCl, gave rise to membranes that were still able to accept ribosomes for reattachment. Succinylation of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum resulted in the removal of some loosely-bound ribosomes and also a slight loss in glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, preincubated with succinic anhydride prior to treatment with lithium chloride, was exposed to [3H]succinic anhydride and subsequently analysed by dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. By this means it was found that there were at least three proteins of different molecular weights that were associated with the membrane ribosomal attachment site.", "contents": "Succinylation of proteins associated with the ribosomal attachment site on microsomal membranes. Ribosome-free membranes, prepared from rat liver endoplasmic reticulum by means of 2M LiCl, lost 90% of their ability to accept ribosomes for reattachment after exposure to succinic anhydride. However, treatment of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum with succinic anhydride, prior to the removal of bound ribosomes by 2M LiCl, gave rise to membranes that were still able to accept ribosomes for reattachment. Succinylation of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum resulted in the removal of some loosely-bound ribosomes and also a slight loss in glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, preincubated with succinic anhydride prior to treatment with lithium chloride, was exposed to [3H]succinic anhydride and subsequently analysed by dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. By this means it was found that there were at least three proteins of different molecular weights that were associated with the membrane ribosomal attachment site.", "PMID": 992562} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4752", "title": "[Synthesis of conjugates of heptalysine and penicillins (author's transl)].", "content": "Heptalysine was synthesized as a non-immunogenic carrier for artificial antigens with penicilloyl-group specificity. The synthesis was carried out by conventional techniques via different routes by condensation of appropriately protected intermediates. Best results were obtained with the use of the benzyloxycarbonyl group for intermediate protection of the alpha-amino-groups and the tert.-butyloxycarbonyl-group together with the tert.-butylester for permanent blockage of the terminal alpha-amino group, the epsilon-amino groups and the terminal carboxyl group. Heptalysine and also lysine were reacted with benzylpenicillin, alpha-aminobenzylpenicillin and tert.-butyloxycarbonyl-alpha aminobenzylpenicillin--to prevent the alpha-amino groups of penicillin from reacting--in aqueous solutions at pH 10.6-11.6 according to Levine and Redmond. The products were isolated after precipitation with acid or dialysation against water by lyophilisation. The penicilloyl group content of the conjugates as estimated from elemental analysis, penamaldate tests and the NMR spectra proved to be rather high: 5-7 residues/mol.", "contents": "[Synthesis of conjugates of heptalysine and penicillins (author's transl)]. Heptalysine was synthesized as a non-immunogenic carrier for artificial antigens with penicilloyl-group specificity. The synthesis was carried out by conventional techniques via different routes by condensation of appropriately protected intermediates. Best results were obtained with the use of the benzyloxycarbonyl group for intermediate protection of the alpha-amino-groups and the tert.-butyloxycarbonyl-group together with the tert.-butylester for permanent blockage of the terminal alpha-amino group, the epsilon-amino groups and the terminal carboxyl group. Heptalysine and also lysine were reacted with benzylpenicillin, alpha-aminobenzylpenicillin and tert.-butyloxycarbonyl-alpha aminobenzylpenicillin--to prevent the alpha-amino groups of penicillin from reacting--in aqueous solutions at pH 10.6-11.6 according to Levine and Redmond. The products were isolated after precipitation with acid or dialysation against water by lyophilisation. The penicilloyl group content of the conjugates as estimated from elemental analysis, penamaldate tests and the NMR spectra proved to be rather high: 5-7 residues/mol.", "PMID": 992563} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4753", "title": "Facilitated purification of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase.", "content": "Three major approaches to the complete purification of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase from human erythrocytes and rat brain are described. Preparative isoelectric focusing which has been used for the isolation of the human enzyme was not fully successful in the case of rat brain. Preparative polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in gel blocks yields enzyme samples of high purity as judged by analytical gel electrophoresis, but with a comparatively low specific enzyme activity. The most rapid and convenient method, a modification of the affinity chromatography on GMP agarose first described by Hughes[5] gives hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase which is superior to the other preparations in its homogeneity and its specific activity. All three methods produce an identical enzyme protein detected by polyacrylamide electrophoresis on nondenaturing and sodium dodecylsulfate gels. Molecular data of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase derived from these studies are: Isoelectric points of 5.60; 5.85 and 5.90 for three isozyme peaks of the rat brain enzyme; and a molecular weight of 72000 for the native rat brain enzyme and of 25000-27000 for the subunit of human and rat enzyme. Guanylate kinase does not interfere with the purification of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase on GMP agarose and moreover is itself partially purified by this chromatography.", "contents": "Facilitated purification of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase. Three major approaches to the complete purification of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase from human erythrocytes and rat brain are described. Preparative isoelectric focusing which has been used for the isolation of the human enzyme was not fully successful in the case of rat brain. Preparative polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in gel blocks yields enzyme samples of high purity as judged by analytical gel electrophoresis, but with a comparatively low specific enzyme activity. The most rapid and convenient method, a modification of the affinity chromatography on GMP agarose first described by Hughes[5] gives hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase which is superior to the other preparations in its homogeneity and its specific activity. All three methods produce an identical enzyme protein detected by polyacrylamide electrophoresis on nondenaturing and sodium dodecylsulfate gels. Molecular data of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase derived from these studies are: Isoelectric points of 5.60; 5.85 and 5.90 for three isozyme peaks of the rat brain enzyme; and a molecular weight of 72000 for the native rat brain enzyme and of 25000-27000 for the subunit of human and rat enzyme. Guanylate kinase does not interfere with the purification of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase on GMP agarose and moreover is itself partially purified by this chromatography.", "PMID": 992564} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4754", "title": "Estimation of glucose turnover in rats in vivo with tritium labeled glucoses.", "content": "Starved and starved-refed rats were injected intravenously with labelled glucose (a mixture of [2-3H]-, [3-3H]- and [U-14C]glucose with either [5-3H]- or [6-3H]glucose), and the decay of the specific activity of [14C]glucose followed. Glucose was degraded to obtain the 3H/14C ratios for 3 isotope combinations in the same sample. The apparent rates of replacements, apparent carbon recycling, and the body glucose mass were calculated for the different tracers. The 3H/14C ratio from [2-3H, -U-14C]glucose declined much faster than that of the other tracers. Apparent recycling as calculated in fasted rats was 28% for [2-3H, U-14C]- 18% for [5-3H,-U-14C]- 17% for [3-3H, U-14C]- and 14% for [6-3H,U-14C]glucoses. The values in fed rats showed a similar pattern. We estimate that in fasted rats 85 to 90% of the 3HOH liberated from injected [2-3H]glucose is formed by catabolism in the periphery and the rest by recycling in the liver between glucose and glucose 6-P. Detritiation of other labels by hepatic recycling accounts for a very small fraction of the total 3HOH yield.", "contents": "Estimation of glucose turnover in rats in vivo with tritium labeled glucoses. Starved and starved-refed rats were injected intravenously with labelled glucose (a mixture of [2-3H]-, [3-3H]- and [U-14C]glucose with either [5-3H]- or [6-3H]glucose), and the decay of the specific activity of [14C]glucose followed. Glucose was degraded to obtain the 3H/14C ratios for 3 isotope combinations in the same sample. The apparent rates of replacements, apparent carbon recycling, and the body glucose mass were calculated for the different tracers. The 3H/14C ratio from [2-3H, -U-14C]glucose declined much faster than that of the other tracers. Apparent recycling as calculated in fasted rats was 28% for [2-3H, U-14C]- 18% for [5-3H,-U-14C]- 17% for [3-3H, U-14C]- and 14% for [6-3H,U-14C]glucoses. The values in fed rats showed a similar pattern. We estimate that in fasted rats 85 to 90% of the 3HOH liberated from injected [2-3H]glucose is formed by catabolism in the periphery and the rest by recycling in the liver between glucose and glucose 6-P. Detritiation of other labels by hepatic recycling accounts for a very small fraction of the total 3HOH yield.", "PMID": 992565} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4755", "title": "Crystallographic structural studies of a human Fc fragment. II. A complete model based on a Fourier map at 3.5 A resolution.", "content": "The crystal structure analysis of a human Fc fragment was pursued to 3.5 A resolution and a complete model was built and refined into the isomorphous Fourier map. The CH2 and CH3 domains show the immunoglobulin fold, with CH3 being closely similar to CH1, but CH2 intermediate in structure between V and CH3. The carbohydrate is rigidly attached to CH2, covering the C face. CH3 dimerizes as CH1-CL, but CH2 has no contact to the second chain. Residues involved in the lateral CH3-CH3 and the longitudinal CH3-CH2 contact are conserved in Ig classes and sub-classes. In IgM and IgE the two C-terminal domains also show this characteristic distribution of contact residues.", "contents": "Crystallographic structural studies of a human Fc fragment. II. A complete model based on a Fourier map at 3.5 A resolution. The crystal structure analysis of a human Fc fragment was pursued to 3.5 A resolution and a complete model was built and refined into the isomorphous Fourier map. The CH2 and CH3 domains show the immunoglobulin fold, with CH3 being closely similar to CH1, but CH2 intermediate in structure between V and CH3. The carbohydrate is rigidly attached to CH2, covering the C face. CH3 dimerizes as CH1-CL, but CH2 has no contact to the second chain. Residues involved in the lateral CH3-CH3 and the longitudinal CH3-CH2 contact are conserved in Ig classes and sub-classes. In IgM and IgE the two C-terminal domains also show this characteristic distribution of contact residues.", "PMID": 992566} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4756", "title": "[On the occurence of isopeptide bonds in the chorion of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Rich.) (author's transl)].", "content": "Chorions of unfertilized and fertilized eggs of the rainbow trout were isolated from tissue and yolk components and investigated for isopeptide bonds. The complete hydrolysis of the alpha-amide bonds was obtained by a system of four proteases. A chromatographic ion exchange system was used to separate Nepsilon-(beta-aspartyl)lysine as well as Nepsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine from single amino acids. Chorions of unfertilized eggs contain neither Asp Lys nor Glu Lys bonds. Only chorions of fertilized eggs contain Glu Lys isopeptide. It is probably the high content of this isopeptide that is responsible for the greater mechanical stability of the fertilized teleostean egg chorion.", "contents": "[On the occurence of isopeptide bonds in the chorion of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Rich.) (author's transl)]. Chorions of unfertilized and fertilized eggs of the rainbow trout were isolated from tissue and yolk components and investigated for isopeptide bonds. The complete hydrolysis of the alpha-amide bonds was obtained by a system of four proteases. A chromatographic ion exchange system was used to separate Nepsilon-(beta-aspartyl)lysine as well as Nepsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine from single amino acids. Chorions of unfertilized eggs contain neither Asp Lys nor Glu Lys bonds. Only chorions of fertilized eggs contain Glu Lys isopeptide. It is probably the high content of this isopeptide that is responsible for the greater mechanical stability of the fertilized teleostean egg chorion.", "PMID": 992567} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4757", "title": "Proteinase K from the mold Tritirachium album Limber. Specificity and mode of action.", "content": "1) The specificity of proteinase K towards amino acid and oligopeptide nitroanilide substrates is investigated. 2) The active center of the enzyme contains an extended binding region consisting of several subsites. An integral part of the S1-subsite are hydrophobic areas which were investigated by systematic elongation of the carbon skeleton in carboxylic acid 4-nitrophenyl esters. On the basis of these studies, a possible model of the S1-binding site is proposed. 3) Kinetic parameters for the hydrolysis of substituted phenyl acetates catalyzed by proteinase K have been measured at pH 7 and 25 degrees C. Deacylation of an acyl-enzyme intermediate is probably the rate-limiting step. Acylation (kcat/km used as a measure) is modestly sensitive to the sigma values of the substituents (p = 1.33, r = 0.9108), indicating electrophilic assistance by the enzyme in the catalytic mechanism. 4) Hydrophobic forces apparently are not involved in the binding of the leaving group.", "contents": "Proteinase K from the mold Tritirachium album Limber. Specificity and mode of action. 1) The specificity of proteinase K towards amino acid and oligopeptide nitroanilide substrates is investigated. 2) The active center of the enzyme contains an extended binding region consisting of several subsites. An integral part of the S1-subsite are hydrophobic areas which were investigated by systematic elongation of the carbon skeleton in carboxylic acid 4-nitrophenyl esters. On the basis of these studies, a possible model of the S1-binding site is proposed. 3) Kinetic parameters for the hydrolysis of substituted phenyl acetates catalyzed by proteinase K have been measured at pH 7 and 25 degrees C. Deacylation of an acyl-enzyme intermediate is probably the rate-limiting step. Acylation (kcat/km used as a measure) is modestly sensitive to the sigma values of the substituents (p = 1.33, r = 0.9108), indicating electrophilic assistance by the enzyme in the catalytic mechanism. 4) Hydrophobic forces apparently are not involved in the binding of the leaving group.", "PMID": 992572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4758", "title": "Preparation of a crystalline A1-(2-nitro-4-trimethylammoniophenyl) derivative of bovine insulin.", "content": "The reaction of bovine insulin with the hydrophilic reagent 1-fluoro-2-nitro-4-trimethylammoniobenzene iodide at pH 8.2 has been reexamined. From the mixture of products a crystalline derivative substituted at the GlyAl terminus has been isolated. It has been characterized by amino acid analysis, end group analysis, cellulose acetate electrophoresis and sulphitolysis. The derivative has a biological activity (mouse convulsion assay) of 60% relative to insulin.", "contents": "Preparation of a crystalline A1-(2-nitro-4-trimethylammoniophenyl) derivative of bovine insulin. The reaction of bovine insulin with the hydrophilic reagent 1-fluoro-2-nitro-4-trimethylammoniobenzene iodide at pH 8.2 has been reexamined. From the mixture of products a crystalline derivative substituted at the GlyAl terminus has been isolated. It has been characterized by amino acid analysis, end group analysis, cellulose acetate electrophoresis and sulphitolysis. The derivative has a biological activity (mouse convulsion assay) of 60% relative to insulin.", "PMID": 992573} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4759", "title": "On the mechanism and stereochemistry of the malate-lactate fermentation of Leuconostoc mesenteroides.", "content": "During the transformation of (2S, 3R) [3-3H]malate to (S) lactate no tritium exchange takes place. The stereochemical course of the decarboxylation studied with (2S, 3R) [3-2H]-malate in 3HOH/H2O and (2S, 3R) [3-3H]malate in 2H2O occurs with retention and is therefore the same as that determined by other authors for malic enzyme from vertebrates and from Escherichia coli. The malate-lactate fermentation is a useful procedure to prepare chiral methyl groups on a preparative scale starting from (2S, 3R) [3-H]malate.", "contents": "On the mechanism and stereochemistry of the malate-lactate fermentation of Leuconostoc mesenteroides. During the transformation of (2S, 3R) [3-3H]malate to (S) lactate no tritium exchange takes place. The stereochemical course of the decarboxylation studied with (2S, 3R) [3-2H]-malate in 3HOH/H2O and (2S, 3R) [3-3H]malate in 2H2O occurs with retention and is therefore the same as that determined by other authors for malic enzyme from vertebrates and from Escherichia coli. The malate-lactate fermentation is a useful procedure to prepare chiral methyl groups on a preparative scale starting from (2S, 3R) [3-H]malate.", "PMID": 992575} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4760", "title": "Effect of oxygen shortage on the metabolism of oestrone in the hemoglobin-free perfused rat liver.", "content": "The isolated rat liver was perfused with a haemoglobin-free, albumin containing salt solution at 28 degrees and 37 degrees C, respectively, with [4-14C]oestrone as substrate. During perfusion, the functional state of the liver was checked by continuously measuring the oxygen pressure and hydrogen ion concentration in the perfusion medium, flow rate, oxygen tension at various areas of the liver surface, and oxygen consumption; in addition, the following biochemical parameters were determined: ATP, ADP, lactate and pyruvate in liver tissue, and lactate and pyruvate in the perfusion medium. After 30 min of perfusion, free steroids, steroid glucuronides, steroid sulphates and the remaining water-soluble metabolites, present in liver tissue, perfusion medium and bile, were separated from each other and characterised by thin-layer and paper chromatography. It was found that, during perfusion at 37 degrees C, less hydroxylated metabolites were formed than at 28 degrees C. In contrast, metabolites whose formation is not directly oxygen-dependent, such as glucuronides and sulphates, arose in higher amounts at 37 degrees C than at 28 degrees C. It may be concluded that the relative shortage of oxygen at 37 degrees C leads to a selective impairment of metabolic pathways requiring a sufficient supply of molecular oxygen. Since oxidative processes play an important role in the biogenesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, it is evident that results, obtained in perfusion experiments with haemoglobin-free media at 37 degrees C, must be treated with reserve.", "contents": "Effect of oxygen shortage on the metabolism of oestrone in the hemoglobin-free perfused rat liver. The isolated rat liver was perfused with a haemoglobin-free, albumin containing salt solution at 28 degrees and 37 degrees C, respectively, with [4-14C]oestrone as substrate. During perfusion, the functional state of the liver was checked by continuously measuring the oxygen pressure and hydrogen ion concentration in the perfusion medium, flow rate, oxygen tension at various areas of the liver surface, and oxygen consumption; in addition, the following biochemical parameters were determined: ATP, ADP, lactate and pyruvate in liver tissue, and lactate and pyruvate in the perfusion medium. After 30 min of perfusion, free steroids, steroid glucuronides, steroid sulphates and the remaining water-soluble metabolites, present in liver tissue, perfusion medium and bile, were separated from each other and characterised by thin-layer and paper chromatography. It was found that, during perfusion at 37 degrees C, less hydroxylated metabolites were formed than at 28 degrees C. In contrast, metabolites whose formation is not directly oxygen-dependent, such as glucuronides and sulphates, arose in higher amounts at 37 degrees C than at 28 degrees C. It may be concluded that the relative shortage of oxygen at 37 degrees C leads to a selective impairment of metabolic pathways requiring a sufficient supply of molecular oxygen. Since oxidative processes play an important role in the biogenesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, it is evident that results, obtained in perfusion experiments with haemoglobin-free media at 37 degrees C, must be treated with reserve.", "PMID": 992576} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4761", "title": "[A micro method for the determination of the configuration of histidine in peptides: evidence for partial racemization during peptide synthesis (author's transl)].", "content": "A gas chromatographic method for the determination of small portions of D-histidine together with an excess of L-histidine (or vice versa) is described. Histidine is degraded to aspartic acid by reaction with ozone. The enantiomers are esterified with (+)-3-methyl-2-butanol. After N-trifluoroacetylation the volatile diastereoisomers are separated in glass capillaries coated with a chiral stationary phase and determined quantitatively. For precise evaluations the partial racemization during peptide hydrolysis must be accounted for. The method was applied to some histidine peptides and about 5% racemization was measured.", "contents": "[A micro method for the determination of the configuration of histidine in peptides: evidence for partial racemization during peptide synthesis (author's transl)]. A gas chromatographic method for the determination of small portions of D-histidine together with an excess of L-histidine (or vice versa) is described. Histidine is degraded to aspartic acid by reaction with ozone. The enantiomers are esterified with (+)-3-methyl-2-butanol. After N-trifluoroacetylation the volatile diastereoisomers are separated in glass capillaries coated with a chiral stationary phase and determined quantitatively. For precise evaluations the partial racemization during peptide hydrolysis must be accounted for. The method was applied to some histidine peptides and about 5% racemization was measured.", "PMID": 992577} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4762", "title": "Inhibitors of acrosin and granulocyte proteinases from human genital tract secretions.", "content": "Human seminal plasma contains two acid-stable proteinase inhibitors, HUSI-II (Mr approximately 6500) and HUSI-I, (Mr approximately 11 000) with different inhibition specificities. The inhibitory activity of HUSI-II is strongly limited to trypsin and acrosin; both enzyme-inhibitor complexes are very stable (e.g. bovine trypsin-HUSI-II complex: Ki = 1 x 10(-10)M; human acrosin-HUSI-II complex: Ki = 2.7 x 10(-10)M). The inhibitor from human seminal plasma HUSI-II may therefore be seen as the natural antagonist of the sperm protease acrosin. In addition to pancreatic trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin, HUSI-I forms strong complexes with neutral proteases of the lysosome-like granules from human granulocytes, for example, the elastase (Ki = 2.5 x 10(-9)M) and cathepsin G, the chymotrypsin like protease (Ki = 7 x 10(-8)M).", "contents": "Inhibitors of acrosin and granulocyte proteinases from human genital tract secretions. Human seminal plasma contains two acid-stable proteinase inhibitors, HUSI-II (Mr approximately 6500) and HUSI-I, (Mr approximately 11 000) with different inhibition specificities. The inhibitory activity of HUSI-II is strongly limited to trypsin and acrosin; both enzyme-inhibitor complexes are very stable (e.g. bovine trypsin-HUSI-II complex: Ki = 1 x 10(-10)M; human acrosin-HUSI-II complex: Ki = 2.7 x 10(-10)M). The inhibitor from human seminal plasma HUSI-II may therefore be seen as the natural antagonist of the sperm protease acrosin. In addition to pancreatic trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin, HUSI-I forms strong complexes with neutral proteases of the lysosome-like granules from human granulocytes, for example, the elastase (Ki = 2.5 x 10(-9)M) and cathepsin G, the chymotrypsin like protease (Ki = 7 x 10(-8)M).", "PMID": 992578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4763", "title": "Preparation of a crystalline tris-(N-methylpyridinium)-derivative of bovine insulin.", "content": "The reaction between 2-chloro-N-methylpyridinium iodide and bovine insulin at pH 8.5 afforded a trisubstituted derivative as main product. Following purification on DEAE-Sephadex A-25, this derivative crystallized from a citrate buffer in the form of large rhombohedra very similar to native insulin. This observation was confirmed by zero-layer X-ray precession photography. Amino acid analysis indicated substitution at the B1-terminus and on two of the four tyrosine residues. In the mouse convulsion assay the derivative showed no biological activity.", "contents": "Preparation of a crystalline tris-(N-methylpyridinium)-derivative of bovine insulin. The reaction between 2-chloro-N-methylpyridinium iodide and bovine insulin at pH 8.5 afforded a trisubstituted derivative as main product. Following purification on DEAE-Sephadex A-25, this derivative crystallized from a citrate buffer in the form of large rhombohedra very similar to native insulin. This observation was confirmed by zero-layer X-ray precession photography. Amino acid analysis indicated substitution at the B1-terminus and on two of the four tyrosine residues. In the mouse convulsion assay the derivative showed no biological activity.", "PMID": 992579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4764", "title": "[(A1-beta-Alanine) insulin].", "content": "Starting from porcine insulin, A1-glycine was substituted by beta-alanine. The blood sugar lowering effect of the new analogue in the rabbit is about 45% of that of insulin. The half-maximal binding to partially purified rat liver receptors is about 46%, to transformed human lymphocytes about 54%, compared to insulin.", "contents": "[(A1-beta-Alanine) insulin]. Starting from porcine insulin, A1-glycine was substituted by beta-alanine. The blood sugar lowering effect of the new analogue in the rabbit is about 45% of that of insulin. The half-maximal binding to partially purified rat liver receptors is about 46%, to transformed human lymphocytes about 54%, compared to insulin.", "PMID": 992580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4765", "title": "Analysis of velocity sedimentation techniques in cell separation. Influence of apparative and sample properties on separative power, resolution and sensitivity.", "content": "In the present investigation the velocity sedimentation technique was analysed with respect to separation resolution, power and sensitivity. It was found that apparative modifications do not influence the resolution, which is a function of the contribution of apparative errors to the dispersion. A surprisingly small parameter of 0.15 was determined and it seems unlikely that this value can be improved. On the other hand an apparative modification is presented which improves the separation power and makes sample loading independent of the gradient filling. If cells (from rat bone marrow) were separated, a several times higher dispersion for a given cell volume was observed than was due to the apparative error. It was concluded that density variations were the major source of this dispersion. Since cell volume and density apparently show independent variations within a biological cell population the cell density cannot be disregarded if velocity sedimentation profiles are discussed in physical terms as is often done.", "contents": "Analysis of velocity sedimentation techniques in cell separation. Influence of apparative and sample properties on separative power, resolution and sensitivity. In the present investigation the velocity sedimentation technique was analysed with respect to separation resolution, power and sensitivity. It was found that apparative modifications do not influence the resolution, which is a function of the contribution of apparative errors to the dispersion. A surprisingly small parameter of 0.15 was determined and it seems unlikely that this value can be improved. On the other hand an apparative modification is presented which improves the separation power and makes sample loading independent of the gradient filling. If cells (from rat bone marrow) were separated, a several times higher dispersion for a given cell volume was observed than was due to the apparative error. It was concluded that density variations were the major source of this dispersion. Since cell volume and density apparently show independent variations within a biological cell population the cell density cannot be disregarded if velocity sedimentation profiles are discussed in physical terms as is often done.", "PMID": 992581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4766", "title": "Intestinal absorption of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine in the rat.", "content": "The mechanism of intestinal absorption of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine in an oil medium was studied with 1,2-di-[9,10,12,13-3H4]linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-[N-14CH3]-choline, 1-[1-14C]linoleoyl-2-[9,10,12,13-3H4]-linoleoyl- and 1-[9,10,12,13-3H4]linoleoyl-2-[1-14C]linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, especially with regard to the stability of the ester bonds in position 1 and 2 of the phospholipid molecule. The absorption rate, as measured by the disappearance from the gastro-intestinal tract, was comparatively rapid in the first 6 - 8 h, but then became considerably slower. After 24 h more than 90% of the applied radioactivity was absorbed from the intestinal tract. Respiratory 14CO2 from the degradation of the unsaturated acyl moiety in position 2 is produced much more rapidly than that from the acyl group attached to the 1-position of the glycerophosphocholine backbone. Analyses of the liver phosphatidylcholine by specific enzymatic hydrolysis with phospholipase A2, 6 h after the application, showed that in the isolated PC 9 times more labelled fatty acids from the original 1-position were present than from the corresponding 2-position. In rats with lymph fistula it was shown that more than 90% of the acyl moieties of the administered 1,2-di-[9,10,12,-13-3H4]linoleoyl-[N-14CH3] glycerophosphocholine was transported by the chylomicrons. About one half of the 14C choline radioactivity of the glycerophosphocholine backbone was found in the chylomicrons and the other half in the liver. The 3H radioactivity distribution in the chylomicrons amounted to 25% in the phosphatidylcholine fraction and 75% in the neutral lipids. Positional specific analyses of the phosphatidylcholine present in chylomicrons confirmed the fact that the 1-position remained practically intact while the 2-position underwent considerable exchange with unlabelled fatty acids. Analysis of the liver of the animals with lymph fistula indicated that it was practically free of the 3H radioactivity derived from the acyl moieties but contained a high percentage of the 14C radioactivity of the choline group. The methyl groups of choline were oxidized only to a very small extent. These results demonstrate that during the absorption process, about one half of the absorbed polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine is hydrolyzed to 1-acyl-lysophosphatidylcholine and reacylated again to phosphatidylcholine upon entering the mucosa cell, while the other half is completely hydrolyzed to free fatty acids and glycerophosphocholine or its hydrolysis products. The fatty acids released are utilized for the reassembly of triacylglycerides and phosphatidylcholine found in the chylomicrons.", "contents": "Intestinal absorption of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine in the rat. The mechanism of intestinal absorption of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine in an oil medium was studied with 1,2-di-[9,10,12,13-3H4]linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-[N-14CH3]-choline, 1-[1-14C]linoleoyl-2-[9,10,12,13-3H4]-linoleoyl- and 1-[9,10,12,13-3H4]linoleoyl-2-[1-14C]linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, especially with regard to the stability of the ester bonds in position 1 and 2 of the phospholipid molecule. The absorption rate, as measured by the disappearance from the gastro-intestinal tract, was comparatively rapid in the first 6 - 8 h, but then became considerably slower. After 24 h more than 90% of the applied radioactivity was absorbed from the intestinal tract. Respiratory 14CO2 from the degradation of the unsaturated acyl moiety in position 2 is produced much more rapidly than that from the acyl group attached to the 1-position of the glycerophosphocholine backbone. Analyses of the liver phosphatidylcholine by specific enzymatic hydrolysis with phospholipase A2, 6 h after the application, showed that in the isolated PC 9 times more labelled fatty acids from the original 1-position were present than from the corresponding 2-position. In rats with lymph fistula it was shown that more than 90% of the acyl moieties of the administered 1,2-di-[9,10,12,-13-3H4]linoleoyl-[N-14CH3] glycerophosphocholine was transported by the chylomicrons. About one half of the 14C choline radioactivity of the glycerophosphocholine backbone was found in the chylomicrons and the other half in the liver. The 3H radioactivity distribution in the chylomicrons amounted to 25% in the phosphatidylcholine fraction and 75% in the neutral lipids. Positional specific analyses of the phosphatidylcholine present in chylomicrons confirmed the fact that the 1-position remained practically intact while the 2-position underwent considerable exchange with unlabelled fatty acids. Analysis of the liver of the animals with lymph fistula indicated that it was practically free of the 3H radioactivity derived from the acyl moieties but contained a high percentage of the 14C radioactivity of the choline group. The methyl groups of choline were oxidized only to a very small extent. These results demonstrate that during the absorption process, about one half of the absorbed polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine is hydrolyzed to 1-acyl-lysophosphatidylcholine and reacylated again to phosphatidylcholine upon entering the mucosa cell, while the other half is completely hydrolyzed to free fatty acids and glycerophosphocholine or its hydrolysis products. The fatty acids released are utilized for the reassembly of triacylglycerides and phosphatidylcholine found in the chylomicrons.", "PMID": 992582} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4767", "title": "The aging psychiatric hospital: an approach to humanistic redesign.", "content": "Since funds for the construction of new treatment facilities are scarce, outmoded wards must be redesigned to meet the current needs of users. The authors feel the redesign must integrate modern therapeutic concepts, humanistic patient requirements, and pragmatic budgetary limitations. They review current theory about the effects of the physical environment on behavior, and they discuss such questions as to what extent the need for security should govern ward design and how pleasant the environment should be. They also describe a specific redesign for a 32-bed psychiatric ward of a large federal hospital constructed in the early 1950s.", "contents": "The aging psychiatric hospital: an approach to humanistic redesign. Since funds for the construction of new treatment facilities are scarce, outmoded wards must be redesigned to meet the current needs of users. The authors feel the redesign must integrate modern therapeutic concepts, humanistic patient requirements, and pragmatic budgetary limitations. They review current theory about the effects of the physical environment on behavior, and they discuss such questions as to what extent the need for security should govern ward design and how pleasant the environment should be. They also describe a specific redesign for a 32-bed psychiatric ward of a large federal hospital constructed in the early 1950s.", "PMID": 992593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4768", "title": "South Carolina's village system.", "content": "The authors describe the architectural, design, and mental health treatment concepts underlying the village system, a group of regional inpatient mental health facilities planned in South Carolina. One of the villages is currently under construction and is expected to open early in 1977. In design it resembles a residential community with all the elements of a normal small town or neighborhood.", "contents": "South Carolina's village system. The authors describe the architectural, design, and mental health treatment concepts underlying the village system, a group of regional inpatient mental health facilities planned in South Carolina. One of the villages is currently under construction and is expected to open early in 1977. In design it resembles a residential community with all the elements of a normal small town or neighborhood.", "PMID": 992594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4769", "title": "Designing environments for mentally retarded clients.", "content": "An environment that stimulates the auditory, visual, and tactile senses increases appropriate behavior among mentally retarded clients and thereby reinforces their learning activities. The author describes several low-cost deisgn techniques for giving a more stimulating and personalized atmosphere to large, existing institutions; discusses design requirements for group homes for retarded and handicapped clients in the community; and summarizes design ideas to be incorporated in new facilities built for retarded clients. She describes the implementation of her design ideas on a unit for blind retarded clients at the Mansfield Training School in Connecticut.", "contents": "Designing environments for mentally retarded clients. An environment that stimulates the auditory, visual, and tactile senses increases appropriate behavior among mentally retarded clients and thereby reinforces their learning activities. The author describes several low-cost deisgn techniques for giving a more stimulating and personalized atmosphere to large, existing institutions; discusses design requirements for group homes for retarded and handicapped clients in the community; and summarizes design ideas to be incorporated in new facilities built for retarded clients. She describes the implementation of her design ideas on a unit for blind retarded clients at the Mansfield Training School in Connecticut.", "PMID": 992595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4770", "title": "Safety and environmental factors in accreditation of facilities.", "content": "The standards developed in 1972 by the Accreditation Council for Psychiatric Facilities of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals cover 28 components of mental health programs, including the environment and patient safety. The author discusses the standards related to those two areas as they are set forth in the council's Accreditation Manual for Psychiatric Facilities, and he describes the difficulties psychiatric hospitals have faced in complying with them.", "contents": "Safety and environmental factors in accreditation of facilities. The standards developed in 1972 by the Accreditation Council for Psychiatric Facilities of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals cover 28 components of mental health programs, including the environment and patient safety. The author discusses the standards related to those two areas as they are set forth in the council's Accreditation Manual for Psychiatric Facilities, and he describes the difficulties psychiatric hospitals have faced in complying with them.", "PMID": 992596} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4771", "title": "Perceptual factors in the design of environments for the mentally ill.", "content": "Administrators and others responsible for the design of environments for the mentally ill must be aware that what might be considered irrelevant minutiae of design can have traumatic effects on patients. Because of patients' heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli and their lessened ability to filter out or adjust to the effects of such stimuli, they are much more likely to be affected by their surroundings than are healthier people, and their social relationships are correspondingly affected. The author describes several kinds of visual, auditory, olfactory, and other stimuli that lead to distorted perceptions of oneself and others and of time and space. He recommends not a bland and stimulus-free environment, but one whose elements are unobtrusive and unambiguous.", "contents": "Perceptual factors in the design of environments for the mentally ill. Administrators and others responsible for the design of environments for the mentally ill must be aware that what might be considered irrelevant minutiae of design can have traumatic effects on patients. Because of patients' heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli and their lessened ability to filter out or adjust to the effects of such stimuli, they are much more likely to be affected by their surroundings than are healthier people, and their social relationships are correspondingly affected. The author describes several kinds of visual, auditory, olfactory, and other stimuli that lead to distorted perceptions of oneself and others and of time and space. He recommends not a bland and stimulus-free environment, but one whose elements are unobtrusive and unambiguous.", "PMID": 992597} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4772", "title": "Designing a mental health center to replace a county hospital.", "content": "An architectural team worked closely with a county building committee and the administrative staff of a Wisconsin county hospital to design a new active-treatment facility. The goals included changing the hospital's negative image in the community, fostering a close relationship between all programs and all groups of users, and encouraging inpatients to make the best possible use of various treatment areas. Planning was interrupted by a community-wide controversy over the location, and the facility was eventually built on a compromise site. The new facility, a community mental health center serving two counties, has an open, split-level design accommodating six inpatient programs and a day hospital. An informal evaluation of the environment was made a year after the center was occupied.", "contents": "Designing a mental health center to replace a county hospital. An architectural team worked closely with a county building committee and the administrative staff of a Wisconsin county hospital to design a new active-treatment facility. The goals included changing the hospital's negative image in the community, fostering a close relationship between all programs and all groups of users, and encouraging inpatients to make the best possible use of various treatment areas. Planning was interrupted by a community-wide controversy over the location, and the facility was eventually built on a compromise site. The new facility, a community mental health center serving two counties, has an open, split-level design accommodating six inpatient programs and a day hospital. An informal evaluation of the environment was made a year after the center was occupied.", "PMID": 992598} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4773", "title": "A house is a center is a house: participatory design for a community counseling center.", "content": "Using an environmental-design concept called pattern language, an architectural design group worked with five mental health center staff members to locate, design, and move into a setting for a satellite counseling center. The group first identified environmental problems, especially the lack of privacy, that existed in the counselors' previous setting, a remodeled storefront. However, in their new quarters, a two-story house, staff decided against having private offices; they used the upstairs rooms for counseling and the downstairs for shared spaces and work stations--inexpensive, individual cabinets with desk space that were placed to allow privacy for the user, yet permitted the communication essential for work as a team. After 18 months of use, staff's and clients' reactions to the setting continued to be favorable.", "contents": "A house is a center is a house: participatory design for a community counseling center. Using an environmental-design concept called pattern language, an architectural design group worked with five mental health center staff members to locate, design, and move into a setting for a satellite counseling center. The group first identified environmental problems, especially the lack of privacy, that existed in the counselors' previous setting, a remodeled storefront. However, in their new quarters, a two-story house, staff decided against having private offices; they used the upstairs rooms for counseling and the downstairs for shared spaces and work stations--inexpensive, individual cabinets with desk space that were placed to allow privacy for the user, yet permitted the communication essential for work as a team. After 18 months of use, staff's and clients' reactions to the setting continued to be favorable.", "PMID": 992599} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4774", "title": "The rights of staff in the treatment of the mentally ill.", "content": "If we accept the premise that adequate health care is the right of every individual, it follows that the provider of health care must, as a basic right, have the opportunity and the conditions necessary to provide such care. The author defines and describes a set of staff rights that bear directly on the treatment process. Rights of staff include having sufficient resources to provide adequate care, participating in the allocation of resources and the setting of priorities, being accountable for clinical matters to the highest governing authority, having clinical practice reviewed by peers, and practicing without excessive and unnecessary regulation.", "contents": "The rights of staff in the treatment of the mentally ill. If we accept the premise that adequate health care is the right of every individual, it follows that the provider of health care must, as a basic right, have the opportunity and the conditions necessary to provide such care. The author defines and describes a set of staff rights that bear directly on the treatment process. Rights of staff include having sufficient resources to provide adequate care, participating in the allocation of resources and the setting of priorities, being accountable for clinical matters to the highest governing authority, having clinical practice reviewed by peers, and practicing without excessive and unnecessary regulation.", "PMID": 992606} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4775", "title": "Discharges against medical advice from voluntary psychiatric units.", "content": "About one in every six voluntary mental patients discharges himself against medical advice. But despite the high rate of AMA discharges, the authors found the literature on the subject to be sparse and of little help in explaining why patients leave the hospital against medical advice. They examine the approaches that have been used thus far to study the phenomenon. They also report the findings of their own study, which showed that patients discharged against medical advice had a poorer response to treatment than those discharged in the traditional manner. The study identified factors that contributed to the poor response and were related to the discharge.", "contents": "Discharges against medical advice from voluntary psychiatric units. About one in every six voluntary mental patients discharges himself against medical advice. But despite the high rate of AMA discharges, the authors found the literature on the subject to be sparse and of little help in explaining why patients leave the hospital against medical advice. They examine the approaches that have been used thus far to study the phenomenon. They also report the findings of their own study, which showed that patients discharged against medical advice had a poorer response to treatment than those discharged in the traditional manner. The study identified factors that contributed to the poor response and were related to the discharge.", "PMID": 992607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4776", "title": "A time-limited treatment program for children and their families.", "content": "In December 1972 the family psychiatric unit opened at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria for the treatment of children under age 15 with emotional disturbances or behavior problems. Each child is admitted to the unit on a predetermined date for a pre-established period of five weeks, during which time the child's family is also involved in treatment. After the child is released from the unit, therapy continues for an additional five weeks in the family's home and then contact is terminated. To date more than 350 children have been admitted to the unit; a second admission has been required in only 21 cases.", "contents": "A time-limited treatment program for children and their families. In December 1972 the family psychiatric unit opened at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria for the treatment of children under age 15 with emotional disturbances or behavior problems. Each child is admitted to the unit on a predetermined date for a pre-established period of five weeks, during which time the child's family is also involved in treatment. After the child is released from the unit, therapy continues for an additional five weeks in the family's home and then contact is terminated. To date more than 350 children have been admitted to the unit; a second admission has been required in only 21 cases.", "PMID": 992608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4777", "title": "Organizational systems for change offer an alternative to unions.", "content": "Hospital management must begin to face the implications of unionization more directly. Certain current practices of most hospitals tend to increase vulnerability to unionization; they must be evaluated and modified. Strategies and programs for modernizing personel practices, for developing better employee information systems, and for training and developing managers need to be developed in order to effectively inhibit the intervention of labor unions.", "contents": "Organizational systems for change offer an alternative to unions. Hospital management must begin to face the implications of unionization more directly. Certain current practices of most hospitals tend to increase vulnerability to unionization; they must be evaluated and modified. Strategies and programs for modernizing personel practices, for developing better employee information systems, and for training and developing managers need to be developed in order to effectively inhibit the intervention of labor unions.", "PMID": 992612} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4778", "title": "Immature teratoma of the ovary with a neural component (\"solid\" teratoma). A clinicopathologic study of 20 cases.", "content": "Twenty cases of immature teratoma of the ovary with a neural component are analyzed. A plea is made for use of the nomenclature adopted from the new World Health Organization classification of ovarian tumors, the past confusion over terminology and histogenesis of this rare tumor is discussed. All the primary tumors in the present series contained at least some immature tissues (predominantly of neural origin) and were thus graded from 1 to 3 according to the criteria of Thurlbeck and Scully. No grade 0 tumors (\"benign solid teratomas\") were identified. We believe that thorough sectioning almost always insures the identification of immature elements. The prognosis was closely related to the histologic grade, but correlated poorly withthe clinical stage, the latter being influenced by the common finding (25 per cent of the cases in this series) of peritoneal implants composed exclusively of mature glial tissue, which is associated with a benign clinical evolution. This phenomenon of maturation or differentiation appears to be the rule rather than the exception in this tumor, since implants are usually of better or equal differentiation when compared with their primary tumors and older patients tend to have lower grade tumors than younger patients. Since the majority of patients with this tumor are young, primary surgical therapy should be conservative, unilateral salpingooophorectomy often being sufficient. Spontaneous or operative rupture of the tumor capsule carries an increased risk of subsequent dissemination. We have noted impressive clinical responses in patients with disseminated tumors of a high histologic grade after treatment with triple chemotherapy (vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide) but do not recommend adjuvant therapy in patients with only grade 0 implants.", "contents": "Immature teratoma of the ovary with a neural component (\"solid\" teratoma). A clinicopathologic study of 20 cases. Twenty cases of immature teratoma of the ovary with a neural component are analyzed. A plea is made for use of the nomenclature adopted from the new World Health Organization classification of ovarian tumors, the past confusion over terminology and histogenesis of this rare tumor is discussed. All the primary tumors in the present series contained at least some immature tissues (predominantly of neural origin) and were thus graded from 1 to 3 according to the criteria of Thurlbeck and Scully. No grade 0 tumors (\"benign solid teratomas\") were identified. We believe that thorough sectioning almost always insures the identification of immature elements. The prognosis was closely related to the histologic grade, but correlated poorly withthe clinical stage, the latter being influenced by the common finding (25 per cent of the cases in this series) of peritoneal implants composed exclusively of mature glial tissue, which is associated with a benign clinical evolution. This phenomenon of maturation or differentiation appears to be the rule rather than the exception in this tumor, since implants are usually of better or equal differentiation when compared with their primary tumors and older patients tend to have lower grade tumors than younger patients. Since the majority of patients with this tumor are young, primary surgical therapy should be conservative, unilateral salpingooophorectomy often being sufficient. Spontaneous or operative rupture of the tumor capsule carries an increased risk of subsequent dissemination. We have noted impressive clinical responses in patients with disseminated tumors of a high histologic grade after treatment with triple chemotherapy (vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide) but do not recommend adjuvant therapy in patients with only grade 0 implants.", "PMID": 992645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4779", "title": "Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: the pulmonary pathologic sequel of necrotizing bronchiolitis and pulmonary fibrosis.", "content": "A light and electron microscopic study was carried out in 21 infants in whom the pathologic diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia had been made. All the infants except two had the respiratory distress syndrome at birth, and all 21 had been treated with respirator and oxygen therapy for various periods of time. The pathologic alterations observed in all the infants studied were primarily damage of the bronchial and bronchiolar ciliary apparatus and mucous membranes, severe necrotizing bronchiolitis, and marked bronchiolar and alveolar fibrosis. These changes were more pronounced in infants who survived the longest period of time. Such inflammatory and fibrotic changes are known to predispose to destruction of lung tissue, emphysema, and pulmonary hypertension. Six of these 21 infants developed symptoms and signs of cardiac atrial or ventricular stress, including cor pulmonale, prior to their demise. These infants were among those that survived the longest periods of time, had the longest exposure to supplemental oxygen, and showed histopathologically severe pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema.", "contents": "Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: the pulmonary pathologic sequel of necrotizing bronchiolitis and pulmonary fibrosis. A light and electron microscopic study was carried out in 21 infants in whom the pathologic diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia had been made. All the infants except two had the respiratory distress syndrome at birth, and all 21 had been treated with respirator and oxygen therapy for various periods of time. The pathologic alterations observed in all the infants studied were primarily damage of the bronchial and bronchiolar ciliary apparatus and mucous membranes, severe necrotizing bronchiolitis, and marked bronchiolar and alveolar fibrosis. These changes were more pronounced in infants who survived the longest period of time. Such inflammatory and fibrotic changes are known to predispose to destruction of lung tissue, emphysema, and pulmonary hypertension. Six of these 21 infants developed symptoms and signs of cardiac atrial or ventricular stress, including cor pulmonale, prior to their demise. These infants were among those that survived the longest periods of time, had the longest exposure to supplemental oxygen, and showed histopathologically severe pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema.", "PMID": 992646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4780", "title": "The human yolk sac and yolk sac carcinoma. An ultrastructural study.", "content": "The ultrastructure of the yolk sac of a 39 day old human embryo was studied. The subcellular organization was suggestive of a highly specialized absorptive function proceeding in an exocelomic-viteline direction. These findings, compatible with intense metabolic activity, are at variance with the concept of rapid involution of the yolk sac following completion of its hemopoietic and angiogenetic functions. The speculation is advanced that a potential avenue exists in the yolk sac whereby maternally derived products encounter fetal endoderm. Ultrastructural features in the normal yolk sac were compared to those existing in a tumor showing the \"endodermal sinus\" pattern, and reviewed in the light of the pertinent literature. These findings support the concept that attributes an endomesoblastic derivation to such neoplasms.", "contents": "The human yolk sac and yolk sac carcinoma. An ultrastructural study. The ultrastructure of the yolk sac of a 39 day old human embryo was studied. The subcellular organization was suggestive of a highly specialized absorptive function proceeding in an exocelomic-viteline direction. These findings, compatible with intense metabolic activity, are at variance with the concept of rapid involution of the yolk sac following completion of its hemopoietic and angiogenetic functions. The speculation is advanced that a potential avenue exists in the yolk sac whereby maternally derived products encounter fetal endoderm. Ultrastructural features in the normal yolk sac were compared to those existing in a tumor showing the \"endodermal sinus\" pattern, and reviewed in the light of the pertinent literature. These findings support the concept that attributes an endomesoblastic derivation to such neoplasms.", "PMID": 992647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4781", "title": "Pseudomembranous colitis associated with antibiotics.", "content": "Colitis associated with antibiotics, particularly with lincomycin and clindamycin, is a well established entity. The colitis may be clinically and radiologically very difficult to distinguish from inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A wide spectrum of pathological features is described with various antibiotics. However, the pathological picture in the pseudomembranous form is quite distinctive. The most important histological findings include a \"mushroom-like\" or \"explosive\" appearance of the pseudomembrane with a sudden transition to normal mucosa adjacent to the lesion. Rectal biopsy is both an accurate and a rapid method of establishing the diagnosis.", "contents": "Pseudomembranous colitis associated with antibiotics. Colitis associated with antibiotics, particularly with lincomycin and clindamycin, is a well established entity. The colitis may be clinically and radiologically very difficult to distinguish from inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A wide spectrum of pathological features is described with various antibiotics. However, the pathological picture in the pseudomembranous form is quite distinctive. The most important histological findings include a \"mushroom-like\" or \"explosive\" appearance of the pseudomembrane with a sudden transition to normal mucosa adjacent to the lesion. Rectal biopsy is both an accurate and a rapid method of establishing the diagnosis.", "PMID": 992648} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4782", "title": "Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (sarcoma botryoides) of the common bile duct: a case report.", "content": "A case of sarcoma botryoides of the common bile duct is described. A review of the literature reveals 24 reported cases of this entity. The clinical features of the disease and the poor prognosis associated with it are illustrated by a detailed presentation of the case. Although rare, this condition must be included in the differential diagnosis of jaundice in infancy or early childhood. Pathologic findings of diagnostic value are re-emphasized.", "contents": "Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (sarcoma botryoides) of the common bile duct: a case report. A case of sarcoma botryoides of the common bile duct is described. A review of the literature reveals 24 reported cases of this entity. The clinical features of the disease and the poor prognosis associated with it are illustrated by a detailed presentation of the case. Although rare, this condition must be included in the differential diagnosis of jaundice in infancy or early childhood. Pathologic findings of diagnostic value are re-emphasized.", "PMID": 992649} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4783", "title": "Veno-occlusive disease of the liver associated with oral contraceptives: case report and review of literature.", "content": "This report concerns a young woman who, after taking a contraceptive preparation orally for three years, developed the Budd-Chiari syndrome as the result of a widespread chronic obliterative process involving the intrahepatic efferent venous system. Her prolonged course, which failed to respond to an end-to-side portacaval shunt procedure, mimicked chronic hepatitis evolving to cirrhosis. Additional noteworthy features were the presence of two small benign hepatic adenomas, observed both at biopsy and at necropsy, a lesion recently recognized as a complication of anovulatory drugs, and widespread hepatic calcifications found at autopsy.", "contents": "Veno-occlusive disease of the liver associated with oral contraceptives: case report and review of literature. This report concerns a young woman who, after taking a contraceptive preparation orally for three years, developed the Budd-Chiari syndrome as the result of a widespread chronic obliterative process involving the intrahepatic efferent venous system. Her prolonged course, which failed to respond to an end-to-side portacaval shunt procedure, mimicked chronic hepatitis evolving to cirrhosis. Additional noteworthy features were the presence of two small benign hepatic adenomas, observed both at biopsy and at necropsy, a lesion recently recognized as a complication of anovulatory drugs, and widespread hepatic calcifications found at autopsy.", "PMID": 992650} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4784", "title": "Trisomy 13 mosaic presenting as cleft lip and palate.", "content": "A mosaic trisomy 13 presenting as a case of cleft lip and palate in the newborn is described. However, when the child was admitted to hospital at the age of 6 weeks because of failure to gain weight and a malformation of the great vessels was demonstrated, cytogenetic studies were carried out. The diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 13 (90% normal, 10% trisomic) was established from a leukocyte culture. Since, occasionally, mosaic trisomy 13 may mimic cleft lip and palate in the newborn, cytogenetic studies are indicated in the presence of any additional anomaly.", "contents": "Trisomy 13 mosaic presenting as cleft lip and palate. A mosaic trisomy 13 presenting as a case of cleft lip and palate in the newborn is described. However, when the child was admitted to hospital at the age of 6 weeks because of failure to gain weight and a malformation of the great vessels was demonstrated, cytogenetic studies were carried out. The diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 13 (90% normal, 10% trisomic) was established from a leukocyte culture. Since, occasionally, mosaic trisomy 13 may mimic cleft lip and palate in the newborn, cytogenetic studies are indicated in the presence of any additional anomaly.", "PMID": 992662} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4785", "title": "A study of several genetic biochemical markers in Sherpas with description of some variant phenotypes.", "content": "Gene frequencies for 23 genetic biochemical markers have been determined in one sample of Sherpas and two smaller samples, one of Tibetans living in Nepal and one of 'mixed' Nepalese. Sherpas presented a high GPT1 (0.71) and an appreciable incidence of HbE (about 2%). Variant phenotypes for PGM1, PHI, PepB and C were observed.", "contents": "A study of several genetic biochemical markers in Sherpas with description of some variant phenotypes. Gene frequencies for 23 genetic biochemical markers have been determined in one sample of Sherpas and two smaller samples, one of Tibetans living in Nepal and one of 'mixed' Nepalese. Sherpas presented a high GPT1 (0.71) and an appreciable incidence of HbE (about 2%). Variant phenotypes for PGM1, PHI, PepB and C were observed.", "PMID": 992664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4786", "title": "Serum cholinesterase variants in African leprosy patients resident in Rhodesia.", "content": "Blood samples from 580 African leprosy patients living in Rhodesia have been phenotyped for the plasma cholinesterase variants. The Africans have been grouped according to country of origin and tribal affiliation. We have found no individual with an Ea1 gene and are unable to resolve the contradictory evidence for an association between this gene and leprosy. The frequency of the Ef1 gene is higher than that usually found in Caucasian populations, being 0.046 in lepromatous leprosy patients and similar to the 0.056 found in healthy African controls. In tuberculoid leprosy patients the frequency is, however, significantly lower at 0.019. On the other hand, the frequency of the C5+ variant is essentially the same for the tuberculoid leprosy patients and the healthy controls (4%) while for the lepromatous leprosy patients it is about 7% approaching the 10-15% found in many Caucasian populations.", "contents": "Serum cholinesterase variants in African leprosy patients resident in Rhodesia. Blood samples from 580 African leprosy patients living in Rhodesia have been phenotyped for the plasma cholinesterase variants. The Africans have been grouped according to country of origin and tribal affiliation. We have found no individual with an Ea1 gene and are unable to resolve the contradictory evidence for an association between this gene and leprosy. The frequency of the Ef1 gene is higher than that usually found in Caucasian populations, being 0.046 in lepromatous leprosy patients and similar to the 0.056 found in healthy African controls. In tuberculoid leprosy patients the frequency is, however, significantly lower at 0.019. On the other hand, the frequency of the C5+ variant is essentially the same for the tuberculoid leprosy patients and the healthy controls (4%) while for the lepromatous leprosy patients it is about 7% approaching the 10-15% found in many Caucasian populations.", "PMID": 992665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4787", "title": "The cholinesterase variants found in some African tribes living in Rhodesia.", "content": "Blood samples from 1,614 Africans living in Rhodesia have been phenotyped for the cholinesterase variants at the E1 and E2 loci. 24% of the African population were non-Rhodesian by birth. 1,227 Rhodesians aligned themselves to 20 tribes, 191 Malawians to 8 tribes. 162 Mozambique Africans to 9 tribes and 34 Zambians to 8 tribes. A high frequency of 0.036 for the Ef1 gene, which varies from tribe to tribe, has been found in Rhodesian and Malawian Africans. Similar high frequencies for this gene are recorded for Zambian (0.045) and Mozambique Africans (0.034). The frequencies of the Es1 gene in these groups are 0.013 (Rhodesian), 0.009 (Malawian), and 0.016 (Mozambique African). The small Zambian sample showed evidence for neither the Es1 nor the C5+ electrophoretic variant. The absence of the Ea1 gene in the 1,613 Africans provides additional evidence of the rarity of this gene in negroid populations. The frequency of the C5+ variant in Rhodesian, Malawian and Mozambique Africans, although varying from tribe to tribe within the range of 0-8%, averages 3% in each group. These represent low frequencies for this variant when compared to other populations. No rare or 'private' electrophoretic variant has been found.", "contents": "The cholinesterase variants found in some African tribes living in Rhodesia. Blood samples from 1,614 Africans living in Rhodesia have been phenotyped for the cholinesterase variants at the E1 and E2 loci. 24% of the African population were non-Rhodesian by birth. 1,227 Rhodesians aligned themselves to 20 tribes, 191 Malawians to 8 tribes. 162 Mozambique Africans to 9 tribes and 34 Zambians to 8 tribes. A high frequency of 0.036 for the Ef1 gene, which varies from tribe to tribe, has been found in Rhodesian and Malawian Africans. Similar high frequencies for this gene are recorded for Zambian (0.045) and Mozambique Africans (0.034). The frequencies of the Es1 gene in these groups are 0.013 (Rhodesian), 0.009 (Malawian), and 0.016 (Mozambique African). The small Zambian sample showed evidence for neither the Es1 nor the C5+ electrophoretic variant. The absence of the Ea1 gene in the 1,613 Africans provides additional evidence of the rarity of this gene in negroid populations. The frequency of the C5+ variant in Rhodesian, Malawian and Mozambique Africans, although varying from tribe to tribe within the range of 0-8%, averages 3% in each group. These represent low frequencies for this variant when compared to other populations. No rare or 'private' electrophoretic variant has been found.", "PMID": 992666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4788", "title": "Esterase D and superoxide dismutase polymorphisms in Iraq.", "content": "From a study of 320 individuals superoxide dismutase (SOD) variants are shown to be present in Iraq, and it is suggested that this genetic system may be useful for the study of historical population movement in the Middle East. The esterase D gene frequencies show no significant heterogeneity among the different regions of the country.", "contents": "Esterase D and superoxide dismutase polymorphisms in Iraq. From a study of 320 individuals superoxide dismutase (SOD) variants are shown to be present in Iraq, and it is suggested that this genetic system may be useful for the study of historical population movement in the Middle East. The esterase D gene frequencies show no significant heterogeneity among the different regions of the country.", "PMID": 992667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4789", "title": "Preparation of delipidized serum protein for use in cell culture systems.", "content": "A rapid procedure for the preparation of delipidized serum protein is described. The delipidized protein can be used for the maintenance and growth of tissue culture cells in a lipid-free environment. The extraction procedure greatly reduces all serum lipid classes and the delipidized protein supports the growth of a variety of cells in culture.", "contents": "Preparation of delipidized serum protein for use in cell culture systems. A rapid procedure for the preparation of delipidized serum protein is described. The delipidized protein can be used for the maintenance and growth of tissue culture cells in a lipid-free environment. The extraction procedure greatly reduces all serum lipid classes and the delipidized protein supports the growth of a variety of cells in culture.", "PMID": 992668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4790", "title": "The measurement of spatial precursor distributions in cell culture.", "content": "The distribution of incorporated radioactive precursors, for both DNA and protein synthesis, has been measured with a resolution of about 1 mm in cell cultures, using a scanning technique. Either gamma radiation and X-rays or beta radiation (electrons) were detected by scintillation detectors. Spectrophotometer measurements with a resolution of 1 mm gave good estimates of cell density changes. Glioma cell colonies were used to compare this technique with autoradiography. Variables such as the density of labelled cells and percentage of labelled cells could be estimated rather accurately. For example, an increased cell density was correlated to a local decrease in DNA synthesis.", "contents": "The measurement of spatial precursor distributions in cell culture. The distribution of incorporated radioactive precursors, for both DNA and protein synthesis, has been measured with a resolution of about 1 mm in cell cultures, using a scanning technique. Either gamma radiation and X-rays or beta radiation (electrons) were detected by scintillation detectors. Spectrophotometer measurements with a resolution of 1 mm gave good estimates of cell density changes. Glioma cell colonies were used to compare this technique with autoradiography. Variables such as the density of labelled cells and percentage of labelled cells could be estimated rather accurately. For example, an increased cell density was correlated to a local decrease in DNA synthesis.", "PMID": 992669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4791", "title": "Effect of auxin-cytokinin interaction on organogenesis in haploid callus of Pelargonium hortorum.", "content": "Bud differentiation from haploid anther callus of geranium was achieved on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.5 mg per 1 NAA and 2.5 mg per 1 kinetin. At concentrations higher than 5 mg per 1 kinetin, malformation and tissue senescence were evident.", "contents": "Effect of auxin-cytokinin interaction on organogenesis in haploid callus of Pelargonium hortorum. Bud differentiation from haploid anther callus of geranium was achieved on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.5 mg per 1 NAA and 2.5 mg per 1 kinetin. At concentrations higher than 5 mg per 1 kinetin, malformation and tissue senescence were evident.", "PMID": 992670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4792", "title": "A chemotactic receptor for val(ala)-gly-ser-glu on human.", "content": "Preferential eosinophil chemotactic activity is an in vitro and in vivo property of eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis (ECF-A), a mixture of two peptides, Val-Gly-Ser-Glu and Ala-Gly-Ser-Glu, isolated from extracts and anaphylactic diffusates of human lung tissue. Purified native and synthetic ECF-A share with the synthetic N-formyl methionyl peptides such features as in vitro activity in nanomolar amounts, high dose inhibition of effect and a requirement for hydrophobic amino acid residues. The capacity of the substituents of ECF-A, Val-Gly-Ser, Ala-Gly-Ser, and Gly-Ser-Glu to modulate eosinophil chemotaxis has permitted a preliminary functional characterization of an eosinophil surface receptor. The activity, specificity, and structural characteristics of the active tetrapeptides suggest that distinct interactions of the peptide with a stereospecific receptor on the eosinophil surface is required for chemotactic movement.", "contents": "A chemotactic receptor for val(ala)-gly-ser-glu on human. Preferential eosinophil chemotactic activity is an in vitro and in vivo property of eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis (ECF-A), a mixture of two peptides, Val-Gly-Ser-Glu and Ala-Gly-Ser-Glu, isolated from extracts and anaphylactic diffusates of human lung tissue. Purified native and synthetic ECF-A share with the synthetic N-formyl methionyl peptides such features as in vitro activity in nanomolar amounts, high dose inhibition of effect and a requirement for hydrophobic amino acid residues. The capacity of the substituents of ECF-A, Val-Gly-Ser, Ala-Gly-Ser, and Gly-Ser-Glu to modulate eosinophil chemotaxis has permitted a preliminary functional characterization of an eosinophil surface receptor. The activity, specificity, and structural characteristics of the active tetrapeptides suggest that distinct interactions of the peptide with a stereospecific receptor on the eosinophil surface is required for chemotactic movement.", "PMID": 992702} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4793", "title": "Receptor mobility and its cooperative restriction by ligands.", "content": "The functional significance of membrane fluidity and receptor mobility in lymphoid cells has been studied in the recent literature. Although far from clarified, the role of membrane fluidity in achieving control over cell activity is probably important; it allows cooperative interactions over long distances. Here, the emphasis is put on the phenomenon of restriction of receptor mobility by ligands such as Concanavalin A, a phenomenon discovered in recent years using morphological techniques. We discuss in some detail our own approach for studying this phenomenon. This consists of quantitatively measuring the active sites on cell-bound lectin molecules by subsequent fixation of horse-radish peroxidase. This study has shown a cooperative binding of Concanavalin A to cells which corresponds to a modification of the membrane, leading to the recruitment of new receptors. The existence of a post-binding event, that we have called micro-redistribution, has been shown at 4 degrees C, through the use of peroxidase binding to cell-bound lectin. A cooperative restriction of receptor microredistribution is observed when the cooperative recruitment of receptors induced by increasing concentrations of Concanavalin A occurs. Both phenomena were shown to be modulated by drugs such as colchicine and cytochalasin B. The characteristics of this modulation suggest that density and distribution of receptors are dependent upon the state of a multimeric submembrane structure which is still functional at 4 degrees C.", "contents": "Receptor mobility and its cooperative restriction by ligands. The functional significance of membrane fluidity and receptor mobility in lymphoid cells has been studied in the recent literature. Although far from clarified, the role of membrane fluidity in achieving control over cell activity is probably important; it allows cooperative interactions over long distances. Here, the emphasis is put on the phenomenon of restriction of receptor mobility by ligands such as Concanavalin A, a phenomenon discovered in recent years using morphological techniques. We discuss in some detail our own approach for studying this phenomenon. This consists of quantitatively measuring the active sites on cell-bound lectin molecules by subsequent fixation of horse-radish peroxidase. This study has shown a cooperative binding of Concanavalin A to cells which corresponds to a modification of the membrane, leading to the recruitment of new receptors. The existence of a post-binding event, that we have called micro-redistribution, has been shown at 4 degrees C, through the use of peroxidase binding to cell-bound lectin. A cooperative restriction of receptor microredistribution is observed when the cooperative recruitment of receptors induced by increasing concentrations of Concanavalin A occurs. Both phenomena were shown to be modulated by drugs such as colchicine and cytochalasin B. The characteristics of this modulation suggest that density and distribution of receptors are dependent upon the state of a multimeric submembrane structure which is still functional at 4 degrees C.", "PMID": 992703} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4794", "title": "Binding properties of bovine colostral anti-dinitrophenyl (dnp) immunoglobulins g2 (igg2).", "content": "The number of combining sites per mole of bovine colostral anti-DNP IgG2 was found to be 2 and the total affinity constant was 0.81 X 10(4) M-1. Unlike bovine colostral IgG1, the nonspecific binding of H3-epsilon-DNP-1-lysine by IgG2 as a function of increased concentrations, did not show a negative, cooperative slope. Spectral measurements made with anti-DNP IgG2 in the reference cell vs. anti-DNP IgG2 plus hapten in the experimental cell revealed a hypochromic, red shift from 363 to 365 nm. If the reference cell contained hapten, a red shift from 280 to 283 nm and an enhancement in the extinction coefficient of IgG2 was observed. These spectral changes were not observed if nonspecific IgG2 was substituted for anti-DNP IgG2 in the experimental cell. The enhancement in the extinction coefficient was interpreted to be due to a possible exposure of previously buried tryosine and tryptophan residues.", "contents": "Binding properties of bovine colostral anti-dinitrophenyl (dnp) immunoglobulins g2 (igg2). The number of combining sites per mole of bovine colostral anti-DNP IgG2 was found to be 2 and the total affinity constant was 0.81 X 10(4) M-1. Unlike bovine colostral IgG1, the nonspecific binding of H3-epsilon-DNP-1-lysine by IgG2 as a function of increased concentrations, did not show a negative, cooperative slope. Spectral measurements made with anti-DNP IgG2 in the reference cell vs. anti-DNP IgG2 plus hapten in the experimental cell revealed a hypochromic, red shift from 363 to 365 nm. If the reference cell contained hapten, a red shift from 280 to 283 nm and an enhancement in the extinction coefficient of IgG2 was observed. These spectral changes were not observed if nonspecific IgG2 was substituted for anti-DNP IgG2 in the experimental cell. The enhancement in the extinction coefficient was interpreted to be due to a possible exposure of previously buried tryosine and tryptophan residues.", "PMID": 992704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4795", "title": "Semi-micro quantitative gel precipitin reaction.", "content": "Quantitative gel precipitin reactions were made on a semi-micro-scale. This required overall reduction of the dimensions of the necessary apparatus. Resulting from this was the ability to use agarose gel at low concentration not possible with the conventional macro quantitative gel precipitin technique. Further advantages were the reduction of time for the completion of the experiments and also that of the volume of the reactants. Diffusion coefficients of antigens determined by the semi-micro technique agreed with those obtained with the more accurate optical methods.", "contents": "Semi-micro quantitative gel precipitin reaction. Quantitative gel precipitin reactions were made on a semi-micro-scale. This required overall reduction of the dimensions of the necessary apparatus. Resulting from this was the ability to use agarose gel at low concentration not possible with the conventional macro quantitative gel precipitin technique. Further advantages were the reduction of time for the completion of the experiments and also that of the volume of the reactants. Diffusion coefficients of antigens determined by the semi-micro technique agreed with those obtained with the more accurate optical methods.", "PMID": 992705} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4796", "title": "Thymosin induced changes in the cell cycle of lymphocytes from aging neonatally thymectomized rats.", "content": "The potential role of the endocrine thymus on the cell cycle of lymphocytes from aging neonatally thymectomized rats (LAT cells) was investigated using thymosin fraction 5. Thymosin rendered LAT cells similar to normal lymphocytes with regard to reconstituting the median S+G2 phase of the LAT cell. This is the first study to demonstrate an effect of thymosin on the cell cycle of lymphocyte populations.", "contents": "Thymosin induced changes in the cell cycle of lymphocytes from aging neonatally thymectomized rats. The potential role of the endocrine thymus on the cell cycle of lymphocytes from aging neonatally thymectomized rats (LAT cells) was investigated using thymosin fraction 5. Thymosin rendered LAT cells similar to normal lymphocytes with regard to reconstituting the median S+G2 phase of the LAT cell. This is the first study to demonstrate an effect of thymosin on the cell cycle of lymphocyte populations.", "PMID": 992706} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4797", "title": "The class of antibody involved in the antibody-dependent cell-mediated lysis of chicken erythrocytes.", "content": "Affinity chromatographic experiments demonstrated that IgG was the class of antibody involved in the in vitro lysis of chicken erythrocytes by antibody and normal mouse effector cells. Further experiments designed to investigate the subclass of IgG involved, indicated that IgG2a was active and provided further evidence for the inactivity of IgM, either in the native 19S or chemically degraded 7S form. From the results obtained, the possibility of ADCC-inducing activity in the other IgG subclasses could not be excluded.", "contents": "The class of antibody involved in the antibody-dependent cell-mediated lysis of chicken erythrocytes. Affinity chromatographic experiments demonstrated that IgG was the class of antibody involved in the in vitro lysis of chicken erythrocytes by antibody and normal mouse effector cells. Further experiments designed to investigate the subclass of IgG involved, indicated that IgG2a was active and provided further evidence for the inactivity of IgM, either in the native 19S or chemically degraded 7S form. From the results obtained, the possibility of ADCC-inducing activity in the other IgG subclasses could not be excluded.", "PMID": 992707} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4798", "title": "Stimulating activity of Brucella fractions in a human lymphocyte transformation test. Correlation with humoral and cellular immunity.", "content": "'PI' a phenol-extracted fraction from Brucella melitensis has been used for years in our laboratory for the vaccination of laboratory and agricultural workers considered 'at risk'. In the present work it has been used in vitro, together with another phenol-extracted and peptidoglycan containing fraction (4A) in a lymphocyte transformation test. Correlation between stimulation index, humoral antibodies to Brucella and the cutaneous response to PI have been studied in subjects vaccinated with the PI fraction, in Brucellosis patients and normal controls.", "contents": "Stimulating activity of Brucella fractions in a human lymphocyte transformation test. Correlation with humoral and cellular immunity. 'PI' a phenol-extracted fraction from Brucella melitensis has been used for years in our laboratory for the vaccination of laboratory and agricultural workers considered 'at risk'. In the present work it has been used in vitro, together with another phenol-extracted and peptidoglycan containing fraction (4A) in a lymphocyte transformation test. Correlation between stimulation index, humoral antibodies to Brucella and the cutaneous response to PI have been studied in subjects vaccinated with the PI fraction, in Brucellosis patients and normal controls.", "PMID": 992708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4799", "title": "Lymphocyte emigration from high endothelial venules in rat lymph nodes.", "content": "Sequential events during lymphocyte emigration from high endothelial venuses (HEV) were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy combined with regional perfusion techniques. The results indicate that blood lymphocytes selectively adhere to HEV surfaces through microvilli which attach to shallow pits on the luminal surfaces of high endothelial cells. These intercellular contact points resist hydrodynamic and osmotic shearing forces, but can be disrupted by treatments which remove endothelial glycocalyx, hydrolyse lymphocyte surface glycoproteins, or chelate divalent cations. After this initial attachment phase, lymphocytes enter apical clefts between endothelial cells where they assume a motile configuration characterized by loss of microvilli and formation of irregular surface folds. Intramural lymphocytes adhere to adjacent endothelial cells through macular and villous contacts. Fibrillar electron-dense material traverses the 15-20 nm gap at these points of adhesion. Microtubules and microfilaments are also seen around areas of cytoplasmic constriction in these motile lymphocytes. The migrating lymphocytes show cytoplasmic polarity which is oriented in the direction of movement as they pass through extracellular spaces in the venular wall and cross successive laminations in the perivascular sheath to enter the node. Since these lymphocytes enter channels between endothelial cells which are stained by intralymphatic injections with horseradish peroxidase, it is suggested that their entry into the node depends upon migration along a chemotactic gradient.", "contents": "Lymphocyte emigration from high endothelial venules in rat lymph nodes. Sequential events during lymphocyte emigration from high endothelial venuses (HEV) were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy combined with regional perfusion techniques. The results indicate that blood lymphocytes selectively adhere to HEV surfaces through microvilli which attach to shallow pits on the luminal surfaces of high endothelial cells. These intercellular contact points resist hydrodynamic and osmotic shearing forces, but can be disrupted by treatments which remove endothelial glycocalyx, hydrolyse lymphocyte surface glycoproteins, or chelate divalent cations. After this initial attachment phase, lymphocytes enter apical clefts between endothelial cells where they assume a motile configuration characterized by loss of microvilli and formation of irregular surface folds. Intramural lymphocytes adhere to adjacent endothelial cells through macular and villous contacts. Fibrillar electron-dense material traverses the 15-20 nm gap at these points of adhesion. Microtubules and microfilaments are also seen around areas of cytoplasmic constriction in these motile lymphocytes. The migrating lymphocytes show cytoplasmic polarity which is oriented in the direction of movement as they pass through extracellular spaces in the venular wall and cross successive laminations in the perivascular sheath to enter the node. Since these lymphocytes enter channels between endothelial cells which are stained by intralymphatic injections with horseradish peroxidase, it is suggested that their entry into the node depends upon migration along a chemotactic gradient.", "PMID": 992709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4800", "title": "Effects of activated complement components on enzyme secretion by macrophages.", "content": "Purified cleavage products of the guinea-pig complement component C3, namely C3b and C3a, interact with guinea-pig and mouse macrophages in culture to induce a dose- and time dependent release of lysosmal enzymes into the medium. In the case of C3b the selectivity of the release of hydrolases, which occurs without cell killing, is shown by morphological observations and the failure of lactate dehydrogenase to appear in the medium. However, lysosomal enzyme release in the presence of C3a is accompanied by loss of cellular lactate dehydrogenase. Preincubation of C3b with anti-C3 Fab inhibits its attachment to macrophages, after which there is hardly detectable enzyme release into the medium. We have found that stimulated macrophages release enzyme(s) which can cleave C3, generating more C3b either directly or via the alternative pathway; the C3b so formed would induce further enzyme release. This amplification system may provide an explanation for the ability of macrophages to generate mediators of inflammation and cause tissue damage and degradation at sites of chronic inflammation while retaining their ability for long periods of time.", "contents": "Effects of activated complement components on enzyme secretion by macrophages. Purified cleavage products of the guinea-pig complement component C3, namely C3b and C3a, interact with guinea-pig and mouse macrophages in culture to induce a dose- and time dependent release of lysosmal enzymes into the medium. In the case of C3b the selectivity of the release of hydrolases, which occurs without cell killing, is shown by morphological observations and the failure of lactate dehydrogenase to appear in the medium. However, lysosomal enzyme release in the presence of C3a is accompanied by loss of cellular lactate dehydrogenase. Preincubation of C3b with anti-C3 Fab inhibits its attachment to macrophages, after which there is hardly detectable enzyme release into the medium. We have found that stimulated macrophages release enzyme(s) which can cleave C3, generating more C3b either directly or via the alternative pathway; the C3b so formed would induce further enzyme release. This amplification system may provide an explanation for the ability of macrophages to generate mediators of inflammation and cause tissue damage and degradation at sites of chronic inflammation while retaining their ability for long periods of time.", "PMID": 992710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4801", "title": "Formation in the presence of C3 nephritic factor (C3NeF) of an alternative pathway C3 convertase containing uncleaved B.", "content": "C3 nephritic factor (C3NeF) interacts with native C3 and B in the absence of D to generate a C3 convertase containing an uncleaved form of B. Dose response studies with C3NeF and B, respectively, revealed incremental C3 inactivation without loss of B. These findings are in agreement with the previous isolation from such reaction mixtures of a 10S complex containing haemolytically inactive C3 and active B and manifesting C3 convertase activity. Functional contamination of C3 with C3b was negated by demonstrating that pretreatment of C3 with C3bINA had no effect on its subsequent interaction with B and C3NeF to generate C3 convertase activity, while pretreatment of C3b eliminated its effective interaction with B and C3NeF. Relatively higher concentrations of C3bINA present during interaction of C3, B and C3NeF suppressed C3 inactivation, indicating its dependence on amplification by utilization of the initial C3b generated. Trace quantities of D were not found by functional analyses of C3, B and C3NeF and pretreatment of these proteins with a concentration of DFP sufficient to suppress D activity had no effect on their effective interaction. The introduction of D to mixtures of C3NeF, B, and C3 resulted in B clevage and more efficient expression of C3 convertase function as defined by a reduced requirement for C3NeF.", "contents": "Formation in the presence of C3 nephritic factor (C3NeF) of an alternative pathway C3 convertase containing uncleaved B. C3 nephritic factor (C3NeF) interacts with native C3 and B in the absence of D to generate a C3 convertase containing an uncleaved form of B. Dose response studies with C3NeF and B, respectively, revealed incremental C3 inactivation without loss of B. These findings are in agreement with the previous isolation from such reaction mixtures of a 10S complex containing haemolytically inactive C3 and active B and manifesting C3 convertase activity. Functional contamination of C3 with C3b was negated by demonstrating that pretreatment of C3 with C3bINA had no effect on its subsequent interaction with B and C3NeF to generate C3 convertase activity, while pretreatment of C3b eliminated its effective interaction with B and C3NeF. Relatively higher concentrations of C3bINA present during interaction of C3, B and C3NeF suppressed C3 inactivation, indicating its dependence on amplification by utilization of the initial C3b generated. Trace quantities of D were not found by functional analyses of C3, B and C3NeF and pretreatment of these proteins with a concentration of DFP sufficient to suppress D activity had no effect on their effective interaction. The introduction of D to mixtures of C3NeF, B, and C3 resulted in B clevage and more efficient expression of C3 convertase function as defined by a reduced requirement for C3NeF.", "PMID": 992711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4802", "title": "Eosinophils and mediators of anaphylaxis. Histamine and imidazole acetic acid as chemotactic agents for human eosinophil leucocytes.", "content": "Histamine and one of its major catabolites, imidazole acetic acid (ImAA), were selectively chemotactic for human eosinophils, whereas L-histidine and other histamine catabolites including 1,4-methylhistamine, 1-methyl-4-imidazole acetic acid and N-acetylhistamine were inactive in eosinophilotaxis over a large dose range. The dose response for histamine was dependent on the chemotaxis incubation time and the source of eosinophils, although the latter was not clearly associated with particular disease states. When histamine and ImAA were combined the chemotactic response was similar to that obtained when one agent was assayed alone, no additive or synergistic effects being observed. There was cross-deactivation between histamine and ImAA. These experiments suggest that histamine and ImAA activate the same chemotactic recognition mechanism for eosinophils. Thus ImAA joins histamine and the tetrapeptides (ECF-A) as anaphylaxis-associated selective chemoattractants for human eosinophils", "contents": "Eosinophils and mediators of anaphylaxis. Histamine and imidazole acetic acid as chemotactic agents for human eosinophil leucocytes. Histamine and one of its major catabolites, imidazole acetic acid (ImAA), were selectively chemotactic for human eosinophils, whereas L-histidine and other histamine catabolites including 1,4-methylhistamine, 1-methyl-4-imidazole acetic acid and N-acetylhistamine were inactive in eosinophilotaxis over a large dose range. The dose response for histamine was dependent on the chemotaxis incubation time and the source of eosinophils, although the latter was not clearly associated with particular disease states. When histamine and ImAA were combined the chemotactic response was similar to that obtained when one agent was assayed alone, no additive or synergistic effects being observed. There was cross-deactivation between histamine and ImAA. These experiments suggest that histamine and ImAA activate the same chemotactic recognition mechanism for eosinophils. Thus ImAA joins histamine and the tetrapeptides (ECF-A) as anaphylaxis-associated selective chemoattractants for human eosinophils", "PMID": 992712} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4803", "title": "Lymphocyte nucleolar activation as a marker of autoimmune disorders. II. Observations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases.", "content": "An increased number of lymphocytes with active nucleoli was found in the peripheral blood of most patients suffering from connective tissue diseases associated with autoimmunity.", "contents": "Lymphocyte nucleolar activation as a marker of autoimmune disorders. II. Observations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases. An increased number of lymphocytes with active nucleoli was found in the peripheral blood of most patients suffering from connective tissue diseases associated with autoimmunity.", "PMID": 992713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4804", "title": "Effects of Corynebacterium parvum treatment and Toxoplasma gondii infection on macrophage-mediated cytostasis of tumour target cells.", "content": "Injection of mice with Corynebacterium parvum or living or killed Toxoplasma gondii was studied to determine the efficacy of these treatments in activating peritoneal macrophages to inhibit the uptake of [3H]TdR (cytostasis) by tumour target cells in vitro. In the presence of activated macrophages from mice treated i.p. with a wide dose range of either C. parvum or living Toxoplasma, cytostasis was usually greater than 99%. This population of activated macrophages was transient in C. parvum-treated mice, but persists, probably for life, in Toxoplasma-infected mice. Whereas the i.p. route of administration of C. parvum was more efficient in activating macrophages than the i.v. route, the s.c. route appeared to be relatively ineffective. Treatment with killed Toxoplasma by any route was also relatively ineffective in activating macrophages. In contrast Toxoplasma infection resulted in highly activated peritoneal macrophages, regardless of the route of administration. Depending upon the route of initial treatment, the route of readministration of C. parvum had either no appreciable effect or resulted in a marked alteration in the cytostatic capacity of peritoneal macrophages.", "contents": "Effects of Corynebacterium parvum treatment and Toxoplasma gondii infection on macrophage-mediated cytostasis of tumour target cells. Injection of mice with Corynebacterium parvum or living or killed Toxoplasma gondii was studied to determine the efficacy of these treatments in activating peritoneal macrophages to inhibit the uptake of [3H]TdR (cytostasis) by tumour target cells in vitro. In the presence of activated macrophages from mice treated i.p. with a wide dose range of either C. parvum or living Toxoplasma, cytostasis was usually greater than 99%. This population of activated macrophages was transient in C. parvum-treated mice, but persists, probably for life, in Toxoplasma-infected mice. Whereas the i.p. route of administration of C. parvum was more efficient in activating macrophages than the i.v. route, the s.c. route appeared to be relatively ineffective. Treatment with killed Toxoplasma by any route was also relatively ineffective in activating macrophages. In contrast Toxoplasma infection resulted in highly activated peritoneal macrophages, regardless of the route of administration. Depending upon the route of initial treatment, the route of readministration of C. parvum had either no appreciable effect or resulted in a marked alteration in the cytostatic capacity of peritoneal macrophages.", "PMID": 992714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4805", "title": "EA rosette-forming lymphoid cells in chickens: specificity of the Fc receptor and its relationship to other surface antigens.", "content": "The receptor for erythrocyte-antibody (EA) complexes on the surface of chicken lymphoid cells was investigated using a rosette assay. The chicken EA receptor binds chicken immunoglobulin of the IgG class but not the IgM class. Binding to the EA receptor is dependent upon the Fc region of the immunoglobulin. No receptor for complement analogous to the mammalian C3b receptor was demonstrated on chicken lymphoid cells using the rosette assay. Inhibition studies utilizing immunoglobulins from several species demonstrated that chicken spleen cells do not bind mammalian immunoglobulin but may bind immunoglobulin of other avian species (turkey and duck) and a reptilian species (turtle). The chicken EA receptor is distinct from cell membrane bound immunoglobulin light chains, bursa-specific antigens and thymus-specific antigens. The receptor for EA complexes on chicken lymphoid cells is compared with the Fc receptor on mammalian lymphoid cells in the light of these observations.", "contents": "EA rosette-forming lymphoid cells in chickens: specificity of the Fc receptor and its relationship to other surface antigens. The receptor for erythrocyte-antibody (EA) complexes on the surface of chicken lymphoid cells was investigated using a rosette assay. The chicken EA receptor binds chicken immunoglobulin of the IgG class but not the IgM class. Binding to the EA receptor is dependent upon the Fc region of the immunoglobulin. No receptor for complement analogous to the mammalian C3b receptor was demonstrated on chicken lymphoid cells using the rosette assay. Inhibition studies utilizing immunoglobulins from several species demonstrated that chicken spleen cells do not bind mammalian immunoglobulin but may bind immunoglobulin of other avian species (turkey and duck) and a reptilian species (turtle). The chicken EA receptor is distinct from cell membrane bound immunoglobulin light chains, bursa-specific antigens and thymus-specific antigens. The receptor for EA complexes on chicken lymphoid cells is compared with the Fc receptor on mammalian lymphoid cells in the light of these observations.", "PMID": 992715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4806", "title": "In vitro synthesis of beta1C/beta1A globulin (the C3 component of complement) by tissues and leucocytes of mice.", "content": "The synthesis of beta1C/beta1A globulin (the C3 component of complement) was studied in in vitro cultures of mouse tissues and leucocytes. Often culture in medium containing 14C-labelled amino acids, the newly synthesized radioactively-labelled protein was identified by radioimmunoelectrophoresis. Synthesis was found in spleen, liver, trachea, lung and Peyer's patch tissue, but was only occasionally detectable in cultures of intestine. Cultures of the glass-adherent cells from bone marrow, blood, lung washings and subcutaneous tissue all showed strong synthesis, indicating that the ability to synthesize beta1C/beta1A is a property shared by mononuclear phagocytes from many sites. In contrast, the nonglass adherent cells showed no synthesis of beta1C/beta1A, although these cells were shown to be viable by their ability to synthesize immunoglobulins.", "contents": "In vitro synthesis of beta1C/beta1A globulin (the C3 component of complement) by tissues and leucocytes of mice. The synthesis of beta1C/beta1A globulin (the C3 component of complement) was studied in in vitro cultures of mouse tissues and leucocytes. Often culture in medium containing 14C-labelled amino acids, the newly synthesized radioactively-labelled protein was identified by radioimmunoelectrophoresis. Synthesis was found in spleen, liver, trachea, lung and Peyer's patch tissue, but was only occasionally detectable in cultures of intestine. Cultures of the glass-adherent cells from bone marrow, blood, lung washings and subcutaneous tissue all showed strong synthesis, indicating that the ability to synthesize beta1C/beta1A is a property shared by mononuclear phagocytes from many sites. In contrast, the nonglass adherent cells showed no synthesis of beta1C/beta1A, although these cells were shown to be viable by their ability to synthesize immunoglobulins.", "PMID": 992716} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4807", "title": "Kinetics and localization of IgE tetanus antibody response in mice immunized by the intratracheal, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes.", "content": "The heterologous adoptive cutaneous anaphylaxis system was used to determine the kinetics of appearance of IgE-producing cells in various lymphoid tissues of mice following intratracheal (i.t.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), or subcutaneous (s.c.) immunization with tetanus toxoid and Bordetella pertussis organisms. Immunization, i.t. and i.p., produced similar patterns of response with the bronchial lymph nodes quantitatively exceeding the responses in other lymphoid tissues. In both cases the splenic lymphocyte response was second only to the bronchial and both appeared to parallel the serum PCA antibody. It is suggested that both responses represent draining lymph node responses since the bronchial lymph node drains both sites of immunization. After s.c. immunization a primary response of low order was found in the draining popliteal lymph node but not elsewhere. Although a dissociation was seen between responses obtained in various lymphoid tissues following s.c. and i.p. or i.t. immunization, no real evidence for a local mucosal response, such as has been reported for IgA, was obtained. These results lend experimental support to the observations that intratracheal and intraperitoneal immunization routes are most effective in production of IgE antibodies.", "contents": "Kinetics and localization of IgE tetanus antibody response in mice immunized by the intratracheal, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes. The heterologous adoptive cutaneous anaphylaxis system was used to determine the kinetics of appearance of IgE-producing cells in various lymphoid tissues of mice following intratracheal (i.t.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), or subcutaneous (s.c.) immunization with tetanus toxoid and Bordetella pertussis organisms. Immunization, i.t. and i.p., produced similar patterns of response with the bronchial lymph nodes quantitatively exceeding the responses in other lymphoid tissues. In both cases the splenic lymphocyte response was second only to the bronchial and both appeared to parallel the serum PCA antibody. It is suggested that both responses represent draining lymph node responses since the bronchial lymph node drains both sites of immunization. After s.c. immunization a primary response of low order was found in the draining popliteal lymph node but not elsewhere. Although a dissociation was seen between responses obtained in various lymphoid tissues following s.c. and i.p. or i.t. immunization, no real evidence for a local mucosal response, such as has been reported for IgA, was obtained. These results lend experimental support to the observations that intratracheal and intraperitoneal immunization routes are most effective in production of IgE antibodies.", "PMID": 992717} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4808", "title": "The effects of nutritional rehabilitation on antibody production in protein-deficient mice.", "content": "The transfer of chronically protein-deficient mice to an optimal diet a few days before immunization with sheep erythrocytes, tetanus toxoid or Brucella abortus vaccine either failed to increase antibody production above the level produced by deficient mice, or suppressed the responses to below those produced by deficient mice or normally-fed controls. Transfer to high protein diet on the day of immunization or feeding deficient mice the normal diet for just 2 days at the time of injection produced higher titres than did transfer a few days before immunization. Secondary responses to TT were affected by transfer to the normal diet at priming, rather than at rechallenge. Some mechanisms which may explain these findings and their implications for immunization schedules in malnourished humans are discussed.", "contents": "The effects of nutritional rehabilitation on antibody production in protein-deficient mice. The transfer of chronically protein-deficient mice to an optimal diet a few days before immunization with sheep erythrocytes, tetanus toxoid or Brucella abortus vaccine either failed to increase antibody production above the level produced by deficient mice, or suppressed the responses to below those produced by deficient mice or normally-fed controls. Transfer to high protein diet on the day of immunization or feeding deficient mice the normal diet for just 2 days at the time of injection produced higher titres than did transfer a few days before immunization. Secondary responses to TT were affected by transfer to the normal diet at priming, rather than at rechallenge. Some mechanisms which may explain these findings and their implications for immunization schedules in malnourished humans are discussed.", "PMID": 992718} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4809", "title": "Purification of cobra venom factor from phospholipase A contaminant.", "content": "It has been demonstrated that cobra venom factor prepared by the usual combination of ion exchange chromatography and sephadex gel filtration is contaminated by substantial amounts of a 'heavy' phospholipase A. The two activities may be separated by isoelectric focusing. Cobra venom factor focuses at pH between 5-75 and 6-75 whereas the phospholipase is all found at pH below 7-75. In certain test systems, particularly in vitro, and particularly where albumin concentrations are low, the contaminating phospholipase may produce effects that have been attributed to complement activation.", "contents": "Purification of cobra venom factor from phospholipase A contaminant. It has been demonstrated that cobra venom factor prepared by the usual combination of ion exchange chromatography and sephadex gel filtration is contaminated by substantial amounts of a 'heavy' phospholipase A. The two activities may be separated by isoelectric focusing. Cobra venom factor focuses at pH between 5-75 and 6-75 whereas the phospholipase is all found at pH below 7-75. In certain test systems, particularly in vitro, and particularly where albumin concentrations are low, the contaminating phospholipase may produce effects that have been attributed to complement activation.", "PMID": 992719} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4810", "title": "Pinocytic rates of macrophages from mice immunized against Toxoplasma gondii and macrophages stimulated to inhibit toxoplasma in vitro.", "content": "The rate of pinocytosis by macrophages when measured by uptake of horseradish peroxidase was significantly reduced during toxoplasma infection of the cells in vitro when the macrophages were from toxoplasma-immune mice and when control cells were stimulated in vitro to inhibit toxoplasma multiplication. There was, however, no direct correlation between reduced pinocytosis in this model and inhibition or enhancement of toxoplasma multiplication. We conclude that a reduced pinocytic rate is a feature of the unstimulated toxoplasma-immune macrophage, but this change in rate alone does not correlate with the cell's ability to inhibit toxoplasma. In addition, we observed that enhanced pinocytosis as seen in the elicited macrophage was not a requirement for inhibition of toxoplasma multiplication.", "contents": "Pinocytic rates of macrophages from mice immunized against Toxoplasma gondii and macrophages stimulated to inhibit toxoplasma in vitro. The rate of pinocytosis by macrophages when measured by uptake of horseradish peroxidase was significantly reduced during toxoplasma infection of the cells in vitro when the macrophages were from toxoplasma-immune mice and when control cells were stimulated in vitro to inhibit toxoplasma multiplication. There was, however, no direct correlation between reduced pinocytosis in this model and inhibition or enhancement of toxoplasma multiplication. We conclude that a reduced pinocytic rate is a feature of the unstimulated toxoplasma-immune macrophage, but this change in rate alone does not correlate with the cell's ability to inhibit toxoplasma. In addition, we observed that enhanced pinocytosis as seen in the elicited macrophage was not a requirement for inhibition of toxoplasma multiplication.", "PMID": 992866} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4811", "title": "Lymphocyte and macrophage responses after vaccinia virus infections.", "content": "Using a semimicromethod with washed whole blood, in vitro lymphocyte responses of rabbits to intradermal infection with vaccinia virus was studied. Peritoneal exudate macrophages were infected with vaccinia in vitro to determine the time of appearance of activated macrophages. After primary infection, an increase in spontaneous incorporation of thymidine by blood cultures was found as early as 2 days postinfection. This effect was at a maximum at 7 to 10 days, with counts up to 100-fold higher than before infection. Incubation of these cultures with concanavalin A showed a marked decrease in stimulation index as compared with normals. Although only a transient stimulation with vaccinia was found during the acute infection, stimulation indexes of 2 to 3 were obtained during convalescence. Macrophages from rabbits early after infection supported vaccinia replication, whereas those at day 6 or later resisted infection. Macrophage resistance persisted for 2 to 3 weeks. The response of lymphocytes from rabbits reinfected with vaccinia after 15 weeks differed, with a small increase in spontaneous thymidine uptake, a smaller depression in concanavalin A stimulation, and a greater specific response to vaccinia. Macrophage activation occurred earlier and persisted for a longer time after secondary infection.", "contents": "Lymphocyte and macrophage responses after vaccinia virus infections. Using a semimicromethod with washed whole blood, in vitro lymphocyte responses of rabbits to intradermal infection with vaccinia virus was studied. Peritoneal exudate macrophages were infected with vaccinia in vitro to determine the time of appearance of activated macrophages. After primary infection, an increase in spontaneous incorporation of thymidine by blood cultures was found as early as 2 days postinfection. This effect was at a maximum at 7 to 10 days, with counts up to 100-fold higher than before infection. Incubation of these cultures with concanavalin A showed a marked decrease in stimulation index as compared with normals. Although only a transient stimulation with vaccinia was found during the acute infection, stimulation indexes of 2 to 3 were obtained during convalescence. Macrophages from rabbits early after infection supported vaccinia replication, whereas those at day 6 or later resisted infection. Macrophage resistance persisted for 2 to 3 weeks. The response of lymphocytes from rabbits reinfected with vaccinia after 15 weeks differed, with a small increase in spontaneous thymidine uptake, a smaller depression in concanavalin A stimulation, and a greater specific response to vaccinia. Macrophage activation occurred earlier and persisted for a longer time after secondary infection.", "PMID": 992867} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4812", "title": "Immunological control mechanism against cholera toxin: interference with toxin binding to intestinal receptors.", "content": "The immunological control mechanism against cholera toxin (CT) in the small intestine of rats was studied in vivo. CT binding to intestinal receptors was determined by injected radiolabeled CT into the loops of rat small intestine and subsequently separating purified microvillus membranes from mucosal scrapings of those loops. substantial radioactivity (10(5) cpm/mg of microvillus protein) was present in microvillus fractions of small intestine exposed to 125I-labeled CT compared to radioactivity (10(2) cpm/mg) in fractions from intestine exposed to radiolabeled bovine serum albumin (BSA) used as a control. CT binding to intestinal receptors was significantly inhibited (P less than 0.02) in rats immunized with crude toxin by a combined intraperitoneal and oral method compared to CT binding in animals immunized with BSA or controls, suggesting a specific relationship between intestinal antitoxin and inhibition of binding. Furthermore, ligated ileal loops from CT-immunized animals showed a significant decrease in fluid accumulation when exposed to CT compared to loops from control or BSA-immunized animals, suggesting that antitoxins also interfered with the biological action of CT under conditions of immunization. These studies provide direct evidence that intestinal antitoxins protect against CT-induced diarrhea by interfering with the attachment of the toxin to the intestinal microvillus surface.", "contents": "Immunological control mechanism against cholera toxin: interference with toxin binding to intestinal receptors. The immunological control mechanism against cholera toxin (CT) in the small intestine of rats was studied in vivo. CT binding to intestinal receptors was determined by injected radiolabeled CT into the loops of rat small intestine and subsequently separating purified microvillus membranes from mucosal scrapings of those loops. substantial radioactivity (10(5) cpm/mg of microvillus protein) was present in microvillus fractions of small intestine exposed to 125I-labeled CT compared to radioactivity (10(2) cpm/mg) in fractions from intestine exposed to radiolabeled bovine serum albumin (BSA) used as a control. CT binding to intestinal receptors was significantly inhibited (P less than 0.02) in rats immunized with crude toxin by a combined intraperitoneal and oral method compared to CT binding in animals immunized with BSA or controls, suggesting a specific relationship between intestinal antitoxin and inhibition of binding. Furthermore, ligated ileal loops from CT-immunized animals showed a significant decrease in fluid accumulation when exposed to CT compared to loops from control or BSA-immunized animals, suggesting that antitoxins also interfered with the biological action of CT under conditions of immunization. These studies provide direct evidence that intestinal antitoxins protect against CT-induced diarrhea by interfering with the attachment of the toxin to the intestinal microvillus surface.", "PMID": 992868} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4813", "title": "Fate of rubella genome ribonucleic acid after immune and nonimmune virolysis in the presence of ribonuclease.", "content": "To determine whether rubella virion ribonucleic acid (RNA) becomes accessible to nuclease attack after immune lysis of the viral envelope, virions containing radioactively labeled RNA were examined in three ways with the following results. (i) Incubation of purified virus with heat-inactivated rubella convalescent human serum and guinea pig complement resulted in an increase in acid-soluble RNA. Antibody was required; the reaction was temperature dependent and was blocked by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. When exogenous nuclease was added prior to lysis, radioactivity in virions was reduced to 15% of that in unlysed control pellets (ii) Sucrose gradient sedimentation profiles of RNA released from lysed and unlysed virions under controlled conditions showed that the nuclease content of serum-virus mixtures was sufficient to eliminate all RNA of genome size, although degradation was not complete. (iii) Virions were also lysed by unheated human immune sera in the absence of guinea pig complement and by some, but not all, unheated antibody-negative sera.", "contents": "Fate of rubella genome ribonucleic acid after immune and nonimmune virolysis in the presence of ribonuclease. To determine whether rubella virion ribonucleic acid (RNA) becomes accessible to nuclease attack after immune lysis of the viral envelope, virions containing radioactively labeled RNA were examined in three ways with the following results. (i) Incubation of purified virus with heat-inactivated rubella convalescent human serum and guinea pig complement resulted in an increase in acid-soluble RNA. Antibody was required; the reaction was temperature dependent and was blocked by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. When exogenous nuclease was added prior to lysis, radioactivity in virions was reduced to 15% of that in unlysed control pellets (ii) Sucrose gradient sedimentation profiles of RNA released from lysed and unlysed virions under controlled conditions showed that the nuclease content of serum-virus mixtures was sufficient to eliminate all RNA of genome size, although degradation was not complete. (iii) Virions were also lysed by unheated human immune sera in the absence of guinea pig complement and by some, but not all, unheated antibody-negative sera.", "PMID": 992869} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4814", "title": "Passive hemolysis test for antibody to Treponema hyodysenteriae.", "content": "Swine were infected orally with pure cultures of Treponema hyodysenteriae, and the humoral antibody response was measured by a passive hemolysis test (passive hemagglutination test with the use of complement). Antibody to T. hyodysenteriae was detected as early as 1 week and later on at 4 months after exposure. However, peak serum titers were obtained after challenge at 4 weeks postinfection. The usefulness of the test as a potential diagnostic tool for antibody to T. hyodysenteriae is discussed.", "contents": "Passive hemolysis test for antibody to Treponema hyodysenteriae. Swine were infected orally with pure cultures of Treponema hyodysenteriae, and the humoral antibody response was measured by a passive hemolysis test (passive hemagglutination test with the use of complement). Antibody to T. hyodysenteriae was detected as early as 1 week and later on at 4 months after exposure. However, peak serum titers were obtained after challenge at 4 weeks postinfection. The usefulness of the test as a potential diagnostic tool for antibody to T. hyodysenteriae is discussed.", "PMID": 992870} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4815", "title": "Model delineating the effects of a salivary pellicle on the adsorption of Streptococcus miteor onto hydroxyapatite.", "content": "A model describing the adsorption isotherms for Streptococcus miteor strain 26 to untreated and saliva-treated hydroxyapatite was developed. The strengths of the adsorption bonds in the two systems were similar, however, the presence of selectively adsorbed salivary components increased the number of available binding sites fourfold.", "contents": "Model delineating the effects of a salivary pellicle on the adsorption of Streptococcus miteor onto hydroxyapatite. A model describing the adsorption isotherms for Streptococcus miteor strain 26 to untreated and saliva-treated hydroxyapatite was developed. The strengths of the adsorption bonds in the two systems were similar, however, the presence of selectively adsorbed salivary components increased the number of available binding sites fourfold.", "PMID": 992871} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4816", "title": "Amplified migration inhibition effect.", "content": "Upon exposure to specific antigen in tissue culture, sensitive lymphocytes released macrophage migration inhibition factor and other lymphokines into the supernatant culture medium. Migration of peritoneal macrophages from nonsensitive animals was inhibited in the presence of such supernatants. However, with previous techniques it was found that an inhibitory effect was present at only low low titers (less than 10(2)). It is therfore of great interest that by increasing cellular density, the total number of cells being kept constant, inhibitory activity can be amplified by a factor as great as 10(10). This amplification was observed only when lymphocytes and macrophages were loosely packed, as by spontaneous sedimentation in a conical test tube. The effect was abolished by dispersing the cell suspension in a flat-bottomed flask or, alternatively, by shaking the test tube so that intimate prolonged intercellular contact was prevented.", "contents": "Amplified migration inhibition effect. Upon exposure to specific antigen in tissue culture, sensitive lymphocytes released macrophage migration inhibition factor and other lymphokines into the supernatant culture medium. Migration of peritoneal macrophages from nonsensitive animals was inhibited in the presence of such supernatants. However, with previous techniques it was found that an inhibitory effect was present at only low low titers (less than 10(2)). It is therfore of great interest that by increasing cellular density, the total number of cells being kept constant, inhibitory activity can be amplified by a factor as great as 10(10). This amplification was observed only when lymphocytes and macrophages were loosely packed, as by spontaneous sedimentation in a conical test tube. The effect was abolished by dispersing the cell suspension in a flat-bottomed flask or, alternatively, by shaking the test tube so that intimate prolonged intercellular contact was prevented.", "PMID": 992872} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4817", "title": "Attempts to serologically classify feline caliciviruses on a national and an international basis.", "content": "A serological classification of five feline calicivirus (FCV) strains of Swiss origin and 13 isolates of Austrian origin was attempted. The antisera used had been prepared in rabbits against the five Swiss strains and in goats against six American strains. Homologous and heterologous neutralization tests were made in tube cultures using sera at dilutions that contained 20 antibody units, in unabsorbed sera at low dilution, and in sera after subjection to three consecutive absorptions with lyophilized feline liver powder. None of these procedures resulted in the delineation of serotypes. A study using 20 antibody units yeilded FCV strains with broad-spectrum antigenicity, which seem promising for vaccination trials and for covering global needs. In addition, readily neutralized strains suitable for epidemiological work on cat sera, and possibly also for measuring humoral response to vaccines, could be recognized. The extent of serum titer variance, after 10-fold variance of virus input, was established as being only two- to threefold. Five Swiss FCV strains have been shown to remain antigenically stable over 10 years of laboratory passage. FCV strains and the procedure using 20 antibody units offered a suitable approach for international comparative work. FCV strains with little cross-neutralization should be subjected to higher antibody concentrations of existing antisera before attempting to create serotypes. Liver powder absorptions, which reduced homologous and heterologous neutralization titers to similar extents, subsequently proved to be unsuitable for use in FCV classification.", "contents": "Attempts to serologically classify feline caliciviruses on a national and an international basis. A serological classification of five feline calicivirus (FCV) strains of Swiss origin and 13 isolates of Austrian origin was attempted. The antisera used had been prepared in rabbits against the five Swiss strains and in goats against six American strains. Homologous and heterologous neutralization tests were made in tube cultures using sera at dilutions that contained 20 antibody units, in unabsorbed sera at low dilution, and in sera after subjection to three consecutive absorptions with lyophilized feline liver powder. None of these procedures resulted in the delineation of serotypes. A study using 20 antibody units yeilded FCV strains with broad-spectrum antigenicity, which seem promising for vaccination trials and for covering global needs. In addition, readily neutralized strains suitable for epidemiological work on cat sera, and possibly also for measuring humoral response to vaccines, could be recognized. The extent of serum titer variance, after 10-fold variance of virus input, was established as being only two- to threefold. Five Swiss FCV strains have been shown to remain antigenically stable over 10 years of laboratory passage. FCV strains and the procedure using 20 antibody units offered a suitable approach for international comparative work. FCV strains with little cross-neutralization should be subjected to higher antibody concentrations of existing antisera before attempting to create serotypes. Liver powder absorptions, which reduced homologous and heterologous neutralization titers to similar extents, subsequently proved to be unsuitable for use in FCV classification.", "PMID": 992873} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4818", "title": "Evidence for two immune inhibitors from Bacillus thuringiensis interfering with the humoral defense system of saturniid pupae.", "content": "Mutants of Bacillus thuringiensis lacking either beta-exotoxin or gamma-endotoxin were compared for their virulence using pupae of a giant silk moth. Known doses of viable log-phase bacteria were injected, and the response was followed as the number of viable bacteria in the hemolymph. The results obtained imply that, in the system used, neither the beta-exotoxin nor the gamma-endotoxin and the sporeforming ability are of importance for virulence. Results with sterile culture filtrate from B. thuringiensis have given evidence for the production of two inhibitors, A and B, which interfere with the humoral defense system in pupae of Hyalophora cecropia. Inhibitor A, which blocked the lysis of Escherichia coli,was precipitated by trichloroacetic acid and sensitive to heating. Inhibitor B, which blocked the killing of Bacillus cereus, was soluble in trichloroacetic acid and resistant to 90 degrees C for 5 min. Both inhibitors are believed to contribute to the insecticidal nature of B. thuringiensis.", "contents": "Evidence for two immune inhibitors from Bacillus thuringiensis interfering with the humoral defense system of saturniid pupae. Mutants of Bacillus thuringiensis lacking either beta-exotoxin or gamma-endotoxin were compared for their virulence using pupae of a giant silk moth. Known doses of viable log-phase bacteria were injected, and the response was followed as the number of viable bacteria in the hemolymph. The results obtained imply that, in the system used, neither the beta-exotoxin nor the gamma-endotoxin and the sporeforming ability are of importance for virulence. Results with sterile culture filtrate from B. thuringiensis have given evidence for the production of two inhibitors, A and B, which interfere with the humoral defense system in pupae of Hyalophora cecropia. Inhibitor A, which blocked the lysis of Escherichia coli,was precipitated by trichloroacetic acid and sensitive to heating. Inhibitor B, which blocked the killing of Bacillus cereus, was soluble in trichloroacetic acid and resistant to 90 degrees C for 5 min. Both inhibitors are believed to contribute to the insecticidal nature of B. thuringiensis.", "PMID": 992874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4819", "title": "Inhibition of human neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro by phenothiazines and related compounds.", "content": "Chlorpromazine (CPZ) and three other phenothiazines and the structurally related antidepressant drugs imipramine and amitriptyline were found to depress human neutrophil chemotactic responsiveness. A 7 X 10(-6)M solution of CPZ inhibited chemotaxis, whereas concentrations of the other tested drugs 10 to 1,000 times greater than this were needed to inhibit chemotaxis. This effect of CPZ could not, however, be demonstrated when testing neutrophils from patients treated with the drug. The inhibition of chemotaxis was reversible when CPZ-incubated neutrophils were washed before testing for chemotactic responsiveness. CPZ affects neutrophil funcjtion as well as other aspects of immune response.", "contents": "Inhibition of human neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro by phenothiazines and related compounds. Chlorpromazine (CPZ) and three other phenothiazines and the structurally related antidepressant drugs imipramine and amitriptyline were found to depress human neutrophil chemotactic responsiveness. A 7 X 10(-6)M solution of CPZ inhibited chemotaxis, whereas concentrations of the other tested drugs 10 to 1,000 times greater than this were needed to inhibit chemotaxis. This effect of CPZ could not, however, be demonstrated when testing neutrophils from patients treated with the drug. The inhibition of chemotaxis was reversible when CPZ-incubated neutrophils were washed before testing for chemotactic responsiveness. CPZ affects neutrophil funcjtion as well as other aspects of immune response.", "PMID": 992875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4820", "title": "Extrachromosomal elements in a variety of strains representing the Bacteroides fragilis group of organisms.", "content": "Previous nucleic acid association studies have identified at least nine deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) homology classes of the Bacteroides fragilis group of organisms. Using these classes as a taxonomic framework, we have screened representative strains of the B. fragilis group for the presence of extrachromosomal (plasmid) DNA. [3H]thymidine-labeled cell lysates were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-salt precipitation, and supernatant fractions from such preparations were analyzed using cesium chloride-ethidium bromide equilibrium centrifugation. One strain from each group was examined in this fashion. Five of the strains were judged to contain no detectable plasmid DNA; however, four strains were observed to yield satellite bands corresponding to covalently closed circular plasmid DNA. Plasmid DNA from such gradients was subjected to velocity sedimentation through both neutral and alkaline sucrose gradients to determine molecular size. A 23 X 10(6)-molecular-weight plasmid was found in a B. fragilis strain representing one DNA homology group of this species, whereas a 3 X 10(6)-molecular-weight plasmid was found in a B. fragilis strain representing a second homology group. Similarly, a 31 X 10(6)-molecular-weight plasmid was found in a Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron strain representing one DNA homology group of this species, whereas a 3 X 10(6)-molecular-weight plasmid was found in a B. thetaiotaomicron strain representing a second homology group. In all instances, the small-molecular weight plasmids were present to the extent of about 15 copies per chromosomal equivalent, whereas the large plasmids were present to the extent of approximately 1 copy per chromosomal equivalent. The biological function of these plasmids is unknown.", "contents": "Extrachromosomal elements in a variety of strains representing the Bacteroides fragilis group of organisms. Previous nucleic acid association studies have identified at least nine deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) homology classes of the Bacteroides fragilis group of organisms. Using these classes as a taxonomic framework, we have screened representative strains of the B. fragilis group for the presence of extrachromosomal (plasmid) DNA. [3H]thymidine-labeled cell lysates were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-salt precipitation, and supernatant fractions from such preparations were analyzed using cesium chloride-ethidium bromide equilibrium centrifugation. One strain from each group was examined in this fashion. Five of the strains were judged to contain no detectable plasmid DNA; however, four strains were observed to yield satellite bands corresponding to covalently closed circular plasmid DNA. Plasmid DNA from such gradients was subjected to velocity sedimentation through both neutral and alkaline sucrose gradients to determine molecular size. A 23 X 10(6)-molecular-weight plasmid was found in a B. fragilis strain representing one DNA homology group of this species, whereas a 3 X 10(6)-molecular-weight plasmid was found in a B. fragilis strain representing a second homology group. Similarly, a 31 X 10(6)-molecular-weight plasmid was found in a Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron strain representing one DNA homology group of this species, whereas a 3 X 10(6)-molecular-weight plasmid was found in a B. thetaiotaomicron strain representing a second homology group. In all instances, the small-molecular weight plasmids were present to the extent of about 15 copies per chromosomal equivalent, whereas the large plasmids were present to the extent of approximately 1 copy per chromosomal equivalent. The biological function of these plasmids is unknown.", "PMID": 992876} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4821", "title": "Tumor inhibition in mice by lipopolysaccharide-induced peritoneal cells and an induced soluble factor.", "content": "Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was shown to prevent tumor growth in BALB/c mice when administered either prior to or after the inoculation of lethal doses of tumor cells. An attempt to elucidate the mechanism of this phenomenon utilizing in vivo protocols was made by the adoptive transfer of tumor protection with peritoneal cells as well as with cell-free peritoneal fluids obtained from non-tumor-bearing, LPS-stimulated syngeneic mice. The in vivo-activated peritoneal cells from LPS-treated mice were capable of adoptively transferring tumor protection at peritoneal cell to tumor cell ratios ranging from 1,000:1 to 100:1. Experiments were also performed that indicate that: (i) LPS exerts no direct toxic or inhibitory effect on the tumor cells, and (ii) that residual LPS present in cell and fluid preparations was not responsible for such protection.", "contents": "Tumor inhibition in mice by lipopolysaccharide-induced peritoneal cells and an induced soluble factor. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was shown to prevent tumor growth in BALB/c mice when administered either prior to or after the inoculation of lethal doses of tumor cells. An attempt to elucidate the mechanism of this phenomenon utilizing in vivo protocols was made by the adoptive transfer of tumor protection with peritoneal cells as well as with cell-free peritoneal fluids obtained from non-tumor-bearing, LPS-stimulated syngeneic mice. The in vivo-activated peritoneal cells from LPS-treated mice were capable of adoptively transferring tumor protection at peritoneal cell to tumor cell ratios ranging from 1,000:1 to 100:1. Experiments were also performed that indicate that: (i) LPS exerts no direct toxic or inhibitory effect on the tumor cells, and (ii) that residual LPS present in cell and fluid preparations was not responsible for such protection.", "PMID": 992877} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4822", "title": "Lymphocyte function in experimental african trypanosomiasis: mitogenic effects of trypanosome extracts in vitro.", "content": "Extracts of Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense were incubated in vitro with nonimmune lymphocytes of mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits in order to test for mitogenic effects or for other characteristics of polyclonal B lymphocyte activators. Trypanosome extracts (TE) were not mitogenic for spleen cells of mice, rats, and guinea pigs in vitro, nor did the parasite extracts alter the mitogenic responses of lymphocytes from these animals to known B- and T-cell mitogens. TE also failed to induce polyclonal antibody synthesis in mouse spleen cell cultures in an in vitro antibody response system, in contrast to the effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharide, a known polyclonal B cell activator. Rabbit spleen cell and peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures, however, were stimulated by TE to undergo blastogenesis in vitro. Incubation of rabbit lymphocytes with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and TE or anti-rabbit immunoglobulin serum and TE revealed an additive effect only in terms of the TE-plus-PHA culture responses; these findings suggest that a non-PHA responsive lymphocyte population, possibly B lymphocytes, is stimulated by TE in rabbits. The relationship of trypanosome-induced lymphocyte mitogenic stimulation to other immunological dysfunctions occurring in chronic African trypanosomiasis is discussed.", "contents": "Lymphocyte function in experimental african trypanosomiasis: mitogenic effects of trypanosome extracts in vitro. Extracts of Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense were incubated in vitro with nonimmune lymphocytes of mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits in order to test for mitogenic effects or for other characteristics of polyclonal B lymphocyte activators. Trypanosome extracts (TE) were not mitogenic for spleen cells of mice, rats, and guinea pigs in vitro, nor did the parasite extracts alter the mitogenic responses of lymphocytes from these animals to known B- and T-cell mitogens. TE also failed to induce polyclonal antibody synthesis in mouse spleen cell cultures in an in vitro antibody response system, in contrast to the effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharide, a known polyclonal B cell activator. Rabbit spleen cell and peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures, however, were stimulated by TE to undergo blastogenesis in vitro. Incubation of rabbit lymphocytes with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and TE or anti-rabbit immunoglobulin serum and TE revealed an additive effect only in terms of the TE-plus-PHA culture responses; these findings suggest that a non-PHA responsive lymphocyte population, possibly B lymphocytes, is stimulated by TE in rabbits. The relationship of trypanosome-induced lymphocyte mitogenic stimulation to other immunological dysfunctions occurring in chronic African trypanosomiasis is discussed.", "PMID": 992878} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4823", "title": "Host immune potentiation of drug responses to a murine mammary adenocarcinoma. II. Effect of melphalan therapy on the host immune system.", "content": "The role of chemotherapy in influencing tumor-specific immunity to a mouse mammary adenocarcinoma was investigated. By studying different stages of tumor growth we were able to identify several factors important to drug-induced tumor regression: (1) antibody response, (2) delayed hypersensitivity, (3) sensitivity of tumor cells to immune attack and (4) tumor burden. The presence of tumor-specific delayed hypersensitivity and circulating antibody as well as specifically armed monocytes in the tumor mass characterize the T1699 adenocarcinoma. Successful chemotherapy had previously been shown to depend on prior establishment of the above immune responses. Treatment with alkylating agents was marked in all animals by abrogation of a humoral response to the tumor when drug was given early (day 7), and was associated with poor chemotherapeutic results. Later treatment (day 10) was associated with depression of antibody titers only in the minority of animals not responding to drug and prolongation of the delayed hypersensitivity response in all treated animals. Tumors recurring following initial drug-induced regression were marked by lack of delayed hypersensitivity in the host, lack of drug response and suppression of humoral immunity following treatment. Successive passage of cells from these resistant tumors led to decreasing sensitivity to chemotherapy despite established immunity on the part of the host. The selection of tumor cells resistant to immune destruction rather than drug resistance per se appeared to pay a role. Melphalan was thus able to affect both favorably and adversely the immune factors important to drug-induced regression.", "contents": "Host immune potentiation of drug responses to a murine mammary adenocarcinoma. II. Effect of melphalan therapy on the host immune system. The role of chemotherapy in influencing tumor-specific immunity to a mouse mammary adenocarcinoma was investigated. By studying different stages of tumor growth we were able to identify several factors important to drug-induced tumor regression: (1) antibody response, (2) delayed hypersensitivity, (3) sensitivity of tumor cells to immune attack and (4) tumor burden. The presence of tumor-specific delayed hypersensitivity and circulating antibody as well as specifically armed monocytes in the tumor mass characterize the T1699 adenocarcinoma. Successful chemotherapy had previously been shown to depend on prior establishment of the above immune responses. Treatment with alkylating agents was marked in all animals by abrogation of a humoral response to the tumor when drug was given early (day 7), and was associated with poor chemotherapeutic results. Later treatment (day 10) was associated with depression of antibody titers only in the minority of animals not responding to drug and prolongation of the delayed hypersensitivity response in all treated animals. Tumors recurring following initial drug-induced regression were marked by lack of delayed hypersensitivity in the host, lack of drug response and suppression of humoral immunity following treatment. Successive passage of cells from these resistant tumors led to decreasing sensitivity to chemotherapy despite established immunity on the part of the host. The selection of tumor cells resistant to immune destruction rather than drug resistance per se appeared to pay a role. Melphalan was thus able to affect both favorably and adversely the immune factors important to drug-induced regression.", "PMID": 992900} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4824", "title": "Agglutination reactions of spontaneous canine tumour cells, induced by concanavalin A, demonstrated by an isotopic assay.", "content": "Quantitative assessment of the agglutination of 51Cr labelled canine cell suspensions to canine kidney cell monolayers has been performed over a range of concanavalin A concentrations. Agglutination was observed with all cell cultures tested, comprising four spontaneous canine melanomas, two canine mammary carcinomas, a benign mammary tumour and a contact-inhibited kidney cell line. The melanomas tested showed strong specific inhibition of concanavalin A agglutination by 10(-2)M alpha-methyl-D-glucopyranoside. Inhibition of agglutination of mammary tumour and kidney cells was weaker and less specific. Agglutination was inhibited at 4degrees C. Reduced agglutination to glutaraldehyde-fixed mono-layers was observed in the case of mammary tumours but was absent when contact-inhibited kidney cells were tested. The specificity of the reaction for transformed cells and the parameters involved are discussed.", "contents": "Agglutination reactions of spontaneous canine tumour cells, induced by concanavalin A, demonstrated by an isotopic assay. Quantitative assessment of the agglutination of 51Cr labelled canine cell suspensions to canine kidney cell monolayers has been performed over a range of concanavalin A concentrations. Agglutination was observed with all cell cultures tested, comprising four spontaneous canine melanomas, two canine mammary carcinomas, a benign mammary tumour and a contact-inhibited kidney cell line. The melanomas tested showed strong specific inhibition of concanavalin A agglutination by 10(-2)M alpha-methyl-D-glucopyranoside. Inhibition of agglutination of mammary tumour and kidney cells was weaker and less specific. Agglutination was inhibited at 4degrees C. Reduced agglutination to glutaraldehyde-fixed mono-layers was observed in the case of mammary tumours but was absent when contact-inhibited kidney cells were tested. The specificity of the reaction for transformed cells and the parameters involved are discussed.", "PMID": 992901} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4825", "title": "An experimental model for meningeal leukemia in rats (L5222). Effect of treatment with BCNU and cyclophosphamide.", "content": "An experimental model of meningeal leukemia in rats is developed by intracerebral (IC) inoculation of leukemic cells from the transplantable acute leukemia L5222. The L5222 proliferates exponentially in the central nervous system (CNS) and the disease becomes systemic 2 days following IC inoculation. Chemotherapeutic studies with BCNU and cyclophosphamide yielded cures in a high percentage of cases when treatment began at an early stage of meningeal leukemia. When treatment was started at the advanced stage, only BCNU showed a large number of cures. However, cyclophosphamide resulted in a marked increase of life-span. The activity of cyclophosphamide against meningeal leukemia, which is in contrast to the results obtained by Skipper et. al. (1961) in the L1210 mouse leukemia, suggests that cyclophosphamide crosses in part the blood--brain barrier in a rat bearing meningeal leukemia. After subcutaneous inoculation, BCNU and cyclophosphamide showed the same rate of cures.", "contents": "An experimental model for meningeal leukemia in rats (L5222). Effect of treatment with BCNU and cyclophosphamide. An experimental model of meningeal leukemia in rats is developed by intracerebral (IC) inoculation of leukemic cells from the transplantable acute leukemia L5222. The L5222 proliferates exponentially in the central nervous system (CNS) and the disease becomes systemic 2 days following IC inoculation. Chemotherapeutic studies with BCNU and cyclophosphamide yielded cures in a high percentage of cases when treatment began at an early stage of meningeal leukemia. When treatment was started at the advanced stage, only BCNU showed a large number of cures. However, cyclophosphamide resulted in a marked increase of life-span. The activity of cyclophosphamide against meningeal leukemia, which is in contrast to the results obtained by Skipper et. al. (1961) in the L1210 mouse leukemia, suggests that cyclophosphamide crosses in part the blood--brain barrier in a rat bearing meningeal leukemia. After subcutaneous inoculation, BCNU and cyclophosphamide showed the same rate of cures.", "PMID": 992902} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4826", "title": "Histologic specificity of the effect of age at birth of first child on breast cancer risk.", "content": "Slides of 531 breast cancers from Glamorgan, Wales, were classified according to the presence or absence of each of three histologic characteristics: stromal infiltration by linear strands of tumor cells, areas of intraductal carcinoma, and areas of lobular carcinoma in situ. The proportion of tumors with each of these characteristics was positively associated with age at first child-birth. Increasing age at first birth had a strong positive effect on the incidence risk of tumors with any of these features, but only a small effect on risk of tumors with none. For parous women, the rate of breast cancer with or without linear strands, with or without areas of intraductal cancer, and without areas of lobular carcinoma in situ was lower than for nulliparous women. Parity appeared not to reduce the risk of tumors with areas of lobular carcinoma in situ.", "contents": "Histologic specificity of the effect of age at birth of first child on breast cancer risk. Slides of 531 breast cancers from Glamorgan, Wales, were classified according to the presence or absence of each of three histologic characteristics: stromal infiltration by linear strands of tumor cells, areas of intraductal carcinoma, and areas of lobular carcinoma in situ. The proportion of tumors with each of these characteristics was positively associated with age at first child-birth. Increasing age at first birth had a strong positive effect on the incidence risk of tumors with any of these features, but only a small effect on risk of tumors with none. For parous women, the rate of breast cancer with or without linear strands, with or without areas of intraductal cancer, and without areas of lobular carcinoma in situ was lower than for nulliparous women. Parity appeared not to reduce the risk of tumors with areas of lobular carcinoma in situ.", "PMID": 992903} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4827", "title": "Breast cancer and use of rauwolfia and other antihypertensive agents in hypertensive patients: a nationwide case-control study in Finland.", "content": "Two nationwide registers, the Finnish Cancer Registry and a register of persons entitled to free drugs for hypertension, were linked in a case-control study of the association of breast cancer and use of rauwolfia. Cases were all hypertensive patients in whom breast cancer was diagnosed in 1973. To test the association specifically with rauwolfia, controls were hypertensive women matched with the cases for age and geographic area and approximately matched for duration of treatment for hypertension. There were 109 case-control pairs. Use of any physician-prescribed drugs during the year prior to diagnosis of breast cancer was ascertained from original prescriptions. In the first set of analyses the patients were classified according to the drug used during most days of the year (\"main antihypertensive agent\"). In the second set a person qualified as a user of the respective drug regardless of the amount taken. The relative risks in the use of rauwolfia, methyldopa, another synthetic antihypertensive or a diuretic as main antihypertensive agent all ranged between 0.90 and 1.11. The results based on use of a drug in any amount were similar. Next, pairs in which duration of treatment for hypertension was different for cases and controls were excluded. The relative risk associated with use of rauwolfia as main antihypertensive agent then increased from 1.00 to 1.30 and the risk associated with use of any amount of rauwolfia from 1.16 to 2.14. Simultaneously, the relative risk in the use of digitalis was raised from 1.33 to 2.67 and of nitroglycerin from 1.00 to 1.71. Cases also used more types of antihypertensive agents simultaneously than controls. There was no association between rauwolfia-use and breast cancer in analyses limited to pairs in which neither case nor control used digitalis. Thus, there was not a consistent drug-specific association between rauwolfia-use and breast cancer in hypertensive patients. An underlying association of hypertension, heart disease or its treatment (digitalis) and breast cancer may have confounded some of the results of this and earlier studies. In conclusion, it is unlikely that use of rauwolfia increases the risk of breast cancer.", "contents": "Breast cancer and use of rauwolfia and other antihypertensive agents in hypertensive patients: a nationwide case-control study in Finland. Two nationwide registers, the Finnish Cancer Registry and a register of persons entitled to free drugs for hypertension, were linked in a case-control study of the association of breast cancer and use of rauwolfia. Cases were all hypertensive patients in whom breast cancer was diagnosed in 1973. To test the association specifically with rauwolfia, controls were hypertensive women matched with the cases for age and geographic area and approximately matched for duration of treatment for hypertension. There were 109 case-control pairs. Use of any physician-prescribed drugs during the year prior to diagnosis of breast cancer was ascertained from original prescriptions. In the first set of analyses the patients were classified according to the drug used during most days of the year (\"main antihypertensive agent\"). In the second set a person qualified as a user of the respective drug regardless of the amount taken. The relative risks in the use of rauwolfia, methyldopa, another synthetic antihypertensive or a diuretic as main antihypertensive agent all ranged between 0.90 and 1.11. The results based on use of a drug in any amount were similar. Next, pairs in which duration of treatment for hypertension was different for cases and controls were excluded. The relative risk associated with use of rauwolfia as main antihypertensive agent then increased from 1.00 to 1.30 and the risk associated with use of any amount of rauwolfia from 1.16 to 2.14. Simultaneously, the relative risk in the use of digitalis was raised from 1.33 to 2.67 and of nitroglycerin from 1.00 to 1.71. Cases also used more types of antihypertensive agents simultaneously than controls. There was no association between rauwolfia-use and breast cancer in analyses limited to pairs in which neither case nor control used digitalis. Thus, there was not a consistent drug-specific association between rauwolfia-use and breast cancer in hypertensive patients. An underlying association of hypertension, heart disease or its treatment (digitalis) and breast cancer may have confounded some of the results of this and earlier studies. In conclusion, it is unlikely that use of rauwolfia increases the risk of breast cancer.", "PMID": 992904} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4828", "title": "Affinity of estradiol mustard for estrogen receptors and its enzymatic degradation in uterine and breast cancer cytosols.", "content": "Estradiol mustard (EM) is the 3,17beta-diester of estradiol-17beta (E2) with the nitrogen mustard derivative chlorphenacyl. The ability of EM to bind to cytoplasmic estrogen receptors was tested by inhibition of the binding of 3H-E2 to rat uterine cytosol at 18 degrees C and 30 degrees C. At both temperatures an inhibition curve was observed in the presence of a large excess of drug, suggesting that the latter has a very weak binding affinity (100,000 times lower than E2). Incubation of uterine cytosol with increasing amounts of 3H-E2 in the presence and absence of an excess of EM indicated that the drug interacted with the receptors at the same sites as E2 (competitive inhibition). Preincubation of uterine cytosol at 18 degrees C with EM induced a progressive reduction of 3H-E2 binding capacity. This reduction also occurred, although to a lesser extent, when long-term incubation of the cytosol with EM was performed in the presence of labelled E2 from the start. The process was faster at 18 degrees C than at 4 degrees C and did not occur with EM preincubated in homogenization buffer. Exchange assays by 3H-E2 of uterine receptors preincubated with labelled E2 and excess EM indicated that the drug-induced inhibition of binding capacity was reversible and produced no apparent alteration of the receptors. Furthermore, the rate of exchange was similar to that observed with receptors previously filled with unlabelled E2. In 9 \"receptor-positive\" cytosols from human breast cancers, time-course study of the binding of 3H-E2 in the presence of excess of EM yielded similar results as those obtained with rat uterine cytosol. These results show that EM has a very low binding affinity for the extrogen receptors and that it is metabolized into one or several compounds of higher binding affinity. They suggest that EM is probably not significantly concentrated by the estrogen target tissues such as mammary cancers. Therefore, the drug is unlikely to be very valuable in the treatment of breast cancer through a specific mechanism involving concentration by the estrogen receptors.", "contents": "Affinity of estradiol mustard for estrogen receptors and its enzymatic degradation in uterine and breast cancer cytosols. Estradiol mustard (EM) is the 3,17beta-diester of estradiol-17beta (E2) with the nitrogen mustard derivative chlorphenacyl. The ability of EM to bind to cytoplasmic estrogen receptors was tested by inhibition of the binding of 3H-E2 to rat uterine cytosol at 18 degrees C and 30 degrees C. At both temperatures an inhibition curve was observed in the presence of a large excess of drug, suggesting that the latter has a very weak binding affinity (100,000 times lower than E2). Incubation of uterine cytosol with increasing amounts of 3H-E2 in the presence and absence of an excess of EM indicated that the drug interacted with the receptors at the same sites as E2 (competitive inhibition). Preincubation of uterine cytosol at 18 degrees C with EM induced a progressive reduction of 3H-E2 binding capacity. This reduction also occurred, although to a lesser extent, when long-term incubation of the cytosol with EM was performed in the presence of labelled E2 from the start. The process was faster at 18 degrees C than at 4 degrees C and did not occur with EM preincubated in homogenization buffer. Exchange assays by 3H-E2 of uterine receptors preincubated with labelled E2 and excess EM indicated that the drug-induced inhibition of binding capacity was reversible and produced no apparent alteration of the receptors. Furthermore, the rate of exchange was similar to that observed with receptors previously filled with unlabelled E2. In 9 \"receptor-positive\" cytosols from human breast cancers, time-course study of the binding of 3H-E2 in the presence of excess of EM yielded similar results as those obtained with rat uterine cytosol. These results show that EM has a very low binding affinity for the extrogen receptors and that it is metabolized into one or several compounds of higher binding affinity. They suggest that EM is probably not significantly concentrated by the estrogen target tissues such as mammary cancers. Therefore, the drug is unlikely to be very valuable in the treatment of breast cancer through a specific mechanism involving concentration by the estrogen receptors.", "PMID": 992905} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4829", "title": "Oncornavirus-like particles in malignant melanoma and control biopsies.", "content": "Tests for the presence of oncornavirus-like particles in human biopsies were made by the Spiegelman simultaneous assay for 70S RNA and RNA-dependent DNA polymerase and by detection of 600-900S particles, incorporating 3H-uridine, produced by cultured biopsy cells. Thirty-one malignant melanoma biopsies from 29 patients were studied. Using the simultaneous assay, evidence of virus-like particles was found in 15/26 (58%) of melanoma biopsies, 0/3 naevi pools, 1/4 samples of skin adjacent to melanoma, 0/3 samples of normal adult skin and 0/3 prepuces. The velocity sedimentation technique was shown to be a useful screening test for oncornaviruses in studies of two virus-producing mouse cell lines (TKL-5 and WEHI-22), and was positive with 7/9 melanoma biopsies. Overall, these results are compatible with the earlier findings of similar virus-like particles in malignant melanoma cell lines, but the exact nature of the particles remains to be defined.", "contents": "Oncornavirus-like particles in malignant melanoma and control biopsies. Tests for the presence of oncornavirus-like particles in human biopsies were made by the Spiegelman simultaneous assay for 70S RNA and RNA-dependent DNA polymerase and by detection of 600-900S particles, incorporating 3H-uridine, produced by cultured biopsy cells. Thirty-one malignant melanoma biopsies from 29 patients were studied. Using the simultaneous assay, evidence of virus-like particles was found in 15/26 (58%) of melanoma biopsies, 0/3 naevi pools, 1/4 samples of skin adjacent to melanoma, 0/3 samples of normal adult skin and 0/3 prepuces. The velocity sedimentation technique was shown to be a useful screening test for oncornaviruses in studies of two virus-producing mouse cell lines (TKL-5 and WEHI-22), and was positive with 7/9 melanoma biopsies. Overall, these results are compatible with the earlier findings of similar virus-like particles in malignant melanoma cell lines, but the exact nature of the particles remains to be defined.", "PMID": 992906} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4830", "title": "Effect of Friend leukemia virus on megakaryocytes and platelets in mice.", "content": "The thrombocytopenia that follows infection of C3H/Bi mice with Friend leukemia virus (FV) has been investigated. At various times after infection, megakaryocytes in bone marrow and spleen were collected on Nuclepore filters, stained with the Feulgen procedure, and counted. At the same times, platelets in circulating blood were enumerated by the direct method of Brecher et al., 1963 We found that megakaryocyte numbers decreased within 3 days of infection; platelet numbers began to fall at 7 to 9 days. At 11 days megakaryocyte numbers in femoral marrow and spleen were reduced to less than one-third of control values, platelets to about one-quarter of control values. The data are compatible with the hypothesis that the thrombocytopenia which occurs after FV infection in mice results from the reduction in megakaryocytes that is brought about by the infection. Whether all classes of megakaryocytes are equally affected by FV was next examined. At various times following infection, megakaryocytes in marrow suspensions were concentrated by unit gravity sedimentation and microspectrophotometric measurements of nuclear DNA content were made. The kinetic data showed that, following FV infection, megakaryocytes of high nuclear DNA content were markedly reduced in number, but those of low nuclear DNA content were relatively unaffected. Thus the virus infection may interfere with the normal sequential doubling in DNA content of megakaryocytes and/or it may lead to preferential elimination by the host of those megakaryocytes in the higher DNA classes.", "contents": "Effect of Friend leukemia virus on megakaryocytes and platelets in mice. The thrombocytopenia that follows infection of C3H/Bi mice with Friend leukemia virus (FV) has been investigated. At various times after infection, megakaryocytes in bone marrow and spleen were collected on Nuclepore filters, stained with the Feulgen procedure, and counted. At the same times, platelets in circulating blood were enumerated by the direct method of Brecher et al., 1963 We found that megakaryocyte numbers decreased within 3 days of infection; platelet numbers began to fall at 7 to 9 days. At 11 days megakaryocyte numbers in femoral marrow and spleen were reduced to less than one-third of control values, platelets to about one-quarter of control values. The data are compatible with the hypothesis that the thrombocytopenia which occurs after FV infection in mice results from the reduction in megakaryocytes that is brought about by the infection. Whether all classes of megakaryocytes are equally affected by FV was next examined. At various times following infection, megakaryocytes in marrow suspensions were concentrated by unit gravity sedimentation and microspectrophotometric measurements of nuclear DNA content were made. The kinetic data showed that, following FV infection, megakaryocytes of high nuclear DNA content were markedly reduced in number, but those of low nuclear DNA content were relatively unaffected. Thus the virus infection may interfere with the normal sequential doubling in DNA content of megakaryocytes and/or it may lead to preferential elimination by the host of those megakaryocytes in the higher DNA classes.", "PMID": 992907} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4831", "title": "Tumor antigen extracts stimulate cytotoxicity against unrelated target cells.", "content": "A new cytotoxicity assay for the study of tumor antigens is described. Splenocytes from normal and mammary-tumor-bearing BALB/c mice were depleted of glass-adherent cells, exposed to various concentrations of tumor extracts and mixed with 51Cr-labelled chick red blood cells. Cytolysis evidenced by 51Cr release was determined 20 h after incubation at 37 degrees C. Lymphocytes from tumor bearers exerted no cytotoxic action per se, but became cytolytic after confrontation with immunogenic tumor extracts. Although this cytotoxicity is expressed against targets other than the cells containing the sensitizing antigen, i.e., a non-specific activity, its induction is strictly specific as evidence by the following: (1) extracts of D1-DMBA-3 tumors exerted an inductive effect only in lymphocytes from mice bearing this tumor and not in lymphocytes from normal mice; and (2) extracts of normal tissues or of a non-immunogenic mammary tumor, D1-DMBA-2, did not induce cytotoxicity in lymphocytes from normal or tumor-bearing mice. This approach may provide a useful method for in vitro determination of cell-mediated immunity in which specific reactions can be induced by tumor extracts as opposed to intact tumor cells.", "contents": "Tumor antigen extracts stimulate cytotoxicity against unrelated target cells. A new cytotoxicity assay for the study of tumor antigens is described. Splenocytes from normal and mammary-tumor-bearing BALB/c mice were depleted of glass-adherent cells, exposed to various concentrations of tumor extracts and mixed with 51Cr-labelled chick red blood cells. Cytolysis evidenced by 51Cr release was determined 20 h after incubation at 37 degrees C. Lymphocytes from tumor bearers exerted no cytotoxic action per se, but became cytolytic after confrontation with immunogenic tumor extracts. Although this cytotoxicity is expressed against targets other than the cells containing the sensitizing antigen, i.e., a non-specific activity, its induction is strictly specific as evidence by the following: (1) extracts of D1-DMBA-3 tumors exerted an inductive effect only in lymphocytes from mice bearing this tumor and not in lymphocytes from normal mice; and (2) extracts of normal tissues or of a non-immunogenic mammary tumor, D1-DMBA-2, did not induce cytotoxicity in lymphocytes from normal or tumor-bearing mice. This approach may provide a useful method for in vitro determination of cell-mediated immunity in which specific reactions can be induced by tumor extracts as opposed to intact tumor cells.", "PMID": 992908} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4832", "title": "Kinetics of the response of spleen cells from tumor-bearing animals in an in vivo tumor neutralization assay.", "content": "The behavior of spleen cells from tumor-bearing mice, vis-\u00e0-vis isologous tumor cells, was investigated by means of an in vivo adoptive neutralization test. C3H/eB mice were challenged with tumor cells from a chemically induced fibrosarcoma. Spleens from these animals were removed at weekly intervals following tumor inoculation, mixed with tumor cells, and tested for their influence on tumor growth in syngeneic recipient mice. Two phases in the reactivity of spleen cells from tumor-bearing mice were clearly distinguishable. In a first stage of tumor growth, these mice yielded specific tumor-inhibitory cells conferring protection. Subsequently, the protective activity declined leading to a second phase characterized by tumor enhancement. Both protective and enhancing activities were shown to be mainly dependent on the presence of T cells.", "contents": "Kinetics of the response of spleen cells from tumor-bearing animals in an in vivo tumor neutralization assay. The behavior of spleen cells from tumor-bearing mice, vis-\u00e0-vis isologous tumor cells, was investigated by means of an in vivo adoptive neutralization test. C3H/eB mice were challenged with tumor cells from a chemically induced fibrosarcoma. Spleens from these animals were removed at weekly intervals following tumor inoculation, mixed with tumor cells, and tested for their influence on tumor growth in syngeneic recipient mice. Two phases in the reactivity of spleen cells from tumor-bearing mice were clearly distinguishable. In a first stage of tumor growth, these mice yielded specific tumor-inhibitory cells conferring protection. Subsequently, the protective activity declined leading to a second phase characterized by tumor enhancement. Both protective and enhancing activities were shown to be mainly dependent on the presence of T cells.", "PMID": 992909} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4833", "title": "Leukaemias in BN/a and BN/b mice after prolonged treatment with antilymphocyte globulin.", "content": "The influence of prolonged treatment with antilymphocyte globulin on tumour incidence in BN/a and BN/b mice was studied. One ALG sample appeared to be highly leukaemogenic in two independent experiments. All treated mice developed, after a short latency period, non-thymic lymphomas with involvement of abdominal lymph nodes and spleen resulting in ascites. Three established ascites leukaemia cell lines were examined for the presence of MuLV. In all lines viral C-type particles, soluble viral gs-1 antigen and cell surface antigen related to Gross virus were demonstrated. The mechanism of induction of these tumours remains obscure. Thy hypothetical role of immunosuppression, stimulation of lymphoid cells and activation of leukaemogenic virus is discussed.", "contents": "Leukaemias in BN/a and BN/b mice after prolonged treatment with antilymphocyte globulin. The influence of prolonged treatment with antilymphocyte globulin on tumour incidence in BN/a and BN/b mice was studied. One ALG sample appeared to be highly leukaemogenic in two independent experiments. All treated mice developed, after a short latency period, non-thymic lymphomas with involvement of abdominal lymph nodes and spleen resulting in ascites. Three established ascites leukaemia cell lines were examined for the presence of MuLV. In all lines viral C-type particles, soluble viral gs-1 antigen and cell surface antigen related to Gross virus were demonstrated. The mechanism of induction of these tumours remains obscure. Thy hypothetical role of immunosuppression, stimulation of lymphoid cells and activation of leukaemogenic virus is discussed.", "PMID": 992910} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4834", "title": "In vitro sensitization to embryonic antigens.", "content": "Lymphoid cells from virgin, untreated BALB/c mice cultured 5 days on 12- or 13-day syngeneic mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF) or on cells from a syngeneic 3-methylcholanthrene-induced mouse sarcoma (1315) were cytotoxic for 1315 tumor target cells when tested with a microcytotoxicity assay. They did not kill embryo or skin fibroblast target cells. Lymphoid cells cultured with 11-, 14- or 17-day MEF were not cytotoxic for cells from the 1315 tumor, from embryo or from adult skin. Lymphoid cells from multiparous BALB/c mice cultured on 11-, 12- or 13-day MEF, on line 1315 sarcoma cells or on skin fibroblasts were cytotoxic for tumor target cells. MEF were killed by multipara lymphoid cells that had been cultured on 11-, 12- or 13-day MEF or on the 1315 tumor line. Multipara lymphoid cells cultured on 1315 cells or 12-day MEF were cytotoxic for adult skin fibroblasts, while multipara lymphoid cells cultured on 14- or 15-day MEF were not cytotoxic for any of the target cells. The data thus indicate that lymphoid cells can mediate both primary and secondary immune reaction in vitro to antigens shared by neoplastic and normal embryonic cells, and that the primary reactions appear to be more specific to putatively embryonic tumor antigen(s) than the secondary ones.", "contents": "In vitro sensitization to embryonic antigens. Lymphoid cells from virgin, untreated BALB/c mice cultured 5 days on 12- or 13-day syngeneic mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF) or on cells from a syngeneic 3-methylcholanthrene-induced mouse sarcoma (1315) were cytotoxic for 1315 tumor target cells when tested with a microcytotoxicity assay. They did not kill embryo or skin fibroblast target cells. Lymphoid cells cultured with 11-, 14- or 17-day MEF were not cytotoxic for cells from the 1315 tumor, from embryo or from adult skin. Lymphoid cells from multiparous BALB/c mice cultured on 11-, 12- or 13-day MEF, on line 1315 sarcoma cells or on skin fibroblasts were cytotoxic for tumor target cells. MEF were killed by multipara lymphoid cells that had been cultured on 11-, 12- or 13-day MEF or on the 1315 tumor line. Multipara lymphoid cells cultured on 1315 cells or 12-day MEF were cytotoxic for adult skin fibroblasts, while multipara lymphoid cells cultured on 14- or 15-day MEF were not cytotoxic for any of the target cells. The data thus indicate that lymphoid cells can mediate both primary and secondary immune reaction in vitro to antigens shared by neoplastic and normal embryonic cells, and that the primary reactions appear to be more specific to putatively embryonic tumor antigen(s) than the secondary ones.", "PMID": 992911} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4835", "title": "Chemical-viral co-carcinogenesis: requirement for leukemia virus expression in accelerated transformation.", "content": "The essential role of Rauscher leukemia virus (RLV) multiplication in viral-chemical co-carcinogenesis was investigated by the use of ethidium bromide (EtBr) as an inhibitor of viral complementary DNA (cDNA) integration in the host genome. EtBr inhibited co-carcinogenic transformation when present at the time of RLV inoculation but was ineffective when added to preinfected cells. Inhibitors of protein synthesis, puromycin and cyclohexamide also inhibited co-carcinogenic transformation of chronically infected cells. Purified rat interferon used at a concentration which inhibited 85% of RLV production did not modify the course of co-carcinogenic transformation. The implications of these observations in terms of the possible role of the virus-specific protein (s) in the co-carcinogenic process are discussed.", "contents": "Chemical-viral co-carcinogenesis: requirement for leukemia virus expression in accelerated transformation. The essential role of Rauscher leukemia virus (RLV) multiplication in viral-chemical co-carcinogenesis was investigated by the use of ethidium bromide (EtBr) as an inhibitor of viral complementary DNA (cDNA) integration in the host genome. EtBr inhibited co-carcinogenic transformation when present at the time of RLV inoculation but was ineffective when added to preinfected cells. Inhibitors of protein synthesis, puromycin and cyclohexamide also inhibited co-carcinogenic transformation of chronically infected cells. Purified rat interferon used at a concentration which inhibited 85% of RLV production did not modify the course of co-carcinogenic transformation. The implications of these observations in terms of the possible role of the virus-specific protein (s) in the co-carcinogenic process are discussed.", "PMID": 992912} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4836", "title": "Comprehensive alcohol treatment planning, implementation, and evaluation.", "content": "A descriptive overview of a developing comprehensive alcohol treatment program is presented. The influence of staffing practices and client recruitment on implementation of treatment components is reviewed. Program evaluation and current issues regarding such evaluation are discussed.", "contents": "Comprehensive alcohol treatment planning, implementation, and evaluation. A descriptive overview of a developing comprehensive alcohol treatment program is presented. The influence of staffing practices and client recruitment on implementation of treatment components is reviewed. Program evaluation and current issues regarding such evaluation are discussed.", "PMID": 992913} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4837", "title": "The imputation of motives for marijuana behavior.", "content": "The motives imputed to marijuana use and nonuse by both users and nonusers were investigated by means of open-ended questions. Verbal responses were categorized to symbolize typal vocabularies of motive, and these categories were tabulated against behavioral, social, experiential, and attitudinal variables. The results indicated that frequency of marijuana use and favorableness in drug attitude are the key factors that influence the degree to which different vocabular explanations are offered. Current users most often say that personal experience and personal reward are the motives behind use of the drug, and that legal sanctions and psychomedical effects largely account for its nonuse. Nonusers with unfavorable attitudes tend to verbalize emotional relief and psychological dependence as the motivations for use, and emotional independence for nonuse. Some of the vocabularies of both of these groups are emphasized by former users and nonusers with favorable attitudes. Interpretations of the data in terms of sociological theories of motives are presented.", "contents": "The imputation of motives for marijuana behavior. The motives imputed to marijuana use and nonuse by both users and nonusers were investigated by means of open-ended questions. Verbal responses were categorized to symbolize typal vocabularies of motive, and these categories were tabulated against behavioral, social, experiential, and attitudinal variables. The results indicated that frequency of marijuana use and favorableness in drug attitude are the key factors that influence the degree to which different vocabular explanations are offered. Current users most often say that personal experience and personal reward are the motives behind use of the drug, and that legal sanctions and psychomedical effects largely account for its nonuse. Nonusers with unfavorable attitudes tend to verbalize emotional relief and psychological dependence as the motivations for use, and emotional independence for nonuse. Some of the vocabularies of both of these groups are emphasized by former users and nonusers with favorable attitudes. Interpretations of the data in terms of sociological theories of motives are presented.", "PMID": 992914} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4838", "title": "Methaqualone misuse: foreign experience and United States drug control policy.", "content": "In 1972 methaqualone emerged as a major drug of nonmedical use in the United States--a subject of widespread publicity and public concern. In late 1973, government officials responded by taking the unprecedented measure of imposing the strictest controls available under United States law on a drug which had previously been subject only to a simple prescription requirement. Methaqualone had a similar history in other countries, particularly in Germany, Japan, and Great Britain. However, this history was ignored by United States officials until nonmedical methaqualone use had become a substantial problem in the United States.", "contents": "Methaqualone misuse: foreign experience and United States drug control policy. In 1972 methaqualone emerged as a major drug of nonmedical use in the United States--a subject of widespread publicity and public concern. In late 1973, government officials responded by taking the unprecedented measure of imposing the strictest controls available under United States law on a drug which had previously been subject only to a simple prescription requirement. Methaqualone had a similar history in other countries, particularly in Germany, Japan, and Great Britain. However, this history was ignored by United States officials until nonmedical methaqualone use had become a substantial problem in the United States.", "PMID": 992915} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4839", "title": "Ethnosemantic analysis of cognition in the alcoholic patient.", "content": "Ethnosemantic analysis, a research method developed by structural anthropologists and linguists for studying \"alien\" cognitive domains, would be a useful tool for therapists who treat the alcoholic patient. In this paper a method is developed that would enable a therapist to focus upon aspects of the alcoholic patient's cognitions that are operative in the patient's drinking behavior. Three sorts of objectively derived information are obtained: (1) a list of cognitive factors that threaten the patient's self-concept, (2) a taxonomic sorting of these factors, and (3) a measure of the differential stressfulness of these factors to the patient. All three of these information outputs are semantically produced by the patients themselves.", "contents": "Ethnosemantic analysis of cognition in the alcoholic patient. Ethnosemantic analysis, a research method developed by structural anthropologists and linguists for studying \"alien\" cognitive domains, would be a useful tool for therapists who treat the alcoholic patient. In this paper a method is developed that would enable a therapist to focus upon aspects of the alcoholic patient's cognitions that are operative in the patient's drinking behavior. Three sorts of objectively derived information are obtained: (1) a list of cognitive factors that threaten the patient's self-concept, (2) a taxonomic sorting of these factors, and (3) a measure of the differential stressfulness of these factors to the patient. All three of these information outputs are semantically produced by the patients themselves.", "PMID": 992916} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4840", "title": "21-day outpatient methadone detoxification: an evaluation.", "content": "A population consisting of all consecutive admissions between May 29, 1974 and July 30, 1974 was studied. Of the 169 applicants, 63 began the detoxification regimen. Persons participating in this program were in contact with the program only during their 21-day detoxification episode. The treatment setting was highly permissive. The primary objective was to help and assist individuals in their efforts to either reduce their use of opiates or attain a drug-free state. Thirty-one of the 63 individuals completed the program. Forty-five persons had lower opiate readings when their last three urine samples were analyzed. Interpretation of the data is guarded.", "contents": "21-day outpatient methadone detoxification: an evaluation. A population consisting of all consecutive admissions between May 29, 1974 and July 30, 1974 was studied. Of the 169 applicants, 63 began the detoxification regimen. Persons participating in this program were in contact with the program only during their 21-day detoxification episode. The treatment setting was highly permissive. The primary objective was to help and assist individuals in their efforts to either reduce their use of opiates or attain a drug-free state. Thirty-one of the 63 individuals completed the program. Forty-five persons had lower opiate readings when their last three urine samples were analyzed. Interpretation of the data is guarded.", "PMID": 992917} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4841", "title": "Dimensions of change in the improving alcoholic.", "content": "An inventory encompassing six social-psychological dimensions that have been found to be related to problem drinking (Attitude toward Drinking, Environmental Support for Heavy Drinking, Impulsivity and Nonconformity, Alienation and Maladjustment, Looseness of Social Controls, and Unfavorable Expectations) was used to determine what areas of behavior were seen to change as an alcoholic improved. Three groups of social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists rated an alcoholic just hospitalized for treatment, an alcoholic just released from a hospital treatment program as improved, and an alcoholic who had been hospitalized for treatment, had improved, and had remained sober for 4 months. These professionals concurred that change occurred only on Attitude toward Drinking.", "contents": "Dimensions of change in the improving alcoholic. An inventory encompassing six social-psychological dimensions that have been found to be related to problem drinking (Attitude toward Drinking, Environmental Support for Heavy Drinking, Impulsivity and Nonconformity, Alienation and Maladjustment, Looseness of Social Controls, and Unfavorable Expectations) was used to determine what areas of behavior were seen to change as an alcoholic improved. Three groups of social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists rated an alcoholic just hospitalized for treatment, an alcoholic just released from a hospital treatment program as improved, and an alcoholic who had been hospitalized for treatment, had improved, and had remained sober for 4 months. These professionals concurred that change occurred only on Attitude toward Drinking.", "PMID": 992918} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4842", "title": "Recidivism in youthful heroin offenders and characteristics of parole behavior and environment.", "content": "An investigation was made of the association between the postrelease circumstances and behavior of 79 youthful heroin offenders and parole outcome. The data suggest that steady employment and the absence of drug use on parole are significantly related to parole success and to each other.", "contents": "Recidivism in youthful heroin offenders and characteristics of parole behavior and environment. An investigation was made of the association between the postrelease circumstances and behavior of 79 youthful heroin offenders and parole outcome. The data suggest that steady employment and the absence of drug use on parole are significantly related to parole success and to each other.", "PMID": 992919} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4843", "title": "From heroin to methadone--social role changes and reinforcement differentials in relation to outcome on methadone. Part I. The study of reinforcement differentials.", "content": "This study examines the relevance of reinforcements available to the addict in five critical stages of his career to his success on methadone maintenance. In-depth focused interviews were held with 30 addicts who had completed a program of methadone induction and who were characterized by social worker's evaluations as Successful, Marginally Adjusted, or Failures. The Successful group showed a higher initial negative reinforcement followed by higher positive reinforcement on methadone. The Moderately Successful group showed more negative reinforcement before treatment but continued to show negative reinforcements afterwards. The Failures were low on negative reinforcements earlier but negative reinforcements were high after treatment.", "contents": "From heroin to methadone--social role changes and reinforcement differentials in relation to outcome on methadone. Part I. The study of reinforcement differentials. This study examines the relevance of reinforcements available to the addict in five critical stages of his career to his success on methadone maintenance. In-depth focused interviews were held with 30 addicts who had completed a program of methadone induction and who were characterized by social worker's evaluations as Successful, Marginally Adjusted, or Failures. The Successful group showed a higher initial negative reinforcement followed by higher positive reinforcement on methadone. The Moderately Successful group showed more negative reinforcement before treatment but continued to show negative reinforcements afterwards. The Failures were low on negative reinforcements earlier but negative reinforcements were high after treatment.", "PMID": 992920} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4844", "title": "Employing ex-addicts: determinants of support and opposition.", "content": "In 1973 public hearings of the Temporary (N.Y.) State Commission to Evaluate the Drug Laws concluded with a report which documented pervasive controversy and discrimination in employing rehabilitated or ex-addicts. To analyze local attitudes to this issue, the present study targeted the audience of a recent Symposium \"Employment of the Ex-Addict\", held in Westchester County, New York, October, 1973. Ss (N = 83) completed a questionnaire to assess the nature and extent of proponent views, degree of commitment, and motivational components of support and opposition. The data strongly supported belief in the urgency of the need to employ. Educational and community measures of moderate activism were preferred to antidiscrimination legislation. Significant correlations were found between urgency and age, size of plant, and occupational group. Appeals to human rights and social rights were judged to be important positive reinforcers to employment, and the economic argument a greater deterrent than fear or prejudice. Study limitations, findings, and need for further behavioral organizational research were discussed.", "contents": "Employing ex-addicts: determinants of support and opposition. In 1973 public hearings of the Temporary (N.Y.) State Commission to Evaluate the Drug Laws concluded with a report which documented pervasive controversy and discrimination in employing rehabilitated or ex-addicts. To analyze local attitudes to this issue, the present study targeted the audience of a recent Symposium \"Employment of the Ex-Addict\", held in Westchester County, New York, October, 1973. Ss (N = 83) completed a questionnaire to assess the nature and extent of proponent views, degree of commitment, and motivational components of support and opposition. The data strongly supported belief in the urgency of the need to employ. Educational and community measures of moderate activism were preferred to antidiscrimination legislation. Significant correlations were found between urgency and age, size of plant, and occupational group. Appeals to human rights and social rights were judged to be important positive reinforcers to employment, and the economic argument a greater deterrent than fear or prejudice. Study limitations, findings, and need for further behavioral organizational research were discussed.", "PMID": 992921} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4845", "title": "Lichen planus in India: an appraisal of 441 cases.", "content": "An analytical study of 441 patients with lichen planus is presented. Lichen planus occurrence was 76% of conditions seen at this institution. The sex ratio was 3:2. Most patients having the disease were in the 3rd decade of life. Lichen planus vulgaris (common type) was seen in 329 (74%) patients, lichen planus hypertrophicus in 56 (13%), lichen planus actinicus in 33 (7.5%), lichen planus follicularis in 8 (2%), lichen planus atrophicus in 8 (2%) and lichen planus pemphigoides in 7 (1.5%) patients. Mucous membrane involvement was seen in 127 (29%) cases and nail involvement in only 7 (1.5%).", "contents": "Lichen planus in India: an appraisal of 441 cases. An analytical study of 441 patients with lichen planus is presented. Lichen planus occurrence was 76% of conditions seen at this institution. The sex ratio was 3:2. Most patients having the disease were in the 3rd decade of life. Lichen planus vulgaris (common type) was seen in 329 (74%) patients, lichen planus hypertrophicus in 56 (13%), lichen planus actinicus in 33 (7.5%), lichen planus follicularis in 8 (2%), lichen planus atrophicus in 8 (2%) and lichen planus pemphigoides in 7 (1.5%) patients. Mucous membrane involvement was seen in 127 (29%) cases and nail involvement in only 7 (1.5%).", "PMID": 992925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4846", "title": "Chronic zinc deficiency syndrome in a beer drinker with a Billroth II resection.", "content": "A 51-year-old woman, addicted to beer for several years, developed chronic zinc deficiency which caused severe mental impairment, a poor general condition with edema and diarrhea, widespread eczema craquel\u00e9 and loss of hair. Laboratory tests showed a significantly lowered serum zinc concentration, microcytic anemia, an inversed serum albumin/gamma-globulin ratio and a decreased serum thyroxine. Two years earlier, her external pancreatic function had been found severely impaired. Following oral therapy with zinc sulfate 0.2 g X 3R, daily, the patient's mental and physical condition totally changed. In two weeks serum zinc was within the normal range, while hemoglobin concentration, serum proteins, serum thyroxine became normal in 4-8 weeks.", "contents": "Chronic zinc deficiency syndrome in a beer drinker with a Billroth II resection. A 51-year-old woman, addicted to beer for several years, developed chronic zinc deficiency which caused severe mental impairment, a poor general condition with edema and diarrhea, widespread eczema craquel\u00e9 and loss of hair. Laboratory tests showed a significantly lowered serum zinc concentration, microcytic anemia, an inversed serum albumin/gamma-globulin ratio and a decreased serum thyroxine. Two years earlier, her external pancreatic function had been found severely impaired. Following oral therapy with zinc sulfate 0.2 g X 3R, daily, the patient's mental and physical condition totally changed. In two weeks serum zinc was within the normal range, while hemoglobin concentration, serum proteins, serum thyroxine became normal in 4-8 weeks.", "PMID": 992926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4847", "title": "Treatment of zoster and postzoster neuralgia by the intralesional injection of triamcinolone: a computer analysis of 199 cases.", "content": "On the basis of this study of 111 patients with herpes zoster and 88 with postherpetic neuralgia, it is suggested that the intradermal injection of triamcinolone in saline is a valuable treatment. Mild complications were pain, hemorrhage, abscesses, atrophy, moon face and possibly thrombophlebitis. Zoster patients required treatment for about half as long as those in previously reported control series. In patients treated for active herpes zoster, postzoster neuralgia occurred with about one-third of the frequency noted in other series. In postzoster neuralgia, the patient was benefited sufficiently in 62.5% of the cases to find that life was worth living again.", "contents": "Treatment of zoster and postzoster neuralgia by the intralesional injection of triamcinolone: a computer analysis of 199 cases. On the basis of this study of 111 patients with herpes zoster and 88 with postherpetic neuralgia, it is suggested that the intradermal injection of triamcinolone in saline is a valuable treatment. Mild complications were pain, hemorrhage, abscesses, atrophy, moon face and possibly thrombophlebitis. Zoster patients required treatment for about half as long as those in previously reported control series. In patients treated for active herpes zoster, postzoster neuralgia occurred with about one-third of the frequency noted in other series. In postzoster neuralgia, the patient was benefited sufficiently in 62.5% of the cases to find that life was worth living again.", "PMID": 992927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4848", "title": "Age-specific incidence of cancer of the endometrium, ovary and breast in the United Kingdom and the United States.", "content": "The published data for overall cancer incidence for the registries of Birmingham (UK) and Connecticut (US) show remarkable similarity for men but diverge for women. The incidence of cancer of the endometrium, ovary and breast in Connecticut is higher than in Birmingham, and in each case the menopausal dislocation in the age-specific incidence plot of the Birmingham data is obscured in that for Connecticut. For endometrial cancer, the difference correlates with differences in the two countries in the use of oestrogen replacement therapy, recently implicated in the aetiology of endometrial cancer. The similarity in the pattern for ovarian and breast cancer, and the changing pattern of breast cancer incidence in Birmingham suggest a similar aetiological effect.", "contents": "Age-specific incidence of cancer of the endometrium, ovary and breast in the United Kingdom and the United States. The published data for overall cancer incidence for the registries of Birmingham (UK) and Connecticut (US) show remarkable similarity for men but diverge for women. The incidence of cancer of the endometrium, ovary and breast in Connecticut is higher than in Birmingham, and in each case the menopausal dislocation in the age-specific incidence plot of the Birmingham data is obscured in that for Connecticut. For endometrial cancer, the difference correlates with differences in the two countries in the use of oestrogen replacement therapy, recently implicated in the aetiology of endometrial cancer. The similarity in the pattern for ovarian and breast cancer, and the changing pattern of breast cancer incidence in Birmingham suggest a similar aetiological effect.", "PMID": 992930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4849", "title": "Problems and new directions in the evaluation of primary care.", "content": "The nature of many contacts between patients and first-contact doctors (e.g. general practitioners) is such that the traditional morbidity and mortality indices of outcome are inadequate for evaluating the care provided. Preliminary results of a study developing a more appropriate index of the outcome of primary care, expressed in terms of the patient's functional abilities, are discussed. Beyond its use in evaluating the social and psychological components of care, the method may be applicable in population health surveys and in estimating the need for care.", "contents": "Problems and new directions in the evaluation of primary care. The nature of many contacts between patients and first-contact doctors (e.g. general practitioners) is such that the traditional morbidity and mortality indices of outcome are inadequate for evaluating the care provided. Preliminary results of a study developing a more appropriate index of the outcome of primary care, expressed in terms of the patient's functional abilities, are discussed. Beyond its use in evaluating the social and psychological components of care, the method may be applicable in population health surveys and in estimating the need for care.", "PMID": 992931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4850", "title": "Validity of questionnaire criteria in mass screening for the diagnosis of peptic ulcer.", "content": "Epidemiological studies of peptic ulceration in the stomach and duodenum based on a standard questionnaire were carried out among the employees of a sulphur mine. The results obtained in the preliminary cross-sectional study were checked against a sample of 180 people who had undergone radiological examination of the alimentary tract. The validity of the questionnaire was then assessed by comparison of these two sets of results. The study shows that a more revealing screening test may be based on a wide range of questions rather than on a smaller set of specific questions.", "contents": "Validity of questionnaire criteria in mass screening for the diagnosis of peptic ulcer. Epidemiological studies of peptic ulceration in the stomach and duodenum based on a standard questionnaire were carried out among the employees of a sulphur mine. The results obtained in the preliminary cross-sectional study were checked against a sample of 180 people who had undergone radiological examination of the alimentary tract. The validity of the questionnaire was then assessed by comparison of these two sets of results. The study shows that a more revealing screening test may be based on a wide range of questions rather than on a smaller set of specific questions.", "PMID": 992932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4851", "title": "A systems approach to cardiovascular disease research.", "content": "Research in cardiovascular disease is fragmented and difficulties arise in communication between workers in different disciplines. There is no shortage of facts but rather a deficiency in concepts which can accommodate the facts. Systems analysis is suggested as a way to develop a conceptual framework for the assimilation of existing and new information, and to give a basis for decisions about priorities in research. A model of mechanisms in cardiovascular disease is presented to illustrate the approach.", "contents": "A systems approach to cardiovascular disease research. Research in cardiovascular disease is fragmented and difficulties arise in communication between workers in different disciplines. There is no shortage of facts but rather a deficiency in concepts which can accommodate the facts. Systems analysis is suggested as a way to develop a conceptual framework for the assimilation of existing and new information, and to give a basis for decisions about priorities in research. A model of mechanisms in cardiovascular disease is presented to illustrate the approach.", "PMID": 992933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4852", "title": "Ringworm infection among agricultural workers.", "content": "This paper describes a study of the occurrence of T. mentagrophytes var. gran (ringworm) infection in small mammals living in nature and the possibility of the transmission of the aetiological agent from the natural focus of infection to man. The epizootological importance of small mammals is considered from the point of view of their ecological valency, an essential factor in the process of inter-species spread of infection. The concentration of small mammals during winter months in the proximity of human dwellings is due to their search for food and shelter. The barns--the main work place of agricultural workers in winter--were found to contain the highest concentration of small mammals, of the most diverse species and biotopes. They are considered to be the main link in the process of transmission of T. mentagrophytes infection from natural foci to man.", "contents": "Ringworm infection among agricultural workers. This paper describes a study of the occurrence of T. mentagrophytes var. gran (ringworm) infection in small mammals living in nature and the possibility of the transmission of the aetiological agent from the natural focus of infection to man. The epizootological importance of small mammals is considered from the point of view of their ecological valency, an essential factor in the process of inter-species spread of infection. The concentration of small mammals during winter months in the proximity of human dwellings is due to their search for food and shelter. The barns--the main work place of agricultural workers in winter--were found to contain the highest concentration of small mammals, of the most diverse species and biotopes. They are considered to be the main link in the process of transmission of T. mentagrophytes infection from natural foci to man.", "PMID": 992934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4853", "title": "On the catalytic activity of chemically modified enzymes involving two or more substrates and products.", "content": "Catalytic activity of both native and chemically modified enzymes are numerically expressed in the literature with either kmax (= V/[ET]), or ke (=(V/[ET])/Km), if they refer to a one-substrate one-product reaction. Higher-order catalytic constants of the k'E type have not so far been calculated for enzyme reactions involving two or more substrates and products. a) It is shown here how such higher-order k'E-values can be calculated from easily obtainable experimental information; whatever the number of substrates and products, and even if binding of substrates and release of products follow a branched pathway. b) k'E-Values define the specific rate with which free substrates are converted by the enzyme into free products. Their dimensions (M-ns-1) are defined by the number of substrates (n). k'E-Values refer to the same process as the catalytic constants generally used in physical organic chemistry. c) The required experimental information is mainly based on steady state parameters of the V'- and K'm-types, supplemented with equilibrium and fast kinetic studies of straightforward substrate binding reactions. d) It is shown that higher-order k'E-values always involve the \"Haldane problem\" of the chemical reaction step. On the other hand, k'E-values are independent of the rate of release of all but the first product in the overall reaction. e) The so-called \"Haldane relations\" are shown to be determined by the way in which k'E-values can be calculated from V' and K'm-type experimental parameters. f) A number of theoretical considerations indicate that catalytic of the k'E-type are much more suitable for expressing the catalytic activity of chemically modified enzymes than maximal velocities are. This conclusion is demonstrated by a comparison of k'E- and k'max-values of some recently described modified forms of alcohol dehydrogenase.", "contents": "On the catalytic activity of chemically modified enzymes involving two or more substrates and products. Catalytic activity of both native and chemically modified enzymes are numerically expressed in the literature with either kmax (= V/[ET]), or ke (=(V/[ET])/Km), if they refer to a one-substrate one-product reaction. Higher-order catalytic constants of the k'E type have not so far been calculated for enzyme reactions involving two or more substrates and products. a) It is shown here how such higher-order k'E-values can be calculated from easily obtainable experimental information; whatever the number of substrates and products, and even if binding of substrates and release of products follow a branched pathway. b) k'E-Values define the specific rate with which free substrates are converted by the enzyme into free products. Their dimensions (M-ns-1) are defined by the number of substrates (n). k'E-Values refer to the same process as the catalytic constants generally used in physical organic chemistry. c) The required experimental information is mainly based on steady state parameters of the V'- and K'm-types, supplemented with equilibrium and fast kinetic studies of straightforward substrate binding reactions. d) It is shown that higher-order k'E-values always involve the \"Haldane problem\" of the chemical reaction step. On the other hand, k'E-values are independent of the rate of release of all but the first product in the overall reaction. e) The so-called \"Haldane relations\" are shown to be determined by the way in which k'E-values can be calculated from V' and K'm-type experimental parameters. f) A number of theoretical considerations indicate that catalytic of the k'E-type are much more suitable for expressing the catalytic activity of chemically modified enzymes than maximal velocities are. This conclusion is demonstrated by a comparison of k'E- and k'max-values of some recently described modified forms of alcohol dehydrogenase.", "PMID": 992937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4854", "title": "Conformational analysis of a chain reversal in alpha-chymotrypsin.", "content": "A complete conformational analysis of the fold (Asp-Lys-Thr-Gly) (residues 35-38), and additional adjacent residues of alpha-chymotrypsin has been performed. A comparison of these findings with those of Lewis et al. (1) is made, and a discussion of the implications of protein-fold models is discussed. This particular residue sequence prefers to bend over maintaining a helical conformation. However, the bend conformation of the tetramer is different from that of the native bend. The native bend conformation is nearly realized when an additional residue of the native primary structure is added to each side of the tetramer. Early and late folding-sequence studies suggests that while the native fold is of low energy, there are fold-points along the primary structure which are more stable. The structural implications of this finding are discussed.", "contents": "Conformational analysis of a chain reversal in alpha-chymotrypsin. A complete conformational analysis of the fold (Asp-Lys-Thr-Gly) (residues 35-38), and additional adjacent residues of alpha-chymotrypsin has been performed. A comparison of these findings with those of Lewis et al. (1) is made, and a discussion of the implications of protein-fold models is discussed. This particular residue sequence prefers to bend over maintaining a helical conformation. However, the bend conformation of the tetramer is different from that of the native bend. The native bend conformation is nearly realized when an additional residue of the native primary structure is added to each side of the tetramer. Early and late folding-sequence studies suggests that while the native fold is of low energy, there are fold-points along the primary structure which are more stable. The structural implications of this finding are discussed.", "PMID": 992938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4855", "title": "Theory of large-amplitude conformational fluctuations in native globular proteins. Independent fluctuating site model.", "content": "A theory is developed about large-amplitude conformational fluctuations in globular proteins in their native or predenaturational state. A model is introduced, an independent fluctuating site model, in which we assume that there is more than one independent fluctuating site, each one localized in some part of a protein molecule. Without assuming any further details for each fluctuating site, the entropy S versus enthalpy H curve of this model is shown to be convex. From this fact the predenaturational excess heat capacity can be derived, as observed in recent experimental studies of a few systems of a protein in solution.", "contents": "Theory of large-amplitude conformational fluctuations in native globular proteins. Independent fluctuating site model. A theory is developed about large-amplitude conformational fluctuations in globular proteins in their native or predenaturational state. A model is introduced, an independent fluctuating site model, in which we assume that there is more than one independent fluctuating site, each one localized in some part of a protein molecule. Without assuming any further details for each fluctuating site, the entropy S versus enthalpy H curve of this model is shown to be convex. From this fact the predenaturational excess heat capacity can be derived, as observed in recent experimental studies of a few systems of a protein in solution.", "PMID": 992939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4856", "title": "Studies on a protamine (galline) from fowl sperm. 3. The total amino acid sequence of intact galline molecule.", "content": "Of the eight fractions (G-I-G-VIII) obtained from galline, a protamine from rooster sperm nuclei, the complete amino acid sequences of two fractions G-I and G-V have already been reported. Other fractions of galline purified repeatedly on the column of Bio-Gel CM-30 were submitted to structural analyses. The complete amino acid sequences of three (G-II, G-III and G-VII) of the fractions and the partial chemical structures of two (G-VI and G-VIII) of the fractions were established from the results of analyses of the tryptic and chymotryptic peptides together with those of end groups and terminal sequences. Remarkable similarities have so far been found in the sequences of these fractions. Combining these results with those complementarily explained in the following paper, it was finally confirmed that the intact galline molecule is composed of only one molecular species (G-VIII) and that fractions (G-I-G-VII) were derived from G-VIII by the action of an inherent protease in the preparation process. Consequently, the total amino acid sequence of the intact galline is concluded to be as follows: H-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Arg-Ser-Arg-Gly-Arg-Ser-Arg-Ser-Arg-Arg-Thr-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Ser-Pro-Arg-Ser-Gly-Arg-Arg-Arg-Ser-Pro-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Ser-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Tyr-Gly-Ser-Ala-Arg-Arg-Ser-Arg-Arg-Ser-Gly-Gly-Val-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Tyr-Gly-Ser-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Tyr-OH.", "contents": "Studies on a protamine (galline) from fowl sperm. 3. The total amino acid sequence of intact galline molecule. Of the eight fractions (G-I-G-VIII) obtained from galline, a protamine from rooster sperm nuclei, the complete amino acid sequences of two fractions G-I and G-V have already been reported. Other fractions of galline purified repeatedly on the column of Bio-Gel CM-30 were submitted to structural analyses. The complete amino acid sequences of three (G-II, G-III and G-VII) of the fractions and the partial chemical structures of two (G-VI and G-VIII) of the fractions were established from the results of analyses of the tryptic and chymotryptic peptides together with those of end groups and terminal sequences. Remarkable similarities have so far been found in the sequences of these fractions. Combining these results with those complementarily explained in the following paper, it was finally confirmed that the intact galline molecule is composed of only one molecular species (G-VIII) and that fractions (G-I-G-VII) were derived from G-VIII by the action of an inherent protease in the preparation process. Consequently, the total amino acid sequence of the intact galline is concluded to be as follows: H-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Arg-Ser-Arg-Gly-Arg-Ser-Arg-Ser-Arg-Arg-Thr-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Ser-Pro-Arg-Ser-Gly-Arg-Arg-Arg-Ser-Pro-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Ser-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Tyr-Gly-Ser-Ala-Arg-Arg-Ser-Arg-Arg-Ser-Gly-Gly-Val-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Tyr-Gly-Ser-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Tyr-OH.", "PMID": 992941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4857", "title": "Studies on a protamine (galline) from fowl sperm. 4. Degradation of galline by trypsin-like protease of fowl sperm heads.", "content": "Galline, a protamine of domestic fowl, was obtained by two preparation procedures from the semen of a strain of White Plymouth Rock and submitted to fractionation by column chromatography on Bio-Gel CM-30. In the first procedure the specimen prepared from sperm heads was purified by the use of distilled water and dilute acetic acid and fractionated into almost eight fractions (G-I-G-VIII) in the same way as the specimen from a strain of New Hampshire (1,2). No difference could be found between galline specimens from the two different strains based on the amino acid and terminal analyses of each fraction. The specimen of galline from sperm heads purified with 1% citric acid (the second procedure) was composed of only one component, which was isolated as a single peak. The smaller fractions, G-I-G-VII, were found to be derived from G-VIII by the action of trypsin-like protease contained in the extract of sperm heads with 1% citric acid. This enzyme seems to originate in the acrosome of fowl spermatozoa. Consequently, it is concluded that intact galline is composed of only one molecular species and its total amino acid sequence is represented by the completed formula of G-VIII as shown in the preceding paper (4).", "contents": "Studies on a protamine (galline) from fowl sperm. 4. Degradation of galline by trypsin-like protease of fowl sperm heads. Galline, a protamine of domestic fowl, was obtained by two preparation procedures from the semen of a strain of White Plymouth Rock and submitted to fractionation by column chromatography on Bio-Gel CM-30. In the first procedure the specimen prepared from sperm heads was purified by the use of distilled water and dilute acetic acid and fractionated into almost eight fractions (G-I-G-VIII) in the same way as the specimen from a strain of New Hampshire (1,2). No difference could be found between galline specimens from the two different strains based on the amino acid and terminal analyses of each fraction. The specimen of galline from sperm heads purified with 1% citric acid (the second procedure) was composed of only one component, which was isolated as a single peak. The smaller fractions, G-I-G-VII, were found to be derived from G-VIII by the action of trypsin-like protease contained in the extract of sperm heads with 1% citric acid. This enzyme seems to originate in the acrosome of fowl spermatozoa. Consequently, it is concluded that intact galline is composed of only one molecular species and its total amino acid sequence is represented by the completed formula of G-VIII as shown in the preceding paper (4).", "PMID": 992942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4858", "title": "Separation of the two double-chain bovine intermediates of the proinsulin-insulin conversion I. Chemical, immunochemical, circular dichroism, and biological characterization.", "content": "The intermediates of the proinsulin-insulin conversion were separated by cation exchange. The circular dichroism spectra of the intermediates showed less alpha-helix than insulin and proinsulin. It is suggested that the C-peptide interacts with the section of alpha-helix contained between residues 2 and 8 in the A-chain of the insulin moieties and unwinds the alpha-helix. The in vivo activities of the intermediates were found to be in the order of 50% relative to insulin. In the fat cell assay, the A-chain-substituted form is weaker (9%) than the B-chain-substituted form (19%). The C-peptide segments of the two forms reacted with C-peptide-specific antibodies as fully as the free C-peptide, on a molar basis. In contrast, the insulin segments were hindered from reacting with insulin-specific antibodies as fully as the insulin.", "contents": "Separation of the two double-chain bovine intermediates of the proinsulin-insulin conversion I. Chemical, immunochemical, circular dichroism, and biological characterization. The intermediates of the proinsulin-insulin conversion were separated by cation exchange. The circular dichroism spectra of the intermediates showed less alpha-helix than insulin and proinsulin. It is suggested that the C-peptide interacts with the section of alpha-helix contained between residues 2 and 8 in the A-chain of the insulin moieties and unwinds the alpha-helix. The in vivo activities of the intermediates were found to be in the order of 50% relative to insulin. In the fat cell assay, the A-chain-substituted form is weaker (9%) than the B-chain-substituted form (19%). The C-peptide segments of the two forms reacted with C-peptide-specific antibodies as fully as the free C-peptide, on a molar basis. In contrast, the insulin segments were hindered from reacting with insulin-specific antibodies as fully as the insulin.", "PMID": 992943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4859", "title": "Tertiary structures of gastrin-like tetrapeptides.", "content": "Tertiary structures of gastrin-like tetrapeptide Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2 and those substituted by Leu, Val or Gly for Met are studied. The lowest energy conformations of the side chains when the back bone is fixed in alpha-helix are obtained by modified minimization algorithm. It is suggested that protein folding proceeds in the accessible conformation space as a self-organization process leading to minimum energy conformation in this space.", "contents": "Tertiary structures of gastrin-like tetrapeptides. Tertiary structures of gastrin-like tetrapeptide Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2 and those substituted by Leu, Val or Gly for Met are studied. The lowest energy conformations of the side chains when the back bone is fixed in alpha-helix are obtained by modified minimization algorithm. It is suggested that protein folding proceeds in the accessible conformation space as a self-organization process leading to minimum energy conformation in this space.", "PMID": 992944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4860", "title": "Application of the one-dimensional Ising model to the secondary structures in globular proteins. Prediction of beta-regions.", "content": "An attempt has been made to predict the beta-regions in 16 globular proteins by applying the one-dimensional Ising model theory of Lifson & Roig (8). The parameters for the theory have been derived from the statistical data on globular proteins given by Chou & Fasman (5). Comparison of our results with the data available from the X-ray crystallographic studies indicates a prediction accuracy which is comparable to those of several other methods, especially in view of the limitations in our method for considering the other secondary structures. It is pointed out that not considering the long-range interactions in our and other methods based on short-range interactions would make these methods incomplete and incapable of being uniformly applicable to all proteins.", "contents": "Application of the one-dimensional Ising model to the secondary structures in globular proteins. Prediction of beta-regions. An attempt has been made to predict the beta-regions in 16 globular proteins by applying the one-dimensional Ising model theory of Lifson & Roig (8). The parameters for the theory have been derived from the statistical data on globular proteins given by Chou & Fasman (5). Comparison of our results with the data available from the X-ray crystallographic studies indicates a prediction accuracy which is comparable to those of several other methods, especially in view of the limitations in our method for considering the other secondary structures. It is pointed out that not considering the long-range interactions in our and other methods based on short-range interactions would make these methods incomplete and incapable of being uniformly applicable to all proteins.", "PMID": 992945} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4861", "title": "The Imbrication Model for the integration of social services in a community.", "content": "An innovative model for organising social services in a community, the Imbrication Model, is contrasted with two traditional models, the Entrepreneurial and the Umbrella Agency. The structural characteristics and dynamics of the three models are illustrated with actual case histories. Imbrication Model calls for the interlocking of personnel from several agencies, with the purpose of redirecting the dysfunctional interagency rivalry prevalent in the traditional models. Imbrications at all organisational levels--Board of Directors, Administrators and Staff--facilitate adoption of the superordinate goal of providing clients with the best services available, regardless of which particular agency delivers the service. Few observers of the current social service scene would challenge the statement that needs for service are unlimited and resources limited. In the USA the imbalance between needs and resources persists despite a decade of massive governmental programmes intended to alleviate social ills. Recent substantial cutbacks in federal funds, moreover are not likely to improve the situation. The resource shortage involves more than a limitation of funds. Deliverers of service and competent programme administrators are also on critically short supply. These shortages are more often than not exacerbated by a chronic spirit of competition among agencies and programmes at the local level. Three organizational models for the delivery and administration of social services, two conventional and one of more recent date, are examined in this article. The innovative model, which has been named the Imbrication Model, explicitly calls for redirecting interagency rivalry and competition. Its ambitious goal is to integrate the efforts of those attempting to meet a community's social service needs.", "contents": "The Imbrication Model for the integration of social services in a community. An innovative model for organising social services in a community, the Imbrication Model, is contrasted with two traditional models, the Entrepreneurial and the Umbrella Agency. The structural characteristics and dynamics of the three models are illustrated with actual case histories. Imbrication Model calls for the interlocking of personnel from several agencies, with the purpose of redirecting the dysfunctional interagency rivalry prevalent in the traditional models. Imbrications at all organisational levels--Board of Directors, Administrators and Staff--facilitate adoption of the superordinate goal of providing clients with the best services available, regardless of which particular agency delivers the service. Few observers of the current social service scene would challenge the statement that needs for service are unlimited and resources limited. In the USA the imbalance between needs and resources persists despite a decade of massive governmental programmes intended to alleviate social ills. Recent substantial cutbacks in federal funds, moreover are not likely to improve the situation. The resource shortage involves more than a limitation of funds. Deliverers of service and competent programme administrators are also on critically short supply. These shortages are more often than not exacerbated by a chronic spirit of competition among agencies and programmes at the local level. Three organizational models for the delivery and administration of social services, two conventional and one of more recent date, are examined in this article. The innovative model, which has been named the Imbrication Model, explicitly calls for redirecting interagency rivalry and competition. Its ambitious goal is to integrate the efforts of those attempting to meet a community's social service needs.", "PMID": 992947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4862", "title": "Juvenile delinquency and the psychology of general deterrence.", "content": "The study was concerned with the relevance of the judicial concept of general deterrence of juvenile delinquency. A comparison of attitudes of high-school boys, in areas of low and high delinquency, towards the likelihood of apprehension and the painfulness of punishment for criminal offences, and of the boys' factual knowledge of judicial punishment, did not support the hypothesis that potential juvenile offenders are deterred by fear of apprehension and punishment, or by having an objective knowledge of penal measures. The attitudes of the boys were found to vary with different combinations of socio-economic status and delinquency levels in their geographic areas. The findings were discussed in the light of the relevant literature. It was concluded that prevention of juvenile delinquency should be based on the acquisition of appropriate social values at home and in school, and not on fear of judicial retribution.", "contents": "Juvenile delinquency and the psychology of general deterrence. The study was concerned with the relevance of the judicial concept of general deterrence of juvenile delinquency. A comparison of attitudes of high-school boys, in areas of low and high delinquency, towards the likelihood of apprehension and the painfulness of punishment for criminal offences, and of the boys' factual knowledge of judicial punishment, did not support the hypothesis that potential juvenile offenders are deterred by fear of apprehension and punishment, or by having an objective knowledge of penal measures. The attitudes of the boys were found to vary with different combinations of socio-economic status and delinquency levels in their geographic areas. The findings were discussed in the light of the relevant literature. It was concluded that prevention of juvenile delinquency should be based on the acquisition of appropriate social values at home and in school, and not on fear of judicial retribution.", "PMID": 992948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4863", "title": "Halfway houses for alcoholics: a review, analysis and comparisons with other halfway house facilities.", "content": "Eight halfway houses for alcoholics were surveyed and compared to other halfway houses for alcoholics, and halfway houses for the non-alcoholic mentally ill, as described in previous studies. The halfway houses for alcoholics surveyed in the present report may be separated into two principal groups: (a) a self-supporting profit-oriented type with an autonomous owner-operator, and (b) a board-controlled and supported type usually receiving group or institutional support. Regardless of group membership, however, none of the halfway houses for alcoholics in the present study matched the high standards set by halfway houses for the non-alcoholic mentally ill as described in other reports. Recent events indicate that halfway houses will be responsible for an increasing portion of persons requiring a structured, supportive or sheltered environment. This paper examines the ability of halfway houses for alcoholics to provide adequate residential care services. Additionally, disparities between alcoholism and non-alcoholism halfway houses regarding staffing, professionalised orientation, and adjunct services are scrutinised. The effectiveness of halfway houses is analysed, and suggestions for future utilisation of alcoholic halfway houses are advanced.", "contents": "Halfway houses for alcoholics: a review, analysis and comparisons with other halfway house facilities. Eight halfway houses for alcoholics were surveyed and compared to other halfway houses for alcoholics, and halfway houses for the non-alcoholic mentally ill, as described in previous studies. The halfway houses for alcoholics surveyed in the present report may be separated into two principal groups: (a) a self-supporting profit-oriented type with an autonomous owner-operator, and (b) a board-controlled and supported type usually receiving group or institutional support. Regardless of group membership, however, none of the halfway houses for alcoholics in the present study matched the high standards set by halfway houses for the non-alcoholic mentally ill as described in other reports. Recent events indicate that halfway houses will be responsible for an increasing portion of persons requiring a structured, supportive or sheltered environment. This paper examines the ability of halfway houses for alcoholics to provide adequate residential care services. Additionally, disparities between alcoholism and non-alcoholism halfway houses regarding staffing, professionalised orientation, and adjunct services are scrutinised. The effectiveness of halfway houses is analysed, and suggestions for future utilisation of alcoholic halfway houses are advanced.", "PMID": 992950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4864", "title": "The methadone clinic: function and philosophy.", "content": "Currently, methadone clinics are organised within two models, the metabolic and the psychotherapeutic. These models are seen to lack a completely successful opiate abuse therapy. A new model, the social psychiatric, is proposed to correct the deficiencies of these first two.", "contents": "The methadone clinic: function and philosophy. Currently, methadone clinics are organised within two models, the metabolic and the psychotherapeutic. These models are seen to lack a completely successful opiate abuse therapy. A new model, the social psychiatric, is proposed to correct the deficiencies of these first two.", "PMID": 992951} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4865", "title": "Some implications of variations in techniques of group therapy for social controls.", "content": "Variations in techniques of group psychotherapy are related to the clients' ego strength. Clients with developmental or pathological ego deficit have different needs for social controls than those with good ego endowment. This paper illustrates differential use of such controls in three areas. 1. Constacy of the treatment milieu as a frame of reference: For patients with good ego endowment, time and place of group meetings should be kept constant to allow them to look inwards and permit experience of feelings hitherto avoided. A patient is described who, following a break-through of feelings in the group, attempted to disrupt the therapy by usurping control over time and place of sessions. Holding time and place of group meetings constant allows patients with ego deficit to anticipate events and helps them build additional controls over impulses. Responses of borderline patients to changes in the treatment milieu are described. 2. Control of group interactions: Matching group members for ego strength is considered essential. Clinical vignettes illustrate contrasts in group interactions considered therapeutic for patients with ego deficit and those with good ego endowment. Techniques for the first group include ritualising the group process, emphasis on reality rather than fantasy and dilution of inter-patient rapport; techniques that aid patients with good ego endowment to relinquish pathological controls include support of basic questions concerning the individual's identity, free flow of fantasy, tolerance of tension, silences or strong ventilation of affect and facilitating observations from patients concerning the process of interaction. 3. Relationship to the leader: For patients with developmental or pathological ego deficit, it is essential that the therapist be ready to set limits and lend defences when the patient's controls fail. Patients with good ego endowment often have too much control. It follows that the therapist will intervene, clarify and provide structure in the first group much more frequently than in groups for psychoneurotics. For patients with ego deficit the relation to the therapist may have to be moderated lest it further weaken ego boundaries. Such patients often need personal distance. Transference to the institution, to the treatment milieu and to the group as a concrete object provides these patients with a natural means of distancing relationships. The therapist should attempt to fit into this series. He should be highly visible in the benign exercise of his professional function. Rapport should be kept stable and primarily positive even after termination of treatment. In contrast, groups of patients with good ego endowment may relate to the therapist more intensively if he is less visible. These patients, unless they can move back and forth between positive and negative rapport, can hardly be said to be working. They will often attempt to control rapport with the therapist by splitting the transference...", "contents": "Some implications of variations in techniques of group therapy for social controls. Variations in techniques of group psychotherapy are related to the clients' ego strength. Clients with developmental or pathological ego deficit have different needs for social controls than those with good ego endowment. This paper illustrates differential use of such controls in three areas. 1. Constacy of the treatment milieu as a frame of reference: For patients with good ego endowment, time and place of group meetings should be kept constant to allow them to look inwards and permit experience of feelings hitherto avoided. A patient is described who, following a break-through of feelings in the group, attempted to disrupt the therapy by usurping control over time and place of sessions. Holding time and place of group meetings constant allows patients with ego deficit to anticipate events and helps them build additional controls over impulses. Responses of borderline patients to changes in the treatment milieu are described. 2. Control of group interactions: Matching group members for ego strength is considered essential. Clinical vignettes illustrate contrasts in group interactions considered therapeutic for patients with ego deficit and those with good ego endowment. Techniques for the first group include ritualising the group process, emphasis on reality rather than fantasy and dilution of inter-patient rapport; techniques that aid patients with good ego endowment to relinquish pathological controls include support of basic questions concerning the individual's identity, free flow of fantasy, tolerance of tension, silences or strong ventilation of affect and facilitating observations from patients concerning the process of interaction. 3. Relationship to the leader: For patients with developmental or pathological ego deficit, it is essential that the therapist be ready to set limits and lend defences when the patient's controls fail. Patients with good ego endowment often have too much control. It follows that the therapist will intervene, clarify and provide structure in the first group much more frequently than in groups for psychoneurotics. For patients with ego deficit the relation to the therapist may have to be moderated lest it further weaken ego boundaries. Such patients often need personal distance. Transference to the institution, to the treatment milieu and to the group as a concrete object provides these patients with a natural means of distancing relationships. The therapist should attempt to fit into this series. He should be highly visible in the benign exercise of his professional function. Rapport should be kept stable and primarily positive even after termination of treatment. In contrast, groups of patients with good ego endowment may relate to the therapist more intensively if he is less visible. These patients, unless they can move back and forth between positive and negative rapport, can hardly be said to be working. They will often attempt to control rapport with the therapist by splitting the transference...", "PMID": 992952} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4866", "title": "Ethnic differences in family attitudes towards psychotic manifestations, with implications for treatment programmes.", "content": "The tolerance of Irish-American and Jewish-American families towards psycho-social dysfunction in a psychotic family member was studied. As predicted, significantly more Irish families than Jewish families tolerated deviant thinking in a psychotic relative, while significantly more Jewish families than Irish families tolerated deviant verbal emotionality. These and other findings are discussed in terms of psycho-social and socio-cultural theory and lead to a consideration of the goals of treatment programmes. Differences in family attitudes have been shown to affect the decision to send relatives to a mental hospital, or accept them on discharge. Cultural factors are known to be related to attitudes on a variety of health-related issues, but studies have not focused generally on ethnic contributions to family differences in attitudes towards mentally disturbed family members. One reason for this neglect of cultural factors has been the emphasis on sociological phenomena, stimulated by investigations of social class and mental illness. Yet is has been shown that ethnic factors may be responsible for at least some of the correlations that have been found between community, social class and mental illness. Every social class, furthermore, can muster a variety of patterns for seeking professional assistance for psycho-social dysfunctions, and some of these patterns may be differentiated along cultural lines. The present study attempts such a differentiation. It deals with two ethnic groups and their family attitudes towards disturbing symptoms in relatives.", "contents": "Ethnic differences in family attitudes towards psychotic manifestations, with implications for treatment programmes. The tolerance of Irish-American and Jewish-American families towards psycho-social dysfunction in a psychotic family member was studied. As predicted, significantly more Irish families than Jewish families tolerated deviant thinking in a psychotic relative, while significantly more Jewish families than Irish families tolerated deviant verbal emotionality. These and other findings are discussed in terms of psycho-social and socio-cultural theory and lead to a consideration of the goals of treatment programmes. Differences in family attitudes have been shown to affect the decision to send relatives to a mental hospital, or accept them on discharge. Cultural factors are known to be related to attitudes on a variety of health-related issues, but studies have not focused generally on ethnic contributions to family differences in attitudes towards mentally disturbed family members. One reason for this neglect of cultural factors has been the emphasis on sociological phenomena, stimulated by investigations of social class and mental illness. Yet is has been shown that ethnic factors may be responsible for at least some of the correlations that have been found between community, social class and mental illness. Every social class, furthermore, can muster a variety of patterns for seeking professional assistance for psycho-social dysfunctions, and some of these patterns may be differentiated along cultural lines. The present study attempts such a differentiation. It deals with two ethnic groups and their family attitudes towards disturbing symptoms in relatives.", "PMID": 992954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4867", "title": "Mental health care by a family oriented general practice team.", "content": "The mental health aspects of integrated comprehensive family care at a neighbourhood health centre in an underprivileged community include: (1) mental health promotion in high risk groups, (2) early intervention at stressful periods of the family cycle, including physical disease and reaching out to identify unfelt needs, (3) direct aid to patient and family through prevention, restoration or maintenance, depending on patient potential, and (4) attempts to isolate the patient's condition, at worst, and prevent harmful effects on the family environment. The medical team physician, medical worker and public health nurse achieved successful management of psychiatric problems through dynamic role division among its members with planned intervention of different modes and at various levels.", "contents": "Mental health care by a family oriented general practice team. The mental health aspects of integrated comprehensive family care at a neighbourhood health centre in an underprivileged community include: (1) mental health promotion in high risk groups, (2) early intervention at stressful periods of the family cycle, including physical disease and reaching out to identify unfelt needs, (3) direct aid to patient and family through prevention, restoration or maintenance, depending on patient potential, and (4) attempts to isolate the patient's condition, at worst, and prevent harmful effects on the family environment. The medical team physician, medical worker and public health nurse achieved successful management of psychiatric problems through dynamic role division among its members with planned intervention of different modes and at various levels.", "PMID": 992955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4868", "title": "MHPG, amitriptyline and affective disorders. A longitudinal study.", "content": "The daily urinary excretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) were studied longitudinally in five unipolar depressed patients. The patients were followed first during a pretreatment period, and then during a treatment period in which amitriptyline was administered. The data we have obtained suggest that: (1) there is a wide individual variability in MHPG pretreatment levels: (2) amitriptyline modifies MHPG levels in a way which seems to be related to the pretreatment MHPG; (3) amitriptyline may produce a sustained improvement in depressive symptoms, independent of the pretreatment MHPG values, and (4) the time course of modifications in MHPG excretion is shorter than the time course of improvement in depression. Some theoretical implication of these findings are discussed in terms of the catecholamine hypothesis of affective disorders.", "contents": "MHPG, amitriptyline and affective disorders. A longitudinal study. The daily urinary excretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) were studied longitudinally in five unipolar depressed patients. The patients were followed first during a pretreatment period, and then during a treatment period in which amitriptyline was administered. The data we have obtained suggest that: (1) there is a wide individual variability in MHPG pretreatment levels: (2) amitriptyline modifies MHPG levels in a way which seems to be related to the pretreatment MHPG; (3) amitriptyline may produce a sustained improvement in depressive symptoms, independent of the pretreatment MHPG values, and (4) the time course of modifications in MHPG excretion is shorter than the time course of improvement in depression. Some theoretical implication of these findings are discussed in terms of the catecholamine hypothesis of affective disorders.", "PMID": 992956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4869", "title": "Clinical and pharmacological spectral maps of the neuroleptics.", "content": "The clinical and pharmacological activity spectra of the neuroleptics can be projected into a map where compounds with similar spectra, but with possibly different potencies, are grouped together. The spectral maps were devised for classification and for the prediction of therapeutic effects from pharmacological observations. Significant correlations are observed within and between pharmacological and clinical classifications (Spearman test, p less than 0.01). Pharmacological maps appear to be one-dimensional and resemble the Lambert incisive/sedative bipolar scale. The Li\u00e9ge clinical physiognomy of neuroleptics shows an additional component which may be related to antimanic/antiaustistic effects.", "contents": "Clinical and pharmacological spectral maps of the neuroleptics. The clinical and pharmacological activity spectra of the neuroleptics can be projected into a map where compounds with similar spectra, but with possibly different potencies, are grouped together. The spectral maps were devised for classification and for the prediction of therapeutic effects from pharmacological observations. Significant correlations are observed within and between pharmacological and clinical classifications (Spearman test, p less than 0.01). Pharmacological maps appear to be one-dimensional and resemble the Lambert incisive/sedative bipolar scale. The Li\u00e9ge clinical physiognomy of neuroleptics shows an additional component which may be related to antimanic/antiaustistic effects.", "PMID": 992957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4870", "title": "Lithium effects on magnesium, calcium, and phosphate metabolism in rats.", "content": "Rats were treated with lithium chloride for 8 weeks. At the last day of lithium administration, the animals were given radioactive calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. Electrolyte content and radioactivity were determined in serum, bone, muscle, liver and brain. Lithium led to an increase of inorganic phosphate in muscle and a decrease in serum. Uptake of radioactive phosphate was increased in muscle and liver but reduced in bone. The amount of magnesium in muscle and serum was increased in the lithium-treated rats, whereas the uptake of radioactive magnesium into bone was decreased. Uptake of radioactive calcium into bone was reduced, and radioactive calcium in serum was increased after lithium.", "contents": "Lithium effects on magnesium, calcium, and phosphate metabolism in rats. Rats were treated with lithium chloride for 8 weeks. At the last day of lithium administration, the animals were given radioactive calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. Electrolyte content and radioactivity were determined in serum, bone, muscle, liver and brain. Lithium led to an increase of inorganic phosphate in muscle and a decrease in serum. Uptake of radioactive phosphate was increased in muscle and liver but reduced in bone. The amount of magnesium in muscle and serum was increased in the lithium-treated rats, whereas the uptake of radioactive magnesium into bone was decreased. Uptake of radioactive calcium into bone was reduced, and radioactive calcium in serum was increased after lithium.", "PMID": 992958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4871", "title": "Pilocarpine ocular inserts.", "content": "Pilocarpine was administered to a selected group of ocular hypertensive subjects in the form of a synthetic biosoluble matrix inserted into the conjunctival cul-de-sac. Satisfactory lowering of the intraocular pressure resulted, with a minimum of subject intolerance. The decreased pressure response was significant in some cases for greater than 24 hours. Drug delivery by soluble inserts offers promise as a convenient and effective mode of therapy.", "contents": "Pilocarpine ocular inserts. Pilocarpine was administered to a selected group of ocular hypertensive subjects in the form of a synthetic biosoluble matrix inserted into the conjunctival cul-de-sac. Satisfactory lowering of the intraocular pressure resulted, with a minimum of subject intolerance. The decreased pressure response was significant in some cases for greater than 24 hours. Drug delivery by soluble inserts offers promise as a convenient and effective mode of therapy.", "PMID": 992960} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4872", "title": "Ascorbic acid prevents corneal ulceration and perforation following experimental alkali burns.", "content": "Depressed aqueous humor glucose and ascorbic acid levels returned to control values within 14 days following a 20 sec, 6 mm. diameter, 1N sodium hydroxide burn of the rabbit cornea. These corneas did not ulcerate or perforate. After a 20 sec., 12 mm. diameter, 1N sodium hydroxide burn, aqueous humor glucose levels returned to normal values, but ascorbic acid levels remained significantly depressed for up to 30 days. These corneas became markedly ulcerated in about 60 per cent of animals and frequently perforated. Following 12 mm. alkali burns, rabbits treated daily with 1.5 Gm. of subcutaneous ascorbic acid rarely developed corneal ulcerations and the corneas did not perforate. It is suggested that exogenous maintenance of adequate aqueous humor levels of ascorbic acid overcomes the relatively scorbutic state of the anterior segment induced by a 12 mm. alkali burn, thereby impairing the development of corneal ulceration and perforation. Elevated aqueous humor levels of ascorbic acid had no influence on corneal epithelial cell migration patterns following alkali burns.", "contents": "Ascorbic acid prevents corneal ulceration and perforation following experimental alkali burns. Depressed aqueous humor glucose and ascorbic acid levels returned to control values within 14 days following a 20 sec, 6 mm. diameter, 1N sodium hydroxide burn of the rabbit cornea. These corneas did not ulcerate or perforate. After a 20 sec., 12 mm. diameter, 1N sodium hydroxide burn, aqueous humor glucose levels returned to normal values, but ascorbic acid levels remained significantly depressed for up to 30 days. These corneas became markedly ulcerated in about 60 per cent of animals and frequently perforated. Following 12 mm. alkali burns, rabbits treated daily with 1.5 Gm. of subcutaneous ascorbic acid rarely developed corneal ulcerations and the corneas did not perforate. It is suggested that exogenous maintenance of adequate aqueous humor levels of ascorbic acid overcomes the relatively scorbutic state of the anterior segment induced by a 12 mm. alkali burn, thereby impairing the development of corneal ulceration and perforation. Elevated aqueous humor levels of ascorbic acid had no influence on corneal epithelial cell migration patterns following alkali burns.", "PMID": 992963} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4873", "title": "Calcium in tears, lacrimal gland fluid, and fluid from the other orbital glands.", "content": "Abnormal tear calcium concentrations, which might be expected in ocular and systemic disorders,may be obscured if tear calcium concentration varies with flow rate. The results of the present study indicated that tear calcium concentration is independent of flow rate with rates faster than those which occur with stimulated overflow tearing (i.e., 2 mu1 per minute), but with slower flow rates such as would be encountered with basal, nonstimulated tear flow, tear calcium concentration increases as flow rate decreases. In addition, at given flow rates, tear calcium concentration is the same as that in at least two components of tears, i.e., lacrimal gland fluid, uncontaminated by fluid from the other orbital glands, and fluid from the other orbital glands, uncontaminated by lcarimal gland fluid. It is apparent that only if calcium concentration is correlated with fluid flow rate will determination of calcium in tears and in the components of tears produce valid information not only about tear calcium levels in the presence of ocular and systemic diseases but also about the mechanism of secretion of calcium by the orbital glands.", "contents": "Calcium in tears, lacrimal gland fluid, and fluid from the other orbital glands. Abnormal tear calcium concentrations, which might be expected in ocular and systemic disorders,may be obscured if tear calcium concentration varies with flow rate. The results of the present study indicated that tear calcium concentration is independent of flow rate with rates faster than those which occur with stimulated overflow tearing (i.e., 2 mu1 per minute), but with slower flow rates such as would be encountered with basal, nonstimulated tear flow, tear calcium concentration increases as flow rate decreases. In addition, at given flow rates, tear calcium concentration is the same as that in at least two components of tears, i.e., lacrimal gland fluid, uncontaminated by fluid from the other orbital glands, and fluid from the other orbital glands, uncontaminated by lcarimal gland fluid. It is apparent that only if calcium concentration is correlated with fluid flow rate will determination of calcium in tears and in the components of tears produce valid information not only about tear calcium levels in the presence of ocular and systemic diseases but also about the mechanism of secretion of calcium by the orbital glands.", "PMID": 992964} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4874", "title": "Endothelial damage from intraocular lens insertion.", "content": "Previous studies have shown that approximately 40 per cent of the corneal endothelial cells can be lost at the time of intraocular lens insertion. Momentary contact between the methacrylate surface and the endothelial cells causes an adhesion between these surfaces and results in extensive cell damage upon separation of the surfaces. This type of damage appears to be due to a biophysical interaction between these surfaces and may be avoidable by altering the surface of the lens.", "contents": "Endothelial damage from intraocular lens insertion. Previous studies have shown that approximately 40 per cent of the corneal endothelial cells can be lost at the time of intraocular lens insertion. Momentary contact between the methacrylate surface and the endothelial cells causes an adhesion between these surfaces and results in extensive cell damage upon separation of the surfaces. This type of damage appears to be due to a biophysical interaction between these surfaces and may be avoidable by altering the surface of the lens.", "PMID": 992965} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4875", "title": "A histochemical and morphologic study of postobstructive diuresis in the rat.", "content": "Renal functional abnormalities constituting the syndrome of postobstructive diuresis imply both altered tubular and glomerular membrane properties. To determine the morphologic and ultrastructural correlates of this disorder a rat model was developed and 32 postobstructed kidneys were studied by light and electron microscopy at the midpoint of diuresis and compared to 22 controls. The abnormal morphology was: dilated distal tubules and collecting ducts, isolated proximal and distal tubule cells that allowed free access of luminal contents to the basement membrane, widened terminal bars and intercellular spaces, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and, depending upon the portion of nephron, normal or reduced adenosine triphosphatase and acid phosphatase content. In order to confirm the functional nature of the nephrons studied as well as to assess glomerular and tubular permeability, horseradish peroxidase and cytochrome c were infused. These tracers, normally permeable to the glomerular basement membrane, were found in the intercellular spaces and to a lesser extent within cell organelles in the postobstructed diuretic animals whereas controls demonstrated a retarded filtration of horseradish peroxidase, no tracer in the intercellular spaces and large amounts of tracer contained within cell organelles. Absence of enzyme activity in the medulla and reduced dark to light cell ratios in the cortical collecting ducts correlated with prior observations made by others of diminished concentration and acidification processes, respectively. An increase in adenosine triphosphatase activity and renin granules within the juxtaglomerular cells indicated increased renin activity. These observations suggest that the renal functional abnormalities of postobstructive diuresis are attributable to altered glomerular and tubular permeabilities as well as with changes in metabolic activity.", "contents": "A histochemical and morphologic study of postobstructive diuresis in the rat. Renal functional abnormalities constituting the syndrome of postobstructive diuresis imply both altered tubular and glomerular membrane properties. To determine the morphologic and ultrastructural correlates of this disorder a rat model was developed and 32 postobstructed kidneys were studied by light and electron microscopy at the midpoint of diuresis and compared to 22 controls. The abnormal morphology was: dilated distal tubules and collecting ducts, isolated proximal and distal tubule cells that allowed free access of luminal contents to the basement membrane, widened terminal bars and intercellular spaces, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and, depending upon the portion of nephron, normal or reduced adenosine triphosphatase and acid phosphatase content. In order to confirm the functional nature of the nephrons studied as well as to assess glomerular and tubular permeability, horseradish peroxidase and cytochrome c were infused. These tracers, normally permeable to the glomerular basement membrane, were found in the intercellular spaces and to a lesser extent within cell organelles in the postobstructed diuretic animals whereas controls demonstrated a retarded filtration of horseradish peroxidase, no tracer in the intercellular spaces and large amounts of tracer contained within cell organelles. Absence of enzyme activity in the medulla and reduced dark to light cell ratios in the cortical collecting ducts correlated with prior observations made by others of diminished concentration and acidification processes, respectively. An increase in adenosine triphosphatase activity and renin granules within the juxtaglomerular cells indicated increased renin activity. These observations suggest that the renal functional abnormalities of postobstructive diuresis are attributable to altered glomerular and tubular permeabilities as well as with changes in metabolic activity.", "PMID": 992966} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4876", "title": "The effect of intravesical formalin on the destruction and regeneration of the canine bladder.", "content": "Instillation of cytotoxic compounds into the bladder elicits an effect that is based on contact of the agent with the mucosal cells. In the female dog, the distribution of this contact is characteristically in the lower portion of the bladder, and the dome of the bladder is almost invariably spared. Study with formalin indicates that the amount of mucosal contact is best increased by distention of the bladder to full capacity. These findings have significance in the use of topically active agents for the treatment of bladder cancer.", "contents": "The effect of intravesical formalin on the destruction and regeneration of the canine bladder. Instillation of cytotoxic compounds into the bladder elicits an effect that is based on contact of the agent with the mucosal cells. In the female dog, the distribution of this contact is characteristically in the lower portion of the bladder, and the dome of the bladder is almost invariably spared. Study with formalin indicates that the amount of mucosal contact is best increased by distention of the bladder to full capacity. These findings have significance in the use of topically active agents for the treatment of bladder cancer.", "PMID": 992967} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4877", "title": "A new concept in vesical conduits.", "content": "To overcome the problems associated with cutaneous vesicostomies a new concept in vesical conduits was developed and performed in 13 dogs. The principle of the new conduit is the utilization of minimal bladder tissue to create a stoma analogous to that of the ileal conduit and to perform an antireflux vesicoureteral anastomosis. Preliminary results with the animal studies indicate that the vesicostomy's major faults have been successfully surmounted by this new procedure.", "contents": "A new concept in vesical conduits. To overcome the problems associated with cutaneous vesicostomies a new concept in vesical conduits was developed and performed in 13 dogs. The principle of the new conduit is the utilization of minimal bladder tissue to create a stoma analogous to that of the ileal conduit and to perform an antireflux vesicoureteral anastomosis. Preliminary results with the animal studies indicate that the vesicostomy's major faults have been successfully surmounted by this new procedure.", "PMID": 992968} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4878", "title": "A technique for isolated in vivo renal perfusion.", "content": "A new technique for in vivo renal perfusion is described which eliminates the need for autotransplantation. In short term ischemia studies using three solutions, Sacks' solution was found to provide the optimal renal ischemia protection.", "contents": "A technique for isolated in vivo renal perfusion. A new technique for in vivo renal perfusion is described which eliminates the need for autotransplantation. In short term ischemia studies using three solutions, Sacks' solution was found to provide the optimal renal ischemia protection.", "PMID": 992969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4879", "title": "A simple method for in situ preservation of the ischemic kidney during renal surgery.", "content": "A simple method combining the advantages of intraluminal occlusion of the renal artery with hypothermic perfusion of the ischemic organ is presented. Using a double-lumen, balloon-tipped catheter, which is introduced from the periphery, the kidney can be rendered ischemic and can be perfused simultaneously. Initial, hypothermic perfusion and subsequent arrangement on the surface of the open wound effectively protected canine kidneys against ischemic injury over 2 hr of ischemia.", "contents": "A simple method for in situ preservation of the ischemic kidney during renal surgery. A simple method combining the advantages of intraluminal occlusion of the renal artery with hypothermic perfusion of the ischemic organ is presented. Using a double-lumen, balloon-tipped catheter, which is introduced from the periphery, the kidney can be rendered ischemic and can be perfused simultaneously. Initial, hypothermic perfusion and subsequent arrangement on the surface of the open wound effectively protected canine kidneys against ischemic injury over 2 hr of ischemia.", "PMID": 992970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4880", "title": "Hormonal control of seminiferous tubule contractions. A hypothesis of sperm transport from the testicle.", "content": "The effects of steroids on the presence or absence and relative magnitude of rat seminiferous tubule contractions were evaluated microscopically. Both 10- and 30-mg implants of estradiol in vivo and concentrations of 10(-8) or 10(-9) M estradiol in vitro depressed the percentage of seminiferous tubules contracting without altering the magnitude of the contraction. Higher doses of both testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in vivo and in vitro maintained the tubular contractions at normal or above normal levels whereas lower doses of these compounds reduced both the percentage and magnitude of the tubules contracting. The results from these experiments suggest that rat seminiferous tubule contractions can be altered by steroids. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone inhibit the contractions at lower doses and stimulate the contractions at higher doses and thus may regulate the transport of spermatozoa from the rat testicle.", "contents": "Hormonal control of seminiferous tubule contractions. A hypothesis of sperm transport from the testicle. The effects of steroids on the presence or absence and relative magnitude of rat seminiferous tubule contractions were evaluated microscopically. Both 10- and 30-mg implants of estradiol in vivo and concentrations of 10(-8) or 10(-9) M estradiol in vitro depressed the percentage of seminiferous tubules contracting without altering the magnitude of the contraction. Higher doses of both testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in vivo and in vitro maintained the tubular contractions at normal or above normal levels whereas lower doses of these compounds reduced both the percentage and magnitude of the tubules contracting. The results from these experiments suggest that rat seminiferous tubule contractions can be altered by steroids. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone inhibit the contractions at lower doses and stimulate the contractions at higher doses and thus may regulate the transport of spermatozoa from the rat testicle.", "PMID": 992971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4881", "title": "Effect of pair-feeding of carcinogen on the incidence of bladder tumors in hamsters. Role of indole, age, and sex.", "content": "The role of indole in 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) bladder tumorigenesis was critically evaluated in hamsters. To avoid the influence of a nutritional factor on the tumor incidence, the animals were pair-fed for 8, 10, and 12 months. Addition of indole to the AAF diet resulted in a higher incidence of bladder tumors in both males and females (P less than 0.05, P less than 0.05). Indole definitely increased the bladder tumor incidence at 8 months (P less than 0.05). Also significantly different was the tumor incidence between males and females irrespective of the diet administered (P less than 0.05). Indole did not alter the urinary output of N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene (N-OH-AAF) in males.", "contents": "Effect of pair-feeding of carcinogen on the incidence of bladder tumors in hamsters. Role of indole, age, and sex. The role of indole in 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) bladder tumorigenesis was critically evaluated in hamsters. To avoid the influence of a nutritional factor on the tumor incidence, the animals were pair-fed for 8, 10, and 12 months. Addition of indole to the AAF diet resulted in a higher incidence of bladder tumors in both males and females (P less than 0.05, P less than 0.05). Indole definitely increased the bladder tumor incidence at 8 months (P less than 0.05). Also significantly different was the tumor incidence between males and females irrespective of the diet administered (P less than 0.05). Indole did not alter the urinary output of N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene (N-OH-AAF) in males.", "PMID": 992972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4882", "title": "Histogenesis of urinary bladder cancer induced in rats by bracken fern.", "content": "Histologic examination of the urinary bladders of albino rats fed bracken fern (Pteris aqulinum) showed epithelial hyperplasia in all test animals after 3 weeks of feeding and nuclear abnormalities at 4 to 6 weeks. Epithelial tumors were present in animals surviving more than 12 weeks, and invasion of subepithelial tissue occurred in animals sacrificed after this time. Carcinoma in situ, comparable to that in man, was not observed before invasive carcinoma, but was noted later in the surface epithelium adjacent to invasive carcinoma. Transitional cell carcinomas originated from hyperplastic epithelium, squamous cell carcinomas from metaplastic squamous epithelium, and papillary carcinomas from papillomas. Papillomas were preceded by epithelial hyperplasia. The results suggest that hyperplasia precedes bladder carcinoma in rats fed bracken fern.", "contents": "Histogenesis of urinary bladder cancer induced in rats by bracken fern. Histologic examination of the urinary bladders of albino rats fed bracken fern (Pteris aqulinum) showed epithelial hyperplasia in all test animals after 3 weeks of feeding and nuclear abnormalities at 4 to 6 weeks. Epithelial tumors were present in animals surviving more than 12 weeks, and invasion of subepithelial tissue occurred in animals sacrificed after this time. Carcinoma in situ, comparable to that in man, was not observed before invasive carcinoma, but was noted later in the surface epithelium adjacent to invasive carcinoma. Transitional cell carcinomas originated from hyperplastic epithelium, squamous cell carcinomas from metaplastic squamous epithelium, and papillary carcinomas from papillomas. Papillomas were preceded by epithelial hyperplasia. The results suggest that hyperplasia precedes bladder carcinoma in rats fed bracken fern.", "PMID": 992973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4883", "title": "Spermatic granulomas of ischemic origin in the rat epididymis.", "content": "The sequelae of the permanently reduced blood flow through the testes of rats, in which stenosis of the abdominal aorta had been produced by inserting an incomplete ligature between the two renal arteries, were studied. In a high proportion of animals, spermatic granulomas occurred unilaterally or bilaterally in the epididymides. Their development was proceded by an ischemic injury; the contents of the canaliculi penetrated into the interstitium, producing a marked macrophagic reaction, which developed after the 5th day. Simultaneously, ischemic lesions were observed in the testes.", "contents": "Spermatic granulomas of ischemic origin in the rat epididymis. The sequelae of the permanently reduced blood flow through the testes of rats, in which stenosis of the abdominal aorta had been produced by inserting an incomplete ligature between the two renal arteries, were studied. In a high proportion of animals, spermatic granulomas occurred unilaterally or bilaterally in the epididymides. Their development was proceded by an ischemic injury; the contents of the canaliculi penetrated into the interstitium, producing a marked macrophagic reaction, which developed after the 5th day. Simultaneously, ischemic lesions were observed in the testes.", "PMID": 992974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4884", "title": "The use of spermatic cord lymphatics in the relief of surgically created lower extremity edema. A preliminary report of experiments in dogs.", "content": "When lower extremity lymphedema is not amenable to control by medical methods, attempts to ameliorate the problem surgically have generally been unsatisfactory. The intact testis and spermatic cord provide a potential bridge that may permit communication between the unobstructed lymphatics of the gonadal system and the obstructed lymphatics of the lower extremity. Preliminary experience in male dogs wherein lower extremity lymphedema is first induced surgically and is treated by testicular implantation into the edematous thigh shows that lympholymphatic communications between the lower extremity and the gonadal system may result.", "contents": "The use of spermatic cord lymphatics in the relief of surgically created lower extremity edema. A preliminary report of experiments in dogs. When lower extremity lymphedema is not amenable to control by medical methods, attempts to ameliorate the problem surgically have generally been unsatisfactory. The intact testis and spermatic cord provide a potential bridge that may permit communication between the unobstructed lymphatics of the gonadal system and the obstructed lymphatics of the lower extremity. Preliminary experience in male dogs wherein lower extremity lymphedema is first induced surgically and is treated by testicular implantation into the edematous thigh shows that lympholymphatic communications between the lower extremity and the gonadal system may result.", "PMID": 992975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4885", "title": "Irradiation injury to the ureter and surgical tolerance. An experimental study.", "content": "An attempt was made to produce damage to the ureter of the dog with external irradiation in the high therapeutic ranges in the absence of surgery or cancer. No significant changes were apparent on excretory urography and only minimal changes were seen on histologic study. In another series of dogs, one ureter was reimplanted before the administration of maximal irradiation and the other ureter was reimplanted after the irradiation. The reimplanted ureter tolerated later irradiation very well. The postirradiated ureter tolerated similar surgery very poorly.", "contents": "Irradiation injury to the ureter and surgical tolerance. An experimental study. An attempt was made to produce damage to the ureter of the dog with external irradiation in the high therapeutic ranges in the absence of surgery or cancer. No significant changes were apparent on excretory urography and only minimal changes were seen on histologic study. In another series of dogs, one ureter was reimplanted before the administration of maximal irradiation and the other ureter was reimplanted after the irradiation. The reimplanted ureter tolerated later irradiation very well. The postirradiated ureter tolerated similar surgery very poorly.", "PMID": 992976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4886", "title": "Urodynamics of the upper urinary tract.", "content": "The control of ureteral peristaltic contractions by a pacemaker system is shown in a series of experimental observations on the anesthetized dog. Data are presented to illustrate the influence of pacemaker frequency on ureteral rate and bolus volume during oliguria and transient diuresis. Pacemaker frequency was determined from the pressure wave form of the renal pelvis and peristaltic rate was measured electrophysiologically. The bolus volume associated with each peristaltic contraction was recorded by a drop counter and correlated with pacemaker and ureteral activity. The results show that the pacemaker frequency remains constant over urine flow rates in the range of 0.3 to 15 ml per min. It is also shown that the pacemaker frequency is constant during transient increases in flow rate of more than one order of magnitude. During diuresis, the peristaltic rate changes in quantum steps determined by the fundamental frequency of the pacemaker, and at flow rates greater than 2 ml per min the ureter contracts at the pacemaker rate. Further increases in flow are accommodated by increasing the amount of urine transported by each bolus. The urologic importance of these observations on pacemaker function is discussed in terms of the unicalyceal and multicalyceal upper urinary tract.", "contents": "Urodynamics of the upper urinary tract. The control of ureteral peristaltic contractions by a pacemaker system is shown in a series of experimental observations on the anesthetized dog. Data are presented to illustrate the influence of pacemaker frequency on ureteral rate and bolus volume during oliguria and transient diuresis. Pacemaker frequency was determined from the pressure wave form of the renal pelvis and peristaltic rate was measured electrophysiologically. The bolus volume associated with each peristaltic contraction was recorded by a drop counter and correlated with pacemaker and ureteral activity. The results show that the pacemaker frequency remains constant over urine flow rates in the range of 0.3 to 15 ml per min. It is also shown that the pacemaker frequency is constant during transient increases in flow rate of more than one order of magnitude. During diuresis, the peristaltic rate changes in quantum steps determined by the fundamental frequency of the pacemaker, and at flow rates greater than 2 ml per min the ureter contracts at the pacemaker rate. Further increases in flow are accommodated by increasing the amount of urine transported by each bolus. The urologic importance of these observations on pacemaker function is discussed in terms of the unicalyceal and multicalyceal upper urinary tract.", "PMID": 992977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4887", "title": "Cryosurgery of the ureter in dogs.", "content": "The effect of cryosurgery on the ureter has been studied in dogs. A single 1- or 2-min cryosurgical exposure produced stricture in two of eight animals. A tumoricidal cryosrugical dose consisting of three, 2-min exposures caused stricture in six of eight dogs. Histopathologic examination of the ureter after repetitive cryosurgery showed progressive, persistent loss of smooth muscle, fibrosis of the lamina propria, and early loss with subsequent regeneration of the transitional epithelium. Although there was no loss of ureteral integrity, the possibility of permanent ureteral damage should be considered with the use of cryosurgery.", "contents": "Cryosurgery of the ureter in dogs. The effect of cryosurgery on the ureter has been studied in dogs. A single 1- or 2-min cryosurgical exposure produced stricture in two of eight animals. A tumoricidal cryosrugical dose consisting of three, 2-min exposures caused stricture in six of eight dogs. Histopathologic examination of the ureter after repetitive cryosurgery showed progressive, persistent loss of smooth muscle, fibrosis of the lamina propria, and early loss with subsequent regeneration of the transitional epithelium. Although there was no loss of ureteral integrity, the possibility of permanent ureteral damage should be considered with the use of cryosurgery.", "PMID": 992978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4888", "title": "Rapid formation of a staghorn calculus in the canine kidney. A surgical model.", "content": "A model for immediate production of staghorn calculi in dogs is described. A paste made of gray investment is injected into the renal pelvis and allowed to solidify for 30 min. Calculi thus formed have a striking similarity to naturally occurring staghorn calculi and can be utilized by urology teaching programs to initiate residents in the technique of anatrophic nephrolithotomy.", "contents": "Rapid formation of a staghorn calculus in the canine kidney. A surgical model. A model for immediate production of staghorn calculi in dogs is described. A paste made of gray investment is injected into the renal pelvis and allowed to solidify for 30 min. Calculi thus formed have a striking similarity to naturally occurring staghorn calculi and can be utilized by urology teaching programs to initiate residents in the technique of anatrophic nephrolithotomy.", "PMID": 992979} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4889", "title": "Renal dialysis membrane leak detector.", "content": "A leak developing in the membrane separating the blood from the dialysate in an artificial kidney machine requires immediate corrective action. The earliest possible action is desirable in order to minimize patient blood loss. This makes system sensitivity to hemoglobin concentration an important design criteria for blood leak detectors. The leak detector described in this paper matches the spectral properties of hemoglobin to those of the detector in order to achieve a maximum sensitivity while minimizing false alarms. The paper describes the instrumentation and circuitry as well as test results of simulated and clinical trials of the detection system.", "contents": "Renal dialysis membrane leak detector. A leak developing in the membrane separating the blood from the dialysate in an artificial kidney machine requires immediate corrective action. The earliest possible action is desirable in order to minimize patient blood loss. This makes system sensitivity to hemoglobin concentration an important design criteria for blood leak detectors. The leak detector described in this paper matches the spectral properties of hemoglobin to those of the detector in order to achieve a maximum sensitivity while minimizing false alarms. The paper describes the instrumentation and circuitry as well as test results of simulated and clinical trials of the detection system.", "PMID": 992995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4890", "title": "Ultrasonic detection of cardiovascular flow disturbances.", "content": "Blood flow that is disturbed or turbulent may have a significant effect on the development of cardiovascular disease. A method is presented here for detecting periods of disturbed flow using autocorrelograms of the audio signal from a pulsed ultrasound Doppler velocity meter (PUDVM). Autocorrelograms describe quantitatively how the form of a signal changes over time. We produced steady laminar and turbulent pipe flow in a hydraulic test tank, and computed autocorrelograms of the audio signal of the centerline velocity as detected by the PUDVM using fast Fourier transform techniques. We have shown that the autocorrelation coefficient averaged over a short length of time (64 ms) is significantly higher for laminar than for turbulent flow. We have also produced pulsatile flow in our hydraulic tank and computed the mean autocorrelation coefficient at different phases of the flow cycle. The regions of disturbed and undisturbed flow were predicted from the steady flow results. The disturbed flow first appears during the period of the highest forward velocities. These results indicate that the mean autocorrelation coefficient can serve as an indicator of the presence of flow disturbances.", "contents": "Ultrasonic detection of cardiovascular flow disturbances. Blood flow that is disturbed or turbulent may have a significant effect on the development of cardiovascular disease. A method is presented here for detecting periods of disturbed flow using autocorrelograms of the audio signal from a pulsed ultrasound Doppler velocity meter (PUDVM). Autocorrelograms describe quantitatively how the form of a signal changes over time. We produced steady laminar and turbulent pipe flow in a hydraulic test tank, and computed autocorrelograms of the audio signal of the centerline velocity as detected by the PUDVM using fast Fourier transform techniques. We have shown that the autocorrelation coefficient averaged over a short length of time (64 ms) is significantly higher for laminar than for turbulent flow. We have also produced pulsatile flow in our hydraulic tank and computed the mean autocorrelation coefficient at different phases of the flow cycle. The regions of disturbed and undisturbed flow were predicted from the steady flow results. The disturbed flow first appears during the period of the highest forward velocities. These results indicate that the mean autocorrelation coefficient can serve as an indicator of the presence of flow disturbances.", "PMID": 992996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4891", "title": "A new design for an implantable hearing aid.", "content": "There have been attempts to design a totally implantable hearing aid but, so far, the devices described in the literature have had various disadvantages. This paper describes a new type of hearing aid that is being implanted and tested in chinchillas. This device parallels the natural hearing mechanism and operates in conjunction with residual hearing, while providing amplified drive to the ossicular chain. Implantation procedures and results are described and discussed.", "contents": "A new design for an implantable hearing aid. There have been attempts to design a totally implantable hearing aid but, so far, the devices described in the literature have had various disadvantages. This paper describes a new type of hearing aid that is being implanted and tested in chinchillas. This device parallels the natural hearing mechanism and operates in conjunction with residual hearing, while providing amplified drive to the ossicular chain. Implantation procedures and results are described and discussed.", "PMID": 992997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4892", "title": "Development of telemetric techniques for use in studies of the electrical activity of the brain.", "content": "A telemetry system has been designed to transmit two channels of wideband activity (0.2 Hz-2.5 KHz) recorded from high-impedance microelectrodes in the brains of free-moving cats. Thus, both unit activity and slow-wave field activity are accessible without disruption of the animals' behavior. In addition, circuitry is described that conditions the receiver signals, that dicriminates valid subcarrier signals from receiver noise and that automatically aborts data output in the absence of discriminable subcarrier. This receiver signal processing circuitry thus assures the fidelity of the decoded subcarrier, greatly facilitates further machine processing of the data and frees the experimenter from having to continuously monitor the receiver signals to subjectively edit out noisy data.", "contents": "Development of telemetric techniques for use in studies of the electrical activity of the brain. A telemetry system has been designed to transmit two channels of wideband activity (0.2 Hz-2.5 KHz) recorded from high-impedance microelectrodes in the brains of free-moving cats. Thus, both unit activity and slow-wave field activity are accessible without disruption of the animals' behavior. In addition, circuitry is described that conditions the receiver signals, that dicriminates valid subcarrier signals from receiver noise and that automatically aborts data output in the absence of discriminable subcarrier. This receiver signal processing circuitry thus assures the fidelity of the decoded subcarrier, greatly facilitates further machine processing of the data and frees the experimenter from having to continuously monitor the receiver signals to subjectively edit out noisy data.", "PMID": 992998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4893", "title": "An isolated current monitor for iontophoresis.", "content": "An inexpensive isolated current monitor has been developed as an effort to minimize stimulus artifact in experimental systems which include iontophoresis as the source of stimulus. The monitor becomes an element of the iontophoresis circuit, but provides an output voltage isolated from the iontophoresis current. The voltage is proportional to the iontophoresis current and will represent currents of 1/2 nA to 5 muA. It is this ability to detect minute currents that is valuable in iontophoresis measurements.", "contents": "An isolated current monitor for iontophoresis. An inexpensive isolated current monitor has been developed as an effort to minimize stimulus artifact in experimental systems which include iontophoresis as the source of stimulus. The monitor becomes an element of the iontophoresis circuit, but provides an output voltage isolated from the iontophoresis current. The voltage is proportional to the iontophoresis current and will represent currents of 1/2 nA to 5 muA. It is this ability to detect minute currents that is valuable in iontophoresis measurements.", "PMID": 992999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4894", "title": "Separation and characterization of histones and acidic proteins from heart muscle and calf thymus.", "content": "A method for the isolation of histones and acidic proteins extracted from rabbit heart and calf thymus chromatins has been studied. The histones present five major electrophoretic fractions in both tissues. Only lysine rich fraction in the heart splits into three peptides of different mobility. Amino acid composition of total histones shows values very similar in almost all components. The acidic proteins of rabbit heart and calf thymus have been characterized by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by amino acid composition. The electrophoretic pattern reveals reproducible heterogeneous banding pattern from the two sources with different degree of phosphorylation. The amino acid composition of total acidic proteins is quite similar with the exception of serine content that in the heart is most elevated.", "contents": "Separation and characterization of histones and acidic proteins from heart muscle and calf thymus. A method for the isolation of histones and acidic proteins extracted from rabbit heart and calf thymus chromatins has been studied. The histones present five major electrophoretic fractions in both tissues. Only lysine rich fraction in the heart splits into three peptides of different mobility. Amino acid composition of total histones shows values very similar in almost all components. The acidic proteins of rabbit heart and calf thymus have been characterized by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by amino acid composition. The electrophoretic pattern reveals reproducible heterogeneous banding pattern from the two sources with different degree of phosphorylation. The amino acid composition of total acidic proteins is quite similar with the exception of serine content that in the heart is most elevated.", "PMID": 993000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4895", "title": "The relative effect of dietary fats and carbohydrates on lipid metabolism in the albino rat.", "content": "This study is concerned with the effect of two carbohydrates, cane-sugar and corn starch, at four different levels in the presence of two dietary fats, on the serum and the tissue lipids (cholesterol, phospholipid and fatty acid patterns). Keeping the dietary fats (coconut safflower seed oil) at 20% level, diets containing (a) startch (54%) + cane sugar (0%), (b) starch (44%) + cane sugar 10%), (c) starch (10%) + cane sugar (44%) and (d) only cane sugar (54%) were administered to rats for 8 weeks. The lipid levels were determined at the end of the feeding period. The beneficial effect of the unsaturated fat in lowering the serum cholesterol level is nullified by an excess of cane sugar in the diet. In liver, there is an increase of 40-50% of cholesterol, as the cane sugar level in the diet is raised, irrespective of the type of dietary fat. The fatty acid pattern of the serum and tissue lipids is influenced by dietary fats as well as carbohydrates.", "contents": "The relative effect of dietary fats and carbohydrates on lipid metabolism in the albino rat. This study is concerned with the effect of two carbohydrates, cane-sugar and corn starch, at four different levels in the presence of two dietary fats, on the serum and the tissue lipids (cholesterol, phospholipid and fatty acid patterns). Keeping the dietary fats (coconut safflower seed oil) at 20% level, diets containing (a) startch (54%) + cane sugar (0%), (b) starch (44%) + cane sugar 10%), (c) starch (10%) + cane sugar (44%) and (d) only cane sugar (54%) were administered to rats for 8 weeks. The lipid levels were determined at the end of the feeding period. The beneficial effect of the unsaturated fat in lowering the serum cholesterol level is nullified by an excess of cane sugar in the diet. In liver, there is an increase of 40-50% of cholesterol, as the cane sugar level in the diet is raised, irrespective of the type of dietary fat. The fatty acid pattern of the serum and tissue lipids is influenced by dietary fats as well as carbohydrates.", "PMID": 993001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4896", "title": "Methionine activating enzyme in various human platelet populations.", "content": "Human platelets have been separated into four populations by a discontinuous sucrose gradient. MAE activity has been determined in the various platelet populations and significant differences were obtained with respect to platelet size, the large-heavy platelets showing a higher enzymatic activity than the small-light ones. These data suggest that higher MAE activity in the younger and large-heavy platelets may be responsible for a much higher biochemical and functional efficiency.", "contents": "Methionine activating enzyme in various human platelet populations. Human platelets have been separated into four populations by a discontinuous sucrose gradient. MAE activity has been determined in the various platelet populations and significant differences were obtained with respect to platelet size, the large-heavy platelets showing a higher enzymatic activity than the small-light ones. These data suggest that higher MAE activity in the younger and large-heavy platelets may be responsible for a much higher biochemical and functional efficiency.", "PMID": 993002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4897", "title": "Correlation between the concentration of isoleucine transfer RNA and the isoleucine content of hemoglobin in rabbit and sheep reticulocytes.", "content": "A correlation has been found between the concentration of isoleucine tRNA in reticulocytes and isoleucine content of rabbit and sheep hemoglobins: in rabbit reticulocytes, which synthesize a hemoglobin containing 8 residues of isoleucine per molecule, the isoleucine accepting activity is more than twice as high as in sheep reticulocytes, which produce a hemoglobin devoid of isoleucine.", "contents": "Correlation between the concentration of isoleucine transfer RNA and the isoleucine content of hemoglobin in rabbit and sheep reticulocytes. A correlation has been found between the concentration of isoleucine tRNA in reticulocytes and isoleucine content of rabbit and sheep hemoglobins: in rabbit reticulocytes, which synthesize a hemoglobin containing 8 residues of isoleucine per molecule, the isoleucine accepting activity is more than twice as high as in sheep reticulocytes, which produce a hemoglobin devoid of isoleucine.", "PMID": 993003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4898", "title": "Isolation and partial characterization of a kallikrein from mouse submaxillary glands.", "content": "A simple procedure to obtain relatively large amounts of purified kallikrein from male mouse submaxillary gland is described. Some chemical and biological properties of this kallikrein have been investigated. The enzyme has a m.w. of 32,000 and shows strong BAEE-esterase activity, as well as kininogenase activity. It is partially inhibited by Aprotinin.", "contents": "Isolation and partial characterization of a kallikrein from mouse submaxillary glands. A simple procedure to obtain relatively large amounts of purified kallikrein from male mouse submaxillary gland is described. Some chemical and biological properties of this kallikrein have been investigated. The enzyme has a m.w. of 32,000 and shows strong BAEE-esterase activity, as well as kininogenase activity. It is partially inhibited by Aprotinin.", "PMID": 993004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4899", "title": "[Infantile papular acrodermatitis. Acrodermatitis papulosa and the infantile papulovesicular acrolocalized syndrome].", "content": "Papular acrodermatitis of childhood is an infectious disease characterized by a non-relapsing, non-itching, monomorphic erythemato-papular dermatitis limited to the face and limbs. It is always associated with anacute hepatitis, with hepatitis B antigen in the serum and with a reactive reticulohistiocytic lymphadenitis. In childhood other types of papular or papulovesicular acro-located eruptions, itching or non-itching, associated with reactive lymphadenitis, are observed, in the course of known diseases and with unknown cause. These acro-located cutaneous eruptions of unknown origin, which show varying features, should be classified as \"papulovesicular acrolocated syndrome\" until their ethiopathogenesis is known.", "contents": "[Infantile papular acrodermatitis. Acrodermatitis papulosa and the infantile papulovesicular acrolocalized syndrome]. Papular acrodermatitis of childhood is an infectious disease characterized by a non-relapsing, non-itching, monomorphic erythemato-papular dermatitis limited to the face and limbs. It is always associated with anacute hepatitis, with hepatitis B antigen in the serum and with a reactive reticulohistiocytic lymphadenitis. In childhood other types of papular or papulovesicular acro-located eruptions, itching or non-itching, associated with reactive lymphadenitis, are observed, in the course of known diseases and with unknown cause. These acro-located cutaneous eruptions of unknown origin, which show varying features, should be classified as \"papulovesicular acrolocated syndrome\" until their ethiopathogenesis is known.", "PMID": 993019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4900", "title": "[Recent morphologic and experimental results on the normal and impaired function of cutaneous vascular organ].", "content": "The objective of this article is to briefly review our present knowledge of the pattern, the functional behaviour and the fine structure of the cutaneous papillary vessels and their alterations under various pathological conditions. The shape of these capillary loops varies within wide ranges dependant on the functional state of the covering epidermis. If the latter is hyperplastic the vessels are elongated, twisted and coiled. In case of epidermal atrophy the capillaries become shorter, decrease in number until their final complete absorption. At the level of the electron microscope the capillary wall clearly shows to consist of 2--3 or more endothelial cells of high electron density encircling an always narrow lumen. Both the inner and outer endothelial surfaces are irregular in outline and the cytoplasm is crowded with filaments of 50--70 A in diameter. In addition it is characterized by the occurrence of a larger number of vacuoles and Weibel-Palade bodies, the latter serving as an excellent marker for endothelial cells to e.g. clearly decide the morphogenesis of certain vascular tumors. Along their apex the capillary loops show a fenestrated endothelium particularly at their adepidermal sites. The basal lamina is multilayered and thereby giving a scroll-like appearance in cross sections. At the ultrastructural level endothelial cells are only provided with a limited repertoire of reactions to noxious stimuli. Among these are: (1) an increase in vesiculation and organelles, (2) the formation of cytoplasmic processes often accompanied by the development of interendothelial \"gaps\" and (3) alterations - mostly thickenings - of the basement membrane. These different fine structural changes were shown to also occur in various diseases of the skin including it's vascular tumors. In experimental research of the skin microvasculature the most spectacular technique was that of a human skin chamber as originated by Branemark. Thereby most of our older findings as to the functional behavior of the microcirculation in laboratory animals were shown to be valid and hence transferable to humans provided similar experimental approaches were used. Finally the vitalmicroscopy and ultrastructure of tumors (melanoma, hemangiopericytoma and neurilemmoma) transplanted into the hamster cheek pouch are briefly outlined.", "contents": "[Recent morphologic and experimental results on the normal and impaired function of cutaneous vascular organ]. The objective of this article is to briefly review our present knowledge of the pattern, the functional behaviour and the fine structure of the cutaneous papillary vessels and their alterations under various pathological conditions. The shape of these capillary loops varies within wide ranges dependant on the functional state of the covering epidermis. If the latter is hyperplastic the vessels are elongated, twisted and coiled. In case of epidermal atrophy the capillaries become shorter, decrease in number until their final complete absorption. At the level of the electron microscope the capillary wall clearly shows to consist of 2--3 or more endothelial cells of high electron density encircling an always narrow lumen. Both the inner and outer endothelial surfaces are irregular in outline and the cytoplasm is crowded with filaments of 50--70 A in diameter. In addition it is characterized by the occurrence of a larger number of vacuoles and Weibel-Palade bodies, the latter serving as an excellent marker for endothelial cells to e.g. clearly decide the morphogenesis of certain vascular tumors. Along their apex the capillary loops show a fenestrated endothelium particularly at their adepidermal sites. The basal lamina is multilayered and thereby giving a scroll-like appearance in cross sections. At the ultrastructural level endothelial cells are only provided with a limited repertoire of reactions to noxious stimuli. Among these are: (1) an increase in vesiculation and organelles, (2) the formation of cytoplasmic processes often accompanied by the development of interendothelial \"gaps\" and (3) alterations - mostly thickenings - of the basement membrane. These different fine structural changes were shown to also occur in various diseases of the skin including it's vascular tumors. In experimental research of the skin microvasculature the most spectacular technique was that of a human skin chamber as originated by Branemark. Thereby most of our older findings as to the functional behavior of the microcirculation in laboratory animals were shown to be valid and hence transferable to humans provided similar experimental approaches were used. Finally the vitalmicroscopy and ultrastructure of tumors (melanoma, hemangiopericytoma and neurilemmoma) transplanted into the hamster cheek pouch are briefly outlined.", "PMID": 993020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4901", "title": "[Vitiligo in an pair of enzygotic twins].", "content": "Investigations of twins can contribute in the investigation of hereditary factors participating in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo. A 28-year-old pair of male twins are presented, whose monovularity was conclusively proved by a comparison of morphological and serological features. Vitiligo developed as a concordant feature at the age of 13 and 22 years respectively. It is noticeable that there was a good concordance of the localisation of the vitiligo in both brothers. This concordance is most probably explained by genetic fixation of the disease, leading to the manifestation of vitiligo. Multifactoral heredity with threshold is discussed.", "contents": "[Vitiligo in an pair of enzygotic twins]. Investigations of twins can contribute in the investigation of hereditary factors participating in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo. A 28-year-old pair of male twins are presented, whose monovularity was conclusively proved by a comparison of morphological and serological features. Vitiligo developed as a concordant feature at the age of 13 and 22 years respectively. It is noticeable that there was a good concordance of the localisation of the vitiligo in both brothers. This concordance is most probably explained by genetic fixation of the disease, leading to the manifestation of vitiligo. Multifactoral heredity with threshold is discussed.", "PMID": 993022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4902", "title": "[Influence of Palomo's varicocele operation on the spermiogram].", "content": "The anatomical condition and the pathomechanism of varicoceles are outlined. The results of the controls of 100 patients being operated by the technique according to Palomo are evaluated. A definite improvement is pointed out in the different parameters of the spermiogram. The differences are significant in follow-up periods up to two years. In the age group between 30-34 years the results are more satisfactory than at the age group 25-29 years and 35-39 years. Half a year after the operation the spermatozoal number generally resembles the norm (40 mill/ml). Catamnestic inquiries among ninetyfive cases showed that there were twentynine graviditis (= 30.5%), which led to a delivery at term in twentyfive cases (= 25.2%).", "contents": "[Influence of Palomo's varicocele operation on the spermiogram]. The anatomical condition and the pathomechanism of varicoceles are outlined. The results of the controls of 100 patients being operated by the technique according to Palomo are evaluated. A definite improvement is pointed out in the different parameters of the spermiogram. The differences are significant in follow-up periods up to two years. In the age group between 30-34 years the results are more satisfactory than at the age group 25-29 years and 35-39 years. Half a year after the operation the spermatozoal number generally resembles the norm (40 mill/ml). Catamnestic inquiries among ninetyfive cases showed that there were twentynine graviditis (= 30.5%), which led to a delivery at term in twentyfive cases (= 25.2%).", "PMID": 993023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4903", "title": "[Exogeneous hair damage caused by bleaching and cold waving. A case report with scanning electron microscope studies].", "content": "A case of exogeneous hair damage caused by bleaching and cold waving is reported. The clinical picture showed brittle, lustreless, fallow hair. The light microscope showed irregular spreading of the cuticular cells. The scanning electron microscope revealed loss of the regular cuticular pattern, breakage of the edges of the cuticular cells, and wave-like separations of the cuticular cells from the cortex. The hair shafts showed multiple longitudinal indentations like seen on a tree trunk.", "contents": "[Exogeneous hair damage caused by bleaching and cold waving. A case report with scanning electron microscope studies]. A case of exogeneous hair damage caused by bleaching and cold waving is reported. The clinical picture showed brittle, lustreless, fallow hair. The light microscope showed irregular spreading of the cuticular cells. The scanning electron microscope revealed loss of the regular cuticular pattern, breakage of the edges of the cuticular cells, and wave-like separations of the cuticular cells from the cortex. The hair shafts showed multiple longitudinal indentations like seen on a tree trunk.", "PMID": 993024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4904", "title": "Comparison of hospitals with regard to outcomes of surgery.", "content": "Two overlapping studies of variation in postsurgical death and morbidity among short-term hospitals are reported. In one study, Professional Activity Study data were used to compute indirectly standardized mortality ratios for 314,000 patients in 14 surgical categories from 1,224 hospitals; in the second study, patient mix data were collected and ratios computed for 8,593 patients in 15 surgical categories from 17 hospitals. Comparison of results from the two methods in the 17 hospitals increases confidence in the methods and results. The results indicate that, for at least some types of surgery, substantial variation in outcome among hospitals does exist, independently of differences in patient mix. It is suggested that moderate expansion of routinely collected abstract data could provide a basis for continuing assessment of outcome to supplement local quality assurance programs.", "contents": "Comparison of hospitals with regard to outcomes of surgery. Two overlapping studies of variation in postsurgical death and morbidity among short-term hospitals are reported. In one study, Professional Activity Study data were used to compute indirectly standardized mortality ratios for 314,000 patients in 14 surgical categories from 1,224 hospitals; in the second study, patient mix data were collected and ratios computed for 8,593 patients in 15 surgical categories from 17 hospitals. Comparison of results from the two methods in the 17 hospitals increases confidence in the methods and results. The results indicate that, for at least some types of surgery, substantial variation in outcome among hospitals does exist, independently of differences in patient mix. It is suggested that moderate expansion of routinely collected abstract data could provide a basis for continuing assessment of outcome to supplement local quality assurance programs.", "PMID": 993046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4905", "title": "Service unit management and nurses' satisfaction.", "content": "Nurses' satisfaction was compared in 55 patient units, 32 with service unit management (SUM) and 23 without. Satisfaction of licensed practical nurses was unrelated to SUM, but intrinsic task satisfaction of registered nurses (and of head nurses, who were considered separately) was positively related to the presence of SUM. Transfer of nonprofessional tasks out of nursing and reduction of tension arising from reduced responsibility of nurses for coordinating activities with ancillary departments are possible explanations for the positive relation between the presence of SUM and professional nurses' satisfaction.", "contents": "Service unit management and nurses' satisfaction. Nurses' satisfaction was compared in 55 patient units, 32 with service unit management (SUM) and 23 without. Satisfaction of licensed practical nurses was unrelated to SUM, but intrinsic task satisfaction of registered nurses (and of head nurses, who were considered separately) was positively related to the presence of SUM. Transfer of nonprofessional tasks out of nursing and reduction of tension arising from reduced responsibility of nurses for coordinating activities with ancillary departments are possible explanations for the positive relation between the presence of SUM and professional nurses' satisfaction.", "PMID": 993047} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4906", "title": "Indexes of severity: underlying concepts.", "content": "Six severity indexes proposed in the health services research literature are shown to be special cases of a class of ordinal ranking functions called additive value functions. Deficiencies manifest in each of the severity indexes are discussed in relation to the properties that additive value functions must satisfy. In that severity indexes are a subset of health status indexes, the properties that imply and are implied by additive value formulations are relevant to the larger class of indexes as well.", "contents": "Indexes of severity: underlying concepts. Six severity indexes proposed in the health services research literature are shown to be special cases of a class of ordinal ranking functions called additive value functions. Deficiencies manifest in each of the severity indexes are discussed in relation to the properties that additive value functions must satisfy. In that severity indexes are a subset of health status indexes, the properties that imply and are implied by additive value formulations are relevant to the larger class of indexes as well.", "PMID": 993048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4907", "title": "Forecasting patient census: commonalities in time series models.", "content": "Highly accurate patient census forecasting models are specified for five hospitals by use of a general equation for integrated autoregressive moving average (IARMA) forecasts. A general census forecasting model, based on features common to all five institution-specific models, is described and its forecasts are compared to those from the specific models.", "contents": "Forecasting patient census: commonalities in time series models. Highly accurate patient census forecasting models are specified for five hospitals by use of a general equation for integrated autoregressive moving average (IARMA) forecasts. A general census forecasting model, based on features common to all five institution-specific models, is described and its forecasts are compared to those from the specific models.", "PMID": 993049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4908", "title": "Steroid dehydrogenases in the adrenal gland of four species of birds: a histochemical study.", "content": "The presence of 5-3deltabeta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, IIbeta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase has been demonstrated histochemically in the adrenal gland of the rain quail Coturnix coromendalica, barn owl Tyto alba, brown crake Amaurornis akool and painted partidge Francholinus pictus. All these enzymes occurred in the inter-renal cells. No activity was observed in the chromaffin cells. It is suggested that the inter-renal cells of these four species of birds are capable of synthesizing both corticosteroids and sex steroids.", "contents": "Steroid dehydrogenases in the adrenal gland of four species of birds: a histochemical study. The presence of 5-3deltabeta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, IIbeta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase has been demonstrated histochemically in the adrenal gland of the rain quail Coturnix coromendalica, barn owl Tyto alba, brown crake Amaurornis akool and painted partidge Francholinus pictus. All these enzymes occurred in the inter-renal cells. No activity was observed in the chromaffin cells. It is suggested that the inter-renal cells of these four species of birds are capable of synthesizing both corticosteroids and sex steroids.", "PMID": 993051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4909", "title": "Studies on the testis of the camel (Camelus dromedarius). III. Histochemical observations.", "content": "The histochemical localization of carbohydrates and lipids and some oxidative, hydrolytic and steroid-linked enzymes has been studied in the testis of the camel with particular reference to the effect of the season on the distribution of these substances. PAS-positive, but diastase-resistant, material was seen mainly in the wall of blood vessels and in the boundary tissues of the seminiferous tubules, tubuli recti and rete testis. Clear cyclical changes were seen for glycogen in the lining epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. Glycogen was most abundant in early stages and very scanty or absent in the late stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Numerous small lipid droplets were seen in the interstitial cells and towards the lumen of the seminiferous tubules that contain elongate spermatids or spermatozoa. Large lipid droplets were also demonstrable in the basal layer of the seminiferous epithelium and in the cytoplasmic debri. Alkaline phosphatase was demonstrated in the boundary tissues of the seminiferous tubules, tubuli recti and reti testis and in the cells bordering the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. Succinate and lactic dehydrogenases showed similar patterns of distribution in the interstitial elements and intratubularly. delta5-3beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was exclusively demonstrated in the interstitial cells. 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase could not be demonstrated. The season seems to have no effect on the distribution of all these substances. The possible significance of all these findings is discussed.", "contents": "Studies on the testis of the camel (Camelus dromedarius). III. Histochemical observations. The histochemical localization of carbohydrates and lipids and some oxidative, hydrolytic and steroid-linked enzymes has been studied in the testis of the camel with particular reference to the effect of the season on the distribution of these substances. PAS-positive, but diastase-resistant, material was seen mainly in the wall of blood vessels and in the boundary tissues of the seminiferous tubules, tubuli recti and rete testis. Clear cyclical changes were seen for glycogen in the lining epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. Glycogen was most abundant in early stages and very scanty or absent in the late stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Numerous small lipid droplets were seen in the interstitial cells and towards the lumen of the seminiferous tubules that contain elongate spermatids or spermatozoa. Large lipid droplets were also demonstrable in the basal layer of the seminiferous epithelium and in the cytoplasmic debri. Alkaline phosphatase was demonstrated in the boundary tissues of the seminiferous tubules, tubuli recti and reti testis and in the cells bordering the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. Succinate and lactic dehydrogenases showed similar patterns of distribution in the interstitial elements and intratubularly. delta5-3beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was exclusively demonstrated in the interstitial cells. 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase could not be demonstrated. The season seems to have no effect on the distribution of all these substances. The possible significance of all these findings is discussed.", "PMID": 993050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4910", "title": "Identification of glycoproteins in goblet cells of epidermis and gill of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.), flounder (Platichthys flesus (L.)) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson).", "content": "A quantitative analysis has been made of the glycoproteins present in the goblet cells of the epidermis, gill filaments and gill lamellae of three species of teleost fish. The glycoproteins have been identified by a combination of techniques, including the use of the enzyme sialidase followed by Alcian Blue staining, at PH 2.6 or 1.0, in combination with periodic acid-Schiff. The selected fish were representative of species living in marine, freshwater and estuarine environments. The range of glycoproteins identified in these fish was similar to that found in mammalian tissue in that both neutral and acid glycoproteins were present, the latter included both sialomucins sensitive and resistant to sialidase, and sulphomucin. A single goblet cell contained either neutral or acid glycoproteins alone or in combination. Only the epidermis of the plaice and rainbow trout contained uniform cell populations producing acid glycoproteins, the former sulphomucin and the latter mainly sialomucin. At each site in the flounder and in the gill epithelia of the plaice and rainbow trout, the goblet cell population was mixed, with cells producing each type of glycoprotein. The number of goblet cells producing each type of glycoprotein varied at each tissue site.", "contents": "Identification of glycoproteins in goblet cells of epidermis and gill of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.), flounder (Platichthys flesus (L.)) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson). A quantitative analysis has been made of the glycoproteins present in the goblet cells of the epidermis, gill filaments and gill lamellae of three species of teleost fish. The glycoproteins have been identified by a combination of techniques, including the use of the enzyme sialidase followed by Alcian Blue staining, at PH 2.6 or 1.0, in combination with periodic acid-Schiff. The selected fish were representative of species living in marine, freshwater and estuarine environments. The range of glycoproteins identified in these fish was similar to that found in mammalian tissue in that both neutral and acid glycoproteins were present, the latter included both sialomucins sensitive and resistant to sialidase, and sulphomucin. A single goblet cell contained either neutral or acid glycoproteins alone or in combination. Only the epidermis of the plaice and rainbow trout contained uniform cell populations producing acid glycoproteins, the former sulphomucin and the latter mainly sialomucin. At each site in the flounder and in the gill epithelia of the plaice and rainbow trout, the goblet cell population was mixed, with cells producing each type of glycoprotein. The number of goblet cells producing each type of glycoprotein varied at each tissue site.", "PMID": 993052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4911", "title": "Ultramicrochemical determination of nucleic acids in individual cells using the Zeiss UMSP-I microspectrophotometer. Application to isolated rat hepatocytes of different ploidy classes.", "content": "Edstr\u00f6m's method for the ultramicrochemical determination of RNA and DNA in individual cells was modified for the measurement of extinction in u.v. light with the aid of the Zeiss scanning microspectrophotometer UMSP-I. With this new procedure, nucleic acids down to about 3 pg RNA or about 4 pg DNA can be measured with a very high accuracy. The method was applied to enzymatically isolated rat liver parenchymal cells. A mean DNA content of 6.52 pg was found for diploid cells. The DNA content of mononuclear cells of different ploidy levels and of binuclear cells showed a close proportionality with the nuclear ploidy and the number of nuclei per cell. The RNA content of mononuclear diploid cells amounted to 33.4 pg, yielding an RNA/DNA ratio of 5.12. The RNA/DNA ratio was similar for binuclear and mononuclear cells of the same ploidy level but decreased considerable with increasing nuclear ploidy.", "contents": "Ultramicrochemical determination of nucleic acids in individual cells using the Zeiss UMSP-I microspectrophotometer. Application to isolated rat hepatocytes of different ploidy classes. Edstr\u00f6m's method for the ultramicrochemical determination of RNA and DNA in individual cells was modified for the measurement of extinction in u.v. light with the aid of the Zeiss scanning microspectrophotometer UMSP-I. With this new procedure, nucleic acids down to about 3 pg RNA or about 4 pg DNA can be measured with a very high accuracy. The method was applied to enzymatically isolated rat liver parenchymal cells. A mean DNA content of 6.52 pg was found for diploid cells. The DNA content of mononuclear cells of different ploidy levels and of binuclear cells showed a close proportionality with the nuclear ploidy and the number of nuclei per cell. The RNA content of mononuclear diploid cells amounted to 33.4 pg, yielding an RNA/DNA ratio of 5.12. The RNA/DNA ratio was similar for binuclear and mononuclear cells of the same ploidy level but decreased considerable with increasing nuclear ploidy.", "PMID": 993053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4912", "title": "Hydrolytic enzymes in the sebaceous glands of the domestic cat.", "content": "The distribution and activities of some hydrolytic enzymes in various portions of the sebaceous glands of the domestic cat have been studeid. The results point to the outstanding importance of none-specific esterases and lipases for sebum production, which generally appears to be abundant in thickly-haired mammals. The activities of the lysosomal enzymes demonstrated were connected with autolytic processes during sebaceous gland cell differentiation. There was a strong aryl-sulphatase reaction in the sebum of the sebaceous gland excretory ducts.", "contents": "Hydrolytic enzymes in the sebaceous glands of the domestic cat. The distribution and activities of some hydrolytic enzymes in various portions of the sebaceous glands of the domestic cat have been studeid. The results point to the outstanding importance of none-specific esterases and lipases for sebum production, which generally appears to be abundant in thickly-haired mammals. The activities of the lysosomal enzymes demonstrated were connected with autolytic processes during sebaceous gland cell differentiation. There was a strong aryl-sulphatase reaction in the sebum of the sebaceous gland excretory ducts.", "PMID": 993054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4913", "title": "Analytical ultrastructural studies on implanted dental amalgam in guinea-pigs.", "content": "Implantation of amalgam induced a cellular reaction, and a rapid loss of copper and zinc and a more gradual loss of tin and mercury occurred. The silver remaining was generally associated with sulphur and was present either as a diffuse fuzz around remaining masses or in a finely particulate form.", "contents": "Analytical ultrastructural studies on implanted dental amalgam in guinea-pigs. Implantation of amalgam induced a cellular reaction, and a rapid loss of copper and zinc and a more gradual loss of tin and mercury occurred. The silver remaining was generally associated with sulphur and was present either as a diffuse fuzz around remaining masses or in a finely particulate form.", "PMID": 993055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4914", "title": "Histochemical localization of adenylate cyclase in cultured sympathetic neurons.", "content": "The catecholamine-stimulated adenylated cyclase activity was histochemically demonstrated at ultrastructural level in the cultured neurons of the sympathetic ganglia of the chick embryo. Adenylate cyclase activity was demonstrated in the axolemma of the axons and axon terminals, however not inside the axons. Heavy precipitates of the enzymatic reaction product was observed intracellularly in some cell processes identified as dendrites of the sympathetic neurons. In contrast to the extensive reaction in the neuropil, the reaction for the catecholamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase was scarse in the perikarya of the neurons. Only occasional spots of adenylate cyclase activity could be demonstrated in the plasmalemma of some neurons, and no reaction product was observed in the cytoplasm. No difference in the localization of the adenylate cyclase activity was observed when either dopamine or noradrenaline were used for stimulation. The possible roles of the catecholamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase in the function of the interneuronal connections between the aminergic neurons of the sympathetic ganglion are discussed.", "contents": "Histochemical localization of adenylate cyclase in cultured sympathetic neurons. The catecholamine-stimulated adenylated cyclase activity was histochemically demonstrated at ultrastructural level in the cultured neurons of the sympathetic ganglia of the chick embryo. Adenylate cyclase activity was demonstrated in the axolemma of the axons and axon terminals, however not inside the axons. Heavy precipitates of the enzymatic reaction product was observed intracellularly in some cell processes identified as dendrites of the sympathetic neurons. In contrast to the extensive reaction in the neuropil, the reaction for the catecholamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase was scarse in the perikarya of the neurons. Only occasional spots of adenylate cyclase activity could be demonstrated in the plasmalemma of some neurons, and no reaction product was observed in the cytoplasm. No difference in the localization of the adenylate cyclase activity was observed when either dopamine or noradrenaline were used for stimulation. The possible roles of the catecholamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase in the function of the interneuronal connections between the aminergic neurons of the sympathetic ganglion are discussed.", "PMID": 993057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4915", "title": "The activity of non-specific esterase in the thyroid epithelial cells of the guinea pig as influenced by various inhibitors and activators. A histochemical study.", "content": "The action of various inhibitors and activators upon esterase activity in the thyroid epithelial cells is demonstrated. The agents used were triorthocresylphosphate (TOCP), parachloromercuribenzoate (PCMB), Arsanillic acid, p-nitrophenyl dimethyl carbamate and bis p-nitrophenyl phosphate. TOCP was found to inhibit selectively the activity in the follicle cells proper when alpha naphthyl acetate was used as a substrate. Arsanillic acid (0,001 M) activated the follicle cells proper selectively, but if the concentration was raised to 0,01 M the effect was that of inhibition while the activity in the para-, inter- and intrafollicular cells was unchanged. The results obtained are related to previous biochemical and histochemical observations and the nature of esterases in the thyroid is discussed.", "contents": "The activity of non-specific esterase in the thyroid epithelial cells of the guinea pig as influenced by various inhibitors and activators. A histochemical study. The action of various inhibitors and activators upon esterase activity in the thyroid epithelial cells is demonstrated. The agents used were triorthocresylphosphate (TOCP), parachloromercuribenzoate (PCMB), Arsanillic acid, p-nitrophenyl dimethyl carbamate and bis p-nitrophenyl phosphate. TOCP was found to inhibit selectively the activity in the follicle cells proper when alpha naphthyl acetate was used as a substrate. Arsanillic acid (0,001 M) activated the follicle cells proper selectively, but if the concentration was raised to 0,01 M the effect was that of inhibition while the activity in the para-, inter- and intrafollicular cells was unchanged. The results obtained are related to previous biochemical and histochemical observations and the nature of esterases in the thyroid is discussed.", "PMID": 993058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4916", "title": "Alkaline Phosphatase distribution in the inferior vagal ganglion of the cat following vagotomy: a chronological study.", "content": "The object of this study was to demonstrate sites of alkaline phosphatase activity within the cellular elements of the inferior vagal (nodosal) ganglion of the cat and chronologically observe and describe alterations in enzyme activity following vagotomy. In control tissues alkaline phosphatase activity was localized to the wall of perineuronal blood vessels and the satellite cell cytoplasm which envelops the neuronal perikarya. In the experimental tissues alkaline phosphatase activity was increased in the above locations during the first 20 days following vagotomy then gradually declined to approximate control levels by 60 days post-operatively. The functional significance of changes in alkaline phosphatase activity occurring within an altered metabolic environment induced by vagotomy is discussed.", "contents": "Alkaline Phosphatase distribution in the inferior vagal ganglion of the cat following vagotomy: a chronological study. The object of this study was to demonstrate sites of alkaline phosphatase activity within the cellular elements of the inferior vagal (nodosal) ganglion of the cat and chronologically observe and describe alterations in enzyme activity following vagotomy. In control tissues alkaline phosphatase activity was localized to the wall of perineuronal blood vessels and the satellite cell cytoplasm which envelops the neuronal perikarya. In the experimental tissues alkaline phosphatase activity was increased in the above locations during the first 20 days following vagotomy then gradually declined to approximate control levels by 60 days post-operatively. The functional significance of changes in alkaline phosphatase activity occurring within an altered metabolic environment induced by vagotomy is discussed.", "PMID": 993059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4917", "title": "Acid esterase in human arteries.", "content": "150 human arterial segments of high or low susceptibility to develop atheromas were studied for differences in the amount of histochemically demonstrable acid esterase in them. An inverse relationship was found between intimal or medial enzyme content and susceptibility to atheroma formation.", "contents": "Acid esterase in human arteries. 150 human arterial segments of high or low susceptibility to develop atheromas were studied for differences in the amount of histochemically demonstrable acid esterase in them. An inverse relationship was found between intimal or medial enzyme content and susceptibility to atheroma formation.", "PMID": 993060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4918", "title": "An X-ray microanalytical azo dye technique for the localization of acid phosphatase activity.", "content": "A new method is described for the histochemical localization of acid phosphatase. Naphthol AS BI, enzymatically released from naphthyl AS BI phosphoric acid, is coupled with diazotized 2,5-dibromoaniline to produce a fine insoluble red azo dye. The histochemical and cytochemical localization of this final reaction product in rat liver is described. In the electron microscope, sites of the azo dye can be detected by X-ray microanalysis of ultrathin cryosections of reactive tissue.", "contents": "An X-ray microanalytical azo dye technique for the localization of acid phosphatase activity. A new method is described for the histochemical localization of acid phosphatase. Naphthol AS BI, enzymatically released from naphthyl AS BI phosphoric acid, is coupled with diazotized 2,5-dibromoaniline to produce a fine insoluble red azo dye. The histochemical and cytochemical localization of this final reaction product in rat liver is described. In the electron microscope, sites of the azo dye can be detected by X-ray microanalysis of ultrathin cryosections of reactive tissue.", "PMID": 993061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4919", "title": "Electron cytochemical localization of gamma-aminobutyric acid catabolism in rat cerebellar cortex.", "content": "An electron cytochemical technique is described for the localization of GABA-T, the enzyme which degrades the neurotransmitter GABA, in rat cerebellar cortex. The technique allows ultrastructural demonstration of GABA-T activity by the final deposition of an electron dense formazan precipitate at reaction sites, whilst maintaining adequate ultrastructural preservation for recognition of cellular and subcellular structures. Numerous electron dense precipitates are evident as discrete punctate deposits situated mainly in mitochondria of stellate cells, basket cells and astrocytic glial cells; they are also seen in axonal or dendritic profiles at some synaptic junctions. The technique enables the first cytochemical demonstration of the mitochondrial localization of GABA-T activity in nervous tissue to be presented. It establishes that GABA-T is present in supposed GABA neurones, in pre- or post-synaptic endings, or both, of presumed inhibitory synapses and in glial cells which may be associated with these synapses. From this seemingly ubiquitous distribution, functional aspects of GABA-T in these cells is considered.", "contents": "Electron cytochemical localization of gamma-aminobutyric acid catabolism in rat cerebellar cortex. An electron cytochemical technique is described for the localization of GABA-T, the enzyme which degrades the neurotransmitter GABA, in rat cerebellar cortex. The technique allows ultrastructural demonstration of GABA-T activity by the final deposition of an electron dense formazan precipitate at reaction sites, whilst maintaining adequate ultrastructural preservation for recognition of cellular and subcellular structures. Numerous electron dense precipitates are evident as discrete punctate deposits situated mainly in mitochondria of stellate cells, basket cells and astrocytic glial cells; they are also seen in axonal or dendritic profiles at some synaptic junctions. The technique enables the first cytochemical demonstration of the mitochondrial localization of GABA-T activity in nervous tissue to be presented. It establishes that GABA-T is present in supposed GABA neurones, in pre- or post-synaptic endings, or both, of presumed inhibitory synapses and in glial cells which may be associated with these synapses. From this seemingly ubiquitous distribution, functional aspects of GABA-T in these cells is considered.", "PMID": 993062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4920", "title": "The acridine dyes: their purification, physicochemical, and cytochemical properties. I. A purity test of some commercial acriflavine samples and the identification of their components.", "content": "The present investigation was designed to allow a critical comparison of the dye purity of six commercial acriflavine samples. Thin layer chromatography, absorption-, IR- and NMR-spectroscopy were applied for the identification of dye components and impurities. Ambiguities regarding the purity of the acriflavine samples have been resolved, showing that: (a) The finding permits the conclusion, that all analyzed samples of the fluorochrome \"acriflavine\" are characterized by a two-component dye pattern (acriflavine II and proflavine III), and contain fluorescent impurities. (b) The dye component III was the main component of only one dye sample. The effectiveness of these experiments is concerned with making automated microfluorometric measurement of cells stained with pure dye fractions more quantitative and reproduceable.", "contents": "The acridine dyes: their purification, physicochemical, and cytochemical properties. I. A purity test of some commercial acriflavine samples and the identification of their components. The present investigation was designed to allow a critical comparison of the dye purity of six commercial acriflavine samples. Thin layer chromatography, absorption-, IR- and NMR-spectroscopy were applied for the identification of dye components and impurities. Ambiguities regarding the purity of the acriflavine samples have been resolved, showing that: (a) The finding permits the conclusion, that all analyzed samples of the fluorochrome \"acriflavine\" are characterized by a two-component dye pattern (acriflavine II and proflavine III), and contain fluorescent impurities. (b) The dye component III was the main component of only one dye sample. The effectiveness of these experiments is concerned with making automated microfluorometric measurement of cells stained with pure dye fractions more quantitative and reproduceable.", "PMID": 993063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4921", "title": "[Comparison of different morphometric methods to estimate the surface of the rat intestinal mucosa. Their relationship to intestinal function (author's transl)].", "content": "In contrast to the human small intestine with predominantly fingerlike villi, trapezoid forms are encountered in the small bowel of the rat. For this reason, it is doubtful whether it is sufficient to measure the villus height alone as a representative parameter for the assessment of the villus surface. In this study, the method developed by Clarke is employed to calculate the villus surface per unit area of intestine. The data obtained by this method are compared with those estimated planimetrically. Correlations were then established between the absorptive capacity and enzymatic activity of the intestinal mucosa on the one hand, and the villus height or the villus area obtained by each method on the other hand. Under our experimental conditions--a hyperregenerative transformation of the intestinal mucosa caused by chronic exposure to glucagon--the results indicate that the calculated villus surface per unit area of small intestine correlates better than the villus height with the functional parameters of the intestinal mucosa.", "contents": "[Comparison of different morphometric methods to estimate the surface of the rat intestinal mucosa. Their relationship to intestinal function (author's transl)]. In contrast to the human small intestine with predominantly fingerlike villi, trapezoid forms are encountered in the small bowel of the rat. For this reason, it is doubtful whether it is sufficient to measure the villus height alone as a representative parameter for the assessment of the villus surface. In this study, the method developed by Clarke is employed to calculate the villus surface per unit area of intestine. The data obtained by this method are compared with those estimated planimetrically. Correlations were then established between the absorptive capacity and enzymatic activity of the intestinal mucosa on the one hand, and the villus height or the villus area obtained by each method on the other hand. Under our experimental conditions--a hyperregenerative transformation of the intestinal mucosa caused by chronic exposure to glucagon--the results indicate that the calculated villus surface per unit area of small intestine correlates better than the villus height with the functional parameters of the intestinal mucosa.", "PMID": 993064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4922", "title": "SH groups in the alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase in the thyroid of the guinea-pig. A histochemical study.", "content": "The alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase in both group I and group II thyroid cells is shown to contain SH groups since there is a decline in activity in both cell groups when certain sulfhydryl reagents [DTNB; 5,5'-Dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)-AgNO3-Mersalyl-PCMB (parachloro mercuribenzoate) + urea] are added to the incubation media. Thus the inhibition is by far the greatest in group I cells, which also show the greatest activity after incubation in conventional media, when long fixation and storage times are used. In all cases the inhibiting effect was complete or almost completely reversed if cysteine was added to the incubation media in equivalent concentrations to the SH blocker. There were great differences among the sulfhydryl reagents used in their ability to bring about enzyme inhibition. The alkylating agents NEM (N-ethylmaleimide) and iodoacetamide had no or little effect while PCMB could only inhibit the activity of the alpha-naphthylacetate esterase if the enzyme was denaturated with 5 M urea. The maximal inhibitory effect of PCMB was only obtained when NaCl was added to the incubation media. The most effective inhibitor was AgNO3.", "contents": "SH groups in the alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase in the thyroid of the guinea-pig. A histochemical study. The alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase in both group I and group II thyroid cells is shown to contain SH groups since there is a decline in activity in both cell groups when certain sulfhydryl reagents [DTNB; 5,5'-Dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)-AgNO3-Mersalyl-PCMB (parachloro mercuribenzoate) + urea] are added to the incubation media. Thus the inhibition is by far the greatest in group I cells, which also show the greatest activity after incubation in conventional media, when long fixation and storage times are used. In all cases the inhibiting effect was complete or almost completely reversed if cysteine was added to the incubation media in equivalent concentrations to the SH blocker. There were great differences among the sulfhydryl reagents used in their ability to bring about enzyme inhibition. The alkylating agents NEM (N-ethylmaleimide) and iodoacetamide had no or little effect while PCMB could only inhibit the activity of the alpha-naphthylacetate esterase if the enzyme was denaturated with 5 M urea. The maximal inhibitory effect of PCMB was only obtained when NaCl was added to the incubation media. The most effective inhibitor was AgNO3.", "PMID": 993065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4923", "title": "Autoradiographic and ultrastructural study of Cucurbita pepo root cells during their growth and differentiation.", "content": "Cortex cells of the root meristem of Cucurbita pepo (0.0-0.5 mm from the cap junction), in the 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8 mm segments above the root tip, and the cells of the first three layers of lateral part of root cap were the object of the present study. The volume of cortex cells increases more than 20 times in the 7-8 mm segment as compared with meristematic cells, and the volume of cytoplasm about sevenfold. The largest increment of the cytoplasmic volume occurs between 0.5-6.0 mm. In consecutive root segments the sustained increase of the volume of nuclei takes place. By applying autoradiography the following processess have been investigated: DNA synthesis (3H thymidine uptake), template activity of DNA (3H actinomycin D(3H AMD)-binding), RNA synthesis (3H uridine incorporation), and protein synthesis (3H leucine). In the root cap cells and in segments where meristematic activity is over, DNA is replicated by endomitosis. On the basis of nuclear labelling it appears that nuclei in the 3-4 mm segment reach 4C ploidy state, but in the 7-8 mm segment half of the nuclei reach the 8C ploidy state. Most of the root cap cells are 4C, the remaining cells are 8C. Considering the uptake of 3H thymidine into nucleoli one may suppose that in the root cap cells nucleolar DNA is underreplicated, and to a lesser degree in 5-6 and 7-8 mm segments, while in 3-4 mm segment DNA is overreplicated as compared to meristem cells. Measurements of nucleolar volume, 3H uridine uptake, 3H AMD binding and quantity of granular component, indicate that the most noticeable nucleolar activity takes place in meristematic zone and in root parts showing the highest increase of cytoplasmic volume (3-4 and 5-6 mm segments). 3H leucine is still incorporated intensely into 7-8 mm segment, in which the concentration of ribosomes is low, however they are present in the form of polysomes. Comparison of 3H thymidine uptake into nuclear DNA with 3H AMD binding and 3H uridine incorporation into nuclei indicates that endomitotic DNA replication results in an increase of DNA template activity in root cap cells as well as in 3-4 and 5-6 mm segments; in the 7-8 mm segment binding of 3H AMD slightly decreases, while 3H uridine incorporation is considerably reduced. Divergence between the ploidy state, 3H AMD binding and 3H uridine incorporation can be due to the increment of the condensed chromatin area in differentiated cells. Plastids and mitochondria reach full maturity in 3-4 mm segment. The increasing volume density of ER and diminishing volume density of Golgi structures is accompanied by differentiation of cortex cells.", "contents": "Autoradiographic and ultrastructural study of Cucurbita pepo root cells during their growth and differentiation. Cortex cells of the root meristem of Cucurbita pepo (0.0-0.5 mm from the cap junction), in the 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8 mm segments above the root tip, and the cells of the first three layers of lateral part of root cap were the object of the present study. The volume of cortex cells increases more than 20 times in the 7-8 mm segment as compared with meristematic cells, and the volume of cytoplasm about sevenfold. The largest increment of the cytoplasmic volume occurs between 0.5-6.0 mm. In consecutive root segments the sustained increase of the volume of nuclei takes place. By applying autoradiography the following processess have been investigated: DNA synthesis (3H thymidine uptake), template activity of DNA (3H actinomycin D(3H AMD)-binding), RNA synthesis (3H uridine incorporation), and protein synthesis (3H leucine). In the root cap cells and in segments where meristematic activity is over, DNA is replicated by endomitosis. On the basis of nuclear labelling it appears that nuclei in the 3-4 mm segment reach 4C ploidy state, but in the 7-8 mm segment half of the nuclei reach the 8C ploidy state. Most of the root cap cells are 4C, the remaining cells are 8C. Considering the uptake of 3H thymidine into nucleoli one may suppose that in the root cap cells nucleolar DNA is underreplicated, and to a lesser degree in 5-6 and 7-8 mm segments, while in 3-4 mm segment DNA is overreplicated as compared to meristem cells. Measurements of nucleolar volume, 3H uridine uptake, 3H AMD binding and quantity of granular component, indicate that the most noticeable nucleolar activity takes place in meristematic zone and in root parts showing the highest increase of cytoplasmic volume (3-4 and 5-6 mm segments). 3H leucine is still incorporated intensely into 7-8 mm segment, in which the concentration of ribosomes is low, however they are present in the form of polysomes. Comparison of 3H thymidine uptake into nuclear DNA with 3H AMD binding and 3H uridine incorporation into nuclei indicates that endomitotic DNA replication results in an increase of DNA template activity in root cap cells as well as in 3-4 and 5-6 mm segments; in the 7-8 mm segment binding of 3H AMD slightly decreases, while 3H uridine incorporation is considerably reduced. Divergence between the ploidy state, 3H AMD binding and 3H uridine incorporation can be due to the increment of the condensed chromatin area in differentiated cells. Plastids and mitochondria reach full maturity in 3-4 mm segment. The increasing volume density of ER and diminishing volume density of Golgi structures is accompanied by differentiation of cortex cells.", "PMID": 993066} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4924", "title": "A method for studying glyoxylic acid induced fluorescence and ultrastructure of monoamine neurons.", "content": "Inasmuch as precise correlations of light- and electronmicroscopy are crucial for understanding biostructure, it seemed necessary to bring together the advantages of the glyoxylic acid (GA) method (for inducing monoamine fluorescence) and electron microscopy. A combined fluorescence and electron microscope method using GA is introduced. The brain is perfused by 2% GA in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.0) and this solution is followed by 4% paraformaldehyde containing 0.5% glutaraldehyde in Sorensen's phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Sections are cut by cryostat or by vitratome and incubated in 2% GA in phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). Using fluorescence microscopy, features of interest are sketched and/or photographed. Afterwards, the same or subsequent section is processed for electron microscopy. Since axons of catecholamine-containing neurons (as well as their perikarya and terminals) are visualized by GA, the recommended procedure expands the range of studies concerning monoamine neurons that can now be carried out effectively.", "contents": "A method for studying glyoxylic acid induced fluorescence and ultrastructure of monoamine neurons. Inasmuch as precise correlations of light- and electronmicroscopy are crucial for understanding biostructure, it seemed necessary to bring together the advantages of the glyoxylic acid (GA) method (for inducing monoamine fluorescence) and electron microscopy. A combined fluorescence and electron microscope method using GA is introduced. The brain is perfused by 2% GA in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.0) and this solution is followed by 4% paraformaldehyde containing 0.5% glutaraldehyde in Sorensen's phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Sections are cut by cryostat or by vitratome and incubated in 2% GA in phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). Using fluorescence microscopy, features of interest are sketched and/or photographed. Afterwards, the same or subsequent section is processed for electron microscopy. Since axons of catecholamine-containing neurons (as well as their perikarya and terminals) are visualized by GA, the recommended procedure expands the range of studies concerning monoamine neurons that can now be carried out effectively.", "PMID": 993067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4925", "title": "Changes of acid phosphatase activity of fast and slow rat muscles during ontogenetic development.", "content": "1. The activity of acid phosphatase (AP) were studied both bio- and histochemically in fast and slow muscles of the rat during postnatal development. 2. Both biochemical and histochemical methods show at birth a similar, high AP activity in both, fast and slow muscles. From 20 days onward AP activity is higher in the slow soleus than in the fast extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle. 3. Fibres with high AP activity have also higher activities of oxidative enzymes and of non-specific esterase (NSE). This property is not coupled to degree of ATP-ase activity; fibres with high or low ATP-ase activity reveal similar activities with respect to AP. 4. There is a \"two-phase\" developmental change in the degree of enzyme activity in both the fast EDL and slow soleus muscles. AP activity is high at birth, decreases during later postnatal development and increases again in senescent muscles.", "contents": "Changes of acid phosphatase activity of fast and slow rat muscles during ontogenetic development. 1. The activity of acid phosphatase (AP) were studied both bio- and histochemically in fast and slow muscles of the rat during postnatal development. 2. Both biochemical and histochemical methods show at birth a similar, high AP activity in both, fast and slow muscles. From 20 days onward AP activity is higher in the slow soleus than in the fast extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle. 3. Fibres with high AP activity have also higher activities of oxidative enzymes and of non-specific esterase (NSE). This property is not coupled to degree of ATP-ase activity; fibres with high or low ATP-ase activity reveal similar activities with respect to AP. 4. There is a \"two-phase\" developmental change in the degree of enzyme activity in both the fast EDL and slow soleus muscles. AP activity is high at birth, decreases during later postnatal development and increases again in senescent muscles.", "PMID": 993069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4926", "title": "[Histochemical and biochemical investigation of alpha-glucosidases by means of 2-naphthyl-alpha-D-glucoside (author's transl)].", "content": "Histochemical and biochemical studies yield the following method of choice for the in situ detection of neutral (microvillous) and acid (lysosomal) alpha-glucosidases: 12 mg 2-naphthyl-alpha-D-glucoside (dissolved in 0.5 ml N,N-dimethylformamide) and 0.6--0.8 ml hexazonium-p-rosaniline in 10 ml 0.1 M citric acid phosphate buffer for aqueous or 5 ml buffer mixed with equal parts of 2% agar for incubation with semipermeable membranes, pH 5 or 6.5. With this method neutral alpha-glucosidases can be exactly demonstrated in the brush border of the small intestine (glycoamylase, sucrase-isomaltase) and kidney of mammals, birds,fishes, amphibia and reptiles; localization of acid alpha-glucosidases is achieved at the cellular level in many organs and tissues. Fluorometric and photometric measurements prove that 2-naphthyl-alpha-D-glucoside is superior to 6-brom-2-naphthyl-alpha-D-glucoside for the demonstration of alpha-glucosidases in situ due to the lower Michaelis constant and higher maximal reaction velocity of the naphthol derivative.--Among the coupling reagents tested neutral alpha-glucosidases can be localized correctly with hexazotized p-rosaniline (with and without semipermeable membranes) for simultaneous coupling. Fast Blue B delivers false positive results in the suczedaneous and simultaneous coupling procedure using aqueous incubation media; in combination with the membrane technique azo dye can not be observed in the sections. Hexazonium-p-rosaniline inhibits neutral and acid alpha-glucosidases to nearly the same extent as Fast Blue B. Fixation of blocks of tissue in formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde suppresses alpha-glucosidases in the intestine and epididymis. The inhibition rates amount to 50 and 70% respectively. Washing in sugar solution rises enzyme activity to 65 and 50%. Species and organ dependent activity differences of neutral and acid alpha-glucosidases and changes of enzyme activity in the intestine and kidney after castration as well as in the course of pregnancy can be detected by means of biochemistry but not with the histochemical assay including minimal incubation. In comparison with p-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-glucoside the 2-naphthyl derivative is also the substrate of choice for the biochemical determination of alpha-glucosidases.--Agar gel electrophoresis reveals one band in the neutral and acid pH range.", "contents": "[Histochemical and biochemical investigation of alpha-glucosidases by means of 2-naphthyl-alpha-D-glucoside (author's transl)]. Histochemical and biochemical studies yield the following method of choice for the in situ detection of neutral (microvillous) and acid (lysosomal) alpha-glucosidases: 12 mg 2-naphthyl-alpha-D-glucoside (dissolved in 0.5 ml N,N-dimethylformamide) and 0.6--0.8 ml hexazonium-p-rosaniline in 10 ml 0.1 M citric acid phosphate buffer for aqueous or 5 ml buffer mixed with equal parts of 2% agar for incubation with semipermeable membranes, pH 5 or 6.5. With this method neutral alpha-glucosidases can be exactly demonstrated in the brush border of the small intestine (glycoamylase, sucrase-isomaltase) and kidney of mammals, birds,fishes, amphibia and reptiles; localization of acid alpha-glucosidases is achieved at the cellular level in many organs and tissues. Fluorometric and photometric measurements prove that 2-naphthyl-alpha-D-glucoside is superior to 6-brom-2-naphthyl-alpha-D-glucoside for the demonstration of alpha-glucosidases in situ due to the lower Michaelis constant and higher maximal reaction velocity of the naphthol derivative.--Among the coupling reagents tested neutral alpha-glucosidases can be localized correctly with hexazotized p-rosaniline (with and without semipermeable membranes) for simultaneous coupling. Fast Blue B delivers false positive results in the suczedaneous and simultaneous coupling procedure using aqueous incubation media; in combination with the membrane technique azo dye can not be observed in the sections. Hexazonium-p-rosaniline inhibits neutral and acid alpha-glucosidases to nearly the same extent as Fast Blue B. Fixation of blocks of tissue in formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde suppresses alpha-glucosidases in the intestine and epididymis. The inhibition rates amount to 50 and 70% respectively. Washing in sugar solution rises enzyme activity to 65 and 50%. Species and organ dependent activity differences of neutral and acid alpha-glucosidases and changes of enzyme activity in the intestine and kidney after castration as well as in the course of pregnancy can be detected by means of biochemistry but not with the histochemical assay including minimal incubation. In comparison with p-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-glucoside the 2-naphthyl derivative is also the substrate of choice for the biochemical determination of alpha-glucosidases.--Agar gel electrophoresis reveals one band in the neutral and acid pH range.", "PMID": 993068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4927", "title": "The histochemical demonstration of choline acetyltransferase by semipermeable membrane technique.", "content": "The application of the semipermeable membrane technique in light microscopical demonstration of choline acetyltransferase is described. The method founds upon earlier developed lead salt techniques. Use of semipermeable membranes fully prevents any loss of enzyme by dissolvement or inactivation during fixation. Addition of NaCl to the incubation medium markedly increases the activity of choline acetyltransferase.", "contents": "The histochemical demonstration of choline acetyltransferase by semipermeable membrane technique. The application of the semipermeable membrane technique in light microscopical demonstration of choline acetyltransferase is described. The method founds upon earlier developed lead salt techniques. Use of semipermeable membranes fully prevents any loss of enzyme by dissolvement or inactivation during fixation. Addition of NaCl to the incubation medium markedly increases the activity of choline acetyltransferase.", "PMID": 993070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4928", "title": "Remarkable electron-microscopic localization of thiamine diphosphate phosphohydrolase (TDPase) in the tanycytes of the rat.", "content": "The electron-microscopic localization of TDPase in the tanycytes of rat brain was studied. The reaction product was demonstrated in the membranes, but not in the Golgi apparatus of this cell type. Possible functional aspects of these findings were discussed.", "contents": "Remarkable electron-microscopic localization of thiamine diphosphate phosphohydrolase (TDPase) in the tanycytes of the rat. The electron-microscopic localization of TDPase in the tanycytes of rat brain was studied. The reaction product was demonstrated in the membranes, but not in the Golgi apparatus of this cell type. Possible functional aspects of these findings were discussed.", "PMID": 993071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4929", "title": "Influence of fasting and stimulation on the rat gastric endocrine cells. Histochemical and ultrastructural study.", "content": "The ultrastructure and certain cytochemical parameters of endocrine cells of the rat gastric mucosa during 168 h of fasting were investigated. To some of the fasting animals peroral food or alcohol was administered before decapitation. The EC (enterochromaffin cells) the ECL (enterochromaffin-like cells), D1 cells, AL (A-like cells) and G cells were identified by means of electron microscopy. Only the EC, ECL, and G cells could be identified by means of light microscopy by an adequate histochemical technique. The ultrastructural picture of the ECL and of the EC cells did not change markedly during the fasting. In the D1 cells there occurred an agglomeration of secretory granules. Some of them disintegrated and disappeared. In the AL cells an agglomeration of granules during the fasting was also observed. Granules engulfed in lysosomes were often found. The participation of lysosomes in the degradation of granules during the fasting was more marked in the AL cells than in the G cells. The participation of lysosomes was questionable in the EC and D1 cells, and in the ECL cells no lysosomes were observed. In contradistinction to the G cells of the non-fasting animals, where more than one half of the gastrin granules were \"empty\", the G cells during the fasting were filled with agglomerated dense granules and contained lysosomes with fragments of engulfed secretory granules. Following the administration of food (Larsen's diet) 3 h before sacrificing the dissolution of the content of granules with well preserved membranes was observed (emiocytosis did not take place). The administration of food did not lead to changes in the ultrastructural appearance of the EC cells. The peroral administration of alcohol did not lead to any changes in the ultrastructural appearance of the AL and G cells.", "contents": "Influence of fasting and stimulation on the rat gastric endocrine cells. Histochemical and ultrastructural study. The ultrastructure and certain cytochemical parameters of endocrine cells of the rat gastric mucosa during 168 h of fasting were investigated. To some of the fasting animals peroral food or alcohol was administered before decapitation. The EC (enterochromaffin cells) the ECL (enterochromaffin-like cells), D1 cells, AL (A-like cells) and G cells were identified by means of electron microscopy. Only the EC, ECL, and G cells could be identified by means of light microscopy by an adequate histochemical technique. The ultrastructural picture of the ECL and of the EC cells did not change markedly during the fasting. In the D1 cells there occurred an agglomeration of secretory granules. Some of them disintegrated and disappeared. In the AL cells an agglomeration of granules during the fasting was also observed. Granules engulfed in lysosomes were often found. The participation of lysosomes in the degradation of granules during the fasting was more marked in the AL cells than in the G cells. The participation of lysosomes was questionable in the EC and D1 cells, and in the ECL cells no lysosomes were observed. In contradistinction to the G cells of the non-fasting animals, where more than one half of the gastrin granules were \"empty\", the G cells during the fasting were filled with agglomerated dense granules and contained lysosomes with fragments of engulfed secretory granules. Following the administration of food (Larsen's diet) 3 h before sacrificing the dissolution of the content of granules with well preserved membranes was observed (emiocytosis did not take place). The administration of food did not lead to changes in the ultrastructural appearance of the EC cells. The peroral administration of alcohol did not lead to any changes in the ultrastructural appearance of the AL and G cells.", "PMID": 993072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4930", "title": "Histochemical findings in the rat gastric mucosa during starvation.", "content": "The influence of starving on the activity of enzymes of the rat gastric mucosa was investigated by selected histochemical methods. Beside the conventional methods of enzymatic histochemistry the technique of semipermeable membranes was used in the proof of lysosomal enzymes. Dehydrogenases were proved in aqueous and also in gel media with PMS. During the starvation in the parietal cells a marked increase took place in the activity of acid phosphatase, E-600 resistant esterase, less in beta-glucuronidase. High activity of the lysosomal enzymes in macrophages did not change during starvation. Nor did any changes took place in the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the endothelium of the capillaries. The chief cells in the control and starving animals, in contrast to the human gastric mucosa, did not contain any non-specific esterase. Concerning dehydrogenases, parietal cells with a different activity of these enzymes were observed both in starved and control animals. In the rat gastric mucosa starving induced changes in the activity of the enzymes which mark important organelles of the cells. Thus it is possible to consider the observed histochemical changes as a functional manifestation of morphological damage of cellular structures which are affected during starvation.", "contents": "Histochemical findings in the rat gastric mucosa during starvation. The influence of starving on the activity of enzymes of the rat gastric mucosa was investigated by selected histochemical methods. Beside the conventional methods of enzymatic histochemistry the technique of semipermeable membranes was used in the proof of lysosomal enzymes. Dehydrogenases were proved in aqueous and also in gel media with PMS. During the starvation in the parietal cells a marked increase took place in the activity of acid phosphatase, E-600 resistant esterase, less in beta-glucuronidase. High activity of the lysosomal enzymes in macrophages did not change during starvation. Nor did any changes took place in the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the endothelium of the capillaries. The chief cells in the control and starving animals, in contrast to the human gastric mucosa, did not contain any non-specific esterase. Concerning dehydrogenases, parietal cells with a different activity of these enzymes were observed both in starved and control animals. In the rat gastric mucosa starving induced changes in the activity of the enzymes which mark important organelles of the cells. Thus it is possible to consider the observed histochemical changes as a functional manifestation of morphological damage of cellular structures which are affected during starvation.", "PMID": 993073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4931", "title": "Histochemistry of some acid hydrolases in striated muscles of the rat.", "content": "The distribution of acid phosphatase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, beta-glucuronidase, and acid beta-galactosidase was studied in mm. extensor digitorum longus, soleus, and diaphragm of rats. Using the technic of semipermeable membranes activities of these enzymes were demonstrated beside cells of the interstitial tissue in muscle fibers themselves as well. Acid phosphatase displayed the highest activity which appeared in many small dots dispersed in the fiber. The activity of acid phosphatase was about 1.2 X higher in the m. soleus than in the m. extensor digitorum longus. In the latter muscle a somewhat higher activity was often found in muscle fibers displaying a higher staining for NADH tetrazolium reductase. The activity of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase was slightly lower, that of beta-glucuronidase very weak but still discernible. The activity of acid beta-galactosidase was not ascertained in the majority of fibers. The ratio of activities measured in an area of the same size in cells of the interstitial tissue and in muscle fibers amounted in average to 2.6:1 in the case of acid phosphatase, 2.5:1 in the case of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, 5.7:1 in the case of beta-glucuronidase, and 44.3:1 in the case of acid beta-galactosidase. The importance of the histochemical technic in studies concerned with acid hydrolases in striated muscle fibers in normal and pathological conditions is pointed out.", "contents": "Histochemistry of some acid hydrolases in striated muscles of the rat. The distribution of acid phosphatase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, beta-glucuronidase, and acid beta-galactosidase was studied in mm. extensor digitorum longus, soleus, and diaphragm of rats. Using the technic of semipermeable membranes activities of these enzymes were demonstrated beside cells of the interstitial tissue in muscle fibers themselves as well. Acid phosphatase displayed the highest activity which appeared in many small dots dispersed in the fiber. The activity of acid phosphatase was about 1.2 X higher in the m. soleus than in the m. extensor digitorum longus. In the latter muscle a somewhat higher activity was often found in muscle fibers displaying a higher staining for NADH tetrazolium reductase. The activity of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase was slightly lower, that of beta-glucuronidase very weak but still discernible. The activity of acid beta-galactosidase was not ascertained in the majority of fibers. The ratio of activities measured in an area of the same size in cells of the interstitial tissue and in muscle fibers amounted in average to 2.6:1 in the case of acid phosphatase, 2.5:1 in the case of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, 5.7:1 in the case of beta-glucuronidase, and 44.3:1 in the case of acid beta-galactosidase. The importance of the histochemical technic in studies concerned with acid hydrolases in striated muscle fibers in normal and pathological conditions is pointed out.", "PMID": 993074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4932", "title": "The fluorescent demonstration of tissue aldehydes with dansylhydrazine.", "content": "Dansylhydrazine, previously introduced in a selective fluorescent cytochemical method for the demonstration of sialic acid residues of cellular glycoconjungates, may be broadly applied as a specific, covalently bonded fluorochrome of aldehyde residues, both those naturally occurring as in elastin or those generated through PAS or Feulgen-type procedures.", "contents": "The fluorescent demonstration of tissue aldehydes with dansylhydrazine. Dansylhydrazine, previously introduced in a selective fluorescent cytochemical method for the demonstration of sialic acid residues of cellular glycoconjungates, may be broadly applied as a specific, covalently bonded fluorochrome of aldehyde residues, both those naturally occurring as in elastin or those generated through PAS or Feulgen-type procedures.", "PMID": 993075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4933", "title": "[Surgery of inner ear diseases (author's transl)].", "content": "In the treatment of Meni\u00e8re's disease, surgical procedures are available when conservative measures have failed. The most distressing symptom of vertigo can frequently be arrested, tinnitus reduced and hearing improved. Sudden deafness due to round window rupture is treatable. The most important disorder with labyrinthe symptoms is the acoustic neuroma, the smaller ones of which can be operated on by otologists in collaboration with neurosurgeons using the transtemporal or translabyrinthine approach with preservation of the facial nerve.", "contents": "[Surgery of inner ear diseases (author's transl)]. In the treatment of Meni\u00e8re's disease, surgical procedures are available when conservative measures have failed. The most distressing symptom of vertigo can frequently be arrested, tinnitus reduced and hearing improved. Sudden deafness due to round window rupture is treatable. The most important disorder with labyrinthe symptoms is the acoustic neuroma, the smaller ones of which can be operated on by otologists in collaboration with neurosurgeons using the transtemporal or translabyrinthine approach with preservation of the facial nerve.", "PMID": 993076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4934", "title": "[Tuberculosis of peripheral lymph nodes (author's transl)].", "content": "The diagnosis and therapy of tuberculosis involving peripheral lymph nodes is discussed in a series of thirthy patients. Diagnosis is best made by both bacteriological and histologic study. Therapy is best effected by combining medical tuberculostatics with operative intervention. Epithelioid cell or proliferative forms of lymph node tuberculosis best respond to medical management.", "contents": "[Tuberculosis of peripheral lymph nodes (author's transl)]. The diagnosis and therapy of tuberculosis involving peripheral lymph nodes is discussed in a series of thirthy patients. Diagnosis is best made by both bacteriological and histologic study. Therapy is best effected by combining medical tuberculostatics with operative intervention. Epithelioid cell or proliferative forms of lymph node tuberculosis best respond to medical management.", "PMID": 993077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4935", "title": "[The pathogenesis and management of cervical vertigo (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of labyrinthine failure due to trauma to the cervical vertebrae and its successful chiropractic management is reported. Various pathogenic theories are discussed, and the chiropractic theory explained.", "contents": "[The pathogenesis and management of cervical vertigo (author's transl)]. A case of labyrinthine failure due to trauma to the cervical vertebrae and its successful chiropractic management is reported. Various pathogenic theories are discussed, and the chiropractic theory explained.", "PMID": 993078} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4936", "title": "[The G\u00f6ttingen audiometric speech test for children. I. Speech audiometry of the young and retarded child by a picture-test (author's transl)].", "content": "The G\u00f6ttingen audiometric speech test was developed for testing 3 to 4-years-old and retarded children. The test presents the following advantages: 1. The child is tested by one-syllable nouns. Thus more information by speech-rhythm is prevented. 2. For each word there are given four different pictures, which present words containing the same vowel, therefore a) the possibility of choice remains constant, b) the child won't be overtaxed by too many pictures, c) the possibility of understanding the test-word by hearing the vowel alone is avoided. The test was applied to 122 3 to 6-years-old children in order to get normal values.", "contents": "[The G\u00f6ttingen audiometric speech test for children. I. Speech audiometry of the young and retarded child by a picture-test (author's transl)]. The G\u00f6ttingen audiometric speech test was developed for testing 3 to 4-years-old and retarded children. The test presents the following advantages: 1. The child is tested by one-syllable nouns. Thus more information by speech-rhythm is prevented. 2. For each word there are given four different pictures, which present words containing the same vowel, therefore a) the possibility of choice remains constant, b) the child won't be overtaxed by too many pictures, c) the possibility of understanding the test-word by hearing the vowel alone is avoided. The test was applied to 122 3 to 6-years-old children in order to get normal values.", "PMID": 993079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4937", "title": "[Aggravation of hearing loss (author's transl)].", "content": "Functional hearing loss is defined as a syndrome in which audiologic responses are found lacking. Such phenomena are related to capacities of the auditory system which are not fully understood (and include constant functional threshold levels as well as decreasing functional overlay with steeper discrimination scores). Examples are given for symptoms which characterize functional hearing losses, and variable timing for degrees of functional hearing loss described. In addition, etiologic factors are tabulated from a literature survey.", "contents": "[Aggravation of hearing loss (author's transl)]. Functional hearing loss is defined as a syndrome in which audiologic responses are found lacking. Such phenomena are related to capacities of the auditory system which are not fully understood (and include constant functional threshold levels as well as decreasing functional overlay with steeper discrimination scores). Examples are given for symptoms which characterize functional hearing losses, and variable timing for degrees of functional hearing loss described. In addition, etiologic factors are tabulated from a literature survey.", "PMID": 993080} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4938", "title": "[Metastatic melanoma of the parotid gland (author's transl)].", "content": "The finding of metastatic melanoma simulating a parotid gland tumour and following the unknown excision of a primary tumour in 7 patients prompted assessment of lymph drainage to the parotid region. It is possible to define 4 areas of the scalp. The more posterior the primary, the lower the cervical node involvement.", "contents": "[Metastatic melanoma of the parotid gland (author's transl)]. The finding of metastatic melanoma simulating a parotid gland tumour and following the unknown excision of a primary tumour in 7 patients prompted assessment of lymph drainage to the parotid region. It is possible to define 4 areas of the scalp. The more posterior the primary, the lower the cervical node involvement.", "PMID": 993081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4939", "title": "[Prematurity, incubator noise and hearing disturbances (author's transl)].", "content": "1. An audiologic follow-up study was done on 62 children, ages 10-11 years. All children had been pre-term infants, with a gestational age between 29 and 35 weeks. They had been maintained in an incubator for a period of 21-61 days. The children had frequently received ototoxic antibiotics in the newborn period, and had been subject to many perinatal risk factors with a high \"non-optimal score.\" 2. 44 children (71%) were found to be audiologically normal, whereas 8 (13%) had minor auditory defects and 10 (16%) had major hearing defects. 3. There was a significant correlation between hearing defects and the \"non-optimal score\": children with the most difficult perinatal course were more likely to develop hearing difficulties. 4. This study was unable to support the assumption that the hearing loss found was due to high incubator noise levels: (a) The incubator noise level was slightly below the probably dangerous limit for noise exposure. (b) There was no correlation between the hearing impairment and the length of incubator stay. (c) The type of hearing defect was not generally consistent with that associated with noise pollution.", "contents": "[Prematurity, incubator noise and hearing disturbances (author's transl)]. 1. An audiologic follow-up study was done on 62 children, ages 10-11 years. All children had been pre-term infants, with a gestational age between 29 and 35 weeks. They had been maintained in an incubator for a period of 21-61 days. The children had frequently received ototoxic antibiotics in the newborn period, and had been subject to many perinatal risk factors with a high \"non-optimal score.\" 2. 44 children (71%) were found to be audiologically normal, whereas 8 (13%) had minor auditory defects and 10 (16%) had major hearing defects. 3. There was a significant correlation between hearing defects and the \"non-optimal score\": children with the most difficult perinatal course were more likely to develop hearing difficulties. 4. This study was unable to support the assumption that the hearing loss found was due to high incubator noise levels: (a) The incubator noise level was slightly below the probably dangerous limit for noise exposure. (b) There was no correlation between the hearing impairment and the length of incubator stay. (c) The type of hearing defect was not generally consistent with that associated with noise pollution.", "PMID": 993082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4940", "title": "[Presentation and treatment of stapes dislocation and subluxation (author's transl)].", "content": "The symptomatology, especially vestibular, and the surgical findings in traumatic dislocation of the stapes into the oval window are described in 2 patients, one of whom seen 1 3/4 h after the accident and the other after 12 days. The main indication for exploratory tympanotomy was change of the spontaneous nystagmus from an irritative to a paretic type. Special attention should be given to positional nystagmus, which increases on turning onto the affected side, the mechanism for which is apparently similar to the positional vertigo of labyrinthine fistulae. Hearing was preserved in both patients. In one patient, vestibular function recovered considerably whilst in the other, there remained considerable impaired function.", "contents": "[Presentation and treatment of stapes dislocation and subluxation (author's transl)]. The symptomatology, especially vestibular, and the surgical findings in traumatic dislocation of the stapes into the oval window are described in 2 patients, one of whom seen 1 3/4 h after the accident and the other after 12 days. The main indication for exploratory tympanotomy was change of the spontaneous nystagmus from an irritative to a paretic type. Special attention should be given to positional nystagmus, which increases on turning onto the affected side, the mechanism for which is apparently similar to the positional vertigo of labyrinthine fistulae. Hearing was preserved in both patients. In one patient, vestibular function recovered considerably whilst in the other, there remained considerable impaired function.", "PMID": 993083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4941", "title": "[The G\u00f6ttingen audiometric speech test for children. II. Speech audiometry of the pre-school child with a monosyllabic picture-test (author's transl)].", "content": "The G\u00f6ttingen audiometric speech test was originally developed for testing three to four-year old children as well as retarded children. A refinement of this test supplements the original test in order to test five and six-year old children. This latter test follows the same advantages by using one-syllable nouns in combination with four different pictures. These pictures present words containing the same vowel but in contrast to the earlier test, the word list is expanded from twenty to 100 words. Standardization of the test was obtained by testing 62 five and six-year old normal children.", "contents": "[The G\u00f6ttingen audiometric speech test for children. II. Speech audiometry of the pre-school child with a monosyllabic picture-test (author's transl)]. The G\u00f6ttingen audiometric speech test was originally developed for testing three to four-year old children as well as retarded children. A refinement of this test supplements the original test in order to test five and six-year old children. This latter test follows the same advantages by using one-syllable nouns in combination with four different pictures. These pictures present words containing the same vowel but in contrast to the earlier test, the word list is expanded from twenty to 100 words. Standardization of the test was obtained by testing 62 five and six-year old normal children.", "PMID": 993084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4942", "title": "[Experiences with a new bone drill for surgery of the ear and nose (author's transl)].", "content": "Surgical drilling similar to that developed by Kaltenbach and Voigt for bone work on the ear, nose, maxilla, hand and vertebrae can be used at up to 80,000 rev/min without undesirable heat production. Drill-bits with the normal shaft length of 45 mm remain steady at 80,000 rev/min, but drill-bits of 70 mm length sometimes vibrate. The size of drill head and rate of revolution in this respect are related proportionately especially with cutting as opposed to diamond drill-heads. In ear surgery this method is only suitable on certain conditions. In nasal surgery it is useful for the transverse osteotomy with a 45 mm long circular saw.", "contents": "[Experiences with a new bone drill for surgery of the ear and nose (author's transl)]. Surgical drilling similar to that developed by Kaltenbach and Voigt for bone work on the ear, nose, maxilla, hand and vertebrae can be used at up to 80,000 rev/min without undesirable heat production. Drill-bits with the normal shaft length of 45 mm remain steady at 80,000 rev/min, but drill-bits of 70 mm length sometimes vibrate. The size of drill head and rate of revolution in this respect are related proportionately especially with cutting as opposed to diamond drill-heads. In ear surgery this method is only suitable on certain conditions. In nasal surgery it is useful for the transverse osteotomy with a 45 mm long circular saw.", "PMID": 993085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4943", "title": "[An emergency tracheal cannula and alarm for the laryngectomee (author's transl)].", "content": "An emergency tracheal cannula and a sound and light alarm for the laryngectomised patient are described. Both instruments, which are inexpensive and simple, were developed at patient request.", "contents": "[An emergency tracheal cannula and alarm for the laryngectomee (author's transl)]. An emergency tracheal cannula and a sound and light alarm for the laryngectomised patient are described. Both instruments, which are inexpensive and simple, were developed at patient request.", "PMID": 993086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4944", "title": "Sorbistin, a new aminoglycoside antibiotic complex of bacterial origin. I. Production, isolation and properties.", "content": "A strain of a new Pseudomonas species produced the aminoglycoside antibiotic complex, sorbistin, which was separated by ion-exchange chromatography into three bio-active components A1, A2 and B, and two bio-inactive components C and D. Sorbistins A1, A2 and B showed moderate intrinsic activity against a wide range of bacterial species and inhibited most of the aminoglycoside-resistant organisms. Sorbistin A1 exhibited the highest activity among the three bio-active components. Sorbistins showed low order of acute toxicity in mice.", "contents": "Sorbistin, a new aminoglycoside antibiotic complex of bacterial origin. I. Production, isolation and properties. A strain of a new Pseudomonas species produced the aminoglycoside antibiotic complex, sorbistin, which was separated by ion-exchange chromatography into three bio-active components A1, A2 and B, and two bio-inactive components C and D. Sorbistins A1, A2 and B showed moderate intrinsic activity against a wide range of bacterial species and inhibited most of the aminoglycoside-resistant organisms. Sorbistin A1 exhibited the highest activity among the three bio-active components. Sorbistins showed low order of acute toxicity in mice.", "PMID": 993100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4945", "title": "Sorbistin, a new aminoglycoside antibiotic complex of bacterial origin. II. Isolation and taxonomy of sorbistin-producing organism.", "content": "The sorbistin-producing organism Pseudomonas sorbicinii nov. sp. has been isolated from a soil sample by psychrophilic pre-incubation technique. The organism resembles P. fluorescens in many respects but differs in some of the important physiological characteristics such as oxidase production, media specificity for the production of fluorescent pigment, and carbohydrate utilization pattern. The type strain No. D946-B83, has been deposited under the numbers ATCC 31086 and FERM-P 3328.", "contents": "Sorbistin, a new aminoglycoside antibiotic complex of bacterial origin. II. Isolation and taxonomy of sorbistin-producing organism. The sorbistin-producing organism Pseudomonas sorbicinii nov. sp. has been isolated from a soil sample by psychrophilic pre-incubation technique. The organism resembles P. fluorescens in many respects but differs in some of the important physiological characteristics such as oxidase production, media specificity for the production of fluorescent pigment, and carbohydrate utilization pattern. The type strain No. D946-B83, has been deposited under the numbers ATCC 31086 and FERM-P 3328.", "PMID": 993101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4946", "title": "Sorbistin, a new aminoglycoside antibiotic complex of bacterial origin. III. Structure determination.", "content": "The structures of sorbistins A1, A2, B, C and D have been determined including stereo-chemistry. Sorbistins A1, A2 and B are composed of a 4-acyl-amino-4-deoxy-D-glucose and 1,4-diamino-1,4-dideoxy-D-sorbitol, the latter compound being hitherto undescribed in literature. Sorbistins C and D have the same aglycone of 1,4-diamino-1,4-dideoxy-D-sorbitol, which is linked with D-glucose and 4-amino-4-deoxy-D-glucose, respectively, through a glycosidic bond.", "contents": "Sorbistin, a new aminoglycoside antibiotic complex of bacterial origin. III. Structure determination. The structures of sorbistins A1, A2, B, C and D have been determined including stereo-chemistry. Sorbistins A1, A2 and B are composed of a 4-acyl-amino-4-deoxy-D-glucose and 1,4-diamino-1,4-dideoxy-D-sorbitol, the latter compound being hitherto undescribed in literature. Sorbistins C and D have the same aglycone of 1,4-diamino-1,4-dideoxy-D-sorbitol, which is linked with D-glucose and 4-amino-4-deoxy-D-glucose, respectively, through a glycosidic bond.", "PMID": 993102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4947", "title": "Studies on juvenimicin, a new antibiotic. I. Taxonomy, fermentation and antimicrobial properties.", "content": "An actinomycete, strain No. T-1124, was found to produce new macrolide antibiotics, juvenimicins. Based on the results of taxonomic studies, the strain was considered to be a new variety of micromonospora chalcea and the name Micromonospora chalcea var. izumensis is proposed. This strain also produced everninomicin. The production of juvenimicins was stimulated by addition of ferrous sulfate and magnesium sulfate in the fermentation medium. Among juvenimicins, juvenimicin A3 exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activities against gram-positive bacteria and furthermore was active against gram-negative bacteria.", "contents": "Studies on juvenimicin, a new antibiotic. I. Taxonomy, fermentation and antimicrobial properties. An actinomycete, strain No. T-1124, was found to produce new macrolide antibiotics, juvenimicins. Based on the results of taxonomic studies, the strain was considered to be a new variety of micromonospora chalcea and the name Micromonospora chalcea var. izumensis is proposed. This strain also produced everninomicin. The production of juvenimicins was stimulated by addition of ferrous sulfate and magnesium sulfate in the fermentation medium. Among juvenimicins, juvenimicin A3 exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activities against gram-positive bacteria and furthermore was active against gram-negative bacteria.", "PMID": 993103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4948", "title": "Studies on juvenimicin, a new antibiotic. II. Isolation, chemical characterization and structures.", "content": "A series of new macrolide antibiotics was isolated from the culture filtrate of Micromonospora chalcea var, izumensis. The fat-soluble basic complex consisted of eight components which were named juvenimicin A1 approximately A4 and B1 approximately B4. Juvenimicin A3 was found to be identical with rosamicin and the structures of four of the other components (JVM A2, A4, B1 and B3) have been elucidated. Juvenimicin A2 has a methyl group at position 6 instead of the formylmethyl group of juvenimicin A3. Juvenimicin A4, B1 and B3 possess a hydroxyethyl group at position 6. Juvenimicin A4 and B1 differ from each other in the nature of the chromophore. Juvenimicin B3 differs from juvenimicin B1 in that a hydroxymethyl group is present at position 14 in the former.", "contents": "Studies on juvenimicin, a new antibiotic. II. Isolation, chemical characterization and structures. A series of new macrolide antibiotics was isolated from the culture filtrate of Micromonospora chalcea var, izumensis. The fat-soluble basic complex consisted of eight components which were named juvenimicin A1 approximately A4 and B1 approximately B4. Juvenimicin A3 was found to be identical with rosamicin and the structures of four of the other components (JVM A2, A4, B1 and B3) have been elucidated. Juvenimicin A2 has a methyl group at position 6 instead of the formylmethyl group of juvenimicin A3. Juvenimicin A4, B1 and B3 possess a hydroxyethyl group at position 6. Juvenimicin A4 and B1 differ from each other in the nature of the chromophore. Juvenimicin B3 differs from juvenimicin B1 in that a hydroxymethyl group is present at position 14 in the former.", "PMID": 993104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4949", "title": "The description and antibiotic production of Streptomyces hygroscopicus var. Geldanus.", "content": "A new variety of Streptomyces hygroscopicus was isolated from a Kalamazoo soil. This isolate is described and identified as var. geldanus. When fermented in preferential media it produces geldanamycin, nigericin, nocardamine, and a libanamycin-like activity. Fermentation conditions, chromatographic separation, and antimicrobial spectra of the antibiotics are given.", "contents": "The description and antibiotic production of Streptomyces hygroscopicus var. Geldanus. A new variety of Streptomyces hygroscopicus was isolated from a Kalamazoo soil. This isolate is described and identified as var. geldanus. When fermented in preferential media it produces geldanamycin, nigericin, nocardamine, and a libanamycin-like activity. Fermentation conditions, chromatographic separation, and antimicrobial spectra of the antibiotics are given.", "PMID": 993105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4950", "title": "Biological glycosidation of macrolide aglycones. I. Isolation and characterization of 5-O-mycaminosyl narbonolide and 9-dihydro-5-O-mycaminosyl narbonolide.", "content": "Glycosidation of narbonolide with mycaminose was attempted by feeding narbonolide during the fermentation of a parent or a mutant strain of Streptomyces platensis, a producer of 16-membered macrolide antibiotics, platenomycins. As a result, two new compounds I and II were isolated from the fermentation broth and identified as 5-O-mycaminosyl narbonolide (I) and 9-dihydro-5-O-mycaminosyl narbonolide (II), respectively. Physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of I and II are also referred to.", "contents": "Biological glycosidation of macrolide aglycones. I. Isolation and characterization of 5-O-mycaminosyl narbonolide and 9-dihydro-5-O-mycaminosyl narbonolide. Glycosidation of narbonolide with mycaminose was attempted by feeding narbonolide during the fermentation of a parent or a mutant strain of Streptomyces platensis, a producer of 16-membered macrolide antibiotics, platenomycins. As a result, two new compounds I and II were isolated from the fermentation broth and identified as 5-O-mycaminosyl narbonolide (I) and 9-dihydro-5-O-mycaminosyl narbonolide (II), respectively. Physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of I and II are also referred to.", "PMID": 993106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4951", "title": "Mass spectrometry of platenolides and their derivatives in connection with structure elucidation.", "content": "Mass spectra of platenolides--biosynthetic precursors of the 16-membered macrolide antibiotics, platenomycins--and their derivatives are discussed in detail especially in connection with structure elucidation. Mass spectrometry was of great use in establishing the structures for platenolides I (1) and II (2).", "contents": "Mass spectrometry of platenolides and their derivatives in connection with structure elucidation. Mass spectra of platenolides--biosynthetic precursors of the 16-membered macrolide antibiotics, platenomycins--and their derivatives are discussed in detail especially in connection with structure elucidation. Mass spectrometry was of great use in establishing the structures for platenolides I (1) and II (2).", "PMID": 993107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4952", "title": "7-(2-aminomethylphenylacetamido)-3-(1-carboxymethyltetrazol-5-ylthiomethyl)-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid.", "content": "The synthesis of 7-(2-aminomethylphenylacetamido)-(1-carboxymethyltetrazol-5-ylthiomethyl)-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid (BL-S786) is described and the antimicrobial activities are compared with cefazolin and cefamandole. The compound exhibits broad antimicrobial spectrum, produces high intramuscular blood levels in mice and demonstrates a high degree of therapeutic efficacy in experimental bacterial infections in rodents.", "contents": "7-(2-aminomethylphenylacetamido)-3-(1-carboxymethyltetrazol-5-ylthiomethyl)-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid. The synthesis of 7-(2-aminomethylphenylacetamido)-(1-carboxymethyltetrazol-5-ylthiomethyl)-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid (BL-S786) is described and the antimicrobial activities are compared with cefazolin and cefamandole. The compound exhibits broad antimicrobial spectrum, produces high intramuscular blood levels in mice and demonstrates a high degree of therapeutic efficacy in experimental bacterial infections in rodents.", "PMID": 993108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4953", "title": "Studies on bactericidal activities of beta-lactam antibiotics on agar plates: the correlation with the antibacterial activities determined by the conventional methods.", "content": "A simplified method to determine minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of beta-lactam antibiotics on agar plates is described. MIC values were determined on agar plates for benzylpenicillin, methicillin and cephalothin using Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. A beta-lactamase solution was then sprayed onto the plates to inactivate the drug(s). After further incubation at 37 degrees C overnight, the minimal concentration at which no test bacteria were visible on the plates was defined as MBC. Both MIC and MBC values decreased with decreased inoculum size. The two values were almost coincidental when high dilutions were used as the inocula. These values were compared with those obtained by the conventional broth dilution method. In this study, MIC as well as MBC values determined by the simplified method were generally smaller than the values determined by the broth dilution technique.", "contents": "Studies on bactericidal activities of beta-lactam antibiotics on agar plates: the correlation with the antibacterial activities determined by the conventional methods. A simplified method to determine minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of beta-lactam antibiotics on agar plates is described. MIC values were determined on agar plates for benzylpenicillin, methicillin and cephalothin using Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. A beta-lactamase solution was then sprayed onto the plates to inactivate the drug(s). After further incubation at 37 degrees C overnight, the minimal concentration at which no test bacteria were visible on the plates was defined as MBC. Both MIC and MBC values decreased with decreased inoculum size. The two values were almost coincidental when high dilutions were used as the inocula. These values were compared with those obtained by the conventional broth dilution method. In this study, MIC as well as MBC values determined by the simplified method were generally smaller than the values determined by the broth dilution technique.", "PMID": 993109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4954", "title": "Rancinamycins, metabolites produced by Streptomyces lincolnensis in sulfur-depleted media.", "content": "Rancinamycins I, II, III, and IV are secondary metabolites produced by Streptomyces lincolnensis in a sulfur-depleted culture medium. Rancinamycins I, and II, the main components of the mixture, show broad spectrum antibiotic activity in vitro. Subcutaneously injected or orally administered antibiotic afforded no protection for experimentally infected mice against lethal challenges of Staphylococcus aureus. Radioactive tracer studies failed to demonstrate that the rancinamycin were precursors in the biosynthesis of lincomycin.", "contents": "Rancinamycins, metabolites produced by Streptomyces lincolnensis in sulfur-depleted media. Rancinamycins I, II, III, and IV are secondary metabolites produced by Streptomyces lincolnensis in a sulfur-depleted culture medium. Rancinamycins I, and II, the main components of the mixture, show broad spectrum antibiotic activity in vitro. Subcutaneously injected or orally administered antibiotic afforded no protection for experimentally infected mice against lethal challenges of Staphylococcus aureus. Radioactive tracer studies failed to demonstrate that the rancinamycin were precursors in the biosynthesis of lincomycin.", "PMID": 993114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4955", "title": "Rancinamycins I, II, III and IV structural studies.", "content": "Rancinamycins are secondary metabolites produced by Streptomyces lincolnensis in a sulfur-depleted culture medium. The structures (except stereochemistry) of the main components of the rancinamycin-complex were determined by the use of IR, UV, PMR, and CMR spectra.", "contents": "Rancinamycins I, II, III and IV structural studies. Rancinamycins are secondary metabolites produced by Streptomyces lincolnensis in a sulfur-depleted culture medium. The structures (except stereochemistry) of the main components of the rancinamycin-complex were determined by the use of IR, UV, PMR, and CMR spectra.", "PMID": 993115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4956", "title": "Production of quinoline-2-methanol and quinoline-2-methanol acetate by a new species of Kitasatoa Kitasato griseophaeus.", "content": "Two metabolites have been isolated from the fermentation broth of a new species of Kitasatoa, Kitasatoa griseophaeus. These alkaloids have been identified as quinoline-2-methanol and quinoline-2-methanol acetate. The former exhibits hypoglycemic activity in the rat.", "contents": "Production of quinoline-2-methanol and quinoline-2-methanol acetate by a new species of Kitasatoa Kitasato griseophaeus. Two metabolites have been isolated from the fermentation broth of a new species of Kitasatoa, Kitasatoa griseophaeus. These alkaloids have been identified as quinoline-2-methanol and quinoline-2-methanol acetate. The former exhibits hypoglycemic activity in the rat.", "PMID": 993116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4957", "title": "Deisovalerylblastmycin produced by Streptomyces SP.", "content": "A new antifungal antibiotic was isolated from the fermentation broth of Streptomyces sp. 5140-A1. Degradation studies of the crystalline antibiotic, m.p. 186 approximately 188 degrees C, C21H28O8N2, suggested Piricularia oryzae and less toxicity against killfish than antimycin A--blastmycin antibiotics.", "contents": "Deisovalerylblastmycin produced by Streptomyces SP. A new antifungal antibiotic was isolated from the fermentation broth of Streptomyces sp. 5140-A1. Degradation studies of the crystalline antibiotic, m.p. 186 approximately 188 degrees C, C21H28O8N2, suggested Piricularia oryzae and less toxicity against killfish than antimycin A--blastmycin antibiotics.", "PMID": 993117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4958", "title": "Isolation of a new peptide antibiotic, 339-29 (studies on antibiotics from the genus Bacillus. XIV).", "content": "A new antibiotic named 339-29, active against Gram-positive bacteria was isolated from a strain of Bacillys pumilus. The hydrochloride is soluble in water and aqueous alcohols. The antibiotic is a basic peptide containing valine (3), isoleucine (1), Leucine (2), tyrosine (1), lysine (3) and a fatty acid.", "contents": "Isolation of a new peptide antibiotic, 339-29 (studies on antibiotics from the genus Bacillus. XIV). A new antibiotic named 339-29, active against Gram-positive bacteria was isolated from a strain of Bacillys pumilus. The hydrochloride is soluble in water and aqueous alcohols. The antibiotic is a basic peptide containing valine (3), isoleucine (1), Leucine (2), tyrosine (1), lysine (3) and a fatty acid.", "PMID": 993118} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4959", "title": "Isolation of a new peptide antibiotic complex, B-43 (studies on antibiotics from the genus Bacillus. XV).", "content": "A new peptide antibiotic complex B-43, active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, was isolated from a strain of Bacillus circulans. This antibiotic contains aspartic acid, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid. It seems to be related to polypeptin and antibiotic complex 4205, but differs in that it contains aspartic acid residue.", "contents": "Isolation of a new peptide antibiotic complex, B-43 (studies on antibiotics from the genus Bacillus. XV). A new peptide antibiotic complex B-43, active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, was isolated from a strain of Bacillus circulans. This antibiotic contains aspartic acid, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid. It seems to be related to polypeptin and antibiotic complex 4205, but differs in that it contains aspartic acid residue.", "PMID": 993119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4960", "title": "1-methylpseudouridine, a metabolite of Streptomyces platensis.", "content": "1-Methylpseudouridine is a new metabolite isolated from culture filtrates of Streptomyces platensis. The structure of this compound was determined from its physical and spectral properties.", "contents": "1-methylpseudouridine, a metabolite of Streptomyces platensis. 1-Methylpseudouridine is a new metabolite isolated from culture filtrates of Streptomyces platensis. The structure of this compound was determined from its physical and spectral properties.", "PMID": 993120} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4961", "title": "Microbial transformation of antibiotics II. Additional transformation products of maridomycin III.", "content": "Streptomyces sp. strain No. K-245 was found to transform maridomycin III into four derivatives (A1, A2, A3 and A4) in addition to the transformation products reported previously. Isolation of the main product A1 was carried out by column chromatography on silica gel developed with CHCl3-MeOH (19:1). From the partial investigation of the structure of A1, it proved to have a C-18-aldehyde group and C 4''-propionyl group but no antimicrobial activity. The relationships between A group's derivatives and known derivatives of maridomycin III are also discussed.", "contents": "Microbial transformation of antibiotics II. Additional transformation products of maridomycin III. Streptomyces sp. strain No. K-245 was found to transform maridomycin III into four derivatives (A1, A2, A3 and A4) in addition to the transformation products reported previously. Isolation of the main product A1 was carried out by column chromatography on silica gel developed with CHCl3-MeOH (19:1). From the partial investigation of the structure of A1, it proved to have a C-18-aldehyde group and C 4''-propionyl group but no antimicrobial activity. The relationships between A group's derivatives and known derivatives of maridomycin III are also discussed.", "PMID": 993121} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4962", "title": "Protective effect of D-glucaro-delta-lactam against amino-glycoside-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.", "content": "The nephrotoxicity of rats caused by dibekacin (3',4'-dideoxykanamycin B) or kanamycin with or without dextran was effectively reduced by D-glucaro-delta-lactam potassium salt, as evidenced by lower levels of blood urea nitrogen and kidney edema rate, better excretion of antibiotics,and less morphological damage. Protection was dosage related, and potentiated with increasing doses, but only when the two drugs were given simultaneously. Among three alkali-metal salts examined, the potassium salt was almost equal to the lithium salt, but surpassed the sodium salt in effectiveness. Inorganic salts, in particular potassium chloride were found to be effective for the protection of normal rats, but their effect decreased for the dehydrated rats, especially in the presence of dextran.", "contents": "Protective effect of D-glucaro-delta-lactam against amino-glycoside-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The nephrotoxicity of rats caused by dibekacin (3',4'-dideoxykanamycin B) or kanamycin with or without dextran was effectively reduced by D-glucaro-delta-lactam potassium salt, as evidenced by lower levels of blood urea nitrogen and kidney edema rate, better excretion of antibiotics,and less morphological damage. Protection was dosage related, and potentiated with increasing doses, but only when the two drugs were given simultaneously. Among three alkali-metal salts examined, the potassium salt was almost equal to the lithium salt, but surpassed the sodium salt in effectiveness. Inorganic salts, in particular potassium chloride were found to be effective for the protection of normal rats, but their effect decreased for the dehydrated rats, especially in the presence of dextran.", "PMID": 993122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4963", "title": "Herbicidins A and B, two new antibiotics with herbicidal activity. I. Producing organism and biological activities.", "content": "Herbicidins A and B, two new antibiotics with selective and contact herbicidal activity, were produced by a new species of Streptomyces designated as S. sagononensis. Among tested microorganisms, herbicidins indicated some activity against fungi in vitro and Xanthomonas oryzae in vivo. Their characteristic features were brought into relief by their selective and contact killing effect on many dicotyledonous plant as well as their inhibition of germination of the plant seeds, such as Chinese cabbage.", "contents": "Herbicidins A and B, two new antibiotics with herbicidal activity. I. Producing organism and biological activities. Herbicidins A and B, two new antibiotics with selective and contact herbicidal activity, were produced by a new species of Streptomyces designated as S. sagononensis. Among tested microorganisms, herbicidins indicated some activity against fungi in vitro and Xanthomonas oryzae in vivo. Their characteristic features were brought into relief by their selective and contact killing effect on many dicotyledonous plant as well as their inhibition of germination of the plant seeds, such as Chinese cabbage.", "PMID": 993127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4964", "title": "Herbicidins A and B, two new antibiotics with herbicidal activity II. Fermentation, isolation and physico-chemical characterization.", "content": "Herbicidins were produced in submerged fermentation by Streptomyces sagonomensis. Isolation of the antibiotics from the culture broth was performed by adsorption on resinous adsorbent followed by elution with aqueous acetone. Herbicidins A and B were separated from each other by counter-current distribution on a Ronor column or by silica gel chromatography. Physico-chemical characterization revealed that herbicidins are new antibiotics having an adenine nucleoside moiety in their structures.", "contents": "Herbicidins A and B, two new antibiotics with herbicidal activity II. Fermentation, isolation and physico-chemical characterization. Herbicidins were produced in submerged fermentation by Streptomyces sagonomensis. Isolation of the antibiotics from the culture broth was performed by adsorption on resinous adsorbent followed by elution with aqueous acetone. Herbicidins A and B were separated from each other by counter-current distribution on a Ronor column or by silica gel chromatography. Physico-chemical characterization revealed that herbicidins are new antibiotics having an adenine nucleoside moiety in their structures.", "PMID": 993128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4965", "title": "A new antibiotic,, asukamycin, produced by Streptomyces.", "content": "Asukamycin, a new antibiotic, has been isolated from the culture broth of a streptomycete designated as Streptomyces nodosus subsp. asukaensis. The antibiotic inhibits the growth of Gram-positive bacteria including Nocardia asteroides. The empirical formula of antibiotic asukamycin has been proposed as C29H22N2O9 (M.W. 542). An acute toxicity of the antibiotic in mice is LD50 48.5 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection and it has no effect on mice when it was administered by 450 mg/kg per os.", "contents": "A new antibiotic,, asukamycin, produced by Streptomyces. Asukamycin, a new antibiotic, has been isolated from the culture broth of a streptomycete designated as Streptomyces nodosus subsp. asukaensis. The antibiotic inhibits the growth of Gram-positive bacteria including Nocardia asteroides. The empirical formula of antibiotic asukamycin has been proposed as C29H22N2O9 (M.W. 542). An acute toxicity of the antibiotic in mice is LD50 48.5 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection and it has no effect on mice when it was administered by 450 mg/kg per os.", "PMID": 993129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4966", "title": "Nocardicin A, a new monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotic II. Structure determination of nocardicins A and B.", "content": "The structures of nocardicins A and B, novel monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotics produced by a strain of Nocardia, have been established as 1 and 2, respectively, on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence. They are the first examples of monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotics possessing relatively high antimicrobial activity, and are stereochemically and biologically related to penicillins and cephalosporins.", "contents": "Nocardicin A, a new monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotic II. Structure determination of nocardicins A and B. The structures of nocardicins A and B, novel monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotics produced by a strain of Nocardia, have been established as 1 and 2, respectively, on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence. They are the first examples of monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotics possessing relatively high antimicrobial activity, and are stereochemically and biologically related to penicillins and cephalosporins.", "PMID": 993130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4967", "title": "New pleuromutilin derivatives with enhanced antimicrobial activity. I. Synthesis.", "content": "A series of new derivatives of the antibiotic pleuromutilin, produced by some Basidiomycetes, was synthesized by chemical modification of natural pleuromutilin. Most of them contain basic functional groups in the side chain at C14 of the mutilin skeleton. The monotosylate of pleuromutilin was used as a versatile intermediate for displacement by N-, O- and S-nucleophiles.", "contents": "New pleuromutilin derivatives with enhanced antimicrobial activity. I. Synthesis. A series of new derivatives of the antibiotic pleuromutilin, produced by some Basidiomycetes, was synthesized by chemical modification of natural pleuromutilin. Most of them contain basic functional groups in the side chain at C14 of the mutilin skeleton. The monotosylate of pleuromutilin was used as a versatile intermediate for displacement by N-, O- and S-nucleophiles.", "PMID": 993131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4968", "title": "New pleuromutilin derivatives with enhanced antimicrobial activity.II.Structure-activity correlations.", "content": "Structural modification of the antibiotic pleuromutilin has afforded several derivatives with considerably enhanced activity against bacteria and mycoplasmas, and has permitted conclusions to be reached about structure-activity relationships. The carbonyl group in the five-membered ring and the hydroxyl group at C11 seem to be essential for activity. The vinyl group can be hydrogenated without loss of activity. Chemical modification at C14 offers the most possibilities for achieving the best activity and solubility properties. Mutilin, and other compounds with a free OH at C14, are inactive. It was shown that mutilin esters of substituted thioglycolic acids had distinctly superior MIC values, especially in combination with a tertiary amino group in the side chain, the latter group of derivatives having MIC values better than pleuromutilin by a factor of more than 10. Further variation within this group led to the development of 14-deoxy-14-[(2-diethylaminoethyl) thioacetoxy]-mutilin hydrogen fumarate (81.723 hfu, tiamulin) for extensive investigation of its chemotherapeutic potential.", "contents": "New pleuromutilin derivatives with enhanced antimicrobial activity.II.Structure-activity correlations. Structural modification of the antibiotic pleuromutilin has afforded several derivatives with considerably enhanced activity against bacteria and mycoplasmas, and has permitted conclusions to be reached about structure-activity relationships. The carbonyl group in the five-membered ring and the hydroxyl group at C11 seem to be essential for activity. The vinyl group can be hydrogenated without loss of activity. Chemical modification at C14 offers the most possibilities for achieving the best activity and solubility properties. Mutilin, and other compounds with a free OH at C14, are inactive. It was shown that mutilin esters of substituted thioglycolic acids had distinctly superior MIC values, especially in combination with a tertiary amino group in the side chain, the latter group of derivatives having MIC values better than pleuromutilin by a factor of more than 10. Further variation within this group led to the development of 14-deoxy-14-[(2-diethylaminoethyl) thioacetoxy]-mutilin hydrogen fumarate (81.723 hfu, tiamulin) for extensive investigation of its chemotherapeutic potential.", "PMID": 993132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4969", "title": "Semisynthetic beta-lactam antibiotics. 8 Structure-activity relationships of alpha-sulfocephalosporins.", "content": "Synthesis and in vitro activity of a number of cephalosporins having alpha-sulfoacyl- or other acyl groups, e.g., alpha-carboxyacyl- and alpha-sulfoaminoacyl- at the 7-position and bearing a variety of heterocyclic thioether or pyridinium moieties at the 3-position are described.", "contents": "Semisynthetic beta-lactam antibiotics. 8 Structure-activity relationships of alpha-sulfocephalosporins. Synthesis and in vitro activity of a number of cephalosporins having alpha-sulfoacyl- or other acyl groups, e.g., alpha-carboxyacyl- and alpha-sulfoaminoacyl- at the 7-position and bearing a variety of heterocyclic thioether or pyridinium moieties at the 3-position are described.", "PMID": 993133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4970", "title": "Preventive effect of D-glucarate against renal damage induced by kanamycin.", "content": "Kanamycin-induced renal impairment in dehydrated rats was spared by the administration of sodium D-glucaro-1,4-lactone. In the plasma elimination and urinary excretion studies, D-glucarate-treated rats showed quick removal of the antibiotic from the body as compared with non-treated rats. Organ distribution study clearly demonstrated the potent nephrotoxicity of kanamycin and the reduction effect of D-glucarate against the nephrotoxicity. The drug level in the kidney in non-treated rats was more than two orders of magnitude higher than those in other organs such as the liver, lung and spleen, and remained high for 48 hours after antibiotic administration. In D-glucarate-treated rats the kidney content of the drug was diminished as compared with non-treated rats just after the antibiotic administration, followed by a gradual decline with time.", "contents": "Preventive effect of D-glucarate against renal damage induced by kanamycin. Kanamycin-induced renal impairment in dehydrated rats was spared by the administration of sodium D-glucaro-1,4-lactone. In the plasma elimination and urinary excretion studies, D-glucarate-treated rats showed quick removal of the antibiotic from the body as compared with non-treated rats. Organ distribution study clearly demonstrated the potent nephrotoxicity of kanamycin and the reduction effect of D-glucarate against the nephrotoxicity. The drug level in the kidney in non-treated rats was more than two orders of magnitude higher than those in other organs such as the liver, lung and spleen, and remained high for 48 hours after antibiotic administration. In D-glucarate-treated rats the kidney content of the drug was diminished as compared with non-treated rats just after the antibiotic administration, followed by a gradual decline with time.", "PMID": 993134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4971", "title": "Incidence of antiprotozoal and antivermal antibiotics in fungi, V Class Fungi Imperfecti Collected in the Vietnamese Democratic Republic.", "content": "From soil samples collected in the jungles of Ninh Binh Province of the Vietnamese Democratic Republic, 97 isolates belonging to 54 species of Fungi imperfecti were obtained and screened for the production of antibiotics. The isolates were identified as belonging to the orders Melanconiales, Moniliales, Sphaeropsidales and Mycelia sterilia. In the species studied a very high incidence of antiprotozoal activities were observed.", "contents": "Incidence of antiprotozoal and antivermal antibiotics in fungi, V Class Fungi Imperfecti Collected in the Vietnamese Democratic Republic. From soil samples collected in the jungles of Ninh Binh Province of the Vietnamese Democratic Republic, 97 isolates belonging to 54 species of Fungi imperfecti were obtained and screened for the production of antibiotics. The isolates were identified as belonging to the orders Melanconiales, Moniliales, Sphaeropsidales and Mycelia sterilia. In the species studied a very high incidence of antiprotozoal activities were observed.", "PMID": 993135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4972", "title": "A new Streptoverticillium species--S. quilonensis.", "content": "An extensive screening of soil samples from Kerala State,India,gave a new streptomycete, Streptoverticillium quilonensis. Its taxonomy is described in detail.", "contents": "A new Streptoverticillium species--S. quilonensis. An extensive screening of soil samples from Kerala State,India,gave a new streptomycete, Streptoverticillium quilonensis. Its taxonomy is described in detail.", "PMID": 993136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4973", "title": "Effects of hypercapnia on uterine and umbilical circulations in conscious pregnant sheep.", "content": "Changes in the uterine and umbilical circulations during induced hypercapnia were studied in nine unanesthetized near-term pregnant sheep. Blood flows were measured with electromagnetic flow transducers and arterial pressures with vascular catheters implanted under anesthesia 2-16 days prior to experiments. Hypercapnia was induced in the fetus alone by giving acetazolamide iv to the fetus, 100-200 mg/kg. Mean fetal arterial Pco2 increased from 49.5 to 63.4 mmHg but no significant changes in umbilical blood flow occurred. Stepwise increases in both maternal and fetal arterial Pco2 were induced by increasing maternal inspired CO2 concentration to a maximum of 12%. No dignificant changes occurred in uterine or umbilical circulations until hypercapnia was severe (maternal arterial Pco2 greater than 60 mmHg, fetal arterial Pco2 greater than 70 mmHg). With severe hypercapnia uterine vascular resistance increased significantly and uterine blood flow decreased despite an increase in maternal arterial pressure; fetal arterial pressure and umbilical blood flow increased significantly, but umbilical vascular resistance did not. We conclude that hypercapnia in conscious pregnant sheep is associated with significant changes in uterine and umbilical circulations, but only when hypercapnia is severe. Carbon dioxide is unlikely to be a factor in normal physiological regulation of the uteroplacental circulation in this species.", "contents": "Effects of hypercapnia on uterine and umbilical circulations in conscious pregnant sheep. Changes in the uterine and umbilical circulations during induced hypercapnia were studied in nine unanesthetized near-term pregnant sheep. Blood flows were measured with electromagnetic flow transducers and arterial pressures with vascular catheters implanted under anesthesia 2-16 days prior to experiments. Hypercapnia was induced in the fetus alone by giving acetazolamide iv to the fetus, 100-200 mg/kg. Mean fetal arterial Pco2 increased from 49.5 to 63.4 mmHg but no significant changes in umbilical blood flow occurred. Stepwise increases in both maternal and fetal arterial Pco2 were induced by increasing maternal inspired CO2 concentration to a maximum of 12%. No dignificant changes occurred in uterine or umbilical circulations until hypercapnia was severe (maternal arterial Pco2 greater than 60 mmHg, fetal arterial Pco2 greater than 70 mmHg). With severe hypercapnia uterine vascular resistance increased significantly and uterine blood flow decreased despite an increase in maternal arterial pressure; fetal arterial pressure and umbilical blood flow increased significantly, but umbilical vascular resistance did not. We conclude that hypercapnia in conscious pregnant sheep is associated with significant changes in uterine and umbilical circulations, but only when hypercapnia is severe. Carbon dioxide is unlikely to be a factor in normal physiological regulation of the uteroplacental circulation in this species.", "PMID": 993146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4974", "title": "Effects of CO2 on immediate ventilatory response to O2 in preterm infants.", "content": "We wanted to know wheter the paradoxical response to CO2 under various background concentrations of O2 in preterm infants was mediated at the peripheral chemoreceptors. In five preterm infants we estimated peripheral chemoreceptor activity using the immediate change in ventilation (first 30 s) when 15%, 40%, 60%, or 100% O2 was substituted for 21% O2. Potentiation between O2 and CO2 was assessed by comparing the response with and without 4% CO2. CO2 enhanced the immediate hyperventilation with hypoxia (P less than 0.005) and reduced the immediate hypoventilation with hyperoxia (P less than 0.025 for 40% O2). This effect of CO2 increased from .00% to 15% O2 (P less than 0.05). These findings suggest: 1) CO2 interacts with O2 at the peripheral chemoreceptor level, and 2) because this interaction is more pronounced with hypoxia, the flatter CO2 response we observed with hypoxia was probably not mediated through the peripheral chemoreceptors and is likely to be central in origin.", "contents": "Effects of CO2 on immediate ventilatory response to O2 in preterm infants. We wanted to know wheter the paradoxical response to CO2 under various background concentrations of O2 in preterm infants was mediated at the peripheral chemoreceptors. In five preterm infants we estimated peripheral chemoreceptor activity using the immediate change in ventilation (first 30 s) when 15%, 40%, 60%, or 100% O2 was substituted for 21% O2. Potentiation between O2 and CO2 was assessed by comparing the response with and without 4% CO2. CO2 enhanced the immediate hyperventilation with hypoxia (P less than 0.005) and reduced the immediate hypoventilation with hyperoxia (P less than 0.025 for 40% O2). This effect of CO2 increased from .00% to 15% O2 (P less than 0.05). These findings suggest: 1) CO2 interacts with O2 at the peripheral chemoreceptor level, and 2) because this interaction is more pronounced with hypoxia, the flatter CO2 response we observed with hypoxia was probably not mediated through the peripheral chemoreceptors and is likely to be central in origin.", "PMID": 993147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4975", "title": "Effect of inspired volume on closing volume.", "content": "Closing volume (CV) was ?EASURED WITH THE RESIDENT GAS TECHNIQUE IN 12 HEALTHY SEATED SUBJECTS AGE 22-70 YR, AND IN 8 SUBJECTS WITH THE BOLUS TECHNIQUE. Various volumes were inspired (Vi range: 20-100% vital capacity) from residual volume and CV was assessed on the subsequent recording of expired volume versus gas concentration. The results indicate that the resident gas technique may erroneously underestimate CV at reduced Vi in conformity with calculations which predict that during expiration, after a certain reduced VI, the nitrogen concentration is identical in the most basal lung region and at the mouth. CV obtained with the bolus technique decreased linearly with reduced Vi and the effect appeared to be age dependent according to the equation CV50/CV100=0.0078 X age +1.18, where CV50 and CV100 denote the bolus CV corresponding to Vi=50% and 100% of vital capacity. Therefore, in older subjects, during tidal breathing, airways appear to close at substantially lower lung volume than previously considered.", "contents": "Effect of inspired volume on closing volume. Closing volume (CV) was ?EASURED WITH THE RESIDENT GAS TECHNIQUE IN 12 HEALTHY SEATED SUBJECTS AGE 22-70 YR, AND IN 8 SUBJECTS WITH THE BOLUS TECHNIQUE. Various volumes were inspired (Vi range: 20-100% vital capacity) from residual volume and CV was assessed on the subsequent recording of expired volume versus gas concentration. The results indicate that the resident gas technique may erroneously underestimate CV at reduced Vi in conformity with calculations which predict that during expiration, after a certain reduced VI, the nitrogen concentration is identical in the most basal lung region and at the mouth. CV obtained with the bolus technique decreased linearly with reduced Vi and the effect appeared to be age dependent according to the equation CV50/CV100=0.0078 X age +1.18, where CV50 and CV100 denote the bolus CV corresponding to Vi=50% and 100% of vital capacity. Therefore, in older subjects, during tidal breathing, airways appear to close at substantially lower lung volume than previously considered.", "PMID": 993148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4976", "title": "Urinary catecholamine excretion on acute induction to high altitide (3,658 m).", "content": "Fifty healthy male volunteers, 21-34 yr of age, normally resident at altitudes less than 1,000 m, were airlifted to 3,658 m. Urinary excretion of catecholamines was measured at sea level (198 m) and on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 10th day of a stay at high altitude. The symptoms observed on exposure to high altitude were assigned arbitrary scores. The volunteers could, on this basis, be divided into \"symptomatic\" and \"asymptomatic\" groups. The two groups showed a markedly different pattern of urinary catecholamines excretion on exposure to high altitude and on return to sea level. Significant increase in the catecholamine excretion was observed in the symptomatic group only. A possible role for enhanced sympathoadrenal activity in the etiopathogenesis of high-altitude illnesses is postulated.", "contents": "Urinary catecholamine excretion on acute induction to high altitide (3,658 m). Fifty healthy male volunteers, 21-34 yr of age, normally resident at altitudes less than 1,000 m, were airlifted to 3,658 m. Urinary excretion of catecholamines was measured at sea level (198 m) and on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 10th day of a stay at high altitude. The symptoms observed on exposure to high altitude were assigned arbitrary scores. The volunteers could, on this basis, be divided into \"symptomatic\" and \"asymptomatic\" groups. The two groups showed a markedly different pattern of urinary catecholamines excretion on exposure to high altitude and on return to sea level. Significant increase in the catecholamine excretion was observed in the symptomatic group only. A possible role for enhanced sympathoadrenal activity in the etiopathogenesis of high-altitude illnesses is postulated.", "PMID": 993149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4977", "title": "Respiratory response to airway occlusion in infants: sleep state and maturation.", "content": "The progressive respiratory response to occlusion of the airway at FRC was measured in a group of full-term and premature human infants. The sleep state of the full-term infants was shown to affect the response primarily through variations in the phase of thoracic and abdominal movements. The weakest responses were seen in those infants who demonstrated parodoxical respiration prior to occlusion. Most infants developed paradoxical respiratory movements after occlusion, but this did not affect the strength of the load-compensatory response. An increase in response related to both gestational and postnatal age was observed. This increase could not be accounted for by variations in the amount of paradoxical and in-phase respiration and thus may represent an increase in the sensitivity of infants to chemical stimuli with maturation.", "contents": "Respiratory response to airway occlusion in infants: sleep state and maturation. The progressive respiratory response to occlusion of the airway at FRC was measured in a group of full-term and premature human infants. The sleep state of the full-term infants was shown to affect the response primarily through variations in the phase of thoracic and abdominal movements. The weakest responses were seen in those infants who demonstrated parodoxical respiration prior to occlusion. Most infants developed paradoxical respiratory movements after occlusion, but this did not affect the strength of the load-compensatory response. An increase in response related to both gestational and postnatal age was observed. This increase could not be accounted for by variations in the amount of paradoxical and in-phase respiration and thus may represent an increase in the sensitivity of infants to chemical stimuli with maturation.", "PMID": 993150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4978", "title": "Ventilatory stimulation by sodium salicylate: rols of thoracic receptors.", "content": "To explore the possibility that salicylates can stimulate VE via an extracranial mechanism, heads of dogs were perfused entirely by a support dog with blood of unchanging gas composition; spinal cord remained intact. The carotid bodies lay within the region of the perfused head; the aortic bodies were denervated. Intra-arterial infusion of sodium salicylate (150-225 mg/kg) into the body of these head-perfused animals elicited large increases in VE (188+/-11%), although significant amounts of salicylate did not reach the head or carotid body. In any case, when the same dose of salicylate was selectively administered to the head, increases in VE were limited to 23+-8%. To determine the contribution of thoracic receptors to the increase in VE elicited by salicylates, a subsequent group of head-perfused animals underwent complete spinal transection at the first lumbar level. Nnetheless, intra-arterial infusion of sodium salicylate (150-225 mg/kg) into the body of these head-perfused animals still elicited large increases in VE (111+/-13%). It is concluded that thoracic receptors (other than the aortic bodies) mediate a significant portion of the increase in VE elicited by intra-arterial infusion of sodium salicylate.", "contents": "Ventilatory stimulation by sodium salicylate: rols of thoracic receptors. To explore the possibility that salicylates can stimulate VE via an extracranial mechanism, heads of dogs were perfused entirely by a support dog with blood of unchanging gas composition; spinal cord remained intact. The carotid bodies lay within the region of the perfused head; the aortic bodies were denervated. Intra-arterial infusion of sodium salicylate (150-225 mg/kg) into the body of these head-perfused animals elicited large increases in VE (188+/-11%), although significant amounts of salicylate did not reach the head or carotid body. In any case, when the same dose of salicylate was selectively administered to the head, increases in VE were limited to 23+-8%. To determine the contribution of thoracic receptors to the increase in VE elicited by salicylates, a subsequent group of head-perfused animals underwent complete spinal transection at the first lumbar level. Nnetheless, intra-arterial infusion of sodium salicylate (150-225 mg/kg) into the body of these head-perfused animals still elicited large increases in VE (111+/-13%). It is concluded that thoracic receptors (other than the aortic bodies) mediate a significant portion of the increase in VE elicited by intra-arterial infusion of sodium salicylate.", "PMID": 993151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4979", "title": "Blood flow in branching vessels.", "content": "Flow visualization studies were conducted in a water-Plexiglas tube model which simulated flow conditions commonly encountered in major vessels. Complex secondary flow patterns in the main line downstream of a branching vessel were observed in found to be relatively independent of the diameter ratio and angle of departure of the branching tube. The ratio of branching to total flow was the prinicipal determinant of the aforementioned secondary flows. Venous and arterial branching markedly differed. Arterial-type flows produced a pair of vortex sinks downstream of the branching port. These vortex-sink flow fields, which previously have not been reported, captured fluid particles already downstream of the branching orifice and returned these particles upstream to exit via the branching tube. In a region very close to the tube wall, streamlines were also observed moving upstream to be captured by the branching vessel. The interaction of this local upstream flow with the general downstream flow produced a pair of stagnation points located downstream and lateral to the branching orifice. These stagnation regions are discussed in relation to atheroma and thrombus formation.", "contents": "Blood flow in branching vessels. Flow visualization studies were conducted in a water-Plexiglas tube model which simulated flow conditions commonly encountered in major vessels. Complex secondary flow patterns in the main line downstream of a branching vessel were observed in found to be relatively independent of the diameter ratio and angle of departure of the branching tube. The ratio of branching to total flow was the prinicipal determinant of the aforementioned secondary flows. Venous and arterial branching markedly differed. Arterial-type flows produced a pair of vortex sinks downstream of the branching port. These vortex-sink flow fields, which previously have not been reported, captured fluid particles already downstream of the branching orifice and returned these particles upstream to exit via the branching tube. In a region very close to the tube wall, streamlines were also observed moving upstream to be captured by the branching vessel. The interaction of this local upstream flow with the general downstream flow produced a pair of stagnation points located downstream and lateral to the branching orifice. These stagnation regions are discussed in relation to atheroma and thrombus formation.", "PMID": 993152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4980", "title": "Modeling of the relationship between volume variations at the mouth and chest.", "content": "A model was developed to interpret the difference between volume variations at the mouth and at the chest observed by body plethysmography during inspiration in normal subjects breathing ambient air. The mechanical phenomena were characterized, as usual, by a time constant alpha, the product of airway resistance and alveolar gas compressibility. In contrast to other models, the change in temperature and water vapor pressure of the inspired gas was not considered to be instantaneous but rather a first-order process characterized by a thermal time constant tau. Experimental curves obtained in eight subjects were analyzed by use of parameter estimation techniques. The values of alpha were in agreement with those obtained by conventional plethysmography and tau averaged 63+/-24 ms. The results of additional experiments devised to test the physical meaning of the coefficients and the influence of neglected factors support the validity of the model. It was shown that tau cannot be neglected when breathing air at room temperature.", "contents": "Modeling of the relationship between volume variations at the mouth and chest. A model was developed to interpret the difference between volume variations at the mouth and at the chest observed by body plethysmography during inspiration in normal subjects breathing ambient air. The mechanical phenomena were characterized, as usual, by a time constant alpha, the product of airway resistance and alveolar gas compressibility. In contrast to other models, the change in temperature and water vapor pressure of the inspired gas was not considered to be instantaneous but rather a first-order process characterized by a thermal time constant tau. Experimental curves obtained in eight subjects were analyzed by use of parameter estimation techniques. The values of alpha were in agreement with those obtained by conventional plethysmography and tau averaged 63+/-24 ms. The results of additional experiments devised to test the physical meaning of the coefficients and the influence of neglected factors support the validity of the model. It was shown that tau cannot be neglected when breathing air at room temperature.", "PMID": 993153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4981", "title": "Relationship between viscoelastic properties of the rectum and anal pressure in man.", "content": "Viscoelastic properties of the rectal wall and anal sphincter pressure were studied simultaneously in 25 normal children. During rectal distension for 60 s, with varying volumes of air, the rectal pressure varied as the sum of two exponential functions of the time plus an asymptotic constant. A rectoanal inhibitory reflex was elicited during these distensions. The exponential decrease of the rectal pressure corresponded exactly to the return of the upper anal canal pressure to the resting value in some subjects. In others, the upper anal canal remained relaxed as long as the rectal ampulla was distended, except with smaller volumes. The results obtained may be explained by an analogical rheological linear model.", "contents": "Relationship between viscoelastic properties of the rectum and anal pressure in man. Viscoelastic properties of the rectal wall and anal sphincter pressure were studied simultaneously in 25 normal children. During rectal distension for 60 s, with varying volumes of air, the rectal pressure varied as the sum of two exponential functions of the time plus an asymptotic constant. A rectoanal inhibitory reflex was elicited during these distensions. The exponential decrease of the rectal pressure corresponded exactly to the return of the upper anal canal pressure to the resting value in some subjects. In others, the upper anal canal remained relaxed as long as the rectal ampulla was distended, except with smaller volumes. The results obtained may be explained by an analogical rheological linear model.", "PMID": 993154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4982", "title": "Influence of glucose ingestion on fuel-hormone response during prolonged exercise.", "content": "Healthy subjects were studied at rest and during 4 h of exercise at approximately 30% of maximal oxygen uptake. At 90 min of exercise 200 g glucose were ingested. A control group was studied during prolonged exercise without glucose administration. Glucose ingestion was followed by a 35% rise in arterial glucose, a 60-70% fall in arterial FFA and glycerol and a two- to threefold rise in arterial insulin. Plasma glucagon, which rose fourfold in controls, failed to rise in the glucose-fed subjects. Glucose uptake by the exercising legs was twofold greater than in controls, accounting for 60% of leg oxygen consumption. Splanchnic glucose output rose rapidly after glucose ingestion to values twice those observed in controls. However, splanchnic uptake of gluconeogenic precursors (lactate, pyruvate and glycerol) fell by 70-100%. Total splanchnic glucose escape after glucose ingestion was 84 +/- 5 g representing 42% of the ingested load. It is concluded that glucose ingestion during prolonged exercise results in a) augmented uptake and oxidation of glucose by the exercising legs, b) diminished lipolysis, c) augmented splanchnic glucose escape in association with decreased hepatic gluconeogenesis, d) retention of half of the ingested glucose within the splanchnic bed, and e) reversal of exercise-induced stimulation of glucagon secretion.", "contents": "Influence of glucose ingestion on fuel-hormone response during prolonged exercise. Healthy subjects were studied at rest and during 4 h of exercise at approximately 30% of maximal oxygen uptake. At 90 min of exercise 200 g glucose were ingested. A control group was studied during prolonged exercise without glucose administration. Glucose ingestion was followed by a 35% rise in arterial glucose, a 60-70% fall in arterial FFA and glycerol and a two- to threefold rise in arterial insulin. Plasma glucagon, which rose fourfold in controls, failed to rise in the glucose-fed subjects. Glucose uptake by the exercising legs was twofold greater than in controls, accounting for 60% of leg oxygen consumption. Splanchnic glucose output rose rapidly after glucose ingestion to values twice those observed in controls. However, splanchnic uptake of gluconeogenic precursors (lactate, pyruvate and glycerol) fell by 70-100%. Total splanchnic glucose escape after glucose ingestion was 84 +/- 5 g representing 42% of the ingested load. It is concluded that glucose ingestion during prolonged exercise results in a) augmented uptake and oxidation of glucose by the exercising legs, b) diminished lipolysis, c) augmented splanchnic glucose escape in association with decreased hepatic gluconeogenesis, d) retention of half of the ingested glucose within the splanchnic bed, and e) reversal of exercise-induced stimulation of glucagon secretion.", "PMID": 993155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4983", "title": "Effect of carbon monoxide exposures on erythrocytic 2,3-DPG in rabbits.", "content": "To determine if an exposure to lower levels of carbon monoxide (CO) produces quantitative changes in erythrocytic 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), eight rabbits were exposed to 100 ppm CO for 5 h resulting in approximately 20% carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO). 2,3-DPG was determined before exposure and immediately after exposure as well as every 3 h during the 24 h following exposure. To determine if intermittent CO exposures over a prolonged period of time affect 2,3-DPG, an additional 12 rabbits were exposed to 250 ppm CO for three intermittent periods totaling 300 min daily for 14 days (30% HbCO). 2,3-DPG was determined once per animal at the end of each day's exposure period. All animals served as their own controls in both experiments. Neither the results of the 24-h time course nor those of the 14-day time course showed significant differences in mean 2,3-DPG between controls and exposed animals at any sampling time. Apparently erythrocytic 2,3-DPG plays neither a compensating nor aggravating role in respect to the hypoxia induced by these levels of HbCO in the rabbit.", "contents": "Effect of carbon monoxide exposures on erythrocytic 2,3-DPG in rabbits. To determine if an exposure to lower levels of carbon monoxide (CO) produces quantitative changes in erythrocytic 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), eight rabbits were exposed to 100 ppm CO for 5 h resulting in approximately 20% carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO). 2,3-DPG was determined before exposure and immediately after exposure as well as every 3 h during the 24 h following exposure. To determine if intermittent CO exposures over a prolonged period of time affect 2,3-DPG, an additional 12 rabbits were exposed to 250 ppm CO for three intermittent periods totaling 300 min daily for 14 days (30% HbCO). 2,3-DPG was determined once per animal at the end of each day's exposure period. All animals served as their own controls in both experiments. Neither the results of the 24-h time course nor those of the 14-day time course showed significant differences in mean 2,3-DPG between controls and exposed animals at any sampling time. Apparently erythrocytic 2,3-DPG plays neither a compensating nor aggravating role in respect to the hypoxia induced by these levels of HbCO in the rabbit.", "PMID": 993156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4984", "title": "Human cardiovascular and respiratory responses to graded muscle ischemia.", "content": "Responses of heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) ventilation (VE), and forearm blood flow (FBF) to different degrees of leg muscle ischemia were measured in eight subjects in a four-part experiment. Part I. Total circulatory occlusion (OCCL) of resting legs for 15 min had little or no effect on HR, MAP, VE, or FBF. Part II. OCCL of the legs for 3 min immediately after exercise at 50-250 W did not affect HR or end-tidal CO2; it lowered VO2 and VE and prevented recovery of MAP. Part III. OCCL beginning at end and 10, 20, 30 s before end of 7-min exercise (100-150 W) and continuing 3 min into recovery period produced sustained and graded increments (5-10 mmHg) in MAP, only small changes in HR, and accelerated recovery of VE while end-tidal CO2 remained constant. Part IV. OCCL at end and 30 s before end of exercise increased FBF 2.5-3.5 times; both skin and muscle vasodilated. Thus muscle ischemia preceded by exercise can raise MAP without affecting VE, whereas baroreflexes may lower HR and raise FBF. The results suggest the presence of muscle chemoreceptors whose major effect is on MAP.", "contents": "Human cardiovascular and respiratory responses to graded muscle ischemia. Responses of heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) ventilation (VE), and forearm blood flow (FBF) to different degrees of leg muscle ischemia were measured in eight subjects in a four-part experiment. Part I. Total circulatory occlusion (OCCL) of resting legs for 15 min had little or no effect on HR, MAP, VE, or FBF. Part II. OCCL of the legs for 3 min immediately after exercise at 50-250 W did not affect HR or end-tidal CO2; it lowered VO2 and VE and prevented recovery of MAP. Part III. OCCL beginning at end and 10, 20, 30 s before end of 7-min exercise (100-150 W) and continuing 3 min into recovery period produced sustained and graded increments (5-10 mmHg) in MAP, only small changes in HR, and accelerated recovery of VE while end-tidal CO2 remained constant. Part IV. OCCL at end and 30 s before end of exercise increased FBF 2.5-3.5 times; both skin and muscle vasodilated. Thus muscle ischemia preceded by exercise can raise MAP without affecting VE, whereas baroreflexes may lower HR and raise FBF. The results suggest the presence of muscle chemoreceptors whose major effect is on MAP.", "PMID": 993157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4985", "title": "Human coagulation abnormalities during acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia.", "content": "Multiple coagulation studies were carried out in eight healthy young men at sea level (SL) and after 1, 24, and 48 h at a simulated altitude of 4,400 m. Platelet aggregation, as induced by ADP, epinephrine, and collagen, was not significantly altered by high-altitude (HA) exposure. Mean 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, a physiological inhibitor of platelet aggregation, rose (P less than 0.001) after 24 h at HA and remained elevated while no changes in circulating catecholamines were observed. Platelet count, factor 3 availability, and membrane lipid peroxide formation were likewise unaltered at HA, as were prothrombin and thrombin times and protamine paracoagulation test. However, mean partial thromboplastin time was significantly shortened (P less than 0.01) after 1 and 24 h at HA, recovering to SL control by 48 h. Fibrinogen and factor VIII levels also fell (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.02) after 1 h at HA but returned to the preexposure values by 24 h. Fibrin degradation products were transiently detectable in three subjects at HA. Thus, although normal platelet function did not appear to be modified by short-term exposure to simulated high altitude, evidence for a coagulopathy was obtained.", "contents": "Human coagulation abnormalities during acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. Multiple coagulation studies were carried out in eight healthy young men at sea level (SL) and after 1, 24, and 48 h at a simulated altitude of 4,400 m. Platelet aggregation, as induced by ADP, epinephrine, and collagen, was not significantly altered by high-altitude (HA) exposure. Mean 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, a physiological inhibitor of platelet aggregation, rose (P less than 0.001) after 24 h at HA and remained elevated while no changes in circulating catecholamines were observed. Platelet count, factor 3 availability, and membrane lipid peroxide formation were likewise unaltered at HA, as were prothrombin and thrombin times and protamine paracoagulation test. However, mean partial thromboplastin time was significantly shortened (P less than 0.01) after 1 and 24 h at HA, recovering to SL control by 48 h. Fibrinogen and factor VIII levels also fell (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.02) after 1 h at HA but returned to the preexposure values by 24 h. Fibrin degradation products were transiently detectable in three subjects at HA. Thus, although normal platelet function did not appear to be modified by short-term exposure to simulated high altitude, evidence for a coagulopathy was obtained.", "PMID": 993158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4986", "title": "Effect of heat acclimatization on intravascular responses to acute heat stress in man.", "content": "The effects of a 185-min exposure to 48 degrees C db/33 degrees C wb, on intravascular volume and osmolarity and on intravascular electrolyte, aldosterone, and cortisol concentrations have been studied in five male subjects before and after acclimatization to heat. Changes in the hematocrit and plasma protein concentration indicated that a hemodilution occurred during the first 35 min of the heat exposures, and that this was followed by a hemoconcentration. Although these changes in intravascular volume were not affected by acclimatization, the plasma volume after heat acclimatization was 6.7% greater than before. This increase in plasma volume was associated with an elevation in the ratio [Na]/[K]. However, since plasma osmolarity decreased the intravascular expansion could not be explained in terms of elevated electrolyte levels. Plasma aldosterone and cortisol levels were not affected by heat acclimatization, although both were elevated following exercise in the heat. It is concluded that the adrenal cortex is not an important factor in maintaining a state of heat acclimatization once a salt balance has been achieved.", "contents": "Effect of heat acclimatization on intravascular responses to acute heat stress in man. The effects of a 185-min exposure to 48 degrees C db/33 degrees C wb, on intravascular volume and osmolarity and on intravascular electrolyte, aldosterone, and cortisol concentrations have been studied in five male subjects before and after acclimatization to heat. Changes in the hematocrit and plasma protein concentration indicated that a hemodilution occurred during the first 35 min of the heat exposures, and that this was followed by a hemoconcentration. Although these changes in intravascular volume were not affected by acclimatization, the plasma volume after heat acclimatization was 6.7% greater than before. This increase in plasma volume was associated with an elevation in the ratio [Na]/[K]. However, since plasma osmolarity decreased the intravascular expansion could not be explained in terms of elevated electrolyte levels. Plasma aldosterone and cortisol levels were not affected by heat acclimatization, although both were elevated following exercise in the heat. It is concluded that the adrenal cortex is not an important factor in maintaining a state of heat acclimatization once a salt balance has been achieved.", "PMID": 993159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4987", "title": "Effects of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) on the distribution of body fluids.", "content": "Reduction of pressure on the lower part of the human body is believed to be capable of altering the normal fluid distribution. This could serve as a therapeutic method for emergency relief of the effects of hypertension, or it could be used as counterbalance for zero gravity and assist in preparing astronauts for reentry into the gravitational field. The present work describes a technique of assessment of the fluid shift caused by such pressure reduction. Thirty experiments were performed on four healthy subjects. The shift of fluid was assessed by measuring changes in body weight distribution of the tested subjects. The shift of fluid was assessed by measuring changes in body weight distribution of the tested subjects. The experimental results show that two processes may have taken place within the human body: shift of blood within the vascular system and diffusion of fluids from the circulatory system to the tissues. The total fluid shift ranges between 1 and 2 kg. It was proportional to the pressure gradient and exponential with time. The systolic blood pressure was reduced with the pressure reduction while the pulse rate increased.", "contents": "Effects of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) on the distribution of body fluids. Reduction of pressure on the lower part of the human body is believed to be capable of altering the normal fluid distribution. This could serve as a therapeutic method for emergency relief of the effects of hypertension, or it could be used as counterbalance for zero gravity and assist in preparing astronauts for reentry into the gravitational field. The present work describes a technique of assessment of the fluid shift caused by such pressure reduction. Thirty experiments were performed on four healthy subjects. The shift of fluid was assessed by measuring changes in body weight distribution of the tested subjects. The shift of fluid was assessed by measuring changes in body weight distribution of the tested subjects. The experimental results show that two processes may have taken place within the human body: shift of blood within the vascular system and diffusion of fluids from the circulatory system to the tissues. The total fluid shift ranges between 1 and 2 kg. It was proportional to the pressure gradient and exponential with time. The systolic blood pressure was reduced with the pressure reduction while the pulse rate increased.", "PMID": 993160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4988", "title": "Variation of respiratory sinus arrhythmia with age.", "content": "Respiratory sinus arrhythmia was measured on 24 male subjects whose ages ranged from 21 to 65 yr, using a technique in which respiration was coupled to heart rate, so that there were 6 heartbeats per inspiration and 6 heartbeats per expiration. This voluntary cardiorespiratory coupling reduced the variance of heart rates measured at various points in the respiratory cycle. Fourier analysis was used to obtain the fundamental of heart rate and respiratory volume. A high correlation coefficient (-0.83) was found between percent of variation of heart rate from the average heart rate (PB) and the age of the subject. Linear regression analysis performed on these data produced the equation: PB = 23.2-0.35 (age). Since sinus arrhythmia at the low respiratory frequencies used probably reflects the viability of the cardiorespiratory control systems, we believe this provides a simple noninvasive method for the study of the overall competence of the system responsible for respiratory sinus arrhythmia.", "contents": "Variation of respiratory sinus arrhythmia with age. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia was measured on 24 male subjects whose ages ranged from 21 to 65 yr, using a technique in which respiration was coupled to heart rate, so that there were 6 heartbeats per inspiration and 6 heartbeats per expiration. This voluntary cardiorespiratory coupling reduced the variance of heart rates measured at various points in the respiratory cycle. Fourier analysis was used to obtain the fundamental of heart rate and respiratory volume. A high correlation coefficient (-0.83) was found between percent of variation of heart rate from the average heart rate (PB) and the age of the subject. Linear regression analysis performed on these data produced the equation: PB = 23.2-0.35 (age). Since sinus arrhythmia at the low respiratory frequencies used probably reflects the viability of the cardiorespiratory control systems, we believe this provides a simple noninvasive method for the study of the overall competence of the system responsible for respiratory sinus arrhythmia.", "PMID": 993161} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4989", "title": "Respiratory muscle action inferred from rib cage and abdominal V-P partitioning.", "content": "We measured separate volume-pressure (V-P) relationships or rib cage and diaphragm-abdomen in seven human subjects during voluntary relaxation of the respiratory muscles, breathing at rest, during exercise, and rebreathing expired air. Estimates of separate volume displacements of the two parallel chest wall pathways were based on analysis of rib cage and abdominal anteroposterior diameter changes. The pressure developed across each pathway (transthoracic pressure) was partitioned into two serial pressure drops: transdiaphragmatic pressure and transabdominal pressure. We develop the concept that the relationship of volume displacements of structures to pressures developed by the structures during breathing, as compared to the relaxed state, reflects action of respiratory muscles in the structure. We interpret the relationship of rib cage volume displacements to transabdominal pressure (during breathing vs. relaxation) as indicating action of intercostal and accessory muscles only, the separate action of diaphragm on rib cage being measured by transdiaphragmatic pressure. At rest, the diaphragm is the only importantly active respiratory muscle. During increased ventilation activity of other respiratory muscles appears coordinated to assist the optimize diaphragmatic function.", "contents": "Respiratory muscle action inferred from rib cage and abdominal V-P partitioning. We measured separate volume-pressure (V-P) relationships or rib cage and diaphragm-abdomen in seven human subjects during voluntary relaxation of the respiratory muscles, breathing at rest, during exercise, and rebreathing expired air. Estimates of separate volume displacements of the two parallel chest wall pathways were based on analysis of rib cage and abdominal anteroposterior diameter changes. The pressure developed across each pathway (transthoracic pressure) was partitioned into two serial pressure drops: transdiaphragmatic pressure and transabdominal pressure. We develop the concept that the relationship of volume displacements of structures to pressures developed by the structures during breathing, as compared to the relaxed state, reflects action of respiratory muscles in the structure. We interpret the relationship of rib cage volume displacements to transabdominal pressure (during breathing vs. relaxation) as indicating action of intercostal and accessory muscles only, the separate action of diaphragm on rib cage being measured by transdiaphragmatic pressure. At rest, the diaphragm is the only importantly active respiratory muscle. During increased ventilation activity of other respiratory muscles appears coordinated to assist the optimize diaphragmatic function.", "PMID": 993162} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4990", "title": "Mechanical work of breathing derived from rib cage and abdominal V-P partitioning.", "content": "Estimates of the mechanical work of breathing derived from measurements of separate rib cage and abdominal volume displacements, each plotted against transthoracic pressure, include the elastic cost of chest wall distortion which may occur during breathing. Inspiratory work is partitioned between the diaphragm and the rib cage musculature by adding measurements of transabdominal pressure. The mechanical work of breathing derived from separate rib cage and abdominal volume-pressure (V-P) tracings (the sum of work done by the diaphragm, rib cage, and abdominal musculature) is compared with ventilatory work estimated from the Campbell diagram (which does not include any distortional work). During resting breathing the two estimates are closely comparable, consistent with little or no distortion of the chest wall during quiet breathing. As ventilation increases, the estimate developed from rib cage and abdominal tracings reveals systematically greater mechanical work than is estimated from the Campbell diagram, consistent with distortion of the chest wall from the relaxed thoracoabdominal configuration at higher levels of ventilation. At ventilations achieved during exercise, the Campbell diagram may underestimate the work of breathing by up to 25%.", "contents": "Mechanical work of breathing derived from rib cage and abdominal V-P partitioning. Estimates of the mechanical work of breathing derived from measurements of separate rib cage and abdominal volume displacements, each plotted against transthoracic pressure, include the elastic cost of chest wall distortion which may occur during breathing. Inspiratory work is partitioned between the diaphragm and the rib cage musculature by adding measurements of transabdominal pressure. The mechanical work of breathing derived from separate rib cage and abdominal volume-pressure (V-P) tracings (the sum of work done by the diaphragm, rib cage, and abdominal musculature) is compared with ventilatory work estimated from the Campbell diagram (which does not include any distortional work). During resting breathing the two estimates are closely comparable, consistent with little or no distortion of the chest wall during quiet breathing. As ventilation increases, the estimate developed from rib cage and abdominal tracings reveals systematically greater mechanical work than is estimated from the Campbell diagram, consistent with distortion of the chest wall from the relaxed thoracoabdominal configuration at higher levels of ventilation. At ventilations achieved during exercise, the Campbell diagram may underestimate the work of breathing by up to 25%.", "PMID": 993163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4991", "title": "Nonadrenergic inhibitory nervous system in human airways.", "content": "Human airways, from the middle of the trachea to the distal bronchi, were studied in vitro for the presence of inhibitory nerves. The tissue was obtained from operations and from recent autopsies. Electrical field stimulation of the tissues demonstrated cholinergic, excitatory nerves and their effect was blocked by atropine. Field stimulation of the tissues, in the presence of atropine, relaxed the smooth muscle even when the muscle was contracted by histamine. The field stimulation-induced relaxation was neither blocked nor modified by adrenergic blocking agents. Maximum relaxation of the bronchial muscle was obtained with a pulse duration of 1-2 ms, 70 V, and frequencies of 20 Hz and greater. The tracheal smooth muscle showed 85% of maximal relaxation with a frequency of 10 Hz. Tetrodotoxin, blocked the field stimulation-induced relaxation for pulse durations of 2 ms; this indicated that nerves were being stimulated. The airway system shows some of the characteristics of the nonadrenergic inhibitory system in the gastrointestinal tract and of the system reported in the guinea pig trachealis muscle. No evidence of adrenergic inhibitory fibers was found in the bronchial muscle with either pharmacological or histochemical techniques. These findings suggest that the nonadrenergic inhibitory system is the principal inhibitory system for the smooth muscle of human airways. We suggest that a defect in the airway system, such as that shown in the gastrointestinal tract, may be an explanation for the hyperreactive airways of asthma and chronic bronchitis.", "contents": "Nonadrenergic inhibitory nervous system in human airways. Human airways, from the middle of the trachea to the distal bronchi, were studied in vitro for the presence of inhibitory nerves. The tissue was obtained from operations and from recent autopsies. Electrical field stimulation of the tissues demonstrated cholinergic, excitatory nerves and their effect was blocked by atropine. Field stimulation of the tissues, in the presence of atropine, relaxed the smooth muscle even when the muscle was contracted by histamine. The field stimulation-induced relaxation was neither blocked nor modified by adrenergic blocking agents. Maximum relaxation of the bronchial muscle was obtained with a pulse duration of 1-2 ms, 70 V, and frequencies of 20 Hz and greater. The tracheal smooth muscle showed 85% of maximal relaxation with a frequency of 10 Hz. Tetrodotoxin, blocked the field stimulation-induced relaxation for pulse durations of 2 ms; this indicated that nerves were being stimulated. The airway system shows some of the characteristics of the nonadrenergic inhibitory system in the gastrointestinal tract and of the system reported in the guinea pig trachealis muscle. No evidence of adrenergic inhibitory fibers was found in the bronchial muscle with either pharmacological or histochemical techniques. These findings suggest that the nonadrenergic inhibitory system is the principal inhibitory system for the smooth muscle of human airways. We suggest that a defect in the airway system, such as that shown in the gastrointestinal tract, may be an explanation for the hyperreactive airways of asthma and chronic bronchitis.", "PMID": 993164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4992", "title": "Temperature regulation during severe exercise with some observations on effects of skin wetting.", "content": "The thermoregulatory responses to severe exercise of 1-h duration have been studied in 11 healthy subjects, and the effects of skin wetting have been examined in 6 of them. Measurements in the laboratory included metabolic (M) and total (H) heat production, rectal (Tre) and mean skin (Tsk) temperatures, evaporative sweat loss (E), and peripheral tissue conductance (K). In addition Tre and changes in body weight were measured in 18 conpetitors following a 20-km road race run at approximately 90% of their maximal oxygen intake (Vo2 max). The results showed that Tre was curvilinearly related to %Vo2 max. In contrast Tsk was independent of M, H, E, and %Vo2 max, and reached similar and constant values at the end of exercise in all subjects. E was appropriate for a given H, but K was lower in the sedentary subjects than in the athletes. Skin wetting had no effect on Tre but reduced E by 10%. It is suggested that the pattern of Tre rise in excercise reflected the nature of the controlling system and was not due to a failure of the heat-dissipating mechanisms.", "contents": "Temperature regulation during severe exercise with some observations on effects of skin wetting. The thermoregulatory responses to severe exercise of 1-h duration have been studied in 11 healthy subjects, and the effects of skin wetting have been examined in 6 of them. Measurements in the laboratory included metabolic (M) and total (H) heat production, rectal (Tre) and mean skin (Tsk) temperatures, evaporative sweat loss (E), and peripheral tissue conductance (K). In addition Tre and changes in body weight were measured in 18 conpetitors following a 20-km road race run at approximately 90% of their maximal oxygen intake (Vo2 max). The results showed that Tre was curvilinearly related to %Vo2 max. In contrast Tsk was independent of M, H, E, and %Vo2 max, and reached similar and constant values at the end of exercise in all subjects. E was appropriate for a given H, but K was lower in the sedentary subjects than in the athletes. Skin wetting had no effect on Tre but reduced E by 10%. It is suggested that the pattern of Tre rise in excercise reflected the nature of the controlling system and was not due to a failure of the heat-dissipating mechanisms.", "PMID": 993165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4993", "title": "Relationship between evaporation rate of sweat and mean sweating rate.", "content": "The rate of evaporation of sweat under a step change of ambient temperature (30-45 degrees C) was compared with the mean sweating rate (MSR) computed from five simultaneous resistance hygrometric measurements. Empirical equations derived for the conditions studied enabled a direct conversion from hygrometric measurements into real evaporative sweat losses and skin wetness for all phases of sweat evaporation. From five chosen skin areas, forehead, forearm, chest, thigh, and calf, it was found that none of these sites gave a local sweating response close to the MSR. In the subjects with a forehead sweating rate within +/- 39% of the MSR, at least four hygrometric sensors were needed to predict the rate of sweat evaporation. For subjects with higher forehead sweating rates, at least five sensors were necessary to calculate the evaporative sweat loss.", "contents": "Relationship between evaporation rate of sweat and mean sweating rate. The rate of evaporation of sweat under a step change of ambient temperature (30-45 degrees C) was compared with the mean sweating rate (MSR) computed from five simultaneous resistance hygrometric measurements. Empirical equations derived for the conditions studied enabled a direct conversion from hygrometric measurements into real evaporative sweat losses and skin wetness for all phases of sweat evaporation. From five chosen skin areas, forehead, forearm, chest, thigh, and calf, it was found that none of these sites gave a local sweating response close to the MSR. In the subjects with a forehead sweating rate within +/- 39% of the MSR, at least four hygrometric sensors were needed to predict the rate of sweat evaporation. For subjects with higher forehead sweating rates, at least five sensors were necessary to calculate the evaporative sweat loss.", "PMID": 993166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4994", "title": "New electronics for the Beckman LB-1 carbon dioxide analyzer.", "content": "This paper describes an amplifier and linearizer for the Beckman LB-1 carbon dioxide analyzer head. All electronics are solid state and DC regulated in contrast to the original LB-1 amplifier which was of vacuum tube design and AC regulated largely by means of a voltage stabilizer transformer. A new detection principle is adopted which reduces drift due to mechanical imperfections of the chopper motor (e.g., bearing drag), but also offers the advantage that the phasing of the chopper blades is no longer necessary. Furthermore, the amplifier with a digital readout and an end-tidal hold circuit can be built for less than $500 and is plug compatible with the LB-1 head.", "contents": "New electronics for the Beckman LB-1 carbon dioxide analyzer. This paper describes an amplifier and linearizer for the Beckman LB-1 carbon dioxide analyzer head. All electronics are solid state and DC regulated in contrast to the original LB-1 amplifier which was of vacuum tube design and AC regulated largely by means of a voltage stabilizer transformer. A new detection principle is adopted which reduces drift due to mechanical imperfections of the chopper motor (e.g., bearing drag), but also offers the advantage that the phasing of the chopper blades is no longer necessary. Furthermore, the amplifier with a digital readout and an end-tidal hold circuit can be built for less than $500 and is plug compatible with the LB-1 head.", "PMID": 993167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4995", "title": "New device for automatic recording and processing AV transmission intervals of the heart.", "content": "The principle and construction of a device made for the purpose of displaying the interrelationship between two sets of cardiac intervals is described. Electrical signals derived from the atrium and ventricle of the experimental animal are fed to the input of the device where a special switch and an integrated circuit logic gate select the two sets of cardiac intervals to be measured, e.g., AA and VV or AA and AV intervals. These intervals are converted into electrical square pulses having voltages proportional to the respective intervals. Besides simply comparing the two cardiac intervals by recording them simultaneously against time, the interrelationship of the two is displayed in an X-Y configuration on-line on a cathode-ray oscilloscope. This latter method, if used only for the occasionally induced premature excitations with varied coupling time, facilitates the measurement of the functional refractory periods for atrioventricular conduction. The mode of operation of the device is presented with examples of experiments.", "contents": "New device for automatic recording and processing AV transmission intervals of the heart. The principle and construction of a device made for the purpose of displaying the interrelationship between two sets of cardiac intervals is described. Electrical signals derived from the atrium and ventricle of the experimental animal are fed to the input of the device where a special switch and an integrated circuit logic gate select the two sets of cardiac intervals to be measured, e.g., AA and VV or AA and AV intervals. These intervals are converted into electrical square pulses having voltages proportional to the respective intervals. Besides simply comparing the two cardiac intervals by recording them simultaneously against time, the interrelationship of the two is displayed in an X-Y configuration on-line on a cathode-ray oscilloscope. This latter method, if used only for the occasionally induced premature excitations with varied coupling time, facilitates the measurement of the functional refractory periods for atrioventricular conduction. The mode of operation of the device is presented with examples of experiments.", "PMID": 993168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4996", "title": "System analysis of heart rate control in man.", "content": "The dynamic property of the heart rate response to exercise was determined and expressed in the frequency domain to establish a method of examining cardiovascular control function. The response of heart rate to a stimulus was measured at 5-s intervals in nine healthy young volunteers. The stimulus consisted of several runs of two-step exercise practiced in semirandom sequence for 19 min. The weight function of the system was estimated from autocorrelation function of the input signal and cross-correlation function between the input and output signals. The weight function was transformed into a transfer function and its Bode plot diagram was drawn. From the diagram, four dynamic parameters were determined. These parameters are as follows: K is a constant showing the theoretical steady-state increment of heart rate, and T1, T2, T3 are time constants. The values obtained in the present experiment with the healthy young males were: K 46.0 +/- 14.6 beats, T1, 2.12 +/- 0.44, T2, 1.12 +/- 0.16, and T3 0.70 +/- 0.07 min.", "contents": "System analysis of heart rate control in man. The dynamic property of the heart rate response to exercise was determined and expressed in the frequency domain to establish a method of examining cardiovascular control function. The response of heart rate to a stimulus was measured at 5-s intervals in nine healthy young volunteers. The stimulus consisted of several runs of two-step exercise practiced in semirandom sequence for 19 min. The weight function of the system was estimated from autocorrelation function of the input signal and cross-correlation function between the input and output signals. The weight function was transformed into a transfer function and its Bode plot diagram was drawn. From the diagram, four dynamic parameters were determined. These parameters are as follows: K is a constant showing the theoretical steady-state increment of heart rate, and T1, T2, T3 are time constants. The values obtained in the present experiment with the healthy young males were: K 46.0 +/- 14.6 beats, T1, 2.12 +/- 0.44, T2, 1.12 +/- 0.16, and T3 0.70 +/- 0.07 min.", "PMID": 993169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4997", "title": "Method for continuous measurement of carbon dioxide output.", "content": "An open-circut flow-through technique for the continous measurement of carbon dioxide output in man has been described. A stream of room air is drawn past the subject who respires freely from it. The difference in the concentration of carbon dioxide between room air from which the subject inspires and the expired gas/room air mixture is measured and expressed as a voltage. This voltage is amplified by a factor proportional to the rate of flow of room air to yield a continous measurement of carbon dioxide output. This technique has no systematic error and a random error (95% tolerance limits) of +/-3.4, +/-1.7, and +/-1.4% at mean carbon dioxide outputs of 254, 846, and 1,906 ml/min, respectively.", "contents": "Method for continuous measurement of carbon dioxide output. An open-circut flow-through technique for the continous measurement of carbon dioxide output in man has been described. A stream of room air is drawn past the subject who respires freely from it. The difference in the concentration of carbon dioxide between room air from which the subject inspires and the expired gas/room air mixture is measured and expressed as a voltage. This voltage is amplified by a factor proportional to the rate of flow of room air to yield a continous measurement of carbon dioxide output. This technique has no systematic error and a random error (95% tolerance limits) of +/-3.4, +/-1.7, and +/-1.4% at mean carbon dioxide outputs of 254, 846, and 1,906 ml/min, respectively.", "PMID": 993170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4998", "title": "Problems of sampling and analytical methods.", "content": "The need for acceptable, reliable, and practical methods of analysis, chemical, physical, and biological, by the Food Standards Program of the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization is leading to cooperation by those organizations with the resources and experience to supply them. Methods should be shown to be workable and practicable and then validated in a properly designed international collaborative study for the efficient utilization of the time and effort of participating organizations and laboratories. The methods to be subjected to interlaboratory collaborative study should be clearly written so that the method itself is being tested without unauthorized variations. Satisfactory reference standard materials are often an essential part of the method. Uniform, international methods which have been developed through interlaboratory collaborative studies are applicable to the areas of microbiology and toxicology, as well as chemistry.", "contents": "Problems of sampling and analytical methods. The need for acceptable, reliable, and practical methods of analysis, chemical, physical, and biological, by the Food Standards Program of the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization is leading to cooperation by those organizations with the resources and experience to supply them. Methods should be shown to be workable and practicable and then validated in a properly designed international collaborative study for the efficient utilization of the time and effort of participating organizations and laboratories. The methods to be subjected to interlaboratory collaborative study should be clearly written so that the method itself is being tested without unauthorized variations. Satisfactory reference standard materials are often an essential part of the method. Uniform, international methods which have been developed through interlaboratory collaborative studies are applicable to the areas of microbiology and toxicology, as well as chemistry.", "PMID": 993172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_4999", "title": "Rapid determination of butylated hydroxyanisole, tert- butylhydroquinone, and propyl gallate in edible oils by electron capture gas-liquid chromatography.", "content": "A rapid method is described for the determination of 2- and 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (2- and 3-BHA), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), and propyl gallate (PG) as their heptafluorobutyrates in edible oils. A solution of the oil in ether-benzene is treated with heptafluorobutyric anhydride (HFBA) in the presence of trimethylamine as catalyst. Excess HFBA is destroyed and a suitably diluted aliquot is analyzed by electron capture gas-liquid chromatography. An internal standard is added before derivatization to aid quantitation and identification of the antioxidants. Average recoveries from an oil spiked at 1, 5, 5, and 5 ppm TBHQ, 2-BHA, 3-BHA, and PG were 110, 105, 106, and 102%, respectively. At these low levels, however, some late-eluting peaks interfered. Butylated hydroxytoluene is not determined by this method.", "contents": "Rapid determination of butylated hydroxyanisole, tert- butylhydroquinone, and propyl gallate in edible oils by electron capture gas-liquid chromatography. A rapid method is described for the determination of 2- and 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (2- and 3-BHA), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), and propyl gallate (PG) as their heptafluorobutyrates in edible oils. A solution of the oil in ether-benzene is treated with heptafluorobutyric anhydride (HFBA) in the presence of trimethylamine as catalyst. Excess HFBA is destroyed and a suitably diluted aliquot is analyzed by electron capture gas-liquid chromatography. An internal standard is added before derivatization to aid quantitation and identification of the antioxidants. Average recoveries from an oil spiked at 1, 5, 5, and 5 ppm TBHQ, 2-BHA, 3-BHA, and PG were 110, 105, 106, and 102%, respectively. At these low levels, however, some late-eluting peaks interfered. Butylated hydroxytoluene is not determined by this method.", "PMID": 993173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5000", "title": "Rapid thin layer chromatographic method for the detection of histamine in fish products.", "content": "A rapid, convenient thin layer chromatographic (TLC) method for detecting histamine in fish samples is described. Samples of press juice or fish flesh are applied directly to TLC plates. The plates are developed with acetoneammonium hydroxide (95+5) and the spots are visualized with ninhydrin or Pauly's reagent. Chromatographic separation of histamine from other fish components is readily achieved by this method.", "contents": "Rapid thin layer chromatographic method for the detection of histamine in fish products. A rapid, convenient thin layer chromatographic (TLC) method for detecting histamine in fish samples is described. Samples of press juice or fish flesh are applied directly to TLC plates. The plates are developed with acetoneammonium hydroxide (95+5) and the spots are visualized with ninhydrin or Pauly's reagent. Chromatographic separation of histamine from other fish components is readily achieved by this method.", "PMID": 993174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5001", "title": "Cathodic stripping voltammetry of nanogram amounts of selenium in biological material.", "content": "A method is described to determine selenium in biological material, based on cathodic stripping voltammetry. Following wet ashing, the selenium was extracted into benzene as the 3',4'-diaminophenylpiazselenol. The selenium was subsequently back-extracted into dilute acid for analysis. Analyses of NBS Bovine Liver demonstrated that the method was capable of recovering 96+/-9% of the selenium present. The detection limit and working range were 3 ng/g and 0-10,000 ng/g, respectively. The method was also applied to the determination of selenium in rapeseed oils and seed.", "contents": "Cathodic stripping voltammetry of nanogram amounts of selenium in biological material. A method is described to determine selenium in biological material, based on cathodic stripping voltammetry. Following wet ashing, the selenium was extracted into benzene as the 3',4'-diaminophenylpiazselenol. The selenium was subsequently back-extracted into dilute acid for analysis. Analyses of NBS Bovine Liver demonstrated that the method was capable of recovering 96+/-9% of the selenium present. The detection limit and working range were 3 ng/g and 0-10,000 ng/g, respectively. The method was also applied to the determination of selenium in rapeseed oils and seed.", "PMID": 993175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5002", "title": "Determination of added blood in ground beef.", "content": "Blood added to ground beef is estimated from hemoglobin extracted with water. Since myoglobin is co-extracted with the hemoglobin, the 2 heme pigments are separated in one portion of the extract by precipitating the hemoglobin in an 85% (NH4)2SO4 solution. The myoglobin remaining in solution is used as the reference solution for determining the hemoglobin in another portion of the extract containing both pigments. The hemoglobin is converted to cyanomethemoglobin and quantitated by its absorbance at 422 nm.", "contents": "Determination of added blood in ground beef. Blood added to ground beef is estimated from hemoglobin extracted with water. Since myoglobin is co-extracted with the hemoglobin, the 2 heme pigments are separated in one portion of the extract by precipitating the hemoglobin in an 85% (NH4)2SO4 solution. The myoglobin remaining in solution is used as the reference solution for determining the hemoglobin in another portion of the extract containing both pigments. The hemoglobin is converted to cyanomethemoglobin and quantitated by its absorbance at 422 nm.", "PMID": 993176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5003", "title": "Automated fluorometric method for determination of total vitamin C in food products.", "content": "A specific microfluorometric method for the determination of ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, and total vitamin C in food products has been automated. The procedure developed is an adaptation of the official AOAC method (secs. 43.056-43.062), except that N-bromosuccinimide is used instead of Norit to oxidize vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is selectively oxidized by N-bromosuccinimide before other interfering substances that may be present, so this method is a highly sensitive and specific technique with extensive applicability. The proposed automated method is simple, rapid, reliable, and sufficiently sensitive to analyze as little as 2 x 10-3 to 0.1 mg ascorbic acid/ml. Analytical results obtained for ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, and total vitamin C in a wide variety of food products are reported. The analytical system developed has the capability of analyzing 50 samples/hr.", "contents": "Automated fluorometric method for determination of total vitamin C in food products. A specific microfluorometric method for the determination of ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, and total vitamin C in food products has been automated. The procedure developed is an adaptation of the official AOAC method (secs. 43.056-43.062), except that N-bromosuccinimide is used instead of Norit to oxidize vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is selectively oxidized by N-bromosuccinimide before other interfering substances that may be present, so this method is a highly sensitive and specific technique with extensive applicability. The proposed automated method is simple, rapid, reliable, and sufficiently sensitive to analyze as little as 2 x 10-3 to 0.1 mg ascorbic acid/ml. Analytical results obtained for ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, and total vitamin C in a wide variety of food products are reported. The analytical system developed has the capability of analyzing 50 samples/hr.", "PMID": 993177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5004", "title": "New method for determination of free amino groups in intact pure proteins: relationship to available lysine.", "content": "A new rapid method for the quantitative and routine determination of free amino groups in intact pure proteins has been developed. Primary amino groups are labeled with fluorescamine and the labeled groups are detected by absorption spectroscopy in the range 375-390 nm. The amino group concentration can be determined in a few minutes without hydrolyzing the labeled protein and extracting a lysine derivative. The method was tested with the following proteins: lysozyme, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, ribonuclease, ribonuclease-S-peptide, and alphasl-casein B. Application of this method to the estimation of available lysine is discussed.", "contents": "New method for determination of free amino groups in intact pure proteins: relationship to available lysine. A new rapid method for the quantitative and routine determination of free amino groups in intact pure proteins has been developed. Primary amino groups are labeled with fluorescamine and the labeled groups are detected by absorption spectroscopy in the range 375-390 nm. The amino group concentration can be determined in a few minutes without hydrolyzing the labeled protein and extracting a lysine derivative. The method was tested with the following proteins: lysozyme, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, ribonuclease, ribonuclease-S-peptide, and alphasl-casein B. Application of this method to the estimation of available lysine is discussed.", "PMID": 993178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5005", "title": "Thin layer chromatographic estimation of available lysine in dried milk powder.", "content": "A rapid method for the estimation of available lysine in dried milk powder has been developed. Samples were treated with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and then hydrolyzed with 6N HCl. The hydrolysate was purified and subjected to ascending thin layer chromatography to isolate xi-trinitophenyl lysine in pure form. The color was read at 346 nm in a specitrophotometer.", "contents": "Thin layer chromatographic estimation of available lysine in dried milk powder. A rapid method for the estimation of available lysine in dried milk powder has been developed. Samples were treated with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and then hydrolyzed with 6N HCl. The hydrolysate was purified and subjected to ascending thin layer chromatography to isolate xi-trinitophenyl lysine in pure form. The color was read at 346 nm in a specitrophotometer.", "PMID": 993179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5006", "title": "High-pressure liquid chromatography of caffeine in coffee.", "content": "A new method is described for the determination of caffeine in coffee, based on high-pressure liquid chromatography. The caffeine is extracted from the sample with water and/or methylene chloride, and then separated from interfering materials by passing an aliquot of the extract through a high-pressure column containing sulfonated cation exchange resin, using 0.01M nitric acid as the mobile phase. An ultraviolet detector measures the absorption of the solution directly. The method is rapid and eliminates the lengthy separations common to other methods. The procedure was applied successfully to decaffeinated and non-decaffeinated green, roasted, and instant coffees. This method gives a more accurate measure of the caffeine content in decaffeinated coffee samples than the micro Bailey-Andrew and modified Levine methods, with equal or better precision. This method gives results equal to those obtained by the official methods for non-decaffeinated samples.", "contents": "High-pressure liquid chromatography of caffeine in coffee. A new method is described for the determination of caffeine in coffee, based on high-pressure liquid chromatography. The caffeine is extracted from the sample with water and/or methylene chloride, and then separated from interfering materials by passing an aliquot of the extract through a high-pressure column containing sulfonated cation exchange resin, using 0.01M nitric acid as the mobile phase. An ultraviolet detector measures the absorption of the solution directly. The method is rapid and eliminates the lengthy separations common to other methods. The procedure was applied successfully to decaffeinated and non-decaffeinated green, roasted, and instant coffees. This method gives a more accurate measure of the caffeine content in decaffeinated coffee samples than the micro Bailey-Andrew and modified Levine methods, with equal or better precision. This method gives results equal to those obtained by the official methods for non-decaffeinated samples.", "PMID": 993180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5007", "title": "Reference Raman spectra of eleven miscellaneous pesticides.", "content": "The Raman spectra of ICP (propham), CIPC (chlorpropham), carbaryl, EPTC (ethyl N,N-dipropyl (3-chlorophenyl) carbamate), pebulate, CDEC (2-chloroallyl diethyldithiocarbamate), thiram, maneb, zineb, ferbam, and nicotine have been recorded. These spectra are presented, along with tables giving values for the frequencies.", "contents": "Reference Raman spectra of eleven miscellaneous pesticides. The Raman spectra of ICP (propham), CIPC (chlorpropham), carbaryl, EPTC (ethyl N,N-dipropyl (3-chlorophenyl) carbamate), pebulate, CDEC (2-chloroallyl diethyldithiocarbamate), thiram, maneb, zineb, ferbam, and nicotine have been recorded. These spectra are presented, along with tables giving values for the frequencies.", "PMID": 993181} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5008", "title": "A simple spectrophotometric method for the determination of carbofuran residues.", "content": "A method has been developed for carbofuran residues, based on coupling carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methyl carbamate) with diazotized aniline to form a yellow compound with an absorption maximum at 460 nm. The relationship between absorbance and concentration is linear for 1-10 mug carbofuran/5 ml. The method is sensitive and can be applied to the determination of levels as low as 0.025 ppm carbofuran in a 40 g crop or soil sample.", "contents": "A simple spectrophotometric method for the determination of carbofuran residues. A method has been developed for carbofuran residues, based on coupling carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methyl carbamate) with diazotized aniline to form a yellow compound with an absorption maximum at 460 nm. The relationship between absorbance and concentration is linear for 1-10 mug carbofuran/5 ml. The method is sensitive and can be applied to the determination of levels as low as 0.025 ppm carbofuran in a 40 g crop or soil sample.", "PMID": 993182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5009", "title": "Collaborative study of a modified extraction procedure for lasalocid sodium in feeds by microbiological assay.", "content": "A collaborative study was conducted on a modified extraction technique in the microbiological determination of lasalocid sodium in finished poultry feeds. The feed is warmed briefly with pH 4.7 buffer and the drug is extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract is washed with HCl and NaOH and evaporated to dryness, and the residue is dissolved in hexane, partitioned into methanol-water (3+1), and diluted to assay range at a final alcohol concentration of 25% (v/v). Seven laboratories participated in the study. Average recoveries of lasalocid sodium added at 0.01035, 0.00863, and 0.0069% ranged from 93 to 99% for mash feeds and from 86 to 95% for pellets. The coefficients of variation averaged 11.2% for mashes and 9.8% for pellets. The modified extraction technique has been adopted as official first action.", "contents": "Collaborative study of a modified extraction procedure for lasalocid sodium in feeds by microbiological assay. A collaborative study was conducted on a modified extraction technique in the microbiological determination of lasalocid sodium in finished poultry feeds. The feed is warmed briefly with pH 4.7 buffer and the drug is extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract is washed with HCl and NaOH and evaporated to dryness, and the residue is dissolved in hexane, partitioned into methanol-water (3+1), and diluted to assay range at a final alcohol concentration of 25% (v/v). Seven laboratories participated in the study. Average recoveries of lasalocid sodium added at 0.01035, 0.00863, and 0.0069% ranged from 93 to 99% for mash feeds and from 86 to 95% for pellets. The coefficients of variation averaged 11.2% for mashes and 9.8% for pellets. The modified extraction technique has been adopted as official first action.", "PMID": 993183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5010", "title": "Rapid colorimetric method for carbadox in animal feeds.", "content": "The colorimetric method for carbadox in animal feeds was modified to be simpler and faster. Carbadox is extracted with dimethyl-formamide and separated from interferences on an alumina column in the absence of water by controlling the amount of sample extract on the column and the flow rate. The isolated carbadox is eluted into sodium hydroxide and the resultant yellow chromophor is measured spectrophotometrically at 420 nm.", "contents": "Rapid colorimetric method for carbadox in animal feeds. The colorimetric method for carbadox in animal feeds was modified to be simpler and faster. Carbadox is extracted with dimethyl-formamide and separated from interferences on an alumina column in the absence of water by controlling the amount of sample extract on the column and the flow rate. The isolated carbadox is eluted into sodium hydroxide and the resultant yellow chromophor is measured spectrophotometrically at 420 nm.", "PMID": 993184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5011", "title": "Preparation and spectral compilation of FD&C Red No.40 intermediates and subsidiary dyes.", "content": "FD&C Red No. 40 may contain higher or lower sulfonated subsidiary dyes, depending on the purity of intermediates used. Samples of 10 possible subsidiaries were prepared and purified. They are to serve as analytical standards to aid in the identification of unknown compounds frequently appearing during the analysis of certification samples. Visible, ultra-violet, and infrared spectra as well as absorptivites and molar extinction coefficients are given for each dye.", "contents": "Preparation and spectral compilation of FD&C Red No.40 intermediates and subsidiary dyes. FD&C Red No. 40 may contain higher or lower sulfonated subsidiary dyes, depending on the purity of intermediates used. Samples of 10 possible subsidiaries were prepared and purified. They are to serve as analytical standards to aid in the identification of unknown compounds frequently appearing during the analysis of certification samples. Visible, ultra-violet, and infrared spectra as well as absorptivites and molar extinction coefficients are given for each dye.", "PMID": 993185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5012", "title": "A review of sampling plans and collaboratively studied methods of analysis for aflatoxins.", "content": "Aflatoxins are the only food contaminants being monitored routinely on an international scale with methods operating at the order of magnitude of 10 mug/kg. At this concentration level, methods of analysis which can achieve coefficients of variation of 30-40% with recoveries of 70% or greater in interlaboratory collaborative studies can be considered eligible for referee status. In most cases, sample reproducibility is the variable limiting the reliability of methods of analysis. The inherent uncertainty of the identity of chromatographically separated entities requires the application of confirmatory tests to verify that the characteristic measured results from the presence of aflatoxin. The methods are also inoperable without a verification of the identity, purity, and concentration of the reference standards used. Screening methods which reliably eliminate negative samples from further consideration are indispensible for the practical operation of monitoring programs.", "contents": "A review of sampling plans and collaboratively studied methods of analysis for aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are the only food contaminants being monitored routinely on an international scale with methods operating at the order of magnitude of 10 mug/kg. At this concentration level, methods of analysis which can achieve coefficients of variation of 30-40% with recoveries of 70% or greater in interlaboratory collaborative studies can be considered eligible for referee status. In most cases, sample reproducibility is the variable limiting the reliability of methods of analysis. The inherent uncertainty of the identity of chromatographically separated entities requires the application of confirmatory tests to verify that the characteristic measured results from the presence of aflatoxin. The methods are also inoperable without a verification of the identity, purity, and concentration of the reference standards used. Screening methods which reliably eliminate negative samples from further consideration are indispensible for the practical operation of monitoring programs.", "PMID": 993186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5013", "title": "Identification of human seminal acid phosphatase by electrophoresis.", "content": "Recent advances in forensic science in the identification of human seminal acid phosphatase are presented, with particular attention to the acrylamide gel electrophoretic method. In that method a difficulty in distinguishing seminal acid phosphatase from certain fecal phosphatases has been observed and an attempt is made here to distinguish the phosphatases from one another experimentally by differential substrate specificity. 4-Methylumbelliferyl phosphate and alpha-naphthyl acid phosphate are used as reaction substrates. Although seminal and vaginal acid phosphatases are differentiated by the modified method, fecal phosphatase is not clearly differentiated from seminal acid phosphatase.", "contents": "Identification of human seminal acid phosphatase by electrophoresis. Recent advances in forensic science in the identification of human seminal acid phosphatase are presented, with particular attention to the acrylamide gel electrophoretic method. In that method a difficulty in distinguishing seminal acid phosphatase from certain fecal phosphatases has been observed and an attempt is made here to distinguish the phosphatases from one another experimentally by differential substrate specificity. 4-Methylumbelliferyl phosphate and alpha-naphthyl acid phosphate are used as reaction substrates. Although seminal and vaginal acid phosphatases are differentiated by the modified method, fecal phosphatase is not clearly differentiated from seminal acid phosphatase.", "PMID": 993187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5014", "title": "Microbiological assay with Lactobacillus plantarum for detection of adulteration in orange juice.", "content": "A microbiological assay has been developed to help detect adulteration in orange juice. Under standard assay conditions with diluted orange juice, the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum is proportional to the concentration of juice in the assay mixture. Imitation orange beverages did not support growth. Growth was also independent of the normal levels of common beverage ingredients such as sugar, acids, butylated hyroxyanisole, and orange oil. Commercial orange juices reconstituted from concentrates from various sources were assayed by the microbiological procedure, and the variability of results (coefficient of variation 24%) was about the same as or slightly lower than that for many of the other constituents used to estimate adulteration.", "contents": "Microbiological assay with Lactobacillus plantarum for detection of adulteration in orange juice. A microbiological assay has been developed to help detect adulteration in orange juice. Under standard assay conditions with diluted orange juice, the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum is proportional to the concentration of juice in the assay mixture. Imitation orange beverages did not support growth. Growth was also independent of the normal levels of common beverage ingredients such as sugar, acids, butylated hyroxyanisole, and orange oil. Commercial orange juices reconstituted from concentrates from various sources were assayed by the microbiological procedure, and the variability of results (coefficient of variation 24%) was about the same as or slightly lower than that for many of the other constituents used to estimate adulteration.", "PMID": 993188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5015", "title": "Gas chromatographic determination of micro amounts of cyanide residues in wines, distilled liquors, and other alcoholic beverages.", "content": "A gas chromatographic method for the determination of cyanide residues in alcoholic beverages has been developed from procedures previously reported for application to water samples. Quantitatively isolating HCN from alcoholic beverages presented difficulties not encountered with aqueous solutions, particularly in the presence of S02 in the sample. HCN was liberated from the acidified sample by heating at 70 degrees C, flushed into an NaOH absorber solution, converted to cyanogen bromide (CNBr), extracted into diisopropyl ether, chromatographed on a Porapak Q column, and detected by an electron capture detector. S02 that is present in most wines interfered with the bromination step and caused low recoveries. This interference was eliminated by initially converting any cyanide present in the sample to the stable mercuric cyanide salt and then purging the acidified sample solution of all S02. The Hg(CN)2 present was then dissociated by adding KI and the analysis proceeded as previously described. Mean recoveries of 80-97% were obtained for 2-20 mug cyanide from replicate analyses of spiked samples of distilled liquors free of S02. The relative standard deviations ranged from 6.1 to 11.1%. Mean recoveries of 65 to 91% were obtained in the same range of cyanide from replicate analyses of spiked wine samples known to contain S02, with relative standard deviations ranging from 0.8 to 10.2%. The limit of detection was 0.2 mug HCN.", "contents": "Gas chromatographic determination of micro amounts of cyanide residues in wines, distilled liquors, and other alcoholic beverages. A gas chromatographic method for the determination of cyanide residues in alcoholic beverages has been developed from procedures previously reported for application to water samples. Quantitatively isolating HCN from alcoholic beverages presented difficulties not encountered with aqueous solutions, particularly in the presence of S02 in the sample. HCN was liberated from the acidified sample by heating at 70 degrees C, flushed into an NaOH absorber solution, converted to cyanogen bromide (CNBr), extracted into diisopropyl ether, chromatographed on a Porapak Q column, and detected by an electron capture detector. S02 that is present in most wines interfered with the bromination step and caused low recoveries. This interference was eliminated by initially converting any cyanide present in the sample to the stable mercuric cyanide salt and then purging the acidified sample solution of all S02. The Hg(CN)2 present was then dissociated by adding KI and the analysis proceeded as previously described. Mean recoveries of 80-97% were obtained for 2-20 mug cyanide from replicate analyses of spiked samples of distilled liquors free of S02. The relative standard deviations ranged from 6.1 to 11.1%. Mean recoveries of 65 to 91% were obtained in the same range of cyanide from replicate analyses of spiked wine samples known to contain S02, with relative standard deviations ranging from 0.8 to 10.2%. The limit of detection was 0.2 mug HCN.", "PMID": 993189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5016", "title": "Loss of chloride in the official method for the determination of sodium chloride in cereal foods.", "content": "The official final action method for sodium chloride in cereal foods, 14.129, was found to give erroneously low results because of loss of chloride during ashing. Comparison of the data with values obtained by the official first action potentiometric method, 32.A01-32.A06, which does not require ashing, showed that large and variable losses of chloride occurred. Official ashing methods for other foods specify addition of sodium carbonate to prevent conversion of chloride to volatile forms, but this was not specified in 14.129. In the present study it was found that sodium carbonate did not completely prevent loss of chloride. The official first action potentiometric method, 32.A01-32.A06, has been adopted as official first action for the determination of chloride in cereal foods to replace 14.129, which was repealed, official first action. A cross-reference to 32.A01-32.A06 has been added to 14.096.", "contents": "Loss of chloride in the official method for the determination of sodium chloride in cereal foods. The official final action method for sodium chloride in cereal foods, 14.129, was found to give erroneously low results because of loss of chloride during ashing. Comparison of the data with values obtained by the official first action potentiometric method, 32.A01-32.A06, which does not require ashing, showed that large and variable losses of chloride occurred. Official ashing methods for other foods specify addition of sodium carbonate to prevent conversion of chloride to volatile forms, but this was not specified in 14.129. In the present study it was found that sodium carbonate did not completely prevent loss of chloride. The official first action potentiometric method, 32.A01-32.A06, has been adopted as official first action for the determination of chloride in cereal foods to replace 14.129, which was repealed, official first action. A cross-reference to 32.A01-32.A06 has been added to 14.096.", "PMID": 993190} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5017", "title": "Drugs. Differential pulse polarography of cacodylate injections.", "content": "A method was developed for the analysis of cacodylate injections, using differential pulse polarography for measuring As(III). The cacodylate molecule is decomposed to As(V) by heating with Mg(NO3)2.6H20; As(V) is then chemically reduced to As(III) and polarographed in 1M HCl supporting electrolyte. The method of standard addition is used for quantitation. Recoveries based on the analysis of synthetic cacodylic acid solutions containing approximately 9 mg arsenic/ml ranged from 99.1 to 101.7%.", "contents": "Drugs. Differential pulse polarography of cacodylate injections. A method was developed for the analysis of cacodylate injections, using differential pulse polarography for measuring As(III). The cacodylate molecule is decomposed to As(V) by heating with Mg(NO3)2.6H20; As(V) is then chemically reduced to As(III) and polarographed in 1M HCl supporting electrolyte. The method of standard addition is used for quantitation. Recoveries based on the analysis of synthetic cacodylic acid solutions containing approximately 9 mg arsenic/ml ranged from 99.1 to 101.7%.", "PMID": 993191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5018", "title": "Infrared spectrophotometric analysis of medicinal gases for trace impurities.", "content": "The feasibility of examining medical gases for trace impurities, using an infrared spectrophotometer in conjunction with a 10 m gas cell, was investigated. Many of the impurities for which the USP includes limits were detected and measured at concentrations at or below those permitted by the USP; these include sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. However, others (hydrogen sulfide, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide) were not detected at these levels by this technique. Methane was found at low levels in some samples.", "contents": "Infrared spectrophotometric analysis of medicinal gases for trace impurities. The feasibility of examining medical gases for trace impurities, using an infrared spectrophotometer in conjunction with a 10 m gas cell, was investigated. Many of the impurities for which the USP includes limits were detected and measured at concentrations at or below those permitted by the USP; these include sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. However, others (hydrogen sulfide, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide) were not detected at these levels by this technique. Methane was found at low levels in some samples.", "PMID": 993192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5019", "title": "Pilocarpine hydrochloride in ophthalmic solutions: modification of a high-pressure liquid chromatographic determination and survey.", "content": "Pilocarpine undergoes 2 important reactions in solutions, epimerization to isopilocarpine and hydrolysis to pilocarpic acid. There is no official USP limit for isopilocarpine or pilocarpic acid in pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solutions. An existing high-pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was modified by changing the buffer system to permit its use with constant-pressure as well as constant-volume instruments. The procedure separates all 3 components on a cation exchange resin; pilocarpine and isopilocarpine are determined directly and pilocarpic acid indirectly. Ophthalmic solutions and drug substances were obtained from substantially all the United States marketers of pilocarpine opthalmic solutions and were analyzed by the modified HPLC method. Results of the survey show that isopilocarpine is present to the extent of 0.4-3% and pilocarpic acid at levels of 0.6-7% of total alkaloid.", "contents": "Pilocarpine hydrochloride in ophthalmic solutions: modification of a high-pressure liquid chromatographic determination and survey. Pilocarpine undergoes 2 important reactions in solutions, epimerization to isopilocarpine and hydrolysis to pilocarpic acid. There is no official USP limit for isopilocarpine or pilocarpic acid in pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solutions. An existing high-pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was modified by changing the buffer system to permit its use with constant-pressure as well as constant-volume instruments. The procedure separates all 3 components on a cation exchange resin; pilocarpine and isopilocarpine are determined directly and pilocarpic acid indirectly. Ophthalmic solutions and drug substances were obtained from substantially all the United States marketers of pilocarpine opthalmic solutions and were analyzed by the modified HPLC method. Results of the survey show that isopilocarpine is present to the extent of 0.4-3% and pilocarpic acid at levels of 0.6-7% of total alkaloid.", "PMID": 993193} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5020", "title": "Confirmation of results of rapid screening test for aflatoxins performed at corn elevator.", "content": "A screening method for corn and corn products, based on a minicolumn, was modified slightly to assay 60 lots of corn at one elevator to determine whether they could be sold as animal feed. To be salable, the lots had to contain less than 20 ppb total aflatoxin. Aflatoxin levels in the lots were later determined by the official AOAC method for corn to check effectiveness of the screening. No lot had been designated for sale that contained 20 or more ppb total aflatoxin.", "contents": "Confirmation of results of rapid screening test for aflatoxins performed at corn elevator. A screening method for corn and corn products, based on a minicolumn, was modified slightly to assay 60 lots of corn at one elevator to determine whether they could be sold as animal feed. To be salable, the lots had to contain less than 20 ppb total aflatoxin. Aflatoxin levels in the lots were later determined by the official AOAC method for corn to check effectiveness of the screening. No lot had been designated for sale that contained 20 or more ppb total aflatoxin.", "PMID": 993194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5021", "title": "Training the renaissance medical illustrator.", "content": "The professional training of the medical illustration student has been a subject of controvery for the last few years. Curricula of the schools accredited by the Association of Medical Illustrators have, to varying degrees, undergone change due to new demands on the practicing illustrator. The curriculum in Biomedical Illustration at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas attempts to balance time-proven courses with contemporary problem-solving approaches to the training of the medical illustrator. This paper reflects the history, philosophy and methods of implementation of the course of study leading to the M.A. degree in Biomedical Communication at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas.", "contents": "Training the renaissance medical illustrator. The professional training of the medical illustration student has been a subject of controvery for the last few years. Curricula of the schools accredited by the Association of Medical Illustrators have, to varying degrees, undergone change due to new demands on the practicing illustrator. The curriculum in Biomedical Illustration at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas attempts to balance time-proven courses with contemporary problem-solving approaches to the training of the medical illustrator. This paper reflects the history, philosophy and methods of implementation of the course of study leading to the M.A. degree in Biomedical Communication at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas.", "PMID": 993196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5022", "title": "Appraisal, validation, and evaluation utilized in the assessment of instructional materials.", "content": "To maintain the highest standards of instructional quality, it is essential that self-instructional materials used in the teaching effort be systematically assessed. This paper has presented three types of assessment that have proven effective for the Office of Education, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina. The commitment to a regular assessment program has resulted in a more informed selection of materials and a more appropriate use of self-instructional materials by the faculty. Obviously, all of the approaches described may not be appropriate for all institutions. However, all institutions utilizing self-instructional materials have an obligation to assess the effectiveness of the materials to the best of their ability and resources.", "contents": "Appraisal, validation, and evaluation utilized in the assessment of instructional materials. To maintain the highest standards of instructional quality, it is essential that self-instructional materials used in the teaching effort be systematically assessed. This paper has presented three types of assessment that have proven effective for the Office of Education, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina. The commitment to a regular assessment program has resulted in a more informed selection of materials and a more appropriate use of self-instructional materials by the faculty. Obviously, all of the approaches described may not be appropriate for all institutions. However, all institutions utilizing self-instructional materials have an obligation to assess the effectiveness of the materials to the best of their ability and resources.", "PMID": 993197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5023", "title": "Role of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid. Cation specificity of prothrombin and factor X-phospholipid binding.", "content": "Divalent cations are required for two roles in prothrombin-phospholipid interaction. The first role, catalysis of a prothrombin protein transition has a reaction half-life of 100 min at 0 degrees and is a prerequisite to phospholipid binding. The binding sites required for the transition have a very low cation specificity. All di- and trivalent cations tested were effective in this role with the exception of beryllium. Barium catalyzed the transition but only at high concentrations (6.6 mM was required for half-reaction). Blood-clotting Factor X, another gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein, also undergoes a cation-catalyzed protein transition which is a prerequisite to Factor X-phospholipid binding. In both proteins, the transition can be monitored by a decrease in the protein's intrinsic fluorescence. Compared to prothrombin, the Factor X transition occurs much more rapidly, has a somewhat greater specificity for cations, and requires higher concentrations of cations. This indicates that the cation binding sites provided by gamma-carboxyglutamic acid are not completely uniform in all proteins. The second role of divalent cations in prothrombin-phospholipid interaction is in the actual protein-phospholipid binding. This interaction was studied by protein fluorescence quenching resulting from excitation energy transfer to a chromophore attached to the phospholipid membrane. Only strontium and barium satisfactorily replaced calcium in this role. A number of other cations form protein-phospholipid complexes but of the wrong structure. These cations inhibit the prothrombinase complex (Factor Xa, calcium, phospholipid, Factor V). The cation specificity for Factor X-phospholipid binding is the same as for prothrombin except that higher concentrations of cations are required. Factor Xa (generated by action of Russell's viper venom on Factor X) displayed the same calcium requirements for the protein transition and phospholipid interaction as Factor X. The cation requirements of the prothrombinase complex correlate with the cation requirements of prothrombin and Factor X-phospholipid binding. Strontium is the only cation that will singly replace calcium. Barium is ineffective alone because the concentrations required to catalyze the protein transitions cause precipitation of the phospholipid. Combination of certain other cations with barium will, however, substitute for calcium. The other cations (specifically magnesium or manganous ion) catalyze the protein transitions and barium forms the correct protein-phospholipid complexes.", "contents": "Role of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid. Cation specificity of prothrombin and factor X-phospholipid binding. Divalent cations are required for two roles in prothrombin-phospholipid interaction. The first role, catalysis of a prothrombin protein transition has a reaction half-life of 100 min at 0 degrees and is a prerequisite to phospholipid binding. The binding sites required for the transition have a very low cation specificity. All di- and trivalent cations tested were effective in this role with the exception of beryllium. Barium catalyzed the transition but only at high concentrations (6.6 mM was required for half-reaction). Blood-clotting Factor X, another gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein, also undergoes a cation-catalyzed protein transition which is a prerequisite to Factor X-phospholipid binding. In both proteins, the transition can be monitored by a decrease in the protein's intrinsic fluorescence. Compared to prothrombin, the Factor X transition occurs much more rapidly, has a somewhat greater specificity for cations, and requires higher concentrations of cations. This indicates that the cation binding sites provided by gamma-carboxyglutamic acid are not completely uniform in all proteins. The second role of divalent cations in prothrombin-phospholipid interaction is in the actual protein-phospholipid binding. This interaction was studied by protein fluorescence quenching resulting from excitation energy transfer to a chromophore attached to the phospholipid membrane. Only strontium and barium satisfactorily replaced calcium in this role. A number of other cations form protein-phospholipid complexes but of the wrong structure. These cations inhibit the prothrombinase complex (Factor Xa, calcium, phospholipid, Factor V). The cation specificity for Factor X-phospholipid binding is the same as for prothrombin except that higher concentrations of cations are required. Factor Xa (generated by action of Russell's viper venom on Factor X) displayed the same calcium requirements for the protein transition and phospholipid interaction as Factor X. The cation requirements of the prothrombinase complex correlate with the cation requirements of prothrombin and Factor X-phospholipid binding. Strontium is the only cation that will singly replace calcium. Barium is ineffective alone because the concentrations required to catalyze the protein transitions cause precipitation of the phospholipid. Combination of certain other cations with barium will, however, substitute for calcium. The other cations (specifically magnesium or manganous ion) catalyze the protein transitions and barium forms the correct protein-phospholipid complexes.", "PMID": 993198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5024", "title": "Role of enzymatically catalyzed 5-iodo-5,6-dihydrouracil ring hydrolysis on the dehalogenation of 5-iodouracil.", "content": "Incubation of 5-iodo-5,6-dihydrouracil (IH2Ura) with soluble rat liver enzymes at 37 degrees, pH 8.2, results in the rapid release of iodide ion. The second product resulting from the carbon skeleton of the dihydropyrimidine ring system is 2-amino-2-oxazoline-5-carboxylic acid (I). Ultraviolet absorbance measurements at 225 nm, where both IH2Ura and iodide ion absorb, indicate that IH2Ura dehalogenation is a two-step process. The first step, which is enzyme-dependent, involves dihydropyrimidine amidohydrolase (EC 3.5.2.2.)-catalyzed hydrolysis of the IH2Ura ring system presumably to yield 2-iodo-3-ureidopropionate. The enzyme preparations also catalyze the hydrolysis of 5-bromo-5,6-dihydrouracil, 5,6-dihydrouracil, and 5,6-dihydrothymine, the latter two of which are the natural substrates for dihydropyrimidine amidohydrolase. The second step in IH2Ura dehalogenation involves the nonenzymatically catalyzed, pH-independent intramolecular cyclization of 2-iodo-3-ureidopropionate via nucleophilic attack of the ureido oxygen atom on carbon-2 resulting in iodide ion and the oxazoline (I) as final products. The results are discussed relative to the role of pyrimidine catabolizing enzymes in 5-halopyrimidine dehalogenation.", "contents": "Role of enzymatically catalyzed 5-iodo-5,6-dihydrouracil ring hydrolysis on the dehalogenation of 5-iodouracil. Incubation of 5-iodo-5,6-dihydrouracil (IH2Ura) with soluble rat liver enzymes at 37 degrees, pH 8.2, results in the rapid release of iodide ion. The second product resulting from the carbon skeleton of the dihydropyrimidine ring system is 2-amino-2-oxazoline-5-carboxylic acid (I). Ultraviolet absorbance measurements at 225 nm, where both IH2Ura and iodide ion absorb, indicate that IH2Ura dehalogenation is a two-step process. The first step, which is enzyme-dependent, involves dihydropyrimidine amidohydrolase (EC 3.5.2.2.)-catalyzed hydrolysis of the IH2Ura ring system presumably to yield 2-iodo-3-ureidopropionate. The enzyme preparations also catalyze the hydrolysis of 5-bromo-5,6-dihydrouracil, 5,6-dihydrouracil, and 5,6-dihydrothymine, the latter two of which are the natural substrates for dihydropyrimidine amidohydrolase. The second step in IH2Ura dehalogenation involves the nonenzymatically catalyzed, pH-independent intramolecular cyclization of 2-iodo-3-ureidopropionate via nucleophilic attack of the ureido oxygen atom on carbon-2 resulting in iodide ion and the oxazoline (I) as final products. The results are discussed relative to the role of pyrimidine catabolizing enzymes in 5-halopyrimidine dehalogenation.", "PMID": 993199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5025", "title": "Binding of uracil derivatives to hydrophobic peptides and sodium dodecyl sulfate.", "content": "The capacities of five hydrophobic peptides to bind 13 alkyl uracil derivatives have been assessed as a first step toward constructing polymeric molecules, related to the nucleic acids, that specifically complement protein molecules. The peptides were Phe-Phe-Phe-Glu-Glu and its structural analogs with leucine, isoleucine, methionine, and valine substituted for phenylalanine. Uracils with the following substituents in position 5' were used: i-propyl, i-butyl, i-pentyl, sec-butyl, n-butyl, phenyl, benzyl, phenylethyl, methylthioethyl, ethylthiomethyl, and ethylthioethyl. 6-Benzyl and 6-i-pentyl uracils were also tested. The variations in base binding patterns are unique for each peptide, and the general effectiveness of the peptides in binding is related to the order in which their hydrophobic amino acid constituents occur in the uracil column of the genetic codon table. Although the method used does not permit precise determination of binding constants, it is apparent that many of them are much lower than 1 mM. 5-Ethylthioethyluracil quite selectively forms a large metastable aggregate with Phe3Glu2. Its close homologues do not. Also, 5-ethylthioethyluracil binds in some measure to Met3Glu2 but not significantly to Ile3Glu2 and Val3Glu2, whereas its homologue, 5-ethylthiomethyluracil, binds better to the latter two than to Met3Glu2. Thus, the two homologues might serve to form hypothetical polymers that discriminatively bind polymers of isoleucine and valine. It is argued that evolution would most reasonably have begun with such crude mechanisms.", "contents": "Binding of uracil derivatives to hydrophobic peptides and sodium dodecyl sulfate. The capacities of five hydrophobic peptides to bind 13 alkyl uracil derivatives have been assessed as a first step toward constructing polymeric molecules, related to the nucleic acids, that specifically complement protein molecules. The peptides were Phe-Phe-Phe-Glu-Glu and its structural analogs with leucine, isoleucine, methionine, and valine substituted for phenylalanine. Uracils with the following substituents in position 5' were used: i-propyl, i-butyl, i-pentyl, sec-butyl, n-butyl, phenyl, benzyl, phenylethyl, methylthioethyl, ethylthiomethyl, and ethylthioethyl. 6-Benzyl and 6-i-pentyl uracils were also tested. The variations in base binding patterns are unique for each peptide, and the general effectiveness of the peptides in binding is related to the order in which their hydrophobic amino acid constituents occur in the uracil column of the genetic codon table. Although the method used does not permit precise determination of binding constants, it is apparent that many of them are much lower than 1 mM. 5-Ethylthioethyluracil quite selectively forms a large metastable aggregate with Phe3Glu2. Its close homologues do not. Also, 5-ethylthioethyluracil binds in some measure to Met3Glu2 but not significantly to Ile3Glu2 and Val3Glu2, whereas its homologue, 5-ethylthiomethyluracil, binds better to the latter two than to Met3Glu2. Thus, the two homologues might serve to form hypothetical polymers that discriminatively bind polymers of isoleucine and valine. It is argued that evolution would most reasonably have begun with such crude mechanisms.", "PMID": 993200} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5026", "title": "Specificity of protein turnover in tomato leaves. Accumulation of proteinase inhibitors, induced with the wound hormone, PIIF.", "content": "Detached tomato leaves, supplied with the proteinase inhibitor inducing factor (PIIF) and incubated with water under constant light, exhibited a specificity of intracellular protein turnover directed toward the selective accumulation of heat-stable proteins having disulfide corss-linkages. Approximately 70% of the accumulated proteins could be accounted for in two proteinase inhibitors rich in disulfide links. The accumulation of proteins containing disulfides was accompanied by a net loss in total leaf protein, mainly of heat-precipitable proteins having free sulfhydryl residues. Relative rates of synthesis of --S--S-- proteins and --SH proteins were assessed by comparing rates of incorporation of isotope into the inhibitor proteins and noninhibitor leaf proteins. Although the inhibitors represented about 12% of total leaf protein after 71 h of induction, only about 2% of total protein synthesis was directed toward inhibitor synthesis during incubation of induced leaves. The marked stability of inhibitors, and other disulfide proteins against degradation in vivo, appeared to be a major factor providing for their selective accumulation. It was concluded that the state of oxidation of protein-bound half-cystine residues may be a principle parameter influencing the susceptibility of leaf proteins to degradation in vivo.", "contents": "Specificity of protein turnover in tomato leaves. Accumulation of proteinase inhibitors, induced with the wound hormone, PIIF. Detached tomato leaves, supplied with the proteinase inhibitor inducing factor (PIIF) and incubated with water under constant light, exhibited a specificity of intracellular protein turnover directed toward the selective accumulation of heat-stable proteins having disulfide corss-linkages. Approximately 70% of the accumulated proteins could be accounted for in two proteinase inhibitors rich in disulfide links. The accumulation of proteins containing disulfides was accompanied by a net loss in total leaf protein, mainly of heat-precipitable proteins having free sulfhydryl residues. Relative rates of synthesis of --S--S-- proteins and --SH proteins were assessed by comparing rates of incorporation of isotope into the inhibitor proteins and noninhibitor leaf proteins. Although the inhibitors represented about 12% of total leaf protein after 71 h of induction, only about 2% of total protein synthesis was directed toward inhibitor synthesis during incubation of induced leaves. The marked stability of inhibitors, and other disulfide proteins against degradation in vivo, appeared to be a major factor providing for their selective accumulation. It was concluded that the state of oxidation of protein-bound half-cystine residues may be a principle parameter influencing the susceptibility of leaf proteins to degradation in vivo.", "PMID": 993201} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5027", "title": "Radioimmunoassay for neurotensin, a hypothalamic peptide.", "content": "A highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for neurotensin has been developed which utilizes 125I-labeled neurotensin and rabbit antisera raised toward synthetic neurotensin which has been coupled specifically through its lysine side chain to several proteins. The three antisera described have different specificities but are directed primarily towards the COOH-terminal region of neurotensin which is the biologically active portion of the molecule. Two of the antisera, poly(Glu60, Lys40) (from animal no. 4) and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (from animal no. 8), cross-react fully with COOH-terminal partial sequences of neurotensin while antiserum poly(Glu60, Lys40) (from animal no. 6) requires the entire molecule for full recognition. The assay can detect less than 3 fmol of neurotensin and the dose-response curves for synthetic and native neurotensin are superimposable, irrespective of the antiserum employed. Using these assay systems, the immunoactivity in acid/acetone extracts of 45 kg of bovine hypothalami was purified to homogeneity and shown to be attributable to intact neurotensin and not to fragments of neurotensin nor to related molecules. Radioimmunoassayable neurotensin (R-NT) obtained from bovine, rat, guinea pig, and rabbit hypothalami also gave dose-response curves which paralleled that of neurotensin and the neurotensin equivalents per g of wet tissue were in the range 45 to 70 pmol/g. Measurements with the three antisera were in agreement, especially after the extracts were chromatographed on Sephadex G-25; R-NT in these hypothalamic extracts has also been shown to be destroyed by treatment with various enzymes known to cleave neurotensin.", "contents": "Radioimmunoassay for neurotensin, a hypothalamic peptide. A highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for neurotensin has been developed which utilizes 125I-labeled neurotensin and rabbit antisera raised toward synthetic neurotensin which has been coupled specifically through its lysine side chain to several proteins. The three antisera described have different specificities but are directed primarily towards the COOH-terminal region of neurotensin which is the biologically active portion of the molecule. Two of the antisera, poly(Glu60, Lys40) (from animal no. 4) and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (from animal no. 8), cross-react fully with COOH-terminal partial sequences of neurotensin while antiserum poly(Glu60, Lys40) (from animal no. 6) requires the entire molecule for full recognition. The assay can detect less than 3 fmol of neurotensin and the dose-response curves for synthetic and native neurotensin are superimposable, irrespective of the antiserum employed. Using these assay systems, the immunoactivity in acid/acetone extracts of 45 kg of bovine hypothalami was purified to homogeneity and shown to be attributable to intact neurotensin and not to fragments of neurotensin nor to related molecules. Radioimmunoassayable neurotensin (R-NT) obtained from bovine, rat, guinea pig, and rabbit hypothalami also gave dose-response curves which paralleled that of neurotensin and the neurotensin equivalents per g of wet tissue were in the range 45 to 70 pmol/g. Measurements with the three antisera were in agreement, especially after the extracts were chromatographed on Sephadex G-25; R-NT in these hypothalamic extracts has also been shown to be destroyed by treatment with various enzymes known to cleave neurotensin.", "PMID": 993202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5028", "title": "Characterization of radioimmunoassayable neurotensin in the rat. Its differential distribution in the central nervous system, small intestine, and stomach.", "content": "Using radioimmunoassay, the distribution of radioimmunoassayable neurotensin (R-NT) has been determined in acid/acetone extracts of tissues from week-old and adult rats. Whereas only 10% of the R-NT in week-old rats was found in the head, 90% was found in extracts of the body, and 85% was present in the intestine. The distribution of R-NT in the central nervous system of adult male rats was as follows: hypothalamus (35%), brain stem (35%), cerebral cortex (17%), thalamus (11%), cerebellum (1%), and pituitary gland (1%). Concentrations of R-NT were highest in the hypothalamus (60 pmol/g) and lowest in the cerebellum (0.8 pmol/g). More than 10 times as much R-NT was found in extracts of adult rat small intestine than in brain. The concentration of R-NT was highest in the jejuno-ileal section of the intestine (approximately 50 pmol/g) but it was also detected in the esophogus, stomach, duodenum, and large intestine (approximately 1 to 8 pmol/g) than the remaining muscle layer (approximately 40 pmol/g). Rat jejuno-ileal R-NT co-chromatographed with neurotensin on Sephadex G-25, displayed equal immunological potency with the antisera utilized, and was destroyed by enzymes known to cleave neurotensin. High concentrations (approximately 400 pmol/g) of an R-NT of smaller molecular weight than neurotensin were found in rat stomach. This peptide reacted most strongly with a COOH-terminal-directed antiserum and appeared to be four to five amino acids in length; it might possibly be a breakdown product of neurotensin or a related peptide with biological activity. Acid/acetone extracts of rat and bovine plasma were found to contain an R-NT which displayed the properties of neurotensin (approximately 50 fmol/ml) as well as a substance which behaved similarly to the small molecular weight stomach R-NT (approximately 1000 fmol/ml).", "contents": "Characterization of radioimmunoassayable neurotensin in the rat. Its differential distribution in the central nervous system, small intestine, and stomach. Using radioimmunoassay, the distribution of radioimmunoassayable neurotensin (R-NT) has been determined in acid/acetone extracts of tissues from week-old and adult rats. Whereas only 10% of the R-NT in week-old rats was found in the head, 90% was found in extracts of the body, and 85% was present in the intestine. The distribution of R-NT in the central nervous system of adult male rats was as follows: hypothalamus (35%), brain stem (35%), cerebral cortex (17%), thalamus (11%), cerebellum (1%), and pituitary gland (1%). Concentrations of R-NT were highest in the hypothalamus (60 pmol/g) and lowest in the cerebellum (0.8 pmol/g). More than 10 times as much R-NT was found in extracts of adult rat small intestine than in brain. The concentration of R-NT was highest in the jejuno-ileal section of the intestine (approximately 50 pmol/g) but it was also detected in the esophogus, stomach, duodenum, and large intestine (approximately 1 to 8 pmol/g) than the remaining muscle layer (approximately 40 pmol/g). Rat jejuno-ileal R-NT co-chromatographed with neurotensin on Sephadex G-25, displayed equal immunological potency with the antisera utilized, and was destroyed by enzymes known to cleave neurotensin. High concentrations (approximately 400 pmol/g) of an R-NT of smaller molecular weight than neurotensin were found in rat stomach. This peptide reacted most strongly with a COOH-terminal-directed antiserum and appeared to be four to five amino acids in length; it might possibly be a breakdown product of neurotensin or a related peptide with biological activity. Acid/acetone extracts of rat and bovine plasma were found to contain an R-NT which displayed the properties of neurotensin (approximately 50 fmol/ml) as well as a substance which behaved similarly to the small molecular weight stomach R-NT (approximately 1000 fmol/ml).", "PMID": 993203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5029", "title": "Isolation of a tridecapeptide from bovine intestinal tissue and its partial characterization as neurotensin.", "content": "Radioimmunoassayable neurotensin (R-NT) has been isolated from acid/acetone extracts of 50 kg of calf small intestine with an overall yield of approximately 15%. The concentration of R-NT in calf intestinal tissue was approximately 35 pmol/g wet weight. Throughout the purification procedures which involved adsorption onto sulfopropyl (SP)-Sephadex, chromatography on Sephadex G-25 and SP-Sephadex, immunoadsorption on neurotensin-antibody Sepharose and high voltage paper electrophoresis, R-NT displayed the chromatographic and electrophoretic properties of neurotensin. R-NT was found to contain a tridecapeptide with the same amino acid composition as neurotensin. This peptide yielded the same products as neurotensin when submitted to digestion by carboxypeptidase A or papain. Its immunological properties were indistinguishable from those of neurotensin and its potency in stimulating hypotension in anesthetized rats was comparable to that of synthetic neurotensin. If the amino acid sequence of this peptide proves to be the same as that of neurotensin, then neurotensin is another biologically active peptide isolated from both brain and intestinal tissues.", "contents": "Isolation of a tridecapeptide from bovine intestinal tissue and its partial characterization as neurotensin. Radioimmunoassayable neurotensin (R-NT) has been isolated from acid/acetone extracts of 50 kg of calf small intestine with an overall yield of approximately 15%. The concentration of R-NT in calf intestinal tissue was approximately 35 pmol/g wet weight. Throughout the purification procedures which involved adsorption onto sulfopropyl (SP)-Sephadex, chromatography on Sephadex G-25 and SP-Sephadex, immunoadsorption on neurotensin-antibody Sepharose and high voltage paper electrophoresis, R-NT displayed the chromatographic and electrophoretic properties of neurotensin. R-NT was found to contain a tridecapeptide with the same amino acid composition as neurotensin. This peptide yielded the same products as neurotensin when submitted to digestion by carboxypeptidase A or papain. Its immunological properties were indistinguishable from those of neurotensin and its potency in stimulating hypotension in anesthetized rats was comparable to that of synthetic neurotensin. If the amino acid sequence of this peptide proves to be the same as that of neurotensin, then neurotensin is another biologically active peptide isolated from both brain and intestinal tissues.", "PMID": 993204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5030", "title": "C20-sphingosine as a determining factor in aggregation of gangliosides.", "content": "Aggregation properties of gangliosides, the major synaptic membrane glycosphingolipids of mammalian brain, may prevent their segregation during membrane assembly and promote a uniform membrane matrix with minimum maintenance energy. The sphingosine residues of bovine brain gangliosides show an increase in C20-sphingosine corresponding with an increase in sialic acid. Concentrations of C20-sphingosine varied from 37% for the monosialoganglioside to 64% for the trisialoganglioside, the remainder being C18-sphingosine. Ultracentrifugal analysis showed that changes in sialic acid content and in C20-sphingosine content individually affect micellar size. Increases in sialic acid content decreased micellar size from 225 for the monosialoganglioside to 120 monomersper micelle for the trisialoganglioside. Monosialogangliosides enzymatically prepared from oligosialohomologues with a higher C20-sphingosine content gave evidence for a considerable effect of C20sphingosine upon the free energy of the aggregate form; the number of monomers per micelle increased from 225 for the natural monosialoganglioside to 280 for monosialoganglioside derived from trisialoganglioside. The similar aggregation energies of the major synaptic membrane gangliosides apparently result from a metabolic balancing of increased C20-sphingosine with increased sialic acid content.", "contents": "C20-sphingosine as a determining factor in aggregation of gangliosides. Aggregation properties of gangliosides, the major synaptic membrane glycosphingolipids of mammalian brain, may prevent their segregation during membrane assembly and promote a uniform membrane matrix with minimum maintenance energy. The sphingosine residues of bovine brain gangliosides show an increase in C20-sphingosine corresponding with an increase in sialic acid. Concentrations of C20-sphingosine varied from 37% for the monosialoganglioside to 64% for the trisialoganglioside, the remainder being C18-sphingosine. Ultracentrifugal analysis showed that changes in sialic acid content and in C20-sphingosine content individually affect micellar size. Increases in sialic acid content decreased micellar size from 225 for the monosialoganglioside to 120 monomersper micelle for the trisialoganglioside. Monosialogangliosides enzymatically prepared from oligosialohomologues with a higher C20-sphingosine content gave evidence for a considerable effect of C20sphingosine upon the free energy of the aggregate form; the number of monomers per micelle increased from 225 for the natural monosialoganglioside to 280 for monosialoganglioside derived from trisialoganglioside. The similar aggregation energies of the major synaptic membrane gangliosides apparently result from a metabolic balancing of increased C20-sphingosine with increased sialic acid content.", "PMID": 993205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5031", "title": "Mode of inhibition of acid proteases by pepstatin.", "content": "Four derivatives of pepstatin, each of which contains the unusual amino acid 4-amino-3-hydroxy-6-methylheptanoic acid (statine) have been prepared. All four are porcine pepsin inhibitors. Both N-acetylstatine and N-acetyl-alanyl-statine are competitive inhibitors for pepsin with Ki values of 1.2 X 10(-4) M and 5.65 X 10(-6) M, respectively. The Ki values for N-acetyl-valyl-statine is 4.8 X 10(-6) M. These statyl derivatives, therefore, are very strong inhibitors. The Ki value for N-acetyl-statine is 600-fold smaller than that of its structural analog N-acetyl-leucine. The derivative which contains two statyl residues in a tetrapeptide exhibits inhibitory properties which approach those of pepstatin itself. Other acid proteases, human pepsin, human gastricsin, renin, cathepsin D, the acid protease from Rhizopus chinensis and bovine chymosin, also are inhibited by pepstatin and its derivatives. It is suggested that the statyl residue is responsible for the unusual inhibitory capability of pepstatin and that statine is an analog of the previously proposed transition state for catalysis by pepsin and other acid proteases.", "contents": "Mode of inhibition of acid proteases by pepstatin. Four derivatives of pepstatin, each of which contains the unusual amino acid 4-amino-3-hydroxy-6-methylheptanoic acid (statine) have been prepared. All four are porcine pepsin inhibitors. Both N-acetylstatine and N-acetyl-alanyl-statine are competitive inhibitors for pepsin with Ki values of 1.2 X 10(-4) M and 5.65 X 10(-6) M, respectively. The Ki values for N-acetyl-valyl-statine is 4.8 X 10(-6) M. These statyl derivatives, therefore, are very strong inhibitors. The Ki value for N-acetyl-statine is 600-fold smaller than that of its structural analog N-acetyl-leucine. The derivative which contains two statyl residues in a tetrapeptide exhibits inhibitory properties which approach those of pepstatin itself. Other acid proteases, human pepsin, human gastricsin, renin, cathepsin D, the acid protease from Rhizopus chinensis and bovine chymosin, also are inhibited by pepstatin and its derivatives. It is suggested that the statyl residue is responsible for the unusual inhibitory capability of pepstatin and that statine is an analog of the previously proposed transition state for catalysis by pepsin and other acid proteases.", "PMID": 993206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5032", "title": "NMR study of relative oxygen binding to the alpha and beta subunits of human adult hemoglobin.", "content": "NMR spectra of the downfield region of normal adult hemoglobin are reported as a function of oxygenation and temperature. Spectra were run in D2O at pD 7.4. A specially made NMR tube insert allowed precise measurement of the degree of oxygenation and of methemoglobin formation before and after taking the NMR spectrum. Plots of the estimated intensity of the most downfield prominent NMR peak, identified as arising from a deoxy-beta subunit by Davis et al. ((1971) J. Mol. Biol. 60, 101-111), versus the average degree of oxygenation y, measured optically, yield a nearly straight line within experimental error, for samples stripped of organic phosphates and for samples containing 2,3-diphosphoglycerate or inositol hexaphosphate. Intensities of peaks further upfield than this peak, previously attributed to deoxy-alpha subunits, are difficult to measure directly especially for samples containing inositol hexaphosphate. The latter samples show broadening in these alpha peaks as the degree of oxygenation increases. This extra broadening appears to increase with temperature. Linearity of the beta peak intensity with oxygenation is expected if there is no large oxygen affinity difference between alpha and beta subunits. However, the cooperativity of binding, and inaccuracy of the data, make it impossible to make accurate estimates of affinity differences.", "contents": "NMR study of relative oxygen binding to the alpha and beta subunits of human adult hemoglobin. NMR spectra of the downfield region of normal adult hemoglobin are reported as a function of oxygenation and temperature. Spectra were run in D2O at pD 7.4. A specially made NMR tube insert allowed precise measurement of the degree of oxygenation and of methemoglobin formation before and after taking the NMR spectrum. Plots of the estimated intensity of the most downfield prominent NMR peak, identified as arising from a deoxy-beta subunit by Davis et al. ((1971) J. Mol. Biol. 60, 101-111), versus the average degree of oxygenation y, measured optically, yield a nearly straight line within experimental error, for samples stripped of organic phosphates and for samples containing 2,3-diphosphoglycerate or inositol hexaphosphate. Intensities of peaks further upfield than this peak, previously attributed to deoxy-alpha subunits, are difficult to measure directly especially for samples containing inositol hexaphosphate. The latter samples show broadening in these alpha peaks as the degree of oxygenation increases. This extra broadening appears to increase with temperature. Linearity of the beta peak intensity with oxygenation is expected if there is no large oxygen affinity difference between alpha and beta subunits. However, the cooperativity of binding, and inaccuracy of the data, make it impossible to make accurate estimates of affinity differences.", "PMID": 993207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5033", "title": "Inhibition of glycolysis in brain by a phospholipid effect on interconversion of fructose phosphates. A possible regulatory control on utilization of glucose 6-phosphate.", "content": "Glucose 6-phosphate accumulation in 10,000 X g supernatant of rat brain was enhanced up to 16-fold by the addition of phosphatidylcholine, other common phospholipids, or linoleate. This glucose 6-phosphate is of endogenous origin via UDP-glucose and glucose 1-phosphate but not glucose. The accumulation is the result of inhibition of glycolysis by an effect of phospholipid on the interconversion of fructose 6-phosphate and fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. Brain is therefore capable of gluconeogenesis from fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. A regulatory function for phospholipid which coordinates glycolysis and other major routes of utilization of glucose 6-phosphate in brain, e.g. inositol synthesis, is proposed.", "contents": "Inhibition of glycolysis in brain by a phospholipid effect on interconversion of fructose phosphates. A possible regulatory control on utilization of glucose 6-phosphate. Glucose 6-phosphate accumulation in 10,000 X g supernatant of rat brain was enhanced up to 16-fold by the addition of phosphatidylcholine, other common phospholipids, or linoleate. This glucose 6-phosphate is of endogenous origin via UDP-glucose and glucose 1-phosphate but not glucose. The accumulation is the result of inhibition of glycolysis by an effect of phospholipid on the interconversion of fructose 6-phosphate and fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. Brain is therefore capable of gluconeogenesis from fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. A regulatory function for phospholipid which coordinates glycolysis and other major routes of utilization of glucose 6-phosphate in brain, e.g. inositol synthesis, is proposed.", "PMID": 993208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5034", "title": "Impermeant maleimides. Oriented probes of erythrocyte membrane proteins.", "content": "Maleimides impermeant to human erythrocyte membranes have been synthesized and applied to studies of the sulfhydryl groups of the membrane. Reaction of radioactive dextran-maleimide and glutathione-maleimide with either intact erythrocytes or ghosts yields sulfhydryl titers for the outer (exofacial) and inner (endofacial) surfaces, respectively, of 1.5 to 1.7 and 27 to 28 amol/cell. Corresponding values for sulfhydryl groups within the membrane interior, as estimated with radioactive N-ethylmaleimide, are 16 to 22 amol/cell. After exofacial labeling of intact cells with [35S]glutathione-maleimide, autoradiography of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels demonstrates four bands (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) containing, respectively, 13%, 63%, 11%, and 13% of the radioactivity. The major beta-band corresponds in position to polypeptides of molecular weight 40,000 to 70,000 and to Coomassie brilliant blue-stained Band 5. Selective extraction demonstrates that the major Band 5 protein is not identical with the labeled beta-band polypeptides. Following endofacial labeling of ghosts with [35S]glutathione-maleimide, autoradiography reveals radioactivity in all of the major Coomassie brilliant blue bands. The impermeant maleimides described are also applicable to studies of discrete functional proteins of the erythrocyte membrane, including the hexose transport mechanism and the major Rho antigenic site.", "contents": "Impermeant maleimides. Oriented probes of erythrocyte membrane proteins. Maleimides impermeant to human erythrocyte membranes have been synthesized and applied to studies of the sulfhydryl groups of the membrane. Reaction of radioactive dextran-maleimide and glutathione-maleimide with either intact erythrocytes or ghosts yields sulfhydryl titers for the outer (exofacial) and inner (endofacial) surfaces, respectively, of 1.5 to 1.7 and 27 to 28 amol/cell. Corresponding values for sulfhydryl groups within the membrane interior, as estimated with radioactive N-ethylmaleimide, are 16 to 22 amol/cell. After exofacial labeling of intact cells with [35S]glutathione-maleimide, autoradiography of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels demonstrates four bands (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) containing, respectively, 13%, 63%, 11%, and 13% of the radioactivity. The major beta-band corresponds in position to polypeptides of molecular weight 40,000 to 70,000 and to Coomassie brilliant blue-stained Band 5. Selective extraction demonstrates that the major Band 5 protein is not identical with the labeled beta-band polypeptides. Following endofacial labeling of ghosts with [35S]glutathione-maleimide, autoradiography reveals radioactivity in all of the major Coomassie brilliant blue bands. The impermeant maleimides described are also applicable to studies of discrete functional proteins of the erythrocyte membrane, including the hexose transport mechanism and the major Rho antigenic site.", "PMID": 993209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5035", "title": "Impermeant maleimides. Identification of an exofacial component of the human erythrocyte hexose transport mechanism.", "content": "The facilitated diffusion of D-glucose across human erythrocyte membranes requires an exofacial (outer surface) sulfhydryl group which can be alkylated by the impermeant reagents glutathione-maleimide and dextran-maleimide. The irreversible inhibition produced by these reagents is asymmetric; inhibition of glucose efflux considerably exceeds that of influx when transport is assayed in the absence of glucose on the opposite side of the membrane. Both D-glucose and cytochalasin B protect the exofacial transport site from alkylation by the impermeant maleimides. This masking effect provides the basis for a two-step procedure for differential labeling of the outer transport site with radioactive glutathione-maleimide. The method labels clearly and consistently a component of the membrane proteins which migrates in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels between Coomassie brilliant blue-stained Bands 4.2 and 5, corresponding to an apparent molecular weight of 65,000 to 70,000. Transport studies after inhibition with N-ethylmaleimide suggest that the hexose mechanism also requires a second sulfhydryl group which is not accessible at the cell surface.", "contents": "Impermeant maleimides. Identification of an exofacial component of the human erythrocyte hexose transport mechanism. The facilitated diffusion of D-glucose across human erythrocyte membranes requires an exofacial (outer surface) sulfhydryl group which can be alkylated by the impermeant reagents glutathione-maleimide and dextran-maleimide. The irreversible inhibition produced by these reagents is asymmetric; inhibition of glucose efflux considerably exceeds that of influx when transport is assayed in the absence of glucose on the opposite side of the membrane. Both D-glucose and cytochalasin B protect the exofacial transport site from alkylation by the impermeant maleimides. This masking effect provides the basis for a two-step procedure for differential labeling of the outer transport site with radioactive glutathione-maleimide. The method labels clearly and consistently a component of the membrane proteins which migrates in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels between Coomassie brilliant blue-stained Bands 4.2 and 5, corresponding to an apparent molecular weight of 65,000 to 70,000. Transport studies after inhibition with N-ethylmaleimide suggest that the hexose mechanism also requires a second sulfhydryl group which is not accessible at the cell surface.", "PMID": 993210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5036", "title": "DNA \"melting\" proteins. I. Effects of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease binding on the conformation and stability of DNA.", "content": "Bovine pancreatic ribonuclease is a DNA \"melting\" protein, since it binds with greater overall affinity to the single-stranded than to the double-stranded form of natural and synthetic deoxyribose-containing polynucleotides. As such, the DNA-RNase system provides a simple model for the more complex and biologically relevant melting protein-nucleic acid systems. Aspects of the DNA-RNase interactions which are related to the quantitative assessment of this system as a melting protein model are investigated here. A boundary sedimentation velocity technique is used to measure thermodynamic parameters of the interaction; association constants (Kh and Kc) and site sizes (nh and nc) are determined for the interaction of ribonuclease with native (double helical) and denatured (random coil) DNA. It is shown that log Kh and log Kc are linear functions of log [Na+], binding decreasing with increasing Na+ concentration, with Kh about 2 orders of magnitude smaller than Kc at the ionic strengths studied, nh and nc are approximately 8 and approximately 11 nucleotide residues, respectively, indicating that potential binding sites overlap. Binding to both forms of DNA is non-cooperative. It is shown by CD and ultraviolet spectroscopy that the binding of RNase to single- and double-stranded DNA perturbs the conformations of these polynucleotide conformations very little relative to the unliganded structures. Hydrodynamic methods are used to show that RNase binds to native DNA without altering the overall solution structure of the latter; however conditons which permit binding to, and stabilization of, transiently exposed single-stranded sequences result in a collapse of the stiff native DNA structure. We demonstrate by melting transition studies that ribonuclease does bring about an equilibrium destabilization of native DNA and poly [d(A-T)] and, by applying a ligand-perturbed helic in equilibrium coil theory developed by McGhee (McGhee, J.D. (1976) Biopolymers 15, 1345-1375), it is shown that the extent of the observed destabilization is in semiquantitative accord with expectations based on the measured affinity constants and site sizes for RNase binding to both DNA conformations. Spectral methods are used to show that the relative stability of native DNA sequences of varying base composition is the same in the presence and absence of ribonuclease, strongly arguing that this \"melting\" ligand \"traps\" single-stranded sequences transiently exposed by thermal fluctuations. RNase also undergoes an order in equilibrium disorder conformational transition as a function of temperature (the denatured form of RNase stabilizes native DNA, while native RNase destabilizes the native double helix), and the coupled equilibria involved in these interacting conformational changes are interpreted and discussed as possible models of genome regulatory interactions.", "contents": "DNA \"melting\" proteins. I. Effects of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease binding on the conformation and stability of DNA. Bovine pancreatic ribonuclease is a DNA \"melting\" protein, since it binds with greater overall affinity to the single-stranded than to the double-stranded form of natural and synthetic deoxyribose-containing polynucleotides. As such, the DNA-RNase system provides a simple model for the more complex and biologically relevant melting protein-nucleic acid systems. Aspects of the DNA-RNase interactions which are related to the quantitative assessment of this system as a melting protein model are investigated here. A boundary sedimentation velocity technique is used to measure thermodynamic parameters of the interaction; association constants (Kh and Kc) and site sizes (nh and nc) are determined for the interaction of ribonuclease with native (double helical) and denatured (random coil) DNA. It is shown that log Kh and log Kc are linear functions of log [Na+], binding decreasing with increasing Na+ concentration, with Kh about 2 orders of magnitude smaller than Kc at the ionic strengths studied, nh and nc are approximately 8 and approximately 11 nucleotide residues, respectively, indicating that potential binding sites overlap. Binding to both forms of DNA is non-cooperative. It is shown by CD and ultraviolet spectroscopy that the binding of RNase to single- and double-stranded DNA perturbs the conformations of these polynucleotide conformations very little relative to the unliganded structures. Hydrodynamic methods are used to show that RNase binds to native DNA without altering the overall solution structure of the latter; however conditons which permit binding to, and stabilization of, transiently exposed single-stranded sequences result in a collapse of the stiff native DNA structure. We demonstrate by melting transition studies that ribonuclease does bring about an equilibrium destabilization of native DNA and poly [d(A-T)] and, by applying a ligand-perturbed helic in equilibrium coil theory developed by McGhee (McGhee, J.D. (1976) Biopolymers 15, 1345-1375), it is shown that the extent of the observed destabilization is in semiquantitative accord with expectations based on the measured affinity constants and site sizes for RNase binding to both DNA conformations. Spectral methods are used to show that the relative stability of native DNA sequences of varying base composition is the same in the presence and absence of ribonuclease, strongly arguing that this \"melting\" ligand \"traps\" single-stranded sequences transiently exposed by thermal fluctuations. RNase also undergoes an order in equilibrium disorder conformational transition as a function of temperature (the denatured form of RNase stabilizes native DNA, while native RNase destabilizes the native double helix), and the coupled equilibria involved in these interacting conformational changes are interpreted and discussed as possible models of genome regulatory interactions.", "PMID": 993211} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5037", "title": "DNA \"melting\" proteins. IV. Fluorescence measurements of binding parameters for bacteriophage T4 gene 32-protein to mono-, oligo-, and polynucleotides.", "content": "The quenching of the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence of T4-coded gene 32-protein on binding to nucleotide ligands, which was described in the preceding paper, is here exploited to measure thermodynamic parameters of the single-stranded nucleic acid-gene 32-protein interaction. It is shown that binding of small ligands follows a single site binding isotherm, with association constants increasing from approximately 20 M-1 for phosphate, to approximately 10(3) M for ribose or deoxyribose 5'-phosphate, to approximately 10(4) M-1 for mononucleotides, and to approximately 10(5) M-1 for dinucleoside monophosphates (all in 0.1 M Na+). The measured binding constants appear to be about the same for homologous ribose- and deoxyribose-containing ligands and to be independent of oligonucleotide base sequence and composition. Furthermore, beyond the dinucleotide level and up to octanucleotides, the increase in binding constant with increasing chain length is only about that expected from the statistical factor resulting from the increased number of ways a longer oligonucleotide can form a protein complex. This suggests that the basic binding unit involved in gene 32-protein associations with single-stranded nucleic acids can be approximated by a dinucleoside monophosphate. Oligonucleotides long enough to accomodate two or more protein monomers are characterized by much larger association constants, indicating that binding is cooperative in protein concentration. A cooperativity parameter (omegac) of approximately 10(3) is estimated from these data, in good agreement with that deduced from the application of ligand-perturbed helix in equilibrium coil transition calculations. Values of association constants (Kcomegac) of approximately 10(8) M-1 (in 0.1 M Na+) and site size (nc) of approximately 5 (+/-1) nucleotide residues/protein monomer are determined by the fluorescence titration technique for the cooperative binding of gene 32-protein to both poly(dA) and poly(rA); these values are also in agreement with those measured by Jensen et al. (Jensen, D.E. Kelly, R.C., and von Hippel, P.H. (1976) J. Biol. Chem. 251, 7215-7228). Possible in vivo consequences and correlations of these findings with proposed roles for gene 32-protein in replication and recombination are discussed.", "contents": "DNA \"melting\" proteins. IV. Fluorescence measurements of binding parameters for bacteriophage T4 gene 32-protein to mono-, oligo-, and polynucleotides. The quenching of the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence of T4-coded gene 32-protein on binding to nucleotide ligands, which was described in the preceding paper, is here exploited to measure thermodynamic parameters of the single-stranded nucleic acid-gene 32-protein interaction. It is shown that binding of small ligands follows a single site binding isotherm, with association constants increasing from approximately 20 M-1 for phosphate, to approximately 10(3) M for ribose or deoxyribose 5'-phosphate, to approximately 10(4) M-1 for mononucleotides, and to approximately 10(5) M-1 for dinucleoside monophosphates (all in 0.1 M Na+). The measured binding constants appear to be about the same for homologous ribose- and deoxyribose-containing ligands and to be independent of oligonucleotide base sequence and composition. Furthermore, beyond the dinucleotide level and up to octanucleotides, the increase in binding constant with increasing chain length is only about that expected from the statistical factor resulting from the increased number of ways a longer oligonucleotide can form a protein complex. This suggests that the basic binding unit involved in gene 32-protein associations with single-stranded nucleic acids can be approximated by a dinucleoside monophosphate. Oligonucleotides long enough to accomodate two or more protein monomers are characterized by much larger association constants, indicating that binding is cooperative in protein concentration. A cooperativity parameter (omegac) of approximately 10(3) is estimated from these data, in good agreement with that deduced from the application of ligand-perturbed helix in equilibrium coil transition calculations. Values of association constants (Kcomegac) of approximately 10(8) M-1 (in 0.1 M Na+) and site size (nc) of approximately 5 (+/-1) nucleotide residues/protein monomer are determined by the fluorescence titration technique for the cooperative binding of gene 32-protein to both poly(dA) and poly(rA); these values are also in agreement with those measured by Jensen et al. (Jensen, D.E. Kelly, R.C., and von Hippel, P.H. (1976) J. Biol. Chem. 251, 7215-7228). Possible in vivo consequences and correlations of these findings with proposed roles for gene 32-protein in replication and recombination are discussed.", "PMID": 993212} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5038", "title": "Mechanical strength of acrylic bone cements impregnated with antibiotics.", "content": "Admixing of several antibiotic powders which were insoluble in methyl methacrylate did not decrease the compressive and diametral tensile strengths of two acrylic bone cements when tested after setting for 1 day and after leaching 40 days in water at 37 degrees C. When antibiotics were added as water solutions, the included water resulted in a significant decrease in these bulk mechanical properties. Storage in water for 40 days caused surface irregularities only on specimens of the set antibiotic admixtures. Approximately 0.5% of the admixed dosage of these water-soluble antibiotics could be leached from the set cements. The observed surface channels, presumably left by the loss of antibiotic, suggest further study of surface-sensitive mechanical properties may be needed. The bulk mechanical strengths presented here are conclusive only for the particular combinations of antibiotics and cements investigated, and should not be generalized at this time to any or all antibiotic admixtures or other mechanical properties.", "contents": "Mechanical strength of acrylic bone cements impregnated with antibiotics. Admixing of several antibiotic powders which were insoluble in methyl methacrylate did not decrease the compressive and diametral tensile strengths of two acrylic bone cements when tested after setting for 1 day and after leaching 40 days in water at 37 degrees C. When antibiotics were added as water solutions, the included water resulted in a significant decrease in these bulk mechanical properties. Storage in water for 40 days caused surface irregularities only on specimens of the set antibiotic admixtures. Approximately 0.5% of the admixed dosage of these water-soluble antibiotics could be leached from the set cements. The observed surface channels, presumably left by the loss of antibiotic, suggest further study of surface-sensitive mechanical properties may be needed. The bulk mechanical strengths presented here are conclusive only for the particular combinations of antibiotics and cements investigated, and should not be generalized at this time to any or all antibiotic admixtures or other mechanical properties.", "PMID": 993222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5039", "title": "Further experimental and clinical experience with aluminum oxide endoprostheses.", "content": "This paper describes the design principles of a new endoprosthesis made of dense aluminum oxide (A12O3) and implanted without bone cement. Mechanical tests and animal experiments have proved the sufficient mechanical strength of the bone-prosthesis connection as well as the biocompatibility of the material. So far, 12 tumor patients selected according to strict indication criteria have been operated on. Both the clinical-radiologic and the first histological findings available are encouraging. Special reference is made to the first fully ceramic total hip joint endoprostheses implanted in a human without bone cement.", "contents": "Further experimental and clinical experience with aluminum oxide endoprostheses. This paper describes the design principles of a new endoprosthesis made of dense aluminum oxide (A12O3) and implanted without bone cement. Mechanical tests and animal experiments have proved the sufficient mechanical strength of the bone-prosthesis connection as well as the biocompatibility of the material. So far, 12 tumor patients selected according to strict indication criteria have been operated on. Both the clinical-radiologic and the first histological findings available are encouraging. Special reference is made to the first fully ceramic total hip joint endoprostheses implanted in a human without bone cement.", "PMID": 993223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5040", "title": "Poly(glycolic acid) sutures in canine vascular anastomoses.", "content": "Poly(glycolic acid) (Dexon; Davis and Geck Company) canine vascular anastomoses between aorta and synthetic grafts and between severed femoral vessels were compared with comparable anastomoses made with Teflon-coated Dacron (Tevdek; The Deknatel Company) with respect to clinical performance, morphologic characteristics, and tensile strength. While the Dexon anastomoses performed well and were morphologically superior to Tevdek, their tensile strength was significantly lower. Implications of these findings for vascular wound healing are discussed.", "contents": "Poly(glycolic acid) sutures in canine vascular anastomoses. Poly(glycolic acid) (Dexon; Davis and Geck Company) canine vascular anastomoses between aorta and synthetic grafts and between severed femoral vessels were compared with comparable anastomoses made with Teflon-coated Dacron (Tevdek; The Deknatel Company) with respect to clinical performance, morphologic characteristics, and tensile strength. While the Dexon anastomoses performed well and were morphologically superior to Tevdek, their tensile strength was significantly lower. Implications of these findings for vascular wound healing are discussed.", "PMID": 993224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5041", "title": "Using the shape recovery of nitinol in the Harrington rod treatment of scoliosis.", "content": "Nitinol, a metal alloy which is able to remember (and return to with slight heating) the shape it had before it was deformed, is demonstrated to be useful in the Harrington rod treatment of scoliosis. A bent nitinol rod can return to its original straight length, applying both axial and lateral forces to the spine during the operation of postoperatively by means of external heating. A research program using simulated spinal forces in a test fixture and implantation in a cadaver was undertaken to show the feasibility of modifying the existing procedure.", "contents": "Using the shape recovery of nitinol in the Harrington rod treatment of scoliosis. Nitinol, a metal alloy which is able to remember (and return to with slight heating) the shape it had before it was deformed, is demonstrated to be useful in the Harrington rod treatment of scoliosis. A bent nitinol rod can return to its original straight length, applying both axial and lateral forces to the spine during the operation of postoperatively by means of external heating. A research program using simulated spinal forces in a test fixture and implantation in a cadaver was undertaken to show the feasibility of modifying the existing procedure.", "PMID": 993225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5042", "title": "Carbon fiber-reinforced bone cement in orthopedic surgery.", "content": "A tougher, more fatigue-resistant bone cement consisting of short, highmodulus carbon fibers dispersed randomly in normal ply(methyl methacrylate) bone cement has been developed. Fatigue and impact tests are reported that demonstrate the superior fracture resistance and prolonged load-carrying ability of this system. The use of this carbon fiber-reinforced bone cement in the treatment of a pathological fracture of the femur associated with neoplastic disease of the bone is reported. The tougher cement has provided long-term stability of the fracture.", "contents": "Carbon fiber-reinforced bone cement in orthopedic surgery. A tougher, more fatigue-resistant bone cement consisting of short, highmodulus carbon fibers dispersed randomly in normal ply(methyl methacrylate) bone cement has been developed. Fatigue and impact tests are reported that demonstrate the superior fracture resistance and prolonged load-carrying ability of this system. The use of this carbon fiber-reinforced bone cement in the treatment of a pathological fracture of the femur associated with neoplastic disease of the bone is reported. The tougher cement has provided long-term stability of the fracture.", "PMID": 993226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5043", "title": "An in vitro model for evaluating neural stimulating electrodes.", "content": "A model for in vitro evaluation of materials for use as neural stimulation electrodes is developed. Critical areas of concern in developing an in vitro test model discussed include: selection of environment, choice of material, design of stimulating equipment, and analytical procedures used to evaluate materials response. A method of providing quantitative analysis of materials response to stimulation conditions is presented. Evaluation techniques involve the use of scanning electron microscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectrometry, and potentiographic and dielectric analysis of the test electrodes. A diagnostics matrix is presented which assigns a scale factor to quantify the relative corrosion response of the candidate materials. The corrosion response of Pt electrodes is evaluated in terms of scale factors assigned through use of the diagnostics matrix.", "contents": "An in vitro model for evaluating neural stimulating electrodes. A model for in vitro evaluation of materials for use as neural stimulation electrodes is developed. Critical areas of concern in developing an in vitro test model discussed include: selection of environment, choice of material, design of stimulating equipment, and analytical procedures used to evaluate materials response. A method of providing quantitative analysis of materials response to stimulation conditions is presented. Evaluation techniques involve the use of scanning electron microscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectrometry, and potentiographic and dielectric analysis of the test electrodes. A diagnostics matrix is presented which assigns a scale factor to quantify the relative corrosion response of the candidate materials. The corrosion response of Pt electrodes is evaluated in terms of scale factors assigned through use of the diagnostics matrix.", "PMID": 993227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5044", "title": "Mechanical properties of bone cements containing large doses of antibiotic powders.", "content": "The addition of up to 10 g gentamicin sulfate antibiotic powder to 60 g units of Simplex-P acrylic bone cement caused gradual, proportional decreases in the bulk muchanical properties of compressive and diametral tensile strengths. Water leaching of the antibiotic from the cement did not significnatly decrease these strenghts. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the antibiotic to reside in the acrylic matrix as discrete particles not usually associated with internal porosity. The surface-sensitive flexural strength of a proprietary bone cement was lowered immediately by small quantities of antibiotic powder, and continued to decrease as doses of up to 10 g/unit were admixed. Water leaching caused channeling as the antibiotic was removed from the surface, but it did not create further changes in flexural strength.", "contents": "Mechanical properties of bone cements containing large doses of antibiotic powders. The addition of up to 10 g gentamicin sulfate antibiotic powder to 60 g units of Simplex-P acrylic bone cement caused gradual, proportional decreases in the bulk muchanical properties of compressive and diametral tensile strengths. Water leaching of the antibiotic from the cement did not significnatly decrease these strenghts. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the antibiotic to reside in the acrylic matrix as discrete particles not usually associated with internal porosity. The surface-sensitive flexural strength of a proprietary bone cement was lowered immediately by small quantities of antibiotic powder, and continued to decrease as doses of up to 10 g/unit were admixed. Water leaching caused channeling as the antibiotic was removed from the surface, but it did not create further changes in flexural strength.", "PMID": 993228} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5045", "title": "Subcutaneous implants of polypropylene filaments.", "content": "Extruded filaments of unmodified polypropylene (PP) with and without antioxidant were implanted subcutaneously in hamsters in order to determine their rate of degradation. Specimens were removed periodically during a 5 month test period and analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical testing. The analyses show that degradation beigns to occur after only a few days. Although the reaction sequence is not known, several factors suggest that the in vivo degradation process is similar to autoxidation which occurs in air or oxygen. The infrared data indicate that the hydroxyl content of the implants increases at a rate of 0.061 mg/g polypropylene per day during the initiation phase of the reaction. An induction time of 108 days was extablished. Carbonyl bonds appear after an implantation time of 50--90 days and increase therafter. Mechanical tests indicate a decrease in the dynamic loss tangent, tan delta, during the first month of implantation for unmodified polypropylene. No change in the infrared spectra or tan delta was observed, however, for implants containing an antioxidant. Thus, it is apparent that polypropylene filaments implanted subcutaneously in hamsters degrade by an oxidation process which is retarded effectively by using an antioxidant. While the findings reported are specific to subcutaneous polypropylene implants, they suggest that degradation of other systems may involve similar processes. This notion suggests directions for further research on increasing the in vivo stability of synthetic polymers. Long-term effects of polymer implantation upon tissue were not studied in this work.", "contents": "Subcutaneous implants of polypropylene filaments. Extruded filaments of unmodified polypropylene (PP) with and without antioxidant were implanted subcutaneously in hamsters in order to determine their rate of degradation. Specimens were removed periodically during a 5 month test period and analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical testing. The analyses show that degradation beigns to occur after only a few days. Although the reaction sequence is not known, several factors suggest that the in vivo degradation process is similar to autoxidation which occurs in air or oxygen. The infrared data indicate that the hydroxyl content of the implants increases at a rate of 0.061 mg/g polypropylene per day during the initiation phase of the reaction. An induction time of 108 days was extablished. Carbonyl bonds appear after an implantation time of 50--90 days and increase therafter. Mechanical tests indicate a decrease in the dynamic loss tangent, tan delta, during the first month of implantation for unmodified polypropylene. No change in the infrared spectra or tan delta was observed, however, for implants containing an antioxidant. Thus, it is apparent that polypropylene filaments implanted subcutaneously in hamsters degrade by an oxidation process which is retarded effectively by using an antioxidant. While the findings reported are specific to subcutaneous polypropylene implants, they suggest that degradation of other systems may involve similar processes. This notion suggests directions for further research on increasing the in vivo stability of synthetic polymers. Long-term effects of polymer implantation upon tissue were not studied in this work.", "PMID": 993229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5046", "title": "New types of synthetic infusion solutions. III. Elimination and retention of poly-[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] in a test organism.", "content": "The elimination and retention of a new, fully synthetic plasma prosthesis of Czechoslovak origin under the working name of Duxon (poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]) was investigated in experiments on rabbits by using a 14C-labeled polymer. Results published earlier on elimination have been confirmed and extended. Retention was examined after repeated application. The effect of molecular weight prevailed both in elimination and in retention. Polymers of lower molecular weights, which possess a good therapeutical effect, are not permanently deposited in the organism.", "contents": "New types of synthetic infusion solutions. III. Elimination and retention of poly-[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] in a test organism. The elimination and retention of a new, fully synthetic plasma prosthesis of Czechoslovak origin under the working name of Duxon (poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]) was investigated in experiments on rabbits by using a 14C-labeled polymer. Results published earlier on elimination have been confirmed and extended. Retention was examined after repeated application. The effect of molecular weight prevailed both in elimination and in retention. Polymers of lower molecular weights, which possess a good therapeutical effect, are not permanently deposited in the organism.", "PMID": 993230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5047", "title": "Urography during pregnancy.", "content": "A review of 22,971 pregnancies from 1969-74 reveals that the reasons for requesting excretory urography were renal colic of pregnancy 11, pyelonephritis 8, renal contusion 2, threatened abortion 1, and suspected degeneration of fibroid 1. The final diagnoses were similar except that two patients with torsion of ovarian cysts and a renal calculus were discovered. The only intravenous pyelographic examination that was decisive for diagnosis was in a patient with a ureteric calculus. Careful clinical correlation should reduce excretory urography during pregnancy.", "contents": "Urography during pregnancy. A review of 22,971 pregnancies from 1969-74 reveals that the reasons for requesting excretory urography were renal colic of pregnancy 11, pyelonephritis 8, renal contusion 2, threatened abortion 1, and suspected degeneration of fibroid 1. The final diagnoses were similar except that two patients with torsion of ovarian cysts and a renal calculus were discovered. The only intravenous pyelographic examination that was decisive for diagnosis was in a patient with a ureteric calculus. Careful clinical correlation should reduce excretory urography during pregnancy.", "PMID": 993237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5048", "title": "Bilateral intrarenal hematomas from anticoagulants.", "content": "A case is reported in which anticoagulant therapy for thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism produced bilateral massive intrarenal hematomas (pseudotumors). The role of radiologic investigation (nephrotomography, renal scan and selective high dose arteriography) was found to identify and localize the intrarenal hematomata and exclude underlying renal pathology. Although an abnormal kidney is more likely to bleed, this case presentation demonstrates that even carefully monitored anticoagulation within the therapeutic range can induce massive intrarenal hemorrhage in previously normal kidneys. The renal architecture returned to normal on late follow-up examination on simple conservative management.", "contents": "Bilateral intrarenal hematomas from anticoagulants. A case is reported in which anticoagulant therapy for thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism produced bilateral massive intrarenal hematomas (pseudotumors). The role of radiologic investigation (nephrotomography, renal scan and selective high dose arteriography) was found to identify and localize the intrarenal hematomata and exclude underlying renal pathology. Although an abnormal kidney is more likely to bleed, this case presentation demonstrates that even carefully monitored anticoagulation within the therapeutic range can induce massive intrarenal hemorrhage in previously normal kidneys. The renal architecture returned to normal on late follow-up examination on simple conservative management.", "PMID": 993238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5049", "title": "Pelvic fractures in children.", "content": "Eighty-four cases of pelvic fractures in children were reviewed. Most of them were the result of motor vehicle accidents. Thirty-nine per cent were classified as unstable, the most frequent type being diametric fractures. The others, most of which were pubic fractures, were classified as stable. Twenty-eight patients sustained fractures elsewhere and sixteen had associated visceral injuries.", "contents": "Pelvic fractures in children. Eighty-four cases of pelvic fractures in children were reviewed. Most of them were the result of motor vehicle accidents. Thirty-nine per cent were classified as unstable, the most frequent type being diametric fractures. The others, most of which were pubic fractures, were classified as stable. Twenty-eight patients sustained fractures elsewhere and sixteen had associated visceral injuries.", "PMID": 993239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5050", "title": "Mammary anterior mediastinal pseudotumor.", "content": "Dense, small breasts in young women may project into the anterior mediastinum in the lateral projection and simulate an anterior mediastinal mass. Recognition of the rather characteristic appearance of this shadow will obviate unnecessary concern and consequent investigative procedures.", "contents": "Mammary anterior mediastinal pseudotumor. Dense, small breasts in young women may project into the anterior mediastinum in the lateral projection and simulate an anterior mediastinal mass. Recognition of the rather characteristic appearance of this shadow will obviate unnecessary concern and consequent investigative procedures.", "PMID": 993240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5051", "title": "Ultrasonic diagnosis of intrauterine fetal death.", "content": "When there is doubt concerning fetal viability, the confirmation or exclusion of fetal death assumes major importance in the management of pregnancy. Frequently the clinical diagnosis is uncertain and recourse must be had to ancillary investigation. Radiologic methods may confirm the clinical suspicion of intrauterine fetal death in many cases, but these are accompanied by the hazard of irradiation. Ultrasound can provide valuable information regarding fetal viability. Ultrasonic signs of fetal death are discussed in the light of the literature and our own experience, with emphasis on the value of the M-mode in detecting fetal heart pulsations.", "contents": "Ultrasonic diagnosis of intrauterine fetal death. When there is doubt concerning fetal viability, the confirmation or exclusion of fetal death assumes major importance in the management of pregnancy. Frequently the clinical diagnosis is uncertain and recourse must be had to ancillary investigation. Radiologic methods may confirm the clinical suspicion of intrauterine fetal death in many cases, but these are accompanied by the hazard of irradiation. Ultrasound can provide valuable information regarding fetal viability. Ultrasonic signs of fetal death are discussed in the light of the literature and our own experience, with emphasis on the value of the M-mode in detecting fetal heart pulsations.", "PMID": 993241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5052", "title": "More causes of button sequestrum.", "content": "Two cases illustrating the association of button sequestra with Paget's disease and multiple myeloma are presented, followed by a brief review of the roentgenologic skull manifestations of these diseases. The number of conditions having button sequestra now stands at thirteen. The sign has no specific diagnostic significance.", "contents": "More causes of button sequestrum. Two cases illustrating the association of button sequestra with Paget's disease and multiple myeloma are presented, followed by a brief review of the roentgenologic skull manifestations of these diseases. The number of conditions having button sequestra now stands at thirteen. The sign has no specific diagnostic significance.", "PMID": 993243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5053", "title": "Roentgenologic aspects of spinal involvement by primary and metastatic Ewing's tumor.", "content": "Twenty-six patients with Ewing's tumor were studied. The spine was involved in eleven patients; the clinical and roentgenologic features of these are described. Four patients had primary Ewing's tumor of the spine; one showed uniform sclerosis of a single vertebra, a hitherto unreported finding. Two showed bone destruction; one showed no bone change on plain radiographs but there was complete obstruction on myelography. Two developed spinal metastases and died shortly afterwards. One patient is alive and well eight and a half years later. Seven patients had metastases to the spine from a non-spinal Ewing's tumor. All had neurologic complications. Plain radiographs showed no bone change in five; however, a paraspinal mass or an extra-dural mass shown on myelography, were relatively common. The mean survival time following spinal involvement was four months (range 1-12 months). No correlation was evident between the site of the primary lesion, the method of treatment, and the development of spinal metastases.", "contents": "Roentgenologic aspects of spinal involvement by primary and metastatic Ewing's tumor. Twenty-six patients with Ewing's tumor were studied. The spine was involved in eleven patients; the clinical and roentgenologic features of these are described. Four patients had primary Ewing's tumor of the spine; one showed uniform sclerosis of a single vertebra, a hitherto unreported finding. Two showed bone destruction; one showed no bone change on plain radiographs but there was complete obstruction on myelography. Two developed spinal metastases and died shortly afterwards. One patient is alive and well eight and a half years later. Seven patients had metastases to the spine from a non-spinal Ewing's tumor. All had neurologic complications. Plain radiographs showed no bone change in five; however, a paraspinal mass or an extra-dural mass shown on myelography, were relatively common. The mean survival time following spinal involvement was four months (range 1-12 months). No correlation was evident between the site of the primary lesion, the method of treatment, and the development of spinal metastases.", "PMID": 993244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5054", "title": "Superselective arteriography and therapeutic embolisation for vascular malformations. (Angiodysplasias).", "content": "By virtue of superselective arteriography which makes possible the catheterisation of extremely fine arterial branches, the authors were able to embolise vascular malformations (angiodysplasias). Twenty seven cases were treated in this way with satisfactory results for twenty one of them. Seven patients must be operated on after the embolisation. The problem of the future of this technique is considered, and it will perhaps be possible to avoid revascularization by the use of new substances.", "contents": "Superselective arteriography and therapeutic embolisation for vascular malformations. (Angiodysplasias). By virtue of superselective arteriography which makes possible the catheterisation of extremely fine arterial branches, the authors were able to embolise vascular malformations (angiodysplasias). Twenty seven cases were treated in this way with satisfactory results for twenty one of them. Seven patients must be operated on after the embolisation. The problem of the future of this technique is considered, and it will perhaps be possible to avoid revascularization by the use of new substances.", "PMID": 993247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5055", "title": "Brachial artery to brachial vein preserved vein allograft fistulas for hemodialysis.", "content": "Vein allografts were obtained from varicose vein patients in whom stripping and ligation was indicated. Proximal 30 cms of the long saphenous vein was removed and stored at -30 degrees C. A-V fistulas were constructed in the upper arm between brachial artery and the brachial or cephalic vein in dialysis patients. All these allograft vein recipients had major blood groups identical to the donors. Clinical experience over a two year period revealed a 100% long term patency. Complications including early graft thrombosis, superficial wound infection, hematoma formation and local edema were few and easily managed. Allograft rejection was not a problem in this series of patients. The large diameter grafts in upper arm position function well. They are convenient for the patient and preferred by dialysis personnel as a direct site for venepuncture. An initial experience suggests that preserved vein allografts may become the preferred material for arteriovenous fistulas.", "contents": "Brachial artery to brachial vein preserved vein allograft fistulas for hemodialysis. Vein allografts were obtained from varicose vein patients in whom stripping and ligation was indicated. Proximal 30 cms of the long saphenous vein was removed and stored at -30 degrees C. A-V fistulas were constructed in the upper arm between brachial artery and the brachial or cephalic vein in dialysis patients. All these allograft vein recipients had major blood groups identical to the donors. Clinical experience over a two year period revealed a 100% long term patency. Complications including early graft thrombosis, superficial wound infection, hematoma formation and local edema were few and easily managed. Allograft rejection was not a problem in this series of patients. The large diameter grafts in upper arm position function well. They are convenient for the patient and preferred by dialysis personnel as a direct site for venepuncture. An initial experience suggests that preserved vein allografts may become the preferred material for arteriovenous fistulas.", "PMID": 993249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5056", "title": "Peripheral arterial insufficiency. Experiences from 229 operated limbs.", "content": "The results of arterial reconstructions in 229 limbs in 177 patients were studied. Intermittent claudication resistant to physical training was indication for surgery in 82 cases and threatening gangrene in 147 cases. In the claudication group the long-term result was good in 77%, the reocclusion frequency was 21%, and the amputation rate was 2%. No operative mortality was encountered. In the gangrene group the long-term result was good in 40%, the reocclusion freuqency was 25%, the amputation rate was 24%, and theoperative mortality was 11%. Limb salvage rate was 65%. The results indicated that preoperative physical training did not jeopardice the operative results, but in most cases made surgical treatment unnecessary. In cases with threatening or beginning gangrene an aggressive attitude towards vascular reconstruction resulted in a substantial limb salvage.", "contents": "Peripheral arterial insufficiency. Experiences from 229 operated limbs. The results of arterial reconstructions in 229 limbs in 177 patients were studied. Intermittent claudication resistant to physical training was indication for surgery in 82 cases and threatening gangrene in 147 cases. In the claudication group the long-term result was good in 77%, the reocclusion frequency was 21%, and the amputation rate was 2%. No operative mortality was encountered. In the gangrene group the long-term result was good in 40%, the reocclusion freuqency was 25%, the amputation rate was 24%, and theoperative mortality was 11%. Limb salvage rate was 65%. The results indicated that preoperative physical training did not jeopardice the operative results, but in most cases made surgical treatment unnecessary. In cases with threatening or beginning gangrene an aggressive attitude towards vascular reconstruction resulted in a substantial limb salvage.", "PMID": 993251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5057", "title": "Continuous electrocardiography recording at examination of walking capacity in patients with intermittent claudication.", "content": "A treadmill test with increasing \"walk-work\" load and continuous electrocardiographic monitoring has been used in 245 patients with intermittent claudication. It was found that many patients underestimated their walking capacity. No good correlation was obtained between the observed walking capacity and the systolic blood pressure in the toes. Pathological electrocardiograms were found at rest in 36 per cent of the patients. Additional pathological ecg-reactions indicative for ischaemic heart disease appeared during the tests in 34 percent of the patients. Around 10 per cent of the tests had to be interrupted because of threatening ecg changes.", "contents": "Continuous electrocardiography recording at examination of walking capacity in patients with intermittent claudication. A treadmill test with increasing \"walk-work\" load and continuous electrocardiographic monitoring has been used in 245 patients with intermittent claudication. It was found that many patients underestimated their walking capacity. No good correlation was obtained between the observed walking capacity and the systolic blood pressure in the toes. Pathological electrocardiograms were found at rest in 36 per cent of the patients. Additional pathological ecg-reactions indicative for ischaemic heart disease appeared during the tests in 34 percent of the patients. Around 10 per cent of the tests had to be interrupted because of threatening ecg changes.", "PMID": 993252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5058", "title": "[Ciliogenesis in the mucous cells of the quail oviduct. I. Ultrastructural study in the laying quail].", "content": "The luminal epithelium of the oviduct (magnum) of laying quails is composed of ciliated cells and mucous cells. Ciliogenesis was observed in some of the mucous cells. Both centrioles of the diplosome migrate to the top of the cell, and one of them induces the formation of a rudimentary cilium. In some of the other cells, that are filled with mucous granules, the formation of basal bodies by an acentriolar pathway was observed. In these cells, numerous, dense fibrous masses are associated with the forming face of the Golgi apparatus. In the Golgi zone, generative complexes composed of a deuterosome and some forming procentrioles were found. Cilia develop from completed basal bodies. During ciliogenesis, the Golgi apparatus is disorganized, and generally the production of mucous granules is arrested. The nucleus is also modified: it becomes larger and the chromatin is dispersed. It is assumed that mucous cells are able to be transformed into ciliated cells in the oviduct of laying quails.", "contents": "[Ciliogenesis in the mucous cells of the quail oviduct. I. Ultrastructural study in the laying quail]. The luminal epithelium of the oviduct (magnum) of laying quails is composed of ciliated cells and mucous cells. Ciliogenesis was observed in some of the mucous cells. Both centrioles of the diplosome migrate to the top of the cell, and one of them induces the formation of a rudimentary cilium. In some of the other cells, that are filled with mucous granules, the formation of basal bodies by an acentriolar pathway was observed. In these cells, numerous, dense fibrous masses are associated with the forming face of the Golgi apparatus. In the Golgi zone, generative complexes composed of a deuterosome and some forming procentrioles were found. Cilia develop from completed basal bodies. During ciliogenesis, the Golgi apparatus is disorganized, and generally the production of mucous granules is arrested. The nucleus is also modified: it becomes larger and the chromatin is dispersed. It is assumed that mucous cells are able to be transformed into ciliated cells in the oviduct of laying quails.", "PMID": 993257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5059", "title": "[Ciliogenesis in the mucous cells of the quail oviduct. II. Hormonal control].", "content": "The hormonal control of ciliogenesis and transformation of mucous cells was studied in the oviduct (magnum) of ovariectomized quails. Estradiol benzoate induces ciliogenesis with doses varying from 10 mug/day to 100 mug/day after 6 days of treatment. With 100 mug/day, differentiation of some mucous cells is also induced as well as the formation of transitory \"mixed cells\" which are in the process of ciliogenesis and contain mucous granules. Associated with progesterone (1 mg/day), estradiol benzoate (10 mug/day) induces the differentiation of mucous cells and ciliated cells. The luminal epithelium of quails injected with this mixture is similar to the luminal epithelium observed in the oviduct of laying quails. With the same dose of progesterone (1 mg/day) and 20 mug/day of estradiol benzoate for 6 days, ciliogenesis is completely inhibited. All epithelial cells are secretory cells. Transformation of 50% of the mucous cells into ciliated cells is obtained by following the previous estradiol-progesterone treatment with the injection of estradiol benzoate (20 mug/day) for 3 days. Divisions of mucous cells were also observed. It is also possible to induce ciliogenesis in some mucous cells by withdrawing both hormones for 3 days. In this case, no cell divisions were observed.", "contents": "[Ciliogenesis in the mucous cells of the quail oviduct. II. Hormonal control]. The hormonal control of ciliogenesis and transformation of mucous cells was studied in the oviduct (magnum) of ovariectomized quails. Estradiol benzoate induces ciliogenesis with doses varying from 10 mug/day to 100 mug/day after 6 days of treatment. With 100 mug/day, differentiation of some mucous cells is also induced as well as the formation of transitory \"mixed cells\" which are in the process of ciliogenesis and contain mucous granules. Associated with progesterone (1 mg/day), estradiol benzoate (10 mug/day) induces the differentiation of mucous cells and ciliated cells. The luminal epithelium of quails injected with this mixture is similar to the luminal epithelium observed in the oviduct of laying quails. With the same dose of progesterone (1 mg/day) and 20 mug/day of estradiol benzoate for 6 days, ciliogenesis is completely inhibited. All epithelial cells are secretory cells. Transformation of 50% of the mucous cells into ciliated cells is obtained by following the previous estradiol-progesterone treatment with the injection of estradiol benzoate (20 mug/day) for 3 days. Divisions of mucous cells were also observed. It is also possible to induce ciliogenesis in some mucous cells by withdrawing both hormones for 3 days. In this case, no cell divisions were observed.", "PMID": 993258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5060", "title": "Association of a protease (plasminogen activator) with a specific membrane fraction isolated from transformed cells.", "content": "The intracellular distribution of specific protease, plasminogen activator (PA), has been examined in Rous sarcoma virus-transformed chick embryo fibroblasts (RSV-CEF). Cellular homogenates were fractionated by differential centrifugation followed by sucrose gradient centrifugation. The activities and the percent distribution of a series of marker enzymes, specific for different subcellular organelles, were compared to those of PA. Normal CEF have been similarly fractionated and the relatively low amount of PA activity present in these cells has been analyzed in terms of its subcellular distribution. A membrane fraction was isolated from the RSV-CEF that contained the bulk of the PA activity and less than 8% of the total cellular protein. The specific activity of the PA in this fraction is 40-fold higher than that of a comparable fraction isolated from companion cultures of normal cells. This fraction contains little or no nuclear and cytoplasmic material and is contaminated only to a relatively small degree with mitochondria, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum. Significant amounts of a putative Golgi membrane marker are present in this fraction. The relatively high specific activities of Na+,K+-ATPase, 5'-nucleotidase, and [3H]fucose indicate that the fraction is enriched in surface membrane. Further purification of the fraction by equilibrium centrifugation on shallow sucrose gradients reduces further the contaminating activities and results in a PA distribution that closely parallels the distribution of the membrane enzyme, 5'-nucleotidase. PA was not released from its membrane association by hypotonic and hypertonic extraction and ultrasonication, while granule-bound enzymes were released by these treatments. The PA activity from hamster SV40 cells fractionated the same way as that of RSV-CEF. These results suggest that a protease that is dramatically enhanced upon malignant transformation is associated with \"plasma membrane-like\" elements of the cell and may serve as an intrinsic modifier of cell surface proteins after malignant transformation.", "contents": "Association of a protease (plasminogen activator) with a specific membrane fraction isolated from transformed cells. The intracellular distribution of specific protease, plasminogen activator (PA), has been examined in Rous sarcoma virus-transformed chick embryo fibroblasts (RSV-CEF). Cellular homogenates were fractionated by differential centrifugation followed by sucrose gradient centrifugation. The activities and the percent distribution of a series of marker enzymes, specific for different subcellular organelles, were compared to those of PA. Normal CEF have been similarly fractionated and the relatively low amount of PA activity present in these cells has been analyzed in terms of its subcellular distribution. A membrane fraction was isolated from the RSV-CEF that contained the bulk of the PA activity and less than 8% of the total cellular protein. The specific activity of the PA in this fraction is 40-fold higher than that of a comparable fraction isolated from companion cultures of normal cells. This fraction contains little or no nuclear and cytoplasmic material and is contaminated only to a relatively small degree with mitochondria, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum. Significant amounts of a putative Golgi membrane marker are present in this fraction. The relatively high specific activities of Na+,K+-ATPase, 5'-nucleotidase, and [3H]fucose indicate that the fraction is enriched in surface membrane. Further purification of the fraction by equilibrium centrifugation on shallow sucrose gradients reduces further the contaminating activities and results in a PA distribution that closely parallels the distribution of the membrane enzyme, 5'-nucleotidase. PA was not released from its membrane association by hypotonic and hypertonic extraction and ultrasonication, while granule-bound enzymes were released by these treatments. The PA activity from hamster SV40 cells fractionated the same way as that of RSV-CEF. These results suggest that a protease that is dramatically enhanced upon malignant transformation is associated with \"plasma membrane-like\" elements of the cell and may serve as an intrinsic modifier of cell surface proteins after malignant transformation.", "PMID": 993259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5061", "title": "Observations on the Raynaud's disease.", "content": "During the last 25 years, owing to the improvement of the diagnostic means, the cases of \"Raynaud's phenomenon\" with well known etiology have been increasing and according to some authors they should be considered clearly prevailing. Through a right prevention and a medical and surgical therapy it is possible to obtain significant results. Consequently it is important to carry out a diagnostic screening. A study concerns 68 cases have been carried out in the Institute of Vascular Surgery, University of Milan, during the period 1971-1974. The cases are divided in two groups: idiopathic forms (disease) and forms connected to identifiable etiologies (syndrome). Many of the clinical parameters studied are examined. The so-called idiopathic forms: 47 cases (69%) with an average age of 45 years and a clear female prevalence (33 against 14). The forms with an identifiable etiology: 21 (31%) with an average age of 31 years and a clear male prevalence (16 against 5). It is therefore observed that the idiopathic Raynaud's disease is still prevailing and particularly in women. In idiopathic forms brachial angiography shows in most of the cases X-ray evidence of digital artery occlusion.", "contents": "Observations on the Raynaud's disease. During the last 25 years, owing to the improvement of the diagnostic means, the cases of \"Raynaud's phenomenon\" with well known etiology have been increasing and according to some authors they should be considered clearly prevailing. Through a right prevention and a medical and surgical therapy it is possible to obtain significant results. Consequently it is important to carry out a diagnostic screening. A study concerns 68 cases have been carried out in the Institute of Vascular Surgery, University of Milan, during the period 1971-1974. The cases are divided in two groups: idiopathic forms (disease) and forms connected to identifiable etiologies (syndrome). Many of the clinical parameters studied are examined. The so-called idiopathic forms: 47 cases (69%) with an average age of 45 years and a clear female prevalence (33 against 14). The forms with an identifiable etiology: 21 (31%) with an average age of 31 years and a clear male prevalence (16 against 5). It is therefore observed that the idiopathic Raynaud's disease is still prevailing and particularly in women. In idiopathic forms brachial angiography shows in most of the cases X-ray evidence of digital artery occlusion.", "PMID": 993253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5062", "title": "Distribution and mobility of lectin receptors on synaptic membranes of identified neurons in the central nervous system.", "content": "The distribution and mobility of concanavalin A (Con A) and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA) receptors (binding sites) on the external surfaces of Purkinje, hippocampal pyramidal, and granule cells and their attached boutons were studied using ferritin-lectin conjugates. Dendritic fields of these cells were isolated by microdissection and gently homogenized. Cell fragments and pre- and postsynaptic membranes were labeled with the ferritin-lectin conjugates at a variety of temperatures, and the distribution of lectin receptors was determined by electron microscopy. Both classes of these lectin receptors were concentrated at nearly all open and partially open postsynaptic junctional membranes of asymmetric-type synapses on all three neuron types. Con A receptors were most concentrated at the junctional membrane region, indicating that the mature neuron has a specialized nonrandom organization of carbohydrates on its outer surface. Lectin receptors located on postsynaptic junctional membranes appeared to be restricted in their mobility compared to similar classes of receptors on extrajunctional membrane regions. Labeling with ferritin-RCA and -Con A at 37 degrees C produced clustering of lectin receptors on nonjunctional surfaces; however, Con A and RCA receptors retained their nonrandom topographic distribution on the postsynaptic junctional surface. The restricted mobility of lectin receptors was an inherent property of the postsynaptic membrane since the presynaptic membrane was absent. It is proposed that structures in the postsynaptic density may be transmembrane-linked to postsynaptic receptors and thereby determine topographic distribution and limit diffusion of specialized synaptic molecules. Speicalized receptor displays may play an important role in the formation and maintenance of specific synaptic contacts.", "contents": "Distribution and mobility of lectin receptors on synaptic membranes of identified neurons in the central nervous system. The distribution and mobility of concanavalin A (Con A) and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA) receptors (binding sites) on the external surfaces of Purkinje, hippocampal pyramidal, and granule cells and their attached boutons were studied using ferritin-lectin conjugates. Dendritic fields of these cells were isolated by microdissection and gently homogenized. Cell fragments and pre- and postsynaptic membranes were labeled with the ferritin-lectin conjugates at a variety of temperatures, and the distribution of lectin receptors was determined by electron microscopy. Both classes of these lectin receptors were concentrated at nearly all open and partially open postsynaptic junctional membranes of asymmetric-type synapses on all three neuron types. Con A receptors were most concentrated at the junctional membrane region, indicating that the mature neuron has a specialized nonrandom organization of carbohydrates on its outer surface. Lectin receptors located on postsynaptic junctional membranes appeared to be restricted in their mobility compared to similar classes of receptors on extrajunctional membrane regions. Labeling with ferritin-RCA and -Con A at 37 degrees C produced clustering of lectin receptors on nonjunctional surfaces; however, Con A and RCA receptors retained their nonrandom topographic distribution on the postsynaptic junctional surface. The restricted mobility of lectin receptors was an inherent property of the postsynaptic membrane since the presynaptic membrane was absent. It is proposed that structures in the postsynaptic density may be transmembrane-linked to postsynaptic receptors and thereby determine topographic distribution and limit diffusion of specialized synaptic molecules. Speicalized receptor displays may play an important role in the formation and maintenance of specific synaptic contacts.", "PMID": 993260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5063", "title": "Studies on the posterior silk gland of the silkworm Bombyx mori. VI. Distribution of microtubules in the posterior silk gland cells.", "content": "There are two microtubule systems in the posterior silk gland cells. One is a radial microtubule system in which the microtubules run radially from the basal to the apical cytoplasm and in which fibroin globules (secretory granules of fibroin) and mitochondria are arranged along these microtubules, thus composing a \"canal system\" which is assumed to be responsible for the intracellular transport of fibroin globules. The other is a circular microtubule system in the apical cytoplasm which is composed of bundles of microtubules and microfilaments running in a circular arrangement around the glandular lumen at an interval of approximately 4 mum at the end of the fifth instar. This system is presumably concerned with secretion and/or intraluminal transport of fibroin.", "contents": "Studies on the posterior silk gland of the silkworm Bombyx mori. VI. Distribution of microtubules in the posterior silk gland cells. There are two microtubule systems in the posterior silk gland cells. One is a radial microtubule system in which the microtubules run radially from the basal to the apical cytoplasm and in which fibroin globules (secretory granules of fibroin) and mitochondria are arranged along these microtubules, thus composing a \"canal system\" which is assumed to be responsible for the intracellular transport of fibroin globules. The other is a circular microtubule system in the apical cytoplasm which is composed of bundles of microtubules and microfilaments running in a circular arrangement around the glandular lumen at an interval of approximately 4 mum at the end of the fifth instar. This system is presumably concerned with secretion and/or intraluminal transport of fibroin.", "PMID": 993262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5064", "title": "Periodic variations in the ratio of free to thylakoid-bound chloroplast ribosomes during the cell cycle of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.", "content": "The ratio of free to thylakoid-bound chloroplast ribosomes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii undergoes periodic changes during the synchronous light-dark cycle. In the light, when there is an increase in the chlorophyll content and synthesis of thylakoid membrane proteins, about 20-30% of the chloroplast ribosomes are bound to the thylakoid membranes. On the other hand, only a few or no bound ribosomes are present in the dark when there is no increase in the chlorophyll content. The ribosome-membrane interaction depends not only on the developmental stage of the cell but also on light. Thus, bound ribosomes were converted to the free variety after cultures at 4 h in the light had been transferred to the dark for 10 min. Conversely, a larger number of chloroplast ribosomes became attached to the membranes after cultures at 4 h in the dark had been illuminated for 10 min. Under normal conditions, when there was slow cooling of the cultures during cell harvesting, chloroplast polysomal runoff occurred in vivo leading to low levels of thylakoid-bound ribosomes. This polysomal runoff could be arrested by either rapid cooling of the cells or the addition of chloramphenicol or erythromycin. Each of these treatments prevented polypeptide chain elongation on chloroplast ribosomes and thus allowed the polyosomes to remain bound to the thylakoids. Addition of lincomycin, an inhibitor of chain initiation on 70S ribosomes, inhibited the assembly of polysome-thylakoid membrane complex in the light. These results support a model in which initiation of mRNA translation begins in the chloroplast stroma, and the polysome subsequently becomes attached to the thylakoid membrane. Upon natural chain termination, the chloroplast ribosomes are released from the membrane into the stroma.", "contents": "Periodic variations in the ratio of free to thylakoid-bound chloroplast ribosomes during the cell cycle of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The ratio of free to thylakoid-bound chloroplast ribosomes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii undergoes periodic changes during the synchronous light-dark cycle. In the light, when there is an increase in the chlorophyll content and synthesis of thylakoid membrane proteins, about 20-30% of the chloroplast ribosomes are bound to the thylakoid membranes. On the other hand, only a few or no bound ribosomes are present in the dark when there is no increase in the chlorophyll content. The ribosome-membrane interaction depends not only on the developmental stage of the cell but also on light. Thus, bound ribosomes were converted to the free variety after cultures at 4 h in the light had been transferred to the dark for 10 min. Conversely, a larger number of chloroplast ribosomes became attached to the membranes after cultures at 4 h in the dark had been illuminated for 10 min. Under normal conditions, when there was slow cooling of the cultures during cell harvesting, chloroplast polysomal runoff occurred in vivo leading to low levels of thylakoid-bound ribosomes. This polysomal runoff could be arrested by either rapid cooling of the cells or the addition of chloramphenicol or erythromycin. Each of these treatments prevented polypeptide chain elongation on chloroplast ribosomes and thus allowed the polyosomes to remain bound to the thylakoids. Addition of lincomycin, an inhibitor of chain initiation on 70S ribosomes, inhibited the assembly of polysome-thylakoid membrane complex in the light. These results support a model in which initiation of mRNA translation begins in the chloroplast stroma, and the polysome subsequently becomes attached to the thylakoid membrane. Upon natural chain termination, the chloroplast ribosomes are released from the membrane into the stroma.", "PMID": 993261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5065", "title": "Loss of endocytic capacity in aging Paramecium. The importance of cytoplasmic organelles.", "content": "Aged cells have significantly fewer food vacuoles and ingest fewer bacteria than young cells. Loss of food vacuoles was explained by a decreasing difference in the food vacuole formation and excretion rates; the formation rate declined more rapidly than the excretion rate, approaching equivalence at 160 fissions, when the proportion of cells with no food vacuoles, in the presence of excess food, abruptly increased. A model for cellular aging is presented in which control of organelle numbers and cyclical interactions between the nucleus and cytoplasm may be of critical importance.", "contents": "Loss of endocytic capacity in aging Paramecium. The importance of cytoplasmic organelles. Aged cells have significantly fewer food vacuoles and ingest fewer bacteria than young cells. Loss of food vacuoles was explained by a decreasing difference in the food vacuole formation and excretion rates; the formation rate declined more rapidly than the excretion rate, approaching equivalence at 160 fissions, when the proportion of cells with no food vacuoles, in the presence of excess food, abruptly increased. A model for cellular aging is presented in which control of organelle numbers and cyclical interactions between the nucleus and cytoplasm may be of critical importance.", "PMID": 993263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5066", "title": "The light-harvesting chlorpohyll-protein complex of photosystem II. Its location in the photosynthetic membrane.", "content": "We have investigated the structure of the photosynthetic membrane in a mutant of barley known to lack a chlorophyll-binding protein. This protein is thought to channel excitation energy to photosystem II, and is known as the \"light-harvesting chlorophyll-protein complex.\" Extensive stacking of thylakoids into grana occurs in both mutant and wild-type chloroplasts. Examination of membrane internal structure by freeze-fracturing indicates that only slight differences exist between the fracture faces of mutant and wild-type membranes. These differences are slight reductions in the size of particles visible on the EFs fracture face, and in the number of particles seen on the PFs fracture face. No differences can be detected between mutant and wild-type on the etched out surface of the membrane. In contrast, tetrameric particles visible on the etched inner surface of wild-type thylakoids are extremely difficult to recognize on similar surfaces of the mutant. These particles can be recognized on inner surfaces of the mutant membranes when they are organized into regular lattices, but these lattices show a much closer particle-to-particle spacing than similar lattices in wild-type membranes. Although several interpretations of these data are possible, these observations are consistent with the proposal that the light-harvesting chlorophyll-protein complex of photosystem II is bound to the tetramer (which is visible on the EFs face as a single particle) near the inner surface of the membrane. The large tetramer, which other studies have shown to span the thylakoid membrane, may represent an assembly of protein, lipid, and pigment comprising all the elements of the photosystem II reaction. A scheme is presented which illustrates one possibility for the light reaction across the photosynthetic membrane.", "contents": "The light-harvesting chlorpohyll-protein complex of photosystem II. Its location in the photosynthetic membrane. We have investigated the structure of the photosynthetic membrane in a mutant of barley known to lack a chlorophyll-binding protein. This protein is thought to channel excitation energy to photosystem II, and is known as the \"light-harvesting chlorophyll-protein complex.\" Extensive stacking of thylakoids into grana occurs in both mutant and wild-type chloroplasts. Examination of membrane internal structure by freeze-fracturing indicates that only slight differences exist between the fracture faces of mutant and wild-type membranes. These differences are slight reductions in the size of particles visible on the EFs fracture face, and in the number of particles seen on the PFs fracture face. No differences can be detected between mutant and wild-type on the etched out surface of the membrane. In contrast, tetrameric particles visible on the etched inner surface of wild-type thylakoids are extremely difficult to recognize on similar surfaces of the mutant. These particles can be recognized on inner surfaces of the mutant membranes when they are organized into regular lattices, but these lattices show a much closer particle-to-particle spacing than similar lattices in wild-type membranes. Although several interpretations of these data are possible, these observations are consistent with the proposal that the light-harvesting chlorophyll-protein complex of photosystem II is bound to the tetramer (which is visible on the EFs face as a single particle) near the inner surface of the membrane. The large tetramer, which other studies have shown to span the thylakoid membrane, may represent an assembly of protein, lipid, and pigment comprising all the elements of the photosystem II reaction. A scheme is presented which illustrates one possibility for the light reaction across the photosynthetic membrane.", "PMID": 993264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5067", "title": "A correlation between membrane fluidity and the critical temperature for cell adhesion.", "content": "BHK 21 cells can adhere to a protein-coated plastic dish in the presence of Ca2+ at temperatures above 12 degrees C. However, they cannot adhere below 8 degrees C. The ESR spectrum of cells spin-labeled with a stearic acid label indicated that the membrane fluidity changed characteristically at 10 degrees C, 20 degrees C, and 30 degrees C. The critical temperature for cell adhesion coincided well with one of the characteristic temperatures for the membrane fluidity change. In the case of adhesion in the presence of Mg2+, no such correlation was observed.", "contents": "A correlation between membrane fluidity and the critical temperature for cell adhesion. BHK 21 cells can adhere to a protein-coated plastic dish in the presence of Ca2+ at temperatures above 12 degrees C. However, they cannot adhere below 8 degrees C. The ESR spectrum of cells spin-labeled with a stearic acid label indicated that the membrane fluidity changed characteristically at 10 degrees C, 20 degrees C, and 30 degrees C. The critical temperature for cell adhesion coincided well with one of the characteristic temperatures for the membrane fluidity change. In the case of adhesion in the presence of Mg2+, no such correlation was observed.", "PMID": 993265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5068", "title": "Studies on cell communication with enucleated human fibroblasts.", "content": "Metabolic cooperation, the correction of the mutant phenotype in cells deficient in hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT-) by intimate contact with normal cells (HPRT+), represents a form of cell communication that is easily studied with radioautography. In the present study it was found that the formation of cell junctions needed for communication does not require protein synthesis nor is it under the immediate control of the cell nucleus. Enucleated normal cells efficiently communicate with HPRT- mutant cells. The effectiveness of enucleated cells as donors in metabolic cooperation provides evidence that it is the transfer of small molecules, nucleotide, or nucleotide derivatives that is responsible for correction of the mutant phenotype. Karyoplasts (nuclei with small amounts of cytoplasm surrounded by a plasma membrane) are unable to efficiently communicate with intact cells. The utilization of [3H]hypoxanthine by communicating mixtures of HPRT+ and HPRT- human cells is not significantly different than in the normal cells alone. Metabolic cooperation, as studied involves a redistribution of purine-containing compounds among communicating cells.", "contents": "Studies on cell communication with enucleated human fibroblasts. Metabolic cooperation, the correction of the mutant phenotype in cells deficient in hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT-) by intimate contact with normal cells (HPRT+), represents a form of cell communication that is easily studied with radioautography. In the present study it was found that the formation of cell junctions needed for communication does not require protein synthesis nor is it under the immediate control of the cell nucleus. Enucleated normal cells efficiently communicate with HPRT- mutant cells. The effectiveness of enucleated cells as donors in metabolic cooperation provides evidence that it is the transfer of small molecules, nucleotide, or nucleotide derivatives that is responsible for correction of the mutant phenotype. Karyoplasts (nuclei with small amounts of cytoplasm surrounded by a plasma membrane) are unable to efficiently communicate with intact cells. The utilization of [3H]hypoxanthine by communicating mixtures of HPRT+ and HPRT- human cells is not significantly different than in the normal cells alone. Metabolic cooperation, as studied involves a redistribution of purine-containing compounds among communicating cells.", "PMID": 993266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5069", "title": "Hemoglobin switching in sheep and goats. VI. Commitment of erythroid colony-forming cells to the synthesis of betaC globin.", "content": "Bone marrow from mature goats and sheep was cultured in plasma clots, and three erythropoietin (ESF)-dependent responses-growth (colony formation), differentiation (globin production), and initiation of hemoglobin C (alpha2beta2C) synthesis--were quantitated. ESF concentrations below 0.01 U/ml supported colony growth and adult hemoglobin production in cultures of goat marrow, while maximal hemoglobin C synthesis (70%), as measured between 72 and 96 h in culture, required a 100-fold higher ESF concentration. Sheep marrow was cultured in a medium enriched to enhance growth and to permit complete maturation of colonies. These colonies active in hemoglobin synthesis between 24 and 96 h produced mainly adult hemoglobin, and only between 96 and 120 h did sheep colonies develop which produced mainly hemoglobin C (up to 70%). A similar heterogeneity may exist among goat colonies. Thus, when goat bone marrow was fractionated by unit gravity sedimentation, more hemoglobin C synthesis was observed in colonies derived from cells of intermediate sedimentation velocity than in colonies derived from the most rapidly sedimenting cells. Brief exposure of sheep (in vivo) and goat (in vitro) bone marrow to a high ESF concentration committed precursor cells to the generation of colonies which, even at low ESF concentration, produced hemoglobin C. Committment to hemoglobin phenotype appears to be an early and probably irreversible event in the development of an erythroid cell.", "contents": "Hemoglobin switching in sheep and goats. VI. Commitment of erythroid colony-forming cells to the synthesis of betaC globin. Bone marrow from mature goats and sheep was cultured in plasma clots, and three erythropoietin (ESF)-dependent responses-growth (colony formation), differentiation (globin production), and initiation of hemoglobin C (alpha2beta2C) synthesis--were quantitated. ESF concentrations below 0.01 U/ml supported colony growth and adult hemoglobin production in cultures of goat marrow, while maximal hemoglobin C synthesis (70%), as measured between 72 and 96 h in culture, required a 100-fold higher ESF concentration. Sheep marrow was cultured in a medium enriched to enhance growth and to permit complete maturation of colonies. These colonies active in hemoglobin synthesis between 24 and 96 h produced mainly adult hemoglobin, and only between 96 and 120 h did sheep colonies develop which produced mainly hemoglobin C (up to 70%). A similar heterogeneity may exist among goat colonies. Thus, when goat bone marrow was fractionated by unit gravity sedimentation, more hemoglobin C synthesis was observed in colonies derived from cells of intermediate sedimentation velocity than in colonies derived from the most rapidly sedimenting cells. Brief exposure of sheep (in vivo) and goat (in vitro) bone marrow to a high ESF concentration committed precursor cells to the generation of colonies which, even at low ESF concentration, produced hemoglobin C. Committment to hemoglobin phenotype appears to be an early and probably irreversible event in the development of an erythroid cell.", "PMID": 993267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5070", "title": "Stimulation of clonal growth of normal fibroblasts with substrata coated with basic polymers.", "content": "Improved media have reduced the amount of serum protein required for clonal growth of normal human and chicken fibroblast-like cells. In the presence of limiting amounts of serum protein, attachment of colonies to tissue culture plastic surfaces is weak. Treatment of the culture surface with polylysine or other basic polymers causes the cells to adhere much more tightly. Growth is also improved on the surfaces treated with basic polymers, and further reductions in the concentration of serum as possible. At sufficiently low protein concentrations, growth of some types of cells is totally dependent on the use of a treated surface. Several different types of normal human and chicken fibroblast-like cells show improved growth on polylysine-coated surfaces, but no improvement was obtained in growth of a line of SV-40 transformed WI-38 cells. Acidic and neutral polymers are generally inactive. Collagen and gelatin improve growth slightly, but the effect is much less than that obtained with basic polymers. Both natural and synthetic polymers with an excess of basic groups are active, including histone, polyarginine, polyhistidine, polylysine, polyornithine, and protamine. The only critical requirement appears to be a polymer that carries a positive charge at a physiological pH.", "contents": "Stimulation of clonal growth of normal fibroblasts with substrata coated with basic polymers. Improved media have reduced the amount of serum protein required for clonal growth of normal human and chicken fibroblast-like cells. In the presence of limiting amounts of serum protein, attachment of colonies to tissue culture plastic surfaces is weak. Treatment of the culture surface with polylysine or other basic polymers causes the cells to adhere much more tightly. Growth is also improved on the surfaces treated with basic polymers, and further reductions in the concentration of serum as possible. At sufficiently low protein concentrations, growth of some types of cells is totally dependent on the use of a treated surface. Several different types of normal human and chicken fibroblast-like cells show improved growth on polylysine-coated surfaces, but no improvement was obtained in growth of a line of SV-40 transformed WI-38 cells. Acidic and neutral polymers are generally inactive. Collagen and gelatin improve growth slightly, but the effect is much less than that obtained with basic polymers. Both natural and synthetic polymers with an excess of basic groups are active, including histone, polyarginine, polyhistidine, polylysine, polyornithine, and protamine. The only critical requirement appears to be a polymer that carries a positive charge at a physiological pH.", "PMID": 993268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5071", "title": "A quantitative analysis of microtubule elongation.", "content": "Methods have been developed for differentially inhibiting microtubule nucleation and elongation in vitro. By use of polyanions, assembly-competent tubulin solutions of several milligrams/milliliter can be prepared which do not exhibit appreciable spontaneous assembly during the time-course of an experiment. Microtubule elongation can be initiated by the addition of known numbers of microtubule fragments. A detailed analysis of the resulting process demonstrates that: (a) rings are not obligatory intermediates in the nucleation sequence, and neither rings nor protofilament sheets are obligatory intermediates in the elongation reaction. (b) The end of an elongating microtubule often has a short region of open protofilament sheet or \"C-microtubule\" similar to that observed in vivo. (c) The development of turbidity follows a simple exponential approach to an equilibrium value. (d) The final equilibrium values are independent of the number of added nucleating fragments, while the initial growth rates and half-times to reach equilibrium are dependent on the number of added nuclei. (e) The final lengths of the microtubules at equilibrium are inversely proportional to the number of added fragments. (f) The equilibrium constants are independent of microtubule length. (g) The number of assembly and disassembly sites per microtubule is not a function of microtubule length. (h) The forward rate constants, the final polymer concentrations, and growth rates of microtubules are dependent upon the concentration of polyanion present. These results are strongly supportive of the idea that microtubule assembly is a \"condensation-polymerization\" and provide basic information on the kinetics and length distributions of the elongation in vitro.", "contents": "A quantitative analysis of microtubule elongation. Methods have been developed for differentially inhibiting microtubule nucleation and elongation in vitro. By use of polyanions, assembly-competent tubulin solutions of several milligrams/milliliter can be prepared which do not exhibit appreciable spontaneous assembly during the time-course of an experiment. Microtubule elongation can be initiated by the addition of known numbers of microtubule fragments. A detailed analysis of the resulting process demonstrates that: (a) rings are not obligatory intermediates in the nucleation sequence, and neither rings nor protofilament sheets are obligatory intermediates in the elongation reaction. (b) The end of an elongating microtubule often has a short region of open protofilament sheet or \"C-microtubule\" similar to that observed in vivo. (c) The development of turbidity follows a simple exponential approach to an equilibrium value. (d) The final equilibrium values are independent of the number of added nucleating fragments, while the initial growth rates and half-times to reach equilibrium are dependent on the number of added nuclei. (e) The final lengths of the microtubules at equilibrium are inversely proportional to the number of added fragments. (f) The equilibrium constants are independent of microtubule length. (g) The number of assembly and disassembly sites per microtubule is not a function of microtubule length. (h) The forward rate constants, the final polymer concentrations, and growth rates of microtubules are dependent upon the concentration of polyanion present. These results are strongly supportive of the idea that microtubule assembly is a \"condensation-polymerization\" and provide basic information on the kinetics and length distributions of the elongation in vitro.", "PMID": 993269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5072", "title": "Morphometric analysis of the ultrastructural changes in rat liver induced by the peroxisome proliferator SaH 42-348.", "content": "The changes occurring in hepatocytes of F-344 male rats during a 3-wk treatment with a hypolipidemic agent, 1-methyl-4-piperidyl-bis [p-chlorophenoxy]acetate (SaH 42-348), have been evaluated by morphometric and biochemical methods. The twofold increase in liver weight resulted from a significant increase in hepatocyte cytoplasm as well as a moderate increase in the number of liver cells. The peroxisome population and SER played an overwhelming part in the hypertrophy of hepatocytic cytoplasm. The relative volume and the surface density of peroxisomes volume resulted from an increased ninefold and sevenfold, respectively. The increase in the collective peroxisome volume resulted from an increase in both the number and the average volume of peroxisomes. The SER also demonstrated a substantial increase in these values. The relative volume and surface density of mitochondria were not significantly altered in comparison to controls, while these values for RER decreased onefold. Studies on the lobular distribution of cytoplasmic organelles before and during treatment revealed that the relative volume and surface density of peroxisomes and SER increased from periportal to centrilobular cells of the hepatic lobule, whereas mitochondrial values decreased from periportal to centrilobular cells. The RER values were fairly constant in different parts of the hepatic lobule. The increase in peroxisome and SER volume and surface area was first evident within the first 3 days of SaH 42-348 treatment and these values continued to increase, reaching a steady state within 2 wk. The time course of increase in catalase and carnitine acetyltransferase activities correlated with the morphometric data on the peroxisomes. After cessation of SaH 42-348 treatment, the peroxisome values decreased rapidly within the first 3 days and reached control levels within 1 wk. Moderate reduction in SER values occurred after withdrawal of the drug, but these values remained higher than controls even after 2 wk, suggesting that the reduction in the amount of circulating peroxisome proteins may result in empty SER channels. On the 4th day of drug withdrawal a significant increase in the relative volume and surface density of lysosomes was observed, suggesting that these organelles may play some part in the removal of cellular membranes. However, the rapid reduction in peroxisome values after SaH 42-348 withdrawal appears to be due to cessation of enhanced peroxisome protein synthesis.", "contents": "Morphometric analysis of the ultrastructural changes in rat liver induced by the peroxisome proliferator SaH 42-348. The changes occurring in hepatocytes of F-344 male rats during a 3-wk treatment with a hypolipidemic agent, 1-methyl-4-piperidyl-bis [p-chlorophenoxy]acetate (SaH 42-348), have been evaluated by morphometric and biochemical methods. The twofold increase in liver weight resulted from a significant increase in hepatocyte cytoplasm as well as a moderate increase in the number of liver cells. The peroxisome population and SER played an overwhelming part in the hypertrophy of hepatocytic cytoplasm. The relative volume and the surface density of peroxisomes volume resulted from an increased ninefold and sevenfold, respectively. The increase in the collective peroxisome volume resulted from an increase in both the number and the average volume of peroxisomes. The SER also demonstrated a substantial increase in these values. The relative volume and surface density of mitochondria were not significantly altered in comparison to controls, while these values for RER decreased onefold. Studies on the lobular distribution of cytoplasmic organelles before and during treatment revealed that the relative volume and surface density of peroxisomes and SER increased from periportal to centrilobular cells of the hepatic lobule, whereas mitochondrial values decreased from periportal to centrilobular cells. The RER values were fairly constant in different parts of the hepatic lobule. The increase in peroxisome and SER volume and surface area was first evident within the first 3 days of SaH 42-348 treatment and these values continued to increase, reaching a steady state within 2 wk. The time course of increase in catalase and carnitine acetyltransferase activities correlated with the morphometric data on the peroxisomes. After cessation of SaH 42-348 treatment, the peroxisome values decreased rapidly within the first 3 days and reached control levels within 1 wk. Moderate reduction in SER values occurred after withdrawal of the drug, but these values remained higher than controls even after 2 wk, suggesting that the reduction in the amount of circulating peroxisome proteins may result in empty SER channels. On the 4th day of drug withdrawal a significant increase in the relative volume and surface density of lysosomes was observed, suggesting that these organelles may play some part in the removal of cellular membranes. However, the rapid reduction in peroxisome values after SaH 42-348 withdrawal appears to be due to cessation of enhanced peroxisome protein synthesis.", "PMID": 993270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5073", "title": "The mechanism of sensory transduction in a mechanoreceptor. Functional stages in campaniform sensilla during the molting cycle.", "content": "This paper describes the ultrastructural modifications that cockroach campaniform sensilla undergo at three major stages in the molting cycle and finds that the sensilla are physiological functional at all developmental stages leading to ecdysis. Late stage animals on the verge of ecdysis have two completely separate cuticles. The campaniform sensillum sends a 220-mum extension of the sensory process through a hole in its cap in the new (inner) cuticle across a fluid-filled molting space to its functional insertion in the cap in the old (outer) cuticle. Mechanical stimulation of the old cap excites the sensillum. The ultrastructural geometry of late stage sensilla, coupled with the observation they are physiolgically functional, supports the hypotheses (a) that sensory transduction occurs at the tip of the sensory process, and (b) that cap identation causes the cap cuticle to pinch the tip of the sensory process, thereby stimulating the sensillum.", "contents": "The mechanism of sensory transduction in a mechanoreceptor. Functional stages in campaniform sensilla during the molting cycle. This paper describes the ultrastructural modifications that cockroach campaniform sensilla undergo at three major stages in the molting cycle and finds that the sensilla are physiological functional at all developmental stages leading to ecdysis. Late stage animals on the verge of ecdysis have two completely separate cuticles. The campaniform sensillum sends a 220-mum extension of the sensory process through a hole in its cap in the new (inner) cuticle across a fluid-filled molting space to its functional insertion in the cap in the old (outer) cuticle. Mechanical stimulation of the old cap excites the sensillum. The ultrastructural geometry of late stage sensilla, coupled with the observation they are physiolgically functional, supports the hypotheses (a) that sensory transduction occurs at the tip of the sensory process, and (b) that cap identation causes the cap cuticle to pinch the tip of the sensory process, thereby stimulating the sensillum.", "PMID": 993271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5074", "title": "Effects of glutathione-oxidizing agents on microtubule assembly and microtubule-dependent surface properties of human neutrophils.", "content": "In human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes, GSH-oxidizing agents promote the movement of surface-bound concanavalin A (Con A) into caps and inhibit the assembly of microtubules (MT) that is normally induced by Con A binding. Con A capping and inhibition of MT assembly occur when GSH levels in cell suspensions are decreased by 30-70%, and return to GSH to control levels is accompanied by the appearance of cytoplasmic MT and by inhibition of the capping response with Con A. Oxidation of GSH markedly stimulates the hexose monophosphate shunt, and regeneration of GSH occurs rapidly. The data indicate that MT cannot be assembled or maintained in the face of decreased GSH levels. Thus, GSH homeostasis becomes critical during physiological events such as phagocytosis which simultaneously induce the assembly of MT and the production of agents like H2O2 that can oxidize GSH.", "contents": "Effects of glutathione-oxidizing agents on microtubule assembly and microtubule-dependent surface properties of human neutrophils. In human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes, GSH-oxidizing agents promote the movement of surface-bound concanavalin A (Con A) into caps and inhibit the assembly of microtubules (MT) that is normally induced by Con A binding. Con A capping and inhibition of MT assembly occur when GSH levels in cell suspensions are decreased by 30-70%, and return to GSH to control levels is accompanied by the appearance of cytoplasmic MT and by inhibition of the capping response with Con A. Oxidation of GSH markedly stimulates the hexose monophosphate shunt, and regeneration of GSH occurs rapidly. The data indicate that MT cannot be assembled or maintained in the face of decreased GSH levels. Thus, GSH homeostasis becomes critical during physiological events such as phagocytosis which simultaneously induce the assembly of MT and the production of agents like H2O2 that can oxidize GSH.", "PMID": 993272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5075", "title": "Changes in RNA in relation to growth of the fibroblast. IV. Alterations in theproduction and processing of mRNA and rRNA in resting and growing cells.", "content": "In previous reports, it was shown that both the concentration and rate of production of rRNA and mRNA were greater in growing than in resting 3T6 fibroblasts. Studies on isolated nuclei indicated that ribosomal RNA production is apparently controlled at the level of transcription. In contrast, hnRNA, the putative precursor of mRNA, appeared to be synthesized at the same rate in resting and growing cells. This finding was unexpected and has been tested in several ways. In this report, we show by an independent method that the relative rate of production of mRNA compared to hnRNA is several-fold higher in growing than in resting cells. However, the kinetics of processing of mRNA appear unchanged. This result suggests either that mRNA arises from a small subfraction of hnRNA or that the efficiency of processing of the hnRNA precursor is an important control mechanism which determines mRNA production ingrowing and resting states. Comparison of the initial rates of labeling of hnRNA and cytoplasmic message gives the efficiency with which the cytoplasmic mRNA is produced from nucleoplasmic RNA. The very low efficiency (3-4% in growing and 1-2% in resting cells) suggests that not every hnRNA molecule gives rise to a cytoplasmic message. In contrast to the similar kinetics of mRNA production in resting and growing states, processing of ribosomal RNA is much slower in the resting state and the emergence time for 28S RNA from nucleolus is greatly lengthened.", "contents": "Changes in RNA in relation to growth of the fibroblast. IV. Alterations in theproduction and processing of mRNA and rRNA in resting and growing cells. In previous reports, it was shown that both the concentration and rate of production of rRNA and mRNA were greater in growing than in resting 3T6 fibroblasts. Studies on isolated nuclei indicated that ribosomal RNA production is apparently controlled at the level of transcription. In contrast, hnRNA, the putative precursor of mRNA, appeared to be synthesized at the same rate in resting and growing cells. This finding was unexpected and has been tested in several ways. In this report, we show by an independent method that the relative rate of production of mRNA compared to hnRNA is several-fold higher in growing than in resting cells. However, the kinetics of processing of mRNA appear unchanged. This result suggests either that mRNA arises from a small subfraction of hnRNA or that the efficiency of processing of the hnRNA precursor is an important control mechanism which determines mRNA production ingrowing and resting states. Comparison of the initial rates of labeling of hnRNA and cytoplasmic message gives the efficiency with which the cytoplasmic mRNA is produced from nucleoplasmic RNA. The very low efficiency (3-4% in growing and 1-2% in resting cells) suggests that not every hnRNA molecule gives rise to a cytoplasmic message. In contrast to the similar kinetics of mRNA production in resting and growing states, processing of ribosomal RNA is much slower in the resting state and the emergence time for 28S RNA from nucleolus is greatly lengthened.", "PMID": 993273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5076", "title": "The relationship of ribosomal RNA synthesis to the formation of segregated nucleoli and nucleolus-like bodies.", "content": "The relationship of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis to nucleolar ultrastructure was studied in partial nucleolar mutants of Xenopus laevis. These mutations are the result of a partial deletion of rRNA genes and therefore alow studies on nucleolar structure and function without using drugs that inhibit rRNA synthesis. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated that normal embryos have reticulated nucleoli that are composed of a loose meshwork of granules and fibrils and a typical nucleolonema. In contrast, partial nucleolar mutants in which rRNA synthesis is reduced to less than 50% of the normal rate have compact nucleoli and nucleolus-like bodies. The compace nucleoli contain granules and fibrils, but they are segregated into distinct regions, and a nucleolonema is never seen. Since other species of RNA are synthesized normally by partial nucleolar mutants, these results demonstrate that nucleolar segragation is related specifically to a reduction in rRNA synthesis. The nucleolus-like bodies are composed mainly of fibrils,and the number of such bodies are composed mainly of fibrils, and the number of such bodies present in the different nucleolar mutants is inversely related to the relative rate of rRNA synthesis. Although the partial nucleolar organizers produce segregated nucleoli in these mutants, they organize morphologically normal, but smaller, nucleoli in heterozygous embryos. Alternative explanations to account for these results are discussed.", "contents": "The relationship of ribosomal RNA synthesis to the formation of segregated nucleoli and nucleolus-like bodies. The relationship of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis to nucleolar ultrastructure was studied in partial nucleolar mutants of Xenopus laevis. These mutations are the result of a partial deletion of rRNA genes and therefore alow studies on nucleolar structure and function without using drugs that inhibit rRNA synthesis. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated that normal embryos have reticulated nucleoli that are composed of a loose meshwork of granules and fibrils and a typical nucleolonema. In contrast, partial nucleolar mutants in which rRNA synthesis is reduced to less than 50% of the normal rate have compact nucleoli and nucleolus-like bodies. The compace nucleoli contain granules and fibrils, but they are segregated into distinct regions, and a nucleolonema is never seen. Since other species of RNA are synthesized normally by partial nucleolar mutants, these results demonstrate that nucleolar segragation is related specifically to a reduction in rRNA synthesis. The nucleolus-like bodies are composed mainly of fibrils,and the number of such bodies are composed mainly of fibrils, and the number of such bodies present in the different nucleolar mutants is inversely related to the relative rate of rRNA synthesis. Although the partial nucleolar organizers produce segregated nucleoli in these mutants, they organize morphologically normal, but smaller, nucleoli in heterozygous embryos. Alternative explanations to account for these results are discussed.", "PMID": 993274} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5077", "title": "Nucleolus degradation and growth induced by uv-microbeam irradiation of interphase cells grown in culture.", "content": "In contrast to total cell irradiation, local UV-microbeam irradiation can stimulate a significant diminution in the irradiated mature nucleoli in interphase mammalian cells in culture. This diminution is accompanied by the concomitant expansion of the unirradiated nucleoli within the same nucleus, and the total nucleolar volume per nucleus does not change appreciably. It is suggested that these nucleolar volume changes are the result of the dispersion, migration, and redistribution of the nucleolar material between competitive nucleolar organizer regions of the interphase nucleus.", "contents": "Nucleolus degradation and growth induced by uv-microbeam irradiation of interphase cells grown in culture. In contrast to total cell irradiation, local UV-microbeam irradiation can stimulate a significant diminution in the irradiated mature nucleoli in interphase mammalian cells in culture. This diminution is accompanied by the concomitant expansion of the unirradiated nucleoli within the same nucleus, and the total nucleolar volume per nucleus does not change appreciably. It is suggested that these nucleolar volume changes are the result of the dispersion, migration, and redistribution of the nucleolar material between competitive nucleolar organizer regions of the interphase nucleus.", "PMID": 993275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5078", "title": "Role of the septate junction in the regulation of paracellular transepithelial flow.", "content": "A comparison of the distribution of septate junctions in invertebrate epithelia and tight junctions in vertebrate systems suggests that these structures may be functionally analogous. This proposition is supported by the internal design of each junction which constitutes a serial arrangement of structures crossing the intercellular space between cells to effectively provide resistance to the paracellular flow of water and small molecules. We have tested the validity of such an analogy by examining whether the osmotic sensitivity of the septate junctions of planarian epidermis follow the rather striking pattern observed for the junctions of very tight vertebrate epithelia (e.g. toad urinary bladder). It has been found that the septate junctions in this system respond in similar fashion to their vertebrate counterparts, blistering with accumulated fluid when the medium outside the epidermis is made hypertonic with small, water-soluble molecules. We conclude that the two types of junction probably are functionally analogous and that, in each case, this rectified structural response to transepithelial osmotic gradients may be indicative of the role of such structures in the transport function of epithelia.", "contents": "Role of the septate junction in the regulation of paracellular transepithelial flow. A comparison of the distribution of septate junctions in invertebrate epithelia and tight junctions in vertebrate systems suggests that these structures may be functionally analogous. This proposition is supported by the internal design of each junction which constitutes a serial arrangement of structures crossing the intercellular space between cells to effectively provide resistance to the paracellular flow of water and small molecules. We have tested the validity of such an analogy by examining whether the osmotic sensitivity of the septate junctions of planarian epidermis follow the rather striking pattern observed for the junctions of very tight vertebrate epithelia (e.g. toad urinary bladder). It has been found that the septate junctions in this system respond in similar fashion to their vertebrate counterparts, blistering with accumulated fluid when the medium outside the epidermis is made hypertonic with small, water-soluble molecules. We conclude that the two types of junction probably are functionally analogous and that, in each case, this rectified structural response to transepithelial osmotic gradients may be indicative of the role of such structures in the transport function of epithelia.", "PMID": 993276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5079", "title": "[Liquid chromatographic parameters of groups of herbicidal active substances. I. Urea herbicides].", "content": "Because of the polarity of herbicidal urea derivatives, liquid chromatography is the most suitable method for their determination. The separation of a number of active substances is described. A versatile applicable ternary solvent mixture is used as the mobile phase. Several columns are tested for their separation performances and their capability to retain active substances and some known degradation products. To fully utilize the sensitivity of the photometric detector the UV spectra of the tested compounds are determined.", "contents": "[Liquid chromatographic parameters of groups of herbicidal active substances. I. Urea herbicides]. Because of the polarity of herbicidal urea derivatives, liquid chromatography is the most suitable method for their determination. The separation of a number of active substances is described. A versatile applicable ternary solvent mixture is used as the mobile phase. Several columns are tested for their separation performances and their capability to retain active substances and some known degradation products. To fully utilize the sensitivity of the photometric detector the UV spectra of the tested compounds are determined.", "PMID": 993287} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5080", "title": "Simultaneous determination of meperidine and normeperidine in biofluids.", "content": "A method employing solvent extraction and gas-liquid chromatography has been developed for the simultaneous determination of meperidine and its N-demethylated metabolite, normeperidine, in biofluids. Normeperidine is analyzed as the heptafluorobutyryl derivative. Using a flame ionization detector, the lower limit of sensitivity of the method is 0.02 mug/ml of biofluid for both compounds. Samples of plasma obtained from obstetrical patients, following a single therapeutic dose, were found to contain higher levels of meperidine than concurrent samples of amniotic fluid. Normeperidine could not be detected in either biofluid after a single dose. There is, however, a gradual accumulation of normeperidine in plasma after repeated doses as determined in samples from cancer patients. The method can also be used to determine the disposition of merperidine and the accumulation of normeperidine in the cat.", "contents": "Simultaneous determination of meperidine and normeperidine in biofluids. A method employing solvent extraction and gas-liquid chromatography has been developed for the simultaneous determination of meperidine and its N-demethylated metabolite, normeperidine, in biofluids. Normeperidine is analyzed as the heptafluorobutyryl derivative. Using a flame ionization detector, the lower limit of sensitivity of the method is 0.02 mug/ml of biofluid for both compounds. Samples of plasma obtained from obstetrical patients, following a single therapeutic dose, were found to contain higher levels of meperidine than concurrent samples of amniotic fluid. Normeperidine could not be detected in either biofluid after a single dose. There is, however, a gradual accumulation of normeperidine in plasma after repeated doses as determined in samples from cancer patients. The method can also be used to determine the disposition of merperidine and the accumulation of normeperidine in the cat.", "PMID": 993288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5081", "title": "Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of trimethylsilyl derivatives of omega-amino acids.", "content": "The silylation of C4-C11 omega-amino acids and their hydrochlorides was carried out with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide. Di-TMS and tri-TMS derivatives were formed in the silylation of the hydrochlorides. The formation of the two derivatives is dependent on the reaction conditions, and the conditions under which only derivative arises reproducibly, are reported. This finding may be utilized in the quantitative analysis of amino acids.", "contents": "Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of trimethylsilyl derivatives of omega-amino acids. The silylation of C4-C11 omega-amino acids and their hydrochlorides was carried out with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide. Di-TMS and tri-TMS derivatives were formed in the silylation of the hydrochlorides. The formation of the two derivatives is dependent on the reaction conditions, and the conditions under which only derivative arises reproducibly, are reported. This finding may be utilized in the quantitative analysis of amino acids.", "PMID": 993291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5082", "title": "[Identification of toxic metals after extraction and thin-layer chromatograpy of their dithizonates. Toxicological applications (author's transl)].", "content": "The technique consists in employing successively an extraction method using the dithizone-carbon tetrachloride system, at 4 different pH values, then thin-layer chromatography on silica gel, to identify and separate Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the form of their dithizonates. Sensitivity is of the order of 10(-7) g ion/l. This method is directly applicable in hydrology; after destruction of organic matter in the case of biological samples (blood, urine, excrement). We have applied it in toxicological analysis together with other methods for the detection of copper, lead, mercury and zinc in cases of poisoning.", "contents": "[Identification of toxic metals after extraction and thin-layer chromatograpy of their dithizonates. Toxicological applications (author's transl)]. The technique consists in employing successively an extraction method using the dithizone-carbon tetrachloride system, at 4 different pH values, then thin-layer chromatography on silica gel, to identify and separate Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the form of their dithizonates. Sensitivity is of the order of 10(-7) g ion/l. This method is directly applicable in hydrology; after destruction of organic matter in the case of biological samples (blood, urine, excrement). We have applied it in toxicological analysis together with other methods for the detection of copper, lead, mercury and zinc in cases of poisoning.", "PMID": 993292} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5083", "title": "Gas chromatographic determination of diftalone in human plasma by use of an automatic sampler.", "content": "A method is described for the determination of diftalone in human plasma, based on gas chromatography of a purified diethyl ether extract. The procedure, which has been designed for use with an automatic sampler, allows the assay of diftalone at plasma levels as low as 0.5 mug/ml.", "contents": "Gas chromatographic determination of diftalone in human plasma by use of an automatic sampler. A method is described for the determination of diftalone in human plasma, based on gas chromatography of a purified diethyl ether extract. The procedure, which has been designed for use with an automatic sampler, allows the assay of diftalone at plasma levels as low as 0.5 mug/ml.", "PMID": 993302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5084", "title": "Simultaneous determination of neutral sugars and hexosamines in glycoproteins and acid mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans) by gas-liquid chromatography.", "content": "A reliable and reproducible method for the simultaneous determination of neutral sugars and hexosamines in glycoproteins and acid mucopolysaccharides has been described. It involves the following steps: the release of neutral sugars and hexosamines from biopolymers by resin-catalysed hydrolysis, the nitrous acid deamination of resin-bound hexosamines in this hydrolysate to aldoses, and the determination of these newly formed anhydroaldoses together with the pre-existing neutral sugars as aldononitrile acetates by gas chromatography. Applications of this method to analyses of glycoprotein from urine of schizophrenic patients, bovine thyroglobulin, human brain glycoprotein, chondroitin sulfates from bovine vitreous humor, and veal brain, and human umbilical cord hyaluronic acid are given.", "contents": "Simultaneous determination of neutral sugars and hexosamines in glycoproteins and acid mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans) by gas-liquid chromatography. A reliable and reproducible method for the simultaneous determination of neutral sugars and hexosamines in glycoproteins and acid mucopolysaccharides has been described. It involves the following steps: the release of neutral sugars and hexosamines from biopolymers by resin-catalysed hydrolysis, the nitrous acid deamination of resin-bound hexosamines in this hydrolysate to aldoses, and the determination of these newly formed anhydroaldoses together with the pre-existing neutral sugars as aldononitrile acetates by gas chromatography. Applications of this method to analyses of glycoprotein from urine of schizophrenic patients, bovine thyroglobulin, human brain glycoprotein, chondroitin sulfates from bovine vitreous humor, and veal brain, and human umbilical cord hyaluronic acid are given.", "PMID": 993303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5085", "title": "Determination of molecular-weight distribution of chitosan by high-performance liquid chromatography.", "content": "Optimal conditions for using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the size exclusion mode have been determined for measuring the molecular-weight (MW) distribution of chitosan samples. Physical separation according to molecular size was accomplished on the stationary phase of glass supports having controlled pore sizes ranging from 2500 to 40 A. Selection of column combinations was based on the requirements to resolve the higher MW fraction of chitosan and to give a linear calibration curve within the required MW range. The best combination of glass pore sizes and column lengths in two foot sections joined sequentially was: 2500 A (2 ft.), 1500 A (4 ft.), 550 A (6 ft.), 250 A (2 ft), 100 A (2 ft.), and 40 A (2 ft.). A loading study showed that an injection load of 500 mug, i.e. 100 mul at 5 g/l or 50 mul at 10 g/l (w/v), was the optimal load to give reproducible elution volumes, precision in quantitation, and minimum viscosity effects. The best calibration curve using defined dextran standards was obtained from the geometric mean of Mw (weight average MW) and Mn (number average MW) values and peak elution volumes. Precision in determining MW distribution of chitosan as well as dextran standards was better than 5% relative standard deviation, and the differences between these results and the manufacturer's data on the dextran standards were 6 to -17%. The MW distribution of a selected chitosan samples in 2% acetic acid thus determined was Mw = 2,055,000, Mn = 936,000, dispersity = 2.16, and the most abundant species was around 1,103,000. Analysis time for the HPLC separation was less than 20 min per sample. Chitosan is an effective coagulating agent for the treatment of food processing wastes and activated sludge from biological treatment systems. It is manufactured from chitin in shrimp and crab wastes. The rapid methods developed here for determining the MW distribution of chitosan preparations will be used to optimize the manufacturing process and guide the selection of more effective chitosan products.", "contents": "Determination of molecular-weight distribution of chitosan by high-performance liquid chromatography. Optimal conditions for using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the size exclusion mode have been determined for measuring the molecular-weight (MW) distribution of chitosan samples. Physical separation according to molecular size was accomplished on the stationary phase of glass supports having controlled pore sizes ranging from 2500 to 40 A. Selection of column combinations was based on the requirements to resolve the higher MW fraction of chitosan and to give a linear calibration curve within the required MW range. The best combination of glass pore sizes and column lengths in two foot sections joined sequentially was: 2500 A (2 ft.), 1500 A (4 ft.), 550 A (6 ft.), 250 A (2 ft), 100 A (2 ft.), and 40 A (2 ft.). A loading study showed that an injection load of 500 mug, i.e. 100 mul at 5 g/l or 50 mul at 10 g/l (w/v), was the optimal load to give reproducible elution volumes, precision in quantitation, and minimum viscosity effects. The best calibration curve using defined dextran standards was obtained from the geometric mean of Mw (weight average MW) and Mn (number average MW) values and peak elution volumes. Precision in determining MW distribution of chitosan as well as dextran standards was better than 5% relative standard deviation, and the differences between these results and the manufacturer's data on the dextran standards were 6 to -17%. The MW distribution of a selected chitosan samples in 2% acetic acid thus determined was Mw = 2,055,000, Mn = 936,000, dispersity = 2.16, and the most abundant species was around 1,103,000. Analysis time for the HPLC separation was less than 20 min per sample. Chitosan is an effective coagulating agent for the treatment of food processing wastes and activated sludge from biological treatment systems. It is manufactured from chitin in shrimp and crab wastes. The rapid methods developed here for determining the MW distribution of chitosan preparations will be used to optimize the manufacturing process and guide the selection of more effective chitosan products.", "PMID": 993304} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5086", "title": "Rapid oscillation of circulating gonadotropins in postmenopausal women.", "content": "The circulating levels of of radioimmunoassayable LH and FSH in three postmenopausal women were measured in samples drawn at one minute intervals for a period of 150 or 300 min in order to ascertain the existance of short term oscillation on the plasma content of pituitary gonadotropins. Radioimmunoassay methods and sampling procedures fulfilled all the requirements of quality control. Rapid and non-coincident oscillation in the plasma levels of both LH and FSH at the interval studied were observed in all cases. Statistical analysis disclosed that in addition to short-term gonadotropin fluctuation, the data successfully fit in a 120 min periodic function and the graph resembled a sine wave that was also compatible with an ultradian oscillatory pattern.", "contents": "Rapid oscillation of circulating gonadotropins in postmenopausal women. The circulating levels of of radioimmunoassayable LH and FSH in three postmenopausal women were measured in samples drawn at one minute intervals for a period of 150 or 300 min in order to ascertain the existance of short term oscillation on the plasma content of pituitary gonadotropins. Radioimmunoassay methods and sampling procedures fulfilled all the requirements of quality control. Rapid and non-coincident oscillation in the plasma levels of both LH and FSH at the interval studied were observed in all cases. Statistical analysis disclosed that in addition to short-term gonadotropin fluctuation, the data successfully fit in a 120 min periodic function and the graph resembled a sine wave that was also compatible with an ultradian oscillatory pattern.", "PMID": 993309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5087", "title": "Effects of ethinylestradiol on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system and on plasma transcortin in women and men.", "content": "The effects of ethinylestradiol (1 mug/kg body weight daily) on plasma renin substrate concentration, other factors of the renin-aldosterone-system, and on the cortisol-binding capacity of transcortin were determined in 8 young men and 9 young women. The absolute and relative elevation of plasma renin substrate after 5, 14, and 24 days of ethinylestradiol administration was significantly (P less than 0.001) greater in females than males. Control and posttreatment transcortin levels were also higher in women than men, but the percentage increase did not differ between males and females. It is likely that sex differences in the response of plasma renin substrate to the estrogen are due to differences in hepatic synthesis and/or release of renin substrate. In females, plasma renin activity, angiotensin II concentration, and urinary aldosterone excretion rose significantly although less markedly than plasma renin substrate concentration, while in males only the increase in plasma angiotensin II concentration was significant. These results indicate that no safe conclusions on metabolic effects of estrogen treatment in women can be drawn from experiments carried out in male subjects.", "contents": "Effects of ethinylestradiol on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system and on plasma transcortin in women and men. The effects of ethinylestradiol (1 mug/kg body weight daily) on plasma renin substrate concentration, other factors of the renin-aldosterone-system, and on the cortisol-binding capacity of transcortin were determined in 8 young men and 9 young women. The absolute and relative elevation of plasma renin substrate after 5, 14, and 24 days of ethinylestradiol administration was significantly (P less than 0.001) greater in females than males. Control and posttreatment transcortin levels were also higher in women than men, but the percentage increase did not differ between males and females. It is likely that sex differences in the response of plasma renin substrate to the estrogen are due to differences in hepatic synthesis and/or release of renin substrate. In females, plasma renin activity, angiotensin II concentration, and urinary aldosterone excretion rose significantly although less markedly than plasma renin substrate concentration, while in males only the increase in plasma angiotensin II concentration was significant. These results indicate that no safe conclusions on metabolic effects of estrogen treatment in women can be drawn from experiments carried out in male subjects.", "PMID": 993310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5088", "title": "The lack of effect of chronic metabolic acidosis on 25-OH-vitamin D metabolism and serum parathyroid hormone in humans.", "content": "We evaluated the turnover of the plasma 25-OH-vitamin D pool, acid, and mineral balances in paired balance studies of 6 normal subjects during normal acid base conditions and during stable chronic metabolic acidosis induced by NH4Cl. Positive acid balances and negative Ca balances due to hypercalciuria were observed as previously reported. Plasma 25-OH-D pool turnover averaged 6.1+/-0.4 nmol/day during control and did not change during acidosis (6.5 +/- 0.5 nmol/day) nor were any significant increments in net intestinal absorption of Ca, PO4, or Mg, the physiological expression of vitamin D action, observed during acidosis. In 3 other subjects, repetitive measurements of serum iPTH during 7 control days and 24 days of stable NH4Cl acidosis showed no changes. We interpret the data to support the hypothesis that neither PTH nor vitamin D and its metabolites mediates the increase in net bone resorption that must accompany chronic metabolic acidosis.", "contents": "The lack of effect of chronic metabolic acidosis on 25-OH-vitamin D metabolism and serum parathyroid hormone in humans. We evaluated the turnover of the plasma 25-OH-vitamin D pool, acid, and mineral balances in paired balance studies of 6 normal subjects during normal acid base conditions and during stable chronic metabolic acidosis induced by NH4Cl. Positive acid balances and negative Ca balances due to hypercalciuria were observed as previously reported. Plasma 25-OH-D pool turnover averaged 6.1+/-0.4 nmol/day during control and did not change during acidosis (6.5 +/- 0.5 nmol/day) nor were any significant increments in net intestinal absorption of Ca, PO4, or Mg, the physiological expression of vitamin D action, observed during acidosis. In 3 other subjects, repetitive measurements of serum iPTH during 7 control days and 24 days of stable NH4Cl acidosis showed no changes. We interpret the data to support the hypothesis that neither PTH nor vitamin D and its metabolites mediates the increase in net bone resorption that must accompany chronic metabolic acidosis.", "PMID": 993311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5089", "title": "Chlorpropamide-induced hyponatremia.", "content": "A 29-year-old woman with severe idiopathic diabetes insipidus, while being treated by a combination of chlorpropamide and chlorothiazide, developed the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of ADH (SIADH) following an overdose of chlorpropamide. The syndrome resolved as the serum chlorpropamide level fell. This report demonstrates that a chlorpropamide-induced SIADH can occur in a patient with idiopathic diabetes insipidus, and it appears that the antidiuretic effect of the drug is dose-related.", "contents": "Chlorpropamide-induced hyponatremia. A 29-year-old woman with severe idiopathic diabetes insipidus, while being treated by a combination of chlorpropamide and chlorothiazide, developed the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of ADH (SIADH) following an overdose of chlorpropamide. The syndrome resolved as the serum chlorpropamide level fell. This report demonstrates that a chlorpropamide-induced SIADH can occur in a patient with idiopathic diabetes insipidus, and it appears that the antidiuretic effect of the drug is dose-related.", "PMID": 993312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5090", "title": "Effects of carbohydrate restriction on the hypoglycemic phase of the glucose tolerance test.", "content": "The effects of carbohydrate (CHO) restriction on the hypoglycemic phase of the glucose tolerance test were studied in ten normal subjects. The mean nadir plasma glucose was 64 +/- 4 mg/dl (x +/- SEM) for the control test, and 48 +/- 4 mg/dl (P less than 0.01) after 3 days of an isocaloric low CHO diet. Following the low CHO diet, six of ten subjects had a nadir plasma glucose less than 50 mg/dl, and five of these six had mild symptoms of hypoglycemia compared to no biochemical or symptomatic hypoglycemia during the control test. Hormone secretory patterns under the two experimental conditions were measured. CHO restriction produced a significant decrease in early insulin release followed by excessive insulin relative to the control test at 3-4 h of the test. Glucose ingestion produced a depression of plasma, glucagon from fasting levels during the control test, which was impaired following CHO restriction. Plasma growth hormone and cortisol responses were not different under the two experimental conditions. These studies demonstrate that CHO restriction followed by concentrated CHO ingestion produces hypoglycemia in normals. They emphasize the need to consider dietary history in evaluation of hypoglycemia. CHO restriction may provide a useful model for further study of the mechanisms of hypoglycemia.", "contents": "Effects of carbohydrate restriction on the hypoglycemic phase of the glucose tolerance test. The effects of carbohydrate (CHO) restriction on the hypoglycemic phase of the glucose tolerance test were studied in ten normal subjects. The mean nadir plasma glucose was 64 +/- 4 mg/dl (x +/- SEM) for the control test, and 48 +/- 4 mg/dl (P less than 0.01) after 3 days of an isocaloric low CHO diet. Following the low CHO diet, six of ten subjects had a nadir plasma glucose less than 50 mg/dl, and five of these six had mild symptoms of hypoglycemia compared to no biochemical or symptomatic hypoglycemia during the control test. Hormone secretory patterns under the two experimental conditions were measured. CHO restriction produced a significant decrease in early insulin release followed by excessive insulin relative to the control test at 3-4 h of the test. Glucose ingestion produced a depression of plasma, glucagon from fasting levels during the control test, which was impaired following CHO restriction. Plasma growth hormone and cortisol responses were not different under the two experimental conditions. These studies demonstrate that CHO restriction followed by concentrated CHO ingestion produces hypoglycemia in normals. They emphasize the need to consider dietary history in evaluation of hypoglycemia. CHO restriction may provide a useful model for further study of the mechanisms of hypoglycemia.", "PMID": 993313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5091", "title": "Visual failure during replacement therapy in primary hypothyroidism with pituitary enlargement.", "content": "A 34-year-old woman with longstanding untreated thyroprivic hypothyroidism and pituitary enlargement is reported here in whom visual failure coincided with thyroid hormone replacement. Visual fields were normal after 30 years untreated hypothyroidism, but severe concentric field constriction developed during the first 6 months of therapy and was relieved by hypophysectomy. Plasma TSH and prolactin remained elevated during 10 months replacement therapy, but both were suppressed by preoperative hyperreplacement with T3 and T4. The paradoxical pressure symptoms suggest imbalance between pituitary TSH content and TSH release during treatment with thyroid hormone; a finding previously reported in animal studies. This sequence suggests that patients with known pituitary enlargement secondary to thyroid hypofunction should be observed for pressure symptoms during thyroid hormone treatment.", "contents": "Visual failure during replacement therapy in primary hypothyroidism with pituitary enlargement. A 34-year-old woman with longstanding untreated thyroprivic hypothyroidism and pituitary enlargement is reported here in whom visual failure coincided with thyroid hormone replacement. Visual fields were normal after 30 years untreated hypothyroidism, but severe concentric field constriction developed during the first 6 months of therapy and was relieved by hypophysectomy. Plasma TSH and prolactin remained elevated during 10 months replacement therapy, but both were suppressed by preoperative hyperreplacement with T3 and T4. The paradoxical pressure symptoms suggest imbalance between pituitary TSH content and TSH release during treatment with thyroid hormone; a finding previously reported in animal studies. This sequence suggests that patients with known pituitary enlargement secondary to thyroid hypofunction should be observed for pressure symptoms during thyroid hormone treatment.", "PMID": 993314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5092", "title": "The circadian periodicity of urinary 17-ketosteroids, corticosteroids, and electrolytes in congenital adrenal hyperplasia.", "content": "The circadian periodicity of adrenal function in patients with congenital virilizing adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) was examined by measuring the urinary 17-ketosteroids, 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, sodium, and potassium. Patients with the salt-losing and the non-salt-losing types were studied with and without treatment. Cosine curves were fitted to the data by the least-squares method to determine the mesors, amplitudes, and acrophases of the variable for each patient. The data reveal distinct circadian rhythms for all variables measured whether or not the patient was receiving treatment. The acrophases for 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids were between 1500 and 1800 h. These acrophases are about 6 h later than those for normal subjects. The treatment on a fixed daytime schedule for many years may have shifted the natural rhythm.", "contents": "The circadian periodicity of urinary 17-ketosteroids, corticosteroids, and electrolytes in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The circadian periodicity of adrenal function in patients with congenital virilizing adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) was examined by measuring the urinary 17-ketosteroids, 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, sodium, and potassium. Patients with the salt-losing and the non-salt-losing types were studied with and without treatment. Cosine curves were fitted to the data by the least-squares method to determine the mesors, amplitudes, and acrophases of the variable for each patient. The data reveal distinct circadian rhythms for all variables measured whether or not the patient was receiving treatment. The acrophases for 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids were between 1500 and 1800 h. These acrophases are about 6 h later than those for normal subjects. The treatment on a fixed daytime schedule for many years may have shifted the natural rhythm.", "PMID": 993315} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5093", "title": "In vivo studies on the metabolism of estrogens by muscle and adipose tissue of normal males.", "content": "3H and 14C-Labeled estrone, estradiol, and estrone sulfate were infused at constant rates into brachial arm veins of normal men. In any one experiment, subjects generally received two estrogens, one 3H-labeled and one 14C-labeled. During the infusions, blood samples were obtained from the brachial artery, a deep vein draining primarily muscle and a superficial vein draining primarily adipose tissue of the arm contralateral to the infusion. In 11 men the mean +/- SE value for the metabolism of estrone by muscle, rho1,0A,M(rho1,0A,M = fraction of estrone in arterial blood which is metabolized by muscle) is 0.17 +/- 0.02 which is not (P greater than 0.1) significantly different from the mean +/- SE value for the metabolism of estrone by adipose tissue, rho1,0A,AT, 0.22 +/- 0.02. Both tissues convert estrone to estradiol, rho1,2A,M(rho1,2A,M = fraction of estrone in arterial blood which is measured as estradiol in venous blood draining muscle) is 0.026 +/- 0.005 and rho1,2A,AT is 0.022 +/- 0.005. Both tissues metabolized estradiol, rho2,0A,M = 0.09 +/- 0.01 and rho2,0A,AT = 0.12 +/- 0.03, and for each tissue the metabolism of estradiol was significantly less than that of estrone (P less than 0.01). Estradiol was converted to estrone by both tissues; rho2,1A,M = 0.007 +/- 0.003 and rho 2,1A,AT = 0.017 +/- 0.003. For estrone sulfate, tissue metabolism could be demonstrated in only 2 of 5 infusions; the values being 0.04 and 0.03, and 0.04 and 0.03 in muscle and adipose tissue, respectively. In only 1 of 3 infusions was evidence obtained for the conversion, by muscle, of estrone sulfate to estrone, rhoS,1A,M = 0.003 and only in one of the 5 subjects was adipose tissue active in this conversion. In no instance were we able to show conversion of estrone sulfate to estradiol by either tissue. In only 1 of 3 infusions could we measure demonstrable conversion of estrone to estrone sulfate by adipose tissue, rho1,SA,AT = 0.02, and we could not demonstrate conversion of estrone to estrone sulfate by muscle or of estradiol to estrone sulfate by either tissue. Both muscle and adipose tissue metabolize and interconvert the free estrogens, estrone and estradiol. The total metabolism by both tissues accounts for 5-10% of the overall metabolic clearance rate of each steroid. The formation of estrone sulfate from estrone and estradiol and the hydrolysis of estrone sulfate occurs to only a minor extent in these tissues.", "contents": "In vivo studies on the metabolism of estrogens by muscle and adipose tissue of normal males. 3H and 14C-Labeled estrone, estradiol, and estrone sulfate were infused at constant rates into brachial arm veins of normal men. In any one experiment, subjects generally received two estrogens, one 3H-labeled and one 14C-labeled. During the infusions, blood samples were obtained from the brachial artery, a deep vein draining primarily muscle and a superficial vein draining primarily adipose tissue of the arm contralateral to the infusion. In 11 men the mean +/- SE value for the metabolism of estrone by muscle, rho1,0A,M(rho1,0A,M = fraction of estrone in arterial blood which is metabolized by muscle) is 0.17 +/- 0.02 which is not (P greater than 0.1) significantly different from the mean +/- SE value for the metabolism of estrone by adipose tissue, rho1,0A,AT, 0.22 +/- 0.02. Both tissues convert estrone to estradiol, rho1,2A,M(rho1,2A,M = fraction of estrone in arterial blood which is measured as estradiol in venous blood draining muscle) is 0.026 +/- 0.005 and rho1,2A,AT is 0.022 +/- 0.005. Both tissues metabolized estradiol, rho2,0A,M = 0.09 +/- 0.01 and rho2,0A,AT = 0.12 +/- 0.03, and for each tissue the metabolism of estradiol was significantly less than that of estrone (P less than 0.01). Estradiol was converted to estrone by both tissues; rho2,1A,M = 0.007 +/- 0.003 and rho 2,1A,AT = 0.017 +/- 0.003. For estrone sulfate, tissue metabolism could be demonstrated in only 2 of 5 infusions; the values being 0.04 and 0.03, and 0.04 and 0.03 in muscle and adipose tissue, respectively. In only 1 of 3 infusions was evidence obtained for the conversion, by muscle, of estrone sulfate to estrone, rhoS,1A,M = 0.003 and only in one of the 5 subjects was adipose tissue active in this conversion. In no instance were we able to show conversion of estrone sulfate to estradiol by either tissue. In only 1 of 3 infusions could we measure demonstrable conversion of estrone to estrone sulfate by adipose tissue, rho1,SA,AT = 0.02, and we could not demonstrate conversion of estrone to estrone sulfate by muscle or of estradiol to estrone sulfate by either tissue. Both muscle and adipose tissue metabolize and interconvert the free estrogens, estrone and estradiol. The total metabolism by both tissues accounts for 5-10% of the overall metabolic clearance rate of each steroid. The formation of estrone sulfate from estrone and estradiol and the hydrolysis of estrone sulfate occurs to only a minor extent in these tissues.", "PMID": 993316} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5094", "title": "An increase of plasma triiodothyronine concentration in man in a cold environment.", "content": "In an attempt to study an effect of cold on endocrine function in man, plasma thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), TSH, and cortisol concentrations were studied in 24 healthy men who worked in a cold environment (4 to 6C) for 3 h for the culture of mushrooms and 56 healthy men who lived in cold environment in winter. For comparison, similar measurements were made on 47 university employees who lived in rooms with air-conditioning. In 24 adult men, acute exposure to cold for 3 h failed to affect plasma concentrations of T4, T3, and TSH. In 56 adult men, no significant difference was found in the concentrations of T4, TSH, and cortisol between summer and winter. However, plasma T3 concentration increased significantly in winter, suggesting seasonal variation of T3. In contrast, no such seasonal variation was found in 47 university employees who lived in rooms with air-conditioning.", "contents": "An increase of plasma triiodothyronine concentration in man in a cold environment. In an attempt to study an effect of cold on endocrine function in man, plasma thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), TSH, and cortisol concentrations were studied in 24 healthy men who worked in a cold environment (4 to 6C) for 3 h for the culture of mushrooms and 56 healthy men who lived in cold environment in winter. For comparison, similar measurements were made on 47 university employees who lived in rooms with air-conditioning. In 24 adult men, acute exposure to cold for 3 h failed to affect plasma concentrations of T4, T3, and TSH. In 56 adult men, no significant difference was found in the concentrations of T4, TSH, and cortisol between summer and winter. However, plasma T3 concentration increased significantly in winter, suggesting seasonal variation of T3. In contrast, no such seasonal variation was found in 47 university employees who lived in rooms with air-conditioning.", "PMID": 993317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5095", "title": "The secretion of progesterone during the periovulatory period in women with certified ovulation.", "content": "A pre-LH peak rise of progesterone in peripheral blood has been found in 13 normal cycling women whose ovulation was confirmed by biopsy of the corpus luteum through serial determination of progesterone and LH performed every 8 h during the periovulatory period. The progesterone rise began as an average 22 h (16-40 h) prior to the LH peak. The maximal preovulatory rise took place 9.6 h (0-24 h) before the LH zenith, remaining low for approximately 17 h when an abrupt rise of progesterone took place. The progesterone peak was detected in the morning samples in 11 of 13 patients studied. The progesterone rise was always followed by an LH peak and the highest peak of progesterone was trailed by the highest LH peak in all the patients except one.", "contents": "The secretion of progesterone during the periovulatory period in women with certified ovulation. A pre-LH peak rise of progesterone in peripheral blood has been found in 13 normal cycling women whose ovulation was confirmed by biopsy of the corpus luteum through serial determination of progesterone and LH performed every 8 h during the periovulatory period. The progesterone rise began as an average 22 h (16-40 h) prior to the LH peak. The maximal preovulatory rise took place 9.6 h (0-24 h) before the LH zenith, remaining low for approximately 17 h when an abrupt rise of progesterone took place. The progesterone peak was detected in the morning samples in 11 of 13 patients studied. The progesterone rise was always followed by an LH peak and the highest peak of progesterone was trailed by the highest LH peak in all the patients except one.", "PMID": 993318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5096", "title": "A bioassay for NSILA-S in individual serum samples and its relationship to somatotropin.", "content": "A practical bioassay for the acid-ethanol soluble non-suppressible insulin-like activity (NSILA-S) of individual serum samples has been developed utilizing the incorporation of 14C-glucose into the lipid faction of isolated adipocytes. NSILA-S activity was correlated with somatotropin status. Thus, the mean potencies (+/-SD) relative to an extract of pooled normal human serum were: normal samples 1.11 +/- 0.14, acromegalic 2.91 +/- 0.72, and somatotropin deficient 0.13 +/- 0.06. This variation in NSILA-S was not due to variability in extraction recoveries. The within assay precision was 9% (coefficient of variation) and the between assay 23%. This method allows the simultaneous extraction and processing of relatively large numbers of samples, and compares favorably with other more complex methods. Because of the evidence that NSILA-S may be related to the somatomedins, the present method should provide a simpler and more reliable alternative to the cartilage bioassays used to measure somatomedin activity.", "contents": "A bioassay for NSILA-S in individual serum samples and its relationship to somatotropin. A practical bioassay for the acid-ethanol soluble non-suppressible insulin-like activity (NSILA-S) of individual serum samples has been developed utilizing the incorporation of 14C-glucose into the lipid faction of isolated adipocytes. NSILA-S activity was correlated with somatotropin status. Thus, the mean potencies (+/-SD) relative to an extract of pooled normal human serum were: normal samples 1.11 +/- 0.14, acromegalic 2.91 +/- 0.72, and somatotropin deficient 0.13 +/- 0.06. This variation in NSILA-S was not due to variability in extraction recoveries. The within assay precision was 9% (coefficient of variation) and the between assay 23%. This method allows the simultaneous extraction and processing of relatively large numbers of samples, and compares favorably with other more complex methods. Because of the evidence that NSILA-S may be related to the somatomedins, the present method should provide a simpler and more reliable alternative to the cartilage bioassays used to measure somatomedin activity.", "PMID": 993319} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5097", "title": "Mineralocorticoid receptors in human kidney.", "content": "Cytosol binding of [3H]aldosterone was measured after incubation of the hormone at 37 C with slices of human kidney obtained after surgical removal. High affinity [3H]aldosterone binding with an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of approximately 0.5 nM was observed to probably \"mineralo-corticoid receptors.\" [3H]aldosterone binding of lower affinity and higher capacity (probably to \"glucocorticoid receptors\") was also observed. Binding of other steroids by the mineralocorticoid receptors was determined by competitive analysis using a low concentration of [3H]aldosterone (so that [3H] binding is predominantly by the mineralocorticoid receptors). The binding activities relative to aldosterone (100%) were: deoxycorticosterone, 48%; cortisol, 1.5%; 18-hydroxy-deoxycorticosterone, 1.2%; and 18-hydroxy-corticosterone, 0.2%. The relative sodium-retaining potencies of these steroids in vivo correlate well with their binding activities. These data provide further support to the view that the major high affinity [3H]aldosterone binding is by mineralocorticoid receptors. Two steroids, 16beta-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone and 16-oxo-androstenediol, recently shown to have sodium-retaining activity in the rat, and also implicated in low-renin \"essential\" hypertension in man, showed no competitive binding activity. The affinity of [3H]aldosterone for binding to these mineralocorticoid receptors and the relative steroid binding activities are similar to the values previously reported in the rat. Thus, human and rat mineralocorticoid receptors appear to be similar in their affinity for aldosterone and their specificity for binding a number of other steroids.", "contents": "Mineralocorticoid receptors in human kidney. Cytosol binding of [3H]aldosterone was measured after incubation of the hormone at 37 C with slices of human kidney obtained after surgical removal. High affinity [3H]aldosterone binding with an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of approximately 0.5 nM was observed to probably \"mineralo-corticoid receptors.\" [3H]aldosterone binding of lower affinity and higher capacity (probably to \"glucocorticoid receptors\") was also observed. Binding of other steroids by the mineralocorticoid receptors was determined by competitive analysis using a low concentration of [3H]aldosterone (so that [3H] binding is predominantly by the mineralocorticoid receptors). The binding activities relative to aldosterone (100%) were: deoxycorticosterone, 48%; cortisol, 1.5%; 18-hydroxy-deoxycorticosterone, 1.2%; and 18-hydroxy-corticosterone, 0.2%. The relative sodium-retaining potencies of these steroids in vivo correlate well with their binding activities. These data provide further support to the view that the major high affinity [3H]aldosterone binding is by mineralocorticoid receptors. Two steroids, 16beta-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone and 16-oxo-androstenediol, recently shown to have sodium-retaining activity in the rat, and also implicated in low-renin \"essential\" hypertension in man, showed no competitive binding activity. The affinity of [3H]aldosterone for binding to these mineralocorticoid receptors and the relative steroid binding activities are similar to the values previously reported in the rat. Thus, human and rat mineralocorticoid receptors appear to be similar in their affinity for aldosterone and their specificity for binding a number of other steroids.", "PMID": 993320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5098", "title": "Urinary kallikrein excretion in Bartter's syndrome.", "content": "Urinary excretion of kallikrein has been studied in a patient with hypokalemic alkalosis, hyperplasia of the renal juxtaglomerular apparatus and hyperreninemia, secondary aldosteronism and resistance to the pressor effect of angiotensin II (Bartter's syndrome). Urinary kallikrein was found exceedingly high in several determination, whereas it was low in patients with essential hypertension and high in patients with primary aldosteronism. Urinary kallikrein decreased after spironolactone therapy. The rise of kallikrein excretion (which is not related to plasma renin) in this case is probably caused by a direct action of the chronic excess of plasma aldosterone; it could not be accounted for as secondary to natriuresis.", "contents": "Urinary kallikrein excretion in Bartter's syndrome. Urinary excretion of kallikrein has been studied in a patient with hypokalemic alkalosis, hyperplasia of the renal juxtaglomerular apparatus and hyperreninemia, secondary aldosteronism and resistance to the pressor effect of angiotensin II (Bartter's syndrome). Urinary kallikrein was found exceedingly high in several determination, whereas it was low in patients with essential hypertension and high in patients with primary aldosteronism. Urinary kallikrein decreased after spironolactone therapy. The rise of kallikrein excretion (which is not related to plasma renin) in this case is probably caused by a direct action of the chronic excess of plasma aldosterone; it could not be accounted for as secondary to natriuresis.", "PMID": 993321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5099", "title": "Effect of the dopamine receptor blocking agent pimozide on the growth hormone response to arginine and exercise and on the spontaneous growth hormone fluctuations.", "content": "Pimozide, a specific blocker of dopamine receptors, was administered orally to 10 diabetics for 2 days before an arginine-hydrochloride infusion. In 8 healthy volunteers and 20 diabetics exercise tests on a bicycle ergometer were performed with a load of 100 Watts and 50 Watts respectively without or after a single dose of pimozide 30 min before the test. In 4 male diabetics day profiles of growth hormone (GH) were estimated without and during treatment with pimozide for 4 days. The arginine and exercise induced GH release was found to be significantly lowered by pimozide, whereas the marked spontaneous fluctuations in the diabetics were even enhanced by pimozide. These data support the concept of the involvement of dopaminergic stimulation in the response of GH to arginine and exercise. The spontaneous fluctuations of GH, however, seem to be regulated by other neuroendocrine mechanisms.", "contents": "Effect of the dopamine receptor blocking agent pimozide on the growth hormone response to arginine and exercise and on the spontaneous growth hormone fluctuations. Pimozide, a specific blocker of dopamine receptors, was administered orally to 10 diabetics for 2 days before an arginine-hydrochloride infusion. In 8 healthy volunteers and 20 diabetics exercise tests on a bicycle ergometer were performed with a load of 100 Watts and 50 Watts respectively without or after a single dose of pimozide 30 min before the test. In 4 male diabetics day profiles of growth hormone (GH) were estimated without and during treatment with pimozide for 4 days. The arginine and exercise induced GH release was found to be significantly lowered by pimozide, whereas the marked spontaneous fluctuations in the diabetics were even enhanced by pimozide. These data support the concept of the involvement of dopaminergic stimulation in the response of GH to arginine and exercise. The spontaneous fluctuations of GH, however, seem to be regulated by other neuroendocrine mechanisms.", "PMID": 993322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5100", "title": "Increased insulin binding by lymphocyte receptors induced by beta-OH butyrate.", "content": "The serum concentration of ketones increases in both fasting and diabetic ketoacidosis. Whether ketones alter, independent of changes in pH, in number and affinity of insulin receptors is not known. The binding of insulin 125I by 24 X 10(6)IM-9 lymphocyte cells was examined in both the presence and absence of 8 mM beta-OH butyrate. Studies were conducted at multiple concentrations of insulin. A consistent increase of insulin binding was induced by beta-OH butyrate. The mean maximum increase of insulin binding was 35%, which achieved significance at the 1% level.", "contents": "Increased insulin binding by lymphocyte receptors induced by beta-OH butyrate. The serum concentration of ketones increases in both fasting and diabetic ketoacidosis. Whether ketones alter, independent of changes in pH, in number and affinity of insulin receptors is not known. The binding of insulin 125I by 24 X 10(6)IM-9 lymphocyte cells was examined in both the presence and absence of 8 mM beta-OH butyrate. Studies were conducted at multiple concentrations of insulin. A consistent increase of insulin binding was induced by beta-OH butyrate. The mean maximum increase of insulin binding was 35%, which achieved significance at the 1% level.", "PMID": 993323} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5101", "title": "Effects of growth hormone in osteoporosis.", "content": "The effect of chronic administration of growth hormone (GH) to osteoporotic patients was studied using the techniques of total body neutron activation analysis, whole body counting, calcium tracer kinetics, photon absorptiometry, quantitative microradiography, and urinary hydroxyproline. Two dosage schedules were utilized for six months each: 2 units daily and 0.2 w3/4 units of GH daily (where W represents body weight expressed in kg). The lower dosage (2 units) did not produce any appreciable change in the indices studied. Following the higher dose, no evidence of any anabolic effect was apparent in most patients (i.e., no increase in total body levels of Ca, Na, K, P, or Cl). Increases were noted in the urinary calcium excretion rate and in the urinary hydroxyproline excretion. Bone mineral content decreased. The bone biopsies displayed an increase in bone formation and resorption surfaces in response to treatment, but these changes were not statistically significant. It may be concluded that under the conditions of this study, GH administration did not result in an increment in skeletal mass. Several side effects that are characteristic of acromegaly were observed, including hyperglycemia, hypertension, arthralgia, and the carpal tunnel syndrome. Because of the lack of demonstrated benefit and the associated complications of therapy, GH administration does not appear to be of value in the treatment of osteoporosis.", "contents": "Effects of growth hormone in osteoporosis. The effect of chronic administration of growth hormone (GH) to osteoporotic patients was studied using the techniques of total body neutron activation analysis, whole body counting, calcium tracer kinetics, photon absorptiometry, quantitative microradiography, and urinary hydroxyproline. Two dosage schedules were utilized for six months each: 2 units daily and 0.2 w3/4 units of GH daily (where W represents body weight expressed in kg). The lower dosage (2 units) did not produce any appreciable change in the indices studied. Following the higher dose, no evidence of any anabolic effect was apparent in most patients (i.e., no increase in total body levels of Ca, Na, K, P, or Cl). Increases were noted in the urinary calcium excretion rate and in the urinary hydroxyproline excretion. Bone mineral content decreased. The bone biopsies displayed an increase in bone formation and resorption surfaces in response to treatment, but these changes were not statistically significant. It may be concluded that under the conditions of this study, GH administration did not result in an increment in skeletal mass. Several side effects that are characteristic of acromegaly were observed, including hyperglycemia, hypertension, arthralgia, and the carpal tunnel syndrome. Because of the lack of demonstrated benefit and the associated complications of therapy, GH administration does not appear to be of value in the treatment of osteoporosis.", "PMID": 993324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5102", "title": "Single-tube mixed agglutination test for the detection of staphylococcal protein A.", "content": "A simple, rapid mixed agglutination test using sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) sensitized with rabbit hemolysin and intact viable staphylococci is described for the detection of bound staphylococcal protein A. Soluble protein A was heat extracted from 50 clinical isolates as well as the Cowan I and Wood 46 strains of Staphylococcus aureus and titered by a hemagglutination test using sensitized SRBC and dilutions of soluble protein A. Protein A could be detected in all of these supernatants including that of S. aureus Wood 46, a strain generally considered to be protein A negative. These organisms were later retested by the mixed agglutination test and even those staphylococcal isolates expressing very low heat-extractable soluble protein A concentrations (1:2 titers) were positive, confirming the sensitivity of the test. In a screen of clinical isolates, only 4 of 235 (1.8%) coagulase-positive isolates were negative in the mixed agglutination test. Of 25 coagulase-negative isolates, none yielded a positive reaction.", "contents": "Single-tube mixed agglutination test for the detection of staphylococcal protein A. A simple, rapid mixed agglutination test using sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) sensitized with rabbit hemolysin and intact viable staphylococci is described for the detection of bound staphylococcal protein A. Soluble protein A was heat extracted from 50 clinical isolates as well as the Cowan I and Wood 46 strains of Staphylococcus aureus and titered by a hemagglutination test using sensitized SRBC and dilutions of soluble protein A. Protein A could be detected in all of these supernatants including that of S. aureus Wood 46, a strain generally considered to be protein A negative. These organisms were later retested by the mixed agglutination test and even those staphylococcal isolates expressing very low heat-extractable soluble protein A concentrations (1:2 titers) were positive, confirming the sensitivity of the test. In a screen of clinical isolates, only 4 of 235 (1.8%) coagulase-positive isolates were negative in the mixed agglutination test. Of 25 coagulase-negative isolates, none yielded a positive reaction.", "PMID": 993325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5103", "title": "Effect of chilling on the survival of Bacteroides fragilis.", "content": "Factors affecting the susceptibility of Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis to low temperature were examined. Predetermined numbers of cells were spread on agar media or suspended in enriched Trypticase soy broth and exposed to low temperature under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Exposure of 18-h growth of a freshly isolated B. fragilis strain to 4 degrees C aerobically or anaerobically resulted in a loss of at least 50% viability after 12 h. B. fragilis cells in early growth (6 h) were more tolerant to exposure at 4 degrees C than older cells (18 h). When the freshly isolated strain was repeatedly subcultured in the laboratory it was uniformly more cold tolerant than fresh clinical isolates. The incorporation of 1.0 M sucrose and 5 mM magnesium chloride into liquid media partially alleviated the lethal effects of cold temperature on B. fragilis subsp. fragilis.", "contents": "Effect of chilling on the survival of Bacteroides fragilis. Factors affecting the susceptibility of Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis to low temperature were examined. Predetermined numbers of cells were spread on agar media or suspended in enriched Trypticase soy broth and exposed to low temperature under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Exposure of 18-h growth of a freshly isolated B. fragilis strain to 4 degrees C aerobically or anaerobically resulted in a loss of at least 50% viability after 12 h. B. fragilis cells in early growth (6 h) were more tolerant to exposure at 4 degrees C than older cells (18 h). When the freshly isolated strain was repeatedly subcultured in the laboratory it was uniformly more cold tolerant than fresh clinical isolates. The incorporation of 1.0 M sucrose and 5 mM magnesium chloride into liquid media partially alleviated the lethal effects of cold temperature on B. fragilis subsp. fragilis.", "PMID": 993326} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5104", "title": "Deoxyribonuclease: detection with a three-hour test.", "content": "A three-hour test has been developed to determine deoxyribonuclease activity of Enterobacteriaceae and staphylococci. The test is inexpensive and easy to perform. The rapid deoxyribonuclease test and the conventional method showed complete agreement with the strains tested.", "contents": "Deoxyribonuclease: detection with a three-hour test. A three-hour test has been developed to determine deoxyribonuclease activity of Enterobacteriaceae and staphylococci. The test is inexpensive and easy to perform. The rapid deoxyribonuclease test and the conventional method showed complete agreement with the strains tested.", "PMID": 993327} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5105", "title": "Selective medium for distinguishing micrococci from staphylococci in the clinical laboratory.", "content": "A nitrofuran-containing medium, FTO agar, supported the growth of Micrococcus and prevented the growth of Staphylococcus. Its potential as a differential medium is considered worthy of clinical trial.", "contents": "Selective medium for distinguishing micrococci from staphylococci in the clinical laboratory. A nitrofuran-containing medium, FTO agar, supported the growth of Micrococcus and prevented the growth of Staphylococcus. Its potential as a differential medium is considered worthy of clinical trial.", "PMID": 993328} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5106", "title": "Mannan antigenemia in the diagnosis of invasive Candida infections.", "content": "Because it is often difficult to diagnose invasive Candida infections, a sensitive hemagglutination inhibition assay to detect the surface antigen, mannan, was developed. Mannan antigenemia was detected early in the course of infection in 4 of 14 patients with systemic candidiasis and 2 of 5 patients with invasive gastrointestinal candidiasis. Mannan was not detected in 48 patients with noninvasive Candida or other systemic mycotic infections or in 99% of 234 patients in other control groups. Mannan antibodies were almost universally present in both candidiasis and control groups. In four patients with systemic candidiasis, an early period of mannan antigenemia was followed by a rapid rise in mannan antibody titer. These findings suggest that antemortem diagnosis would be improved in one-third of cases of invasive Candida infection detected by the hemagglutination inhibition assay. A positive test for serum mannan would be an early and specific signal of invasive disease.", "contents": "Mannan antigenemia in the diagnosis of invasive Candida infections. Because it is often difficult to diagnose invasive Candida infections, a sensitive hemagglutination inhibition assay to detect the surface antigen, mannan, was developed. Mannan antigenemia was detected early in the course of infection in 4 of 14 patients with systemic candidiasis and 2 of 5 patients with invasive gastrointestinal candidiasis. Mannan was not detected in 48 patients with noninvasive Candida or other systemic mycotic infections or in 99% of 234 patients in other control groups. Mannan antibodies were almost universally present in both candidiasis and control groups. In four patients with systemic candidiasis, an early period of mannan antigenemia was followed by a rapid rise in mannan antibody titer. These findings suggest that antemortem diagnosis would be improved in one-third of cases of invasive Candida infection detected by the hemagglutination inhibition assay. A positive test for serum mannan would be an early and specific signal of invasive disease.", "PMID": 993329} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5107", "title": "Mechanism of sodium and chloride transport in the thin ascending limb of Henle.", "content": "Our previous in vitro studies have disclosed that the thin ascending limb of Henle (tALH) possesses some unique membrane characteristics. In those studies we failed to demonstrated active transport of sodium chloride by the tALH, although it was shown that the isotopic permeability to sodium and chloride was unusually high. However, we did not examine the mechanisms by which the apparent high permeation of sodium chloride occurs. Thus the purpose of the present studies was to elucidate the mechanism of sodium chloride transport across the isolated tALH of the rabbit by conducting four different types of studies: (1) comparison of the observed chloride and sodium flux ratios to those predicted by Ussing's equation under imposed salt concentration gradients; (2) kinetic evaluation of chloride and sodium fluxes; (3) examination of the effect of bromide on the kinetics of chloride transport; and (4) experiments to test for the existence of exchange diffusion of chloride. In the first set of studies the predicted and the theoretical flux ratios of sodium were identical in those experiments in which sodium chloride was added either to the perfusate or to the bath. However, the observed chloride flux ratio, lumen-to-bath/bath-to-lumen, was significantly lower than that predicted from Ussing's equation when 100 mM sodium chloride was added to the bath. In the second set of experiments the apparent isotopic permeability for sodium and for chloride was measured under varying perfusate and bath NaCl concentrations. There was no statistical change in the apparent sodium permeability coefficient when the NaCl concentration was raised by varying increments from 85.5 to 309.5 mM. However, permeation of 36Cl decrease significantly with an increase in Cl from 73.6 to 598.6 mM. These events could be explained by a two component chloride transport process consisting of simple diffusion and a saturable facilitated diffusion process with a Vmax = 3.71 neq mm-1 min-1. In the third set of studies it was shown that bromide inhibits transport of chloride and that the magnitude of inhibition is dependent on chloride concentrations. The fourth set of studies ruled out the existence of exchange diffusion. In conclusion, these studies indicate that sodium transport across tALH is by simple passive diffusion, while chloride transport across tALH involves at least two mechanisms: (1) simple passive diffusion; and (2) a specific membrane interaction process (carrier-mediated) which is competitively inhibited by bromide.", "contents": "Mechanism of sodium and chloride transport in the thin ascending limb of Henle. Our previous in vitro studies have disclosed that the thin ascending limb of Henle (tALH) possesses some unique membrane characteristics. In those studies we failed to demonstrated active transport of sodium chloride by the tALH, although it was shown that the isotopic permeability to sodium and chloride was unusually high. However, we did not examine the mechanisms by which the apparent high permeation of sodium chloride occurs. Thus the purpose of the present studies was to elucidate the mechanism of sodium chloride transport across the isolated tALH of the rabbit by conducting four different types of studies: (1) comparison of the observed chloride and sodium flux ratios to those predicted by Ussing's equation under imposed salt concentration gradients; (2) kinetic evaluation of chloride and sodium fluxes; (3) examination of the effect of bromide on the kinetics of chloride transport; and (4) experiments to test for the existence of exchange diffusion of chloride. In the first set of studies the predicted and the theoretical flux ratios of sodium were identical in those experiments in which sodium chloride was added either to the perfusate or to the bath. However, the observed chloride flux ratio, lumen-to-bath/bath-to-lumen, was significantly lower than that predicted from Ussing's equation when 100 mM sodium chloride was added to the bath. In the second set of experiments the apparent isotopic permeability for sodium and for chloride was measured under varying perfusate and bath NaCl concentrations. There was no statistical change in the apparent sodium permeability coefficient when the NaCl concentration was raised by varying increments from 85.5 to 309.5 mM. However, permeation of 36Cl decrease significantly with an increase in Cl from 73.6 to 598.6 mM. These events could be explained by a two component chloride transport process consisting of simple diffusion and a saturable facilitated diffusion process with a Vmax = 3.71 neq mm-1 min-1. In the third set of studies it was shown that bromide inhibits transport of chloride and that the magnitude of inhibition is dependent on chloride concentrations. The fourth set of studies ruled out the existence of exchange diffusion. In conclusion, these studies indicate that sodium transport across tALH is by simple passive diffusion, while chloride transport across tALH involves at least two mechanisms: (1) simple passive diffusion; and (2) a specific membrane interaction process (carrier-mediated) which is competitively inhibited by bromide.", "PMID": 993330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5108", "title": "Decreased basal, noninsulin-stimulated glucose uptake and metabolism by skeletal soleus muscle isolated from obese-hyperglycemic (ob/ob) mice.", "content": "Insulin resistance of diaphragms of ob/ob mice has been repeatedly demonstrated previously both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, transport and metabolism of glucose with and without insulin stimulation were compared in a skeletal muscle more likely than diaphragm or heart to be representative of the overall striated muscle mass, i.e. isolated soleus muscle. Compared with soleus muscle from lean controls, unstimulated lactate release in the presence of exogenous glucose was depressed from 16.2 to 12.3 nmol/60 min per mg wet wt in soleus from ob/ob mutants; glycolysis was decreased from 6.6 to 3.7 and [14C]glucose oxidation to 14CO2 from 0.90 to 0.33 nmol glucose/60 min per mg wet wt. Uptake of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG), both with and without insulin, was very much less for soleus from ob/ob than from lean mice, at 2-DOG concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mM, and in mice of 6-15 wk. When 2-DOG concentration was 1 mM, its basal uptake was 0.53 nmol/30 min per mg wet wt for soleus of ob/ob as against 0.96 for soleus of lean mice. The absolute increment due to 1 mU/ml insulin was 0.49 in muscle of ob/ob as against 1.21 in that of lean mice. When the resistance to insulin action was decreased by pretreatment in vivo by either streptozotocin injection or fasting, the decreased basal 2-DOG uptake of subsequently isolated soleus muscle was not improved. Inhibition of endogenous oxidation of fatty acids by 2-bromostearate, while greatly increasing 14CO2 production from [14C]glucose, did not affect basal [5-3H]glucose metabolism or 2-DOG uptake. It is suggested that transport and/or phosphorylation of glucose under basal, unstimulated conditions are depressed in soleus muscle of ob/ob mice, whether or not resistance to insulin and hyperinsulinemia are also present. Although the origin of the decreased basal glucose uptake remains unknown it might be related to a similar decrease in basal glucose uptake by ventromedial hypothalamic cells, an event presumably resulting in a tendency to hyperphagia. Decreased basal glucose uptake by soleus muscle of ob/ob mice might explain the hyperglycemia, and hence partly the hyperinsulinemia and excessive fat deposition of those animals.", "contents": "Decreased basal, noninsulin-stimulated glucose uptake and metabolism by skeletal soleus muscle isolated from obese-hyperglycemic (ob/ob) mice. Insulin resistance of diaphragms of ob/ob mice has been repeatedly demonstrated previously both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, transport and metabolism of glucose with and without insulin stimulation were compared in a skeletal muscle more likely than diaphragm or heart to be representative of the overall striated muscle mass, i.e. isolated soleus muscle. Compared with soleus muscle from lean controls, unstimulated lactate release in the presence of exogenous glucose was depressed from 16.2 to 12.3 nmol/60 min per mg wet wt in soleus from ob/ob mutants; glycolysis was decreased from 6.6 to 3.7 and [14C]glucose oxidation to 14CO2 from 0.90 to 0.33 nmol glucose/60 min per mg wet wt. Uptake of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG), both with and without insulin, was very much less for soleus from ob/ob than from lean mice, at 2-DOG concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mM, and in mice of 6-15 wk. When 2-DOG concentration was 1 mM, its basal uptake was 0.53 nmol/30 min per mg wet wt for soleus of ob/ob as against 0.96 for soleus of lean mice. The absolute increment due to 1 mU/ml insulin was 0.49 in muscle of ob/ob as against 1.21 in that of lean mice. When the resistance to insulin action was decreased by pretreatment in vivo by either streptozotocin injection or fasting, the decreased basal 2-DOG uptake of subsequently isolated soleus muscle was not improved. Inhibition of endogenous oxidation of fatty acids by 2-bromostearate, while greatly increasing 14CO2 production from [14C]glucose, did not affect basal [5-3H]glucose metabolism or 2-DOG uptake. It is suggested that transport and/or phosphorylation of glucose under basal, unstimulated conditions are depressed in soleus muscle of ob/ob mice, whether or not resistance to insulin and hyperinsulinemia are also present. Although the origin of the decreased basal glucose uptake remains unknown it might be related to a similar decrease in basal glucose uptake by ventromedial hypothalamic cells, an event presumably resulting in a tendency to hyperphagia. Decreased basal glucose uptake by soleus muscle of ob/ob mice might explain the hyperglycemia, and hence partly the hyperinsulinemia and excessive fat deposition of those animals.", "PMID": 993331} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5109", "title": "An inherited enzymatic defect in porphyria cutanea tarda: decreased uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity.", "content": "Uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity was measured in liver and erythrocytes of normal subjects and in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda and their relatives. In patients with porphyria cutanea tarda, hepatic uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity was significantly reduced (mean 0.43 U/mg protein; range 0.25-0.99) as compared to normal subjects (mean 1.61 U/mg protein; range 1.27-2.42). Erythrocyte uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase was also decreased in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda. The mean erythrocyte enzymatic activity in male patients was 0.23 U/mg Hb (range 0.16-0.30) and in female patients was 0.17 U/mg Hb (range 0.15-0.18) as compared with mean values in normal subjects of 0.38 U/mg Hb (range 0.33-0.45) in men and 0.26 U/mg Hb (range 0.18-0.36) in women. With the erythrocyte assay, multiple examples of decreased uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity were detected in members of three families of patients with porphyria cutanea tarda. In two of these families subclinical porphyria was also recognized. The inheritance pattern was consistant with an autosomal dominant trait. The difference in erythrocyte enzymatic activity between men and women was not explained but could have been due to estrogens. This possibility was supported by the observation that men under therapy with estrogens for carcinoma of the prostate had values in the normal female range. It is proposed that porphyria cutanea tarda results from the combination of an inherited defect in uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase and an acquired factor, usually siderosis associated with alcoholic liver disease.", "contents": "An inherited enzymatic defect in porphyria cutanea tarda: decreased uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity. Uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity was measured in liver and erythrocytes of normal subjects and in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda and their relatives. In patients with porphyria cutanea tarda, hepatic uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity was significantly reduced (mean 0.43 U/mg protein; range 0.25-0.99) as compared to normal subjects (mean 1.61 U/mg protein; range 1.27-2.42). Erythrocyte uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase was also decreased in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda. The mean erythrocyte enzymatic activity in male patients was 0.23 U/mg Hb (range 0.16-0.30) and in female patients was 0.17 U/mg Hb (range 0.15-0.18) as compared with mean values in normal subjects of 0.38 U/mg Hb (range 0.33-0.45) in men and 0.26 U/mg Hb (range 0.18-0.36) in women. With the erythrocyte assay, multiple examples of decreased uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity were detected in members of three families of patients with porphyria cutanea tarda. In two of these families subclinical porphyria was also recognized. The inheritance pattern was consistant with an autosomal dominant trait. The difference in erythrocyte enzymatic activity between men and women was not explained but could have been due to estrogens. This possibility was supported by the observation that men under therapy with estrogens for carcinoma of the prostate had values in the normal female range. It is proposed that porphyria cutanea tarda results from the combination of an inherited defect in uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase and an acquired factor, usually siderosis associated with alcoholic liver disease.", "PMID": 993332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5110", "title": "Hemoglobin St. Louis [beta 28 (B10) Leu replaced by Gln]: crystal structure of the fully reduced (deoxy) form.", "content": "The three-dimensional structure of fully reduced Hb St. Louis has been determined to 3.5 A resolution. The difference electron density map clearly shows the site of the mutation and the effects it produces. Glutamine B10 and histidine E7 (the distal histidine) swing towards each other and, between them, stabilize a water molecule in the normally hydrophobic heme pocket. This creation of an aqueous microenvironment near the heme accounts for the thermal instability, high rate of methemoglobin formation, and increased oxygen affinity observed in solution studies of the mutant as described in the preceeding paper. Other than a small increase in tilt of the heme, virtually no further stereochemical disturbances result.", "contents": "Hemoglobin St. Louis [beta 28 (B10) Leu replaced by Gln]: crystal structure of the fully reduced (deoxy) form. The three-dimensional structure of fully reduced Hb St. Louis has been determined to 3.5 A resolution. The difference electron density map clearly shows the site of the mutation and the effects it produces. Glutamine B10 and histidine E7 (the distal histidine) swing towards each other and, between them, stabilize a water molecule in the normally hydrophobic heme pocket. This creation of an aqueous microenvironment near the heme accounts for the thermal instability, high rate of methemoglobin formation, and increased oxygen affinity observed in solution studies of the mutant as described in the preceeding paper. Other than a small increase in tilt of the heme, virtually no further stereochemical disturbances result.", "PMID": 993333} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5111", "title": "Mechanism of NaCl and water reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule of rat kidney.", "content": "The role of chloride concentration gradients in proximal NaCl and water reabsorption was examined in superficial proximal tubules of the rat by using perfusion and collection techniques. Reabsorptive rates (Jv), chloride concentrations, and transtubular potential difference were measured during perfusion with solutions (A) simulating an ultrafiltrate of plasma; (B) similar to (A) except that 20 meq/liter bicarbonate was replaced with acetate; (C) resembling late proximal fluid (glucose, amino acid, acetate-free, low bicarbonate, and high chloride); and (D) in which glucose and amino acids were replaced with raffinose and bicarbonate was partially replaced by poorly reabsorbable anions (cyclamate,sulfate, and methyl sulfate). In tubules perfused with solutions A and B, Jv were 2.17 and 2.7 nl mm-1 min-1 and chloride concentrations were 131.5 +/- 3.1 and 135 +/- 395 meq/liter, respectively, indicating that reabsorption is qualitatively similar to free-flow conditions and that acetate adequately replaces bicarbonate. With solution C, Jv was 2.10 nl mm-1 min-1 and potential difference was +1.5 +/- 0.2 mV, indicating that the combined presence of glucose, alanine, acetate, and bicarbonate per se is not an absolute requirement. Fluid reabsorption was virtually abolished when tubules were perfused with D solutions; Jv was not significantly different from zero despite sodium and chloride concentrations similar to plasma; chloride concentration was 110.8 +/- 0.2 meq/liter and potential difference was -0.98 mV indicating that chloride was close to electrochemical equilibrium. These results suggest the importance of the chloride gradient to proximal tubule reabsorption in regions where actively reabsorbable solutes (glucose, alanine, acetate, and bicarbonate) are lacking and provide further evidence for a passive model of NaCl and water transport.", "contents": "Mechanism of NaCl and water reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule of rat kidney. The role of chloride concentration gradients in proximal NaCl and water reabsorption was examined in superficial proximal tubules of the rat by using perfusion and collection techniques. Reabsorptive rates (Jv), chloride concentrations, and transtubular potential difference were measured during perfusion with solutions (A) simulating an ultrafiltrate of plasma; (B) similar to (A) except that 20 meq/liter bicarbonate was replaced with acetate; (C) resembling late proximal fluid (glucose, amino acid, acetate-free, low bicarbonate, and high chloride); and (D) in which glucose and amino acids were replaced with raffinose and bicarbonate was partially replaced by poorly reabsorbable anions (cyclamate,sulfate, and methyl sulfate). In tubules perfused with solutions A and B, Jv were 2.17 and 2.7 nl mm-1 min-1 and chloride concentrations were 131.5 +/- 3.1 and 135 +/- 395 meq/liter, respectively, indicating that reabsorption is qualitatively similar to free-flow conditions and that acetate adequately replaces bicarbonate. With solution C, Jv was 2.10 nl mm-1 min-1 and potential difference was +1.5 +/- 0.2 mV, indicating that the combined presence of glucose, alanine, acetate, and bicarbonate per se is not an absolute requirement. Fluid reabsorption was virtually abolished when tubules were perfused with D solutions; Jv was not significantly different from zero despite sodium and chloride concentrations similar to plasma; chloride concentration was 110.8 +/- 0.2 meq/liter and potential difference was -0.98 mV indicating that chloride was close to electrochemical equilibrium. These results suggest the importance of the chloride gradient to proximal tubule reabsorption in regions where actively reabsorbable solutes (glucose, alanine, acetate, and bicarbonate) are lacking and provide further evidence for a passive model of NaCl and water transport.", "PMID": 993334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5112", "title": "Persistence of thromboxane A2-like material and platelet release-inducing activity in plasma.", "content": "During the incubation of arachidonic acid with platelet-rich plasma, a persistent activity appeared that caused the release of [14C]5-hydroxytryptamine from indomethacin-treated platelets. By the time-course of its appearance and disappearance, this release-inducing activity could be dissociated from prostaglandin endoperoxides and associated with thromboxane A2-like material. This material persists in plasma because of its continued production and increased stability.", "contents": "Persistence of thromboxane A2-like material and platelet release-inducing activity in plasma. During the incubation of arachidonic acid with platelet-rich plasma, a persistent activity appeared that caused the release of [14C]5-hydroxytryptamine from indomethacin-treated platelets. By the time-course of its appearance and disappearance, this release-inducing activity could be dissociated from prostaglandin endoperoxides and associated with thromboxane A2-like material. This material persists in plasma because of its continued production and increased stability.", "PMID": 993335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5113", "title": "Fluctuations in the affinity and concentration of insulin receptors on circulating monocytes of obese patients: effects of starvation, refeeding, and dieting.", "content": "The binding of 125I-insulin to insulin receptors on circulating monocytes of obese patients and normal volunteers has been determined under various dietary states. In the basal, fed state the monocytes of obese patients with clinical insulin resistance (n= 6) bound less insulin than normals (n =10) because of a decrease in insulin receptor concentration (obese = 6,000-13,000 sites per monocyte versus normals 15,000-28,000 sites per monocyte). The single obese patient without evidence of clinical insulin resistance demonstrated normal binding of insulin with 16,000 sites per monocyte. In all patients, the total receptor concentration was inversely related to the circulating levels of insulin measured at rest after an overnight fast. For the obese patients with basally depressed insulin binding, a 48-72-h fast lowered circulating insulin and increased binding to normal levels but only at low hormone concentrations; this limited normalization of 125I-insulin binding was associated with increased receptor affinity for insulin without change in receptor concentration. Refeeding after the acute fasting periods resulted in return to the elevated plasma insulin levels, the basal receptor affinity, and the depressed insulin binding observed in the basal, fed state. Chronic diet restored plasma insulin levels, insulin binding, and receptor concentration to normal without change in affinity. When the data from this study are coupled with previous in vivo and in vitro findings they suggest that the insulin receptor of human monocytes is more sensitive to regulation by ambient insulin than the receptors of obese mice and cultured human lymphocytes. The results further indicate than an insulin receptor undergoes in vivo modulation of its interaction with insulin by changing receptor concentration and by altering the affinity of existing receptors.", "contents": "Fluctuations in the affinity and concentration of insulin receptors on circulating monocytes of obese patients: effects of starvation, refeeding, and dieting. The binding of 125I-insulin to insulin receptors on circulating monocytes of obese patients and normal volunteers has been determined under various dietary states. In the basal, fed state the monocytes of obese patients with clinical insulin resistance (n= 6) bound less insulin than normals (n =10) because of a decrease in insulin receptor concentration (obese = 6,000-13,000 sites per monocyte versus normals 15,000-28,000 sites per monocyte). The single obese patient without evidence of clinical insulin resistance demonstrated normal binding of insulin with 16,000 sites per monocyte. In all patients, the total receptor concentration was inversely related to the circulating levels of insulin measured at rest after an overnight fast. For the obese patients with basally depressed insulin binding, a 48-72-h fast lowered circulating insulin and increased binding to normal levels but only at low hormone concentrations; this limited normalization of 125I-insulin binding was associated with increased receptor affinity for insulin without change in receptor concentration. Refeeding after the acute fasting periods resulted in return to the elevated plasma insulin levels, the basal receptor affinity, and the depressed insulin binding observed in the basal, fed state. Chronic diet restored plasma insulin levels, insulin binding, and receptor concentration to normal without change in affinity. When the data from this study are coupled with previous in vivo and in vitro findings they suggest that the insulin receptor of human monocytes is more sensitive to regulation by ambient insulin than the receptors of obese mice and cultured human lymphocytes. The results further indicate than an insulin receptor undergoes in vivo modulation of its interaction with insulin by changing receptor concentration and by altering the affinity of existing receptors.", "PMID": 993336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5114", "title": "The generation of fibrinopeptide A in clinical blood samples: evidence for thrombin activity.", "content": "Plasma fibrinopeptide A (FPA) concentrations were measured in clinical blood samples incubated in the collecting syringe for different time periods before addition to heparin and Trasylol, and the rate of in vitro generation of FPA was calculated as the mean increment in FPA concentration per minute over the linear portion of the generation curve. 36 normal individuals had a mean plasma FPA level of 0.64 +/- 0.56 pmol/ml and an FPA generation rate of less than 0.5 pmol/ml per min. Clinical samples with elevated plasma FPA levels manifested slow (less than 1 pmol/ml per min) (28 patients) or rapid FPA generation (greater than 1 pmol/ml per min) (33 patients). Slow FPA generation was found in 10/10 patients with venous thrombosis, in 4/4 with aortic aneurysm, and in several patients with acquired hypofibrinogenemia. In one such patient, addition of fibrinogen resulted in rapid FPA generation whereas thrombin addition was without effect. Rapid FPA generation was generally linear, was usually associated with slower fibrinopeptide B generation and was inhibited by parenteral or in vitro heparin. It is thought to reflect increased thrombin activity and was seen in patients with pulmonary embolism, active systemic lupus erythematosus, renal transplant rejection, and after infusion of prothrombin concentrates. The initial rate of FPA cleavage by thrombin at fibrinogen concentrations from 0.05 to 4 mg/ml showed little change between 2 and 4 mg/ml with a Km of 2.99 muM. At a fibrinogen concentration of 2.5 mg/ml the FPA cleavage rate was 49.2 +/- 1.6 nmol/ml per min per U of thrombin. Exogenous thrombin added to normal blood generated 21.7 nmol/ml per U of thrombin FPA in the first minute with a nonlinear pattern reflecting inactivation of thrombin and the presence of alternative substrates. Hence, the thrombin concentration in the blood cannot be calculated from the FPA generation rate. The FPA generation rates in clinical samples with rapid generation (1-28 pmol/ml per min) could be produced by 2 X 10(-5) to 5.6 X 10(-4) thrombin U/ml acting on purified fibrinogen at physiological conditions of pH, ionic strength, and temperature.", "contents": "The generation of fibrinopeptide A in clinical blood samples: evidence for thrombin activity. Plasma fibrinopeptide A (FPA) concentrations were measured in clinical blood samples incubated in the collecting syringe for different time periods before addition to heparin and Trasylol, and the rate of in vitro generation of FPA was calculated as the mean increment in FPA concentration per minute over the linear portion of the generation curve. 36 normal individuals had a mean plasma FPA level of 0.64 +/- 0.56 pmol/ml and an FPA generation rate of less than 0.5 pmol/ml per min. Clinical samples with elevated plasma FPA levels manifested slow (less than 1 pmol/ml per min) (28 patients) or rapid FPA generation (greater than 1 pmol/ml per min) (33 patients). Slow FPA generation was found in 10/10 patients with venous thrombosis, in 4/4 with aortic aneurysm, and in several patients with acquired hypofibrinogenemia. In one such patient, addition of fibrinogen resulted in rapid FPA generation whereas thrombin addition was without effect. Rapid FPA generation was generally linear, was usually associated with slower fibrinopeptide B generation and was inhibited by parenteral or in vitro heparin. It is thought to reflect increased thrombin activity and was seen in patients with pulmonary embolism, active systemic lupus erythematosus, renal transplant rejection, and after infusion of prothrombin concentrates. The initial rate of FPA cleavage by thrombin at fibrinogen concentrations from 0.05 to 4 mg/ml showed little change between 2 and 4 mg/ml with a Km of 2.99 muM. At a fibrinogen concentration of 2.5 mg/ml the FPA cleavage rate was 49.2 +/- 1.6 nmol/ml per min per U of thrombin. Exogenous thrombin added to normal blood generated 21.7 nmol/ml per U of thrombin FPA in the first minute with a nonlinear pattern reflecting inactivation of thrombin and the presence of alternative substrates. Hence, the thrombin concentration in the blood cannot be calculated from the FPA generation rate. The FPA generation rates in clinical samples with rapid generation (1-28 pmol/ml per min) could be produced by 2 X 10(-5) to 5.6 X 10(-4) thrombin U/ml acting on purified fibrinogen at physiological conditions of pH, ionic strength, and temperature.", "PMID": 993337} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5115", "title": "Paraproteinemia: blood hyperviscosity and clinical manifestations.", "content": "Many of the clinical features of paraproteinemia result from impairment of blood flow through the vascular tree because of blood hyperviscosity. Studies were carried out in 65 patients with serum paraproteins (31 with IgG, 25 with IgM, and 9 with IgA) to examine the relationship between the blood viscosity and the frequency of selected clinical features. The blood and plasma viscosities were measured at low rates of shear. Blood hyperviscosity was present in 91% of the patients and plasma hyperviscosity in 75% of the patients. In each of the three immunoglobulin classes both the blood and plasma viscosities increased logarithmically with the paraprotein concentration being greatest in the case of IgM. In addition, the relationship between the hematocrit and the logarithm of blood viscosity tended to be linear at any given protein concentration. In patients with very high levels of paraprotein the blood viscosity was modified by low hematocrits; the latter was below 30 in 70% of patients in whom the concentration of paraprotein was above 4 g/100 ml. The prevalence of clinical complications involving the retinal circulation, the peripheral vascular system, and the central nervous system increased markedly with increasing blood viscosity, measured at 0.18 S-1. One or more of these regions was affected in greater than 80% of patients with blood viscosity above 60 centipoise and in less than 23% of patients with blood viscosity below 40 centipoise. These observations illustrate the complex relationship between blood viscosity, concentration of paraprotein, immunoglobulin class and hematocrit, and emphasize the importance of measuring the whole blood viscosity at low rates of shear in determining the risk of vascular complications.", "contents": "Paraproteinemia: blood hyperviscosity and clinical manifestations. Many of the clinical features of paraproteinemia result from impairment of blood flow through the vascular tree because of blood hyperviscosity. Studies were carried out in 65 patients with serum paraproteins (31 with IgG, 25 with IgM, and 9 with IgA) to examine the relationship between the blood viscosity and the frequency of selected clinical features. The blood and plasma viscosities were measured at low rates of shear. Blood hyperviscosity was present in 91% of the patients and plasma hyperviscosity in 75% of the patients. In each of the three immunoglobulin classes both the blood and plasma viscosities increased logarithmically with the paraprotein concentration being greatest in the case of IgM. In addition, the relationship between the hematocrit and the logarithm of blood viscosity tended to be linear at any given protein concentration. In patients with very high levels of paraprotein the blood viscosity was modified by low hematocrits; the latter was below 30 in 70% of patients in whom the concentration of paraprotein was above 4 g/100 ml. The prevalence of clinical complications involving the retinal circulation, the peripheral vascular system, and the central nervous system increased markedly with increasing blood viscosity, measured at 0.18 S-1. One or more of these regions was affected in greater than 80% of patients with blood viscosity above 60 centipoise and in less than 23% of patients with blood viscosity below 40 centipoise. These observations illustrate the complex relationship between blood viscosity, concentration of paraprotein, immunoglobulin class and hematocrit, and emphasize the importance of measuring the whole blood viscosity at low rates of shear in determining the risk of vascular complications.", "PMID": 993338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5116", "title": "Alterations of myocardial amino acid metabolism in chronic ischemic heart disease.", "content": "Arteriovenous differences (A-V) of all naturally occurring amino acids, lactate, and oxygen were measured simultaneously with coronary sinus blood flow (CSBF) in 8 normal subjects and 11 patients with coronary artery disease at rest and during pacing stress. Mean values for CSBF and myocardial oxygen consumptions (MVO2) for the two groups were similar at rest and during pacing, although mean CSBF and MVO2 increased significantly in both groups in the paced as compared to the rest state. Alanine (ala) was the only amino acid released by the myocardium, while only glutamic acid(glu) demonstrated uptake. Mean A-V ala was negative at rest in the control and coronary disease groups (-4.8+/-3.8 vs. -22.0+/-3.0 nmol/ml, respectively), but was significantly more negative in the coronary group (P less than 0.001) and not statistically different than zero in the normals. A-V ala became significantly negative with pacing in the normals (-10.0+/-4.3 nmol/ml), remained unchanged in the coronary group (-23.0+/-2.9 nmol/ml), and was significantly more negative in the coronary group (P less than 0.05). Calculation of data on the basis of net ala flux ([A-V] X [CSBF X hematocrit]) yielded similar results as that obtained with A-V differences. A-V glu was significantly positive in normals (27.7 +/- 8.9 nmol/ml, P less than 0.01) and coronary patients (59.9 +/- 8.9 nmol/ml, P less than 0.01) at rest but significantly greater in the latter group (P less than 0.001). With pacing, A-V glu remained significantly greater than zero in coronary patients (35.3 +/- 6.3 nmol/ml) and decreased to zero in the normals (4.3 +/- 11.8 nmol/ml). Calculation of net glu flux (nmol/min) at rest yielded data similar to that based on A-V difference. With pacing, net glu flux in the coronary patients did not decrease due to the augmentation of CSBF. No relation between A-V glu or ala and CSBF, MVO2 or A-V lactate was noted. The data demonstrate that specific alterations of myocardial amino acid metabolism characterize patients with chronic ischemic heart disease.", "contents": "Alterations of myocardial amino acid metabolism in chronic ischemic heart disease. Arteriovenous differences (A-V) of all naturally occurring amino acids, lactate, and oxygen were measured simultaneously with coronary sinus blood flow (CSBF) in 8 normal subjects and 11 patients with coronary artery disease at rest and during pacing stress. Mean values for CSBF and myocardial oxygen consumptions (MVO2) for the two groups were similar at rest and during pacing, although mean CSBF and MVO2 increased significantly in both groups in the paced as compared to the rest state. Alanine (ala) was the only amino acid released by the myocardium, while only glutamic acid(glu) demonstrated uptake. Mean A-V ala was negative at rest in the control and coronary disease groups (-4.8+/-3.8 vs. -22.0+/-3.0 nmol/ml, respectively), but was significantly more negative in the coronary group (P less than 0.001) and not statistically different than zero in the normals. A-V ala became significantly negative with pacing in the normals (-10.0+/-4.3 nmol/ml), remained unchanged in the coronary group (-23.0+/-2.9 nmol/ml), and was significantly more negative in the coronary group (P less than 0.05). Calculation of data on the basis of net ala flux ([A-V] X [CSBF X hematocrit]) yielded similar results as that obtained with A-V differences. A-V glu was significantly positive in normals (27.7 +/- 8.9 nmol/ml, P less than 0.01) and coronary patients (59.9 +/- 8.9 nmol/ml, P less than 0.01) at rest but significantly greater in the latter group (P less than 0.001). With pacing, A-V glu remained significantly greater than zero in coronary patients (35.3 +/- 6.3 nmol/ml) and decreased to zero in the normals (4.3 +/- 11.8 nmol/ml). Calculation of net glu flux (nmol/min) at rest yielded data similar to that based on A-V difference. With pacing, net glu flux in the coronary patients did not decrease due to the augmentation of CSBF. No relation between A-V glu or ala and CSBF, MVO2 or A-V lactate was noted. The data demonstrate that specific alterations of myocardial amino acid metabolism characterize patients with chronic ischemic heart disease.", "PMID": 993339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5117", "title": "The critical role of the adrenal gland in the renal regulation of acid-base equilibrium during chronic hypotonic expansion. Evidence that chronic hyponatremia is a potent stimulus to aldosterone secretion.", "content": "Recent studies have shown that chronic hypotonic volume expansion (HVE) induced by administration of vasopressin and water stimulates distal hydrogen ion secretion and thereby (a) permits dogs with HCl-acidosis to restore acid-base equilibrium to normal despite continued acid feeding and (b) permits normal dogs to conserve filtered bicarbonate quantitatively despite the natriuresis induced by water retention. To examine whether these effects of chronic HVE are mediated by augmented mineralocorticoid secretion, urinary and plasma aldosterone levels were monitored during prolonged administration of vasopressin. In HCl-fed animals, the HVE-induced rise in plasma [HCO3] (from 13.8 to 21.3 meq/liter) was associated with a rise in aldosterone excretion from 0.45 to 0.88 mug/day (P less than 0.02). In normal animals, in which plasma [HCO3] remained stable during HVE (21.9 vs. 20.0 meq/liter), aldosterone excretion rose from 0.51 to 2.28 mug/day (P less than 0.02) and plasma aldosterone concentration rose from 8.1 to 39.8 ng/100 ml (P less than 0.01). Vasopressin and water were also administered to adrenalectomized animals maintained on glucocorticoids and a slightly subphysiologic replacement schedule of mineralocorticoids. In the HCl-fed adrenalectomized group, plasma [HCO3], instead of rising to normal, showed no significant change (16.9 vs. 15.0 meq/liter). In the non-HCl-fed adrenalectomized group, plasma [HCO3], rather than remaining stable, fell significantly (20.3 vs 16.5 meq/liter, P less than 0.1). Two conclusions can be drawn from this study: (a) the well-known inhibitory effect of volume expansion on aldosterone secretion can be overridden by a potent stimulatory effect on the adrenal produced by severe chronic hypotonicity, and (b) the response of plasma [HCO3] observed during severe chronic HVE is mediated by augmented mineralocorticoid secretion. These findings, furthermore, offer a possible explanation for the puzzling observation that plasma [HCO3] in patients with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion is maintained at normal levels even in the face of severe hyponatremia.", "contents": "The critical role of the adrenal gland in the renal regulation of acid-base equilibrium during chronic hypotonic expansion. Evidence that chronic hyponatremia is a potent stimulus to aldosterone secretion. Recent studies have shown that chronic hypotonic volume expansion (HVE) induced by administration of vasopressin and water stimulates distal hydrogen ion secretion and thereby (a) permits dogs with HCl-acidosis to restore acid-base equilibrium to normal despite continued acid feeding and (b) permits normal dogs to conserve filtered bicarbonate quantitatively despite the natriuresis induced by water retention. To examine whether these effects of chronic HVE are mediated by augmented mineralocorticoid secretion, urinary and plasma aldosterone levels were monitored during prolonged administration of vasopressin. In HCl-fed animals, the HVE-induced rise in plasma [HCO3] (from 13.8 to 21.3 meq/liter) was associated with a rise in aldosterone excretion from 0.45 to 0.88 mug/day (P less than 0.02). In normal animals, in which plasma [HCO3] remained stable during HVE (21.9 vs. 20.0 meq/liter), aldosterone excretion rose from 0.51 to 2.28 mug/day (P less than 0.02) and plasma aldosterone concentration rose from 8.1 to 39.8 ng/100 ml (P less than 0.01). Vasopressin and water were also administered to adrenalectomized animals maintained on glucocorticoids and a slightly subphysiologic replacement schedule of mineralocorticoids. In the HCl-fed adrenalectomized group, plasma [HCO3], instead of rising to normal, showed no significant change (16.9 vs. 15.0 meq/liter). In the non-HCl-fed adrenalectomized group, plasma [HCO3], rather than remaining stable, fell significantly (20.3 vs 16.5 meq/liter, P less than 0.1). Two conclusions can be drawn from this study: (a) the well-known inhibitory effect of volume expansion on aldosterone secretion can be overridden by a potent stimulatory effect on the adrenal produced by severe chronic hypotonicity, and (b) the response of plasma [HCO3] observed during severe chronic HVE is mediated by augmented mineralocorticoid secretion. These findings, furthermore, offer a possible explanation for the puzzling observation that plasma [HCO3] in patients with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion is maintained at normal levels even in the face of severe hyponatremia.", "PMID": 993340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5118", "title": "Electrophysiological study of isolated perfused human collecting ducts: Ion dependency of the transepithelial potential difference.", "content": "Cortical and outer medullary collecting duct segments were dissected from human kidneys and perfused in vitro. The transepithelial potential difference was measured and found to be lumen positive +6.8 +/- 0.6 mV (n= 20). This lumen-positive potential difference was inhibited by ouabain and furosemide but not by acetazolamide. Replacement of chloride in bath and perfusion fluids caused a reversible decrease of the potential difference to near zero. We conclude from these studies: (a) the lumen-positive potential difference is dependent upon the presence of chloride ion suggesting the existence of an active electrogenic chloride reabsorptive process in the human collecting duct and (b) it is possible to examine human renal physiology directly using in vitro microperfusion of tubule segments.", "contents": "Electrophysiological study of isolated perfused human collecting ducts: Ion dependency of the transepithelial potential difference. Cortical and outer medullary collecting duct segments were dissected from human kidneys and perfused in vitro. The transepithelial potential difference was measured and found to be lumen positive +6.8 +/- 0.6 mV (n= 20). This lumen-positive potential difference was inhibited by ouabain and furosemide but not by acetazolamide. Replacement of chloride in bath and perfusion fluids caused a reversible decrease of the potential difference to near zero. We conclude from these studies: (a) the lumen-positive potential difference is dependent upon the presence of chloride ion suggesting the existence of an active electrogenic chloride reabsorptive process in the human collecting duct and (b) it is possible to examine human renal physiology directly using in vitro microperfusion of tubule segments.", "PMID": 993341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5119", "title": "The chromosomal order of genes controlling the major histocompatibility complex, properdin factor B, and deficiency of the second component of complement.", "content": "The relationship of the genes coding for HLA to those coding for properdin Factor B allotypes and for deficiency of the second component of complement (C2) was studied in families of patients with connective tissue disorders. Patients were selected because they were heterozygous or homozygous for C2 deficiency. 12 families with 15 matings informative for C2 deficiency were found. Of 57 informative meioses, two crossovers were noted between the C2 deficiency gene and the HLA-B gene, with a recombinant fraction of 0.035. A lod score of 13 was calculated for linkage between C2 deficiency and HLA-B at a maximum likelihood value of the recombinant fraction of 0.04. 18 families with 21 informative matings for both properdin Factor B allotype and HLA-B were found. Of 72 informative meioses, three recombinants were found, giving a recombinant fraction of 0.042. A lod score of 16 between HLA-B and Factor B allotypes was calculated at a maximum likelihood value of the recombinant fraction of 0.04. A crossover was shown to have occurred between genes for Factor B and HLA-D, in which HLA-D segregared with HLA-A and B. These studies suggest that the genes for Factor B and C2 deficiency are located outside those for HLA, that the order of genese is HLA-A, -B, -D, Factor B allotype, C2 deficiency, that the genes coding for C2 deficiency and Factor B allotypes are approximately 3--5 centimorgans from the HLA-A and HLA-B loci, and that the apparent lack of recombinants between the Factor B gene and C2 deficiency gene suggests that these two genes lie in close proximity to one another.", "contents": "The chromosomal order of genes controlling the major histocompatibility complex, properdin factor B, and deficiency of the second component of complement. The relationship of the genes coding for HLA to those coding for properdin Factor B allotypes and for deficiency of the second component of complement (C2) was studied in families of patients with connective tissue disorders. Patients were selected because they were heterozygous or homozygous for C2 deficiency. 12 families with 15 matings informative for C2 deficiency were found. Of 57 informative meioses, two crossovers were noted between the C2 deficiency gene and the HLA-B gene, with a recombinant fraction of 0.035. A lod score of 13 was calculated for linkage between C2 deficiency and HLA-B at a maximum likelihood value of the recombinant fraction of 0.04. 18 families with 21 informative matings for both properdin Factor B allotype and HLA-B were found. Of 72 informative meioses, three recombinants were found, giving a recombinant fraction of 0.042. A lod score of 16 between HLA-B and Factor B allotypes was calculated at a maximum likelihood value of the recombinant fraction of 0.04. A crossover was shown to have occurred between genes for Factor B and HLA-D, in which HLA-D segregared with HLA-A and B. These studies suggest that the genes for Factor B and C2 deficiency are located outside those for HLA, that the order of genese is HLA-A, -B, -D, Factor B allotype, C2 deficiency, that the genes coding for C2 deficiency and Factor B allotypes are approximately 3--5 centimorgans from the HLA-A and HLA-B loci, and that the apparent lack of recombinants between the Factor B gene and C2 deficiency gene suggests that these two genes lie in close proximity to one another.", "PMID": 993342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5120", "title": "The measurement of thrombin in clotting blood by radioimmunoassay.", "content": "We have developed a radioimmunoassay for human thrombin using rabbit anti-human thrombin IgG. The assay can measure 2 ng thrombin/ml plasma, 500-fold more sensitive than clotting assays. Human prothrombin is less reactive in the assay than thrombin by at least four orders of magnitude, and there is no demonstrable cross-reactivity with human factor Xa, the clotting factor structurally most similar to thrombin. The assay does not detect thrombin bound to anthithrombin III. Using the assay, we have demonstrated that plasma from 20 normal subjects does not contain detectable thrombin. We measured thrombin generation in clotting blood in polypropylene tubes and observed that thrombin appears (approximately equal to 3 ng/ml) within 45 S-5 min after venipuncture. This material is thrombin, not intermediates of prothrombin activation, since it disappears after addition of heparin, which promotes thrombin antithrombin III complex formation. After a plateau of 2-10 min, there is further thrombin generation, which results in clotting after 15-27 min at a level of 40-50 ng thrombin/ml. The thrombin generated 9-25 min before clotting may activate factors V and VIII and stimulate platelet aggregation and release. In contrast, the cascade hypothesis assigns a role for thrombin only late in blood clotting. Radioimmunoassay of thrombin and other clotting factors will be useful for clinical and physiological studies of blood clotting especially since the assay seems specific for thrombin and is independent of other activities that affect bioassays.", "contents": "The measurement of thrombin in clotting blood by radioimmunoassay. We have developed a radioimmunoassay for human thrombin using rabbit anti-human thrombin IgG. The assay can measure 2 ng thrombin/ml plasma, 500-fold more sensitive than clotting assays. Human prothrombin is less reactive in the assay than thrombin by at least four orders of magnitude, and there is no demonstrable cross-reactivity with human factor Xa, the clotting factor structurally most similar to thrombin. The assay does not detect thrombin bound to anthithrombin III. Using the assay, we have demonstrated that plasma from 20 normal subjects does not contain detectable thrombin. We measured thrombin generation in clotting blood in polypropylene tubes and observed that thrombin appears (approximately equal to 3 ng/ml) within 45 S-5 min after venipuncture. This material is thrombin, not intermediates of prothrombin activation, since it disappears after addition of heparin, which promotes thrombin antithrombin III complex formation. After a plateau of 2-10 min, there is further thrombin generation, which results in clotting after 15-27 min at a level of 40-50 ng thrombin/ml. The thrombin generated 9-25 min before clotting may activate factors V and VIII and stimulate platelet aggregation and release. In contrast, the cascade hypothesis assigns a role for thrombin only late in blood clotting. Radioimmunoassay of thrombin and other clotting factors will be useful for clinical and physiological studies of blood clotting especially since the assay seems specific for thrombin and is independent of other activities that affect bioassays.", "PMID": 993343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5121", "title": "Human myeloma IgA half-molecules.", "content": "A lambda, IgAl myeloma protein that formed two chain half-molecules was obtained from a patient who had typical multiple myeloma. His serum contained 1.3 g/100 ml of an IgA paraprotein of gamma-1 electrophoretic mobility, his urine predominantly lambda Bence Jones protein, and only small amounts of IgA paraprotein. Analytical ultracentrifugation of the isolated serum IgA protein showed 7.0S and 4.5S protein peaks but no IgA polymers. When the 7.0S and 4.5S protein peaks were tested with an antiserum specific for alpha chain, both fractions were antigenically deficient compared to control IgA myeloma proteins but showed a line of identity to their F(ab')2 fragments. The serum and 7.0S protein fraction showed double precipitin lines in IgA radial immunodiffusion plates and in immunoelectrophoretic analysis, one line being formed by the myeloma protein and the other by residual normal IgA. The myeloma protein did not form a precipitin line with antisera specific for the IgA Fc fragment. Sodium dodecylsulfate-urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that both the 7.0S and 4.5S fractions of the myeloma protein consisted of covalently linked heavy and light chains, 4.5S fraction being apparently the half-molecule of the 7.0S protein. The heavy chain had a mol wt of 46,500 daltons compared to 55,000 daltons for normal alpha chains. Reduction and alkylation in aqueous solutions resulted in dissociation of the 7.0S myeloma protein fractions into smaller units, probably half-molecules, suggesting that the noncovalent interactions between the alpha chains were substantially weakened or absent, presumably as a result of a deletion in the Fc portion of the alpha chain. The catabolic rates of the radio-labeled 7.0S and 4.5S protein in rhesus monkeys were similar to those of control IgA myeloma proteins; the excretion of protein-bound radioactivity of the IgA half-molecules into the urine was no greater than that of the 7.0S or of control IgA myeloma proteins. It is suggested that the myeloma IgA half-molecule is probably derived from an IgAl mutant that is carried in the human genome and that it is unlikely a representative of a rare IgA subclass or an IgA l allotypic variant.", "contents": "Human myeloma IgA half-molecules. A lambda, IgAl myeloma protein that formed two chain half-molecules was obtained from a patient who had typical multiple myeloma. His serum contained 1.3 g/100 ml of an IgA paraprotein of gamma-1 electrophoretic mobility, his urine predominantly lambda Bence Jones protein, and only small amounts of IgA paraprotein. Analytical ultracentrifugation of the isolated serum IgA protein showed 7.0S and 4.5S protein peaks but no IgA polymers. When the 7.0S and 4.5S protein peaks were tested with an antiserum specific for alpha chain, both fractions were antigenically deficient compared to control IgA myeloma proteins but showed a line of identity to their F(ab')2 fragments. The serum and 7.0S protein fraction showed double precipitin lines in IgA radial immunodiffusion plates and in immunoelectrophoretic analysis, one line being formed by the myeloma protein and the other by residual normal IgA. The myeloma protein did not form a precipitin line with antisera specific for the IgA Fc fragment. Sodium dodecylsulfate-urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that both the 7.0S and 4.5S fractions of the myeloma protein consisted of covalently linked heavy and light chains, 4.5S fraction being apparently the half-molecule of the 7.0S protein. The heavy chain had a mol wt of 46,500 daltons compared to 55,000 daltons for normal alpha chains. Reduction and alkylation in aqueous solutions resulted in dissociation of the 7.0S myeloma protein fractions into smaller units, probably half-molecules, suggesting that the noncovalent interactions between the alpha chains were substantially weakened or absent, presumably as a result of a deletion in the Fc portion of the alpha chain. The catabolic rates of the radio-labeled 7.0S and 4.5S protein in rhesus monkeys were similar to those of control IgA myeloma proteins; the excretion of protein-bound radioactivity of the IgA half-molecules into the urine was no greater than that of the 7.0S or of control IgA myeloma proteins. It is suggested that the myeloma IgA half-molecule is probably derived from an IgAl mutant that is carried in the human genome and that it is unlikely a representative of a rare IgA subclass or an IgA l allotypic variant.", "PMID": 993344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5122", "title": "Pathogenesis and characterization of hyperglucagonemia in the uremic rat.", "content": "The pathogenesis of hyperglucagonemia and of the alterations in the pattern of circulating immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) associated with renal insufficiency was studied in rats in which a comparable degree of uremia was induced by three different methods, i.e., bilateral nephrectomy, bilateral ureteral ligation, and urine autoinfusion. Nephrectomized and ureteral-ligated rats were markedly hyperglucagonemic (575 +/- 95 pg/ml and 492 +/- 54 pg/ml, respectively), while IRG levels of urine autoinfused animals (208 +/- 35 pg/ml) were similar to those of control rats (180 +/- 26 pg/ml), indicating that uremia per se does not account for the hyperglucagonemia observed in renal failure. Similarly, plasma IRG composition in this group of animals was indistinguishable from that of controls, in which 88.2 +/- 5.9% of total IRG consisted of the 3,500-mol wt fraction. The same component was almost entirely responsible (82.6 +/- 4.1%) for the hyperglucagonemia observed in ligated rats, while it accounted for only 57.6 +/- 5.0% of the circulating IRG in nephrectomized animals. In the latter group, 36.8 +/- 6.6% of total IRG had a mol wt of approximately 9,000, consistent with a glucagon precursor. This peak was present in samples obtained as early as 2 h after renal ablation and its concentration continued to increase with time reaching maximal levels at 24 h. These results confirm that the kidney is a major site of glucagon metabolism and provide evidence that the renal handling of the various circulating IRG components may involve different mechanisms. Thus, the metabolism of the 3,500-mol wt fraction is dependent upon glomerular filtration, while the uptake of the 9,000-mol wt material can proceed in its absence, as long as renal tissue remains adequately perfused. This finding suggests that the 9,000-mol wt component may be handled by peritubular uptake.", "contents": "Pathogenesis and characterization of hyperglucagonemia in the uremic rat. The pathogenesis of hyperglucagonemia and of the alterations in the pattern of circulating immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) associated with renal insufficiency was studied in rats in which a comparable degree of uremia was induced by three different methods, i.e., bilateral nephrectomy, bilateral ureteral ligation, and urine autoinfusion. Nephrectomized and ureteral-ligated rats were markedly hyperglucagonemic (575 +/- 95 pg/ml and 492 +/- 54 pg/ml, respectively), while IRG levels of urine autoinfused animals (208 +/- 35 pg/ml) were similar to those of control rats (180 +/- 26 pg/ml), indicating that uremia per se does not account for the hyperglucagonemia observed in renal failure. Similarly, plasma IRG composition in this group of animals was indistinguishable from that of controls, in which 88.2 +/- 5.9% of total IRG consisted of the 3,500-mol wt fraction. The same component was almost entirely responsible (82.6 +/- 4.1%) for the hyperglucagonemia observed in ligated rats, while it accounted for only 57.6 +/- 5.0% of the circulating IRG in nephrectomized animals. In the latter group, 36.8 +/- 6.6% of total IRG had a mol wt of approximately 9,000, consistent with a glucagon precursor. This peak was present in samples obtained as early as 2 h after renal ablation and its concentration continued to increase with time reaching maximal levels at 24 h. These results confirm that the kidney is a major site of glucagon metabolism and provide evidence that the renal handling of the various circulating IRG components may involve different mechanisms. Thus, the metabolism of the 3,500-mol wt fraction is dependent upon glomerular filtration, while the uptake of the 9,000-mol wt material can proceed in its absence, as long as renal tissue remains adequately perfused. This finding suggests that the 9,000-mol wt component may be handled by peritubular uptake.", "PMID": 993345} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5123", "title": "The effects of colcemid on hematopoiesis in the mouse.", "content": "Colcemid was found to induce a dose and schedule dependent marrow magakaryocytosis and peripheral thrombocytosis. The response could be divided into early and late components. The early component appears to have been due to a direct stimulatory effect, probably by enhancement of endoreduplication in metaphase arrested megakaryocyte precursors. The ealy stimulatory response was blunted on toxic drug schedules. In contrast, the late component of the thrombopoietic response was demonstrated best on the most toxic drug schedules. It coincided temporally with the reactive restoration of the mononuclear marrow and blood cell elements, respectively. Thus, the late component appears to be a nonspecific rebound phenomenon. On comparing the thrombopoietic properties of Colcemid with those of the vinca alkaloids in experimental systems, the former appears to have a more favorable therapeutic index. The data suggest that colchicine and its derivatives may be useful agents in the treatment of clinical thrombocytopenic states.", "contents": "The effects of colcemid on hematopoiesis in the mouse. Colcemid was found to induce a dose and schedule dependent marrow magakaryocytosis and peripheral thrombocytosis. The response could be divided into early and late components. The early component appears to have been due to a direct stimulatory effect, probably by enhancement of endoreduplication in metaphase arrested megakaryocyte precursors. The ealy stimulatory response was blunted on toxic drug schedules. In contrast, the late component of the thrombopoietic response was demonstrated best on the most toxic drug schedules. It coincided temporally with the reactive restoration of the mononuclear marrow and blood cell elements, respectively. Thus, the late component appears to be a nonspecific rebound phenomenon. On comparing the thrombopoietic properties of Colcemid with those of the vinca alkaloids in experimental systems, the former appears to have a more favorable therapeutic index. The data suggest that colchicine and its derivatives may be useful agents in the treatment of clinical thrombocytopenic states.", "PMID": 993346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5124", "title": "Relationship between epicardial ST-segment elevation and myocardial ischemic damage after experimental coronary artery occlusion in dogs.", "content": "The relationship between early and late epicardial electrocardiographic changes as well as those in regional myocardial blood flow (MBF) and the severity of myocardial damage was determined in 12 anesthetized dogs with left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Radioactive microspheres (15 mum) were used to measure regional MBF at 15 min (early) and 24 h (late) after coronary occlusion. Severity of myocardial damage was assessed by the extent of myocardial creatine phosphokinase depletion 24 h after coronary ligation. There was a close linear correlation between myocardial creatine phosphokinase activity and regional MBF both early (r=0.93, 2P less than 0.001) and late (r=0.88, 2P less than 0.001). An inverse but less precise relationship existed between acute epicardial ST-segment elevation and early (r=-0.41, 2P less than 0.001), or late (r=0.35, 2P less than 0.05) regional MBF. Similarly, a weak correlation was found between myocardial creatine phosphokinase (IU/mg protein) at 24 h and early epicardial ST (millivolt) elevation (r=-0.36, 2P less than 0.02). In the center zones of the infarct with MBF 1/10 of normal, about 35% of the areas with normal QRS width had no epicardial ST-segment elevation 15 min after coronary occlusion. About 44% of the areas which developed pathological Q-waves in the electrocardiogram at 24 h had no ST elevation 15 min after coronary ligation. Late evolution of abnormal Q-waves occurred almost invariably in areas in which the early MBF was reduced to less than 50% of normal and in areas which subsequently had myocardial creatine phosphokinase levels reduced to less than 60% of normal. After coronary occlusion, the severity of the ultimate myocardial damage, which was directly proportional to the degree of reduction in MBF, was therefore not reliably predicted by the early epicardial ST-segment elevation. The data obtained in these studies suggest the need for caution in the use of acute ST-segment elevation as a predictive index of the extent or severity of myocardial ischemic damage.", "contents": "Relationship between epicardial ST-segment elevation and myocardial ischemic damage after experimental coronary artery occlusion in dogs. The relationship between early and late epicardial electrocardiographic changes as well as those in regional myocardial blood flow (MBF) and the severity of myocardial damage was determined in 12 anesthetized dogs with left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Radioactive microspheres (15 mum) were used to measure regional MBF at 15 min (early) and 24 h (late) after coronary occlusion. Severity of myocardial damage was assessed by the extent of myocardial creatine phosphokinase depletion 24 h after coronary ligation. There was a close linear correlation between myocardial creatine phosphokinase activity and regional MBF both early (r=0.93, 2P less than 0.001) and late (r=0.88, 2P less than 0.001). An inverse but less precise relationship existed between acute epicardial ST-segment elevation and early (r=-0.41, 2P less than 0.001), or late (r=0.35, 2P less than 0.05) regional MBF. Similarly, a weak correlation was found between myocardial creatine phosphokinase (IU/mg protein) at 24 h and early epicardial ST (millivolt) elevation (r=-0.36, 2P less than 0.02). In the center zones of the infarct with MBF 1/10 of normal, about 35% of the areas with normal QRS width had no epicardial ST-segment elevation 15 min after coronary occlusion. About 44% of the areas which developed pathological Q-waves in the electrocardiogram at 24 h had no ST elevation 15 min after coronary ligation. Late evolution of abnormal Q-waves occurred almost invariably in areas in which the early MBF was reduced to less than 50% of normal and in areas which subsequently had myocardial creatine phosphokinase levels reduced to less than 60% of normal. After coronary occlusion, the severity of the ultimate myocardial damage, which was directly proportional to the degree of reduction in MBF, was therefore not reliably predicted by the early epicardial ST-segment elevation. The data obtained in these studies suggest the need for caution in the use of acute ST-segment elevation as a predictive index of the extent or severity of myocardial ischemic damage.", "PMID": 993347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5125", "title": "A study of the intrarenal recycling of urea in the rat with chronic experimental pyelonephritis.", "content": "The concentrating ability of the kidney was studied by clearance and micropuncture techniques and tissue slice analyses in normal rats with two intact kidneys (intact controls), normal rats with a solitary kidney (uninephrectomized controls), and uremic rats with a single pyelonephritic kidney. Urinary osmolality after water deprivation for 24 h and administration of antidiuretic hormone was 2,501+/-217 and 2,874+/-392 mosmol/kg H2O in intact and uninephrectomized control rats, respectively, and 929+/-130 mosmol/kg H2O in pyelonephritic rats (P less than 0.001 compared to each control group). Fractional water reabsorption and concentrating ability were significantly decreased in the pyelonephritic group, and, to achieve an equivalent fractional excretion of urea, a greater fractional excretion of water was required in the pyelonephritic rats than in the control rats. Whole animal glomerular filtration rate was 1.57+/-0.19 ml/min and 1.39+/-0.18 ml/min in intact and in uninephrectomized controls, respectively, and 0.30+/-0.07 ml/min in pyelonephritic rats (P less than 0.001 compared to each control group). Single nephron glomerular filtration rate was 35.6+/-3.8 nl/min in intact control rats and was significantly increased (P less than 0.05) in both uninephrectomized (88.0+/-10.8 nl/min) and pyelonephritic rats (71.5+/-14.4 nl/min). In all groups fractional water delivery and fractional sodium delivery were closely comparable at the end of the proximal convoluted tubule and at the beginning of the distal convoluted tubule. In contrast, fractional urea delivery out of the proximal tubule was greater in the intact control group (73+/-8%) than in either the uninephrectomized (52+/-2%) or the pyelonephritic group (53+/-3%) (P less than 0.005). Fractional urea delivery at the early part of the distal tubule increased significantly to 137+/-11% and 93+/-6% of the filtered load in intact control and uninephrectomized control rats, respectively (P less than 0.001 compared to the late proximal values of each group), but failed to increase significantly in pyelonephritic rats (65+/-13%), indicating interruption of the normal recycling of urea in the latter group. Analysis of tissue slices demonstrated a rising corticopapillary gradient for total tissue water solute concentration as well as for tissue water urea concentration in both groups of control rats. In contrast, the pyelonephritic animals exhibited no similar gradients from cortex to papilla. These data indicate that the pyelonephritic kidney fails to recycle urea and accumulate interstitial solute. The latter must inevitably lead to a concentrating defect.", "contents": "A study of the intrarenal recycling of urea in the rat with chronic experimental pyelonephritis. The concentrating ability of the kidney was studied by clearance and micropuncture techniques and tissue slice analyses in normal rats with two intact kidneys (intact controls), normal rats with a solitary kidney (uninephrectomized controls), and uremic rats with a single pyelonephritic kidney. Urinary osmolality after water deprivation for 24 h and administration of antidiuretic hormone was 2,501+/-217 and 2,874+/-392 mosmol/kg H2O in intact and uninephrectomized control rats, respectively, and 929+/-130 mosmol/kg H2O in pyelonephritic rats (P less than 0.001 compared to each control group). Fractional water reabsorption and concentrating ability were significantly decreased in the pyelonephritic group, and, to achieve an equivalent fractional excretion of urea, a greater fractional excretion of water was required in the pyelonephritic rats than in the control rats. Whole animal glomerular filtration rate was 1.57+/-0.19 ml/min and 1.39+/-0.18 ml/min in intact and in uninephrectomized controls, respectively, and 0.30+/-0.07 ml/min in pyelonephritic rats (P less than 0.001 compared to each control group). Single nephron glomerular filtration rate was 35.6+/-3.8 nl/min in intact control rats and was significantly increased (P less than 0.05) in both uninephrectomized (88.0+/-10.8 nl/min) and pyelonephritic rats (71.5+/-14.4 nl/min). In all groups fractional water delivery and fractional sodium delivery were closely comparable at the end of the proximal convoluted tubule and at the beginning of the distal convoluted tubule. In contrast, fractional urea delivery out of the proximal tubule was greater in the intact control group (73+/-8%) than in either the uninephrectomized (52+/-2%) or the pyelonephritic group (53+/-3%) (P less than 0.005). Fractional urea delivery at the early part of the distal tubule increased significantly to 137+/-11% and 93+/-6% of the filtered load in intact control and uninephrectomized control rats, respectively (P less than 0.001 compared to the late proximal values of each group), but failed to increase significantly in pyelonephritic rats (65+/-13%), indicating interruption of the normal recycling of urea in the latter group. Analysis of tissue slices demonstrated a rising corticopapillary gradient for total tissue water solute concentration as well as for tissue water urea concentration in both groups of control rats. In contrast, the pyelonephritic animals exhibited no similar gradients from cortex to papilla. These data indicate that the pyelonephritic kidney fails to recycle urea and accumulate interstitial solute. The latter must inevitably lead to a concentrating defect.", "PMID": 993348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5126", "title": "Potasssium transport in human blood lymphocytes treated with phytohemagglutinin.", "content": "We have confirmed that phytohemagglutinin (PHA) rapidly enhances the uptake of potassium (K+) by human blood lymphocytes. PHA, however, did not produce an increase in lymphocyte K+ concentration. The apparent steady-state of cell K+ concentration despite the marked increase in uptake of 42K+ could be explained by either an increase in K+-K+ exchange or an increase in concentrative (active) K+ accumulation in association with an increase in the leak of K+ from the cell. We compared, therefore, the uptake of 42K+ with the decrement in cellular K+ content when active transport was inhibited by ouabain. These studies established that K+-K+ exchange was negligible in human blood lymphocytes and that the increase in 42K+ uptake after PHA treatment represented concentrative transport. Our studies did indicate that 42K+ exodus from PHA treated lymphocytes increased markedly from 19 to 38 mmol-1 cell water-1-h-1. Within the same time period K+ influx into PHA-treated lymphocytes increased from 20 to 38 mmol-1 cell water-1-h-1. Thus, PHA produces a marked increase in the permeability of the lymphocyte membrane to K+, and the increase in active K+ influx in PHA-treated lymphocytes may represent a homeostatic response by the membrane K+ transport system to the increase in K+ efflux. Increased K+ turnover was observed at the lowest concentrations of PHA which produced an observable increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. Thus, PHA produces an increase in K+ permeability that closely parallels its mitogenic effect. The rapid increase in K+ influx preceding blastogenesis and mitogenesis is required, therefore, to maintain normal intracellular K+ concentration. An adequate intracellular K+ concentration is essential for the synthetic processes required for cell transformation or division.", "contents": "Potasssium transport in human blood lymphocytes treated with phytohemagglutinin. We have confirmed that phytohemagglutinin (PHA) rapidly enhances the uptake of potassium (K+) by human blood lymphocytes. PHA, however, did not produce an increase in lymphocyte K+ concentration. The apparent steady-state of cell K+ concentration despite the marked increase in uptake of 42K+ could be explained by either an increase in K+-K+ exchange or an increase in concentrative (active) K+ accumulation in association with an increase in the leak of K+ from the cell. We compared, therefore, the uptake of 42K+ with the decrement in cellular K+ content when active transport was inhibited by ouabain. These studies established that K+-K+ exchange was negligible in human blood lymphocytes and that the increase in 42K+ uptake after PHA treatment represented concentrative transport. Our studies did indicate that 42K+ exodus from PHA treated lymphocytes increased markedly from 19 to 38 mmol-1 cell water-1-h-1. Within the same time period K+ influx into PHA-treated lymphocytes increased from 20 to 38 mmol-1 cell water-1-h-1. Thus, PHA produces a marked increase in the permeability of the lymphocyte membrane to K+, and the increase in active K+ influx in PHA-treated lymphocytes may represent a homeostatic response by the membrane K+ transport system to the increase in K+ efflux. Increased K+ turnover was observed at the lowest concentrations of PHA which produced an observable increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. Thus, PHA produces an increase in K+ permeability that closely parallels its mitogenic effect. The rapid increase in K+ influx preceding blastogenesis and mitogenesis is required, therefore, to maintain normal intracellular K+ concentration. An adequate intracellular K+ concentration is essential for the synthetic processes required for cell transformation or division.", "PMID": 993349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5127", "title": "Flaujeac factor deficiency. Reconstitution with highly purified bovine high molecular weight-kininogen and delineation of a new permeability-enhancing peptide released by plasma kallikrein from bovine high molecular weight-kininogen.", "content": "Flaujeac trait is the functional deficiency of a plasma protein of the intrinsic coagulation, kinin-forming, and plasma fibrinolytic pathways. The Flaujeac factor in man has been isolated and tentatively identified as a kininogen of high molecular weight (HMW). Highly purified bovine HMW-kininogen, but not bovine low molecular weight kininogen, repaired Flaujeac factor deficiency. The two subspecies of this molecule, HMW-kininogen a and HMW-kininogen b, also corrected Flaujeac factor deficiency. When bovine HMW-kininogen was incubated with bovine plasma kallikrein, kinin-free HMW-kininogen, bradykinin, and a glycopeptide fragment (peptide 1-2; 12,584 daltons) were rapidly released. None of these fragmentation products corrected Flaujeac factor deficiency alone or in mixtures. The function of HMW-kininogen appeared to depend upon the structural integrity of the native molecule. When injected in concentrations of 2 pmol-8 nmol/0.1 ml, peptide 1-2 caused increased vascular permeability in rabbits, rats, or guinea pigs. The enhanced permeability was maximal within 1-2 min and terminated in 5-10 min, differing from that of bradykinin or histamine. Injected together in equimolar amounts, peptide 1-2 and bradykinin produced a synergistic permeability response which was immediate in onset as well as prolonged in duration. Peptide 1-2 is a rapidly acting, highly basic glyco-peptide which mediates increased vascular permeability in a complementary and synergistic manner with bradykinin.", "contents": "Flaujeac factor deficiency. Reconstitution with highly purified bovine high molecular weight-kininogen and delineation of a new permeability-enhancing peptide released by plasma kallikrein from bovine high molecular weight-kininogen. Flaujeac trait is the functional deficiency of a plasma protein of the intrinsic coagulation, kinin-forming, and plasma fibrinolytic pathways. The Flaujeac factor in man has been isolated and tentatively identified as a kininogen of high molecular weight (HMW). Highly purified bovine HMW-kininogen, but not bovine low molecular weight kininogen, repaired Flaujeac factor deficiency. The two subspecies of this molecule, HMW-kininogen a and HMW-kininogen b, also corrected Flaujeac factor deficiency. When bovine HMW-kininogen was incubated with bovine plasma kallikrein, kinin-free HMW-kininogen, bradykinin, and a glycopeptide fragment (peptide 1-2; 12,584 daltons) were rapidly released. None of these fragmentation products corrected Flaujeac factor deficiency alone or in mixtures. The function of HMW-kininogen appeared to depend upon the structural integrity of the native molecule. When injected in concentrations of 2 pmol-8 nmol/0.1 ml, peptide 1-2 caused increased vascular permeability in rabbits, rats, or guinea pigs. The enhanced permeability was maximal within 1-2 min and terminated in 5-10 min, differing from that of bradykinin or histamine. Injected together in equimolar amounts, peptide 1-2 and bradykinin produced a synergistic permeability response which was immediate in onset as well as prolonged in duration. Peptide 1-2 is a rapidly acting, highly basic glyco-peptide which mediates increased vascular permeability in a complementary and synergistic manner with bradykinin.", "PMID": 993350} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5128", "title": "The role of insulin and glucagon in the regulation of basal glucose production in the postabsorptive dog.", "content": "The aim of the present experiments was to determine the role of insulin and glucagon in the regulation of basal glucose production in dogs fasted overnight. A deficiency of either or both pancreatic hormones was achieved by infusin somatostatin (1 mug/kg per min), a potent inhibitor of both insulin and glucagon secretion, alone or in combination with intraportal replacement infusions of either pancreatic hormone. Infusion of somatostatin alone caused the arterial levels of insulin and glucagon to drop rapidly by 72+/-6 and 81+/-8%, respectively. Intraportal infusion of insulin and glucagon at rates of 400 muU/kg per min and 1 ng/kg per min, respectively, resulted in the maintenance of the basal levels of each hormone. Glucose production was measured using tracer (primed constant infusion of [3-3H]glucose) and arteriovenous difference techniques. Isolated glucagon deficiency resulted in a 35+/-5% (P less than 0.05) rapid and sustained decrease in glucose production which was abolished upon restoration of the plasma glucagon level. Isolated insulin deficiency resulted in a 52+/-16% (P less than 0.01) increase in the rate of glucose production which was abolished when the insulin level was restored. Somatostatin had no effect on glucose production when the changes in the pancreatic hormone levels which it normally induces were prevented by simultaneous intraportal infusion of both insulin and glucagon. In conclusion, in the anesthetized dog fasted overnight; (a) basal glucagon is responsible for at least one-third of basal glucose production, (b) basal insulin prevents the increased glucose production which would result from the unrestrained action of glucagon, and (c) somatostatin has no acute effects on glucose turnover other than those it induces through perturbation of pancreatic hormone secretion. This study indicates that the opposing actions of the two pancreatic hormones are important in the regulation of basal glucose production in the postabsorptive state.", "contents": "The role of insulin and glucagon in the regulation of basal glucose production in the postabsorptive dog. The aim of the present experiments was to determine the role of insulin and glucagon in the regulation of basal glucose production in dogs fasted overnight. A deficiency of either or both pancreatic hormones was achieved by infusin somatostatin (1 mug/kg per min), a potent inhibitor of both insulin and glucagon secretion, alone or in combination with intraportal replacement infusions of either pancreatic hormone. Infusion of somatostatin alone caused the arterial levels of insulin and glucagon to drop rapidly by 72+/-6 and 81+/-8%, respectively. Intraportal infusion of insulin and glucagon at rates of 400 muU/kg per min and 1 ng/kg per min, respectively, resulted in the maintenance of the basal levels of each hormone. Glucose production was measured using tracer (primed constant infusion of [3-3H]glucose) and arteriovenous difference techniques. Isolated glucagon deficiency resulted in a 35+/-5% (P less than 0.05) rapid and sustained decrease in glucose production which was abolished upon restoration of the plasma glucagon level. Isolated insulin deficiency resulted in a 52+/-16% (P less than 0.01) increase in the rate of glucose production which was abolished when the insulin level was restored. Somatostatin had no effect on glucose production when the changes in the pancreatic hormone levels which it normally induces were prevented by simultaneous intraportal infusion of both insulin and glucagon. In conclusion, in the anesthetized dog fasted overnight; (a) basal glucagon is responsible for at least one-third of basal glucose production, (b) basal insulin prevents the increased glucose production which would result from the unrestrained action of glucagon, and (c) somatostatin has no acute effects on glucose turnover other than those it induces through perturbation of pancreatic hormone secretion. This study indicates that the opposing actions of the two pancreatic hormones are important in the regulation of basal glucose production in the postabsorptive state.", "PMID": 993351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5129", "title": "Correlation between insulin receptor binding in isolated fat cells and insulin sensitivity in obese human subjects.", "content": "This study examined the relationship between receptor binding of insulin in a metabolically significant target tissue in vitro and sensitivity to insulin in vivo in obese human subjects. Specific insulin binding was measured at 24 degrees C in isolated enlarged fat cells obtained from 16 patients, by observing the effect of increasing concentrations of unlabeled insulin on the binding of [125I]insulin. Scratchard plots of the binding data were curvilinear with an upward concavity, similarity shaped, and essentially parallel. Kinetic studies on the dissociation of [125I]insulin from fat cells indicated that these curvilinear Scratchard plots could be explained by the presence of site:site interactions of the negative cooperative type. Differences in binding between individual patients were predominantly due to differences in the numbers of receptor sites whether expressed in relation to cell number, cell volume, or cell surface area. These findings were not accounted for by differences in [125I]insulin degradation. Acute exposure of adipose tissue to insulin in vitro had no significant effect on [125I]insulin binding to isolated cells. The number of receptor sites was directly correlated with insulin sensitivity in vivo, measured as the rate constant (Kitt) for the fall in blood glucose after intravenous insulin, and was inversely correlated with the level of fasting plasma insulin. These findings corroborate those from other studies using human mononuclear leukocytes and various tissues from the obese mouse, which indicate that decreased insulin binding is a characteristic feature of insulin resistance in obesity.", "contents": "Correlation between insulin receptor binding in isolated fat cells and insulin sensitivity in obese human subjects. This study examined the relationship between receptor binding of insulin in a metabolically significant target tissue in vitro and sensitivity to insulin in vivo in obese human subjects. Specific insulin binding was measured at 24 degrees C in isolated enlarged fat cells obtained from 16 patients, by observing the effect of increasing concentrations of unlabeled insulin on the binding of [125I]insulin. Scratchard plots of the binding data were curvilinear with an upward concavity, similarity shaped, and essentially parallel. Kinetic studies on the dissociation of [125I]insulin from fat cells indicated that these curvilinear Scratchard plots could be explained by the presence of site:site interactions of the negative cooperative type. Differences in binding between individual patients were predominantly due to differences in the numbers of receptor sites whether expressed in relation to cell number, cell volume, or cell surface area. These findings were not accounted for by differences in [125I]insulin degradation. Acute exposure of adipose tissue to insulin in vitro had no significant effect on [125I]insulin binding to isolated cells. The number of receptor sites was directly correlated with insulin sensitivity in vivo, measured as the rate constant (Kitt) for the fall in blood glucose after intravenous insulin, and was inversely correlated with the level of fasting plasma insulin. These findings corroborate those from other studies using human mononuclear leukocytes and various tissues from the obese mouse, which indicate that decreased insulin binding is a characteristic feature of insulin resistance in obesity.", "PMID": 993352} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5130", "title": "Characterization of antibodies to the insulin receptor: a cause of insulin-resistant diabetes in man.", "content": "We have characterized the circulating inhibitor of insulin receptor binding found in several patients with a new syndrome of extreme insulin resistance. The inhibitor is an immunoglobulin by multiple criteria, including precipitation by 33% ammonium sulfate, migration on G-200 Sephadex gel filtration and DEAE chromatography, and immuno-precipitation with specific anti-human immuno-globulins. Although predominantly IgG, some activity is found in the IgM fraction of the immunoglobulins in one patient. The inhibitory immunoglobulins reacted with antisera to both kappa and lambda light chain determinants and are therefore polyclonal. In addition, activity is retained in the F(ab')2 fraction of pepsin-digested IgG. Evidence suggests that these antibodies are directed at determinants on or near the insulin receptor, and that they are responsible for the observed clinical insulin resistance.", "contents": "Characterization of antibodies to the insulin receptor: a cause of insulin-resistant diabetes in man. We have characterized the circulating inhibitor of insulin receptor binding found in several patients with a new syndrome of extreme insulin resistance. The inhibitor is an immunoglobulin by multiple criteria, including precipitation by 33% ammonium sulfate, migration on G-200 Sephadex gel filtration and DEAE chromatography, and immuno-precipitation with specific anti-human immuno-globulins. Although predominantly IgG, some activity is found in the IgM fraction of the immunoglobulins in one patient. The inhibitory immunoglobulins reacted with antisera to both kappa and lambda light chain determinants and are therefore polyclonal. In addition, activity is retained in the F(ab')2 fraction of pepsin-digested IgG. Evidence suggests that these antibodies are directed at determinants on or near the insulin receptor, and that they are responsible for the observed clinical insulin resistance.", "PMID": 993353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5131", "title": "Effects of fasting on insulin binding, glucose transport, and glucose oxidation in isolated rat adipocytes: relationships between insulin receptors and insulin action.", "content": "Insulin binding, glucose transport, and glucose oxidation were studied in isolated adipocytes obtained from fasting rats. Fasting led to an increase in the overall binding affinity for insulin, while the number of receptor sites per cell remained constant. Glucose oxidation was markedly attenuated during fasting. Basal rates of oxidation decreased by about 50%, while insulin-stimulated rates decreased 6 to 10-fold. Glucose transport was assessed by measuring initial uptake rate of 2-deoxy-glucose. Fasting led to a 40-50% decrease in the apparent maximal transport capacity (Vmax) of 2-deoxy-glucose uptake with no change in apparent Km. A progressive decrease in basal and insulin-stimulated rates of 2-deoxy-glucose uptake was seen from 24-72 h of starvation and a significant correlation (r=0.85, P less than 0.001) existed between basal and maximal insulin-stimulated uptake rates in individual animals. When 2-deoxy-glucose uptake was plotted as a function of insulin bound, due to the decrease in maximal uptake capacity, cells from fasting animals took up less hexose for any amount of insulin bound. When the insulin bound was plotted as a function of the percent insulin effect on uptake, control cells and cells from 24-h-fasted rats gave comparable results, while cells from 48- and 72-h-fasted animals still took up less hexose for any amount of bound insulin. The effects of fasting on 3-O-methyl glucose uptake were comparable to the 2-deoxy-glucose data. (a) insulin binding is increased during fasting due to an increased overall binding affinity with no change in receptor number; (b) glucose oxidation is severely impaired during fasting; (c) 2-deoxy-glucose uptake decreases with fasting due to a decrease in maximal transport capacity (Vmax) with no change in Km; (d) the decrease in glucose oxidation is much greater than the decrease in glucose transport, indicating impaired intracellular oxidative metabolism; and (e) coupling between insulin receptors and the glucose transport system is normal after 24 h of fasting but is impaired at 48 and 72 h.", "contents": "Effects of fasting on insulin binding, glucose transport, and glucose oxidation in isolated rat adipocytes: relationships between insulin receptors and insulin action. Insulin binding, glucose transport, and glucose oxidation were studied in isolated adipocytes obtained from fasting rats. Fasting led to an increase in the overall binding affinity for insulin, while the number of receptor sites per cell remained constant. Glucose oxidation was markedly attenuated during fasting. Basal rates of oxidation decreased by about 50%, while insulin-stimulated rates decreased 6 to 10-fold. Glucose transport was assessed by measuring initial uptake rate of 2-deoxy-glucose. Fasting led to a 40-50% decrease in the apparent maximal transport capacity (Vmax) of 2-deoxy-glucose uptake with no change in apparent Km. A progressive decrease in basal and insulin-stimulated rates of 2-deoxy-glucose uptake was seen from 24-72 h of starvation and a significant correlation (r=0.85, P less than 0.001) existed between basal and maximal insulin-stimulated uptake rates in individual animals. When 2-deoxy-glucose uptake was plotted as a function of insulin bound, due to the decrease in maximal uptake capacity, cells from fasting animals took up less hexose for any amount of insulin bound. When the insulin bound was plotted as a function of the percent insulin effect on uptake, control cells and cells from 24-h-fasted rats gave comparable results, while cells from 48- and 72-h-fasted animals still took up less hexose for any amount of bound insulin. The effects of fasting on 3-O-methyl glucose uptake were comparable to the 2-deoxy-glucose data. (a) insulin binding is increased during fasting due to an increased overall binding affinity with no change in receptor number; (b) glucose oxidation is severely impaired during fasting; (c) 2-deoxy-glucose uptake decreases with fasting due to a decrease in maximal transport capacity (Vmax) with no change in Km; (d) the decrease in glucose oxidation is much greater than the decrease in glucose transport, indicating impaired intracellular oxidative metabolism; and (e) coupling between insulin receptors and the glucose transport system is normal after 24 h of fasting but is impaired at 48 and 72 h.", "PMID": 993354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5132", "title": "Quantitation of human gamma globin genes and gamma globin mRNA with purified gamma globin complementary DNA.", "content": "Complementary DNA (cDNA) specific for gamma-globin nucleotide sequences has been prepared by hybridizing total cDNA made from cord blood messenger RNA (mRNA) as template to an excess of normal adult human globin mRNA and recovering the single-stranded cDNA from hydroxylapatite. The specificity of the gamma cDNA for gamma mRNA sequences is strongly supported by the hybridization of this cDNA at low Cot values (Co, concentration of RNA and t, time in seconds) to RNA samples containing large amounts of functional gamma globin mRNA and the lack of hybridization to RNA samples containing little, if any, gamma-globin mRNA. The absence of cross-hybridization of gamma cDNA with alpha, beta, and delta mRNAs is demonstrated by the complete hybridization of the gamma cDNA to mRNA samples completely lacking either alpha or beta and delta mRNA. An estimate of the number of gamma-globin genes in human cellular DNA was obtained by hybridization of purified gamma cDNA to DNA from spleen and white blood cells of normal and beta-thalassemia subjects and measurement of the percent of gamma cDNA hybridized at saturation. The results indicate that there are between one and two gamma-globin genes per total haploid gene DNA equivalent obtained from both normal and beta-thalassemia subjects. These values are consistent with genetic evidence for the presence of multiple gamma gene loci in human cells. The finding that the number of gamma-globin genes in beta-thalassemia DNA is similar to that in nonthalassemia DNA indicates that a deletion of gamma-globin genes cannot account for either the inadequate gamma-globin synthesis or indirectly for the decreased or absent beta-globin synthesis in beta-thalassemia cells.", "contents": "Quantitation of human gamma globin genes and gamma globin mRNA with purified gamma globin complementary DNA. Complementary DNA (cDNA) specific for gamma-globin nucleotide sequences has been prepared by hybridizing total cDNA made from cord blood messenger RNA (mRNA) as template to an excess of normal adult human globin mRNA and recovering the single-stranded cDNA from hydroxylapatite. The specificity of the gamma cDNA for gamma mRNA sequences is strongly supported by the hybridization of this cDNA at low Cot values (Co, concentration of RNA and t, time in seconds) to RNA samples containing large amounts of functional gamma globin mRNA and the lack of hybridization to RNA samples containing little, if any, gamma-globin mRNA. The absence of cross-hybridization of gamma cDNA with alpha, beta, and delta mRNAs is demonstrated by the complete hybridization of the gamma cDNA to mRNA samples completely lacking either alpha or beta and delta mRNA. An estimate of the number of gamma-globin genes in human cellular DNA was obtained by hybridization of purified gamma cDNA to DNA from spleen and white blood cells of normal and beta-thalassemia subjects and measurement of the percent of gamma cDNA hybridized at saturation. The results indicate that there are between one and two gamma-globin genes per total haploid gene DNA equivalent obtained from both normal and beta-thalassemia subjects. These values are consistent with genetic evidence for the presence of multiple gamma gene loci in human cells. The finding that the number of gamma-globin genes in beta-thalassemia DNA is similar to that in nonthalassemia DNA indicates that a deletion of gamma-globin genes cannot account for either the inadequate gamma-globin synthesis or indirectly for the decreased or absent beta-globin synthesis in beta-thalassemia cells.", "PMID": 993355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5133", "title": "Action of cholecystokinin and cholinergic agents on membrane-bound calcium in dispersed pancreatic acinar cells.", "content": "In dispersed acinar cells prepared from guinea pig pancreas, cellular uptake of 45Ca was moderately rapid and reached a steady state by 60 min. At the steady state, 69% of total cellular 45Ca was membrane-bound. In acinar cells preloaded with 45Ca and then incubated with COOH-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-OP) or carbamylcholine, total cellular 45Ca decreased by approximately 40% within 5-10 min and then steadily increased to control values by 60 min. Under identical conditions, membrane-bound 45Ca decreased by 40% within 5-10 min and remained constant for the duration of the incubation. Free cellular 45Ca did not change during the initial 30 min but then increased steadily to values three times those in control cells by 60 min. In cells preloaded with 45Ca and then incubated with EDTA, the loss of total cellular radioactivity stimulated by CCK-OP could be accounted for by loss of membrane-bound 45Ca. CCK-OP failed to alter total cellular uptake of 45Ca when both tracer and peptide were added at the beginning of the incubation. Under identical conditions, membrane-bound 45Ca was not altered by CCK-OP during the first 30 min of incubation but was significantly below control values after this time. The effect of CCK-OP on free cellular 45Ca was the same as in cells preloaded with the tracer. These results suggest that CCK-OP causes release of 45Ca from a membrane-bound compartment that equilibrates slowly with extracellular fluid and that the change in free cellular 45Ca is a secondary effect.", "contents": "Action of cholecystokinin and cholinergic agents on membrane-bound calcium in dispersed pancreatic acinar cells. In dispersed acinar cells prepared from guinea pig pancreas, cellular uptake of 45Ca was moderately rapid and reached a steady state by 60 min. At the steady state, 69% of total cellular 45Ca was membrane-bound. In acinar cells preloaded with 45Ca and then incubated with COOH-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-OP) or carbamylcholine, total cellular 45Ca decreased by approximately 40% within 5-10 min and then steadily increased to control values by 60 min. Under identical conditions, membrane-bound 45Ca decreased by 40% within 5-10 min and remained constant for the duration of the incubation. Free cellular 45Ca did not change during the initial 30 min but then increased steadily to values three times those in control cells by 60 min. In cells preloaded with 45Ca and then incubated with EDTA, the loss of total cellular radioactivity stimulated by CCK-OP could be accounted for by loss of membrane-bound 45Ca. CCK-OP failed to alter total cellular uptake of 45Ca when both tracer and peptide were added at the beginning of the incubation. Under identical conditions, membrane-bound 45Ca was not altered by CCK-OP during the first 30 min of incubation but was significantly below control values after this time. The effect of CCK-OP on free cellular 45Ca was the same as in cells preloaded with the tracer. These results suggest that CCK-OP causes release of 45Ca from a membrane-bound compartment that equilibrates slowly with extracellular fluid and that the change in free cellular 45Ca is a secondary effect.", "PMID": 993356} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5134", "title": "A factor-analytic study of criteria for evaluating student clinicians in speech pathology.", "content": "This study was designed to determine the most significant criteria used in university training programs to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of student clinicians enrolled in clinical practicum. A total of 152 supervisors in 53 ASHA accredited training programs used 40 criteria to evaluate 207 clinicians engaged in speech and language therapy. Factor analysis yielded two distinct dimensions, Technical Skills and Interpersonal Relationship Factors, and indicated that 18 variables contributed most significantly to the evaluative process. Student clinicians were consistently rated higher on variables related to the interpersonal dimension than on those related to technical skills. The identification and structure of the 18 variables suggests that both technical and interpersonal skills are widely regarded as essential to therapeutic effectiveness. The results provide insight into the nature of clinical evaluation and behavior and suggest a restructuring of criteria for evaluating the process of therapeutic treatment.", "contents": "A factor-analytic study of criteria for evaluating student clinicians in speech pathology. This study was designed to determine the most significant criteria used in university training programs to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of student clinicians enrolled in clinical practicum. A total of 152 supervisors in 53 ASHA accredited training programs used 40 criteria to evaluate 207 clinicians engaged in speech and language therapy. Factor analysis yielded two distinct dimensions, Technical Skills and Interpersonal Relationship Factors, and indicated that 18 variables contributed most significantly to the evaluative process. Student clinicians were consistently rated higher on variables related to the interpersonal dimension than on those related to technical skills. The identification and structure of the 18 variables suggests that both technical and interpersonal skills are widely regarded as essential to therapeutic effectiveness. The results provide insight into the nature of clinical evaluation and behavior and suggest a restructuring of criteria for evaluating the process of therapeutic treatment.", "PMID": 993362} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5135", "title": "Comparative study of three routes of administration of sisomicin.", "content": "A comparative study was performed using three routes of administration of sisomicin (1 mg/kg as single dose): intramuscular injection, intravenous rapid injection, and 1-hour infusion. Intravenous administration resulted in higher blood levels immediately after the injections than by the intramuscular route; however, later, the intramuscular injection resulted in optimal blood levels. High levels of sisomicin which were bactericidal for most Gram-negative bacilli were found in the urine of the treated patients. The antimicrobial activity of the serum obtained 1 hour after administration of sisomicin, as determined against 20 strains of Gram-negative microorganisms isolated from blood cultures, was identical with all three routes of administration of sisomicin.", "contents": "Comparative study of three routes of administration of sisomicin. A comparative study was performed using three routes of administration of sisomicin (1 mg/kg as single dose): intramuscular injection, intravenous rapid injection, and 1-hour infusion. Intravenous administration resulted in higher blood levels immediately after the injections than by the intramuscular route; however, later, the intramuscular injection resulted in optimal blood levels. High levels of sisomicin which were bactericidal for most Gram-negative bacilli were found in the urine of the treated patients. The antimicrobial activity of the serum obtained 1 hour after administration of sisomicin, as determined against 20 strains of Gram-negative microorganisms isolated from blood cultures, was identical with all three routes of administration of sisomicin.", "PMID": 993357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5136", "title": "Verbal behavior of interviewees: the effects of several situational variables on verbal productivity, disfluency, and lexical diversity.", "content": "Interviewer status (high vs. low) and anticipated evaluation (positive vs. negative) were manipulated orthogonally to test competing predictions derived from Hull-Spence and Mahl-Osgoood drive theory hypotheses. The effects of question specificity, interview topic, and interview segment were examined concomitantly. Verbal behavior measures were total words per interviewee response, mean segmental TTR (25), partial mean segmental TTR (25), and ratio of disfluency per response. Results for disfluency tended to support the Mahl-Osgood hypothesis. Lexical diversity results offered weak support for the Hull-Spence hypothesis. Results for verbal productivity failed to support either of the hypotheses and were interpreted as possibly supporting the Duffy-Malmo inverted U hypothesis. Generally, the results suggested that the unitary construct \"drive\" may be inadequate for explaining the effects of specific situational variables upon verbal behavior.", "contents": "Verbal behavior of interviewees: the effects of several situational variables on verbal productivity, disfluency, and lexical diversity. Interviewer status (high vs. low) and anticipated evaluation (positive vs. negative) were manipulated orthogonally to test competing predictions derived from Hull-Spence and Mahl-Osgoood drive theory hypotheses. The effects of question specificity, interview topic, and interview segment were examined concomitantly. Verbal behavior measures were total words per interviewee response, mean segmental TTR (25), partial mean segmental TTR (25), and ratio of disfluency per response. Results for disfluency tended to support the Mahl-Osgood hypothesis. Lexical diversity results offered weak support for the Hull-Spence hypothesis. Results for verbal productivity failed to support either of the hypotheses and were interpreted as possibly supporting the Duffy-Malmo inverted U hypothesis. Generally, the results suggested that the unitary construct \"drive\" may be inadequate for explaining the effects of specific situational variables upon verbal behavior.", "PMID": 993363} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5137", "title": "Self-disclosure in parents of stuttering children.", "content": "A review of the literature suggested a possible relationship between low self-disclosure or avoidance of the self in parents and stuttering in the child within the same family. The present research was designed to test whether there are any differences in self-disclosure between parents of stuttering children and parents of nonstuttering children. The Self-Disclosure Questionnaire, devised by Jourard, was administered to 64 mothers and 64 fathers, half of whom comprised the control groups. The results obtained by analyses of variance indicated that parents of stuttering children do not differ from parents of nonstuttering children in their actual self-disclosure. However, findings as to why disclosure did not occur on certain items indicated that, although the parents of stuttering children do not differ in self-disclosure, they may differ in declining to disclose information when asked for it.", "contents": "Self-disclosure in parents of stuttering children. A review of the literature suggested a possible relationship between low self-disclosure or avoidance of the self in parents and stuttering in the child within the same family. The present research was designed to test whether there are any differences in self-disclosure between parents of stuttering children and parents of nonstuttering children. The Self-Disclosure Questionnaire, devised by Jourard, was administered to 64 mothers and 64 fathers, half of whom comprised the control groups. The results obtained by analyses of variance indicated that parents of stuttering children do not differ from parents of nonstuttering children in their actual self-disclosure. However, findings as to why disclosure did not occur on certain items indicated that, although the parents of stuttering children do not differ in self-disclosure, they may differ in declining to disclose information when asked for it.", "PMID": 993364} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5138", "title": "Renal effects of guanabenz: a new antihypertensive.", "content": "In order to determine the effects of guanabenz upon renal function, clearance studies were performed on hypertensive volunteers during sustained steady-state water diuresis. The data reveal an acute fall in renal hemodynamics and a marked reduction in sodium excretion during the 3rd and 4th hour after administration. Tha antinatriuresis was due to decreased filtration and enhanced distal nephron reabsorption of sodium, principally in association with secretion of potassium. Chronic administration of guanabenz for one week produced a sustained reduction in blood pressure, but there was no change in either body weight or 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. Repeat clearance studies revealed no change with either renal hemodynamics or sodium clearance. The data suggest that the acute antinatriuresis is a transient hemodynamic event and chronic therapy with guanabenz will not be complicated by sodium retention, a feature characteristic of other antihypertensive agents.", "contents": "Renal effects of guanabenz: a new antihypertensive. In order to determine the effects of guanabenz upon renal function, clearance studies were performed on hypertensive volunteers during sustained steady-state water diuresis. The data reveal an acute fall in renal hemodynamics and a marked reduction in sodium excretion during the 3rd and 4th hour after administration. Tha antinatriuresis was due to decreased filtration and enhanced distal nephron reabsorption of sodium, principally in association with secretion of potassium. Chronic administration of guanabenz for one week produced a sustained reduction in blood pressure, but there was no change in either body weight or 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. Repeat clearance studies revealed no change with either renal hemodynamics or sodium clearance. The data suggest that the acute antinatriuresis is a transient hemodynamic event and chronic therapy with guanabenz will not be complicated by sodium retention, a feature characteristic of other antihypertensive agents.", "PMID": 993358} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5139", "title": "Recall of sentence meaning in aphasic and nonaphasic adults.", "content": "The hypothesis that memory for spoken sentences is facilitated by memory for sentence meaning was tested with 16 aphasic and 8 nonaphasic adults. Subjects were asked to make judgments of same or different on pairs of active and passive sentences separated in time. Sentence pairs were either identical in all respects or identical in just grammatical structure, subject-verb-object word order, or meaning. Nonaphasic subjects had higher sentence recognition scores, and larger percentages of meaning preserving responses than aphasic subjects. Aphasic subjects with the highest recognition scores made more meaning preserving responses than aphasic subjects with the lowest recognition scores. The results suggested that memory for spoken sentences is facilitated more by memory for sentence meaning than memory for structure of wording.", "contents": "Recall of sentence meaning in aphasic and nonaphasic adults. The hypothesis that memory for spoken sentences is facilitated by memory for sentence meaning was tested with 16 aphasic and 8 nonaphasic adults. Subjects were asked to make judgments of same or different on pairs of active and passive sentences separated in time. Sentence pairs were either identical in all respects or identical in just grammatical structure, subject-verb-object word order, or meaning. Nonaphasic subjects had higher sentence recognition scores, and larger percentages of meaning preserving responses than aphasic subjects. Aphasic subjects with the highest recognition scores made more meaning preserving responses than aphasic subjects with the lowest recognition scores. The results suggested that memory for spoken sentences is facilitated more by memory for sentence meaning than memory for structure of wording.", "PMID": 993365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5140", "title": "Confusions in recognizing phonemes spoken by esophageal speakers: II. Vowels and diphthongs.", "content": "A methodology was developed to determine the patterns of phonemic errors that listeners would make in receiving the vowels and dipthongs of monosyllables spoken by esophageal speakers. Analyses of the features preserved in the errors were performed. The identified phonemic error patterns and the features found to be poorly preserved in the errors were used to structure multiple-choice intelligibility practice materials for esophageal speakers.", "contents": "Confusions in recognizing phonemes spoken by esophageal speakers: II. Vowels and diphthongs. A methodology was developed to determine the patterns of phonemic errors that listeners would make in receiving the vowels and dipthongs of monosyllables spoken by esophageal speakers. Analyses of the features preserved in the errors were performed. The identified phonemic error patterns and the features found to be poorly preserved in the errors were used to structure multiple-choice intelligibility practice materials for esophageal speakers.", "PMID": 993366} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5141", "title": "Analysis of responses to the Berry-Talbott.", "content": "Sixty 5 1/2-, 6-, and 6 1/2-year-old boys and girls were administered the Berry-Talbott test of language. Twenty adults received the same test. Analyses of variances of children's total scores revealed no differences between sexes and age levels. However, the differences in responses between children and adults, as shown by an item analysis, suggest the presence of a maturational effect but not with the age group investigated. The results indicate that the expected performance levels predicted by Berry and Talbott for this age child as well as some items should be revised. Various hypotheses are offered to explain differences in the response patterns.", "contents": "Analysis of responses to the Berry-Talbott. Sixty 5 1/2-, 6-, and 6 1/2-year-old boys and girls were administered the Berry-Talbott test of language. Twenty adults received the same test. Analyses of variances of children's total scores revealed no differences between sexes and age levels. However, the differences in responses between children and adults, as shown by an item analysis, suggest the presence of a maturational effect but not with the age group investigated. The results indicate that the expected performance levels predicted by Berry and Talbott for this age child as well as some items should be revised. Various hypotheses are offered to explain differences in the response patterns.", "PMID": 993367} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5142", "title": "Effects of visual deprivation and alterations in binocular competition on responses of striate cortex neurons in the cat.", "content": "Electrophysiological recordings were made from single neurons in striate cortex of normally reared kittens (group N), kittens raised with binocular lid-suture (group BD), and kittens raised with one eye lid-sutured and other eye removed (group MD-E). The MD-E group represents a condition in which inputs from the deprived eye have been placed at a competitive advantage over those from the other eye. In agreement with previous studies, fewer cells were responsive to visual stimulation in BD kittens than in N kittens. Among the responsive cells, fewer were direction selective, fewer were orientation selective, and more had inconsistent or fast-adapting responses than in normals. The responsiveness and receptive field properties of striate cortex neurons in the MD-E kittens were less affected by the visual deprivation than in BD kittens; however, they still were abnormal in comparison to normal kittens. Comparison of the ocular dominance distributions for cells in N and BD kittens showed a marked reduction in binocularly driven cells in BD kittens. In addition, in BD kittens, a larger proportion of monocularly driven cells had orientation selective receptive fields than did binocularly driven cells. This difference was not found in normally reared kittens. The results of this study suggest that abnormal binocular interactions contribute to the effects of visual deprivation following binocular lid-suture, probably due to asynchronous light-dark inputs through the closed lids. Removing the other eye and placing inputs from the deprived eye at a competitive advantage during development results in decreased effects on striate cortex neurons. Nevertheless, visual deprivation still produces abnormalities in striate cortex independent of asynchronous or uncorrelated visual stimulation of the two eyes.", "contents": "Effects of visual deprivation and alterations in binocular competition on responses of striate cortex neurons in the cat. Electrophysiological recordings were made from single neurons in striate cortex of normally reared kittens (group N), kittens raised with binocular lid-suture (group BD), and kittens raised with one eye lid-sutured and other eye removed (group MD-E). The MD-E group represents a condition in which inputs from the deprived eye have been placed at a competitive advantage over those from the other eye. In agreement with previous studies, fewer cells were responsive to visual stimulation in BD kittens than in N kittens. Among the responsive cells, fewer were direction selective, fewer were orientation selective, and more had inconsistent or fast-adapting responses than in normals. The responsiveness and receptive field properties of striate cortex neurons in the MD-E kittens were less affected by the visual deprivation than in BD kittens; however, they still were abnormal in comparison to normal kittens. Comparison of the ocular dominance distributions for cells in N and BD kittens showed a marked reduction in binocularly driven cells in BD kittens. In addition, in BD kittens, a larger proportion of monocularly driven cells had orientation selective receptive fields than did binocularly driven cells. This difference was not found in normally reared kittens. The results of this study suggest that abnormal binocular interactions contribute to the effects of visual deprivation following binocular lid-suture, probably due to asynchronous light-dark inputs through the closed lids. Removing the other eye and placing inputs from the deprived eye at a competitive advantage during development results in decreased effects on striate cortex neurons. Nevertheless, visual deprivation still produces abnormalities in striate cortex independent of asynchronous or uncorrelated visual stimulation of the two eyes.", "PMID": 993368} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5143", "title": "Calculation of serum digoxin levels in patients with normal and impaired renal function.", "content": "Serum digoxin levels were examined in 55 patients with varying degrees of renal function impairment who were receiving chronic oral digoxin therapy. Three methods of predicting digoxin serum levels were investigated. Each method may be applied using serum creatinine values and does not require urinary data. Correlations between calculated and actual digoxin levels in combined male and female patients were improved when changes in digoxin distribution volumes in renal impairment were considered. Correlations between calculated and actual digoxin levels were poor in male patients but were again improved by incorporating changes in drug distribution volume. Correlations obtained in female patients were superior to those obtained in male patients and appeared to be independent of the method of calculation employed.", "contents": "Calculation of serum digoxin levels in patients with normal and impaired renal function. Serum digoxin levels were examined in 55 patients with varying degrees of renal function impairment who were receiving chronic oral digoxin therapy. Three methods of predicting digoxin serum levels were investigated. Each method may be applied using serum creatinine values and does not require urinary data. Correlations between calculated and actual digoxin levels in combined male and female patients were improved when changes in digoxin distribution volumes in renal impairment were considered. Correlations between calculated and actual digoxin levels were poor in male patients but were again improved by incorporating changes in drug distribution volume. Correlations obtained in female patients were superior to those obtained in male patients and appeared to be independent of the method of calculation employed.", "PMID": 993361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5144", "title": "Organization and morphologies of acetylcholinesterase-containing neurons in the thalamus and hypothalamus of the rat.", "content": "The distribution and morphologies of neurons containing acetyl cholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) in the thalamus and hypothalamus of the rat were studied by means of a pharmaco-histochemical technique involving staining for AChE (Karnovsky-Roots' procedure) at various times after administration of bis-(u-methylethyl)phosphorofluoridate. This method enables visualization of individual AChE-containing neuronal somata and their processes to a degree not possible with other protocols for the enyzme. The strongest AChE activity occurring at the level of the thalamus is found within the small, round to oval, somata of nucleus anterior dorsalis. Most of the intralaminar nuclei, as well as nucleus reticularis, are composed of medium-sized multipolar neurons displaying moderate to strong AChE activity. Moderately stained AChE neurons are also found in pars ventralis of nucleus geniculatus lateralis and in pars lateralis of nucleus habenularis. Most of the neurons of the lateral and posterior thalamic territories, however, are nearly devoid of AChE. At the level of the hypothalamus, the neurons of nuclei supraoptics and paraventricularis show strong AChE activity. The AChE neurons of nucleus supraopticus are surrounded by numerous AChE-containing processes of some large lateral preoptic area neurons that stain intensely for the enzyme. Numerous intensely stained AChE perikarya occur in the lateral, dorsal, and supra-mammillary hypothalmic areas. These neurons often possess several AChE-containing processes. Nuclei arcuatus and ventomedialis consist mainly of neurons displaying a weak to moderate intensity of AChE staining. At the level of the mamillary bodies most neurons show moderate AChE activity except the neuronal somata of nucleus mammillaris lateralis which stain very strongly for the enzyme.", "contents": "Organization and morphologies of acetylcholinesterase-containing neurons in the thalamus and hypothalamus of the rat. The distribution and morphologies of neurons containing acetyl cholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) in the thalamus and hypothalamus of the rat were studied by means of a pharmaco-histochemical technique involving staining for AChE (Karnovsky-Roots' procedure) at various times after administration of bis-(u-methylethyl)phosphorofluoridate. This method enables visualization of individual AChE-containing neuronal somata and their processes to a degree not possible with other protocols for the enyzme. The strongest AChE activity occurring at the level of the thalamus is found within the small, round to oval, somata of nucleus anterior dorsalis. Most of the intralaminar nuclei, as well as nucleus reticularis, are composed of medium-sized multipolar neurons displaying moderate to strong AChE activity. Moderately stained AChE neurons are also found in pars ventralis of nucleus geniculatus lateralis and in pars lateralis of nucleus habenularis. Most of the neurons of the lateral and posterior thalamic territories, however, are nearly devoid of AChE. At the level of the hypothalamus, the neurons of nuclei supraoptics and paraventricularis show strong AChE activity. The AChE neurons of nucleus supraopticus are surrounded by numerous AChE-containing processes of some large lateral preoptic area neurons that stain intensely for the enzyme. Numerous intensely stained AChE perikarya occur in the lateral, dorsal, and supra-mammillary hypothalmic areas. These neurons often possess several AChE-containing processes. Nuclei arcuatus and ventomedialis consist mainly of neurons displaying a weak to moderate intensity of AChE staining. At the level of the mamillary bodies most neurons show moderate AChE activity except the neuronal somata of nucleus mammillaris lateralis which stain very strongly for the enzyme.", "PMID": 993369} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5145", "title": "The rabbit optic nerve: fibre diameter spectrum, fibre count, and comparison with a retinal ganglion cell count.", "content": "This electron microscopic study indicates that the rabbit optic nerve contains 394,000 +/- 20,000 (p less than 0.05) nerve fibers, of which at least 98% are myelinated. The fibre diameter spectrum of the nerve is unimodal and ranges from 0.25-7 mum with its peak at 0.75 mum. The projection of the visual streak fibres is not apparent in local diameter spectra near the optic nerve head. Integration of a ganglion cell density map of the retina from another rabbit indicates a total ganglion cell count lying between 455,000 and 547,000. The optic nerve fibre and ganglion cell counts are both substantially greater than the maximum fibre count previously reported.", "contents": "The rabbit optic nerve: fibre diameter spectrum, fibre count, and comparison with a retinal ganglion cell count. This electron microscopic study indicates that the rabbit optic nerve contains 394,000 +/- 20,000 (p less than 0.05) nerve fibers, of which at least 98% are myelinated. The fibre diameter spectrum of the nerve is unimodal and ranges from 0.25-7 mum with its peak at 0.75 mum. The projection of the visual streak fibres is not apparent in local diameter spectra near the optic nerve head. Integration of a ganglion cell density map of the retina from another rabbit indicates a total ganglion cell count lying between 455,000 and 547,000. The optic nerve fibre and ganglion cell counts are both substantially greater than the maximum fibre count previously reported.", "PMID": 993370} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5146", "title": "Reduction of the naturally occurring motor neuron loss by enlargement of the periphery.", "content": "Motor hyperplasia following the enlargement of the periphery by implantation of a supernumerary leg is not due to \"remote control\" of proliferation, as shown by motor neuron counts in 6-day chick embryos. We have tested the alternative hypothesis that we are dealing with reduction of the naturally occurring cell death. In normal development, the lumbar lateral motor column (l.m.c.) undergoes motor neuron degeneration resulting in a cell loss of at least 40%, which occurs between six and one-half and nine and one-half days. Following transplantation of supernumerary legs, cases selected for vigorous motility showed a numerical difference between experimental and contralateral (control) sides amounting to +11.0% to +27.5%. The transplants were innervated by varying combinations of thoracic and rostral lumbar nerves. We interpret our data in terms of survival of motor neurons which normally would have failed in a competition at the periphery but which were sustained by the enlarged peripheral fields. Our data do not permit a decision between the two alternatives: competition for synaptic sites or for a trophic agent. The surviving motor neurons are not limited to the rostral segments of the motor column but in most instances distributed along its entire rostro-caudal extent, implying a redistribution of all l.m.c. axons. The term \"hyperplasia\" is no longer appropriate for the phenomenon under consideration and should be replaced by the term \"hypothanasia.\"\"", "contents": "Reduction of the naturally occurring motor neuron loss by enlargement of the periphery. Motor hyperplasia following the enlargement of the periphery by implantation of a supernumerary leg is not due to \"remote control\" of proliferation, as shown by motor neuron counts in 6-day chick embryos. We have tested the alternative hypothesis that we are dealing with reduction of the naturally occurring cell death. In normal development, the lumbar lateral motor column (l.m.c.) undergoes motor neuron degeneration resulting in a cell loss of at least 40%, which occurs between six and one-half and nine and one-half days. Following transplantation of supernumerary legs, cases selected for vigorous motility showed a numerical difference between experimental and contralateral (control) sides amounting to +11.0% to +27.5%. The transplants were innervated by varying combinations of thoracic and rostral lumbar nerves. We interpret our data in terms of survival of motor neurons which normally would have failed in a competition at the periphery but which were sustained by the enlarged peripheral fields. Our data do not permit a decision between the two alternatives: competition for synaptic sites or for a trophic agent. The surviving motor neurons are not limited to the rostral segments of the motor column but in most instances distributed along its entire rostro-caudal extent, implying a redistribution of all l.m.c. axons. The term \"hyperplasia\" is no longer appropriate for the phenomenon under consideration and should be replaced by the term \"hypothanasia.\"\"", "PMID": 993371} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5147", "title": "Circulatory effects of diazepam in heart disease.", "content": "Diazepam was administered to ten patients with heart disease during diagnostic cardiac catheterization, in order to determine whether or not this drug's circulatory actions could alter results obtained during the procedure. Diazepam produced no change in baroreceptor sensitivity; however, there was a significant rise in heart rate and a significant fall in aortic systolic and left ventricular end-diastolic pressures. Cardiac index was unchanged, whereas stroke volume fell significantly. Systemic vascular resistance and peak left ventricular dp/dt did not change throughout the study. Clinical response in terms of sedation was judged to be satisfactory in eight patients, and no adverse effect on respiration was noted. Diazepam has little effect on basal circulatory and respiratory parameters when changes in these parameters are averaged for our ten patients. However, substantial changes in hemodynamic parameters did occur in several individuals, and such alteration in circulatory function must be considered when this agent is used routinely in patients having diagnostic cardiac catheterization.", "contents": "Circulatory effects of diazepam in heart disease. Diazepam was administered to ten patients with heart disease during diagnostic cardiac catheterization, in order to determine whether or not this drug's circulatory actions could alter results obtained during the procedure. Diazepam produced no change in baroreceptor sensitivity; however, there was a significant rise in heart rate and a significant fall in aortic systolic and left ventricular end-diastolic pressures. Cardiac index was unchanged, whereas stroke volume fell significantly. Systemic vascular resistance and peak left ventricular dp/dt did not change throughout the study. Clinical response in terms of sedation was judged to be satisfactory in eight patients, and no adverse effect on respiration was noted. Diazepam has little effect on basal circulatory and respiratory parameters when changes in these parameters are averaged for our ten patients. However, substantial changes in hemodynamic parameters did occur in several individuals, and such alteration in circulatory function must be considered when this agent is used routinely in patients having diagnostic cardiac catheterization.", "PMID": 993359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5148", "title": "A fine structural and E-PTA study of photoreceptor synaptogenesis in the chick retina.", "content": "Photoreceptor synaptogenesis in the embryonic and hatchling chick retina was studied with conventional EM techniques and ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (E-PTA). The photoreceptors line up between 11 and 13 embryonic days with their undifferentiated synaptic bases facing the outer plexiform layer (OPL). E-PTA staining at 11 embryonic days does not reveal any para-membranous specializations of the receptors but numerous stained punctae adhaerentes are observed in the OPL. At 13 embryonic days neurites of presumed bipolar and horizontal neurons are aligned parallel to the bases of the receptors and cytoplasmic protrusions of the receptors project between some of these neurites to form dyad appositions. An osmiophilic undercoating, which is not E-PTA positive at this time, is present on the cytoplasmic face of the receptor membrane in these apposition regions. Between 13 and 15 embryonic days the filopodial protrusions of the receptors continue to elongate further and become aligned with neurites in dyad and triad appositions. The osmiophilic undercoating now extends along the entire inner surface of the receptor pedicle protrusions and becomes E-PTA positive. Between 15 and 17 embryonic days focal aggregations of osmiophilic and E-PTA stained material appear along the membranes of the protrusions and there is some E-PTA staining of the postsynaptic densities and intervening cleft material. Between 17 and 21 embryonic days mature ribbon synapses are observed on the surfaces of the conical-shaped, receptor pedicles where the ribbons and their synaptic vesicles are associated with the dense aggregations (arciform densities), seen earlier as isolated focal aggregations, and the receptor undercoating is restricted to non-synaptic regions. E-PTA staining shows that ribbons are positively stained around their borders only and that they are contiguous with the intensely stained arciform densities. The cleft material and postsynaptic densities of some synapses first stain as V-shaped junctions and later as Y-shaped junctions. These observations suggest that ribbon synaptic junction formation begins with an alignment of pre- and postsynaptic membranes and the presence of the receptor presynaptic membrane undercoating, followed by the appearance of the presynaptic arciform densities and some staining of the cleft material and postsynaptic densities. These events are followed by the appearance of synaptic ribbons which are associated with the presynaptic arciform densities and by a further differentiation of the cleft material and postsynaptic densities.", "contents": "A fine structural and E-PTA study of photoreceptor synaptogenesis in the chick retina. Photoreceptor synaptogenesis in the embryonic and hatchling chick retina was studied with conventional EM techniques and ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (E-PTA). The photoreceptors line up between 11 and 13 embryonic days with their undifferentiated synaptic bases facing the outer plexiform layer (OPL). E-PTA staining at 11 embryonic days does not reveal any para-membranous specializations of the receptors but numerous stained punctae adhaerentes are observed in the OPL. At 13 embryonic days neurites of presumed bipolar and horizontal neurons are aligned parallel to the bases of the receptors and cytoplasmic protrusions of the receptors project between some of these neurites to form dyad appositions. An osmiophilic undercoating, which is not E-PTA positive at this time, is present on the cytoplasmic face of the receptor membrane in these apposition regions. Between 13 and 15 embryonic days the filopodial protrusions of the receptors continue to elongate further and become aligned with neurites in dyad and triad appositions. The osmiophilic undercoating now extends along the entire inner surface of the receptor pedicle protrusions and becomes E-PTA positive. Between 15 and 17 embryonic days focal aggregations of osmiophilic and E-PTA stained material appear along the membranes of the protrusions and there is some E-PTA staining of the postsynaptic densities and intervening cleft material. Between 17 and 21 embryonic days mature ribbon synapses are observed on the surfaces of the conical-shaped, receptor pedicles where the ribbons and their synaptic vesicles are associated with the dense aggregations (arciform densities), seen earlier as isolated focal aggregations, and the receptor undercoating is restricted to non-synaptic regions. E-PTA staining shows that ribbons are positively stained around their borders only and that they are contiguous with the intensely stained arciform densities. The cleft material and postsynaptic densities of some synapses first stain as V-shaped junctions and later as Y-shaped junctions. These observations suggest that ribbon synaptic junction formation begins with an alignment of pre- and postsynaptic membranes and the presence of the receptor presynaptic membrane undercoating, followed by the appearance of the presynaptic arciform densities and some staining of the cleft material and postsynaptic densities. These events are followed by the appearance of synaptic ribbons which are associated with the presynaptic arciform densities and by a further differentiation of the cleft material and postsynaptic densities.", "PMID": 993372} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5149", "title": "Aminoglutethimide in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome.", "content": "The efficacy and tolerability of aminoglutethimide for the treatment of Cushing's syndrome was assessed in 66 cases three of which are described in the present paper. Aminoglutethimide provided palliation from the signs and symptoms of hypercorticism in 13 of 21 patients with metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma and four of six patients with ectopic ACTH production due to metastatic carcinomas. All six of the patients with adrenal adenomas showed clinical and biochemical improvement, while 14 of the 33 patients with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia of pituitary origin improved. Adverse reactions attributed to aminoglutethimide such as drowsiness, rash, and nausea occurred in 58 per cent of cases. These data suggest that aminoglutethimide has a place in controlling the signs and symptoms of adrenocorticoid excess in patients with Cushing's syndrome due to malignancy and is effective preoperative therapy for patients with adrenal adenomas and bilateral hyperplasia.", "contents": "Aminoglutethimide in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome. The efficacy and tolerability of aminoglutethimide for the treatment of Cushing's syndrome was assessed in 66 cases three of which are described in the present paper. Aminoglutethimide provided palliation from the signs and symptoms of hypercorticism in 13 of 21 patients with metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma and four of six patients with ectopic ACTH production due to metastatic carcinomas. All six of the patients with adrenal adenomas showed clinical and biochemical improvement, while 14 of the 33 patients with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia of pituitary origin improved. Adverse reactions attributed to aminoglutethimide such as drowsiness, rash, and nausea occurred in 58 per cent of cases. These data suggest that aminoglutethimide has a place in controlling the signs and symptoms of adrenocorticoid excess in patients with Cushing's syndrome due to malignancy and is effective preoperative therapy for patients with adrenal adenomas and bilateral hyperplasia.", "PMID": 993360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5150", "title": "An ultrastructural morphometric study of mossy fiber endings in pigeon, rat and man.", "content": "Mossy fiber endings and their synapses have an increasing morphological complexity along the phylogenetic scale which is specially evident when the evolution from reptiles to birds is considered. Among birds and mammals, only scanty and merely qualitative differences have been noticed in the mossy fiber organization. In the present study, the mossy fiber endings organization within the neuropil of four pigeons, four rats and six men was studied at optic and ultrastructural levels using morphometric methods. No significant differences were found in the fraction of volume of the neuropil and in the number of granule cells per unit volume of granular layer in all the three species. In man, a significant decrease in the volume of mossy fiber endings per unit volume of neuropil, and significant increases in their surface-to-volume ratio, in the fraction of their neurolemma occupied by synaptic contacts and in the average length of their synaptic contact zones, were found. The total synaptic area of mossy fiber endings per unit volume of neuropil was larger in man than in other animals in spite of their more reduced volume. These results show that significant differences in mossy fiber organization can be demonstrated when man is compared with a small mammal (the rat) and a bird (the pigeon). It is suggested that differences in the stereological organization of man's terminals might be related to his capacity for making finely graded movements. Moreover, it is suggested that the phylogenetic evolution of the mossy fiber organization has progressed among the higher vertebrates as it did in the rest of the animal scale.", "contents": "An ultrastructural morphometric study of mossy fiber endings in pigeon, rat and man. Mossy fiber endings and their synapses have an increasing morphological complexity along the phylogenetic scale which is specially evident when the evolution from reptiles to birds is considered. Among birds and mammals, only scanty and merely qualitative differences have been noticed in the mossy fiber organization. In the present study, the mossy fiber endings organization within the neuropil of four pigeons, four rats and six men was studied at optic and ultrastructural levels using morphometric methods. No significant differences were found in the fraction of volume of the neuropil and in the number of granule cells per unit volume of granular layer in all the three species. In man, a significant decrease in the volume of mossy fiber endings per unit volume of neuropil, and significant increases in their surface-to-volume ratio, in the fraction of their neurolemma occupied by synaptic contacts and in the average length of their synaptic contact zones, were found. The total synaptic area of mossy fiber endings per unit volume of neuropil was larger in man than in other animals in spite of their more reduced volume. These results show that significant differences in mossy fiber organization can be demonstrated when man is compared with a small mammal (the rat) and a bird (the pigeon). It is suggested that differences in the stereological organization of man's terminals might be related to his capacity for making finely graded movements. Moreover, it is suggested that the phylogenetic evolution of the mossy fiber organization has progressed among the higher vertebrates as it did in the rest of the animal scale.", "PMID": 993373} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5151", "title": "The connective tissue coverings of leech peripheral nerves: anatomical evidence for the absence of cerebrospinal fluid in the leech.", "content": "The central nervous system of Hirudo medicinalis is contained within a blood vessel, the ventral longitudinal sinus, but the nervous system is separated from the blood by the visceral endothelium. The visceral endothelium possesses many pinocytotic vesicles and basal infoldings and thus appears active whereas the parietal endothelium appears inactive. The junction between the visceral and parietal endothelia is abrupt. Peripheral nerves in this animal, as in vertebrates, are covered by endoneurium, perineurium, and epineurium. The endoneurium is continous with the fibrous tissue of the segmental ganglia. The perineurium, consisting of a single layer of flattened cells that surrounds the peripheral nerve like a sleeve, is not continuous with the endothelium of the ventral sinus, but is separated from it by 5-10 microns. Therefore, at the point where the peripheral nerve joins the segmental ganglion, the extracellular spaces of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, and the body wall are all confluent. Thus, there are only two compartments of the extracellular space in the leech: the blood, which is enclosed by the endothelia of the coelomic sinuses, and the extracellular fluid of the body, which includes the extracellular fluid of the nervous system. There seems to be no equivalent of cerebrospinal fluid in the gnathobdellid leech.", "contents": "The connective tissue coverings of leech peripheral nerves: anatomical evidence for the absence of cerebrospinal fluid in the leech. The central nervous system of Hirudo medicinalis is contained within a blood vessel, the ventral longitudinal sinus, but the nervous system is separated from the blood by the visceral endothelium. The visceral endothelium possesses many pinocytotic vesicles and basal infoldings and thus appears active whereas the parietal endothelium appears inactive. The junction between the visceral and parietal endothelia is abrupt. Peripheral nerves in this animal, as in vertebrates, are covered by endoneurium, perineurium, and epineurium. The endoneurium is continous with the fibrous tissue of the segmental ganglia. The perineurium, consisting of a single layer of flattened cells that surrounds the peripheral nerve like a sleeve, is not continuous with the endothelium of the ventral sinus, but is separated from it by 5-10 microns. Therefore, at the point where the peripheral nerve joins the segmental ganglion, the extracellular spaces of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, and the body wall are all confluent. Thus, there are only two compartments of the extracellular space in the leech: the blood, which is enclosed by the endothelia of the coelomic sinuses, and the extracellular fluid of the body, which includes the extracellular fluid of the nervous system. There seems to be no equivalent of cerebrospinal fluid in the gnathobdellid leech.", "PMID": 993374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5152", "title": "Retinofugal pathways in two marsupials.", "content": "Autoradiographic and anterograde degeneration tracing methods were used to study and compare the organization of retinofugal pathways in two marsupial opossums, Didelphis virginiana and Marmosa mitis. Seven identical retinal targets were demonstrated for each opossum. These include: (1) the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, (2) the dorsal and (3) ventral lateral geniculate nuclei, (4) the lateral posterior nucleus, (5) the pretectal complex, (6) the superior colliculus and (7) the accessory optic nuclei. While the pattern of retinal input to six of the seven targets was quite similar in the two species, the organization of the retinogeniculate pathways exhibited striking differences. In particular, our autoradiographs reveal no separation of ocular inputs within the lateral geniculate nucleus of Didelphis, i.e. the ipsilateral input is overlapped completely by the more extensive contralateral projection. In contrast, there is considerable separation, as well as overlap, of the occular inputs within the lateral geniculate nucleus of Marmosa. Our autoradiographs reveal several distinct bands of label within each geniculate nucleus, and upon superimposing the nuclei, ipsilateral and contralateral to the placement it is apparent that two of the bands overlap, while five do not (three ipsi, two contra).", "contents": "Retinofugal pathways in two marsupials. Autoradiographic and anterograde degeneration tracing methods were used to study and compare the organization of retinofugal pathways in two marsupial opossums, Didelphis virginiana and Marmosa mitis. Seven identical retinal targets were demonstrated for each opossum. These include: (1) the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, (2) the dorsal and (3) ventral lateral geniculate nuclei, (4) the lateral posterior nucleus, (5) the pretectal complex, (6) the superior colliculus and (7) the accessory optic nuclei. While the pattern of retinal input to six of the seven targets was quite similar in the two species, the organization of the retinogeniculate pathways exhibited striking differences. In particular, our autoradiographs reveal no separation of ocular inputs within the lateral geniculate nucleus of Didelphis, i.e. the ipsilateral input is overlapped completely by the more extensive contralateral projection. In contrast, there is considerable separation, as well as overlap, of the occular inputs within the lateral geniculate nucleus of Marmosa. Our autoradiographs reveal several distinct bands of label within each geniculate nucleus, and upon superimposing the nuclei, ipsilateral and contralateral to the placement it is apparent that two of the bands overlap, while five do not (three ipsi, two contra).", "PMID": 993375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5153", "title": "Anatomical and behavioral analysis of hippocampal cell fields in rats.", "content": "For a study of the structure and function of the different hippocampal cell fields, a surgical approach was devised that permitted selective damage to either the hippocampal subdivisions or the major efferent projections. Neuroanatomical techniques were used in Experiment 1 to verify the selective nature of the lesions and to provide information concerning differential hippocampal projections. In Experiment, 2, rats with selective hippocampal lesions were tested on a series of tasks chosen to measure various aspects of behavior. Animals with fimbrial lesions interrupting connections between the CA3-CA4 cell fields and the septal region were similar to animals with extensive hippocampal lesions in being more active than the other groups at night, more active during the day, and more affected by deprivation. In addition, both groups were facilitated in acquisition of a shuttle box avoidance task. Extensive damage to the hippocampus and more selective damage to the CA1 pyramidal cell field resulted in impaired spatial reversal learning. The results are interpreted as providing support for the view that the two main subdivisions of the hippocampus, the CA1 and CA3-CA4 cell fields, are differentially involved in behavior.", "contents": "Anatomical and behavioral analysis of hippocampal cell fields in rats. For a study of the structure and function of the different hippocampal cell fields, a surgical approach was devised that permitted selective damage to either the hippocampal subdivisions or the major efferent projections. Neuroanatomical techniques were used in Experiment 1 to verify the selective nature of the lesions and to provide information concerning differential hippocampal projections. In Experiment, 2, rats with selective hippocampal lesions were tested on a series of tasks chosen to measure various aspects of behavior. Animals with fimbrial lesions interrupting connections between the CA3-CA4 cell fields and the septal region were similar to animals with extensive hippocampal lesions in being more active than the other groups at night, more active during the day, and more affected by deprivation. In addition, both groups were facilitated in acquisition of a shuttle box avoidance task. Extensive damage to the hippocampus and more selective damage to the CA1 pyramidal cell field resulted in impaired spatial reversal learning. The results are interpreted as providing support for the view that the two main subdivisions of the hippocampus, the CA1 and CA3-CA4 cell fields, are differentially involved in behavior.", "PMID": 993387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5154", "title": "Lateral hypothalamic syndrome in rats: a comparison of the behavioral and neurochemical effects of lesions placed in the lateral hypothalamus and nigrostriatal bundle.", "content": "The effects of total (T-NSB) and subtotal (S-NSB) destruction of the nigrostriatal bundle were compared with the effects of large lateral hypothalamic (LH) lesions on various aspects of the lateral hypothalamic syndrome. The T-NSB and LH lesions produced equivalent decreases in caudate and telencephalic contents of dopamine and norepinephrine, while with the exception of telencephalic dopamine, S-NSB lesions had consistently smaller effect. The T-NSB and LH lesions produced equivalent effects on duration of aphagia and adipsia (Stages 1 to 3) and on long-term decreases in body weight and ad lib water consumption, and these effects were always greater than those produced by the S-NSB lesion. These aspects of the lateral hypothalamic syndrome appeared to be related to the interruption of the nigrostriatal bundle and consequent decrease in caudate dopamine. The T-NSB and S-NSB lesions produced equivalent long-term deficits in water regulation as measured by drinking in the absence of food or in response to intra- and extracellular dehydration, but these deficits were always significantly less than those produced by the LH lesion. It was concluded that these regulatory deficits were not related to destruction of catecholamine pathways. All three lesions totally blocked eating in response to a glucoprivic challenge. This aspect of the lateral hypothalamic syndrome, therefore, results from destruction of a small portion of the lateral diencephalon and may be related to the interruption of the dopaminergic mesolimbic system.", "contents": "Lateral hypothalamic syndrome in rats: a comparison of the behavioral and neurochemical effects of lesions placed in the lateral hypothalamus and nigrostriatal bundle. The effects of total (T-NSB) and subtotal (S-NSB) destruction of the nigrostriatal bundle were compared with the effects of large lateral hypothalamic (LH) lesions on various aspects of the lateral hypothalamic syndrome. The T-NSB and LH lesions produced equivalent decreases in caudate and telencephalic contents of dopamine and norepinephrine, while with the exception of telencephalic dopamine, S-NSB lesions had consistently smaller effect. The T-NSB and LH lesions produced equivalent effects on duration of aphagia and adipsia (Stages 1 to 3) and on long-term decreases in body weight and ad lib water consumption, and these effects were always greater than those produced by the S-NSB lesion. These aspects of the lateral hypothalamic syndrome appeared to be related to the interruption of the nigrostriatal bundle and consequent decrease in caudate dopamine. The T-NSB and S-NSB lesions produced equivalent long-term deficits in water regulation as measured by drinking in the absence of food or in response to intra- and extracellular dehydration, but these deficits were always significantly less than those produced by the LH lesion. It was concluded that these regulatory deficits were not related to destruction of catecholamine pathways. All three lesions totally blocked eating in response to a glucoprivic challenge. This aspect of the lateral hypothalamic syndrome, therefore, results from destruction of a small portion of the lateral diencephalon and may be related to the interruption of the dopaminergic mesolimbic system.", "PMID": 993388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5155", "title": "Preweanling rats: recovery from lateral hypothalamic damage.", "content": "Preweanling male and female albino rats sustained lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) destruction at 10 days of age. Pups with bilateral LHA destruction (Bi-LHA) displayed the lateral hypothalamic recovery syndrome (LHRS) and recovered voluntary feeding and drinking between 44-75 days of age. The Bi-LHA rats of both sexes showed permanent deficits (through 200-275 days of age) in responding to hydrational challenges and did not feed in response to 2-deoxy-D-glucose treatment. Male Bi-LHA rats' body weights were permanently depressed by 20%-25%, whereas female body weight depression was only temporary. Rats sustaining LHA destruction on one side of the brain (Uni-LHA) displayed an abbreviated LHRS, recovering voluntary feeding and drinking by 25-32 days of age. The Uni-LHA rats showed some permanent deficits in responding to hydrational challenges, yet they displayed the same sex differential for body weight regulation as the Bi-LHA rats. The results of this investigation demonstrate nearly identical effects of LHA destruction whether sustained preweaning, postweaning, or during adulthood.", "contents": "Preweanling rats: recovery from lateral hypothalamic damage. Preweanling male and female albino rats sustained lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) destruction at 10 days of age. Pups with bilateral LHA destruction (Bi-LHA) displayed the lateral hypothalamic recovery syndrome (LHRS) and recovered voluntary feeding and drinking between 44-75 days of age. The Bi-LHA rats of both sexes showed permanent deficits (through 200-275 days of age) in responding to hydrational challenges and did not feed in response to 2-deoxy-D-glucose treatment. Male Bi-LHA rats' body weights were permanently depressed by 20%-25%, whereas female body weight depression was only temporary. Rats sustaining LHA destruction on one side of the brain (Uni-LHA) displayed an abbreviated LHRS, recovering voluntary feeding and drinking by 25-32 days of age. The Uni-LHA rats showed some permanent deficits in responding to hydrational challenges, yet they displayed the same sex differential for body weight regulation as the Bi-LHA rats. The results of this investigation demonstrate nearly identical effects of LHA destruction whether sustained preweaning, postweaning, or during adulthood.", "PMID": 993389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5156", "title": "Strain differences among chickens in tonic immobility: evidence for an emotionality component.", "content": "Substantial strain differences in tonic immobility were found between different breeds of chickens. Crossbreeding between strains showing different immobility durations yielded hybrids that exhibited intermediate reactions. For purpose of relating the strain differences in tonic immobility to more conventional measures of emotionality, data were collected on open-field activity, defecation, and adrenal weight. Overall, the results implicated strain-specific differences in emotionality as being the basis for the observed differences in immobility. Latency to defecate in an open field, however, was highly correlated with latency to ambulate. It was argued that defecation, rather than being an absolute measure of fear or emotionality, may in fact be an intermediate response to gradual fear reduction.", "contents": "Strain differences among chickens in tonic immobility: evidence for an emotionality component. Substantial strain differences in tonic immobility were found between different breeds of chickens. Crossbreeding between strains showing different immobility durations yielded hybrids that exhibited intermediate reactions. For purpose of relating the strain differences in tonic immobility to more conventional measures of emotionality, data were collected on open-field activity, defecation, and adrenal weight. Overall, the results implicated strain-specific differences in emotionality as being the basis for the observed differences in immobility. Latency to defecate in an open field, however, was highly correlated with latency to ambulate. It was argued that defecation, rather than being an absolute measure of fear or emotionality, may in fact be an intermediate response to gradual fear reduction.", "PMID": 993390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5157", "title": "Neonatal thyroxine stimulation accelerates the maturation of both locomotor and memory processes in mice.", "content": "In two experiments mice were injected with thyroxine on Postnatal Days 1, 2, and 3, and the subsequent effects upon the development of the swimming reflex and the emergence of instrumental learning/memory processes were examined. In agreement with past studies, early thyroxine treatment accelerated the maturation of swimming capacities and general physical development compared with littermate controls receiving saline injections. In the second study, thyroxine- and saline-treated mice received 25 training trials on a shock-escape T-maze taks at 7, 9, 11, or 13 days of age with a retention test 24 hr later. The results indicated that while learning was equivalent within each of the ages between the treatment groups, onset of 24-hr retention capacity occurred approximately 2 days earlier in the thyroxine-treated mice than in controls. In addition, a performance deficit was observed in the thyroxine mice at the oldest age tested, in agreement with previous reports. The results of these experiments suggest that early hyperthyroidism results in earlier maturation of both locomotor and memory processes, followed by later performance deficits.", "contents": "Neonatal thyroxine stimulation accelerates the maturation of both locomotor and memory processes in mice. In two experiments mice were injected with thyroxine on Postnatal Days 1, 2, and 3, and the subsequent effects upon the development of the swimming reflex and the emergence of instrumental learning/memory processes were examined. In agreement with past studies, early thyroxine treatment accelerated the maturation of swimming capacities and general physical development compared with littermate controls receiving saline injections. In the second study, thyroxine- and saline-treated mice received 25 training trials on a shock-escape T-maze taks at 7, 9, 11, or 13 days of age with a retention test 24 hr later. The results indicated that while learning was equivalent within each of the ages between the treatment groups, onset of 24-hr retention capacity occurred approximately 2 days earlier in the thyroxine-treated mice than in controls. In addition, a performance deficit was observed in the thyroxine mice at the oldest age tested, in agreement with previous reports. The results of these experiments suggest that early hyperthyroidism results in earlier maturation of both locomotor and memory processes, followed by later performance deficits.", "PMID": 993391} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5158", "title": "On the retinal mediation of genetic influences in color preferences of Japanese quail.", "content": "The hypothesis that the pigmentation of retinal oil droplets is the morphological target of genetically induced change in the early color preferences of the Japanese quail (C. coturnix japonica) was examined and rejected. Subjects were drawn from the fourth generation of genetic selection for preferences between blue and red, and they were compared according to genetic lines of origin and the presence or absence of pigmentation in their retinal oil droplets. Pigmentation was manipulated by raising parents on carotenoid-free diet. Results indicate a uniform shift toward red preference in all subjects with history of carotenoid deprivation regardless of genetic background, and no change in the magnitude of differences between genetic lines. The data suggest that retinal oil droplets mediate intensity discrimination in the photopic range rather than the perception of variations in light wavelength.", "contents": "On the retinal mediation of genetic influences in color preferences of Japanese quail. The hypothesis that the pigmentation of retinal oil droplets is the morphological target of genetically induced change in the early color preferences of the Japanese quail (C. coturnix japonica) was examined and rejected. Subjects were drawn from the fourth generation of genetic selection for preferences between blue and red, and they were compared according to genetic lines of origin and the presence or absence of pigmentation in their retinal oil droplets. Pigmentation was manipulated by raising parents on carotenoid-free diet. Results indicate a uniform shift toward red preference in all subjects with history of carotenoid deprivation regardless of genetic background, and no change in the magnitude of differences between genetic lines. The data suggest that retinal oil droplets mediate intensity discrimination in the photopic range rather than the perception of variations in light wavelength.", "PMID": 993392} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5159", "title": "Perceived intensity of peripheral thermal stimuli is independent of internal body temperature.", "content": "Four adult male human subjects were tested under three conditions of internal body temperature: hypothermia, normal, and hyperthermia. Under each of these conditions, they judged the intensity (degree of warmness or coolness) and the hedonic quality (degree of pleasantness or unpleasantness) of a series of stimuli ranging from hot to cold. The results showed that whereas hedonic quality is greatly influenced by the value of internal body temperature, the perception of warmness or coolness is independent of internal temperature and dependent only on peripheral stimulation.", "contents": "Perceived intensity of peripheral thermal stimuli is independent of internal body temperature. Four adult male human subjects were tested under three conditions of internal body temperature: hypothermia, normal, and hyperthermia. Under each of these conditions, they judged the intensity (degree of warmness or coolness) and the hedonic quality (degree of pleasantness or unpleasantness) of a series of stimuli ranging from hot to cold. The results showed that whereas hedonic quality is greatly influenced by the value of internal body temperature, the perception of warmness or coolness is independent of internal temperature and dependent only on peripheral stimulation.", "PMID": 993393} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5160", "title": "Conditioned adrenocortical steroid elevations in the rat.", "content": "An illness-induced taste aversion paradigm was used to condition an elevation in plasma corticosterone level. Rats were injected with cyclophosphamide 30 min after consuming a novel saccharin drinking solution. Plasma corticosterone levels were measured before conditioning to determine unconditioned steroid levels and 3 and 6 days after training when conditioned and nonconditioned animals were provided with the saccharin solution or plain water, or were left deprived. The pairing of saccharin and cyclophosphamide was effective in inducing a passive avoidance response. There were no differences between the steroid levels of conditioned and nonconditioned animals supplied with plain water or those that remained deprived, although deprivation increased corticosterone levels. Nonconditioned rats presented with saccharin had steroid levels that did not differ from control values. Conditioned animals presented with saccharin showed an elevation in steroid level which was significantly greater than that observed in any other group. Comparable results were obtained when LiCl was used as the unconditioned stimulus.", "contents": "Conditioned adrenocortical steroid elevations in the rat. An illness-induced taste aversion paradigm was used to condition an elevation in plasma corticosterone level. Rats were injected with cyclophosphamide 30 min after consuming a novel saccharin drinking solution. Plasma corticosterone levels were measured before conditioning to determine unconditioned steroid levels and 3 and 6 days after training when conditioned and nonconditioned animals were provided with the saccharin solution or plain water, or were left deprived. The pairing of saccharin and cyclophosphamide was effective in inducing a passive avoidance response. There were no differences between the steroid levels of conditioned and nonconditioned animals supplied with plain water or those that remained deprived, although deprivation increased corticosterone levels. Nonconditioned rats presented with saccharin had steroid levels that did not differ from control values. Conditioned animals presented with saccharin showed an elevation in steroid level which was significantly greater than that observed in any other group. Comparable results were obtained when LiCl was used as the unconditioned stimulus.", "PMID": 993394} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5161", "title": "Conditioned hypoglycemia.", "content": "An experiment was conducted to determine whether conditioned hypoglycemia would develop in rats that never became hypoglycemic on the conditioning trials. Rats were given saline, insulin, glucose, or glucose plus insulin as the unconditioned stimulus in a classical conditioning paradigm. It was found that a change of blood glucose need not occur on the conditioning trials in order to obtain successful conditioning of a hypoglycemic response; rather, an increase of insulin was all that was necessary. An explanation of conditioned hypoglycemia as the logical response of glucoregulatory centers of the central nervous system is proposed.", "contents": "Conditioned hypoglycemia. An experiment was conducted to determine whether conditioned hypoglycemia would develop in rats that never became hypoglycemic on the conditioning trials. Rats were given saline, insulin, glucose, or glucose plus insulin as the unconditioned stimulus in a classical conditioning paradigm. It was found that a change of blood glucose need not occur on the conditioning trials in order to obtain successful conditioning of a hypoglycemic response; rather, an increase of insulin was all that was necessary. An explanation of conditioned hypoglycemia as the logical response of glucoregulatory centers of the central nervous system is proposed.", "PMID": 993395} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5162", "title": "Familial generalized dyschromic amyloidosis cutis.", "content": "A generalized form of primary cutaneous amyloidosis was found in two siblings when microscopic examination was carried out on areas of scattered hypopigmentation. Multiple biopsies from different sites of the skin suggested that the pigmentary disorder was probably a process independent of the amyloidosis. One of the siblings died of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, congenital pulmonary stenosis and diabetes mellitus. Post mortem examination of the lungs showed the presence of few amyloid deposits in the diffusely fibrotic tissue, suggesting that these were secondary to the chronic pulmonary disease. Because of the absence of amyloid involvement in parenchymatous organs and the absence of cutaneous signs of systemic amyloidosis as macroglosia or petechiae, this case suggests that primary cutaneous amyloidosis is distinctly different from the cutaneous manifestation of primary systemic amyloidosis.", "contents": "Familial generalized dyschromic amyloidosis cutis. A generalized form of primary cutaneous amyloidosis was found in two siblings when microscopic examination was carried out on areas of scattered hypopigmentation. Multiple biopsies from different sites of the skin suggested that the pigmentary disorder was probably a process independent of the amyloidosis. One of the siblings died of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, congenital pulmonary stenosis and diabetes mellitus. Post mortem examination of the lungs showed the presence of few amyloid deposits in the diffusely fibrotic tissue, suggesting that these were secondary to the chronic pulmonary disease. Because of the absence of amyloid involvement in parenchymatous organs and the absence of cutaneous signs of systemic amyloidosis as macroglosia or petechiae, this case suggests that primary cutaneous amyloidosis is distinctly different from the cutaneous manifestation of primary systemic amyloidosis.", "PMID": 993396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5163", "title": "Subepidermal calcified nodule. Report of a case with apparent hair follicle origin.", "content": "A subepidermal calcified nodule occurred on the face of a 15-year-old Negro boy. Histological examination revealed its apparent origin in mature and immature hair follicles. Previous reports suggest that subepidermal calcified nodules may arise in nevi or in sweat glands. An additional finding in this case was transepidermal elimination of calcium.", "contents": "Subepidermal calcified nodule. Report of a case with apparent hair follicle origin. A subepidermal calcified nodule occurred on the face of a 15-year-old Negro boy. Histological examination revealed its apparent origin in mature and immature hair follicles. Previous reports suggest that subepidermal calcified nodules may arise in nevi or in sweat glands. An additional finding in this case was transepidermal elimination of calcium.", "PMID": 993397} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5164", "title": "Studies on etiologic factors in pemphigus.", "content": "A survey of 234 cases of pemphigus yielded three observations which suggest that different forms of pemphigus may have different etiologies. 1. While the incidence of pemphigus in the age group of 21 and over was essentially the same in males and females (108 and 113) the incidence was significantly higher in females in the age group under 20. Only two of 13 patients in this group were males. Also pemphigus foliaceus and erythematosus was reported in a significantly higher proportion of the cases in the age group of 2 1/2 to 20 thus suggesting that the juvenile form of the disease differs from the adult form. 2. In four of a group of 15 cases identified as pemphigus foliaceus the disease appeared to be provoked by minor physical insults, a frequency which is significantly higher than the five cases with similar histories in the group of 198 cases identified as pemphigus vulgaris. 3. In the entire group of 234 cases two patients with pemphigus both proven by immunofluorescence had relatives with pemphigus. Also a third patient had a blood relative with bullous pemphigoid. This frequency of three per 234 is higher than would be expected by chance. Studies of one family (not included in this survey) with multiple skin antibodies suggest that such familial predispositions may be due to abnormal immune responses.", "contents": "Studies on etiologic factors in pemphigus. A survey of 234 cases of pemphigus yielded three observations which suggest that different forms of pemphigus may have different etiologies. 1. While the incidence of pemphigus in the age group of 21 and over was essentially the same in males and females (108 and 113) the incidence was significantly higher in females in the age group under 20. Only two of 13 patients in this group were males. Also pemphigus foliaceus and erythematosus was reported in a significantly higher proportion of the cases in the age group of 2 1/2 to 20 thus suggesting that the juvenile form of the disease differs from the adult form. 2. In four of a group of 15 cases identified as pemphigus foliaceus the disease appeared to be provoked by minor physical insults, a frequency which is significantly higher than the five cases with similar histories in the group of 198 cases identified as pemphigus vulgaris. 3. In the entire group of 234 cases two patients with pemphigus both proven by immunofluorescence had relatives with pemphigus. Also a third patient had a blood relative with bullous pemphigoid. This frequency of three per 234 is higher than would be expected by chance. Studies of one family (not included in this survey) with multiple skin antibodies suggest that such familial predispositions may be due to abnormal immune responses.", "PMID": 993399} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5165", "title": "Tubular apocrine adenoma.", "content": "Two cases of tubular apocrine adenoma were studied by light, histochemical, and electron microscopic methods. This benign apocrine hamartoma must be considered in the classification of appendage tumors, particularly those associated with organoid epithelial nevus, and may be confused with metastatic adenocarcinoma. The tumor is characterized by dermal and subcutaneous lobular masses of tubular structures. Connection to the epidermis by one or more ductlike structures is observed. The tubules contain typical apocrine epithelial cells, some with hyaline or clear cell differentiation. The tumor cells have apocrine differentiation by histochemistry and ultrastructure. The localization to the scalp and the nodular, lobulated appearance and the apocrine structures indicate that this tumor is similar to nevus syringocystadenoma papilliferum and must be diffentiated from it.", "contents": "Tubular apocrine adenoma. Two cases of tubular apocrine adenoma were studied by light, histochemical, and electron microscopic methods. This benign apocrine hamartoma must be considered in the classification of appendage tumors, particularly those associated with organoid epithelial nevus, and may be confused with metastatic adenocarcinoma. The tumor is characterized by dermal and subcutaneous lobular masses of tubular structures. Connection to the epidermis by one or more ductlike structures is observed. The tubules contain typical apocrine epithelial cells, some with hyaline or clear cell differentiation. The tumor cells have apocrine differentiation by histochemistry and ultrastructure. The localization to the scalp and the nodular, lobulated appearance and the apocrine structures indicate that this tumor is similar to nevus syringocystadenoma papilliferum and must be diffentiated from it.", "PMID": 993400} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5166", "title": "The influence of dietary protein intake on milk production and blood composition of high-yielding dairy cows.", "content": "Cows were fed either 75 or 100% of the recommended intake levels for protein and 100% of recommended energy levels (Agricultural Research Council, 1965) from 8 weeks pre-calving until 14 weeks post calving. From 14 weeks post calving and to the end of lactation all the cows received 100% of the recommended protein and energy intakes. The mean of the 305-d milk yields of the 2 groups was not significantly different and although cows on the lower protein intake produced less lactose during the first 14 weeks of lactation there was no significant difference in total lactose, fat, protein or total solids production between the groups. In both groups blood packed-cell volume, red cell count and haemoglobin decreased during the first 10 weeks of lactation and then began to increase in the high-protein group. The cows receiving the low-protein diet showed a similar increase only when they received the high-protein ration from 14 weeks post calving. The mean interval from calving to conception was 27-5 weeks in the high-protein group and 20 weeks in the low-protein group. It is concluded that feeding 75% of protein requirements to dairy cows during the first 14 weeks of lactation does not reduce milk yield or quality significantly and probably has no adverse effect on fertility.", "contents": "The influence of dietary protein intake on milk production and blood composition of high-yielding dairy cows. Cows were fed either 75 or 100% of the recommended intake levels for protein and 100% of recommended energy levels (Agricultural Research Council, 1965) from 8 weeks pre-calving until 14 weeks post calving. From 14 weeks post calving and to the end of lactation all the cows received 100% of the recommended protein and energy intakes. The mean of the 305-d milk yields of the 2 groups was not significantly different and although cows on the lower protein intake produced less lactose during the first 14 weeks of lactation there was no significant difference in total lactose, fat, protein or total solids production between the groups. In both groups blood packed-cell volume, red cell count and haemoglobin decreased during the first 10 weeks of lactation and then began to increase in the high-protein group. The cows receiving the low-protein diet showed a similar increase only when they received the high-protein ration from 14 weeks post calving. The mean interval from calving to conception was 27-5 weeks in the high-protein group and 20 weeks in the low-protein group. It is concluded that feeding 75% of protein requirements to dairy cows during the first 14 weeks of lactation does not reduce milk yield or quality significantly and probably has no adverse effect on fertility.", "PMID": 993401} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5167", "title": "Reproducibility of electronic cell counts in milk; a study of 5 further factors.", "content": "This paper is a sequel to a previous one in which a number of factors likely to influence the accuracy of counting somatic cells in milk was assessed; in the present work the effects of 5 other factors are investigated. In a study of storage time and temperature of milk samples fixed in formalin, a significant increase in cell count occurred after 5-7 d when samples were stored at room temperature (17-23 degrees C), compared with those maintained at 4 degrees C. When manual and mechanical mixing of fixed samples were compared only marginal differences in cell counts were observed. An increase in cell counts followed manual dilution of milk samples in comparison with automatic dilution. The temperature of samples prepared for counting was also studied and no significant variations occurred between mean temperatures of 12-7 and 32-9 degrees C. The final factor evaluated was that of holding time before counting; using 4 cell-count levels it was observed that counts were acceptable up to 1 1/2 h.", "contents": "Reproducibility of electronic cell counts in milk; a study of 5 further factors. This paper is a sequel to a previous one in which a number of factors likely to influence the accuracy of counting somatic cells in milk was assessed; in the present work the effects of 5 other factors are investigated. In a study of storage time and temperature of milk samples fixed in formalin, a significant increase in cell count occurred after 5-7 d when samples were stored at room temperature (17-23 degrees C), compared with those maintained at 4 degrees C. When manual and mechanical mixing of fixed samples were compared only marginal differences in cell counts were observed. An increase in cell counts followed manual dilution of milk samples in comparison with automatic dilution. The temperature of samples prepared for counting was also studied and no significant variations occurred between mean temperatures of 12-7 and 32-9 degrees C. The final factor evaluated was that of holding time before counting; using 4 cell-count levels it was observed that counts were acceptable up to 1 1/2 h.", "PMID": 993402} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5168", "title": "Compositional and electrophoretic changes in buffalo milk-fat globule membrane proteins during lactation.", "content": "Chemical analyses, polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing of milk-fat globule membrane proteins (FGMP) obtained from the milk of 2 Murrah buffaloes were done to determine if any change in composition occurred during lactation. Changes in the levels of sialic acid, hexose, hexosamine, N and P were found in the FGMP obtained at different stages of lactation. On the day of parturition, 8 major proteins in FGMP were determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis whereas 6 major proteins were obtained in FGMP of middle and late lactation milks. Isoelectric focusing of FGMP showed 8-9, 9-13 and 13-16 proteins from colostrum, middle and late lactation milks, respectively and the isoelectric pH of the proteins varied from 5-25 to 7-80, 5-85 to 8-30 and 5-75 to 8-61 respectively.", "contents": "Compositional and electrophoretic changes in buffalo milk-fat globule membrane proteins during lactation. Chemical analyses, polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing of milk-fat globule membrane proteins (FGMP) obtained from the milk of 2 Murrah buffaloes were done to determine if any change in composition occurred during lactation. Changes in the levels of sialic acid, hexose, hexosamine, N and P were found in the FGMP obtained at different stages of lactation. On the day of parturition, 8 major proteins in FGMP were determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis whereas 6 major proteins were obtained in FGMP of middle and late lactation milks. Isoelectric focusing of FGMP showed 8-9, 9-13 and 13-16 proteins from colostrum, middle and late lactation milks, respectively and the isoelectric pH of the proteins varied from 5-25 to 7-80, 5-85 to 8-30 and 5-75 to 8-61 respectively.", "PMID": 993403} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5169", "title": "A study of cow's milk containing high levels of linoleic acid: isolation and properties of the fat-globule membrane.", "content": "Properties of whole milk and milk fractions from cows fed a diet that gave a greatly increased proportion of unsaturated fatty acid residues (especially of linoleic acid) in the milk lipids were studied, and this milk (high-linoleic milk) was compared with milk from cows on a control diet (control milk). The milk fractions were isolated by high-speed centrifugation of whole milk or cream and were examined by chemical analysis and electron microscopy. During centrifugation the globules of milk fat were disrupted and the membranes (fat-globule 'ghosts') floated as a layer beneath the free lipid. Membrane proteins from the 2 sorts of milk gave the same electrophoretic pattern and the amino acid compositions were the same. Lipid analysis of the membrane fraction from high-linoleic milk showed the expected increase in the proportion of unsaturated fatty acid residues in the neutral lipids, but there was an unexpected decrease in the proportion of unsaturated residues in the membrane phospholipids. No differences were found between high-linoleic and control milk in the ultrastructure of the milk-fat globules or the isolated membranes.", "contents": "A study of cow's milk containing high levels of linoleic acid: isolation and properties of the fat-globule membrane. Properties of whole milk and milk fractions from cows fed a diet that gave a greatly increased proportion of unsaturated fatty acid residues (especially of linoleic acid) in the milk lipids were studied, and this milk (high-linoleic milk) was compared with milk from cows on a control diet (control milk). The milk fractions were isolated by high-speed centrifugation of whole milk or cream and were examined by chemical analysis and electron microscopy. During centrifugation the globules of milk fat were disrupted and the membranes (fat-globule 'ghosts') floated as a layer beneath the free lipid. Membrane proteins from the 2 sorts of milk gave the same electrophoretic pattern and the amino acid compositions were the same. Lipid analysis of the membrane fraction from high-linoleic milk showed the expected increase in the proportion of unsaturated fatty acid residues in the neutral lipids, but there was an unexpected decrease in the proportion of unsaturated residues in the membrane phospholipids. No differences were found between high-linoleic and control milk in the ultrastructure of the milk-fat globules or the isolated membranes.", "PMID": 993404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5170", "title": "Isolation, preparation and the amino acid composition of 4 milk-fat globule membrane proteins solubilized by treatment with sodium dodecyl sulphate.", "content": "Milk-fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins were solubilized by treatment with SDS. Four of the major proteins were isolated as SDS complexes using column chromatography. The purity of each isolate was determined by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and sufficient of each protein was obtained for amino acid analysis. The amino acid compositions of the isolated MFGM proteins and a total MFGM protein extract were determined. Differences in amino acid composition were found in particular between the major MFGM glycoprotein and the other 3 membrane proteins. The relationships of the amino acid composition to protein properties and structure are discussed.", "contents": "Isolation, preparation and the amino acid composition of 4 milk-fat globule membrane proteins solubilized by treatment with sodium dodecyl sulphate. Milk-fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins were solubilized by treatment with SDS. Four of the major proteins were isolated as SDS complexes using column chromatography. The purity of each isolate was determined by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and sufficient of each protein was obtained for amino acid analysis. The amino acid compositions of the isolated MFGM proteins and a total MFGM protein extract were determined. Differences in amino acid composition were found in particular between the major MFGM glycoprotein and the other 3 membrane proteins. The relationships of the amino acid composition to protein properties and structure are discussed.", "PMID": 993405} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5171", "title": "Distribution of isomeric octadecenoic fatty acids in milk fat.", "content": "Milk fat octadecenoic acids were isolated by preparative gas-liquid chromatography of their methyl esters and separated into cis and trans isomers by argentation thin-layer chromatography. The distribution of the double bonds in the two fractions was determined by reductive ozonolysis. Cis octadecenoic acids had double bonds in positions 6 to 14. The cis-9 isomer was the most abundant isomer representing approximately 95% of the total. Trans octadecenoic acids had double bonds in positions 6 to 16, the predominant isomer being trans-11 octadecenoic acid. Data illustrating the range of variation in the distribution of positional isomers of octadecenoic acid for herd milk fat and butter are presented. There was no obvious seasonal variation in the distribution pattern. Fat from perirenal and subcutaneous adipose tissue of a dairy cow had composition similar to that of butter samples.", "contents": "Distribution of isomeric octadecenoic fatty acids in milk fat. Milk fat octadecenoic acids were isolated by preparative gas-liquid chromatography of their methyl esters and separated into cis and trans isomers by argentation thin-layer chromatography. The distribution of the double bonds in the two fractions was determined by reductive ozonolysis. Cis octadecenoic acids had double bonds in positions 6 to 14. The cis-9 isomer was the most abundant isomer representing approximately 95% of the total. Trans octadecenoic acids had double bonds in positions 6 to 16, the predominant isomer being trans-11 octadecenoic acid. Data illustrating the range of variation in the distribution of positional isomers of octadecenoic acid for herd milk fat and butter are presented. There was no obvious seasonal variation in the distribution pattern. Fat from perirenal and subcutaneous adipose tissue of a dairy cow had composition similar to that of butter samples.", "PMID": 993407} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5172", "title": "Recovery and nutritional evaluation of proteinaceous solids separated from whey by coagulation with chitosan.", "content": "Chitosan, a cationic carbohydrate polymer manufactured from chitin in shrimp and crab wastes, coagulated suspended solids in cheese whey as effectively or more so than ten commercial synthetic polymers. Concentrations of suspended solids after settling were reduced over 90% by coagulation at pH 6.0 with a ratio of chitosan to suspended solids of 2.15% (1:46.5). The yield of coagulated solids was approximately 2,270 mg/liter. The proximate composition of the coagulated solids after freeze drying was 73% protein, 6% lactose, 10% ash, and 7% moisture. Without the aid of a coagulating agent, setting for 1 or 3 h reduced suspended solids by only 34% and 49%, respectively. Rat feeding studies showed nn significant differences in the protein efficiency ratio of casein, coagulated whey solids containing chitosan, and whey solids containing no polymer. These results provide evidence of utility for coagulated whey solids as a protein supplement.", "contents": "Recovery and nutritional evaluation of proteinaceous solids separated from whey by coagulation with chitosan. Chitosan, a cationic carbohydrate polymer manufactured from chitin in shrimp and crab wastes, coagulated suspended solids in cheese whey as effectively or more so than ten commercial synthetic polymers. Concentrations of suspended solids after settling were reduced over 90% by coagulation at pH 6.0 with a ratio of chitosan to suspended solids of 2.15% (1:46.5). The yield of coagulated solids was approximately 2,270 mg/liter. The proximate composition of the coagulated solids after freeze drying was 73% protein, 6% lactose, 10% ash, and 7% moisture. Without the aid of a coagulating agent, setting for 1 or 3 h reduced suspended solids by only 34% and 49%, respectively. Rat feeding studies showed nn significant differences in the protein efficiency ratio of casein, coagulated whey solids containing chitosan, and whey solids containing no polymer. These results provide evidence of utility for coagulated whey solids as a protein supplement.", "PMID": 993408} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5173", "title": "Comparative production of beta-lactoglobulin and orotic acid with lactose in bovine mammary cell cultures: effects of cell density and constituent inhibition.", "content": "Abilities to accumulate beta-lactoglobulin and ortic acid were compared to lactose in dispersed cell cultures of lactating bovine mammary tissue. The inverse of the amount accumulated of each milk constituent at a given time in the culture medium was a linear function of the inverse of the cell density. The amount of lactose had no effect on its own subsequent accumulation, but added orotic acid and beta-lactoglobulin inhibited their own production. The accumulation of certain milk constituents in the culture medium is a factor in the expression and loss of normal function in the in vitro cultures which may be related to the observed effects of milk accumulation in vivo on the rate of milk synthesis and mammary involution.", "contents": "Comparative production of beta-lactoglobulin and orotic acid with lactose in bovine mammary cell cultures: effects of cell density and constituent inhibition. Abilities to accumulate beta-lactoglobulin and ortic acid were compared to lactose in dispersed cell cultures of lactating bovine mammary tissue. The inverse of the amount accumulated of each milk constituent at a given time in the culture medium was a linear function of the inverse of the cell density. The amount of lactose had no effect on its own subsequent accumulation, but added orotic acid and beta-lactoglobulin inhibited their own production. The accumulation of certain milk constituents in the culture medium is a factor in the expression and loss of normal function in the in vitro cultures which may be related to the observed effects of milk accumulation in vivo on the rate of milk synthesis and mammary involution.", "PMID": 993409} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5174", "title": "Glucocorticoid binding in mammary tissue slices of cattle in various reproductive states.", "content": "Unlabeled cortisol and dexamethasone reduced tritiated cortisol and tritiated dexamethasone binding to 700 X g supernatant and precipitate fractions of mammary tissue slices from virgin heifers and from multiparous cows that were 1-mo prepartum (nonlactating), lactating (non-pregnant), or dry (nonpregnant, nonlactating). Unlabeled progesterone, testosterone, and 17beta-estradiol had no effect on tritiated glucocorticoid binding in 700 X g supernatant and precipitate fractions from these mammary tissue slices. The 700 X g fractions in mammary tissue slices from all cattle bound cortisol and dexamethasone with high affinity (Kd 10-10M). There were 1263 and 1955 molecules of cortisol and dexamethasone bound per mammary cell, respectively, in mammary tissue slices from lactating non-pregnant cows; in comparison virgin heifers bound 413 and 651 molecules of cortisol and dexamethasone; dry, non-pregnant cows bound 336 and 536 molecules of cortisol and dexamethasone; and 1-mo prepartum nonlactating cows bound 532 molecules of cortisol. Mammary tissue slices from cattle in reproductive states examined contained a major non-specific component which bound cortisol in both 700 X g tissue fractions. Since mammary tissue slices from lactating cattle bound more molecules of glucocorticoids than mammary slices from cattle in other reproductive states, we speculate specific glucorticoid binding may be associated with lactation.", "contents": "Glucocorticoid binding in mammary tissue slices of cattle in various reproductive states. Unlabeled cortisol and dexamethasone reduced tritiated cortisol and tritiated dexamethasone binding to 700 X g supernatant and precipitate fractions of mammary tissue slices from virgin heifers and from multiparous cows that were 1-mo prepartum (nonlactating), lactating (non-pregnant), or dry (nonpregnant, nonlactating). Unlabeled progesterone, testosterone, and 17beta-estradiol had no effect on tritiated glucocorticoid binding in 700 X g supernatant and precipitate fractions from these mammary tissue slices. The 700 X g fractions in mammary tissue slices from all cattle bound cortisol and dexamethasone with high affinity (Kd 10-10M). There were 1263 and 1955 molecules of cortisol and dexamethasone bound per mammary cell, respectively, in mammary tissue slices from lactating non-pregnant cows; in comparison virgin heifers bound 413 and 651 molecules of cortisol and dexamethasone; dry, non-pregnant cows bound 336 and 536 molecules of cortisol and dexamethasone; and 1-mo prepartum nonlactating cows bound 532 molecules of cortisol. Mammary tissue slices from cattle in reproductive states examined contained a major non-specific component which bound cortisol in both 700 X g tissue fractions. Since mammary tissue slices from lactating cattle bound more molecules of glucocorticoids than mammary slices from cattle in other reproductive states, we speculate specific glucorticoid binding may be associated with lactation.", "PMID": 993410} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5175", "title": "Protein and methionine hydroxy analog for lactating cows.", "content": "A 2 X 2 factorial experiment (protein 12.5 and 15.5; methionine hydroxy analog 0 and .125% dry matter) included 144 cows for one complete lactation, distributed over seven locations. Rations were formulated to the desired protein, methionine analog, and constant amounts of fiber 17%, sulfur .225%, calcium .6%, phosphorus .4%, and salt .5%. Treatment effects were not apparent for dry matter intake, daily milk and fat-corrected milk production, conversion of energy, and body weight changes. Conversion of dietary crude protein into milk protein was 34.5% for the low and 25.8% for the high protein ration. Methionine analon (0% = 2.54; .125% = 1.90). Effect of methionine analog was most apparent at low protein as 0 analog cows produced 247 kg fat, required 2.9 services/contraception, and had 156 days open whereas cows on other treatments (.125% analog and/or high protein) produced 264 kg fat, required 1.8 to 2.2 services/conception, and had 124 to 134 days open. Methionine analog response is discussed in relation to tuminal and postruminal effects as well as the interrelation with protein and energy.", "contents": "Protein and methionine hydroxy analog for lactating cows. A 2 X 2 factorial experiment (protein 12.5 and 15.5; methionine hydroxy analog 0 and .125% dry matter) included 144 cows for one complete lactation, distributed over seven locations. Rations were formulated to the desired protein, methionine analog, and constant amounts of fiber 17%, sulfur .225%, calcium .6%, phosphorus .4%, and salt .5%. Treatment effects were not apparent for dry matter intake, daily milk and fat-corrected milk production, conversion of energy, and body weight changes. Conversion of dietary crude protein into milk protein was 34.5% for the low and 25.8% for the high protein ration. Methionine analon (0% = 2.54; .125% = 1.90). Effect of methionine analog was most apparent at low protein as 0 analog cows produced 247 kg fat, required 2.9 services/contraception, and had 156 days open whereas cows on other treatments (.125% analog and/or high protein) produced 264 kg fat, required 1.8 to 2.2 services/conception, and had 124 to 134 days open. Methionine analog response is discussed in relation to tuminal and postruminal effects as well as the interrelation with protein and energy.", "PMID": 993411} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5176", "title": "Relationship of milk secretion to hypocalcemia in the dairy cow.", "content": "After parturiton, alternate periods of milking for 4 days and nonmilking for 3 days produced marked changes in plasma concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, and parathyroid hormone in Jersey cows. A 3- to 4-day period of hypocalcemia, increased parathyroid hormone concentrations, hypophosphatemia, and hypermagnesemia was associated with initiation of each milking period. These measurements did not return to normal until 6 to 7 days after initiation of milking. An \"overshoot\" of the calcium and phosphate concentrations after this adaptive period occurred in many of the cows. There was little difference in the time sequence of the hypocalcemic period that was associated closely with parturition and initiation of milk secretion in the cow and of hypocalcemic periods that could be induced by the alternate periods of milking. A \"lag time\" in the calcium homeostatic mechanisms of the cows was present, and for the calcium demand placed on the cows in these experiments the \"lag time\" was 5 to 7 days. This \"lag time\" appears to be important in development of parturient by hypocalcemia of dairy cows.", "contents": "Relationship of milk secretion to hypocalcemia in the dairy cow. After parturiton, alternate periods of milking for 4 days and nonmilking for 3 days produced marked changes in plasma concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, and parathyroid hormone in Jersey cows. A 3- to 4-day period of hypocalcemia, increased parathyroid hormone concentrations, hypophosphatemia, and hypermagnesemia was associated with initiation of each milking period. These measurements did not return to normal until 6 to 7 days after initiation of milking. An \"overshoot\" of the calcium and phosphate concentrations after this adaptive period occurred in many of the cows. There was little difference in the time sequence of the hypocalcemic period that was associated closely with parturition and initiation of milk secretion in the cow and of hypocalcemic periods that could be induced by the alternate periods of milking. A \"lag time\" in the calcium homeostatic mechanisms of the cows was present, and for the calcium demand placed on the cows in these experiments the \"lag time\" was 5 to 7 days. This \"lag time\" appears to be important in development of parturient by hypocalcemia of dairy cows.", "PMID": 993412} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5177", "title": "Selenium and vitamin E and incidence of retained placenta in parturient dairy cows. II. Prevention in commercial herds with prepartum treatment.", "content": "In a series of field experiments in Ohio involving 193 parturient cows of the Holstein and Guernsey breeds, the prophylactic efficacy of selenium and vitamin E was tested under field conditions. Herds initially were chosen because of a chronic problem with retained placenta which could not be related to a known etiological factor. Each herd was divided into three groups. Group A received an injection of 50 mg of sodium selenite 40 days prepartum and 680 units of alpha tocopherol acetate followed by the same treatment 20 days prepartum. Group B received a single injection of 50 mg of sodium selenite 20 days prepartum, and 680 IU of vitamin E. Group C served as the control. Incidence of retained placenta was reduced from a mean of 51.2% in control cows to 8.8% for animals injected with selenium and vitamin E. No differences in efficacy were between Group A and B, and it appears that the single 20 day prepartum injection of 50 mg of sodium selenite and 680 IU of alpha tocopherol acetate is an effective prophylactic for prevention of retained placenta.", "contents": "Selenium and vitamin E and incidence of retained placenta in parturient dairy cows. II. Prevention in commercial herds with prepartum treatment. In a series of field experiments in Ohio involving 193 parturient cows of the Holstein and Guernsey breeds, the prophylactic efficacy of selenium and vitamin E was tested under field conditions. Herds initially were chosen because of a chronic problem with retained placenta which could not be related to a known etiological factor. Each herd was divided into three groups. Group A received an injection of 50 mg of sodium selenite 40 days prepartum and 680 units of alpha tocopherol acetate followed by the same treatment 20 days prepartum. Group B received a single injection of 50 mg of sodium selenite 20 days prepartum, and 680 IU of vitamin E. Group C served as the control. Incidence of retained placenta was reduced from a mean of 51.2% in control cows to 8.8% for animals injected with selenium and vitamin E. No differences in efficacy were between Group A and B, and it appears that the single 20 day prepartum injection of 50 mg of sodium selenite and 680 IU of alpha tocopherol acetate is an effective prophylactic for prevention of retained placenta.", "PMID": 993413} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5178", "title": "Absorption of zinc from small and large intestine of calves.", "content": "Calves fed a high-zinc diet were used to study zinc absorption from various sections of the small intestine. Absorption was determined by measuring zinc-65 in various tissues and plotting the tissue concentrations against dosing site, expressed as percentage of intestinal length. Zinc absorption, per unit of intestinal length, was similar throughout the small intestine and was as great in the distal as in the proximal end. Apparently, early researchers using isolated loops and everted sac techniques failed to recognize rate of digesta passage and tissue homeostasis as major factors associated with zinc uptake when they concluded that the duodenum was the primary site of zinc absorption. The data show that the duodenum is not the major site of zinc absorption in calves regardless of dietary zinc. In a separate experiment, zinc-65 was injected directly into the large intestine of calves fed a low zinc diet. Only about 2% of total zinc absorption was from the large intestine.", "contents": "Absorption of zinc from small and large intestine of calves. Calves fed a high-zinc diet were used to study zinc absorption from various sections of the small intestine. Absorption was determined by measuring zinc-65 in various tissues and plotting the tissue concentrations against dosing site, expressed as percentage of intestinal length. Zinc absorption, per unit of intestinal length, was similar throughout the small intestine and was as great in the distal as in the proximal end. Apparently, early researchers using isolated loops and everted sac techniques failed to recognize rate of digesta passage and tissue homeostasis as major factors associated with zinc uptake when they concluded that the duodenum was the primary site of zinc absorption. The data show that the duodenum is not the major site of zinc absorption in calves regardless of dietary zinc. In a separate experiment, zinc-65 was injected directly into the large intestine of calves fed a low zinc diet. Only about 2% of total zinc absorption was from the large intestine.", "PMID": 993414} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5179", "title": "Screening tests for new teat dips.", "content": "Increased use of after-milking teat dips has resulted in the appearance of many new teat dips and a need for methods of evaluation of efficacy. A method was developed for determining the ability of a disinfectant to kill bacteria on the teat ends. Results from several known efficacious products indicated an approximate 95% reduction in bacterial flora. Additional data are presented on some experimental products. This method will provide a measure of effectiveness of a producton teat-skin disinfection. The effect of some changes in the testing procedure on bacterial reduction is demonstrated: 1) Increased times between inoculation and dipping and between dipping and swabbing tended to decrease recoveries on control teats. 2) Saline dips on controls teats provided increased recoveries of test organisms.", "contents": "Screening tests for new teat dips. Increased use of after-milking teat dips has resulted in the appearance of many new teat dips and a need for methods of evaluation of efficacy. A method was developed for determining the ability of a disinfectant to kill bacteria on the teat ends. Results from several known efficacious products indicated an approximate 95% reduction in bacterial flora. Additional data are presented on some experimental products. This method will provide a measure of effectiveness of a producton teat-skin disinfection. The effect of some changes in the testing procedure on bacterial reduction is demonstrated: 1) Increased times between inoculation and dipping and between dipping and swabbing tended to decrease recoveries on control teats. 2) Saline dips on controls teats provided increased recoveries of test organisms.", "PMID": 993415} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5180", "title": "Factors affecting calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium status of dairy cattle on the Oregon coast.", "content": "Blood plasma from 126 milking cows in 21 herds was analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in October, 1974, and in the following April. For all three minerals, time of sampling, herds, and time of sampling by herd differed. Mean values in October and April were calcium, 10.1 and 9.0; phosphorus, 5.96 and 4.88; magnesium, 1.98 and 1.85 mg/100 ml. Calcium also differed between stages of lactation. Mean calcium for cows milking less than 100 days, 101 to 200 days, and greater than 200 days and dry was: 9.41, 9.70, and 9.80 mg/100 ml. Differences in winter feeding practices among herds were responsible for time of sampling, herd, and time of sampling-by-herd differences.", "contents": "Factors affecting calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium status of dairy cattle on the Oregon coast. Blood plasma from 126 milking cows in 21 herds was analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in October, 1974, and in the following April. For all three minerals, time of sampling, herds, and time of sampling by herd differed. Mean values in October and April were calcium, 10.1 and 9.0; phosphorus, 5.96 and 4.88; magnesium, 1.98 and 1.85 mg/100 ml. Calcium also differed between stages of lactation. Mean calcium for cows milking less than 100 days, 101 to 200 days, and greater than 200 days and dry was: 9.41, 9.70, and 9.80 mg/100 ml. Differences in winter feeding practices among herds were responsible for time of sampling, herd, and time of sampling-by-herd differences.", "PMID": 993416} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5181", "title": "Absorption, excretion, and tissue deposition of titanium in sheep.", "content": "Titanium metabolism was measured in three 18 kg lambs each fed 450 g chopped hay daily. Two of the lambs were dosed orally and one intravenously with 3 muCi titanium-44 each. Clearance of the intravenous dose was extremely slow; after oral administration, however, no titanium-44 was detected in blood plasma for 48 h. Over 96% of the oral dose was recovered in feces and digestive tract contents. Titanium-44 absorption, estimated from total carcass recovery and by comparison of concentrations in internal organs of orally and intravenously dosed lambs, was less than .5%. Fecal titanium could be a satisfactory index of soil ingestion by grazing ruminants.", "contents": "Absorption, excretion, and tissue deposition of titanium in sheep. Titanium metabolism was measured in three 18 kg lambs each fed 450 g chopped hay daily. Two of the lambs were dosed orally and one intravenously with 3 muCi titanium-44 each. Clearance of the intravenous dose was extremely slow; after oral administration, however, no titanium-44 was detected in blood plasma for 48 h. Over 96% of the oral dose was recovered in feces and digestive tract contents. Titanium-44 absorption, estimated from total carcass recovery and by comparison of concentrations in internal organs of orally and intravenously dosed lambs, was less than .5%. Fecal titanium could be a satisfactory index of soil ingestion by grazing ruminants.", "PMID": 993417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5182", "title": "Testosterone and libido in holstein bulls of various ages.", "content": "Testosterone was measured by radio-immunoassay in the blood plasma collected from 197 and 195 Holstein bulls in the spring and fall seasons, respectively. Bulls ranged in age from 8 mo to 13.5 yr. The average value for spring was 8.0 ng/ml, higher than the value of 5.7 ng/ml in the fall. Also, there was a tendency for testosterone to increase with age of the bulls up to 6 to 7 yr. The concentration of circulating testosterone was unrelated to libido or semen quality.", "contents": "Testosterone and libido in holstein bulls of various ages. Testosterone was measured by radio-immunoassay in the blood plasma collected from 197 and 195 Holstein bulls in the spring and fall seasons, respectively. Bulls ranged in age from 8 mo to 13.5 yr. The average value for spring was 8.0 ng/ml, higher than the value of 5.7 ng/ml in the fall. Also, there was a tendency for testosterone to increase with age of the bulls up to 6 to 7 yr. The concentration of circulating testosterone was unrelated to libido or semen quality.", "PMID": 993418} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5183", "title": "Fertility of bull semen frozen with beta-amylase, beta-glucuronidase, and catalase.", "content": "\"Capacitase,\" a product combining beta-amylase and beta-glucuronidase, was compatible with survival of bull spermatozoa frozen in whole milk-glycerol extender at final concentrations per ml of 0, 5, 10, and 20 mug of beta-amylase combined with 0, 75, 150, and 300 units of beta-glucuronidase, respectively. Bull semen was frozen in whole milk-glycerol extender containing the three lower concentrations of enzymes tested in the previous trial and used to inseminate 9057 first-service cows within 4 mo of freezing. The 60- to 90-day percent nonreturns were 74.6, 75.6, and 75.0. The same treatments plus a fourth one containing 10 mug of catalase per ml were fertility tested in another trial. Insemination of 16,842 cows resulted in 75.6, 74.1, 74.6, and 74.2% nonreturns. In this trial semen was held immersed in liquid nitrogen and distributed for immediate use each mo for 6 mo. There was no change in fertility during 6 mo of continuous storage at --196 C. Under the conditions tested neither catalase nor beta-amylase with beta-glucuronidase enhanced fertility of frozen bull semen.", "contents": "Fertility of bull semen frozen with beta-amylase, beta-glucuronidase, and catalase. \"Capacitase,\" a product combining beta-amylase and beta-glucuronidase, was compatible with survival of bull spermatozoa frozen in whole milk-glycerol extender at final concentrations per ml of 0, 5, 10, and 20 mug of beta-amylase combined with 0, 75, 150, and 300 units of beta-glucuronidase, respectively. Bull semen was frozen in whole milk-glycerol extender containing the three lower concentrations of enzymes tested in the previous trial and used to inseminate 9057 first-service cows within 4 mo of freezing. The 60- to 90-day percent nonreturns were 74.6, 75.6, and 75.0. The same treatments plus a fourth one containing 10 mug of catalase per ml were fertility tested in another trial. Insemination of 16,842 cows resulted in 75.6, 74.1, 74.6, and 74.2% nonreturns. In this trial semen was held immersed in liquid nitrogen and distributed for immediate use each mo for 6 mo. There was no change in fertility during 6 mo of continuous storage at --196 C. Under the conditions tested neither catalase nor beta-amylase with beta-glucuronidase enhanced fertility of frozen bull semen.", "PMID": 993419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5184", "title": "Tumor conference No. 9. Massive hemangioma with pharyngeal involvement.", "content": "When first seen in May, 1974, this 7-week-old child presented a rapidly enlarging hemangioma involving her face, scalp, oral mucous membranes and pharynx. Because of the development of stridor and complete closure of the eyelids of one eye by the hemangioma, the child was placed on systemic corticosteroid therapy. This was continued for a three-month period at which point it was discontinued. There was unquestionalbe shrinkage of the tumor during therapy. The stridor disappeared and the eyelids opened within a few days. Within six days of discontinuation of the corticosteroids, there was sudden enlargement of the lesion and reappearance of stridor which again subsided after a six-week course of systemic corticosteroids. Currently, the child is still under observation. It is anticipated that further spontaneous resolution will take place but that she will require plastic surgery for some of the residual deformities. The questions of ocular involvement, cardiac enlargement, occlusion of the pharyngeal airway, and arteriovenous anastamoses were raised in this child. Newer treatments including embolization treatments and cryotherapy were considered for this child but were not pursued since the growth of the hemangioma came to a virtual standstill and the child is otherwise thriving.", "contents": "Tumor conference No. 9. Massive hemangioma with pharyngeal involvement. When first seen in May, 1974, this 7-week-old child presented a rapidly enlarging hemangioma involving her face, scalp, oral mucous membranes and pharynx. Because of the development of stridor and complete closure of the eyelids of one eye by the hemangioma, the child was placed on systemic corticosteroid therapy. This was continued for a three-month period at which point it was discontinued. There was unquestionalbe shrinkage of the tumor during therapy. The stridor disappeared and the eyelids opened within a few days. Within six days of discontinuation of the corticosteroids, there was sudden enlargement of the lesion and reappearance of stridor which again subsided after a six-week course of systemic corticosteroids. Currently, the child is still under observation. It is anticipated that further spontaneous resolution will take place but that she will require plastic surgery for some of the residual deformities. The questions of ocular involvement, cardiac enlargement, occlusion of the pharyngeal airway, and arteriovenous anastamoses were raised in this child. Newer treatments including embolization treatments and cryotherapy were considered for this child but were not pursued since the growth of the hemangioma came to a virtual standstill and the child is otherwise thriving.", "PMID": 993440} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5185", "title": "Treatment of portwine marks by an argon laser.", "content": "Although the treatment of the ordinarily incurable portwine birthmark by lasers has been practiced for more than 10 years, recent therapeutic investigations have been carried out particularly with the argon laser. Argon lasers now available for medical purposes produce treatment spots that are small. For certain practical reasons, at present, only relatively small portwine marks can be treated effectively. With trained personnel and proper safety measures, the treatment is safe for the patient and the operator. The treatment as yet is not proved to be better with the argon laser because the ruby laser and even an incoherent infrared thermal coagulator can produce similar and often larger cleared areas. It is recommended for the present that treatment of portwine marks by argon lasers be restricted to investigation in medical centers where critical evaluations, control studies, and more powerful laser systems can be developed.", "contents": "Treatment of portwine marks by an argon laser. Although the treatment of the ordinarily incurable portwine birthmark by lasers has been practiced for more than 10 years, recent therapeutic investigations have been carried out particularly with the argon laser. Argon lasers now available for medical purposes produce treatment spots that are small. For certain practical reasons, at present, only relatively small portwine marks can be treated effectively. With trained personnel and proper safety measures, the treatment is safe for the patient and the operator. The treatment as yet is not proved to be better with the argon laser because the ruby laser and even an incoherent infrared thermal coagulator can produce similar and often larger cleared areas. It is recommended for the present that treatment of portwine marks by argon lasers be restricted to investigation in medical centers where critical evaluations, control studies, and more powerful laser systems can be developed.", "PMID": 993441} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5186", "title": "M-plasty techniques.", "content": "Conventional closure of surgical defects in skin may cause unsightly protrusions (dog ears). Fusiform excisions with angles of 30 degrees or less reduce protrusion but may require excision of larger volumes and lengths of healthy skin and subcutaneous tissue than may be desirable. M-plasties reduce these requirements while still allowing use of 30 degrees angles at maximum. Applications and technical details are described and illustrated.", "contents": "M-plasty techniques. Conventional closure of surgical defects in skin may cause unsightly protrusions (dog ears). Fusiform excisions with angles of 30 degrees or less reduce protrusion but may require excision of larger volumes and lengths of healthy skin and subcutaneous tissue than may be desirable. M-plasties reduce these requirements while still allowing use of 30 degrees angles at maximum. Applications and technical details are described and illustrated.", "PMID": 993442} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5187", "title": "Cosmetic surgery of the neck as an office procedure.", "content": "A simple office procedure to eliminate permanently double chin deformity and senile neck cords and with nearly invisible scars is described. Postoperative complications are mitigated by the use of autogenous fat grafts and constant aspiration of the wound cavity both during and after surgery. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities in several days.", "contents": "Cosmetic surgery of the neck as an office procedure. A simple office procedure to eliminate permanently double chin deformity and senile neck cords and with nearly invisible scars is described. Postoperative complications are mitigated by the use of autogenous fat grafts and constant aspiration of the wound cavity both during and after surgery. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities in several days.", "PMID": 993443} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5188", "title": "Microtopography of the skin and scar formation.", "content": "The surface microtopography of normal human skin varies from one anatomical region to another. The patterns at different sites are considered to reflect different orientations of dermal fibers. A simple technique is described that enables such orientations to be accurately delineated. Various scars resulting from lacerations, surgical incisions, and steroid-induced striae were examined in the manner described.", "contents": "Microtopography of the skin and scar formation. The surface microtopography of normal human skin varies from one anatomical region to another. The patterns at different sites are considered to reflect different orientations of dermal fibers. A simple technique is described that enables such orientations to be accurately delineated. Various scars resulting from lacerations, surgical incisions, and steroid-induced striae were examined in the manner described.", "PMID": 993445} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5189", "title": "Squamous-cell carcinoma of the penis.", "content": "Excision of penile carcinoma by chemosurgery (Hohs' technique) is as nearly ideal as can be because it assures removal of the neoplasm with maximal preservation of normal tissue and function.", "contents": "Squamous-cell carcinoma of the penis. Excision of penile carcinoma by chemosurgery (Hohs' technique) is as nearly ideal as can be because it assures removal of the neoplasm with maximal preservation of normal tissue and function.", "PMID": 993446} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5190", "title": "Dermabrasion for adenoma sebaceum.", "content": "Two patients with tuberous sclerosis but without mental retardation were dermabraded for adenoma sebaceum. The treatment was effective and cosmetically satisfying.", "contents": "Dermabrasion for adenoma sebaceum. Two patients with tuberous sclerosis but without mental retardation were dermabraded for adenoma sebaceum. The treatment was effective and cosmetically satisfying.", "PMID": 993447} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5191", "title": "The corticosteroid dose graph. Use in determination of corticosteroid requirements, characterization of patients, and prevention of seasonal exacerbation in corticosteroid-dependent patients.", "content": "Sixty-three corticosteroid(CS)-dependent asthmatics were evaluated by a method which records asthmatic exacerbations as a function of change in CS dosage. This method, the Corticosteroid Dose Graph (CSDG), is a graphic representation of the patients' narrative charts. It is useful in assessing and directing the care of these patients and in evaluating the efficacy of altered therapeutic regimens in asthmatics. The CSDG categorizes cooperative patients (CP) and distinguishes these patients from those who are less cooperative (LCP). Evaluation of the progress of CP by the graphic analysis system showed that CP have fewer severe exacerbations of asthma than LCPs. Evaluation of the 63 patients by this graphic method shows a significantly increased incidence of asthmatic exacerbations in the Chicago area in October as compared to other months. The CSDG also demonstrates that some individuals experienced significantly increased numbers of asthma exacerbations at certain times of the year unique to themselves. Because the CSDG predicts exacerbations, it was shown to be applicable to prevent such exacerbations by prophylactic increase in CS dose during a high-risk season for selected CS-dependent asthmatics.", "contents": "The corticosteroid dose graph. Use in determination of corticosteroid requirements, characterization of patients, and prevention of seasonal exacerbation in corticosteroid-dependent patients. Sixty-three corticosteroid(CS)-dependent asthmatics were evaluated by a method which records asthmatic exacerbations as a function of change in CS dosage. This method, the Corticosteroid Dose Graph (CSDG), is a graphic representation of the patients' narrative charts. It is useful in assessing and directing the care of these patients and in evaluating the efficacy of altered therapeutic regimens in asthmatics. The CSDG categorizes cooperative patients (CP) and distinguishes these patients from those who are less cooperative (LCP). Evaluation of the progress of CP by the graphic analysis system showed that CP have fewer severe exacerbations of asthma than LCPs. Evaluation of the 63 patients by this graphic method shows a significantly increased incidence of asthmatic exacerbations in the Chicago area in October as compared to other months. The CSDG also demonstrates that some individuals experienced significantly increased numbers of asthma exacerbations at certain times of the year unique to themselves. Because the CSDG predicts exacerbations, it was shown to be applicable to prevent such exacerbations by prophylactic increase in CS dose during a high-risk season for selected CS-dependent asthmatics.", "PMID": 993478} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5192", "title": "Plasma histamine changes during provoked bronchospasm in asthmatic patients.", "content": "Seven patients with bronchial asthma underwent bronchial inhalation challenge with aerosolized allergen extracts and methacholine. Simultaneously, venous blood samples were collected and histamine was measured. Each patient was challenged on successive days with an allergen extract to which he had no skin-sensitizing antibody (skin test-negative allergen), followed by methacholine and skin test-positive allergen. Bronchospasm was not induced by inhalation of skin test-negative allergens but was observed in all patients after methacholine and in the majority of patients after skin test-positive allergens. No changes in plasma histamine were detected after challenges with methacholine and skin test-negative allergens. After challenge with skin test-positive allergens, significant rises in plasma histamine were detected in 5 of 7 patients. Plasma histamine was elevated within the first 5 min after inhalation of aerosolized allergen, and elevations persisted as long as 30 min. These studies showing that histamine increases significantly in the plasma during allergen-induced asthma in man suggest that histamine should be considered as at least one of the mediators of bronchospasm in allergic asthma. Bronchospasm induced by the cholinergic drug methacholine, unlike allergen-induced bronchospasm, is not associated with changes in plasma histamine.", "contents": "Plasma histamine changes during provoked bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Seven patients with bronchial asthma underwent bronchial inhalation challenge with aerosolized allergen extracts and methacholine. Simultaneously, venous blood samples were collected and histamine was measured. Each patient was challenged on successive days with an allergen extract to which he had no skin-sensitizing antibody (skin test-negative allergen), followed by methacholine and skin test-positive allergen. Bronchospasm was not induced by inhalation of skin test-negative allergens but was observed in all patients after methacholine and in the majority of patients after skin test-positive allergens. No changes in plasma histamine were detected after challenges with methacholine and skin test-negative allergens. After challenge with skin test-positive allergens, significant rises in plasma histamine were detected in 5 of 7 patients. Plasma histamine was elevated within the first 5 min after inhalation of aerosolized allergen, and elevations persisted as long as 30 min. These studies showing that histamine increases significantly in the plasma during allergen-induced asthma in man suggest that histamine should be considered as at least one of the mediators of bronchospasm in allergic asthma. Bronchospasm induced by the cholinergic drug methacholine, unlike allergen-induced bronchospasm, is not associated with changes in plasma histamine.", "PMID": 993479} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5193", "title": "Histologic studies of human skin test responses to ragweed and compound 48/80. III. Effects of alternate-day steroid therapy.", "content": "Our previous studies have shown depressed eosinophil responses in skin test reactions to pollen antigens and compound 48/80 in those just completing a 1-wk course of daily steroids. Wheal reactions were unaffected. In this study, 6 ragweed-sensitive atopic subjects were studied before and on the seventh day (\"day on\") and day 8 (\"day off\") of a course of alternate-day steroids. Blood neutrophil levels rose on day 7 and were similar to baseline on day 8, whereas blood eosinophil levels were significantly reduced on both days 7 and 8. Neutrophil responses in skin test reactions were depressed on day 7 and normal on day 8. In contrast, the tissue eosinophil responses were depressed significantly, and to similar degree, on both days 7 and 8. These findings are of potential significance in evaluating the clinical effects of steroids in allergic diseases.", "contents": "Histologic studies of human skin test responses to ragweed and compound 48/80. III. Effects of alternate-day steroid therapy. Our previous studies have shown depressed eosinophil responses in skin test reactions to pollen antigens and compound 48/80 in those just completing a 1-wk course of daily steroids. Wheal reactions were unaffected. In this study, 6 ragweed-sensitive atopic subjects were studied before and on the seventh day (\"day on\") and day 8 (\"day off\") of a course of alternate-day steroids. Blood neutrophil levels rose on day 7 and were similar to baseline on day 8, whereas blood eosinophil levels were significantly reduced on both days 7 and 8. Neutrophil responses in skin test reactions were depressed on day 7 and normal on day 8. In contrast, the tissue eosinophil responses were depressed significantly, and to similar degree, on both days 7 and 8. These findings are of potential significance in evaluating the clinical effects of steroids in allergic diseases.", "PMID": 993480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5194", "title": "Canine airway responses to acetylcholine, prostaglandin F2alpha, histamine, and serotonin after chronic antigen exposure.", "content": "Dose-response curves were obtained for aerosols of acetylcholine (ACh), prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), histamine (H), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on pulmonary resistance (Rp) and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) in Ascaris-hypersensitive dogs. Previously, these animals had been subjected to chronic biweekly \"allergic asthmatic\" episodes by aerosol administration of Ascaris antigen. When examined either one week before or after antigen provocation the airways were not hyperreactive to ACh, H, or 5-HT but did demonstrate a modest hyperreactivity to PGF2alpha. When aerosol dose-response curves were obtained for these agonists immediately following an \"allergic asthmatic\" episode, the airways were hyporeactive to PGF2alpha, H, and 5-HT, but not to ACh. Studies with atropine indicated that the hyporeactivity was the result of decreased airway responsiveness to both direct and indirect effect of PGF2alpha and H. It is concluded that, in dogs, chronic antigen challenge is not accompanied by a general increase in airway reactivity to pharmacologic agents.", "contents": "Canine airway responses to acetylcholine, prostaglandin F2alpha, histamine, and serotonin after chronic antigen exposure. Dose-response curves were obtained for aerosols of acetylcholine (ACh), prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), histamine (H), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on pulmonary resistance (Rp) and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) in Ascaris-hypersensitive dogs. Previously, these animals had been subjected to chronic biweekly \"allergic asthmatic\" episodes by aerosol administration of Ascaris antigen. When examined either one week before or after antigen provocation the airways were not hyperreactive to ACh, H, or 5-HT but did demonstrate a modest hyperreactivity to PGF2alpha. When aerosol dose-response curves were obtained for these agonists immediately following an \"allergic asthmatic\" episode, the airways were hyporeactive to PGF2alpha, H, and 5-HT, but not to ACh. Studies with atropine indicated that the hyporeactivity was the result of decreased airway responsiveness to both direct and indirect effect of PGF2alpha and H. It is concluded that, in dogs, chronic antigen challenge is not accompanied by a general increase in airway reactivity to pharmacologic agents.", "PMID": 993481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5195", "title": "Circulating basophils in normal subjects and in subjects with hay fever.", "content": "The relationship of hay fever symptoms and changes in the number of circulating basophils was studied in 12 subjects clinically sensitive only to ragweed and in 10 nonatopic subjects before, during, and after the ragweed season. Total white blood counts, absolute basophil counts, and symptom scores were recorded twice weekly from mid-June through October, 1974, and compared with the ragweed pollen count. The results indicated that the absolute and relative number of basophils were significantly elevated (p less than 0.001) in the hay fever group when symptoms occurred. As the symptom score of the allergic group increased during the ragweed season, the number of basophils also increased, only to decrease to control values when symptoms subsided. The basophil counts of the atopic group were significantly higher than those of the nonatopic group during the control periods. The nonatopic group also showed a significant elevation of basophils during the ragweed season, but to a much lesser extent than the atopic group. It is concluded that: (1) subjects with symptomatic hay fever have a significantly elevated absolute and relative basophil count which correlates with the exacerbation and remission of symptoms; (2) nonatopic subjects also have a small but significant elevation of basophils during the ragweed season; and (3) the elevation of basophils in the atopic group during symptoms is significantly greater than in the nonatopic group during the ragweed season.", "contents": "Circulating basophils in normal subjects and in subjects with hay fever. The relationship of hay fever symptoms and changes in the number of circulating basophils was studied in 12 subjects clinically sensitive only to ragweed and in 10 nonatopic subjects before, during, and after the ragweed season. Total white blood counts, absolute basophil counts, and symptom scores were recorded twice weekly from mid-June through October, 1974, and compared with the ragweed pollen count. The results indicated that the absolute and relative number of basophils were significantly elevated (p less than 0.001) in the hay fever group when symptoms occurred. As the symptom score of the allergic group increased during the ragweed season, the number of basophils also increased, only to decrease to control values when symptoms subsided. The basophil counts of the atopic group were significantly higher than those of the nonatopic group during the control periods. The nonatopic group also showed a significant elevation of basophils during the ragweed season, but to a much lesser extent than the atopic group. It is concluded that: (1) subjects with symptomatic hay fever have a significantly elevated absolute and relative basophil count which correlates with the exacerbation and remission of symptoms; (2) nonatopic subjects also have a small but significant elevation of basophils during the ragweed season; and (3) the elevation of basophils in the atopic group during symptoms is significantly greater than in the nonatopic group during the ragweed season.", "PMID": 993482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5196", "title": "A comparison of the beta-blocking activities of practolol, sotalol, and propranolol in human and guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle.", "content": "Beta adrenergic blockade was studied in vitro with human tracheal muscle strips and guinea pig tracheal chains. It was shown in isolated smooth muscle from both man and guinea pig that the order of potency for the three beta-blocking agents studied was: propranolol greater than sotalol greater than practolol. Under the conditions of this study, propranolol was about 30,000 times and sotalol about 30 times as potent as practolol. The order of potency suggests that the nature of adrenergic blockade induced by practolol on tracheal smooth muscle is only weakly beta2-relative to the blocking effects of propranolol and sotalol. Beta adrenergic blockade by propranolol, sotalol, and practolol produced different degrees of increased histamine lethality in mice. Whereas both propranolol at 0.01 mg/kg and sotalol at 1.0 mg/kg resulted in 100% histamine-induced lethality, practolol at 50 mg/kg resulted in only 50% histamine-induced lethality. These data, when added to those from our previous studies, suggest that the mechanisms responsible for resistance to the effects of histamine in untreated mice are at least partially mediated by the beta2-adrenergic system. Thus, in three different tissues, the blocking activity of practolol was shown to be less than that of sotalol or propranolol.", "contents": "A comparison of the beta-blocking activities of practolol, sotalol, and propranolol in human and guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle. Beta adrenergic blockade was studied in vitro with human tracheal muscle strips and guinea pig tracheal chains. It was shown in isolated smooth muscle from both man and guinea pig that the order of potency for the three beta-blocking agents studied was: propranolol greater than sotalol greater than practolol. Under the conditions of this study, propranolol was about 30,000 times and sotalol about 30 times as potent as practolol. The order of potency suggests that the nature of adrenergic blockade induced by practolol on tracheal smooth muscle is only weakly beta2-relative to the blocking effects of propranolol and sotalol. Beta adrenergic blockade by propranolol, sotalol, and practolol produced different degrees of increased histamine lethality in mice. Whereas both propranolol at 0.01 mg/kg and sotalol at 1.0 mg/kg resulted in 100% histamine-induced lethality, practolol at 50 mg/kg resulted in only 50% histamine-induced lethality. These data, when added to those from our previous studies, suggest that the mechanisms responsible for resistance to the effects of histamine in untreated mice are at least partially mediated by the beta2-adrenergic system. Thus, in three different tissues, the blocking activity of practolol was shown to be less than that of sotalol or propranolol.", "PMID": 993483} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5197", "title": "Competency-based education.", "content": "The essential elements of a P/CBDE program include the delineation of role-derived dietetic competencies, which are publicly stated in behavioral terms. The criteria used to measure the accomplishment of these competencies are criterion-referenced, and the student acquires the competencies at his own rate. Much confusion exists in differentiating between the essential characteristics and implementation modes. The use of modern technology and modular packaging of learning experiences does not automatically lead to a P/CBDE program. These are merely tools. The clear identification of competencies, objectives, and performance criteria are the essence of P/CBDE. Currently, dietetic educators are formulating competencies for their own programs. A national group of \"experts\" will need to be convened to develop competencies for the profession as a whole.", "contents": "Competency-based education. The essential elements of a P/CBDE program include the delineation of role-derived dietetic competencies, which are publicly stated in behavioral terms. The criteria used to measure the accomplishment of these competencies are criterion-referenced, and the student acquires the competencies at his own rate. Much confusion exists in differentiating between the essential characteristics and implementation modes. The use of modern technology and modular packaging of learning experiences does not automatically lead to a P/CBDE program. These are merely tools. The clear identification of competencies, objectives, and performance criteria are the essence of P/CBDE. Currently, dietetic educators are formulating competencies for their own programs. A national group of \"experts\" will need to be convened to develop competencies for the profession as a whole.", "PMID": 993534} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5198", "title": "Longitudinal studies of food intake and weight of women from ages 18 to 56 years.", "content": "One hundred fifty-eight women have been studied over a thirty-seven-year period, starting with personal contacts during college and continuing by intermittent mail questionnaires through 1973. Food intakes were calculated from 24-hr. dietary recalls at each sampling. The dietary adjustments in calories and ten nutrients which were made during thirty-seven years were presented. Changes in weight are discussed in relation to dietary changes.", "contents": "Longitudinal studies of food intake and weight of women from ages 18 to 56 years. One hundred fifty-eight women have been studied over a thirty-seven-year period, starting with personal contacts during college and continuing by intermittent mail questionnaires through 1973. Food intakes were calculated from 24-hr. dietary recalls at each sampling. The dietary adjustments in calories and ten nutrients which were made during thirty-seven years were presented. Changes in weight are discussed in relation to dietary changes.", "PMID": 993535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5199", "title": "Zinc in selected hospital diets. Comparison of analysis vs. calculation.", "content": "Sample hospital meals for breakfast and the noon and evening meals for regular, ovo-lacto-vegetarian, and renal diets were collected for seven consecutive days. The daily zinc content of each diet was determined, using atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis and by calculation, using the USDA provisional tables on the zinc content of individual foods. The data indicated that the provisional tables provide a reasonable estimation of zinc content of regular or renal diets with errors approximately 10%. However, a 35% overestimation occurred for vegetarian diets. A major cause of error between assayed and calculated values was probably due to substituting items not included in the tables. The mean zinc content for the regular diet, as offered, was 97% of the adult recommended allowance for zinc, while the vegetarian diet provided 81% of the allowance. The average renal diet contained 49% of the allowance. Certain types of vegetarian and low-protein diets may be inadequate in total and/or available zinc. Also important in evaluating hospital diets for adequacy of zinc are the actual intake and the condition of the patient.", "contents": "Zinc in selected hospital diets. Comparison of analysis vs. calculation. Sample hospital meals for breakfast and the noon and evening meals for regular, ovo-lacto-vegetarian, and renal diets were collected for seven consecutive days. The daily zinc content of each diet was determined, using atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis and by calculation, using the USDA provisional tables on the zinc content of individual foods. The data indicated that the provisional tables provide a reasonable estimation of zinc content of regular or renal diets with errors approximately 10%. However, a 35% overestimation occurred for vegetarian diets. A major cause of error between assayed and calculated values was probably due to substituting items not included in the tables. The mean zinc content for the regular diet, as offered, was 97% of the adult recommended allowance for zinc, while the vegetarian diet provided 81% of the allowance. The average renal diet contained 49% of the allowance. Certain types of vegetarian and low-protein diets may be inadequate in total and/or available zinc. Also important in evaluating hospital diets for adequacy of zinc are the actual intake and the condition of the patient.", "PMID": 993536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5200", "title": "Effects of storage and handling on vitamins in fresh lima beans.", "content": "Fresh Lima beans were subjected to various combinations of handling factors, including storage time and temperature, air during storage, water during preparation, hulling, and preparation method, to determine their effects on ascorbic acid, thiamin, and carotene content. Freezing resulted in highly significant losses of ascorbic acid and thiamin. Longer storage time and higher storage temperature resulted in significant reduction in ascorbic acid. Bruising, such as that occurring when beans are mechanically hulled, caused significant losses of both carotene and ascorbic acid. Significant interactions indicated that subjecting beans to circulating air and to bruising increased degradation of ascorbic acid and carotene. Increasing storage temperature compounded the effects of air circulation and of storage time on ascorbic acid. For example, 24-hr. storage at 45 degrees F was as severe as 72 hr. at 37 degrees F. Highest overall content of ascorbic acid was attained with hand-hulled samples stored in still air before cooking. Lowest content of ascorbic acid occurred in bruised beans cooked in copper-fortified water.", "contents": "Effects of storage and handling on vitamins in fresh lima beans. Fresh Lima beans were subjected to various combinations of handling factors, including storage time and temperature, air during storage, water during preparation, hulling, and preparation method, to determine their effects on ascorbic acid, thiamin, and carotene content. Freezing resulted in highly significant losses of ascorbic acid and thiamin. Longer storage time and higher storage temperature resulted in significant reduction in ascorbic acid. Bruising, such as that occurring when beans are mechanically hulled, caused significant losses of both carotene and ascorbic acid. Significant interactions indicated that subjecting beans to circulating air and to bruising increased degradation of ascorbic acid and carotene. Increasing storage temperature compounded the effects of air circulation and of storage time on ascorbic acid. For example, 24-hr. storage at 45 degrees F was as severe as 72 hr. at 37 degrees F. Highest overall content of ascorbic acid was attained with hand-hulled samples stored in still air before cooking. Lowest content of ascorbic acid occurred in bruised beans cooked in copper-fortified water.", "PMID": 993537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5201", "title": "Group approach to weight control: behavior modification, nutrition, and health education.", "content": "We have had a positive experience using a modified approach to behavior modification of eating patterns, exercise, and activity, along with nutrition and health education. During the first year, forty-four adult patients completed the program, which was conducted in the out-patient clinic of a large hospital by a dietitian and a nurse practitioner. A cross-section of the patient population was admitted. The program had a pre-determined number of sessions, each of which was partially structured. When compared with the patients in individual therapy in our Nutrition Clinic, a more consistent weight loss in a shorter time was observed in the group participants. Whether the techniques described here will lead to sustained weight loss over time bears further study.", "contents": "Group approach to weight control: behavior modification, nutrition, and health education. We have had a positive experience using a modified approach to behavior modification of eating patterns, exercise, and activity, along with nutrition and health education. During the first year, forty-four adult patients completed the program, which was conducted in the out-patient clinic of a large hospital by a dietitian and a nurse practitioner. A cross-section of the patient population was admitted. The program had a pre-determined number of sessions, each of which was partially structured. When compared with the patients in individual therapy in our Nutrition Clinic, a more consistent weight loss in a shorter time was observed in the group participants. Whether the techniques described here will lead to sustained weight loss over time bears further study.", "PMID": 993538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5202", "title": "Reaction time as a diagnostic measure in senility.", "content": "Both simple and disjunctive reaction times (RT) are known to slow with aging but there is a paucity of information on RT changes in senility. Since disjunctive RT involves cognition in addition to the sensory-motor speed and attentional components of simple RT, it was hypothesized that disjunctive RT would be a reliable index of age-related mental decline. To test this prediction, simple and disjunctive RT were measured in matched groups of 20 normal and 20 cognitively impaired elderly. Simple RT was slower in the senile patients than in the normal subjects, but this difference was accounted for by differences in disjunctive RT. The senile patients showed a much larger performance decrement with respect to disjunctive RT than did the normal subjects--a difference which was not accounted for by differences in simple RT. In a discriminant function analysis, disjunctive RT alone correctly identified the senile patients and the normal subjects with 86% accuracy. Thus, this measure proved to be a reliable index of age-related mental decline. Preliminary data indicate that disjunctive RT slowing is correlated with non-memory mental decline, and that poor performance is related to the need for care and supervision.", "contents": "Reaction time as a diagnostic measure in senility. Both simple and disjunctive reaction times (RT) are known to slow with aging but there is a paucity of information on RT changes in senility. Since disjunctive RT involves cognition in addition to the sensory-motor speed and attentional components of simple RT, it was hypothesized that disjunctive RT would be a reliable index of age-related mental decline. To test this prediction, simple and disjunctive RT were measured in matched groups of 20 normal and 20 cognitively impaired elderly. Simple RT was slower in the senile patients than in the normal subjects, but this difference was accounted for by differences in disjunctive RT. The senile patients showed a much larger performance decrement with respect to disjunctive RT than did the normal subjects--a difference which was not accounted for by differences in simple RT. In a discriminant function analysis, disjunctive RT alone correctly identified the senile patients and the normal subjects with 86% accuracy. Thus, this measure proved to be a reliable index of age-related mental decline. Preliminary data indicate that disjunctive RT slowing is correlated with non-memory mental decline, and that poor performance is related to the need for care and supervision.", "PMID": 993543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5203", "title": "Potassium, glucose and insulin administration in acute myocardial infarction: a five-year study.", "content": "Two hundred and twelve patients with acute myocardial infarction were treated for 14 days with daily doses of potassium (3 gm orally), glucose (280 gm orally) and regular insulin (16 units subcutaneously), all given in 4 fractional doses. The incidences of arrhythmias, heart failure and systolic blood pressure below 70 mm Hg, as well as the mortality rate, were compared with those for another group of 600 myocardial infarction patients who were not given this treatment. Though there was some reduction in the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, it was not statistically significant. However, there was a strikingly significant decrease in the incidences of heart failure and blood pressure below 70 mm, as well as in the early mortality rate. Our findings should encourage the continued use of potassium, glucose and insulin therapy in acute myocardial infarction.", "contents": "Potassium, glucose and insulin administration in acute myocardial infarction: a five-year study. Two hundred and twelve patients with acute myocardial infarction were treated for 14 days with daily doses of potassium (3 gm orally), glucose (280 gm orally) and regular insulin (16 units subcutaneously), all given in 4 fractional doses. The incidences of arrhythmias, heart failure and systolic blood pressure below 70 mm Hg, as well as the mortality rate, were compared with those for another group of 600 myocardial infarction patients who were not given this treatment. Though there was some reduction in the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, it was not statistically significant. However, there was a strikingly significant decrease in the incidences of heart failure and blood pressure below 70 mm, as well as in the early mortality rate. Our findings should encourage the continued use of potassium, glucose and insulin therapy in acute myocardial infarction.", "PMID": 993544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5204", "title": "A low-vision clinic at a home for the aged.", "content": "The objective of a low-vision clinic developed at the Jewish Home and Hospital for Aged was to improve the visual capabilities of the residents who were not helped by the regular eye clinics. Eighty-three patients (72 women, 11 men) were examined the first year. Ages ranged from 71 to 101 years. The causes of poor vision were mainly senile macular degeneration, cataract formation, chronic glaucoma, severe myopia, aphakia, and combinations of these diseases. Vision ranged from 10/50 at 10 feet (20/100 at 20 feet) in the better eye, to only the ability to distinguish hand movements or to perceive light. With the use of visual aids such as distance or reading glasses and various forms of magnifying glasses, some improvement occurred in 61 of the 83 patients. The follow-up examination was within one year in most cases. It was concluded that in order to examine and treat such patients properly, much more time and patience were required than is usually possible in a regular eye clinic. This involved the help of more social workers and volunteer assistants. Nevertheless, the results were worthwhile for this type of patient.", "contents": "A low-vision clinic at a home for the aged. The objective of a low-vision clinic developed at the Jewish Home and Hospital for Aged was to improve the visual capabilities of the residents who were not helped by the regular eye clinics. Eighty-three patients (72 women, 11 men) were examined the first year. Ages ranged from 71 to 101 years. The causes of poor vision were mainly senile macular degeneration, cataract formation, chronic glaucoma, severe myopia, aphakia, and combinations of these diseases. Vision ranged from 10/50 at 10 feet (20/100 at 20 feet) in the better eye, to only the ability to distinguish hand movements or to perceive light. With the use of visual aids such as distance or reading glasses and various forms of magnifying glasses, some improvement occurred in 61 of the 83 patients. The follow-up examination was within one year in most cases. It was concluded that in order to examine and treat such patients properly, much more time and patience were required than is usually possible in a regular eye clinic. This involved the help of more social workers and volunteer assistants. Nevertheless, the results were worthwhile for this type of patient.", "PMID": 993545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5205", "title": "Therapeutic group process with the institutional elderly.", "content": "This paper reviews the status of geriatric group psychotherapy and the experience with such programs at the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged. Specific ways are suggested for enhancing the administration of group psycho-therapy programs in the geriatric institutional setting. Group therapy techniques adapted to the specialized needs of the aged are of definite therapeutic benefit.", "contents": "Therapeutic group process with the institutional elderly. This paper reviews the status of geriatric group psychotherapy and the experience with such programs at the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged. Specific ways are suggested for enhancing the administration of group psycho-therapy programs in the geriatric institutional setting. Group therapy techniques adapted to the specialized needs of the aged are of definite therapeutic benefit.", "PMID": 993546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5206", "title": "Iron deficiency anemia in postmenopausal women.", "content": "In 90 postmenopausal women aged 55 or older residing in health care facilities, a survey was made of hemoglobin levels and food habits that reflected their consumption of iron-rich foods. The reasons for inadequate dietary intakes of iron are discussed. There is need for better understanding of iron metabolism. Recommendations are made for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in postmenopausal women and for achievement of the highest possible level of health as affected by the intake of iron and related nutritional factors.", "contents": "Iron deficiency anemia in postmenopausal women. In 90 postmenopausal women aged 55 or older residing in health care facilities, a survey was made of hemoglobin levels and food habits that reflected their consumption of iron-rich foods. The reasons for inadequate dietary intakes of iron are discussed. There is need for better understanding of iron metabolism. Recommendations are made for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in postmenopausal women and for achievement of the highest possible level of health as affected by the intake of iron and related nutritional factors.", "PMID": 993548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5207", "title": "[Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy. Evaluation of 2 years of prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis in the maternity ward of H\u00f4pital Saint-Antoine (1973-1974)].", "content": "The authors report the results of prophylaxis of congenital toxoplasmosis in a maternity hospital in Paris for a two years period (1973-1974). 6269 pregnant women were surveyed. 18 toxoplasmosis were detected in evolution at the first prenatal examination, 10 seroconversions were identified among the first examination antibody negative women, when re-examined during the pregnancy. 25 of these 28 women were treated regularly. The seroconversions of the 3 other women were detected only at delivery. In addition 25 women were treated because of high antibody titers (Dye-Test greater than or equal to 300. U.I/ml). 6 congenital toxoplasmosis, 2 of them were manifest, were observed among the children whose mothers were treated for confirmed toxoplasmosis. The extremely low level of seroconversions may be in relation to hygienic and dietetic prescriptions. The difficulties of this prophylaxis are analysed: they are due to studied population and to problems of interpretation or serologic examinations.", "contents": "[Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy. Evaluation of 2 years of prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis in the maternity ward of H\u00f4pital Saint-Antoine (1973-1974)]. The authors report the results of prophylaxis of congenital toxoplasmosis in a maternity hospital in Paris for a two years period (1973-1974). 6269 pregnant women were surveyed. 18 toxoplasmosis were detected in evolution at the first prenatal examination, 10 seroconversions were identified among the first examination antibody negative women, when re-examined during the pregnancy. 25 of these 28 women were treated regularly. The seroconversions of the 3 other women were detected only at delivery. In addition 25 women were treated because of high antibody titers (Dye-Test greater than or equal to 300. U.I/ml). 6 congenital toxoplasmosis, 2 of them were manifest, were observed among the children whose mothers were treated for confirmed toxoplasmosis. The extremely low level of seroconversions may be in relation to hygienic and dietetic prescriptions. The difficulties of this prophylaxis are analysed: they are due to studied population and to problems of interpretation or serologic examinations.", "PMID": 993566} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5208", "title": "Experimentally induced Haemonchus contortus infections in the rabbit.", "content": "Haemonchus contortus originally derived from an Ontario field strain was used to infect laboratory rabbits. Both enshealthed and artificially exsheathed larvae were given at doses of up to 10 million larvae per rabbit. Only artifically exsheathed larvae were infective and a dose of at least 50,000 was required to produce a significant level of infection. H. contortus completed its development in the rabbit, but at a slower rate than in the sheep. Although a few fecund females were found 35 days after infection no eggs were observed on faecal examination. A high proportion of early fourth stage larvae were recovered from numerous rabbits including some which were examined well beyond a postinfection period when all worms should have been in the adult stage. This phenomenon occurred when freshly harvested and exsheathed larvae were used. Post-exsheathed cold conditioning of larvae at 5degreesC further increased the proportion of early fourth stage larvae (maximum proportions were found after 21 and again after 79 days of cold conditioning and thereafter declined). Whether such larvae were inhibited cannot be stated definitely. However, several of these larvae contained crystalline rods within their soma, and the structure of the crystals was similar to those previously described from inhibited H. contortus larvae recovered from sheep. It was concluded that the laboratory rabbit could be a useful host for further studies on some aspects of the biology and pathogenicity of H. contortus.", "contents": "Experimentally induced Haemonchus contortus infections in the rabbit. Haemonchus contortus originally derived from an Ontario field strain was used to infect laboratory rabbits. Both enshealthed and artificially exsheathed larvae were given at doses of up to 10 million larvae per rabbit. Only artifically exsheathed larvae were infective and a dose of at least 50,000 was required to produce a significant level of infection. H. contortus completed its development in the rabbit, but at a slower rate than in the sheep. Although a few fecund females were found 35 days after infection no eggs were observed on faecal examination. A high proportion of early fourth stage larvae were recovered from numerous rabbits including some which were examined well beyond a postinfection period when all worms should have been in the adult stage. This phenomenon occurred when freshly harvested and exsheathed larvae were used. Post-exsheathed cold conditioning of larvae at 5degreesC further increased the proportion of early fourth stage larvae (maximum proportions were found after 21 and again after 79 days of cold conditioning and thereafter declined). Whether such larvae were inhibited cannot be stated definitely. However, several of these larvae contained crystalline rods within their soma, and the structure of the crystals was similar to those previously described from inhibited H. contortus larvae recovered from sheep. It was concluded that the laboratory rabbit could be a useful host for further studies on some aspects of the biology and pathogenicity of H. contortus.", "PMID": 993571} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5209", "title": "Laboratory infections of Scheloribates spp. (oribatid mites) with Moniezia expansa and M. benedeni.", "content": "Scheloribates laevigatus (Koch, 1836) and Scheloribates fimbriatus (Thor, 1930), predominant species of oribatids in soil of Bombay region, were experimentally exposed to infection by uniform suspensions of eggs of Moniezia expansa and M. benedeni. The percentages of mites infected and the average number of cysticercoids developing were observed in 12 sets of experiments. The mites were more readily infected with eggs of M. expansa than with those of M. benedeni. S. laevigatus were infected with M. expansa and less with M. benedeni than S. fimbriatus.", "contents": "Laboratory infections of Scheloribates spp. (oribatid mites) with Moniezia expansa and M. benedeni. Scheloribates laevigatus (Koch, 1836) and Scheloribates fimbriatus (Thor, 1930), predominant species of oribatids in soil of Bombay region, were experimentally exposed to infection by uniform suspensions of eggs of Moniezia expansa and M. benedeni. The percentages of mites infected and the average number of cysticercoids developing were observed in 12 sets of experiments. The mites were more readily infected with eggs of M. expansa than with those of M. benedeni. S. laevigatus were infected with M. expansa and less with M. benedeni than S. fimbriatus.", "PMID": 993572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5210", "title": "Neodiplostomum (Conodiplostomum) ramachandrani sp. n. from Mueller's rat, Rattus muelleri in Malaysia.", "content": "Neodiplostomum (Conodiplostomum) ramachandrani sp. n. is described from Rattus muelleri in Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia. It is characterised by having symmetrical dumbell-shaped testes, and vitellaria as a single ventral band in the hindbody. The taxonomic relations of Neodiplostomum, Conodiplostomum and Fibricola are discussed and possible significance of the fluke as an ecological indicator noted.", "contents": "Neodiplostomum (Conodiplostomum) ramachandrani sp. n. from Mueller's rat, Rattus muelleri in Malaysia. Neodiplostomum (Conodiplostomum) ramachandrani sp. n. is described from Rattus muelleri in Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia. It is characterised by having symmetrical dumbell-shaped testes, and vitellaria as a single ventral band in the hindbody. The taxonomic relations of Neodiplostomum, Conodiplostomum and Fibricola are discussed and possible significance of the fluke as an ecological indicator noted.", "PMID": 993573} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5211", "title": "The distribution of Nematospiroides dubius within the small intestine of laboratory mice.", "content": "Analyses of primary infections of Nematospiroides dubius in male and female laboratory mice show that on days 4--6 post-infection worms occupy up to 50% of the small intestine but as the age of the infection increases worm populations are highly aggregated in relation to the anterior sections of the small intestine. Individual worms are also shown to be aggregated with respect to each other. Between days 42 and 60 post-infection, although the pattern of distribution of N. dubius along the small intestine does not significantly change, survival of worms is influenced by both age and sex of ASH/CSI S.P.F. mice, reasons for which are discussed in the light of previous work on primary infections of N. dubius in other strains of laboratory mice.", "contents": "The distribution of Nematospiroides dubius within the small intestine of laboratory mice. Analyses of primary infections of Nematospiroides dubius in male and female laboratory mice show that on days 4--6 post-infection worms occupy up to 50% of the small intestine but as the age of the infection increases worm populations are highly aggregated in relation to the anterior sections of the small intestine. Individual worms are also shown to be aggregated with respect to each other. Between days 42 and 60 post-infection, although the pattern of distribution of N. dubius along the small intestine does not significantly change, survival of worms is influenced by both age and sex of ASH/CSI S.P.F. mice, reasons for which are discussed in the light of previous work on primary infections of N. dubius in other strains of laboratory mice.", "PMID": 993574} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5212", "title": "Haplorchoides Chen, 1949 (Haplorchinae: Heterophyidae) in freshwater fishes.", "content": "Two metacercariae of Haplorchoides, recorded in the fingerlings of over a dozen species of freshwater fishes, are described and illustrated. Ovigerous flukes were recovered from older specimens of two species of fishes procured from the same locality. Comparison of taxonomic characters of the juveniles and adults suggests that they are conspecific. The metacercariae and adults are assigned to two new species, Haplorchoides pearsoni and H. Mehrai. The observations, presented herein, necessitated a review of the species named under this genus and a revision of the generic diagnosis. The reports on fish intermediaries of H. attenatus have been enlarged.", "contents": "Haplorchoides Chen, 1949 (Haplorchinae: Heterophyidae) in freshwater fishes. Two metacercariae of Haplorchoides, recorded in the fingerlings of over a dozen species of freshwater fishes, are described and illustrated. Ovigerous flukes were recovered from older specimens of two species of fishes procured from the same locality. Comparison of taxonomic characters of the juveniles and adults suggests that they are conspecific. The metacercariae and adults are assigned to two new species, Haplorchoides pearsoni and H. Mehrai. The observations, presented herein, necessitated a review of the species named under this genus and a revision of the generic diagnosis. The reports on fish intermediaries of H. attenatus have been enlarged.", "PMID": 993577} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5213", "title": "A study of the relationship between temperature and the infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium cercariae.", "content": "It was shown that maintenance of cercariae of S. mansoni and S. haematobium at low (10degreesC) and high temperatures (40degreesC) markedly increased their mortality during penetration of mammalian host skin. These increased losses in the skin accounted for the known decrease in infectivity, as measured by adult worm recovery, of cercariae kept at low or high temperatures.", "contents": "A study of the relationship between temperature and the infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium cercariae. It was shown that maintenance of cercariae of S. mansoni and S. haematobium at low (10degreesC) and high temperatures (40degreesC) markedly increased their mortality during penetration of mammalian host skin. These increased losses in the skin accounted for the known decrease in infectivity, as measured by adult worm recovery, of cercariae kept at low or high temperatures.", "PMID": 993578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5214", "title": "The prevalence, relative abundance and site distribution of nematodes of the subfamily Cyathostominae in horses killed in Britain.", "content": "A total of 21 species of Cyathostominae was found in the lumen of the large intestine of 86 mature horses of various ages and breeds killed in south-west England during 1972-1974. Cylicostephanus longibursatus, C. goldi, C. calicatus, Cyathostomum catinatum, C. coronatum and Cylicocyclus nassatus were found in over 80% of the horses, while 12 of the remaining species were detected in less than 30%. Quantitative studies on 55 horses showed the adult cyathostome burdens to rise to a sharp peak (average over 400,000/horse) in April-June and a lower one in November-December. Parallel fluctuations occurred in the lumen populations of 4th-stage larvae. The most numberous cyathostomes were generally those species with the highest prevalence. The five most plentiful (C. nassatus, Cyathostomum catinatum, Cylicostephanus longibursatus, C. minutus and C. goldi) comprised over 90% of the total number of adult cyathostomes recovered. The three regions of the large intestine had adult cyathostome faunas of different composition. That of the dorsal colon was dominated by C. longibursatus and C. goldi, the ventral colon by Cylicocyclus nassatus and Cyathostomum catinatum, while the sparsely inhabited caecum accommodated several equally numerous species. Each species showed a characteristic site distribution, 11 occurring predominantly in the ventral colon, eight in the dorsal colon and two in the caecum. Seasonal changes in the site distributions of C. catinatum and Cyclicocyclus nassatus and in the size of the cyathostome burdens are discussed in relation to the epidemiology of cyathostome infections.", "contents": "The prevalence, relative abundance and site distribution of nematodes of the subfamily Cyathostominae in horses killed in Britain. A total of 21 species of Cyathostominae was found in the lumen of the large intestine of 86 mature horses of various ages and breeds killed in south-west England during 1972-1974. Cylicostephanus longibursatus, C. goldi, C. calicatus, Cyathostomum catinatum, C. coronatum and Cylicocyclus nassatus were found in over 80% of the horses, while 12 of the remaining species were detected in less than 30%. Quantitative studies on 55 horses showed the adult cyathostome burdens to rise to a sharp peak (average over 400,000/horse) in April-June and a lower one in November-December. Parallel fluctuations occurred in the lumen populations of 4th-stage larvae. The most numberous cyathostomes were generally those species with the highest prevalence. The five most plentiful (C. nassatus, Cyathostomum catinatum, Cylicostephanus longibursatus, C. minutus and C. goldi) comprised over 90% of the total number of adult cyathostomes recovered. The three regions of the large intestine had adult cyathostome faunas of different composition. That of the dorsal colon was dominated by C. longibursatus and C. goldi, the ventral colon by Cylicocyclus nassatus and Cyathostomum catinatum, while the sparsely inhabited caecum accommodated several equally numerous species. Each species showed a characteristic site distribution, 11 occurring predominantly in the ventral colon, eight in the dorsal colon and two in the caecum. Seasonal changes in the site distributions of C. catinatum and Cyclicocyclus nassatus and in the size of the cyathostome burdens are discussed in relation to the epidemiology of cyathostome infections.", "PMID": 993579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5215", "title": "Mouse factor B of the alternative pathway of complement activation. I. Purification, characterization, and functional behavior.", "content": "Mouse factor B was purified and a monospecific antiserum was raised. The physicochemical data of this protein (108,000 m.w., 5.9 S, 5.9 to 6.05 isoelectric point) were determined. The functional behavior resembles that of human and guinea pig factor B and it operates efficiently in the C3 feedback cycle of the alternative pathway of complement activation. A provisional scheme is given for the operation of the C3bB enzyme on the cellular (macrophage) level.", "contents": "Mouse factor B of the alternative pathway of complement activation. I. Purification, characterization, and functional behavior. Mouse factor B was purified and a monospecific antiserum was raised. The physicochemical data of this protein (108,000 m.w., 5.9 S, 5.9 to 6.05 isoelectric point) were determined. The functional behavior resembles that of human and guinea pig factor B and it operates efficiently in the C3 feedback cycle of the alternative pathway of complement activation. A provisional scheme is given for the operation of the C3bB enzyme on the cellular (macrophage) level.", "PMID": 993580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5216", "title": "Complement receptor lymphocytes in the rabbit I. an SIg-negative subpopulation in the appendix.", "content": "Complement receptor lymphocytes (CRL) were detected in various rabbit lymphoid tissues by the ability of these CRL to form rosettes with sheep red blood cells coated sequentially with rabbit antiserum directed against sheep red blood cell stroma and horse serum as a nonhemolytic source of complement (EAC). The rosette assay was shown to be specific for complement receptor (CR) activity and the EAC capable of detecting both C3b and C3d specific receptors. With lymphocyte preparations containing less than 5% phagocytic cells, the average per cent CRL in the various tissues studied was as follows: thymus 1%, popliteal lymph node 18%, spleen 30%, appendix 35%, and peripheral blood 45%. Double assays in which the lymphocytes were prestained with an FITC-labeled Fab fragment of a goat anti-rabbit Fab antibody before rosetting indicated that CRL were a subpopulation of surface immunoglobulin (SIg)-bearing lymphocytes in popliteal lymph node, spleen, and peripheral blood. In the appendix, however, in addition to finding SIg+ CR+ and SIg+ CR- populations, an SIg- CR+ population was consistently found. Double assays employing FITC-labeled goat antibodies specific for mu, alpha, and gamma determinants were also performed to determine if there was any relationship between the class of Ig displayed and presence of CR. It appeared that an approximately equivalent percentage of both IgM- and IgG-bearing cells also displayed CR. Experiments in which appendix cells were treated with Pronase to remove SIg and CR and the cells cultured in vitro to allow regeneration of surface markers confirmed the existence of SIg+CR+, SIg+CR-, and SIg-CR+ lymphocyte subpopulations. Whether the SIg-CR+, population represents a developing B cell population which will eventually also express SIg or whether it belongs to the T or \"null\" cell populations is unclear at present.", "contents": "Complement receptor lymphocytes in the rabbit I. an SIg-negative subpopulation in the appendix. Complement receptor lymphocytes (CRL) were detected in various rabbit lymphoid tissues by the ability of these CRL to form rosettes with sheep red blood cells coated sequentially with rabbit antiserum directed against sheep red blood cell stroma and horse serum as a nonhemolytic source of complement (EAC). The rosette assay was shown to be specific for complement receptor (CR) activity and the EAC capable of detecting both C3b and C3d specific receptors. With lymphocyte preparations containing less than 5% phagocytic cells, the average per cent CRL in the various tissues studied was as follows: thymus 1%, popliteal lymph node 18%, spleen 30%, appendix 35%, and peripheral blood 45%. Double assays in which the lymphocytes were prestained with an FITC-labeled Fab fragment of a goat anti-rabbit Fab antibody before rosetting indicated that CRL were a subpopulation of surface immunoglobulin (SIg)-bearing lymphocytes in popliteal lymph node, spleen, and peripheral blood. In the appendix, however, in addition to finding SIg+ CR+ and SIg+ CR- populations, an SIg- CR+ population was consistently found. Double assays employing FITC-labeled goat antibodies specific for mu, alpha, and gamma determinants were also performed to determine if there was any relationship between the class of Ig displayed and presence of CR. It appeared that an approximately equivalent percentage of both IgM- and IgG-bearing cells also displayed CR. Experiments in which appendix cells were treated with Pronase to remove SIg and CR and the cells cultured in vitro to allow regeneration of surface markers confirmed the existence of SIg+CR+, SIg+CR-, and SIg-CR+ lymphocyte subpopulations. Whether the SIg-CR+, population represents a developing B cell population which will eventually also express SIg or whether it belongs to the T or \"null\" cell populations is unclear at present.", "PMID": 993581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5217", "title": "Activation of the alternative pathway of the complement system by radiographic contrast media.", "content": "Nine patients who underwent radiographic contrast media (RCM) infusion for diagnostic purposes were studied. Simultaneously, venous blood samples were collected and complement was measured. None of the patients had a clinical history of allergy to previous infusion of RCM. A significant drop in plasma complement (CH50) levels was detected in five of nine patients. The drop in CH50 was observed within the first 20 min after the initiation of RCM infusion. All five patients in whom a drop in complement was found showed a decrease in hemolytic C3, properdin, and factor B. In addition, by radial immunodiffusion low levels of C3, C6, properdin, and factor B were observed and split products of C3 and factor B were identified by immunoelectrophoresis. No significant changes in C1q and C4 were detected by radial immunodiffusion during the study of these five patients. This study strongly suggested that in some patients undergoing RCM infusion, activation of the complement system occurred and this activation appears to be through the alternative pathway.", "contents": "Activation of the alternative pathway of the complement system by radiographic contrast media. Nine patients who underwent radiographic contrast media (RCM) infusion for diagnostic purposes were studied. Simultaneously, venous blood samples were collected and complement was measured. None of the patients had a clinical history of allergy to previous infusion of RCM. A significant drop in plasma complement (CH50) levels was detected in five of nine patients. The drop in CH50 was observed within the first 20 min after the initiation of RCM infusion. All five patients in whom a drop in complement was found showed a decrease in hemolytic C3, properdin, and factor B. In addition, by radial immunodiffusion low levels of C3, C6, properdin, and factor B were observed and split products of C3 and factor B were identified by immunoelectrophoresis. No significant changes in C1q and C4 were detected by radial immunodiffusion during the study of these five patients. This study strongly suggested that in some patients undergoing RCM infusion, activation of the complement system occurred and this activation appears to be through the alternative pathway.", "PMID": 993582} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5218", "title": "Analysis of murine oncofetal antigens as tumor-associated transplantation antigens.", "content": "In previous studies with in vitro activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes, we have demonstrated the presence of oncofetal antigens (OFA) on a range of murine tumor cells. The present studies with the same tumor lines attempt to determine whether these antigens are also capable of activating lymphocyte responses in vivo. Several experimental designs were followed, each being performed many times (1). Preimmunization of mice with irradiated fetal liver cells and followed by challenge with viable tumor cells did not consistently produce a state of tumor resistance. However, injection of live fetal cells frequently led to enhanced tumor growth (2). The growth of tumors in multiparous mice can be inhibited, in contrast to controls, but this effect was relatively short lived after parturition (3). Preimmunization with fetal cells in vivo did not result in augmented secondary cytotoxic T cell responses in vitro (4). Immunization of mice with irradiated tumor cells frequently led to a state of resistance to the clonal growth of hemopoietic fetal cells, although again the level of resistance was usually relatively weak. From the overall results, we conclude that OFA are relatively poor immunogens on tumor cells or fetal cells in vivo, and in contrast to in vitro responses, do not act as potent tumor transplantation antigens.", "contents": "Analysis of murine oncofetal antigens as tumor-associated transplantation antigens. In previous studies with in vitro activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes, we have demonstrated the presence of oncofetal antigens (OFA) on a range of murine tumor cells. The present studies with the same tumor lines attempt to determine whether these antigens are also capable of activating lymphocyte responses in vivo. Several experimental designs were followed, each being performed many times (1). Preimmunization of mice with irradiated fetal liver cells and followed by challenge with viable tumor cells did not consistently produce a state of tumor resistance. However, injection of live fetal cells frequently led to enhanced tumor growth (2). The growth of tumors in multiparous mice can be inhibited, in contrast to controls, but this effect was relatively short lived after parturition (3). Preimmunization with fetal cells in vivo did not result in augmented secondary cytotoxic T cell responses in vitro (4). Immunization of mice with irradiated tumor cells frequently led to a state of resistance to the clonal growth of hemopoietic fetal cells, although again the level of resistance was usually relatively weak. From the overall results, we conclude that OFA are relatively poor immunogens on tumor cells or fetal cells in vivo, and in contrast to in vitro responses, do not act as potent tumor transplantation antigens.", "PMID": 993583} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5219", "title": "Complement-induced ultrastructural membrane lesions: requirement for terminal components.", "content": "The step in the complement (C) sequence at which 8- to 11-nm ring-shaped lesions are formed on antibody-coated erythrocytes (EA) has remained controversial. Some workers have concluded that these lesions appear at the C5 step and are not ultrastructural correlates of lysis; others hold that these lesions are formed only after the action of C8 and C9 in association with lysis. We have re-examined this problem by using sheep EA and human sera genetically lacking C5, C6, C7, or C8. Electron micrographs of negatively stained membranes (x 220,000) were read in blind fashion and the results correlated with 125I-C5 binding. Rare structures resemblind C-induced ring lesions were found on EA exposed to C5-deficient (C5D), C6D, C7D and C8D sera or to heated normal serum, with no significant differences among these sera (lesion density 0 to 0.26/mum2). Fresh normal serum (NHS) produced 140 to 220 ring lesions/mum2. C5 binding to EA in C8D serum was 60% of that observed in an NHS control; in C6D and C7D sera C5 binding was 4 to 11% of the normal value. Iodine treatment of sera (to enhance C5 uptake by C2 oxidation) increased C5 binding in C6D serum to 40 to 65% of that seen in native NHS; in iodine-treated C7D and C8D sera C5 binding was 250 and 440%, respectively, of the native NHS value. No increase in ring lesions was observed, however, except in the iodine-treated NHS. Thus, in whole serum, C5 binding is not sufficient to produce ultrastructural membrane rings in the absence of later-acting C components, at least through C8. The formation of ring lesions appears to have C requirements similar to those necessary for lysis.", "contents": "Complement-induced ultrastructural membrane lesions: requirement for terminal components. The step in the complement (C) sequence at which 8- to 11-nm ring-shaped lesions are formed on antibody-coated erythrocytes (EA) has remained controversial. Some workers have concluded that these lesions appear at the C5 step and are not ultrastructural correlates of lysis; others hold that these lesions are formed only after the action of C8 and C9 in association with lysis. We have re-examined this problem by using sheep EA and human sera genetically lacking C5, C6, C7, or C8. Electron micrographs of negatively stained membranes (x 220,000) were read in blind fashion and the results correlated with 125I-C5 binding. Rare structures resemblind C-induced ring lesions were found on EA exposed to C5-deficient (C5D), C6D, C7D and C8D sera or to heated normal serum, with no significant differences among these sera (lesion density 0 to 0.26/mum2). Fresh normal serum (NHS) produced 140 to 220 ring lesions/mum2. C5 binding to EA in C8D serum was 60% of that observed in an NHS control; in C6D and C7D sera C5 binding was 4 to 11% of the normal value. Iodine treatment of sera (to enhance C5 uptake by C2 oxidation) increased C5 binding in C6D serum to 40 to 65% of that seen in native NHS; in iodine-treated C7D and C8D sera C5 binding was 250 and 440%, respectively, of the native NHS value. No increase in ring lesions was observed, however, except in the iodine-treated NHS. Thus, in whole serum, C5 binding is not sufficient to produce ultrastructural membrane rings in the absence of later-acting C components, at least through C8. The formation of ring lesions appears to have C requirements similar to those necessary for lysis.", "PMID": 993584} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5220", "title": "Prearmed effector cells and the target cell specificity of lectin-induced cellular cytotoxicity.", "content": "We have investigated mechanisms by which plant lectins induce human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to kill red blood cells (RBC) from different species selectively. Cytotoxicity was induced by both mitogenic components of phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA), erythroagglutinating (E-PHA) and leukoagglutinating (L-PHA), and the nonmitogenic lectin wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). The target cells used in an overnight chromium release assay included human autologous RBC, human allogeneic RBC, and xenogeneic RBC from sheep or chickens. Although E-PHA induced cytotoxicity for all cell types, L-PHA caused human mononuclear cells to kill only xenogeneic RBC and, conversely, WGA induced killing of only human RBC. These differences allowed further investigation of possible control mechanisms. The target cell specificity associated with lectin-induced cellular cytotoxicity did not correlate with lectin binding to, or agglutination of, the different red blood cell types. Furthermore, preincubation of RBC with lectins followed by washing did not result in cytotoxicity. However, when the mononuclear cells were preincubated with the lectins, the same cytotoxic specificity was observed as when lectins were present during the entire assay. These experiments suggest that the target cell specificity observed with lectin-induced cellular cytotoxicity is related to a prearmed lymphocyte which seeks out and kills the appropriate target cell.", "contents": "Prearmed effector cells and the target cell specificity of lectin-induced cellular cytotoxicity. We have investigated mechanisms by which plant lectins induce human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to kill red blood cells (RBC) from different species selectively. Cytotoxicity was induced by both mitogenic components of phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA), erythroagglutinating (E-PHA) and leukoagglutinating (L-PHA), and the nonmitogenic lectin wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). The target cells used in an overnight chromium release assay included human autologous RBC, human allogeneic RBC, and xenogeneic RBC from sheep or chickens. Although E-PHA induced cytotoxicity for all cell types, L-PHA caused human mononuclear cells to kill only xenogeneic RBC and, conversely, WGA induced killing of only human RBC. These differences allowed further investigation of possible control mechanisms. The target cell specificity associated with lectin-induced cellular cytotoxicity did not correlate with lectin binding to, or agglutination of, the different red blood cell types. Furthermore, preincubation of RBC with lectins followed by washing did not result in cytotoxicity. However, when the mononuclear cells were preincubated with the lectins, the same cytotoxic specificity was observed as when lectins were present during the entire assay. These experiments suggest that the target cell specificity observed with lectin-induced cellular cytotoxicity is related to a prearmed lymphocyte which seeks out and kills the appropriate target cell.", "PMID": 993585} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5221", "title": "Immunopathogenesis of autoimmune tubulointerstitial nephritis. II. Role of an immune response gene linked to the major histocompatibility complex.", "content": "Immunization of strain XIII guinea pigs with rabbit renal tubular basement membranes (TBM) in CFA consistently results in severe autoimmune tubulointerstitial nephritis (TN). Strain II guinea pigs similarly immunized do not develop this disease. F1 guinea pigs were found to be intermediate between inbred strain II and XIII animals with regard to extent of autoimmune TN and anti-TBM antibody production. The F1 X II backcrosses segregated into two groups with regard to antibody production and disease extent. Those backcrosses tissue typed as II+, XIII+ were similar to the F1 guinea pigs. Those backcrosses typed as II+,II+ demonstrated little disease and low anti-TBM titers similar to the inbred strain II animals. F1 X XIII backcrossed guinea pigs segregated into II+,XIII+ or XIII+,XIII+ subgroups on the basis of lymph node typing. The II+, XIII+ backcross animals resembled F1 guinea pigs with respect to anti-TBM response and disease extent; whereas the XIII+, XIII+ backcrosses developed severe disease and high anti-TBM titers as observed in the inbred strain XIII animals. These experiments suggest that susceptibility to autoimmune TN in the guinea pig is linked to the strain XIII major histocompatibility complex and that an immune response gene governing this susceptibility may be inherited as a single dominant or co-dominant trait.", "contents": "Immunopathogenesis of autoimmune tubulointerstitial nephritis. II. Role of an immune response gene linked to the major histocompatibility complex. Immunization of strain XIII guinea pigs with rabbit renal tubular basement membranes (TBM) in CFA consistently results in severe autoimmune tubulointerstitial nephritis (TN). Strain II guinea pigs similarly immunized do not develop this disease. F1 guinea pigs were found to be intermediate between inbred strain II and XIII animals with regard to extent of autoimmune TN and anti-TBM antibody production. The F1 X II backcrosses segregated into two groups with regard to antibody production and disease extent. Those backcrosses tissue typed as II+, XIII+ were similar to the F1 guinea pigs. Those backcrosses typed as II+,II+ demonstrated little disease and low anti-TBM titers similar to the inbred strain II animals. F1 X XIII backcrossed guinea pigs segregated into II+,XIII+ or XIII+,XIII+ subgroups on the basis of lymph node typing. The II+, XIII+ backcross animals resembled F1 guinea pigs with respect to anti-TBM response and disease extent; whereas the XIII+, XIII+ backcrosses developed severe disease and high anti-TBM titers as observed in the inbred strain XIII animals. These experiments suggest that susceptibility to autoimmune TN in the guinea pig is linked to the strain XIII major histocompatibility complex and that an immune response gene governing this susceptibility may be inherited as a single dominant or co-dominant trait.", "PMID": 993586} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5222", "title": "Association of histocompatibility haplotype HLA-A3-B7 with multiple sclerosis.", "content": "Tissue typing was performed on 1000 unrelated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 1000 unrelated healthy controls. In addition, segregation analysis of HLA antigens and haplotypes in 36 MS families was done. The following results were observed: HLA-A3 and HLA-B7 were found significantly more often in MS individuals; haplotype HLA-A3-B7 was observed significantly more often in MS patients than in healthy indiciduals of the same population; the association between HLA-A3 and HLA-B7 was signigicantly stronger in MS patients than in controls; the haplotype HLA-A3-B7 shows a common segregation with the disease multiple sclerosis (p = 0.02); and the hypothetical \"MS-disease-susceptibility-gene\" may be located between the second locus and the HLA region and the MLC (mixed lymphocyte culture)-histocompatibility-determinant-region on chromosome No. 6.", "contents": "Association of histocompatibility haplotype HLA-A3-B7 with multiple sclerosis. Tissue typing was performed on 1000 unrelated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 1000 unrelated healthy controls. In addition, segregation analysis of HLA antigens and haplotypes in 36 MS families was done. The following results were observed: HLA-A3 and HLA-B7 were found significantly more often in MS individuals; haplotype HLA-A3-B7 was observed significantly more often in MS patients than in healthy indiciduals of the same population; the association between HLA-A3 and HLA-B7 was signigicantly stronger in MS patients than in controls; the haplotype HLA-A3-B7 shows a common segregation with the disease multiple sclerosis (p = 0.02); and the hypothetical \"MS-disease-susceptibility-gene\" may be located between the second locus and the HLA region and the MLC (mixed lymphocyte culture)-histocompatibility-determinant-region on chromosome No. 6.", "PMID": 993587} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5223", "title": "Reduction of the in vitro cytotoxic lymphocyte response produced by in vivo exposure to semiallogeneic cells: recruitment or active suppression?", "content": "Twenty-four hours after intravenous injection of (C57BL/6 X DBA/2)F1 hygrid lymphoid cells into C57BL/6 mice, the in vitro cytotoxic lymphocyte (CL) response of the C57BL/6 spleen and LN cells against DBA/2 alloantigens can be greatly reduced. The reduction is specific for the foreign alloantigens injected; is reduced by irradiating the cells before injection; develops significantly within 10 min of injection, thereafter increasing with a time constant of about 2 hr; varies with the number and origin of cells injected; can be induced byseveral subpopulations of injected cells within one tissue; varies with the host organ tested (e.g., injection of 10(4) semiallogeneic LN cells can reduce hose LN response more than 100-fold and have no effect on host spleen); and (for the LN response) is largely reversed by treatment with anti-H-2 antibody plus complement specific for the injected cells. The reduction appears to be induced by grafted cells entering host lymphoid organs rather than, e.g., host cells being specifically recruited to go elsewhere. When cocultured with normal cells, lymphoid cells from mice injected as above do not reduce the in vitro CL response of the normal cells but do if left in vivo for 7 days before testing. If left 1 day in vivo, followed by 4 days culture in vitro with the same alloantigen, they strongly reduce the normal cell response. The reduction is increased by both the in vivo and in vitro exposure. The grafted cells, once in the host lymphoid tissue, appear to activate a host suppressor mechanism which develops in vitro and reduces the CL response.", "contents": "Reduction of the in vitro cytotoxic lymphocyte response produced by in vivo exposure to semiallogeneic cells: recruitment or active suppression? Twenty-four hours after intravenous injection of (C57BL/6 X DBA/2)F1 hygrid lymphoid cells into C57BL/6 mice, the in vitro cytotoxic lymphocyte (CL) response of the C57BL/6 spleen and LN cells against DBA/2 alloantigens can be greatly reduced. The reduction is specific for the foreign alloantigens injected; is reduced by irradiating the cells before injection; develops significantly within 10 min of injection, thereafter increasing with a time constant of about 2 hr; varies with the number and origin of cells injected; can be induced byseveral subpopulations of injected cells within one tissue; varies with the host organ tested (e.g., injection of 10(4) semiallogeneic LN cells can reduce hose LN response more than 100-fold and have no effect on host spleen); and (for the LN response) is largely reversed by treatment with anti-H-2 antibody plus complement specific for the injected cells. The reduction appears to be induced by grafted cells entering host lymphoid organs rather than, e.g., host cells being specifically recruited to go elsewhere. When cocultured with normal cells, lymphoid cells from mice injected as above do not reduce the in vitro CL response of the normal cells but do if left in vivo for 7 days before testing. If left 1 day in vivo, followed by 4 days culture in vitro with the same alloantigen, they strongly reduce the normal cell response. The reduction is increased by both the in vivo and in vitro exposure. The grafted cells, once in the host lymphoid tissue, appear to activate a host suppressor mechanism which develops in vitro and reduces the CL response.", "PMID": 993588} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5224", "title": "Response of human lymphocytes to PHA and Con A, dependent on and regulated by THF, a thymic hormone.", "content": "The response of human lymphocytes to T lectins was shown to be dependent on and regulated by THF (thymus humoral factor). When human lymphocytes were stimulated with T lectins in the presence of dialyzed human plasma (DHP) which probably contains a low thymic hormone concentration, we observed a reduced response to PHA and Con A, compared to that observed in the presence of whole human plasma (WHP). This reduced reactivity to T lectins in the presence of DHP was restored by the addition of plasma dialyzates or THF. On the contrary, addition of THF to cultures in the presence of WHP caused a significant reduction in reactivity to T lectins, suggesting that enhancement or reduction of the response of human lymphocytes to T lectins by THF depends on the endogenous content of the thymic hormone in the plasma. From the present data it is suggested that the response of human cells to PHA behaves differently from that to Con A, as reflected in their dependence on THF. Although the response of human cells to Con A is increased by THF only in the presence of DHP, the response to PHA is also enhanced by THF in the presence of low WHP concentrations of even in the absence of WHP.", "contents": "Response of human lymphocytes to PHA and Con A, dependent on and regulated by THF, a thymic hormone. The response of human lymphocytes to T lectins was shown to be dependent on and regulated by THF (thymus humoral factor). When human lymphocytes were stimulated with T lectins in the presence of dialyzed human plasma (DHP) which probably contains a low thymic hormone concentration, we observed a reduced response to PHA and Con A, compared to that observed in the presence of whole human plasma (WHP). This reduced reactivity to T lectins in the presence of DHP was restored by the addition of plasma dialyzates or THF. On the contrary, addition of THF to cultures in the presence of WHP caused a significant reduction in reactivity to T lectins, suggesting that enhancement or reduction of the response of human lymphocytes to T lectins by THF depends on the endogenous content of the thymic hormone in the plasma. From the present data it is suggested that the response of human cells to PHA behaves differently from that to Con A, as reflected in their dependence on THF. Although the response of human cells to Con A is increased by THF only in the presence of DHP, the response to PHA is also enhanced by THF in the presence of low WHP concentrations of even in the absence of WHP.", "PMID": 993589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5225", "title": "Preparation and subfractionation of isologous and heterologous anti-idiotypes, using FV fragments.", "content": "Fv fragments prepared from the BALB/c anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) myeloma proteins, produced by plasmacytoma MOPC 315 and XRPC 25, were used to raise anti-idiotypic antibodies in rabbits. Anti-idiotypes to these proteins were also prepared in the syngeneic BALB/c mice by injecting the intact proteins, whereas Fv fragment failed to induce antibodies in these mice. Rabbit anti-Fv of late bleedings did not show the presence of antibodies to \"framework determinants\" (determinants common to all V regions of mouse immunoglobulins), and they contained precipitating anti-idiotypes whereas mouse antisera contained non-precipitating anti-idiotypes. No cross-reaction was observed between anti-idiotypes to these myeloma proteins and induced anti-DNP antibodies from BALB/c mice, when either rabbit or mouse antisera were analyzed. The anti-sera were fractionated into anti-binding site and anti-non-binding site by adsorption onto the immunogen-Sepharose column and elution by DNP lysine, followed by elution with acetic acid. Only the anti-binding sites were inhibited by hapten in their interaction with the homologous myeloma protein. The rabbit anti-Fv antibodies were predominantly (over 90%) anti-non-binding site whereas the mouse anti-idiotypes were predominantly (60 to 70%) anti-binding site.", "contents": "Preparation and subfractionation of isologous and heterologous anti-idiotypes, using FV fragments. Fv fragments prepared from the BALB/c anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) myeloma proteins, produced by plasmacytoma MOPC 315 and XRPC 25, were used to raise anti-idiotypic antibodies in rabbits. Anti-idiotypes to these proteins were also prepared in the syngeneic BALB/c mice by injecting the intact proteins, whereas Fv fragment failed to induce antibodies in these mice. Rabbit anti-Fv of late bleedings did not show the presence of antibodies to \"framework determinants\" (determinants common to all V regions of mouse immunoglobulins), and they contained precipitating anti-idiotypes whereas mouse antisera contained non-precipitating anti-idiotypes. No cross-reaction was observed between anti-idiotypes to these myeloma proteins and induced anti-DNP antibodies from BALB/c mice, when either rabbit or mouse antisera were analyzed. The anti-sera were fractionated into anti-binding site and anti-non-binding site by adsorption onto the immunogen-Sepharose column and elution by DNP lysine, followed by elution with acetic acid. Only the anti-binding sites were inhibited by hapten in their interaction with the homologous myeloma protein. The rabbit anti-Fv antibodies were predominantly (over 90%) anti-non-binding site whereas the mouse anti-idiotypes were predominantly (60 to 70%) anti-binding site.", "PMID": 993590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5226", "title": "Two types of antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, arming and sensitization.", "content": "Haptenated chicken erythrocytes, anti-hapten antibodies and normal spleen cells were used for a sutdy of parameters of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Anti-hapten antibody was introduced to the reaction either bound to the target cells (sensitization) or to the effector cells (arming). Our data suggest that the same effector cells and the same antibodies were responsible for both types of reactions. More antibody was required for arming (ca. 1 ng/ml) than for sensitization (ca. 10 pg/ml). Antibodies of several mammalian species could cooperate in ADCC with human, rat, or guinea pig spleen effector cells, but fowl antibodies were inefficient in the arming of mammalian effector cells. Rat and human spleen cells were powerful effector cells whereas guinea pig, rabbit, and mouse spleens yielded weakly cytotoxic suspensions. Rabbit antibodies, on the other hand, were efficient, but rat antibodies were less efficient in ADCC. Mouse and guinea pig antibodies appear to take an intermediate position. Our data suggest that ADCC effector cells of the spleen contain phagocytic and nonphagocytic cells, and the non-phagocytic effector cells still constitute a heterogenous population.", "contents": "Two types of antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, arming and sensitization. Haptenated chicken erythrocytes, anti-hapten antibodies and normal spleen cells were used for a sutdy of parameters of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Anti-hapten antibody was introduced to the reaction either bound to the target cells (sensitization) or to the effector cells (arming). Our data suggest that the same effector cells and the same antibodies were responsible for both types of reactions. More antibody was required for arming (ca. 1 ng/ml) than for sensitization (ca. 10 pg/ml). Antibodies of several mammalian species could cooperate in ADCC with human, rat, or guinea pig spleen effector cells, but fowl antibodies were inefficient in the arming of mammalian effector cells. Rat and human spleen cells were powerful effector cells whereas guinea pig, rabbit, and mouse spleens yielded weakly cytotoxic suspensions. Rabbit antibodies, on the other hand, were efficient, but rat antibodies were less efficient in ADCC. Mouse and guinea pig antibodies appear to take an intermediate position. Our data suggest that ADCC effector cells of the spleen contain phagocytic and nonphagocytic cells, and the non-phagocytic effector cells still constitute a heterogenous population.", "PMID": 993591} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5227", "title": "In vitro synthesis of immunoglobulin and anti-viral antibody in Aleutian disease viral infection of mink.", "content": "Lymphoid cells from Aleutian disease virus (ADV)-infected and noninfected mink were cultured in vitro and the synthesis of Ig M, IgG, and viral-specific antibody measured. Compared to noninfected mink, lymph node cells from mink with Aleutian disease (AD) contained a higher percentage of plasma cells and immunoglobulin-bearing lymphocytes, synthesized significantly more IgG, and produced detectable quantities of ADV-specific antibody. No significant difference in IgM synthesis was observed.", "contents": "In vitro synthesis of immunoglobulin and anti-viral antibody in Aleutian disease viral infection of mink. Lymphoid cells from Aleutian disease virus (ADV)-infected and noninfected mink were cultured in vitro and the synthesis of Ig M, IgG, and viral-specific antibody measured. Compared to noninfected mink, lymph node cells from mink with Aleutian disease (AD) contained a higher percentage of plasma cells and immunoglobulin-bearing lymphocytes, synthesized significantly more IgG, and produced detectable quantities of ADV-specific antibody. No significant difference in IgM synthesis was observed.", "PMID": 993592} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5228", "title": "Possible evidence for antibody-dependent macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity directed against murine adenocarcinoma cells in vivo.", "content": "A macrophage-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxic reaction has been described in a syngeneic murine mammary adenocarcinoma model. The antibody appears to be present in two forms, one apparently complexed with antigen and the other identified as 7S immunoglobulin on Sephadex G-200 and as the IgG2a subclass by blocking of Fc receptors on the macrophages. This antibody is first detected in mice with regressing tumors. Tumor cells from immune mice appear to be coated with this antibody, as they are sensitive to the effects of normal macrophages in vitro, whereas tumor cells from immunologically compromised mice are not. Thus, a macrophage-dependent reaction probably is relevant in the in situ immune defenses against this tumor.", "contents": "Possible evidence for antibody-dependent macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity directed against murine adenocarcinoma cells in vivo. A macrophage-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxic reaction has been described in a syngeneic murine mammary adenocarcinoma model. The antibody appears to be present in two forms, one apparently complexed with antigen and the other identified as 7S immunoglobulin on Sephadex G-200 and as the IgG2a subclass by blocking of Fc receptors on the macrophages. This antibody is first detected in mice with regressing tumors. Tumor cells from immune mice appear to be coated with this antibody, as they are sensitive to the effects of normal macrophages in vitro, whereas tumor cells from immunologically compromised mice are not. Thus, a macrophage-dependent reaction probably is relevant in the in situ immune defenses against this tumor.", "PMID": 993593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5229", "title": "Idiotype of inulin-binding antibodies and myeloma proteins controlled by genes linked to the allotype locus of the mouse.", "content": "The serum from non-immunized mice of strains BALB/c, C58, A/He, and RIII contained hemagglutinins for stearoyl inulin-coated SRBC. Immunization with bacterial levan slightly elevated these titers. These same sera also carried cross-specific idiotypic determinants (IdX) that are associated only with inulin-binding myeloma proteins (INBMP) of BLAB/c mice. Three InuldX specificities, A, B, and G, were identified. The InuIdX phenotypes of strains BALB/c, C58, and A/He were InuIdXA+B+G+; strain RIII was InuIdX A+B-G+; strain C57BL/6, C57BL/10, DBA/2, AKR and NH were A-B-G-. Strains CBA, C3H, PL, and C57L could not be typed because of low and inconsistent levels of InuIdX and anti-inulin hemagglutinins. The InuIdXA+B+G+ phenotype was used as a genetic marker in immunoglobulin congenic strains CB-20, BAB-14, and BC-8 and in Bailey RI strains which are derived from crosses of BALB/c (InuIdXA+B+G+) and C57BL/ka or C57BL/6, respectively (InuldXA-B-G-). Linkage of the IdXA+B+G+ to the BALB/c a allotype locus was demonstrated. In addition, the InuldXA+B+G+ marker was used as a phenotype in an analysis of 168 first generation backcorss progeny (C57BL X (C57BL X BALB/c) F). Linkage of the marker to the BALB/c allotype was found again. Two proven recombinant mice having the C57BL a allotype and the InuIdxA+B+G+ markers were identified and progeny tested. Four other potential crossover types are still being progeny-tested.", "contents": "Idiotype of inulin-binding antibodies and myeloma proteins controlled by genes linked to the allotype locus of the mouse. The serum from non-immunized mice of strains BALB/c, C58, A/He, and RIII contained hemagglutinins for stearoyl inulin-coated SRBC. Immunization with bacterial levan slightly elevated these titers. These same sera also carried cross-specific idiotypic determinants (IdX) that are associated only with inulin-binding myeloma proteins (INBMP) of BLAB/c mice. Three InuldX specificities, A, B, and G, were identified. The InuIdX phenotypes of strains BALB/c, C58, and A/He were InuIdXA+B+G+; strain RIII was InuIdX A+B-G+; strain C57BL/6, C57BL/10, DBA/2, AKR and NH were A-B-G-. Strains CBA, C3H, PL, and C57L could not be typed because of low and inconsistent levels of InuIdX and anti-inulin hemagglutinins. The InuIdXA+B+G+ phenotype was used as a genetic marker in immunoglobulin congenic strains CB-20, BAB-14, and BC-8 and in Bailey RI strains which are derived from crosses of BALB/c (InuIdXA+B+G+) and C57BL/ka or C57BL/6, respectively (InuldXA-B-G-). Linkage of the IdXA+B+G+ to the BALB/c a allotype locus was demonstrated. In addition, the InuldXA+B+G+ marker was used as a phenotype in an analysis of 168 first generation backcorss progeny (C57BL X (C57BL X BALB/c) F). Linkage of the marker to the BALB/c allotype was found again. Two proven recombinant mice having the C57BL a allotype and the InuIdxA+B+G+ markers were identified and progeny tested. Four other potential crossover types are still being progeny-tested.", "PMID": 993595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5230", "title": "Modification of H-2 antigenic sites by enzymatic treatment influences virus-specific target cell lysis.", "content": "Vaccinia virus-infected cells were treated enzymatically to remove H-2 antigenic sites. The effect of this procedure on virus-specific cell-mediated cytolysis (CMC) and virus-specific antibody-mediated cytolysis (AMC) was tested. Due to the inhibition of cellular proteinsynthesis by the vaccinia virus infection, H-2 antigenic sites were not resynthesized while there was a continuous production of viral surface antigens. These cells with a high concentration of viral surface antigens and decreased H-2 determinants could be used as targets in the virus specific AMC which emphasizes the significance of H-2 antigens during recognition of virus-specific determinants by T cells.", "contents": "Modification of H-2 antigenic sites by enzymatic treatment influences virus-specific target cell lysis. Vaccinia virus-infected cells were treated enzymatically to remove H-2 antigenic sites. The effect of this procedure on virus-specific cell-mediated cytolysis (CMC) and virus-specific antibody-mediated cytolysis (AMC) was tested. Due to the inhibition of cellular proteinsynthesis by the vaccinia virus infection, H-2 antigenic sites were not resynthesized while there was a continuous production of viral surface antigens. These cells with a high concentration of viral surface antigens and decreased H-2 determinants could be used as targets in the virus specific AMC which emphasizes the significance of H-2 antigens during recognition of virus-specific determinants by T cells.", "PMID": 993596} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5231", "title": "Functional characterization of rat mast cell arylsulfatase activity.", "content": "Extracts of isolated rat peritoneal mast cells were demonstrated to contain appreciable quantities of arysulfatase activity. The enzyme was inhibited by both phosphate and sulfate ions and demonstrated a pH optimum of 5.0. The enzyme was recovered in the eluate of DE-52 columns and appeared to have a m.w. of 150,000 of Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. These findings and the anomalous kinetic behavior of the enzyme suggest that at least part of the enzymatic activity is of the arylsulfatase IIA type. While spontaneous release of the enzyme was observed, challenge of isolated rat mast cells with a goat anti-rat IgE serum resulted in a significant increase in release of the enzyme. The arylsulfatase activity extracted from isolated rat mast cells demonstrated comparable activity in inactivating slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) to that described for human eosinophil and lung arylsulfatase.", "contents": "Functional characterization of rat mast cell arylsulfatase activity. Extracts of isolated rat peritoneal mast cells were demonstrated to contain appreciable quantities of arysulfatase activity. The enzyme was inhibited by both phosphate and sulfate ions and demonstrated a pH optimum of 5.0. The enzyme was recovered in the eluate of DE-52 columns and appeared to have a m.w. of 150,000 of Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. These findings and the anomalous kinetic behavior of the enzyme suggest that at least part of the enzymatic activity is of the arylsulfatase IIA type. While spontaneous release of the enzyme was observed, challenge of isolated rat mast cells with a goat anti-rat IgE serum resulted in a significant increase in release of the enzyme. The arylsulfatase activity extracted from isolated rat mast cells demonstrated comparable activity in inactivating slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) to that described for human eosinophil and lung arylsulfatase.", "PMID": 993597} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5232", "title": "Disc-crossed immunoelectrophoresis. A simple \"laying-on\" technique permitting the use of commercially available agarose.", "content": "A technique, disc-crossed immunoelectrophoresis, is described to provide a simple and convenient means of performing electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel in a discontinuous buffer system (disc electrophoresis) followed by electrophoresis into antibody-containing agarose gel. A simple washing of the polyacrylamide gel in distilled water combined with a \"laying-on\" method, seems to be a satisfactory and rapid way to obtain immunoprecipitation patterns of high quality using commercially available agarose in the second electrophoresis.", "contents": "Disc-crossed immunoelectrophoresis. A simple \"laying-on\" technique permitting the use of commercially available agarose. A technique, disc-crossed immunoelectrophoresis, is described to provide a simple and convenient means of performing electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel in a discontinuous buffer system (disc electrophoresis) followed by electrophoresis into antibody-containing agarose gel. A simple washing of the polyacrylamide gel in distilled water combined with a \"laying-on\" method, seems to be a satisfactory and rapid way to obtain immunoprecipitation patterns of high quality using commercially available agarose in the second electrophoresis.", "PMID": 993602} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5233", "title": "Separation of lymphocyte sub-populations using antibodies attached to staphylococcal protein A-coated surfaces.", "content": "Plastic surfaces which had been coated sucessively with IgG, Staphylococal protein A (SpA) and diluted whole antiserum specific for cell membrane antigens, were used successfully to separate rabbit lymphocyte sub-populations. This method does not require the purification of SpA or antibody, and uses only small quantities of antiserum. The specificity of the cell separation method was demonstrated using various rabbit \"b\" locus anti-allotype sera, and the number of cells removed by the SpA-antiallotype system correlated well with the number of Ig+ve or \"B\" lymphocytes detected by other methods. Optimal conditions for cell attachment could readily be determined using multi-well plastic trays, and the adherent cells rapidly quantitated. Using 125I-labelled rabbit IgG (Rb IgG) or sheep IgG (Sh IgG) it was possible to quantitate the amount of IgG coupled to plastic surfaces, or binding to SpA-coated surfaces. By using 125I-labelled (As4) Rb IgG it was also possible to estimate the amount of antibody bound to SpA. The wide application of the SpA-antibody method relative to other affinity-antibody methods is discussed.", "contents": "Separation of lymphocyte sub-populations using antibodies attached to staphylococcal protein A-coated surfaces. Plastic surfaces which had been coated sucessively with IgG, Staphylococal protein A (SpA) and diluted whole antiserum specific for cell membrane antigens, were used successfully to separate rabbit lymphocyte sub-populations. This method does not require the purification of SpA or antibody, and uses only small quantities of antiserum. The specificity of the cell separation method was demonstrated using various rabbit \"b\" locus anti-allotype sera, and the number of cells removed by the SpA-antiallotype system correlated well with the number of Ig+ve or \"B\" lymphocytes detected by other methods. Optimal conditions for cell attachment could readily be determined using multi-well plastic trays, and the adherent cells rapidly quantitated. Using 125I-labelled rabbit IgG (Rb IgG) or sheep IgG (Sh IgG) it was possible to quantitate the amount of IgG coupled to plastic surfaces, or binding to SpA-coated surfaces. By using 125I-labelled (As4) Rb IgG it was also possible to estimate the amount of antibody bound to SpA. The wide application of the SpA-antibody method relative to other affinity-antibody methods is discussed.", "PMID": 993603} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5234", "title": "Short-term microcultures of lymphocytes from Chinese hamster peripheral blood.", "content": "A microtechnique for the culture of Chinese Hamster lymphocytes is described using Cooke microtiter plates with 100,000 leucocytes in a culture volume of 0.1 ml and a culture time of three days. The culture media used were RPMI 1640 and Trowell T8 supplemented with 20% foetal calf serum (FCS) and 2 mu PHA. The cells were harvested with a Skatron cell culture harvester using glass fibre filters. Various technical aspects of the lymphocyte cultures from the Chinese Hamster are described. The relevance of changes in culture conditions to the variability of culture results was analysed for PHA and FCS concentrations, different culture media, cell concentration, vessel shape and culture duration.", "contents": "Short-term microcultures of lymphocytes from Chinese hamster peripheral blood. A microtechnique for the culture of Chinese Hamster lymphocytes is described using Cooke microtiter plates with 100,000 leucocytes in a culture volume of 0.1 ml and a culture time of three days. The culture media used were RPMI 1640 and Trowell T8 supplemented with 20% foetal calf serum (FCS) and 2 mu PHA. The cells were harvested with a Skatron cell culture harvester using glass fibre filters. Various technical aspects of the lymphocyte cultures from the Chinese Hamster are described. The relevance of changes in culture conditions to the variability of culture results was analysed for PHA and FCS concentrations, different culture media, cell concentration, vessel shape and culture duration.", "PMID": 993605} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5235", "title": "Bacteriology of the lower respiratory tract as determined by fiber-optic bronchoscopy and transtracheal aspiration.", "content": "For assessment of the validity of cultures of tracheobronchial secretions and exudates (TBSE) obtained by fiber-optic bronchoscopy, the aerobic and anaerobic flora of expectorated saliva and TBSE obtained by fiber-optic bronchoscopy from nine healthy volunteers and eight patients were compared with those obtained by fiber-optic bronchoscopy as well). Normal volunteers yielded both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in amounts usually less than 104.5 colony-forming units (cfu)/ml in TBSE obtained by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. In patients with chronic bronchitis, 42 isolates of aerobic bacteria (104-105.5 cfu/ml) and only 10 isolates of anaerobes (usually less than 104 cfu/ml) were reovered from 15 samples obtained by trantracheal aspiration. The data lead to the conclusion that low-level contamination (less than or equal to 104 cfu/ml) with oral flora is common in TBSE obtained by fiber-optic bronchoscopy. A single potential pathogen in numbers of greater than or equal to 105 cfu/ml may be of etiologic significance, particularly if recovered from purulent drainage material from a localized portion of the lung. Under circumstances in which quantitative bacteriology cannot be done, TBSE obtained by transtracheal aspiration will most reliably reflect the bacterial flora present in the lung.", "contents": "Bacteriology of the lower respiratory tract as determined by fiber-optic bronchoscopy and transtracheal aspiration. For assessment of the validity of cultures of tracheobronchial secretions and exudates (TBSE) obtained by fiber-optic bronchoscopy, the aerobic and anaerobic flora of expectorated saliva and TBSE obtained by fiber-optic bronchoscopy from nine healthy volunteers and eight patients were compared with those obtained by fiber-optic bronchoscopy as well). Normal volunteers yielded both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in amounts usually less than 104.5 colony-forming units (cfu)/ml in TBSE obtained by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. In patients with chronic bronchitis, 42 isolates of aerobic bacteria (104-105.5 cfu/ml) and only 10 isolates of anaerobes (usually less than 104 cfu/ml) were reovered from 15 samples obtained by trantracheal aspiration. The data lead to the conclusion that low-level contamination (less than or equal to 104 cfu/ml) with oral flora is common in TBSE obtained by fiber-optic bronchoscopy. A single potential pathogen in numbers of greater than or equal to 105 cfu/ml may be of etiologic significance, particularly if recovered from purulent drainage material from a localized portion of the lung. Under circumstances in which quantitative bacteriology cannot be done, TBSE obtained by transtracheal aspiration will most reliably reflect the bacterial flora present in the lung.", "PMID": 993617} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5236", "title": "Endemic dengue virus infection in Hispaniola. I. Haiti.", "content": "Antibodies to group B arbovirus were common among coastal populations in the Haitian part of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Antibodies were present in 43% of children one to five years old; prevalence in older persons increased with age. In nine asymptomatic persons serodiagnostic changes indicative of group B arbovirus were detected during six of twelve consecutive months. In port cities where antibodies were common in children, Aedes aegypti indices of 50%-70% were observed; in contrast, no A. aegypti mosquitoes were found in an inland village in which children lacked denjue hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodes. Between 1969 and 1971, dengue 2 virus was isolated from 11 persons with episodic febrile illnesses, although no epidemic was apparent. These findings indicate that dengue virus infection was endemic in Haiti during the period of the study.", "contents": "Endemic dengue virus infection in Hispaniola. I. Haiti. Antibodies to group B arbovirus were common among coastal populations in the Haitian part of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Antibodies were present in 43% of children one to five years old; prevalence in older persons increased with age. In nine asymptomatic persons serodiagnostic changes indicative of group B arbovirus were detected during six of twelve consecutive months. In port cities where antibodies were common in children, Aedes aegypti indices of 50%-70% were observed; in contrast, no A. aegypti mosquitoes were found in an inland village in which children lacked denjue hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodes. Between 1969 and 1971, dengue 2 virus was isolated from 11 persons with episodic febrile illnesses, although no epidemic was apparent. These findings indicate that dengue virus infection was endemic in Haiti during the period of the study.", "PMID": 993618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5237", "title": "Lack of leukocyte migration inhibition by hepatitis B antigen and normal nonspecific immunoreactivity in asymptomatic carriers.", "content": "The immune response to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBS Ag) was studied in 25 asymptomatic carriers by the leukocyte migration-inhibition (LMI) test in agarose. In the presence of purified HBS Ag, inhibition was demonstrated in only four of 25 carriers, in contrast to 24 of 28 patients who cleared the antigen after acute infection with hepatitis B. Tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) was also used as an antigen for the LMI test in these carriers. Inhibition was demonstrated in only 12 of 25 individuals who had positive PPD skin tests, in contrast to all of 14 normal noncarrier individuals with positive PPD skin tests and none of 12 normal noncarrier of the asymptomatic carriers gave normal results. The lack of an immune response to HBS Ag was thought to be responsible for the persistence of the antigen and also for the absence of symptoms.", "contents": "Lack of leukocyte migration inhibition by hepatitis B antigen and normal nonspecific immunoreactivity in asymptomatic carriers. The immune response to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBS Ag) was studied in 25 asymptomatic carriers by the leukocyte migration-inhibition (LMI) test in agarose. In the presence of purified HBS Ag, inhibition was demonstrated in only four of 25 carriers, in contrast to 24 of 28 patients who cleared the antigen after acute infection with hepatitis B. Tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) was also used as an antigen for the LMI test in these carriers. Inhibition was demonstrated in only 12 of 25 individuals who had positive PPD skin tests, in contrast to all of 14 normal noncarrier individuals with positive PPD skin tests and none of 12 normal noncarrier of the asymptomatic carriers gave normal results. The lack of an immune response to HBS Ag was thought to be responsible for the persistence of the antigen and also for the absence of symptoms.", "PMID": 993619} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5238", "title": "Amikacin in treatment of infections caused by gram-negative bacteria resistant to gentamicin and other aminoglycosides: clinical and bacteriologic results.", "content": "Amikacin (250 or 500 mg) was administered intramuscularly twice daily at 12-hr intervals to 34 patients with infections due to various gram-negative bacteria. Usually one or more aggravating factors were present, such as serious underlying pathology or therapy with steroids or immunosuppressants. Clinical isolates from most patients were resistant to gentamicin and other aminoglycosides. The overall response to therapy was excellent in 20 patients; in eight patients clinical response was good, but the organism persisted. Six patients showed some improvement without complete resolution of the infection or eradication of the causative organism. There were no complete clinical or bacteriologic failures. Ototoxicity was not observed in any patient. Levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in two patients but returned to pretreatment levels within two weeks after therapy. No other adverse reactions were noted. Amikacin may replace gentamicin as initial therapy in serious gram-negative bacillary infections, particularly when resistance to gentamicin is a problem.", "contents": "Amikacin in treatment of infections caused by gram-negative bacteria resistant to gentamicin and other aminoglycosides: clinical and bacteriologic results. Amikacin (250 or 500 mg) was administered intramuscularly twice daily at 12-hr intervals to 34 patients with infections due to various gram-negative bacteria. Usually one or more aggravating factors were present, such as serious underlying pathology or therapy with steroids or immunosuppressants. Clinical isolates from most patients were resistant to gentamicin and other aminoglycosides. The overall response to therapy was excellent in 20 patients; in eight patients clinical response was good, but the organism persisted. Six patients showed some improvement without complete resolution of the infection or eradication of the causative organism. There were no complete clinical or bacteriologic failures. Ototoxicity was not observed in any patient. Levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in two patients but returned to pretreatment levels within two weeks after therapy. No other adverse reactions were noted. Amikacin may replace gentamicin as initial therapy in serious gram-negative bacillary infections, particularly when resistance to gentamicin is a problem.", "PMID": 993623} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5239", "title": "Clinical pharmacology of amikacin and kanamycin.", "content": "During and after a 4-hr intravenous infusion of amikacin and kanamycin in a cross-over study in healthy adult male volunteers, average concentrations of drug in serum were similar, with half-lives of approximately 2 hr. Apparent volumes of distribution at the steady state averaged 30% of body weight, and the rate of renal clearance was less than the rate of creatinine clearance (83 vs. 120 ml/min), a finding that indicates tubular reabsorption. The rate of serum clearance was greater than the rate of renal clearance (100 vs 83 ml/min). Urinary excretion in 24 hr averaged 94% of the dose, and there was no binding of serum proteins. In another cross-over study, volunteers received single intramuscular injections of these antibiotics. Peak concentrations of drug in serum after 45 min to 2 hr averaged 19.9 and 19.0 mug/ml for amikacin and kanamycin, respectively. Serum half-lives between 4 and 8 hr after administration of drug were 2 hr, and an average of 94% of the dose was recovered in the urine in 24 hr. Thus, the pharmacologic properties of amikacin and kanamycin were virtually identical.", "contents": "Clinical pharmacology of amikacin and kanamycin. During and after a 4-hr intravenous infusion of amikacin and kanamycin in a cross-over study in healthy adult male volunteers, average concentrations of drug in serum were similar, with half-lives of approximately 2 hr. Apparent volumes of distribution at the steady state averaged 30% of body weight, and the rate of renal clearance was less than the rate of creatinine clearance (83 vs. 120 ml/min), a finding that indicates tubular reabsorption. The rate of serum clearance was greater than the rate of renal clearance (100 vs 83 ml/min). Urinary excretion in 24 hr averaged 94% of the dose, and there was no binding of serum proteins. In another cross-over study, volunteers received single intramuscular injections of these antibiotics. Peak concentrations of drug in serum after 45 min to 2 hr averaged 19.9 and 19.0 mug/ml for amikacin and kanamycin, respectively. Serum half-lives between 4 and 8 hr after administration of drug were 2 hr, and an average of 94% of the dose was recovered in the urine in 24 hr. Thus, the pharmacologic properties of amikacin and kanamycin were virtually identical.", "PMID": 993624} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5240", "title": "Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in patients with normal or impaired renal function: radioenzymatic acetylation assay.", "content": "The acetylating radioenzymatic assay was used for determination of levels of amikacin in serum and urine. Because of an inhibitor present in various amounts in urine, assay of amikacin in urine by this method requires added internal standards and thus is less precise than the assay in serum. Determination of the rate of plasma clearance, half-life, and volume of distribution of amikacin in 10 patients with normal renal function, four patients undergoing dialysis, and five patients with end-stage renal diseases have shown a relation of half-life (t1/2 in hr) to rate of clearance of serum creatinine (Cer) of t1/2 = 3 X Cer, the same relation as found for kanamycin and gentamicin. The apparent steady-state volume of distribution of amikacin in patients with diminished renal function is slightly, but not significantly, larger than that in normal patients; the values were 0.28 +/- 0.10 and 0.21 +/- 0.10, respectively. In normal patients, 87% of the drug is excreted by the kidney.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in patients with normal or impaired renal function: radioenzymatic acetylation assay. The acetylating radioenzymatic assay was used for determination of levels of amikacin in serum and urine. Because of an inhibitor present in various amounts in urine, assay of amikacin in urine by this method requires added internal standards and thus is less precise than the assay in serum. Determination of the rate of plasma clearance, half-life, and volume of distribution of amikacin in 10 patients with normal renal function, four patients undergoing dialysis, and five patients with end-stage renal diseases have shown a relation of half-life (t1/2 in hr) to rate of clearance of serum creatinine (Cer) of t1/2 = 3 X Cer, the same relation as found for kanamycin and gentamicin. The apparent steady-state volume of distribution of amikacin in patients with diminished renal function is slightly, but not significantly, larger than that in normal patients; the values were 0.28 +/- 0.10 and 0.21 +/- 0.10, respectively. In normal patients, 87% of the drug is excreted by the kidney.", "PMID": 993625} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5241", "title": "Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in patients with renal insufficiency: relation of half-life and creatinine clearance.", "content": "The half-life of amikacin after a single intramuscular injection was determined in patients with severe renal failure who received 3.75 mg of drug/kg and in patients with various degrees of renal function who received 7.5 mg of drug/kg. The relation of the half-life of amikacin to levels of serum creatinine is practically identical to that of kanamycin. However, although concentrations of serum creatinine remained practically unchanged, rates of creatinine clearance may by considerably decreased in older subjects. This decrease may result in overestimation of the rate of glomerular filtration and subsequent overdosage. Therefore, the half-life of amikacin should be derived from values of rates of creatinine clearance or be predicted with use of a nomogram. The calculated half-life values may be used for development of appropriate dosage schedules for patients with various degrees of renal function. Such schedules would ensure therapeutic levels of drug and avoid potentially toxic accumulation of antibiotic.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in patients with renal insufficiency: relation of half-life and creatinine clearance. The half-life of amikacin after a single intramuscular injection was determined in patients with severe renal failure who received 3.75 mg of drug/kg and in patients with various degrees of renal function who received 7.5 mg of drug/kg. The relation of the half-life of amikacin to levels of serum creatinine is practically identical to that of kanamycin. However, although concentrations of serum creatinine remained practically unchanged, rates of creatinine clearance may by considerably decreased in older subjects. This decrease may result in overestimation of the rate of glomerular filtration and subsequent overdosage. Therefore, the half-life of amikacin should be derived from values of rates of creatinine clearance or be predicted with use of a nomogram. The calculated half-life values may be used for development of appropriate dosage schedules for patients with various degrees of renal function. Such schedules would ensure therapeutic levels of drug and avoid potentially toxic accumulation of antibiotic.", "PMID": 993626} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5242", "title": "Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in patients with impaired renal function.", "content": "Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined after a single intramuscular injection of 7.5 mg of amikacin/kg to 10 volunteers with impaired renal function (creatinine clearance rate, 2.2-65ml/min per 1.73 m2) and to six volunteers with normal renal function. The mean peak concentrations of amikacin in sera of the two groups did not differ significantly from each other and exceeded by two to five times the reported in vitro minimal inhibitory concentrations for the majority of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae strains. There was a significant linear relation between the elimination rate constant of amikacin and the rate of creatinine clearance; there was a significant nonlinear relation between the half-life of amikacin and the serum creatinine concentration. Knowledge of these relations may aid in adjustment of the dosage of amikacin in patients with impaired renal function, especially when such information is used in conjunction with serum assays of amikacin.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in patients with impaired renal function. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined after a single intramuscular injection of 7.5 mg of amikacin/kg to 10 volunteers with impaired renal function (creatinine clearance rate, 2.2-65ml/min per 1.73 m2) and to six volunteers with normal renal function. The mean peak concentrations of amikacin in sera of the two groups did not differ significantly from each other and exceeded by two to five times the reported in vitro minimal inhibitory concentrations for the majority of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae strains. There was a significant linear relation between the elimination rate constant of amikacin and the rate of creatinine clearance; there was a significant nonlinear relation between the half-life of amikacin and the serum creatinine concentration. Knowledge of these relations may aid in adjustment of the dosage of amikacin in patients with impaired renal function, especially when such information is used in conjunction with serum assays of amikacin.", "PMID": 993627} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5243", "title": "Pharmacokinetics of amikacin for treatment of urinary tract infections in patients with reduced renal function.", "content": "Amikacin (250 mg four times daily for 10 days) was administered intramuscularly to 22 patients with long-standing, severe infections of the urinary tract, in each case superimposed on chronic uropathy or nephropathy. Therapy with amikacin was completely successful in 14 patients (sterile 14-day follow-up urine specimens obtained by suprapubic needle aspiration of the bladder) and partially successful in three (sterile three-day but positive 14-day follow-up urine specimens). Five patients were judged to be treatment failures. Quantitative assessment of pyuria revealed a significant drop in the rate of excretion of white cells to near normal levels not only in patients who were cured but also in others, a finding which suggests that the infectious process had been affected by amikacin in all cases. The course of the disease in individual patients suggested that amikacin therapy can be successful after a long series of failures from treatment of such conditions with other antibiotics. Additional pharmacokinetic studies indicated that the half-life of amikacin may be increased five- to 10-fold in patients with renal insufficiency. A tentative dosage schedule was prepared for patients with various degrees of impaired renal function on the basis of average half-life values.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetics of amikacin for treatment of urinary tract infections in patients with reduced renal function. Amikacin (250 mg four times daily for 10 days) was administered intramuscularly to 22 patients with long-standing, severe infections of the urinary tract, in each case superimposed on chronic uropathy or nephropathy. Therapy with amikacin was completely successful in 14 patients (sterile 14-day follow-up urine specimens obtained by suprapubic needle aspiration of the bladder) and partially successful in three (sterile three-day but positive 14-day follow-up urine specimens). Five patients were judged to be treatment failures. Quantitative assessment of pyuria revealed a significant drop in the rate of excretion of white cells to near normal levels not only in patients who were cured but also in others, a finding which suggests that the infectious process had been affected by amikacin in all cases. The course of the disease in individual patients suggested that amikacin therapy can be successful after a long series of failures from treatment of such conditions with other antibiotics. Additional pharmacokinetic studies indicated that the half-life of amikacin may be increased five- to 10-fold in patients with renal insufficiency. A tentative dosage schedule was prepared for patients with various degrees of impaired renal function on the basis of average half-life values.", "PMID": 993628} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5244", "title": "Amikacin in obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal infections: laboratory and clinical studies.", "content": "Based on the proportion of resistant, moderately sensitive, and sensitive strains, the descending order of activity of amikacin against clinical isolates of urinary pathogens was Salmonella, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter, Proteus species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, amikacin was the most active of the antibiotics tested (including gentamicin and tobramycin) against 100 strains of P. aeruginosa. The calculated half-life of amikacin was substantially longer in patients with compromised renal function than in normal subjects. Immaturity of renal function, characteristic of the newborn, similarly slowed the rate of excretion of amikacin. The cure rate (complete clinical remission and eradication of the pathogen) was 91% in 22 patients with urinary tract infection (including 16 with chronic pyelonephritis) treated with 500 mg of amikacin every 8 or 12 hr for eight to 17 days. After single injections of 7.5 mg/kg 2-3 hr before delivery, appreciable amounts of the drug were recovered from the cord blood. No local or systemic intolerance or laboratory abnormalities were observed in a total of 42 patients (including eight infants) treated for a maximum of two weeks. No ototoxicity was demonstrable in any of the 12 patients subjected to audiometry; nystagmography revealed slight vestibular dysfunction in two elderly patients.", "contents": "Amikacin in obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal infections: laboratory and clinical studies. Based on the proportion of resistant, moderately sensitive, and sensitive strains, the descending order of activity of amikacin against clinical isolates of urinary pathogens was Salmonella, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter, Proteus species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, amikacin was the most active of the antibiotics tested (including gentamicin and tobramycin) against 100 strains of P. aeruginosa. The calculated half-life of amikacin was substantially longer in patients with compromised renal function than in normal subjects. Immaturity of renal function, characteristic of the newborn, similarly slowed the rate of excretion of amikacin. The cure rate (complete clinical remission and eradication of the pathogen) was 91% in 22 patients with urinary tract infection (including 16 with chronic pyelonephritis) treated with 500 mg of amikacin every 8 or 12 hr for eight to 17 days. After single injections of 7.5 mg/kg 2-3 hr before delivery, appreciable amounts of the drug were recovered from the cord blood. No local or systemic intolerance or laboratory abnormalities were observed in a total of 42 patients (including eight infants) treated for a maximum of two weeks. No ototoxicity was demonstrable in any of the 12 patients subjected to audiometry; nystagmography revealed slight vestibular dysfunction in two elderly patients.", "PMID": 993629} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5245", "title": "Preliminary clinical trial with amikacin in chronic recurrent gram-negative bacterial infections refractory to other antimicrobial agents.", "content": "Eleven patients with 16 infections due to Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas that were in most cases refractory to treatment with cephalosporins, kanamycin, gentamicin, tobramycin, carbenicillin, or ampicillin (administered singly or in combinations) received 1 g of amikacin daily by the intramuscular route (10 patients) or 0.4 g daily (one patient with renal insufficiency). The average duration of treatment was eight days. At the beginning of treatment, 18 pathogens were sensitive to amikacin at concentrations of 0.25-2 mug/ml. Of the 16 infections, 10 were cured clinically. Thirteen of the 19 pathogens isolated initially were eradicated, and five persisted during treatment but without change in in vitro sensitivity. A strain of Pseudomonas cepacia recovered from a diabetic patient and sensitive initially to 8 mug of amikacin/ml showed an eightfold increase in minimal inhibitory concentration. Superinfection with P. cepacia resistant to amikacin was noted in one case and urinary colonization with Candida albicans in another. No abnormalities of hematopoietic, hepatic, or renal function were observed in laboratory tests.", "contents": "Preliminary clinical trial with amikacin in chronic recurrent gram-negative bacterial infections refractory to other antimicrobial agents. Eleven patients with 16 infections due to Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas that were in most cases refractory to treatment with cephalosporins, kanamycin, gentamicin, tobramycin, carbenicillin, or ampicillin (administered singly or in combinations) received 1 g of amikacin daily by the intramuscular route (10 patients) or 0.4 g daily (one patient with renal insufficiency). The average duration of treatment was eight days. At the beginning of treatment, 18 pathogens were sensitive to amikacin at concentrations of 0.25-2 mug/ml. Of the 16 infections, 10 were cured clinically. Thirteen of the 19 pathogens isolated initially were eradicated, and five persisted during treatment but without change in in vitro sensitivity. A strain of Pseudomonas cepacia recovered from a diabetic patient and sensitive initially to 8 mug of amikacin/ml showed an eightfold increase in minimal inhibitory concentration. Superinfection with P. cepacia resistant to amikacin was noted in one case and urinary colonization with Candida albicans in another. No abnormalities of hematopoietic, hepatic, or renal function were observed in laboratory tests.", "PMID": 993631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5246", "title": "Clinical and laboratory studies with amikacin in newborns, infants, and children.", "content": "Thirty (86%) of 35 infants and older children with proven gram-negative sepsis had a complete clinical remission after treatment with amikacin. In 27 (82%) of 33 infectious episodes for which bacteriologic results were available before and after treatment, the organism was eradicated. The dosage of amikacin was either 7.5 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg given intramuscularly at 12-hr intervals. No adverse clinical effects or laboratory abnormalities were observed during treatment, which lasted from five to 14 days. All bacteria were sensitive to amikacin when tested by the disk diffusion method, and all but a single strain of Pseudomonas were sensitive when tested by the agar dilution method. Assays of serum and urine demonstrated adequate levels of amikacin after single intramuscular injections of 3.75 or 7.5 mg/kg; simultaneous assays of serum and cerebrospinal fluid in two cases demonstrated comparable concentrations of drug suggestive of a high degree of penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid in two cases demonstrated comparable concentrations of drug suggestive of a high degree of penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid during infection. Serial measurements of amikacin in serum from 0.5 to 12 hr after administration of single doses of 7.5 mg of drug/kg to six newborns revealed no significant differences in the concentrations achieved with intramuscular or intravenous administration of the drug.", "contents": "Clinical and laboratory studies with amikacin in newborns, infants, and children. Thirty (86%) of 35 infants and older children with proven gram-negative sepsis had a complete clinical remission after treatment with amikacin. In 27 (82%) of 33 infectious episodes for which bacteriologic results were available before and after treatment, the organism was eradicated. The dosage of amikacin was either 7.5 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg given intramuscularly at 12-hr intervals. No adverse clinical effects or laboratory abnormalities were observed during treatment, which lasted from five to 14 days. All bacteria were sensitive to amikacin when tested by the disk diffusion method, and all but a single strain of Pseudomonas were sensitive when tested by the agar dilution method. Assays of serum and urine demonstrated adequate levels of amikacin after single intramuscular injections of 3.75 or 7.5 mg/kg; simultaneous assays of serum and cerebrospinal fluid in two cases demonstrated comparable concentrations of drug suggestive of a high degree of penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid in two cases demonstrated comparable concentrations of drug suggestive of a high degree of penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid during infection. Serial measurements of amikacin in serum from 0.5 to 12 hr after administration of single doses of 7.5 mg of drug/kg to six newborns revealed no significant differences in the concentrations achieved with intramuscular or intravenous administration of the drug.", "PMID": 993632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5247", "title": "Amikacin for treatment of infections in patients with malignant diseases.", "content": "Amikacin was evaluated in patients with malignant diseases during 134 episodes of identified infection, most of which were cases of pneumonia and septicemia. The overall rate of response of the identified infections was 63%. The majority of infections were caused by Escherichia coli, the Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia group, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The response rate for infections caused by these organisms was 80%. Five of eight infections caused by organisms resistant to gentamicin responded to therapy with amikacin. Nephrotoxicity was observed in 13% of patients who had normal renal function initially.", "contents": "Amikacin for treatment of infections in patients with malignant diseases. Amikacin was evaluated in patients with malignant diseases during 134 episodes of identified infection, most of which were cases of pneumonia and septicemia. The overall rate of response of the identified infections was 63%. The majority of infections were caused by Escherichia coli, the Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia group, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The response rate for infections caused by these organisms was 80%. Five of eight infections caused by organisms resistant to gentamicin responded to therapy with amikacin. Nephrotoxicity was observed in 13% of patients who had normal renal function initially.", "PMID": 993633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5248", "title": "Amikacin therapy for severe gram-negative sepsis: efficacy in infections involving gentamicin-resistant organisms.", "content": "Thirty-eight patients with 41 serious infections due to gram-negative bacteria were treated with amikacin. Twenty of these infections involved organisms that were resistant to gentamicin. The results of therapy in 31 of the infections satisfied the criteria for bacteriologic and clinical cure. Eight patients with urinary tract infections and obstructive uropathy had a good clinical response, but routine follow-up cultures of urine at 30 days were positive. Two patients had persistent sepsis and were considered therapeutic failures. Toxicity to the eighth nerve was documented in three of 31 patients for whom routine audiometric testing was performed. These results indicate that amikacin is effective in the treatment of serious infections due to gram-negative bacilli and is particularly useful in infections involving resistant organisms.", "contents": "Amikacin therapy for severe gram-negative sepsis: efficacy in infections involving gentamicin-resistant organisms. Thirty-eight patients with 41 serious infections due to gram-negative bacteria were treated with amikacin. Twenty of these infections involved organisms that were resistant to gentamicin. The results of therapy in 31 of the infections satisfied the criteria for bacteriologic and clinical cure. Eight patients with urinary tract infections and obstructive uropathy had a good clinical response, but routine follow-up cultures of urine at 30 days were positive. Two patients had persistent sepsis and were considered therapeutic failures. Toxicity to the eighth nerve was documented in three of 31 patients for whom routine audiometric testing was performed. These results indicate that amikacin is effective in the treatment of serious infections due to gram-negative bacilli and is particularly useful in infections involving resistant organisms.", "PMID": 993634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5249", "title": "A new look at the plasma disappearance of sulfobromophthalein (BSP): correlation with the BSP transport maximum and the hepatic plasma flow in man.", "content": "In order to improve the clinical usefulness of the plasma disappearance curve of sulfobromophthalein (BSP), its components were analyzed in 26 control subjects, in 28 patients with cirrhosis, and in 13 cases of miscellaneous liver abnormalities. The uncorrected initial disappearance rate (ki) was found to discriminate best between the control and the patient groups. The second exponential component (k2) was linearly correlated with the transport maximum (Tm) on a double logarithmic plot, but appeared to be independent of the estimated hepatic plasma flow (EHPF). An interpretation of this relationship was possible, when based on a model having saturation kinetics for biliary excretion. The first exponential component (ki) appeared primarily determined by hepatic perfusion. These relationships may contribute to a better understanding and more rational use of dye excretion tests as measures of hepatic function. The data also add to our knowledge about the nature of the excretory defect in cirrhosis.", "contents": "A new look at the plasma disappearance of sulfobromophthalein (BSP): correlation with the BSP transport maximum and the hepatic plasma flow in man. In order to improve the clinical usefulness of the plasma disappearance curve of sulfobromophthalein (BSP), its components were analyzed in 26 control subjects, in 28 patients with cirrhosis, and in 13 cases of miscellaneous liver abnormalities. The uncorrected initial disappearance rate (ki) was found to discriminate best between the control and the patient groups. The second exponential component (k2) was linearly correlated with the transport maximum (Tm) on a double logarithmic plot, but appeared to be independent of the estimated hepatic plasma flow (EHPF). An interpretation of this relationship was possible, when based on a model having saturation kinetics for biliary excretion. The first exponential component (ki) appeared primarily determined by hepatic perfusion. These relationships may contribute to a better understanding and more rational use of dye excretion tests as measures of hepatic function. The data also add to our knowledge about the nature of the excretory defect in cirrhosis.", "PMID": 993641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5250", "title": "Minoxidil reduces pulmonary vascular resistance in dogs and cattle.", "content": "Minoxidil has a direct dilator effect on the systemic arterial smooth muscle. It is potentially an important drug in the treatment of systemic hypertension, especially when combined with beta blockade, which is used to control the associated tachycardia and increase in cardiac output. However, recent observations have suggested that minoxidil might cause pulmonary hypertension. Consequently, we examined the acute effect of monoxidil and propranolol, separately and in combination, on the pulmonary vasculature of the anesthetized dog and the awake calf during normoxia and hypoxia. In both species minoxidil reduced pulmonary vascular resistance. In the dogs this appeared to be the result of a direct action on the pulmonary vascular smooth muscle and in the cattle it was secondary to beta-receptor stimulation. Propranolol alone in the cattle increased the pulmonary pressor response to hypoxia. While we have not examined the possibility that chronic administration of minoxidil might cause pulmonary hypertension by some other mechanism, our acute studies suggest that it reduces, rather than increases, pulmonary vascular resistance. Furthermore, there seems to be a species difference in the mode of its action in dogs and cattle.", "contents": "Minoxidil reduces pulmonary vascular resistance in dogs and cattle. Minoxidil has a direct dilator effect on the systemic arterial smooth muscle. It is potentially an important drug in the treatment of systemic hypertension, especially when combined with beta blockade, which is used to control the associated tachycardia and increase in cardiac output. However, recent observations have suggested that minoxidil might cause pulmonary hypertension. Consequently, we examined the acute effect of monoxidil and propranolol, separately and in combination, on the pulmonary vasculature of the anesthetized dog and the awake calf during normoxia and hypoxia. In both species minoxidil reduced pulmonary vascular resistance. In the dogs this appeared to be the result of a direct action on the pulmonary vascular smooth muscle and in the cattle it was secondary to beta-receptor stimulation. Propranolol alone in the cattle increased the pulmonary pressor response to hypoxia. While we have not examined the possibility that chronic administration of minoxidil might cause pulmonary hypertension by some other mechanism, our acute studies suggest that it reduces, rather than increases, pulmonary vascular resistance. Furthermore, there seems to be a species difference in the mode of its action in dogs and cattle.", "PMID": 993642} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5251", "title": "The natriuretic effect of the organic acid para-aminohippurate.", "content": "Infusion of para-aminohippurate (PAH) during renal clearance experiments has been shown to increase urinary sodium excretion (UNAV). In addition, it has recently been suggested that accumulation of PAH and/or related compounds may be responsible for the increased UNAV per nephron in chronic renal failure. Therefore, studies were designed to determine the mechanism for the natriuretic effect of PAH. PAH administration at (0.19 mM per minute) into the dog renal artery led to an average increase in UNAV of 56+/-11 muEq per minute. Mannitol given at this rate (0.19 mM per minute) led to an increase in UNAV of 26+/-10 muEq per minute, which was less than the increase in UNAV with PAH. NA2SO4 given at this (0.19 mEq per minute) or a higher rate (0.60 mEq. per minute) was associated with an increase in UNAV of 53+/-18 and 228+/-38 muEq per minute, respectively. In the PAH and SO4 studies the increase in UPAHV or USO4V was not different from the increase in UNAV. These results suggest that the natriuretic effect of PAH is mainly due to its effect as a nonreabsorbable anion and offer no support for an osmotic effect or a direct effect on active sodium transport.", "contents": "The natriuretic effect of the organic acid para-aminohippurate. Infusion of para-aminohippurate (PAH) during renal clearance experiments has been shown to increase urinary sodium excretion (UNAV). In addition, it has recently been suggested that accumulation of PAH and/or related compounds may be responsible for the increased UNAV per nephron in chronic renal failure. Therefore, studies were designed to determine the mechanism for the natriuretic effect of PAH. PAH administration at (0.19 mM per minute) into the dog renal artery led to an average increase in UNAV of 56+/-11 muEq per minute. Mannitol given at this rate (0.19 mM per minute) led to an increase in UNAV of 26+/-10 muEq per minute, which was less than the increase in UNAV with PAH. NA2SO4 given at this (0.19 mEq per minute) or a higher rate (0.60 mEq. per minute) was associated with an increase in UNAV of 53+/-18 and 228+/-38 muEq per minute, respectively. In the PAH and SO4 studies the increase in UPAHV or USO4V was not different from the increase in UNAV. These results suggest that the natriuretic effect of PAH is mainly due to its effect as a nonreabsorbable anion and offer no support for an osmotic effect or a direct effect on active sodium transport.", "PMID": 993643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5252", "title": "Phytosterols in aortic tissue in adults and infants.", "content": "Relationships between aortic tissue phytosterols and cholesterol in five adults, five infants, two neonates, and one 30 week abortus were studied. In the normal aortic tissue of the abortus and two neonates, tissue cholesterol levels were 0.67, 0.08, and 0.89 mg. per gram of wet weight, respectively; tissue phytosterol levels were as follows: compesterol (0.94, 0.62. 1.8), stigmasterol (0.18, 0.54, 0.80) and beta-sitosterol (0.78, 1.84, 2.80) mug per gram of wet weight. In 11 aortic tissue samples from five infants studied at 3, 4, 6, 6, and 36 months of age, all having been on phytosterol-rich formulas, mean aortic cholesterol was 0.66 mg. per gram, campesterol 3.57, stigmasterol 9.22, and beta-sitosterol 8.93 mug per gram. In the 11 aortic samples from five infants, mean (+/-S.E.) tissue stigmasterol (9.2+/-2.7) and beta-sitosterol ((8.9+/-1.3) were greater than mean levels (0.51+/-0.18 and 1.8+/-0.6) in the four aortic sections from the abortus and two neonates. Mean (+/-S.E.) cholesterol in the 11 aortic sections from five infants (0.66+/-0.11) was not significantly higher than cholesterol (0.55+/-0.24 mg. per gram) in the four aortic sections from the abortus and two neonates, but was considerably higher than the tissue cholesterol level of 0.08 mg. per gram in one of the two neonates. Mean (+/-S.E.) cholesterol in 11 normal aortic tissue sections from five adults (3.4+/-0.7 mg. per gram) was higher than in the five infants, whereas mean compesterol, stigmasterol, and beta sitosterol, respectively 14, 13, and 16 mug per gram, were somewhat higher but generally comparable to infant levels. In five aortic tissue samples from mature atheromatous plaques in two adults, cholesterol was 54 mg. per gram and mean campesterol, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol were, respectively, 112, 167, and 236 mug per gram. In 15 aortic tissue samples from five adults, cholesterol correlated closely with stigmasterol, r=0.865, beta-sitosterol, r=0.918, and with total phytosterols, r=0.938, p less than 0.01, but not with campesterol, r=0.448. In 11 aortic tissue samples from five infants, cholesterol did not correlate with campesterol, r=0.005, stigmasterol, r=0.006, beta-sitosterol, r=-0.099, or total phytosterols, r=-0.045. Prior to birth some phystosterols apparently cross the placenta. In the first several months of life, vegetable-oil formula-fed infants accrue plant sterols in their aortic tissues. Moderate amounts of phytosterols are present in mature atheromatous lesions in adults. The implications of these findings are unknown and their relationship to deposition of cholesterol in atheromatous and in normal aortic tissues remains to be elucidated.", "contents": "Phytosterols in aortic tissue in adults and infants. Relationships between aortic tissue phytosterols and cholesterol in five adults, five infants, two neonates, and one 30 week abortus were studied. In the normal aortic tissue of the abortus and two neonates, tissue cholesterol levels were 0.67, 0.08, and 0.89 mg. per gram of wet weight, respectively; tissue phytosterol levels were as follows: compesterol (0.94, 0.62. 1.8), stigmasterol (0.18, 0.54, 0.80) and beta-sitosterol (0.78, 1.84, 2.80) mug per gram of wet weight. In 11 aortic tissue samples from five infants studied at 3, 4, 6, 6, and 36 months of age, all having been on phytosterol-rich formulas, mean aortic cholesterol was 0.66 mg. per gram, campesterol 3.57, stigmasterol 9.22, and beta-sitosterol 8.93 mug per gram. In the 11 aortic samples from five infants, mean (+/-S.E.) tissue stigmasterol (9.2+/-2.7) and beta-sitosterol ((8.9+/-1.3) were greater than mean levels (0.51+/-0.18 and 1.8+/-0.6) in the four aortic sections from the abortus and two neonates. Mean (+/-S.E.) cholesterol in the 11 aortic sections from five infants (0.66+/-0.11) was not significantly higher than cholesterol (0.55+/-0.24 mg. per gram) in the four aortic sections from the abortus and two neonates, but was considerably higher than the tissue cholesterol level of 0.08 mg. per gram in one of the two neonates. Mean (+/-S.E.) cholesterol in 11 normal aortic tissue sections from five adults (3.4+/-0.7 mg. per gram) was higher than in the five infants, whereas mean compesterol, stigmasterol, and beta sitosterol, respectively 14, 13, and 16 mug per gram, were somewhat higher but generally comparable to infant levels. In five aortic tissue samples from mature atheromatous plaques in two adults, cholesterol was 54 mg. per gram and mean campesterol, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol were, respectively, 112, 167, and 236 mug per gram. In 15 aortic tissue samples from five adults, cholesterol correlated closely with stigmasterol, r=0.865, beta-sitosterol, r=0.918, and with total phytosterols, r=0.938, p less than 0.01, but not with campesterol, r=0.448. In 11 aortic tissue samples from five infants, cholesterol did not correlate with campesterol, r=0.005, stigmasterol, r=0.006, beta-sitosterol, r=-0.099, or total phytosterols, r=-0.045. Prior to birth some phystosterols apparently cross the placenta. In the first several months of life, vegetable-oil formula-fed infants accrue plant sterols in their aortic tissues. Moderate amounts of phytosterols are present in mature atheromatous lesions in adults. The implications of these findings are unknown and their relationship to deposition of cholesterol in atheromatous and in normal aortic tissues remains to be elucidated.", "PMID": 993644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5253", "title": "Removal of heparin and protamine from plasma.", "content": "A simple chromatographic technique for rapid adsorption of heparin and protamine from plasma samples is described, allowing accurate interpretation of coagulation screening tests and specific clotting factor assays. With the use of columns of ECTEOLA-cellulose, up to 300 U. of heparin could be completely adsorbed from a 1 ml. plasma sample. When citrated nonheparinized plasma was passed over the ECTEOLA-cellulose columns, the thrombin, prothrombin, and partial thromboplastin times were unaffected. Levels of fibrinogen, prothrombin, and factors V, VII, VIII, IX, and XI average within 90 per cent of control, nonchromatographed samples. When heparinized plasma samples (0.1 and 1.0 U. per milliliter) were passed over columns, heparin was completely removed and the results of the screening tests and the specific factor assays were the same as for the chromatographed nonheparinized samples. In addition, heparinized samples with decreased factor VIII activity maintained their pretreatment factor VII activities after heparin removal. Blood samples containing heparin were obtained from two patients during open-heart surgery. Following heparin adsorption on ECTEOLA-cellulose columns, factor VIII activity levels remained above 60 per cent during cardiopulmonary by-pass. The presence of protamine sulfate in plasma samples prolonged the prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times while slightly shortening the thrombin time. The protamine effect persisted after ECTEOLA-cellulose, but could be removed by a similar column of carboxymethyl-cellulose. The latter resin had no effect on screening tests or on assays of factors VIII or IX activity. The combination of the two resins was then used to remove the separate inhibitory effects from heparinized plasma samples to which protamine had been added.", "contents": "Removal of heparin and protamine from plasma. A simple chromatographic technique for rapid adsorption of heparin and protamine from plasma samples is described, allowing accurate interpretation of coagulation screening tests and specific clotting factor assays. With the use of columns of ECTEOLA-cellulose, up to 300 U. of heparin could be completely adsorbed from a 1 ml. plasma sample. When citrated nonheparinized plasma was passed over the ECTEOLA-cellulose columns, the thrombin, prothrombin, and partial thromboplastin times were unaffected. Levels of fibrinogen, prothrombin, and factors V, VII, VIII, IX, and XI average within 90 per cent of control, nonchromatographed samples. When heparinized plasma samples (0.1 and 1.0 U. per milliliter) were passed over columns, heparin was completely removed and the results of the screening tests and the specific factor assays were the same as for the chromatographed nonheparinized samples. In addition, heparinized samples with decreased factor VIII activity maintained their pretreatment factor VII activities after heparin removal. Blood samples containing heparin were obtained from two patients during open-heart surgery. Following heparin adsorption on ECTEOLA-cellulose columns, factor VIII activity levels remained above 60 per cent during cardiopulmonary by-pass. The presence of protamine sulfate in plasma samples prolonged the prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times while slightly shortening the thrombin time. The protamine effect persisted after ECTEOLA-cellulose, but could be removed by a similar column of carboxymethyl-cellulose. The latter resin had no effect on screening tests or on assays of factors VIII or IX activity. The combination of the two resins was then used to remove the separate inhibitory effects from heparinized plasma samples to which protamine had been added.", "PMID": 993645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5254", "title": "The effects of hemorrhage, hypoxia, and a preparation of erythropoietin on thrombopoiesis.", "content": "The effects of hemorrhage, hypoxia, or a preparation of erythropoietin on platelet production were investigated by measuring incorporation of selenomethionine-75Se (75SeM) into the platelets of rabbits or mice. Rabbits that were bled daily for 5 days had a significant increase in the platelet count, 48 hours after cessation of hemmorrhage, that coincided with a threefold increase in isotope incorporation into platelets. Mice that were bled daily for 3 days also had significantly higher platelet counts and a 38 per cent increase in incorporation of isotope into platelets, 3 days after the last hemorrhage. Normal rabbits, injected with plasma from repeatedly bled, anemic, and moderately thrombocytopenic rabbits, had a 58 per cent greater maximum incorporation of 75SeM than did control animals. Mice exposed to hypoxia for 6 days had a mean platelet count 23 per cent lower than normal controls, but no change in incorporation of 75SeM into platelets. Plasma from hypoxic mice did not stimulate platelet production when injected into normal mice. A preparation of human urinary erythropoietin (15 to 30 U. per mouse or 30 to 120 U. per rabbit) significantly increased incorporation of isotope into the platelets of normal mice and rabbits. The results demonstrated that hemorrhage, but not hypoxia, is associated with increased thrombopoietic activity in plasma. However, large doses of preparations of human erythropoietin contained detectable thrombopoietic activity.", "contents": "The effects of hemorrhage, hypoxia, and a preparation of erythropoietin on thrombopoiesis. The effects of hemorrhage, hypoxia, or a preparation of erythropoietin on platelet production were investigated by measuring incorporation of selenomethionine-75Se (75SeM) into the platelets of rabbits or mice. Rabbits that were bled daily for 5 days had a significant increase in the platelet count, 48 hours after cessation of hemmorrhage, that coincided with a threefold increase in isotope incorporation into platelets. Mice that were bled daily for 3 days also had significantly higher platelet counts and a 38 per cent increase in incorporation of isotope into platelets, 3 days after the last hemorrhage. Normal rabbits, injected with plasma from repeatedly bled, anemic, and moderately thrombocytopenic rabbits, had a 58 per cent greater maximum incorporation of 75SeM than did control animals. Mice exposed to hypoxia for 6 days had a mean platelet count 23 per cent lower than normal controls, but no change in incorporation of 75SeM into platelets. Plasma from hypoxic mice did not stimulate platelet production when injected into normal mice. A preparation of human urinary erythropoietin (15 to 30 U. per mouse or 30 to 120 U. per rabbit) significantly increased incorporation of isotope into the platelets of normal mice and rabbits. The results demonstrated that hemorrhage, but not hypoxia, is associated with increased thrombopoietic activity in plasma. However, large doses of preparations of human erythropoietin contained detectable thrombopoietic activity.", "PMID": 993646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5255", "title": "Effect of indomethacin and sodium meclofenamate on the renal concentrating defect in experimental enterococcal pyelonephritis in rats.", "content": "The present studies have confirmed a severe urinary concentrating defect early in the course of experimental enterococcal pyelonephritis. This defect in maximum concentrating ability was almost completely reversed immediately following indomethacin or sodium meclofenamate intravenously. This effect of indomethacin and sodium meclofenamate was transient and was not associated with a fall in numbers of enterococci per gram of kidney. Injection of indomethacin or sodium meclofenamate in noninfected rats had no effect on maximum renal concentrating ability. The potential mechanisms by which indomethacin and sodium meclofenamate, inhibitors of renal prostaglandin synthesis, could reverse a defect in maximum urinary concentration are discussed.", "contents": "Effect of indomethacin and sodium meclofenamate on the renal concentrating defect in experimental enterococcal pyelonephritis in rats. The present studies have confirmed a severe urinary concentrating defect early in the course of experimental enterococcal pyelonephritis. This defect in maximum concentrating ability was almost completely reversed immediately following indomethacin or sodium meclofenamate intravenously. This effect of indomethacin and sodium meclofenamate was transient and was not associated with a fall in numbers of enterococci per gram of kidney. Injection of indomethacin or sodium meclofenamate in noninfected rats had no effect on maximum renal concentrating ability. The potential mechanisms by which indomethacin and sodium meclofenamate, inhibitors of renal prostaglandin synthesis, could reverse a defect in maximum urinary concentration are discussed.", "PMID": 993647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5256", "title": "The effect of hemodialysis on neutrophil chemotactic responsiveness.", "content": "Fifteen patients with chronic renal failure had depressed neutrophil chemotactic responsiveness following several hemodialysis treatments. The chemotactic index (C.I.) of these patients was 12.7+/-6.4 as compared with 72.8+/-22.7 for controls (p less than 0.001). Patients with chronic renal failure, not on hemodialysis, had only mildly depressed neutrophil chemotactic responsiveness (42.3+/-15;p less than 0.01). Thus, hemodialysis impairs neutrophil function and may contribute to the increased risk of infection in uremic patients. Chemotactic responsiveness returned to normal in three patients following renal transplantation.", "contents": "The effect of hemodialysis on neutrophil chemotactic responsiveness. Fifteen patients with chronic renal failure had depressed neutrophil chemotactic responsiveness following several hemodialysis treatments. The chemotactic index (C.I.) of these patients was 12.7+/-6.4 as compared with 72.8+/-22.7 for controls (p less than 0.001). Patients with chronic renal failure, not on hemodialysis, had only mildly depressed neutrophil chemotactic responsiveness (42.3+/-15;p less than 0.01). Thus, hemodialysis impairs neutrophil function and may contribute to the increased risk of infection in uremic patients. Chemotactic responsiveness returned to normal in three patients following renal transplantation.", "PMID": 993648} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5257", "title": "Effect of antecedent hormone administration on lipolysis in the perifused isolated fat cell.", "content": "Development of a perifusion system utilizing isolated fat cells (IFC) has converted the static incubation system into one capable of measuring dynamic changes in adipose tissue metabolism. Using this new system, we have studied the initiation by epinephrine and inhibition by insulin of lipolysis in IFC. Perifusion with \"low\" (10 muU per milliliter) or \"high\" (50 muU per milliliter) insulin was performed (1) prior to, (2) simultaneous with, and (3) after infusion of epinephrine. Exposure to low insulin prior to or simultaneously with epinephrine produced a greater amount of antilipolysis than the addition of insulin to cells already stimulated by epinephrine. Similar results were obtained with proinsulin. Insulin (50 muU per milliliter) when given prior to or simultaneously with 0.035 mug per milliliter of epinephrine bitartrate completely blocked lipolysis but the antilipolytic effect of insulin could be overcome by increasing the concentration of epinephrine bitartrate. Insulin (50 muU per milliliter) also decreased the sensitivity of the fat cells to subsequent doses of epinephrine bitartrate even after apparent removal of all immunoreactive insulin by continuing buffer infusion. After exposure to 50 muU per milliliter of insulin, followed by buffer alone, the cells failed to release glycerol in response to 0.035 mug per milliliter of epinephrine bitartrate but did respond to 3.5 mug per milliliter of epinephrine bitartrate. Thus, the sequence of hormonal administration as well as hormonal concentration greatly altered the responsiveness of the adipose tissue to both lipolytic and antilipolytic stimuli.", "contents": "Effect of antecedent hormone administration on lipolysis in the perifused isolated fat cell. Development of a perifusion system utilizing isolated fat cells (IFC) has converted the static incubation system into one capable of measuring dynamic changes in adipose tissue metabolism. Using this new system, we have studied the initiation by epinephrine and inhibition by insulin of lipolysis in IFC. Perifusion with \"low\" (10 muU per milliliter) or \"high\" (50 muU per milliliter) insulin was performed (1) prior to, (2) simultaneous with, and (3) after infusion of epinephrine. Exposure to low insulin prior to or simultaneously with epinephrine produced a greater amount of antilipolysis than the addition of insulin to cells already stimulated by epinephrine. Similar results were obtained with proinsulin. Insulin (50 muU per milliliter) when given prior to or simultaneously with 0.035 mug per milliliter of epinephrine bitartrate completely blocked lipolysis but the antilipolytic effect of insulin could be overcome by increasing the concentration of epinephrine bitartrate. Insulin (50 muU per milliliter) also decreased the sensitivity of the fat cells to subsequent doses of epinephrine bitartrate even after apparent removal of all immunoreactive insulin by continuing buffer infusion. After exposure to 50 muU per milliliter of insulin, followed by buffer alone, the cells failed to release glycerol in response to 0.035 mug per milliliter of epinephrine bitartrate but did respond to 3.5 mug per milliliter of epinephrine bitartrate. Thus, the sequence of hormonal administration as well as hormonal concentration greatly altered the responsiveness of the adipose tissue to both lipolytic and antilipolytic stimuli.", "PMID": 993649} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5258", "title": "Stapedectomy. A non-personal series.", "content": "An attempt has been made to indicate from St. Thomas' Hospital what the likely outcome of stapedectomy would be when performed by a cross-section of the speciality at differing levels of training, and to indicate the complications encountered at this centre. Included in the review is a comparison of the results from polythene struct and vein graft replacement and piston replacement.", "contents": "Stapedectomy. A non-personal series. An attempt has been made to indicate from St. Thomas' Hospital what the likely outcome of stapedectomy would be when performed by a cross-section of the speciality at differing levels of training, and to indicate the complications encountered at this centre. Included in the review is a comparison of the results from polythene struct and vein graft replacement and piston replacement.", "PMID": 993654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5259", "title": "Delayed hypersensitivity skin test in head and neck cancer.", "content": "A brief introduction is given stressing the importance of host reactions against tumour specific antigens. Two groups of patients are presented. Positive tests are associated with a better prognosis in both groups. Energy is commonly associated with widespread disease, but other factors appear to be concerned as well. Immune competence is impaired soon after surgery, but as time progresses this appears to recover. Tumour bulk appears to be the biggest barrier to the immune mechanism and it would appear that the role of immunotherapy in the future will be to supplement more conventional methods of treatment, especially surgery.", "contents": "Delayed hypersensitivity skin test in head and neck cancer. A brief introduction is given stressing the importance of host reactions against tumour specific antigens. Two groups of patients are presented. Positive tests are associated with a better prognosis in both groups. Energy is commonly associated with widespread disease, but other factors appear to be concerned as well. Immune competence is impaired soon after surgery, but as time progresses this appears to recover. Tumour bulk appears to be the biggest barrier to the immune mechanism and it would appear that the role of immunotherapy in the future will be to supplement more conventional methods of treatment, especially surgery.", "PMID": 993657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5260", "title": "Chondromyxoid fibroma of the petrygo-palatine space.", "content": "A patient who for five years had obstinate unilateral facial pain, difficult to interpret, was found to have an expanding process in the left retromaxillary space. Histological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed chondromyxoid fibroma. This tumour is rarely seen in the bones of the face and has never before been described in this area. The clinical and histological findings are described and discussed.", "contents": "Chondromyxoid fibroma of the petrygo-palatine space. A patient who for five years had obstinate unilateral facial pain, difficult to interpret, was found to have an expanding process in the left retromaxillary space. Histological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed chondromyxoid fibroma. This tumour is rarely seen in the bones of the face and has never before been described in this area. The clinical and histological findings are described and discussed.", "PMID": 993658} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5261", "title": "Secretory otitis media due to a hair-bearing dermoid of the mastoid cavity.", "content": "A case of persistent unilateral secretory otitis media occurring in an elderly patient is described. The aetiology of the condition proved to be due to a dermoid lying in the mastoid cavity. The clinical, radiological and histological features are described, with comments as to the association which might have existed linking these two conditions. Comment is made concerning the aetiology of dermoid cysts within the mastoid antrum.", "contents": "Secretory otitis media due to a hair-bearing dermoid of the mastoid cavity. A case of persistent unilateral secretory otitis media occurring in an elderly patient is described. The aetiology of the condition proved to be due to a dermoid lying in the mastoid cavity. The clinical, radiological and histological features are described, with comments as to the association which might have existed linking these two conditions. Comment is made concerning the aetiology of dermoid cysts within the mastoid antrum.", "PMID": 993659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5262", "title": "Mechanism of lipolysis induced by electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus in the rabbit.", "content": "Electrical stimulation of the ventro-medial hypothalamus of the rabbit elevated plasma glycerol concentration. This elevation was suppressed by treatments of the animals with hexamethonium and propranolol, or by adrenalectomy, but was not suppressed by treatments with atropine and phentolamine. These results would indicate that the effect of electrical stimulation of ventro-medial hypothalamus is mainly mediated by catecholamine(s) liberated from the adrenal medulla and acts on beta-receptor of adipose tissue.", "contents": "Mechanism of lipolysis induced by electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus in the rabbit. Electrical stimulation of the ventro-medial hypothalamus of the rabbit elevated plasma glycerol concentration. This elevation was suppressed by treatments of the animals with hexamethonium and propranolol, or by adrenalectomy, but was not suppressed by treatments with atropine and phentolamine. These results would indicate that the effect of electrical stimulation of ventro-medial hypothalamus is mainly mediated by catecholamine(s) liberated from the adrenal medulla and acts on beta-receptor of adipose tissue.", "PMID": 993668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5263", "title": "Ionic requirements for the active ileal bile salt transport system.", "content": "Taurocholate transport by everted ileal gut sacs was studied in physiological media containing graded amounts of sodium ions. Significant uphill transport of taurocholate was observed when the bulk of NaCl was replaced by osmotic equivalents of mannitol or choline chloride. Seventy-seven percent of control transport activity was observed when 36 milliequivalents per liter of Na+ were present in the incubation medium with mannitol acting as the isosmotic replacement, and 74% of the control transport was retained when 31 milliequivalents per liter of Na+ were present in the incubation medium with choline chloride acting as the osmotic replacement. Lowering the Na+ concentration to 19 milliequivalents per liter (i.e., 84% replacement of Na+) still allowed for 69% of the uphill transport observed in the control incubations. Taurodehydrocholate transport by ileal everted sacs was more sensitive to decreased Na+ concentrations; 29% of control transport was observed at 31 milliequivalents per liter of Na+. A kinetic analysis comparing the transport of taurocholate with taurodehydrocholate, the triketo analogue, at different concentrations of Na+ indicated that the apparent affinity of the transport system for Na+ is greater in the presence of taurocholate than in the presence of taurodehydrocholate. The ability of taurodehydrocholate to depress taurocholate transport is less in media of low Na+ concentration. Finally, in vivo intestinal perfusion studies demonstrated that the depression of taurocholate absorption, following Na+ removal, is reversible. These results are in agreement with the idea that Na+ has a physiological role in intestinal bile salt transport, and that the affinities of the anionic bile salt and the sodium cation for the transport system appear to be cooperative in that one enhances the binding of the other.", "contents": "Ionic requirements for the active ileal bile salt transport system. Taurocholate transport by everted ileal gut sacs was studied in physiological media containing graded amounts of sodium ions. Significant uphill transport of taurocholate was observed when the bulk of NaCl was replaced by osmotic equivalents of mannitol or choline chloride. Seventy-seven percent of control transport activity was observed when 36 milliequivalents per liter of Na+ were present in the incubation medium with mannitol acting as the isosmotic replacement, and 74% of the control transport was retained when 31 milliequivalents per liter of Na+ were present in the incubation medium with choline chloride acting as the osmotic replacement. Lowering the Na+ concentration to 19 milliequivalents per liter (i.e., 84% replacement of Na+) still allowed for 69% of the uphill transport observed in the control incubations. Taurodehydrocholate transport by ileal everted sacs was more sensitive to decreased Na+ concentrations; 29% of control transport was observed at 31 milliequivalents per liter of Na+. A kinetic analysis comparing the transport of taurocholate with taurodehydrocholate, the triketo analogue, at different concentrations of Na+ indicated that the apparent affinity of the transport system for Na+ is greater in the presence of taurocholate than in the presence of taurodehydrocholate. The ability of taurodehydrocholate to depress taurocholate transport is less in media of low Na+ concentration. Finally, in vivo intestinal perfusion studies demonstrated that the depression of taurocholate absorption, following Na+ removal, is reversible. These results are in agreement with the idea that Na+ has a physiological role in intestinal bile salt transport, and that the affinities of the anionic bile salt and the sodium cation for the transport system appear to be cooperative in that one enhances the binding of the other.", "PMID": 993669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5264", "title": "Insulin binding and insulin response of adipocytes from rats adapted to fat feeding.", "content": "The effect of fat feeding on adipocyte insulin binding was examined to expand a study of adaptive changes in plasma membrane functions. Cells from rats fed a high fat (L) diet for five to seven days bound less insulin and showed a decreased response to insulin (glucose oxidation) compared to those from rats fed a high glucose (G) diet. Both high and low affinity sites were influenced; the extent of the binding difference increased as increasing concentrations of insulin were present in the assay medium. Diet did not change hormone degradation on the capacity of phospholipase C to increase binding. Concanavalin A effects on fat cells were also decreased by L diet both in inhibition of insulin binding and its insulin-like effect on glucose oxidation. Spermine, which had no effect on insulin binding, also had a smaller insulin-like effect on glucose oxidation by L cells than by G cells. Serum insulin was significantly lower (30 +/- 3.7 muU/ml) in L than in G (43 +/- 3.1 muU/ml) groups. Dietary fat produces alterations in fat cells that decrease insulin binding as a part of a complex overall adaptation to the diet.", "contents": "Insulin binding and insulin response of adipocytes from rats adapted to fat feeding. The effect of fat feeding on adipocyte insulin binding was examined to expand a study of adaptive changes in plasma membrane functions. Cells from rats fed a high fat (L) diet for five to seven days bound less insulin and showed a decreased response to insulin (glucose oxidation) compared to those from rats fed a high glucose (G) diet. Both high and low affinity sites were influenced; the extent of the binding difference increased as increasing concentrations of insulin were present in the assay medium. Diet did not change hormone degradation on the capacity of phospholipase C to increase binding. Concanavalin A effects on fat cells were also decreased by L diet both in inhibition of insulin binding and its insulin-like effect on glucose oxidation. Spermine, which had no effect on insulin binding, also had a smaller insulin-like effect on glucose oxidation by L cells than by G cells. Serum insulin was significantly lower (30 +/- 3.7 muU/ml) in L than in G (43 +/- 3.1 muU/ml) groups. Dietary fat produces alterations in fat cells that decrease insulin binding as a part of a complex overall adaptation to the diet.", "PMID": 993670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5265", "title": "Circadian distribution of bile acid in the enterohepatic circulatory system in hamsters.", "content": "The distribution of bile acid in the enterohepatic circulatory system at different times of the day was determined in 48 hamsters exposed to a rigid light schedule (6 AM to 6 PM) and fed, ad libitum, for 4 weeks. In each portion of the enterohepatic circulatory system, the relative amount of bile acid was determined 24 hours after an intraperitoneal administration of [3H]taurocholic acid by comparing the radioactivity recovered from that portion with the total radioactivity remaining in the entire system. A circadian fluctuation of the relative bile acid content (percent of total) was observed in serum, liver, gallbladder, and intestinal contents. The patterns of such rhythmic change varied in various segments of the intestinal tract but correlated well with the time sequence of the movement of bowel content. Rhythms in the serum and liver were intimately related to the intestinal absorption of bile acid. Due to its small capacity, the gallbladder played only a minor role in the regulation of such a rhythm.", "contents": "Circadian distribution of bile acid in the enterohepatic circulatory system in hamsters. The distribution of bile acid in the enterohepatic circulatory system at different times of the day was determined in 48 hamsters exposed to a rigid light schedule (6 AM to 6 PM) and fed, ad libitum, for 4 weeks. In each portion of the enterohepatic circulatory system, the relative amount of bile acid was determined 24 hours after an intraperitoneal administration of [3H]taurocholic acid by comparing the radioactivity recovered from that portion with the total radioactivity remaining in the entire system. A circadian fluctuation of the relative bile acid content (percent of total) was observed in serum, liver, gallbladder, and intestinal contents. The patterns of such rhythmic change varied in various segments of the intestinal tract but correlated well with the time sequence of the movement of bowel content. Rhythms in the serum and liver were intimately related to the intestinal absorption of bile acid. Due to its small capacity, the gallbladder played only a minor role in the regulation of such a rhythm.", "PMID": 993671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5266", "title": "A biosynthetic method for the preparation of high specific activity 32P-labeled phospholipids.", "content": "32P-Labeled phospholipids with specific activities up to 400 mCi/mmole as well as [32P]CDP-choline were prepared by cultivation of mouse fibroblasts or mouse Ehrlich ascites cells in the presence of [32P]orthophosphate. The method was also used to prepare [methyl-3H]choline-labeled glycerophospholipids from [3H]choline. The yields and the specific activities of the phospholipids were significantly lower when preparations of ox white blood cells were used.", "contents": "A biosynthetic method for the preparation of high specific activity 32P-labeled phospholipids. 32P-Labeled phospholipids with specific activities up to 400 mCi/mmole as well as [32P]CDP-choline were prepared by cultivation of mouse fibroblasts or mouse Ehrlich ascites cells in the presence of [32P]orthophosphate. The method was also used to prepare [methyl-3H]choline-labeled glycerophospholipids from [3H]choline. The yields and the specific activities of the phospholipids were significantly lower when preparations of ox white blood cells were used.", "PMID": 993672} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5267", "title": "Metabolism of glycerol monoethers in cultured liver cells and implications for monoglyceride pathways.", "content": "A comparative study has been made of the assimilation and metabolism of rac-1 and 2-[9, 10(-3)H]-octadec-9-enylglycerol in a clone of epithelial-like cells isolated from rabbit liver. Based on cell protein content, the free glycerol ether isomers attained equal cellular concentrations. As shown by isolation and degradation experiments, however, the incorporation of radioactive 1-monether was appreciably higher than that of radioactive 2-monoether in both the triacylglycerol and phospholipid fractions. The 1-monoether, unlike the 2-monether, was also a significant source of esterified fatty acids in both lipid fractions. In addition, the 1-monoether, but not the 2-monoether, was an active precursor of plasmalogens, particularly ethanolamine plasmalogen. In contrast to the 1-monoether, the 2-monoether was a more active precursor of triacylglycerols than it was of phospholipids. The results indicate that in the rabbit liver cells the pathway of complex lipid synthesis from 1-monoether was via 1-alkyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoric acid and from 2-monoether via 1-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycerol.", "contents": "Metabolism of glycerol monoethers in cultured liver cells and implications for monoglyceride pathways. A comparative study has been made of the assimilation and metabolism of rac-1 and 2-[9, 10(-3)H]-octadec-9-enylglycerol in a clone of epithelial-like cells isolated from rabbit liver. Based on cell protein content, the free glycerol ether isomers attained equal cellular concentrations. As shown by isolation and degradation experiments, however, the incorporation of radioactive 1-monether was appreciably higher than that of radioactive 2-monoether in both the triacylglycerol and phospholipid fractions. The 1-monoether, unlike the 2-monether, was also a significant source of esterified fatty acids in both lipid fractions. In addition, the 1-monoether, but not the 2-monoether, was an active precursor of plasmalogens, particularly ethanolamine plasmalogen. In contrast to the 1-monoether, the 2-monoether was a more active precursor of triacylglycerols than it was of phospholipids. The results indicate that in the rabbit liver cells the pathway of complex lipid synthesis from 1-monoether was via 1-alkyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoric acid and from 2-monoether via 1-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycerol.", "PMID": 993673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5268", "title": "Artifacts produced during acid-catalyzed methanolysis of sterol esters.", "content": "Sterol esters were transesterified within 1 hr using either acid or base catalysts. Acid-catalyzed methanolysis of sterol esters with HCl, H2SO4, or BF3 leads to the formation of two artifacts derived from the sterol portion of the molecule; they were identified as dehydrated and methoxylated derivatives of sterols. These two artifacts were not produced using a base-catalyzed methanolysis with NaOCH3.", "contents": "Artifacts produced during acid-catalyzed methanolysis of sterol esters. Sterol esters were transesterified within 1 hr using either acid or base catalysts. Acid-catalyzed methanolysis of sterol esters with HCl, H2SO4, or BF3 leads to the formation of two artifacts derived from the sterol portion of the molecule; they were identified as dehydrated and methoxylated derivatives of sterols. These two artifacts were not produced using a base-catalyzed methanolysis with NaOCH3.", "PMID": 993674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5269", "title": "Receptor units responding to movement in the octopus mantle.", "content": "1. A preparation of the mantle of Octopus which is inverted over a solid support and which exposes the stellate ganglion and associated nerves is described. 2. Afferent activity can be recorded from stellar nerves following electrical stimulation of the pallial nerve. The latency and frequency of the phasic sensory response is correlated with the contraction of the mantle musculature. 3. It is proposed that receptors cells located in the muscle, and their activity following mantle contraction, form part of a sensory feedback system in the mantle. Large, multipolar nerve cells that were found between the two main layers of circular muscle in the mantle could be such receptors.", "contents": "Receptor units responding to movement in the octopus mantle. 1. A preparation of the mantle of Octopus which is inverted over a solid support and which exposes the stellate ganglion and associated nerves is described. 2. Afferent activity can be recorded from stellar nerves following electrical stimulation of the pallial nerve. The latency and frequency of the phasic sensory response is correlated with the contraction of the mantle musculature. 3. It is proposed that receptors cells located in the muscle, and their activity following mantle contraction, form part of a sensory feedback system in the mantle. Large, multipolar nerve cells that were found between the two main layers of circular muscle in the mantle could be such receptors.", "PMID": 993696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5270", "title": "Flow visualization with stereo shadowgraphs of stratified fluid.", "content": "Water stratified thermally or with dissolved material has a refractive index that varies with height. The stratification has no obvious visual effect until the fluid is disturbed, for example by a fish, but then it marks the creature's wake with a jump in refractive index that is visible in shadowgraphic projection. Two shadowgraphs in stereo display the wake in three dimensions. For a permanent record, or for analysing events too quick for the eye to follow, movies can be taken of the shadowgraphs.", "contents": "Flow visualization with stereo shadowgraphs of stratified fluid. Water stratified thermally or with dissolved material has a refractive index that varies with height. The stratification has no obvious visual effect until the fluid is disturbed, for example by a fish, but then it marks the creature's wake with a jump in refractive index that is visible in shadowgraphic projection. Two shadowgraphs in stereo display the wake in three dimensions. For a permanent record, or for analysing events too quick for the eye to follow, movies can be taken of the shadowgraphs.", "PMID": 993697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5271", "title": "Evidence for a synaptically mediated decrease in conductance in a crustacean myocardium.", "content": "1. In the neurogenic heart of the isopod Porcellio dilatatus, electrical stimulation of the cardio-regulatory nerves at rates greater than 20-25 pulses/s elicited inhibitory junctional potentials (IJPs) in the myocardium. Its cessation was followed by a long lasting hyperpolarization of myocardial membrane (post-stimulus hyperpolarization = PSH). 2. During the PSH the membrane resistance of the heart muscle increased. The PSH was enhanced by myocardium hyperpolarization, decreased by depolarization and reversed around -50 mV. 3. Picrotoxin inhibited the summated IJPs elicited by the stimulation and thus caused the membrane to maximally hyperpolarize during inhibitory train, thus suggesting a composite nature of the inhibitory processes. 4. The PSH was reversibly reduced in K+-free saline or in ouabain containing saline but partial restoration was obtained by injection of inward current to the myocardium. 5. The PSH was abolished in lithium saline and reduced in Na+-deficient (choline) solution. Cl-deficient solution that markedly affected the summated IJPs shortly after its introduction did not affect the PSH. 6. It is proposed that the PSH results from a decrease in conductance, presumably to both Na+ and K+. The implication of such a mechanism as a component of the inhibitory regulation of this crustacean heart is discussed.", "contents": "Evidence for a synaptically mediated decrease in conductance in a crustacean myocardium. 1. In the neurogenic heart of the isopod Porcellio dilatatus, electrical stimulation of the cardio-regulatory nerves at rates greater than 20-25 pulses/s elicited inhibitory junctional potentials (IJPs) in the myocardium. Its cessation was followed by a long lasting hyperpolarization of myocardial membrane (post-stimulus hyperpolarization = PSH). 2. During the PSH the membrane resistance of the heart muscle increased. The PSH was enhanced by myocardium hyperpolarization, decreased by depolarization and reversed around -50 mV. 3. Picrotoxin inhibited the summated IJPs elicited by the stimulation and thus caused the membrane to maximally hyperpolarize during inhibitory train, thus suggesting a composite nature of the inhibitory processes. 4. The PSH was reversibly reduced in K+-free saline or in ouabain containing saline but partial restoration was obtained by injection of inward current to the myocardium. 5. The PSH was abolished in lithium saline and reduced in Na+-deficient (choline) solution. Cl-deficient solution that markedly affected the summated IJPs shortly after its introduction did not affect the PSH. 6. It is proposed that the PSH results from a decrease in conductance, presumably to both Na+ and K+. The implication of such a mechanism as a component of the inhibitory regulation of this crustacean heart is discussed.", "PMID": 993698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5272", "title": "Heat transfer between fish and ambient water.", "content": "1. The ability of fish gills to transfer heat was measured by applying a heat pulse to blood in the ventral aorta and measuring it before and after passing through the gills of a teleost, Hemitripterus americanus. 2. 80-90% of heat contained in the blood is lost during passage through the gills. 3. The fraction of heat not lost during passage through the gills is due to direct transfer of heat between the afferent and efferent artery within the gill bar. 4. The major fraction of metabolic heat (70 - 90%) is lost through the body wall and fins of the sea raven in sea water at 5 degrees C; the remainder is lost through the gills.", "contents": "Heat transfer between fish and ambient water. 1. The ability of fish gills to transfer heat was measured by applying a heat pulse to blood in the ventral aorta and measuring it before and after passing through the gills of a teleost, Hemitripterus americanus. 2. 80-90% of heat contained in the blood is lost during passage through the gills. 3. The fraction of heat not lost during passage through the gills is due to direct transfer of heat between the afferent and efferent artery within the gill bar. 4. The major fraction of metabolic heat (70 - 90%) is lost through the body wall and fins of the sea raven in sea water at 5 degrees C; the remainder is lost through the gills.", "PMID": 993699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5273", "title": "The effect of size on the fast-start performance of rainbow trout Salmo cairdneri, and a consideration of piscivorous predator-prey interactions.", "content": "The fast-start (acceleration) performance of seven groups of rainbow trout from 9-6 to 38-7 cm total length was measured in response to d.c. electric shock stimuli. Two fast-start kinematic patterns, L- and S-start were observed. In L-starts the body was bent into an L or U shape and a recoil turn normally accompanied acceleration. Free manoeuvre was not possible in L-starts without loss of speed. In S-starts the body was bent into an S-shape and fish accelerated without a recoil turn. The frequency of S-starts increased with size from 0 for the smallest fish to 60-65% for the largest fish. Acceleration turns were common. The radius of smallest turn for both fast-start patterns was proportional to length (L) with an overall radius of 0-17 L. The duration of the primary acceleration stages increased with size from 0-07 s for the group of smallest fish to 0-10 s for the group of largest fish. Acceleration rates were independent of size. The overall mean maximum rate was 3438 cm/s2 and the average value to the end of the primary acceleration movements was 1562 cm/s2. The distance covered and velocity attained after a given time for fish accelerating from rest were independent of size. The results are discussed in the context of interactions between a predator and prey fish following initial approach by the predator. It is concluded that the outcome of an interaction is likely to depend on reaction times of interacting fish responding to manoeuvres initiated by the predator or prey. The prey reaction time results in the performance of the predator exceeding that of the prey at any instant. The predator reaction time and predator error in responses to unpredictable prey manoeuvre are required for prey escape. It is predicted that a predator should strike the prey within 0-1 s if the fish are initially 5-15 cm apart as reported in the literature for predator-prey interactions. These distances would be increased for non-optimal prey escape behaviour and when the prey body was more compressed or depressed than the predator.", "contents": "The effect of size on the fast-start performance of rainbow trout Salmo cairdneri, and a consideration of piscivorous predator-prey interactions. The fast-start (acceleration) performance of seven groups of rainbow trout from 9-6 to 38-7 cm total length was measured in response to d.c. electric shock stimuli. Two fast-start kinematic patterns, L- and S-start were observed. In L-starts the body was bent into an L or U shape and a recoil turn normally accompanied acceleration. Free manoeuvre was not possible in L-starts without loss of speed. In S-starts the body was bent into an S-shape and fish accelerated without a recoil turn. The frequency of S-starts increased with size from 0 for the smallest fish to 60-65% for the largest fish. Acceleration turns were common. The radius of smallest turn for both fast-start patterns was proportional to length (L) with an overall radius of 0-17 L. The duration of the primary acceleration stages increased with size from 0-07 s for the group of smallest fish to 0-10 s for the group of largest fish. Acceleration rates were independent of size. The overall mean maximum rate was 3438 cm/s2 and the average value to the end of the primary acceleration movements was 1562 cm/s2. The distance covered and velocity attained after a given time for fish accelerating from rest were independent of size. The results are discussed in the context of interactions between a predator and prey fish following initial approach by the predator. It is concluded that the outcome of an interaction is likely to depend on reaction times of interacting fish responding to manoeuvres initiated by the predator or prey. The prey reaction time results in the performance of the predator exceeding that of the prey at any instant. The predator reaction time and predator error in responses to unpredictable prey manoeuvre are required for prey escape. It is predicted that a predator should strike the prey within 0-1 s if the fish are initially 5-15 cm apart as reported in the literature for predator-prey interactions. These distances would be increased for non-optimal prey escape behaviour and when the prey body was more compressed or depressed than the predator.", "PMID": 993700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5274", "title": "Aerodynamics, kinematics, and energetics of horizontal flapping flight in the long-eared bat Plecotus auritus.", "content": "The kinematics, aerodynamics, and energetics of Plecotus auritus in slow horizontal flight, 2-35 m s-1, are analysed. At this speed the inclination of the stroke path is ca. 58 degrees to the horizontal, the stroke angle ca. 91 degrees, and the stroke frequency ca. 11-9 Hz. A method, based on steady-state aerodynamic and momenthum theories, is derived to calculate the lift and drag coefficients as averaged over the whole wing the whole wing-stroke for horizontal flapping flight. This is a further development of Pennycuick's (1968) and Weis-Fogh's (1972) expressions for calculating the lift coefficient. The lift coefficient obtained varies between 1-4 and 1-6, the drag coefficient between 0-4 and 1-2, and the lift:drag ratio between 1-2 and 4-0. The corresponding, calculated, total specific mechanical power output of the wing muscles varies between 27-0 and 40-4 W kg-1 body mass. A maximum estimate of mechanical efficiency is 0-26. The aerodynamic efficiency varies between 0-07 and 0-10. The force coefficient, total mechanical power output, and mechanical and aerodynamic efficiencies are all plausible, demonstrating that the slow flapping flight of Plecotus is thus explicable by steady-state aerodynamics. The downstroke is the power stroke for the vertical upward forces and the upstroke for the horizontal forward forces.", "contents": "Aerodynamics, kinematics, and energetics of horizontal flapping flight in the long-eared bat Plecotus auritus. The kinematics, aerodynamics, and energetics of Plecotus auritus in slow horizontal flight, 2-35 m s-1, are analysed. At this speed the inclination of the stroke path is ca. 58 degrees to the horizontal, the stroke angle ca. 91 degrees, and the stroke frequency ca. 11-9 Hz. A method, based on steady-state aerodynamic and momenthum theories, is derived to calculate the lift and drag coefficients as averaged over the whole wing the whole wing-stroke for horizontal flapping flight. This is a further development of Pennycuick's (1968) and Weis-Fogh's (1972) expressions for calculating the lift coefficient. The lift coefficient obtained varies between 1-4 and 1-6, the drag coefficient between 0-4 and 1-2, and the lift:drag ratio between 1-2 and 4-0. The corresponding, calculated, total specific mechanical power output of the wing muscles varies between 27-0 and 40-4 W kg-1 body mass. A maximum estimate of mechanical efficiency is 0-26. The aerodynamic efficiency varies between 0-07 and 0-10. The force coefficient, total mechanical power output, and mechanical and aerodynamic efficiencies are all plausible, demonstrating that the slow flapping flight of Plecotus is thus explicable by steady-state aerodynamics. The downstroke is the power stroke for the vertical upward forces and the upstroke for the horizontal forward forces.", "PMID": 993701} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5275", "title": "Neural excitation of the larval firefly photocyte: slow depolarization possibly mediated by a cyclic nucleotide.", "content": "1. In firefly larvae, extracellular recordings from the light organ nerve show that a volley of action potentials elicits a glow of an intact animal. 2. Intracellular recordings from the photocytes show that they respond to nerve stimulation with a slow, graded depolarization which precedes light emission. The depolarization begins about 0-5 s after the nerve is stimulated; it peaks about 1 s after stimulation; and subsides about 2-5 s after the stimulus. The glow increases fastest when the photocyte depolarization is at its peak and lasts 5-15 s. 3. Photocyte depolarization is associated with a decrease in the input resistance of the cell. 4. Adrenergic receptors in the light organ are pharmacologically similar to vertebrate alpha-receptors. 5. Phophodiesterase inhbitors, aminophylline and theophylline, cause the light organ to glow, suggesting that cyclic nucleotides may mediate the effect of the adrenergic nerve transmitter.", "contents": "Neural excitation of the larval firefly photocyte: slow depolarization possibly mediated by a cyclic nucleotide. 1. In firefly larvae, extracellular recordings from the light organ nerve show that a volley of action potentials elicits a glow of an intact animal. 2. Intracellular recordings from the photocytes show that they respond to nerve stimulation with a slow, graded depolarization which precedes light emission. The depolarization begins about 0-5 s after the nerve is stimulated; it peaks about 1 s after stimulation; and subsides about 2-5 s after the stimulus. The glow increases fastest when the photocyte depolarization is at its peak and lasts 5-15 s. 3. Photocyte depolarization is associated with a decrease in the input resistance of the cell. 4. Adrenergic receptors in the light organ are pharmacologically similar to vertebrate alpha-receptors. 5. Phophodiesterase inhbitors, aminophylline and theophylline, cause the light organ to glow, suggesting that cyclic nucleotides may mediate the effect of the adrenergic nerve transmitter.", "PMID": 993702} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5276", "title": "Role of proprioceptive feedback from nonspiking mechanosensory cells in the sand crab, Emerita analoga.", "content": "The two programmes underlying uropod beating in Emerita ('swimming' and 'treading water') are distinguished by a difference in timing of the power stroke within the interval between return strokes (cycle). While 'swimming' (cycles approx. 80-400 ms) the phase and while 'treading water' (cycles approx. 100-700 ms) the latency of the power stroke are relatively invariant. Analyses of electromyograms of untrestrained Emerita, before and after bilateral surgical ablation of the four nonspiking mechanoreceptive cells associated with each uropod, established that power strokes in 'treading water' are dependent upon proprioceptive feedback from the nonspiking cells. As cycle duration increases from 80 to 700 ms, the function of the reafference changes from reinforcement of the centrally generated 'swimming' pattern to production of the 'treading water' pattern.", "contents": "Role of proprioceptive feedback from nonspiking mechanosensory cells in the sand crab, Emerita analoga. The two programmes underlying uropod beating in Emerita ('swimming' and 'treading water') are distinguished by a difference in timing of the power stroke within the interval between return strokes (cycle). While 'swimming' (cycles approx. 80-400 ms) the phase and while 'treading water' (cycles approx. 100-700 ms) the latency of the power stroke are relatively invariant. Analyses of electromyograms of untrestrained Emerita, before and after bilateral surgical ablation of the four nonspiking mechanoreceptive cells associated with each uropod, established that power strokes in 'treading water' are dependent upon proprioceptive feedback from the nonspiking cells. As cycle duration increases from 80 to 700 ms, the function of the reafference changes from reinforcement of the centrally generated 'swimming' pattern to production of the 'treading water' pattern.", "PMID": 993703} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5277", "title": "Stretch-sensitive neural units in the body wall of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris L.", "content": "1. Sensory neural units responding to sinusoidal stretching of the body wall were studied in the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris L. 2. A phasic stretch-sensitive unit found in segmental nerve I responded optimally to stretching at frequencies of 4-6/min. 3. The number of spikes per stretch and the spike frequency in the unit were directly related to the amplitude of the applied stretch within a range of 0-2-0-7 mm stretch/segment. 4. The ranges of amplitude and frequency sensitivity for the unit in isolated preparations corresponded closely to stretch parameters seen during peristaltic locomotion in intact animals. 5. Stretch-sensitive responses in segmental nerve II-III were more variable; some units responded to longitudinal stretch while others responded to relaxation.", "contents": "Stretch-sensitive neural units in the body wall of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris L. 1. Sensory neural units responding to sinusoidal stretching of the body wall were studied in the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris L. 2. A phasic stretch-sensitive unit found in segmental nerve I responded optimally to stretching at frequencies of 4-6/min. 3. The number of spikes per stretch and the spike frequency in the unit were directly related to the amplitude of the applied stretch within a range of 0-2-0-7 mm stretch/segment. 4. The ranges of amplitude and frequency sensitivity for the unit in isolated preparations corresponded closely to stretch parameters seen during peristaltic locomotion in intact animals. 5. Stretch-sensitive responses in segmental nerve II-III were more variable; some units responded to longitudinal stretch while others responded to relaxation.", "PMID": 993704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5278", "title": "A 'TEA+-insensitive' mutant with increased potassium conductance in Paramecium aurelia.", "content": "A single-gene mutant of Paramecium aurelia is analysed electrophysiologically. (a) The regenerative Ca-response, triggered by small or moderate current, was smaller and slower in the mutant than in wild type. (b) Input resistance of the mutant membrane is about half of that of wild type bathed in various solutions. This is true for the zero-current input resistance and the chord resistance measured with high depolarizing current. (c) Membrane resistance of the mutant measure with hyperpolarizing currents is smaller than that of wild type only when K+ is the major external cation. (d) Internally applied TEA+ or externally applied Ba+ increases the membrane resistance of the mutant to that of wild type similarly treated. We conclude that the mutant has an increased K conductance.", "contents": "A 'TEA+-insensitive' mutant with increased potassium conductance in Paramecium aurelia. A single-gene mutant of Paramecium aurelia is analysed electrophysiologically. (a) The regenerative Ca-response, triggered by small or moderate current, was smaller and slower in the mutant than in wild type. (b) Input resistance of the mutant membrane is about half of that of wild type bathed in various solutions. This is true for the zero-current input resistance and the chord resistance measured with high depolarizing current. (c) Membrane resistance of the mutant measure with hyperpolarizing currents is smaller than that of wild type only when K+ is the major external cation. (d) Internally applied TEA+ or externally applied Ba+ increases the membrane resistance of the mutant to that of wild type similarly treated. We conclude that the mutant has an increased K conductance.", "PMID": 993705} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5279", "title": "Adult motor patterns produced by moth pupae during development.", "content": "Muscle potentials were recorded extracellularly from developing pupae and adults of the saturniid moths Antheraea polyphemus and A. pernyi and the sphingid moth Manduca sexta. During the week prior to the terminal ecdysis, developing moths still enclosed within the pupal cuticle produced motor patterns similar to those recorded from adults during flight and shivering. The pupal patterns had a longer cycle time and were more variable than the adult motor patterns. Characteristic inter-family differences in adult motor patterns were apparent in pupal motor patterns. Development of motor patterns was followed over several days by observing individuals with chronically implanted leads. Early in the pupal period potentials were small and infrequent. The amount of activity gradually increased and became more patterned. As development proceeded adult patterns were produced for increasing lengths of time, although the patterns changed quickly and spontaneously. Restricting the wing movements of A. polyphemus adults increased the cycle time, increased the number of spikes per burst in muscles opposing the restraint, and did not alter the interspike interval within a burst. The flight patterns produced by pharate moths, in which the wings are also immobile, also have a longer cycle time than that of adult flight, but the number of spikes per burst the same and the interspike interval is longer than in adult flight. These observations suggest that the differences between pupal and adult patterns are not necessarily due to the confinement of the wings by the pupal cuticle.", "contents": "Adult motor patterns produced by moth pupae during development. Muscle potentials were recorded extracellularly from developing pupae and adults of the saturniid moths Antheraea polyphemus and A. pernyi and the sphingid moth Manduca sexta. During the week prior to the terminal ecdysis, developing moths still enclosed within the pupal cuticle produced motor patterns similar to those recorded from adults during flight and shivering. The pupal patterns had a longer cycle time and were more variable than the adult motor patterns. Characteristic inter-family differences in adult motor patterns were apparent in pupal motor patterns. Development of motor patterns was followed over several days by observing individuals with chronically implanted leads. Early in the pupal period potentials were small and infrequent. The amount of activity gradually increased and became more patterned. As development proceeded adult patterns were produced for increasing lengths of time, although the patterns changed quickly and spontaneously. Restricting the wing movements of A. polyphemus adults increased the cycle time, increased the number of spikes per burst in muscles opposing the restraint, and did not alter the interspike interval within a burst. The flight patterns produced by pharate moths, in which the wings are also immobile, also have a longer cycle time than that of adult flight, but the number of spikes per burst the same and the interspike interval is longer than in adult flight. These observations suggest that the differences between pupal and adult patterns are not necessarily due to the confinement of the wings by the pupal cuticle.", "PMID": 993706} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5280", "title": "Respiration of the amphibious fishes Periophthalmus cantonensis and Boleophthalmus chinensis in water and on land.", "content": "1. The routine oxygen consumption by Periophthalmus cantonensis and Boleophthalmus chinensis in water increased geometrically, whereas that in air increased logarithmically with temperature. At temperatures of more than 20 degrees C the oxygen uptake of both species was greater in water than in air. 2. When the fishes were able freely to select either an aquatic or terrestrial habitat, the total oxygen consumption of Periophthalmus and Boleophthalmus was 236 and 110 ml/kg, h at 20 degrees C respectively; 66% (Periophthalmus) and 70% (Boleophthalmus) of the total uptake was from water, and 34 and 30% of the total uptake was from air at 20 +/- 1 degrees C. 3. Oxygen uptake of fish limited to aquatic or terrestial life was less than when they could freely select their habitat; for Periophthalmus, uptake was reduced to 83% when confined in water and to 50% in air, and for Bolephthalmus, to 65% in water and to 43% in air. 4. The proportion of oxygen uptake by the gill in water was 52% for Periophthalmus and 59% for Boleophthalmus; in air the corresponding figures were 27 and 52%. 5. The proportions of oxygen uptake via the skin in water was 48% for Periophthalmus and 36% for Boleophthalmus; in air the corresponding figures were 76 and 43%. 6. It is concluded that, on land, Periophthalmus relies mainly on its skin and Boleophthalmus relies mainly on its gills.", "contents": "Respiration of the amphibious fishes Periophthalmus cantonensis and Boleophthalmus chinensis in water and on land. 1. The routine oxygen consumption by Periophthalmus cantonensis and Boleophthalmus chinensis in water increased geometrically, whereas that in air increased logarithmically with temperature. At temperatures of more than 20 degrees C the oxygen uptake of both species was greater in water than in air. 2. When the fishes were able freely to select either an aquatic or terrestrial habitat, the total oxygen consumption of Periophthalmus and Boleophthalmus was 236 and 110 ml/kg, h at 20 degrees C respectively; 66% (Periophthalmus) and 70% (Boleophthalmus) of the total uptake was from water, and 34 and 30% of the total uptake was from air at 20 +/- 1 degrees C. 3. Oxygen uptake of fish limited to aquatic or terrestial life was less than when they could freely select their habitat; for Periophthalmus, uptake was reduced to 83% when confined in water and to 50% in air, and for Bolephthalmus, to 65% in water and to 43% in air. 4. The proportion of oxygen uptake by the gill in water was 52% for Periophthalmus and 59% for Boleophthalmus; in air the corresponding figures were 27 and 52%. 5. The proportions of oxygen uptake via the skin in water was 48% for Periophthalmus and 36% for Boleophthalmus; in air the corresponding figures were 76 and 43%. 6. It is concluded that, on land, Periophthalmus relies mainly on its skin and Boleophthalmus relies mainly on its gills.", "PMID": 993707} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5281", "title": "Decline in the growth potential of spleen-colonizing bone marrow stem cells of long-lived aging mice.", "content": "The growth capacity of femoral bone marrow stem cells from young and old long-lived mice was assessed in the spleen of X-irradiated young and old syngeneic recpients by determining: (a) the number of stem cells colonizing the spleen, (b) the rate of incorporation of 125I-labeled iododeoxyuridine by proliferating colony cells, and (c) the number of cells present in the largest colonies at the end of the growth phase.We found that the growth capacity of stem cells declined with age. We further found that the spleen-seeking and spleen colony growth capacities of old stem cells remained characteristically old even after they were allowed to self-replicate in the bone marrow of young recipients for an extended period of time. On the other hand, the spleen colony growth capacity of young stem cells could be reduced by allowing them to self-replicate in old recipients. These results suggest that the growth capacity of old stem cells is an intrinsic characteristic which cannot be readily altered, but that of young stem cells can be aged in an accelerated manner by allowing them to self-replicate in old recipients. An additional reduction was noted in the frequency of both young and old stem cells colonizing the spleen of old recipients and in the cell density of the largest colonies produced. These results indicate that factors extrinsic to the stem cells are also responsible for the decline with age in their spleen colony growth capacity.Thus, the growth capacity of old stem cells in old recipients could be as low as 10% that of young stem cells in young recipients.", "contents": "Decline in the growth potential of spleen-colonizing bone marrow stem cells of long-lived aging mice. The growth capacity of femoral bone marrow stem cells from young and old long-lived mice was assessed in the spleen of X-irradiated young and old syngeneic recpients by determining: (a) the number of stem cells colonizing the spleen, (b) the rate of incorporation of 125I-labeled iododeoxyuridine by proliferating colony cells, and (c) the number of cells present in the largest colonies at the end of the growth phase.We found that the growth capacity of stem cells declined with age. We further found that the spleen-seeking and spleen colony growth capacities of old stem cells remained characteristically old even after they were allowed to self-replicate in the bone marrow of young recipients for an extended period of time. On the other hand, the spleen colony growth capacity of young stem cells could be reduced by allowing them to self-replicate in old recipients. These results suggest that the growth capacity of old stem cells is an intrinsic characteristic which cannot be readily altered, but that of young stem cells can be aged in an accelerated manner by allowing them to self-replicate in old recipients. An additional reduction was noted in the frequency of both young and old stem cells colonizing the spleen of old recipients and in the cell density of the largest colonies produced. These results indicate that factors extrinsic to the stem cells are also responsible for the decline with age in their spleen colony growth capacity.Thus, the growth capacity of old stem cells in old recipients could be as low as 10% that of young stem cells in young recipients.", "PMID": 993725} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5282", "title": "Antibody-mediated suppression of grafted lymphoma. IV. Influence of time of tumor residency in vivo and tumor size upon the effectiveness of suppression by syngeneic antibody.", "content": "In the suppression of the growth of a mouse lymphoma 6C3HED by antibody, the effectiveness of antibody in suppressing growing or established tumor cells and comparable number of freshly injected tumor cells is quantitatively similar. The effectiveness of antibody diminishes markedly when the number of tumor cells per mouse reaches the level of 10(6) due to the development of a macrophage shortage. At the 10(5) tumor cells level, antibody-mediated suppression takes place in an optimal manner and between 10(5) and 10(4) tumor cell numbers, the amount of antibody required to suppress 50% of the tumor cells is directly proportional to the number of tumor cells suppressed.", "contents": "Antibody-mediated suppression of grafted lymphoma. IV. Influence of time of tumor residency in vivo and tumor size upon the effectiveness of suppression by syngeneic antibody. In the suppression of the growth of a mouse lymphoma 6C3HED by antibody, the effectiveness of antibody in suppressing growing or established tumor cells and comparable number of freshly injected tumor cells is quantitatively similar. The effectiveness of antibody diminishes markedly when the number of tumor cells per mouse reaches the level of 10(6) due to the development of a macrophage shortage. At the 10(5) tumor cells level, antibody-mediated suppression takes place in an optimal manner and between 10(5) and 10(4) tumor cell numbers, the amount of antibody required to suppress 50% of the tumor cells is directly proportional to the number of tumor cells suppressed.", "PMID": 993726} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5283", "title": "The pathogenesis of experimental membranous glomerulonephritis induced with homologous nephritogenic tubular antigen.", "content": "The renal tubular epithelial antigen (Tub-Ag) of rats was solublized by Pronase and purified by gel filtration and acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Purified Tub-Ag was a glycoprotein with S20,W value of 8.4. Utilizing radiolabeled Tug-Ag, a sensitive radioimmunoassay for Tub-Ag and homologous antibody (anti-Tub-Ag) was developed. Tub-Ag activity associated with a protein of the same molecular size was demonstrated in the serum, as well as in Pronase extracts of all the organs tested, including kidney, liver, lung, spleen, intestine, stomach, and heart. The physiochemical properties of the Tub-Ag of rats and its distribution were essentially the same as the Tub-Ag of humans, which had been found in immune deposits in the kidney of some patients with idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis. Rats were immunized with the purified Tub-Ag emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant and followed for Tub-Ag and anti-Tub-Ag in the serum, as well as for proteinuria and immunohistological changes in the kidney. Serum Tub-Ag dropped sharply after 20 days, when anti-Tub-Ag appeared in the circulation. Persistent, massive proteinuria appeared still later, more than 30 days after injection, when anti-Tub-Ag disappeared and Tub-Ag reappeared in the serum of some of those rats. In others, anti-Tub-Ag in the serum persisted throughout the observation period of 90 days. The pathology of the kidney of the rats with proteinuria was that of a typical membranous glomerulonephritis; thickening of glomerular capillary walls with granular deposits of gamma-globulin and Tub-Ag was observed. On the basis of these results, Tub-Ag in the serum, probably released from cellular membranes of various organs as a physiological metabolite, is considered to maintain the pathological process in the kidney by providing the antigen continuously to form immune complexes.", "contents": "The pathogenesis of experimental membranous glomerulonephritis induced with homologous nephritogenic tubular antigen. The renal tubular epithelial antigen (Tub-Ag) of rats was solublized by Pronase and purified by gel filtration and acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Purified Tub-Ag was a glycoprotein with S20,W value of 8.4. Utilizing radiolabeled Tug-Ag, a sensitive radioimmunoassay for Tub-Ag and homologous antibody (anti-Tub-Ag) was developed. Tub-Ag activity associated with a protein of the same molecular size was demonstrated in the serum, as well as in Pronase extracts of all the organs tested, including kidney, liver, lung, spleen, intestine, stomach, and heart. The physiochemical properties of the Tub-Ag of rats and its distribution were essentially the same as the Tub-Ag of humans, which had been found in immune deposits in the kidney of some patients with idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis. Rats were immunized with the purified Tub-Ag emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant and followed for Tub-Ag and anti-Tub-Ag in the serum, as well as for proteinuria and immunohistological changes in the kidney. Serum Tub-Ag dropped sharply after 20 days, when anti-Tub-Ag appeared in the circulation. Persistent, massive proteinuria appeared still later, more than 30 days after injection, when anti-Tub-Ag disappeared and Tub-Ag reappeared in the serum of some of those rats. In others, anti-Tub-Ag in the serum persisted throughout the observation period of 90 days. The pathology of the kidney of the rats with proteinuria was that of a typical membranous glomerulonephritis; thickening of glomerular capillary walls with granular deposits of gamma-globulin and Tub-Ag was observed. On the basis of these results, Tub-Ag in the serum, probably released from cellular membranes of various organs as a physiological metabolite, is considered to maintain the pathological process in the kidney by providing the antigen continuously to form immune complexes.", "PMID": 993727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5284", "title": "Correlation of suppressor cell development in parental and F1 hybrid mouse strains with the growth of a parental tumor in vivo.", "content": "Parental AKR/J, and AKB6F1 and AKD2F1 hybrid mice were injected subcutaneously with a spontaneously arising AKR/J tumor. The highly responsive AKB6F1 strain never exhibited any depression of immune functioning during the course of tumor growth and regression. The (AKR/J) intermediately responsive strain, while able to generate a successful anti-tumor response, did display a transient reduction of immunological capability, but only during the period tumor growth and not during tumor regression. Cells able to suppress antibody, but not cell-mediated responses, were found. The unresponsive AKD2F1 strain was characterized by both a marked depression of immune responsiveness, as well as the generation of suppressor cells to both antibody, and later, cell-mediated responses. Depression of immune responsiveness, and the generation of suppressor cells, appeared to correlate with the strength or weakness of the anti-tumor response in these strains of mice.", "contents": "Correlation of suppressor cell development in parental and F1 hybrid mouse strains with the growth of a parental tumor in vivo. Parental AKR/J, and AKB6F1 and AKD2F1 hybrid mice were injected subcutaneously with a spontaneously arising AKR/J tumor. The highly responsive AKB6F1 strain never exhibited any depression of immune functioning during the course of tumor growth and regression. The (AKR/J) intermediately responsive strain, while able to generate a successful anti-tumor response, did display a transient reduction of immunological capability, but only during the period tumor growth and not during tumor regression. Cells able to suppress antibody, but not cell-mediated responses, were found. The unresponsive AKD2F1 strain was characterized by both a marked depression of immune responsiveness, as well as the generation of suppressor cells to both antibody, and later, cell-mediated responses. Depression of immune responsiveness, and the generation of suppressor cells, appeared to correlate with the strength or weakness of the anti-tumor response in these strains of mice.", "PMID": 993728} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5285", "title": "Analysis by a plaque assay of IgG- or IgM- dependent cytolytic lymphocytes in human blood.", "content": "When monolayers of bovine erythrocytes (Eb) were exposed to purified human blood lymphocytes and either IgG or IgM fractions of rabbit anti-Eb serum, clear zones (plaques) appeared when Eb had been lysed by antibody-dependent effector cells (K cells). IgG-dependent plaque formation was complete by 20 h of incubation, while the IgM-dependent reaction required 40 h. The estimated minimal numbers of plaque forming cells (PFC) were 5.6% (IgG) and 2.0% (IgM) of the added lymphocytes. Inhibition experiments with human IgG or IgM indicated that different immunoglobulin receptors on the effector cells were involved in the two systems. In the IgG system, approximately 50% of the PFC had complement receptors and approximately 30% receptors for Helix pomatia A hemagglutinin (HP). In the IgM system, less than 10% of the PFC had complement receptors, while approximately 60% had HP receptors. The results suggest that a subset of human T cells had IgM-dependent K-cell potential. These cells are different from the majority of the IgG-dependent K cells.", "contents": "Analysis by a plaque assay of IgG- or IgM- dependent cytolytic lymphocytes in human blood. When monolayers of bovine erythrocytes (Eb) were exposed to purified human blood lymphocytes and either IgG or IgM fractions of rabbit anti-Eb serum, clear zones (plaques) appeared when Eb had been lysed by antibody-dependent effector cells (K cells). IgG-dependent plaque formation was complete by 20 h of incubation, while the IgM-dependent reaction required 40 h. The estimated minimal numbers of plaque forming cells (PFC) were 5.6% (IgG) and 2.0% (IgM) of the added lymphocytes. Inhibition experiments with human IgG or IgM indicated that different immunoglobulin receptors on the effector cells were involved in the two systems. In the IgG system, approximately 50% of the PFC had complement receptors and approximately 30% receptors for Helix pomatia A hemagglutinin (HP). In the IgM system, less than 10% of the PFC had complement receptors, while approximately 60% had HP receptors. The results suggest that a subset of human T cells had IgM-dependent K-cell potential. These cells are different from the majority of the IgG-dependent K cells.", "PMID": 993729} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5286", "title": "Reaginic antibody produced in mice with contact sensitivity.", "content": "Mice produced reaginic antibody within 1 wk of painting with the contact sensitizing agent picryl chloride. The titers, measured by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats, increased after repeated applications of picryl chloride. In contrast, serum agglutinins did not increase after two applications of picryl chloride. Reagin was also elicited by another contact sensitizing agent, oxazolone. Some strain variation of the response to picryl chloride was found, with CBA mice being good responders and BALB/c and C57BL/10 mice being poor responders.", "contents": "Reaginic antibody produced in mice with contact sensitivity. Mice produced reaginic antibody within 1 wk of painting with the contact sensitizing agent picryl chloride. The titers, measured by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats, increased after repeated applications of picryl chloride. In contrast, serum agglutinins did not increase after two applications of picryl chloride. Reagin was also elicited by another contact sensitizing agent, oxazolone. Some strain variation of the response to picryl chloride was found, with CBA mice being good responders and BALB/c and C57BL/10 mice being poor responders.", "PMID": 993730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5287", "title": "[The continuous graphic presentation of interdepartmental results (author's transl)].", "content": "The results of interdepartmental determinations can be clearly presented in the laboratory in two ways: 1. Entry on a test card, according to Shewhart, as used in internal quality control. 2. Entry on a test card, constructed on the principle of the Cusum test. By the latter procedure, systematic errors are detected sooner than with the usual test card. A graphic variant of the Cusum test is described; a V-mask is not required; the card superficially resembles the usual control card, and the calculation time is minimal. This method may also be used to advantage in internal quality control.", "contents": "[The continuous graphic presentation of interdepartmental results (author's transl)]. The results of interdepartmental determinations can be clearly presented in the laboratory in two ways: 1. Entry on a test card, according to Shewhart, as used in internal quality control. 2. Entry on a test card, constructed on the principle of the Cusum test. By the latter procedure, systematic errors are detected sooner than with the usual test card. A graphic variant of the Cusum test is described; a V-mask is not required; the card superficially resembles the usual control card, and the calculation time is minimal. This method may also be used to advantage in internal quality control.", "PMID": 993731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5288", "title": "Determination of serum nucleotidase with cytidine monophosphate as substrate. Part II: Improvement of the procedure.", "content": "Serum mucleotidase activity (EC 3.1.3.5) is measured by the amount of ammonia liberated from cytidine after incubation with cytidine deaminase (EC 3.5 4.5). Purification of the cytidine deaminase results in the abolition of interfering reactions, so that routine application is possible.", "contents": "Determination of serum nucleotidase with cytidine monophosphate as substrate. Part II: Improvement of the procedure. Serum mucleotidase activity (EC 3.1.3.5) is measured by the amount of ammonia liberated from cytidine after incubation with cytidine deaminase (EC 3.5 4.5). Purification of the cytidine deaminase results in the abolition of interfering reactions, so that routine application is possible.", "PMID": 993732} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5289", "title": "Isolation of rat transferrin using CNBr-activated sepharose 4B.", "content": "1. The isolation of transferrin from rat serum by means of affinity chromatography on CNBr-activated Sepharose 4 B is described. -2. Subfractionation by isoelectric focusing yielded two transferrin fractions with identical biological behaviour but with small differences in isoelectric point (6.0 and 5.8) and sialic acid contents.", "contents": "Isolation of rat transferrin using CNBr-activated sepharose 4B. 1. The isolation of transferrin from rat serum by means of affinity chromatography on CNBr-activated Sepharose 4 B is described. -2. Subfractionation by isoelectric focusing yielded two transferrin fractions with identical biological behaviour but with small differences in isoelectric point (6.0 and 5.8) and sialic acid contents.", "PMID": 993733} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5290", "title": "An improved UV-spectrophotometric method for routine barbiturate monitoring.", "content": "A simple, rapid, quantitative, low-cost UV-differential spectrophotometric method for the routine monitoring of phenobarbital in serum and cerebrospinal fluid is described. This method can also be used for monitoring methylphenobarbital (Phemiton) and primidone (Mysoline), since the major active metabolite of both drugs is phenobarbital. The basis for our procedure is Goldbaum's method (Anal. Chem., 24, 1604 (1952)). This method was improved with several modifications including a single extraction technique with dichloroethane, which has produced a very simple but still accurate method. The whole analysis takes less than 20 minutes. This procedure is accurate in the range from 1-100 mg/1 of phenobarbital in serum or cerebrospinal fluid.", "contents": "An improved UV-spectrophotometric method for routine barbiturate monitoring. A simple, rapid, quantitative, low-cost UV-differential spectrophotometric method for the routine monitoring of phenobarbital in serum and cerebrospinal fluid is described. This method can also be used for monitoring methylphenobarbital (Phemiton) and primidone (Mysoline), since the major active metabolite of both drugs is phenobarbital. The basis for our procedure is Goldbaum's method (Anal. Chem., 24, 1604 (1952)). This method was improved with several modifications including a single extraction technique with dichloroethane, which has produced a very simple but still accurate method. The whole analysis takes less than 20 minutes. This procedure is accurate in the range from 1-100 mg/1 of phenobarbital in serum or cerebrospinal fluid.", "PMID": 993734} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5291", "title": "Automation in the hematology laboratory.", "content": "In the routine laboratory for hematology conflicting results may be obtained for the red blood cell parameters with the Coulter Counter Model S. These parameters2) are: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). When the values of the MCHC are above 36 g/dl something must be wrong with the blood sample of the patient. One of the reasons can be agglutination e.g. by cold agglutinins. The blood sample should be reanalysed before and after heating for 1 hour at 37 degrees C. If the values change: cold agglutinins are present; if no change occurs paraproteins, or other disturbing factors, such as bilirubin or high leucocyte levels, will be found. MCH values may also be high in some cases e.g. if the red blood cells are coated with antibodies (Coombs test positive) or after ingestion of medicines like Azathioprine. These examples show that it is possible in some cases to correlate immunological findings with the red blood cell parameters. In addition to the results with the Coulter Counter Model S, some observations on the Hemalog (Technicon) are also presented.", "contents": "Automation in the hematology laboratory. In the routine laboratory for hematology conflicting results may be obtained for the red blood cell parameters with the Coulter Counter Model S. These parameters2) are: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). When the values of the MCHC are above 36 g/dl something must be wrong with the blood sample of the patient. One of the reasons can be agglutination e.g. by cold agglutinins. The blood sample should be reanalysed before and after heating for 1 hour at 37 degrees C. If the values change: cold agglutinins are present; if no change occurs paraproteins, or other disturbing factors, such as bilirubin or high leucocyte levels, will be found. MCH values may also be high in some cases e.g. if the red blood cells are coated with antibodies (Coombs test positive) or after ingestion of medicines like Azathioprine. These examples show that it is possible in some cases to correlate immunological findings with the red blood cell parameters. In addition to the results with the Coulter Counter Model S, some observations on the Hemalog (Technicon) are also presented.", "PMID": 993735} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5292", "title": "[A routine method for thin layer chromatographic determination of urocanic acid in blood samples impregnated on filter paper cards (author's transl)].", "content": "A method is described for mass screening at birth for histidinaemia. Blood samples are collected on filter paper cards, as used in the Guthrie test. These samples are transferred, together with standards of histidine and urocanic acid, to thin layer chromatography plates by a type of sandwich technique. The plates can be evaluated semiquantitatively, after development and detection with Pauly's reagent. The detection limit for both substances is less than 10 mg/1 (60 mumol/1). Greater sensitivity and absence of interference, greatly reduce the proportion of equivocal results compared with the Guthrie test.", "contents": "[A routine method for thin layer chromatographic determination of urocanic acid in blood samples impregnated on filter paper cards (author's transl)]. A method is described for mass screening at birth for histidinaemia. Blood samples are collected on filter paper cards, as used in the Guthrie test. These samples are transferred, together with standards of histidine and urocanic acid, to thin layer chromatography plates by a type of sandwich technique. The plates can be evaluated semiquantitatively, after development and detection with Pauly's reagent. The detection limit for both substances is less than 10 mg/1 (60 mumol/1). Greater sensitivity and absence of interference, greatly reduce the proportion of equivocal results compared with the Guthrie test.", "PMID": 993736} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5293", "title": "Metacontrol of hemispheric function in human split-brain patients.", "content": "Four commissurotomy patients were tested for ability to match tachistoscopically presented stimuli with pictures in free vision, according to either structural appearance or functional/conceptual category. Patients were given ambiguous, structural, or functional instructions on any given run to trials with simultaneous double stimulus input to the two cerebral hemispheres. With ambiguous instructions, appearance and function matches were performed by the right and left hemispheres, respectively. When instructions were specific, appearance instructions tended to elicit appearance matches and right-hemisphere control. When function instructions were given, left-hemisphere control and function matches tended to be elicited. In three of the four patients, however, there was a significant number of dissociations between controlling hemisphere and strategy of matching.", "contents": "Metacontrol of hemispheric function in human split-brain patients. Four commissurotomy patients were tested for ability to match tachistoscopically presented stimuli with pictures in free vision, according to either structural appearance or functional/conceptual category. Patients were given ambiguous, structural, or functional instructions on any given run to trials with simultaneous double stimulus input to the two cerebral hemispheres. With ambiguous instructions, appearance and function matches were performed by the right and left hemispheres, respectively. When instructions were specific, appearance instructions tended to elicit appearance matches and right-hemisphere control. When function instructions were given, left-hemisphere control and function matches tended to be elicited. In three of the four patients, however, there was a significant number of dissociations between controlling hemisphere and strategy of matching.", "PMID": 993737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5294", "title": "Auditory evoked potentials during multichannel selective listening: role of pitch and localization cues.", "content": "Auditory evoked potentials were recorded from subjects who listened selectively to tone pips arriving over one of three input channels. Their task was to detect occasional target tones of a slightly longer duration. In different runs the three channels were distinguished from one another by (a) pitch cues alone (800, 1,800, and 2,800 Hz), (b) localization cues alone (right ear, midline, ane left ear), and (c) both of these cues conjointly. In all three conditions the direction of attention was reflected in the amplitude of the N1 wave of the evoked potential, which was selectively enhanced to tones in the attended channel; tones in the central channels in the single-cue conditions, however, produced the least N1 lability and were the least discriminable. The N1 wave was interpreted as a sign of an initial stimulus set or filtering mode of selective attention, whereas a subsequent P3 wave was specifically associated with detections of the target stimuli.", "contents": "Auditory evoked potentials during multichannel selective listening: role of pitch and localization cues. Auditory evoked potentials were recorded from subjects who listened selectively to tone pips arriving over one of three input channels. Their task was to detect occasional target tones of a slightly longer duration. In different runs the three channels were distinguished from one another by (a) pitch cues alone (800, 1,800, and 2,800 Hz), (b) localization cues alone (right ear, midline, ane left ear), and (c) both of these cues conjointly. In all three conditions the direction of attention was reflected in the amplitude of the N1 wave of the evoked potential, which was selectively enhanced to tones in the attended channel; tones in the central channels in the single-cue conditions, however, produced the least N1 lability and were the least discriminable. The N1 wave was interpreted as a sign of an initial stimulus set or filtering mode of selective attention, whereas a subsequent P3 wave was specifically associated with detections of the target stimuli.", "PMID": 993738} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5295", "title": "Attention, practice, and semantic targets.", "content": "Observers detected letters in streams of digits under conditions of divided or selective attention for a period of 10 hr. There were marked practice effects both on the detectability of targets and on the response criteria used by observers. The detectability of targets and the response criteria were both strongly dependent on events in the contralateral channel. The same effects were observed in a second experiment in which the task was to detect animal names in streams of nouns. The data are similar to those obtained in recent experiments using pure tones, so that a unified theory of attention should be possible, valid alike for semantic and nonsemantic messages. Such a theory is outline.", "contents": "Attention, practice, and semantic targets. Observers detected letters in streams of digits under conditions of divided or selective attention for a period of 10 hr. There were marked practice effects both on the detectability of targets and on the response criteria used by observers. The detectability of targets and the response criteria were both strongly dependent on events in the contralateral channel. The same effects were observed in a second experiment in which the task was to detect animal names in streams of nouns. The data are similar to those obtained in recent experiments using pure tones, so that a unified theory of attention should be possible, valid alike for semantic and nonsemantic messages. Such a theory is outline.", "PMID": 993739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5296", "title": "Perceiving and counting sounds.", "content": "Observers counted sequences of 20-msec tones that were presented to the same spatial location or alternated between spatial locations. Counting accuracy increased with increases in the silent interval between tones and increased at a faster rate when the tones were presented to the same location. In the second study, subjects monitored the same sequences of tones for a probe tone that was either higher or lower than the other tones. Probe recognition improved with increases in the silent interval between tones, and there was no significant decrement in monitoring tones alternated between spatial locations. In the next two studies, observers processed a sequence of tones presented at the same spatial location, but the tones could alternate in frequency by slightly more than an octave. Counting accuracy was poorer when the tones alternated in frequency. When subjects monitored these sequences of tones for the duration of a probe tone, recognition leveled off at a lower asymptote for sequences of tones alternating in frequency. The deficit in counting sounds alternating between spatial locations or frequencies appears to be due to a process that has difficulty integrating successive tones that are perceived at different spatial locations or pitch levels.", "contents": "Perceiving and counting sounds. Observers counted sequences of 20-msec tones that were presented to the same spatial location or alternated between spatial locations. Counting accuracy increased with increases in the silent interval between tones and increased at a faster rate when the tones were presented to the same location. In the second study, subjects monitored the same sequences of tones for a probe tone that was either higher or lower than the other tones. Probe recognition improved with increases in the silent interval between tones, and there was no significant decrement in monitoring tones alternated between spatial locations. In the next two studies, observers processed a sequence of tones presented at the same spatial location, but the tones could alternate in frequency by slightly more than an octave. Counting accuracy was poorer when the tones alternated in frequency. When subjects monitored these sequences of tones for the duration of a probe tone, recognition leveled off at a lower asymptote for sequences of tones alternating in frequency. The deficit in counting sounds alternating between spatial locations or frequencies appears to be due to a process that has difficulty integrating successive tones that are perceived at different spatial locations or pitch levels.", "PMID": 993740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5297", "title": "Choice between melodies differing in complexity under divided-attention conditions.", "content": "The processing-capacity and arousal-level effect on choice between computer-generated \"melodies\" differing in complexity were compared in a divided-attention situation. Subjects were exposed to either aversive (97 dB, 350-Hz square wave) or mold (56 dB) auditory stimulation prior to blocks of trials involving choice between simple (4.00 bits/tone) and complex (9.17 bits/tone) melodies. Concurrently with the processing of the chosen melody on each trial, subjects either had no task at all or worked on one of four tasks that systematically differed in (a) the processing effort demanded, and (b) the likelihood of an arousal-level increase due to conceptual conflict and/or physical exertion. Measures were obtained of changes in choice and cardiac arousal due both to auditory stimulation and tasks. Results showed that the processing-capacity factors influenced choice quite independently of the arousal-level fluctuations due to tasks, and suggested that an arousal-level increase (due to stimulation), even when relevant for choice, may be mediated by a reduction in processing capacity.", "contents": "Choice between melodies differing in complexity under divided-attention conditions. The processing-capacity and arousal-level effect on choice between computer-generated \"melodies\" differing in complexity were compared in a divided-attention situation. Subjects were exposed to either aversive (97 dB, 350-Hz square wave) or mold (56 dB) auditory stimulation prior to blocks of trials involving choice between simple (4.00 bits/tone) and complex (9.17 bits/tone) melodies. Concurrently with the processing of the chosen melody on each trial, subjects either had no task at all or worked on one of four tasks that systematically differed in (a) the processing effort demanded, and (b) the likelihood of an arousal-level increase due to conceptual conflict and/or physical exertion. Measures were obtained of changes in choice and cardiac arousal due both to auditory stimulation and tasks. Results showed that the processing-capacity factors influenced choice quite independently of the arousal-level fluctuations due to tasks, and suggested that an arousal-level increase (due to stimulation), even when relevant for choice, may be mediated by a reduction in processing capacity.", "PMID": 993741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5298", "title": "Autonomic responses to shock-associated words in a nonattended message: a failure to replicate.", "content": "Names of cities were shock associated and then embedded in material presented to the nonattended channel in a dichotic listening and shadowing situation. Despite earlier claims of differential responding to city names in the absence of awareness, no such differential responding was found. A test for conditioning following the dichotic listening task found that the subjects had been conditioned. Postexperimental interviews found that the subjects were aware of the city-shock contingency and had expected to be shocked during the dichotic listening task. Comparisons are made with other studies of galvanic skin responses to unattended words.", "contents": "Autonomic responses to shock-associated words in a nonattended message: a failure to replicate. Names of cities were shock associated and then embedded in material presented to the nonattended channel in a dichotic listening and shadowing situation. Despite earlier claims of differential responding to city names in the absence of awareness, no such differential responding was found. A test for conditioning following the dichotic listening task found that the subjects had been conditioned. Postexperimental interviews found that the subjects were aware of the city-shock contingency and had expected to be shocked during the dichotic listening task. Comparisons are made with other studies of galvanic skin responses to unattended words.", "PMID": 993742} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5299", "title": "Flexible coding in word recognition.", "content": "An experiment was designed to examine the contribution of phonetic information in the processing of words in tachistoscopic recognition masking. Following stimulus presentation, subjects were required to indicate which of two alternatives had appeared. On trials containing word stimuli, the alternatives were either phonetically identical (SENT, CENT) or not (SOLD, COLD). Recognition performance was inferior in the former case, provided conditions were not structured to discourage reliance on phonetic information. The findings were interpreted as showing that more than one type of coding process can underly the word superiority effect. Phonetic information is ordinarily used to code words in this type of task, but an alternative processing tactic (e.g., one relying on visual or perhaps semantic codes) can also be effectively used in word recognition when phonetic information does not discriminate well among response alternatives.", "contents": "Flexible coding in word recognition. An experiment was designed to examine the contribution of phonetic information in the processing of words in tachistoscopic recognition masking. Following stimulus presentation, subjects were required to indicate which of two alternatives had appeared. On trials containing word stimuli, the alternatives were either phonetically identical (SENT, CENT) or not (SOLD, COLD). Recognition performance was inferior in the former case, provided conditions were not structured to discourage reliance on phonetic information. The findings were interpreted as showing that more than one type of coding process can underly the word superiority effect. Phonetic information is ordinarily used to code words in this type of task, but an alternative processing tactic (e.g., one relying on visual or perhaps semantic codes) can also be effectively used in word recognition when phonetic information does not discriminate well among response alternatives.", "PMID": 993743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5300", "title": "Why a Y is not a V: a new look at the distinctive features of letters.", "content": "Although a feature detection theory of pattern recognition is consistent with many recent physiological and psychological findings, the specific rules governing the perception of the distinctive features of letters have not yet been determined. This article presente two new experimental procedures for determining these rules. Both procedures are demonstrated by the investigation of the specific rule involved in the perception of the letter attribute leg which distinguishes Y from V, F from C, and H from U. Whereas previous methods investigating the distinctive features of letters have focused primarily on archetypal letter forms, the present methods are based upon an investigation of ambiguous characters, those characters which can be assigned either of two letter labels with equal probability. One of these procedures allows for the investigation of these rules without the influence of external context, whereas the other allows for an investigation of the particular effects that external context can have on these rules.", "contents": "Why a Y is not a V: a new look at the distinctive features of letters. Although a feature detection theory of pattern recognition is consistent with many recent physiological and psychological findings, the specific rules governing the perception of the distinctive features of letters have not yet been determined. This article presente two new experimental procedures for determining these rules. Both procedures are demonstrated by the investigation of the specific rule involved in the perception of the letter attribute leg which distinguishes Y from V, F from C, and H from U. Whereas previous methods investigating the distinctive features of letters have focused primarily on archetypal letter forms, the present methods are based upon an investigation of ambiguous characters, those characters which can be assigned either of two letter labels with equal probability. One of these procedures allows for the investigation of these rules without the influence of external context, whereas the other allows for an investigation of the particular effects that external context can have on these rules.", "PMID": 993744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5301", "title": "Early versus late stages of processing and their relation to functional hemispheric asymmetries in face recognition.", "content": "To determine whether perceptual asymmetries for faces occur at early or late stages of stimulus analysis, subjects compared the members of a pair of faces which appeared in the right or left visual field, either to each other or to a previously presented sample. The first two experiments established that manual reaction times were consistently shorter to left-field presentation only when test faces were compared for identity to a memorized sample (Experiment 2), but not when they were compared to each other (Experiment 1). By varying the interstimulus interval between the sample and test (Experiment 3), it was found that a consistent left-field superiority was absent for at least the first 50 msec following sample offset, suggesting that during that time both hemispheres have access to a short-lived, visual trace that represents the results of the early, precategorical processing stages. Beyond 100 msec, or earlier if the trace is degraded by a masking field (Experiment 4), a left-field advantage is observed. Experiment 5 showed that higher order comparisons between photographs and caricatures yield a left-field superiority even in a memory-free situation. Together, the results indicate only higher order processes, such as are needed to maintain a relatively permanent memory representation or to compare caricatures with photographs, require the specialized functions peculiar to the right hemisphere. Lower-order, precategorical processes seem to be common to both hemispheres.", "contents": "Early versus late stages of processing and their relation to functional hemispheric asymmetries in face recognition. To determine whether perceptual asymmetries for faces occur at early or late stages of stimulus analysis, subjects compared the members of a pair of faces which appeared in the right or left visual field, either to each other or to a previously presented sample. The first two experiments established that manual reaction times were consistently shorter to left-field presentation only when test faces were compared for identity to a memorized sample (Experiment 2), but not when they were compared to each other (Experiment 1). By varying the interstimulus interval between the sample and test (Experiment 3), it was found that a consistent left-field superiority was absent for at least the first 50 msec following sample offset, suggesting that during that time both hemispheres have access to a short-lived, visual trace that represents the results of the early, precategorical processing stages. Beyond 100 msec, or earlier if the trace is degraded by a masking field (Experiment 4), a left-field advantage is observed. Experiment 5 showed that higher order comparisons between photographs and caricatures yield a left-field superiority even in a memory-free situation. Together, the results indicate only higher order processes, such as are needed to maintain a relatively permanent memory representation or to compare caricatures with photographs, require the specialized functions peculiar to the right hemisphere. Lower-order, precategorical processes seem to be common to both hemispheres.", "PMID": 993745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5302", "title": "Effect of identity in the multiletter matching task.", "content": "This study was concerned with the nature of the character-comparison process involved in same-different judgments of arrays of letters. One condition replicated the standard matching task, with subjects pressing one key to indicate that the two arrays of letters were identical in all positions, and another key to indicate difference in one or more positions. A second condition reversed the standard decision rule and required the subjects to distinguish between arrays that differed in every position from those that matched in one or more positions. Reaction times were shorter to identical arrays in both conditions, indicating that identity effects observed in this and previous studies must be attributed to identity per se and not to decision or response factors. Mathematical analysis of the data revealed that, although a serial self-terminating model could be modified to give a good description of processing in this task, a model based on parallel processing was able to provide a better account both quantitatively and qualitatively. The analysis also indicated that subjects reduced their average reaction times by terminating the comparison process prematurely on some trials, and this guessing strategy was shown to have important implications for the shapes of the reaction time functions observed in this task.", "contents": "Effect of identity in the multiletter matching task. This study was concerned with the nature of the character-comparison process involved in same-different judgments of arrays of letters. One condition replicated the standard matching task, with subjects pressing one key to indicate that the two arrays of letters were identical in all positions, and another key to indicate difference in one or more positions. A second condition reversed the standard decision rule and required the subjects to distinguish between arrays that differed in every position from those that matched in one or more positions. Reaction times were shorter to identical arrays in both conditions, indicating that identity effects observed in this and previous studies must be attributed to identity per se and not to decision or response factors. Mathematical analysis of the data revealed that, although a serial self-terminating model could be modified to give a good description of processing in this task, a model based on parallel processing was able to provide a better account both quantitatively and qualitatively. The analysis also indicated that subjects reduced their average reaction times by terminating the comparison process prematurely on some trials, and this guessing strategy was shown to have important implications for the shapes of the reaction time functions observed in this task.", "PMID": 993746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5303", "title": "Testing the role of vertical symmetry in letter matching.", "content": "A series of experiments tested a recent suggestion that vertical symmetry of a stimulus display can serve as a visual diagnostic for responding \"same\" in a letter-matching task. The data of chief interest were same reaction times to vertically symmetric (e.g., AA) and asymmetric (e.g., LL) displays, each composed of two side-by-side uppercase letters. Overall, the data argue against subjects' use of vertical symmetry as a diagnostic in dealing with letter pairs. The results were interpreted within the context of recent work on symmetry. In particular, it was suggested that the importance of structural diagnostics in a matching task may be inversely related to the codability of the stimulus elements being compared.", "contents": "Testing the role of vertical symmetry in letter matching. A series of experiments tested a recent suggestion that vertical symmetry of a stimulus display can serve as a visual diagnostic for responding \"same\" in a letter-matching task. The data of chief interest were same reaction times to vertically symmetric (e.g., AA) and asymmetric (e.g., LL) displays, each composed of two side-by-side uppercase letters. Overall, the data argue against subjects' use of vertical symmetry as a diagnostic in dealing with letter pairs. The results were interpreted within the context of recent work on symmetry. In particular, it was suggested that the importance of structural diagnostics in a matching task may be inversely related to the codability of the stimulus elements being compared.", "PMID": 993747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5304", "title": "The perception of egomotion.", "content": "Egomotion is defined as any environmental displacement of the observer. Twenty stationary observers viewed computer-generated films that simulated rectilinear egomotion of constant speed and altitude over an endless plain. The heading point could be 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, or 90 degrees to an observer's right of the screen center. The screen was 53 degrees wide. Hence, there was a constant heading toward a point on the horizon, but the heading point was not always in view. The typical observer's mean pointing bias was 5.56 degrees to his right and his SD pointing error was 5.18 degrees. The results indicate that these abstract view samples of a pure egomotion ambient optic array are equally effective in giving rise to a compelling perception of egomotion. The results also indicate that observers can perceive the direction of their heading whether or not the heading point is in the view, although accuracy did vary slightly with the specific view. A pointing control using linear perspective scenes whose vanishing points fell off-view showed the same pattern of pointing errors with an overall rightward pointing bias of 3.19 degrees and with an SD pointing error of 3.04 degrees.", "contents": "The perception of egomotion. Egomotion is defined as any environmental displacement of the observer. Twenty stationary observers viewed computer-generated films that simulated rectilinear egomotion of constant speed and altitude over an endless plain. The heading point could be 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, or 90 degrees to an observer's right of the screen center. The screen was 53 degrees wide. Hence, there was a constant heading toward a point on the horizon, but the heading point was not always in view. The typical observer's mean pointing bias was 5.56 degrees to his right and his SD pointing error was 5.18 degrees. The results indicate that these abstract view samples of a pure egomotion ambient optic array are equally effective in giving rise to a compelling perception of egomotion. The results also indicate that observers can perceive the direction of their heading whether or not the heading point is in the view, although accuracy did vary slightly with the specific view. A pointing control using linear perspective scenes whose vanishing points fell off-view showed the same pattern of pointing errors with an overall rightward pointing bias of 3.19 degrees and with an SD pointing error of 3.04 degrees.", "PMID": 993748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5305", "title": "A study of thyroid disease in family practice.", "content": "Thyroid disease is relatively common in family practice, yet is often undiagnosed or poorly managed. This study examines several aspects of thyroid disease in a large, semirural family practice setting and exemplifies the type of practical clinical research that can be done in family medicine. An overall prevalence of approximately one percent was determined for thyroid disease in this practice. In a series of 85 patients, the ratio of hypothyroidism:hyperthyroidism:euthyroid goiter was 9:2:1 respectively. Initial signs and symptoms recorded for these patients conformed closely to the findings in other large series. Eighty percent of the patients with idiopathic hypothyroidism never had enlarged glands, whereas 100 percent of the patients with hypothyroidism associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis had enlarged glands. Laboratory aids such as serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroid antibodies, and radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) and scans were inadequately utilized. Medical and/or surgical consultation was obtained in 17.5 percent of patients with hypothyroidism, 80 percent of patients with hyperthyroidism, and 63 percent of those with euthyroid goiter. Currently 95 percent of the hypothyroid patients and 100 percent of the hyperthyroid patients are euthyroid.", "contents": "A study of thyroid disease in family practice. Thyroid disease is relatively common in family practice, yet is often undiagnosed or poorly managed. This study examines several aspects of thyroid disease in a large, semirural family practice setting and exemplifies the type of practical clinical research that can be done in family medicine. An overall prevalence of approximately one percent was determined for thyroid disease in this practice. In a series of 85 patients, the ratio of hypothyroidism:hyperthyroidism:euthyroid goiter was 9:2:1 respectively. Initial signs and symptoms recorded for these patients conformed closely to the findings in other large series. Eighty percent of the patients with idiopathic hypothyroidism never had enlarged glands, whereas 100 percent of the patients with hypothyroidism associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis had enlarged glands. Laboratory aids such as serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroid antibodies, and radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) and scans were inadequately utilized. Medical and/or surgical consultation was obtained in 17.5 percent of patients with hypothyroidism, 80 percent of patients with hyperthyroidism, and 63 percent of those with euthyroid goiter. Currently 95 percent of the hypothyroid patients and 100 percent of the hyperthyroid patients are euthyroid.", "PMID": 993751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5306", "title": "Primary hyperparathyroidism in the primary care setting.", "content": "A series of 36 patients with surgically proved primary hyperparathyroidism is reported. From this group a clinical profile consisting of obesity, anxiety, and/or depression in a mildly hypertensive, middleaged female was derived. Women constituted 92 percent of the patients. The serum calcium was confirmed again as the single most valuable test in the evaluation of this disorder.", "contents": "Primary hyperparathyroidism in the primary care setting. A series of 36 patients with surgically proved primary hyperparathyroidism is reported. From this group a clinical profile consisting of obesity, anxiety, and/or depression in a mildly hypertensive, middleaged female was derived. Women constituted 92 percent of the patients. The serum calcium was confirmed again as the single most valuable test in the evaluation of this disorder.", "PMID": 993752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5307", "title": "The post-suicide family and the family physician.", "content": "It is estimated that there are 750,000 people each year who are intimately affected by suicide. Prominent among these are the family survivors and their family physician. This paper offers a time frame which divides the period following the suicide into three phases: Immediate (the first ten days after the suicide); Intermediate (after the first ten days through the first year); and Extended (from the first year until restitution occurs). It identifies the chief emotional reactions which occur in each phase, explores their psychodynamic origins, and proposes suggestions for appropriate management during each of the three periods. The goal of this plan of management is to enable the family physician to function in a supportive emphatic, and restorative manner for the post-suicide family.", "contents": "The post-suicide family and the family physician. It is estimated that there are 750,000 people each year who are intimately affected by suicide. Prominent among these are the family survivors and their family physician. This paper offers a time frame which divides the period following the suicide into three phases: Immediate (the first ten days after the suicide); Intermediate (after the first ten days through the first year); and Extended (from the first year until restitution occurs). It identifies the chief emotional reactions which occur in each phase, explores their psychodynamic origins, and proposes suggestions for appropriate management during each of the three periods. The goal of this plan of management is to enable the family physician to function in a supportive emphatic, and restorative manner for the post-suicide family.", "PMID": 993753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5308", "title": "Doctor-patient communications in a private family practice.", "content": "One hundred fifty-five randomly selected patients in a private family physician's office were interviewed immediately before and immediately after their visit with the doctor in an attempt to assess the degree of misunderstanding that occurs in doctor-patient communications. Fifty-four percent of these patients either forgot to mention all their medical problems to the physician or they confused or forgot certain instructions concerning their diagnosis or treatment. A X2 analysis failed to reveal any significant sex or age differences in the proportions of misunderstandings. There was also no correlation between the number of misunderstandings, the amount of time the doctor spent with the patients, the patient's rating of their own health on a scale of one to ten, and the patients' complaints or praises about their medical treatment. The number of years of formal education completed by the patient showed a direct relationship to the number of misunderstandings. Patients on their first three visits to this office tended to misunderstand more of their medical instructions. Furthermore, the study suggested that patients with chronic internal diseases and those who express excessive trust in their physician might have an increased proportion of misunderstandings.", "contents": "Doctor-patient communications in a private family practice. One hundred fifty-five randomly selected patients in a private family physician's office were interviewed immediately before and immediately after their visit with the doctor in an attempt to assess the degree of misunderstanding that occurs in doctor-patient communications. Fifty-four percent of these patients either forgot to mention all their medical problems to the physician or they confused or forgot certain instructions concerning their diagnosis or treatment. A X2 analysis failed to reveal any significant sex or age differences in the proportions of misunderstandings. There was also no correlation between the number of misunderstandings, the amount of time the doctor spent with the patients, the patient's rating of their own health on a scale of one to ten, and the patients' complaints or praises about their medical treatment. The number of years of formal education completed by the patient showed a direct relationship to the number of misunderstandings. Patients on their first three visits to this office tended to misunderstand more of their medical instructions. Furthermore, the study suggested that patients with chronic internal diseases and those who express excessive trust in their physician might have an increased proportion of misunderstandings.", "PMID": 993754} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5309", "title": "The Adlerian approach: a practical psychology for family practice.", "content": "A systematic approach to understanding the patient's personality and helping him cope with common life problems is found in Adlerian Psychology. It is uniquely appropriate to family practice because it stresses the interpersonal purposes of behavior and symptoms and the influence of family constellation on the development of the individual life-style. By obtaining a small amount of data about the patient's present life situation and his family of origin, the physician can gain a basis for understanding how the patient developed his unique way of acting and reacting to the physical and social stresses of life. Interpretation of two or three early recollections reveals what the patient expects of himself, others, and life. The insight thus gained is used as the basis for a holistic assessment of the problem; a directive, supportive, action-oriented plan for treatment; and an ongoing doctor-patient relationship of mutual respect.", "contents": "The Adlerian approach: a practical psychology for family practice. A systematic approach to understanding the patient's personality and helping him cope with common life problems is found in Adlerian Psychology. It is uniquely appropriate to family practice because it stresses the interpersonal purposes of behavior and symptoms and the influence of family constellation on the development of the individual life-style. By obtaining a small amount of data about the patient's present life situation and his family of origin, the physician can gain a basis for understanding how the patient developed his unique way of acting and reacting to the physical and social stresses of life. Interpretation of two or three early recollections reveals what the patient expects of himself, others, and life. The insight thus gained is used as the basis for a holistic assessment of the problem; a directive, supportive, action-oriented plan for treatment; and an ongoing doctor-patient relationship of mutual respect.", "PMID": 993755} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5310", "title": "Describing learning experiences of undergraduate medical students in rural settings.", "content": "This article describes a method for evaluating clinical experiences gained by undergraduate medical students at the University of Washington who take a family medicine clerkship at one of five rural communities. The student's clinical, community and practice management activities are documented on a standardized daily log. This log permits efficient transcription to punch cards. Data analysis results in a list of diagnoses, procedures, and community and practice management activities. These experiences are presented in order of frequency with a distribution of experiences by level of student responsibility, by location or agency, and by follow-up versus first contact. The results presented here constitute a summary profile over three academic quarters. The data reveal a substantial student exposure to medical problems common in family practice. Students assume a relatively high level of responsibility and experience continuity in patient care. This paper describes various ways in which these results are used.", "contents": "Describing learning experiences of undergraduate medical students in rural settings. This article describes a method for evaluating clinical experiences gained by undergraduate medical students at the University of Washington who take a family medicine clerkship at one of five rural communities. The student's clinical, community and practice management activities are documented on a standardized daily log. This log permits efficient transcription to punch cards. Data analysis results in a list of diagnoses, procedures, and community and practice management activities. These experiences are presented in order of frequency with a distribution of experiences by level of student responsibility, by location or agency, and by follow-up versus first contact. The results presented here constitute a summary profile over three academic quarters. The data reveal a substantial student exposure to medical problems common in family practice. Students assume a relatively high level of responsibility and experience continuity in patient care. This paper describes various ways in which these results are used.", "PMID": 993756} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5311", "title": "Elective experiences in family medicine for medical students.", "content": "The place of elective experiences in the predoctoral educational program of the Department of Family and Community Medicine of the College of Medicine of The Pennsylvania State University is described. General educational objectives and brief descriptions of courses are presented, and the educational approach is discussed. An overview of the comprehensive educational program is provided, including the methods used and relationship to the total medical school curriculum.", "contents": "Elective experiences in family medicine for medical students. The place of elective experiences in the predoctoral educational program of the Department of Family and Community Medicine of the College of Medicine of The Pennsylvania State University is described. General educational objectives and brief descriptions of courses are presented, and the educational approach is discussed. An overview of the comprehensive educational program is provided, including the methods used and relationship to the total medical school curriculum.", "PMID": 993757} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5312", "title": "The relation between physician and patient age in family practice.", "content": "A study of 100 selected Wisconsin family physicians demonstrated that younger physicians generally had more contact with younger patients, middle-aged physicians had an even distribution of patient age contacts, and older physicians had more contact with older patients. The increase in older patients became pronounced for 56 to 60-year-old physicians. Generally a ten-year increase in physician age was accompanied by a five-year increase in patient age. The rising average age of the American population, combined with the direct physician-patient age relationship demonstrated here suggest that geriatrics will become increasingly relevant not only in the continuum of medical education but also for the individual practicing physician.", "contents": "The relation between physician and patient age in family practice. A study of 100 selected Wisconsin family physicians demonstrated that younger physicians generally had more contact with younger patients, middle-aged physicians had an even distribution of patient age contacts, and older physicians had more contact with older patients. The increase in older patients became pronounced for 56 to 60-year-old physicians. Generally a ten-year increase in physician age was accompanied by a five-year increase in patient age. The rising average age of the American population, combined with the direct physician-patient age relationship demonstrated here suggest that geriatrics will become increasingly relevant not only in the continuum of medical education but also for the individual practicing physician.", "PMID": 993759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5313", "title": "Alopecia: a systematic appraoch to diagnosis and therapy.", "content": "Alopecia is a difficult problem for the physician. It is a common reason for specialist referral because of frustration with the complexities of etiology, the impatience of the patient, and often some uneasiness of diagnosis in the mind of the physician. The concern for possible serious underlying causes, and the relative expense required to rule these out also play an important role in the early referral of these cases. The vast majority of these cases do not reflect serious disease and so do not require expensive work-ups. Trhough a systematized approach, they can be easily taken care of by the patient's primary physician. This paper presents a practical approach for the busy physician to deal with this problem quickly and easily in a systematic manner that minimizes the possibility of overlooking serious problems and defines the level of investigation necessary in most cases.", "contents": "Alopecia: a systematic appraoch to diagnosis and therapy. Alopecia is a difficult problem for the physician. It is a common reason for specialist referral because of frustration with the complexities of etiology, the impatience of the patient, and often some uneasiness of diagnosis in the mind of the physician. The concern for possible serious underlying causes, and the relative expense required to rule these out also play an important role in the early referral of these cases. The vast majority of these cases do not reflect serious disease and so do not require expensive work-ups. Trhough a systematized approach, they can be easily taken care of by the patient's primary physician. This paper presents a practical approach for the busy physician to deal with this problem quickly and easily in a systematic manner that minimizes the possibility of overlooking serious problems and defines the level of investigation necessary in most cases.", "PMID": 993760} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5314", "title": "Phase shifting the circadian rhythm of neuronal activity in the isolated Aplysia eye with puromycin and cycloheximide. Electrophysiological and biochemical studies.", "content": "The effects of pulse application of puromycin (PURO) or cycloheximide (CHX) were tested on the circadian rhythm (CR) of spontaneous compound action potential (CAP) activity in the isolated Aplysia eye. CAP activity was recorded from the optic nerve in constant darkness at 15degreesC. PURO pulses (6, 12 h; 12--134 mug/ml) and CHX pulses (12 h, 500--2,000 mug/ml) caused dose-dependent phase delays in the CR when administered during projected night. PURO pulses (6 h, 125 mug/ml) caused phase advances when given during projected day and caused phase delays when given during projected night. In biochemical experiments PURO (12 h, 20 mug/ml) and CHX (12 h, 500 mug/ml) inhibited leucine incorporation into the eye by about 50%. PURO (12 h; 50, 125 mug/ml) also changed the molecular weight distribution of proteins synthesized by the eye during the pulse. The effect of PURO (12 h, 125 mug/ml) on the level of incorporation was almost completely reversible within the next 12 h but the phase-shifted eye showed an latered spectrum of proteins for up to 28 h after the pulse. In electrophysiological experiments spontaneous CAP activity and responses to light were measured before, during, and after drug treatments. In all, eight parameters in three periods were analyzed quantitatively. Of these 24 indices, only 3 showed significant changes. PURO increased spontaneous CAP frequency by 67% 0-7 h after the drug pulse and increased the CAP amplitude of the tonic light response by 23% greater than 7 h after the pulse. CHX increased the intraburst spontaneous CAP frequency by 33% during the pulse and CAP frequency of the tonic light response by 32% 0-7 h after the pulse. The above data indicate that phase-shifting doses of PURO and CHX inhibit protein synthesis in the eye without causing adverse electrophysiological effects, and suggest that protein synthesis is involved in the production of the CR of the isolated Aplysia eye.", "contents": "Phase shifting the circadian rhythm of neuronal activity in the isolated Aplysia eye with puromycin and cycloheximide. Electrophysiological and biochemical studies. The effects of pulse application of puromycin (PURO) or cycloheximide (CHX) were tested on the circadian rhythm (CR) of spontaneous compound action potential (CAP) activity in the isolated Aplysia eye. CAP activity was recorded from the optic nerve in constant darkness at 15degreesC. PURO pulses (6, 12 h; 12--134 mug/ml) and CHX pulses (12 h, 500--2,000 mug/ml) caused dose-dependent phase delays in the CR when administered during projected night. PURO pulses (6 h, 125 mug/ml) caused phase advances when given during projected day and caused phase delays when given during projected night. In biochemical experiments PURO (12 h, 20 mug/ml) and CHX (12 h, 500 mug/ml) inhibited leucine incorporation into the eye by about 50%. PURO (12 h; 50, 125 mug/ml) also changed the molecular weight distribution of proteins synthesized by the eye during the pulse. The effect of PURO (12 h, 125 mug/ml) on the level of incorporation was almost completely reversible within the next 12 h but the phase-shifted eye showed an latered spectrum of proteins for up to 28 h after the pulse. In electrophysiological experiments spontaneous CAP activity and responses to light were measured before, during, and after drug treatments. In all, eight parameters in three periods were analyzed quantitatively. Of these 24 indices, only 3 showed significant changes. PURO increased spontaneous CAP frequency by 67% 0-7 h after the drug pulse and increased the CAP amplitude of the tonic light response by 23% greater than 7 h after the pulse. CHX increased the intraburst spontaneous CAP frequency by 33% during the pulse and CAP frequency of the tonic light response by 32% 0-7 h after the pulse. The above data indicate that phase-shifting doses of PURO and CHX inhibit protein synthesis in the eye without causing adverse electrophysiological effects, and suggest that protein synthesis is involved in the production of the CR of the isolated Aplysia eye.", "PMID": 993764} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5315", "title": "Release of proteins from the inner surface of squid axon membrane labeled with tritiated N-ethylmaleimide.", "content": "Proteins in the inner surface of the squid axon membrane were labeled by intracellular perfusion of [3H]N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), which forms covalent bonds with free sulfhydryl groups. The excitability of the axon was unaffected by the [3H]NEM perfusion. After washout of the unbound label, the perfusate was monitored for the release of labeled proteins. Labeled proteins were released from the inner membrane surface by potassium depolarization of the axon only in the presence of external calcium ions. Replacement of the fluoride ion in the perfusion medium by various anions also caused labeled protein release. The order of effectiveness was SCN- greater than Br- greater than Cl- greater than F-. The extent of labeled protein release by the various anions was correlated with their effects on axonal excitability. The significance of these results is discussed.", "contents": "Release of proteins from the inner surface of squid axon membrane labeled with tritiated N-ethylmaleimide. Proteins in the inner surface of the squid axon membrane were labeled by intracellular perfusion of [3H]N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), which forms covalent bonds with free sulfhydryl groups. The excitability of the axon was unaffected by the [3H]NEM perfusion. After washout of the unbound label, the perfusate was monitored for the release of labeled proteins. Labeled proteins were released from the inner membrane surface by potassium depolarization of the axon only in the presence of external calcium ions. Replacement of the fluoride ion in the perfusion medium by various anions also caused labeled protein release. The order of effectiveness was SCN- greater than Br- greater than Cl- greater than F-. The extent of labeled protein release by the various anions was correlated with their effects on axonal excitability. The significance of these results is discussed.", "PMID": 993765} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5316", "title": "Potassium current kinetics in Myxicola axons. Effects of conditioning prepulses.", "content": "In Myxicola giant axons the time constants for activation of the potassium conductance (GK) after prepulses less depolarized than a test pulse are comparable to the time constants for turn off of GK after prepulses more depolarized than the same test pulse. The absolute magnitude of the steady-state level of GK is also independent of prepulse amplitude in Myxicola. The results are contrasted with recent observations on voltage-clamped frog nodes.", "contents": "Potassium current kinetics in Myxicola axons. Effects of conditioning prepulses. In Myxicola giant axons the time constants for activation of the potassium conductance (GK) after prepulses less depolarized than a test pulse are comparable to the time constants for turn off of GK after prepulses more depolarized than the same test pulse. The absolute magnitude of the steady-state level of GK is also independent of prepulse amplitude in Myxicola. The results are contrasted with recent observations on voltage-clamped frog nodes.", "PMID": 993766} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5317", "title": "Relations among transepithelial sodium transport, potassium exchange, and cell volume in rabbit ileum.", "content": "The relation between active transepithelial Na transport across rabbit ileum and 42K exchange from the serosal solution across the basolateral membranes has been explored. Although 42K influx across the basolateral membranes is inhibited by ouabain and by complete depletion of cell Na, it is not affected when transepithelial Na transport is abolished (i.e. in the presence of an Na-free mucosal solution) or stimulated (i.e. when glucose or alanine is added to the mucosal solution). We are unable to detect any relation between the ouabain-sensitive Na-K exchange mechanism responsible for the maintenance of intracellular Na and K concentrations and active transcellular Na transport. In addition, the maintenance of cell volume (water content) does not appear to be dependent upon transepithelial Na transport or the ouabain-sensitive Na-K exchange pump. Although the results of these studies cannot be considered conclusive, they raise serious questions regarding the role of the Na-K exchange pump, located at the basolateral membranes, in active transepithelial Na transport and the maintenance of cell volume.", "contents": "Relations among transepithelial sodium transport, potassium exchange, and cell volume in rabbit ileum. The relation between active transepithelial Na transport across rabbit ileum and 42K exchange from the serosal solution across the basolateral membranes has been explored. Although 42K influx across the basolateral membranes is inhibited by ouabain and by complete depletion of cell Na, it is not affected when transepithelial Na transport is abolished (i.e. in the presence of an Na-free mucosal solution) or stimulated (i.e. when glucose or alanine is added to the mucosal solution). We are unable to detect any relation between the ouabain-sensitive Na-K exchange mechanism responsible for the maintenance of intracellular Na and K concentrations and active transcellular Na transport. In addition, the maintenance of cell volume (water content) does not appear to be dependent upon transepithelial Na transport or the ouabain-sensitive Na-K exchange pump. Although the results of these studies cannot be considered conclusive, they raise serious questions regarding the role of the Na-K exchange pump, located at the basolateral membranes, in active transepithelial Na transport and the maintenance of cell volume.", "PMID": 993767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5318", "title": "The involvement of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the organization of cat retinal ganglion cell receptive fields. A study with picrotoxin and bicuculline.", "content": "The effects of picrotoxin and bicuculline upon the discharge pattern of center-surround organized cat retinal ganglion cells of X and Y type were studied. All experiments were carried out under scotopic or possibly low mesopic conditions; mostly but not exclusively on-center cells were studied. Stimuli were chosen so that responses were either; (a) \"purely\" central; (b) surround dominated; or (c) clearly mixed but center dominated. In each case a pre-drug control response was estaboished, the drug was administered intravenously, and its subsequent effect upon the response was observed. In Y cells both picrotoxin and bicucullin caused the center-driven component of the response to become somewhat reduced in magnitude, while the surround component was substantially reduced. There was thus a change in center-surround balance in favor of the center-driven component. Responses of X cells remained virtually unaffected by both picrotoxin and bicuculline.", "contents": "The involvement of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the organization of cat retinal ganglion cell receptive fields. A study with picrotoxin and bicuculline. The effects of picrotoxin and bicuculline upon the discharge pattern of center-surround organized cat retinal ganglion cells of X and Y type were studied. All experiments were carried out under scotopic or possibly low mesopic conditions; mostly but not exclusively on-center cells were studied. Stimuli were chosen so that responses were either; (a) \"purely\" central; (b) surround dominated; or (c) clearly mixed but center dominated. In each case a pre-drug control response was estaboished, the drug was administered intravenously, and its subsequent effect upon the response was observed. In Y cells both picrotoxin and bicucullin caused the center-driven component of the response to become somewhat reduced in magnitude, while the surround component was substantially reduced. There was thus a change in center-surround balance in favor of the center-driven component. Responses of X cells remained virtually unaffected by both picrotoxin and bicuculline.", "PMID": 993768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5319", "title": "Electromechanical properties of the single cell-layered heart of tunicate Boltenia ovifera (sea potato).", "content": "The tubular heart of the sea potato is composed of a single layer of myoepithelial cells interconnected near the extraluminal surface by specialized junctions. If these junctions are used as the border which separates the luminal from extraluminal membrane, the surface area ratio, luminal:extraluminal, is approximately 12:1. A single myofibril is located near the luminal surface in each cell. Current passed across the heart wall in the direction that depolarizes the luminal membrane and hyperpolarizes the extraluminal membrane immediately produces \"all-or-none\" action potentials and contractions. Current passed in the opposite direction fails to produce action potentials until after the break of the stimulus, suggesting anodal break excitation of the hyperpolarized luminal membrane. High potassium solutions depolarized the myoepithelium and produced contractions only when applied to the luminal surface of the heart. [Ca]0 increases and [Mg]0 decreases twitch tension only on the luminal surface of the heart. The transwall resistivity is low (50-100 omega/cm2) due to an extracellular shunt. Because of this shunt and the larger surface area of the luminal membrane, the extraluminal membrane is effectively clamped to the potential of the luminal membrane and is not capable of directly influencing excitation-contraction coupling. These findings suggest that only the luminal membrane of the sea potato myoepithelium is capable of generating an action potential and triggering contraction.", "contents": "Electromechanical properties of the single cell-layered heart of tunicate Boltenia ovifera (sea potato). The tubular heart of the sea potato is composed of a single layer of myoepithelial cells interconnected near the extraluminal surface by specialized junctions. If these junctions are used as the border which separates the luminal from extraluminal membrane, the surface area ratio, luminal:extraluminal, is approximately 12:1. A single myofibril is located near the luminal surface in each cell. Current passed across the heart wall in the direction that depolarizes the luminal membrane and hyperpolarizes the extraluminal membrane immediately produces \"all-or-none\" action potentials and contractions. Current passed in the opposite direction fails to produce action potentials until after the break of the stimulus, suggesting anodal break excitation of the hyperpolarized luminal membrane. High potassium solutions depolarized the myoepithelium and produced contractions only when applied to the luminal surface of the heart. [Ca]0 increases and [Mg]0 decreases twitch tension only on the luminal surface of the heart. The transwall resistivity is low (50-100 omega/cm2) due to an extracellular shunt. Because of this shunt and the larger surface area of the luminal membrane, the extraluminal membrane is effectively clamped to the potential of the luminal membrane and is not capable of directly influencing excitation-contraction coupling. These findings suggest that only the luminal membrane of the sea potato myoepithelium is capable of generating an action potential and triggering contraction.", "PMID": 993769} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5320", "title": "Dynamics of aminopyridine block of potassium channels in squid axon membrane.", "content": "Aminopyridines (2-AP, 3-AP, and 4-AP) selectively block K channels of squid axon membranes in a manner dependent upon the membrane potential and the duration and frequency of voltage clamp pulses. They are effective when applied to either the internal or the external membrane surface. The steady-state block of K channels by aminopyridines is more complete for low depolarizations, and is gradually relieved at higher depolarizations. The K current in the presence of aminopyridines rises more slowly than in control, the change being more conspicuous in 3-AP and 4-AP than in 2-AP. Repetitive pulsing relieves the block in a manner dependent upon the duration and interval of pulses. The recovery from block during a given test pulse is enhanced by increasing the duration of a conditioning depolarizing prepulse. The time constant for this recovery is in the range of 10-20 ms in 3-AP and 4-AP, and shorter in 2-AP. Twin pulse experiments with variable pulse intervals have revealed that the time course for re-establishment of block is much slower in 3-AP and 4-AP than in 2-AP. These results suggest that 2-AP interacts with the K channel more rapidly than 3-AP and 4-AP. The more rapid interaction of 2-AP with K channels is reflected in the kinetics of K current which is faster than that observed in 3-AP or 4-AP, and in the pattern of frequency-dependent block which is different from that in 3-AP or 4-AP. The experimental observations are not satisfactorily described by alterations of Hodgkin-Huxley n-type gating units. Rather, the data are consistent with a simple binding scheme incorporating no changes in gating kinetics which conceives of aminopyridine molecules binding to closed K channels and being released from open channels in a voltage-dependent manner.", "contents": "Dynamics of aminopyridine block of potassium channels in squid axon membrane. Aminopyridines (2-AP, 3-AP, and 4-AP) selectively block K channels of squid axon membranes in a manner dependent upon the membrane potential and the duration and frequency of voltage clamp pulses. They are effective when applied to either the internal or the external membrane surface. The steady-state block of K channels by aminopyridines is more complete for low depolarizations, and is gradually relieved at higher depolarizations. The K current in the presence of aminopyridines rises more slowly than in control, the change being more conspicuous in 3-AP and 4-AP than in 2-AP. Repetitive pulsing relieves the block in a manner dependent upon the duration and interval of pulses. The recovery from block during a given test pulse is enhanced by increasing the duration of a conditioning depolarizing prepulse. The time constant for this recovery is in the range of 10-20 ms in 3-AP and 4-AP, and shorter in 2-AP. Twin pulse experiments with variable pulse intervals have revealed that the time course for re-establishment of block is much slower in 3-AP and 4-AP than in 2-AP. These results suggest that 2-AP interacts with the K channel more rapidly than 3-AP and 4-AP. The more rapid interaction of 2-AP with K channels is reflected in the kinetics of K current which is faster than that observed in 3-AP or 4-AP, and in the pattern of frequency-dependent block which is different from that in 3-AP or 4-AP. The experimental observations are not satisfactorily described by alterations of Hodgkin-Huxley n-type gating units. Rather, the data are consistent with a simple binding scheme incorporating no changes in gating kinetics which conceives of aminopyridine molecules binding to closed K channels and being released from open channels in a voltage-dependent manner.", "PMID": 993770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5321", "title": "Effect of verapamil and of extracellular Ca and Na on contraction frequency of cultured heart cells.", "content": "Monolayer cultures of myocardial cells were prepared by trypsin dispersion of neonatal rat ventricles. The cells were cultured for 4-5 days by which time a synchronously contracting monolayer of some 1.0 x 10(6) cells per 6-cm diam petri dish had formed. The contraction frequency and Na influx of the cells were unaffected by tetrodotoxin (2 x 10(-5) mg/ml) but both were markedly reduced by the addition of verapamil (10(-9) M to 10(-5) M). The effect of verapamil on both parameters occurred very rapidly. Although unresponsive to change in [Ca]0 between 0.3 mM and 3.0 mM, the contraction frequency of the cells declined rapidly as the [Ca]0 was reduced below 0.3 mM. On the other hand the beating rate of the cells was linearly related to [Na]0 below 40 mM the cells ceased to contract. It is therefore apparent that both [Ca]0 and [Na]0 contribute to the maintenance of the contraction frequency of cultured myocardial cells, but the latter is by far the more important. There also appeared to be, under all conditions, a close relationship between verapamilsensitive Na influx and contraction frequency. For the greater part this relationship was linear although at higher Na influx values it appeared to show evidence of saturation.", "contents": "Effect of verapamil and of extracellular Ca and Na on contraction frequency of cultured heart cells. Monolayer cultures of myocardial cells were prepared by trypsin dispersion of neonatal rat ventricles. The cells were cultured for 4-5 days by which time a synchronously contracting monolayer of some 1.0 x 10(6) cells per 6-cm diam petri dish had formed. The contraction frequency and Na influx of the cells were unaffected by tetrodotoxin (2 x 10(-5) mg/ml) but both were markedly reduced by the addition of verapamil (10(-9) M to 10(-5) M). The effect of verapamil on both parameters occurred very rapidly. Although unresponsive to change in [Ca]0 between 0.3 mM and 3.0 mM, the contraction frequency of the cells declined rapidly as the [Ca]0 was reduced below 0.3 mM. On the other hand the beating rate of the cells was linearly related to [Na]0 below 40 mM the cells ceased to contract. It is therefore apparent that both [Ca]0 and [Na]0 contribute to the maintenance of the contraction frequency of cultured myocardial cells, but the latter is by far the more important. There also appeared to be, under all conditions, a close relationship between verapamilsensitive Na influx and contraction frequency. For the greater part this relationship was linear although at higher Na influx values it appeared to show evidence of saturation.", "PMID": 993771} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5322", "title": "Permeability of the sodium channel in Myxicola to organic cations.", "content": "The relative permeability of sodium channels to organic cations was determined in the Myxicola giant axon. Ionic currents under potential control were measured in seawater and in sodium-free solutions containing the organic cation. The measured reversal potential and the Goldman equation were used to obtain the relative permeabilities. The permeability sequence was found to be: sodium greater than hydroxylamine greater than hydrazine greater than ammonium greater than guanidine greater than formamidine greater than aminoguanidine greater than methylamine. Measurements were also made on sodium and several of the organic cations at different concentrations. The relative permeabilities of the ions were found to be independent of concentration. Qualitatively, the permeability sequence for the Myxicola giant axon was similar to that of the frog node of Ranvier.", "contents": "Permeability of the sodium channel in Myxicola to organic cations. The relative permeability of sodium channels to organic cations was determined in the Myxicola giant axon. Ionic currents under potential control were measured in seawater and in sodium-free solutions containing the organic cation. The measured reversal potential and the Goldman equation were used to obtain the relative permeabilities. The permeability sequence was found to be: sodium greater than hydroxylamine greater than hydrazine greater than ammonium greater than guanidine greater than formamidine greater than aminoguanidine greater than methylamine. Measurements were also made on sodium and several of the organic cations at different concentrations. The relative permeabilities of the ions were found to be independent of concentration. Qualitatively, the permeability sequence for the Myxicola giant axon was similar to that of the frog node of Ranvier.", "PMID": 993772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5323", "title": "Furosemide inhibition of chloride transport in human red blood cells.", "content": "The chloride self-exchange flux across the human red cell membrane is rapidly and reversibly inhibited by 10(-4) M furosemide, a potent chloruretic agent. Furosemide reduces the chloride flux at all chloride concentrations and increases the cellular chloride concentration at which the flux is half-maximum. Kinetic analysis of the flux measurements made at several furosemide and chloride concentrations yields a pattern of mixed inhibition with a dissociation constant for the inhibitor-transport mechanism complex of 5 X 10(-5) M. From this pattern of inhibition and other observations, including that the percent inhibition is independent of pH (range 5.6-8.9), we conclude that the anionic form of furosemide interacts primarily with the chloride transport mechanism at a site separate from both the transport site and the halide-reactive modifier site.", "contents": "Furosemide inhibition of chloride transport in human red blood cells. The chloride self-exchange flux across the human red cell membrane is rapidly and reversibly inhibited by 10(-4) M furosemide, a potent chloruretic agent. Furosemide reduces the chloride flux at all chloride concentrations and increases the cellular chloride concentration at which the flux is half-maximum. Kinetic analysis of the flux measurements made at several furosemide and chloride concentrations yields a pattern of mixed inhibition with a dissociation constant for the inhibitor-transport mechanism complex of 5 X 10(-5) M. From this pattern of inhibition and other observations, including that the percent inhibition is independent of pH (range 5.6-8.9), we conclude that the anionic form of furosemide interacts primarily with the chloride transport mechanism at a site separate from both the transport site and the halide-reactive modifier site.", "PMID": 993773} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5324", "title": "Kinetics of bicarbonate-chloride exchange across the human red blood cell membrane.", "content": "The kinetics of bicarbonate-chloride exchange across the human red cell membrane was studied by following the time course of extracellular pH in a stopped-flow rapid-reaction apparatus during transfer of H+ into the cell by the CO2 hydration-dehydration cycle, under conditions where the rate of the process was determined by HCO3--Cl- exchange flux across the membrane. The flux of bicarbonate increased linearly with [HCO3-] gradient from 0.6 to 20 mM across the red cell membrane at both 37 degrees C and 2 degrees C, and decreased as transmembrane potential was increased by decreasing extracellular [Cl-]. An Arrhenius plot of the rate constants for the exchange indicates that the Q10 is strongly dependent on temperature, being about 1.7 between 24 degrees C and 42 degrees C and about 7 between 2 degrees C and 12 degrees C. These data agree well with the published values for Q10 of 1.2 between 24 degrees C and 40 degrees C and of 8 between 0 degrees C and 10 degrees C. The results suggest that different processes may determine the rate of HCO3--Cl- exchange at low vs. physiological temperatures, and that the functional (and/or structural) properties of the red cell membrane vary markedly with temperature.", "contents": "Kinetics of bicarbonate-chloride exchange across the human red blood cell membrane. The kinetics of bicarbonate-chloride exchange across the human red cell membrane was studied by following the time course of extracellular pH in a stopped-flow rapid-reaction apparatus during transfer of H+ into the cell by the CO2 hydration-dehydration cycle, under conditions where the rate of the process was determined by HCO3--Cl- exchange flux across the membrane. The flux of bicarbonate increased linearly with [HCO3-] gradient from 0.6 to 20 mM across the red cell membrane at both 37 degrees C and 2 degrees C, and decreased as transmembrane potential was increased by decreasing extracellular [Cl-]. An Arrhenius plot of the rate constants for the exchange indicates that the Q10 is strongly dependent on temperature, being about 1.7 between 24 degrees C and 42 degrees C and about 7 between 2 degrees C and 12 degrees C. These data agree well with the published values for Q10 of 1.2 between 24 degrees C and 40 degrees C and of 8 between 0 degrees C and 10 degrees C. The results suggest that different processes may determine the rate of HCO3--Cl- exchange at low vs. physiological temperatures, and that the functional (and/or structural) properties of the red cell membrane vary markedly with temperature.", "PMID": 993774} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5325", "title": "Length-dependent electromechanical coupling in single muscle fibers.", "content": "In single muscle fibers from the giant barnacle, a small decrease in muscle length decreases both the calcium activation and the peak isometric tension produced by a constant current stimulus. The effect is most pronounced if the length change immediately precedes the stimulation. In some cases, the decrease in tension with shortening can be accounted for almost entirely by a decrease in calcium release rather than changes in mechanical factors such as filament geometry. During the constant current stimulation the muscle membrane becomes more depolarized at longer muscle lengths than at the shorter muscle lengths. Under voltage clamp conditions, when the membrane potential is kept constant during stimulation, there is little length dependence of calcium release. Thus, the effect of length on calcium release is mediated through a change in membrane properties, rather than an effect on a subsequent step in excitation-contraction coupling. Stretch causes the unstimulated fiber membrane to depolarize by about l mV while release causes the fiber membrane to hyperpolarize by about the same amount. The process causing this change in potential has an equilibrium potential nearly 10 mV hyperpolarized from the resting level. This change in resting membrane potential with length may account for the length dependence of calcium release.", "contents": "Length-dependent electromechanical coupling in single muscle fibers. In single muscle fibers from the giant barnacle, a small decrease in muscle length decreases both the calcium activation and the peak isometric tension produced by a constant current stimulus. The effect is most pronounced if the length change immediately precedes the stimulation. In some cases, the decrease in tension with shortening can be accounted for almost entirely by a decrease in calcium release rather than changes in mechanical factors such as filament geometry. During the constant current stimulation the muscle membrane becomes more depolarized at longer muscle lengths than at the shorter muscle lengths. Under voltage clamp conditions, when the membrane potential is kept constant during stimulation, there is little length dependence of calcium release. Thus, the effect of length on calcium release is mediated through a change in membrane properties, rather than an effect on a subsequent step in excitation-contraction coupling. Stretch causes the unstimulated fiber membrane to depolarize by about l mV while release causes the fiber membrane to hyperpolarize by about the same amount. The process causing this change in potential has an equilibrium potential nearly 10 mV hyperpolarized from the resting level. This change in resting membrane potential with length may account for the length dependence of calcium release.", "PMID": 993775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5326", "title": "Mechanisms of resistance to fusidic acid in Staphylococcus aureus.", "content": "The biochemical mechanisms of resistance to fusidic acid in Staphylococcus aureus were investigated. Organisms possessing plasmid genes for resistance showed a high basal level of resistance, but could be induced to higher levels after pre-incubation with fusidic acid. This induction occurred rapidly and probably did not depend on gene dosage effects. Mutants resistant to fusidic acid, obtained from plasmid-negative cultures, expressed resistance constitutively. Protein synthesis in cell-free extracts from staphylococci with plasmid-mediated resistance to fusidic acid was as sensitive to fusidic acid as was synthesis in preparations from sensitive organisms; whereas protein synthesis in preparations from a spontaneous fusidic acid resistant mutant was resistant to the antibiotic. None of the resistant strains caused detectable inactivation of fusidic acid and no new derivative of fusidic acid was found in culture extracts of plasmid-possessing organisms grown in the presence of radioactive antibiotic. Expression of plasmid-mediated resistance to fusidic acid was associated with a decrease in the molar ratio of phosphatidylglycerol to lysylphosphatidylglycerol, but the cardiolipin content remained constant.", "contents": "Mechanisms of resistance to fusidic acid in Staphylococcus aureus. The biochemical mechanisms of resistance to fusidic acid in Staphylococcus aureus were investigated. Organisms possessing plasmid genes for resistance showed a high basal level of resistance, but could be induced to higher levels after pre-incubation with fusidic acid. This induction occurred rapidly and probably did not depend on gene dosage effects. Mutants resistant to fusidic acid, obtained from plasmid-negative cultures, expressed resistance constitutively. Protein synthesis in cell-free extracts from staphylococci with plasmid-mediated resistance to fusidic acid was as sensitive to fusidic acid as was synthesis in preparations from sensitive organisms; whereas protein synthesis in preparations from a spontaneous fusidic acid resistant mutant was resistant to the antibiotic. None of the resistant strains caused detectable inactivation of fusidic acid and no new derivative of fusidic acid was found in culture extracts of plasmid-possessing organisms grown in the presence of radioactive antibiotic. Expression of plasmid-mediated resistance to fusidic acid was associated with a decrease in the molar ratio of phosphatidylglycerol to lysylphosphatidylglycerol, but the cardiolipin content remained constant.", "PMID": 993776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5327", "title": "Nitrate reductase from anaerobically grown Rhizobium japonicum.", "content": "The activity of nitrate reductase in Rhizobium japonicum is controlled by oxygen tension, and not by nitrate. The enzyme from R. japonicum grown anaerobically in the presence of nitrate resembles that from bacteroids in having a molecular weight of about 69000 daltons; the enzyme from aerobically grown cells ahs a molecular weight of about 170000 daltons. Both types of enzyme have similar Km values, but differ in their sensitivity to KCN.", "contents": "Nitrate reductase from anaerobically grown Rhizobium japonicum. The activity of nitrate reductase in Rhizobium japonicum is controlled by oxygen tension, and not by nitrate. The enzyme from R. japonicum grown anaerobically in the presence of nitrate resembles that from bacteroids in having a molecular weight of about 69000 daltons; the enzyme from aerobically grown cells ahs a molecular weight of about 170000 daltons. Both types of enzyme have similar Km values, but differ in their sensitivity to KCN.", "PMID": 993777} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5328", "title": "Actinorhodin is a chromosomally-determined antibiotic in Streptomyces coelicolar A3(2).", "content": "Streptomyces coelicolar A3(2) synthesizes a second antibiotic, in addition to the plasmid-determined methylenomycin A. It was identified, primarily on the evidence of mass spectroscopy of its diethyl ester, as actinorhodin, which has been described previously in other strains. It inhibited most Gram-positive bacteria tested, but only at a comparatively high concentration. Five independent mutations leading to lack of actinorhodin synthesis were located between cysD and strA on the chromosome.", "contents": "Actinorhodin is a chromosomally-determined antibiotic in Streptomyces coelicolar A3(2). Streptomyces coelicolar A3(2) synthesizes a second antibiotic, in addition to the plasmid-determined methylenomycin A. It was identified, primarily on the evidence of mass spectroscopy of its diethyl ester, as actinorhodin, which has been described previously in other strains. It inhibited most Gram-positive bacteria tested, but only at a comparatively high concentration. Five independent mutations leading to lack of actinorhodin synthesis were located between cysD and strA on the chromosome.", "PMID": 993778} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5329", "title": "Regulation of growth of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus NCIB8250 on benzyl alcohol in batch culture.", "content": "Formation of benzoate and catechol during oxidation of benzyl alcohol by washed suspensions of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus NCIB8250 confirmed earlier results indicating that this organism metabolizes benzyl alcohol via benzaldehyde, benzoate, and the 3-oxoadipate pathway. There was no evidence for feedback inhibition of benzyl alcohol dehydrogenase or benzaldehyde dehydrogenase II. Examination of growth curves and patterns of substrate utilization, as well as measurement of enzyme activities, showed that benzyl alcohol dehydrogenase and benzaldehyde dehydrogenase II are repressed when A. calcoaceticus utilizes L-mandelate or phenylglyoxylate. Growth of bacteria on L-mandelate prior to their inoculation into benzyl alcohol/salts medium leads to an exceptionally long lag period before benzyl alcohol is used at the maximum rate. Benzyl alcohol metabolism is also suppressed during growth on benzoate.", "contents": "Regulation of growth of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus NCIB8250 on benzyl alcohol in batch culture. Formation of benzoate and catechol during oxidation of benzyl alcohol by washed suspensions of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus NCIB8250 confirmed earlier results indicating that this organism metabolizes benzyl alcohol via benzaldehyde, benzoate, and the 3-oxoadipate pathway. There was no evidence for feedback inhibition of benzyl alcohol dehydrogenase or benzaldehyde dehydrogenase II. Examination of growth curves and patterns of substrate utilization, as well as measurement of enzyme activities, showed that benzyl alcohol dehydrogenase and benzaldehyde dehydrogenase II are repressed when A. calcoaceticus utilizes L-mandelate or phenylglyoxylate. Growth of bacteria on L-mandelate prior to their inoculation into benzyl alcohol/salts medium leads to an exceptionally long lag period before benzyl alcohol is used at the maximum rate. Benzyl alcohol metabolism is also suppressed during growth on benzoate.", "PMID": 993779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5330", "title": "Properties of phage-receptor lipopolysaccharide from Pseudomonas morsprunorum.", "content": "Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Pseudomonas morsprunorum was extracted with hot phenol and purified by repeated centrifuging followed by either block electrophoresis or gel filtration. LPS from a virulent isolate exhibited specific phage inactivation (PI50 = 0.05 mug LPS ml-1), whereas LPS from an avirulent phage-resistant mutant did not. LPS was considered pure when a single band was detected following sodium dodecyl sulphate-cellulose acetate electrophoresis (pH 7.4). It was not phytotoxic when inoculated into cherry leaves at concentrations up to I mg ml-1, but produced weak chlorosis in bean and tobacco at 2 mg ml-1: no visible symptoms appeared after treatment with lower concentrations. The chemical composition of the LPS was partly determined.", "contents": "Properties of phage-receptor lipopolysaccharide from Pseudomonas morsprunorum. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Pseudomonas morsprunorum was extracted with hot phenol and purified by repeated centrifuging followed by either block electrophoresis or gel filtration. LPS from a virulent isolate exhibited specific phage inactivation (PI50 = 0.05 mug LPS ml-1), whereas LPS from an avirulent phage-resistant mutant did not. LPS was considered pure when a single band was detected following sodium dodecyl sulphate-cellulose acetate electrophoresis (pH 7.4). It was not phytotoxic when inoculated into cherry leaves at concentrations up to I mg ml-1, but produced weak chlorosis in bean and tobacco at 2 mg ml-1: no visible symptoms appeared after treatment with lower concentrations. The chemical composition of the LPS was partly determined.", "PMID": 993780} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5331", "title": "Some aspects of the metabolism of butyrivibrio fibrisolvens.", "content": "The growth responses of an acetate-utilizing isolate of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens to CO2, acetate and pyruvate were determined using a chemically-defined medium. Carbon dioxide was essential for growth and both acetate and pyruvate increased growth. 14C from [I-14C]pyruvate appeared predominantly in formate and lactate. These results, together with those obtained with enzyme preparations, indicated pyruvate synthase, pyruvate-CO2 exchange and pyruvate formate lyase to be active.", "contents": "Some aspects of the metabolism of butyrivibrio fibrisolvens. The growth responses of an acetate-utilizing isolate of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens to CO2, acetate and pyruvate were determined using a chemically-defined medium. Carbon dioxide was essential for growth and both acetate and pyruvate increased growth. 14C from [I-14C]pyruvate appeared predominantly in formate and lactate. These results, together with those obtained with enzyme preparations, indicated pyruvate synthase, pyruvate-CO2 exchange and pyruvate formate lyase to be active.", "PMID": 993781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5332", "title": "Leucosporidium yeasts: obligate psychrophiles which alter membrane-lipid and cytochrome composition with temperature.", "content": "The temperature limits of growth of three psychorphilic yeasts, Leucosporidium frigidum, L. gelidum and L. nivalis, were examined. All species grew well as subzero temperatures (-I degrees C). The maximum temperature of growth was significantly higher with glucose as substrate (18 to 20 degrees C) than with ethanol (17 to 18 degrees C). There was a positive correlation between the growth temperature and the degree of fatty-acid unsaturation of the cell lipids; the lower the temperature, the greater the degree of fatty-acid unsaturation. At subzero temperatures (-I degrees C) with ethanol as substrate, 90% of the total fatty acid was unsaturated with linolenic (35 to 50%) and linoleic (25 to 30%) acids predominating. At temperatures close to the maximum for growth, linolenic acid accounted for less than 20% of the total fatty acid and oleic (20 to 40%) and linoleic (30 to 50%) acids were the major components. Difference spectra of intact cells showed marked changes in the rations and amounts of individual cytochromes as a function of growth temperature. In L.frigidum with glucose as substrate, the ratios of cytochromes a +a3:b:c at 8 and 19 degrees C were I:I-I:2-9 and I:2-3:16-7 respectively. Similar changes in cytochrome ratios were noted for L.gelidum, but changes were much less marked for L. nivalis. The temperature effects were interpreted as supporting the view that membrane structure and composition are fundamental to temperature adaptation in psychrophilic yeasts.", "contents": "Leucosporidium yeasts: obligate psychrophiles which alter membrane-lipid and cytochrome composition with temperature. The temperature limits of growth of three psychorphilic yeasts, Leucosporidium frigidum, L. gelidum and L. nivalis, were examined. All species grew well as subzero temperatures (-I degrees C). The maximum temperature of growth was significantly higher with glucose as substrate (18 to 20 degrees C) than with ethanol (17 to 18 degrees C). There was a positive correlation between the growth temperature and the degree of fatty-acid unsaturation of the cell lipids; the lower the temperature, the greater the degree of fatty-acid unsaturation. At subzero temperatures (-I degrees C) with ethanol as substrate, 90% of the total fatty acid was unsaturated with linolenic (35 to 50%) and linoleic (25 to 30%) acids predominating. At temperatures close to the maximum for growth, linolenic acid accounted for less than 20% of the total fatty acid and oleic (20 to 40%) and linoleic (30 to 50%) acids were the major components. Difference spectra of intact cells showed marked changes in the rations and amounts of individual cytochromes as a function of growth temperature. In L.frigidum with glucose as substrate, the ratios of cytochromes a +a3:b:c at 8 and 19 degrees C were I:I-I:2-9 and I:2-3:16-7 respectively. Similar changes in cytochrome ratios were noted for L.gelidum, but changes were much less marked for L. nivalis. The temperature effects were interpreted as supporting the view that membrane structure and composition are fundamental to temperature adaptation in psychrophilic yeasts.", "PMID": 993782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5333", "title": "Isolation of pigmentation mutants of Pseudomonas phenazinium.", "content": "Pigmentation mutants of Pseudomonas phenazinium unable to synthesize iodinin, or producing it only in reduced amounts, were isolated. The abilities of the mutants to synthesize nine other phenazines were also altered. Cross-feeding experiments and the altered patterns of pigment production suggested metabolic relationships between the phenazine pigments, and a scheme for their biosynthesis is proposed.", "contents": "Isolation of pigmentation mutants of Pseudomonas phenazinium. Pigmentation mutants of Pseudomonas phenazinium unable to synthesize iodinin, or producing it only in reduced amounts, were isolated. The abilities of the mutants to synthesize nine other phenazines were also altered. Cross-feeding experiments and the altered patterns of pigment production suggested metabolic relationships between the phenazine pigments, and a scheme for their biosynthesis is proposed.", "PMID": 993786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5334", "title": "Fermentation of purines and their effect on the adenylate energy charge and viability of starved Peptococcus pr\u00e9votii.", "content": "The principal products of endogenous metabolism of the obligate anaerobe Peptococcus pr\u00e9votii were carbon dioxide, ammonia, acetate and butyrate, which are also produced by fermentation of nucleosides, purines and ribose, thus supporting our previous finding that RNA is the only cellular component to undergo substantial degradation under starvation conditions. Minor products were hydrogen, formate and propionate. The stoicheiometries of fermentation of xanthine, adenine, adenosine and ribose were determined. The ability to ferment exogenous nucleosides, purines and ribose declined rapidly on starvation, as did the ability to generate ATP from xanthine, and was paralleled by the loss of viability. However, addition of pulses of xanthine or adenine to organisms in the early stages of starvation sustained their adenylate energy charge and prolonged their viability. Evidence suggests that P. pr\u00e9votii dies when its principal energy source (RNA) is depleted, and a possible explanation is that the transport function of the cytoplasmic membrane decays rapidly under these conditions so that, on transfer to a recovery medium, uptake of nutrients is inadequate to support growth.", "contents": "Fermentation of purines and their effect on the adenylate energy charge and viability of starved Peptococcus pr\u00e9votii. The principal products of endogenous metabolism of the obligate anaerobe Peptococcus pr\u00e9votii were carbon dioxide, ammonia, acetate and butyrate, which are also produced by fermentation of nucleosides, purines and ribose, thus supporting our previous finding that RNA is the only cellular component to undergo substantial degradation under starvation conditions. Minor products were hydrogen, formate and propionate. The stoicheiometries of fermentation of xanthine, adenine, adenosine and ribose were determined. The ability to ferment exogenous nucleosides, purines and ribose declined rapidly on starvation, as did the ability to generate ATP from xanthine, and was paralleled by the loss of viability. However, addition of pulses of xanthine or adenine to organisms in the early stages of starvation sustained their adenylate energy charge and prolonged their viability. Evidence suggests that P. pr\u00e9votii dies when its principal energy source (RNA) is depleted, and a possible explanation is that the transport function of the cytoplasmic membrane decays rapidly under these conditions so that, on transfer to a recovery medium, uptake of nutrients is inadequate to support growth.", "PMID": 993787} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5335", "title": "Identification of glucitol (sorbitol) and ribitol in a rust fungus, Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici.", "content": "An examination of the soluble carbohydrates of the wheat stem rust fungus, Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici Erikss. & E. Henn., showed the presence of glucitol (sorbitol), ribitol, fructose, and traces of xylitol, as well as confirming the presence of minnitol, arabitol, trehalose, inositol and erythritol. Ribitol and glucitol were major components in glucose-grown mycelium, and appeared to be the major components in mycelium parasitic on wheat leaves, but not in germinated or ungerminated uredospores. It is suggested that glucitol and ribitol may be intermediates (or by-products) of glucose utilization, whereas mannitol, arabitol and trehalose represent storage carbohydrates.", "contents": "Identification of glucitol (sorbitol) and ribitol in a rust fungus, Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici. An examination of the soluble carbohydrates of the wheat stem rust fungus, Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici Erikss. & E. Henn., showed the presence of glucitol (sorbitol), ribitol, fructose, and traces of xylitol, as well as confirming the presence of minnitol, arabitol, trehalose, inositol and erythritol. Ribitol and glucitol were major components in glucose-grown mycelium, and appeared to be the major components in mycelium parasitic on wheat leaves, but not in germinated or ungerminated uredospores. It is suggested that glucitol and ribitol may be intermediates (or by-products) of glucose utilization, whereas mannitol, arabitol and trehalose represent storage carbohydrates.", "PMID": 993788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5336", "title": "Examination of the polypeptides of hepatitis B surface antigen.", "content": "When the polypeptides of hepatitis B surface antigen were examined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under a variety of conditions, anomalous results were found to be due to (i) variable and at times incomplete dissociation of polypeptides after boiling with 1% SDS and reducing agent, (ii) reaggregation of solubilized material under certain electrophoretic conditions and during laboratory manipulations, and (iii) the variable presence of additional components in hepatitis B surface antigen prepared from certain individual donors. When these factors were taken into account, two major components were consistently identified by discontinuous buffer polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, of apparent mol. wt. 60000 to 70000 and 12000 to 14000. However, in view of the demonstrated limitations of this technique in examining HBsAg polypeptides, alternative methods are necessary to confirm the true mol. wt. of the unique virus-specified amino acid sequence present.", "contents": "Examination of the polypeptides of hepatitis B surface antigen. When the polypeptides of hepatitis B surface antigen were examined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under a variety of conditions, anomalous results were found to be due to (i) variable and at times incomplete dissociation of polypeptides after boiling with 1% SDS and reducing agent, (ii) reaggregation of solubilized material under certain electrophoretic conditions and during laboratory manipulations, and (iii) the variable presence of additional components in hepatitis B surface antigen prepared from certain individual donors. When these factors were taken into account, two major components were consistently identified by discontinuous buffer polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, of apparent mol. wt. 60000 to 70000 and 12000 to 14000. However, in view of the demonstrated limitations of this technique in examining HBsAg polypeptides, alternative methods are necessary to confirm the true mol. wt. of the unique virus-specified amino acid sequence present.", "PMID": 993789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5337", "title": "Determination of conjugated monoamine metabolites in brain tissue.", "content": "Levels of free and conjugated monoamine metabolites were analysed in brain tissue of rat and man. In the rat the conjugates were mainly of the sulfate ester type. The levels of conjugated dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) constituted 40--50% of the total amount of the metabolites. 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenylglycol (HMPG) and 5-hydroxy-3-indoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were present as conjugates in 90 and 10% of the total levels. Chlorpromazine treatment resulted in an elevation of both the free and the conjugated forms of the dopamine metabolites and HMPG. In a human caudate nucleus obtained at autopsy both DOPAC and HMPG were present in the free form and as sulfate and glucuronide conjugates. The major dopamine metabolite found in this human brain was HVA. This metabolite and 5-HIAA occurred predominantly as free metabolites.", "contents": "Determination of conjugated monoamine metabolites in brain tissue. Levels of free and conjugated monoamine metabolites were analysed in brain tissue of rat and man. In the rat the conjugates were mainly of the sulfate ester type. The levels of conjugated dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) constituted 40--50% of the total amount of the metabolites. 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenylglycol (HMPG) and 5-hydroxy-3-indoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were present as conjugates in 90 and 10% of the total levels. Chlorpromazine treatment resulted in an elevation of both the free and the conjugated forms of the dopamine metabolites and HMPG. In a human caudate nucleus obtained at autopsy both DOPAC and HMPG were present in the free form and as sulfate and glucuronide conjugates. The major dopamine metabolite found in this human brain was HVA. This metabolite and 5-HIAA occurred predominantly as free metabolites.", "PMID": 993790} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5338", "title": "A rapid and simple micromethod to measure picograms of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) in small samples of brain tissue and pituitary gland.", "content": "A rapid and simple procedure to determine Dopamine (DA) and Norepinephrine (NE) in small tissue samples (mug quantities) is described. The radioenzymatic assay sensitivity, defined as twice the blank, is about 0.1 ng for NE and DA. Drugs known to modify brain catecholamine metabolism were shown to alter differentially DA and NE concentration in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) of male rats. Different areas of the brain and the pituitary gland, namely the parietal cortex, the pre-optic region (POA), the median eminence (ME), the medial basal hypothalamus without the median eminence and the posterior pituitary contain different concentrations of DA and NE, emphasizing the importance of regional analyses in tissue amines determination.", "contents": "A rapid and simple micromethod to measure picograms of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) in small samples of brain tissue and pituitary gland. A rapid and simple procedure to determine Dopamine (DA) and Norepinephrine (NE) in small tissue samples (mug quantities) is described. The radioenzymatic assay sensitivity, defined as twice the blank, is about 0.1 ng for NE and DA. Drugs known to modify brain catecholamine metabolism were shown to alter differentially DA and NE concentration in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) of male rats. Different areas of the brain and the pituitary gland, namely the parietal cortex, the pre-optic region (POA), the median eminence (ME), the medial basal hypothalamus without the median eminence and the posterior pituitary contain different concentrations of DA and NE, emphasizing the importance of regional analyses in tissue amines determination.", "PMID": 993791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5339", "title": "Serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in rat during post-natal development.", "content": "Rat serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity is quite high in the immediate post-natal period reaching peak activity (75 units) at 16 days of age. Activity then decreases rapidly over the following weeks to approach adult levels (10 units) by seven weeks of age. Also, specific activity of DBH in heart increased rapidly during the first 2 1/2 weeks of life attaining adult levels by 18 days of age. In contrast, heart weight and total DBH activity in whole heart increased in a coordinate fashion at a relatively constant rate throughout the first seven weeks of life. Serum levels of non-copper sensitive endogenous inhibitor (s) of DBH increased throughout the first seven weeks of life while no change in copper sensitive inhibition was observed. Also, the rapid phase of decrease in serum DBH activity corresponded to the period of the most rapid increase in body weight.", "contents": "Serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in rat during post-natal development. Rat serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity is quite high in the immediate post-natal period reaching peak activity (75 units) at 16 days of age. Activity then decreases rapidly over the following weeks to approach adult levels (10 units) by seven weeks of age. Also, specific activity of DBH in heart increased rapidly during the first 2 1/2 weeks of life attaining adult levels by 18 days of age. In contrast, heart weight and total DBH activity in whole heart increased in a coordinate fashion at a relatively constant rate throughout the first seven weeks of life. Serum levels of non-copper sensitive endogenous inhibitor (s) of DBH increased throughout the first seven weeks of life while no change in copper sensitive inhibition was observed. Also, the rapid phase of decrease in serum DBH activity corresponded to the period of the most rapid increase in body weight.", "PMID": 993792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5340", "title": "Insulin coma therapy: decrease of plasma tryptophan in man.", "content": "A biochemical study was performed in two patients submitted to insulin coma therapy. The injection of insulin resulted in a decrease of free and total tryptophan as well as tyrosine in plasma, while NEFA were not influenced by this treatment. The ratio of tryptophan to tyrosine was enhanced. The administration of glucose after insulin provoked an increase of free and total tryptophan. The results support the hypothesis that in man insulin may favor the uptake of tryptophan by the brain, and enhance the synthesis of cerebral serotonin.", "contents": "Insulin coma therapy: decrease of plasma tryptophan in man. A biochemical study was performed in two patients submitted to insulin coma therapy. The injection of insulin resulted in a decrease of free and total tryptophan as well as tyrosine in plasma, while NEFA were not influenced by this treatment. The ratio of tryptophan to tyrosine was enhanced. The administration of glucose after insulin provoked an increase of free and total tryptophan. The results support the hypothesis that in man insulin may favor the uptake of tryptophan by the brain, and enhance the synthesis of cerebral serotonin.", "PMID": 993793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5341", "title": "The nerve lesion in the carpal tunnel syndrome.", "content": "The relative roles of pressure deformation and ischaemia in the production of compression nerve lesions remain a controversial issue. This paper concerns the genesis of the structural changes which follow compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. The initial lesion is an intrafunicular anoxia caused by obstruction to the venous return from the funiculi as the result of increased pressure in the tunnel. This leads to intrafunicular oedema and an increase in intrafunicular pressure which imperil and finally destroy nerve fibres by impairing their blood supply and by compression. The final outcome is the fibrous tissue replacement of the contents of the funiculi.", "contents": "The nerve lesion in the carpal tunnel syndrome. The relative roles of pressure deformation and ischaemia in the production of compression nerve lesions remain a controversial issue. This paper concerns the genesis of the structural changes which follow compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. The initial lesion is an intrafunicular anoxia caused by obstruction to the venous return from the funiculi as the result of increased pressure in the tunnel. This leads to intrafunicular oedema and an increase in intrafunicular pressure which imperil and finally destroy nerve fibres by impairing their blood supply and by compression. The final outcome is the fibrous tissue replacement of the contents of the funiculi.", "PMID": 993794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5342", "title": "Treatment of benign intracranial hypertension by dehydrating agents with particular reference to the measurement of the blind spot area as a means of recording improvement.", "content": "A series of 30 patients (28 females : 2 males) presenting with benign intracranial hypertension is reported. It is shown that the papilloedema may be resolved in as little as six weeks by the use of dehydration therapy. Evidence is presented that this method can restore to normal a visual acuity which is as low as 6/24 or even 6/36. It is concluded that surgery is never required in the management of this condition. It is strongly recommended that serial blind-spot measurements should be used routinely to assess the effectiveness of therapy. Fluorescein angiography has a place in diagnosis among a small proportion of these patients.", "contents": "Treatment of benign intracranial hypertension by dehydrating agents with particular reference to the measurement of the blind spot area as a means of recording improvement. A series of 30 patients (28 females : 2 males) presenting with benign intracranial hypertension is reported. It is shown that the papilloedema may be resolved in as little as six weeks by the use of dehydration therapy. Evidence is presented that this method can restore to normal a visual acuity which is as low as 6/24 or even 6/36. It is concluded that surgery is never required in the management of this condition. It is strongly recommended that serial blind-spot measurements should be used routinely to assess the effectiveness of therapy. Fluorescein angiography has a place in diagnosis among a small proportion of these patients.", "PMID": 993795} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5343", "title": "Assessment of the severity of head injury.", "content": "Ranking of head injuries by severity is an essential part of clinical management, of prognosis, of treatment trials, and of legal assessment for compensation. Various methods of assessing severity are reviewed. No one scale is appropriate for all types of injury, or in all circumstances. A check list is provided which should enable every injury to be assessed; its use would facilitate comparison between individual cases of head injury, and between reports from different studies.", "contents": "Assessment of the severity of head injury. Ranking of head injuries by severity is an essential part of clinical management, of prognosis, of treatment trials, and of legal assessment for compensation. Various methods of assessing severity are reviewed. No one scale is appropriate for all types of injury, or in all circumstances. A check list is provided which should enable every injury to be assessed; its use would facilitate comparison between individual cases of head injury, and between reports from different studies.", "PMID": 993796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5344", "title": "Incidence of postoperative epilepsy after a transtentorial approach to acoustic nerve tumours.", "content": "Sixty-nine patients who had neurosurgical treatment for acoustic neuroma by one of two different techniques were studied with a view to determining the incidence of postoperative epilepsy. Fourty-five patients who had larger tumours underwent a combined translabyrinthine and transtentorial neurosurgical approach. For the others with smaller neuromas a translabyrinthine method was used. Only the combined approach was associated with postoperative epilepsy, and it occurred in 22% of the patients. Epilepsy was associated with temporal love trauma during surgery.", "contents": "Incidence of postoperative epilepsy after a transtentorial approach to acoustic nerve tumours. Sixty-nine patients who had neurosurgical treatment for acoustic neuroma by one of two different techniques were studied with a view to determining the incidence of postoperative epilepsy. Fourty-five patients who had larger tumours underwent a combined translabyrinthine and transtentorial neurosurgical approach. For the others with smaller neuromas a translabyrinthine method was used. Only the combined approach was associated with postoperative epilepsy, and it occurred in 22% of the patients. Epilepsy was associated with temporal love trauma during surgery.", "PMID": 993797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5345", "title": "Cutaneous silent period in masseter muscles: a clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluation.", "content": "In 35 normal subjects electromyographic silent periods were constantly evoked bilaterally in the masseter muscles during maximal contraction after unilateral electrical stimulation over the infraorbital or mental nerve. Findings in this study and data obtained in 30 patients suffering from trigeminal (26) and facial (four) nerve lesions suggest that the silent period evoked according to our methods is cutaneous in origin. The trigeminal sensory root forms the afferent limb of the silent period reflex. Its central pathway is thought to pass both crossed and uncrossed through the pons. Determination of the cutaneous silent period might be of value for the demonstration of trigeminal nerve lesions and to supplement results concerning other brain-stem reflexes.", "contents": "Cutaneous silent period in masseter muscles: a clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluation. In 35 normal subjects electromyographic silent periods were constantly evoked bilaterally in the masseter muscles during maximal contraction after unilateral electrical stimulation over the infraorbital or mental nerve. Findings in this study and data obtained in 30 patients suffering from trigeminal (26) and facial (four) nerve lesions suggest that the silent period evoked according to our methods is cutaneous in origin. The trigeminal sensory root forms the afferent limb of the silent period reflex. Its central pathway is thought to pass both crossed and uncrossed through the pons. Determination of the cutaneous silent period might be of value for the demonstration of trigeminal nerve lesions and to supplement results concerning other brain-stem reflexes.", "PMID": 993798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5346", "title": "Electromyography in nutritional osteomalacic myopathy.", "content": "Electromyographic studies in 15 women with nutritional osteomalacia and proximal muscle weakness showed brief duration motor unit action potentials of normal amplitude and increased proportion of polyphasic motor unit potentials in the majority of them. By employing quantitative methods of electromyography, more positive results were obtained, thus reducing the sampling data. The histology showed non-specific muscle fibre atrophy without degenerative changes and the clinical and electromyographic examinations together showed clear evidence of a myopathy, suggesting a reversible transient block of the muscle fibres. Contrary to a recent suggestion, the nature of muscular change in osteomalacia remains the same regardless of its cause being nutritional or otherwise.", "contents": "Electromyography in nutritional osteomalacic myopathy. Electromyographic studies in 15 women with nutritional osteomalacia and proximal muscle weakness showed brief duration motor unit action potentials of normal amplitude and increased proportion of polyphasic motor unit potentials in the majority of them. By employing quantitative methods of electromyography, more positive results were obtained, thus reducing the sampling data. The histology showed non-specific muscle fibre atrophy without degenerative changes and the clinical and electromyographic examinations together showed clear evidence of a myopathy, suggesting a reversible transient block of the muscle fibres. Contrary to a recent suggestion, the nature of muscular change in osteomalacia remains the same regardless of its cause being nutritional or otherwise.", "PMID": 993799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5347", "title": "Nerve fibre velocity and refractory period distributions in nerve trunks.", "content": "With the use of a double stimulus technique, nerve fibre velocity range measurements were performed over a single conduction distance in 13 normal subjects and over two conduction distances in another 12 normal subjects. The velocity ranges were found to be dependent upon the conduction distance, owing to unknown refractory period delays. Refractory period values were calculated for the 12 subjects and also direct refractory period distribution measurements were made on 15 normal subjects using a twin stimulus and automatic subtraction technique. Corrections to the velocity range measurements were made upon differing assumptions as to the correlation between refractory period and fibre conduction velocity. It was concluded that a single median value refractory period obtained from the distribution was the best correction to use, based upon the hypothesis that for group A fibres the random scatter of refractory period values is far greater than any variation due to a correlation between refractory period and fibre conduction velocity. It was found important to recognize that calculated values of velocity range are a function not only of the spread of fibre conduction velocities but also of refractory periods.", "contents": "Nerve fibre velocity and refractory period distributions in nerve trunks. With the use of a double stimulus technique, nerve fibre velocity range measurements were performed over a single conduction distance in 13 normal subjects and over two conduction distances in another 12 normal subjects. The velocity ranges were found to be dependent upon the conduction distance, owing to unknown refractory period delays. Refractory period values were calculated for the 12 subjects and also direct refractory period distribution measurements were made on 15 normal subjects using a twin stimulus and automatic subtraction technique. Corrections to the velocity range measurements were made upon differing assumptions as to the correlation between refractory period and fibre conduction velocity. It was concluded that a single median value refractory period obtained from the distribution was the best correction to use, based upon the hypothesis that for group A fibres the random scatter of refractory period values is far greater than any variation due to a correlation between refractory period and fibre conduction velocity. It was found important to recognize that calculated values of velocity range are a function not only of the spread of fibre conduction velocities but also of refractory periods.", "PMID": 993800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5348", "title": "Methylmercury poisoning, Clinical follow-up and sensory nerve conduction studies.", "content": "Methylmercury poisoning occurred in four cases after passage of methylmercury through the food chain. The neurological damage in all four cases was severe. The damage was greater at younger ages with maximum involvement in the case of transplacental poisoning. Significant recovery occurred in two cases, but on six-year follow-up two cases remained severely impaired. Clinical and electrophysiological evidence suggests that damage to peripheral sensory nerves may not be the cause of the late sensory symptomatology.", "contents": "Methylmercury poisoning, Clinical follow-up and sensory nerve conduction studies. Methylmercury poisoning occurred in four cases after passage of methylmercury through the food chain. The neurological damage in all four cases was severe. The damage was greater at younger ages with maximum involvement in the case of transplacental poisoning. Significant recovery occurred in two cases, but on six-year follow-up two cases remained severely impaired. Clinical and electrophysiological evidence suggests that damage to peripheral sensory nerves may not be the cause of the late sensory symptomatology.", "PMID": 993801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5349", "title": "Gelastic, quiritarian, and cursive epilepsy. A clinicopathological appraisal.", "content": "A patient is reported with episodes of epileptic laughter, crying, and running occurring alone or in combination. He was found to have discrete, well-circumscribed tumour of the left temporal lobe. The neurology of these epileptic events is discussed in relation to the pathological lesion.", "contents": "Gelastic, quiritarian, and cursive epilepsy. A clinicopathological appraisal. A patient is reported with episodes of epileptic laughter, crying, and running occurring alone or in combination. He was found to have discrete, well-circumscribed tumour of the left temporal lobe. The neurology of these epileptic events is discussed in relation to the pathological lesion.", "PMID": 993802} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5350", "title": "Dacrystic epilepsy.", "content": "We observed a 69 year old patient who had spontaneous paroxysmal attacks of weeping with lacrimation, contorted facies, and (usually) head-turning to the right. These episodes were followed by confusion and amnesia. During a pentylenetetrazol-evoked attack the EEG showed a right temporal delta rhythm. Atrophy, particularly of the right temporal regions, was noted on pneumoencephalography. We propose the term \"dacrystic epilepsy\" for this rare type of seizure disorder.", "contents": "Dacrystic epilepsy. We observed a 69 year old patient who had spontaneous paroxysmal attacks of weeping with lacrimation, contorted facies, and (usually) head-turning to the right. These episodes were followed by confusion and amnesia. During a pentylenetetrazol-evoked attack the EEG showed a right temporal delta rhythm. Atrophy, particularly of the right temporal regions, was noted on pneumoencephalography. We propose the term \"dacrystic epilepsy\" for this rare type of seizure disorder.", "PMID": 993803} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5351", "title": "A large cirsoid aneurysm of the scalp associated with epilepsy.", "content": "A large cirsoid aneurysm of the scalp that was present since birth in a 1 1/2 year old baby is reported. For six months the patient had been suffering from generalized seizures and mental retardation. After excision of the aneurysm, the patient became seizure free.", "contents": "A large cirsoid aneurysm of the scalp associated with epilepsy. A large cirsoid aneurysm of the scalp that was present since birth in a 1 1/2 year old baby is reported. For six months the patient had been suffering from generalized seizures and mental retardation. After excision of the aneurysm, the patient became seizure free.", "PMID": 993804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5352", "title": "Carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms.", "content": "Thirty-two cases of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms are reviewed. As with intracranial aneurysms in other positions they present mainly with subarachnoid haemorrhage but, in spite of their close proximity to the optic nerve, visual involvement is infrequent. They are more common in women, more frequent on the left side, and more prone to multiplicity. In cases of multiple aneurysms a carotid-ophthalmic aneurysm is usually an incidental finding. Detailed angiographic studies employing various projections are required before treatment can be planned. Yet angiography does not always disclose some of the technical difficulties that may be encountered during surgery. Different methods of treating these aneurysms are discussed and suggestions for safe direct surgery made.", "contents": "Carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms. Thirty-two cases of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms are reviewed. As with intracranial aneurysms in other positions they present mainly with subarachnoid haemorrhage but, in spite of their close proximity to the optic nerve, visual involvement is infrequent. They are more common in women, more frequent on the left side, and more prone to multiplicity. In cases of multiple aneurysms a carotid-ophthalmic aneurysm is usually an incidental finding. Detailed angiographic studies employing various projections are required before treatment can be planned. Yet angiography does not always disclose some of the technical difficulties that may be encountered during surgery. Different methods of treating these aneurysms are discussed and suggestions for safe direct surgery made.", "PMID": 993805} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5353", "title": "Transient third nerve palsy after electrometallicthrombosis of carotid cavernous fistulae.", "content": "Three patients had oculomotor nerve palsy as a complication of the treatment of carotid cavernous fistulae by electrometallicthrombosis of the cavernous sinus. In two, third nerve function returned without misdirection in two months or less. One was left with a partial third nerve palsy, also without misdirection.", "contents": "Transient third nerve palsy after electrometallicthrombosis of carotid cavernous fistulae. Three patients had oculomotor nerve palsy as a complication of the treatment of carotid cavernous fistulae by electrometallicthrombosis of the cavernous sinus. In two, third nerve function returned without misdirection in two months or less. One was left with a partial third nerve palsy, also without misdirection.", "PMID": 993806} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5354", "title": "A possible means of monitoring the progress of demyelination in multiple sclerosis: effect of body temperature on visual perception of double light flashes.", "content": "The ability to discriminate closely separated pairs of light flashes as being double is impaired in multiple sclerosis. The effects of altering body temperature on double flash resolution and on visual acuity were studied in four multiple sclerosis patients and in control subjects. At demyelinated sites heating impaired and cooling improved double flash resolution. Visual acuity behaved similarly. The double flash test was very sensitive, changing up to 75 ms in response to simple heating and cooling procedures that produced small variations in acuity. Apart from its diagnostic value, the double flash test furnishes a simple in vivo model to study the effect of temperature change (and potential symptomatic therapy) on conduction in partially demyelinated axons in the visual system.", "contents": "A possible means of monitoring the progress of demyelination in multiple sclerosis: effect of body temperature on visual perception of double light flashes. The ability to discriminate closely separated pairs of light flashes as being double is impaired in multiple sclerosis. The effects of altering body temperature on double flash resolution and on visual acuity were studied in four multiple sclerosis patients and in control subjects. At demyelinated sites heating impaired and cooling improved double flash resolution. Visual acuity behaved similarly. The double flash test was very sensitive, changing up to 75 ms in response to simple heating and cooling procedures that produced small variations in acuity. Apart from its diagnostic value, the double flash test furnishes a simple in vivo model to study the effect of temperature change (and potential symptomatic therapy) on conduction in partially demyelinated axons in the visual system.", "PMID": 993807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5355", "title": "Effect of apomorphine on growth hormone and prolactin secretion in schizophrenic patients, with or without oral dyskinesia, withdrawn from chronic neuroleptic therapy.", "content": "Serum growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) concentrations were measured after administration of the dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine HC1 (0.75 mg subcutaneously), to 17 chronic schizophrenic patients, four of whom had an oral dyskinesia, who were withdrawn from chronic neuroleptic therapy for periods of two to 15 weeks, and in 21 control subjects (normal volunteers or physically healthy alcoholics not exposed to neuroleptics). Six of the schizophrenic patients, but none of the controls, had raised baseline levels of GH (greater than 6 ng/ml). After apomorphine all controls showed an increase in serum GH with a peak concentration of 9 ng/ml or more, whereas eight subjects withdrawn from neuroleptics showed an inadequate response (peak less than 6 ng/ml) and in two others an inadequate response was obtained on one of two trials. The peak GH concentration was significantly less after apomorphine in patients withdrawn from neuroleptics (11.90 +/- 3.19 ng/ml) compared with controls (20.80 +/- 2.11 ng/ml) (P less than 0.05). Among patients withdrawn from neuroleptics, those with an oral dyskinesia had significantly lower peak GH concentration 2.46 +/- 0.93 ng/ml) after apomorphine compared with those without (14.85 +/- 3.83 ng/ml) (P less than 0.05). There were no differences in serum PRL concentrations, before or after apomorphine administration, between patients withdrawn from neuroleptics and controls. In uncontrolled observations none of the four patients with an oral dyskinesia showed any worsening of the movement disorder after apomorphine. These data provide no evidence for supersensitivity of dopamine receptors in chronic schizophrenic patients withdrawn from chronic neuroleptic therapy.", "contents": "Effect of apomorphine on growth hormone and prolactin secretion in schizophrenic patients, with or without oral dyskinesia, withdrawn from chronic neuroleptic therapy. Serum growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) concentrations were measured after administration of the dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine HC1 (0.75 mg subcutaneously), to 17 chronic schizophrenic patients, four of whom had an oral dyskinesia, who were withdrawn from chronic neuroleptic therapy for periods of two to 15 weeks, and in 21 control subjects (normal volunteers or physically healthy alcoholics not exposed to neuroleptics). Six of the schizophrenic patients, but none of the controls, had raised baseline levels of GH (greater than 6 ng/ml). After apomorphine all controls showed an increase in serum GH with a peak concentration of 9 ng/ml or more, whereas eight subjects withdrawn from neuroleptics showed an inadequate response (peak less than 6 ng/ml) and in two others an inadequate response was obtained on one of two trials. The peak GH concentration was significantly less after apomorphine in patients withdrawn from neuroleptics (11.90 +/- 3.19 ng/ml) compared with controls (20.80 +/- 2.11 ng/ml) (P less than 0.05). Among patients withdrawn from neuroleptics, those with an oral dyskinesia had significantly lower peak GH concentration 2.46 +/- 0.93 ng/ml) after apomorphine compared with those without (14.85 +/- 3.83 ng/ml) (P less than 0.05). There were no differences in serum PRL concentrations, before or after apomorphine administration, between patients withdrawn from neuroleptics and controls. In uncontrolled observations none of the four patients with an oral dyskinesia showed any worsening of the movement disorder after apomorphine. These data provide no evidence for supersensitivity of dopamine receptors in chronic schizophrenic patients withdrawn from chronic neuroleptic therapy.", "PMID": 993808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5356", "title": "Effects of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor on cerebral blood flow in geriatric patients.", "content": "A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (UK-12,130) was shown to increase cerebral blood flow in mildly demented geriatric patients. Oral administration caused a significant increase in blood flow at two different dose levels; this persisted for at least six weeks, which was the duration of the longest study. There was no consistent improvement in mentation during treatment. Blood blow was measured by the washout of 133Xe after inhalation of this inert gas.", "contents": "Effects of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor on cerebral blood flow in geriatric patients. A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (UK-12,130) was shown to increase cerebral blood flow in mildly demented geriatric patients. Oral administration caused a significant increase in blood flow at two different dose levels; this persisted for at least six weeks, which was the duration of the longest study. There was no consistent improvement in mentation during treatment. Blood blow was measured by the washout of 133Xe after inhalation of this inert gas.", "PMID": 993810} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5357", "title": "Pure motor hemiplegia, medullary pyramid lesion, and olivary hypertrophy.", "content": "The case is presented of a 60 years old man who developed sudden right hemiplegia without other accompanying neurological signs and later a spastic hemiparesis. Neuropathological studies indicated an ischaemic lesion of the left medullary pyramid which was accompanied by hypertrophy of the left inferior olivary nucleus. An additional lesion, demyelination of the right gracile tract, is poorly explained. This case represents the second reported instance of pure motor hemiplegia due to a circumscribed lesion in the medullary pyramid and possibly an unique instance of olivary hypertrophy without obvious damage to the central tegmental tract, ipsilateral superior cerebellar peduncle, or contralateral dentate nucleus. The olivary hypertrophy is thought to have arisen from local damage to the termination of the central tegmental fibres at the left inferior olivary nucleus. The question of the development of spasticity in a pure pyramidal tract lesion is discussed.", "contents": "Pure motor hemiplegia, medullary pyramid lesion, and olivary hypertrophy. The case is presented of a 60 years old man who developed sudden right hemiplegia without other accompanying neurological signs and later a spastic hemiparesis. Neuropathological studies indicated an ischaemic lesion of the left medullary pyramid which was accompanied by hypertrophy of the left inferior olivary nucleus. An additional lesion, demyelination of the right gracile tract, is poorly explained. This case represents the second reported instance of pure motor hemiplegia due to a circumscribed lesion in the medullary pyramid and possibly an unique instance of olivary hypertrophy without obvious damage to the central tegmental tract, ipsilateral superior cerebellar peduncle, or contralateral dentate nucleus. The olivary hypertrophy is thought to have arisen from local damage to the termination of the central tegmental fibres at the left inferior olivary nucleus. The question of the development of spasticity in a pure pyramidal tract lesion is discussed.", "PMID": 993809} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5358", "title": "Motor and sensory conduction in the musculocutaneous nerve.", "content": "Motor and sensory conduction velocity in the musculocutaneous nerve were determined in 51 normal subjects. The maximal velocity from the anterior cervical triangle to the axilla was the same in motor and sensory fibres. The conduction velocity decreased 2m/s per 10 years increase of age. It was 70 m/s at 15-24 years and 58 m/s at 65-74 years. The velocity of the slowest components in sensory fibres was 17 m/s. Three selected case reports illustrate the diagnostic value of the method.", "contents": "Motor and sensory conduction in the musculocutaneous nerve. Motor and sensory conduction velocity in the musculocutaneous nerve were determined in 51 normal subjects. The maximal velocity from the anterior cervical triangle to the axilla was the same in motor and sensory fibres. The conduction velocity decreased 2m/s per 10 years increase of age. It was 70 m/s at 15-24 years and 58 m/s at 65-74 years. The velocity of the slowest components in sensory fibres was 17 m/s. Three selected case reports illustrate the diagnostic value of the method.", "PMID": 993811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5359", "title": "Axonal excitability and motor propagation velocity of peripheral nerves in patients with acute vascular lesions of the brain.", "content": "From measurements of maximum and minimum motor nerve propagation velocity and neuronal excitability we conclude that there is a functional loss of motor units and distal nerve \"dying back\" in persons affected with unilateral acute cerebral vascular lesions. The study also suggests that transynaptic degeneration affects the lower motor neurone function on both sides.", "contents": "Axonal excitability and motor propagation velocity of peripheral nerves in patients with acute vascular lesions of the brain. From measurements of maximum and minimum motor nerve propagation velocity and neuronal excitability we conclude that there is a functional loss of motor units and distal nerve \"dying back\" in persons affected with unilateral acute cerebral vascular lesions. The study also suggests that transynaptic degeneration affects the lower motor neurone function on both sides.", "PMID": 993812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5360", "title": "Computerized tomography in the diagnosis of cerebral atrophy.", "content": "Computerized tomograms were studied of 67 adults whose lumbar pneumoencephalograms were normal or showed ventricular dilatation with or without widening of the sulci. The maximum ventricular area, measured from 80 x 80 matrix printouts, correlates well with measures of ventricular size on the pneumoencephalogram. An area of 10 cm2 is suggested as the upper limit of normal. The correlation between measures of sulcal width on computerized tomography and pneumoencephalography is less precise, but normal sulci and gross degrees of cortical atrophy can be identified.", "contents": "Computerized tomography in the diagnosis of cerebral atrophy. Computerized tomograms were studied of 67 adults whose lumbar pneumoencephalograms were normal or showed ventricular dilatation with or without widening of the sulci. The maximum ventricular area, measured from 80 x 80 matrix printouts, correlates well with measures of ventricular size on the pneumoencephalogram. An area of 10 cm2 is suggested as the upper limit of normal. The correlation between measures of sulcal width on computerized tomography and pneumoencephalography is less precise, but normal sulci and gross degrees of cortical atrophy can be identified.", "PMID": 993813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5361", "title": "Freeze-fracture aspects of the perineurium of spinal ganglia.", "content": "The internal portion of the capsule of the spinal ganglia of rabbit is composed of continuous superimposed layers of flattended cells (perineurium). In replicas, extensive meshworks of strands, presumably forming zonulae occludentes, are found between the perineurial cells of the same layer. Adjacent layers are joint by maculae occludentes located on the lateral processes of the perineurial cells. Occasionally small gap junctions lie within the meshes of the zonulae occludentes.", "contents": "Freeze-fracture aspects of the perineurium of spinal ganglia. The internal portion of the capsule of the spinal ganglia of rabbit is composed of continuous superimposed layers of flattended cells (perineurium). In replicas, extensive meshworks of strands, presumably forming zonulae occludentes, are found between the perineurial cells of the same layer. Adjacent layers are joint by maculae occludentes located on the lateral processes of the perineurial cells. Occasionally small gap junctions lie within the meshes of the zonulae occludentes.", "PMID": 993818} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5362", "title": "The fine structure of synapses in relation to the large spherical neurons in the anterior ventral cochlear of the cat.", "content": "The fine structure of synapses in relation to the large spherical neurons, the principal neurons in the anterior ventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) of the cat, was studied. Axo-somatic synapses were classified into three types based on their size and shape and the distribution of synaptic vesicles. Axo-dendritic synapses were also classified into three types with respect to synaptic contact, cytoplasmic densities associated with the pre- and postsynaptic membranes and the shape of the synaptic vesicles. Mossy fibre-like endings and preterminal axons containing dense-core vesicles were observed in this study. Serial or triadic synapses were also found in cat AVCN. We occasionally found a nematosome in the cytoplasm of the principal neuron.", "contents": "The fine structure of synapses in relation to the large spherical neurons in the anterior ventral cochlear of the cat. The fine structure of synapses in relation to the large spherical neurons, the principal neurons in the anterior ventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) of the cat, was studied. Axo-somatic synapses were classified into three types based on their size and shape and the distribution of synaptic vesicles. Axo-dendritic synapses were also classified into three types with respect to synaptic contact, cytoplasmic densities associated with the pre- and postsynaptic membranes and the shape of the synaptic vesicles. Mossy fibre-like endings and preterminal axons containing dense-core vesicles were observed in this study. Serial or triadic synapses were also found in cat AVCN. We occasionally found a nematosome in the cytoplasm of the principal neuron.", "PMID": 993819} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5363", "title": "Sensory terminals on extrafusal muscle fibres in myotendinous regions of developing rat muscles.", "content": "Axon terminals were observed to form neuromuscular contacts with extrafusal muscle fibres in myotendinous regions of developing rat muscles up to 5 days after birth. These neuromuscular contacts are found in fascicles of muscle fibres connected with differentiating Golgi tendon organs. Axon terminals establishing these contacts are obviously sensory, since they do not degenerate after de-efferentation performed in neonatal rats. The terminals contain mainly clear and dense core vesicles and form neuromuscular connections resembling developing motor endplates, with a cleft about 60 nm wide and basal lamina interposed between the axolemma and the sarcolemma. Each terminal, however, also forms a close contact in a restricted region where the basal lamina is missing; there the cleft is reduced to 20 nm and the axolemmal and sarcolemmal membranes are linked by desmosome-like attachment plaques. After the fifth postnatal day, axon terminals become detached from muscle fibres and are only found among collagen bundles of the tendon organ. The functional significance of these temporary neuromuscular contacts is not clear.", "contents": "Sensory terminals on extrafusal muscle fibres in myotendinous regions of developing rat muscles. Axon terminals were observed to form neuromuscular contacts with extrafusal muscle fibres in myotendinous regions of developing rat muscles up to 5 days after birth. These neuromuscular contacts are found in fascicles of muscle fibres connected with differentiating Golgi tendon organs. Axon terminals establishing these contacts are obviously sensory, since they do not degenerate after de-efferentation performed in neonatal rats. The terminals contain mainly clear and dense core vesicles and form neuromuscular connections resembling developing motor endplates, with a cleft about 60 nm wide and basal lamina interposed between the axolemma and the sarcolemma. Each terminal, however, also forms a close contact in a restricted region where the basal lamina is missing; there the cleft is reduced to 20 nm and the axolemmal and sarcolemmal membranes are linked by desmosome-like attachment plaques. After the fifth postnatal day, axon terminals become detached from muscle fibres and are only found among collagen bundles of the tendon organ. The functional significance of these temporary neuromuscular contacts is not clear.", "PMID": 993821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5364", "title": "Striated muscle in the pineal gland of swine.", "content": "Striated muscle fibers (or cells) were observed in three of the six swine pineal glands. The muscle fibers occurred in clusters of several fibers about the parenchymal blood vessels. They were in general poorly developed, lacked regular cross striations and were not readily recognized histologically. The muscle fibers were, however, easily identified on electron microscopy because of the myofilaments they contain. In most of the muscle fibers, the myofilaments were arranged in ill-defined, disorderly bundles and rarely formed well-defined myofibrils and sarcomeres. The sarcotubular system was also poorly developed and triads were sparse and randomly scattered. Leptomeres were observed in several muscle fibers. The source of the muscle fibers in the pineal glands is not well understood and, whatever the source may be, the muscle fibers seem to remain poorly developed in the pineal glands.", "contents": "Striated muscle in the pineal gland of swine. Striated muscle fibers (or cells) were observed in three of the six swine pineal glands. The muscle fibers occurred in clusters of several fibers about the parenchymal blood vessels. They were in general poorly developed, lacked regular cross striations and were not readily recognized histologically. The muscle fibers were, however, easily identified on electron microscopy because of the myofilaments they contain. In most of the muscle fibers, the myofilaments were arranged in ill-defined, disorderly bundles and rarely formed well-defined myofibrils and sarcomeres. The sarcotubular system was also poorly developed and triads were sparse and randomly scattered. Leptomeres were observed in several muscle fibers. The source of the muscle fibers in the pineal glands is not well understood and, whatever the source may be, the muscle fibers seem to remain poorly developed in the pineal glands.", "PMID": 993815} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5365", "title": "Cytological organization of the dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei in mutant anophthalmic and postnatally enucleated mice.", "content": "The dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei (dLGN) of anophthalmic and early postnatally enucleated mice were studied to determine the role retinal fibres play in the differentiation of postsynaptic target structures. Cell counts indicate that retinal fibres are necessary for the development and maintenance of the normal number of dLGN neurons and glia. This retinal fibre dependence is greater for animals enucleated on postnatal day 3 than for animals with a congenital absence of optic axons. Golgi analysis reveals, however, that the lack of retinal fibres does not preclude the development of the thalamo-cortical and intrinsic types of dLGN neuron. Ultrastructural analysis reveals that in anophthalmic and early postnatally enucleated mice, dLGN synaptic sites normally occupied by optic axon terminals become innervated by large terminals containing round synaptic vesicles and mitochondria with an electron dense matrix. Significantly, the formation of these replacement terminals does not seem to depend upon either the previous existence of retinal fibres or the postnatal stage at which retinal fibres are removed. The possibility that some of these large replacement terminals originate from cortical or recurrent collateral axons is considered.", "contents": "Cytological organization of the dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei in mutant anophthalmic and postnatally enucleated mice. The dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei (dLGN) of anophthalmic and early postnatally enucleated mice were studied to determine the role retinal fibres play in the differentiation of postsynaptic target structures. Cell counts indicate that retinal fibres are necessary for the development and maintenance of the normal number of dLGN neurons and glia. This retinal fibre dependence is greater for animals enucleated on postnatal day 3 than for animals with a congenital absence of optic axons. Golgi analysis reveals, however, that the lack of retinal fibres does not preclude the development of the thalamo-cortical and intrinsic types of dLGN neuron. Ultrastructural analysis reveals that in anophthalmic and early postnatally enucleated mice, dLGN synaptic sites normally occupied by optic axon terminals become innervated by large terminals containing round synaptic vesicles and mitochondria with an electron dense matrix. Significantly, the formation of these replacement terminals does not seem to depend upon either the previous existence of retinal fibres or the postnatal stage at which retinal fibres are removed. The possibility that some of these large replacement terminals originate from cortical or recurrent collateral axons is considered.", "PMID": 993820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5366", "title": "Effects of an ionophore, X-537A, on mouse CNS cultures: a light and electron microscope study.", "content": "The effects of the ionophore X-537A on organotypic CNS tissue culture were investigated with bright field and electron microscopy. In addition to condensation of mitochondria this agent was found to induce a relatively selective vacuolation of the Golgi apparatus of neurons and glial cells. At the dosages used (50 mug/ml for 2-3 hours and 100 mug/ml for 1 hour) these changes were irreversible. Additional experiments suggested that the cellular effects of X-537A were primarily due to its ability to translocate Na+ across cellular membranes.", "contents": "Effects of an ionophore, X-537A, on mouse CNS cultures: a light and electron microscope study. The effects of the ionophore X-537A on organotypic CNS tissue culture were investigated with bright field and electron microscopy. In addition to condensation of mitochondria this agent was found to induce a relatively selective vacuolation of the Golgi apparatus of neurons and glial cells. At the dosages used (50 mug/ml for 2-3 hours and 100 mug/ml for 1 hour) these changes were irreversible. Additional experiments suggested that the cellular effects of X-537A were primarily due to its ability to translocate Na+ across cellular membranes.", "PMID": 993816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5367", "title": "A special type of small granule-containing cell in the abdominal para aortic region of the frog.", "content": "Light and electron microscopic studies have been made of a special type of small granule-containing cell (termed Type IV cell) in the frog abdominal para aortic region. These cells contain numerous dense granular vesicles (100--150 nm in diameter) and are considerably smaller (10--20 mu) than neighbouring nerve cells, although they have many features in common with them. They do not resemble chromaffin cells as do Types I, II and III cells. The cell bodies are completely ensheathed by satellite cells and are isolated from neighbouring cells of the same type. Type IV cells have long processes which usually become incorporated in bundles containing 2--20 processes, including some cholinergic nerve fibres, and are loosely enveloped by perineurium. The termination of the processes of Type IV cells do not appear to form efferent synapses on nerve cells at least within the para aortic region or in paravertebral sympathetic ganglia. A close topographical relationship is not found between these processes and blood vessels. It is suggested that the small Type IV granule-containing cells in the frog abdominal para aortic region are not interneurons or neurosecretory cells, but are a special type of sympathetic nerve cell.", "contents": "A special type of small granule-containing cell in the abdominal para aortic region of the frog. Light and electron microscopic studies have been made of a special type of small granule-containing cell (termed Type IV cell) in the frog abdominal para aortic region. These cells contain numerous dense granular vesicles (100--150 nm in diameter) and are considerably smaller (10--20 mu) than neighbouring nerve cells, although they have many features in common with them. They do not resemble chromaffin cells as do Types I, II and III cells. The cell bodies are completely ensheathed by satellite cells and are isolated from neighbouring cells of the same type. Type IV cells have long processes which usually become incorporated in bundles containing 2--20 processes, including some cholinergic nerve fibres, and are loosely enveloped by perineurium. The termination of the processes of Type IV cells do not appear to form efferent synapses on nerve cells at least within the para aortic region or in paravertebral sympathetic ganglia. A close topographical relationship is not found between these processes and blood vessels. It is suggested that the small Type IV granule-containing cells in the frog abdominal para aortic region are not interneurons or neurosecretory cells, but are a special type of sympathetic nerve cell.", "PMID": 993822} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5368", "title": "Intercellular junctions in the reticular lamina of the organ of Corti.", "content": "Junctions between the cells in the reticular lamina of the organ of Corti were examined in thin sections and after freeze-fracturing to find a structural basis for the large ionic differences between the endolymph and perilymph. The apices of the cells in the reticular lamina are joined by a band of tight junctions spaced at 140 A intervals. Beneath this apical band the organization of the tight junctions depends on whether they join a supporting cell and a hair cell, or two supporting cells. At hair cell junctions with supporting cells, there is an extensive labyrinth of tight junctions enclosing lengthy, tortuous passages whose walls are composed of either multiple parallel or single junctions. At appositions between two supportinc cells, maculae or fasciae occludentes lie immediately beneath the apical bands of closely spaced tight junctions, near the top of the zonulae adherentia which are characteristic of appositions between supporting cells. The complexes of tight junctions, or zonulae occludentes, between extralaminar supporting cells differ from those in the reticular lamina. The extralaminar cells are joined by a band of four to seven branching, anastomotic tight junctions. Thus, these junctions are like zonulae occludentes in other tissues. The novel organizations of the tight junctions in the reticular lamina, different from those between the extralaminar supporting cells, suggests a special role for these junctions in the reticular lamina. Two sizes of gap junctions link, and presumably couple, supporting cells in the reticular lamina.", "contents": "Intercellular junctions in the reticular lamina of the organ of Corti. Junctions between the cells in the reticular lamina of the organ of Corti were examined in thin sections and after freeze-fracturing to find a structural basis for the large ionic differences between the endolymph and perilymph. The apices of the cells in the reticular lamina are joined by a band of tight junctions spaced at 140 A intervals. Beneath this apical band the organization of the tight junctions depends on whether they join a supporting cell and a hair cell, or two supporting cells. At hair cell junctions with supporting cells, there is an extensive labyrinth of tight junctions enclosing lengthy, tortuous passages whose walls are composed of either multiple parallel or single junctions. At appositions between two supportinc cells, maculae or fasciae occludentes lie immediately beneath the apical bands of closely spaced tight junctions, near the top of the zonulae adherentia which are characteristic of appositions between supporting cells. The complexes of tight junctions, or zonulae occludentes, between extralaminar supporting cells differ from those in the reticular lamina. The extralaminar cells are joined by a band of four to seven branching, anastomotic tight junctions. Thus, these junctions are like zonulae occludentes in other tissues. The novel organizations of the tight junctions in the reticular lamina, different from those between the extralaminar supporting cells, suggests a special role for these junctions in the reticular lamina. Two sizes of gap junctions link, and presumably couple, supporting cells in the reticular lamina.", "PMID": 993823} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5369", "title": "Sarcoma arising in oligodendroglioma of the brain.", "content": "A case is reported of a tumor composed of both oligodendrogliomatous and sarcomatous elements. The interpretation is offered that the sarcoma arose secondarily by neoplastic transformation of the hyperplastic blood vessels formed in response to the presence of the oligodendroglioma. This tumor may be considered analogous to the astrocytoma-sarcoma, which is much more common, and to the metastatic carcinoma with secondary sarcoma, of which one case has been reported.", "contents": "Sarcoma arising in oligodendroglioma of the brain. A case is reported of a tumor composed of both oligodendrogliomatous and sarcomatous elements. The interpretation is offered that the sarcoma arose secondarily by neoplastic transformation of the hyperplastic blood vessels formed in response to the presence of the oligodendroglioma. This tumor may be considered analogous to the astrocytoma-sarcoma, which is much more common, and to the metastatic carcinoma with secondary sarcoma, of which one case has been reported.", "PMID": 993817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5370", "title": "Excitability changes of terminal arborizations of single Ia and Ib afferent fibers produced by muscle and cutaneous conditioning volleys.", "content": "1. In cats anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital, recordings were made from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells having a peripheral process in the gastrocnemius-soleus (GS) nerve. The GS nerve was left in continuity with the muscle to allow identification of group Ia and Ib fibers by responses of the receptors to muscle stretch and contraction. The central processes of the DRG cells were activated antidromically by stimulation within the spinal cord so that changes in the excitability of the fibers could be examined following conditioning volleys in muscle and cutaneous nerves. 2. Recordings were made from 44 DRG cells. Of these, 15 were group Ia and 9 group Ib afferents of the GS nerve. 3. Of 15 Ia fibers, 12 were activated antidromically by stimulation in the motor nucleus, but no Ib fibers were discharged by such stimulation. Ib fibers could be antidromically activated by stimulation in the intermediate nucleus. 4. The central processes of the Ia DRG cells had slower conduction velocities than did the peripheral processes. 5. The thresholds to electrical stimulation of the peripheral processes of Ia and Ib fibers of the GS nerve showed considerable overlap. 6. All of the Ia DRG cells tested showed an increased excitability following conditioning volleys in the biceps-semitendinosus (BST) nerve. The increase in excitability was produced by the largest fibers of the BST nerve. 7. Stimulation of the sural (SU) or superficial peroneal (SP) cutaneous nerves also increased the excitability of some Ia fibers. However, other Ia fibers were unaffected, and in two cases the excitability was reduced. 8. The excitability of group Ib fibers was increased by conditioning volleys in the BST, SU, or SP nerves. 9. It is concluded that cutaneous volleys produce a mixture of primary afferent depolarization and primary afferent hyperpolarization in Ia fibers of anesthetized cats. Such converse actions probably cancel in excitability tests using population responses. 10. The excitability of single Ia fibers is not stationary in excitability presumably reflect slow alterations within the central nervous system, perhaps related to spontaneous alterations in the level of tonically maintained primary afferent depolarization.", "contents": "Excitability changes of terminal arborizations of single Ia and Ib afferent fibers produced by muscle and cutaneous conditioning volleys. 1. In cats anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital, recordings were made from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells having a peripheral process in the gastrocnemius-soleus (GS) nerve. The GS nerve was left in continuity with the muscle to allow identification of group Ia and Ib fibers by responses of the receptors to muscle stretch and contraction. The central processes of the DRG cells were activated antidromically by stimulation within the spinal cord so that changes in the excitability of the fibers could be examined following conditioning volleys in muscle and cutaneous nerves. 2. Recordings were made from 44 DRG cells. Of these, 15 were group Ia and 9 group Ib afferents of the GS nerve. 3. Of 15 Ia fibers, 12 were activated antidromically by stimulation in the motor nucleus, but no Ib fibers were discharged by such stimulation. Ib fibers could be antidromically activated by stimulation in the intermediate nucleus. 4. The central processes of the Ia DRG cells had slower conduction velocities than did the peripheral processes. 5. The thresholds to electrical stimulation of the peripheral processes of Ia and Ib fibers of the GS nerve showed considerable overlap. 6. All of the Ia DRG cells tested showed an increased excitability following conditioning volleys in the biceps-semitendinosus (BST) nerve. The increase in excitability was produced by the largest fibers of the BST nerve. 7. Stimulation of the sural (SU) or superficial peroneal (SP) cutaneous nerves also increased the excitability of some Ia fibers. However, other Ia fibers were unaffected, and in two cases the excitability was reduced. 8. The excitability of group Ib fibers was increased by conditioning volleys in the BST, SU, or SP nerves. 9. It is concluded that cutaneous volleys produce a mixture of primary afferent depolarization and primary afferent hyperpolarization in Ia fibers of anesthetized cats. Such converse actions probably cancel in excitability tests using population responses. 10. The excitability of single Ia fibers is not stationary in excitability presumably reflect slow alterations within the central nervous system, perhaps related to spontaneous alterations in the level of tonically maintained primary afferent depolarization.", "PMID": 993824} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5371", "title": "Current excitation threshold in sensory neurons of leech central nervous system.", "content": "1. Sensory cells in segmental ganglia of the leech (Hirudo medicinalis L.), N (noxious), P (pressure), and T (touch) cells, were stimulated by linearly rising currents. The electrical response to intracellular stimulation with prolonged square-wave currents, the shape of the action potential, and the degree of repetitive activity were also examined. 2. The thresholds for first production of an action potential by linearly rising currents (expressed as multiples of rheobase, I/IO), plotted as a function of the action-potential latency, provide a measure of accomodation. These T-L curves show that the P and T cells accommodate more rapidly than the N cells. 3. An index of accommodation, the accommodation coefficient (I/Io)s/2, was defined as the current required to elicit a first action potential 0.5 s after the beginning of a linearly rising stimulus current. These accommodation coefficients also reflect the property that P and T cells accommodate more rapidly, on the average, than N cells. 4. Threshold depolarization is higher with linearly rising currents than with square-wave currents. 5. Comparison of the accommodation rates of these sensory somata with the published data for other somata and axons, on the basis of accommodation coefficient, minimal current gradient, and/or threshold-latency curve, shows that a) N cells, at the slow end of the leech-soma accommodation range, accommodate at about the same rate as most vertebrate neurons; and b) some vertebrate neurons have accomodation rates as high as or higher than those of the T and P cells. The accommodation rates of most vertebrate neurons are related in a characteristic way to undershoot shape, repetitive-firing properties, and adaptation. Comparable relationships are found in the leech if the N and T cells alone are considered, but the P cells (with extremely rapid accomodation) depart notably from this pattern--they adapt slowly, fire repetitively in response to a maintained stimulus, and have an undershoot of intermediate amplitude and duration.", "contents": "Current excitation threshold in sensory neurons of leech central nervous system. 1. Sensory cells in segmental ganglia of the leech (Hirudo medicinalis L.), N (noxious), P (pressure), and T (touch) cells, were stimulated by linearly rising currents. The electrical response to intracellular stimulation with prolonged square-wave currents, the shape of the action potential, and the degree of repetitive activity were also examined. 2. The thresholds for first production of an action potential by linearly rising currents (expressed as multiples of rheobase, I/IO), plotted as a function of the action-potential latency, provide a measure of accomodation. These T-L curves show that the P and T cells accommodate more rapidly than the N cells. 3. An index of accommodation, the accommodation coefficient (I/Io)s/2, was defined as the current required to elicit a first action potential 0.5 s after the beginning of a linearly rising stimulus current. These accommodation coefficients also reflect the property that P and T cells accommodate more rapidly, on the average, than N cells. 4. Threshold depolarization is higher with linearly rising currents than with square-wave currents. 5. Comparison of the accommodation rates of these sensory somata with the published data for other somata and axons, on the basis of accommodation coefficient, minimal current gradient, and/or threshold-latency curve, shows that a) N cells, at the slow end of the leech-soma accommodation range, accommodate at about the same rate as most vertebrate neurons; and b) some vertebrate neurons have accomodation rates as high as or higher than those of the T and P cells. The accommodation rates of most vertebrate neurons are related in a characteristic way to undershoot shape, repetitive-firing properties, and adaptation. Comparable relationships are found in the leech if the N and T cells alone are considered, but the P cells (with extremely rapid accomodation) depart notably from this pattern--they adapt slowly, fire repetitively in response to a maintained stimulus, and have an undershoot of intermediate amplitude and duration.", "PMID": 993825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5372", "title": "Sensory neurons in leech central nervous system: changes in potassium conductance an excitation threshold.", "content": "1. The sensory neurons in the leech central nervous system differ in their accommodation to linearly rising currents. Advantage was taken of these differences to study the ionic mechanism of accommodation in single pairs of N (noxious), P (pressure), and T (touch) cells. 2. Nonlinearities in membrane-potential changes and current-voltage relationships with square-wave and ramp currents are more pronounced in P and T cells than in N cells. The accommodation coefficients increase in conditions that reflect this delayed rectification. When rectification is absent, the accommodation coefficients depart from unity only slightly or not at all. 3. Accommodation coefficients remain unchanged when half of the chloride in the bathing medium is replaced by sulfate. Accommodation coefficients become greater when the extracellular potassium concentration is reduced from 4 to 0 mM, and decrease when the concentration is raised to 8 mM. The membrane potential changes by only a few millivolts. 4. As extracellular potassium concentration is increased, the action potential is lengthened and the maximal rate of fall of the action potential is reduced. With concentrations greater than 4 mM these relationships are linear, but depart from linearity at lower concentrations. The amplitude of the undershoot decreases linearly as the extracellular potassium concentration increases from 4 to 16 mM, and increases non-linearly at concentrations below 4 mM. 5. The rapid accommodation of leech neurons is based primarily on an increased potassium conductance. The possibility is considered that concentration changes like those produced experimentally may occur naturally, affecting integrative processes in the central nervous system.", "contents": "Sensory neurons in leech central nervous system: changes in potassium conductance an excitation threshold. 1. The sensory neurons in the leech central nervous system differ in their accommodation to linearly rising currents. Advantage was taken of these differences to study the ionic mechanism of accommodation in single pairs of N (noxious), P (pressure), and T (touch) cells. 2. Nonlinearities in membrane-potential changes and current-voltage relationships with square-wave and ramp currents are more pronounced in P and T cells than in N cells. The accommodation coefficients increase in conditions that reflect this delayed rectification. When rectification is absent, the accommodation coefficients depart from unity only slightly or not at all. 3. Accommodation coefficients remain unchanged when half of the chloride in the bathing medium is replaced by sulfate. Accommodation coefficients become greater when the extracellular potassium concentration is reduced from 4 to 0 mM, and decrease when the concentration is raised to 8 mM. The membrane potential changes by only a few millivolts. 4. As extracellular potassium concentration is increased, the action potential is lengthened and the maximal rate of fall of the action potential is reduced. With concentrations greater than 4 mM these relationships are linear, but depart from linearity at lower concentrations. The amplitude of the undershoot decreases linearly as the extracellular potassium concentration increases from 4 to 16 mM, and increases non-linearly at concentrations below 4 mM. 5. The rapid accommodation of leech neurons is based primarily on an increased potassium conductance. The possibility is considered that concentration changes like those produced experimentally may occur naturally, affecting integrative processes in the central nervous system.", "PMID": 993826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5373", "title": "Properties of relay cells in cat's lateral geniculate nucleus: a comparison of W-cells with X- and Y-cells.", "content": "1. Observations are presented on the physiological properties of W-, X-, and Y-type relay cells in the cat's lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). Emphasis is placed on the most recently recognized type, W-cells; data are presented on X- and Y-cells by way of comparison. 2. Seventy-seven W-cells were recognized on 70 microelectrode penetrations through the LGN. They resembled W-type retinal ganglion cells in their responses to visual stimuli. Tonic (on-center and off-center) W-cells, phasic (on-, off- and on-off center) W-cells, suppressed-by-contrast, and color-coded cells were recognized. 3. W-type relay cells also resembled retinal W-cells in their maintained activity and receptive field-center diameters. 4. W-type relay cells comprised 11.5% X-cells 48.4%, and Y-cells 22.3% of all LGN cells encountered on a reference sample of 62 electrode tracks. W-cells were found in laminae C, C1, and C2, comprising 36.5% of the sample in these laminae, but were not encountered in laminae A or A1. X- and Y-cells were found in laminae A, A1, and C. Within lamina C there was a tendency for X- and Y-cells to be located dorsal to W-cells. There was thus a substantial dorsoventral segregation of W-cells from X- and Y-cells. W-cells being found in the ventral parvocellular component of the dorsal LGN. 5. Cells considered to be W-type relay cells were shown to respond to electrical stimulation of the optic nerve and chiasm at latencies which were longer than those of X- and Y-cells, and were consistent with their receiving monosynaptic input from retinal W-cells. Geniculate W-cells of all subtypes were activated antidromically from the visual cortex. Their antidromic latencies were, on the average, longer than for Y- or X-cells, indicating that W-type relay cells had slower axons as well as slower retinal afferents, than X- or Y-cells. 6. The visual cortex thus appears to receive input from all three major types of retinal ganlion cells (W-, X-, and Y-cells) relayed separately, in parallel, by different groups of relay cells.", "contents": "Properties of relay cells in cat's lateral geniculate nucleus: a comparison of W-cells with X- and Y-cells. 1. Observations are presented on the physiological properties of W-, X-, and Y-type relay cells in the cat's lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). Emphasis is placed on the most recently recognized type, W-cells; data are presented on X- and Y-cells by way of comparison. 2. Seventy-seven W-cells were recognized on 70 microelectrode penetrations through the LGN. They resembled W-type retinal ganglion cells in their responses to visual stimuli. Tonic (on-center and off-center) W-cells, phasic (on-, off- and on-off center) W-cells, suppressed-by-contrast, and color-coded cells were recognized. 3. W-type relay cells also resembled retinal W-cells in their maintained activity and receptive field-center diameters. 4. W-type relay cells comprised 11.5% X-cells 48.4%, and Y-cells 22.3% of all LGN cells encountered on a reference sample of 62 electrode tracks. W-cells were found in laminae C, C1, and C2, comprising 36.5% of the sample in these laminae, but were not encountered in laminae A or A1. X- and Y-cells were found in laminae A, A1, and C. Within lamina C there was a tendency for X- and Y-cells to be located dorsal to W-cells. There was thus a substantial dorsoventral segregation of W-cells from X- and Y-cells. W-cells being found in the ventral parvocellular component of the dorsal LGN. 5. Cells considered to be W-type relay cells were shown to respond to electrical stimulation of the optic nerve and chiasm at latencies which were longer than those of X- and Y-cells, and were consistent with their receiving monosynaptic input from retinal W-cells. Geniculate W-cells of all subtypes were activated antidromically from the visual cortex. Their antidromic latencies were, on the average, longer than for Y- or X-cells, indicating that W-type relay cells had slower axons as well as slower retinal afferents, than X- or Y-cells. 6. The visual cortex thus appears to receive input from all three major types of retinal ganlion cells (W-, X-, and Y-cells) relayed separately, in parallel, by different groups of relay cells.", "PMID": 993827} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5374", "title": "Effect of stimulation with light on synthesis and release of acetylcholine by an isolated mammalian retina.", "content": "1. Acetylcholine synthesis and release were studied in rabbit retinas isolated from the eye and incubated under conditions in which their electrophysiological function is maintained. ACh synthesized from exogenous [14C] choline appeared in the retina at an initial rate of 16 nmol/g wet wt-h. Incorporation of labeled choline into ACh was accelerated by stimulation of the retina with light. 2. Retinas incubated for 40 min in the presence of labeled choline and then superfused with a medium containing an anticholinesterase released radioactive ACh into the perfusate. The rate of release increased approximately fourfold during stimulation with light. 3. When retinas were incubated with labeled choline and then superfused with medium containing no pharmacological agents, stimulation with light caused an increased release of choline into the perfusate. The recovery of labeled choline following stimulation was enhanced by hemicholinium 3. 4. Neither the light-induced release of ACh (in perfusate containing anticholinesterase) nor the light-induced release of choline (in perfusate containing no anticholinesterase) occurred if the perfusate contained 20 mM Mg2+ and 0.2 mM Ca2+. 5. Synthesis of ACh by the retina at a high rate, acceleration of choline incorporation by stimulation, and Ca2+-dependent release of ACh by stimulation are each presumptive evidence that the retina contains a cholinergic synapse. If this presumption is correct, one such synapse may be of an amacrine or bipolar cell since these cells can depolarize during illumination, whereas the predominant response of receptor and horizontal cells is hyperpolarization.", "contents": "Effect of stimulation with light on synthesis and release of acetylcholine by an isolated mammalian retina. 1. Acetylcholine synthesis and release were studied in rabbit retinas isolated from the eye and incubated under conditions in which their electrophysiological function is maintained. ACh synthesized from exogenous [14C] choline appeared in the retina at an initial rate of 16 nmol/g wet wt-h. Incorporation of labeled choline into ACh was accelerated by stimulation of the retina with light. 2. Retinas incubated for 40 min in the presence of labeled choline and then superfused with a medium containing an anticholinesterase released radioactive ACh into the perfusate. The rate of release increased approximately fourfold during stimulation with light. 3. When retinas were incubated with labeled choline and then superfused with medium containing no pharmacological agents, stimulation with light caused an increased release of choline into the perfusate. The recovery of labeled choline following stimulation was enhanced by hemicholinium 3. 4. Neither the light-induced release of ACh (in perfusate containing anticholinesterase) nor the light-induced release of choline (in perfusate containing no anticholinesterase) occurred if the perfusate contained 20 mM Mg2+ and 0.2 mM Ca2+. 5. Synthesis of ACh by the retina at a high rate, acceleration of choline incorporation by stimulation, and Ca2+-dependent release of ACh by stimulation are each presumptive evidence that the retina contains a cholinergic synapse. If this presumption is correct, one such synapse may be of an amacrine or bipolar cell since these cells can depolarize during illumination, whereas the predominant response of receptor and horizontal cells is hyperpolarization.", "PMID": 993828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5375", "title": "Responses to acetylcholine of ganglion cells in an isolated mammalian retina.", "content": "1. Rabbit retinas were isolated and superfused with a physiological medium. Ganglion cell activity was recorded during stimulation with focused light, and receptive fields were mapped. Receptive fields were identical to those found in vivo and did not change during a 6-h incubation. After the receptive field of a ganglion cell had been identified, acetylcholine or related agents were introduced singly or in combination into the medium, and their effect on the cell's spontaneous and light-evoked activity was observed. 2. Ganglion cells with on-center or directionally selective receptive fields were excited when ACh was added to the medium. The response to exogenous ACh was prevented by cholinergic antagonists. 3. These cells' spontaneous activity and response to light were enhanced by anticholinesterase and depressed by cholinergic antagonists. Antagonists varied in their ability to block the light-evoked response, with dihydro-beta-erythroidine the most effective. 4. Thresholds for ACh or the related agents were low, ranging from 1 to 40 muM; their effects were rapidly and completely reversed when the retina was returned to control medium. 5. In retinas incubated in medium containing 20 mM Mg2+ and 0.2 mM Ca2+, ganglion cells lost completely both their spontaneous and light-evoked activity, but retained their ability to generate action potentials in response to elevated K+. Ganglion cell activity rapidly returned to normal when the retina was returned to medium containing normal electrolytes. On-center and directionally selective cells were excited by ACh in retinas where synaptic transmission had been inhibited by 20 mM Mg2+ and 0.2 mM Ca2+. 6. The responses of on-center and directionally selective cells to ACh, to anticholinesterase, and to cholinergic antagonists in control medium indicate that the retina contains one or more synapses using ACh as a neurotransmitter. The response to ACh in retinas exposed to 20 mM Mg2+ and 0.2 mM Ca2+ suggests that at least one such synapse in on the ganglion cell itself. 7. Off-center cells were inhomogenous in their response to ACh. Although some responded just as the other classes of cell, the majority responded quite weakly and a subgroup was encountered which was entirely unaffected by even 1 mM ACh, by levels of physostigmine which inactivate virtually all retinal acetyl-cholinesterase, or by high concentrations of cholinergic antagonists. Only 2 of 20 off-cells tested in the presence of 20 mM Mg2+ and 0.2 mM Ca2+ were excited by ACh. Apparently ACh is not a primary transmitter for most off-cells.", "contents": "Responses to acetylcholine of ganglion cells in an isolated mammalian retina. 1. Rabbit retinas were isolated and superfused with a physiological medium. Ganglion cell activity was recorded during stimulation with focused light, and receptive fields were mapped. Receptive fields were identical to those found in vivo and did not change during a 6-h incubation. After the receptive field of a ganglion cell had been identified, acetylcholine or related agents were introduced singly or in combination into the medium, and their effect on the cell's spontaneous and light-evoked activity was observed. 2. Ganglion cells with on-center or directionally selective receptive fields were excited when ACh was added to the medium. The response to exogenous ACh was prevented by cholinergic antagonists. 3. These cells' spontaneous activity and response to light were enhanced by anticholinesterase and depressed by cholinergic antagonists. Antagonists varied in their ability to block the light-evoked response, with dihydro-beta-erythroidine the most effective. 4. Thresholds for ACh or the related agents were low, ranging from 1 to 40 muM; their effects were rapidly and completely reversed when the retina was returned to control medium. 5. In retinas incubated in medium containing 20 mM Mg2+ and 0.2 mM Ca2+, ganglion cells lost completely both their spontaneous and light-evoked activity, but retained their ability to generate action potentials in response to elevated K+. Ganglion cell activity rapidly returned to normal when the retina was returned to medium containing normal electrolytes. On-center and directionally selective cells were excited by ACh in retinas where synaptic transmission had been inhibited by 20 mM Mg2+ and 0.2 mM Ca2+. 6. The responses of on-center and directionally selective cells to ACh, to anticholinesterase, and to cholinergic antagonists in control medium indicate that the retina contains one or more synapses using ACh as a neurotransmitter. The response to ACh in retinas exposed to 20 mM Mg2+ and 0.2 mM Ca2+ suggests that at least one such synapse in on the ganglion cell itself. 7. Off-center cells were inhomogenous in their response to ACh. Although some responded just as the other classes of cell, the majority responded quite weakly and a subgroup was encountered which was entirely unaffected by even 1 mM ACh, by levels of physostigmine which inactivate virtually all retinal acetyl-cholinesterase, or by high concentrations of cholinergic antagonists. Only 2 of 20 off-cells tested in the presence of 20 mM Mg2+ and 0.2 mM Ca2+ were excited by ACh. Apparently ACh is not a primary transmitter for most off-cells.", "PMID": 993829} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5376", "title": "Sustained, synchronous oscillations in discharge of sustaining fibers of crayfish optic nerve.", "content": "1. The regularity of the sustaining fiber (SF) steady-state discharge increases with the intensity of a uniform field of illumination. 2. In a high levels of illumination SFs exhibit a highly periodic or rhythmically bursting steady-state discharge. 3. The period of the burst cycle is independent of the light intensity and the mean firing rate. 4. Multimodal interspike-interval histograms in which successive modes decline exponentially suggest that the discharge arises from a regular input. 5. In conditions of uniform illumination, the regular input must be common to all or several SFs since the period of the burst cycle of simultaneously monitored SFs are the same and cross-correlations indicate that the SFs burst in approximate synchrony. 6. It is proposed that the common, regular input is a network of presynaptic elements exhibiting recurrent lateral inhibition. Evidence supporting this hypothesis is that following a brief light pulse to the inhibitory surround, SFs exhibit cycles of silence and bursting, phase-locked to the stimulus but with a period equal to the steady-state burst-cycle period. 7. Furthermore, lateral inhibitory influences are common to several or all SFs as indicated by the close similarity in response time course of two SFs subjected to a common inhibitory stimulus. 8. The response of the lateral pathways to sinusoidally modulated illumination is highly selective to frequencies near the burst-repetition rate. The excitatory pathways exhibit frequency modulation or entrainment over a wide range of input frequencies. 9. The intersustaining burst cycle phase is under partial visual stimulus control (position and intensity) and the possibility of phase coding in the SF ensemble is discussed.", "contents": "Sustained, synchronous oscillations in discharge of sustaining fibers of crayfish optic nerve. 1. The regularity of the sustaining fiber (SF) steady-state discharge increases with the intensity of a uniform field of illumination. 2. In a high levels of illumination SFs exhibit a highly periodic or rhythmically bursting steady-state discharge. 3. The period of the burst cycle is independent of the light intensity and the mean firing rate. 4. Multimodal interspike-interval histograms in which successive modes decline exponentially suggest that the discharge arises from a regular input. 5. In conditions of uniform illumination, the regular input must be common to all or several SFs since the period of the burst cycle of simultaneously monitored SFs are the same and cross-correlations indicate that the SFs burst in approximate synchrony. 6. It is proposed that the common, regular input is a network of presynaptic elements exhibiting recurrent lateral inhibition. Evidence supporting this hypothesis is that following a brief light pulse to the inhibitory surround, SFs exhibit cycles of silence and bursting, phase-locked to the stimulus but with a period equal to the steady-state burst-cycle period. 7. Furthermore, lateral inhibitory influences are common to several or all SFs as indicated by the close similarity in response time course of two SFs subjected to a common inhibitory stimulus. 8. The response of the lateral pathways to sinusoidally modulated illumination is highly selective to frequencies near the burst-repetition rate. The excitatory pathways exhibit frequency modulation or entrainment over a wide range of input frequencies. 9. The intersustaining burst cycle phase is under partial visual stimulus control (position and intensity) and the possibility of phase coding in the SF ensemble is discussed.", "PMID": 993830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5377", "title": "Photoreceptor thresholds and visual pigment levels in normal and vitamin A-deprived Xenopus tadpoles.", "content": "1. Measurements of the aspartate-isolated PIII component of the electroretinogram (ERG) were used to estimate photoreceptor threshold in dark-adapted tadpoles of the clawed toad, Xenopus laevis raised on a normal diet. Spectral sensitivity functions established that the rod mechanism governed absolute dark thresholds from stage 40 to the end of premetamorphic development. 2. Parallel measures of rod outer-segment dimensions and visual pigment levels demonstrated a) that visual pigment concentration remained constant at all tadpole stages, and b) that the fall in threshold over the course of premetamorphic development depended exclusively on the increased probability of quantal absorption that accompanied the growth of the rod outer segments. 3. When tadpoles were obtained from vitamin A-deficient females and raised subsequently on a vitamin A-free diet, the first appearance of the ERG was delayed and its absolute threshold raised, with respect to controls. 4. Histological examination of vitamin A-deprived retinas indicated that rod outer segments retained their structural integrity in spite of up to a 75% loss of visual pigment. 5. The threshold rise which accompanied a fall in visual pigment levels, whether effected by dietary deficiency or by bleaching, was greater than could be attributed solely to a reduction in the probability of quantal absorption.", "contents": "Photoreceptor thresholds and visual pigment levels in normal and vitamin A-deprived Xenopus tadpoles. 1. Measurements of the aspartate-isolated PIII component of the electroretinogram (ERG) were used to estimate photoreceptor threshold in dark-adapted tadpoles of the clawed toad, Xenopus laevis raised on a normal diet. Spectral sensitivity functions established that the rod mechanism governed absolute dark thresholds from stage 40 to the end of premetamorphic development. 2. Parallel measures of rod outer-segment dimensions and visual pigment levels demonstrated a) that visual pigment concentration remained constant at all tadpole stages, and b) that the fall in threshold over the course of premetamorphic development depended exclusively on the increased probability of quantal absorption that accompanied the growth of the rod outer segments. 3. When tadpoles were obtained from vitamin A-deficient females and raised subsequently on a vitamin A-free diet, the first appearance of the ERG was delayed and its absolute threshold raised, with respect to controls. 4. Histological examination of vitamin A-deprived retinas indicated that rod outer segments retained their structural integrity in spite of up to a 75% loss of visual pigment. 5. The threshold rise which accompanied a fall in visual pigment levels, whether effected by dietary deficiency or by bleaching, was greater than could be attributed solely to a reduction in the probability of quantal absorption.", "PMID": 993831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5378", "title": "Radionuclide angiographic diagnosis of bronchopulmonary sequestration.", "content": "Bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), a congenital malformation that usually presents as a chest mass in childhood, may be identified by its characteristic primary derivation of pulmonary blood supply from the systemic circulation. Five children with BPS were evaluated by radionuclide angiography from 1970 to 1974. In each instance the systemic origin of the vascular supply was correctly indicated. In those lesions where the artery originates below the hemidiaphragm, the aberrant source, when identified as such, provides a characteristic radionuclide appearance of BPS. The scimitar syndrome may be indistinguishable from BPS with this technique.", "contents": "Radionuclide angiographic diagnosis of bronchopulmonary sequestration. Bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), a congenital malformation that usually presents as a chest mass in childhood, may be identified by its characteristic primary derivation of pulmonary blood supply from the systemic circulation. Five children with BPS were evaluated by radionuclide angiography from 1970 to 1974. In each instance the systemic origin of the vascular supply was correctly indicated. In those lesions where the artery originates below the hemidiaphragm, the aberrant source, when identified as such, provides a characteristic radionuclide appearance of BPS. The scimitar syndrome may be indistinguishable from BPS with this technique.", "PMID": 993832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5379", "title": "Splenic imaging with 99mTc-labeled erythrocytes: a comparative study of cell-damaging methods.", "content": "Several methods of damaging red blood cells (RBCs) for splenic imaging were compared to determine the optimum approach. The RBCs from donor animals were labeled with 99mTcO4- and damaged by heat, excess acid citrate dextrose (ACD), excess Sn(II) ion, or the sulfhydryl inhibitors N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) or p-hydroxymercuribenzoate (PMB). The organ distributions of undamaged and damaged RBCs were determined in rats, and splenic imaging studies were performed in rabbits. Splenic deposition and spleen-to-liver ratios with heat- or sulfhydryl-damaged 99mTc-RBCs were significantly greater (p less than 0.001) than the values obtained using ACD or Sn(II) ion. Heat-damaging produces good splenic localization of 99mTc-RBCs but requires rigidly controlled incubation conditions. NEM-damaging provides an excellent and predictable alternative approach.", "contents": "Splenic imaging with 99mTc-labeled erythrocytes: a comparative study of cell-damaging methods. Several methods of damaging red blood cells (RBCs) for splenic imaging were compared to determine the optimum approach. The RBCs from donor animals were labeled with 99mTcO4- and damaged by heat, excess acid citrate dextrose (ACD), excess Sn(II) ion, or the sulfhydryl inhibitors N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) or p-hydroxymercuribenzoate (PMB). The organ distributions of undamaged and damaged RBCs were determined in rats, and splenic imaging studies were performed in rabbits. Splenic deposition and spleen-to-liver ratios with heat- or sulfhydryl-damaged 99mTc-RBCs were significantly greater (p less than 0.001) than the values obtained using ACD or Sn(II) ion. Heat-damaging produces good splenic localization of 99mTc-RBCs but requires rigidly controlled incubation conditions. NEM-damaging provides an excellent and predictable alternative approach.", "PMID": 993833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5380", "title": "Calculation of coronary blood flow from myocardial clearance of systemically administered 133Xe.", "content": "Clearance curves for arterial and coronary-venous blood were determined after systemic left-ventricle or pulmonary-artery infections of 133Xe, paired with selective left-coronary-artery injections of 133Xe in 20 dogs with closed chest. Coronary blood flows calculated from systemic and coronary-artery injections were comparable only when a correction was made for arteriol recirculation of 133Xe following the systemic injection (r = 0.962) for left ventricle and 0.932 for pulmonary artery, paired with coronary artery). Experiments in four other dogs, verified that clearance of 133Xe from the pulmonary circulation was only about 60%. The myocardium/blood 133Xe partition coefficient, determined in vivo in ten dogs, agreed within 10% with that previously determined in vitro.", "contents": "Calculation of coronary blood flow from myocardial clearance of systemically administered 133Xe. Clearance curves for arterial and coronary-venous blood were determined after systemic left-ventricle or pulmonary-artery infections of 133Xe, paired with selective left-coronary-artery injections of 133Xe in 20 dogs with closed chest. Coronary blood flows calculated from systemic and coronary-artery injections were comparable only when a correction was made for arteriol recirculation of 133Xe following the systemic injection (r = 0.962) for left ventricle and 0.932 for pulmonary artery, paired with coronary artery). Experiments in four other dogs, verified that clearance of 133Xe from the pulmonary circulation was only about 60%. The myocardium/blood 133Xe partition coefficient, determined in vivo in ten dogs, agreed within 10% with that previously determined in vitro.", "PMID": 993834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5381", "title": "Comparison of 4- and 24-hr thyroid scans with 123I: concise communication.", "content": "Thyroid scans were performed at 4 and 24 hr after administration of Na123I solution in 124 examinations. The 4-hr and 24-hr scans were found to be of equal diagnostic value. Thus, in individuals with structural thyroid abnormalities, one can effectively reduce the time required for scan evaluation from the standard 24 hr to 4 hr.", "contents": "Comparison of 4- and 24-hr thyroid scans with 123I: concise communication. Thyroid scans were performed at 4 and 24 hr after administration of Na123I solution in 124 examinations. The 4-hr and 24-hr scans were found to be of equal diagnostic value. Thus, in individuals with structural thyroid abnormalities, one can effectively reduce the time required for scan evaluation from the standard 24 hr to 4 hr.", "PMID": 993835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5382", "title": "Uptake of 67Ga in the lactating breast and its persistence in milk: case report.", "content": "The concentration of 67Ga in the milk of a postpartum woman was measured at intervals up to 8 days after the injection of 3 mCi of 67Ga-citrate. The 67Ga concentration was about 0.15 muCi/ml at 3 days after injection and fell to 0.035 muCi/ml by 8 days. Since the biologic clearance of gallium was slow (T1/2 approximately 9 days), the major determinant of the clearance of radioactivity was the physical decay of the gallium. An estimate of the radiation dose to a nursing infant suggests that nursing be interrupted for about 2 weeks after the mother has had a 67Ga study.", "contents": "Uptake of 67Ga in the lactating breast and its persistence in milk: case report. The concentration of 67Ga in the milk of a postpartum woman was measured at intervals up to 8 days after the injection of 3 mCi of 67Ga-citrate. The 67Ga concentration was about 0.15 muCi/ml at 3 days after injection and fell to 0.035 muCi/ml by 8 days. Since the biologic clearance of gallium was slow (T1/2 approximately 9 days), the major determinant of the clearance of radioactivity was the physical decay of the gallium. An estimate of the radiation dose to a nursing infant suggests that nursing be interrupted for about 2 weeks after the mother has had a 67Ga study.", "PMID": 993836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5383", "title": "An unusual cause of apparent regional hyperperfusion on radionuclide cerebral angiography study: case report.", "content": "An unusual pattern of radioactivity in the venous phase was noted in the 99mTc-DTPA cerebral angiogram of a patient with persistent headaches. Initially the possibility of a small arteriovenous malformation with large draining veins was considered. However, contrast angiography revealed dilated cerebral veins with significant arteriovenous shunting. The differential diagnosis of regional hyperperfusion on the radioactivity study is discussed.", "contents": "An unusual cause of apparent regional hyperperfusion on radionuclide cerebral angiography study: case report. An unusual pattern of radioactivity in the venous phase was noted in the 99mTc-DTPA cerebral angiogram of a patient with persistent headaches. Initially the possibility of a small arteriovenous malformation with large draining veins was considered. However, contrast angiography revealed dilated cerebral veins with significant arteriovenous shunting. The differential diagnosis of regional hyperperfusion on the radioactivity study is discussed.", "PMID": 993837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5384", "title": "Radionuclide angiography as an adjunct in diagnosis of ruptured aortic aneurysm: case report.", "content": "Radionuclide angiography is a rapid, safe, and reliable method of imaging aneurysms of the abdominal aorta in patients who are too ill to undergo contrast angiography or when time is a critical factor.", "contents": "Radionuclide angiography as an adjunct in diagnosis of ruptured aortic aneurysm: case report. Radionuclide angiography is a rapid, safe, and reliable method of imaging aneurysms of the abdominal aorta in patients who are too ill to undergo contrast angiography or when time is a critical factor.", "PMID": 993838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5385", "title": "Evaluation of liposome-entrapped radioactive tracers as scanning agents. Part 1: Organ distribution of liposome (99mTc-DTPA) in mice.", "content": "We describe the use of liposomes as a delivery system for radiopharmaceutical localization. Liposomes [99mTc-DTPA] were injected intravenously in mice and showed preferential uptake in the liver and spleen. There was a steady decline of activity in all organs, suggestive of destruction of liposomes with subsequent release of 99mTc-DTPA into the circulation. Alteration of uptake from liver to spleen, lung, and bone marrow was achieved by prior loading of the circulation with nonradioactive liposomes. The same effect was produced in dogs and demonstrated with scintigraphy. We also showed scintigraphically in dogs how 99mTc-DTPA, when administered entrapped in liposomes, follows the pattern of distribution of liposomes. Liposomes seem to be suitable carriers for radiopharmaceuticals. Further studies should show the possibility of directing liposomes to specific targets.", "contents": "Evaluation of liposome-entrapped radioactive tracers as scanning agents. Part 1: Organ distribution of liposome (99mTc-DTPA) in mice. We describe the use of liposomes as a delivery system for radiopharmaceutical localization. Liposomes [99mTc-DTPA] were injected intravenously in mice and showed preferential uptake in the liver and spleen. There was a steady decline of activity in all organs, suggestive of destruction of liposomes with subsequent release of 99mTc-DTPA into the circulation. Alteration of uptake from liver to spleen, lung, and bone marrow was achieved by prior loading of the circulation with nonradioactive liposomes. The same effect was produced in dogs and demonstrated with scintigraphy. We also showed scintigraphically in dogs how 99mTc-DTPA, when administered entrapped in liposomes, follows the pattern of distribution of liposomes. Liposomes seem to be suitable carriers for radiopharmaceuticals. Further studies should show the possibility of directing liposomes to specific targets.", "PMID": 993839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5386", "title": "Vesicle interactions with antibody and peptide hormone: role of vesicle composition.", "content": "Artificial lipid vesicles (artificial membranes) were shown to bind human 125I-antithyroglobulin (anti-Tg) and human 125I-thyrotropin. Vesicles made with gangliosides bound more antibody and hormone than vesicles lacking them. These gangliosides contained a variety of carbohydrates including glucose, galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, and sialic acid. The in vivo stability of antibody-vesicle complexes was a function of vesicle composition: vesicles were most stable when formed from phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and gangliosides. Anti-Tg-vesicle complexes bind to thyroglobulin, indicating that at least some of the antibody associated with the vesicle still retains ability to bind to its specific antigen. The addition of a specific antibody or hormone to artificial lipid vesicles may serve as a mechanism to confer specificity to the vesicle in vivo.", "contents": "Vesicle interactions with antibody and peptide hormone: role of vesicle composition. Artificial lipid vesicles (artificial membranes) were shown to bind human 125I-antithyroglobulin (anti-Tg) and human 125I-thyrotropin. Vesicles made with gangliosides bound more antibody and hormone than vesicles lacking them. These gangliosides contained a variety of carbohydrates including glucose, galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, and sialic acid. The in vivo stability of antibody-vesicle complexes was a function of vesicle composition: vesicles were most stable when formed from phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and gangliosides. Anti-Tg-vesicle complexes bind to thyroglobulin, indicating that at least some of the antibody associated with the vesicle still retains ability to bind to its specific antigen. The addition of a specific antibody or hormone to artificial lipid vesicles may serve as a mechanism to confer specificity to the vesicle in vivo.", "PMID": 993840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5387", "title": "Experimental basis of myocardial imaging with 123I-labeled hexadecenoic acid.", "content": "Progress in myocardial perfusion imaging has been slowed by the lack or radiopharmaceuticals with suitable physical and biologic characteristics. Hexadecenoic acid, terminally labeled with 123I, partially overcomes these limitations by providing a compound that concentrates in the myocardium in proportion to relative regional blood flow and carries a gamma-emitter with desirable detection and imaging qualities. After intravenous injection in experimental animals, the clearance half-times of hexadecenoic acid for blood and myocardium are 1.7 and 20 min, respectively. These values compare favorably with 18-carbon fatty-acid analogs labeled with 11C. In acute and chronic infarction, similar distribution patterns are found for hexadecenoic acid and 43K, which indicates that hexadecenoic acid is a suitable substitute for the potassium analogs now in use for myocardial imaging. Because of the high count rates obtainable with 123I-hexadecenoic acid, good-guality images can be acquired in as little as 2-3 min per view. Iodine-123-hexadecenoic acid is potentially a useful radiopharmaceutical for clinical application.", "contents": "Experimental basis of myocardial imaging with 123I-labeled hexadecenoic acid. Progress in myocardial perfusion imaging has been slowed by the lack or radiopharmaceuticals with suitable physical and biologic characteristics. Hexadecenoic acid, terminally labeled with 123I, partially overcomes these limitations by providing a compound that concentrates in the myocardium in proportion to relative regional blood flow and carries a gamma-emitter with desirable detection and imaging qualities. After intravenous injection in experimental animals, the clearance half-times of hexadecenoic acid for blood and myocardium are 1.7 and 20 min, respectively. These values compare favorably with 18-carbon fatty-acid analogs labeled with 11C. In acute and chronic infarction, similar distribution patterns are found for hexadecenoic acid and 43K, which indicates that hexadecenoic acid is a suitable substitute for the potassium analogs now in use for myocardial imaging. Because of the high count rates obtainable with 123I-hexadecenoic acid, good-guality images can be acquired in as little as 2-3 min per view. Iodine-123-hexadecenoic acid is potentially a useful radiopharmaceutical for clinical application.", "PMID": 993841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5388", "title": "Kit method of preparation of 4-lodoantipyrine (I-123) from Na123I: concise communication.", "content": "4-Iodoantipyrine (4-IAP), containing 123I, has been suggested as a radio-pharmaceutical for direct imaging of regional cerebral perfusion. In routine clinical use, a reliable source of the labeled compound is required. The 4-IAP (I-123) can be prepared by exchange between Na123I and 4-bromoantipyrine (4-BrAP) or 4-IAP with heating in aqueous acidic solution. Using an H3PO4 buffer system at pH 2.5 during labeling, with addition of NaOH for subsequent buffering at pH 7.0, a convenient reliable kit for routine preparation of 4-IAP (I-123) from commercially available Na123I has been developed.", "contents": "Kit method of preparation of 4-lodoantipyrine (I-123) from Na123I: concise communication. 4-Iodoantipyrine (4-IAP), containing 123I, has been suggested as a radio-pharmaceutical for direct imaging of regional cerebral perfusion. In routine clinical use, a reliable source of the labeled compound is required. The 4-IAP (I-123) can be prepared by exchange between Na123I and 4-bromoantipyrine (4-BrAP) or 4-IAP with heating in aqueous acidic solution. Using an H3PO4 buffer system at pH 2.5 during labeling, with addition of NaOH for subsequent buffering at pH 7.0, a convenient reliable kit for routine preparation of 4-IAP (I-123) from commercially available Na123I has been developed.", "PMID": 993842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5389", "title": "Diagnosis of deep-vein thrombosis with sodium pertechnetate.", "content": "Sodium pertechnetate was used to image venous thrombosis in the legs of 20 patients with clinical signs of deep-vein thrombosis. The rate-of-uptake ratios and the activity ratios at 3 min and 4 hr after the injection were calculated. Venography was used as a standard. Discrimination, as well as agreement with venography, was highest for the ratios obtained 4 hr after injection, in which case there were ten patients with a pathologic activity ratio and with venographic signs of thrombosis in the leg with increased uptake. There were six with a normal activity ratio and no venographic signs of thrombosis, but one patient had a normal ratio and abnormal venography.", "contents": "Diagnosis of deep-vein thrombosis with sodium pertechnetate. Sodium pertechnetate was used to image venous thrombosis in the legs of 20 patients with clinical signs of deep-vein thrombosis. The rate-of-uptake ratios and the activity ratios at 3 min and 4 hr after the injection were calculated. Venography was used as a standard. Discrimination, as well as agreement with venography, was highest for the ratios obtained 4 hr after injection, in which case there were ten patients with a pathologic activity ratio and with venographic signs of thrombosis in the leg with increased uptake. There were six with a normal activity ratio and no venographic signs of thrombosis, but one patient had a normal ratio and abnormal venography.", "PMID": 993843} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5390", "title": "Effect of small amounts of 131I on 99mTc detection by the scintillation camera.", "content": "A patient who had recently received a therapeutic dose of Na131I showed no 99mTc activity on the scintillation camera when a pertechnetate brain scan was attempted. Subsequent experiments showed that, when even small amounts of 131I are present in the field of view of a scintillation camera equipped with a collimator designed for low-energy photons, counting rates from 99mTc are markedly affected.", "contents": "Effect of small amounts of 131I on 99mTc detection by the scintillation camera. A patient who had recently received a therapeutic dose of Na131I showed no 99mTc activity on the scintillation camera when a pertechnetate brain scan was attempted. Subsequent experiments showed that, when even small amounts of 131I are present in the field of view of a scintillation camera equipped with a collimator designed for low-energy photons, counting rates from 99mTc are markedly affected.", "PMID": 993844} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5391", "title": "Disparate hydration of adipose and lean tissue require a new model for body water distribution in man.", "content": "The intra and extracellular fluid spaces in adipose tissue were determined by by 3H2O, 82Br-(minus), and 35SO4= uptake, and by appropriate chemical methods, in surgical biopsy material from 16 patients undergoing elective laparatomy. Total water space for adipose tissue was 14 +/- 1.4%: extracellular component was 11 +/- 1.1% in mesenteric and subcutaneous depots. Use of these adipose tissue hydration constants, combined with measurements of total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW), total body potassium, and experimentally derived age-specific constants for lean body potassium content, permits development of a four compartment model for body water which considers intra and extracellular components separately for adipose (AT) and adipose-free (AFM) tissue masses. This model has the form (see journal) where x is the total hydration and y the extracellular hydration of the adipose-free mass. The equations can be solved for the ECW and ICW of the adipose-free mass, defined by its potassium content. In four normal subjects, x was measured as 0.80 +/- 0.032, and y as 0.24 +/- 0.017. Thus, the adipose free mass, compared with adipose tissue, has approximately six times the total water and twice the extracellular water content per unit weight.", "contents": "Disparate hydration of adipose and lean tissue require a new model for body water distribution in man. The intra and extracellular fluid spaces in adipose tissue were determined by by 3H2O, 82Br-(minus), and 35SO4= uptake, and by appropriate chemical methods, in surgical biopsy material from 16 patients undergoing elective laparatomy. Total water space for adipose tissue was 14 +/- 1.4%: extracellular component was 11 +/- 1.1% in mesenteric and subcutaneous depots. Use of these adipose tissue hydration constants, combined with measurements of total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW), total body potassium, and experimentally derived age-specific constants for lean body potassium content, permits development of a four compartment model for body water which considers intra and extracellular components separately for adipose (AT) and adipose-free (AFM) tissue masses. This model has the form (see journal) where x is the total hydration and y the extracellular hydration of the adipose-free mass. The equations can be solved for the ECW and ICW of the adipose-free mass, defined by its potassium content. In four normal subjects, x was measured as 0.80 +/- 0.032, and y as 0.24 +/- 0.017. Thus, the adipose free mass, compared with adipose tissue, has approximately six times the total water and twice the extracellular water content per unit weight.", "PMID": 993849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5392", "title": "The assessment of human body composition during weight reduction: evaluation of a new model for clinical studies.", "content": "Adipose tissue, the logical target component in weight reduction regimens, was measured in five obese subjects during weight reduction, and in four normal weight controls. The two compartment model of Ljunggren, consisting of adipose tissue (AT) and adipose tissue-free mass (AFM), was further developed by finding experimental values for total water, extracellular water (ECW), lipid, and cell solids in 16 biopsied subjects. The AFM was estimated from body potassium content (40K counting) by use of an age/sex specific constant for the K content in the fat free body. Five obese subjects maintained for 46 days on regimens averaging 800 kcal/day had initial AT from 48% to 60% of body weight compared with AT 27% to 46% in four normal controls. Weight reductions averaged 17.4 kg (12% of initial weight), with approximately equal reductions in adipose tissue, adipose-free mass, and water. Initial fluid compartment ratios in the obese were unusually high (ECW:ICW in AFM was 0.74 +/- 0.23 [S.D.] compared with 0.42 +/- 0.05 in normals); these values returned toward normal (to 0.59 +/- 0.06) with weight reduction. The fact that it was possible to disclose a hitherto unappreciated abnormality of hydration in the adipose-free mass of obese subjects and its change toward normal with weight reduction, suggests that the adipose:adipose-free model may have a special utility when body composition measurements are used to monitor the effects of weight reduction regimens on various body constituents.", "contents": "The assessment of human body composition during weight reduction: evaluation of a new model for clinical studies. Adipose tissue, the logical target component in weight reduction regimens, was measured in five obese subjects during weight reduction, and in four normal weight controls. The two compartment model of Ljunggren, consisting of adipose tissue (AT) and adipose tissue-free mass (AFM), was further developed by finding experimental values for total water, extracellular water (ECW), lipid, and cell solids in 16 biopsied subjects. The AFM was estimated from body potassium content (40K counting) by use of an age/sex specific constant for the K content in the fat free body. Five obese subjects maintained for 46 days on regimens averaging 800 kcal/day had initial AT from 48% to 60% of body weight compared with AT 27% to 46% in four normal controls. Weight reductions averaged 17.4 kg (12% of initial weight), with approximately equal reductions in adipose tissue, adipose-free mass, and water. Initial fluid compartment ratios in the obese were unusually high (ECW:ICW in AFM was 0.74 +/- 0.23 [S.D.] compared with 0.42 +/- 0.05 in normals); these values returned toward normal (to 0.59 +/- 0.06) with weight reduction. The fact that it was possible to disclose a hitherto unappreciated abnormality of hydration in the adipose-free mass of obese subjects and its change toward normal with weight reduction, suggests that the adipose:adipose-free model may have a special utility when body composition measurements are used to monitor the effects of weight reduction regimens on various body constituents.", "PMID": 993850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5393", "title": "Importance of sarcosine formation in methionine methyl carbon oxidation in the rat.", "content": "Experiments in vitro using rat liver slices indicated that the incorporation of the methionine methyl carbon into sarcosine and serine was dependent upon available glycine and most probably involves glycine methyltransferase. Although the sarcosine methyl carbon was rapidly oxidized to CO2, its formation accounted for only a small proportion of the oxidation of the methionine methyl carbon to CO2 under these conditions. In vivo experiments using a sarcosine trapping pool with 0.3% to 3.0% L-[methyl-14C]methionine in the diet indicated that from 5% to 14% of the absorbed methionine methyl carbon was metabolized via sarcosine, and that this accounted for only 10% to 20% of the observed oxidation of the methyl carbon to CO2. The adaptive response of the rat to high levels of dietary methionine, as indicated by greater oxidation of the methyl carbon to CO2, is in part due to increased sarcosine synthesis. The failure of supplemental glycine to stimulate oxidation of the methionine methyl carbon to CO2 in rats receiving 3% methionine plus 10% sarcosine may be due to sufficient glycine being produced from sarcosine metabolism.", "contents": "Importance of sarcosine formation in methionine methyl carbon oxidation in the rat. Experiments in vitro using rat liver slices indicated that the incorporation of the methionine methyl carbon into sarcosine and serine was dependent upon available glycine and most probably involves glycine methyltransferase. Although the sarcosine methyl carbon was rapidly oxidized to CO2, its formation accounted for only a small proportion of the oxidation of the methionine methyl carbon to CO2 under these conditions. In vivo experiments using a sarcosine trapping pool with 0.3% to 3.0% L-[methyl-14C]methionine in the diet indicated that from 5% to 14% of the absorbed methionine methyl carbon was metabolized via sarcosine, and that this accounted for only 10% to 20% of the observed oxidation of the methyl carbon to CO2. The adaptive response of the rat to high levels of dietary methionine, as indicated by greater oxidation of the methyl carbon to CO2, is in part due to increased sarcosine synthesis. The failure of supplemental glycine to stimulate oxidation of the methionine methyl carbon to CO2 in rats receiving 3% methionine plus 10% sarcosine may be due to sufficient glycine being produced from sarcosine metabolism.", "PMID": 993851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5394", "title": "Growth depression and tissue reaction to the consumption of excess dietary methionine and S-methyl-L-cysteine.", "content": "Similar depressions in growth were observed when rats consumed a 10% casein basal diet containing equal quantities of either methionine or S-methyl-L-cysteine. Supplemental glycine or serine partially alleviated the growth depression caused by the high levels of methionine but were ineffective in alleviating the growth depression caused by high levels of S-methylcysteine. Histological examination of five organs of rats fed the basal, high methionine or high S-methylcysteine diet for 6, 13 or 20 days revealed that only the spleens were affected in that there was erythrocyte engorgement and an accumulation of hemosiderin. The intensity of iron staining in spleens decreased from the second to the third week. The similarity in the depression of growth and splenic damage observed in rats consuming high levels of methionine or S-methylcysteine is consistent with an earlier suggestion that metabolism of the methionine or S-methylcysteine is consistent with an earlier suggestion that metabolism of the methyl group is in some way involved in the toxicity of methionine.", "contents": "Growth depression and tissue reaction to the consumption of excess dietary methionine and S-methyl-L-cysteine. Similar depressions in growth were observed when rats consumed a 10% casein basal diet containing equal quantities of either methionine or S-methyl-L-cysteine. Supplemental glycine or serine partially alleviated the growth depression caused by the high levels of methionine but were ineffective in alleviating the growth depression caused by high levels of S-methylcysteine. Histological examination of five organs of rats fed the basal, high methionine or high S-methylcysteine diet for 6, 13 or 20 days revealed that only the spleens were affected in that there was erythrocyte engorgement and an accumulation of hemosiderin. The intensity of iron staining in spleens decreased from the second to the third week. The similarity in the depression of growth and splenic damage observed in rats consuming high levels of methionine or S-methylcysteine is consistent with an earlier suggestion that metabolism of the methionine or S-methylcysteine is consistent with an earlier suggestion that metabolism of the methyl group is in some way involved in the toxicity of methionine.", "PMID": 993852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5395", "title": "Evidence for S-adenosylmethionine independent catabolism of methionine in the rat.", "content": "Experiments conducted with rats in vivo comparing the metabolism of methionine and S-methyl-L-cysteine and in vitro comparing methionine, S-methyl-L-cysteine and S-adenosyl-L-methionine indicate that a substantial portion of the oxidative metabolism of the methionine methyl group occurs by pathways that are independent of S-adenosylmethionine formation. Inclusion of 1.2% or 2.4% of S-methyl-L-cysteine in a diet containing 3% of L-methionine depressed the conversion of the methionine methyl and carboxyl carbons to CO2 by 39% and 28%, and 52% and 33%, respectively, for the two levels of S-methyl-L-cysteine. Inclusion of 1.65% of methionine in a diet containing 2.4% of S-methyl-L-cysteine did not affect the conversion of the methyl group of S-methylcysteine to CO2, but 3% of methionine depressed the conversion of the S-methylcysteine methyl group to CO2 to 87% of control values. Greater inhibitions were seen when these substrates were compared in a liver homogenate. In a rat liver homogenate system optimized for the conversion of the methyl group of methionine to CO2, the rate of conversion of the methyl group of S-adenosyl-L-methionine to CO2 was less than 1% of that of methionine even when the concentration of S-adenosylmethionine was saturating. Addition of saturating levels of unlabeled S-adenosymethionine to the homogenate system did not effect the rate of conversion of the methionine methyl carbon to CO2. Although S-adenosylmethionine-dependent metabolism of methionine, leading to incorporation of the methyl carbon into sarcosine and serine, could be demonstrated in liver homogenates, essentially all of the CO2 produced from the methionine methyl group was derived by a pathway or pathways independent of S-adenosylmethionine formation. Formaldehyde and formate have been tentatively identified as intermediates in catabolism of the methionine methyl group by this (these) pathway(s).", "contents": "Evidence for S-adenosylmethionine independent catabolism of methionine in the rat. Experiments conducted with rats in vivo comparing the metabolism of methionine and S-methyl-L-cysteine and in vitro comparing methionine, S-methyl-L-cysteine and S-adenosyl-L-methionine indicate that a substantial portion of the oxidative metabolism of the methionine methyl group occurs by pathways that are independent of S-adenosylmethionine formation. Inclusion of 1.2% or 2.4% of S-methyl-L-cysteine in a diet containing 3% of L-methionine depressed the conversion of the methionine methyl and carboxyl carbons to CO2 by 39% and 28%, and 52% and 33%, respectively, for the two levels of S-methyl-L-cysteine. Inclusion of 1.65% of methionine in a diet containing 2.4% of S-methyl-L-cysteine did not affect the conversion of the methyl group of S-methylcysteine to CO2, but 3% of methionine depressed the conversion of the S-methylcysteine methyl group to CO2 to 87% of control values. Greater inhibitions were seen when these substrates were compared in a liver homogenate. In a rat liver homogenate system optimized for the conversion of the methyl group of methionine to CO2, the rate of conversion of the methyl group of S-adenosyl-L-methionine to CO2 was less than 1% of that of methionine even when the concentration of S-adenosylmethionine was saturating. Addition of saturating levels of unlabeled S-adenosymethionine to the homogenate system did not effect the rate of conversion of the methionine methyl carbon to CO2. Although S-adenosylmethionine-dependent metabolism of methionine, leading to incorporation of the methyl carbon into sarcosine and serine, could be demonstrated in liver homogenates, essentially all of the CO2 produced from the methionine methyl group was derived by a pathway or pathways independent of S-adenosylmethionine formation. Formaldehyde and formate have been tentatively identified as intermediates in catabolism of the methionine methyl group by this (these) pathway(s).", "PMID": 993853} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5396", "title": "Vitamin K requirement and the concentration of vitamin K in rat liver.", "content": "The concentration of vitamin K was determined in the liver of different strains of rats, and in male and female warfarin-resistant rats by feeding 3H-vitamin K in a purified diet. In each case, the level of vitamin K in the liver correlated approximately with the amount of vitamin K fed. The results indicate that differences in the requirement for vitamin K between the sexes and between strains of rats are due principally to different required concentrations of vitamin K in liver and not to differences in absorption or turnover of the vitamin. The results of the determination of vitamin K epoxide levels in male and female warfarin-resistant rats, and other data, suggest that the amount of vitamin K required in liver may be in part due to differences in the activity of the enzyme, vitamin K epoxide reductase.", "contents": "Vitamin K requirement and the concentration of vitamin K in rat liver. The concentration of vitamin K was determined in the liver of different strains of rats, and in male and female warfarin-resistant rats by feeding 3H-vitamin K in a purified diet. In each case, the level of vitamin K in the liver correlated approximately with the amount of vitamin K fed. The results indicate that differences in the requirement for vitamin K between the sexes and between strains of rats are due principally to different required concentrations of vitamin K in liver and not to differences in absorption or turnover of the vitamin. The results of the determination of vitamin K epoxide levels in male and female warfarin-resistant rats, and other data, suggest that the amount of vitamin K required in liver may be in part due to differences in the activity of the enzyme, vitamin K epoxide reductase.", "PMID": 993854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5397", "title": "Intestinal absorption of phosphate: action of protein synthesis inhibitors and glucocorticoids in the rat.", "content": "The effect of actinomycin D, cycloheximide and glucocorticoids on the intestinal absorption of phosphate was studied. The effective intestinal absorption of 32P and 47Ca was determined simultaneously in intact rats in vivo using a whole body counter. Both, actinomycin D and cycloheximide caused a significant diminution of the intestinal absorption of phosphate whereas calcium absorption was not altered. Experiments with the in situ ligated loop technique were performed to eliminate the possibility that the action of the protein synthesis inhibitors could be due to an altered intestinal motility effect. Phosphate absorption was also significantly diminished under this condition. On the other hand, the administration of glucocorticoids produced a significant inhibition of phosphate and calcium absorption in the rat in vivo. The reported results indicate that proteins and/or enzymes with a rapid turn-over are involved in the mechanism of phosphate intestinal absorption, and confirm previous observations that phosphate and calcium are transported across the intestine by different mechanisms.", "contents": "Intestinal absorption of phosphate: action of protein synthesis inhibitors and glucocorticoids in the rat. The effect of actinomycin D, cycloheximide and glucocorticoids on the intestinal absorption of phosphate was studied. The effective intestinal absorption of 32P and 47Ca was determined simultaneously in intact rats in vivo using a whole body counter. Both, actinomycin D and cycloheximide caused a significant diminution of the intestinal absorption of phosphate whereas calcium absorption was not altered. Experiments with the in situ ligated loop technique were performed to eliminate the possibility that the action of the protein synthesis inhibitors could be due to an altered intestinal motility effect. Phosphate absorption was also significantly diminished under this condition. On the other hand, the administration of glucocorticoids produced a significant inhibition of phosphate and calcium absorption in the rat in vivo. The reported results indicate that proteins and/or enzymes with a rapid turn-over are involved in the mechanism of phosphate intestinal absorption, and confirm previous observations that phosphate and calcium are transported across the intestine by different mechanisms.", "PMID": 993855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5398", "title": "Effect of modified and unmodified tapioca starches on 59Fe retention in rats.", "content": "The effects of a chemically-modified tapioca starch hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (HDP), and unmodified tapioca starch (UMS) on 59Fe retention by rats were compared. Three experimental variables were evaluated: 1) the type of starch in the diet, 2) cooking of either the starch alone or the entire diet, and 3) the iron status of the rats. There were no significant differences in 59Re retention between iron-adequate rats fed either UMS or HDP. 59Fe retention by iron-deficient rats was not affected by the type of starch in the diet when uncooked starch was used. However, if the starch was cooked, substitution of HDP for UMS resulted in a significant depression in iron retention by iron-deficient rats. Cooking the entire diet produced a similar but less marked effect. The results of these experiments suggest that the inclusion of one particular type of modified tapioca starch in the diet may affect iron utilization.", "contents": "Effect of modified and unmodified tapioca starches on 59Fe retention in rats. The effects of a chemically-modified tapioca starch hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (HDP), and unmodified tapioca starch (UMS) on 59Fe retention by rats were compared. Three experimental variables were evaluated: 1) the type of starch in the diet, 2) cooking of either the starch alone or the entire diet, and 3) the iron status of the rats. There were no significant differences in 59Re retention between iron-adequate rats fed either UMS or HDP. 59Fe retention by iron-deficient rats was not affected by the type of starch in the diet when uncooked starch was used. However, if the starch was cooked, substitution of HDP for UMS resulted in a significant depression in iron retention by iron-deficient rats. Cooking the entire diet produced a similar but less marked effect. The results of these experiments suggest that the inclusion of one particular type of modified tapioca starch in the diet may affect iron utilization.", "PMID": 993856} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5399", "title": "Effects of zinc and vitamin A deficient diets on the hepatic mobilization and urinary excretion of vitamin A in rats.", "content": "Weanling rats were fed diets deficient in zinc (ZD), vitamin A (AD), or both (ZAD) for 3 weeks. Each then received 20 mug of 11,12-3H-retinyl acetate. Plasma retinol was monitored for radioactivity for 5 hours and urine for 6 days. Rats were killed and measurements made of plasma and liver vitamin A and plasma zinc. Plasma vitamin A was depressed but growth was not affected in AD rats compared to pair-fed controls. Radioactivity appeared most rapidly in the plasma retinol fractions of the two vitamin A-depleted groups (AD and ZAD) and was excreted most rapidly in the urine of these same groups. Zinc-deficient diets (ZD and ZAD) caused depressed plasma levels of zinc and vitamin A and growth retardation greater than in pair-fed controls. However zinc deficiency had no effect on mobilization of newly-ingested vitamin A or urinary excretion of labeled metabolites. Liver stores of vitamin A were lower for ZD rats than for controls. The data indicate that zinc deficiency is not a limiting factor in hepatic vitamin A release except as it influences growth and body demand for the vitamin. The data also suggest that newly-absorbed vitamin A is mobilized and utilized in preference to that previously stored in the liver.", "contents": "Effects of zinc and vitamin A deficient diets on the hepatic mobilization and urinary excretion of vitamin A in rats. Weanling rats were fed diets deficient in zinc (ZD), vitamin A (AD), or both (ZAD) for 3 weeks. Each then received 20 mug of 11,12-3H-retinyl acetate. Plasma retinol was monitored for radioactivity for 5 hours and urine for 6 days. Rats were killed and measurements made of plasma and liver vitamin A and plasma zinc. Plasma vitamin A was depressed but growth was not affected in AD rats compared to pair-fed controls. Radioactivity appeared most rapidly in the plasma retinol fractions of the two vitamin A-depleted groups (AD and ZAD) and was excreted most rapidly in the urine of these same groups. Zinc-deficient diets (ZD and ZAD) caused depressed plasma levels of zinc and vitamin A and growth retardation greater than in pair-fed controls. However zinc deficiency had no effect on mobilization of newly-ingested vitamin A or urinary excretion of labeled metabolites. Liver stores of vitamin A were lower for ZD rats than for controls. The data indicate that zinc deficiency is not a limiting factor in hepatic vitamin A release except as it influences growth and body demand for the vitamin. The data also suggest that newly-absorbed vitamin A is mobilized and utilized in preference to that previously stored in the liver.", "PMID": 993857} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5400", "title": "Effect of dietary lactose at levels comparable to human consumption on cholesterol and bile acid metabolism of conventional and germfree rats.", "content": "In recent years, the use of milk products and the concomitant intake of lactose have been tentatively linked to the etiology of cardiovascular disease. An effect of lactose on the microbial modification of acid and neutral sterols has been suggested. In the present study lactose intake, ranging up to 30% of total diet increased beta-muricholic (beta-MC) but not cholic acid concentrations in conventional (CV) rat small intestine to the extent that at the 20% and 30% intake level, the intestinal cholic: beta-MC ratio approached that in germ-free (GF) rats. Total intestinal bile acid (BA) content increased by approximately 1/3, but remained at less than half the value found in GF rats. At lactose intake levels within a range corresponding to the consumption of dairy products often recommended for adult man (5% to 10%) only moderate changes in intestinal, and little change in fecal BA were found during and after the 3 months experimental period. Intestinal beta-MC was increased in the presence and in the absence of an intestinal microflora. Experiments with GF rats fed 10% lactose or 10% maltose indicated that this increase is evoked similarly by both carbohydrates. The slight increase in serum cholesterol levels seen with disaccharide feeding, which became evident only in the GF rats, was again not specific for lactose. No influence was found of lactose feeding on liver cholesterol values. Comparison of CV rats fed nonsterile and radiation-sterilized lactose-containing diets suggested that this mode of sterilization has only a minor influence on the resulting data. When GF experiments are to be incorporated, sterilazation of diet by irradiation with 3.5 to 4.0 X 10(6) Rad is preferable to autoclaving. The present data indicate that no major effect specifically related to a normal dietary intake of lactose on cholesterol and BA metabolism of the adult rat could be demonstrated for the duration of these experiments.", "contents": "Effect of dietary lactose at levels comparable to human consumption on cholesterol and bile acid metabolism of conventional and germfree rats. In recent years, the use of milk products and the concomitant intake of lactose have been tentatively linked to the etiology of cardiovascular disease. An effect of lactose on the microbial modification of acid and neutral sterols has been suggested. In the present study lactose intake, ranging up to 30% of total diet increased beta-muricholic (beta-MC) but not cholic acid concentrations in conventional (CV) rat small intestine to the extent that at the 20% and 30% intake level, the intestinal cholic: beta-MC ratio approached that in germ-free (GF) rats. Total intestinal bile acid (BA) content increased by approximately 1/3, but remained at less than half the value found in GF rats. At lactose intake levels within a range corresponding to the consumption of dairy products often recommended for adult man (5% to 10%) only moderate changes in intestinal, and little change in fecal BA were found during and after the 3 months experimental period. Intestinal beta-MC was increased in the presence and in the absence of an intestinal microflora. Experiments with GF rats fed 10% lactose or 10% maltose indicated that this increase is evoked similarly by both carbohydrates. The slight increase in serum cholesterol levels seen with disaccharide feeding, which became evident only in the GF rats, was again not specific for lactose. No influence was found of lactose feeding on liver cholesterol values. Comparison of CV rats fed nonsterile and radiation-sterilized lactose-containing diets suggested that this mode of sterilization has only a minor influence on the resulting data. When GF experiments are to be incorporated, sterilazation of diet by irradiation with 3.5 to 4.0 X 10(6) Rad is preferable to autoclaving. The present data indicate that no major effect specifically related to a normal dietary intake of lactose on cholesterol and BA metabolism of the adult rat could be demonstrated for the duration of these experiments.", "PMID": 993858} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5401", "title": "Further studies on the role of the adrenal hormones in responses of rats to meal-feeding.", "content": "The importance of the adrenal hormones in the lipogenic responses to meal-feeding or starvation-refeeding was studied. In experiment 1, intact or adrenalectomized (ADX) rats were either ad libitum-fed or meal-fed a 65% glucose diet for 21 days or until moribund (ADX rats only). Serum glucose and electrolytes (Ca++, Mg++, Na+, K+), hepatic glycogen and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and malic enzyme (ME) were determined. ADX rats died within 10 days after the initiation of meal-feeding and were hypoglycemic with low liver glycogen levels and low enzyme activities. No differences in serum electrolytes were observed. In the second experiment, ADX and intact rats of varying initial weights were weight paired and meal-fed. When the ADX rat died, his intact control was killed and both carcasses assayed for fat content. Heavier rats with presumably more carcass fat survived meal-feeding longer than the lighter rats. Rats died when they had lost all but 2 to 3 g carcass lipid. In experiments 3 and 4, ADX and intact rats were subjected to starvation-refeeding. In experiment 4, additional ADX groups were given supplemental doses of cortisol (0.75 mg/kg, subcutaneous, 2 times daily) during either the starvation period, the refeeding period or during both periods. The activities of hepatic G6PD and ME were determined as well as the levels of liver lipid in experiment 4. Intact starved-refed rats had the usual enzyme overshoot, whereas ADX starved-refed rats did not. Cortisol-treated ADX starved-refed rats had as great an enzyme overshoot as the intact rats and as great an increase in liver lipid. These results suggest that ADX rats die when meal-fed the glucose diet, because they are unable to store sufficient metabolic fuel for use during the starvation phase of the meal-feeding cycle. Further, the results show that glucocorticoids are required for the induction of de novo enzyme synthesis.", "contents": "Further studies on the role of the adrenal hormones in responses of rats to meal-feeding. The importance of the adrenal hormones in the lipogenic responses to meal-feeding or starvation-refeeding was studied. In experiment 1, intact or adrenalectomized (ADX) rats were either ad libitum-fed or meal-fed a 65% glucose diet for 21 days or until moribund (ADX rats only). Serum glucose and electrolytes (Ca++, Mg++, Na+, K+), hepatic glycogen and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and malic enzyme (ME) were determined. ADX rats died within 10 days after the initiation of meal-feeding and were hypoglycemic with low liver glycogen levels and low enzyme activities. No differences in serum electrolytes were observed. In the second experiment, ADX and intact rats of varying initial weights were weight paired and meal-fed. When the ADX rat died, his intact control was killed and both carcasses assayed for fat content. Heavier rats with presumably more carcass fat survived meal-feeding longer than the lighter rats. Rats died when they had lost all but 2 to 3 g carcass lipid. In experiments 3 and 4, ADX and intact rats were subjected to starvation-refeeding. In experiment 4, additional ADX groups were given supplemental doses of cortisol (0.75 mg/kg, subcutaneous, 2 times daily) during either the starvation period, the refeeding period or during both periods. The activities of hepatic G6PD and ME were determined as well as the levels of liver lipid in experiment 4. Intact starved-refed rats had the usual enzyme overshoot, whereas ADX starved-refed rats did not. Cortisol-treated ADX starved-refed rats had as great an enzyme overshoot as the intact rats and as great an increase in liver lipid. These results suggest that ADX rats die when meal-fed the glucose diet, because they are unable to store sufficient metabolic fuel for use during the starvation phase of the meal-feeding cycle. Further, the results show that glucocorticoids are required for the induction of de novo enzyme synthesis.", "PMID": 993859} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5402", "title": "Superoxide dismutase activity in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and alveolar macrophages of protein malnourished rats and guinea pigs.", "content": "Chronic protein insufficiency in utero was achieved by feeding to rat dams an 8% protein diet beginning before breeding and continuing until weaning. Thereafter, the in utero malnourished pups were fed the 8% protein diet. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme which protects against superoxide radical, was quantitated in pellet and supernatant of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and alveolar macrophages (AM). The AM of rats malnourished in utero contained 1.7 times as much protein and 3 times as much total SOD activity as the AM of control rats. In PMN of these rats, the amount of protein and SOD activity was the same. Significantly larger number of Streptococcus mutans were located from the dental plaque of the in utero malnourished rats. AM isolated from female guinea pigs fed a 9% protein diet from weaning at 11 days of age contained 1.5 times as much protein and twice as much SOD activity as AM from normal guinea pigs. However their PMN contained smaller amounts of total protein and SOD activity. The malnourished guinea pigs had a mammary gland infection and a prolonged conjunctival infection following inoculation with Guinea Pig Inclusion Conjunctivitis indicating that these animals were more susceptible to these infections. The increase in total SOD activity and in the total amount of protein in AM suggests that chronic protein insufficiency leads to susceptibility to infection and to macrophage activation but has no similar effects on PMN.", "contents": "Superoxide dismutase activity in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and alveolar macrophages of protein malnourished rats and guinea pigs. Chronic protein insufficiency in utero was achieved by feeding to rat dams an 8% protein diet beginning before breeding and continuing until weaning. Thereafter, the in utero malnourished pups were fed the 8% protein diet. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme which protects against superoxide radical, was quantitated in pellet and supernatant of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and alveolar macrophages (AM). The AM of rats malnourished in utero contained 1.7 times as much protein and 3 times as much total SOD activity as the AM of control rats. In PMN of these rats, the amount of protein and SOD activity was the same. Significantly larger number of Streptococcus mutans were located from the dental plaque of the in utero malnourished rats. AM isolated from female guinea pigs fed a 9% protein diet from weaning at 11 days of age contained 1.5 times as much protein and twice as much SOD activity as AM from normal guinea pigs. However their PMN contained smaller amounts of total protein and SOD activity. The malnourished guinea pigs had a mammary gland infection and a prolonged conjunctival infection following inoculation with Guinea Pig Inclusion Conjunctivitis indicating that these animals were more susceptible to these infections. The increase in total SOD activity and in the total amount of protein in AM suggests that chronic protein insufficiency leads to susceptibility to infection and to macrophage activation but has no similar effects on PMN.", "PMID": 993860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5403", "title": "Effect of essential and nonessential fatty acids in complex mixture on fatty acid composition of liver lipids.", "content": "Linoleate, linolenate, arachidonate, docosahexenoate and six other fatty acids were major components of 24 ester preparations fed as 5% of the diet for 60 days to groups of male white rats. The experiment was designed so as to provide that all major fatty acid components were independent of each other in the sense that the intake of each was poorly correlated with the intake of any of the others. Fatty acid compositions of liver lipids were determined and were related to the composition of the diet lipids. Linolenate and docosahexaenoate contents of diet and tissue revealed the same relationships reported previously from experiments in which individual pure acid esters were added to a fat-free diet. Linoleate, when fed in lipid mixtures, was more effective in raising the linoleate concentration in liver lipids than when fed alone, but this increase did not change the shape of the dose-response curve or the estimated nutritional requirement. Large amounts of fish oil in the diet tended to depress the arachidonate concentration in tissue lipids.", "contents": "Effect of essential and nonessential fatty acids in complex mixture on fatty acid composition of liver lipids. Linoleate, linolenate, arachidonate, docosahexenoate and six other fatty acids were major components of 24 ester preparations fed as 5% of the diet for 60 days to groups of male white rats. The experiment was designed so as to provide that all major fatty acid components were independent of each other in the sense that the intake of each was poorly correlated with the intake of any of the others. Fatty acid compositions of liver lipids were determined and were related to the composition of the diet lipids. Linolenate and docosahexaenoate contents of diet and tissue revealed the same relationships reported previously from experiments in which individual pure acid esters were added to a fat-free diet. Linoleate, when fed in lipid mixtures, was more effective in raising the linoleate concentration in liver lipids than when fed alone, but this increase did not change the shape of the dose-response curve or the estimated nutritional requirement. Large amounts of fish oil in the diet tended to depress the arachidonate concentration in tissue lipids.", "PMID": 993861} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5404", "title": "Effect of chronic hypovitaminosis A on water metabolism in the weanling rat.", "content": "To study water imbalance reported to occur in vitamin A deficiency, chronic hypovitaminosis A was produced in 7-week old rats by feeding deficient or adequate vitamin A (12 or 256 mug/kg body weight/day, respectively) for a comparison period of 6 weeks. In the case of the deficient rats, these were partially depleted of their vitamin A stores prior to feeding the 12 mug intake. At the termination of the comparison period, the deficient rats exhibited elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure and lower plasma and liver vitamin A concentrations. Based upon kinetics of a single intrajugular injection of 3H2O and 14C-inulin, total body water, extracellular water and renal clearances were lower in vitamin A deficient rats. However, when these criteria were expressed on a body weight basis, there were no significant differences. The turnover of total body water was reduced in the hypovitaminotic A rats. The results are discussed in terms of an inhibitory effect of vitamin A deficiency on growth.", "contents": "Effect of chronic hypovitaminosis A on water metabolism in the weanling rat. To study water imbalance reported to occur in vitamin A deficiency, chronic hypovitaminosis A was produced in 7-week old rats by feeding deficient or adequate vitamin A (12 or 256 mug/kg body weight/day, respectively) for a comparison period of 6 weeks. In the case of the deficient rats, these were partially depleted of their vitamin A stores prior to feeding the 12 mug intake. At the termination of the comparison period, the deficient rats exhibited elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure and lower plasma and liver vitamin A concentrations. Based upon kinetics of a single intrajugular injection of 3H2O and 14C-inulin, total body water, extracellular water and renal clearances were lower in vitamin A deficient rats. However, when these criteria were expressed on a body weight basis, there were no significant differences. The turnover of total body water was reduced in the hypovitaminotic A rats. The results are discussed in terms of an inhibitory effect of vitamin A deficiency on growth.", "PMID": 993862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5405", "title": "Pulmonary function in perlite workers.", "content": "Pulmonary function was studied in 117 men employed in three plants engaged in the mining and processing of perlite. Of these, 38 had been employed for ten years or more; 18 for 15 years or more and four men for 20 years or more. Review of chest films confirmed previous studies which showed no changes indicative of pneumoconiosis. Measurement of forced vital capacity (FVC) by Jones Pulmonor and by Collins 9-liter spirometer did not show reductions correlated with length of exposure, after effects of cigarette smoking had been taken into account. There was instead a slight increase in FVC associated with years in the perlite industry. The distribution of individuals with FVC below 80% of predicted also showed no association with duration of perlite exposure. Although there were slight reductions in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and in FEV1/FVC% which were associated with years in the perlite industry and which could not be explained by cigarette smoking, these reductions were not statistically significant. In summary, the population of men available for study in the major perlite-producing area of the United States, who have worked for periods up to 23 years, showed no evidence of pneumoconiosis by chest radiography or by measurement of forced vital capacity. Nevertheless, continued control of dust to ensure exposures below nuisance dust levels is essential. Medical surveillance should also continue with records being retained for periodic reevaluation.", "contents": "Pulmonary function in perlite workers. Pulmonary function was studied in 117 men employed in three plants engaged in the mining and processing of perlite. Of these, 38 had been employed for ten years or more; 18 for 15 years or more and four men for 20 years or more. Review of chest films confirmed previous studies which showed no changes indicative of pneumoconiosis. Measurement of forced vital capacity (FVC) by Jones Pulmonor and by Collins 9-liter spirometer did not show reductions correlated with length of exposure, after effects of cigarette smoking had been taken into account. There was instead a slight increase in FVC associated with years in the perlite industry. The distribution of individuals with FVC below 80% of predicted also showed no association with duration of perlite exposure. Although there were slight reductions in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and in FEV1/FVC% which were associated with years in the perlite industry and which could not be explained by cigarette smoking, these reductions were not statistically significant. In summary, the population of men available for study in the major perlite-producing area of the United States, who have worked for periods up to 23 years, showed no evidence of pneumoconiosis by chest radiography or by measurement of forced vital capacity. Nevertheless, continued control of dust to ensure exposures below nuisance dust levels is essential. Medical surveillance should also continue with records being retained for periodic reevaluation.", "PMID": 993865} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5406", "title": "Smoking characteristics by type of employment.", "content": "Smoking habits are examined in a probability sample of 75,827 American men and women. The data was obtained from The 1970 Household Interview Survey conducted by The National Center for Health Statistics. There are pronounced differences in prevalence intensity, kind, cessation of smoking related to type of employment. Occupations tend to be more of a factor in white males, where occupational choice is least encumbered, than in black males or in females. While blacks uniformly smoke with greater prevalence, they are much lighter smokers than whites. Employed women tend to smoke with prevalence approaching males for many occupations. Prevalence of smoking almost uniformly is highest among blue collar occupations and lowest among professionals, managers, and proprietors.", "contents": "Smoking characteristics by type of employment. Smoking habits are examined in a probability sample of 75,827 American men and women. The data was obtained from The 1970 Household Interview Survey conducted by The National Center for Health Statistics. There are pronounced differences in prevalence intensity, kind, cessation of smoking related to type of employment. Occupations tend to be more of a factor in white males, where occupational choice is least encumbered, than in black males or in females. While blacks uniformly smoke with greater prevalence, they are much lighter smokers than whites. Employed women tend to smoke with prevalence approaching males for many occupations. Prevalence of smoking almost uniformly is highest among blue collar occupations and lowest among professionals, managers, and proprietors.", "PMID": 993866} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5407", "title": "Safety and the problem employee.", "content": "Approximately 5 to 7% of workers in any large employee population can be described as having borderline acceptable work performance and fluctuating emotional stability. This subpopulation of employees can be characterized as suffering from attitudinal disturbances ranging from mild to severe. At times physical illness can be an important contributing factor, but more commonly the sole attribute these individuals possess is a negative attitude toward work. It is this sub-group of problem employees which contribute the largest percent of unsafe acts leading to the greatest numbers of industrial accidents in the work community. Identification of this sub-group in the work force and utilization of selective physician-management counseling are definite steps that can be taken to improve the overall performance of the work group. Above average frequency of industrial accidents as well as above average rates of short term absence are significant job performance characteristics which correlate highly with identification of the problem employee. The mutual interchange between supervisor and employee of the counseling session provides a significant contribution to the employees coping mechanism. In our experience 85% of employees improve their job performance following counseling without the need for additional disciplinary action. A follow-up review of job performance with the employee is held within three to six months to reinforce the corrective steps already begun. Cost savings resulting from this approach can be significant. In this study a cost savings of $185 per employee per year was generated in a small isolated work group between 1972 to 1975. The calculation of direct dollar savings foe improvement in lost time statistics probably represent minimal cost savings, as some studies assume the total cost for sickness absence are 2-1/2 times the direct cost.", "contents": "Safety and the problem employee. Approximately 5 to 7% of workers in any large employee population can be described as having borderline acceptable work performance and fluctuating emotional stability. This subpopulation of employees can be characterized as suffering from attitudinal disturbances ranging from mild to severe. At times physical illness can be an important contributing factor, but more commonly the sole attribute these individuals possess is a negative attitude toward work. It is this sub-group of problem employees which contribute the largest percent of unsafe acts leading to the greatest numbers of industrial accidents in the work community. Identification of this sub-group in the work force and utilization of selective physician-management counseling are definite steps that can be taken to improve the overall performance of the work group. Above average frequency of industrial accidents as well as above average rates of short term absence are significant job performance characteristics which correlate highly with identification of the problem employee. The mutual interchange between supervisor and employee of the counseling session provides a significant contribution to the employees coping mechanism. In our experience 85% of employees improve their job performance following counseling without the need for additional disciplinary action. A follow-up review of job performance with the employee is held within three to six months to reinforce the corrective steps already begun. Cost savings resulting from this approach can be significant. In this study a cost savings of $185 per employee per year was generated in a small isolated work group between 1972 to 1975. The calculation of direct dollar savings foe improvement in lost time statistics probably represent minimal cost savings, as some studies assume the total cost for sickness absence are 2-1/2 times the direct cost.", "PMID": 993869} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5408", "title": "Occupational differences in rates of lung cancer.", "content": "Lung cancer rates in Los Angeles County were reviewed for different occupations and industries. Employment groups found to be at excess risk who have not been previously implicated included roofers, dental lab technicians, decorators, nonautomotive mechanics, photoengravers, clothing ironers, electricians, bar and restaurant managers, janitors: and workers in the radio-TV brooad-casting, dairy, leather, food and drink, bakery, and auto repair industries. Mo lung cancer in Los Angeles County had exposure to asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAH), or both.", "contents": "Occupational differences in rates of lung cancer. Lung cancer rates in Los Angeles County were reviewed for different occupations and industries. Employment groups found to be at excess risk who have not been previously implicated included roofers, dental lab technicians, decorators, nonautomotive mechanics, photoengravers, clothing ironers, electricians, bar and restaurant managers, janitors: and workers in the radio-TV brooad-casting, dairy, leather, food and drink, bakery, and auto repair industries. Mo lung cancer in Los Angeles County had exposure to asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAH), or both.", "PMID": 993873} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5409", "title": "Preventive health program for nickel workers.", "content": "The possible hazards of exposure to certain nickel compounds during nickel refining have been recognized for over 40 years. Much progress has been made in worker protection by cleaning up the process and by other protective means, and improved personal hygiene. The problem in the past has been determining those employees who are most exposed. This has been accomplished in this project by regular plasma and urine nickel determinations, demonstrating that nickel process workers absorb nickel which can be measured in plasma and urine. It was found that the highest plasma and urine nickel levels were seen in workers in those departments in which the greatest incidence of respiratory cancer occurs. Whether persistently elevated plasma nickel can be correlated with the eventual development of respiratory tract cancer is the subject for continued years of follow-up. It is not possible to conclude at this time that there is any association between the raised plasma and urine nickel and the incidence of cancer.", "contents": "Preventive health program for nickel workers. The possible hazards of exposure to certain nickel compounds during nickel refining have been recognized for over 40 years. Much progress has been made in worker protection by cleaning up the process and by other protective means, and improved personal hygiene. The problem in the past has been determining those employees who are most exposed. This has been accomplished in this project by regular plasma and urine nickel determinations, demonstrating that nickel process workers absorb nickel which can be measured in plasma and urine. It was found that the highest plasma and urine nickel levels were seen in workers in those departments in which the greatest incidence of respiratory cancer occurs. Whether persistently elevated plasma nickel can be correlated with the eventual development of respiratory tract cancer is the subject for continued years of follow-up. It is not possible to conclude at this time that there is any association between the raised plasma and urine nickel and the incidence of cancer.", "PMID": 993874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5410", "title": "Toxicology of petroleum naphtha distillate vapors.", "content": "A unique opportunity was presented to observe the potentially toxic effects of an acute exposure to the vapors of petroleum naphtha distillate on a relatively large number of individuals. The immediate manifestation in all was dyspnea. The action on motor vehicle combustion suggested that some of this could have been due to oxygen deprivation; however, all individuals were dyspneic for several minutes after exposure. A few were cyanotic for several minutes after exposure. All were excited. Tremulousness and mild nausea followed the initial symptoms but were of brief duration. One individual manifested numerous premature ventricular contractions. Since his exposure was brief and since none of the others showed similar findings, it is unlikely that the exposure was causal. The central nervous system depression described in acute exposure cases of the intact (not distillate) petroleum naphtha fumes was not observed in any of this series. There were no delayed manifestations or complications.", "contents": "Toxicology of petroleum naphtha distillate vapors. A unique opportunity was presented to observe the potentially toxic effects of an acute exposure to the vapors of petroleum naphtha distillate on a relatively large number of individuals. The immediate manifestation in all was dyspnea. The action on motor vehicle combustion suggested that some of this could have been due to oxygen deprivation; however, all individuals were dyspneic for several minutes after exposure. A few were cyanotic for several minutes after exposure. All were excited. Tremulousness and mild nausea followed the initial symptoms but were of brief duration. One individual manifested numerous premature ventricular contractions. Since his exposure was brief and since none of the others showed similar findings, it is unlikely that the exposure was causal. The central nervous system depression described in acute exposure cases of the intact (not distillate) petroleum naphtha fumes was not observed in any of this series. There were no delayed manifestations or complications.", "PMID": 993875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5411", "title": "Relative importance of growth hormone and sex steroids for the growth at puberty of trunk length, limb length, and muscle width in growth hormone-deficient children.", "content": "We have followed the growth of stature, sitting height, skinfolds, muscle widths measured radiologically, and skeletal maturity in growth hormone-deficient patients in whom hGH was given and withheld in alternating three-month periods throughout puberty (referred to as \"off-hGH\" and \"on-hGH\" periods). Six boys and four girls had true isolated GH deficiency and developed puberty spontaneously. Two boys had gonadotrophin deficiency plus GH deficiency, and five boys had multiple deficiencies; in these boys the signs of puberty were induced by hormone treatment. Boys with true isolated deficiency grew about two-thirds as much in height in the off-hGH periods as in the on-hGH periods; their total gain in height during the adolescent spurt would have been about 20 cm, instead of 30 cm, if hGH had been discontinued at the beginning of puberty. The effect of hGH was entirely on growth in leg-length, however, which virtually ceased during the off-hGH periods. Growth in sitting height altered little when hGH was withdrawn. Growth in limb muscles, however, was GH dependent throughout puberty; during the majority of periods when hGH was withheld, muscle was actually lost; this occurred in the boys who were receiving large doses of testosterone as well as in those producing their own normal amounts. Subcutaneous fat diminished when hGH was given and increased when it was withdrawn; this occurred independently of administration of testosterone. There was little evidence that growth of pubic and axillary hair progressed faster during on-hGH periods, except perhaps in patients with multiple deficiencies. There was some evidence, however, that bone age progressed less rapidly during on-hGH periods than during off-hGH periods in the patients with isolated deficiency. The results in the girls agreed with those in boys so far as stature was concerned, but the relationship with sitting height and leg length appeared to be different; the reasons for this are discussed. We conclude that all children with GH deficiency should continue on treatment with hGH throughout puberty, ideally until growth ceases.", "contents": "Relative importance of growth hormone and sex steroids for the growth at puberty of trunk length, limb length, and muscle width in growth hormone-deficient children. We have followed the growth of stature, sitting height, skinfolds, muscle widths measured radiologically, and skeletal maturity in growth hormone-deficient patients in whom hGH was given and withheld in alternating three-month periods throughout puberty (referred to as \"off-hGH\" and \"on-hGH\" periods). Six boys and four girls had true isolated GH deficiency and developed puberty spontaneously. Two boys had gonadotrophin deficiency plus GH deficiency, and five boys had multiple deficiencies; in these boys the signs of puberty were induced by hormone treatment. Boys with true isolated deficiency grew about two-thirds as much in height in the off-hGH periods as in the on-hGH periods; their total gain in height during the adolescent spurt would have been about 20 cm, instead of 30 cm, if hGH had been discontinued at the beginning of puberty. The effect of hGH was entirely on growth in leg-length, however, which virtually ceased during the off-hGH periods. Growth in sitting height altered little when hGH was withdrawn. Growth in limb muscles, however, was GH dependent throughout puberty; during the majority of periods when hGH was withheld, muscle was actually lost; this occurred in the boys who were receiving large doses of testosterone as well as in those producing their own normal amounts. Subcutaneous fat diminished when hGH was given and increased when it was withdrawn; this occurred independently of administration of testosterone. There was little evidence that growth of pubic and axillary hair progressed faster during on-hGH periods, except perhaps in patients with multiple deficiencies. There was some evidence, however, that bone age progressed less rapidly during on-hGH periods than during off-hGH periods in the patients with isolated deficiency. The results in the girls agreed with those in boys so far as stature was concerned, but the relationship with sitting height and leg length appeared to be different; the reasons for this are discussed. We conclude that all children with GH deficiency should continue on treatment with hGH throughout puberty, ideally until growth ceases.", "PMID": 993900} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5412", "title": "Successful treatment of Candida meningitis with amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine in combination.", "content": "The combined use of amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine in the treatment of two children with Candida albicans meningitis is described. Therapy consisted of nine to 13 days of iv amphotericin B, combined with, or followed by six to nine weeks of oral 5-FC. Each organism was sensitive to 5-FC before starting therapy. Resistance did not develop during therapy. CSF administration was not necessary and toxic reactions were minimal and transient; neither patient has suffered a recurrence four years and 14 months, respectively, after discontinuance of therapy. The combination of short-term therapy with iv amphotericin B plus long-term oral 5-FC was successful in these two patients.", "contents": "Successful treatment of Candida meningitis with amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine in combination. The combined use of amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine in the treatment of two children with Candida albicans meningitis is described. Therapy consisted of nine to 13 days of iv amphotericin B, combined with, or followed by six to nine weeks of oral 5-FC. Each organism was sensitive to 5-FC before starting therapy. Resistance did not develop during therapy. CSF administration was not necessary and toxic reactions were minimal and transient; neither patient has suffered a recurrence four years and 14 months, respectively, after discontinuance of therapy. The combination of short-term therapy with iv amphotericin B plus long-term oral 5-FC was successful in these two patients.", "PMID": 993903} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5413", "title": "Recurrent hypernatremia; a proposed mechanism in a patient with absence of thirst and abnormal excretion of water.", "content": "A 7-year-old girl twice developed severe hypernatremia (serum sodium values up to 194 mEq/l) without obvious cause. The ability of her kidneys to conserve water was normal, and increasing her plasma osmolality stimulated an appropriate ADH response. Unable to excrete a water load, her kidneys continued to conserve water even with a serum sodium concentration of 133 mEq/l. She was never thirsty and did not ingest sufficient fluid by choice. Although there was no demonstrable anatomic lesion, we postulate a localized defect of her thirst center. This may have modified release of ADH and resulted in an inability to dilute the urine by interrupting a pathway that could exist from the thirst center to the supraoptic nuclei. A therapeutic regimen based on these studies has prevented further hypernatremia.", "contents": "Recurrent hypernatremia; a proposed mechanism in a patient with absence of thirst and abnormal excretion of water. A 7-year-old girl twice developed severe hypernatremia (serum sodium values up to 194 mEq/l) without obvious cause. The ability of her kidneys to conserve water was normal, and increasing her plasma osmolality stimulated an appropriate ADH response. Unable to excrete a water load, her kidneys continued to conserve water even with a serum sodium concentration of 133 mEq/l. She was never thirsty and did not ingest sufficient fluid by choice. Although there was no demonstrable anatomic lesion, we postulate a localized defect of her thirst center. This may have modified release of ADH and resulted in an inability to dilute the urine by interrupting a pathway that could exist from the thirst center to the supraoptic nuclei. A therapeutic regimen based on these studies has prevented further hypernatremia.", "PMID": 993915} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5414", "title": "Increased lead absorption with anemia and slowed nerve conduction in children near a lead smelter.", "content": "Studies to evaluate the prevalence, sources, and health consequences of lead absorption were conducted among children living near a primary lead smelter. Lead levels in air, soil, and dust were highest at the smelter and decreased with distance. Ninety-nine percent of one- to nine-year-old children living within 1.6 kilometers had blood lead levels greater than or equal 40 mug/dl, indicating increased absorption, and 22% had levels greater than or equal 80 mug/dl. The prevalence of lead levels greater than or equal 40 mug/dl decreased with distance; at 72 kilometers from the smelter it was 1%. Erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels increased with blood lead levels: 17% of children with lead levels of greater than or equal 80 mug/dl were anemic. There was no overt neurologic toxicity. Significant negative correlation was found in 202 five- to nine-year-old children between blood lead levels and motor nerve conduction velocity (r = 0.38, p less than 0.02).", "contents": "Increased lead absorption with anemia and slowed nerve conduction in children near a lead smelter. Studies to evaluate the prevalence, sources, and health consequences of lead absorption were conducted among children living near a primary lead smelter. Lead levels in air, soil, and dust were highest at the smelter and decreased with distance. Ninety-nine percent of one- to nine-year-old children living within 1.6 kilometers had blood lead levels greater than or equal 40 mug/dl, indicating increased absorption, and 22% had levels greater than or equal 80 mug/dl. The prevalence of lead levels greater than or equal 40 mug/dl decreased with distance; at 72 kilometers from the smelter it was 1%. Erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels increased with blood lead levels: 17% of children with lead levels of greater than or equal 80 mug/dl were anemic. There was no overt neurologic toxicity. Significant negative correlation was found in 202 five- to nine-year-old children between blood lead levels and motor nerve conduction velocity (r = 0.38, p less than 0.02).", "PMID": 993916} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5415", "title": "Chondrodysplasia punctata-23 cases of a mild and relatively common variety.", "content": "A common form of chondrodysplasia punctata has been defined by characteristic clinical and radiologic features in 23 patients seen in Melbourne. The patients presented during infancy because of failure to thrive, apparent mental retardation, and/or unusual appearance. The typical facies is almost diagnostic, and the diagnosis is completed by finding punctate calcification in the calcaneum in lateral radiographs of the feet, and sometimes in other sites. Growth and developmental progress improved during childhood and the final outcome seems likely to comprise low normal height and intelligence with persistence of typical facies. Mild cases probably pass unrecognized at present. Seventeen patients were male. Paternal age was significantly increased; however, family data did not support a genetic cause. Illnesses during pregnancy were unusually frequent, and anticonvulsants taken during pregnancy may have had an etiologic role in some patients.", "contents": "Chondrodysplasia punctata-23 cases of a mild and relatively common variety. A common form of chondrodysplasia punctata has been defined by characteristic clinical and radiologic features in 23 patients seen in Melbourne. The patients presented during infancy because of failure to thrive, apparent mental retardation, and/or unusual appearance. The typical facies is almost diagnostic, and the diagnosis is completed by finding punctate calcification in the calcaneum in lateral radiographs of the feet, and sometimes in other sites. Growth and developmental progress improved during childhood and the final outcome seems likely to comprise low normal height and intelligence with persistence of typical facies. Mild cases probably pass unrecognized at present. Seventeen patients were male. Paternal age was significantly increased; however, family data did not support a genetic cause. Illnesses during pregnancy were unusually frequent, and anticonvulsants taken during pregnancy may have had an etiologic role in some patients.", "PMID": 993917} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5416", "title": "Macrodactyly, hemihypertrophy, and connective tissue nevi: report of a new syndrome and review of the literature.", "content": "Macrodactyly and hemihypertrophy have been described in association with a number of syndromes which are reviewed. We describe a child who, in addition to macrodactyly and hemihypertrophy, has extensive connective tissue nevi. He does not conform to any known entity and would appear to represent a \"new\" syndrome.", "contents": "Macrodactyly, hemihypertrophy, and connective tissue nevi: report of a new syndrome and review of the literature. Macrodactyly and hemihypertrophy have been described in association with a number of syndromes which are reviewed. We describe a child who, in addition to macrodactyly and hemihypertrophy, has extensive connective tissue nevi. He does not conform to any known entity and would appear to represent a \"new\" syndrome.", "PMID": 993918} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5417", "title": "Choledochal cyst: a review of 19 cases.", "content": "Nineteen cases of choledochal cyst are reviewed. Two distinct groups of patients were identified. Patients under one year of age, initially diagnosed as having biliary atresia, had a higher mortality rate, a higher incidence of severe cirrhosis with portal hypertension, and associated atresia or stenosis in the biliary tree. The second group, presenting between 3 and 20 years of age with more classic symptoms, had mild cirrhosis without portal hypertension and had associated choledocholithiasis and pancreatitis. It is suggested that the younger patients had a congenital form of cystic bile duct dilatation and that the older patients had an acquired form, perhaps related to a common channel with reflux of pancreatic juice into the common bile duct. Postoperative follow-up supports the current view that choledochocyst-jejunostomy with choleystectomy has a lower rate of long-term complications than does choledochocyst-duodenostomy.", "contents": "Choledochal cyst: a review of 19 cases. Nineteen cases of choledochal cyst are reviewed. Two distinct groups of patients were identified. Patients under one year of age, initially diagnosed as having biliary atresia, had a higher mortality rate, a higher incidence of severe cirrhosis with portal hypertension, and associated atresia or stenosis in the biliary tree. The second group, presenting between 3 and 20 years of age with more classic symptoms, had mild cirrhosis without portal hypertension and had associated choledocholithiasis and pancreatitis. It is suggested that the younger patients had a congenital form of cystic bile duct dilatation and that the older patients had an acquired form, perhaps related to a common channel with reflux of pancreatic juice into the common bile duct. Postoperative follow-up supports the current view that choledochocyst-jejunostomy with choleystectomy has a lower rate of long-term complications than does choledochocyst-duodenostomy.", "PMID": 993919} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5418", "title": "The effects of large volume intravenous fluid infusion on neonatal renal function.", "content": "Twenty healthy infants weighing less than 2,000 gm were studied at low (3.6 ml/kg/hr) or high (10.3 ml/kg/hr) rates of intravenous infusion. Inulin clearance determined by the constant infusion method was greater at the high rate of infusion (p = less than 0.05). Inulin clearance in two groups of infants over 2,000 gm studies at the same low or high rates of infusion did not increase at the higher rate of infusion. Since the GFR in infants less than 2,000 gm depends partially on the rate of intravenous infusion, small, healthy preterm infants may benefit from a rate of fluid administration greater than the low rate. When studies at low and high rates of infusion were compared in the 20 infants less than 2,000 gm, the fractional urinary sodium excretion increased with the increased fluid load. Delivery of fluid from the proximal tubule (CH2O =Na per dl GFR) increased (p less than 0.005). Free-water clearance and the absolute volume of urine increased at the high rate of infusion. These data indicate that the healthy preterm infant less than 2,000 gm, like the adult, compensates by increasing free-water clearance and urine volume when challenged with a large fluid load. Although fluid changes of short duration are appropriately handled, the effect of continuous rapid infusion on water and sodium balance in infants of this size remains to be determined.", "contents": "The effects of large volume intravenous fluid infusion on neonatal renal function. Twenty healthy infants weighing less than 2,000 gm were studied at low (3.6 ml/kg/hr) or high (10.3 ml/kg/hr) rates of intravenous infusion. Inulin clearance determined by the constant infusion method was greater at the high rate of infusion (p = less than 0.05). Inulin clearance in two groups of infants over 2,000 gm studies at the same low or high rates of infusion did not increase at the higher rate of infusion. Since the GFR in infants less than 2,000 gm depends partially on the rate of intravenous infusion, small, healthy preterm infants may benefit from a rate of fluid administration greater than the low rate. When studies at low and high rates of infusion were compared in the 20 infants less than 2,000 gm, the fractional urinary sodium excretion increased with the increased fluid load. Delivery of fluid from the proximal tubule (CH2O =Na per dl GFR) increased (p less than 0.005). Free-water clearance and the absolute volume of urine increased at the high rate of infusion. These data indicate that the healthy preterm infant less than 2,000 gm, like the adult, compensates by increasing free-water clearance and urine volume when challenged with a large fluid load. Although fluid changes of short duration are appropriately handled, the effect of continuous rapid infusion on water and sodium balance in infants of this size remains to be determined.", "PMID": 993925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5419", "title": "Oral calcium supplementation in premature and asphyxiated meonates.", "content": "Biochemical and hormonal effects of oral calcium supplementation in premature and asphyxiated neonates during the first few days of life are described. Eight pairs of infants were matched for gestational age and one-minute Apgar score. One member of each pair served as a control and the other was given supplemental oral calcium (75 mg/kg/24 hr) beginning at 12 and ending at 72 hours of age. The supplemental infants had significantly higher serum calcium values both during the time of supplementation and for 36 hours after supplementation was stopped. The oral calcium supplements had no significant effect on serum concentrations of phosphate, magnesium, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, or parathyroid hormone, The incidence of hypocalcemia after 12 hours of age was 0 in eight supplemented infants and three in eight control infants. In patients at risk for hypocalcemia, prospective use of oral calcium supplements during the period when there is inadequate calcium intake from feedings may prevent hypocalcemia, appears to be without deleterious effect on measurable chemical and hormonal factors important in calcium homeostasis, and results in maintenance of higher serum calcium levels after supplementation has been discontinued.", "contents": "Oral calcium supplementation in premature and asphyxiated meonates. Biochemical and hormonal effects of oral calcium supplementation in premature and asphyxiated neonates during the first few days of life are described. Eight pairs of infants were matched for gestational age and one-minute Apgar score. One member of each pair served as a control and the other was given supplemental oral calcium (75 mg/kg/24 hr) beginning at 12 and ending at 72 hours of age. The supplemental infants had significantly higher serum calcium values both during the time of supplementation and for 36 hours after supplementation was stopped. The oral calcium supplements had no significant effect on serum concentrations of phosphate, magnesium, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, or parathyroid hormone, The incidence of hypocalcemia after 12 hours of age was 0 in eight supplemented infants and three in eight control infants. In patients at risk for hypocalcemia, prospective use of oral calcium supplements during the period when there is inadequate calcium intake from feedings may prevent hypocalcemia, appears to be without deleterious effect on measurable chemical and hormonal factors important in calcium homeostasis, and results in maintenance of higher serum calcium levels after supplementation has been discontinued.", "PMID": 993926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5420", "title": "Neonatal renal arterial embolism syndrome.", "content": "Attention is called to a poorly recognized syndrome of neonatal renal arterial embolism, presumably from the ductus arteriosum, resulting in malignant hypertension, congestive heart failure, respiratory distress, and increased renin secretion. Radiographic studies revealed a ductus diverticulum and multiple narrowed arteries including the lower pole branches of the right renal artery. Renal scan showed poor imaging of the lower pole of the right kidney. Nephrectomy resulted in a prompt return of the blood pressure into the normal range. Eight cases recorded in the literature resemble the one reported here, and six of the eight had an associated thrombosis of the ductus arteriosum. Our patient appears to be the first case recognized by modern techniques followed by nephrectomy and clinical cure.", "contents": "Neonatal renal arterial embolism syndrome. Attention is called to a poorly recognized syndrome of neonatal renal arterial embolism, presumably from the ductus arteriosum, resulting in malignant hypertension, congestive heart failure, respiratory distress, and increased renin secretion. Radiographic studies revealed a ductus diverticulum and multiple narrowed arteries including the lower pole branches of the right renal artery. Renal scan showed poor imaging of the lower pole of the right kidney. Nephrectomy resulted in a prompt return of the blood pressure into the normal range. Eight cases recorded in the literature resemble the one reported here, and six of the eight had an associated thrombosis of the ductus arteriosum. Our patient appears to be the first case recognized by modern techniques followed by nephrectomy and clinical cure.", "PMID": 993927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5421", "title": "Interrelation of the therapeutic effects of growth hormone and testosterone on growth in hypopituitarism.", "content": "The present study evaluates the modifying effect of growth hormone on the growth-promoting action of testosterone in boys at pubertal bone age. Growth and bone maturation were analyzed in 42 boys with primary or secondary Leydig cell insufficiency who had been treated with testosterone in an attempt to induce puberty and the accompanying growth spurt. The dosage given was considered normal or high for physiologic replacement therapy at puberty. Sixteen boys had normal GH secretion (seven had isolated gonadotropin deficiency, nine had congenital anorchia); 26 were GH and Gn deficient (20 idiopathic, six craniopharyngiomas). Of the GH-deficient patients, 12 received hGH simultaneously, while 14 received only testosterone. Results from each group were compared with the normal pubertal growth spurt in 15 untreated healthy boys. In isolated Gn deficiency and in congenital anorchia, the growth rates increased to above normal during the first six months of treatment, indicating that the testosterone dosage was probably too high for the beginning of puberty. During two subsequent six-month treatment periods, the rates leveled off close to normal. The same was true in the GH- and Gn-deficient patients on adequate hGH replacement. For contrast, there was minimal or no stimulation of growth when an even higher testosterone dose was given to GH- and Gn-deficient boys without hGH therapy. Bone maturation was normal in the boys with normal GH secretion or with hGH replacement, but was subnormal in the GH-deficient boys not treated with hGH. We conclude that testosterone exerts its full growth-promoting action only in the presence of normal endogenous GH secretion or with sufficient hGH replacement and that both hormones should be continued simultaneously until final adult height is achieved.", "contents": "Interrelation of the therapeutic effects of growth hormone and testosterone on growth in hypopituitarism. The present study evaluates the modifying effect of growth hormone on the growth-promoting action of testosterone in boys at pubertal bone age. Growth and bone maturation were analyzed in 42 boys with primary or secondary Leydig cell insufficiency who had been treated with testosterone in an attempt to induce puberty and the accompanying growth spurt. The dosage given was considered normal or high for physiologic replacement therapy at puberty. Sixteen boys had normal GH secretion (seven had isolated gonadotropin deficiency, nine had congenital anorchia); 26 were GH and Gn deficient (20 idiopathic, six craniopharyngiomas). Of the GH-deficient patients, 12 received hGH simultaneously, while 14 received only testosterone. Results from each group were compared with the normal pubertal growth spurt in 15 untreated healthy boys. In isolated Gn deficiency and in congenital anorchia, the growth rates increased to above normal during the first six months of treatment, indicating that the testosterone dosage was probably too high for the beginning of puberty. During two subsequent six-month treatment periods, the rates leveled off close to normal. The same was true in the GH- and Gn-deficient patients on adequate hGH replacement. For contrast, there was minimal or no stimulation of growth when an even higher testosterone dose was given to GH- and Gn-deficient boys without hGH therapy. Bone maturation was normal in the boys with normal GH secretion or with hGH replacement, but was subnormal in the GH-deficient boys not treated with hGH. We conclude that testosterone exerts its full growth-promoting action only in the presence of normal endogenous GH secretion or with sufficient hGH replacement and that both hormones should be continued simultaneously until final adult height is achieved.", "PMID": 993931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5422", "title": "Clinical management of malignant hyperpyrexia.", "content": "Experience with eight cases of malignant hyperpyrexia are presented. The different types are described and illustrated by clinical cases. Early recognition of this condition is the cornerstone in the successful management of the complication. Early diagnosis and methods of treatment are described.", "contents": "Clinical management of malignant hyperpyrexia. Experience with eight cases of malignant hyperpyrexia are presented. The different types are described and illustrated by clinical cases. Early recognition of this condition is the cornerstone in the successful management of the complication. Early diagnosis and methods of treatment are described.", "PMID": 993933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5423", "title": "Lessening of adverse biochemical effects of shock in newborn puppies by general anesthesia.", "content": "A shock preparation has been developed which produces the expected anaerobic metabolism in neonatal beagle puppies less than 7 days old. Lactic acid production was found to be significantly higher in shocked puppies operated upon under local anesthesia than when the same procedures were performed in shocked puppies under general endotracheal anesthesia. These findings suggest that general anesthesia may be safer in the very sick human neonate.", "contents": "Lessening of adverse biochemical effects of shock in newborn puppies by general anesthesia. A shock preparation has been developed which produces the expected anaerobic metabolism in neonatal beagle puppies less than 7 days old. Lactic acid production was found to be significantly higher in shocked puppies operated upon under local anesthesia than when the same procedures were performed in shocked puppies under general endotracheal anesthesia. These findings suggest that general anesthesia may be safer in the very sick human neonate.", "PMID": 993934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5424", "title": "Colloid versus crystalloid resuscitation in experimental bowel obstruction.", "content": "The physiologic effects of fluid resuscitation were studied in 20 piglets with advanced small bowel obstruction. Two solutions were compared: 5% albumin in normal saline and normal saline. Animals resuscitated with albumin-containing solution showed higher serum colloid oncotic pressure, greater loss of peritoneal fluid, lower urine output, and progression of muscular dehydration, when compared to animals resuscitated with similar volumes of normal saline solution.", "contents": "Colloid versus crystalloid resuscitation in experimental bowel obstruction. The physiologic effects of fluid resuscitation were studied in 20 piglets with advanced small bowel obstruction. Two solutions were compared: 5% albumin in normal saline and normal saline. Animals resuscitated with albumin-containing solution showed higher serum colloid oncotic pressure, greater loss of peritoneal fluid, lower urine output, and progression of muscular dehydration, when compared to animals resuscitated with similar volumes of normal saline solution.", "PMID": 993935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5425", "title": "Pulmonary fine structural changes in children with tissue hypoxia.", "content": "Six children have undergone lung biopsy for evaluation of fine structure. Four children demonstrated increased DAVO2 preoperatively and had marked ultrastructural changes in their lungs. Such changes appear to result from embolization of microthrombi or microaggregates to the lung from under-oxygenated tissue.", "contents": "Pulmonary fine structural changes in children with tissue hypoxia. Six children have undergone lung biopsy for evaluation of fine structure. Four children demonstrated increased DAVO2 preoperatively and had marked ultrastructural changes in their lungs. Such changes appear to result from embolization of microthrombi or microaggregates to the lung from under-oxygenated tissue.", "PMID": 993939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5426", "title": "Thoracoscopy for diagnosis of intrathoracic lesions in children.", "content": "Disenchantment with available techniques for specific diagnosis of intrathoracic pulmonary lesions in children has led us to explore the usefulness of thoracoscopy. We have performed this technique in nine patients ranging in age from 17 mo to 16 yr. The procedure is performed under intravenous anesthesia with the patient spontaneously breathing oxygen. A fiberoptic rod lens system is employed for the direct observation and biopsy of pulmonary parenchymal or chest wall lesions. Adequate tissue has been obtained in each case to allow a specific diagnosis. There has been no mortality from this procedure and only minor morbidity. We believe that this technique offers a rapid and simple method for the diagnosis of diffuse or localized disease of pulmonary parenchyma or chest wall in children.", "contents": "Thoracoscopy for diagnosis of intrathoracic lesions in children. Disenchantment with available techniques for specific diagnosis of intrathoracic pulmonary lesions in children has led us to explore the usefulness of thoracoscopy. We have performed this technique in nine patients ranging in age from 17 mo to 16 yr. The procedure is performed under intravenous anesthesia with the patient spontaneously breathing oxygen. A fiberoptic rod lens system is employed for the direct observation and biopsy of pulmonary parenchymal or chest wall lesions. Adequate tissue has been obtained in each case to allow a specific diagnosis. There has been no mortality from this procedure and only minor morbidity. We believe that this technique offers a rapid and simple method for the diagnosis of diffuse or localized disease of pulmonary parenchyma or chest wall in children.", "PMID": 993940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5427", "title": "Circular esophagomyotomy of upper pouch in primary repair of long-segment esophageal atresia.", "content": "A method of performing circular esophagomyotomy of the upper pouch is described as an effective technique for use in repair of esophageal atresia where the ends cannot be brought together.", "contents": "Circular esophagomyotomy of upper pouch in primary repair of long-segment esophageal atresia. A method of performing circular esophagomyotomy of the upper pouch is described as an effective technique for use in repair of esophageal atresia where the ends cannot be brought together.", "PMID": 993941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5428", "title": "Life-threatening anoxic spells caused by tracheal compression after repair of esophageal atresia: correction by surgery.", "content": "Three infants who developed anoxic spells 2, 5, and 20 mo following repair of esophageal atresia developed apneic spells during or within a few minutes of feeding. These episodes began with stridor and cyanosis; when severe, they progressed to apnea and loss of consciousness. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was often necessary. Investigations failed to detect esophageal obstruction and/or a recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula. No neurologic or cardiac abnormalities were found. The cause was compression of a 1- to 3-cm segment of trachea anteriorly by a vascular structure and posteriorly by a dilated esophagus that emptied slowly because of poor motility. Endoscopy confirmed the x-ray findings. The aortic arch and innominate artery were suspended to the sternum anteriorly, which relieved the apneic spells in all patients.", "contents": "Life-threatening anoxic spells caused by tracheal compression after repair of esophageal atresia: correction by surgery. Three infants who developed anoxic spells 2, 5, and 20 mo following repair of esophageal atresia developed apneic spells during or within a few minutes of feeding. These episodes began with stridor and cyanosis; when severe, they progressed to apnea and loss of consciousness. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was often necessary. Investigations failed to detect esophageal obstruction and/or a recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula. No neurologic or cardiac abnormalities were found. The cause was compression of a 1- to 3-cm segment of trachea anteriorly by a vascular structure and posteriorly by a dilated esophagus that emptied slowly because of poor motility. Endoscopy confirmed the x-ray findings. The aortic arch and innominate artery were suspended to the sternum anteriorly, which relieved the apneic spells in all patients.", "PMID": 993944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5429", "title": "Gastroesophageal fundoplication for reflux in infants and children.", "content": "Fifteen infants and young children with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux underwent fundoplication during a 6 1/2-yr period. Standard barium esophagrams clearly demonstrated reflux in only 10 of the 15 patients; however, cine esophagrams indicated reflux in the remaining patients. Esophagoscopy with mucosal biopsy demonstrated esophagitis in 9 of the 10 patients in whom it was performed, and it is a very helpful diagnostic procedure. Esophageal manometry showed low sphincter pressures in each of 7 patients. Fundoplication was performed when there was (1) persistent reflux after a 3-wk hospital course of vigorous medical management, (2) failure to gain weight, (3) malnutrition, (4) recurrent aspiration, (5) esophagitis, or (6) stricture. Concomitant gastrostomy prevented the gas bloat syndrome in all patients. All strictures were successfully relieved by postoperative dilatation (average four per patient). Esophageal replacement is rarely indicated for strictures due to reflux in children. No deaths or major complications occurred following operation. Each of the patients has been relieved of clinical reflux, and each has gained weight more rapidly than preoperatively. Follow-up esophagrams on each of the patients show absence of reflux, and manometry shows the low esophageal sphincter pressure to be increased an average of 10 mm Hg above preoperative values. Since the results of Nissen fundoplication to correct reflux in infants and young children are highly satisfactory, and since the consequences of persistent reflux may be severe, a fairly aggressive approach should be taken in the management of symptomatic reflux.", "contents": "Gastroesophageal fundoplication for reflux in infants and children. Fifteen infants and young children with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux underwent fundoplication during a 6 1/2-yr period. Standard barium esophagrams clearly demonstrated reflux in only 10 of the 15 patients; however, cine esophagrams indicated reflux in the remaining patients. Esophagoscopy with mucosal biopsy demonstrated esophagitis in 9 of the 10 patients in whom it was performed, and it is a very helpful diagnostic procedure. Esophageal manometry showed low sphincter pressures in each of 7 patients. Fundoplication was performed when there was (1) persistent reflux after a 3-wk hospital course of vigorous medical management, (2) failure to gain weight, (3) malnutrition, (4) recurrent aspiration, (5) esophagitis, or (6) stricture. Concomitant gastrostomy prevented the gas bloat syndrome in all patients. All strictures were successfully relieved by postoperative dilatation (average four per patient). Esophageal replacement is rarely indicated for strictures due to reflux in children. No deaths or major complications occurred following operation. Each of the patients has been relieved of clinical reflux, and each has gained weight more rapidly than preoperatively. Follow-up esophagrams on each of the patients show absence of reflux, and manometry shows the low esophageal sphincter pressure to be increased an average of 10 mm Hg above preoperative values. Since the results of Nissen fundoplication to correct reflux in infants and young children are highly satisfactory, and since the consequences of persistent reflux may be severe, a fairly aggressive approach should be taken in the management of symptomatic reflux.", "PMID": 993946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5430", "title": "An analysis of the need for pediatric surgeons in the United States.", "content": "A questionnaire study covering all major population areas in the United States indicated that pediatric surgeons and potentially capable hospitals are already well-distributed throughout the country. The estimation of need for pediatric surgeons based on the area questionnaires is close to the present number of surgeons. A computer analysis was made to project numbers of pediatric surgeons per unit population to the year 2000 with differing levels of trainee output. The study indicates that 14-15 training programs are sufficient to allow for slow, modest growth of the specialty if current population trends continue.", "contents": "An analysis of the need for pediatric surgeons in the United States. A questionnaire study covering all major population areas in the United States indicated that pediatric surgeons and potentially capable hospitals are already well-distributed throughout the country. The estimation of need for pediatric surgeons based on the area questionnaires is close to the present number of surgeons. A computer analysis was made to project numbers of pediatric surgeons per unit population to the year 2000 with differing levels of trainee output. The study indicates that 14-15 training programs are sufficient to allow for slow, modest growth of the specialty if current population trends continue.", "PMID": 993947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5431", "title": "Continent ileostomy in the pediatric patient.", "content": "Continent ileostomies have been performed in 10 juvenile patients. The operative technique and postoperative management are described. Nine patients wear only small dressings to cover the stoma. One patient is partially incontinent and frequently wears an appliance. Criteria for patient selection and contraindications are discussed.", "contents": "Continent ileostomy in the pediatric patient. Continent ileostomies have been performed in 10 juvenile patients. The operative technique and postoperative management are described. Nine patients wear only small dressings to cover the stoma. One patient is partially incontinent and frequently wears an appliance. Criteria for patient selection and contraindications are discussed.", "PMID": 993948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5432", "title": "Familial juvenile adenomatous polyposis.", "content": "Most colonic polyps in children are of the juvenile type and occur either as single or scattered colonic polyps. The peak incidence occurs between 4 and 6 yr of age, with a spontaneous decline from 12 to 15 yr. Significant clinical symptoms are rare, and operative therapy is rarely indicated. Diffuse colonic juvenile polyposis, however, varies with different clinical, prognostic, and genetic implications. In infancy, colonic polyposis may be associated with diffuse gastrointestinal involvement leading to fatal complications unless treated aggressively. In childhood, colonic polyposis can occur with a genetic variance with an increased incidence of familial intestinal malignancies. Colonic polyposis in childhood, both familial and nonfamilial, can present with a mixed form of juvenile and adenomatous polyposis. In children with colonic polyposis, the biopsy of a single polyp that reveals the histologic appearance of a juvenile polyp does not rule out the simultaneous existence of adenomatous polyps.", "contents": "Familial juvenile adenomatous polyposis. Most colonic polyps in children are of the juvenile type and occur either as single or scattered colonic polyps. The peak incidence occurs between 4 and 6 yr of age, with a spontaneous decline from 12 to 15 yr. Significant clinical symptoms are rare, and operative therapy is rarely indicated. Diffuse colonic juvenile polyposis, however, varies with different clinical, prognostic, and genetic implications. In infancy, colonic polyposis may be associated with diffuse gastrointestinal involvement leading to fatal complications unless treated aggressively. In childhood, colonic polyposis can occur with a genetic variance with an increased incidence of familial intestinal malignancies. Colonic polyposis in childhood, both familial and nonfamilial, can present with a mixed form of juvenile and adenomatous polyposis. In children with colonic polyposis, the biopsy of a single polyp that reveals the histologic appearance of a juvenile polyp does not rule out the simultaneous existence of adenomatous polyps.", "PMID": 993949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5433", "title": "Oral cholestyramine and paregoric therapy for intractable diarrhea following surgical correction of catastrophic disease of the GI tract in neonates.", "content": "Ten surgical neonates with postoperative intractable diarrhea and secondary weight loss were treated with combination cholestyramine and paregoric therapy. Within 3-5 days all infants except two showed significant clinical improvement with a decreasing number of stools, an increase in the consistency of the stool, and gradual weight gain. The exact mechanism of action of cholestyramine is not clear. It may act by binding with bile salts and/or endotoxins in the bowel lumen or decreasing the motility of the bowel. Used in combination with paregoric, a known bowel motility depressant, the doses of each medication can be kept quite low thus avoiding undesirable side effects. Medium chain triglyceride formula is helpful in some of these infants to improve fat absorption further. Medication in all of these infants has been discontinued without any adverse effects.", "contents": "Oral cholestyramine and paregoric therapy for intractable diarrhea following surgical correction of catastrophic disease of the GI tract in neonates. Ten surgical neonates with postoperative intractable diarrhea and secondary weight loss were treated with combination cholestyramine and paregoric therapy. Within 3-5 days all infants except two showed significant clinical improvement with a decreasing number of stools, an increase in the consistency of the stool, and gradual weight gain. The exact mechanism of action of cholestyramine is not clear. It may act by binding with bile salts and/or endotoxins in the bowel lumen or decreasing the motility of the bowel. Used in combination with paregoric, a known bowel motility depressant, the doses of each medication can be kept quite low thus avoiding undesirable side effects. Medium chain triglyceride formula is helpful in some of these infants to improve fat absorption further. Medication in all of these infants has been discontinued without any adverse effects.", "PMID": 993950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5434", "title": "Experience with 55 Silon pouches.", "content": "The application of a Silon pouch usually indicates a desperate if not impossible situation in which the abdominal contents cannot be returned to the abdominal cavity and therefore require some type of covering. Since 1968, we have had experience with 55 Silon pouches in infants and children. Almost all of these pouches were applied to newborns. There were 22 deaths in this series (40%), although 12 of these deaths were in the diaphragmatic hernia group and were almost all due to respiratory failure unrelated to the pouch itself. There were nine deaths in the gastroschisis and omphalocele group (28%) and in all these instances infection (especially Candida) was the underlying cause. While much debate exists as to how the Silon pouch should be handled after its application our series demonstrated that the longer it stayed in place the greater the chance of infection. Furthermore if broad spectrum antibiotics were used for a prolonged period of time, Candida overgrowth of the pouch followed by Candida sepsis and death were almost inevitable.", "contents": "Experience with 55 Silon pouches. The application of a Silon pouch usually indicates a desperate if not impossible situation in which the abdominal contents cannot be returned to the abdominal cavity and therefore require some type of covering. Since 1968, we have had experience with 55 Silon pouches in infants and children. Almost all of these pouches were applied to newborns. There were 22 deaths in this series (40%), although 12 of these deaths were in the diaphragmatic hernia group and were almost all due to respiratory failure unrelated to the pouch itself. There were nine deaths in the gastroschisis and omphalocele group (28%) and in all these instances infection (especially Candida) was the underlying cause. While much debate exists as to how the Silon pouch should be handled after its application our series demonstrated that the longer it stayed in place the greater the chance of infection. Furthermore if broad spectrum antibiotics were used for a prolonged period of time, Candida overgrowth of the pouch followed by Candida sepsis and death were almost inevitable.", "PMID": 993951} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5435", "title": "Hemangioendothelioma of the pancreas obstructing the common bile duct and duodenum.", "content": "A 6-mo-old male with a hemangioendothelioma of the pancreas obstructing the common bile duct and duodenum required temporary bypass of these structures while awaiting involution of the tumor treated primarily by corticosteroids and radiation therapy.", "contents": "Hemangioendothelioma of the pancreas obstructing the common bile duct and duodenum. A 6-mo-old male with a hemangioendothelioma of the pancreas obstructing the common bile duct and duodenum required temporary bypass of these structures while awaiting involution of the tumor treated primarily by corticosteroids and radiation therapy.", "PMID": 993954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5436", "title": "Total thyroidectomy for occult familial medullary carcinoma of the thyroid in children.", "content": "Experience with 17 children in one kindred with familial medullary carcinoma of the thyroid and pheochromocytoma has demonstrated the utility and validity of periodic provocative testing by calcium infusion or pentagastrin injection in the identification of children with early medullary carcinoma of the thyroid or its premalignant precursor, C-cell hyperplasia. In these 17 patients with two consecutive elevations of calcitonin levels greater than 0.55 ng/ml after stimulation all but one have had MTC or CCH at operation. Total thyroidectomy has been well tolerated and can be performed with an acceptably low incidence of complications in this group of patients.", "contents": "Total thyroidectomy for occult familial medullary carcinoma of the thyroid in children. Experience with 17 children in one kindred with familial medullary carcinoma of the thyroid and pheochromocytoma has demonstrated the utility and validity of periodic provocative testing by calcium infusion or pentagastrin injection in the identification of children with early medullary carcinoma of the thyroid or its premalignant precursor, C-cell hyperplasia. In these 17 patients with two consecutive elevations of calcitonin levels greater than 0.55 ng/ml after stimulation all but one have had MTC or CCH at operation. Total thyroidectomy has been well tolerated and can be performed with an acceptably low incidence of complications in this group of patients.", "PMID": 993955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5437", "title": "Management of immature teratoma of the ovary in children by conservative resection and chemotherapy.", "content": "Six patients with immature teratoma of the ovary were treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical management consisted of unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, biopsy and conservation of the contralateral ovary, and biopsy of peritoneal implants. Triple-agent chemotherapy with vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide was given to four patients and appeared to be beneficial. Radiation therapy was not employed. Local resection of teratomatous recurrences was frequently necessary. Thorough sampling of this tumor is mandatory for establishment of an exact pathologic diagnosis. All six patients are surviving in good health at 1-8-yr follow-up. The prognosis of immature teratoma in the child or adolescent appears more favorable than previously appreciated.", "contents": "Management of immature teratoma of the ovary in children by conservative resection and chemotherapy. Six patients with immature teratoma of the ovary were treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical management consisted of unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, biopsy and conservation of the contralateral ovary, and biopsy of peritoneal implants. Triple-agent chemotherapy with vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide was given to four patients and appeared to be beneficial. Radiation therapy was not employed. Local resection of teratomatous recurrences was frequently necessary. Thorough sampling of this tumor is mandatory for establishment of an exact pathologic diagnosis. All six patients are surviving in good health at 1-8-yr follow-up. The prognosis of immature teratoma in the child or adolescent appears more favorable than previously appreciated.", "PMID": 993956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5438", "title": "Lymphoid depletion in ileal loops: mechanism and clinical implications.", "content": "Recent long-term follow-up studies of children undergoing ileal loop urinary diversion have shown a number of complications arising in these patients: recurrent urinary tract infections, deteriorating renal function, and late midloop stricture. We suggest that all three may be related to the same underlying problem, namely, a severe depletion of lymphoid elements in the intestine. In both clinical and animal studies urine exposure to intestinal segments resulted in a marked depletion of lymphoid elements from the Peyer's patches and from beneath the intestinal villi in the intestine. In addition there was an associated hypertrophy of the lymph nodes in the ileal loop mesentery. When the intestine was no longer exposed to urine, there was a prompt regeneration and reappearance of the lymphoid elements. The lymphocytes seemed to \"home in\" on the submucosal areas and reform Peyer's patches once the urine was removed. The hyperplastic lymph nodes in the ileal loop mesentery regressed when urine exposure was removed. Conventional treatment of ileal loop infections focuses on the upper urinary tracts. Mid-loop stenoses are treated by resection and creation of a new ileal loop conduit. Local therapy in the form of antibiotics and/or steroid enemas may relieve some late midloop obstruction and prevent further damage to renal parenchyma.", "contents": "Lymphoid depletion in ileal loops: mechanism and clinical implications. Recent long-term follow-up studies of children undergoing ileal loop urinary diversion have shown a number of complications arising in these patients: recurrent urinary tract infections, deteriorating renal function, and late midloop stricture. We suggest that all three may be related to the same underlying problem, namely, a severe depletion of lymphoid elements in the intestine. In both clinical and animal studies urine exposure to intestinal segments resulted in a marked depletion of lymphoid elements from the Peyer's patches and from beneath the intestinal villi in the intestine. In addition there was an associated hypertrophy of the lymph nodes in the ileal loop mesentery. When the intestine was no longer exposed to urine, there was a prompt regeneration and reappearance of the lymphoid elements. The lymphocytes seemed to \"home in\" on the submucosal areas and reform Peyer's patches once the urine was removed. The hyperplastic lymph nodes in the ileal loop mesentery regressed when urine exposure was removed. Conventional treatment of ileal loop infections focuses on the upper urinary tracts. Mid-loop stenoses are treated by resection and creation of a new ileal loop conduit. Local therapy in the form of antibiotics and/or steroid enemas may relieve some late midloop obstruction and prevent further damage to renal parenchyma.", "PMID": 993957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5439", "title": "[Computer models of personality: implications for measurement].", "content": "Computer models of human behavior have long existed in the world of science fiction; however, in reality, progress has been slow. Research has concentrated, in recent years, on the simulation of memory and cognition. Computer models of personality, although fascinating and potentially useful, have been neglected. This paper reviewed the research done to date, categorizing it under five headings: (a) models of belief systems; (b) models of interpersonal behavior; (c) models of decision-making processes; (d) prediction models; and (e) theory-based simulations of specific processes. One practical application was then explored in depth, that of using the computer models in personality measurement. Although some practical development of the working simulations would have to precede their application to personality measurement, it was felt that such an application would be feasible and useful.", "contents": "[Computer models of personality: implications for measurement]. Computer models of human behavior have long existed in the world of science fiction; however, in reality, progress has been slow. Research has concentrated, in recent years, on the simulation of memory and cognition. Computer models of personality, although fascinating and potentially useful, have been neglected. This paper reviewed the research done to date, categorizing it under five headings: (a) models of belief systems; (b) models of interpersonal behavior; (c) models of decision-making processes; (d) prediction models; and (e) theory-based simulations of specific processes. One practical application was then explored in depth, that of using the computer models in personality measurement. Although some practical development of the working simulations would have to precede their application to personality measurement, it was felt that such an application would be feasible and useful.", "PMID": 993958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5440", "title": "Judging personality assessments: putting the Barnum report in perspective.", "content": "The ability of expert and naive judges to discriminate between genuine and Barnum assessment statements was assessed. In a 2 X 2 X 2 design (naive vs. expert judges, genuine vs. Barnum test statements, sex), judges rated assessment statements for their information value, usefulness, social desirability, and typicalness. Results indicated that judges were able to make expected discriminations between genuine and Barnum statements. These results were discussed in terms of previous findings which have suggested that judges have seen Barnum statements as \"accurate\" or \"good\" as genuine statements. In the present study, the discriminations seemed due to the use of a population of judges more representative of clinical assessment consumers and to the more specific judgments required.", "contents": "Judging personality assessments: putting the Barnum report in perspective. The ability of expert and naive judges to discriminate between genuine and Barnum assessment statements was assessed. In a 2 X 2 X 2 design (naive vs. expert judges, genuine vs. Barnum test statements, sex), judges rated assessment statements for their information value, usefulness, social desirability, and typicalness. Results indicated that judges were able to make expected discriminations between genuine and Barnum statements. These results were discussed in terms of previous findings which have suggested that judges have seen Barnum statements as \"accurate\" or \"good\" as genuine statements. In the present study, the discriminations seemed due to the use of a population of judges more representative of clinical assessment consumers and to the more specific judgments required.", "PMID": 993959} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5441", "title": "The confusing area of disturbed thinking.", "content": "The nature of disturbed thinking is explained from two different psychological perspectives and six major types of thought disorder are presented, classified, and discussed. The overlap between these different types of thought disturbance and some possible functions of disturbed thinking are outlined. A heuristic model for detecting thought disorder is presented; and, in addition, some complex conceptual and research issues involved with investigating and systematizing knowledge about disturbed thinking are explained.", "contents": "The confusing area of disturbed thinking. The nature of disturbed thinking is explained from two different psychological perspectives and six major types of thought disorder are presented, classified, and discussed. The overlap between these different types of thought disturbance and some possible functions of disturbed thinking are outlined. A heuristic model for detecting thought disorder is presented; and, in addition, some complex conceptual and research issues involved with investigating and systematizing knowledge about disturbed thinking are explained.", "PMID": 993960} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5442", "title": "Activating posthypnotic conflict: emergent uncovering psychopathology repression, and psychopathology.", "content": "An attempt was made to observe the process of repression and symptom formation. Emergent uncovering techniques were used to weaken a spontaneous repression that was produced by the posthypnotic activation of sexual impulses stemming from an implanted oedipa paramnesia. Twelve hypnotic and ten simulating subjects were used in a modified real-simulator design. Although it was not possible to 'lift' the spontaneous repression of derivatives of oedipal strivings in the course of uncovering via visual imagery, a wide variety of spontaneous symptoms were produced in the hypnotically conditioned subjects. The type of symptom was shown to be related to the degree of repression. Simulating subjects produced only a few symptoms. The manifestation of a symptom was concomitant with an increase in the GSR, but not the blatancy of drive representation. These findings were consistent with the phenomena observed using free imagery in emergent uncovering psychotherapy.", "contents": "Activating posthypnotic conflict: emergent uncovering psychopathology repression, and psychopathology. An attempt was made to observe the process of repression and symptom formation. Emergent uncovering techniques were used to weaken a spontaneous repression that was produced by the posthypnotic activation of sexual impulses stemming from an implanted oedipa paramnesia. Twelve hypnotic and ten simulating subjects were used in a modified real-simulator design. Although it was not possible to 'lift' the spontaneous repression of derivatives of oedipal strivings in the course of uncovering via visual imagery, a wide variety of spontaneous symptoms were produced in the hypnotically conditioned subjects. The type of symptom was shown to be related to the degree of repression. Simulating subjects produced only a few symptoms. The manifestation of a symptom was concomitant with an increase in the GSR, but not the blatancy of drive representation. These findings were consistent with the phenomena observed using free imagery in emergent uncovering psychotherapy.", "PMID": 993961} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5443", "title": "Frequency and intensity of anxiety in university students.", "content": "One thousand and ninety-seven university students (455 males; 642 females) named, \"...three situations that make you anxious...\" and rated the intensity of the anxiety in each situation. Correlations between frequency of occurrence and rated intensity for situations named more than once were negligible for both sexes. While the intensity rating of 62 situations occurring common between sexes was significantly greater for females, there was no difference in frequency of occurrence; however, both the correlations between male and female frequency and male and female intensity were positive and significant for the shared items, indicating that their experiences of these anxiety situations vary in similar ways. Analysis was also completed for three types of situations: interpersonal--ego threat, physical threat, and ambiguous.", "contents": "Frequency and intensity of anxiety in university students. One thousand and ninety-seven university students (455 males; 642 females) named, \"...three situations that make you anxious...\" and rated the intensity of the anxiety in each situation. Correlations between frequency of occurrence and rated intensity for situations named more than once were negligible for both sexes. While the intensity rating of 62 situations occurring common between sexes was significantly greater for females, there was no difference in frequency of occurrence; however, both the correlations between male and female frequency and male and female intensity were positive and significant for the shared items, indicating that their experiences of these anxiety situations vary in similar ways. Analysis was also completed for three types of situations: interpersonal--ego threat, physical threat, and ambiguous.", "PMID": 993962} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5444", "title": "Conservatism as a determinant of sexual experiences.", "content": "An examination of the relationship of conservatism to reports of sexual experiences and reasons for nonparticipation was conducted using 64 male and 50 female introductory psychology students. Conservatism was found to be inversely related to the frequency and variety of sexual behaviors. High conservative subjects gave the reason that it was morally wrong more often than any other reason for not engaging in coital activities and more intimate forms of petting. Results were in accord with previous research and were interpreted as supporting the notion that the fear of loss of control of one's impulses and hence the basis for conservative attitudes are determinants of sexual experiences.", "contents": "Conservatism as a determinant of sexual experiences. An examination of the relationship of conservatism to reports of sexual experiences and reasons for nonparticipation was conducted using 64 male and 50 female introductory psychology students. Conservatism was found to be inversely related to the frequency and variety of sexual behaviors. High conservative subjects gave the reason that it was morally wrong more often than any other reason for not engaging in coital activities and more intimate forms of petting. Results were in accord with previous research and were interpreted as supporting the notion that the fear of loss of control of one's impulses and hence the basis for conservative attitudes are determinants of sexual experiences.", "PMID": 993963} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5445", "title": "Qualitative difference in the experience of state-trait anxiety in emotionally disturbed and normal children.", "content": "In order to investigate the state-trait anxiety distinction in emotionally disturbed and normal children, the responses of 120 emotionally disturbed children and 126 normal children to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (Spielberger, 1973) were factor analyzed separately. For the emotionally disturbed group two A-State and two A-Trait factors were found with the A-State factors accounting for significantly more of the variance than did A-Trait factors. For the normal group four A-State and two A-Trait factors were found, but there was not a significant difference between the amount of variance accounted for by A-State and A-Trait factors. Results were discussed as supporting the state-trait distinction and as having several implications for future research on anxiety.", "contents": "Qualitative difference in the experience of state-trait anxiety in emotionally disturbed and normal children. In order to investigate the state-trait anxiety distinction in emotionally disturbed and normal children, the responses of 120 emotionally disturbed children and 126 normal children to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (Spielberger, 1973) were factor analyzed separately. For the emotionally disturbed group two A-State and two A-Trait factors were found with the A-State factors accounting for significantly more of the variance than did A-Trait factors. For the normal group four A-State and two A-Trait factors were found, but there was not a significant difference between the amount of variance accounted for by A-State and A-Trait factors. Results were discussed as supporting the state-trait distinction and as having several implications for future research on anxiety.", "PMID": 993964} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5446", "title": "Illusory correlation and the MMPI.", "content": "The relationships between 10 behavioral descriptions and 10 Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scale names were judged by 28 naive and 26 experienced student subjects. Both groups of judges produced large amounts of illusory correlation, with the experienced judges producing more. Estimates of strength of semantic association between the behavioral descriptions and scale names provided by 45 naive and 18 experienced male and female subjects tended to support the notion that semantic association is an important factor in producing illusory correlations, but there were some interesting exceptions to this tendency. The testing model was discussed as an analogue to the clinical situation.", "contents": "Illusory correlation and the MMPI. The relationships between 10 behavioral descriptions and 10 Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scale names were judged by 28 naive and 26 experienced student subjects. Both groups of judges produced large amounts of illusory correlation, with the experienced judges producing more. Estimates of strength of semantic association between the behavioral descriptions and scale names provided by 45 naive and 18 experienced male and female subjects tended to support the notion that semantic association is an important factor in producing illusory correlations, but there were some interesting exceptions to this tendency. The testing model was discussed as an analogue to the clinical situation.", "PMID": 993965} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5447", "title": "Demand characteristic effects on the subtle and obvious subscales of the MMPI.", "content": "The MMPI was administered to 40 undergraduate students with 20 subjects asked to imagine that they were applying for a job and 20 subjects asked to imagine that they were applying for psychotherapy. Subjects in the job group dissimulated (faked good) and those in the therapy group malingered (faked bad) as evidenced by differences between the subtle and obvious scores. The combined subtle and obvious score was higher for the psychotherapy group. It was concluded that the subtle, obvious, and combined subtle and obvious scores on the MMPI were a function of the demand characteristics of the testing situation.", "contents": "Demand characteristic effects on the subtle and obvious subscales of the MMPI. The MMPI was administered to 40 undergraduate students with 20 subjects asked to imagine that they were applying for a job and 20 subjects asked to imagine that they were applying for psychotherapy. Subjects in the job group dissimulated (faked good) and those in the therapy group malingered (faked bad) as evidenced by differences between the subtle and obvious scores. The combined subtle and obvious score was higher for the psychotherapy group. It was concluded that the subtle, obvious, and combined subtle and obvious scores on the MMPI were a function of the demand characteristics of the testing situation.", "PMID": 993966} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5448", "title": "Autonomic responses to modeled distress in prison psychopaths.", "content": "The present experiment was designed to study the physiological basis of the proposition that psychopaths are indifferent to the feelings of others. Young male subjects from a prison population were divided into groups according to their Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Pd score and then subdivided on the basis of MMPI Welsh Anxiety Scale (WAS) scores. Subjects in each group observed a model exhibiting either mild or severe distress to electric shock. Heart rate and skin conductance were measured over 15 trials in each subject. We hypothesized that the different clinical groups would exhibit different physiological emotional response patterns. The results showed that low-Pd subjects were more autonomically responsive to an emotional stimulus (modeled distress) than high-Pd subjects from the same prison population. Moreover, high-WAS subjects were more responsive than low-WAS subjects. The level of distress exhibited by the model had no effect.", "contents": "Autonomic responses to modeled distress in prison psychopaths. The present experiment was designed to study the physiological basis of the proposition that psychopaths are indifferent to the feelings of others. Young male subjects from a prison population were divided into groups according to their Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Pd score and then subdivided on the basis of MMPI Welsh Anxiety Scale (WAS) scores. Subjects in each group observed a model exhibiting either mild or severe distress to electric shock. Heart rate and skin conductance were measured over 15 trials in each subject. We hypothesized that the different clinical groups would exhibit different physiological emotional response patterns. The results showed that low-Pd subjects were more autonomically responsive to an emotional stimulus (modeled distress) than high-Pd subjects from the same prison population. Moreover, high-WAS subjects were more responsive than low-WAS subjects. The level of distress exhibited by the model had no effect.", "PMID": 993975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5449", "title": "Differential social perception and attribution of intergroup violence: testing the lower limits of sterotyping of blacks.", "content": "In a modified 4 X 4 factorial design with race (black-white) of the harm-doer and race (black-white) of the victim as the major factors, the phenomenon of differential social perception of intergroup violence was established. While subjects, observing a videotape of purported ongoing ineraction occuring in another room, labeled an act (ambiguous shove) as more violent when it was performed by a black than when the same act was perpetrated by a white. That is, the concept of violence was more accessible when viewing a black than when viewing a white committing the same act. Causal attributions were also found to be divergent. Situation attributions were preferred when the harm-doer was white, and person (dispositional) attributions were preferred in the black-protagonist conditions. The results are discussed in terms of perceptual threshold, sterotypy, and attributional biases.", "contents": "Differential social perception and attribution of intergroup violence: testing the lower limits of sterotyping of blacks. In a modified 4 X 4 factorial design with race (black-white) of the harm-doer and race (black-white) of the victim as the major factors, the phenomenon of differential social perception of intergroup violence was established. While subjects, observing a videotape of purported ongoing ineraction occuring in another room, labeled an act (ambiguous shove) as more violent when it was performed by a black than when the same act was perpetrated by a white. That is, the concept of violence was more accessible when viewing a black than when viewing a white committing the same act. Causal attributions were also found to be divergent. Situation attributions were preferred when the harm-doer was white, and person (dispositional) attributions were preferred in the black-protagonist conditions. The results are discussed in terms of perceptual threshold, sterotypy, and attributional biases.", "PMID": 993976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5450", "title": "Compensatory aspects of dreams: an empirical test of Jung's theory.", "content": "Jung's hypothesis that dreams have a compensatory function is clearly stated and well-known, yet has not been empirically tested. Three dream reports for each of 62 students were rated on 15 personality dimensions and compared with scores on the same dimensions as measured by the Edwards Personality Preference Schedule and the Adjective Check List (ACL). Six EPPS scales and 10 ACL scales correlated significantly with their appropriate dream rating scales. However, all significant correlations were positive, a finding that does not supoort Jung but is more in line with the theories of Adler, Fromm, and Hall, who regarded dream content as not substantially different from conscious functioning.", "contents": "Compensatory aspects of dreams: an empirical test of Jung's theory. Jung's hypothesis that dreams have a compensatory function is clearly stated and well-known, yet has not been empirically tested. Three dream reports for each of 62 students were rated on 15 personality dimensions and compared with scores on the same dimensions as measured by the Edwards Personality Preference Schedule and the Adjective Check List (ACL). Six EPPS scales and 10 ACL scales correlated significantly with their appropriate dream rating scales. However, all significant correlations were positive, a finding that does not supoort Jung but is more in line with the theories of Adler, Fromm, and Hall, who regarded dream content as not substantially different from conscious functioning.", "PMID": 993977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5451", "title": "The power of suggestion: another examination of misattribution and insomnia.", "content": "This experiment was conducted in an attempt to replicate and delimit the reverse placebo effect found by Storms and Nisbett in insomniacs. It was predicted that the reverse placebo effect would obtain when the pills' effects were described as affecting arousal (as in Storms and Nisbett's study) but that a direct suggestion effect would result when the pills were described as directly affecting sleep onset latency. Results indicated that direct suggestion effects obtained regardless of the focus of the instructions. The present study together with the findings of Kellogg and Baron call into question the reliability and clinical significance of the reverse placebo effect in the treatment of insomnia.", "contents": "The power of suggestion: another examination of misattribution and insomnia. This experiment was conducted in an attempt to replicate and delimit the reverse placebo effect found by Storms and Nisbett in insomniacs. It was predicted that the reverse placebo effect would obtain when the pills' effects were described as affecting arousal (as in Storms and Nisbett's study) but that a direct suggestion effect would result when the pills were described as directly affecting sleep onset latency. Results indicated that direct suggestion effects obtained regardless of the focus of the instructions. The present study together with the findings of Kellogg and Baron call into question the reliability and clinical significance of the reverse placebo effect in the treatment of insomnia.", "PMID": 993978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5452", "title": "Relationship of preoperative fear, type of coping, and information recevied about surgery to recovery from surgery.", "content": "This study investigated the relationship of preoperative level of fear, extent of information seeking (coping), and amount of information received about surgery to recovery from surgery. It was hypothesized that a curvilinear relationship would be found between level of preoperative fear and recovery and between extent of information seeking and recovery; it was also hypothesized that amount of preoperative information obtained would interact with extent of information seeking. The subjects were 57 female patients between the ages of 18 and 68 who were schedule for abdominal surgery. The recovery measures consisted of a self-rating of postoperative negative affect (fear, depression, and anger), number of postoperative analgesics and sedatives received, and total number of days to discharge. No curvilinear relationships were found between preoperative level of fear or type of coping and recovery from surgery. Results showed a linear relationship between level of preoperative fear and recovery, with the least favorable recovery associated with high levels of preoperative fear. A significant interaction was found between level of preoperative fear and amount of preoperative information, with high-fear subjects who reported little preoperative information experiencing the least favorable recovery period. The findings are discussed in terms of the parallel response model proposed by Leventhal.", "contents": "Relationship of preoperative fear, type of coping, and information recevied about surgery to recovery from surgery. This study investigated the relationship of preoperative level of fear, extent of information seeking (coping), and amount of information received about surgery to recovery from surgery. It was hypothesized that a curvilinear relationship would be found between level of preoperative fear and recovery and between extent of information seeking and recovery; it was also hypothesized that amount of preoperative information obtained would interact with extent of information seeking. The subjects were 57 female patients between the ages of 18 and 68 who were schedule for abdominal surgery. The recovery measures consisted of a self-rating of postoperative negative affect (fear, depression, and anger), number of postoperative analgesics and sedatives received, and total number of days to discharge. No curvilinear relationships were found between preoperative level of fear or type of coping and recovery from surgery. Results showed a linear relationship between level of preoperative fear and recovery, with the least favorable recovery associated with high levels of preoperative fear. A significant interaction was found between level of preoperative fear and amount of preoperative information, with high-fear subjects who reported little preoperative information experiencing the least favorable recovery period. The findings are discussed in terms of the parallel response model proposed by Leventhal.", "PMID": 993979} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5453", "title": "Sex typing and androgyny: further explorations of the expressive domain.", "content": "Previous research by Bem has indicated that androgynous individuals of both sexes display \"masculine\" independence when under pressure to conform as well as \"feminine\" nurturance when interacting with a kitten. In contrast, sex-typed individuals were low in one or both of these behaviors. The two studies reported here were designed to replicate the low nurturance of the masculine male and to clarify the unexpected finding that feminine females were low in both independence and nurturance. In the first study subjects interacted with a human infant, and in the second study they listened to a lonely student. Taken together, the results of these two studies conceptually replicated the low nurturance of the masculine male and demonstrated that the low nurturance of the feminine female does not extend to her interaction with humans. Finally, evidence was presented in support of Spence, Helmreich, and Stapp's distinction between \"androgynous\" individuals, who are high in both masculinity and feminity, and \"undifferentiated\" individuals, who are low in both of these characteristics.", "contents": "Sex typing and androgyny: further explorations of the expressive domain. Previous research by Bem has indicated that androgynous individuals of both sexes display \"masculine\" independence when under pressure to conform as well as \"feminine\" nurturance when interacting with a kitten. In contrast, sex-typed individuals were low in one or both of these behaviors. The two studies reported here were designed to replicate the low nurturance of the masculine male and to clarify the unexpected finding that feminine females were low in both independence and nurturance. In the first study subjects interacted with a human infant, and in the second study they listened to a lonely student. Taken together, the results of these two studies conceptually replicated the low nurturance of the masculine male and demonstrated that the low nurturance of the feminine female does not extend to her interaction with humans. Finally, evidence was presented in support of Spence, Helmreich, and Stapp's distinction between \"androgynous\" individuals, who are high in both masculinity and feminity, and \"undifferentiated\" individuals, who are low in both of these characteristics.", "PMID": 993980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5454", "title": "Effects of noise and perceived control on ongoing and subsequent aggressive behavior.", "content": "Two experiments examined the effects of high-intensity (95 dB [A]) noise on ongoing and postnoise aggressive behavior. In Experiment 1, subjects were angered or treated in a neutral manner and given an opportunity to aggress against another subject while being exposed to high-intensity (95 dB) or low-intensity (55 dB) noise. Results indicated that high-intensity noise facilitated aggression for previously angered individuals. Experiment 2 examined postnoise aggression in which subjects completed a math task under high-intensity noise with or without perceived control over the noise. In comparison to a no-noise control, it was found that angered subjects with no control revealed an increase in aggression, whereas perceived-control subjects were no different from no-noise subjects. Results are discussed in terms of the recent Glass and Singer work on noise and task performance and the effects of perceived control on mediating the effects of stressful conditions.", "contents": "Effects of noise and perceived control on ongoing and subsequent aggressive behavior. Two experiments examined the effects of high-intensity (95 dB [A]) noise on ongoing and postnoise aggressive behavior. In Experiment 1, subjects were angered or treated in a neutral manner and given an opportunity to aggress against another subject while being exposed to high-intensity (95 dB) or low-intensity (55 dB) noise. Results indicated that high-intensity noise facilitated aggression for previously angered individuals. Experiment 2 examined postnoise aggression in which subjects completed a math task under high-intensity noise with or without perceived control over the noise. In comparison to a no-noise control, it was found that angered subjects with no control revealed an increase in aggression, whereas perceived-control subjects were no different from no-noise subjects. Results are discussed in terms of the recent Glass and Singer work on noise and task performance and the effects of perceived control on mediating the effects of stressful conditions.", "PMID": 993981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5455", "title": "Frequency perception of individual and group successes as a function of competition, coaction, and isolation.", "content": "The frequency perception of successful and unsuccessful outcomes obtained in serial tasks was investigated in two experiments. Subjects were assigned to serial tasks in which the outcome stimuli (\"right\" and \"wrong\") immediately followed subjects' responses to each task item. Subjects' perceptual judgment about the number of \"rights and wrongs\" obtained was requested at the end of the serial task (incidental event perception). In Experiment 1, subjects performing in groups of four were compared with individual performers both in competing and noncompeting (coacting) conditions. In Experiment 2, the influence of verbal communication and competition versus isolation was examined. Significant and predicted differences in frequeency perception were found (a) in group performers as compared with individual performers, (b) in groups with verbal communication as compared with groups without verbal communication, and (c) in competing groups as compared with noncompeting, especially isolated, groups. The frequency perception of success is discussed in the context of impression formation processes, and its impact on person perception and learning is mentioned. A tentative explanation in terms of affective and cognitive processes related to social interaction is submitted.", "contents": "Frequency perception of individual and group successes as a function of competition, coaction, and isolation. The frequency perception of successful and unsuccessful outcomes obtained in serial tasks was investigated in two experiments. Subjects were assigned to serial tasks in which the outcome stimuli (\"right\" and \"wrong\") immediately followed subjects' responses to each task item. Subjects' perceptual judgment about the number of \"rights and wrongs\" obtained was requested at the end of the serial task (incidental event perception). In Experiment 1, subjects performing in groups of four were compared with individual performers both in competing and noncompeting (coacting) conditions. In Experiment 2, the influence of verbal communication and competition versus isolation was examined. Significant and predicted differences in frequeency perception were found (a) in group performers as compared with individual performers, (b) in groups with verbal communication as compared with groups without verbal communication, and (c) in competing groups as compared with noncompeting, especially isolated, groups. The frequency perception of success is discussed in the context of impression formation processes, and its impact on person perception and learning is mentioned. A tentative explanation in terms of affective and cognitive processes related to social interaction is submitted.", "PMID": 993983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5456", "title": "Operant autonomic conditioning and rod-and-frame test performance.", "content": "Forty subjects were administered the portable rod-and-frame test (RFT) before and after operant autonomic conditioning training or control experiences. Ten subjects were assigned to each of four groups: a heart rate conditioning group; a false heart rate feedback group; a galvanic skin-response conditioning group; and a control group. Half of the subjects in the three experimental groups were informed of the response-reinforcement contingencies, and half were not informed. Informed subjects in the conditioning groups exhibited significantly lower portable RFT scores after conditioning. The results suggest that awareness of and control over autonomic functioning may be an important determinant of RFT performance.", "contents": "Operant autonomic conditioning and rod-and-frame test performance. Forty subjects were administered the portable rod-and-frame test (RFT) before and after operant autonomic conditioning training or control experiences. Ten subjects were assigned to each of four groups: a heart rate conditioning group; a false heart rate feedback group; a galvanic skin-response conditioning group; and a control group. Half of the subjects in the three experimental groups were informed of the response-reinforcement contingencies, and half were not informed. Informed subjects in the conditioning groups exhibited significantly lower portable RFT scores after conditioning. The results suggest that awareness of and control over autonomic functioning may be an important determinant of RFT performance.", "PMID": 993982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5457", "title": "Evaluation of the cognitive component of political issues by use of classical conditioning.", "content": "The direct use of verbal and physiological response measures to assess the cognitive component of a sociopolitical attitude is made difficult by the multiple meanings of sociopolitical stimuli. In the present study a modified differential classical conditioning procedure was used to produce an unambiguous physiological (skin conductance) response to stimuli related to a discrete social concept (black relatedness and not black relatedness). It was demonstrated that conditioned stimuli clearly related to this specific concept produced a conditioned response. The results also showed that a series of more ambiguous test stimuli related to the 1972-1974 election campaigns produced a gradient of skin conductance responses that was related to the degree of black relatedness or not black relatedness of each stimulus as measured by other means. The implications of the results of this study to further research and other indicators of the cognitive component of attitude are discussed.", "contents": "Evaluation of the cognitive component of political issues by use of classical conditioning. The direct use of verbal and physiological response measures to assess the cognitive component of a sociopolitical attitude is made difficult by the multiple meanings of sociopolitical stimuli. In the present study a modified differential classical conditioning procedure was used to produce an unambiguous physiological (skin conductance) response to stimuli related to a discrete social concept (black relatedness and not black relatedness). It was demonstrated that conditioned stimuli clearly related to this specific concept produced a conditioned response. The results also showed that a series of more ambiguous test stimuli related to the 1972-1974 election campaigns produced a gradient of skin conductance responses that was related to the degree of black relatedness or not black relatedness of each stimulus as measured by other means. The implications of the results of this study to further research and other indicators of the cognitive component of attitude are discussed.", "PMID": 993984} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5458", "title": "Altruism as hedonism: a social development perspective on the relationship of negative mood state and helping.", "content": "A study was conducted to provide a means for reconciliation of the conflicting data on the relationship of negative mood state to altruism. Whereas some studies have shown that negative mood leads to increases in altruistic action, others have shown the reverse. It was hypothesized that the inconsistency of these results was due to differences in the ages and consequent levels of socialization of the subjects employed in the earlier studies. In order to test the hypothesis, subjects from three age groups (6-8, 10-12, and 15-18 years old) were asked to think of either depressing or neutral events and were subsequently given the opportunity to be privately generous. Consistent with predictions from the negative state relief model of altruism, the youngest, least socialized subjects were somewhat less generous in the negative mood condition, but this relationship progressively reversed itself until in the oldest, most socialized group, the negative mood subjects were significantly more generous than neutral mood controls. The data were taken as support for a hedonistic conception of altruism that views adult benevolence as self-gratification. It is suggested that the reward character of benevolence derives from the socialization experience.", "contents": "Altruism as hedonism: a social development perspective on the relationship of negative mood state and helping. A study was conducted to provide a means for reconciliation of the conflicting data on the relationship of negative mood state to altruism. Whereas some studies have shown that negative mood leads to increases in altruistic action, others have shown the reverse. It was hypothesized that the inconsistency of these results was due to differences in the ages and consequent levels of socialization of the subjects employed in the earlier studies. In order to test the hypothesis, subjects from three age groups (6-8, 10-12, and 15-18 years old) were asked to think of either depressing or neutral events and were subsequently given the opportunity to be privately generous. Consistent with predictions from the negative state relief model of altruism, the youngest, least socialized subjects were somewhat less generous in the negative mood condition, but this relationship progressively reversed itself until in the oldest, most socialized group, the negative mood subjects were significantly more generous than neutral mood controls. The data were taken as support for a hedonistic conception of altruism that views adult benevolence as self-gratification. It is suggested that the reward character of benevolence derives from the socialization experience.", "PMID": 993985} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5459", "title": "Skin conductance response to both signaled and unsignaled noxious stimulation predicts level of socialization.", "content": "The present experiment tested the hypothesis that the reduced skin conductance response (SCR) to noxious stimulation shown by sociopathic or undersocialized persons is mediated by the ability to use cues of impending noxious events to attenuate their impact. Eighty young adults, males and females scoring high, medium, or low on the Socialization Scale of the California Psychological Inventory, were exposed to 30 pairings of a warning signal with a 98-dB (SPL) noise while palmar skin conductance and subjective estimations of stimulus intensity were recorded. The interval between warning and noise was varied (0, .5, 1, 3, or 11 sec) for each subject. The low-socialization group gave significantly smaller SCRs to noise than the high-socialization group, revealing a negative relationship between level of socialization and amplitude of the SCR to a noxious stimulus in a normal population. Previous studies reporting this relationship contrasted clinical sociopaths with nonsociopathic control subjects. The differences between groups in the SCR were significant at the 0-sec, (i.e., no warning) as well as the remaining warning intervals, indicating that the difference between groups is not mediated by \"cue-utlization\" ability. Control procedures permitted excluding differential sensory sensitivity, rates of SCR habituation, and general skin conductance responsivity as mediators of the difference between groups in the SCR to noxious stimulation.", "contents": "Skin conductance response to both signaled and unsignaled noxious stimulation predicts level of socialization. The present experiment tested the hypothesis that the reduced skin conductance response (SCR) to noxious stimulation shown by sociopathic or undersocialized persons is mediated by the ability to use cues of impending noxious events to attenuate their impact. Eighty young adults, males and females scoring high, medium, or low on the Socialization Scale of the California Psychological Inventory, were exposed to 30 pairings of a warning signal with a 98-dB (SPL) noise while palmar skin conductance and subjective estimations of stimulus intensity were recorded. The interval between warning and noise was varied (0, .5, 1, 3, or 11 sec) for each subject. The low-socialization group gave significantly smaller SCRs to noise than the high-socialization group, revealing a negative relationship between level of socialization and amplitude of the SCR to a noxious stimulus in a normal population. Previous studies reporting this relationship contrasted clinical sociopaths with nonsociopathic control subjects. The differences between groups in the SCR were significant at the 0-sec, (i.e., no warning) as well as the remaining warning intervals, indicating that the difference between groups is not mediated by \"cue-utlization\" ability. Control procedures permitted excluding differential sensory sensitivity, rates of SCR habituation, and general skin conductance responsivity as mediators of the difference between groups in the SCR to noxious stimulation.", "PMID": 993986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5460", "title": "Aggression as a function of the interaction of alcohol and threat.", "content": "Intoxicated and nonintoxicated subjects competed in a reaction time situation against either a potentially threatening opponent or a nonthreatening opponent. The results indicated that the intoxicated subjects initiated higher levels of attack than the nonintoxicated subjects only in the threatening situation. It was concluded that aggression is not just a consequence of the pharmacological action of alcohol. Instead, alcohol-induced aggression appears to be a function of the interaction of alcohol consumption and the degree of threat or provocation inherent in a particular situation.", "contents": "Aggression as a function of the interaction of alcohol and threat. Intoxicated and nonintoxicated subjects competed in a reaction time situation against either a potentially threatening opponent or a nonthreatening opponent. The results indicated that the intoxicated subjects initiated higher levels of attack than the nonintoxicated subjects only in the threatening situation. It was concluded that aggression is not just a consequence of the pharmacological action of alcohol. Instead, alcohol-induced aggression appears to be a function of the interaction of alcohol consumption and the degree of threat or provocation inherent in a particular situation.", "PMID": 993987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5461", "title": "Systems approach to vaginal delivery of drugs II: In situ vaginal absorption of unbranched aliphatic alcohols.", "content": "The absorption of unbranched aliphatic alcohols in the rabbit vagina was studied using a perfusion method, and the absorption rates were found to be first order with respect to the drug concentration in the vagina from methanol to octanol. A physical model involving an aqueous diffusion layer in series with a membrane consisting of aqueous pores and lipoidal pathways was used for analyzing the data. The physically based parameters in the model were determined. An effective diffusion layer thickness (\"unstirred layer\") of around 0.035 cm was found. The increase in the permeability coefficient for the lipoidal pathway per methylene group was around 2.5 for this homologous series.", "contents": "Systems approach to vaginal delivery of drugs II: In situ vaginal absorption of unbranched aliphatic alcohols. The absorption of unbranched aliphatic alcohols in the rabbit vagina was studied using a perfusion method, and the absorption rates were found to be first order with respect to the drug concentration in the vagina from methanol to octanol. A physical model involving an aqueous diffusion layer in series with a membrane consisting of aqueous pores and lipoidal pathways was used for analyzing the data. The physically based parameters in the model were determined. An effective diffusion layer thickness (\"unstirred layer\") of around 0.035 cm was found. The increase in the permeability coefficient for the lipoidal pathway per methylene group was around 2.5 for this homologous series.", "PMID": 993988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5462", "title": "Systematic identification of drugs of abuse II: TLC.", "content": "A limited number of spray reagents and solvent systems were selected or developed to separate and identify over 40 of the most commonly encountered drugs of abuse. A new reagent is reported, and new uses were developed for well-known reagents. A flowsheet for the systematic utilization of the spray reagents is given, and use of this sequence made it possible to to identify systematically an unknown drug using only two to four TLC plates, providing that the drug was one of the compounds investigated. This TLC system also can be used to complement and confirm results obtained from spot tests.", "contents": "Systematic identification of drugs of abuse II: TLC. A limited number of spray reagents and solvent systems were selected or developed to separate and identify over 40 of the most commonly encountered drugs of abuse. A new reagent is reported, and new uses were developed for well-known reagents. A flowsheet for the systematic utilization of the spray reagents is given, and use of this sequence made it possible to to identify systematically an unknown drug using only two to four TLC plates, providing that the drug was one of the compounds investigated. This TLC system also can be used to complement and confirm results obtained from spot tests.", "PMID": 993989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5463", "title": "Bioavailability and pharmacokinetic analysis of chlorpromazine-induced rectal temperature depression in rabbits.", "content": "Chlorpromazine-induced depression of rectal temperatures in rabbits kept at 20 degrees was used to determine relative biophasic drug levels corresponding to observed hypothermic response intensities, which then served to establish a triexponential linear mathematical model describing drug transference and drug action in this system. Comparisons of various experimentally known, slow intravenous infusion drug inputs of chlorpromazine with drug inputs computed by deconvolution, using the derived model and observed temperature depressions, served to verify the accuracy of the model for the 0.50-4.0 mg/kg dosage range.", "contents": "Bioavailability and pharmacokinetic analysis of chlorpromazine-induced rectal temperature depression in rabbits. Chlorpromazine-induced depression of rectal temperatures in rabbits kept at 20 degrees was used to determine relative biophasic drug levels corresponding to observed hypothermic response intensities, which then served to establish a triexponential linear mathematical model describing drug transference and drug action in this system. Comparisons of various experimentally known, slow intravenous infusion drug inputs of chlorpromazine with drug inputs computed by deconvolution, using the derived model and observed temperature depressions, served to verify the accuracy of the model for the 0.50-4.0 mg/kg dosage range.", "PMID": 993990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5464", "title": "High-pressure liquid chromatographic separation, identification, and determination of sulfa drugs and their metabolites in urine.", "content": "A high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for the separation and quantitative determination of sulfamethazine, sulfathiazole, and their N4-acetylated metabolites on an amino-bonded reversed-phase column was developed. The method is suitable for the analysis of these compounds in pure solutions as well as in cattle urine. Retention times were reproducible. Injection volumes containing 0.2 mug of individual sulfonamides or their acetyl derivatives were successfully quantitated; coefficients of variation ranged from 0 to 0.073 for individual sulfonamides.", "contents": "High-pressure liquid chromatographic separation, identification, and determination of sulfa drugs and their metabolites in urine. A high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for the separation and quantitative determination of sulfamethazine, sulfathiazole, and their N4-acetylated metabolites on an amino-bonded reversed-phase column was developed. The method is suitable for the analysis of these compounds in pure solutions as well as in cattle urine. Retention times were reproducible. Injection volumes containing 0.2 mug of individual sulfonamides or their acetyl derivatives were successfully quantitated; coefficients of variation ranged from 0 to 0.073 for individual sulfonamides.", "PMID": 993991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5465", "title": "Preparation and properties of solid dispersion system containing citric acid and primidone.", "content": "Solid dispersions containing 1--32% (w/w) primidone were prepared by fusing the drug with citric acid and rapidly cooling the melt. The solidified dispersions were clear glasses which devitrified on aging or when stored at 60 degrees for up to 3 days. The phase diagram of the devitrified system indicated that the drug may exist as a solid solution at 1--3% (w/w) concentrations but that a eutectic mixture is formed at higher concentrations. The solubility of primidone increased in the presence of citric acid. Preliminary dissolution studies showed that the dissolution rate from the solid dispersion was greater than that of the pure drug or the physical mixture.", "contents": "Preparation and properties of solid dispersion system containing citric acid and primidone. Solid dispersions containing 1--32% (w/w) primidone were prepared by fusing the drug with citric acid and rapidly cooling the melt. The solidified dispersions were clear glasses which devitrified on aging or when stored at 60 degrees for up to 3 days. The phase diagram of the devitrified system indicated that the drug may exist as a solid solution at 1--3% (w/w) concentrations but that a eutectic mixture is formed at higher concentrations. The solubility of primidone increased in the presence of citric acid. Preliminary dissolution studies showed that the dissolution rate from the solid dispersion was greater than that of the pure drug or the physical mixture.", "PMID": 993992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5466", "title": "In vitro studies of poly(methyl methacrylate) adjuvants.", "content": "Poly(methyl methacrylate) adjuvants, prepared by polymerizing monomeric methyl methacrylate in the presence of influenza virions or by addition of the virions to previously polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) particles, were studied by means of the hemagglutination test, antibody binding, and electron microscopy. The results indicated that the virions were coated partly when the polymerization was carried out in the presence of the virus, whereas the virions were probably adsorbed when added to polymerized particles.", "contents": "In vitro studies of poly(methyl methacrylate) adjuvants. Poly(methyl methacrylate) adjuvants, prepared by polymerizing monomeric methyl methacrylate in the presence of influenza virions or by addition of the virions to previously polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) particles, were studied by means of the hemagglutination test, antibody binding, and electron microscopy. The results indicated that the virions were coated partly when the polymerization was carried out in the presence of the virus, whereas the virions were probably adsorbed when added to polymerized particles.", "PMID": 993993} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5467", "title": "Rapid spectrophotometric determination of salicylamide in analgesic tablets.", "content": "An independent, simple, and rapid procedure is suggested for the routine analysis of salicylamide in analgesic tablets containing acetaminophen, phenobarbital, caffeine, codeine phosphate, prednisone, ascorbic acid, and chloroquine phosphate. The method does not require the preliminary separation of salicylamide from other constituents by the time-consuming solvent extraction technique or by chromatography prior to determination. The absorbance was linear for investigated concentrations of salicylamide from 0 to 4.0 mg/100 ml of solution at 308 nm.", "contents": "Rapid spectrophotometric determination of salicylamide in analgesic tablets. An independent, simple, and rapid procedure is suggested for the routine analysis of salicylamide in analgesic tablets containing acetaminophen, phenobarbital, caffeine, codeine phosphate, prednisone, ascorbic acid, and chloroquine phosphate. The method does not require the preliminary separation of salicylamide from other constituents by the time-consuming solvent extraction technique or by chromatography prior to determination. The absorbance was linear for investigated concentrations of salicylamide from 0 to 4.0 mg/100 ml of solution at 308 nm.", "PMID": 993994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5468", "title": "In vitro and in vivo availability of spironolactone from oral dosage forms.", "content": "Tablet formulations of spironolactone with hydrochlorothiazide were studied in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the effect of formulation parameters on the bioavailability of spironolactone. The time required for 50% tablet dissolution (T50) in simulated gastric fluid was linearly correlated with the disintegration times of four experimental formulations and one commercial tablet of spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide. Bioavailability studies were conducted in four healthy, female beagle dogs. The mean time to peak concentration of canrenone,f cancrenone, the major metabolite of spironolactone, was proportional to the T50 dissolution parameter. A study of spironolactone administered orally with and without hydrochlorothiazide showed that the bioavailability of spironolactone is not affected by hydrochlorothiazide. No significant difference in the bioavailability of spironolactone from one 100-mg and four 25-mg tablets were observed. Estimates of some pharmacokinetic parameters for canrenone closely agreed with those previously reported.", "contents": "In vitro and in vivo availability of spironolactone from oral dosage forms. Tablet formulations of spironolactone with hydrochlorothiazide were studied in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the effect of formulation parameters on the bioavailability of spironolactone. The time required for 50% tablet dissolution (T50) in simulated gastric fluid was linearly correlated with the disintegration times of four experimental formulations and one commercial tablet of spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide. Bioavailability studies were conducted in four healthy, female beagle dogs. The mean time to peak concentration of canrenone,f cancrenone, the major metabolite of spironolactone, was proportional to the T50 dissolution parameter. A study of spironolactone administered orally with and without hydrochlorothiazide showed that the bioavailability of spironolactone is not affected by hydrochlorothiazide. No significant difference in the bioavailability of spironolactone from one 100-mg and four 25-mg tablets were observed. Estimates of some pharmacokinetic parameters for canrenone closely agreed with those previously reported.", "PMID": 993995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5469", "title": "Dissolution rate equations in column-confined dissolution.", "content": "Equations are derived for the dissolution of a soluble solid in a column into a liquid stream. The equations are substantiated by experiments using oxalic acid dihydrate as a test substance. The dissolution rate constant, k, of oxalic acid dihydrate depends on linear velocity, v (centimeters per second), by the following equation: k = (2.54 +/- 0.76) X 10(-4) v, where k is measured in centimeters per second.", "contents": "Dissolution rate equations in column-confined dissolution. Equations are derived for the dissolution of a soluble solid in a column into a liquid stream. The equations are substantiated by experiments using oxalic acid dihydrate as a test substance. The dissolution rate constant, k, of oxalic acid dihydrate depends on linear velocity, v (centimeters per second), by the following equation: k = (2.54 +/- 0.76) X 10(-4) v, where k is measured in centimeters per second.", "PMID": 993996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5470", "title": "Microenvironmental kinetic effects within a lyotropic smectic biophase model: conformational restrictions in Fischer indole cyclization.", "content": "The microenvironmental orientation effects, arising from an orderer solvent structure, were studied in a model liquid crystalline biophase for the cyclization of a series of 2-substituted cyclohexanone phenylhydrazones. The magnitude of such solvent-induced intramolecular conformational constraints were determined from a comparison of the kinetics of the Fischer indole rearrangement in a lyotropic smectic liquid crystal versus those in an isotropic liquid of similar chemical composition but lacking the structured nature of the mesophase. Solutions consisting of 50% (w/w) polyoxyethylene 6 tridecyl ether or 44% (w/v) polyethylene glycol in aqueous buffers comprised the smectic or isotropic media, respectively. The apparent dissociation constants of the conjugate acids of the phenylhydrazones were determined kinetically, as were their partition coefficients between lipid and polar isotropic phases approximating the compositions of the smectic lamellae. Intrinsic first-order rate constants, corrected for partitioning within the lamellar mesophase, were used to compute the enthalpies and entropies of activation. The somewhat slower intrinsic rates of cyclization and the accompanying less negative entropies of activation generally observed in the liquid crystalline medium, as opposed to the isotropic system, are attributed to the orienting effects of the lamellar lyotropic mesophase.", "contents": "Microenvironmental kinetic effects within a lyotropic smectic biophase model: conformational restrictions in Fischer indole cyclization. The microenvironmental orientation effects, arising from an orderer solvent structure, were studied in a model liquid crystalline biophase for the cyclization of a series of 2-substituted cyclohexanone phenylhydrazones. The magnitude of such solvent-induced intramolecular conformational constraints were determined from a comparison of the kinetics of the Fischer indole rearrangement in a lyotropic smectic liquid crystal versus those in an isotropic liquid of similar chemical composition but lacking the structured nature of the mesophase. Solutions consisting of 50% (w/w) polyoxyethylene 6 tridecyl ether or 44% (w/v) polyethylene glycol in aqueous buffers comprised the smectic or isotropic media, respectively. The apparent dissociation constants of the conjugate acids of the phenylhydrazones were determined kinetically, as were their partition coefficients between lipid and polar isotropic phases approximating the compositions of the smectic lamellae. Intrinsic first-order rate constants, corrected for partitioning within the lamellar mesophase, were used to compute the enthalpies and entropies of activation. The somewhat slower intrinsic rates of cyclization and the accompanying less negative entropies of activation generally observed in the liquid crystalline medium, as opposed to the isotropic system, are attributed to the orienting effects of the lamellar lyotropic mesophase.", "PMID": 993997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5471", "title": "Correlation of dielectric constant and solubilizing properties of tetramethyldicarboxamides.", "content": "The dielectric constants of aqueous solutions of four tetramethyldicarboxamides (tetramethylpimelamide, tetramethylsuberamide, tetramethylazelamide, and tetramethylsebacamide) were measured at 25 degrees. The values obtained were utilized in assessing the solubility behavior patterns of glutethimide, a semipolar, water-insoluble drug in these amide-water systems. At equimolar concentrations of water-rich amide solutions, the solubilizing power paralleled the chain length of the amides. The higher homologs appeared to favor more extensive solvation, as shown by the lower dielectric constants of their resulting solutions. Deviation in solubilizing action between the odd-carbon amides and the even-carbon amides, however, was exhibited at higher amide concentrations. The two odd-carbon amides, tetramethylpimelamide and tetramethylazelamide, showed consistently greater solubilizing action. This phenomenon was attributed to the greater association tendencies of the odd-carbon amides with water, which effectively reduced self-associations of glutethimide.", "contents": "Correlation of dielectric constant and solubilizing properties of tetramethyldicarboxamides. The dielectric constants of aqueous solutions of four tetramethyldicarboxamides (tetramethylpimelamide, tetramethylsuberamide, tetramethylazelamide, and tetramethylsebacamide) were measured at 25 degrees. The values obtained were utilized in assessing the solubility behavior patterns of glutethimide, a semipolar, water-insoluble drug in these amide-water systems. At equimolar concentrations of water-rich amide solutions, the solubilizing power paralleled the chain length of the amides. The higher homologs appeared to favor more extensive solvation, as shown by the lower dielectric constants of their resulting solutions. Deviation in solubilizing action between the odd-carbon amides and the even-carbon amides, however, was exhibited at higher amide concentrations. The two odd-carbon amides, tetramethylpimelamide and tetramethylazelamide, showed consistently greater solubilizing action. This phenomenon was attributed to the greater association tendencies of the odd-carbon amides with water, which effectively reduced self-associations of glutethimide.", "PMID": 993998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5472", "title": "Effects of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on chromosomes of human leukocytes and human fetal lung cells.", "content": "Blood from two male and two female donors was exposed at 37degrees for 4 hr to concentrations of 60.0, 6.0, 0.6, and 0.06 mug of a widely used plasticizer, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, per milliliter of blood. The bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was solubilized with polysorbate 80. Appropriate polysorbate and nonpolysorbate controls also were established. Following the 4 hr of incubation, phytohemagglutinin was added and tissue cultures were established. In addition, human fetal lung cells were exposed in tissue culture to a medium containing 6.0 mug/ml of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in polysorbate 80 for 5 days. Similar controls also were established for these experiments. Analysis of chromosome preparations from all cultures obtained failed to show any increased evidence of isochromatid and chromatid breaks or gaps or abnormal forms at any studied concentration when compared to the control cultures. In addition, analysis of fetal lung cell preparations for aneuploidy failed to reveal any differences between cells from study and control cultures. This study involved a short-term exposure to bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in various concentrations which did not cause damage in leukocytes or fetal lung cells.", "contents": "Effects of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on chromosomes of human leukocytes and human fetal lung cells. Blood from two male and two female donors was exposed at 37degrees for 4 hr to concentrations of 60.0, 6.0, 0.6, and 0.06 mug of a widely used plasticizer, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, per milliliter of blood. The bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was solubilized with polysorbate 80. Appropriate polysorbate and nonpolysorbate controls also were established. Following the 4 hr of incubation, phytohemagglutinin was added and tissue cultures were established. In addition, human fetal lung cells were exposed in tissue culture to a medium containing 6.0 mug/ml of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in polysorbate 80 for 5 days. Similar controls also were established for these experiments. Analysis of chromosome preparations from all cultures obtained failed to show any increased evidence of isochromatid and chromatid breaks or gaps or abnormal forms at any studied concentration when compared to the control cultures. In addition, analysis of fetal lung cell preparations for aneuploidy failed to reveal any differences between cells from study and control cultures. This study involved a short-term exposure to bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in various concentrations which did not cause damage in leukocytes or fetal lung cells.", "PMID": 993999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5473", "title": "Effect of temperature on binding of warfarin by human serum albumin.", "content": "The in vitro binding of warfarin by human serum albumin was studied at various temperatures and at pH 7.4 by a frontal gel filtration technique. The results can be best described in terms of a two class-of-binding site model, in which the numbers of primary and secondary sites are constrained to the average values for all experiments (n1 = 1.38 and n2 = 3.73). Analysis of the temperature dependence of the binding yielded the following thermodynamic parameters: deltaH1 =-2.55 kcal/mole, deltaS1=16.1 eu, and deltaF1=-7.34 kcal/mole for the primary binding and deltaH2=-5.08 kcal/mole, deltaS2=-1.10 eu, and deltaF2=4.72 kcal/mole for the secondary binding. Calculations based on these results showed that, for the therapeutic concentration range, warfarin was over 99% bound to albumin present in physiological concentration. These findings are compared and contrasted to binding data in the literature for warfarin and salicylate.", "contents": "Effect of temperature on binding of warfarin by human serum albumin. The in vitro binding of warfarin by human serum albumin was studied at various temperatures and at pH 7.4 by a frontal gel filtration technique. The results can be best described in terms of a two class-of-binding site model, in which the numbers of primary and secondary sites are constrained to the average values for all experiments (n1 = 1.38 and n2 = 3.73). Analysis of the temperature dependence of the binding yielded the following thermodynamic parameters: deltaH1 =-2.55 kcal/mole, deltaS1=16.1 eu, and deltaF1=-7.34 kcal/mole for the primary binding and deltaH2=-5.08 kcal/mole, deltaS2=-1.10 eu, and deltaF2=4.72 kcal/mole for the secondary binding. Calculations based on these results showed that, for the therapeutic concentration range, warfarin was over 99% bound to albumin present in physiological concentration. These findings are compared and contrasted to binding data in the literature for warfarin and salicylate.", "PMID": 994000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5474", "title": "Synthesis of substituted anilino-3-methoxy-4-substituted acetoxy) benzylidenes and their monoamine oxidase inhibitory and anticonvulsant properties.", "content": "Several substituted anilino-(3-methoxy-4-substituted acetoxy) benzylidenes were synthesized and characterized by their sharp melting points and elemental analyses. All substituted benzylidenes competitively inhibited the in vitro monoamine oxidase activity of rat brain homogenates and possessed anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions in mice.", "contents": "Synthesis of substituted anilino-3-methoxy-4-substituted acetoxy) benzylidenes and their monoamine oxidase inhibitory and anticonvulsant properties. Several substituted anilino-(3-methoxy-4-substituted acetoxy) benzylidenes were synthesized and characterized by their sharp melting points and elemental analyses. All substituted benzylidenes competitively inhibited the in vitro monoamine oxidase activity of rat brain homogenates and possessed anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions in mice.", "PMID": 994001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5475", "title": "Derivatives of apomorphine and of other N-substituted norapomorphines.", "content": "Derivatives of apomorphine and of N-n-propylnorapomorphine were prepared to obtain modified pharmacological activity and enhanced chemical stability. Mouse profile and dog emesis screens were performed, and the activity of various N-substituted derivatives and their esters was evaluated and compared to the parent compounds. The N-n-propyl diacetate derivative and N-methyl and N-n-propyl ascorbate salts were remarkably stable to air: apomorphine etherate was no more stable than the free base. The dimers, the major products formed during the acid-catalyzed rearrangement of morphines to apomorphines, were all potent emetics. Additionally, two showed a significant antagonism to morphine in mice and dogs.", "contents": "Derivatives of apomorphine and of other N-substituted norapomorphines. Derivatives of apomorphine and of N-n-propylnorapomorphine were prepared to obtain modified pharmacological activity and enhanced chemical stability. Mouse profile and dog emesis screens were performed, and the activity of various N-substituted derivatives and their esters was evaluated and compared to the parent compounds. The N-n-propyl diacetate derivative and N-methyl and N-n-propyl ascorbate salts were remarkably stable to air: apomorphine etherate was no more stable than the free base. The dimers, the major products formed during the acid-catalyzed rearrangement of morphines to apomorphines, were all potent emetics. Additionally, two showed a significant antagonism to morphine in mice and dogs.", "PMID": 994002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5476", "title": "GLC assay for fenclorac.", "content": "A rapid stability-indicating GLC method is described for the determination of fenclorac as the diethylamine salt in dosage formulations. The procedure is also applied in detecting and quantitating the weight percent of 3-chloro-4-cyclohexylphenylglycolic acid and alpha-chloro-4-cyclohexylphenylacetic acid impurities associated with the synthesis of the fenclorac drug substance. The former compound, in addition to being an impurity, is also the degradation product of fenclorac. The procedure involves preparations of the silyl derivatives, addition of an internal standard (triphenylethylene), and use of a hydrogen flame-ionization detector. The column, with a phenyl methyl silicone liquid phase and operated at about 195degrees, is well suited for the separation. The silyl derivatives were characterized by GLC-mass spectrometry.", "contents": "GLC assay for fenclorac. A rapid stability-indicating GLC method is described for the determination of fenclorac as the diethylamine salt in dosage formulations. The procedure is also applied in detecting and quantitating the weight percent of 3-chloro-4-cyclohexylphenylglycolic acid and alpha-chloro-4-cyclohexylphenylacetic acid impurities associated with the synthesis of the fenclorac drug substance. The former compound, in addition to being an impurity, is also the degradation product of fenclorac. The procedure involves preparations of the silyl derivatives, addition of an internal standard (triphenylethylene), and use of a hydrogen flame-ionization detector. The column, with a phenyl methyl silicone liquid phase and operated at about 195degrees, is well suited for the separation. The silyl derivatives were characterized by GLC-mass spectrometry.", "PMID": 994003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5477", "title": "Synthesis and preliminary antimicrobial screening of two thiosulfonates.", "content": "Tetramethylene bis(methanethiosulfonate), the S-ester analog of busulfan, was prepared by reacting 1,4-dibromobutane with potassium methanethiosulfonate. 2,4-Dichlorophenyl methanethiosulfonate was prepared by reacting sodium methanesulfinate with 2,4-dichlorobenzenesulfenyl chloride. Neither compound showed antifungal activity against Microsporum audouini or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Although tetramethylene bis(methanethiosulfonate) was more active against Staphylococcus aureus than was 2,4-dichlorophenyl methanethiosulfonate, neither compound was as active as the streptomycin control.", "contents": "Synthesis and preliminary antimicrobial screening of two thiosulfonates. Tetramethylene bis(methanethiosulfonate), the S-ester analog of busulfan, was prepared by reacting 1,4-dibromobutane with potassium methanethiosulfonate. 2,4-Dichlorophenyl methanethiosulfonate was prepared by reacting sodium methanesulfinate with 2,4-dichlorobenzenesulfenyl chloride. Neither compound showed antifungal activity against Microsporum audouini or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Although tetramethylene bis(methanethiosulfonate) was more active against Staphylococcus aureus than was 2,4-dichlorophenyl methanethiosulfonate, neither compound was as active as the streptomycin control.", "PMID": 994004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5478", "title": "Effect of compression force and corn starch on tablet disintegration time.", "content": "An unusual occurrence of decreasing tablet disintegration time with increasing tablet hardness was explored. Tablets were made with varying ratios of starch disintegrant to starch paste and compressed with eight different forces. This unusual disintegration pattern is modified by changes in the starch ratios. The reason for this phenomenon is ascribed to gain swelling as the mechanism by which starch acts as a disintegrant.", "contents": "Effect of compression force and corn starch on tablet disintegration time. An unusual occurrence of decreasing tablet disintegration time with increasing tablet hardness was explored. Tablets were made with varying ratios of starch disintegrant to starch paste and compressed with eight different forces. This unusual disintegration pattern is modified by changes in the starch ratios. The reason for this phenomenon is ascribed to gain swelling as the mechanism by which starch acts as a disintegrant.", "PMID": 994005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5479", "title": "Quantitative determination of morphine in paregoric USP by high-pressure liquid chromatography.", "content": "The quantitative determination of morphine in paregoric by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography is described. The method is simple, accurate, and fast compared to the USP method. Benzoic acid in paregoric also can be determined quantitatively with the same column. The method was applied to two commercial samples with excellent results.", "contents": "Quantitative determination of morphine in paregoric USP by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The quantitative determination of morphine in paregoric by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography is described. The method is simple, accurate, and fast compared to the USP method. Benzoic acid in paregoric also can be determined quantitatively with the same column. The method was applied to two commercial samples with excellent results.", "PMID": 994006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5480", "title": "Potential CNS antitumor agents--phenothiazines I: Nitrogen mustard derivatives.", "content": "Four phenothiazine derivatives containing the bis(beta-chloroethyl)aminopropyl side chain were prepared and evaluated in the murine L-1210, P-388, and B-16 melanoma intraperitoneal tumor systems. Moderate P-388 activity was observed. An aminoethyl phenothiazine mustard was compared with the aminopropyl analogs and was superior in all test systems. None of the compounds tested against the murine ependymoblastoma brain tumor system was active.", "contents": "Potential CNS antitumor agents--phenothiazines I: Nitrogen mustard derivatives. Four phenothiazine derivatives containing the bis(beta-chloroethyl)aminopropyl side chain were prepared and evaluated in the murine L-1210, P-388, and B-16 melanoma intraperitoneal tumor systems. Moderate P-388 activity was observed. An aminoethyl phenothiazine mustard was compared with the aminopropyl analogs and was superior in all test systems. None of the compounds tested against the murine ependymoblastoma brain tumor system was active.", "PMID": 994007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5481", "title": "Enhancement of dissolution rates of poorly water-soluble drugs by crystallization in aqueous surfactant solutions I: Sulfathiazole, prednisone, and chloramphenicol.", "content": "Effects of crystallization of poorly water-soluble drugs in aqueous surfactant solution on in vitro dissolution rates were investigated. Marked enhancement was observed for chloramphenicol, sulfathiazole, and prednisone. Differential thermal analysis studies indicated the presence of small amounts of surfactant in surfactant-treated crystals. Possible mechanisms of dissolution enhancement are discussed.", "contents": "Enhancement of dissolution rates of poorly water-soluble drugs by crystallization in aqueous surfactant solutions I: Sulfathiazole, prednisone, and chloramphenicol. Effects of crystallization of poorly water-soluble drugs in aqueous surfactant solution on in vitro dissolution rates were investigated. Marked enhancement was observed for chloramphenicol, sulfathiazole, and prednisone. Differential thermal analysis studies indicated the presence of small amounts of surfactant in surfactant-treated crystals. Possible mechanisms of dissolution enhancement are discussed.", "PMID": 994008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5482", "title": "Molecular orbital studies of antischistosomal agents.", "content": "Molecular orbital calculations were used to investigate the antischistosomal agent, niridazole, and an inactive derivative, 1-(5-nitro-2-thiazolyl)-2-ethylurea. The CNDO/2 calculations revealed that the inactive derivative had a preferred conformation stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen bond. The molecular profile, the relative three-dimensional arrangement of constituent atoms, of the inactive derivative was different than that of the niridazole compound. The likelihood of similar intramolecular interactions rendering niridazole derivatives inactive is discussed. The results of the calculations suggest select structural modifications that might increase the efficacy of niridazole derivatives.", "contents": "Molecular orbital studies of antischistosomal agents. Molecular orbital calculations were used to investigate the antischistosomal agent, niridazole, and an inactive derivative, 1-(5-nitro-2-thiazolyl)-2-ethylurea. The CNDO/2 calculations revealed that the inactive derivative had a preferred conformation stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen bond. The molecular profile, the relative three-dimensional arrangement of constituent atoms, of the inactive derivative was different than that of the niridazole compound. The likelihood of similar intramolecular interactions rendering niridazole derivatives inactive is discussed. The results of the calculations suggest select structural modifications that might increase the efficacy of niridazole derivatives.", "PMID": 994009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5483", "title": "Quantitative determinations of phenol and resorcinol in pharmaceutical dosage forms by high-pressure liquid chromatography.", "content": "The quantitative determinations of phenol in phenolated calamine lotion USP and of phenol and resorcinol in phenol-resorcinol-boric acid solution by high-pressure liquid chromatography are reported. The procedures are simple, rapid (no special preliminary treatment is required), and accurate. There is no interference from other ingredients of the lotion (bentonite magma, calamine, and zinc oxide) or solution (acetone and boric acid).", "contents": "Quantitative determinations of phenol and resorcinol in pharmaceutical dosage forms by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The quantitative determinations of phenol in phenolated calamine lotion USP and of phenol and resorcinol in phenol-resorcinol-boric acid solution by high-pressure liquid chromatography are reported. The procedures are simple, rapid (no special preliminary treatment is required), and accurate. There is no interference from other ingredients of the lotion (bentonite magma, calamine, and zinc oxide) or solution (acetone and boric acid).", "PMID": 994010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5484", "title": "Electron-capture GC determination of subnanogram amounts of emepronium bromide in serum.", "content": "Barium peroxide in an acidic medium was utilized to increase the sensitivity in the benzophenone method for the determination of the quaternary ammonium compound emepronium bromide. The method is comprised of ion-pair extraction, oxidation, and quantitative determination of benzophenone by electron-capture GC. By employing small extraction and reaction volumes, the method was used in the 0.2--8-ng/ml range with a relative standard deviation of 2.5% at the 1-ng/ml level. The application of the method to human serum samples after a single oral dose demonstrated that the elimination phase for emepronium in serum had a half-life of 7--11 hr.", "contents": "Electron-capture GC determination of subnanogram amounts of emepronium bromide in serum. Barium peroxide in an acidic medium was utilized to increase the sensitivity in the benzophenone method for the determination of the quaternary ammonium compound emepronium bromide. The method is comprised of ion-pair extraction, oxidation, and quantitative determination of benzophenone by electron-capture GC. By employing small extraction and reaction volumes, the method was used in the 0.2--8-ng/ml range with a relative standard deviation of 2.5% at the 1-ng/ml level. The application of the method to human serum samples after a single oral dose demonstrated that the elimination phase for emepronium in serum had a half-life of 7--11 hr.", "PMID": 994011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5485", "title": "Renal elimination of lithium in rats with lithium intoxication.", "content": "The relation between urine flow (V), lithium clearance (CLi) and sodium clearance (CNa) was studied in rats given food containing lithium in amounts leading to inhibition of distal reabsorption of water and sodium. Maximum inhibition of the reabsorption of water was reached at serum lithium concentrations of about 1 mM. At higher serum lithium levels the rats developed intoxication due to a lowering of CLi and a consequent rise of the serum lithium concentration. The intoxication was characterized by a proportional decrease of V and CLi. The decrease of V and CLi was not related to changes of CNa. The results indicate that lithium is reabsorbed in the proximal tubules in parallel with sodium and that the lowering of CLi is due to increased fractional proximal reabsorption of lithium and sodium compensatory to inhibition of the distal reabsorption of sodium.", "contents": "Renal elimination of lithium in rats with lithium intoxication. The relation between urine flow (V), lithium clearance (CLi) and sodium clearance (CNa) was studied in rats given food containing lithium in amounts leading to inhibition of distal reabsorption of water and sodium. Maximum inhibition of the reabsorption of water was reached at serum lithium concentrations of about 1 mM. At higher serum lithium levels the rats developed intoxication due to a lowering of CLi and a consequent rise of the serum lithium concentration. The intoxication was characterized by a proportional decrease of V and CLi. The decrease of V and CLi was not related to changes of CNa. The results indicate that lithium is reabsorbed in the proximal tubules in parallel with sodium and that the lowering of CLi is due to increased fractional proximal reabsorption of lithium and sodium compensatory to inhibition of the distal reabsorption of sodium.", "PMID": 994013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5486", "title": "Relationship of urinary furosemide excretion rate to natriuretic effect in experimental azotemia.", "content": "The relationship of natriuretic effect and furosemide excretion was studied in normal and azotemic dogs. Graded azotemia was produced in dogs by bilateral uretero-venous shunts of varying duration. The shunts were subsequently opened and urine and blood samples were taken to measure inulin, furosemide and sodium concentrations. Renal blood flow was measured by an electromagnetic flow probe. Two groups of dogs, control and experimental, were studied. The experimental group received a loading dose followed by a constant infusion of furosemide. This dose produced a natriuresis in nonazotemic normal dogs. The magnitude of this natriuresis correlated with furosemide excretion rate (P less than .005) and not with the plasma concentration of the drug. Furosemide clearance and extraction were inversely correlated with blood urea nitrogen. In the furosemide-treated group the augmentation of sodium excretion was not impaired except at blood urea nitrogen concentrations of greater than 200 mg/dl (two dogs). Thus the reduced clearance of furosemide may account in part for the high dose necessary. Further studies appear to be in order to clarify the relationship of the natriuretic response to furosemide to the rate of urinary excretion and plasma concentration of the drug.", "contents": "Relationship of urinary furosemide excretion rate to natriuretic effect in experimental azotemia. The relationship of natriuretic effect and furosemide excretion was studied in normal and azotemic dogs. Graded azotemia was produced in dogs by bilateral uretero-venous shunts of varying duration. The shunts were subsequently opened and urine and blood samples were taken to measure inulin, furosemide and sodium concentrations. Renal blood flow was measured by an electromagnetic flow probe. Two groups of dogs, control and experimental, were studied. The experimental group received a loading dose followed by a constant infusion of furosemide. This dose produced a natriuresis in nonazotemic normal dogs. The magnitude of this natriuresis correlated with furosemide excretion rate (P less than .005) and not with the plasma concentration of the drug. Furosemide clearance and extraction were inversely correlated with blood urea nitrogen. In the furosemide-treated group the augmentation of sodium excretion was not impaired except at blood urea nitrogen concentrations of greater than 200 mg/dl (two dogs). Thus the reduced clearance of furosemide may account in part for the high dose necessary. Further studies appear to be in order to clarify the relationship of the natriuretic response to furosemide to the rate of urinary excretion and plasma concentration of the drug.", "PMID": 994014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5487", "title": "The effect of acetazolamide on the movement of sodium into the posterior chamber of the dog eye.", "content": "The rate of appearance (entry) of 22Na into the posterior chamber of the eye was determined in eight dogs under control conditions and again after pretreatment with acetazolamide, 50 mg/kg i.v. In comparison with the paired controls, pretreatment with acetazolamide decreased the average rate of entry of 22Na by 29% during the first 3 minutes after the intravenous administration of a tracer dose of the isotope. In separate experiments, the volumes of the chambers of the dog eye and the rate of aqueous humor formation were determined for the purpose of calculating nascent fluid ion concentrations. Comparisons of sodium data with the previously reported anion data are made. Results support the suggestion that reduction of intraocular pressure caused by acetazolamide is partially, if not wholly, the result of the action of the drug to reduce the secretion of aqueous humor.", "contents": "The effect of acetazolamide on the movement of sodium into the posterior chamber of the dog eye. The rate of appearance (entry) of 22Na into the posterior chamber of the eye was determined in eight dogs under control conditions and again after pretreatment with acetazolamide, 50 mg/kg i.v. In comparison with the paired controls, pretreatment with acetazolamide decreased the average rate of entry of 22Na by 29% during the first 3 minutes after the intravenous administration of a tracer dose of the isotope. In separate experiments, the volumes of the chambers of the dog eye and the rate of aqueous humor formation were determined for the purpose of calculating nascent fluid ion concentrations. Comparisons of sodium data with the previously reported anion data are made. Results support the suggestion that reduction of intraocular pressure caused by acetazolamide is partially, if not wholly, the result of the action of the drug to reduce the secretion of aqueous humor.", "PMID": 994015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5488", "title": "Stimulation of 45Ca influx in rat parotid gland by carbachol.", "content": "Secretion of alpha-amylase by rat parotid glands was stimulated by 10(-5) M carbachol when Ca was present in the bathing medium. The optimal Ca concentration was 1.0 mM in the absence of Mg ion. Lowering the extracellular Na to near one-half and one-quarter of normal levels produced a significant increase in carbachol-induced secretion. The metabolism of 45Ca by the slices could be described by three components of exchange. The faster two, with time constants of 4 and 16 minutes, each appeared to represent a mixture of free extracellular Ca and rapidly exchanging superficially bound Ca. Influx into the slower (tau = 78 minutes) component (apparently intracellular) was enhanced by 10(-5) M carbachol. This was apparent by standard flux techniques only in low (65 mM) Na solutions, but was readily discernible in normal Na (125 mM) with the \"lanthanum-residual\" technique. The increase in 45Ca influx due to carbachol resembles the secretory response to carbachol in being potentiated by low Na, blocked by 1.0 mM La, and blocked by 10(-4) M atropine. It was concluded on the basis of this and other evidence that the primary step in the induction of exocytosis by carbachol in the parotid gland is an increased influx of Ca.", "contents": "Stimulation of 45Ca influx in rat parotid gland by carbachol. Secretion of alpha-amylase by rat parotid glands was stimulated by 10(-5) M carbachol when Ca was present in the bathing medium. The optimal Ca concentration was 1.0 mM in the absence of Mg ion. Lowering the extracellular Na to near one-half and one-quarter of normal levels produced a significant increase in carbachol-induced secretion. The metabolism of 45Ca by the slices could be described by three components of exchange. The faster two, with time constants of 4 and 16 minutes, each appeared to represent a mixture of free extracellular Ca and rapidly exchanging superficially bound Ca. Influx into the slower (tau = 78 minutes) component (apparently intracellular) was enhanced by 10(-5) M carbachol. This was apparent by standard flux techniques only in low (65 mM) Na solutions, but was readily discernible in normal Na (125 mM) with the \"lanthanum-residual\" technique. The increase in 45Ca influx due to carbachol resembles the secretory response to carbachol in being potentiated by low Na, blocked by 1.0 mM La, and blocked by 10(-4) M atropine. It was concluded on the basis of this and other evidence that the primary step in the induction of exocytosis by carbachol in the parotid gland is an increased influx of Ca.", "PMID": 994016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5489", "title": "Neuroexcitatory effects of digoxin in the cat.", "content": "The effect of intravenous injections of digoxin (20 mug/kg every 15 minutes) on spontaneously occurring activity in autonomic efferent nerves, motor nerves, afferent nerves, electrocardiogram and on arterial blood pressure was evaluated in chloralose-anesthetized cats. Administration of digoxin enhanced neural activity in pre- and postganglionic cardiac synpathetic nerves and this enhancement occurred near the time the disturbances in ventricular rhym were noted. Neural activity continued to increase during ventricular tachycardia and maximum enhancement was observed just proir to ventricular fibrillation. Similar results were observed when digoxin was administered to animals in which neural activity was recorded from preganglionic splanchnic and superior cervical nerves. Digoxin administration also increased discharge frequency from vagus (efferent fibers), phrenic and carotid sinus nerves. Denervation of cardiovascular reflexogenic areas prevented the increased discharge in vagus nerves, reduced it in phrenic nerves, but did not affect nerve discharge in sympathetic nerves. These results suggest that digoxin-induced hyperactivity in synpathetic nerves was related to a central nervous system effect of the drug, whereas the mechanism for the digoxin-induced hyperactivity in vagus nerves involved a peripheral reflex effect of the drug. Both sites were involved in the digoxin-induced hyperactivity in phrenic nerves. Enhancement of cardiac sympathetic nerve activity appeared to be responsible for the ventricular arrhythmias provoked by digoxin as 1) a temporal relationship was observed between augmented nerve activity and arrhythmia development, 2) a centrally acting sympathetic nervous system depressant drug, clonidine, converted the ventricular arrhythmia to normal rhythm, and 3) removal of sympathetic influence to the heart by spinal cord transection decreased the sensitivity of the heart to the arrhythmogenic effect of digoxin. These results suggest that digoxin partially responsible for its cardiotoxic effects.", "contents": "Neuroexcitatory effects of digoxin in the cat. The effect of intravenous injections of digoxin (20 mug/kg every 15 minutes) on spontaneously occurring activity in autonomic efferent nerves, motor nerves, afferent nerves, electrocardiogram and on arterial blood pressure was evaluated in chloralose-anesthetized cats. Administration of digoxin enhanced neural activity in pre- and postganglionic cardiac synpathetic nerves and this enhancement occurred near the time the disturbances in ventricular rhym were noted. Neural activity continued to increase during ventricular tachycardia and maximum enhancement was observed just proir to ventricular fibrillation. Similar results were observed when digoxin was administered to animals in which neural activity was recorded from preganglionic splanchnic and superior cervical nerves. Digoxin administration also increased discharge frequency from vagus (efferent fibers), phrenic and carotid sinus nerves. Denervation of cardiovascular reflexogenic areas prevented the increased discharge in vagus nerves, reduced it in phrenic nerves, but did not affect nerve discharge in sympathetic nerves. These results suggest that digoxin-induced hyperactivity in synpathetic nerves was related to a central nervous system effect of the drug, whereas the mechanism for the digoxin-induced hyperactivity in vagus nerves involved a peripheral reflex effect of the drug. Both sites were involved in the digoxin-induced hyperactivity in phrenic nerves. Enhancement of cardiac sympathetic nerve activity appeared to be responsible for the ventricular arrhythmias provoked by digoxin as 1) a temporal relationship was observed between augmented nerve activity and arrhythmia development, 2) a centrally acting sympathetic nervous system depressant drug, clonidine, converted the ventricular arrhythmia to normal rhythm, and 3) removal of sympathetic influence to the heart by spinal cord transection decreased the sensitivity of the heart to the arrhythmogenic effect of digoxin. These results suggest that digoxin partially responsible for its cardiotoxic effects.", "PMID": 994017} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5490", "title": "Prostaglandin-like substances in coronary venous blood following myocardial ischemia.", "content": "Twelve anesthetized open chest dogs received an intracoronary infusion of 20 muCi of 3H-arachidonic acid through the left anterior descending coronary artery. A control blood sample was then taken from the great cardiac vein. The left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 10 minutes and then released. A second cardiac vein blood sample was obtained during the coronary reactive hyperemic response. The pre-and postocclusion blood samples were analyzed for prostaglandin (PG)-like substances using thin-layer chromatography and analysis for radioactivity. There was an increase in PGE2- and PGA2-like substances, and arachidonic acid found in the postocclusion samples. PGE2 appears to be the predominant prostaglandin formed. Three animals received 10 mg/kg of indomethacin intravenously 1 hour before the 3H-arachidonic acid infusion. Pretreatment with indomethacin abolished the release of PGE2 and PGA2-like substances but no arachidonic acid and reduced the reactive hyperemic response in magnitude and duration. Reactive hyperemia after a 10-minute occlusion was studied in five dogs before and 1 hour after the intravenous administration of 10 mg/kg of indomethacin. The control coronary flow and peak reactive hyperemic response were significantly reduced by the indomethacin. These studies suggest that myocardial ischemia promotes the synthesis and release of PG-like substances which may play a role in reactive hyperemia.", "contents": "Prostaglandin-like substances in coronary venous blood following myocardial ischemia. Twelve anesthetized open chest dogs received an intracoronary infusion of 20 muCi of 3H-arachidonic acid through the left anterior descending coronary artery. A control blood sample was then taken from the great cardiac vein. The left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 10 minutes and then released. A second cardiac vein blood sample was obtained during the coronary reactive hyperemic response. The pre-and postocclusion blood samples were analyzed for prostaglandin (PG)-like substances using thin-layer chromatography and analysis for radioactivity. There was an increase in PGE2- and PGA2-like substances, and arachidonic acid found in the postocclusion samples. PGE2 appears to be the predominant prostaglandin formed. Three animals received 10 mg/kg of indomethacin intravenously 1 hour before the 3H-arachidonic acid infusion. Pretreatment with indomethacin abolished the release of PGE2 and PGA2-like substances but no arachidonic acid and reduced the reactive hyperemic response in magnitude and duration. Reactive hyperemia after a 10-minute occlusion was studied in five dogs before and 1 hour after the intravenous administration of 10 mg/kg of indomethacin. The control coronary flow and peak reactive hyperemic response were significantly reduced by the indomethacin. These studies suggest that myocardial ischemia promotes the synthesis and release of PG-like substances which may play a role in reactive hyperemia.", "PMID": 994018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5491", "title": "Relaxation of isolated rabbit arteries by fusaric (5-butylpicolinic) acid.", "content": "The influence of fusaric (5-butylpicolinic) acid on vascular contractile or relaxing response was examined in different isolated arterial preparations of the rabbit. Prior exposure (10 minutes) to 1 x 10(-4) to 1 x 10(-3) M fusaric acid decreased contractile responses elicited with norepinephrine, histamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, angiotensin II and KCl in helical strips of rabbit aorta and superior mesenteric, carotid, renal, and femoral arteries. Fusaric acid produced a shift to the right and down in the dose-response curves to all tested agonists, and antagonized acetylcholine and serotonin most effectively among these agonists. These results indicate that fusaric acid antagonized nonspecifically these contractile agonists. When blood vessels were contracted with prostaglandin F2alpha, fusaric acid caused relaxation of rabbit aorta and superior mesenteric, carotid, renal, and femoral arteries in a dose-dependent fashion. Among blood vessels tested superior mesenteric arteries were relaxed the most effectively by fusaric acid. The concentration of fusaric acid which induced 50% relaxation of aortic strips was about 10-fold higher than that of papaverine. Propranolol and atropine did not affect fusaric acid-induced relaxation, suggesting that fusaric acid did not work through beta adrenergic or cholinergic receptors. Ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl-ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid which chelates with Ca++ caused blood vessel relaxation in doses similar to those of fusaric acid. As fusaric acid is known to chelate Ca++, a possible mechanism of fusaric acid to relax blood vessel through Ca++ depletion is discussed briefly.", "contents": "Relaxation of isolated rabbit arteries by fusaric (5-butylpicolinic) acid. The influence of fusaric (5-butylpicolinic) acid on vascular contractile or relaxing response was examined in different isolated arterial preparations of the rabbit. Prior exposure (10 minutes) to 1 x 10(-4) to 1 x 10(-3) M fusaric acid decreased contractile responses elicited with norepinephrine, histamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, angiotensin II and KCl in helical strips of rabbit aorta and superior mesenteric, carotid, renal, and femoral arteries. Fusaric acid produced a shift to the right and down in the dose-response curves to all tested agonists, and antagonized acetylcholine and serotonin most effectively among these agonists. These results indicate that fusaric acid antagonized nonspecifically these contractile agonists. When blood vessels were contracted with prostaglandin F2alpha, fusaric acid caused relaxation of rabbit aorta and superior mesenteric, carotid, renal, and femoral arteries in a dose-dependent fashion. Among blood vessels tested superior mesenteric arteries were relaxed the most effectively by fusaric acid. The concentration of fusaric acid which induced 50% relaxation of aortic strips was about 10-fold higher than that of papaverine. Propranolol and atropine did not affect fusaric acid-induced relaxation, suggesting that fusaric acid did not work through beta adrenergic or cholinergic receptors. Ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl-ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid which chelates with Ca++ caused blood vessel relaxation in doses similar to those of fusaric acid. As fusaric acid is known to chelate Ca++, a possible mechanism of fusaric acid to relax blood vessel through Ca++ depletion is discussed briefly.", "PMID": 994019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5492", "title": "Inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system by a series of heterocyclic congeners of dopamine.", "content": "A series of heterocyclic congeners of dopamine (GJH-series) with different positions of phenolic oxygens and with the possibility of cis and trans isomerism at the 4a-10b ring juncture was evaluated in vitro and in vivo for dopaminergic activity. Two compounds, GJH-166 and GJH-171, were found to suppress the positive chronotropic response induced by stimulation of the right cardioaccelerator nerves. These effects were antagonized by haloperidol. GJH-166, in doses as low as 9.5 x 10(-4) mugmol/kg reduced the resting heart rate in cats anesthetized with alpha-chloralose. GJH-166 and GJH-171 antagonized pressor responses induced by bilateral carotid occlusion and stimulation of the central stump of the sciatic nerve. The results outlined in this manuscript support the hypothesis that the extended conformation of the dihydroxyhenylethylamine moiety of dopamine with a trans isomeric form is favorable for dopaminergic agonist activity.", "contents": "Inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system by a series of heterocyclic congeners of dopamine. A series of heterocyclic congeners of dopamine (GJH-series) with different positions of phenolic oxygens and with the possibility of cis and trans isomerism at the 4a-10b ring juncture was evaluated in vitro and in vivo for dopaminergic activity. Two compounds, GJH-166 and GJH-171, were found to suppress the positive chronotropic response induced by stimulation of the right cardioaccelerator nerves. These effects were antagonized by haloperidol. GJH-166, in doses as low as 9.5 x 10(-4) mugmol/kg reduced the resting heart rate in cats anesthetized with alpha-chloralose. GJH-166 and GJH-171 antagonized pressor responses induced by bilateral carotid occlusion and stimulation of the central stump of the sciatic nerve. The results outlined in this manuscript support the hypothesis that the extended conformation of the dihydroxyhenylethylamine moiety of dopamine with a trans isomeric form is favorable for dopaminergic agonist activity.", "PMID": 994020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5493", "title": "Effect of variations in adrenocortical function on dopamine beta-hydroxylase and norepinephrine in the brain of the rat.", "content": "The effect of adrenalectomy and corticosterone treatment on dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity, catecholamine content and norepinephrine formation and metabolism were studied in the hypothalamus and other parts of the brain of male rats. Two days after adrenalectomy, there was a decrease in DBH activity in the hypothalamus and the brain stem but no change in norepinephrine or dopamine content. Conversion of intraventricularly administered tritiated dopamine to tritiated norepinephrine was slightly increased and norepinephrine was metabolized at a more rapid rate than normal. Corticosterone in a dose of 100 mg/kg increased DBH activity but decreased hypothalamic norepinephrine and copamine content. In adrenalectomized rats, smaller, more physiological doses of corticosterone did not change DBH activity or catecholamine content. The fact that norepinephrine formation and metabolism were increased at the same time that DBH activity in vitro was decreased suggests that DBH is not rate-limiting in adrenergic neurons in the hypothalamus, or that a change in the in vitro activity of the enzyme was not accompanied by a parallel change in its activity in vivo.", "contents": "Effect of variations in adrenocortical function on dopamine beta-hydroxylase and norepinephrine in the brain of the rat. The effect of adrenalectomy and corticosterone treatment on dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity, catecholamine content and norepinephrine formation and metabolism were studied in the hypothalamus and other parts of the brain of male rats. Two days after adrenalectomy, there was a decrease in DBH activity in the hypothalamus and the brain stem but no change in norepinephrine or dopamine content. Conversion of intraventricularly administered tritiated dopamine to tritiated norepinephrine was slightly increased and norepinephrine was metabolized at a more rapid rate than normal. Corticosterone in a dose of 100 mg/kg increased DBH activity but decreased hypothalamic norepinephrine and copamine content. In adrenalectomized rats, smaller, more physiological doses of corticosterone did not change DBH activity or catecholamine content. The fact that norepinephrine formation and metabolism were increased at the same time that DBH activity in vitro was decreased suggests that DBH is not rate-limiting in adrenergic neurons in the hypothalamus, or that a change in the in vitro activity of the enzyme was not accompanied by a parallel change in its activity in vivo.", "PMID": 994021} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5494", "title": "Molecular geometry of inhibitors of the uptake of catecholamines and serotonin in synaptosomal preparations of rat brain.", "content": "Several compounds of relatively rigid molecular structure have been found to exert strong blockade of monoamine uptake by synaptosomal preparations of rat corpus striatum (dopamine and serotonin) and hypothalamus (norepinephrine). These include CP-24,441 (1R, 4S-N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthylamine), EXP-561 (4-phenylbicyclo[2.2.2]octan-1-amine), nomifensine and nefopam. The well-defined molecular geometry of the potent inhibitor EXP-561 is a fundamental structural/conformational requirement for uptake blocking activity for the large family of phenylbutylamine- and phenoxypropylamine-related inhibitors. The tubular configuration of EXP-561 may be the most appropriate for blocking serotonin uptake. The requisite conformation for blocking dopamine uptake appears to be defined by the combination resulting from superimposition of the CP-24,441 and nomifensine structures. The conformation defined by the combination resulting from superimposition of the CP-24-441 and desipramine structures is apparently optimal for blocking norepinephrine uptake. The conformational requirements for diphenylpropylamine-related uptake blockers may be defined by the rigid compound CP-39,332 (N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-naphthylamine). The actual potency of any given inhibitor is probably modulated by additional structural and stereochemical factors.", "contents": "Molecular geometry of inhibitors of the uptake of catecholamines and serotonin in synaptosomal preparations of rat brain. Several compounds of relatively rigid molecular structure have been found to exert strong blockade of monoamine uptake by synaptosomal preparations of rat corpus striatum (dopamine and serotonin) and hypothalamus (norepinephrine). These include CP-24,441 (1R, 4S-N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthylamine), EXP-561 (4-phenylbicyclo[2.2.2]octan-1-amine), nomifensine and nefopam. The well-defined molecular geometry of the potent inhibitor EXP-561 is a fundamental structural/conformational requirement for uptake blocking activity for the large family of phenylbutylamine- and phenoxypropylamine-related inhibitors. The tubular configuration of EXP-561 may be the most appropriate for blocking serotonin uptake. The requisite conformation for blocking dopamine uptake appears to be defined by the combination resulting from superimposition of the CP-24,441 and nomifensine structures. The conformation defined by the combination resulting from superimposition of the CP-24-441 and desipramine structures is apparently optimal for blocking norepinephrine uptake. The conformational requirements for diphenylpropylamine-related uptake blockers may be defined by the rigid compound CP-39,332 (N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-naphthylamine). The actual potency of any given inhibitor is probably modulated by additional structural and stereochemical factors.", "PMID": 994022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5495", "title": "Effects of carbon disulfide and FLA-63 on operant behavior in pigeons.", "content": "Carbon disulfide (CS2) and FLA-63 [bis(4-methyl-1-homopiperazinylthiocarbonyl)disulfide] were studied in pigeons working on a differential-reinforcement-of low-rates or a multiple fixed-interval fixed-ratio schedule of food reinforcement. Response rate on both schedules decreased after 8-hour exposures to CS2 (2 mg/1) of administration of FLA-63 (40 and 80 mg/kg). The effects of two successive 8-hour exposures to CS2 were cumulative and ten successive 4-hour exposures produced changes in differential-reinforcement-of-low-rates performance resembling those following acute exposure. Fixed-interval performance was disrupted by exposures to CS2 and doses of FLA-63 that left fixed-ratio performance intact.", "contents": "Effects of carbon disulfide and FLA-63 on operant behavior in pigeons. Carbon disulfide (CS2) and FLA-63 [bis(4-methyl-1-homopiperazinylthiocarbonyl)disulfide] were studied in pigeons working on a differential-reinforcement-of low-rates or a multiple fixed-interval fixed-ratio schedule of food reinforcement. Response rate on both schedules decreased after 8-hour exposures to CS2 (2 mg/1) of administration of FLA-63 (40 and 80 mg/kg). The effects of two successive 8-hour exposures to CS2 were cumulative and ten successive 4-hour exposures produced changes in differential-reinforcement-of-low-rates performance resembling those following acute exposure. Fixed-interval performance was disrupted by exposures to CS2 and doses of FLA-63 that left fixed-ratio performance intact.", "PMID": 994023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5496", "title": "Chloroquine-3H: mechanism of uptake by Chang liver cells in vitro.", "content": "The mechanism of uptake and release of the lysosomotropic agent chloroquine-3H (CQ-3H) in cultures of Chang (CH) liver cells was investigated. The data were correlated with the morphological effects of CQ on mammalian cells, observed by other investigators. It was found that CQ-3H accumulated rapidly into CH cells. Accumulation was reduced to about 10% by NaN3 and cytochalasin B and to 3% upon exposure to 2degreesC. Colchicine had no effect on drug uptake. Serum albumin stimulated and serum inhibited uptake, indicating the presence of factors in the serum influencing CQ-3H uptake. Efflux of cellular CQ-3H was fast, energy independent and markedly reduced at 2degreesC. The course of CQ-3H uptake with time, as measured in the present report, together with morphological studies of other investigators, suggests that the process of CQ uptake consists of several distinct phases occurring rapidly and succeeding each other rapidly, as follows: Influx by diffusion, adsorption to a receptor concomitant with induction of membrane-bound cytoplasmic vesicles into which CQ is trapped, followed by fusion of the vesicles with lysosomes. Only the latter process appears energy-dependent and accounts for the major accumulation of CQ in cells. CH cells grown in sucrose-containing medium accumulated 2 to 3 times more CQ-3H, apparently because of expansion of the lysosomes. Such cells respond more strongly to the inhibitory effect of CQ on DNA synthesis than control cells.", "contents": "Chloroquine-3H: mechanism of uptake by Chang liver cells in vitro. The mechanism of uptake and release of the lysosomotropic agent chloroquine-3H (CQ-3H) in cultures of Chang (CH) liver cells was investigated. The data were correlated with the morphological effects of CQ on mammalian cells, observed by other investigators. It was found that CQ-3H accumulated rapidly into CH cells. Accumulation was reduced to about 10% by NaN3 and cytochalasin B and to 3% upon exposure to 2degreesC. Colchicine had no effect on drug uptake. Serum albumin stimulated and serum inhibited uptake, indicating the presence of factors in the serum influencing CQ-3H uptake. Efflux of cellular CQ-3H was fast, energy independent and markedly reduced at 2degreesC. The course of CQ-3H uptake with time, as measured in the present report, together with morphological studies of other investigators, suggests that the process of CQ uptake consists of several distinct phases occurring rapidly and succeeding each other rapidly, as follows: Influx by diffusion, adsorption to a receptor concomitant with induction of membrane-bound cytoplasmic vesicles into which CQ is trapped, followed by fusion of the vesicles with lysosomes. Only the latter process appears energy-dependent and accounts for the major accumulation of CQ in cells. CH cells grown in sucrose-containing medium accumulated 2 to 3 times more CQ-3H, apparently because of expansion of the lysosomes. Such cells respond more strongly to the inhibitory effect of CQ on DNA synthesis than control cells.", "PMID": 994024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5497", "title": "The effect of aminoacetonitrile on calcium metabolism and bone in the rat.", "content": "1. The effect of the osteolathyrogen aminoacetonitrile (AAN) on plasma calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase, on bone, on growth rates, on absorption of calcium and phosphate in the gut and on their urinary excretion, has been examined in rats. 2. AAN caused a general deterioration in the health of the rat and reduced its rate of growth. 3. AAN reduced plasma calcium and increased plasma alkaline phosphatase but did not affect plasma phosphate. 4. AAN caused obvious deformity of the long bones with large exostoses. The femurs of the lathyritic rats had an increased fat-free weight and increased fat-free weight to ash weight ratio. 5. AAN increased true and apparent absorption of calcium but did not consistently affect urinary excretion of phosphate or apparent absorption of phosphate. 6. AAN did not produce a significant reduction in the plasma calcium of parathyroidectomized or thyroparathyroidectomized rats. 7. Absorption of calcium from ligated jejunal loops was increased in AAN-treated parathyroidectomized rats. 8. In some experiments parathyroidectomy or thyroparathyroidectomy protected the bones from the effect of AAN.", "contents": "The effect of aminoacetonitrile on calcium metabolism and bone in the rat. 1. The effect of the osteolathyrogen aminoacetonitrile (AAN) on plasma calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase, on bone, on growth rates, on absorption of calcium and phosphate in the gut and on their urinary excretion, has been examined in rats. 2. AAN caused a general deterioration in the health of the rat and reduced its rate of growth. 3. AAN reduced plasma calcium and increased plasma alkaline phosphatase but did not affect plasma phosphate. 4. AAN caused obvious deformity of the long bones with large exostoses. The femurs of the lathyritic rats had an increased fat-free weight and increased fat-free weight to ash weight ratio. 5. AAN increased true and apparent absorption of calcium but did not consistently affect urinary excretion of phosphate or apparent absorption of phosphate. 6. AAN did not produce a significant reduction in the plasma calcium of parathyroidectomized or thyroparathyroidectomized rats. 7. Absorption of calcium from ligated jejunal loops was increased in AAN-treated parathyroidectomized rats. 8. In some experiments parathyroidectomy or thyroparathyroidectomy protected the bones from the effect of AAN.", "PMID": 994026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5498", "title": "Reversal of the physiological effects of monocular deprivation in the kitten's visual cortex.", "content": "1. Twenty-three kittens were monocularly deprived of vision until the age of 4, 5, 6 or 7 weeks. Their deprived eyes were then opened, and their experienced eyes shut for a further 3-63 days. After this time physiological recordings were made in the visual cortex, area 17. Three control kittens, monocularly deprived for various periods, showed that at the time of reverse-suturing, few neurones could be influenced at all from the deprived eye. 2. Following reverse-suturing, the initially deprived eye regained control of cortical neurones. This switch of cortical ocular dominance was most rapid following reverse-suturing at the age of 4 weeks. Delaying the age of reverse-suturing reduced the rate and then the extent of the cortical ocular dominance changes. 3. The cortex of reverse-sutured kittens is divided into regions of cells dominated by one eye or the other. The relative sizes of these ocular dominance columns changed during reversed deprivation. The columns devoted to the initially deprived eye were very small in animals reverse-sutured for brief periods, but in animals that underwent longer periods of reversed deprivation, the columns driven by that eye were larger, while those devoted to the initially open eye were smaller. 4. Clear progressions of orientation columns across the cortex were apparent in many of the kittens, but, in contrast to the situation in normal or strabismic kittens, these sequences were disrupted at the borders of eye dominance columns: the cortical representations of orientation and ocular dominance were not independent. 5. Binocular units in these kittens were rather rare, but those that could be found often had dissimilar receptive field properties in the two eyes. Commonly, a cell would have a normal orientation selective receptive field in one eye, and an immature, unselective receptive field in the other. Cells that had orientation selective receptive fields in both eyes often had greatly differing orientation preferences in the two eyes, occasionally by nearly 90 degrees. 6. During the reversal of deprivation effects, the proportion of receptive fields exhibiting mature properties declined in the initially experienced eye, while the proportion increased in the initially deprived eye. Similarly, the average band width of orientation tuning of receptive fields in the initially deprived eye decreased, while that of receptive fields in the initially experienced eye increased. 7. One kitten was reverse-sutured twice, to demonstrate that cortical ocular dominance may be reversed a second time, even after one reversal of ocular dominance. 8. It is suggested that the sensitive period for cortical binocular development consists of two phases. In the first phase, all cortical neurones may be modified by experience, but the rate at which they may be modified decreases with age. In the second phase, an increasing number of cortical neurones becomes fixed in their properties, while those that remain modifiable are as modifiable as they were at the end of the first phase. 9...", "contents": "Reversal of the physiological effects of monocular deprivation in the kitten's visual cortex. 1. Twenty-three kittens were monocularly deprived of vision until the age of 4, 5, 6 or 7 weeks. Their deprived eyes were then opened, and their experienced eyes shut for a further 3-63 days. After this time physiological recordings were made in the visual cortex, area 17. Three control kittens, monocularly deprived for various periods, showed that at the time of reverse-suturing, few neurones could be influenced at all from the deprived eye. 2. Following reverse-suturing, the initially deprived eye regained control of cortical neurones. This switch of cortical ocular dominance was most rapid following reverse-suturing at the age of 4 weeks. Delaying the age of reverse-suturing reduced the rate and then the extent of the cortical ocular dominance changes. 3. The cortex of reverse-sutured kittens is divided into regions of cells dominated by one eye or the other. The relative sizes of these ocular dominance columns changed during reversed deprivation. The columns devoted to the initially deprived eye were very small in animals reverse-sutured for brief periods, but in animals that underwent longer periods of reversed deprivation, the columns driven by that eye were larger, while those devoted to the initially open eye were smaller. 4. Clear progressions of orientation columns across the cortex were apparent in many of the kittens, but, in contrast to the situation in normal or strabismic kittens, these sequences were disrupted at the borders of eye dominance columns: the cortical representations of orientation and ocular dominance were not independent. 5. Binocular units in these kittens were rather rare, but those that could be found often had dissimilar receptive field properties in the two eyes. Commonly, a cell would have a normal orientation selective receptive field in one eye, and an immature, unselective receptive field in the other. Cells that had orientation selective receptive fields in both eyes often had greatly differing orientation preferences in the two eyes, occasionally by nearly 90 degrees. 6. During the reversal of deprivation effects, the proportion of receptive fields exhibiting mature properties declined in the initially experienced eye, while the proportion increased in the initially deprived eye. Similarly, the average band width of orientation tuning of receptive fields in the initially deprived eye decreased, while that of receptive fields in the initially experienced eye increased. 7. One kitten was reverse-sutured twice, to demonstrate that cortical ocular dominance may be reversed a second time, even after one reversal of ocular dominance. 8. It is suggested that the sensitive period for cortical binocular development consists of two phases. In the first phase, all cortical neurones may be modified by experience, but the rate at which they may be modified decreases with age. In the second phase, an increasing number of cortical neurones becomes fixed in their properties, while those that remain modifiable are as modifiable as they were at the end of the first phase. 9...", "PMID": 994027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5499", "title": "Reversal of the behavioural effects of monocular deprivation in the kitten.", "content": "1. Eighteen kittens were monocularly deprived of vision until the age of 5, 6 or 7 weeks. Their eyes were then reverse-sutured, and they were allowed to survive for 3-63 days, before physiological recording from area 17. 2. At the time the reverse-suture was performed, and immediately before the recording session, each kitten was tested separately in the two eyes to elicit five simple behavioural responses: optokinetic nystagmus, visual startle reaction, visually-guided paw placing, visual following and negotiation of a \"visual cliff\". 3. Following the opening of their initially deprived eye, all kittens appeared behaviourally blind when forced to use that eye; their performance through the initially open eye was then perfect on all tests. After the period of reversed lid-suture, however, their performance when using the initially deprived eye had improved, while that through the initially open eye deteriorated. This complementary improvement and deterioration was most rapid in kittens reverse-sutured at the age of 5 weeks, and less rapid when reverse-suturing was delayed until the age of 6 or 7 weeks. 4. Most of the kittens showed gross abnormalities of interocular alignment, and exhibited marked exotropia or esotropia. 5. The results of these tests were well correlated with the changes seen in cortical ocular dominance in the same animals.", "contents": "Reversal of the behavioural effects of monocular deprivation in the kitten. 1. Eighteen kittens were monocularly deprived of vision until the age of 5, 6 or 7 weeks. Their eyes were then reverse-sutured, and they were allowed to survive for 3-63 days, before physiological recording from area 17. 2. At the time the reverse-suture was performed, and immediately before the recording session, each kitten was tested separately in the two eyes to elicit five simple behavioural responses: optokinetic nystagmus, visual startle reaction, visually-guided paw placing, visual following and negotiation of a \"visual cliff\". 3. Following the opening of their initially deprived eye, all kittens appeared behaviourally blind when forced to use that eye; their performance through the initially open eye was then perfect on all tests. After the period of reversed lid-suture, however, their performance when using the initially deprived eye had improved, while that through the initially open eye deteriorated. This complementary improvement and deterioration was most rapid in kittens reverse-sutured at the age of 5 weeks, and less rapid when reverse-suturing was delayed until the age of 6 or 7 weeks. 4. Most of the kittens showed gross abnormalities of interocular alignment, and exhibited marked exotropia or esotropia. 5. The results of these tests were well correlated with the changes seen in cortical ocular dominance in the same animals.", "PMID": 994028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5500", "title": "Reversal of the morphological effects of monocular deprivation in the kittens's lateral geniculate nucleus.", "content": "1. Eleven kittens were deprived of vision in one eye until the age of between 5 and 14 weeks. Their eyes were then reverse-sutured, they were allowed to survive for a further 3-63 days, and their brains were then examined histologically. 2. Measurement of the cross-sectional area of cells in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) showed that when the reversal of lid suture was performed at the age of 8 or 14 weeks, the mean cell size was smaller in laminae connected to the initially closed right eye than it was in other laminae. 3. When the reversal of lid suture took place at 5 or 6 weeks of age there was a reversal of interlaminar size differences: the initially deprived eye was then connected to laminae containing larger cells. Even within 3 days after the reversal of lid suture, most of the morphological effects of the initial suture had been abolished, and they were fully reversed within 12 days. 4. These results are compared with physiological changes in the visual cortex of these and similarly reared animals.", "contents": "Reversal of the morphological effects of monocular deprivation in the kittens's lateral geniculate nucleus. 1. Eleven kittens were deprived of vision in one eye until the age of between 5 and 14 weeks. Their eyes were then reverse-sutured, they were allowed to survive for a further 3-63 days, and their brains were then examined histologically. 2. Measurement of the cross-sectional area of cells in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) showed that when the reversal of lid suture was performed at the age of 8 or 14 weeks, the mean cell size was smaller in laminae connected to the initially closed right eye than it was in other laminae. 3. When the reversal of lid suture took place at 5 or 6 weeks of age there was a reversal of interlaminar size differences: the initially deprived eye was then connected to laminae containing larger cells. Even within 3 days after the reversal of lid suture, most of the morphological effects of the initial suture had been abolished, and they were fully reversed within 12 days. 4. These results are compared with physiological changes in the visual cortex of these and similarly reared animals.", "PMID": 994029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5501", "title": "The effect of noradrenaline, injected into the hypothalamus, on thermoregulation in the cat.", "content": "1. Noradrenaline (NA) was microinjected into the anterior hypothalamic/preoptic area(AH/POA) of unanaesthetized cats held at ambient temperatures of 10, 22 or 35 degrees C. Loci in which injection of NA caused body temperature changes were also found to be sensitive to the febrile action of PGE1. 2. At all ambient temperatures, NA caused a dose-dependent fall in body temperature. However the mechanisms by which these temperature changes were brought about varied at different ambient temperatures. In cats maintained at the higher ambient temperature, NA activated heat loss mechanisms whereas in the cats maintained in the 10degrees C environment, the major effect of NA injection was an inhibition of heat conservation and heat production mechanisms. 3. We conclude that NA acts in cats not only as an inhibitor of heat conservation and production, but also acts in an excitatory manner on an active heat loss pathway within the AH/POA.", "contents": "The effect of noradrenaline, injected into the hypothalamus, on thermoregulation in the cat. 1. Noradrenaline (NA) was microinjected into the anterior hypothalamic/preoptic area(AH/POA) of unanaesthetized cats held at ambient temperatures of 10, 22 or 35 degrees C. Loci in which injection of NA caused body temperature changes were also found to be sensitive to the febrile action of PGE1. 2. At all ambient temperatures, NA caused a dose-dependent fall in body temperature. However the mechanisms by which these temperature changes were brought about varied at different ambient temperatures. In cats maintained at the higher ambient temperature, NA activated heat loss mechanisms whereas in the cats maintained in the 10degrees C environment, the major effect of NA injection was an inhibition of heat conservation and heat production mechanisms. 3. We conclude that NA acts in cats not only as an inhibitor of heat conservation and production, but also acts in an excitatory manner on an active heat loss pathway within the AH/POA.", "PMID": 994030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5502", "title": "The effect of noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine injected into a lateral cerebral ventricle, on thermoregulation in the new-born lamb.", "content": "1. Respiratory frequency, shivering, ear skin temperatures and rectal temperatures were observed following intraventricular injections of noradrenaline (NA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and saline (NaCl) into new-born lambs exposed to ambient temperatures of 4, 21, or 30 degrees C. 2. Intraventricular NA caused respiratory rate to decrease and body temperature to increase in the 30 degrees C environment. At 21 degrees C, it increased ear skin temperature but did not significantly affect rectal temperature. At 4 degrees C, NA decreased shivering and rectal temperature fell. 3. 5-HT elevated respiratory rate in the 30 degrees C environment and increased ear skin temperature in the 21 and 4 degrees C environments. In the 4 degrees C environment rectal temperature decreased. 4. In general, the change in rectal temperature was related to the dosage of drug administered. Control injections of NaCl had no significant effect on any of the variables measured. 5. The monoaminergic pathways involved in thermoregulation in the new-born lamb appear to be organized in a manner similar to that of the adult sheep and are functional at birth.", "contents": "The effect of noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine injected into a lateral cerebral ventricle, on thermoregulation in the new-born lamb. 1. Respiratory frequency, shivering, ear skin temperatures and rectal temperatures were observed following intraventricular injections of noradrenaline (NA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and saline (NaCl) into new-born lambs exposed to ambient temperatures of 4, 21, or 30 degrees C. 2. Intraventricular NA caused respiratory rate to decrease and body temperature to increase in the 30 degrees C environment. At 21 degrees C, it increased ear skin temperature but did not significantly affect rectal temperature. At 4 degrees C, NA decreased shivering and rectal temperature fell. 3. 5-HT elevated respiratory rate in the 30 degrees C environment and increased ear skin temperature in the 21 and 4 degrees C environments. In the 4 degrees C environment rectal temperature decreased. 4. In general, the change in rectal temperature was related to the dosage of drug administered. Control injections of NaCl had no significant effect on any of the variables measured. 5. The monoaminergic pathways involved in thermoregulation in the new-born lamb appear to be organized in a manner similar to that of the adult sheep and are functional at birth.", "PMID": 994031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5503", "title": "Biphasic changes in body temperature produced by intracerebroventricular injections of histamine in the cat.", "content": "1. Intracerebroventricular administration of histamine to cats caused hypothermia followed by a rise in body temperature. 2-Methylhistamine caused a similar biphasic response, while 3-methylhistamine had no effect on body temperature and 4-methylhistamine produced a delayed hyperthermia. Some tolerance to the hypothermic activity developed when a series of closely spaced injections of histamine was given. 2. Doses of histamine and 2-methylhistamine which altered body temperature when given centrally were ineffective when infused or injected I.V. 3. Pyrilamine, an H1-receptor antagonist, prevented the hypothermic response to histamine. 4. Hypothermic responses to histamine at an environmental temperature of 22 degrees C were comparable to responses in a cold room at 4 degrees C in both resting animals and animals acting to depress a lever to escape an external heat load. A change in error signal from the thermostat could account for these results. However, lesser degrees of hypothermia developed when histamine was given to animals in a hot environment. In some, but not all animals, this smaller response could be attributed to inadequate heat loss in spite of maximal activation of heat-loss mechanisms. 5. The hyperthermic response to histamine was antagonized by central, but not peripheral, injection of metiamide, an H2-receptor antagonist. 6. The results indicate that histamine and related agents can act centrally to cause both hypothermia, mediated by H1-receptors, and hyperthermia, mediated by H2-receptors.", "contents": "Biphasic changes in body temperature produced by intracerebroventricular injections of histamine in the cat. 1. Intracerebroventricular administration of histamine to cats caused hypothermia followed by a rise in body temperature. 2-Methylhistamine caused a similar biphasic response, while 3-methylhistamine had no effect on body temperature and 4-methylhistamine produced a delayed hyperthermia. Some tolerance to the hypothermic activity developed when a series of closely spaced injections of histamine was given. 2. Doses of histamine and 2-methylhistamine which altered body temperature when given centrally were ineffective when infused or injected I.V. 3. Pyrilamine, an H1-receptor antagonist, prevented the hypothermic response to histamine. 4. Hypothermic responses to histamine at an environmental temperature of 22 degrees C were comparable to responses in a cold room at 4 degrees C in both resting animals and animals acting to depress a lever to escape an external heat load. A change in error signal from the thermostat could account for these results. However, lesser degrees of hypothermia developed when histamine was given to animals in a hot environment. In some, but not all animals, this smaller response could be attributed to inadequate heat loss in spite of maximal activation of heat-loss mechanisms. 5. The hyperthermic response to histamine was antagonized by central, but not peripheral, injection of metiamide, an H2-receptor antagonist. 6. The results indicate that histamine and related agents can act centrally to cause both hypothermia, mediated by H1-receptors, and hyperthermia, mediated by H2-receptors.", "PMID": 994032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5504", "title": "Functional and morphologic maturation of superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons in the rat.", "content": "The development of single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFER) was studied in both superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons in rats in relation to concomitant morphologic maturation. These experiments were carried out in rats between 23 and 91 days of age (between 36 nad 275 g body weight) with the [14C]ferrocyanide infusion technique. 2. SNGFR of the superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons increased with body weight, glomerular volume and proximal tubular length. 3. The ratio SNGFR of the superficial (S) nephrons/SNGFR of the juxtamedullary (JM) nephrons rose from 0-60 in the 40-60 g rats to 0-84 in the adult rats, demonstrating the centrifugal functional maturation of the nephrons. 4. The S/JM ratio for both glomerular volume and tubular length was constant and averaged 0-72+/--0-12 and 0-81+/-0-05, respectively, indicating that while the increase in SNGFR was greater for S than for JM nephrons, this was not accompanied by concomitant disproportionate increases of glomerular volume and/or proximal tubular length between these nephron categories during development in the rat.", "contents": "Functional and morphologic maturation of superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons in the rat. The development of single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFER) was studied in both superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons in rats in relation to concomitant morphologic maturation. These experiments were carried out in rats between 23 and 91 days of age (between 36 nad 275 g body weight) with the [14C]ferrocyanide infusion technique. 2. SNGFR of the superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons increased with body weight, glomerular volume and proximal tubular length. 3. The ratio SNGFR of the superficial (S) nephrons/SNGFR of the juxtamedullary (JM) nephrons rose from 0-60 in the 40-60 g rats to 0-84 in the adult rats, demonstrating the centrifugal functional maturation of the nephrons. 4. The S/JM ratio for both glomerular volume and tubular length was constant and averaged 0-72+/--0-12 and 0-81+/-0-05, respectively, indicating that while the increase in SNGFR was greater for S than for JM nephrons, this was not accompanied by concomitant disproportionate increases of glomerular volume and/or proximal tubular length between these nephron categories during development in the rat.", "PMID": 994033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5505", "title": "Identification of algogenic substances in human erythrocytes.", "content": "Lysates of human erythrocytes produce pain when applied to a human blister base. The algogenic material is not potassium, acetylcholine, bradykinin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine or a prostaglandin, and is dialysable. 2. Fractionation of dialysates of freshly lysed erythrocytes by Sephadex gel filtration coupled with assays on the human blister base preparation showed that the algogenic material was a mixture of the adenyl compounds adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). 3. On the human blister base preparation ATP, ADP and AMP had comparable activity and produced threshold pain in a concentration of 2 muM. 4. The rabbit isolated jejunum preparation was found useful in these studies since ATP, ADP and AMP produced a relaxation which was proportional to their concentration in test samples obtained from dialysates. Of more limited usefulness was the rat isolated stomach strip preparation on which ATP and ADP produced contractions which also were proportional to their concentrations in text samples. 5. The possible role of adenyl compounds in the production of pain in vivo is discussed.", "contents": "Identification of algogenic substances in human erythrocytes. Lysates of human erythrocytes produce pain when applied to a human blister base. The algogenic material is not potassium, acetylcholine, bradykinin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine or a prostaglandin, and is dialysable. 2. Fractionation of dialysates of freshly lysed erythrocytes by Sephadex gel filtration coupled with assays on the human blister base preparation showed that the algogenic material was a mixture of the adenyl compounds adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). 3. On the human blister base preparation ATP, ADP and AMP had comparable activity and produced threshold pain in a concentration of 2 muM. 4. The rabbit isolated jejunum preparation was found useful in these studies since ATP, ADP and AMP produced a relaxation which was proportional to their concentration in test samples obtained from dialysates. Of more limited usefulness was the rat isolated stomach strip preparation on which ATP and ADP produced contractions which also were proportional to their concentrations in text samples. 5. The possible role of adenyl compounds in the production of pain in vivo is discussed.", "PMID": 994034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5506", "title": "Relationship between internal calcium and outward current in mammalian ventricular muscle; a mechanism for the control of the action potential duration?", "content": "In sheep and calf ventricular bundles, increasing the internal calcium by increasing the frequency of voltage-clamping to plateau range potentials increased the time-independent outward current. This effect was more marked with higher [Ca]o, and was reduced if the Ca current blockers Verapamil or D 600 were used. 2. If the internal Ca was increased by the addition of cyanide and reduction of external sodium the outward current was also increased. The frequency-dependent increase in outward current also occurred in this Na-poor (12 mM) solution. 3. Tension measurement on the ventricular bundles showed that a Na-free solution with cyanide did not cause a contracture. On changing from Tyrode to a Na-free solution containing cyanide, and on changing back to Tyrode there was a potentiation of the twitch. 4. In Na-poor solution with cyanide, although no contracture was found, ECa was less positive, suggesting that under these circumstances Ca accumulates at the inner side of the membrane, but not around the myofibrils. 5. The prolongation of the action potential in Cl-free solution is frequency-dependent. A greater prolongation is seen at lower frequencies suggesting that Cl current is relatively more important for repolarization at lower frequencies of stimulation. 6. It is suggested that calcium at the inner side of the membrane sets the level of the background outward current. A feed-back mechanism on this basis is proposed for the control of the action potential duration. Various factors that could influence this basic mechanism are discussed.", "contents": "Relationship between internal calcium and outward current in mammalian ventricular muscle; a mechanism for the control of the action potential duration? In sheep and calf ventricular bundles, increasing the internal calcium by increasing the frequency of voltage-clamping to plateau range potentials increased the time-independent outward current. This effect was more marked with higher [Ca]o, and was reduced if the Ca current blockers Verapamil or D 600 were used. 2. If the internal Ca was increased by the addition of cyanide and reduction of external sodium the outward current was also increased. The frequency-dependent increase in outward current also occurred in this Na-poor (12 mM) solution. 3. Tension measurement on the ventricular bundles showed that a Na-free solution with cyanide did not cause a contracture. On changing from Tyrode to a Na-free solution containing cyanide, and on changing back to Tyrode there was a potentiation of the twitch. 4. In Na-poor solution with cyanide, although no contracture was found, ECa was less positive, suggesting that under these circumstances Ca accumulates at the inner side of the membrane, but not around the myofibrils. 5. The prolongation of the action potential in Cl-free solution is frequency-dependent. A greater prolongation is seen at lower frequencies suggesting that Cl current is relatively more important for repolarization at lower frequencies of stimulation. 6. It is suggested that calcium at the inner side of the membrane sets the level of the background outward current. A feed-back mechanism on this basis is proposed for the control of the action potential duration. Various factors that could influence this basic mechanism are discussed.", "PMID": 994035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5507", "title": "Methionine transport by pig colonic mucosa measured during early post-natal development.", "content": "New-born pig proximal colon, incubated in vitro, transports methionine with a Km of 0-33 mM and a Vmax of 0-62 mumole cm-2h-1. There is still a net transport of methionine on day 4, but the Km now increases to 10 mM and the Vmax falls to 0-15 mumole cm-2h-1. There is no net transport of methionine across proximal colons taken from 10-day-old pigs. 2. The mean intramucosal concentration of methionine, following incubation in medium containing 1 mM methionine, is 7-18+/-0-8 mM for the new-born, 0-55+/-0-05 mM for the 4-day-old and 0-31+/-0-06 mM for the 10-day-old pig. 3. Both methionine and glucose cause an immediate increase in the short-circuit current of new-born and 1-day-old pig colons. The kinetics for this interaction with methionine gives a Km for methionine of 0-24 mM and a maximum effect of 27 muA cm-2. This effect is not seen in 4- or 10-day-old pigs. 4. Net Na+ transport across the new-born pig proximal colon, measured in the absence of methionine, is about three times that calculated from the measured short-circuit current. Methionine increases the mucosal to serosal flux of Na+ by an amount roughly equal to that predicted from the increase in short-circuit current. The ability of glucose and methionine to affect short-circuit current is lost by day 4. 5. Short-circuit current, measured in the absence of methionine or glucose, increases between day 1 and 2 of post-natal life. This increased electrogenicity is maintained for up to at least 10 days after birth. 6. The pig proximal colon has many of the properties of a small intestine at birth. It actively transports methionine and the presence of methionine stimulates the absorption of Na+. These effects could be physiologically important in the pig, where the normal absorptive function of the intestine is temporarily inhibited at birth by the intestinal transmission of immune globulins.", "contents": "Methionine transport by pig colonic mucosa measured during early post-natal development. New-born pig proximal colon, incubated in vitro, transports methionine with a Km of 0-33 mM and a Vmax of 0-62 mumole cm-2h-1. There is still a net transport of methionine on day 4, but the Km now increases to 10 mM and the Vmax falls to 0-15 mumole cm-2h-1. There is no net transport of methionine across proximal colons taken from 10-day-old pigs. 2. The mean intramucosal concentration of methionine, following incubation in medium containing 1 mM methionine, is 7-18+/-0-8 mM for the new-born, 0-55+/-0-05 mM for the 4-day-old and 0-31+/-0-06 mM for the 10-day-old pig. 3. Both methionine and glucose cause an immediate increase in the short-circuit current of new-born and 1-day-old pig colons. The kinetics for this interaction with methionine gives a Km for methionine of 0-24 mM and a maximum effect of 27 muA cm-2. This effect is not seen in 4- or 10-day-old pigs. 4. Net Na+ transport across the new-born pig proximal colon, measured in the absence of methionine, is about three times that calculated from the measured short-circuit current. Methionine increases the mucosal to serosal flux of Na+ by an amount roughly equal to that predicted from the increase in short-circuit current. The ability of glucose and methionine to affect short-circuit current is lost by day 4. 5. Short-circuit current, measured in the absence of methionine or glucose, increases between day 1 and 2 of post-natal life. This increased electrogenicity is maintained for up to at least 10 days after birth. 6. The pig proximal colon has many of the properties of a small intestine at birth. It actively transports methionine and the presence of methionine stimulates the absorption of Na+. These effects could be physiologically important in the pig, where the normal absorptive function of the intestine is temporarily inhibited at birth by the intestinal transmission of immune globulins.", "PMID": 994036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5508", "title": "Electrical properties of pig colonic mucosa measured during early post-natal development.", "content": "Microvillar membrane (Vm) and transmural (Vt) potential differences were measured in proximal colon taken from pigs at birth and up to 10 days of age. 2. Vm remained independent of the age of the animal provided it was measured in the absence of methionine. The over-all mean was -43-3 mV. Adding methionine to fluid bathing the mucosal surface of new-born pig colon caused a 9-8 mV depolarization of Vm and a 6-7 mV increase in Vt. These effects, which were Na+-dependent, were not seen in the 10-day-old animal. 3. Substituting SO4(2-) for Cl- in methionine-free medium caused a hyperpolarization in Vm. Increasing the concentration of K+ caused corresponding depolarization. Substituting choline for Na+ had no effect on VmCl- and K+ movement across the microvillar membrane together account for the bulk of the measured membrane potential. These results apply to all stages of development. 4. Na+ uptake across the microvillar membrane of the new-born pig colon was increased in the presence of methionine. This effect disappeared in older animals. Na+ uptake in the absence of methionine doubled during the first 24 h of post-natal life. This increase was maintained using colons taken from older animals. 5. Methionine depolarization of Vm in the new-born pig colon is probably caused by the electrogenic influx of Na+. The ability of the colon to actively concentrate methionine within tis mucosa disappears at the same time as methionine ceases to affect Vm and Vt. It is suggested that methionine and Na+ form a ternary complex with a carrier in the brush border of the new-born pig colon and that this carrier is lost or modified during early post-natal development.", "contents": "Electrical properties of pig colonic mucosa measured during early post-natal development. Microvillar membrane (Vm) and transmural (Vt) potential differences were measured in proximal colon taken from pigs at birth and up to 10 days of age. 2. Vm remained independent of the age of the animal provided it was measured in the absence of methionine. The over-all mean was -43-3 mV. Adding methionine to fluid bathing the mucosal surface of new-born pig colon caused a 9-8 mV depolarization of Vm and a 6-7 mV increase in Vt. These effects, which were Na+-dependent, were not seen in the 10-day-old animal. 3. Substituting SO4(2-) for Cl- in methionine-free medium caused a hyperpolarization in Vm. Increasing the concentration of K+ caused corresponding depolarization. Substituting choline for Na+ had no effect on VmCl- and K+ movement across the microvillar membrane together account for the bulk of the measured membrane potential. These results apply to all stages of development. 4. Na+ uptake across the microvillar membrane of the new-born pig colon was increased in the presence of methionine. This effect disappeared in older animals. Na+ uptake in the absence of methionine doubled during the first 24 h of post-natal life. This increase was maintained using colons taken from older animals. 5. Methionine depolarization of Vm in the new-born pig colon is probably caused by the electrogenic influx of Na+. The ability of the colon to actively concentrate methionine within tis mucosa disappears at the same time as methionine ceases to affect Vm and Vt. It is suggested that methionine and Na+ form a ternary complex with a carrier in the brush border of the new-born pig colon and that this carrier is lost or modified during early post-natal development.", "PMID": 994037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5509", "title": "Effect of regional alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade on blood flow in the resting forearm during contralateral isometric handgrip.", "content": "In a previous study we have shown that an isometric handgrip is accompanied by a rapid decrease in vascular resistance in the resting (contralateral) forearm, lasting for about 1 min, which in all probability is neurogenic. 2. In the present study the distribution of the vasodilatation was investigated by analysing O2 saturation in a deep vein, draining mainly muscle tissue. Some possible neurogenic mechanisms for the vasodilatation were tested by repeating the handgrip after local beta- and alpha-adrenergic blockade of the resting forearm with propranolol and phentolamine, respectively. 3. Without blockades the forearm vascular resistance decreased and the deep vein O2 saturation increase to similar degrees on contralateral handgrip. Propranolol markedly reduced both the decrease in resistance and the increase in deep vein O2 saturation. Phentolamine did not alter the initial decrease in resistance, but with phentolamine resistance continued to decrease after 1 min. 4. It is concluded that the rapid decrease in vascular resistance in the resting forearm on contralateral handgrip takes place, to a great extent, in muscle. It is mediated by neurogenic beta-adrenergic mechanisms and if the contraction is prolonged it gradually changes to a vasoconstriction mediated by alpha-adrenergic mechanisms.", "contents": "Effect of regional alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade on blood flow in the resting forearm during contralateral isometric handgrip. In a previous study we have shown that an isometric handgrip is accompanied by a rapid decrease in vascular resistance in the resting (contralateral) forearm, lasting for about 1 min, which in all probability is neurogenic. 2. In the present study the distribution of the vasodilatation was investigated by analysing O2 saturation in a deep vein, draining mainly muscle tissue. Some possible neurogenic mechanisms for the vasodilatation were tested by repeating the handgrip after local beta- and alpha-adrenergic blockade of the resting forearm with propranolol and phentolamine, respectively. 3. Without blockades the forearm vascular resistance decreased and the deep vein O2 saturation increase to similar degrees on contralateral handgrip. Propranolol markedly reduced both the decrease in resistance and the increase in deep vein O2 saturation. Phentolamine did not alter the initial decrease in resistance, but with phentolamine resistance continued to decrease after 1 min. 4. It is concluded that the rapid decrease in vascular resistance in the resting forearm on contralateral handgrip takes place, to a great extent, in muscle. It is mediated by neurogenic beta-adrenergic mechanisms and if the contraction is prolonged it gradually changes to a vasoconstriction mediated by alpha-adrenergic mechanisms.", "PMID": 994038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5510", "title": "Quantitative analysis of retinal ganglion cell classifications.", "content": "The classification of cat retinal ganglion cells as X or Y on the basis of linearity or nonlinearity of spatial summation has been confirmed and extended. Recordings were taken from optic tract fibres of anaesthetized, paralysed cats. 2. When an alternating phase sine wave grating was used as a stimulus, X cells had null positions and Y cells responded at all positions of the grating. 3. These results did not depend on the temporal wave form or the temporal frequency of pattern alternation over a wide range. 4. At high spatial frequencies for the particular cell, a Y cell gave abig 'on-off' response, or frequency doubling, at all positions of the grating, while an X cell did not. 5. The use of contrast sensitivity versus spatial phase also served to differentiate the two cell types. With an alternating sine grating stimulus X cells had a sinusoidal dependence on spatial phase, while each Y cell's sensitivity depended in a complicated manner on spatial phase. 6. Sensitivity versus spatial phase for different Fourier components of the neural response also separated the two classes of cells. Significant second harmonic distortion was present in Y cells. The second harmonic component was spatial phase insensitive, and became dominant at high spatial frequencies. 7. The maximum of the 2nd/1st harmonic ratio was taken as an index of nonlinearity. X cells always had a nonlinearity index less than 1 while in Y cells this index always exceeded 1. 8. Response to spots, diffuse light and drifting gratings were compared to the nonlinearity index as a basis for classifying cells. The nonlinearity index was most reliable because it was least dependent on retinal eccentricity.", "contents": "Quantitative analysis of retinal ganglion cell classifications. The classification of cat retinal ganglion cells as X or Y on the basis of linearity or nonlinearity of spatial summation has been confirmed and extended. Recordings were taken from optic tract fibres of anaesthetized, paralysed cats. 2. When an alternating phase sine wave grating was used as a stimulus, X cells had null positions and Y cells responded at all positions of the grating. 3. These results did not depend on the temporal wave form or the temporal frequency of pattern alternation over a wide range. 4. At high spatial frequencies for the particular cell, a Y cell gave abig 'on-off' response, or frequency doubling, at all positions of the grating, while an X cell did not. 5. The use of contrast sensitivity versus spatial phase also served to differentiate the two cell types. With an alternating sine grating stimulus X cells had a sinusoidal dependence on spatial phase, while each Y cell's sensitivity depended in a complicated manner on spatial phase. 6. Sensitivity versus spatial phase for different Fourier components of the neural response also separated the two classes of cells. Significant second harmonic distortion was present in Y cells. The second harmonic component was spatial phase insensitive, and became dominant at high spatial frequencies. 7. The maximum of the 2nd/1st harmonic ratio was taken as an index of nonlinearity. X cells always had a nonlinearity index less than 1 while in Y cells this index always exceeded 1. 8. Response to spots, diffuse light and drifting gratings were compared to the nonlinearity index as a basis for classifying cells. The nonlinearity index was most reliable because it was least dependent on retinal eccentricity.", "PMID": 994039} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5511", "title": "Linear and nonlinear spatial subunits in Y cat retinal ganglion cells.", "content": "1. The mechanism which makes Y cells different from X cells was investigated. 2. Spatial frequency contrast sensitivity functions for the fundamental and second harmonic responses of Y cells to alternating phase gratings were determined. 3. The fundamental spatial frequency response was predicted by the Fourier transform of the sensitivity profile of the Y cell. The high spatial frequency cut-off of a Y cell's fundamental response was in this way related to the centre of the cell's receptive field. 4. The second harmonic response of a Y cell did not cut off at such a low spatial frequency as the fundamental response. This result indicated that the source of the second harmonic was a spatial subunit of the receptive field smaller in spatial extent than the centre. 5. Contrast sensitivity vs. spatial phase for a Y cell was measured under three conditions: a full grating, a grating seen through a centrally located window, a grating partially obscured by a visual shutter. The 2nd/1st harmonic sensitivity ratio went down with the window and up with the shutter. These results implied that the centre of Y cells was linear and also that the nonlinear subunits extended into the receptive field surround. 6. Spatial localization of the nonlinear subunits was determined by means of a spatial dipole stimulus. The nonlinear subunits overlapped the centre and surround of the receptive field and extended beyond both. 7. The nature of the Y cell nonlinearity was found to be rectification, as determined from measurements of the second harmonic response as a function of contrast. 8. Spatial models for the Y cell receptive field are proposed.", "contents": "Linear and nonlinear spatial subunits in Y cat retinal ganglion cells. 1. The mechanism which makes Y cells different from X cells was investigated. 2. Spatial frequency contrast sensitivity functions for the fundamental and second harmonic responses of Y cells to alternating phase gratings were determined. 3. The fundamental spatial frequency response was predicted by the Fourier transform of the sensitivity profile of the Y cell. The high spatial frequency cut-off of a Y cell's fundamental response was in this way related to the centre of the cell's receptive field. 4. The second harmonic response of a Y cell did not cut off at such a low spatial frequency as the fundamental response. This result indicated that the source of the second harmonic was a spatial subunit of the receptive field smaller in spatial extent than the centre. 5. Contrast sensitivity vs. spatial phase for a Y cell was measured under three conditions: a full grating, a grating seen through a centrally located window, a grating partially obscured by a visual shutter. The 2nd/1st harmonic sensitivity ratio went down with the window and up with the shutter. These results implied that the centre of Y cells was linear and also that the nonlinear subunits extended into the receptive field surround. 6. Spatial localization of the nonlinear subunits was determined by means of a spatial dipole stimulus. The nonlinear subunits overlapped the centre and surround of the receptive field and extended beyond both. 7. The nature of the Y cell nonlinearity was found to be rectification, as determined from measurements of the second harmonic response as a function of contrast. 8. Spatial models for the Y cell receptive field are proposed.", "PMID": 994040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5512", "title": "Properties of a facilitating calcium current in pace-maker neurones of the snail, Helix pomatia.", "content": "1. Simultaneous measurements of local voltage clamp currents from patches of soma membrane and K activity at the soma surface were used to analyse the time and voltage dependence of the slow inward current in bursting pace-maker neurones of the snail (Helix pomatia). 2. At low levels of depolarization (less than or equal to mV) a net inward current is recorded simultaneously with an efflux of K ions from the cell. 3. With larger depolarizations (20-170 mV from holding potential of -50 mV) the deficit in net outward charge transfer compared with K efflux and the appearance of inward-going tail currents following repolarization, reveal a persistent inward-going current also under these conditions. This inward current is carried primarily by Ca ions, as demonstrated by its voltage dependence (a minimum at about + 115 mV) and its disappearance in Co-Ringer. It is identified with the slow inward Ca current Iin slow (Eckert & Lux, 1976). 4. The inward current predicted from comparisons of current trajectories reaches a maximum at 15-20 msec (for depolarizations from -50 to 0 mV) and gradually declines with sustained depolarization. 5. Partial inactivation is removed by repolarization to -50 mV and the Ca dependent deficit is greater in the sum of repeated voltage clamp pulses than during sustained depolarization. It is largest for pulses of 25-100 msec duration, decreasing as pulse duration increases. 6. Responses to repeated activation with 100 msec pulses with different repolarization intervals reveal a minimum Iin slow at short intervals (e.g. 20 msec) due to failure to remove partial inactivation. At intermediate intervals (e.g. 200-400 msec) Iin slow shows facilitation. This is revealed in calculations of the net charge transfer and current deficits and is also shown in the tail currents following repolarization. The deficit increases progressively with repetitive stimulation. With longer intervals (e.g. 800-1000 msec) defacilitation during repeated stimulation after the first two pulses is revealed in calculations of deficits, current trajectories and in the tail currents. 7. Although facilitation depends on duration of repolarization between pulses, increasing intermediate hyperpolarizations from the holding potential of -50 mV are usually ineffective in increasing Iin slow. Strong preceding hyperpolarization can even decrease the magnitude of Iin slow and prevent its facilitation with repetitive stimulation,whereas preceding depolarizing pulses can increase Iin slow without preventing its facilitation with repetitive stimulation. 8. The properties of Iin slow are contrasted with previously described membrane conductances and compared with properties attributed to Ca fluxes in other systems.", "contents": "Properties of a facilitating calcium current in pace-maker neurones of the snail, Helix pomatia. 1. Simultaneous measurements of local voltage clamp currents from patches of soma membrane and K activity at the soma surface were used to analyse the time and voltage dependence of the slow inward current in bursting pace-maker neurones of the snail (Helix pomatia). 2. At low levels of depolarization (less than or equal to mV) a net inward current is recorded simultaneously with an efflux of K ions from the cell. 3. With larger depolarizations (20-170 mV from holding potential of -50 mV) the deficit in net outward charge transfer compared with K efflux and the appearance of inward-going tail currents following repolarization, reveal a persistent inward-going current also under these conditions. This inward current is carried primarily by Ca ions, as demonstrated by its voltage dependence (a minimum at about + 115 mV) and its disappearance in Co-Ringer. It is identified with the slow inward Ca current Iin slow (Eckert & Lux, 1976). 4. The inward current predicted from comparisons of current trajectories reaches a maximum at 15-20 msec (for depolarizations from -50 to 0 mV) and gradually declines with sustained depolarization. 5. Partial inactivation is removed by repolarization to -50 mV and the Ca dependent deficit is greater in the sum of repeated voltage clamp pulses than during sustained depolarization. It is largest for pulses of 25-100 msec duration, decreasing as pulse duration increases. 6. Responses to repeated activation with 100 msec pulses with different repolarization intervals reveal a minimum Iin slow at short intervals (e.g. 20 msec) due to failure to remove partial inactivation. At intermediate intervals (e.g. 200-400 msec) Iin slow shows facilitation. This is revealed in calculations of the net charge transfer and current deficits and is also shown in the tail currents following repolarization. The deficit increases progressively with repetitive stimulation. With longer intervals (e.g. 800-1000 msec) defacilitation during repeated stimulation after the first two pulses is revealed in calculations of deficits, current trajectories and in the tail currents. 7. Although facilitation depends on duration of repolarization between pulses, increasing intermediate hyperpolarizations from the holding potential of -50 mV are usually ineffective in increasing Iin slow. Strong preceding hyperpolarization can even decrease the magnitude of Iin slow and prevent its facilitation with repetitive stimulation,whereas preceding depolarizing pulses can increase Iin slow without preventing its facilitation with repetitive stimulation. 8. The properties of Iin slow are contrasted with previously described membrane conductances and compared with properties attributed to Ca fluxes in other systems.", "PMID": 994041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5513", "title": "Control of the delayed outward potassium currents in bursting pace-maker neurones of the snail, Helix pomatia.", "content": "The net outward current in bursting pace-maker neurones of the snail (Helix pomatia) during sustained and repeated voltage clamp pulses was studied. The properties of currents remaining in cobalt-Ringer or after TEA injection were compared with those in untreated cells. 2. With sustained voltage clamp depolarizations the net outward current first increases to a maximum at 150 msec and then declines to 60% or less of its peak intensity. This depression, which is greater during repetition of short pulses (e.g. 100 msec pulses at 0-5 sec intervals), represents a true decrease in the outward flow of K (designated IK) and is not due to a decreased driving force resulting from extracellular K accumulation. The steady-state current-voltage (I-V) relationship for IK is N-shaped (Heyer & Lux, 1976). 3. A component of IK persists when Ca and Mg in the medium are replaced by Co (ICo-res). With voltage clamp depolarizations ICo-res increases rapidly to a maximum and then partially inactivates with voltage dependent time constants of hundredths or tenths of seconds. Repolarization removes the inactivation. Thus, repeated stimulation with short pulses does not increase the depression of ICo-res-ICo-res (e.g. measured during voltage steps from holding potentials of -50 to near 0 mV) is smaller in test pulses preceded by depolarization and larger in pulses preceded by hyperpolarization. The steady state I-V relationship is not N-shaped. ICo-res is blocked by intracellular injection of tetraethylammonium (TEA). 4. Repeated voltage clamp depolarization to near 0 mV with 100 msec pulses for neurones with large Ca currents in normal Ringer produces a long-term depression which is maximal with 300-400 msec repolarizations (to -50 mV) between pulses. This corresponds with stimulus parameters for the maximum Ca current (Heyer & Lux, 1976). Intracellular injection of Ca2+ (also Ba2+ and Co2+) likewise reduces the total net outward current and especially the delayed outward current under voltage clamp. 5. The component of IK which is removed by Co is identified as Ca dependent and designated IK(Ca). With single voltage clamp pulses IK(Ca) follows the approximate time course and voltage dependence of the slow inward Ca current (Iin slow; Heyer & Lux, 1976). Several lines of evidence suggest that Ca ions moving through the membrane activate IK(Ca). 6. Part of IK cannot be blocked by intracellular TEA injection. In different neurones the magnitude of the IK component resistant to TEA (ITEA-res) is approximately proportional to the relative magnitudes of Iin slow.ITEA-res does not inactivate with sustained depolarization and shows pronounced long-term depression with repetitive stimulation at intermediate intervals and an increased outward current at the onset of the second and subsequent pulses following short repolarizations. The steady-state I-V relationship is N-shaped. ITEA-res is abolished by extracellular Co. 7. A net inward current with low depolarizations can be measured after TEA injection...", "contents": "Control of the delayed outward potassium currents in bursting pace-maker neurones of the snail, Helix pomatia. The net outward current in bursting pace-maker neurones of the snail (Helix pomatia) during sustained and repeated voltage clamp pulses was studied. The properties of currents remaining in cobalt-Ringer or after TEA injection were compared with those in untreated cells. 2. With sustained voltage clamp depolarizations the net outward current first increases to a maximum at 150 msec and then declines to 60% or less of its peak intensity. This depression, which is greater during repetition of short pulses (e.g. 100 msec pulses at 0-5 sec intervals), represents a true decrease in the outward flow of K (designated IK) and is not due to a decreased driving force resulting from extracellular K accumulation. The steady-state current-voltage (I-V) relationship for IK is N-shaped (Heyer & Lux, 1976). 3. A component of IK persists when Ca and Mg in the medium are replaced by Co (ICo-res). With voltage clamp depolarizations ICo-res increases rapidly to a maximum and then partially inactivates with voltage dependent time constants of hundredths or tenths of seconds. Repolarization removes the inactivation. Thus, repeated stimulation with short pulses does not increase the depression of ICo-res-ICo-res (e.g. measured during voltage steps from holding potentials of -50 to near 0 mV) is smaller in test pulses preceded by depolarization and larger in pulses preceded by hyperpolarization. The steady state I-V relationship is not N-shaped. ICo-res is blocked by intracellular injection of tetraethylammonium (TEA). 4. Repeated voltage clamp depolarization to near 0 mV with 100 msec pulses for neurones with large Ca currents in normal Ringer produces a long-term depression which is maximal with 300-400 msec repolarizations (to -50 mV) between pulses. This corresponds with stimulus parameters for the maximum Ca current (Heyer & Lux, 1976). Intracellular injection of Ca2+ (also Ba2+ and Co2+) likewise reduces the total net outward current and especially the delayed outward current under voltage clamp. 5. The component of IK which is removed by Co is identified as Ca dependent and designated IK(Ca). With single voltage clamp pulses IK(Ca) follows the approximate time course and voltage dependence of the slow inward Ca current (Iin slow; Heyer & Lux, 1976). Several lines of evidence suggest that Ca ions moving through the membrane activate IK(Ca). 6. Part of IK cannot be blocked by intracellular TEA injection. In different neurones the magnitude of the IK component resistant to TEA (ITEA-res) is approximately proportional to the relative magnitudes of Iin slow.ITEA-res does not inactivate with sustained depolarization and shows pronounced long-term depression with repetitive stimulation at intermediate intervals and an increased outward current at the onset of the second and subsequent pulses following short repolarizations. The steady-state I-V relationship is N-shaped. ITEA-res is abolished by extracellular Co. 7. A net inward current with low depolarizations can be measured after TEA injection...", "PMID": 994042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5514", "title": "Atrial receptors in the cat.", "content": "Action potentials were recorded from slips of the cervical vagi in anaesthetized cats. Single functional units with atrial patterns of discharge (type A, B and Intermediate) were first obtained and then attempts were made to alter (i.e. convert) their patterns of discharge. Finally the points of origin of their action potentials were located. The investigations were done in five stages. 2. In the first series, thirty unselected units were investigated in thirty cats. Twenty-five of these were located in the endocardium of vein-atrial system and consisted of two type A, fifteen type B and eight Intermediate type units. The remaining five units were located elsewhere in the chest Conversion of the pattern of discharge was achieved in sixteen of the twenty-five atrial units. Both atrial type A units were converted. 3. In the second series, eight type A units were selectively studied in twelve cats. Five were located in the atrial endocardium and all were converted. Of the other three units which were located at other sites in the chest, one could not be converted. 4. In the third series, four type A units which could not be converted were selectively studied in twenty cats. All were located outside the atria. 5. In the fourth series, three type B units which could not be converted were selectively studied in six cats. These units were located in the pulmonary veins and in the lateral walls of the atria. 6. In the fifth series, fifty-five units were investigated in three anaesthetized spontaneously breathing cats. The proportion of the types of units were similar to that obtained in the artificially respired cats (first series). 7. The present study has shown that atrial receptors with a type A pattern of discharge are relatively rare in the cat and that conversion of the patterns of discharge is a common phenomenon. Evidence is presented which suggests that there is one basic type of atrial receptor whose pattern of discharge is determined by their precise location in the vein-atrial system.", "contents": "Atrial receptors in the cat. Action potentials were recorded from slips of the cervical vagi in anaesthetized cats. Single functional units with atrial patterns of discharge (type A, B and Intermediate) were first obtained and then attempts were made to alter (i.e. convert) their patterns of discharge. Finally the points of origin of their action potentials were located. The investigations were done in five stages. 2. In the first series, thirty unselected units were investigated in thirty cats. Twenty-five of these were located in the endocardium of vein-atrial system and consisted of two type A, fifteen type B and eight Intermediate type units. The remaining five units were located elsewhere in the chest Conversion of the pattern of discharge was achieved in sixteen of the twenty-five atrial units. Both atrial type A units were converted. 3. In the second series, eight type A units were selectively studied in twelve cats. Five were located in the atrial endocardium and all were converted. Of the other three units which were located at other sites in the chest, one could not be converted. 4. In the third series, four type A units which could not be converted were selectively studied in twenty cats. All were located outside the atria. 5. In the fourth series, three type B units which could not be converted were selectively studied in six cats. These units were located in the pulmonary veins and in the lateral walls of the atria. 6. In the fifth series, fifty-five units were investigated in three anaesthetized spontaneously breathing cats. The proportion of the types of units were similar to that obtained in the artificially respired cats (first series). 7. The present study has shown that atrial receptors with a type A pattern of discharge are relatively rare in the cat and that conversion of the patterns of discharge is a common phenomenon. Evidence is presented which suggests that there is one basic type of atrial receptor whose pattern of discharge is determined by their precise location in the vein-atrial system.", "PMID": 994043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5515", "title": "Permeability of individual human erythrocytes to thiourea.", "content": "The osmotic swelling to haemolysis of individual red blood cells by isosmotic thiourea has been studied using microcine photography. 2. Crenation occurs immediately upon addition of isosmotic thiourea. The cell becomes a crenated sphere without volume decrease. 3. Subsequently, the cell volume increases linearly with time with maximum swelling occurring at about 102 sec which is 81% of the total haemolysis time. 4. At maximum swelling, the cell volume is 92% greater than the initial cell volume. This volume increase is about double that measured with other permeating substances. 5. The much larger maximum volume implies that thiourea increases the area of the cell membrane. This increase varies from 0 to 75% for individual cells, with a mean of 22%. 6. Membrane expansion varies inversely as the initial cell membrane area and cell volume (r=0-790). 7. Using the increased surface area, increased maximum volume and the swelling time, the mean permeability is calculated to be 5-52 X 10(-7) cm/sec (S.D. of mean=+/-1-19 X 10(-7) cm/sec). The distribution of permeabilities represents a normal distribution. 8. The pre-lytic potassium loss ranged from 0 to 36% with a mean value of 16-5%. This is consistent with values reported in the literature for slow haemolysis. As with other permeants the distribution is skewed towards lower values. 9. Membrane permeability of individual cells varies with the amount of membrane expansion observed. Coefficient of correlation between permeability and expansion index is 0-674. 10. There is no correlation between permeability and the reciprocal of the haemolysis time (r=-0-035). The correlation between permeability and the reciprocal of the swelling time is also poor (r=0-303), probably owing to the variability in membrane expansion by thiourea in individual cells. 11. As has been shown previously for faster permeants, the permeability coefficient cannot be calculated from the haemolysis time. Because thiourea alters the membrane area and the haemolytic volume, the coefficient cannot be calculated from the swelling time unless the changes in the membrane area are also taken into account.", "contents": "Permeability of individual human erythrocytes to thiourea. The osmotic swelling to haemolysis of individual red blood cells by isosmotic thiourea has been studied using microcine photography. 2. Crenation occurs immediately upon addition of isosmotic thiourea. The cell becomes a crenated sphere without volume decrease. 3. Subsequently, the cell volume increases linearly with time with maximum swelling occurring at about 102 sec which is 81% of the total haemolysis time. 4. At maximum swelling, the cell volume is 92% greater than the initial cell volume. This volume increase is about double that measured with other permeating substances. 5. The much larger maximum volume implies that thiourea increases the area of the cell membrane. This increase varies from 0 to 75% for individual cells, with a mean of 22%. 6. Membrane expansion varies inversely as the initial cell membrane area and cell volume (r=0-790). 7. Using the increased surface area, increased maximum volume and the swelling time, the mean permeability is calculated to be 5-52 X 10(-7) cm/sec (S.D. of mean=+/-1-19 X 10(-7) cm/sec). The distribution of permeabilities represents a normal distribution. 8. The pre-lytic potassium loss ranged from 0 to 36% with a mean value of 16-5%. This is consistent with values reported in the literature for slow haemolysis. As with other permeants the distribution is skewed towards lower values. 9. Membrane permeability of individual cells varies with the amount of membrane expansion observed. Coefficient of correlation between permeability and expansion index is 0-674. 10. There is no correlation between permeability and the reciprocal of the haemolysis time (r=-0-035). The correlation between permeability and the reciprocal of the swelling time is also poor (r=0-303), probably owing to the variability in membrane expansion by thiourea in individual cells. 11. As has been shown previously for faster permeants, the permeability coefficient cannot be calculated from the haemolysis time. Because thiourea alters the membrane area and the haemolytic volume, the coefficient cannot be calculated from the swelling time unless the changes in the membrane area are also taken into account.", "PMID": 994044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5516", "title": "The responses to nerve stimulation of the salivary gland of Nauphoeta cinerea Olivier.", "content": "A study has been made with intracellular electrodes of the responses of acini of the salivary gland of Nauphoeta cinerea Olivier to salivary duct nerve stimulation. The gland is a paired structure and offers the possibility of investigating the interaction between ipsi- and contralateral nerve stimulation. 2. The characteristics of the responses are as previously described for field stimulation (House, 1973). The latency is of the order of 1 sec and almost independent of the amplitude of the response which may attain a hyperpolarization of about 80 mV. The depolarization which sometimes follows can be disassociated from the preceding hyperpolarization and is presumably an independent response. 3. The stimulus-response relationship shows that acini are multiply innervated. Those close to the mid line recieve axons from both ipsi- and contralateral salivary duct nerves. The response to a test stimulus T can be augmented by an immediately preceding conditioning stimulus C, the joint response being greater than the sum of the separate responses. This effect occurs even when C and T are delivered to different nerves. For longer intervals between C and T, the response to T is depressed.", "contents": "The responses to nerve stimulation of the salivary gland of Nauphoeta cinerea Olivier. A study has been made with intracellular electrodes of the responses of acini of the salivary gland of Nauphoeta cinerea Olivier to salivary duct nerve stimulation. The gland is a paired structure and offers the possibility of investigating the interaction between ipsi- and contralateral nerve stimulation. 2. The characteristics of the responses are as previously described for field stimulation (House, 1973). The latency is of the order of 1 sec and almost independent of the amplitude of the response which may attain a hyperpolarization of about 80 mV. The depolarization which sometimes follows can be disassociated from the preceding hyperpolarization and is presumably an independent response. 3. The stimulus-response relationship shows that acini are multiply innervated. Those close to the mid line recieve axons from both ipsi- and contralateral salivary duct nerves. The response to a test stimulus T can be augmented by an immediately preceding conditioning stimulus C, the joint response being greater than the sum of the separate responses. This effect occurs even when C and T are delivered to different nerves. For longer intervals between C and T, the response to T is depressed.", "PMID": 994045} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5517", "title": "Intracellular membrane junctions during the exocytosis of insulin.", "content": "In the process of insulin release by exocytosis, a fusion between the membranes of secretory vesicles and the plasma membrane occurs which is followed by the rupture of these membranes and the formation of an exocytotic stoma. As revealed by freeze-fracturing, the membrane structure is altered in the region of membrane interaction. An accumulation of membrane-associated particles can be observed in membranes of secretory vesicles contacting the plasma membrane. At the exocytotic stoma the boundary between granule limiting membrane and plasma membrane is occasionally outlined by a ring-like aggregation of membrane-associated particles. The effects of hypertonic solutions on tissue structure indicate that the membrane junctions during exocytosis are permeable to ions and small molecules, forming a communication between the interior of the secretory vesicle and the extracellular space.", "contents": "Intracellular membrane junctions during the exocytosis of insulin. In the process of insulin release by exocytosis, a fusion between the membranes of secretory vesicles and the plasma membrane occurs which is followed by the rupture of these membranes and the formation of an exocytotic stoma. As revealed by freeze-fracturing, the membrane structure is altered in the region of membrane interaction. An accumulation of membrane-associated particles can be observed in membranes of secretory vesicles contacting the plasma membrane. At the exocytotic stoma the boundary between granule limiting membrane and plasma membrane is occasionally outlined by a ring-like aggregation of membrane-associated particles. The effects of hypertonic solutions on tissue structure indicate that the membrane junctions during exocytosis are permeable to ions and small molecules, forming a communication between the interior of the secretory vesicle and the extracellular space.", "PMID": 994047} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5518", "title": "Destruction of the sodium conductance inactivation by a specific protease in perfused nerve fibres from Loligo.", "content": "Intracellular perfusion of giant axons from Loligo forbesi with a crude protein extract of Pronase dissolved in a KF solution suppresses the process of fast inactivation of the Na conductance (the h-process in the Hodgkin-Huxley terminology). 2. The results with protease inhibitors indicate that the most substrate specific endopeptidase present in pronase, alkaline proteinase b, destroys the h-process. 3. After destruction of the inactivation the conductance rise upon depolarization followed cube law kinetics. Values of the time constant taum before and after destruction of the h-process were very similar. 4. After destruction of the inactivation process the following properties were tested: cation selectivity, instantaneous conductance and internal receptor sites for tetrodotoxin (TTX) and tetraethylammonium (TEA). No detectable changes in selectivity or instantaneous conductance were observed. No internal receptors for TTX affecting the Na conductance were found but a TEA receptor is exposed by the protein hydrolysis. 5. TEA derivatives (triethylammonium, TEA-, with an aliphatic chain, Cn) induce a partial block of the steady-state sodium current and induce a time-dependent blockage of the conductance. 6. The first effect of TEA-Cn could be described in terms of a unimolecular reaction with the following equilibrium constants: 50, 2-5, 1-0, 0-4 and 0-025 mM for TEA-C2, TEA-C4, TEA-C5, TEA-C7 and TEA-C9 respectively. 7. From the dependence of the equilibrium dissociation constant on the length of the alkyl chain we estimated the free-energy change in 560 cal/mole of CH2. The gain in free energy per CH2 group transferred from aqueous medium to the interior of a non-polar medium is 1000 cal. 8. Although with the data at hand it is impossible to propose the amino-acid sequence of the site cleaved by alkaline proteinase b, we propose that an important functional component is arginine (or lysine).", "contents": "Destruction of the sodium conductance inactivation by a specific protease in perfused nerve fibres from Loligo. Intracellular perfusion of giant axons from Loligo forbesi with a crude protein extract of Pronase dissolved in a KF solution suppresses the process of fast inactivation of the Na conductance (the h-process in the Hodgkin-Huxley terminology). 2. The results with protease inhibitors indicate that the most substrate specific endopeptidase present in pronase, alkaline proteinase b, destroys the h-process. 3. After destruction of the inactivation the conductance rise upon depolarization followed cube law kinetics. Values of the time constant taum before and after destruction of the h-process were very similar. 4. After destruction of the inactivation process the following properties were tested: cation selectivity, instantaneous conductance and internal receptor sites for tetrodotoxin (TTX) and tetraethylammonium (TEA). No detectable changes in selectivity or instantaneous conductance were observed. No internal receptors for TTX affecting the Na conductance were found but a TEA receptor is exposed by the protein hydrolysis. 5. TEA derivatives (triethylammonium, TEA-, with an aliphatic chain, Cn) induce a partial block of the steady-state sodium current and induce a time-dependent blockage of the conductance. 6. The first effect of TEA-Cn could be described in terms of a unimolecular reaction with the following equilibrium constants: 50, 2-5, 1-0, 0-4 and 0-025 mM for TEA-C2, TEA-C4, TEA-C5, TEA-C7 and TEA-C9 respectively. 7. From the dependence of the equilibrium dissociation constant on the length of the alkyl chain we estimated the free-energy change in 560 cal/mole of CH2. The gain in free energy per CH2 group transferred from aqueous medium to the interior of a non-polar medium is 1000 cal. 8. Although with the data at hand it is impossible to propose the amino-acid sequence of the site cleaved by alkaline proteinase b, we propose that an important functional component is arginine (or lysine).", "PMID": 994046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5519", "title": "The initial psychotherapy interview: a content analysis of the verbal responses of novice and experienced therapists.", "content": "This study tested and confirmed the clinical impressions that (a) the novice psychotherapist may focus so much upon the exact words and nonverbal behavior patterns of his client (the process of making \"concrete\" statements) that he may lose sight of the larger picture that his client may be revealing at any given moment during the interview; (b) the experienced psychotherapist, on the other hand, seems to be responding to the words of the patient at a level of abstraction that attempts to integrate and understand the messages that the patient is trying to convey about himself; and (c) this latter process is reflected in the making of relatively more \"abstract\" comments than is true of the novice. Ss were 24 first-year psychiatric residents and 19 staff psychologists and psychiatrists at a veterans hospital and a medical school. The learning theory implications of these findings is discussed.", "contents": "The initial psychotherapy interview: a content analysis of the verbal responses of novice and experienced therapists. This study tested and confirmed the clinical impressions that (a) the novice psychotherapist may focus so much upon the exact words and nonverbal behavior patterns of his client (the process of making \"concrete\" statements) that he may lose sight of the larger picture that his client may be revealing at any given moment during the interview; (b) the experienced psychotherapist, on the other hand, seems to be responding to the words of the patient at a level of abstraction that attempts to integrate and understand the messages that the patient is trying to convey about himself; and (c) this latter process is reflected in the making of relatively more \"abstract\" comments than is true of the novice. Ss were 24 first-year psychiatric residents and 19 staff psychologists and psychiatrists at a veterans hospital and a medical school. The learning theory implications of these findings is discussed.", "PMID": 994048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5520", "title": "Relationship between auditory-visual integration, reading readiness, and conceptual tempo.", "content": "A modified downward extension of Birch and Belmont's auditory-visual integration test was correlated with the Metropolitan Readiness Test for 82 middle class kindergarten children. From this same sample the test performances of an equal numer (n = 11) of impulsive females, impulsive males, reflective females, and reflective males were compared with use of a 2 X 2 analysis of variance. An analysis of convariance was employed to further examine test performance. Metropolitan scores were equated for Verbal IQ; for auditory-visual integration, test response time and Verbal IQ were individually held constant. Auditory-visual integration variance accounted for 29% of Metropolitan variance. Reflectives performed significantly better than impulsives on the auditory-visual integration test with or without response time or WPPSI Verbal IQ held constant; they performed significantly better than impulsives on the Metropolitan, but this did not maintain when scores were equated for WPPSI Verbal IQ.", "contents": "Relationship between auditory-visual integration, reading readiness, and conceptual tempo. A modified downward extension of Birch and Belmont's auditory-visual integration test was correlated with the Metropolitan Readiness Test for 82 middle class kindergarten children. From this same sample the test performances of an equal numer (n = 11) of impulsive females, impulsive males, reflective females, and reflective males were compared with use of a 2 X 2 analysis of variance. An analysis of convariance was employed to further examine test performance. Metropolitan scores were equated for Verbal IQ; for auditory-visual integration, test response time and Verbal IQ were individually held constant. Auditory-visual integration variance accounted for 29% of Metropolitan variance. Reflectives performed significantly better than impulsives on the auditory-visual integration test with or without response time or WPPSI Verbal IQ held constant; they performed significantly better than impulsives on the Metropolitan, but this did not maintain when scores were equated for WPPSI Verbal IQ.", "PMID": 994049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5521", "title": "Word imagery modalities and learning in the deaf and hearing.", "content": "The study explored the modality specific hypothesis of imagery concreteness. Twenty-four male and female deaf and hearing adolescents learned lists of paired associates that were either high visual and low auditory imagery words or the obverse. It was predicted that the deaf group would perform as well as the hearing group with pairs of high visual imagery, but worse with materials of high auditory imagery. The results failed to demonstrate the expected interaction. However, indirect support for the hypothesis was provided by a third order interaction trend analysis which suggested that the deaf group experienced difficulty in learning the high auditory imagery word pairs.", "contents": "Word imagery modalities and learning in the deaf and hearing. The study explored the modality specific hypothesis of imagery concreteness. Twenty-four male and female deaf and hearing adolescents learned lists of paired associates that were either high visual and low auditory imagery words or the obverse. It was predicted that the deaf group would perform as well as the hearing group with pairs of high visual imagery, but worse with materials of high auditory imagery. The results failed to demonstrate the expected interaction. However, indirect support for the hypothesis was provided by a third order interaction trend analysis which suggested that the deaf group experienced difficulty in learning the high auditory imagery word pairs.", "PMID": 994050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5522", "title": "Methodological problems in the study of fears.", "content": "The purpose of this paper is to elucidate methodological problems in the study of fears and to make suggestions that will facilitate future research. The most basic problem begins with a definition of \"fear\". Other considerations include methods of assessment, classification, and the instruments used.", "contents": "Methodological problems in the study of fears. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate methodological problems in the study of fears and to make suggestions that will facilitate future research. The most basic problem begins with a definition of \"fear\". Other considerations include methods of assessment, classification, and the instruments used.", "PMID": 994051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5523", "title": "The effects of perceived status and linguistic diversity upon judgment of speaker attributes and message effectiveness.", "content": "It has been shown previosly that high linguistic diversity positively affects listeners' judgments of speaker attributes and message effectiveness. Diversity refers to the degree of lexical and syntactic redundancy in a message. In the present study it was predicted that listeners' initial perceptions of a speaker's status would influence their judgments of high- and low-diversity messages. Ss were 46 male and female undergraduates at The University of Iowa. Three competing predictions were offered, and the results supported a status-attribution explanation. A high-status speaker was rated especially negatively when he delivered a low-diversity message. High- and low-diversity messages did not differ in their evaluative consequences for a low-status speaker; in this case both message types produced ratings that fell between the relatively positive or negative ratings given to the high-status speaker.", "contents": "The effects of perceived status and linguistic diversity upon judgment of speaker attributes and message effectiveness. It has been shown previosly that high linguistic diversity positively affects listeners' judgments of speaker attributes and message effectiveness. Diversity refers to the degree of lexical and syntactic redundancy in a message. In the present study it was predicted that listeners' initial perceptions of a speaker's status would influence their judgments of high- and low-diversity messages. Ss were 46 male and female undergraduates at The University of Iowa. Three competing predictions were offered, and the results supported a status-attribution explanation. A high-status speaker was rated especially negatively when he delivered a low-diversity message. High- and low-diversity messages did not differ in their evaluative consequences for a low-status speaker; in this case both message types produced ratings that fell between the relatively positive or negative ratings given to the high-status speaker.", "PMID": 994052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5524", "title": "Perceptions of color preferences-a clue to marital prediction?", "content": "In a study of marital adjustment prediction (N = 75 couples), each spouse was asked to indicate a color preference for nine common household articles and predict which color the spouse would choose. A discrepancy score between perceived and actual choices was calculated and compared with scores on the Nye-MacDougall Martial Adjustment Scale. The correlation coefficient between the discrepancy score and ego's marital adjustment was -.27 for the sample as a whole, -.33 for husbands, and -.21 for wives. The correlation between the discrepancy score and mate's marital adjustment was -.17 for the whole sample, -.10 for husbands, and -.23 for wives.", "contents": "Perceptions of color preferences-a clue to marital prediction? In a study of marital adjustment prediction (N = 75 couples), each spouse was asked to indicate a color preference for nine common household articles and predict which color the spouse would choose. A discrepancy score between perceived and actual choices was calculated and compared with scores on the Nye-MacDougall Martial Adjustment Scale. The correlation coefficient between the discrepancy score and ego's marital adjustment was -.27 for the sample as a whole, -.33 for husbands, and -.21 for wives. The correlation between the discrepancy score and mate's marital adjustment was -.17 for the whole sample, -.10 for husbands, and -.23 for wives.", "PMID": 994053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5525", "title": "Performance under health-engendering and health-depressing conditions.", "content": "Undergraduate psychology majors (four males, four females) were trained to role play health-engendering (HE) and health-depressing (HD) behaviors. Introductory psychology students (N = 48) were tested under different role playing conditions. Measures were taken before and after the role playing by an investigator who played a neutral role. A balanced two-way design was used. Four groups (N = 12 each) were thus formed: males under HE conditions, males under HD conditions, females under HE conditions, and females under HD conditions. Results indicated that the Ss did discriminate the roles when asked to rate a variety of characteristics. On two measures of learning (CVC lists and abbreviated digit span) the role of E had no effect; the role playing did not interfere with performance. It was found that the self figure in the human figure drawing was significantly smaller under HD conditions. This finding lends support to the body image hypothesis.", "contents": "Performance under health-engendering and health-depressing conditions. Undergraduate psychology majors (four males, four females) were trained to role play health-engendering (HE) and health-depressing (HD) behaviors. Introductory psychology students (N = 48) were tested under different role playing conditions. Measures were taken before and after the role playing by an investigator who played a neutral role. A balanced two-way design was used. Four groups (N = 12 each) were thus formed: males under HE conditions, males under HD conditions, females under HE conditions, and females under HD conditions. Results indicated that the Ss did discriminate the roles when asked to rate a variety of characteristics. On two measures of learning (CVC lists and abbreviated digit span) the role of E had no effect; the role playing did not interfere with performance. It was found that the self figure in the human figure drawing was significantly smaller under HD conditions. This finding lends support to the body image hypothesis.", "PMID": 994054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5526", "title": "A scale for the measurement of attitudes to mental illness.", "content": "An instrument consisting of 40 semantic differential scales was administered to 125 female student nurses who were instructed to rate the concepts \"normal person,\" \"typical mental case,\" and \"mad man.\" The mean scores on the three ratings were significantly different (p less than .001). Coefficient alpha ranged from .90 to .93, and average item-correlation (total minus item) from .41 to .47. These results justify further use of the instrument.", "contents": "A scale for the measurement of attitudes to mental illness. An instrument consisting of 40 semantic differential scales was administered to 125 female student nurses who were instructed to rate the concepts \"normal person,\" \"typical mental case,\" and \"mad man.\" The mean scores on the three ratings were significantly different (p less than .001). Coefficient alpha ranged from .90 to .93, and average item-correlation (total minus item) from .41 to .47. These results justify further use of the instrument.", "PMID": 994055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5527", "title": "Incidental serial reaction time: normal and schizophrenic response to the onset and cessation of auditory signals.", "content": "This study tested the hypothesis that incidental serial reaction time (ISRT) latencies would be slower and more variable for schizophrenic than for normal Ss. It was predicted that the response of both groups to a manipulated stimulus dynamism would be proportionate, however,despite a difference in level of performance characterizing each sample. S responded to a series of 1000 Hz audiometric tones, signaling tone onset by pressure on a hand-switch, and offset by release. Thirty Ss without history of psychiatric disorder (16M, 14F) and 30 chronic schizophrenic patients (15M, 15F) were examined. All patients were drug-free and bore diagnoses of long standing. Signal tone length (1-3 sec) and interstimulus interval (1.5-15 sec) were varied randomly. Intensity levels were determined, in part, by reference to the individual threshold (T l, T j5 db) and partly by prior selection of fixed values to be used with all Ss (10 and 40 db). Mean ISRT response was significantly slowed for the schizophrenic group, and these latencies were markedly more variable. Increased signal intensity reduced the latency of ISRT, significantly, in each group. The stimulus dynamism induced change in ISRT was altogether similar for both groups, over a range of 15-65 db. No evidence for a diminished vigilance from the beginning to the end of the experimental sitting was found, for either sample.", "contents": "Incidental serial reaction time: normal and schizophrenic response to the onset and cessation of auditory signals. This study tested the hypothesis that incidental serial reaction time (ISRT) latencies would be slower and more variable for schizophrenic than for normal Ss. It was predicted that the response of both groups to a manipulated stimulus dynamism would be proportionate, however,despite a difference in level of performance characterizing each sample. S responded to a series of 1000 Hz audiometric tones, signaling tone onset by pressure on a hand-switch, and offset by release. Thirty Ss without history of psychiatric disorder (16M, 14F) and 30 chronic schizophrenic patients (15M, 15F) were examined. All patients were drug-free and bore diagnoses of long standing. Signal tone length (1-3 sec) and interstimulus interval (1.5-15 sec) were varied randomly. Intensity levels were determined, in part, by reference to the individual threshold (T l, T j5 db) and partly by prior selection of fixed values to be used with all Ss (10 and 40 db). Mean ISRT response was significantly slowed for the schizophrenic group, and these latencies were markedly more variable. Increased signal intensity reduced the latency of ISRT, significantly, in each group. The stimulus dynamism induced change in ISRT was altogether similar for both groups, over a range of 15-65 db. No evidence for a diminished vigilance from the beginning to the end of the experimental sitting was found, for either sample.", "PMID": 994056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5528", "title": "A comparison of the WISC and WISC-R in a juvenile delinquent population.", "content": "WISC and WISC-R subtest and IQ scores were compared in two samples of juveniles referred to a large metropolitan juvenile probation department (Ns = 180 and 185, respectively). The samples were equated for age, sex, race, and grade level. Significant differences were found on six of the 10 subtests. There were also significant differences between WISC and WISC-R scores on the Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale scores. In each case the WISC-R score was lower than the WISC score with the exception of the Arithmetic subtest. We conclude from these data that juvenile delinquents score significantly lower on the WISC-R than on the WISC. Psychologists using the WISC-R where the WISC had been previously used should educate their referral sources and other users of scores from the WISC-R to the differences in the test scores between the WISC and WISC-R.", "contents": "A comparison of the WISC and WISC-R in a juvenile delinquent population. WISC and WISC-R subtest and IQ scores were compared in two samples of juveniles referred to a large metropolitan juvenile probation department (Ns = 180 and 185, respectively). The samples were equated for age, sex, race, and grade level. Significant differences were found on six of the 10 subtests. There were also significant differences between WISC and WISC-R scores on the Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale scores. In each case the WISC-R score was lower than the WISC score with the exception of the Arithmetic subtest. We conclude from these data that juvenile delinquents score significantly lower on the WISC-R than on the WISC. Psychologists using the WISC-R where the WISC had been previously used should educate their referral sources and other users of scores from the WISC-R to the differences in the test scores between the WISC and WISC-R.", "PMID": 994057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5529", "title": "The effect of the Yom Kippur war on anxiety level in Israeli children.", "content": "Peacetime and wartime anxiety levels in fifth and sixth grade Israeli boys and girls (N = 85) were compared as a function of sex, socioeconomic status, degree of war related stress, and self-concept. The Sarason General Anxiety Scale and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale had been administered to the children in May, 1973. The anxiety scale was readministered along with a war stress questionnaire during the Yom Kippur War in December, 1973. The general anxiety level of the children nearly doubled, with the children who reported the lowest peacetime anxiety levels reporting the highest wartime levels. Contrary to expectation, the rise in anxiety level was not related to personal war stress or to self-concept.", "contents": "The effect of the Yom Kippur war on anxiety level in Israeli children. Peacetime and wartime anxiety levels in fifth and sixth grade Israeli boys and girls (N = 85) were compared as a function of sex, socioeconomic status, degree of war related stress, and self-concept. The Sarason General Anxiety Scale and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale had been administered to the children in May, 1973. The anxiety scale was readministered along with a war stress questionnaire during the Yom Kippur War in December, 1973. The general anxiety level of the children nearly doubled, with the children who reported the lowest peacetime anxiety levels reporting the highest wartime levels. Contrary to expectation, the rise in anxiety level was not related to personal war stress or to self-concept.", "PMID": 994058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5530", "title": "Children's self-evaluation of performance as a function of sex, age, feedback, and sex-typed task label.", "content": "Children in grades 3 and 5 (N = 160) performed a task which was labeled either sex-appropriate or sex-inappropriate. Following the task, prearranged feedback (success or failure) was provided, and the children evaluated the importance of ability, effort, task difficulty, and luck in determining their performance. Girls attributed failure to lack of ability more than did boys. Further, girls but not boys attributed failure to poor ability more than they attributed success to good ability. Successful boys emphasized ability more than luck, whereas successful girls did not. Sex-typed labeling of the task did not influence casual attributions, performance, or the attractiveness of the task to the child. Third and fifth graders displayed similar patterns of causal attribution.", "contents": "Children's self-evaluation of performance as a function of sex, age, feedback, and sex-typed task label. Children in grades 3 and 5 (N = 160) performed a task which was labeled either sex-appropriate or sex-inappropriate. Following the task, prearranged feedback (success or failure) was provided, and the children evaluated the importance of ability, effort, task difficulty, and luck in determining their performance. Girls attributed failure to lack of ability more than did boys. Further, girls but not boys attributed failure to poor ability more than they attributed success to good ability. Successful boys emphasized ability more than luck, whereas successful girls did not. Sex-typed labeling of the task did not influence casual attributions, performance, or the attractiveness of the task to the child. Third and fifth graders displayed similar patterns of causal attribution.", "PMID": 994059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5531", "title": "The stability of four kinds of perceptual erros on the Bender-Gestalt.", "content": "The test-retest reliability of the Bender-Gestalt Test was investigated for 157 second graders from two middle-class schools. The test-retest interval ranged from 11 days through 15 days. Testing was conducted in accordance with the Koppitz procedure, but errors of distortion, rotation, integration, and preservation were determined separately. The total time required to reproduce the designs were also recorded. The reliability estimate for the Koppitz score was generally satisfactory, but the estimates obtained for the four separate error categories and total working time were substantially smaller.", "contents": "The stability of four kinds of perceptual erros on the Bender-Gestalt. The test-retest reliability of the Bender-Gestalt Test was investigated for 157 second graders from two middle-class schools. The test-retest interval ranged from 11 days through 15 days. Testing was conducted in accordance with the Koppitz procedure, but errors of distortion, rotation, integration, and preservation were determined separately. The total time required to reproduce the designs were also recorded. The reliability estimate for the Koppitz score was generally satisfactory, but the estimates obtained for the four separate error categories and total working time were substantially smaller.", "PMID": 994060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5532", "title": "Personality discriminants of cognitive perception abilities.", "content": "Discriminant analyses, using California Psychological Inventory scores, age, and Miller Analogies Test scores, were run on groups of graduate students in counselor training who were high or low on perceptual-cognitive tasks. Twenty male and 23 female Ss watched videotaped sessions in which each of two male and two female expressors talked for three minutes about each of three prescribed subject areas. Perceiver Ss then reacted to a semantic differential as they thought the expressors had previously reacted. Absolute difference scores were established for each S in each of three cognitive dimensions for each expressor sex, and a summary score was also established. Analyses were run on each of these seven scores. Implications for further research and for potential use of the phenomenon were discussed.", "contents": "Personality discriminants of cognitive perception abilities. Discriminant analyses, using California Psychological Inventory scores, age, and Miller Analogies Test scores, were run on groups of graduate students in counselor training who were high or low on perceptual-cognitive tasks. Twenty male and 23 female Ss watched videotaped sessions in which each of two male and two female expressors talked for three minutes about each of three prescribed subject areas. Perceiver Ss then reacted to a semantic differential as they thought the expressors had previously reacted. Absolute difference scores were established for each S in each of three cognitive dimensions for each expressor sex, and a summary score was also established. Analyses were run on each of these seven scores. Implications for further research and for potential use of the phenomenon were discussed.", "PMID": 994061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5533", "title": "A note on the relationship of internality-externality, self-acceptance, and self-ideal discrepancies.", "content": "To correct deficiencies in an earlier study testing the hypotheses that externals, compared to internals, exhibit a larger self-ideal discrepancy, lower self-concept, and lower self-acceptance, 55 male and female art and theatre undergraduate majors were administered the Adult Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Scale and the Index of Adjustment and Value. Findings by analysis of variance indicated support for all hypotheses.", "contents": "A note on the relationship of internality-externality, self-acceptance, and self-ideal discrepancies. To correct deficiencies in an earlier study testing the hypotheses that externals, compared to internals, exhibit a larger self-ideal discrepancy, lower self-concept, and lower self-acceptance, 55 male and female art and theatre undergraduate majors were administered the Adult Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Scale and the Index of Adjustment and Value. Findings by analysis of variance indicated support for all hypotheses.", "PMID": 994062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5534", "title": "Effects of extroversion and neuroticism on learning and memory: a test of Eysenck's theory of individual differences in arousal.", "content": "Forty Ohio University female undergraduates were classified as stable extroverts, neurotic extroverts, stable introverts, and neurotic introverts, as measured by the Eysenck Personality Inventory. Subjects were asked to learn four paired-associate lists-two forms of both simple and difficult lists. The dependent variables were errors in the learning of the lists to criterion and recall scores at short-term (15 second) and long-term (15 minute) recall intervals. The hypothesized interactions were not significant. Explanations for the negative findings involved the methodology and the questionable applicability of Eysenck's biologically based personality dimensions for defining individual differences in learning and recall.", "contents": "Effects of extroversion and neuroticism on learning and memory: a test of Eysenck's theory of individual differences in arousal. Forty Ohio University female undergraduates were classified as stable extroverts, neurotic extroverts, stable introverts, and neurotic introverts, as measured by the Eysenck Personality Inventory. Subjects were asked to learn four paired-associate lists-two forms of both simple and difficult lists. The dependent variables were errors in the learning of the lists to criterion and recall scores at short-term (15 second) and long-term (15 minute) recall intervals. The hypothesized interactions were not significant. Explanations for the negative findings involved the methodology and the questionable applicability of Eysenck's biologically based personality dimensions for defining individual differences in learning and recall.", "PMID": 994063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5535", "title": "Empirical validation of diagnostic similarities from a structural perspective.", "content": "In an effort to establish definitive patterns of patient variables for the diagnostic categories used by psychiatry, this study investigated the similarity between diagnostic classes as perceived by psychiatrists when evaluating patients from their own caseloads. A grid method was used to evaluate the diagnostic process. Thirteen psychiatrists rated their own patients on the constructs generated from their own personal dimensions. An overall analysis of the data demonstrated that patients within a diagnostic category were seen as more similar to one another than were patients from different diagnostic categories. Similarities between diagnostic classes showed that neurotic/situational maladjustment, personality disorder/alcoholic, and psychotic/alcoholic were the most similar pairs of unlike diagnoses. Examination of the process of diagnosis showed the functional similarity between some diagnostic classes. Specific areas of diagnostic similarity were present in a system that produced overall diagnostic clarity. Implications for the use of the grid method in psychiatric training were discussed.", "contents": "Empirical validation of diagnostic similarities from a structural perspective. In an effort to establish definitive patterns of patient variables for the diagnostic categories used by psychiatry, this study investigated the similarity between diagnostic classes as perceived by psychiatrists when evaluating patients from their own caseloads. A grid method was used to evaluate the diagnostic process. Thirteen psychiatrists rated their own patients on the constructs generated from their own personal dimensions. An overall analysis of the data demonstrated that patients within a diagnostic category were seen as more similar to one another than were patients from different diagnostic categories. Similarities between diagnostic classes showed that neurotic/situational maladjustment, personality disorder/alcoholic, and psychotic/alcoholic were the most similar pairs of unlike diagnoses. Examination of the process of diagnosis showed the functional similarity between some diagnostic classes. Specific areas of diagnostic similarity were present in a system that produced overall diagnostic clarity. Implications for the use of the grid method in psychiatric training were discussed.", "PMID": 994064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5536", "title": "Dynamics of contraceptive failures.", "content": "The purpose of this study was to explore the vicissitudes of contraceptive efforts and practice, and human behavior contributing to contraceptive failure. A consecutive sample of 481 women, who visited various gynecological out-patient clinics of a New York City municipal hospital between August 1974 and August 1975, served as the study population. There were 181 women with planned pregnancies and 300 women with unplanned pregnancies. The data were gathered in personal interviews. By comparison of both groups it was discovered that the women with unplanned pregnancies, because of their lower frustration tolerance level, had been led by successive difficulties related to contraceptive efforts and practice to episodic, faulty, or nonuse of technically effective contraceptive methods. Thereafter, psychological processes and mechanisms gave rise to a false sense of security, which virtually prevented them from resuming contraceptive practice. These psychological processes and mechanisms also govern other spheres of human behavior and merit systematic investigation.", "contents": "Dynamics of contraceptive failures. The purpose of this study was to explore the vicissitudes of contraceptive efforts and practice, and human behavior contributing to contraceptive failure. A consecutive sample of 481 women, who visited various gynecological out-patient clinics of a New York City municipal hospital between August 1974 and August 1975, served as the study population. There were 181 women with planned pregnancies and 300 women with unplanned pregnancies. The data were gathered in personal interviews. By comparison of both groups it was discovered that the women with unplanned pregnancies, because of their lower frustration tolerance level, had been led by successive difficulties related to contraceptive efforts and practice to episodic, faulty, or nonuse of technically effective contraceptive methods. Thereafter, psychological processes and mechanisms gave rise to a false sense of security, which virtually prevented them from resuming contraceptive practice. These psychological processes and mechanisms also govern other spheres of human behavior and merit systematic investigation.", "PMID": 994065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5537", "title": "Psychological differentiation in Nigerian children.", "content": "The human figure drawings of 646 male and female Nigerian primary school children were analyzed with the use of Witkin's Articulation of Body Concept (ABC) scale. There was a significant association between age and ABC scores for the Ss as a group. The correlation between age and ABC scores was significant with male Ss and almost so with female Ss. These findings are on the whole consistent with the results of previous research conducted in different sociocultural settings.", "contents": "Psychological differentiation in Nigerian children. The human figure drawings of 646 male and female Nigerian primary school children were analyzed with the use of Witkin's Articulation of Body Concept (ABC) scale. There was a significant association between age and ABC scores for the Ss as a group. The correlation between age and ABC scores was significant with male Ss and almost so with female Ss. These findings are on the whole consistent with the results of previous research conducted in different sociocultural settings.", "PMID": 994066} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5538", "title": "Sex effects in leader behavior self-descriptions and job satisfaction.", "content": "This study investigated possible sex differences in leadership among supervisory employees (N = 72) of a large psychiatric hospital by comparing male and female self-descriptions of their own leader behaviors, as well as their satisfaction with various aspects of their jobs. Female leaders described themselves as performing more consideration and tolerance of uncertainty leader behaviors and as being more satisfied with co-workers than male leaders. The possibility, suggested by sex role stereotypes, that self-perceptions of consideration behavior for females and initiating structure for males are related to job satisfaction was not affirmed by the findings. Although some differences were found, the results generally support indications from studies based on subordinate descriptions that there actually may be few job-related differences between male and female leaders.", "contents": "Sex effects in leader behavior self-descriptions and job satisfaction. This study investigated possible sex differences in leadership among supervisory employees (N = 72) of a large psychiatric hospital by comparing male and female self-descriptions of their own leader behaviors, as well as their satisfaction with various aspects of their jobs. Female leaders described themselves as performing more consideration and tolerance of uncertainty leader behaviors and as being more satisfied with co-workers than male leaders. The possibility, suggested by sex role stereotypes, that self-perceptions of consideration behavior for females and initiating structure for males are related to job satisfaction was not affirmed by the findings. Although some differences were found, the results generally support indications from studies based on subordinate descriptions that there actually may be few job-related differences between male and female leaders.", "PMID": 994067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5539", "title": "Sibsize, family environment, cognitive performance, and affective characteristics.", "content": "The study examined to what extent relationships between sibsize and the cognitive and affective chaarcteristics of children were mediated by family environments. The Alice Heim nonverbal intelligence test (AH4), the Watts Vernon English test, and the Vernon graded mathematics test were used to assess the cognitive performance of 15-year-old children (383 boys and 396 girls). The Ss formed part of a longitudinal national study of English school children. Also schedules were administered to measure children's educational and occupational aspirations, self-concepts, and attitudes toward school. From parental interviews a family environment index consisting of both distal and proximal measures was constructed. The Jackknife technique was used in the analysis to adjust significance levels. Regression surface analysis indicated that at each environment level, sibsize was related only to the English achievement of girls and boys and to the aspirations of girls. However, the shapes of the surfaces suggest that if parents create differential learning environments for different siblings then the behaviors of the siblings are likely to vary, which provides tentative support for the confluence model of sibsize influences on the behaviors of children.", "contents": "Sibsize, family environment, cognitive performance, and affective characteristics. The study examined to what extent relationships between sibsize and the cognitive and affective chaarcteristics of children were mediated by family environments. The Alice Heim nonverbal intelligence test (AH4), the Watts Vernon English test, and the Vernon graded mathematics test were used to assess the cognitive performance of 15-year-old children (383 boys and 396 girls). The Ss formed part of a longitudinal national study of English school children. Also schedules were administered to measure children's educational and occupational aspirations, self-concepts, and attitudes toward school. From parental interviews a family environment index consisting of both distal and proximal measures was constructed. The Jackknife technique was used in the analysis to adjust significance levels. Regression surface analysis indicated that at each environment level, sibsize was related only to the English achievement of girls and boys and to the aspirations of girls. However, the shapes of the surfaces suggest that if parents create differential learning environments for different siblings then the behaviors of the siblings are likely to vary, which provides tentative support for the confluence model of sibsize influences on the behaviors of children.", "PMID": 994068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5540", "title": "Short-term retention in retarded adolescents as a function of load, delay, and interpolated activity.", "content": "The present study investigated certain variables influencing the short-term retention of retarded adolescents. Forty trainable and 40 educable retarded adolescents were shown slides containing arrays of 2, 3, 4, or 5 chromatic pictures to be recalled after varying periods (0, 18, 36, and 140 sec) of filled or unfilled activity. Results indicated that recall in the unfilled condition remained relatively stable over time, while in the filled condition recall was deleteriously affected by a distracter task (p less than .01). No significant retention slope differences were observed between the two IQ groups. As is typically found with nonretarded adults, the curve of forgetting for the retarded individuals described a negatively accelerated function. With increasing proactive interference there were increasing decrements in short-term recall, with neither IQ group differing from the other. It was suggested that both decay and interference contribute to the short-term forgetting of retarded people.", "contents": "Short-term retention in retarded adolescents as a function of load, delay, and interpolated activity. The present study investigated certain variables influencing the short-term retention of retarded adolescents. Forty trainable and 40 educable retarded adolescents were shown slides containing arrays of 2, 3, 4, or 5 chromatic pictures to be recalled after varying periods (0, 18, 36, and 140 sec) of filled or unfilled activity. Results indicated that recall in the unfilled condition remained relatively stable over time, while in the filled condition recall was deleteriously affected by a distracter task (p less than .01). No significant retention slope differences were observed between the two IQ groups. As is typically found with nonretarded adults, the curve of forgetting for the retarded individuals described a negatively accelerated function. With increasing proactive interference there were increasing decrements in short-term recall, with neither IQ group differing from the other. It was suggested that both decay and interference contribute to the short-term forgetting of retarded people.", "PMID": 994069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5541", "title": "Effects of evaluating task competence on the self-concept of children from different socioeconomic status levels.", "content": "Previous studies reported low SES children with higher self-concepts than high SES children; this experimental study probes explanatory factors. One hundred sixty second grade boys and girls were measured on self-concept following a design-copying task on which they received either a positive or a negative evaluation, either through the E's evaluative statements or through presentation of standards for the task. Direction of evaluation was reflected in children's ratings of their own work. There was an interaction between direction of evaluation and SES as they affected self-concept, with negative evaluation leading to enhanced self-concept scores of low SES children.", "contents": "Effects of evaluating task competence on the self-concept of children from different socioeconomic status levels. Previous studies reported low SES children with higher self-concepts than high SES children; this experimental study probes explanatory factors. One hundred sixty second grade boys and girls were measured on self-concept following a design-copying task on which they received either a positive or a negative evaluation, either through the E's evaluative statements or through presentation of standards for the task. Direction of evaluation was reflected in children's ratings of their own work. There was an interaction between direction of evaluation and SES as they affected self-concept, with negative evaluation leading to enhanced self-concept scores of low SES children.", "PMID": 994070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5542", "title": "MMPI characteristics of good and poor social problem-solvers among psychiatric patients.", "content": "In an attempt to delineate more precisely the relationship between problem-solving cognition in the social sphere and psychopathology, male (N = 83) and female (N = 107) psychiatric patients were divided into groups of good and poor problem-solvers on the Means-Ends Problem-Solving (MEPS) Procedure and contrasted on MMPI scales and indices of psychopathology. Poor problem-solvers among males, but not among females, were found to be (a) more clearly schizophrenic and socially inadequate, with significantly higher scores on the Pd, Sc, and Si scales; (b) more clearly psychotic on the Goldberg Index; and (c) more likely to have elevated F scale raw scores. The present findings explicate those of earlier studies in suggesting that male patients higher in social problem-solving ability are not only likely to be more socially competent, but also are more likely to be less severely impaired in terms of psychopathology. A possible explanation for the sex difference is that problem-solving cognition and psychopathology are not so directly related in females as in males.", "contents": "MMPI characteristics of good and poor social problem-solvers among psychiatric patients. In an attempt to delineate more precisely the relationship between problem-solving cognition in the social sphere and psychopathology, male (N = 83) and female (N = 107) psychiatric patients were divided into groups of good and poor problem-solvers on the Means-Ends Problem-Solving (MEPS) Procedure and contrasted on MMPI scales and indices of psychopathology. Poor problem-solvers among males, but not among females, were found to be (a) more clearly schizophrenic and socially inadequate, with significantly higher scores on the Pd, Sc, and Si scales; (b) more clearly psychotic on the Goldberg Index; and (c) more likely to have elevated F scale raw scores. The present findings explicate those of earlier studies in suggesting that male patients higher in social problem-solving ability are not only likely to be more socially competent, but also are more likely to be less severely impaired in terms of psychopathology. A possible explanation for the sex difference is that problem-solving cognition and psychopathology are not so directly related in females as in males.", "PMID": 994071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5543", "title": "An examination of the relationship between personality traits and motivational dynamics.", "content": "The relationship between personality traits and motivational dynamics was investigated with focus on issues concerning their independence. Matched 16 Personality Factor (PF) and Motivational Analysis Test (MAT) questionnaires were obtained on 691 male and female undergraduates and Air Force personnel, and the scales were factor analyzed. Thirteen factors were indicated of which five were purely personality and four motivational, thus pointing to the independence of the two domains.", "contents": "An examination of the relationship between personality traits and motivational dynamics. The relationship between personality traits and motivational dynamics was investigated with focus on issues concerning their independence. Matched 16 Personality Factor (PF) and Motivational Analysis Test (MAT) questionnaires were obtained on 691 male and female undergraduates and Air Force personnel, and the scales were factor analyzed. Thirteen factors were indicated of which five were purely personality and four motivational, thus pointing to the independence of the two domains.", "PMID": 994072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5544", "title": "Performance of student nurses on the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule.", "content": "One hundred sixty-seven female nursing students in a baccalaureate program were administered the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule. Comparisons were made with the original norms for college women and with recently published norms for a group of urban college women, as well as with data for a group of nursing students collected at the time of the appearance of the original norms. While nursing students reflected some of the significant changes occurring among college women between 1959 and 1973, they continued to maintain a profile of needs consistent with the traditional view of those in their profession.", "contents": "Performance of student nurses on the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule. One hundred sixty-seven female nursing students in a baccalaureate program were administered the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule. Comparisons were made with the original norms for college women and with recently published norms for a group of urban college women, as well as with data for a group of nursing students collected at the time of the appearance of the original norms. While nursing students reflected some of the significant changes occurring among college women between 1959 and 1973, they continued to maintain a profile of needs consistent with the traditional view of those in their profession.", "PMID": 994073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5545", "title": "Relevant stimuli and auditory evoked potentials.", "content": "Four cats, classically conditioned to a flashing light paired with food reinforcement, were tested for amplitude changes of click-evoked potentials during increasing hours of deprivation. Signal averaged evoked potentials from the auditory cortex, cochlear nucleus, and round window electrodes showed no significant changes in amplitude, but significant changes were found in the variance as food deprivation increased. Such changes are more consistent with expected changes in the CNS than the amplitude changes of the auditory cortex found by Saunders and Chabora.", "contents": "Relevant stimuli and auditory evoked potentials. Four cats, classically conditioned to a flashing light paired with food reinforcement, were tested for amplitude changes of click-evoked potentials during increasing hours of deprivation. Signal averaged evoked potentials from the auditory cortex, cochlear nucleus, and round window electrodes showed no significant changes in amplitude, but significant changes were found in the variance as food deprivation increased. Such changes are more consistent with expected changes in the CNS than the amplitude changes of the auditory cortex found by Saunders and Chabora.", "PMID": 994074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5546", "title": "[T.D.F. (time-dose-fractioned irradiation) and tolerance to low flow and low fractioned irradiation (author's transl)].", "content": "1. The factor (T.D.F.) defined by ORTON and ELLIS for regularly distributed discontinuous irrdiation may be dissociated from Ellis' equation. The essential fact is that, in principle, the T.D.F. is given as 100 for all techniques which are associated with full tolerance or, if desired, exact saturation of the normal supporting tissue. 2. From this standpoint, all techniques in which T.D.F. = 100 have the same effectiveness as the N.S.D., i.e. 1,800 Rads given at a flow of approximately 10 Rads per minute. A TD.F. greater or less than 100 should be considered as evaluating the effective dose as a percentage of the N.S.D. The total dose administered effectively as a percentage of N.S.D., Dt/18 represents by contrast the actual dose. 3. With discontinuous treatment of 50 or 100 Rads/minute, the ratio effective dose over actual dose = T.D.F. 18/Dt represents the coefficient of reduction in effectiveness due to fractioning. Crf (the T.D.F. of which is given in the tables of Orton and Ellis). In the case of continuous uninterrupted treatment, the coefficient of reduction of effectiveness by protraction Crp is calculated using Orton's equation. With treatment given on an interrupted basis (split) the reduction in effectiveness Crs is calculated on the basis of the appendix ratio of Orton and Ellis. 4. In low flow rate, low fractioned treatment, in interrupted sections, the overall coefficient of reduction of effectiveness equals the product of the three mentioned above: Crg = Crf-Crp-Crs. 5. Dissociation of the T.D.F. factors from Ellis' equation makes it possible to generalise its principle and to extend it to all normal tissue (kidney, lung, intestine, marrow), the T.D.F. of which represents that state in which radiolesions are maximally compatible with reversibility, in the immediate or in the shortest possible time. It would be theoretically possible, using a suitable experimental technique, to develop, for each of these particularly senstive organs, tables analogous to those provided by ORTON and ELLIS for supporting tissue in conditions which seem acceptable to many.", "contents": "[T.D.F. (time-dose-fractioned irradiation) and tolerance to low flow and low fractioned irradiation (author's transl)]. 1. The factor (T.D.F.) defined by ORTON and ELLIS for regularly distributed discontinuous irrdiation may be dissociated from Ellis' equation. The essential fact is that, in principle, the T.D.F. is given as 100 for all techniques which are associated with full tolerance or, if desired, exact saturation of the normal supporting tissue. 2. From this standpoint, all techniques in which T.D.F. = 100 have the same effectiveness as the N.S.D., i.e. 1,800 Rads given at a flow of approximately 10 Rads per minute. A TD.F. greater or less than 100 should be considered as evaluating the effective dose as a percentage of the N.S.D. The total dose administered effectively as a percentage of N.S.D., Dt/18 represents by contrast the actual dose. 3. With discontinuous treatment of 50 or 100 Rads/minute, the ratio effective dose over actual dose = T.D.F. 18/Dt represents the coefficient of reduction in effectiveness due to fractioning. Crf (the T.D.F. of which is given in the tables of Orton and Ellis). In the case of continuous uninterrupted treatment, the coefficient of reduction of effectiveness by protraction Crp is calculated using Orton's equation. With treatment given on an interrupted basis (split) the reduction in effectiveness Crs is calculated on the basis of the appendix ratio of Orton and Ellis. 4. In low flow rate, low fractioned treatment, in interrupted sections, the overall coefficient of reduction of effectiveness equals the product of the three mentioned above: Crg = Crf-Crp-Crs. 5. Dissociation of the T.D.F. factors from Ellis' equation makes it possible to generalise its principle and to extend it to all normal tissue (kidney, lung, intestine, marrow), the T.D.F. of which represents that state in which radiolesions are maximally compatible with reversibility, in the immediate or in the shortest possible time. It would be theoretically possible, using a suitable experimental technique, to develop, for each of these particularly senstive organs, tables analogous to those provided by ORTON and ELLIS for supporting tissue in conditions which seem acceptable to many.", "PMID": 994087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5547", "title": "Indications for combination of irradiation and surgery.", "content": "1) The concept \"either irradiation or surgery\" for all clinical situations should be eliminated. In many clinical situations, one must think of the combined treatment both for the primary lesion and the regional metastases. Conservatism in both disciplines is to be preferred. 2) If irradiation has no place as the sole treatment for a disease, for example soft tissue sarcomas or parotid tumors, it does not mean that it has no place in the management of the disease. 3) The sequence of the modalities of treatment depends upon the structures involved and the extent of the surgical procedure. If one has to choose between a relatively low dose preoperative irradiation, like 3,000 to 4,000 rads or 5,000 to 6,000 rads postoperatively, the theoretical advantages of preoperative irradiation are outweighed by the proven effectiveness of postoperative irradiation in controlling the locoregional disease.", "contents": "Indications for combination of irradiation and surgery. 1) The concept \"either irradiation or surgery\" for all clinical situations should be eliminated. In many clinical situations, one must think of the combined treatment both for the primary lesion and the regional metastases. Conservatism in both disciplines is to be preferred. 2) If irradiation has no place as the sole treatment for a disease, for example soft tissue sarcomas or parotid tumors, it does not mean that it has no place in the management of the disease. 3) The sequence of the modalities of treatment depends upon the structures involved and the extent of the surgical procedure. If one has to choose between a relatively low dose preoperative irradiation, like 3,000 to 4,000 rads or 5,000 to 6,000 rads postoperatively, the theoretical advantages of preoperative irradiation are outweighed by the proven effectiveness of postoperative irradiation in controlling the locoregional disease.", "PMID": 994088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5548", "title": "[Quantitative study of the regression of mammary cancers after irradiation (author's transl)].", "content": "Quantitative study of the regression 50 mammary cancers after radiotherapy showed that it took an exponential course. The graphic impression was confirmed by statistical study of the linearity of the regression. A time for half-disappearance can therefore be useful in order to distinguish the regression of mammary cancer after irradiation. Its mean value for 47 of our cases was 17.8 days. The significance of this parameter is certainly complex; it is possible that a prognostic value can be attributed to it.", "contents": "[Quantitative study of the regression of mammary cancers after irradiation (author's transl)]. Quantitative study of the regression 50 mammary cancers after radiotherapy showed that it took an exponential course. The graphic impression was confirmed by statistical study of the linearity of the regression. A time for half-disappearance can therefore be useful in order to distinguish the regression of mammary cancer after irradiation. Its mean value for 47 of our cases was 17.8 days. The significance of this parameter is certainly complex; it is possible that a prognostic value can be attributed to it.", "PMID": 994089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5549", "title": "[The problem of sterility in men and women after wide area sub-diaphragmatic irradiation (author's transl)].", "content": "Sub-diaphragmatic irradiation in an upside down Y pattern for Hodgkin's disease results in sterility in the women. Protection consists of irradiating the lumbar chain only when possible or by displacement of the ovary before irradiation, and laterally for preference. Although subsequent pregnancy is then possible, the genetic risk remains. In the male, Y irradiation results in prolonged virtually complete azoospermia. Associated chemotherapy also causes definitive sterility in the male. Collection for a sperm bank before treatment is advised.", "contents": "[The problem of sterility in men and women after wide area sub-diaphragmatic irradiation (author's transl)]. Sub-diaphragmatic irradiation in an upside down Y pattern for Hodgkin's disease results in sterility in the women. Protection consists of irradiating the lumbar chain only when possible or by displacement of the ovary before irradiation, and laterally for preference. Although subsequent pregnancy is then possible, the genetic risk remains. In the male, Y irradiation results in prolonged virtually complete azoospermia. Associated chemotherapy also causes definitive sterility in the male. Collection for a sperm bank before treatment is advised.", "PMID": 994090} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5550", "title": "[Practical use of lithium borate in thermoluminescent dosimetry (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors recall the functional principles of thermoluminescent dosimeters: heating, apparatus for measuring the emitted light, circulation of nitrogen, reference source. They take this opportunity to stress the essential role played by the circulation of nitrogen over the dosimeters which equilibrates the temperature of the photo multiplier, reduces the emission of unwanted light, prevents the combustion of dust or other possible impurities and finally improves the reproductibility of the measurements even for high dosod for finding the optimum working conditions for the heating apparatus of the planchette in the most simple T.L.D. readers and in those where the heating apparatus of the planchette has a pre-heating phase. They then study the dosimetric properties of lithium borate incorporated in thin teflon discs (type DLB. 0.13 and 0.4). This shows itself to be very interesting for certain uses because it is a solid dosimeter which does not require annealing between two measurements. The reproductibility of the measurements obtained with this material, the stability of its response relative to the delay between radiation and reading (fading), its response relative to the absorbed dose plus the nature and the energy of the rays, are presented with the usual reservations made for this type of dosimetry. The authors conclude by citing a few applications where they have been able to achieve a satisfactory result with the aid of lithium borate.", "contents": "[Practical use of lithium borate in thermoluminescent dosimetry (author's transl)]. The authors recall the functional principles of thermoluminescent dosimeters: heating, apparatus for measuring the emitted light, circulation of nitrogen, reference source. They take this opportunity to stress the essential role played by the circulation of nitrogen over the dosimeters which equilibrates the temperature of the photo multiplier, reduces the emission of unwanted light, prevents the combustion of dust or other possible impurities and finally improves the reproductibility of the measurements even for high dosod for finding the optimum working conditions for the heating apparatus of the planchette in the most simple T.L.D. readers and in those where the heating apparatus of the planchette has a pre-heating phase. They then study the dosimetric properties of lithium borate incorporated in thin teflon discs (type DLB. 0.13 and 0.4). This shows itself to be very interesting for certain uses because it is a solid dosimeter which does not require annealing between two measurements. The reproductibility of the measurements obtained with this material, the stability of its response relative to the delay between radiation and reading (fading), its response relative to the absorbed dose plus the nature and the energy of the rays, are presented with the usual reservations made for this type of dosimetry. The authors conclude by citing a few applications where they have been able to achieve a satisfactory result with the aid of lithium borate.", "PMID": 994091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5551", "title": "[Dosimetry of high energy electron beams from a linear accelerator (author's transl)].", "content": "The dosimetric characteristics of the electron beams from the Sagittaire (C.G.R. MeV) linear accelerator are presented. The variations in dose output with the distance from the source are indicated for the usual treatment distances. The measurements carried out demonstrating the deviations from the inverse square law for distances. The graphs for the variation in dose output in terms of the opening of the collimator are given for square and rectangular openings. The measurements demonstrate the preponderant influence of the short side 1 of the rectangular field of the relative variation in dose output. The variations in the graphs of the deep yield in terms of beam energy, distance from the source and field dimension were studied. For the different energies, the influence of the distance from the collimator and the dimension of the field on the dose at entry and on the depth of the maximum was shown. Measurements of the deep yields were carried out in the case of rectangular fields. In each case, the side of the equivalent square field corresponding to the same deep yield as a 1 X L rectangular field was determined; a comparison was carried out with the equivalent square field defined for colbat radiation.", "contents": "[Dosimetry of high energy electron beams from a linear accelerator (author's transl)]. The dosimetric characteristics of the electron beams from the Sagittaire (C.G.R. MeV) linear accelerator are presented. The variations in dose output with the distance from the source are indicated for the usual treatment distances. The measurements carried out demonstrating the deviations from the inverse square law for distances. The graphs for the variation in dose output in terms of the opening of the collimator are given for square and rectangular openings. The measurements demonstrate the preponderant influence of the short side 1 of the rectangular field of the relative variation in dose output. The variations in the graphs of the deep yield in terms of beam energy, distance from the source and field dimension were studied. For the different energies, the influence of the distance from the collimator and the dimension of the field on the dose at entry and on the depth of the maximum was shown. Measurements of the deep yields were carried out in the case of rectangular fields. In each case, the side of the equivalent square field corresponding to the same deep yield as a 1 X L rectangular field was determined; a comparison was carried out with the equivalent square field defined for colbat radiation.", "PMID": 994092} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5552", "title": "[Development and use of an automatic conversational system for the calculation of dose in teleradiotherapy (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors describe the equipment and methods of calculation used for a system of automatic conversational dosimetry with a mini-computer. They present the dialogue of the physician with the calculator and indicate the conditions they required of such a system: i.e. rapidity of response, simplicity of use, verification of data, precision, adaptability. Testing involved 800 dosimetric cases including 300 cases of routine clinical dosimetry.", "contents": "[Development and use of an automatic conversational system for the calculation of dose in teleradiotherapy (author's transl)]. The authors describe the equipment and methods of calculation used for a system of automatic conversational dosimetry with a mini-computer. They present the dialogue of the physician with the calculator and indicate the conditions they required of such a system: i.e. rapidity of response, simplicity of use, verification of data, precision, adaptability. Testing involved 800 dosimetric cases including 300 cases of routine clinical dosimetry.", "PMID": 994093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5553", "title": "[Technical modification of moulds construction for gynecological curietherapy (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors describe a new, faster and less-laborious method of moulds construction for gynecological curietherapy.", "contents": "[Technical modification of moulds construction for gynecological curietherapy (author's transl)]. The authors describe a new, faster and less-laborious method of moulds construction for gynecological curietherapy.", "PMID": 994094} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5554", "title": "[Adaptation of an A.G.S. endo-uterine catheter for hysterographic examination during radium therapy (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors propose an endo-uterine catheter which will permit a hysterographic examination to be made during utero-vaginal radium therapy, thus making it possible to check: --that the catheter has advancec correctly after insertion; --that the uterine cavity intact: --that the catheter is in the correct place; --its retention during treatment. By using radio-opaque rings and small balloons in the hysterographic examination, it is possible to locate: --the external orifice of the cervix; --the urethral meatus; --the anterior wall of the rectum and the posterior wall of the bladder. In this way, the target volume is loated with precision, and the length, position and activity of the various radio-active sources can be adapted accordingly.", "contents": "[Adaptation of an A.G.S. endo-uterine catheter for hysterographic examination during radium therapy (author's transl)]. The authors propose an endo-uterine catheter which will permit a hysterographic examination to be made during utero-vaginal radium therapy, thus making it possible to check: --that the catheter has advancec correctly after insertion; --that the uterine cavity intact: --that the catheter is in the correct place; --its retention during treatment. By using radio-opaque rings and small balloons in the hysterographic examination, it is possible to locate: --the external orifice of the cervix; --the urethral meatus; --the anterior wall of the rectum and the posterior wall of the bladder. In this way, the target volume is loated with precision, and the length, position and activity of the various radio-active sources can be adapted accordingly.", "PMID": 994095} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5555", "title": "The production, morphology, karyotypes and transport of spermatozoa from tertiary trisomic mice and the consequences for egg fertilization.", "content": "Tertiary trisomic males, carrying the small translocation chromosome from the T(1;13)7OH reciprocal mouse translocation as the extra chromosome, are oligospermic. Uterine and oviductal sperm counts were congruent to 10% of normal. Of the uterine spermatozoa, 77-2% were morphologically abnormal compared with 24-6% in the oviduct. Oligospermy in the tertiary trisomic males leads to delayed fertilization; 34-8% of the 109 eggs scored between 5-5--9-5 hr after mating were fertilized compared with 52-1% (n=343) at Day 2. Of the 179 morulae/blastocysts recovered at Day 4, 46-9% contained the small marker chromosome, which agrees with earlier cytological studies on secondary spermatocytes. These results indicate that euploid and aneuploid spermatozoa are formed in about equal numbers and there is no relationship between sperm morphology and karyotype.", "contents": "The production, morphology, karyotypes and transport of spermatozoa from tertiary trisomic mice and the consequences for egg fertilization. Tertiary trisomic males, carrying the small translocation chromosome from the T(1;13)7OH reciprocal mouse translocation as the extra chromosome, are oligospermic. Uterine and oviductal sperm counts were congruent to 10% of normal. Of the uterine spermatozoa, 77-2% were morphologically abnormal compared with 24-6% in the oviduct. Oligospermy in the tertiary trisomic males leads to delayed fertilization; 34-8% of the 109 eggs scored between 5-5--9-5 hr after mating were fertilized compared with 52-1% (n=343) at Day 2. Of the 179 morulae/blastocysts recovered at Day 4, 46-9% contained the small marker chromosome, which agrees with earlier cytological studies on secondary spermatocytes. These results indicate that euploid and aneuploid spermatozoa are formed in about equal numbers and there is no relationship between sperm morphology and karyotype.", "PMID": 994096} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5556", "title": "Effects of alpha-chlorohydrin on the metabolism of testicular and epididymal spermatozoa of rams.", "content": "Spermatozoa were collected from the rete testis and vas deferens of conscious rams. The endogenous oxygen uptake of the spermatozoa was unaffected by alpha-chlorohydrin added in vitro, although this compound abolished the stimulation of oxygen uptake caused by the addition of glycerol. The metabolism of [14C]glycerol by testicular and epididymal spermatozoa was markedly reduced by alpha-chlorohydrin, CO2 production and lactate accumulation being almost totally inhibited. These effects were dependent upon a period of preincubation of the spermatozoa with alpha-chlorohydrin alone, since the presence of glycerol protected the spermatozoa from its action. Longer exposure and a higher concentration of alpha-chlorohydrin were needed with testicular than with epididymal spermatozoa to achieve a maximal effect. The metabolism of [14C]glucose by both sperm types was also inhibited by alpha-chlorohyrin. Spermatozoa of the ram are therefore susceptible to the action of alpha-chlorohydrin throughout the epididymis, although more mature spermatozoa are more affected. It is suggested that alpha-chlorohydrin is converted to an intermediate which is the agent responsible for the inhibition of glycolysis in spermatozoa.", "contents": "Effects of alpha-chlorohydrin on the metabolism of testicular and epididymal spermatozoa of rams. Spermatozoa were collected from the rete testis and vas deferens of conscious rams. The endogenous oxygen uptake of the spermatozoa was unaffected by alpha-chlorohydrin added in vitro, although this compound abolished the stimulation of oxygen uptake caused by the addition of glycerol. The metabolism of [14C]glycerol by testicular and epididymal spermatozoa was markedly reduced by alpha-chlorohydrin, CO2 production and lactate accumulation being almost totally inhibited. These effects were dependent upon a period of preincubation of the spermatozoa with alpha-chlorohydrin alone, since the presence of glycerol protected the spermatozoa from its action. Longer exposure and a higher concentration of alpha-chlorohydrin were needed with testicular than with epididymal spermatozoa to achieve a maximal effect. The metabolism of [14C]glucose by both sperm types was also inhibited by alpha-chlorohyrin. Spermatozoa of the ram are therefore susceptible to the action of alpha-chlorohydrin throughout the epididymis, although more mature spermatozoa are more affected. It is suggested that alpha-chlorohydrin is converted to an intermediate which is the agent responsible for the inhibition of glycolysis in spermatozoa.", "PMID": 994097} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5557", "title": "Histochemical studies of delta5-3beta-, 20lapha- and 20beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and possible progestagen production in hamster eggs.", "content": "Hamster eggs at various developmental stages were studied histochemically fro the presence of delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) (pregnenolone as the substrate and NAD as the cofactor), 20alpha-HSD (20alpha-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one and NADP) and 20 beta-HSD (20beta-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one and NAD). All three enzymes were absent from ovarian eggs but were demonstrated in unfertilized and fertilized eggs up to the blastocyst stage. The activities varied only slightly.", "contents": "Histochemical studies of delta5-3beta-, 20lapha- and 20beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and possible progestagen production in hamster eggs. Hamster eggs at various developmental stages were studied histochemically fro the presence of delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) (pregnenolone as the substrate and NAD as the cofactor), 20alpha-HSD (20alpha-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one and NADP) and 20 beta-HSD (20beta-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one and NAD). All three enzymes were absent from ovarian eggs but were demonstrated in unfertilized and fertilized eggs up to the blastocyst stage. The activities varied only slightly.", "PMID": 994098} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5558", "title": "Cytochalasin B-induced triploidy in mouse oocytes fertilized in vitro.", "content": "Mouse eggs and spermatozoa were treated in various ways with 5 or 10 mug cytochalasin B/ml. The fertilization rate in vitro was reduced by treatment with the drug but 80-90% of the eggs fertilized were triploid. Many of the experimental eggs were penetrated by one or more spermatozoa but remained unfertilized (75% compared with 9% in control eggs). It is suggested that cytochalasin B weakens the zona reaction and interferes with fusion of gametes but does not prevent the block to polyspermy.", "contents": "Cytochalasin B-induced triploidy in mouse oocytes fertilized in vitro. Mouse eggs and spermatozoa were treated in various ways with 5 or 10 mug cytochalasin B/ml. The fertilization rate in vitro was reduced by treatment with the drug but 80-90% of the eggs fertilized were triploid. Many of the experimental eggs were penetrated by one or more spermatozoa but remained unfertilized (75% compared with 9% in control eggs). It is suggested that cytochalasin B weakens the zona reaction and interferes with fusion of gametes but does not prevent the block to polyspermy.", "PMID": 994099} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5559", "title": "A comparison of the ultrastructure of spray-frozen and freeze-etched or freeze-dried bull and boar spermatozoa with that after chemical fixation.", "content": "The ultrastructure of bull and boar spermatozoa was investigated following different cryopreparation methods and chemical fixation. Spray-freezing was used for cryofixation in both freeze-etching and freeze-drying studies. Freeze-etching of boar spermatozoa revealed that the arrangement of the postnuclear striations differed from that in the bull. Freeze-drying gave excellent results for structural preservation, which were equal to those of chemical fixation. Some structural details not visible in chemically fixed cells were detected in freeze-dried and vacuum-embedded bull and boar spermatozoa, e.g. the arrangement of the lamellar nuclear contents, known from freeze-fractures, and a fine lamellar structure of the acrosomal contents. Cryofixation by spray-freezing combined with freeze-drying makes any contact of the cells with fixatives, buffer solutions and dehydration media unnecessary, and potentially provides all the advantages of ultrathin sectioning required for histochemical studies.", "contents": "A comparison of the ultrastructure of spray-frozen and freeze-etched or freeze-dried bull and boar spermatozoa with that after chemical fixation. The ultrastructure of bull and boar spermatozoa was investigated following different cryopreparation methods and chemical fixation. Spray-freezing was used for cryofixation in both freeze-etching and freeze-drying studies. Freeze-etching of boar spermatozoa revealed that the arrangement of the postnuclear striations differed from that in the bull. Freeze-drying gave excellent results for structural preservation, which were equal to those of chemical fixation. Some structural details not visible in chemically fixed cells were detected in freeze-dried and vacuum-embedded bull and boar spermatozoa, e.g. the arrangement of the lamellar nuclear contents, known from freeze-fractures, and a fine lamellar structure of the acrosomal contents. Cryofixation by spray-freezing combined with freeze-drying makes any contact of the cells with fixatives, buffer solutions and dehydration media unnecessary, and potentially provides all the advantages of ultrathin sectioning required for histochemical studies.", "PMID": 994100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5560", "title": "Changes in the concentrations of testosterone and androstenedione in the plasma and testis of the guinea-pig from birth to death.", "content": "Testosterone and androstenedione concentrations in the plasma and testis of male guinea-pigs were estimated by gas chromatography at intervals (36 stages) from birth to death. Four main periods of androgenic activity were recognized. The neonatal period, from birth to Day 16, is characterized by a precocious but transient peak in plasma testosterone concentration at Days 2 and 3. The pubertal period from Days 16 to 90 can be subdivided into a prepubertal period starting on Day 16 and marked by a sudden linear increase in plasma and testicular testosterone concentration together with an increase in testicular and seminal vesicle weight, and a postpubertal period, from Day 50 (the time of hormonal puberty) to Day 90, characterized by high and stable androgen levels while testicular and genital tract development continues. Adulthood spans the period between Months 3-6 and Month 24; plasma and testicular concentrations of testosterone and androstenedione are stable but lower than those observed during puberty. The period of senescence occurs between Months 24 and 28 and is marked by a fall in testosterone secretion and involution of the seminiferous tubules and accessory sex glands.", "contents": "Changes in the concentrations of testosterone and androstenedione in the plasma and testis of the guinea-pig from birth to death. Testosterone and androstenedione concentrations in the plasma and testis of male guinea-pigs were estimated by gas chromatography at intervals (36 stages) from birth to death. Four main periods of androgenic activity were recognized. The neonatal period, from birth to Day 16, is characterized by a precocious but transient peak in plasma testosterone concentration at Days 2 and 3. The pubertal period from Days 16 to 90 can be subdivided into a prepubertal period starting on Day 16 and marked by a sudden linear increase in plasma and testicular testosterone concentration together with an increase in testicular and seminal vesicle weight, and a postpubertal period, from Day 50 (the time of hormonal puberty) to Day 90, characterized by high and stable androgen levels while testicular and genital tract development continues. Adulthood spans the period between Months 3-6 and Month 24; plasma and testicular concentrations of testosterone and androstenedione are stable but lower than those observed during puberty. The period of senescence occurs between Months 24 and 28 and is marked by a fall in testosterone secretion and involution of the seminiferous tubules and accessory sex glands.", "PMID": 994101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5561", "title": "Developmental patterns of enzymes in mouse testis.", "content": "Study of the activities of hyaluronidase, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-X and the dehydrogenases of sorbitol, alpha-glycerophosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, malate, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and isocitrate in the testes of mice of different ages showed that the changes were correlated with the stages of spermatogenic cell differentiation. The first 4 enzymes had activities which were low in newborn mice and high in adults; this pattern was reversed for the other enzymes.", "contents": "Developmental patterns of enzymes in mouse testis. Study of the activities of hyaluronidase, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-X and the dehydrogenases of sorbitol, alpha-glycerophosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, malate, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and isocitrate in the testes of mice of different ages showed that the changes were correlated with the stages of spermatogenic cell differentiation. The first 4 enzymes had activities which were low in newborn mice and high in adults; this pattern was reversed for the other enzymes.", "PMID": 994102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5562", "title": "Effects of superovulation on fetal development and hormone levels in the pregnant hamster.", "content": "Treatment of hamsters with 30 i.u. PMSG induced ovulation of 46 ova/animal, 90% of which were fertilized. CL growth was normal. About 27 zygotes/animal implanted and at term (Day 16) the litter size of the PMSG-treated hamsters was 21 compared to the normal number of 10. Parturition occurred at the normal time. Average weight at birth was about 500 mg less for young of PMSG-treated mothers than for controls. Differences were found in the serum progesterone and oestradiol concentrations of the treated and control hamsters, but serum FSH and LH levels were similar.", "contents": "Effects of superovulation on fetal development and hormone levels in the pregnant hamster. Treatment of hamsters with 30 i.u. PMSG induced ovulation of 46 ova/animal, 90% of which were fertilized. CL growth was normal. About 27 zygotes/animal implanted and at term (Day 16) the litter size of the PMSG-treated hamsters was 21 compared to the normal number of 10. Parturition occurred at the normal time. Average weight at birth was about 500 mg less for young of PMSG-treated mothers than for controls. Differences were found in the serum progesterone and oestradiol concentrations of the treated and control hamsters, but serum FSH and LH levels were similar.", "PMID": 994103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5563", "title": "The acute effect of oestrogen injection on plasma LH in freemartin heifers.", "content": "The acute effects on plasma LH concentrations of an injection of oestradiol-17beta were studied in 7 non-cyclic heifers and 19 freemartins. One freemartin showed a normal LH surge due to the positive feedback effect of oestrogen on the hypothalamus. Of the other 18 freemartins, 4 showed positive increases in plasma LH and 6 were unclassified. There was no correlation between the degree of chimaerism and responsiveness to oestrogen. The results also showed that injected oestradiol suppressed the spontaneous fluctuations of plasma LH.", "contents": "The acute effect of oestrogen injection on plasma LH in freemartin heifers. The acute effects on plasma LH concentrations of an injection of oestradiol-17beta were studied in 7 non-cyclic heifers and 19 freemartins. One freemartin showed a normal LH surge due to the positive feedback effect of oestrogen on the hypothalamus. Of the other 18 freemartins, 4 showed positive increases in plasma LH and 6 were unclassified. There was no correlation between the degree of chimaerism and responsiveness to oestrogen. The results also showed that injected oestradiol suppressed the spontaneous fluctuations of plasma LH.", "PMID": 994104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5564", "title": "The inhibition of in-vitro ovulation from follicles of the teleost, Oryzias latipes, by cytochalasin B.", "content": "Ovulation in vitro from isolated follicles of the teleost fish, Oryzias latipes (the madaka), is completely and reversibly inhibited by cytochalasin B. Ultrastructural examination of treated follicles shows no morphological changes in microfilament populations within the follicle, but shows an increasing number of small holes in the basal lamina between the epithelial (thecal) cells and the follicle cells with increasing duration of exposure. It is suggested that these correlate with the decreasing success of ovulation after drug removal after longer incubations with cytochalasin B.", "contents": "The inhibition of in-vitro ovulation from follicles of the teleost, Oryzias latipes, by cytochalasin B. Ovulation in vitro from isolated follicles of the teleost fish, Oryzias latipes (the madaka), is completely and reversibly inhibited by cytochalasin B. Ultrastructural examination of treated follicles shows no morphological changes in microfilament populations within the follicle, but shows an increasing number of small holes in the basal lamina between the epithelial (thecal) cells and the follicle cells with increasing duration of exposure. It is suggested that these correlate with the decreasing success of ovulation after drug removal after longer incubations with cytochalasin B.", "PMID": 994105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5565", "title": "A highly efficient method for washing mammalian spermatozoa.", "content": "A simple method has been developed for washing spermatozoa: the cell suspension is layered over a solution containing Ficoll and, after centrifugation, the original suspending medium remains as an undiluted layer above the Ficoll solution while the spermatozoa form a loose pellet at the bottom. Removal of the supernatant layers is easily and completely accomplished by aspiration. When ram spermatozoa were washed by this method, as much as 99-6% of the original medium could be removed during a single washing cycle, while up to 98% of the cells were recovered. Mechanical damage to the cells was minimal and repeatability was high.", "contents": "A highly efficient method for washing mammalian spermatozoa. A simple method has been developed for washing spermatozoa: the cell suspension is layered over a solution containing Ficoll and, after centrifugation, the original suspending medium remains as an undiluted layer above the Ficoll solution while the spermatozoa form a loose pellet at the bottom. Removal of the supernatant layers is easily and completely accomplished by aspiration. When ram spermatozoa were washed by this method, as much as 99-6% of the original medium could be removed during a single washing cycle, while up to 98% of the cells were recovered. Mechanical damage to the cells was minimal and repeatability was high.", "PMID": 994106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5566", "title": "Changes in steroid hormones in plasma and myometrium and uterine activity in ewes during late pregnancy and parturition.", "content": "In 7 ewes during late pregnancy, peripheral plasma concentrations of oestrogens were correlated with uterine activity (P less than 0-01; r=+0-47). In myometrial tissue, the concentration of progesterone was similar to that in plasma; it rose to a plateau from Days 115 to 130 of pregnancy and then fell, but was still detectable during parturition. Myometrial oestrogen concentration was much higher than in plasma; from a peak at Days 100-115 it decreased, but rose sharply just before parturition.", "contents": "Changes in steroid hormones in plasma and myometrium and uterine activity in ewes during late pregnancy and parturition. In 7 ewes during late pregnancy, peripheral plasma concentrations of oestrogens were correlated with uterine activity (P less than 0-01; r=+0-47). In myometrial tissue, the concentration of progesterone was similar to that in plasma; it rose to a plateau from Days 115 to 130 of pregnancy and then fell, but was still detectable during parturition. Myometrial oestrogen concentration was much higher than in plasma; from a peak at Days 100-115 it decreased, but rose sharply just before parturition.", "PMID": 994107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5567", "title": "Relaxin immunoactivity in human plasma during a 24-hr period.", "content": "Relaxin was secreted episodically in all 6 human subjects studied. A 24-hr rhythm was detected in the pooled data, with maximum secretion in the early-midmorning hours and a nadir in the early evening.", "contents": "Relaxin immunoactivity in human plasma during a 24-hr period. Relaxin was secreted episodically in all 6 human subjects studied. A 24-hr rhythm was detected in the pooled data, with maximum secretion in the early-midmorning hours and a nadir in the early evening.", "PMID": 994110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5568", "title": "Gastrointestinal injuries.", "content": "Any wound that penetrates the abdomen may involve the gastrointestinal tract whether controlled for a specific operation of diagnostic procedure or uncontrolled when secondary to blunt or penetrating trauma. The first important consideration is the prevention of complications. The choice of incisions, the managment of the contaminated peritoneal cavity, intestinal fistulas and specific bowel injuries and the importan differences in the treatment of injuries to small intestine versus to large intestine and rectum be considered. Bowel viability must also be determined.", "contents": "Gastrointestinal injuries. Any wound that penetrates the abdomen may involve the gastrointestinal tract whether controlled for a specific operation of diagnostic procedure or uncontrolled when secondary to blunt or penetrating trauma. The first important consideration is the prevention of complications. The choice of incisions, the managment of the contaminated peritoneal cavity, intestinal fistulas and specific bowel injuries and the importan differences in the treatment of injuries to small intestine versus to large intestine and rectum be considered. Bowel viability must also be determined.", "PMID": 994124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5569", "title": "Chorioamnionitis.", "content": "Chorioamnionitis is an inflammatory reaction occurring in the fetal membranes of the placenta. It is usually associated with premature rupture of the membranes, whether spontaneous or artificial. Rupture of the fetal membranes sets off a time bomb that threatens both maternal and fetal welfare. The seriousness of this threat is dependent upon several variables: the length of gestation, economic status of the patient and the duration of the rupture. There is a controversy about the relative importance of these variables and about the proper degree of aggressiveness necessary to achieve optimum fetal salvage. When chorioamnionitis occurs, most obstetricians agree that the uterus should be evacuated by the most expeditious route. Usually oxytocic induction will accomplish delivery without difficulty, but should it fail to effect cervical ripening and dilatation within a reasonable time, cesarean section should be performed without further delay. If cesarean section is necessary in the presence of gross infection, hysterectomy is advocated by some.", "contents": "Chorioamnionitis. Chorioamnionitis is an inflammatory reaction occurring in the fetal membranes of the placenta. It is usually associated with premature rupture of the membranes, whether spontaneous or artificial. Rupture of the fetal membranes sets off a time bomb that threatens both maternal and fetal welfare. The seriousness of this threat is dependent upon several variables: the length of gestation, economic status of the patient and the duration of the rupture. There is a controversy about the relative importance of these variables and about the proper degree of aggressiveness necessary to achieve optimum fetal salvage. When chorioamnionitis occurs, most obstetricians agree that the uterus should be evacuated by the most expeditious route. Usually oxytocic induction will accomplish delivery without difficulty, but should it fail to effect cervical ripening and dilatation within a reasonable time, cesarean section should be performed without further delay. If cesarean section is necessary in the presence of gross infection, hysterectomy is advocated by some.", "PMID": 994125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5570", "title": "Genitourinary tuberculosis simulating cervical carcinoma.", "content": "A bulky, necrotic cervix with parametrial thickening often elicits an initial diagnostic impression of carcinoma of the cervix. A case is presented in which such a lesion proved to be tuberculosis of the cervix with combined genitourinary tuberculosis.", "contents": "Genitourinary tuberculosis simulating cervical carcinoma. A bulky, necrotic cervix with parametrial thickening often elicits an initial diagnostic impression of carcinoma of the cervix. A case is presented in which such a lesion proved to be tuberculosis of the cervix with combined genitourinary tuberculosis.", "PMID": 994126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5571", "title": "Studies on Parafilaria bovicola (Tubangui 1934). 1. Clinical observations and chemotherapy.", "content": "A detailed examination on a group of oxen naturally infested with Parafilaria bovicola suggested a prepatent period varying from 238 to 250 days. In these animals 54% of all lesions bled only once, 22% a second time and 24% more than twice. Of all active lesions 42% occurred in the shoulder region and decreased from this area both cranially and caudally. The same tendency was noticeable on carcasses after slaughter. During the observation period May 1974 to February 1975 the number of positive animals increased, reaching peak values during September - October 1974, after which a decline was noticed. The filaricidal effects of nine compounds were tested. These were suramin (used in combination with diethylcarbamazine citrate), thiacetarsamide sodium, fenchlorphos, phosmet, mebendazole, fenbendazole, levamisole hydrochloride and trichlorphon.", "contents": "Studies on Parafilaria bovicola (Tubangui 1934). 1. Clinical observations and chemotherapy. A detailed examination on a group of oxen naturally infested with Parafilaria bovicola suggested a prepatent period varying from 238 to 250 days. In these animals 54% of all lesions bled only once, 22% a second time and 24% more than twice. Of all active lesions 42% occurred in the shoulder region and decreased from this area both cranially and caudally. The same tendency was noticeable on carcasses after slaughter. During the observation period May 1974 to February 1975 the number of positive animals increased, reaching peak values during September - October 1974, after which a decline was noticed. The filaricidal effects of nine compounds were tested. These were suramin (used in combination with diethylcarbamazine citrate), thiacetarsamide sodium, fenchlorphos, phosmet, mebendazole, fenbendazole, levamisole hydrochloride and trichlorphon.", "PMID": 994132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5572", "title": "Cestodosis in battery-housed laying hens.", "content": "Cestodosis in battery-housed laying hens severely reduced egg production particularly at the time of peak production. Hens were able to consume large numbers of Musca domestica, the intermediate host of Choanotaenia infundibulum following the use of an aerosol insecticide to control flies. A considerable discharge of cestodes followed the use of \"Lintex\" in the feed resulting in a marked improvement in egg production. The use of an insect growth regulator in the feed showed promise in controlling the breeding of flies.", "contents": "Cestodosis in battery-housed laying hens. Cestodosis in battery-housed laying hens severely reduced egg production particularly at the time of peak production. Hens were able to consume large numbers of Musca domestica, the intermediate host of Choanotaenia infundibulum following the use of an aerosol insecticide to control flies. A considerable discharge of cestodes followed the use of \"Lintex\" in the feed resulting in a marked improvement in egg production. The use of an insect growth regulator in the feed showed promise in controlling the breeding of flies.", "PMID": 994133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5573", "title": "The influence of seasonal changes in the determination of selenium in liver of various animals by neutron activation analysis and high-resolution spectrometry.", "content": "Selenium levels in the liver of animals living in the Umfolozi Game Reserve in Natal and in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve in the Eastern Transvaal were studied by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The distribution of the selenium content was followed for about 16 months and attempts have been made to explain seasonal fluctuations of the selenium level.", "contents": "The influence of seasonal changes in the determination of selenium in liver of various animals by neutron activation analysis and high-resolution spectrometry. Selenium levels in the liver of animals living in the Umfolozi Game Reserve in Natal and in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve in the Eastern Transvaal were studied by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The distribution of the selenium content was followed for about 16 months and attempts have been made to explain seasonal fluctuations of the selenium level.", "PMID": 994134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5574", "title": "Pulmonary hypertension in relationship to acidaemia after maximum forced exercise. A further preliminary report.", "content": "Pulmonary hypertension was shown to occur in wild young zebra and wildebeest subject to forced exercise over 2 to 5 km distance. Measurements of pulmonary arterial pressure were made on a Devices recorder connected to a catheter passed via the jugular vein. Systemic pressure was recorded after puncture of the dorsal aorta. The electrocardiogram, PO2, PCO2 and pH were determined and enzyme levels such as CPK were estimated. Reduction of the pulmonary hypertension occurred after bicarbonate infusion.", "contents": "Pulmonary hypertension in relationship to acidaemia after maximum forced exercise. A further preliminary report. Pulmonary hypertension was shown to occur in wild young zebra and wildebeest subject to forced exercise over 2 to 5 km distance. Measurements of pulmonary arterial pressure were made on a Devices recorder connected to a catheter passed via the jugular vein. Systemic pressure was recorded after puncture of the dorsal aorta. The electrocardiogram, PO2, PCO2 and pH were determined and enzyme levels such as CPK were estimated. Reduction of the pulmonary hypertension occurred after bicarbonate infusion.", "PMID": 994135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5575", "title": "Caseous lymphadenitis in sheep -- methods of infection.", "content": "Depending on the route of infection, experimental exposure of 30 sheep to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis resulted in either mucopurulent vaginitis, prosthitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, or in subcutaneous abscessation. Caseous lymphadenitis, from which the organism could be recovered in 52 out of 56 instances, occurred in every instance with the exception of animals infected by the preputial route.", "contents": "Caseous lymphadenitis in sheep -- methods of infection. Depending on the route of infection, experimental exposure of 30 sheep to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis resulted in either mucopurulent vaginitis, prosthitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, or in subcutaneous abscessation. Caseous lymphadenitis, from which the organism could be recovered in 52 out of 56 instances, occurred in every instance with the exception of animals infected by the preputial route.", "PMID": 994136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5576", "title": "Laboratory and field control of clinical mastitis in dairy cows around Bulawayo.", "content": "The organisms responsible for clinical mastitis in dairly herds around Bulawayo were identified and their antibiotic sensitivity was determined. Streptococci, staphylococci and coliforms were responsible for 37%, 28% and 29,5% of cases respectively. Antibiotic resistance increased over the 3 year period. The high incidence of coliform mastitis is discussed, as is the effect of dry cow therapy on peri-natal mastitis and the nature of the scheme of control. The laboratory is considered an essential adjunct to other control methods.", "contents": "Laboratory and field control of clinical mastitis in dairy cows around Bulawayo. The organisms responsible for clinical mastitis in dairly herds around Bulawayo were identified and their antibiotic sensitivity was determined. Streptococci, staphylococci and coliforms were responsible for 37%, 28% and 29,5% of cases respectively. Antibiotic resistance increased over the 3 year period. The high incidence of coliform mastitis is discussed, as is the effect of dry cow therapy on peri-natal mastitis and the nature of the scheme of control. The laboratory is considered an essential adjunct to other control methods.", "PMID": 994137} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5577", "title": "The incidence and sources of penicillin in milk supplied to the city of Johannesburg.", "content": "The incidence of penicillin in bulk milk supplies to the city has varied from 1,2% to 2,6% over the past five years, and 3,2% of 366 pasteurised milk samples examined in 1975 were found to contain penicillin. Investigation of the sources revealed numerous instances of producers, milkers and veterinarians who had not acted responsibly in regard to the marketing of milk from treated cows. Details are provided. The legal and professional obligations of the veterinarian are emphasized. Reference is made to the dye marking registered intramammary formulations for farmer treatment of mastitis.", "contents": "The incidence and sources of penicillin in milk supplied to the city of Johannesburg. The incidence of penicillin in bulk milk supplies to the city has varied from 1,2% to 2,6% over the past five years, and 3,2% of 366 pasteurised milk samples examined in 1975 were found to contain penicillin. Investigation of the sources revealed numerous instances of producers, milkers and veterinarians who had not acted responsibly in regard to the marketing of milk from treated cows. Details are provided. The legal and professional obligations of the veterinarian are emphasized. Reference is made to the dye marking registered intramammary formulations for farmer treatment of mastitis.", "PMID": 994138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5578", "title": "Attempted artificaial infection or impala, blue wildebeest, buffalo, kudu, giraffe and warthog with heartwater.", "content": "Intravenous injection of Cowdria ruminantium infected blood produced no sings of disease in four impala, Aepyceros melampus; three blue wildebeest, Connochaetes taurinus; a buffalo, Syncerus caffer; a kudu, Tragelaphus strepsiceros; a giraffe. Giraffa camelopardalis and a warthog, Phacochoerus aethiopicus. a control sheep injected with the same blood reacted severely and showed typical lesions of heartwater at autopsy.", "contents": "Attempted artificaial infection or impala, blue wildebeest, buffalo, kudu, giraffe and warthog with heartwater. Intravenous injection of Cowdria ruminantium infected blood produced no sings of disease in four impala, Aepyceros melampus; three blue wildebeest, Connochaetes taurinus; a buffalo, Syncerus caffer; a kudu, Tragelaphus strepsiceros; a giraffe. Giraffa camelopardalis and a warthog, Phacochoerus aethiopicus. a control sheep injected with the same blood reacted severely and showed typical lesions of heartwater at autopsy.", "PMID": 994140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5579", "title": "The yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) as a latent focus of rabies in South Africa.", "content": "The role of C. penicillata as a latent focus of rabies in South Africa is discussed. A description of the colony life, feeding and breeding habits and the relationship of the Yellow Mongoose to the Suricate Meerkat and Ground Squirrel is given. Observations on the epidemiology and symptomatology of rabies in the Yellow Mongoose are reported and various methods of control are suggested.", "contents": "The yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) as a latent focus of rabies in South Africa. The role of C. penicillata as a latent focus of rabies in South Africa is discussed. A description of the colony life, feeding and breeding habits and the relationship of the Yellow Mongoose to the Suricate Meerkat and Ground Squirrel is given. Observations on the epidemiology and symptomatology of rabies in the Yellow Mongoose are reported and various methods of control are suggested.", "PMID": 994142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5580", "title": "The incidence of epistaxis in racehorses in South Africa.", "content": "In South Africa 2,41% of horses bleed in a race. If all raced until they were 7 years old probably another 2,12% would bleed. Many others bleed after the race or during exercise or at rest. The incidence of epistaxis is significantly greater in geldings than in females and uncastrated males (P less than 0,001). There is an age distribution of bleeding which is highest at 4 years and lowest at 2 years of age (P less than 0,001).", "contents": "The incidence of epistaxis in racehorses in South Africa. In South Africa 2,41% of horses bleed in a race. If all raced until they were 7 years old probably another 2,12% would bleed. Many others bleed after the race or during exercise or at rest. The incidence of epistaxis is significantly greater in geldings than in females and uncastrated males (P less than 0,001). There is an age distribution of bleeding which is highest at 4 years and lowest at 2 years of age (P less than 0,001).", "PMID": 994143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5581", "title": "Toxoplasmosis as a public health hazard.", "content": "Recent advances in the epidemiology and life cycle of toxoplasmosis are reviewed. Cats play a key role. Toxoplasma has a coccidian-type entero-epithelial cycle with oocyst prodlction in the feline host. An extra-intestinal cycle occurs in both feline and non-feline hosts. The worldwide distribution and the public health significance of toxoplasmosis as a zoonosis is discussed, with particular reference to available data regarding Southern Africa.", "contents": "Toxoplasmosis as a public health hazard. Recent advances in the epidemiology and life cycle of toxoplasmosis are reviewed. Cats play a key role. Toxoplasma has a coccidian-type entero-epithelial cycle with oocyst prodlction in the feline host. An extra-intestinal cycle occurs in both feline and non-feline hosts. The worldwide distribution and the public health significance of toxoplasmosis as a zoonosis is discussed, with particular reference to available data regarding Southern Africa.", "PMID": 994144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5582", "title": "A practical synthesis of codeine from dihydrothebainone.", "content": "The conversion of dihydrothebainone to codeine or thebaine has been achieved in high yield. Bromination and dehydrobromination constructs the 4,5-oxide bridge to give 1-bromo- and 1,7-dibromodihydrocodeinone which yield dihydrocodeinone practically quantitatively after catalytic debromination. Ketalization and acid-catalyzed elimination of methanol give excellent yields of delta6-dihydrothebaine to which is added methyl hypobromite using N-bromoacetamide in methanol. The action of potassium tert-butoxide in Me2SO on the resulting 7-bromodihydrocodeinone dimethyl ketal gives codeinone dimethyl ketal selectivity at 60 degrees while at 120 degrees thebaine is the exclusive product. Hydrolysis to codeinone and borohydride reduction give codeine in 70% overall yield. The bromo intermediates in the formation of the 4,5-oxide bridge have been examined. 1,5beta, 7alpha-Tribromodihydrothebainone has been identified as the main product in the tribromination of dihydrothebainone.", "contents": "A practical synthesis of codeine from dihydrothebainone. The conversion of dihydrothebainone to codeine or thebaine has been achieved in high yield. Bromination and dehydrobromination constructs the 4,5-oxide bridge to give 1-bromo- and 1,7-dibromodihydrocodeinone which yield dihydrocodeinone practically quantitatively after catalytic debromination. Ketalization and acid-catalyzed elimination of methanol give excellent yields of delta6-dihydrothebaine to which is added methyl hypobromite using N-bromoacetamide in methanol. The action of potassium tert-butoxide in Me2SO on the resulting 7-bromodihydrocodeinone dimethyl ketal gives codeinone dimethyl ketal selectivity at 60 degrees while at 120 degrees thebaine is the exclusive product. Hydrolysis to codeinone and borohydride reduction give codeine in 70% overall yield. The bromo intermediates in the formation of the 4,5-oxide bridge have been examined. 1,5beta, 7alpha-Tribromodihydrothebainone has been identified as the main product in the tribromination of dihydrothebainone.", "PMID": 994145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5583", "title": "Conversion of Thebaine to Codeine.", "content": "An improved conversion of thebaine to codeine has been developed. Oxymercuration of thebaine with mercuric acetate in refluxing methanol, followed by hydrolysis of the intermediate 7-acetomercurineopinone dimethyl ketal with 3 N acetic acid, or, alternatively, reduction of the organomercury compound with sodium borohydride and mild acid hydrolysis of the resulting neopinone dimethyl ketal, gives neopinone in 95-100% yields. Either acid- or alkali-catalyzed isomerization to codeinone leads to the equilibrium mixture consisting of codeinone-neopinone, 3:1. Complete conversion to codeinone in 85-90% yield results from treatment of neopinone with anhydrous hydrogen chloride or hydrogen bromide in ether-methylene chloride, followed by elimination of hydrogen halide from the intermediate 8-halodihydrocodeinone. The known borohydride reduction of codeinone then gives codeine in 85% overall yield from thebaine.", "contents": "Conversion of Thebaine to Codeine. An improved conversion of thebaine to codeine has been developed. Oxymercuration of thebaine with mercuric acetate in refluxing methanol, followed by hydrolysis of the intermediate 7-acetomercurineopinone dimethyl ketal with 3 N acetic acid, or, alternatively, reduction of the organomercury compound with sodium borohydride and mild acid hydrolysis of the resulting neopinone dimethyl ketal, gives neopinone in 95-100% yields. Either acid- or alkali-catalyzed isomerization to codeinone leads to the equilibrium mixture consisting of codeinone-neopinone, 3:1. Complete conversion to codeinone in 85-90% yield results from treatment of neopinone with anhydrous hydrogen chloride or hydrogen bromide in ether-methylene chloride, followed by elimination of hydrogen halide from the intermediate 8-halodihydrocodeinone. The known borohydride reduction of codeinone then gives codeine in 85% overall yield from thebaine.", "PMID": 994146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5584", "title": "Modification of the 5' position of purine nucleosides. 1. Synthesis and biological properties of alkyladenosine-5'-carboxylates.", "content": "A series of esters of adenosine-5'-carboxylic acid has been prepared. Most of the compounds were nontoxic, causing prolonged increases in coronary sinus PO2 when administered to anesthetized dogs; the ethyl ester was most active. Nitrosation and oxidation of the ethyl ester 12 gave respectively inactive inosine ethyl ester 30 and the fairly active N1-oxide ethyl ester 29.", "contents": "Modification of the 5' position of purine nucleosides. 1. Synthesis and biological properties of alkyladenosine-5'-carboxylates. A series of esters of adenosine-5'-carboxylic acid has been prepared. Most of the compounds were nontoxic, causing prolonged increases in coronary sinus PO2 when administered to anesthetized dogs; the ethyl ester was most active. Nitrosation and oxidation of the ethyl ester 12 gave respectively inactive inosine ethyl ester 30 and the fairly active N1-oxide ethyl ester 29.", "PMID": 994147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5585", "title": "Inhibitors of tRNA methyltransferases. S-Adenosylsulfonium salts.", "content": "Three new compounds have been synthesized and tested as in vitro inhibitors of normal and tumor tRNA methyltransferases. These compounds are 5'-methylethyl(5'adenosyl) sulfonium chloride (MEAS), 5'-methylpropyl-(5'adenosyl)sulfonium chloride (MPAS), and 5'-ethylpropyl(5'-adenosyl)sulfonium chloride (EPAS) They were prepared by reacting an alkyl iodide with the appropriate alkyladenosyl thioether. Inhibition assays revealed all three compounds to be inhibitors of normal and tumor tRNA methyltransferases. The propyl compounds were slightly better inhibitors of the tumor tRNA methyl transferases. MPAS, EPAS, and MEAS had KI's of 58.5, 61.7, and 24.5, respectively, for the normal tRNA methyltransferases and 15.3, 13.8, and 44.3, respectively, for the tumor tRNA methyltransferases.", "contents": "Inhibitors of tRNA methyltransferases. S-Adenosylsulfonium salts. Three new compounds have been synthesized and tested as in vitro inhibitors of normal and tumor tRNA methyltransferases. These compounds are 5'-methylethyl(5'adenosyl) sulfonium chloride (MEAS), 5'-methylpropyl-(5'adenosyl)sulfonium chloride (MPAS), and 5'-ethylpropyl(5'-adenosyl)sulfonium chloride (EPAS) They were prepared by reacting an alkyl iodide with the appropriate alkyladenosyl thioether. Inhibition assays revealed all three compounds to be inhibitors of normal and tumor tRNA methyltransferases. The propyl compounds were slightly better inhibitors of the tumor tRNA methyl transferases. MPAS, EPAS, and MEAS had KI's of 58.5, 61.7, and 24.5, respectively, for the normal tRNA methyltransferases and 15.3, 13.8, and 44.3, respectively, for the tumor tRNA methyltransferases.", "PMID": 994148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5586", "title": "(2-Piperidine)- and (2-pyrrolidine)ethanones and -ethanols as inhibitors of blood platelet aggregation.", "content": "(E)-4-[4-(Methylthio)phenyl]-1-(2-piperidinyl)-3-buten-2-one hydrochloride (44, RMI 14 133A) was found to inhibit ADP-induced aggregation of blood platelets. It was selected from a large series of (2-piperidinyl)- and (2-pyrrolidinyl)ethanones synthesized by a modified Schopf reaction from enolate magnesium salts of beta-keto acids and 2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridine trimer or 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole trimer, respectively. Evaluation of the compounds was carried out in vitro on human blood platelets. Structure-activity relationships are discussed. 44 also inhibited platelet aggregation ex vivo in guinea pigs. Subacute toxicity evaluation in dogs and guinea pigs showed it to have an unfavorable therapeutic ratio. 1-[4'-Chloro(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl-a1-2-(2-piperdinyl)ethanone hydrochloride (18, RMI 12436A) was found to lower serum cholesterol levles in rats with concurrent accumulation of (3beta)-cholesta-5,7-dien-3-ol, suggesting inhibition of 7-dehydrocholesterol delta7-reductase.", "contents": "(2-Piperidine)- and (2-pyrrolidine)ethanones and -ethanols as inhibitors of blood platelet aggregation. (E)-4-[4-(Methylthio)phenyl]-1-(2-piperidinyl)-3-buten-2-one hydrochloride (44, RMI 14 133A) was found to inhibit ADP-induced aggregation of blood platelets. It was selected from a large series of (2-piperidinyl)- and (2-pyrrolidinyl)ethanones synthesized by a modified Schopf reaction from enolate magnesium salts of beta-keto acids and 2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridine trimer or 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole trimer, respectively. Evaluation of the compounds was carried out in vitro on human blood platelets. Structure-activity relationships are discussed. 44 also inhibited platelet aggregation ex vivo in guinea pigs. Subacute toxicity evaluation in dogs and guinea pigs showed it to have an unfavorable therapeutic ratio. 1-[4'-Chloro(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl-a1-2-(2-piperdinyl)ethanone hydrochloride (18, RMI 12436A) was found to lower serum cholesterol levles in rats with concurrent accumulation of (3beta)-cholesta-5,7-dien-3-ol, suggesting inhibition of 7-dehydrocholesterol delta7-reductase.", "PMID": 994149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5587", "title": "Catechol O-methyltransferase. 9. Mechanism of inactivation by 6-hydroxydopamine.", "content": "A series of methylated analogues of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) has been synthesized and evaluated as irreversible inhibitors of catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT). These analogues have been prepared in an effort to elucidate the mechanism involved in the inactivation of this enzyme by 6-OHDA. The analogues prepared had methyl groups incorporated in the 2 and/or 5 positions of 6-OHDA so as to block nucleophilic attakc at these positions in the corresponding oxidation products [6-hydroxydopamine-p-quinone (6-OHDAQ), aminochromes I and II]. Such 2- and/or 5-methylated 6-OHDA analogues were found to be inhibitors of COMT with the inactivation apparently resulting from modification of an essential amino acid residue at the active site of the enzyme. The activity of these analogues as inhibitors of COMT argues against a mechanism involving a 1,4 Michael addition reaction by a protein nucleophile at the 2 or 5 positions on 6-OHDAQ or on the corresponding aminochromes. Instead, an alternative mechanism is proposed to explain these data, which involves attack of a protein nucleophile at the carbonyl group in the 6 position of 6-OHDAQ or at the imine functionality on aminochromes I and II. The results of the present experiments have provided insight into the mechanism involved in inactivation of COMT by 6-OHDA. In addition, this study has provided considerable insight into the chemical reactivity of the electrophilic species generated after oxidation of 6-OHDA.", "contents": "Catechol O-methyltransferase. 9. Mechanism of inactivation by 6-hydroxydopamine. A series of methylated analogues of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) has been synthesized and evaluated as irreversible inhibitors of catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT). These analogues have been prepared in an effort to elucidate the mechanism involved in the inactivation of this enzyme by 6-OHDA. The analogues prepared had methyl groups incorporated in the 2 and/or 5 positions of 6-OHDA so as to block nucleophilic attakc at these positions in the corresponding oxidation products [6-hydroxydopamine-p-quinone (6-OHDAQ), aminochromes I and II]. Such 2- and/or 5-methylated 6-OHDA analogues were found to be inhibitors of COMT with the inactivation apparently resulting from modification of an essential amino acid residue at the active site of the enzyme. The activity of these analogues as inhibitors of COMT argues against a mechanism involving a 1,4 Michael addition reaction by a protein nucleophile at the 2 or 5 positions on 6-OHDAQ or on the corresponding aminochromes. Instead, an alternative mechanism is proposed to explain these data, which involves attack of a protein nucleophile at the carbonyl group in the 6 position of 6-OHDAQ or at the imine functionality on aminochromes I and II. The results of the present experiments have provided insight into the mechanism involved in inactivation of COMT by 6-OHDA. In addition, this study has provided considerable insight into the chemical reactivity of the electrophilic species generated after oxidation of 6-OHDA.", "PMID": 994150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5588", "title": "Potential antitumor agents. 14. 4-Substituted 2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazones.", "content": "A series of 4-substituted 2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazones has been synthesized which contain a tertiary N at the 4 position. These materials were obtained by reacting 4-nitro-2-picoline N-oxide, either directly or after conversion to the corresponding 4-chloro derivative, with a variety of secondary amines. Rearrangement of the 4-substituted 2-picoline N-oxides with Ac2O yielded respective methyl acetates, which upon acid hydrolysis, MnO2 oxidation, and reaction with thiosemicarbazide resulted in the desired compounds. An alternate procedure which consisted of reacting 4-chloro-2-formylpyridine ethylene acetal with various amines, followed by hydrolysis and reaction with thiosemicarbazide, was also employed. Introduction of an alkyl group at the 3 position of the pyridine ring of 4-morpholino-2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazone was achieved by utilizing 2,3-dimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide; this material was converted to the corresponding 4-chloro derivative which was then subjected to nucleophilic substitution. 4-Morpholino-2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazone was the most active antineoplastic agent of this series in mice bearing Sarcoma 180 ascites cells and was significantly superior to 5-hydroxy-2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazone in this test system.", "contents": "Potential antitumor agents. 14. 4-Substituted 2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazones. A series of 4-substituted 2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazones has been synthesized which contain a tertiary N at the 4 position. These materials were obtained by reacting 4-nitro-2-picoline N-oxide, either directly or after conversion to the corresponding 4-chloro derivative, with a variety of secondary amines. Rearrangement of the 4-substituted 2-picoline N-oxides with Ac2O yielded respective methyl acetates, which upon acid hydrolysis, MnO2 oxidation, and reaction with thiosemicarbazide resulted in the desired compounds. An alternate procedure which consisted of reacting 4-chloro-2-formylpyridine ethylene acetal with various amines, followed by hydrolysis and reaction with thiosemicarbazide, was also employed. Introduction of an alkyl group at the 3 position of the pyridine ring of 4-morpholino-2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazone was achieved by utilizing 2,3-dimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide; this material was converted to the corresponding 4-chloro derivative which was then subjected to nucleophilic substitution. 4-Morpholino-2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazone was the most active antineoplastic agent of this series in mice bearing Sarcoma 180 ascites cells and was significantly superior to 5-hydroxy-2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazone in this test system.", "PMID": 994151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5589", "title": "Synthesis and antilipidemic properties of cis-7-chloro-3a, 8b-dihydro-3a-methylfuro[3,4-b]benzofuran-3(1H)-one, a tricyclic clofibrate related lactone having a structural resemblance to mevalonolactone.", "content": "The synthesis for the title lactone 2, designed to be an antagonist of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase (E.C.1.1.1.34), is described. Lactone 2, its synthetic tricyclic hemiacetal precursor 4, and clofibrate were investigated for their antilipidemic activity in 7-day treated normal and in Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidemic male Sprague-Dawley rats. After 7-day drug administration to normal rats, lactone 2 was less effective than clofibrate in lowering HMG-CoA reductase activity and serum cholesterol; however, unlike clofibrate, lactone 2 did not increase liver weight or liver-body weight ratio or lower serum triglycerides. Since hemiacetal 4 selectively influenced triglycerides in normal animals, lactone 2 and hemiacetal 4 appear to have differential hypolipidemic effects. In the Triton hyperlipidemic model 2 and 4 lowered elevated triglycerides; only 4 significantly reduced elevated cholesterol levels; but neither 2 nor 4 was as effective as clofibrate. Differences in the observed antilipidemic properties for clofibrate, 2, and 4 in the two animal models are discussed. On the basis of preliminary biological data described in this article it is concluded that tricyclic analogues 2 and 4 represent reasonable leads for the development of new antilipidemic agents.", "contents": "Synthesis and antilipidemic properties of cis-7-chloro-3a, 8b-dihydro-3a-methylfuro[3,4-b]benzofuran-3(1H)-one, a tricyclic clofibrate related lactone having a structural resemblance to mevalonolactone. The synthesis for the title lactone 2, designed to be an antagonist of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase (E.C.1.1.1.34), is described. Lactone 2, its synthetic tricyclic hemiacetal precursor 4, and clofibrate were investigated for their antilipidemic activity in 7-day treated normal and in Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidemic male Sprague-Dawley rats. After 7-day drug administration to normal rats, lactone 2 was less effective than clofibrate in lowering HMG-CoA reductase activity and serum cholesterol; however, unlike clofibrate, lactone 2 did not increase liver weight or liver-body weight ratio or lower serum triglycerides. Since hemiacetal 4 selectively influenced triglycerides in normal animals, lactone 2 and hemiacetal 4 appear to have differential hypolipidemic effects. In the Triton hyperlipidemic model 2 and 4 lowered elevated triglycerides; only 4 significantly reduced elevated cholesterol levels; but neither 2 nor 4 was as effective as clofibrate. Differences in the observed antilipidemic properties for clofibrate, 2, and 4 in the two animal models are discussed. On the basis of preliminary biological data described in this article it is concluded that tricyclic analogues 2 and 4 represent reasonable leads for the development of new antilipidemic agents.", "PMID": 994152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5590", "title": "3,3-Diphenyl-3-(2-alkyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)propylcycloalkylamines, a novel series of antidiarrheal agents.", "content": "A series of 4-amino-2,2-diarylbutyronitriles (3) prepared for testing as inhibitors of gastrointestinal propulsive activity did not show any enhancement over such existing agents as diphenoxylate and loperamide. However, conversion of the nitrile group to a 2-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl function led to compounds 5g and 5j, statistically equipotent to diphenoxylate and loperamide in the mouse and showing a very low order of analgesic activity. Structural modifications determined that the best separation of antipropulsive and analgesic effects was obtained when the amino group was bicyclic and the oxadiazole ring had a 2-methyl substituent. The most potent compounds were and analogues of diphenoxylate and loperamide where the oxadiazole ring was present, but these compounds had marked analgesic activity.", "contents": "3,3-Diphenyl-3-(2-alkyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)propylcycloalkylamines, a novel series of antidiarrheal agents. A series of 4-amino-2,2-diarylbutyronitriles (3) prepared for testing as inhibitors of gastrointestinal propulsive activity did not show any enhancement over such existing agents as diphenoxylate and loperamide. However, conversion of the nitrile group to a 2-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl function led to compounds 5g and 5j, statistically equipotent to diphenoxylate and loperamide in the mouse and showing a very low order of analgesic activity. Structural modifications determined that the best separation of antipropulsive and analgesic effects was obtained when the amino group was bicyclic and the oxadiazole ring had a 2-methyl substituent. The most potent compounds were and analogues of diphenoxylate and loperamide where the oxadiazole ring was present, but these compounds had marked analgesic activity.", "PMID": 994153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5591", "title": "Investigation of the effect of the solvent medium on the conformational behavior of phenylethylamines by empirical method.", "content": "The effect of dielectric constant (solvent medium) on the conformational behavior of six phenylethylamines has been investigated using the empirical method. Various physical properties, such as rotamer population, dipolemoment, optical anisotropy, and depolarization ratios are examined. The effective intramolecular dielectric constant has been varied from 1.0 (vacuum) to 80.0 (highly polar medium). It is shown that all these properties truly depend on the magnitude of the dielectric constant (nature of the solvent medium), but the effect is more pronounced when the dielectric constant is less than about 30.0. In addition, the effect of various groups has been assessed by using the above-mentioned properties. In general, allthe six compounds studied here possess three energy minima corresponding to one trans and two gauche forms. These energy minima have shifted only once when the dielectric constant is increased from 1.0 to 5.0. Thus, it is concluded that the nature of the solvent medium is critical in assessing percent population, ionic character, and polarizability of the molecule but not in describing the energy minima.", "contents": "Investigation of the effect of the solvent medium on the conformational behavior of phenylethylamines by empirical method. The effect of dielectric constant (solvent medium) on the conformational behavior of six phenylethylamines has been investigated using the empirical method. Various physical properties, such as rotamer population, dipolemoment, optical anisotropy, and depolarization ratios are examined. The effective intramolecular dielectric constant has been varied from 1.0 (vacuum) to 80.0 (highly polar medium). It is shown that all these properties truly depend on the magnitude of the dielectric constant (nature of the solvent medium), but the effect is more pronounced when the dielectric constant is less than about 30.0. In addition, the effect of various groups has been assessed by using the above-mentioned properties. In general, allthe six compounds studied here possess three energy minima corresponding to one trans and two gauche forms. These energy minima have shifted only once when the dielectric constant is increased from 1.0 to 5.0. Thus, it is concluded that the nature of the solvent medium is critical in assessing percent population, ionic character, and polarizability of the molecule but not in describing the energy minima.", "PMID": 994154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5592", "title": "Physicochemical-activity relationships in asymmetrical analogues of methoxychlor.", "content": "Compounds of the general formula 2-aryl-2-(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane have been prepared and tested for toxicity toward houseflies, pretreated for 1 h with 2mug of piperonyl butoxide. The majority of the compounds synthesized were chosen with the aid of computer programs designed to ensurewell-spread sets of minimally correlated physicochemical parameter values. A nonlinear two-dimensional representation was used to map the active region of physiochemical parameter space and a regression equation was obtained relating the observed toxicity to a combination of these physicochemical parameters. The equation indicates that toxicity increases with the hydrophobicity of the molecules but is decreased markedly by the introduction of bulky substituents into the ortho positions of the benzene ring and less markedly by bulky substituents in the meta and para positions. Substituents which donate electrons to the benzene ring by the \"resonance\" effect favor high toxicity. The equation performs well in forecasting the toxicity of further members of the series.", "contents": "Physicochemical-activity relationships in asymmetrical analogues of methoxychlor. Compounds of the general formula 2-aryl-2-(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane have been prepared and tested for toxicity toward houseflies, pretreated for 1 h with 2mug of piperonyl butoxide. The majority of the compounds synthesized were chosen with the aid of computer programs designed to ensurewell-spread sets of minimally correlated physicochemical parameter values. A nonlinear two-dimensional representation was used to map the active region of physiochemical parameter space and a regression equation was obtained relating the observed toxicity to a combination of these physicochemical parameters. The equation indicates that toxicity increases with the hydrophobicity of the molecules but is decreased markedly by the introduction of bulky substituents into the ortho positions of the benzene ring and less markedly by bulky substituents in the meta and para positions. Substituents which donate electrons to the benzene ring by the \"resonance\" effect favor high toxicity. The equation performs well in forecasting the toxicity of further members of the series.", "PMID": 994155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5593", "title": "Charge distribution of histamine monocation in its \"essential\" conformation.", "content": "With the atomic nuclei in positions earlier defined as the \"essential\" conformation for activity of the histamine monocation, the charge distribution is obtained by integrating the square of the molecular wave function. The results with ab initio wave functions indicate that the positive charge is evenly dispersed over the molecular skeleton and that pictures of receptors involving localized negative sites may be invalid. A detailed description of electron distribution is given.", "contents": "Charge distribution of histamine monocation in its \"essential\" conformation. With the atomic nuclei in positions earlier defined as the \"essential\" conformation for activity of the histamine monocation, the charge distribution is obtained by integrating the square of the molecular wave function. The results with ab initio wave functions indicate that the positive charge is evenly dispersed over the molecular skeleton and that pictures of receptors involving localized negative sites may be invalid. A detailed description of electron distribution is given.", "PMID": 994156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5594", "title": "Black students in medical schools.", "content": "This paper presents an assessment and comparison of two groups of black medical students and the problems they confronted in medical school. Data were obtained from a sample of blacks who attended medical school during the years 1971 to 1974 and from black physicians who graduated from medical school in 1970 or before. A comparison of the two groups revealed statistically significant differences in the impact of others on the decision to enter medicine and in the sources of financial support; also the data suggest differences in perceived discrimination and in the time at which the individual decided to become a physician. The information from the 1971-1974 group illuminates the type and intensity of problems they encountered and the importance of various programs designed to aid black medical students. Overall, the findings of this study indicate a need for new efforts to recruit and to retain black students in medical schools.", "contents": "Black students in medical schools. This paper presents an assessment and comparison of two groups of black medical students and the problems they confronted in medical school. Data were obtained from a sample of blacks who attended medical school during the years 1971 to 1974 and from black physicians who graduated from medical school in 1970 or before. A comparison of the two groups revealed statistically significant differences in the impact of others on the decision to enter medicine and in the sources of financial support; also the data suggest differences in perceived discrimination and in the time at which the individual decided to become a physician. The information from the 1971-1974 group illuminates the type and intensity of problems they encountered and the importance of various programs designed to aid black medical students. Overall, the findings of this study indicate a need for new efforts to recruit and to retain black students in medical schools.", "PMID": 994158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5595", "title": "Training teachers in the anatomical sciences.", "content": "A number of medical schools have initiated workshops to improve faculty teaching skills. Little effort, however, has been directed toward the pedagogical training of graduate students who are destined to become future medical science teachers. To help solve this problem, the faculty of the Department of Anatomy in the University of Nebraska College of Medicine recently developed a prototype teacher training program for graduate students in anatomy. Through formal course work and practical classroom experience, students are developing the skills requisite for effective teaching of the anatomical sciences. Student and faculty response to the training program has been enthusiastic, and the objectives and structure of the program can be applied to the production of competent and skilled teachers in other areas of the basic and clinical sciences.", "contents": "Training teachers in the anatomical sciences. A number of medical schools have initiated workshops to improve faculty teaching skills. Little effort, however, has been directed toward the pedagogical training of graduate students who are destined to become future medical science teachers. To help solve this problem, the faculty of the Department of Anatomy in the University of Nebraska College of Medicine recently developed a prototype teacher training program for graduate students in anatomy. Through formal course work and practical classroom experience, students are developing the skills requisite for effective teaching of the anatomical sciences. Student and faculty response to the training program has been enthusiastic, and the objectives and structure of the program can be applied to the production of competent and skilled teachers in other areas of the basic and clinical sciences.", "PMID": 994159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5596", "title": "Cystoscopy in nonhuman primates.", "content": "Cystoscopy can be routinely performed in female rhesus macaques using a pediatric cystoscope. It reveals no major differences between the rhesus and human bladder. Ureteral physiology is also similar to that of man.", "contents": "Cystoscopy in nonhuman primates. Cystoscopy can be routinely performed in female rhesus macaques using a pediatric cystoscope. It reveals no major differences between the rhesus and human bladder. Ureteral physiology is also similar to that of man.", "PMID": 994174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5597", "title": "Optical principles of endoscopy.", "content": "Those optical characteristics which are of importance in the evaluation and comparison of endoscopes are, in general, easily observed and evaluated. An understanding of these characteristics and the means by which they are observed and measured is of benefit to beginning as well as experienced endoscopists. These factors will be defined and methods of observing, measuring and comparing them described.", "contents": "Optical principles of endoscopy. Those optical characteristics which are of importance in the evaluation and comparison of endoscopes are, in general, easily observed and evaluated. An understanding of these characteristics and the means by which they are observed and measured is of benefit to beginning as well as experienced endoscopists. These factors will be defined and methods of observing, measuring and comparing them described.", "PMID": 994175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5598", "title": "ATP-Dependent chloride influx into internally dialyzed squid giant axons.", "content": "Measurements were made of 36C1 influx into squid giant axons whose internal solutes were controlled by means of internal dialysis. When the intracellular chloride concentration was 50mM and the internal concentration of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) was 4mM, the average chloride influx was 11.6 pmoles/cm2 x sec. When the axons were dialyzed with an ATP-free solution, the average influx fell to 5.1 pmoles/cm2 x sec. The effect was fully reversible upon the return of ATP to the dialysis fluid. Chloride-36 influx in the presence and absence of ATP was found to be inversely related to the internal chloride concentration.", "contents": "ATP-Dependent chloride influx into internally dialyzed squid giant axons. Measurements were made of 36C1 influx into squid giant axons whose internal solutes were controlled by means of internal dialysis. When the intracellular chloride concentration was 50mM and the internal concentration of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) was 4mM, the average chloride influx was 11.6 pmoles/cm2 x sec. When the axons were dialyzed with an ATP-free solution, the average influx fell to 5.1 pmoles/cm2 x sec. The effect was fully reversible upon the return of ATP to the dialysis fluid. Chloride-36 influx in the presence and absence of ATP was found to be inversely related to the internal chloride concentration.", "PMID": 994176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5599", "title": "Use of current-voltage diagrams in locating peak energy barriers in cell membranes.", "content": "The current-voltage relations obtained by integrating the Nernst-Planck equations for a variety of energy profiles are obtained. A simple and approximate method for comparing these relations is described. The method is based on using a linearized transform of current-voltage relations for an Eyring single barrier model. A parameter, gamma, related to the location of the single barrier in the Eyring model, and to the shape of the barrier in other models, is readily obtained from the slopes of the linearized relations. It is then a simple matter to determine whether a given current-voltage relation allows discrimination between any particular energy profiles. The results show that the equivalent Eyring model does not always place the peak energy barrier in the same position as other models and that quite large errors in the assignment of position may be made if such a model is used. The results are also used to test the ability of some experimental current-voltage diagrams to discriminate between various energy profiles.", "contents": "Use of current-voltage diagrams in locating peak energy barriers in cell membranes. The current-voltage relations obtained by integrating the Nernst-Planck equations for a variety of energy profiles are obtained. A simple and approximate method for comparing these relations is described. The method is based on using a linearized transform of current-voltage relations for an Eyring single barrier model. A parameter, gamma, related to the location of the single barrier in the Eyring model, and to the shape of the barrier in other models, is readily obtained from the slopes of the linearized relations. It is then a simple matter to determine whether a given current-voltage relation allows discrimination between any particular energy profiles. The results show that the equivalent Eyring model does not always place the peak energy barrier in the same position as other models and that quite large errors in the assignment of position may be made if such a model is used. The results are also used to test the ability of some experimental current-voltage diagrams to discriminate between various energy profiles.", "PMID": 994177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5600", "title": "Surface charges on membranes.", "content": "The equations of membrane potential developed by Kobatake and coworkers have been applied to the literature data on the resting membrane potential of the crayfish and Myxicola axons to derive values for the surface charge density present on the axon membranes. Some shortcomings of the method are briefly discussed. The value for the surface charge density derived for the squid axon membrane agreed with a similar value derived from measurements of shifts in Na and/or potassium conductance-voltage relations following changes in the concentration of calcium in the solutions bathing the axons.", "contents": "Surface charges on membranes. The equations of membrane potential developed by Kobatake and coworkers have been applied to the literature data on the resting membrane potential of the crayfish and Myxicola axons to derive values for the surface charge density present on the axon membranes. Some shortcomings of the method are briefly discussed. The value for the surface charge density derived for the squid axon membrane agreed with a similar value derived from measurements of shifts in Na and/or potassium conductance-voltage relations following changes in the concentration of calcium in the solutions bathing the axons.", "PMID": 994178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5601", "title": "Influence of membrane heterogeneity on kinetics of nonelectrolyte tracer flows.", "content": "In a composite membrane with heterogeneous channels, prevention of net volume flow with hydrostatic pressure differences and/or impermeant osmotic solutes may induce positive isotope interaction (coupling of isotope flows) consequent to circulation of volume flow. The permeability coefficient for net flow will then exceen the tracer permeability coefficient. A permeant osmotic solute will induce either positive or negative isotope interaction, according to whether membrane heterogeneity is more marked for the test solute or the osmotic solute, respectively. Thus membrane heterogeneity may account for phenomena commonly attributed to \"single file diffusion\". For sufficiently small flows the general flux ratio relationship for homogeneous membranes will continue to apply.", "contents": "Influence of membrane heterogeneity on kinetics of nonelectrolyte tracer flows. In a composite membrane with heterogeneous channels, prevention of net volume flow with hydrostatic pressure differences and/or impermeant osmotic solutes may induce positive isotope interaction (coupling of isotope flows) consequent to circulation of volume flow. The permeability coefficient for net flow will then exceen the tracer permeability coefficient. A permeant osmotic solute will induce either positive or negative isotope interaction, according to whether membrane heterogeneity is more marked for the test solute or the osmotic solute, respectively. Thus membrane heterogeneity may account for phenomena commonly attributed to \"single file diffusion\". For sufficiently small flows the general flux ratio relationship for homogeneous membranes will continue to apply.", "PMID": 994179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5602", "title": "Thermodynamic analysis of nonelectrolyte permeation across the toad urinary bladder.", "content": "Permeability coefficients (P's) and apparent activation energies (Ealpha's) for nonelectrolyte permeation across the toad urinary bladder have been analyzed in terms of the thermodynamics of partition between membrane lipids and water. Particular attention has been paid to the contributions made by -CH2- and -OH groups: on the average, the addition of one -CH2- group to a molecule increases P fourfold, while the addition of one -OH group reduces P 500-fold. Using these changes in P, we have calculated the incremental free energies (delta delta F), enthalpies (delta delta H), and entropies (delta delta S) for partition, hydration, and solution in membrane lipids. The results for toad bladder have been compared and contrasted with those extracted from the literature for red blood cells, lecithin liposomes, and bulk phase lipid solvents. The partition of -CH2- groups into toad bladder and red cell membranes is dominated by entropy effects, i.e., a decrease in entropy of the aqueous phase that \"pushes\" the group out of water, and an increase in entropy of the membrane lipid that \"pulls\" the group into the membrane. This process resembles that in \"frozen\" liposome membranes. In \"melted\" liposomes and bulk lipid solvents the free energy of solution in the lipid is controlled by enthalpy of solution. PArtition of -OH groups in all systems is governed by hydrogen bonding between the -OH group and water. However, the solution of the -OH group in the toad bladder membranes is complex, and processes such as dimer and tetramer formation in the lipid phase may be involved. The results presented in this and the previous paper are discussed in terms of the structure of phospholipid bilayer membranes. Attention is drawn to the possible role of structural defects in the quasi-crystalline structure of the lipid (so-called 2 gl klinks) in the permeation of small molecules such as water, urea, methanol and acetamide.", "contents": "Thermodynamic analysis of nonelectrolyte permeation across the toad urinary bladder. Permeability coefficients (P's) and apparent activation energies (Ealpha's) for nonelectrolyte permeation across the toad urinary bladder have been analyzed in terms of the thermodynamics of partition between membrane lipids and water. Particular attention has been paid to the contributions made by -CH2- and -OH groups: on the average, the addition of one -CH2- group to a molecule increases P fourfold, while the addition of one -OH group reduces P 500-fold. Using these changes in P, we have calculated the incremental free energies (delta delta F), enthalpies (delta delta H), and entropies (delta delta S) for partition, hydration, and solution in membrane lipids. The results for toad bladder have been compared and contrasted with those extracted from the literature for red blood cells, lecithin liposomes, and bulk phase lipid solvents. The partition of -CH2- groups into toad bladder and red cell membranes is dominated by entropy effects, i.e., a decrease in entropy of the aqueous phase that \"pushes\" the group out of water, and an increase in entropy of the membrane lipid that \"pulls\" the group into the membrane. This process resembles that in \"frozen\" liposome membranes. In \"melted\" liposomes and bulk lipid solvents the free energy of solution in the lipid is controlled by enthalpy of solution. PArtition of -OH groups in all systems is governed by hydrogen bonding between the -OH group and water. However, the solution of the -OH group in the toad bladder membranes is complex, and processes such as dimer and tetramer formation in the lipid phase may be involved. The results presented in this and the previous paper are discussed in terms of the structure of phospholipid bilayer membranes. Attention is drawn to the possible role of structural defects in the quasi-crystalline structure of the lipid (so-called 2 gl klinks) in the permeation of small molecules such as water, urea, methanol and acetamide.", "PMID": 994180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5603", "title": "Role of membrane-bound Ca in ghost permeability to Na and K.", "content": "The permeability of red cell ghosts to K is determined by the amount of membrane-bound Mg which, in turn, depends on internal Mg. Contrasting with such effect, an increase in cellular Ca raises K permeability. To test whether this action is due to a competitive displacement of membrane Mg, the free Ca content of human red cell ghosts was altered by means of Ca-EGTA buffers. Net Na and K movements as well as Ca and Mg bindings were assessed after incubation in a Na-medium at 37 degrees C. Raising Ca from 3 X 10(-7) to 1 X 10(-2) M caused a large K efflux with very little Na gain. Under similar conditions, Ca binding was increased without affecting membrane-bound Mg. Both Ca binding and K loss were markedly diminished by either adding ATP to the hemolytic medium or increasing internal Mg at a fixed Ca concentration. A Scatchard analysis showed three Ca binding sites, two of them having high affinity. It is concluded that Ca action does not arise from a displacement of membrane-bound Mg but from binding to different sites in the membrane. Presumably, high affinity sites are involved in the control of K permeability.", "contents": "Role of membrane-bound Ca in ghost permeability to Na and K. The permeability of red cell ghosts to K is determined by the amount of membrane-bound Mg which, in turn, depends on internal Mg. Contrasting with such effect, an increase in cellular Ca raises K permeability. To test whether this action is due to a competitive displacement of membrane Mg, the free Ca content of human red cell ghosts was altered by means of Ca-EGTA buffers. Net Na and K movements as well as Ca and Mg bindings were assessed after incubation in a Na-medium at 37 degrees C. Raising Ca from 3 X 10(-7) to 1 X 10(-2) M caused a large K efflux with very little Na gain. Under similar conditions, Ca binding was increased without affecting membrane-bound Mg. Both Ca binding and K loss were markedly diminished by either adding ATP to the hemolytic medium or increasing internal Mg at a fixed Ca concentration. A Scatchard analysis showed three Ca binding sites, two of them having high affinity. It is concluded that Ca action does not arise from a displacement of membrane-bound Mg but from binding to different sites in the membrane. Presumably, high affinity sites are involved in the control of K permeability.", "PMID": 994181} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5604", "title": "Adsorption of albumin on rabbit sperm membranes.", "content": "When mammalian sperm cells are exposed to solutions of albumin there are changes in the membranes of some species that resemble those that normally occur in the uterus prior to fertilization. We have shown that albumin molecules absorb on to the membranes of ejaculated rabbit sperm cells, and that the equilibrium binding constant, K, (1) varies inversely with the albumin concentration, (2) is independent of the sperm cell concentration in the range of 10(6)--10(7) per ml, (3) is independent of the time of exposure of the sperm cells to the albumin solution, and (4) decreases in the presence of Ca++ and Mg++ ions. An unusual aspect of the adsorption is that if the albumin concentration is given the symbol [A], K[A] is a constant in our measurements. This means that for virtually the entire range of [A] studied, the sperm cells bind albumin so that half of the available surface is coated and half remains uncoated. This situation is rather remarkable and it suggests a role that adsorption could play in the physical processes preceding fertilization. In purely physical systems, the optimum for the bridging and flocculation of particles that are coated with adsorbed macromolecular films occurs when half of the available surface is covered. The sperm cell appears to provide the optimal situation for interacting with itself or with another surface.", "contents": "Adsorption of albumin on rabbit sperm membranes. When mammalian sperm cells are exposed to solutions of albumin there are changes in the membranes of some species that resemble those that normally occur in the uterus prior to fertilization. We have shown that albumin molecules absorb on to the membranes of ejaculated rabbit sperm cells, and that the equilibrium binding constant, K, (1) varies inversely with the albumin concentration, (2) is independent of the sperm cell concentration in the range of 10(6)--10(7) per ml, (3) is independent of the time of exposure of the sperm cells to the albumin solution, and (4) decreases in the presence of Ca++ and Mg++ ions. An unusual aspect of the adsorption is that if the albumin concentration is given the symbol [A], K[A] is a constant in our measurements. This means that for virtually the entire range of [A] studied, the sperm cells bind albumin so that half of the available surface is coated and half remains uncoated. This situation is rather remarkable and it suggests a role that adsorption could play in the physical processes preceding fertilization. In purely physical systems, the optimum for the bridging and flocculation of particles that are coated with adsorbed macromolecular films occurs when half of the available surface is covered. The sperm cell appears to provide the optimal situation for interacting with itself or with another surface.", "PMID": 994182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5605", "title": "Intracortical connections in the snakes Natrix sipedon and Thamnophis sirtalis.", "content": "The association and commissural connections between the four cortical areas in water (Natrix sipedon) and garter (Thamnophis sirtalis) snakes were studied by placing lesions on the cortical surface and studying the resulting degeneration in Fink-Heimer preparations. Lateral cortex projects to the outer one third of layer 1 of ipsilateral medial cortex. Dorsal cortex projects to the middle third of layer 1 of ipsilateral medial cortex. Dorsomedial cortex projects bilaterally to the inner third of layer 1 and to layer 3 of medial cortex. It also projects to layer 1 of contralateral dorsomedial cortex. Medial cortex projects ipsilaterally to each of the other cortical areas. With the apparent exception of the projection of medial cortex to lateral cortex, each projection is organized such that each rostrocaudal segment of a cortical area projects to all segments of the target area lying at the same or more caudal levels.", "contents": "Intracortical connections in the snakes Natrix sipedon and Thamnophis sirtalis. The association and commissural connections between the four cortical areas in water (Natrix sipedon) and garter (Thamnophis sirtalis) snakes were studied by placing lesions on the cortical surface and studying the resulting degeneration in Fink-Heimer preparations. Lateral cortex projects to the outer one third of layer 1 of ipsilateral medial cortex. Dorsal cortex projects to the middle third of layer 1 of ipsilateral medial cortex. Dorsomedial cortex projects bilaterally to the inner third of layer 1 and to layer 3 of medial cortex. It also projects to layer 1 of contralateral dorsomedial cortex. Medial cortex projects ipsilaterally to each of the other cortical areas. With the apparent exception of the projection of medial cortex to lateral cortex, each projection is organized such that each rostrocaudal segment of a cortical area projects to all segments of the target area lying at the same or more caudal levels.", "PMID": 994187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5606", "title": "The topography of the superificial roots and ganglia of the anterior lateral line nerve of the smooth dogfish, Mustelus canis.", "content": "The topographic relationships of the superficial roots and ganglia of the anterior lateral line nerve (NLLa) to each other and to cranial nerves V, VII and VIII were studied, in the smooth dogfish Mustelus canis, by dissection of Sudan Black B stained specimens. NLLa consists of four branches: namely, superficial ophthalmic, buccal, otic and external mandibular. Each branch carriers lateral line neurons exclusively and forms a dorsal root and a ventral root which enter the anterior lateral line lobe and posterior lateral line lobe of the medulla respectively. It is estimated that slightly more than 50% of the fibers of the superficial ophthalmic, approximately 60% of the fibers of the buccal, at least 35% of the fibers of the otic and about 20% of the fibers of the external mandibular constitute the dorsal root. The ventral root is comprised of less than 50% of the fibers of the superficial ophthalmic, 40% of the fibers of the buccal, at least 50% of the fibers of the otic, and 80% of the fibers of the external mandibular. These results are correlated with the peripheral distribution and central termination of NLLa and it is concluded that the dorsal root carries axons from ampullary receptors and the ventral root carries fibers that innervate ordinary lateral line sense organs.", "contents": "The topography of the superificial roots and ganglia of the anterior lateral line nerve of the smooth dogfish, Mustelus canis. The topographic relationships of the superficial roots and ganglia of the anterior lateral line nerve (NLLa) to each other and to cranial nerves V, VII and VIII were studied, in the smooth dogfish Mustelus canis, by dissection of Sudan Black B stained specimens. NLLa consists of four branches: namely, superficial ophthalmic, buccal, otic and external mandibular. Each branch carriers lateral line neurons exclusively and forms a dorsal root and a ventral root which enter the anterior lateral line lobe and posterior lateral line lobe of the medulla respectively. It is estimated that slightly more than 50% of the fibers of the superficial ophthalmic, approximately 60% of the fibers of the buccal, at least 35% of the fibers of the otic and about 20% of the fibers of the external mandibular constitute the dorsal root. The ventral root is comprised of less than 50% of the fibers of the superficial ophthalmic, 40% of the fibers of the buccal, at least 50% of the fibers of the otic, and 80% of the fibers of the external mandibular. These results are correlated with the peripheral distribution and central termination of NLLa and it is concluded that the dorsal root carries axons from ampullary receptors and the ventral root carries fibers that innervate ordinary lateral line sense organs.", "PMID": 994188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5607", "title": "The efferent connections of the olfactory bulb and accessory olfactory bulb in the snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis and Thamnophis radix.", "content": "The efferent connections of the olfactory bulb and accessory olfactory bulb of two species of garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis and T. radix were studied with experimental anterograde degeneration techniques. Axons of cells located in the olfactory bulb terminate ipsilaterally in all parts of the anterior olfactory nucleus, olfactory tubercle and lateral pallium. In addition, some axons enter the ipsilateral stria medullaris thalami, cross the midline in the habenular commissure, enter the contralateral stria medullaris thalami and terminate in the contralateral lateral pallium. The axons of cells in the accessory olfactory bulb course through the telencephalon completely separated from the fibers of olfactory bulb origin and terminate predominantly in the nucleus sphericus. These results confirm previous reports of the separation between the central projections of the olfactory and vomeronasal systems in a variety of vertebrates. The totality of the separation between these two systems coupled with the extensive development of the vomeronasal-accessory bulb system in these snakes suggests that they may be ideal subjects for further research on the functional significance of the vomeronasal system.", "contents": "The efferent connections of the olfactory bulb and accessory olfactory bulb in the snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis and Thamnophis radix. The efferent connections of the olfactory bulb and accessory olfactory bulb of two species of garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis and T. radix were studied with experimental anterograde degeneration techniques. Axons of cells located in the olfactory bulb terminate ipsilaterally in all parts of the anterior olfactory nucleus, olfactory tubercle and lateral pallium. In addition, some axons enter the ipsilateral stria medullaris thalami, cross the midline in the habenular commissure, enter the contralateral stria medullaris thalami and terminate in the contralateral lateral pallium. The axons of cells in the accessory olfactory bulb course through the telencephalon completely separated from the fibers of olfactory bulb origin and terminate predominantly in the nucleus sphericus. These results confirm previous reports of the separation between the central projections of the olfactory and vomeronasal systems in a variety of vertebrates. The totality of the separation between these two systems coupled with the extensive development of the vomeronasal-accessory bulb system in these snakes suggests that they may be ideal subjects for further research on the functional significance of the vomeronasal system.", "PMID": 994189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5608", "title": "The structure and development of the pineal complex in the lanternfish Triphoturus mexicanus (family mycotphidae).", "content": "The pineal complex of the lanterfish Triphoturus mexicans was studied by light and electron microscopy. Receptor, supportive and ganglion cells were identified in the pineal end-vesicle. The presence of receptor cells and the prominent pineal window strongly suggest a photoreceptor function. Numerous unmyelinated nerve fibers were also found in the end-vesicle. These converge to form part of the pineal stalk. Two kinds of cells (Types I and II) were distinguished in the dorsal sac, which is very well developed. Type I cells are non-ciliated ependymal cells and contain large parcels of glycogen. Type II cells contain large lipid-like inclusions and a distinct band of filaments around the entire periphery of the cell. Receptor cells appear very early in the development of T. mexicanus. They seem to originate from ependymal cells lining the roof of the third ventricle.", "contents": "The structure and development of the pineal complex in the lanternfish Triphoturus mexicanus (family mycotphidae). The pineal complex of the lanterfish Triphoturus mexicans was studied by light and electron microscopy. Receptor, supportive and ganglion cells were identified in the pineal end-vesicle. The presence of receptor cells and the prominent pineal window strongly suggest a photoreceptor function. Numerous unmyelinated nerve fibers were also found in the end-vesicle. These converge to form part of the pineal stalk. Two kinds of cells (Types I and II) were distinguished in the dorsal sac, which is very well developed. Type I cells are non-ciliated ependymal cells and contain large parcels of glycogen. Type II cells contain large lipid-like inclusions and a distinct band of filaments around the entire periphery of the cell. Receptor cells appear very early in the development of T. mexicanus. They seem to originate from ependymal cells lining the roof of the third ventricle.", "PMID": 994190} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5609", "title": "Karyotype, marker formation, and oncogenicity in mouse plasmacytomas.", "content": "Two common chromosome markers in the 2 plasmacytomas previously examined by Giemsa banding were consistently present in the mouse plasmacytoma X-5563, a transplantable hypertetraploid tumor of spontaneous origin in C3H mice. The 2 markers were found in both induced and spontaneous tumors and in either BALB/c or C3H mice. The derived cell line had 17 fewer chromosomes than the X-5563 tumor and was oncogenic, and its modal karyotype was identical to that of the tumor transmitted by the inoculation of the cell line. The homogeneity of a slight karyotypic modification in a second tumor suggested a possible clonal origin of that tumor. The high frequency of centric fusions between homologues and the structure of certain markers suggests that homologue association may precede marker formation. We proposed a second mechanism of marker formation, selective regional elongation, to account for the larger number of markers with proximal or distal elongations without evidence of translocation and for the observed alterations in length and banding pattern of markers after growth in vitro. Comparison of MOPC-21, MOPC-315, and X-5563 tumors showed preferential involvement of certain chromosomes in marker formation, an inferred association of the 2 common markers with an early stage in the origin of the 3 plasmacytomas, and consistent loss of an X chromosome. Loss of oncogenicity in cell lines was associated with a number of karyotypic changes, but did not require the loss of the characteristic markers or additional copies of a specific normal chromosome.", "contents": "Karyotype, marker formation, and oncogenicity in mouse plasmacytomas. Two common chromosome markers in the 2 plasmacytomas previously examined by Giemsa banding were consistently present in the mouse plasmacytoma X-5563, a transplantable hypertetraploid tumor of spontaneous origin in C3H mice. The 2 markers were found in both induced and spontaneous tumors and in either BALB/c or C3H mice. The derived cell line had 17 fewer chromosomes than the X-5563 tumor and was oncogenic, and its modal karyotype was identical to that of the tumor transmitted by the inoculation of the cell line. The homogeneity of a slight karyotypic modification in a second tumor suggested a possible clonal origin of that tumor. The high frequency of centric fusions between homologues and the structure of certain markers suggests that homologue association may precede marker formation. We proposed a second mechanism of marker formation, selective regional elongation, to account for the larger number of markers with proximal or distal elongations without evidence of translocation and for the observed alterations in length and banding pattern of markers after growth in vitro. Comparison of MOPC-21, MOPC-315, and X-5563 tumors showed preferential involvement of certain chromosomes in marker formation, an inferred association of the 2 common markers with an early stage in the origin of the 3 plasmacytomas, and consistent loss of an X chromosome. Loss of oncogenicity in cell lines was associated with a number of karyotypic changes, but did not require the loss of the characteristic markers or additional copies of a specific normal chromosome.", "PMID": 994195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5610", "title": "Tumor-promoting activity of certain extracts of tobacco.", "content": "Tumor-promoting activities of extracts of fluecured and cigarette tobacco were evaluated. Initially, fluecured tobacco was extracted consecutively with hexane, chloroform, acetone, ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, and water; and the extracts were tested for tumor-promoting activity on mouse skin. The hexane and chloroform extracts were fractionated on silicic acid, and the fractions were devoid of tumorigenic activity. The acetone and alcohol extracts showed marginal activity. Subsequently, chloroform-extracted cigarette tobacco was extracted with water, and the aqueous extract was partitioned by solvent precipitation methods. Bioassay results showed tumor-promoting activity for the aqueous extract, with tumors in 38% of the animals. The aqueous extract appeared about five times as active as smoke condensate derived from an equal weight of tobacco.", "contents": "Tumor-promoting activity of certain extracts of tobacco. Tumor-promoting activities of extracts of fluecured and cigarette tobacco were evaluated. Initially, fluecured tobacco was extracted consecutively with hexane, chloroform, acetone, ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, and water; and the extracts were tested for tumor-promoting activity on mouse skin. The hexane and chloroform extracts were fractionated on silicic acid, and the fractions were devoid of tumorigenic activity. The acetone and alcohol extracts showed marginal activity. Subsequently, chloroform-extracted cigarette tobacco was extracted with water, and the aqueous extract was partitioned by solvent precipitation methods. Bioassay results showed tumor-promoting activity for the aqueous extract, with tumors in 38% of the animals. The aqueous extract appeared about five times as active as smoke condensate derived from an equal weight of tobacco.", "PMID": 994196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5611", "title": "Specificity of the 5q-chromosome in a distinct type of refractory anemia.", "content": "A further instance of the 5q-chromosome associated with a distinct type of aregenerative anemia strengthened the hypothesis of specificity and consistency of this karyotypic abnormality in a new hematologic entity. The Giemsa banding technique revealed that the deletion of the long arms of chromosome number 5 was interstitial: del (5) (pter leads to q12 : : q31 leads to qter).", "contents": "Specificity of the 5q-chromosome in a distinct type of refractory anemia. A further instance of the 5q-chromosome associated with a distinct type of aregenerative anemia strengthened the hypothesis of specificity and consistency of this karyotypic abnormality in a new hematologic entity. The Giemsa banding technique revealed that the deletion of the long arms of chromosome number 5 was interstitial: del (5) (pter leads to q12 : : q31 leads to qter).", "PMID": 994197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5612", "title": "Age-dependence of hepatic dimethylnitrosamine-demethylase activity in the rat.", "content": "The mixed-function oxidase which activates the carcinogen dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) was determined in the rat liver as a function of animal age. DMN-demethylase activity increased considerably at first to reach a maximum on day 29, and then substantially decreased to day 59; thereafter, enzyme activity remained essentially stable up to at least day 110. Pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene, which caused a pronounced decrease in this enzyme activity, did not affect the general shape of the age-dependence curve. The results suggest that rats between weaning and sexual maturity are more susceptible to the carcinogenic effects of pulse doses of DMN than are neonates or adult animals.", "contents": "Age-dependence of hepatic dimethylnitrosamine-demethylase activity in the rat. The mixed-function oxidase which activates the carcinogen dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) was determined in the rat liver as a function of animal age. DMN-demethylase activity increased considerably at first to reach a maximum on day 29, and then substantially decreased to day 59; thereafter, enzyme activity remained essentially stable up to at least day 110. Pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene, which caused a pronounced decrease in this enzyme activity, did not affect the general shape of the age-dependence curve. The results suggest that rats between weaning and sexual maturity are more susceptible to the carcinogenic effects of pulse doses of DMN than are neonates or adult animals.", "PMID": 994198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5613", "title": "Response of Cloudman S91 melanoma cells to melanocytestimulating hormone: enhancement by cytochalasin B.", "content": "Cloudmann S 91 mouse melanoma cells treated for 5 days with melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), cytochalasin B (CB), or both, exhibited changes in cell volume, population, nucleation, and pigment production. Cells treated with CB or CB in combination with MSH were eight to nine times larger, rounder, multinucleated, and heavily pigmented. CB alone increased melanin and DNA per nucleus threefold. CB in combination with MSH increased melanin per nucleus 30-fold. Data on DNA per nucleus suggest that CB-treated cells remained in the G phase longer than did control cells. MSH alone caused a reduction in cell population and a fourfold increase in melanin per nucleus.", "contents": "Response of Cloudman S91 melanoma cells to melanocytestimulating hormone: enhancement by cytochalasin B. Cloudmann S 91 mouse melanoma cells treated for 5 days with melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), cytochalasin B (CB), or both, exhibited changes in cell volume, population, nucleation, and pigment production. Cells treated with CB or CB in combination with MSH were eight to nine times larger, rounder, multinucleated, and heavily pigmented. CB alone increased melanin and DNA per nucleus threefold. CB in combination with MSH increased melanin per nucleus 30-fold. Data on DNA per nucleus suggest that CB-treated cells remained in the G phase longer than did control cells. MSH alone caused a reduction in cell population and a fourfold increase in melanin per nucleus.", "PMID": 994199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5614", "title": "Mantel-Haenszel analysis of Oxford data. I. Independent effects of several birth factors including fetal irradiation.", "content": "Data from the Oxford Survey of Childhood Cancers were subjected to the Mantel-Haenszel procedures to recognize independent effects of associated factors in retrospective data. Our results showed that several birth factors, including fetal irradiation, social class, maternal age, and sibship position, exerted separate effects on childhood cancers in general, and reticuloendothelial system neoplasms in particular.", "contents": "Mantel-Haenszel analysis of Oxford data. I. Independent effects of several birth factors including fetal irradiation. Data from the Oxford Survey of Childhood Cancers were subjected to the Mantel-Haenszel procedures to recognize independent effects of associated factors in retrospective data. Our results showed that several birth factors, including fetal irradiation, social class, maternal age, and sibship position, exerted separate effects on childhood cancers in general, and reticuloendothelial system neoplasms in particular.", "PMID": 994200} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5615", "title": "Epidemiology of diseases in adult males with leukemia.", "content": "In the Tri-State Leukemia Survey, the history of diseases in 605 adult male leukemia cases 15 years and older and in 668 adult male population controls was examined. These diseases occurred at least 1 year before leukemia was diagnosed. The data were based on respondents' answers that the disease was diagnosed by a physician; the respondent was either the subject or his spouse. Of 30 diseases studied, 7 showed an excess among the patients with leukemia: infectious hepatitis, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, arthritis and rheumatism, heart disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. Mumps had a lower reported occurrence among the cases, whereas pneumonia was less frequent in acute lymphatic cases than in population controls. Three diseases occurred significantly less in controls than in persons with specific histologic types of leukemia. Our data revealed a more frequent history of herpes zoster (shingles) in chronic lymphatic leukemia, more hives in acute chronic myeloid cases, and meningitis in acute myeloid leukemia. When we only considered the patients' responses, more of them admitted having had acne than did our controls. The remaining diseases--childhood viral diseases, infectious mononucleosis, smallpox, typhoid fever, dysentery, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, asthma, hay fever, and goiter did not occur more frequently in cases than in controls. The findings were consistent with evidence from previous laboratory and clinical studies. The increased occurrence of infectious hepatitis in our case series is consistent with the findings of other studies showing an increased frequency of Australia antigen in patients with hepatitis, leukemia, and Down's syndrome.", "contents": "Epidemiology of diseases in adult males with leukemia. In the Tri-State Leukemia Survey, the history of diseases in 605 adult male leukemia cases 15 years and older and in 668 adult male population controls was examined. These diseases occurred at least 1 year before leukemia was diagnosed. The data were based on respondents' answers that the disease was diagnosed by a physician; the respondent was either the subject or his spouse. Of 30 diseases studied, 7 showed an excess among the patients with leukemia: infectious hepatitis, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, arthritis and rheumatism, heart disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. Mumps had a lower reported occurrence among the cases, whereas pneumonia was less frequent in acute lymphatic cases than in population controls. Three diseases occurred significantly less in controls than in persons with specific histologic types of leukemia. Our data revealed a more frequent history of herpes zoster (shingles) in chronic lymphatic leukemia, more hives in acute chronic myeloid cases, and meningitis in acute myeloid leukemia. When we only considered the patients' responses, more of them admitted having had acne than did our controls. The remaining diseases--childhood viral diseases, infectious mononucleosis, smallpox, typhoid fever, dysentery, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, asthma, hay fever, and goiter did not occur more frequently in cases than in controls. The findings were consistent with evidence from previous laboratory and clinical studies. The increased occurrence of infectious hepatitis in our case series is consistent with the findings of other studies showing an increased frequency of Australia antigen in patients with hepatitis, leukemia, and Down's syndrome.", "PMID": 994201} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5616", "title": "Prognostic significance of ploidy level in human tumors. I. Carcinoma of the uterus.", "content": "The 5-year survival rates of 540 patients with carcinoma of the cervix and 186 with carcinoma of the corpus uteri were assessed in relation to the modal DNA values of the tumors. Patients with squamous cell cervical carcinomas had more favorable prognoses if the modes were near-triploid or hypotetraploid; however, these high-ploidy tumors included more stage III cases than did the tumors with near-diploid modes. Patients with near-diploid endometrial carcinomas has considerably more favorable prognosis than did patients with the minority of tumors at this site, who had high modes; this prognostic difference was only partly related to a higher proportion of poorly differentiated tumors in the high-ploidy group since, among the poorly differentiated tumors, individuals with near-diploid modes again had significantly better prognoses than those with high modes.", "contents": "Prognostic significance of ploidy level in human tumors. I. Carcinoma of the uterus. The 5-year survival rates of 540 patients with carcinoma of the cervix and 186 with carcinoma of the corpus uteri were assessed in relation to the modal DNA values of the tumors. Patients with squamous cell cervical carcinomas had more favorable prognoses if the modes were near-triploid or hypotetraploid; however, these high-ploidy tumors included more stage III cases than did the tumors with near-diploid modes. Patients with near-diploid endometrial carcinomas has considerably more favorable prognosis than did patients with the minority of tumors at this site, who had high modes; this prognostic difference was only partly related to a higher proportion of poorly differentiated tumors in the high-ploidy group since, among the poorly differentiated tumors, individuals with near-diploid modes again had significantly better prognoses than those with high modes.", "PMID": 994202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5617", "title": "Type C RNA viruses and leukemogenesis: association of Gross strain of murine leukemia virus infection and leukemogenesis in rats.", "content": "The correlation of murine leukemia virus (MuLV) infection and leukemogenesis was examined by XC plaque assay in W/F rats neonatally infected with the rat-adapted Gross virus (RAGV). Thymic lymphomas developed in 100% of infected rats, with a mean latent period of 64 days. The virus infectivity was first detected in the thymus as early as 15 days after the virus infection; the titer steadily increased thereafter until the development of thymic lymphoma. No other tissues of virus-infected rats showed virus infectivity until the development of localized thymic lymphoma, though sera of a few rats showed low infectivity titers. In rats with generalized leukemia, however, high titers were detected in the sera and leukemic tissues. In untreated controls, all tissues tested invariably showed negative titers for MuLV infectivity at any age up to 7 months after birth. The results indicated that those tissue sites were common to both RAGV infectivity and the leukemogenic process, with the primary involvement of the thymus, and that the appearance of RAGV infectivity in various tissues represented the expression of the oncogenic genome of RAGV.", "contents": "Type C RNA viruses and leukemogenesis: association of Gross strain of murine leukemia virus infection and leukemogenesis in rats. The correlation of murine leukemia virus (MuLV) infection and leukemogenesis was examined by XC plaque assay in W/F rats neonatally infected with the rat-adapted Gross virus (RAGV). Thymic lymphomas developed in 100% of infected rats, with a mean latent period of 64 days. The virus infectivity was first detected in the thymus as early as 15 days after the virus infection; the titer steadily increased thereafter until the development of thymic lymphoma. No other tissues of virus-infected rats showed virus infectivity until the development of localized thymic lymphoma, though sera of a few rats showed low infectivity titers. In rats with generalized leukemia, however, high titers were detected in the sera and leukemic tissues. In untreated controls, all tissues tested invariably showed negative titers for MuLV infectivity at any age up to 7 months after birth. The results indicated that those tissue sites were common to both RAGV infectivity and the leukemogenic process, with the primary involvement of the thymus, and that the appearance of RAGV infectivity in various tissues represented the expression of the oncogenic genome of RAGV.", "PMID": 994203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5618", "title": "Spontaneous tumors and common diseases in two colonies of Syrian hamsters. I. Incidence and sites.", "content": "Syrian hamsters from two colonies [Eppley colony (EC); Hannover colony (HC)] were examined for spontaneous neoplastic and noneoplastic diseases. Significant differences were found in tumor incidence (30%, EC' 42%, HC), occurrence of malignant neoplasms (15%, EC; 32%, HC), appearance of multiple primary tumors in different organs (42%, EC; 30%, HC), average survival rates of tumor-bearing animals, organ distribution and histologic types, and average survival rates of all animals. The frequencies of nonneoplastic diseases also varied between the two colonies. The findings indicated a need for precise histologic evaluation to generate information for comparative purposes regarding the use of hamsters in experimental pathology and carcinogenesis studies.", "contents": "Spontaneous tumors and common diseases in two colonies of Syrian hamsters. I. Incidence and sites. Syrian hamsters from two colonies [Eppley colony (EC); Hannover colony (HC)] were examined for spontaneous neoplastic and noneoplastic diseases. Significant differences were found in tumor incidence (30%, EC' 42%, HC), occurrence of malignant neoplasms (15%, EC; 32%, HC), appearance of multiple primary tumors in different organs (42%, EC; 30%, HC), average survival rates of tumor-bearing animals, organ distribution and histologic types, and average survival rates of all animals. The frequencies of nonneoplastic diseases also varied between the two colonies. The findings indicated a need for precise histologic evaluation to generate information for comparative purposes regarding the use of hamsters in experimental pathology and carcinogenesis studies.", "PMID": 994204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5619", "title": "Spontaneous tumors and common diseases in two colonies of Syrian hamsters. III. Urogenital system and endocrine glands.", "content": "The frequency of spontaneously occuring neoplasms in the urogenital system and endocrine organs was examined in two Syrian hamster colonies [Eppley colony (EC); Hannover colony (HC)]. With the exception of a renal adenoma in an EC female, the urinary systems of animals in both colonies were free of neoplastic growths. A single epididymal adenoma of the male fenital system (EC) was found. However, incidences of female genital tract tumors were 10 (EC) and 3.5% (HC) and accounted for 34 and 11%, respectively, of all tumors in females. Among all genital tract tumors, 3 (EC) and 57% (HC) were ovarian, 14% (HC) were in the fallopian tubes, 81 (EC) AND 29% (HC) were uterine, and 16% (EC), vaginal. The overall incidence of endocrine organ tumors was similar in both colonies (EC, 22%; HC, 19%). The distribution of these tumors was as follows: pituitary gland; EC, 3%, HC, 0; thyroid gland: EC, 28%, HC, 31%; parathyroid gland: EC,11%, HC, 18%; adrenal cortex: EC, 42%, HC, 31%; adrenal medulla: EC, 7%, HC, 0; and endocrine pancreas: EC, 10%, HC, 31%. The morphology of these neoplasms is described and the incidence compared with those reported in other colonies.", "contents": "Spontaneous tumors and common diseases in two colonies of Syrian hamsters. III. Urogenital system and endocrine glands. The frequency of spontaneously occuring neoplasms in the urogenital system and endocrine organs was examined in two Syrian hamster colonies [Eppley colony (EC); Hannover colony (HC)]. With the exception of a renal adenoma in an EC female, the urinary systems of animals in both colonies were free of neoplastic growths. A single epididymal adenoma of the male fenital system (EC) was found. However, incidences of female genital tract tumors were 10 (EC) and 3.5% (HC) and accounted for 34 and 11%, respectively, of all tumors in females. Among all genital tract tumors, 3 (EC) and 57% (HC) were ovarian, 14% (HC) were in the fallopian tubes, 81 (EC) AND 29% (HC) were uterine, and 16% (EC), vaginal. The overall incidence of endocrine organ tumors was similar in both colonies (EC, 22%; HC, 19%). The distribution of these tumors was as follows: pituitary gland; EC, 3%, HC, 0; thyroid gland: EC, 28%, HC, 31%; parathyroid gland: EC,11%, HC, 18%; adrenal cortex: EC, 42%, HC, 31%; adrenal medulla: EC, 7%, HC, 0; and endocrine pancreas: EC, 10%, HC, 31%. The morphology of these neoplasms is described and the incidence compared with those reported in other colonies.", "PMID": 994205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5620", "title": "Spontaneous tumors and common diseases in two colonies of Syrian hamsters. IV. Vascular and lymphatic systems and lesions of other sites.", "content": "Spontaneous tumors were found in the vascular and lymphatic systems upon systemic histologic examination of the cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and lymphatic tissues of Syrian hamsters from the Eppley (EC) and Hannover colonies (HC). The incidence of endothelial tumors (hemangioendotheliomas) was similar in both colonies and sexes. The hemangioendotheliomas generally originated in the liver and spleen. Malignant lymphomas developed in high incidences in both colonies; however, their morphology varied. Those in EC hamsters were of histiocytic and, to a lesser extent, plasmacytic types; in the HC lymphocytic and epithelioid cell types were also found. Among tumors of miscellaneous sites, Harderian gland adenomas occurred in almost equal frequencies in EC and HC hamsters, but predominated in males. Tumors of the bone and soft tissue were present only in EC hamsters, whereas skin neoplasms developed solely in HC hamsters.", "contents": "Spontaneous tumors and common diseases in two colonies of Syrian hamsters. IV. Vascular and lymphatic systems and lesions of other sites. Spontaneous tumors were found in the vascular and lymphatic systems upon systemic histologic examination of the cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and lymphatic tissues of Syrian hamsters from the Eppley (EC) and Hannover colonies (HC). The incidence of endothelial tumors (hemangioendotheliomas) was similar in both colonies and sexes. The hemangioendotheliomas generally originated in the liver and spleen. Malignant lymphomas developed in high incidences in both colonies; however, their morphology varied. Those in EC hamsters were of histiocytic and, to a lesser extent, plasmacytic types; in the HC lymphocytic and epithelioid cell types were also found. Among tumors of miscellaneous sites, Harderian gland adenomas occurred in almost equal frequencies in EC and HC hamsters, but predominated in males. Tumors of the bone and soft tissue were present only in EC hamsters, whereas skin neoplasms developed solely in HC hamsters.", "PMID": 994206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5621", "title": "Specific cytotoxicity in vitro of lymphocytes sensitized in culture against tumor cells.", "content": "The production of tumor-specific cell-mediated cytotoxicity following in vitro sensitization of C57BL spleen cells against a syngeneic 3LL Lewis lung carcinoma was studied. Lymphocytes were sensitized on monolayers of the tumor cells for 4-5 days. The cytotoxicity was assayed by measuring the reduction in 3H-leucine and 3H-thymidine incorporation by target cells after interaction with the sensitized lymphocytes. Spleen lymphocytes sensitized on monolayers of 3LL tumor cells caused a high extent of lysis; such cells tested on C57BL or C3H fibroblast targets evoked only a low level of cytotoxicity. C57BL spleen cells sensitized on C57BL fibroblasts caused a low level of cytotoxicity when tested on a 3LL target. Thus cytotoxicity appeared to be tumor specific. The reduced incorporation into protein and DNA of target tumor cells caused by the sensitized lymphocytes was a measure of cell injury, which was more sensitive than direct cell count or uptake of 51CR. Lymphocytes from syngeneic tumor-bearing mice, tested 13-25 days after tumor inoculation, did not manifest in vitro cytotoxicity. On the contrary, such lymphocytes sometimes appeared to have a promoting effect on the tumor cells.", "contents": "Specific cytotoxicity in vitro of lymphocytes sensitized in culture against tumor cells. The production of tumor-specific cell-mediated cytotoxicity following in vitro sensitization of C57BL spleen cells against a syngeneic 3LL Lewis lung carcinoma was studied. Lymphocytes were sensitized on monolayers of the tumor cells for 4-5 days. The cytotoxicity was assayed by measuring the reduction in 3H-leucine and 3H-thymidine incorporation by target cells after interaction with the sensitized lymphocytes. Spleen lymphocytes sensitized on monolayers of 3LL tumor cells caused a high extent of lysis; such cells tested on C57BL or C3H fibroblast targets evoked only a low level of cytotoxicity. C57BL spleen cells sensitized on C57BL fibroblasts caused a low level of cytotoxicity when tested on a 3LL target. Thus cytotoxicity appeared to be tumor specific. The reduced incorporation into protein and DNA of target tumor cells caused by the sensitized lymphocytes was a measure of cell injury, which was more sensitive than direct cell count or uptake of 51CR. Lymphocytes from syngeneic tumor-bearing mice, tested 13-25 days after tumor inoculation, did not manifest in vitro cytotoxicity. On the contrary, such lymphocytes sometimes appeared to have a promoting effect on the tumor cells.", "PMID": 994207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5622", "title": "Inhibitory effect of shark serum on the Lewis lung carcinoma.", "content": "The growth and metastasis of transplanted Lewis lung carcinoma in C57BL/6J mice were inhibited by an ip injection of whole serum from Carcharhinus plumbeus, the sandbar shark. Tumors failed to develop in 69% of the animals inoculated with shark serum on days 0, 3, and 6 after tumor transplantation. Histologic examination of the tumor site at days 3 and 6 showed that tumor cells were pyknotic, and evidence of lysis of tumor cells and minor leukocytic infiltration existed. Tumor cells were not in tissue sections from day 15, and these animals still had no symptoms at day 216. The mean tumor volume of the remaining 31% of the treated animals was less than that of controls; they had a prolonged mean survival time, but ultimately they died from metastases, as did the controls. Urea- and hemoglobin-treated animals and those pretreated or intralesionally treated with shark serum were similar to the controls in both tumor kinetics and survival times.", "contents": "Inhibitory effect of shark serum on the Lewis lung carcinoma. The growth and metastasis of transplanted Lewis lung carcinoma in C57BL/6J mice were inhibited by an ip injection of whole serum from Carcharhinus plumbeus, the sandbar shark. Tumors failed to develop in 69% of the animals inoculated with shark serum on days 0, 3, and 6 after tumor transplantation. Histologic examination of the tumor site at days 3 and 6 showed that tumor cells were pyknotic, and evidence of lysis of tumor cells and minor leukocytic infiltration existed. Tumor cells were not in tissue sections from day 15, and these animals still had no symptoms at day 216. The mean tumor volume of the remaining 31% of the treated animals was less than that of controls; they had a prolonged mean survival time, but ultimately they died from metastases, as did the controls. Urea- and hemoglobin-treated animals and those pretreated or intralesionally treated with shark serum were similar to the controls in both tumor kinetics and survival times.", "PMID": 994208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5623", "title": "Experimental cancer immunotherapy: comparison of tumor rejection if F344 rats given live Mycobacterium bovis (Strain BCG) and killed Corynebacterium parvum.", "content": "F344 rats received grafts of syngeneic 13762 mammary adenocarcinoma cells previously admixed with either living BCG of killed Corynebacterium parvum administered sc or intradermally (id). Animals given id transplants of tumor cells admixed with either BCG or killed C. parvum exhibited tumor growth for an average of 10 days, then regression in size and rejection of the tumor nodules. Lesions were found in rats given sc transplants of tumor cells admixed with the killed microorganism for an average of 13 days with the same results. When live BCG was added to the sc transplants, accelerated rates of tumor growth and early death were noted, compared with the group receiving tumor cells alone sc. Suppressed rates of tumor growth and prolonged survival were observed in the groups receiving id inoculations of tumor cells followed by treatment with killed C. parvum administered weekly ip or id 1 cm away and around the growing tumor. On the other hand, weekly treatment of BCG injected either ip or id 1 cm away and around the growing tumor resulted in accelerated rates of tumor growth and early death. Animals exhibiting C. parvum of BCG-mediated tumor rejection displayed tumor-specific protection to sc challenge injections of the cell line initially used, but they died with growing tumors and metastases when challenged with tumor cells of an antigenically different line syngeneic to F344 RATS. Microscopic examination of histologic sections of tumors formed from id inoculations of tumor cells admixed with either BCG or killed C. parvum revealed a nonspecific infiltrate of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the tumor, whereas sections of tumors formed from sc grafts of cells admixed with killed C. parvum revealed a specific organized infiltrate of mostly macrophages around the tumor follicles.", "contents": "Experimental cancer immunotherapy: comparison of tumor rejection if F344 rats given live Mycobacterium bovis (Strain BCG) and killed Corynebacterium parvum. F344 rats received grafts of syngeneic 13762 mammary adenocarcinoma cells previously admixed with either living BCG of killed Corynebacterium parvum administered sc or intradermally (id). Animals given id transplants of tumor cells admixed with either BCG or killed C. parvum exhibited tumor growth for an average of 10 days, then regression in size and rejection of the tumor nodules. Lesions were found in rats given sc transplants of tumor cells admixed with the killed microorganism for an average of 13 days with the same results. When live BCG was added to the sc transplants, accelerated rates of tumor growth and early death were noted, compared with the group receiving tumor cells alone sc. Suppressed rates of tumor growth and prolonged survival were observed in the groups receiving id inoculations of tumor cells followed by treatment with killed C. parvum administered weekly ip or id 1 cm away and around the growing tumor. On the other hand, weekly treatment of BCG injected either ip or id 1 cm away and around the growing tumor resulted in accelerated rates of tumor growth and early death. Animals exhibiting C. parvum of BCG-mediated tumor rejection displayed tumor-specific protection to sc challenge injections of the cell line initially used, but they died with growing tumors and metastases when challenged with tumor cells of an antigenically different line syngeneic to F344 RATS. Microscopic examination of histologic sections of tumors formed from id inoculations of tumor cells admixed with either BCG or killed C. parvum revealed a nonspecific infiltrate of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the tumor, whereas sections of tumors formed from sc grafts of cells admixed with killed C. parvum revealed a specific organized infiltrate of mostly macrophages around the tumor follicles.", "PMID": 994209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5624", "title": "Carcinogen-induced changes in tracheal epithelium cultured in serum-free, chemically defined medium.", "content": "Rat tracheal tissue was cultured for periods up to 2 months in medium containing benzo[a]pyrene, and the epithelium was studied for the histologic effects of deletion of serum from the medium. Nodular hyperplasia occurred in 3 days in the absence of serum, but was not seen until several weeks of culture in media containing the same concentrations of carcinogen with 10% calf serum. In serum-free culture, hyperplasia was induced in 2 weeks with one-tenth of the smallest concentration of benzo[a]pyrene that yielded this change in serum-containing medium. The cells of the hyperplastic epithelium in both serum-containing and serum-free culture exhibited ultrastructural changes described in carcinogenesis in vivo. In the absence of serum, squamous hyperplasia was uniformly seen, a feature that distinguished serum-free culture from culture in the presence of calf serum. No frank intraepithelial or invasive malignant lesions were produced in either medium. It was concluded that exposure of organ cultures to carcinogen in the absence of serum is the more promising method for bioassay because the response to carcinogen was more rapid, more sensitive, and more reproducible than that seen during exposure in media that contained serum.", "contents": "Carcinogen-induced changes in tracheal epithelium cultured in serum-free, chemically defined medium. Rat tracheal tissue was cultured for periods up to 2 months in medium containing benzo[a]pyrene, and the epithelium was studied for the histologic effects of deletion of serum from the medium. Nodular hyperplasia occurred in 3 days in the absence of serum, but was not seen until several weeks of culture in media containing the same concentrations of carcinogen with 10% calf serum. In serum-free culture, hyperplasia was induced in 2 weeks with one-tenth of the smallest concentration of benzo[a]pyrene that yielded this change in serum-containing medium. The cells of the hyperplastic epithelium in both serum-containing and serum-free culture exhibited ultrastructural changes described in carcinogenesis in vivo. In the absence of serum, squamous hyperplasia was uniformly seen, a feature that distinguished serum-free culture from culture in the presence of calf serum. No frank intraepithelial or invasive malignant lesions were produced in either medium. It was concluded that exposure of organ cultures to carcinogen in the absence of serum is the more promising method for bioassay because the response to carcinogen was more rapid, more sensitive, and more reproducible than that seen during exposure in media that contained serum.", "PMID": 994210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5625", "title": "Efficient photolytic degradation of nitrosamines.", "content": "The principles and practice of nitrosamine degradation by photochemical means were described. Two types of apparatus were constructed for this purpose. A nitrosamine waste solution containing 10-3-10-1 N in hydrochloric acid and about 10 mole-equivalents of an HNO2 scavenger (i.e., urea, guanidine, or hydrazoic acid) was efficiently and irreversibly degraded to the parent amines and N2 (and/or N2O) by irradiation. Efficiency of the degradation depended on the type of apparatus used. With the use of one apparatus, about 11 g N-nitrosodimethylamine was photolytically converted to dimethylamine, N2, and N2O in 24 hours. Protonated guanidine catalyzed the photohydrolysis processes.", "contents": "Efficient photolytic degradation of nitrosamines. The principles and practice of nitrosamine degradation by photochemical means were described. Two types of apparatus were constructed for this purpose. A nitrosamine waste solution containing 10-3-10-1 N in hydrochloric acid and about 10 mole-equivalents of an HNO2 scavenger (i.e., urea, guanidine, or hydrazoic acid) was efficiently and irreversibly degraded to the parent amines and N2 (and/or N2O) by irradiation. Efficiency of the degradation depended on the type of apparatus used. With the use of one apparatus, about 11 g N-nitrosodimethylamine was photolytically converted to dimethylamine, N2, and N2O in 24 hours. Protonated guanidine catalyzed the photohydrolysis processes.", "PMID": 994211} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5626", "title": "Abnormal tryptophan metabolism in a family with a history of bladder cancer.", "content": "Tryptophan metabolism was studied in a family in which a sister and brother had bladder cancer. Urinary tryptophan metabolites after administration of 2 g L-tryptophan were measured in 4 sisters and 1 brother, all free of disease when studied. One sister with and 2 without histories of bladder cancer had significantly elevated levels of kynurenine, acetylkynurenine, and 3-hydroxykynurenine. Administration of 100 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride returned the tryptophan metabolism to normal in these 3 individuals. One brother with a 1 sister without bladder cancer had normal metabolism. A repeat study 2 years later confirmed the abnormal metabolism in the 3 sisters. Two sisters with abnormal tryptophan metabolism were given 200 mg L-kynurenine sulfate orally to bypass the effects of tryptophan oxygenase activity. Both excreted elevated levels of kynurenine and 1 excreted elevated levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine.", "contents": "Abnormal tryptophan metabolism in a family with a history of bladder cancer. Tryptophan metabolism was studied in a family in which a sister and brother had bladder cancer. Urinary tryptophan metabolites after administration of 2 g L-tryptophan were measured in 4 sisters and 1 brother, all free of disease when studied. One sister with and 2 without histories of bladder cancer had significantly elevated levels of kynurenine, acetylkynurenine, and 3-hydroxykynurenine. Administration of 100 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride returned the tryptophan metabolism to normal in these 3 individuals. One brother with a 1 sister without bladder cancer had normal metabolism. A repeat study 2 years later confirmed the abnormal metabolism in the 3 sisters. Two sisters with abnormal tryptophan metabolism were given 200 mg L-kynurenine sulfate orally to bypass the effects of tryptophan oxygenase activity. Both excreted elevated levels of kynurenine and 1 excreted elevated levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine.", "PMID": 994212} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5627", "title": "Air-water and ether-water distribution of N-nitroso compounds: implications for laboratory safety, analytic methodology, and carcinogenicity for the rat esophagus, nose, and liver.", "content": "The air-water distribution ratio K1, ether-water distribution ratio K2, and solubility in water were measured for 17 nitrosamines, 3 nitrosamides, and 1 nitrosocyanamide. For K1, air was analysed either by UV absorption of ethanol extracts or by gas chromatography. K1 at 37 degrees C varied from less than 2 X 10(-6) to 4.5 X 10(-3), with 11 compounds showing K1 greater than 10(-4). A literature analysis provided data on the carcinogenicity of these N-nitroso (NNO) compounds toward the esophagus, nose, and liver of the rat. This compilation of data on physical properties and carcinogenicity of NNO compounds was then analysed in terms of: a) safety of workers handling either solutions of volatile NNO compounds or animals treated with these compounds, b) analytic methdology, and c) possible correlations between K1-, K2-, and solubility-characteristics, and carcinogenicity. Overall correlations were not observed. However, within each of five chemical groups, K1 and K2 tended to be associated positively with esophageal and nasal carcinogenicity and negatively with hepatic carcinogenicity. Water solubility showed the opposite associations.", "contents": "Air-water and ether-water distribution of N-nitroso compounds: implications for laboratory safety, analytic methodology, and carcinogenicity for the rat esophagus, nose, and liver. The air-water distribution ratio K1, ether-water distribution ratio K2, and solubility in water were measured for 17 nitrosamines, 3 nitrosamides, and 1 nitrosocyanamide. For K1, air was analysed either by UV absorption of ethanol extracts or by gas chromatography. K1 at 37 degrees C varied from less than 2 X 10(-6) to 4.5 X 10(-3), with 11 compounds showing K1 greater than 10(-4). A literature analysis provided data on the carcinogenicity of these N-nitroso (NNO) compounds toward the esophagus, nose, and liver of the rat. This compilation of data on physical properties and carcinogenicity of NNO compounds was then analysed in terms of: a) safety of workers handling either solutions of volatile NNO compounds or animals treated with these compounds, b) analytic methdology, and c) possible correlations between K1-, K2-, and solubility-characteristics, and carcinogenicity. Overall correlations were not observed. However, within each of five chemical groups, K1 and K2 tended to be associated positively with esophageal and nasal carcinogenicity and negatively with hepatic carcinogenicity. Water solubility showed the opposite associations.", "PMID": 994213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5628", "title": "Human neoplastic and normal cells in tissue culture. I. Cell lines derived from malignant melanomas and normal melanocytes.", "content": "Forty-six cell lines derived from 31 human melanomas obtained from 28 patients were cultured. Fourteen of 16 lines have produced malignant tumors when injected into nude (thymus-deficient) mice. Tumors in 5 of the nude mice metastasized to distant lymph nodes and/or to the lungs of the mouse host. Extreme variability from line to line was observed for doubling time (34 to 106 hr), plating efficiency (0-86%), and melanin production. All tested lines had type B glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, thereby excluding HeLa cell contamination. HeLa cells have been grown for some time in our laboratory. Our results clearly demonstrated that HeLa cell contamination does not occur invariably in heteroploid lines growing in a laboratory simultaneously with Hela cells, provided that proper care is taken to avoid such occurrence. Multiple cell lines derived from the same tumor had identical phosphoglucomutase enzyme phenotype, which suggested a lack of significant cross-contamination between the lines. Four long-term cultures of normal human uveal embryo melanocytes have also been established and characterized. Although all produced melanin after reaching saturation density, they differed from the melanoma cells morphologically; they were flat, not refringent, and lacked piling up and plating ability. When melanoma cells were exposed to bromodeoxyuridine (BUDR) for long periods, a phenotypic change toward non-neoplastic characteristics was observed. Cells became flat and not refringent and, when injected into nude mice, tumors appeared after a long latent period. These changes were completely reversible in vitro and in vivo. The BUDR-treated cultures were undistinguishable from the untreated mother cultures after 2 to 3 passages. Lines derived from tumors in nude mice (obtained by injection of BUDR-treated cells) were again indistinguishable from the untreated mother line. Normal melanocytes were mostly euploid; all the melanoma cells were aneuploid. All 29 cell lines derived from 14 patients had an average chromosome number higher than 46. Detailed group-by-group chromosome analysis always showed an excess of C chromosomes, which suggested that hyperreduplication of one or more C chromosomes is a specific characteristic of human melanomas.", "contents": "Human neoplastic and normal cells in tissue culture. I. Cell lines derived from malignant melanomas and normal melanocytes. Forty-six cell lines derived from 31 human melanomas obtained from 28 patients were cultured. Fourteen of 16 lines have produced malignant tumors when injected into nude (thymus-deficient) mice. Tumors in 5 of the nude mice metastasized to distant lymph nodes and/or to the lungs of the mouse host. Extreme variability from line to line was observed for doubling time (34 to 106 hr), plating efficiency (0-86%), and melanin production. All tested lines had type B glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, thereby excluding HeLa cell contamination. HeLa cells have been grown for some time in our laboratory. Our results clearly demonstrated that HeLa cell contamination does not occur invariably in heteroploid lines growing in a laboratory simultaneously with Hela cells, provided that proper care is taken to avoid such occurrence. Multiple cell lines derived from the same tumor had identical phosphoglucomutase enzyme phenotype, which suggested a lack of significant cross-contamination between the lines. Four long-term cultures of normal human uveal embryo melanocytes have also been established and characterized. Although all produced melanin after reaching saturation density, they differed from the melanoma cells morphologically; they were flat, not refringent, and lacked piling up and plating ability. When melanoma cells were exposed to bromodeoxyuridine (BUDR) for long periods, a phenotypic change toward non-neoplastic characteristics was observed. Cells became flat and not refringent and, when injected into nude mice, tumors appeared after a long latent period. These changes were completely reversible in vitro and in vivo. The BUDR-treated cultures were undistinguishable from the untreated mother cultures after 2 to 3 passages. Lines derived from tumors in nude mice (obtained by injection of BUDR-treated cells) were again indistinguishable from the untreated mother line. Normal melanocytes were mostly euploid; all the melanoma cells were aneuploid. All 29 cell lines derived from 14 patients had an average chromosome number higher than 46. Detailed group-by-group chromosome analysis always showed an excess of C chromosomes, which suggested that hyperreduplication of one or more C chromosomes is a specific characteristic of human melanomas.", "PMID": 994214} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5629", "title": "Control of cell growth. I. Estrogen-dependent growth in vivo of a rat pituitary tumor cell line.", "content": "A subclone of rat pituitary tumor cells, designated GH3/C14, was isolated from the parent population of GH3 pituitary cells and was estrogen-dependent for growth in vivo. GH3/C14 cells inoculated into host animals formed tumors in intact females, estrogen-treated ovariectomized females, and estrogen-treated males, but not in untreated intact or castrated males, or untreated ovariectomized females. Exogenous treatment with estrogens supported tumor formation in male animals. Radioimmunoassay of the average serum estradiol concentrations that support tumor growth in intact females, estradiol-treated intact females, and estradiol-treated intact males gave values of 41 +/- 4, 1,130 +/- 150, and 730 +/- 140 pg/ml, respectively. Tumor formation by GH3/C14 cells inoculated into male animals was not supported by either exogenous progesterone or hydrocortisone acetate. Further, these two steroid hormones had no significant effect on the estrogen-promoted growth in males or females. Exogenous testosterone treatment promoted tumor formation in males and ovariectomized females, but dihydrotestosterone was completely ineffective. Radioimmunoassay of the serum from tumor-bearing animals and the medium from the cells in culture showed that the cells produced growth hormone in vivo and in vitro but did not produce measurable amounts of luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone. The groth of GH3/C14 cells in culture was examined in medium without added estrogen, and with estradiol added to the level of either the normal intact female rat or the estradiol-treated animals. No direct growth stimulation by estrogens could be detected in culture; the data suggested an indirect growth control mechanism.", "contents": "Control of cell growth. I. Estrogen-dependent growth in vivo of a rat pituitary tumor cell line. A subclone of rat pituitary tumor cells, designated GH3/C14, was isolated from the parent population of GH3 pituitary cells and was estrogen-dependent for growth in vivo. GH3/C14 cells inoculated into host animals formed tumors in intact females, estrogen-treated ovariectomized females, and estrogen-treated males, but not in untreated intact or castrated males, or untreated ovariectomized females. Exogenous treatment with estrogens supported tumor formation in male animals. Radioimmunoassay of the average serum estradiol concentrations that support tumor growth in intact females, estradiol-treated intact females, and estradiol-treated intact males gave values of 41 +/- 4, 1,130 +/- 150, and 730 +/- 140 pg/ml, respectively. Tumor formation by GH3/C14 cells inoculated into male animals was not supported by either exogenous progesterone or hydrocortisone acetate. Further, these two steroid hormones had no significant effect on the estrogen-promoted growth in males or females. Exogenous testosterone treatment promoted tumor formation in males and ovariectomized females, but dihydrotestosterone was completely ineffective. Radioimmunoassay of the serum from tumor-bearing animals and the medium from the cells in culture showed that the cells produced growth hormone in vivo and in vitro but did not produce measurable amounts of luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone. The groth of GH3/C14 cells in culture was examined in medium without added estrogen, and with estradiol added to the level of either the normal intact female rat or the estradiol-treated animals. No direct growth stimulation by estrogens could be detected in culture; the data suggested an indirect growth control mechanism.", "PMID": 994215} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5630", "title": "Control of cell growth. II. Requirement of thyroid hormones for the in vivo estrogen-dependent growth of rat pituitary tumor cells.", "content": "Further examination of rat pituitary cell line GH3/C14 showed that at least the physiologic concentration of L-thyroxine was required for estrogen-dependent growth in vivo. Two L-thyroxine synthesis inhibitors, 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (propylthiouracil) and 1-methylimidazole-2-thiol (methimazole), were administered concurrently with estrogen to GH3/C14-inoculated hosts. Propylthiouracil administration to estrogen-treated males, intact females, and estrogen-treated ovariectomized females inhibited tumor formation by 93, greater than 95, and 68%, respectively, as compared to tumor formation in controls not treated with propylthiouracil. Methimazole treatment of estrogen-primed males and intact females inhibited tumor formation by 78 and 95%, respectively. Concentrations of total L-thyroxine and free L-thyroixine in sera from normal and inhibitor-treated hosts were depressed 70-80% by propylthiouracil and 60-70% by methimazole. Administration of either drug caused greater inhibition of tumor growth than of total body weight gain. In addition, the administration of a combination of L-thyroxine and L-triiodothyronine to male rats promoted tumor formation even in the absence of exogenous estrogen.", "contents": "Control of cell growth. II. Requirement of thyroid hormones for the in vivo estrogen-dependent growth of rat pituitary tumor cells. Further examination of rat pituitary cell line GH3/C14 showed that at least the physiologic concentration of L-thyroxine was required for estrogen-dependent growth in vivo. Two L-thyroxine synthesis inhibitors, 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (propylthiouracil) and 1-methylimidazole-2-thiol (methimazole), were administered concurrently with estrogen to GH3/C14-inoculated hosts. Propylthiouracil administration to estrogen-treated males, intact females, and estrogen-treated ovariectomized females inhibited tumor formation by 93, greater than 95, and 68%, respectively, as compared to tumor formation in controls not treated with propylthiouracil. Methimazole treatment of estrogen-primed males and intact females inhibited tumor formation by 78 and 95%, respectively. Concentrations of total L-thyroxine and free L-thyroixine in sera from normal and inhibitor-treated hosts were depressed 70-80% by propylthiouracil and 60-70% by methimazole. Administration of either drug caused greater inhibition of tumor growth than of total body weight gain. In addition, the administration of a combination of L-thyroxine and L-triiodothyronine to male rats promoted tumor formation even in the absence of exogenous estrogen.", "PMID": 994216} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5631", "title": "Control of cell growth. III. Direct mitogenic effect of thyroid hormones on an estrogen-dependent rat pituitary tumor cell line.", "content": "A possible direct estrogen requirement for growth of GH3/C14 rat pituitary tumor cells was evaluated in culture medium supplemented with estrogen-depleted serum prepared by a 56 degree C charcoal extraction procedure, and with serum obtained from ovariectomized sheep and ovariectomized adrenalectomized sheep. Growth of the GH3/C14 cells in culture medium in which the final estrogen concentration was 2 pg/ml or less was equal to growth in medium with normal serum and equal to growth in the presence of estrogen-depleted serum to which estradiol was added back at concentrations of 10-1,000 pg/ml. Under no conditions could a direct estrogen requirement for growth be demonstrated. The function of thyroid hormones in cell growth was examined in culture medium supplemented with serum from thyroidectomized sheep. In such medium the growth of the GH3/C14 cells was stimulated 3.5-fold by addition of 1.0 X 10(-8) M L-thyroxine (T4) or 1.0 X 10(-9) m L-triiodothyronine (T3). Investigation of the possible synergistic effects of estrogens and T4 revealed that combinations of estrogen and T4 or T3 did not stimulate growth over that seen with T4 or T3 alone. These data indicated that estrogens are not direct growth requirements for these cells but instead operate in vivo through secondary or indirect mechanisms; in contrast, thyroid hormones are directly mitogenic in vitro.", "contents": "Control of cell growth. III. Direct mitogenic effect of thyroid hormones on an estrogen-dependent rat pituitary tumor cell line. A possible direct estrogen requirement for growth of GH3/C14 rat pituitary tumor cells was evaluated in culture medium supplemented with estrogen-depleted serum prepared by a 56 degree C charcoal extraction procedure, and with serum obtained from ovariectomized sheep and ovariectomized adrenalectomized sheep. Growth of the GH3/C14 cells in culture medium in which the final estrogen concentration was 2 pg/ml or less was equal to growth in medium with normal serum and equal to growth in the presence of estrogen-depleted serum to which estradiol was added back at concentrations of 10-1,000 pg/ml. Under no conditions could a direct estrogen requirement for growth be demonstrated. The function of thyroid hormones in cell growth was examined in culture medium supplemented with serum from thyroidectomized sheep. In such medium the growth of the GH3/C14 cells was stimulated 3.5-fold by addition of 1.0 X 10(-8) M L-thyroxine (T4) or 1.0 X 10(-9) m L-triiodothyronine (T3). Investigation of the possible synergistic effects of estrogens and T4 revealed that combinations of estrogen and T4 or T3 did not stimulate growth over that seen with T4 or T3 alone. These data indicated that estrogens are not direct growth requirements for these cells but instead operate in vivo through secondary or indirect mechanisms; in contrast, thyroid hormones are directly mitogenic in vitro.", "PMID": 994217} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5632", "title": "Induction of tumors by a guinea pig herpesvirus-transformed hamster cell line.", "content": "Syrian hamster embryo cells that had been transformed in vitro by guinea pig herpes-like virus (GPHLV) were found to be oncogenic when inoculated into hamster sc or ip. Of 71 animals inoculated, 30 showed tumors at the site of inoculation. Tumors appeared 4-23 weeks after inoculation of the transformed cells at passage 37 or higher. Inbred and randombred hamsters of all ages were susceptible. Upon microscopic examination the tumors were characterized as fibrosarcomas. The cultured hamster tumor cells were easily transplanted into hamsters, but produced no evidence of tumors when inoculated into guinea pigs. Infectious GPHLV was not isolated from the tumor cells, but GPHLV-specific surface antigens were detected in tumor cells by immunofluorescence of GPHLV antiserum produced in rabbits. Sera from tumor-bearing hamsters did not contain GPHLV-neutralizing antibodies, but sera from 4 of 23 hamsters bearing primary tumors and 12 of 41 bearing transplanted tumors produced nuclear fluorescence in cells infected with GPHLV, thus establishing the relationship between the guinea pig herpesvirus and the hamster tumors.", "contents": "Induction of tumors by a guinea pig herpesvirus-transformed hamster cell line. Syrian hamster embryo cells that had been transformed in vitro by guinea pig herpes-like virus (GPHLV) were found to be oncogenic when inoculated into hamster sc or ip. Of 71 animals inoculated, 30 showed tumors at the site of inoculation. Tumors appeared 4-23 weeks after inoculation of the transformed cells at passage 37 or higher. Inbred and randombred hamsters of all ages were susceptible. Upon microscopic examination the tumors were characterized as fibrosarcomas. The cultured hamster tumor cells were easily transplanted into hamsters, but produced no evidence of tumors when inoculated into guinea pigs. Infectious GPHLV was not isolated from the tumor cells, but GPHLV-specific surface antigens were detected in tumor cells by immunofluorescence of GPHLV antiserum produced in rabbits. Sera from tumor-bearing hamsters did not contain GPHLV-neutralizing antibodies, but sera from 4 of 23 hamsters bearing primary tumors and 12 of 41 bearing transplanted tumors produced nuclear fluorescence in cells infected with GPHLV, thus establishing the relationship between the guinea pig herpesvirus and the hamster tumors.", "PMID": 994218} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5633", "title": "Antitumor activity of killed Corynebacterium parvum suspensions in a murine mammary adenocarcinoma CaD2) system.", "content": "We studied the antitumor activity of killed Corynebacterium parvum on the CaD2 mammary adenocarcinoma in DBA/2 mice. Intratumor treatment had little or no effect on subcutaneous tumor growth. Admixture of tumor cells with C. parvum before inoculation completely suppressed tumor growth. No tumor transplantation immunity was detected in mice inoculated with admixtures of C. parvum and tumor cells, but tumors were enhanced under certain circumstances. Growth of a tumor inoculated sc or iv was consistently retarded after iv or ip C. Parvum therapy, but tumors rarely regressed. Tumor transplantation immunity was detected in mice treated iv with C. parvum before surgical excision of established tumors. Certain adverse effects of iv or ip administration of C. parvum were also discussed.", "contents": "Antitumor activity of killed Corynebacterium parvum suspensions in a murine mammary adenocarcinoma CaD2) system. We studied the antitumor activity of killed Corynebacterium parvum on the CaD2 mammary adenocarcinoma in DBA/2 mice. Intratumor treatment had little or no effect on subcutaneous tumor growth. Admixture of tumor cells with C. parvum before inoculation completely suppressed tumor growth. No tumor transplantation immunity was detected in mice inoculated with admixtures of C. parvum and tumor cells, but tumors were enhanced under certain circumstances. Growth of a tumor inoculated sc or iv was consistently retarded after iv or ip C. Parvum therapy, but tumors rarely regressed. Tumor transplantation immunity was detected in mice treated iv with C. parvum before surgical excision of established tumors. Certain adverse effects of iv or ip administration of C. parvum were also discussed.", "PMID": 994219} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5634", "title": "Leukemias and vaginal tumors induced in female Donryu rats by continuous administration of 1-butyl-3,3-dimethyl-1-nitrosourea in the drinking water.", "content": "Three groups of Donryu rats, each consisting of 36 females, were continuously given solutions of 1-butyl-3,3-dimethyl-1-nitrosourea as drinking water (400 ppm for group A, 200 ppm for group B 100 ppm for group C). Of the 100 rats that survived at least 122 experimental days, 64 developed leukemia and 38 had vaginal tumors. Leukemias were preponderant in animals of groups A and B; vaginal tumors appeared in group C.", "contents": "Leukemias and vaginal tumors induced in female Donryu rats by continuous administration of 1-butyl-3,3-dimethyl-1-nitrosourea in the drinking water. Three groups of Donryu rats, each consisting of 36 females, were continuously given solutions of 1-butyl-3,3-dimethyl-1-nitrosourea as drinking water (400 ppm for group A, 200 ppm for group B 100 ppm for group C). Of the 100 rats that survived at least 122 experimental days, 64 developed leukemia and 38 had vaginal tumors. Leukemias were preponderant in animals of groups A and B; vaginal tumors appeared in group C.", "PMID": 994220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5635", "title": "Sequential adsorption analysis of antibodies to neuroectodermal cells by an indirect quantitative method.", "content": "An indirect radioimmunoassay was developed for the sequential adsorption analysis of rabbit antibodies raised against rat neuroectodermal cells. The quantitativee relationship between primary adsorbed rabbit antitumor antibodies and secondary adsorbed goat antibodies to rabbit IgG was explored by paired radioiodine analysis. In the final indirect method, the amount of unlabeled rabbit antibody removed by cultured monolayers of cells at each step in a sequence of cells could be determined from an equation relating the unlabeled amount to values of bound 125I-labeled goat antirabbit IgG. To obtain the total quantity of rabbit antibody in a particular antiserum reagent, a sequential adsorption analysis was done with successive steps of homologous cells. To obtain the amount of antibody that was cross-reactive for other cell lines, we included those lines in the first several steps of the sequence. The sequential adsorption profile was considered as a more important indicator of the quality of a particular antiserum reagent than was the total amount of antibody contained in it. Neuroectodermal cell lines used as illustrative examples included subclones of the C6 astrocytoma and of the RN-2 schwannoma.", "contents": "Sequential adsorption analysis of antibodies to neuroectodermal cells by an indirect quantitative method. An indirect radioimmunoassay was developed for the sequential adsorption analysis of rabbit antibodies raised against rat neuroectodermal cells. The quantitativee relationship between primary adsorbed rabbit antitumor antibodies and secondary adsorbed goat antibodies to rabbit IgG was explored by paired radioiodine analysis. In the final indirect method, the amount of unlabeled rabbit antibody removed by cultured monolayers of cells at each step in a sequence of cells could be determined from an equation relating the unlabeled amount to values of bound 125I-labeled goat antirabbit IgG. To obtain the total quantity of rabbit antibody in a particular antiserum reagent, a sequential adsorption analysis was done with successive steps of homologous cells. To obtain the amount of antibody that was cross-reactive for other cell lines, we included those lines in the first several steps of the sequence. The sequential adsorption profile was considered as a more important indicator of the quality of a particular antiserum reagent than was the total amount of antibody contained in it. Neuroectodermal cell lines used as illustrative examples included subclones of the C6 astrocytoma and of the RN-2 schwannoma.", "PMID": 994221} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5636", "title": "A choroid plexus papilloma in an elasmobranch (Squalus acanthias).", "content": "A choroid papilloma in the choroid plexus of the ala of the fourth ventricle in a mature male elasmobranch, Squalus acanthias, was described. This is apparently the first report of a neoplasm of the central nervous system in a member of the class Chondrichthyes.", "contents": "A choroid plexus papilloma in an elasmobranch (Squalus acanthias). A choroid papilloma in the choroid plexus of the ala of the fourth ventricle in a mature male elasmobranch, Squalus acanthias, was described. This is apparently the first report of a neoplasm of the central nervous system in a member of the class Chondrichthyes.", "PMID": 994222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5637", "title": "Regulatory variants for the expression of H-2 antigens. I. Isolation and characterization.", "content": "By subjecting \"mutagenized\" mouse myeloma cells repeatedly to selection with antiserum against H-2Kd, we isolated variants that expressed little or no H-2Kd alloantigens. The phenotype was unstable, with the culture accumulating revertants in the absence of selective pressure. The variants not only failed to express the selected antigen, but also the antigen coded by the closely liked H-2Dd gene. The cells reexpressed this antigen with the same kinetics as for the selected antigen. Several physiologic parameters (karyotype, cell morphology, size, and growth curves) were not altered by the loss of H-2 antigens.However,when injected iv, the H-2-deficient cells did not lodge in the spleen as readily as did the wild-type cells.", "contents": "Regulatory variants for the expression of H-2 antigens. I. Isolation and characterization. By subjecting \"mutagenized\" mouse myeloma cells repeatedly to selection with antiserum against H-2Kd, we isolated variants that expressed little or no H-2Kd alloantigens. The phenotype was unstable, with the culture accumulating revertants in the absence of selective pressure. The variants not only failed to express the selected antigen, but also the antigen coded by the closely liked H-2Dd gene. The cells reexpressed this antigen with the same kinetics as for the selected antigen. Several physiologic parameters (karyotype, cell morphology, size, and growth curves) were not altered by the loss of H-2 antigens.However,when injected iv, the H-2-deficient cells did not lodge in the spleen as readily as did the wild-type cells.", "PMID": 994223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5638", "title": "Cocarcinogenic and tumor-promoting agents in tobacco carcinogenesis.", "content": "A series of 21 tobacco smoke components and related compounds werere applied to mouse skin (50 female ICR/Ha Swiss mice/group) three times weekly with a low dose (5 mug/application) of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). The test compounds were of five classes: aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, and long-chain acids and alcohols. The following compounds enhanced remarkably the carcinogenicity of B[a]P: catechol, pyrogallol, decane, undecane, pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene, and fluoranthene. The following compounds inhibited B[a]P carcinogenicity completely: esculin, quercetin, squalene, and oleic acid. Phenol, eugenol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, hexadecane, and limonene partially inhibited B[a]P carcinogenicity. Six of the 21 compounds were also tested as tumor promoters im two-stage carcinogenesis. No direct correlation existed between tumor-promoting activity and cocarcinogenic activity. The cocarcinogens pyrogallol and catechol did not show tumor-promoting activity. Decane, tetradecane, anthralin, and phorbol myristate acetate showed both types of activity. Structure-activity relationships and possible modes of action were described.", "contents": "Cocarcinogenic and tumor-promoting agents in tobacco carcinogenesis. A series of 21 tobacco smoke components and related compounds werere applied to mouse skin (50 female ICR/Ha Swiss mice/group) three times weekly with a low dose (5 mug/application) of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). The test compounds were of five classes: aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, and long-chain acids and alcohols. The following compounds enhanced remarkably the carcinogenicity of B[a]P: catechol, pyrogallol, decane, undecane, pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene, and fluoranthene. The following compounds inhibited B[a]P carcinogenicity completely: esculin, quercetin, squalene, and oleic acid. Phenol, eugenol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, hexadecane, and limonene partially inhibited B[a]P carcinogenicity. Six of the 21 compounds were also tested as tumor promoters im two-stage carcinogenesis. No direct correlation existed between tumor-promoting activity and cocarcinogenic activity. The cocarcinogens pyrogallol and catechol did not show tumor-promoting activity. Decane, tetradecane, anthralin, and phorbol myristate acetate showed both types of activity. Structure-activity relationships and possible modes of action were described.", "PMID": 994224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5639", "title": "Detection and estimation of azomethane in expired air of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-treated rats.", "content": "Azomethane (AM) gas was identified as a major metabolite of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (1,2-DMH) in the expired air of F344 rats. The compound was characterized by high-pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry, in comparison to a synthetic standard. At a dose of 21 mg 1,2-DMH/kg sc, approximately 14 and 11% of the dose were exhaled as AM and CO2, respectively, in 24 hours. At 200 mg 1,2-DMH/kg, 23 and 4% of the dose appeared as AM and CO2, respectively, in the respired air within the same period. Most AM was seen in the first 6 hours, but the CO2 evolution was more progressive, especially after the higher dose of 1,2-DMH.", "contents": "Detection and estimation of azomethane in expired air of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-treated rats. Azomethane (AM) gas was identified as a major metabolite of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (1,2-DMH) in the expired air of F344 rats. The compound was characterized by high-pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry, in comparison to a synthetic standard. At a dose of 21 mg 1,2-DMH/kg sc, approximately 14 and 11% of the dose were exhaled as AM and CO2, respectively, in 24 hours. At 200 mg 1,2-DMH/kg, 23 and 4% of the dose appeared as AM and CO2, respectively, in the respired air within the same period. Most AM was seen in the first 6 hours, but the CO2 evolution was more progressive, especially after the higher dose of 1,2-DMH.", "PMID": 994225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5640", "title": "Increased immunogenicity of TA3-Ha cells treated with the antitumor antibiotic macromomycin (B).", "content": "Suspension cultures of TA3-Ha mouse mammary tumor cells were treated in vitro with a single dose of macromomycin(B) (MCR) at 1 mug/ml for 24 hours. This dose, which is cytostatic but not lethal, increased the immunogenicity of the cells. Adoptive transfer of spleen cells sensitized to MCR/TA3-Ha cells evoked an immune response against MCR-treated TA3-Ha cells but not against normal TA3-Ha cells. The therapeutic effect of MCR treatment (in this case) was, to a very small extent, due to the cytostatic action and more profoundly to the increased immunogenicity of the cells so treated.", "contents": "Increased immunogenicity of TA3-Ha cells treated with the antitumor antibiotic macromomycin (B). Suspension cultures of TA3-Ha mouse mammary tumor cells were treated in vitro with a single dose of macromomycin(B) (MCR) at 1 mug/ml for 24 hours. This dose, which is cytostatic but not lethal, increased the immunogenicity of the cells. Adoptive transfer of spleen cells sensitized to MCR/TA3-Ha cells evoked an immune response against MCR-treated TA3-Ha cells but not against normal TA3-Ha cells. The therapeutic effect of MCR treatment (in this case) was, to a very small extent, due to the cytostatic action and more profoundly to the increased immunogenicity of the cells so treated.", "PMID": 994226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5641", "title": "Allogeneic tumor-syngeneic muscle sandwich grafts: a method for promoting nonspecific growth.", "content": "In H-2-incompatible mice, four strain-specific transplantable murine tumors grew when sandwiched between layers of muscle syngeneic to the intended recipient. The allogeneic tumor-syngeneic muscle sandwich (TMS) graft did not grow in recipients presensitized to the allogeneic tumor and in recipients immunized concurrently with tumor or skin allografts from the same strain as the sandwiched tumor. Third-party muscle, allogeneic to both tumor and host, also was effective in promoting nonspecific growth. The escape of the allogeneic tumor from immunologic destruction when it was implanted as a TMS graft may have been due to an afferent blockade.", "contents": "Allogeneic tumor-syngeneic muscle sandwich grafts: a method for promoting nonspecific growth. In H-2-incompatible mice, four strain-specific transplantable murine tumors grew when sandwiched between layers of muscle syngeneic to the intended recipient. The allogeneic tumor-syngeneic muscle sandwich (TMS) graft did not grow in recipients presensitized to the allogeneic tumor and in recipients immunized concurrently with tumor or skin allografts from the same strain as the sandwiched tumor. Third-party muscle, allogeneic to both tumor and host, also was effective in promoting nonspecific growth. The escape of the allogeneic tumor from immunologic destruction when it was implanted as a TMS graft may have been due to an afferent blockade.", "PMID": 994227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5642", "title": "Study of prenatal DES exposure and its consequences in Rochester, Minnesota.", "content": "An epidemiologic study of the effects of prenatal diethylstilbestrol exposure in Rochester, Minnesota, is described. Application of the identification and follow-up techniques to other drugs now used during gestation may aid in the ealier discovery of unexpected adverse effects.", "contents": "Study of prenatal DES exposure and its consequences in Rochester, Minnesota. An epidemiologic study of the effects of prenatal diethylstilbestrol exposure in Rochester, Minnesota, is described. Application of the identification and follow-up techniques to other drugs now used during gestation may aid in the ealier discovery of unexpected adverse effects.", "PMID": 994228} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5643", "title": "Use of the neonatal mouse in studying long-term effects of early exposure to hormones and other agents.", "content": "The neonatal female mouse is considered as a model for studying the long-term consequences of exposure of the human fetus and neonate to hormones and other agents. Parallelism is noted between the results of administration of sex steroids and diethylstilbestrol (DES) to newborn mice and the phenomenon of vaginal cancer in young women whose mothers were given DES for threatened abortion. The progression of the neonatally steroid-treated mouse lesions from persistent vaginal cornification through hyperplastic lesions to tumors is described. The interaction of progesterone with estradiol is considered (lesions are fewer but more severe at 12 months of age following neonatal exposure to a combination of estradiol and progesterone), and the ability of neonatal progesterone treatment alone to result in cervicovaginal lesions in intact mice is emphasized. All steroids result in increased mammary tumor incidence and lowered age of tumor onset in intact mice bearing the mammary tumor virus; both the ovary and the virus are required for these effects. Possible ramifications of early perinatal exposure are indicated in regard to the male, to nongenital structures, to the endocrine system generally, and to immunologic mechanisms.", "contents": "Use of the neonatal mouse in studying long-term effects of early exposure to hormones and other agents. The neonatal female mouse is considered as a model for studying the long-term consequences of exposure of the human fetus and neonate to hormones and other agents. Parallelism is noted between the results of administration of sex steroids and diethylstilbestrol (DES) to newborn mice and the phenomenon of vaginal cancer in young women whose mothers were given DES for threatened abortion. The progression of the neonatally steroid-treated mouse lesions from persistent vaginal cornification through hyperplastic lesions to tumors is described. The interaction of progesterone with estradiol is considered (lesions are fewer but more severe at 12 months of age following neonatal exposure to a combination of estradiol and progesterone), and the ability of neonatal progesterone treatment alone to result in cervicovaginal lesions in intact mice is emphasized. All steroids result in increased mammary tumor incidence and lowered age of tumor onset in intact mice bearing the mammary tumor virus; both the ovary and the virus are required for these effects. Possible ramifications of early perinatal exposure are indicated in regard to the male, to nongenital structures, to the endocrine system generally, and to immunologic mechanisms.", "PMID": 994229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5644", "title": "Summary of the changes in the human female genital tract as a consequence of maternal diethylstilbestrol therapy.", "content": "The current evidence associating maternal ingestion of diethylstilbestrol (DES) with the subsequent appearance of clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the genital tract has been presented. Thus far, these cancers are rare among exposed females. DES, dienestrol, and hexestrol, all nonsteroidal synthetic estrogens, have been implicated. The tumors have appeared primarily in exposed subjects over the age of 14 yr with the median ranging from 18 to 19 yr. Nonneoplastic abnormalities have been observed commonly in the exposed, including vaginal adenosis, cervical erosion (ectropion), and transverse vaginal and cervical ridges. The highest incidence of vaginal adenosis was noted among those whose mothers began DES in early pregnancy, and no cases were observed among those whose mothers began treatment after the 18th wk. Current evidence suggests that these alterations as well as the carcinomas are of mullerian origin.", "contents": "Summary of the changes in the human female genital tract as a consequence of maternal diethylstilbestrol therapy. The current evidence associating maternal ingestion of diethylstilbestrol (DES) with the subsequent appearance of clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the genital tract has been presented. Thus far, these cancers are rare among exposed females. DES, dienestrol, and hexestrol, all nonsteroidal synthetic estrogens, have been implicated. The tumors have appeared primarily in exposed subjects over the age of 14 yr with the median ranging from 18 to 19 yr. Nonneoplastic abnormalities have been observed commonly in the exposed, including vaginal adenosis, cervical erosion (ectropion), and transverse vaginal and cervical ridges. The highest incidence of vaginal adenosis was noted among those whose mothers began DES in early pregnancy, and no cases were observed among those whose mothers began treatment after the 18th wk. Current evidence suggests that these alterations as well as the carcinomas are of mullerian origin.", "PMID": 994230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5645", "title": "Circulating levels of prolactin and growth hormone and natural incidence of mammary tumors in mice.", "content": "Radioimmunoassay measurements of hormones in sera show that contrary to expectations, natural mammary tumorigenesis in mice is not always accompanied by high prolactinemia. Basal levels of circulating PRL follow no consistent pattern in relation to the incidence of mammary tumors. Circulating PRL after a provocative stimulus, however, presents a profile characteristic of the mammary tumor incidence: strains with high incidence of mammary tumors generally have have lower levels, whereas strains with low incidences exhibit higher levels. These differences in circulating PRL levels are apparently not caused by differences in the pituitary stores or pituitary release of PRL. The PRL release patterns appear not to be entirely genetic, since they can be modified by foster nursing, a procedure that may introduce MTV in a virus-free strain. The urine concentrations of PRL and GH and the tissue uptake data suggest that the C3H/St strain may metabolize PRL and GH differently from the C5BL/St strain. It remains to be determined whether the observed differences are significant factors in the development of spontaneous mammary tumors in mice.", "contents": "Circulating levels of prolactin and growth hormone and natural incidence of mammary tumors in mice. Radioimmunoassay measurements of hormones in sera show that contrary to expectations, natural mammary tumorigenesis in mice is not always accompanied by high prolactinemia. Basal levels of circulating PRL follow no consistent pattern in relation to the incidence of mammary tumors. Circulating PRL after a provocative stimulus, however, presents a profile characteristic of the mammary tumor incidence: strains with high incidence of mammary tumors generally have have lower levels, whereas strains with low incidences exhibit higher levels. These differences in circulating PRL levels are apparently not caused by differences in the pituitary stores or pituitary release of PRL. The PRL release patterns appear not to be entirely genetic, since they can be modified by foster nursing, a procedure that may introduce MTV in a virus-free strain. The urine concentrations of PRL and GH and the tissue uptake data suggest that the C3H/St strain may metabolize PRL and GH differently from the C5BL/St strain. It remains to be determined whether the observed differences are significant factors in the development of spontaneous mammary tumors in mice.", "PMID": 994231} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5646", "title": "Metabolic activation of carcinogenic diethylstilbestrol in rodents and humans.", "content": "In vivo biotransformation of diethylstilbestrol (DES) was studied by radio-GLC and GLC-mass spectrometry using both radioactively and deuterium-labeled DES. Among the urinary and biliary metabolites identified in intact Wistar rat and Syrian golden hamsters are dienestrol and hydroxy and methoxy derivatives of dienestrol and DES. The identification of 4'-hydroxypropiophenone as a urinary metabolite of DES in the rat is consistent with the hypothesis that dienestrol is formed via an epoxide-diol pathway. Some of the metabolites imply electrophilic reactivity according to their chemical structure and may represent proximate carcinogens of DES. In humans, dienestrol and hydroxy dienestrol constitute the major urinary DES metabolites in men and were also identified in the urine of a woman. Considerable species differences in DES metabolism between humans and rats were found with regard to the route of excretion and the pattern of urinary metabolites.", "contents": "Metabolic activation of carcinogenic diethylstilbestrol in rodents and humans. In vivo biotransformation of diethylstilbestrol (DES) was studied by radio-GLC and GLC-mass spectrometry using both radioactively and deuterium-labeled DES. Among the urinary and biliary metabolites identified in intact Wistar rat and Syrian golden hamsters are dienestrol and hydroxy and methoxy derivatives of dienestrol and DES. The identification of 4'-hydroxypropiophenone as a urinary metabolite of DES in the rat is consistent with the hypothesis that dienestrol is formed via an epoxide-diol pathway. Some of the metabolites imply electrophilic reactivity according to their chemical structure and may represent proximate carcinogens of DES. In humans, dienestrol and hydroxy dienestrol constitute the major urinary DES metabolites in men and were also identified in the urine of a woman. Considerable species differences in DES metabolism between humans and rats were found with regard to the route of excretion and the pattern of urinary metabolites.", "PMID": 994232} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5647", "title": "Testing the antifertility drug enovid for carcinogenesis in five strains of mice.", "content": "In testing for any carcinogenic effect of certain hormones the choice of test strain or strains is extremely important. By selecting several inbred strains one obtains maximum genetic variability offering a greater chance of demonstrating carcinogenesis in regard to a number of organs or tissues. The five strains of mice chosen in this study (C3H/He, C3HfB/He, BALB/cHe, A/He, and C5BL/He) provided a test for effect of Enovid at sterilizing doses on occurrence of mammary tumors, ovarian tumors, hepatomas, cervical and vaginal tumors, adrenocortical adenomas, and hypophyseal tumors. Results indicated a slight inhibitor effect of Enovid on mammary tumors in C3H and adrenocortical adenomas in BALB/c and an even greater inhibiotry effect on hepatomas in C3HfB. No effect on ovarian tumors could be detected in the appropriate test provided by C3HfB. In BALB/c females epithelial lesions of the cervix and vagina were observed in both the treated females and the controls with a slight increase in the group treated with the highest dose. All were small lesions observed only in the histologic section. None had invaded beyond the wall of the vagina, and none had metastasized. None could be classified as a frank carcinoma. In the group treated with the highest dose of Enovid, the lesions showed slightly further progression than in the other groups. The most significant tumorigenic effect of the Enovid was the increase in hypophyseal tumors in the C5BL females at advanced age. Direct extrapolation from one strain to another, from one species to another, from mouse to humans, or from one human being to another would be risky because of genetic differences. Approaches to the problem in human beings are, however, suggested. Because of these observations in mice, it would be well, if possible, to collect hypophyses of women at postmortem who have previously been on birth control pills for some time and send these hypophyses to some central laboratory where they can be examined for any changes that might be attributed to the use of the antifertility drug.", "contents": "Testing the antifertility drug enovid for carcinogenesis in five strains of mice. In testing for any carcinogenic effect of certain hormones the choice of test strain or strains is extremely important. By selecting several inbred strains one obtains maximum genetic variability offering a greater chance of demonstrating carcinogenesis in regard to a number of organs or tissues. The five strains of mice chosen in this study (C3H/He, C3HfB/He, BALB/cHe, A/He, and C5BL/He) provided a test for effect of Enovid at sterilizing doses on occurrence of mammary tumors, ovarian tumors, hepatomas, cervical and vaginal tumors, adrenocortical adenomas, and hypophyseal tumors. Results indicated a slight inhibitor effect of Enovid on mammary tumors in C3H and adrenocortical adenomas in BALB/c and an even greater inhibiotry effect on hepatomas in C3HfB. No effect on ovarian tumors could be detected in the appropriate test provided by C3HfB. In BALB/c females epithelial lesions of the cervix and vagina were observed in both the treated females and the controls with a slight increase in the group treated with the highest dose. All were small lesions observed only in the histologic section. None had invaded beyond the wall of the vagina, and none had metastasized. None could be classified as a frank carcinoma. In the group treated with the highest dose of Enovid, the lesions showed slightly further progression than in the other groups. The most significant tumorigenic effect of the Enovid was the increase in hypophyseal tumors in the C5BL females at advanced age. Direct extrapolation from one strain to another, from one species to another, from mouse to humans, or from one human being to another would be risky because of genetic differences. Approaches to the problem in human beings are, however, suggested. Because of these observations in mice, it would be well, if possible, to collect hypophyses of women at postmortem who have previously been on birth control pills for some time and send these hypophyses to some central laboratory where they can be examined for any changes that might be attributed to the use of the antifertility drug.", "PMID": 994233} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5648", "title": "Dose-dependent kinetics of diethylstilbestrol in the rat.", "content": "Diethylstilbestrol (DES) acts as a transplacental carcinogen with organotropic properties. The question is raised whether the pharmacokinetics of DES contribute to this effect. [3H] DES was administered to female Wistar rats orally, intravenously, and introperitoneally at doses ranging from 0.025 to 25 mg/kg. Radioactivity associated with erythrocytes and plasma proteins was measured and the pattern of unconjugated metabolites and glucuronides after column and thin-layer chromatography in blood determined. The different routes of administration resulted in different metabolite patterns. After iv injection, unconjugated, unpolar metabolites predomininated; after ip injection, glucuronides of unpolar metabolites; and after oral administration, unconjugated polar metabolites. The different compositions of the glucuronide fractions remained constant with time. The composition of the unconjugated metabolites changed with time after oral administration but not after iv injection. Blood levels of metabolites did not increase proportionally with dose. Overproportional increase was most prominent with the highest dose used. The observed effects are explained with intestinal metabolism and a liver first-pass effect.", "contents": "Dose-dependent kinetics of diethylstilbestrol in the rat. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) acts as a transplacental carcinogen with organotropic properties. The question is raised whether the pharmacokinetics of DES contribute to this effect. [3H] DES was administered to female Wistar rats orally, intravenously, and introperitoneally at doses ranging from 0.025 to 25 mg/kg. Radioactivity associated with erythrocytes and plasma proteins was measured and the pattern of unconjugated metabolites and glucuronides after column and thin-layer chromatography in blood determined. The different routes of administration resulted in different metabolite patterns. After iv injection, unconjugated, unpolar metabolites predomininated; after ip injection, glucuronides of unpolar metabolites; and after oral administration, unconjugated polar metabolites. The different compositions of the glucuronide fractions remained constant with time. The composition of the unconjugated metabolites changed with time after oral administration but not after iv injection. Blood levels of metabolites did not increase proportionally with dose. Overproportional increase was most prominent with the highest dose used. The observed effects are explained with intestinal metabolism and a liver first-pass effect.", "PMID": 994234} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5649", "title": "Effects of acute anoxia on renal transport processes.", "content": "Acute disruption of the renal blood supply has been shown by several workers to alter renal cortical metabolic functions and some transport processes. The present study was designed to examine acute ischemic effects on transport functions for both organic and inorganic substances. Acute clamping of the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter for 45 min produces a reversible disruption of tissue electrolyte and water balance. Longer occlusion appeared to produce irreversible effects. Alpha-Aminoisobutyrate (AIB) and lactate-stimulated rho-aminohippurate (PAH) transport were altered selectively by the 45-min occlusion. A longer occlusion period also depressed base-line PAH and tetraethylammonium (TEA) transport. Some of the depression of the organic compound transport functions are reversible. Renal cortical oxygen consumption measured in vitro was affected minimally.", "contents": "Effects of acute anoxia on renal transport processes. Acute disruption of the renal blood supply has been shown by several workers to alter renal cortical metabolic functions and some transport processes. The present study was designed to examine acute ischemic effects on transport functions for both organic and inorganic substances. Acute clamping of the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter for 45 min produces a reversible disruption of tissue electrolyte and water balance. Longer occlusion appeared to produce irreversible effects. Alpha-Aminoisobutyrate (AIB) and lactate-stimulated rho-aminohippurate (PAH) transport were altered selectively by the 45-min occlusion. A longer occlusion period also depressed base-line PAH and tetraethylammonium (TEA) transport. Some of the depression of the organic compound transport functions are reversible. Renal cortical oxygen consumption measured in vitro was affected minimally.", "PMID": 994235} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5650", "title": "4-aminobiphenyl, 2-naphthylamine, and analogs: analytical properties and trace analysis in five substrates.", "content": "Methods for monitoring trace levels of 4-aminobiphenyl, 2-naphthylamine, and their hydrochloride salts in waste water, microbiological growth media, potable water, human urine, and mouse blood utilizing spectrophotofluorometry (SPF) are described. The salient elements of the methods are extraction of the residues as the free amine with benzene, rapid cleanup on an alumina column, and quantification of the free amine in methanol via SPF. Potable water solutions of the salts are diluted with 0.01 N aqueous HCL and quantified directly by SPF. Ancillary analytical information concerning gas chromatography of the free amines, partitioning properties of the compounds between solvent pairs, their solubility and stability in water, and thin-layer chromatographic data is presented. The compositions of various admixtures of 1- and 2-naphthylamine or their salts were determined by using SPF with calculations based on simultaneous equations.", "contents": "4-aminobiphenyl, 2-naphthylamine, and analogs: analytical properties and trace analysis in five substrates. Methods for monitoring trace levels of 4-aminobiphenyl, 2-naphthylamine, and their hydrochloride salts in waste water, microbiological growth media, potable water, human urine, and mouse blood utilizing spectrophotofluorometry (SPF) are described. The salient elements of the methods are extraction of the residues as the free amine with benzene, rapid cleanup on an alumina column, and quantification of the free amine in methanol via SPF. Potable water solutions of the salts are diluted with 0.01 N aqueous HCL and quantified directly by SPF. Ancillary analytical information concerning gas chromatography of the free amines, partitioning properties of the compounds between solvent pairs, their solubility and stability in water, and thin-layer chromatographic data is presented. The compositions of various admixtures of 1- and 2-naphthylamine or their salts were determined by using SPF with calculations based on simultaneous equations.", "PMID": 994236} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5651", "title": "Tissue distribution of (14C) methyl mercury in the lobster, Homarus americanus.", "content": "[14C] Methyl mercury was administered by three different routes: intravascular (iv) injection, ingestion, and absorption from the ambient water. After iv administration (0.1 mg/kg) [14C] methyl mercury was rapidly removed from the plasma, followed by slow loss from the hepatopancreas and a strikingly persistent increase in the amount of radioactivity in the tail muscle. Most (80-90%) of the radioactivity in the hepatopancreas was shown by TLC methods to be the parent compound, and approximately 10% of this persisted for 6 days after injection. The half-life in this organ was found to be 21 days. One month after iv treatment with methyl mercury, the only organs that contained more than 0.1 ppm of this xenobiotic were egg masses, male gonads, heart, brain, intestine, and tail muscle. The half-lives for disappearance from sexual organs were greater than 1 month. After ingestion of [14C] methyl mercury (0.1 mg/kg) in food the hepatopancreas contained most of the administered dose at 6 days (68%), while the stomach (10%), tail muscle (8%), and carcass (15%) contained less. A unique distribution pattern emerged 6 days after exposure to [14C] methyl mercury-containing ambient water (0.1 ppm). The tail muscle contained most (50%) of the absorbed dose, whereas the hepatopancreas and carcass contained only 23 and 10%, respectively. In view of the small molecular size and high lipid solubility of methyl mercury and the lipophilic properties of the chitin-protein exoskeleton of the lobster, it is likely that significant uptake directly from the water as well as storage of absorbed methyl mercury occurred in the tail region. Residue analysis on untreated lobsters indicated that the egg masses contained the largest amount of methyl mercury (0.1 ppm). The hepatopancreas and carcass (muscle) levels were less than 0.05 ppm.", "contents": "Tissue distribution of (14C) methyl mercury in the lobster, Homarus americanus. [14C] Methyl mercury was administered by three different routes: intravascular (iv) injection, ingestion, and absorption from the ambient water. After iv administration (0.1 mg/kg) [14C] methyl mercury was rapidly removed from the plasma, followed by slow loss from the hepatopancreas and a strikingly persistent increase in the amount of radioactivity in the tail muscle. Most (80-90%) of the radioactivity in the hepatopancreas was shown by TLC methods to be the parent compound, and approximately 10% of this persisted for 6 days after injection. The half-life in this organ was found to be 21 days. One month after iv treatment with methyl mercury, the only organs that contained more than 0.1 ppm of this xenobiotic were egg masses, male gonads, heart, brain, intestine, and tail muscle. The half-lives for disappearance from sexual organs were greater than 1 month. After ingestion of [14C] methyl mercury (0.1 mg/kg) in food the hepatopancreas contained most of the administered dose at 6 days (68%), while the stomach (10%), tail muscle (8%), and carcass (15%) contained less. A unique distribution pattern emerged 6 days after exposure to [14C] methyl mercury-containing ambient water (0.1 ppm). The tail muscle contained most (50%) of the absorbed dose, whereas the hepatopancreas and carcass contained only 23 and 10%, respectively. In view of the small molecular size and high lipid solubility of methyl mercury and the lipophilic properties of the chitin-protein exoskeleton of the lobster, it is likely that significant uptake directly from the water as well as storage of absorbed methyl mercury occurred in the tail region. Residue analysis on untreated lobsters indicated that the egg masses contained the largest amount of methyl mercury (0.1 ppm). The hepatopancreas and carcass (muscle) levels were less than 0.05 ppm.", "PMID": 994237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5652", "title": "Effect of water and food deprivation on hepatic microsomal metabolism of hexobarbital and aniline.", "content": "Water deprivation for 48 hr with its accompanying decrease in food intake significantly lowered the in vitro rate of hexobarbital metabolism by hepatic microsomes isolated from male rats. Pair-fed rats allowed water ad libitum had a significantly lower level of hexobarbital metabolism than those deprived of water. Rats starved for 24 hr with or without water also had levels of hexobarbital metabolism significantly lower than their controls; with those animals allowed water ad libitum, the level was significantly lower than for those deprived of water. In vivo hexobarbital \"sleeping time\" experiments were in general agreement with these results. The in vitro metabolism of aniline was increased in both male and female rats following 24 hr starvation and in female rats (but not males) the effect was greater when water was allowed than when deprived. The differences between hydrated and dehydrated animals were not attributable to reduction in concentration of microsomal protein or the water content of liver. It is concluded that water consumption accentuates the effect of food deprivation on hepatic microsomal metabolism.", "contents": "Effect of water and food deprivation on hepatic microsomal metabolism of hexobarbital and aniline. Water deprivation for 48 hr with its accompanying decrease in food intake significantly lowered the in vitro rate of hexobarbital metabolism by hepatic microsomes isolated from male rats. Pair-fed rats allowed water ad libitum had a significantly lower level of hexobarbital metabolism than those deprived of water. Rats starved for 24 hr with or without water also had levels of hexobarbital metabolism significantly lower than their controls; with those animals allowed water ad libitum, the level was significantly lower than for those deprived of water. In vivo hexobarbital \"sleeping time\" experiments were in general agreement with these results. The in vitro metabolism of aniline was increased in both male and female rats following 24 hr starvation and in female rats (but not males) the effect was greater when water was allowed than when deprived. The differences between hydrated and dehydrated animals were not attributable to reduction in concentration of microsomal protein or the water content of liver. It is concluded that water consumption accentuates the effect of food deprivation on hepatic microsomal metabolism.", "PMID": 994238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5653", "title": "Cadmium in liver, kidney, and hair of humans, fetal through old age.", "content": "Cadmium concentrations were measured in the liver, kidney, and hair of 107 individuals from the Cincinnati area. The tissue samples were obtained from hospital and coroner autopsy cases and represent a cross-section of individuals from fetal to old age. The sections used were standardized and analyzed for cadmium by atomic absorption. Information obtained at the time of autopsy included the cause of death, the conditions of the tissues, the body height and weight, the amount of anthracosis in the lungs, as well as age, sex, and race. The liver concentrations increased steadily until the late decades. The kidney concentrations increased to the fourth decade, peaked, and decreased steadily from the sixth decade thereafter. The leveling effect in the liver may have been due to the increased presence of fatty livers, and the kidney decreases to nephrosclerosis. The kidney and liver were statistically well correlated. Hair, which achieved a surprisingly high Cd concentration in early infancy, tended to decrease throughout the rest of the age span and correlated poorly with the liver and kidney. There seemed to be no relationship between the amount of pulmonary anthracosis and the cadmium found in any of the tissues. The results obtained here for liver and kidney were in line with other reports in the literature; however, the hair results were somewhat different.", "contents": "Cadmium in liver, kidney, and hair of humans, fetal through old age. Cadmium concentrations were measured in the liver, kidney, and hair of 107 individuals from the Cincinnati area. The tissue samples were obtained from hospital and coroner autopsy cases and represent a cross-section of individuals from fetal to old age. The sections used were standardized and analyzed for cadmium by atomic absorption. Information obtained at the time of autopsy included the cause of death, the conditions of the tissues, the body height and weight, the amount of anthracosis in the lungs, as well as age, sex, and race. The liver concentrations increased steadily until the late decades. The kidney concentrations increased to the fourth decade, peaked, and decreased steadily from the sixth decade thereafter. The leveling effect in the liver may have been due to the increased presence of fatty livers, and the kidney decreases to nephrosclerosis. The kidney and liver were statistically well correlated. Hair, which achieved a surprisingly high Cd concentration in early infancy, tended to decrease throughout the rest of the age span and correlated poorly with the liver and kidney. There seemed to be no relationship between the amount of pulmonary anthracosis and the cadmium found in any of the tissues. The results obtained here for liver and kidney were in line with other reports in the literature; however, the hair results were somewhat different.", "PMID": 994239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5654", "title": "Heptachlor: uptake, depuration, retention, and metabolism by spot, Leiostomus xanthurus.", "content": "The estuarine fish, spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), was exposed to 0.27, 0.52, 1.01, 1.99, and 3.87 mug/liter technical grade heptachlor (65% heptachlor, 22% trans-chlordane, 2% cis-chlordane, 2% nonachlor, and 9% unidentified compounds) for 24 days in a flowthrough bioassay, followed by 28 days in heptachlor-free seawater. Concentrations of heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and trans- and cis-chlordane in edible tissues were monitored at day 3 and weekly thereafter throughout the bioassay and at the end of the postexposure period. All four chemicals were accumulated by spot. Maximum concentrations of heptachlor were observed on day 3; maximum concentrations of the other three compounds were observed on day 17. The average bioconcentration factors for heptachlor and trans-chlordane were 3,600 and 4,600, respectively. Only 10% or less of the maximum concentrations of heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and trans-chlordane accumulated during the exposure period remained after 28 days in pesticide-free seawater; an average of 35% of the cis-chlordane remained. Relative total amounts of heptachlor and cis-chlordane changed during the exposure and post-exposure periods. Nearly all of the heptachlor was eliminated or metabolized to its epoxide. Cis-chlordane, which averaged 4-7% of the total residues (chlordanes and heptachlors) in edible tissues during the exposure, increased to 18-23% of the total residues by the end of the postexposure period.", "contents": "Heptachlor: uptake, depuration, retention, and metabolism by spot, Leiostomus xanthurus. The estuarine fish, spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), was exposed to 0.27, 0.52, 1.01, 1.99, and 3.87 mug/liter technical grade heptachlor (65% heptachlor, 22% trans-chlordane, 2% cis-chlordane, 2% nonachlor, and 9% unidentified compounds) for 24 days in a flowthrough bioassay, followed by 28 days in heptachlor-free seawater. Concentrations of heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and trans- and cis-chlordane in edible tissues were monitored at day 3 and weekly thereafter throughout the bioassay and at the end of the postexposure period. All four chemicals were accumulated by spot. Maximum concentrations of heptachlor were observed on day 3; maximum concentrations of the other three compounds were observed on day 17. The average bioconcentration factors for heptachlor and trans-chlordane were 3,600 and 4,600, respectively. Only 10% or less of the maximum concentrations of heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and trans-chlordane accumulated during the exposure period remained after 28 days in pesticide-free seawater; an average of 35% of the cis-chlordane remained. Relative total amounts of heptachlor and cis-chlordane changed during the exposure and post-exposure periods. Nearly all of the heptachlor was eliminated or metabolized to its epoxide. Cis-chlordane, which averaged 4-7% of the total residues (chlordanes and heptachlors) in edible tissues during the exposure, increased to 18-23% of the total residues by the end of the postexposure period.", "PMID": 994240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5655", "title": "Aspartame--a sweet surprise.", "content": "The dipeptide ester L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (APM) has been found to have a remarkably clean, sucrose-like taste with no off flavor and a potency 150-200 times sucrose. Subsequent work has shown that many alpha-amides of L-aspartic acid are sweet. Some results of stability studies and a taste panel evaluation of APM are reported.", "contents": "Aspartame--a sweet surprise. The dipeptide ester L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (APM) has been found to have a remarkably clean, sucrose-like taste with no off flavor and a potency 150-200 times sucrose. Subsequent work has shown that many alpha-amides of L-aspartic acid are sweet. Some results of stability studies and a taste panel evaluation of APM are reported.", "PMID": 994241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5656", "title": "Effect of lead on glycine cleavage activity in rat liver mitochondria.", "content": "Change of glycine cleavage activity in liver mitochondria of lead-intoxicated rats was studied in this paper. The following results were obtained: (1) The activity in hepatic mitochondria of rats was decreased by a single administration of lead (4 mg/100 g body weight); (2) in vitro the activity in the normal rat liver mitochondria was markedly inhibited by addition of lead acetate (4mM).", "contents": "Effect of lead on glycine cleavage activity in rat liver mitochondria. Change of glycine cleavage activity in liver mitochondria of lead-intoxicated rats was studied in this paper. The following results were obtained: (1) The activity in hepatic mitochondria of rats was decreased by a single administration of lead (4 mg/100 g body weight); (2) in vitro the activity in the normal rat liver mitochondria was markedly inhibited by addition of lead acetate (4mM).", "PMID": 994242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5657", "title": "Toxicological evaluation and pharmacokinetic profile of beta-hydroxypropionitrile in rats.", "content": "Beta-hydroxypropionitrile (beta-HPN) was incorporated in the drinking water of rats in order to define the toxicological effects associated with repeated daily exposure to this compound. Parameters evaluated were appearance and demeanor, mortality, body weight, food consumption, water consumption, hematology, terminal organ weights and organ to body weight ratio, and gross and microscopic pathology of tissues. No untoward effects were associated with the ingestion of beta-HPN at the dose levels utilized.", "contents": "Toxicological evaluation and pharmacokinetic profile of beta-hydroxypropionitrile in rats. Beta-hydroxypropionitrile (beta-HPN) was incorporated in the drinking water of rats in order to define the toxicological effects associated with repeated daily exposure to this compound. Parameters evaluated were appearance and demeanor, mortality, body weight, food consumption, water consumption, hematology, terminal organ weights and organ to body weight ratio, and gross and microscopic pathology of tissues. No untoward effects were associated with the ingestion of beta-HPN at the dose levels utilized.", "PMID": 994244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5658", "title": "Biliary excretion of cadmium by rats: effects of zinc, cadmium, and selenium pretreatments.", "content": "The significance of bile as an excretory route for cadmium (Cd) was studied in anesthetized, bile-duct-cannulated Sprague-Dawley rats during a 6-hr collection period. Observations were made on bile flow rates, the concentrations of Cd in bile following dietary and parenteral Cd exposure, and the influences of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and Cd pretreatments upon the biliary excretion of subsequently administered Cd. The bile flow rates ranged between 1.96 and 2.89 mg/g rat-hr (22 +/- 3 ppb Cd) for normal rats and between 2.68 and 4.09 mg/g rat-hr (58 +/- 6 ppb Cd) for rats fed 100 ppm Cd. Less than 0.1% of the Cd administered subcutaneously at rates ranging from 0.25 to 40 mg/kg rat could be accounted for in bile collected during the 5-hr period following the parenteral Cd injections. Subcutaneous administration of 8 mg Zn/kg rat or 0.5 mg Cd/kg rat on days 1 and 6, respectively, before the postcannulation administration of 1 mg Cd/kg rat caused a significant reduction in the biliary excretion of Cd during the bile collection period. Administering 2 mg Se/kg rat 3 days prior to the postcannulation administration of 1 mg Cd/kg rat caused a significant increase in the biliary excretion of Cd during the bile collection period. The biochemical bases for these observations are believed associated with the type of metal-binding protein induced by the respective pretreatments.", "contents": "Biliary excretion of cadmium by rats: effects of zinc, cadmium, and selenium pretreatments. The significance of bile as an excretory route for cadmium (Cd) was studied in anesthetized, bile-duct-cannulated Sprague-Dawley rats during a 6-hr collection period. Observations were made on bile flow rates, the concentrations of Cd in bile following dietary and parenteral Cd exposure, and the influences of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and Cd pretreatments upon the biliary excretion of subsequently administered Cd. The bile flow rates ranged between 1.96 and 2.89 mg/g rat-hr (22 +/- 3 ppb Cd) for normal rats and between 2.68 and 4.09 mg/g rat-hr (58 +/- 6 ppb Cd) for rats fed 100 ppm Cd. Less than 0.1% of the Cd administered subcutaneously at rates ranging from 0.25 to 40 mg/kg rat could be accounted for in bile collected during the 5-hr period following the parenteral Cd injections. Subcutaneous administration of 8 mg Zn/kg rat or 0.5 mg Cd/kg rat on days 1 and 6, respectively, before the postcannulation administration of 1 mg Cd/kg rat caused a significant reduction in the biliary excretion of Cd during the bile collection period. Administering 2 mg Se/kg rat 3 days prior to the postcannulation administration of 1 mg Cd/kg rat caused a significant increase in the biliary excretion of Cd during the bile collection period. The biochemical bases for these observations are believed associated with the type of metal-binding protein induced by the respective pretreatments.", "PMID": 994245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5659", "title": "Effects of piperonyl butoxide on dimethylnitrosamine metabolism and toxicity in Swiss mice.", "content": "The effects of piperonyl butoxide (PB) on the metabolism and toxicity of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in Swiss mice were determined. PB, at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg, inhibited DMN demethylase 45 min after treatment by 18 and 37%. These inhibitory effects were marked 0.5 hr after PB (640 mg/kg) treatment and reached maximal effects at 2 hr when there was 55% inhibition of enzyme activity. The inhibition by PB continued for 24 hr where enzyme activity was suppressed by 35%. At 48 hr after treatment there was stimulation of enzyme activity. Enzyme kinetic determinations showed no change in Km but Vmax decreased from 129 to 49 mumol CH2O/min-g liver. PB (640 mg/kg) inhibited DMN (500 mg/kg; im) mutagenicity in the host-mediated assay, decreasing the mutant frequency by 42%. Paradoxically, PB (640 mg/kg) had no effect on the alkylation of nucleic acids or proteins in mouse liver, kidney, lung, or spleen. In addition, pretreatment with PB (640 mg/kg) had no effect on the LD50 of DMN.", "contents": "Effects of piperonyl butoxide on dimethylnitrosamine metabolism and toxicity in Swiss mice. The effects of piperonyl butoxide (PB) on the metabolism and toxicity of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in Swiss mice were determined. PB, at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg, inhibited DMN demethylase 45 min after treatment by 18 and 37%. These inhibitory effects were marked 0.5 hr after PB (640 mg/kg) treatment and reached maximal effects at 2 hr when there was 55% inhibition of enzyme activity. The inhibition by PB continued for 24 hr where enzyme activity was suppressed by 35%. At 48 hr after treatment there was stimulation of enzyme activity. Enzyme kinetic determinations showed no change in Km but Vmax decreased from 129 to 49 mumol CH2O/min-g liver. PB (640 mg/kg) inhibited DMN (500 mg/kg; im) mutagenicity in the host-mediated assay, decreasing the mutant frequency by 42%. Paradoxically, PB (640 mg/kg) had no effect on the alkylation of nucleic acids or proteins in mouse liver, kidney, lung, or spleen. In addition, pretreatment with PB (640 mg/kg) had no effect on the LD50 of DMN.", "PMID": 994247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5660", "title": "Cellular and subcellular distribution of the S-100 protein in rabbit and rat central nervous system.", "content": "The cellular and subcellular distribution of the S-100 protein in rabbit and rat central nervous system was studied both quantitatively and qualitatively. Microcomplement fixation estimations on bulk-prepared neuronal and glial cells showed at least five to six times higher amounts of water-soluble S-100 in glial cell-enriched fractions as compared to fractions enriched in neuronal perikarya. Nerve cell fractions contained a higher percent of tissue-bound S-100 protein. High levels of S-100 protein were found in mitochondria and soluble protein fractions. Immunoelectron microscope investigations demonstrated S-100 protein in neuronal structures, such as the postsynaptic membrane and part of the plasma membrane. Among glial cells the astrocytic filaments contained high levels of S-100 protein. S-100 was also found in most subcellular membranes of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.", "contents": "Cellular and subcellular distribution of the S-100 protein in rabbit and rat central nervous system. The cellular and subcellular distribution of the S-100 protein in rabbit and rat central nervous system was studied both quantitatively and qualitatively. Microcomplement fixation estimations on bulk-prepared neuronal and glial cells showed at least five to six times higher amounts of water-soluble S-100 in glial cell-enriched fractions as compared to fractions enriched in neuronal perikarya. Nerve cell fractions contained a higher percent of tissue-bound S-100 protein. High levels of S-100 protein were found in mitochondria and soluble protein fractions. Immunoelectron microscope investigations demonstrated S-100 protein in neuronal structures, such as the postsynaptic membrane and part of the plasma membrane. Among glial cells the astrocytic filaments contained high levels of S-100 protein. S-100 was also found in most subcellular membranes of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.", "PMID": 994248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5661", "title": "Biosynthesis of DNA and RNA in neuronal and glial cells from various regions of developing rat brain.", "content": "Slices of cerebral hemispheres, brain stem, and cerebellum from rats 5-30 days old were used for in vitro incorporation of [methyl-3H]thymidine and [6-14C]orotic acid into DNA and RNA, respectively. The rates of DNA and RNA synthesis decreased markedly during development, with the most marked decrease observed for DNA. The different brain regions showed specific patterns of decline of DNA and RNA synthesis. Following incubation of slices, the tissues were fractionated to obtain fractions enriched in neuronal cells and in glial cells. In cerebellum, the granule neurons were separated from the Purkinje neurons. The glial:neuronal ratio of DNA specific activity was different in the three regions examined: in cortex it decreased from 6 at 10 days to 3 at 20-30 days; in brain stem it was 3 throughout 10-30 days; in the cerebellum (glia:granule neuron ratio) it was also 3 at 30 days but only 0.3 at 10 days. Concerning the RNA incorporation, small differences were found between neuronal and glial cells.", "contents": "Biosynthesis of DNA and RNA in neuronal and glial cells from various regions of developing rat brain. Slices of cerebral hemispheres, brain stem, and cerebellum from rats 5-30 days old were used for in vitro incorporation of [methyl-3H]thymidine and [6-14C]orotic acid into DNA and RNA, respectively. The rates of DNA and RNA synthesis decreased markedly during development, with the most marked decrease observed for DNA. The different brain regions showed specific patterns of decline of DNA and RNA synthesis. Following incubation of slices, the tissues were fractionated to obtain fractions enriched in neuronal cells and in glial cells. In cerebellum, the granule neurons were separated from the Purkinje neurons. The glial:neuronal ratio of DNA specific activity was different in the three regions examined: in cortex it decreased from 6 at 10 days to 3 at 20-30 days; in brain stem it was 3 throughout 10-30 days; in the cerebellum (glia:granule neuron ratio) it was also 3 at 30 days but only 0.3 at 10 days. Concerning the RNA incorporation, small differences were found between neuronal and glial cells.", "PMID": 994249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5662", "title": "Mesencephalic lesions resulting in normophagia, reduced weight and altered metabolism.", "content": "The effects of bilateral lesions of the ventral noradrenergic bundle (VNA) were studied in male rats. In contrast to data reported by others, hyperphagia and obesity were not observed following VNA lesions. Indeed, except for a depression during the first three postoperative days, food intake (FI) of the VNA lesioned animals (VNAL) was normal. Interestingly, the body weight (BW) of the VNAL was significantly reduced compared to the controls, and a pair feeding study indicated that this depression of BW was not due to their FI. Computation of FI per metabolic size showed that the VNAL actually had a significantly increased FI compared to the controls. After a two day fast the VNAL lost more metabolic size than controls and upon refeeding they defended their pre-fast BW. The VNAL rats showed normal body composition and circulating glucose, insulin and prolactin. They had reduced free fatty acids, triglycerides, growth hormone and body length. The data suggest that the mesencephalon influences BW set point, some metabolites and possibly overall metabolism.", "contents": "Mesencephalic lesions resulting in normophagia, reduced weight and altered metabolism. The effects of bilateral lesions of the ventral noradrenergic bundle (VNA) were studied in male rats. In contrast to data reported by others, hyperphagia and obesity were not observed following VNA lesions. Indeed, except for a depression during the first three postoperative days, food intake (FI) of the VNA lesioned animals (VNAL) was normal. Interestingly, the body weight (BW) of the VNAL was significantly reduced compared to the controls, and a pair feeding study indicated that this depression of BW was not due to their FI. Computation of FI per metabolic size showed that the VNAL actually had a significantly increased FI compared to the controls. After a two day fast the VNAL lost more metabolic size than controls and upon refeeding they defended their pre-fast BW. The VNAL rats showed normal body composition and circulating glucose, insulin and prolactin. They had reduced free fatty acids, triglycerides, growth hormone and body length. The data suggest that the mesencephalon influences BW set point, some metabolites and possibly overall metabolism.", "PMID": 994250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5663", "title": "Molecular information structures in the brain.", "content": "This paper presents a theory of memory and memory mediated learning based on the manipulation of macromolecular conformations. The main features of the theory are: 1) the brain contains primary and reference neurons; 2) inputs from the external environment produce particular patterns of primary firing; 3) the firing of a primary neuron sensitizes certain of its dendrites; 4) the sensitized primaries are loaded by the reference neuron active at the time and in such a way that they fire when called by this reference neuron, thus reconstructing the original pattern of primary activity. The reference neurons may also be loaded by primaries, thus making it possible for the reconstruction process to be initiated by some feature of the initial input. Each reference neuron loads and calls at most one primary pattern of activity, thereby preventing superposition of memories. If the primaries are loadable by sequences of impulses, this makes it possible to increase the connectivity among the various types of neurons by using party-line organization. The loading and calling processes themselves are mediated by call molecules. These are allosteric enzymes, located in the dendrites of primary and reference neurons, whose states are set either by an impulse or sequence of impulses and which catalyze events leading to impulse formation whenever this input recurs. The call molecules are capable of duplicating their setting (or conformation) using either intra- or interneuronal potentials, thereby ensuring stability of the memory trace. The theory allows for general powers of memory manipulation (by rememorization), for the construction of time ordered, content ordered, and associative data structures, and for computation with global representations of the environment. It makes a large number of testable predictions, provides a natural interpretation for the structure of the cerebral cortex, and accounts for: resistance to cooling, differential effects of chemical agents on short and long term memory, distributed character of memory, accessibility of memories by stimulation of specific brain loci, and also the details of classical conditioning and instrumental learning.", "contents": "Molecular information structures in the brain. This paper presents a theory of memory and memory mediated learning based on the manipulation of macromolecular conformations. The main features of the theory are: 1) the brain contains primary and reference neurons; 2) inputs from the external environment produce particular patterns of primary firing; 3) the firing of a primary neuron sensitizes certain of its dendrites; 4) the sensitized primaries are loaded by the reference neuron active at the time and in such a way that they fire when called by this reference neuron, thus reconstructing the original pattern of primary activity. The reference neurons may also be loaded by primaries, thus making it possible for the reconstruction process to be initiated by some feature of the initial input. Each reference neuron loads and calls at most one primary pattern of activity, thereby preventing superposition of memories. If the primaries are loadable by sequences of impulses, this makes it possible to increase the connectivity among the various types of neurons by using party-line organization. The loading and calling processes themselves are mediated by call molecules. These are allosteric enzymes, located in the dendrites of primary and reference neurons, whose states are set either by an impulse or sequence of impulses and which catalyze events leading to impulse formation whenever this input recurs. The call molecules are capable of duplicating their setting (or conformation) using either intra- or interneuronal potentials, thereby ensuring stability of the memory trace. The theory allows for general powers of memory manipulation (by rememorization), for the construction of time ordered, content ordered, and associative data structures, and for computation with global representations of the environment. It makes a large number of testable predictions, provides a natural interpretation for the structure of the cerebral cortex, and accounts for: resistance to cooling, differential effects of chemical agents on short and long term memory, distributed character of memory, accessibility of memories by stimulation of specific brain loci, and also the details of classical conditioning and instrumental learning.", "PMID": 994251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5664", "title": "Checklist for a children's trauma room.", "content": "Optimal management of a severely injured child depends upon instant availability of a wide variety of emergency equipment and supplies. Some of these items are not commonly found in trauma rooms designed for adults, and others are required in a range of sizes unique to child care. After a major resuscitative effort the trauma room is a shambles from which it must be restored rapidly to receive the next trauma victim. A checklist has proven invaluable in preventing disastrous omissions when the trauma room is being restocked. This list was patterned after a similar checklist used in the Emergency Department of the Parkland Hospital in Dallas and was developed for children by the Trauma Committee of the American Pediatric Surgical Association. It has been tested and refined in the Trauma Room of the Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, during a 2-year period in which 100,000 children presented to the emergency department. It should be helpful in any emergency department which receives seriously injured children.", "contents": "Checklist for a children's trauma room. Optimal management of a severely injured child depends upon instant availability of a wide variety of emergency equipment and supplies. Some of these items are not commonly found in trauma rooms designed for adults, and others are required in a range of sizes unique to child care. After a major resuscitative effort the trauma room is a shambles from which it must be restored rapidly to receive the next trauma victim. A checklist has proven invaluable in preventing disastrous omissions when the trauma room is being restocked. This list was patterned after a similar checklist used in the Emergency Department of the Parkland Hospital in Dallas and was developed for children by the Trauma Committee of the American Pediatric Surgical Association. It has been tested and refined in the Trauma Room of the Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, during a 2-year period in which 100,000 children presented to the emergency department. It should be helpful in any emergency department which receives seriously injured children.", "PMID": 994252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5665", "title": "Arterial injuries of the extremities.", "content": "Fifty-eight patients with arterial injuries of the extremities were treated during the past 8 years. Fifty-one had acute injuries and seven had nonacute injuries. Blunt trauma or shotgun wounds caused 74% of the injuries, and 55% were associated with skeletal trauma. All the acute injuries endangered the limb; the average ischemic time was 8.5 hours. Brachial, popliteal, and superficial femoral arterial injuries were seen most frequently. Repair was accomplished with autogenous saphenous vein grafts in 47% and end-to-end anastomosis in 41%. Six patients died, four due to injuries of other organs. The most alarming complication of arterial repair was secondary hemorrhage which occurred in three patients and was caused by local infection. Six patients (13.3% required amputations; the highest number (three) after injuries of the popliteal artery. The injuries leading to amputations had associated prolonged ischemia, severity of injury, and associated venous, soft tissue, and skeletal injury. The nonacute injuries were in the form of false aneurysms, pulsating hematomas, AV fistula, and delayed bleeding. These were easily managed without any significant complication.", "contents": "Arterial injuries of the extremities. Fifty-eight patients with arterial injuries of the extremities were treated during the past 8 years. Fifty-one had acute injuries and seven had nonacute injuries. Blunt trauma or shotgun wounds caused 74% of the injuries, and 55% were associated with skeletal trauma. All the acute injuries endangered the limb; the average ischemic time was 8.5 hours. Brachial, popliteal, and superficial femoral arterial injuries were seen most frequently. Repair was accomplished with autogenous saphenous vein grafts in 47% and end-to-end anastomosis in 41%. Six patients died, four due to injuries of other organs. The most alarming complication of arterial repair was secondary hemorrhage which occurred in three patients and was caused by local infection. Six patients (13.3% required amputations; the highest number (three) after injuries of the popliteal artery. The injuries leading to amputations had associated prolonged ischemia, severity of injury, and associated venous, soft tissue, and skeletal injury. The nonacute injuries were in the form of false aneurysms, pulsating hematomas, AV fistula, and delayed bleeding. These were easily managed without any significant complication.", "PMID": 994253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5666", "title": "Fractures of the mandible in children.", "content": "A review of 219 fractures of the mandible in children treated from 1960 through 1970 has been presented. The etiology, location, and treatment required were considered in relation to patient's age and dentition. The most common form of treatment was closed reduction and intermaxillary fixation.", "contents": "Fractures of the mandible in children. A review of 219 fractures of the mandible in children treated from 1960 through 1970 has been presented. The etiology, location, and treatment required were considered in relation to patient's age and dentition. The most common form of treatment was closed reduction and intermaxillary fixation.", "PMID": 994254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5667", "title": "Aspiration pneumonitis and pulmonary phospholipids.", "content": "Peptic aspiration pneumonitis (Mendelson's syndrome) results when gastric acid is aspirated into the lung, as may occur during anesthesia. In the present study, 0.1 N HCl was insufflated via the endotracheal tube into pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs in an amount sufficient to cause severe pulmonary damage. At death, the thorax was opened, the lungs grossly examined, and either weighed and desiccated for determination of wet/dry lung weight ratios, rinsed with saline for removal of alveolar surface phospholipids, or homogenized for whole lung phospholipid determination. Gross appearance and wet/dry lung weight ratios indicated severe pulmonary edema. The surface tension values of the lung wash were elevated over control values. Lysophophatidyl-choline (LPC) showed a striking increase over control values. Because LPC is a potent hemolytic agent which builds up in the lung following this pulmonary insult, and because increased hemorrhaging gradually develops following experimental acid insufflation, it is concluded that LPC is most probably causally related to the hemorrhagic pneumonia of Mendelson's syndrome.", "contents": "Aspiration pneumonitis and pulmonary phospholipids. Peptic aspiration pneumonitis (Mendelson's syndrome) results when gastric acid is aspirated into the lung, as may occur during anesthesia. In the present study, 0.1 N HCl was insufflated via the endotracheal tube into pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs in an amount sufficient to cause severe pulmonary damage. At death, the thorax was opened, the lungs grossly examined, and either weighed and desiccated for determination of wet/dry lung weight ratios, rinsed with saline for removal of alveolar surface phospholipids, or homogenized for whole lung phospholipid determination. Gross appearance and wet/dry lung weight ratios indicated severe pulmonary edema. The surface tension values of the lung wash were elevated over control values. Lysophophatidyl-choline (LPC) showed a striking increase over control values. Because LPC is a potent hemolytic agent which builds up in the lung following this pulmonary insult, and because increased hemorrhaging gradually develops following experimental acid insufflation, it is concluded that LPC is most probably causally related to the hemorrhagic pneumonia of Mendelson's syndrome.", "PMID": 994255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5668", "title": "Effects of albumin and/or furosemide therapy on pulmonary edema induced by hydrochloric acid aspiration in rabbits.", "content": "Aspiration of hydrochloric acid in rabbits resulted in an increased P(A-a)O2 together with increases in both lung water volume and lung extravascular albumin. This finding suggests lung damage following acid aspiration is related to changes in capillary permeability, with pulmonary edema resulting from the movement of albumin and water into the interstitial space. Therapy with albumin and furosemide together reduced the lung water and albumin accumulation and decreased P(A-a)O2. Treatment with albumin or furosemide alone was ineffective. Caution should be exercised in administering albumin alone for therapy of pulmonary edema when plasma protein is not clearly decreased, or when increased pulmonary capillary permeability is suspected.", "contents": "Effects of albumin and/or furosemide therapy on pulmonary edema induced by hydrochloric acid aspiration in rabbits. Aspiration of hydrochloric acid in rabbits resulted in an increased P(A-a)O2 together with increases in both lung water volume and lung extravascular albumin. This finding suggests lung damage following acid aspiration is related to changes in capillary permeability, with pulmonary edema resulting from the movement of albumin and water into the interstitial space. Therapy with albumin and furosemide together reduced the lung water and albumin accumulation and decreased P(A-a)O2. Treatment with albumin or furosemide alone was ineffective. Caution should be exercised in administering albumin alone for therapy of pulmonary edema when plasma protein is not clearly decreased, or when increased pulmonary capillary permeability is suspected.", "PMID": 994256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5669", "title": "Abdominal stab wounds: evaluation of sinography.", "content": "This paper reviews a 30-month experience with 172 patients suffering abdominal stab wounds treated at the Denver General Hospital, during a period when policy included liberal sinography and all penetrating injuries were explored. Laparotomy was performed in 87%. Of the 65 patients undergoing sinography, 62% indicated peritoneal penetration; of these, 30% had no visceral injury. An additional 10%, with minor intraperitoneal injuries, probably would not have required celiotomy. In 25 cases the stab penetrated the peritoneal cavity after first entering the chest. Peritoneal tap and peritoneal lavage were used in 10 patients. It is concluded that the cost/benefit ratio of sinography is so poor that it is rarely indicated. When doubt exists as to significant intraperitoneal pathology following an abdominal stab wound, close observation without sinography is recommended for determining indication for laparotomy.", "contents": "Abdominal stab wounds: evaluation of sinography. This paper reviews a 30-month experience with 172 patients suffering abdominal stab wounds treated at the Denver General Hospital, during a period when policy included liberal sinography and all penetrating injuries were explored. Laparotomy was performed in 87%. Of the 65 patients undergoing sinography, 62% indicated peritoneal penetration; of these, 30% had no visceral injury. An additional 10%, with minor intraperitoneal injuries, probably would not have required celiotomy. In 25 cases the stab penetrated the peritoneal cavity after first entering the chest. Peritoneal tap and peritoneal lavage were used in 10 patients. It is concluded that the cost/benefit ratio of sinography is so poor that it is rarely indicated. When doubt exists as to significant intraperitoneal pathology following an abdominal stab wound, close observation without sinography is recommended for determining indication for laparotomy.", "PMID": 994257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5670", "title": "Traumatic tattooing.", "content": "Traumatic tattoos may be classified into abrasive and explosive types. The abrasive form leaves the pigment deposit in the more superficial layers of the skin. Explosive forms of traumatic tattooing usually have a central focus of deeply embedded detritus with more superficially placed particles radiating from the central focus. In either form, the best results are achieved by immediate meticulous care of the wound. Many instruments and abrasive devices have been used to remove the embedded pigmented debris, yet the stimplest and most successful is the sterile, hard, natural-bristle toothbrush. This can easily be sterilized, packaged, and kept available in the emergency room and in the operating room.", "contents": "Traumatic tattooing. Traumatic tattoos may be classified into abrasive and explosive types. The abrasive form leaves the pigment deposit in the more superficial layers of the skin. Explosive forms of traumatic tattooing usually have a central focus of deeply embedded detritus with more superficially placed particles radiating from the central focus. In either form, the best results are achieved by immediate meticulous care of the wound. Many instruments and abrasive devices have been used to remove the embedded pigmented debris, yet the stimplest and most successful is the sterile, hard, natural-bristle toothbrush. This can easily be sterilized, packaged, and kept available in the emergency room and in the operating room.", "PMID": 994258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5671", "title": "Gunshot wounds of the extremities in children.", "content": "A ten-year review of gunshot trauma in Manitoba was prompted by an increasing incidence in gunshot trauma in children. Of 54 children treated from 1964 through 1973 60% sustained injury to one or more extremities. Fifteen children sustained long bone fractures, usually complete and often comminuted. All fractures united and there was only one instance of osteomyelitis. The major complication in gunshot wounds to the skeletally immature was limb length inequality secondary to epiphyseal plate injuries. This complication occurred in nine children. In three children there was in epiphyseal growth disturbance, even though the missile did not appear to pass through the plate but only in close proximity to it. Joint contractures secondary to skin loss and resulting subsequent skin contracture were also common. The amount of debridement required following gunshot trauma in children appears to be somewhat less than is recommended for similar injuries sustained by adults in time of war.", "contents": "Gunshot wounds of the extremities in children. A ten-year review of gunshot trauma in Manitoba was prompted by an increasing incidence in gunshot trauma in children. Of 54 children treated from 1964 through 1973 60% sustained injury to one or more extremities. Fifteen children sustained long bone fractures, usually complete and often comminuted. All fractures united and there was only one instance of osteomyelitis. The major complication in gunshot wounds to the skeletally immature was limb length inequality secondary to epiphyseal plate injuries. This complication occurred in nine children. In three children there was in epiphyseal growth disturbance, even though the missile did not appear to pass through the plate but only in close proximity to it. Joint contractures secondary to skin loss and resulting subsequent skin contracture were also common. The amount of debridement required following gunshot trauma in children appears to be somewhat less than is recommended for similar injuries sustained by adults in time of war.", "PMID": 994260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5672", "title": "Bronchial cytologic changes during cardiopulmonary bypass: iron transport by histiocytes in low flow states.", "content": "We previously reported (1) that tracheobronchial secretions of patients in hemorrhagic shock contained significantly more iron laden histiocytes than secretions of matched controls and demonstrated by histiologic studies in rats bled to hemorrhagic shock that these animals' lungs contained significantly more iron laden histiocytes than those of a control group. Two explanations appeared plausible: 1) abnormal hemoglobin breakdown products of systemic hypoperfusion during shock (2, 3, 5) may have accumulated in the pulmonary circulation where they were phagocytozed by pulmonary histiocytes, or 2) circulating iron laden histiocytes may have been arrested in the lung, which is well known to act as a filter during low-flow states (4). The present study reports on assay of bronchial secretions of 12 open-heart surgery patients under cardiopulmonary bypass from specimens obtained 1) immediately after onset of anesthesia; 2) during; and 3) after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass. The percentage of iron laden histiocytes rose from 15.6+/-6.0 after intubation, to 49.6+/-6.8 after 1 hour on bypass with occluded pulmonary arteries (p less than 0.0025), remaining close to the latter value after pulmonary circulation was restored. Hypoperfusion, accumulation of metabolites, or falling pH at the tissue level are probable explanations for these findings.", "contents": "Bronchial cytologic changes during cardiopulmonary bypass: iron transport by histiocytes in low flow states. We previously reported (1) that tracheobronchial secretions of patients in hemorrhagic shock contained significantly more iron laden histiocytes than secretions of matched controls and demonstrated by histiologic studies in rats bled to hemorrhagic shock that these animals' lungs contained significantly more iron laden histiocytes than those of a control group. Two explanations appeared plausible: 1) abnormal hemoglobin breakdown products of systemic hypoperfusion during shock (2, 3, 5) may have accumulated in the pulmonary circulation where they were phagocytozed by pulmonary histiocytes, or 2) circulating iron laden histiocytes may have been arrested in the lung, which is well known to act as a filter during low-flow states (4). The present study reports on assay of bronchial secretions of 12 open-heart surgery patients under cardiopulmonary bypass from specimens obtained 1) immediately after onset of anesthesia; 2) during; and 3) after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass. The percentage of iron laden histiocytes rose from 15.6+/-6.0 after intubation, to 49.6+/-6.8 after 1 hour on bypass with occluded pulmonary arteries (p less than 0.0025), remaining close to the latter value after pulmonary circulation was restored. Hypoperfusion, accumulation of metabolites, or falling pH at the tissue level are probable explanations for these findings.", "PMID": 994261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5673", "title": "Gentamicin dosage in children with extensive burns.", "content": "During the treatment of Gram-negative bacillary infections in severely burned children, it was noted that administration of standard dosages of gentamicin commonly produced inadequately low serum concentrations of the antibiotic. Pharmakokinetic studies demonstrated that mean peak serum gentamicin levels were significantly lower in 18 burned children as compared with peak serum levels in five unburned children. Furthermore, inadequately low peak serum levels (less than 3.0 mug/ml) were observed in 15 of 18 burned children and in only one unburned child. Clearance studies in two children suggested that the increased requirement for gentamicin can result from either loss of the antibiotic across burn wounds or increased urinary excretion. These studies indicate that the therapy of severe infections in children with major burns often requires administration of gentamicin at higher doses and more frequent intervals than usually employed.", "contents": "Gentamicin dosage in children with extensive burns. During the treatment of Gram-negative bacillary infections in severely burned children, it was noted that administration of standard dosages of gentamicin commonly produced inadequately low serum concentrations of the antibiotic. Pharmakokinetic studies demonstrated that mean peak serum gentamicin levels were significantly lower in 18 burned children as compared with peak serum levels in five unburned children. Furthermore, inadequately low peak serum levels (less than 3.0 mug/ml) were observed in 15 of 18 burned children and in only one unburned child. Clearance studies in two children suggested that the increased requirement for gentamicin can result from either loss of the antibiotic across burn wounds or increased urinary excretion. These studies indicate that the therapy of severe infections in children with major burns often requires administration of gentamicin at higher doses and more frequent intervals than usually employed.", "PMID": 994262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5674", "title": "Increased dosage requirements of gentamicin in burn patients.", "content": "In 14 burn patients treated for serious Gram-negative infections, the use of the previously recommended gentamicin dose of 5 mg/kg/day was found to result in subtherapeutic serum concentrations (peak concentration less than 4 mg/L). The gentamicin half-life was found to be unusually short especially in the younger burn patients. Because of this shorter half-life the dosage interval was decreased to 4 hours to prevent extended periods of subtherapeutic serum concentrations. In addition, the daily dose of gentamicin was increased to achieve therapeutic peak concentration. Individualizing each patient's gentamicin regimen was thought to be instrumental in the favorable response of two patients with Pseudomonas ecthyma gangrenosum. The results of this study would strongly support the measurement of serum gentamicin levels in all burn patients with life-threatening infection. The gentamicin dosage regimen should then be individualized for each patient to provide optimal peak concentrations. In addition, patients demonstrating a short drug half-life may require a decreased dosage interval to prevent prolonged periods of sub-therapeutic concentrations.", "contents": "Increased dosage requirements of gentamicin in burn patients. In 14 burn patients treated for serious Gram-negative infections, the use of the previously recommended gentamicin dose of 5 mg/kg/day was found to result in subtherapeutic serum concentrations (peak concentration less than 4 mg/L). The gentamicin half-life was found to be unusually short especially in the younger burn patients. Because of this shorter half-life the dosage interval was decreased to 4 hours to prevent extended periods of subtherapeutic serum concentrations. In addition, the daily dose of gentamicin was increased to achieve therapeutic peak concentration. Individualizing each patient's gentamicin regimen was thought to be instrumental in the favorable response of two patients with Pseudomonas ecthyma gangrenosum. The results of this study would strongly support the measurement of serum gentamicin levels in all burn patients with life-threatening infection. The gentamicin dosage regimen should then be individualized for each patient to provide optimal peak concentrations. In addition, patients demonstrating a short drug half-life may require a decreased dosage interval to prevent prolonged periods of sub-therapeutic concentrations.", "PMID": 994263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5675", "title": "Occult traumatic dislocation of the patella.", "content": "In series of patients with clinically established traumatic patellar dislocation other authors have found surgical and radiological lesions pathognomonic for this condition. In a series of patients admitted with hemarthrosis, and with no knowledge of having had dislocation of their patella, we found the same lesions thus illustrating that a syndrome of occult traumatic patellar dislocation exists. The vertical location of the patients' patellae was found normal measured by the index of Insall and Salvati (9). The intercondylar groove measured by the method of Brattstr\u00f6m (4) was found in almost all cases to be under the upper normal limit. Their knee caps were normal following the descriptions of Knutsson. None had valgus knees beyond normal upper limits and none had general laxity of joints, thus indicating that this syndrome may be found in normal knees.", "contents": "Occult traumatic dislocation of the patella. In series of patients with clinically established traumatic patellar dislocation other authors have found surgical and radiological lesions pathognomonic for this condition. In a series of patients admitted with hemarthrosis, and with no knowledge of having had dislocation of their patella, we found the same lesions thus illustrating that a syndrome of occult traumatic patellar dislocation exists. The vertical location of the patients' patellae was found normal measured by the index of Insall and Salvati (9). The intercondylar groove measured by the method of Brattstr\u00f6m (4) was found in almost all cases to be under the upper normal limit. Their knee caps were normal following the descriptions of Knutsson. None had valgus knees beyond normal upper limits and none had general laxity of joints, thus indicating that this syndrome may be found in normal knees.", "PMID": 994264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5676", "title": "Dynamic fixation of the avulsed clavicle.", "content": "A new operative approach is presented for treatment of the fractured distal end of the clavicle, which is associated with a disruption of the coracoclavicular ligaments. Three cases are presented in which open reduction and the clayicle held in the corrected position by transfer of the coracoid process with its attached muscles onto the clavicle was followed by complete recovery.", "contents": "Dynamic fixation of the avulsed clavicle. A new operative approach is presented for treatment of the fractured distal end of the clavicle, which is associated with a disruption of the coracoclavicular ligaments. Three cases are presented in which open reduction and the clayicle held in the corrected position by transfer of the coracoid process with its attached muscles onto the clavicle was followed by complete recovery.", "PMID": 994265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5677", "title": "Treatment of traumatic myositis ossificans circumscripta; use of aspiration and steroids.", "content": "The classification, clinical presentation, forms of treatment, and theories of pathogenesis of traumatic myositis ossificans circumscripta are reviewed. A group of 7 patients with this lesion was treated with hematoma aspiration and injection of steroids, lysosomal enzymes, and xylocaine, resulting in significant limitation of disability. The determining factor in the development of this disorder seems to be the response of local soft tissues to trauma rather than the magnitude of the trauma itself which we feel accounts for the success of the form of treatment described.", "contents": "Treatment of traumatic myositis ossificans circumscripta; use of aspiration and steroids. The classification, clinical presentation, forms of treatment, and theories of pathogenesis of traumatic myositis ossificans circumscripta are reviewed. A group of 7 patients with this lesion was treated with hematoma aspiration and injection of steroids, lysosomal enzymes, and xylocaine, resulting in significant limitation of disability. The determining factor in the development of this disorder seems to be the response of local soft tissues to trauma rather than the magnitude of the trauma itself which we feel accounts for the success of the form of treatment described.", "PMID": 994266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5678", "title": "Management of acute laryngeal injury: a critical review.", "content": "The approach to management of 30 cases of laryngeal trauma coming to open exploration is outlined. Eighteen patients had blunt trauma and 12 had penetrating wounds. Four cases resulted in airway compromise and all were in the blunt trauma group. Although significant granulation tissue response occurred in only eight of 30 cases, it was present in three of the four concluding with stenosis. It is demonstrated that the use of a stent, with a tissue graft, when mucosal approximation cannot be accomplished, facilitates prevention of endolaryngeal distortion and webbing and maintenance of skeletal framework integrity; its use did not predispose to granulation tissue development. A principal etiologic factor in those patients who had good airway but only a fair voice was arytenoid fixation, this despite anatomic reduction when subluxation occurred. Recurrent nerve injury was identified in only one patient. Foremost in management is suspicion and recognition of laryngeal injury in the multiple trauma patient. Once the urgent problems of hemorrhage, shock, and airway are attended to, attention must be directed to a systematic evaluation of the neck and larynx.", "contents": "Management of acute laryngeal injury: a critical review. The approach to management of 30 cases of laryngeal trauma coming to open exploration is outlined. Eighteen patients had blunt trauma and 12 had penetrating wounds. Four cases resulted in airway compromise and all were in the blunt trauma group. Although significant granulation tissue response occurred in only eight of 30 cases, it was present in three of the four concluding with stenosis. It is demonstrated that the use of a stent, with a tissue graft, when mucosal approximation cannot be accomplished, facilitates prevention of endolaryngeal distortion and webbing and maintenance of skeletal framework integrity; its use did not predispose to granulation tissue development. A principal etiologic factor in those patients who had good airway but only a fair voice was arytenoid fixation, this despite anatomic reduction when subluxation occurred. Recurrent nerve injury was identified in only one patient. Foremost in management is suspicion and recognition of laryngeal injury in the multiple trauma patient. Once the urgent problems of hemorrhage, shock, and airway are attended to, attention must be directed to a systematic evaluation of the neck and larynx.", "PMID": 994267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5679", "title": "Special problems of vascular injuries in children.", "content": "Vascular injuries in children are not rare. The rising incidence of general trauma in children and the frequent use of diagnostic procedures in this age group may contribute to an overall increase in these injuries. A 10-year experience with severe vascular injuries in children at The Johns Hopkins Hospital has been reviewed. The mechanisms of production may be similar to those in adults, but many injuries are unique to the pediatric age group. The sequelae of such injuries in infants and children may include abnormal growth and development of the involved extremity. Complications and special surgical management of our group of 71 children have been discussed and preventive measures have been suggested.", "contents": "Special problems of vascular injuries in children. Vascular injuries in children are not rare. The rising incidence of general trauma in children and the frequent use of diagnostic procedures in this age group may contribute to an overall increase in these injuries. A 10-year experience with severe vascular injuries in children at The Johns Hopkins Hospital has been reviewed. The mechanisms of production may be similar to those in adults, but many injuries are unique to the pediatric age group. The sequelae of such injuries in infants and children may include abnormal growth and development of the involved extremity. Complications and special surgical management of our group of 71 children have been discussed and preventive measures have been suggested.", "PMID": 994268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5680", "title": "Penetrating stab wounds of the chest: experience with 200 consecutive cases.", "content": "The incidence of penetrating wounds of the chest is rising rapidly. Opinions continue to differ on their management. Our experience with 200 consecutive cases of stab wounds of the chest between 1972 and 1975 were reviewed. There were 176 males and 24 females. The average age was 31 years; about two-thirds of the patients were under 30. About 74% presented with hemothorax or hemopneumothorax; 21 presented with pneumothorax. Eleven per cent had associated intra-abdominal injuries. Seventy-nine per cent were successfully treated with tube thoracostomy. About 15% underwent thoracotomy, with three deaths (mortality, 10%); the mortality for cardiac wounds was 16%; overall mortality was 1.5%. The overall complication rate was 5.5%, most occurring in patients with cardiac wounds and associated intra-abdominal injuries. The average period of hospitalization was 6.5 days. Treatment was individualized. Indications for each course of therapy are discussed.", "contents": "Penetrating stab wounds of the chest: experience with 200 consecutive cases. The incidence of penetrating wounds of the chest is rising rapidly. Opinions continue to differ on their management. Our experience with 200 consecutive cases of stab wounds of the chest between 1972 and 1975 were reviewed. There were 176 males and 24 females. The average age was 31 years; about two-thirds of the patients were under 30. About 74% presented with hemothorax or hemopneumothorax; 21 presented with pneumothorax. Eleven per cent had associated intra-abdominal injuries. Seventy-nine per cent were successfully treated with tube thoracostomy. About 15% underwent thoracotomy, with three deaths (mortality, 10%); the mortality for cardiac wounds was 16%; overall mortality was 1.5%. The overall complication rate was 5.5%, most occurring in patients with cardiac wounds and associated intra-abdominal injuries. The average period of hospitalization was 6.5 days. Treatment was individualized. Indications for each course of therapy are discussed.", "PMID": 994269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5681", "title": "Puncture wound of the eyelid causing brain abscess.", "content": "A case of brain abscess following an apparently trival puncture wound to the eyelid is presented to emphasize the importance of meticulous examination of eye wounds in children to look for penetration into the cranial vault. Any suggestion of such penetrating injury either by history, examination, or X-ray should dictate neurosurgical consultation, and immediate local culture and debridement of the wound. If nonoperative management is elected, a careful watch must be kept for signs of infection, which dictate early exploration, and broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms common to penetrating skull trauma.", "contents": "Puncture wound of the eyelid causing brain abscess. A case of brain abscess following an apparently trival puncture wound to the eyelid is presented to emphasize the importance of meticulous examination of eye wounds in children to look for penetration into the cranial vault. Any suggestion of such penetrating injury either by history, examination, or X-ray should dictate neurosurgical consultation, and immediate local culture and debridement of the wound. If nonoperative management is elected, a careful watch must be kept for signs of infection, which dictate early exploration, and broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms common to penetrating skull trauma.", "PMID": 994271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5682", "title": "Bilateral sacroiliac joint dislocation with intrapelvic intrusion of the intact lumbosacral spine and sacrum.", "content": "Two cases of bilateral sacroiliac joint dislocation with intrapelvic intrusion of the intact lumbosacral spine and sacrum are reported. This condition is a distinct traumatic entity. The essential features of this condition are the disruption of the pelvic ring with bilateral sacroiliac dislocation. The spine as a whole descends into the depths of the pelvis. Disruption of the anterior structures but not always the pubic symphysis is apparently a prerequisite for the development of the condition. Extensive soft-tissue damage is part of the injury. The etiology is a direct crushing violence to a standing or walking patient. It is assumed that this injury is less rare than it seems, and that the main reason for not being mentioned is the rarity of the survival of the patients. As a result of success in the intensive care of the severly injured, more survivals and more reports are anticipated.", "contents": "Bilateral sacroiliac joint dislocation with intrapelvic intrusion of the intact lumbosacral spine and sacrum. Two cases of bilateral sacroiliac joint dislocation with intrapelvic intrusion of the intact lumbosacral spine and sacrum are reported. This condition is a distinct traumatic entity. The essential features of this condition are the disruption of the pelvic ring with bilateral sacroiliac dislocation. The spine as a whole descends into the depths of the pelvis. Disruption of the anterior structures but not always the pubic symphysis is apparently a prerequisite for the development of the condition. Extensive soft-tissue damage is part of the injury. The etiology is a direct crushing violence to a standing or walking patient. It is assumed that this injury is less rare than it seems, and that the main reason for not being mentioned is the rarity of the survival of the patients. As a result of success in the intensive care of the severly injured, more survivals and more reports are anticipated.", "PMID": 994273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5683", "title": "Sensorineural hearing after removal of cholesteatoma from labyrinthine fistulae.", "content": "An investigation was undertaken to determine what factors improve or worsen bone conduction thresholds following treatment of labyrinthine fistula produced by cholesteatoma. It is suggested that closure of the fistula and reconstruction of normal sound transmitting pathways by ossicular reconstruction produce a favorable mechanical situation to produce this response. In addition there remains the possibility that removal of cholesteatoma matrix may prevent a toxic degeneration of the cochlea at the site of the fistula. Therapy advocated is a two stage combined approach tympanoplasty.", "contents": "Sensorineural hearing after removal of cholesteatoma from labyrinthine fistulae. An investigation was undertaken to determine what factors improve or worsen bone conduction thresholds following treatment of labyrinthine fistula produced by cholesteatoma. It is suggested that closure of the fistula and reconstruction of normal sound transmitting pathways by ossicular reconstruction produce a favorable mechanical situation to produce this response. In addition there remains the possibility that removal of cholesteatoma matrix may prevent a toxic degeneration of the cochlea at the site of the fistula. Therapy advocated is a two stage combined approach tympanoplasty.", "PMID": 994275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5684", "title": "[Tympano-ossicular homografts].", "content": "Following a few European and American authors, we have undertaken tympano-ossicular homografts at the Hotel-Dieu de Quebec. The organization of the bank was achieved with many difficulties. We undertook our first surgical homografts in 1974, and 27 cases have since been performed. Our statistics are based on 19 cases. We obtained a perfect tympanic membrane in 17 cases, and 60 per cent of these have shown good improvement in hearing. This percentage is remarkable when one considers that we limited this procedure to cases for which all other techniques were bound to fail.", "contents": "[Tympano-ossicular homografts]. Following a few European and American authors, we have undertaken tympano-ossicular homografts at the Hotel-Dieu de Quebec. The organization of the bank was achieved with many difficulties. We undertook our first surgical homografts in 1974, and 27 cases have since been performed. Our statistics are based on 19 cases. We obtained a perfect tympanic membrane in 17 cases, and 60 per cent of these have shown good improvement in hearing. This percentage is remarkable when one considers that we limited this procedure to cases for which all other techniques were bound to fail.", "PMID": 994276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5685", "title": "Round window fistula.", "content": "Round window fistula as a cause of sudden hearing loss was diagnosed in five people. It was associated with a sudden change in middle ear pressure in three, with heavy lifing in one, and was probably caused by a significant blast exposure in the other. The clinical features of the condition are varied, with hearing loss and tinnitus being the only constant findings in our patients. One case demonstrates, perhaps for the first time, the association of an abnormally mobile portion of the round window membrane with vertigo and nystagmus. Suggestions on identification and management of round window fistula are made.", "contents": "Round window fistula. Round window fistula as a cause of sudden hearing loss was diagnosed in five people. It was associated with a sudden change in middle ear pressure in three, with heavy lifing in one, and was probably caused by a significant blast exposure in the other. The clinical features of the condition are varied, with hearing loss and tinnitus being the only constant findings in our patients. One case demonstrates, perhaps for the first time, the association of an abnormally mobile portion of the round window membrane with vertigo and nystagmus. Suggestions on identification and management of round window fistula are made.", "PMID": 994277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5686", "title": "Replica cytology in cancer of the larynx: an evaluation of a replica method in the diagnosis of laryngeal malignancy.", "content": "A series of 38 cytological samples from the larynx, obtained with a replica method, is presented. The method is described in detail. Conclusive material was obtained in 34 cases. Fourteen per cent false negative evaluations were found. However, when more strict criteria were used for accepting the cytological specimen as suitable for evaluation, no false negative was encountered. It is therefore concluded that this replica method for obtaining cytological samples from the larynx could become a valuable tool as a screening method during indirect laryngoscopy in search of laryngeal malignancy provided very strict criteria are used for accepting the cytological specimen as suitable for evaluation.", "contents": "Replica cytology in cancer of the larynx: an evaluation of a replica method in the diagnosis of laryngeal malignancy. A series of 38 cytological samples from the larynx, obtained with a replica method, is presented. The method is described in detail. Conclusive material was obtained in 34 cases. Fourteen per cent false negative evaluations were found. However, when more strict criteria were used for accepting the cytological specimen as suitable for evaluation, no false negative was encountered. It is therefore concluded that this replica method for obtaining cytological samples from the larynx could become a valuable tool as a screening method during indirect laryngoscopy in search of laryngeal malignancy provided very strict criteria are used for accepting the cytological specimen as suitable for evaluation.", "PMID": 994278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5687", "title": "Liposarcoma of the tongue.", "content": "Liposarcoma is a rare tumor in the head and neck. No previous report of its occurrence in the tongue is found at the time of this writing and this prompts its presentation. Significant in its management is wide surgical excision. Irradiation may be effective in some metastases. Prognosis is best in well differentiated forms.", "contents": "Liposarcoma of the tongue. Liposarcoma is a rare tumor in the head and neck. No previous report of its occurrence in the tongue is found at the time of this writing and this prompts its presentation. Significant in its management is wide surgical excision. Irradiation may be effective in some metastases. Prognosis is best in well differentiated forms.", "PMID": 994279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5688", "title": "[Radiotherapy following surgery of the larynx].", "content": "A method of radiotherapy following total or partial surgery of the larynx is described. Criteria for the selection of patients and a technique of treatment are suggested. The results from 1966 to 1971 are reported.", "contents": "[Radiotherapy following surgery of the larynx]. A method of radiotherapy following total or partial surgery of the larynx is described. Criteria for the selection of patients and a technique of treatment are suggested. The results from 1966 to 1971 are reported.", "PMID": 994280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5689", "title": "The high jugular bulb.", "content": "Three cases of high jugular bulb are presented. On of these occurred as a mass in the external auditory canal simulating an osteoma, and to our knowledge is the first reported case of a high jugular bulb presenting in the external canal. The clinical manifestations are described, and the value of polytomography as an aid to diagnosis is stressed.", "contents": "The high jugular bulb. Three cases of high jugular bulb are presented. On of these occurred as a mass in the external auditory canal simulating an osteoma, and to our knowledge is the first reported case of a high jugular bulb presenting in the external canal. The clinical manifestations are described, and the value of polytomography as an aid to diagnosis is stressed.", "PMID": 994281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5690", "title": "Formation of a Sindbis virus nonstructural protein and its relation of 42S mRNA function.", "content": "Chicken embryo fibroblasts infected with an RNA- temperature-sensitive mutant (ts24) of Sindbis virus accumulated a large-molecular-weight protein (p200) when cells were shifted from the permissive to nonpermissive temperature. Appearance of p200 was accompanied by a decrease in the synthesis of viral structural proteins, but [35S]methionine tryptic peptides from p200 were different from those derived from a 140,000-molecular-weight polypeptide that contains the amino acid sequences of viral structural proteins. Among three other RNA- ts mutants that were tested for p200 formation, only one (ts21) produced this protein. The accumulation of p200 in ts24- and ts21-infected cells could be correlated with a shift in the formation of 42S and 26S viral RNA that led to an increase in the relative amounts of 42S RNA. These data indicate that p200 is translated from the nonstructural genes of the virion 42S RNA and further suggest that this RNA does not function effectively in vivo as an mRNA for the Sindbis virus structural proteins.", "contents": "Formation of a Sindbis virus nonstructural protein and its relation of 42S mRNA function. Chicken embryo fibroblasts infected with an RNA- temperature-sensitive mutant (ts24) of Sindbis virus accumulated a large-molecular-weight protein (p200) when cells were shifted from the permissive to nonpermissive temperature. Appearance of p200 was accompanied by a decrease in the synthesis of viral structural proteins, but [35S]methionine tryptic peptides from p200 were different from those derived from a 140,000-molecular-weight polypeptide that contains the amino acid sequences of viral structural proteins. Among three other RNA- ts mutants that were tested for p200 formation, only one (ts21) produced this protein. The accumulation of p200 in ts24- and ts21-infected cells could be correlated with a shift in the formation of 42S and 26S viral RNA that led to an increase in the relative amounts of 42S RNA. These data indicate that p200 is translated from the nonstructural genes of the virion 42S RNA and further suggest that this RNA does not function effectively in vivo as an mRNA for the Sindbis virus structural proteins.", "PMID": 994299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5691", "title": "Infectious, linear, unintegrated DNA of Moloney murine leukemia virus.", "content": "A closed circular, double-stranded infectious DNA of Moloney leukemia virus has been described previously. The present report characterizes a second type of infectious, unintegrated viral DNA which is linear, largely double stranded, and of mass comparable to that of the closed circular viral DNA. The linear form is of nonpermuted sequence, and SalI endonuclease cleaves at one site 45% from one end.", "contents": "Infectious, linear, unintegrated DNA of Moloney murine leukemia virus. A closed circular, double-stranded infectious DNA of Moloney leukemia virus has been described previously. The present report characterizes a second type of infectious, unintegrated viral DNA which is linear, largely double stranded, and of mass comparable to that of the closed circular viral DNA. The linear form is of nonpermuted sequence, and SalI endonuclease cleaves at one site 45% from one end.", "PMID": 994300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5692", "title": "Analysis of the envelope of Rauscher murine oncornavirus: in vitro labeling of glycopeptides.", "content": "The identity and localization of the oligosaccharides of Rauscher murine type C viral glycoproteins have been examined by techniques of in vitro labeling. Terminal sialic acid was labeled with tritium by borohydride reduction after selective periodate oxidation, and galactose was labeled by borohydride reduction after specific enzymatic oxidation of the nonreducing terminal of the sugar. The results were compared with those of protein surface labeling with pyridoxal phosphate or lactoperoxidase catalyzed radioiodination. Examination of the labeled reaction products by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate showed that in every case the major component labeled was a glycoprotein of about 70,000 daltons. The identity of this glycoprotein as the virion envelope component was confirmed by immunoprecipitation with mono-specific antiserum prepared against purified Rauscher virus glycopeptides of 69,000 and 71,000 daltons. No other protein or glycoprotein on the surface of the virion was detected, and disruption of virions-before labeling did not reveal additional distinctive glycoproteins. There was minor labeling of sugar residues of other components, but these remain to be characterized and are not now identified as other viral proteins. Studies of the structural organization of virion proteins using the cross-linking reagent methyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate showed only linkage of the virion envelope or core proteins to themselves. These results indicate that most, if not all, of the oligosaccharides at the surface of Rauscher virus are entities of the 69,000- and 71,000-dalton glycopeptides and that they contain a terminal sialic acid and galactose and a subterminal galactose.", "contents": "Analysis of the envelope of Rauscher murine oncornavirus: in vitro labeling of glycopeptides. The identity and localization of the oligosaccharides of Rauscher murine type C viral glycoproteins have been examined by techniques of in vitro labeling. Terminal sialic acid was labeled with tritium by borohydride reduction after selective periodate oxidation, and galactose was labeled by borohydride reduction after specific enzymatic oxidation of the nonreducing terminal of the sugar. The results were compared with those of protein surface labeling with pyridoxal phosphate or lactoperoxidase catalyzed radioiodination. Examination of the labeled reaction products by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate showed that in every case the major component labeled was a glycoprotein of about 70,000 daltons. The identity of this glycoprotein as the virion envelope component was confirmed by immunoprecipitation with mono-specific antiserum prepared against purified Rauscher virus glycopeptides of 69,000 and 71,000 daltons. No other protein or glycoprotein on the surface of the virion was detected, and disruption of virions-before labeling did not reveal additional distinctive glycoproteins. There was minor labeling of sugar residues of other components, but these remain to be characterized and are not now identified as other viral proteins. Studies of the structural organization of virion proteins using the cross-linking reagent methyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate showed only linkage of the virion envelope or core proteins to themselves. These results indicate that most, if not all, of the oligosaccharides at the surface of Rauscher virus are entities of the 69,000- and 71,000-dalton glycopeptides and that they contain a terminal sialic acid and galactose and a subterminal galactose.", "PMID": 994301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5693", "title": "Segmented genome and nucleocapsid of La Crosse virus.", "content": "La Crosse (LAC) virions purified by velocity and equilibrium gradient centrifugation contained three single-stranded RNA species. The three segments had sedimentation coefficients of 31S, 25S, and 12S by sodium dodecyl sulfate-sucrose gradient centrifugation. By comparison with other viral and cellular RNA species, the LAC viral RNAs had molecular weights of 2.9 x 10(6), 1.8 x 10(6), and 0.4 x 10(6). Phenol-sodium dodecyl sulfate-extracted LAC virion RNA was not infectious for BHK-21 cell cultures under conditions in which Sindbis viral RNA was infectious. Treatment of LAC virus with the nonionic detergent Triton X-100 and salt released three nucleocapsid structures, each containing one species of virion RNA. The nucleocapsids had sedimenation coefficients of 115S, 90S, and 65S. Negative-contrast electron microscopy of the nucleocapsids indicated that they were convoluted, supercoiled, and apparently circular. They had a mean diameter of 10 to 12 nm and modal lengths of 200, 510, and 700 nm (some were even longer). By chemical and enzymatic analysis of purified viral RNA, one type of 5' nucleotide (pppAp) present in the proportion of one per RNA segment was identified. After periodate oxidation, each virion RNA species was labeled by reduction with [3H]sodium borohydride. Taken together, these results suggest that although the nucleocapsids appear as closed loops, the viral RNA has free 5' and 3' ends and is, therefore, not circular.", "contents": "Segmented genome and nucleocapsid of La Crosse virus. La Crosse (LAC) virions purified by velocity and equilibrium gradient centrifugation contained three single-stranded RNA species. The three segments had sedimentation coefficients of 31S, 25S, and 12S by sodium dodecyl sulfate-sucrose gradient centrifugation. By comparison with other viral and cellular RNA species, the LAC viral RNAs had molecular weights of 2.9 x 10(6), 1.8 x 10(6), and 0.4 x 10(6). Phenol-sodium dodecyl sulfate-extracted LAC virion RNA was not infectious for BHK-21 cell cultures under conditions in which Sindbis viral RNA was infectious. Treatment of LAC virus with the nonionic detergent Triton X-100 and salt released three nucleocapsid structures, each containing one species of virion RNA. The nucleocapsids had sedimenation coefficients of 115S, 90S, and 65S. Negative-contrast electron microscopy of the nucleocapsids indicated that they were convoluted, supercoiled, and apparently circular. They had a mean diameter of 10 to 12 nm and modal lengths of 200, 510, and 700 nm (some were even longer). By chemical and enzymatic analysis of purified viral RNA, one type of 5' nucleotide (pppAp) present in the proportion of one per RNA segment was identified. After periodate oxidation, each virion RNA species was labeled by reduction with [3H]sodium borohydride. Taken together, these results suggest that although the nucleocapsids appear as closed loops, the viral RNA has free 5' and 3' ends and is, therefore, not circular.", "PMID": 994302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5694", "title": "Purification and composition of the proteins from Sindbis virus grown in chick and BHK cells.", "content": "Procedures are described for the purification of the Sindbis virus structural proteins. The amino acid and carbohydrate compositions of the purified proteins are presented for virus grown in BHK-21/13 and chicken embryo cells. Glycoprotein E1 from virus grown in BHK cells is deficient in a mannose-rich glycopeptide found on that glycoprotein when virus is grown in chicken embryo cells. The complex glactose-containing glycopeptides appear similar for virus grown in both hosts. However, when virus is grown in BHK cells, both glycoproteins are enriched in those glycopeptides containing more sialic acid. Since the two viral glycoproteins are difficult to separate cleanly during purification, it is suggested that there may be strong, but noncovalent, interactions between glycoproteins E1 and E2. It is also suggested that there may be an interaction between glycoprotein E2 and a component of the nucleocapsid.", "contents": "Purification and composition of the proteins from Sindbis virus grown in chick and BHK cells. Procedures are described for the purification of the Sindbis virus structural proteins. The amino acid and carbohydrate compositions of the purified proteins are presented for virus grown in BHK-21/13 and chicken embryo cells. Glycoprotein E1 from virus grown in BHK cells is deficient in a mannose-rich glycopeptide found on that glycoprotein when virus is grown in chicken embryo cells. The complex glactose-containing glycopeptides appear similar for virus grown in both hosts. However, when virus is grown in BHK cells, both glycoproteins are enriched in those glycopeptides containing more sialic acid. Since the two viral glycoproteins are difficult to separate cleanly during purification, it is suggested that there may be strong, but noncovalent, interactions between glycoproteins E1 and E2. It is also suggested that there may be an interaction between glycoprotein E2 and a component of the nucleocapsid.", "PMID": 994303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5695", "title": "L cell virus: infectivity for type N and B mouse embryo cells.", "content": "The efficiency of focus formation of four L cell virus populations was significantly higher on type N mouse embryo fibroblast cultures than on type B cells. [5-3H]uridine-incorporating material sedimenting at a density of 1.158/g/cm3 was observed in the supernatant fluids of type N and B cultures infected with the four viral populations.", "contents": "L cell virus: infectivity for type N and B mouse embryo cells. The efficiency of focus formation of four L cell virus populations was significantly higher on type N mouse embryo fibroblast cultures than on type B cells. [5-3H]uridine-incorporating material sedimenting at a density of 1.158/g/cm3 was observed in the supernatant fluids of type N and B cultures infected with the four viral populations.", "PMID": 994304} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5696", "title": "Clinical analysis of angina pectoris and angina-like pain --With special reference to ECG during attack, \"cervical spondylosis\" and selective coronary arteriography.", "content": "In a series of 63 patients, 60 with angina pectoris and 3 with cervical spondylosis and \"thoracic spondylosis\" showing angina like pain detailed assessments were made of the mode of onset of attack, including electrocardiography during attacks, X-ray examination of the thoracic and cervical vertebrae and neurological examinations, along with coronary arteriography in some cases, with the following results: 1. The cases of angina pectoris were classifiable grossly into two groups according to mode of onset of chest pain: Group A: Angina began with pain in the anterior chest (39 cases); Group B: Angina in the anterior chest was preceded by \"pain\" occurred elsewhere in the chest (21 cases). The cases in group B were further classified under two categories, types BI and BII, the former being characterized by a sudden onset of \"pain\" in a somatic area or areas other than the anterior chest where there is usually no dysesthesia, followed by development of retrosternal or precordial pain (6 cases), while the latter type of angina began with paroxysmal exacerbation of preexistent dysesthesia in the nape, shoulder and arms and eventuated in pain in the anterior chest (15 cases). There were two subtypes in the type BII angina viz. types BIIa and BIIb. There was no ECG evidence of ischemic changes at exacerbation of the nucha-omo-brachial dysesthesia in type BIIa while significant ischemic ECG changes were evident in association of aggravation of dysesthesia in the type BIIb patients. 2. Concomitant \"cervical spondylosis\" with radiographic evidence of abnormalities in cervical vertebrae and associated subjective symptoms accounted for 22.9% of group A and for 71.4% of group B. In no case of type BI was there evidence of such complication whilst all the cases of type BII had this complication. 3. The mode of appearance of pain in patients with cervical spondylosis showing angina like pain resembled to that of angina pectoris in type BII but ECG during attack did not reveal any significant ischemic changes. 4. As for interrelation between findings by selective coronary angiography (26 cases of angina pectoris) and complication of \"cervical spondylosis\", the complication of \"cervical spondylosis\" was higher in incidence in the group of cases with low-grade coronary arterial changes (degree of occlusion less than 50%) than in the group with greater arterial changes (degree of occlusion over 50%). The findings described suggest the possibility that the mode of manifestation of anginal attack may be modified by the concomitant presence of \"cervical spondylosis\".", "contents": "Clinical analysis of angina pectoris and angina-like pain --With special reference to ECG during attack, \"cervical spondylosis\" and selective coronary arteriography. In a series of 63 patients, 60 with angina pectoris and 3 with cervical spondylosis and \"thoracic spondylosis\" showing angina like pain detailed assessments were made of the mode of onset of attack, including electrocardiography during attacks, X-ray examination of the thoracic and cervical vertebrae and neurological examinations, along with coronary arteriography in some cases, with the following results: 1. The cases of angina pectoris were classifiable grossly into two groups according to mode of onset of chest pain: Group A: Angina began with pain in the anterior chest (39 cases); Group B: Angina in the anterior chest was preceded by \"pain\" occurred elsewhere in the chest (21 cases). The cases in group B were further classified under two categories, types BI and BII, the former being characterized by a sudden onset of \"pain\" in a somatic area or areas other than the anterior chest where there is usually no dysesthesia, followed by development of retrosternal or precordial pain (6 cases), while the latter type of angina began with paroxysmal exacerbation of preexistent dysesthesia in the nape, shoulder and arms and eventuated in pain in the anterior chest (15 cases). There were two subtypes in the type BII angina viz. types BIIa and BIIb. There was no ECG evidence of ischemic changes at exacerbation of the nucha-omo-brachial dysesthesia in type BIIa while significant ischemic ECG changes were evident in association of aggravation of dysesthesia in the type BIIb patients. 2. Concomitant \"cervical spondylosis\" with radiographic evidence of abnormalities in cervical vertebrae and associated subjective symptoms accounted for 22.9% of group A and for 71.4% of group B. In no case of type BI was there evidence of such complication whilst all the cases of type BII had this complication. 3. The mode of appearance of pain in patients with cervical spondylosis showing angina like pain resembled to that of angina pectoris in type BII but ECG during attack did not reveal any significant ischemic changes. 4. As for interrelation between findings by selective coronary angiography (26 cases of angina pectoris) and complication of \"cervical spondylosis\", the complication of \"cervical spondylosis\" was higher in incidence in the group of cases with low-grade coronary arterial changes (degree of occlusion less than 50%) than in the group with greater arterial changes (degree of occlusion over 50%). The findings described suggest the possibility that the mode of manifestation of anginal attack may be modified by the concomitant presence of \"cervical spondylosis\".", "PMID": 994308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5697", "title": "Thrombus formation around an endocardial pacemaker electrode: a scanning electron microscopic study and its relationship to abnormal threshold elevation.", "content": "The author experienced an abnormal increase in stimulation threshold in one patient to whom a permanent endocardial electrode was implanted according to the temporary-permanent technique, but could safely exchange the electrode at the fifth postoperative day before exit block would have occurred. Around the extracted electrode there was a thrombus which was considered to be the main causative factor of abnormally increased stimulation threshold. The morphology of the surface of the thrombus and surface of the electrode was examined using a scanning electron microscope, and the author found that the membranous thrombus which surrounded the neck of the lead had a very fine network of configuration with multilayers and that, though macroscopically the electrode tip was clean and the metal was brilliant, there were scattered white masses strongly adhered to the surface of it. Thus in a case of rapid increase of stimulation threshold within a few days after implantation, it is advisable to withdraw the catheter and to implant another new one.", "contents": "Thrombus formation around an endocardial pacemaker electrode: a scanning electron microscopic study and its relationship to abnormal threshold elevation. The author experienced an abnormal increase in stimulation threshold in one patient to whom a permanent endocardial electrode was implanted according to the temporary-permanent technique, but could safely exchange the electrode at the fifth postoperative day before exit block would have occurred. Around the extracted electrode there was a thrombus which was considered to be the main causative factor of abnormally increased stimulation threshold. The morphology of the surface of the thrombus and surface of the electrode was examined using a scanning electron microscope, and the author found that the membranous thrombus which surrounded the neck of the lead had a very fine network of configuration with multilayers and that, though macroscopically the electrode tip was clean and the metal was brilliant, there were scattered white masses strongly adhered to the surface of it. Thus in a case of rapid increase of stimulation threshold within a few days after implantation, it is advisable to withdraw the catheter and to implant another new one.", "PMID": 994309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5698", "title": "Mean systemic pressure and mean pulmonary pressure: their effects on the total artificial heart.", "content": "Mean systemic pressure (MSP) and mean pulmonary pressure (MPF), which are mean driving pressures for venous return in the natural heart, were studied in 11 calves in which the natural heart had been replaced with a total artificial heart (TAH). They were measured simply by stopping the artificial heart pumping. Although blood translocation from the arterial to the venous side was not performed, the eventual right and left atrial pressures reached six to eight seconds after stopping the TAH would represent MSP and MPP with reasonable accuracy. The MSP varied from nine to 3k mmHg (20+/-6 mmHg), whereas the MPP varied from nine to 39 mmHg (22+/-7 mmHg). The MSP varied in close relation to the right atrial pressure prior to cessation of the TAH (r=0.9124). Increases in RAP and MSP were mainly attributed to an increase in circulating blood volume. In the performance of the TAH, MSP (or MPP), proper diastolic duration and vacuum application during diastole was of prime importance in determining the end-diastolic ventricular volume.", "contents": "Mean systemic pressure and mean pulmonary pressure: their effects on the total artificial heart. Mean systemic pressure (MSP) and mean pulmonary pressure (MPF), which are mean driving pressures for venous return in the natural heart, were studied in 11 calves in which the natural heart had been replaced with a total artificial heart (TAH). They were measured simply by stopping the artificial heart pumping. Although blood translocation from the arterial to the venous side was not performed, the eventual right and left atrial pressures reached six to eight seconds after stopping the TAH would represent MSP and MPP with reasonable accuracy. The MSP varied from nine to 3k mmHg (20+/-6 mmHg), whereas the MPP varied from nine to 39 mmHg (22+/-7 mmHg). The MSP varied in close relation to the right atrial pressure prior to cessation of the TAH (r=0.9124). Increases in RAP and MSP were mainly attributed to an increase in circulating blood volume. In the performance of the TAH, MSP (or MPP), proper diastolic duration and vacuum application during diastole was of prime importance in determining the end-diastolic ventricular volume.", "PMID": 994312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5699", "title": "The hypotensive effect of fusaric acid: the results of long-term administration of fusaric acid in elderly hypertensive patients.", "content": "The hypotensive effect of fusaric acid calcium salt (Calcium salt of 5-butylpicolinic acid) was examined clinically in 10 elderly hypertensive patients by the long-term administration of this agent and the following results were obtained. 1) The means of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressures of each patient were significantly lower during the first year of the trial period than those during the one year's control period in all patients. 2) The means of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressures of each patient were significantly lower during the second year of the trial period than those during the one year's control period in whom administration of fusaric acid calcium salt was continued throughout two years. A significant reduction of the systolic blood pressure was observed in 3 out of 6 patients and that of the diastolic blood pressure was observed in 5 out of 6 patients. 3) Comparison was made between the means of the systolic and diastolic blood pressures during the one year's control period and those during the six month's placebo period after two year's administration of fusaric acid calcium salt. During the placebo period, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures showed a tendency of returning to the levels during the control period confirming the hypotensive effect of this agent. 4) Laboratory findings after one year's administration of fusaric acid calcium salt showed no adverse effect of this agent.", "contents": "The hypotensive effect of fusaric acid: the results of long-term administration of fusaric acid in elderly hypertensive patients. The hypotensive effect of fusaric acid calcium salt (Calcium salt of 5-butylpicolinic acid) was examined clinically in 10 elderly hypertensive patients by the long-term administration of this agent and the following results were obtained. 1) The means of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressures of each patient were significantly lower during the first year of the trial period than those during the one year's control period in all patients. 2) The means of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressures of each patient were significantly lower during the second year of the trial period than those during the one year's control period in whom administration of fusaric acid calcium salt was continued throughout two years. A significant reduction of the systolic blood pressure was observed in 3 out of 6 patients and that of the diastolic blood pressure was observed in 5 out of 6 patients. 3) Comparison was made between the means of the systolic and diastolic blood pressures during the one year's control period and those during the six month's placebo period after two year's administration of fusaric acid calcium salt. During the placebo period, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures showed a tendency of returning to the levels during the control period confirming the hypotensive effect of this agent. 4) Laboratory findings after one year's administration of fusaric acid calcium salt showed no adverse effect of this agent.", "PMID": 994313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5700", "title": "The long-term hemodynamic effect of fusaric acid in elderly hypertensive patients.", "content": "The hemodynamic effect of fusaric acid calcium salt (calcium salt of 5-butylpicolinic acid), an inhibitor of dopamine beta-hydroxylase, was studied in long-term administration of this agent in 10 elderly hypertensive patients. The hemodynamic items were measured by dye-dilution method before and 3 months, 6 months and one year after administration of fusaric acid calcium salt. The main hemodynamic changes observed were as follows: 1) Heart rate did not show any consistent change. 2) Systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure decreased. The mean values of these pressures after fusaric acid calcium salt administration were significantly lower than the mean values before administration of this agent. 3) Total peripheral vascular resistance index decreased. The mean values of this index at 3 months, 6 months and one year after fusic acid calcium salt administration were significantly lower than the mean value before administration of this agent. 4) Cardiac index showed various changes throughout administration of fusaric acid calcium salt. The changes in this index might be secondary following the changes in total peripheral vascular resistance index, an inverse correlation being existed between them. 5) Stroke volume index showed almost a similar pattern of change as observed in cardiac index. An inhibitory action of fusaric acid calcium salt on the inotropism of the heart could be hardly found. 6) Plasma volume showed no tangible changes after fusaric acid calcium salt administration throughout one year. It might be concluded that fusaric acid calcium salt elicited the hypotensive response primarily through the reduction of total peripheral vascular resistance index.", "contents": "The long-term hemodynamic effect of fusaric acid in elderly hypertensive patients. The hemodynamic effect of fusaric acid calcium salt (calcium salt of 5-butylpicolinic acid), an inhibitor of dopamine beta-hydroxylase, was studied in long-term administration of this agent in 10 elderly hypertensive patients. The hemodynamic items were measured by dye-dilution method before and 3 months, 6 months and one year after administration of fusaric acid calcium salt. The main hemodynamic changes observed were as follows: 1) Heart rate did not show any consistent change. 2) Systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure decreased. The mean values of these pressures after fusaric acid calcium salt administration were significantly lower than the mean values before administration of this agent. 3) Total peripheral vascular resistance index decreased. The mean values of this index at 3 months, 6 months and one year after fusic acid calcium salt administration were significantly lower than the mean value before administration of this agent. 4) Cardiac index showed various changes throughout administration of fusaric acid calcium salt. The changes in this index might be secondary following the changes in total peripheral vascular resistance index, an inverse correlation being existed between them. 5) Stroke volume index showed almost a similar pattern of change as observed in cardiac index. An inhibitory action of fusaric acid calcium salt on the inotropism of the heart could be hardly found. 6) Plasma volume showed no tangible changes after fusaric acid calcium salt administration throughout one year. It might be concluded that fusaric acid calcium salt elicited the hypotensive response primarily through the reduction of total peripheral vascular resistance index.", "PMID": 994314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5701", "title": "Urinary norepinephrine excretion in elderly hypertensive patients during administration of fusaric acid.", "content": "The urinary norepinephrine excretion during fusaric acid calcium salt administration was examined in 5 elderly hypertensive patients by double blind cross-over method. The average daily excretion of the last 5 days during fusaric acid calcium salt or placebo administration of 5 weeks' duration was compared in each patient. In 4 patients except for one, the average daily urinary excretion of norephinephrine during fusaric acid calcium salt administration showed an increase, being highly significant (p less than 0.01) statistically, when compared with that during placebo administration, the latter being essentially unchanged. In the one patient, however, the average daily urinary excretion of norepinephrine was significantly higher during placebo administration than that during fusaric acid calcium salt administration. The relationship between the changes in the average daily urinary excretion of norepinephrine and those in blood pressures seemed to be not consistent. The mechanism which brought about an increased norepinephrine excretion in the urine of the hypertensive patients is not obscure at present.", "contents": "Urinary norepinephrine excretion in elderly hypertensive patients during administration of fusaric acid. The urinary norepinephrine excretion during fusaric acid calcium salt administration was examined in 5 elderly hypertensive patients by double blind cross-over method. The average daily excretion of the last 5 days during fusaric acid calcium salt or placebo administration of 5 weeks' duration was compared in each patient. In 4 patients except for one, the average daily urinary excretion of norephinephrine during fusaric acid calcium salt administration showed an increase, being highly significant (p less than 0.01) statistically, when compared with that during placebo administration, the latter being essentially unchanged. In the one patient, however, the average daily urinary excretion of norepinephrine was significantly higher during placebo administration than that during fusaric acid calcium salt administration. The relationship between the changes in the average daily urinary excretion of norepinephrine and those in blood pressures seemed to be not consistent. The mechanism which brought about an increased norepinephrine excretion in the urine of the hypertensive patients is not obscure at present.", "PMID": 994315} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5702", "title": "A comparative study of the coronary arterial structure in the left ventricular free wall in infarcted and non-infarcted human hearts.", "content": "The structure and anastomoses of the coronary arteries were studied using coronary arteriography with barium sulfate (Micropaque) and gelatin as well as \"cleared preparations\" with tetralin. This was done in a total of 50 human autopsied hearts either with or without infarction and the patients had ranged from one to 84 years of age. Special emphasis was placed on the quantitative studies of the coronary anastomoses in the left ventricular free wall of 32 hearts including ten infarcted hearts. In addition histologic investigations were performed on 168 anastomotic channels selected arbitrarily from both the infarcted and non-infarcted hearts. The following results were obtained. 1. In the non-infarcted hearts, three different types of vessels, Type I, Type II and Type III respectively, were recognized in the left ventricular free wall. The number of anastomotic channels did not correlate with age, sex or weight of the heart. The number of anastomoses was closely related to the degree of coronary arterial narrowing and increased in the cases of severe narrowing. Anastomotic channels tended to be more frequent in the intracoronary and in the subendocardial layer and anastomoses of less than 150m in calibre were more numerous. 2. In the infarcted hearts the three types of vessels were changed as follows: localized increase of tree-like branching in the terminal portion of Type I vessels. Intercommunications between Type II vessels coursing parallel to the endocardial surface and between Type I and Type II vessels were found in the region of the endocardial layer up to the middle layer. Elongation of Type III vessels and an increase in their intercommunications were evident. Anastomoses in intercoronary and in the middle layer were found to have increased significantly. The percentage of anastomotic channels with large calibres, especially over 201 mu was increased, as compared with the non-infarcted hearts. 3. The wall thickness of anastomotic channels tended to be thinner in the infarcted hearts than in the non-infarcted ones. In the region adjacent to the infarction foci, attenuation of walls of the vessels was pronounced as compared with the wall thickness in anastomotic channels of similar size in the non-infarcted heats.", "contents": "A comparative study of the coronary arterial structure in the left ventricular free wall in infarcted and non-infarcted human hearts. The structure and anastomoses of the coronary arteries were studied using coronary arteriography with barium sulfate (Micropaque) and gelatin as well as \"cleared preparations\" with tetralin. This was done in a total of 50 human autopsied hearts either with or without infarction and the patients had ranged from one to 84 years of age. Special emphasis was placed on the quantitative studies of the coronary anastomoses in the left ventricular free wall of 32 hearts including ten infarcted hearts. In addition histologic investigations were performed on 168 anastomotic channels selected arbitrarily from both the infarcted and non-infarcted hearts. The following results were obtained. 1. In the non-infarcted hearts, three different types of vessels, Type I, Type II and Type III respectively, were recognized in the left ventricular free wall. The number of anastomotic channels did not correlate with age, sex or weight of the heart. The number of anastomoses was closely related to the degree of coronary arterial narrowing and increased in the cases of severe narrowing. Anastomotic channels tended to be more frequent in the intracoronary and in the subendocardial layer and anastomoses of less than 150m in calibre were more numerous. 2. In the infarcted hearts the three types of vessels were changed as follows: localized increase of tree-like branching in the terminal portion of Type I vessels. Intercommunications between Type II vessels coursing parallel to the endocardial surface and between Type I and Type II vessels were found in the region of the endocardial layer up to the middle layer. Elongation of Type III vessels and an increase in their intercommunications were evident. Anastomoses in intercoronary and in the middle layer were found to have increased significantly. The percentage of anastomotic channels with large calibres, especially over 201 mu was increased, as compared with the non-infarcted hearts. 3. The wall thickness of anastomotic channels tended to be thinner in the infarcted hearts than in the non-infarcted ones. In the region adjacent to the infarction foci, attenuation of walls of the vessels was pronounced as compared with the wall thickness in anastomotic channels of similar size in the non-infarcted heats.", "PMID": 994318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5703", "title": "Antibiotics produced by Streptomyces ficellus. I. Ficellomycin.", "content": "Ficellomycin is a new basic antibiotic produced by Streptomyces ficellus. Ficellomycin, C13H24N6O3, inhibits the growth of gram-positive bacteria in vitro and is effective in the treatment of experimental Staphylococcus aureus infections in mice.", "contents": "Antibiotics produced by Streptomyces ficellus. I. Ficellomycin. Ficellomycin is a new basic antibiotic produced by Streptomyces ficellus. Ficellomycin, C13H24N6O3, inhibits the growth of gram-positive bacteria in vitro and is effective in the treatment of experimental Staphylococcus aureus infections in mice.", "PMID": 994319} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5704", "title": "Antibiotics produced by Streptomyces ficellus II. Feldamycin and nojirimycin.", "content": "Feldamycin, a new antibacterial agent, and nojirimycin, a previously described antibiotic have been isolated from cultures of Streptomyces ficellus. Feldamycin, C17H25N7O5, is an amphoteric compound which inhibits a variety of bacteria in vitro but is found to be ineffective in the treatment of experimental bacterial infections in mice. Nojirimycin (5-amino-5-deoxy-D-glucose) has been isolated previously from cultures of several species of streptomycetes.", "contents": "Antibiotics produced by Streptomyces ficellus II. Feldamycin and nojirimycin. Feldamycin, a new antibacterial agent, and nojirimycin, a previously described antibiotic have been isolated from cultures of Streptomyces ficellus. Feldamycin, C17H25N7O5, is an amphoteric compound which inhibits a variety of bacteria in vitro but is found to be ineffective in the treatment of experimental bacterial infections in mice. Nojirimycin (5-amino-5-deoxy-D-glucose) has been isolated previously from cultures of several species of streptomycetes.", "PMID": 994320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5705", "title": "A new antibiotic XK-90 I. Taxonomy of the producing organism, fermentation, isolation and physicochemical and biological properties.", "content": "A new antibiotic XK-90 is produced by Streptomyces sp. MK-90 and is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The taxonomy of the organism, fermentation, isolation and physiochemical and biological properties are described.", "contents": "A new antibiotic XK-90 I. Taxonomy of the producing organism, fermentation, isolation and physicochemical and biological properties. A new antibiotic XK-90 is produced by Streptomyces sp. MK-90 and is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The taxonomy of the organism, fermentation, isolation and physiochemical and biological properties are described.", "PMID": 994321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5706", "title": "Studies on marine microorganisms. V. A new antibiotic, aplasmomycin, produced by a streptomycete isolated from shallow sea mud.", "content": "A new antibiotic, aplasmomycin, which inhibits growth of Gram-positive bacteria including myobacteria in vitro, and plasmodia in vivo was obtained from a strain of Streptomyces griseus isolated from shallow sea sediment in Sagami Bay. The antibiotic forms colorless needle-like crystals and has a molecular formula of C41H60O14Na. Based on its physical and chemical properties, aplasmomycin was concluded to be a new antibiotic. The antibiotic was produced in selected media devised to relate to a marine environment.", "contents": "Studies on marine microorganisms. V. A new antibiotic, aplasmomycin, produced by a streptomycete isolated from shallow sea mud. A new antibiotic, aplasmomycin, which inhibits growth of Gram-positive bacteria including myobacteria in vitro, and plasmodia in vivo was obtained from a strain of Streptomyces griseus isolated from shallow sea sediment in Sagami Bay. The antibiotic forms colorless needle-like crystals and has a molecular formula of C41H60O14Na. Based on its physical and chemical properties, aplasmomycin was concluded to be a new antibiotic. The antibiotic was produced in selected media devised to relate to a marine environment.", "PMID": 994322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5707", "title": "Chemical studies on actinoxanthin.", "content": "The antitumor protein actinoxanthin exhibits high inhibitory activity against a number of gram-positive bacteria and some strains of transplantable leucoses and related tumors. Actinoxanthin was shown to consist of a single polypeptide chain crosslinked by two disulfide bonds and to contain 107 amino acid residues. Reduced and alkylated actinoxanthin was digested with chymotrypsin, thermolysin and trypsin. Based on the sequence analysis of fragments so obtained the complete amino acid sequence and the location of disulfide bonds of actinoxanthin has been proposed. The high degree homology of some regions of actinoxanthin and the antitumor protein neocarzinostatin have been revealed.", "contents": "Chemical studies on actinoxanthin. The antitumor protein actinoxanthin exhibits high inhibitory activity against a number of gram-positive bacteria and some strains of transplantable leucoses and related tumors. Actinoxanthin was shown to consist of a single polypeptide chain crosslinked by two disulfide bonds and to contain 107 amino acid residues. Reduced and alkylated actinoxanthin was digested with chymotrypsin, thermolysin and trypsin. Based on the sequence analysis of fragments so obtained the complete amino acid sequence and the location of disulfide bonds of actinoxanthin has been proposed. The high degree homology of some regions of actinoxanthin and the antitumor protein neocarzinostatin have been revealed.", "PMID": 994323} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5708", "title": "Biosynthesis of bikaverin in Fusarium oxysporum. Use of 13C nuclear magnetic resonance with homonuclear 13C decoupling to locate adjacent 13C labels.", "content": "Bikaverin obtained by supplementing cultures of Fusarium oxysporum with singly and doubly 13C labeled acetate was enriched by approximately 0.5 atom percent with the 13C isotope. At this low enrichment 13C NMR spectra of samples labeled from (1-13C)- and (2-13C) acetate did not show, unequivocally, the pattern of isotopic incorporation. Small sample size, poor solubility and difficulties in the assignment of resonances also restricted the amount of information thacetate. The difficulty was overcome by using 13C homonuclear single-frequency decoupling in conjunction with 1H heteronuclear decoupling to locate bonded 13C-13C pairs. The carbon skeleton of bikaverin was shown to be biosynthesized entirely by condensation of acetate units and the pattern of assembly was established.", "contents": "Biosynthesis of bikaverin in Fusarium oxysporum. Use of 13C nuclear magnetic resonance with homonuclear 13C decoupling to locate adjacent 13C labels. Bikaverin obtained by supplementing cultures of Fusarium oxysporum with singly and doubly 13C labeled acetate was enriched by approximately 0.5 atom percent with the 13C isotope. At this low enrichment 13C NMR spectra of samples labeled from (1-13C)- and (2-13C) acetate did not show, unequivocally, the pattern of isotopic incorporation. Small sample size, poor solubility and difficulties in the assignment of resonances also restricted the amount of information thacetate. The difficulty was overcome by using 13C homonuclear single-frequency decoupling in conjunction with 1H heteronuclear decoupling to locate bonded 13C-13C pairs. The carbon skeleton of bikaverin was shown to be biosynthesized entirely by condensation of acetate units and the pattern of assembly was established.", "PMID": 994324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5709", "title": "Ceftezole, a new cephalosporin C derivative I. In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity.", "content": "Ceftezole, a new cephalosporin antibiotic similar to cefazolin, has the following chemical structure: (6R,7R)-8-oxo-7[2-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)acetamido]-3-[(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-ylthio)methyl]-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-carboxylic acid. Ceftezole was found to be a broad-spectrum antibiotic, active in vitro against many species of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria except Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens and Proteus vulgaris. The activity of ceftezole against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. appeared to be nearly equal to that of cefazolin and higher than those of cephaloridine and cephalothin. Cross-resistance was observed between ampicillin and cephaloridine, but not between ampicillin and ceftezole, in susceptibility tests on clinical isolates of P. mirabilis. The in vitro activity was little affected by the inoculum size, the presence of human serum or the test medium. Ceftezole exhibited apparent bactericidal activity at the concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against both S. aureus and E. coli. The development in vitro of resistance by S. aureus 209p and E. coli NIHJ to ceftezole after 16 transfers was similar to or somewhat slower than that to other drugs tested. Ceftezole was relatively stable in nutrient broth and minimally degraded in the serum or tissue homogenates of rats. Ceftezole, in a single subcutaneous administration, exhibited somewhat less efficacy in mice against intraperitoneal infections with Streptococcus pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, E. coli, K. pneumoniae or P. mirabilis than either cephaloridine or cefazolin. However, ceftezole exhibited efficacy similar to that of cephaloridine or cefazolin when administered in three doses. Furthermore, ceftezole was as effective as cefazolin in the treatment of experimental abscesses in mice caused by subcutaneous inoculation with S. aureus.", "contents": "Ceftezole, a new cephalosporin C derivative I. In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity. Ceftezole, a new cephalosporin antibiotic similar to cefazolin, has the following chemical structure: (6R,7R)-8-oxo-7[2-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)acetamido]-3-[(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-ylthio)methyl]-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-carboxylic acid. Ceftezole was found to be a broad-spectrum antibiotic, active in vitro against many species of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria except Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens and Proteus vulgaris. The activity of ceftezole against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. appeared to be nearly equal to that of cefazolin and higher than those of cephaloridine and cephalothin. Cross-resistance was observed between ampicillin and cephaloridine, but not between ampicillin and ceftezole, in susceptibility tests on clinical isolates of P. mirabilis. The in vitro activity was little affected by the inoculum size, the presence of human serum or the test medium. Ceftezole exhibited apparent bactericidal activity at the concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against both S. aureus and E. coli. The development in vitro of resistance by S. aureus 209p and E. coli NIHJ to ceftezole after 16 transfers was similar to or somewhat slower than that to other drugs tested. Ceftezole was relatively stable in nutrient broth and minimally degraded in the serum or tissue homogenates of rats. Ceftezole, in a single subcutaneous administration, exhibited somewhat less efficacy in mice against intraperitoneal infections with Streptococcus pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, E. coli, K. pneumoniae or P. mirabilis than either cephaloridine or cefazolin. However, ceftezole exhibited efficacy similar to that of cephaloridine or cefazolin when administered in three doses. Furthermore, ceftezole was as effective as cefazolin in the treatment of experimental abscesses in mice caused by subcutaneous inoculation with S. aureus.", "PMID": 994325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5710", "title": "Ceftezole, a new cephalosporin C derivative II. Distribution and excretion in parenteral administration.", "content": "The distribution of ceftezole in blood and tissues and its excretion after intramuscular or intravenous administration of single doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg were compared with those of cefazolin, cephaloridine and cephalothin. Blood levels of ceftezole in rats and rabbits were lower than those of cefazolin, and higher than those of cephaloridine and cephalothin. Retention time of ceftezole in the blood was somewhat shorter than that of cefazolin. However, blood levels of ceftezole in dogs were nearly the same as those of cefazolin and cephaloridine. The rate of urinary excretion of ceftezole in 24-hour urine after administration in rats and rabbits was found to be higher than those of the other antibiotics tested. In dogs, however, the rate of urinary excretion of ceftezole was nearly the same as that of cefazolin and higher than those of cephaloridine and cephalothin. The biliary excretion of ceftezole in rats and dogs was much higher than those of cephaloridine and cephalothin, but lower than that of cefazolin. Tissue distribution of ceftezole in rats was compared with that of the other antibiotics by intramuscular and intravenous administration. The initial level of ceftezole in the kidneys was found to be substantially higher than those of the other antibiotics. The initial level of ceftezole in the liver and lungs was also slightly higher than those of the other drugs when administered intramuscularly. Tissue levels of ceftezole were somewhat lower than those of cefazolin in rabbits after intravenous administration. Ceftezole attained a higher maximum level in rat lymph by intramuscular administration than the other antibiotics tested. The maximum concentration of ceftezole present in the exudate in the rat inflammatory pouch was higher than that of cefazolin. In rabbits with cerebrospinal meningitis induced by infection of Streptococcus pyogenes, the level of ceftezole in the cerebrospinal fluid was several times higher than that in normal rabbits. The serum level and urinary excretion of ceftezole was examined in 6 healthy male volunteers after intramuscular administration of a single dose of 500 mg. Ceftezole attained a mean maximum serum level of 22.9 mug/ml 30 minutes after administration and disappeared from the blood in about 6 hours. It was excreted rapidly in the urine. The concentration in 1-hour urine was the highest (mean level: 2,667 mug/ml) and the total excretion rate was 92.6%. No metabolites with antimicrobial activity were observed in the urine. No changes in the pattern of plasma level and urinary excretion and no accumulation in the tissues were observed after repeated intramuscular administration of 20 mg/kg of ceftezole in rabbits, 26 times, for 14 days.", "contents": "Ceftezole, a new cephalosporin C derivative II. Distribution and excretion in parenteral administration. The distribution of ceftezole in blood and tissues and its excretion after intramuscular or intravenous administration of single doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg were compared with those of cefazolin, cephaloridine and cephalothin. Blood levels of ceftezole in rats and rabbits were lower than those of cefazolin, and higher than those of cephaloridine and cephalothin. Retention time of ceftezole in the blood was somewhat shorter than that of cefazolin. However, blood levels of ceftezole in dogs were nearly the same as those of cefazolin and cephaloridine. The rate of urinary excretion of ceftezole in 24-hour urine after administration in rats and rabbits was found to be higher than those of the other antibiotics tested. In dogs, however, the rate of urinary excretion of ceftezole was nearly the same as that of cefazolin and higher than those of cephaloridine and cephalothin. The biliary excretion of ceftezole in rats and dogs was much higher than those of cephaloridine and cephalothin, but lower than that of cefazolin. Tissue distribution of ceftezole in rats was compared with that of the other antibiotics by intramuscular and intravenous administration. The initial level of ceftezole in the kidneys was found to be substantially higher than those of the other antibiotics. The initial level of ceftezole in the liver and lungs was also slightly higher than those of the other drugs when administered intramuscularly. Tissue levels of ceftezole were somewhat lower than those of cefazolin in rabbits after intravenous administration. Ceftezole attained a higher maximum level in rat lymph by intramuscular administration than the other antibiotics tested. The maximum concentration of ceftezole present in the exudate in the rat inflammatory pouch was higher than that of cefazolin. In rabbits with cerebrospinal meningitis induced by infection of Streptococcus pyogenes, the level of ceftezole in the cerebrospinal fluid was several times higher than that in normal rabbits. The serum level and urinary excretion of ceftezole was examined in 6 healthy male volunteers after intramuscular administration of a single dose of 500 mg. Ceftezole attained a mean maximum serum level of 22.9 mug/ml 30 minutes after administration and disappeared from the blood in about 6 hours. It was excreted rapidly in the urine. The concentration in 1-hour urine was the highest (mean level: 2,667 mug/ml) and the total excretion rate was 92.6%. No metabolites with antimicrobial activity were observed in the urine. No changes in the pattern of plasma level and urinary excretion and no accumulation in the tissues were observed after repeated intramuscular administration of 20 mg/kg of ceftezole in rabbits, 26 times, for 14 days.", "PMID": 994326} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5711", "title": "Antibacterial activity of efrotomycin.", "content": "Efrotomycin is a narrow spectrum antibiotic. Among the genera tested for susceptibility in vitro it is most active against isolates of Moraxella, Pasteurella, Yersinia, Haemophilus, Streptococcus and Corynebacterium. The drug is as active by oral administration as by the subcutaneous route. Blood levels rise rapidly to high concentrations, after oral dosing, and are prolonged. Two peaks occur which may indicate biliary excretion and reabsorption. Urinary excretion is minimal. The high blood concentrations explain, in part, the in vivo activity against pathogens such as Bordetella bronchiseptica which are relatively insensitive in vitro. Oral activity of efrotomycin is an advantage over the related antibiotics. X-5108 and mocimycin.", "contents": "Antibacterial activity of efrotomycin. Efrotomycin is a narrow spectrum antibiotic. Among the genera tested for susceptibility in vitro it is most active against isolates of Moraxella, Pasteurella, Yersinia, Haemophilus, Streptococcus and Corynebacterium. The drug is as active by oral administration as by the subcutaneous route. Blood levels rise rapidly to high concentrations, after oral dosing, and are prolonged. Two peaks occur which may indicate biliary excretion and reabsorption. Urinary excretion is minimal. The high blood concentrations explain, in part, the in vivo activity against pathogens such as Bordetella bronchiseptica which are relatively insensitive in vitro. Oral activity of efrotomycin is an advantage over the related antibiotics. X-5108 and mocimycin.", "PMID": 994327} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5712", "title": "Effect of steroid hormone on rheumatic carditis.", "content": "One hundred and eleven patients with rheumatic carditis of the first attack were treated with steroid hormone. In the cases, in which the steroid hormone therapy started within 2 weeks from the onset of the disease, all except one did not reveal a residual valvular heart disease after 2 years from the treatment. It was suggested that early diagnosis and the earliest start of steroid hormone therapy with large dose on rheumatic carditis is necessary for the prevention against development of rheumatic heart disease. A therapeutic schedule for rheumatic fever is recommended.", "contents": "Effect of steroid hormone on rheumatic carditis. One hundred and eleven patients with rheumatic carditis of the first attack were treated with steroid hormone. In the cases, in which the steroid hormone therapy started within 2 weeks from the onset of the disease, all except one did not reveal a residual valvular heart disease after 2 years from the treatment. It was suggested that early diagnosis and the earliest start of steroid hormone therapy with large dose on rheumatic carditis is necessary for the prevention against development of rheumatic heart disease. A therapeutic schedule for rheumatic fever is recommended.", "PMID": 994334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5713", "title": "Some problems in long-term prevention of streptococcal infection among children with rheumatic heart disease in Taiwan.", "content": "In Taiwan, rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remain widespread and constituting a health problem. The long-term prevention of streptococcal infections among rheumatic children has also failed to prevail, and yet has seldom been emphasized. Therefore, recurrence of RF remained prevalent. For an appraisal of the difficulties in the administration of long-term medication prophylaxis, a prospective study was started in 1967. One hundred and five consecutive cases of RF and RHD were followed up for more than 1 year to 6 years with an average of 4.4 years. One hundred and two cases received monthly injections of benzathine penicillin G for 6 months to 6 years, of whom 10 were switched to daily sulfa drugs; 1 case had oral penicillin daily for 6 years; in 12 cases, sulfa drugs were given for 6 months to 5 years. Fifty-one cases (48.6 %) stayed well in the program; 22 (21.0 %) stayed but were not compliant; 32 (30.4 %) dropped out soon or after staying in for more than 1 year. Major risk factors leading to non-compliance are; 1) apparent recovery from the illness or resumption of the normal activity; 2) cram session at school; 3) lack of easy medical care system; and 4) shortage of active participation by the health workers and general practitioners. The present study confirmed that the long-term prevention of streptococcal infection was effective and contributed to the decline of RF recurrence rate from more than 30 % down to 6%. Our study implicates that this important preventive program can not be achieved just only by the hospital staff, but should be approached jointly by all doctors, health and social workers, school teachers and the parents.", "contents": "Some problems in long-term prevention of streptococcal infection among children with rheumatic heart disease in Taiwan. In Taiwan, rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remain widespread and constituting a health problem. The long-term prevention of streptococcal infections among rheumatic children has also failed to prevail, and yet has seldom been emphasized. Therefore, recurrence of RF remained prevalent. For an appraisal of the difficulties in the administration of long-term medication prophylaxis, a prospective study was started in 1967. One hundred and five consecutive cases of RF and RHD were followed up for more than 1 year to 6 years with an average of 4.4 years. One hundred and two cases received monthly injections of benzathine penicillin G for 6 months to 6 years, of whom 10 were switched to daily sulfa drugs; 1 case had oral penicillin daily for 6 years; in 12 cases, sulfa drugs were given for 6 months to 5 years. Fifty-one cases (48.6 %) stayed well in the program; 22 (21.0 %) stayed but were not compliant; 32 (30.4 %) dropped out soon or after staying in for more than 1 year. Major risk factors leading to non-compliance are; 1) apparent recovery from the illness or resumption of the normal activity; 2) cram session at school; 3) lack of easy medical care system; and 4) shortage of active participation by the health workers and general practitioners. The present study confirmed that the long-term prevention of streptococcal infection was effective and contributed to the decline of RF recurrence rate from more than 30 % down to 6%. Our study implicates that this important preventive program can not be achieved just only by the hospital staff, but should be approached jointly by all doctors, health and social workers, school teachers and the parents.", "PMID": 994335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5714", "title": "Mitral valve replacement in children and adolescents with rheumatic heart disease.", "content": "To our knowledge, no documented hemodynamic studies in larger series of young patients undergoing valve replacement for rheumatic valvular disease have been reported previously. It seems to us that the natural history of rheumatic heart disease in India often follows a rapid and fulminant course which makes an aggressive surgical approach mandatory. An operative mortality of 22 % was seen in this series. Pronounced cardiac disability together with the poor general condition and the low nutritional status contributed in no small measure to this figure. Patients have been followed for periods ranging from 6 months to 6 years following corrective surgery. A remarkable absence of thrombo-embolic phenomena was a striking feature in the follow-up. There has been no evidence of rheumatic reactivation in any of these patients. This communication reinforces the beneficial results of valve replacement even at this young age when severe mitral incompetence exists refractory to medical treatment.", "contents": "Mitral valve replacement in children and adolescents with rheumatic heart disease. To our knowledge, no documented hemodynamic studies in larger series of young patients undergoing valve replacement for rheumatic valvular disease have been reported previously. It seems to us that the natural history of rheumatic heart disease in India often follows a rapid and fulminant course which makes an aggressive surgical approach mandatory. An operative mortality of 22 % was seen in this series. Pronounced cardiac disability together with the poor general condition and the low nutritional status contributed in no small measure to this figure. Patients have been followed for periods ranging from 6 months to 6 years following corrective surgery. A remarkable absence of thrombo-embolic phenomena was a striking feature in the follow-up. There has been no evidence of rheumatic reactivation in any of these patients. This communication reinforces the beneficial results of valve replacement even at this young age when severe mitral incompetence exists refractory to medical treatment.", "PMID": 994336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5715", "title": "Antihyaluronidase level in children with rheumatic fever and other streptococcal infection.", "content": "1) The serum ASO and AH assays were performed and compared in a series of 90 healthy children and 7 pediatric patients with rheumatic fever and other disorders related to hemolytic streptococcus infection. 2) The upper physiological limit of serum AH titer was estimated to be 256X for children. 3) In rheumatic fever, sometimes the serum AH level rises earlier than elevation of serum ASO and remains to be high over a long period even after the serum ASO has returned to normal level. 4) The results suggest importance of the serum AH determination in the serologic diagnosis of rheumatic fever and other conditions of hemolytic streptococcus infection.", "contents": "Antihyaluronidase level in children with rheumatic fever and other streptococcal infection. 1) The serum ASO and AH assays were performed and compared in a series of 90 healthy children and 7 pediatric patients with rheumatic fever and other disorders related to hemolytic streptococcus infection. 2) The upper physiological limit of serum AH titer was estimated to be 256X for children. 3) In rheumatic fever, sometimes the serum AH level rises earlier than elevation of serum ASO and remains to be high over a long period even after the serum ASO has returned to normal level. 4) The results suggest importance of the serum AH determination in the serologic diagnosis of rheumatic fever and other conditions of hemolytic streptococcus infection.", "PMID": 994337} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5716", "title": "Group A streptococcal infections as related to rheumatic fever.", "content": "Beta-hemolytic streptococci were recovered frequently, particularly from the throats of children, and the same type of group A strains was isolated from both throats and tonsils. A significant antibody response to streptolysin O was observed in 44.8 to 43.5 % of the children whom group A streptococci were recovered. It is considered that these children had the definite evidence of acute streptococcal infections, and administration of josamycin, penicillin G, and benzyl penicillin V benzathine decreases the frequency of recovery of beta-hemolytic streptococci and prevents rheumatic fever.", "contents": "Group A streptococcal infections as related to rheumatic fever. Beta-hemolytic streptococci were recovered frequently, particularly from the throats of children, and the same type of group A strains was isolated from both throats and tonsils. A significant antibody response to streptolysin O was observed in 44.8 to 43.5 % of the children whom group A streptococci were recovered. It is considered that these children had the definite evidence of acute streptococcal infections, and administration of josamycin, penicillin G, and benzyl penicillin V benzathine decreases the frequency of recovery of beta-hemolytic streptococci and prevents rheumatic fever.", "PMID": 994338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5717", "title": "Effect of diltiazem, a new anti-Ca agent, on left ventricular function in patients with and without angina pectoris. A study using ultrasonic analogue conversion system.", "content": "The effect of diltiazem hydrochloride on left ventricular function has been examined in patients with and without angina pectoris. Left ventricular volume and function were measured by ultrasonic analogue conversion system. In 12 patients without angina pectoris, a fall in systemic blood pressure, a decrease in heart rate, no change in EDVI, an increase in ESVI, decreases in CI, EF, endocardial mean Vcf, normailized mean systolic ejection rate, SWI, and W/min while no change in systemic vascular resistance were observed following the intravenous injections of 40 mug/Kg of the agent. In 10 patients with angina pectoris, decreases in EDVI and ESVI, no change in CI, a tendency of increases in EF, endocardial mean Vcf, and normalized mean systolic ejection rate were observed following the administrations of the same dose. Changes in systemic blood pressure, heart rate, SWI, W/min, and systemic vascular resistance were the same as those in patients without angina pectoris. The results indicate diltiazem-induced reduction in left ventricular function in patients without angina pectoris whereas improvement in left ventricular function in patients with angina pectoris.", "contents": "Effect of diltiazem, a new anti-Ca agent, on left ventricular function in patients with and without angina pectoris. A study using ultrasonic analogue conversion system. The effect of diltiazem hydrochloride on left ventricular function has been examined in patients with and without angina pectoris. Left ventricular volume and function were measured by ultrasonic analogue conversion system. In 12 patients without angina pectoris, a fall in systemic blood pressure, a decrease in heart rate, no change in EDVI, an increase in ESVI, decreases in CI, EF, endocardial mean Vcf, normailized mean systolic ejection rate, SWI, and W/min while no change in systemic vascular resistance were observed following the intravenous injections of 40 mug/Kg of the agent. In 10 patients with angina pectoris, decreases in EDVI and ESVI, no change in CI, a tendency of increases in EF, endocardial mean Vcf, and normalized mean systolic ejection rate were observed following the administrations of the same dose. Changes in systemic blood pressure, heart rate, SWI, W/min, and systemic vascular resistance were the same as those in patients without angina pectoris. The results indicate diltiazem-induced reduction in left ventricular function in patients without angina pectoris whereas improvement in left ventricular function in patients with angina pectoris.", "PMID": 994339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5718", "title": "Detection of the site and extent of the left ventricular asynergy in myocardial infarction by echocardiography and B-scan imaging.", "content": "The left ventricular wall motions in 53 patients with myocardial infarction and 14 normal subjects were studied by echocardiography and B-scan imaging (ultrosono-cardiokymography, ultrasono-cardiotomography). (1) Abnormal left ventricular wall motions corresponding to the electrocardiographic sites of infarction were seen in the echocardiograms in 80 % of total patients and 100 % of acute cases. Exaggerated wall motion in opposing noninfarcted areas was seen in 50 % of acute cases and 10 % of old cases. Quantitative analysis of asynergy could be made by comparing PWE, SE and those ratios to EDD-ESD of infarcted hearts with those of normal hearts. (2) In acute myocardial infarction, abnormal motions of left ventricular wall are marked in acute phase and diminished in extent gradually in recovery phase. But in some cases, echo-demonstrated segmental dyskinesis did not disappear in recovery phase, possibly due to the presence of irreversible myocardial damage. (3) Echographic thickness of the infarcted wall was less increased then normals or was not increased during systole and decreased when bulged out in some cases, indicating the existence of necrotized muscle. Moreover, multiple echoes sometimes seen between endocardial and epicardial echoes of infarcted myocardium were considered to display the fibrosis of the infarcted myocardium. (4) Abnormal echocardiographic motions of septum and posterior wall were observed in some cases who had no electrocardiographic abnormalities which suggest septal or posterior wall involvement. Echocardiography could detect another affected area of the left ventricle which could not be detected by electrocardiography. (5) Echocardiography in combination with B-scan imaging (UCKG, UCTG) can detect not only the location, but also the size and extent of myocardial infarction. (6) The results of this study indicate that echocardiography and B-scan imaging (UCKG, UCTG) are sensitive methods in detecting the size and location of asynergy and making a precise diagnosis of myocardial infarction. But it is necessary to distinguish abnormal septal and posterior wall motions observed in right ventricular volume overload, complete LBBB or PMD(COCM) from those of myocardial infarction.", "contents": "Detection of the site and extent of the left ventricular asynergy in myocardial infarction by echocardiography and B-scan imaging. The left ventricular wall motions in 53 patients with myocardial infarction and 14 normal subjects were studied by echocardiography and B-scan imaging (ultrosono-cardiokymography, ultrasono-cardiotomography). (1) Abnormal left ventricular wall motions corresponding to the electrocardiographic sites of infarction were seen in the echocardiograms in 80 % of total patients and 100 % of acute cases. Exaggerated wall motion in opposing noninfarcted areas was seen in 50 % of acute cases and 10 % of old cases. Quantitative analysis of asynergy could be made by comparing PWE, SE and those ratios to EDD-ESD of infarcted hearts with those of normal hearts. (2) In acute myocardial infarction, abnormal motions of left ventricular wall are marked in acute phase and diminished in extent gradually in recovery phase. But in some cases, echo-demonstrated segmental dyskinesis did not disappear in recovery phase, possibly due to the presence of irreversible myocardial damage. (3) Echographic thickness of the infarcted wall was less increased then normals or was not increased during systole and decreased when bulged out in some cases, indicating the existence of necrotized muscle. Moreover, multiple echoes sometimes seen between endocardial and epicardial echoes of infarcted myocardium were considered to display the fibrosis of the infarcted myocardium. (4) Abnormal echocardiographic motions of septum and posterior wall were observed in some cases who had no electrocardiographic abnormalities which suggest septal or posterior wall involvement. Echocardiography could detect another affected area of the left ventricle which could not be detected by electrocardiography. (5) Echocardiography in combination with B-scan imaging (UCKG, UCTG) can detect not only the location, but also the size and extent of myocardial infarction. (6) The results of this study indicate that echocardiography and B-scan imaging (UCKG, UCTG) are sensitive methods in detecting the size and location of asynergy and making a precise diagnosis of myocardial infarction. But it is necessary to distinguish abnormal septal and posterior wall motions observed in right ventricular volume overload, complete LBBB or PMD(COCM) from those of myocardial infarction.", "PMID": 994340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5719", "title": "Blood fibrinolytic activity and fibrinoid necrosis of small arteries in the rats treated with renal cortical extract.", "content": "In order to determine the role of fibrinolytic system in the production of fibrinoid necrosis, blood fibrinolytic activities were measured in the rats nephrectomized and administered with the subcellular fractions (lysosomal or microsomal fraction) of the rat kidney cortical extract. Tissue plasminogen activator was present in both fractions and blood fibrinolytic activity was increased in the rats so treated. But fibrinoid necrosis in pancreatic and mesenteric small arteries was observed only in those administered lysosomal fraction. Direct relationship between the increase of blood fibrinolytic activity and the aggravation of the vascular degeneration could not be observed in this experiment.", "contents": "Blood fibrinolytic activity and fibrinoid necrosis of small arteries in the rats treated with renal cortical extract. In order to determine the role of fibrinolytic system in the production of fibrinoid necrosis, blood fibrinolytic activities were measured in the rats nephrectomized and administered with the subcellular fractions (lysosomal or microsomal fraction) of the rat kidney cortical extract. Tissue plasminogen activator was present in both fractions and blood fibrinolytic activity was increased in the rats so treated. But fibrinoid necrosis in pancreatic and mesenteric small arteries was observed only in those administered lysosomal fraction. Direct relationship between the increase of blood fibrinolytic activity and the aggravation of the vascular degeneration could not be observed in this experiment.", "PMID": 994341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5720", "title": "Effects of temperature on norepinephrine-induced sinus acceleration and overdrive suppression in the isolated dog atrium.", "content": "Using an isolated, blood-perfused atrium preparation, the effects of temperature on SA nodal pacemaker activity were investigated in 9 preparations. The PP interval decreased as temperature was raised. Regular sinus rhythm and atrial contraction were maintained above approximately 26 degrees C. Below 26 degrees C, sinus depolarization still showed a regular rate, although atrial contractions had ceased. At about 24 degrees C, atrial rhythm became irregular. Below 20 degrees C, atrial depolarization disappeared. Chronotropic responses to norepinephrine were suppressed at decreased temperatures, not only with respect to maximum PP shortening but also to the threshold dose for inducing sinus acceleration. Overdrive suppression was not influenced significantly by decreasing temperature. These results indicate that a temperature decrease causes suppression of SA nodal pacemaker activity, although the SA node continues to function regularly until about 25 degrees C.", "contents": "Effects of temperature on norepinephrine-induced sinus acceleration and overdrive suppression in the isolated dog atrium. Using an isolated, blood-perfused atrium preparation, the effects of temperature on SA nodal pacemaker activity were investigated in 9 preparations. The PP interval decreased as temperature was raised. Regular sinus rhythm and atrial contraction were maintained above approximately 26 degrees C. Below 26 degrees C, sinus depolarization still showed a regular rate, although atrial contractions had ceased. At about 24 degrees C, atrial rhythm became irregular. Below 20 degrees C, atrial depolarization disappeared. Chronotropic responses to norepinephrine were suppressed at decreased temperatures, not only with respect to maximum PP shortening but also to the threshold dose for inducing sinus acceleration. Overdrive suppression was not influenced significantly by decreasing temperature. These results indicate that a temperature decrease causes suppression of SA nodal pacemaker activity, although the SA node continues to function regularly until about 25 degrees C.", "PMID": 994342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5721", "title": "Principle of adaptation of heart size to volume load. A theoretical approach.", "content": "A hypothesis of a principle of the adaptation of heart size to volume load was generalized from some experimental findings in literature on hearts of a few mammalian species. The hypothesis was that the heart adapts its size and weight so that both myocardial force per unit cross sectional area and extent of shortening per unit length be kept constant. From these 2 conditions, mathematical relationships of heart weight and enddiastolic volume to stroke volume were derived by the aid of a thick wall sphere model of the left ventricle. The calculated result was in good agreement with comparative physiology data in literature on normal hearts from rats to cows. The present hypothesis was therefore suggested to be a basic principle of heart adaptation to the natrual volume load in a wide variety of mammalian species.", "contents": "Principle of adaptation of heart size to volume load. A theoretical approach. A hypothesis of a principle of the adaptation of heart size to volume load was generalized from some experimental findings in literature on hearts of a few mammalian species. The hypothesis was that the heart adapts its size and weight so that both myocardial force per unit cross sectional area and extent of shortening per unit length be kept constant. From these 2 conditions, mathematical relationships of heart weight and enddiastolic volume to stroke volume were derived by the aid of a thick wall sphere model of the left ventricle. The calculated result was in good agreement with comparative physiology data in literature on normal hearts from rats to cows. The present hypothesis was therefore suggested to be a basic principle of heart adaptation to the natrual volume load in a wide variety of mammalian species.", "PMID": 994343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5722", "title": "A case of rhabdomyoma in infancy.", "content": "A case of cardiac rhabdomyoma was presented. She was diagnosed as intraatrial tumor by cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography at 7 months of age. Two months later, she was undergone open heart surgery, which revealed larger rhabdomyoma in the left atrium obstructing the mitral valve.", "contents": "A case of rhabdomyoma in infancy. A case of cardiac rhabdomyoma was presented. She was diagnosed as intraatrial tumor by cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography at 7 months of age. Two months later, she was undergone open heart surgery, which revealed larger rhabdomyoma in the left atrium obstructing the mitral valve.", "PMID": 994344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5723", "title": "Aorticopulmonary fistula. A case of successful repair with review of literature since 1943.", "content": "A case of aorticopulmonary fistula secondary to thoracic aortic aneurysm of syphilitic origin has been presented. Aneurysm involved the first portion of the ascending aorta and ruptured into the main pulmonary artery a few cm above the pulmonic valve. Two weeks after onset, the patient successfully operated upon under profound hypothermia with perfusion. Thirteen cases of this disease since 1943 were reviewed and we discussed briefly profound hypothermia as a useful technic for surgical correction of this condition.", "contents": "Aorticopulmonary fistula. A case of successful repair with review of literature since 1943. A case of aorticopulmonary fistula secondary to thoracic aortic aneurysm of syphilitic origin has been presented. Aneurysm involved the first portion of the ascending aorta and ruptured into the main pulmonary artery a few cm above the pulmonic valve. Two weeks after onset, the patient successfully operated upon under profound hypothermia with perfusion. Thirteen cases of this disease since 1943 were reviewed and we discussed briefly profound hypothermia as a useful technic for surgical correction of this condition.", "PMID": 994345} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5724", "title": "Atrial dissociation.", "content": "Atrial dissociation was recorded in a patient with malignant hypertension and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Digitalis intoxication was considered the cause of atrial dissociation.", "contents": "Atrial dissociation. Atrial dissociation was recorded in a patient with malignant hypertension and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Digitalis intoxication was considered the cause of atrial dissociation.", "PMID": 994346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5725", "title": "Carcinogenesis in tissue culture 26: malignant transformation of rat liver cells in vitro associated with paradoxical electrokinetic changes.", "content": "Periodical examinations of the electrophoretic mobility of rat liver cells of two culture strains, RLC-10(2) and JTC-25.P3, were performed after the treatment with 3.3 X 10(-6) M 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) for 30 min in culture. As early as 47th day after a single treatment with 4NQO, both control and treated cells of RLC-10(2) were found to produce tumors in animals on back-transplantation. At this stage, however, little difference was yet observed in electrokinetic patterns between the treated cells and the original antecedent cells. In contrast, a subline, JTC-25.P3, treated twice with 4NQO under the same conditions demonstrated a malignant electrokinetic pattern resembling that of rat ascites hepatocarcinoma strains, although its tumorigenicity was not verified. These discrepancies between changes of electrokinetic pattern and tumorigenicity were discussed with special references to the antigenic difference between cultured cell strains and each original host rats.", "contents": "Carcinogenesis in tissue culture 26: malignant transformation of rat liver cells in vitro associated with paradoxical electrokinetic changes. Periodical examinations of the electrophoretic mobility of rat liver cells of two culture strains, RLC-10(2) and JTC-25.P3, were performed after the treatment with 3.3 X 10(-6) M 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) for 30 min in culture. As early as 47th day after a single treatment with 4NQO, both control and treated cells of RLC-10(2) were found to produce tumors in animals on back-transplantation. At this stage, however, little difference was yet observed in electrokinetic patterns between the treated cells and the original antecedent cells. In contrast, a subline, JTC-25.P3, treated twice with 4NQO under the same conditions demonstrated a malignant electrokinetic pattern resembling that of rat ascites hepatocarcinoma strains, although its tumorigenicity was not verified. These discrepancies between changes of electrokinetic pattern and tumorigenicity were discussed with special references to the antigenic difference between cultured cell strains and each original host rats.", "PMID": 994347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5726", "title": "Temperate coliphage HK022. Clear plaque mutants and preliminary vegetative map.", "content": "Wild type phage HK022 was mutagenized by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine to induce clear plaque mutants. A total of 225 clear plaque mutants were isolated and 198 of these were assignable to one or the other of two complementation groups of the corresponding cistrons which have been designated as cI and cII, respectively. Approximately 25% of the c mutants were found to be temperature-sensitive (cts); producing turbid plaques at 32 C and clear plaques at 38 C and above. From complementation tests involving cI and cII mutants, bacteria lysogenic for cII prophage were frequently obtained. Double lysogens harboring a CI and a cII prophage were infrequently found and single lysogens harboring only a cI prophage have not been recovered. Bacterial lysogens harboring a prophage carrying a cts mutation in the cI cistron were readily obtainable. However, such lysogens show a lethal phenotype at 40 C and above, although they appear to be fully viable at 32 C. It is shown that by incubation of lysogens harboring a cts mutant of the cI cistron at 42 C, it is possible to isolate cryptic lysogens which are non-immune but harbor at least one of the phage sus+ alleles. Genetic data involving cI, cII, and two complementing sus mutants of essential genes are presented. From these data the following vegetative map is deduced: sus4--cII-cI-sus3.", "contents": "Temperate coliphage HK022. Clear plaque mutants and preliminary vegetative map. Wild type phage HK022 was mutagenized by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine to induce clear plaque mutants. A total of 225 clear plaque mutants were isolated and 198 of these were assignable to one or the other of two complementation groups of the corresponding cistrons which have been designated as cI and cII, respectively. Approximately 25% of the c mutants were found to be temperature-sensitive (cts); producing turbid plaques at 32 C and clear plaques at 38 C and above. From complementation tests involving cI and cII mutants, bacteria lysogenic for cII prophage were frequently obtained. Double lysogens harboring a CI and a cII prophage were infrequently found and single lysogens harboring only a cI prophage have not been recovered. Bacterial lysogens harboring a prophage carrying a cts mutation in the cI cistron were readily obtainable. However, such lysogens show a lethal phenotype at 40 C and above, although they appear to be fully viable at 32 C. It is shown that by incubation of lysogens harboring a cts mutant of the cI cistron at 42 C, it is possible to isolate cryptic lysogens which are non-immune but harbor at least one of the phage sus+ alleles. Genetic data involving cI, cII, and two complementing sus mutants of essential genes are presented. From these data the following vegetative map is deduced: sus4--cII-cI-sus3.", "PMID": 994348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5727", "title": "Multiple mating types of Mycobacterium smegmatis.", "content": "Multiple mating systems were found in the strains of Mycobacterium smegmatis. Nineteen wild type strains were classified into five different groups according to their mating behavior. All crosses between substrains derived from the same wild type strain or between substrains belonging to the same group were infertile, while eight different intergroup crosses were fertile. It was suggested that in most of the fertile crosses, chromosome transfer was unidirectional. Genes controlling matings were resistant to curing by acridine dye, sodium dodecyl sulfate and higher temperature suggesting that they were chromosomal genes. However, the location of these genes could not be demonstrated because none of the chromosomal markers tested was found to be linked to these mating genes.", "contents": "Multiple mating types of Mycobacterium smegmatis. Multiple mating systems were found in the strains of Mycobacterium smegmatis. Nineteen wild type strains were classified into five different groups according to their mating behavior. All crosses between substrains derived from the same wild type strain or between substrains belonging to the same group were infertile, while eight different intergroup crosses were fertile. It was suggested that in most of the fertile crosses, chromosome transfer was unidirectional. Genes controlling matings were resistant to curing by acridine dye, sodium dodecyl sulfate and higher temperature suggesting that they were chromosomal genes. However, the location of these genes could not be demonstrated because none of the chromosomal markers tested was found to be linked to these mating genes.", "PMID": 994349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5728", "title": "Viral DNA synthesis in vitro with the inclusions isolated from adenovirus 12-infected cells.", "content": "A fraction defined as the inclusions was isolated by banding in CsC1 gradients from nuclei of adenovirus 12-infected KB cells. When examined by electron microscopy, the isolated inclusions were relatively homogeneous, finely granular materials of moderate electron density, possibly representing the disintegrated type II or IV inclusions. The conditions of endogenous DNA synthesis in vitro with the inclusions were determined. The product of DNA synthesis in vitro with the inclusions was mainly viral and scarcely cellular, as revealed by DNA-DNA hybridization and methylated albumin kieselgur column chromatography. However, viral DNA synthesized in vitro was smaller (18S, 22S) than viral DNA in virions (31 S, 34 S) in neutral and alkaline sucrose gradients. Effects of various treatment of the inclusions on the DNA-synthesizing activity showed that phospholipase C inhibited the activity efficiently. The in vitro DNA synthesis was stimulated by addition of the cytoplasmic extract from adenovirus 12-infected cells and not that from unifected cells. The analysis of the composition of the inclusions showed that the inclusions contained DNA, protein, phospholipid and a small amount of RNA and carbohydrate.", "contents": "Viral DNA synthesis in vitro with the inclusions isolated from adenovirus 12-infected cells. A fraction defined as the inclusions was isolated by banding in CsC1 gradients from nuclei of adenovirus 12-infected KB cells. When examined by electron microscopy, the isolated inclusions were relatively homogeneous, finely granular materials of moderate electron density, possibly representing the disintegrated type II or IV inclusions. The conditions of endogenous DNA synthesis in vitro with the inclusions were determined. The product of DNA synthesis in vitro with the inclusions was mainly viral and scarcely cellular, as revealed by DNA-DNA hybridization and methylated albumin kieselgur column chromatography. However, viral DNA synthesized in vitro was smaller (18S, 22S) than viral DNA in virions (31 S, 34 S) in neutral and alkaline sucrose gradients. Effects of various treatment of the inclusions on the DNA-synthesizing activity showed that phospholipase C inhibited the activity efficiently. The in vitro DNA synthesis was stimulated by addition of the cytoplasmic extract from adenovirus 12-infected cells and not that from unifected cells. The analysis of the composition of the inclusions showed that the inclusions contained DNA, protein, phospholipid and a small amount of RNA and carbohydrate.", "PMID": 994350} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5729", "title": "Inhibition of intracellular multiplication of adenovirus by interaction between infected and uninfected cells.", "content": "The possibility that virus multiplication may be inhibited by interaction of infected cells with uninfected cells was tested by experiments, using human adenovirus type 12 (Ad12). Permissive human cells (human embryonic kidney-HEK,KB or HeLa) were infected and seeded on uninfected or infected \"nonpermissive\" cell (human embryonic lung=HEL) monolayers, and virus yields or proportions of viral antigen-synthesizing cells were compared with each other. Both the virus yields and the proportions of viral antigen-positive cells were not reduced significantly when seeded on infected HEL cells, while they seeded on uninfected HEL cells both of them were reduced remarkably, compared with the yield and the proportion of controls seeded on glass. Similar results were obtained regardless of the type of permissive cells, HEK, KB, or HeLa. Similar reduction of the yield was observed when seeded on HEL cells infected with Ad12 inactivated by heat or by antiserum, and partial reduction was observed when seeded on HEL cells infected with UV-inactivated Ad12, depending on the extent of UV dosis. These experiments showed that intracellular virus multiplication may be inhibited by interaction of infected cells with uninfected cells, and this may be due to the difference in the cell surface structure.", "contents": "Inhibition of intracellular multiplication of adenovirus by interaction between infected and uninfected cells. The possibility that virus multiplication may be inhibited by interaction of infected cells with uninfected cells was tested by experiments, using human adenovirus type 12 (Ad12). Permissive human cells (human embryonic kidney-HEK,KB or HeLa) were infected and seeded on uninfected or infected \"nonpermissive\" cell (human embryonic lung=HEL) monolayers, and virus yields or proportions of viral antigen-synthesizing cells were compared with each other. Both the virus yields and the proportions of viral antigen-positive cells were not reduced significantly when seeded on infected HEL cells, while they seeded on uninfected HEL cells both of them were reduced remarkably, compared with the yield and the proportion of controls seeded on glass. Similar results were obtained regardless of the type of permissive cells, HEK, KB, or HeLa. Similar reduction of the yield was observed when seeded on HEL cells infected with Ad12 inactivated by heat or by antiserum, and partial reduction was observed when seeded on HEL cells infected with UV-inactivated Ad12, depending on the extent of UV dosis. These experiments showed that intracellular virus multiplication may be inhibited by interaction of infected cells with uninfected cells, and this may be due to the difference in the cell surface structure.", "PMID": 994351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5730", "title": "Anomaly of the aortic arch: a case report.", "content": "A case of the anomaly of the aortic arch was presented. The case showed subclavian steal syndrome due to the hypoplastic left subclavian artery associated with the double aortic arch with the obliterated left aortic arch. The hypoplastic left subclavian artery was replaced with the Dacron tube graft and the obliterated left arch was divided. Subclavian steal disappeared and the patient is in good condition at the present time.", "contents": "Anomaly of the aortic arch: a case report. A case of the anomaly of the aortic arch was presented. The case showed subclavian steal syndrome due to the hypoplastic left subclavian artery associated with the double aortic arch with the obliterated left aortic arch. The hypoplastic left subclavian artery was replaced with the Dacron tube graft and the obliterated left arch was divided. Subclavian steal disappeared and the patient is in good condition at the present time.", "PMID": 994353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5731", "title": "Application of Duhamel's operation for the surgical treatment of rectal cancer.", "content": "Several sphincter-preserving procedures for surgical removal of cancer at the upper or middle part of the rectum often cause disturbances of the ano-rectal and bladder functions. To preserve these functions it is important to minimize the damage to the anal sphincter as well as to the pervic nerves and to preserve the rectal mucous membrane as much as possible. Duhamel's procedure was employed with very satisfactory results.", "contents": "Application of Duhamel's operation for the surgical treatment of rectal cancer. Several sphincter-preserving procedures for surgical removal of cancer at the upper or middle part of the rectum often cause disturbances of the ano-rectal and bladder functions. To preserve these functions it is important to minimize the damage to the anal sphincter as well as to the pervic nerves and to preserve the rectal mucous membrane as much as possible. Duhamel's procedure was employed with very satisfactory results.", "PMID": 994354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5732", "title": "Resectability and regeneration of liver in postsinusoidal block.", "content": "To study resectability and regeneration of cirrhotic liver, hemodynamic changes following partial hepatectomy were observed in dogs with presinusoidal block caused by ligation of the portal vein or with postsinusoidal block caused by ligation of the hepatic veins after portacaval anastomosis, since cirrhosis of the liver in man is mainly of postsinusoidal block occasionally accompanied by presinusoidal block. With a presinusoidal block, resection of 50 per cent liver was tolerated well, but with postsinusoidal block only less than 30 per cent could be resected. Thus the functional reserve of the liver with postsinusoidal block seems to be much less than that of presinusoidal block. After major hepatic resection the weight of the remnant liver with a dual blood supply increased markedly, while with a postsinusoidal block it increased slightly and with a presinusoidal block there was no change. Histometric studies showed that regeneration was prominent in the remnant liver with a dual blood supply, slight with a postsinusoidal block, and even less with a presinusoidal block. Thus, the liver with a postsinusoidal block possesses more extensive regenerative capacity but shows much lower resectability than with a presinusoidal block. Therefore, the resectability of the liver associated with cirrhosis seems to be more closely related to its functional reserve capacity than to its regenerative capacity.", "contents": "Resectability and regeneration of liver in postsinusoidal block. To study resectability and regeneration of cirrhotic liver, hemodynamic changes following partial hepatectomy were observed in dogs with presinusoidal block caused by ligation of the portal vein or with postsinusoidal block caused by ligation of the hepatic veins after portacaval anastomosis, since cirrhosis of the liver in man is mainly of postsinusoidal block occasionally accompanied by presinusoidal block. With a presinusoidal block, resection of 50 per cent liver was tolerated well, but with postsinusoidal block only less than 30 per cent could be resected. Thus the functional reserve of the liver with postsinusoidal block seems to be much less than that of presinusoidal block. After major hepatic resection the weight of the remnant liver with a dual blood supply increased markedly, while with a postsinusoidal block it increased slightly and with a presinusoidal block there was no change. Histometric studies showed that regeneration was prominent in the remnant liver with a dual blood supply, slight with a postsinusoidal block, and even less with a presinusoidal block. Thus, the liver with a postsinusoidal block possesses more extensive regenerative capacity but shows much lower resectability than with a presinusoidal block. Therefore, the resectability of the liver associated with cirrhosis seems to be more closely related to its functional reserve capacity than to its regenerative capacity.", "PMID": 994355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5733", "title": "Effect of diuresis and nephron dimensional heterogeneity on the distribution of nephron filtration rates.", "content": "Conflicting data in studies of the effect of natriuresis on intrarenal single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) redistribution may arise from the interplay of hitherto largely overlooked factors. In the present work, the effect of diuresis induced by saline, glucose or mannitol, as well as the effect of anatomical nephron heterogeneity, were studied. A highly significant positive correlation was found between the logarithm of the urine flow per gram of kidney weight (log V) and the mean superficial (S) to mean juxtamedullary (JM) SNGFR ratio. The rise in S/JM SNGFR with diuresis was primarily a function of decreased JM SNGFR. Total proximal tubular length (TPL) was used as a measure of nephron size. The distribution of nephron sizes was evaluated as S/JM TPL. The effects of urine flow and anatomical heterogeneity on S/JM SNGFR were spearated by means of multiple regression analysis, which yielded the following equation: S/JM SNGFR = -0.049 + 0.179 log V + 0.818 S/JM TPL. Both slopes were highly significant (P less than 0.001). These findings indicate that S/JM SNGFR increases with urine flow, independently of sodium homeostasis, and that anatomical heterogeneity has a marked effect and must, therefore, be controlled. Conflicting data in the literature are harmonized with the present data when appropriate correction can be made for the dimensional factor. There is no evidence that SNGFR redistributions play a role in sodium homeostasis.", "contents": "Effect of diuresis and nephron dimensional heterogeneity on the distribution of nephron filtration rates. Conflicting data in studies of the effect of natriuresis on intrarenal single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) redistribution may arise from the interplay of hitherto largely overlooked factors. In the present work, the effect of diuresis induced by saline, glucose or mannitol, as well as the effect of anatomical nephron heterogeneity, were studied. A highly significant positive correlation was found between the logarithm of the urine flow per gram of kidney weight (log V) and the mean superficial (S) to mean juxtamedullary (JM) SNGFR ratio. The rise in S/JM SNGFR with diuresis was primarily a function of decreased JM SNGFR. Total proximal tubular length (TPL) was used as a measure of nephron size. The distribution of nephron sizes was evaluated as S/JM TPL. The effects of urine flow and anatomical heterogeneity on S/JM SNGFR were spearated by means of multiple regression analysis, which yielded the following equation: S/JM SNGFR = -0.049 + 0.179 log V + 0.818 S/JM TPL. Both slopes were highly significant (P less than 0.001). These findings indicate that S/JM SNGFR increases with urine flow, independently of sodium homeostasis, and that anatomical heterogeneity has a marked effect and must, therefore, be controlled. Conflicting data in the literature are harmonized with the present data when appropriate correction can be made for the dimensional factor. There is no evidence that SNGFR redistributions play a role in sodium homeostasis.", "PMID": 994374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5734", "title": "Bicarbonate reabsorption in the dog with experimental renal disease.", "content": "Renal bicarbonate reabsorption (expressed per unit of glomerular filtration rate, GFR) has been reported to be diminished in uremic man and uremic rats. Both the increases in parathyroid hormone concentrations and in natriuretic forces have been considered to play a role in this change. The increased kaliuresis per nephron observed in chronic uremia could theoretically also contribute to inhibition of bicarbonate reabsorption. Despite the common use of normal dogs in studying bicarbonate reabsorption and of uremic dogs in studying alterations of renal function in disease, few studies of bicarbonate reabsorption in uremic dogs have been performed. In the present studies we have examined bicarbonate reabsorption in normal dogs and in dogs with experimental renal disease using a conventional bicarbonate titration technique. In unanesthetized normal dogs, the threshold for bicarbonaturia was 24.8 mEq/liter of GFR. A maximal reabsorptive rate (Tm/GFR) of 34.0 mEq/liter of GFR was obtained. In a second group of dogs, GFR was decreased to one-fifth normal. FENa was increased 16.9-fold over normal values: UKV/100 GFR and FEP were increased 5.8-fold and 10.9-fold, respectively. The threshold for bicarbonaturia in these dogs was increased to 30.5 mEq/liter of GFR and the maximal reabsorptive rate was increased to 41.2 mEq/liter of GFR. Thus, the capacity to reabsorb bicarbonate was increased despite the presence of high fractional excretion rates for sodium, potassium and phosphate. This increased reabsorptive capacity could not be accounted for by the effects of other known determinants of bicarbonate reabsorption.", "contents": "Bicarbonate reabsorption in the dog with experimental renal disease. Renal bicarbonate reabsorption (expressed per unit of glomerular filtration rate, GFR) has been reported to be diminished in uremic man and uremic rats. Both the increases in parathyroid hormone concentrations and in natriuretic forces have been considered to play a role in this change. The increased kaliuresis per nephron observed in chronic uremia could theoretically also contribute to inhibition of bicarbonate reabsorption. Despite the common use of normal dogs in studying bicarbonate reabsorption and of uremic dogs in studying alterations of renal function in disease, few studies of bicarbonate reabsorption in uremic dogs have been performed. In the present studies we have examined bicarbonate reabsorption in normal dogs and in dogs with experimental renal disease using a conventional bicarbonate titration technique. In unanesthetized normal dogs, the threshold for bicarbonaturia was 24.8 mEq/liter of GFR. A maximal reabsorptive rate (Tm/GFR) of 34.0 mEq/liter of GFR was obtained. In a second group of dogs, GFR was decreased to one-fifth normal. FENa was increased 16.9-fold over normal values: UKV/100 GFR and FEP were increased 5.8-fold and 10.9-fold, respectively. The threshold for bicarbonaturia in these dogs was increased to 30.5 mEq/liter of GFR and the maximal reabsorptive rate was increased to 41.2 mEq/liter of GFR. Thus, the capacity to reabsorb bicarbonate was increased despite the presence of high fractional excretion rates for sodium, potassium and phosphate. This increased reabsorptive capacity could not be accounted for by the effects of other known determinants of bicarbonate reabsorption.", "PMID": 994375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5735", "title": "Dissociation of urate from sodium transport in the rat proximal tubule.=.", "content": "The tubular transport of urate and sodium was examined by clearance, free-flow micropuncture, intratubular microinjection and precession techniques in control rats and in rats receiving a new uricosuric diuretic, indanyloxyacetic acid (MK-196). The i.v. infusion of MK-196 (50 mg/kg of body wt/hr) resulted in significant increases in the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) from 0.98 +/- 0.01 to 11.86 +/- 2.88% (P less than 0.001) and in FEurate from 14.1 +/- 1.03 to 56.0 +/- 2.86% (P less than 0.001). End-proximal tubular fluid to plasma inulin (TF/Pinulin) ratios were 2.43 +/- 0.15 and 2.51 +/- 0.10 in control and drug-treated animals, respectively (P = NS). Total urinary urate recovery after MK-196 administration was higher following microinjections of [2-14C] urate into early proximal tubule sites: 70.5 +/- 2.7% in controls vs. 84.9 +/- 0.9 (P less than 0.001), and after microinjections into late proximal tubule sites: 82.8 +/- 2.9% vs. 91.3 +/- 1.9 (P less than 0.05). Urinary precession of urate from inulin was demonstrable following placement of isotopes of these compounds on the surface of the kidney in controls, but was abolished by MK-196. This agent, therefore, inhibits the reabsorption and secretion of urate in the proximal convoluted tubule, the net effect being a marked increase in urinary urate excretion. By contrast, its inhibitory effect on sodium reabsorption is exerted at a site or sites distal to the accessible portion of the proximal tubule. The demonstration of reduced urate reabsorption and normal sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule suggests that the reabsorption of these constituents of the glomerular filtrate is not intimately linked at this nephron site.", "contents": "Dissociation of urate from sodium transport in the rat proximal tubule.=. The tubular transport of urate and sodium was examined by clearance, free-flow micropuncture, intratubular microinjection and precession techniques in control rats and in rats receiving a new uricosuric diuretic, indanyloxyacetic acid (MK-196). The i.v. infusion of MK-196 (50 mg/kg of body wt/hr) resulted in significant increases in the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) from 0.98 +/- 0.01 to 11.86 +/- 2.88% (P less than 0.001) and in FEurate from 14.1 +/- 1.03 to 56.0 +/- 2.86% (P less than 0.001). End-proximal tubular fluid to plasma inulin (TF/Pinulin) ratios were 2.43 +/- 0.15 and 2.51 +/- 0.10 in control and drug-treated animals, respectively (P = NS). Total urinary urate recovery after MK-196 administration was higher following microinjections of [2-14C] urate into early proximal tubule sites: 70.5 +/- 2.7% in controls vs. 84.9 +/- 0.9 (P less than 0.001), and after microinjections into late proximal tubule sites: 82.8 +/- 2.9% vs. 91.3 +/- 1.9 (P less than 0.05). Urinary precession of urate from inulin was demonstrable following placement of isotopes of these compounds on the surface of the kidney in controls, but was abolished by MK-196. This agent, therefore, inhibits the reabsorption and secretion of urate in the proximal convoluted tubule, the net effect being a marked increase in urinary urate excretion. By contrast, its inhibitory effect on sodium reabsorption is exerted at a site or sites distal to the accessible portion of the proximal tubule. The demonstration of reduced urate reabsorption and normal sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule suggests that the reabsorption of these constituents of the glomerular filtrate is not intimately linked at this nephron site.", "PMID": 994376} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5736", "title": "Pathophysiological response of the blood coagulation system in acute glomerulonephritis.", "content": "A new procedure, plasma fibrinogen chromatography, has been utilized, together with other blood coagulation assays, to quantify fibrin formation in 43 children with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (AGN) from the time of hospitalization until recovery. During the prediuretic phase of AGN, significant evidence for substantial increase in fibrin formation (intravascular coagulation) included gross increase in plasma high molecular weight fibrinogen complexes (HMWFC), the development of either hypo- or hyperfibrinogenemia and gross depression of coagulation factor XIII concentration and of alpha2-macroglobulin concentration. During the diuretic phase of the disease, these abnormalities regressed and evidence of enhanced plasma fibrinolytic activity, documented by an increase in fibrinogen first derivative, was detected. Concomitantly, urinary excretion of fibrin(ogen) degradation products (FDP) underwent substantial increase. With disease recovery, which occurred in all children, urinary FDP excretion ceased and all coagulation findings normalized.", "contents": "Pathophysiological response of the blood coagulation system in acute glomerulonephritis. A new procedure, plasma fibrinogen chromatography, has been utilized, together with other blood coagulation assays, to quantify fibrin formation in 43 children with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (AGN) from the time of hospitalization until recovery. During the prediuretic phase of AGN, significant evidence for substantial increase in fibrin formation (intravascular coagulation) included gross increase in plasma high molecular weight fibrinogen complexes (HMWFC), the development of either hypo- or hyperfibrinogenemia and gross depression of coagulation factor XIII concentration and of alpha2-macroglobulin concentration. During the diuretic phase of the disease, these abnormalities regressed and evidence of enhanced plasma fibrinolytic activity, documented by an increase in fibrinogen first derivative, was detected. Concomitantly, urinary excretion of fibrin(ogen) degradation products (FDP) underwent substantial increase. With disease recovery, which occurred in all children, urinary FDP excretion ceased and all coagulation findings normalized.", "PMID": 994377} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5737", "title": "[Treatment of persistent hypotony (author's transl)].", "content": "One patient with persistent hypotony after cyclodialysis and another one after contusion of the eyeball with recessed angle and traumatic cyclodialysis were successfully treated as follows: Blood plasma of the patient is injected in the anterior chamber and fibrinogen is transformed into fibrin by recalcification. Both patients attained normal intraocular pressure after this treatment and the signes of persistent hypotony disappeared. This seems to be an essential advantage compared with surgical interventions. Our method is very easy in practice and allows repeated treatment. A possible transformation of fibrinogen into fibrin in the vitreous cavity of an aphacic eye is resorbed very early without visible inflammatory signs. In contrast to the proposed surgical intervention in the literature, no pathological rise of the intraocular pressure for more than a few days was seen.", "contents": "[Treatment of persistent hypotony (author's transl)]. One patient with persistent hypotony after cyclodialysis and another one after contusion of the eyeball with recessed angle and traumatic cyclodialysis were successfully treated as follows: Blood plasma of the patient is injected in the anterior chamber and fibrinogen is transformed into fibrin by recalcification. Both patients attained normal intraocular pressure after this treatment and the signes of persistent hypotony disappeared. This seems to be an essential advantage compared with surgical interventions. Our method is very easy in practice and allows repeated treatment. A possible transformation of fibrinogen into fibrin in the vitreous cavity of an aphacic eye is resorbed very early without visible inflammatory signs. In contrast to the proposed surgical intervention in the literature, no pathological rise of the intraocular pressure for more than a few days was seen.", "PMID": 994379} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5738", "title": "[Long-term observation of ablatio-prophylaxis with kryopexy (author's transl)].", "content": "Prophylactic cryo coagulation is especially suitable when there is cloudy media, e.g. blood in the vitreous body or a cataract which would prevent light or laser coagulation. Cryo lesions applied under ophthalmoscopic control are without complication. The paper reviews the 116 eyes collected in 1971 and augments it with 202 eyes treated by 1975. Retinal detachment occured in 1.3% and new breaks occurred in 4%.", "contents": "[Long-term observation of ablatio-prophylaxis with kryopexy (author's transl)]. Prophylactic cryo coagulation is especially suitable when there is cloudy media, e.g. blood in the vitreous body or a cataract which would prevent light or laser coagulation. Cryo lesions applied under ophthalmoscopic control are without complication. The paper reviews the 116 eyes collected in 1971 and augments it with 202 eyes treated by 1975. Retinal detachment occured in 1.3% and new breaks occurred in 4%.", "PMID": 994380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5739", "title": "[Examination of retinal correspondence with minimal dissociation (author's transl)].", "content": "With the phase difference haploscope the incidence of anomalous retinal correspondence in patients with convergent strabismus was examined with respect to the degree of deviation, the duration of squint and the fixation pattern of the deviated eye. Anomalous correspondence was found more often when small angles were present, in older patients and in cases with excentric fixation. Even when the deviation exceeded 19 degrees and the fixation was central, we observed harmonious anomalous correspondence in 30% of cases, The evaluation of the correspondence in children with esotropia and central fixation by means of paradoxic diplopia after correction of the deviation with prisms revealed harmonious anomalous correspondence more often than with the phase difference haploscope, although the conditions of casual seeing are changed in this test. We have attempted to ascribe these findings to simultaneous stimulation of the central retinal areas of both eyes, the nearly unlimited visual field and the short binocular exposure of the pictures in our method. Finally we described our first experiences with a modified Kongruenztest. With this simple technic it is possible to examine the state of correspondence under conditions of casual seeing.", "contents": "[Examination of retinal correspondence with minimal dissociation (author's transl)]. With the phase difference haploscope the incidence of anomalous retinal correspondence in patients with convergent strabismus was examined with respect to the degree of deviation, the duration of squint and the fixation pattern of the deviated eye. Anomalous correspondence was found more often when small angles were present, in older patients and in cases with excentric fixation. Even when the deviation exceeded 19 degrees and the fixation was central, we observed harmonious anomalous correspondence in 30% of cases, The evaluation of the correspondence in children with esotropia and central fixation by means of paradoxic diplopia after correction of the deviation with prisms revealed harmonious anomalous correspondence more often than with the phase difference haploscope, although the conditions of casual seeing are changed in this test. We have attempted to ascribe these findings to simultaneous stimulation of the central retinal areas of both eyes, the nearly unlimited visual field and the short binocular exposure of the pictures in our method. Finally we described our first experiences with a modified Kongruenztest. With this simple technic it is possible to examine the state of correspondence under conditions of casual seeing.", "PMID": 994381} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5740", "title": "[Convergent strabismus in the age of presbyopia (author's transl)].", "content": "Based on 15 case reports it can be shown, that the onset of a convergent squint is even possible in the age of presbyopia, independent of the patient's refraction. The clinical picture resembles that of a divergence paralysis or the convergent strabismus of the Bielschowsky type. In 13 cases the decompensation of a previous esophoria may have caused this distance-esodeviation; a divergence paralysis is not probable. In two cases change of orthophoria to esotropia could be observed. Therefore we share the opinion of v. Graefe, that an increased tonicity of the internal recti induced for compensation of weak convergence in aged individuals may cause esotropia. Treatment with prisms for distant vision is easy and effective. No case required surgery.", "contents": "[Convergent strabismus in the age of presbyopia (author's transl)]. Based on 15 case reports it can be shown, that the onset of a convergent squint is even possible in the age of presbyopia, independent of the patient's refraction. The clinical picture resembles that of a divergence paralysis or the convergent strabismus of the Bielschowsky type. In 13 cases the decompensation of a previous esophoria may have caused this distance-esodeviation; a divergence paralysis is not probable. In two cases change of orthophoria to esotropia could be observed. Therefore we share the opinion of v. Graefe, that an increased tonicity of the internal recti induced for compensation of weak convergence in aged individuals may cause esotropia. Treatment with prisms for distant vision is easy and effective. No case required surgery.", "PMID": 994382} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5741", "title": "[Manifestation of diabetes (author's transl)].", "content": "Material of research: 350 cases of diabetes mellitus. The time between the manifestation of diabetes mellitus and the onset of retinopathy is reduced in two cases: with diabetes manifesting itself (a) at the age of puberty, (b) after the age of fifty. The retinopathy appears as \"retinopathia simplex\" (in all its different subvarieties) and as \"retinopathia proliferans\". Out investigation showed a gradual decrease in the benign forms of the retinopathia simplex with advancing years--from twenty to sixty--of diabetic manifestation, with retinopathia proliferans simultaneously gaining ground. With diabetes manifesting from sixty on, retinopathia proliferans dwindles to insignificance; there remains an indefinite form of retinopathia simplex.", "contents": "[Manifestation of diabetes (author's transl)]. Material of research: 350 cases of diabetes mellitus. The time between the manifestation of diabetes mellitus and the onset of retinopathy is reduced in two cases: with diabetes manifesting itself (a) at the age of puberty, (b) after the age of fifty. The retinopathy appears as \"retinopathia simplex\" (in all its different subvarieties) and as \"retinopathia proliferans\". Out investigation showed a gradual decrease in the benign forms of the retinopathia simplex with advancing years--from twenty to sixty--of diabetic manifestation, with retinopathia proliferans simultaneously gaining ground. With diabetes manifesting from sixty on, retinopathia proliferans dwindles to insignificance; there remains an indefinite form of retinopathia simplex.", "PMID": 994383} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5742", "title": "[The Wyburn-Mason syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "A patient aged 39 years with Wyburn-Mason syndrome is presented. He had an apple-sized intracranial arteriovenous angioma racemosum of the left temporo-medical region, which was inoperable, as it extended to the basal ganglia. It was diagnosed by carotid angiography and by sequential brain szintigraphy. More than 50 retinal arteriovenous anastomoses were observed in the left eye, involving all quadrants and the macular region. Some of these anastomoses were only found by fluorescence angiography. Clinical signs were hemiparesis and decreased sensibility of the right side, headaches, speech disorders and right homonymous hemianopia. Vision was decreased to 0.4. By partial embolisation via the right common carotid, it was possible to reduce the size of the intracranial hemangioma.", "contents": "[The Wyburn-Mason syndrome (author's transl)]. A patient aged 39 years with Wyburn-Mason syndrome is presented. He had an apple-sized intracranial arteriovenous angioma racemosum of the left temporo-medical region, which was inoperable, as it extended to the basal ganglia. It was diagnosed by carotid angiography and by sequential brain szintigraphy. More than 50 retinal arteriovenous anastomoses were observed in the left eye, involving all quadrants and the macular region. Some of these anastomoses were only found by fluorescence angiography. Clinical signs were hemiparesis and decreased sensibility of the right side, headaches, speech disorders and right homonymous hemianopia. Vision was decreased to 0.4. By partial embolisation via the right common carotid, it was possible to reduce the size of the intracranial hemangioma.", "PMID": 994384} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5743", "title": "[Therapeutic problems in postoperative keratopathy (author's transl)].", "content": "Keratopathy following intraocular surgery is usually a neglegible transitory lesion which does not require special treatment. An intractible bullous keratopathy frequently develops in cases of endothelial dystrophy. Other causative factors leading to postoperative keratopathy are excessive operative traumatisation of the cornea, vitreocorneal adhesions, athalamia, detachment of Descemet's membrane or epithelial down-growth. For conservative treatment of postoperative keratopathies topical application of corticosteroids, acetylcholine, vitamine-A-ointments, hyperosmotic agents, soft contact lenses, and systemic application of carboanhydrase inhibitors can be used. According to our experience even in cases of severe keratopathy a significant improvement of visual acuity and discomfort may be achieved by long lasting and intensive conservative treatment. Only in rare cases one has to resort to glueing a contact lens on the cornea (Dohlman) or to perform a keratoplasty using Stocker's technique.", "contents": "[Therapeutic problems in postoperative keratopathy (author's transl)]. Keratopathy following intraocular surgery is usually a neglegible transitory lesion which does not require special treatment. An intractible bullous keratopathy frequently develops in cases of endothelial dystrophy. Other causative factors leading to postoperative keratopathy are excessive operative traumatisation of the cornea, vitreocorneal adhesions, athalamia, detachment of Descemet's membrane or epithelial down-growth. For conservative treatment of postoperative keratopathies topical application of corticosteroids, acetylcholine, vitamine-A-ointments, hyperosmotic agents, soft contact lenses, and systemic application of carboanhydrase inhibitors can be used. According to our experience even in cases of severe keratopathy a significant improvement of visual acuity and discomfort may be achieved by long lasting and intensive conservative treatment. Only in rare cases one has to resort to glueing a contact lens on the cornea (Dohlman) or to perform a keratoplasty using Stocker's technique.", "PMID": 994385} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5744", "title": "[Experimental investigations on the influence of environmental stimuli on the intraocular pressure (author's transl)].", "content": "The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of the influences of the technological world (optical, acoustical and stress) on intraocular pressure. The experiments were undertaken on rabbits for the following reasons: compliance with the laws governing experimentation, practicability, and the assumption that our premise was correct. Under normal living conditions we found that the rabbit's intraocular pressure followed a pattern of; mornings an average of 23.15 mm Hg, afternoons of 23.05 mm Hg, and evenings of 24.14 mm Hg. After subjection to intense optical and acoustical strain and after situations of stress the intraocular pressure rose on an average of 6 mm Hg (25%). It seems clear that we should make use of these results in our practice and give appropriate consultation and advice to our patients with raised intraocular pressure.", "contents": "[Experimental investigations on the influence of environmental stimuli on the intraocular pressure (author's transl)]. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of the influences of the technological world (optical, acoustical and stress) on intraocular pressure. The experiments were undertaken on rabbits for the following reasons: compliance with the laws governing experimentation, practicability, and the assumption that our premise was correct. Under normal living conditions we found that the rabbit's intraocular pressure followed a pattern of; mornings an average of 23.15 mm Hg, afternoons of 23.05 mm Hg, and evenings of 24.14 mm Hg. After subjection to intense optical and acoustical strain and after situations of stress the intraocular pressure rose on an average of 6 mm Hg (25%). It seems clear that we should make use of these results in our practice and give appropriate consultation and advice to our patients with raised intraocular pressure.", "PMID": 994386} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5745", "title": "[Projects of the international agency for the prevention of blindness (author's transl)].", "content": "The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) had a meeting in Bethesda, in which the author took part as the chairman of the glaucoma prevention committee. Priority was given to the 6 causes of preventable blindness. These are onchocercosis, trachoma, keratomalacia, cataract, glaucoma and injuries. Projects for prevention of blindness were discussed. In developing countries eye care can reach the population only by mobile units with an eye specialist and allied personnel. The training of such health personnel in 3 different levels and the curriculum for each level was also discussed.", "contents": "[Projects of the international agency for the prevention of blindness (author's transl)]. The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) had a meeting in Bethesda, in which the author took part as the chairman of the glaucoma prevention committee. Priority was given to the 6 causes of preventable blindness. These are onchocercosis, trachoma, keratomalacia, cataract, glaucoma and injuries. Projects for prevention of blindness were discussed. In developing countries eye care can reach the population only by mobile units with an eye specialist and allied personnel. The training of such health personnel in 3 different levels and the curriculum for each level was also discussed.", "PMID": 994387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5746", "title": "[A mixed kind of glaucoma (author's transl)].", "content": "Raised intraocular tension with reduced C-value was observed with completely or nearly all round open chamber angle in 10 out of 117 eyes after acute angle-closure glaucoma. These cases represent mixed glaucoma. The simple glaucoma element could be traced back to the damage caused by the malnutrition of the trabeculae during the acute angle-closure. A \"primary\" mixed glaucoma was found only in 3 cases.", "contents": "[A mixed kind of glaucoma (author's transl)]. Raised intraocular tension with reduced C-value was observed with completely or nearly all round open chamber angle in 10 out of 117 eyes after acute angle-closure glaucoma. These cases represent mixed glaucoma. The simple glaucoma element could be traced back to the damage caused by the malnutrition of the trabeculae during the acute angle-closure. A \"primary\" mixed glaucoma was found only in 3 cases.", "PMID": 994388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5747", "title": "[Unusial oraparallel changes in the retinal periphery (author's transl)].", "content": "6 patients (8 eyes) showed peripheral oraparallel changes, that differ ophthalmoscopically from lattice degeneration: Smaller and mostly depigmented, they have a longer circular extension without palisades. The lower temporal quadrant was mainly concerned. Probably the unusual retinal changes are a variation of the pigmentary epithelium without a tendency to form a retinal detachment.", "contents": "[Unusial oraparallel changes in the retinal periphery (author's transl)]. 6 patients (8 eyes) showed peripheral oraparallel changes, that differ ophthalmoscopically from lattice degeneration: Smaller and mostly depigmented, they have a longer circular extension without palisades. The lower temporal quadrant was mainly concerned. Probably the unusual retinal changes are a variation of the pigmentary epithelium without a tendency to form a retinal detachment.", "PMID": 994389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5748", "title": "[Disturbances of the retinal vessels as a result of Purtscher's retinopathy (author's transl)].", "content": "A 31-year-old patient was buried at canal-building. He sustained Purtscher's retinopathy on his left eye. A fluorescein-angiography displayed six years after the trauma a large neovascular frond and intraretinal neovascular network. These findings demonstrate the severe lesions of the retinal microcirculation caused by the trauma.", "contents": "[Disturbances of the retinal vessels as a result of Purtscher's retinopathy (author's transl)]. A 31-year-old patient was buried at canal-building. He sustained Purtscher's retinopathy on his left eye. A fluorescein-angiography displayed six years after the trauma a large neovascular frond and intraretinal neovascular network. These findings demonstrate the severe lesions of the retinal microcirculation caused by the trauma.", "PMID": 994390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5749", "title": "[Infantile hysterical amblyopia--no rare disease (author's transl)].", "content": "11 cases of hysterical amblyopia were found in an ophthalmologist's private office (0.2% of 5128 new patients in 2 1/2 years). The incidence in children under 15 years of age (1.5%) was 4 times higher than in elder patients (0.04%). The main symptom of hysterical amblyopia is the slow and hesitating reading during examination of visual acuity accompanied by demonstrations of high concentration. In infantile hysterical amblyopia diminution of vision and defects of visual field are usually of short duration. The diagnosis should be made as soon as possible, because in children it is a symptom of psychological problems. They usually arise from conditions in the child's environment.", "contents": "[Infantile hysterical amblyopia--no rare disease (author's transl)]. 11 cases of hysterical amblyopia were found in an ophthalmologist's private office (0.2% of 5128 new patients in 2 1/2 years). The incidence in children under 15 years of age (1.5%) was 4 times higher than in elder patients (0.04%). The main symptom of hysterical amblyopia is the slow and hesitating reading during examination of visual acuity accompanied by demonstrations of high concentration. In infantile hysterical amblyopia diminution of vision and defects of visual field are usually of short duration. The diagnosis should be made as soon as possible, because in children it is a symptom of psychological problems. They usually arise from conditions in the child's environment.", "PMID": 994391} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5750", "title": "[A case of trichotillomania (author's transl)].", "content": "The author reports on an 8-year-old girl who pulled out eyelashes of both eyes because she was \"bored\". There were found no further grave neurologic signs. This was a harmless psycho-neurosis.", "contents": "[A case of trichotillomania (author's transl)]. The author reports on an 8-year-old girl who pulled out eyelashes of both eyes because she was \"bored\". There were found no further grave neurologic signs. This was a harmless psycho-neurosis.", "PMID": 994392} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5751", "title": "[Thoughts on a case of perforating flying-stone injury on a 10-year-old boy (author's transl)].", "content": "After a left-sided perforating corneal injury caused by a stone, with iris prolaps and wound cataract suffered by a 10-year-old boy, retinal detachment or shrinking of the eye (phthisis bulbi) can occur. On the other hand vision with contact lenses excludes only a few occupations, e.g. in the armed forces, railways, ships etc. The possibility of retirement neurosis (money for suffering!) must also be considered.", "contents": "[Thoughts on a case of perforating flying-stone injury on a 10-year-old boy (author's transl)]. After a left-sided perforating corneal injury caused by a stone, with iris prolaps and wound cataract suffered by a 10-year-old boy, retinal detachment or shrinking of the eye (phthisis bulbi) can occur. On the other hand vision with contact lenses excludes only a few occupations, e.g. in the armed forces, railways, ships etc. The possibility of retirement neurosis (money for suffering!) must also be considered.", "PMID": 994393} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5752", "title": "[Mechanical guide of the rotor trepan in keratoplasty (author's transl)].", "content": "A new system of trepanation based on a firm mechanical guide of the rotor trepan is described. Apart from the well-known advantages of the electrically driven trepan, further considerable improvements are evident. As here the rotor instrument is guided mechanically, the risky and important phase of corneal incision in keratoplasty is considerably less dangerous. With this instrument, the incision becomes much safer, the centring of the trepan becomes easier and an unintentional injury of iris and lens may be considerably avoided.", "contents": "[Mechanical guide of the rotor trepan in keratoplasty (author's transl)]. A new system of trepanation based on a firm mechanical guide of the rotor trepan is described. Apart from the well-known advantages of the electrically driven trepan, further considerable improvements are evident. As here the rotor instrument is guided mechanically, the risky and important phase of corneal incision in keratoplasty is considerably less dangerous. With this instrument, the incision becomes much safer, the centring of the trepan becomes easier and an unintentional injury of iris and lens may be considerably avoided.", "PMID": 994394} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5753", "title": "[On the aesthesiometrie of the cornea (author's transl)].", "content": "Based especially on the studies of v. Frey, the anatomical, physiological and methodical fundamentals of aesthesiometrie of the cornea are considered and an electromagnetic instrument for the quantitative reproductable aesthesiometrie of the cornea is introduced. With this instrument it is shown by using various sizes of tactile probes, that the threshold value of the corneal sensitivity does not primarily depend on the size of the tactile probe, but mainly on the applied pressure. Moreover, the threshold of corneal sensitivity was measured at seventeen different points and a topographical description of the sensitivity conditions elaborated.", "contents": "[On the aesthesiometrie of the cornea (author's transl)]. Based especially on the studies of v. Frey, the anatomical, physiological and methodical fundamentals of aesthesiometrie of the cornea are considered and an electromagnetic instrument for the quantitative reproductable aesthesiometrie of the cornea is introduced. With this instrument it is shown by using various sizes of tactile probes, that the threshold value of the corneal sensitivity does not primarily depend on the size of the tactile probe, but mainly on the applied pressure. Moreover, the threshold of corneal sensitivity was measured at seventeen different points and a topographical description of the sensitivity conditions elaborated.", "PMID": 994395} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5754", "title": "[First experience with highly hydrophilic therapeutic soft contact lenses (With special reference to herpetic corneal disease) (author's transl)].", "content": "74 therapeutic problem-cases of various corneal diseases were treated with the highly hydrophilic Weicon 72 (W 72) which proved to be a valuable therapeutic tool. Additional applications of hypertonic saline and of industrial preparations of steroids, antivirals and antibiotics were tolerated without observable side effects. Additional therapy is often inevitable to achieve an optimal therapeutic effect. Nearly all treated cases of chronic herpetic keratitis - mainly metaherpetic corneal diseases - responded well or excellently to W 72 therapy. If, however, the indication for soft lens therapy is somehow inadequate, if additional therapy is wrong or not applied at all and if the patient does not keep strictly to the therapeutic regime undesired side effects are likely to develop.", "contents": "[First experience with highly hydrophilic therapeutic soft contact lenses (With special reference to herpetic corneal disease) (author's transl)]. 74 therapeutic problem-cases of various corneal diseases were treated with the highly hydrophilic Weicon 72 (W 72) which proved to be a valuable therapeutic tool. Additional applications of hypertonic saline and of industrial preparations of steroids, antivirals and antibiotics were tolerated without observable side effects. Additional therapy is often inevitable to achieve an optimal therapeutic effect. Nearly all treated cases of chronic herpetic keratitis - mainly metaherpetic corneal diseases - responded well or excellently to W 72 therapy. If, however, the indication for soft lens therapy is somehow inadequate, if additional therapy is wrong or not applied at all and if the patient does not keep strictly to the therapeutic regime undesired side effects are likely to develop.", "PMID": 994396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5755", "title": "[Clinical and histological results of lyell-syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "The Lyell-syndrome and the importance to ophthalmology is demonstrated. The nosological position - as staphylococcal disease (almost only in childhood) and as allergic extreme variant of bullous mucocutaneous disease is described. The differential diagnosis of similar (identical?) syndromes is discussed: Fuchs-syndrome, Baader-syndrome, Fiessinger-Rendu-syndrome. About 15 personal patients and 40 in the literature with LS with participation of the eyes is reported. The clinical results, development of the disease and the histological pictures of the cornea are made for the first time discussed. The therapy by lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty is reported.", "contents": "[Clinical and histological results of lyell-syndrome (author's transl)]. The Lyell-syndrome and the importance to ophthalmology is demonstrated. The nosological position - as staphylococcal disease (almost only in childhood) and as allergic extreme variant of bullous mucocutaneous disease is described. The differential diagnosis of similar (identical?) syndromes is discussed: Fuchs-syndrome, Baader-syndrome, Fiessinger-Rendu-syndrome. About 15 personal patients and 40 in the literature with LS with participation of the eyes is reported. The clinical results, development of the disease and the histological pictures of the cornea are made for the first time discussed. The therapy by lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty is reported.", "PMID": 994397} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5756", "title": "[Some observations on the use of cyclocryopexy in the treatment of various forms of glaucoma (author's transl)].", "content": "Cyclocryopexy constitutes a method for the therapy of absolute or hemorrhagic painful glaucoma. The authors describe its technique, its indications and the postoperative results obtained in 38 patients, from which they make appropriate conclusions.", "contents": "[Some observations on the use of cyclocryopexy in the treatment of various forms of glaucoma (author's transl)]. Cyclocryopexy constitutes a method for the therapy of absolute or hemorrhagic painful glaucoma. The authors describe its technique, its indications and the postoperative results obtained in 38 patients, from which they make appropriate conclusions.", "PMID": 994398} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5757", "title": "[Echooculometry in retinal detachment surgery without subretinal drainage (author's transl)].", "content": "Changes of the height of retinal detachments up to 0.1 mm can be visualized by A-scan-ultrasonography; such small changes cannot be ascertained by means of ophthalmoscopy. Based on echooculometric measurements of the maximal height of retinal detachments during the first hours and days after surgery without subretinal drainage, the final success (24 cases) or failure (2 cases) could be predicted 24 hours at latest. Thus in cases of retarded resorption of the subretinal fluid it can be decided by means of echography, wether a reattachment of the retina can be expected or a failure, the cause of which needs early detection.", "contents": "[Echooculometry in retinal detachment surgery without subretinal drainage (author's transl)]. Changes of the height of retinal detachments up to 0.1 mm can be visualized by A-scan-ultrasonography; such small changes cannot be ascertained by means of ophthalmoscopy. Based on echooculometric measurements of the maximal height of retinal detachments during the first hours and days after surgery without subretinal drainage, the final success (24 cases) or failure (2 cases) could be predicted 24 hours at latest. Thus in cases of retarded resorption of the subretinal fluid it can be decided by means of echography, wether a reattachment of the retina can be expected or a failure, the cause of which needs early detection.", "PMID": 994399} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5758", "title": "[A contribution of the course of vitreous haemorrhage (author's transl)].", "content": "After some basic remarks about the physiological adhesions of the vitreous body to its surrounding structures in the anterior part of the eye (lens, ciliary body, pars plana) and the posterior part of the eye (macular, optic disc) the general history of bleeding in the vitreous body and the different possibilities of its resorption by haemolysis, phagocytosis and fibrotic transformation are discussed. Furthermore a case of a subhyaloideal haemorrhage around the posterior pole is described. The adherence of the vitreous body in the macula area, which is usually only visible by experiment or in cases with posterior vitreous detachment, is here directly documented with photographs.", "contents": "[A contribution of the course of vitreous haemorrhage (author's transl)]. After some basic remarks about the physiological adhesions of the vitreous body to its surrounding structures in the anterior part of the eye (lens, ciliary body, pars plana) and the posterior part of the eye (macular, optic disc) the general history of bleeding in the vitreous body and the different possibilities of its resorption by haemolysis, phagocytosis and fibrotic transformation are discussed. Furthermore a case of a subhyaloideal haemorrhage around the posterior pole is described. The adherence of the vitreous body in the macula area, which is usually only visible by experiment or in cases with posterior vitreous detachment, is here directly documented with photographs.", "PMID": 994400} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5759", "title": "[Butterfly-shaped dystrophy of the macula (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors report a rare form of pigment dystrophy of the macula in a 17-years-old patient, which was diagnosed on the basis of characteristic ophthalmoscopic changes. Results obtained from an analysis of all the patients relations pointed to a familial occurrence of these changes. Up till now a similar case has been described only by Deutman and co-workers (1970) as \"Butterfly-shaped pigment dystrophy of the fovea\".", "contents": "[Butterfly-shaped dystrophy of the macula (author's transl)]. The authors report a rare form of pigment dystrophy of the macula in a 17-years-old patient, which was diagnosed on the basis of characteristic ophthalmoscopic changes. Results obtained from an analysis of all the patients relations pointed to a familial occurrence of these changes. Up till now a similar case has been described only by Deutman and co-workers (1970) as \"Butterfly-shaped pigment dystrophy of the fovea\".", "PMID": 994401} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5760", "title": "[The treatment of keratomycosis with clotrimazole (author's transl)].", "content": "Clotrimazole (Bisphenyl-(2-chlorphenyl)-1-imidazolyl-methan) is a recently developed antimycotic with low human toxicity and a broad antifungal spectrum and is well tolerated by the skin and mucosal surfaces. 1% clotrimazole eye ointment was used by the author in the treatment of five corneal ulcers from which fungi could be isolated. Prompt improvement and complete resolution of the ulcer within 3-8 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition at the beginning of the treatment, were achieved in all cases under clotrimazole therapy. The drug in the preparation used was well tolerated and can be recommended as a first choice antimycotic for topical application in the eye.", "contents": "[The treatment of keratomycosis with clotrimazole (author's transl)]. Clotrimazole (Bisphenyl-(2-chlorphenyl)-1-imidazolyl-methan) is a recently developed antimycotic with low human toxicity and a broad antifungal spectrum and is well tolerated by the skin and mucosal surfaces. 1% clotrimazole eye ointment was used by the author in the treatment of five corneal ulcers from which fungi could be isolated. Prompt improvement and complete resolution of the ulcer within 3-8 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition at the beginning of the treatment, were achieved in all cases under clotrimazole therapy. The drug in the preparation used was well tolerated and can be recommended as a first choice antimycotic for topical application in the eye.", "PMID": 994402} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5761", "title": "[Motor disturbances in squint - pathogenesis and treatment (author's transl)].", "content": "Motor deviation in strabismus must be considered in the context of the different elements which determine it, that is, taking account of the nature of the deviation. Modifications in the muscle may on very rare occasions be due to a paretic origin, but they can also be of innervational origin or stem from muscular modifications secondary to the innervational deviation. To decide on operative procedure, it is absolutely essential to determine the aetiology of the deviation, for normal static and dynamic motility can only be achieved by an aetiological therapy. Since muscular disorders may be of various kinds, and given that in many cases, the deviation can be cured by functional treatment alone, the author does not feel that the precise measurement of the deviation by an instrument such as the synoptometer is indispensable, the best assurance of a post-operative oculomotor balance being the suppression of abnormal accommodation and the normalisation of the retinal correspondence before the surgical intervention. This affirmation is supported by the clinical and experimental data presented in this paper.", "contents": "[Motor disturbances in squint - pathogenesis and treatment (author's transl)]. Motor deviation in strabismus must be considered in the context of the different elements which determine it, that is, taking account of the nature of the deviation. Modifications in the muscle may on very rare occasions be due to a paretic origin, but they can also be of innervational origin or stem from muscular modifications secondary to the innervational deviation. To decide on operative procedure, it is absolutely essential to determine the aetiology of the deviation, for normal static and dynamic motility can only be achieved by an aetiological therapy. Since muscular disorders may be of various kinds, and given that in many cases, the deviation can be cured by functional treatment alone, the author does not feel that the precise measurement of the deviation by an instrument such as the synoptometer is indispensable, the best assurance of a post-operative oculomotor balance being the suppression of abnormal accommodation and the normalisation of the retinal correspondence before the surgical intervention. This affirmation is supported by the clinical and experimental data presented in this paper.", "PMID": 994403} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5762", "title": "[Misdiagnosis of intraocular iron foreign bodies (author's transl)].", "content": "Out of 393 intraocular foreign bodies (1961-1975) 361 were magnetically removed and 32 non-magnetically (copper 7,brass,2,lead 5, glass 10, stone 3, wood 4 and plastic 1).60% of the foreign bodies were caused by hammer and chisel injuries.73 foreign bodies were diagnosed too late, in 71 cases no x-ray was made. The incidence of complications (infection, siderosis, retinal detachment was considerably increased where the foreign bodies were removed late. From the 73 foreign bodies (18.5%) the patient did not consult a doctor in 37 cases because of \"insignificance\". 4 times the family doctor was consulted, who treated the patient symptomatically. In 4 cases occurring in the weekend no eye-specialist could be ostensibly found. In 26 cases the ophthalmologist performed no x-ray control, and small foreign bodies were twice described as \"x-ray plate artefacts\" from the roentgen specialist. It must be an absolute rule in the eye-doctor's practice that every injury received while working with metals necessitates an x-ray control!", "contents": "[Misdiagnosis of intraocular iron foreign bodies (author's transl)]. Out of 393 intraocular foreign bodies (1961-1975) 361 were magnetically removed and 32 non-magnetically (copper 7,brass,2,lead 5, glass 10, stone 3, wood 4 and plastic 1).60% of the foreign bodies were caused by hammer and chisel injuries.73 foreign bodies were diagnosed too late, in 71 cases no x-ray was made. The incidence of complications (infection, siderosis, retinal detachment was considerably increased where the foreign bodies were removed late. From the 73 foreign bodies (18.5%) the patient did not consult a doctor in 37 cases because of \"insignificance\". 4 times the family doctor was consulted, who treated the patient symptomatically. In 4 cases occurring in the weekend no eye-specialist could be ostensibly found. In 26 cases the ophthalmologist performed no x-ray control, and small foreign bodies were twice described as \"x-ray plate artefacts\" from the roentgen specialist. It must be an absolute rule in the eye-doctor's practice that every injury received while working with metals necessitates an x-ray control!", "PMID": 994404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5763", "title": "[Tonometry and tonography for open Schlemm's canal (author's transl)].", "content": "In 13 eyes tonometry was performed during trabeculotomy at the beginning, after preparation of the outer scleral lamella and after the excision of the outer wall of the canal of Schlemm. In 4 eyes this was combined with tonography. There was no significant change of the averaged i.o. pressure and the resistance to aqueous outflow. Thus in primary open angle glaucoma the resistance to aqueous outflow must be located primarily in the trabecular meshwork.", "contents": "[Tonometry and tonography for open Schlemm's canal (author's transl)]. In 13 eyes tonometry was performed during trabeculotomy at the beginning, after preparation of the outer scleral lamella and after the excision of the outer wall of the canal of Schlemm. In 4 eyes this was combined with tonography. There was no significant change of the averaged i.o. pressure and the resistance to aqueous outflow. Thus in primary open angle glaucoma the resistance to aqueous outflow must be located primarily in the trabecular meshwork.", "PMID": 994405} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5764", "title": "[Measurements of intraocular gentamicin concentration using hydrophilic contact lenses as drug delivery system (author's transl)].", "content": "Investigations were performed with two groups of anaesthetised rabbits to test the possibility of increasing the penetration of topically administered. Gentamicin into the eye through the use of hydrophilic contact lenses. After application of Gentamicin drops the drug concentration in the aqueous humour was biologically quantitated. In the first group one eye of the animal was fitted with a hydrophilic contact lens and the other eye was submitted to a comparative measurement. In the second group both eyes were fitted with contact lenses which had been soaked in Gentamicin solutions of two different con-entrations. The result showed an increased intraocular Gentamicin level in the eyes fitted with hydrophilic contact lenses. However, in the latter group we found low intraocular drug levels where only contact lenses soaked in Gentamicin solution were used.", "contents": "[Measurements of intraocular gentamicin concentration using hydrophilic contact lenses as drug delivery system (author's transl)]. Investigations were performed with two groups of anaesthetised rabbits to test the possibility of increasing the penetration of topically administered. Gentamicin into the eye through the use of hydrophilic contact lenses. After application of Gentamicin drops the drug concentration in the aqueous humour was biologically quantitated. In the first group one eye of the animal was fitted with a hydrophilic contact lens and the other eye was submitted to a comparative measurement. In the second group both eyes were fitted with contact lenses which had been soaked in Gentamicin solutions of two different con-entrations. The result showed an increased intraocular Gentamicin level in the eyes fitted with hydrophilic contact lenses. However, in the latter group we found low intraocular drug levels where only contact lenses soaked in Gentamicin solution were used.", "PMID": 994406} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5765", "title": "[Tubular structures in the endothelia of the retina and in retinoblastoma (author's transl)].", "content": "Tubular inclusions in the capillary endothelium were observed in three retinoblastomas. The structure of these inclusions is the same as that observed in the capillary endothelium of the dog's retina.", "contents": "[Tubular structures in the endothelia of the retina and in retinoblastoma (author's transl)]. Tubular inclusions in the capillary endothelium were observed in three retinoblastomas. The structure of these inclusions is the same as that observed in the capillary endothelium of the dog's retina.", "PMID": 994407} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5766", "title": "[Research on the state of the cell membrane and the mechanism of corneal autolysis in the conservation process (author's transl)].", "content": "In this work we have thrown light on the basis of our experiments on 530 rabbits', dogs' and human eyes preserved under various conditions on the influence of antioxidation substances on corneal preservation. The development of autolysis is highly dependent on the absence of antioxident - also important for the survival of the cornea. From our results we have drawn conclusions regarding the participation of antioxidant (-tocopherol, chondroitin sulphate) on the self-regulating oxidation of structural lipids in the cell membranes of the cornea, and its effects on preservation.", "contents": "[Research on the state of the cell membrane and the mechanism of corneal autolysis in the conservation process (author's transl)]. In this work we have thrown light on the basis of our experiments on 530 rabbits', dogs' and human eyes preserved under various conditions on the influence of antioxidation substances on corneal preservation. The development of autolysis is highly dependent on the absence of antioxident - also important for the survival of the cornea. From our results we have drawn conclusions regarding the participation of antioxidant (-tocopherol, chondroitin sulphate) on the self-regulating oxidation of structural lipids in the cell membranes of the cornea, and its effects on preservation.", "PMID": 994408} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5767", "title": "[Cortison-instillation -- treatment of an orbital epidermis cyst (author's transl)].", "content": "An orbital epidermiscyst about 23 mm diameter was treated and cured with instillation of triamcinolone.", "contents": "[Cortison-instillation -- treatment of an orbital epidermis cyst (author's transl)]. An orbital epidermiscyst about 23 mm diameter was treated and cured with instillation of triamcinolone.", "PMID": 994409} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5768", "title": "[Vascular retinal complication after long-time therapy with oral hormonal contraceptives (author's transl)].", "content": "A case report is given of a vascular disease of right retina of a 37-year-old woman during treatment with contraceptives during 9 years. The retina shows at first a clinical picture of chorioretinitis centralis serosa. After stopping the hormonal preparation and prescription of Dexium (Kalziumdobesilat) the retinal changes disappeared quickly (oedema, exsudates, hemorrhages).", "contents": "[Vascular retinal complication after long-time therapy with oral hormonal contraceptives (author's transl)]. A case report is given of a vascular disease of right retina of a 37-year-old woman during treatment with contraceptives during 9 years. The retina shows at first a clinical picture of chorioretinitis centralis serosa. After stopping the hormonal preparation and prescription of Dexium (Kalziumdobesilat) the retinal changes disappeared quickly (oedema, exsudates, hemorrhages).", "PMID": 994410} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5769", "title": "[Sarcoidosis of the ocular fundus (report of a case) (author's transl)].", "content": "A report is given of an unusual case of an extensively scarred fundus following chorioditis in sarcoidosis, where depigmentation was prominent and reminding us in the differential diagnosis of possible degenerative changes.", "contents": "[Sarcoidosis of the ocular fundus (report of a case) (author's transl)]. A report is given of an unusual case of an extensively scarred fundus following chorioditis in sarcoidosis, where depigmentation was prominent and reminding us in the differential diagnosis of possible degenerative changes.", "PMID": 994411} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5770", "title": "[The persistence of the Bergmeister papilla (author's transl)].", "content": "Persisting primitive papilla epithelialis is described in a 22-year-old woman. The papilla has blurred borders, a central papilla eminence and a yellowish colour. In addition pigmentary pseudoretinopathy with perivascular pigment deposits and hypermetropia with aplasia maculae occurred. This picture can be confused classically with pappilloedema.", "contents": "[The persistence of the Bergmeister papilla (author's transl)]. Persisting primitive papilla epithelialis is described in a 22-year-old woman. The papilla has blurred borders, a central papilla eminence and a yellowish colour. In addition pigmentary pseudoretinopathy with perivascular pigment deposits and hypermetropia with aplasia maculae occurred. This picture can be confused classically with pappilloedema.", "PMID": 994412} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5771", "title": "[Corneal lesion by vacuum extraction (author's transl)].", "content": "The case of a 6-year-old boy is reported who was delivered out of a frontal position by application of the vacuum cup to the left part of the forehead. His left eye exhibits a pronounced somewhat irregular astigmatism. There are some vertical descemet tears. Because of the application of the vacuum pump close to the left bulbus, an increase of the tissue tension and consequently a deformation of the bulbus occurred by the vacuum in the bulbar region. The described lesions parallel the vertical descement tears which occur in forceps-delivery. Owing to the greater horizontal corneal diameter, a more pronounced extension of the cornea in the horizontal meridian occurs, which would explain the vertical course of the descemet tears. The obstetric contraindication for the application of the vacuum extraction in case of a frontal or facial position of the fetus is justified also from the ophthalmological point of view because of the risk of occurrence of irreversible corneal lesions.", "contents": "[Corneal lesion by vacuum extraction (author's transl)]. The case of a 6-year-old boy is reported who was delivered out of a frontal position by application of the vacuum cup to the left part of the forehead. His left eye exhibits a pronounced somewhat irregular astigmatism. There are some vertical descemet tears. Because of the application of the vacuum pump close to the left bulbus, an increase of the tissue tension and consequently a deformation of the bulbus occurred by the vacuum in the bulbar region. The described lesions parallel the vertical descement tears which occur in forceps-delivery. Owing to the greater horizontal corneal diameter, a more pronounced extension of the cornea in the horizontal meridian occurs, which would explain the vertical course of the descemet tears. The obstetric contraindication for the application of the vacuum extraction in case of a frontal or facial position of the fetus is justified also from the ophthalmological point of view because of the risk of occurrence of irreversible corneal lesions.", "PMID": 994413} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5772", "title": "[Experience with magnet implantation in lagophthalmos (author's transl)].", "content": "The results of magnet implantation in the upper and lower eyelids of 29 patients suffering from Keratopathia due to lagophthalmos due to facial palsy as well as the surgical techniques involved are described. Contrary to a lateral tarsorrhaphy - still popular today - this method does not alter the form or the size of the palpebral fissure nor does it hinder the visual field. It is technically simple to perform and easily reversible should nerve function recover. The subjective results were also good.", "contents": "[Experience with magnet implantation in lagophthalmos (author's transl)]. The results of magnet implantation in the upper and lower eyelids of 29 patients suffering from Keratopathia due to lagophthalmos due to facial palsy as well as the surgical techniques involved are described. Contrary to a lateral tarsorrhaphy - still popular today - this method does not alter the form or the size of the palpebral fissure nor does it hinder the visual field. It is technically simple to perform and easily reversible should nerve function recover. The subjective results were also good.", "PMID": 994414} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5773", "title": "[A simple method of restoring lidfunction in facial nerve paralysis with permanent magnets (author's transl)].", "content": "This is a report on 8 cases of lagophthalmos due to paralysis of the facial nerve. The in-ability to close the eyelid may bring about severe diseases of the eyes. By implantation of permanent magnets in the rims of the eyelids the dynamic lidfunction can be restored. We developed a very easy method implanting the magnets. The operation can now be done on out-patients. The results after 2 1/2 years' follow-up are presented.", "contents": "[A simple method of restoring lidfunction in facial nerve paralysis with permanent magnets (author's transl)]. This is a report on 8 cases of lagophthalmos due to paralysis of the facial nerve. The in-ability to close the eyelid may bring about severe diseases of the eyes. By implantation of permanent magnets in the rims of the eyelids the dynamic lidfunction can be restored. We developed a very easy method implanting the magnets. The operation can now be done on out-patients. The results after 2 1/2 years' follow-up are presented.", "PMID": 994415} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5774", "title": "[Amblyopia - discovered by examinations at school (author's transl)].", "content": "50 children out of 188 examined at school showed an amblyopia. It was classified according to the age of the children, the visual acuity, the fixation and the treatment of the amblyopia. The high percentage of these amblyopic eyes discovered by examinations at school justifies the demand of an ophthalmological examination of all children before going to school.", "contents": "[Amblyopia - discovered by examinations at school (author's transl)]. 50 children out of 188 examined at school showed an amblyopia. It was classified according to the age of the children, the visual acuity, the fixation and the treatment of the amblyopia. The high percentage of these amblyopic eyes discovered by examinations at school justifies the demand of an ophthalmological examination of all children before going to school.", "PMID": 994416} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5775", "title": "[Intracellular localisation of urea-cycle enzymes in liver (author's transl)].", "content": "Enzymes of the Krebs-Henseleit urea-cycle were localized by means of differential centrifugation and fractional tissue extraction in rat liver and in human liver. Argininosuccinatlyase (ASAL) and Argininosuccinatsynthetase (ASAS) represent enzymes of the soluble cytoplasmic fraction. Ornithine-ketoacid-transaminase(OKT), carbamyl-phosphate-synthetase (CPS) and ornithine-carbamyl-transferase (OCT) are localized in the mitochondrial and nuclei fractions of the liver cell. Most of the arginase activity is bound to subcellular structures (probably to nuclei). A small portion of arginase-activity was found in the soluble cytoplasmatic fraction. The enzymes of the Krebs-Henseleit urea-cycle are equally distributed in rat liver and in human liver. Differences in the subcellular localisation of (mitochondrial) enzymes in human liver could be attributed to mitochondrial breakage during tissue preparation and do not represent in-vivo conditions.", "contents": "[Intracellular localisation of urea-cycle enzymes in liver (author's transl)]. Enzymes of the Krebs-Henseleit urea-cycle were localized by means of differential centrifugation and fractional tissue extraction in rat liver and in human liver. Argininosuccinatlyase (ASAL) and Argininosuccinatsynthetase (ASAS) represent enzymes of the soluble cytoplasmic fraction. Ornithine-ketoacid-transaminase(OKT), carbamyl-phosphate-synthetase (CPS) and ornithine-carbamyl-transferase (OCT) are localized in the mitochondrial and nuclei fractions of the liver cell. Most of the arginase activity is bound to subcellular structures (probably to nuclei). A small portion of arginase-activity was found in the soluble cytoplasmatic fraction. The enzymes of the Krebs-Henseleit urea-cycle are equally distributed in rat liver and in human liver. Differences in the subcellular localisation of (mitochondrial) enzymes in human liver could be attributed to mitochondrial breakage during tissue preparation and do not represent in-vivo conditions.", "PMID": 994456} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5776", "title": "[Urinary phenylalanine metabolites in hyperphenylalaninemia (author's transl)].", "content": "Urinary phenylalanine metabolites after phenylalanine load of 4 healthy controls, 15 patients with classical phenylketonuria and 8 patients with hyperphenylalaninemic variants are measured quantitatively by gas chromatography. Statistically significant differences are found for a number of metabolites, e.g. phenylpyruvate, phenyllactate, ortho-hydroxy-phenylacetate, para-hydroxy-phenylpyruvate and para-hydroxy-phenyllactate. The results are discussed with respect to discrimination of phenylketonuria patients and patients with hyperphenylalaninemic variants and in respect to pathophysiological aspects.", "contents": "[Urinary phenylalanine metabolites in hyperphenylalaninemia (author's transl)]. Urinary phenylalanine metabolites after phenylalanine load of 4 healthy controls, 15 patients with classical phenylketonuria and 8 patients with hyperphenylalaninemic variants are measured quantitatively by gas chromatography. Statistically significant differences are found for a number of metabolites, e.g. phenylpyruvate, phenyllactate, ortho-hydroxy-phenylacetate, para-hydroxy-phenylpyruvate and para-hydroxy-phenyllactate. The results are discussed with respect to discrimination of phenylketonuria patients and patients with hyperphenylalaninemic variants and in respect to pathophysiological aspects.", "PMID": 994457} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5777", "title": "[Lipid A antibody titers in Crohn's disease (author's transl)].", "content": "Lipid A antibody titers and O antibody titers against E. coli were determined in 18 patients with Crohn's disease, 28 patients with ulcerative colitis, 24 patients with acute enteritis and in 68 healthy adults. The patients with Crohn's disease showed a statistically significant elevation of the lipid A antibody titers and of the O antibody titers against E. coli compared with each of the three other groups investigated. The results could be indicative of bacterial involvement in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. The determination of lipid A antibody titers may be useful for the differential diagnosis between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.", "contents": "[Lipid A antibody titers in Crohn's disease (author's transl)]. Lipid A antibody titers and O antibody titers against E. coli were determined in 18 patients with Crohn's disease, 28 patients with ulcerative colitis, 24 patients with acute enteritis and in 68 healthy adults. The patients with Crohn's disease showed a statistically significant elevation of the lipid A antibody titers and of the O antibody titers against E. coli compared with each of the three other groups investigated. The results could be indicative of bacterial involvement in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. The determination of lipid A antibody titers may be useful for the differential diagnosis between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.", "PMID": 994458} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5778", "title": "Glomerular morphology in nephrotic heroin addicts.", "content": "Renal biopsies of 23 heroin addicts who presented with the nephrotic syndrome were examined by light and electron microscopy. The majority of patients (14) showed focal segmental glomerular sclerosis on light microscopy, four patients showed \"minimal change\", and two were classified as \"focal global sclerosis.\" In one case focal mesangial proliferation was the outstanding feature; one patient had diabetic glomerulosclerosis; and one had mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis and dysproteinemia. Visceral epithelial swelling and proliferation were present in 14 patients on light on light microscopy. Electron microscopy showed distinct podocyte changes consisting of loss of foot processes, vacuolization, and cytoplasmic degeneration; focal separation of podocytes from basement membranes was found in 11 of 18 cases. In some instances a few electron-dense deposits were present in the mesangium. Membranous nephropathy was not encountered, although it occurs in 30 to 40% of unselected adult nephrotic individuals. Of 15 patients followed for 2 months to 5 years, one died of heroin overdose, eight went into renal failure, two improved, and four continued to have proteinuria. It is concluded that nephrotic syndrome of heroin addicts is most often associated with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis and occasionally with minimal change disease or focal global sclerosis. Conceivably these three conditions represent different phases of one disease process, although different reactions to heroin or its various vehicles and contaminants cannot be excluded. The morphologic resemblance to experimental aminonucleoside and N,N'-diacetylbenzidine-induced nephrosis suggests a possible toxic origin.", "contents": "Glomerular morphology in nephrotic heroin addicts. Renal biopsies of 23 heroin addicts who presented with the nephrotic syndrome were examined by light and electron microscopy. The majority of patients (14) showed focal segmental glomerular sclerosis on light microscopy, four patients showed \"minimal change\", and two were classified as \"focal global sclerosis.\" In one case focal mesangial proliferation was the outstanding feature; one patient had diabetic glomerulosclerosis; and one had mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis and dysproteinemia. Visceral epithelial swelling and proliferation were present in 14 patients on light on light microscopy. Electron microscopy showed distinct podocyte changes consisting of loss of foot processes, vacuolization, and cytoplasmic degeneration; focal separation of podocytes from basement membranes was found in 11 of 18 cases. In some instances a few electron-dense deposits were present in the mesangium. Membranous nephropathy was not encountered, although it occurs in 30 to 40% of unselected adult nephrotic individuals. Of 15 patients followed for 2 months to 5 years, one died of heroin overdose, eight went into renal failure, two improved, and four continued to have proteinuria. It is concluded that nephrotic syndrome of heroin addicts is most often associated with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis and occasionally with minimal change disease or focal global sclerosis. Conceivably these three conditions represent different phases of one disease process, although different reactions to heroin or its various vehicles and contaminants cannot be excluded. The morphologic resemblance to experimental aminonucleoside and N,N'-diacetylbenzidine-induced nephrosis suggests a possible toxic origin.", "PMID": 994459} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5779", "title": "Golgi complex alterations induced by X537A in chief cells of rat parathyroid gland.", "content": "Electron microscopic examination of chief cells of rat parathyroid glands incubated with the antibiotic ionophore X537A showed selective alterations of the Golgi complex. The changes were dependent on the duration of X537A exposure. After 50 minutes of incubation, the cisternae and vesicles of the Golgi complex appeared highly swollen and disorganized. Because of its selective action, X537A might be a useful tool in the investigation of the role of Golgi apparatus in parathormone secretion.", "contents": "Golgi complex alterations induced by X537A in chief cells of rat parathyroid gland. Electron microscopic examination of chief cells of rat parathyroid glands incubated with the antibiotic ionophore X537A showed selective alterations of the Golgi complex. The changes were dependent on the duration of X537A exposure. After 50 minutes of incubation, the cisternae and vesicles of the Golgi complex appeared highly swollen and disorganized. Because of its selective action, X537A might be a useful tool in the investigation of the role of Golgi apparatus in parathormone secretion.", "PMID": 994460} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5780", "title": "Hypoxic protection in paraquat poisoning.", "content": "Ingestion or injection of the herbicide paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-dipyridylium dichloride) has caused more than 120 deaths in humans. Most have been due to respiratory failure caused by pulmonary edema, hemorrhage, and atelectasis, or subsequent pulmonary fibrosis. Paraquat is concentrated in lung tissue and is believed to cause superoxide radical formation in the presence of oxygen and suitable electron donors. Exposure to increased concentrations of oxygen has been reported to accelerate the toxicity of paraquat. The therapeutic efficacy of a reduced oxygen environment was investigated by exposing paraquat-poisoned mice to 10% oxygen after stepwise drops from 14% oxygen. Sixty-one mice were given intraperitoneal injections of 27 mg. per kg. of paraquat. The 25 mice in hypoxia for 7 days had a 32% mortality rate versus a 78% mortality rate for the remainder of the mice in room air, p less than 0.01. After a dose of 20 mg. per kg. of paraquat administered intraperitoneally, 24 mice in hypoxia had a 25% mortality rate versus 51% for 35 animals in room air. Brief exposures of the hypoxic group to \"normoxia\" (room air) led to pulmonary edema and death. The continuous exposure of paraquat-poisoned animals to hypoxic environments was protective. This approach may be useful in other oxidant lung injuries.", "contents": "Hypoxic protection in paraquat poisoning. Ingestion or injection of the herbicide paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-dipyridylium dichloride) has caused more than 120 deaths in humans. Most have been due to respiratory failure caused by pulmonary edema, hemorrhage, and atelectasis, or subsequent pulmonary fibrosis. Paraquat is concentrated in lung tissue and is believed to cause superoxide radical formation in the presence of oxygen and suitable electron donors. Exposure to increased concentrations of oxygen has been reported to accelerate the toxicity of paraquat. The therapeutic efficacy of a reduced oxygen environment was investigated by exposing paraquat-poisoned mice to 10% oxygen after stepwise drops from 14% oxygen. Sixty-one mice were given intraperitoneal injections of 27 mg. per kg. of paraquat. The 25 mice in hypoxia for 7 days had a 32% mortality rate versus a 78% mortality rate for the remainder of the mice in room air, p less than 0.01. After a dose of 20 mg. per kg. of paraquat administered intraperitoneally, 24 mice in hypoxia had a 25% mortality rate versus 51% for 35 animals in room air. Brief exposures of the hypoxic group to \"normoxia\" (room air) led to pulmonary edema and death. The continuous exposure of paraquat-poisoned animals to hypoxic environments was protective. This approach may be useful in other oxidant lung injuries.", "PMID": 994461} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5781", "title": "Alterations in rabbit alveolar macrophages as a result of traumatic shock.", "content": "Biochemical and electron microscope studies were conducted to determine the effects of traumatic shock on rabbit alveolar macrophages. Both resting and phagocytosing macrophages from the shocked animals, in comparison to comparable control macrophages, showed increased release of acid phosphatase from the cells into medium upon incubation in vitro, but decreases in the total content of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase. Studies by electron microscopy showed ultrastructural alterations in macrophages from shocked animals consisting of a reduction in the number or a complete absence of lysosomes and, in some cases, increased amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes. In vitro incubation of macrophages from shocked animals with Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed that the process of bacterial ingestion was not impaired nor were the numbers of bacteria ingested decreased as compared to control macrophages. However, the ability of macrophages from shocked animals to destroy ingested bacteria appeared to be significantly altered. Extensive degradation of Pseudomonas was observed within phagocytic vacuoles of control macrophages after 15 minutes of incubation. In contrast, the majority of ingested organisms in macrophages from shocked animals showed no evidence of degradative changes.", "contents": "Alterations in rabbit alveolar macrophages as a result of traumatic shock. Biochemical and electron microscope studies were conducted to determine the effects of traumatic shock on rabbit alveolar macrophages. Both resting and phagocytosing macrophages from the shocked animals, in comparison to comparable control macrophages, showed increased release of acid phosphatase from the cells into medium upon incubation in vitro, but decreases in the total content of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase. Studies by electron microscopy showed ultrastructural alterations in macrophages from shocked animals consisting of a reduction in the number or a complete absence of lysosomes and, in some cases, increased amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes. In vitro incubation of macrophages from shocked animals with Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed that the process of bacterial ingestion was not impaired nor were the numbers of bacteria ingested decreased as compared to control macrophages. However, the ability of macrophages from shocked animals to destroy ingested bacteria appeared to be significantly altered. Extensive degradation of Pseudomonas was observed within phagocytic vacuoles of control macrophages after 15 minutes of incubation. In contrast, the majority of ingested organisms in macrophages from shocked animals showed no evidence of degradative changes.", "PMID": 994462} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5782", "title": "Stimulated growth of submandibular gland.", "content": "The effects of chronic isoproterenol (IPR) administration on the growth of submandibular gland were studied. Treatment of female rats with IPR, 0.02 mg. per gm. of body weight, twice daily between 13 and 29 days of age resulted in a 3.6-fold increase in the weight of the submandibular gland, with a 4-fold increase in ribonucleic acid and 1.8-fold increase in deoxyribonucleic acid content. Incorporation of tritiated thymidine was stimulated by two injections of the drug but it was below the control level after 5 days of IPR administration. When the administration of IPR was discontinued, the weight of the gland rapidly declined and within 11 days it reached the control level. However, the average deoxyribo-nucleic acid content of the glands of IPR-treated rats remained 20 to 25% above the control level. IPR treatment altered the cellular composition of the gland and influenced the proliferation of the various cell types differently. Between 14 and 30 days of age, the frequency of acinar cells increased from 29% to 44%. Concomitantly, the frequency of terminal tubule cells declined from 30% to 15%. There were no significant changes in the relative frequencies of other cell types during this developmental period. Chronic administration of IPR led to an increase in the frequency of acinar cells. At the same time the relative proportion of terminal tubule cells declined. During the observation period, the proliferative activities (labeling indices) of all cell types, except that of the ductal cells, declined. IPR treatment ahd the most pronounced, depressing effect on the proliferation of the acinar cells. At the same time, the drug accelerated the differentiation of acinar cells and it caused their marked hypertrophy. Administration of IPR to growing rats affords a favorable system for analysis of the relationship between normal and drug-induced growth.", "contents": "Stimulated growth of submandibular gland. The effects of chronic isoproterenol (IPR) administration on the growth of submandibular gland were studied. Treatment of female rats with IPR, 0.02 mg. per gm. of body weight, twice daily between 13 and 29 days of age resulted in a 3.6-fold increase in the weight of the submandibular gland, with a 4-fold increase in ribonucleic acid and 1.8-fold increase in deoxyribonucleic acid content. Incorporation of tritiated thymidine was stimulated by two injections of the drug but it was below the control level after 5 days of IPR administration. When the administration of IPR was discontinued, the weight of the gland rapidly declined and within 11 days it reached the control level. However, the average deoxyribo-nucleic acid content of the glands of IPR-treated rats remained 20 to 25% above the control level. IPR treatment altered the cellular composition of the gland and influenced the proliferation of the various cell types differently. Between 14 and 30 days of age, the frequency of acinar cells increased from 29% to 44%. Concomitantly, the frequency of terminal tubule cells declined from 30% to 15%. There were no significant changes in the relative frequencies of other cell types during this developmental period. Chronic administration of IPR led to an increase in the frequency of acinar cells. At the same time the relative proportion of terminal tubule cells declined. During the observation period, the proliferative activities (labeling indices) of all cell types, except that of the ductal cells, declined. IPR treatment ahd the most pronounced, depressing effect on the proliferation of the acinar cells. At the same time, the drug accelerated the differentiation of acinar cells and it caused their marked hypertrophy. Administration of IPR to growing rats affords a favorable system for analysis of the relationship between normal and drug-induced growth.", "PMID": 994463} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5783", "title": "A comparison of the orientation of elastin fibers in the elastic laminae of the pulmonary trunk and aorta of rabbits using the scanning electron microscope.", "content": "Five pulmonary trunks and two aortas from adult rabbits were fixed in formalin as close to their in vivo dimensions as possible. They were then cut open, pinned out, stripped to expose their medical elastic laminae, dehydrated, and coated with gold. A hair was placed over each specimen as a reference line for orientation purposes. The arteries were examined under a scanning electron microscope and 20 photographs were taken of each specimen. The tangential surface of an elastic lamina was seen to consist of long, parallel, anastomosing, broad elastin fibers with numerous finer fibrils interconnecting them at right angles. The angle which each elastin fiber made with the circumferential axis of the vessel was measured. Although elastin fibers within any particular level within the media were all roughly parallel, there was variation in orientation of fibers between successive elastic laminae. This variation was relatively slight in the aorta where most fibers were approximately circumferentially orientated. In the pulmonary trunk the variation in orientation was extreme and extended completely over a 180 degree range.", "contents": "A comparison of the orientation of elastin fibers in the elastic laminae of the pulmonary trunk and aorta of rabbits using the scanning electron microscope. Five pulmonary trunks and two aortas from adult rabbits were fixed in formalin as close to their in vivo dimensions as possible. They were then cut open, pinned out, stripped to expose their medical elastic laminae, dehydrated, and coated with gold. A hair was placed over each specimen as a reference line for orientation purposes. The arteries were examined under a scanning electron microscope and 20 photographs were taken of each specimen. The tangential surface of an elastic lamina was seen to consist of long, parallel, anastomosing, broad elastin fibers with numerous finer fibrils interconnecting them at right angles. The angle which each elastin fiber made with the circumferential axis of the vessel was measured. Although elastin fibers within any particular level within the media were all roughly parallel, there was variation in orientation of fibers between successive elastic laminae. This variation was relatively slight in the aorta where most fibers were approximately circumferentially orientated. In the pulmonary trunk the variation in orientation was extreme and extended completely over a 180 degree range.", "PMID": 994464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5784", "title": "Tissue factor in cultured cells: pharmacologic effects.", "content": "Tissue factor activity in suspension cultures of WISH amnion cells is modulated by pharmacologic doses of agents which alter membrane structure and function. Lysosomal stabilizing steroids (hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, aldosterone, prednisolone, and estradiol) suppress the change in activity which follows subculture; lytic steroids (testosterone and progesterone) are ineffective. Chloroquine both increases the specific activity and extends the time before return to the basal level. Dimethyl sulfoxide and ouabain suppress the complete expression of activity but do not inhibit the subsequent decay. The effect of cytochalasin B is complex, the drug being either suppressive or slightly stimulatory depending on the time of addition. Cyclic nucleotides (AMP or GMP) or insulin do not regulate the expression of tissue factor in these cells. A dramatic increment and prolongation of activity occurs when colchicine or vinblastine is added to the cell suspension shortly after subculture; there is much less stimulation by griseofulvin. Lumicolchicine has no effect while deuterium oxide is inhibitory. From these experiments, we conclude that increased membrane fluidity or altered secretory processes resulting from microtubule disruption stabilize tissue factor in cultured cells. Since contradictory results were obtained with agents which stabilize lysosomes or inhibit transport, the role of these cellular functions in tissue factor production or decay is unclear.", "contents": "Tissue factor in cultured cells: pharmacologic effects. Tissue factor activity in suspension cultures of WISH amnion cells is modulated by pharmacologic doses of agents which alter membrane structure and function. Lysosomal stabilizing steroids (hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, aldosterone, prednisolone, and estradiol) suppress the change in activity which follows subculture; lytic steroids (testosterone and progesterone) are ineffective. Chloroquine both increases the specific activity and extends the time before return to the basal level. Dimethyl sulfoxide and ouabain suppress the complete expression of activity but do not inhibit the subsequent decay. The effect of cytochalasin B is complex, the drug being either suppressive or slightly stimulatory depending on the time of addition. Cyclic nucleotides (AMP or GMP) or insulin do not regulate the expression of tissue factor in these cells. A dramatic increment and prolongation of activity occurs when colchicine or vinblastine is added to the cell suspension shortly after subculture; there is much less stimulation by griseofulvin. Lumicolchicine has no effect while deuterium oxide is inhibitory. From these experiments, we conclude that increased membrane fluidity or altered secretory processes resulting from microtubule disruption stabilize tissue factor in cultured cells. Since contradictory results were obtained with agents which stabilize lysosomes or inhibit transport, the role of these cellular functions in tissue factor production or decay is unclear.", "PMID": 994465} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5785", "title": "The renal sympathetic system and juxtaglomerular cells in experimental renovascular hypertension.", "content": "Marked reduction of the monoaminergic nerve fluorescence and catecholamine tissue content were demonstrated in the ischemic kidney of rats made hypertensive by unilateral renal artery stenosis (two-kidney Goldblatt hypertension). The nonischemic kidney showed a normal degree of fluorescence and catecholamine content. The electron microscope failed to demonstrate recognizable nerves around most of the glomerular arterioles of the ischemic kidney, whereas a normal rich innervation was observed in the nonischemic side. The juxtaglomerular index and renal renin content were elevated in the ischemic kidney and markedly reduced in the nonischemic kidney. Juxtaglomerular cells were present in the glomerular mesangium and ultrastructurally showed changes consistent with increased renin synthesis. The extent of disruption of the sympathetic system in renal hypertension might play a role in the degree of hypersecretory response of the juxtaglomerular cells to renal artery constriction.", "contents": "The renal sympathetic system and juxtaglomerular cells in experimental renovascular hypertension. Marked reduction of the monoaminergic nerve fluorescence and catecholamine tissue content were demonstrated in the ischemic kidney of rats made hypertensive by unilateral renal artery stenosis (two-kidney Goldblatt hypertension). The nonischemic kidney showed a normal degree of fluorescence and catecholamine content. The electron microscope failed to demonstrate recognizable nerves around most of the glomerular arterioles of the ischemic kidney, whereas a normal rich innervation was observed in the nonischemic side. The juxtaglomerular index and renal renin content were elevated in the ischemic kidney and markedly reduced in the nonischemic kidney. Juxtaglomerular cells were present in the glomerular mesangium and ultrastructurally showed changes consistent with increased renin synthesis. The extent of disruption of the sympathetic system in renal hypertension might play a role in the degree of hypersecretory response of the juxtaglomerular cells to renal artery constriction.", "PMID": 994466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5786", "title": "Cystic fibrosis: effects of serum factors on mucus secretion.", "content": "The effects of serum from children with cystic fibrosis and from normal children on the mucus-secreting, ciliated epithelium have been investigated in vitro using explanted tissue from rabbit lung. By optical and scanning electron microscopy, a sequence of structural changes is observed after incubation with cystic fibrosis serum; this sequence does not occur with normal serum. The earliest changes involve swelling of the goblet cells, with subsequent discharge of mucus onto the epithelial surface. This is followed by disruption of the normally rapid and synchronized ciliary activity. Mucus gradually extends over the surface entangling cilia. Finally, some shedding of ciliated cells occurs from the epithelium. These findings suggest that factors in cystic fibrosis serum cause discharge of mucus leading to a disturbance of the normal ciliary activity in the rabbit lung. It is postulated that such changes result in dysfunction of the mucociliary clearance mechanism and that this dysfunction may be a contributory factor to the pathogenesis of lung disease.", "contents": "Cystic fibrosis: effects of serum factors on mucus secretion. The effects of serum from children with cystic fibrosis and from normal children on the mucus-secreting, ciliated epithelium have been investigated in vitro using explanted tissue from rabbit lung. By optical and scanning electron microscopy, a sequence of structural changes is observed after incubation with cystic fibrosis serum; this sequence does not occur with normal serum. The earliest changes involve swelling of the goblet cells, with subsequent discharge of mucus onto the epithelial surface. This is followed by disruption of the normally rapid and synchronized ciliary activity. Mucus gradually extends over the surface entangling cilia. Finally, some shedding of ciliated cells occurs from the epithelium. These findings suggest that factors in cystic fibrosis serum cause discharge of mucus leading to a disturbance of the normal ciliary activity in the rabbit lung. It is postulated that such changes result in dysfunction of the mucociliary clearance mechanism and that this dysfunction may be a contributory factor to the pathogenesis of lung disease.", "PMID": 994467} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5787", "title": "Rhabdomyoma of the heart: ultrastructural study of three cases.", "content": "The electron microscopic features of three primary cardiac rhabdomyomas were studied for the first time. Distinct striated muscle cells arranged in a disorderly fashion are described. The cases demonstrated a spectrum of possible myobibril differentiation with one case having only Z-bands and myosin filaments present while the other two had well formed thick and thin filaments with all of the bands present including Z, I, A, H, and M. Glycogen bodies, numerous mitochondria with tubular cristae, lipid deposits, and peculiar striated structures resembling zebra bodies were also seen. Desmonsomal attachments suggestive of Purkinje-type fibers were seen in all of the cases and were the only types seen in cases 2 and 3. In addition, intercalated discs characteristic of myocardial fibers were noted in case 1. This finding still leaves the exact histogenesis of the lesion uncertain although origin from two types of fibers is possible.", "contents": "Rhabdomyoma of the heart: ultrastructural study of three cases. The electron microscopic features of three primary cardiac rhabdomyomas were studied for the first time. Distinct striated muscle cells arranged in a disorderly fashion are described. The cases demonstrated a spectrum of possible myobibril differentiation with one case having only Z-bands and myosin filaments present while the other two had well formed thick and thin filaments with all of the bands present including Z, I, A, H, and M. Glycogen bodies, numerous mitochondria with tubular cristae, lipid deposits, and peculiar striated structures resembling zebra bodies were also seen. Desmonsomal attachments suggestive of Purkinje-type fibers were seen in all of the cases and were the only types seen in cases 2 and 3. In addition, intercalated discs characteristic of myocardial fibers were noted in case 1. This finding still leaves the exact histogenesis of the lesion uncertain although origin from two types of fibers is possible.", "PMID": 994468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5788", "title": "A new experimental approach to assessment of velopharyngeal adequacy: nasal manometric bleed testing.", "content": "A new experimental method for assessment of velopharyngeal adequacy/inadequacy, using nasal manometric pressure readings for three types of speech conditions under controlled incremental bleed conditions, is described. Cleft palate speakers (N = 30) tended to have higher nasal pressure readings than non-flect palate speakers (N = 56), with or without bleed conditions. Reduction in nasal pressure under controlled incremental bleed for non-cleft palate speakers and cleft palate adequate (CPA) speakers is compatible with an aerodynamic quadratic equation. Unlike cleft palate inadequate (CPI) speakers, non-cleft palate speakers and CPA speakers exhibit similar ability to achieve 0 cm nasal monometric pressure under a bleed bore diameter of 4 mm for a circular bleed orifice. Results for cleft palate marginal (CPM) speakers are less conclusive. Reliability of nasal manometric bleed testing was limitedly tested but not conclusively established in the present report. Further study of reliability and validity is necessary.", "contents": "A new experimental approach to assessment of velopharyngeal adequacy: nasal manometric bleed testing. A new experimental method for assessment of velopharyngeal adequacy/inadequacy, using nasal manometric pressure readings for three types of speech conditions under controlled incremental bleed conditions, is described. Cleft palate speakers (N = 30) tended to have higher nasal pressure readings than non-flect palate speakers (N = 56), with or without bleed conditions. Reduction in nasal pressure under controlled incremental bleed for non-cleft palate speakers and cleft palate adequate (CPA) speakers is compatible with an aerodynamic quadratic equation. Unlike cleft palate inadequate (CPI) speakers, non-cleft palate speakers and CPA speakers exhibit similar ability to achieve 0 cm nasal monometric pressure under a bleed bore diameter of 4 mm for a circular bleed orifice. Results for cleft palate marginal (CPM) speakers are less conclusive. Reliability of nasal manometric bleed testing was limitedly tested but not conclusively established in the present report. Further study of reliability and validity is necessary.", "PMID": 994474} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5789", "title": "Word retrieval of aphasic adults.", "content": "This study determined (1) the types of word retrieval behaviors employed by aphasic adults in conversation and (2) the degree to which identified behaviors were successful in prompting production of intended words. Five retrieval behaviors--delay, semantic association, phonetic association, description, and generalization--were identified. It was possible to organize the retrieval behaviors of 18 aphasic subjects in a hierarchical order of efficiency. Use of a particular behavior and the success with which it facilitated production of an intended word appeared strongly related to severity of aphasia. Findings again bring to focus the significance of the associational processes to the problem of word retrieval in aphasia.", "contents": "Word retrieval of aphasic adults. This study determined (1) the types of word retrieval behaviors employed by aphasic adults in conversation and (2) the degree to which identified behaviors were successful in prompting production of intended words. Five retrieval behaviors--delay, semantic association, phonetic association, description, and generalization--were identified. It was possible to organize the retrieval behaviors of 18 aphasic subjects in a hierarchical order of efficiency. Use of a particular behavior and the success with which it facilitated production of an intended word appeared strongly related to severity of aphasia. Findings again bring to focus the significance of the associational processes to the problem of word retrieval in aphasia.", "PMID": 994475} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5790", "title": "Stutterers' perceptions of therapy improvement and of posttherapy regression: effects of certain program modifications.", "content": "In an attempt to improve its effectiveness, a traditional, symptomatic stuttering therapy program for school-age children was modified to (1) focus more upon self-therapy activities while reducing group work emphasis; (2) specify more precisely the target responses used to replace stuttering; (3) establish clearly the criteria for client progress; and (4) provide well-defined activities for the transfer of speech change. Participants used a questionnaire to evaluate their improvement and post-therapy regression in various dimensions of stuttering severity, and results were compared with questionnaire findings from an earlier treatment program. Significantly greater improvement in speech fluency was perceived by the participants following the modified program, and follow-up videotape samples confirmed their perceptions as revealed on the questionnaire.", "contents": "Stutterers' perceptions of therapy improvement and of posttherapy regression: effects of certain program modifications. In an attempt to improve its effectiveness, a traditional, symptomatic stuttering therapy program for school-age children was modified to (1) focus more upon self-therapy activities while reducing group work emphasis; (2) specify more precisely the target responses used to replace stuttering; (3) establish clearly the criteria for client progress; and (4) provide well-defined activities for the transfer of speech change. Participants used a questionnaire to evaluate their improvement and post-therapy regression in various dimensions of stuttering severity, and results were compared with questionnaire findings from an earlier treatment program. Significantly greater improvement in speech fluency was perceived by the participants following the modified program, and follow-up videotape samples confirmed their perceptions as revealed on the questionnaire.", "PMID": 994476} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5791", "title": "Reliability of monosyllabic discrimination tests in white noise for differentiating among hearing aids.", "content": "In spite of criticism, monosyllabic discrimination tests are widely employed for hearing aid selection. The current study was designed to investigate the following questions: (1) How reliable is aided speech discrimination of monosyllables in a background of white noise? (2) Can differences among hearing aids be reliably demonstrated by measuring intelligibility of monosyllables in a background of white noise? and (3) Do hearing aids interact with hearing loss? Twenty subjects with mild-moderate sensorineural hearing losses participated in two experimental sessions. Four hearing aids were evaluated using the NU-6 monosyllables in a background of white noise (s/n = +20 dB). Since the standard deviation of the test-retest differences was 6%, differences between aids were not considered significant unless they exceeded 12%. An interaction between subjects and hearing aids was found; that is, the best aid for one person was not the best for all. Measuring monosyllabic word intelligibility in a background of white noise does not reliably identify a single best aid. However, one or more inferior aids were consistently eliminated in 80% of the subjects.", "contents": "Reliability of monosyllabic discrimination tests in white noise for differentiating among hearing aids. In spite of criticism, monosyllabic discrimination tests are widely employed for hearing aid selection. The current study was designed to investigate the following questions: (1) How reliable is aided speech discrimination of monosyllables in a background of white noise? (2) Can differences among hearing aids be reliably demonstrated by measuring intelligibility of monosyllables in a background of white noise? and (3) Do hearing aids interact with hearing loss? Twenty subjects with mild-moderate sensorineural hearing losses participated in two experimental sessions. Four hearing aids were evaluated using the NU-6 monosyllables in a background of white noise (s/n = +20 dB). Since the standard deviation of the test-retest differences was 6%, differences between aids were not considered significant unless they exceeded 12%. An interaction between subjects and hearing aids was found; that is, the best aid for one person was not the best for all. Measuring monosyllabic word intelligibility in a background of white noise does not reliably identify a single best aid. However, one or more inferior aids were consistently eliminated in 80% of the subjects.", "PMID": 994477} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5792", "title": "The grammatic closure subtest of the ITPA: a comparative study of black and white children.", "content": "This study investigated the performance of black children and white children on the grammatic closure subtest of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities. Ninety-six children, who were attending kindergarten, second, and fourth grades, were examined. They were equally divided for sex, race, and grade placement. Results indicated that kindergarten children, regardless of race and sex, performed similarly; however, black children of both sexes did significantly poorer than white children in higher grades. When allowances were made for some black English responses, however, all children in each age-group performed similarly. Implications for diagnostic applications are discussed.", "contents": "The grammatic closure subtest of the ITPA: a comparative study of black and white children. This study investigated the performance of black children and white children on the grammatic closure subtest of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities. Ninety-six children, who were attending kindergarten, second, and fourth grades, were examined. They were equally divided for sex, race, and grade placement. Results indicated that kindergarten children, regardless of race and sex, performed similarly; however, black children of both sexes did significantly poorer than white children in higher grades. When allowances were made for some black English responses, however, all children in each age-group performed similarly. Implications for diagnostic applications are discussed.", "PMID": 994478} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5793", "title": "Response patterns of pre-school-age children to the Northwestern Syntax Screening Test.", "content": "This study was undertaken to describe the response patterns of 216 boys and girls between the ages of five-and-one-half and six-and-one-half years of age on grammatically matched receptive and expressive items of the NSST. The results showed no significant differences among the mean scores for three age levels or between the two sexes. However, the obtained means were substantially below those obtained on the NSST standardization sample. Item analysis suggested several inconsistencies between the ages of five-and-one-half and six-and-one-half years of age on gram-correct expressively but incorrect receptively.", "contents": "Response patterns of pre-school-age children to the Northwestern Syntax Screening Test. This study was undertaken to describe the response patterns of 216 boys and girls between the ages of five-and-one-half and six-and-one-half years of age on grammatically matched receptive and expressive items of the NSST. The results showed no significant differences among the mean scores for three age levels or between the two sexes. However, the obtained means were substantially below those obtained on the NSST standardization sample. Item analysis suggested several inconsistencies between the ages of five-and-one-half and six-and-one-half years of age on gram-correct expressively but incorrect receptively.", "PMID": 994479} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5794", "title": "The LOT test and school-age children.", "content": "The LOT test was administered to 100 normal-hearing subjects ranging in age from seven years, six months to 10 years, six months. The test was conducted at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz with 99 subjects who were able to perform the required task. The LOT test misclassified (false-positive result) only 4% of the normal-hearing children at 1000 Hz. The test misclassified 3% at 2000 Hz, 3% at 4000 Hz, and 14% at 500 Hz. A new criterion for the use of the LOT test with children is proposed which reduced the percentage of misclassification to 2% at 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. The frequency of 500 Hz is not recommended for the preadolescent population.", "contents": "The LOT test and school-age children. The LOT test was administered to 100 normal-hearing subjects ranging in age from seven years, six months to 10 years, six months. The test was conducted at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz with 99 subjects who were able to perform the required task. The LOT test misclassified (false-positive result) only 4% of the normal-hearing children at 1000 Hz. The test misclassified 3% at 2000 Hz, 3% at 4000 Hz, and 14% at 500 Hz. A new criterion for the use of the LOT test with children is proposed which reduced the percentage of misclassification to 2% at 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. The frequency of 500 Hz is not recommended for the preadolescent population.", "PMID": 994480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5795", "title": "Articulation functions and test-retest performance of normal-hearing children on three speech discrimination tests: WIPI, PBK-50, and NV Auditory Test No. 6.", "content": "This study investigates the performance of normal-hearing children on three types of speech discrimination tasks: (1) a multiple-choice, closed-message set test requiring no verbal response, the WIPI; (2) an open-message set test for adults, Northwestern University Aue talker were administrated to 60 normal-hearing children, divided qually between the ages three-and-one-half, five-and-one-half, seven-and-one-half, nine-and-one-half, and 11-and-one-half years. The number of tests and sensations levels administered varied by age. The WIPI test yielded the highest discrimination scores, the PBK-50 was intermediate, and the NU-6 was most difficult. A small number of items on the WIPI test accounted for a large percentage of the errors. For three-and-one-half years olds, the WIPI appears to be the instrument of choice. For children aged five-and-one-half years, both the WIPI and the PBK-50 appear to be appropriate clinical tools. Children aged seven-and-one-half scored similar to children aged nine-and-one-half on the WIPI and to children aged nine-and-one-half and 11 and-one-half on the PBK-50 and NU-6. Test-retest differences were small on all three tests.", "contents": "Articulation functions and test-retest performance of normal-hearing children on three speech discrimination tests: WIPI, PBK-50, and NV Auditory Test No. 6. This study investigates the performance of normal-hearing children on three types of speech discrimination tasks: (1) a multiple-choice, closed-message set test requiring no verbal response, the WIPI; (2) an open-message set test for adults, Northwestern University Aue talker were administrated to 60 normal-hearing children, divided qually between the ages three-and-one-half, five-and-one-half, seven-and-one-half, nine-and-one-half, and 11-and-one-half years. The number of tests and sensations levels administered varied by age. The WIPI test yielded the highest discrimination scores, the PBK-50 was intermediate, and the NU-6 was most difficult. A small number of items on the WIPI test accounted for a large percentage of the errors. For three-and-one-half years olds, the WIPI appears to be the instrument of choice. For children aged five-and-one-half years, both the WIPI and the PBK-50 appear to be appropriate clinical tools. Children aged seven-and-one-half scored similar to children aged nine-and-one-half on the WIPI and to children aged nine-and-one-half and 11 and-one-half on the PBK-50 and NU-6. Test-retest differences were small on all three tests.", "PMID": 994481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5796", "title": "A system for reporting tympanometric results.", "content": "Available electroacoustic middle-ear measurement instruments report information concerning middle-ear function in at least six different terms. These terms are used to report middle-ear function: impedance, compliance, admittance, susceptance, conductance, and volume. A standard system for the clinical expression of middle-ear measurements, regardless of the particular measurement unit used, is proposed.", "contents": "A system for reporting tympanometric results. Available electroacoustic middle-ear measurement instruments report information concerning middle-ear function in at least six different terms. These terms are used to report middle-ear function: impedance, compliance, admittance, susceptance, conductance, and volume. A standard system for the clinical expression of middle-ear measurements, regardless of the particular measurement unit used, is proposed.", "PMID": 994482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5797", "title": "Writing in aphasia rehabilitation: cursive vs manuscript.", "content": "Reading and writing performance was observed in 30 adult aphasic patients to determine whether there was a significant difference when stimuli and manual responses were varied in the written form: cursive versus manuscript. Patients were asked to read aloud 10 words written cursively and 10 words written in manuscript form. They were then asked to write on dictation 10 words responses using cursive writing and 10 words using manuscript writing. Number of words correctly read, number of words correctly written, and number of letters correctly written in the proper sequence were tallied for both cursive and manuscript writing tasks for each patient. Results indicated no significant difference in correct response between cursive and manuscript writing style for these aphasic patients as a group; however, it was noted that individual patients varied widely in their success using one writing form over the other. It appeared that since neither writing form showed better facilitation of performance, the writing style used should be determined according to the individual patient's own preference and best performance.", "contents": "Writing in aphasia rehabilitation: cursive vs manuscript. Reading and writing performance was observed in 30 adult aphasic patients to determine whether there was a significant difference when stimuli and manual responses were varied in the written form: cursive versus manuscript. Patients were asked to read aloud 10 words written cursively and 10 words written in manuscript form. They were then asked to write on dictation 10 words responses using cursive writing and 10 words using manuscript writing. Number of words correctly read, number of words correctly written, and number of letters correctly written in the proper sequence were tallied for both cursive and manuscript writing tasks for each patient. Results indicated no significant difference in correct response between cursive and manuscript writing style for these aphasic patients as a group; however, it was noted that individual patients varied widely in their success using one writing form over the other. It appeared that since neither writing form showed better facilitation of performance, the writing style used should be determined according to the individual patient's own preference and best performance.", "PMID": 994483} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5798", "title": "Visual intelligibility of consonants: a lipreading screening test with implications for aural rehabilitation.", "content": "A lipreading screening test consisting of 100 consonant-vowel (CV) syllables was prepared on videotape and presented to subjected with normal hearing and vision. The results of visual consonant confusions revealed nine homophenous categories with high test-retest reliability. Based upon these categories, obtained under ideal viewing conditions, criterion levels of performance were specified in an attempt to determine the need for place of articulation instruction during lipreading training. Examples of confusion patterns from hearing-impaired observers are shown and implications for visual training are presented.", "contents": "Visual intelligibility of consonants: a lipreading screening test with implications for aural rehabilitation. A lipreading screening test consisting of 100 consonant-vowel (CV) syllables was prepared on videotape and presented to subjected with normal hearing and vision. The results of visual consonant confusions revealed nine homophenous categories with high test-retest reliability. Based upon these categories, obtained under ideal viewing conditions, criterion levels of performance were specified in an attempt to determine the need for place of articulation instruction during lipreading training. Examples of confusion patterns from hearing-impaired observers are shown and implications for visual training are presented.", "PMID": 994484} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5799", "title": "Perilymphatic fistula and its interest to audiologists.", "content": "Forty-one patients who had sudden hearing loss associated with spontaneous perilymphatic fistllas were reviewed in this investigation. A history of physical exertion or an upper respiratory infection prior to the onset of hearing loss strongly suggests the presence of spontaneous perilymphatic fistula. However, absence of such a history does not necessarily preclude the possibility of membrane rupture. A great variation in audiologic and vestibular findings was observed. Tinnitus was present for most patients and vertigo or disequilibrium was reported by some. Findings support the need for surgical exploration in patients with sudden hearing loss when a perilymphatic fistula is suspected. Postoperative success in restoring hearing function in cases with perilymphatic fistula is good if the fistula is closed within two weeks after the initial insult. Delay in closure of such fistulas can cause irreversible loss of hearing.", "contents": "Perilymphatic fistula and its interest to audiologists. Forty-one patients who had sudden hearing loss associated with spontaneous perilymphatic fistllas were reviewed in this investigation. A history of physical exertion or an upper respiratory infection prior to the onset of hearing loss strongly suggests the presence of spontaneous perilymphatic fistula. However, absence of such a history does not necessarily preclude the possibility of membrane rupture. A great variation in audiologic and vestibular findings was observed. Tinnitus was present for most patients and vertigo or disequilibrium was reported by some. Findings support the need for surgical exploration in patients with sudden hearing loss when a perilymphatic fistula is suspected. Postoperative success in restoring hearing function in cases with perilymphatic fistula is good if the fistula is closed within two weeks after the initial insult. Delay in closure of such fistulas can cause irreversible loss of hearing.", "PMID": 994485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5800", "title": "Listeners' impressions of speakers with lateral lisps.", "content": "This paper reports research conducted to determine whether the lateral lisp is a speech defect. The specific purpose of this research was to determine whether the lateral lisp calls adverse attention to the speaker. Two groups of broadcast communication students rates the concept \"The Person Speaking\" on a 49-scale semantic differential. One group performed the task after listening to a tape recording of a young woman reading contextual material with a simulated lateral lisp. The other group performed the task after listening to a recording of the same woman reading the material in a normal manner. Analyses of the scale values computed for the two conditions indicated that the lateral lisp called adverse attention to the speaker. A systematic replication was undertaken to assess the generality of this finding. The procedures of the original investigation were followed except that business administration students served as judges. The results replicated those of the original investigation. These data indicate that the lateral lisp is probably a speech defect and suggest that the practice of eliminating school speech services for children whose only speech difference is a lateral lisp should be reconsidered.", "contents": "Listeners' impressions of speakers with lateral lisps. This paper reports research conducted to determine whether the lateral lisp is a speech defect. The specific purpose of this research was to determine whether the lateral lisp calls adverse attention to the speaker. Two groups of broadcast communication students rates the concept \"The Person Speaking\" on a 49-scale semantic differential. One group performed the task after listening to a tape recording of a young woman reading contextual material with a simulated lateral lisp. The other group performed the task after listening to a recording of the same woman reading the material in a normal manner. Analyses of the scale values computed for the two conditions indicated that the lateral lisp called adverse attention to the speaker. A systematic replication was undertaken to assess the generality of this finding. The procedures of the original investigation were followed except that business administration students served as judges. The results replicated those of the original investigation. These data indicate that the lateral lisp is probably a speech defect and suggest that the practice of eliminating school speech services for children whose only speech difference is a lateral lisp should be reconsidered.", "PMID": 994486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5801", "title": "Hexagonal packing of lipid acyl chains and membrane plasticity.", "content": "Electron microscope and electron diffraction observations on microcrystals of pure lipids (a phosphatidylethanolamine, two phosphatidylcholines, a phosphatidic acid, and a galactocerebroside) reveal an extreme flexibility of lipid layers when the acyl chains are hexagonally packed (d100 = 4.17 A). This is corroborated by similar observations on wet bilayers of a lecithin. It is shown that more \"crystalline\" polymethylene packings do not impart such plasticity to lipid layers and are therefore an unsuitable structural matrix for dynamic biological membranes.", "contents": "Hexagonal packing of lipid acyl chains and membrane plasticity. Electron microscope and electron diffraction observations on microcrystals of pure lipids (a phosphatidylethanolamine, two phosphatidylcholines, a phosphatidic acid, and a galactocerebroside) reveal an extreme flexibility of lipid layers when the acyl chains are hexagonally packed (d100 = 4.17 A). This is corroborated by similar observations on wet bilayers of a lecithin. It is shown that more \"crystalline\" polymethylene packings do not impart such plasticity to lipid layers and are therefore an unsuitable structural matrix for dynamic biological membranes.", "PMID": 994499} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5802", "title": "Purification of plasma membranes from rat mammary gland by a density perturbation procedure.", "content": "A highly purified plasma membrane fraction was obtained from a microsomal subfraction of rat mammary gland after treatment with digitonin to increase its density. The purified membranes were enriched 70-fold overall in 5'-nucleotidase with essentially no contamination from glactosyltransferase, succinate-ING reductase, or NADPH-cytochrome c reductase. The membranes were also highly enriched in sialoglycoproteins.", "contents": "Purification of plasma membranes from rat mammary gland by a density perturbation procedure. A highly purified plasma membrane fraction was obtained from a microsomal subfraction of rat mammary gland after treatment with digitonin to increase its density. The purified membranes were enriched 70-fold overall in 5'-nucleotidase with essentially no contamination from glactosyltransferase, succinate-ING reductase, or NADPH-cytochrome c reductase. The membranes were also highly enriched in sialoglycoproteins.", "PMID": 994500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5803", "title": "Control of membrane morphogenesis in bacteriophage PM2.", "content": "The regulation of membrane formation in bacteriophage PM2 serves as a simple model for changes in membrane structure in eukaryotic cells. Prior to Pseudomonas host lysis, wild-type virions mature to an icosahedral morphology at the inner face of the cytoplasmic membrane. The preliminary characterization of two temperature-sensitive mutants of PM2 is described. In cells infected at the restrictive temperature with ts 1, an abundance of \"empty\" virus-size membrane vesicles are seen. Synthesis of DNA is also reduced in ts 1 infected cells. The preponderance of vesicles is not seen in cells infected with wild-type virus or with ts 1 at the permissive temperature. The \"empty\" appearance of the viral membranes suggests that viral DNA is not encapsulated. The major viral capsid protein (MW 26,000) is located just outside the viral membrane and normally sidiments with host and virus membranes. This protein made by mutant ts 5 does not pellet with these membranes; instead, large amounts of capsid protein can be precipitated from the supernatant with TCA. Compared to cells infected with wild type virus, cells infected with ts 5 at the restrictive temperature produced inside the cell an abundance of virus-size membrane vesicles. Taken together, these results with viral mutants suggest that formation of a viral membrane of the proper size does not require a DNA core around which to form, or an outer scaffolding of coat protein against which to form a spherical bilayer.", "contents": "Control of membrane morphogenesis in bacteriophage PM2. The regulation of membrane formation in bacteriophage PM2 serves as a simple model for changes in membrane structure in eukaryotic cells. Prior to Pseudomonas host lysis, wild-type virions mature to an icosahedral morphology at the inner face of the cytoplasmic membrane. The preliminary characterization of two temperature-sensitive mutants of PM2 is described. In cells infected at the restrictive temperature with ts 1, an abundance of \"empty\" virus-size membrane vesicles are seen. Synthesis of DNA is also reduced in ts 1 infected cells. The preponderance of vesicles is not seen in cells infected with wild-type virus or with ts 1 at the permissive temperature. The \"empty\" appearance of the viral membranes suggests that viral DNA is not encapsulated. The major viral capsid protein (MW 26,000) is located just outside the viral membrane and normally sidiments with host and virus membranes. This protein made by mutant ts 5 does not pellet with these membranes; instead, large amounts of capsid protein can be precipitated from the supernatant with TCA. Compared to cells infected with wild type virus, cells infected with ts 5 at the restrictive temperature produced inside the cell an abundance of virus-size membrane vesicles. Taken together, these results with viral mutants suggest that formation of a viral membrane of the proper size does not require a DNA core around which to form, or an outer scaffolding of coat protein against which to form a spherical bilayer.", "PMID": 994501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5804", "title": "Improved liquid cholesterol ester crystal thermography of the breast.", "content": "The infrated detection apparatus used in breast thermography is relatively costly and therefore is not widely available to less populated areas in the country. The use of liquid cholesterol crystals, applied to the breast (applied over a water-base black dye) has already been described in the literature as an effective substitute for infrared instrument thermography. This method, however, has been hampered by the time and troublesome effort necessary for removal of the substances upon completion of the study. The object of this study was to devise a feasible method of cutaneous breast thermography using liquid cholesterol esters, as in prior studies, but by applying them to an easily removable black base. As a result the length of the examination has been shortened, and patients have found the examination to be aesthetically more acceptable. With this improved method, liquid crystal thermography of the breast (and other areas) should become more widely applicable.", "contents": "Improved liquid cholesterol ester crystal thermography of the breast. The infrated detection apparatus used in breast thermography is relatively costly and therefore is not widely available to less populated areas in the country. The use of liquid cholesterol crystals, applied to the breast (applied over a water-base black dye) has already been described in the literature as an effective substitute for infrared instrument thermography. This method, however, has been hampered by the time and troublesome effort necessary for removal of the substances upon completion of the study. The object of this study was to devise a feasible method of cutaneous breast thermography using liquid cholesterol esters, as in prior studies, but by applying them to an easily removable black base. As a result the length of the examination has been shortened, and patients have found the examination to be aesthetically more acceptable. With this improved method, liquid crystal thermography of the breast (and other areas) should become more widely applicable.", "PMID": 994502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5805", "title": "Radiation-induced peritoneal mesothelioma.", "content": "A case report of a patient who developed peritoneal mesothelioma 7 years after internal and external irradiation for carcinoma of the cervix is reported. No previous reports of induction of this tumor by irradiation have been found. The subject of radiation-induced tumors and peritoneal mesothelioma is briefly discussed.", "contents": "Radiation-induced peritoneal mesothelioma. A case report of a patient who developed peritoneal mesothelioma 7 years after internal and external irradiation for carcinoma of the cervix is reported. No previous reports of induction of this tumor by irradiation have been found. The subject of radiation-induced tumors and peritoneal mesothelioma is briefly discussed.", "PMID": 994503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5806", "title": "Adenocarcinoma-associated antigen: enhancement of tumor growth with serum from animals bearing adenocarcinoma.", "content": "Why do tumors continue to grow in the presence of cell-mediated immune reactions? When inoculated subcutaneously, 10(5) viable spontaneous mammary adenocarcinoma cells produced solid tumors that progressively proliferated and eventually killed all the recipient mice. During the first 10 days after inoculation, the mice developed antibody titers, and the serum acquired toxic activity against the tumor cells. As the tumor gained in size these two activities ceased. Serum of normal mice had no effect on the tumor; the serum of mice immunized with an adenocarcinoma-associated antigen (a glycoprotein) inhibited growth, but that of mice with progressive tumors enhanced proliferation of the tumors.", "contents": "Adenocarcinoma-associated antigen: enhancement of tumor growth with serum from animals bearing adenocarcinoma. Why do tumors continue to grow in the presence of cell-mediated immune reactions? When inoculated subcutaneously, 10(5) viable spontaneous mammary adenocarcinoma cells produced solid tumors that progressively proliferated and eventually killed all the recipient mice. During the first 10 days after inoculation, the mice developed antibody titers, and the serum acquired toxic activity against the tumor cells. As the tumor gained in size these two activities ceased. Serum of normal mice had no effect on the tumor; the serum of mice immunized with an adenocarcinoma-associated antigen (a glycoprotein) inhibited growth, but that of mice with progressive tumors enhanced proliferation of the tumors.", "PMID": 994504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5807", "title": "The influence of facial-nerve sacrifice in surgery of malignant parotid tumors.", "content": "Malignant parotid tumors in 224 patients were dealth with surgically at the Mayo Clinic between 1940 and 1969. The clinical histories, including follow-up of 5 years or more in every case, were reviewed with particular attention to sacrifice of the facial nerve in conjunction with the excision of tumor. This was done in 65 cases. High-grade malignancy necessitated nerve sacrifice; other frequent indications were preoperative facial-nerve paralysis, pain, and rapid growth of the tumor. Over the 30-year review period, the trend was toward more radical surgery, often including nerve sacrifice, and away from local excision and radiotherapy. Nerve grafting or anastomosis of a sacrificed nerve was seldom performed in an attempt to lessen the cosmetic defect of facial paralysis. Later reconstructive procedures are favored.", "contents": "The influence of facial-nerve sacrifice in surgery of malignant parotid tumors. Malignant parotid tumors in 224 patients were dealth with surgically at the Mayo Clinic between 1940 and 1969. The clinical histories, including follow-up of 5 years or more in every case, were reviewed with particular attention to sacrifice of the facial nerve in conjunction with the excision of tumor. This was done in 65 cases. High-grade malignancy necessitated nerve sacrifice; other frequent indications were preoperative facial-nerve paralysis, pain, and rapid growth of the tumor. Over the 30-year review period, the trend was toward more radical surgery, often including nerve sacrifice, and away from local excision and radiotherapy. Nerve grafting or anastomosis of a sacrificed nerve was seldom performed in an attempt to lessen the cosmetic defect of facial paralysis. Later reconstructive procedures are favored.", "PMID": 994505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5808", "title": "The lip-splitting approach to resection of oropharyngeal cancer.", "content": "Adequate margins are of primary importance in a composite resection of oropharyngeal carcinomas. Secondary considerations include the functional status and cosmetic result of the patient after the operation. A series of 6 patients demonstrate that, in selected cases, a lip-splitting approach to increase exposure while ensuring adequate margins may be undertaken without undue fear of functional impairment or cosmetic deformity. The ultimate result will depend on proper placement of the incisions and careful reapproximation of tissue.", "contents": "The lip-splitting approach to resection of oropharyngeal cancer. Adequate margins are of primary importance in a composite resection of oropharyngeal carcinomas. Secondary considerations include the functional status and cosmetic result of the patient after the operation. A series of 6 patients demonstrate that, in selected cases, a lip-splitting approach to increase exposure while ensuring adequate margins may be undertaken without undue fear of functional impairment or cosmetic deformity. The ultimate result will depend on proper placement of the incisions and careful reapproximation of tissue.", "PMID": 994506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5809", "title": "Screening random asymptomatic women under 50 by annual mammographies: does it make sense?", "content": "The effectiveness of screening random asymptomatic women for breast cancer using mammography has been analyzed using a new mathematical-computer technology. The technology is based on a general mathematical theory of screening recently developed by Blumenson combined with a mathematical model for breast cancer developed by Blumenson and Bross over the past decade. The technology makes it relatively simple to try alternative strategies for age at onset of screening, screening interval, etc. and to calculate the relative effectiveness of the strategy. When the benefits of alternative strategies with periodic screening beginning at different ages were compared with the increasing risk of iatrogenic disease from multiple exposure to low levels of radiation, it was concluded that screening of asymptomatic women should begin no earlier than age 50.", "contents": "Screening random asymptomatic women under 50 by annual mammographies: does it make sense? The effectiveness of screening random asymptomatic women for breast cancer using mammography has been analyzed using a new mathematical-computer technology. The technology is based on a general mathematical theory of screening recently developed by Blumenson combined with a mathematical model for breast cancer developed by Blumenson and Bross over the past decade. The technology makes it relatively simple to try alternative strategies for age at onset of screening, screening interval, etc. and to calculate the relative effectiveness of the strategy. When the benefits of alternative strategies with periodic screening beginning at different ages were compared with the increasing risk of iatrogenic disease from multiple exposure to low levels of radiation, it was concluded that screening of asymptomatic women should begin no earlier than age 50.", "PMID": 994507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5810", "title": "Combination chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced breast cancer.", "content": "Seventy-two women with metastatic breast cancer were treated with multiple-agent chemotherapy. Fifty women were treated with 5 drugs in combination: 5-FU, methotrexate, vincristine, cytoxan, and prednisone; 22 were treated with the combination of 3 drugs: 5-fu, cytoxan, and prednisone. In 14 patients receiving 5 drugs and in 22 receiving 3 drugs, the multiple chemotherapy was the primary palliative treatment of extensive visceral metastases unsuitable for adrenalectomy. Results were similar with 6 responders in 14 (0.43) receiving 5 drugs, and 10 responders in 22 (0.45) receiving 3 drugs. The remaining 36 patients who were given 5-drug therapy all had previous adrenalectomy, and there were 16 responders (0.44). Toxicities from 3-drug treatment were substantially less severe than those from the 5-drug combination therapy. Whereas treatment-related death occurred in 6 of 50 patients receiving the 5-drug combination, no such incidence occurred in those receiving 3-drug combination therapy.", "contents": "Combination chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Seventy-two women with metastatic breast cancer were treated with multiple-agent chemotherapy. Fifty women were treated with 5 drugs in combination: 5-FU, methotrexate, vincristine, cytoxan, and prednisone; 22 were treated with the combination of 3 drugs: 5-fu, cytoxan, and prednisone. In 14 patients receiving 5 drugs and in 22 receiving 3 drugs, the multiple chemotherapy was the primary palliative treatment of extensive visceral metastases unsuitable for adrenalectomy. Results were similar with 6 responders in 14 (0.43) receiving 5 drugs, and 10 responders in 22 (0.45) receiving 3 drugs. The remaining 36 patients who were given 5-drug therapy all had previous adrenalectomy, and there were 16 responders (0.44). Toxicities from 3-drug treatment were substantially less severe than those from the 5-drug combination therapy. Whereas treatment-related death occurred in 6 of 50 patients receiving the 5-drug combination, no such incidence occurred in those receiving 3-drug combination therapy.", "PMID": 994508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5811", "title": "Kidney total fatty acids in renal cell carcinoma and infection.", "content": "Lipids extracted from the kidneys of adults with renal cell carcinoma or infection after careful dissection of lesions and from organs showing minimal alterations were saponified and the fatty acids converted to the methyl esters. Gas chromatographic criteria were applied to the esters as such and to hydrogenated aliquots, and the relative percentages of the component acids were ascertained. The various lipid classes were well represented in the total fatty acid mixtures. The unsaturated acids ranged higher than the saturated homologs. Comparisons of the fatty acids were carried out on the basis of age, sex, kidney position, mode of ascquisition (surgery and autopsy), and pathology. Several small but statistically significant differences were discerned according to the categories but with few exceptions, these involved acids occurring at low levels and with wide variance.", "contents": "Kidney total fatty acids in renal cell carcinoma and infection. Lipids extracted from the kidneys of adults with renal cell carcinoma or infection after careful dissection of lesions and from organs showing minimal alterations were saponified and the fatty acids converted to the methyl esters. Gas chromatographic criteria were applied to the esters as such and to hydrogenated aliquots, and the relative percentages of the component acids were ascertained. The various lipid classes were well represented in the total fatty acid mixtures. The unsaturated acids ranged higher than the saturated homologs. Comparisons of the fatty acids were carried out on the basis of age, sex, kidney position, mode of ascquisition (surgery and autopsy), and pathology. Several small but statistically significant differences were discerned according to the categories but with few exceptions, these involved acids occurring at low levels and with wide variance.", "PMID": 994509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5812", "title": "Breast cancer arising in surgical scars.", "content": "Twelve women who developed breast cancer at the site of old surgical scars in the breast are presented. Six had had former breast biopsies, 3 drainage of breast abscesses, and 3 developed breast cancer in old thoracotomy scars transversing the breast. The combination of trauma as an oncogen and scar tissue as a functional and immunological locus minoris resistentia seems to play a major role in the development of breast cancer in this group of patients. The associaton of breast cancer, scar, and trauma would not be coincidental. Increased attention drawn to this entity may lead to a rise in the number of cases diagnosed among patients with breast scars after biopsies, abscesses, trauma, or foreign body implantation.", "contents": "Breast cancer arising in surgical scars. Twelve women who developed breast cancer at the site of old surgical scars in the breast are presented. Six had had former breast biopsies, 3 drainage of breast abscesses, and 3 developed breast cancer in old thoracotomy scars transversing the breast. The combination of trauma as an oncogen and scar tissue as a functional and immunological locus minoris resistentia seems to play a major role in the development of breast cancer in this group of patients. The associaton of breast cancer, scar, and trauma would not be coincidental. Increased attention drawn to this entity may lead to a rise in the number of cases diagnosed among patients with breast scars after biopsies, abscesses, trauma, or foreign body implantation.", "PMID": 994510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5813", "title": "Serum ribonuclease in patients with lung carcinoma.", "content": "Fifty-one previously untreated cases of lung carcinoma and 7 normal healthy controls were evaluated with respect to serum ribonuclease (S-RNase) levels. Cellular immunity was tested in 22 of these 51 cases by leukocyte migration inhibition test (MIT) using extract of culture cell line of lung carcinoma. S-RNase levels in lung carcinomas were significantly elevated. There appeared to be no difference in S-RNase levels by histological classification. More striking was high S-RNase level in disseminated versus localized cases. MIT results indicated impairment of cellular immunity in those cases of more elevated S-RNase. S-RNase may be implicated in blocking phenomenon associated with neoplastic disease.", "contents": "Serum ribonuclease in patients with lung carcinoma. Fifty-one previously untreated cases of lung carcinoma and 7 normal healthy controls were evaluated with respect to serum ribonuclease (S-RNase) levels. Cellular immunity was tested in 22 of these 51 cases by leukocyte migration inhibition test (MIT) using extract of culture cell line of lung carcinoma. S-RNase levels in lung carcinomas were significantly elevated. There appeared to be no difference in S-RNase levels by histological classification. More striking was high S-RNase level in disseminated versus localized cases. MIT results indicated impairment of cellular immunity in those cases of more elevated S-RNase. S-RNase may be implicated in blocking phenomenon associated with neoplastic disease.", "PMID": 994511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5814", "title": "Plasma CEA, tumor CEA, and tumor histology.", "content": "Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been thought to be a diagnostic and prognostic indicator of colorectal cancer. Initial descriptions of CEA as a tumor specific antigen suggests a relationship between tumor CEA and circulating plasma CEA. To define the relationship between CEA and colorectal carcinoma, we have studied the CEA concentration of preoperative plasma, tumor tissue, and normal bowel distant from tumor in 35 patients who had clinically curative resections. Tumor histology was evaluated for Dukes class, histologic grade, necrosis, and vessel invasion. Regression analysis yielded no evidence of correlation between tumor CEA and plasma CEA. No correlation could be shown between tumor concentration of CEA and the histological parameters previously noted. CEA was found in all specimens of normal bowel. Furthermore, in 34% of the cases studied, the tumor CEA was not significantly higher than in normal bowel. No significant difference was shown when histopathological findings were compared to normal and abnormal plasma CEA values. These findings suggest the following conclusions: CEA is not tumor specific. Increased levels of CEA in tumor tissue are not a constant finding in colorectal carcinoma. Tumor levels of CEA do not appear to correlate with histologic degree of tumor differentiation. Elevated plasma levels of CEA do not necessarily connote elevated tumor tissue levels of CEA, and conversely, normal plasma levels of CEA do not necessarily mean low levels of tumor CEA.", "contents": "Plasma CEA, tumor CEA, and tumor histology. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been thought to be a diagnostic and prognostic indicator of colorectal cancer. Initial descriptions of CEA as a tumor specific antigen suggests a relationship between tumor CEA and circulating plasma CEA. To define the relationship between CEA and colorectal carcinoma, we have studied the CEA concentration of preoperative plasma, tumor tissue, and normal bowel distant from tumor in 35 patients who had clinically curative resections. Tumor histology was evaluated for Dukes class, histologic grade, necrosis, and vessel invasion. Regression analysis yielded no evidence of correlation between tumor CEA and plasma CEA. No correlation could be shown between tumor concentration of CEA and the histological parameters previously noted. CEA was found in all specimens of normal bowel. Furthermore, in 34% of the cases studied, the tumor CEA was not significantly higher than in normal bowel. No significant difference was shown when histopathological findings were compared to normal and abnormal plasma CEA values. These findings suggest the following conclusions: CEA is not tumor specific. Increased levels of CEA in tumor tissue are not a constant finding in colorectal carcinoma. Tumor levels of CEA do not appear to correlate with histologic degree of tumor differentiation. Elevated plasma levels of CEA do not necessarily connote elevated tumor tissue levels of CEA, and conversely, normal plasma levels of CEA do not necessarily mean low levels of tumor CEA.", "PMID": 994512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5815", "title": "Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy: a laboratory approach and commentary.", "content": "A laboratory technique for learning and practicing the transsphenoidal approach to hypophysectomy is described. The procedure utilizes a sphenoid block with the sella turcica at its center taken from a cadaver skull. The laboratory approach stimulates the operative technique, including the use of standard instruments designed for transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Commentary on the historical background and applications of the transsphenoidal approach to the sella turcica is presented.", "contents": "Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy: a laboratory approach and commentary. A laboratory technique for learning and practicing the transsphenoidal approach to hypophysectomy is described. The procedure utilizes a sphenoid block with the sella turcica at its center taken from a cadaver skull. The laboratory approach stimulates the operative technique, including the use of standard instruments designed for transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Commentary on the historical background and applications of the transsphenoidal approach to the sella turcica is presented.", "PMID": 994513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5816", "title": "Patterns of serial CEA assays and their clinical use in management of colorectal cancer.", "content": "Through persistent clinical research efforts, the CEA test has developed into a useful although complex disease monitor for colorectal cancer. Although improved or prolonged survival from its use has not been demonstrated, CEA monitoring may allow more knowledgeable patient management. Several reports indicate that postoperative serial CEA assays may identify patients with early recurrence, especially when assays are done frequently. Patients with elevated pretreatment CEA levels usually showed progressively rising titers before other objective evidence of recurrence was apparent. A progressively rising CEA titer correlated well with recurrent cancer, but a normal CEA could not be used as proof of its absence. Persistently elevated CEA titers post-treatment was caused either by persistent disease or by nontumor-related factors. The CEA assay was not a substitute for clinical follow-up but was an adjunct in the diagnosis of eary recurrence. Patients with elevated CEA levels caused by localized disease treated by radiation therapy demonstrated a marked fall in serial CEA levels if all CEA-producing tumor was localized within the radiation portal. The use of pretreatment CEA values plus the pattern of CEA reponse to irradiation may help in the selection of fulguration versus abdominoperineal resection as primary treatment for rectal cancer. Persistently low serial CEA titers after irradiation therapy correlated with disease control. The use of frequent serial CEA assays in patients treated with chemotherapy compared well with other parameters as a monitor of disease progression or regression. When used with other clinical parameters, serial CEA trends appeared to be a useful adjunct in assessing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. A fall in circulating CEA or the stabilization of a rising titer after starting chemotherapy usually indicated an effective regimen, whereas a rising CEA titer may signal may signal the need to initiate or to change chemotherapy.", "contents": "Patterns of serial CEA assays and their clinical use in management of colorectal cancer. Through persistent clinical research efforts, the CEA test has developed into a useful although complex disease monitor for colorectal cancer. Although improved or prolonged survival from its use has not been demonstrated, CEA monitoring may allow more knowledgeable patient management. Several reports indicate that postoperative serial CEA assays may identify patients with early recurrence, especially when assays are done frequently. Patients with elevated pretreatment CEA levels usually showed progressively rising titers before other objective evidence of recurrence was apparent. A progressively rising CEA titer correlated well with recurrent cancer, but a normal CEA could not be used as proof of its absence. Persistently elevated CEA titers post-treatment was caused either by persistent disease or by nontumor-related factors. The CEA assay was not a substitute for clinical follow-up but was an adjunct in the diagnosis of eary recurrence. Patients with elevated CEA levels caused by localized disease treated by radiation therapy demonstrated a marked fall in serial CEA levels if all CEA-producing tumor was localized within the radiation portal. The use of pretreatment CEA values plus the pattern of CEA reponse to irradiation may help in the selection of fulguration versus abdominoperineal resection as primary treatment for rectal cancer. Persistently low serial CEA titers after irradiation therapy correlated with disease control. The use of frequent serial CEA assays in patients treated with chemotherapy compared well with other parameters as a monitor of disease progression or regression. When used with other clinical parameters, serial CEA trends appeared to be a useful adjunct in assessing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. A fall in circulating CEA or the stabilization of a rising titer after starting chemotherapy usually indicated an effective regimen, whereas a rising CEA titer may signal may signal the need to initiate or to change chemotherapy.", "PMID": 994514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5817", "title": "Enhancement of hepatic and renal tumorigenesis with thyroidectomized NZR/Gd rats treated with dimethylnitrosamine.", "content": "Endocrine modulation of DMN carcinogenesis was studied in NZR/Gd rats preconditioned by starving 48 hr and then injected i.p. once with 20 mg DMN/kg. Intact rats developed kidney tumors (44% TBA), most of tubular epithelial type resembling human tumors rather than mesenchymal. Thyroidectomy (Tx) 45 days before DMN significantly enhanced DMN carcinogenesis, renal carcinoma incidence increasing to 69%. Renal carcinomas showed more signs of malignancy in Tx rats. Other neoplastic responses useful for further studies including tumors in nasal epithelium (13%), liver (18%, increased to 59% in Tx rats), and lung (40%): these tumors were rare or not previously reported in single-dose experiments in other rat strains. A sex difference in lung tumor incidence (male 70%, female 16%) was statistically significant and thyroidectomy reduced the sex-differential (to 54% and 39% respectively). The increased incidence of kidney and liver tumors could be due to altered metabolism of DMN in tissues of Tx rats.", "contents": "Enhancement of hepatic and renal tumorigenesis with thyroidectomized NZR/Gd rats treated with dimethylnitrosamine. Endocrine modulation of DMN carcinogenesis was studied in NZR/Gd rats preconditioned by starving 48 hr and then injected i.p. once with 20 mg DMN/kg. Intact rats developed kidney tumors (44% TBA), most of tubular epithelial type resembling human tumors rather than mesenchymal. Thyroidectomy (Tx) 45 days before DMN significantly enhanced DMN carcinogenesis, renal carcinoma incidence increasing to 69%. Renal carcinomas showed more signs of malignancy in Tx rats. Other neoplastic responses useful for further studies including tumors in nasal epithelium (13%), liver (18%, increased to 59% in Tx rats), and lung (40%): these tumors were rare or not previously reported in single-dose experiments in other rat strains. A sex difference in lung tumor incidence (male 70%, female 16%) was statistically significant and thyroidectomy reduced the sex-differential (to 54% and 39% respectively). The increased incidence of kidney and liver tumors could be due to altered metabolism of DMN in tissues of Tx rats.", "PMID": 994515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5818", "title": "Efforts in cancer diagnosis: national task forces--large bowel cancer.", "content": "Current information from the National Large Bowel Cancer Project and other sources is given concerning new leads and avenues of research that may be used in early diagnosis or possibly in monitoring therapy. The search for biological markers has developed in two general directions: (1) to identify by genetic studies patients with a high probability of developing cancer who will provide insight into biochemical changes as premalignant lesions develop into frankly developed cancer, and (2) to fine differences between tissue and body fluid constituents in normal subjects and patients with cancer. Screening for colon cancer is discussed with a selective diagnostic approach and with emphasis on this approach in early diagnosis of asymptomatic high risk patients.", "contents": "Efforts in cancer diagnosis: national task forces--large bowel cancer. Current information from the National Large Bowel Cancer Project and other sources is given concerning new leads and avenues of research that may be used in early diagnosis or possibly in monitoring therapy. The search for biological markers has developed in two general directions: (1) to identify by genetic studies patients with a high probability of developing cancer who will provide insight into biochemical changes as premalignant lesions develop into frankly developed cancer, and (2) to fine differences between tissue and body fluid constituents in normal subjects and patients with cancer. Screening for colon cancer is discussed with a selective diagnostic approach and with emphasis on this approach in early diagnosis of asymptomatic high risk patients.", "PMID": 994516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5819", "title": "Management of concomitant occlusive disease of the carotid and coronary arteries.", "content": "With the advent of direct coronary artery revascularization, the high mortality rate from cardiac disease associated with carotid endarterectomy can be favorably altered by simultaneous or staged revascularization for combined lesions. The choice for combined or sequential procedures is determined by the severity of the disease both clinically and anatomically in each system. Review of 32 patients with both severe coronary and carotid occlusive disease established that selective surgical intervention has been successful, with no deaths and only minimal morbidity. Simultaneous revascularization was carried out in 8 patients with preinfarctional angina, significant left main lesion or triple vessel disease producing a functional lesion of the left main coronary artery, and tight carotid lesion. Staged operations were performed in the remaining 24 patients. Priority of staging was determined by the extent of disease in each system.", "contents": "Management of concomitant occlusive disease of the carotid and coronary arteries. With the advent of direct coronary artery revascularization, the high mortality rate from cardiac disease associated with carotid endarterectomy can be favorably altered by simultaneous or staged revascularization for combined lesions. The choice for combined or sequential procedures is determined by the severity of the disease both clinically and anatomically in each system. Review of 32 patients with both severe coronary and carotid occlusive disease established that selective surgical intervention has been successful, with no deaths and only minimal morbidity. Simultaneous revascularization was carried out in 8 patients with preinfarctional angina, significant left main lesion or triple vessel disease producing a functional lesion of the left main coronary artery, and tight carotid lesion. Staged operations were performed in the remaining 24 patients. Priority of staging was determined by the extent of disease in each system.", "PMID": 994532} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5820", "title": "Use of the augmented ejection fraction to select patients with left ventricular dysfunction for coronary revascularization.", "content": "Thirty-three patients with angina (31 men and 2 women, age 33 to 68 years, 52), as well as signs and symptoms of severe left ventricular dysfunction, were evaluated for coronary revascularization surgery. All had multiple vessel coronary artery disease and at least one prior myocardial infarction. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated abnormally elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LUEDP), low cardiac output, and depressed resting biplane systolic ejection fraction (SEF) ranging from 18 to 45 per cent (31 per cent). To evaluate potential myocardial function, a premature ventricular contraction was introduced during the ventriculogram and the SEF of the postextrasystolic potentiated (PESP) beat calculated and compared to a sinus beat SEF. Patients were separated into two groups based on the increase in SEF: those with greater than 0.10 augmentation (24 patients) and those with less than 0.10 augmentation (9 patients). Coronary revascularization was carried out with at least two bypass grafts in each patient. The operative mortality in those with more than 0.1 SEF augmentation was 9 per cent (2/24), late mortality rate 5 per cent (1/22), and 20/21 became Class I or II in the follow-up period of 11 to 57 months (25). Operative mortality in those with SEF augmentation of less than 0.1 3/9 33 per cent), late mortality rate 1/6, and only 1/5 achieved Class 1 status during the follow-up period of 10 to 35 months (22) postoperatively. These data suggest that significant augmentation of SEF by a premature ventricular contraction is a simple and useful indicator to aid in selection of patients with left ventricular dysfunction for coronary revascularization.", "contents": "Use of the augmented ejection fraction to select patients with left ventricular dysfunction for coronary revascularization. Thirty-three patients with angina (31 men and 2 women, age 33 to 68 years, 52), as well as signs and symptoms of severe left ventricular dysfunction, were evaluated for coronary revascularization surgery. All had multiple vessel coronary artery disease and at least one prior myocardial infarction. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated abnormally elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LUEDP), low cardiac output, and depressed resting biplane systolic ejection fraction (SEF) ranging from 18 to 45 per cent (31 per cent). To evaluate potential myocardial function, a premature ventricular contraction was introduced during the ventriculogram and the SEF of the postextrasystolic potentiated (PESP) beat calculated and compared to a sinus beat SEF. Patients were separated into two groups based on the increase in SEF: those with greater than 0.10 augmentation (24 patients) and those with less than 0.10 augmentation (9 patients). Coronary revascularization was carried out with at least two bypass grafts in each patient. The operative mortality in those with more than 0.1 SEF augmentation was 9 per cent (2/24), late mortality rate 5 per cent (1/22), and 20/21 became Class I or II in the follow-up period of 11 to 57 months (25). Operative mortality in those with SEF augmentation of less than 0.1 3/9 33 per cent), late mortality rate 1/6, and only 1/5 achieved Class 1 status during the follow-up period of 10 to 35 months (22) postoperatively. These data suggest that significant augmentation of SEF by a premature ventricular contraction is a simple and useful indicator to aid in selection of patients with left ventricular dysfunction for coronary revascularization.", "PMID": 994533} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5821", "title": "The \"bad\" left ventricle. Results of coronary surgery and effect on late survival.", "content": "Between 1968 and 1971, 252 patients with severe ventricular malfunction underwent revascularization surgery. By means of single-plane ventriculography, the ventricle was divided into six segments, three anteriorly and three inferiorly, and ejection fractions were calculated. Patients were classified into four groups according to these observations. Results were assessed in regard to relief of angina, graft patency status, surgical mortality rate, and survival as determined by actuarial life-table analysis. These results were then compared to over-all medical and surgical experience contained in the Milwaukee Cardiovascular Data Registry as well as to other reported series of medical treatment for similar degrees of coronary artery disease and impairment of left ventricular function. Comparison between the surgical and medical series suggests improved survival and improved quality of life in the surgically treated patients. Thus many patients with severe ventricular malfunction, especially if associated with angina, can be reasonably considered candidates for surgery.", "contents": "The \"bad\" left ventricle. Results of coronary surgery and effect on late survival. Between 1968 and 1971, 252 patients with severe ventricular malfunction underwent revascularization surgery. By means of single-plane ventriculography, the ventricle was divided into six segments, three anteriorly and three inferiorly, and ejection fractions were calculated. Patients were classified into four groups according to these observations. Results were assessed in regard to relief of angina, graft patency status, surgical mortality rate, and survival as determined by actuarial life-table analysis. These results were then compared to over-all medical and surgical experience contained in the Milwaukee Cardiovascular Data Registry as well as to other reported series of medical treatment for similar degrees of coronary artery disease and impairment of left ventricular function. Comparison between the surgical and medical series suggests improved survival and improved quality of life in the surgically treated patients. Thus many patients with severe ventricular malfunction, especially if associated with angina, can be reasonably considered candidates for surgery.", "PMID": 994534} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5822", "title": "Experience with fifty repeat procedures for myocardial revascularization.", "content": "Fifty coronary reoperations were performed in 49 patients. The reasons for the operations were occluded or stenotic grafts in 23 patients, an inadequate first operation in 13, progression of coronary atherosclerosis in 3, and combinations of these reasons in 11. Mediastinal adhesions made the operations difficult and produced hazards. Six patients died from the operation. Seven surgical mishaps occurred, including damage to five functioning grafts from the previous operation and laceration of two ventricles. Nine patients had less than complete operations because angiographically demonstrated targets could not be found. Repeat angiography was performed on 9 of the surviving patients. Ten of the 14 new or revised grafts were found to be functioning. Although a repeat operation is more difficult technically and carries additional risks as compared with a first operation, the indications are thought to be the same for both first and secondary revascularization procedures. The increased risks of the repeat operations are compelling arguments to strive for complete revascularization at an initial operation in order to avoid the necessity of the second one.", "contents": "Experience with fifty repeat procedures for myocardial revascularization. Fifty coronary reoperations were performed in 49 patients. The reasons for the operations were occluded or stenotic grafts in 23 patients, an inadequate first operation in 13, progression of coronary atherosclerosis in 3, and combinations of these reasons in 11. Mediastinal adhesions made the operations difficult and produced hazards. Six patients died from the operation. Seven surgical mishaps occurred, including damage to five functioning grafts from the previous operation and laceration of two ventricles. Nine patients had less than complete operations because angiographically demonstrated targets could not be found. Repeat angiography was performed on 9 of the surviving patients. Ten of the 14 new or revised grafts were found to be functioning. Although a repeat operation is more difficult technically and carries additional risks as compared with a first operation, the indications are thought to be the same for both first and secondary revascularization procedures. The increased risks of the repeat operations are compelling arguments to strive for complete revascularization at an initial operation in order to avoid the necessity of the second one.", "PMID": 994535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5823", "title": "Congenital malformations of the mitral valve in children. Pathology and surgical treatment.", "content": "A systematic study of congenital mitral valve malformations was undertaken on a surgical basis in an attempt to develop techniques of valvular reconstruction adapted to the various lesions. Forty-seven children between the ages of 4 months and 12 years (average 6 years, 4 months) have been operated upon between January, 1970, and March, 1976. Valvular lesions were classified into four group: Group I, mitral insufficiency owing to valvular lesions: Group II mitral insufficiency with subvalvular lesions; Group III, mitral insufficiency and stenosis; Group IV, stenosis. Associated lesions (ventricular or atrial septal defects, coarctation, or aortic valve stenosis) were present in 31 patients (65 per cent) and were corrected during the same operation. Valve reconsruction was possible in 38 patients whereas valve replacement was necessary in 9 patients. In the valve repair group there were three operative deaths (8 per cent), no late deaths, one reoperation for residual ventricular septal defect, and one myocardial infarction. In the valve replacement group of 9 patients, there were three operative deaths, three late deaths, and one case of repeated embolization. Thirty-one of 38 patients in the valve repair group were classified into Functional Class I after the operation (86 per cent), 2 were in Class II, and one in Class III. Minimal or moderate regurgitation and cardiomegaly persisted in the majority of the patients. Pulmonary artery pressure significantly decreased, however, as demonstrated by postoperative catheterization in 17 patients.", "contents": "Congenital malformations of the mitral valve in children. Pathology and surgical treatment. A systematic study of congenital mitral valve malformations was undertaken on a surgical basis in an attempt to develop techniques of valvular reconstruction adapted to the various lesions. Forty-seven children between the ages of 4 months and 12 years (average 6 years, 4 months) have been operated upon between January, 1970, and March, 1976. Valvular lesions were classified into four group: Group I, mitral insufficiency owing to valvular lesions: Group II mitral insufficiency with subvalvular lesions; Group III, mitral insufficiency and stenosis; Group IV, stenosis. Associated lesions (ventricular or atrial septal defects, coarctation, or aortic valve stenosis) were present in 31 patients (65 per cent) and were corrected during the same operation. Valve reconsruction was possible in 38 patients whereas valve replacement was necessary in 9 patients. In the valve repair group there were three operative deaths (8 per cent), no late deaths, one reoperation for residual ventricular septal defect, and one myocardial infarction. In the valve replacement group of 9 patients, there were three operative deaths, three late deaths, and one case of repeated embolization. Thirty-one of 38 patients in the valve repair group were classified into Functional Class I after the operation (86 per cent), 2 were in Class II, and one in Class III. Minimal or moderate regurgitation and cardiomegaly persisted in the majority of the patients. Pulmonary artery pressure significantly decreased, however, as demonstrated by postoperative catheterization in 17 patients.", "PMID": 994536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5824", "title": "Individual responses to heparinization for extracorporeal circulation.", "content": "It has been proposed that wide variations in individual response to heparin lead to deficiencies in popular heparinization protocols for extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Thirty-nine patients undergoing open cardiac operations with ECC were anticoagulated with the heparinization protocol in use at St. Thomas' Hospital. The coagulation state was monitored with the blood activated recalcification time (BART) test. Wide variations in heparin dose-response and heparin activity-decay curves were observed. No patient was underheparinized, but many had markedly prolonged BART's. The total dose of heparin declined because BART monitoring allowed elimination of incremental heparin doses up to 180 minutes of ECC. Adequate reversal with protamine was achieved in all patients regardless of response to herparin. Alternative approaches for heparinization for ECC can be developed with the aid of rapid tests of the intraoperative coagulation state.", "contents": "Individual responses to heparinization for extracorporeal circulation. It has been proposed that wide variations in individual response to heparin lead to deficiencies in popular heparinization protocols for extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Thirty-nine patients undergoing open cardiac operations with ECC were anticoagulated with the heparinization protocol in use at St. Thomas' Hospital. The coagulation state was monitored with the blood activated recalcification time (BART) test. Wide variations in heparin dose-response and heparin activity-decay curves were observed. No patient was underheparinized, but many had markedly prolonged BART's. The total dose of heparin declined because BART monitoring allowed elimination of incremental heparin doses up to 180 minutes of ECC. Adequate reversal with protamine was achieved in all patients regardless of response to herparin. Alternative approaches for heparinization for ECC can be developed with the aid of rapid tests of the intraoperative coagulation state.", "PMID": 994537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5825", "title": "Myocardial protection during bypass and arrest. A possible hazard with lactate-containing infusates.", "content": "Severe myocardial tissue damage may results from the use of prolonged ischemic arrest during cardiac surgery. A number of experimental and clinical studies have been reported in which various protective agents have been infused into the coronary vessels before the onset of ischemia in an attempt to reduce or delay this damage. Although these agents are undoubtedly able to protect the ischemic myocardium, their efficacy may be considerably reduced or enhanced by the composition of the medium in which these agents are dissolved. In experiments with a rat heart model of bypass and ischemic arrest, we found that lactate-based media are detrimental to optimal tissue protection.", "contents": "Myocardial protection during bypass and arrest. A possible hazard with lactate-containing infusates. Severe myocardial tissue damage may results from the use of prolonged ischemic arrest during cardiac surgery. A number of experimental and clinical studies have been reported in which various protective agents have been infused into the coronary vessels before the onset of ischemia in an attempt to reduce or delay this damage. Although these agents are undoubtedly able to protect the ischemic myocardium, their efficacy may be considerably reduced or enhanced by the composition of the medium in which these agents are dissolved. In experiments with a rat heart model of bypass and ischemic arrest, we found that lactate-based media are detrimental to optimal tissue protection.", "PMID": 994538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5826", "title": "Prolonged epicardial mapping in myocardial infarction: the effects of propranolol and intra-aortic balloon pumping following coronary artery occlusion.", "content": "A methods of prolonged epicardial surface mapping of myocardial infarction by serial epicardial ECG's is described. The progression of infarction following coronary artery ligation in dogs was monitored over a 4 day period and the early and late changes in the configuration of the epicardial ECG's associated with the underlying myocardial injury were defined. The determination of the infarct size by surface mapping in vivo correlated accurately with the final infarct size determined by dehydrogenase staining in vitro. Treatment with propranolol resulted in a significant reduction in the infarct size. Treatment with intra-aortic balloon pumping did not alter the size of the myocardial infarction induced in this experimental model.", "contents": "Prolonged epicardial mapping in myocardial infarction: the effects of propranolol and intra-aortic balloon pumping following coronary artery occlusion. A methods of prolonged epicardial surface mapping of myocardial infarction by serial epicardial ECG's is described. The progression of infarction following coronary artery ligation in dogs was monitored over a 4 day period and the early and late changes in the configuration of the epicardial ECG's associated with the underlying myocardial injury were defined. The determination of the infarct size by surface mapping in vivo correlated accurately with the final infarct size determined by dehydrogenase staining in vitro. Treatment with propranolol resulted in a significant reduction in the infarct size. Treatment with intra-aortic balloon pumping did not alter the size of the myocardial infarction induced in this experimental model.", "PMID": 994539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5827", "title": "Late follow-up of ball-valve prostheses in the descending thoracic aorta.", "content": "Clincal and hemodynamic observations are reported in a group of five patients with free aortic regurgitation treated with insertion of a ball valve prosthesis in the descending aorta. Long-term follow-up ranging from 13 to 23 years illustrates the durability and biocompatibility of the valve and the validity of the concept that a moving prosthesis can function for indefinitely long periods of time. The prolonged survival of these patients at a normal level of activity without congestive failure is strong evidence of the efficacy of the prosthesis even though it did not entirely control all of the aortic insufficiency. All patients showed remarkable improvement of their symptoms from 11 to 21 years after surgery. Four of them have required complete correction of the aortic insufficiency with one postoperative death due to low output syndrome. The valves which have remained in place after insertion of a subcoronary valve are functioning well for 3 to 6 years. There was no evidence of hemolysis, valve malfunction, ball variance, or thrombbosis in any of these patients. The evolution of the technique made it possible to minimize complications which, it should be pointed out, were usually associated with faulty methods of insertion. These patients would appear to represent the longest period of insertion of any valvular prosthesis.", "contents": "Late follow-up of ball-valve prostheses in the descending thoracic aorta. Clincal and hemodynamic observations are reported in a group of five patients with free aortic regurgitation treated with insertion of a ball valve prosthesis in the descending aorta. Long-term follow-up ranging from 13 to 23 years illustrates the durability and biocompatibility of the valve and the validity of the concept that a moving prosthesis can function for indefinitely long periods of time. The prolonged survival of these patients at a normal level of activity without congestive failure is strong evidence of the efficacy of the prosthesis even though it did not entirely control all of the aortic insufficiency. All patients showed remarkable improvement of their symptoms from 11 to 21 years after surgery. Four of them have required complete correction of the aortic insufficiency with one postoperative death due to low output syndrome. The valves which have remained in place after insertion of a subcoronary valve are functioning well for 3 to 6 years. There was no evidence of hemolysis, valve malfunction, ball variance, or thrombbosis in any of these patients. The evolution of the technique made it possible to minimize complications which, it should be pointed out, were usually associated with faulty methods of insertion. These patients would appear to represent the longest period of insertion of any valvular prosthesis.", "PMID": 994540} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5828", "title": "Ebstein's malformation. Surgical experience at the Mayo Clinic.", "content": "At the Mayo Clinic, 13 patients with Ebstein's malformation have undergone surgical repair since 1963. Their ages ranged from 18 months to 51 years (median 13 years). Ten patients were in Functional Class III or IV. Marked cardiomegaly, cyanosis, paradoxic emboli, and dysrhythmias secondary to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome were indications for operation in the remaining 3 patients. A wide range of anatomic variations was encountered. All 5 patients who underwent tricuspid annuloplasty with plication of the atrialized segment of the right ventricle survived operation. Of 5 patients who underwent prosthetic valve replacement, only one survived. Other procedures included atrial septal defect closure alone in one patient, atrial septal defect closure and relief of pulmonary stenosis in one patient, and tricuspid annuloplasty alone in one patient. One patient had concomitant mapping and division of anomalous conduction pathways. Functional classification improved in 8 of 10 operative survivors. There were two late sudden deaths; both patients had had preoperative dysrhythmias. The data suggest that results are improved when the atrialized segment of the right ventricle is dealt with during repair of the tricuspid valve. A combined ventricular plication and tricuspid annuloplasty yielded better early and late results than did valve replacement.", "contents": "Ebstein's malformation. Surgical experience at the Mayo Clinic. At the Mayo Clinic, 13 patients with Ebstein's malformation have undergone surgical repair since 1963. Their ages ranged from 18 months to 51 years (median 13 years). Ten patients were in Functional Class III or IV. Marked cardiomegaly, cyanosis, paradoxic emboli, and dysrhythmias secondary to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome were indications for operation in the remaining 3 patients. A wide range of anatomic variations was encountered. All 5 patients who underwent tricuspid annuloplasty with plication of the atrialized segment of the right ventricle survived operation. Of 5 patients who underwent prosthetic valve replacement, only one survived. Other procedures included atrial septal defect closure alone in one patient, atrial septal defect closure and relief of pulmonary stenosis in one patient, and tricuspid annuloplasty alone in one patient. One patient had concomitant mapping and division of anomalous conduction pathways. Functional classification improved in 8 of 10 operative survivors. There were two late sudden deaths; both patients had had preoperative dysrhythmias. The data suggest that results are improved when the atrialized segment of the right ventricle is dealt with during repair of the tricuspid valve. A combined ventricular plication and tricuspid annuloplasty yielded better early and late results than did valve replacement.", "PMID": 994541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5829", "title": "Congenitally cleft atrioventricular valves associated with secundum atrial septal defects.", "content": "Three patients with the rare association of secundum ASD and congenital clefts of A-V valves are reported. These three patients illustrate the predictive valve of vectoracardiographic analysis in precisely determining the anatomic location of the valvular pathology. The embryologic origins of the lesion are briefly discussed. A review of the literature supports the use of vector analysis in the evaluation of the patients with this type of heart disease.", "contents": "Congenitally cleft atrioventricular valves associated with secundum atrial septal defects. Three patients with the rare association of secundum ASD and congenital clefts of A-V valves are reported. These three patients illustrate the predictive valve of vectoracardiographic analysis in precisely determining the anatomic location of the valvular pathology. The embryologic origins of the lesion are briefly discussed. A review of the literature supports the use of vector analysis in the evaluation of the patients with this type of heart disease.", "PMID": 994542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5830", "title": "Prolonged survival following cerebral metastasis from pulmonary cancer.", "content": "A case is reported of prolonged survival after pneumonectomy for anaplastic carcinoma of the left lung and excision of metastatic anaplastic carcinoma of the brain. The patient has survived for 8 years, 6 months after the lung surgery and 7 years after the brain surgery.", "contents": "Prolonged survival following cerebral metastasis from pulmonary cancer. A case is reported of prolonged survival after pneumonectomy for anaplastic carcinoma of the left lung and excision of metastatic anaplastic carcinoma of the brain. The patient has survived for 8 years, 6 months after the lung surgery and 7 years after the brain surgery.", "PMID": 994543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5831", "title": "Bypass surgery for vascular disease of the carotid system.", "content": "A series of 58 operations on 56 patients, in whom a branch of the superficial temporal artery was anastomosed to a branch of the middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA bypass or Yasargil procedure), is reviewed. These operations were performed chiefly for occlussions or for inaccessible stenotic lesions of the internal carotid or middle cerebral arteries. Patency in eight patients operated on from April 1971 through November 1973 was low (25%). Patency in patients operated on since July 1974 has been high (95%). There have been no deaths and no major ischemic strokes attributable to the surgery. The rationale for this procedure is considered in relationship to the anatomy and physiology of the cerebral circulation and the pathogenesis of syndromes of cerebral ischemia. The operation appears to have a low morbidity in good-risk patients. The role of this operation in managing common manifestations of cerebral vascular disease such as focal transient cerebral ischemic attacks (TIAs) and amaurosis fugax, although not fully established, appears encouraging. The procedure seems useful for orthostatic cerebral ischemia caused by multiple occlusions of major extracranial (and intracranial) vessels and, occasionally, for progressing strokes related to internal carotid artery occlusion, both of which are relatively uncommon manifestations of cerebral vascular occlusive disease. It may have application in the rare \"slow stroke.\" The procedure is probably of limited value, if any, in the management of large completed infarcts but may be indicated in selected patients with small infarctions who have preserved most of their cerebral function and who have had evidence of subsequent focal ischemic events. The procedure is useful for bypassing giant aneurysms or basofrontal tumors invading major vessels. It may have a role in the management of fibromuscular disease of the internal carotid artery.", "contents": "Bypass surgery for vascular disease of the carotid system. A series of 58 operations on 56 patients, in whom a branch of the superficial temporal artery was anastomosed to a branch of the middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA bypass or Yasargil procedure), is reviewed. These operations were performed chiefly for occlussions or for inaccessible stenotic lesions of the internal carotid or middle cerebral arteries. Patency in eight patients operated on from April 1971 through November 1973 was low (25%). Patency in patients operated on since July 1974 has been high (95%). There have been no deaths and no major ischemic strokes attributable to the surgery. The rationale for this procedure is considered in relationship to the anatomy and physiology of the cerebral circulation and the pathogenesis of syndromes of cerebral ischemia. The operation appears to have a low morbidity in good-risk patients. The role of this operation in managing common manifestations of cerebral vascular disease such as focal transient cerebral ischemic attacks (TIAs) and amaurosis fugax, although not fully established, appears encouraging. The procedure seems useful for orthostatic cerebral ischemia caused by multiple occlusions of major extracranial (and intracranial) vessels and, occasionally, for progressing strokes related to internal carotid artery occlusion, both of which are relatively uncommon manifestations of cerebral vascular occlusive disease. It may have application in the rare \"slow stroke.\" The procedure is probably of limited value, if any, in the management of large completed infarcts but may be indicated in selected patients with small infarctions who have preserved most of their cerebral function and who have had evidence of subsequent focal ischemic events. The procedure is useful for bypassing giant aneurysms or basofrontal tumors invading major vessels. It may have a role in the management of fibromuscular disease of the internal carotid artery.", "PMID": 994550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5832", "title": "Endomyocardiopathy with eosinophilia.", "content": "Five patients were seen at the Mayo Clinic over an 8-year period with the following complex of clinical and morphologic features; striking eosinophilia, cardiomyopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and either a rapidly fatal or a prolonged, debilitating illness. In recent years, controversy has raged over the precise designation of this syndrome, with proposals ranging from eosinophilic leukemia to hypereosinophilic syndromes. To focus on the major target organ of the disease, we have favored the term endomyocardiopathy with eosinophilia. Experience with these five patients showed that (1) eosinophilia can persist for many years before symptoms appear; (2) progressive restrictive cardiac disease was the major cause of death and debility; (3) osmiophilic cytoplasmic inclusions are present in eosinophils of these patients and also in cells from other patients with marked eosinophilia; and (4) echocardiography may prove to be a useful noninvasive tool to diagnose and follow the progress of cardiac involvement. Although none of these patients was thought to have leukemia, intensive therapy with steroids or cytotoxic agents, or both, is considered necessary to control the progression of the disease.", "contents": "Endomyocardiopathy with eosinophilia. Five patients were seen at the Mayo Clinic over an 8-year period with the following complex of clinical and morphologic features; striking eosinophilia, cardiomyopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and either a rapidly fatal or a prolonged, debilitating illness. In recent years, controversy has raged over the precise designation of this syndrome, with proposals ranging from eosinophilic leukemia to hypereosinophilic syndromes. To focus on the major target organ of the disease, we have favored the term endomyocardiopathy with eosinophilia. Experience with these five patients showed that (1) eosinophilia can persist for many years before symptoms appear; (2) progressive restrictive cardiac disease was the major cause of death and debility; (3) osmiophilic cytoplasmic inclusions are present in eosinophils of these patients and also in cells from other patients with marked eosinophilia; and (4) echocardiography may prove to be a useful noninvasive tool to diagnose and follow the progress of cardiac involvement. Although none of these patients was thought to have leukemia, intensive therapy with steroids or cytotoxic agents, or both, is considered necessary to control the progression of the disease.", "PMID": 994551} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5833", "title": "Autologous blood transfusion.", "content": "Autologous blood transfusion is a procedure in which blood is removed from a donor and returned to his circulation at some later time. Autologous transfusion can be performed in three ways: (1) preoperative blood collection, storage, and retransfusion during surgery; (2) immediate preoperative phlebotomy with subsequent artificial hemodilution and later return of the phlebotomized blood; and (3) intraoperative blood salvage and retransfusion. All three methods of autologous transfusion offer a potentially superior method of blood transfusion which eliminates many of the problems and complications associated with the banking and administration of homologous donor blood.", "contents": "Autologous blood transfusion. Autologous blood transfusion is a procedure in which blood is removed from a donor and returned to his circulation at some later time. Autologous transfusion can be performed in three ways: (1) preoperative blood collection, storage, and retransfusion during surgery; (2) immediate preoperative phlebotomy with subsequent artificial hemodilution and later return of the phlebotomized blood; and (3) intraoperative blood salvage and retransfusion. All three methods of autologous transfusion offer a potentially superior method of blood transfusion which eliminates many of the problems and complications associated with the banking and administration of homologous donor blood.", "PMID": 994552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5834", "title": "Development of radioimmunoassays for prednisone and prednisolone. Application to studies of hepatic metabolism of prednisone.", "content": "Radioimmunoassays for measuring prednisone and prednisolone (delta1 corticosteroids) in serum have been developed. By using 6,7-3H-delta1 corticosteroids as tracer, rabbit antibodies against delta1 corticosteroid-21-hemisuccinate in bovine serum albumin, and ammonium sulfate precipitation, the assays detected less than 0.8 ng/ml of delta1 corticosteroid and interassay coefficients of variation were less than 8.5 %. The specificity of antibodies, tested against all drug metabolites and major endogenous steroids, showed that only 21-glucuronic acid esters of delta1 corticosteroids had cross-reactivity of possible clinical importance. Assays were validated by measuring levels in samples of fastingstate sera with or without adding known amounts of prednisolone. Measurements of serum concentrations of both prednisone and prednisolone in normal dogs and in those with hepatic vascular exclusion were made after intravenous administration of prednisone. Although high levels of prednisolone appeared rapidly in normal dogs, only slight amounts were measured in dogs with hepatic vascular exclusion, which emphasized the importance of the liver in the conversion of prednisone to prednisolone, its active metabolite.", "contents": "Development of radioimmunoassays for prednisone and prednisolone. Application to studies of hepatic metabolism of prednisone. Radioimmunoassays for measuring prednisone and prednisolone (delta1 corticosteroids) in serum have been developed. By using 6,7-3H-delta1 corticosteroids as tracer, rabbit antibodies against delta1 corticosteroid-21-hemisuccinate in bovine serum albumin, and ammonium sulfate precipitation, the assays detected less than 0.8 ng/ml of delta1 corticosteroid and interassay coefficients of variation were less than 8.5 %. The specificity of antibodies, tested against all drug metabolites and major endogenous steroids, showed that only 21-glucuronic acid esters of delta1 corticosteroids had cross-reactivity of possible clinical importance. Assays were validated by measuring levels in samples of fastingstate sera with or without adding known amounts of prednisolone. Measurements of serum concentrations of both prednisone and prednisolone in normal dogs and in those with hepatic vascular exclusion were made after intravenous administration of prednisone. Although high levels of prednisolone appeared rapidly in normal dogs, only slight amounts were measured in dogs with hepatic vascular exclusion, which emphasized the importance of the liver in the conversion of prednisone to prednisolone, its active metabolite.", "PMID": 994553} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5835", "title": "Hepatic lipids in Reye-Johnson syndrome and in acute encephalopathy without fatty liver.", "content": "The relationship between Reye-Johnson syndrome and acute encephalopathy without fatty liver was investigated by comparing the lipid composition of liver samples obtained from five patients with Reye-Johnson syndrome, two patients with acute encephalopathy, and five controls. The mean total hepatic triglyceride concentration was increased nearly sevenfold in Reye-Johnson syndrome and slightly decreased in acute encephalopathy when compared with the mean control value. The mean total hepatic free fatty acid concentration was increased nearly threefold in acute encephalopathy when compared with the mean value in Reye-Johnson syndrome. Total phospholipid content was decreased in the liver in Reye-Johnson syndrome, and this difference was caused mainly by a diminution of the hepatic lecithin fraction. The ratio of palmitic acid to oleic acid and hepatic free fatty acids was 2.5 in Reye-Johnson syndrome, 0.7 in acute encephalopathy, and 0.8 in controls. These results suggest that, despite clinical similarities and laboratory evidence of hepatic dysfunction in both Reye-Johnson syndrome and acute encephalopathy, different pathogenic mechanisms may be responsible for the liver abnormalities found in the two syndromes.", "contents": "Hepatic lipids in Reye-Johnson syndrome and in acute encephalopathy without fatty liver. The relationship between Reye-Johnson syndrome and acute encephalopathy without fatty liver was investigated by comparing the lipid composition of liver samples obtained from five patients with Reye-Johnson syndrome, two patients with acute encephalopathy, and five controls. The mean total hepatic triglyceride concentration was increased nearly sevenfold in Reye-Johnson syndrome and slightly decreased in acute encephalopathy when compared with the mean control value. The mean total hepatic free fatty acid concentration was increased nearly threefold in acute encephalopathy when compared with the mean value in Reye-Johnson syndrome. Total phospholipid content was decreased in the liver in Reye-Johnson syndrome, and this difference was caused mainly by a diminution of the hepatic lecithin fraction. The ratio of palmitic acid to oleic acid and hepatic free fatty acids was 2.5 in Reye-Johnson syndrome, 0.7 in acute encephalopathy, and 0.8 in controls. These results suggest that, despite clinical similarities and laboratory evidence of hepatic dysfunction in both Reye-Johnson syndrome and acute encephalopathy, different pathogenic mechanisms may be responsible for the liver abnormalities found in the two syndromes.", "PMID": 994554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5836", "title": "Wegener's granulomatosis. Anatomic correlates, a proposed classification.", "content": "Based on a 10-year experience with 50 patients who had Wegener's granulomatosis, a new classification is proposed based on anatomic site of involvement: upper airway or ear, nose, and throat (designated E), lung (L), and kidney (K). All combinations of ELK were seen. The system is offered as a unifying concept to embrace the terms midline granuloma, generalized or classic Wegener's granulomatosis, and limited Wegener's granulomatosis. Fourteen patients have died despite the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressant therapy. Thirteen patients with renal involvement have survived for periods as long as 114 months; all were taking immunosuppressive agents.", "contents": "Wegener's granulomatosis. Anatomic correlates, a proposed classification. Based on a 10-year experience with 50 patients who had Wegener's granulomatosis, a new classification is proposed based on anatomic site of involvement: upper airway or ear, nose, and throat (designated E), lung (L), and kidney (K). All combinations of ELK were seen. The system is offered as a unifying concept to embrace the terms midline granuloma, generalized or classic Wegener's granulomatosis, and limited Wegener's granulomatosis. Fourteen patients have died despite the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressant therapy. Thirteen patients with renal involvement have survived for periods as long as 114 months; all were taking immunosuppressive agents.", "PMID": 994555} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5837", "title": "A significant interaction between metronidazole and warfarin.", "content": "Interaction between metronidazole (Flagyl) and warfarin had been suggested based on the disulfiram-like effect of metronidazole and the known interaction of warfarin and disulfiram. This case report confirms that this interaction is clinically significant in man.", "contents": "A significant interaction between metronidazole and warfarin. Interaction between metronidazole (Flagyl) and warfarin had been suggested based on the disulfiram-like effect of metronidazole and the known interaction of warfarin and disulfiram. This case report confirms that this interaction is clinically significant in man.", "PMID": 994556} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5838", "title": "Ultrastructure of ischemic contracture of the left ventricle (\"stone heart\").", "content": "Myocardial biopsies from two patients who had developed \"stone heart\" (myocardial rigor mortis; ischemic contracture of the left ventricle) were studied by electron microscopy. The ultrastructure of tissue in stone heart, though ischemic in nature, differed from that of classic myocardial infarction in some respects. Apart from depletion of glycogen and distension of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and T-tubules, myofibrillar degeneration was much more widespread. Mitochondrial degeneration with active lysosomal autodigestion, disruption of the microcirculation, and lymphedema were prominent changes also observed. In the light of known clinical and experimental observations, our findings suggest that stone heart is an accelerated form of ischemic injury occurring in vulnerable (hypertrophied) hearts and is probably related to ischemia-triggered release of endogenous catecholamines.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of ischemic contracture of the left ventricle (\"stone heart\"). Myocardial biopsies from two patients who had developed \"stone heart\" (myocardial rigor mortis; ischemic contracture of the left ventricle) were studied by electron microscopy. The ultrastructure of tissue in stone heart, though ischemic in nature, differed from that of classic myocardial infarction in some respects. Apart from depletion of glycogen and distension of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and T-tubules, myofibrillar degeneration was much more widespread. Mitochondrial degeneration with active lysosomal autodigestion, disruption of the microcirculation, and lymphedema were prominent changes also observed. In the light of known clinical and experimental observations, our findings suggest that stone heart is an accelerated form of ischemic injury occurring in vulnerable (hypertrophied) hearts and is probably related to ischemia-triggered release of endogenous catecholamines.", "PMID": 994557} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5839", "title": "Lysosomal enzyme activities in parenchymal and nonparenchymal liver cells isolated from young, adult and old rats.", "content": "Parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells were isolated from the livers of female BN/BiRij rats, aged 3, 12, 24 and 30-35 months, by means of enzymatic techniques. About 70% of the cells in the nonparenchymal cell suspensions were endothelial cells and 25% were Kupffer cells. More than 90% of the isolated parenchymal, Kupffer and endothelial cells were viable as judged by trypan blue exclusion and ultrastructural appearance. The age-related changes in the specific activities of the lysosomal enzymes acid phosphatase, beta-galactosidase, cathepsin D and arylsulphatase B in parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells showed no correlated behavior. The most prominent change was observed for the cathepsin D activity in parenchymal cells, which nearly triples during the lifespan of the rat. A comparison of the activities obtained with homogenates of the whole liver and with parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells revealed that aging changes in lysosomal enzyme activities in homogenates should be carefully interpreted, since opposite patterns of change were often observed in the activities in parenchymal cells and in nonparenchymal cells.", "contents": "Lysosomal enzyme activities in parenchymal and nonparenchymal liver cells isolated from young, adult and old rats. Parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells were isolated from the livers of female BN/BiRij rats, aged 3, 12, 24 and 30-35 months, by means of enzymatic techniques. About 70% of the cells in the nonparenchymal cell suspensions were endothelial cells and 25% were Kupffer cells. More than 90% of the isolated parenchymal, Kupffer and endothelial cells were viable as judged by trypan blue exclusion and ultrastructural appearance. The age-related changes in the specific activities of the lysosomal enzymes acid phosphatase, beta-galactosidase, cathepsin D and arylsulphatase B in parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells showed no correlated behavior. The most prominent change was observed for the cathepsin D activity in parenchymal cells, which nearly triples during the lifespan of the rat. A comparison of the activities obtained with homogenates of the whole liver and with parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells revealed that aging changes in lysosomal enzyme activities in homogenates should be carefully interpreted, since opposite patterns of change were often observed in the activities in parenchymal cells and in nonparenchymal cells.", "PMID": 994558} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5840", "title": "Altered protein metabolism in arrested populations of aging human diploid fibroblasts.", "content": "Protein synthesis and turnover were measured in human diploid fibroblasts which were arrested in an essentially nonmitotic state by reducing the serum concentration in the incubation medium to 0.5%. Through the first 4 days of the arrested period both early and late passage cells lost about 20% of their cellular protein. There was a reduction in the rate of protein synthesis at both passage levels during this period, but there was no significant age-related difference in the synthetic rate or the rate of protein turnover. After day 4 both early and late passage cells maintained a constant protein content, but late passage cells did this while processing more protein through faster rates of both synthesis and turnover than did early passage cells. These results support those theories of cellular senescence which predict altered protein metabolism as a major consequence of the aging process.", "contents": "Altered protein metabolism in arrested populations of aging human diploid fibroblasts. Protein synthesis and turnover were measured in human diploid fibroblasts which were arrested in an essentially nonmitotic state by reducing the serum concentration in the incubation medium to 0.5%. Through the first 4 days of the arrested period both early and late passage cells lost about 20% of their cellular protein. There was a reduction in the rate of protein synthesis at both passage levels during this period, but there was no significant age-related difference in the synthetic rate or the rate of protein turnover. After day 4 both early and late passage cells maintained a constant protein content, but late passage cells did this while processing more protein through faster rates of both synthesis and turnover than did early passage cells. These results support those theories of cellular senescence which predict altered protein metabolism as a major consequence of the aging process.", "PMID": 994559} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5841", "title": "Changes in immunological potential between juvenile and presenile in rabbit.", "content": "To investigate the relationship between immunological potential and advance of age, patterns of humoral immune response in different aged rabbits were compared. In the primary response, the appearance of total antibody and the arrival to its peak level were retarded by advance of age. On the other hand, the appearance of IgG antibody was the earliest in young and young adult rabbits though the arrival to its peak level was the latest. The disappearance of total and IgG antibodies was earlier in older and immature animals. In the secondary response, the reincrease of total antibody occurred on the same day regardless of the age, but the older were the rabbits, the earlier was the reincrease of IgG antibody and also the arrival to the peak level of both antibodies. In the primary and the secondary responses, the maximal titers of both antibodies were the highest in young and young adult groups. From these results, the exact comparison of immunological potentials in rabbits of different age is possible only by the comparison of patterns of immune responses together with their intensity.", "contents": "Changes in immunological potential between juvenile and presenile in rabbit. To investigate the relationship between immunological potential and advance of age, patterns of humoral immune response in different aged rabbits were compared. In the primary response, the appearance of total antibody and the arrival to its peak level were retarded by advance of age. On the other hand, the appearance of IgG antibody was the earliest in young and young adult rabbits though the arrival to its peak level was the latest. The disappearance of total and IgG antibodies was earlier in older and immature animals. In the secondary response, the reincrease of total antibody occurred on the same day regardless of the age, but the older were the rabbits, the earlier was the reincrease of IgG antibody and also the arrival to the peak level of both antibodies. In the primary and the secondary responses, the maximal titers of both antibodies were the highest in young and young adult groups. From these results, the exact comparison of immunological potentials in rabbits of different age is possible only by the comparison of patterns of immune responses together with their intensity.", "PMID": 994560} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5842", "title": "Relationship of senescence of corn (Zea mays L.) stalk pith, cob parenchyma and first developed leaf tissues to RNA content and synthesis.", "content": "In stalk parenchyma tissue of WF9 X 38-11 single corn (Zea mays L.), there was a per cell increase in RNA synthesis and a slight increase in total RNA as cells became older. In cob parenchyma tissue of WF9 X 38-11 single cross corn, both total RNA content and RNA synthesis per cell decreased with the age of cells. In first developed leaf tissue of FR43 X FR14A single cross corn, RNA synthesis increased steadily but only slightly over its life span. The pattern of RNA synthesis and destruction in senescing leaf tissue of seedlings and two sources of parenchyma tissue of maturing plants appeared to differ.", "contents": "Relationship of senescence of corn (Zea mays L.) stalk pith, cob parenchyma and first developed leaf tissues to RNA content and synthesis. In stalk parenchyma tissue of WF9 X 38-11 single corn (Zea mays L.), there was a per cell increase in RNA synthesis and a slight increase in total RNA as cells became older. In cob parenchyma tissue of WF9 X 38-11 single cross corn, both total RNA content and RNA synthesis per cell decreased with the age of cells. In first developed leaf tissue of FR43 X FR14A single cross corn, RNA synthesis increased steadily but only slightly over its life span. The pattern of RNA synthesis and destruction in senescing leaf tissue of seedlings and two sources of parenchyma tissue of maturing plants appeared to differ.", "PMID": 994561} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5843", "title": "Aging and the interstitial content of loose connective tissue. A brief note.", "content": "The concentration of hyaluronic acid which is the fixed loose connective tissue component determining water and other potentials in the interstitium remains constant with age. Since the collagen fiber network in the native tissue state is unstressed, changes in collagen fiber morphology and in collagen content with age have no influence.", "contents": "Aging and the interstitial content of loose connective tissue. A brief note. The concentration of hyaluronic acid which is the fixed loose connective tissue component determining water and other potentials in the interstitium remains constant with age. Since the collagen fiber network in the native tissue state is unstressed, changes in collagen fiber morphology and in collagen content with age have no influence.", "PMID": 994562} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5844", "title": "The age-dependent decrease in creatine kinase and aldolase activities in human striated muscle is not caused by an accumulation of faulty proteins.", "content": "In human striated muscle obtained in surgery, an age-dependent decrease in aldolase and creatine kinase specific activities and an increase in DNA content per wet weight was found. In the group of the elderly (64-84 years), the enzymes decreased by 40-60% when compared with a group between 24 and 47 years old, while DNA content rose by a factor of 1.53 indicating loss of tissue water. Titration of aldolase and creatine kinase molecules by specific antibodies against aldolase A and creatine kinase MM isozymes, respectively, revealed very little accumulation of aldolase cross-reacting materials in the old age group (1.13 fold), and no accumulation of inactive creatine kinase molecules. Similar conclusions can be drawn from thermostability analyses of these two enzymes. The data do not support the view that accumulation of modified proteins due to random errors or to post-translational alternations is a general or causative phenomenon of aging in human muscle tissue.", "contents": "The age-dependent decrease in creatine kinase and aldolase activities in human striated muscle is not caused by an accumulation of faulty proteins. In human striated muscle obtained in surgery, an age-dependent decrease in aldolase and creatine kinase specific activities and an increase in DNA content per wet weight was found. In the group of the elderly (64-84 years), the enzymes decreased by 40-60% when compared with a group between 24 and 47 years old, while DNA content rose by a factor of 1.53 indicating loss of tissue water. Titration of aldolase and creatine kinase molecules by specific antibodies against aldolase A and creatine kinase MM isozymes, respectively, revealed very little accumulation of aldolase cross-reacting materials in the old age group (1.13 fold), and no accumulation of inactive creatine kinase molecules. Similar conclusions can be drawn from thermostability analyses of these two enzymes. The data do not support the view that accumulation of modified proteins due to random errors or to post-translational alternations is a general or causative phenomenon of aging in human muscle tissue.", "PMID": 994563} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5845", "title": "Unscheduled DNA synthesis in lymphocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients and spleen cells of rats with experimentally induced arthritis.", "content": "DNA repair is an important factor in the abolition or manifestation of mutations. Since intrinsic somatic mutations may be related to the occurrence of autoimmunity, DNA repair was investigated by measuring unscheduled DNA synthesis in lymphocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients by autoradiography. Likewise, unscheduled DNA synthesis was investigated in mycoplasma- and Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Both in human rheumatoid arthritis and experimentally-induced arthritis the capacity for repairing lesions in DNA induced by gamma-irradiation of cells was reduced, while an increased rate of thymidine-incorporation into DNA was found after UV-irradiation. The results are discussed in relation to endonucleases of viral or mycoplasmal origin.", "contents": "Unscheduled DNA synthesis in lymphocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients and spleen cells of rats with experimentally induced arthritis. DNA repair is an important factor in the abolition or manifestation of mutations. Since intrinsic somatic mutations may be related to the occurrence of autoimmunity, DNA repair was investigated by measuring unscheduled DNA synthesis in lymphocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients by autoradiography. Likewise, unscheduled DNA synthesis was investigated in mycoplasma- and Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Both in human rheumatoid arthritis and experimentally-induced arthritis the capacity for repairing lesions in DNA induced by gamma-irradiation of cells was reduced, while an increased rate of thymidine-incorporation into DNA was found after UV-irradiation. The results are discussed in relation to endonucleases of viral or mycoplasmal origin.", "PMID": 994566} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5846", "title": "Fractionation studies on human leucocyte dialyzates. Demonstration of three components with transfer factor activity.", "content": "Fractionation of dialyzates of human leucocyte lysates on a Sephadex G-10 column yielded seven fractions. Oidiomycin sensitivity could be induced with fractions I, III and VI in those recipients whose skin tests had previously been negative. Uraemic patients, who were skin test negative to 100 TU of PPD, regained their in vivo reactivity to PPD after receiving 5 mug of fraction VI, while no alteration in their blast transformation responses to the antigen was observed. We suggest that the active components at least in fractions III and VI, and perhaps also in fraction I, act nonspecifically by stimulating weak immune reactivity or by supporting reactions leading to the expression of this reactivity.", "contents": "Fractionation studies on human leucocyte dialyzates. Demonstration of three components with transfer factor activity. Fractionation of dialyzates of human leucocyte lysates on a Sephadex G-10 column yielded seven fractions. Oidiomycin sensitivity could be induced with fractions I, III and VI in those recipients whose skin tests had previously been negative. Uraemic patients, who were skin test negative to 100 TU of PPD, regained their in vivo reactivity to PPD after receiving 5 mug of fraction VI, while no alteration in their blast transformation responses to the antigen was observed. We suggest that the active components at least in fractions III and VI, and perhaps also in fraction I, act nonspecifically by stimulating weak immune reactivity or by supporting reactions leading to the expression of this reactivity.", "PMID": 994567} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5847", "title": "[Neurosurgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (author's transl)].", "content": "Follow-up studies of 210 cases treated by electrocoagulation and of 146 cases treated by temporal subtotal resection of the posterior root (Frazier) and descriptions of a further 1946 cases in a cooperative study in which different surgical treatments were applied are used as a basis for discussion advantages and disadvantages of the different surgical methods. Selective elimination of pain fibers with protection of tactile sensibility seems the most desirable objective. With this in mind, the new percutaneous method developed by Sweet receives particular attention.", "contents": "[Neurosurgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (author's transl)]. Follow-up studies of 210 cases treated by electrocoagulation and of 146 cases treated by temporal subtotal resection of the posterior root (Frazier) and descriptions of a further 1946 cases in a cooperative study in which different surgical treatments were applied are used as a basis for discussion advantages and disadvantages of the different surgical methods. Selective elimination of pain fibers with protection of tactile sensibility seems the most desirable objective. With this in mind, the new percutaneous method developed by Sweet receives particular attention.", "PMID": 994625} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5848", "title": "[Problems in operative treatment of portal hypertension by intrahepatic block (author's transl)].", "content": "Besides the high risk of surgery for bleeding esophageal varices, this therapy can involve an unacceptable rate of late complications following portacaval shunt (PCS). High mortality (liver failure) and morbidity (encephalopathy) can only be diminished by strict selection of patients. Alternative procedures have not yet been proved preferable in the long term. This is also true for the PCS with arterialization of the hepatic part of the portal vein. On the grounds of their own results, the author and his colleagues prefer the distal splenorenal anastomosis (Warren shunt).", "contents": "[Problems in operative treatment of portal hypertension by intrahepatic block (author's transl)]. Besides the high risk of surgery for bleeding esophageal varices, this therapy can involve an unacceptable rate of late complications following portacaval shunt (PCS). High mortality (liver failure) and morbidity (encephalopathy) can only be diminished by strict selection of patients. Alternative procedures have not yet been proved preferable in the long term. This is also true for the PCS with arterialization of the hepatic part of the portal vein. On the grounds of their own results, the author and his colleagues prefer the distal splenorenal anastomosis (Warren shunt).", "PMID": 994626} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5849", "title": "[Results of veno-venous shunt with arterialization of the liver (author's transl)].", "content": "Since 1968, arterialization of the liver with a portacaval shunt has been carried out in 82 patients for the treatment of portal hypertension caused by cirrhosis. Lethality in the first 4 weeks after operation was 19%. In 35 patients it is now over 5 years since the operation, 5 years survival being 46%. The general condition of these patients is remarkably good. The liver's detoxifying function has been preserved. Encephalopathy is rare. In cases of existing portacaval shunt arterialization can still be performed by way of the V. umbilicalis. The detoxifying function will improve after this.", "contents": "[Results of veno-venous shunt with arterialization of the liver (author's transl)]. Since 1968, arterialization of the liver with a portacaval shunt has been carried out in 82 patients for the treatment of portal hypertension caused by cirrhosis. Lethality in the first 4 weeks after operation was 19%. In 35 patients it is now over 5 years since the operation, 5 years survival being 46%. The general condition of these patients is remarkably good. The liver's detoxifying function has been preserved. Encephalopathy is rare. In cases of existing portacaval shunt arterialization can still be performed by way of the V. umbilicalis. The detoxifying function will improve after this.", "PMID": 994627} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5850", "title": "[The Warren sunt (author's transl)].", "content": "The fundamental principles of the distal splenorenal shunt are three-fold (1) selective decompression of gastroesophageal varices; (2) simulation of a spontaneous and sometimes effective gastro-spleno-suprarenal shunt; and (3) maintenance of the portal-venous perfusion of the liver. The cirrhotic patient with hemorrhagic episodes who is free of ascites and in whom angiography reveals either good or poor portal flow to the liver is a suitable subject for this procedure. The essential stages and difficulties of the surgical technique are discussed.", "contents": "[The Warren sunt (author's transl)]. The fundamental principles of the distal splenorenal shunt are three-fold (1) selective decompression of gastroesophageal varices; (2) simulation of a spontaneous and sometimes effective gastro-spleno-suprarenal shunt; and (3) maintenance of the portal-venous perfusion of the liver. The cirrhotic patient with hemorrhagic episodes who is free of ascites and in whom angiography reveals either good or poor portal flow to the liver is a suitable subject for this procedure. The essential stages and difficulties of the surgical technique are discussed.", "PMID": 994628} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5851", "title": "[Splenorenal anastomoses].", "content": "Of the operative procedures that can be used to relieve the pressure in portal hypertension, the authors prefer the terminolateral splenorenal anastomosis if the assessment of relative anatomical positions and the patient's hemodynamic situation has shown that these are adequate for the procedure. In contrast to portacaval shunting, after splenorenal anastomosis portal blood supply to the liver is partially maintained. Therefore less patients suffer from hepatic failure or encephalopathy. In addition a lower short-and long-term postoperative mortality has been observed. The risk of thrombosis and recurrent bleeding are the drawback of the method, occurring in about 15% of the patients. A meticulous technique can reduce this percentage.", "contents": "[Splenorenal anastomoses]. Of the operative procedures that can be used to relieve the pressure in portal hypertension, the authors prefer the terminolateral splenorenal anastomosis if the assessment of relative anatomical positions and the patient's hemodynamic situation has shown that these are adequate for the procedure. In contrast to portacaval shunting, after splenorenal anastomosis portal blood supply to the liver is partially maintained. Therefore less patients suffer from hepatic failure or encephalopathy. In addition a lower short-and long-term postoperative mortality has been observed. The risk of thrombosis and recurrent bleeding are the drawback of the method, occurring in about 15% of the patients. A meticulous technique can reduce this percentage.", "PMID": 994629} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5852", "title": "[Reoperations in cancer surgery (author's transl)].", "content": "Early detection of local recurrences and metastases is the most important condition for the success of reoperation in cancer surgery. A strict long-term follow-up, with standardized documentation, of patients operated on for malignancies is therefore necessary. While reoperations in cancer of the esophagus, the stomach or the lung are not very effective, surgery for recurrent carcinoma of the female breast, the colon and the rectum is more successful. The results of reoperation improve with increasing lapse of time since initial surgery, if radical resection of the local recurrences and the solitary metastases is possible. Treatment by an interdisciplinary team is considered to be the best.", "contents": "[Reoperations in cancer surgery (author's transl)]. Early detection of local recurrences and metastases is the most important condition for the success of reoperation in cancer surgery. A strict long-term follow-up, with standardized documentation, of patients operated on for malignancies is therefore necessary. While reoperations in cancer of the esophagus, the stomach or the lung are not very effective, surgery for recurrent carcinoma of the female breast, the colon and the rectum is more successful. The results of reoperation improve with increasing lapse of time since initial surgery, if radical resection of the local recurrences and the solitary metastases is possible. Treatment by an interdisciplinary team is considered to be the best.", "PMID": 994630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5853", "title": "[Postoperative care of cancer patients: an interdisciplinary responsibility (author's transl)].", "content": "Postoperative care of cancer patients is the joint interdisciplinary responsibility of surgeons, general practitioners (GP'S) and registered specialists. The necessary centralization in hosptal is ensured through cooperation on the part of the general practitioners. By means of a standardized follow-up programme, the organizational model described guarantees 9 postoperative check-ups at predetermined intervals within a period of 5 years. Clinical cancer registers are a mark of quality for hospitals and ensure detection and analysis of the pathography of cancer patients. Surgeons must also acquire the knowledge necessary for their use.", "contents": "[Postoperative care of cancer patients: an interdisciplinary responsibility (author's transl)]. Postoperative care of cancer patients is the joint interdisciplinary responsibility of surgeons, general practitioners (GP'S) and registered specialists. The necessary centralization in hosptal is ensured through cooperation on the part of the general practitioners. By means of a standardized follow-up programme, the organizational model described guarantees 9 postoperative check-ups at predetermined intervals within a period of 5 years. Clinical cancer registers are a mark of quality for hospitals and ensure detection and analysis of the pathography of cancer patients. Surgeons must also acquire the knowledge necessary for their use.", "PMID": 994631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5854", "title": "[Reoperation in carcinoma of the thyroid (author's transl)].", "content": "From 1960 to 1975 a total of 82 reoperations were performed in patients with malignant goiter in the Surgical Clinic of the University of Munich. In reoperation as in primary surgery, the criteria for operative management and prognosis are dependent on histology (differentiated-undifferentiated carcinomas), extension of tumor, and age and sex of the patient. The need for early and radical reoperation increases with declining age, and also with limitation and differentiation of the carcinoma. Early results are presented: an accurate statement about late prognosis is not yet possible.", "contents": "[Reoperation in carcinoma of the thyroid (author's transl)]. From 1960 to 1975 a total of 82 reoperations were performed in patients with malignant goiter in the Surgical Clinic of the University of Munich. In reoperation as in primary surgery, the criteria for operative management and prognosis are dependent on histology (differentiated-undifferentiated carcinomas), extension of tumor, and age and sex of the patient. The need for early and radical reoperation increases with declining age, and also with limitation and differentiation of the carcinoma. Early results are presented: an accurate statement about late prognosis is not yet possible.", "PMID": 994632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5855", "title": "[Surgery in recurrences of breast carcinoma (author's transl)].", "content": "Local recurrences of a tumor generally indicate a poor prognosis, because they are often associated with metastasis. The guidelines for treatment suggested by the author are: radiotherapy should be used first, and surgery as a rule only when radiotherapy has been exhausted or it is not possible. If radiation ulcers occur, extensive palliative resection of the chest wall should be performed. The resulting defect should be covered by means of sliding flaps or Kiricuta sieve grafts rather than direct transfer flaps.", "contents": "[Surgery in recurrences of breast carcinoma (author's transl)]. Local recurrences of a tumor generally indicate a poor prognosis, because they are often associated with metastasis. The guidelines for treatment suggested by the author are: radiotherapy should be used first, and surgery as a rule only when radiotherapy has been exhausted or it is not possible. If radiation ulcers occur, extensive palliative resection of the chest wall should be performed. The resulting defect should be covered by means of sliding flaps or Kiricuta sieve grafts rather than direct transfer flaps.", "PMID": 994633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5856", "title": "[Reoperation in bronchial carcinoma (author's transl)].", "content": "After lung resections in bronchial carcinoma, reoperation for recurrences, metastases, or secondary primary tumors is rarely possible. The possibility depneds on the extent of the primary resection, the physiological state of the patient, and the spread of the primary or secondary tumor. From 1950 to 1975 1628 lung resections were performed in D\u00fcsseldorf, with reoperation in 26 cases (1.6%). n Bremen (1964-1974) 915 lung resections were performed, with 20 reoperations (2.2%). Survival times recorded in Bremen and D\u00fcsseldorf and in the literature justify reoperation in individual cases.", "contents": "[Reoperation in bronchial carcinoma (author's transl)]. After lung resections in bronchial carcinoma, reoperation for recurrences, metastases, or secondary primary tumors is rarely possible. The possibility depneds on the extent of the primary resection, the physiological state of the patient, and the spread of the primary or secondary tumor. From 1950 to 1975 1628 lung resections were performed in D\u00fcsseldorf, with reoperation in 26 cases (1.6%). n Bremen (1964-1974) 915 lung resections were performed, with 20 reoperations (2.2%). Survival times recorded in Bremen and D\u00fcsseldorf and in the literature justify reoperation in individual cases.", "PMID": 994634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5857", "title": "[Reoperation in recurrence of carcinoma of the esophagus, Cardia and stomach (author's transl)].", "content": "Reoperative surgery is performed with the object of restoring gastrointestinal passage or of pain relief and only rarely, for example in recurrence of an early carcinoma, with the object of curative resection. Out of 31 reoperations for such a purpose, a second resection (total or extended gastrectomy) was possible in 9 cases, gastric bypass or some other palliative operation in 12; in 10 cases, only a laparotomy was possible. The interval between the 1st and 2nd operations was 29 months in the resectable group and 17 months in the nonresectable group, the survival times 11 and 3.3 months respectively. Indications have to be considered separately for each patient.", "contents": "[Reoperation in recurrence of carcinoma of the esophagus, Cardia and stomach (author's transl)]. Reoperative surgery is performed with the object of restoring gastrointestinal passage or of pain relief and only rarely, for example in recurrence of an early carcinoma, with the object of curative resection. Out of 31 reoperations for such a purpose, a second resection (total or extended gastrectomy) was possible in 9 cases, gastric bypass or some other palliative operation in 12; in 10 cases, only a laparotomy was possible. The interval between the 1st and 2nd operations was 29 months in the resectable group and 17 months in the nonresectable group, the survival times 11 and 3.3 months respectively. Indications have to be considered separately for each patient.", "PMID": 994635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5858", "title": "[Reintervention in recurrent carcinoma of the large bowel (author's transl)].", "content": "Reintervention has a good change of success in recurrent of carcinoma of the sigma and colon. Early detection is essential for reintervention to be successful, and meticulous follow-up is therefore necessary in all patients operated on for tumors: follow-up examinations can best be carried out at a special tumor clinic. Since 1964,-42 patients have undergone reintervention for recurrences. In 50% of them the condition was found to be inoperable. On the other hand, 14 of 21 patients in whom reintervention was successful are still alive. Adjuvant therapy such as radio therapy or cytostatics is rarely administered, but should be employed more in the future.", "contents": "[Reintervention in recurrent carcinoma of the large bowel (author's transl)]. Reintervention has a good change of success in recurrent of carcinoma of the sigma and colon. Early detection is essential for reintervention to be successful, and meticulous follow-up is therefore necessary in all patients operated on for tumors: follow-up examinations can best be carried out at a special tumor clinic. Since 1964,-42 patients have undergone reintervention for recurrences. In 50% of them the condition was found to be inoperable. On the other hand, 14 of 21 patients in whom reintervention was successful are still alive. Adjuvant therapy such as radio therapy or cytostatics is rarely administered, but should be employed more in the future.", "PMID": 994636} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5859", "title": "[The use of CEA radioimmunoassay for the detection of recurrence of carcinoma of the large bowel (author's transl)].", "content": "Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker defined by specific heterologous antisera. Elevated levels of circulating CEA can be detected by radioimmunoassay in most cases of colorectal carcinoma, depending on the degree of tumor spread. The fact that elevation of CEA level can also be observed in other types of carcinomas and in several nonmalignant conditions greatly limits the value of the CEA test for the early diagnosis of colorectal carcinomas. Repeated CEA measurements and their critical interpretation, however, appear to be of importance after tumor resection for the detection of tumor recurrence during the postoperative follow-up period.", "contents": "[The use of CEA radioimmunoassay for the detection of recurrence of carcinoma of the large bowel (author's transl)]. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker defined by specific heterologous antisera. Elevated levels of circulating CEA can be detected by radioimmunoassay in most cases of colorectal carcinoma, depending on the degree of tumor spread. The fact that elevation of CEA level can also be observed in other types of carcinomas and in several nonmalignant conditions greatly limits the value of the CEA test for the early diagnosis of colorectal carcinomas. Repeated CEA measurements and their critical interpretation, however, appear to be of importance after tumor resection for the detection of tumor recurrence during the postoperative follow-up period.", "PMID": 994637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5860", "title": "[Reoperation in rectal cancer (author's transl)].", "content": "Carcinoma of the rectum is reported to have a local recurrence rate of 3-48 percent. In 80 percent of cases, recurrence appears within 2 years after the first operation. The possible causes of its occurrence and its localization are discussed. Early diagnosis is important. Follow-up examinations are therefore necessary every 3 months in the first 2 years. Curative secondary operations are rare. In pelvic, perineal, and genital recurrence, radiation therapy is usually considered to be the treatment of choice.", "contents": "[Reoperation in rectal cancer (author's transl)]. Carcinoma of the rectum is reported to have a local recurrence rate of 3-48 percent. In 80 percent of cases, recurrence appears within 2 years after the first operation. The possible causes of its occurrence and its localization are discussed. Early diagnosis is important. Follow-up examinations are therefore necessary every 3 months in the first 2 years. Curative secondary operations are rare. In pelvic, perineal, and genital recurrence, radiation therapy is usually considered to be the treatment of choice.", "PMID": 994638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5861", "title": "[Some structural and functional peculiaritis of the growing skeleton and their significance in fracture healing (author's transl)].", "content": "The following properties of the growing skeleton are discussed in relation to fracture healing: (1) The pronounced reaction of periosteum and endosteum and their part in the correction of deformities, and the vascular pattern of cortical bone; (2) the microscopical structure and the vascular supply of the growth plate, with reference to their significance in injuries; (3) the involvement of growth plate and growing articular cartilage in the modeling of the end of long bones and in the correction of angular deformitis.", "contents": "[Some structural and functional peculiaritis of the growing skeleton and their significance in fracture healing (author's transl)]. The following properties of the growing skeleton are discussed in relation to fracture healing: (1) The pronounced reaction of periosteum and endosteum and their part in the correction of deformities, and the vascular pattern of cortical bone; (2) the microscopical structure and the vascular supply of the growth plate, with reference to their significance in injuries; (3) the involvement of growth plate and growing articular cartilage in the modeling of the end of long bones and in the correction of angular deformitis.", "PMID": 994640} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5862", "title": "[Clinical and radiographic diagnosis of fractures in childhood (author's transl)].", "content": "The diagnostic procedure followed in cases of childhood fractures consists of positive identification of the fracture type (greenstick, complete, or open fracture) and also determination of the degree and age-specific tolerance limit of axis deviations. This diagnostic procedure also includes decisions concerning indications for operative or conservative therapy, and lays great emphasis on the identification of epiphysial injuries. If function is to be fully restored, the extent of injuries must be rapidly determined. Long-term injuries are identified at follow-up examinations and can then be corrected surgically.", "contents": "[Clinical and radiographic diagnosis of fractures in childhood (author's transl)]. The diagnostic procedure followed in cases of childhood fractures consists of positive identification of the fracture type (greenstick, complete, or open fracture) and also determination of the degree and age-specific tolerance limit of axis deviations. This diagnostic procedure also includes decisions concerning indications for operative or conservative therapy, and lays great emphasis on the identification of epiphysial injuries. If function is to be fully restored, the extent of injuries must be rapidly determined. Long-term injuries are identified at follow-up examinations and can then be corrected surgically.", "PMID": 994641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5863", "title": "[Treatment of juvenile fractures: general introduction (author's transl)].", "content": "As fractures sustained during childhood are \"different\", the treatment for them is also different than that for fractures in adults. In general the treatment is conservative. A childhood fracture has in its favor the enormous potential of the growing skeleton for healing and correction, while against it is the possibility of impaired growth following certain injuries in growth areas. There are quite specific indications for operative treatment; in other words, some fractures require internal fixation, e.g. genuine epiphyseal fracture, fracture of the neck of the femur, displacement of the head of the radius.", "contents": "[Treatment of juvenile fractures: general introduction (author's transl)]. As fractures sustained during childhood are \"different\", the treatment for them is also different than that for fractures in adults. In general the treatment is conservative. A childhood fracture has in its favor the enormous potential of the growing skeleton for healing and correction, while against it is the possibility of impaired growth following certain injuries in growth areas. There are quite specific indications for operative treatment; in other words, some fractures require internal fixation, e.g. genuine epiphyseal fracture, fracture of the neck of the femur, displacement of the head of the radius.", "PMID": 994642} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5864", "title": "[Conservative management of juvenile fractures (author's transl)].", "content": "The preliminary conservative management of juvenile fractures by closed reduction must be performed with due regard for the pressure of epiphyseal plates, the more rapid bone healing and the increased stimulation of growth. Malunited fractures are realigned by the normal process of bone remodeling, and results are better in young children. The management of shaft. metaphyseal and joint fractures by closed reduction is outlined. Late sequelae such as a diminished range of motion of the affected limb are rare, so that intensive physical therapy is not required.", "contents": "[Conservative management of juvenile fractures (author's transl)]. The preliminary conservative management of juvenile fractures by closed reduction must be performed with due regard for the pressure of epiphyseal plates, the more rapid bone healing and the increased stimulation of growth. Malunited fractures are realigned by the normal process of bone remodeling, and results are better in young children. The management of shaft. metaphyseal and joint fractures by closed reduction is outlined. Late sequelae such as a diminished range of motion of the affected limb are rare, so that intensive physical therapy is not required.", "PMID": 994643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5865", "title": "[Internal fixation of juvenile fracture (author's transl)].", "content": "There is a great difference in the internal fixation of infant and adult fractures. Biological and anatomical pecularities in childhood make it possible for lingitudinal growth to be impaired by the implanted material, its size, its topographic relationship to the growth organ and the duration of implantation. Internal fixation in children should therefore be limited to a few cases and should not be undertaken. Without excellent operative techniques and special aseptic operating rooms. Various ASIF techniques, such as Kirschner wiring, screwing, and fixation with plates, are suitable. Medullary nailing (K\u00fcntscher) should not be used in children.", "contents": "[Internal fixation of juvenile fracture (author's transl)]. There is a great difference in the internal fixation of infant and adult fractures. Biological and anatomical pecularities in childhood make it possible for lingitudinal growth to be impaired by the implanted material, its size, its topographic relationship to the growth organ and the duration of implantation. Internal fixation in children should therefore be limited to a few cases and should not be undertaken. Without excellent operative techniques and special aseptic operating rooms. Various ASIF techniques, such as Kirschner wiring, screwing, and fixation with plates, are suitable. Medullary nailing (K\u00fcntscher) should not be used in children.", "PMID": 994644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5866", "title": "[Pseudarthrosis, growth deformity and malpostioning after fractures in childhood (author's transl)].", "content": "Malpositioning of head fractures in children can carrect itself spontaneously, depending on various parameters. Tolerance thresholds, the consequences of noncorrected malpositioning and the indications for operative correction are reported. Growth disturbances following healing of fractures are most frequent in the elbow, knee and ankle joints. Occasionally operative correction in necessary, sometimes repeatedly. Pseudarthrosis, although rare in growing bones because of the high capacity for regeneration, is treated according to the established principles of pseudarthrosis therapy.", "contents": "[Pseudarthrosis, growth deformity and malpostioning after fractures in childhood (author's transl)]. Malpositioning of head fractures in children can carrect itself spontaneously, depending on various parameters. Tolerance thresholds, the consequences of noncorrected malpositioning and the indications for operative correction are reported. Growth disturbances following healing of fractures are most frequent in the elbow, knee and ankle joints. Occasionally operative correction in necessary, sometimes repeatedly. Pseudarthrosis, although rare in growing bones because of the high capacity for regeneration, is treated according to the established principles of pseudarthrosis therapy.", "PMID": 994645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5867", "title": "[Compound fractures in childhood (author's transl)].", "content": "The incidence of compound fractures increases with the age of children. The importance of emergency care at the site of the accident, with sterile coverage of wounds and preliminary fixation, and of fast and careful transportation to hospital, is gaining recognition. Final management should comprise meticulous mechanical cleansing under sterile conditions, treatment of any additional injury, and stabilization. Compound fractures call for more generous application of internal fixation. Tetanus prophylaxis and routine monitoring of wounds are essential when there is any danger of gas gangrene.", "contents": "[Compound fractures in childhood (author's transl)]. The incidence of compound fractures increases with the age of children. The importance of emergency care at the site of the accident, with sterile coverage of wounds and preliminary fixation, and of fast and careful transportation to hospital, is gaining recognition. Final management should comprise meticulous mechanical cleansing under sterile conditions, treatment of any additional injury, and stabilization. Compound fractures call for more generous application of internal fixation. Tetanus prophylaxis and routine monitoring of wounds are essential when there is any danger of gas gangrene.", "PMID": 994646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5868", "title": "[Infected fractures during the period of growth (author's transl)].", "content": "The stabilization of the injured and infected region is the most important condition for the bone structuring and the healing of infection. The author recommends the use of external fixation clamps, by means of which it is possible to achieve stability during movement while avoiding implantation of the metal in the infected region and the epiphyseal zone. The indications for autogenous cancellous-bone and skin grafts are mentioned. The results of follow-up examinations make it clear that the treatment should be started as early as possible.", "contents": "[Infected fractures during the period of growth (author's transl)]. The stabilization of the injured and infected region is the most important condition for the bone structuring and the healing of infection. The author recommends the use of external fixation clamps, by means of which it is possible to achieve stability during movement while avoiding implantation of the metal in the infected region and the epiphyseal zone. The indications for autogenous cancellous-bone and skin grafts are mentioned. The results of follow-up examinations make it clear that the treatment should be started as early as possible.", "PMID": 994647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5869", "title": "[Spontaneous fractures and tumors (author's transl)].", "content": "During childhood, pathologic fractures are found in systemic diseases of the skeleton (e.g. osteogenesis imperfecta or rachitis), but especially when bone tumors or tumorlike changes are present. Conservative measures such as continuous traction and application of a plaster cast lead to healing of the fracture only in a limited number of cases. Treatment of benign and potentially malignant and tumors and of tumorlike growths by excochleation and by resection and subsequent filling of the defect with autologous spongiosa and in some cases metallic fixation respectively has proved useful. The surgical treatment of malignant tumors depends on the king of tumor and its localization.", "contents": "[Spontaneous fractures and tumors (author's transl)]. During childhood, pathologic fractures are found in systemic diseases of the skeleton (e.g. osteogenesis imperfecta or rachitis), but especially when bone tumors or tumorlike changes are present. Conservative measures such as continuous traction and application of a plaster cast lead to healing of the fracture only in a limited number of cases. Treatment of benign and potentially malignant and tumors and of tumorlike growths by excochleation and by resection and subsequent filling of the defect with autologous spongiosa and in some cases metallic fixation respectively has proved useful. The surgical treatment of malignant tumors depends on the king of tumor and its localization.", "PMID": 994648} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5870", "title": "[Physiotherapy of fractures in childhood (author's transl)].", "content": "Fractures in Children need physio-and ergotherapy as much as fractures in adults. Before the seventh year monitoring is of prime importance, because malpositioning of fractures is frequent. In children between 7 and 12 years of age physio- and ergotherapy are essential factors in rehabilitation. Massage and irradiation are noxious. Passive exercise of the elbow joint is not successful but causes new injuries. Fractures of the vertebral column or injuries of the spinal cord should receive only functional treatment. Later consequences cannot be assessed until growth has ceased.", "contents": "[Physiotherapy of fractures in childhood (author's transl)]. Fractures in Children need physio-and ergotherapy as much as fractures in adults. Before the seventh year monitoring is of prime importance, because malpositioning of fractures is frequent. In children between 7 and 12 years of age physio- and ergotherapy are essential factors in rehabilitation. Massage and irradiation are noxious. Passive exercise of the elbow joint is not successful but causes new injuries. Fractures of the vertebral column or injuries of the spinal cord should receive only functional treatment. Later consequences cannot be assessed until growth has ceased.", "PMID": 994649} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5871", "title": "[Fracture in polytraumatized children (author's transl)].", "content": "The appropriateness of surgical therapy in polytraumatized children is influenced by a series of facts, such as severe additional injuries, the age of the child, type and localization of the fracture etc. Fractures of the neck of the femur and fractures involving extensive injuries of soft tissue are an indication for immediate operative treatment. Transepiphyseal fractures and fractures in cases of additional cerebral contusion are an indication for early treatment. Fractures of the forearm or the lower leg are treated conservatively after the stabilization of circulation (wiring, plaster cast).", "contents": "[Fracture in polytraumatized children (author's transl)]. The appropriateness of surgical therapy in polytraumatized children is influenced by a series of facts, such as severe additional injuries, the age of the child, type and localization of the fracture etc. Fractures of the neck of the femur and fractures involving extensive injuries of soft tissue are an indication for immediate operative treatment. Transepiphyseal fractures and fractures in cases of additional cerebral contusion are an indication for early treatment. Fractures of the forearm or the lower leg are treated conservatively after the stabilization of circulation (wiring, plaster cast).", "PMID": 994650} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5872", "title": "[Cardiorespiratory problems in intensive care (author's transl)].", "content": "Prompt and aggressive support of lung and hemodynamic function are required if the incidence of recovery from acute respiratory insufficiency is to be improved. Prophylactic ventilator and inotropic therapy are required to prevent progressive deterioration of blood gas exchange and maintain myocardial function in the face of an acutely elevated right ventricular afterload. Methods for early diagnosis are now readily available; the criteria for therapeutic intervention are discussed.", "contents": "[Cardiorespiratory problems in intensive care (author's transl)]. Prompt and aggressive support of lung and hemodynamic function are required if the incidence of recovery from acute respiratory insufficiency is to be improved. Prophylactic ventilator and inotropic therapy are required to prevent progressive deterioration of blood gas exchange and maintain myocardial function in the face of an acutely elevated right ventricular afterload. Methods for early diagnosis are now readily available; the criteria for therapeutic intervention are discussed.", "PMID": 994652} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5873", "title": "[Specific probelms in the intensive care of patients with multiple injuries (author's transl)].", "content": "Respiratory problems such as throacic injuries, shock lung, fat embolism aspiration are predominant in a specialized intensive care unit for patients with multiple trauma. The most important pulmonary complications are tension pneumothorax (in which case an immediate diagnosis is essential), atelectasis, lesions of the trachea, and pulmonary infections (12 percent of the patients). With severe head injuries it is often difficult to decide whether intensive care is justified. Unfortunately, there are no clear criteria for an early assessment of the prognosis in many of these cases.", "contents": "[Specific probelms in the intensive care of patients with multiple injuries (author's transl)]. Respiratory problems such as throacic injuries, shock lung, fat embolism aspiration are predominant in a specialized intensive care unit for patients with multiple trauma. The most important pulmonary complications are tension pneumothorax (in which case an immediate diagnosis is essential), atelectasis, lesions of the trachea, and pulmonary infections (12 percent of the patients). With severe head injuries it is often difficult to decide whether intensive care is justified. Unfortunately, there are no clear criteria for an early assessment of the prognosis in many of these cases.", "PMID": 994653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5874", "title": "[Postoperative acute renal failure (author's transl)].", "content": "Despite progress in intensive therapy and dialysis the lethality of postoperative acute renal failure (ARF) remains very high. Between 1958 and 1976, 374 out of 11474 patients treated in the intensive care unit developed ARF. By conservative treatment that is described in detail, the mortality was reduced from 80 percent (up to 1972) to 50 percent. The mortality rate of dialysis was 86 percent (85 of 98 patients). ARF reflects the severity of the illness of these patients. The prognosis depends besides further complications on the administration of optimal intensive care and early dialysis.", "contents": "[Postoperative acute renal failure (author's transl)]. Despite progress in intensive therapy and dialysis the lethality of postoperative acute renal failure (ARF) remains very high. Between 1958 and 1976, 374 out of 11474 patients treated in the intensive care unit developed ARF. By conservative treatment that is described in detail, the mortality was reduced from 80 percent (up to 1972) to 50 percent. The mortality rate of dialysis was 86 percent (85 of 98 patients). ARF reflects the severity of the illness of these patients. The prognosis depends besides further complications on the administration of optimal intensive care and early dialysis.", "PMID": 994654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5875", "title": "[Problems in intensive care for burns (author's transl)].", "content": "Severe burns are followed by a shock period of more than 48 h. Insufficient fluid replacement may lead to serious organic damage. Protein losses are high. Cardio-respiratory complications are frequent. Infection and sepsis are still frequent causes of death. Skin damage requires extensive operations for debridement and skin replacement, and blood losses must be replaced simultaneously.", "contents": "[Problems in intensive care for burns (author's transl)]. Severe burns are followed by a shock period of more than 48 h. Insufficient fluid replacement may lead to serious organic damage. Protein losses are high. Cardio-respiratory complications are frequent. Infection and sepsis are still frequent causes of death. Skin damage requires extensive operations for debridement and skin replacement, and blood losses must be replaced simultaneously.", "PMID": 994655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5876", "title": "[Hospital infection during postoperative intensive care (author's transl)].", "content": "Since 1970 all postoperative bacteriological findings recorded in surgical patients have been analyzed and compared with the postoperative course. There are also regular checks of bacterial invasion in the operating suites and in the intensive care units. By such means as systems of double lock for personnel and equipment, regular surface disinfection, frequent hand disinfection, cleaning of the respirators with antiseptics, etc., the authors have been able to reduce the incidence of hospital infection very drastically. These measures also almost eliminated cross-infections in patients on long-term ventilation and complications with long-term indwelling catheters.", "contents": "[Hospital infection during postoperative intensive care (author's transl)]. Since 1970 all postoperative bacteriological findings recorded in surgical patients have been analyzed and compared with the postoperative course. There are also regular checks of bacterial invasion in the operating suites and in the intensive care units. By such means as systems of double lock for personnel and equipment, regular surface disinfection, frequent hand disinfection, cleaning of the respirators with antiseptics, etc., the authors have been able to reduce the incidence of hospital infection very drastically. These measures also almost eliminated cross-infections in patients on long-term ventilation and complications with long-term indwelling catheters.", "PMID": 994656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5877", "title": "[Pain, a human and a medical problem (author's transl)].", "content": "Physiological, psychological and also psychiatric aspects of pain are of great importance for the surgical treatment of pain. The inhibition of pain conduction of physical and psychic stimuli makes it difficult to evaluate therapeutic procedures and forces us to apply adequate treatment in each single case.", "contents": "[Pain, a human and a medical problem (author's transl)]. Physiological, psychological and also psychiatric aspects of pain are of great importance for the surgical treatment of pain. The inhibition of pain conduction of physical and psychic stimuli makes it difficult to evaluate therapeutic procedures and forces us to apply adequate treatment in each single case.", "PMID": 994657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5878", "title": "[Pathologic-anatomic aspects of the formation and complications of diverticula (author's transl)].", "content": "Diverticulosis is favored by general (erect posture), diatetic (low-roughage diet) and anatomic factors (discontinuity and particularly spiral arrangement of the musculature). A pouch of mucous membrane passes through the bowel wall in some cases, which makes comparison to the false diverticula of the so-called trabecular urinary bladder understandable. An important feature of the pathogenesis is the displaceable layer between mucosa and musculature. Diverticulosis is the basis of a disease, i.e. diverticulitis: this begins with stercoraceous pressure ulcers, and causes granulation tissue local peridiverticulitis. In peridiverticulitis, confluated inflammation sometimes involves all the sigmoid ensheathing it, with pernicious fomation of scars, i.e. perisigmoiditis. In this way, a disease of the intestinal wall becomes a disease of the intestine. The symptoms of perisigmoiditis are similar to those of carcinoma of the sigma.", "contents": "[Pathologic-anatomic aspects of the formation and complications of diverticula (author's transl)]. Diverticulosis is favored by general (erect posture), diatetic (low-roughage diet) and anatomic factors (discontinuity and particularly spiral arrangement of the musculature). A pouch of mucous membrane passes through the bowel wall in some cases, which makes comparison to the false diverticula of the so-called trabecular urinary bladder understandable. An important feature of the pathogenesis is the displaceable layer between mucosa and musculature. Diverticulosis is the basis of a disease, i.e. diverticulitis: this begins with stercoraceous pressure ulcers, and causes granulation tissue local peridiverticulitis. In peridiverticulitis, confluated inflammation sometimes involves all the sigmoid ensheathing it, with pernicious fomation of scars, i.e. perisigmoiditis. In this way, a disease of the intestinal wall becomes a disease of the intestine. The symptoms of perisigmoiditis are similar to those of carcinoma of the sigma.", "PMID": 994658} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5879", "title": "[Abnormality of the muscular structure of the colon: a possible cause of diverticulosis (author's transl)].", "content": "Diverticula of the colon result from myostatic contracture. In each case an asymmetric contracture leads to the formation of a gap in the wall of the bowel, through which the muscularis mucosae with the contents of the bowel slip out. Diverticulitis is compared with appendicitis.", "contents": "[Abnormality of the muscular structure of the colon: a possible cause of diverticulosis (author's transl)]. Diverticula of the colon result from myostatic contracture. In each case an asymmetric contracture leads to the formation of a gap in the wall of the bowel, through which the muscularis mucosae with the contents of the bowel slip out. Diverticulitis is compared with appendicitis.", "PMID": 994659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5880", "title": "[Internal aspects of diverticulosis (author's transl)].", "content": "Diverticular disease of the colon is, apart from the irritable colon syndrome, by now probably the commonest disorder of the large intestine. The incidence of the disease seems to be increasing, which might be due to fundamental dietary changes during the last 60-80 years. It has been suggested that the condition may be a dietary deficiency disorder caused by an inadequate intake of fiber in the diet. Undiagnosed diverticulosis can suddenly progress to painful diverticular disease or diverticulitis with no warning. Complications are sometimes life-threatening, and they demand immediately surgical intervention. The optimal medical and surgical management of diverticular disease and diverticulitis is not well defined as no controlled clinical trials are available.", "contents": "[Internal aspects of diverticulosis (author's transl)]. Diverticular disease of the colon is, apart from the irritable colon syndrome, by now probably the commonest disorder of the large intestine. The incidence of the disease seems to be increasing, which might be due to fundamental dietary changes during the last 60-80 years. It has been suggested that the condition may be a dietary deficiency disorder caused by an inadequate intake of fiber in the diet. Undiagnosed diverticulosis can suddenly progress to painful diverticular disease or diverticulitis with no warning. Complications are sometimes life-threatening, and they demand immediately surgical intervention. The optimal medical and surgical management of diverticular disease and diverticulitis is not well defined as no controlled clinical trials are available.", "PMID": 994660} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5881", "title": "[Myotomy: a surgical treatment for diverticulitis (author's transl)].", "content": "Since 1973 myotomy after Reilly has been performed on 30 patients with sigmoid diverticulosis or diverticulitis. The operation is most suitable for patients with moderate stenosis and clinically recurring symptom that no longer respond to conservative treatment. When widespread inflammation is present the risk involved in the operation should not be underestimated: separation of the intestinal wall layers is more difficult and the danger of perforation is increased. The operation cannot be used successfully to remove an early carcinoma developing between the diverticula.", "contents": "[Myotomy: a surgical treatment for diverticulitis (author's transl)]. Since 1973 myotomy after Reilly has been performed on 30 patients with sigmoid diverticulosis or diverticulitis. The operation is most suitable for patients with moderate stenosis and clinically recurring symptom that no longer respond to conservative treatment. When widespread inflammation is present the risk involved in the operation should not be underestimated: separation of the intestinal wall layers is more difficult and the danger of perforation is increased. The operation cannot be used successfully to remove an early carcinoma developing between the diverticula.", "PMID": 994661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5882", "title": "[Continuity and change in medical ethos (author's transl)].", "content": "The report develops first of all a general concept of ethos and categories for comprehending its structure [2]. Classical hippocratic ethos then emerges as a \"modell\" which medical treatment standardizes as a matter of \"practical\" science-oriented values in the service of the \"private\" welfare of the patient [3]. The will, under changing conditions of medical practice, to permanently engage the substance of the ethos, demands a) consciousness of the \"practical\" character of the misunderstanding of medicine as a theoretical physical science, b) recognition of the importance of the \"private\" doctor-patient relationship vs. the widening of a purely social objective, c) orientation to the whole needs of the patient in opposition to a technologically created \"depersonalization\".", "contents": "[Continuity and change in medical ethos (author's transl)]. The report develops first of all a general concept of ethos and categories for comprehending its structure [2]. Classical hippocratic ethos then emerges as a \"modell\" which medical treatment standardizes as a matter of \"practical\" science-oriented values in the service of the \"private\" welfare of the patient [3]. The will, under changing conditions of medical practice, to permanently engage the substance of the ethos, demands a) consciousness of the \"practical\" character of the misunderstanding of medicine as a theoretical physical science, b) recognition of the importance of the \"private\" doctor-patient relationship vs. the widening of a purely social objective, c) orientation to the whole needs of the patient in opposition to a technologically created \"depersonalization\".", "PMID": 994663} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5883", "title": "[Septic complications in vascular surgery: a review (author's transl)].", "content": "The importance of vascular infection is determined by localization and extension, by the type of graft, by the type of bacteria and by subsequent complications. Prophylactic measures are: strict selection of patients (in obesity, diabetes), unyielding attention to hygiene and asepsis in the operating theater, use of adhesive plastic skin coverings, instrument preparation, short operation time, meticulous blood coagulation, intraoperative control of the hemodynamic result and adequate wound drainage. Antibiotics can be given preoperatively; their usefulness in the prevention of wound infection is not generally accepted. The use of a prosthesis in the perforating vascular trauma should be avoided; extra-anatomic reconstruction may be performed as the primary procedure. When the graft is removed and extra-anatomic reconstruction performed definitive healing cannot always be expected.", "contents": "[Septic complications in vascular surgery: a review (author's transl)]. The importance of vascular infection is determined by localization and extension, by the type of graft, by the type of bacteria and by subsequent complications. Prophylactic measures are: strict selection of patients (in obesity, diabetes), unyielding attention to hygiene and asepsis in the operating theater, use of adhesive plastic skin coverings, instrument preparation, short operation time, meticulous blood coagulation, intraoperative control of the hemodynamic result and adequate wound drainage. Antibiotics can be given preoperatively; their usefulness in the prevention of wound infection is not generally accepted. The use of a prosthesis in the perforating vascular trauma should be avoided; extra-anatomic reconstruction may be performed as the primary procedure. When the graft is removed and extra-anatomic reconstruction performed definitive healing cannot always be expected.", "PMID": 994664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5884", "title": "[Diagnostic and clinical aspects of septic complications in vascular surgery (author's transl)].", "content": "The clinical symptoms of wound infection depend on the location and the tissue layer of the infectious process. The classic signs of inflammation are usually present if the subcutaneous tissue is involved. The diagnosis is based mainly on clinical signs. Deep wound infections, e.g. in the retroperitoneal space can progress unnoticed for days or even weeks, to be suddenly unmasked by a vascular complication (bleeding; aorto-enteric fistula). An early daignosis is essential for an aggressive surgical approach, i.e. early elimination of the septic focus in combination with an aseptic bypass procedure.", "contents": "[Diagnostic and clinical aspects of septic complications in vascular surgery (author's transl)]. The clinical symptoms of wound infection depend on the location and the tissue layer of the infectious process. The classic signs of inflammation are usually present if the subcutaneous tissue is involved. The diagnosis is based mainly on clinical signs. Deep wound infections, e.g. in the retroperitoneal space can progress unnoticed for days or even weeks, to be suddenly unmasked by a vascular complication (bleeding; aorto-enteric fistula). An early daignosis is essential for an aggressive surgical approach, i.e. early elimination of the septic focus in combination with an aseptic bypass procedure.", "PMID": 994665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5885", "title": "[Septic complications in vascular surgery: operative treatment and results (author's transl)].", "content": "The treatment of infection after vascular operations depends on the severity and extent of this complication. In infections of low virulence an attempt to prevent progression of the infectious involvement should be made with the help of antibiotics and immobilization. Suppurating infection involving a vascular graft but not yet causing bleeding can be treated successfully by drainage and antibiotic irrigation. In case of bleeding at the site of an infected anastomosis it is sometimes possible to prevent further bleeding and to cure the infection by wrapping omentum round the anastomactic lines. Severe infection and repeated hemorrhage require sacrifice of the reconstructed vessel to prevent loss of limb and even life: arteries reconstructed with the use of autogenous material must be ligated; any implanted synthetic material has to be removed. In these cases limb salvage can be accomplished using a remote bypass (axillo-femoral bypass, obturator-bypass, crossed bypass, etc.).", "contents": "[Septic complications in vascular surgery: operative treatment and results (author's transl)]. The treatment of infection after vascular operations depends on the severity and extent of this complication. In infections of low virulence an attempt to prevent progression of the infectious involvement should be made with the help of antibiotics and immobilization. Suppurating infection involving a vascular graft but not yet causing bleeding can be treated successfully by drainage and antibiotic irrigation. In case of bleeding at the site of an infected anastomosis it is sometimes possible to prevent further bleeding and to cure the infection by wrapping omentum round the anastomactic lines. Severe infection and repeated hemorrhage require sacrifice of the reconstructed vessel to prevent loss of limb and even life: arteries reconstructed with the use of autogenous material must be ligated; any implanted synthetic material has to be removed. In these cases limb salvage can be accomplished using a remote bypass (axillo-femoral bypass, obturator-bypass, crossed bypass, etc.).", "PMID": 994666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5886", "title": "[Surgical treatment of malignant melanoma (author's transl)].", "content": "The primary lesion is widely excised under a general anesthetic. The resulting defect is covered by a free graft. Prophylactic lymph-node dissection seems to be reasonable for stage-I melanoma with deep invasion (microstage III-V) according to recent investigations. Stage II is an absolute indication. Stage III patients received an individual palliative therapy. The value of additional measures is not yet clearly defined.", "contents": "[Surgical treatment of malignant melanoma (author's transl)]. The primary lesion is widely excised under a general anesthetic. The resulting defect is covered by a free graft. Prophylactic lymph-node dissection seems to be reasonable for stage-I melanoma with deep invasion (microstage III-V) according to recent investigations. Stage II is an absolute indication. Stage III patients received an individual palliative therapy. The value of additional measures is not yet clearly defined.", "PMID": 994669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5887", "title": "[Immunology of malignant melanoma (author's transl)].", "content": "Melanoma cells carry membrane-bound antigens that induced both antibody production and cellular immunity. However, these antigens appear not to be tumor-specific, as the activity of human antisera can be absorbed out by fetal antigens. Nonetheless, the phenomenon of spontaneous regression, though mostly affecting only parts of a lesion, indicates that effective attack mechanisms do exist. Simultaneous tumor progression is due to heterogeneity of tumor cells, which vary widely in antigen expression. Cells that are not recognizable sneak through defense mechanisms and produce metastases.", "contents": "[Immunology of malignant melanoma (author's transl)]. Melanoma cells carry membrane-bound antigens that induced both antibody production and cellular immunity. However, these antigens appear not to be tumor-specific, as the activity of human antisera can be absorbed out by fetal antigens. Nonetheless, the phenomenon of spontaneous regression, though mostly affecting only parts of a lesion, indicates that effective attack mechanisms do exist. Simultaneous tumor progression is due to heterogeneity of tumor cells, which vary widely in antigen expression. Cells that are not recognizable sneak through defense mechanisms and produce metastases.", "PMID": 994670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5888", "title": "[Chemotherapy of malignant melanoma (author's transl)].", "content": "Chemotherapy of malignant melanoma is indicated in advanced disease when local treatment is no longer possible. The results of single-agent chemotherapy, including alkylating agents, antimetabolites and several antibiotics as well as vinca alkaloids and recently the nitrosoureas, are critically reviewed. The overall response rates do not reach levels about 15 percent. The imidazole carboxamide compound (DTIC) has been most extensively studied, And increases the response rate to about 25 percent. The influence of pretreatment and the preponderance of certain localizations, and also the survival rates of responders, partial responders and nonresponders are discussed. Combination chemotherapy seems not to be superior to single-agent therapy. Various factors, including biochemical, pharmacological, cytokinetic and immunologic parameters that differentiate responders from nonresponders, still require examination.", "contents": "[Chemotherapy of malignant melanoma (author's transl)]. Chemotherapy of malignant melanoma is indicated in advanced disease when local treatment is no longer possible. The results of single-agent chemotherapy, including alkylating agents, antimetabolites and several antibiotics as well as vinca alkaloids and recently the nitrosoureas, are critically reviewed. The overall response rates do not reach levels about 15 percent. The imidazole carboxamide compound (DTIC) has been most extensively studied, And increases the response rate to about 25 percent. The influence of pretreatment and the preponderance of certain localizations, and also the survival rates of responders, partial responders and nonresponders are discussed. Combination chemotherapy seems not to be superior to single-agent therapy. Various factors, including biochemical, pharmacological, cytokinetic and immunologic parameters that differentiate responders from nonresponders, still require examination.", "PMID": 994671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5889", "title": "Transmeatal labyrinthectomy with and without cochleovestibular neurectomy.", "content": "1. The surgical anatomy and approach to the internal audiotory canal through the transmeatal route is presented. 2. The results of 22 patients undergoing transmeatal labyrinthectomy with cochleovestibular neurectomy indicated that 15 of 20, or 75 percent, had vertigo cured or markedly improved. The best results were found in patients with M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disease (10/10). 3. Similar results were found regarding the symptoms of tinnitus. Fifteen of 22 patients, or 68 percent, had tinnitus cured or markedly improved in a six-month to 36-month follow-up. The best results, again, were found in patients with M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disease (8/10). 4. Patients undergoing transmeatal labyrinthectomy without cochleovestibular neurectomy showed only one of six cases with improvement of tinnitus and three of six cases with vertigo cured or markedly improved. 5. Transmeatal labyrinthectomy with cochleovestibular neurectomy appears to have the following advantages over transmeatal labyrinthectomy or translabyrinthine section of the VIIIth nerve: a. The surgical time is shortened by the direct route to the internal auditory canal. b. A second procedure is avoided by not having to obtain abdominal adipose tissue for obliteration of the mastoid cavity. c. Complete unilateral ablation of vestibular function is assured. d. Best chance of alleviation or improving tinnitus. e. The internal auditory canal is routinely inspected to be sure no acoustic neuroma or other pathology is found. f. Skill is obtained in transecting the \"singular nerve.\"", "contents": "Transmeatal labyrinthectomy with and without cochleovestibular neurectomy. 1. The surgical anatomy and approach to the internal audiotory canal through the transmeatal route is presented. 2. The results of 22 patients undergoing transmeatal labyrinthectomy with cochleovestibular neurectomy indicated that 15 of 20, or 75 percent, had vertigo cured or markedly improved. The best results were found in patients with M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disease (10/10). 3. Similar results were found regarding the symptoms of tinnitus. Fifteen of 22 patients, or 68 percent, had tinnitus cured or markedly improved in a six-month to 36-month follow-up. The best results, again, were found in patients with M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disease (8/10). 4. Patients undergoing transmeatal labyrinthectomy without cochleovestibular neurectomy showed only one of six cases with improvement of tinnitus and three of six cases with vertigo cured or markedly improved. 5. Transmeatal labyrinthectomy with cochleovestibular neurectomy appears to have the following advantages over transmeatal labyrinthectomy or translabyrinthine section of the VIIIth nerve: a. The surgical time is shortened by the direct route to the internal auditory canal. b. A second procedure is avoided by not having to obtain abdominal adipose tissue for obliteration of the mastoid cavity. c. Complete unilateral ablation of vestibular function is assured. d. Best chance of alleviation or improving tinnitus. e. The internal auditory canal is routinely inspected to be sure no acoustic neuroma or other pathology is found. f. Skill is obtained in transecting the \"singular nerve.\"", "PMID": 994673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5890", "title": "Ossicular discontinuity.", "content": "Because of the numerous and varied surgical approaches to ear pathology devised and expanded in the past two decades, we are destined to be confronted with increasingly frequent cases of ossicular defects behind an intact eardrum. Using a technique which is the converse of the established \"patch\" test a simple office procedure is described which may help establish the diagnosis of ossicular discontinuity in the adult with an intact eardrum. An audiogram is obtained and then a myringotomy performed with insertion of a large ventilation tube. A second audiogram is then done. A rise in the air conduction level, in the absence of fluid, is suggestive of ossicular discontinuity.", "contents": "Ossicular discontinuity. Because of the numerous and varied surgical approaches to ear pathology devised and expanded in the past two decades, we are destined to be confronted with increasingly frequent cases of ossicular defects behind an intact eardrum. Using a technique which is the converse of the established \"patch\" test a simple office procedure is described which may help establish the diagnosis of ossicular discontinuity in the adult with an intact eardrum. An audiogram is obtained and then a myringotomy performed with insertion of a large ventilation tube. A second audiogram is then done. A rise in the air conduction level, in the absence of fluid, is suggestive of ossicular discontinuity.", "PMID": 994674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5891", "title": "Proplast chin augmentation.", "content": "A method of chin augmentation employing a newer synthetic material (Proplast) is presented. The characteristics and biocompatibility of Proplast are detailed. Technical considerations and results of short term clinical trials in 20 patients are discussed. One implant necessitated removal secondary to trauma four months after surgery. All other implants including over 30 additional cases have been without incident.", "contents": "Proplast chin augmentation. A method of chin augmentation employing a newer synthetic material (Proplast) is presented. The characteristics and biocompatibility of Proplast are detailed. Technical considerations and results of short term clinical trials in 20 patients are discussed. One implant necessitated removal secondary to trauma four months after surgery. All other implants including over 30 additional cases have been without incident.", "PMID": 994675} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5892", "title": "Effective stimulus for the Xenopus laevis lateral-line hair-cell system.", "content": "An in vitro preparation of the lateral-line organ of the African clawed toad Xenopus laevis was used to evaluate the properties of the physiological stimuli which are most effective in evoking neural responses in this simple hair-cell system. Changes in the mean firing rate and the amount of modulation of the neural activity in the fibers innervating the hair cells were determined during the presentation of well-controlled pressure or water-movement stimuli in a specially designed chamber that prevented movement and deformation of the organ during stimulation. It was shown that the most effective stimulus for the preparation was a varying flow of fluid past the organ. Sinusoidally varying water movements over a frequency range of 1 to 100 Hz were effective in evoking neural responses at stimulus amplitudes less than 10 mu peak-to-peak; in addition, a small response to a constant-velocity flow was found. Since no movement or deformation of the organ was present during the water-movement stimuli, it was concluded that these aspects of normal physiological stimuli were not necessary to evoke neural responses. Finally, it was demonstrated that the preparation was sensitive to neither constant nor varying-pressure stimuli.", "contents": "Effective stimulus for the Xenopus laevis lateral-line hair-cell system. An in vitro preparation of the lateral-line organ of the African clawed toad Xenopus laevis was used to evaluate the properties of the physiological stimuli which are most effective in evoking neural responses in this simple hair-cell system. Changes in the mean firing rate and the amount of modulation of the neural activity in the fibers innervating the hair cells were determined during the presentation of well-controlled pressure or water-movement stimuli in a specially designed chamber that prevented movement and deformation of the organ during stimulation. It was shown that the most effective stimulus for the preparation was a varying flow of fluid past the organ. Sinusoidally varying water movements over a frequency range of 1 to 100 Hz were effective in evoking neural responses at stimulus amplitudes less than 10 mu peak-to-peak; in addition, a small response to a constant-velocity flow was found. Since no movement or deformation of the organ was present during the water-movement stimuli, it was concluded that these aspects of normal physiological stimuli were not necessary to evoke neural responses. Finally, it was demonstrated that the preparation was sensitive to neither constant nor varying-pressure stimuli.", "PMID": 994676} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5893", "title": "Calcifying odontogenic cyst (Gorlin's cyst) of the maxillary sinus.", "content": "Occasionally the maxillary sinus is invaded by a cyst or tumor of odontogenic origin. Though usually benign, these lesions may be locally aggressive. A recent case involving bone destruction and sinus opacification is presented.", "contents": "Calcifying odontogenic cyst (Gorlin's cyst) of the maxillary sinus. Occasionally the maxillary sinus is invaded by a cyst or tumor of odontogenic origin. Though usually benign, these lesions may be locally aggressive. A recent case involving bone destruction and sinus opacification is presented.", "PMID": 994677} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5894", "title": "The inferior thyroid veins--the ultimate guardians of the trachea.", "content": "The inferior thyroid veins and their multiple tributaries are the ultimate guardians of the cervical trachea. Deeply embedded in the pretracheal fat pad, this plexus of veins is consistently encountered during low tracheostomy that accompanies conservation laryngral procedures as well as in tracheal reconstruction. In a high tracheotomy, the handling of the thyroid isthmus is simplified by an appreciation of these veins. Even cricothyrotomy is potentially complicated by hemorrhage sebsequent to a tear in a tributary of the inferior thyroid venous system. A cadaver study, employing 10 embalmed head and neck specimens, was performed to elucidate the tributary patterns of these veins. In every dissection there was at least one and as many as five veins overlying the trachea just below the thyroid isthmus. In 7 of 10 dissections a confluence of right and left inferior thyroid veins formed a large thyroid ima vein draining into the left innominate vein, and in 1 of 10 cases the thyroid ima vein drained into the right innominate. This confluence was present at a level which would be encountered in low tracheostomy or tracheal repair procedures. Six of 10 dissections presented large tributaries of the inferior thyroid veins overlying the cricothyroid membrane. An awareness of such anatomical considerations should result in safer surgical procedure performed in a dry operative field.", "contents": "The inferior thyroid veins--the ultimate guardians of the trachea. The inferior thyroid veins and their multiple tributaries are the ultimate guardians of the cervical trachea. Deeply embedded in the pretracheal fat pad, this plexus of veins is consistently encountered during low tracheostomy that accompanies conservation laryngral procedures as well as in tracheal reconstruction. In a high tracheotomy, the handling of the thyroid isthmus is simplified by an appreciation of these veins. Even cricothyrotomy is potentially complicated by hemorrhage sebsequent to a tear in a tributary of the inferior thyroid venous system. A cadaver study, employing 10 embalmed head and neck specimens, was performed to elucidate the tributary patterns of these veins. In every dissection there was at least one and as many as five veins overlying the trachea just below the thyroid isthmus. In 7 of 10 dissections a confluence of right and left inferior thyroid veins formed a large thyroid ima vein draining into the left innominate vein, and in 1 of 10 cases the thyroid ima vein drained into the right innominate. This confluence was present at a level which would be encountered in low tracheostomy or tracheal repair procedures. Six of 10 dissections presented large tributaries of the inferior thyroid veins overlying the cricothyroid membrane. An awareness of such anatomical considerations should result in safer surgical procedure performed in a dry operative field.", "PMID": 994678} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5895", "title": "An unusual thyroid tumor in a child.", "content": "Malignant neoplasms of the thyroid gland are quite rare in children. Winship, in his classic article, could find only 562 cases in the literature. The histopathological patterns resemble those of the adult tumors. Despite early cervical metastasis, the prognosis in general is favorable, with many long-term survivals. Prior exposure to radiation of the head and neck is a definite pre-disposing factor. Teratomas of the neck are a medical curiosity--less than 100 cases are described in the literature. The vast majority of these are found during the neonatal period, and are benign histologically. These are usually large, cystic, bulky masses which produce mechanical obstruction of the upper airway and digestive tract. Only one of these tumors, described by Pupovac in 1896, has been considered malignant. A six-year-old child was examined with a right thyroid mass of three months' duration. The thyroid scan showed a \"cold nodule.\" At surgery, a well-encapsulated mass was found. The pathology showed a predominance of malignant spindle cells, with areas of papillary carcinoma; however, there were well-defined mucous glands present in the tumor. Clinically the child has remained well and asymptomatic. The slides have been extensively reviewed. To my knowledge no such tumor has been previously described. The tumor is considered to be a malignant thyroid tumor growing out of teratomatous tissue.", "contents": "An unusual thyroid tumor in a child. Malignant neoplasms of the thyroid gland are quite rare in children. Winship, in his classic article, could find only 562 cases in the literature. The histopathological patterns resemble those of the adult tumors. Despite early cervical metastasis, the prognosis in general is favorable, with many long-term survivals. Prior exposure to radiation of the head and neck is a definite pre-disposing factor. Teratomas of the neck are a medical curiosity--less than 100 cases are described in the literature. The vast majority of these are found during the neonatal period, and are benign histologically. These are usually large, cystic, bulky masses which produce mechanical obstruction of the upper airway and digestive tract. Only one of these tumors, described by Pupovac in 1896, has been considered malignant. A six-year-old child was examined with a right thyroid mass of three months' duration. The thyroid scan showed a \"cold nodule.\" At surgery, a well-encapsulated mass was found. The pathology showed a predominance of malignant spindle cells, with areas of papillary carcinoma; however, there were well-defined mucous glands present in the tumor. Clinically the child has remained well and asymptomatic. The slides have been extensively reviewed. To my knowledge no such tumor has been previously described. The tumor is considered to be a malignant thyroid tumor growing out of teratomatous tissue.", "PMID": 994679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5896", "title": "Effect of bovine serum albumin on monoacyl- and diacylglycerol 3-phosphate formation in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of rabbit hearts.", "content": "The formation of monoacyl- and diacylglycerol 3-phosphate (P) by rabbit heart mitochondrial and microsomal fractions was studied by varying the concentration of acyl-CoA and that of bovine serum albumin in the assay system. The two subcellular fractions were prepared by the conventional differential centrifugation technique. The optimal concentration of acyl-CoA for both mitochondrial and microsomal acylation of glycerol 3-P was shifted to a higher range of acyl-CoA concentrations by greater amounts of albumin. A similar shift in the acyl-CoA concentration-enzyme activity relationship was observed in the acylation reaction of 1-palmitoylglycerol 3-P by the heart microsomes. The addition of albumin increased slightly the rate of diacylglycerol 3-P accumulation but increased greatly the rate of monoacylglycerol 3-P accumulation at any concentration of acyl-CoA; the effect was observed with mitochondrial or microsomal fraction as the crude enzyme source. Moreover, palmitoyl-CoA and linoleoyl-CoA served equally well as the acyl donor for the acylation reaction. However, relatively more monoacyl- than diacylglycerol 3-P was accumulated in the assays with rabbit heart mitochondrial fraction in the presence of albumin, whereas more diacyl- than monoacylglycerol 3-P was formed by the microsomal fraction. As a result, the microsomal diacyl:monoacyl-glycerol 3-P ratio was invariably greater than the mitochondrial ratio at a given concentration of acyl-CoA and albumin.", "contents": "Effect of bovine serum albumin on monoacyl- and diacylglycerol 3-phosphate formation in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of rabbit hearts. The formation of monoacyl- and diacylglycerol 3-phosphate (P) by rabbit heart mitochondrial and microsomal fractions was studied by varying the concentration of acyl-CoA and that of bovine serum albumin in the assay system. The two subcellular fractions were prepared by the conventional differential centrifugation technique. The optimal concentration of acyl-CoA for both mitochondrial and microsomal acylation of glycerol 3-P was shifted to a higher range of acyl-CoA concentrations by greater amounts of albumin. A similar shift in the acyl-CoA concentration-enzyme activity relationship was observed in the acylation reaction of 1-palmitoylglycerol 3-P by the heart microsomes. The addition of albumin increased slightly the rate of diacylglycerol 3-P accumulation but increased greatly the rate of monoacylglycerol 3-P accumulation at any concentration of acyl-CoA; the effect was observed with mitochondrial or microsomal fraction as the crude enzyme source. Moreover, palmitoyl-CoA and linoleoyl-CoA served equally well as the acyl donor for the acylation reaction. However, relatively more monoacyl- than diacylglycerol 3-P was accumulated in the assays with rabbit heart mitochondrial fraction in the presence of albumin, whereas more diacyl- than monoacylglycerol 3-P was formed by the microsomal fraction. As a result, the microsomal diacyl:monoacyl-glycerol 3-P ratio was invariably greater than the mitochondrial ratio at a given concentration of acyl-CoA and albumin.", "PMID": 994739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5897", "title": "Inhibition of acid esterase in rat liver by 4,4'-diethylamino-ethoxyhexestrol.", "content": "The effect of 4,4'-diethylamino-ethoxyhexestrol (DH) on acid esterase in rat liver was studied in vivo and in vitro. The acid esterase activity in the livers of rats treated with 0.125% DH for 1 week was found to decrease more than 60% as compared with that in untreated rats. The addition of DH to the incubation medium caused considerable inhibition of the acid esterase activity in lysosome from untreated rat liver, and the inhibition type appears to be noncompetitive. The acid lipase activity in rat liver lysosome was also inhibited by DH. Some antihistamic agents and chloroquine also inhibited the acid esterase activity in rat liver lysosome.", "contents": "Inhibition of acid esterase in rat liver by 4,4'-diethylamino-ethoxyhexestrol. The effect of 4,4'-diethylamino-ethoxyhexestrol (DH) on acid esterase in rat liver was studied in vivo and in vitro. The acid esterase activity in the livers of rats treated with 0.125% DH for 1 week was found to decrease more than 60% as compared with that in untreated rats. The addition of DH to the incubation medium caused considerable inhibition of the acid esterase activity in lysosome from untreated rat liver, and the inhibition type appears to be noncompetitive. The acid lipase activity in rat liver lysosome was also inhibited by DH. Some antihistamic agents and chloroquine also inhibited the acid esterase activity in rat liver lysosome.", "PMID": 994740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5898", "title": "Effect of dietary fats on pentobarbitone-induced sleeping times and hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 in rats.", "content": "Female Wistar-derived rats were fed diets containing either sunflowerseed oil or tallow for 4 weeks. Rats fed the sunflowerseed oil diet had longer pentobarbitone-induced sleeping times and lower concentrations of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 than rats fed the tallow diet. The addition of pentobarbitone to the drinking water of rats caused approximately 2-fold increases in the concentrations of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 but did not alter the relative effect of the diets.", "contents": "Effect of dietary fats on pentobarbitone-induced sleeping times and hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 in rats. Female Wistar-derived rats were fed diets containing either sunflowerseed oil or tallow for 4 weeks. Rats fed the sunflowerseed oil diet had longer pentobarbitone-induced sleeping times and lower concentrations of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 than rats fed the tallow diet. The addition of pentobarbitone to the drinking water of rats caused approximately 2-fold increases in the concentrations of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 but did not alter the relative effect of the diets.", "PMID": 994741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5899", "title": "Lipid content and fatty acid composition of heart and muscle of the BIO 82.62 cardiomyopathic hamster.", "content": "Microscopic and analytical studies of the lipids in the heart and muscle of the BIO 82.62 myopathic hamsters and age-matched normal animals at the average ages of 33, 67, and 108 days were performed. Microscopic examinations did not show increased lipid depositions in the hearts of the diseased animals as was found in the BIO 14.6 strain. No consistent differences in the lipid content of the cardiomyopathic hamsters (BIO 82.62) and age-matched controls were observed in the three age groups except in the cholesterol content of muscle. Cholesterol increased significantly (P less than 0.01) in the 67 and 108 day old animals. This increase elevated the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of triglycerides showed that the cardiomyopathic hamsters store more saturated fatty acids in both heart and muscle than do their normal counterparts. The abundance of more saturated fatty acids may imply that either the desaturation mechanism is altered in the diseased animals or that unsaturated fatty acids are preferentially utilized in other processes.", "contents": "Lipid content and fatty acid composition of heart and muscle of the BIO 82.62 cardiomyopathic hamster. Microscopic and analytical studies of the lipids in the heart and muscle of the BIO 82.62 myopathic hamsters and age-matched normal animals at the average ages of 33, 67, and 108 days were performed. Microscopic examinations did not show increased lipid depositions in the hearts of the diseased animals as was found in the BIO 14.6 strain. No consistent differences in the lipid content of the cardiomyopathic hamsters (BIO 82.62) and age-matched controls were observed in the three age groups except in the cholesterol content of muscle. Cholesterol increased significantly (P less than 0.01) in the 67 and 108 day old animals. This increase elevated the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of triglycerides showed that the cardiomyopathic hamsters store more saturated fatty acids in both heart and muscle than do their normal counterparts. The abundance of more saturated fatty acids may imply that either the desaturation mechanism is altered in the diseased animals or that unsaturated fatty acids are preferentially utilized in other processes.", "PMID": 994742} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5900", "title": "Determination of background serum density for lipoprotein ultracentrifugation.", "content": "It is necessary to know the density of serum exclusive of its macromolecules (background density) prior to density adjustment with solid potassium bromide for ultra-centrifugal separation of lipoprotein fractions. To evaluate this, we compared the densities of the corresponding ultrafiltrates or dialysates of both human and equine sera produced by ultrafiltration and equilibrium dialysis method for macromolecule removal. Excellent correlation is found between background densities determined following ultrafiltration or equilibrium dialysis. These data validate the use of ultrafiltration as a simple, direct method for determination of background serum densities but reveal equilibrium dialysis to be more time consuming and less precise. Using ultrafiltration, we find the background density for equine serum to be 1.004 g/ml, and initial investigation suggests this value may be altered by freezing, prolonged refrigeration (3 months), or heating to inactivate lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase.", "contents": "Determination of background serum density for lipoprotein ultracentrifugation. It is necessary to know the density of serum exclusive of its macromolecules (background density) prior to density adjustment with solid potassium bromide for ultra-centrifugal separation of lipoprotein fractions. To evaluate this, we compared the densities of the corresponding ultrafiltrates or dialysates of both human and equine sera produced by ultrafiltration and equilibrium dialysis method for macromolecule removal. Excellent correlation is found between background densities determined following ultrafiltration or equilibrium dialysis. These data validate the use of ultrafiltration as a simple, direct method for determination of background serum densities but reveal equilibrium dialysis to be more time consuming and less precise. Using ultrafiltration, we find the background density for equine serum to be 1.004 g/ml, and initial investigation suggests this value may be altered by freezing, prolonged refrigeration (3 months), or heating to inactivate lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase.", "PMID": 994743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5901", "title": "Structure-function activity of azasterols and nitrogen-containing steroids.", "content": "Thirty-nine nitrogen-containing steroids were tested against two gram-negative, five gram-positive, and two yeast organisms. Many of these steroids have been previously reported to inhibit various metabolic processes involving sterol metabolism. While low minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were recorded for sterol producing yeast, growth of bacteria which contain no sterols was also inhibited. Structure-function studies provided no relationship between biological activity and hypocholesteremic effects of these azasteroids. A hypothesis put forward is that amino and azasteroids are effectors of membrane which, in the case of mitochondria, lead to changes in adenosine triphosphate levels and/or dehydrogenase activity. Their effects on sterol metabolism, therefore, may be of secondary consideration.", "contents": "Structure-function activity of azasterols and nitrogen-containing steroids. Thirty-nine nitrogen-containing steroids were tested against two gram-negative, five gram-positive, and two yeast organisms. Many of these steroids have been previously reported to inhibit various metabolic processes involving sterol metabolism. While low minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were recorded for sterol producing yeast, growth of bacteria which contain no sterols was also inhibited. Structure-function studies provided no relationship between biological activity and hypocholesteremic effects of these azasteroids. A hypothesis put forward is that amino and azasteroids are effectors of membrane which, in the case of mitochondria, lead to changes in adenosine triphosphate levels and/or dehydrogenase activity. Their effects on sterol metabolism, therefore, may be of secondary consideration.", "PMID": 994744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5902", "title": "Nutrition and metabolic studies of methyl esters of dimeric fatty acids in the rat.", "content": "Methyl esters of dimeric fatty acids were prepared by fractionating a mixture of conjugated linoleic and oleic acids that was heated for 24 hr at 300 C in the absence of air. Rats fed diets containing less than 1% dimers showed no significant difference (P less than 0.05) in the growth rate, feed efficiency, liver:body weight ratio, and lipid:liver weight ratio from those fed normal diets. A lymph cannulation study using 14C labeled dimers showed that ca. 0.4% of the dimers fed were absorbed within 12 hr and were transported as free acids in the lymph. Within a 28 hr period, 2% of the labeled dimers fed by gastric intubation were oxidized to 14CO2, and 1% radioactivity was recovered from the urine. The metabolism of methyl oleate appeared normal for rats prefed diets containing dimers.", "contents": "Nutrition and metabolic studies of methyl esters of dimeric fatty acids in the rat. Methyl esters of dimeric fatty acids were prepared by fractionating a mixture of conjugated linoleic and oleic acids that was heated for 24 hr at 300 C in the absence of air. Rats fed diets containing less than 1% dimers showed no significant difference (P less than 0.05) in the growth rate, feed efficiency, liver:body weight ratio, and lipid:liver weight ratio from those fed normal diets. A lymph cannulation study using 14C labeled dimers showed that ca. 0.4% of the dimers fed were absorbed within 12 hr and were transported as free acids in the lymph. Within a 28 hr period, 2% of the labeled dimers fed by gastric intubation were oxidized to 14CO2, and 1% radioactivity was recovered from the urine. The metabolism of methyl oleate appeared normal for rats prefed diets containing dimers.", "PMID": 994745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5903", "title": "Inhibition of hepatic sterol and squalene biosynthesis in rats fed di-i-ethylhexyl phthalate.", "content": "Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a commonly used plasticizer, was found to be an inhibitor of the biosynthesis of hepatic nonsaponifiable lipids in the art. The addition of DEHP at levels of 0.5% or 1.0% to a stock diet of rats resulted in a decreased conversion of acetate-1-14C and mevalonate-5-3H into squalene, C30 sterols, and C27 sterols by liver minces or slices, in vitro. In studies conducted with 0.5% DEHP feeding from 2 to 11 days, the degree of inhibition was found to increase with the duration of DEHP feeding; the inhibition of 3H-mevalonate conversion to squalene and sterols developed more slowly, being reduced to ca. 70% control values in 11 days, whereas 14C-acetate conversion was reduced to ca. 35% of control values during the same period. 3H-mevalonate conversion to sterols and squalene was, however, found to be suppressable to the same extent as 14C-acetate conversion when diets containing 1.0% DEHP were fed for 18 days. The inhibitory effect of dietary DEHP on sterol and squalene biosynthesis from 14C-acetate and 3H-mevalonate by rat liver preparations is unlikely to be accounted for by the negative feedback of cholesterol secondary to hepatic sterol accumulation since, in these studies, hepatic total lipid and hepatic total sterol levels were similar in control and DEHP-fed rats.", "contents": "Inhibition of hepatic sterol and squalene biosynthesis in rats fed di-i-ethylhexyl phthalate. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a commonly used plasticizer, was found to be an inhibitor of the biosynthesis of hepatic nonsaponifiable lipids in the art. The addition of DEHP at levels of 0.5% or 1.0% to a stock diet of rats resulted in a decreased conversion of acetate-1-14C and mevalonate-5-3H into squalene, C30 sterols, and C27 sterols by liver minces or slices, in vitro. In studies conducted with 0.5% DEHP feeding from 2 to 11 days, the degree of inhibition was found to increase with the duration of DEHP feeding; the inhibition of 3H-mevalonate conversion to squalene and sterols developed more slowly, being reduced to ca. 70% control values in 11 days, whereas 14C-acetate conversion was reduced to ca. 35% of control values during the same period. 3H-mevalonate conversion to sterols and squalene was, however, found to be suppressable to the same extent as 14C-acetate conversion when diets containing 1.0% DEHP were fed for 18 days. The inhibitory effect of dietary DEHP on sterol and squalene biosynthesis from 14C-acetate and 3H-mevalonate by rat liver preparations is unlikely to be accounted for by the negative feedback of cholesterol secondary to hepatic sterol accumulation since, in these studies, hepatic total lipid and hepatic total sterol levels were similar in control and DEHP-fed rats.", "PMID": 994746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5904", "title": "Modulation by ketone bodies of the rate of fatty acid synthesis in mammary gland slices from lactating rats.", "content": "The absolute rate of fatty acid synthesis was measured in slices of mammary gland from lactating rats by incubation in [3H]2O-labeled medium containing 10 mM D-3-hydroxybutyrate or acetoacetate alone and paired in combination with 10 mM glucose, lactate, or pyruvate. When compared with our previous studies, the ketone bodies alone supported significant fatty acid synthesis; the rate of synthesis from either ketone body and lactate was higher than that from pyruvate and lactate, and that from pyruvate and glucose; the rate of synthesis from D-3-hydroxybutyrate and lactate was the highest we have observed in the absence of an exogenous substrate for the hexose monophosphate pathway. This study confirms our previous contention that, in rat mammary gland, substrates formed in the mitochondria can be utilized in the cytosol to provide some of the NADPH necessary for fatty acid synthesis.", "contents": "Modulation by ketone bodies of the rate of fatty acid synthesis in mammary gland slices from lactating rats. The absolute rate of fatty acid synthesis was measured in slices of mammary gland from lactating rats by incubation in [3H]2O-labeled medium containing 10 mM D-3-hydroxybutyrate or acetoacetate alone and paired in combination with 10 mM glucose, lactate, or pyruvate. When compared with our previous studies, the ketone bodies alone supported significant fatty acid synthesis; the rate of synthesis from either ketone body and lactate was higher than that from pyruvate and lactate, and that from pyruvate and glucose; the rate of synthesis from D-3-hydroxybutyrate and lactate was the highest we have observed in the absence of an exogenous substrate for the hexose monophosphate pathway. This study confirms our previous contention that, in rat mammary gland, substrates formed in the mitochondria can be utilized in the cytosol to provide some of the NADPH necessary for fatty acid synthesis.", "PMID": 994747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5905", "title": "Further studies of the saturated methyl branched fatty acids of vernix caseosa lipid.", "content": "By the method of capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we have identified 35 monomethyl and 46 dimethyl branched acids in the saturated acids of vernix caseosa lipid with chain lengths ranging from C11 to C18. Many other mono-, di-, and trimethyl branched acids have been partially identified. All methyl branches were found to be on the even numbered C-atoms except for some terminal iso methyl groups. Three types of dimethyl branched acids were found: those with a terminal iso structure, those with a terminal anteiso structure, and those with neither iso nor anteiso structures. The 4-methyl branch predominated for all types of branched acids. Equivalent chain length data for di- and trimethyl branched acids were determined on a Pentasil (nonpopolar) wall coated capillary column and checked by calculation from monomethyl branched acid data. Mass spectral identification was performed with and without the aid of a data system. A possible mode of formation of these acids is discussed.", "contents": "Further studies of the saturated methyl branched fatty acids of vernix caseosa lipid. By the method of capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we have identified 35 monomethyl and 46 dimethyl branched acids in the saturated acids of vernix caseosa lipid with chain lengths ranging from C11 to C18. Many other mono-, di-, and trimethyl branched acids have been partially identified. All methyl branches were found to be on the even numbered C-atoms except for some terminal iso methyl groups. Three types of dimethyl branched acids were found: those with a terminal iso structure, those with a terminal anteiso structure, and those with neither iso nor anteiso structures. The 4-methyl branch predominated for all types of branched acids. Equivalent chain length data for di- and trimethyl branched acids were determined on a Pentasil (nonpopolar) wall coated capillary column and checked by calculation from monomethyl branched acid data. Mass spectral identification was performed with and without the aid of a data system. A possible mode of formation of these acids is discussed.", "PMID": 994748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5906", "title": "Lipid accumulation cells derived from porcine aorta and grown under anaerobic conditions.", "content": "Fibroblast-like cells, derived from porcine aorta, were cultured under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Light and electron microscopic examinations, lipid composition measurements, and incorporation of radioactive precursors into lipids of these cells were performed. Anaerobically grown cells accumulated oil red O stainable droplets and within 6 hr the triacylglycerol content increased to 4 times the level determined in cells grown under aerobic conditions. This ratio remained constant throughout an additional 12 hr of growth. The fatty acid composition of the triacylglycerols which accumulated under anaerobic conditions differed from the composition of fatty acids in the triacylglycerols present in the growth medium. The cellular unesterified fatty acids of the anaerobically grown cells differed only slightly in composition from the fatty acids in the growth medium, while the unesterfied fatty acids of aerobically grown cells differed to a greater extent from those of the growth medium.", "contents": "Lipid accumulation cells derived from porcine aorta and grown under anaerobic conditions. Fibroblast-like cells, derived from porcine aorta, were cultured under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Light and electron microscopic examinations, lipid composition measurements, and incorporation of radioactive precursors into lipids of these cells were performed. Anaerobically grown cells accumulated oil red O stainable droplets and within 6 hr the triacylglycerol content increased to 4 times the level determined in cells grown under aerobic conditions. This ratio remained constant throughout an additional 12 hr of growth. The fatty acid composition of the triacylglycerols which accumulated under anaerobic conditions differed from the composition of fatty acids in the triacylglycerols present in the growth medium. The cellular unesterified fatty acids of the anaerobically grown cells differed only slightly in composition from the fatty acids in the growth medium, while the unesterfied fatty acids of aerobically grown cells differed to a greater extent from those of the growth medium.", "PMID": 994749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5907", "title": "Changes in the cholesterol and phospholipid content of mouse spleen after Raucscher leukemia virus infection.", "content": "The effect of Rauscher Leukemia Virus (MuLV-R) infection on the lipid composition of mouse spleen from BALB/c mice was investigated. Drastic changes in the lipid composition of the spleen as a result of tumor growth induced by the virus could be demonstrated at 21 days after infection. The molar ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids was found to be low, while a shift within the choline containing phospholipid classes resulted into a lower sphingomyelin and a higher phosphatidyl choline content of the MuLV-R infected spleen. The cholesterol ester content increased more than two-fold during tumor growth, and shifts in the fatty acid patterns of the lipids were demonstrated.", "contents": "Changes in the cholesterol and phospholipid content of mouse spleen after Raucscher leukemia virus infection. The effect of Rauscher Leukemia Virus (MuLV-R) infection on the lipid composition of mouse spleen from BALB/c mice was investigated. Drastic changes in the lipid composition of the spleen as a result of tumor growth induced by the virus could be demonstrated at 21 days after infection. The molar ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids was found to be low, while a shift within the choline containing phospholipid classes resulted into a lower sphingomyelin and a higher phosphatidyl choline content of the MuLV-R infected spleen. The cholesterol ester content increased more than two-fold during tumor growth, and shifts in the fatty acid patterns of the lipids were demonstrated.", "PMID": 994750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5908", "title": "High pressure reverse phase liquid chromatography of fatty acid p-bromophenacyl esters.", "content": "High pressure reverse phase liquid chromatography has been employed to rapidly separate saturated and unsaturated fatty acids as the corresponding p-bromophenacyl esters. Through the use of a highly efficient C18 reverse phase column packing, it has also been possible to distinguish among geometrical and positional isomers of the unsaturated acids. The use of ultroviolet-sensitive esters has permitted the detection of low (nanogram range) concentrations of fatty acids. The time required for analysis has been further reduced by employing a novel and rapid method for the preparation of the esters.", "contents": "High pressure reverse phase liquid chromatography of fatty acid p-bromophenacyl esters. High pressure reverse phase liquid chromatography has been employed to rapidly separate saturated and unsaturated fatty acids as the corresponding p-bromophenacyl esters. Through the use of a highly efficient C18 reverse phase column packing, it has also been possible to distinguish among geometrical and positional isomers of the unsaturated acids. The use of ultroviolet-sensitive esters has permitted the detection of low (nanogram range) concentrations of fatty acids. The time required for analysis has been further reduced by employing a novel and rapid method for the preparation of the esters.", "PMID": 994751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5909", "title": "Diester waxes containing 2-hydroxy fatty acids from the uropygial gland secretion of the white stork (Ciconia ciconia).", "content": "The uropygial gland of the white stork secrets mono- and diester waxes as well as triglycerides, all of which contain unbranched medium chain fatty acids. n-Decanol and n-dodecanol have been the only alcohols detected in both types of waxes. The diester waxes contain 2-hydroxy fatty acids.", "contents": "Diester waxes containing 2-hydroxy fatty acids from the uropygial gland secretion of the white stork (Ciconia ciconia). The uropygial gland of the white stork secrets mono- and diester waxes as well as triglycerides, all of which contain unbranched medium chain fatty acids. n-Decanol and n-dodecanol have been the only alcohols detected in both types of waxes. The diester waxes contain 2-hydroxy fatty acids.", "PMID": 994752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5910", "title": "Blood sampling techniques for studying rapidly turning over metabolic fuels in mice.", "content": "Experiments were carried out in control and Ehrlich ascites carcinomatous mice to determine whether orbital venous sinus blood could be used to reflect blood in the systemic circulation (decapitation blood) in the case of a rapidly turning over metabolic fuel such as free fatty acids. The early time course of intravenously injected, labeled free fatty acids was measured using (9, 10-(3)H) palmitic acid and (1-(14)C) linoleate complexed to mouse serum. No significant differences between decapitation and orbital sinus blood were found at early times in either group of mice. The orbital sinus clearly contains blood that is not stagnant and is replaced so rapidly that it is suitable for studying very rapidly turning over, circulating metabolites.", "contents": "Blood sampling techniques for studying rapidly turning over metabolic fuels in mice. Experiments were carried out in control and Ehrlich ascites carcinomatous mice to determine whether orbital venous sinus blood could be used to reflect blood in the systemic circulation (decapitation blood) in the case of a rapidly turning over metabolic fuel such as free fatty acids. The early time course of intravenously injected, labeled free fatty acids was measured using (9, 10-(3)H) palmitic acid and (1-(14)C) linoleate complexed to mouse serum. No significant differences between decapitation and orbital sinus blood were found at early times in either group of mice. The orbital sinus clearly contains blood that is not stagnant and is replaced so rapidly that it is suitable for studying very rapidly turning over, circulating metabolites.", "PMID": 994753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5911", "title": "Binding of squalene, lanosterol, desmosterol, and cholesterol to proteins in brain and liver 105,000 g supernatant fractions: evidence for specific binding sites.", "content": "The binding of squalene, lanosterol, desmosterol, and cholesterol to proteins in 105,000 g supernatant fraction (S105) from brain and liver of rats was investigated. The S105 fractions from both tissues contain specific binding sites for sterols, which are sensitive to trypsin. The dissociation constants for squalene and sterol protein complexes were in the range of 10(-6) M and were not appreciably different for proteins in brain and liver S105. Competition studies revealed that both brain and liver S105 contain one receptor protein which binds lanosterol and is specific for methyl sterols, and a second receptor which binds both desmosterol and cholesterol. Binding of 7-dehydrocholesterol reported by others must occur at a third independent site since this compound does not interfere with the binding of lanosterol, desmosterol, or cholesterol. Although binding of squalene to proteins in brain and liver S105 does occur, we were unable to show the specificity of squalene binding. The concentration of desmosterol and cholesterol binding sites, which ranged from 6 to 10 nmol/mg protein, was 3- to 5-fold higher than the concentration of squalene and lanosterol binding sites (1.6-2.3 nmol/mg protein). The brain S105 from suckling rats contained fewer binding sites for desmosterol and cholesterol than the brain S105 from weaned rats. However, the concentration of lanosterol binding sites in brain S105 did not show an age-dependent change. The receptor proteins in brain and liver appear to be identical.", "contents": "Binding of squalene, lanosterol, desmosterol, and cholesterol to proteins in brain and liver 105,000 g supernatant fractions: evidence for specific binding sites. The binding of squalene, lanosterol, desmosterol, and cholesterol to proteins in 105,000 g supernatant fraction (S105) from brain and liver of rats was investigated. The S105 fractions from both tissues contain specific binding sites for sterols, which are sensitive to trypsin. The dissociation constants for squalene and sterol protein complexes were in the range of 10(-6) M and were not appreciably different for proteins in brain and liver S105. Competition studies revealed that both brain and liver S105 contain one receptor protein which binds lanosterol and is specific for methyl sterols, and a second receptor which binds both desmosterol and cholesterol. Binding of 7-dehydrocholesterol reported by others must occur at a third independent site since this compound does not interfere with the binding of lanosterol, desmosterol, or cholesterol. Although binding of squalene to proteins in brain and liver S105 does occur, we were unable to show the specificity of squalene binding. The concentration of desmosterol and cholesterol binding sites, which ranged from 6 to 10 nmol/mg protein, was 3- to 5-fold higher than the concentration of squalene and lanosterol binding sites (1.6-2.3 nmol/mg protein). The brain S105 from suckling rats contained fewer binding sites for desmosterol and cholesterol than the brain S105 from weaned rats. However, the concentration of lanosterol binding sites in brain S105 did not show an age-dependent change. The receptor proteins in brain and liver appear to be identical.", "PMID": 994754} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5912", "title": "Lipid absorption in the young of protein-deficient rats.", "content": "The effect of reduced protein in the diet during pregnancy on the subsequent absorption of triolein and of oleic acid which were infused into the intestine of the young was studied. Pregnant rats were fed diets containing either 24% or 4% casein as the sole source of protein. Control and prenatally protein-deprived (PPD) young were studied at birth before and after suckling, and at 4, 8, and 12 days. Both body weight and the weight and length of intestine were reduced in PPD young. Uptake of triolein from the lumen and retention in enterocytes increased on suckling in newborn control pups, but the amount transferred from or metabolized by the cells did not change. In suckled PPD young, transfer of triolein increased through the enterocyte as well. Unsuckled PPD pups had reduced absorption and retention per enterocyte, per g body weight, per cm gut, and in total. In intestines of control and PPD suckled newborn and postnatal pups, absorption per cell did not differ. Blood lipid levels were increased markedly between 0 and 14 days and tended to decrease to newborn levels by 12 days in both diet groups. Oleic acid absorption in newborn and 12-day PPD pups were reduced in total, per g body weight and per cm of gut. The individual enterocytes were shown to be equally capable of absorption and transfer of triolein and oleic acid. Differences in absorption are related primarily to the numbers of absorptive cells.", "contents": "Lipid absorption in the young of protein-deficient rats. The effect of reduced protein in the diet during pregnancy on the subsequent absorption of triolein and of oleic acid which were infused into the intestine of the young was studied. Pregnant rats were fed diets containing either 24% or 4% casein as the sole source of protein. Control and prenatally protein-deprived (PPD) young were studied at birth before and after suckling, and at 4, 8, and 12 days. Both body weight and the weight and length of intestine were reduced in PPD young. Uptake of triolein from the lumen and retention in enterocytes increased on suckling in newborn control pups, but the amount transferred from or metabolized by the cells did not change. In suckled PPD young, transfer of triolein increased through the enterocyte as well. Unsuckled PPD pups had reduced absorption and retention per enterocyte, per g body weight, per cm gut, and in total. In intestines of control and PPD suckled newborn and postnatal pups, absorption per cell did not differ. Blood lipid levels were increased markedly between 0 and 14 days and tended to decrease to newborn levels by 12 days in both diet groups. Oleic acid absorption in newborn and 12-day PPD pups were reduced in total, per g body weight and per cm of gut. The individual enterocytes were shown to be equally capable of absorption and transfer of triolein and oleic acid. Differences in absorption are related primarily to the numbers of absorptive cells.", "PMID": 994755} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5913", "title": "Effects of rapeseed oil on fatty acid oxidation and lipid levels in rat heart and liver.", "content": "The comparative rates of oxidation of erucic and oleic acids and of their CoA esters were studied in heart and liver mitochondria of rats fed a standard diet or semisynthetic diets containing 25% of the calories as either rapeseed oil (46.6% erucic and 10.4% eicosenoic acid) or olive oil, for a period of 5 months. The long exposure to the diet containing 25% rapeseed oil did not alter the oxidative activity of mitochondria and did not induce morphological changes in the heart. It is confirmed that erucic acid is oxidized in mitochondria at lower rates than other long chain fatty acids and that its activation as CoA derivative may be one of the rate limiting steps of the overall oxidationprocess. Total lipids and triglycerides do not significantly change in the heart whereas they increase in the liver of rats fed the diet containing rapeseed oil.", "contents": "Effects of rapeseed oil on fatty acid oxidation and lipid levels in rat heart and liver. The comparative rates of oxidation of erucic and oleic acids and of their CoA esters were studied in heart and liver mitochondria of rats fed a standard diet or semisynthetic diets containing 25% of the calories as either rapeseed oil (46.6% erucic and 10.4% eicosenoic acid) or olive oil, for a period of 5 months. The long exposure to the diet containing 25% rapeseed oil did not alter the oxidative activity of mitochondria and did not induce morphological changes in the heart. It is confirmed that erucic acid is oxidized in mitochondria at lower rates than other long chain fatty acids and that its activation as CoA derivative may be one of the rate limiting steps of the overall oxidationprocess. Total lipids and triglycerides do not significantly change in the heart whereas they increase in the liver of rats fed the diet containing rapeseed oil.", "PMID": 994756} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5914", "title": "Double bond position affects metabolism of cis-Octadecenoates.", "content": "The metabolic fate of cis-positional isomers of octadecenoates has been compared to that of naturally occurring oleic acid (cis-delta9). Radioactive mixtures of tritium-labeled positional octadecenoate isomer and oleic acid-10(-14)C were administered to laying hens, and their eggs were analyzed for the isotopic ratios (3H/14C) incorporated into total egg lipid, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Variations in the isotopic ratios indicated the comparative metabolic utilization of cis-positional isomers delta8 through delta12. Incorporation into egg lipid fractions is as follows: triglycerides: delta9 greater than delta8, delta9 greater than delta10, delta9 greater than delta11, delta9 greater than 12; phospholipid: delta9 greater than delta8, delta9 greater than delta10, delta9 less than delta11, delta9 less than delta12.", "contents": "Double bond position affects metabolism of cis-Octadecenoates. The metabolic fate of cis-positional isomers of octadecenoates has been compared to that of naturally occurring oleic acid (cis-delta9). Radioactive mixtures of tritium-labeled positional octadecenoate isomer and oleic acid-10(-14)C were administered to laying hens, and their eggs were analyzed for the isotopic ratios (3H/14C) incorporated into total egg lipid, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Variations in the isotopic ratios indicated the comparative metabolic utilization of cis-positional isomers delta8 through delta12. Incorporation into egg lipid fractions is as follows: triglycerides: delta9 greater than delta8, delta9 greater than delta10, delta9 greater than delta11, delta9 greater than 12; phospholipid: delta9 greater than delta8, delta9 greater than delta10, delta9 less than delta11, delta9 less than delta12.", "PMID": 994757} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5915", "title": "Monoacyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase specificity in bovine mammary microsomes.", "content": "The acyl-CoA:acyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferases located in the microsomal fraction of lactating bovine mammary tissue show a preference for palmityl-CoA particularly above the apparent Km values of the acyl acceptors. Using saturating levels of monopalmityl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate, the order of acylation was palmityl- greater than myristyl- greater than oleyl- greater than stearyl- greater than linoleyl-CoA. Apparent Km values for monopalmityl- and mono-oleyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate with palmityl-CoA as donor were 16 and 13muM, respectively while the Km values for palmityl-CoA with these two acyl acceptors were 5 and 5.2muM, RESPECTIVELY. The apparent Vmax values for the palmityl acceptor and donor were 25 and 30 nmol/min/mg protein. Phosphatidic acid was the principal product. The inclusion of magnesium in the assay depressed activity while the addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetate doubled the rate of acylation.", "contents": "Monoacyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase specificity in bovine mammary microsomes. The acyl-CoA:acyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferases located in the microsomal fraction of lactating bovine mammary tissue show a preference for palmityl-CoA particularly above the apparent Km values of the acyl acceptors. Using saturating levels of monopalmityl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate, the order of acylation was palmityl- greater than myristyl- greater than oleyl- greater than stearyl- greater than linoleyl-CoA. Apparent Km values for monopalmityl- and mono-oleyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate with palmityl-CoA as donor were 16 and 13muM, respectively while the Km values for palmityl-CoA with these two acyl acceptors were 5 and 5.2muM, RESPECTIVELY. The apparent Vmax values for the palmityl acceptor and donor were 25 and 30 nmol/min/mg protein. Phosphatidic acid was the principal product. The inclusion of magnesium in the assay depressed activity while the addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetate doubled the rate of acylation.", "PMID": 994758} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5916", "title": "Occurrence of 2- and 3-hydroxy fatty acids in high concentrations in the extractable and bound lipids of Flavobacterium meningosepticum and Flavobacterium IIb.", "content": "The major hydroxy fatty acids of cellular lipids in Flavobacterium meningosepticum and Flavobacterium sp. King's group UUb were identified as 2-hydroxy 13-methyltetradecanoic, 3-hydroxy 13-methyltetradecanoic, 3-hydroxy palmitic, and 3-hydroxy 15-methylhexadecanoic acids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and GC-mass fragmentography. The concentration of these hydroxy fatty acids comprised up to 30-40% of the total extractable and 20-30% of the bound lipid fatty acids, respectively. From the stability for mild alkaline hydrolysis, 2-hydroxy fatty acids seemed to be attached with ester linkage, and 3-hydroxy fatty acids with amide linkage.", "contents": "Occurrence of 2- and 3-hydroxy fatty acids in high concentrations in the extractable and bound lipids of Flavobacterium meningosepticum and Flavobacterium IIb. The major hydroxy fatty acids of cellular lipids in Flavobacterium meningosepticum and Flavobacterium sp. King's group UUb were identified as 2-hydroxy 13-methyltetradecanoic, 3-hydroxy 13-methyltetradecanoic, 3-hydroxy palmitic, and 3-hydroxy 15-methylhexadecanoic acids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and GC-mass fragmentography. The concentration of these hydroxy fatty acids comprised up to 30-40% of the total extractable and 20-30% of the bound lipid fatty acids, respectively. From the stability for mild alkaline hydrolysis, 2-hydroxy fatty acids seemed to be attached with ester linkage, and 3-hydroxy fatty acids with amide linkage.", "PMID": 994759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5917", "title": "Biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the developing brain: II. Metabolic transformations of intracranially administered [3-(14)C] Eicosatrienoic acid, evidence for lack of delta8 desaturase.", "content": "[3-(14)C] Eicosatrienoic acid (delta11,14,17) chemically synthesized from [-(14)C] linolenic acid was injected intracranially into 14-day old rats and sacrificed 8 hr later. The analysis of brain fatty acids by radio-gas liquid chromatography before and after ozonolysis showed that the tetraene fraction consisted of a desaturated product, delta5,11,17-20:4, and its elongated product, delta7,13,16,19-22:4. Both of these products, with a combined total of 61% of the total radioactivity recovered in the tetraene fraction, contain a nonmethylene interrupted double bond system and, therefore, are unsuitable for further desaturation. The other two components, delta6,9,12,15-18:4 and delta8,11,14,14-20:4, must have been formed from delta9,12,15-18:3, formed by retroconversion of the starting material 20:3, followed by desaturation and elongation. These results suggest a lack of delta8 desaturase in the developing brain, leading to formation of delta5,11,14,17-20:4 rather than delta8,11,14,17-20:4. However, the nonmethylene interrupted doulbe bond isomer does not restrict chain elongation.", "contents": "Biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the developing brain: II. Metabolic transformations of intracranially administered [3-(14)C] Eicosatrienoic acid, evidence for lack of delta8 desaturase. [3-(14)C] Eicosatrienoic acid (delta11,14,17) chemically synthesized from [-(14)C] linolenic acid was injected intracranially into 14-day old rats and sacrificed 8 hr later. The analysis of brain fatty acids by radio-gas liquid chromatography before and after ozonolysis showed that the tetraene fraction consisted of a desaturated product, delta5,11,17-20:4, and its elongated product, delta7,13,16,19-22:4. Both of these products, with a combined total of 61% of the total radioactivity recovered in the tetraene fraction, contain a nonmethylene interrupted double bond system and, therefore, are unsuitable for further desaturation. The other two components, delta6,9,12,15-18:4 and delta8,11,14,14-20:4, must have been formed from delta9,12,15-18:3, formed by retroconversion of the starting material 20:3, followed by desaturation and elongation. These results suggest a lack of delta8 desaturase in the developing brain, leading to formation of delta5,11,14,17-20:4 rather than delta8,11,14,17-20:4. However, the nonmethylene interrupted doulbe bond isomer does not restrict chain elongation.", "PMID": 994760} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5918", "title": "In vitro biosynthesis of prostaglandin E2 by kidney medulla of essential fatty acid deficient rats.", "content": "Weanling rats were fed either a semisynthetic diet with no fat, with 28% by wt partially hydrogenated fish oil, or with 28% by wt arachis oil(control diet) for 6 or 7 1/2 months. The in vitro conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2 by homogenates of the rat kidney medulla was measured by gaschromatography with electron capture detection. The kidney medulla of essential fatty acid deficient animals showed increased activity for the in vitro conversion of exogenous arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2 when compared to the controls. The change of the enzymatic activity in the essential fatty acid deficient animals was reversible, as shown by refeeding. Inhibition of the prostaglandin synthetase was found at exogenous substrate concentrations higher than 50-100 muM.", "contents": "In vitro biosynthesis of prostaglandin E2 by kidney medulla of essential fatty acid deficient rats. Weanling rats were fed either a semisynthetic diet with no fat, with 28% by wt partially hydrogenated fish oil, or with 28% by wt arachis oil(control diet) for 6 or 7 1/2 months. The in vitro conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2 by homogenates of the rat kidney medulla was measured by gaschromatography with electron capture detection. The kidney medulla of essential fatty acid deficient animals showed increased activity for the in vitro conversion of exogenous arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2 when compared to the controls. The change of the enzymatic activity in the essential fatty acid deficient animals was reversible, as shown by refeeding. Inhibition of the prostaglandin synthetase was found at exogenous substrate concentrations higher than 50-100 muM.", "PMID": 994761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5919", "title": "Phospholipid composition of Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex tritaeniorhynchus cells in logarithmic and stationary growth phases.", "content": "Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex tritaeniorhynchus cells were grown in spinner culture and harvested in logarithmic and stationary phases of growth. The phospholipids were extracted from the cells, and the fatty acid profiles of the phospholipid classes were determined and compared. The major components were phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, constituting greater than or equal to 80% of the phospholipid. The fatty acid profiles of lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and cardiolipin showed changes with aging of the Culex cells and between the species. In the lysophosphatidylcholine fraction, there was an increase in saturation of the fatty acids of the C. quinquefasciatus cells, and chain lengthening occurred in both species from the logarithmic to stationary phases of growth. In the phosphatidylinositiol fraction, both Culex species showed a decrease in monoenes and an increase in polyenes, while only the C. tritaeniorhynchus cells showed an increase in fatty acid chain length with aging. The C. quinquefasciatus cells had an increase in polyenes with aging in the cardiolipin fraction. Differences in the percentage composition of the fatty acids were shown in all the phospholipid fractions between the Culex species in the logarithmic phase of growth and all except the phosphatidylinositiol and cardiolipin fractions in the stationary phase.", "contents": "Phospholipid composition of Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex tritaeniorhynchus cells in logarithmic and stationary growth phases. Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex tritaeniorhynchus cells were grown in spinner culture and harvested in logarithmic and stationary phases of growth. The phospholipids were extracted from the cells, and the fatty acid profiles of the phospholipid classes were determined and compared. The major components were phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, constituting greater than or equal to 80% of the phospholipid. The fatty acid profiles of lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and cardiolipin showed changes with aging of the Culex cells and between the species. In the lysophosphatidylcholine fraction, there was an increase in saturation of the fatty acids of the C. quinquefasciatus cells, and chain lengthening occurred in both species from the logarithmic to stationary phases of growth. In the phosphatidylinositiol fraction, both Culex species showed a decrease in monoenes and an increase in polyenes, while only the C. tritaeniorhynchus cells showed an increase in fatty acid chain length with aging. The C. quinquefasciatus cells had an increase in polyenes with aging in the cardiolipin fraction. Differences in the percentage composition of the fatty acids were shown in all the phospholipid fractions between the Culex species in the logarithmic phase of growth and all except the phosphatidylinositiol and cardiolipin fractions in the stationary phase.", "PMID": 994762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5920", "title": "Effects of protected cyclopropene fatty acids on the composition of ruminant milk fat.", "content": "Unsaturated fatty acids can be protected from ruminal hydrogenation, and when fed to lactating ruminants, the constituent acids are incorporated into milk triacylglycerols. By this means, it has been possible to reduce the melting point of milk triglycerides and to make softer butter fat. This report shows that, by feeding small amounts of protected cyclopropene fatty acids, one is also able to make harder butter fat. Sterculia foetida seed oil, a rich source of cyclopropene fatty acids, was emulsified with casein and spray dried to yield a free flowing dry powder. When this material was treated with formaldehyde and fed to lactating goats(ca. 1 g cyclopropene fatty acids per day), there were substantial increases in the proportions of stearic acid and decreases in the proportions of oleic acid in milk fat. Similar results were obtained when the formaldehyde-treated supplements were fed to lactating cows (ca. 3 g cyclopropene fatty acids per day). The effect was considerably less apparent when the S. foetida seed oil-casein supplement was not treated with formaldehyde, suggesting that cyclopropene fatty acids are hydrogenated in the rumen as are other unsaturated fatty acids. The effect of feeding protected cyclopropene fatty acids on the stearic:oleic ratio in milk fat is probably due to cyclopropene-mediated inhibition of the mammary desaturase enzymes.", "contents": "Effects of protected cyclopropene fatty acids on the composition of ruminant milk fat. Unsaturated fatty acids can be protected from ruminal hydrogenation, and when fed to lactating ruminants, the constituent acids are incorporated into milk triacylglycerols. By this means, it has been possible to reduce the melting point of milk triglycerides and to make softer butter fat. This report shows that, by feeding small amounts of protected cyclopropene fatty acids, one is also able to make harder butter fat. Sterculia foetida seed oil, a rich source of cyclopropene fatty acids, was emulsified with casein and spray dried to yield a free flowing dry powder. When this material was treated with formaldehyde and fed to lactating goats(ca. 1 g cyclopropene fatty acids per day), there were substantial increases in the proportions of stearic acid and decreases in the proportions of oleic acid in milk fat. Similar results were obtained when the formaldehyde-treated supplements were fed to lactating cows (ca. 3 g cyclopropene fatty acids per day). The effect was considerably less apparent when the S. foetida seed oil-casein supplement was not treated with formaldehyde, suggesting that cyclopropene fatty acids are hydrogenated in the rumen as are other unsaturated fatty acids. The effect of feeding protected cyclopropene fatty acids on the stearic:oleic ratio in milk fat is probably due to cyclopropene-mediated inhibition of the mammary desaturase enzymes.", "PMID": 994763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5921", "title": "On a non linear describing function for bio-data.", "content": "The behaviour and handling of a flexible three variable--parameter function is presented, which is suitable for unbiased regression analysis. The function is defined by an intercept, a slope or coefficient and an exponent on the independent variable. Analog and digital problems and solutions are defined. Handling is simple and the program is run without operator intervention. The range of curves include linear, convex, concave and asymptotic forms and can be extended to include sigmoid and parabolic forms. Some application results are presented for different situations.", "contents": "On a non linear describing function for bio-data. The behaviour and handling of a flexible three variable--parameter function is presented, which is suitable for unbiased regression analysis. The function is defined by an intercept, a slope or coefficient and an exponent on the independent variable. Analog and digital problems and solutions are defined. Handling is simple and the program is run without operator intervention. The range of curves include linear, convex, concave and asymptotic forms and can be extended to include sigmoid and parabolic forms. Some application results are presented for different situations.", "PMID": 994770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5922", "title": "Reception of microwaves by the brain.", "content": "The question of how pulsed microwaves induce auditory effects in animals and man leads to an examination of the parameters which determine the frequencies of maximum reception by the skull, and the positions of maximum energy deposition within the brain. The interaction of microwaves with a nerve membrane model and with live nerve cells is also discussed, as well as planned experiments to determine the microwave properties of membranes.", "contents": "Reception of microwaves by the brain. The question of how pulsed microwaves induce auditory effects in animals and man leads to an examination of the parameters which determine the frequencies of maximum reception by the skull, and the positions of maximum energy deposition within the brain. The interaction of microwaves with a nerve membrane model and with live nerve cells is also discussed, as well as planned experiments to determine the microwave properties of membranes.", "PMID": 994772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5923", "title": "Sex hormones and metabolism of glycosaminoglycans. I. Effect of orchidectomy and administration of testosterone in rabbits.", "content": "The effect of orchidectomy in male rabbits and administration of testosterone to orchidectomized animals on the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) has been studied. The response of the different GAG fractions in the aorta varies with the nature of the GAG, and in some cases is different in different segments of the aorta. Orchidectomy produced an increase in hyaluronic acid fraction, decrease in heparin sulphate fraction, and no response in the chondroitin sulphate A fraction in the aortic arch, thoracic aorta, and abdominal aorta. Chondroitin sulphate C and chondroitin sulphate B fractions decreased only in the abdominal aorta and were not significantly altered in the other two segments, while heparin fraction decreased only in the thoracic aorta and was not affected in the other segments. Administration of testosterone to the orchidectomized animals counteracted these changes in the aortic GAG fractures. The enzymes concerned with the synthesis of precursors of GAG--L-glutamine:D-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase, UDPG dehydrogenase, and UDPG pyrophosphorylase-- all decreased in the orchidectomized animals; testosterone administration increased their activity in the orchidectomized animals. Enzymes concerned with degradation of GAG--beta-glucuronidase, beta-hexosaminidase, aryl sulphatase, cathepsin, and hyaluronidase--increased in the orchidectomized and decreased on administration of testosterone. Concentration of PAPS and activity of sulphate-activating system and sulphotransferase also decreased in the orchidectomized animals, and testosterone administration tended to restore this decrease to normal levels.", "contents": "Sex hormones and metabolism of glycosaminoglycans. I. Effect of orchidectomy and administration of testosterone in rabbits. The effect of orchidectomy in male rabbits and administration of testosterone to orchidectomized animals on the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) has been studied. The response of the different GAG fractions in the aorta varies with the nature of the GAG, and in some cases is different in different segments of the aorta. Orchidectomy produced an increase in hyaluronic acid fraction, decrease in heparin sulphate fraction, and no response in the chondroitin sulphate A fraction in the aortic arch, thoracic aorta, and abdominal aorta. Chondroitin sulphate C and chondroitin sulphate B fractions decreased only in the abdominal aorta and were not significantly altered in the other two segments, while heparin fraction decreased only in the thoracic aorta and was not affected in the other segments. Administration of testosterone to the orchidectomized animals counteracted these changes in the aortic GAG fractures. The enzymes concerned with the synthesis of precursors of GAG--L-glutamine:D-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase, UDPG dehydrogenase, and UDPG pyrophosphorylase-- all decreased in the orchidectomized animals; testosterone administration increased their activity in the orchidectomized animals. Enzymes concerned with degradation of GAG--beta-glucuronidase, beta-hexosaminidase, aryl sulphatase, cathepsin, and hyaluronidase--increased in the orchidectomized and decreased on administration of testosterone. Concentration of PAPS and activity of sulphate-activating system and sulphotransferase also decreased in the orchidectomized animals, and testosterone administration tended to restore this decrease to normal levels.", "PMID": 994837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5924", "title": "The development of obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia in ob/ob mice.", "content": "The development of obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia, was examined in obese-hyperglycemic (ob/ob) mice, their lean littermates, and homozygous lean mice (+/+) between 17 days and 8 wk of age. By 4 wk of age ob/ob mice displayed many of the metabolic characteristics that are typical of the syndrome in adult animals, including elevated systemic insulin and glucose levels, increased body weight, obesity, reduced skeletal growth, and in vivo evidence of insulin resistance. In addition, 4-wk-old lean littermates of obese mice had greater body weights, increased per cent carcass lipid, and higher insulin levels than did +/+ mice of the same age that were raised under identical conditions. At 17 or 21 days of age ob/ob mice, defined by either (1) elevated carcass fat content when compared to littermates at time of killing or (2) by phenotypic expression of obesity at 6 wk of age, exhibited moderate hyperinsulinemia, hypoglycemia, reduced skeletal growth, and \"obesity\", as expressed by the Lee index. The present results indicate that altered pancreatic beta-cell function, obesity, and abnormalities of somatic growth all precede the onset of hyperglycemia and insulin \"resistance\" in ob/ob mice. Furthermore, the occurrence of these characteristics before 17 days of age suggests that the transition to laboratory diet is not essential for the expression of the ob mutation. The present data also support recent studies that have described a small but reliable effect of the ob gene on the metabolism of heterozygous lean mice.", "contents": "The development of obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia in ob/ob mice. The development of obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia, was examined in obese-hyperglycemic (ob/ob) mice, their lean littermates, and homozygous lean mice (+/+) between 17 days and 8 wk of age. By 4 wk of age ob/ob mice displayed many of the metabolic characteristics that are typical of the syndrome in adult animals, including elevated systemic insulin and glucose levels, increased body weight, obesity, reduced skeletal growth, and in vivo evidence of insulin resistance. In addition, 4-wk-old lean littermates of obese mice had greater body weights, increased per cent carcass lipid, and higher insulin levels than did +/+ mice of the same age that were raised under identical conditions. At 17 or 21 days of age ob/ob mice, defined by either (1) elevated carcass fat content when compared to littermates at time of killing or (2) by phenotypic expression of obesity at 6 wk of age, exhibited moderate hyperinsulinemia, hypoglycemia, reduced skeletal growth, and \"obesity\", as expressed by the Lee index. The present results indicate that altered pancreatic beta-cell function, obesity, and abnormalities of somatic growth all precede the onset of hyperglycemia and insulin \"resistance\" in ob/ob mice. Furthermore, the occurrence of these characteristics before 17 days of age suggests that the transition to laboratory diet is not essential for the expression of the ob mutation. The present data also support recent studies that have described a small but reliable effect of the ob gene on the metabolism of heterozygous lean mice.", "PMID": 994838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5925", "title": "Quantitative evaluation of the oxidation of an exogenous glucose load using naturally labeled 13C-glucose.", "content": "Maize glucose was used as a natural tracer for studies of metabolism. It is richer in 13C than common vegetables and foods derived from these, and the C02 formed from it is consequently richer in 13C than the CO2 expired by man fed on a diet of common vegetables. The quantitative results, obtained by measurement of delta 13C of the expired CO2 and of VCO2 during the oxidation of an exogenous glucose load (about 100 g) in eight normal subjects over 7 hr, have shown a consumption of 28.64 +/- 1.44 g of glucose (mean +/- SEM), which represents about 30% of the load given. A comparison is made with the results obtained from other methods and the originality and usefulness of this new quantitative procedure is outlined.", "contents": "Quantitative evaluation of the oxidation of an exogenous glucose load using naturally labeled 13C-glucose. Maize glucose was used as a natural tracer for studies of metabolism. It is richer in 13C than common vegetables and foods derived from these, and the C02 formed from it is consequently richer in 13C than the CO2 expired by man fed on a diet of common vegetables. The quantitative results, obtained by measurement of delta 13C of the expired CO2 and of VCO2 during the oxidation of an exogenous glucose load (about 100 g) in eight normal subjects over 7 hr, have shown a consumption of 28.64 +/- 1.44 g of glucose (mean +/- SEM), which represents about 30% of the load given. A comparison is made with the results obtained from other methods and the originality and usefulness of this new quantitative procedure is outlined.", "PMID": 994839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5926", "title": "Stress-induced inhibition of triglyceride secretion in vivo sand rats (Psammomys obesus).", "content": "The effects of acute stress upon circulating triglyceride, glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, and glycerol were investigated in obese desert sand rats. Three groups of animals, designated \"nonstress\", \"non-exertional stress\", and \"exertional stress\", were studied. Acute stress, with or without accompanying exercise, was associated with significant decreases in circulating triglyceride; significant increases in circulating glucose, free fatty acids, and glycerol; and variable changes in circulating insulin. Since these data indicated that substrate availability and hepatic insulization were adequate and therefore could not explain the observed fall in circulating triglyceride, endogenous triglyceride secretion rates were examined by the Triton method. Compared to predicted rates based upon earlier studies, both nonexertional and exertional stress were associated with significantly decreased endogenous triglyceride secretion. Thus, acute stress in the sand rat, with or without accompanying exercise, appears to induce an immediate decrease in endogenous triglyceride secretion and circulating triglyceride.", "contents": "Stress-induced inhibition of triglyceride secretion in vivo sand rats (Psammomys obesus). The effects of acute stress upon circulating triglyceride, glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, and glycerol were investigated in obese desert sand rats. Three groups of animals, designated \"nonstress\", \"non-exertional stress\", and \"exertional stress\", were studied. Acute stress, with or without accompanying exercise, was associated with significant decreases in circulating triglyceride; significant increases in circulating glucose, free fatty acids, and glycerol; and variable changes in circulating insulin. Since these data indicated that substrate availability and hepatic insulization were adequate and therefore could not explain the observed fall in circulating triglyceride, endogenous triglyceride secretion rates were examined by the Triton method. Compared to predicted rates based upon earlier studies, both nonexertional and exertional stress were associated with significantly decreased endogenous triglyceride secretion. Thus, acute stress in the sand rat, with or without accompanying exercise, appears to induce an immediate decrease in endogenous triglyceride secretion and circulating triglyceride.", "PMID": 994840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5927", "title": "Metabolic adaptation with physical training: 14C-acetate incorporation into tissue lipids.", "content": "Forty-eight rats were fed ad libitum, fasted 24 hr, rested 48 hr,and injected i.p. with 40 muCi of 14C-acetate/100 g body weight. Twenty-four rats had followed a progressive physical training program for 12 wk and 24 rats acted as their controls. Following this injection, the rats were sequentially sacrificed at 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-min intervals and total cholesterol (TC), free cholesterol (FC), and triglyceride (TG) specific activity and concentrations were measured from serum, liver, triceps, and heart tissue. Curves relating specific activity to the time point data were fitted by the method of least squares. Comparison of these curves revealed that serum, liver, and triceps TC and FC specific activity were significantly higher in the trained rats. In contrast, corresponding TC and FC concentrations for these three tissues varied. Liver TC level was significantly less for the trained group, probably due to a reduction in the esterified moiety, since liver FC measures were unchanged. Training resulted in significantly lower TC concentrations in the selected tissues studied even though specific activity curves appeared similar for both groups. Our conclusions are that lipid metabolic adaptation; studied in vivo, occurs in tissues with training, but that these adaptations are not uniform across tissues, lipid moieties, or measurement parameters.", "contents": "Metabolic adaptation with physical training: 14C-acetate incorporation into tissue lipids. Forty-eight rats were fed ad libitum, fasted 24 hr, rested 48 hr,and injected i.p. with 40 muCi of 14C-acetate/100 g body weight. Twenty-four rats had followed a progressive physical training program for 12 wk and 24 rats acted as their controls. Following this injection, the rats were sequentially sacrificed at 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-min intervals and total cholesterol (TC), free cholesterol (FC), and triglyceride (TG) specific activity and concentrations were measured from serum, liver, triceps, and heart tissue. Curves relating specific activity to the time point data were fitted by the method of least squares. Comparison of these curves revealed that serum, liver, and triceps TC and FC specific activity were significantly higher in the trained rats. In contrast, corresponding TC and FC concentrations for these three tissues varied. Liver TC level was significantly less for the trained group, probably due to a reduction in the esterified moiety, since liver FC measures were unchanged. Training resulted in significantly lower TC concentrations in the selected tissues studied even though specific activity curves appeared similar for both groups. Our conclusions are that lipid metabolic adaptation; studied in vivo, occurs in tissues with training, but that these adaptations are not uniform across tissues, lipid moieties, or measurement parameters.", "PMID": 994841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5928", "title": "Diabetic neuropathy: clinical aspects.", "content": "The importance of diabetic neuropathy derives from its remarkable frequency and its clinical impact. In view of the varying underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and the resulting diversity of clinical representations, it becomes apparent that there are diabetic neuropathies, rather than a single entity of diabetic neuropathy. The scope of involvement is widespread with virtually every system at risk. Although peripheral neuropathy is by far the most common expression, visceral neuropathy is also highly significant. It may affect every part of the gastrointestinal tract, the genitourinary tract, and sexual function, as well as direct autonomic nerve pathology. Clearly, neuropathy in diabetes offers a specific and important diagnostic challenge to the clinician and plays a definitive role in differential diagnosis. The problem is heightened by the fact that any and all of the diabetic neuropathic syndromes may be the initial clinical manifestation of diabetes in the absence of covert manifestations of carbohydrate metabolic disorder. It is to be stressed that the diagnosis is more than an academic exercise, since each diabetic neuropathic syndrome carries with it some beneficial therapeutic modality to aid the patient.", "contents": "Diabetic neuropathy: clinical aspects. The importance of diabetic neuropathy derives from its remarkable frequency and its clinical impact. In view of the varying underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and the resulting diversity of clinical representations, it becomes apparent that there are diabetic neuropathies, rather than a single entity of diabetic neuropathy. The scope of involvement is widespread with virtually every system at risk. Although peripheral neuropathy is by far the most common expression, visceral neuropathy is also highly significant. It may affect every part of the gastrointestinal tract, the genitourinary tract, and sexual function, as well as direct autonomic nerve pathology. Clearly, neuropathy in diabetes offers a specific and important diagnostic challenge to the clinician and plays a definitive role in differential diagnosis. The problem is heightened by the fact that any and all of the diabetic neuropathic syndromes may be the initial clinical manifestation of diabetes in the absence of covert manifestations of carbohydrate metabolic disorder. It is to be stressed that the diagnosis is more than an academic exercise, since each diabetic neuropathic syndrome carries with it some beneficial therapeutic modality to aid the patient.", "PMID": 994842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5929", "title": "Replication of mycoplasmavirus MVL51. III. Identification of a progeny viral DNA-protein intermediate.", "content": "Intracellular replication of the non-lytic single stranded circular DNA mycoplasmavirus MVL51 has been shown to involve three DNA intermediates: RFI, RFII and SSI. Growth in Eagle's basal medium, rather than richer tryptose medium, has allowed the identification of an intermediate between nascent progeny chromosomes (SSI) and mature virus. This intermediate is a protein associated form of SSI.", "contents": "Replication of mycoplasmavirus MVL51. III. Identification of a progeny viral DNA-protein intermediate. Intracellular replication of the non-lytic single stranded circular DNA mycoplasmavirus MVL51 has been shown to involve three DNA intermediates: RFI, RFII and SSI. Growth in Eagle's basal medium, rather than richer tryptose medium, has allowed the identification of an intermediate between nascent progeny chromosomes (SSI) and mature virus. This intermediate is a protein associated form of SSI.", "PMID": 994855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5930", "title": "Ultrastructural studies of influenza C. II. von Magnus phenomenon.", "content": "Influenza C was propagated by serial undiluted passage; conditions known to produce non-infectious (von Magnus) particles with influenza A and B. Following each passage infectious material was assayed for infectivity and haemagglutinating activity and the values related by calculating the log difference between infectivity and haemagglutinating titre (I:A ratio). Infectious material from each pass was examined for ultrastruct aberrations by negative strain electron microscopy. Influenza C exhibited a significantly smaller decrease in I:A ratio than exhibiyed by similarly propagated influenza A and B. Ultrastructural examination of the serially passed influenza C revealed no production of morphologically aberrant forms, whereas serially passed influenza B produced a strikingly altered morphology.", "contents": "Ultrastructural studies of influenza C. II. von Magnus phenomenon. Influenza C was propagated by serial undiluted passage; conditions known to produce non-infectious (von Magnus) particles with influenza A and B. Following each passage infectious material was assayed for infectivity and haemagglutinating activity and the values related by calculating the log difference between infectivity and haemagglutinating titre (I:A ratio). Infectious material from each pass was examined for ultrastruct aberrations by negative strain electron microscopy. Influenza C exhibited a significantly smaller decrease in I:A ratio than exhibiyed by similarly propagated influenza A and B. Ultrastructural examination of the serially passed influenza C revealed no production of morphologically aberrant forms, whereas serially passed influenza B produced a strikingly altered morphology.", "PMID": 994856} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5931", "title": "Long-term study of large-bowel cancer.", "content": "A personal series of 2,314 patients with large bowel cancer has been reviewed. This series has been treated over a 25-year period and all patients have been followed up. Although patients appear to be presenting earlier, there has been only a marginal improvement in the 5-year survivals. The recognized precancerous conditions of the large bowel account for a very small percentage of carcinomas.", "contents": "Long-term study of large-bowel cancer. A personal series of 2,314 patients with large bowel cancer has been reviewed. This series has been treated over a 25-year period and all patients have been followed up. Although patients appear to be presenting earlier, there has been only a marginal improvement in the 5-year survivals. The recognized precancerous conditions of the large bowel account for a very small percentage of carcinomas.", "PMID": 994901} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5932", "title": "The chiropractic patient: psychosocial aspects.", "content": "A study of 84 patients attending for the first time an Australian-trained chiropractor is reported. The patients could not be distinguished from the general population on several demographic and trait psychological measures. Before treatment the patients regarded chiropractors as technically competent as general practitioners, but somewhat superior in interpersonal skills. Eighty-two per cent had received and failed to respond to previous treatment, nearly 60% gave a desire for pain relief as their sole reason for attendance, and two-thirds affirmed that they visited the chiropractor as a last resort. At a 10-week follow-up, all but 11% reported some improvement and 74% were sufficiently satisfied with their treatment to affirm that they would return to a chiropractor if their condition recurred. Factors that might have influenced outcome were studied and are discussed.", "contents": "The chiropractic patient: psychosocial aspects. A study of 84 patients attending for the first time an Australian-trained chiropractor is reported. The patients could not be distinguished from the general population on several demographic and trait psychological measures. Before treatment the patients regarded chiropractors as technically competent as general practitioners, but somewhat superior in interpersonal skills. Eighty-two per cent had received and failed to respond to previous treatment, nearly 60% gave a desire for pain relief as their sole reason for attendance, and two-thirds affirmed that they visited the chiropractor as a last resort. At a 10-week follow-up, all but 11% reported some improvement and 74% were sufficiently satisfied with their treatment to affirm that they would return to a chiropractor if their condition recurred. Factors that might have influenced outcome were studied and are discussed.", "PMID": 994902} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5933", "title": "Sodium bicarbonate treatment for tricyclic antidepressant arrhythmias in children.", "content": "Sodium bicarbonate has modified or reversed arrhythmias due to tricyclic antidepressants in 11 children. It has proved to be the most clinically effective method of treatment of these arrhythmias in children, and reference is made to experimental studies which support this view.", "contents": "Sodium bicarbonate treatment for tricyclic antidepressant arrhythmias in children. Sodium bicarbonate has modified or reversed arrhythmias due to tricyclic antidepressants in 11 children. It has proved to be the most clinically effective method of treatment of these arrhythmias in children, and reference is made to experimental studies which support this view.", "PMID": 994903} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5934", "title": "Rheumatoid arthritis improved by treatment with levamisole and L-histidine.", "content": "A case of classical rheumatoid arthritis of 12 years' duration, was treated during an exacerbation with levamisole and remission was induced. The findings support the postulate that depressed cell-mediated immunity to an unknown antigen is the primary immunity defect in rheumatoid arthritis, and that the defence mechanism stimulant levamisole is an effective treatment, at least in some cases. The lack of toxicity of the drug is noted, but in this case the blood aspirin level rose while the patient was taking levamisole with an unaltered dose of aspirin. There was some depression of the neutrophil count after five months which responded to a reduced dosage.", "contents": "Rheumatoid arthritis improved by treatment with levamisole and L-histidine. A case of classical rheumatoid arthritis of 12 years' duration, was treated during an exacerbation with levamisole and remission was induced. The findings support the postulate that depressed cell-mediated immunity to an unknown antigen is the primary immunity defect in rheumatoid arthritis, and that the defence mechanism stimulant levamisole is an effective treatment, at least in some cases. The lack of toxicity of the drug is noted, but in this case the blood aspirin level rose while the patient was taking levamisole with an unaltered dose of aspirin. There was some depression of the neutrophil count after five months which responded to a reduced dosage.", "PMID": 994904} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5935", "title": "Stercoraceous perforation of the pelvic colon--an unusual complication of pica.", "content": "A case of stercoraceous perforation of the bowel in a 31-year-old woman, an habitual paper eater, is reported. Treatment was by evacuation of the faecal mass through the enlarged perforation and direct closure of the perforation without proximal colostomy.", "contents": "Stercoraceous perforation of the pelvic colon--an unusual complication of pica. A case of stercoraceous perforation of the bowel in a 31-year-old woman, an habitual paper eater, is reported. Treatment was by evacuation of the faecal mass through the enlarged perforation and direct closure of the perforation without proximal colostomy.", "PMID": 994905} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5936", "title": "Renal physiology.", "content": "The kidney is composed of one million nephrons that function as a series of integrated units. The excretion of a wide range of natural and artificial compounds results from unselective filtration and specific reclamation of wanted substances. Active transport of weak acids and weak bases supplements this mechanism. In addition to its excretory function, the kidney has important endocrine and metabolic functions and influences the function and metabolism of most body systems. An understanding of renal function affords an explanation for many of the phenomena observed in renal disease.", "contents": "Renal physiology. The kidney is composed of one million nephrons that function as a series of integrated units. The excretion of a wide range of natural and artificial compounds results from unselective filtration and specific reclamation of wanted substances. Active transport of weak acids and weak bases supplements this mechanism. In addition to its excretory function, the kidney has important endocrine and metabolic functions and influences the function and metabolism of most body systems. An understanding of renal function affords an explanation for many of the phenomena observed in renal disease.", "PMID": 994906} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5937", "title": "Herpes simplex virus-an obstetric hospital problem.", "content": "The incidence of morbidity from herpes simplex virus among nurses of an obstetric teaching hospital is reported. The absence of local epidemiological data regarding this important infection is noted in an analysis of the influence on rostering and sick leave of the nurses.", "contents": "Herpes simplex virus-an obstetric hospital problem. The incidence of morbidity from herpes simplex virus among nurses of an obstetric teaching hospital is reported. The absence of local epidemiological data regarding this important infection is noted in an analysis of the influence on rostering and sick leave of the nurses.", "PMID": 994914} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5938", "title": "The investigation of dementia: the results in 100 consecutive admissions.", "content": "One hundred patients admitted consecutively to the Neuropsychiatric Institute, each with the provisional diagnosis of dementia, were investigated. The diagnosis was confirmed in 81 patients. Amongst these, a potentially reversible cause was found in eight patients. Eleven patients were found to have potentially treatable pseudodementing illnesses and eight patients were found to have a chronic organic brain syndrome not characterized by intellectual deterioration. It is recommended that all patients with provisional diagnoses of dementia be investigated early in the course of their illnesses, in the anticipation of finding a reversible dementia or a treatable pseudodementing illness. The investigations can be conducted more efficiently in specialist units, staffed with neurologists and psychiatrists, and having easy access to pathology, neuroradiology, nuclear medicine and computerized axial tomography facilities.", "contents": "The investigation of dementia: the results in 100 consecutive admissions. One hundred patients admitted consecutively to the Neuropsychiatric Institute, each with the provisional diagnosis of dementia, were investigated. The diagnosis was confirmed in 81 patients. Amongst these, a potentially reversible cause was found in eight patients. Eleven patients were found to have potentially treatable pseudodementing illnesses and eight patients were found to have a chronic organic brain syndrome not characterized by intellectual deterioration. It is recommended that all patients with provisional diagnoses of dementia be investigated early in the course of their illnesses, in the anticipation of finding a reversible dementia or a treatable pseudodementing illness. The investigations can be conducted more efficiently in specialist units, staffed with neurologists and psychiatrists, and having easy access to pathology, neuroradiology, nuclear medicine and computerized axial tomography facilities.", "PMID": 994915} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5939", "title": "Infant death rates in Queensland, 1962 to 1972.", "content": "Published statistical material has been used to analyse the infant death rate in Queensland. The neonatal death rates, which tend to reflect the level of obstetric care, were approximately twice as high in the Peninsula Division as in Brisbane, and the late infant mortality rate was almost eight times as high in the Peninsula Division as in Brisbane. In the Peninsula there has been no fall in infant death rate over the 11 years studied. One small area had an infant mortality rate of 100 deaths per 1,000 live births. The areas with the highest infant death rates were those with a significant Aboriginal population. The data show that proximity to major health facilities does not ensure low infant death rates and in the Brisbane Metropolitan Division there were threefold differences in late infant death rates. It seems likely that infant death rates are influenced by the economic status and education of parents and by the priority they place on infant care. The study has shown that published statistical data can detect areas within Queensland with high infant death rates, and could therfore be used to direct resources to improve the well-being of infants in these areas.", "contents": "Infant death rates in Queensland, 1962 to 1972. Published statistical material has been used to analyse the infant death rate in Queensland. The neonatal death rates, which tend to reflect the level of obstetric care, were approximately twice as high in the Peninsula Division as in Brisbane, and the late infant mortality rate was almost eight times as high in the Peninsula Division as in Brisbane. In the Peninsula there has been no fall in infant death rate over the 11 years studied. One small area had an infant mortality rate of 100 deaths per 1,000 live births. The areas with the highest infant death rates were those with a significant Aboriginal population. The data show that proximity to major health facilities does not ensure low infant death rates and in the Brisbane Metropolitan Division there were threefold differences in late infant death rates. It seems likely that infant death rates are influenced by the economic status and education of parents and by the priority they place on infant care. The study has shown that published statistical data can detect areas within Queensland with high infant death rates, and could therfore be used to direct resources to improve the well-being of infants in these areas.", "PMID": 994916} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5940", "title": "Renal failure after snake bite.", "content": "Three cases of acute renal failure after snake bite are presented. All required dialysis and the recovery phase was prolonged in each case. Investigations show that microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia was associated with the acute renal failure.", "contents": "Renal failure after snake bite. Three cases of acute renal failure after snake bite are presented. All required dialysis and the recovery phase was prolonged in each case. Investigations show that microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia was associated with the acute renal failure.", "PMID": 994917} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5941", "title": "Spines and seat belts: mechanisms of spinal injury in motor vehicle crashes.", "content": "A case of spinal injury associated with the use of a lap/sash seat belt is presented. A review of the literature is made and a mechanism of injury related specifically to lap/sash seat belts is proposed. The danger of unrestrained rear seat occupants is emphasized.", "contents": "Spines and seat belts: mechanisms of spinal injury in motor vehicle crashes. A case of spinal injury associated with the use of a lap/sash seat belt is presented. A review of the literature is made and a mechanism of injury related specifically to lap/sash seat belts is proposed. The danger of unrestrained rear seat occupants is emphasized.", "PMID": 994918} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5942", "title": "Obstruction due to prepyloric mucosal diaphragm.", "content": "Antral mucosal diaphragm is uncommon, and presents with manifestations of obstruction to the pyloric outlet. The diagnosis is usually established only by gastrotomy. Excision of the diaphragm or pylorophasty affords permanent cure and unnecessary partial gastrectomy should be avoided.", "contents": "Obstruction due to prepyloric mucosal diaphragm. Antral mucosal diaphragm is uncommon, and presents with manifestations of obstruction to the pyloric outlet. The diagnosis is usually established only by gastrotomy. Excision of the diaphragm or pylorophasty affords permanent cure and unnecessary partial gastrectomy should be avoided.", "PMID": 994919} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5943", "title": "Paediatric communications with the post-partum patient.", "content": "Discussions with mothers during their puerperium allows the introduction of thoughts on child care and management to a captive audience at a highly receptive stage. Many mothers lack an understanding of the problems they are likely to face in the first months after delivery and are desperately afraid of \"spoiling\" their child. They are generally quite ignorant of the problems of feeding, \"colic\" and others. Discussion group counselling of the parents of babies treated in an intensive care nursery is of value for the parents and for the hospital staff. The mothers have problems of guilt and anxiety over their possible aetiological role, doubts about their ability to cope with an \"abnormal\" baby, and problems due to lack of contact with their baby.", "contents": "Paediatric communications with the post-partum patient. Discussions with mothers during their puerperium allows the introduction of thoughts on child care and management to a captive audience at a highly receptive stage. Many mothers lack an understanding of the problems they are likely to face in the first months after delivery and are desperately afraid of \"spoiling\" their child. They are generally quite ignorant of the problems of feeding, \"colic\" and others. Discussion group counselling of the parents of babies treated in an intensive care nursery is of value for the parents and for the hospital staff. The mothers have problems of guilt and anxiety over their possible aetiological role, doubts about their ability to cope with an \"abnormal\" baby, and problems due to lack of contact with their baby.", "PMID": 994921} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5944", "title": "Mediastinoscopy.", "content": "A series of 150 mediastinoscopic examinations, performed at The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, is reported. The procedure was employed as a diagnostic aid in the care of patients known to be suffering from disease processes involving the superior mediastinum, and as a preoperative assessment in a group of patients known to have, or suspected of having, bronchogenic carcinoma, There was no mortality. The morbidity rate was 2%.", "contents": "Mediastinoscopy. A series of 150 mediastinoscopic examinations, performed at The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, is reported. The procedure was employed as a diagnostic aid in the care of patients known to be suffering from disease processes involving the superior mediastinum, and as a preoperative assessment in a group of patients known to have, or suspected of having, bronchogenic carcinoma, There was no mortality. The morbidity rate was 2%.", "PMID": 994929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5945", "title": "Murray Valley encephalitis, 1974: clinical features.", "content": "Of the 58 patients who developed Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) during 1974, 22 were admitted to Fairfield Hospital, Melbourne. The patients were of all ages, but the disease was most common in children. Calculations suggest that the incubation period of MVE is from one to four weeks. The severity of brain damage varies considerably; 11 patients recovered almost completely, seven had severe residual damage and four patients died. There are no special features which distinguish MVE from any other form of encephalitis. The survival of five of eight patients who required artificial respiration suggests that patients with suspected MVE should be transported at an early stage to a hospital where artificial respiration is available if necessary. There is no evidence that infection with the MVE virus can cause clinical manifestations of a disease other than acute encephalitis.", "contents": "Murray Valley encephalitis, 1974: clinical features. Of the 58 patients who developed Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) during 1974, 22 were admitted to Fairfield Hospital, Melbourne. The patients were of all ages, but the disease was most common in children. Calculations suggest that the incubation period of MVE is from one to four weeks. The severity of brain damage varies considerably; 11 patients recovered almost completely, seven had severe residual damage and four patients died. There are no special features which distinguish MVE from any other form of encephalitis. The survival of five of eight patients who required artificial respiration suggests that patients with suspected MVE should be transported at an early stage to a hospital where artificial respiration is available if necessary. There is no evidence that infection with the MVE virus can cause clinical manifestations of a disease other than acute encephalitis.", "PMID": 994930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5946", "title": "Isolation of Murray Valley encephalitis virus from the brains of three patients with encephalitis.", "content": "Murray Valley encephalitis virus was isolated from the brains of three patients who died from encephalitis during the 1974 epidemic. Isolation of the virus from autopsy material was successful when death occurred within two weeks of the onset of illness; however, no isolations were made from specimens collected before death or from autopsy material obtained from patients who died more than two weeks after the onset of symptoms. The virus was recovered most frequently in embryonated eggs, but two strains were isolated in cell culture.", "contents": "Isolation of Murray Valley encephalitis virus from the brains of three patients with encephalitis. Murray Valley encephalitis virus was isolated from the brains of three patients who died from encephalitis during the 1974 epidemic. Isolation of the virus from autopsy material was successful when death occurred within two weeks of the onset of illness; however, no isolations were made from specimens collected before death or from autopsy material obtained from patients who died more than two weeks after the onset of symptoms. The virus was recovered most frequently in embryonated eggs, but two strains were isolated in cell culture.", "PMID": 994931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5947", "title": "Treatment of calcinosis circumscripta and Raynaud's phenomenon.", "content": "The case is presented of a patient with severe sclerodactyly, subcutaneous digital and palmar calcification, and Raynaud's phenomenon. Treatment with probenecid and intra-arterial injection of reserpine resulted in considerable improvement.", "contents": "Treatment of calcinosis circumscripta and Raynaud's phenomenon. The case is presented of a patient with severe sclerodactyly, subcutaneous digital and palmar calcification, and Raynaud's phenomenon. Treatment with probenecid and intra-arterial injection of reserpine resulted in considerable improvement.", "PMID": 994932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5948", "title": "Some notes on prescriptions.", "content": "Two separate surveys of prescriptions and prescription habits have been performed. In a survey in one pharmacy in Tamworth, 16 out of 750 prescriptions had to be returned to the doctor for correction. The most common problem was illegible handwriting. Another survey to determine the competence of script writing amongst 12 interns at Tamworth Base Hospital revealed a certain lack in their basic training.", "contents": "Some notes on prescriptions. Two separate surveys of prescriptions and prescription habits have been performed. In a survey in one pharmacy in Tamworth, 16 out of 750 prescriptions had to be returned to the doctor for correction. The most common problem was illegible handwriting. Another survey to determine the competence of script writing amongst 12 interns at Tamworth Base Hospital revealed a certain lack in their basic training.", "PMID": 994933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5949", "title": "The facts on the legibility of doctors' handwriting.", "content": "A large number of people, both doctors and others, were tested. The handwriting of each participant was graded and four different statistical tests were performed on the results. In all of these tests the doctors' handwriting came out significantly worse. Thus the only conclusion which could be established from these results was that doctors' handwriting is indeed less legible than others.", "contents": "The facts on the legibility of doctors' handwriting. A large number of people, both doctors and others, were tested. The handwriting of each participant was graded and four different statistical tests were performed on the results. In all of these tests the doctors' handwriting came out significantly worse. Thus the only conclusion which could be established from these results was that doctors' handwriting is indeed less legible than others.", "PMID": 994934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5950", "title": "Liver scanning in patients with suspected metastatic malignant disease.", "content": "Liver scans of 72 patients with suspected malignant disease were evaluated to determine the accuracy of the investigation in detecting disease, including metastases and also its use to the referring surgeon. A comparison between the liver scan result and clinical and biochemical findings was also made. The liver scan had an overall accuracy of 83% in diagnosing metastases, compared with 64% for the serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) level and was more useful clinically than the SAP level. Careful classification of the liver scan patterns allowed more consistent interpretation and improved the specificity of the diagnostic information obtained. Clinical assessment of liver and spleen size by abdominal palpation was unreliable and occasionally misleading.", "contents": "Liver scanning in patients with suspected metastatic malignant disease. Liver scans of 72 patients with suspected malignant disease were evaluated to determine the accuracy of the investigation in detecting disease, including metastases and also its use to the referring surgeon. A comparison between the liver scan result and clinical and biochemical findings was also made. The liver scan had an overall accuracy of 83% in diagnosing metastases, compared with 64% for the serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) level and was more useful clinically than the SAP level. Careful classification of the liver scan patterns allowed more consistent interpretation and improved the specificity of the diagnostic information obtained. Clinical assessment of liver and spleen size by abdominal palpation was unreliable and occasionally misleading.", "PMID": 994940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5951", "title": "The incidence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in a population of Greek, Italian and Yugoslav origin in Australia.", "content": "Cord blood from 2,220 male babies of Greek, Italian and Yugoslav origin, born consecutively over a four-year period at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, were screened by enzyme electrophoresis for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. The group comprised 1,220 babies of Greek, 600 of Italian and 400 of Yugoslav origin. G6PD deficiency occurred most commonly in the group of Greek babies, and 4-6% of these babies were deficient, while G6PD deficiency was detected in 1-2% of Italian and 0-3% of Yugoslav babies. These percentages are similar to those reported in Greece, Italy and Yugoslavia, and give some indication of the incidence of G6PD deficiency in people of Mediterranean origin in Australia.", "contents": "The incidence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in a population of Greek, Italian and Yugoslav origin in Australia. Cord blood from 2,220 male babies of Greek, Italian and Yugoslav origin, born consecutively over a four-year period at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, were screened by enzyme electrophoresis for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. The group comprised 1,220 babies of Greek, 600 of Italian and 400 of Yugoslav origin. G6PD deficiency occurred most commonly in the group of Greek babies, and 4-6% of these babies were deficient, while G6PD deficiency was detected in 1-2% of Italian and 0-3% of Yugoslav babies. These percentages are similar to those reported in Greece, Italy and Yugoslavia, and give some indication of the incidence of G6PD deficiency in people of Mediterranean origin in Australia.", "PMID": 994941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5952", "title": "Dermatology in hospital practice.", "content": "Modern hospital facilities have proved of great value in the management of the more difficult problems presenting to dermatologists. In a series of 100 consecutive patients admitted to hospital, four died, at least one out of every three was found to have undiagnosed internal disease and the average time to gain a remission was three weeks after outpatient treatment had proved unsuccessful over an average of six months.", "contents": "Dermatology in hospital practice. Modern hospital facilities have proved of great value in the management of the more difficult problems presenting to dermatologists. In a series of 100 consecutive patients admitted to hospital, four died, at least one out of every three was found to have undiagnosed internal disease and the average time to gain a remission was three weeks after outpatient treatment had proved unsuccessful over an average of six months.", "PMID": 994942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5953", "title": "Retrograde gastric mucosal prolapse as a cause of haematemesis.", "content": "Three cases of haematemesis associated with alcohol abuse are described. Early fibreoptic endoscopical examination in each showed a focal, well demarcated area of gastric mucosal haemorrhage, close to the oesophagogastric junction. Two patients showed prolapse of the lesion into the lower part of the oesophagus, and the third had coexistent Mallory-Weiss tears. Our observations suggest that forceful vomiting is responsible for this lesion, by causing abrupt retrograde gastrooesophageal prolapse. The prognosis of the lesion appears good.", "contents": "Retrograde gastric mucosal prolapse as a cause of haematemesis. Three cases of haematemesis associated with alcohol abuse are described. Early fibreoptic endoscopical examination in each showed a focal, well demarcated area of gastric mucosal haemorrhage, close to the oesophagogastric junction. Two patients showed prolapse of the lesion into the lower part of the oesophagus, and the third had coexistent Mallory-Weiss tears. Our observations suggest that forceful vomiting is responsible for this lesion, by causing abrupt retrograde gastrooesophageal prolapse. The prognosis of the lesion appears good.", "PMID": 994943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5954", "title": "Renal and cardiac complications of drug abuse.", "content": "The case is presented of a young man who, after prolonged intravenous narcotic administration, developed subacute bacterial endocarditis involving the aortic valve, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. After treatment of and recovery from renal failure, persistent proteinuria was shown to be caused by focal glomerulosclerosis. The association of these lesions with \"mainlining\" is reviewed.", "contents": "Renal and cardiac complications of drug abuse. The case is presented of a young man who, after prolonged intravenous narcotic administration, developed subacute bacterial endocarditis involving the aortic valve, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. After treatment of and recovery from renal failure, persistent proteinuria was shown to be caused by focal glomerulosclerosis. The association of these lesions with \"mainlining\" is reviewed.", "PMID": 994944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5955", "title": "Routine use of low-dose intravenous insulin infusion in severe hyperglycaemia.", "content": "A review if presented of the use of low-dose insulin infusion in the management of 58 episodes of severe diabetic hyperglycaemia. Neutral insulin in a dosage of 2-4 units per hour is infused via a paediatric giving set to achieve a sustained physiological elevation of insulin levels. This method is safe, simple and rapidly effective in lowering the blood glucose level, the mean rate of fall (62 mg/100 ml/hr, or 11% per hour) being unaffected by prior insulin therapy, acidosis or ketonuria. Classification of the hyperglycaemia as ketoacidotic or hyperosmolar is unnecessary before insulin therapy is instituted, as the relative decline in glucose level is the same in the hyperosmolar non-ketotic group as in the others. Proven infection significantly lowers the rate of fall of glucose level. Hypoglycaemia and hypokalaemia are rare during low-dose infusion. Early and adequate replacement with potassium phosphate is recommended, oral potassium supplements being continued for several days. Bicarbonate therapy is rarely indicated in the management of acidosis. No patient had cerebral oedema during treatment, and one elderly patient with extensive pneumonia and empyema died during the infusion. It is suggested that continuation of low-dose insulin infusion, together with 5% dextrose solution, after the plasma glucose level reaches 200 mg/100 ml, may hasten the clearance of ketones, preventing relapse.", "contents": "Routine use of low-dose intravenous insulin infusion in severe hyperglycaemia. A review if presented of the use of low-dose insulin infusion in the management of 58 episodes of severe diabetic hyperglycaemia. Neutral insulin in a dosage of 2-4 units per hour is infused via a paediatric giving set to achieve a sustained physiological elevation of insulin levels. This method is safe, simple and rapidly effective in lowering the blood glucose level, the mean rate of fall (62 mg/100 ml/hr, or 11% per hour) being unaffected by prior insulin therapy, acidosis or ketonuria. Classification of the hyperglycaemia as ketoacidotic or hyperosmolar is unnecessary before insulin therapy is instituted, as the relative decline in glucose level is the same in the hyperosmolar non-ketotic group as in the others. Proven infection significantly lowers the rate of fall of glucose level. Hypoglycaemia and hypokalaemia are rare during low-dose infusion. Early and adequate replacement with potassium phosphate is recommended, oral potassium supplements being continued for several days. Bicarbonate therapy is rarely indicated in the management of acidosis. No patient had cerebral oedema during treatment, and one elderly patient with extensive pneumonia and empyema died during the infusion. It is suggested that continuation of low-dose insulin infusion, together with 5% dextrose solution, after the plasma glucose level reaches 200 mg/100 ml, may hasten the clearance of ketones, preventing relapse.", "PMID": 994952} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5956", "title": "Minor analgesic use among high-school students: indications for renal morbidity and mortality.", "content": "Reported patterns of minor analgesic use by adolescents were taken from a baseline 1973 survey, and a follow-up 1974 survey. The differences between the sexes within each year were shown to be highly significant. Trend analysis in minor analgesic use included the year-to-year comparisons, the degree of minor analgesic use, and the rate of change in this use. The trends show the long-term process of minor analgesic use, and support the cause for concern about analgesic nephropathy.", "contents": "Minor analgesic use among high-school students: indications for renal morbidity and mortality. Reported patterns of minor analgesic use by adolescents were taken from a baseline 1973 survey, and a follow-up 1974 survey. The differences between the sexes within each year were shown to be highly significant. Trend analysis in minor analgesic use included the year-to-year comparisons, the degree of minor analgesic use, and the rate of change in this use. The trends show the long-term process of minor analgesic use, and support the cause for concern about analgesic nephropathy.", "PMID": 994953} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5957", "title": "Analgesics and the kidney: a community-based study.", "content": "The adult population of a small Victorian town was interviewed for current analgesic consumption and the replies were validated by urine testing. One thousand four hundred and fifty-six subjects were ranked by stated analgesic consumption, and the 50 highest consumers matched for age and sex with non-consumers. Early morning urine specimens were collected and no significant difference in osmolality or white cell excretion rates was found between the two groups. It was concluded that the absolute risk of renal impairment on chronic analgesic consumers is low, and that patients on therapeutic regimens, including analgesics, may be reassured that any risk is minimal.", "contents": "Analgesics and the kidney: a community-based study. The adult population of a small Victorian town was interviewed for current analgesic consumption and the replies were validated by urine testing. One thousand four hundred and fifty-six subjects were ranked by stated analgesic consumption, and the 50 highest consumers matched for age and sex with non-consumers. Early morning urine specimens were collected and no significant difference in osmolality or white cell excretion rates was found between the two groups. It was concluded that the absolute risk of renal impairment on chronic analgesic consumers is low, and that patients on therapeutic regimens, including analgesics, may be reassured that any risk is minimal.", "PMID": 994954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5958", "title": "Total body water content in normal and grossly obese women.", "content": "Total body water content was estimated for 27 normal and 27 obese women by an isotope dilution technique using tritiated water. The mean total body water content expressed in absolute amounts was significantly raised in the obese group (P less than 0-001), but was significantly lower (P less than 0-001) when the values were expressed as a percentage of body weight. Significant correlations were found between weight and total body water content (P less than 0-001 and P less than 0-05) for the normal and obese subjects respectively. Separate regression equations based on height and weight were calculated for the normal and obese subjects, and good agreement was found in most instances between the measured and calculated total body water contents. The overweight women, with two exceptions, had total body water values in the expected range, which indicated that they were accumulating fat, not water. Although excess water was found in 2 women, this contributed only about 50% to their overweight.", "contents": "Total body water content in normal and grossly obese women. Total body water content was estimated for 27 normal and 27 obese women by an isotope dilution technique using tritiated water. The mean total body water content expressed in absolute amounts was significantly raised in the obese group (P less than 0-001), but was significantly lower (P less than 0-001) when the values were expressed as a percentage of body weight. Significant correlations were found between weight and total body water content (P less than 0-001 and P less than 0-05) for the normal and obese subjects respectively. Separate regression equations based on height and weight were calculated for the normal and obese subjects, and good agreement was found in most instances between the measured and calculated total body water contents. The overweight women, with two exceptions, had total body water values in the expected range, which indicated that they were accumulating fat, not water. Although excess water was found in 2 women, this contributed only about 50% to their overweight.", "PMID": 994955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5959", "title": "Analgesic nephropathy: a major or minor problem?", "content": "Habitual analgesic takers run approximately three times the risk of developing chronic renal disease as nontakers or occasional takers. Over 200 deaths may occur each year in Australia from analgesic-induced renal disease, but this must be balanced against the benefit to society of simple, effective pain relief. This can be placed in perspective by contrast with the cost to society of cigarette smoking.", "contents": "Analgesic nephropathy: a major or minor problem? Habitual analgesic takers run approximately three times the risk of developing chronic renal disease as nontakers or occasional takers. Over 200 deaths may occur each year in Australia from analgesic-induced renal disease, but this must be balanced against the benefit to society of simple, effective pain relief. This can be placed in perspective by contrast with the cost to society of cigarette smoking.", "PMID": 994958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5960", "title": "Serum IgE levels in patients with liver disease.", "content": "IgE (reaginic antibody) levels have been estimated on 160 occasions in 120 patients with liver disease. IgE levels were significantly raised in patients with untreated active chronic hepatitis, and returned towards normal with steroid or immunosuppressive therapy. They were also increased in patients with liver disease associated with alcoholism. There were no significant alterations in IgE levels in other types of acute or chronic liver disease. There were no significant correlations between IgE levels and the age or sex of the patients and the results of other laboratory tests carried out.", "contents": "Serum IgE levels in patients with liver disease. IgE (reaginic antibody) levels have been estimated on 160 occasions in 120 patients with liver disease. IgE levels were significantly raised in patients with untreated active chronic hepatitis, and returned towards normal with steroid or immunosuppressive therapy. They were also increased in patients with liver disease associated with alcoholism. There were no significant alterations in IgE levels in other types of acute or chronic liver disease. There were no significant correlations between IgE levels and the age or sex of the patients and the results of other laboratory tests carried out.", "PMID": 994963} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5961", "title": "The use of methadone as a treatment tool for opiate addicts: A two-year follow-up study.", "content": "Eighty-three per cent of a sample of 116 drug addicts in a Sydney methadone treatment programme were successfully followed up. Methadone was not found to be \"the quick cure\" for opiate addiction. More than two-thirds were still taking methadone, only 3% had not taken any opiates for six months or longer, and a further 5% had not taken any opiates for less than six months. The remainder (22%) were using illegal opiates either regularly or intermittently, or were in gaol. However, from the employment, crime and social-emotional stability data, it may be concluded that the methadone programme, particularly if adhered to continuously, is \"successful\". These findings generally support the findings of overseas studies. The clients, especially those who were still adhering to the programme, felt that methadone was helpful, although there was concern about still being drug-dependent and about side effects.", "contents": "The use of methadone as a treatment tool for opiate addicts: A two-year follow-up study. Eighty-three per cent of a sample of 116 drug addicts in a Sydney methadone treatment programme were successfully followed up. Methadone was not found to be \"the quick cure\" for opiate addiction. More than two-thirds were still taking methadone, only 3% had not taken any opiates for six months or longer, and a further 5% had not taken any opiates for less than six months. The remainder (22%) were using illegal opiates either regularly or intermittently, or were in gaol. However, from the employment, crime and social-emotional stability data, it may be concluded that the methadone programme, particularly if adhered to continuously, is \"successful\". These findings generally support the findings of overseas studies. The clients, especially those who were still adhering to the programme, felt that methadone was helpful, although there was concern about still being drug-dependent and about side effects.", "PMID": 994964} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5962", "title": "Longitudinal growth study of Tasmanian children. 2. The seven-year-olds.", "content": "A longitudinal growth study of Tasmanian children, involving 1,114 infants born between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1968, has continued into the seventh year during 1974-1975, when measurements of height and weight were recorded on the 898 remaining children that could be traced. A portion of the results is presented here. The main findings is that a high percentage of children who are overweight at the age of three years is likely to be overweight at seven years. Birth weight is not an important factor in determining the weight of a seven-year-old. Children over the 90th percentile at age three years are, on the average, more than 5 kg heavier at seven years than children between the 10th and 90th percentiles at three years. The seven-year-old weights themselves do not appear to have altered in the past two decades, being virtually identical to those in the 1957 Standard Tables for Australian Children.", "contents": "Longitudinal growth study of Tasmanian children. 2. The seven-year-olds. A longitudinal growth study of Tasmanian children, involving 1,114 infants born between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1968, has continued into the seventh year during 1974-1975, when measurements of height and weight were recorded on the 898 remaining children that could be traced. A portion of the results is presented here. The main findings is that a high percentage of children who are overweight at the age of three years is likely to be overweight at seven years. Birth weight is not an important factor in determining the weight of a seven-year-old. Children over the 90th percentile at age three years are, on the average, more than 5 kg heavier at seven years than children between the 10th and 90th percentiles at three years. The seven-year-old weights themselves do not appear to have altered in the past two decades, being virtually identical to those in the 1957 Standard Tables for Australian Children.", "PMID": 994965} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5963", "title": "Amanita preissii \"mushroom\" poisoning.", "content": "\"Mushroom\" poisoning has rarely been reported in Australia. We present six cases of Amanita preissii poisoning successfully treated with atropine sulphate. The symptoms and signs were typical of muscarinic poisoning, which suggests that this alkaloid is the principal toxic component. A short time interval between the ingestion of poisonous fungi and the onset of symptoms, in our cases within one hour, indicates a good prognosis. The dangers of mistaking poisonous for edible varieties of fungi are emphasized, particularly in relation to immigrants not conversant with Australian fungi. Public education and control of marketing are advised.", "contents": "Amanita preissii \"mushroom\" poisoning. \"Mushroom\" poisoning has rarely been reported in Australia. We present six cases of Amanita preissii poisoning successfully treated with atropine sulphate. The symptoms and signs were typical of muscarinic poisoning, which suggests that this alkaloid is the principal toxic component. A short time interval between the ingestion of poisonous fungi and the onset of symptoms, in our cases within one hour, indicates a good prognosis. The dangers of mistaking poisonous for edible varieties of fungi are emphasized, particularly in relation to immigrants not conversant with Australian fungi. Public education and control of marketing are advised.", "PMID": 994966} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5964", "title": "Terminal exacerbation of chronic melioidosis in New South Wales.", "content": "A fatal case of melioidosis, thought to be the third recorded from New South Wales, is presented. Infection probably occurred in Queensland. The patients presented with a subcutaneous abscess complicated by pyaemia, extensive lung involvement and septicaemic shock. The diagnosis was bacteriologically confirmed shortly before death, by isolation of Pseudomonas pseudomallei from blood, pus swabs and tracheal aspirates. There is a need for greater awareness of this disease in persons who have resided in South-East Asia and in North-Eastern Australia.", "contents": "Terminal exacerbation of chronic melioidosis in New South Wales. A fatal case of melioidosis, thought to be the third recorded from New South Wales, is presented. Infection probably occurred in Queensland. The patients presented with a subcutaneous abscess complicated by pyaemia, extensive lung involvement and septicaemic shock. The diagnosis was bacteriologically confirmed shortly before death, by isolation of Pseudomonas pseudomallei from blood, pus swabs and tracheal aspirates. There is a need for greater awareness of this disease in persons who have resided in South-East Asia and in North-Eastern Australia.", "PMID": 994967} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5965", "title": "The effect of an anorectic agent (Mazindol) on control of obese diabetics.", "content": "The use of an anorectic drug (mazindol) did not significantly interfere with the therapy needed to maintain control in obese diabetics. In two of four insulin-requiring patients, a reduction of the insulin requirement occurred when weight was lost. No change was needed in oral hypoglycaemic therapy in the six weeks of the trial.", "contents": "The effect of an anorectic agent (Mazindol) on control of obese diabetics. The use of an anorectic drug (mazindol) did not significantly interfere with the therapy needed to maintain control in obese diabetics. In two of four insulin-requiring patients, a reduction of the insulin requirement occurred when weight was lost. No change was needed in oral hypoglycaemic therapy in the six weeks of the trial.", "PMID": 994969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5966", "title": "A family with neurogenic atrophy of the distal muscles of the upper limbs: clinical and electrophysiological studies.", "content": "A Chinese family manifested mild neurogenic atrophy of the distal muscles of the upper limbs. None of the affected members had sensory abnormalities, or pyramidal tract or bulbar involvement. The onset of the illness was in the middle of the second decade of life. The muscle atrophy was more severe in the female members. Electromyographic examination of the atrophic muscles showed evidence denervation. One female patient demonstrated slow motor conduction velocity in the right median nerve.", "contents": "A family with neurogenic atrophy of the distal muscles of the upper limbs: clinical and electrophysiological studies. A Chinese family manifested mild neurogenic atrophy of the distal muscles of the upper limbs. None of the affected members had sensory abnormalities, or pyramidal tract or bulbar involvement. The onset of the illness was in the middle of the second decade of life. The muscle atrophy was more severe in the female members. Electromyographic examination of the atrophic muscles showed evidence denervation. One female patient demonstrated slow motor conduction velocity in the right median nerve.", "PMID": 994976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5967", "title": "A technique of sexual counselling.", "content": "A method of sexual counselling based on the technique originally proposed by Masters and Johnson but modified to suit local conditions is described. The method is basically \"client-centred\" and depends on interviewing both partners of a sexually inadequate relationship so that the clients themselves set the level of desired sexual achievement. Factors which may inhibit a sexual relationship are explored, particularly those involving cultural, moral, religious, education or financial matters. Ejaculatory problems and orgasmic dysfunction are treated in the manner described by Masters and Johnson, whilst other interpersonal and communicative problems are handled by making use of Kagan's Interpersonal Recall snselling clinics are discussed.", "contents": "A technique of sexual counselling. A method of sexual counselling based on the technique originally proposed by Masters and Johnson but modified to suit local conditions is described. The method is basically \"client-centred\" and depends on interviewing both partners of a sexually inadequate relationship so that the clients themselves set the level of desired sexual achievement. Factors which may inhibit a sexual relationship are explored, particularly those involving cultural, moral, religious, education or financial matters. Ejaculatory problems and orgasmic dysfunction are treated in the manner described by Masters and Johnson, whilst other interpersonal and communicative problems are handled by making use of Kagan's Interpersonal Recall snselling clinics are discussed.", "PMID": 994977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5968", "title": "Pericarditis during infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae.", "content": "A 37-year-old woman was found to have pericarditis during the course of a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection which also produced primary atypical pneumonia. Intrafamily spread of the infection was observed, with varying clinical manifestations. The case is described because there appears to be little information on mycoplasma pericarditis.", "contents": "Pericarditis during infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae. A 37-year-old woman was found to have pericarditis during the course of a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection which also produced primary atypical pneumonia. Intrafamily spread of the infection was observed, with varying clinical manifestations. The case is described because there appears to be little information on mycoplasma pericarditis.", "PMID": 994978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5969", "title": "Theatre utilization analysis.", "content": "A method of analysing operating theatre utilization is presented as a management information system applicable to medical administration.The operating theatre plant represents an item of considerable expenditure in a hospital budget. This aspect of hospital activity requires maximized utilization to ensure an appropriate cost benefit. Extraction of information in such a form provides a basis for exact comparisons of performance of the personnel involved and determining needs for additional resources.", "contents": "Theatre utilization analysis. A method of analysing operating theatre utilization is presented as a management information system applicable to medical administration.The operating theatre plant represents an item of considerable expenditure in a hospital budget. This aspect of hospital activity requires maximized utilization to ensure an appropriate cost benefit. Extraction of information in such a form provides a basis for exact comparisons of performance of the personnel involved and determining needs for additional resources.", "PMID": 994981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5970", "title": "Tinidazole (Fasigyn)--single-dose therapy for trichomonas vaginalis.", "content": "In this open evaluation trial, tinidazole in a single dose of 2 g proved highly effective in the treatment of trichomonal vaginitis in 25 women. There were minimal side effects and patient acceptance was good.", "contents": "Tinidazole (Fasigyn)--single-dose therapy for trichomonas vaginalis. In this open evaluation trial, tinidazole in a single dose of 2 g proved highly effective in the treatment of trichomonal vaginitis in 25 women. There were minimal side effects and patient acceptance was good.", "PMID": 994982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5971", "title": "Diagnosis of gastric malignancy by fibreoptic endoscopy and gastric biopsy: Comparison with radiology.", "content": "Of 473 patients examined with the fibregastroscope, 27 were found to have evidence of gastric malignant disease on the endoscopic and biopsy results. Of these 27 patients, 20 were initially examined by barium-meal (single-contrast) radiography then by endoscopy and biopsy. The barium-meal study was reported as showing definite malignant disease in two cases (10%), appearances suggestive of malignant disease in 11 cases (55%), and other lesions in eight cases (35%). Endoscopic examination enabled a diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer to be made in 13 cases (65%), of appearances suggestive of malignant disease in two cases (10%), and of other lesions in five cases (25%). Gastric biopsies gave a histological diagnosis of gastric malignant disease in 19 cases (95%), and of appearances suggestive of malignant disease in one case (5%). Furthermore, the histological types of gastric malignant disease were shown by the gastric biopsies. In seven cases without initial screening by barium-meal radiography, endoscopy and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of gastric cancer in all. It is concluded that endoscopy is superior to radiology in the diagnosis of gastric malignant disease. The study also shows that gastric biopsy further increases the diagnostic ability of endoscopy and should be done in all cases in which gastroscopy is performed.", "contents": "Diagnosis of gastric malignancy by fibreoptic endoscopy and gastric biopsy: Comparison with radiology. Of 473 patients examined with the fibregastroscope, 27 were found to have evidence of gastric malignant disease on the endoscopic and biopsy results. Of these 27 patients, 20 were initially examined by barium-meal (single-contrast) radiography then by endoscopy and biopsy. The barium-meal study was reported as showing definite malignant disease in two cases (10%), appearances suggestive of malignant disease in 11 cases (55%), and other lesions in eight cases (35%). Endoscopic examination enabled a diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer to be made in 13 cases (65%), of appearances suggestive of malignant disease in two cases (10%), and of other lesions in five cases (25%). Gastric biopsies gave a histological diagnosis of gastric malignant disease in 19 cases (95%), and of appearances suggestive of malignant disease in one case (5%). Furthermore, the histological types of gastric malignant disease were shown by the gastric biopsies. In seven cases without initial screening by barium-meal radiography, endoscopy and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of gastric cancer in all. It is concluded that endoscopy is superior to radiology in the diagnosis of gastric malignant disease. The study also shows that gastric biopsy further increases the diagnostic ability of endoscopy and should be done in all cases in which gastroscopy is performed.", "PMID": 994985} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5972", "title": "Histoplasmosis: an outbreak occurring among young men who visited one cave.", "content": "Sixteen cases of acute benign inhalational histoplasmosis were investigated after an outbreak of the disease in a group visiting a cave. The diagnosis was confirmed in 13 patients by chest X-ray examination, histoplasmin skin testing and serological examination. An attempt to isolate the organism Histoplasma capsulatum was unsuccessful. The epidemiology and relationship of the disease to bat ecology is discussed.", "contents": "Histoplasmosis: an outbreak occurring among young men who visited one cave. Sixteen cases of acute benign inhalational histoplasmosis were investigated after an outbreak of the disease in a group visiting a cave. The diagnosis was confirmed in 13 patients by chest X-ray examination, histoplasmin skin testing and serological examination. An attempt to isolate the organism Histoplasma capsulatum was unsuccessful. The epidemiology and relationship of the disease to bat ecology is discussed.", "PMID": 994986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5973", "title": "Allergy testing, psychological assessment and dietary treatment of the hyperactive child syndrome.", "content": "Thirty-one children with behavioural problems and learning difficulties were allergy tested for sensitivity to salicylates, artificial colours and flavours, eighteen children had a positive response, and 15 of these were given the Australian Version of the Feingold K.P. diet. Ninety-three per cent responded with improved behaviour in the areas of overactivity, distractability, impulsiveness and excitability. Sleep and enuresis problems were resolved partially or completely. This study demonstrates that the aforementioned elimination diet significantly affects behaviour.", "contents": "Allergy testing, psychological assessment and dietary treatment of the hyperactive child syndrome. Thirty-one children with behavioural problems and learning difficulties were allergy tested for sensitivity to salicylates, artificial colours and flavours, eighteen children had a positive response, and 15 of these were given the Australian Version of the Feingold K.P. diet. Ninety-three per cent responded with improved behaviour in the areas of overactivity, distractability, impulsiveness and excitability. Sleep and enuresis problems were resolved partially or completely. This study demonstrates that the aforementioned elimination diet significantly affects behaviour.", "PMID": 994987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5974", "title": "Social and psychological changes after tubal sterilization: A reevaluation study on 425 women.", "content": "Four hundred and twenty-five women replied to a questionnaire designed to assess social and psychological changes occurring after tubal sterilization. Dissatisfaction with the outcome of the operation was unrelated to patient age at the time of the operation, parity, religious affiliation and history of emotional instability. While the incidence of negative social and psychological changes was low, a substantial proportion of the sample reported positive effects, particularly in emotional and sexual adjustment.", "contents": "Social and psychological changes after tubal sterilization: A reevaluation study on 425 women. Four hundred and twenty-five women replied to a questionnaire designed to assess social and psychological changes occurring after tubal sterilization. Dissatisfaction with the outcome of the operation was unrelated to patient age at the time of the operation, parity, religious affiliation and history of emotional instability. While the incidence of negative social and psychological changes was low, a substantial proportion of the sample reported positive effects, particularly in emotional and sexual adjustment.", "PMID": 994988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5975", "title": "Hodgkin's disease presenting as pericarditis.", "content": "Two patients presented with initial symptoms of pericarditis. Palpable lymph nodes developed a few weeks later and a diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease was made. Although rare, this mode of presentation of Hodgkin's disease has been reported previously, and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with pericarditis with severe general symptoms or a prolonged course.", "contents": "Hodgkin's disease presenting as pericarditis. Two patients presented with initial symptoms of pericarditis. Palpable lymph nodes developed a few weeks later and a diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease was made. Although rare, this mode of presentation of Hodgkin's disease has been reported previously, and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with pericarditis with severe general symptoms or a prolonged course.", "PMID": 994989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5976", "title": "Petit mal status in a patient with chronic renal failure.", "content": "A 39-year-old woman with traumatic spinal paraplegia and chronic renal failure had peritoneal dialysis for acute renal failure precipitated by a bout of urinary tract infection. Two weeks after the dialysis she lapsed into coma for a few days. An electroencephalogram indicated petit mal stupor as it showed generalized epileptic discharges during the initial period of her coma.", "contents": "Petit mal status in a patient with chronic renal failure. A 39-year-old woman with traumatic spinal paraplegia and chronic renal failure had peritoneal dialysis for acute renal failure precipitated by a bout of urinary tract infection. Two weeks after the dialysis she lapsed into coma for a few days. An electroencephalogram indicated petit mal stupor as it showed generalized epileptic discharges during the initial period of her coma.", "PMID": 994990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5977", "title": "On the uses of intracranial pressure monitoring.", "content": "Intracranial pressure monitoring with an intra-ventricular catheter, an external transducer and a continuous chart recorder was undertaken in 15 patients with acute brain damage and in six patients suspected of suffering from long-standing raised intracranial pressure. In the acute cases, monitoring was useful in the diagnosis of raised intracranial pressure and in the assessing of the efficacy of its treatment. In the chronic cases, the clinical suspicion of raised pressure was confirmed or refuted without doubt. Complications were minimal, and the method was judged to be of considerable value in selected cases.", "contents": "On the uses of intracranial pressure monitoring. Intracranial pressure monitoring with an intra-ventricular catheter, an external transducer and a continuous chart recorder was undertaken in 15 patients with acute brain damage and in six patients suspected of suffering from long-standing raised intracranial pressure. In the acute cases, monitoring was useful in the diagnosis of raised intracranial pressure and in the assessing of the efficacy of its treatment. In the chronic cases, the clinical suspicion of raised pressure was confirmed or refuted without doubt. Complications were minimal, and the method was judged to be of considerable value in selected cases.", "PMID": 994999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5978", "title": "The influence of smoking on pancreatic function in man.", "content": "A combination secretin-Lundh test was performed on 14 healthy established smokers to determine if smoking inhibited pancreatic secretion and therefore might contribute to the production of a duodenal ulcer. Seven of the patients studied smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day and were classified \"heavy smokers\". The remaining seven patients smoked less than 20 cigarettes per day and were classified \"light to moderate smokers\". The volume and bicarbonate output of the pancreas were lowered in both groups of patients after smoking one cigarette. This apparent side effect of nicotine may possibly play an important role in the production of duodenal ulcers in smokers by producing an acid milieu in the duodenum. Tryptic activity was unaffected by smoking.", "contents": "The influence of smoking on pancreatic function in man. A combination secretin-Lundh test was performed on 14 healthy established smokers to determine if smoking inhibited pancreatic secretion and therefore might contribute to the production of a duodenal ulcer. Seven of the patients studied smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day and were classified \"heavy smokers\". The remaining seven patients smoked less than 20 cigarettes per day and were classified \"light to moderate smokers\". The volume and bicarbonate output of the pancreas were lowered in both groups of patients after smoking one cigarette. This apparent side effect of nicotine may possibly play an important role in the production of duodenal ulcers in smokers by producing an acid milieu in the duodenum. Tryptic activity was unaffected by smoking.", "PMID": 995000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5979", "title": "Laryngeal cancer and smoking.", "content": "The smoking habits of 109 male patients with laryngeal cancer were analysed. Two-thirds were heavy smokers. There was one non-smoker. In 12 cases, stopping smoking did not prevent the onset of cancer. Alcohol appears to be a contributing factor. Recent studies have suggested that lowered patient immunity and the herpes virus may be important aetiological factors.", "contents": "Laryngeal cancer and smoking. The smoking habits of 109 male patients with laryngeal cancer were analysed. Two-thirds were heavy smokers. There was one non-smoker. In 12 cases, stopping smoking did not prevent the onset of cancer. Alcohol appears to be a contributing factor. Recent studies have suggested that lowered patient immunity and the herpes virus may be important aetiological factors.", "PMID": 995001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5980", "title": "Four years' experience with the gravigard in nulliparous women.", "content": "A study of the Gravigard in nulliparous patients is presented. Experience with the use of the device in 348 other patients is drawn upon for the discussion. The Gravigard is shown to be an acceptable form of contraception for nulliparous females who cannot take oral contraceptives. The failure rate was 2-6 per hundred woman-years (HWY) (corrected 1-3/HWY).", "contents": "Four years' experience with the gravigard in nulliparous women. A study of the Gravigard in nulliparous patients is presented. Experience with the use of the device in 348 other patients is drawn upon for the discussion. The Gravigard is shown to be an acceptable form of contraception for nulliparous females who cannot take oral contraceptives. The failure rate was 2-6 per hundred woman-years (HWY) (corrected 1-3/HWY).", "PMID": 995002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5981", "title": "A three-year trial of the Gravigard (Cu-7) intrauterine device.", "content": "The Gravigard (Cu-7) intrauterine device was evaluated in 201 patients (106 nulligravid, 20 nulliparous and 75 multiparous) for a period totalling 4,794 menstrual cycles. Only 4-9% of all insertions of the device proved difficult. Nine involuntary pregnancies occurred at a life-table rate of 3-0 +/- 1-3 per 100 women during the first year. Both pregnancies and expulsion of the device occurred more frequently in nulliparous than in multiparous women. Most expulsions of the device occurred during the first six months of use. A continuation rate of 72-6 per 100 women was achieved during the first year, of 58-2 per 100 women during the intial two years, and of 36-0 per 100 women during the three years of the trial. One of the most noteworthy features of this new IUCD is the extreme ease of its insertion in both nulliparous and multiparous patients.", "contents": "A three-year trial of the Gravigard (Cu-7) intrauterine device. The Gravigard (Cu-7) intrauterine device was evaluated in 201 patients (106 nulligravid, 20 nulliparous and 75 multiparous) for a period totalling 4,794 menstrual cycles. Only 4-9% of all insertions of the device proved difficult. Nine involuntary pregnancies occurred at a life-table rate of 3-0 +/- 1-3 per 100 women during the first year. Both pregnancies and expulsion of the device occurred more frequently in nulliparous than in multiparous women. Most expulsions of the device occurred during the first six months of use. A continuation rate of 72-6 per 100 women was achieved during the first year, of 58-2 per 100 women during the intial two years, and of 36-0 per 100 women during the three years of the trial. One of the most noteworthy features of this new IUCD is the extreme ease of its insertion in both nulliparous and multiparous patients.", "PMID": 995003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5982", "title": "Smoking, transient ischaemic attacks and stroke: A temporal association.", "content": "Two patients are described, both of whom demonstrate a temporal association between the clinical manifestations of cerebral ischaemia and smoking. A number of mechanisms through which smoking may influence cerebral blood flow and platelet function are discussed, and their relevance to the present cases is considered.", "contents": "Smoking, transient ischaemic attacks and stroke: A temporal association. Two patients are described, both of whom demonstrate a temporal association between the clinical manifestations of cerebral ischaemia and smoking. A number of mechanisms through which smoking may influence cerebral blood flow and platelet function are discussed, and their relevance to the present cases is considered.", "PMID": 995004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5983", "title": "Posterior fossa extradural haematoma.", "content": "A case of extradural haematoma of the posterior cranial fossa is presented and some of the pertinent literature reviewed. Suggestions are made which may enable the general surgeon and his staff looking after the patient in the acute phase to detect the presence of this lesion.", "contents": "Posterior fossa extradural haematoma. A case of extradural haematoma of the posterior cranial fossa is presented and some of the pertinent literature reviewed. Suggestions are made which may enable the general surgeon and his staff looking after the patient in the acute phase to detect the presence of this lesion.", "PMID": 995005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5984", "title": "Naturally acquired immunity to influenza type A: a clinical and laboratory study.", "content": "After type A influenza virus had undergone major antigenic change in mid 1968, it was noted that individuals previously infected by strains of the old subtype (Asian), especially late strains, appeared to be unexpectedly resistant to clinical attack by the new subtype (Hong Kong). Prospective studies have since shown that, during the A/England/42/72 influenza epidemic of 1972, in which the incidence was approximately 7% in the community, clinical influenza due to this virus was not found in 229 subjects previously confirmed as having had A/Hong Kong/1/68 influenza, even though vaccine which had been effective against A/Hong Kong/1/68 was ineffective against A/England/42/72. During the A/Port Chalmers/1/73 influenza epidemic of 1974, clinical influenza resulting from Port Chalmers virus was not found in a closely monitored group of 176 unvaccinated subjects previously infected by A/Hong Kong/1/68 or A/England/42/72, although laboratory studies demonstrated Port Chalmers infection in five of these (2-8%). By contrast, among 99 subjects who had no such history of earlier infection, 22 developed laboratory-proven Port Chalmers influenza and most of them had typical illness.", "contents": "Naturally acquired immunity to influenza type A: a clinical and laboratory study. After type A influenza virus had undergone major antigenic change in mid 1968, it was noted that individuals previously infected by strains of the old subtype (Asian), especially late strains, appeared to be unexpectedly resistant to clinical attack by the new subtype (Hong Kong). Prospective studies have since shown that, during the A/England/42/72 influenza epidemic of 1972, in which the incidence was approximately 7% in the community, clinical influenza due to this virus was not found in 229 subjects previously confirmed as having had A/Hong Kong/1/68 influenza, even though vaccine which had been effective against A/Hong Kong/1/68 was ineffective against A/England/42/72. During the A/Port Chalmers/1/73 influenza epidemic of 1974, clinical influenza resulting from Port Chalmers virus was not found in a closely monitored group of 176 unvaccinated subjects previously infected by A/Hong Kong/1/68 or A/England/42/72, although laboratory studies demonstrated Port Chalmers infection in five of these (2-8%). By contrast, among 99 subjects who had no such history of earlier infection, 22 developed laboratory-proven Port Chalmers influenza and most of them had typical illness.", "PMID": 995012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5985", "title": "Three cases of granulomatous arachnoiditis after myelography.", "content": "Arachnoiditis occurring after myelography is well recognized and the mechanism is understood. Three cases of arachnoiditis caused by oily myelographic contrast media are presented. This complication of myelography may occur even if recognized precautions are observed. The general problem of encystment of dye with a chronic inflammatory process, fibrosis and granuloma formation is described.", "contents": "Three cases of granulomatous arachnoiditis after myelography. Arachnoiditis occurring after myelography is well recognized and the mechanism is understood. Three cases of arachnoiditis caused by oily myelographic contrast media are presented. This complication of myelography may occur even if recognized precautions are observed. The general problem of encystment of dye with a chronic inflammatory process, fibrosis and granuloma formation is described.", "PMID": 995013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5986", "title": "Women's attitudes to mastectomy for breast cancer.", "content": "One hundred patients who had been subjected to mastectomy for carcinoma were interviewed retrospectively to gauge their attitudes to any physical and/or emotional disabilities relating to their operation or disease. It was found that 40% of the patients had delayed for longer than a month after the onset of symptoms before seeking medical advice, but the reasons for this were not readily forthcoming. However, fear of mastectomy was not a common cause. Anxiety and embarassment due to an absent breast occurred in about one-third of patients, and did not diminish with time. Knowledge and the use of mammary prostheses was far from universal, and disturbingly only two-thirds were counselled in these matters by their medical advisers. Physical complications were common, particularly lymphoedema of the arm, and as expected this was closely related to the type and extent of treatment undertaken.", "contents": "Women's attitudes to mastectomy for breast cancer. One hundred patients who had been subjected to mastectomy for carcinoma were interviewed retrospectively to gauge their attitudes to any physical and/or emotional disabilities relating to their operation or disease. It was found that 40% of the patients had delayed for longer than a month after the onset of symptoms before seeking medical advice, but the reasons for this were not readily forthcoming. However, fear of mastectomy was not a common cause. Anxiety and embarassment due to an absent breast occurred in about one-third of patients, and did not diminish with time. Knowledge and the use of mammary prostheses was far from universal, and disturbingly only two-thirds were counselled in these matters by their medical advisers. Physical complications were common, particularly lymphoedema of the arm, and as expected this was closely related to the type and extent of treatment undertaken.", "PMID": 995014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5987", "title": "Intraventricular haemorrhage in the newborn.", "content": "Coagulation studies were performed on 128 babies who were premature or who had respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Forty-four babies were found to have abnormal coagulation parameters. Twenty-one were treated with plasma coagulation factors II, VII, IX and X (PPSB), and of these six died from intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH). Twenty-two did not have PPSB treatment and four died from IVH. In 84 babies in whom coagulation studies gave normal results only one baby died from IVH. The combination of RDS and abnormal coagulation produced a high-risk group to IVH and treatment with PPSB did not reduce the incidence of IVH. It is postulated that prevention of IVH lies in early and effective treatment of RDS.", "contents": "Intraventricular haemorrhage in the newborn. Coagulation studies were performed on 128 babies who were premature or who had respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Forty-four babies were found to have abnormal coagulation parameters. Twenty-one were treated with plasma coagulation factors II, VII, IX and X (PPSB), and of these six died from intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH). Twenty-two did not have PPSB treatment and four died from IVH. In 84 babies in whom coagulation studies gave normal results only one baby died from IVH. The combination of RDS and abnormal coagulation produced a high-risk group to IVH and treatment with PPSB did not reduce the incidence of IVH. It is postulated that prevention of IVH lies in early and effective treatment of RDS.", "PMID": 995015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5988", "title": "Fluoride content of prepackaged fruit juices and carbonated soft drinks.", "content": "Epidemiological studies have established the beneficial effects of water fluoridation. Present dietary trends, however, indicate that many Australian children may consume more prepackaged fluids than actual tap water. The fluoride concentrations of a selection of carbonated soft drinks and prepackaged fruit juices were investigated. The results indicate that, in an optimal fluoride area such as Sydney, children who consume a consistent and large proportion of their fluids as carbonated soft drinks in cans, fruit juices and fruit drinks may not be receiving the full benefit of the water fluoridation.", "contents": "Fluoride content of prepackaged fruit juices and carbonated soft drinks. Epidemiological studies have established the beneficial effects of water fluoridation. Present dietary trends, however, indicate that many Australian children may consume more prepackaged fluids than actual tap water. The fluoride concentrations of a selection of carbonated soft drinks and prepackaged fruit juices were investigated. The results indicate that, in an optimal fluoride area such as Sydney, children who consume a consistent and large proportion of their fluids as carbonated soft drinks in cans, fruit juices and fruit drinks may not be receiving the full benefit of the water fluoridation.", "PMID": 995016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5989", "title": "Giant intracavernous aneurysm: rare cause of isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy in a child.", "content": "A boy, aged 7 1/2 years, developed a sixth cranial nerve palsy for which no cause was found until 8 1/2 years later, when he developed a rapidly progressive ophthalmoplegia. A giant intracavernous aneurysm was then demonstrated on carotid angiography and successfully treated by carotid ligation. Radioisotope techniques were of value in diagnosis and follow-up.", "contents": "Giant intracavernous aneurysm: rare cause of isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy in a child. A boy, aged 7 1/2 years, developed a sixth cranial nerve palsy for which no cause was found until 8 1/2 years later, when he developed a rapidly progressive ophthalmoplegia. A giant intracavernous aneurysm was then demonstrated on carotid angiography and successfully treated by carotid ligation. Radioisotope techniques were of value in diagnosis and follow-up.", "PMID": 995017} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5990", "title": "Pseudohypoparathyroidism associated with cri du chat syndrome.", "content": "A case is reported in which features of pseudohypoparathyroidism were found in association with the cri du chat syndrome. This association may throw some light on the localization of the chromosomal abberration which underlies pseudohypoparathyroidism, since deletion of the short arm of chromosome 5 has been clearly established in the cri du chat syndrome.", "contents": "Pseudohypoparathyroidism associated with cri du chat syndrome. A case is reported in which features of pseudohypoparathyroidism were found in association with the cri du chat syndrome. This association may throw some light on the localization of the chromosomal abberration which underlies pseudohypoparathyroidism, since deletion of the short arm of chromosome 5 has been clearly established in the cri du chat syndrome.", "PMID": 995018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5991", "title": "The diagnosis of giardiasis.", "content": "Four methods of diagnosing giardiasis are compared. Examination of smear preparations made from the jeunal biopsy specimen showed positive results in all of the 20 consecutive cases of giardiasis reported. The test was more reliable than examination of histological sections of the jejunal biopsy, wet preparations of jejunal aspirate, or faecal smears.", "contents": "The diagnosis of giardiasis. Four methods of diagnosing giardiasis are compared. Examination of smear preparations made from the jeunal biopsy specimen showed positive results in all of the 20 consecutive cases of giardiasis reported. The test was more reliable than examination of histological sections of the jejunal biopsy, wet preparations of jejunal aspirate, or faecal smears.", "PMID": 995020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5992", "title": "[Frequency, diagnosis, and course of hepatotoxic side effects of Rifampicin (author's transl)].", "content": "In a retrospective study the following was found: Out of 111 patients suffering from tuberculosis and receiving a combined INH-therapy without Rifampicin 23% showed an increase of serum-transmainase activities, on the other hand out of 105 patients, treated with a combination including Rifampicin 74% did so. A pathological De Ritis ratio GOT/GPT was found in 31 among 59 comparable cases of Rifampicin-treated patients, and a pathological ratio GOT + GPT/AP in 22 among 37 cases before the transaminase-activities rose above normal. Development of a distinct toxic hepatic damage has to be anticipated in those cases, which show a De Ritis ratio below 0,5 or a GOT + GPT/AP ratio above 1,0 while transaminase-activity still is only slightly elevated. Liver biopsies taken from 10 patients showed no regular relation to the biochemical data.", "contents": "[Frequency, diagnosis, and course of hepatotoxic side effects of Rifampicin (author's transl)]. In a retrospective study the following was found: Out of 111 patients suffering from tuberculosis and receiving a combined INH-therapy without Rifampicin 23% showed an increase of serum-transmainase activities, on the other hand out of 105 patients, treated with a combination including Rifampicin 74% did so. A pathological De Ritis ratio GOT/GPT was found in 31 among 59 comparable cases of Rifampicin-treated patients, and a pathological ratio GOT + GPT/AP in 22 among 37 cases before the transaminase-activities rose above normal. Development of a distinct toxic hepatic damage has to be anticipated in those cases, which show a De Ritis ratio below 0,5 or a GOT + GPT/AP ratio above 1,0 while transaminase-activity still is only slightly elevated. Liver biopsies taken from 10 patients showed no regular relation to the biochemical data.", "PMID": 995024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5993", "title": "[Endoscopic-radiologic cholangio-pancreaticography (author's transl)].", "content": "Results of 408 own endoscropic-radiologic cholangio-pancreatico-graphies are presented, indications and diagnostic relevance of the method are discussed. Low rate of complications and its high diagnostic value are reasons for ERCP's clinical importance even as a routine procedure at gastro-enterological centers. In the future, cytological, immunological and biochemical analysis of juices and aspirates as well as endoscopic surgery will contribute to an even wider clinical use of the method. In 337 patients (82.6%) cannulation of the papilla of Vater and visualization of one or both duct systems were successful. In 198 cases with visualization of ducts (58.8%) pathological lesions were found. Thus observation of indications and contra-indications of ERCP is documented, of a method, which is not too risky, but relatively expensive and difficult to employ.", "contents": "[Endoscopic-radiologic cholangio-pancreaticography (author's transl)]. Results of 408 own endoscropic-radiologic cholangio-pancreatico-graphies are presented, indications and diagnostic relevance of the method are discussed. Low rate of complications and its high diagnostic value are reasons for ERCP's clinical importance even as a routine procedure at gastro-enterological centers. In the future, cytological, immunological and biochemical analysis of juices and aspirates as well as endoscopic surgery will contribute to an even wider clinical use of the method. In 337 patients (82.6%) cannulation of the papilla of Vater and visualization of one or both duct systems were successful. In 198 cases with visualization of ducts (58.8%) pathological lesions were found. Thus observation of indications and contra-indications of ERCP is documented, of a method, which is not too risky, but relatively expensive and difficult to employ.", "PMID": 995025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5994", "title": "[Dissolution of a radiolucent stone in the common bile duct by sodium cholate infusions through the T-tube (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of a retained gallstone in the common bile duct after cholecystectomy (in a 38-year old man) is reported in which infusions with saline and spasmolytics failed to flush out the retained stone into the duodenum. An infusion with sodium cholate over nine days through the T-tube was successful in dissolution of the radiolucent stone.", "contents": "[Dissolution of a radiolucent stone in the common bile duct by sodium cholate infusions through the T-tube (author's transl)]. A case of a retained gallstone in the common bile duct after cholecystectomy (in a 38-year old man) is reported in which infusions with saline and spasmolytics failed to flush out the retained stone into the duodenum. An infusion with sodium cholate over nine days through the T-tube was successful in dissolution of the radiolucent stone.", "PMID": 995026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5995", "title": "[Acute intermittent porphyria: report on 17 patients with 49 attacks (author's transl)].", "content": "In 17 patients (15 women, 2 men) with acute intermittent porphyria in the incidence of 23 clinical symptoms during 49 attacks was calculated. The most frequent symptoms in percentage of attacks were: Red colour of the urine 100%, abdominal pain 92%, tachycardia 88%, hypertension 75%, vomiting 54%, peripheral neuropathy 50%. In 35% of acute attacks a transient normochromic, normocytic anemia developed which is probably due to a disturbance of heme synthesis. Oliguria was found in 25%, azotemia in 12.5% of attacks. 4 patients with an average of 5 preceding acute attacks showed a persistent reduction of renal function during the symptom-free interval, in contrast to 12 patients with an average of 1.7 previous attacks and normal renal function. During the observation period from 1960-1974 3 (= 18%) of the 17 patients died.", "contents": "[Acute intermittent porphyria: report on 17 patients with 49 attacks (author's transl)]. In 17 patients (15 women, 2 men) with acute intermittent porphyria in the incidence of 23 clinical symptoms during 49 attacks was calculated. The most frequent symptoms in percentage of attacks were: Red colour of the urine 100%, abdominal pain 92%, tachycardia 88%, hypertension 75%, vomiting 54%, peripheral neuropathy 50%. In 35% of acute attacks a transient normochromic, normocytic anemia developed which is probably due to a disturbance of heme synthesis. Oliguria was found in 25%, azotemia in 12.5% of attacks. 4 patients with an average of 5 preceding acute attacks showed a persistent reduction of renal function during the symptom-free interval, in contrast to 12 patients with an average of 1.7 previous attacks and normal renal function. During the observation period from 1960-1974 3 (= 18%) of the 17 patients died.", "PMID": 995030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5996", "title": "[Experiences with cephradine (Sefril) in septical-surgery (author's transl)].", "content": "100 patients with septic-surgical diseases were treated with the cephalosporine-derivate Cephradine (Sefril). 79 patients were treated by surgical intervention in advance of the antibiotic therapy, 21 by Sefril in combination with conservative therapy only. The continuance of medication amounted to two weeks in 94%. A complete healing of the pyogenic infection was obtained in 86 patients. Complications occured in 6%.", "contents": "[Experiences with cephradine (Sefril) in septical-surgery (author's transl)]. 100 patients with septic-surgical diseases were treated with the cephalosporine-derivate Cephradine (Sefril). 79 patients were treated by surgical intervention in advance of the antibiotic therapy, 21 by Sefril in combination with conservative therapy only. The continuance of medication amounted to two weeks in 94%. A complete healing of the pyogenic infection was obtained in 86 patients. Complications occured in 6%.", "PMID": 995031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5997", "title": "[Compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist (author's transl)].", "content": "Compressions of the ulnar nerve at the wrist in or beyond the canal de Guyon are comparative rare. Those originating from compression in the sulcus ulnaris at the elbow are much more common. The clinical symptoms are typical: Weakness of the small muscles of the hand, loss of sensibility and pain. The diagnosis can be made on the clinical picture. It has to be confirmed by electromyography. Surgery should be performed as early as possible to avoid permanent damage to the nerve. Any delay can cause irreversible loss of function of the ulnar nerve. As causes of the compression of the ulnar nerve tumours, inflammation of the sourrounding tissue or trauma have been described. In this paper we report about compression of the ulnar nerve in the canal de Guyon due to a thrombosed aneurysme of the ulnar artery. This condition is quite rare. It is characterized through sudden onset of pain in the hand. Immediate surgery with decompression of the nerve, as we did in our case, will result in complete recovery.", "contents": "[Compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist (author's transl)]. Compressions of the ulnar nerve at the wrist in or beyond the canal de Guyon are comparative rare. Those originating from compression in the sulcus ulnaris at the elbow are much more common. The clinical symptoms are typical: Weakness of the small muscles of the hand, loss of sensibility and pain. The diagnosis can be made on the clinical picture. It has to be confirmed by electromyography. Surgery should be performed as early as possible to avoid permanent damage to the nerve. Any delay can cause irreversible loss of function of the ulnar nerve. As causes of the compression of the ulnar nerve tumours, inflammation of the sourrounding tissue or trauma have been described. In this paper we report about compression of the ulnar nerve in the canal de Guyon due to a thrombosed aneurysme of the ulnar artery. This condition is quite rare. It is characterized through sudden onset of pain in the hand. Immediate surgery with decompression of the nerve, as we did in our case, will result in complete recovery.", "PMID": 995032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5998", "title": "[Lumboscopic renal biopsy (author's transl)].", "content": "Renal biopsies with a new \"lumboscopic\" (half-open) technique were performed in 109 patients. Access to the kidney was gained by a small flank incision and biopsies from the renal cortex were taken under vision through the lumboscope. The biopsies were successful in all cases. The advantages of the new technique are convincing and lumboscopy suited to replace the regular open biopsy procedure.", "contents": "[Lumboscopic renal biopsy (author's transl)]. Renal biopsies with a new \"lumboscopic\" (half-open) technique were performed in 109 patients. Access to the kidney was gained by a small flank incision and biopsies from the renal cortex were taken under vision through the lumboscope. The biopsies were successful in all cases. The advantages of the new technique are convincing and lumboscopy suited to replace the regular open biopsy procedure.", "PMID": 995034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_5999", "title": "[Plasma hydroxyproline in chronic renal failure (author's transl)].", "content": "The plasma concentration of hydroxyproline fractions were determined in 50 adult patients with renal insufficiency and 19 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis treatment. Free and peptide bound hydroxyproline fractions (total hydroxyproline) were elevated, the protein bound hydroxyproline (hypro-protein) was only slightly increased without significant correlation to the degree of renal insufficiency. The total hydroxyproline correlated only with the level of the alkaline phosphatase. The validity of the single fractions of hydroxyproline in plasma as parameter of the renal osteodystrophy is discussed.", "contents": "[Plasma hydroxyproline in chronic renal failure (author's transl)]. The plasma concentration of hydroxyproline fractions were determined in 50 adult patients with renal insufficiency and 19 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis treatment. Free and peptide bound hydroxyproline fractions (total hydroxyproline) were elevated, the protein bound hydroxyproline (hypro-protein) was only slightly increased without significant correlation to the degree of renal insufficiency. The total hydroxyproline correlated only with the level of the alkaline phosphatase. The validity of the single fractions of hydroxyproline in plasma as parameter of the renal osteodystrophy is discussed.", "PMID": 995035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6000", "title": "[Nonsymmetrical communication in clinical visits (author's transl)].", "content": "The article tries to demonstrate on an empirical basis how physicians in hospitals react to threatening situations, namely the demand of information about illness by severely ill patients. Four types of reaction relating to physicians' verbal communications are distinguished and illustrated by tape-recordings on clinical visits:1. Disregard, 2. Shift of the topic or the addressee, 3. Communication of \"reference-information\", 4. Communication of \"functional uncertainty\". The results demonstrate that nonsymmetrical communications are significantly more usual in regard to severely ill than regard to non severe patients and significantly more usual among traditionally trained physicians than among physicians with psychosomatic or psychotherapeutic training or orientation. Some practical consequences are mentioned, especially in the field of medical education.", "contents": "[Nonsymmetrical communication in clinical visits (author's transl)]. The article tries to demonstrate on an empirical basis how physicians in hospitals react to threatening situations, namely the demand of information about illness by severely ill patients. Four types of reaction relating to physicians' verbal communications are distinguished and illustrated by tape-recordings on clinical visits:1. Disregard, 2. Shift of the topic or the addressee, 3. Communication of \"reference-information\", 4. Communication of \"functional uncertainty\". The results demonstrate that nonsymmetrical communications are significantly more usual in regard to severely ill than regard to non severe patients and significantly more usual among traditionally trained physicians than among physicians with psychosomatic or psychotherapeutic training or orientation. Some practical consequences are mentioned, especially in the field of medical education.", "PMID": 995036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6001", "title": "[Constitution and obesity in adolescents (author's transl)].", "content": "Obesity was found in 18% of 475 adolescents of both sexes by subtraction of lean body weight from whole body weight. Severe obesity is more frequent in male while lower degrees are more often seen in female adolescents. Obese youths are not only fatter than lean ones: their lean body weight is also higher, shoulders, chest and hips are broader. Their weight at birth was higher than that of none-obese subjects. Their mothers more often classify themselves as \"well developed\", \"stout\" or \"fat\"; the same is true for the fathers of obese girls but not for the obese boys' fathers. The results are discussed in context with the new findings of adipose tissue hyperplasia. It is felt that hereditary constitution of an individuum is of great importance in the development of obesity.", "contents": "[Constitution and obesity in adolescents (author's transl)]. Obesity was found in 18% of 475 adolescents of both sexes by subtraction of lean body weight from whole body weight. Severe obesity is more frequent in male while lower degrees are more often seen in female adolescents. Obese youths are not only fatter than lean ones: their lean body weight is also higher, shoulders, chest and hips are broader. Their weight at birth was higher than that of none-obese subjects. Their mothers more often classify themselves as \"well developed\", \"stout\" or \"fat\"; the same is true for the fathers of obese girls but not for the obese boys' fathers. The results are discussed in context with the new findings of adipose tissue hyperplasia. It is felt that hereditary constitution of an individuum is of great importance in the development of obesity.", "PMID": 995039} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6002", "title": "[Comparative trial on the effects of diet, mazindol, and placebo in the treatment of exogenous obesity (author's transl)].", "content": "In a single blind study 25 out patients with exogenous obesity were treated for 6 weeks with Mazindol (2 mg one hour before lunch). The active treatment period was followed by a placebo period of 4 weeks. 9 out of 25 patients (group I) were asked to stick to a diet of 1000 cal daily for 14 days before entering the active treatment period. The rest of the patients (group II) were asked to start with this diet when entering the treatment period. There was practically no weight reduction during the initial 2 weeks on diet alone in group I. In both groups on Mazindol there was a significant weight reduction beginning after one week with a maximum weight loss of 4,1 and 5,1 kg respectively at the end of the active treatment period (2p less than 0,001). After the first week of the following placebo period there was an increase in weight in both groups (2p less than 0,01). During both treatment periods no changes in clinical (including) ergometric investigations) and laboratory findings were observed. However from these results no conclusions can be drawn regarding cardiopulmonary tolerance and abuse potential. In a few cases mild side effects related to the CNS have been found.", "contents": "[Comparative trial on the effects of diet, mazindol, and placebo in the treatment of exogenous obesity (author's transl)]. In a single blind study 25 out patients with exogenous obesity were treated for 6 weeks with Mazindol (2 mg one hour before lunch). The active treatment period was followed by a placebo period of 4 weeks. 9 out of 25 patients (group I) were asked to stick to a diet of 1000 cal daily for 14 days before entering the active treatment period. The rest of the patients (group II) were asked to start with this diet when entering the treatment period. There was practically no weight reduction during the initial 2 weeks on diet alone in group I. In both groups on Mazindol there was a significant weight reduction beginning after one week with a maximum weight loss of 4,1 and 5,1 kg respectively at the end of the active treatment period (2p less than 0,001). After the first week of the following placebo period there was an increase in weight in both groups (2p less than 0,01). During both treatment periods no changes in clinical (including) ergometric investigations) and laboratory findings were observed. However from these results no conclusions can be drawn regarding cardiopulmonary tolerance and abuse potential. In a few cases mild side effects related to the CNS have been found.", "PMID": 995040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6003", "title": "[Diagnostics of lactose-malabsorption: value of tolerance tests and 14CO2 exhalation test in patients with and without lactase deficiency (author's transl)].", "content": "Lactose-tolerance-test (LTT), ethanol-lactose-tolerance-test (ELTT), 14CO2 breath test and 14C-glucose determination were simultaneously performed in 27 healthy subjects, 16 patients with a Billroth II gastrectomy and 6 patients with a malabsorption syndrome. Intestinal mucosal lactase was absent or significant diminished in 5 of the B II cases and in all patients with malabsorption. In the lactase deficient patients a diminished serum glucose rise after ingestion of 50 g lactose was observed in LTT as well as in ELTT. False positive results in LTT could not be prevented by performing the ELTT. Furthermore the ELTT is not suitable for ambulant investigations because of the required high ethanol load of 0.5 g/kg. Most reliable results were obtained by determination of 14C-serum-glucose after oral application of about 15 muCi of 14C lactose. In respect to lactase level neither false positive nor false negative results were observed. For clinical investigations the procedure of isolation and measurement of 14C-glucose is too laborious however. 14CO2-exhalation test cannot be recommended because of many false positive and false negative results. Moreover 14CO2-exhalation seemed to be insensible and predominant depending on factors other than lactose absorption.", "contents": "[Diagnostics of lactose-malabsorption: value of tolerance tests and 14CO2 exhalation test in patients with and without lactase deficiency (author's transl)]. Lactose-tolerance-test (LTT), ethanol-lactose-tolerance-test (ELTT), 14CO2 breath test and 14C-glucose determination were simultaneously performed in 27 healthy subjects, 16 patients with a Billroth II gastrectomy and 6 patients with a malabsorption syndrome. Intestinal mucosal lactase was absent or significant diminished in 5 of the B II cases and in all patients with malabsorption. In the lactase deficient patients a diminished serum glucose rise after ingestion of 50 g lactose was observed in LTT as well as in ELTT. False positive results in LTT could not be prevented by performing the ELTT. Furthermore the ELTT is not suitable for ambulant investigations because of the required high ethanol load of 0.5 g/kg. Most reliable results were obtained by determination of 14C-serum-glucose after oral application of about 15 muCi of 14C lactose. In respect to lactase level neither false positive nor false negative results were observed. For clinical investigations the procedure of isolation and measurement of 14C-glucose is too laborious however. 14CO2-exhalation test cannot be recommended because of many false positive and false negative results. Moreover 14CO2-exhalation seemed to be insensible and predominant depending on factors other than lactose absorption.", "PMID": 995041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6004", "title": "[Diabetic nephropathy, hypothyroidism and colfibrate-induced myopathy (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of a pluriglandular-insufficiency syndrome (Diabetes mellitus and primary hypothyroidism) is described. The history and symptomatology of the patient is presented and prevously published references are briefly discussed. The case reported was complicated by renal insufficiency and by a \"muscle-syndrome\" after clofibrate therapy for hyperlipidemia--two complications, which were possibly intensified by the hypothyroid state of the patient.", "contents": "[Diabetic nephropathy, hypothyroidism and colfibrate-induced myopathy (author's transl)]. A case of a pluriglandular-insufficiency syndrome (Diabetes mellitus and primary hypothyroidism) is described. The history and symptomatology of the patient is presented and prevously published references are briefly discussed. The case reported was complicated by renal insufficiency and by a \"muscle-syndrome\" after clofibrate therapy for hyperlipidemia--two complications, which were possibly intensified by the hypothyroid state of the patient.", "PMID": 995042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6005", "title": "[Hyperoxaluriaas a complication of intestinal diseases (author's transl)].", "content": "Urinary oxalate excretion was measured in healthy persons and patients with Crohn's disease, colitis ulcerosa, sprue and other diseases accompanied with malabsorption, and patients with insufficiency of the exocrine pancreas gland. Further measurements were made in patients after resection of parts of the small intestine or the colon. We found a clear increase of urinary oxalate excretion in patients with resected parts of the small intestine, sprue or other malabsorption syndromes. In 4 patients with resected parts of small intestine or pancreas we even found urolithiasis. Urinary oxalate excretion correlated significantly with steatorrhoea and increased if larger parts of small intestine were resected. Increased resorption of oxalate from food causes increased urinary excretion. Details about the patho-mechanism of this increased excretion are not known yet; an important factor seems to be the reduced absorption of fat in the small intestine.", "contents": "[Hyperoxaluriaas a complication of intestinal diseases (author's transl)]. Urinary oxalate excretion was measured in healthy persons and patients with Crohn's disease, colitis ulcerosa, sprue and other diseases accompanied with malabsorption, and patients with insufficiency of the exocrine pancreas gland. Further measurements were made in patients after resection of parts of the small intestine or the colon. We found a clear increase of urinary oxalate excretion in patients with resected parts of the small intestine, sprue or other malabsorption syndromes. In 4 patients with resected parts of small intestine or pancreas we even found urolithiasis. Urinary oxalate excretion correlated significantly with steatorrhoea and increased if larger parts of small intestine were resected. Increased resorption of oxalate from food causes increased urinary excretion. Details about the patho-mechanism of this increased excretion are not known yet; an important factor seems to be the reduced absorption of fat in the small intestine.", "PMID": 995043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6006", "title": "Electrical ventricular defibrillation.", "content": "Ventricular fibrillation is the condition in which all of the muscle fibers in the ventricles of the heart contract and relax randomly and do not propel blood from the heart. This condition, which is the major cause of sudden death from a heart attack, can be reversed by passage of a single pulse of current through the heart using electrodes applied to the chest wall; this technique is known as ventricular defibrillation. World-wide clinical experience has shown that with existing defibrillators, successful defibrillation of subjects weighing over 100 kg is infrequent. It should not be concluded, however, that defibrillation cannot be achieved in such subjects. To illustrate this point, data will be presented to show that it is possible to establish a dose concept in which the output required from a defibrillator can be specified in terms of the weight of the subject. This dose concept evolved slowly from studies reported by investigators in various countries. For example, the present-day techniques of ventricular defibrillation are due to the investigations of researchers all over the world. Prevost and Battelli (1898) in Switzerland first showed that electric current can both induce ventricular fibrillation and achieve defibrillation. The studies of Kouwenhoven in the 1930's in the USA showed that 60 Hz alternating current can be used for defibrillation. The first human defibrillations in 1947 and 1952 used this type of current; these studies were reported by Beck and Zoll in the USA. The present-day technique for defibrillation derives from the animal studies reported by Gurvich and Yuniev 1946 in Russia. Finally, Lown et al. in the early 1960's applied the technique to man. Exciting new developments are underway in ventricular defibrillation. Not only are higher output defibrillators beginning to appear, but automatic and fully implantable defibrillators are being involved. In this paper, the present state of the art of defibrillation will be reported and future trends will be described.", "contents": "Electrical ventricular defibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation is the condition in which all of the muscle fibers in the ventricles of the heart contract and relax randomly and do not propel blood from the heart. This condition, which is the major cause of sudden death from a heart attack, can be reversed by passage of a single pulse of current through the heart using electrodes applied to the chest wall; this technique is known as ventricular defibrillation. World-wide clinical experience has shown that with existing defibrillators, successful defibrillation of subjects weighing over 100 kg is infrequent. It should not be concluded, however, that defibrillation cannot be achieved in such subjects. To illustrate this point, data will be presented to show that it is possible to establish a dose concept in which the output required from a defibrillator can be specified in terms of the weight of the subject. This dose concept evolved slowly from studies reported by investigators in various countries. For example, the present-day techniques of ventricular defibrillation are due to the investigations of researchers all over the world. Prevost and Battelli (1898) in Switzerland first showed that electric current can both induce ventricular fibrillation and achieve defibrillation. The studies of Kouwenhoven in the 1930's in the USA showed that 60 Hz alternating current can be used for defibrillation. The first human defibrillations in 1947 and 1952 used this type of current; these studies were reported by Beck and Zoll in the USA. The present-day technique for defibrillation derives from the animal studies reported by Gurvich and Yuniev 1946 in Russia. Finally, Lown et al. in the early 1960's applied the technique to man. Exciting new developments are underway in ventricular defibrillation. Not only are higher output defibrillators beginning to appear, but automatic and fully implantable defibrillators are being involved. In this paper, the present state of the art of defibrillation will be reported and future trends will be described.", "PMID": 995068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6007", "title": "Ultrasound in the assessment of vascular function.", "content": "The study of circulatory function is fundamental to the understanding of many physiological processes and pathological conditions, and has been greatly advanced by developments in the use of ultrasound. Transcutaneous measurement of blood velocity has been made possible by the use of Doppler shift methods, and many methods of spectral analysis have been developed. Blood volumetric and flow profiles can be achieved through the use of range-gated pulsed Doppler systems. A combination of Doppler velocimetry, pressure measurements and volumetric visualisations provide a powerful alternative to more conventional investigations like arteriography. Current developments indicate that the use of ultrasound in investigating vascular function is cost effective.", "contents": "Ultrasound in the assessment of vascular function. The study of circulatory function is fundamental to the understanding of many physiological processes and pathological conditions, and has been greatly advanced by developments in the use of ultrasound. Transcutaneous measurement of blood velocity has been made possible by the use of Doppler shift methods, and many methods of spectral analysis have been developed. Blood volumetric and flow profiles can be achieved through the use of range-gated pulsed Doppler systems. A combination of Doppler velocimetry, pressure measurements and volumetric visualisations provide a powerful alternative to more conventional investigations like arteriography. Current developments indicate that the use of ultrasound in investigating vascular function is cost effective.", "PMID": 995069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6008", "title": "Signal processing: from mathematical theory to clinical acceptance or vice-versa?", "content": "Signal processing in physiology and medicine hasn't developed as well as one could have hoped in spite of important efforts in research. The bases for present techniques in signal processing are evaluated for the two types of signals encountered in physiology, namely, continuous signals and point processes. It seems that morphological analysis ought to be adapted to the study of continuous physiological signals and that point processes constitute an important form of signals. The principal areas where industrial development can be expected are explored.", "contents": "Signal processing: from mathematical theory to clinical acceptance or vice-versa? Signal processing in physiology and medicine hasn't developed as well as one could have hoped in spite of important efforts in research. The bases for present techniques in signal processing are evaluated for the two types of signals encountered in physiology, namely, continuous signals and point processes. It seems that morphological analysis ought to be adapted to the study of continuous physiological signals and that point processes constitute an important form of signals. The principal areas where industrial development can be expected are explored.", "PMID": 995070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6009", "title": "Biomedical engineering for \"The Age of Health\".", "content": "A systems approach to health care inevitably emphasizes shifting present emphasis from curative to preventive orientations. However, problems arise through the inertia and resistance of our politico-cultural system. The present highly-developed curative-oriented system depends heavily on technological and biomedial engineering expertise, as indeed will a preventive-oriented system. They must serve however within the priorities defined by the systems objectives in health care. This paper reviews, in terms of technological content and socio-political issues, some major developments including; multiphasic health testing and disease screening, health appraisals, clinical labs and other test procedures, protocols, computerized information systems, data bases and systems modelling.", "contents": "Biomedical engineering for \"The Age of Health\". A systems approach to health care inevitably emphasizes shifting present emphasis from curative to preventive orientations. However, problems arise through the inertia and resistance of our politico-cultural system. The present highly-developed curative-oriented system depends heavily on technological and biomedial engineering expertise, as indeed will a preventive-oriented system. They must serve however within the priorities defined by the systems objectives in health care. This paper reviews, in terms of technological content and socio-political issues, some major developments including; multiphasic health testing and disease screening, health appraisals, clinical labs and other test procedures, protocols, computerized information systems, data bases and systems modelling.", "PMID": 995071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6010", "title": "The measurement of pressure and flow in the microcirculation: application to physiological and clinical problems.", "content": "The analysis of hemodynamic phenomena at the level of microscopic blood vessels of diameters ranging from 10(-2)-10(-3) cm is currently based on direct measurements of plasma pressure and red blood cell velocity in in-vivo conditions. Pressure measurements are performed with active pressure measurement systems via cannulae with 1 mum tip openings. Flow measurements are deduced from optical transit time methods from data recorded by television. The technique provides both average and dynamic data. The latter is derived from signal processing of the direct measurements by means of active filters. These techniques yield data on low level signals related to the periodic action of the heart. This analysis provides information on the transit time of pressure and flow pulses through the microcirculation. These methods are currently utilized in routine physiologic investigations and as a means for studying the human skin microcirculation of normal subjects.", "contents": "The measurement of pressure and flow in the microcirculation: application to physiological and clinical problems. The analysis of hemodynamic phenomena at the level of microscopic blood vessels of diameters ranging from 10(-2)-10(-3) cm is currently based on direct measurements of plasma pressure and red blood cell velocity in in-vivo conditions. Pressure measurements are performed with active pressure measurement systems via cannulae with 1 mum tip openings. Flow measurements are deduced from optical transit time methods from data recorded by television. The technique provides both average and dynamic data. The latter is derived from signal processing of the direct measurements by means of active filters. These techniques yield data on low level signals related to the periodic action of the heart. This analysis provides information on the transit time of pressure and flow pulses through the microcirculation. These methods are currently utilized in routine physiologic investigations and as a means for studying the human skin microcirculation of normal subjects.", "PMID": 995072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6011", "title": "The artificial heart - progress, problems, and further development.", "content": "The state of the art in the development of artificial heart research based on more than 100 own animal experiments and information from the other groups working in the same field is laid out. Consideration is given to a variety of special problems. The use of biomaterials (blood compatibility and mechanical strength and durability), the flow pattern in the pumps (clot formation), and special hemodynamical effects are discussed as well as different driving systems and percutane energy transmission (avoidance of infection). Respective measurements show the hemodynamics in the systemic and pulmonary circulation, especially the difficulties of the venous inflow and the regulation of the pumps. The effect of an active artificial atrium and new ways of computerized regulation using noninvasively measured parameters are described. Other pathophysiologic findings (lung, kidney, acid-base metabolism, gastrointestinal tract, blood) are dealt with according to their importance. The miniaturization of the driving system and new methods of energy supply necessary for a totally implantable artificial heart system, envisaged for the future, are also pointed out.", "contents": "The artificial heart - progress, problems, and further development. The state of the art in the development of artificial heart research based on more than 100 own animal experiments and information from the other groups working in the same field is laid out. Consideration is given to a variety of special problems. The use of biomaterials (blood compatibility and mechanical strength and durability), the flow pattern in the pumps (clot formation), and special hemodynamical effects are discussed as well as different driving systems and percutane energy transmission (avoidance of infection). Respective measurements show the hemodynamics in the systemic and pulmonary circulation, especially the difficulties of the venous inflow and the regulation of the pumps. The effect of an active artificial atrium and new ways of computerized regulation using noninvasively measured parameters are described. Other pathophysiologic findings (lung, kidney, acid-base metabolism, gastrointestinal tract, blood) are dealt with according to their importance. The miniaturization of the driving system and new methods of energy supply necessary for a totally implantable artificial heart system, envisaged for the future, are also pointed out.", "PMID": 995073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6012", "title": "The concept of intensive medicine. A systems approach of importance to medical engineers.", "content": "The paper demonstrates how planning, organizing, equipping, and running all Intensive Care Unit (ICU) should be carried out, using a systems approach, and by keeping in mind that quality and degree of overall performance is a function of effectiveness and efficiency. The interactions of the ICU with its \"environment\" are discussed; a method of estimating the size of the ICU is mentioned. Then, the elements determining performance are analyzed: personnel, pathophysiologic states of the patients, financial and material resources. Furthermore, the problem of goal-oriented systems synthesis is outlined and suggestions for more detailed studies on the structure of some of the \"subsystems\" are put forward. The paper summarizes some important consequences for medical engineering as applied to intensive medicine.", "contents": "The concept of intensive medicine. A systems approach of importance to medical engineers. The paper demonstrates how planning, organizing, equipping, and running all Intensive Care Unit (ICU) should be carried out, using a systems approach, and by keeping in mind that quality and degree of overall performance is a function of effectiveness and efficiency. The interactions of the ICU with its \"environment\" are discussed; a method of estimating the size of the ICU is mentioned. Then, the elements determining performance are analyzed: personnel, pathophysiologic states of the patients, financial and material resources. Furthermore, the problem of goal-oriented systems synthesis is outlined and suggestions for more detailed studies on the structure of some of the \"subsystems\" are put forward. The paper summarizes some important consequences for medical engineering as applied to intensive medicine.", "PMID": 995074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6013", "title": "Regulation of carotene synthesis in Phycomyces.", "content": "Three independent mutations of Phycomyces blakesleeanus resulting in overaccumulation of beta-carotene are recessive and belong to the same complementation group. The corresponding gene has been named carS. Evidence is presented that gene carS is not the same as gene carA, previously defined by mutations blocking carotene production. Vitamin A increases carotenogenesis in wild types and in carS mutants to about the same extent. Intersexual heterokaryosis increases carotenogenesis most prominently in carS genetic backgrounds (up to 300 times the production of the wild type in the same conditions). Vitamin A, intersexual heterokaryosis and carS mutations are thought to stimulate carotenogenesis through different mechanisms. It is suggested that the carS gene product participates in end-product regulation of the pathway.", "contents": "Regulation of carotene synthesis in Phycomyces. Three independent mutations of Phycomyces blakesleeanus resulting in overaccumulation of beta-carotene are recessive and belong to the same complementation group. The corresponding gene has been named carS. Evidence is presented that gene carS is not the same as gene carA, previously defined by mutations blocking carotene production. Vitamin A increases carotenogenesis in wild types and in carS mutants to about the same extent. Intersexual heterokaryosis increases carotenogenesis most prominently in carS genetic backgrounds (up to 300 times the production of the wild type in the same conditions). Vitamin A, intersexual heterokaryosis and carS mutations are thought to stimulate carotenogenesis through different mechanisms. It is suggested that the carS gene product participates in end-product regulation of the pathway.", "PMID": 995122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6014", "title": "[The normal neonatal EEG (author's transl)].", "content": "Polygraphic examinations (EEG, EKG, electrooculogram and recording of respiration) were carried out on 120 full term healthy newborns. EEG recordings taken in wakefulness states showed a low-voltage background activity with a noticeable share of 8 c/sec. waves. The latter occurred in 12.5% of the examined newborn infants in more regular groups, lasting from 3--6 seconds, and reached an amplitude of up to 20--25 muV. The EEG sleep recordings differed from case to case. Certain identical EEG-patterns could be observed during active as well as during quiet sleep. Typical \"trac\u00e9s alternants\" occurred in 63.4% of the recordings, as a rule in the quiet sleep phase. In nearly 1/3 of these cases they contained isolated fine spikes or sharp waves of variable localisation. In 70% of the sleep recordings bilateral fronto-central paroxysmal steeper transients and in 6.7% spindly about 14 c/sec. wave groups were observed, mainly during active sleep phases. In nearly 20% of the 52 newborns where the centro-temporal electrodes were connected transversally, single sharp and slow waves were recorded. They were localized resp. more pronounced in the right hemisphere. They did not appear in any of the 68 cases in which the electrodes were connected longitudinally only.", "contents": "[The normal neonatal EEG (author's transl)]. Polygraphic examinations (EEG, EKG, electrooculogram and recording of respiration) were carried out on 120 full term healthy newborns. EEG recordings taken in wakefulness states showed a low-voltage background activity with a noticeable share of 8 c/sec. waves. The latter occurred in 12.5% of the examined newborn infants in more regular groups, lasting from 3--6 seconds, and reached an amplitude of up to 20--25 muV. The EEG sleep recordings differed from case to case. Certain identical EEG-patterns could be observed during active as well as during quiet sleep. Typical \"trac\u00e9s alternants\" occurred in 63.4% of the recordings, as a rule in the quiet sleep phase. In nearly 1/3 of these cases they contained isolated fine spikes or sharp waves of variable localisation. In 70% of the sleep recordings bilateral fronto-central paroxysmal steeper transients and in 6.7% spindly about 14 c/sec. wave groups were observed, mainly during active sleep phases. In nearly 20% of the 52 newborns where the centro-temporal electrodes were connected transversally, single sharp and slow waves were recorded. They were localized resp. more pronounced in the right hemisphere. They did not appear in any of the 68 cases in which the electrodes were connected longitudinally only.", "PMID": 995132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6015", "title": "[Childhood sarcoidosis (author's transl)].", "content": "Between 1972--1974 26 children (15 boys and 11 girls) aged 11--14, with sarcoidosis were observed in county Szabolcs-Szatm\u00e1r, Hungary. The number of cases varied between 1--6 per year, so the incidence of sarcoidosis is about 2--11/100000 for the age group 10--14 years of this county. Sarcoidosis was detected because of complaints in 4 cases, and by mass radiographic surveys in 22 cases. In each of the patients the thoracic form of sarcoidosis was in the foreground (in 6 cases mild bilateral hilar adenopathy, in 2 cases only unilateral hilar adenopathy, in 18 cases typical BHL-syndrome sometimes with \"tumorous\" adenopathy and in 7 cases out of the 18, hilar adenopathy and mottling in the lungs). The laboratory data were an unsatisfactory basis for the diagnosis. The tuberculin test was negative in 65 per cent. There was no proof for infection with atypical mycobacteria by intradermal tests. The most important basis of diagnosis was the biopsy (mediastinoscopy), especially in cases of simultaneous infection with tuberculosis. Prednisone treatment was carried out in the first place in cases of adenopathy and mottling, and in the cases of elevated serum calcium. Prednisone resistance was observed in two cases; in one of the patients it was secondary since it manifested itself only at the relapse of the BHL-syndrome; in the other patient the drug resistance was primary.", "contents": "[Childhood sarcoidosis (author's transl)]. Between 1972--1974 26 children (15 boys and 11 girls) aged 11--14, with sarcoidosis were observed in county Szabolcs-Szatm\u00e1r, Hungary. The number of cases varied between 1--6 per year, so the incidence of sarcoidosis is about 2--11/100000 for the age group 10--14 years of this county. Sarcoidosis was detected because of complaints in 4 cases, and by mass radiographic surveys in 22 cases. In each of the patients the thoracic form of sarcoidosis was in the foreground (in 6 cases mild bilateral hilar adenopathy, in 2 cases only unilateral hilar adenopathy, in 18 cases typical BHL-syndrome sometimes with \"tumorous\" adenopathy and in 7 cases out of the 18, hilar adenopathy and mottling in the lungs). The laboratory data were an unsatisfactory basis for the diagnosis. The tuberculin test was negative in 65 per cent. There was no proof for infection with atypical mycobacteria by intradermal tests. The most important basis of diagnosis was the biopsy (mediastinoscopy), especially in cases of simultaneous infection with tuberculosis. Prednisone treatment was carried out in the first place in cases of adenopathy and mottling, and in the cases of elevated serum calcium. Prednisone resistance was observed in two cases; in one of the patients it was secondary since it manifested itself only at the relapse of the BHL-syndrome; in the other patient the drug resistance was primary.", "PMID": 995133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6016", "title": "[Hypermethioninemia in the differential diagnosis of infantile obstructive jaundice (author's transl)].", "content": "In 7 infants suffering from obstructive jaundice we found transient high levels of methionine in serum. All cases had only intrahepatic cholestasis, especially with intrahepatic biliary hypoplasia, whereas other patients with extrahepatic biliary atresia and/or combination of extra- and intrahepatic obstructive jaundice always showed normal levels of methionine. Therefore hypermethioninemia seems to be helpful in differentiating the various causes of infantile obstructive jaundice.", "contents": "[Hypermethioninemia in the differential diagnosis of infantile obstructive jaundice (author's transl)]. In 7 infants suffering from obstructive jaundice we found transient high levels of methionine in serum. All cases had only intrahepatic cholestasis, especially with intrahepatic biliary hypoplasia, whereas other patients with extrahepatic biliary atresia and/or combination of extra- and intrahepatic obstructive jaundice always showed normal levels of methionine. Therefore hypermethioninemia seems to be helpful in differentiating the various causes of infantile obstructive jaundice.", "PMID": 995134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6017", "title": "[Are products of the Maillard-reaction in babyfood toxic for the newborn? (AUTHOR'S TRANSL)].", "content": "It was investigated, whether during the whole course of pregnancy in guinea pigs there is a materno-fetal transfer of epilon-fructoselysin, the most important product of the so-called Maillard-reaction. Several authors accused Maillard-products in terminal sterilized babyfood as a dangerous agent, which has been shown, to hamper fetal development in rats. Experimentally, C14-labelled epsilon-fructose-lysin appears in the fetal blood, 15 min after injection to the narcotized mother, reaches maternal blood concentration after 30 min, and later stays at higher levels as in the maternal blood until the end of the experiment after 120 min. Thereby the transfer of Maillard-products to the fetus is proven. From the fact, that man since using fire for cooking takes up an important amount of Maillard-reaction-products, it can safely be concluded that these products most likely are not dangerous to the human fetus or new-born.", "contents": "[Are products of the Maillard-reaction in babyfood toxic for the newborn? (AUTHOR'S TRANSL)]. It was investigated, whether during the whole course of pregnancy in guinea pigs there is a materno-fetal transfer of epilon-fructoselysin, the most important product of the so-called Maillard-reaction. Several authors accused Maillard-products in terminal sterilized babyfood as a dangerous agent, which has been shown, to hamper fetal development in rats. Experimentally, C14-labelled epsilon-fructose-lysin appears in the fetal blood, 15 min after injection to the narcotized mother, reaches maternal blood concentration after 30 min, and later stays at higher levels as in the maternal blood until the end of the experiment after 120 min. Thereby the transfer of Maillard-products to the fetus is proven. From the fact, that man since using fire for cooking takes up an important amount of Maillard-reaction-products, it can safely be concluded that these products most likely are not dangerous to the human fetus or new-born.", "PMID": 995135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6018", "title": "[Cranial axial computerized tomography in children (author's transl)].", "content": "This report on computerized tomography in 400 children confirms the high diagnostic value of the new method in neuropediatrics. 31 brain tumours were diagnosed in children. Tumors present themselves as lesions of latered density compared to that of brain matter. Intravenous injection of contrast media increases the density of various lesions as tumors, angiomas, acute infarctions and abscess. Infarctions are low density lesions whereas hemorrhage is a high density lesion and both are thus safely differentiated. Edema may be visualized in the vicinity of tumours in brain injuries and in encephalitis. The normal ventricular system, hydrocephalus, cerebral malformations and subdural hygroma are easily demonstrated. Diseases of the orbits may also be detected.", "contents": "[Cranial axial computerized tomography in children (author's transl)]. This report on computerized tomography in 400 children confirms the high diagnostic value of the new method in neuropediatrics. 31 brain tumours were diagnosed in children. Tumors present themselves as lesions of latered density compared to that of brain matter. Intravenous injection of contrast media increases the density of various lesions as tumors, angiomas, acute infarctions and abscess. Infarctions are low density lesions whereas hemorrhage is a high density lesion and both are thus safely differentiated. Edema may be visualized in the vicinity of tumours in brain injuries and in encephalitis. The normal ventricular system, hydrocephalus, cerebral malformations and subdural hygroma are easily demonstrated. Diseases of the orbits may also be detected.", "PMID": 995136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6019", "title": "Prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies. A review of 15 cases.", "content": "We attempted prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies in 15 cases--11 for beta-thalassemia and four for sickle-cell disease. Fetoscopy was used in seven cases, and placental aspiration in eight. One premature labor, with fetal loss, followed placental aspiration. Globin synthesis was assessed by incubation of samples with 3H-leucine and chain separation on carboxymethylcellulose columns. Homozygous disease was predicted in two pregnancies, which were interrupted, and the diagnosis confirmed. In one case homozygosity was suspected. A repeat test was advised but not accepted. The fetus had thalassemia trait. One pregnancy was interrupted despite our prediction of thalassemia trait. Eight pregnancies went to term. Seven predictions that the infants would not have homozygous disease were confirmed. One prediction of sickle trait proved to be sickle-cell disease. Although prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies is feasible, the present frequency of fetal loss and diagnostic error indicates need for improvement.", "contents": "Prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies. A review of 15 cases. We attempted prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies in 15 cases--11 for beta-thalassemia and four for sickle-cell disease. Fetoscopy was used in seven cases, and placental aspiration in eight. One premature labor, with fetal loss, followed placental aspiration. Globin synthesis was assessed by incubation of samples with 3H-leucine and chain separation on carboxymethylcellulose columns. Homozygous disease was predicted in two pregnancies, which were interrupted, and the diagnosis confirmed. In one case homozygosity was suspected. A repeat test was advised but not accepted. The fetus had thalassemia trait. One pregnancy was interrupted despite our prediction of thalassemia trait. Eight pregnancies went to term. Seven predictions that the infants would not have homozygous disease were confirmed. One prediction of sickle trait proved to be sickle-cell disease. Although prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies is feasible, the present frequency of fetal loss and diagnostic error indicates need for improvement.", "PMID": 995141} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6020", "title": "Radioimmunoassay of myelin basic protein in spinal fluid. An index of active demyelination.", "content": "With a sensitive radioimmunoassay that can measure as little as 2 ng of basic protein in cerebrospinal fluid we studied 303 patients with a variety of neurologic diseases. Patients with active demyelinating diseases had high levels (17 to 100 ng per milliliter) of basic protein. Moreover, patients with multiple sclerosis in acute exacerbation had these high levels, those with slowly progressive multiple sclerosis had lower levels (6 to 16 ng per milliliter), and those in remission had less than 4 ng per milliliter, comparable to the control population. Thus, the assay appears to be a useful index of active demyelination.", "contents": "Radioimmunoassay of myelin basic protein in spinal fluid. An index of active demyelination. With a sensitive radioimmunoassay that can measure as little as 2 ng of basic protein in cerebrospinal fluid we studied 303 patients with a variety of neurologic diseases. Patients with active demyelinating diseases had high levels (17 to 100 ng per milliliter) of basic protein. Moreover, patients with multiple sclerosis in acute exacerbation had these high levels, those with slowly progressive multiple sclerosis had lower levels (6 to 16 ng per milliliter), and those in remission had less than 4 ng per milliliter, comparable to the control population. Thus, the assay appears to be a useful index of active demyelination.", "PMID": 995142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6021", "title": "Autoimmune panleukopenia.", "content": "A patient with episodic panleukopenia involving neutrophilic granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes had recurrent bacterial infections and a circulating cytotoxin that injured primitive myeloid cells as well as differentiated granulocytes and mononuclear cells. The cytotoxin was an immunoglobulin with activity against mouse, as well as human, myeloid stem cells. Clinical remission during cyclophosphamide therapy was associated with disappearance of the circulating leukocytotoxin. Serum from a period of active disease was cytotoxic for the patient's own lymphocytes obtained during clinical remission. Absorption of cytotoxic serum with granulocytes removed activity against both granulocytes and lymphocytes. These studies suggest an autoimmune disease in man characterized by episodic granulocytopenia, monocytopenia and lymphocytopenia due to humoral antibody against non-HLA antigens shared by several hematopoietic cell lines.", "contents": "Autoimmune panleukopenia. A patient with episodic panleukopenia involving neutrophilic granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes had recurrent bacterial infections and a circulating cytotoxin that injured primitive myeloid cells as well as differentiated granulocytes and mononuclear cells. The cytotoxin was an immunoglobulin with activity against mouse, as well as human, myeloid stem cells. Clinical remission during cyclophosphamide therapy was associated with disappearance of the circulating leukocytotoxin. Serum from a period of active disease was cytotoxic for the patient's own lymphocytes obtained during clinical remission. Absorption of cytotoxic serum with granulocytes removed activity against both granulocytes and lymphocytes. These studies suggest an autoimmune disease in man characterized by episodic granulocytopenia, monocytopenia and lymphocytopenia due to humoral antibody against non-HLA antigens shared by several hematopoietic cell lines.", "PMID": 995155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6022", "title": "Usefulness of chromosome examination in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions.", "content": "To determine whether chromosome analysis could facilitate the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions, we examined chromosomes in effusions from 104 unselected patients. An effusion was regarded as malignant if at least three of 30 metaphase cells were hyperdiploid or contained a marker chromosome. Results were compared with standard cytologic diagnoses. All 22 benign effusions were diagnosed correctly by cytologic examination, but one nosed correctly by cytologic examination, but one (acute rheumatoid lung disease) was misclassified as positive by chromosome criteria. Of the 82 malignant effusions, 53 (65 per cent) were diagnosed correctly by cytologic tests, as compared with 58 (71 per cent) by chromosome analysis (P greater than 0.2). Among patients with malignant neoplasms, 13 had leukemia or lymphoma; only four of these (31 per cent) were diagnosed by cytologic tests as compared with 11 (85 per cent) by chromosome analysis (P less than 0.01). The combination of standard cytologic and chromosome analyses correctly identified 83 per cent of the neoplasms, a result significantly better than that with either technic alone (P less than 0.01).", "contents": "Usefulness of chromosome examination in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions. To determine whether chromosome analysis could facilitate the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions, we examined chromosomes in effusions from 104 unselected patients. An effusion was regarded as malignant if at least three of 30 metaphase cells were hyperdiploid or contained a marker chromosome. Results were compared with standard cytologic diagnoses. All 22 benign effusions were diagnosed correctly by cytologic examination, but one nosed correctly by cytologic examination, but one (acute rheumatoid lung disease) was misclassified as positive by chromosome criteria. Of the 82 malignant effusions, 53 (65 per cent) were diagnosed correctly by cytologic tests, as compared with 58 (71 per cent) by chromosome analysis (P greater than 0.2). Among patients with malignant neoplasms, 13 had leukemia or lymphoma; only four of these (31 per cent) were diagnosed by cytologic tests as compared with 11 (85 per cent) by chromosome analysis (P less than 0.01). The combination of standard cytologic and chromosome analyses correctly identified 83 per cent of the neoplasms, a result significantly better than that with either technic alone (P less than 0.01).", "PMID": 995156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6023", "title": "Circulating immune complexes in infective endocarditis.", "content": "To examine further the role of immune-complex deposition in infective endocarditis, we studied 29 patients with infective endocarditis for presence of complement-containing circulating immune complexes. Ninety-seven per cent (28 of 29) had serum levels of immune complexes greater than 12 mug per milliliter. Mean levels in these patients were significantly higher than in patients with sepsis without endocarditis or in normal controls (P less than 0.05). Circulating immune-complex levels were correlated with longer duration of illness (P less than 0.025), extravalvular manifestations of endocarditis (P less than 0.025) and hypocomplementemia (P less than 0.05). Patients with right-sided endocarditis had significantly higher circulating immune-complex levels than patients with left-sided involvement (P less than 0.025). In general, levels fell to zero with successful antimicrobial or surgical therapy. This drop was concurrent with disappearance of extravalvular signs, blood cultures becoming sterile, and rise in serum complement levels. These findings support the concept that immune complexes may be important in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis.", "contents": "Circulating immune complexes in infective endocarditis. To examine further the role of immune-complex deposition in infective endocarditis, we studied 29 patients with infective endocarditis for presence of complement-containing circulating immune complexes. Ninety-seven per cent (28 of 29) had serum levels of immune complexes greater than 12 mug per milliliter. Mean levels in these patients were significantly higher than in patients with sepsis without endocarditis or in normal controls (P less than 0.05). Circulating immune-complex levels were correlated with longer duration of illness (P less than 0.025), extravalvular manifestations of endocarditis (P less than 0.025) and hypocomplementemia (P less than 0.05). Patients with right-sided endocarditis had significantly higher circulating immune-complex levels than patients with left-sided involvement (P less than 0.025). In general, levels fell to zero with successful antimicrobial or surgical therapy. This drop was concurrent with disappearance of extravalvular signs, blood cultures becoming sterile, and rise in serum complement levels. These findings support the concept that immune complexes may be important in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis.", "PMID": 995157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6024", "title": "Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection in laboratory white mice.", "content": "Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection was studied in a breeding colony of 42 white mice. Symptoms were observed in only 3 out of the 12 animals shown to carry dermatophyte on their coats. Literature on Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection mice is reviewed. The use of the technique developed by Mariat & Tapia (16) to isolate dermatophytes on cultures, specially for epidemiological surveys, is postulated. Attention is called to the importance of healthy animals, directly or indirectly, as carriers of fungi and sources of infection to other animals and human beings.", "contents": "Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection in laboratory white mice. Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection was studied in a breeding colony of 42 white mice. Symptoms were observed in only 3 out of the 12 animals shown to carry dermatophyte on their coats. Literature on Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection mice is reviewed. The use of the technique developed by Mariat & Tapia (16) to isolate dermatophytes on cultures, specially for epidemiological surveys, is postulated. Attention is called to the importance of healthy animals, directly or indirectly, as carriers of fungi and sources of infection to other animals and human beings.", "PMID": 995167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6025", "title": "Studies on perithecium of Ceratocystis stenoceras by a scanning electron microscope.", "content": "The surface and cavity of the perithecium of Ceratocystic stenoceras were studied with a scanning electron microscope. The body was spherical, 96-231 u in diameter, and the surface was covered with hyphae. The neck was a lanky hollow cylinder and the wall consisted of a bundle of tubular hyphae encircling a central canal. A whorl of hyaline hyphae was found at the tip of the neck. The surface of the neck from the body to a distance of about 1/6 was rough and warty. But the surface of the neck above that place was smooth, on which a regular design could be seen. The wall of the neck the body consisted of 5-6 layers of cells. However, the wall at the tip was of 1-2 layers of cells. The cavity was filled with ascospores. They were like segments of an orange of 1 X 2 u with smooth surface.", "contents": "Studies on perithecium of Ceratocystis stenoceras by a scanning electron microscope. The surface and cavity of the perithecium of Ceratocystic stenoceras were studied with a scanning electron microscope. The body was spherical, 96-231 u in diameter, and the surface was covered with hyphae. The neck was a lanky hollow cylinder and the wall consisted of a bundle of tubular hyphae encircling a central canal. A whorl of hyaline hyphae was found at the tip of the neck. The surface of the neck from the body to a distance of about 1/6 was rough and warty. But the surface of the neck above that place was smooth, on which a regular design could be seen. The wall of the neck the body consisted of 5-6 layers of cells. However, the wall at the tip was of 1-2 layers of cells. The cavity was filled with ascospores. They were like segments of an orange of 1 X 2 u with smooth surface.", "PMID": 995168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6026", "title": "[Paracoccidioidomycosis: an epidemic in the Republic of Paraguay, the center of South America].", "content": "The investigation done on the frequency or incidence of Paracoccidioidomycosis in the Republic of Paraguay, with the cases appeared and registered in the Institute of Pathology of Asuncion, presents an incidence rate of 0.46 per 100,000 in the total population; 0.52 per 100,000 in the population at risk. Considering the exposed masculine population the rate is 1.03 per 100,000 and for the feminine 0.02 per 100,000. The age group most affected is within the 50-54 year range with 3.54 per 100,000, the highest rate of all the groups studied. These are the incidence in a strongly exposed population which is controlled and well known. The period of 10 years (1960/69) which has been chosen for this investigation, shows a frequency of the mixed type (lymphatic-visceral or lymphoma-type) which reaches 25% of the total, and a low frequency for the pulmonary form which reaches a mere 12.5%. The mucocutaneous lesion with the involvement of the regional lymph nodes is the dominating form. Considering three consecutive 5 year periods between 1960 to 1974, no cases with proved pulmonary involvement were found until 1964; from 1965 to 1969 the percentage of pulmonary lesions in all the cases considered was 23.0% and from 1970 to 1974 reached to 38.4%. However, mucocutaneous and the lymphatic-visceral or mixed forms do not show significant variations. The rats are small and represent the incidence of this mycosis. It is suggested that a failure of the immunologic system would be found in those affected by the disease and there would be a strong resistence in the majority of the population exposed or within the endemic area of the infection.", "contents": "[Paracoccidioidomycosis: an epidemic in the Republic of Paraguay, the center of South America]. The investigation done on the frequency or incidence of Paracoccidioidomycosis in the Republic of Paraguay, with the cases appeared and registered in the Institute of Pathology of Asuncion, presents an incidence rate of 0.46 per 100,000 in the total population; 0.52 per 100,000 in the population at risk. Considering the exposed masculine population the rate is 1.03 per 100,000 and for the feminine 0.02 per 100,000. The age group most affected is within the 50-54 year range with 3.54 per 100,000, the highest rate of all the groups studied. These are the incidence in a strongly exposed population which is controlled and well known. The period of 10 years (1960/69) which has been chosen for this investigation, shows a frequency of the mixed type (lymphatic-visceral or lymphoma-type) which reaches 25% of the total, and a low frequency for the pulmonary form which reaches a mere 12.5%. The mucocutaneous lesion with the involvement of the regional lymph nodes is the dominating form. Considering three consecutive 5 year periods between 1960 to 1974, no cases with proved pulmonary involvement were found until 1964; from 1965 to 1969 the percentage of pulmonary lesions in all the cases considered was 23.0% and from 1970 to 1974 reached to 38.4%. However, mucocutaneous and the lymphatic-visceral or mixed forms do not show significant variations. The rats are small and represent the incidence of this mycosis. It is suggested that a failure of the immunologic system would be found in those affected by the disease and there would be a strong resistence in the majority of the population exposed or within the endemic area of the infection.", "PMID": 995169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6027", "title": "Simple technique of epicutaneous inoculation of guinea-pigs with dermatophytes.", "content": "A simple technique of epicutaneous inoculation of guinea-pigs making use of a polyethylene chamber stuck to the animal's skin with the Duracryl resin is described. In this way, inoculation with a defined number of fungal elements is made possible.", "contents": "Simple technique of epicutaneous inoculation of guinea-pigs with dermatophytes. A simple technique of epicutaneous inoculation of guinea-pigs making use of a polyethylene chamber stuck to the animal's skin with the Duracryl resin is described. In this way, inoculation with a defined number of fungal elements is made possible.", "PMID": 995170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6028", "title": "The effect of amitrole (3-amino-1H-1,2-4-triazole) on cytokinin activity and sexual reproduction in the yeast Schizosaccharomyces octosporus.", "content": "Cytokinin activity in extracts from actively growing cultures of Schizosaccharomyces octosporus was greatly reduced by exposure to amitrole (5 X 10--3M). Amitrole treatment, at the same concentration, stimulated cell enlargment and ascus production in this organism. These data suggest that a relationship may exist between low levels of endogenous cytokinins, cell expansion in preference to cell division, and ascus formation.", "contents": "The effect of amitrole (3-amino-1H-1,2-4-triazole) on cytokinin activity and sexual reproduction in the yeast Schizosaccharomyces octosporus. Cytokinin activity in extracts from actively growing cultures of Schizosaccharomyces octosporus was greatly reduced by exposure to amitrole (5 X 10--3M). Amitrole treatment, at the same concentration, stimulated cell enlargment and ascus production in this organism. These data suggest that a relationship may exist between low levels of endogenous cytokinins, cell expansion in preference to cell division, and ascus formation.", "PMID": 995171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6029", "title": "Determination of the growth curves of the mycelial and yeast forms of Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis.", "content": "The growth curves of 2 different strains of P. brasiliensis were determined. Cultures were made in a dialyzed trypticase soy broth and the growth assesed at selected intervals by means of viable cell counts. In the yeast form, both strains exhibited un uniform pattern of growth; the mycelial forms were also similar although one of the strains survived for a longer period of time. When the 2 yeast curves were compared with the mycelial ones, large differences were noticed. Thus, the mean survival time for the yeasts was 13.5 days while it was 50.25 days for the mycelia. During the exponential phase, the mean rate of growth was accelerated for the yeasts (0.110) in comparison with the one exhibited by the mycelia (0.0265). Irrespective of the form of growth and for both strains, death occurred abruptly, a few hours after a period when colony counts were high, indicating that the fugus was viable at the preceeding interval.", "contents": "Determination of the growth curves of the mycelial and yeast forms of Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis. The growth curves of 2 different strains of P. brasiliensis were determined. Cultures were made in a dialyzed trypticase soy broth and the growth assesed at selected intervals by means of viable cell counts. In the yeast form, both strains exhibited un uniform pattern of growth; the mycelial forms were also similar although one of the strains survived for a longer period of time. When the 2 yeast curves were compared with the mycelial ones, large differences were noticed. Thus, the mean survival time for the yeasts was 13.5 days while it was 50.25 days for the mycelia. During the exponential phase, the mean rate of growth was accelerated for the yeasts (0.110) in comparison with the one exhibited by the mycelia (0.0265). Irrespective of the form of growth and for both strains, death occurred abruptly, a few hours after a period when colony counts were high, indicating that the fugus was viable at the preceeding interval.", "PMID": 995172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6030", "title": "Microsporum racemosum: first isolation in the United States.", "content": "What is believed to be the first isolation in the United States of the dermatophyte Microsporum racemosum (2) was obtained from a 79 year old white male. The patient had numerous excoriations on the forehead, scalp, and nape of the neck. (Fig. 1) A culture of scrapings from the forehead grew out a flat, granular, cream-colored colony with a red cherry-colored pigment on the reverse. (Fig. 2). The growth was exceedingly rapid, reaching a thallus of 40 mm. in diameter within 15 days. On microscopic examination the organism was found to produce numerous echinulated macroaleuriospores, (Fig. 3,5) as well as numerous microaleuriospores which are striking in appearance, occurring in wand-like clusters and being frequently stalked. (Fig. 4,5) The macroaleuriospores are quite large, achieving over 60 microns in length and 15-16 microns in diameter. The colony and microscopic appearance was consistent with Borelli's description, with the exception of the wall of the macroaleuriospore. Borelli described the wall as being thin and very similar to M. gypsum, while in the isolation from Illinois, the wall was moderately thick. Drs. Ajello and Padhye of the U.S. Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia confirmed the identification.", "contents": "Microsporum racemosum: first isolation in the United States. What is believed to be the first isolation in the United States of the dermatophyte Microsporum racemosum (2) was obtained from a 79 year old white male. The patient had numerous excoriations on the forehead, scalp, and nape of the neck. (Fig. 1) A culture of scrapings from the forehead grew out a flat, granular, cream-colored colony with a red cherry-colored pigment on the reverse. (Fig. 2). The growth was exceedingly rapid, reaching a thallus of 40 mm. in diameter within 15 days. On microscopic examination the organism was found to produce numerous echinulated macroaleuriospores, (Fig. 3,5) as well as numerous microaleuriospores which are striking in appearance, occurring in wand-like clusters and being frequently stalked. (Fig. 4,5) The macroaleuriospores are quite large, achieving over 60 microns in length and 15-16 microns in diameter. The colony and microscopic appearance was consistent with Borelli's description, with the exception of the wall of the macroaleuriospore. Borelli described the wall as being thin and very similar to M. gypsum, while in the isolation from Illinois, the wall was moderately thick. Drs. Ajello and Padhye of the U.S. Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia confirmed the identification.", "PMID": 995173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6031", "title": "[Behavior of Ethephon residues on stone fruits and berries. 1. Ethephon residues on sweet and sour cherries].", "content": "The authors describe a gas chromatographic method for determing Ethephone residues. Studies on the residual behaviour of Ethephon on sweet cherries showed that the fruits contained 0.88, 1.45 and 1.83 p.p.m. of Ethephon after applications of 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1% Flordimex mixture, respectively. When the same doses were applied to sour cherries, the fruits contained 0.54, 1.12 and 1.44 p.p.m. of Ethephon; and the juices, 0.81, 1.36 and 1.77 p.p.m.", "contents": "[Behavior of Ethephon residues on stone fruits and berries. 1. Ethephon residues on sweet and sour cherries]. The authors describe a gas chromatographic method for determing Ethephone residues. Studies on the residual behaviour of Ethephon on sweet cherries showed that the fruits contained 0.88, 1.45 and 1.83 p.p.m. of Ethephon after applications of 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1% Flordimex mixture, respectively. When the same doses were applied to sour cherries, the fruits contained 0.54, 1.12 and 1.44 p.p.m. of Ethephon; and the juices, 0.81, 1.36 and 1.77 p.p.m.", "PMID": 995174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6032", "title": "Inactivation and excretion of dopamine by the cat kidney in vivo.", "content": "14C-Dopamine at a dose between 0.16 and 400 nmol per kg body weight was injected locally into the renal artery and urinary excretion of the label was followed for a period of up to 75 min. During the first renal passage the injected kidney excreted 28.2+/-8.3% (n = 8) of the activity applied. As shown by column chromatography the 14C-activity in urine was mainly present as 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (40%), homovanillic acid (15%) and dopamine (app. 20%). Excretion rate and the pattern of dopamine metabolites in urine was independent of the administered dose. Thus, the excretion of dopamine by the cat kidney is linked to an inactivation by the kidney enzymes MAO and COMT. From the literature it is known that in dog and chicken kidney catecholamines are not metabolized to such a large extent during renal excretion.", "contents": "Inactivation and excretion of dopamine by the cat kidney in vivo. 14C-Dopamine at a dose between 0.16 and 400 nmol per kg body weight was injected locally into the renal artery and urinary excretion of the label was followed for a period of up to 75 min. During the first renal passage the injected kidney excreted 28.2+/-8.3% (n = 8) of the activity applied. As shown by column chromatography the 14C-activity in urine was mainly present as 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (40%), homovanillic acid (15%) and dopamine (app. 20%). Excretion rate and the pattern of dopamine metabolites in urine was independent of the administered dose. Thus, the excretion of dopamine by the cat kidney is linked to an inactivation by the kidney enzymes MAO and COMT. From the literature it is known that in dog and chicken kidney catecholamines are not metabolized to such a large extent during renal excretion.", "PMID": 995208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6033", "title": "Uptake, distribution and metabolism of isoprenaline in the dog saphenous vein.", "content": "Dog saphenous vein strips were incubated with 2 muM 3H-isoprenaline. After 2 and 8 min of incubation small cross sections were cut and prepared for light and ultrastructural autoradiography. In addition, the accumulation of 3H-isoprenaline (3H-ISO) in the tissue as well as the formation of 3-O-methylisoprenaline (3H-OMI) were determined by liquid scintillation counting. The density of silver grains was 6.5 times higher on smooth muscle than on connective tissue. It decreased from the intima to adventitia when determined in the 2 min specimens, suggesting the existence of a selective transport of isoprenaline through the endothelium of the vein. The preferential distribution into the juxta-intimal part of the media which was observed after the 2 min incubation period was abolished by cortexone. Silver grain density, especially over the smooth muscle, was markedly increased by U-0521 and decreased by cortexone. Simultaneous treatment with cortexone and U-0521 led to a marked accumulation of silver grains over neuronal tissue; this accumulation was prevented by cocaine. Strips incubated at 0 degrees C and without oxygen showed almost no grains. In control conditions the saphenous vein strips removed 1968 +/- 19 pmoles-g-1 during 8 min of incubation. 86.3% of that value corresponded to 3H-OMI formation. O-methylation of 3H-ISO was strongly inhibited by U-0521 and, in a lesser degree, by cortexone. The influence of U-0521 on inhibition of O-methylation of 3H-ISO was not modified by cortexone. We found a linear correlation between silver grain densities per unit area of the vein strips and the 3H-isoprenaline accumulation determined by liquid scintillation counting, indicating a clear correspondence between silver grains and 3H-isoprenaline.", "contents": "Uptake, distribution and metabolism of isoprenaline in the dog saphenous vein. Dog saphenous vein strips were incubated with 2 muM 3H-isoprenaline. After 2 and 8 min of incubation small cross sections were cut and prepared for light and ultrastructural autoradiography. In addition, the accumulation of 3H-isoprenaline (3H-ISO) in the tissue as well as the formation of 3-O-methylisoprenaline (3H-OMI) were determined by liquid scintillation counting. The density of silver grains was 6.5 times higher on smooth muscle than on connective tissue. It decreased from the intima to adventitia when determined in the 2 min specimens, suggesting the existence of a selective transport of isoprenaline through the endothelium of the vein. The preferential distribution into the juxta-intimal part of the media which was observed after the 2 min incubation period was abolished by cortexone. Silver grain density, especially over the smooth muscle, was markedly increased by U-0521 and decreased by cortexone. Simultaneous treatment with cortexone and U-0521 led to a marked accumulation of silver grains over neuronal tissue; this accumulation was prevented by cocaine. Strips incubated at 0 degrees C and without oxygen showed almost no grains. In control conditions the saphenous vein strips removed 1968 +/- 19 pmoles-g-1 during 8 min of incubation. 86.3% of that value corresponded to 3H-OMI formation. O-methylation of 3H-ISO was strongly inhibited by U-0521 and, in a lesser degree, by cortexone. The influence of U-0521 on inhibition of O-methylation of 3H-ISO was not modified by cortexone. We found a linear correlation between silver grain densities per unit area of the vein strips and the 3H-isoprenaline accumulation determined by liquid scintillation counting, indicating a clear correspondence between silver grains and 3H-isoprenaline.", "PMID": 995209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6034", "title": "The effect of ketamine upon norepinephrine and dopamine levels in rabbit brain parts.", "content": "Ketamine (40 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly increased dopamine levels in the thalamus and hypothalamus brain areas, but not in the midbrain or caudate nucleus. The increase in dopamine occurred during the time when ketamine produced its maximal anesthetic action (10-30 min). Ketamine had no effect upon norepinephrine levels in whole brain or the select brain parts with the exception of caudate nucleus at any of the times studied. These results demonstrate an effect of ketamine upon dopamine levels in those brain regions previously suggested as the site of ketamine's anesthetic action.", "contents": "The effect of ketamine upon norepinephrine and dopamine levels in rabbit brain parts. Ketamine (40 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly increased dopamine levels in the thalamus and hypothalamus brain areas, but not in the midbrain or caudate nucleus. The increase in dopamine occurred during the time when ketamine produced its maximal anesthetic action (10-30 min). Ketamine had no effect upon norepinephrine levels in whole brain or the select brain parts with the exception of caudate nucleus at any of the times studied. These results demonstrate an effect of ketamine upon dopamine levels in those brain regions previously suggested as the site of ketamine's anesthetic action.", "PMID": 995210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6035", "title": "Characteristics of the electrodermal response. A model for analysis of central sympathetic reactivity.", "content": "Electrodermal responses (EDR) of the sympathetic-cholinergic sudomotor system were elicited in anaesthetized cats. Responses were evoked centrally from hypothalamic, medullary and spinal loci, by stimulation of the pre- and postganglionic peripheral nerves, and reflexly following stimulation of an afferent nerve. The response was found to be dependent upon innervation of both the median and ulnar nerves (approximately 40 and 60% respectively). Both the centrally and peripherally evoked responses were frequency-dependent when a maximal current was used. The EDR evoked peripherally or from the cervical cord reached its maximal amplitude at 10-16 Hz whereas the EDR evoked from the hypothalamus and medulla did not reach its maximal amplitude until 48-64 Hz. These responses are relatively independent of blood flow in that complete occlusion of the peripheral blood supply did not greatly alter the amplitude of centrally evoked responses. The results suggest that this sympathetic-cholinergic system may be a useful model system with which to study the actions of various adrenergic agents on the reactivity of central structures which regulate sympathetic nervous activity.", "contents": "Characteristics of the electrodermal response. A model for analysis of central sympathetic reactivity. Electrodermal responses (EDR) of the sympathetic-cholinergic sudomotor system were elicited in anaesthetized cats. Responses were evoked centrally from hypothalamic, medullary and spinal loci, by stimulation of the pre- and postganglionic peripheral nerves, and reflexly following stimulation of an afferent nerve. The response was found to be dependent upon innervation of both the median and ulnar nerves (approximately 40 and 60% respectively). Both the centrally and peripherally evoked responses were frequency-dependent when a maximal current was used. The EDR evoked peripherally or from the cervical cord reached its maximal amplitude at 10-16 Hz whereas the EDR evoked from the hypothalamus and medulla did not reach its maximal amplitude until 48-64 Hz. These responses are relatively independent of blood flow in that complete occlusion of the peripheral blood supply did not greatly alter the amplitude of centrally evoked responses. The results suggest that this sympathetic-cholinergic system may be a useful model system with which to study the actions of various adrenergic agents on the reactivity of central structures which regulate sympathetic nervous activity.", "PMID": 995211} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6036", "title": "Haemodynamic changes during experimental tetanus toxicity in dogs.", "content": "Haemodynamic variables were compared in control dogs, dogs with local tetanus toxicity and dogs with generalised tetanus toxicity. The results showed an increase in the inotropic and chronotropic activation of the heart in both groups of tetanus dogs, but there was no significant change in the mean systemic blood pressure and the common carotid occlusion reflex was unchanged. Spontaneous fluctuations in the systemic blood pressure were observed in some dogs with tetanus, and occurred more often in those with generalised tetanus. The modification of these fluctuations by beta-adrenergic blockade and diazepam, suggest that they are of autonomic neural origin. It is suggested that these changes in the cardiovascular system are the results of neurophysiological and biochemical changes in the sympathetic nervous system, which have been reported to occur in tetanus.", "contents": "Haemodynamic changes during experimental tetanus toxicity in dogs. Haemodynamic variables were compared in control dogs, dogs with local tetanus toxicity and dogs with generalised tetanus toxicity. The results showed an increase in the inotropic and chronotropic activation of the heart in both groups of tetanus dogs, but there was no significant change in the mean systemic blood pressure and the common carotid occlusion reflex was unchanged. Spontaneous fluctuations in the systemic blood pressure were observed in some dogs with tetanus, and occurred more often in those with generalised tetanus. The modification of these fluctuations by beta-adrenergic blockade and diazepam, suggest that they are of autonomic neural origin. It is suggested that these changes in the cardiovascular system are the results of neurophysiological and biochemical changes in the sympathetic nervous system, which have been reported to occur in tetanus.", "PMID": 995212} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6037", "title": "Effects of acetylcholine and atropine on the bile flow and biliary excretion of digoxin in the isolated perfused rat liver.", "content": "The effects of acetylcholine (ACh). physostigmine, and atropine on bile flow and biliary elimination of digoxin were investigated using isolated rat liver perfusion. 1. ACh in the presence of physostigmine caused a temporary reduction in the bile secretion, while physostigmine alone had no effect on the bile flow. 2. The biliary concentration of radioactivity derived from 3H-digoxin was slightly decreased after an addition of physostigmine alone. This effect of physostigmine was not potentiated by ACh. 3. The addition of ACh decreased transiently the biliary elimination of digoxin, as a result of the reduced bile flow. 4. Atropine in the concentration range of 10(-6)-10(-5) M in the perfusion medium did not affect bile flow or biliary excretion of digoxin; repeated addition of atropine (2 X 2 X 10(-4) M) caused a choleresis lasting over the perfusion period. 5. This choleresis induced by atropine was associated with decreased concentration of tritium in the bile but slightly increased biliary elimination of total radioactivity. 6. The results allow us to draw the conclusion that ACh in the presence of physostigmine has an inhibitory action on bile flow and biliary elimination of digoxin in the isolated perfused rat liver.", "contents": "Effects of acetylcholine and atropine on the bile flow and biliary excretion of digoxin in the isolated perfused rat liver. The effects of acetylcholine (ACh). physostigmine, and atropine on bile flow and biliary elimination of digoxin were investigated using isolated rat liver perfusion. 1. ACh in the presence of physostigmine caused a temporary reduction in the bile secretion, while physostigmine alone had no effect on the bile flow. 2. The biliary concentration of radioactivity derived from 3H-digoxin was slightly decreased after an addition of physostigmine alone. This effect of physostigmine was not potentiated by ACh. 3. The addition of ACh decreased transiently the biliary elimination of digoxin, as a result of the reduced bile flow. 4. Atropine in the concentration range of 10(-6)-10(-5) M in the perfusion medium did not affect bile flow or biliary excretion of digoxin; repeated addition of atropine (2 X 2 X 10(-4) M) caused a choleresis lasting over the perfusion period. 5. This choleresis induced by atropine was associated with decreased concentration of tritium in the bile but slightly increased biliary elimination of total radioactivity. 6. The results allow us to draw the conclusion that ACh in the presence of physostigmine has an inhibitory action on bile flow and biliary elimination of digoxin in the isolated perfused rat liver.", "PMID": 995213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6038", "title": "[Clinical pattern of malignant brain tumors in patients over 50 years of age].", "content": "On the basis of a material of 180 cases from a hospital department of neurology the clinical course of malignant brain tumours in patients aged over 50 years was outlined. In 154 cases the clinical diagnosis was confirmed by histological investigations. The study showed that intracranial raised pressure syndrome was rather infrequent in this age group (5% in this material), with the exception of headaches. The most frequent manifestations were psychic changes and neurological deficit signs (hemiparesis). The course of the disease was frequently acute with rapid increase in the intensity of symptoms and signs. The cases unrecognized clinically accounted for 14.4% of this material. From the admission to the hospital a very rapid progression of manifestations was observed which seemed to be connected with association of blood flow disturbances.", "contents": "[Clinical pattern of malignant brain tumors in patients over 50 years of age]. On the basis of a material of 180 cases from a hospital department of neurology the clinical course of malignant brain tumours in patients aged over 50 years was outlined. In 154 cases the clinical diagnosis was confirmed by histological investigations. The study showed that intracranial raised pressure syndrome was rather infrequent in this age group (5% in this material), with the exception of headaches. The most frequent manifestations were psychic changes and neurological deficit signs (hemiparesis). The course of the disease was frequently acute with rapid increase in the intensity of symptoms and signs. The cases unrecognized clinically accounted for 14.4% of this material. From the admission to the hospital a very rapid progression of manifestations was observed which seemed to be connected with association of blood flow disturbances.", "PMID": 995221} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6039", "title": "[Manifestations of thalamic tumors in children].", "content": "On the basis of observation of 11 cases of thalamic tumours in children at various age the author discusses differences in symptoms and signs in relation to the same tumours in adults. The first pathological sign was most frequently hemiparesis without, however, typical characteristics of classical spastic hemiparesis. Later on various involuntary movements appeared, most frequently bilaterally. In half of these cases infection, vaccination, cranial trauma or excessive effort were the factors provoking the appearance of first symptoms. Typical symptoms of raised intracranial pressure developed late and were present in some cases only. The course of the disease was chronic, the survival time up to several years. The results of vertebral angiography were of decisive significance for the diagnosis. Carotid angiography showed only internal hydrocephalus without giving any more detailed clues as to the location of the process.", "contents": "[Manifestations of thalamic tumors in children]. On the basis of observation of 11 cases of thalamic tumours in children at various age the author discusses differences in symptoms and signs in relation to the same tumours in adults. The first pathological sign was most frequently hemiparesis without, however, typical characteristics of classical spastic hemiparesis. Later on various involuntary movements appeared, most frequently bilaterally. In half of these cases infection, vaccination, cranial trauma or excessive effort were the factors provoking the appearance of first symptoms. Typical symptoms of raised intracranial pressure developed late and were present in some cases only. The course of the disease was chronic, the survival time up to several years. The results of vertebral angiography were of decisive significance for the diagnosis. Carotid angiography showed only internal hydrocephalus without giving any more detailed clues as to the location of the process.", "PMID": 995222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6040", "title": "[Peripheral nerve conduction following recovery from Guillain-Barre syndrome].", "content": "The material comprises 10 cases with a history of Guillain-Barr\u00e9 syndrome within the last several years in which clinical investigations failed to demonstrate any abnormalities. Electrophysiological investigations of peripheral nerves including conduction velocity in motor fibres--maximal and minimal, sensory fibres, standardized terminal latency--showed presence of changes evidencing slight but persisting subclinical lesion to peripheral nerves, especially in subjects affected in early childhood. Slowing of conduction involved motor as well as sensory fibres in these nerves and was more pronounced in the ulnar nerve than in the remaining nerves (peroneal, axillary, musculocutaneous and facial).", "contents": "[Peripheral nerve conduction following recovery from Guillain-Barre syndrome]. The material comprises 10 cases with a history of Guillain-Barr\u00e9 syndrome within the last several years in which clinical investigations failed to demonstrate any abnormalities. Electrophysiological investigations of peripheral nerves including conduction velocity in motor fibres--maximal and minimal, sensory fibres, standardized terminal latency--showed presence of changes evidencing slight but persisting subclinical lesion to peripheral nerves, especially in subjects affected in early childhood. Slowing of conduction involved motor as well as sensory fibres in these nerves and was more pronounced in the ulnar nerve than in the remaining nerves (peroneal, axillary, musculocutaneous and facial).", "PMID": 995223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6041", "title": "[Electroencephalographic studies of 100 cases of migraine (control groups included)].", "content": "The investigations were done in a group of 100 patients with migraine, 50 patients with chronic diseases of various organs and 50 healthy subjects. EEG investigations in patients with migraine were carried out several times, in controls only once. The records were interpreted according to strictly defined criteria separating normal from pathological (slightly, moderately and severely) records. In 35% of migrainous patients slight or moderate changes were found. The frequency of these changes was significantly increased in relation to healthy subjects and approached the frequency found in non-neurological cases. EEG changes in migrainous patients failed to demonstrate any specific features and failed to correlate with clinical findings. The analysis of 330 EEG records in 100 cases of migraine demonstrated that some records changed in time and that the number of records showing deterioration was greater than that of records showing improvement.", "contents": "[Electroencephalographic studies of 100 cases of migraine (control groups included)]. The investigations were done in a group of 100 patients with migraine, 50 patients with chronic diseases of various organs and 50 healthy subjects. EEG investigations in patients with migraine were carried out several times, in controls only once. The records were interpreted according to strictly defined criteria separating normal from pathological (slightly, moderately and severely) records. In 35% of migrainous patients slight or moderate changes were found. The frequency of these changes was significantly increased in relation to healthy subjects and approached the frequency found in non-neurological cases. EEG changes in migrainous patients failed to demonstrate any specific features and failed to correlate with clinical findings. The analysis of 330 EEG records in 100 cases of migraine demonstrated that some records changed in time and that the number of records showing deterioration was greater than that of records showing improvement.", "PMID": 995224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6042", "title": "[Effect of phenactil (chlorpromazine) on cortical visual evoked potentials in clinically healthy subjects with normal and abnormal electroencephalograms].", "content": "The results of a study of averaged cortical visual evoked potentials in healthy subjects with abnormal EEG records and in subjects with normal EEG are presented. The investigations were performed at rest and after activation with chlorpromazine. The potentials were recorded from typical sites in the visual cortex (O2--CZ and O1--CZ). Stimulation with flashes at 1 c/sec., 40 msec. duration, 2000 lux light intensity at a distance of 60 cm from the eyes was applied. The pupils were dilated with homatropine. The mean amplitudes of potential components measured by the method peak-to-peak, the mean latency time, and the mean duration of components were measured. It was found that at rest the inter-group differences included an amplitude rise at the time of change of the specific part into non-specific and the change of the evoked potential to the after-discharge, and the duration of positive components in the non-specific part prevailed over the negative ones. Chlorpromazine changed somewhat the amplitude of components (fall in the specific part and rise in the non-spefific one) but the differences were statistically not significant. Similar changes were observed in the latency time of various components (prolongation of latency time of late components was statistically not significant). The results suggest differences in the reactivity of cerebral structures of these groups at rest as well as after chlorpromazine activation.", "contents": "[Effect of phenactil (chlorpromazine) on cortical visual evoked potentials in clinically healthy subjects with normal and abnormal electroencephalograms]. The results of a study of averaged cortical visual evoked potentials in healthy subjects with abnormal EEG records and in subjects with normal EEG are presented. The investigations were performed at rest and after activation with chlorpromazine. The potentials were recorded from typical sites in the visual cortex (O2--CZ and O1--CZ). Stimulation with flashes at 1 c/sec., 40 msec. duration, 2000 lux light intensity at a distance of 60 cm from the eyes was applied. The pupils were dilated with homatropine. The mean amplitudes of potential components measured by the method peak-to-peak, the mean latency time, and the mean duration of components were measured. It was found that at rest the inter-group differences included an amplitude rise at the time of change of the specific part into non-specific and the change of the evoked potential to the after-discharge, and the duration of positive components in the non-specific part prevailed over the negative ones. Chlorpromazine changed somewhat the amplitude of components (fall in the specific part and rise in the non-spefific one) but the differences were statistically not significant. Similar changes were observed in the latency time of various components (prolongation of latency time of late components was statistically not significant). The results suggest differences in the reactivity of cerebral structures of these groups at rest as well as after chlorpromazine activation.", "PMID": 995225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6043", "title": "[Meningiomas of the posterior cranial fossa].", "content": "In a period of 3 years 12 patients with meningiomas of the posterior cranial fossa were treated surgically. The group included 2 cases of meningioma situated on the cerebellar convexity, 5 on the tentorium, 2 on the posterior aspect of the pyramid bone, 1 of Blumenbach clivus, 2 of foramen magnum. The neurological findings and pneumoencephylographic changes in cases of meningiomas of cerebellar convexity, tentorium and posterior aspect of the pyramid bone made possible the diagnosis of posterior fossa tumour and the diagnosis of meningioma was made possible by carotid and vertebral angiography. In the case of Blumenbach clivus meningioma and in foramen magnum meningiomas the neurological changes were characteristic of tumours at the craniovertebral junction. One meningioma growing through the tentorium was approached from the middle cranial fossa, the remaining ones from the posterior cranial fossa. The tumour could have been removed radically in 7 cases. In 5 cases only partial removal was possible. Three patients died, two after operations for tentorial meningioma and one after operation for Blumenbach clivus tumour. The results in the remaining cases were good.", "contents": "[Meningiomas of the posterior cranial fossa]. In a period of 3 years 12 patients with meningiomas of the posterior cranial fossa were treated surgically. The group included 2 cases of meningioma situated on the cerebellar convexity, 5 on the tentorium, 2 on the posterior aspect of the pyramid bone, 1 of Blumenbach clivus, 2 of foramen magnum. The neurological findings and pneumoencephylographic changes in cases of meningiomas of cerebellar convexity, tentorium and posterior aspect of the pyramid bone made possible the diagnosis of posterior fossa tumour and the diagnosis of meningioma was made possible by carotid and vertebral angiography. In the case of Blumenbach clivus meningioma and in foramen magnum meningiomas the neurological changes were characteristic of tumours at the craniovertebral junction. One meningioma growing through the tentorium was approached from the middle cranial fossa, the remaining ones from the posterior cranial fossa. The tumour could have been removed radically in 7 cases. In 5 cases only partial removal was possible. Three patients died, two after operations for tentorial meningioma and one after operation for Blumenbach clivus tumour. The results in the remaining cases were good.", "PMID": 995226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6044", "title": "[Osmotic serum pressure in patients treated with furosemide and hypertonic mannitol solution].", "content": "In patients with expanding intracranial lesion syndrome osmotic pressure of the serum was measured during administration of furosemide or 20% mannitol solution. Mannitol was administered by two methods: a) a dose of 1.5 g/kg during 3--4 hours, b) a dose of 1 g/kg for about 20 min. When mannitol was administered slowly the osmotic pressure of the serum at the end of infusion was 11--15% above the initial one and returned to the initial level 30--60 min. after the end of infusion. With rapid infusion the peak rise of pressure was observed after 30 min. usually after the end of infusion, and after one hour the pressure returned to values approaching the initial ones. Furosemide in a dose of 40 mg intramuscularly or intravenously caused slight changes of osmotic pressure reaching 13 mOsm/l.", "contents": "[Osmotic serum pressure in patients treated with furosemide and hypertonic mannitol solution]. In patients with expanding intracranial lesion syndrome osmotic pressure of the serum was measured during administration of furosemide or 20% mannitol solution. Mannitol was administered by two methods: a) a dose of 1.5 g/kg during 3--4 hours, b) a dose of 1 g/kg for about 20 min. When mannitol was administered slowly the osmotic pressure of the serum at the end of infusion was 11--15% above the initial one and returned to the initial level 30--60 min. after the end of infusion. With rapid infusion the peak rise of pressure was observed after 30 min. usually after the end of infusion, and after one hour the pressure returned to values approaching the initial ones. Furosemide in a dose of 40 mg intramuscularly or intravenously caused slight changes of osmotic pressure reaching 13 mOsm/l.", "PMID": 995227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6045", "title": "[Cyst of cisterna ambiens: case report].", "content": "The authors describe a rare case of congenital cyst of cisterna ambiens treated surgically. Histological examination of cyst wall suggested that the cyst belonged to the group of developmental anomalies of the type of dysraphic intracranial cerebral herniae.", "contents": "[Cyst of cisterna ambiens: case report]. The authors describe a rare case of congenital cyst of cisterna ambiens treated surgically. Histological examination of cyst wall suggested that the cyst belonged to the group of developmental anomalies of the type of dysraphic intracranial cerebral herniae.", "PMID": 995229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6046", "title": "Age-dependent differences of distribution and clearance patterns in normal RIHSA cisternograms.", "content": "In a retrospective study of 536 unselected consecutive RIHSA cisternographies a total of 84 cases with normal time-sequential scans were reviewed and, after dividing into three age groups, statistically elaborated with regard to the CSF pathways and flow rate. Our findings on a 5% level of significance are: 1) The total CSF flow and turnover depends on age; the highest rate of CSF flow is found in young patients (less than 25 years) and decreases constantly with increasing age. 2) In old patients (less than 50 years) the dorsal and lateral CSF pathways predominate over the frontomedial ones which are preferred in the younger age group (less than 25 years). 3). The washout of the basal cisterns and the clearance of the isotope over the convexities decreases significantly with increasing age. 4) The normal individual cisternographic variations and significant age-dependent differences agree with simultaneous encephalographic findings.", "contents": "Age-dependent differences of distribution and clearance patterns in normal RIHSA cisternograms. In a retrospective study of 536 unselected consecutive RIHSA cisternographies a total of 84 cases with normal time-sequential scans were reviewed and, after dividing into three age groups, statistically elaborated with regard to the CSF pathways and flow rate. Our findings on a 5% level of significance are: 1) The total CSF flow and turnover depends on age; the highest rate of CSF flow is found in young patients (less than 25 years) and decreases constantly with increasing age. 2) In old patients (less than 50 years) the dorsal and lateral CSF pathways predominate over the frontomedial ones which are preferred in the younger age group (less than 25 years). 3). The washout of the basal cisterns and the clearance of the isotope over the convexities decreases significantly with increasing age. 4) The normal individual cisternographic variations and significant age-dependent differences agree with simultaneous encephalographic findings.", "PMID": 995245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6047", "title": "Radiation necrosis of the brain. Neuroradiological considerations with computed tomography.", "content": "In cases with radiation necrosis of the brain, conventional neuroradiological examinations usually demonstrate only an avascular mass lesion impossible to differentiate from intracerebral tumor or hemorrhage. Computed tomography, performed in addition to angiography in three cases, consistently demonstrated the radiation necrosis as a low density area exhibiting enhancement following infusion of contrast medium. The importance of recognizing radiation necrosis as a differential diagnosis to brain neoplasm is emphasized.", "contents": "Radiation necrosis of the brain. Neuroradiological considerations with computed tomography. In cases with radiation necrosis of the brain, conventional neuroradiological examinations usually demonstrate only an avascular mass lesion impossible to differentiate from intracerebral tumor or hemorrhage. Computed tomography, performed in addition to angiography in three cases, consistently demonstrated the radiation necrosis as a low density area exhibiting enhancement following infusion of contrast medium. The importance of recognizing radiation necrosis as a differential diagnosis to brain neoplasm is emphasized.", "PMID": 995246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6048", "title": "Some aspects of the venous drainage dynamics with tumors at the base of the skull in the anterior and middle fossae.", "content": "Some alterations in the dynamics of the venous drainage with tumors at the base of the skull in the anterior and middle fossa are described as seen on the angiogram.", "contents": "Some aspects of the venous drainage dynamics with tumors at the base of the skull in the anterior and middle fossae. Some alterations in the dynamics of the venous drainage with tumors at the base of the skull in the anterior and middle fossa are described as seen on the angiogram.", "PMID": 995247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6049", "title": "Intracranial infections: investigation by computerized axial tomography.", "content": "The value of computerized axial tomography (CAT) in the management of intracranial infections is described and the findings compared with those of other conventional neuroradiological investigations. The most important contribution is in the diagnosis and localization of cerebral abscess. CAT provides not only information of the nature of the lesion but also the number of loculi and the presence of multiple lesions; it is the investigation of choice for follow-up of patients with cerebral abscess treated either by operation or conservatively. CAT is invaluable in the investigation of other infectious conditions affecting the intracranial structures, especially when patients present with a focal neurological deficit and it is vital to exclude an abscess.", "contents": "Intracranial infections: investigation by computerized axial tomography. The value of computerized axial tomography (CAT) in the management of intracranial infections is described and the findings compared with those of other conventional neuroradiological investigations. The most important contribution is in the diagnosis and localization of cerebral abscess. CAT provides not only information of the nature of the lesion but also the number of loculi and the presence of multiple lesions; it is the investigation of choice for follow-up of patients with cerebral abscess treated either by operation or conservatively. CAT is invaluable in the investigation of other infectious conditions affecting the intracranial structures, especially when patients present with a focal neurological deficit and it is vital to exclude an abscess.", "PMID": 995249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6050", "title": "Cerebral abscess with special reference to the angiographic changes.", "content": "From 1961 to 1973 forty patients with surgically confirmed intracranial abscesses had preoperative cerebral angiography. The findings were abnormal in all cases but one. In 20 patients (50%) the primary diagnosis was a space-occupying lesion. In 19 patients (47.5%) an abscess was suggested by the presence of a capsule, the only finding definitely diagnostic of an abscess. Subtraction technique provided essential information in detecting the capsule. Angiography proved indispensable in suggesting the nature of the lesion.", "contents": "Cerebral abscess with special reference to the angiographic changes. From 1961 to 1973 forty patients with surgically confirmed intracranial abscesses had preoperative cerebral angiography. The findings were abnormal in all cases but one. In 20 patients (50%) the primary diagnosis was a space-occupying lesion. In 19 patients (47.5%) an abscess was suggested by the presence of a capsule, the only finding definitely diagnostic of an abscess. Subtraction technique provided essential information in detecting the capsule. Angiography proved indispensable in suggesting the nature of the lesion.", "PMID": 995250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6051", "title": "Tumours aneurysms.", "content": "Intracranial aneurysms commonly present with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Rarely, they may attain a large size and manifest exclusively as intracranial space-taking lesions. We have collected a series of 48 cases of large aneurysms; 47 of them have been previously unpublished. To our knowledge, this is the largest series on this subject.", "contents": "Tumours aneurysms. Intracranial aneurysms commonly present with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Rarely, they may attain a large size and manifest exclusively as intracranial space-taking lesions. We have collected a series of 48 cases of large aneurysms; 47 of them have been previously unpublished. To our knowledge, this is the largest series on this subject.", "PMID": 995251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6052", "title": "Carotid and vertebral vascular changes with primary calcium oxalosis.", "content": "Primary calcium oxalosis is a rare, inherited metabolic disease that is associated with calcium oxalate deposits in both renal and extrarenal tissues. An unusual angiographic appearance results from subintimal oxalate crystal deposition.", "contents": "Carotid and vertebral vascular changes with primary calcium oxalosis. Primary calcium oxalosis is a rare, inherited metabolic disease that is associated with calcium oxalate deposits in both renal and extrarenal tissues. An unusual angiographic appearance results from subintimal oxalate crystal deposition.", "PMID": 995252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6053", "title": "[Changes in plasma insulin and growth hormone after intravenous glucagon in hepatic cirrhosis].", "content": "Decreased increases in blood sugar by comparison with control subjects was noted in patients with cirrhosis of the liver after i.v. administration of 1 mg glucagon. Insulin secretion was similar to that observed in the controls. Basal GH values were higher in the liver patients, whereas after glucagon they displayed a gradual and progressive increase with a peak at 60'. No significant differences in GH pattern were noted in the two groups, however.", "contents": "[Changes in plasma insulin and growth hormone after intravenous glucagon in hepatic cirrhosis]. Decreased increases in blood sugar by comparison with control subjects was noted in patients with cirrhosis of the liver after i.v. administration of 1 mg glucagon. Insulin secretion was similar to that observed in the controls. Basal GH values were higher in the liver patients, whereas after glucagon they displayed a gradual and progressive increase with a peak at 60'. No significant differences in GH pattern were noted in the two groups, however.", "PMID": 995278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6054", "title": "[Aspects of phosphorus and carbohydrate metabolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].", "content": "The behaviour of glycaemia, insulinaemia, phosphoraemia, somatotropinaemia,free glycerol and triglyceridaemia was studied in six patients with A.L.S. following sugar load (1 g/Kg) in fasting. The results of glycaemia and insulinaemia were in tune with published data which have pointed to reduced sugar tolerance and reduced insulin secretion in patients with A.L.S. In the present experiments, particularly significant were the phosphoraemia responses. The failure of inorganic phosphorus values to fall after glucose loading suggests that the glycidic intolerance of these patients is related above all to a reduction in functioning muscular mass rather than to insufficient insulin secretion. The reduction in nervous tissue may also be of importance in this sense. In fact, not all biohumoral parameters investigated were similar to those of diabetes because the behaviour of somatotropinaemia, free glycerol and plasma triglycerides was normal. The changed behaviour of phosphorus would thus indicate altered glucose uptake at peripheral tissue level.", "contents": "[Aspects of phosphorus and carbohydrate metabolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]. The behaviour of glycaemia, insulinaemia, phosphoraemia, somatotropinaemia,free glycerol and triglyceridaemia was studied in six patients with A.L.S. following sugar load (1 g/Kg) in fasting. The results of glycaemia and insulinaemia were in tune with published data which have pointed to reduced sugar tolerance and reduced insulin secretion in patients with A.L.S. In the present experiments, particularly significant were the phosphoraemia responses. The failure of inorganic phosphorus values to fall after glucose loading suggests that the glycidic intolerance of these patients is related above all to a reduction in functioning muscular mass rather than to insufficient insulin secretion. The reduction in nervous tissue may also be of importance in this sense. In fact, not all biohumoral parameters investigated were similar to those of diabetes because the behaviour of somatotropinaemia, free glycerol and plasma triglycerides was normal. The changed behaviour of phosphorus would thus indicate altered glucose uptake at peripheral tissue level.", "PMID": 995279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6055", "title": "[The possible epidemic recrudescence of swine-like influenza virus type A].", "content": "An account of the effects of recent influenza epidemics is given from the medical standpoint, and also with respect to their social and economic repercussions. The part played by air travel in the carriage of such epidemics is also examined. The immunity of the population of Rome towards an A strain swine fever (A/New Jersey 8/76) is assessed in the light of personal research.", "contents": "[The possible epidemic recrudescence of swine-like influenza virus type A]. An account of the effects of recent influenza epidemics is given from the medical standpoint, and also with respect to their social and economic repercussions. The part played by air travel in the carriage of such epidemics is also examined. The immunity of the population of Rome towards an A strain swine fever (A/New Jersey 8/76) is assessed in the light of personal research.", "PMID": 995280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6056", "title": "[Value of the method of Cerasi and Luft in checking the progression of metabolic disorders in childhood].", "content": "The method of Cerasi & Luft was evaluated after 6 months and 1 yr of dietary management in 7 children with familial diabetes and/or very slight clinical and laboratory symptoms, and one obese girl. There was a marked reduction in the blood insulin area in the obese subject, whereas the remainder of the series displayed stationary pictures. It is felt that the method deserves emphasis on account of its constant evocation of a reproducible response and the possibilities of interpretation that it offers in the field of paediatrics.", "contents": "[Value of the method of Cerasi and Luft in checking the progression of metabolic disorders in childhood]. The method of Cerasi & Luft was evaluated after 6 months and 1 yr of dietary management in 7 children with familial diabetes and/or very slight clinical and laboratory symptoms, and one obese girl. There was a marked reduction in the blood insulin area in the obese subject, whereas the remainder of the series displayed stationary pictures. It is felt that the method deserves emphasis on account of its constant evocation of a reproducible response and the possibilities of interpretation that it offers in the field of paediatrics.", "PMID": 995282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6057", "title": "[Comparative evaluation of the results obtained with the Cerasi and Luft method and the OGGT in children].", "content": "Results obtained with Cerasi & Luft's method and OGTT in subjects with a historical, clinical and laboratory suspicion of dysmetabolism were compared. It was found that: 1) obese subjects showed increased blood sugar and insulinase areas by comparison with normal controls; 2) subjects of normal weight displayed: a) a mean increase in blood sugar areas by comparison with normal controls; b) less evident changes in blood insulin areas; in these subjects, it was also noted that, c) an early-phase secretion irregularity detected with Cerasi & Luft's method did not involve changes in the oral loading pattern displayed by subjects classed as normal by means of such method; d) in subjects classed as \"chemical diabetics\" by OGTT, the response to glucagon after venous loading was defective. In border-line cases, early-phase changes were observed in the venous curve after oral glucose, whereas the response to glucagone remained efficient. It is felt that OGTT is an effective means in the diagnosis of infantile dysmetabolism. Attention is also drawn to the possibilities offered by the method of Cerasi & Luft in the detailed and specific appraisal of insulin secretion.", "contents": "[Comparative evaluation of the results obtained with the Cerasi and Luft method and the OGGT in children]. Results obtained with Cerasi & Luft's method and OGTT in subjects with a historical, clinical and laboratory suspicion of dysmetabolism were compared. It was found that: 1) obese subjects showed increased blood sugar and insulinase areas by comparison with normal controls; 2) subjects of normal weight displayed: a) a mean increase in blood sugar areas by comparison with normal controls; b) less evident changes in blood insulin areas; in these subjects, it was also noted that, c) an early-phase secretion irregularity detected with Cerasi & Luft's method did not involve changes in the oral loading pattern displayed by subjects classed as normal by means of such method; d) in subjects classed as \"chemical diabetics\" by OGTT, the response to glucagon after venous loading was defective. In border-line cases, early-phase changes were observed in the venous curve after oral glucose, whereas the response to glucagone remained efficient. It is felt that OGTT is an effective means in the diagnosis of infantile dysmetabolism. Attention is also drawn to the possibilities offered by the method of Cerasi & Luft in the detailed and specific appraisal of insulin secretion.", "PMID": 995283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6058", "title": "[Preliminary observations on the behavior of immunoglobulins in diabetics treated by different methods].", "content": "IgG, IgM and IgA values were determined in 45 diabetic patients of various ages and both sexes (30 treated with oral hypoglycaemising drugs and 15 with insulin). A marked departure from normal serum IgA values in subjects receiving oral hypoglycaemising preparations for at least 4 yr was the only alteration worthy of note.", "contents": "[Preliminary observations on the behavior of immunoglobulins in diabetics treated by different methods]. IgG, IgM and IgA values were determined in 45 diabetic patients of various ages and both sexes (30 treated with oral hypoglycaemising drugs and 15 with insulin). A marked departure from normal serum IgA values in subjects receiving oral hypoglycaemising preparations for at least 4 yr was the only alteration worthy of note.", "PMID": 995284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6059", "title": "[Diabetes, obesity and adenocarcinoma of corpus uteri].", "content": "Diabetes and obesity were noted in 21.3% and 42.3% respectively of 94 patients with adenocarcinoma corporis uteri. Hypertension and ovarian or mammary neoplasia were also common. Obese and diabetic subjects proved more sensitive to treatment with high doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate. Screening for precancerous states or carcinoma of the endometrium in obese and diabetic women is suggested.", "contents": "[Diabetes, obesity and adenocarcinoma of corpus uteri]. Diabetes and obesity were noted in 21.3% and 42.3% respectively of 94 patients with adenocarcinoma corporis uteri. Hypertension and ovarian or mammary neoplasia were also common. Obese and diabetic subjects proved more sensitive to treatment with high doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate. Screening for precancerous states or carcinoma of the endometrium in obese and diabetic women is suggested.", "PMID": 995285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6060", "title": "[Lymphoscintiscanning with colloidal Tc 99m in pediatrics].", "content": "Lymphatic scintigraphy has proved a useful addition to radiological lymphography in oncological diagnosis in paediatrics. In cases studied comparatively with the two techniques, scintigraphy has been found to offer good resolution capacity also. The radioisotope method demonstrated its greatest value as a control examination for judging results obtained after surgery or radiation. In doubtful cases it was possibile to repeat the examination after a short time in order to evaluate the development of the lymph node lesion. The technique is easy to carry out in paediatric age: 0.5 ml of colloidal Tc with specific activity from 0.3 to 0.5 mCix are injected subcutaneously, mixed with 75 U of hyaluronidase between the Ist and IInd interdigital space to highlight iliac and para-aortic lymph nodes. The useof 99mTc is of special interest because it has made irradiation of these small patients negligible.", "contents": "[Lymphoscintiscanning with colloidal Tc 99m in pediatrics]. Lymphatic scintigraphy has proved a useful addition to radiological lymphography in oncological diagnosis in paediatrics. In cases studied comparatively with the two techniques, scintigraphy has been found to offer good resolution capacity also. The radioisotope method demonstrated its greatest value as a control examination for judging results obtained after surgery or radiation. In doubtful cases it was possibile to repeat the examination after a short time in order to evaluate the development of the lymph node lesion. The technique is easy to carry out in paediatric age: 0.5 ml of colloidal Tc with specific activity from 0.3 to 0.5 mCix are injected subcutaneously, mixed with 75 U of hyaluronidase between the Ist and IInd interdigital space to highlight iliac and para-aortic lymph nodes. The useof 99mTc is of special interest because it has made irradiation of these small patients negligible.", "PMID": 995288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6061", "title": "[Achilles reflexogram and hemodynamic parameters in the evaluation of thyroid function].", "content": "Among the numerous techniques designed to explore thyroid function, two which examine important peripheral aspects are considered: Achilles osteotendinous reflectivity (determination of contraction time and relaxation time of the gastrocnemius muscle) and the response of the cardiovascular system to thyroid hormones (determination of the time of onset of Korotkoff's sound and that of the brachial sphygmic wave). Comparison of the results obtained with these two techniques in a group of 60 euthyroid subjects, 17 hypothyroid and 25 hyperthyroid cases, shows that the techniques are comparable as regards precision, reproducibility, and sensitivity and are of indubitable importance for the assessment of thyroid function through the study of two of its peripheral aspects.", "contents": "[Achilles reflexogram and hemodynamic parameters in the evaluation of thyroid function]. Among the numerous techniques designed to explore thyroid function, two which examine important peripheral aspects are considered: Achilles osteotendinous reflectivity (determination of contraction time and relaxation time of the gastrocnemius muscle) and the response of the cardiovascular system to thyroid hormones (determination of the time of onset of Korotkoff's sound and that of the brachial sphygmic wave). Comparison of the results obtained with these two techniques in a group of 60 euthyroid subjects, 17 hypothyroid and 25 hyperthyroid cases, shows that the techniques are comparable as regards precision, reproducibility, and sensitivity and are of indubitable importance for the assessment of thyroid function through the study of two of its peripheral aspects.", "PMID": 995289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6062", "title": "[Use of radioactive isotopes in the diagnosis of pulmonary tumors. Analysis of the results of 18 anatomically verified cases].", "content": "18 cases of anatomically verified lung cancer were studied scintigraphically with microspheres of human albumin labelled with 99Tc, mercury bichloride (197Hg) and citrate of gallium (67Ga), to assess the diagnostic value of this technique. Using albumin microspheres, changes in the scintigraphic picture were obtained in 100% of cases, but inferior results were obtained with the two other tracers (gallium 75% and mercury bichloride 58.8%). The poor specificity of scintigraphy with albumin, which was changed in numerous non-neoplastic pathologies, removes all significance from this apparently brilliant result. From an overall assessment of all three scintigraphies, no increase in positivity percentages is obtained; the agreement of all three with respect to the neoplastic nature of the condition is however very good. Although possible conclusions are less favourable than those reported by other workers, the investigation with radioisotopes plays an important r\u00f4le in the diagnosis of lung tumours, in view also of its harmlessness and tolerability, although it is not enough on its own for diagnosis. Large series and constant anatomical and histological monitoring are needed before any definitive assessment can be attempted of the diagnostic value of this method.", "contents": "[Use of radioactive isotopes in the diagnosis of pulmonary tumors. Analysis of the results of 18 anatomically verified cases]. 18 cases of anatomically verified lung cancer were studied scintigraphically with microspheres of human albumin labelled with 99Tc, mercury bichloride (197Hg) and citrate of gallium (67Ga), to assess the diagnostic value of this technique. Using albumin microspheres, changes in the scintigraphic picture were obtained in 100% of cases, but inferior results were obtained with the two other tracers (gallium 75% and mercury bichloride 58.8%). The poor specificity of scintigraphy with albumin, which was changed in numerous non-neoplastic pathologies, removes all significance from this apparently brilliant result. From an overall assessment of all three scintigraphies, no increase in positivity percentages is obtained; the agreement of all three with respect to the neoplastic nature of the condition is however very good. Although possible conclusions are less favourable than those reported by other workers, the investigation with radioisotopes plays an important r\u00f4le in the diagnosis of lung tumours, in view also of its harmlessness and tolerability, although it is not enough on its own for diagnosis. Large series and constant anatomical and histological monitoring are needed before any definitive assessment can be attempted of the diagnostic value of this method.", "PMID": 995290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6063", "title": "[Preliminary results of an epidemiological survey for diabetes].", "content": "Mass screening for diabetes in a factory employing 464 subjects by means of a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test and measurement of blood sugar with Dextrosix reagent strips read on a reflectance meter is reported. Values of 120 mg% or over were noted in 10.34% and values in the range 110 to 120 mg% in 7.76%.", "contents": "[Preliminary results of an epidemiological survey for diabetes]. Mass screening for diabetes in a factory employing 464 subjects by means of a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test and measurement of blood sugar with Dextrosix reagent strips read on a reflectance meter is reported. Values of 120 mg% or over were noted in 10.34% and values in the range 110 to 120 mg% in 7.76%.", "PMID": 995291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6064", "title": "[Clinical considerations on retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Report of 2 cases].", "content": "Liposarcoma is one of the more common tumours of the soft retroperitoneal tissues. It usually occurs in aged subjects and displays a marked contrast between its malignant histological picture and its protracted, poorly symptomatic clinical picture. Eventually, compression or invasion of nearby organs appears, whereas the patient's general condition is not affected. Two personal cases are described.", "contents": "[Clinical considerations on retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Report of 2 cases]. Liposarcoma is one of the more common tumours of the soft retroperitoneal tissues. It usually occurs in aged subjects and displays a marked contrast between its malignant histological picture and its protracted, poorly symptomatic clinical picture. Eventually, compression or invasion of nearby organs appears, whereas the patient's general condition is not affected. Two personal cases are described.", "PMID": 995293} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6065", "title": "[Clinico-radiological and functional aspects of respiratory syndromes caused by collagen diseases].", "content": "The clinical and radiological features in 100 patients with collagen diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sclerodermia, dermatomyositis, and panarteritis nodosa) were compared with respiratory performance. 56 patients were drawn from the series of Pende et Al. and 44 from a personal series. The results are set out in tables and graphs. It was found that lung lesions due to collagen disease have no special clinical and radiological features. Respiratory performance is that of a restrictive syndrome that gradually progresses from A.R. to E.S., S. and P.M., accompanied by obstruction of the large airways, as shown by hyperinsufflation in sclerodermia and reduced specific conductance in rheumatoid arthritis.", "contents": "[Clinico-radiological and functional aspects of respiratory syndromes caused by collagen diseases]. The clinical and radiological features in 100 patients with collagen diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sclerodermia, dermatomyositis, and panarteritis nodosa) were compared with respiratory performance. 56 patients were drawn from the series of Pende et Al. and 44 from a personal series. The results are set out in tables and graphs. It was found that lung lesions due to collagen disease have no special clinical and radiological features. Respiratory performance is that of a restrictive syndrome that gradually progresses from A.R. to E.S., S. and P.M., accompanied by obstruction of the large airways, as shown by hyperinsufflation in sclerodermia and reduced specific conductance in rheumatoid arthritis.", "PMID": 995294} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6066", "title": "[Bile composition in patients with high risk of cholelithiasis].", "content": "Clinical and epidemiological experience has shown that some subjects, such as diabetics and cirrhotics, are particularly prone to cholelithiasis. The cause of this association was sought, with particular reference to the biliary lipid pattern, since this was considered as a pathogenetic factor in high-risk patients of this kind. It was found that diabetics, like subjects with biliary lithiasis, have a high biliary cholesterol saturation index; this was not the case in cirrhosis. This increase was apparently due both to a fall in bile acids and an increase in bile cholesterol. On the other hand, no significant difference was found between diabetics and controls as far as the pool of bile acids was concerned. No important differences in bile acid pattern were noted. Deoxycolate tended to increase in subjects with cholelithiasis and fall (along with lithocolate) in those with cirrhosis. These findings were, however, devoid of statistical significance. The high incidence of cholelithiasis in diabetics is physiopathologically confirmed by significant \"lithogenic\" changes in bule lipid composition, whereas the high incidence in cirrhosis is not open to this explanation and probably rests on a different pathogenetic basis. The importance of bile saturation is clear, however, together with its therapeutic and prophylatic implications (chenodeoxycholic acid). The possible influence of unknown factors cannot be ruled out.", "contents": "[Bile composition in patients with high risk of cholelithiasis]. Clinical and epidemiological experience has shown that some subjects, such as diabetics and cirrhotics, are particularly prone to cholelithiasis. The cause of this association was sought, with particular reference to the biliary lipid pattern, since this was considered as a pathogenetic factor in high-risk patients of this kind. It was found that diabetics, like subjects with biliary lithiasis, have a high biliary cholesterol saturation index; this was not the case in cirrhosis. This increase was apparently due both to a fall in bile acids and an increase in bile cholesterol. On the other hand, no significant difference was found between diabetics and controls as far as the pool of bile acids was concerned. No important differences in bile acid pattern were noted. Deoxycolate tended to increase in subjects with cholelithiasis and fall (along with lithocolate) in those with cirrhosis. These findings were, however, devoid of statistical significance. The high incidence of cholelithiasis in diabetics is physiopathologically confirmed by significant \"lithogenic\" changes in bule lipid composition, whereas the high incidence in cirrhosis is not open to this explanation and probably rests on a different pathogenetic basis. The importance of bile saturation is clear, however, together with its therapeutic and prophylatic implications (chenodeoxycholic acid). The possible influence of unknown factors cannot be ruled out.", "PMID": 995295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6067", "title": "[Tumors of the head of the pancreas. Echographic diagnosis].", "content": "The diagnostic possibilities in cancer of the head of the pancreas offered by radiography, angiography, isotopic and endoscopic investigations (with respective accuracy percentages) are examined and a new technique based on the use of ultrasounds is presented. Echography exploits the different structures of tissues by reflecting the ultrasound beam which strikes them in a different way, providing a bidimensional tomographic picture of the surface explored with echostructural profiles and characteristics of the organs. The personal series, together with pictures and percentages of correct diagnosis, is presented. It is concluded that the technique is one of the most suitable for exploring the pancreatic region.", "contents": "[Tumors of the head of the pancreas. Echographic diagnosis]. The diagnostic possibilities in cancer of the head of the pancreas offered by radiography, angiography, isotopic and endoscopic investigations (with respective accuracy percentages) are examined and a new technique based on the use of ultrasounds is presented. Echography exploits the different structures of tissues by reflecting the ultrasound beam which strikes them in a different way, providing a bidimensional tomographic picture of the surface explored with echostructural profiles and characteristics of the organs. The personal series, together with pictures and percentages of correct diagnosis, is presented. It is concluded that the technique is one of the most suitable for exploring the pancreatic region.", "PMID": 995297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6068", "title": "[Clinical and metabolic aspects of juvenile myocardial infarct].", "content": "A clinical and metabolic study of 61 patients with myoocardial infarct before the age of 40 yr showed a high frequency of familial involvement, particularly in subjects with type IIA and IIB hyperbetalipoproteinaemia. Excess weight and arterial hypertension were rare, while premonitory angina was absent in 59%. Four subjects were diabetic. Oral glucose tolerance was normal in 14 and of diabetic type in 26 of 40 patients examined; the insulin response pointed to insulin-resistance. Dyslipidaemia was noted in 45%, including type IIA and IIB hyperbetalipoproteinaemia in 27%. Distribution of the frequency of infarct in function of cholesterolaemia classes gave a bimodal curve indicative of distinct normo- and hypercholesterolaemic groups within the series. Reduced glucose tolerance was more frequent in patients with low blood cholesterol. This suggests that reduced tolerance and high blood cholesterol are independent risk factors in coronary disease. No relation between the clinical and metabolic data could be ascertained.", "contents": "[Clinical and metabolic aspects of juvenile myocardial infarct]. A clinical and metabolic study of 61 patients with myoocardial infarct before the age of 40 yr showed a high frequency of familial involvement, particularly in subjects with type IIA and IIB hyperbetalipoproteinaemia. Excess weight and arterial hypertension were rare, while premonitory angina was absent in 59%. Four subjects were diabetic. Oral glucose tolerance was normal in 14 and of diabetic type in 26 of 40 patients examined; the insulin response pointed to insulin-resistance. Dyslipidaemia was noted in 45%, including type IIA and IIB hyperbetalipoproteinaemia in 27%. Distribution of the frequency of infarct in function of cholesterolaemia classes gave a bimodal curve indicative of distinct normo- and hypercholesterolaemic groups within the series. Reduced glucose tolerance was more frequent in patients with low blood cholesterol. This suggests that reduced tolerance and high blood cholesterol are independent risk factors in coronary disease. No relation between the clinical and metabolic data could be ascertained.", "PMID": 995298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6069", "title": "[Use of glucagon in the treatment of severe contractile insufficiency of the myocardium].", "content": "Glucagon hydrochloride has been used to treat severe contractile insufficiency of the myocardium. The drug was administered to cardiopathic patients who had been admitted to the intensive care unit. Results in the various groups examined were satisfactory, particularly in cases of patients with valve diseases and with chronic pulmonary heart and cardiac insufficiency recalcitrant to digitalis therapy. No important side-effects were noted.", "contents": "[Use of glucagon in the treatment of severe contractile insufficiency of the myocardium]. Glucagon hydrochloride has been used to treat severe contractile insufficiency of the myocardium. The drug was administered to cardiopathic patients who had been admitted to the intensive care unit. Results in the various groups examined were satisfactory, particularly in cases of patients with valve diseases and with chronic pulmonary heart and cardiac insufficiency recalcitrant to digitalis therapy. No important side-effects were noted.", "PMID": 995299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6070", "title": "[Behavior of plasma/insulin, somatropin and NEFA after intravenous administration of tolbutamide in hepatic cirrhosis].", "content": "Cirrhotics presented higher insulin production, in the presence of a drop in glycaemia significantly less than controls, following 1 g of tolbutamide i.v. The drug also brought on a rapid drop in NEFA and a rise in plasma growth hormone. The pathogenesis of altered glucose tolerance in liver cirrhosis is discussed.", "contents": "[Behavior of plasma/insulin, somatropin and NEFA after intravenous administration of tolbutamide in hepatic cirrhosis]. Cirrhotics presented higher insulin production, in the presence of a drop in glycaemia significantly less than controls, following 1 g of tolbutamide i.v. The drug also brought on a rapid drop in NEFA and a rise in plasma growth hormone. The pathogenesis of altered glucose tolerance in liver cirrhosis is discussed.", "PMID": 995300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6071", "title": "[Prevention of migraine. Observations on the possibilities offered by some polypeptides].", "content": "A biological preparation containing 110a-130a polypeptide fractions with recently discovered antiserotonin and anti-bradykinin activity was employed in the prevention of migraine crises. The overall results were good in trials both versus placebo and using various doses and periods of treatment. Crises were even prevented in a case of cluster headache. Treatment with standard courses giving high doses concentrated in time was apparently successful in antagonising serotonin and bradykinin action on peripheral receptors.", "contents": "[Prevention of migraine. Observations on the possibilities offered by some polypeptides]. A biological preparation containing 110a-130a polypeptide fractions with recently discovered antiserotonin and anti-bradykinin activity was employed in the prevention of migraine crises. The overall results were good in trials both versus placebo and using various doses and periods of treatment. Crises were even prevented in a case of cluster headache. Treatment with standard courses giving high doses concentrated in time was apparently successful in antagonising serotonin and bradykinin action on peripheral receptors.", "PMID": 995301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6072", "title": "[Therapy of psoriasis].", "content": "The possible methods of treating psoriasis and results obtained are reviewed and the superior effectiveness of an approach reported in recent literature, an association of methoxalene per os and broad ultraviolet rays, is pointed out. In almost all cases submitted to such \"photochemotherapeutic\" treatment, regression of diffused lesions was rapid and complete with no systemic toxic effects or secondary skin alterations. On the basis of recent personal experience, it is stated that similar results may be obtained by the photochemotherapy of psoriasis with appropriate doses of Trisoralen per os and sunlight.", "contents": "[Therapy of psoriasis]. The possible methods of treating psoriasis and results obtained are reviewed and the superior effectiveness of an approach reported in recent literature, an association of methoxalene per os and broad ultraviolet rays, is pointed out. In almost all cases submitted to such \"photochemotherapeutic\" treatment, regression of diffused lesions was rapid and complete with no systemic toxic effects or secondary skin alterations. On the basis of recent personal experience, it is stated that similar results may be obtained by the photochemotherapy of psoriasis with appropriate doses of Trisoralen per os and sunlight.", "PMID": 995302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6073", "title": "[Hypercalciuric and hyperparathyroid renal lithiasis].", "content": "Idiopathic hypercalciuria was noted in 10% of a series of 1635 subjects with renal lithiasis. Eight-day administration of thiazide diuretics as a test for the discovery of latent hyperparathyroidism in idiopathic hypercalciuria is described. In 6 cases diagnosed in this way, surgery disclosed the presence of a parathyroid adenoma. Resection was followed by persistent hypercalciuria and, in some instances, renal lithiasis activity. The pathogenesis of associations of these frequently observed diseases is examined.", "contents": "[Hypercalciuric and hyperparathyroid renal lithiasis]. Idiopathic hypercalciuria was noted in 10% of a series of 1635 subjects with renal lithiasis. Eight-day administration of thiazide diuretics as a test for the discovery of latent hyperparathyroidism in idiopathic hypercalciuria is described. In 6 cases diagnosed in this way, surgery disclosed the presence of a parathyroid adenoma. Resection was followed by persistent hypercalciuria and, in some instances, renal lithiasis activity. The pathogenesis of associations of these frequently observed diseases is examined.", "PMID": 995303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6074", "title": "[Current aspects of iatrogenic lesions of the bone marrow].", "content": "An overall study, accompanied by some statistics, is presented of delayed bone marrow injuries caused by drugs, such as chloramphenicol, phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, gold salts, sulphamides and diphenylhydantoin. Unanimous agreement as to the aetiological interpretation of isolated cases, the seriousness of marrow damage, and the results obtained by treatment can be observed in various countries. The available epidemiological data are incomplete, though they point to a parallel between the appearance of panmyelopathy after chloramphenicol and the consumption of this drug. First noted in the U.S., this relationship later became apparent in several European countries and eventually in West Germany. Frequencies range from 1 per 6,000 to 1 per 36,000 subjects treated in California, Hamburg and Sweden.", "contents": "[Current aspects of iatrogenic lesions of the bone marrow]. An overall study, accompanied by some statistics, is presented of delayed bone marrow injuries caused by drugs, such as chloramphenicol, phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, gold salts, sulphamides and diphenylhydantoin. Unanimous agreement as to the aetiological interpretation of isolated cases, the seriousness of marrow damage, and the results obtained by treatment can be observed in various countries. The available epidemiological data are incomplete, though they point to a parallel between the appearance of panmyelopathy after chloramphenicol and the consumption of this drug. First noted in the U.S., this relationship later became apparent in several European countries and eventually in West Germany. Frequencies range from 1 per 6,000 to 1 per 36,000 subjects treated in California, Hamburg and Sweden.", "PMID": 995304} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6075", "title": "[The liver and metabolism of drugs].", "content": "Even if all problems of liver metabolism have not yet been clarified, it is nevertheless established that medicaments induce enzymes in the hepatic cells which influence the metabolism of drugs. Because their effect is unspecific, these enzymes can catabolize many drugs with different structures. About 200 substances are known which induce such enzymes. Among them, for example, is phenobarbital. It is therefore used in the treatment of some forms of icterus with free bilirubin and for Cushing's syndrome. But enzyme induction can also lead to acute intermittent porphyrias and disturbances of the phosphorus-calcium metabolism. Extreme catabolism of a drug can be caused by overinduction of enzymes due to the administration of several incompatible medicaments.", "contents": "[The liver and metabolism of drugs]. Even if all problems of liver metabolism have not yet been clarified, it is nevertheless established that medicaments induce enzymes in the hepatic cells which influence the metabolism of drugs. Because their effect is unspecific, these enzymes can catabolize many drugs with different structures. About 200 substances are known which induce such enzymes. Among them, for example, is phenobarbital. It is therefore used in the treatment of some forms of icterus with free bilirubin and for Cushing's syndrome. But enzyme induction can also lead to acute intermittent porphyrias and disturbances of the phosphorus-calcium metabolism. Extreme catabolism of a drug can be caused by overinduction of enzymes due to the administration of several incompatible medicaments.", "PMID": 995305} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6076", "title": "[The secretin test with the standard dose and high dose in chronic pancreatitis].", "content": "Sequential standard (1.0 U/kg) and augmented (4.0-5.0 U/kg) secretin response of the pancreas has been briefly compared in normal subjects and in pathologic series. The results of sequential testing led to the conclusion that, for clinical purposes, the standard test is sufficient for the diagnosis of well established pancreatic pathologies causing gross destruction of the parenchyma, while the augmented test is of particular value when the response to 1 U/kg produces equivocal results, since a higher stimulation enhances the masked secretory deficiency. The application of the augmented stimulus in alcoholic patients suggested the hypothesis that the post-secretin response pattern of minimal pancreatic inflammatory pathology is hypersecretion. Repeated observations in alcoholic hypersecretors will provide physiologic data elucidating the evolution of pancreatic pathology towards the end stages of chronic pancreatitis.", "contents": "[The secretin test with the standard dose and high dose in chronic pancreatitis]. Sequential standard (1.0 U/kg) and augmented (4.0-5.0 U/kg) secretin response of the pancreas has been briefly compared in normal subjects and in pathologic series. The results of sequential testing led to the conclusion that, for clinical purposes, the standard test is sufficient for the diagnosis of well established pancreatic pathologies causing gross destruction of the parenchyma, while the augmented test is of particular value when the response to 1 U/kg produces equivocal results, since a higher stimulation enhances the masked secretory deficiency. The application of the augmented stimulus in alcoholic patients suggested the hypothesis that the post-secretin response pattern of minimal pancreatic inflammatory pathology is hypersecretion. Repeated observations in alcoholic hypersecretors will provide physiologic data elucidating the evolution of pancreatic pathology towards the end stages of chronic pancreatitis.", "PMID": 995306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6077", "title": "[Water and potassium metabolism changes].", "content": "The disturbances of water and electrolyte metabolism in the body can be subdivided into three large groups: 1) disturbances of free water which are related to the whole body water and are always coupled with changes in the osmolality of the internal environment and also of the interior of the cells (hypertension due to loss of water, hypotension in water intoxication); 2) isotonic changes of the volume of the extracellular fluid-oedema or extracellular dehydration. The latter are always coupled with a hypovolaemia and with a danger to the circulation which may end in shock. There is also a cumulative loss of potassium as a result of the dehydration reaction; 3) disturbances of the intracellular water metabolism which are associated with disturbances of the potassium metabolism. These may have grave consequences for the function of striated and smooth muscles, for the function of the nerves and various enzyme systems. Since the disorders of the extracellular water balance are generally best known, the attention is principally drawn in this paper to the hypertonic dehydration and the status of the potassium metabolism. The symptomatology of both conditions is discussed, and also their diagnosis with the simplest laboratory effort not associated with great loss of time (which is essential if valuable time is not to be lost before the laboratory results can be obtained). The theoretical considerations are supplemented with clinical examples and explanations of the treatment.", "contents": "[Water and potassium metabolism changes]. The disturbances of water and electrolyte metabolism in the body can be subdivided into three large groups: 1) disturbances of free water which are related to the whole body water and are always coupled with changes in the osmolality of the internal environment and also of the interior of the cells (hypertension due to loss of water, hypotension in water intoxication); 2) isotonic changes of the volume of the extracellular fluid-oedema or extracellular dehydration. The latter are always coupled with a hypovolaemia and with a danger to the circulation which may end in shock. There is also a cumulative loss of potassium as a result of the dehydration reaction; 3) disturbances of the intracellular water metabolism which are associated with disturbances of the potassium metabolism. These may have grave consequences for the function of striated and smooth muscles, for the function of the nerves and various enzyme systems. Since the disorders of the extracellular water balance are generally best known, the attention is principally drawn in this paper to the hypertonic dehydration and the status of the potassium metabolism. The symptomatology of both conditions is discussed, and also their diagnosis with the simplest laboratory effort not associated with great loss of time (which is essential if valuable time is not to be lost before the laboratory results can be obtained). The theoretical considerations are supplemented with clinical examples and explanations of the treatment.", "PMID": 995307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6078", "title": "[Electrolyte changes in acute renal failure].", "content": "One hundred and fifty two patients out of two hundred and forty six with acute renal failure (A.R.F.) were selected because of a more complete study of the serum and urine electrolytes have been performed. All patients had acute parenquimatous renal failure (no pre or postrenal failure) most likely due to tubular or cortical necrosis. No acute or chronic glomerulopathies were included. The patient sample comprehended seventy three males and seventy nine females with ages between fifteen and eighty five years old. They were divided in four groups according with the primary disease: A) Medical cases (63 patients), B) Obstetrical and Gynecological (40 patients), C) Postraumatic (25 patients), and D) Postsurgical (24 cases).", "contents": "[Electrolyte changes in acute renal failure]. One hundred and fifty two patients out of two hundred and forty six with acute renal failure (A.R.F.) were selected because of a more complete study of the serum and urine electrolytes have been performed. All patients had acute parenquimatous renal failure (no pre or postrenal failure) most likely due to tubular or cortical necrosis. No acute or chronic glomerulopathies were included. The patient sample comprehended seventy three males and seventy nine females with ages between fifteen and eighty five years old. They were divided in four groups according with the primary disease: A) Medical cases (63 patients), B) Obstetrical and Gynecological (40 patients), C) Postraumatic (25 patients), and D) Postsurgical (24 cases).", "PMID": 995308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6079", "title": "[Emergency stiuations connected with electrolyte disorders. Special aspects].", "content": "Electrolyte-induced situations which are dangerous to life usually result from disturbances of the extracellular volume (ECV), osmolarity, the potassium level or the acid-base equilibrium. In recent years (thanks to the wide spread use of hormone therapy for mammary carcinoma) severe hypercalcemia has increased in importance as a life-threatening complication, while hypocalcemia, at least in adults, should only very seldom lead to unexpected emergencies. As long as serious clinical symptoms do not suggest an emergency, assessment of the threat to the patient as a result of the existing electrolyte disturbance often causes some difficulty. Besides the extent of the deviation from normal, the rate of development of the disturbance determines the resulting danger: chronic hypo-osmolarity, and especially hyperosmolarity are occasionally tolerated without symptoms while acute disturbances of the same or a less extent lead to severe central nervous symptoms. A similar state of affairs is also true of the emergency situations arising from disturbances of the acid-base equilibrium, among which the respiratory disorders are particularly important clinically. In the case of threatening disorders of the potassium metabolism, the accompanying circumstances (digitalis, simultaneous disorders and treatment of the acid-base equilibrium) often determine the clinical significance and danger to the patient. Clinical symptoms, anticipation (\"expecting the unexpected\"), prevention and treatment of emergency situations of fluid volume, osmolarity, potassium and acid-base equilibrium are the subjects of this paper.", "contents": "[Emergency stiuations connected with electrolyte disorders. Special aspects]. Electrolyte-induced situations which are dangerous to life usually result from disturbances of the extracellular volume (ECV), osmolarity, the potassium level or the acid-base equilibrium. In recent years (thanks to the wide spread use of hormone therapy for mammary carcinoma) severe hypercalcemia has increased in importance as a life-threatening complication, while hypocalcemia, at least in adults, should only very seldom lead to unexpected emergencies. As long as serious clinical symptoms do not suggest an emergency, assessment of the threat to the patient as a result of the existing electrolyte disturbance often causes some difficulty. Besides the extent of the deviation from normal, the rate of development of the disturbance determines the resulting danger: chronic hypo-osmolarity, and especially hyperosmolarity are occasionally tolerated without symptoms while acute disturbances of the same or a less extent lead to severe central nervous symptoms. A similar state of affairs is also true of the emergency situations arising from disturbances of the acid-base equilibrium, among which the respiratory disorders are particularly important clinically. In the case of threatening disorders of the potassium metabolism, the accompanying circumstances (digitalis, simultaneous disorders and treatment of the acid-base equilibrium) often determine the clinical significance and danger to the patient. Clinical symptoms, anticipation (\"expecting the unexpected\"), prevention and treatment of emergency situations of fluid volume, osmolarity, potassium and acid-base equilibrium are the subjects of this paper.", "PMID": 995309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6080", "title": "[Hyperosmolar comatose states].", "content": "A recently determined entity, hyperosmolar coma is a good example of a clinical candition attributable to a fundamental alteration, namely extracellular hyperosmolarity. The principal stages in its history are summarised. The laws governing osmosis are recalled and the various features of the sndrome are studied. Attention is drawn to the clinical peculiarities (skin dehydration), biological features (record glycaemia value), and EEG data noted in 17 cases treated in a resuscitation centre over a period of seven years, along with the treatment employed-this being still a matter of debate. Reference is also made to 52 cases of acute drunkenness in a study of the relation between blood alcohol values and plasma hyperosmolarity.", "contents": "[Hyperosmolar comatose states]. A recently determined entity, hyperosmolar coma is a good example of a clinical candition attributable to a fundamental alteration, namely extracellular hyperosmolarity. The principal stages in its history are summarised. The laws governing osmosis are recalled and the various features of the sndrome are studied. Attention is drawn to the clinical peculiarities (skin dehydration), biological features (record glycaemia value), and EEG data noted in 17 cases treated in a resuscitation centre over a period of seven years, along with the treatment employed-this being still a matter of debate. Reference is also made to 52 cases of acute drunkenness in a study of the relation between blood alcohol values and plasma hyperosmolarity.", "PMID": 995310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6081", "title": "[Clinical significance of the tests used in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases].", "content": "Different methods available for investigating patients for pancreatic disease are discussed. They first include measurement of pancreatic enzymes in biological fluids. Basal amylase and/or lipase in blood are truly diagnostic in acute pancreatitis but their utility is low in chronic pancreatic diseases. Evocative tests have been performed to increase the sensitivity of blood enzyme measurement. The procedure is based on enzyme determination following administration of pancreozymin and secretin, and offers a valuable aid in diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and cancer of the pancreas. They are capable of discerning pancreatic lesions but are not really discriminatory because similar changes are observed in both diseases. The measurement of urinary enzyme levels in patients with acute pancreatitis is a sensitive indicator of disease. The urinary amylase excretion rises to abnormal levels and persists at significant values for a longer period of time than the serum amylase in acute pancreatitis. The fractional urinary amylase escretion seems to be more sensitive than daily urinary measurement. The pancreatic exocrin function can be assessed by examining the duodenal contents after intravenous administration of pancreozymin and secretin. Different abnormal secretory patterns can be determinated. Total secretory deficiency is observed in patients with obstruction of excretory ducts by tumors of the head of the pancreas and in the end stage of chronic pancreatitis. Low volume with normal bicarbonate and enzyme concentration is another typical pattern seen in neoplastic obstruction of escretory ducts. In chronic pancreatitis the chief defect is the inability of the gland to secrete a juice with a high bicarbonate concentration; but in the advanced stage diminution of enzyme and volume is also evident. Diagnostic procedures for pancreatic diseases include digestion and absorption tests. The microscopic examination and chemical estimation of the fats in stool specimens in different conditions of intake are still important screening tests. Isotopic estimates of steatorrhea and distinction between labeled triolein and oleic acid absorption do not provide greater diagnostic discrimination than traditional procedures. 131I labeled proteins permit a good evaluation of a negative nitrogen balance. Sophisticated procedures to estimate exocrine pancreatic insufficiency are based on the study of endoluminal digestive processes at several times and different level of the small intestine. They permite esclusion of extrapancreatic factors interfering in digestion and absorption functions. The endocrin pancreatic function is evaluated by mean of oral tolerance test an radioimmunoassay of blood insulin. It is generally agreed that \"diabetes\" caused by insulin deficiency and digestion and absorption defects are the result of diffuse pancreatic destruction. Many methods are now available investigating patients with pancreatic disease but the single use of one of them is never satisfactory...", "contents": "[Clinical significance of the tests used in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases]. Different methods available for investigating patients for pancreatic disease are discussed. They first include measurement of pancreatic enzymes in biological fluids. Basal amylase and/or lipase in blood are truly diagnostic in acute pancreatitis but their utility is low in chronic pancreatic diseases. Evocative tests have been performed to increase the sensitivity of blood enzyme measurement. The procedure is based on enzyme determination following administration of pancreozymin and secretin, and offers a valuable aid in diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and cancer of the pancreas. They are capable of discerning pancreatic lesions but are not really discriminatory because similar changes are observed in both diseases. The measurement of urinary enzyme levels in patients with acute pancreatitis is a sensitive indicator of disease. The urinary amylase excretion rises to abnormal levels and persists at significant values for a longer period of time than the serum amylase in acute pancreatitis. The fractional urinary amylase escretion seems to be more sensitive than daily urinary measurement. The pancreatic exocrin function can be assessed by examining the duodenal contents after intravenous administration of pancreozymin and secretin. Different abnormal secretory patterns can be determinated. Total secretory deficiency is observed in patients with obstruction of excretory ducts by tumors of the head of the pancreas and in the end stage of chronic pancreatitis. Low volume with normal bicarbonate and enzyme concentration is another typical pattern seen in neoplastic obstruction of escretory ducts. In chronic pancreatitis the chief defect is the inability of the gland to secrete a juice with a high bicarbonate concentration; but in the advanced stage diminution of enzyme and volume is also evident. Diagnostic procedures for pancreatic diseases include digestion and absorption tests. The microscopic examination and chemical estimation of the fats in stool specimens in different conditions of intake are still important screening tests. Isotopic estimates of steatorrhea and distinction between labeled triolein and oleic acid absorption do not provide greater diagnostic discrimination than traditional procedures. 131I labeled proteins permit a good evaluation of a negative nitrogen balance. Sophisticated procedures to estimate exocrine pancreatic insufficiency are based on the study of endoluminal digestive processes at several times and different level of the small intestine. They permite esclusion of extrapancreatic factors interfering in digestion and absorption functions. The endocrin pancreatic function is evaluated by mean of oral tolerance test an radioimmunoassay of blood insulin. It is generally agreed that \"diabetes\" caused by insulin deficiency and digestion and absorption defects are the result of diffuse pancreatic destruction. Many methods are now available investigating patients with pancreatic disease but the single use of one of them is never satisfactory...", "PMID": 995311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6082", "title": "[Renal water-electrolyte excretion and its control mechanisms. Current status of knowledge].", "content": "The literature on hydronatriuresis control processes operating at the level of individual renal functional units and of the organ as a whole is analysed. 1) Elementary sodium salt and water tubular transport mechanisms. In converting the filtrate into urine, the kidney expends metabolic energy: this is used in the (active) transport of sodium salts; (passive) transport of water takes place along the osmotic gradients created by salt transfer. The proximal tubules reabsorb the sodium bic-rbonate actively. The reabsorption of the osmitic equivalent of water has the effect of concentrating NaCl in the tubular fluid. An important role in the reabsorption of NaCl is played by passive diffusion from the lumen to the interstitial fluid; the remainder is transferred actively, perhaps by an electrically neutral pump. With respect to the other nephronic segments, the proximal tubule has a relatively high passive permeability to water and salts: active transport here must not surmount high friction resistances nor take place against important concentration gradients. The low permeability of the distal nephron, on the other hand, increases the energy cost of salt transport; for the same reason, important electrochemical gradients are created and the composition of tubular fluid is drastically altered. 2) Elementary mechanisms of tubular potassium transport. Potassium is reabsorbed actively along the whole nephron by a luminal pump. The proximal tubules and Henle loops promote practically complete absorption of filtrated potassium. The distal tubules and collectors have the two-fold capacity of secreting and reabsorbing cation: the quantity of potassium excreted with the urine depends on the degree of excess of the secretion process. At distal tubular level, potassium secretion is a passive phenomenon dependent on the favourable transluminal gradient of the cation's electrochemical potential. 3) Renal function and volume homoeostasis of extracellular fluid. The organism's sodium content is largely controlled by renal excretion of sodium; homoeostasis of the sodium mass guarantees volume homoeostasis of the extracellular fluid through thirst and osmotic secretion of ADH. Extracellular fluid volume errors are picked up by the organism to the extent to which they translate themselves into pressure variations in the low pressure vascular system or into variations in haematic constituent concentration within the vascular sector, produced with velocities independent, at least in the short term, of the volume of extracellular fluid. In control of natriuria are the glomerular filtrate, intrarenal distribution of blood flow and tubular reabsorption of sodium; in its turn, the latter is subject to nervous and hormonal influences and influences from the physical environment surrounding the nephrons...", "contents": "[Renal water-electrolyte excretion and its control mechanisms. Current status of knowledge]. The literature on hydronatriuresis control processes operating at the level of individual renal functional units and of the organ as a whole is analysed. 1) Elementary sodium salt and water tubular transport mechanisms. In converting the filtrate into urine, the kidney expends metabolic energy: this is used in the (active) transport of sodium salts; (passive) transport of water takes place along the osmotic gradients created by salt transfer. The proximal tubules reabsorb the sodium bic-rbonate actively. The reabsorption of the osmitic equivalent of water has the effect of concentrating NaCl in the tubular fluid. An important role in the reabsorption of NaCl is played by passive diffusion from the lumen to the interstitial fluid; the remainder is transferred actively, perhaps by an electrically neutral pump. With respect to the other nephronic segments, the proximal tubule has a relatively high passive permeability to water and salts: active transport here must not surmount high friction resistances nor take place against important concentration gradients. The low permeability of the distal nephron, on the other hand, increases the energy cost of salt transport; for the same reason, important electrochemical gradients are created and the composition of tubular fluid is drastically altered. 2) Elementary mechanisms of tubular potassium transport. Potassium is reabsorbed actively along the whole nephron by a luminal pump. The proximal tubules and Henle loops promote practically complete absorption of filtrated potassium. The distal tubules and collectors have the two-fold capacity of secreting and reabsorbing cation: the quantity of potassium excreted with the urine depends on the degree of excess of the secretion process. At distal tubular level, potassium secretion is a passive phenomenon dependent on the favourable transluminal gradient of the cation's electrochemical potential. 3) Renal function and volume homoeostasis of extracellular fluid. The organism's sodium content is largely controlled by renal excretion of sodium; homoeostasis of the sodium mass guarantees volume homoeostasis of the extracellular fluid through thirst and osmotic secretion of ADH. Extracellular fluid volume errors are picked up by the organism to the extent to which they translate themselves into pressure variations in the low pressure vascular system or into variations in haematic constituent concentration within the vascular sector, produced with velocities independent, at least in the short term, of the volume of extracellular fluid. In control of natriuria are the glomerular filtrate, intrarenal distribution of blood flow and tubular reabsorption of sodium; in its turn, the latter is subject to nervous and hormonal influences and influences from the physical environment surrounding the nephrons...", "PMID": 995312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6083", "title": "[Fibrinolytic activity of the human brain after contusive injuries].", "content": "Histochemical and biochemical evaluation of cerebral tissue fibrinolysis following cranioencephalic trauma was studied in 20 cases seen at necropsy, with varying periods of survival after injury. Fibrinolysis was mainly located at the vasal intima and was very intense in areas rich in vascularised connective tissue, such as the dura mater. Its activity diminished soon after injury to reach minimum values during the first day. Thereafter it remained at very low levels in sites with gross lesions, whereas it returned to nearly normal values elsewhere on the 2nd or 3rd day. Attention is drawn to the territorial character of this pattern. Extension of these results to the fields of diagnosis and treatment, however, is considered premature.", "contents": "[Fibrinolytic activity of the human brain after contusive injuries]. Histochemical and biochemical evaluation of cerebral tissue fibrinolysis following cranioencephalic trauma was studied in 20 cases seen at necropsy, with varying periods of survival after injury. Fibrinolysis was mainly located at the vasal intima and was very intense in areas rich in vascularised connective tissue, such as the dura mater. Its activity diminished soon after injury to reach minimum values during the first day. Thereafter it remained at very low levels in sites with gross lesions, whereas it returned to nearly normal values elsewhere on the 2nd or 3rd day. Attention is drawn to the territorial character of this pattern. Extension of these results to the fields of diagnosis and treatment, however, is considered premature.", "PMID": 995313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6084", "title": "An evaluation of preinduction scoring systems.", "content": "A double-blind clinical study of five preinduction scoring systems was undertaken to determine the accuracy of clinical usefulness of each system as applied to a diverse group of patients. When strictly applied, all five systems were found to be as accurate and useful as it was originally claimed they were. However, when applied without regard to each author's prerequisites, none of the five scoring systems was found to be reliable. A series of preinduction score modifiers is presented which, when applied to any of the preinduction scoring systems, will reliably predict the outcome of induction of labor, with a 50% induction failure rate in patients with lower third scores, a 10% failure for middle third scores, and essentially a 0% failure in the upper third scores.", "contents": "An evaluation of preinduction scoring systems. A double-blind clinical study of five preinduction scoring systems was undertaken to determine the accuracy of clinical usefulness of each system as applied to a diverse group of patients. When strictly applied, all five systems were found to be as accurate and useful as it was originally claimed they were. However, when applied without regard to each author's prerequisites, none of the five scoring systems was found to be reliable. A series of preinduction score modifiers is presented which, when applied to any of the preinduction scoring systems, will reliably predict the outcome of induction of labor, with a 50% induction failure rate in patients with lower third scores, a 10% failure for middle third scores, and essentially a 0% failure in the upper third scores.", "PMID": 995333} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6085", "title": "Diuretic drugs and pregnancy.", "content": "Perinatal mortality and delivery patterns are compared for 4035 gravidas who were prescribed diuretic drugs during pregnancy and 13,103 gravidas who were not. Diuretic drugs were prescribed primarily for edema; gravidas with hypertensive disorders were excluded. The 2 groups, differing in both condition and drug excluded. The 2 groups, differing in both condition and drug usage, had significantly different gestational age distributions. The gravidas prescribed diuretic drugs delivered infants of higher mean birthweight and had significantly higher incidences of induction of labor, stimulation of labor, uterine inertia, and meconium staining. Their perinatal mortality rates also tended to be higher. The findings support the contention that higher risk is associated with one or more factors differentiating the 2 groups, namely, edema, undefined factors associated with edema, or the consumption of a diuretic drug.", "contents": "Diuretic drugs and pregnancy. Perinatal mortality and delivery patterns are compared for 4035 gravidas who were prescribed diuretic drugs during pregnancy and 13,103 gravidas who were not. Diuretic drugs were prescribed primarily for edema; gravidas with hypertensive disorders were excluded. The 2 groups, differing in both condition and drug excluded. The 2 groups, differing in both condition and drug usage, had significantly different gestational age distributions. The gravidas prescribed diuretic drugs delivered infants of higher mean birthweight and had significantly higher incidences of induction of labor, stimulation of labor, uterine inertia, and meconium staining. Their perinatal mortality rates also tended to be higher. The findings support the contention that higher risk is associated with one or more factors differentiating the 2 groups, namely, edema, undefined factors associated with edema, or the consumption of a diuretic drug.", "PMID": 995334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6086", "title": "The effect of internal fetal monitoring on maternal infection following cesarean section.", "content": "A retrospective review of 300 cesarean sections was performed. Patients with internal fetal monitoring were at no greater risk for infection than were those patients with labor and rupture of membranes but without internal monitoring. However, the combination of rupture of membranes and labor was a major risk factor for both the frequency and severity of maternal infection after cesarean section. Once membranes are ruptured, we find no contraindication to the use of internal monitoring.", "contents": "The effect of internal fetal monitoring on maternal infection following cesarean section. A retrospective review of 300 cesarean sections was performed. Patients with internal fetal monitoring were at no greater risk for infection than were those patients with labor and rupture of membranes but without internal monitoring. However, the combination of rupture of membranes and labor was a major risk factor for both the frequency and severity of maternal infection after cesarean section. Once membranes are ruptured, we find no contraindication to the use of internal monitoring.", "PMID": 995335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6087", "title": "Fetal biparietal diameter as a predictor of a mature lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio.", "content": "The records of 148 patients who had undergone simultaneous determination of fetal biparietal diameter and lecithin sphingomyelin ratio were reviewed. The results of the lecithin sphingomyelin determination could not be predicted with an acceptable degree of accuracy utilizing the fetal biparietal diameter. When patients were grouped by maternal disease, no significant difference between diabetic and control patients was noted. Other subgroups were too small to allow a valid statistical comparison.", "contents": "Fetal biparietal diameter as a predictor of a mature lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio. The records of 148 patients who had undergone simultaneous determination of fetal biparietal diameter and lecithin sphingomyelin ratio were reviewed. The results of the lecithin sphingomyelin determination could not be predicted with an acceptable degree of accuracy utilizing the fetal biparietal diameter. When patients were grouped by maternal disease, no significant difference between diabetic and control patients was noted. Other subgroups were too small to allow a valid statistical comparison.", "PMID": 995336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6088", "title": "Correlation between morning urine estriol concentration and 24-hour estriol excretion.", "content": "In an attempt to circumvent the need for 24-hour urine collections for estriol analyses in assessment of fetal status, the possibility of using morning urine samples was investigated. Results indicate 1) good correlation between 24-hour estriol excretion and morning estriol concentration, and between corresponding E/C ratios, 2) similar morning and 24-hour estriol concentrations, 3) high dependence of estriol and creatinine excretion on 24-hour urine volume but not on morning volume, 4) larger variations in 24-hour than in morning urine volume, and 5) better consistency of values in morning than in 24-hour samples in pathologic pregnancy. The use of serial morning urine concentrations at least as an outpatient monitoring procedure is suggested.", "contents": "Correlation between morning urine estriol concentration and 24-hour estriol excretion. In an attempt to circumvent the need for 24-hour urine collections for estriol analyses in assessment of fetal status, the possibility of using morning urine samples was investigated. Results indicate 1) good correlation between 24-hour estriol excretion and morning estriol concentration, and between corresponding E/C ratios, 2) similar morning and 24-hour estriol concentrations, 3) high dependence of estriol and creatinine excretion on 24-hour urine volume but not on morning volume, 4) larger variations in 24-hour than in morning urine volume, and 5) better consistency of values in morning than in 24-hour samples in pathologic pregnancy. The use of serial morning urine concentrations at least as an outpatient monitoring procedure is suggested.", "PMID": 995337} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6089", "title": "Isolation of Mycoplasma from the placenta after cesarean section.", "content": "Placentas obtained at cesarean section were cultured for Mycoplasma and other microorganisms in 123 randomly selected patients in order to evaluate the incidence of Mycoplasma, to identify factors which may contribute to their presence, and to correlate their presence with the occurrence of postpartum infection. Twenty-eight placentas (22.8%) yielded Mycoplasma positive cultures. The incidence of Mycoplasma in the placenta was significantly higher in patients with ruptured membranes. The incidence of postpartum fever was significantly higher (P less than 0.01) in cases positive for Mycoplasma as compared to cases in which the placenta was negative for Mycoplasma. Findings were similar for both groups with regard to the incidence of unexplained postpartum fever. The results of this study suggest that Mycoplasma may be considered a relatively frequent pathogen and should be considered a possible cause of postpartum fever.", "contents": "Isolation of Mycoplasma from the placenta after cesarean section. Placentas obtained at cesarean section were cultured for Mycoplasma and other microorganisms in 123 randomly selected patients in order to evaluate the incidence of Mycoplasma, to identify factors which may contribute to their presence, and to correlate their presence with the occurrence of postpartum infection. Twenty-eight placentas (22.8%) yielded Mycoplasma positive cultures. The incidence of Mycoplasma in the placenta was significantly higher in patients with ruptured membranes. The incidence of postpartum fever was significantly higher (P less than 0.01) in cases positive for Mycoplasma as compared to cases in which the placenta was negative for Mycoplasma. Findings were similar for both groups with regard to the incidence of unexplained postpartum fever. The results of this study suggest that Mycoplasma may be considered a relatively frequent pathogen and should be considered a possible cause of postpartum fever.", "PMID": 995338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6090", "title": "Initiation of human parturition. V. Progesterone binding substance in fetal membranes.", "content": "This study was undertaken as part of an investigation of the potential role of progesterone metabolism within fetal membranes in the initiation of human labor. The results of this study provide evidence that a progesterone binding substance is present in amnion and chorion laeve during the last few days of pregnancy. This substance binds progesterone, cortisol, and 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone but does not bind 20alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, R 5020, or dexamethasone. We conclude that this is a previously undescribed progesterone binding substance and propose a possible mechanism by which this substance may be involved in the initiation of human parturition.", "contents": "Initiation of human parturition. V. Progesterone binding substance in fetal membranes. This study was undertaken as part of an investigation of the potential role of progesterone metabolism within fetal membranes in the initiation of human labor. The results of this study provide evidence that a progesterone binding substance is present in amnion and chorion laeve during the last few days of pregnancy. This substance binds progesterone, cortisol, and 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone but does not bind 20alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, R 5020, or dexamethasone. We conclude that this is a previously undescribed progesterone binding substance and propose a possible mechanism by which this substance may be involved in the initiation of human parturition.", "PMID": 995339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6091", "title": "A rapid screening technic for detection of Y chromosomes.", "content": "A rapid, simple method for screening individuals at high risk for the presence of Y chromosomes is described. The correlation with actual sex using probability tables from Baye's formula have shown to be accurate, when used with a 99% confidence limit. This procedure can be utilized in the investigation of amenorrhea or may be used as a screening method prior to expensive and time-consuming karyotyping procedures.", "contents": "A rapid screening technic for detection of Y chromosomes. A rapid, simple method for screening individuals at high risk for the presence of Y chromosomes is described. The correlation with actual sex using probability tables from Baye's formula have shown to be accurate, when used with a 99% confidence limit. This procedure can be utilized in the investigation of amenorrhea or may be used as a screening method prior to expensive and time-consuming karyotyping procedures.", "PMID": 995340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6092", "title": "The retained cervical stump. A 25-year experience.", "content": "During a 25-year period on one service at the Mayo Clinic, 262 cervical stumps were removed surgically: 208 vaginally and 54 abdominally. In this series, 46 patients had malignancy of the cervical stump. When a cervical stump is present, it most often can be expeditiously removed during the course of additional vaginal repairs with extremely few risks and complications, and low morbidity.", "contents": "The retained cervical stump. A 25-year experience. During a 25-year period on one service at the Mayo Clinic, 262 cervical stumps were removed surgically: 208 vaginally and 54 abdominally. In this series, 46 patients had malignancy of the cervical stump. When a cervical stump is present, it most often can be expeditiously removed during the course of additional vaginal repairs with extremely few risks and complications, and low morbidity.", "PMID": 995341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6093", "title": "Pelvic abscess. A sequela of first trimester abortion.", "content": "First trimester therapeutic abortions were performed in 6790 patients from January 1, 1972, through December 31, 1973. The infectious morbidity during an 18-month concurrent time period which required readmission to the hospital was 0.52 per 100 women. Four of these women were ultimately diagnosed as having a pelvic abscess thought to be related to the procedure. The cause was probably related to undiagnosed or inadequately managed uterine perforation. Initial management should consist of systemic antibiotics and, if possible, surgical drainage via colpotomy. Two special precautions which should be taken are the use of antibiotics specific for Bacteroides fragilis and the investigation of the possibility of bowel injury. Laparotomy should be considered in unresponsive cases because of the possibility of bowel injury and the necessity of adequate surgical drainage even with appropriate antibiotic coverage.", "contents": "Pelvic abscess. A sequela of first trimester abortion. First trimester therapeutic abortions were performed in 6790 patients from January 1, 1972, through December 31, 1973. The infectious morbidity during an 18-month concurrent time period which required readmission to the hospital was 0.52 per 100 women. Four of these women were ultimately diagnosed as having a pelvic abscess thought to be related to the procedure. The cause was probably related to undiagnosed or inadequately managed uterine perforation. Initial management should consist of systemic antibiotics and, if possible, surgical drainage via colpotomy. Two special precautions which should be taken are the use of antibiotics specific for Bacteroides fragilis and the investigation of the possibility of bowel injury. Laparotomy should be considered in unresponsive cases because of the possibility of bowel injury and the necessity of adequate surgical drainage even with appropriate antibiotic coverage.", "PMID": 995342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6094", "title": "Postabortal amenorrhea due to cervical stenosis.", "content": "In the differential diagnosis of postabortal amenorrhea, the entity of cervical agglutination-stenosis without uterine synechiae should be included. Nine such cases are reported with discussion of its possible etiology, diagnosis, and management. Other clinics are urged to report this complication of first trimester abortion.", "contents": "Postabortal amenorrhea due to cervical stenosis. In the differential diagnosis of postabortal amenorrhea, the entity of cervical agglutination-stenosis without uterine synechiae should be included. Nine such cases are reported with discussion of its possible etiology, diagnosis, and management. Other clinics are urged to report this complication of first trimester abortion.", "PMID": 995343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6095", "title": "A reappraisal of the duration of labor.", "content": "The mean, median, and modal durations of labor have been established following a prospective study of 602 consecutive labors. The mean duration of labor for primiparae was 14.92 hours, while the median and modal durations were 13.20 and 9.66 hours, respectively. The corresponding figures for multiparae were 10.02, 9.28, and 7.80 hours, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean duration of labor in the 2 groups of patients (P less than 0.001). A significant positive correlation has been observed between the duration of the first stage of labor and the second stage of labor (P less than 0.001), and this might be of clinical importance. It has been suggested that the median and modal durations of labor may be more representative and informative than the mean or average.", "contents": "A reappraisal of the duration of labor. The mean, median, and modal durations of labor have been established following a prospective study of 602 consecutive labors. The mean duration of labor for primiparae was 14.92 hours, while the median and modal durations were 13.20 and 9.66 hours, respectively. The corresponding figures for multiparae were 10.02, 9.28, and 7.80 hours, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean duration of labor in the 2 groups of patients (P less than 0.001). A significant positive correlation has been observed between the duration of the first stage of labor and the second stage of labor (P less than 0.001), and this might be of clinical importance. It has been suggested that the median and modal durations of labor may be more representative and informative than the mean or average.", "PMID": 995344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6096", "title": "[Endometriosis of the ileum].", "content": "The following is an account of a case of Endometriosis of the Ileum in an 11 year old girl. The patient's first menstruation was accompanied by pain localized in the lower right abdominal quadrant. Her second menstruation was again accompanied by pain. During an explorative laparotomy, a tumorous mass was found in the wall of the ileum 50--60 cm proximal to Valvula Ileocecalis. The tumor was seven mm in diameter, having a fibrous thickening in the surrounding wall. A resection of this segment of intensine was performed. Histological findings confirmed an endometriosis of the Ileum of a polypoidal infiltrative type. The patient encountered no difficulties postoperatively. Proceeding menstruations were painless, which is indicative of an isolated endometriosis of the ileum.", "contents": "[Endometriosis of the ileum]. The following is an account of a case of Endometriosis of the Ileum in an 11 year old girl. The patient's first menstruation was accompanied by pain localized in the lower right abdominal quadrant. Her second menstruation was again accompanied by pain. During an explorative laparotomy, a tumorous mass was found in the wall of the ileum 50--60 cm proximal to Valvula Ileocecalis. The tumor was seven mm in diameter, having a fibrous thickening in the surrounding wall. A resection of this segment of intensine was performed. Histological findings confirmed an endometriosis of the Ileum of a polypoidal infiltrative type. The patient encountered no difficulties postoperatively. Proceeding menstruations were painless, which is indicative of an isolated endometriosis of the ileum.", "PMID": 995351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6097", "title": "Prophylaxis of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord lesions.", "content": "Twenty-one patients with acute traumatic spinal cord lesions who were admitted to our Spinal Unit during 1974 have been treated with Calcium Heparin, using a dosage of 5000-7500 i.u. at 12-hourly intervals from the first days after the lesion until the use of a wheelchair, as a prophylactic measure in order to prevent venous thromboembolism. Of these 21 patients 18 received this treatment continuously, with a resulting 0 per cent of venous thrombosis and 0 per cent of pulmonary embolisms. In the three remaining cases, treatment had to be temporarily interrupted and in one case clinical thrombo-phlebitis was clearly evident. No case of pulmonary embolism was registered. We consider this technique to be very useful in the prophylaxis of thrombo-embolic complications in this type of patient. The use of this type of prophylactic therapy, results and conclusions are discussed.", "contents": "Prophylaxis of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord lesions. Twenty-one patients with acute traumatic spinal cord lesions who were admitted to our Spinal Unit during 1974 have been treated with Calcium Heparin, using a dosage of 5000-7500 i.u. at 12-hourly intervals from the first days after the lesion until the use of a wheelchair, as a prophylactic measure in order to prevent venous thromboembolism. Of these 21 patients 18 received this treatment continuously, with a resulting 0 per cent of venous thrombosis and 0 per cent of pulmonary embolisms. In the three remaining cases, treatment had to be temporarily interrupted and in one case clinical thrombo-phlebitis was clearly evident. No case of pulmonary embolism was registered. We consider this technique to be very useful in the prophylaxis of thrombo-embolic complications in this type of patient. The use of this type of prophylactic therapy, results and conclusions are discussed.", "PMID": 995415} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6098", "title": "Comparative analysis of the therapy of acute transverse myelitis.", "content": "Three methods of treatment of acute transverse myelitis are presented. The first group of 16 patients were treated with antibiotics (average age 32.1). Three patients died, 11 remained unrecovered, while in two cases remarkable improvement was recorded. The second group of 15 patients, whose average age was 32.4, were treated with corticosteroid per os or instrumuscularly. Four of the patients died (three of them with ascendent course of disease), there was no change in five cases, while marked improvement (\"cured\" and \"walking with assistance\") was recorded in the remaining six cases. The third group of ten patients, eight women two men, ranging from 15 to 47 years of age (average age 26.9) was treated with methylprednisolone acetate intrathecally. Five patients were practically cured after 3 to 4 weeks. Two patients were cured to an extent that they could walk with assistance. In two cases no improvement was recorded, while one of the patients, who in addition suffered from serum myelitis, died of bilateral bronchopneumonia. In all these cases the drug was administered comparatively late, on the 6th or 7th day ofthe disease.", "contents": "Comparative analysis of the therapy of acute transverse myelitis. Three methods of treatment of acute transverse myelitis are presented. The first group of 16 patients were treated with antibiotics (average age 32.1). Three patients died, 11 remained unrecovered, while in two cases remarkable improvement was recorded. The second group of 15 patients, whose average age was 32.4, were treated with corticosteroid per os or instrumuscularly. Four of the patients died (three of them with ascendent course of disease), there was no change in five cases, while marked improvement (\"cured\" and \"walking with assistance\") was recorded in the remaining six cases. The third group of ten patients, eight women two men, ranging from 15 to 47 years of age (average age 26.9) was treated with methylprednisolone acetate intrathecally. Five patients were practically cured after 3 to 4 weeks. Two patients were cured to an extent that they could walk with assistance. In two cases no improvement was recorded, while one of the patients, who in addition suffered from serum myelitis, died of bilateral bronchopneumonia. In all these cases the drug was administered comparatively late, on the 6th or 7th day ofthe disease.", "PMID": 995416} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6099", "title": "Dorsal longitudinal myelotomy.", "content": "An evaluation of dorsal longitudinal myelotomy in the management of spasticity of the lower limbs has been done in 17 patients. The follow-up has varied from 1 month to over 2 years. Most patients achieved satisfactory relief from spasticity. Eight patients have died after the operation in chronic care hospitals. In all except one, the spasticity had been relieved. Eight out of the nine living patients have benefited from myelotomy. Recurrence of spasticity following the first operation occurred in four patients, two of whom improved after a repeat myelotomy. In the presence of fixed contractures of the hip and knee joints, a satisfactory clinical result may not be obtained after the myelotomy.", "contents": "Dorsal longitudinal myelotomy. An evaluation of dorsal longitudinal myelotomy in the management of spasticity of the lower limbs has been done in 17 patients. The follow-up has varied from 1 month to over 2 years. Most patients achieved satisfactory relief from spasticity. Eight patients have died after the operation in chronic care hospitals. In all except one, the spasticity had been relieved. Eight out of the nine living patients have benefited from myelotomy. Recurrence of spasticity following the first operation occurred in four patients, two of whom improved after a repeat myelotomy. In the presence of fixed contractures of the hip and knee joints, a satisfactory clinical result may not be obtained after the myelotomy.", "PMID": 995417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6100", "title": "Insensible weight loss in patients with spinal cord transection.", "content": "Insensible weightlosses (IWL) were determined in each of 24 patients with physiologically complete spinal cord transection. The patients were placed on a bed balance with an accuracy of +/- 5 g in an environmental chamber maintained at 24 degrees C. dry bulb and 17 degrees C. wet bulb temperature. Bihourly weight changes, corrected for food and fluid ingestion, were determined for a total of 24 hours. Tetraplegics have significantly lower (P less than 0.05) IWL than paraplegics. The IWL of paraplegics are in the range of IWL of normal persons reported in the literature. We conclude that a lower allowance for IWL should be for tetraplegics than for paraplegics or persons with intact spinal cords.", "contents": "Insensible weight loss in patients with spinal cord transection. Insensible weightlosses (IWL) were determined in each of 24 patients with physiologically complete spinal cord transection. The patients were placed on a bed balance with an accuracy of +/- 5 g in an environmental chamber maintained at 24 degrees C. dry bulb and 17 degrees C. wet bulb temperature. Bihourly weight changes, corrected for food and fluid ingestion, were determined for a total of 24 hours. Tetraplegics have significantly lower (P less than 0.05) IWL than paraplegics. The IWL of paraplegics are in the range of IWL of normal persons reported in the literature. We conclude that a lower allowance for IWL should be for tetraplegics than for paraplegics or persons with intact spinal cords.", "PMID": 995418} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6101", "title": "Investigation of the loss of bone mineral in patients with spinal cord injury.", "content": "Thirty-six (36) spinal cord injury patients (22 tetraplegic and 14 paraplegic) had hand radiographs taken in association with bone density measurements. The cortical bone of the hand, the radius, and the ulna was found to be normal, but there was an obvious decrease in the amount of trabecular bone. There were three predominant radiographic patterns of osteopenia --generalised, juxta-articular, and cystic. The cause of this decrease in trabecular bone is not understood, although it may be related to alterations in blood flow.", "contents": "Investigation of the loss of bone mineral in patients with spinal cord injury. Thirty-six (36) spinal cord injury patients (22 tetraplegic and 14 paraplegic) had hand radiographs taken in association with bone density measurements. The cortical bone of the hand, the radius, and the ulna was found to be normal, but there was an obvious decrease in the amount of trabecular bone. There were three predominant radiographic patterns of osteopenia --generalised, juxta-articular, and cystic. The cause of this decrease in trabecular bone is not understood, although it may be related to alterations in blood flow.", "PMID": 995419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6102", "title": "The status of the urinary tract in a survey of 92 cases with neurogenic bladder.", "content": "Since 1973 intermittent catheterisation was introduced in our centre and this practically eliminated pathology of the urethra. More than half of the patients had a high and complete lesion. It is our impression that 5 years following injury more than half of the patients preserved a normal upper urinary tract; however, only 39 of the 92 patients had a follow-up of over 5 years. Nephrolithiasis was rare in comparison to other reports in spite of belonging to the stone belt area. Complications of the lower urinary tract including a 10 per cent incidence of vesico-ureteric reflux were compatible with other series. Narrowing of the external sphincter on voiding cystogram should be substantiated by a profile pressure record. One female patient is a candidate for ileal conduit. Most of the patients have some form of erection but the data on ejaculation should be accepted with reserve. Two patients in this series died more than 10 years after injury, one due to a myocardial infarction and the other due to chronic renal failure following secondary amyloidosis.", "contents": "The status of the urinary tract in a survey of 92 cases with neurogenic bladder. Since 1973 intermittent catheterisation was introduced in our centre and this practically eliminated pathology of the urethra. More than half of the patients had a high and complete lesion. It is our impression that 5 years following injury more than half of the patients preserved a normal upper urinary tract; however, only 39 of the 92 patients had a follow-up of over 5 years. Nephrolithiasis was rare in comparison to other reports in spite of belonging to the stone belt area. Complications of the lower urinary tract including a 10 per cent incidence of vesico-ureteric reflux were compatible with other series. Narrowing of the external sphincter on voiding cystogram should be substantiated by a profile pressure record. One female patient is a candidate for ileal conduit. Most of the patients have some form of erection but the data on ejaculation should be accepted with reserve. Two patients in this series died more than 10 years after injury, one due to a myocardial infarction and the other due to chronic renal failure following secondary amyloidosis.", "PMID": 995420} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6103", "title": "Factors influencing readmission to hospital. I. Tetraplegia.", "content": "Tetraplegia produces exceptionally severe physical impairment causing disability which demands almost total dependence on others for the activities of daily living but there is no impairment of mental function. The tetraplegic is, therefore, capable of influencing his environment and those features of it which may lead to the need for readmission to hospital. Of the factors studied relating to readmission to hospital, only age and occupational status of the patient at the time of his paralysis are of significance.", "contents": "Factors influencing readmission to hospital. I. Tetraplegia. Tetraplegia produces exceptionally severe physical impairment causing disability which demands almost total dependence on others for the activities of daily living but there is no impairment of mental function. The tetraplegic is, therefore, capable of influencing his environment and those features of it which may lead to the need for readmission to hospital. Of the factors studied relating to readmission to hospital, only age and occupational status of the patient at the time of his paralysis are of significance.", "PMID": 995421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6104", "title": "Warts: their diagnosis and treatment.", "content": "Warts are common skin lesions caused by a papova virus. Their clinical appearance is variable. There is no definitive therapy. Therapy must be individually modified to get the best result with the least discomfort to the patient. Most warts will spontaneously resolve after an average of two years, so any therapy that has serious side effects or results in scarring should not be used. New modes of therapy, particularly immunotherapy, look promising but are still in the experimental stage.", "contents": "Warts: their diagnosis and treatment. Warts are common skin lesions caused by a papova virus. Their clinical appearance is variable. There is no definitive therapy. Therapy must be individually modified to get the best result with the least discomfort to the patient. Most warts will spontaneously resolve after an average of two years, so any therapy that has serious side effects or results in scarring should not be used. New modes of therapy, particularly immunotherapy, look promising but are still in the experimental stage.", "PMID": 995443} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6105", "title": "Renal hypertension in children.", "content": "Preliminary results of this retrospective-prospective analysis of renal hypertension in 110 children indicate that hypertension may be secondary to a wide variety of acute progresive, and chronic renal diseases which may be either congenital or acquired. Affected children may be detected at any time from infancy through adolescence. Symptoms usually associated with acute glomerulonephritis (i.e., headache, swelling, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, dizziness, and fever) occur in both acute and chronic renal diseases associated with hypertension. Headache and swelling are the most common symptoms in this series. Peripheral edema, rales, and increased heart size were found in between 10 and 25% of these children. Differential diagnosis may be approached by a consideration of causes of acute and chronic hypertension. The child with chronic renal disease usually presents with a long history of fatigability, poor growth, and pallor, and laboratory tests reveal elevation of the creatinine and BUN along with anemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia. In contrast, the child with acute renal disease and hypertension presents with a history of prior good health followed by the abrupt onset of signs and symptoms of renal disease; laboratory tests usually reveal modest elevations of creatinine and BUN, anemia is unusual, an abnormal urinalysis is common, and serum calcium and phosphorous levels are usually normal. Renovascular and asymmetric renal parenchymal disease represent uncommon but important conditions because surgery may be curative. Treatment may be surgical, medical, or combined. Surgical conditions include renal trauma, hydronephrosis, asymmetric renal disease, and renal arterial disease. Adequate blood pressure control without medication can be expected following surgery in instances of unilateral involvement with a normal contralateral kidney. Meticulous assessment of the contralateral kidney is needed to determine that it is normal. If surgery is unsuccessful or is not indicated, pharmacologic therapy is initiated with a stepwise regimen starting with the mildest agent (e.g., thiazides) and then adding additional antihypertensive drugs when adequate blood pressure control has not yet been achieved. The goal of therapy is the lowest, safest, tolerated blood pressure levels. Long-term, carefully designed studies of antihypertensive agents for children with renal hypertension are not available. The need for collection and critical analysis of data concerning the clinical course of children with renal hypertension is evident from a review of the literature and from the preliminary data presented in this series. The presentation of such information and a critique of outcome variables will provide a basis for program planning for affected children and improvement in patient care where indicated.", "contents": "Renal hypertension in children. Preliminary results of this retrospective-prospective analysis of renal hypertension in 110 children indicate that hypertension may be secondary to a wide variety of acute progresive, and chronic renal diseases which may be either congenital or acquired. Affected children may be detected at any time from infancy through adolescence. Symptoms usually associated with acute glomerulonephritis (i.e., headache, swelling, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, dizziness, and fever) occur in both acute and chronic renal diseases associated with hypertension. Headache and swelling are the most common symptoms in this series. Peripheral edema, rales, and increased heart size were found in between 10 and 25% of these children. Differential diagnosis may be approached by a consideration of causes of acute and chronic hypertension. The child with chronic renal disease usually presents with a long history of fatigability, poor growth, and pallor, and laboratory tests reveal elevation of the creatinine and BUN along with anemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia. In contrast, the child with acute renal disease and hypertension presents with a history of prior good health followed by the abrupt onset of signs and symptoms of renal disease; laboratory tests usually reveal modest elevations of creatinine and BUN, anemia is unusual, an abnormal urinalysis is common, and serum calcium and phosphorous levels are usually normal. Renovascular and asymmetric renal parenchymal disease represent uncommon but important conditions because surgery may be curative. Treatment may be surgical, medical, or combined. Surgical conditions include renal trauma, hydronephrosis, asymmetric renal disease, and renal arterial disease. Adequate blood pressure control without medication can be expected following surgery in instances of unilateral involvement with a normal contralateral kidney. Meticulous assessment of the contralateral kidney is needed to determine that it is normal. If surgery is unsuccessful or is not indicated, pharmacologic therapy is initiated with a stepwise regimen starting with the mildest agent (e.g., thiazides) and then adding additional antihypertensive drugs when adequate blood pressure control has not yet been achieved. The goal of therapy is the lowest, safest, tolerated blood pressure levels. Long-term, carefully designed studies of antihypertensive agents for children with renal hypertension are not available. The need for collection and critical analysis of data concerning the clinical course of children with renal hypertension is evident from a review of the literature and from the preliminary data presented in this series. The presentation of such information and a critique of outcome variables will provide a basis for program planning for affected children and improvement in patient care where indicated.", "PMID": 995444} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6106", "title": "Conditioning in human opiate addicts.", "content": "Eight volunteers maintained on daily methadone participated in a classical conditioning procedure to determine which if any of the elements of narcotic withdrawal could be conditioned; The unconditioned stimulus was the injection of a small dose of naloxone. The unconditioned response was a brief precipitated withdrawal syndrome. The conditioning stimulus was a tone, odor, and injection of saline. Conditioning was successful in the pilot study in 5 of 8 subjects. The conditioned response consisted of tearing, yawning, lacrimation, systolic blood pressure increase, respiratory irregularities and subjective feelings of narcotic withdrawal sickness (nausea, muscle aches, chills). A second group of 8 subjects showed, in addition to the above, evidence of conditioning of heart rate, respiratory rate, respiratory, rate and skin temperature decrease. These laboratory findings support the clinical reports of a conditioned withdrawal syndrome and suggest ways to improve treatment results by detecting and extinguishing or modifying conditioned responses.", "contents": "Conditioning in human opiate addicts. Eight volunteers maintained on daily methadone participated in a classical conditioning procedure to determine which if any of the elements of narcotic withdrawal could be conditioned; The unconditioned stimulus was the injection of a small dose of naloxone. The unconditioned response was a brief precipitated withdrawal syndrome. The conditioning stimulus was a tone, odor, and injection of saline. Conditioning was successful in the pilot study in 5 of 8 subjects. The conditioned response consisted of tearing, yawning, lacrimation, systolic blood pressure increase, respiratory irregularities and subjective feelings of narcotic withdrawal sickness (nausea, muscle aches, chills). A second group of 8 subjects showed, in addition to the above, evidence of conditioning of heart rate, respiratory rate, respiratory, rate and skin temperature decrease. These laboratory findings support the clinical reports of a conditioned withdrawal syndrome and suggest ways to improve treatment results by detecting and extinguishing or modifying conditioned responses.", "PMID": 995439} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6107", "title": "Severe combined immunodeficiency with cartilage-hair hypoplasa: in vitro response to thymosin and attempted reconstitution.", "content": "The present report describes an infant with severe combined immunodeficiency and cartilage-hair hypoplasia whose lymphocytes responded to thymosin in vitro. Immunologic evaluation was undertaken at 4 1/2 months of age following a history of recurrent severe infection. Family history included three cousins who died in early infancy, one from streptococcal meningitis and pneumonia, one from generalized varicella, and another from reticuloendotheliosis. Quantitative immunoglobulins were markedly depressed: IgG 141, IgA 0, and IgM 24 mg/100 ml. There was an absolute lymphopenia, multiple skin tests were negative, and in vitro lymphocyte responses to mitogens and antigens were depressed. Spontaneous E rosette determinations were 21% compared with control values of 65.7%. Erythrocyte adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity was normal. The patient's E rosette formation increased in the presence of thymosin, fraction 5, reaching a maximum of 56% with a concentration of 500 mug thymosin. Blastogenic responses to phytohemagglutinin also increased in the presence of thymosin. Transplantation of 24-week fetal thymus in Millipore diffusion chambers and subsequently transplantation of 18-week fetal thymus by intraperitoneal injection was accomplished. E rosettes increased to 35-40% and blastogenic responses to mitogens increased. Eight days after the second transplant the patient underwent a mild graft vs. host reaction which subsided after 1 week and mitogen blastogenic responses again increased to 5-8 times previous values, but still well below control ranges. Repeated episodes of pulmonary infection ensued, cor pulmonale resulted, and the clinical course was relentlessly downhill with the patient expiring from respiratory failure 5 months after transplantation.", "contents": "Severe combined immunodeficiency with cartilage-hair hypoplasa: in vitro response to thymosin and attempted reconstitution. The present report describes an infant with severe combined immunodeficiency and cartilage-hair hypoplasia whose lymphocytes responded to thymosin in vitro. Immunologic evaluation was undertaken at 4 1/2 months of age following a history of recurrent severe infection. Family history included three cousins who died in early infancy, one from streptococcal meningitis and pneumonia, one from generalized varicella, and another from reticuloendotheliosis. Quantitative immunoglobulins were markedly depressed: IgG 141, IgA 0, and IgM 24 mg/100 ml. There was an absolute lymphopenia, multiple skin tests were negative, and in vitro lymphocyte responses to mitogens and antigens were depressed. Spontaneous E rosette determinations were 21% compared with control values of 65.7%. Erythrocyte adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity was normal. The patient's E rosette formation increased in the presence of thymosin, fraction 5, reaching a maximum of 56% with a concentration of 500 mug thymosin. Blastogenic responses to phytohemagglutinin also increased in the presence of thymosin. Transplantation of 24-week fetal thymus in Millipore diffusion chambers and subsequently transplantation of 18-week fetal thymus by intraperitoneal injection was accomplished. E rosettes increased to 35-40% and blastogenic responses to mitogens increased. Eight days after the second transplant the patient underwent a mild graft vs. host reaction which subsided after 1 week and mitogen blastogenic responses again increased to 5-8 times previous values, but still well below control ranges. Repeated episodes of pulmonary infection ensued, cor pulmonale resulted, and the clinical course was relentlessly downhill with the patient expiring from respiratory failure 5 months after transplantation.", "PMID": 995498} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6108", "title": "Glutamate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, thymidine kinase, and arginase in fetal and adult human and rat liver.", "content": "In fetal livers of both man and rat thymidine kinase activity was 12 times higher than in the adult, glutamate dehydrogenase and arginase were present at 20-50% of their adult values, whereas alanine aminotransferase activity was only an insignificant fraction of that in the adult. Although the developmental changes for the four enzymes were quantitatively similar in both species, qualitatively there were some significant differences. In adult human liver, glutamate dehydrogenase activity was distributed almost equally between the cytosol and particles; the concentration of only the soluble enzyme increased after birth. In rat liver, glutamate dehydrogenase remained exclusively a particulate enzyme. The soluble hepatic alanine aminotransferase activity rose in both species after birth (from less than 2 U/g to 41-57 U/g, respectively). Thymidine kinase was wholly soluble in the fetal livers; only in adult human liver was additional activity (at least 50% of the total) found in the particles. Arginase isozymes, identical and apparently the same single isozyme in fetal and adult rat liver, show an ontogenetic change in man. A shift from a single form, common to human fetal liver and fetal kidney, to at least two variants in adult human liver, indicates another complexity of the fully differentiated liver in man.", "contents": "Glutamate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, thymidine kinase, and arginase in fetal and adult human and rat liver. In fetal livers of both man and rat thymidine kinase activity was 12 times higher than in the adult, glutamate dehydrogenase and arginase were present at 20-50% of their adult values, whereas alanine aminotransferase activity was only an insignificant fraction of that in the adult. Although the developmental changes for the four enzymes were quantitatively similar in both species, qualitatively there were some significant differences. In adult human liver, glutamate dehydrogenase activity was distributed almost equally between the cytosol and particles; the concentration of only the soluble enzyme increased after birth. In rat liver, glutamate dehydrogenase remained exclusively a particulate enzyme. The soluble hepatic alanine aminotransferase activity rose in both species after birth (from less than 2 U/g to 41-57 U/g, respectively). Thymidine kinase was wholly soluble in the fetal livers; only in adult human liver was additional activity (at least 50% of the total) found in the particles. Arginase isozymes, identical and apparently the same single isozyme in fetal and adult rat liver, show an ontogenetic change in man. A shift from a single form, common to human fetal liver and fetal kidney, to at least two variants in adult human liver, indicates another complexity of the fully differentiated liver in man.", "PMID": 995499} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6109", "title": "Effect of sodium restriction and angiotensin II infusion in Bartter's syndrome.", "content": "Five patients with Bartter's syndrome were investigated. Sodium restriction (less than 10 mEq/day for at least 5 days) showed a renal sodium wastage in only two patients (I and II) in spite of increased aldosterone secretion rate (from 151-427 to 680-842 mug/day). The effect of angiotensin II (A II) 80ng/kg/min for 30-180 min, on plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone, and urinary sodium excretion was compared with the effect of a previous infusion of 5% dextrose given at the same rate, 0.5 ml/min for 1 hr. A II infusion resulted in increased plasma aldosterone levels: from 236-330 pg/ml to 800-881 pg/ml in 30 min. This increase was also observed in patient II (from 139 to 600 pg/ml). PRA was decreased by A II infusion (from 1,142-2,462 to 121-1,625 ng/liter/min). In patient IV, this decrease in PRA was also observed when he was on a salt-restricted diet (from 1,934 to 370 ng/liter/min); but the minimal PRA was still higher (370 ng/liter/min) than with a normal diet (121 ng/liter/min). In no case could normal PRA level be obtained. A II infusion induced an increase in urinary sodium excretion only in the two patients with renal sodium wastage (from 80-90 to 265-230 muEq/min in 30 min). Urinary sodium excretion decreased in the other patients from (37.5-213 to 4.30-46 muEq/min) and fractional sodium excretion was reduced in patient V (from 0.56% to 0.45% at 30 min and to 0.29% at 120 min). No significant change with A II infusion was observed in patient IV when he was on a sodium-restricted diet (from 1 to 2.5 muEq/min in 30 min). Urinary potassium excretion was similar to sodium excretion. No change was observed in plasma potassium and sodium.", "contents": "Effect of sodium restriction and angiotensin II infusion in Bartter's syndrome. Five patients with Bartter's syndrome were investigated. Sodium restriction (less than 10 mEq/day for at least 5 days) showed a renal sodium wastage in only two patients (I and II) in spite of increased aldosterone secretion rate (from 151-427 to 680-842 mug/day). The effect of angiotensin II (A II) 80ng/kg/min for 30-180 min, on plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone, and urinary sodium excretion was compared with the effect of a previous infusion of 5% dextrose given at the same rate, 0.5 ml/min for 1 hr. A II infusion resulted in increased plasma aldosterone levels: from 236-330 pg/ml to 800-881 pg/ml in 30 min. This increase was also observed in patient II (from 139 to 600 pg/ml). PRA was decreased by A II infusion (from 1,142-2,462 to 121-1,625 ng/liter/min). In patient IV, this decrease in PRA was also observed when he was on a salt-restricted diet (from 1,934 to 370 ng/liter/min); but the minimal PRA was still higher (370 ng/liter/min) than with a normal diet (121 ng/liter/min). In no case could normal PRA level be obtained. A II infusion induced an increase in urinary sodium excretion only in the two patients with renal sodium wastage (from 80-90 to 265-230 muEq/min in 30 min). Urinary sodium excretion decreased in the other patients from (37.5-213 to 4.30-46 muEq/min) and fractional sodium excretion was reduced in patient V (from 0.56% to 0.45% at 30 min and to 0.29% at 120 min). No significant change with A II infusion was observed in patient IV when he was on a sodium-restricted diet (from 1 to 2.5 muEq/min in 30 min). Urinary potassium excretion was similar to sodium excretion. No change was observed in plasma potassium and sodium.", "PMID": 995500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6110", "title": "Dietary lipid and postnatal development. I. A model for neonatal studies requiring high and low fat diets from birth.", "content": "As a prerequisite to a biochemical investigation into the role of dietary lipids in regulating perinatal fatty acid metabolism, we developed and evaluated a model in which the amount of lipid in the diet can be easily controlled from birth to at least 10 days of age. Neonatal rabbits were fed purified equicaloric diets in which lipid supplied either 14.2% or 77.6% of the total calories. Mortality due to all causes was about 40% in both groups. Some differences in physical development between the two groups were noted. Animals receiving the smaller amount of lipid (LF group) gained weight to 150% birth weight day 10, whereas the group receiving the larger amoung of lipid (HF group) did not gain. In addition, the HF group had lower body temperatures, smaller liver and kidney weights, and greater brain weights relative to body weight. These differences are discussed in relation to the composition of the HF and LF diets. The model promises to provide a direct approach to a more precise evaluation of varied dietary regimens in the neonatal period. In particular, the model lends itself to studies relating diet to developing biochemical functions. In an accompanying paper, we report the results of an investigation comparing fatty acid oxidation in heart and liver of neonates fed the HF and LF diets described here.", "contents": "Dietary lipid and postnatal development. I. A model for neonatal studies requiring high and low fat diets from birth. As a prerequisite to a biochemical investigation into the role of dietary lipids in regulating perinatal fatty acid metabolism, we developed and evaluated a model in which the amount of lipid in the diet can be easily controlled from birth to at least 10 days of age. Neonatal rabbits were fed purified equicaloric diets in which lipid supplied either 14.2% or 77.6% of the total calories. Mortality due to all causes was about 40% in both groups. Some differences in physical development between the two groups were noted. Animals receiving the smaller amount of lipid (LF group) gained weight to 150% birth weight day 10, whereas the group receiving the larger amoung of lipid (HF group) did not gain. In addition, the HF group had lower body temperatures, smaller liver and kidney weights, and greater brain weights relative to body weight. These differences are discussed in relation to the composition of the HF and LF diets. The model promises to provide a direct approach to a more precise evaluation of varied dietary regimens in the neonatal period. In particular, the model lends itself to studies relating diet to developing biochemical functions. In an accompanying paper, we report the results of an investigation comparing fatty acid oxidation in heart and liver of neonates fed the HF and LF diets described here.", "PMID": 995501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6111", "title": "Mannosidosis: clinical, morphologic, immunologic, and biochemical studies.", "content": "The primary metabolic defect in mannosidosis is the deficiency of the acidic alpha-mannosidase A and B activites which results in the lysosomal accumulation of mannose-rich substrates. Out studies demonstrate that the enzymatic diagnosis of suspect homozygotes can be made reliably using plasma, isolated leukocytes, or cultured skin fibroblasts assayed carefully at the appropriate acidic pH. Immunologic studies of a mannosidosis homozygote revealed significant abnormalities of neutrophil function; these included a depressed chemotactic responsiveness and impaired phagocytosis of bacteria. Lymphocyte transformation studies showed a 20% of normal response to purified phytohemagglutinin and a 25% of normal response to concanavalin A. Three major components of alpha-mannosidase activity in normal human liver were resolved by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and electrophoresis on cellulose acetate gels. Electrophoresis of the liver extract from homozygote I with mannosidosis revealed only one band of activity which coelectrophoresed with the alpha-mannosidase C isozyme partially purified from normal liver. However, ion exchange chromatography revealed the presence of residual hepatic acidic activities; the residual A isozyme was eluted in a position corresponding to that of normal alpha-mannosidase A whereas the residual B activity was eluted at a slightly more electronegative position than that of normal B isozyme. The apparent Km values for alpha-mannosidase activity as determined from Linweaver-burk plots were 1.1 mM for normal liver and 0.9 mM for normal leukocytes. In contrast, the residual activity in these sources from homozygote 1 could not be saturated within the solubility range of the substrate; the apparent Km value was estimated at 15.4 mM in liver extracts. Zinc significantly lowered the apparent Km value of the acidic activity in normal liver (from 1.2 to 0.24 mM), whereas this metallic ion had little effect on the values for mannosidosis hepatic activity (from 15.4 to 12.3 mM). Unlike zinc, cobalt had its major effect on the acidic activity in the mannosidosis liver extract, lowering the apparent Km from 15.4 to 3.9 mM, whereas the apparent Km for the normal activity was increased from 1.2 to 1.9 mM. The residual acidic activities were markedly stimulated by zinc in both leukocytes (approximately 300%) and plasma ( approximately 400%) from the homozygotes and to a lesser extent in those sources from normal individuals. In contrast, cobalt enhanced the residual acidic activities in leukocytes (approximately 500%) and plasma (approximately 200%) from the homozygotes while inhibiting these acidic activities (78.9% and 47.7%, respectively) in normal individuals.", "contents": "Mannosidosis: clinical, morphologic, immunologic, and biochemical studies. The primary metabolic defect in mannosidosis is the deficiency of the acidic alpha-mannosidase A and B activites which results in the lysosomal accumulation of mannose-rich substrates. Out studies demonstrate that the enzymatic diagnosis of suspect homozygotes can be made reliably using plasma, isolated leukocytes, or cultured skin fibroblasts assayed carefully at the appropriate acidic pH. Immunologic studies of a mannosidosis homozygote revealed significant abnormalities of neutrophil function; these included a depressed chemotactic responsiveness and impaired phagocytosis of bacteria. Lymphocyte transformation studies showed a 20% of normal response to purified phytohemagglutinin and a 25% of normal response to concanavalin A. Three major components of alpha-mannosidase activity in normal human liver were resolved by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and electrophoresis on cellulose acetate gels. Electrophoresis of the liver extract from homozygote I with mannosidosis revealed only one band of activity which coelectrophoresed with the alpha-mannosidase C isozyme partially purified from normal liver. However, ion exchange chromatography revealed the presence of residual hepatic acidic activities; the residual A isozyme was eluted in a position corresponding to that of normal alpha-mannosidase A whereas the residual B activity was eluted at a slightly more electronegative position than that of normal B isozyme. The apparent Km values for alpha-mannosidase activity as determined from Linweaver-burk plots were 1.1 mM for normal liver and 0.9 mM for normal leukocytes. In contrast, the residual activity in these sources from homozygote 1 could not be saturated within the solubility range of the substrate; the apparent Km value was estimated at 15.4 mM in liver extracts. Zinc significantly lowered the apparent Km value of the acidic activity in normal liver (from 1.2 to 0.24 mM), whereas this metallic ion had little effect on the values for mannosidosis hepatic activity (from 15.4 to 12.3 mM). Unlike zinc, cobalt had its major effect on the acidic activity in the mannosidosis liver extract, lowering the apparent Km from 15.4 to 3.9 mM, whereas the apparent Km for the normal activity was increased from 1.2 to 1.9 mM. The residual acidic activities were markedly stimulated by zinc in both leukocytes (approximately 300%) and plasma ( approximately 400%) from the homozygotes and to a lesser extent in those sources from normal individuals. In contrast, cobalt enhanced the residual acidic activities in leukocytes (approximately 500%) and plasma (approximately 200%) from the homozygotes while inhibiting these acidic activities (78.9% and 47.7%, respectively) in normal individuals.", "PMID": 995502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6112", "title": "A simplified approach to the measurement of specific airway resistance.", "content": "A simple algebraic manipulation of known formulas leads to a direct expression for the specific airway resistance (SRaw) which precludes separate measurements of the airway resistance (Raw) and the thoracic gas volume (TGV). The equation is: SRaw = tg beta (PBar - PH2O) e2, in which tg beta stands for the relation between the plethysmographic box volume and pneumotachograph flow fluctuations; PBar - PH2O is the barometric por graphical units. Thanks to this new formula SRaw can now be easily measured with great precision and quickly calculated, even in the case of those children (Table 1) with whom this was not previously possible. No further cooperation is needed than breathing at a normal rate through mouthpiece into a whole-body plethysmograph. The intraindividual coefficient of variation (CV) for SRaw is about 8% and never exceeds 15% (Table 1).", "contents": "A simplified approach to the measurement of specific airway resistance. A simple algebraic manipulation of known formulas leads to a direct expression for the specific airway resistance (SRaw) which precludes separate measurements of the airway resistance (Raw) and the thoracic gas volume (TGV). The equation is: SRaw = tg beta (PBar - PH2O) e2, in which tg beta stands for the relation between the plethysmographic box volume and pneumotachograph flow fluctuations; PBar - PH2O is the barometric por graphical units. Thanks to this new formula SRaw can now be easily measured with great precision and quickly calculated, even in the case of those children (Table 1) with whom this was not previously possible. No further cooperation is needed than breathing at a normal rate through mouthpiece into a whole-body plethysmograph. The intraindividual coefficient of variation (CV) for SRaw is about 8% and never exceeds 15% (Table 1).", "PMID": 995503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6113", "title": "Annual summary of vital statistics-1975.", "content": "Data for this article, as in previous reports, are drawn principally from the Monthly Vital Statistics Report, published by the National Center for Health Statistics. The international data come from the Demographic Yearbook and the quarterly Population and Vital Statistics, both published by the Statistical Office of the United Nations, and the World Health Statistics Report, published by the World Health Organization. All the United States data for 1975 are estimates based upon a 10% sample of material received in state offices between two dates, one month apart, regardless of when the event occurred. Experience has shown that for the country as a whole the estimate is very close to the subsequent final figures. There are, however, considerable variations in a few of the states; state information should be interpreted cautiously.", "contents": "Annual summary of vital statistics-1975. Data for this article, as in previous reports, are drawn principally from the Monthly Vital Statistics Report, published by the National Center for Health Statistics. The international data come from the Demographic Yearbook and the quarterly Population and Vital Statistics, both published by the Statistical Office of the United Nations, and the World Health Statistics Report, published by the World Health Organization. All the United States data for 1975 are estimates based upon a 10% sample of material received in state offices between two dates, one month apart, regardless of when the event occurred. Experience has shown that for the country as a whole the estimate is very close to the subsequent final figures. There are, however, considerable variations in a few of the states; state information should be interpreted cautiously.", "PMID": 995505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6114", "title": "Endotracheal intubation and its relationship to bacterial colonization and systemic infection of newborn infants.", "content": "The role of antibiotics in preventing respiratory tract bacterial colonization and systemic infection after orotracheal intubation was prospectively studied in 54 newborn infants. Respiratory tract colonization was assessed from nasopharyngeal and tracheal aspirate cultures obtained at intubation and daily thereafter, while systemic infection was monitored by blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and suprapubic urine cultures performed initially and every three days thereafter while intubated. Colonization and systemic cultures were also obtained at extubation or death. The study group, provided with antibiotics at intubation, and the control group were similar in birthweight and gestational age, as well as race, sex, hospital or origin, and indication for intubation. Colonization at intubation was five times more common in infants intubated 12 or more hours after birth than in infants intubated earlier. Subsequent colonization was twice as frequent in infants intubated longer than 72 hours as well as in those requiring two or more reintubations. Systemic infection occurred only in those infants who were initially or subsequently colonized and was three times more frequent in the control group than in the study group.", "contents": "Endotracheal intubation and its relationship to bacterial colonization and systemic infection of newborn infants. The role of antibiotics in preventing respiratory tract bacterial colonization and systemic infection after orotracheal intubation was prospectively studied in 54 newborn infants. Respiratory tract colonization was assessed from nasopharyngeal and tracheal aspirate cultures obtained at intubation and daily thereafter, while systemic infection was monitored by blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and suprapubic urine cultures performed initially and every three days thereafter while intubated. Colonization and systemic cultures were also obtained at extubation or death. The study group, provided with antibiotics at intubation, and the control group were similar in birthweight and gestational age, as well as race, sex, hospital or origin, and indication for intubation. Colonization at intubation was five times more common in infants intubated 12 or more hours after birth than in infants intubated earlier. Subsequent colonization was twice as frequent in infants intubated longer than 72 hours as well as in those requiring two or more reintubations. Systemic infection occurred only in those infants who were initially or subsequently colonized and was three times more frequent in the control group than in the study group.", "PMID": 995506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6115", "title": "Neonatal circumcision: a ten-year overview: with comparison of the Gomco clamp and the Plastibell device.", "content": "The records of 5,882 live male births were reviewed to ascertain the incidence and nature of complications following neonatal circumcision. Approximately one half of the patients were circumcised with the Gomco and half with the Plastibell. The incidence of complications was 0.2%; most frequent were hemmorrhage, infection, and trauma, there were no deaths; and no transfusions were given.", "contents": "Neonatal circumcision: a ten-year overview: with comparison of the Gomco clamp and the Plastibell device. The records of 5,882 live male births were reviewed to ascertain the incidence and nature of complications following neonatal circumcision. Approximately one half of the patients were circumcised with the Gomco and half with the Plastibell. The incidence of complications was 0.2%; most frequent were hemmorrhage, infection, and trauma, there were no deaths; and no transfusions were given.", "PMID": 995507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6116", "title": "Computerized axial tomography in chronic seizure disorders of childhood.", "content": "Ninety-eight children with chronic seizure disorders were studied by computerized axial tomography (CAT). Structural abnormalities were identified in 30% of these children. The greatest incidence of abnormalities was in children with focal motor seizures (43%) and in those whose EEG demonstrated focal slowing together with focal spikes (38%). The most common abnormality was either focal or generalized atrophy (13%). Only about 2% of the abnormalities discovered by CAT were potentially of therapeutic significance. However, the demonstration of a static process, or the finding of a normal CAT, may be quite helpful to the family and physician in certain children with chronic seizure disorders.", "contents": "Computerized axial tomography in chronic seizure disorders of childhood. Ninety-eight children with chronic seizure disorders were studied by computerized axial tomography (CAT). Structural abnormalities were identified in 30% of these children. The greatest incidence of abnormalities was in children with focal motor seizures (43%) and in those whose EEG demonstrated focal slowing together with focal spikes (38%). The most common abnormality was either focal or generalized atrophy (13%). Only about 2% of the abnormalities discovered by CAT were potentially of therapeutic significance. However, the demonstration of a static process, or the finding of a normal CAT, may be quite helpful to the family and physician in certain children with chronic seizure disorders.", "PMID": 995508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6117", "title": "Early intrauterine development: II. The rate of growth in Black and Central American populations between 10 and 20 weeks' gestation.", "content": "The application of the growth-rate standards, extablished for Caucasian embryos and fetuses in a previous report, to Black and Central American racial groups has been investigated. Comparison between menstrual age and crown-to-rump length indicated differences in the 10 to 15 weeks' gestation range. However, growth rates for the same groups were practically identical between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. This finding suggests that the actual rate of growth is closely similar in the respective ethnic groups and that apparent discrepancies reflect erroneous, or purposefully false, menstrual histories rather than dissimilar growth patterns. Largely identical rates of development were suggested by the crown-rump length to foot length to body weight interrelations among the various racial groups. A moderate, but rather predictable, deviation from the earlier established standards was noted in the crown-rump length versus foot length ratios of Black American fetuses, providing the only exception to what appears to be a practically identical rate of growth for the investigated ethnic groups in the first half of gestation. The evaluation of the results was extended to involve the effect of educational and social factors on currently available data of embryonic and fetal growth. It is suggested that heretofore unconsidered factors may affect the validity of widely quoted standards of intrauterine growth.", "contents": "Early intrauterine development: II. The rate of growth in Black and Central American populations between 10 and 20 weeks' gestation. The application of the growth-rate standards, extablished for Caucasian embryos and fetuses in a previous report, to Black and Central American racial groups has been investigated. Comparison between menstrual age and crown-to-rump length indicated differences in the 10 to 15 weeks' gestation range. However, growth rates for the same groups were practically identical between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. This finding suggests that the actual rate of growth is closely similar in the respective ethnic groups and that apparent discrepancies reflect erroneous, or purposefully false, menstrual histories rather than dissimilar growth patterns. Largely identical rates of development were suggested by the crown-rump length to foot length to body weight interrelations among the various racial groups. A moderate, but rather predictable, deviation from the earlier established standards was noted in the crown-rump length versus foot length ratios of Black American fetuses, providing the only exception to what appears to be a practically identical rate of growth for the investigated ethnic groups in the first half of gestation. The evaluation of the results was extended to involve the effect of educational and social factors on currently available data of embryonic and fetal growth. It is suggested that heretofore unconsidered factors may affect the validity of widely quoted standards of intrauterine growth.", "PMID": 995509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6118", "title": "Birthweight of children with phenylketonuria.", "content": "The assumption that children with phenylketonuria (PKU) develop normally until birth was brought into question by the recent report that PKU children weigh several hundred grams less at birth than their unaffected siblings. We have examined intrafamily differences in birthweight in 40 sibships with at least one affected and one unaffected child. The difference in mean birthweights computed by taking a weighted average of the intrafamily differences was 69 gm, and the adjusted estimate of the birthweight difference between children with PKU and their siblings, obtained from a fitted multiple regression function, is -51 gm. The findings are not consistent with the large difference in birthweight reported previously and are compatible with the assumption that the intrauterine physical growth of children with classical PKU is not adversely affected.", "contents": "Birthweight of children with phenylketonuria. The assumption that children with phenylketonuria (PKU) develop normally until birth was brought into question by the recent report that PKU children weigh several hundred grams less at birth than their unaffected siblings. We have examined intrafamily differences in birthweight in 40 sibships with at least one affected and one unaffected child. The difference in mean birthweights computed by taking a weighted average of the intrafamily differences was 69 gm, and the adjusted estimate of the birthweight difference between children with PKU and their siblings, obtained from a fitted multiple regression function, is -51 gm. The findings are not consistent with the large difference in birthweight reported previously and are compatible with the assumption that the intrauterine physical growth of children with classical PKU is not adversely affected.", "PMID": 995510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6119", "title": "Children with encopresis: a study of treatment outcome.", "content": "A pediatric treatment program for encopresis was established in a large medical center. This consisted of counseling and education, initial bowel catharsis, a supportive maintenance program to potentiate optimum evacuation, retraining, and careful monitoring and follow-up. A group of 127 children received care for this problem. At the end of one year, outcome data were obtained on 110 patients. Of these, 51% had not had \"accidents\" for more than six months. Another 27% showed marked improvement and were having only rare episodes of incontinence. 14% of these children showed some improvement, but continued to have incontinence, while 8% showed no improvement whatsoever during the treatment year. These four outcome groups were compared with respect to a large number of demographic, developmental, psychosocial, and clinical variables.", "contents": "Children with encopresis: a study of treatment outcome. A pediatric treatment program for encopresis was established in a large medical center. This consisted of counseling and education, initial bowel catharsis, a supportive maintenance program to potentiate optimum evacuation, retraining, and careful monitoring and follow-up. A group of 127 children received care for this problem. At the end of one year, outcome data were obtained on 110 patients. Of these, 51% had not had \"accidents\" for more than six months. Another 27% showed marked improvement and were having only rare episodes of incontinence. 14% of these children showed some improvement, but continued to have incontinence, while 8% showed no improvement whatsoever during the treatment year. These four outcome groups were compared with respect to a large number of demographic, developmental, psychosocial, and clinical variables.", "PMID": 995511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6120", "title": "Home management of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.", "content": "Home oxygen was utilized in six infants with BPD with no complications. This program allowed for early discharge of the infants, resulting in a mean financial savings of $18,000 per infant and a more normal family environment for the babies.", "contents": "Home management of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Home oxygen was utilized in six infants with BPD with no complications. This program allowed for early discharge of the infants, resulting in a mean financial savings of $18,000 per infant and a more normal family environment for the babies.", "PMID": 995513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6121", "title": "Tularemia: an unappreciated cause of exudative pharyngitis.", "content": "A boy with a persistent febrile illness accompanied by exudative pharyngitis found to be due to tularemia is described. The role of tularemia as a cause of exudative pharyngitis is discussed.", "contents": "Tularemia: an unappreciated cause of exudative pharyngitis. A boy with a persistent febrile illness accompanied by exudative pharyngitis found to be due to tularemia is described. The role of tularemia as a cause of exudative pharyngitis is discussed.", "PMID": 995514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6122", "title": "Atrioventricular block complicating meningitis: treatment with emergency cardiac pacing.", "content": "Percutaneous insertion of a transthoracic pacing wire is described in a child who developed complete A-V block during hospitalization for treatment of meningitis. This is a simple method and the necessary material can be easily included on emergency carts.", "contents": "Atrioventricular block complicating meningitis: treatment with emergency cardiac pacing. Percutaneous insertion of a transthoracic pacing wire is described in a child who developed complete A-V block during hospitalization for treatment of meningitis. This is a simple method and the necessary material can be easily included on emergency carts.", "PMID": 995515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6123", "title": "Amikacin pharmacokinetics in the therapy of childhood urinary tract infection.", "content": "Amikacin, a new aminoglycoside antibiotic with a spectrum similar to that of gentamicin, has been used mainly in adults. This report summarizes the first use of this drug in children with urinary tract infection. Organisms were eradicated in all cases and recurrent infection occurred in one half after one week. No evidence of ototoxicity or nephrotoxicity was found. Four children developed transient elevation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase. Serum level (17 mug/ml) of the drug at one hour and its urinary excretion in six hours (60% of the dose) was comparable to those of adults. This antibiotic is potentially valuable and has thus far not shown major toxicity when given for up to 11 days in patients with normal renal and liver functions.", "contents": "Amikacin pharmacokinetics in the therapy of childhood urinary tract infection. Amikacin, a new aminoglycoside antibiotic with a spectrum similar to that of gentamicin, has been used mainly in adults. This report summarizes the first use of this drug in children with urinary tract infection. Organisms were eradicated in all cases and recurrent infection occurred in one half after one week. No evidence of ototoxicity or nephrotoxicity was found. Four children developed transient elevation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase. Serum level (17 mug/ml) of the drug at one hour and its urinary excretion in six hours (60% of the dose) was comparable to those of adults. This antibiotic is potentially valuable and has thus far not shown major toxicity when given for up to 11 days in patients with normal renal and liver functions.", "PMID": 995517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6124", "title": "Lymphagiomas of the alveolar ridges in neonates.", "content": "Blue-domed, fluid-filled lesions on the alveolar ridges of neonates were noted in 3.7% of all normal black newborns examined. None were found in whites. On microscopic examination of eight such lesions, the diagnosis of lymphangioma was made. These lymphangiomas should not be confused with Epstein's pearls, Bohn's nodules, eruption cysts, or mucous retention phenomena. The natural history of such lymphagiomas is unknown. However, spontaneous regression was noted in several cases.", "contents": "Lymphagiomas of the alveolar ridges in neonates. Blue-domed, fluid-filled lesions on the alveolar ridges of neonates were noted in 3.7% of all normal black newborns examined. None were found in whites. On microscopic examination of eight such lesions, the diagnosis of lymphangioma was made. These lymphangiomas should not be confused with Epstein's pearls, Bohn's nodules, eruption cysts, or mucous retention phenomena. The natural history of such lymphagiomas is unknown. However, spontaneous regression was noted in several cases.", "PMID": 995518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6125", "title": "Phosphaturia in thalassemia.", "content": "Thirteen phosphorus balances were performed in four thalassemic children aged 6 to 10 years. No correlation was found between phosphorus intake and serum level or between phosphorus intake and net absorption. There was a positive correlation among daily phosphorus intake, net absorption, and 24-hour urinary excretion. The 24-hour urinary excretion level was higher than net absorption, indicating that these children have normal phosphorus absorption but abnormally high renal phosphaturia, which leads to a deficiency of phosphorus. A strongly positive correlation was found between values for hemoglobin and serum alkaline phosphatase. In the thalassemic patients with hemoglobin levels larger than or equal to 7.5 gm/100 ml, the serum alkaline phosphatase values were larger than or equal to 15 King-Armstrong units, suggesting normal osteoblast function.", "contents": "Phosphaturia in thalassemia. Thirteen phosphorus balances were performed in four thalassemic children aged 6 to 10 years. No correlation was found between phosphorus intake and serum level or between phosphorus intake and net absorption. There was a positive correlation among daily phosphorus intake, net absorption, and 24-hour urinary excretion. The 24-hour urinary excretion level was higher than net absorption, indicating that these children have normal phosphorus absorption but abnormally high renal phosphaturia, which leads to a deficiency of phosphorus. A strongly positive correlation was found between values for hemoglobin and serum alkaline phosphatase. In the thalassemic patients with hemoglobin levels larger than or equal to 7.5 gm/100 ml, the serum alkaline phosphatase values were larger than or equal to 15 King-Armstrong units, suggesting normal osteoblast function.", "PMID": 995519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6126", "title": "Energy dose for ventricular defibrillation of children.", "content": "Transthoracic direct current shock is the recommended treatment for ventricular fibrillation in children as in adults. To determine the appropriate energy dose, data were collected from 71 defibrillation attempts in 27 children. Sixty-three of the 71 shocks (89%) were successful in terminating fibrillation. Fifty-seven shocks were within 10 watt-seconds (w-sec) above or below an energy dose of 2 w-sec/kg of body weight. Fifty-two (91%) of these were effective and five (9%) were ineffective. In every case, fibrillation was ultimately terminated by a shock of 4 w-sec/kg or less. The results of these studies suggest that an energy dose of 2 w-sec/kg (or approximately 1 w-sec/lb) is adequate to defibrillate most children weighing under 50 kg. We currently use 2 w-sec/kg and double the energy dose if the first defibrillation attempt is unsuccessful.", "contents": "Energy dose for ventricular defibrillation of children. Transthoracic direct current shock is the recommended treatment for ventricular fibrillation in children as in adults. To determine the appropriate energy dose, data were collected from 71 defibrillation attempts in 27 children. Sixty-three of the 71 shocks (89%) were successful in terminating fibrillation. Fifty-seven shocks were within 10 watt-seconds (w-sec) above or below an energy dose of 2 w-sec/kg of body weight. Fifty-two (91%) of these were effective and five (9%) were ineffective. In every case, fibrillation was ultimately terminated by a shock of 4 w-sec/kg or less. The results of these studies suggest that an energy dose of 2 w-sec/kg (or approximately 1 w-sec/lb) is adequate to defibrillate most children weighing under 50 kg. We currently use 2 w-sec/kg and double the energy dose if the first defibrillation attempt is unsuccessful.", "PMID": 995520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6127", "title": "Unsuspected pulmonary vascular abnormalities associated with diaphragmatic hernia.", "content": "The pulmonary vasculature of 12 newborn infants who died with unilateral diaphragmatic hernias was studied. Four developed severe ventilatory insufficiency after birth and promptly died. Their lungs were both hypoplastic and airless dur to compression by displaced abdominal viscera and mediastinal shift. Corrective surgery permitted lung expansion and adequate ventilation for one to two hours in five infants. Subsequently, ventilatory insufficiency supervened and they died. Postoperative blood gases revealed a right-to-left ductus arteriosus shunt in one infant. Ten of the infants with hernias had a significantly greater mass of muscle in pulmonary arteries than did matched controls. This may partially explain the fetal-type circulatory infants.", "contents": "Unsuspected pulmonary vascular abnormalities associated with diaphragmatic hernia. The pulmonary vasculature of 12 newborn infants who died with unilateral diaphragmatic hernias was studied. Four developed severe ventilatory insufficiency after birth and promptly died. Their lungs were both hypoplastic and airless dur to compression by displaced abdominal viscera and mediastinal shift. Corrective surgery permitted lung expansion and adequate ventilation for one to two hours in five infants. Subsequently, ventilatory insufficiency supervened and they died. Postoperative blood gases revealed a right-to-left ductus arteriosus shunt in one infant. Ten of the infants with hernias had a significantly greater mass of muscle in pulmonary arteries than did matched controls. This may partially explain the fetal-type circulatory infants.", "PMID": 995521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6128", "title": "Blood magnesium and the renal magnesium threshold in lichen-fed and fasted reindeer.", "content": "In the blood plasma of lichen-fed reindeer the magnesium level was rather low (1.44 +/- 0.17 mg/100 ml) while the levels of calcium, phosphorus and glucose were normal. Fasting for 2--3 days provided no evidence of magnesium deficiency, leading to increments in blood and urinary magnesium. Simultaneous increments in urinary calcium indicated mobilization of bone minerals. The renal magnesium threshold appeared to be at about 1.8 mg of Mg/100 ml of plasma as in other species.", "contents": "Blood magnesium and the renal magnesium threshold in lichen-fed and fasted reindeer. In the blood plasma of lichen-fed reindeer the magnesium level was rather low (1.44 +/- 0.17 mg/100 ml) while the levels of calcium, phosphorus and glucose were normal. Fasting for 2--3 days provided no evidence of magnesium deficiency, leading to increments in blood and urinary magnesium. Simultaneous increments in urinary calcium indicated mobilization of bone minerals. The renal magnesium threshold appeared to be at about 1.8 mg of Mg/100 ml of plasma as in other species.", "PMID": 995584} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6129", "title": "Mycobacteriosis in a roe-deer caused by wood-pigeon mycobacteria.", "content": "A mycobacterium, hitherto found only in wood-pigeons, was isolated from a roe-deer with generalized tuberculosis-like lesions. It is of great epidemiological interest that a mammal, under certain conditions, can attract this pathogen.", "contents": "Mycobacteriosis in a roe-deer caused by wood-pigeon mycobacteria. A mycobacterium, hitherto found only in wood-pigeons, was isolated from a roe-deer with generalized tuberculosis-like lesions. It is of great epidemiological interest that a mammal, under certain conditions, can attract this pathogen.", "PMID": 995585} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6130", "title": "[The etiology of \"alveld\" elucidated by the BSP-test].", "content": "The lamb disease called alveld is caused by Narthesium ossifragum. It is observed clinically in white lambs as a photosensitization, which may become very severe. At a more advanced stage, icterus often occurs as well, the latter affecting both black and white lambs. Adult sheep are rarely affected by alveld. Presence of phylloerythrin in the blood is a prerequisite for the photosensitization. Phylloerythrin is formed by microbial action from chlorophyll and is normally excreted in the faeces and the bile. Sufficient excretion fails in lambs getting alveld. The function of the liver has been examined in 40 lambs which had grazed for 10 days on Narthecium ossifragum, using the BSP-test of Rosenthal & White (1925). Fourteen out of 40 lambs showed a pathological liver dysfunction, while no clinical symptoms could be observed. Five to seven days thereafter 9 out of the 14 lambs with liver dysfunction became subject to photosensitization. (Table I). The ability of the BSP-test to indicate alveld at an early stage was statistically significant. It is concluded that liver dysfunction precedes photosensitization.", "contents": "[The etiology of \"alveld\" elucidated by the BSP-test]. The lamb disease called alveld is caused by Narthesium ossifragum. It is observed clinically in white lambs as a photosensitization, which may become very severe. At a more advanced stage, icterus often occurs as well, the latter affecting both black and white lambs. Adult sheep are rarely affected by alveld. Presence of phylloerythrin in the blood is a prerequisite for the photosensitization. Phylloerythrin is formed by microbial action from chlorophyll and is normally excreted in the faeces and the bile. Sufficient excretion fails in lambs getting alveld. The function of the liver has been examined in 40 lambs which had grazed for 10 days on Narthecium ossifragum, using the BSP-test of Rosenthal & White (1925). Fourteen out of 40 lambs showed a pathological liver dysfunction, while no clinical symptoms could be observed. Five to seven days thereafter 9 out of the 14 lambs with liver dysfunction became subject to photosensitization. (Table I). The ability of the BSP-test to indicate alveld at an early stage was statistically significant. It is concluded that liver dysfunction precedes photosensitization.", "PMID": 995586} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6131", "title": "Mercury in various tissues of fish caught downstream of a wood pulp factory in the kammerfoss river, South Norway.", "content": "The mercury content of perch (Perca fluviatilis) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) from a river in South Norway, previously shown to be contaminated with mercury from a wood pulp factory, was studied during a 5-years period after the use of mercury in the factory had been discontinued in 1970. In addition to muscular tissue, samples of liver, kidney, brain, heart, and gonads were also analyzed in some cases. The mercury level in the musculature remained nearly constant at about 1 mug/g during the years 1971-1975. The organ distribution studies indicate a relatively even concentration level in different organs of moderately exposed individuals, while mercury contents exceeding 100 mug/g have been observed in the liver of fish exposed to high mercury pollution.", "contents": "Mercury in various tissues of fish caught downstream of a wood pulp factory in the kammerfoss river, South Norway. The mercury content of perch (Perca fluviatilis) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) from a river in South Norway, previously shown to be contaminated with mercury from a wood pulp factory, was studied during a 5-years period after the use of mercury in the factory had been discontinued in 1970. In addition to muscular tissue, samples of liver, kidney, brain, heart, and gonads were also analyzed in some cases. The mercury level in the musculature remained nearly constant at about 1 mug/g during the years 1971-1975. The organ distribution studies indicate a relatively even concentration level in different organs of moderately exposed individuals, while mercury contents exceeding 100 mug/g have been observed in the liver of fish exposed to high mercury pollution.", "PMID": 995587} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6132", "title": "[Hyperthyroidism induced by iodine in an apparently normal thyroid gland. A new iatrogenic disease].", "content": "Iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis was reported to occur in patients with previously altered thyroid gland. Evidence is presented here from 23 cases that iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis may also occur in patients with no prior thyroid desorder and is characterized by: a) an almost undetectable 131I uptake, wich can be activated by TSH; b) a spontaneous improvement within a few weeks or months after withdrawing the high intake of iodine; c) the absence of any detectable thyroid abnormality after recovery.", "contents": "[Hyperthyroidism induced by iodine in an apparently normal thyroid gland. A new iatrogenic disease]. Iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis was reported to occur in patients with previously altered thyroid gland. Evidence is presented here from 23 cases that iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis may also occur in patients with no prior thyroid desorder and is characterized by: a) an almost undetectable 131I uptake, wich can be activated by TSH; b) a spontaneous improvement within a few weeks or months after withdrawing the high intake of iodine; c) the absence of any detectable thyroid abnormality after recovery.", "PMID": 995589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6133", "title": "[New plasmid resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to aminosides (gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin].", "content": "Recently, strains of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to gentamicin, tobramycin and amikacin have been discovered in several hospitals in France. These new resistances, of two different types, are of plasmid origin and of enzyme mechanism. This study describes their current incidence.", "contents": "[New plasmid resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to aminosides (gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin]. Recently, strains of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to gentamicin, tobramycin and amikacin have been discovered in several hospitals in France. These new resistances, of two different types, are of plasmid origin and of enzyme mechanism. This study describes their current incidence.", "PMID": 995590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6134", "title": "[Erythema nodosum in sarcoidosis. 37 cases].", "content": "Erythema nodosum was seen in 37 out of 564 cases of sarcoidosis, i.e. 6.4. per cent. The female preponderance of the association was 56.8 per cent. It was accompanied by fever in 84 per cent of cases and with an increased sedimentation rate, greater than 50 mm in the first hour, in 44 per cent of cases. Articular manifestations (arthralgia or arthritis) were seen in 73 per cent of cases, with a predilection for the ankles. Progression by acute excerbations of the erythema nodosum and/or articular manifestations was rare. Mediastino-pulmonary involvement accompanying the erythema nodosum included mediastinal lymphadenopathy in all cases. Infiltration of the pulmonary parenchyma was seen in 27 per cent. Spontaneous resolution of the mediastino-pulmonary lesions occurred in 82 per cent of cases, regardless of the initial radiological appearance.", "contents": "[Erythema nodosum in sarcoidosis. 37 cases]. Erythema nodosum was seen in 37 out of 564 cases of sarcoidosis, i.e. 6.4. per cent. The female preponderance of the association was 56.8 per cent. It was accompanied by fever in 84 per cent of cases and with an increased sedimentation rate, greater than 50 mm in the first hour, in 44 per cent of cases. Articular manifestations (arthralgia or arthritis) were seen in 73 per cent of cases, with a predilection for the ankles. Progression by acute excerbations of the erythema nodosum and/or articular manifestations was rare. Mediastino-pulmonary involvement accompanying the erythema nodosum included mediastinal lymphadenopathy in all cases. Infiltration of the pulmonary parenchyma was seen in 27 per cent. Spontaneous resolution of the mediastino-pulmonary lesions occurred in 82 per cent of cases, regardless of the initial radiological appearance.", "PMID": 995591} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6135", "title": "[Acute consumption coagulopathies. 120 cases].", "content": "Consumption coagulopathy is frequently observed in a resuscitation department. 120 cases of various etiologies are reviewed: complications of pregnancy (61 cases), infections (23 cases) or various stresses: acute hemolysis, shock, severe hepatic failure, intoxications, acidosis, heat-stroke... Consumption coagulopathy is intricated with the general stress which induces it, and with the visceral lesions induced by the stress and which can be aggravated by the consumption coagulopathy. The state of shock is observed in 76% of the cases, the haemorrhagic syndrome in 73%. Acute hemolysis and the clinical signs evocative of disseminated intravascular coagulation (cutaneous signs) are more rare. Following the initial manifestations, visceral complications may develop: renal, hepatic, respiratory, neurological, digestive. The evolution of the biology must be carefully studied. The diagnosis is made on both clinical and biological data. Etiological and pathophysiological treatment should be carried out. In our series, controlled and adapted heparin therapy was given systematically.", "contents": "[Acute consumption coagulopathies. 120 cases]. Consumption coagulopathy is frequently observed in a resuscitation department. 120 cases of various etiologies are reviewed: complications of pregnancy (61 cases), infections (23 cases) or various stresses: acute hemolysis, shock, severe hepatic failure, intoxications, acidosis, heat-stroke... Consumption coagulopathy is intricated with the general stress which induces it, and with the visceral lesions induced by the stress and which can be aggravated by the consumption coagulopathy. The state of shock is observed in 76% of the cases, the haemorrhagic syndrome in 73%. Acute hemolysis and the clinical signs evocative of disseminated intravascular coagulation (cutaneous signs) are more rare. Following the initial manifestations, visceral complications may develop: renal, hepatic, respiratory, neurological, digestive. The evolution of the biology must be carefully studied. The diagnosis is made on both clinical and biological data. Etiological and pathophysiological treatment should be carried out. In our series, controlled and adapted heparin therapy was given systematically.", "PMID": 995606} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6136", "title": "[Effusions rich in amylase without pancreatitis. 14 cases].", "content": "This study involved 14 cases or pleural effusions or ascites rich in amylase and unrelated to chronic pancreatitis, a pseudo-cyst of the pancreas or acute pancreatitis. A pleural effusion rich in amylase may be secondary to a pancreatic neoplasm but this possibility seems rare. Amylase-containing effusions related to a nonpancreatic neoplasm are more common. The lesion is in general an advanced pleuro-pulmonary carcinoma, frequently an adenocarcinoma. The amylase activity of neoplastic effusion fluid is significantly increased but although levels similar to those of certain pancreatic effusions may be seen, very high figures would appear to be rare. Finally, two cases of amylase-rich pleural effusions were related to a pleuro-digestive fistula and one left-sided effusion was secondary to abdominal trauma.", "contents": "[Effusions rich in amylase without pancreatitis. 14 cases]. This study involved 14 cases or pleural effusions or ascites rich in amylase and unrelated to chronic pancreatitis, a pseudo-cyst of the pancreas or acute pancreatitis. A pleural effusion rich in amylase may be secondary to a pancreatic neoplasm but this possibility seems rare. Amylase-containing effusions related to a nonpancreatic neoplasm are more common. The lesion is in general an advanced pleuro-pulmonary carcinoma, frequently an adenocarcinoma. The amylase activity of neoplastic effusion fluid is significantly increased but although levels similar to those of certain pancreatic effusions may be seen, very high figures would appear to be rare. Finally, two cases of amylase-rich pleural effusions were related to a pleuro-digestive fistula and one left-sided effusion was secondary to abdominal trauma.", "PMID": 995607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6137", "title": "[Gastric mucosa in patients with rheumatoid polyarthritis treated by anti-inflammatory agents. Clinical, radiological, endoscopic, anatomopathological and ultrastructural study].", "content": "One hundred patients (50 male, 50 female) suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, treated for more than 6 months with steroid and/or non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents were studied using barium X-rays and gastro-fibroscopy. In 69, one or more gastric biopsies were taken during the endoscopy. The study showed a marked preponderance of ulcerous lesions in males, 9 of the 13 iatrogenic ulcers being found in this sex. It also confirmed the frequency of gastritis and the absence of any correlation between clinical signs and radio-endoscopic findings as well as between the latter and histopathological data. An ultra structural study carried out in 20 cases revealed focal lesions of the clear cells of the neck of the fundus and antral glands and, in 4 cases, marked changes in the gastric endocrine cells.", "contents": "[Gastric mucosa in patients with rheumatoid polyarthritis treated by anti-inflammatory agents. Clinical, radiological, endoscopic, anatomopathological and ultrastructural study]. One hundred patients (50 male, 50 female) suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, treated for more than 6 months with steroid and/or non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents were studied using barium X-rays and gastro-fibroscopy. In 69, one or more gastric biopsies were taken during the endoscopy. The study showed a marked preponderance of ulcerous lesions in males, 9 of the 13 iatrogenic ulcers being found in this sex. It also confirmed the frequency of gastritis and the absence of any correlation between clinical signs and radio-endoscopic findings as well as between the latter and histopathological data. An ultra structural study carried out in 20 cases revealed focal lesions of the clear cells of the neck of the fundus and antral glands and, in 4 cases, marked changes in the gastric endocrine cells.", "PMID": 995608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6138", "title": "[Profile of surgical tumors of the mediatinum. Apropos of a series of 742 operated patients].", "content": "The authors seek to draw statistical conclusions on the basis of 742 surgically treated mediastinal tumours. Tumours of the thymus were the most common (20%). They were followed by tumours of the thyroid, neurogenic tumours, haematosarcomas and mediastinal cysts - all with an occurrence rate of around 12 to 15%. From a histological standpoint, 34.5% of the tumours were malignant or \"potentially malignant\". After a topographical study of these tumours, the authors discuss the possibilities of surgical treatment, the latter being great even in the case of malignant lesions.", "contents": "[Profile of surgical tumors of the mediatinum. Apropos of a series of 742 operated patients]. The authors seek to draw statistical conclusions on the basis of 742 surgically treated mediastinal tumours. Tumours of the thymus were the most common (20%). They were followed by tumours of the thyroid, neurogenic tumours, haematosarcomas and mediastinal cysts - all with an occurrence rate of around 12 to 15%. From a histological standpoint, 34.5% of the tumours were malignant or \"potentially malignant\". After a topographical study of these tumours, the authors discuss the possibilities of surgical treatment, the latter being great even in the case of malignant lesions.", "PMID": 995621} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6139", "title": "[Adrenal scintigraphy using 131 I-19-iodocholesterol. Value in the exploration of Cushing's syndrome].", "content": "On the basis of 7 cases representing the essential types of aetiology of Cushing's syndrome, it is possible to define the value, limitations and role of adrenal scintigraphy using 131I-19-iodocholesterol in the diagnostic investigation of hypercortisolism. The essential value of the investigation is morphological rather than functional drome. Thus adrenal scintigraphy has the same role in diagnostic investigation as various radiological procedures such as pneumoperitoneum and angiography. The latter, however, are technically difficult and fraught with risk, in contrast to the isotopic examination. The principle limitations of the method are not dosimetric but lie in the relative difficulty of interpretation of the documents obtained.", "contents": "[Adrenal scintigraphy using 131 I-19-iodocholesterol. Value in the exploration of Cushing's syndrome]. On the basis of 7 cases representing the essential types of aetiology of Cushing's syndrome, it is possible to define the value, limitations and role of adrenal scintigraphy using 131I-19-iodocholesterol in the diagnostic investigation of hypercortisolism. The essential value of the investigation is morphological rather than functional drome. Thus adrenal scintigraphy has the same role in diagnostic investigation as various radiological procedures such as pneumoperitoneum and angiography. The latter, however, are technically difficult and fraught with risk, in contrast to the isotopic examination. The principle limitations of the method are not dosimetric but lie in the relative difficulty of interpretation of the documents obtained.", "PMID": 995622} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6140", "title": "Interaction of ethidium bromide with DNA: effect of LiCl and ethylene glycol.", "content": "The interaction of the intercalating dye ethidium bromide with several native and synthetic polydeoxyribonucleic acids has been studied by means of circular dichroic spectra. The CD of DNA-ethidium bromide complexes in the 290-360 nm region is characterized, especially at high salt and at high ethylene glycol content, by positive and negative bands near 308 nm and 295 nm, respectively. These dye associated CD bands are unaffected by the addition of LiCl or ethylene glycol, suggesting that the relative conformation of dye and neighboring base pairs does not change when the conformation of the rest of the DNA changes.", "contents": "Interaction of ethidium bromide with DNA: effect of LiCl and ethylene glycol. The interaction of the intercalating dye ethidium bromide with several native and synthetic polydeoxyribonucleic acids has been studied by means of circular dichroic spectra. The CD of DNA-ethidium bromide complexes in the 290-360 nm region is characterized, especially at high salt and at high ethylene glycol content, by positive and negative bands near 308 nm and 295 nm, respectively. These dye associated CD bands are unaffected by the addition of LiCl or ethylene glycol, suggesting that the relative conformation of dye and neighboring base pairs does not change when the conformation of the rest of the DNA changes.", "PMID": 995636} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6141", "title": "The isolation and characterization of bacteriophage T7 messenger RNA fragments containing an RNase III cleavage site.", "content": "We have isolated overlapping RNA fragments which contain the region surrounding the ribonuclease III cleavage site between bacteriophage T7 genes 0.3 and 0.7. Although all of these fragments contain the site of cleavage, only certain fragments are correctly recognized and cleaved by RNase III. Analysis of the cleavage products of the fragments indicates that the enzyme produces a single endonucleolytic break at this site in the T7 early RNA precursor molecule. In addition, the 3'-terminal adenylic acid residues observed previously on the in vivo T7 early RNA species were not found in these fragments and, therefore, must represent a post-transcriptional, post-processing modification of the RNA.", "contents": "The isolation and characterization of bacteriophage T7 messenger RNA fragments containing an RNase III cleavage site. We have isolated overlapping RNA fragments which contain the region surrounding the ribonuclease III cleavage site between bacteriophage T7 genes 0.3 and 0.7. Although all of these fragments contain the site of cleavage, only certain fragments are correctly recognized and cleaved by RNase III. Analysis of the cleavage products of the fragments indicates that the enzyme produces a single endonucleolytic break at this site in the T7 early RNA precursor molecule. In addition, the 3'-terminal adenylic acid residues observed previously on the in vivo T7 early RNA species were not found in these fragments and, therefore, must represent a post-transcriptional, post-processing modification of the RNA.", "PMID": 995637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6142", "title": "Preparation of 2'-thio-2'-deoxycytidine 2':3'-phosphorothioate.", "content": "The synthesis of a novel ribonucleotide analog 2'-thio-2' deoxycytidine 2':3'-O,S-phosphorothioate is described. In the first step, 2,2'-anhydro 1-beta-D-arabinosylcytosine was thiophosphorylated by the action of dithiophosphate, a process which gave predominantly the 3'-O-phosphorothioate isomer. An intramolecular displacement reaction led to the formation of the title compound. Structure and reactivity of this thioanalog differ substantially from 2':3'-CMP.", "contents": "Preparation of 2'-thio-2'-deoxycytidine 2':3'-phosphorothioate. The synthesis of a novel ribonucleotide analog 2'-thio-2' deoxycytidine 2':3'-O,S-phosphorothioate is described. In the first step, 2,2'-anhydro 1-beta-D-arabinosylcytosine was thiophosphorylated by the action of dithiophosphate, a process which gave predominantly the 3'-O-phosphorothioate isomer. An intramolecular displacement reaction led to the formation of the title compound. Structure and reactivity of this thioanalog differ substantially from 2':3'-CMP.", "PMID": 995638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6143", "title": "Conformations of satellite DNAs.", "content": "X-ray fiber diffraction studies of satellite DNAs from Gecarcinus lateralis, Drosophila virilis and Mus musculus, all of which have highly repetitious base sequences but with different degrees of sequence complexity, reveal only classical polynucleotide duplex structures in contrast to some highly repetitious synthetic DNAs.", "contents": "Conformations of satellite DNAs. X-ray fiber diffraction studies of satellite DNAs from Gecarcinus lateralis, Drosophila virilis and Mus musculus, all of which have highly repetitious base sequences but with different degrees of sequence complexity, reveal only classical polynucleotide duplex structures in contrast to some highly repetitious synthetic DNAs.", "PMID": 995639} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6144", "title": "Models of triple-stranded polynucleotides with optimised stereochemistry.", "content": "Detailed models are presented for the triple-stranded polynucleotide helices of poly (U)-poly (A)-poly (U) (two forms), poly (U)-poly d (A) -poly (U), poly d(C)-poly d(I)-poly d(C), poly d(T)-polyd(A)-poly d(T) and poly (I)-poly (A)-poly (I). The models were genrated using a computerized, linked-atom procedure which preserves standard bond lengths, bond anglesand sugar ring conformations, constrains the helices to have the pitches and symmetries observed in X-ray diffraction experiments, and optimises the non-bonded interatomic contacts including hydrogen bonds. The possible biological sigificance of such complexes is discussed.", "contents": "Models of triple-stranded polynucleotides with optimised stereochemistry. Detailed models are presented for the triple-stranded polynucleotide helices of poly (U)-poly (A)-poly (U) (two forms), poly (U)-poly d (A) -poly (U), poly d(C)-poly d(I)-poly d(C), poly d(T)-polyd(A)-poly d(T) and poly (I)-poly (A)-poly (I). The models were genrated using a computerized, linked-atom procedure which preserves standard bond lengths, bond anglesand sugar ring conformations, constrains the helices to have the pitches and symmetries observed in X-ray diffraction experiments, and optimises the non-bonded interatomic contacts including hydrogen bonds. The possible biological sigificance of such complexes is discussed.", "PMID": 995640} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6145", "title": "Sequence organization of porcine DNA.", "content": "The sequence organization of porcine DNA isolated from thyroid has been analyzed by hydroxylapatite (HAP) chromatography. The reassociation of 0.4 kilobase (Kb) DNA fragments shows, besides the presence of 5% inverted repeat sequences (foldback DNA), that 45% of the genome is represented by high (10%) and intermediate (35%) repetitive components, whereas the remaining 50% is unique sequences. 30% of the unique sequences consists of 1,000 nucleotide fragments interspersed with repetitive elements 400 nucleotides in length. The remaining 20% is longer unique sequences (10,000 nucleotides) apparently not linked to repetitive elements.", "contents": "Sequence organization of porcine DNA. The sequence organization of porcine DNA isolated from thyroid has been analyzed by hydroxylapatite (HAP) chromatography. The reassociation of 0.4 kilobase (Kb) DNA fragments shows, besides the presence of 5% inverted repeat sequences (foldback DNA), that 45% of the genome is represented by high (10%) and intermediate (35%) repetitive components, whereas the remaining 50% is unique sequences. 30% of the unique sequences consists of 1,000 nucleotide fragments interspersed with repetitive elements 400 nucleotides in length. The remaining 20% is longer unique sequences (10,000 nucleotides) apparently not linked to repetitive elements.", "PMID": 995641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6146", "title": "Circular dichroism as a probe of DNA structure inside reconstituted nucleohistones.", "content": "Reconstituted nucleohistones were obtained by mixing in given conditions acid extracted histones and eukaryotic DNA. The histone/DNA ratio (w/w) was in the range 0.35 - 0.95. With the four histones (H2A2B) we have been able to obtain subunits (nucleosomes or upsilon-bodies). The variation of cirsular dichroism signal with temperature at 280 nm was measured to follow structural changes of the DNA inside the complex. The true change of ellipticity (see article) of histone-bound DNA regions, is similar for reconstituted nucleohistone and H1-depleted chromatin, and is therefore a physical probe of the presence of nucleosomes.", "contents": "Circular dichroism as a probe of DNA structure inside reconstituted nucleohistones. Reconstituted nucleohistones were obtained by mixing in given conditions acid extracted histones and eukaryotic DNA. The histone/DNA ratio (w/w) was in the range 0.35 - 0.95. With the four histones (H2A2B) we have been able to obtain subunits (nucleosomes or upsilon-bodies). The variation of cirsular dichroism signal with temperature at 280 nm was measured to follow structural changes of the DNA inside the complex. The true change of ellipticity (see article) of histone-bound DNA regions, is similar for reconstituted nucleohistone and H1-depleted chromatin, and is therefore a physical probe of the presence of nucleosomes.", "PMID": 995642} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6147", "title": "The effect of (2'-5') and (3'-5') phosphodiester linkages on conformational and stacking properties of cytidylyl-cytidine in aqueous solution.", "content": "Conformational properties of (2'-5') and (3'-5') CpC have been determined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 220 MHz. The ribose ring structures are predominantly 3E with the exception of the ring from the 2'-phosphate fragment of C(2'-5')pC which exhibits an 2E pucker. Bases are oriented anti with respect to the ribose and the conformations about C4'-C5', C5'-O5', C3'-O3' (C2'-O2') are gg, g'g', and g+ in equilibrium g-, respectively. The dimers exist as mixtures of stacked (g+g+ and g-g- about the P-O(C) bonds) and unstacked species at 20 degrees C. Stacking is estimated to be 35% in both dimers.", "contents": "The effect of (2'-5') and (3'-5') phosphodiester linkages on conformational and stacking properties of cytidylyl-cytidine in aqueous solution. Conformational properties of (2'-5') and (3'-5') CpC have been determined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 220 MHz. The ribose ring structures are predominantly 3E with the exception of the ring from the 2'-phosphate fragment of C(2'-5')pC which exhibits an 2E pucker. Bases are oriented anti with respect to the ribose and the conformations about C4'-C5', C5'-O5', C3'-O3' (C2'-O2') are gg, g'g', and g+ in equilibrium g-, respectively. The dimers exist as mixtures of stacked (g+g+ and g-g- about the P-O(C) bonds) and unstacked species at 20 degrees C. Stacking is estimated to be 35% in both dimers.", "PMID": 995643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6148", "title": "Preparative fractionation of DNA restriction fragments by high pressure column chromatography on RPC-5.", "content": "High pressure liquid chromatography on the RPC-5 reversed-phase ion exchange system has been shown to have several potential applications as an initial high capacity step in the isolation of specific DNA restriction fragments. The fractionation of the Hinc II digest of lambda DNA, which contains 35 fragments with \"flush ends\" ranging in size from 3 x 10(6) to 7 x 10(4) daltons, has been used as a model system. Under certain conditions there are some restriction fragments whose elution relative to other fragments is different on RPC-5 chromatography than it is on gel electrophoresis. In some special circumstances it is possible to obtain satisfactory yields (60-70%) of a pure restriction fragment after a single passage through an RPC-5 column.", "contents": "Preparative fractionation of DNA restriction fragments by high pressure column chromatography on RPC-5. High pressure liquid chromatography on the RPC-5 reversed-phase ion exchange system has been shown to have several potential applications as an initial high capacity step in the isolation of specific DNA restriction fragments. The fractionation of the Hinc II digest of lambda DNA, which contains 35 fragments with \"flush ends\" ranging in size from 3 x 10(6) to 7 x 10(4) daltons, has been used as a model system. Under certain conditions there are some restriction fragments whose elution relative to other fragments is different on RPC-5 chromatography than it is on gel electrophoresis. In some special circumstances it is possible to obtain satisfactory yields (60-70%) of a pure restriction fragment after a single passage through an RPC-5 column.", "PMID": 995644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6149", "title": "Cleavage of adeno-associated virus DNA with Sali,Psti and Haeii restriction endonucleases.", "content": "Duplex AAV-2 DNA was digested with SalI, PstI or HaeII restriction endonucleases and the cleavage sites were mapped. SalI cleaves AAV DNA at 0.310 map units, PstI at 0.106, 0.422 and 0.914 and the five HaeII sites were mapped at 0.110. 0.156, 0.181, 0.536 and 0.600 map units. These cleavage products will be useful for the isolation of specific regions from the AAV DNA, located outside of the stably transcribed region of the genome, and will also help to map more complex restriction enzyme cleavages.", "contents": "Cleavage of adeno-associated virus DNA with Sali,Psti and Haeii restriction endonucleases. Duplex AAV-2 DNA was digested with SalI, PstI or HaeII restriction endonucleases and the cleavage sites were mapped. SalI cleaves AAV DNA at 0.310 map units, PstI at 0.106, 0.422 and 0.914 and the five HaeII sites were mapped at 0.110. 0.156, 0.181, 0.536 and 0.600 map units. These cleavage products will be useful for the isolation of specific regions from the AAV DNA, located outside of the stably transcribed region of the genome, and will also help to map more complex restriction enzyme cleavages.", "PMID": 995645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6150", "title": "Nuclease digestion in between and within nucleosomes.", "content": "In the course of digestions of rat liver nuclei with micrococcal nuclease the size of the nucleosomal DNA is shortened by 50-60 nucleotide pairs from starting lengths of about 200, 400, 600, 800, etc. nucleotide pairs in the monomeric and oligomeric nucleosomes, respectively. Acid soluble DNA material is created relatively slowly as compared to the rate of formation of subnucleosomal material. More DNA with lengths in between the 200, 400, etc. nucleotide pairs of nucleosomal DNA is formed when digestions with micrococcal nuclease are carried out at 0 to 10 degrees C compared to 40 degrees C. With DNAase II, on the other hand, formation of a 200 nucleotide pair pattern is favoured at the low temperatures. Apparently, the accessibility of potential cleavage sites in between and within nucleosomes depends strongly on the conditions of digestion. Possible reasons for this dependence are discussed.", "contents": "Nuclease digestion in between and within nucleosomes. In the course of digestions of rat liver nuclei with micrococcal nuclease the size of the nucleosomal DNA is shortened by 50-60 nucleotide pairs from starting lengths of about 200, 400, 600, 800, etc. nucleotide pairs in the monomeric and oligomeric nucleosomes, respectively. Acid soluble DNA material is created relatively slowly as compared to the rate of formation of subnucleosomal material. More DNA with lengths in between the 200, 400, etc. nucleotide pairs of nucleosomal DNA is formed when digestions with micrococcal nuclease are carried out at 0 to 10 degrees C compared to 40 degrees C. With DNAase II, on the other hand, formation of a 200 nucleotide pair pattern is favoured at the low temperatures. Apparently, the accessibility of potential cleavage sites in between and within nucleosomes depends strongly on the conditions of digestion. Possible reasons for this dependence are discussed.", "PMID": 995646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6151", "title": "Isolation of native DNA fragments containing structural genes at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of the coding strand.", "content": "A method for the isolation of the DNA fragments containing structural genes at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the coding strand is described. It involves mechanical or enzymatic shearing, exonuclease treatment, hybridization with mRNA and subsequent retention of DNA-mRNA complex on poly(U)-Sepharose. Hybridization of the DNA fragments with mRNA takes place with high specificity and isolated material is enriched in structural genes. Applications of this method for gene isolation are discussed.", "contents": "Isolation of native DNA fragments containing structural genes at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of the coding strand. A method for the isolation of the DNA fragments containing structural genes at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the coding strand is described. It involves mechanical or enzymatic shearing, exonuclease treatment, hybridization with mRNA and subsequent retention of DNA-mRNA complex on poly(U)-Sepharose. Hybridization of the DNA fragments with mRNA takes place with high specificity and isolated material is enriched in structural genes. Applications of this method for gene isolation are discussed.", "PMID": 995647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6152", "title": "A possible structure for calf satellite DNA I.", "content": "Calf satellite DNA I (p = 1.715) has been hydrolysed by a number or restriction endonucleases. It consists of a repeating unit of 1460 nucleotide pairs within which the sites of Eco R II Mbo I, Sac I, Alu I, Ava II and Hha I were localised in comparison with those of Eco R I and Hind II. The distribution of the Hpa II, Sac I, Hha I, Hinf I and Mbo II sites within calf satellite DNA I, as well as that of several restriction endonuclease sites within calf satellite DNA III (p = 1.705) allowed me to define subsatellite fractions. Furthermore, some of the sites of the CpG containing restriction enzymes Hpa II and Hha I are lacking. The possible implications of these results are discussed.", "contents": "A possible structure for calf satellite DNA I. Calf satellite DNA I (p = 1.715) has been hydrolysed by a number or restriction endonucleases. It consists of a repeating unit of 1460 nucleotide pairs within which the sites of Eco R II Mbo I, Sac I, Alu I, Ava II and Hha I were localised in comparison with those of Eco R I and Hind II. The distribution of the Hpa II, Sac I, Hha I, Hinf I and Mbo II sites within calf satellite DNA I, as well as that of several restriction endonuclease sites within calf satellite DNA III (p = 1.705) allowed me to define subsatellite fractions. Furthermore, some of the sites of the CpG containing restriction enzymes Hpa II and Hha I are lacking. The possible implications of these results are discussed.", "PMID": 995648} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6153", "title": "Topographical analysis of yeast ribosomal DNA by cleavage with restriction endonucleases. II. The physical map of EcoRI fragments.", "content": "Yeast ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was digested with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI. Eight distinct fragments were obtained with a molecular weight of 4.35 (1), 1.75 (2), 1.45 (3), 1.07 (4), 0.42 (5), 0.37 (6), 0.26 (7) and 0.22 x 10(6) (8) daltons, respectively. Except for fragment 1 with a molecular weight of 4.35 x 10(6) daltons, all fragments are derived from the multiple ribosomal transcription units. The 'spacer' sequences, on the other hand, gave rise to digestion products which are very heterogeneous in size. By analysis of the partial digestion products which are very heterogeneous in size. By analysis of the partial digestion products, together with the data obtained by digestion with a combination of two restriction enzymes (EcoRI and Hind II or Hind III) and redigestion of the Hind II-and Hind III-fragments with EcoRI, the physical map of the EcoRI cleavage sites in the ribosomal transcription unit could be established.", "contents": "Topographical analysis of yeast ribosomal DNA by cleavage with restriction endonucleases. II. The physical map of EcoRI fragments. Yeast ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was digested with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI. Eight distinct fragments were obtained with a molecular weight of 4.35 (1), 1.75 (2), 1.45 (3), 1.07 (4), 0.42 (5), 0.37 (6), 0.26 (7) and 0.22 x 10(6) (8) daltons, respectively. Except for fragment 1 with a molecular weight of 4.35 x 10(6) daltons, all fragments are derived from the multiple ribosomal transcription units. The 'spacer' sequences, on the other hand, gave rise to digestion products which are very heterogeneous in size. By analysis of the partial digestion products which are very heterogeneous in size. By analysis of the partial digestion products, together with the data obtained by digestion with a combination of two restriction enzymes (EcoRI and Hind II or Hind III) and redigestion of the Hind II-and Hind III-fragments with EcoRI, the physical map of the EcoRI cleavage sites in the ribosomal transcription unit could be established.", "PMID": 995649} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6154", "title": "Synthesis of 3'-phosphates of diribonucleoside monophosphates via phosphotriester intermediates.", "content": "Phosphorylation of the easily accessible 3',5'-diesters 1a-d with diphenyl phosphorochloridate, followed by selective 5'-deacylation, affords the phosphotriester derivatives 2a-d in good yields. Alkaline treatment of 2a-d results in the formation of the 2',3'-cyclic phosphates (3a-d). The usefulness of the phosphotriester derivatives 2a-d is also demonstrated in the synthesis of the nucleotidyl-(3'-5')nucleoside 3'-phosphates U-Up (10a), U-Ap (11a), U-Cp (12a) and A-Gp (13a). The fully protected dinucleoside diphosphates 5c-8c, prepared by the phosphotriester method, are deprotected in two ways: (a) by a purely chemical method, affording the dinucleoside diphosphates in a circa one to one mixture of 2'- and 3'- isomers, 10b-13b and 10a-13a, respectively, and (b) by a mixed chemical-enzymatical approach which gives the pure 3'-phosphates (10a-13a).", "contents": "Synthesis of 3'-phosphates of diribonucleoside monophosphates via phosphotriester intermediates. Phosphorylation of the easily accessible 3',5'-diesters 1a-d with diphenyl phosphorochloridate, followed by selective 5'-deacylation, affords the phosphotriester derivatives 2a-d in good yields. Alkaline treatment of 2a-d results in the formation of the 2',3'-cyclic phosphates (3a-d). The usefulness of the phosphotriester derivatives 2a-d is also demonstrated in the synthesis of the nucleotidyl-(3'-5')nucleoside 3'-phosphates U-Up (10a), U-Ap (11a), U-Cp (12a) and A-Gp (13a). The fully protected dinucleoside diphosphates 5c-8c, prepared by the phosphotriester method, are deprotected in two ways: (a) by a purely chemical method, affording the dinucleoside diphosphates in a circa one to one mixture of 2'- and 3'- isomers, 10b-13b and 10a-13a, respectively, and (b) by a mixed chemical-enzymatical approach which gives the pure 3'-phosphates (10a-13a).", "PMID": 995650} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6155", "title": "Interspersion of different repeated sequences in the wheat genome revealed by interspecies DNA/DNA hybridisation.", "content": "The repeated sequences in oats DNA have been used to study chromosomal repeated sequence organisation in wheat. Approximately 75% of the wheat genome consists of repeated sequences but only approximately 20% will form heteroduplexes with repeated sequences from oats DNA at 60 degrees C in 0.18 M Na+. The proportion of wheat DNA that forms heteroduplexes with oats DNA is shown to be independent of the wheat DNA fragment length. However, the proportion of wheat DNA that is retained with the heteroduplexes when fractionated on hydroxyapatite is very dependent upon the wheat fragment length up to 3500 nucleotides. This is because more non-renatured wheat DNA is attached to the heteroduplexes with longer fragments. The results indicate that the repeated sequences in the wheat genome homologous to repeated sequences in oats are not clustered in the chromosomes but distributed amongst other repeated and possible non-repeated sequences.", "contents": "Interspersion of different repeated sequences in the wheat genome revealed by interspecies DNA/DNA hybridisation. The repeated sequences in oats DNA have been used to study chromosomal repeated sequence organisation in wheat. Approximately 75% of the wheat genome consists of repeated sequences but only approximately 20% will form heteroduplexes with repeated sequences from oats DNA at 60 degrees C in 0.18 M Na+. The proportion of wheat DNA that forms heteroduplexes with oats DNA is shown to be independent of the wheat DNA fragment length. However, the proportion of wheat DNA that is retained with the heteroduplexes when fractionated on hydroxyapatite is very dependent upon the wheat fragment length up to 3500 nucleotides. This is because more non-renatured wheat DNA is attached to the heteroduplexes with longer fragments. The results indicate that the repeated sequences in the wheat genome homologous to repeated sequences in oats are not clustered in the chromosomes but distributed amongst other repeated and possible non-repeated sequences.", "PMID": 995651} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6156", "title": "The nucleotide sequence of a DNA fragment, 71 base pairs in length, near the origin of DNA replication of bacteriophage 0X174.", "content": "Part of the nucleotide sequence of a restriction fragment covering the origin of phiX174 DNA replication 1 has been determined. The fragment A7c was obtained by digestion of phiX174 RF DNA by the restriction enzyme from Arthrobacter luteus, Alu 1. It was further cleaved into two fragments, one large and one small, by the action of the restriction enzyme from Haemophilus aegyptius, Hae 111. The nucleotide sequence of the small fragment has been determined by analysis of the transcription products obtained by the action of Escherichia coli DNA-dependent RNA polymerase on denaturated template under conditions of low salt. Transcripts longer than the template were found. The whole sequence of 71 nucleotide pairs could be derived from complementary oligonucleotides, obtained after digestion of the transcripts with T1 or pancreatic RNAase. The sequence suggests that at least 4 of the 5 amber mutants 2 that have been mapped on this fragment are identical. On account of this and other evidence a reading frame is proposed.", "contents": "The nucleotide sequence of a DNA fragment, 71 base pairs in length, near the origin of DNA replication of bacteriophage 0X174. Part of the nucleotide sequence of a restriction fragment covering the origin of phiX174 DNA replication 1 has been determined. The fragment A7c was obtained by digestion of phiX174 RF DNA by the restriction enzyme from Arthrobacter luteus, Alu 1. It was further cleaved into two fragments, one large and one small, by the action of the restriction enzyme from Haemophilus aegyptius, Hae 111. The nucleotide sequence of the small fragment has been determined by analysis of the transcription products obtained by the action of Escherichia coli DNA-dependent RNA polymerase on denaturated template under conditions of low salt. Transcripts longer than the template were found. The whole sequence of 71 nucleotide pairs could be derived from complementary oligonucleotides, obtained after digestion of the transcripts with T1 or pancreatic RNAase. The sequence suggests that at least 4 of the 5 amber mutants 2 that have been mapped on this fragment are identical. On account of this and other evidence a reading frame is proposed.", "PMID": 995652} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6157", "title": "Incorporation of 5-substituted uracil derivatives into nucleic acids. Part IV. The synthesis of 5-ethynyluracil.", "content": "5-Acetyluracil (I) has been treated with POCI3 to give 5-(1-chlorovinyl)-2,4-dichloropyrimidine (II). Treatment of II with KOEt gave a mixture of 2-ethoxy-5-ethynyl-4 (3H)-pyrimidinone (IIIA) and 4-ethoxy-5-ethynyl-2 (1H)-pyrimidinone (IIIB). IIIA and IIIB were isolated and characterised. The mixture of IIIA and IIIB upon treatment with HCI gave 5(1-chlorovinyl)uracil (IV). Reaction of IV with KOEt gave 5-ethynyluracil (V). 5-Ethynyluracil was more easily obtained by the treatment of II with KOH in aqueous dioxan.", "contents": "Incorporation of 5-substituted uracil derivatives into nucleic acids. Part IV. The synthesis of 5-ethynyluracil. 5-Acetyluracil (I) has been treated with POCI3 to give 5-(1-chlorovinyl)-2,4-dichloropyrimidine (II). Treatment of II with KOEt gave a mixture of 2-ethoxy-5-ethynyl-4 (3H)-pyrimidinone (IIIA) and 4-ethoxy-5-ethynyl-2 (1H)-pyrimidinone (IIIB). IIIA and IIIB were isolated and characterised. The mixture of IIIA and IIIB upon treatment with HCI gave 5(1-chlorovinyl)uracil (IV). Reaction of IV with KOEt gave 5-ethynyluracil (V). 5-Ethynyluracil was more easily obtained by the treatment of II with KOH in aqueous dioxan.", "PMID": 995653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6158", "title": "Induction of interferon by polyribonucleotides containing thiopyrimidines.", "content": "The influence of thioketo substitution in pyrimidine bases of double-stranded polynucleotides on interferon induction was investigated. The stabilizing effect of 2-thioketo substitution was reflected in the increased interferon inducing activity of poly(A-s2U) over that of poly(A-U). Poly(A-s2U) and poly(I)-poly(s2C) were as effective as poly(I)-Poly(C) in rabbit cells. Poly(I)-poly(C) and poly(I)-poly(s2C) were compared in several animal species. No differences in biological effects were observed in rabbits and dogs. In rodents, poly(I)-poly(s2C) was less effective and less toxic.Poly(I)-poly(s2C) was highly resistant against degradation by human serum. Further investigations seem to be justified to elucidate whether this property offers any advantages for the potential clinical utilization of poly(I)-poly(s2C).", "contents": "Induction of interferon by polyribonucleotides containing thiopyrimidines. The influence of thioketo substitution in pyrimidine bases of double-stranded polynucleotides on interferon induction was investigated. The stabilizing effect of 2-thioketo substitution was reflected in the increased interferon inducing activity of poly(A-s2U) over that of poly(A-U). Poly(A-s2U) and poly(I)-poly(s2C) were as effective as poly(I)-Poly(C) in rabbit cells. Poly(I)-poly(C) and poly(I)-poly(s2C) were compared in several animal species. No differences in biological effects were observed in rabbits and dogs. In rodents, poly(I)-poly(s2C) was less effective and less toxic.Poly(I)-poly(s2C) was highly resistant against degradation by human serum. Further investigations seem to be justified to elucidate whether this property offers any advantages for the potential clinical utilization of poly(I)-poly(s2C).", "PMID": 995654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6159", "title": "Choice of surgical method in treatment of chronic gastric and duodenal ulcer.", "content": "In the light of an analysis of late results of surgical treatment obtained in a group of 2450 patients with chronic gastric or duodenal ulcer subjected to various types of operations the author stresses the importance of choice of a proper surgical method. It is concluded that in treatment of chronic gastric ulcer the most appropriate method is partial gastrectomy including the whole pyloric part of the stomach. On the other hand, in chronic duodenal ulcer gastrectomy must be more extensive including over 70% of the gastric surface, it may be less extensive if associated with vagotomy. Truncal vagotomy with pyloroplasty should be applied only in high-risk patients in view of a high proportion of recurrences of peptic ulcer.", "contents": "Choice of surgical method in treatment of chronic gastric and duodenal ulcer. In the light of an analysis of late results of surgical treatment obtained in a group of 2450 patients with chronic gastric or duodenal ulcer subjected to various types of operations the author stresses the importance of choice of a proper surgical method. It is concluded that in treatment of chronic gastric ulcer the most appropriate method is partial gastrectomy including the whole pyloric part of the stomach. On the other hand, in chronic duodenal ulcer gastrectomy must be more extensive including over 70% of the gastric surface, it may be less extensive if associated with vagotomy. Truncal vagotomy with pyloroplasty should be applied only in high-risk patients in view of a high proportion of recurrences of peptic ulcer.", "PMID": 995748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6160", "title": "Hiatus hernias.", "content": "In the years 1950--1974 53 cases of hiatus hernia were treated surgically at the Department I of Surgery, Institute of Surgery, Medical Academy in Poznan. These included 32 sliding hernias, 16 paraesophageal, 2 mixed, 1 with acquired short esophagus and 2 with congenital short esophagus. In 17 cases the approach was through the chest, in 35 through the abdominal cavity and in 1 through the chest and abdominal cavity. Late results were favorable.", "contents": "Hiatus hernias. In the years 1950--1974 53 cases of hiatus hernia were treated surgically at the Department I of Surgery, Institute of Surgery, Medical Academy in Poznan. These included 32 sliding hernias, 16 paraesophageal, 2 mixed, 1 with acquired short esophagus and 2 with congenital short esophagus. In 17 cases the approach was through the chest, in 35 through the abdominal cavity and in 1 through the chest and abdominal cavity. Late results were favorable.", "PMID": 995749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6161", "title": "Congenital chest deformities.", "content": "The authors discuss 334 patients operated upon for congenital deformities of the chest. The clinical manifestations, radiological and electrocardiographic investigations and spirometric measurements as well as postoperative complications are described. The results of follow-up examinations in a part of this material are reported.", "contents": "Congenital chest deformities. The authors discuss 334 patients operated upon for congenital deformities of the chest. The clinical manifestations, radiological and electrocardiographic investigations and spirometric measurements as well as postoperative complications are described. The results of follow-up examinations in a part of this material are reported.", "PMID": 995750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6162", "title": "Psychopathology of posttraumatic epilepsy in the light of personal clinical observation.", "content": "The authors present the result of psychopathological analysis of a group of 91 patients who suffered from epileptic seizures of definitely or probably established posttraumatic etiology. Mental disturbances in these patients were differentiated into sporadic psychopathological phenomena and chronic psychiatric syndromes. Sporadic episodes, which the authors identify with \"psychical seizures\", concerned 58 patients. They were manifested by psychomotor or psychosensory seizures, dismnesia and disthymia. Chronic psycho-organic syndromes were diagnosed in 85 patients. They were: dementive, characteropathic, dementive-characteropathic, oligophrenic and temporal lobe syndrome (according to Landolt). Psychopathological picture of posstraumatic epilepsy does not appear to be specific for the etiological factor. The relatively high number of patients with partial seizures of mixed symptomatology may indicate that head traumas frequently damage the limbic structures of the brain. Confirmed is the observation of other authors that there is a correlation between the temporal localization of epileptic focus and character disturbances.", "contents": "Psychopathology of posttraumatic epilepsy in the light of personal clinical observation. The authors present the result of psychopathological analysis of a group of 91 patients who suffered from epileptic seizures of definitely or probably established posttraumatic etiology. Mental disturbances in these patients were differentiated into sporadic psychopathological phenomena and chronic psychiatric syndromes. Sporadic episodes, which the authors identify with \"psychical seizures\", concerned 58 patients. They were manifested by psychomotor or psychosensory seizures, dismnesia and disthymia. Chronic psycho-organic syndromes were diagnosed in 85 patients. They were: dementive, characteropathic, dementive-characteropathic, oligophrenic and temporal lobe syndrome (according to Landolt). Psychopathological picture of posstraumatic epilepsy does not appear to be specific for the etiological factor. The relatively high number of patients with partial seizures of mixed symptomatology may indicate that head traumas frequently damage the limbic structures of the brain. Confirmed is the observation of other authors that there is a correlation between the temporal localization of epileptic focus and character disturbances.", "PMID": 995751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6163", "title": "Clinical evaluation of Lecyvit (POLFA).", "content": "Lecyvit POLFA was applied in 114 persons as a roborant drug. Satisfactory results of treatment were observed in 106 subjects (93%). Clinical improvement consisted in increased physical and mental activities, better appetite and gain of body weight.", "contents": "Clinical evaluation of Lecyvit (POLFA). Lecyvit POLFA was applied in 114 persons as a roborant drug. Satisfactory results of treatment were observed in 106 subjects (93%). Clinical improvement consisted in increased physical and mental activities, better appetite and gain of body weight.", "PMID": 995752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6164", "title": "Renal glomerular and tubular lesions in rabbits treated with uranyl nitrate.", "content": "Renal injury and regeneration was followed light--and electron microscopically in rabbits treated with uranyl nitrate. The presence and importance of glomerular lesions is noteworthy.", "contents": "Renal glomerular and tubular lesions in rabbits treated with uranyl nitrate. Renal injury and regeneration was followed light--and electron microscopically in rabbits treated with uranyl nitrate. The presence and importance of glomerular lesions is noteworthy.", "PMID": 995753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6165", "title": "Sensitivity of regenerating rat renal tubular epithelium to mercury bichloride.", "content": "The purpose of present study was to evaluate the sensitivity of regenerating epithelium of renal proximal convolutions to mercury bichloride and to describe light microscopic, electron microscopic and histochemical abnormalities occurring under the effect of the latter. The ligation of rat kidney with silk thread resulted in ischemic necrosis of tubules of compressed area followed by vivid regeneration. In that period mercury bichloride was administered intraperitoneally. The first detectable lesions appeared in mitochondrial swelling, condensation of endoplasmic reticulum, a decreased number of ribosomes and the presence of numerous vocuoles. Later on, the regenerating epithelium lost its brush broder and single cells became necrotic. During 42 days of observation the sequelae of mercuric intoxication were only focal and particular cells showed injury of variable degree.", "contents": "Sensitivity of regenerating rat renal tubular epithelium to mercury bichloride. The purpose of present study was to evaluate the sensitivity of regenerating epithelium of renal proximal convolutions to mercury bichloride and to describe light microscopic, electron microscopic and histochemical abnormalities occurring under the effect of the latter. The ligation of rat kidney with silk thread resulted in ischemic necrosis of tubules of compressed area followed by vivid regeneration. In that period mercury bichloride was administered intraperitoneally. The first detectable lesions appeared in mitochondrial swelling, condensation of endoplasmic reticulum, a decreased number of ribosomes and the presence of numerous vocuoles. Later on, the regenerating epithelium lost its brush broder and single cells became necrotic. During 42 days of observation the sequelae of mercuric intoxication were only focal and particular cells showed injury of variable degree.", "PMID": 995754} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6166", "title": "Immunological and patho-clinical observations of a patient with rectal carcinoma after long term administration of thymic extract (TFX).", "content": "TFX (Thymus Factor X) extract from calf thymuses, was given for the first time in Poland to the patient suffering from advanced rectal cancer with perforation to the peritoneal cavity, diffuse fecal peritonitis and multiple metastases to the liver. The immunological, clinical and histopathological observations of the patient for the period of 12 months of treatment are presented. The patient was given the biologically active thymus extract in the total amount of 14.2 mg in 34 subcutaneous injections initially in single dose of 0.1 mg and later on in amount of 0.5 mg. The remarkable restoration of the immunological reactivity of the patient from a total energy to the state of hyperreactivity has to be emphasized. It has been confirmed by the delayed hypersensitivity skin tests (Rt-23, PHA), the increase of the number of RFC (TEa and TEt rosette test with the SRBC), the diminishing of the autolymphocytotoxicity of the peripheral lymphocytes (evaluated by DTL) and also by the high level of the absolute number of circulating lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. The improvement of the clinical condition of the patient consisted in total regression of the inflammatory and functional changes in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and also in the renal function. The regular rectal endoscopic examinations of the patient revealed the diminished size of the tumor and its unusual appearance described as an induration and sharp delimitation from the surrounding tissues. The histological examinations performed 5 times during the observation period of 11 months revaled the essential changes in the structure of the growth: the marked increase of the stroma with the signs of active proliferation, foci calcification and ossification. These changes were interpreted as extremely rare in the rectal cancer stroma and are considered to represent dystrophic calcification at the neoplastic foci followed by ossification. It should be also pointed out that twelve months survival of the patient with advanced rectal cancer and multiple metastases to the liver represents an unusually long rate in comparison to that generally accepted in the literature for this grade of rectal cancer advancement.", "contents": "Immunological and patho-clinical observations of a patient with rectal carcinoma after long term administration of thymic extract (TFX). TFX (Thymus Factor X) extract from calf thymuses, was given for the first time in Poland to the patient suffering from advanced rectal cancer with perforation to the peritoneal cavity, diffuse fecal peritonitis and multiple metastases to the liver. The immunological, clinical and histopathological observations of the patient for the period of 12 months of treatment are presented. The patient was given the biologically active thymus extract in the total amount of 14.2 mg in 34 subcutaneous injections initially in single dose of 0.1 mg and later on in amount of 0.5 mg. The remarkable restoration of the immunological reactivity of the patient from a total energy to the state of hyperreactivity has to be emphasized. It has been confirmed by the delayed hypersensitivity skin tests (Rt-23, PHA), the increase of the number of RFC (TEa and TEt rosette test with the SRBC), the diminishing of the autolymphocytotoxicity of the peripheral lymphocytes (evaluated by DTL) and also by the high level of the absolute number of circulating lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. The improvement of the clinical condition of the patient consisted in total regression of the inflammatory and functional changes in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and also in the renal function. The regular rectal endoscopic examinations of the patient revealed the diminished size of the tumor and its unusual appearance described as an induration and sharp delimitation from the surrounding tissues. The histological examinations performed 5 times during the observation period of 11 months revaled the essential changes in the structure of the growth: the marked increase of the stroma with the signs of active proliferation, foci calcification and ossification. These changes were interpreted as extremely rare in the rectal cancer stroma and are considered to represent dystrophic calcification at the neoplastic foci followed by ossification. It should be also pointed out that twelve months survival of the patient with advanced rectal cancer and multiple metastases to the liver represents an unusually long rate in comparison to that generally accepted in the literature for this grade of rectal cancer advancement.", "PMID": 995756} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6167", "title": "Initial observations on the administration of thymus extract (TFX) in patients with alimentary tract neoplasms.", "content": "The administration of thymus extract (TFX) has been performed in 35 patients suffering from malignancies of the alimentary tract. TFX, being a calf thymuses extract prepared by Jelenia G\u00f3ra Drug Producers \"Polfa\" was given in the dose of 0.5 mg in 3 or 7-day intervals during several months. The immunological condition of patients was checked by many tests: E-rosettes, DLT (direct lymphocytotoxicity test) determination of absolute number of peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin tests (RT-23, PHA and TFX). Our observations revealed that TFX is biologically active also in humans, increases cell-mediated immunity and may restore the immune capability of patients operated due to malignancies of the alimentary tract.", "contents": "Initial observations on the administration of thymus extract (TFX) in patients with alimentary tract neoplasms. The administration of thymus extract (TFX) has been performed in 35 patients suffering from malignancies of the alimentary tract. TFX, being a calf thymuses extract prepared by Jelenia G\u00f3ra Drug Producers \"Polfa\" was given in the dose of 0.5 mg in 3 or 7-day intervals during several months. The immunological condition of patients was checked by many tests: E-rosettes, DLT (direct lymphocytotoxicity test) determination of absolute number of peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin tests (RT-23, PHA and TFX). Our observations revealed that TFX is biologically active also in humans, increases cell-mediated immunity and may restore the immune capability of patients operated due to malignancies of the alimentary tract.", "PMID": 995755} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6168", "title": "Relationship between the blood glucagon, growth hormone and glucose levels in myocardial infarction.", "content": "The blood levels of glucagon, growth hormone and glucose were investigated in early (1st day) and late stages (3rd week) of myocardial infarction in 11 cases of severe and 6 cases of mild myocardial infarction. The results were related to those in 9 healthy controls. In severe myocardial infarction associated with complications the glucagon level was statistically significantly higher than in controls in the early as well as in the late stage of the disease. In mild myocardial infarction this was not observed. The growth hormone level was significantly higher than normal in patients with severe myocardial infarction in only a few cases and only in the early stage. The differences between both stages of infarction and between patients and controls were not significant. Blood glucose level in the early stage of severe myocardial infarction was higher than normal and statistically significantly higher than in the late stage. In view of the differences in blood glucose and glucogon levels during severe myocardial infarction it seems that hyperglycemia in early stages of the disease depends on the high catecholamines level in the blood and on the insulin: glucagon index and not on the absolute concentration of glucagon in the blood.", "contents": "Relationship between the blood glucagon, growth hormone and glucose levels in myocardial infarction. The blood levels of glucagon, growth hormone and glucose were investigated in early (1st day) and late stages (3rd week) of myocardial infarction in 11 cases of severe and 6 cases of mild myocardial infarction. The results were related to those in 9 healthy controls. In severe myocardial infarction associated with complications the glucagon level was statistically significantly higher than in controls in the early as well as in the late stage of the disease. In mild myocardial infarction this was not observed. The growth hormone level was significantly higher than normal in patients with severe myocardial infarction in only a few cases and only in the early stage. The differences between both stages of infarction and between patients and controls were not significant. Blood glucose level in the early stage of severe myocardial infarction was higher than normal and statistically significantly higher than in the late stage. In view of the differences in blood glucose and glucogon levels during severe myocardial infarction it seems that hyperglycemia in early stages of the disease depends on the high catecholamines level in the blood and on the insulin: glucagon index and not on the absolute concentration of glucagon in the blood.", "PMID": 995757} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6169", "title": "Analysis of familial, somatic and psychic aspects in children with simple obesity.", "content": "The analyzed material included 60 children aged 5--16 years with the diagnosis of simple obesity. It was found that 30% of them, nearly all girls, had obese parents. This may suggest an increased tendency for familial occurence of obesity in girls. The birth weight of obese children was usually higher than that of children with normal body weight, and 36,6% of children began to show overweight before the age of 3 years. It was found that the index of slender body builds is much lower in obese children than in controls. The analysis demonstrated also that 28.9% of obese children were more or less retarded mentally which may be also a pathogenetic factor in obesity.", "contents": "Analysis of familial, somatic and psychic aspects in children with simple obesity. The analyzed material included 60 children aged 5--16 years with the diagnosis of simple obesity. It was found that 30% of them, nearly all girls, had obese parents. This may suggest an increased tendency for familial occurence of obesity in girls. The birth weight of obese children was usually higher than that of children with normal body weight, and 36,6% of children began to show overweight before the age of 3 years. It was found that the index of slender body builds is much lower in obese children than in controls. The analysis demonstrated also that 28.9% of obese children were more or less retarded mentally which may be also a pathogenetic factor in obesity.", "PMID": 995758} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6170", "title": "Surgical treatment of obesity.", "content": "Thirty-two patients, 28 women and 4 men aged from 17 to 57 years were treated surgically for obesity. Their body weight ranged from 90 to 184 kg, with an excess weight from 42% to 180%. In 6 cases the Salmon operation and in 26 the Payne-de Wind operation were performed. Two patients died. In the remaining cases the postoperative course was uneventful and relatively mild. The longest follow-up period was 22 months. Weight loss rate was highest in the first period after the operation and the monthly rate of the weight loss in the first year after the operation was 3.5 to 6 kg. Diarrhea disappeared usually after 4 months. In some patients a transient fall in serum potassium and calcium level was observed. Other favorable results included a significant fall in the serum levels of cholesterol and beta-lipoproteins and improved value of BSP retention test. The condition of the patients is good and they have returned to work.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of obesity. Thirty-two patients, 28 women and 4 men aged from 17 to 57 years were treated surgically for obesity. Their body weight ranged from 90 to 184 kg, with an excess weight from 42% to 180%. In 6 cases the Salmon operation and in 26 the Payne-de Wind operation were performed. Two patients died. In the remaining cases the postoperative course was uneventful and relatively mild. The longest follow-up period was 22 months. Weight loss rate was highest in the first period after the operation and the monthly rate of the weight loss in the first year after the operation was 3.5 to 6 kg. Diarrhea disappeared usually after 4 months. In some patients a transient fall in serum potassium and calcium level was observed. Other favorable results included a significant fall in the serum levels of cholesterol and beta-lipoproteins and improved value of BSP retention test. The condition of the patients is good and they have returned to work.", "PMID": 995759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6171", "title": "\"Adenomatoid tumor\" of female genital tract.", "content": "Three cases of adenomatoid tumor of the uterus in women aged 30, 40 and 49 years, and three cases of the tumor situated in the oviducts in women aged 39, 43 and 50 years were analyzed micro- and macroscopically. A tubulo-canalicular, a microcystic and a mixed form were distinguished. Inflammatory changes in the oviducts, myomas and myomatosis of the uterus seem to be conducive to growth of adenomatoid tumor. The authors emphasize the diversity of microscopic structure, creating difficulties of differential diagnosis. Some histochemical reactions may be useful in diagnosis.", "contents": "\"Adenomatoid tumor\" of female genital tract. Three cases of adenomatoid tumor of the uterus in women aged 30, 40 and 49 years, and three cases of the tumor situated in the oviducts in women aged 39, 43 and 50 years were analyzed micro- and macroscopically. A tubulo-canalicular, a microcystic and a mixed form were distinguished. Inflammatory changes in the oviducts, myomas and myomatosis of the uterus seem to be conducive to growth of adenomatoid tumor. The authors emphasize the diversity of microscopic structure, creating difficulties of differential diagnosis. Some histochemical reactions may be useful in diagnosis.", "PMID": 995761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6172", "title": "Blastic transformation of blood lymphocytes in patients with laryngeal carcinoma.", "content": "In 40 patients with carcinoma of the larynx transformation of lymphocytes under the influence of PHA was studied. In 20 patients, in addition, venous blood flowing from the tumor, collected during the operation was also examined. In 33 patients the index of blastic transformation was lowered as compared with that in the control group. In 15 of 20 patients, the lymphocytes of venous blood from the vicinity of the tumor showed significantly higher indices of blastic transformation in comparision with those from peripheral blood. It was assumed that difference was due to an increased participation of T-lymphocytes in venous blood flowing from the tumor area. T-lymphocytes might move into the blood from the lymphoid infiltrates which accompany the neoplastic tissue.", "contents": "Blastic transformation of blood lymphocytes in patients with laryngeal carcinoma. In 40 patients with carcinoma of the larynx transformation of lymphocytes under the influence of PHA was studied. In 20 patients, in addition, venous blood flowing from the tumor, collected during the operation was also examined. In 33 patients the index of blastic transformation was lowered as compared with that in the control group. In 15 of 20 patients, the lymphocytes of venous blood from the vicinity of the tumor showed significantly higher indices of blastic transformation in comparision with those from peripheral blood. It was assumed that difference was due to an increased participation of T-lymphocytes in venous blood flowing from the tumor area. T-lymphocytes might move into the blood from the lymphoid infiltrates which accompany the neoplastic tissue.", "PMID": 995760} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6173", "title": "Histological and electrophysiological changes of the lower motor neurone with aging.", "content": "Maximal motor conduction velocity of ulnar nerve was measured in 7 patients 80-93 years old, who suffered from cerebro-vascular stroke. In 2 cases motor conduction velocity was significantly decreased. Specimens for histopathological study were taken from the spinal cord at the C8 and Th1 segments and from the ulnar nerve at the elbow level on the side opposite to the hemiparesis. In 100 sections of each senile case and in 3 control cases of younger individuals the motoneurons of the retro-postero-lateral nucleus with visible nucleoli were counted. In the ulnar nerve qualitative and quantitative examinations were performed. The study showed a significant loss of motoneurons in the nucleus and a loss of myelinated fibers especially the thickest ones in the ulnar nerve in elderly cases. In teased preparations axonal degeneration and segmental demyelination of some fibers were seen. Morphological changes in some cases, resulted in a slowed down motor conduction velocity.", "contents": "Histological and electrophysiological changes of the lower motor neurone with aging. Maximal motor conduction velocity of ulnar nerve was measured in 7 patients 80-93 years old, who suffered from cerebro-vascular stroke. In 2 cases motor conduction velocity was significantly decreased. Specimens for histopathological study were taken from the spinal cord at the C8 and Th1 segments and from the ulnar nerve at the elbow level on the side opposite to the hemiparesis. In 100 sections of each senile case and in 3 control cases of younger individuals the motoneurons of the retro-postero-lateral nucleus with visible nucleoli were counted. In the ulnar nerve qualitative and quantitative examinations were performed. The study showed a significant loss of motoneurons in the nucleus and a loss of myelinated fibers especially the thickest ones in the ulnar nerve in elderly cases. In teased preparations axonal degeneration and segmental demyelination of some fibers were seen. Morphological changes in some cases, resulted in a slowed down motor conduction velocity.", "PMID": 995762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6174", "title": "Fine structure of human fetal nerve.", "content": "Sciatic nerve of 16, 18, 20 and 24 weeks old fetuses was examined electron microscope. Morphologic specificiity and difference between the structure of fetal and mature nerves were demonstrated. The myelination of human sciatic nerve was found to begin after the 16th week of fetal life. From that time the number of myelinated fibers increases progressively and the number of fetal fibers decreases. The time of the end of myelination in man is unknown. The studies of the later period of development and maturation of fetal nerve may give necessary information about the period of the end of myelination. In view of increasing interest in pathogensis of comparable data studies on embryogenesis of human peripheral nerve are indispensable for evaluation of some changes observed in congenital diseases. The ultrastructural observations of human fetal nerve are scarce (3, 6, 7, 10) and they concern only single nerves. The morphological specificity of fetal nerve and characteristic difference between fetal and mature nerves require basic data on different forms of fetal nerve and time of transition of one form into another.", "contents": "Fine structure of human fetal nerve. Sciatic nerve of 16, 18, 20 and 24 weeks old fetuses was examined electron microscope. Morphologic specificiity and difference between the structure of fetal and mature nerves were demonstrated. The myelination of human sciatic nerve was found to begin after the 16th week of fetal life. From that time the number of myelinated fibers increases progressively and the number of fetal fibers decreases. The time of the end of myelination in man is unknown. The studies of the later period of development and maturation of fetal nerve may give necessary information about the period of the end of myelination. In view of increasing interest in pathogensis of comparable data studies on embryogenesis of human peripheral nerve are indispensable for evaluation of some changes observed in congenital diseases. The ultrastructural observations of human fetal nerve are scarce (3, 6, 7, 10) and they concern only single nerves. The morphological specificity of fetal nerve and characteristic difference between fetal and mature nerves require basic data on different forms of fetal nerve and time of transition of one form into another.", "PMID": 995763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6175", "title": "Dimensions and geometry of the temporomandibular joint and masseter muscles.", "content": "The bio-engineering team presents its suggestion of a method for the measurement of the temporomandibular joint and masseter muscles in order to determine the parameters necessary for exact sciences and indispensable for unified and objective cognitive studies. Ten formalin-fixed human cadavers served for the studies. The preparations were prepared by the modified method of anatomical procedure. Linear and angular measurements of temporomandibular joint and masseter muscles were carried out with the use of the three-dimensional Cartesian system of OXYZ coordinates in relation to frontal, sagittal and horizontal planes. The physiological cross-sections of the masseter, temporal, lateral and medial pterygoid muscles were also determined. The collected data make it possible to develop a mathematical three-dimensioned model of the osseo-articulo-muscular system of the mastication organ.", "contents": "Dimensions and geometry of the temporomandibular joint and masseter muscles. The bio-engineering team presents its suggestion of a method for the measurement of the temporomandibular joint and masseter muscles in order to determine the parameters necessary for exact sciences and indispensable for unified and objective cognitive studies. Ten formalin-fixed human cadavers served for the studies. The preparations were prepared by the modified method of anatomical procedure. Linear and angular measurements of temporomandibular joint and masseter muscles were carried out with the use of the three-dimensional Cartesian system of OXYZ coordinates in relation to frontal, sagittal and horizontal planes. The physiological cross-sections of the masseter, temporal, lateral and medial pterygoid muscles were also determined. The collected data make it possible to develop a mathematical three-dimensioned model of the osseo-articulo-muscular system of the mastication organ.", "PMID": 995764} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6176", "title": "Latent thyroid carcinoma in the material of the Institute of Oncology in Gliwice (Poland).", "content": "The authors examined microscopically 110 randomly taken thyroid in serial sections. In 10 cases latent papillary thyroid carcinomas were found. The age and sex were without any influence on the incidence. Latent thyroid carcinomas incidence in this material was similar to that reported from the U.S.A., and Canada, but lower than in Japan and among Japanese population of the Hawaian Islands.", "contents": "Latent thyroid carcinoma in the material of the Institute of Oncology in Gliwice (Poland). The authors examined microscopically 110 randomly taken thyroid in serial sections. In 10 cases latent papillary thyroid carcinomas were found. The age and sex were without any influence on the incidence. Latent thyroid carcinomas incidence in this material was similar to that reported from the U.S.A., and Canada, but lower than in Japan and among Japanese population of the Hawaian Islands.", "PMID": 995765} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6177", "title": "The parameters of cellular proliferation in acute (immature-cell) leukemias.", "content": "In 20 patients with acute leukemia the 3H-thymidine labelling index and the mitotic index were determined in the population of leukemic blast cells and the degree of bone marrow infiltration was evaluated. Determinations were carried out in acute stage of the disease and in 4 cases additionally during improvement or remission and then during subsequent exacerbations. In the acute phase of the disease both indices were low in comparison with the indices obtained in normal granulocytopoiesis. In acute leukemia in 15 cases the bone marrow contained high or moderate number of cells, while in 5 remaining cases it was low. The 3H-thymidine labelling index and the mitotic index were lower in acute period of the disease in patients with bone marrow infiltration as compared with patients with hypoplastic bone marrow. During improvement both proliferation indices increased.", "contents": "The parameters of cellular proliferation in acute (immature-cell) leukemias. In 20 patients with acute leukemia the 3H-thymidine labelling index and the mitotic index were determined in the population of leukemic blast cells and the degree of bone marrow infiltration was evaluated. Determinations were carried out in acute stage of the disease and in 4 cases additionally during improvement or remission and then during subsequent exacerbations. In the acute phase of the disease both indices were low in comparison with the indices obtained in normal granulocytopoiesis. In acute leukemia in 15 cases the bone marrow contained high or moderate number of cells, while in 5 remaining cases it was low. The 3H-thymidine labelling index and the mitotic index were lower in acute period of the disease in patients with bone marrow infiltration as compared with patients with hypoplastic bone marrow. During improvement both proliferation indices increased.", "PMID": 995767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6178", "title": "Effect of aggregated human gamma-globin on leukocyte migration-inhibitory test in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.", "content": "In 69 patients with rheumathoid arthritis (RA): 49 sero-positive and 20 sero-negative for rheumatoid factor and in a group of 20 healthy blood donors the leukocyte migration-inhibitory test was carried out. Heat-aggregated gamma-globulin was used in the culture medium as antigen. Both groups of patients exhibited a significant inhibition of migration, as compared with the group of healthy subjects. However, a significant difference in the mean value of the migration indices between the sero-positive and sero-negative individuals was observed.", "contents": "Effect of aggregated human gamma-globin on leukocyte migration-inhibitory test in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In 69 patients with rheumathoid arthritis (RA): 49 sero-positive and 20 sero-negative for rheumatoid factor and in a group of 20 healthy blood donors the leukocyte migration-inhibitory test was carried out. Heat-aggregated gamma-globulin was used in the culture medium as antigen. Both groups of patients exhibited a significant inhibition of migration, as compared with the group of healthy subjects. However, a significant difference in the mean value of the migration indices between the sero-positive and sero-negative individuals was observed.", "PMID": 995766} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6179", "title": "Role of disturbed metabolism of fat tissue cells in the pathogenesis of the diabetogenic effect of obesity in humans.", "content": "It is supposed that the excess of fatty tissue exerts a diabetogenic effect. In obese subjects changes in the reactivity of the enlarged adipocytes to insulin might play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Using the method of Rodbell in our own modification the responses of isolated adipocytes obtained from 10 lean and 15 obese subjects to a) insulin, b) theophylline and c) insulin and theophylline jointly (metabolism of glucose and glycerol) were determined. The dose-effect relationship curve was plotted against the effect of glucose utilization caused by increasing concentrations of insulin in the suspensions of adipocytes of lean and obese subjects. In adipocyte donors insulin sensitivity was also determined by Himsworth's test. It was found that adipocytes of 15 subjects with hyperthrophic obesity showed a significantly decreased effect of insulin regulating glucose utilization and glycerol release. They maintained a normal pattern of response to theophylline. The curve of relationship between insulin concentration in the incubation medium and its effect on glucose utilization by the adipocytes was changed. The adipocytes of these donors were relatively refractory to insulin in vivo as determined by the test of Himsworth. The cause of these disturbances may lie in the changed function of insulin receptors in the enlarged adipocytes. The observed disturbances may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of the diabetogenic effect of obesity.", "contents": "Role of disturbed metabolism of fat tissue cells in the pathogenesis of the diabetogenic effect of obesity in humans. It is supposed that the excess of fatty tissue exerts a diabetogenic effect. In obese subjects changes in the reactivity of the enlarged adipocytes to insulin might play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Using the method of Rodbell in our own modification the responses of isolated adipocytes obtained from 10 lean and 15 obese subjects to a) insulin, b) theophylline and c) insulin and theophylline jointly (metabolism of glucose and glycerol) were determined. The dose-effect relationship curve was plotted against the effect of glucose utilization caused by increasing concentrations of insulin in the suspensions of adipocytes of lean and obese subjects. In adipocyte donors insulin sensitivity was also determined by Himsworth's test. It was found that adipocytes of 15 subjects with hyperthrophic obesity showed a significantly decreased effect of insulin regulating glucose utilization and glycerol release. They maintained a normal pattern of response to theophylline. The curve of relationship between insulin concentration in the incubation medium and its effect on glucose utilization by the adipocytes was changed. The adipocytes of these donors were relatively refractory to insulin in vivo as determined by the test of Himsworth. The cause of these disturbances may lie in the changed function of insulin receptors in the enlarged adipocytes. The observed disturbances may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of the diabetogenic effect of obesity.", "PMID": 995768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6180", "title": "Clinical and hemodynamic assessment of cardiomyopathy.", "content": "A group of 43 patients with cardiomyopathy was assessed clinically and hemodynamically. Disturbances in the electric myocardial activity and hemodynamic changes concerning the duration of the different phases of left ventricular systole were observed. Despite the presence of these changes, in the early atypical forms no impairment of the myocardial contractility was found. In the advanced forms (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive cardiomyopathy) the myocardial contractility was impaired, this contributing to the development of heart failure manifestations.", "contents": "Clinical and hemodynamic assessment of cardiomyopathy. A group of 43 patients with cardiomyopathy was assessed clinically and hemodynamically. Disturbances in the electric myocardial activity and hemodynamic changes concerning the duration of the different phases of left ventricular systole were observed. Despite the presence of these changes, in the early atypical forms no impairment of the myocardial contractility was found. In the advanced forms (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive cardiomyopathy) the myocardial contractility was impaired, this contributing to the development of heart failure manifestations.", "PMID": 995769} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6181", "title": "Analgesic nephropathy--a continuing problem.", "content": "Analgesic-induced renal disease occurs more commonly than is recognized; unless specific inquiry is made, it is seldom diagnosed. Patients with chronic pain, especially those with hypertension, urinary tract infection, or renal insufficiency, should be suspect. The condition is preventable and even in the late stages is manageable if recognized. Analgesic abuse may result in end-stage renal disease; it accounts for a significant percentage of patients entering chronic hemodialysis or renal transplant programs.", "contents": "Analgesic nephropathy--a continuing problem. Analgesic-induced renal disease occurs more commonly than is recognized; unless specific inquiry is made, it is seldom diagnosed. Patients with chronic pain, especially those with hypertension, urinary tract infection, or renal insufficiency, should be suspect. The condition is preventable and even in the late stages is manageable if recognized. Analgesic abuse may result in end-stage renal disease; it accounts for a significant percentage of patients entering chronic hemodialysis or renal transplant programs.", "PMID": 995779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6182", "title": "The treatment of connective tissue diseases with antilymphocyte globulin.", "content": "Immunosupprissive therapy was carried out using steroids, azathiprine and antilymphocyte globulin in one patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and four with dermatomyositis. Response to treatment was based upon clinical evaluation. The patients with SLE and two of the four with dermatomyositis responded favourably to the regime. It is suggested that this preliminary study is sufficiently promising to warrant the creation of a rigidly controlled investigation.", "contents": "The treatment of connective tissue diseases with antilymphocyte globulin. Immunosupprissive therapy was carried out using steroids, azathiprine and antilymphocyte globulin in one patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and four with dermatomyositis. Response to treatment was based upon clinical evaluation. The patients with SLE and two of the four with dermatomyositis responded favourably to the regime. It is suggested that this preliminary study is sufficiently promising to warrant the creation of a rigidly controlled investigation.", "PMID": 995782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6183", "title": "The effect of intensive immunosuppression on the in vitro activity of lymphocytes from multiple sclerosis patients.", "content": "During a small clinical trial of intensive immunosuppression in multipel sclerosis (MS, 14 patients) the changes of in vitro lymphocyte responses to mitogens were followed. A variable depression of the normal responses to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), Concanavalin A (Con A) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) was seen in the patinets during the inital week of treatment with prednisone (150 mg/day tapered to 20 mg/day by day 7), and azathiprine (3 mg/kg daily). They were further depressed during antilymphocyte globulin therapy (ALG 500 mg/day on weekdays, weeks 2-5 of treatment). These responses returned rapidly to the lower normal range after the three weeks of ALG despite the continued prednisone and azathipprine therapy. A complex effect of immunosuppression on lymphocyte subpopulations was suggested by three findings. Firstly, in contrast with the reduction in response to plant mitogens no lowering of the response to allogeneic lymphoid cell line cells (LCL) was seen during the first week of treatment. Secondly, some patinets, particularly those expressing the HLA-7 antigen, had a low pre-treatment response to LCL which showed an improvement during treatment and which was maintained through the first week of ALG treatment. Thirdly, single inviduals sometimes showed different degrees of suppression of different responses during and after ALG treatment. Occasionally, responses showed some recovery even during the ALG treatment, suggesting that higher ALG doses were required in these patients. The results suggest that the action of immunosuppressive drugs on lymphocyte activity differs between individuals due to the heterogeneity of the lymphocyte subpopulations present.", "contents": "The effect of intensive immunosuppression on the in vitro activity of lymphocytes from multiple sclerosis patients. During a small clinical trial of intensive immunosuppression in multipel sclerosis (MS, 14 patients) the changes of in vitro lymphocyte responses to mitogens were followed. A variable depression of the normal responses to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), Concanavalin A (Con A) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) was seen in the patinets during the inital week of treatment with prednisone (150 mg/day tapered to 20 mg/day by day 7), and azathiprine (3 mg/kg daily). They were further depressed during antilymphocyte globulin therapy (ALG 500 mg/day on weekdays, weeks 2-5 of treatment). These responses returned rapidly to the lower normal range after the three weeks of ALG despite the continued prednisone and azathipprine therapy. A complex effect of immunosuppression on lymphocyte subpopulations was suggested by three findings. Firstly, in contrast with the reduction in response to plant mitogens no lowering of the response to allogeneic lymphoid cell line cells (LCL) was seen during the first week of treatment. Secondly, some patinets, particularly those expressing the HLA-7 antigen, had a low pre-treatment response to LCL which showed an improvement during treatment and which was maintained through the first week of ALG treatment. Thirdly, single inviduals sometimes showed different degrees of suppression of different responses during and after ALG treatment. Occasionally, responses showed some recovery even during the ALG treatment, suggesting that higher ALG doses were required in these patients. The results suggest that the action of immunosuppressive drugs on lymphocyte activity differs between individuals due to the heterogeneity of the lymphocyte subpopulations present.", "PMID": 995783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6184", "title": "The treatment of autoimmune blood diseases with antilymphocyte globulin.", "content": "Twelve patients with immunologically mediated diseases have been treated with ALG, alone or in combination. Tolerance was good. Indvidual case reports are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the duration of ALG-induced remissions, as well as on its favourable effect in humorally mediated autoimmune diseases. The absence of notable side effects, especially with the more recent and refined preparations, is stressed.", "contents": "The treatment of autoimmune blood diseases with antilymphocyte globulin. Twelve patients with immunologically mediated diseases have been treated with ALG, alone or in combination. Tolerance was good. Indvidual case reports are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the duration of ALG-induced remissions, as well as on its favourable effect in humorally mediated autoimmune diseases. The absence of notable side effects, especially with the more recent and refined preparations, is stressed.", "PMID": 995784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6185", "title": "Antilymphocyte antiserum effect on incidence of spontaneous malignancy. I. Long term treated mice.", "content": "Long term potent immunosuppression was administered to normal 7-week-old BALB/c mice without exogenous neoplastic induction. Antilymphocyte antiserum was given biweekly for 8 weeks and azathioprine daily for 347 days. Significant immunodepression was demonstrated after 348 days of theraphy. After 2 years, all animals were sacrificed and examined for neoplasia. There was no evidence that such immunodepression increased the incidence of spontaneous malignancy. The study suggests that immunosuppressive therapy is not inately oncogenic.", "contents": "Antilymphocyte antiserum effect on incidence of spontaneous malignancy. I. Long term treated mice. Long term potent immunosuppression was administered to normal 7-week-old BALB/c mice without exogenous neoplastic induction. Antilymphocyte antiserum was given biweekly for 8 weeks and azathioprine daily for 347 days. Significant immunodepression was demonstrated after 348 days of theraphy. After 2 years, all animals were sacrificed and examined for neoplasia. There was no evidence that such immunodepression increased the incidence of spontaneous malignancy. The study suggests that immunosuppressive therapy is not inately oncogenic.", "PMID": 995785} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6186", "title": "The validity and significance of hormone levels in gynaecology.", "content": "The development of radioimmunoassay of steroid hormones in peripheral venous blood has led to a more direct index of gonadal production and concurrent monitoring of glandular function. While serial analyses of total urinary oestrogens can be correlated with luteinizing hormone (LH) excretion in treating amenorrhoea, radioimmunoassay of plasma oestrogens measures acute changes in ovarian responsiveness. For studies of androgens radioimmunoassay of plasma testosterone is the method of choice, but fractionation of urinary 17-oxosteroids may be useful and can be extended to include the pregnane series and corticoids. Urinary pregnanediol, however, may not reflect the endogenous secretion of progesterone and should be reserved for assessing induction of ovulation. Luteal function can be evaluated rapidly and specifically by radioimmunoassay of plasma progesterone. Although radioimmunoassay offers a new approach to ovarian physiology, its systematic application to disease is still in the future.", "contents": "The validity and significance of hormone levels in gynaecology. The development of radioimmunoassay of steroid hormones in peripheral venous blood has led to a more direct index of gonadal production and concurrent monitoring of glandular function. While serial analyses of total urinary oestrogens can be correlated with luteinizing hormone (LH) excretion in treating amenorrhoea, radioimmunoassay of plasma oestrogens measures acute changes in ovarian responsiveness. For studies of androgens radioimmunoassay of plasma testosterone is the method of choice, but fractionation of urinary 17-oxosteroids may be useful and can be extended to include the pregnane series and corticoids. Urinary pregnanediol, however, may not reflect the endogenous secretion of progesterone and should be reserved for assessing induction of ovulation. Luteal function can be evaluated rapidly and specifically by radioimmunoassay of plasma progesterone. Although radioimmunoassay offers a new approach to ovarian physiology, its systematic application to disease is still in the future.", "PMID": 995786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6187", "title": "Steroids after birth-puberty.", "content": "The production of gonadal steroids in the perinatal period may have an important influence on the later development of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. In the prepubertal period there is an increased output of gonadal steroids and of androgens from the adrenal cortex, with a further increase as the secondary sex characters develop. The precise role of individual steroids in the maturation of the reproductive system and of the neuroendocrine regulating mechanisms will probably remain unclear unless conclusions are based on longitudinal studies in which hormone production is related precisely to different parameters of sexual development and somatic growth.", "contents": "Steroids after birth-puberty. The production of gonadal steroids in the perinatal period may have an important influence on the later development of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. In the prepubertal period there is an increased output of gonadal steroids and of androgens from the adrenal cortex, with a further increase as the secondary sex characters develop. The precise role of individual steroids in the maturation of the reproductive system and of the neuroendocrine regulating mechanisms will probably remain unclear unless conclusions are based on longitudinal studies in which hormone production is related precisely to different parameters of sexual development and somatic growth.", "PMID": 995787} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6188", "title": "Anti-inflammatory action of corticosteroids.", "content": "The anti-inflammatory action of corticosteroids is complex. At a cellular level, they cause redistribution of granulocytes, resulting in increased circulating granulocytes and reduced tissue pools. They also cause lymphopenia. The significance of these phenomena in relation to the anti-inflammatory activity of steroids is unknown. The most obvious pharmacological effects of corticosteroids are seen on blood vessels. They cause adrenergically mediated vasoconstriction and non-competitive antagonism of vasodilation due to prostaglanin E and bradykinin. Prostaglandin formation is inhibited by corticosteroids but whether this is due to an effect on enzymic synthesis or release is uncertain. Corticosteroids stabilize the lysosomal membrane preventing release of lysosomal enzymes in vitro but the significance of this in vivo is debatable.", "contents": "Anti-inflammatory action of corticosteroids. The anti-inflammatory action of corticosteroids is complex. At a cellular level, they cause redistribution of granulocytes, resulting in increased circulating granulocytes and reduced tissue pools. They also cause lymphopenia. The significance of these phenomena in relation to the anti-inflammatory activity of steroids is unknown. The most obvious pharmacological effects of corticosteroids are seen on blood vessels. They cause adrenergically mediated vasoconstriction and non-competitive antagonism of vasodilation due to prostaglanin E and bradykinin. Prostaglandin formation is inhibited by corticosteroids but whether this is due to an effect on enzymic synthesis or release is uncertain. Corticosteroids stabilize the lysosomal membrane preventing release of lysosomal enzymes in vitro but the significance of this in vivo is debatable.", "PMID": 995788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6189", "title": "The possibility of dietary protective factors in duodenal ulcer. II. An investigation into the effect of pre-feeding with different diets and of instillation of foodstuffs into the stomach on the incidence of ulcers in pylorus-ligated rats.", "content": "Rats pre-fed on a South Indian diet show a much higher incidence of ulceration of the stomach after pyloric ligation than those on a North Indian diet. Removing vegetables and pulses from the North Indian diet deprives it of its protective effect. Staple foodstuffs with a high buffer content (unmilled rice, unrefined wheat and a millet [ragi]) placed in the stomach after pyloric ligation are also protective, but those with a low buffer content (milled rice, tapioca, sorghum and maize) are not protective. Refined wheat, however, gives protection despite its low buffer content. The significance of these findings in relationship to the distribution of duodenal ulcer in India and Africa is discussed.", "contents": "The possibility of dietary protective factors in duodenal ulcer. II. An investigation into the effect of pre-feeding with different diets and of instillation of foodstuffs into the stomach on the incidence of ulcers in pylorus-ligated rats. Rats pre-fed on a South Indian diet show a much higher incidence of ulceration of the stomach after pyloric ligation than those on a North Indian diet. Removing vegetables and pulses from the North Indian diet deprives it of its protective effect. Staple foodstuffs with a high buffer content (unmilled rice, unrefined wheat and a millet [ragi]) placed in the stomach after pyloric ligation are also protective, but those with a low buffer content (milled rice, tapioca, sorghum and maize) are not protective. Refined wheat, however, gives protection despite its low buffer content. The significance of these findings in relationship to the distribution of duodenal ulcer in India and Africa is discussed.", "PMID": 995789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6190", "title": "Current problems in the measurement of gastrin release. A reproducible measure of physiological gastrin release.", "content": "The interpretation of gastrin release is confused because of variation in the technique of the radioimmuoassay of gastrin, the lack of a standard stimulus for the release of gastrin and diversity in the method used to express the results. These problems have been analysed (a) by examining the cross-reactivity of three gastrin antisera and using each of the antisera to measure basal gastrin levels in fasting normal subjects, duodenal ulcer and post-vagotomy patients; (b) by determining a satisfactory stimulus for gastrin release in normal subjects; (c) by examining the results to determine the best method of presenting the data. The different a ntisera used were found to give different levels of plasma gastrin in the same sample of plasma. This was not related to the cross reactivity of the antisera. An English breakfast was found to be the most satisfactory stimulus for the release of gastrin. The expression of the results of such a stimulus of gastrin release was affected least by assay variation when the incremental integrated gastrin response was used. It is concluded that the incremental integrated gastrin response to an English breakfast is a satisfactory method for exploring variations in gastrin release.", "contents": "Current problems in the measurement of gastrin release. A reproducible measure of physiological gastrin release. The interpretation of gastrin release is confused because of variation in the technique of the radioimmuoassay of gastrin, the lack of a standard stimulus for the release of gastrin and diversity in the method used to express the results. These problems have been analysed (a) by examining the cross-reactivity of three gastrin antisera and using each of the antisera to measure basal gastrin levels in fasting normal subjects, duodenal ulcer and post-vagotomy patients; (b) by determining a satisfactory stimulus for gastrin release in normal subjects; (c) by examining the results to determine the best method of presenting the data. The different a ntisera used were found to give different levels of plasma gastrin in the same sample of plasma. This was not related to the cross reactivity of the antisera. An English breakfast was found to be the most satisfactory stimulus for the release of gastrin. The expression of the results of such a stimulus of gastrin release was affected least by assay variation when the incremental integrated gastrin response was used. It is concluded that the incremental integrated gastrin response to an English breakfast is a satisfactory method for exploring variations in gastrin release.", "PMID": 995790} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6191", "title": "The interrelationship between hypocomplementaemia, partial lipodystrophy and mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis.", "content": "A further case of mesangiocapillary glomth reduced serum C3 levels is reported. The father of the patient was also found to have C3 deficiency. This lends support to the hypothesis that C3 deficiency may be the primary disorder relating these conditions and there is evidence in this case that the deficiency may be genetically determined. It is suggested that the complement state of close relatives, particularly younger siblings, of patients with these disorders should be investigated and, if abnormalities are found, they should be followed-up in order to elucidate the role of hypocomplementaemia in these uncommon disorders.", "contents": "The interrelationship between hypocomplementaemia, partial lipodystrophy and mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis. A further case of mesangiocapillary glomth reduced serum C3 levels is reported. The father of the patient was also found to have C3 deficiency. This lends support to the hypothesis that C3 deficiency may be the primary disorder relating these conditions and there is evidence in this case that the deficiency may be genetically determined. It is suggested that the complement state of close relatives, particularly younger siblings, of patients with these disorders should be investigated and, if abnormalities are found, they should be followed-up in order to elucidate the role of hypocomplementaemia in these uncommon disorders.", "PMID": 995791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6192", "title": "Phaeochromocytoma with myocarditis managed with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine.", "content": "A case of bilateral phaeochromocytoma with catecholamine-induced myocarditis is described. The two operations needed allowed comparison of the use of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine alone and in conjunction with adrenergic blocks in the management of the patient. The combination of both drugs was particularly successful in the relief of symptoms and reduction of catecholamine metabolism as monitored by 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid (HMMA) excretion. As myocarditis is a potentially fatal complication, further investigation of the combined use of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine and adrenergic blocking drugs is suggested in the pre-operative management of patients with phaeochromocytoma.", "contents": "Phaeochromocytoma with myocarditis managed with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. A case of bilateral phaeochromocytoma with catecholamine-induced myocarditis is described. The two operations needed allowed comparison of the use of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine alone and in conjunction with adrenergic blocks in the management of the patient. The combination of both drugs was particularly successful in the relief of symptoms and reduction of catecholamine metabolism as monitored by 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid (HMMA) excretion. As myocarditis is a potentially fatal complication, further investigation of the combined use of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine and adrenergic blocking drugs is suggested in the pre-operative management of patients with phaeochromocytoma.", "PMID": 995792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6193", "title": "Caroli's disease with intrahepatic gall-stones and salmonella infection.", "content": "At operation for small bowel intussusception, a 26-year-old man was found to have an enlarged liver and spleen. Subsequent investigations suggested bile passage infection associated with numerous intrahepatic gall-stones but symptomatic cholangitis did not present until 5 months later. Retrograde cholangiography showed cavernous ectasia of the bile ducts which contained gall-stones.", "contents": "Caroli's disease with intrahepatic gall-stones and salmonella infection. At operation for small bowel intussusception, a 26-year-old man was found to have an enlarged liver and spleen. Subsequent investigations suggested bile passage infection associated with numerous intrahepatic gall-stones but symptomatic cholangitis did not present until 5 months later. Retrograde cholangiography showed cavernous ectasia of the bile ducts which contained gall-stones.", "PMID": 995793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6194", "title": "Systemic mastocytosis--central nervous system features and lymphographic demonstration of lymph node involvement.", "content": "Systemic mastocytosis is uncommon. A patient is reported with many of the characteristic lesions of this disorder but with two features not before described--the occurrence of mixed pyramidal and neuromyopathic neurological signs and the demonstration of lymph nodes with abnormal architecture by lymphography.", "contents": "Systemic mastocytosis--central nervous system features and lymphographic demonstration of lymph node involvement. Systemic mastocytosis is uncommon. A patient is reported with many of the characteristic lesions of this disorder but with two features not before described--the occurrence of mixed pyramidal and neuromyopathic neurological signs and the demonstration of lymph nodes with abnormal architecture by lymphography.", "PMID": 995794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6195", "title": "Metastatic endobronchial hypernephroma nine-and-a-half years after nephrectomy.", "content": "A patient with an endobronchial nodular lesion, proved to be clear cell carcinoma (hypernephroma) by fibrebronchoscopic biopsy, is described in which the primary tumour had been resected 9 1/2 years before the onset of the present illness. At post-mortem the remaining kidney was found to be normal.", "contents": "Metastatic endobronchial hypernephroma nine-and-a-half years after nephrectomy. A patient with an endobronchial nodular lesion, proved to be clear cell carcinoma (hypernephroma) by fibrebronchoscopic biopsy, is described in which the primary tumour had been resected 9 1/2 years before the onset of the present illness. At post-mortem the remaining kidney was found to be normal.", "PMID": 995795} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6196", "title": "Nephrotic syndrome, sickle-cell disease and pregnancy.", "content": "A young West Indian with sickle-cell disease and the nephrotic syndrome in the last trimester of pregnancy was treated after admission to hospital with folic acid and blood transfusion. Labour was induced by intravenous prostaglandin E2 but the fetus died. The nephrotic syndrome resolved but the proteinuria, the cause of which it is suggested is a true sickle-cell nephropathy, persisted.", "contents": "Nephrotic syndrome, sickle-cell disease and pregnancy. A young West Indian with sickle-cell disease and the nephrotic syndrome in the last trimester of pregnancy was treated after admission to hospital with folic acid and blood transfusion. Labour was induced by intravenous prostaglandin E2 but the fetus died. The nephrotic syndrome resolved but the proteinuria, the cause of which it is suggested is a true sickle-cell nephropathy, persisted.", "PMID": 995796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6197", "title": "Evaluation of heterogeneity in hemoglobins of Gallus domesticus and coturnix quail using disc-gel electrophoresis.", "content": "The heterogeneity in the hemoglobins of Gallus domesticus and Coturnix quail (Japonicum) was studied. Comparisons between a mutant hemoglobin type, the normal hemoglobin type and a heterozygous type were made in both species using disc-gel electrophoresis. The same heterogeneity of the primary hemoglobins as had previously been observed in these populations of chickens and quail by cellulose acetate electrophoresis was also observed using disc-gel electrophoresis. The same major hemoglobin component was observed in all the hemoglobin types, but the electrophoretic mibility of the minor component was different. In addition to the major and minor components which accounted for 93% of the total hemoglobin, four trace components were observed. One of these trace components (T) had previously been shown by cellulose acetate electrophoresis to be associated with the mutant minor hemoglobin. The other three trace components were in close proximity, but migrated anodally to the major, normal minor and mutant minor components. Their presence was not consistent and their concentration was usually at the lower limit of resolution. No differences could be detected between the electrophoretic mobility of the mutant hemoglobin of chickens and quails, suggesting that parallel mutations have occurred in the two species.", "contents": "Evaluation of heterogeneity in hemoglobins of Gallus domesticus and coturnix quail using disc-gel electrophoresis. The heterogeneity in the hemoglobins of Gallus domesticus and Coturnix quail (Japonicum) was studied. Comparisons between a mutant hemoglobin type, the normal hemoglobin type and a heterozygous type were made in both species using disc-gel electrophoresis. The same heterogeneity of the primary hemoglobins as had previously been observed in these populations of chickens and quail by cellulose acetate electrophoresis was also observed using disc-gel electrophoresis. The same major hemoglobin component was observed in all the hemoglobin types, but the electrophoretic mibility of the minor component was different. In addition to the major and minor components which accounted for 93% of the total hemoglobin, four trace components were observed. One of these trace components (T) had previously been shown by cellulose acetate electrophoresis to be associated with the mutant minor hemoglobin. The other three trace components were in close proximity, but migrated anodally to the major, normal minor and mutant minor components. Their presence was not consistent and their concentration was usually at the lower limit of resolution. No differences could be detected between the electrophoretic mobility of the mutant hemoglobin of chickens and quails, suggesting that parallel mutations have occurred in the two species.", "PMID": 995797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6198", "title": "Grwoth response of Muscovy ducklings to thyroxine (iodinated casein).", "content": "Iodinated casein at 220 mg. kg. of feed was fed to Muscovy ducklings to determine its effect on sexually differentiated growth. Nine male and eight female treated ducklings averaged 2,135 and 1,520 g. at eight weeks as compared to 2,315 and 1,588 g. for the untreated nine males and eight females. Feed conversion was 2.99 for treated and 3.60 for untreated ducklings.", "contents": "Grwoth response of Muscovy ducklings to thyroxine (iodinated casein). Iodinated casein at 220 mg. kg. of feed was fed to Muscovy ducklings to determine its effect on sexually differentiated growth. Nine male and eight female treated ducklings averaged 2,135 and 1,520 g. at eight weeks as compared to 2,315 and 1,588 g. for the untreated nine males and eight females. Feed conversion was 2.99 for treated and 3.60 for untreated ducklings.", "PMID": 995798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6199", "title": "The effect of feeding various levels of dietary glycine in a pre-experimental diet to one-day old chicks on their subsequent glycine plus serine requirement.", "content": "Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of feeding chicks 1=9 days of age various levels of clycine in corn-casein and corn-soybean-corn gluten meal diets upon the subsequent glycine plus serine requirement of chicks during the remaining 10-21 day feeding period. Chicks in Experiment 1 fed corn-casein basal diets with 1.3% additional dietary glycine (2.15% total glycine plus serine) gained significantly (P less than or equal to 0.01) more weight during an initial 9-day feeding period than chicks fed basal diets with 0.3% and 0.9% supplemental glycine. Chicks fed the 2.15% glycine plus serine diets during the first 9 days posthatching and then fed basal diets containing 0.3% supplemental glycine (1.15% total glycine plus serine) for a 10-21 day feeding period gained weight equivalent to chicks fed 2.15% glycine plus serine diets for the entire 21-day period. The corn-casein basal diet contained 21.0% protein and 0.85% glycine plus serine. Chicks in Experiment 2 fed corn-soybean-corn gluten meal diets containing 1.8% glycine plus serine did not respond to glycine supplementation druing the initial 9-day feeding period or the 10-23 day feeding period. The results suggest feeding optimum levels of glycine to chicks during the first nine days after hatching decreases the requirement of glycine and serine during subsequent feeding periods.", "contents": "The effect of feeding various levels of dietary glycine in a pre-experimental diet to one-day old chicks on their subsequent glycine plus serine requirement. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of feeding chicks 1=9 days of age various levels of clycine in corn-casein and corn-soybean-corn gluten meal diets upon the subsequent glycine plus serine requirement of chicks during the remaining 10-21 day feeding period. Chicks in Experiment 1 fed corn-casein basal diets with 1.3% additional dietary glycine (2.15% total glycine plus serine) gained significantly (P less than or equal to 0.01) more weight during an initial 9-day feeding period than chicks fed basal diets with 0.3% and 0.9% supplemental glycine. Chicks fed the 2.15% glycine plus serine diets during the first 9 days posthatching and then fed basal diets containing 0.3% supplemental glycine (1.15% total glycine plus serine) for a 10-21 day feeding period gained weight equivalent to chicks fed 2.15% glycine plus serine diets for the entire 21-day period. The corn-casein basal diet contained 21.0% protein and 0.85% glycine plus serine. Chicks in Experiment 2 fed corn-soybean-corn gluten meal diets containing 1.8% glycine plus serine did not respond to glycine supplementation druing the initial 9-day feeding period or the 10-23 day feeding period. The results suggest feeding optimum levels of glycine to chicks during the first nine days after hatching decreases the requirement of glycine and serine during subsequent feeding periods.", "PMID": 995799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6200", "title": "Dietary restrictions during adolescence and subsequent reproductive performance of turkey breeder males.", "content": "A study was conducted to investigate the effect of early dietary restriction of protein and/or energy on the subsequent reproductive ability of the tom. One hundred 8-week old Large White turkey toms (April hatch) were placed at random into four floor pens of 25 each and fed the following diets: group 1, 20.6% protein with 2,4 Mcal. M.E./kg. diet 8-12 weeks, 15.3% protein with 2.68 Mcal. 12-16 weeks, 10.4% protein with 2.85 Mcal. 16-24 weeks; group 2, 20.3% protein with 2.9 Mcal. 8-12 weeks, 14.8% protein with 2.98 Mcal. 12-16 weeks, 9.8% protein with 3.27 Mcal. 16-24 weeks; group 3, 22% protein with 2.4 Mcal. 8-12 weeks, 18.9% protein with 2.57 Mcal. 12-16 weeks, 16.3% protein with 2.81 Mcal. 16-24 weeks; group 4 (control), 22% protein with 2.91 Mcal. 8-12 weeks, 19% protein with 3.03 Mcal. 12-16 weeks, 15.9% protein with 3.17 Mcal. 16-24 weeks. Beginning with the 25th weeks all toms received a 14.3% protein diet with 2.8 Mcal. The restriction of energy significantly reduced the percentage of males producing semen, and the restriction of energy significantly reduced the percentage of males producing semen, and the restriction of energy and both protein and energy significantly depressed semen volume per male in comparison with the average produced by the control males. Other reproductive traits were not affected by early dietary controls.", "contents": "Dietary restrictions during adolescence and subsequent reproductive performance of turkey breeder males. A study was conducted to investigate the effect of early dietary restriction of protein and/or energy on the subsequent reproductive ability of the tom. One hundred 8-week old Large White turkey toms (April hatch) were placed at random into four floor pens of 25 each and fed the following diets: group 1, 20.6% protein with 2,4 Mcal. M.E./kg. diet 8-12 weeks, 15.3% protein with 2.68 Mcal. 12-16 weeks, 10.4% protein with 2.85 Mcal. 16-24 weeks; group 2, 20.3% protein with 2.9 Mcal. 8-12 weeks, 14.8% protein with 2.98 Mcal. 12-16 weeks, 9.8% protein with 3.27 Mcal. 16-24 weeks; group 3, 22% protein with 2.4 Mcal. 8-12 weeks, 18.9% protein with 2.57 Mcal. 12-16 weeks, 16.3% protein with 2.81 Mcal. 16-24 weeks; group 4 (control), 22% protein with 2.91 Mcal. 8-12 weeks, 19% protein with 3.03 Mcal. 12-16 weeks, 15.9% protein with 3.17 Mcal. 16-24 weeks. Beginning with the 25th weeks all toms received a 14.3% protein diet with 2.8 Mcal. The restriction of energy significantly reduced the percentage of males producing semen, and the restriction of energy significantly reduced the percentage of males producing semen, and the restriction of energy and both protein and energy significantly depressed semen volume per male in comparison with the average produced by the control males. Other reproductive traits were not affected by early dietary controls.", "PMID": 995800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6201", "title": "Leucine, isoleucine and valine interactions in turkey poults.", "content": "In four experiments, the interactions of leucine, isoleucine and valine in turkey poults were studied. The additon of 1.50% excess leucine to a 22% protein starter diet, marginal in isoleucine and valine, depressed growth. This growth depression was corrected by the addition of valine and isoleucine. The addition of the excess leucine caused a decrease in plasma valine and isileucine concentrations in experiments 3 and 4, and plasma valine concentration in experiment 1. The addition of valine caused a marked linear increase in plasma valine with little or no effect on plasma isoleucine. The addition of isoleucine to the diet caused an increase in plasma isoleucine. Plasma valine, however, was decreased by the addition of isoleucine to a high-leucine diet. It is concluded that interactions exist in turkey poults between leucine-valine, leucine-isoleucine and isoleucine-valine and that the growth reduction caused by added leucine can be partly alleviated by addition of valine or by valine plus isoleucine, but not be isoleucine alone.", "contents": "Leucine, isoleucine and valine interactions in turkey poults. In four experiments, the interactions of leucine, isoleucine and valine in turkey poults were studied. The additon of 1.50% excess leucine to a 22% protein starter diet, marginal in isoleucine and valine, depressed growth. This growth depression was corrected by the addition of valine and isoleucine. The addition of the excess leucine caused a decrease in plasma valine and isileucine concentrations in experiments 3 and 4, and plasma valine concentration in experiment 1. The addition of valine caused a marked linear increase in plasma valine with little or no effect on plasma isoleucine. The addition of isoleucine to the diet caused an increase in plasma isoleucine. Plasma valine, however, was decreased by the addition of isoleucine to a high-leucine diet. It is concluded that interactions exist in turkey poults between leucine-valine, leucine-isoleucine and isoleucine-valine and that the growth reduction caused by added leucine can be partly alleviated by addition of valine or by valine plus isoleucine, but not be isoleucine alone.", "PMID": 995801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6202", "title": "Lysozyme in hen blood serum.", "content": "Hen blood serum (White Leghorn) possessed the lytic action against Micrococcus lysodeikticus which was less than one-thousandth of egg white obtained from hens of the same species, suggesting that lysozyme was present. The filter-sterilized hen blood serum also inhibited the growth of M. lysodeikticus in broth culture. The isolated lysozyme, purified by column chromatography and gel filtration, proved to be a basic protein with a low molecular weight (about 15,000), active against M. lysodeikticus, and more stable at acidic pH values than at alkaline pH values when heated. In amino acid composition, the isolated serum lysozyme had slightly higher proline and lower aspartic acid content than hen egg white lysozyme. The blood serum lysozyme was less heat stable at various pH values (4.5 to 8.4) than egg white lysozyme.", "contents": "Lysozyme in hen blood serum. Hen blood serum (White Leghorn) possessed the lytic action against Micrococcus lysodeikticus which was less than one-thousandth of egg white obtained from hens of the same species, suggesting that lysozyme was present. The filter-sterilized hen blood serum also inhibited the growth of M. lysodeikticus in broth culture. The isolated lysozyme, purified by column chromatography and gel filtration, proved to be a basic protein with a low molecular weight (about 15,000), active against M. lysodeikticus, and more stable at acidic pH values than at alkaline pH values when heated. In amino acid composition, the isolated serum lysozyme had slightly higher proline and lower aspartic acid content than hen egg white lysozyme. The blood serum lysozyme was less heat stable at various pH values (4.5 to 8.4) than egg white lysozyme.", "PMID": 995802} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6203", "title": "Effect of heat stress on the potassium requirement of the hen.", "content": "Four diets were formulated with potassium levels ranging from 0.4 to 1.0% and each diet was fed to laying hens at temperatures of 26.7%, 32.2, and 37.8 degrees C. Analyses for potassium in the plasma, egg, and excreta and potassium retained were used to determine the effects of heat stress on the potassium balance of laying hens. Urine potassium data from a surgically-altered hen provided insight into urinary excretion of potassium under conditions of heat stress. Regression analyses of the data obtained indicated that temperature significantly influenced plasma potassium concentrations, while egg and excreta potassium concentrations and the amount of potassium retained were not significantly influenced by temperature. The data suggest that 0.4% potassium in the diet is adequate for meeting potassium requirements under conditions of heat stress. However, 0.6% dietary potassium may be a more suitable level for assurance against a potassium imbalance at elevated temperatures. One percent dietary potassium appears to be an excessive level.", "contents": "Effect of heat stress on the potassium requirement of the hen. Four diets were formulated with potassium levels ranging from 0.4 to 1.0% and each diet was fed to laying hens at temperatures of 26.7%, 32.2, and 37.8 degrees C. Analyses for potassium in the plasma, egg, and excreta and potassium retained were used to determine the effects of heat stress on the potassium balance of laying hens. Urine potassium data from a surgically-altered hen provided insight into urinary excretion of potassium under conditions of heat stress. Regression analyses of the data obtained indicated that temperature significantly influenced plasma potassium concentrations, while egg and excreta potassium concentrations and the amount of potassium retained were not significantly influenced by temperature. The data suggest that 0.4% potassium in the diet is adequate for meeting potassium requirements under conditions of heat stress. However, 0.6% dietary potassium may be a more suitable level for assurance against a potassium imbalance at elevated temperatures. One percent dietary potassium appears to be an excessive level.", "PMID": 995803} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6204", "title": "Partial purification of the ovarian oviposition-inducing factor and estimation of its chemical nature.", "content": "The ovarian ruptured follicles larger than 0.2 g. of wet weight were collected from laying hens and an ovarian oviposition-inducing factor (OOIF) was extracted from the follicles. The extract was chromatographed on a column of Sephadex G-75. Material from the active region for inducing premature oviposition was subjected to thioglycollate or trypsin treatment. It was found that oxytocic activity of this material was completely destroyed by thioglycollate buy not by trypsin, when tested on the contractility of the isolated hen's uterus. The OOIF was found to be diffusible through a cellophane bag. It is suggested that the OOIF may be a relatively small molecule have a disulfied bridge and it seems to be a hormone or hormone-like substance resembling the posterior pituitary hormones in the chemical nature.", "contents": "Partial purification of the ovarian oviposition-inducing factor and estimation of its chemical nature. The ovarian ruptured follicles larger than 0.2 g. of wet weight were collected from laying hens and an ovarian oviposition-inducing factor (OOIF) was extracted from the follicles. The extract was chromatographed on a column of Sephadex G-75. Material from the active region for inducing premature oviposition was subjected to thioglycollate or trypsin treatment. It was found that oxytocic activity of this material was completely destroyed by thioglycollate buy not by trypsin, when tested on the contractility of the isolated hen's uterus. The OOIF was found to be diffusible through a cellophane bag. It is suggested that the OOIF may be a relatively small molecule have a disulfied bridge and it seems to be a hormone or hormone-like substance resembling the posterior pituitary hormones in the chemical nature.", "PMID": 995804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6205", "title": "A comparison of various routes of Newcastle Disease vaccination at one day of age.", "content": "Groups of 100 one-day-old chicks with moderate levels of maternal antibody were vaccinated with the B1 strain of Newcastle disease virus subcutaneously, intratracheally, intraocularly or by aerosol or were left unvaccinated. Certain of these groups were revaccinated at 9 or 9 and 28 days or at 14 or 14 and 28 days with the LaSota strain of Newcastle disease virus. Vaccination by all routes at one day of age resulted in an antibody response and increased resistance to challenge. The most effective route was by aerosol followed by the intraocular method. Intratracheal administration or subcutaneous inoculation led to a marginal response. Aerosol administration at 9 or 9 and 28 days or at 14 or 14 and 28 days gave adequate antibody responses and resistance to challenge.", "contents": "A comparison of various routes of Newcastle Disease vaccination at one day of age. Groups of 100 one-day-old chicks with moderate levels of maternal antibody were vaccinated with the B1 strain of Newcastle disease virus subcutaneously, intratracheally, intraocularly or by aerosol or were left unvaccinated. Certain of these groups were revaccinated at 9 or 9 and 28 days or at 14 or 14 and 28 days with the LaSota strain of Newcastle disease virus. Vaccination by all routes at one day of age resulted in an antibody response and increased resistance to challenge. The most effective route was by aerosol followed by the intraocular method. Intratracheal administration or subcutaneous inoculation led to a marginal response. Aerosol administration at 9 or 9 and 28 days or at 14 or 14 and 28 days gave adequate antibody responses and resistance to challenge.", "PMID": 995805} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6206", "title": "Studies on avian erythrocyte metabolism. 5. Relationship between the major phosphorylated metabolic intermediates and while blood oxygen affinity in embryols and poults of the domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).", "content": "The changes in organic phosphates of turkey erythrocytes (RBC) have been determined in relation to the changes in oxygen affinity of whole blood during growth of the embryo and poult. On a molar basis, 2,3 diphosphoglyceric acid (2,3-DPG) is the predominant organic phosphate of erythrocytes from turkey embryos during the last week of incubation. However, on the basis of relative % phosphate, 2,3-DPG is the major organic phosphate of the erythrocytes from turkey embryos on day 23 and 25 of incubation only. With the exception of day 23 and 25 incubation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) represents the major organic phosphate of the erythrocytes of the turkey embryo and poult during the last week of embryonic development and through the first 29 days after hatching. The whole blood P50 during the last week of incubation and the first 8 days after hatching correlates best with the amount of ATP in the erythrocytes. The effects of inositol pentaphosphate on P50 of the whole blood is much more gradual and appears to become of major influence after 2-3 weeks post-hatching.", "contents": "Studies on avian erythrocyte metabolism. 5. Relationship between the major phosphorylated metabolic intermediates and while blood oxygen affinity in embryols and poults of the domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). The changes in organic phosphates of turkey erythrocytes (RBC) have been determined in relation to the changes in oxygen affinity of whole blood during growth of the embryo and poult. On a molar basis, 2,3 diphosphoglyceric acid (2,3-DPG) is the predominant organic phosphate of erythrocytes from turkey embryos during the last week of incubation. However, on the basis of relative % phosphate, 2,3-DPG is the major organic phosphate of the erythrocytes from turkey embryos on day 23 and 25 of incubation only. With the exception of day 23 and 25 incubation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) represents the major organic phosphate of the erythrocytes of the turkey embryo and poult during the last week of embryonic development and through the first 29 days after hatching. The whole blood P50 during the last week of incubation and the first 8 days after hatching correlates best with the amount of ATP in the erythrocytes. The effects of inositol pentaphosphate on P50 of the whole blood is much more gradual and appears to become of major influence after 2-3 weeks post-hatching.", "PMID": 995806} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6207", "title": "A study of Salmonella contamination in broiler flocks.", "content": "The study was designed to follow the Salmonella infection rate in a poultry flock during the growth period until processing at 8-9 weeks. The infection rate was as high as 37.5% initially and dropped significantly by the 3rd to the 5th weeks. There was no difference between various types of litter and the species of Salmonella isolated. Little correlation was found between Salmonella species in feed ingredients and those identified from the flocks.", "contents": "A study of Salmonella contamination in broiler flocks. The study was designed to follow the Salmonella infection rate in a poultry flock during the growth period until processing at 8-9 weeks. The infection rate was as high as 37.5% initially and dropped significantly by the 3rd to the 5th weeks. There was no difference between various types of litter and the species of Salmonella isolated. Little correlation was found between Salmonella species in feed ingredients and those identified from the flocks.", "PMID": 995807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6208", "title": "Influence of arginine vasotocin on a genetically determined excessive appetite for water in chickens.", "content": "Females from two inbred strains of chickens, one normal and one having hereditary diabetes insipidus, were treated with five levels (2.5, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.1 units) of Schwartz-Mann (Grade A, 100 units/mg.) arginine vasotocin via ic. injections at 2-hr. intervals. Paired sibs, one normal and one having diabetes insipidus (di), from an F2 population were used in one experiment to compare responses at the level of 2.5 units. Only di females were used for the remaining four levels of treatment. Water intake was determined every two hours and calculated as a percentage of water (ml.)/body wt. Results show that hereditary diabetes insipidus in chickens is arginine vasotocin-sensitive at the 0.5 unit and higher levels. The genetic defect appears to affect the quantity of antidiuretic hormone produced.", "contents": "Influence of arginine vasotocin on a genetically determined excessive appetite for water in chickens. Females from two inbred strains of chickens, one normal and one having hereditary diabetes insipidus, were treated with five levels (2.5, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.1 units) of Schwartz-Mann (Grade A, 100 units/mg.) arginine vasotocin via ic. injections at 2-hr. intervals. Paired sibs, one normal and one having diabetes insipidus (di), from an F2 population were used in one experiment to compare responses at the level of 2.5 units. Only di females were used for the remaining four levels of treatment. Water intake was determined every two hours and calculated as a percentage of water (ml.)/body wt. Results show that hereditary diabetes insipidus in chickens is arginine vasotocin-sensitive at the 0.5 unit and higher levels. The genetic defect appears to affect the quantity of antidiuretic hormone produced.", "PMID": 995808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6209", "title": "Long term studies comparing the efficacy of cell-free versus cell-associated HVT vaccines against Marek's disease.", "content": "In long-term field trials lasting approximately 12 months attempts were made to determine whether the cell-free HVT vaccine was as effective in reducing MD losses as the cell-associated HVT vaccine. Four trials were conducted in which flocks were vaccinated with either the cell-free or the cell-associated HVT vaccine. The cell-free HVT vaccine was as safe and effective in preventing MD as the cell-associated HVT vaccine. Although there were some losses due to MD in all flocks, there were also losses due to lymphoid leukosis, multiple hemangioma, liposarcoma or coccidiosis. Egg production was essentially the same in flocks vaccinated with the cell-free HVT vaccine as in those vaccinated with the cell-associated HVT vaccine.", "contents": "Long term studies comparing the efficacy of cell-free versus cell-associated HVT vaccines against Marek's disease. In long-term field trials lasting approximately 12 months attempts were made to determine whether the cell-free HVT vaccine was as effective in reducing MD losses as the cell-associated HVT vaccine. Four trials were conducted in which flocks were vaccinated with either the cell-free or the cell-associated HVT vaccine. The cell-free HVT vaccine was as safe and effective in preventing MD as the cell-associated HVT vaccine. Although there were some losses due to MD in all flocks, there were also losses due to lymphoid leukosis, multiple hemangioma, liposarcoma or coccidiosis. Egg production was essentially the same in flocks vaccinated with the cell-free HVT vaccine as in those vaccinated with the cell-associated HVT vaccine.", "PMID": 995809} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6210", "title": "Influence of Fusarium-infected corn and F-2 on laying hens.", "content": "Diets containing either Fusarium-infected corn supplying 25 and 100 p.p.m. of F-2 (zearalenone) or purified F-2 at these levels did not adversely influence the reproductive performance of laying hens. In trial 1, no deleterious effects were observed for 20- and 36-week body weights, age at first egg, egg weight, albumen height, shell deformation, fertility or hatchability when Fusarium-infected corn was fed to 20-week-old pullets for 28 days. Percent hen-day egg production of birds fed Fusarium-infected corn supplying 25 and 100 p.p.m. of F-2 was superior (P less than or equal to 0.5) to egg production of nontreated controls. In trial 2, three replications of ten adult Leghorn hens were evaluated under five dietary treatments: (1) 16.7% protein basal; (2) basal plus Fusarium-infected corn (25 p.p.m. of F-2); (3) basal plus 25 p.p.m. of (purified) F-2; (4) basal plus Fusarium-infected corn (100 p.p.m. of F-2); (5) basal plus 100 p.p.m. of (purified) F-2. Difference between dietary treatments for 14-day pre-treatment, treatment and post-treatment periods were nonsignificant for 42- and 44-week body weights, egg production, egg weights, fertility and hatchability. Body weights of chicks from hens fed F-2 diets were not significantly different from those of chicks from hens fed the basal diet.", "contents": "Influence of Fusarium-infected corn and F-2 on laying hens. Diets containing either Fusarium-infected corn supplying 25 and 100 p.p.m. of F-2 (zearalenone) or purified F-2 at these levels did not adversely influence the reproductive performance of laying hens. In trial 1, no deleterious effects were observed for 20- and 36-week body weights, age at first egg, egg weight, albumen height, shell deformation, fertility or hatchability when Fusarium-infected corn was fed to 20-week-old pullets for 28 days. Percent hen-day egg production of birds fed Fusarium-infected corn supplying 25 and 100 p.p.m. of F-2 was superior (P less than or equal to 0.5) to egg production of nontreated controls. In trial 2, three replications of ten adult Leghorn hens were evaluated under five dietary treatments: (1) 16.7% protein basal; (2) basal plus Fusarium-infected corn (25 p.p.m. of F-2); (3) basal plus 25 p.p.m. of (purified) F-2; (4) basal plus Fusarium-infected corn (100 p.p.m. of F-2); (5) basal plus 100 p.p.m. of (purified) F-2. Difference between dietary treatments for 14-day pre-treatment, treatment and post-treatment periods were nonsignificant for 42- and 44-week body weights, egg production, egg weights, fertility and hatchability. Body weights of chicks from hens fed F-2 diets were not significantly different from those of chicks from hens fed the basal diet.", "PMID": 995810} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6211", "title": "Histochemical observations on the seasonal fluctuations in the follicular atresia and interstitial gland tissue in the house sparrow ovary.", "content": "A histochemical study has been made of seasonal fluctuations in the follicular atresia and interstitial gland tissue with the ovarian cycles of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). The atresia of primordial oocytes forms the predominant feature of the quiescent-winter ovary. The building up of interstitial gland tissue of thecal origin. which precedes the breeding activity, is closely related to the atresia of previtellogenic follicles of variable sizes. Interstitial gland cells which accumulate lipid droplets consisting of cholesterol, and/or its esters, triglycerides and some phospholipids, are the steroid secretors. The possible functional significance of different-sized follicular atresia in relation to follicular growth and breeding activity is discussed.", "contents": "Histochemical observations on the seasonal fluctuations in the follicular atresia and interstitial gland tissue in the house sparrow ovary. A histochemical study has been made of seasonal fluctuations in the follicular atresia and interstitial gland tissue with the ovarian cycles of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). The atresia of primordial oocytes forms the predominant feature of the quiescent-winter ovary. The building up of interstitial gland tissue of thecal origin. which precedes the breeding activity, is closely related to the atresia of previtellogenic follicles of variable sizes. Interstitial gland cells which accumulate lipid droplets consisting of cholesterol, and/or its esters, triglycerides and some phospholipids, are the steroid secretors. The possible functional significance of different-sized follicular atresia in relation to follicular growth and breeding activity is discussed.", "PMID": 995811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6212", "title": "Cytogenetic and phenotypic effects of a chromosomal rearrangement involving the Z-chromosome and micro-chromosome in the chicken.", "content": "Measurements demonstrated that the Z-chromosome was truly metacentric. Forty-six percent of one arm of a female's Z-chromosome had been translocated to a microchromosome (Z-micro) by irradiation of semen. The bread was 23 crossover units distal to the late feathering (K) locus. The barring (B) locus on the non-broken arm assorted almost independently of the Z-micro segment. Semen from eight sons of this Z-micro female was used to inseminate 98 dwarf (dw) broiler-type females. From karyotypes of 147 male and 149 female progeny, we identified 69 males heterozygous and 79 females hemizygous for Z-micro. Body weight of 43 males heterozygous for Z-micro was significantly greater than that of 45 normal Z paternal half-brothers at all ages from 2 to 24 weeks. In contrast, body weight of 57 Z-micro females compared with their 56 normal Z paternal half-sisters was depressed significantly at 2, 4, and 6 weeks but not significantly at 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks of age. Age at first egg was retarded 8 days and egg production over a 153 day test period was reduced 19.6%, primarily due to a reduction of egg laying sequence from 2.7 to 2.1 days in the Z-micro females.", "contents": "Cytogenetic and phenotypic effects of a chromosomal rearrangement involving the Z-chromosome and micro-chromosome in the chicken. Measurements demonstrated that the Z-chromosome was truly metacentric. Forty-six percent of one arm of a female's Z-chromosome had been translocated to a microchromosome (Z-micro) by irradiation of semen. The bread was 23 crossover units distal to the late feathering (K) locus. The barring (B) locus on the non-broken arm assorted almost independently of the Z-micro segment. Semen from eight sons of this Z-micro female was used to inseminate 98 dwarf (dw) broiler-type females. From karyotypes of 147 male and 149 female progeny, we identified 69 males heterozygous and 79 females hemizygous for Z-micro. Body weight of 43 males heterozygous for Z-micro was significantly greater than that of 45 normal Z paternal half-brothers at all ages from 2 to 24 weeks. In contrast, body weight of 57 Z-micro females compared with their 56 normal Z paternal half-sisters was depressed significantly at 2, 4, and 6 weeks but not significantly at 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks of age. Age at first egg was retarded 8 days and egg production over a 153 day test period was reduced 19.6%, primarily due to a reduction of egg laying sequence from 2.7 to 2.1 days in the Z-micro females.", "PMID": 995812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6213", "title": "Metabolic responses of White Pekin ducks to ambient temperature.", "content": "Metabolic responses of unrestrained White Pekin ducks, Anas platyrhynchos, were determined at ambient temperatures of -5 degrees, 1 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees C. Temperatures from the pectoralis and the subcutaneous back were monitored. Unrestrained ducks exhibited two metabolic states, a high response (540 cc. O2/kg/hr. at 20 degrees C.) and a low response (427 cc. O2/kg./hr. at 20 degrees C). Pectoralis muscle temperature did not vary greatly over the range of ambient temperatures tested and was considered to be a good representative of body temperature.", "contents": "Metabolic responses of White Pekin ducks to ambient temperature. Metabolic responses of unrestrained White Pekin ducks, Anas platyrhynchos, were determined at ambient temperatures of -5 degrees, 1 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees C. Temperatures from the pectoralis and the subcutaneous back were monitored. Unrestrained ducks exhibited two metabolic states, a high response (540 cc. O2/kg/hr. at 20 degrees C.) and a low response (427 cc. O2/kg./hr. at 20 degrees C). Pectoralis muscle temperature did not vary greatly over the range of ambient temperatures tested and was considered to be a good representative of body temperature.", "PMID": 995813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6214", "title": "Accudosetm aerosol--an effective house fly (Diptera; Muscidae: Musca domestica L.) adulticide control system for cage type poultry houses.", "content": "An automatic piped aerosol system (Accudose TM) using 0.7% synergized pyrethrin insecticide, was tested at a typical narrow cage poultry farm for the control of adult house flies, Musca domestica L. A similar narrow cage poultry farm was used as a control with all house fly control measures left up to the cooperating poultryman. AccudoseTM was compared with other house fly control methods at other similar farms which included three types of man-portable ultra volume (ULV) generators and an integrated (biological-chemical) program. Results of the five month test demonstrated that the AccudoseTM system suppressed house fly populations better than other control methods.", "contents": "Accudosetm aerosol--an effective house fly (Diptera; Muscidae: Musca domestica L.) adulticide control system for cage type poultry houses. An automatic piped aerosol system (Accudose TM) using 0.7% synergized pyrethrin insecticide, was tested at a typical narrow cage poultry farm for the control of adult house flies, Musca domestica L. A similar narrow cage poultry farm was used as a control with all house fly control measures left up to the cooperating poultryman. AccudoseTM was compared with other house fly control methods at other similar farms which included three types of man-portable ultra volume (ULV) generators and an integrated (biological-chemical) program. Results of the five month test demonstrated that the AccudoseTM system suppressed house fly populations better than other control methods.", "PMID": 995814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6215", "title": "Liver lipid accumulation and performance of hens as affected by cage density and initial body weight.", "content": "Hens housed in individual cages (25 46 cm.) laid significantly more eggs, consumed significantly more feed and had significantly larger livers with a higher lipid content than hens housed three to a cage in two experiments. Body weight gain was significantly higher for individually housed birds in experiment 1, but not in experiment 2. No difference was observed in mean egg weight or kg. feed per dozen eggs. In experiment 2 hens housed two to a cage laid slightly fewer eggs and accumulated slightly less liver fat but the differences were not significantly different fromthose housed individually. Hens socially dominant in three bird pens had higher liver fat accumulation than hens lower on the peck order but liver fat accumulation for the dominant hens still averaged less than hens housed either two or one per cage. Comparison of two strains in experiment 1 revealed a significant difference in rate of egg production and feed efficiency but no difference in liver fat accumulation. Pullets placed in four body weight classes prior to the start of the experiment did not differ significantly in liver fat accumulation per unit of body weight or percentof dry matter of the liver at the end of the experiment. Rate of egg production and feed efficiency were also not significantly different among the body weight classes.", "contents": "Liver lipid accumulation and performance of hens as affected by cage density and initial body weight. Hens housed in individual cages (25 46 cm.) laid significantly more eggs, consumed significantly more feed and had significantly larger livers with a higher lipid content than hens housed three to a cage in two experiments. Body weight gain was significantly higher for individually housed birds in experiment 1, but not in experiment 2. No difference was observed in mean egg weight or kg. feed per dozen eggs. In experiment 2 hens housed two to a cage laid slightly fewer eggs and accumulated slightly less liver fat but the differences were not significantly different fromthose housed individually. Hens socially dominant in three bird pens had higher liver fat accumulation than hens lower on the peck order but liver fat accumulation for the dominant hens still averaged less than hens housed either two or one per cage. Comparison of two strains in experiment 1 revealed a significant difference in rate of egg production and feed efficiency but no difference in liver fat accumulation. Pullets placed in four body weight classes prior to the start of the experiment did not differ significantly in liver fat accumulation per unit of body weight or percentof dry matter of the liver at the end of the experiment. Rate of egg production and feed efficiency were also not significantly different among the body weight classes.", "PMID": 995815} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6216", "title": "Toxicity and tissue residues from diphenylhydantoin fed to chickens.", "content": "Within three experiments with broiler-type crossbred chickens, diphenlyhydantoin (DPH) was administered via the diet at levels ranging from 10 to 2500 mg./kg. Feed intake and body weight gain were adversely affected by levels of 100 mg./kg. or higher. A hemorrhagic syndrome occurred in 16 percent of the chickens fed 100-1000 mg./kg. and 33 percent of those fed 2500 mg./kg. Twenty percent of the chickens fed 1000 mg./kg. were anemic; none of those receiving 250 mg./kg. were anemic. Other toxic manifestations included neurological side effects of a lethargic stupor, excitability to a disturbance, or a characteristic condition referred to as \"head under.\" Pair-feeding experiments revealed thatlowered feed intake was not responsible for any of the clinical signs. All of the toxicity signs were reversible in 3 to 4 weeks following withdrawal of DPH. Muscle samples contained 2.5 to 11.4 mcg. DPH/g. at drug levels of 1000 and 2500 mg. DPH/kg. diet. Dose-response curves revealed that plasma, adipose, kidney and liver had levels which were, respectively, 1.05, 1.51, 2.19, and 2.85 times those of muscle.", "contents": "Toxicity and tissue residues from diphenylhydantoin fed to chickens. Within three experiments with broiler-type crossbred chickens, diphenlyhydantoin (DPH) was administered via the diet at levels ranging from 10 to 2500 mg./kg. Feed intake and body weight gain were adversely affected by levels of 100 mg./kg. or higher. A hemorrhagic syndrome occurred in 16 percent of the chickens fed 100-1000 mg./kg. and 33 percent of those fed 2500 mg./kg. Twenty percent of the chickens fed 1000 mg./kg. were anemic; none of those receiving 250 mg./kg. were anemic. Other toxic manifestations included neurological side effects of a lethargic stupor, excitability to a disturbance, or a characteristic condition referred to as \"head under.\" Pair-feeding experiments revealed thatlowered feed intake was not responsible for any of the clinical signs. All of the toxicity signs were reversible in 3 to 4 weeks following withdrawal of DPH. Muscle samples contained 2.5 to 11.4 mcg. DPH/g. at drug levels of 1000 and 2500 mg. DPH/kg. diet. Dose-response curves revealed that plasma, adipose, kidney and liver had levels which were, respectively, 1.05, 1.51, 2.19, and 2.85 times those of muscle.", "PMID": 995816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6217", "title": "Effect of high amounts of dietary zinc and age upon tissue zinc in young chicks.", "content": "Weight gains of younger broiler chicks were not reduced by up to 2400 p.p.m. added zinc fed to four weeks of age. Tissue zinc was not changed significantly by 600 or 1200 p.p.m. supplemental dietary zinc, but at 2400 p.p.m. added zinc, blood, kidney, and liver zinc were significantly elevated (P less than 0.05). In the heart, zinc was not affected by the added dietary zinc but increased over time with all diets. Unlike the calf and weanling pig, the metabolism of zinc in the young chick does not appear to change appreciably with increasing maturity. Thus, the homeostatic control mechanisms of the young chick are effective for up to 1200 p.p.m. dietary zinc, but are partially overcome by 2400 p.p.m. added dietary zinc.", "contents": "Effect of high amounts of dietary zinc and age upon tissue zinc in young chicks. Weight gains of younger broiler chicks were not reduced by up to 2400 p.p.m. added zinc fed to four weeks of age. Tissue zinc was not changed significantly by 600 or 1200 p.p.m. supplemental dietary zinc, but at 2400 p.p.m. added zinc, blood, kidney, and liver zinc were significantly elevated (P less than 0.05). In the heart, zinc was not affected by the added dietary zinc but increased over time with all diets. Unlike the calf and weanling pig, the metabolism of zinc in the young chick does not appear to change appreciably with increasing maturity. Thus, the homeostatic control mechanisms of the young chick are effective for up to 1200 p.p.m. dietary zinc, but are partially overcome by 2400 p.p.m. added dietary zinc.", "PMID": 995817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6218", "title": "Manganese levels and the morphology of the epiphyseal plate in broilers with slipped tendons.", "content": "Manganese deficiency in chickens results in perosis and a higher incidence of slipped tendon. Perosis is associated with a disorganization of the epiphyseal growth plates and changes in the chemical composition of the cartilage matrix. Male broilers with slipped tendons were selected from a commercial broiler farm over a 9 week growing period. Their growth rates, epiphyseal cartilage histology and tissue manganese concentrations were examined and compared with (a) normal broilers from the same farm, and (b) similar broilers raised on control and manganese deficient diets. Field broilers with slipped tendons showed no evidence of abnormality in the histological appearance of the proximal tibial growth plate at any of the ages examined. The manganese content of liver and epiphyseal cartilage from field broilers showing slipped tendon was comparable with that present in tissue from normal broilers wither from the field or raised on a chemically defined diey supplemented with managese. The slightly retared growth rate seen in the field broilers was attributed to feeding problems associated with the lameness condition. These results provide conclusive evidence that slipped tendon in field broilers is not dur to a manganese deficiency in the tissues, nor does it appear to be associated with abnormal proliferation of the chondrocytes in the epiphyseal plate.", "contents": "Manganese levels and the morphology of the epiphyseal plate in broilers with slipped tendons. Manganese deficiency in chickens results in perosis and a higher incidence of slipped tendon. Perosis is associated with a disorganization of the epiphyseal growth plates and changes in the chemical composition of the cartilage matrix. Male broilers with slipped tendons were selected from a commercial broiler farm over a 9 week growing period. Their growth rates, epiphyseal cartilage histology and tissue manganese concentrations were examined and compared with (a) normal broilers from the same farm, and (b) similar broilers raised on control and manganese deficient diets. Field broilers with slipped tendons showed no evidence of abnormality in the histological appearance of the proximal tibial growth plate at any of the ages examined. The manganese content of liver and epiphyseal cartilage from field broilers showing slipped tendon was comparable with that present in tissue from normal broilers wither from the field or raised on a chemically defined diey supplemented with managese. The slightly retared growth rate seen in the field broilers was attributed to feeding problems associated with the lameness condition. These results provide conclusive evidence that slipped tendon in field broilers is not dur to a manganese deficiency in the tissues, nor does it appear to be associated with abnormal proliferation of the chondrocytes in the epiphyseal plate.", "PMID": 995818} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6219", "title": "A simplified biochemical system to screen Salmonella isolates from poultry for serotyping.", "content": "The 24 most frequently isolated paratyphoids from poultry, along with Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella pullorum, plus strains of Arizona, Citrobacter, Edwardsiella, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Prteus, Pseudomonas, Serratia and Shigella were inoculated into triple sugar iron (TSI) and lysine iron (LI) slants and into six fermentation broths which were numbered: 1 (dextrose), 2 (lactose), 3 (sucrose), 4 (mannitol), 5 (maltose), 6 (dulcitol). All the salmonella cultures (except S. pullorum) gave a 1, 4, 5, 6 code which means they produced acid, and in most cases gas, in dextrose, mannitol, maltose and dulcitol, but no acid or gas in lactose and sucrose. S. pullorum gave a 1, 4 code. All non-salmonella cultures gave a fermentation pattern different from the 1, 4, 5, 6 pattern of paratyphoids and S. gallinarum. Therefore, this six sugar system can be successfully used in the selection of suspect salmonella cultures for specific typing. Results from a miniaturized system (Minitek) were the same as those from the standard tube method for the carbohydrate fermentation tests for all cultures tested.", "contents": "A simplified biochemical system to screen Salmonella isolates from poultry for serotyping. The 24 most frequently isolated paratyphoids from poultry, along with Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella pullorum, plus strains of Arizona, Citrobacter, Edwardsiella, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Prteus, Pseudomonas, Serratia and Shigella were inoculated into triple sugar iron (TSI) and lysine iron (LI) slants and into six fermentation broths which were numbered: 1 (dextrose), 2 (lactose), 3 (sucrose), 4 (mannitol), 5 (maltose), 6 (dulcitol). All the salmonella cultures (except S. pullorum) gave a 1, 4, 5, 6 code which means they produced acid, and in most cases gas, in dextrose, mannitol, maltose and dulcitol, but no acid or gas in lactose and sucrose. S. pullorum gave a 1, 4 code. All non-salmonella cultures gave a fermentation pattern different from the 1, 4, 5, 6 pattern of paratyphoids and S. gallinarum. Therefore, this six sugar system can be successfully used in the selection of suspect salmonella cultures for specific typing. Results from a miniaturized system (Minitek) were the same as those from the standard tube method for the carbohydrate fermentation tests for all cultures tested.", "PMID": 995819} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6220", "title": "A simplified technique for obtaining purified peripheral lymphocytes from chickens.", "content": "A simplified technique for isolating purified avian peripheral lymphocytes using a Ficoll-diatrizoate density is described. The procedure requires only 2 ml. of blood, can be completed in 5 min., and is suitable for the repeated testing of relatively large numbers of birds.", "contents": "A simplified technique for obtaining purified peripheral lymphocytes from chickens. A simplified technique for isolating purified avian peripheral lymphocytes using a Ficoll-diatrizoate density is described. The procedure requires only 2 ml. of blood, can be completed in 5 min., and is suitable for the repeated testing of relatively large numbers of birds.", "PMID": 995820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6221", "title": "Effects of dietary citrinin and aflatoxin on leg problems of broilers growtn on wire floors.", "content": "Dietary levels of citrinin of 62.5, 125 and 500 mug./g. diet or aflatoxin at a dietary level of 2.5 mug./g. of diet fed from 1-21 days of age did not inccrease the incidence of leg problems compared to control groups receiving no dietary nycotoxins. These data indicate that dietary contamination with these toxins does not account for the incidence of occasionally observed leg probelms in younger broiler chicks.", "contents": "Effects of dietary citrinin and aflatoxin on leg problems of broilers growtn on wire floors. Dietary levels of citrinin of 62.5, 125 and 500 mug./g. diet or aflatoxin at a dietary level of 2.5 mug./g. of diet fed from 1-21 days of age did not inccrease the incidence of leg problems compared to control groups receiving no dietary nycotoxins. These data indicate that dietary contamination with these toxins does not account for the incidence of occasionally observed leg probelms in younger broiler chicks.", "PMID": 995821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6222", "title": "A feed additive to control flies in poultry manure.", "content": "To determine methoprene's effect on fly emergence from poultry manure, 18,000 8-wk.-old caged pullets were fed continuously 10 gm. of methoprene per ton of feed 42 days. Hatch mates (13,500) in an adjacent, similarly constructed and equipped house were fed untrated feed. Data on fly emergence were recorded twice a week after counting average numbers of flies in fly traps, in buckets of manure, and on fly strips and spot cards. Differences between average counts in the treated and control groups were significant by each of the four data-gathering methods. The methoprene reduced fly emergence by 77.0% in manure buckets, 65.5% in fly traps, but increased fly emergence 19.2% on fly strips, and 92.2% on spot cards. We attribute the increases in fly counts by the latter two counting methods in the treated house to migration of flies from adjacent untreated houses.", "contents": "A feed additive to control flies in poultry manure. To determine methoprene's effect on fly emergence from poultry manure, 18,000 8-wk.-old caged pullets were fed continuously 10 gm. of methoprene per ton of feed 42 days. Hatch mates (13,500) in an adjacent, similarly constructed and equipped house were fed untrated feed. Data on fly emergence were recorded twice a week after counting average numbers of flies in fly traps, in buckets of manure, and on fly strips and spot cards. Differences between average counts in the treated and control groups were significant by each of the four data-gathering methods. The methoprene reduced fly emergence by 77.0% in manure buckets, 65.5% in fly traps, but increased fly emergence 19.2% on fly strips, and 92.2% on spot cards. We attribute the increases in fly counts by the latter two counting methods in the treated house to migration of flies from adjacent untreated houses.", "PMID": 995822} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6223", "title": "Forensic problems in practice. VII.--Asphyxia.", "content": "In summary, asphyxial deaths and deaths due to pressure on the neck form a considerable proportion of homicides in Britain, as well as many suicides and some accidents, as in infancy and in masochistic practices. Although the detailed examination of fatal asphyxia is the province of the coroner's pathologist, the general practitioner and the casualty officer are usually the first medical men to have the opportunity of detecting the external signs of such cases. Unfortunately, very many instances in the past have revealed that the clinician's examination of dead persons is so superficial that numerous cases of trauma to the neck (and even florid asphyxia) have gone unnoticed. A rapid examination of the skin, conjunctivae and neck takes but a few seconds and, if done routinely, would save subsequent embarrassment to the doctors concerned.", "contents": "Forensic problems in practice. VII.--Asphyxia. In summary, asphyxial deaths and deaths due to pressure on the neck form a considerable proportion of homicides in Britain, as well as many suicides and some accidents, as in infancy and in masochistic practices. Although the detailed examination of fatal asphyxia is the province of the coroner's pathologist, the general practitioner and the casualty officer are usually the first medical men to have the opportunity of detecting the external signs of such cases. Unfortunately, very many instances in the past have revealed that the clinician's examination of dead persons is so superficial that numerous cases of trauma to the neck (and even florid asphyxia) have gone unnoticed. A rapid examination of the skin, conjunctivae and neck takes but a few seconds and, if done routinely, would save subsequent embarrassment to the doctors concerned.", "PMID": 995825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6224", "title": "Seizures after the age of sixty.", "content": "Despite adequate diagnostic evaluation and prolonged follow-up, the causes of epilepsy in the elderly patient frequently remain unknown. Some of these may be of occult, degenerative or vascular central nervous system disease origin--entities which are often difficult to incriminate specifically. Unquestionably, in a few cases, seizures occur at the time of the initial cerebrovascular accident, although in some patients seizures may follow such an episode after a latent interval, particularly when cortical motor areas have been damaged by the initial vascular insult. It is important to differentiate this group from those with recurrent vascular episodes, in whom diagnostic studies and treatment may differ. Brain tumour is as prominent a cause of seizures in the seventh decade as it is in younger adults, but probably is of lower incidence thereafter. Focal, clinical and electroencephalographic findings and a progressive clinical course are particularly common in this group. A heterogeneous group of causes, a few of which are liable to affect the ageing patient, are responsible for some of the seizures in old age and should be searched for when the etiology is obscure. Diagnostic studies will vary with the individual problem and, whenever possible, should be restricted to non-invasive studies such as electroencephalography and computer-assisted tomography, after initial baseline clinical assessment and laboratory studies have been performed. Contrast procedures such as angiography are sometimes hazardous to patients with atherosclerosis and should be reserved for selected patients. Treatment follows conventional guidelines with some modifications due to the vulnerability of the ageing patient to degenerative disease and complications of immobilization.", "contents": "Seizures after the age of sixty. Despite adequate diagnostic evaluation and prolonged follow-up, the causes of epilepsy in the elderly patient frequently remain unknown. Some of these may be of occult, degenerative or vascular central nervous system disease origin--entities which are often difficult to incriminate specifically. Unquestionably, in a few cases, seizures occur at the time of the initial cerebrovascular accident, although in some patients seizures may follow such an episode after a latent interval, particularly when cortical motor areas have been damaged by the initial vascular insult. It is important to differentiate this group from those with recurrent vascular episodes, in whom diagnostic studies and treatment may differ. Brain tumour is as prominent a cause of seizures in the seventh decade as it is in younger adults, but probably is of lower incidence thereafter. Focal, clinical and electroencephalographic findings and a progressive clinical course are particularly common in this group. A heterogeneous group of causes, a few of which are liable to affect the ageing patient, are responsible for some of the seizures in old age and should be searched for when the etiology is obscure. Diagnostic studies will vary with the individual problem and, whenever possible, should be restricted to non-invasive studies such as electroencephalography and computer-assisted tomography, after initial baseline clinical assessment and laboratory studies have been performed. Contrast procedures such as angiography are sometimes hazardous to patients with atherosclerosis and should be reserved for selected patients. Treatment follows conventional guidelines with some modifications due to the vulnerability of the ageing patient to degenerative disease and complications of immobilization.", "PMID": 995828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6225", "title": "Innocent heart murmurs in children. A survey of 119 patients.", "content": "The clinical findings in 119 children with innocent heart murmurs have been reviewed. The majority were aged between 1 and 5 years, and it was in this age-group also that a maximum incidence of venous hum was recorded. There were no particular ECG or chest X-ray findings.", "contents": "Innocent heart murmurs in children. A survey of 119 patients. The clinical findings in 119 children with innocent heart murmurs have been reviewed. The majority were aged between 1 and 5 years, and it was in this age-group also that a maximum incidence of venous hum was recorded. There were no particular ECG or chest X-ray findings.", "PMID": 995834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6226", "title": "Foreign bodies in the larynx in infancy.", "content": "Three cases of foreign bodies in the larynx are described. The mode of presentation, management, and the importance of early diagnosis to decrease the number and severity of complications are stressed.", "contents": "Foreign bodies in the larynx in infancy. Three cases of foreign bodies in the larynx are described. The mode of presentation, management, and the importance of early diagnosis to decrease the number and severity of complications are stressed.", "PMID": 995835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6227", "title": "[Hyperlipidemias and abnormalities in the electrophoresis of lipoproteins. Incidence in newborn infants].", "content": "We studied 300 newborns in whom total cholesterol, cholesterol of low density lipoproteins, triglycerides and lipoprotein electrophoresis were determined in umbilical cord blood. Pure hypercholesterolemia was found in 14 cases (4.7%), hypertriglyceridemia in 15 cases (5.0%) and increase in cholesterol and triglycerides in 4 cases (1.3%). Lipoprotein electrophoresis showed increase in betas in 23 cases (7.6%), prebetas in 24 (8.0%) and in both, betas and prebetas, in 6 cases (2.0%). Betas /alphas index was always found elevated when other electrophoretic fractions had some abnormality.", "contents": "[Hyperlipidemias and abnormalities in the electrophoresis of lipoproteins. Incidence in newborn infants]. We studied 300 newborns in whom total cholesterol, cholesterol of low density lipoproteins, triglycerides and lipoprotein electrophoresis were determined in umbilical cord blood. Pure hypercholesterolemia was found in 14 cases (4.7%), hypertriglyceridemia in 15 cases (5.0%) and increase in cholesterol and triglycerides in 4 cases (1.3%). Lipoprotein electrophoresis showed increase in betas in 23 cases (7.6%), prebetas in 24 (8.0%) and in both, betas and prebetas, in 6 cases (2.0%). Betas /alphas index was always found elevated when other electrophoretic fractions had some abnormality.", "PMID": 995841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6228", "title": "[An alcohol-soluble trypsin inhibitor from beans].", "content": "An ethanol soluble protein-trypsin inhibitor was isolated from kidney bean seeds. The inhibitor purification included gel chromatography of ethanol soluble proteins on Sephadex G-75 and affine chromatography on immobilized trypsin and chymotrypsin. The inhibitor suppressed activites of trypsin, chymotrypsin and in part trypsin-chymotrypsin activity of pronase but did not influence subtilizin. The inhibitor at a dose of 15-17.5 mug decreased by 50% the activity of 100 mug trypsin. By isoelectric focusing it was shown that the inhibitor isolated from kidney beans consisted of four isoinhibitors with pH of 4.3, 4.5, 4.7, and 4.9.", "contents": "[An alcohol-soluble trypsin inhibitor from beans]. An ethanol soluble protein-trypsin inhibitor was isolated from kidney bean seeds. The inhibitor purification included gel chromatography of ethanol soluble proteins on Sephadex G-75 and affine chromatography on immobilized trypsin and chymotrypsin. The inhibitor suppressed activites of trypsin, chymotrypsin and in part trypsin-chymotrypsin activity of pronase but did not influence subtilizin. The inhibitor at a dose of 15-17.5 mug decreased by 50% the activity of 100 mug trypsin. By isoelectric focusing it was shown that the inhibitor isolated from kidney beans consisted of four isoinhibitors with pH of 4.3, 4.5, 4.7, and 4.9.", "PMID": 995884} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6229", "title": "[Catalase inactivation during storage in solution and its stabilization by polysaccharides of microbial origin].", "content": "It has been experimentally shown that the rate of inactivation of pure catalase in solution does not obey the kinetics of the first order. The kinetics of denaturation taking into account partial stabilization of catalase due to the formation of intermolecular complexes of native molecules with denatured molecules has been derived. Using the equation, the rate of catalase inativation during storage in pure solutions has been calculated from the experimental data. Polysaccharides of microbial origin can also stabilize catalase. The kinetics of catalase inactivation in the system where the enzyme and polysaccharide forms a reversibly dissociating complex has been described.", "contents": "[Catalase inactivation during storage in solution and its stabilization by polysaccharides of microbial origin]. It has been experimentally shown that the rate of inactivation of pure catalase in solution does not obey the kinetics of the first order. The kinetics of denaturation taking into account partial stabilization of catalase due to the formation of intermolecular complexes of native molecules with denatured molecules has been derived. Using the equation, the rate of catalase inativation during storage in pure solutions has been calculated from the experimental data. Polysaccharides of microbial origin can also stabilize catalase. The kinetics of catalase inactivation in the system where the enzyme and polysaccharide forms a reversibly dissociating complex has been described.", "PMID": 995886} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6230", "title": "Approaches to the study of acetylcholine turnover in brain.", "content": "All of the methods presently available for estimating acetylcholine turnover have severe limitations and rest on unproven and sometimes fallacious assumptions. Taken individually, they may be misleading. To the extent that the assumptions are different for different approaches, agreement between several approaches may provide satisfactory evidence regarding normal turnover rates and changes which may be experimentally induced.", "contents": "Approaches to the study of acetylcholine turnover in brain. All of the methods presently available for estimating acetylcholine turnover have severe limitations and rest on unproven and sometimes fallacious assumptions. Taken individually, they may be misleading. To the extent that the assumptions are different for different approaches, agreement between several approaches may provide satisfactory evidence regarding normal turnover rates and changes which may be experimentally induced.", "PMID": 995970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6231", "title": "Effects of chronic morphinization on calcium membrane interaction.", "content": "Tolerance to morphine proceeds with an adaptation in the nerve membrane causing an increase in endogenously bound calcium. Our data on calcium binding is compatible with Collier's hypothesis (10) for drug induced changes in number and/or types of receptors. The results demonstrating naloxone reversal of this membrane adaptation suggest that opiate antagonist action may be to maintain the opiate macromolecule portion of the membrane in a Ca++ associated homeostatic state. Lack of effects of Na+ on opiate treated SPM suggest that cellular adaptation to morphine proceeds in vivo through a change in membrane binding of calcium.", "contents": "Effects of chronic morphinization on calcium membrane interaction. Tolerance to morphine proceeds with an adaptation in the nerve membrane causing an increase in endogenously bound calcium. Our data on calcium binding is compatible with Collier's hypothesis (10) for drug induced changes in number and/or types of receptors. The results demonstrating naloxone reversal of this membrane adaptation suggest that opiate antagonist action may be to maintain the opiate macromolecule portion of the membrane in a Ca++ associated homeostatic state. Lack of effects of Na+ on opiate treated SPM suggest that cellular adaptation to morphine proceeds in vivo through a change in membrane binding of calcium.", "PMID": 996028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6232", "title": "The effect of memory blocking antibiotics and their analogs on acetylcholinesterase.", "content": "The ability of antibiotics to inhibit acetylcholinesterase was measured in homogenates of goldfish brain. Puromycin aminonucleoside was the most potent inhibitor followed by puromycin, cycloheximide and acetoxycycloheximide. Puromycin effectively impaired retention of active-avoidance learning in goldfish when injected either immediately before or after training, while puromycin aminonucleoside did not regardless of injection time. These results suggest that the known amnestic effects of puromycin, cycloheximide and acetoxycycloheximide are not a consequence of interference with acetylcholinesterase.", "contents": "The effect of memory blocking antibiotics and their analogs on acetylcholinesterase. The ability of antibiotics to inhibit acetylcholinesterase was measured in homogenates of goldfish brain. Puromycin aminonucleoside was the most potent inhibitor followed by puromycin, cycloheximide and acetoxycycloheximide. Puromycin effectively impaired retention of active-avoidance learning in goldfish when injected either immediately before or after training, while puromycin aminonucleoside did not regardless of injection time. These results suggest that the known amnestic effects of puromycin, cycloheximide and acetoxycycloheximide are not a consequence of interference with acetylcholinesterase.", "PMID": 996038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6233", "title": "Effects of intracisternal GABA or glutamic acid upon behavioral activity in the rat.", "content": "It has been postulated that GABA acts as an inhibitor of command neurons, the activity of which initiates behavior. A prediction of this hypothesis is that elevations in functional GABA levels in the brain will cause decreases in behavioral output. Accordingly, in this study rats were injected intracisternally with either saline or one micromole of GABA or its excitatory precursor, glutamic acid, and behavioral activity in a novel environment was recorded as it habituated over the course of the subsequent 4 hours. The activity of the animals that were injected with GABA was greatly decreased, while the activity of the animals that were injected with glutamic acid was apparently unaffected, as compared to animals given saline. These data provide support for the hypothesis that GABA functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter for behavior-activating command neurons.", "contents": "Effects of intracisternal GABA or glutamic acid upon behavioral activity in the rat. It has been postulated that GABA acts as an inhibitor of command neurons, the activity of which initiates behavior. A prediction of this hypothesis is that elevations in functional GABA levels in the brain will cause decreases in behavioral output. Accordingly, in this study rats were injected intracisternally with either saline or one micromole of GABA or its excitatory precursor, glutamic acid, and behavioral activity in a novel environment was recorded as it habituated over the course of the subsequent 4 hours. The activity of the animals that were injected with GABA was greatly decreased, while the activity of the animals that were injected with glutamic acid was apparently unaffected, as compared to animals given saline. These data provide support for the hypothesis that GABA functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter for behavior-activating command neurons.", "PMID": 996039} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6234", "title": "The effect of 6-aminodopamine on electrical self-stimulation in rats.", "content": "The compound 6-aminodopamine is a powerful CNS catecholaminergic neurotoxin. Small dosages of 6-aminodopamine injected intraventricularly markedly depress electrical self-stimulation rates in rats. This 6-aminodopamine treatment produced whole brain lowering of norepinephrine to ca. 50% of normal while the dopamine content was unchanged. The possible use of 6-aminodopamine treatment to elucidate the relative roles of norepinephrine and dopamine pathways is discussed.", "contents": "The effect of 6-aminodopamine on electrical self-stimulation in rats. The compound 6-aminodopamine is a powerful CNS catecholaminergic neurotoxin. Small dosages of 6-aminodopamine injected intraventricularly markedly depress electrical self-stimulation rates in rats. This 6-aminodopamine treatment produced whole brain lowering of norepinephrine to ca. 50% of normal while the dopamine content was unchanged. The possible use of 6-aminodopamine treatment to elucidate the relative roles of norepinephrine and dopamine pathways is discussed.", "PMID": 996040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6235", "title": "The drinking response of the chicken to peripheral and central administration of angiotensin II.", "content": "Intravenous injection of Ang II (val5 angiotensin II amide) elicited an immediate drinking response in the domestic fowl which lasted at least 20 minutes. The minimal dosage needed was 300 mug. Intracranial injection of 10 mug Ang II through cannulas implanted in the anterior diencephalon caused a significant increase in water intake. The minimal intracranial dosage of Ang II which evoked drinking was 2.5 mug. Intracranial injection of isotonic KCl inhibited the drinking response induced by intravenously injected Ang II when administered simultaneously. This suggests that drinking caused by both intravenous or intracranial injection of Ang II is activated through identical brain regions. The positive drinking response of the chicken is repeated concecutive intracranial injections of Ang II declined from the first injection through the following ones.", "contents": "The drinking response of the chicken to peripheral and central administration of angiotensin II. Intravenous injection of Ang II (val5 angiotensin II amide) elicited an immediate drinking response in the domestic fowl which lasted at least 20 minutes. The minimal dosage needed was 300 mug. Intracranial injection of 10 mug Ang II through cannulas implanted in the anterior diencephalon caused a significant increase in water intake. The minimal intracranial dosage of Ang II which evoked drinking was 2.5 mug. Intracranial injection of isotonic KCl inhibited the drinking response induced by intravenously injected Ang II when administered simultaneously. This suggests that drinking caused by both intravenous or intracranial injection of Ang II is activated through identical brain regions. The positive drinking response of the chicken is repeated concecutive intracranial injections of Ang II declined from the first injection through the following ones.", "PMID": 996041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6236", "title": "Genetic differences in ethanol drinking of the rat following injection of 6-OHDA, 5,6-DHT or 5,7-DHT into the cerebral ventricles.", "content": "The preference characteristics for ethanol of four different strains of rats were determined in a two-choice situation by offering water and ethanol in a concentration which was increased from 3 to 30% over a 12-day test sequence. Using stereotaxic procedures, 50 mug 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (5,6-DHT), 200 mug 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or 100 mug 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) were then injected acutely into the lateral cerebral ventricle in a 20 mul volume. Rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain increased their ethanol preference following the lesioning of the serotonergic system by 5,6-DHT, whereas similar destruction of catecholaminergic neurons by 6-OHDA markedly suppressed ethanol intake; Long-Evans rats displayed a similar trend in ethanol drinking patterns. However, animals of the Holtzman strain manifested the increased drinking after 5,6-DHT, but showed no suppression of drinking following 6-OHDA. The preference of rats of the Wistar strain was unaffected by 5,6-DHT but attenuated by 6-OHDA. 5,7-DHT had little or no effect on ethanol consumption in any of these strains. These findings thus suggest that genetic factors are an important determinant in an animal's response to a drug that affects 5-HT or NE systems in the brain, particularly when ethanol selection is investigated.", "contents": "Genetic differences in ethanol drinking of the rat following injection of 6-OHDA, 5,6-DHT or 5,7-DHT into the cerebral ventricles. The preference characteristics for ethanol of four different strains of rats were determined in a two-choice situation by offering water and ethanol in a concentration which was increased from 3 to 30% over a 12-day test sequence. Using stereotaxic procedures, 50 mug 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (5,6-DHT), 200 mug 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or 100 mug 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) were then injected acutely into the lateral cerebral ventricle in a 20 mul volume. Rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain increased their ethanol preference following the lesioning of the serotonergic system by 5,6-DHT, whereas similar destruction of catecholaminergic neurons by 6-OHDA markedly suppressed ethanol intake; Long-Evans rats displayed a similar trend in ethanol drinking patterns. However, animals of the Holtzman strain manifested the increased drinking after 5,6-DHT, but showed no suppression of drinking following 6-OHDA. The preference of rats of the Wistar strain was unaffected by 5,6-DHT but attenuated by 6-OHDA. 5,7-DHT had little or no effect on ethanol consumption in any of these strains. These findings thus suggest that genetic factors are an important determinant in an animal's response to a drug that affects 5-HT or NE systems in the brain, particularly when ethanol selection is investigated.", "PMID": 996042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6237", "title": "Hypothermia induced by delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in rats with electrolytic lesions of preoptic region.", "content": "The preoptic region (POR) is a primary central site for thermoregulation. Bilateral lesions of POR disrupt thermoregulation, and in rats, produce a characteristic syndrome including hyperthermia. delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC), a potent hypothermic agent, appears to mediate this effect via some central mechanism. The studies reported here suggest that delta9-THC induces hypothermia at a site other than POR. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups, one with subsequently confirmed bilateral POR lesions and a sham operated group. The lesioned animals developed hyperthemia (+2.1degrees +/- 0.1degreesC, p less than 0.01) within 2 hr after surgery when compared to the sham operated controls. delta9-THC was administered intraperitoneally (5 and 10 mg/kg). Rectal temperature was recorded at 30 min intervals for 2.5 hr. Both lesioned and nonlesioned rats exhibited hypothermia within 30 min of delta9-THC administration. The hypothermic response to 5 and 10 mg/kg delta9-THC in the lesioned animals was significantly greater (p less than 0.05) and showed a trend toward longer duration than the hypothermia induced in the sham operated controls. These data demonstrate that delta9-THC is able to induce a hypothermic response in rats whose body temperatures were elevated by POR ablation. Although delta9-THC does not appear to act primarily at POR to induce hypothermia, it is evident than an intact POR plays a role in modifying the duration and magnitude of delta9-THC induced hypothermia.", "contents": "Hypothermia induced by delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in rats with electrolytic lesions of preoptic region. The preoptic region (POR) is a primary central site for thermoregulation. Bilateral lesions of POR disrupt thermoregulation, and in rats, produce a characteristic syndrome including hyperthermia. delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC), a potent hypothermic agent, appears to mediate this effect via some central mechanism. The studies reported here suggest that delta9-THC induces hypothermia at a site other than POR. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups, one with subsequently confirmed bilateral POR lesions and a sham operated group. The lesioned animals developed hyperthemia (+2.1degrees +/- 0.1degreesC, p less than 0.01) within 2 hr after surgery when compared to the sham operated controls. delta9-THC was administered intraperitoneally (5 and 10 mg/kg). Rectal temperature was recorded at 30 min intervals for 2.5 hr. Both lesioned and nonlesioned rats exhibited hypothermia within 30 min of delta9-THC administration. The hypothermic response to 5 and 10 mg/kg delta9-THC in the lesioned animals was significantly greater (p less than 0.05) and showed a trend toward longer duration than the hypothermia induced in the sham operated controls. These data demonstrate that delta9-THC is able to induce a hypothermic response in rats whose body temperatures were elevated by POR ablation. Although delta9-THC does not appear to act primarily at POR to induce hypothermia, it is evident than an intact POR plays a role in modifying the duration and magnitude of delta9-THC induced hypothermia.", "PMID": 996043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6238", "title": "Impairment of Hebb-Williams maze performance following prolonged alcohol consumption in rats.", "content": "Wistar rats consumed a liquid diet containing sustagen and ethanol for a period of 150 days. Control animals were pair-fed an identical diet except for isocaloric substitution of sucrose for ethanol. Forty-five days after the liquid diets were discontinued both groups were tested for performance on the Hebb-Williams maze. The experimental group made significantly more errors than the control group indicating that long-term ingestion of alcohol can lead to substantial impairment of problem-solving abilities in rats.", "contents": "Impairment of Hebb-Williams maze performance following prolonged alcohol consumption in rats. Wistar rats consumed a liquid diet containing sustagen and ethanol for a period of 150 days. Control animals were pair-fed an identical diet except for isocaloric substitution of sucrose for ethanol. Forty-five days after the liquid diets were discontinued both groups were tested for performance on the Hebb-Williams maze. The experimental group made significantly more errors than the control group indicating that long-term ingestion of alcohol can lead to substantial impairment of problem-solving abilities in rats.", "PMID": 996044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6239", "title": "Effects of handling and etherization on incorporation of [3H] lysine into protein of mouse brain and liver.", "content": "A standardized handling experience of 20 sec duration elevated the amount of radioactive lysine incorporated into brain total proteins during a 10 min labeling period begun either 10 min or 30 min after the handling. Etherization for 20 sec produced similar metabolic changes. Incorporation of [3H] lysine into liver proteins was minimally affected by handling, while slightly altered by etherization. The metabolic changes detected in the brain after handling did not appear to be side-effects of changes in blood-borne radioactivity. The results indicate that laboratory stresses often thought to be of minor importance can have large effects on ordinary assays of protein metabolism in brain.", "contents": "Effects of handling and etherization on incorporation of [3H] lysine into protein of mouse brain and liver. A standardized handling experience of 20 sec duration elevated the amount of radioactive lysine incorporated into brain total proteins during a 10 min labeling period begun either 10 min or 30 min after the handling. Etherization for 20 sec produced similar metabolic changes. Incorporation of [3H] lysine into liver proteins was minimally affected by handling, while slightly altered by etherization. The metabolic changes detected in the brain after handling did not appear to be side-effects of changes in blood-borne radioactivity. The results indicate that laboratory stresses often thought to be of minor importance can have large effects on ordinary assays of protein metabolism in brain.", "PMID": 996045} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6240", "title": "Effect of two inhibitors of dopamine beta-hydroxylase on maturation of memory in mice.", "content": "Bitemporal injections of puromycin that primarily affect the hippocampal-enthorhinal cortical areas suppress memory of maze-learning in mice for 3 days after training but are ineffective 6 or more days after training. At these later times, injections affecting widespread areas of the brain in addition to the hippocampal-entorhinal area are necessary for amnesia. These observations are interpreted to indicate that the locus of the memory trace has enlarged at 6 days to include other parts of the central nervous system in addition to the hippocampal-entorhinal area. To produce an imbalance of neurotransmitters and so to test their importance in enlargement of the memory trace's locus, we treated mice for 7 days after training with inhibitors of dopamine beta-hydroxylase. These mice, unlike untreated controls, developed amnesia after bitemporal injections of puromycin. In view of additional control experiments, we interpret these results to suggest that an imbalance of transmitters suppresses the normal enlargement of the locus of the memory trace.", "contents": "Effect of two inhibitors of dopamine beta-hydroxylase on maturation of memory in mice. Bitemporal injections of puromycin that primarily affect the hippocampal-enthorhinal cortical areas suppress memory of maze-learning in mice for 3 days after training but are ineffective 6 or more days after training. At these later times, injections affecting widespread areas of the brain in addition to the hippocampal-entorhinal area are necessary for amnesia. These observations are interpreted to indicate that the locus of the memory trace has enlarged at 6 days to include other parts of the central nervous system in addition to the hippocampal-entorhinal area. To produce an imbalance of neurotransmitters and so to test their importance in enlargement of the memory trace's locus, we treated mice for 7 days after training with inhibitors of dopamine beta-hydroxylase. These mice, unlike untreated controls, developed amnesia after bitemporal injections of puromycin. In view of additional control experiments, we interpret these results to suggest that an imbalance of transmitters suppresses the normal enlargement of the locus of the memory trace.", "PMID": 996046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6241", "title": "Neurochemical and behavioral effects of diet related perinatal folic acid restriction.", "content": "Some effects of restricting dietary folic acid during the perinatal period on tissue folate and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) concentrations and on behavior were examined in 35-day-old DBA/2J mice. In one study dams were started on diets containing no folate (FO), 1.1 mg of folic acid/kg diet (F1.1) or 9.9 mg of folic acid/kg diet (F9.9) on the day of parturition. In a second study some mice were started on the FO or F9.9 diets 6-7 days prior to parturition and some remained on lab chow (LC). The dams and their pups remained on their assigned diets until offspring were killed for biochemical assays. The major findings of the 2 studies are: (1) that eliminating folic acid from diets of dams and developing pups from birth or 1 week prior to birth causes a reduction of folate in brain tissue; (2) that reduction in brain tissue is not as severe as that of liver; (3) that initiating the folate free diet 1 week prior to birth caused reductions in body, liver, and brain weights and in activity levels of surviving offspring; and (4) that offspring of dams started on either the FO or F9.9 diet one week prior to parturition are less viable and have lower levels of SAM in brain tissue than animals reared on the LC diets.", "contents": "Neurochemical and behavioral effects of diet related perinatal folic acid restriction. Some effects of restricting dietary folic acid during the perinatal period on tissue folate and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) concentrations and on behavior were examined in 35-day-old DBA/2J mice. In one study dams were started on diets containing no folate (FO), 1.1 mg of folic acid/kg diet (F1.1) or 9.9 mg of folic acid/kg diet (F9.9) on the day of parturition. In a second study some mice were started on the FO or F9.9 diets 6-7 days prior to parturition and some remained on lab chow (LC). The dams and their pups remained on their assigned diets until offspring were killed for biochemical assays. The major findings of the 2 studies are: (1) that eliminating folic acid from diets of dams and developing pups from birth or 1 week prior to birth causes a reduction of folate in brain tissue; (2) that reduction in brain tissue is not as severe as that of liver; (3) that initiating the folate free diet 1 week prior to birth caused reductions in body, liver, and brain weights and in activity levels of surviving offspring; and (4) that offspring of dams started on either the FO or F9.9 diet one week prior to parturition are less viable and have lower levels of SAM in brain tissue than animals reared on the LC diets.", "PMID": 996047} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6242", "title": "The effect of alpha and beta adrenergic receptor blockers on sleep in the rat.", "content": "We investigated the effects of the beta adrenergic blocker, propranolol, and the alpha adrenergic blocker, phenoxybenzamine, on sleep patterns in the rat by means of multiple 8-hr and 24-hr polygraphic recordings. Propranolol had no clear effect on time spent in waking, synchronized sleep or desynchronized sleep. Phenoxybenzamine at a dose of 40 mg/kg produced a significant increase in desynchronized sleep time and in the number of desynchronized sleep periods. This is consistent with the view that there may be a mechanism inhibiting the onset of desynchronized sleep periods which involves norepinephrine acting at alpha adrenergic receptors in the brain.", "contents": "The effect of alpha and beta adrenergic receptor blockers on sleep in the rat. We investigated the effects of the beta adrenergic blocker, propranolol, and the alpha adrenergic blocker, phenoxybenzamine, on sleep patterns in the rat by means of multiple 8-hr and 24-hr polygraphic recordings. Propranolol had no clear effect on time spent in waking, synchronized sleep or desynchronized sleep. Phenoxybenzamine at a dose of 40 mg/kg produced a significant increase in desynchronized sleep time and in the number of desynchronized sleep periods. This is consistent with the view that there may be a mechanism inhibiting the onset of desynchronized sleep periods which involves norepinephrine acting at alpha adrenergic receptors in the brain.", "PMID": 996048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6243", "title": "Effects of diazepam and ripazepam on two measures of adjunctive drinking in rats.", "content": "Four rats were maintained at 85% of their pre-experimental body weights and were given daily 1 hr sessions during which they were each placed in a test chamber in which a 45 mg food pellet was delivered regularly every min independently of behavior. During these sessions water spouts were available to the rats and all 4 animals developed high levels of adjunctive drinking, a burst of licking typically following the consumption of each food pellet. This behavior was found to be sensitive to the effects of diazepam and ripazepam. Small doses of both drugs increased the volume of water consumed during a session. The number of licks was not increased to the same extent, however. Larger doses of both drugs resulted in decreased numbers of licks and decreased water intake although licking appeared on several occasions to be more sensitive than water intake to this action of the drugs. A possible explanation of these effects is that the drugs affected the topography of the rats' licking at the water spouts. Whatever the mechanism involved, however, these results suggest that in such experiments measures of both water intake and number of licks should be obtained.", "contents": "Effects of diazepam and ripazepam on two measures of adjunctive drinking in rats. Four rats were maintained at 85% of their pre-experimental body weights and were given daily 1 hr sessions during which they were each placed in a test chamber in which a 45 mg food pellet was delivered regularly every min independently of behavior. During these sessions water spouts were available to the rats and all 4 animals developed high levels of adjunctive drinking, a burst of licking typically following the consumption of each food pellet. This behavior was found to be sensitive to the effects of diazepam and ripazepam. Small doses of both drugs increased the volume of water consumed during a session. The number of licks was not increased to the same extent, however. Larger doses of both drugs resulted in decreased numbers of licks and decreased water intake although licking appeared on several occasions to be more sensitive than water intake to this action of the drugs. A possible explanation of these effects is that the drugs affected the topography of the rats' licking at the water spouts. Whatever the mechanism involved, however, these results suggest that in such experiments measures of both water intake and number of licks should be obtained.", "PMID": 996049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6244", "title": "Scopolamine: effects on fear or defense responses in the rat.", "content": "In previous research scopolamine reduced fear or defense responses of rats to a cat, and removal of the rats' olfactory bulbs had the same effect. This suggested that scopolamine might have affected defense responses by blocking olfactory perception of the stimulus cat. The present experiments studied this possibility and explored further the effects of scopolamine on defense responses of the hooded rat. In Experiment 1 rats treated with scopolamine were found to be responsive to olfactory cues from a cat. When cat smell, but not a cat, was present in the apparatus, scopolamine-treated rats showed a large and significant suppression of food consumption. In Experiment 2 the effects of scopolamine on defense responses were shown to be generalizable to an inanimate stimulus, mechanical robot. Scopolamine caused significantly less freezing and avoidance and significantly shorter latencies to drink in the presence of the robot. One of the primary findings of the present research is that scopolamine has now been shown to reduce the defensive response of freezing in a variety of stimulus situations. This finding was thought to have important implications for the literature relating anticholinergic drugs and avoidance behavior.", "contents": "Scopolamine: effects on fear or defense responses in the rat. In previous research scopolamine reduced fear or defense responses of rats to a cat, and removal of the rats' olfactory bulbs had the same effect. This suggested that scopolamine might have affected defense responses by blocking olfactory perception of the stimulus cat. The present experiments studied this possibility and explored further the effects of scopolamine on defense responses of the hooded rat. In Experiment 1 rats treated with scopolamine were found to be responsive to olfactory cues from a cat. When cat smell, but not a cat, was present in the apparatus, scopolamine-treated rats showed a large and significant suppression of food consumption. In Experiment 2 the effects of scopolamine on defense responses were shown to be generalizable to an inanimate stimulus, mechanical robot. Scopolamine caused significantly less freezing and avoidance and significantly shorter latencies to drink in the presence of the robot. One of the primary findings of the present research is that scopolamine has now been shown to reduce the defensive response of freezing in a variety of stimulus situations. This finding was thought to have important implications for the literature relating anticholinergic drugs and avoidance behavior.", "PMID": 996050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6245", "title": "Interactions between naloxone and narcotic analgesics under three schedules that induce polydipsia.", "content": "A pattern of schedule-induced polydipsia was maintained in rats by a fixed-time schedule where food pellets were presented every 90 sec, a fixed-interval schedule where licking the drinking tube produced pellets every 90 sec, or a fixed-interval schedule where lever presses produced pellets every 90 sec. Under all 3 schedules, injections of morphine, methadone, etonitazene and meperidine generally decreased licking rates and amounts of water consumed, as well as rates of lever-pressing under the schedules where lever presses were required. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) almost completely blocked the effects of morphine and etonitazene, but the effects of methadone sometimes were blocked to a lesser degree. Small increases in the rate of licking and amount of water consumed after the lowest dose of meperidine under the schedule requiring lever-presses were blocked by naloxone, but the higher doses of meperidine that decreased licking, lever-pressing and amount of water consumed under the three schedules were not blocked by naloxone. These data suggest that there are important differences in the ability of naloxone to antagonize the behavioral effects of different narcotic analgesics.", "contents": "Interactions between naloxone and narcotic analgesics under three schedules that induce polydipsia. A pattern of schedule-induced polydipsia was maintained in rats by a fixed-time schedule where food pellets were presented every 90 sec, a fixed-interval schedule where licking the drinking tube produced pellets every 90 sec, or a fixed-interval schedule where lever presses produced pellets every 90 sec. Under all 3 schedules, injections of morphine, methadone, etonitazene and meperidine generally decreased licking rates and amounts of water consumed, as well as rates of lever-pressing under the schedules where lever presses were required. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) almost completely blocked the effects of morphine and etonitazene, but the effects of methadone sometimes were blocked to a lesser degree. Small increases in the rate of licking and amount of water consumed after the lowest dose of meperidine under the schedule requiring lever-presses were blocked by naloxone, but the higher doses of meperidine that decreased licking, lever-pressing and amount of water consumed under the three schedules were not blocked by naloxone. These data suggest that there are important differences in the ability of naloxone to antagonize the behavioral effects of different narcotic analgesics.", "PMID": 996051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6246", "title": "Intracranial injections of 6-OHDA. Comparison of catecholamine-depleting effects of different volumes and concentrations.", "content": "Fluorescence histochemistry was used to assess monoamine depletion after injections of 6-OHDA into selected brain areas. Two volumes (2 and 4 mul) and 4 concentrations (1, 2, 4 and 8 mug/mul) of 6-OHDA were injected into the olfactory tubercle, the posterior lateral hypothalamus and the lateral hyopthalamus. Selective destruction of catecholamine-containing neurons resulted from all injections of 6-OHDA with the exception of the 2 lowest doses (2 and 4 mul of 1 mug/mul) and the highest dose (4 mul of 8 mug/mul) which produced nonspecific damage of brain parenchyma. The results indicate that, in addition to the selection of an effective dose, it is also possible to choose a site of injection which will produce a maximal area of specific depletion. In cases where injections into terminal areas caused limited specific depletion the same dose injected into preterminal axons often caused a more widespread loss of fluorescence. With volume, concentration and anatomical location being important variables to consider, caution is needed in the interpretation of behavioural experiments. When using 6-OHDA it is necessary to show that specific depletion of catecholamines has been achieved.", "contents": "Intracranial injections of 6-OHDA. Comparison of catecholamine-depleting effects of different volumes and concentrations. Fluorescence histochemistry was used to assess monoamine depletion after injections of 6-OHDA into selected brain areas. Two volumes (2 and 4 mul) and 4 concentrations (1, 2, 4 and 8 mug/mul) of 6-OHDA were injected into the olfactory tubercle, the posterior lateral hypothalamus and the lateral hyopthalamus. Selective destruction of catecholamine-containing neurons resulted from all injections of 6-OHDA with the exception of the 2 lowest doses (2 and 4 mul of 1 mug/mul) and the highest dose (4 mul of 8 mug/mul) which produced nonspecific damage of brain parenchyma. The results indicate that, in addition to the selection of an effective dose, it is also possible to choose a site of injection which will produce a maximal area of specific depletion. In cases where injections into terminal areas caused limited specific depletion the same dose injected into preterminal axons often caused a more widespread loss of fluorescence. With volume, concentration and anatomical location being important variables to consider, caution is needed in the interpretation of behavioural experiments. When using 6-OHDA it is necessary to show that specific depletion of catecholamines has been achieved.", "PMID": 996052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6247", "title": "A dose-response study of anorectic drug effects on food intake, self-stimulation, and stimulation-escape.", "content": "A comparison was made of the short-term effects in rats of 3 anorectic drugs (amphetamine, fenfluramine, and phenylpropanolamine) on food intake and responses to obtain brain stimulation and to escape from automatic brain stimulation. At a dose which decreased food intake, amphetamine increased self-stimulation, but not stimulation-escape. Fenfluramine decreased both self-stimulation and stimulation-escape. Phenylpropanolamine, on the other hand, decreased self-stimulation, but not stimulation-escape. Even though all 3 drugs decreased food intake, each of them had different effects on hypothalamic self-stimulation and stimulation-escape. Only the actions of phenylpropanolamine were in agreement with the hypothesis that lateral hypothalamic reward and aversion reflect the animal's tendency to eat, suggesting that other aspects of reinforcement are also involved in lateral hypothalamic stimulation and were affected differently by these drugs.", "contents": "A dose-response study of anorectic drug effects on food intake, self-stimulation, and stimulation-escape. A comparison was made of the short-term effects in rats of 3 anorectic drugs (amphetamine, fenfluramine, and phenylpropanolamine) on food intake and responses to obtain brain stimulation and to escape from automatic brain stimulation. At a dose which decreased food intake, amphetamine increased self-stimulation, but not stimulation-escape. Fenfluramine decreased both self-stimulation and stimulation-escape. Phenylpropanolamine, on the other hand, decreased self-stimulation, but not stimulation-escape. Even though all 3 drugs decreased food intake, each of them had different effects on hypothalamic self-stimulation and stimulation-escape. Only the actions of phenylpropanolamine were in agreement with the hypothesis that lateral hypothalamic reward and aversion reflect the animal's tendency to eat, suggesting that other aspects of reinforcement are also involved in lateral hypothalamic stimulation and were affected differently by these drugs.", "PMID": 996053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6248", "title": "Acute and chronic single dose effects of LSD-25 on visual discrimination in rats.", "content": "Rats subjected to either a frontal cortex lesion or to a sham operation were trained to discriminate between a lighted and unlit alley to escape shock. Following intubation with either placebo or LSD-25 (1.0 mg/kg), they were given discrimination trials 2 hr, 1 week, and 1 month later, but with an increased level of task difficulty. Single dose effects of LSD-25 were observed acutely in a transient impairment of visual discrimination accuracy, and more chronically in slower running time. Although no significant drug-lesion interactions were noted, the results were in the direction of a combinatory effect. The value of increasing the level of post-treatment task was confirmed.", "contents": "Acute and chronic single dose effects of LSD-25 on visual discrimination in rats. Rats subjected to either a frontal cortex lesion or to a sham operation were trained to discriminate between a lighted and unlit alley to escape shock. Following intubation with either placebo or LSD-25 (1.0 mg/kg), they were given discrimination trials 2 hr, 1 week, and 1 month later, but with an increased level of task difficulty. Single dose effects of LSD-25 were observed acutely in a transient impairment of visual discrimination accuracy, and more chronically in slower running time. Although no significant drug-lesion interactions were noted, the results were in the direction of a combinatory effect. The value of increasing the level of post-treatment task was confirmed.", "PMID": 996054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6249", "title": "Dose-dependent dual effect of morphine on electrophysiologic correlates of positive reinforcement (reward contingent positive variation: RCPV) in the cat.", "content": "In cats trained to press a lever for milk reward, the postreinforcement EEG synchronization (PRS) and the associated epicortical steady potential shift, known as \"Reward Contingent Positive Variation (RCPV) restricted to the occipital cortex, were studied prior to and after administration of morphine sulfate. Contrary to what has ordinarily been described as a typical feline response to morphine, such as restlessness, aggressiveness, rage, and exaggerated startle reaction to environmental stimuli, associated with an increased tonus of the brainstem-hypothalamic arousal system and desynchronized EEG patterns, doses of 0.1-0.4 mg/kg, IM, caused a strong monophasic enhancement of the PRS-RCPV phenomenon. Doses of 0.6-1.0 mg/kg, IM, had clearly a biphasic action: the initial enhancement of the PRS-RCPV responses was followed by their strong suppression. Chlorpromazine (0.1-1.6 mg/kg, i.e.) promptly restored the EEG responses. During the peak effect of the enhancing doses of morphine, the reward-related EEG phenomena also occurred prior to or after the nonrewarded bar press when the animals licked the empty cup. This dissociation of the PRS-RCPV from consumption was much more conspicuous in animals whose control frequency of the PRS oscillations was higher, and after morphine showed more significant slowing. Despite the strong facilitation of the PRS-RCPV in the presence of light, morphine, in contrast to LSD-25, was not able to restore the reward-induced phenomena in the dark.", "contents": "Dose-dependent dual effect of morphine on electrophysiologic correlates of positive reinforcement (reward contingent positive variation: RCPV) in the cat. In cats trained to press a lever for milk reward, the postreinforcement EEG synchronization (PRS) and the associated epicortical steady potential shift, known as \"Reward Contingent Positive Variation (RCPV) restricted to the occipital cortex, were studied prior to and after administration of morphine sulfate. Contrary to what has ordinarily been described as a typical feline response to morphine, such as restlessness, aggressiveness, rage, and exaggerated startle reaction to environmental stimuli, associated with an increased tonus of the brainstem-hypothalamic arousal system and desynchronized EEG patterns, doses of 0.1-0.4 mg/kg, IM, caused a strong monophasic enhancement of the PRS-RCPV phenomenon. Doses of 0.6-1.0 mg/kg, IM, had clearly a biphasic action: the initial enhancement of the PRS-RCPV responses was followed by their strong suppression. Chlorpromazine (0.1-1.6 mg/kg, i.e.) promptly restored the EEG responses. During the peak effect of the enhancing doses of morphine, the reward-related EEG phenomena also occurred prior to or after the nonrewarded bar press when the animals licked the empty cup. This dissociation of the PRS-RCPV from consumption was much more conspicuous in animals whose control frequency of the PRS oscillations was higher, and after morphine showed more significant slowing. Despite the strong facilitation of the PRS-RCPV in the presence of light, morphine, in contrast to LSD-25, was not able to restore the reward-induced phenomena in the dark.", "PMID": 996055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6250", "title": "Effects of catecholaminergic drugs on systems of reward and punishment in experiments on cats.", "content": "Injection of amantadine or DOPA produced inhibition of both self-stimulation and negative-reinforcing effects of stimulation of the hypothalamus. After injections of l-DOPA in cats pretreated with RO 4-4602, an inhibitor of peripheral decarboxylase, or disulfiram, a dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitor, the inhibitory action on the reinforcing system was enhanced. Amphetamine activated both reward and punishment systems. This data supports an inhibitory function of dopamine in systems of reinforcement and of an activating function of noradrenaline in these systems.", "contents": "Effects of catecholaminergic drugs on systems of reward and punishment in experiments on cats. Injection of amantadine or DOPA produced inhibition of both self-stimulation and negative-reinforcing effects of stimulation of the hypothalamus. After injections of l-DOPA in cats pretreated with RO 4-4602, an inhibitor of peripheral decarboxylase, or disulfiram, a dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitor, the inhibitory action on the reinforcing system was enhanced. Amphetamine activated both reward and punishment systems. This data supports an inhibitory function of dopamine in systems of reinforcement and of an activating function of noradrenaline in these systems.", "PMID": 996056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6251", "title": "Evoked potential alterations in methylmercury chloride toxicity.", "content": "The present study was designed to assess the sensitivity of evoked potential techniques to detect alterations in offspring exposed to methylmercury chloride (MMC) at different developmental periods. Recordings were obtained from the visual cortex (VEP) and lateral geniculate (LGP) in 30-day old offspring. Results revealed decreased VEP latencies for peaks N1, P1, and P2 in offspring from mothers exposed either during gestation, or nursing and in offspring exposed directly to MMC for 9 days after weaning. Although not significant, a similar trend was observed in the LPG. It is suggested that the decreased latencies may be a result of compressed brain development.", "contents": "Evoked potential alterations in methylmercury chloride toxicity. The present study was designed to assess the sensitivity of evoked potential techniques to detect alterations in offspring exposed to methylmercury chloride (MMC) at different developmental periods. Recordings were obtained from the visual cortex (VEP) and lateral geniculate (LGP) in 30-day old offspring. Results revealed decreased VEP latencies for peaks N1, P1, and P2 in offspring from mothers exposed either during gestation, or nursing and in offspring exposed directly to MMC for 9 days after weaning. Although not significant, a similar trend was observed in the LPG. It is suggested that the decreased latencies may be a result of compressed brain development.", "PMID": 996057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6252", "title": "Effects of carbon monoxide on fixed-consecutive-number performance in rats.", "content": "Four rats were trained under a fixed-consecutive-number (FCN) schedule to make sequences of 20 or more consecutive responses on one lever followed by a single response on a second lever. When performance was stable, they were exposed to 200, 400, and 600 parts-per-million (PPM) carbon monoxide (CO) for either 30 or 60 min before and during a 45-min session. Decreases in response rate at CO levels as low as 200 ppm were due to both decreased local response rate and extended pauses. A lowered percentage of reinforcement, due to decreases in response sequence length, was also found at CO levels as low as 200 ppm. This decreased sequence length may reflect effects of CO on response rate, or a disruption of discriminative aspects of FCN schedule performance.", "contents": "Effects of carbon monoxide on fixed-consecutive-number performance in rats. Four rats were trained under a fixed-consecutive-number (FCN) schedule to make sequences of 20 or more consecutive responses on one lever followed by a single response on a second lever. When performance was stable, they were exposed to 200, 400, and 600 parts-per-million (PPM) carbon monoxide (CO) for either 30 or 60 min before and during a 45-min session. Decreases in response rate at CO levels as low as 200 ppm were due to both decreased local response rate and extended pauses. A lowered percentage of reinforcement, due to decreases in response sequence length, was also found at CO levels as low as 200 ppm. This decreased sequence length may reflect effects of CO on response rate, or a disruption of discriminative aspects of FCN schedule performance.", "PMID": 996058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6253", "title": "Role of experience in acquisition and loss of tolerance to the effect of delta-9-THC on spaced responding.", "content": "Albino rats were given extensive training in spaced responding, using a DRL 30 sec schedule of food reinforcement (only lever presses more than 30 sec apart were reinforced). All rats then went 12 days without behavioral testing. During this period half the rats received daily intragastric doses of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the rest equal volumes of the THC vehicle. On day 13, some rats received THC 3 hr before behavioral testing while others received only vehicle. The former showed a sharp increase in lever press rate over baseline levels, but the vehicle control rats were unaffected. The rats with 12 prior THC doses were no less affected than those with no previous drug history. Continued testing resulted in recovery of baseline performance within 5 sessions, again with no effect of previous drug history. Similar results were obtained with doses of 4 mg/kg and 16 mg/kg, though the drug's effects were more pronounced at the higher dose. These results demonstrate that performance in the drug state can be a far more important determinant of tolerance than mere exposure to THC. Drug administration was then suspended for 1 week. Rats that had become tolerant to 4 mg/kg THC were then redivided into 3 new groups. One group received daily doses of vehicle and DRL sessions, a second received DRL sessions without vehicle, and 1 group received neither vehicle nor DRL sessions for this week. Subsequent DRL testing after THC administration showed that only the groups receiving DRL sessions in the intervening week lost their previously acquired tolerance. Experience thus appears to play an important role in loss of tolerance to THC as well as in acquisition of tolerance.", "contents": "Role of experience in acquisition and loss of tolerance to the effect of delta-9-THC on spaced responding. Albino rats were given extensive training in spaced responding, using a DRL 30 sec schedule of food reinforcement (only lever presses more than 30 sec apart were reinforced). All rats then went 12 days without behavioral testing. During this period half the rats received daily intragastric doses of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the rest equal volumes of the THC vehicle. On day 13, some rats received THC 3 hr before behavioral testing while others received only vehicle. The former showed a sharp increase in lever press rate over baseline levels, but the vehicle control rats were unaffected. The rats with 12 prior THC doses were no less affected than those with no previous drug history. Continued testing resulted in recovery of baseline performance within 5 sessions, again with no effect of previous drug history. Similar results were obtained with doses of 4 mg/kg and 16 mg/kg, though the drug's effects were more pronounced at the higher dose. These results demonstrate that performance in the drug state can be a far more important determinant of tolerance than mere exposure to THC. Drug administration was then suspended for 1 week. Rats that had become tolerant to 4 mg/kg THC were then redivided into 3 new groups. One group received daily doses of vehicle and DRL sessions, a second received DRL sessions without vehicle, and 1 group received neither vehicle nor DRL sessions for this week. Subsequent DRL testing after THC administration showed that only the groups receiving DRL sessions in the intervening week lost their previously acquired tolerance. Experience thus appears to play an important role in loss of tolerance to THC as well as in acquisition of tolerance.", "PMID": 996059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6254", "title": "Intraventricular anti-cholinergics do not block cholinergic hippocampal RSA or neocortical desynchronization in the rabbit or rat.", "content": "Electroencephalographic (EEG) electrodes and ventricular cannulae were implanted in 8 rabbits and 12 rats. Two anti-cholinergic agents, atropine sulfate and scopolamine hydrobromide, were given systemically (1-50 mg/kg) and intraventricularly (5-800 mug). Systemic but not intraventricular injections blocked sensory stimulation-induced or eserine-induced neocortical desynchronization and hippocampal RSA in rats and rabbits which were immobile and either undrugged or ethanol intoxicated. Systemic injections also blocked hippocampal RSA but not neocortical desynchronization in rats given sensory stimulation under urethane anaesthesia, while intraventricular injections only reduced RSA amplitude. Neither systemic nor intraventricular injections blocked neocortical desynchronization or hippocampal RSA recorded from animals when they walked in a motor driven wheel. These experiments support the hypothesis that there are two types of neocortical desynchronization and hippocampal RSA, one cholinergic and one non-cholinergic. They also suggest that atropine and scopolamine pass more readily to the neural system responsible for cholinergic EEG activity from the capillary bed than from the ventricular fluid.", "contents": "Intraventricular anti-cholinergics do not block cholinergic hippocampal RSA or neocortical desynchronization in the rabbit or rat. Electroencephalographic (EEG) electrodes and ventricular cannulae were implanted in 8 rabbits and 12 rats. Two anti-cholinergic agents, atropine sulfate and scopolamine hydrobromide, were given systemically (1-50 mg/kg) and intraventricularly (5-800 mug). Systemic but not intraventricular injections blocked sensory stimulation-induced or eserine-induced neocortical desynchronization and hippocampal RSA in rats and rabbits which were immobile and either undrugged or ethanol intoxicated. Systemic injections also blocked hippocampal RSA but not neocortical desynchronization in rats given sensory stimulation under urethane anaesthesia, while intraventricular injections only reduced RSA amplitude. Neither systemic nor intraventricular injections blocked neocortical desynchronization or hippocampal RSA recorded from animals when they walked in a motor driven wheel. These experiments support the hypothesis that there are two types of neocortical desynchronization and hippocampal RSA, one cholinergic and one non-cholinergic. They also suggest that atropine and scopolamine pass more readily to the neural system responsible for cholinergic EEG activity from the capillary bed than from the ventricular fluid.", "PMID": 996060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6255", "title": "Interaction of d-amphetamine with pentobarbital and chlordiazepoxide: effects on punished and unpunished behavior of pigeons.", "content": "Key pecking of two pigeons was maintained under a multiple schedule of food presentation. In the presence of one keylight stimulus responding produced food according to a fixed-interval 5-min schedule. Additionally, during this component, each 50th response produced electric shock. When a different keylight stimulus was present, key pecking resulted in food delivery under a variable-interval 3-min schedule. Responding was suppressed by shock presentation (punishment) but was still positively accelerated throughout each fixed-interval cycle; steady response rates occurred during the alternate component when only the variable-interval schedule was in effect. Overall rates of punished responding were largely unchanged with d-amphetamine (0.1-3.0 mg/kg); unpunished responding was generally either increased slightly or was decreased. Pentobarbital and chlordiazepoxide (1.0-17.0 mg/kg) administered alone increased both punished and unpunished responding at most doses. Combinations of d-amphetamine with either pentobarbital or chlordiazepoxide produced increases in punished responding that exceeded those obtained with either of these drugs alone. The combined effects of d-amphetamine and either pentobarbital or chlordiazepoxide on unpunished responding depended on the individual dose combinations. Combinations of d-amphetamine with pentobarbital or chlordiazepoxide produced effects on both punished and unpunished responding that differed substantially from those obtained when any of these drugs were administered separately.", "contents": "Interaction of d-amphetamine with pentobarbital and chlordiazepoxide: effects on punished and unpunished behavior of pigeons. Key pecking of two pigeons was maintained under a multiple schedule of food presentation. In the presence of one keylight stimulus responding produced food according to a fixed-interval 5-min schedule. Additionally, during this component, each 50th response produced electric shock. When a different keylight stimulus was present, key pecking resulted in food delivery under a variable-interval 3-min schedule. Responding was suppressed by shock presentation (punishment) but was still positively accelerated throughout each fixed-interval cycle; steady response rates occurred during the alternate component when only the variable-interval schedule was in effect. Overall rates of punished responding were largely unchanged with d-amphetamine (0.1-3.0 mg/kg); unpunished responding was generally either increased slightly or was decreased. Pentobarbital and chlordiazepoxide (1.0-17.0 mg/kg) administered alone increased both punished and unpunished responding at most doses. Combinations of d-amphetamine with either pentobarbital or chlordiazepoxide produced increases in punished responding that exceeded those obtained with either of these drugs alone. The combined effects of d-amphetamine and either pentobarbital or chlordiazepoxide on unpunished responding depended on the individual dose combinations. Combinations of d-amphetamine with pentobarbital or chlordiazepoxide produced effects on both punished and unpunished responding that differed substantially from those obtained when any of these drugs were administered separately.", "PMID": 996061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6256", "title": "Dissociation of the effects of scopolamine and d-amphetamine on a spontaneous alternation task.", "content": "The immediate and carry-over effects of scopolamine and d-amphetamine were evaluated in a free running Y-maze spontaneous alternation task. The immediate effect of scopolamine (1.0 mg/kg) or d-amphetamine (5.0 mg/kg) was to reduce alternation to chance or to levels significantly below chance (perseveration), respectively. On a second, non-drug test day alteration decreased in saline treated animals, but increased among mice which received scopolamine on Day 1. In contrast, upon retesting in the non-drug state, the performance of animals initially treated with d-amphetamine resembled that of saline treated mice. Subsequent experiments revealed that these effects could not be attributed to drug effects on peripheral mechanisms, consolidation, residual drug action or drug dissociated learning. It was concluded that the behavioral effects of scopolamine and d-amphetamine are qualitatively different. Whereas scopolamine disrupts habituation, d-amphetamine induces perseveration independently of any effects on habituation.", "contents": "Dissociation of the effects of scopolamine and d-amphetamine on a spontaneous alternation task. The immediate and carry-over effects of scopolamine and d-amphetamine were evaluated in a free running Y-maze spontaneous alternation task. The immediate effect of scopolamine (1.0 mg/kg) or d-amphetamine (5.0 mg/kg) was to reduce alternation to chance or to levels significantly below chance (perseveration), respectively. On a second, non-drug test day alteration decreased in saline treated animals, but increased among mice which received scopolamine on Day 1. In contrast, upon retesting in the non-drug state, the performance of animals initially treated with d-amphetamine resembled that of saline treated mice. Subsequent experiments revealed that these effects could not be attributed to drug effects on peripheral mechanisms, consolidation, residual drug action or drug dissociated learning. It was concluded that the behavioral effects of scopolamine and d-amphetamine are qualitatively different. Whereas scopolamine disrupts habituation, d-amphetamine induces perseveration independently of any effects on habituation.", "PMID": 996062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6257", "title": "Triethyltin toxicity as a model for degenerative disorders.", "content": "Triethyltin (TET) toxicity in mice was examined as a model for certain degenerative disorders. Spontaneous and elicited behavioral tests, electrophysiological measures and nervous system protein characterizations were used to study anomalies resulting from TET treatments. TET animals exhibited lowered spontaneous locomotor activity levels, increased sciatic nerve excitation threshold and conduction velocities, and increased power levels in the slower frequency components of their electroencephalograms. Performance in an active avoidance task suggest that the gross ultrastructural changes commonly seen in TET intoxication are not primarily responsible for the observed neurophysiological changes. Possible sites of action of TET, in both the peripheral and central nervous systems, that would produce these neurophysiological changes and the relationship of these changes to the behavioral symptoms are discussed.", "contents": "Triethyltin toxicity as a model for degenerative disorders. Triethyltin (TET) toxicity in mice was examined as a model for certain degenerative disorders. Spontaneous and elicited behavioral tests, electrophysiological measures and nervous system protein characterizations were used to study anomalies resulting from TET treatments. TET animals exhibited lowered spontaneous locomotor activity levels, increased sciatic nerve excitation threshold and conduction velocities, and increased power levels in the slower frequency components of their electroencephalograms. Performance in an active avoidance task suggest that the gross ultrastructural changes commonly seen in TET intoxication are not primarily responsible for the observed neurophysiological changes. Possible sites of action of TET, in both the peripheral and central nervous systems, that would produce these neurophysiological changes and the relationship of these changes to the behavioral symptoms are discussed.", "PMID": 996063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6258", "title": "Effects of intracranial injections of 6-OHDA on food and water intakes, body temperature and body weight regulation in the rat.", "content": "6-Hydroxydopamine was injected either intraventricularly (320 mug in 10 mul) or intrahypothalamically (64 mug in 2 mul) into rats kept under either free feeding or body weight reduced conditions. Intraventricular injections caused a temporary aphagia and hypodipsia in free feeding rats but daily measurements failed to reveal any long term effects; body weight reduced rats did not display the temporary aphagia but were initially hyperphagic. Injections into the more rostral hypothalamic areas of free feeding rats also showed only minimal short term effects; however, some of the body weight in both body weight reduced group died within several days of injection. Injections made at more posterior loci again showed very little effect in both body weight reduced and free feeding groups; some temporary disruption of feeding occurred from lesions in the proximity of the zone incerta of some free feeding animals.", "contents": "Effects of intracranial injections of 6-OHDA on food and water intakes, body temperature and body weight regulation in the rat. 6-Hydroxydopamine was injected either intraventricularly (320 mug in 10 mul) or intrahypothalamically (64 mug in 2 mul) into rats kept under either free feeding or body weight reduced conditions. Intraventricular injections caused a temporary aphagia and hypodipsia in free feeding rats but daily measurements failed to reveal any long term effects; body weight reduced rats did not display the temporary aphagia but were initially hyperphagic. Injections into the more rostral hypothalamic areas of free feeding rats also showed only minimal short term effects; however, some of the body weight in both body weight reduced group died within several days of injection. Injections made at more posterior loci again showed very little effect in both body weight reduced and free feeding groups; some temporary disruption of feeding occurred from lesions in the proximity of the zone incerta of some free feeding animals.", "PMID": 996064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6259", "title": "Effects of acute and chronic administration of caffeine on schedule dependent and schedule induced behavior.", "content": "The effects of caffeine (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) on lever pressing, schedule induced licking and water consumption induced by a fixed interval 1 min schedule were studied. Changes in these dependent variables were assessed when animals were reduced to 80% of their initial body weight by partial food deprivation and when body weights recovered after the animals were returned to conditions of ad lib feeding. Results indicate differential effects of the drug between animals at 80% body weight and when they are permitted to recover. Tolerance was examined for a single large dose only for the same dependent variables in animals at 80% body weight.", "contents": "Effects of acute and chronic administration of caffeine on schedule dependent and schedule induced behavior. The effects of caffeine (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) on lever pressing, schedule induced licking and water consumption induced by a fixed interval 1 min schedule were studied. Changes in these dependent variables were assessed when animals were reduced to 80% of their initial body weight by partial food deprivation and when body weights recovered after the animals were returned to conditions of ad lib feeding. Results indicate differential effects of the drug between animals at 80% body weight and when they are permitted to recover. Tolerance was examined for a single large dose only for the same dependent variables in animals at 80% body weight.", "PMID": 996065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6260", "title": "Enhancement of effects of dopaminergic agonists on neuronal activity in the caudate-putamen of the rat following long-term d-amphetamine administration.", "content": "Amphetamine- and apomorphine-induced changes in the activity of neurons in the caudate-putamen of paralyzed, locally anesthetized rats were recorded in animals pretreated with 2.5 mg/kg d-amphetamine sulphate for 6, 18 or 36 days, or in animals pretreated with saline for 36 consecutive days. In saline-pretreated animals, 2.5 mg/kg d-amphetamine sulphate (IP) produced an initial, brief potentiation of neuronal firing that was followed by a marked depression of neuronal activity lasting for approximately 35 to 110 min after injection. In amphetamine-pretreated animals, this depression of neuronal activity to the same dose of the drug was markedly prolonged, especially in animals given 36 consecutive days of d-amphetamine pretreatment. A similar enhancement occurred in response to 0.25 mg/kg apomorphine (IP) in animals pretreated with amphetamine for 36 days compared to saline-pretreated control animals. These results are discussed in relation to the known behavioral and biochemical effects of acute and long-term amphetamine administration.", "contents": "Enhancement of effects of dopaminergic agonists on neuronal activity in the caudate-putamen of the rat following long-term d-amphetamine administration. Amphetamine- and apomorphine-induced changes in the activity of neurons in the caudate-putamen of paralyzed, locally anesthetized rats were recorded in animals pretreated with 2.5 mg/kg d-amphetamine sulphate for 6, 18 or 36 days, or in animals pretreated with saline for 36 consecutive days. In saline-pretreated animals, 2.5 mg/kg d-amphetamine sulphate (IP) produced an initial, brief potentiation of neuronal firing that was followed by a marked depression of neuronal activity lasting for approximately 35 to 110 min after injection. In amphetamine-pretreated animals, this depression of neuronal activity to the same dose of the drug was markedly prolonged, especially in animals given 36 consecutive days of d-amphetamine pretreatment. A similar enhancement occurred in response to 0.25 mg/kg apomorphine (IP) in animals pretreated with amphetamine for 36 days compared to saline-pretreated control animals. These results are discussed in relation to the known behavioral and biochemical effects of acute and long-term amphetamine administration.", "PMID": 996066} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6261", "title": "Simple flow-thru swivel for infusions into unrestrained animals.", "content": "Infusion of fluids into unrestrained animals requires the use of a flow-thru swivel. A method is described for the construction of a simple efficient swivel assembled from disposable plastic syringes and needles.", "contents": "Simple flow-thru swivel for infusions into unrestrained animals. Infusion of fluids into unrestrained animals requires the use of a flow-thru swivel. A method is described for the construction of a simple efficient swivel assembled from disposable plastic syringes and needles.", "PMID": 996067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6262", "title": "Effects of methadone on activity and on brain monoamines in two strains of mice.", "content": "Two strains of mice (C57BL/6J and DBA/2J) were used to determine the effects of single and multiple injections of methadone on open field activity and on brain monoamines. For the DBA strain, the initial injection of methadone produced an attenuation of locomotor activity. After 7 daily injections, activity increased to that of controls. For the C57 strain, the initial injection produced a slight increase in activity which became more pronounced after further daily injections. Norepinephrine concentration was elevated in brains of DBA mice chronically exposed to methadone. This effect was not observed in C57 mice nor in either strain injected only once with the drug. Serotonin concentration was not altered in animals of either strain whether acutely or chronically exposed to methadone. The results of this study suggest: 1) that activity change following methadone injections is dependent upon genetic factors and previous experience with the drug; 2) that the tolerance develops to the drug produced decreases but not increases in activity; and 3) that chronic exposure to the drug can elevate norepinephrine concentration in the brains of DBA mice.", "contents": "Effects of methadone on activity and on brain monoamines in two strains of mice. Two strains of mice (C57BL/6J and DBA/2J) were used to determine the effects of single and multiple injections of methadone on open field activity and on brain monoamines. For the DBA strain, the initial injection of methadone produced an attenuation of locomotor activity. After 7 daily injections, activity increased to that of controls. For the C57 strain, the initial injection produced a slight increase in activity which became more pronounced after further daily injections. Norepinephrine concentration was elevated in brains of DBA mice chronically exposed to methadone. This effect was not observed in C57 mice nor in either strain injected only once with the drug. Serotonin concentration was not altered in animals of either strain whether acutely or chronically exposed to methadone. The results of this study suggest: 1) that activity change following methadone injections is dependent upon genetic factors and previous experience with the drug; 2) that the tolerance develops to the drug produced decreases but not increases in activity; and 3) that chronic exposure to the drug can elevate norepinephrine concentration in the brains of DBA mice.", "PMID": 996068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6263", "title": "Lithium-magnesium relationship in red blood cells during lithium prophylaxis.", "content": "The authors investigated lithium and magnesium levels in serum and RBC in 30 patients with affective disorders during lithium prophylaxis. No differences in magnesium levels were found in relation to diagnosis (unipolar, bipolar), sex and age. Mean RBC lithium index was higher in females than in males, particularly in bipolar patients. Magnesium levels in erythrocytes showed a significant negative correlation with RBC lithium and RBC lithium index. Serum magnesium levels did not correlate of lithium concentrations. It was concluded that RBC magnesium may play a role in lithium penetration of RBC and this was discussed in relation to clinical and pathogenetic factors.", "contents": "Lithium-magnesium relationship in red blood cells during lithium prophylaxis. The authors investigated lithium and magnesium levels in serum and RBC in 30 patients with affective disorders during lithium prophylaxis. No differences in magnesium levels were found in relation to diagnosis (unipolar, bipolar), sex and age. Mean RBC lithium index was higher in females than in males, particularly in bipolar patients. Magnesium levels in erythrocytes showed a significant negative correlation with RBC lithium and RBC lithium index. Serum magnesium levels did not correlate of lithium concentrations. It was concluded that RBC magnesium may play a role in lithium penetration of RBC and this was discussed in relation to clinical and pathogenetic factors.", "PMID": 996088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6264", "title": "[Comparison of evaluation scales and performance tests for measuring the severity of cyclothymic depressions].", "content": "Usually the severeness of cyclothymical depression is assessed by self-or arbiter's evaluation scales. These assessments are influenced by - mainly verbal - disturbing variables that hitherto may hardly be controlled. Measurements of performance provide less falsified results. However, they are influenced by the premorbid level of general intelligence and by the age of the patient. These disturbing variables, however, can be controlled rather well. Empirical investigations show that the assessment of the severeness of cyclothymical depression measured by performance tests of evaluation scales leads to different results. Nevertheless, both types of tests are valid for measuring depressions. Therefore, both are to be taken into account for assessment of severeness.", "contents": "[Comparison of evaluation scales and performance tests for measuring the severity of cyclothymic depressions]. Usually the severeness of cyclothymical depression is assessed by self-or arbiter's evaluation scales. These assessments are influenced by - mainly verbal - disturbing variables that hitherto may hardly be controlled. Measurements of performance provide less falsified results. However, they are influenced by the premorbid level of general intelligence and by the age of the patient. These disturbing variables, however, can be controlled rather well. Empirical investigations show that the assessment of the severeness of cyclothymical depression measured by performance tests of evaluation scales leads to different results. Nevertheless, both types of tests are valid for measuring depressions. Therefore, both are to be taken into account for assessment of severeness.", "PMID": 996089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6265", "title": "Planning infant learning programs.", "content": "Based on a review of the literature, a theoretical basis for planning learning programs for infants is presented. The prerequisites for effective programming include attention to the characteristics of the learning environment, the infant or learner, and the stimulus-response mechanism. The goals of such a program include provision of sensorimotor experience and promotion of infant attachment to a mother or mother-surrogate as a basis for establishing a sense of security and competency in the infant. The parent must be taught to recognize the infant's best periods of alertness, develop sensitivity to the infant's signals, and utilize appropriate stimulation routines in interactive patterns in order to create an environment most conducive to cognitive development. Specific program content may be varied within the theoretical framework to fit the needs of special children and their families.", "contents": "Planning infant learning programs. Based on a review of the literature, a theoretical basis for planning learning programs for infants is presented. The prerequisites for effective programming include attention to the characteristics of the learning environment, the infant or learner, and the stimulus-response mechanism. The goals of such a program include provision of sensorimotor experience and promotion of infant attachment to a mother or mother-surrogate as a basis for establishing a sense of security and competency in the infant. The parent must be taught to recognize the infant's best periods of alertness, develop sensitivity to the infant's signals, and utilize appropriate stimulation routines in interactive patterns in order to create an environment most conducive to cognitive development. Specific program content may be varied within the theoretical framework to fit the needs of special children and their families.", "PMID": 996090} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6266", "title": "Abnormal postural reflex activity and voice usage deviations in cerebral palsy.", "content": "A relationship is considered between abnormal postural reflex activity and its effect on vocal processes in infants and very young children having cerebral palsy. Neurodevelopmental treatment concepts are interpreted as they may apply to evaluation and intiial management of hypertonic children who exhibit voice usage deviations. Interdisciplinary team function in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology is suggested.", "contents": "Abnormal postural reflex activity and voice usage deviations in cerebral palsy. A relationship is considered between abnormal postural reflex activity and its effect on vocal processes in infants and very young children having cerebral palsy. Neurodevelopmental treatment concepts are interpreted as they may apply to evaluation and intiial management of hypertonic children who exhibit voice usage deviations. Interdisciplinary team function in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology is suggested.", "PMID": 996091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6267", "title": "Controlled environment treatment (CET) for patients with below-knee amputations.", "content": "This paper describes a new approach to early postsurgical wound management of the patient with a below-knee amputation. The method involves using the Controlled Environment Treatment (CET) machine, which wasdeveloped in England. A brief explanation of the components of the machine and its capabilities are listed. Ambient pressure, temperature, sterility, and humidity are easily controllable; advantages and disadvantages of this device over immediate post-operative plaster and conventional dressings as they relate both to wound environment and to physical therapy are mentioned. The early postsurgical therapy program used at Prosthetics Research Study is outlined.", "contents": "Controlled environment treatment (CET) for patients with below-knee amputations. This paper describes a new approach to early postsurgical wound management of the patient with a below-knee amputation. The method involves using the Controlled Environment Treatment (CET) machine, which wasdeveloped in England. A brief explanation of the components of the machine and its capabilities are listed. Ambient pressure, temperature, sterility, and humidity are easily controllable; advantages and disadvantages of this device over immediate post-operative plaster and conventional dressings as they relate both to wound environment and to physical therapy are mentioned. The early postsurgical therapy program used at Prosthetics Research Study is outlined.", "PMID": 996092} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6268", "title": "[Therapeutic indications in 4 cases of hemangioma].", "content": "The author presents four cases of flat, diffuse angiomatosis with metameric distribution on the external surface of the leg, with ipsilateral varicosis. The first patient was cured by sclerosis of a sinous network of varicose veins; the second by atypical stripping of an abberant varicose collector on the external surface of the leg. The other two cases presented typical ipsilateral varicosity of the internal saphenous; simple in the third case, complicated by arterio-venous fistulas in the fourth: the latter subject will be cured durably by stripping of the internal saphenous, resection of the arterio-venous communication and permanent support.", "contents": "[Therapeutic indications in 4 cases of hemangioma]. The author presents four cases of flat, diffuse angiomatosis with metameric distribution on the external surface of the leg, with ipsilateral varicosis. The first patient was cured by sclerosis of a sinous network of varicose veins; the second by atypical stripping of an abberant varicose collector on the external surface of the leg. The other two cases presented typical ipsilateral varicosity of the internal saphenous; simple in the third case, complicated by arterio-venous fistulas in the fourth: the latter subject will be cured durably by stripping of the internal saphenous, resection of the arterio-venous communication and permanent support.", "PMID": 996097} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6269", "title": "[Orthostatic circulatory disorders of the left leg. Angiographic and lymphangiographic evidence].", "content": "The author reports in detail one case of unilateral circulatory disorders of the left leg. These disorders gave rise to 4 particular signs: pain, reddening, oedema, and coldness that appeared only in the standing; the only significant finding from all the investigation was a very rapid venous filling during arteriography, which indicated the possibility of an arterio-venous communication. But there was no proof of this. The diagnosis and surgical therapy are discussed.", "contents": "[Orthostatic circulatory disorders of the left leg. Angiographic and lymphangiographic evidence]. The author reports in detail one case of unilateral circulatory disorders of the left leg. These disorders gave rise to 4 particular signs: pain, reddening, oedema, and coldness that appeared only in the standing; the only significant finding from all the investigation was a very rapid venous filling during arteriography, which indicated the possibility of an arterio-venous communication. But there was no proof of this. The diagnosis and surgical therapy are discussed.", "PMID": 996099} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6270", "title": "Acoustic properties of the nasal tract.", "content": "Sweep frequency measurements of the transfer function of nasals and nasalized vowels have been found to show a more complex pole-zero pattern than can be predicted with a traditional model of the nasal tract which consists of two parallel tubes coupled to the oral cavities. In this paper, we put forward the hypothesis that the more complex transfer function can be explained with reference to the shunting effect of the sinus maxillares and the sinus frontales. The two maxillar sinuses are situated in the bone symmetrically on the right and left side of the nasal tract. The two frontal sinuses are situated above the nasal tract in the bone of the forehead. These cavities are acoustically coupled to the nasal tract via short channels in the bone. Direct sweep tone data on the transfer function of the nasal tract support this hypothesis.", "contents": "Acoustic properties of the nasal tract. Sweep frequency measurements of the transfer function of nasals and nasalized vowels have been found to show a more complex pole-zero pattern than can be predicted with a traditional model of the nasal tract which consists of two parallel tubes coupled to the oral cavities. In this paper, we put forward the hypothesis that the more complex transfer function can be explained with reference to the shunting effect of the sinus maxillares and the sinus frontales. The two maxillar sinuses are situated in the bone symmetrically on the right and left side of the nasal tract. The two frontal sinuses are situated above the nasal tract in the bone of the forehead. These cavities are acoustically coupled to the nasal tract via short channels in the bone. Direct sweep tone data on the transfer function of the nasal tract support this hypothesis.", "PMID": 996111} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6271", "title": "[Immunopathologic aspects of recurrent phlebitis and nodular vascularitis. Therapeutic applications].", "content": "Recurrence of vasculitis is conditioned by 2 factors : a) one is extrinsic (bacteria, mycobacteria, viruses, chemicals) ; b) the other comes from the host. From host-extrinsic factors inter-relationships, depend recurrences of the disease. The role of streptococcosis is of primordial importance : 1) by its exotoxins (Streptolysin O) ;2) by its total exoproteins (highly sensitizing for human beings) ; 3) by an antigenic community with some tissular antigens. Immunotherapy when successful may act by an inhibiting effect on allergy (probably exerted by means of a stimulation of the reticuloendothelial system).", "contents": "[Immunopathologic aspects of recurrent phlebitis and nodular vascularitis. Therapeutic applications]. Recurrence of vasculitis is conditioned by 2 factors : a) one is extrinsic (bacteria, mycobacteria, viruses, chemicals) ; b) the other comes from the host. From host-extrinsic factors inter-relationships, depend recurrences of the disease. The role of streptococcosis is of primordial importance : 1) by its exotoxins (Streptolysin O) ;2) by its total exoproteins (highly sensitizing for human beings) ; 3) by an antigenic community with some tissular antigens. Immunotherapy when successful may act by an inhibiting effect on allergy (probably exerted by means of a stimulation of the reticuloendothelial system).", "PMID": 996105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6272", "title": "[Aspiration and glottal activity. Experimental test during production of Icelandic consonants].", "content": "The results of an experimental research of the glottal activity during the production of Icelandic consonants and consonant clusters are reported. The method of research is the photoglottography. It is concluded from the data examined that aspiration in Icelandic can be described as a function of glottal opening at the moment of release. The last part of the study contains a discussion of the place of phonetics in linguistic analysis. It is asserted that an analysis of the linguistic form always must precede a phonetic analysis.", "contents": "[Aspiration and glottal activity. Experimental test during production of Icelandic consonants]. The results of an experimental research of the glottal activity during the production of Icelandic consonants and consonant clusters are reported. The method of research is the photoglottography. It is concluded from the data examined that aspiration in Icelandic can be described as a function of glottal opening at the moment of release. The last part of the study contains a discussion of the place of phonetics in linguistic analysis. It is asserted that an analysis of the linguistic form always must precede a phonetic analysis.", "PMID": 996112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6273", "title": "[Phlebitis of effort and venous edema of the upper limbs. Compressions of the subclavian vein].", "content": "The authors present a series of 18 cases (13 patients) of a venous syndrome of the arm. Three were cases of phlebitis due to effort and 15 were cases of intermittent or permanent oedema of the arms. Four of the patient also presented homo- or contralateral arterial disorders. Dynamics and multiposition phlebography gave evidence on 18 occasions of a branchial compression syndrome. Twelve patients were operated upon. On 16 occasions resection of the first rib was carried out by the axillary route (in 1 case this was combined with the ablation of one cervical rib). All the patients were cured without complications.", "contents": "[Phlebitis of effort and venous edema of the upper limbs. Compressions of the subclavian vein]. The authors present a series of 18 cases (13 patients) of a venous syndrome of the arm. Three were cases of phlebitis due to effort and 15 were cases of intermittent or permanent oedema of the arms. Four of the patient also presented homo- or contralateral arterial disorders. Dynamics and multiposition phlebography gave evidence on 18 occasions of a branchial compression syndrome. Twelve patients were operated upon. On 16 occasions resection of the first rib was carried out by the axillary route (in 1 case this was combined with the ablation of one cervical rib). All the patients were cured without complications.", "PMID": 996106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6274", "title": "Labial-mandibular coordination in the production of speech: implications for the operation of motor equivalence.", "content": "The purpose of this study was to explore select properties of speech movement coordination. Values of displacement for the upper lip, lower lip and jaw were obtained during repetitive productions of three vowels (ae, i, xi, in CVCVC contexts) by six subjects at two speaking rates. These data were analyzed to determine the relative contribution of each of these articulators to the superior-inferior distance between the upper and lower lips. The results of these analyses provided substantive evidence for the operation of motor equivalence in the speech movement coordination of the labial-mandibular system. The theoretical implications of these findings for the neural control mechanisms underlying speech movements are discussed.", "contents": "Labial-mandibular coordination in the production of speech: implications for the operation of motor equivalence. The purpose of this study was to explore select properties of speech movement coordination. Values of displacement for the upper lip, lower lip and jaw were obtained during repetitive productions of three vowels (ae, i, xi, in CVCVC contexts) by six subjects at two speaking rates. These data were analyzed to determine the relative contribution of each of these articulators to the superior-inferior distance between the upper and lower lips. The results of these analyses provided substantive evidence for the operation of motor equivalence in the speech movement coordination of the labial-mandibular system. The theoretical implications of these findings for the neural control mechanisms underlying speech movements are discussed.", "PMID": 996113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6275", "title": "Measuring larynx movement in standard Thia using the cricothyrometer.", "content": "Vertical movement of the larynx during connected speech was investigated in Standard Thai - a language that has five phonologically contrastive tones. The effects of pitch, consonant phonation-type, vowel quality, tonal categories, and position in the utterance were determined. Utterance position was found to be the factor most clearly associated with variations in larynx movement. The occurrence of an overall rise-fall pattern of larynx movement distributed over utterances of varying pitch patterns leads to the conclusion that larynx height is not a principal factor regulating pitch in connected speech. Implications for models of pitch production, distinctive features for tone, theories on the historical development of tone and the role of larynx movements in the production of consonants and vowels are discussed.", "contents": "Measuring larynx movement in standard Thia using the cricothyrometer. Vertical movement of the larynx during connected speech was investigated in Standard Thai - a language that has five phonologically contrastive tones. The effects of pitch, consonant phonation-type, vowel quality, tonal categories, and position in the utterance were determined. Utterance position was found to be the factor most clearly associated with variations in larynx movement. The occurrence of an overall rise-fall pattern of larynx movement distributed over utterances of varying pitch patterns leads to the conclusion that larynx height is not a principal factor regulating pitch in connected speech. Implications for models of pitch production, distinctive features for tone, theories on the historical development of tone and the role of larynx movements in the production of consonants and vowels are discussed.", "PMID": 996114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6276", "title": "[Relations between the form of the vocal tract and the acoustic characteristics of the French vowels].", "content": "The distribution inside the vocal tract of certain acoustic parameters (volume velocity, acoustic pressure, stored energy) is calculated for the French vowels. Calculations are made using a simulated lossy transmission line model of the vocal tract. The obtained results are used to study the relation between the acoustic characteristics of these vowels and the corresponding articulatory dimensions. Three aspects of this relation are developed: (1) the \"affiliation degree\" of each formant with different sections of the vocal tract; (2) the sensitivity of each formant frequency to small changes of the vocal tract area function, and (3) the contribution of each part of the vocal tract to formant damping for each of the distributed losses. The effects of radiation impedance and wall vibration on these relations are evaluated. Use of these results is possible in the fields of speech analysis and vocal tract modeling.", "contents": "[Relations between the form of the vocal tract and the acoustic characteristics of the French vowels]. The distribution inside the vocal tract of certain acoustic parameters (volume velocity, acoustic pressure, stored energy) is calculated for the French vowels. Calculations are made using a simulated lossy transmission line model of the vocal tract. The obtained results are used to study the relation between the acoustic characteristics of these vowels and the corresponding articulatory dimensions. Three aspects of this relation are developed: (1) the \"affiliation degree\" of each formant with different sections of the vocal tract; (2) the sensitivity of each formant frequency to small changes of the vocal tract area function, and (3) the contribution of each part of the vocal tract to formant damping for each of the distributed losses. The effects of radiation impedance and wall vibration on these relations are evaluated. Use of these results is possible in the fields of speech analysis and vocal tract modeling.", "PMID": 996115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6277", "title": "[Thoraco-brachial outlet venous syndromes].", "content": "The name \"phlebitis of effort\" is often misleading ; effort is often only the precipitating or revealing factor of a venous thrombosis related, in fact, to another cause. In particular, the author draws attention to the local factor of subclavian stenosis : one case is reported in demonstration. In order to detect these subclavian stenoses, a clinical examination is sometimes of little value and phlebography is essential for diagnosis. Identification of this kind of lesion is followed by consideration of the indications for surgery, either to prevent the risk of secondary thrombosis or to decrease the consequences of an existing thrombosis ; in the case reported, the freeing of the vein was combined with thrombectomy.", "contents": "[Thoraco-brachial outlet venous syndromes]. The name \"phlebitis of effort\" is often misleading ; effort is often only the precipitating or revealing factor of a venous thrombosis related, in fact, to another cause. In particular, the author draws attention to the local factor of subclavian stenosis : one case is reported in demonstration. In order to detect these subclavian stenoses, a clinical examination is sometimes of little value and phlebography is essential for diagnosis. Identification of this kind of lesion is followed by consideration of the indications for surgery, either to prevent the risk of secondary thrombosis or to decrease the consequences of an existing thrombosis ; in the case reported, the freeing of the vein was combined with thrombectomy.", "PMID": 996107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6278", "title": "S-shaped repair of the unilateral cleft lip.", "content": "A modification of Tennison's operation for closure of a cleft lip is presented. The modification entails the use of X-shaped incision lines and a piece of lead rather than a wire.", "contents": "S-shaped repair of the unilateral cleft lip. A modification of Tennison's operation for closure of a cleft lip is presented. The modification entails the use of X-shaped incision lines and a piece of lead rather than a wire.", "PMID": 996170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6279", "title": "Benign inverted nipple: trans-nipple-areolar correction.", "content": "It is not expected that patients who have this correction for inverted nipples can nurse, but neither could they preoperatively. Their hygiene problems are solved. The deformity, their prime concern, has been corrected through a direct trans-nipple-areolar incision with nipple augmentation by flaps of breast tissue.", "contents": "Benign inverted nipple: trans-nipple-areolar correction. It is not expected that patients who have this correction for inverted nipples can nurse, but neither could they preoperatively. Their hygiene problems are solved. The deformity, their prime concern, has been corrected through a direct trans-nipple-areolar incision with nipple augmentation by flaps of breast tissue.", "PMID": 996171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6280", "title": "Secretan's disease: Post-traumatic hard edema of the dorsum of the hand.", "content": "Five cases are presented of hard, brawny edema of the dorsum of the hand, typical of Secretan's disease. We now believe splinting and active exercise to be the initial treatment of choice. Only after months of such conservative management should one resort to surgery.", "contents": "Secretan's disease: Post-traumatic hard edema of the dorsum of the hand. Five cases are presented of hard, brawny edema of the dorsum of the hand, typical of Secretan's disease. We now believe splinting and active exercise to be the initial treatment of choice. Only after months of such conservative management should one resort to surgery.", "PMID": 996173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6281", "title": "The site of reapplication of microvascular clamps.", "content": "An experiment was done with albino rats to determine whether the arterial clamp should be reapplied proximal or distal to the anastomosis when revising a venous anastomosis in microvascular surgery. Our findings showed that the reapplication of clamps should be avoided if possible. However, if it is necessary to reapply an arterial clamp, it may be placed either proximal or distal to the anastomosis - with almost the same incidence of patency resulting.", "contents": "The site of reapplication of microvascular clamps. An experiment was done with albino rats to determine whether the arterial clamp should be reapplied proximal or distal to the anastomosis when revising a venous anastomosis in microvascular surgery. Our findings showed that the reapplication of clamps should be avoided if possible. However, if it is necessary to reapply an arterial clamp, it may be placed either proximal or distal to the anastomosis - with almost the same incidence of patency resulting.", "PMID": 996175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6282", "title": "[The importance of occupational therapy in a social therapeutic program].", "content": "The author in his present paper attempts to outline some of the more important aspects of, and theoretical and practical problems associated with, the integration of occupational therapy into a large-scale sociotherapeutic program.", "contents": "[The importance of occupational therapy in a social therapeutic program]. The author in his present paper attempts to outline some of the more important aspects of, and theoretical and practical problems associated with, the integration of occupational therapy into a large-scale sociotherapeutic program.", "PMID": 996176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6283", "title": "[The influence of rehabilitative factors on the behavior and affect of epileptics].", "content": "First experience in the occupational rehabilitation of a group of less gifted juvenile epileptics is reported. In this paper, the emphasis is on both psychological and sociopsychological aspects of rehabilitation. The observation and control of processes and reactions is of major importance to the entire program of rehabilitation. Also, the improvement of the occupational situation of a patient will have a positive influence on his social behavior, self-confidence, and emotions. Rehabilitation is a complex process, with the results depending to a very large extent on extremely methodical approaches.", "contents": "[The influence of rehabilitative factors on the behavior and affect of epileptics]. First experience in the occupational rehabilitation of a group of less gifted juvenile epileptics is reported. In this paper, the emphasis is on both psychological and sociopsychological aspects of rehabilitation. The observation and control of processes and reactions is of major importance to the entire program of rehabilitation. Also, the improvement of the occupational situation of a patient will have a positive influence on his social behavior, self-confidence, and emotions. Rehabilitation is a complex process, with the results depending to a very large extent on extremely methodical approaches.", "PMID": 996177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6284", "title": "[Participation of spouses of neurotic inpatients on the neurotic's views pertaining to their superiors and place of employment].", "content": "In a total of 72 sessions, 40 neurotic patients and their partners in marriage, who were interrogated separately, expressed their views of the superiors and employers of the patients. Statistical analyses showed that there was a great similarity between the comments made by the patients and their spouses. The basic psychodynamic process of identification was considered responsible for this. Six modes of identification with the neurotic partner were described. Also discussed by the author are the value and limits of \"objective anamnesis\". The need for including the entire family in the program of therapy is pointed out.", "contents": "[Participation of spouses of neurotic inpatients on the neurotic's views pertaining to their superiors and place of employment]. In a total of 72 sessions, 40 neurotic patients and their partners in marriage, who were interrogated separately, expressed their views of the superiors and employers of the patients. Statistical analyses showed that there was a great similarity between the comments made by the patients and their spouses. The basic psychodynamic process of identification was considered responsible for this. Six modes of identification with the neurotic partner were described. Also discussed by the author are the value and limits of \"objective anamnesis\". The need for including the entire family in the program of therapy is pointed out.", "PMID": 996178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6285", "title": "[Neuropathologic findings after electrotrauma in dogs].", "content": "The authors report the results of morphological studies of the brains of dogs on which transcerebral or peripheral electrotraumata were inflicted and which were killed immediately after completion of the experiment. Subarachnoidal and intracerebral hemorrhages were observed in the two groups of experimental animals. Hemorrhages were much less intense in those cases in which so-called peripheral injuries were inflicted on the animals. However, it is reasonable to expect late and permanent functional and morphological damage to the central nervous system to be produced even in those cases where electric current is not caused to flow directly through the brain. This should be carefully considered in any attempt to determine the consequences of electrotraumata.", "contents": "[Neuropathologic findings after electrotrauma in dogs]. The authors report the results of morphological studies of the brains of dogs on which transcerebral or peripheral electrotraumata were inflicted and which were killed immediately after completion of the experiment. Subarachnoidal and intracerebral hemorrhages were observed in the two groups of experimental animals. Hemorrhages were much less intense in those cases in which so-called peripheral injuries were inflicted on the animals. However, it is reasonable to expect late and permanent functional and morphological damage to the central nervous system to be produced even in those cases where electric current is not caused to flow directly through the brain. This should be carefully considered in any attempt to determine the consequences of electrotraumata.", "PMID": 996179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6286", "title": "[Clinical, psychological, and psychophysiological characteristics of neurotic-functional, cardiovascular and neurotic-depressive syndromes].", "content": "A total of ninety women classified into three groups (with cardiovascular, depressive, and other principal symptoms) according to clinical criteria were characterized by clinico-anamnestic, psychological, and psychophysiological data with the goal of arriving at a practically oriented differentiation of neurotic syndromes. The relevant variables were determined by means of a factor analysis. The physiological reaction patterns determined in experiments on psychically strained individuals proved unsuitable for the differentiation of the two syndromes. The problems associated with a symptom-oriented classification are discussed.", "contents": "[Clinical, psychological, and psychophysiological characteristics of neurotic-functional, cardiovascular and neurotic-depressive syndromes]. A total of ninety women classified into three groups (with cardiovascular, depressive, and other principal symptoms) according to clinical criteria were characterized by clinico-anamnestic, psychological, and psychophysiological data with the goal of arriving at a practically oriented differentiation of neurotic syndromes. The relevant variables were determined by means of a factor analysis. The physiological reaction patterns determined in experiments on psychically strained individuals proved unsuitable for the differentiation of the two syndromes. The problems associated with a symptom-oriented classification are discussed.", "PMID": 996180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6287", "title": "Some antitherapeutic effects of the token economy: a case in point.", "content": "This paper deals with some of the complaints of patients and difficulties in treatment which arose on a psychiatric ward which was administered as a token economy. Most evaluations of token economies have been made by advocates of the technique and have selected specific behaviors as \"targets\" for reinforcement. I do not wish to engage in polemics regarding the relative worth of behavioral and psychodynamic theories of treatment, but this paper reflects my own misgivings about certain aspects of the token economy and is concerned more with the quality of the ward atmosphere it creates than with specific behavior changes. I will describe the difficulties encountered on a single ward because I suspect that such difficulties, while perhaps ubiquitous to psychiatric wards and mental hospitals, are amplified within the token economy to the detriment of patient care. My purposes in this paper, then, are twofold: to present and briefly analyze several recurrent problems on a token economy within a wider context of events than is typical for such discussions; and to provoke advocates of the token economy system to consider the possibility that their favorite treatment modality may actually limit the potential for therapy. In fulfilling these purposes, I shall also be making reference to some psychiatric literature, now fifteen to twenty years old, which has struggled with similar problems with partial success, and of which psychologists and younger psychiatrists are too often unaware.", "contents": "Some antitherapeutic effects of the token economy: a case in point. This paper deals with some of the complaints of patients and difficulties in treatment which arose on a psychiatric ward which was administered as a token economy. Most evaluations of token economies have been made by advocates of the technique and have selected specific behaviors as \"targets\" for reinforcement. I do not wish to engage in polemics regarding the relative worth of behavioral and psychodynamic theories of treatment, but this paper reflects my own misgivings about certain aspects of the token economy and is concerned more with the quality of the ward atmosphere it creates than with specific behavior changes. I will describe the difficulties encountered on a single ward because I suspect that such difficulties, while perhaps ubiquitous to psychiatric wards and mental hospitals, are amplified within the token economy to the detriment of patient care. My purposes in this paper, then, are twofold: to present and briefly analyze several recurrent problems on a token economy within a wider context of events than is typical for such discussions; and to provoke advocates of the token economy system to consider the possibility that their favorite treatment modality may actually limit the potential for therapy. In fulfilling these purposes, I shall also be making reference to some psychiatric literature, now fifteen to twenty years old, which has struggled with similar problems with partial success, and of which psychologists and younger psychiatrists are too often unaware.", "PMID": 996182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6288", "title": "Integrative and sealing-over recoveries from schizophrenia: distinguishing case studies.", "content": "The types of recovery from an acute schizophrenic break are manifold: one patient \"returns\" to reality and walks away as if untouched; another despairs for months about \"losing control\" of himself; still another finds his reentrance into the world less attractive than his psychotic exit. Each \"copes\" with his psychosis uniquely, both during and after the acute regression. Nevertheless, from observing and treating several acutely psychotic and recovered schizophrenics on a National Institute of Mental Health clinical research unit, we have noted that individual recovery styles tend to cluster around one of two distinct types--integrative or sealing-over. Broadly defined, the sealing-over patient prefers not to think about his psychotic experience during recovery, the integrator, by contrast, is interested in the psychotic experience and desires to place it into some coherent perspective. Specific behavioral definitions and dynamic considerations of these concepts have been presented elsewhere (McGlashan et al., 1975; Levy et al., 1975). As recovery \"styles,\" we are talking about dichotomies, such as expansion versus constriction and flexibility versus rigidity of controls over consciousness, which in turn determine the range of feelings, thoughts, and actions that a person permits himself and is reasonably comfortable with. This paper illustrates and further delineates these recovery styles with specific cases of two young women who each experienced a first psychotic break and were treated on our clinical research unit. Though but two of many acute schizophrenics admitted to our unit, these patients demonstrated clinical courses most representative of each recovery style and provided rich material for a greater understanding of the dynamics of integration and sealing-over.", "contents": "Integrative and sealing-over recoveries from schizophrenia: distinguishing case studies. The types of recovery from an acute schizophrenic break are manifold: one patient \"returns\" to reality and walks away as if untouched; another despairs for months about \"losing control\" of himself; still another finds his reentrance into the world less attractive than his psychotic exit. Each \"copes\" with his psychosis uniquely, both during and after the acute regression. Nevertheless, from observing and treating several acutely psychotic and recovered schizophrenics on a National Institute of Mental Health clinical research unit, we have noted that individual recovery styles tend to cluster around one of two distinct types--integrative or sealing-over. Broadly defined, the sealing-over patient prefers not to think about his psychotic experience during recovery, the integrator, by contrast, is interested in the psychotic experience and desires to place it into some coherent perspective. Specific behavioral definitions and dynamic considerations of these concepts have been presented elsewhere (McGlashan et al., 1975; Levy et al., 1975). As recovery \"styles,\" we are talking about dichotomies, such as expansion versus constriction and flexibility versus rigidity of controls over consciousness, which in turn determine the range of feelings, thoughts, and actions that a person permits himself and is reasonably comfortable with. This paper illustrates and further delineates these recovery styles with specific cases of two young women who each experienced a first psychotic break and were treated on our clinical research unit. Though but two of many acute schizophrenics admitted to our unit, these patients demonstrated clinical courses most representative of each recovery style and provided rich material for a greater understanding of the dynamics of integration and sealing-over.", "PMID": 996183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6289", "title": "Alternative group foster homes; a new place for young people to live.", "content": "After a brief historical survey of child placement practices in the United States, this paper will address itself to an innovative form of placement for adolescents, \"alternative group foster homes.\" The origins of two of these homes in \"runaway houses\" and their ideological underpinnings in the social and political critique of the counterculture will be discussed. The two homes will then be described and their functioning contrasted. One of them, Frye House, has managed to remain faithful to the radically democratic principles which animated its founding, and the other, Markham House, has not; the emphasis here will be on this difference and on its consequences for the homes as a whole and for the young people who have lived in them.", "contents": "Alternative group foster homes; a new place for young people to live. After a brief historical survey of child placement practices in the United States, this paper will address itself to an innovative form of placement for adolescents, \"alternative group foster homes.\" The origins of two of these homes in \"runaway houses\" and their ideological underpinnings in the social and political critique of the counterculture will be discussed. The two homes will then be described and their functioning contrasted. One of them, Frye House, has managed to remain faithful to the radically democratic principles which animated its founding, and the other, Markham House, has not; the emphasis here will be on this difference and on its consequences for the homes as a whole and for the young people who have lived in them.", "PMID": 996184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6290", "title": "Concurrent sex therapy and psychoanalytic psychotherapy by separate therapists: effectiveness and implications.", "content": "Since the publication of Masters and Johnson's Human Sexual Inadequacy in 1970, sex therapy has become an established, though controversial, new approach to the treatment of sexual disorders. Masters and Johnson adopted the position that any other form of psychotherapy should be avoided or suspended during the two- or three-week period of sex therapy. Helen Kaplan, in considering sex therapy to be a type of psychotherapy, has stressed that the skillful trained psychotherapist uses his awareness of the psychodynamics and unconscious conflicts of the couple in modifying and tailoring the sex therapy program to their individual needs. In the present study, sex therapy, utilizing a second therapist, was introduced into an ongoing psychoanalytic psychotherapy.", "contents": "Concurrent sex therapy and psychoanalytic psychotherapy by separate therapists: effectiveness and implications. Since the publication of Masters and Johnson's Human Sexual Inadequacy in 1970, sex therapy has become an established, though controversial, new approach to the treatment of sexual disorders. Masters and Johnson adopted the position that any other form of psychotherapy should be avoided or suspended during the two- or three-week period of sex therapy. Helen Kaplan, in considering sex therapy to be a type of psychotherapy, has stressed that the skillful trained psychotherapist uses his awareness of the psychodynamics and unconscious conflicts of the couple in modifying and tailoring the sex therapy program to their individual needs. In the present study, sex therapy, utilizing a second therapist, was introduced into an ongoing psychoanalytic psychotherapy.", "PMID": 996185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6291", "title": "A method for small group training of psychiatric ward staff.", "content": "On a psychiatric ward for adolescents a change in organizational structure provided more autonomy and responsibility to the ward staff. As part of a program to help staff meet these new responsibilities, training groups were instituted to teach staff how to use their work groups more effectively. A method for staff training was used which promoted the development of group cohesiveness in the work groups and the transfer of insights made in training to job performance. In order to articulate clearly the conceptual rationale for the method, it is analyzed here in three parts: the goals of training and their impediments; the conditions under which learning will occur; and the processes through which learning takes place. In the description of the learning processes, \"work\" is conceived of as a group problem-solving process, involving the balancing and synthesizing of formal task demands and interpersonal pressures. Ward staff resistance to this form of training is discussed, and examples of improved performance on the job are presented. The training groups are defined in comparison to other types of groups and to more traditional didactic teaching.", "contents": "A method for small group training of psychiatric ward staff. On a psychiatric ward for adolescents a change in organizational structure provided more autonomy and responsibility to the ward staff. As part of a program to help staff meet these new responsibilities, training groups were instituted to teach staff how to use their work groups more effectively. A method for staff training was used which promoted the development of group cohesiveness in the work groups and the transfer of insights made in training to job performance. In order to articulate clearly the conceptual rationale for the method, it is analyzed here in three parts: the goals of training and their impediments; the conditions under which learning will occur; and the processes through which learning takes place. In the description of the learning processes, \"work\" is conceived of as a group problem-solving process, involving the balancing and synthesizing of formal task demands and interpersonal pressures. Ward staff resistance to this form of training is discussed, and examples of improved performance on the job are presented. The training groups are defined in comparison to other types of groups and to more traditional didactic teaching.", "PMID": 996186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6292", "title": "The young widow: depressive symptomatology throughout the grief process.", "content": "The purpose of this investigation was to examine patterns of abatement of depressive symptomatology in 30 young widows at three time periods: immediately following the death of the husband, a year later, and at present. Data on all three time periods were gathered during one interview. The study thus provides retrospective information on patterns of depressive symptomatology. It was expected that such information would enhance understanding of the stages of the grief process described by Glick et al. and by Maddison.", "contents": "The young widow: depressive symptomatology throughout the grief process. The purpose of this investigation was to examine patterns of abatement of depressive symptomatology in 30 young widows at three time periods: immediately following the death of the husband, a year later, and at present. Data on all three time periods were gathered during one interview. The study thus provides retrospective information on patterns of depressive symptomatology. It was expected that such information would enhance understanding of the stages of the grief process described by Glick et al. and by Maddison.", "PMID": 996187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6293", "title": "Brainwashing, psychiatry, and the law.", "content": "Buried as a foreign menance more than twenty years ago, exhumed, examined and reinterred once or twice since then, brainwashing has risen again, this time to take its place on the stage of domestic horrors.", "contents": "Brainwashing, psychiatry, and the law. Buried as a foreign menance more than twenty years ago, exhumed, examined and reinterred once or twice since then, brainwashing has risen again, this time to take its place on the stage of domestic horrors.", "PMID": 996188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6294", "title": "Proverbs and psychoanalysis.", "content": "Proverbs have much to teach the psychoanalyst. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the clinical usefulness of viewing certain proverbs as analogous to typical dreams, to discuss some implications of the affinities between proverbs, riddles, and typical dreams in the context of applied psychoanalysis, and to view the proverb as stemming from the same common matrix as dreams, myths, symptoms, and folklore.", "contents": "Proverbs and psychoanalysis. Proverbs have much to teach the psychoanalyst. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the clinical usefulness of viewing certain proverbs as analogous to typical dreams, to discuss some implications of the affinities between proverbs, riddles, and typical dreams in the context of applied psychoanalysis, and to view the proverb as stemming from the same common matrix as dreams, myths, symptoms, and folklore.", "PMID": 996194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6295", "title": "Idealization and grandiosity: developmental considerations and treatment implications.", "content": "Analysis of patients with narcissistic pathology offers an opportunity to study the development of specific distortions of self and object representations. Two cases are presented illustrating the development of idealizations and grandiosity. For one patient these were manifestations of a developmental arrest; for the other, defenses against object-instinctual conflict. Differences in the function of idealizations and grandiosity in the two patients are attributed to the role of aggression and to the degree of separation-individuation attained. Treatment implications with references to the works of Kohut and Kernberg are considered.", "contents": "Idealization and grandiosity: developmental considerations and treatment implications. Analysis of patients with narcissistic pathology offers an opportunity to study the development of specific distortions of self and object representations. Two cases are presented illustrating the development of idealizations and grandiosity. For one patient these were manifestations of a developmental arrest; for the other, defenses against object-instinctual conflict. Differences in the function of idealizations and grandiosity in the two patients are attributed to the role of aggression and to the degree of separation-individuation attained. Treatment implications with references to the works of Kohut and Kernberg are considered.", "PMID": 996195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6296", "title": "The effects of clomiphene citrate on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in anorexia nervosa.", "content": "Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) responses to a course of clomiphene citrate were studied in eleven patients with anorexia nervosa at different stages of the illness. In malnourished patients basal levels of LH were invariably low. With the resumption of a normal weight a small but definite rise in LH levels was observed but this spontaneous response to weight gain was variable in that many patients continued to exhibit abnormally low LH levels. The response to clomiphene in terms of a rise in basal LH levels after administration of the drug, followed by a second peak of LH and subsequent menstrual bleeding, was clearly dependent in part on the patient's nutritional state. In the malnourished state the response to clomiphene was usually either absent or incomplete. After the resumption of a more normal weight, the patients invariably showed an initial rise in LH after the clomiphene, but the second LH peak and subsequent menstruation were frequently not demonstrated. Six patients maintained a normal body weight for at least six months after a course of clomiphene, but only three of them resumed cyclical menstrual bleeding. It was concluded that factors additional to the nutritional state contribute to the prolonged amenorrhoea in anorexia nervosa and that clomiphene appears to have only a limited role in the treatment and management of patients with the disorder. Some aspects of current knowledge of the endocrine mechanisms that regulate normal menstruation and of the mode of action of clomiphene are outlined. The results of the present study are discussed against this background in an attempt to elucidate further the hypothalamic disorder underlying the amenorrhoea in anorexia nervosa.", "contents": "The effects of clomiphene citrate on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in anorexia nervosa. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) responses to a course of clomiphene citrate were studied in eleven patients with anorexia nervosa at different stages of the illness. In malnourished patients basal levels of LH were invariably low. With the resumption of a normal weight a small but definite rise in LH levels was observed but this spontaneous response to weight gain was variable in that many patients continued to exhibit abnormally low LH levels. The response to clomiphene in terms of a rise in basal LH levels after administration of the drug, followed by a second peak of LH and subsequent menstrual bleeding, was clearly dependent in part on the patient's nutritional state. In the malnourished state the response to clomiphene was usually either absent or incomplete. After the resumption of a more normal weight, the patients invariably showed an initial rise in LH after the clomiphene, but the second LH peak and subsequent menstruation were frequently not demonstrated. Six patients maintained a normal body weight for at least six months after a course of clomiphene, but only three of them resumed cyclical menstrual bleeding. It was concluded that factors additional to the nutritional state contribute to the prolonged amenorrhoea in anorexia nervosa and that clomiphene appears to have only a limited role in the treatment and management of patients with the disorder. Some aspects of current knowledge of the endocrine mechanisms that regulate normal menstruation and of the mode of action of clomiphene are outlined. The results of the present study are discussed against this background in an attempt to elucidate further the hypothalamic disorder underlying the amenorrhoea in anorexia nervosa.", "PMID": 996198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6297", "title": "The effects of administering lithium carbonate on the balance of Na, K and water in manic-depressive patients.", "content": "Eleven patients in remission from manic-depressive illness were studied by means of metabolic balances before and after the administration of lithium carbonate. Lithium caused a sharp diuresis of isotonic saline and a smaller excretion of potassium over the course of two days. During the subsequent two days there occurred a compensatory retention of Na, K and water. These short-term changes were not associated with any significant alteration in the patients' mood. There was no significant and systematic retention of Na, K or water over the 14 days of Li administration. The recovery of Li was measured simultaneously. During the first week only a proportion of the administered Li was recovered in the urine and faeces, suggesting that a gradual distribution of Li throughout its body space was occurring. After the first week, nearly all the administered Li was recovered, indicating an equilibrium with an even distribution of the ion throughout its body space. This equilibrium was more complete at this early stage in those patients who had been given a smaller dose of lithium carbonate.", "contents": "The effects of administering lithium carbonate on the balance of Na, K and water in manic-depressive patients. Eleven patients in remission from manic-depressive illness were studied by means of metabolic balances before and after the administration of lithium carbonate. Lithium caused a sharp diuresis of isotonic saline and a smaller excretion of potassium over the course of two days. During the subsequent two days there occurred a compensatory retention of Na, K and water. These short-term changes were not associated with any significant alteration in the patients' mood. There was no significant and systematic retention of Na, K or water over the 14 days of Li administration. The recovery of Li was measured simultaneously. During the first week only a proportion of the administered Li was recovered in the urine and faeces, suggesting that a gradual distribution of Li throughout its body space was occurring. After the first week, nearly all the administered Li was recovered, indicating an equilibrium with an even distribution of the ion throughout its body space. This equilibrium was more complete at this early stage in those patients who had been given a smaller dose of lithium carbonate.", "PMID": 996199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6298", "title": "Precursors and metabolites of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine in the ventricular cerebrospinal fluid of psychiatric patients.", "content": "Tryptophan and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (precursor and metabolite respectively of 5-hydroxytryptamine) were determined in ventricular CSF of psychiatric patients undergoing stereotactic subcaudate tractotomy. Tyrosine and homovanillic acid (precursor and metabolite respectively of dopamine) were also determined. Results suggest an association between affective state and the above precursor amino acids with lower concentrations in primary depression and higher ones when anxiety or agitation predominate. This leads to lower 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations in depression and higher concentrations in anxiety and agitation.", "contents": "Precursors and metabolites of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine in the ventricular cerebrospinal fluid of psychiatric patients. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (precursor and metabolite respectively of 5-hydroxytryptamine) were determined in ventricular CSF of psychiatric patients undergoing stereotactic subcaudate tractotomy. Tyrosine and homovanillic acid (precursor and metabolite respectively of dopamine) were also determined. Results suggest an association between affective state and the above precursor amino acids with lower concentrations in primary depression and higher ones when anxiety or agitation predominate. This leads to lower 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations in depression and higher concentrations in anxiety and agitation.", "PMID": 996200} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6299", "title": "Clinical significance of plasma chlorpromazine levels. I. Plasma levels of the drug, some of its metabolites and prolactin during acute treatment.", "content": "Seventeen acute psychotic patients were studied in the course of chlorpromazine (CPZ) treatment. Blood samples were taken weekly both before and two hours after the morning CPZ dose. Plasma levels of CPZ, CPZ sulphoxide (CPZ SO) monodesmethylated CPZ (NOR1CPZ) and 7-hydroxy CPZ (7OH CPZ) were estimated by gas chromatography. Plasma prolactin, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and oestrogens were measured by radioimmunoassay. Six of the seven patients who showed no clinical improvement had plasma CPZ levels equal to or higher than those of patients who improved. 'Non-responders' has a greater proportion of CPZ SO in pre-dosage samples. The occurrence of parkinsonian side effects was associated with a mean plasma CPZ of greater than 50 ng/ml and a mean plasma prolactin of greater than 30 ng/ml two hours after dosage. The elevation of prolactin preceded the onset of parkinsonian symptoms by 1-2 weeks. There was a significant positive correlation between mean plasma prolactin and mean plasma CPZ levels. The prolactin response may prove a useful index of the central antidopaminergic effect of neuroleptic drugs.", "contents": "Clinical significance of plasma chlorpromazine levels. I. Plasma levels of the drug, some of its metabolites and prolactin during acute treatment. Seventeen acute psychotic patients were studied in the course of chlorpromazine (CPZ) treatment. Blood samples were taken weekly both before and two hours after the morning CPZ dose. Plasma levels of CPZ, CPZ sulphoxide (CPZ SO) monodesmethylated CPZ (NOR1CPZ) and 7-hydroxy CPZ (7OH CPZ) were estimated by gas chromatography. Plasma prolactin, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and oestrogens were measured by radioimmunoassay. Six of the seven patients who showed no clinical improvement had plasma CPZ levels equal to or higher than those of patients who improved. 'Non-responders' has a greater proportion of CPZ SO in pre-dosage samples. The occurrence of parkinsonian side effects was associated with a mean plasma CPZ of greater than 50 ng/ml and a mean plasma prolactin of greater than 30 ng/ml two hours after dosage. The elevation of prolactin preceded the onset of parkinsonian symptoms by 1-2 weeks. There was a significant positive correlation between mean plasma prolactin and mean plasma CPZ levels. The prolactin response may prove a useful index of the central antidopaminergic effect of neuroleptic drugs.", "PMID": 996201} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6300", "title": "Clinical and social variables which differentiate suicide, open and accident verdicts.", "content": "A study has been made of cases coming before the Brighton coroner in the period 1970-2. Fifty cases in which a suicide verdict was recorded were specially studied, and relatives and acquaintances of the deceased were interviewed. The information thus obtained was compared with information available to the coroner in considering his verdict in 83 further cases in which he made a verdict of 'suicide'. The reliability of the contemporary information on which the coroner's decision is based was largely validated. A study was made of variables which differentiated 'suicide' from 25 'open' and 33 'accident' cases considered by the same coroner. The prevalence of depression did not differentiate 'suicide' and 'open' cases, and this finding contradicts suggestions that the association of depression and suicide might be an artefact of the method of arriving at a suicide verdict. A number of other demographic and clinical factors did however significantly vary between 'suicide', 'open' and 'accident' cases.", "contents": "Clinical and social variables which differentiate suicide, open and accident verdicts. A study has been made of cases coming before the Brighton coroner in the period 1970-2. Fifty cases in which a suicide verdict was recorded were specially studied, and relatives and acquaintances of the deceased were interviewed. The information thus obtained was compared with information available to the coroner in considering his verdict in 83 further cases in which he made a verdict of 'suicide'. The reliability of the contemporary information on which the coroner's decision is based was largely validated. A study was made of variables which differentiated 'suicide' from 25 'open' and 33 'accident' cases considered by the same coroner. The prevalence of depression did not differentiate 'suicide' and 'open' cases, and this finding contradicts suggestions that the association of depression and suicide might be an artefact of the method of arriving at a suicide verdict. A number of other demographic and clinical factors did however significantly vary between 'suicide', 'open' and 'accident' cases.", "PMID": 996202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6301", "title": "Completed suicide: a taxonomic analysis of clinical and social data.", "content": "A post mortem enquiry has been made into the social family and clinical circumstances of 50 individuals who, according to a coroner's verdict, killed themselves in Brighton. A dimensional analysis of the 123 variables thus collected suggested the possibility of three distinct types of suicide: \"depressive suidice', \"sociopathic suicide' and \"physical illness suicide'. The reliability of this typology has been checked by the analysis of 55 selected variables for a total of 193 cases considered by the same coroner. A cluster analysis has confirmed that the data contained at least three independent types of suicide. Some implications for the prevention of suicide are discussed.", "contents": "Completed suicide: a taxonomic analysis of clinical and social data. A post mortem enquiry has been made into the social family and clinical circumstances of 50 individuals who, according to a coroner's verdict, killed themselves in Brighton. A dimensional analysis of the 123 variables thus collected suggested the possibility of three distinct types of suicide: \"depressive suidice', \"sociopathic suicide' and \"physical illness suicide'. The reliability of this typology has been checked by the analysis of 55 selected variables for a total of 193 cases considered by the same coroner. A cluster analysis has confirmed that the data contained at least three independent types of suicide. Some implications for the prevention of suicide are discussed.", "PMID": 996203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6302", "title": "A semi-structured clinical interview for the assessment of diagnosis and mental state in the elderly: the Geriatric Mental State Schedule. I. Development and reliability.", "content": "A standardized, semi-structured interview for examining and recording the mental state in elderly subjects is described. It allows the classification of patients by symptom profile and can demonstrate changes in that profile over time. It is believed that good reliability is demonstrated between psychiatric raters both for psychiatric diagnosis made on the basis of the schedule findings and for individual items. The Geriatric Mental State Schedule (GMS) consists mainly of items from the eighth edition of the PSE (Wing et al. 1967), together with additional items from the PSS (Spitzer et al. 1964), and extra sections dealing with disorientation and other cognitive abnormalities. Modifications have been introduced to facilitate interviewing elderly subjects.", "contents": "A semi-structured clinical interview for the assessment of diagnosis and mental state in the elderly: the Geriatric Mental State Schedule. I. Development and reliability. A standardized, semi-structured interview for examining and recording the mental state in elderly subjects is described. It allows the classification of patients by symptom profile and can demonstrate changes in that profile over time. It is believed that good reliability is demonstrated between psychiatric raters both for psychiatric diagnosis made on the basis of the schedule findings and for individual items. The Geriatric Mental State Schedule (GMS) consists mainly of items from the eighth edition of the PSE (Wing et al. 1967), together with additional items from the PSS (Spitzer et al. 1964), and extra sections dealing with disorientation and other cognitive abnormalities. Modifications have been introduced to facilitate interviewing elderly subjects.", "PMID": 996204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6303", "title": "A semi-structured clinical interview for the assessment of diagnosis and mental state in the elderly: the Geriatric Mental State Schedule. II. A factor analysis.", "content": "One hundred geriatric psychiatric patients were examined with the Geriatric Mental State Schedule in New York and London, and a correlation procedure involving both clinical and statistical operations was carried out on the psychopathological data thus collected. Twenty-one factors were produced, including three dealing with cognitive impairment. Although it was found that elderly depressives show a profile of psychopathology quite different from that shown by patients with organic disorder, it was also found that patients with an apparently functional disorder may sometimes be diagnosed as an organic disorder, that subjective complaints of intellectual impairment are not good indicators of organic disorders, and may be associated with a depressive factor, and that complaints that could be dismissed as attributes of aging may actually be indicative of a depressive disorder in the elderly. The methodological implications, as well as the limitations of the sample size, are discussed.", "contents": "A semi-structured clinical interview for the assessment of diagnosis and mental state in the elderly: the Geriatric Mental State Schedule. II. A factor analysis. One hundred geriatric psychiatric patients were examined with the Geriatric Mental State Schedule in New York and London, and a correlation procedure involving both clinical and statistical operations was carried out on the psychopathological data thus collected. Twenty-one factors were produced, including three dealing with cognitive impairment. Although it was found that elderly depressives show a profile of psychopathology quite different from that shown by patients with organic disorder, it was also found that patients with an apparently functional disorder may sometimes be diagnosed as an organic disorder, that subjective complaints of intellectual impairment are not good indicators of organic disorders, and may be associated with a depressive factor, and that complaints that could be dismissed as attributes of aging may actually be indicative of a depressive disorder in the elderly. The methodological implications, as well as the limitations of the sample size, are discussed.", "PMID": 996205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6304", "title": "Obsessional scores and subjective general psychiatric complaints of patients with duodenal ulcer or ulcerative colitis.", "content": "The Leyton Obsessional Inventory (LOI), together with 46 questions taken from Sections M-R or the Cornell Medical Index, were administered to 30 inpatients suffering from duodenal ulcer and to 30 patients admitted for ulcerative colitis to test the hypothesis that the latter have more obsessional traits than the former. The results indicated that although the two groups did not differ much in their obsessive personality traits, the ulcerative colitis patients were significantly more worried and concerned about them. None of the socio-cultural factors measured, which are known from other studies to influence these obsessive scores, was associated with the differences found. An analysis of the individual LOI items between the two groups showed that the ulcerative colitis patients were more indecisive, and also more morose, more rigid and more punctual than the duodenal ulcer patients, i.e. traits traditionally associated with obsessional personality types. The two groups did not differ on the Cornell score.", "contents": "Obsessional scores and subjective general psychiatric complaints of patients with duodenal ulcer or ulcerative colitis. The Leyton Obsessional Inventory (LOI), together with 46 questions taken from Sections M-R or the Cornell Medical Index, were administered to 30 inpatients suffering from duodenal ulcer and to 30 patients admitted for ulcerative colitis to test the hypothesis that the latter have more obsessional traits than the former. The results indicated that although the two groups did not differ much in their obsessive personality traits, the ulcerative colitis patients were significantly more worried and concerned about them. None of the socio-cultural factors measured, which are known from other studies to influence these obsessive scores, was associated with the differences found. An analysis of the individual LOI items between the two groups showed that the ulcerative colitis patients were more indecisive, and also more morose, more rigid and more punctual than the duodenal ulcer patients, i.e. traits traditionally associated with obsessional personality types. The two groups did not differ on the Cornell score.", "PMID": 996206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6305", "title": "The prediction of outcome in elderly psychiatric patients.", "content": "Clinical and psychometric characteristics of a sample of elderly psychiatric patients were established soon after admission and they were then followed for 1 year. An attempt to predict outcome was most successful for an unfavourable type which was predictable by measures related to intellectual impairment.", "contents": "The prediction of outcome in elderly psychiatric patients. Clinical and psychometric characteristics of a sample of elderly psychiatric patients were established soon after admission and they were then followed for 1 year. An attempt to predict outcome was most successful for an unfavourable type which was predictable by measures related to intellectual impairment.", "PMID": 996207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6306", "title": "The value of assessing intent in attempted suicide.", "content": "Suicidal intent was assessed in a sample of 151 admissions to a general hospital for self-poisoning or self-inflicted injury. Severity of intent was associated with the act's medical seriousness and with the risk of suicide derived from a validated risk scale. Although high and low intent cases were comparable in respect of precipitating factors, patients rated high on suicidal intent were more likely to have experienced depressive symptoms in the previous month.", "contents": "The value of assessing intent in attempted suicide. Suicidal intent was assessed in a sample of 151 admissions to a general hospital for self-poisoning or self-inflicted injury. Severity of intent was associated with the act's medical seriousness and with the risk of suicide derived from a validated risk scale. Although high and low intent cases were comparable in respect of precipitating factors, patients rated high on suicidal intent were more likely to have experienced depressive symptoms in the previous month.", "PMID": 996208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6307", "title": "Rehabilitation of psychiatric patients who stayed in hospital more than one year.", "content": "Fewer than one half (238) of a cohort of 489 psychiatric patients who had stayed in hospital more than one year (longstay) were still in hospital three years later. One third of these 'old' longstay patients (170) were discharged and resettled-and 81 elderly patients died. During the same three years 1971-3 a further 108 patients became (new) longstay; 57 remained at the end of the study. The discharged patients were neither readmitted unduly often, nor did they become destitute.", "contents": "Rehabilitation of psychiatric patients who stayed in hospital more than one year. Fewer than one half (238) of a cohort of 489 psychiatric patients who had stayed in hospital more than one year (longstay) were still in hospital three years later. One third of these 'old' longstay patients (170) were discharged and resettled-and 81 elderly patients died. During the same three years 1971-3 a further 108 patients became (new) longstay; 57 remained at the end of the study. The discharged patients were neither readmitted unduly often, nor did they become destitute.", "PMID": 996209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6308", "title": "Radiological opacities of the knee after intra-articular injections of osmic acid.", "content": "Unusual radiological opacities have been observed in 29 cases after intraarticular injection of osmic acid in 113 knees of 72 patients under treatment for a chronic exudative synovitis in different types of rheumatic diseases. They are statistically more frequent after the injection of 200 mg than after 100 mg (33.9 and 15.7% respectively). Most of the time, they are located in the suprapatellar pouch. The opacities appear soon after the injection and can last for several years. They do not seem to have an unfavorable influence on the clinical course. They appear to be caused by a deposition of osmium in synovial fat tissue. From here the osmium might stimulate fibrosis. The radiological image has to be differentiated from intra-articular calcifications, synovial ossifications and various periosteal osteogenic processes.", "contents": "Radiological opacities of the knee after intra-articular injections of osmic acid. Unusual radiological opacities have been observed in 29 cases after intraarticular injection of osmic acid in 113 knees of 72 patients under treatment for a chronic exudative synovitis in different types of rheumatic diseases. They are statistically more frequent after the injection of 200 mg than after 100 mg (33.9 and 15.7% respectively). Most of the time, they are located in the suprapatellar pouch. The opacities appear soon after the injection and can last for several years. They do not seem to have an unfavorable influence on the clinical course. They appear to be caused by a deposition of osmium in synovial fat tissue. From here the osmium might stimulate fibrosis. The radiological image has to be differentiated from intra-articular calcifications, synovial ossifications and various periosteal osteogenic processes.", "PMID": 996267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6309", "title": "Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ex vacuo.", "content": "CSF ex vacuo is a proposed designation for abnormal collections of CSF replacing brain tissue which is absent or has disappeared as a result of maldevelopment, injury, infection, vascular disturbances, brain atrophy, etc. In the literature, designations such as arachnoidal, leptomeningeal and porencepalic cyst, and hydrocephalus ex vacuo, are commonly used. Even if the neuroradiological findings in CSF ex vacuo are impressive, its clinical significance may be nil or minor. However, CSF ex vacuo may develop expansive tendencies, the cause of which is not yet fully understood. On the basis of schemiatic drawings of the neuroradiological findings of eight cases of CSF ex vacuo the variations in aetiology, localization, diagnostic detectability, clinical significance and surgical implications are briefly discussed.", "contents": "Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ex vacuo. CSF ex vacuo is a proposed designation for abnormal collections of CSF replacing brain tissue which is absent or has disappeared as a result of maldevelopment, injury, infection, vascular disturbances, brain atrophy, etc. In the literature, designations such as arachnoidal, leptomeningeal and porencepalic cyst, and hydrocephalus ex vacuo, are commonly used. Even if the neuroradiological findings in CSF ex vacuo are impressive, its clinical significance may be nil or minor. However, CSF ex vacuo may develop expansive tendencies, the cause of which is not yet fully understood. On the basis of schemiatic drawings of the neuroradiological findings of eight cases of CSF ex vacuo the variations in aetiology, localization, diagnostic detectability, clinical significance and surgical implications are briefly discussed.", "PMID": 996268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6310", "title": "Rectal injuries following radiation therapy for cervical cancer.", "content": "Injuries of the rectal wall were examined up to 327 days in patients with uterus cancers after radiation therapy with 60Co gamma-rays. Various types of morphological changes were observed at the end of the therapy and the changes could be seen even 327 days after therapy with doses of 3,240-6,040 rad. The percentage of goblet cells in the rectal wall fluctuated for about 50 days after therapy and then became stable, but was slightly less than pre-irradiation level. The changes in the percentage seemed to represent radiation damages to the epithelial cells in the wall. The late effects in the blood vessels were probably more important than damages to the epithelial cells in the wall.", "contents": "Rectal injuries following radiation therapy for cervical cancer. Injuries of the rectal wall were examined up to 327 days in patients with uterus cancers after radiation therapy with 60Co gamma-rays. Various types of morphological changes were observed at the end of the therapy and the changes could be seen even 327 days after therapy with doses of 3,240-6,040 rad. The percentage of goblet cells in the rectal wall fluctuated for about 50 days after therapy and then became stable, but was slightly less than pre-irradiation level. The changes in the percentage seemed to represent radiation damages to the epithelial cells in the wall. The late effects in the blood vessels were probably more important than damages to the epithelial cells in the wall.", "PMID": 996269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6311", "title": "[Angiographical findings in extra-intracranial anastomoses (author's transl)].", "content": "A microsurgical anastomosis between the superficial temporal artery and a cortical branch of the middle cerebral artery was carried out in 11 cases with internal carotid occlusion. This treatment was attempted following angiography of the intra- and extracranial cerebral arteries. After the microsurgical procedure for creating an extra-intracranial arterial anastomosis selective angiography of the homolateral external carotid circulation was performed. The analyses of the serial arteriograms showed, that a) a considerable blood supply from the external carotid circulation through the additional collateral pathway to the territory of the middle cerebral artery is possible, b) the extent of the area of the middle cerebral artery supplied by the superficial temporal artery is not only dependant upon a pressure gradient between the external carotid and the middle cerebral artery circulation, but also by the different anatomical variations of the middle cerebral artery.", "contents": "[Angiographical findings in extra-intracranial anastomoses (author's transl)]. A microsurgical anastomosis between the superficial temporal artery and a cortical branch of the middle cerebral artery was carried out in 11 cases with internal carotid occlusion. This treatment was attempted following angiography of the intra- and extracranial cerebral arteries. After the microsurgical procedure for creating an extra-intracranial arterial anastomosis selective angiography of the homolateral external carotid circulation was performed. The analyses of the serial arteriograms showed, that a) a considerable blood supply from the external carotid circulation through the additional collateral pathway to the territory of the middle cerebral artery is possible, b) the extent of the area of the middle cerebral artery supplied by the superficial temporal artery is not only dependant upon a pressure gradient between the external carotid and the middle cerebral artery circulation, but also by the different anatomical variations of the middle cerebral artery.", "PMID": 996270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6312", "title": "[Cortical blindness following arteria vertebralis angiography (author's transl)].", "content": "Six patients suffered from cortical blindness following vertebral artery angiography. A connection of the incident with the technical procedure or a particularly great amount of applied contrast material, could not be seen. Vasospasm, stasis of contrast material in the arteria calcarina and a toxic lesion seem possible explanations, because the cortical blindness was fully reversible in all cases within some hours or days. Signs for an arterial embolisation did not exist, a finding, which is consistent with the literature.", "contents": "[Cortical blindness following arteria vertebralis angiography (author's transl)]. Six patients suffered from cortical blindness following vertebral artery angiography. A connection of the incident with the technical procedure or a particularly great amount of applied contrast material, could not be seen. Vasospasm, stasis of contrast material in the arteria calcarina and a toxic lesion seem possible explanations, because the cortical blindness was fully reversible in all cases within some hours or days. Signs for an arterial embolisation did not exist, a finding, which is consistent with the literature.", "PMID": 996271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6313", "title": "[The influence of training on the accuracy of roentgenographic cephalometric tracings (author's transl)].", "content": "The accuracy in landmark identification and in the determination of angular and linear measurements used in cephalometric analysis on lateral head film were statistically evaluated comparing operators with different levels of competence. The observed magnitude of methodological error was depending on - prior experience of the investigator - individual radiographic anatomical knowledge - rigour of landmark definition and - accuracy of the tracing procedure. Considering these sources of error some of the variability in the present investigation might be avoided by systematic instructions. In order to decrease the variation in landmark location the reproducibility of some points must be further improved by redefining them in their verbal assessments. From an educational point of view the correlation between individual radiographic anatomical knowledge and the magnitude of error in cephalometric analysis should be considered with particular emphasis.", "contents": "[The influence of training on the accuracy of roentgenographic cephalometric tracings (author's transl)]. The accuracy in landmark identification and in the determination of angular and linear measurements used in cephalometric analysis on lateral head film were statistically evaluated comparing operators with different levels of competence. The observed magnitude of methodological error was depending on - prior experience of the investigator - individual radiographic anatomical knowledge - rigour of landmark definition and - accuracy of the tracing procedure. Considering these sources of error some of the variability in the present investigation might be avoided by systematic instructions. In order to decrease the variation in landmark location the reproducibility of some points must be further improved by redefining them in their verbal assessments. From an educational point of view the correlation between individual radiographic anatomical knowledge and the magnitude of error in cephalometric analysis should be considered with particular emphasis.", "PMID": 996272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6314", "title": "[Diagnostic and therapeutic results of superselective cerebral angiographies in pathologic lesions in the vascular area of the human external carotid artery (author's transl)].", "content": "Technical performance, radiological findings as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic significance of superselective cerebral angiographies, performed with a telescopic catheter system, and consecutive embolizations are described in pathologic lesions in the vascular area of the human external carotid artery. In 46 patients vascular malformations (angiomas, fistulas) and vascular tumors (angiofibromas) as well as other tumors (glomus tumors, meningeomas) were demonstrated by angiographies of distal external carotid branches; in further 16 patients there were normal angiographic findings. It is shown by examples that superselective cerebral angiographies fulfill microangiographic properties. Pathological findings of vascular malformations and tumors were demonstrated which could not have been shown with other examination techniques. Besides the improved and more detailed diagnostic information these superselective angiographies of external carotid branches enabled successful embolizations of pathologic lesions by gelfoam-injections or selective occlusions of branches feeding angiomas or tumors by silicone polymerization. These embolizations were not done in patients with arterio-venous fistulas (9). The clinical application, limitations and further development of cerebral embolization techniques are discussed.", "contents": "[Diagnostic and therapeutic results of superselective cerebral angiographies in pathologic lesions in the vascular area of the human external carotid artery (author's transl)]. Technical performance, radiological findings as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic significance of superselective cerebral angiographies, performed with a telescopic catheter system, and consecutive embolizations are described in pathologic lesions in the vascular area of the human external carotid artery. In 46 patients vascular malformations (angiomas, fistulas) and vascular tumors (angiofibromas) as well as other tumors (glomus tumors, meningeomas) were demonstrated by angiographies of distal external carotid branches; in further 16 patients there were normal angiographic findings. It is shown by examples that superselective cerebral angiographies fulfill microangiographic properties. Pathological findings of vascular malformations and tumors were demonstrated which could not have been shown with other examination techniques. Besides the improved and more detailed diagnostic information these superselective angiographies of external carotid branches enabled successful embolizations of pathologic lesions by gelfoam-injections or selective occlusions of branches feeding angiomas or tumors by silicone polymerization. These embolizations were not done in patients with arterio-venous fistulas (9). The clinical application, limitations and further development of cerebral embolization techniques are discussed.", "PMID": 996273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6315", "title": "Quantitative measurement of demethylation of 14C-methoxyl labeled DMPEA and TMA-2 in rats.", "content": "Some reports have suggested that methylation and demethylation of compounds related to 6-hydroxydopamine may be involved in endogenous mental disorder. We report the synthesis of 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine (DMPEA) and 2,4,5-trimethoxyphenylisopropylamine (TMA-2) with each methoxyl group separately labeled with 14C. The rate and percent demethylation of these two compounds, with five labeled positions, were determined in the rat. The results suggest that TMA-2 might be metabolized to a hydroquinone in vivo; a similar metabolic intermediate of the psychoactive compound DOM is known to give rise in vitro to an indole.", "contents": "Quantitative measurement of demethylation of 14C-methoxyl labeled DMPEA and TMA-2 in rats. Some reports have suggested that methylation and demethylation of compounds related to 6-hydroxydopamine may be involved in endogenous mental disorder. We report the synthesis of 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine (DMPEA) and 2,4,5-trimethoxyphenylisopropylamine (TMA-2) with each methoxyl group separately labeled with 14C. The rate and percent demethylation of these two compounds, with five labeled positions, were determined in the rat. The results suggest that TMA-2 might be metabolized to a hydroquinone in vivo; a similar metabolic intermediate of the psychoactive compound DOM is known to give rise in vitro to an indole.", "PMID": 996275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6316", "title": "Suppression of amphetamine-induced hypothermia by the neutral amino acid valine.", "content": "Pretreatment with valine (0.5-2.0 mmoles/kg) can suppress the hypothermic response of rats placed in a 4degreesC environment and given d-amphetamine sulfate (5 or 10 mg/kg). The amino acid was most effective when given 30 minutes before amphetamine administration, at which time it also significantly lowered brain tyrosine concentration (and, presumably, suppressed catecholamine synthesis). Because dopaminergic neurons mediate the hypothermic response to amphetamine and because amphetamine's ability to produce hypothermia requires, in part, the release of newly synthesized dopamine, these observed effects of valine pretreatment support the hypothesis that treatments which alter precursor (tyrosine) availability also affect brain catecholamine synthesis.", "contents": "Suppression of amphetamine-induced hypothermia by the neutral amino acid valine. Pretreatment with valine (0.5-2.0 mmoles/kg) can suppress the hypothermic response of rats placed in a 4degreesC environment and given d-amphetamine sulfate (5 or 10 mg/kg). The amino acid was most effective when given 30 minutes before amphetamine administration, at which time it also significantly lowered brain tyrosine concentration (and, presumably, suppressed catecholamine synthesis). Because dopaminergic neurons mediate the hypothermic response to amphetamine and because amphetamine's ability to produce hypothermia requires, in part, the release of newly synthesized dopamine, these observed effects of valine pretreatment support the hypothesis that treatments which alter precursor (tyrosine) availability also affect brain catecholamine synthesis.", "PMID": 996276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6317", "title": "Catecholamines and operant response rates in albino rats.", "content": "The action of d-amphetamine was studied in rats conditioned on an operant \"multiple\" schedule of reinforcement. The action of this drug depended on the control response rate of each individual. The turnover of brain norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) was estimated in the whole brain of the same rats; the steady state level of NE, but not the turnover time, was significantly correlated with the average response rate of each subject. No significant correlation was found between this response rate and the turnover of DA. It is proposed that the response rate dependent effects of d-amphetamine might be related to brain NE levels.", "contents": "Catecholamines and operant response rates in albino rats. The action of d-amphetamine was studied in rats conditioned on an operant \"multiple\" schedule of reinforcement. The action of this drug depended on the control response rate of each individual. The turnover of brain norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) was estimated in the whole brain of the same rats; the steady state level of NE, but not the turnover time, was significantly correlated with the average response rate of each subject. No significant correlation was found between this response rate and the turnover of DA. It is proposed that the response rate dependent effects of d-amphetamine might be related to brain NE levels.", "PMID": 996277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6318", "title": "Effects of acute morphine administration on the catecholamine metabolism of three strains of mice.", "content": "Inbred mouse strains exhibit differences in motor activity and brain catecholamine metabolism after acute morphine injection. The two strains C57BL/6J and Balb/cJ, which increased motor activity after morphine present also an increased noradrenaline turnover in the pons medulla, whereas no difference were found in the DBA/2J strain whose motor activity was unchanged. A correlation seems to exist between motor activity and the noradrenaline metabolism in the brain stem.", "contents": "Effects of acute morphine administration on the catecholamine metabolism of three strains of mice. Inbred mouse strains exhibit differences in motor activity and brain catecholamine metabolism after acute morphine injection. The two strains C57BL/6J and Balb/cJ, which increased motor activity after morphine present also an increased noradrenaline turnover in the pons medulla, whereas no difference were found in the DBA/2J strain whose motor activity was unchanged. A correlation seems to exist between motor activity and the noradrenaline metabolism in the brain stem.", "PMID": 996278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6319", "title": "Effect of lithium on gastric emptying and absorption of oral chlorpromazine.", "content": "A recent study suggested that low plasma levels (58-70 ng/ml) of chlorpromazine (CPZ) were achieved by patients concurrently taking lithium, despite ingestion of doses of CPZ (400-1000 MG) which ordinarily produce plasma levels of 100-300 ng/ml or more. We have studied this lithium-chlorpromazine interaction in rats. The plasma and brain levels of [14C]chlorpromazine (CPZ) after an oral dose (5 muCi) were significantly lower (p less than 0.005) in rats treated with lithium, whereas the percent of dose remaining in the stomach (24-30%) was significantly higher (p less than 0.001), than in matched controls. Gastric emptying was measured by [14C]polyethylene glycol and was shown to be inhibited significantly by oral and i.p. lithium. This inhibition of gastric emptying by lithium may be the major cause of the lower plasma levels of CPZ since diminution of plasma drug levels has been shown for L-dopa, chlorpromazine, sulfa drugs, and phenylbutazone in animals and man treated concomitantly with anticholinergics, which also diminish gastric motility.", "contents": "Effect of lithium on gastric emptying and absorption of oral chlorpromazine. A recent study suggested that low plasma levels (58-70 ng/ml) of chlorpromazine (CPZ) were achieved by patients concurrently taking lithium, despite ingestion of doses of CPZ (400-1000 MG) which ordinarily produce plasma levels of 100-300 ng/ml or more. We have studied this lithium-chlorpromazine interaction in rats. The plasma and brain levels of [14C]chlorpromazine (CPZ) after an oral dose (5 muCi) were significantly lower (p less than 0.005) in rats treated with lithium, whereas the percent of dose remaining in the stomach (24-30%) was significantly higher (p less than 0.001), than in matched controls. Gastric emptying was measured by [14C]polyethylene glycol and was shown to be inhibited significantly by oral and i.p. lithium. This inhibition of gastric emptying by lithium may be the major cause of the lower plasma levels of CPZ since diminution of plasma drug levels has been shown for L-dopa, chlorpromazine, sulfa drugs, and phenylbutazone in animals and man treated concomitantly with anticholinergics, which also diminish gastric motility.", "PMID": 996279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6320", "title": "Effect of chlorothiazide on the pharmacokinetics of lithium in plasma and erythrocytes.", "content": "The effect of chlorothiazide on the pharmacokinetics of lithium in both plasma and RBCs was studied in normal adult males. This was accomplished by administering single, 300 mg. doses of lithium carbonate alone and concurrently with chlorothiazide (0.5 grams/day for one week). Thiazide administration resulted in increases in plasma and RBC concentrations of 26.2 and 25.4%, respectively, as well as a 26.5% decrease in renal lithium clearance. The data were analyzed in terms of a two compartment pharmacokinetic model as previously reported (8). The results of this analysis showed that the change in renal lithium clearance could be accounted for by a 24.1% reduction in the value of ke, the excretion rate constant. It was also shown that changes in plasma lithium concentration during chronic lithium therapy would be expected to increase by 25-30% when chlorothiazide therapy is employed. The model also predicts that changes in RBC concentrations would parallel those occurring in plasma and thus no change in the RBC/plasma lithium ratio would be expected.", "contents": "Effect of chlorothiazide on the pharmacokinetics of lithium in plasma and erythrocytes. The effect of chlorothiazide on the pharmacokinetics of lithium in both plasma and RBCs was studied in normal adult males. This was accomplished by administering single, 300 mg. doses of lithium carbonate alone and concurrently with chlorothiazide (0.5 grams/day for one week). Thiazide administration resulted in increases in plasma and RBC concentrations of 26.2 and 25.4%, respectively, as well as a 26.5% decrease in renal lithium clearance. The data were analyzed in terms of a two compartment pharmacokinetic model as previously reported (8). The results of this analysis showed that the change in renal lithium clearance could be accounted for by a 24.1% reduction in the value of ke, the excretion rate constant. It was also shown that changes in plasma lithium concentration during chronic lithium therapy would be expected to increase by 25-30% when chlorothiazide therapy is employed. The model also predicts that changes in RBC concentrations would parallel those occurring in plasma and thus no change in the RBC/plasma lithium ratio would be expected.", "PMID": 996280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6321", "title": "Studies on the metabolism of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). VII. Effects of haloindoles on cerebral 5-HT in various species.", "content": "In a comparative study, the effective of intraventricularly or intraperitoneally injected p-chloroamphetamine (p-CA) and some chloroindoles on cerebral levels of serotonin was evaluated. 5-Chloroindole depressed 5-HT levels in the brainstem and telencephalon for three days, 6-chloro-2-methylindole (6-CMI) only during the first day. 5-Chloroindazole had no effect at all. p-CA was more toxic to guinea pigs than to rats. p-CA and 5-chloro-2-methylindole (5-CMI) had no effect on cerebral 5-HT in chicks. Apparently, none of these compounds represented or was converted to a metabolite possibly responsible for the neurotoxic effects of p-CA.", "contents": "Studies on the metabolism of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). VII. Effects of haloindoles on cerebral 5-HT in various species. In a comparative study, the effective of intraventricularly or intraperitoneally injected p-chloroamphetamine (p-CA) and some chloroindoles on cerebral levels of serotonin was evaluated. 5-Chloroindole depressed 5-HT levels in the brainstem and telencephalon for three days, 6-chloro-2-methylindole (6-CMI) only during the first day. 5-Chloroindazole had no effect at all. p-CA was more toxic to guinea pigs than to rats. p-CA and 5-chloro-2-methylindole (5-CMI) had no effect on cerebral 5-HT in chicks. Apparently, none of these compounds represented or was converted to a metabolite possibly responsible for the neurotoxic effects of p-CA.", "PMID": 996281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6322", "title": "The discriminative stimulus properties of nicotine, d-amphetamine and morphine in dopamine depleted rats.", "content": "Rats permanetly depleted of central dopamine (DA) via 6-OHDA neonatally were studied in relation to their ability to discriminate various psychoactive drugs from saline using a two-bar operant procedure. DA rats learned to discriminate both morphine (4 mg/kh) and d-amphetamine (0.9 mg/kg) as rapidly as controls and exhibited similar sensitivity when dose-generalization studies were conducted. However, DA rats appeared to tolerate higher doses of the same drug better than controls indicating that they were more tolerant to behavioral disruption. It was suggested that the behavioral disruption. It was suggested that the behavioral disruption usurons. DA rats had more difficulty learning to discriminate nicotine than controls. In fact the peripherally injected nicotine stimulus generalized to hippocampal (Hp) injections in controls but was not observed in DA rats. These data suggest that part of nicotine's discriminative stimulus properties may be contingent upon the integrity of a Hp-DA connection.", "contents": "The discriminative stimulus properties of nicotine, d-amphetamine and morphine in dopamine depleted rats. Rats permanetly depleted of central dopamine (DA) via 6-OHDA neonatally were studied in relation to their ability to discriminate various psychoactive drugs from saline using a two-bar operant procedure. DA rats learned to discriminate both morphine (4 mg/kh) and d-amphetamine (0.9 mg/kg) as rapidly as controls and exhibited similar sensitivity when dose-generalization studies were conducted. However, DA rats appeared to tolerate higher doses of the same drug better than controls indicating that they were more tolerant to behavioral disruption. It was suggested that the behavioral disruption. It was suggested that the behavioral disruption usurons. DA rats had more difficulty learning to discriminate nicotine than controls. In fact the peripherally injected nicotine stimulus generalized to hippocampal (Hp) injections in controls but was not observed in DA rats. These data suggest that part of nicotine's discriminative stimulus properties may be contingent upon the integrity of a Hp-DA connection.", "PMID": 996286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6323", "title": "Electron capture detection of an apomorphine heptafluorobutyrate derivative at low picogram levels.", "content": "An electron capturing derivative of apomorphine was prepared by incubating the drug with heptafluorobutyric anhydride (HFBA), triethylamine and heat. Mass spectral analysis suggests that HFBA reacts with both phenolic hydroxyl groups on apomorphine to give a derivative detectable at low picogram levels. This method is sufficiently sensitive for pharmacokinetic studies in the horse and is likely applicable to other dopaminergic analogues of apomorphine.", "contents": "Electron capture detection of an apomorphine heptafluorobutyrate derivative at low picogram levels. An electron capturing derivative of apomorphine was prepared by incubating the drug with heptafluorobutyric anhydride (HFBA), triethylamine and heat. Mass spectral analysis suggests that HFBA reacts with both phenolic hydroxyl groups on apomorphine to give a derivative detectable at low picogram levels. This method is sufficiently sensitive for pharmacokinetic studies in the horse and is likely applicable to other dopaminergic analogues of apomorphine.", "PMID": 996359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6324", "title": "Identification of some volatile endogenous constituents in rat brain tissue and the effects of lithium carbonate and chloral hydrate.", "content": "Nine endogenous volatile compounds were found in rat brain tissue, and were identified by mass spectrometry as chloroform, a 5-C-aldehyde, dimethyl disulphide, 2,5-dimethyl tetrahydrofuran, a 8-C-alkane, xylene, 2-heptanone, heptaldehyde and 2-n-pentylfuran. Using gas chromatographic and gas chromatographic mass spectrometric techniques, it was established that lithium carbonate did not induce the production of detectable amounts of any new volatile compounds in brain tissue. However, after administration of chloral hydrate, trichloroethanol, a compound not normally present in rat brain tissue, was found to be present.", "contents": "Identification of some volatile endogenous constituents in rat brain tissue and the effects of lithium carbonate and chloral hydrate. Nine endogenous volatile compounds were found in rat brain tissue, and were identified by mass spectrometry as chloroform, a 5-C-aldehyde, dimethyl disulphide, 2,5-dimethyl tetrahydrofuran, a 8-C-alkane, xylene, 2-heptanone, heptaldehyde and 2-n-pentylfuran. Using gas chromatographic and gas chromatographic mass spectrometric techniques, it was established that lithium carbonate did not induce the production of detectable amounts of any new volatile compounds in brain tissue. However, after administration of chloral hydrate, trichloroethanol, a compound not normally present in rat brain tissue, was found to be present.", "PMID": 996360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6325", "title": "Effects of chronic exposure to cadmium, lead and mercury of brain biogenic amines in the rat.", "content": "Effects of chronic (45 days) treatment with different doses of cadmium chloride (0.25 and 1.0 mg/kg/day), methylmercury chloride (0.4 and 4.0 mg/kg/day) and lead acetate (0.2 and 1.0 mg/kg/day) and of 28-day withdrawal of treatment on the levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in cerebral cortex, and concentration of norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in brain-stem were examined in rats. Exposure to both cadmium and methylmercury produced significant decreases in cortical ACh and brain-stem 5-HT levels. In addition, brain-stem NE concentration was increased in methylmercury-treated rats. In contrast, chronic treatment with lead resulted in enhanced cerebrocortical ACh levels but a decreased brain-stem NE concentration. Treatment with cadmium also produced a transient enhancement of striatal dopamine levels. Cadmium-induced decrease in brain-stem 5-HT and lead-induced accumulation of cortical ACh persisted even after 28 day withdrawal of treatment. The data indicate that chronic exposure to low doses of heavy metals produces differential changes in regional levels of various brain biogenic amines. These changes may represent the early signs of adverse effects on CNS function since they occur before any overt symptoms of neurotoxic effects of heavy metals become apparent.", "contents": "Effects of chronic exposure to cadmium, lead and mercury of brain biogenic amines in the rat. Effects of chronic (45 days) treatment with different doses of cadmium chloride (0.25 and 1.0 mg/kg/day), methylmercury chloride (0.4 and 4.0 mg/kg/day) and lead acetate (0.2 and 1.0 mg/kg/day) and of 28-day withdrawal of treatment on the levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in cerebral cortex, and concentration of norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in brain-stem were examined in rats. Exposure to both cadmium and methylmercury produced significant decreases in cortical ACh and brain-stem 5-HT levels. In addition, brain-stem NE concentration was increased in methylmercury-treated rats. In contrast, chronic treatment with lead resulted in enhanced cerebrocortical ACh levels but a decreased brain-stem NE concentration. Treatment with cadmium also produced a transient enhancement of striatal dopamine levels. Cadmium-induced decrease in brain-stem 5-HT and lead-induced accumulation of cortical ACh persisted even after 28 day withdrawal of treatment. The data indicate that chronic exposure to low doses of heavy metals produces differential changes in regional levels of various brain biogenic amines. These changes may represent the early signs of adverse effects on CNS function since they occur before any overt symptoms of neurotoxic effects of heavy metals become apparent.", "PMID": 996361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6326", "title": "Contrasting alterations in hepatic drug biotransformation of hexobarbital and p-chloro-N-methylaniline produced by prostaglandins.", "content": "The effect of prostaglandins (PGs) on the hepatic biotransformation of hexobarbital (Hechi) and p-chloro-N-methylaniline (PCMA) was determined in male rats. PCMA metabolism in slices was decreased by all PGs (PGA1, PGB1, PGE1, PGE2, PGF1alpha, PGF2alpha), ranging in concentration from 1 mu M to 1 mM. PGA1, at 1 mM, produced the greatest degree of inhibition, 39%. PG addition to microsomes, however, failed to alter PCMA metabolism. In contrast to PCMA biotransformation, Hechi metabolism was increased by all PGs in slices but not in liver subfractions. PGs of the E and F series were the most potent, producing a two-fold increase in Hechi metabolism at 1 mM after a 20 min preincubation. The increased effect was observed as early as 10 min and lasted for 4 hr. The relationship of PG metabolism and binding to cytochrome P-450 is presented as a possible mechanism to account for the opposite effects on Hechi and PCMA, type I and II substrates respectively, metabolism.", "contents": "Contrasting alterations in hepatic drug biotransformation of hexobarbital and p-chloro-N-methylaniline produced by prostaglandins. The effect of prostaglandins (PGs) on the hepatic biotransformation of hexobarbital (Hechi) and p-chloro-N-methylaniline (PCMA) was determined in male rats. PCMA metabolism in slices was decreased by all PGs (PGA1, PGB1, PGE1, PGE2, PGF1alpha, PGF2alpha), ranging in concentration from 1 mu M to 1 mM. PGA1, at 1 mM, produced the greatest degree of inhibition, 39%. PG addition to microsomes, however, failed to alter PCMA metabolism. In contrast to PCMA biotransformation, Hechi metabolism was increased by all PGs in slices but not in liver subfractions. PGs of the E and F series were the most potent, producing a two-fold increase in Hechi metabolism at 1 mM after a 20 min preincubation. The increased effect was observed as early as 10 min and lasted for 4 hr. The relationship of PG metabolism and binding to cytochrome P-450 is presented as a possible mechanism to account for the opposite effects on Hechi and PCMA, type I and II substrates respectively, metabolism.", "PMID": 996362} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6327", "title": "Effects of ryanodine on the contractile force of potassium-depolarized hearts.", "content": "The relationship between cellular calcium movements and contractility was indirectly assessed in Langendorff-preparations of guinea pig hearts perfused with either Krebs-Henseleit solution or a high-potassium (22 mM) solution containing 2.4 X 10(-8) M isoproterenol. The addition of either D600 (2.4-24.0 X 10(-8) M) or ryanodine (0.24-24.0 X 10(-6) M) to hearts perfused with Krebs-Hanseleit solution produced a concentration-dependent reduction in contractile force. In potassium-depolarized, isoproterenol-restored hearts, the negative inotropic action of D600 exhibited concentration-and time-dependent changes similar to those observed in Krebs-Hanseleit solution. In contrast, addition of 0.24-75.0 X 10(6) M ryanodine to potassium-depolarized, isoproterenol-restored hearts produce a time-dependent reduction in tension followed by a concentration-dependent rebound in contractile force. These results have been interpreted to be a consequence of the respective actions of D600 and ryanodine on Ca2+ influx and on intracellular calcium stores.", "contents": "Effects of ryanodine on the contractile force of potassium-depolarized hearts. The relationship between cellular calcium movements and contractility was indirectly assessed in Langendorff-preparations of guinea pig hearts perfused with either Krebs-Henseleit solution or a high-potassium (22 mM) solution containing 2.4 X 10(-8) M isoproterenol. The addition of either D600 (2.4-24.0 X 10(-8) M) or ryanodine (0.24-24.0 X 10(-6) M) to hearts perfused with Krebs-Hanseleit solution produced a concentration-dependent reduction in contractile force. In potassium-depolarized, isoproterenol-restored hearts, the negative inotropic action of D600 exhibited concentration-and time-dependent changes similar to those observed in Krebs-Hanseleit solution. In contrast, addition of 0.24-75.0 X 10(6) M ryanodine to potassium-depolarized, isoproterenol-restored hearts produce a time-dependent reduction in tension followed by a concentration-dependent rebound in contractile force. These results have been interpreted to be a consequence of the respective actions of D600 and ryanodine on Ca2+ influx and on intracellular calcium stores.", "PMID": 996363} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6328", "title": "In vitro metabolism of amphetamine: an apparent enantiomeric interaction.", "content": "The stereoselective formation of the major metabolites N-hydroxyamphetamine and 1-phenyl-2-propanol in incubations of amphetamine with 9,000 X g supernatant fractions of rabbit liver has been studied using deuterium labelling in conjunction with selected-ion-monitoring gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Comparison of separate incubations of (R)-amphetamine with those of (S)-amphetamine-d3 and of (S)-amphetamine with those of (R)-amphetamine-d3 showed that larger amounts of the two metabolites were formed from the (R) enantiomer. When \"pseudoracemic\" mixture (R)-amphetamine/(S)-amphetamine-d3 or (R)-amphetamine-d3/(S)-amphetamine were incubated the two metabolites were preferentially formed from the (S) enantiomer. Studies on the disappearance of substrate during incubation gave results in agreement with the findings on stereoselective metabolite formation. It was concluded that (S)-amphetamine or one of its metabolites inhibits the metabolism of the (R) enantiomer.", "contents": "In vitro metabolism of amphetamine: an apparent enantiomeric interaction. The stereoselective formation of the major metabolites N-hydroxyamphetamine and 1-phenyl-2-propanol in incubations of amphetamine with 9,000 X g supernatant fractions of rabbit liver has been studied using deuterium labelling in conjunction with selected-ion-monitoring gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Comparison of separate incubations of (R)-amphetamine with those of (S)-amphetamine-d3 and of (S)-amphetamine with those of (R)-amphetamine-d3 showed that larger amounts of the two metabolites were formed from the (R) enantiomer. When \"pseudoracemic\" mixture (R)-amphetamine/(S)-amphetamine-d3 or (R)-amphetamine-d3/(S)-amphetamine were incubated the two metabolites were preferentially formed from the (S) enantiomer. Studies on the disappearance of substrate during incubation gave results in agreement with the findings on stereoselective metabolite formation. It was concluded that (S)-amphetamine or one of its metabolites inhibits the metabolism of the (R) enantiomer.", "PMID": 996364} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6329", "title": "Inhibition of arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase induction in BALB/C mouse liver by delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol.", "content": "The effects of single administration of delta9-THC on the induction of arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase activity by phenobarbital and 3-methyl cholanthrene were determined. delta9-THC completely suppressed the induction by phenobarbital and reduced the 3-methylcholanthrene induction from 455% to 177% of control. delta9-THC had no effect on phenobarbital induction when both drugs were administered daily for 2 days and mice killed on the third day. Arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase was not the only enzyme effected as delta9-THC also inhibited the induction of aminopyrine demethylase by phenobarbital. These drugs do not have any interactive effect on microsomal protein synthesis but are potent antagonists in the synthesis of nuclear RNA.", "contents": "Inhibition of arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase induction in BALB/C mouse liver by delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The effects of single administration of delta9-THC on the induction of arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase activity by phenobarbital and 3-methyl cholanthrene were determined. delta9-THC completely suppressed the induction by phenobarbital and reduced the 3-methylcholanthrene induction from 455% to 177% of control. delta9-THC had no effect on phenobarbital induction when both drugs were administered daily for 2 days and mice killed on the third day. Arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase was not the only enzyme effected as delta9-THC also inhibited the induction of aminopyrine demethylase by phenobarbital. These drugs do not have any interactive effect on microsomal protein synthesis but are potent antagonists in the synthesis of nuclear RNA.", "PMID": 996365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6330", "title": "Accelerated assay, preservation and purification (concanavalin A) of plasma kininogen.", "content": "Plasma kininogen, a labile precursor of bradykinin long considered difficult to characterize, has been assayed and partially purified by accelerated, non-destructive methods. Although heparin minimized premature kininogen consumption better than hexadimethrine bromide, both were ineffective when used in combination. The effects of varying incubation parameters upon kininogen consumption by trypsin were studied. Since trypsin (50 mug/ml) liberated in 10 min at 45degreesC in 0.1 M CaC12 as much bradykinin as in 30 min at 37 degrees C, the former conditions were adopted for assaying kininogen in terms of bradykinin equivalents released, as determined by rat uterus bioassay. The fastest (2-day) and simplest procedure for a routine 10-fold purification of kininogen from plasma consisted of ammonium sulfate precipitation (33-46%) followed by a single passage through a concanavalin A-agarose column. Con A binds glycoproteins (e.g. kininogen) more firmly than other proteins (albumin, gamma-globulins). Kininogen, resistant to killikrein attack while bound, was desorbed with 0.05 M alpha-methyl mannoside.", "contents": "Accelerated assay, preservation and purification (concanavalin A) of plasma kininogen. Plasma kininogen, a labile precursor of bradykinin long considered difficult to characterize, has been assayed and partially purified by accelerated, non-destructive methods. Although heparin minimized premature kininogen consumption better than hexadimethrine bromide, both were ineffective when used in combination. The effects of varying incubation parameters upon kininogen consumption by trypsin were studied. Since trypsin (50 mug/ml) liberated in 10 min at 45degreesC in 0.1 M CaC12 as much bradykinin as in 30 min at 37 degrees C, the former conditions were adopted for assaying kininogen in terms of bradykinin equivalents released, as determined by rat uterus bioassay. The fastest (2-day) and simplest procedure for a routine 10-fold purification of kininogen from plasma consisted of ammonium sulfate precipitation (33-46%) followed by a single passage through a concanavalin A-agarose column. Con A binds glycoproteins (e.g. kininogen) more firmly than other proteins (albumin, gamma-globulins). Kininogen, resistant to killikrein attack while bound, was desorbed with 0.05 M alpha-methyl mannoside.", "PMID": 996366} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6331", "title": "Metabolism of maltose in perfused rat liver and in isolated hepatocytes.", "content": "The conversion of 14C-maltose into glucose, lactate and 14 CO2 was studied in perfused livers from fed and fasted rats and in isolated hepatocytes. Maximal glucose production was 30 mM x g-1 x h-1; half-maximal rates were found with 3 mM maltose. About 0.01 % of the radioactivity infused was recovered as 14CO2. The addition of maltose had no effect on rates of oxygen consumption, lactate production or ketogenesis. The data suggest that maltose did not serve as a major substrate for biosynthetic or energy producing processes under the conditions of the perfused rat liver.", "contents": "Metabolism of maltose in perfused rat liver and in isolated hepatocytes. The conversion of 14C-maltose into glucose, lactate and 14 CO2 was studied in perfused livers from fed and fasted rats and in isolated hepatocytes. Maximal glucose production was 30 mM x g-1 x h-1; half-maximal rates were found with 3 mM maltose. About 0.01 % of the radioactivity infused was recovered as 14CO2. The addition of maltose had no effect on rates of oxygen consumption, lactate production or ketogenesis. The data suggest that maltose did not serve as a major substrate for biosynthetic or energy producing processes under the conditions of the perfused rat liver.", "PMID": 996367} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6332", "title": "The influence of coumarin on blood levels of radio labelled protein and radio labelled poly-vinyl-pyrrolidone in thermally injured rats.", "content": "The evidence presented in this paper suggests that coumarin is a RES stimulator. An enhanced removal of both RPP and radio RPVP was observed beginning at or before 30 minutes and lasting up to 6 hours. Over this time, RPP removal was enhanced by an average of 40%, while RPVP removal was enhanced by 60%. Since RPVP is non-metbabolizable, its levels may be a more accurate estimate of the stimulatory effect of coumarin. This evidence fits in well previous results which have suggested that coumarin may increase the number of phagocytic cells. Other results have shown enhancement of protein lysis by 74% over similar periods, while enhanced protease activity levels of 50% have been observed to accompany this.", "contents": "The influence of coumarin on blood levels of radio labelled protein and radio labelled poly-vinyl-pyrrolidone in thermally injured rats. The evidence presented in this paper suggests that coumarin is a RES stimulator. An enhanced removal of both RPP and radio RPVP was observed beginning at or before 30 minutes and lasting up to 6 hours. Over this time, RPP removal was enhanced by an average of 40%, while RPVP removal was enhanced by 60%. Since RPVP is non-metbabolizable, its levels may be a more accurate estimate of the stimulatory effect of coumarin. This evidence fits in well previous results which have suggested that coumarin may increase the number of phagocytic cells. Other results have shown enhancement of protein lysis by 74% over similar periods, while enhanced protease activity levels of 50% have been observed to accompany this.", "PMID": 996368} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6333", "title": "[Investigations with 3H-thymidine and electron microscopical studies in rat livers following thermocoagulation of the thoracic duct at the base of the neck (author's transl)].", "content": "Autoradiographic studies with 3H-thymidine were done in 90 male and female white Sprague Dawley rats following thermocoagulation of the thoracic duct at the base of the neck. In the acute stages of these experiments we were unable to find any significant influence of a lymphedema on the hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. In the longterm experiments the labelling indices of the hepatocytes were slightly above those of healthy controls of the same age. In another 14 male and female white Sprague Dawley rats we did electron microscopical investigations of the liver. In the acute phase of the experiment we found an intra- and extrahepatic edema as well as damages of the hepatocytes at the periphery of the liver acini. After 12-15 days these findings have regressed. It seems therefore that an intrahepatic lymphedema does not influence the regenerative capacity of the liver to a marked extent.", "contents": "[Investigations with 3H-thymidine and electron microscopical studies in rat livers following thermocoagulation of the thoracic duct at the base of the neck (author's transl)]. Autoradiographic studies with 3H-thymidine were done in 90 male and female white Sprague Dawley rats following thermocoagulation of the thoracic duct at the base of the neck. In the acute stages of these experiments we were unable to find any significant influence of a lymphedema on the hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. In the longterm experiments the labelling indices of the hepatocytes were slightly above those of healthy controls of the same age. In another 14 male and female white Sprague Dawley rats we did electron microscopical investigations of the liver. In the acute phase of the experiment we found an intra- and extrahepatic edema as well as damages of the hepatocytes at the periphery of the liver acini. After 12-15 days these findings have regressed. It seems therefore that an intrahepatic lymphedema does not influence the regenerative capacity of the liver to a marked extent.", "PMID": 996369} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6334", "title": "Influence of retrograde volume and short time cholestasis on the biliary reabsorption of sulfobromophthalein sodium (BSP) and phenol 3,6 dibromphthalein disulfonate (DBSP) from the rat biliary tree after retrograde intrabiliary injection (RII).", "content": "The retrograde intrabiliary injection (RII) technique was used to study the reabsorption of equimolar doses (1,2 mumol) of sulfobromophthalein sodium (BSP) and its analogue phenol 3,6 dibromphthalein disulfonate (DBSP) from the rat biliary tree under the experimental conditions established in this study i.e. variation of retrograde volumes injected and of short time cholestasis. RII was performed with a microliter syringe joined to a cannula positioned in the proximal third of the common bile duct. This technique guaranteed accurate administration of microliter quantities, also free bile flow could be reinitiated 3 - 5 sec after RII. Bile samples were collected in 2, 5 min intervals up to the 5th min, then in 5 min intervals up to the 15th min, and the following 15 min up to the 30th min and analysed for compounds administered by RII. No significant differences in the biliary reabsorption of BSP and DBSP after RII could be detected. Increasing retrograde volumes of 20, 40, 60, 110, and 160 mul lead to decreasing percent recoveries in the bile in the first 2,5 min after RII (88,0 +/- 3,8 - 15,6 +/- 3,1) when bile flow was started at once after RII. An inverse correlation between retrograde volume and percent recoveries was found. Increasing duration of cholestasis (bile flow was started at once, 0,5 min, 3 min, 6 min, and 30 min after RII) results in decreasing percent recoveries of BSP and DBSP in the first 2,5 min after free bile flow was reinitiated (52,7 +/- 3,6 - 20,0 +/- 1,2). A time dependent proportional effect could be detected. Furthermore in the case of BSP concomitant with increasing cholestasis increasing amounts of BSP - conjugates were found in the bile supporting the idea of a continuing ductular - hepatocellular circulation even during complete obstruction of the common bile duct.", "contents": "Influence of retrograde volume and short time cholestasis on the biliary reabsorption of sulfobromophthalein sodium (BSP) and phenol 3,6 dibromphthalein disulfonate (DBSP) from the rat biliary tree after retrograde intrabiliary injection (RII). The retrograde intrabiliary injection (RII) technique was used to study the reabsorption of equimolar doses (1,2 mumol) of sulfobromophthalein sodium (BSP) and its analogue phenol 3,6 dibromphthalein disulfonate (DBSP) from the rat biliary tree under the experimental conditions established in this study i.e. variation of retrograde volumes injected and of short time cholestasis. RII was performed with a microliter syringe joined to a cannula positioned in the proximal third of the common bile duct. This technique guaranteed accurate administration of microliter quantities, also free bile flow could be reinitiated 3 - 5 sec after RII. Bile samples were collected in 2, 5 min intervals up to the 5th min, then in 5 min intervals up to the 15th min, and the following 15 min up to the 30th min and analysed for compounds administered by RII. No significant differences in the biliary reabsorption of BSP and DBSP after RII could be detected. Increasing retrograde volumes of 20, 40, 60, 110, and 160 mul lead to decreasing percent recoveries in the bile in the first 2,5 min after RII (88,0 +/- 3,8 - 15,6 +/- 3,1) when bile flow was started at once after RII. An inverse correlation between retrograde volume and percent recoveries was found. Increasing duration of cholestasis (bile flow was started at once, 0,5 min, 3 min, 6 min, and 30 min after RII) results in decreasing percent recoveries of BSP and DBSP in the first 2,5 min after free bile flow was reinitiated (52,7 +/- 3,6 - 20,0 +/- 1,2). A time dependent proportional effect could be detected. Furthermore in the case of BSP concomitant with increasing cholestasis increasing amounts of BSP - conjugates were found in the bile supporting the idea of a continuing ductular - hepatocellular circulation even during complete obstruction of the common bile duct.", "PMID": 996370} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6335", "title": "Inhibition of stress ulcer formation with somatostatin in rats.", "content": "Prophylactitc effect of somatostatin (Growth hormone inhibiting hormone) on restraint stress ulcer formation was studied in rats. Rats treated with somatostatin before and during stress had only the fifth part of the ulcers of the untreated animals after 9 hours of immobilisation. Pathophysiologic mechanism for stress ulcer production is as well discussed as the prohibiting effect of somatostatin on ulcer formation. Prophylactic clinical use has to be considered.", "contents": "Inhibition of stress ulcer formation with somatostatin in rats. Prophylactitc effect of somatostatin (Growth hormone inhibiting hormone) on restraint stress ulcer formation was studied in rats. Rats treated with somatostatin before and during stress had only the fifth part of the ulcers of the untreated animals after 9 hours of immobilisation. Pathophysiologic mechanism for stress ulcer production is as well discussed as the prohibiting effect of somatostatin on ulcer formation. Prophylactic clinical use has to be considered.", "PMID": 996371} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6336", "title": "Improvement of biliary excretion of ioglycamide by pretreatment with phenobarbital.", "content": "The influence of a phenobarbital pretreatment on the distribution and biliary excretion of Ioglycamide was studied in 6 experiments in the anaesthetized minipig. The phenobarbital pretreatment led to a significant increase of the biliary transportmaximum and the biliary concentration of Ioglycamide. A detailed analysis suggests a phenobarbital induced stimulation of the hepatocellular excretion. The applicability of a pretreatment with phenobarbital in order to improve the opacification of the biliary system during x-ray-examinations with Ioglycamide is discussed.", "contents": "Improvement of biliary excretion of ioglycamide by pretreatment with phenobarbital. The influence of a phenobarbital pretreatment on the distribution and biliary excretion of Ioglycamide was studied in 6 experiments in the anaesthetized minipig. The phenobarbital pretreatment led to a significant increase of the biliary transportmaximum and the biliary concentration of Ioglycamide. A detailed analysis suggests a phenobarbital induced stimulation of the hepatocellular excretion. The applicability of a pretreatment with phenobarbital in order to improve the opacification of the biliary system during x-ray-examinations with Ioglycamide is discussed.", "PMID": 996372} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6337", "title": "Structural changes of erythrocyte membranes in muscllar dystrophy.", "content": "Erythrocytes from dystrophic hamsters and patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were examined for structural changes using light microscopical methods. The effects of specimen preparation were also investigated. The proportions present of echinocytes were significantly greater in dystrophic hamsters and humans when compared with their respective controls. In the dystrophic hamsters, the progression of the myopathy caused a significant increase in erythrocyte membrane deformations. With dystrophic patients, age-related changes were seen, but these were not statistically significant. These findings were discussed with relation to specimen preparation and the use of haematological techniques in the detection of carriers of muscular dystrophy.", "contents": "Structural changes of erythrocyte membranes in muscllar dystrophy. Erythrocytes from dystrophic hamsters and patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were examined for structural changes using light microscopical methods. The effects of specimen preparation were also investigated. The proportions present of echinocytes were significantly greater in dystrophic hamsters and humans when compared with their respective controls. In the dystrophic hamsters, the progression of the myopathy caused a significant increase in erythrocyte membrane deformations. With dystrophic patients, age-related changes were seen, but these were not statistically significant. These findings were discussed with relation to specimen preparation and the use of haematological techniques in the detection of carriers of muscular dystrophy.", "PMID": 996373} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6338", "title": "Time sequence and site of fluid accumulation in experimental neurogenic pulmonary edema.", "content": "The initial phase of pulmonary edema development following intracranial pressure elevation was studied by means of transmission electron microscopy. Using perfusion fixation and application of a blood tracer (HRP horseradish peroxidase) the time sequence and site of fluid leakage out of pulmonary vessels was demonstrated: - passage of edema fluid through intercellular clefts of alveolar capillary endothelium - edema accumulation in alveolar interstitial tissue - draining of edema fluid from the alveolar septum to the interstitium of terminal bronchioli and to lymphatic vessels. An early interepithelial fluid leakage out of the alveolar wall remains questionable.", "contents": "Time sequence and site of fluid accumulation in experimental neurogenic pulmonary edema. The initial phase of pulmonary edema development following intracranial pressure elevation was studied by means of transmission electron microscopy. Using perfusion fixation and application of a blood tracer (HRP horseradish peroxidase) the time sequence and site of fluid leakage out of pulmonary vessels was demonstrated: - passage of edema fluid through intercellular clefts of alveolar capillary endothelium - edema accumulation in alveolar interstitial tissue - draining of edema fluid from the alveolar septum to the interstitium of terminal bronchioli and to lymphatic vessels. An early interepithelial fluid leakage out of the alveolar wall remains questionable.", "PMID": 996374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6339", "title": "Acid-base patterns in lean and obese subjects during total fasting.", "content": "During prolonged starvation blood gas analyses on 24 lean and 78 obese subjects were performed. A statistically significant sex difference of acid-base status was found in that lean females were more acidotic after 4 - 6 days of fasting than lean males. This sex difference was abolished by severe and long-standing obesity, since females suffering from this condition were not significantly different from lean and obese males. Out of 78 obese patients fasted for 1 - 4 weeks 8 had one or more pH values below 7.30. It is concluded that regular blood gas analyses are indicated in all patients subjected to prolonged total fasting.", "contents": "Acid-base patterns in lean and obese subjects during total fasting. During prolonged starvation blood gas analyses on 24 lean and 78 obese subjects were performed. A statistically significant sex difference of acid-base status was found in that lean females were more acidotic after 4 - 6 days of fasting than lean males. This sex difference was abolished by severe and long-standing obesity, since females suffering from this condition were not significantly different from lean and obese males. Out of 78 obese patients fasted for 1 - 4 weeks 8 had one or more pH values below 7.30. It is concluded that regular blood gas analyses are indicated in all patients subjected to prolonged total fasting.", "PMID": 996375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6340", "title": "A new method for chronic intraventricular measurement of intracranial pressure.", "content": "A new simple method, which allows rapid access to the ventricular system to monitor intracranial pressure, is described. One of the lateral ventricles is punctured percutaneously, with a hand drill operated by a flash-light battery, and a lumbar puncture needle (20 gauge) attached to a water manometer or to a strain gauge connected to a venous pressure monitor.", "contents": "A new method for chronic intraventricular measurement of intracranial pressure. A new simple method, which allows rapid access to the ventricular system to monitor intracranial pressure, is described. One of the lateral ventricles is punctured percutaneously, with a hand drill operated by a flash-light battery, and a lumbar puncture needle (20 gauge) attached to a water manometer or to a strain gauge connected to a venous pressure monitor.", "PMID": 996377} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6341", "title": "Rewarming from immersion hypothermia: a comparison of three techniques.", "content": "Rewarming from immersion hypothermia has been assessed in sheep by the use of three techniques--hot bath, body insulation and airway warming. Though the hot bath was the fastest of the methods of rewarming studied, consideration of temperature gradients and therefore total body heat diminished its advantage in comparison with central body rewarming via the airway (CBRW), which in turn showed considerably advantage over body insulation alone. CBRW did not have any thermal advantage gained on assisting the ventilation as compared with spontaneous breathing. The results illustrate the importance of adequate insulation of the body to prevent further heat loss and this was found to be true whether or not airway warming was being used. The site of heat uptake with CBRW was determined and observations were made on the physical behaviour of temperature gradients.", "contents": "Rewarming from immersion hypothermia: a comparison of three techniques. Rewarming from immersion hypothermia has been assessed in sheep by the use of three techniques--hot bath, body insulation and airway warming. Though the hot bath was the fastest of the methods of rewarming studied, consideration of temperature gradients and therefore total body heat diminished its advantage in comparison with central body rewarming via the airway (CBRW), which in turn showed considerably advantage over body insulation alone. CBRW did not have any thermal advantage gained on assisting the ventilation as compared with spontaneous breathing. The results illustrate the importance of adequate insulation of the body to prevent further heat loss and this was found to be true whether or not airway warming was being used. The site of heat uptake with CBRW was determined and observations were made on the physical behaviour of temperature gradients.", "PMID": 996379} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6342", "title": "The use of intravenous regional anaesthesia for the reduction of Colles' fractures.", "content": "Intravenous regional anaesthesia in the reduction of Colles' fracture was compared in 70 patients with 55 others who were treated with general anaesthetics. It was found to be easier and to involve a shorter waiting time, not to require patients to be supervised so long during recovery, and after this method it was less frequently necessary for patients to be taken home by ambulance. Its disadvantages were that it took longer, and could not be used for psychiatric patients or children.", "contents": "The use of intravenous regional anaesthesia for the reduction of Colles' fractures. Intravenous regional anaesthesia in the reduction of Colles' fracture was compared in 70 patients with 55 others who were treated with general anaesthetics. It was found to be easier and to involve a shorter waiting time, not to require patients to be supervised so long during recovery, and after this method it was less frequently necessary for patients to be taken home by ambulance. Its disadvantages were that it took longer, and could not be used for psychiatric patients or children.", "PMID": 996380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6343", "title": "[Visual evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis].", "content": "A study was carried out of 32 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis the diagnois of which was quite definite according to Mac Alpine's criteria and which had developed over more than two years. Comparison was made with patient suffering from optic neuritis of a different aetiology and with normal subjects. The method of investigation was dynamic electroretinoencephalography : the visual evoked potentials were investigated after stimulation by white and coloured light before and after adapatation to darkness. The specificity of the results was tested by, firstly, electro-retinogram recording for control of the visual system, and secondly, by the recording of auditory evoked potentials for control cerebral function. Abnormalities in visual evoked potentials were found in 77 percent of the cases. In particular, there was delayed latency, that is, a slowing of retino-cortical conduction. The significance of these abnormalities is discussed, by analyzing the electroclinical correlationships according to whether there was obvious or subclinical optic neuritis, and the dissemination, activity or duration of the disease. The incidence of visual evoked potential abnormalities was considerably greater than that in optic neuritis (35 percent). The links between abnormalities in nervous conduction and demyelinisation are emphasized. The role and specificity of electrophysiological investigation in diagnosis of multiple sclerosis are discussed.", "contents": "[Visual evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis]. A study was carried out of 32 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis the diagnois of which was quite definite according to Mac Alpine's criteria and which had developed over more than two years. Comparison was made with patient suffering from optic neuritis of a different aetiology and with normal subjects. The method of investigation was dynamic electroretinoencephalography : the visual evoked potentials were investigated after stimulation by white and coloured light before and after adapatation to darkness. The specificity of the results was tested by, firstly, electro-retinogram recording for control of the visual system, and secondly, by the recording of auditory evoked potentials for control cerebral function. Abnormalities in visual evoked potentials were found in 77 percent of the cases. In particular, there was delayed latency, that is, a slowing of retino-cortical conduction. The significance of these abnormalities is discussed, by analyzing the electroclinical correlationships according to whether there was obvious or subclinical optic neuritis, and the dissemination, activity or duration of the disease. The incidence of visual evoked potential abnormalities was considerably greater than that in optic neuritis (35 percent). The links between abnormalities in nervous conduction and demyelinisation are emphasized. The role and specificity of electrophysiological investigation in diagnosis of multiple sclerosis are discussed.", "PMID": 996388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6344", "title": "[Tardive spino-cerebellar degeneration with amyotrophia, complicating a severe case of pallido-luysian degeneration and diffuse histological lesions of senility. (Anatomo-clinical study of a case with nosographic discussion)].", "content": "Anatomo-clinical findings are reported in a case of central nervous system degeneration which began at age 47 and progressed over a three year period. Information obtained prior to the patient's death suggested probable spinocerebellar degeneration with amyotrophies. Postmortem anatomical examination confirmed this diagnosis but also revealed the existence of unsuspected lesions. These clinically non-manifested lesions involved severe pallido-luysian degeneration as well as numerous and diffuse senile plaques. The nosological implications of this case are discussed.", "contents": "[Tardive spino-cerebellar degeneration with amyotrophia, complicating a severe case of pallido-luysian degeneration and diffuse histological lesions of senility. (Anatomo-clinical study of a case with nosographic discussion)]. Anatomo-clinical findings are reported in a case of central nervous system degeneration which began at age 47 and progressed over a three year period. Information obtained prior to the patient's death suggested probable spinocerebellar degeneration with amyotrophies. Postmortem anatomical examination confirmed this diagnosis but also revealed the existence of unsuspected lesions. These clinically non-manifested lesions involved severe pallido-luysian degeneration as well as numerous and diffuse senile plaques. The nosological implications of this case are discussed.", "PMID": 996389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6345", "title": "Double ventricular parasystole associated with atrial fibrillation.", "content": "The case of a 75-year-old man with acute myocardial infarction is presented. Two ventricular parasystolic foci, one in the right bundle branch, the other in the left bundle branch system were demonstrated with the aid of a His bundle recording, in the presence of atrial fibrillation.", "contents": "Double ventricular parasystole associated with atrial fibrillation. The case of a 75-year-old man with acute myocardial infarction is presented. Two ventricular parasystolic foci, one in the right bundle branch, the other in the left bundle branch system were demonstrated with the aid of a His bundle recording, in the presence of atrial fibrillation.", "PMID": 996421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6346", "title": "Electrocardiographic diagnosis of myocardial infarction in patients with pacemakers.", "content": "The ECG changes of myocardial infarction during permanent or transient right ventricular pacing were studied in 32 patients with transvenous pacemakers who developed myocardial infarction. During right ventricular pacing the electrocardiogram resembled left bundle branch block in 29 patients, right bundle branch block in two, and in one patient the pattern could not be determined. Myocardial infarction induced new ECG changes during pacemaker rhythm in 20 of the 32 patients. There were only QS complexes in 5 cases, ST segment abnormalities in 4 and T wave inversions in 4, negative Q and T waves were simultaneously observed in one patient, Q wave and S-T segment changes in 3 and S-T segment change and T wave inversion in 3 patients. It is concluded that knowledge of the ECG changes induced by myocardial infarction in most patients under artificial pacing can be useful for diagnosis.", "contents": "Electrocardiographic diagnosis of myocardial infarction in patients with pacemakers. The ECG changes of myocardial infarction during permanent or transient right ventricular pacing were studied in 32 patients with transvenous pacemakers who developed myocardial infarction. During right ventricular pacing the electrocardiogram resembled left bundle branch block in 29 patients, right bundle branch block in two, and in one patient the pattern could not be determined. Myocardial infarction induced new ECG changes during pacemaker rhythm in 20 of the 32 patients. There were only QS complexes in 5 cases, ST segment abnormalities in 4 and T wave inversions in 4, negative Q and T waves were simultaneously observed in one patient, Q wave and S-T segment changes in 3 and S-T segment change and T wave inversion in 3 patients. It is concluded that knowledge of the ECG changes induced by myocardial infarction in most patients under artificial pacing can be useful for diagnosis.", "PMID": 996422} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6347", "title": "Enterovirus infections in acute pancreatitis - a possible etiological connection.", "content": "All patients admitted with a preliminary diagnosis of acute pancreatitis during a one-year period were subjected to virus investigations. 142 patients were included in the study and of these 91 were found to have acute pancreatitis. Evidence of enteroviral infection was found in 18 of the 91 patients (19.8 per cent). From 17 of the 18 patients enterovirus was isolated from feces or urine, and in one a significant titer rise (CF-test) against Coxsackie virus B5 was found. A significant titer rise of antibodies against the virus type isolated could be demonstrated in 7 of the 17 patients. Thus in 8 cases there was obvious evidence of an acute enteroviral infection during the episode of acute pancreatitis. The etiological agents in these cases were Coxsackie viruses B2, B3, and B5, and ECHO-viruses 6, 11, 22, and 30.", "contents": "Enterovirus infections in acute pancreatitis - a possible etiological connection. All patients admitted with a preliminary diagnosis of acute pancreatitis during a one-year period were subjected to virus investigations. 142 patients were included in the study and of these 91 were found to have acute pancreatitis. Evidence of enteroviral infection was found in 18 of the 91 patients (19.8 per cent). From 17 of the 18 patients enterovirus was isolated from feces or urine, and in one a significant titer rise (CF-test) against Coxsackie virus B5 was found. A significant titer rise of antibodies against the virus type isolated could be demonstrated in 7 of the 17 patients. Thus in 8 cases there was obvious evidence of an acute enteroviral infection during the episode of acute pancreatitis. The etiological agents in these cases were Coxsackie viruses B2, B3, and B5, and ECHO-viruses 6, 11, 22, and 30.", "PMID": 996429} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6348", "title": "Plasma volume in chronic arterial hypertension.", "content": "The plasma volume (PV) was determined in 109 patients with chronic arterial hypertension (AH) by 131I-labeled serumalbumin, expressing the results in ml/cm body height. An attempt was made to establish a statistical correlation between PV and diastolic pressure (DP). In essential AH three types of PV were found: normal, hypovolemic and hypervolemic; in hypertensive patients with stenosis of the renal aorta and in those with pheochromocytoma PV was slightly diminished; in hyperaldosteronism it was increased. In AH due to renal parenchymatous lesions the mean PV values were normal, a positive correlation being found between PV and DP (r + 0.929 and p = 0.05) in contrast to the other types of AH, where r was non significant or negative (stenosis of the renal artery, pheochromocytoma, malignant AH).", "contents": "Plasma volume in chronic arterial hypertension. The plasma volume (PV) was determined in 109 patients with chronic arterial hypertension (AH) by 131I-labeled serumalbumin, expressing the results in ml/cm body height. An attempt was made to establish a statistical correlation between PV and diastolic pressure (DP). In essential AH three types of PV were found: normal, hypovolemic and hypervolemic; in hypertensive patients with stenosis of the renal aorta and in those with pheochromocytoma PV was slightly diminished; in hyperaldosteronism it was increased. In AH due to renal parenchymatous lesions the mean PV values were normal, a positive correlation being found between PV and DP (r + 0.929 and p = 0.05) in contrast to the other types of AH, where r was non significant or negative (stenosis of the renal artery, pheochromocytoma, malignant AH).", "PMID": 996423} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6349", "title": "Effects of in vivo administration of pentagastrin, secretin, and 13-Nle-Motilin on the in vitro incorporation of 14C-leucine into protein of human gastric mucosa.", "content": "Under endoscopic control, biopsy specimens were taken from the oxyntic gland area of the stomach before and after administration of pentagastrin, synthetic secretin, and 13-norleucine motilin (13-nle-motilin), respectively. In 29 volunteers, the basal rate of 14C-leucine incorporation into mucosal protein averaged 41.2 +/- 7.7 X 103 cpm/mg protein (mean +/- S.D.). One and 4 hours after s.c. administration of pentagastrin (6 mug/kg body weight), values were significantly increased (p less than 0.05) by 18.9 and 21.8%, respectively, with respect to the basal level. One hour after an intravenous shot of 2 CU per kg body weight of secretin, gastric mucosal protein synthetis was not substantially inhibited, whereas a 1-hour continuous i.v. infusion of 13-nle-motilin (0.4 mug/kg body weight, hr) significantly decreased 14C-leucine incorporation rates by 17.5% (p less than 0.05). In contrast to rats, 1 hour after s.c. pentagastrin, protein synthesis in human duodenal mucosa was not altered. From these results it may be concluded that pentagastrin has a trophic influence on gastric mucosa in man. Moreover, the data presented are compatible with the hypothesis that gastrin and motilin may be involved in the regulation of human gastric mucosal protein synthesis.", "contents": "Effects of in vivo administration of pentagastrin, secretin, and 13-Nle-Motilin on the in vitro incorporation of 14C-leucine into protein of human gastric mucosa. Under endoscopic control, biopsy specimens were taken from the oxyntic gland area of the stomach before and after administration of pentagastrin, synthetic secretin, and 13-norleucine motilin (13-nle-motilin), respectively. In 29 volunteers, the basal rate of 14C-leucine incorporation into mucosal protein averaged 41.2 +/- 7.7 X 103 cpm/mg protein (mean +/- S.D.). One and 4 hours after s.c. administration of pentagastrin (6 mug/kg body weight), values were significantly increased (p less than 0.05) by 18.9 and 21.8%, respectively, with respect to the basal level. One hour after an intravenous shot of 2 CU per kg body weight of secretin, gastric mucosal protein synthetis was not substantially inhibited, whereas a 1-hour continuous i.v. infusion of 13-nle-motilin (0.4 mug/kg body weight, hr) significantly decreased 14C-leucine incorporation rates by 17.5% (p less than 0.05). In contrast to rats, 1 hour after s.c. pentagastrin, protein synthesis in human duodenal mucosa was not altered. From these results it may be concluded that pentagastrin has a trophic influence on gastric mucosa in man. Moreover, the data presented are compatible with the hypothesis that gastrin and motilin may be involved in the regulation of human gastric mucosal protein synthesis.", "PMID": 996430} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6350", "title": "The biochemical prerequisites for preventing pathogenic lysolecithin activity in the human gallbladder.", "content": "Human gallbladder epithelium was disintegrated to complete loss of microscopic structure and incubated at 37 degree C together with unlabelled lysolecithin and 14C-lysolecithin. During each incubation lysolecithin was degraded and stoichiometrically equivalent amounts of free fatty acids formed. The maximum rate of degradation was obtained at pH 7.0 and at 200 muM lysolecithin. With increasing amounts of gallbladder epithelial cell constituents the reaction became faster. After heating the epithelial components at 70 degrees C for 10 min the reaction was inhibited. The results suggest the presence of a heat labile lysophospholipase (phospholipase B) activity in the human gallbladder epithelium. This activity may operate to protect the gallbladder epithelium against potentially pathogenic lysolecithin activity. Its presence in the gallbladder epithelium meets the prerequisites for a local anti-inflammatory mechanism and lends further support to the hypothesis of lysolecithin as a mediator of cholecystitis.", "contents": "The biochemical prerequisites for preventing pathogenic lysolecithin activity in the human gallbladder. Human gallbladder epithelium was disintegrated to complete loss of microscopic structure and incubated at 37 degree C together with unlabelled lysolecithin and 14C-lysolecithin. During each incubation lysolecithin was degraded and stoichiometrically equivalent amounts of free fatty acids formed. The maximum rate of degradation was obtained at pH 7.0 and at 200 muM lysolecithin. With increasing amounts of gallbladder epithelial cell constituents the reaction became faster. After heating the epithelial components at 70 degrees C for 10 min the reaction was inhibited. The results suggest the presence of a heat labile lysophospholipase (phospholipase B) activity in the human gallbladder epithelium. This activity may operate to protect the gallbladder epithelium against potentially pathogenic lysolecithin activity. Its presence in the gallbladder epithelium meets the prerequisites for a local anti-inflammatory mechanism and lends further support to the hypothesis of lysolecithin as a mediator of cholecystitis.", "PMID": 996431} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6351", "title": "Arterial carbon dioxide tension and dyspnea in chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema.", "content": "The severity of dyspnea (MRC scale) was confronted to the blood carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) in 45 patients with chronic nonspecific lung disease having moderate or severe airway obstruction (FEV1.0 of less than 1.5 liters). The patients were classified as \"bronchitic\", \"emphysematous\" and \"intermediate\" using a 10- criterion (clinical, roentgenologic and biological) \"emphysema score\". No correlation between dyspnea grade and PaCO2 was found in \"bronchitic\" and \"intermediate\" patients; in the \"emphysematous\" subgroup PaCO2 tended to rise as dyspnea was more severe, but the linear correlation coefficient (r= +0.37) did not reach the significance threshold, which is high (0.468) for such a limited number of observations.", "contents": "Arterial carbon dioxide tension and dyspnea in chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema. The severity of dyspnea (MRC scale) was confronted to the blood carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) in 45 patients with chronic nonspecific lung disease having moderate or severe airway obstruction (FEV1.0 of less than 1.5 liters). The patients were classified as \"bronchitic\", \"emphysematous\" and \"intermediate\" using a 10- criterion (clinical, roentgenologic and biological) \"emphysema score\". No correlation between dyspnea grade and PaCO2 was found in \"bronchitic\" and \"intermediate\" patients; in the \"emphysematous\" subgroup PaCO2 tended to rise as dyspnea was more severe, but the linear correlation coefficient (r= +0.37) did not reach the significance threshold, which is high (0.468) for such a limited number of observations.", "PMID": 996425} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6352", "title": "Gastric acid and serum gastrin responses to insulin and 2-deoxy-d-glucose in duodenal ulcer patients before and after partial gastrectomy.", "content": "Gastric acid and serum gastrin (radioimmunoassay) responses to insulin (0.2 U/kg i.v.) and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) (50 mg/kg i.v.) were determined in 11 male duodenal ulcer patients before and after partial gastrectomy involving complete antral resection. In 8 of the patients the acid response to pentagastrin (6 mug/kg subc.) was also determined. Before operation, 2DG produced higher acid and gastrin responses than insulin. Partial gastrectomy reduced basal acid secretion by 54% but did not alter the basal gastrin level, suggesting that this gastrin is of extra-antral origin. Partial gastrectomy reduced the acid responses to insulin and 2DG by 66% and 78%, respectively; after operation the acid responses to these stimulants were equal. The ratio for the acid response to insulin and pentagastrin was 65% before and 56% after partial gastrectomy; corresponding ratios for 2DG and pentagastrin were 112% and 48%. Partial gastrectomy abolished the peak gastrin response to insulin hypoglycemia and reduced that to 2DG by 64%. The integrated gastrin response to insulin and 2DG was insignificant in the operated patients. Both insulin and 2DG release mainly antral gastrin which appears to be of greater importance for the acid response to 2DG than insulin.", "contents": "Gastric acid and serum gastrin responses to insulin and 2-deoxy-d-glucose in duodenal ulcer patients before and after partial gastrectomy. Gastric acid and serum gastrin (radioimmunoassay) responses to insulin (0.2 U/kg i.v.) and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) (50 mg/kg i.v.) were determined in 11 male duodenal ulcer patients before and after partial gastrectomy involving complete antral resection. In 8 of the patients the acid response to pentagastrin (6 mug/kg subc.) was also determined. Before operation, 2DG produced higher acid and gastrin responses than insulin. Partial gastrectomy reduced basal acid secretion by 54% but did not alter the basal gastrin level, suggesting that this gastrin is of extra-antral origin. Partial gastrectomy reduced the acid responses to insulin and 2DG by 66% and 78%, respectively; after operation the acid responses to these stimulants were equal. The ratio for the acid response to insulin and pentagastrin was 65% before and 56% after partial gastrectomy; corresponding ratios for 2DG and pentagastrin were 112% and 48%. Partial gastrectomy abolished the peak gastrin response to insulin hypoglycemia and reduced that to 2DG by 64%. The integrated gastrin response to insulin and 2DG was insignificant in the operated patients. Both insulin and 2DG release mainly antral gastrin which appears to be of greater importance for the acid response to 2DG than insulin.", "PMID": 996432} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6353", "title": "Spontaneous aorta and coronary lesions in mountain mammals. II. The chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra).", "content": "The study of the aorta and coronary arteries from 25 chamois shot in their mountain natural habitat allowed the observation that this animal is more exposed to liposclerotic lesions than other wild herbivorous mammals which live in the plain or at low altitudes. This observation is supported by both the frequency of the lesions (found in the coronary arteries of 14 animals and in the aorta of 10) and their morphologic and histochemical features. The author discusses the possible role of the relatively hypoxic condition, in which this animal lives at high altitudes, on the etiopathogeny of the above mentioned lesions.", "contents": "Spontaneous aorta and coronary lesions in mountain mammals. II. The chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). The study of the aorta and coronary arteries from 25 chamois shot in their mountain natural habitat allowed the observation that this animal is more exposed to liposclerotic lesions than other wild herbivorous mammals which live in the plain or at low altitudes. This observation is supported by both the frequency of the lesions (found in the coronary arteries of 14 animals and in the aorta of 10) and their morphologic and histochemical features. The author discusses the possible role of the relatively hypoxic condition, in which this animal lives at high altitudes, on the etiopathogeny of the above mentioned lesions.", "PMID": 996427} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6354", "title": "Effect of intrajejunal fat on meal-stimulated acid and gastrin secretion in man.", "content": "The effect of intrajejunal fat infusion on meal-stimulated gastric acid and gastrin secretion was studied in 8 healthy volunteers. Intrajejunal fat significantly reduced the acid response to a meal, measured by intragastric titration, as compared to intrajejunal infusion of saline. While serum gastrin concentrations rose from fasting levels to a constant plateau after the meal when saline was infused, fat infusion resulted in a transitory decrease in serum gastrin concentration followed by a significant increase. It is concluded that inhibition of gastrin release only plays a minor role, if any, in the observed fat-induced jejuanl inhibition of meal-stimulated acid secretion.", "contents": "Effect of intrajejunal fat on meal-stimulated acid and gastrin secretion in man. The effect of intrajejunal fat infusion on meal-stimulated gastric acid and gastrin secretion was studied in 8 healthy volunteers. Intrajejunal fat significantly reduced the acid response to a meal, measured by intragastric titration, as compared to intrajejunal infusion of saline. While serum gastrin concentrations rose from fasting levels to a constant plateau after the meal when saline was infused, fat infusion resulted in a transitory decrease in serum gastrin concentration followed by a significant increase. It is concluded that inhibition of gastrin release only plays a minor role, if any, in the observed fat-induced jejuanl inhibition of meal-stimulated acid secretion.", "PMID": 996433} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6355", "title": "The absorption of vitamin B12 after subtotal pancreatectomy in the rat.", "content": "Subtotal pancreatectomy in the rat was performed by a new method. Except for a small remnant along the splenal hilus, the gland was completely removed. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was confirmed by fat and nitrogen malabsorption. A moderate diabetes mellitus was seen. Insulin substitution or diet restriction was unnecessary. The absorption of vitamin B12 after oral administration of 10 ng 57CoB12 was 5.0 +/- 0.2 (ng 57CoB12 +/- S.E.M.) in unoperated rats and 5.1 +/- 0.1 in pancreatectomized rats (p greater than 0.5). Pancreatic extract (PE) (100 mg) increased the absorption of 57CoB12 in unoperated rats (p less than 0.01), but not in pancreatectomized rats (p greater than 0.2). PE (300 mg) reduced the absorption in unoperated rats (p less than 0.01). The results indicate that an optimal amount of pancreatic secretion may stimulate the absorption of vitamin B12.", "contents": "The absorption of vitamin B12 after subtotal pancreatectomy in the rat. Subtotal pancreatectomy in the rat was performed by a new method. Except for a small remnant along the splenal hilus, the gland was completely removed. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was confirmed by fat and nitrogen malabsorption. A moderate diabetes mellitus was seen. Insulin substitution or diet restriction was unnecessary. The absorption of vitamin B12 after oral administration of 10 ng 57CoB12 was 5.0 +/- 0.2 (ng 57CoB12 +/- S.E.M.) in unoperated rats and 5.1 +/- 0.1 in pancreatectomized rats (p greater than 0.5). Pancreatic extract (PE) (100 mg) increased the absorption of 57CoB12 in unoperated rats (p less than 0.01), but not in pancreatectomized rats (p greater than 0.2). PE (300 mg) reduced the absorption in unoperated rats (p less than 0.01). The results indicate that an optimal amount of pancreatic secretion may stimulate the absorption of vitamin B12.", "PMID": 996434} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6356", "title": "Intestinal absorption of vitamin B12 in patients with chronic pancreatic insufficiency and the effect of human duodenal juice on the intestinal uptake of vitamin B12.", "content": "The mean absorption of vitamin B12 (Schilling test) was 13.1 +/- 1.0 (% +/- S.E.M.) in 21 patients with chronic pancreatic insufficiency and 17.6 +/- 1.4 in 13 control patients (p less than 0.01). There was no correlation between pancreatic bicarbonate production after secretion stimulation and vitamin B12 absorption in the patient group (r = 0.117). Human duodenal juice reduced the uptake of 57CoB12-rat intrinsic factor (IF) by perfused rat small intestinal segments in vivo (p less than 0.01) as well as the uptake of 57CoB12-human IF by purified guinea-pig intestinal brush borders in vitro (p less than 0.01). The results confirm reduced absorption of vitamin B12 in chronic pancreatic insufficiency, but the mechanism remains uncertain.", "contents": "Intestinal absorption of vitamin B12 in patients with chronic pancreatic insufficiency and the effect of human duodenal juice on the intestinal uptake of vitamin B12. The mean absorption of vitamin B12 (Schilling test) was 13.1 +/- 1.0 (% +/- S.E.M.) in 21 patients with chronic pancreatic insufficiency and 17.6 +/- 1.4 in 13 control patients (p less than 0.01). There was no correlation between pancreatic bicarbonate production after secretion stimulation and vitamin B12 absorption in the patient group (r = 0.117). Human duodenal juice reduced the uptake of 57CoB12-rat intrinsic factor (IF) by perfused rat small intestinal segments in vivo (p less than 0.01) as well as the uptake of 57CoB12-human IF by purified guinea-pig intestinal brush borders in vitro (p less than 0.01). The results confirm reduced absorption of vitamin B12 in chronic pancreatic insufficiency, but the mechanism remains uncertain.", "PMID": 996435} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6357", "title": "N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase in lymphocytes of patients with Hodgkin's disease, plasma cell myeloma and primary polycythemia.", "content": "The N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activity was cytochemically determined in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of ten patients with Hodgkin's disease, ten with plasma cell myeloma and ten with primary polycythemia as well as in 20 healthy controls. In all the patients studied a significant decrease in the enzyme-positive cell count with decrease of the intracellular content of enzyme-positive cell count with decrease of the intracellular content of enzyme-positive lysosomal granules was noted. These alterations were more marked in the patients with Hodgkin's disease.", "contents": "N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase in lymphocytes of patients with Hodgkin's disease, plasma cell myeloma and primary polycythemia. The N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activity was cytochemically determined in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of ten patients with Hodgkin's disease, ten with plasma cell myeloma and ten with primary polycythemia as well as in 20 healthy controls. In all the patients studied a significant decrease in the enzyme-positive cell count with decrease of the intracellular content of enzyme-positive cell count with decrease of the intracellular content of enzyme-positive lysosomal granules was noted. These alterations were more marked in the patients with Hodgkin's disease.", "PMID": 996426} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6358", "title": "Inhibitory effect of pancreatic juice on the intestinal uptake of vitamin B12.", "content": "Rat pancreatic juice (RPJ) reduced the mean uptake of 57CoB12 bound to rat intrinsic factor (IF) by perfused rat intestinal segments from 30.1 +/- 2.4 (pg 57CoB12 per cm intestine +/- S.E.M.) to 26.7 +/- 2.4 (p less than 0.05). RPJ activated with enterokinase reduced the uptake from 22.8 +/- 2.8 to 16.1 +/- 1.9 (p less than 0.05). RPJ also reduced the uptake from 15.8 +/- 2.3 to 8.3 +/- 2.0 (p less than 0.01) in segments from partially pancreatectomized rats. Rat bile abolished the inhibitory effect of RPJ. The results indicate that in the absence of bile the exocrine pancreatic secretion is capable of inhibiting the intestinal uptake of vitamin B12.", "contents": "Inhibitory effect of pancreatic juice on the intestinal uptake of vitamin B12. Rat pancreatic juice (RPJ) reduced the mean uptake of 57CoB12 bound to rat intrinsic factor (IF) by perfused rat intestinal segments from 30.1 +/- 2.4 (pg 57CoB12 per cm intestine +/- S.E.M.) to 26.7 +/- 2.4 (p less than 0.05). RPJ activated with enterokinase reduced the uptake from 22.8 +/- 2.8 to 16.1 +/- 1.9 (p less than 0.05). RPJ also reduced the uptake from 15.8 +/- 2.3 to 8.3 +/- 2.0 (p less than 0.01) in segments from partially pancreatectomized rats. Rat bile abolished the inhibitory effect of RPJ. The results indicate that in the absence of bile the exocrine pancreatic secretion is capable of inhibiting the intestinal uptake of vitamin B12.", "PMID": 996436} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6359", "title": "Serum gastrin and atrophic gastritis in achlorhydric patients with and without pernicious anemia.", "content": "Forty-two patients with pernicious anemia (PA) and 35 patients with achlorhydria but without PA were investigated by means of serum gastrin determination and estimation of circulating parietal cell and thyroidal autoantibodies. In 38 of the 77 patients, gastroscopic and histopathological examinations of the antral and corpus mucosa were performed. The patient groups were similar with regard to distribution of high and normal serum gastrin levels, the frequencey of autoantibodies and antrum-sparing atrophic gastritis. In the present selection of patients, therefore, the achlorhydria group was supposed to represent a precursor state of the group with PA. A minor proportion of patients with severe atrophic gastritis of the antrum as well as of the corpus mucosa was found in the two groups.", "contents": "Serum gastrin and atrophic gastritis in achlorhydric patients with and without pernicious anemia. Forty-two patients with pernicious anemia (PA) and 35 patients with achlorhydria but without PA were investigated by means of serum gastrin determination and estimation of circulating parietal cell and thyroidal autoantibodies. In 38 of the 77 patients, gastroscopic and histopathological examinations of the antral and corpus mucosa were performed. The patient groups were similar with regard to distribution of high and normal serum gastrin levels, the frequencey of autoantibodies and antrum-sparing atrophic gastritis. In the present selection of patients, therefore, the achlorhydria group was supposed to represent a precursor state of the group with PA. A minor proportion of patients with severe atrophic gastritis of the antrum as well as of the corpus mucosa was found in the two groups.", "PMID": 996437} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6360", "title": "Bile acid metabolism and plasma protein turnover in Crohn's disease.", "content": "Postprandial duodenal bile acids, intestinal protein loss, and albumin and IgG turnover were studied in 19 non-operated patients with Crohn's disease. A lesion of the terminal ileum was present in 18 of 19 patients, either alone or associated with regional colitis. Identical bile acid studies were made in a control group of 20 patients with chronic diarrhoea of undetermined origin. Duodenal bile acid concentration was decreased in 9 of 19 patients with Crohn's disease, and in 5 of 20 patients with unexplained diarrhoea. The glycine/taurine-ratio was increased in 8 of 17 patients with Crohn's disease, but in only one of the 20 control patients. Abnormal intestinal protein loss was present in 13 of 14 patients with Crohn's disease. The fractional catabolic rate of albumin and IgG was increased in all 17 cases of Crohn's disease studied, except the patient with no protein loss. A statistically significant and positive correlation was observed between glycine/taurine-ratio and fractional catabolic rate of both albumin and IgG. No patient with Crohn's disease harboured an abnormal bacterial flora in the proximal small intestine. It is concluded that, in the absence of abnormal bacterial flora in the proximal jejunum, the glycine/taurine-ratio is more valuable as an indicator of terminal ileopathy than postprandial duodenal bile acid concentration in nonoperated patients with terminal ileitis. Abnormal intestinal protein loss and increased catabolic rate of albumin and IgG are practically always present in active Crohn's disease and are strong evidence of an organic gastrointestinal lesion in patients with normal radiographic findings.", "contents": "Bile acid metabolism and plasma protein turnover in Crohn's disease. Postprandial duodenal bile acids, intestinal protein loss, and albumin and IgG turnover were studied in 19 non-operated patients with Crohn's disease. A lesion of the terminal ileum was present in 18 of 19 patients, either alone or associated with regional colitis. Identical bile acid studies were made in a control group of 20 patients with chronic diarrhoea of undetermined origin. Duodenal bile acid concentration was decreased in 9 of 19 patients with Crohn's disease, and in 5 of 20 patients with unexplained diarrhoea. The glycine/taurine-ratio was increased in 8 of 17 patients with Crohn's disease, but in only one of the 20 control patients. Abnormal intestinal protein loss was present in 13 of 14 patients with Crohn's disease. The fractional catabolic rate of albumin and IgG was increased in all 17 cases of Crohn's disease studied, except the patient with no protein loss. A statistically significant and positive correlation was observed between glycine/taurine-ratio and fractional catabolic rate of both albumin and IgG. No patient with Crohn's disease harboured an abnormal bacterial flora in the proximal small intestine. It is concluded that, in the absence of abnormal bacterial flora in the proximal jejunum, the glycine/taurine-ratio is more valuable as an indicator of terminal ileopathy than postprandial duodenal bile acid concentration in nonoperated patients with terminal ileitis. Abnormal intestinal protein loss and increased catabolic rate of albumin and IgG are practically always present in active Crohn's disease and are strong evidence of an organic gastrointestinal lesion in patients with normal radiographic findings.", "PMID": 996438} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6361", "title": "Jejunitis with malaborption. A quantitative study of the gastric and intestinal handling of a meal during malabsorption and after recovery.", "content": "The gastric and intestinal response to a standard meal was examined with a quantitative multiple indicator dilution technique in a patient with jejunitis and malabsorption. Examinations were made during and after recovery from disease. The malabsorptive state was associated with a marked delay of the gastric emptying paralleled by a low gastric secretion rate. Despite the low delivery rate from the stomach, large fluid volumes passed at the investigated level 70 cm distal to the pyloric sphincter. This was due to a reduced absorption of nutrients and water during a rapid transit of the proximal intestine and to persistently high pancreatic and intestinal secretion rates. A comparison with data from the healthy experiment suggests that the strong gastric inhibition during malabsorption works as an effective compensation for the decreased absorptive capacity after the second hour from meal intake and onwards.", "contents": "Jejunitis with malaborption. A quantitative study of the gastric and intestinal handling of a meal during malabsorption and after recovery. The gastric and intestinal response to a standard meal was examined with a quantitative multiple indicator dilution technique in a patient with jejunitis and malabsorption. Examinations were made during and after recovery from disease. The malabsorptive state was associated with a marked delay of the gastric emptying paralleled by a low gastric secretion rate. Despite the low delivery rate from the stomach, large fluid volumes passed at the investigated level 70 cm distal to the pyloric sphincter. This was due to a reduced absorption of nutrients and water during a rapid transit of the proximal intestine and to persistently high pancreatic and intestinal secretion rates. A comparison with data from the healthy experiment suggests that the strong gastric inhibition during malabsorption works as an effective compensation for the decreased absorptive capacity after the second hour from meal intake and onwards.", "PMID": 996439} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6362", "title": "Serum tryptophan in Crohn's disease.", "content": "Tryptophan absorption was studied in 32 patients with Crohn's disease and 16 healthy controls. A non-parametric sorting process identified two distinct groups of patients; 19 with normal tryptophan absorption values and 13 with distinctly subnormal results. The patients with impaired tryptophan absorption ate less, had lost more weight, and had lower serum albumin levels and greater intestinal protein loss than the group with normal absorption. Bacterial colonization of the jejunum, liver disease, and steroid therapy did not seem to influence tryptophan values in these patients.", "contents": "Serum tryptophan in Crohn's disease. Tryptophan absorption was studied in 32 patients with Crohn's disease and 16 healthy controls. A non-parametric sorting process identified two distinct groups of patients; 19 with normal tryptophan absorption values and 13 with distinctly subnormal results. The patients with impaired tryptophan absorption ate less, had lost more weight, and had lower serum albumin levels and greater intestinal protein loss than the group with normal absorption. Bacterial colonization of the jejunum, liver disease, and steroid therapy did not seem to influence tryptophan values in these patients.", "PMID": 996440} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6363", "title": "Inhibition of bile formation by high doses of taurocholate in the perfused rat liver.", "content": "Sodium taurocholate was administered to the in situ perfused liver of male Sprague Dawley rats at various rates below (57 and 114 nmol/min -g liver) and above (228 and 456 nmol/min -g liver) its biliary transport maximum (Tm) to study its effect on bile formation. As expected, bile flow increased with increasing dose until maximal bile salt excretion was reached. By contrast, during taurocholate infusions exceeding the taurocholate-Tm, bile flow and bile salt excretion decreased. Under those conditions, a given bile salt excretion was associated with a smaller volume of bile. A relationship between these effects and the concentration of taurocholate in the perfusate (160 to 860 nmol/ml) was suggested by the observation that bile formation returned toward normal when the taurocholate concentration was lowered by exchange of the perfusate.", "contents": "Inhibition of bile formation by high doses of taurocholate in the perfused rat liver. Sodium taurocholate was administered to the in situ perfused liver of male Sprague Dawley rats at various rates below (57 and 114 nmol/min -g liver) and above (228 and 456 nmol/min -g liver) its biliary transport maximum (Tm) to study its effect on bile formation. As expected, bile flow increased with increasing dose until maximal bile salt excretion was reached. By contrast, during taurocholate infusions exceeding the taurocholate-Tm, bile flow and bile salt excretion decreased. Under those conditions, a given bile salt excretion was associated with a smaller volume of bile. A relationship between these effects and the concentration of taurocholate in the perfusate (160 to 860 nmol/ml) was suggested by the observation that bile formation returned toward normal when the taurocholate concentration was lowered by exchange of the perfusate.", "PMID": 996441} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6364", "title": "Autopsy findings in leukaemia.", "content": "Out of 38 leukaemic cases only 16 had extensive leukaemic infiltration at death. 15 patients had slight or moderate and 7 no infiltration at all. 12 of the 15, and 5 of the 7 died with septicaemia. The latter patients must have died of complications rather than of the leukaemia itself. Although it has been possible to reduce the incidence of septicaemia during life, terminal septicaemia does not yet seem to be preventable. Septicaemia was revealed at autopsy in 27 of 38 patients; 25 of these also had clinical signs of septicaemia before death. Necrotizing gastrointestinal lesions may cause endogenous infection. In the present material, almost every second patient had fungal septicaemia. Out of 7 patients having oral candidiasis in vivo 5 had systemic candidiasis at autopsy, but only half of the patients with systemic candidiasis had visible oral growth. Modern treatment of leukaemia seems to be able to prevent intracranial haemorrhage in 90% of the cases. On the other hand, vacuolization of muscle and liver tissue was a frequent finding in leukaemia. It is suggested as being caused by fatty degeneration. Vacuolization of myocardial cells was found in 7 out of 13 cases. Among these 7, 4 had had intermittent hypokalaemia.", "contents": "Autopsy findings in leukaemia. Out of 38 leukaemic cases only 16 had extensive leukaemic infiltration at death. 15 patients had slight or moderate and 7 no infiltration at all. 12 of the 15, and 5 of the 7 died with septicaemia. The latter patients must have died of complications rather than of the leukaemia itself. Although it has been possible to reduce the incidence of septicaemia during life, terminal septicaemia does not yet seem to be preventable. Septicaemia was revealed at autopsy in 27 of 38 patients; 25 of these also had clinical signs of septicaemia before death. Necrotizing gastrointestinal lesions may cause endogenous infection. In the present material, almost every second patient had fungal septicaemia. Out of 7 patients having oral candidiasis in vivo 5 had systemic candidiasis at autopsy, but only half of the patients with systemic candidiasis had visible oral growth. Modern treatment of leukaemia seems to be able to prevent intracranial haemorrhage in 90% of the cases. On the other hand, vacuolization of muscle and liver tissue was a frequent finding in leukaemia. It is suggested as being caused by fatty degeneration. Vacuolization of myocardial cells was found in 7 out of 13 cases. Among these 7, 4 had had intermittent hypokalaemia.", "PMID": 996442} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6365", "title": "Adenylate-rich sequences of heterogeneous nuclear RNA from normal and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia lymphocytes.", "content": "Rapidly labelled high molecular weight heterogeneous nuclear RNA (Hn RNA) from normal and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) lymphocytes has been fractionated into two classes by chromatography on poly (U) sephasose. The (+) Hn RNA is bound to poly (U) sepharose and contains both a long poly (A) segment (100-200 nucleotides) and shorter (A) rich sequences (approximately 20-30 nucleotides. (-) Hn RNA is not bound to poly (U) sepharose and lacks the longer poly (A) segment but does contain shorter (A) rich sequences. Partial association of the short (A) rich segments with double-stranded regions was found for both classes of Hn RNA but was most pronounced in (-) Hn RNA from high WBC cases of CLL. Both classes of Hn RNA from CLL lymphocytes contain varying but generally higher amounts of the short (A) rich fraction than those in normals. Similar amounts of the longer poly (A) segments were found in (+) Hn RNA from both CLL and normal lymphocytes.", "contents": "Adenylate-rich sequences of heterogeneous nuclear RNA from normal and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia lymphocytes. Rapidly labelled high molecular weight heterogeneous nuclear RNA (Hn RNA) from normal and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) lymphocytes has been fractionated into two classes by chromatography on poly (U) sephasose. The (+) Hn RNA is bound to poly (U) sepharose and contains both a long poly (A) segment (100-200 nucleotides) and shorter (A) rich sequences (approximately 20-30 nucleotides. (-) Hn RNA is not bound to poly (U) sepharose and lacks the longer poly (A) segment but does contain shorter (A) rich sequences. Partial association of the short (A) rich segments with double-stranded regions was found for both classes of Hn RNA but was most pronounced in (-) Hn RNA from high WBC cases of CLL. Both classes of Hn RNA from CLL lymphocytes contain varying but generally higher amounts of the short (A) rich fraction than those in normals. Similar amounts of the longer poly (A) segments were found in (+) Hn RNA from both CLL and normal lymphocytes.", "PMID": 996443} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6366", "title": "Platelet production capacity at intervals after acute thrombocytopenia.", "content": "Platelet producing capacity was examined at intervals after acute platelet depletion by reinduction of acute thrombocytopenia and assessment of the subsequent platelet recovery rates of 35S-sulfate incorporation into platelets. Platelet producing capacity was increased on days 1 and 2, somewhat decreased on days 3 and 4 and had returned to baseline by day 5. These studies suggest that there is an initial increase followed by a decrease on days 3 and 4 in cells which can respond to thrombopoietic stimulating factor after induction of acute thrombocytopenia.", "contents": "Platelet production capacity at intervals after acute thrombocytopenia. Platelet producing capacity was examined at intervals after acute platelet depletion by reinduction of acute thrombocytopenia and assessment of the subsequent platelet recovery rates of 35S-sulfate incorporation into platelets. Platelet producing capacity was increased on days 1 and 2, somewhat decreased on days 3 and 4 and had returned to baseline by day 5. These studies suggest that there is an initial increase followed by a decrease on days 3 and 4 in cells which can respond to thrombopoietic stimulating factor after induction of acute thrombocytopenia.", "PMID": 996444} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6367", "title": "Erythropoiesis inhibiting factor(s) (EIF). The specificity and toxicity of urinary EIF studied in vivo and in vitro.", "content": "The specificity and toxicity of the urinary erythropoiesis inhibiting factor (EIF) has been tested both in vivo and in vitro. When EIF was given to ESF stimulated erythropoietically suppressed polycythaemic mice and to mice at maximal endogenous erythropoietic stimulation, a reduction of the erythroid bone marrow cells, the erythropoietic 3H-TdR L.I. and the total number of bone marrow cells were observed. No effect was seen on the myelopoietic bone marrow cells. An unspecific toxic effect was unlikely, since addition of EIF did not alter the proliferation of lymphoblastic cells nor change the glucose utilization of bone marrow cells in vitro. Neither did the amount of dead bone marrow cells increase after being incubated with EIF for 72 h. The results indicate that the urinary EIF is a non-toxic, cell specific inhibitor on erythropoiesis.", "contents": "Erythropoiesis inhibiting factor(s) (EIF). The specificity and toxicity of urinary EIF studied in vivo and in vitro. The specificity and toxicity of the urinary erythropoiesis inhibiting factor (EIF) has been tested both in vivo and in vitro. When EIF was given to ESF stimulated erythropoietically suppressed polycythaemic mice and to mice at maximal endogenous erythropoietic stimulation, a reduction of the erythroid bone marrow cells, the erythropoietic 3H-TdR L.I. and the total number of bone marrow cells were observed. No effect was seen on the myelopoietic bone marrow cells. An unspecific toxic effect was unlikely, since addition of EIF did not alter the proliferation of lymphoblastic cells nor change the glucose utilization of bone marrow cells in vitro. Neither did the amount of dead bone marrow cells increase after being incubated with EIF for 72 h. The results indicate that the urinary EIF is a non-toxic, cell specific inhibitor on erythropoiesis.", "PMID": 996445} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6368", "title": "Lymphocyte purification from normal human peripheral blood by filtration through columns of cotton wool.", "content": "With a view to simplifying the separation of haemopoietic stem cell concentrates from human peripheral blood, in preparation for their clinical use, the production of lymphocyte concentrates by cotton wool filtration has been investigated. Using the method which is described in detail, highly purified suspensions may be prepared without the selective loss of thymus-independent lymphocytes. Optimal operating conditions are defined. Haemopoietic stem cell concentrates may thereby be harvested, and are shown to be capable of proliferation and differentiation on subsequent culture in vivo.", "contents": "Lymphocyte purification from normal human peripheral blood by filtration through columns of cotton wool. With a view to simplifying the separation of haemopoietic stem cell concentrates from human peripheral blood, in preparation for their clinical use, the production of lymphocyte concentrates by cotton wool filtration has been investigated. Using the method which is described in detail, highly purified suspensions may be prepared without the selective loss of thymus-independent lymphocytes. Optimal operating conditions are defined. Haemopoietic stem cell concentrates may thereby be harvested, and are shown to be capable of proliferation and differentiation on subsequent culture in vivo.", "PMID": 996446} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6369", "title": "Peyer's-patch-associated synthesis of immunoglobulin in germ-free, specific-pathogen-free, and conventional mice.", "content": "The synthesis of immunoglobulins G, A, and M has been studied in Peyer's patches together with closely associated intestinal mucosa and in small intestine distant from Peyer's patches in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) Swiss mice and conventional and germ-free C3H mice. Thissue fragments were cultured in vitro in medium containing 14C-labelled amino acids, and newly synthesized proteins were detected by radioimmunoelectrophoresis. Small intestine from SPF and conventional animals synthesized almost exclusively IgA. No immunoglobulin synthesis was detectable in germ-free intestine. In contrast, the Peyer's patches and associated mucosa of all the groups of mice synthesized IgG, IgA, and IgM. This observation is discussed in relation to the possible role of the Peyer's patches as a source of precursors for immunoglobulin-producing cells in the intestine.", "contents": "Peyer's-patch-associated synthesis of immunoglobulin in germ-free, specific-pathogen-free, and conventional mice. The synthesis of immunoglobulins G, A, and M has been studied in Peyer's patches together with closely associated intestinal mucosa and in small intestine distant from Peyer's patches in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) Swiss mice and conventional and germ-free C3H mice. Thissue fragments were cultured in vitro in medium containing 14C-labelled amino acids, and newly synthesized proteins were detected by radioimmunoelectrophoresis. Small intestine from SPF and conventional animals synthesized almost exclusively IgA. No immunoglobulin synthesis was detectable in germ-free intestine. In contrast, the Peyer's patches and associated mucosa of all the groups of mice synthesized IgG, IgA, and IgM. This observation is discussed in relation to the possible role of the Peyer's patches as a source of precursors for immunoglobulin-producing cells in the intestine.", "PMID": 996447} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6370", "title": "Two populations of lymphocytes involved in phytohaemagglutinin-induced cytotoxicity of a dividing target cell.", "content": "A quantitative study of the surface characteristics of cells cytotoxic against Chang cells permits the following conclusions: [1] In the presence of phytohaemagglutinin two types of cell are involved; one has Fc receptors and the other does not. Approximately two thirds of the cytotoxic activity is lost if the Fc-receptor-bearing cells are removed. [2] Both spontaneous and antibody-induced cytotoxicity is almost completely abolished by removal of Fc-receptor-bearing cells. [3] None of the cytotoxic activity, spontaneous or induced, appears to be mediated by cells that are plastic-adherent or bear surface immunoglobulin. These results are compared with similar studies by other authors.", "contents": "Two populations of lymphocytes involved in phytohaemagglutinin-induced cytotoxicity of a dividing target cell. A quantitative study of the surface characteristics of cells cytotoxic against Chang cells permits the following conclusions: [1] In the presence of phytohaemagglutinin two types of cell are involved; one has Fc receptors and the other does not. Approximately two thirds of the cytotoxic activity is lost if the Fc-receptor-bearing cells are removed. [2] Both spontaneous and antibody-induced cytotoxicity is almost completely abolished by removal of Fc-receptor-bearing cells. [3] None of the cytotoxic activity, spontaneous or induced, appears to be mediated by cells that are plastic-adherent or bear surface immunoglobulin. These results are compared with similar studies by other authors.", "PMID": 996448} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6371", "title": "Effects of hypophysectomy on DNCB-induced contact sensitivity in rats.", "content": "Cell-mediated immunity in hypophysectomized (HYX) and non-hypophysectomized (NHYX) rats was assessed by measuring lymph node weight and lymph node cellular proliferation responses to cutaneous application of the skin sensitizer dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Differences were found in the lymph node weight assay, with the responses of the HYX rats being significantly lower than the responses of the NHYX rats. There were, however, no significant differences as measured by the lymph node cellular proliferation assay. An explanation for these contradictory results was sought by examining dose-responsiveness to DNCB. It was found that, over a range of doses of DNCB, HYX rats showed a linear dose-response relationship in terms of both lymph node weight and lymph node cellular proliferation. No dose-responsiveness was observed in NHYX rats. Since HYX rats required a greater degree of antigenic stimulation to achieve a response level equivalent to that of NHYX rats, it may be concluded that HYX rats are immunodeficient at lower antigen levels.", "contents": "Effects of hypophysectomy on DNCB-induced contact sensitivity in rats. Cell-mediated immunity in hypophysectomized (HYX) and non-hypophysectomized (NHYX) rats was assessed by measuring lymph node weight and lymph node cellular proliferation responses to cutaneous application of the skin sensitizer dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Differences were found in the lymph node weight assay, with the responses of the HYX rats being significantly lower than the responses of the NHYX rats. There were, however, no significant differences as measured by the lymph node cellular proliferation assay. An explanation for these contradictory results was sought by examining dose-responsiveness to DNCB. It was found that, over a range of doses of DNCB, HYX rats showed a linear dose-response relationship in terms of both lymph node weight and lymph node cellular proliferation. No dose-responsiveness was observed in NHYX rats. Since HYX rats required a greater degree of antigenic stimulation to achieve a response level equivalent to that of NHYX rats, it may be concluded that HYX rats are immunodeficient at lower antigen levels.", "PMID": 996449} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6372", "title": "Specificity of Fcgamma receptors in human malignant tissue and normal lymphoreticular tissue.", "content": "The specificity of the Fcgamma receptors in normal spleen and liver and in malignant tissues was studied using hemadsorption to cryostat sections. Indicator cells (EA) were sheep erythrocytes (E) sensitized with rabbit IgG antibody (A). The binding of EA to sections of normal and malignant tissues was inhibited by pooled IgG of human, rabbit, and guinea pig origin and by human IgG1, and IgG3, and IgG4 myeloma proteins. Heat-aggregated IgG inhibited the binding to sections of liver and some malignant tissues more effectively than monomeric IgG. The Fc fragments of IgG were also inhibitory, but not the F(ab')2, Fab', and Facb fragments. The inhibition obtained increased with decreasing amounts of A used for sensitization of E. The inhibitory activity of IgG was abolished after partial reduction and alkylation. No inhibition was obtained with IgG2, IgM, IgA, or albumin. E sensitized with Facb or F(ab')2 fragments of A did not bind to normal or malignant tissues. The specificity of the Fc receptors in normal spleen and liver and in malignant tissues is apparently very similar.", "contents": "Specificity of Fcgamma receptors in human malignant tissue and normal lymphoreticular tissue. The specificity of the Fcgamma receptors in normal spleen and liver and in malignant tissues was studied using hemadsorption to cryostat sections. Indicator cells (EA) were sheep erythrocytes (E) sensitized with rabbit IgG antibody (A). The binding of EA to sections of normal and malignant tissues was inhibited by pooled IgG of human, rabbit, and guinea pig origin and by human IgG1, and IgG3, and IgG4 myeloma proteins. Heat-aggregated IgG inhibited the binding to sections of liver and some malignant tissues more effectively than monomeric IgG. The Fc fragments of IgG were also inhibitory, but not the F(ab')2, Fab', and Facb fragments. The inhibition obtained increased with decreasing amounts of A used for sensitization of E. The inhibitory activity of IgG was abolished after partial reduction and alkylation. No inhibition was obtained with IgG2, IgM, IgA, or albumin. E sensitized with Facb or F(ab')2 fragments of A did not bind to normal or malignant tissues. The specificity of the Fc receptors in normal spleen and liver and in malignant tissues is apparently very similar.", "PMID": 996450} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6373", "title": "Measles virus-induced migration inhibition of human leukocytes in vitro: an expression of cell-mediated immunity?", "content": "Attempts were made to establish measles virus-induced migration inhibition of human leukocytes as an in vitro test of cell-mediated immunity to the virus. Crude material from cell cultures infected with two different strains of measles virus was used as antigen in the capillary modification of the test. Both virus preparations induced migration inhibition. Incubation with puromycin indicated that the inhibition was dependent on protein synthesis, which has been regarded as a characteristic feature of an immunologically specific inhibition. However, no difference was found when the migration inhibition of leukocytes from donors without clinical and serological evidence of previous measles infection was compared with that of leukocytes from donors with such evidence. It is concluded that the migration inhibition induced by crude measles virus material does not necessarily measure cell-mediated immunity to the virus.", "contents": "Measles virus-induced migration inhibition of human leukocytes in vitro: an expression of cell-mediated immunity? Attempts were made to establish measles virus-induced migration inhibition of human leukocytes as an in vitro test of cell-mediated immunity to the virus. Crude material from cell cultures infected with two different strains of measles virus was used as antigen in the capillary modification of the test. Both virus preparations induced migration inhibition. Incubation with puromycin indicated that the inhibition was dependent on protein synthesis, which has been regarded as a characteristic feature of an immunologically specific inhibition. However, no difference was found when the migration inhibition of leukocytes from donors without clinical and serological evidence of previous measles infection was compared with that of leukocytes from donors with such evidence. It is concluded that the migration inhibition induced by crude measles virus material does not necessarily measure cell-mediated immunity to the virus.", "PMID": 996451} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6374", "title": "Oligoclonal measles virus-specific IgG antibodies isolated from cerebrospinal fluids, brain extracts, and sera from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and multiple sclerosis.", "content": "Measles virus-specific antibodies were isolated from sera, cerebrospinal fluids (CSF), and brain extracts of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) by absorption with measles antigens and subsequent acid elution of the antigen-antibody precipitates. Electrophoretically homogeneous measles antibodies were isolated from CSF or brain extracts in five patients with SSPE and in five out of seven patients with MS. Homogeneous IgG antibodies were also demonstrated in the sera from all SSPE patients and from three of the MS patients. The antibodies isolated from various control sera and from pooled CSF were electrophoretically heterogeneous. The results support the concept of a local synthesis in the nervous system of oligoclonal IgG antibodies to measles virus in all patients with SSPE and in some patients with MS. In SSPE, most or all oligoclonal IgG proteins of the CSF or brain carry measles antibody activities. In MS, only part of the oligoclonal IgG appears to be associated with measles antibody activity.", "contents": "Oligoclonal measles virus-specific IgG antibodies isolated from cerebrospinal fluids, brain extracts, and sera from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and multiple sclerosis. Measles virus-specific antibodies were isolated from sera, cerebrospinal fluids (CSF), and brain extracts of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) by absorption with measles antigens and subsequent acid elution of the antigen-antibody precipitates. Electrophoretically homogeneous measles antibodies were isolated from CSF or brain extracts in five patients with SSPE and in five out of seven patients with MS. Homogeneous IgG antibodies were also demonstrated in the sera from all SSPE patients and from three of the MS patients. The antibodies isolated from various control sera and from pooled CSF were electrophoretically heterogeneous. The results support the concept of a local synthesis in the nervous system of oligoclonal IgG antibodies to measles virus in all patients with SSPE and in some patients with MS. In SSPE, most or all oligoclonal IgG proteins of the CSF or brain carry measles antibody activities. In MS, only part of the oligoclonal IgG appears to be associated with measles antibody activity.", "PMID": 996452} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6375", "title": "Renal function in experimental chronic hydronephrosis. IV. Renal handling of sodium and water.", "content": "The reabsorption and excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium and water were investigated subsequent to loading with saline solution before and after unilateral hydronephrosis with partial obstruction to flow had been induced in 23 dogs by ligation of the ureter over an indwelling catheter. In the experimental kidney the increase in the total excretion of sodium and chloride and of water in per cent of GFR and the decrease in the reabsorption of sodium, chloride and potassium in per cent of the filtered loads were statistically significant. The glomerulotubular balance was altered statistically probably significantly, but the relation between the capacities for reabsorption of sodium and glucose was maintained. The renal pelvic dilatation was measured and plotted against the degree of renal functional impairment. A statistically significant inverse correlation was noted between renal pelvic volume and reabsorption of sodium and of chloride in per cent of the filtered loads. The osmolality of the urine was the parameter showing the most marked difference between the hydronephrotic and the contralateral kidney. For sodium and chloride the difference between the two sides in the reabsorbed amount in per cent of the filtered load was correlated probably significantly to the degree of renal pelvic dilatation.", "contents": "Renal function in experimental chronic hydronephrosis. IV. Renal handling of sodium and water. The reabsorption and excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium and water were investigated subsequent to loading with saline solution before and after unilateral hydronephrosis with partial obstruction to flow had been induced in 23 dogs by ligation of the ureter over an indwelling catheter. In the experimental kidney the increase in the total excretion of sodium and chloride and of water in per cent of GFR and the decrease in the reabsorption of sodium, chloride and potassium in per cent of the filtered loads were statistically significant. The glomerulotubular balance was altered statistically probably significantly, but the relation between the capacities for reabsorption of sodium and glucose was maintained. The renal pelvic dilatation was measured and plotted against the degree of renal functional impairment. A statistically significant inverse correlation was noted between renal pelvic volume and reabsorption of sodium and of chloride in per cent of the filtered loads. The osmolality of the urine was the parameter showing the most marked difference between the hydronephrotic and the contralateral kidney. For sodium and chloride the difference between the two sides in the reabsorbed amount in per cent of the filtered load was correlated probably significantly to the degree of renal pelvic dilatation.", "PMID": 996453} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6376", "title": "Renal function in experimental chronic hydronephrosis. III. Glomerular and tubular functions in relation to renal pelvic volume.", "content": "Studies of renal function comprising determination of exogenous creatinine clearance, urinary osmolality and TmG were performed on 23 dogs, for each kidney separately, after hydronephrosis with partial ureteric obstruction had been produced by ligation of one ureter over an indwelling catheter. A method for determining the volume of the hydronephrotic renal pelvis was developed and the degree of functional reduction was correlated to the degree of pelvic dilatation. In 11 cases the renal blood flow was determined by direct measurement. Statistically significant reductions of the glomerular and tubular functions were noted on the hydronephrotic side. TmG and the urinary osmolality showed the greatest percentual decreases and the TmG/GFR ratio the smallest. The decrease in this ratio was due to greater deterioration of tubular than of glomerular function. The renal blood flow was reduced on the hydronephrotic side in comparison with the intact side, but seemed relatively less affected than the glomerular and tubular functions. Compensation by the intact kidney resulted in masking of the deterioration on the hydronephrotic side; thus for the whole material the mean GFR and urinary osmolality for the two kidneys together remained essentially unchanged. No statistically significant correlation between the degree of functional reduction and the degree of pelvic dilatation was found. Such a correlation could therefore not be used in the individual case as an indication of the functional capacity of a kidney.", "contents": "Renal function in experimental chronic hydronephrosis. III. Glomerular and tubular functions in relation to renal pelvic volume. Studies of renal function comprising determination of exogenous creatinine clearance, urinary osmolality and TmG were performed on 23 dogs, for each kidney separately, after hydronephrosis with partial ureteric obstruction had been produced by ligation of one ureter over an indwelling catheter. A method for determining the volume of the hydronephrotic renal pelvis was developed and the degree of functional reduction was correlated to the degree of pelvic dilatation. In 11 cases the renal blood flow was determined by direct measurement. Statistically significant reductions of the glomerular and tubular functions were noted on the hydronephrotic side. TmG and the urinary osmolality showed the greatest percentual decreases and the TmG/GFR ratio the smallest. The decrease in this ratio was due to greater deterioration of tubular than of glomerular function. The renal blood flow was reduced on the hydronephrotic side in comparison with the intact side, but seemed relatively less affected than the glomerular and tubular functions. Compensation by the intact kidney resulted in masking of the deterioration on the hydronephrotic side; thus for the whole material the mean GFR and urinary osmolality for the two kidneys together remained essentially unchanged. No statistically significant correlation between the degree of functional reduction and the degree of pelvic dilatation was found. Such a correlation could therefore not be used in the individual case as an indication of the functional capacity of a kidney.", "PMID": 996454} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6377", "title": "Aids for speech-handicapped.", "content": "An improved electrolarynx is described. It provides handcontrolled fundamental frequency which enables the user to approximate natural intonation patterns, thus overcoming the monotony of speech with conventional aids. Training experiments with normal and with laryngectomized subjects have given promising results. A voice amplifier has been developed. Special care has been taken to minimize acoustic feedback problems. It is used for compensation of any weak voice, including esophageal speech and as a supplement to the electrolarynx for increasing the sound output and improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The use of synthetic speech in aids for anarthric patients is discussed.", "contents": "Aids for speech-handicapped. An improved electrolarynx is described. It provides handcontrolled fundamental frequency which enables the user to approximate natural intonation patterns, thus overcoming the monotony of speech with conventional aids. Training experiments with normal and with laryngectomized subjects have given promising results. A voice amplifier has been developed. Special care has been taken to minimize acoustic feedback problems. It is used for compensation of any weak voice, including esophageal speech and as a supplement to the electrolarynx for increasing the sound output and improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The use of synthetic speech in aids for anarthric patients is discussed.", "PMID": 996463} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6378", "title": "Discrimination between subsequent sudden and non-sudden death by postinfarction exercise testing.", "content": "An analysis was made of differences in response to postinfarction exercise testing between patients with subsequent sudden and non-sudden death occurring during a 6-year follow-up period after acute myocardial infarction. In the 21 patients who died suddenly the ST-segment depression appeared earlier during exercise and was greater at the end of exercise than in those 25 patients whose death was not sudden (p-values less than 0.025). The physical working capacity of the sudden death group was insignificantly better and the work was performed with an insignificantly higher heart rate and lower systolic blood pressure than in the other group. The heart rate-blood pressure product during maximal work load was the same in both groups. The T-wave depression and P-terminal force negativity after exercise were greater in the sudden death group than in the non-sudden death group (p-values less than 0.025, less than 0.001, respectively). Ventricular ectopic beats, especially after exercise, were also more common in the sudden death group.", "contents": "Discrimination between subsequent sudden and non-sudden death by postinfarction exercise testing. An analysis was made of differences in response to postinfarction exercise testing between patients with subsequent sudden and non-sudden death occurring during a 6-year follow-up period after acute myocardial infarction. In the 21 patients who died suddenly the ST-segment depression appeared earlier during exercise and was greater at the end of exercise than in those 25 patients whose death was not sudden (p-values less than 0.025). The physical working capacity of the sudden death group was insignificantly better and the work was performed with an insignificantly higher heart rate and lower systolic blood pressure than in the other group. The heart rate-blood pressure product during maximal work load was the same in both groups. The T-wave depression and P-terminal force negativity after exercise were greater in the sudden death group than in the non-sudden death group (p-values less than 0.025, less than 0.001, respectively). Ventricular ectopic beats, especially after exercise, were also more common in the sudden death group.", "PMID": 996464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6379", "title": "Psychological perception of nursing aides' work. An attitude study in a geriatric hospital.", "content": "To evaluate the psychological perception of nursing aides' work a questionnaire study was performed in a long-term care (geriatric) hospital. 233 out of 273 nursing aides participated (85.4%). Seven scales were obtained: relation with supervisors and workmates, perceived need for information, satisfaction with the work itself, perceived need for education, perceived demand for physical and psychic strength, perceived strain, adjustment to geriatric work. Differences were found between young and older nursing aides, e.g. the young nursing aides percerived less demand for physical and psychic strength and the older nursing aides had a better adjustment to geriatric work. The most important factors for the overall satisfaction with the work were satisfaction with the work itself, perceived strain, and adjustment to geriatric work. Comparisons were also made between the nursing aides and industrial workers and employees.", "contents": "Psychological perception of nursing aides' work. An attitude study in a geriatric hospital. To evaluate the psychological perception of nursing aides' work a questionnaire study was performed in a long-term care (geriatric) hospital. 233 out of 273 nursing aides participated (85.4%). Seven scales were obtained: relation with supervisors and workmates, perceived need for information, satisfaction with the work itself, perceived need for education, perceived demand for physical and psychic strength, perceived strain, adjustment to geriatric work. Differences were found between young and older nursing aides, e.g. the young nursing aides percerived less demand for physical and psychic strength and the older nursing aides had a better adjustment to geriatric work. The most important factors for the overall satisfaction with the work were satisfaction with the work itself, perceived strain, and adjustment to geriatric work. Comparisons were also made between the nursing aides and industrial workers and employees.", "PMID": 996465} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6380", "title": "Symptoms, disablement and treatment during two years after myocardial infarction.", "content": "Invalidism after myocardial infarction was elucidated by assessing chest pain, dyspnoea, need for cardiac medication, and the extent to which patients returned to work during the first two years after myocardial infarction. The patients in the study were obtained from the Myocardial Infarction Register in G\u00f6teborg and were followed at the Post-MI Clinic. Standardized criteria were used for handling of symptoms, signs, risk factors and complications. The prevalence of various symptoms was registered at regular intervals and the findings at 3 months and one year infarction are presented. The prevalence of symptoms was determined by means of questionnaires. Three months and one year after infarction the prevalence of effort-induced chest pain was 53 and 44%, respectively. There was no age correlation. The comparable figues for dyspnoea on exertion were 47 and 41%, respectively. The proportion of patients with dyspnoea tended to rise with increasing age. Dyspnoea on exertion was more prevalent at 3 months than at 12 months after infarction. About 60% of the patients had experienced some of the symptoms before acute infarction and this proportion increased to about 70% during the follow-up period. This rise is caused by an increase of patients with solitary dyspnoea. Only a few patients received treatment with digitalis and diuretics prior to onset of symptoms. Three and 12 months after infarction the prevalence of patients treated with digitalis was 36 and 39%, respectively. The corresponding figures for diuretics were 15 and 20%, respectively. Both digitalis and diuretic therapy were more frequent at 12 months than at 3 months after infarction. Diuretic therapy increased significantly with age. Three months after infarction 17% of the patients were back at work. After 12 and 24 months the corresponding figures were 63 and 70%, respectively. The tendency for resumption of work at all intervals during the follow-up decreased with advancing age. During the first year after myocardial infarction 30% of the patients were readmitted to hospital. The chief reason for readmission to hospital was suspected (but later not verified) reinfarction.", "contents": "Symptoms, disablement and treatment during two years after myocardial infarction. Invalidism after myocardial infarction was elucidated by assessing chest pain, dyspnoea, need for cardiac medication, and the extent to which patients returned to work during the first two years after myocardial infarction. The patients in the study were obtained from the Myocardial Infarction Register in G\u00f6teborg and were followed at the Post-MI Clinic. Standardized criteria were used for handling of symptoms, signs, risk factors and complications. The prevalence of various symptoms was registered at regular intervals and the findings at 3 months and one year infarction are presented. The prevalence of symptoms was determined by means of questionnaires. Three months and one year after infarction the prevalence of effort-induced chest pain was 53 and 44%, respectively. There was no age correlation. The comparable figues for dyspnoea on exertion were 47 and 41%, respectively. The proportion of patients with dyspnoea tended to rise with increasing age. Dyspnoea on exertion was more prevalent at 3 months than at 12 months after infarction. About 60% of the patients had experienced some of the symptoms before acute infarction and this proportion increased to about 70% during the follow-up period. This rise is caused by an increase of patients with solitary dyspnoea. Only a few patients received treatment with digitalis and diuretics prior to onset of symptoms. Three and 12 months after infarction the prevalence of patients treated with digitalis was 36 and 39%, respectively. The corresponding figures for diuretics were 15 and 20%, respectively. Both digitalis and diuretic therapy were more frequent at 12 months than at 3 months after infarction. Diuretic therapy increased significantly with age. Three months after infarction 17% of the patients were back at work. After 12 and 24 months the corresponding figures were 63 and 70%, respectively. The tendency for resumption of work at all intervals during the follow-up decreased with advancing age. During the first year after myocardial infarction 30% of the patients were readmitted to hospital. The chief reason for readmission to hospital was suspected (but later not verified) reinfarction.", "PMID": 996466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6381", "title": "Tuberculosis in BCG-vaccinated and unvaccinated young Swedish Men. A comparative study.", "content": "Tuberculosis causing exemption from military service was studied in 47,791 tuberculin-tested military recruits between 1941 and 1946. A total of 46.6% were tuberculin negative, and two-thirds were BCG vaccinated. An analysis was made of 304 cases of tuberculosis discovered from 6 months after the test up to the end of 1960. It has been calculated that 69% of \"expected cases\" of tuberculosis were in the BCG-vaccinated men during the 5-year period after the test, and 20% during the following period; 46% of \"expected cases\" of post-primary pulmonary tuberculosis and 83% of \"expected\" deaths were prevented. The differences on which these percentages are based were statistically significant. The efficacy of BCG vaccination was lower in areas with widespread cattle tuberculosis than in areas where cattle tuberculosis is less frequent; this is explained by the influence of previously acquired immunity.", "contents": "Tuberculosis in BCG-vaccinated and unvaccinated young Swedish Men. A comparative study. Tuberculosis causing exemption from military service was studied in 47,791 tuberculin-tested military recruits between 1941 and 1946. A total of 46.6% were tuberculin negative, and two-thirds were BCG vaccinated. An analysis was made of 304 cases of tuberculosis discovered from 6 months after the test up to the end of 1960. It has been calculated that 69% of \"expected cases\" of tuberculosis were in the BCG-vaccinated men during the 5-year period after the test, and 20% during the following period; 46% of \"expected cases\" of post-primary pulmonary tuberculosis and 83% of \"expected\" deaths were prevented. The differences on which these percentages are based were statistically significant. The efficacy of BCG vaccination was lower in areas with widespread cattle tuberculosis than in areas where cattle tuberculosis is less frequent; this is explained by the influence of previously acquired immunity.", "PMID": 996467} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6382", "title": "A follow-up examination of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis resected on suspicion of tumour.", "content": "Thoracotomy was performed in 91 patients who proved to have pulmonary tuberculosis. A short course of antituberculous chemotherapy was given preoperatively in 66 cases. The surviving 89 patients received antituberculous chemotherapy postoperatively, and were-re-examined from 1 to 14 years after the operation. No signs of dissemination or other tuberculous manifestations were found 1 year after termination of chemotherapy, even if preoperative treatment had not been given. One recurrence was seen 7 years after operation despite 9 months postoperative antituberculous chemotherapy. This was the only tuberculous manifestation. The survival rate was normal in the first 3 years compared with a corresponding Danish population, but became slightly reduced 10 years after operation. The quality of life did not seem to be significantly changed as estimated by the degree of disablement which could be correlated to the operation.", "contents": "A follow-up examination of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis resected on suspicion of tumour. Thoracotomy was performed in 91 patients who proved to have pulmonary tuberculosis. A short course of antituberculous chemotherapy was given preoperatively in 66 cases. The surviving 89 patients received antituberculous chemotherapy postoperatively, and were-re-examined from 1 to 14 years after the operation. No signs of dissemination or other tuberculous manifestations were found 1 year after termination of chemotherapy, even if preoperative treatment had not been given. One recurrence was seen 7 years after operation despite 9 months postoperative antituberculous chemotherapy. This was the only tuberculous manifestation. The survival rate was normal in the first 3 years compared with a corresponding Danish population, but became slightly reduced 10 years after operation. The quality of life did not seem to be significantly changed as estimated by the degree of disablement which could be correlated to the operation.", "PMID": 996468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6383", "title": "Life changes and myocardial infarction. How useful are life change measurements?", "content": "Although statistically significant, the relation between certain life changes and imminent myocardial infarction appears to be quantitatively weak. Of particular importance are events connected with employment. However, the summation of life changes has not proved to be of use in the prediction of imminent myocardial infarction. For patients with ischemic heart disease, variations in life change measures have proved to be of use in the prediction of changes in catecholamine output and in prognosis. When genetic factors are held constant, as in monozygotic twin pairs vulnerable to ischemic heart disease, more life changes in one partner may indicate a greater risk of unexpected sudden cardiac death in this partner than in the other twin. The self-rating of the severity of each experienced event has proved more useful than \"standard weights\" in the retrospective discrimination of myocardial infarction patients. Further clinical and epidemiological studies are needed in this field. For the future, the following recommendations are made: The studies should be prospective. The individual's habitual level and actual level of the change should be recorded. The severity of events should be self-rated. Risk variables, known to be of importance to the development of MI should be recorded. They are for instance smoking habits, blood pressure, serum lipids and genetic predisposition. Psychological variables should be mentioned separately in this connection.", "contents": "Life changes and myocardial infarction. How useful are life change measurements? Although statistically significant, the relation between certain life changes and imminent myocardial infarction appears to be quantitatively weak. Of particular importance are events connected with employment. However, the summation of life changes has not proved to be of use in the prediction of imminent myocardial infarction. For patients with ischemic heart disease, variations in life change measures have proved to be of use in the prediction of changes in catecholamine output and in prognosis. When genetic factors are held constant, as in monozygotic twin pairs vulnerable to ischemic heart disease, more life changes in one partner may indicate a greater risk of unexpected sudden cardiac death in this partner than in the other twin. The self-rating of the severity of each experienced event has proved more useful than \"standard weights\" in the retrospective discrimination of myocardial infarction patients. Further clinical and epidemiological studies are needed in this field. For the future, the following recommendations are made: The studies should be prospective. The individual's habitual level and actual level of the change should be recorded. The severity of events should be self-rated. Risk variables, known to be of importance to the development of MI should be recorded. They are for instance smoking habits, blood pressure, serum lipids and genetic predisposition. Psychological variables should be mentioned separately in this connection.", "PMID": 996470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6384", "title": "What middle-aged men know of their parents' cause of death and age at death. A comparison between history and death certificate.", "content": "Middle-aged men's knowledge of the circumstances of their parents' diseases and death is reliable to such an extent that it can be used when appropriate for therapeutic purposes in familial diseases. This conclusion is based on findings in a health examination survey of 441 middle-aged men in Uppsala, Sweden where the men were asked whether their parents were dead and, if so, the known cause of death and at what age they had died. The information reported was then compared with the official data kept by the authorities. In 87% of cases it was possible to perform such a comparison. The study showed good conformity of the two sources, in general.", "contents": "What middle-aged men know of their parents' cause of death and age at death. A comparison between history and death certificate. Middle-aged men's knowledge of the circumstances of their parents' diseases and death is reliable to such an extent that it can be used when appropriate for therapeutic purposes in familial diseases. This conclusion is based on findings in a health examination survey of 441 middle-aged men in Uppsala, Sweden where the men were asked whether their parents were dead and, if so, the known cause of death and at what age they had died. The information reported was then compared with the official data kept by the authorities. In 87% of cases it was possible to perform such a comparison. The study showed good conformity of the two sources, in general.", "PMID": 996471} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6385", "title": "Visits to a small coastal communities of Northern Norway by a doctor and a health insurance officer.", "content": "What can we learn by visiting small remote communities, giving information about health insurance and social allowances, assisting clients in completing application forms, etc.? In the present study we met attitudes that made some people bear numet needs instead of craving their legal rights. Our visits improved the communication between the people concerned and the Local Health Insurance Office. The officer realized what impairment might mean for working capacity in such communities, and got in a better position to handle various applications.", "contents": "Visits to a small coastal communities of Northern Norway by a doctor and a health insurance officer. What can we learn by visiting small remote communities, giving information about health insurance and social allowances, assisting clients in completing application forms, etc.? In the present study we met attitudes that made some people bear numet needs instead of craving their legal rights. Our visits improved the communication between the people concerned and the Local Health Insurance Office. The officer realized what impairment might mean for working capacity in such communities, and got in a better position to handle various applications.", "PMID": 996472} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6386", "title": "The effect of religious factors on intoxicant use.", "content": "To examine cigarette, alcohol and drug use among undergraduates in Cork a precoded questionnaire was mailed to one in seven (458) students, chosen systematically. The response rate was 97%. Religious belief and practice was significantly associated with pattern of drinking behaviour, attitude to alcohol use, marijuana, L.S.D., barbiturate or amphetamine experience and cigarette smoking. It is suggested that current uncertainty of belief in a God and infrequent attendance at religious services are more important factors in promoting alcohol use than being brought up a Roman Catholic. The nature of practices considered serious misdemeanours was significantly associated with religious belief and practice, pattern of drinking behaviour, attitude to alcohol use, marijuana, cigarette smoking. These associations allowed separation of two overlapping groups, one of which was tradition-directed and other which swung towards a more liberal and unstructured life style.", "contents": "The effect of religious factors on intoxicant use. To examine cigarette, alcohol and drug use among undergraduates in Cork a precoded questionnaire was mailed to one in seven (458) students, chosen systematically. The response rate was 97%. Religious belief and practice was significantly associated with pattern of drinking behaviour, attitude to alcohol use, marijuana, L.S.D., barbiturate or amphetamine experience and cigarette smoking. It is suggested that current uncertainty of belief in a God and infrequent attendance at religious services are more important factors in promoting alcohol use than being brought up a Roman Catholic. The nature of practices considered serious misdemeanours was significantly associated with religious belief and practice, pattern of drinking behaviour, attitude to alcohol use, marijuana, cigarette smoking. These associations allowed separation of two overlapping groups, one of which was tradition-directed and other which swung towards a more liberal and unstructured life style.", "PMID": 996473} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6387", "title": "Alcohol problems among female gonorrhoea patients.", "content": "The proband group consists of the 286 women who, in 1960, were treated for gonorrhoea in the Out-patient Clinic for Venereological Diseases in Malm\u00f6. During the years 1932 and 1973, they were responsible for 119 convictions for drunkeness, the expected number of convictions being 4, as calculated from an age- and calendar year specific risk table for Swedish women. The difference between numbers observed and those expected increased with age. Of the 82 patients aged 25 years or over in 1960, one in ten had previously been convicted for drunkenness, and one in seven, 13 years later. During the years 1939 to 1973, 12 gonorrhoea patients were subjected to compulsory treatment by the Temperance Boards. Of the patients aged 15 years or over in 1960, one in twenty had earlier been subjected to such treatment, and one in ten, 13 years later. It is concluded that gonorrhoeal infections, particularly in women 25 years and over, can constitute a \"symptom\" of alcohol problems.", "contents": "Alcohol problems among female gonorrhoea patients. The proband group consists of the 286 women who, in 1960, were treated for gonorrhoea in the Out-patient Clinic for Venereological Diseases in Malm\u00f6. During the years 1932 and 1973, they were responsible for 119 convictions for drunkeness, the expected number of convictions being 4, as calculated from an age- and calendar year specific risk table for Swedish women. The difference between numbers observed and those expected increased with age. Of the 82 patients aged 25 years or over in 1960, one in ten had previously been convicted for drunkenness, and one in seven, 13 years later. During the years 1939 to 1973, 12 gonorrhoea patients were subjected to compulsory treatment by the Temperance Boards. Of the patients aged 15 years or over in 1960, one in twenty had earlier been subjected to such treatment, and one in ten, 13 years later. It is concluded that gonorrhoeal infections, particularly in women 25 years and over, can constitute a \"symptom\" of alcohol problems.", "PMID": 996474} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6388", "title": "Services to pensioners and how they might be improved. A report from Malm\u00f6.", "content": "As a follow-up to a previous article, the authors present an analysis of the services to pensioners in the 4th Welfare District of Malm\u00f6, as shown by their survey in 1972-1973, along with suggestions for improvement in various respects. They point to the importance of acquiring a general view of the individual and his situation. Various functions within the society's welfare program must be essentially improved, field work and adequate information being among the most important. Integration and coordination between the functional units must be operational concepts.", "contents": "Services to pensioners and how they might be improved. A report from Malm\u00f6. As a follow-up to a previous article, the authors present an analysis of the services to pensioners in the 4th Welfare District of Malm\u00f6, as shown by their survey in 1972-1973, along with suggestions for improvement in various respects. They point to the importance of acquiring a general view of the individual and his situation. Various functions within the society's welfare program must be essentially improved, field work and adequate information being among the most important. Integration and coordination between the functional units must be operational concepts.", "PMID": 996475} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6389", "title": "Pathophysiological basis of tachyarrhythmias--re-entry.", "content": "A description is given of the principles of re-entry and circus movement, which were originally formulated on the basis of experiments on jellyfish and play an important role in cardiac arrhythmias. The essential features of re-entry are 1) the existence of two conducting pathways which communicate at their proximal and distal ends, and 2) the occurrence of uni-directional block in one pathway while conduction is maintained in the other. A retrograde wavefront may then be set up in the pathway where block was present, and the tissue from which the impulse came may be re-excited. Once this sequence is set up it may continue as a circus movement leading to tachycardia. Long re-entry circuits are present in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, in which two connections between atria and ventricles exist. Micro-re-entry may occur in a variety of cardiac tissues. An example of supraventricular tachycardia due to micro-re-entry in the atrio-ventricular node of an isolated rabbit heart is shown, in which simultaneous recording of transmembrane potentials of AV nodal cells unraveled the events. The principles of the termination of circus movement tachycardias by electrically induced premature beats are discussed.", "contents": "Pathophysiological basis of tachyarrhythmias--re-entry. A description is given of the principles of re-entry and circus movement, which were originally formulated on the basis of experiments on jellyfish and play an important role in cardiac arrhythmias. The essential features of re-entry are 1) the existence of two conducting pathways which communicate at their proximal and distal ends, and 2) the occurrence of uni-directional block in one pathway while conduction is maintained in the other. A retrograde wavefront may then be set up in the pathway where block was present, and the tissue from which the impulse came may be re-excited. Once this sequence is set up it may continue as a circus movement leading to tachycardia. Long re-entry circuits are present in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, in which two connections between atria and ventricles exist. Micro-re-entry may occur in a variety of cardiac tissues. An example of supraventricular tachycardia due to micro-re-entry in the atrio-ventricular node of an isolated rabbit heart is shown, in which simultaneous recording of transmembrane potentials of AV nodal cells unraveled the events. The principles of the termination of circus movement tachycardias by electrically induced premature beats are discussed.", "PMID": 996476} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6390", "title": "[The behavior of the general practitioner in dealing with tachycardia].", "content": "In medical practice the physician may face 3 situations when dealing with tachycardia or arrhythmia: 1) when seen, the patient has tachycardia and the physician has no electrocardiograph: 2) the patient has tachycardia and the physician can take an electrocardiogramm; 3) the patient discloses a history suggestive of tachycardia or arrhythmia. In the first situation the heart rate and rhythm must be carefully observed immediately, as well as jugular venous pulse and heart sounds and murmurs; then the effects of respiration, change in posture, and carotid sinus pressure should be evaluated; finally, a complete physical examination should be carried out and the patient's history taken; for the latter, questions should be asked concerning past episodes, intake of digitalis or other drugs, possible reasons for hypokalemia, and presence of any disease that might play a role. In the second situation, the ECG should be recorded at once by the physician himself (first V1-2 and DII); the subsequent workup is the same as for the first situation. In the third situation a highly detailed patient's history is of the utmost importance. If recurring episodes take place, their ECG recording should be tried by all possible means: the most important factor is the physicians readiness to do so. A hospital stay for observation of an epidose is usually fruitless, as is an exercise ECG. 24 h recording may be useful, as may endocavitary recording and stimulation tests. Any tachycardia should be correctly related to the natural history of the patient's disease.", "contents": "[The behavior of the general practitioner in dealing with tachycardia]. In medical practice the physician may face 3 situations when dealing with tachycardia or arrhythmia: 1) when seen, the patient has tachycardia and the physician has no electrocardiograph: 2) the patient has tachycardia and the physician can take an electrocardiogramm; 3) the patient discloses a history suggestive of tachycardia or arrhythmia. In the first situation the heart rate and rhythm must be carefully observed immediately, as well as jugular venous pulse and heart sounds and murmurs; then the effects of respiration, change in posture, and carotid sinus pressure should be evaluated; finally, a complete physical examination should be carried out and the patient's history taken; for the latter, questions should be asked concerning past episodes, intake of digitalis or other drugs, possible reasons for hypokalemia, and presence of any disease that might play a role. In the second situation, the ECG should be recorded at once by the physician himself (first V1-2 and DII); the subsequent workup is the same as for the first situation. In the third situation a highly detailed patient's history is of the utmost importance. If recurring episodes take place, their ECG recording should be tried by all possible means: the most important factor is the physicians readiness to do so. A hospital stay for observation of an epidose is usually fruitless, as is an exercise ECG. 24 h recording may be useful, as may endocavitary recording and stimulation tests. Any tachycardia should be correctly related to the natural history of the patient's disease.", "PMID": 996477} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6391", "title": "[Drug therapy of tachycardial arrhythmias].", "content": "In recent years the antiarrhythmic armamentarium has been widened by several new drugs. The effects and side effects of amiodarone, verapamil, prenylamine and prajmalium bitartrate are described. With the introduction of the newer drugs, new recommendations have to some extent emerged with regard to treatment of tachyarrhythmias. For a national understanding of antiarrhythmic agents, regard must be had to their effects on both normal and damaged cells.", "contents": "[Drug therapy of tachycardial arrhythmias]. In recent years the antiarrhythmic armamentarium has been widened by several new drugs. The effects and side effects of amiodarone, verapamil, prenylamine and prajmalium bitartrate are described. With the introduction of the newer drugs, new recommendations have to some extent emerged with regard to treatment of tachyarrhythmias. For a national understanding of antiarrhythmic agents, regard must be had to their effects on both normal and damaged cells.", "PMID": 996478} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6392", "title": "[Diagnosis and therapy of bradycardial arrhythmias (round table conference)].", "content": "In recent years a growing number of pacemakers have been implanted in Switzerland. An indication for this treatment, in addition to AV block with or without syncope, is now sick sinus syndrome. Intracardiac ECG recording is demonstrated, in view of the fact that this technic has made it possible to differentiate blocks in the bundle of His and in the fascicles. The pacemaker systems most used in Switzerland are described, with comparison of the new lithium cells and mercury batteries. The importance of follow-up in these patients is stressed. Finally, reference is made to the ECG alterations in pacemaker carriers which may cause difficulties of interpretation.", "contents": "[Diagnosis and therapy of bradycardial arrhythmias (round table conference)]. In recent years a growing number of pacemakers have been implanted in Switzerland. An indication for this treatment, in addition to AV block with or without syncope, is now sick sinus syndrome. Intracardiac ECG recording is demonstrated, in view of the fact that this technic has made it possible to differentiate blocks in the bundle of His and in the fascicles. The pacemaker systems most used in Switzerland are described, with comparison of the new lithium cells and mercury batteries. The importance of follow-up in these patients is stressed. Finally, reference is made to the ECG alterations in pacemaker carriers which may cause difficulties of interpretation.", "PMID": 996480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6393", "title": "[Lesion of the ramus profundus of the radial nerve (supinator syndrome). Dissociated radial paralysis of the proximal under arm type].", "content": "Anatomy and clinical patterns of dissociated distal paralysis of the radial nerve (\"supinator syndrome\" or paralysis of posterior interosseous nerve) due to trauma, tumors, rheumatic diseases and with spontaneous onset are discussed in the light of the literature and 6 personally observed cases, 5 of them with traumatic lesions. Surgical exploration and intraneural neurolysis resulted in total or partial remission in 5 instances. In our experience surgical exploration should be performed at the earliest moment after spontaneous recovery is no longer to be expected.", "contents": "[Lesion of the ramus profundus of the radial nerve (supinator syndrome). Dissociated radial paralysis of the proximal under arm type]. Anatomy and clinical patterns of dissociated distal paralysis of the radial nerve (\"supinator syndrome\" or paralysis of posterior interosseous nerve) due to trauma, tumors, rheumatic diseases and with spontaneous onset are discussed in the light of the literature and 6 personally observed cases, 5 of them with traumatic lesions. Surgical exploration and intraneural neurolysis resulted in total or partial remission in 5 instances. In our experience surgical exploration should be performed at the earliest moment after spontaneous recovery is no longer to be expected.", "PMID": 996485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6394", "title": "[Ovulation inhibitors from a neurological viewpoint].", "content": "It is increasingly accepted that oral contraceptives foster thromboembolic diseases (chiefly cerebral ictus) by affecting hemostatic mechanisms causing intimal proliferation. Since 1968 the antithrombotic activity of Aspirin has been under study, and Aspirin has proven effective in preventing arterial thrombosis. Therefore, if oral contraceptives foster arterial thrombosis, Aspirin may prevent cerebral thrombosis in women on oral contraceptives. Six women with cerebral ictus (the incidence is 10 times higher than in men of the same age and in women not on oral contraceptives) have undergone chest X-ray and ECG. Two underwent pulmonary scintigraphy and 1 pulmonary arteriography. They did not exhibit signs of thrombosis in pulmonary veins or in the heart, a fact which suggested primary cerebral thrombosis. This was verified by cerebral arteriography. Accordingly, Aspirin in a dose not exceeding 1 g per day may be effective in the prevention of ictus. In vizw of the well known side effects of Aspirin, this hypothesis would need to be tested in a prospective study.", "contents": "[Ovulation inhibitors from a neurological viewpoint]. It is increasingly accepted that oral contraceptives foster thromboembolic diseases (chiefly cerebral ictus) by affecting hemostatic mechanisms causing intimal proliferation. Since 1968 the antithrombotic activity of Aspirin has been under study, and Aspirin has proven effective in preventing arterial thrombosis. Therefore, if oral contraceptives foster arterial thrombosis, Aspirin may prevent cerebral thrombosis in women on oral contraceptives. Six women with cerebral ictus (the incidence is 10 times higher than in men of the same age and in women not on oral contraceptives) have undergone chest X-ray and ECG. Two underwent pulmonary scintigraphy and 1 pulmonary arteriography. They did not exhibit signs of thrombosis in pulmonary veins or in the heart, a fact which suggested primary cerebral thrombosis. This was verified by cerebral arteriography. Accordingly, Aspirin in a dose not exceeding 1 g per day may be effective in the prevention of ictus. In vizw of the well known side effects of Aspirin, this hypothesis would need to be tested in a prospective study.", "PMID": 996486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6395", "title": "[Imported pulmonary coccidiodomycosis apropos of an anatomo-clinical study].", "content": "The case is reported of a 41-year-old Arizona woman who, during a European tour, consulted a Lausanne (Switzerland) physician to whom she reported poor general health and, in particular, localized pains in the right thorax. Although the clinical condition appeared normal, radiology of the thorax revealed a round, hollow shadow in the right lung. Since tuberculosis seemed the most likely diagnosis, the patient underwent antibacillary treatment. Three months later the lesion appeared to have increased in volume, and exploratory thoracotomy was performed with removal of the inferior lobe of the right lung. In the pulmonary parenchyma three greyish, well-defined nodules were found. Exhaustive research disclosed the fungal nature of these lesions through the demonstration of parasitic elements typical of Coccidioides immitis.", "contents": "[Imported pulmonary coccidiodomycosis apropos of an anatomo-clinical study]. The case is reported of a 41-year-old Arizona woman who, during a European tour, consulted a Lausanne (Switzerland) physician to whom she reported poor general health and, in particular, localized pains in the right thorax. Although the clinical condition appeared normal, radiology of the thorax revealed a round, hollow shadow in the right lung. Since tuberculosis seemed the most likely diagnosis, the patient underwent antibacillary treatment. Three months later the lesion appeared to have increased in volume, and exploratory thoracotomy was performed with removal of the inferior lobe of the right lung. In the pulmonary parenchyma three greyish, well-defined nodules were found. Exhaustive research disclosed the fungal nature of these lesions through the demonstration of parasitic elements typical of Coccidioides immitis.", "PMID": 996487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6396", "title": "[Possible causative factors in epidemic incidence of plantar warts].", "content": "A locally increased incidence of plantar warts in schoolchildren was demonstrated statistically, although the origins and causes of the epidemic remain unclear. Excessively sweating feet rather than barefoot gymnastics in school, and perhaps the wearing of rubber boots or nylon stockings appear to facilitate the infection. The use of a public swimming pool may be a possible cause, but could not be proven. It seems that an intact, thickened, dry horny layer provides some protection whereas a softened, moistened and macerated horny layer promotes the spread of plantar warts.", "contents": "[Possible causative factors in epidemic incidence of plantar warts]. A locally increased incidence of plantar warts in schoolchildren was demonstrated statistically, although the origins and causes of the epidemic remain unclear. Excessively sweating feet rather than barefoot gymnastics in school, and perhaps the wearing of rubber boots or nylon stockings appear to facilitate the infection. The use of a public swimming pool may be a possible cause, but could not be proven. It seems that an intact, thickened, dry horny layer provides some protection whereas a softened, moistened and macerated horny layer promotes the spread of plantar warts.", "PMID": 996488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6397", "title": "[Freshly frozen preserved plasma for the treatment of intravascular coagulation in polytraumatized patients].", "content": "Coagulation disorders in hemorrhagic shock need not represent an isolated intravascular coagulation. They may also occur as a complex of local disseminated intravascular consumption, extravascular consumption, dilution, and reduced synthesis of coagulation factors. In the severely bleeding patient with hemorrhagic diathesis heparin is contraindicated because it does not normalize coagulability. Therefore, it fails to stop hemorrhage and shock remains untreatable. Fresh frozen plasma, however, has proved to be suitable as simultaneous substitution therapy of coagulopathy and of hypovolemic shock. 11 patients suffering from traumatic-hemorrhagic shock associated with intravascular coagulation and hemorrhagic diathesis were successfully treated with fresh frozen plasma, after conventional shock therapy had failed over a period of hours.", "contents": "[Freshly frozen preserved plasma for the treatment of intravascular coagulation in polytraumatized patients]. Coagulation disorders in hemorrhagic shock need not represent an isolated intravascular coagulation. They may also occur as a complex of local disseminated intravascular consumption, extravascular consumption, dilution, and reduced synthesis of coagulation factors. In the severely bleeding patient with hemorrhagic diathesis heparin is contraindicated because it does not normalize coagulability. Therefore, it fails to stop hemorrhage and shock remains untreatable. Fresh frozen plasma, however, has proved to be suitable as simultaneous substitution therapy of coagulopathy and of hypovolemic shock. 11 patients suffering from traumatic-hemorrhagic shock associated with intravascular coagulation and hemorrhagic diathesis were successfully treated with fresh frozen plasma, after conventional shock therapy had failed over a period of hours.", "PMID": 996489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6398", "title": "[Tritium panmyelopathy in the luminescent dye industry].", "content": "A case of reversible panmyelopathy in the luminous paint industry is reported. The 52-year-old male patient had a long history of exposure to radium 226, strontium 90, thorium 228 and tritium.", "contents": "[Tritium panmyelopathy in the luminescent dye industry]. A case of reversible panmyelopathy in the luminous paint industry is reported. The 52-year-old male patient had a long history of exposure to radium 226, strontium 90, thorium 228 and tritium.", "PMID": 996490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6399", "title": "[Curative aspects of modern combination chemotherapy in generalized malignant lymphomas].", "content": "102 patients with disseminated stage III B and IV malignant lymphoma (52 with Hodgkin's disease and 50 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma) at the same hospital center were analysed with respect to remission rate, quality and duration of remission, survival, and therapeutic toxicity. The patient group was subdivided into two consecutive 3-year groups (1966-1968 and 1969-1971). While the 1966-1968 group was mainly treated by \"simple\", individually tailored monochemotherapy, supplemented if necessary by local irradiation, the 1969-1971 group was systematically treated by intensive combination-chemotherapy programs based on multiinstitutional studies. The following conclusions could be drawn: 1. Remission rate, especially the percentage of complete remissions, and remission duration greatly increased in a comparable group of patients and in both types of lymphoma during the period 1969-1971 as compared to earlier experience from 1966-1968. 2. An increasing proportion of patients with disseminated Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma experienced (partly calculated) longterm survival of 5 or more years after the start of chemotherapy or after widespread dissemination of the disease. 3. The probability of longterm survival of females with Hodgkin's disease in our patient group was significantly better than for male patients. This prognostic sex-dependence was not found in the patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 4. Quality and duration of the first induced remission seems to have an important bearing on longterm survival and correlates positively with the life expectancy of the patients with all forms of lymphoma.", "contents": "[Curative aspects of modern combination chemotherapy in generalized malignant lymphomas]. 102 patients with disseminated stage III B and IV malignant lymphoma (52 with Hodgkin's disease and 50 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma) at the same hospital center were analysed with respect to remission rate, quality and duration of remission, survival, and therapeutic toxicity. The patient group was subdivided into two consecutive 3-year groups (1966-1968 and 1969-1971). While the 1966-1968 group was mainly treated by \"simple\", individually tailored monochemotherapy, supplemented if necessary by local irradiation, the 1969-1971 group was systematically treated by intensive combination-chemotherapy programs based on multiinstitutional studies. The following conclusions could be drawn: 1. Remission rate, especially the percentage of complete remissions, and remission duration greatly increased in a comparable group of patients and in both types of lymphoma during the period 1969-1971 as compared to earlier experience from 1966-1968. 2. An increasing proportion of patients with disseminated Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma experienced (partly calculated) longterm survival of 5 or more years after the start of chemotherapy or after widespread dissemination of the disease. 3. The probability of longterm survival of females with Hodgkin's disease in our patient group was significantly better than for male patients. This prognostic sex-dependence was not found in the patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 4. Quality and duration of the first induced remission seems to have an important bearing on longterm survival and correlates positively with the life expectancy of the patients with all forms of lymphoma.", "PMID": 996491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6400", "title": "[The clinical significance of granulocyte colonies in bone marrow cultures].", "content": "The culture system for in vitro evaluation of \"colony forming units - culture (CFU-c)\" is briefly outlined. This method offers a new approach to studies of proliferation and differentiation of hemopoietic progenitor cells, especially in disorders of granulopoiesis. From available published data it is evident that quantitation of CFU-c is also an indicator of diagnostic and prognostic value for assessment of various types of leukemia. The CFU-c assay has furthermore been introduced to test the viability and proliferating capacity of cryopreserved bone marrow, especially with a view to possible transfusion of stored autologous bone marrow as an adjuvant to cytostatic therapy.", "contents": "[The clinical significance of granulocyte colonies in bone marrow cultures]. The culture system for in vitro evaluation of \"colony forming units - culture (CFU-c)\" is briefly outlined. This method offers a new approach to studies of proliferation and differentiation of hemopoietic progenitor cells, especially in disorders of granulopoiesis. From available published data it is evident that quantitation of CFU-c is also an indicator of diagnostic and prognostic value for assessment of various types of leukemia. The CFU-c assay has furthermore been introduced to test the viability and proliferating capacity of cryopreserved bone marrow, especially with a view to possible transfusion of stored autologous bone marrow as an adjuvant to cytostatic therapy.", "PMID": 996492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6401", "title": "[The so-called white Burkitt's lymphoma].", "content": "A case of histopathologically proven Burkitt's lymphoma is described with special reference to clinical, serological and immunological features. This case report is followed by a review of the literature on the problem of American and African Burkitt's lymphoma. We can state that there is good correspondence between the white and black Burkitt's lymphomas with regard to epidemiology, histopathology, therapy and some immunological aspects. The two groups differ from each other in age, primary tumor manifestation, involvement of the bone marrow at time of diagnosis and quantitatively in the positive EBNA-test. It is therefore suggested that black and white Burkitt's lymphoma are not different diseases but different patterns of one disease.", "contents": "[The so-called white Burkitt's lymphoma]. A case of histopathologically proven Burkitt's lymphoma is described with special reference to clinical, serological and immunological features. This case report is followed by a review of the literature on the problem of American and African Burkitt's lymphoma. We can state that there is good correspondence between the white and black Burkitt's lymphomas with regard to epidemiology, histopathology, therapy and some immunological aspects. The two groups differ from each other in age, primary tumor manifestation, involvement of the bone marrow at time of diagnosis and quantitatively in the positive EBNA-test. It is therefore suggested that black and white Burkitt's lymphoma are not different diseases but different patterns of one disease.", "PMID": 996493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6402", "title": "[First therapeutic experience with cis-platinum(II)diamindichloride (NSC 119875) in metastasizing ovarian and testicular carcinoma].", "content": "Ten patients with metastatic testicular or ovarian carcinoma were treated with cis-platinum II diaminedichloride. All had received prior chemotherapy with other agents. A therapeutic effect was seen in 7 cases, though it was of short duration in all instances. The drug proved to be very nephrotoxic and caused marked bone marrow depression. The future of this highly effective cytostatic agent, either with different dosage schedules or in combination with other drugs, is discussed. The possibility of new platinum derivatives with a better therapeutic index is also mentioned.", "contents": "[First therapeutic experience with cis-platinum(II)diamindichloride (NSC 119875) in metastasizing ovarian and testicular carcinoma]. Ten patients with metastatic testicular or ovarian carcinoma were treated with cis-platinum II diaminedichloride. All had received prior chemotherapy with other agents. A therapeutic effect was seen in 7 cases, though it was of short duration in all instances. The drug proved to be very nephrotoxic and caused marked bone marrow depression. The future of this highly effective cytostatic agent, either with different dosage schedules or in combination with other drugs, is discussed. The possibility of new platinum derivatives with a better therapeutic index is also mentioned.", "PMID": 996494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6403", "title": "[Cytodiagnosis by puncture-aspiration of cancer metastases and recurrences].", "content": "Aspiration biopsy is a very useful method of obtaining morphologic evidence of metastasis and recurrences in surgical and/or irradiated cancer patients. The merits of the technic are ease of performance and rapidity of diagnosis. Moreover, it does not leave a scar which may delay the commencement of radiation therapy if required. Histologic typing of metastasis is not always possible in cytologic material, but comparison with the usually known structure of the primary tumor and evaluation of the clinical state affords sufficient evidence, for practical purposes, of the origin of the metastasis. Some aspects of 709 positive aspiration biopsies carried out in a radiotherapy department are discussed.", "contents": "[Cytodiagnosis by puncture-aspiration of cancer metastases and recurrences]. Aspiration biopsy is a very useful method of obtaining morphologic evidence of metastasis and recurrences in surgical and/or irradiated cancer patients. The merits of the technic are ease of performance and rapidity of diagnosis. Moreover, it does not leave a scar which may delay the commencement of radiation therapy if required. Histologic typing of metastasis is not always possible in cytologic material, but comparison with the usually known structure of the primary tumor and evaluation of the clinical state affords sufficient evidence, for practical purposes, of the origin of the metastasis. Some aspects of 709 positive aspiration biopsies carried out in a radiotherapy department are discussed.", "PMID": 996495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6404", "title": "[Chorea minor under ovulation inhibitors].", "content": "Three weeks after commencing oral contraception for the first time, a 26-year-old woman with a history of rheumatic carditis and chorea minor presented with sudden recurrence of hyperkinesis. Withdrawal of the contraceptive agent was followed by rapid remission of the hyperkinesis, which suggests a casual relationship between the contraceptive and this condition and an analogy between this case and so-called chorea gravidarum. A young non-pregnant woman presenting with chorea minor should be specifically questioned by ingestion of oral contraceptives. If there is a past history of rheumatic fever with or without chorea, oral contraceptives are contraindicated.", "contents": "[Chorea minor under ovulation inhibitors]. Three weeks after commencing oral contraception for the first time, a 26-year-old woman with a history of rheumatic carditis and chorea minor presented with sudden recurrence of hyperkinesis. Withdrawal of the contraceptive agent was followed by rapid remission of the hyperkinesis, which suggests a casual relationship between the contraceptive and this condition and an analogy between this case and so-called chorea gravidarum. A young non-pregnant woman presenting with chorea minor should be specifically questioned by ingestion of oral contraceptives. If there is a past history of rheumatic fever with or without chorea, oral contraceptives are contraindicated.", "PMID": 996496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6405", "title": "[Esophageal function after fundoplication (Nissen)].", "content": "Manometric, pH-metric, radiological and histological examinations were performed in 15 of 18 consecutive patients with gastro-esophageal reflux before and after fundoplication. In 13 of these 15 patients, reflux symptoms largely or completely disappeared after the operation. In the successfully operated patients, the reflux provocation test markedly improved but lower esophageal sphincter pressure did not rise. Six successfully operated patients in whom hiatus hernia was present after the operation and 7 patients without hernia had similar esophageal function tests. Therefore, success of surgery does not depend on resting pressure and position of the lower esophageal sphincter.", "contents": "[Esophageal function after fundoplication (Nissen)]. Manometric, pH-metric, radiological and histological examinations were performed in 15 of 18 consecutive patients with gastro-esophageal reflux before and after fundoplication. In 13 of these 15 patients, reflux symptoms largely or completely disappeared after the operation. In the successfully operated patients, the reflux provocation test markedly improved but lower esophageal sphincter pressure did not rise. Six successfully operated patients in whom hiatus hernia was present after the operation and 7 patients without hernia had similar esophageal function tests. Therefore, success of surgery does not depend on resting pressure and position of the lower esophageal sphincter.", "PMID": 996498} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6406", "title": "[Amebic liver abscess of unusual presentation].", "content": "A 35-year-old male who had travelled extensively in the tropics presented with severe anorexia and vomiting associated with fever of 39-40 degrees C during a 4-day period. The clinical findings were entirely negative. In 1973, he had been given metronidazole for amebic dysentery, since when recurrent attacks of diarrhea and abdominal pain had been treated with iodoquinoleines. Stool examination was negative for amebae. Liver scan revealed a suspect \"expansive process\" in the right lobe. The presumptive diagnosis of amebic abscess was made and metronidazole therapy was started. In less than 24 h the patient became afebrile. The abscess was confirmed by a further liver scan. The definitive diagnosis of amebiasis was established 16 days later when the immunofluorescence level, which had been previously negative, became positive 1/480. This case demonstrates the dangers of the indiscriminate use of iodoquinoleines in patients who have travelled in tropical countries. The amebic liver abscess may be silent locally while causing systemic manifestations such as fever. Early treatment of hepatic amebiasis is recommended even with a presumptive diagnosis. Serological tests during the development of an amebic abscess may be negative and should be repeated after several days of therapy.", "contents": "[Amebic liver abscess of unusual presentation]. A 35-year-old male who had travelled extensively in the tropics presented with severe anorexia and vomiting associated with fever of 39-40 degrees C during a 4-day period. The clinical findings were entirely negative. In 1973, he had been given metronidazole for amebic dysentery, since when recurrent attacks of diarrhea and abdominal pain had been treated with iodoquinoleines. Stool examination was negative for amebae. Liver scan revealed a suspect \"expansive process\" in the right lobe. The presumptive diagnosis of amebic abscess was made and metronidazole therapy was started. In less than 24 h the patient became afebrile. The abscess was confirmed by a further liver scan. The definitive diagnosis of amebiasis was established 16 days later when the immunofluorescence level, which had been previously negative, became positive 1/480. This case demonstrates the dangers of the indiscriminate use of iodoquinoleines in patients who have travelled in tropical countries. The amebic liver abscess may be silent locally while causing systemic manifestations such as fever. Early treatment of hepatic amebiasis is recommended even with a presumptive diagnosis. Serological tests during the development of an amebic abscess may be negative and should be repeated after several days of therapy.", "PMID": 996499} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6407", "title": "[Blood pressure and renin activity in essential hypertension under pindolol].", "content": "20 essential hypertension patients with diastolic blood pressure of 100-140 mm Hg were treated with increasing doses (15-45 mg/day by mouth) of pindolol for 14 weeks after an initial placebo period of 5 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly with as little as 15 mg of pindolol (p less than 0.001). No further changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed when the doses of pindolol were increased. Plasma renin activity (PRA) determined by radioimmunoassay did not change under increasing doses of pindolol. The blood pressure changes did not correlate with initial PRA or with individual changes in PRA under increasing doses with individual changes in PRA under increasing doses of pindolol. These results do not afford evidence for a renin-dependent hypotensive effect of pindolol.", "contents": "[Blood pressure and renin activity in essential hypertension under pindolol]. 20 essential hypertension patients with diastolic blood pressure of 100-140 mm Hg were treated with increasing doses (15-45 mg/day by mouth) of pindolol for 14 weeks after an initial placebo period of 5 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly with as little as 15 mg of pindolol (p less than 0.001). No further changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed when the doses of pindolol were increased. Plasma renin activity (PRA) determined by radioimmunoassay did not change under increasing doses of pindolol. The blood pressure changes did not correlate with initial PRA or with individual changes in PRA under increasing doses with individual changes in PRA under increasing doses of pindolol. These results do not afford evidence for a renin-dependent hypotensive effect of pindolol.", "PMID": 996500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6408", "title": "[\"Fetal monitoring\" within the framework of actual obstetric monitoring].", "content": "The introduction of fetal monitoring and its use in high-risk patients was followed in the period 1971-1973 by the first-ever drop in perinatal mortality below 2%. Total monitoring brought about a further reduction in perinatal mortality to 0.95% (1974-1975). This decrease is statistically highly significant. It suggests that among all intensive care methods continuous fetal heart-rate monitoring plays the main contributory role in the early detection of fetal distress. We found that selection of high-risk patients was not sufficient to achieve a drastic reduction in the incidence of acidosis. Only with total fetal monitoring was it possible to effect a significant decrease (from 2.41% to 0.51%) in the number of infants with acidosis (pH less than 7.10).", "contents": "[\"Fetal monitoring\" within the framework of actual obstetric monitoring]. The introduction of fetal monitoring and its use in high-risk patients was followed in the period 1971-1973 by the first-ever drop in perinatal mortality below 2%. Total monitoring brought about a further reduction in perinatal mortality to 0.95% (1974-1975). This decrease is statistically highly significant. It suggests that among all intensive care methods continuous fetal heart-rate monitoring plays the main contributory role in the early detection of fetal distress. We found that selection of high-risk patients was not sufficient to achieve a drastic reduction in the incidence of acidosis. Only with total fetal monitoring was it possible to effect a significant decrease (from 2.41% to 0.51%) in the number of infants with acidosis (pH less than 7.10).", "PMID": 996501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6409", "title": "[The role of the costo-clavicular compression syndrome within the framework of fibrinolytic therapy of deep arm-vein thrombosis].", "content": "Eight patients with upper extremity deep-vein thrombosis were treated with thrombolytic agents. The role of a compression syndrome of the costo-clavicular space (found in 5 out of 7 cases) as a probably thrombogenetic factor is discussed. The complications of the therapy were considerable, despite frequent laboratory controls. In one thrombosis of more than 6 months' standing the treatment was ineffective. In the other 7 cases the early clinical results were good. At follow-up 14 to 57 months after thrombolytic therapy, 5 out of 7 cases had residual symptoms (rethrombosis in 2 cases). This may be due to the fact that the compression syndrome was not initially treated, with resultant persistence of the chronic trauma to the vein. Better results can be expected from fibrinolytic therapy in combination with surgical correction of any anatomical narrowing.", "contents": "[The role of the costo-clavicular compression syndrome within the framework of fibrinolytic therapy of deep arm-vein thrombosis]. Eight patients with upper extremity deep-vein thrombosis were treated with thrombolytic agents. The role of a compression syndrome of the costo-clavicular space (found in 5 out of 7 cases) as a probably thrombogenetic factor is discussed. The complications of the therapy were considerable, despite frequent laboratory controls. In one thrombosis of more than 6 months' standing the treatment was ineffective. In the other 7 cases the early clinical results were good. At follow-up 14 to 57 months after thrombolytic therapy, 5 out of 7 cases had residual symptoms (rethrombosis in 2 cases). This may be due to the fact that the compression syndrome was not initially treated, with resultant persistence of the chronic trauma to the vein. Better results can be expected from fibrinolytic therapy in combination with surgical correction of any anatomical narrowing.", "PMID": 996502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6410", "title": "[The genetics of Gilbert syndrome].", "content": "Investigation of 19 unrelated patients with Gilbert's syndrome and family studies in 21 first degree relatives of 7 of these patients are in agreement with an autosomal-dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance. The calculated penetrance in our study is 57%. HLA typing (locus A, B, C) showed a slight, insignificant increase in antigens A11 and BW35. Furthermore, this syndrome did not segregate in parallel with certain haplotypes within families.", "contents": "[The genetics of Gilbert syndrome]. Investigation of 19 unrelated patients with Gilbert's syndrome and family studies in 21 first degree relatives of 7 of these patients are in agreement with an autosomal-dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance. The calculated penetrance in our study is 57%. HLA typing (locus A, B, C) showed a slight, insignificant increase in antigens A11 and BW35. Furthermore, this syndrome did not segregate in parallel with certain haplotypes within families.", "PMID": 996503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6411", "title": "[The non-surgical treatment of postoperatively retained hepato-choledochal calculi].", "content": "Postoperatively retained stones in the extrahepatic bile ducts can be chemically dissolved or removed mechanically. One method of chemically dissolving stones is sodium cholate perfusion through the T-tube. In the light of one personal case of successful treatment with sodium cholate, this relatively little-used method is described and recommended as a useful alternative to reoperation. Before reoperation for residual cholesterol gallstones in the extrahepatic bile ducts, dissolving of stones with sodium cholate should at least be attempted.", "contents": "[The non-surgical treatment of postoperatively retained hepato-choledochal calculi]. Postoperatively retained stones in the extrahepatic bile ducts can be chemically dissolved or removed mechanically. One method of chemically dissolving stones is sodium cholate perfusion through the T-tube. In the light of one personal case of successful treatment with sodium cholate, this relatively little-used method is described and recommended as a useful alternative to reoperation. Before reoperation for residual cholesterol gallstones in the extrahepatic bile ducts, dissolving of stones with sodium cholate should at least be attempted.", "PMID": 996505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6412", "title": "[Pseudo-pseudo-hypoparathyroidism (PPH) in a family: rheumatic manifestations in 3 cases, one of which associated with a tricho-rhino-phalangial syndrome (Giedion)].", "content": "Three cases of familial pseudo-pseudohypoparathyroidism (PPH) are described. Two patients presented the essential features of this rare syndrome, while the third had the signs of PPH associated with those of tricho-rhino-phalangeal dysplasia (GIEDION). All of our patients had spondylolisthesis of L5 as well as arthrosis of the hips (secondary to coxa plana in two subjects and to coxa vara in one). The phosphocalcic metabolism and determinations of serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone were normal. The autosomal dominant genetic transmission is in agreement with observations in the literature.", "contents": "[Pseudo-pseudo-hypoparathyroidism (PPH) in a family: rheumatic manifestations in 3 cases, one of which associated with a tricho-rhino-phalangial syndrome (Giedion)]. Three cases of familial pseudo-pseudohypoparathyroidism (PPH) are described. Two patients presented the essential features of this rare syndrome, while the third had the signs of PPH associated with those of tricho-rhino-phalangeal dysplasia (GIEDION). All of our patients had spondylolisthesis of L5 as well as arthrosis of the hips (secondary to coxa plana in two subjects and to coxa vara in one). The phosphocalcic metabolism and determinations of serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone were normal. The autosomal dominant genetic transmission is in agreement with observations in the literature.", "PMID": 996506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6413", "title": "[Multiple adenomatous papillary colonic polyps in a family with frequent cases of stomach carcinoma--a new phenotype of familial colonic polyposis].", "content": "A kindred of \"minor adenomatous polyposis\" associated with a high incidence of gastric cancer is described. Five out of 14 mainly asymptomatic individuals in 2 generations of kindred examined clinically, by panendoscopy and coloscopy exhibited multiple polyps of colon or/and stomach and jejunum. Single or multiple papillary adenomas were detected mainly in the right or middle colon (3 times or in the jejunum (once). Hyperplastic polyps were found in the stomach (3 times) and in the colon (twice of these 5 individuals. Our findings suggest that \"minor adenomatous polyposis\" associated with gastric cancer may represent another, hitherto unrecognized, phenotype of familial multiple polyposis.", "contents": "[Multiple adenomatous papillary colonic polyps in a family with frequent cases of stomach carcinoma--a new phenotype of familial colonic polyposis]. A kindred of \"minor adenomatous polyposis\" associated with a high incidence of gastric cancer is described. Five out of 14 mainly asymptomatic individuals in 2 generations of kindred examined clinically, by panendoscopy and coloscopy exhibited multiple polyps of colon or/and stomach and jejunum. Single or multiple papillary adenomas were detected mainly in the right or middle colon (3 times or in the jejunum (once). Hyperplastic polyps were found in the stomach (3 times) and in the colon (twice of these 5 individuals. Our findings suggest that \"minor adenomatous polyposis\" associated with gastric cancer may represent another, hitherto unrecognized, phenotype of familial multiple polyposis.", "PMID": 996507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6414", "title": "[Serum concentration of digitalis glycosides as a therapeutic guide].", "content": "The concentration of digitalis glycosides in serum may serve as a useful guide in adjusting digitalis glycoside dosage to individual needs. Radio-immunological determination of digoxin is mainly indicated when patients with renal failure, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism or elderly subjects are treated with digoxin, when signs of digitalis intoxication are present or when patient compliance has to be assessed. However, factors which alter myocardial sensitivity to digitalis glycosides must be considered in the interpretation of serum concentrations of digitalis glycosides.", "contents": "[Serum concentration of digitalis glycosides as a therapeutic guide]. The concentration of digitalis glycosides in serum may serve as a useful guide in adjusting digitalis glycoside dosage to individual needs. Radio-immunological determination of digoxin is mainly indicated when patients with renal failure, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism or elderly subjects are treated with digoxin, when signs of digitalis intoxication are present or when patient compliance has to be assessed. However, factors which alter myocardial sensitivity to digitalis glycosides must be considered in the interpretation of serum concentrations of digitalis glycosides.", "PMID": 996509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6415", "title": "[Determination of plasma phenytoine and treatment of epileptics].", "content": "In the diagnosis of epilepsy the prior approach will be to decide whether it is an epileptic attack or not. If so, is the epilepsy the primary disease or the symptom of an evolving cerebral affection or of a toxic or metabolic disorder? The causes of failure with phenytoin treatment are discussed. They may be exogenous, i.e. prescribing too low a dosage (the average dose in the adult is 5 mg/kg/day) or lack of cooperation by the patient who either takes the drug irregularly or fails to take it at all. The endogenous causes are harder to determine. Plasma phenytoin determination (therapeutic values from [5] to 10 to 20 mug/ml) makes it possible to adapt the dosage to the individual metabolism and sometimes to detect a drug interaction which lowers, and in rarer cases raises, plasma DPH levels. Toxic levels are rarely asymptomatic. In this condition repeated determinations may help to decide when the treatment is to be resumed and thus to avoid recurrence of attacks during or shortly after DPH withdrawal. Finally, plasma determination makes clear the extreme difficulty of adapting the dosage in the rare patients who react to a minimal of dose by a shift in blood level from insufficient to toxic values, or vice versa.", "contents": "[Determination of plasma phenytoine and treatment of epileptics]. In the diagnosis of epilepsy the prior approach will be to decide whether it is an epileptic attack or not. If so, is the epilepsy the primary disease or the symptom of an evolving cerebral affection or of a toxic or metabolic disorder? The causes of failure with phenytoin treatment are discussed. They may be exogenous, i.e. prescribing too low a dosage (the average dose in the adult is 5 mg/kg/day) or lack of cooperation by the patient who either takes the drug irregularly or fails to take it at all. The endogenous causes are harder to determine. Plasma phenytoin determination (therapeutic values from [5] to 10 to 20 mug/ml) makes it possible to adapt the dosage to the individual metabolism and sometimes to detect a drug interaction which lowers, and in rarer cases raises, plasma DPH levels. Toxic levels are rarely asymptomatic. In this condition repeated determinations may help to decide when the treatment is to be resumed and thus to avoid recurrence of attacks during or shortly after DPH withdrawal. Finally, plasma determination makes clear the extreme difficulty of adapting the dosage in the rare patients who react to a minimal of dose by a shift in blood level from insufficient to toxic values, or vice versa.", "PMID": 996510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6416", "title": "[Usefulness of early detection of uterine collum carcinoma].", "content": "Systematic screening of preinvasive and invasive lesions of uterine cervix by exfoliative cytology is justified by present morphologic and physiologic knowledge of the cervical epithelium. This technically easy screening procedure should be performed by the family doctor. If the result is positive, the case should be turned over to the gynecologist. Systematic repeated screening permits nearly complete eradication of invasive cervical carcinoma.", "contents": "[Usefulness of early detection of uterine collum carcinoma]. Systematic screening of preinvasive and invasive lesions of uterine cervix by exfoliative cytology is justified by present morphologic and physiologic knowledge of the cervical epithelium. This technically easy screening procedure should be performed by the family doctor. If the result is positive, the case should be turned over to the gynecologist. Systematic repeated screening permits nearly complete eradication of invasive cervical carcinoma.", "PMID": 996511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6417", "title": "[Usefulness of detection of breast cancer: the part played by the internist].", "content": "The prognosis of breast cancer is the result of many factors, among which the mass of the tumor at the time of diagnosis remains the most significant: small tumors have a better prognosis than larger ones and are less often accompanied by positive lymph nodes. It is therefore justifiable to search for them systematically by breast examination of all patients over 30. Large-scale mass screening campains in the USA, with clinical and mammographic examination of tens of thousands of women, have proven that it is possible to detect more \"early\" cancers and reduce general mortality in the groups studied. The number of cancers thus detected is nevertheless so small that it does not justify the investment of so much labour and money in this kind of campaign. Systematic breast examination at regular intervals (6 months to 1 year) with regular mammographies should be confined to patients in the high risk groups: women who have already undergone surgery for cancer of one breast, and patients with a marked family history of breast cancer. For the rest of the female population, the solution seems obvious: every physician should get into the habit of performing regular clinical examination of the breasts. Most gynecologists are already doing so, but they only examine a small part of the population. The most important role in the detection of breast cancer falls to the internists and the general practitioners: they should assume responsibility for all their patients' breasts, in the same manner as they do for heart and lung examinations. They will then request additional examinations (mammography, thermography) as soon as clinical examination reveals a pathological finding. The results of GILBERTSEN [5] confirm that clinical examination remains the most valuable and least expensive method for breast cancer detection.", "contents": "[Usefulness of detection of breast cancer: the part played by the internist]. The prognosis of breast cancer is the result of many factors, among which the mass of the tumor at the time of diagnosis remains the most significant: small tumors have a better prognosis than larger ones and are less often accompanied by positive lymph nodes. It is therefore justifiable to search for them systematically by breast examination of all patients over 30. Large-scale mass screening campains in the USA, with clinical and mammographic examination of tens of thousands of women, have proven that it is possible to detect more \"early\" cancers and reduce general mortality in the groups studied. The number of cancers thus detected is nevertheless so small that it does not justify the investment of so much labour and money in this kind of campaign. Systematic breast examination at regular intervals (6 months to 1 year) with regular mammographies should be confined to patients in the high risk groups: women who have already undergone surgery for cancer of one breast, and patients with a marked family history of breast cancer. For the rest of the female population, the solution seems obvious: every physician should get into the habit of performing regular clinical examination of the breasts. Most gynecologists are already doing so, but they only examine a small part of the population. The most important role in the detection of breast cancer falls to the internists and the general practitioners: they should assume responsibility for all their patients' breasts, in the same manner as they do for heart and lung examinations. They will then request additional examinations (mammography, thermography) as soon as clinical examination reveals a pathological finding. The results of GILBERTSEN [5] confirm that clinical examination remains the most valuable and least expensive method for breast cancer detection.", "PMID": 996512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6418", "title": "[Early diagnosis of bronchial cancer: its usefulness].", "content": "Incidence of and mortality from bronchial carcinoma are reviewed. The advantages of early recognition of the disease and the favourable role of early recognition as a factor in the therapeutic outcome are stressed. Etiologic factors and diagnostic procedures are summarized. The need for a public education program is emphasized.", "contents": "[Early diagnosis of bronchial cancer: its usefulness]. Incidence of and mortality from bronchial carcinoma are reviewed. The advantages of early recognition of the disease and the favourable role of early recognition as a factor in the therapeutic outcome are stressed. Etiologic factors and diagnostic procedures are summarized. The need for a public education program is emphasized.", "PMID": 996513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6419", "title": "[Therapeutic approach to a cerebrovascular accident].", "content": "The therapeutic approach to vascular lesions, which in fact represents the effective prevention of potential or recurrent brain damage, is discussed. The following problems are considered: asymptomatic localized vascular bruit; transient ischemic attack; minor strokes; progressive strokes; total strokes; and hemorrhages. Supportive therapy in the patient with brain damage is presented.", "contents": "[Therapeutic approach to a cerebrovascular accident]. The therapeutic approach to vascular lesions, which in fact represents the effective prevention of potential or recurrent brain damage, is discussed. The following problems are considered: asymptomatic localized vascular bruit; transient ischemic attack; minor strokes; progressive strokes; total strokes; and hemorrhages. Supportive therapy in the patient with brain damage is presented.", "PMID": 996514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6420", "title": "[Results of psychotherapeutic quality control and their consequences for the general practitioner].", "content": "The evaluation of psychotherapeutic procedures has been rendered possible by comparing treated and untreated randomized groups. An analysis of expected and unexpected results shows that precisely those elements of psychotherapy which can be applied by practitioners are successful.", "contents": "[Results of psychotherapeutic quality control and their consequences for the general practitioner]. The evaluation of psychotherapeutic procedures has been rendered possible by comparing treated and untreated randomized groups. An analysis of expected and unexpected results shows that precisely those elements of psychotherapy which can be applied by practitioners are successful.", "PMID": 996515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6421", "title": "[The premature infant below 1000 g].", "content": "74 premature infants with a birth weight of 1000 g or less were hospitalized in the period 1963-1975. 20 babies survived the first 4 weeks of life and 2 died during the second month of life from progressive lung disease. 77% of all patients were mechanically ventilated and 9 ventilated patients survived. The main causes of death were cerebral hemorrhage, severe asphyxia and septicemia. Prognosis was impaired by hypothermia, IRDS, gestational age below 27 weeks and premature rupture of membranes with bacterial infection. At the age of 1 year 8 out of 12 survivors followed up showed normal mental and motoric development. 3 children had minor or obvious signs of cerebral paresis and one further child has partial retrolental fibroplasia. Due to modern intensive care the survival rate of these very small premature babies has now reached 40%. The prognosis is favourably influenced by optimal obstetric and neonatal care, while special precautions should be undertaken to avoid hypothermia. Our results with mechanical ventilation justify the administration of full intensive care to these very small premature babies.", "contents": "[The premature infant below 1000 g]. 74 premature infants with a birth weight of 1000 g or less were hospitalized in the period 1963-1975. 20 babies survived the first 4 weeks of life and 2 died during the second month of life from progressive lung disease. 77% of all patients were mechanically ventilated and 9 ventilated patients survived. The main causes of death were cerebral hemorrhage, severe asphyxia and septicemia. Prognosis was impaired by hypothermia, IRDS, gestational age below 27 weeks and premature rupture of membranes with bacterial infection. At the age of 1 year 8 out of 12 survivors followed up showed normal mental and motoric development. 3 children had minor or obvious signs of cerebral paresis and one further child has partial retrolental fibroplasia. Due to modern intensive care the survival rate of these very small premature babies has now reached 40%. The prognosis is favourably influenced by optimal obstetric and neonatal care, while special precautions should be undertaken to avoid hypothermia. Our results with mechanical ventilation justify the administration of full intensive care to these very small premature babies.", "PMID": 996516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6422", "title": "[Morphological studies on the human heart conduction system].", "content": "An attempt has been made to demonstrate morphological equivalents of electrocardiographically determined conduction disturbances in the human heart. In 50% of our cases an authentic morphological change was found. In 25% the correlation remained doubtful, and in another 25% there was no connection. The highest coincidence was found in chronic left bundle branch block and in dissecting aneurysms causing hemopericardium. The correlation between function and morphology is very loose in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. Etiology is discussed only marginally; ischemia is the predominant feature.", "contents": "[Morphological studies on the human heart conduction system]. An attempt has been made to demonstrate morphological equivalents of electrocardiographically determined conduction disturbances in the human heart. In 50% of our cases an authentic morphological change was found. In 25% the correlation remained doubtful, and in another 25% there was no connection. The highest coincidence was found in chronic left bundle branch block and in dissecting aneurysms causing hemopericardium. The correlation between function and morphology is very loose in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. Etiology is discussed only marginally; ischemia is the predominant feature.", "PMID": 996517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6423", "title": "[Myocardial infarct after gastroscopy. Case report and pathogenetic considerations].", "content": "Three cases are reported of myocardial infarction and severe myocardial ischemia following gastroscopy in patients with coronary heart disease. These cases demonstrate the high risk of endoscopy in such patients. It is assumed that the main pathogenetic factors are catecholamine-mediated tachycardia and the close vicinity of the lower esophagus to the right coronary artery, with its tendency to coronary spasmus.", "contents": "[Myocardial infarct after gastroscopy. Case report and pathogenetic considerations]. Three cases are reported of myocardial infarction and severe myocardial ischemia following gastroscopy in patients with coronary heart disease. These cases demonstrate the high risk of endoscopy in such patients. It is assumed that the main pathogenetic factors are catecholamine-mediated tachycardia and the close vicinity of the lower esophagus to the right coronary artery, with its tendency to coronary spasmus.", "PMID": 996518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6424", "title": "[Malignant hyperthermia: attempt at an early diagnosis by means of determination of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and its isoenzymes].", "content": "Creatinphosphokinase (CPK) was elevated in sera of patients with malignant hyperthermia and in sera of some of their relatives. Only the MM-isoenzyme (but not the MB- or the BB-isoenzyme) could be detected by paperchromatographic analysis. In some of the patients elevation of muscle aldolase was also observed. Thus, the appearance of the BB-isoenzyme in sera of patients with malignant hyperthermia, as described by another group of investigators, was not confirmed. No specific screening method exists as yet to detect patients with a high risk of developing this often lethal reaction to anesthesia. However, in patients without muscle disease or trauma and without prior i.m. injections, myocardial infarction or major physical strain, elevation of CPK in serum should be interpreted as meaning that malignant hyperthermia may develop during anesthesia. The pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia is discussed.", "contents": "[Malignant hyperthermia: attempt at an early diagnosis by means of determination of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and its isoenzymes]. Creatinphosphokinase (CPK) was elevated in sera of patients with malignant hyperthermia and in sera of some of their relatives. Only the MM-isoenzyme (but not the MB- or the BB-isoenzyme) could be detected by paperchromatographic analysis. In some of the patients elevation of muscle aldolase was also observed. Thus, the appearance of the BB-isoenzyme in sera of patients with malignant hyperthermia, as described by another group of investigators, was not confirmed. No specific screening method exists as yet to detect patients with a high risk of developing this often lethal reaction to anesthesia. However, in patients without muscle disease or trauma and without prior i.m. injections, myocardial infarction or major physical strain, elevation of CPK in serum should be interpreted as meaning that malignant hyperthermia may develop during anesthesia. The pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia is discussed.", "PMID": 996519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6425", "title": "[Bochdalek's hernia with pseudopleuritic and abdominal symptoms in the adult. Apropos of 1 case].", "content": "A case of Bochdalek diaphragmatic defect in a 48-year-old man is reported. Previous failure to diagnose the condition had resulted in a variety of diagnostic errors and associated inappropriate treatment. Diagnosis of this malformation, which is rarely encountered in the adult, presents no particular difficulty if care is taken to look for it by appropriate radiologic study. Surgical repair is usually an easy matter.", "contents": "[Bochdalek's hernia with pseudopleuritic and abdominal symptoms in the adult. Apropos of 1 case]. A case of Bochdalek diaphragmatic defect in a 48-year-old man is reported. Previous failure to diagnose the condition had resulted in a variety of diagnostic errors and associated inappropriate treatment. Diagnosis of this malformation, which is rarely encountered in the adult, presents no particular difficulty if care is taken to look for it by appropriate radiologic study. Surgical repair is usually an easy matter.", "PMID": 996520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6426", "title": "[Myasthenia gravis in old age. A retrospective study of 58 patients].", "content": "The course in 58 cases of myasthenia gravis in subjects over 50 years of age is reported. They total about 30% of cases in all age-groups. 36.2% of the patients died after an average period of illness of 3.4 years. 58.6% initially showed only ocular symptoms and in 58.8% of these the myasthenia was likewise located only in the eyes in the further course of the illness. The prognosis of ocular myasthenia is very good if the myasthenic process does not extend to other muscle groups in the first or second year of illness. 41.2% of primary ocular myasthenia turned into other types, in most cases a generalized type, and these had a poor prognosis. 69.2% of these patients died after an average period of illness of 1.5 years due to myasthenia-induced complications. Cases of myasthenia which initially are of the generalized type, in which the average duration is only 2.7 years until death, and to some extent the bulbar types, also have a poor prognosis. Ocular myasthenic cases generally need only small doses of cholinesterase inhibitors. Some patients had no medical treatment because there was no subjective or objective need for it. Several patients were given doses of cholinesterase inhibitors which were too large; excessive doses are to be avoided because of the proven negative influence of cholinesterase inhibitors on the myoneural system. It is recommended that types of myasthenia with a poor prognosis be treated early with corticoids, ACTH or azathioprin, if the cholinesterase inhibitors have proved ineffective or it their effect is unsatisfactory. Thymectomy is advisable only in patients under 60 years of age.", "contents": "[Myasthenia gravis in old age. A retrospective study of 58 patients]. The course in 58 cases of myasthenia gravis in subjects over 50 years of age is reported. They total about 30% of cases in all age-groups. 36.2% of the patients died after an average period of illness of 3.4 years. 58.6% initially showed only ocular symptoms and in 58.8% of these the myasthenia was likewise located only in the eyes in the further course of the illness. The prognosis of ocular myasthenia is very good if the myasthenic process does not extend to other muscle groups in the first or second year of illness. 41.2% of primary ocular myasthenia turned into other types, in most cases a generalized type, and these had a poor prognosis. 69.2% of these patients died after an average period of illness of 1.5 years due to myasthenia-induced complications. Cases of myasthenia which initially are of the generalized type, in which the average duration is only 2.7 years until death, and to some extent the bulbar types, also have a poor prognosis. Ocular myasthenic cases generally need only small doses of cholinesterase inhibitors. Some patients had no medical treatment because there was no subjective or objective need for it. Several patients were given doses of cholinesterase inhibitors which were too large; excessive doses are to be avoided because of the proven negative influence of cholinesterase inhibitors on the myoneural system. It is recommended that types of myasthenia with a poor prognosis be treated early with corticoids, ACTH or azathioprin, if the cholinesterase inhibitors have proved ineffective or it their effect is unsatisfactory. Thymectomy is advisable only in patients under 60 years of age.", "PMID": 996521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6427", "title": "[Myoclonic encephalopathy due to bismuth salts. Negative search for an associated toxic element].", "content": "Five cases of bismuth associated encephalopathy have been observed in the area of Geneva (Switzerland). Thy typical clinical picture is described and the blood and urinary bismuth levels are analyzed in comparison with a group of patients on bismuth treatment but without encephalopathy. A link is established between these observations and previously reported cases of bismuth toxicity, and also with other toxic encephalopathies. With regard to pathogenesis, two hypotheses are discussed: alkylation of bismuth in vivo, and association with another neurotoxic element. With this in view, the urinary excretion of arsenic, lead and mercury was measured. The results were within normal limits.", "contents": "[Myoclonic encephalopathy due to bismuth salts. Negative search for an associated toxic element]. Five cases of bismuth associated encephalopathy have been observed in the area of Geneva (Switzerland). Thy typical clinical picture is described and the blood and urinary bismuth levels are analyzed in comparison with a group of patients on bismuth treatment but without encephalopathy. A link is established between these observations and previously reported cases of bismuth toxicity, and also with other toxic encephalopathies. With regard to pathogenesis, two hypotheses are discussed: alkylation of bismuth in vivo, and association with another neurotoxic element. With this in view, the urinary excretion of arsenic, lead and mercury was measured. The results were within normal limits.", "PMID": 996522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6428", "title": "[Laxative induced diarrhea- -a form of self-mutilation].", "content": "In the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal disturbances the possibility of laxative abuse is considered either too late or not at all. The sequel is a protracted course of illness with a series of expensive and fruitless investigations. On the basis of three recently observed cases of laxative-induced diarrhea the problems of diagnosis and management are discussed. Methods of securing early diagnosis are mentioned. The overall prognosis must be considered unfavorable. The importance is stressed of long-term follow-up of these patients at community level, to ensure timely intervention should complications arise and to prevent further unnecessary investigations.", "contents": "[Laxative induced diarrhea- -a form of self-mutilation]. In the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal disturbances the possibility of laxative abuse is considered either too late or not at all. The sequel is a protracted course of illness with a series of expensive and fruitless investigations. On the basis of three recently observed cases of laxative-induced diarrhea the problems of diagnosis and management are discussed. Methods of securing early diagnosis are mentioned. The overall prognosis must be considered unfavorable. The importance is stressed of long-term follow-up of these patients at community level, to ensure timely intervention should complications arise and to prevent further unnecessary investigations.", "PMID": 996523} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6429", "title": "[Primary extranodal lymphogranulomatosis of the flexura dodenal-jejunalis].", "content": "A primary extranodal lymphogranuloma of Hodgkin was found in the small bowel (PS II AE) of a 34-year-old man. Two years after radical surgery followed by local telecobalt therapy, the patient is in good health. The symptomatology, therapy and prognosis of this rare form of Hodgkin's lymphogranuloma are briefly reviewed.", "contents": "[Primary extranodal lymphogranulomatosis of the flexura dodenal-jejunalis]. A primary extranodal lymphogranuloma of Hodgkin was found in the small bowel (PS II AE) of a 34-year-old man. Two years after radical surgery followed by local telecobalt therapy, the patient is in good health. The symptomatology, therapy and prognosis of this rare form of Hodgkin's lymphogranuloma are briefly reviewed.", "PMID": 996524} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6430", "title": "[Diabetic retinopathy; facts and speculations].", "content": "Our knowledge of the etiology of diabetic retinopathy is very limited. Correlation of the time interval between onset of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy as a function of age makes it possible to estimate the degree of resistance of the small vessels to the microangiopathy-inducing agent for the various age groups. Epidemiologic data reveal that, viewed statistically, malignant diabetic retinopathy is relatively rare, and that the life expectancy of blind diabetics is longer than is commonly assumed.", "contents": "[Diabetic retinopathy; facts and speculations]. Our knowledge of the etiology of diabetic retinopathy is very limited. Correlation of the time interval between onset of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy as a function of age makes it possible to estimate the degree of resistance of the small vessels to the microangiopathy-inducing agent for the various age groups. Epidemiologic data reveal that, viewed statistically, malignant diabetic retinopathy is relatively rare, and that the life expectancy of blind diabetics is longer than is commonly assumed.", "PMID": 996525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6431", "title": "[Diabetic retinopathy: documentation, evaluation of its course and possibilities of treatment by photocoagulation].", "content": "Optimal documentation of retinal lesions by panorama fundus photographs is required for evaluation of the course of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The data are prepared for automatic storage and computation. The natural course of DR is occasionally characterized by remarkable spontaneous remissions. Therefore, unilateral treatment is needed to evaluate the efficacy of photocoagulation. The following preliminary results on 215 patients treated unilaterally with Xenon photocoagulation, and followed up for 6 months to 6 years, were statistically significant: marked decrease of intra- and epiretinal vessel new formations, prophylaxis of retinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhages, preservation of the macula and retention of visual acuity in diabetics below 60 years of age. The unpredictable rate of progression of DR in individual cases is responsible for occasional failures of photocoagulation.", "contents": "[Diabetic retinopathy: documentation, evaluation of its course and possibilities of treatment by photocoagulation]. Optimal documentation of retinal lesions by panorama fundus photographs is required for evaluation of the course of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The data are prepared for automatic storage and computation. The natural course of DR is occasionally characterized by remarkable spontaneous remissions. Therefore, unilateral treatment is needed to evaluate the efficacy of photocoagulation. The following preliminary results on 215 patients treated unilaterally with Xenon photocoagulation, and followed up for 6 months to 6 years, were statistically significant: marked decrease of intra- and epiretinal vessel new formations, prophylaxis of retinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhages, preservation of the macula and retention of visual acuity in diabetics below 60 years of age. The unpredictable rate of progression of DR in individual cases is responsible for occasional failures of photocoagulation.", "PMID": 996526} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6432", "title": "[Correlations between clinical findings and therapeutic measures and the course of diabetic retinopathy].", "content": "A review is presented of recent literature on clinical findings and therapy in relation to the course of diabetic retinopathy. A report is then given on personal results with hypophysectomy in 15 diabetics with progressive retinopathy. The observation period is 16 years. The course of retinopathy is related to growth hormone findings, which have been determined in a longterm program. Mean survival after trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy was 4 1/3 years (1 8/12 to 8). There is no clear evidence that impending blindness could be arrested in the whole group, but there was a temporary halt in individual diabetics. In one patient, growth hormone treatment was investigated as a means of improving renal function. The diabetic retinopathy findings did not change during growth hormone treatment.", "contents": "[Correlations between clinical findings and therapeutic measures and the course of diabetic retinopathy]. A review is presented of recent literature on clinical findings and therapy in relation to the course of diabetic retinopathy. A report is then given on personal results with hypophysectomy in 15 diabetics with progressive retinopathy. The observation period is 16 years. The course of retinopathy is related to growth hormone findings, which have been determined in a longterm program. Mean survival after trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy was 4 1/3 years (1 8/12 to 8). There is no clear evidence that impending blindness could be arrested in the whole group, but there was a temporary halt in individual diabetics. In one patient, growth hormone treatment was investigated as a means of improving renal function. The diabetic retinopathy findings did not change during growth hormone treatment.", "PMID": 996527} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6433", "title": "[Long term control of diabetes in general practice].", "content": "Longterm follow-up and counselling of the diabetic patient faces the family doctor with highly specific tasks. The importance of optimum cooperation from the patient is stressed and the method of carrying out periodic checkups is described. The doctor should obtain information about the carbohydrate metabolism from urinary tests performed by the patient himself. Also, the symptoms of late diabetic syndrome should be detected as early as possible.", "contents": "[Long term control of diabetes in general practice]. Longterm follow-up and counselling of the diabetic patient faces the family doctor with highly specific tasks. The importance of optimum cooperation from the patient is stressed and the method of carrying out periodic checkups is described. The doctor should obtain information about the carbohydrate metabolism from urinary tests performed by the patient himself. Also, the symptoms of late diabetic syndrome should be detected as early as possible.", "PMID": 996528} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6434", "title": "[How do we counsel our diabetic patients?].", "content": "Successful treatment of the diabetic patient is possible only if the patient himself takes an interest in his disease and also an active part in treating it, i.e. by adherence to diet, testing of urinary sugar and insulin administration. The precondition for cooperation is intensive medical advice covering the following three aspects: 1. education, 2. motivation to put the acquired knowledge into practice, 3. practicability of the advice given. Our program covers 5 points: 1. basic education on the nature of diabetes, 2. diet instructions, 3. testing of urinary sugar, 4. instruction on insulin administration, 5. oral hypoglycemic agents. Special instructions must be given to motorists and all other types of driver, and also for emergency situations (vomiting, fever etc.). An instruction sheet carrying the key points in helpful. The results of this educational scheme are regularly checked by questionnaire. Refresher courses have been found to be necessary at regular intervals. The permanent educational efforts of regional Diabetic Associations and appropriate literature (D-Journal) are also recommended. The time-consuming effort of achieving the goals associated with education of the diabetic calls for teamwork between general practitioner and teaching center, e.g. the hospital with its facilities (audiovisual program, dieteticians etc.). However, the crucial factor remains the physician's commitment to his patient and his disease, since education and treatment must be geared to the needs of the individual patient.", "contents": "[How do we counsel our diabetic patients?]. Successful treatment of the diabetic patient is possible only if the patient himself takes an interest in his disease and also an active part in treating it, i.e. by adherence to diet, testing of urinary sugar and insulin administration. The precondition for cooperation is intensive medical advice covering the following three aspects: 1. education, 2. motivation to put the acquired knowledge into practice, 3. practicability of the advice given. Our program covers 5 points: 1. basic education on the nature of diabetes, 2. diet instructions, 3. testing of urinary sugar, 4. instruction on insulin administration, 5. oral hypoglycemic agents. Special instructions must be given to motorists and all other types of driver, and also for emergency situations (vomiting, fever etc.). An instruction sheet carrying the key points in helpful. The results of this educational scheme are regularly checked by questionnaire. Refresher courses have been found to be necessary at regular intervals. The permanent educational efforts of regional Diabetic Associations and appropriate literature (D-Journal) are also recommended. The time-consuming effort of achieving the goals associated with education of the diabetic calls for teamwork between general practitioner and teaching center, e.g. the hospital with its facilities (audiovisual program, dieteticians etc.). However, the crucial factor remains the physician's commitment to his patient and his disease, since education and treatment must be geared to the needs of the individual patient.", "PMID": 996529} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6435", "title": "[Hirsutism].", "content": "Hirsutism (increased masculine-type sexual hair growth) is to be distinguished from hypertrichosis (generalized increase of body hair) and from virilism (organ changes tending towards masculinity) in which marked hormonal changes are alwasy observable. Hirsutism depends on age, race, heredity, hairfolicle sensitivity to testosterone, and on circulating testosterone and its precursors. The main source of testosterone and androstanedione formation is not the adrenal cortex, as previously assumed, but, as catheterization has demonstrated, the ovary. Mild forms can best be treated externally by plucking, shaving or electrolysis. In forms associated with amenorrhea the amenorrhea responds to corticoids but over a prolonged period of treatment the maximum regression of hirsutism is one-third. Good results are obtainable by reverse-sequence therapy with the competitive androgen antagonists cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol (100 mg cyproterone acetate from 5th-14th day of menstrual cycle and 50 mug ethinyl estradiol from 5th-21st day). This therapy is however costly and not without side effects; it should therefore be used only for particularly troublesome cases.", "contents": "[Hirsutism]. Hirsutism (increased masculine-type sexual hair growth) is to be distinguished from hypertrichosis (generalized increase of body hair) and from virilism (organ changes tending towards masculinity) in which marked hormonal changes are alwasy observable. Hirsutism depends on age, race, heredity, hairfolicle sensitivity to testosterone, and on circulating testosterone and its precursors. The main source of testosterone and androstanedione formation is not the adrenal cortex, as previously assumed, but, as catheterization has demonstrated, the ovary. Mild forms can best be treated externally by plucking, shaving or electrolysis. In forms associated with amenorrhea the amenorrhea responds to corticoids but over a prolonged period of treatment the maximum regression of hirsutism is one-third. Good results are obtainable by reverse-sequence therapy with the competitive androgen antagonists cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol (100 mg cyproterone acetate from 5th-14th day of menstrual cycle and 50 mug ethinyl estradiol from 5th-21st day). This therapy is however costly and not without side effects; it should therefore be used only for particularly troublesome cases.", "PMID": 996530} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6436", "title": "[Purity and antigenicity of the new insulin preparations].", "content": "A short review on new types of insulin preparations purified by chromatography is presented. The purity of these new chromatographed insulins, which have almost completely replaced the conventional types of insulin, has been considerably improved. Our own investigations have revealed significantly lower antigenicity of porcine depot preparations compared with beef or mixed beef-pork insulins. By means of gel filtration and additional anion exchange chromatography the antigenicity of porcine insulin can be significantly reduced. Monocomponent insulins prepared by these methods produce low titers of insulin antibodies in only one third of diabetics treated by insulin for the first time. Mixed beef-pork Lente Insulin purified by single chromatography is also less antigenic than Lente Insulin of conventional purity, but more antigenic than pork insulin (e.g. Monotard). Pork insulin purified by chromatography is indicated in cases of insulin allergy, insulin resistance and lipoatrophy, and also for first insulin treatment in younger and middle-aged diabetics.", "contents": "[Purity and antigenicity of the new insulin preparations]. A short review on new types of insulin preparations purified by chromatography is presented. The purity of these new chromatographed insulins, which have almost completely replaced the conventional types of insulin, has been considerably improved. Our own investigations have revealed significantly lower antigenicity of porcine depot preparations compared with beef or mixed beef-pork insulins. By means of gel filtration and additional anion exchange chromatography the antigenicity of porcine insulin can be significantly reduced. Monocomponent insulins prepared by these methods produce low titers of insulin antibodies in only one third of diabetics treated by insulin for the first time. Mixed beef-pork Lente Insulin purified by single chromatography is also less antigenic than Lente Insulin of conventional purity, but more antigenic than pork insulin (e.g. Monotard). Pork insulin purified by chromatography is indicated in cases of insulin allergy, insulin resistance and lipoatrophy, and also for first insulin treatment in younger and middle-aged diabetics.", "PMID": 996531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6437", "title": "The medico-social aspects of liquor licensing.", "content": "The present Licensing Law has failed in its stated purpose of diminishing the misuse of alcohol. On the contrary the misuse of alcohol is increasing year by year. The recommendations of the Scottish Departmental Committee (1971-1973) would, if fully implemented, go far to remedying this defect by providing effective legislative support encouraging improved social attitudes to drink. The Licensing (Scotland) Bill 1976 will, from a technical point of view, discard much that was obsolete and promote much that is wise in the practice of licensing, but if passed into law unchanged the Bill will not have the full social impact on drinking habits and, therefore, on the misuse of alcohol for which we had hoped.", "contents": "The medico-social aspects of liquor licensing. The present Licensing Law has failed in its stated purpose of diminishing the misuse of alcohol. On the contrary the misuse of alcohol is increasing year by year. The recommendations of the Scottish Departmental Committee (1971-1973) would, if fully implemented, go far to remedying this defect by providing effective legislative support encouraging improved social attitudes to drink. The Licensing (Scotland) Bill 1976 will, from a technical point of view, discard much that was obsolete and promote much that is wise in the practice of licensing, but if passed into law unchanged the Bill will not have the full social impact on drinking habits and, therefore, on the misuse of alcohol for which we had hoped.", "PMID": 996539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6438", "title": "Reconstructive surgery in gangrene.", "content": "The results of reconstructive arterial surgery in 113 critically ischaemic limbs during 1958 to 1972 are presented. There were 61 aorto-iliac reconstructions with 4 operative deaths (6.5%), resulting in a limb salvage rate of 75.4 per cent and 49 femoro-popliteal operations with 3 deaths (6.1%) and a limb salvage rate of 73.5 per cent.", "contents": "Reconstructive surgery in gangrene. The results of reconstructive arterial surgery in 113 critically ischaemic limbs during 1958 to 1972 are presented. There were 61 aorto-iliac reconstructions with 4 operative deaths (6.5%), resulting in a limb salvage rate of 75.4 per cent and 49 femoro-popliteal operations with 3 deaths (6.1%) and a limb salvage rate of 73.5 per cent.", "PMID": 996540} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6439", "title": "The penetration of minocycline into human sinus secretions.", "content": "The mean minocycline content of sinus secretions aspirated during antral wash-out in 8 patients sinusitis was found to be 1.06 mug. per ml. (SD.1.03). This exceeds the M.I.C. for most strains of bacteria likely to be found in sinusitis. The mean minocycline serum level in these 8 patients was 3.16 mug. per ml. (S.D. 1.64). The sinus secretion to serum level ratio was therefore 0.34:1. No correlation was found between serum level and sinus secretion level, nor could any of the factors looked at in this study be correlated with the degree to which minocycline penetrated the sinus secretion.", "contents": "The penetration of minocycline into human sinus secretions. The mean minocycline content of sinus secretions aspirated during antral wash-out in 8 patients sinusitis was found to be 1.06 mug. per ml. (SD.1.03). This exceeds the M.I.C. for most strains of bacteria likely to be found in sinusitis. The mean minocycline serum level in these 8 patients was 3.16 mug. per ml. (S.D. 1.64). The sinus secretion to serum level ratio was therefore 0.34:1. No correlation was found between serum level and sinus secretion level, nor could any of the factors looked at in this study be correlated with the degree to which minocycline penetrated the sinus secretion.", "PMID": 996541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6440", "title": "Villous papilloma of the rectum presenting as infective gastro-enteritis.", "content": "Three elderly patients have recently been admitted as emergencies to the Infection Unit of the Aberdeen Hospitals as presumed cases of infective gastro-enteritis. Investigation revealed the presence of a villous papilloma of the rectum in each case.", "contents": "Villous papilloma of the rectum presenting as infective gastro-enteritis. Three elderly patients have recently been admitted as emergencies to the Infection Unit of the Aberdeen Hospitals as presumed cases of infective gastro-enteritis. Investigation revealed the presence of a villous papilloma of the rectum in each case.", "PMID": 996542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6441", "title": "The state of the environment 1976.", "content": "One of the main points made recently by the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, in describing the state of the current environment in the world, was that the present nuclear arms race is a potential environmental hazard, larger than any other created. It was pointed out that the nuclear stockpiles of the major powers in 1974, amounting to 30,000 megatons, were two million times the destructive capacity of the Hiroshima bomb. The State of the Environment report continues to examine also the conventional arms race, pointing out that the combined military expenditure by developing countries has increased by the rate of ten per cent a year since 1960, taking scarce foreign exchange to build up arsenals, rather than developing the environment of these countries or alleviating the poverty of the people living in these countries. Other major points described in the report: 1. In terms of pollution, even a relatively small change in one of the controlling factors of the world climate would have serious consequences for mankind, hampering the increase in world food. 2. It is still not known what the earth's real \"carrying capacity\" is, and all that is known is that the earth can meet only the basic needs of a finite number of people. 3. Hunger is the main problem in the world today and can only be solved through wise development and the doubling of global food production. 4. Almost half of the 7,000 million people expected to be alive in the year 2,000 will live in towns and cities, more than 64 per cent of these people in developing countries. 5. On a positive note, there is a much greater awareness on the part of the people of the world, a greater reduction of pollution in many parts of the world, and a co-operation among governments-and a marked progress in the field of international environmental law. The report concludes by warning the world that it must consume less resources less wastefully and that without political will science can do nothing. The essence of the environmental challenge, therefore, is political rather than technical.", "contents": "The state of the environment 1976. One of the main points made recently by the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, in describing the state of the current environment in the world, was that the present nuclear arms race is a potential environmental hazard, larger than any other created. It was pointed out that the nuclear stockpiles of the major powers in 1974, amounting to 30,000 megatons, were two million times the destructive capacity of the Hiroshima bomb. The State of the Environment report continues to examine also the conventional arms race, pointing out that the combined military expenditure by developing countries has increased by the rate of ten per cent a year since 1960, taking scarce foreign exchange to build up arsenals, rather than developing the environment of these countries or alleviating the poverty of the people living in these countries. Other major points described in the report: 1. In terms of pollution, even a relatively small change in one of the controlling factors of the world climate would have serious consequences for mankind, hampering the increase in world food. 2. It is still not known what the earth's real \"carrying capacity\" is, and all that is known is that the earth can meet only the basic needs of a finite number of people. 3. Hunger is the main problem in the world today and can only be solved through wise development and the doubling of global food production. 4. Almost half of the 7,000 million people expected to be alive in the year 2,000 will live in towns and cities, more than 64 per cent of these people in developing countries. 5. On a positive note, there is a much greater awareness on the part of the people of the world, a greater reduction of pollution in many parts of the world, and a co-operation among governments-and a marked progress in the field of international environmental law. The report concludes by warning the world that it must consume less resources less wastefully and that without political will science can do nothing. The essence of the environmental challenge, therefore, is political rather than technical.", "PMID": 996543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6442", "title": "Cold shock: biological implications and a method for approximating transient environmental temperatures in the near-field region of a thermal discharge.", "content": "Biological data on the temperature preferences of fish indicate that, in general, they will be attracted to thermal discharges in the winter. This attraction to warmer temperatures increases their vulnerability to cold shock if the discharge heat source is discontinued. A scheme is proposed to predict the near-field thermal plume environmental temperatures during a power transient. This method can be applied to any jet discharge for which a steady-state model exists. The proposed transient model has been applied to an operating reactor. The predicted results illustrate how very rapidly the maximum temperatures decrease after an abrupt shutdown. This model can be employed to help assess the impact where cold shock may be a problem. Such predictions could also be the basis for restrictions on scheduled midwinter plant shutdowns.", "contents": "Cold shock: biological implications and a method for approximating transient environmental temperatures in the near-field region of a thermal discharge. Biological data on the temperature preferences of fish indicate that, in general, they will be attracted to thermal discharges in the winter. This attraction to warmer temperatures increases their vulnerability to cold shock if the discharge heat source is discontinued. A scheme is proposed to predict the near-field thermal plume environmental temperatures during a power transient. This method can be applied to any jet discharge for which a steady-state model exists. The proposed transient model has been applied to an operating reactor. The predicted results illustrate how very rapidly the maximum temperatures decrease after an abrupt shutdown. This model can be employed to help assess the impact where cold shock may be a problem. Such predictions could also be the basis for restrictions on scheduled midwinter plant shutdowns.", "PMID": 996544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6443", "title": "The influence of dietary minerals and fat on the absorption of lead.", "content": "The nutritional factors influencing the absorption of lead from the gut have been studied using both intact animals and ligated gut loop preparation. Short-term feeding studies have been made in groups of six animals using diets of constant lead content (0.075%) but in which the nutritional components were varied sequentially. Dietary lead was labelled with 203Pb. Absorption was determined in the carcass and individual organs by means of a small-animal wholebody counter. The results showed that absorption was enhanced to twenty-times control value by diets deficient in minerals and seven-fold by diets of high fat content. Conversely, high mineral diets have been shown to result in a two-fold reduction in lead absorption. The interaction of lead with individual dietary components has been further studied under controlled conditions using ligated gut loop preparations. Using this technique the relative roles of luminal interaction and tissue response for lead absorption have been explored and the kinetics of lead absorption determined.", "contents": "The influence of dietary minerals and fat on the absorption of lead. The nutritional factors influencing the absorption of lead from the gut have been studied using both intact animals and ligated gut loop preparation. Short-term feeding studies have been made in groups of six animals using diets of constant lead content (0.075%) but in which the nutritional components were varied sequentially. Dietary lead was labelled with 203Pb. Absorption was determined in the carcass and individual organs by means of a small-animal wholebody counter. The results showed that absorption was enhanced to twenty-times control value by diets deficient in minerals and seven-fold by diets of high fat content. Conversely, high mineral diets have been shown to result in a two-fold reduction in lead absorption. The interaction of lead with individual dietary components has been further studied under controlled conditions using ligated gut loop preparations. Using this technique the relative roles of luminal interaction and tissue response for lead absorption have been explored and the kinetics of lead absorption determined.", "PMID": 996545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6444", "title": "Lead levels in Birmingham dust.", "content": "Dust is important as a factor affecting amenity and there are suggestions that it can make a significant contribution to the exposure of children to toxic materials and particularly to lead. The results are presented of an investigation into the lead concentrations in dust collected in Birmingham. Relationships are shown to exist between samples from similar areas and the distributions of lead concentrations throughout the City are shown. However, interpretations must be made with caution and this is illustrated by referring to some of the problems involved in the collection and chemical analysis of the samples.", "contents": "Lead levels in Birmingham dust. Dust is important as a factor affecting amenity and there are suggestions that it can make a significant contribution to the exposure of children to toxic materials and particularly to lead. The results are presented of an investigation into the lead concentrations in dust collected in Birmingham. Relationships are shown to exist between samples from similar areas and the distributions of lead concentrations throughout the City are shown. However, interpretations must be made with caution and this is illustrated by referring to some of the problems involved in the collection and chemical analysis of the samples.", "PMID": 996546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6445", "title": "Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase mutant glioma cells: diminished monamine oxidase activity.", "content": "A defective capability of cultured rat glioma cells to reutilize purine bases (hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency) was associated with a reduced capacity to oxidatively deaminate serotonin and tryptamine. The mutant glioma cells were also more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of serotonin than were normal cells", "contents": "Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase mutant glioma cells: diminished monamine oxidase activity. A defective capability of cultured rat glioma cells to reutilize purine bases (hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency) was associated with a reduced capacity to oxidatively deaminate serotonin and tryptamine. The mutant glioma cells were also more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of serotonin than were normal cells", "PMID": 996547} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6446", "title": "Is there selection against wobble in codon-anticodon pairing?", "content": "Among amino acid codons that require a third-position pyrimidine, there is a significant bias favoring the use of cytidine over uracil in MS2 phage RNA. This could arise from selection against wobble pairing in the interaction of transfer RNA and messenger RNA. Among amino acid codons with fourfold degeneracy, there is a bias favoring pyrimidines over purines.", "contents": "Is there selection against wobble in codon-anticodon pairing? Among amino acid codons that require a third-position pyrimidine, there is a significant bias favoring the use of cytidine over uracil in MS2 phage RNA. This could arise from selection against wobble pairing in the interaction of transfer RNA and messenger RNA. Among amino acid codons with fourfold degeneracy, there is a bias favoring pyrimidines over purines.", "PMID": 996548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6447", "title": "Cones survive rods in the light-damaged eye of the albino rat.", "content": "Exposure to constant light causes extensive rod photoreceptor damage but spares the photopic system in albino rats. The rod branch of the dark-adaptation curve shows considerable elevation in threshold; the cone branch is hardly affected. Longer exposure and chromatic adaptation suggest that there are three cone mechanisms with peaks near wavelengths of 450,520, and 560 nanometers.", "contents": "Cones survive rods in the light-damaged eye of the albino rat. Exposure to constant light causes extensive rod photoreceptor damage but spares the photopic system in albino rats. The rod branch of the dark-adaptation curve shows considerable elevation in threshold; the cone branch is hardly affected. Longer exposure and chromatic adaptation suggest that there are three cone mechanisms with peaks near wavelengths of 450,520, and 560 nanometers.", "PMID": 996550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6448", "title": "Bone compressive strength: the influence of density and strain rate.", "content": "The compressive strength of bone is proportional to the square of the apparent density and to the strain rate raised to the 0.06 power. This relationship is applicable to trabecular and compact bone, and provides clinical guidelines for predicting bone strength on the basis of x-ray and densitometric examination.", "contents": "Bone compressive strength: the influence of density and strain rate. The compressive strength of bone is proportional to the square of the apparent density and to the strain rate raised to the 0.06 power. This relationship is applicable to trabecular and compact bone, and provides clinical guidelines for predicting bone strength on the basis of x-ray and densitometric examination.", "PMID": 996549} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6449", "title": "Low-risk cigarettes: a prescription.", "content": "Antismoking education campaigns in out society have met with only partial success: today 55 to 60 million Americans smoke, and the habit is increasing among teenagers and women. It is important to protect individuals who continue to smoke despite all warnings. There is evidence that this can be accomplished in at least two ways. First, it may be possible to remove toxic smoke components and thus reduce specific hazards. Second, the doseresponse evidence suggests that, if the total intake of smoke can be reduced, after an appropriate time a reduction in disease incidence should occur. The technology to achieve these results has been developed and can be applied to the manufacture of commercial cigarettes. These cigarettes will not conform to traditional flavour patterns, but consumer perception can be made to change and compensating flavours and fragrances can be added. The feasibility of less hazardous cigarettes raises the question of whether there are limits of cigarette and smoke composition that may approach relative safety. These limits can be defined as the smoke intake doses at which the risk of disease in smokers approaches that in nonsmokers. Such values can be extimated by dose-response analysis of several epidemiological studies and by extrapolation of blood concentrations at different rates of intake for certain smoke components, such as carbon monoxide. Critical values determined by these methods should not be interpreted as indicators of safe smoking levels; they do imply, however, that a rapid shift in cigarette consumption habits toward the proposed range of values will make possible a substantial reduction in the current epidemic proportions of smoking-related diseases.", "contents": "Low-risk cigarettes: a prescription. Antismoking education campaigns in out society have met with only partial success: today 55 to 60 million Americans smoke, and the habit is increasing among teenagers and women. It is important to protect individuals who continue to smoke despite all warnings. There is evidence that this can be accomplished in at least two ways. First, it may be possible to remove toxic smoke components and thus reduce specific hazards. Second, the doseresponse evidence suggests that, if the total intake of smoke can be reduced, after an appropriate time a reduction in disease incidence should occur. The technology to achieve these results has been developed and can be applied to the manufacture of commercial cigarettes. These cigarettes will not conform to traditional flavour patterns, but consumer perception can be made to change and compensating flavours and fragrances can be added. The feasibility of less hazardous cigarettes raises the question of whether there are limits of cigarette and smoke composition that may approach relative safety. These limits can be defined as the smoke intake doses at which the risk of disease in smokers approaches that in nonsmokers. Such values can be extimated by dose-response analysis of several epidemiological studies and by extrapolation of blood concentrations at different rates of intake for certain smoke components, such as carbon monoxide. Critical values determined by these methods should not be interpreted as indicators of safe smoking levels; they do imply, however, that a rapid shift in cigarette consumption habits toward the proposed range of values will make possible a substantial reduction in the current epidemic proportions of smoking-related diseases.", "PMID": 996552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6450", "title": "The use of an elemental diet in gastro-intestinal diseases.", "content": "An elemental diet containing predigested protein, a high content of predigested fat and carhobydrate, trace elements and vitamins, was administered as the only form of nutrition to 9 adult patients with chlonic, ileal and pancreatic fistulae, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, malabsorption states and abdominal lymphoma, and to 4 children with protracted diarrhoea. The diet was administered orally through a nasogastric tube for 1 - 8 weeks. Two patients were treated on an outpatient basis. There was considrable clinical improvement in 6 adults and in 3 children. Two adults and 1 child did not respond and 1 adult did not co-operate. The results justify the use of this elemental diet in carefully selected patients under strict medical supervision.", "contents": "The use of an elemental diet in gastro-intestinal diseases. An elemental diet containing predigested protein, a high content of predigested fat and carhobydrate, trace elements and vitamins, was administered as the only form of nutrition to 9 adult patients with chlonic, ileal and pancreatic fistulae, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, malabsorption states and abdominal lymphoma, and to 4 children with protracted diarrhoea. The diet was administered orally through a nasogastric tube for 1 - 8 weeks. Two patients were treated on an outpatient basis. There was considrable clinical improvement in 6 adults and in 3 children. Two adults and 1 child did not respond and 1 adult did not co-operate. The results justify the use of this elemental diet in carefully selected patients under strict medical supervision.", "PMID": 996664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6451", "title": "Pseudocyesis in Blacks.", "content": "Twenty-one Balck women with pseudocyesis were seen over a 4-month period at the Baragwanath Hospital antenatal clinic. The psychological backgrounds of 9 of the 21 women were assessed in detail. That Blacks are unable to cope with and sublimate a stressful \"infertility\" adequately is suggested as the aetiological factor which leads to the high incidence of this psychosomatic disorder in Blacks.", "contents": "Pseudocyesis in Blacks. Twenty-one Balck women with pseudocyesis were seen over a 4-month period at the Baragwanath Hospital antenatal clinic. The psychological backgrounds of 9 of the 21 women were assessed in detail. That Blacks are unable to cope with and sublimate a stressful \"infertility\" adequately is suggested as the aetiological factor which leads to the high incidence of this psychosomatic disorder in Blacks.", "PMID": 996665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6452", "title": "Transcultural factors in child abuse.", "content": "A transcultural analysis of 54 cases of child abuse that were consecutively referred to the psychiatric clinic of the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital is presented. Among the data studied were the legal status of the abused child, the nature of the injuries received and the characteristics of the abusers. It is stressed that this was a pilot investigation, and that there is a need for better reporting and further research.", "contents": "Transcultural factors in child abuse. A transcultural analysis of 54 cases of child abuse that were consecutively referred to the psychiatric clinic of the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital is presented. Among the data studied were the legal status of the abused child, the nature of the injuries received and the characteristics of the abusers. It is stressed that this was a pilot investigation, and that there is a need for better reporting and further research.", "PMID": 996666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6453", "title": "Tuberculosis of the vulva: case reports.", "content": "Tuberculosis of the vulva in 3 patients is reported. The difficulty in clinical differentiation of this condition from carcinoma of the vulva is stressed. The literature is reviewed and current management is discussed.", "contents": "Tuberculosis of the vulva: case reports. Tuberculosis of the vulva in 3 patients is reported. The difficulty in clinical differentiation of this condition from carcinoma of the vulva is stressed. The literature is reviewed and current management is discussed.", "PMID": 996673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6454", "title": "Pesticides and the South African population.", "content": "Legislation which has a bearing on pesticides, and its current implementation by the State departments of Agricultural Technical Services and Health, are discussed. Organophosphate compounds account for about 80% of all deaths from pesticides and for about 60% of non-fatal cases of intoxication. In South Africa, levels of lipophilic organochlorine compounds in human adipose tissue are generally well under the world average and are demonstrating a progressive downward trend.", "contents": "Pesticides and the South African population. Legislation which has a bearing on pesticides, and its current implementation by the State departments of Agricultural Technical Services and Health, are discussed. Organophosphate compounds account for about 80% of all deaths from pesticides and for about 60% of non-fatal cases of intoxication. In South Africa, levels of lipophilic organochlorine compounds in human adipose tissue are generally well under the world average and are demonstrating a progressive downward trend.", "PMID": 996674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6455", "title": "[The origin and development of reconstructive surgery].", "content": "The history of plastic and reconstructive surgery through the ages is reviewed and the modern developments in this field are mentioned in relation to this history. The development of plastic surgery in South Africa is also briefly referred to.", "contents": "[The origin and development of reconstructive surgery]. The history of plastic and reconstructive surgery through the ages is reviewed and the modern developments in this field are mentioned in relation to this history. The development of plastic surgery in South Africa is also briefly referred to.", "PMID": 996675} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6456", "title": "Defective leucocyte inhibitory factor (LIF) production by lymphocytes in children with kwashiorkor.", "content": "Production of the lymphokine leucocyte inhibitory factor (LIF) by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphocytes was assessed in 25 children with kwashiorkor. Although the lymphocytes of 12 of these patients produced adequate amounts of LIF, the rest of the group failed to produce lymphokine after PHA activation. There was no correlation between the ability to produce LIF and the age, severity of malnutrition or any other clinical parameters assessed in these patients. This finding confirms the presence of defective cell-mediated immunity observed in a substantial proportion of kwashiorkor children.", "contents": "Defective leucocyte inhibitory factor (LIF) production by lymphocytes in children with kwashiorkor. Production of the lymphokine leucocyte inhibitory factor (LIF) by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphocytes was assessed in 25 children with kwashiorkor. Although the lymphocytes of 12 of these patients produced adequate amounts of LIF, the rest of the group failed to produce lymphokine after PHA activation. There was no correlation between the ability to produce LIF and the age, severity of malnutrition or any other clinical parameters assessed in these patients. This finding confirms the presence of defective cell-mediated immunity observed in a substantial proportion of kwashiorkor children.", "PMID": 996679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6457", "title": "Lower oesophageal sphincter resting pressures in achalasia and the response of the sphincter to swallowing and drugs.", "content": "Previous reports on the profile of lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressures and swallow responses in achalasia have been conflicting. Both normal and high resting pressures have been reported. Many reports have noted a failure of relaxation of the LOS in response to swallowing. Manometric studies were performed on 17 untreated patients with achalasia, of whom 76% were found to have a resting peak end-inspiratory pressure significantly greater than normal (P = 0,001). Nine patients showed relaxation of the LOS in response to swallowing but this relaxation was usually inadequate and of brief duration. Contractions were premature in 16 patients. One patient showed a manometric pattern closely simulating a Mobitz type 1 atrioventricular block in response to repeated swallows. A common pathophysiological process is postulated. In one patient an injection of secretin reduced the high resting LOS pressure. This supports previous evidence that a hypersensitive sphincter in achalasia is due to a hypersensitivity to gastrin. Hyoscine-N-butylbromide (Buscopan) caused a significant reduction in LOS pressure in all patients in whom it was used.", "contents": "Lower oesophageal sphincter resting pressures in achalasia and the response of the sphincter to swallowing and drugs. Previous reports on the profile of lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressures and swallow responses in achalasia have been conflicting. Both normal and high resting pressures have been reported. Many reports have noted a failure of relaxation of the LOS in response to swallowing. Manometric studies were performed on 17 untreated patients with achalasia, of whom 76% were found to have a resting peak end-inspiratory pressure significantly greater than normal (P = 0,001). Nine patients showed relaxation of the LOS in response to swallowing but this relaxation was usually inadequate and of brief duration. Contractions were premature in 16 patients. One patient showed a manometric pattern closely simulating a Mobitz type 1 atrioventricular block in response to repeated swallows. A common pathophysiological process is postulated. In one patient an injection of secretin reduced the high resting LOS pressure. This supports previous evidence that a hypersensitive sphincter in achalasia is due to a hypersensitivity to gastrin. Hyoscine-N-butylbromide (Buscopan) caused a significant reduction in LOS pressure in all patients in whom it was used.", "PMID": 996680} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6458", "title": "The effect of zinc sulphate and of bicitropeptide on tetracycline absorption.", "content": "The interaction between tetracyclines and di- and trivalent ions such as are contained in aluminium, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc-containing salts or complexes or antacids is well documented. The potential for interaction between tetracyclines and zinc and bismuth salts is often not realised, but is emphasised by the findings reported here. The absorption of 250 mg phosphate-potentiated tetracycline hydrochloride was reduced by 75% when administered concurrently with 220 mg zinc sulphate. The absorption of 250 mg phosphate-potentiated tetracycline hydrochloride was reduced by 50% when administered concurrently with 10 ml bicitropeptide, a bismuth-protein complex. Tetracyclines should thus not be administered concurrently with zinc salts or bicitropeptide.", "contents": "The effect of zinc sulphate and of bicitropeptide on tetracycline absorption. The interaction between tetracyclines and di- and trivalent ions such as are contained in aluminium, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc-containing salts or complexes or antacids is well documented. The potential for interaction between tetracyclines and zinc and bismuth salts is often not realised, but is emphasised by the findings reported here. The absorption of 250 mg phosphate-potentiated tetracycline hydrochloride was reduced by 75% when administered concurrently with 220 mg zinc sulphate. The absorption of 250 mg phosphate-potentiated tetracycline hydrochloride was reduced by 50% when administered concurrently with 10 ml bicitropeptide, a bismuth-protein complex. Tetracyclines should thus not be administered concurrently with zinc salts or bicitropeptide.", "PMID": 996681} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6459", "title": "Binding of sodium taurocholate by cereal products.", "content": "The in vitro binding of sodium taurocholate to various cereal products was determined. Maize meal bound significantly more bile salt than maize rice or samp and significantly less than minitmeal or minitsamp.", "contents": "Binding of sodium taurocholate by cereal products. The in vitro binding of sodium taurocholate to various cereal products was determined. Maize meal bound significantly more bile salt than maize rice or samp and significantly less than minitmeal or minitsamp.", "PMID": 996682} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6460", "title": "An integrated cardiorespiratory pathology information system.", "content": "An integrated computer system which is in its initial year of implementation has been developed to handle pathological data of cardiorespiratory organs. On the single entry of data captured at the source, the interactive computer system generates reports for administrative requirements by law, updates a data base of cardiorespiratory histopathological data for research purposes and facilitates inquiry for periodical management reports. The system is based on multiple-source documents which have numerically precoded choice option statements as well as free text provision for those statements where precoded options are not provided. The computer system has replaced manual system procedures most effectively in terms of cost.", "contents": "An integrated cardiorespiratory pathology information system. An integrated computer system which is in its initial year of implementation has been developed to handle pathological data of cardiorespiratory organs. On the single entry of data captured at the source, the interactive computer system generates reports for administrative requirements by law, updates a data base of cardiorespiratory histopathological data for research purposes and facilitates inquiry for periodical management reports. The system is based on multiple-source documents which have numerically precoded choice option statements as well as free text provision for those statements where precoded options are not provided. The computer system has replaced manual system procedures most effectively in terms of cost.", "PMID": 996683} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6461", "title": "Ventricular ectopic activity in chronic ischaemic heart disease.", "content": "Ventricular ectopic activity in 116 consecutive postmyocardial infarction patients was studied. The study extended over a period of 5 years and 700 periodic 6-7-hour Holter tape recordings were perfomred. A classification of ectopic activity is presented and it is suggested that patients be classified into group I with few, i.e. less than 8, and group II with multiple, i.e. 8 or more, ectopic beats per hour. It was found that the frequency of ventricular ectopic activity tends to remain constant over prolonged periods of time, and that repetitive firing as well as multiformity are functions of the absolute number of ventricular ectopic beats (VEB) present. A 6-7-hour sample of ventricular ectopic activity gives only marginally more information than a 1-hour recording, and the presence of VEB on a resting ECG correlates well with a frequency of more than 8 VEB per hour (group II) on extended monitoring.", "contents": "Ventricular ectopic activity in chronic ischaemic heart disease. Ventricular ectopic activity in 116 consecutive postmyocardial infarction patients was studied. The study extended over a period of 5 years and 700 periodic 6-7-hour Holter tape recordings were perfomred. A classification of ectopic activity is presented and it is suggested that patients be classified into group I with few, i.e. less than 8, and group II with multiple, i.e. 8 or more, ectopic beats per hour. It was found that the frequency of ventricular ectopic activity tends to remain constant over prolonged periods of time, and that repetitive firing as well as multiformity are functions of the absolute number of ventricular ectopic beats (VEB) present. A 6-7-hour sample of ventricular ectopic activity gives only marginally more information than a 1-hour recording, and the presence of VEB on a resting ECG correlates well with a frequency of more than 8 VEB per hour (group II) on extended monitoring.", "PMID": 996686} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6462", "title": "Dose-finding trials of oral oxamniquine in Rhodesia.", "content": "Oral oxamniquine at a total dose of 60 mg/kg (given in 4 equal doses morning and evening over 2 days, after food) is an efficient and apparently very safe drug for the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni infections. Lower doses, or shorter schedules of treatment, are less efficient. The drug has little or no effect on S. haematobium infections. Side-effects are mild and infrequent.", "contents": "Dose-finding trials of oral oxamniquine in Rhodesia. Oral oxamniquine at a total dose of 60 mg/kg (given in 4 equal doses morning and evening over 2 days, after food) is an efficient and apparently very safe drug for the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni infections. Lower doses, or shorter schedules of treatment, are less efficient. The drug has little or no effect on S. haematobium infections. Side-effects are mild and infrequent.", "PMID": 996687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6463", "title": "A survey of snakebit in the Johannesburg area.", "content": "Case records of persons with snakebite treated at the Johannesburg General Hospital and the Transvaal Memorial Children's Hospital during the 10-year period 1963-1972 were investigated. It was concluded that (i) snakebites were rare, since only 39 cases were recorded, none of which ended fatally; (ii) 86% of patients were men (mean age was 24 years); (iii) 80% of bites were on the hand and arm; (iv) 28% of patients had had previous snakebites; and (v) 60% of bites were 'illegitimate', i.e. they occurred in snake handlers. Apart from occasional bites by exotic snakes in collections, the venomous snakes responsible for the majority of bites were, in order; ringhals, puff adder, and burrowing adder. The first two snakes are common in the region, while amateur herpetologists are at particular risk of being bitten by burrowing adders because of the snake's ability to bite even when held by the back of the neck. Ringhals bites, although the most common, caused virtually no morbidity. Bites by other venomous snakes showed considerable variation in morbidity, suggesting that many different factors must be taken into account when the nature and effects of snakebite are assessed. Eighty-five per cent of snakes were positively identified, mostly by the snake fanciers they had bitten. This permitted specific treatment.", "contents": "A survey of snakebit in the Johannesburg area. Case records of persons with snakebite treated at the Johannesburg General Hospital and the Transvaal Memorial Children's Hospital during the 10-year period 1963-1972 were investigated. It was concluded that (i) snakebites were rare, since only 39 cases were recorded, none of which ended fatally; (ii) 86% of patients were men (mean age was 24 years); (iii) 80% of bites were on the hand and arm; (iv) 28% of patients had had previous snakebites; and (v) 60% of bites were 'illegitimate', i.e. they occurred in snake handlers. Apart from occasional bites by exotic snakes in collections, the venomous snakes responsible for the majority of bites were, in order; ringhals, puff adder, and burrowing adder. The first two snakes are common in the region, while amateur herpetologists are at particular risk of being bitten by burrowing adders because of the snake's ability to bite even when held by the back of the neck. Ringhals bites, although the most common, caused virtually no morbidity. Bites by other venomous snakes showed considerable variation in morbidity, suggesting that many different factors must be taken into account when the nature and effects of snakebite are assessed. Eighty-five per cent of snakes were positively identified, mostly by the snake fanciers they had bitten. This permitted specific treatment.", "PMID": 996688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6464", "title": "Contact sensitizing properties of some fatty acids in dermatophytes.", "content": "The predominant fatty acids (C10-C18) of dermatophytes were investigated by the Landsteiner-Draize test to establish their allergenicity. It was demonstrated that fatty acids can give rise to sensitization of delayed type in guinea pigs. The middle-chain fatty acids (C10-C12) showed a high allergenicity compared to the (C13-C18) acids with moderate to weak contact sensitizing properties. The fatty acids may act as contact sensitizers and, at least sometimes, be responsible for the skin lesions in dermatophytosis.", "contents": "Contact sensitizing properties of some fatty acids in dermatophytes. The predominant fatty acids (C10-C18) of dermatophytes were investigated by the Landsteiner-Draize test to establish their allergenicity. It was demonstrated that fatty acids can give rise to sensitization of delayed type in guinea pigs. The middle-chain fatty acids (C10-C12) showed a high allergenicity compared to the (C13-C18) acids with moderate to weak contact sensitizing properties. The fatty acids may act as contact sensitizers and, at least sometimes, be responsible for the skin lesions in dermatophytosis.", "PMID": 996689} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6465", "title": "Isolation of Candida viswanathii from cerebrospinal fluid.", "content": "Candida viswanathii has been isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of a 20 year old male patient suffering from meningitis which ended fatally. The fungus proved pathogenic to cortisone treated mice but was poorly so to the normal mice challenged intravenously.", "contents": "Isolation of Candida viswanathii from cerebrospinal fluid. Candida viswanathii has been isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of a 20 year old male patient suffering from meningitis which ended fatally. The fungus proved pathogenic to cortisone treated mice but was poorly so to the normal mice challenged intravenously.", "PMID": 996690} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6466", "title": "[Preparation and study of a Paracoccidioides antigen needed for skin tests].", "content": "A cellular antigen from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, obtained from the supernate of the disrupted yeast phase, was studied. It was prepared by a method similar to that for obtaining the spherulin from Coccidioides immitis. This antigen is composed of 55 mug/mg of polysaccharides, determined by the phenol method, and 7-8 mug/mg of protein, determined by Folin-Ciocalteu's technique. In vitro tests of antigenicity were done by immunodiffusion and complement fixation. The optimum dilution of the antigen was 0-5 mg/ml determined by microtiter complement fixation. The in vivo standardization of the cellular paracoccidioidin was performed on three groups of patients. The first was composed of 56 patients with mycologically proved paracoccidioidomycosis. The disease was active in 32 and clinically healed in 24 of this group. The second was composed of 15 cases of histoplasmosis with strong histoplasmin skin tests. The third group were 70 patients with no mycotic pulmonary diseases who had come from different zones in Argentina. Each individual was injected with 0-1 ml cellular paracoccidioidin (3 mg/ml), 0-1 ml of Fava Netto's antigen diluted 1/10, and 0-1 ml histoplasmin L48, diluted 1/100. The cellular paracoccidioidin skin test was positive in 44/56 (78.5%) patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. The Fava Netto's antigen gave 42 (75%) positive results and the histoplasmin skin tests gave 28 (50%) in the same group. Twenty-eight (50%) presented positive histoplasmin skin tests. The paracoccidioidin skin test was positive in 2 of the histoplasmosis group (13-3%) and the Fava Netto's antigen gave 3 positive results in the same group (20%). The histoplasmin skin test was positive in 32% of the individuals with no mycotic disease. Ten per cent of these exhibited positive reaction with both P. brasiliensis antigens. Of those paracoccidioidomycosis cases (Group 1) who had negative skin tests with 3 mg/ml of the cellular paracoccidioidin 7/10 gave positive skin tests when tested at a concentration of 8 mg/ml. Characteristic changes of cell medicated hypersensitivity were observed in the histopathological studies of the cellular paracoccidioidin skin test.", "contents": "[Preparation and study of a Paracoccidioides antigen needed for skin tests]. A cellular antigen from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, obtained from the supernate of the disrupted yeast phase, was studied. It was prepared by a method similar to that for obtaining the spherulin from Coccidioides immitis. This antigen is composed of 55 mug/mg of polysaccharides, determined by the phenol method, and 7-8 mug/mg of protein, determined by Folin-Ciocalteu's technique. In vitro tests of antigenicity were done by immunodiffusion and complement fixation. The optimum dilution of the antigen was 0-5 mg/ml determined by microtiter complement fixation. The in vivo standardization of the cellular paracoccidioidin was performed on three groups of patients. The first was composed of 56 patients with mycologically proved paracoccidioidomycosis. The disease was active in 32 and clinically healed in 24 of this group. The second was composed of 15 cases of histoplasmosis with strong histoplasmin skin tests. The third group were 70 patients with no mycotic pulmonary diseases who had come from different zones in Argentina. Each individual was injected with 0-1 ml cellular paracoccidioidin (3 mg/ml), 0-1 ml of Fava Netto's antigen diluted 1/10, and 0-1 ml histoplasmin L48, diluted 1/100. The cellular paracoccidioidin skin test was positive in 44/56 (78.5%) patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. The Fava Netto's antigen gave 42 (75%) positive results and the histoplasmin skin tests gave 28 (50%) in the same group. Twenty-eight (50%) presented positive histoplasmin skin tests. The paracoccidioidin skin test was positive in 2 of the histoplasmosis group (13-3%) and the Fava Netto's antigen gave 3 positive results in the same group (20%). The histoplasmin skin test was positive in 32% of the individuals with no mycotic disease. Ten per cent of these exhibited positive reaction with both P. brasiliensis antigens. Of those paracoccidioidomycosis cases (Group 1) who had negative skin tests with 3 mg/ml of the cellular paracoccidioidin 7/10 gave positive skin tests when tested at a concentration of 8 mg/ml. Characteristic changes of cell medicated hypersensitivity were observed in the histopathological studies of the cellular paracoccidioidin skin test.", "PMID": 996691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6467", "title": "Isolation of a specific antigen with alkaline phosphatase activity from soluble extracts of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.", "content": "A specific antigen of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was isolated from a metabolic extract of the fungus. The extraction was made by specific adsorption to and subsequent elution from a column containing a cross linked polymer to which the antibodies of a monospecific rabbit serum had been covalently attached. The purity of the final product was demonstrated by immunodiffusion analysis of the eluate using immune serum produced in a sensitized rabbit. The purified antigen was shown to have cationic electrophoretic mobility and alkaline phosphatase activity.", "contents": "Isolation of a specific antigen with alkaline phosphatase activity from soluble extracts of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. A specific antigen of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was isolated from a metabolic extract of the fungus. The extraction was made by specific adsorption to and subsequent elution from a column containing a cross linked polymer to which the antibodies of a monospecific rabbit serum had been covalently attached. The purity of the final product was demonstrated by immunodiffusion analysis of the eluate using immune serum produced in a sensitized rabbit. The purified antigen was shown to have cationic electrophoretic mobility and alkaline phosphatase activity.", "PMID": 996692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6468", "title": "Protothecosis in a cat: first recorded case.", "content": "A 12-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat with a soft, fluctuant, subcutaneous mass, approximately 5 cm in diameter on the posterior aspect of the left tarsus was diagnosed as having protothecosis. Cultures, histopathology, and fluorescent antibody reagents were used to identify Prototheca wickerhamii as the etiologic agent. Protothecosis has not previously been recorded in cats.", "contents": "Protothecosis in a cat: first recorded case. A 12-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat with a soft, fluctuant, subcutaneous mass, approximately 5 cm in diameter on the posterior aspect of the left tarsus was diagnosed as having protothecosis. Cultures, histopathology, and fluorescent antibody reagents were used to identify Prototheca wickerhamii as the etiologic agent. Protothecosis has not previously been recorded in cats.", "PMID": 996693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6469", "title": "An automated radiometric microassay of fungal growth: quantitation of growth of T. mentagrophytes.", "content": "An automated radiometric microassay of the growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and other filamentous fungi is described. The assay is based upon the incorporation of 14C(U) glucose into the organism. Fractionation studies indicate that 73% of the label is found in trichloroacetic acid-insoluble macromolecular components of the mycelium. Incorporation of label directly correlated with growth as estimated by visual scoring of turbidity and as recorded in photomicrographs. Incorporation of 14C(U) glucose delineated a lag, exponential and stationary or plateau phase of growth. These phases could be completely inhibited by the antifungal agent tolnaftate. It was concluded that the growth of filamentous fungi can be successfully monitored by the radiometric method described. Moreover, this method is sensitive, accurate, reproducible, rapid and free of the variability inherent in many traditional estimates growth.", "contents": "An automated radiometric microassay of fungal growth: quantitation of growth of T. mentagrophytes. An automated radiometric microassay of the growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and other filamentous fungi is described. The assay is based upon the incorporation of 14C(U) glucose into the organism. Fractionation studies indicate that 73% of the label is found in trichloroacetic acid-insoluble macromolecular components of the mycelium. Incorporation of label directly correlated with growth as estimated by visual scoring of turbidity and as recorded in photomicrographs. Incorporation of 14C(U) glucose delineated a lag, exponential and stationary or plateau phase of growth. These phases could be completely inhibited by the antifungal agent tolnaftate. It was concluded that the growth of filamentous fungi can be successfully monitored by the radiometric method described. Moreover, this method is sensitive, accurate, reproducible, rapid and free of the variability inherent in many traditional estimates growth.", "PMID": 996694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6470", "title": "[Experimental paracoccidioidomycosis in the mice induced intransally].", "content": "A study was undertaken to determine the possibility of inducing paracoccidioidomycosis in mice exposed to the mycelial phase of P. brasiliensis. Two strains of the fungus, designated FG and LA, were grown separately in media favoring the production of spores by the mycelial phase. These were collected and used for nasal instillation of 328 cortisone treated-mice. Animals were observed for a period of 16 weeks and sacrificed periodically. Pulmonary infection was obtained in 38.1% of the animals, with dissemination to spleen and liver occurring in 14.3% of the cases. The infection was not lethal. One of the strains (LA) proved to be move virulent than the other inducing a more severe type of pulmonary infection. The result of the study indicate that the mycelial phase of P. brasiliensis can give rise, by the inhalatory route, to active murine infections.", "contents": "[Experimental paracoccidioidomycosis in the mice induced intransally]. A study was undertaken to determine the possibility of inducing paracoccidioidomycosis in mice exposed to the mycelial phase of P. brasiliensis. Two strains of the fungus, designated FG and LA, were grown separately in media favoring the production of spores by the mycelial phase. These were collected and used for nasal instillation of 328 cortisone treated-mice. Animals were observed for a period of 16 weeks and sacrificed periodically. Pulmonary infection was obtained in 38.1% of the animals, with dissemination to spleen and liver occurring in 14.3% of the cases. The infection was not lethal. One of the strains (LA) proved to be move virulent than the other inducing a more severe type of pulmonary infection. The result of the study indicate that the mycelial phase of P. brasiliensis can give rise, by the inhalatory route, to active murine infections.", "PMID": 996695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6471", "title": "Acremonium falciforme as a cause of mycetoma in California.", "content": "Three cases of mycetoma were studied in the San Francisco Bay area of northern California during the period from 1960 to 1973. In each case the causal agent was identified on the basis of the histological structure of the granules and by isolation of the etiological agent in pure culture. The fungus in all cases was found to be Acremonium falciforme. This is the first report of A. falciforme occurring as a disease agent in the United States.", "contents": "Acremonium falciforme as a cause of mycetoma in California. Three cases of mycetoma were studied in the San Francisco Bay area of northern California during the period from 1960 to 1973. In each case the causal agent was identified on the basis of the histological structure of the granules and by isolation of the etiological agent in pure culture. The fungus in all cases was found to be Acremonium falciforme. This is the first report of A. falciforme occurring as a disease agent in the United States.", "PMID": 996696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6472", "title": "Tinea nigra infection in Canada.", "content": "The first infection of tinea nigra known to occur in Canada is reported. The infection occurred on the palm of a Canadian boy, 6 years of age, while he was visiting in the Bahamas. Cultural studies identified the causative fungus to be Cladosporium werneckii.", "contents": "Tinea nigra infection in Canada. The first infection of tinea nigra known to occur in Canada is reported. The infection occurred on the palm of a Canadian boy, 6 years of age, while he was visiting in the Bahamas. Cultural studies identified the causative fungus to be Cladosporium werneckii.", "PMID": 996697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6473", "title": "Obstructing duodenal ulcer.", "content": "The incidence, pathogenesis, symptoms, roentgenographic, and endoscopic findings of patients with gastric outlet obstruction from a chronic duodenal ulcer have been reviewed. In the experience of many surgeons, including myself, vagotomy and an adequate drainage procedure (Finney pyloroplasty, gastrojejunostomy, or gastroduodenostomy) provide excellent decompression of the obstructed stomach. as well as excellent control of the ulcer disease in most patients. Postvagotomy gastric atony has not been a problem.", "contents": "Obstructing duodenal ulcer. The incidence, pathogenesis, symptoms, roentgenographic, and endoscopic findings of patients with gastric outlet obstruction from a chronic duodenal ulcer have been reviewed. In the experience of many surgeons, including myself, vagotomy and an adequate drainage procedure (Finney pyloroplasty, gastrojejunostomy, or gastroduodenostomy) provide excellent decompression of the obstructed stomach. as well as excellent control of the ulcer disease in most patients. Postvagotomy gastric atony has not been a problem.", "PMID": 996703} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6474", "title": "Inflammatory carcinoma of the breast.", "content": "Inflammatory carcinoma of the breast was found in 30 of 1,458 patients with carcinoma of the breast seen at this medical center during a 20 year period from 1951 to 1971. These patients were evaluated for predisposing factors, presenting symptoms, physical characteristics and histologic findings. No single mode of therapy produced more than a rare five year survival period. Radical surgical procedures are seldom indicated.", "contents": "Inflammatory carcinoma of the breast. Inflammatory carcinoma of the breast was found in 30 of 1,458 patients with carcinoma of the breast seen at this medical center during a 20 year period from 1951 to 1971. These patients were evaluated for predisposing factors, presenting symptoms, physical characteristics and histologic findings. No single mode of therapy produced more than a rare five year survival period. Radical surgical procedures are seldom indicated.", "PMID": 996706} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6475", "title": "Definitive emergency treatment of perforated duodenal ulcer.", "content": "A retrospective survey was made of all patients with a proved diagnosis of perforated duodenal ulcer admitted to a regional hospital during a recent six year period. The over-all mortality from this condition in the 192 patients was 11.4 per cent and mortality after operation, 6.3 per cent. One hundred and seventy-six patients were treated surgically. Seventy-seven patients underwent simple suture only with a mortality of 13 per cent and are compared with 99 patients treated by emergency vagotomy and pyloroplasty procedures with a 1 per cent mortality. Emergency definitive operations were performed without increased morbidity, mortality or hospital stay by junior surgeons with greatly improved long term results compared with simple suture. At the present time, emergency vagotomy and pyloroplasty procedures are the treatment of choice for a perforated duodenal ulcer.", "contents": "Definitive emergency treatment of perforated duodenal ulcer. A retrospective survey was made of all patients with a proved diagnosis of perforated duodenal ulcer admitted to a regional hospital during a recent six year period. The over-all mortality from this condition in the 192 patients was 11.4 per cent and mortality after operation, 6.3 per cent. One hundred and seventy-six patients were treated surgically. Seventy-seven patients underwent simple suture only with a mortality of 13 per cent and are compared with 99 patients treated by emergency vagotomy and pyloroplasty procedures with a 1 per cent mortality. Emergency definitive operations were performed without increased morbidity, mortality or hospital stay by junior surgeons with greatly improved long term results compared with simple suture. At the present time, emergency vagotomy and pyloroplasty procedures are the treatment of choice for a perforated duodenal ulcer.", "PMID": 996707} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6476", "title": "Clinical evaluation of truncal vagotomy performed in a community hospital.", "content": "A consecutive personal experience in a community hospital involving 871 operations during a 30 year period indicates that truncal vagotomy provides excellent long term results with minimal mortality. In the surgical management of peptic ulcer disease associated with increased risk not only are highly acceptable results obtained, but also truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty constitute an effective conservative operation with a decreased morbidity rate and lowest mortality. An over-all mortality of 0.9 per cent and a mortality of 3 per cent in the patients presenting with gross bleeding emphasizes the need for early surgical care of the patient with an actively bleeding ulcer.", "contents": "Clinical evaluation of truncal vagotomy performed in a community hospital. A consecutive personal experience in a community hospital involving 871 operations during a 30 year period indicates that truncal vagotomy provides excellent long term results with minimal mortality. In the surgical management of peptic ulcer disease associated with increased risk not only are highly acceptable results obtained, but also truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty constitute an effective conservative operation with a decreased morbidity rate and lowest mortality. An over-all mortality of 0.9 per cent and a mortality of 3 per cent in the patients presenting with gross bleeding emphasizes the need for early surgical care of the patient with an actively bleeding ulcer.", "PMID": 996708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6477", "title": "Primary inoperable cancer of the breast.", "content": "In a retrospective study of 305 patients with primary inoperable cancer of the breast, the over-all survival rate at five years was 12 per cent for those presenting with extensive lesions of the breast alone and 5 to 7 per cent for those with distant metastases. There was little difference in the survival times for any group within the study. Primary inoperable remains a useful classification for predicting prognosis. All survival curves suggested that distant metastases were present when the patients were first seen, whether obvious or not, and early use of combination chemotherapy for all patients is encouraged. Radiation therapy was the most effective treatment in terms of survival times for patients with local lesion. Palliative mastectomy after radiation therapy increased local control but not survival times. The influence of distant metastases on prognosis reflected both the site of metastases and the over-all extent of involvement. Bone metastases did not seem to detract from survival times as much as extensive lesions of the breast did when either of these sites of involvement accompanied other metastases. Outlook was so poor for patients with advanced lesions of the breast plus disease in the pleura and lung or in the liver that the early use of the most effective therapy available is encouraged. Endocrine ablation in these patients with no predictive criteria available was as effective as in those patients with recurrent inoperable cancer and favorable selection factors present.", "contents": "Primary inoperable cancer of the breast. In a retrospective study of 305 patients with primary inoperable cancer of the breast, the over-all survival rate at five years was 12 per cent for those presenting with extensive lesions of the breast alone and 5 to 7 per cent for those with distant metastases. There was little difference in the survival times for any group within the study. Primary inoperable remains a useful classification for predicting prognosis. All survival curves suggested that distant metastases were present when the patients were first seen, whether obvious or not, and early use of combination chemotherapy for all patients is encouraged. Radiation therapy was the most effective treatment in terms of survival times for patients with local lesion. Palliative mastectomy after radiation therapy increased local control but not survival times. The influence of distant metastases on prognosis reflected both the site of metastases and the over-all extent of involvement. Bone metastases did not seem to detract from survival times as much as extensive lesions of the breast did when either of these sites of involvement accompanied other metastases. Outlook was so poor for patients with advanced lesions of the breast plus disease in the pleura and lung or in the liver that the early use of the most effective therapy available is encouraged. Endocrine ablation in these patients with no predictive criteria available was as effective as in those patients with recurrent inoperable cancer and favorable selection factors present.", "PMID": 996709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6478", "title": "Liver regeneration and lymphocyte activation.", "content": "A 70 per cent partial hepatectomy in the rat results in a massive deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis not only in the remaining liver cells but also in the lymphoid organs. Serum factor present in the rat after hepatectomy stimulated both hepatocytes and lymphocytes in culture. Lethally irradiated rats, followed by a partial hepatectomy, could be restored their regeneration ability only when the lymphocytes taken from rats after hepatectomy were injected. A hypothesis is that the replications of the regenerating liver cells and the antigen stimulated lymphocytes are triggered by a common pathway, probably through adenosine 3':5'-cyclic phosphate activation.", "contents": "Liver regeneration and lymphocyte activation. A 70 per cent partial hepatectomy in the rat results in a massive deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis not only in the remaining liver cells but also in the lymphoid organs. Serum factor present in the rat after hepatectomy stimulated both hepatocytes and lymphocytes in culture. Lethally irradiated rats, followed by a partial hepatectomy, could be restored their regeneration ability only when the lymphocytes taken from rats after hepatectomy were injected. A hypothesis is that the replications of the regenerating liver cells and the antigen stimulated lymphocytes are triggered by a common pathway, probably through adenosine 3':5'-cyclic phosphate activation.", "PMID": 996710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6479", "title": "Preservation of the superior hemorrhoidal artery in resection of the colon and rectum.", "content": "As an alternative to anterior resection of the rectum requiring ligature of the inferior mesenteric artery at its origin, it is proposed to carry out this procedure preserving the inferior mesenteric artery and freeing it as far as the origin of the superior hemorrhoidal artery and its division into rectal branches to improve the blood supply to the rectal stump. The results of this new procedure were compared with those of anterior resection. Post-operatively, the blood supply of the rectum was studied by means of angiography. The results of 84 anterior resections for neoplastic disease of the colon were studied. In 56 patients, the inferior mesenteric artery was preserved and in 28 the inferior mesenteric artery was ligated. Postoperative complications due to leakage of the colorectal anastomosis rarely occurred in the first group and were frequent in the latter. In patients in whom the inferior mesenteric artery was preserved, arteriograms showed that vascularization of the preserved rectal stump is supplied essentially by the branches of the superior hemorrhoidal artery.", "contents": "Preservation of the superior hemorrhoidal artery in resection of the colon and rectum. As an alternative to anterior resection of the rectum requiring ligature of the inferior mesenteric artery at its origin, it is proposed to carry out this procedure preserving the inferior mesenteric artery and freeing it as far as the origin of the superior hemorrhoidal artery and its division into rectal branches to improve the blood supply to the rectal stump. The results of this new procedure were compared with those of anterior resection. Post-operatively, the blood supply of the rectum was studied by means of angiography. The results of 84 anterior resections for neoplastic disease of the colon were studied. In 56 patients, the inferior mesenteric artery was preserved and in 28 the inferior mesenteric artery was ligated. Postoperative complications due to leakage of the colorectal anastomosis rarely occurred in the first group and were frequent in the latter. In patients in whom the inferior mesenteric artery was preserved, arteriograms showed that vascularization of the preserved rectal stump is supplied essentially by the branches of the superior hemorrhoidal artery.", "PMID": 996711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6480", "title": "Hepatic inactivation of renin in the treatment of hyperreninemic hypertension.", "content": "The concept of the hepatic inactivation of renin secreted by the juxtaglomerular apparatuses of the ischemic kidney was used for reversal of hypertension in dogs. In three dogs, the left renal artery was constricted, and a significant and well established hyperreninemic hypertension was recorded. The performance of an end-to-end splenorenal shunt following renal artery constriction reversed the hyperreninemia and hypertension. Shunting of the renal venous drainage into the portal system prior to constriction of the main renal artery prevented, as demonstrated by the limited data available, the development of hyperreninemic hypertension.", "contents": "Hepatic inactivation of renin in the treatment of hyperreninemic hypertension. The concept of the hepatic inactivation of renin secreted by the juxtaglomerular apparatuses of the ischemic kidney was used for reversal of hypertension in dogs. In three dogs, the left renal artery was constricted, and a significant and well established hyperreninemic hypertension was recorded. The performance of an end-to-end splenorenal shunt following renal artery constriction reversed the hyperreninemia and hypertension. Shunting of the renal venous drainage into the portal system prior to constriction of the main renal artery prevented, as demonstrated by the limited data available, the development of hyperreninemic hypertension.", "PMID": 996712} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6481", "title": "The management of atheromatous emboli to the lower extremities.", "content": "Atheromatous emboli to the small vessels of the feet usually cause painful, cyanotic areas on the distal portions of the extremity. Complete resolution of the symptoms is the rule, and recurrent episodes are common. Atheromatous emboli to the major vessels of the leg often cannot be distinguished from emboli originating from other sources, unless characteristic gross or microscopic features are present in the embolous material. If the embolus contains atheromatous debris or if the origin is uncertain, aortic arteriograms are indicated to determine if an ulcerated lesion may have been the source. Apparently, two mechanisms of embolization exist; they are fragmentation with distal embolization of atheromatous material and embolization of plateletfibrin thrombus material from ulcerated plaques. Endarterectomy of the involved segment of aorta has been uniformly successful in preventing recurrent episodes of embolization.", "contents": "The management of atheromatous emboli to the lower extremities. Atheromatous emboli to the small vessels of the feet usually cause painful, cyanotic areas on the distal portions of the extremity. Complete resolution of the symptoms is the rule, and recurrent episodes are common. Atheromatous emboli to the major vessels of the leg often cannot be distinguished from emboli originating from other sources, unless characteristic gross or microscopic features are present in the embolous material. If the embolus contains atheromatous debris or if the origin is uncertain, aortic arteriograms are indicated to determine if an ulcerated lesion may have been the source. Apparently, two mechanisms of embolization exist; they are fragmentation with distal embolization of atheromatous material and embolization of plateletfibrin thrombus material from ulcerated plaques. Endarterectomy of the involved segment of aorta has been uniformly successful in preventing recurrent episodes of embolization.", "PMID": 996713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6482", "title": "Revascularization of the peroneal artery.", "content": "In the absence of a suitable popliteal or tibial arterial system with direct communication to a pedal arch, the peroneal artery may be used for distal anastomosis with the expectation of achieving patency rates exceeding 60 per cent. Morbidity can be minimized by careful patient selection and by imporved surgical technique and materials. In 14 of 23 peroneal bypasses, patency was maintained compared with 27 to 35 bypasses to the tibial artery system. Limb salvage was 57 per cent for th peroneal artery group compared with 71 per cent for tibial artery reconstruction.", "contents": "Revascularization of the peroneal artery. In the absence of a suitable popliteal or tibial arterial system with direct communication to a pedal arch, the peroneal artery may be used for distal anastomosis with the expectation of achieving patency rates exceeding 60 per cent. Morbidity can be minimized by careful patient selection and by imporved surgical technique and materials. In 14 of 23 peroneal bypasses, patency was maintained compared with 27 to 35 bypasses to the tibial artery system. Limb salvage was 57 per cent for th peroneal artery group compared with 71 per cent for tibial artery reconstruction.", "PMID": 996714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6483", "title": "Double pyloroplasty and vagotomy for gastric ulcers.", "content": "A group of 31 patients with a variety of gastric ulcers were treated by vagotomy, biopsy, oversewing of bleeding points and a wide double pyloroplasty. On patient, a quadriplegic with multiple stress ulcers, rebled and had to undergo resection. He died a month later of progressive respiratory problems. A second quadriplegic died a month after a bleeding episode from myelitis and encephalitis resulting from a gunshot wound of the neck. He had no rebleeding. A third patient died two years after a gastric operation as a result of bronchial carcinoma. He had no recurrence of the ulcer problem. The remaining 28 patients were observed from six months to five years, an average of two and one-half years. There were no recurrences and only minimal untoward symptoms. It would appear that, for this period of observation, vagotomy with double pyloroplasty offers good treatment for patients with benign gastric ulcers.", "contents": "Double pyloroplasty and vagotomy for gastric ulcers. A group of 31 patients with a variety of gastric ulcers were treated by vagotomy, biopsy, oversewing of bleeding points and a wide double pyloroplasty. On patient, a quadriplegic with multiple stress ulcers, rebled and had to undergo resection. He died a month later of progressive respiratory problems. A second quadriplegic died a month after a bleeding episode from myelitis and encephalitis resulting from a gunshot wound of the neck. He had no rebleeding. A third patient died two years after a gastric operation as a result of bronchial carcinoma. He had no recurrence of the ulcer problem. The remaining 28 patients were observed from six months to five years, an average of two and one-half years. There were no recurrences and only minimal untoward symptoms. It would appear that, for this period of observation, vagotomy with double pyloroplasty offers good treatment for patients with benign gastric ulcers.", "PMID": 996715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6484", "title": "A multiparametric computer analysis of carcinoma of the colon.", "content": "From 1957 to 1973, 656 patients with carcinoma of the entire colon, excluding those with carcinoma of the rectum, were reviewed with the aid of a computer. Of 457 patients, 69.7 per cent were observed for a minimum of five years. Sixty-five per cent of the lesions were located in the cecum or sigmoid colon. In patients with type A lesion, the five year plus survival rate was 71.15 per cent while, in patients with type D lesions, the five year plus survival rate was zero per cent. Patients who presented with intestinal obstruction had a significantly lower five year survival rate. Roentgenographic visualization of the cecum was significantly less accurate in demonstrating carcinoma when compared with that of the sigmoid colon. An emergency surgical procedure had a significantly higher operative mortality than did elective procedures. In both groups of patients undergoing emergency and elective operations, primary resection and anastomosis led to similar operative mortality rates, although staged procedures resulted in the lowest operative mortality in both groups. In the group of patients who had elective operations, resection an primary anastomosis led to a significantly lower wound infection and fistula rate when compared with the group of patients who had emergency procedures. In comparison with other series, no improvement in survival was illustrated in patients with carcinoma of the colon. The use of new modalities of adjuvant therapy, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or both, actually should be evaluated.", "contents": "A multiparametric computer analysis of carcinoma of the colon. From 1957 to 1973, 656 patients with carcinoma of the entire colon, excluding those with carcinoma of the rectum, were reviewed with the aid of a computer. Of 457 patients, 69.7 per cent were observed for a minimum of five years. Sixty-five per cent of the lesions were located in the cecum or sigmoid colon. In patients with type A lesion, the five year plus survival rate was 71.15 per cent while, in patients with type D lesions, the five year plus survival rate was zero per cent. Patients who presented with intestinal obstruction had a significantly lower five year survival rate. Roentgenographic visualization of the cecum was significantly less accurate in demonstrating carcinoma when compared with that of the sigmoid colon. An emergency surgical procedure had a significantly higher operative mortality than did elective procedures. In both groups of patients undergoing emergency and elective operations, primary resection and anastomosis led to similar operative mortality rates, although staged procedures resulted in the lowest operative mortality in both groups. In the group of patients who had elective operations, resection an primary anastomosis led to a significantly lower wound infection and fistula rate when compared with the group of patients who had emergency procedures. In comparison with other series, no improvement in survival was illustrated in patients with carcinoma of the colon. The use of new modalities of adjuvant therapy, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or both, actually should be evaluated.", "PMID": 996716} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6485", "title": "The obstructed bladder syndrome in the neonate.", "content": "Eleven neonates with bladder obstruction, causing retention of urine, and a large, palpable lower abdominal mass were treated at the Yale-New Haven Hospital during a five year period. Intrinsic and extrinsic lesions, including urethral atresia, posterior urethral valves, ectopic ureteroceles, hydrocolpos and a neuroblastoma of the pelvis, were diagnosed by cystography, vaginography, pyelography and barium enema examination or a combination of these reoentgenographic methods. The multiplicity of underlying lesions make the obstructed bladder syndrome in the neonate a unique condition.", "contents": "The obstructed bladder syndrome in the neonate. Eleven neonates with bladder obstruction, causing retention of urine, and a large, palpable lower abdominal mass were treated at the Yale-New Haven Hospital during a five year period. Intrinsic and extrinsic lesions, including urethral atresia, posterior urethral valves, ectopic ureteroceles, hydrocolpos and a neuroblastoma of the pelvis, were diagnosed by cystography, vaginography, pyelography and barium enema examination or a combination of these reoentgenographic methods. The multiplicity of underlying lesions make the obstructed bladder syndrome in the neonate a unique condition.", "PMID": 996717} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6486", "title": "Jet injection anesthesia for tissue culturing of biopsies of the skin.", "content": "The use of a jet injection instrument was particularly helpful in the anesthetic preparation of biopsy sites selected for tissue culturing of skin and did not lessen culturing success.", "contents": "Jet injection anesthesia for tissue culturing of biopsies of the skin. The use of a jet injection instrument was particularly helpful in the anesthetic preparation of biopsy sites selected for tissue culturing of skin and did not lessen culturing success.", "PMID": 996719} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6487", "title": "\"Standardized\" spinal cord trauma: biomechanical parameters and lesion volume.", "content": "The T5-6 level of the feline spinal cord was traumatized by the weight-dropping technique. The following \"400 gm-cm\" trauma groups were studied:I) 5gm X 80cm; ii) 10gm X 40cm; III)20gm X 20cm; IV) 40gm X 10cm; and V) 80gm X 5cm. It was found that the lesion volume was different in each of the groups even though all had a \"400 gm-cm\" injury. In Groups I through IV the deformation velocity, energy and lesion volume were related to the height in a hyperbolic manner. In all groups a linear relationship was noted between lesion volume and impulse while a sigmoid-shaped nonlinear relationship between lesion volume and energy was present. The amount of energy transferred to the spinal cord was dependent upon factors such as mass, height, impounder mass and velocity. Energy absorbed by the spinal cord in Group IV was approximately 100 times that in Group I.", "contents": "\"Standardized\" spinal cord trauma: biomechanical parameters and lesion volume. The T5-6 level of the feline spinal cord was traumatized by the weight-dropping technique. The following \"400 gm-cm\" trauma groups were studied:I) 5gm X 80cm; ii) 10gm X 40cm; III)20gm X 20cm; IV) 40gm X 10cm; and V) 80gm X 5cm. It was found that the lesion volume was different in each of the groups even though all had a \"400 gm-cm\" injury. In Groups I through IV the deformation velocity, energy and lesion volume were related to the height in a hyperbolic manner. In all groups a linear relationship was noted between lesion volume and impulse while a sigmoid-shaped nonlinear relationship between lesion volume and energy was present. The amount of energy transferred to the spinal cord was dependent upon factors such as mass, height, impounder mass and velocity. Energy absorbed by the spinal cord in Group IV was approximately 100 times that in Group I.", "PMID": 996723} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6488", "title": "The prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with low dose subcutaneous heparin and dextran.", "content": "The standard low dose of heparin for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis in patients who are operated upon is 5,000 units administered subcutaneously two hours before operation and at eight or 12 hourly intervals for the next seven days. Heparin in low doses can at present be recommended as an effective agent in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis in patients over the age of 40 years who are undergoing a major abdominothoracic or gynecologic operation. There is reasonable evidence that heparin in low doses also offers a satisfactory protection against fatal pulmonary embolism for patients at high risk after general abdominothoracic operations. The evidence of the effectiveness of low doses of heparin in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis is less well established in other patients and particularly those at high risk, as after urologic and hip operations. This important distinction is to be made in terms of the population at risk and the efficacy of heparin in low doses. Considering the evidence so far available, it appears that the postoperative state in which dextran has been shown to reduce the incidence of phlebographically confirmed deep venous thrombosis most convincingly is after orthopedic operations. Major orthopedic operations are precisely the type in which the superiority of heparin in low doses is controversial. Unless proved otherwise, dextran 70 in an infusion of 500 to 1,000 milliliters of a 6 per cent solution started before operation and 500 milliliters the following and next three alternate days may be the agent of choice in preventing deep venous thrombosis in major orthopedic operations. Using this scheme, the prophylaxis of postoperative deep venous thrombosis appears equally effective with dextran 70 as with oral anticoagulants. Whether the protection offered by dextran 70 will also prevent fatal and nonfatal pulmonary embolism is still an open question. Low doses of heparin and dextran do not expose patients to serious risks of bleeding after operation, and with the recommended doses of the latter drug, other untoward effects are rare. At the doses recommended, neither of these two drugs requires laboratory monitoring.", "contents": "The prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with low dose subcutaneous heparin and dextran. The standard low dose of heparin for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis in patients who are operated upon is 5,000 units administered subcutaneously two hours before operation and at eight or 12 hourly intervals for the next seven days. Heparin in low doses can at present be recommended as an effective agent in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis in patients over the age of 40 years who are undergoing a major abdominothoracic or gynecologic operation. There is reasonable evidence that heparin in low doses also offers a satisfactory protection against fatal pulmonary embolism for patients at high risk after general abdominothoracic operations. The evidence of the effectiveness of low doses of heparin in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis is less well established in other patients and particularly those at high risk, as after urologic and hip operations. This important distinction is to be made in terms of the population at risk and the efficacy of heparin in low doses. Considering the evidence so far available, it appears that the postoperative state in which dextran has been shown to reduce the incidence of phlebographically confirmed deep venous thrombosis most convincingly is after orthopedic operations. Major orthopedic operations are precisely the type in which the superiority of heparin in low doses is controversial. Unless proved otherwise, dextran 70 in an infusion of 500 to 1,000 milliliters of a 6 per cent solution started before operation and 500 milliliters the following and next three alternate days may be the agent of choice in preventing deep venous thrombosis in major orthopedic operations. Using this scheme, the prophylaxis of postoperative deep venous thrombosis appears equally effective with dextran 70 as with oral anticoagulants. Whether the protection offered by dextran 70 will also prevent fatal and nonfatal pulmonary embolism is still an open question. Low doses of heparin and dextran do not expose patients to serious risks of bleeding after operation, and with the recommended doses of the latter drug, other untoward effects are rare. At the doses recommended, neither of these two drugs requires laboratory monitoring.", "PMID": 996722} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6489", "title": "Hydrocephalus: possible role of an internal cerebrospinal fluid fistula in therapy.", "content": "Transfer of cerebrospinal fluid from the lateral ventricle transcerebrally to the distal subarachnoid space was performed in the hydrocephalic dog. These fistulae were formed with the aid of a small suction tip and the operating microscope. Clinical evaluation of the dogs was made daily until sacrifice at four to six weeks. Documentation of the clinical course and ventricular size of the shunted and control animals was made. The studies indicate that the microsurgically produced fistulae may be an effective form of treatment in the hydrocephalic animal.", "contents": "Hydrocephalus: possible role of an internal cerebrospinal fluid fistula in therapy. Transfer of cerebrospinal fluid from the lateral ventricle transcerebrally to the distal subarachnoid space was performed in the hydrocephalic dog. These fistulae were formed with the aid of a small suction tip and the operating microscope. Clinical evaluation of the dogs was made daily until sacrifice at four to six weeks. Documentation of the clinical course and ventricular size of the shunted and control animals was made. The studies indicate that the microsurgically produced fistulae may be an effective form of treatment in the hydrocephalic animal.", "PMID": 996724} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6490", "title": "Primitive hypoglossal artery associated with basilar artery aneurysm.", "content": "A case of persistent primitive hypoglossal artery, accompanied by a basilar bifurcation aneurysm, is reported. The persistent primitive hypoglossal artery was seen on the right side and the left vertebral artery was hypoplastic. The right vertebral artery was absent, while a normal sized posterior communicating artery was seen on the right side at the operation on the aneurysm. The combination of a basilar bifurcation aneurysm and a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery is rare. A review of related reports has been made.", "contents": "Primitive hypoglossal artery associated with basilar artery aneurysm. A case of persistent primitive hypoglossal artery, accompanied by a basilar bifurcation aneurysm, is reported. The persistent primitive hypoglossal artery was seen on the right side and the left vertebral artery was hypoplastic. The right vertebral artery was absent, while a normal sized posterior communicating artery was seen on the right side at the operation on the aneurysm. The combination of a basilar bifurcation aneurysm and a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery is rare. A review of related reports has been made.", "PMID": 996725} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6491", "title": "Positional vertigo with cerebellar astrocytoma.", "content": "The authors present two surgically verified cases of cerebellar astrocytoma extending into the fourth ventricular floor. Each patient presented with positional vertigo, and electronystagmography revealed positional nystagmus indicative of a central lesion. The findings in these cases emphasize the need of looking for positional nystagmus in patients with suspected posterior fossa lesions.", "contents": "Positional vertigo with cerebellar astrocytoma. The authors present two surgically verified cases of cerebellar astrocytoma extending into the fourth ventricular floor. Each patient presented with positional vertigo, and electronystagmography revealed positional nystagmus indicative of a central lesion. The findings in these cases emphasize the need of looking for positional nystagmus in patients with suspected posterior fossa lesions.", "PMID": 996727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6492", "title": "Primary respiratory arrest due to basilar aneurysm.", "content": "A healthy woman had two episodes of transient, complete respiratory arrest without preceding neurologic abnormalities. Following the second episode, she lapsed into coma and autopsy disclosed a thrombosed basilar artery aneurysm. Primary respiratory arrest is a rare condition but should prompt extensive and immediate neurologic evaluation.", "contents": "Primary respiratory arrest due to basilar aneurysm. A healthy woman had two episodes of transient, complete respiratory arrest without preceding neurologic abnormalities. Following the second episode, she lapsed into coma and autopsy disclosed a thrombosed basilar artery aneurysm. Primary respiratory arrest is a rare condition but should prompt extensive and immediate neurologic evaluation.", "PMID": 996728} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6493", "title": "The effect of T-myelotomy on spasticity.", "content": "Dorsal myelotomy with lateral extension (T-myelotomy) provided excellent relief from spasticity in the lower limbs in 12 patients. Averaged evoked potential recordings helped delineate the limits of the myelotomy and were useful for evaluation of injury to the dorsal columns. While preservation of any residual motor function is unlikely following T-myelotomy, the risk of permanent loss of preserved sensory, bladder or sexual functions is not great.", "contents": "The effect of T-myelotomy on spasticity. Dorsal myelotomy with lateral extension (T-myelotomy) provided excellent relief from spasticity in the lower limbs in 12 patients. Averaged evoked potential recordings helped delineate the limits of the myelotomy and were useful for evaluation of injury to the dorsal columns. While preservation of any residual motor function is unlikely following T-myelotomy, the risk of permanent loss of preserved sensory, bladder or sexual functions is not great.", "PMID": 996729} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6494", "title": "Some observations in progressive arterial occlusions in children and young adolescents: (Moyamoya disease).", "content": "In \"primary arterial occlusions of children\", an unusual collateral circulation has been described first by Japanese, and later by others worldwide. As experience was gained some workers started to realize that the \"typical angiographic appearance\" could be found in several disease entities. It thus became evident that angiographic differentiation is important. In this communication we wish to discuss this entity and outline its significance as well as emphasize the pitfalls.", "contents": "Some observations in progressive arterial occlusions in children and young adolescents: (Moyamoya disease). In \"primary arterial occlusions of children\", an unusual collateral circulation has been described first by Japanese, and later by others worldwide. As experience was gained some workers started to realize that the \"typical angiographic appearance\" could be found in several disease entities. It thus became evident that angiographic differentiation is important. In this communication we wish to discuss this entity and outline its significance as well as emphasize the pitfalls.", "PMID": 996730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6495", "title": "Distal shunt herniation simulating testicular torsion.", "content": "A case of herniation of the catheter of a peritoneal shunt into the scrotum is reported. Infection of the catheter caused scrotal inflammation simulating torsion of the testicle.", "contents": "Distal shunt herniation simulating testicular torsion. A case of herniation of the catheter of a peritoneal shunt into the scrotum is reported. Infection of the catheter caused scrotal inflammation simulating torsion of the testicle.", "PMID": 996731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6496", "title": "Parinaud's syndrome: cerebrovascular disease as a common etiology: analysis of 16 cases.", "content": "Sixteen consecutive adult cases of Parinaud's syndrome are reviewed. Ten of the sixteen cases were due to brain stem infarction while four patients were suspected of harboring tumors. Parinaud's syndrome alone did not favor a diagnosis of tumor in the pineal region in this series. Associated neuroophthalmic findings are discussed.", "contents": "Parinaud's syndrome: cerebrovascular disease as a common etiology: analysis of 16 cases. Sixteen consecutive adult cases of Parinaud's syndrome are reviewed. Ten of the sixteen cases were due to brain stem infarction while four patients were suspected of harboring tumors. Parinaud's syndrome alone did not favor a diagnosis of tumor in the pineal region in this series. Associated neuroophthalmic findings are discussed.", "PMID": 996732} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6497", "title": "Unusual cranio-cerebral injuries: report of two cases in Nigerians.", "content": "Two unusual cases are reported in which nails were driven into the heads of victims of criminal assults in Nigeria. The special risk to the superior sagittal sinus is discussed.", "contents": "Unusual cranio-cerebral injuries: report of two cases in Nigerians. Two unusual cases are reported in which nails were driven into the heads of victims of criminal assults in Nigeria. The special risk to the superior sagittal sinus is discussed.", "PMID": 996733} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6498", "title": "Cholinomimetic teratogens. IV. Effects of the genotype for muscular dystrophy in chickens.", "content": "Embryos of a family of chickens homozygous for muscular dystrophy (md/md) reacted with a higher incidence of malformations to treatment with carbachol than did White Leghorn embryos. The same difference in response of embryos from the two stocks occurred after treatment with sulfanilamide. Embryos of reciprocal crosses between these two stocks differed greatly, however, in their response to carbachol, F1 embryos from dystrophic hens producing a much higher incidence of malformations than did those from Leghorn hens. In contrast, both F1 sibs reacted similarly to sulfanilamide, the teratogenic effects being intermediate between those of embryos from the parent stocks.", "contents": "Cholinomimetic teratogens. IV. Effects of the genotype for muscular dystrophy in chickens. Embryos of a family of chickens homozygous for muscular dystrophy (md/md) reacted with a higher incidence of malformations to treatment with carbachol than did White Leghorn embryos. The same difference in response of embryos from the two stocks occurred after treatment with sulfanilamide. Embryos of reciprocal crosses between these two stocks differed greatly, however, in their response to carbachol, F1 embryos from dystrophic hens producing a much higher incidence of malformations than did those from Leghorn hens. In contrast, both F1 sibs reacted similarly to sulfanilamide, the teratogenic effects being intermediate between those of embryos from the parent stocks.", "PMID": 996775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6499", "title": "Cardiovascular malformations in Oryzias latipes embryos treated with 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T).", "content": "Exposure of fertilized Oryzias latipes eggs to concentrations of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid up to 14 ppm had no gross developmental effects. Exposure to concentrations above 14 ppm resulted in multiple malformations of the heart and blood vessels. Embryos failed to hatch when exposed to concentrations above 25 ppm.", "contents": "Cardiovascular malformations in Oryzias latipes embryos treated with 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T). Exposure of fertilized Oryzias latipes eggs to concentrations of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid up to 14 ppm had no gross developmental effects. Exposure to concentrations above 14 ppm resulted in multiple malformations of the heart and blood vessels. Embryos failed to hatch when exposed to concentrations above 25 ppm.", "PMID": 996776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6500", "title": "Graphic reconstructions of craniofacial structures during secondary palate development in rats.", "content": "Lateral and ventral graphic reconstructions of coronally sectioned rat fetuses at four stages of secondary palate development were made to illustrate the size, form, and spatial relations of craniofacial structures at each stage, and to indicate changes between stages. The results illustrated extensive changes in the nasomaxillary and tongue-mandibular complexes and spatial relations in the oronasal cavity during this 2-day period. During closure of the palate the palatine processes and molar dental laminae moved medially, the vertical dimension between the cranial base and Meckel's cartilage increased, and the Meckel's cartilage changed in shape from a \"U\" to a \"V\". During the 2-day period extensive increases in anteroposterior and vertical dimensions and limited changes in lateral dimensions resulted in a change in shape of the complete orofacial region. More extensive investigations, preferably quantitative, of the changes shown are indicated to identify the relative contribution of various craniofacial components and to establish the role of differential growth in secondary palate closure.", "contents": "Graphic reconstructions of craniofacial structures during secondary palate development in rats. Lateral and ventral graphic reconstructions of coronally sectioned rat fetuses at four stages of secondary palate development were made to illustrate the size, form, and spatial relations of craniofacial structures at each stage, and to indicate changes between stages. The results illustrated extensive changes in the nasomaxillary and tongue-mandibular complexes and spatial relations in the oronasal cavity during this 2-day period. During closure of the palate the palatine processes and molar dental laminae moved medially, the vertical dimension between the cranial base and Meckel's cartilage increased, and the Meckel's cartilage changed in shape from a \"U\" to a \"V\". During the 2-day period extensive increases in anteroposterior and vertical dimensions and limited changes in lateral dimensions resulted in a change in shape of the complete orofacial region. More extensive investigations, preferably quantitative, of the changes shown are indicated to identify the relative contribution of various craniofacial components and to establish the role of differential growth in secondary palate closure.", "PMID": 996777} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6501", "title": "Embryonic development in ectopic human pregnancy.", "content": "Ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube occurs in about 1 in 50 human pregnancies. Maternal factors in the etiology of this condition have been well documented. There is less information available on the development of the embryo or fetus. To document this information morphological and cytogenetic data were obtained from pregnancies occurring in the fallopian tube. Analysis of the data showed that tubal implantation was associated with a high proportion of severely disorganized embryos. There was also a high incidence of maternal tubal disease. The importance of these factors and the etiology of ectopic pregnancy is discussed.", "contents": "Embryonic development in ectopic human pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube occurs in about 1 in 50 human pregnancies. Maternal factors in the etiology of this condition have been well documented. There is less information available on the development of the embryo or fetus. To document this information morphological and cytogenetic data were obtained from pregnancies occurring in the fallopian tube. Analysis of the data showed that tubal implantation was associated with a high proportion of severely disorganized embryos. There was also a high incidence of maternal tubal disease. The importance of these factors and the etiology of ectopic pregnancy is discussed.", "PMID": 996778} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6502", "title": "Exencephaly in fetal hamsters following exposure to hyperthermia.", "content": "Exposure of pregnant hamsters on gestation day 8 to 40 or 41 degrees C for one hour caused an increased rate of resorption and a high frequency of exencephaly and encephalocele. Longer exposures often killed pregnant females. Hamsters that had fetuses with abnormalities usually experienced body temperature elevations of 3-4 degrees C above normal (37 degrees C).", "contents": "Exencephaly in fetal hamsters following exposure to hyperthermia. Exposure of pregnant hamsters on gestation day 8 to 40 or 41 degrees C for one hour caused an increased rate of resorption and a high frequency of exencephaly and encephalocele. Longer exposures often killed pregnant females. Hamsters that had fetuses with abnormalities usually experienced body temperature elevations of 3-4 degrees C above normal (37 degrees C).", "PMID": 996779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6503", "title": "The \"stright-jacket\" syndrome in chicks. II. Mechanism of development.", "content": "In a longitudinal study including measurement of the pressure in the amniotic cavity, amniotomy, and planimetric evaluation of the size of the amniotic sac, we investigated the development of the \"strait jacket\" syndrome in White Leghorn chicken embryos injected intraamniotically (ia) or paraamniotically on the fourth day of incubation with histone or embryotoxic serum, with the following results. Hyperlordosis and eventration developed as an outcome of tonic contraction of the amnion, which was observed only three hours after ia administration. Contraction of the amnion caused elevation of the intraamniotic pressure, which, 12 hours after ia injection, attained a mean value of 22.4 Pa (2.3 mm H2O). This value was not only significantly higher than the mean for control embryos (3.9 Pa), but it was critically close to the mean fluid pressure in the brain vesicles. Loss of the latter overpressure caused the vesicles to collapse, and the walls shriveled and exencephaly developed. Paraamniotic injection was not followed by either contraction of the amnion, or significant increase in intraamniotic pressure. This did not prevent heart malformations and cranioschisis of various extent. The majority of cardiovascular malformations were probably the hemodynamic consequence of overfilling of the intraembryonic vascular bed, which was one of the early signs of the effect question. Cranial-vault defects can be causally associated with the formation of amnionic adhesion and fusion with the epidermal ectoderm. This observation stresses the significance of the embryonic membranes and the fluid pressures within them for the development of certain congenital deformities and concentrates attention on teratological study of substances that induce protracted contraction of smooth muscle.", "contents": "The \"stright-jacket\" syndrome in chicks. II. Mechanism of development. In a longitudinal study including measurement of the pressure in the amniotic cavity, amniotomy, and planimetric evaluation of the size of the amniotic sac, we investigated the development of the \"strait jacket\" syndrome in White Leghorn chicken embryos injected intraamniotically (ia) or paraamniotically on the fourth day of incubation with histone or embryotoxic serum, with the following results. Hyperlordosis and eventration developed as an outcome of tonic contraction of the amnion, which was observed only three hours after ia administration. Contraction of the amnion caused elevation of the intraamniotic pressure, which, 12 hours after ia injection, attained a mean value of 22.4 Pa (2.3 mm H2O). This value was not only significantly higher than the mean for control embryos (3.9 Pa), but it was critically close to the mean fluid pressure in the brain vesicles. Loss of the latter overpressure caused the vesicles to collapse, and the walls shriveled and exencephaly developed. Paraamniotic injection was not followed by either contraction of the amnion, or significant increase in intraamniotic pressure. This did not prevent heart malformations and cranioschisis of various extent. The majority of cardiovascular malformations were probably the hemodynamic consequence of overfilling of the intraembryonic vascular bed, which was one of the early signs of the effect question. Cranial-vault defects can be causally associated with the formation of amnionic adhesion and fusion with the epidermal ectoderm. This observation stresses the significance of the embryonic membranes and the fluid pressures within them for the development of certain congenital deformities and concentrates attention on teratological study of substances that induce protracted contraction of smooth muscle.", "PMID": 996780} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6504", "title": "An evaluation of the embryotoxic effects of blighted potatoes on chicken embryos.", "content": "The embryotoxic properties of an ethanol extract of boiled potatoes infected with Phytophthora infestans were investigated in White Leghorn chicken embryos, using controlled subgerminal injection on the second day of incubation and intraamniotic injection on the third and fourth days. A dose of 0.3 mg of sublimation-dried extract interfered at the somite stages with the function of the caudal morphogenetic system and induced various degrees of the caudal regression syndrome. Administration on the third and fourth days led to the development of a malformation syndrome comprising cranioschisis, celosoma, and cardiac septal defects. An equivalent amount of extract of healthy potatoes of the same variety and injection of pure solanine had the same effect. The results warrant the claim that the main factor responsible for the direct embryotoxicity of potatoes attacked by P. infestans is solanine, which evokes tonic contraction of the smooth muscle elements of the amnion.", "contents": "An evaluation of the embryotoxic effects of blighted potatoes on chicken embryos. The embryotoxic properties of an ethanol extract of boiled potatoes infected with Phytophthora infestans were investigated in White Leghorn chicken embryos, using controlled subgerminal injection on the second day of incubation and intraamniotic injection on the third and fourth days. A dose of 0.3 mg of sublimation-dried extract interfered at the somite stages with the function of the caudal morphogenetic system and induced various degrees of the caudal regression syndrome. Administration on the third and fourth days led to the development of a malformation syndrome comprising cranioschisis, celosoma, and cardiac septal defects. An equivalent amount of extract of healthy potatoes of the same variety and injection of pure solanine had the same effect. The results warrant the claim that the main factor responsible for the direct embryotoxicity of potatoes attacked by P. infestans is solanine, which evokes tonic contraction of the smooth muscle elements of the amnion.", "PMID": 996781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6505", "title": "Somatic cell genetic studies of cystic fibrosis.", "content": "The expression of the gene coding for the cystic fibrosis ciliary inhibitor has been examined in somatic cell hybrid clonal lines. Hybrids were produced by the fusion of cultured skin fibroblasts from cystic fibrosis patients with mouse RAG and LM (TK-) cell lines. The ciliary inhibitor was detected by the oyster ciliary assay in several primary hybrid clones but not detected in others, indicating the segregation of an associated nuclear gene.", "contents": "Somatic cell genetic studies of cystic fibrosis. The expression of the gene coding for the cystic fibrosis ciliary inhibitor has been examined in somatic cell hybrid clonal lines. Hybrids were produced by the fusion of cultured skin fibroblasts from cystic fibrosis patients with mouse RAG and LM (TK-) cell lines. The ciliary inhibitor was detected by the oyster ciliary assay in several primary hybrid clones but not detected in others, indicating the segregation of an associated nuclear gene.", "PMID": 996783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6506", "title": "Electron microscopy and microchemical analysis of cystic fibrosis diploid fibroblasts in vitro.", "content": "Fibroblasts derived from cystic fibrosis homozygotes and heterozygotes were compared to normal fibroblasts topologically, ultrastructurally, and microchemically. Topological examinations, by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed no significant differences between the 3 genotypes surveyed. The cells were generally flattened and/or fusiform structures that were more or less devoid of surface details. However, the dividing cells, in all of the populations surveyed, were found to have a more or less spherical configuration involving a highly complicated surface. The surface manifestations included blebs, ridges, and microvilli. Representative samples of the cells in all stages of growth, lag phase, exponential phase, and plateau phase, were surveyed in this study. Ultrastructurally, the fibroblasts of the 3 genotypes were found to have similar cytological detail. Highly infolded nuclei, distinct organelle components, and surface details, also seen in the SEM study, were observed. Numerous bundles of microfilaments were noted within the cytoplasm. Metachromatic granules were observed in cells from all 3 genotypes. Microchemical analysis, by means of energy dispersive X-ray analysis, demonstrated slight but recognizable differences in the elemental composition of the 3 genotypes. Of notable interest were the peak intensities of calcium and sulfur. The CF homozygous cells presented higher values for both of the elements when compared to the values observed in the CF heterozygous and normal cell populations. Although consistent differences could be observed in the CF genotypes when compared to the non-CF cells, no attempt was made to quantitate the concentrations of each of the elements within the cells.", "contents": "Electron microscopy and microchemical analysis of cystic fibrosis diploid fibroblasts in vitro. Fibroblasts derived from cystic fibrosis homozygotes and heterozygotes were compared to normal fibroblasts topologically, ultrastructurally, and microchemically. Topological examinations, by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed no significant differences between the 3 genotypes surveyed. The cells were generally flattened and/or fusiform structures that were more or less devoid of surface details. However, the dividing cells, in all of the populations surveyed, were found to have a more or less spherical configuration involving a highly complicated surface. The surface manifestations included blebs, ridges, and microvilli. Representative samples of the cells in all stages of growth, lag phase, exponential phase, and plateau phase, were surveyed in this study. Ultrastructurally, the fibroblasts of the 3 genotypes were found to have similar cytological detail. Highly infolded nuclei, distinct organelle components, and surface details, also seen in the SEM study, were observed. Numerous bundles of microfilaments were noted within the cytoplasm. Metachromatic granules were observed in cells from all 3 genotypes. Microchemical analysis, by means of energy dispersive X-ray analysis, demonstrated slight but recognizable differences in the elemental composition of the 3 genotypes. Of notable interest were the peak intensities of calcium and sulfur. The CF homozygous cells presented higher values for both of the elements when compared to the values observed in the CF heterozygous and normal cell populations. Although consistent differences could be observed in the CF genotypes when compared to the non-CF cells, no attempt was made to quantitate the concentrations of each of the elements within the cells.", "PMID": 996784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6507", "title": "Detection of cystic fibrosis heterozygotes using the zeta potential reduction method.", "content": "Parotid saliva samples from cystic fibrosis homozygotes, heterozygotes and normal individuals were tested by the zeta potential technique for secretion factor in a double-blind experiment. There was no overlap between zeta potential reduction of the control group and the cystic fibrosis test groups, indicating that the zeta potential test may be detecting a unique component in saliva of cystic fibrosis genotypes.", "contents": "Detection of cystic fibrosis heterozygotes using the zeta potential reduction method. Parotid saliva samples from cystic fibrosis homozygotes, heterozygotes and normal individuals were tested by the zeta potential technique for secretion factor in a double-blind experiment. There was no overlap between zeta potential reduction of the control group and the cystic fibrosis test groups, indicating that the zeta potential test may be detecting a unique component in saliva of cystic fibrosis genotypes.", "PMID": 996785} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6508", "title": "Effects of cystic fibrosis serum ciliary inhibitor on oyster gill ultrastructure: analysis by scanning and transmission electron microscopy.", "content": "Ultrastructural analysis including scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies (SEM and TEM) were carried out on oyster gill tissue after exposure either to serum fractions from individuals homozygous or heterozygous for cystic fibrosis (CF), to comparable serum fractions from normal individuals, or to sea water. In 4 of the experiments examined topologically (SEM), the CF sera (either heterozygous or homozygous) stimulated the production of mucus that was found in close association with the cilia. The association of excessive mucus with the cell surface could be responsible, in part, for the well-known inhibition of ciliary activity by a factor in CF serum. In 3 additional SEM experiments involving shorter treatment times, very little difference could be observed between homozygous CF, heterozygous CF, and normal serum-fraction-treated oyster tissues. In parallel experiments, ultrathin sections of gill tissue were examined by means of TEM. Those samples that were responsive, as determined by TEM, displayed several characteristic features, including enlarged and partially exuded goblet cells, altered mucus structure along with twisted and matted cilia. An overall swelling of the gill filament was also observed in the responsive tissues. From TEM analysis no detectable alteration in fine structure was apparent in gill tissues that were treated with sera from heterozygous or normal individuals.", "contents": "Effects of cystic fibrosis serum ciliary inhibitor on oyster gill ultrastructure: analysis by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Ultrastructural analysis including scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies (SEM and TEM) were carried out on oyster gill tissue after exposure either to serum fractions from individuals homozygous or heterozygous for cystic fibrosis (CF), to comparable serum fractions from normal individuals, or to sea water. In 4 of the experiments examined topologically (SEM), the CF sera (either heterozygous or homozygous) stimulated the production of mucus that was found in close association with the cilia. The association of excessive mucus with the cell surface could be responsible, in part, for the well-known inhibition of ciliary activity by a factor in CF serum. In 3 additional SEM experiments involving shorter treatment times, very little difference could be observed between homozygous CF, heterozygous CF, and normal serum-fraction-treated oyster tissues. In parallel experiments, ultrathin sections of gill tissue were examined by means of TEM. Those samples that were responsive, as determined by TEM, displayed several characteristic features, including enlarged and partially exuded goblet cells, altered mucus structure along with twisted and matted cilia. An overall swelling of the gill filament was also observed in the responsive tissues. From TEM analysis no detectable alteration in fine structure was apparent in gill tissues that were treated with sera from heterozygous or normal individuals.", "PMID": 996786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6509", "title": "Effect of polyamines and cystic fibrosis serum on glucose transport.", "content": "The effect of plasma or serum from homozygotes and heterozygotes for the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene on the active uptake of 3-0-14C-methyl-D-glucose (3-0-14C-MDG) by rat jejunal epithelium was studied. Furthermore, the role of the polyamine, spermidine, and its products of metabolic degradation on glucose transport were investigated, and a relationship to the pathogenesis of membrane dysfunction in cystic fibrosis was postulated. Glucose transport in everted rat jejunal rings was used in the study. Results were expressed as 3-0-14C-MDG concentration ratio between the intracellular (ICF) and the extracellular fluid spaces (ECF) of the jejunal rings at the end of a 60 min incubation period. The mean ratio obtained from incubations of the rat jejunal rings in medium consisting of Krebs-Ringer-bicarbonate buffer and the labeled sugar was considered as 100% uptake. When plasma or serum, with or without spermidine, was mixed with the medium in a volume ratio of 1:3, a decrease in the active uptake of 3-0-14C-MDG was observed, expressed as percent inhibition. Percent inhibition of 3-0-14C-MDG uptake obtained when the rat jejunal rings were incubated in normal plasma was compared to that obtained with plasma from cystic fibrosis genotypes. It was found that: 1) plasma from 25 homozygous children had greater inhibitory effect on glucose uptake than plasma from 26 normal children; 2) plasma from 9 heterozygous women had greater inhibitory effect than that from 6 normal women; 3) the inhibitory effect of plasma from 3 homozygous children was not influenced by dialysis; 4) the inhibitory effects of paired plasma and serum samples from 9 homozygotes were comparable; 5) spermidine added to the incubating electrolyte solution did not affect glucose transport; 6) the addition of spermidine to reaction mixtures containing normal plasma potentiated the inhibitory effect; and 7) mixing and incubation of fresh bovine serum with reaction mixtures containing plasma from homozygotes decreased the inhibitory effect. The predominant inhibitory effect of plasma or serum from homozygotes and heterozygotes for the CF gene appears to be related to a nondialyzeable molecule(s). It does not seem to reflect the presence of high plasma glucose levels in cystic fibrosis nor to be the result of competitive inhibition between sugars. It does not seem to be the result of sodium or other electrolyte differences. A similar inhibitory effect is acquired by normal plasma after the addition of spermidine. On the other hand, plasma from CF homozygotes loses its inhibitory effect after incubation with fresh bovine serum. These findings may indicate that products of metabolic degradation of spermidine are responsible for the inhibitory effect of glucose transport and suggest the possibility of a role in abnormal polyamine metabolism in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis.", "contents": "Effect of polyamines and cystic fibrosis serum on glucose transport. The effect of plasma or serum from homozygotes and heterozygotes for the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene on the active uptake of 3-0-14C-methyl-D-glucose (3-0-14C-MDG) by rat jejunal epithelium was studied. Furthermore, the role of the polyamine, spermidine, and its products of metabolic degradation on glucose transport were investigated, and a relationship to the pathogenesis of membrane dysfunction in cystic fibrosis was postulated. Glucose transport in everted rat jejunal rings was used in the study. Results were expressed as 3-0-14C-MDG concentration ratio between the intracellular (ICF) and the extracellular fluid spaces (ECF) of the jejunal rings at the end of a 60 min incubation period. The mean ratio obtained from incubations of the rat jejunal rings in medium consisting of Krebs-Ringer-bicarbonate buffer and the labeled sugar was considered as 100% uptake. When plasma or serum, with or without spermidine, was mixed with the medium in a volume ratio of 1:3, a decrease in the active uptake of 3-0-14C-MDG was observed, expressed as percent inhibition. Percent inhibition of 3-0-14C-MDG uptake obtained when the rat jejunal rings were incubated in normal plasma was compared to that obtained with plasma from cystic fibrosis genotypes. It was found that: 1) plasma from 25 homozygous children had greater inhibitory effect on glucose uptake than plasma from 26 normal children; 2) plasma from 9 heterozygous women had greater inhibitory effect than that from 6 normal women; 3) the inhibitory effect of plasma from 3 homozygous children was not influenced by dialysis; 4) the inhibitory effects of paired plasma and serum samples from 9 homozygotes were comparable; 5) spermidine added to the incubating electrolyte solution did not affect glucose transport; 6) the addition of spermidine to reaction mixtures containing normal plasma potentiated the inhibitory effect; and 7) mixing and incubation of fresh bovine serum with reaction mixtures containing plasma from homozygotes decreased the inhibitory effect. The predominant inhibitory effect of plasma or serum from homozygotes and heterozygotes for the CF gene appears to be related to a nondialyzeable molecule(s). It does not seem to reflect the presence of high plasma glucose levels in cystic fibrosis nor to be the result of competitive inhibition between sugars. It does not seem to be the result of sodium or other electrolyte differences. A similar inhibitory effect is acquired by normal plasma after the addition of spermidine. On the other hand, plasma from CF homozygotes loses its inhibitory effect after incubation with fresh bovine serum. These findings may indicate that products of metabolic degradation of spermidine are responsible for the inhibitory effect of glucose transport and suggest the possibility of a role in abnormal polyamine metabolism in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis.", "PMID": 996787} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6510", "title": "Polyamine metabolism in cystic fibrosis.", "content": "Increased blood levels of spermidine and an increased spermidine/spermine ratio is documented in 31 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Some 29 percent of CF patients overlap with the control group. An abnormality of urinary free polyamines or their metabolic derivatives related to electrolyte transport, serum ciliostatic factors, and the autonomic nervous system are elaborated upon.", "contents": "Polyamine metabolism in cystic fibrosis. Increased blood levels of spermidine and an increased spermidine/spermine ratio is documented in 31 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Some 29 percent of CF patients overlap with the control group. An abnormality of urinary free polyamines or their metabolic derivatives related to electrolyte transport, serum ciliostatic factors, and the autonomic nervous system are elaborated upon.", "PMID": 996788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6511", "title": "L-fucose metabolism in cystic fibrosis fibroblasts.", "content": "The capacity of skin fibroblasts from cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF individuals to incorporate exogenous L-fucose into various metabolic pools was compared. Incorporation into intracellular acid-soluble pools and extracellular glycopeptides was measured by a dual-label co-chromatographic technique, whereas total macromolecular incorporation was measured by a single-label procedure. Although CF and normal fibroblasts incorporate exogenous fucose into intracellular acid-soluble and high molecular weight compounds in a similar manner, CF cells appear to be characterized by an increased incorporation of label into low molecular weight extracellular glycopeptides.", "contents": "L-fucose metabolism in cystic fibrosis fibroblasts. The capacity of skin fibroblasts from cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF individuals to incorporate exogenous L-fucose into various metabolic pools was compared. Incorporation into intracellular acid-soluble pools and extracellular glycopeptides was measured by a dual-label co-chromatographic technique, whereas total macromolecular incorporation was measured by a single-label procedure. Although CF and normal fibroblasts incorporate exogenous fucose into intracellular acid-soluble and high molecular weight compounds in a similar manner, CF cells appear to be characterized by an increased incorporation of label into low molecular weight extracellular glycopeptides.", "PMID": 996789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6512", "title": "Electrophoretic studies of the cystic fibrosis ciliary inhibitor and its interaction with immunoglobulin G.", "content": "The cystic fibrosis ciliary inhibitor (CFCI) has been partially purified from serum and plasma of cystic fibrosis (CF) homozygotes and heterozygotes, and from media of cultured fibroblasts derived from cystic fibrosis genotypes. Characterization and comparison of fractions containing the CFCI were carried out by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Gel electrophoresis confirmed previous molecular weight estimations of 4,500 to 11,000 for the CFCI and provided an estimate of the number of proteins present in the fractions. Low molecular weight proteins from serum and media were combined with IgG preparations. No specific binding to IgG by the media fraction containing the CFCI could be demonstrated by the techniques employed. There was decreased binding of the low molecular weight serum fraction containing CFCI to native IgG molecules from cystic fibrosis patients as compared to IgG from normal individuals. However, IgG from CF individuals demonstrated increased binding of the cfci-containing low molecular weight serum fraction after gel filtration in the presence of guanidinium chloride. This suggests: 1) that very low concentrations of CFCI are present in media fractions; and 2) that native CF IgG cannot bind the low molecular weight CFCI fractions to the same degree as native IgG from normals or CF IgG that has been dissociated from non-covalently bound components.", "contents": "Electrophoretic studies of the cystic fibrosis ciliary inhibitor and its interaction with immunoglobulin G. The cystic fibrosis ciliary inhibitor (CFCI) has been partially purified from serum and plasma of cystic fibrosis (CF) homozygotes and heterozygotes, and from media of cultured fibroblasts derived from cystic fibrosis genotypes. Characterization and comparison of fractions containing the CFCI were carried out by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Gel electrophoresis confirmed previous molecular weight estimations of 4,500 to 11,000 for the CFCI and provided an estimate of the number of proteins present in the fractions. Low molecular weight proteins from serum and media were combined with IgG preparations. No specific binding to IgG by the media fraction containing the CFCI could be demonstrated by the techniques employed. There was decreased binding of the low molecular weight serum fraction containing CFCI to native IgG molecules from cystic fibrosis patients as compared to IgG from normal individuals. However, IgG from CF individuals demonstrated increased binding of the cfci-containing low molecular weight serum fraction after gel filtration in the presence of guanidinium chloride. This suggests: 1) that very low concentrations of CFCI are present in media fractions; and 2) that native CF IgG cannot bind the low molecular weight CFCI fractions to the same degree as native IgG from normals or CF IgG that has been dissociated from non-covalently bound components.", "PMID": 996790} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6513", "title": "Larval brine shrimp (Nauplii): a potentially useful model to study cystic fibrosis.", "content": "One of the most consistent characteristics of cystic fibrosis is the abnormal handling of electrolytes by exocrine glands. The present study has examined the possibility that diminished respiratory energy formation is a primary biochemical error responsible for this abnormality. Using oxygen consumption of intact larval brine shrimp, quantitative differences have been observed from reaction of mixed mouth saliva between CF heterozygotes and CF homozygotes. In addition, information demonstrating a correlation between a biochemical abnormality and disease severity was observed. The differences observed in inhibition by saliva from both CF homozygotes and obligate heterozygotes may occur as the result of 1) interference with electron transfer from organic fuel molecules to molecular oxygen or 2) interference with the mechanism responsible for generating the biochemical reducing power necessary for multiple biosynthetic reactions.", "contents": "Larval brine shrimp (Nauplii): a potentially useful model to study cystic fibrosis. One of the most consistent characteristics of cystic fibrosis is the abnormal handling of electrolytes by exocrine glands. The present study has examined the possibility that diminished respiratory energy formation is a primary biochemical error responsible for this abnormality. Using oxygen consumption of intact larval brine shrimp, quantitative differences have been observed from reaction of mixed mouth saliva between CF heterozygotes and CF homozygotes. In addition, information demonstrating a correlation between a biochemical abnormality and disease severity was observed. The differences observed in inhibition by saliva from both CF homozygotes and obligate heterozygotes may occur as the result of 1) interference with electron transfer from organic fuel molecules to molecular oxygen or 2) interference with the mechanism responsible for generating the biochemical reducing power necessary for multiple biosynthetic reactions.", "PMID": 996791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6514", "title": "On the nature of the defect in cystic fibrosis.", "content": "Sera and lymphocyte culture media derived from cystic fibrosis (CF)-affected and carrier subjects contain ciliary dyskinesia factor (CDF) detected by our rabbit tracheal bioassay. In addition, we also find CDF in fibroblast media from these same donors and in amniotic fluid cell media derived from CF carrier or affected fetuses. In these latter instances, the media were inactive in the bioassay, but became active when mixed with purified IgG. In all instances, CDF activity was eliminated by the addition of anti-IgG. We have separated a low molecular weight fraction, between 1,000 and 10,000 M.W., from CF sera and culture media which is inactive in the bioassay until IgG is added. Presumptive and indirect evidence indicates that this fraction behaves similarly to the complement derived anaphylatoxin C3a. In addition, we have found activity in sera from CF patients and, to a lesser extent, carriers that induces degranulation of cytochalasin-B-treated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Since this activity appears to be in a different molecular species from that containing CDF, we postulate that the primary defect in CF is the deficiency of an enzyme whose substrates include a family of membrane-active molecules.", "contents": "On the nature of the defect in cystic fibrosis. Sera and lymphocyte culture media derived from cystic fibrosis (CF)-affected and carrier subjects contain ciliary dyskinesia factor (CDF) detected by our rabbit tracheal bioassay. In addition, we also find CDF in fibroblast media from these same donors and in amniotic fluid cell media derived from CF carrier or affected fetuses. In these latter instances, the media were inactive in the bioassay, but became active when mixed with purified IgG. In all instances, CDF activity was eliminated by the addition of anti-IgG. We have separated a low molecular weight fraction, between 1,000 and 10,000 M.W., from CF sera and culture media which is inactive in the bioassay until IgG is added. Presumptive and indirect evidence indicates that this fraction behaves similarly to the complement derived anaphylatoxin C3a. In addition, we have found activity in sera from CF patients and, to a lesser extent, carriers that induces degranulation of cytochalasin-B-treated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Since this activity appears to be in a different molecular species from that containing CDF, we postulate that the primary defect in CF is the deficiency of an enzyme whose substrates include a family of membrane-active molecules.", "PMID": 996792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6515", "title": "Further purification and characterization of serum proteins used to detect cystic fibrosis genotypes by isoelectric focusing.", "content": "Sera from cystic fibrosis (CF) homozygotes and obligate heterozygotes contain a CF factor (gamma CF factor) not found by isoelectric focusing in thin-layer polyacrylamide gels in most normal control sera. In addition, sera from most obligate heterozygotes lack another protein (bland B, C, or D) that is commonly found in sera from most normal and cystic fibrosis individuals. A standardized, biophysical assay is described that employs isoelectric focusing for the detection of both CF homozygotes and heterozygotes based on the analysis of whole serum for the presence of the gamma CF factor and bands B, C, and D. Results of analyzing sera from selected CF patients by isoelectric focusing indicated that there is a general correlation between the amount of the gamma CF factor and the clinical severity of the disease. Partial purification and characterization of the gamma CF factor and protein bands B, C, and D was accomplished by using DEAE-cellulose chromatography, Sephadex G-200 gel filtration, sequential molecular filtration through a series of Amicon Diaflo ultrafiltration membranes, affinity chromatography, and cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The gamma CF factor is a cationic protein with a pI of 8.46+/-0.05, has gamma electrophoretic mobility, a molecular weight between 3,500 and 10,000, and apparently exists in CF serum in 2 forms (free in solution and complexed to IgG). Bands B, C, and D are cationic proteins with pI values of 7.85 to 8.10, have gamma electrophoretic mobility and a molecular weight of approximately 100,000-150,000.", "contents": "Further purification and characterization of serum proteins used to detect cystic fibrosis genotypes by isoelectric focusing. Sera from cystic fibrosis (CF) homozygotes and obligate heterozygotes contain a CF factor (gamma CF factor) not found by isoelectric focusing in thin-layer polyacrylamide gels in most normal control sera. In addition, sera from most obligate heterozygotes lack another protein (bland B, C, or D) that is commonly found in sera from most normal and cystic fibrosis individuals. A standardized, biophysical assay is described that employs isoelectric focusing for the detection of both CF homozygotes and heterozygotes based on the analysis of whole serum for the presence of the gamma CF factor and bands B, C, and D. Results of analyzing sera from selected CF patients by isoelectric focusing indicated that there is a general correlation between the amount of the gamma CF factor and the clinical severity of the disease. Partial purification and characterization of the gamma CF factor and protein bands B, C, and D was accomplished by using DEAE-cellulose chromatography, Sephadex G-200 gel filtration, sequential molecular filtration through a series of Amicon Diaflo ultrafiltration membranes, affinity chromatography, and cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The gamma CF factor is a cationic protein with a pI of 8.46+/-0.05, has gamma electrophoretic mobility, a molecular weight between 3,500 and 10,000, and apparently exists in CF serum in 2 forms (free in solution and complexed to IgG). Bands B, C, and D are cationic proteins with pI values of 7.85 to 8.10, have gamma electrophoretic mobility and a molecular weight of approximately 100,000-150,000.", "PMID": 996793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6516", "title": "Review of the growth characteristics of cystic fibrosis and normal human diploid fibroblasts in vitro.", "content": "The growth kinetics of human diploid skin fibroblasts derived from cystic fibrosis (CF) homozygotes, CF heterozygotes and normal individuals was determined. The population doubling times increased with time in culture, and no difference was observed between the 3 genotypes tested. The cell cycle times remained constant through the 10th subculture, while the growth fraction, or fraction of cells in the cell cycle, decreased with culture time; however, changes in the growth fraction and population doubling time appear to be related to cellular senescence in vitro rather than to cystic fibrosis.", "contents": "Review of the growth characteristics of cystic fibrosis and normal human diploid fibroblasts in vitro. The growth kinetics of human diploid skin fibroblasts derived from cystic fibrosis (CF) homozygotes, CF heterozygotes and normal individuals was determined. The population doubling times increased with time in culture, and no difference was observed between the 3 genotypes tested. The cell cycle times remained constant through the 10th subculture, while the growth fraction, or fraction of cells in the cell cycle, decreased with culture time; however, changes in the growth fraction and population doubling time appear to be related to cellular senescence in vitro rather than to cystic fibrosis.", "PMID": 996794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6517", "title": "Second primary lung carcinoma.", "content": "Ffity-five patients suffering from second primary lung carcinoma, 10 synchronous and 45 after resection for lung carcinoma (metachronous), have been observed from 1400 resections. The first manifestation of a second carcinoma in this series has always been the appearance of a new shadow in the follow-up radiograph. In our experience, second primary lung carcinoma is a disease affecting only heavy cigarette smokers. Heavy cigarette smokers suffering from squamous-cell carcinoma are at special risk. The results of re-operation, the significance of the time interval between the original operation and the appearance of the second primary carcinoma, and the slow growth rate of some second primaries are briefly discussed. No clear-cut methods exist for distinguishing a second primary from a metastasis from the original carcinoma.", "contents": "Second primary lung carcinoma. Ffity-five patients suffering from second primary lung carcinoma, 10 synchronous and 45 after resection for lung carcinoma (metachronous), have been observed from 1400 resections. The first manifestation of a second carcinoma in this series has always been the appearance of a new shadow in the follow-up radiograph. In our experience, second primary lung carcinoma is a disease affecting only heavy cigarette smokers. Heavy cigarette smokers suffering from squamous-cell carcinoma are at special risk. The results of re-operation, the significance of the time interval between the original operation and the appearance of the second primary carcinoma, and the slow growth rate of some second primaries are briefly discussed. No clear-cut methods exist for distinguishing a second primary from a metastasis from the original carcinoma.", "PMID": 996813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6518", "title": "\"Sentinel lines\"--an unusual sign of lower lobe contraction.", "content": "Of the various densities occurring in the lower zones of the standard postero-anterior chest radiograph, one sign has been ignored. Coarse linear densities at the bases may be due to adjacent lower lobe contraction. The cause is related to bending or kinking of the lower zone bronchi, usually the superior and inferior branches of the lingular bronchi. The densities are probably due to mucus-filled bronchi or alveolar atelectasis distal to the kink. resulting from poor bronchial drinage, and may indicate more extensive disease. The left lower lobe collapse may not be visible on the chest radiograph but the presence of these densities should alert the observer to the more important associated abnormality.", "contents": "\"Sentinel lines\"--an unusual sign of lower lobe contraction. Of the various densities occurring in the lower zones of the standard postero-anterior chest radiograph, one sign has been ignored. Coarse linear densities at the bases may be due to adjacent lower lobe contraction. The cause is related to bending or kinking of the lower zone bronchi, usually the superior and inferior branches of the lingular bronchi. The densities are probably due to mucus-filled bronchi or alveolar atelectasis distal to the kink. resulting from poor bronchial drinage, and may indicate more extensive disease. The left lower lobe collapse may not be visible on the chest radiograph but the presence of these densities should alert the observer to the more important associated abnormality.", "PMID": 996814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6519", "title": "Evolution of disability in coalworkers' pneumoconiosis.", "content": "Retrospective analysis of the results of serial ventilatory capacity tests (FEV 1-0), which had extended over an average period of almost 15 years, has been carried out in 215 miners and ex-miners who suffer with coalworkers' pneumoconiosis. All were unselected previously diagnosed cases who attend the Cardiff Pneumoconiosis Panel at regular intervals for re-assessment examinations. They consisted of 68 miners and 147 ex-miners and they were divided into three groups according to their radiological category at their most recent examination, carried out in either 1973 or 1974. There were 90 cases of category B progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), 50 cases of category A PMF and 75 cases of simple pneumoconiosis. Findings for the 38 life-long non-smokers within the 215 were compared with those for the smokers. All three groups showed progressive impairment of ventilation over the whole period of observation. This was most marked in the category B cases but this group had already acquired a substantial proportion of their eventual impairment while still classified radiologically as category A or as simple pneumoconiosis. These findings are not compatible with the view that coalworkers' pneumoconiosis does not cause significant impairment of ventilation until the category B radiological stage is attained; they suggest rather that cases destined to progress to serious disablement show evidence of progressive impairment of ventilation at very much earlier radiological stages. Non-smokers showed a pattern of impairment similar to that of the smokers but were less disabled; the differences, however, were slight and not statistically significant.", "contents": "Evolution of disability in coalworkers' pneumoconiosis. Retrospective analysis of the results of serial ventilatory capacity tests (FEV 1-0), which had extended over an average period of almost 15 years, has been carried out in 215 miners and ex-miners who suffer with coalworkers' pneumoconiosis. All were unselected previously diagnosed cases who attend the Cardiff Pneumoconiosis Panel at regular intervals for re-assessment examinations. They consisted of 68 miners and 147 ex-miners and they were divided into three groups according to their radiological category at their most recent examination, carried out in either 1973 or 1974. There were 90 cases of category B progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), 50 cases of category A PMF and 75 cases of simple pneumoconiosis. Findings for the 38 life-long non-smokers within the 215 were compared with those for the smokers. All three groups showed progressive impairment of ventilation over the whole period of observation. This was most marked in the category B cases but this group had already acquired a substantial proportion of their eventual impairment while still classified radiologically as category A or as simple pneumoconiosis. These findings are not compatible with the view that coalworkers' pneumoconiosis does not cause significant impairment of ventilation until the category B radiological stage is attained; they suggest rather that cases destined to progress to serious disablement show evidence of progressive impairment of ventilation at very much earlier radiological stages. Non-smokers showed a pattern of impairment similar to that of the smokers but were less disabled; the differences, however, were slight and not statistically significant.", "PMID": 996815} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6520", "title": "Post-mortem studies of the semistatic volume-pressure characteristics of infants' lungs.", "content": "Semistatic air volume-pressure (V-P) loops were recorded from 172 isolated lungs obtained from infants and children at necropsy. Technically unsatisfactory V-P loop behaviour and the presence of pathological changes led to the exclusion of 98 lungs. A further 10 lungs were excluded as it was decided to study the period of growth up to 90 cm crown-heel length. A total of 64 left lungs remained which were designated \"normal\". Control data were collected in an attempt to quantify the effects of storage and variations in inflation technique. A maximum inflation pressure of +30 cmH2O was used as a standard Pmax. The resulting maximum inflation volume (Vmax) data showed a cubic relation to the crown-heel length which deviated from the values obtained by the use of in-vivo regression equations. The extent and pattern of the deviation suggest that the technical factors are not a major contributory cause, and other explanations are discussed. The low-pressure proportional data from the deflation limb of the V-P curve are plotted against the crown-hell length, and the resulting curve is analysed. There is a sharp fall in the proportion of Vmax retained in the lung at +5 cmH2O and +2-5 cmH2O with increasing body length, but proportional volume at zero transpulmonary pressure follows the same growth-related pattern as Vmax.", "contents": "Post-mortem studies of the semistatic volume-pressure characteristics of infants' lungs. Semistatic air volume-pressure (V-P) loops were recorded from 172 isolated lungs obtained from infants and children at necropsy. Technically unsatisfactory V-P loop behaviour and the presence of pathological changes led to the exclusion of 98 lungs. A further 10 lungs were excluded as it was decided to study the period of growth up to 90 cm crown-heel length. A total of 64 left lungs remained which were designated \"normal\". Control data were collected in an attempt to quantify the effects of storage and variations in inflation technique. A maximum inflation pressure of +30 cmH2O was used as a standard Pmax. The resulting maximum inflation volume (Vmax) data showed a cubic relation to the crown-heel length which deviated from the values obtained by the use of in-vivo regression equations. The extent and pattern of the deviation suggest that the technical factors are not a major contributory cause, and other explanations are discussed. The low-pressure proportional data from the deflation limb of the V-P curve are plotted against the crown-hell length, and the resulting curve is analysed. There is a sharp fall in the proportion of Vmax retained in the lung at +5 cmH2O and +2-5 cmH2O with increasing body length, but proportional volume at zero transpulmonary pressure follows the same growth-related pattern as Vmax.", "PMID": 996816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6521", "title": "Effect of chlorphentermine on the lipids of rat lungs.", "content": "Chronic administration of chlorphentermine to rats resulted in a reduction of body weight compared to a normal control group. The weight of the heart, liver, kidney, and spleen was less in the treated group while the weight of the lungs was increased significantly. There was no change in the ratio of right ventricular to left ventricular weight in the rats treated with chlorphentermine, supporting the views that this drug does not cause pulmonary hypertension. Biochemical analysis showed that the increase in the weight of the lungs was due to the accumulation of phospholipid. All classes of phospholipid were affected, but particularly phosphatidyl choline, the tissue concentration of which increased nine times. Chlorphentermine also increased the proportion of palmitate present in pulmonary phosphatidyl choline. Histological examination of the lung after treatment with chlorphentermine showed evidence of this drug-induced lipidosis. No conclusion can as yet be reached as to the mechanism involved in the accumulation of phospholipid in the lung after chlorphentermine.", "contents": "Effect of chlorphentermine on the lipids of rat lungs. Chronic administration of chlorphentermine to rats resulted in a reduction of body weight compared to a normal control group. The weight of the heart, liver, kidney, and spleen was less in the treated group while the weight of the lungs was increased significantly. There was no change in the ratio of right ventricular to left ventricular weight in the rats treated with chlorphentermine, supporting the views that this drug does not cause pulmonary hypertension. Biochemical analysis showed that the increase in the weight of the lungs was due to the accumulation of phospholipid. All classes of phospholipid were affected, but particularly phosphatidyl choline, the tissue concentration of which increased nine times. Chlorphentermine also increased the proportion of palmitate present in pulmonary phosphatidyl choline. Histological examination of the lung after treatment with chlorphentermine showed evidence of this drug-induced lipidosis. No conclusion can as yet be reached as to the mechanism involved in the accumulation of phospholipid in the lung after chlorphentermine.", "PMID": 996817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6522", "title": "A simple cooling circuit for topical cardiac hypothermia.", "content": "Rapid uniform cooling of the heart is the most important requirement of any method using local hypothermia for protection of the myocardium during open intracardiac surgery. We report the construction and operation of a recirculation cooling circuit comprising a reservoir, pump, and heat-exchanger for this purpose. It is operated by the perfusionist and can deliver up to 1 litre of fluid per minute at 4 degrees C into the pericardium or interior of the heart. Advantages of the system include rapid cooling of the myocardium, simplicity of operation, and applicability to all routine cardiac surgical procedures.", "contents": "A simple cooling circuit for topical cardiac hypothermia. Rapid uniform cooling of the heart is the most important requirement of any method using local hypothermia for protection of the myocardium during open intracardiac surgery. We report the construction and operation of a recirculation cooling circuit comprising a reservoir, pump, and heat-exchanger for this purpose. It is operated by the perfusionist and can deliver up to 1 litre of fluid per minute at 4 degrees C into the pericardium or interior of the heart. Advantages of the system include rapid cooling of the myocardium, simplicity of operation, and applicability to all routine cardiac surgical procedures.", "PMID": 996818} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6523", "title": "Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in adults with cystic fibrosis.", "content": "Three adult patients with cystic fibrosis presented with arthralgia, and investigation for the usual causes of arthritis proved negative. Radiographs of long bones revealed periostitis and new bone fromation characteristic of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Symptomatic improvement occurred after analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy. In patients with cystic fibrosis and bone or joint pain, the diagnosis of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy should be considered and long bone radiographs obtained.", "contents": "Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in adults with cystic fibrosis. Three adult patients with cystic fibrosis presented with arthralgia, and investigation for the usual causes of arthritis proved negative. Radiographs of long bones revealed periostitis and new bone fromation characteristic of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Symptomatic improvement occurred after analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy. In patients with cystic fibrosis and bone or joint pain, the diagnosis of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy should be considered and long bone radiographs obtained.", "PMID": 996819} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6524", "title": "Localized pulmonary Wegener's granuloma simulating lung cancer: report of four cases.", "content": "Clinical features suggesting lung disease in three patients and a chance chest radiograph in the fourth led to films showing localized lung lesions with some characteristics of neoplasms. Two were heavy smokers, two were non-smokers. In two the lesion was peripheral, in one lobar (RUL), and in the fourth it crossed the interlobar fissure (apical and posterior segments LUL and apical LLL). Malignant cells were not seen on sputum cytology examination in any, but in one, atypical cells were reported. All four patients had lung resection for suspected cancer, two by pneumonectomy, one by lobectomy, and one lingulectomy. All patients recovered, and their clinical course has so far been uniformly benign. Two have been followed long term (16 and 10 years), one 2 1/2 years, and one a year. Pathologically, the lesions appeared to be strictly limited without extra-pulmonary involvement, except that the patient followed for one year has developed hyporegenerative anaemia responsive to prednisone therapy. The pathological features of focal necrosis, granulomatous inflammation, and vasculitis were sufficiently striking, although often focal, to suggest that incisional biopsy from frozen-section histological diagnosis could be useful to prevent extensive lung resection for lesions not positively diagnosed before thoracotomy.", "contents": "Localized pulmonary Wegener's granuloma simulating lung cancer: report of four cases. Clinical features suggesting lung disease in three patients and a chance chest radiograph in the fourth led to films showing localized lung lesions with some characteristics of neoplasms. Two were heavy smokers, two were non-smokers. In two the lesion was peripheral, in one lobar (RUL), and in the fourth it crossed the interlobar fissure (apical and posterior segments LUL and apical LLL). Malignant cells were not seen on sputum cytology examination in any, but in one, atypical cells were reported. All four patients had lung resection for suspected cancer, two by pneumonectomy, one by lobectomy, and one lingulectomy. All patients recovered, and their clinical course has so far been uniformly benign. Two have been followed long term (16 and 10 years), one 2 1/2 years, and one a year. Pathologically, the lesions appeared to be strictly limited without extra-pulmonary involvement, except that the patient followed for one year has developed hyporegenerative anaemia responsive to prednisone therapy. The pathological features of focal necrosis, granulomatous inflammation, and vasculitis were sufficiently striking, although often focal, to suggest that incisional biopsy from frozen-section histological diagnosis could be useful to prevent extensive lung resection for lesions not positively diagnosed before thoracotomy.", "PMID": 996820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6525", "title": "Pulmonary hypersensitivity to Ramin (Gonystylus bancanus).", "content": "Transient airways obstruction associated with reduction in the transfer factor (diffusing capacity) of the lungs is reported in a patient with a clinical syndrome in keeping with extrinsic allergic alveolitis after exposure to Ramin dust (Gonystylus bancanus). The alterations in pulmonary function were consistently demonstrated on testing the patient in his working environment and were reproduced in the laboratory after inhalational challenge. The importance of the temporal relationship of changes in pulmonary function to contact with suspected allergenic material is emphasized.", "contents": "Pulmonary hypersensitivity to Ramin (Gonystylus bancanus). Transient airways obstruction associated with reduction in the transfer factor (diffusing capacity) of the lungs is reported in a patient with a clinical syndrome in keeping with extrinsic allergic alveolitis after exposure to Ramin dust (Gonystylus bancanus). The alterations in pulmonary function were consistently demonstrated on testing the patient in his working environment and were reproduced in the laboratory after inhalational challenge. The importance of the temporal relationship of changes in pulmonary function to contact with suspected allergenic material is emphasized.", "PMID": 996821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6526", "title": "Double outlet right ventricle with L-position of the aorta, D-loop, subaortic VSD, and pulmonary stenosis.", "content": "We describe a case of double outlet right ventricle with subaortic ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis treated successfully with cardiopulmonary bypass. We consider the clinical history and angiocardiographic and surgical findings of this rare anomaly. We stress the difficulties of reconstruction of the outflow tract of the right ventricle, because of the anomalous pathway of the right coronary artery, the posterior situation of the pulmonary artery, and the abnormal anatomy present in the outflow tract of the right ventricle.", "contents": "Double outlet right ventricle with L-position of the aorta, D-loop, subaortic VSD, and pulmonary stenosis. We describe a case of double outlet right ventricle with subaortic ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis treated successfully with cardiopulmonary bypass. We consider the clinical history and angiocardiographic and surgical findings of this rare anomaly. We stress the difficulties of reconstruction of the outflow tract of the right ventricle, because of the anomalous pathway of the right coronary artery, the posterior situation of the pulmonary artery, and the abnormal anatomy present in the outflow tract of the right ventricle.", "PMID": 996822} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6527", "title": "Spontaneous haemothorax in a mild haemophiliac.", "content": "Spontaneous haemothoraxis is a very rare presenting manifestation in haemophilia, only four previous cases being recorded in the English literature. The clinical features and management of such a case by intercostal tube drainage in a previously unrecognized haemophiliac are described.", "contents": "Spontaneous haemothorax in a mild haemophiliac. Spontaneous haemothoraxis is a very rare presenting manifestation in haemophilia, only four previous cases being recorded in the English literature. The clinical features and management of such a case by intercostal tube drainage in a previously unrecognized haemophiliac are described.", "PMID": 996823} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6528", "title": "Haemorrhagic pulmonary oedema: post-pulmonary embolectomy.", "content": "A case of haemorrhagic pulmonary oedema after successful pulmonary embolectomy is presented. The relevant literature is reviewed. Thirteen cases are analysed as well as the four survivors. The aetiology appears to be ischaemic damage of the capillary bed. This had previously been called incomplete infarction by Castleman. The incidence is low after acute pulmonary embolectomies but appears to be much higher after chronic endarterectomies, especially with severe pulmonary hypertension. Therapy is outlined.", "contents": "Haemorrhagic pulmonary oedema: post-pulmonary embolectomy. A case of haemorrhagic pulmonary oedema after successful pulmonary embolectomy is presented. The relevant literature is reviewed. Thirteen cases are analysed as well as the four survivors. The aetiology appears to be ischaemic damage of the capillary bed. This had previously been called incomplete infarction by Castleman. The incidence is low after acute pulmonary embolectomies but appears to be much higher after chronic endarterectomies, especially with severe pulmonary hypertension. Therapy is outlined.", "PMID": 996824} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6529", "title": "Chylothorax: report of a case complicating ductus ligation through a median sternotomy, and review.", "content": "An unusual case of chylothorax is described in a 4-year-old child after repair of a ventricular septal defect and ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus through a median sternotomy. Left chylothorax developed after a latent period of six days and was treated initially with continuous drainage and parenteral supplementation of proteins and lipids. Operative intervention with oversewing of the site of the leak in the anterior mediastinum proved necessary after three weeks. The anatomical variations of the thoracic duct are outlined to explain the occurrence of chylothorax after diverse intrathoracic operations. The physiological effects of a thoracic duct fistula and various aspects of management are reviewed.", "contents": "Chylothorax: report of a case complicating ductus ligation through a median sternotomy, and review. An unusual case of chylothorax is described in a 4-year-old child after repair of a ventricular septal defect and ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus through a median sternotomy. Left chylothorax developed after a latent period of six days and was treated initially with continuous drainage and parenteral supplementation of proteins and lipids. Operative intervention with oversewing of the site of the leak in the anterior mediastinum proved necessary after three weeks. The anatomical variations of the thoracic duct are outlined to explain the occurrence of chylothorax after diverse intrathoracic operations. The physiological effects of a thoracic duct fistula and various aspects of management are reviewed.", "PMID": 996825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6530", "title": "Lymph node tuberculosis presenting as chyluria.", "content": "Chyluria is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis. A patient in whom it was a presenting symptom is described.", "contents": "Lymph node tuberculosis presenting as chyluria. Chyluria is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis. A patient in whom it was a presenting symptom is described.", "PMID": 996826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6531", "title": "Effects of copper deficiency and copper loading on 67Cu in supernatants of rat organs.", "content": "Eleven organs of the rat were studied 1 hr and 24 hr after the intravenous administration of 67CuCl2 and 67Cu-ceruloplasmin. The rats were normal, copper-deficient, or copper-laden. The amounts of stable copper and 67Cu in the whole organ and supernatant fractions, corrected for whole blood copper and 67Cu, were measured. The distribution of supernatant 67Cu was determined in three Sephadex G-100 chromatographic zones: Peak I (150,000 daltons), Peak II (31,000 daltons), and Peak III (11,000 daltons). All organs took up 67Cu from both sources, but there was a tendency for increased uptakes in copper-deficient rats and decreased uptake in copper-laden rats. Only lung, heart, and testis took up more 67Cu from 67Cu-ceruloplasmin than from 67CuCl2. Supernatant 67Cu tended to be in Peak I when the source was 67Cu-ceruloplasmin and in Peak II when the source was 67CuCl2. When 67Cu-ceroloplasmin was added to supernatant fractions in vitro, the 67Cu was in Peak I. However, when 67CuCl2 was added to supernatant fractions, Peak III predominated in kidney, brain, testis, and liver; Peak II predominated in none; and Peak I predominated in spleen, muscle, large and small bowel, stomach, lung, and heart. A high-molecular-weight copper-binding substance seems to be present in organ supernatant fractions.", "contents": "Effects of copper deficiency and copper loading on 67Cu in supernatants of rat organs. Eleven organs of the rat were studied 1 hr and 24 hr after the intravenous administration of 67CuCl2 and 67Cu-ceruloplasmin. The rats were normal, copper-deficient, or copper-laden. The amounts of stable copper and 67Cu in the whole organ and supernatant fractions, corrected for whole blood copper and 67Cu, were measured. The distribution of supernatant 67Cu was determined in three Sephadex G-100 chromatographic zones: Peak I (150,000 daltons), Peak II (31,000 daltons), and Peak III (11,000 daltons). All organs took up 67Cu from both sources, but there was a tendency for increased uptakes in copper-deficient rats and decreased uptake in copper-laden rats. Only lung, heart, and testis took up more 67Cu from 67Cu-ceruloplasmin than from 67CuCl2. Supernatant 67Cu tended to be in Peak I when the source was 67Cu-ceruloplasmin and in Peak II when the source was 67CuCl2. When 67Cu-ceroloplasmin was added to supernatant fractions in vitro, the 67Cu was in Peak I. However, when 67CuCl2 was added to supernatant fractions, Peak III predominated in kidney, brain, testis, and liver; Peak II predominated in none; and Peak I predominated in spleen, muscle, large and small bowel, stomach, lung, and heart. A high-molecular-weight copper-binding substance seems to be present in organ supernatant fractions.", "PMID": 996846} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6532", "title": "Evaluation of recommended methods for radioisotopes red cell survival studies.", "content": "Mean red cell life-span in normal subjects and in patients with various hematological disorders was examined with 51Cr and DF32P. The results with 51Cr were corrected for 51Cr elution using correction factors. The results by the two methods agreed fairly well with each other. Elution rate in various hematological disorders was 2.3% per day or less except for the patients with extracorpuscular hemolytic agents such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia or congestive splenomegaly. It is concluded that estimates of mean red cell life-span by corrected 51Cr method are more useful and sufficient than uncorrected 51Cr or DF32P method in general hematological disorders.", "contents": "Evaluation of recommended methods for radioisotopes red cell survival studies. Mean red cell life-span in normal subjects and in patients with various hematological disorders was examined with 51Cr and DF32P. The results with 51Cr were corrected for 51Cr elution using correction factors. The results by the two methods agreed fairly well with each other. Elution rate in various hematological disorders was 2.3% per day or less except for the patients with extracorpuscular hemolytic agents such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia or congestive splenomegaly. It is concluded that estimates of mean red cell life-span by corrected 51Cr method are more useful and sufficient than uncorrected 51Cr or DF32P method in general hematological disorders.", "PMID": 996847} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6533", "title": "Application of microassay technique in cell-mediated immunity to measles virus infection.", "content": "A microassay technique for the detection of cell-mediated immunity to measles virus is described. Lymphocytotoxicity of peripheral blood lymphocytes was determined employing the percent reduction of target cells surviving on the microtissue culture plate. Simultaneously, subpopulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes was also measured. Significant measles specific cytotoxicity was only demonstrated in the subjects with prior histories of measles but no reactivity was observed in the children without the history. Cell-mediated immunity appeared slightly earlier than the elevation of hemagglutination inhibition antibody titer. Both reactivities progressively increased and exhibited the maximal responses at the reconvalescent period of 2nd to 3rd week after skin rash. Depletion of T lymphocyte was most prominent at the stage of Kopliks enanthema or the early stage of exanthema.", "contents": "Application of microassay technique in cell-mediated immunity to measles virus infection. A microassay technique for the detection of cell-mediated immunity to measles virus is described. Lymphocytotoxicity of peripheral blood lymphocytes was determined employing the percent reduction of target cells surviving on the microtissue culture plate. Simultaneously, subpopulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes was also measured. Significant measles specific cytotoxicity was only demonstrated in the subjects with prior histories of measles but no reactivity was observed in the children without the history. Cell-mediated immunity appeared slightly earlier than the elevation of hemagglutination inhibition antibody titer. Both reactivities progressively increased and exhibited the maximal responses at the reconvalescent period of 2nd to 3rd week after skin rash. Depletion of T lymphocyte was most prominent at the stage of Kopliks enanthema or the early stage of exanthema.", "PMID": 996848} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6534", "title": "The maximum expiratory flow rate and volume dependent respiratory resistance in small airway obstruction.", "content": "In 8 healthy subjects (group A) and 4 subjects with respiratory symptoms (group B), the lung pressure-volume curve (P-V curve), maximum expiratory flow-volume curve (MEFVC) and respiratory resistance (Rrs) at all vital capacities were measured. To avoid laryngeal artifact on a mouth pressure, an intratracheal catheter was used for measurement of Rrs which was obtained with 3 cycles/sec oscillatory forced pressure. Group B did not show a different elastic recoil from group A. In comparison of the maximum expiratory flow (Vmax) at 80, 70, 60 and 50% of the total lung capacity (TLC). Vmax of group B showed lower values than that of group A. Rrs was almost the same in both groups from 70% TLC upwards, but Rrs of group B was higher than that of group A from 65%TLC downwards. Since the lung elastic recoil pressures (Pst (1)) in the two groups were not different and Rrs's were different significantly only at low lung volumes, the decrease in Vmax of group B was supposed to be due to the increased Rrs which might reflect small airway obstruction.", "contents": "The maximum expiratory flow rate and volume dependent respiratory resistance in small airway obstruction. In 8 healthy subjects (group A) and 4 subjects with respiratory symptoms (group B), the lung pressure-volume curve (P-V curve), maximum expiratory flow-volume curve (MEFVC) and respiratory resistance (Rrs) at all vital capacities were measured. To avoid laryngeal artifact on a mouth pressure, an intratracheal catheter was used for measurement of Rrs which was obtained with 3 cycles/sec oscillatory forced pressure. Group B did not show a different elastic recoil from group A. In comparison of the maximum expiratory flow (Vmax) at 80, 70, 60 and 50% of the total lung capacity (TLC). Vmax of group B showed lower values than that of group A. Rrs was almost the same in both groups from 70% TLC upwards, but Rrs of group B was higher than that of group A from 65%TLC downwards. Since the lung elastic recoil pressures (Pst (1)) in the two groups were not different and Rrs's were different significantly only at low lung volumes, the decrease in Vmax of group B was supposed to be due to the increased Rrs which might reflect small airway obstruction.", "PMID": 996850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6535", "title": "The effects of ligation of vas deferens, corpus epididymidis and vasa efferentia on the testicular function in rats.", "content": "The effects of ligation of the vas deferens, the corpus epididymidis and the vasa efferentia on the testicular function were studied in sexually mature rats. The significant decrease in the testicular weight was observed after ligation of the corpus epididymidis and the vasa efferentia. However, neither the weight of the ventral prostate and of the seminal vesicle, nor the plasma testosterone level showed significant changes. The results suggest that the ligation at the three locations would not affect the endocrine function of the testis. The changes in the testis would mainly affect the spermatogenesis. The effects of sperm stasis on the testicular function were also discussed.", "contents": "The effects of ligation of vas deferens, corpus epididymidis and vasa efferentia on the testicular function in rats. The effects of ligation of the vas deferens, the corpus epididymidis and the vasa efferentia on the testicular function were studied in sexually mature rats. The significant decrease in the testicular weight was observed after ligation of the corpus epididymidis and the vasa efferentia. However, neither the weight of the ventral prostate and of the seminal vesicle, nor the plasma testosterone level showed significant changes. The results suggest that the ligation at the three locations would not affect the endocrine function of the testis. The changes in the testis would mainly affect the spermatogenesis. The effects of sperm stasis on the testicular function were also discussed.", "PMID": 996849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6536", "title": "Graphic analysis of osmotic fragility of erythrocytes.", "content": "A precise and highly reproducible method for analyzing the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes with a minute amount of blood (less than 10 mul) is described. The osmotic fragility curves are recorded with a coil planet centrifuge with accessories and a scanning photodensitometer. The recorded curves are transcribed by a DuPont Curve Resolver and their components are analyzed. Normal fragility curves obtained from healthy adults revealed slightly skewed Gaussian curves and they were resolved into several typical Gaussian components which differed according to the physical and clinical conditions of subjects. Each resolved component is supposed to correspond to the population of erythrocytes having a nearly identical osmotic fragility. The method is proved to be useful for the detection of altered membrane properties of erythrocytes in various diseases.", "contents": "Graphic analysis of osmotic fragility of erythrocytes. A precise and highly reproducible method for analyzing the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes with a minute amount of blood (less than 10 mul) is described. The osmotic fragility curves are recorded with a coil planet centrifuge with accessories and a scanning photodensitometer. The recorded curves are transcribed by a DuPont Curve Resolver and their components are analyzed. Normal fragility curves obtained from healthy adults revealed slightly skewed Gaussian curves and they were resolved into several typical Gaussian components which differed according to the physical and clinical conditions of subjects. Each resolved component is supposed to correspond to the population of erythrocytes having a nearly identical osmotic fragility. The method is proved to be useful for the detection of altered membrane properties of erythrocytes in various diseases.", "PMID": 996851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6537", "title": "Insulin and glucagon response in patients with chronic pancreatitis.", "content": "The oral glucose tolerance test and arginine infusion test were carried out on 22 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 11 normal control subjects. According to the glucose tolerance curve, the patients were divided into three groups; group I (normal or slightly impaired), group II (mildly diabetic) and group III (moderately diabetic). Markedly impaired insulin responses to oral glucose as well as to arginine infusion were observed in groups II and III. In group I, the mean plasma insulin levels during glucose tolerance test were the same as those in the controls, but the insulin response to arginine was reduced except in two cases. On the other hand, the glucagon levels during arginine infusion test were within the normal range in group I and slightly reduced in the other groups with diabetic glucose tolerance. The ratio of increment area of insulin to that of glucagon during arginine infusion in the patients was slightly decreased in comparison with the controls. Neither insulin nor glucagon response after arginine infusion showed a significant correlation with pancreatic exocrine function. It is concluded that in chronic pancreatitis insulin response to glucose as well as to arginine is markedly decreased, and that glucagon rise after arginine infusion is lowered compared with the controls.", "contents": "Insulin and glucagon response in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The oral glucose tolerance test and arginine infusion test were carried out on 22 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 11 normal control subjects. According to the glucose tolerance curve, the patients were divided into three groups; group I (normal or slightly impaired), group II (mildly diabetic) and group III (moderately diabetic). Markedly impaired insulin responses to oral glucose as well as to arginine infusion were observed in groups II and III. In group I, the mean plasma insulin levels during glucose tolerance test were the same as those in the controls, but the insulin response to arginine was reduced except in two cases. On the other hand, the glucagon levels during arginine infusion test were within the normal range in group I and slightly reduced in the other groups with diabetic glucose tolerance. The ratio of increment area of insulin to that of glucagon during arginine infusion in the patients was slightly decreased in comparison with the controls. Neither insulin nor glucagon response after arginine infusion showed a significant correlation with pancreatic exocrine function. It is concluded that in chronic pancreatitis insulin response to glucose as well as to arginine is markedly decreased, and that glucagon rise after arginine infusion is lowered compared with the controls.", "PMID": 996852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6538", "title": "Blocking effect of tripelennamine on histamine--induced positive chronotropic and inotropic responses of the dog atrium.", "content": "The effects of histamine on inotropic and chronotropic activity were investigated in isolated canine atrium preparations which were suspended in a bath and perfused with arterial blood from a carotid artery of heparinized support dog. Histamine administered into the cannulated sinus node artery in a dose range of 0.3-100 mug produced dose-related positive chronotropic and inotropic effects. The positive responses to histamine were not suppressed by treatment with propranolol in doses which blocked responses to norepinephrine, but these were significantly suppressed by a histamine H1 receptor blocking agent, tripelennamine. On the other hand, these histamine-induced effects were not modified by a histamine H2 receptor blocking agent, burimamide. From these results, it is assumed that positive chronotropic and inotropic effect of histamine may be mediated by histamine H1 receptors in the dog heart.", "contents": "Blocking effect of tripelennamine on histamine--induced positive chronotropic and inotropic responses of the dog atrium. The effects of histamine on inotropic and chronotropic activity were investigated in isolated canine atrium preparations which were suspended in a bath and perfused with arterial blood from a carotid artery of heparinized support dog. Histamine administered into the cannulated sinus node artery in a dose range of 0.3-100 mug produced dose-related positive chronotropic and inotropic effects. The positive responses to histamine were not suppressed by treatment with propranolol in doses which blocked responses to norepinephrine, but these were significantly suppressed by a histamine H1 receptor blocking agent, tripelennamine. On the other hand, these histamine-induced effects were not modified by a histamine H2 receptor blocking agent, burimamide. From these results, it is assumed that positive chronotropic and inotropic effect of histamine may be mediated by histamine H1 receptors in the dog heart.", "PMID": 996853} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6539", "title": "[Salbutamol therapy of chronic bronchopathic patients with cardiac arrhythmias].", "content": "Salbutamol was used in 16 patients affected by chronic obstructive bronchial disease accompanied by disturbances in the cardiac rhythm. This beta stimulant, administered by mouth or by aerosol, did not aggravate the disturbances in the cardiac rhythm.", "contents": "[Salbutamol therapy of chronic bronchopathic patients with cardiac arrhythmias]. Salbutamol was used in 16 patients affected by chronic obstructive bronchial disease accompanied by disturbances in the cardiac rhythm. This beta stimulant, administered by mouth or by aerosol, did not aggravate the disturbances in the cardiac rhythm.", "PMID": 996855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6540", "title": "Oxonic acid and fetal development: I. Embryotoxicity in mice.", "content": "Feeding the uricase inhibitor potassium oxonate (K Ox) as 3( of the diet to pregnant mice during days 8-10 postconception caused a 95-98% incidence of embryonic mortality with resorption. The same treatment during days 10-13 of gestation caused no changes in litter size and fetal weight; however, if in addition to feeding K Ox, three concurrent i.v. injections of 2.5 mg/day of Na urate (Na UR) were given then 47% of the mouse fetuses were killed and resorbed. Intravenous Na urate alone during the same stages of early and middle pregnancy had no effect on fetal survival or development. A 3.6% incidence of cleft palate was caused in mice treated with the combination of K Ox and Na UR during middle pregnancy. In groups of mature nonpregnant female mice exposed to the same treatment regimens, serum uric acid, potassium and sodium were elevated in a treatment-related manner. Serum urea levels were unchanged. K Ox is lethal to mouse fetuses during early embryonic development. Hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia or hypernatremia are maternal alterations which may be responsible for, or contribute to this effect.", "contents": "Oxonic acid and fetal development: I. Embryotoxicity in mice. Feeding the uricase inhibitor potassium oxonate (K Ox) as 3( of the diet to pregnant mice during days 8-10 postconception caused a 95-98% incidence of embryonic mortality with resorption. The same treatment during days 10-13 of gestation caused no changes in litter size and fetal weight; however, if in addition to feeding K Ox, three concurrent i.v. injections of 2.5 mg/day of Na urate (Na UR) were given then 47% of the mouse fetuses were killed and resorbed. Intravenous Na urate alone during the same stages of early and middle pregnancy had no effect on fetal survival or development. A 3.6% incidence of cleft palate was caused in mice treated with the combination of K Ox and Na UR during middle pregnancy. In groups of mature nonpregnant female mice exposed to the same treatment regimens, serum uric acid, potassium and sodium were elevated in a treatment-related manner. Serum urea levels were unchanged. K Ox is lethal to mouse fetuses during early embryonic development. Hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia or hypernatremia are maternal alterations which may be responsible for, or contribute to this effect.", "PMID": 996875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6541", "title": "Sex-related differences in cadmium-induced alteration of drug action in the rat.", "content": "3 days after pretreatment of rats of both sexes with cadmium (2 mg/kg, 1.p.) the duration of hypnosis induced by hexobarbital (75 mg/kg, 1.p.) was potentiated in males but not females. Likewise similar treatment with cadmium leads to significant inhibition of the metabolism of hexobarbital by hepatic microsomal enzymes obtained from male but not female animals. These data suggest that there is a sex-related difference in the ability of cadmium to alter drug action in rats.", "contents": "Sex-related differences in cadmium-induced alteration of drug action in the rat. 3 days after pretreatment of rats of both sexes with cadmium (2 mg/kg, 1.p.) the duration of hypnosis induced by hexobarbital (75 mg/kg, 1.p.) was potentiated in males but not females. Likewise similar treatment with cadmium leads to significant inhibition of the metabolism of hexobarbital by hepatic microsomal enzymes obtained from male but not female animals. These data suggest that there is a sex-related difference in the ability of cadmium to alter drug action in rats.", "PMID": 996874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6542", "title": "Oxonic acid and fetal development: II. Teratogenicity in rats.", "content": "Feeding the uricase inhibitor potassium oxonate (KOx) as 3% of the diet to pregnant rats beginning on the 8th day of gestation for either 2 or 3 days caused a time-related increase in fetal resorptions, with the incidence in the experimental group treated for the additional day being 72% higher than the 2-day group. The shorter treatment period permitted more rat fetuses to survive to term; however 9.3% of these showed gross malformations, exencephaly and/or visceral herniation. Thus, KOx is demonstrated to be both embryotoxic and teratologic in the rat.", "contents": "Oxonic acid and fetal development: II. Teratogenicity in rats. Feeding the uricase inhibitor potassium oxonate (KOx) as 3% of the diet to pregnant rats beginning on the 8th day of gestation for either 2 or 3 days caused a time-related increase in fetal resorptions, with the incidence in the experimental group treated for the additional day being 72% higher than the 2-day group. The shorter treatment period permitted more rat fetuses to survive to term; however 9.3% of these showed gross malformations, exencephaly and/or visceral herniation. Thus, KOx is demonstrated to be both embryotoxic and teratologic in the rat.", "PMID": 996876} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6543", "title": "[Radiotherapy of salivary gland carcinomas (results from 80 patients)].", "content": "Of 102 patients irradiated because of a tumor of the salivary glands between 1952 and 1973, 80 cases are evaluated in this paper. 67 tumors were localized in the parotid gland. We found 12 tumors in the submandibular gland, one tumor in the sublingual gland. The tumors turned out to be benign in 17 cases, whereas the remaining 63 tumors evidently proved to be malignant. 28 patients underwent either sole irradiation, or radiation therapy was performed after a subtotal operation the number of the patients only irradiated being very small. In 29 cases radiation therapy followed a radical operation; the remaining 23 patients were sent to us for radiation therapy not earlier than after a single or repeated recurrences following surgical treatment. In 23 patients a local recurrence developed after irradiation. Metastases to the lymph nodes were observed in 24 patients, in 17 cases being already manifest at the beginning of the irradiation. Distant metastases were found in 30 patients, six of these existing already at the beginning of the radiation therapy. Till now, thirty patients died because of their cancerous disease, 13 patients because of intercurrent diseases. The five-year survival recovery rate amounted to 50%, the rate of seven-year survival to 42%. The results of surgery for malignant tumors of the salivary glands are distinctly improved by radiation therapy. Especially the high percentage of recurrences after sole surgical treatment reveals the necessity of postsurgical radiation therapy. For the prevention of local recurrences, however, very high doses have to be delivered to the tumor generally. We recommend 6500 rd as a minimal dose to be applied within five to six weeks. In certain cases, with particularly radioresistant tumors, a local dose of up to 7500 rd may be delivered to a small volume. Irradiation of the highly malignant tumors of salivary glands should encompass the regionary lymph nodes too, even if they are not affected metastatically.", "contents": "[Radiotherapy of salivary gland carcinomas (results from 80 patients)]. Of 102 patients irradiated because of a tumor of the salivary glands between 1952 and 1973, 80 cases are evaluated in this paper. 67 tumors were localized in the parotid gland. We found 12 tumors in the submandibular gland, one tumor in the sublingual gland. The tumors turned out to be benign in 17 cases, whereas the remaining 63 tumors evidently proved to be malignant. 28 patients underwent either sole irradiation, or radiation therapy was performed after a subtotal operation the number of the patients only irradiated being very small. In 29 cases radiation therapy followed a radical operation; the remaining 23 patients were sent to us for radiation therapy not earlier than after a single or repeated recurrences following surgical treatment. In 23 patients a local recurrence developed after irradiation. Metastases to the lymph nodes were observed in 24 patients, in 17 cases being already manifest at the beginning of the irradiation. Distant metastases were found in 30 patients, six of these existing already at the beginning of the radiation therapy. Till now, thirty patients died because of their cancerous disease, 13 patients because of intercurrent diseases. The five-year survival recovery rate amounted to 50%, the rate of seven-year survival to 42%. The results of surgery for malignant tumors of the salivary glands are distinctly improved by radiation therapy. Especially the high percentage of recurrences after sole surgical treatment reveals the necessity of postsurgical radiation therapy. For the prevention of local recurrences, however, very high doses have to be delivered to the tumor generally. We recommend 6500 rd as a minimal dose to be applied within five to six weeks. In certain cases, with particularly radioresistant tumors, a local dose of up to 7500 rd may be delivered to a small volume. Irradiation of the highly malignant tumors of salivary glands should encompass the regionary lymph nodes too, even if they are not affected metastatically.", "PMID": 996882} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6544", "title": "[Radiotherapy of pinealoma].", "content": "The possible methods of radiation therapy of the pinealoma are treated with regard to two own cases. The methods used by other therapeutists are also taken into consideration. The dose distribution in the target volume and the surrounding volume is discussed for different irradiation methods. The troubles felt by the two persons (a girl of 15 years and a boy of 15 years) were declining continually during the radiation therapy.", "contents": "[Radiotherapy of pinealoma]. The possible methods of radiation therapy of the pinealoma are treated with regard to two own cases. The methods used by other therapeutists are also taken into consideration. The dose distribution in the target volume and the surrounding volume is discussed for different irradiation methods. The troubles felt by the two persons (a girl of 15 years and a boy of 15 years) were declining continually during the radiation therapy.", "PMID": 996883} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6545", "title": "Methyl mercury degradation in mink.", "content": "Degradation of methyl mercury by mink was investigated in a series of experiments. Mink were fed daily with a diet containing methyl mercury-contaminated fish. Contents of total mercury, methyl mercury and selenium were determined in different tissues from the animals, as were the contents in faeces. Of the total amount of mercury detected, only about 73% was found as methyl mercury. In liver and kidney the proportions were 46 and 55%, respectively. Selenium contents were low compared with those found in marine mammals where equivalent amounts of mercury and selenium on a molar basis have been reported. The conditions in mink are compared with earlier studies on cats and marine mammals.", "contents": "Methyl mercury degradation in mink. Degradation of methyl mercury by mink was investigated in a series of experiments. Mink were fed daily with a diet containing methyl mercury-contaminated fish. Contents of total mercury, methyl mercury and selenium were determined in different tissues from the animals, as were the contents in faeces. Of the total amount of mercury detected, only about 73% was found as methyl mercury. In liver and kidney the proportions were 46 and 55%, respectively. Selenium contents were low compared with those found in marine mammals where equivalent amounts of mercury and selenium on a molar basis have been reported. The conditions in mink are compared with earlier studies on cats and marine mammals.", "PMID": 996877} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6546", "title": "Decrease of the sella turcia to normal size, a major sign of the effectiveness of pituitary tumour irradiation.", "content": "In this preliminary paper, the authors review 20 cases of pituitary tumours, with sella reduction to normal size, associated to the biological recuperation and social rehabilitation of most patients, after conventional radiation therapy given in high-dose courses. It is evaluated that sella reduction to normal size, whenever encountered, can be considered as the major anatomico-radiological sign of the effectiveness of different therapeutical methods applied in the case of secretory and non-secretory tumours.", "contents": "Decrease of the sella turcia to normal size, a major sign of the effectiveness of pituitary tumour irradiation. In this preliminary paper, the authors review 20 cases of pituitary tumours, with sella reduction to normal size, associated to the biological recuperation and social rehabilitation of most patients, after conventional radiation therapy given in high-dose courses. It is evaluated that sella reduction to normal size, whenever encountered, can be considered as the major anatomico-radiological sign of the effectiveness of different therapeutical methods applied in the case of secretory and non-secretory tumours.", "PMID": 996884} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6547", "title": "[Possible incompatibility of deep radiotherapy and high-dose adriamycin or cyclophosphamide therapy in advanced genital tumors of the female].", "content": "A report is given of the treatment of three patients with advanced malignant tumors. Combined percutaneous irradiation and application of adriamycine produced severe side effects which, in one case, took a lethal end. A combination of relatively good tolerance consisting of an irradiation therapy and stosstherapy with cyclophosphamide is presented as an alternative treatment of the advanced ovarian carcinoma. The authors express a warning of simultaneous application of radiation and adriamycine therapy.", "contents": "[Possible incompatibility of deep radiotherapy and high-dose adriamycin or cyclophosphamide therapy in advanced genital tumors of the female]. A report is given of the treatment of three patients with advanced malignant tumors. Combined percutaneous irradiation and application of adriamycine produced severe side effects which, in one case, took a lethal end. A combination of relatively good tolerance consisting of an irradiation therapy and stosstherapy with cyclophosphamide is presented as an alternative treatment of the advanced ovarian carcinoma. The authors express a warning of simultaneous application of radiation and adriamycine therapy.", "PMID": 996885} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6548", "title": "[Gonadal load in 60Co irradiation of peripheral, mediastinal and retroperitoneal lymph nodes].", "content": "A telecobalt therapy of lymph node groups was simulated on the Alderson phantom and the gonad dose caused by each irradiation field was measured with LiF dosimeters. When the supradiaphragmatic and the para-aortal lymph nodes were irradiated, the ovary dose showed rates up to 20% of the dose maximum. The irradiation of the same zones brought about a testicle dose of less than 50% of the dose maximum, and only 1/20 of this rate was achieved when a lead plate of about four cm was used in order to protect the testicles. The results are discussed under the point of view of the genetic risk.", "contents": "[Gonadal load in 60Co irradiation of peripheral, mediastinal and retroperitoneal lymph nodes]. A telecobalt therapy of lymph node groups was simulated on the Alderson phantom and the gonad dose caused by each irradiation field was measured with LiF dosimeters. When the supradiaphragmatic and the para-aortal lymph nodes were irradiated, the ovary dose showed rates up to 20% of the dose maximum. The irradiation of the same zones brought about a testicle dose of less than 50% of the dose maximum, and only 1/20 of this rate was achieved when a lead plate of about four cm was used in order to protect the testicles. The results are discussed under the point of view of the genetic risk.", "PMID": 996886} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6549", "title": "Studies on the effects of orally administered Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in the ferret.", "content": "A target-organ study of the effects of the phthalate ester di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been conducted in mature male albino ferrets. DEHP treatment caused a loss of body weight when administered as a 1% (w/w) diet for 14 months. Additionally marked liver enlargement with associated morphological and biochemical changes was observed. These changes consisted of liver cell enlargement, lysosomal changes, dilatation of the endoplasmic reticulum and the depression of a number of marker enzyme activities. The only other tissue observed to be affected by DEHP treatment was the testes where histological evidence of tissue damage was observed in some animals. Studies on the metabolism of [14C]DEHP in the ferret indicated that the diester was metabolised to derivatives of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate which were excreted in the urine both unconjugated and as glucuronides. The results obtained have been compared with previous studies in the rat and it is concluded that DEHP is hepatotoxic in both species.", "contents": "Studies on the effects of orally administered Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in the ferret. A target-organ study of the effects of the phthalate ester di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been conducted in mature male albino ferrets. DEHP treatment caused a loss of body weight when administered as a 1% (w/w) diet for 14 months. Additionally marked liver enlargement with associated morphological and biochemical changes was observed. These changes consisted of liver cell enlargement, lysosomal changes, dilatation of the endoplasmic reticulum and the depression of a number of marker enzyme activities. The only other tissue observed to be affected by DEHP treatment was the testes where histological evidence of tissue damage was observed in some animals. Studies on the metabolism of [14C]DEHP in the ferret indicated that the diester was metabolised to derivatives of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate which were excreted in the urine both unconjugated and as glucuronides. The results obtained have been compared with previous studies in the rat and it is concluded that DEHP is hepatotoxic in both species.", "PMID": 996879} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6550", "title": "A semi-empirical formula for approximate estimation of the fall-off of intensity in the penumbra region of 60co teletherapy beam.", "content": "The nature of the observed fall-off of intensity across the teletherapy beams for two different 60Co therapy units has been studied. The fall-offs for various field sizes have been compared and an empirical function derived to represent the fall-off. This function is of trigonometric tan inverse form and makes use of only one parameter. The value of this parameter is directly related to the geometrical penumbra width, which can be calculated from the source diameter, the source-to-diaphragm distance and the source-to-skin distance.", "contents": "A semi-empirical formula for approximate estimation of the fall-off of intensity in the penumbra region of 60co teletherapy beam. The nature of the observed fall-off of intensity across the teletherapy beams for two different 60Co therapy units has been studied. The fall-offs for various field sizes have been compared and an empirical function derived to represent the fall-off. This function is of trigonometric tan inverse form and makes use of only one parameter. The value of this parameter is directly related to the geometrical penumbra width, which can be calculated from the source diameter, the source-to-diaphragm distance and the source-to-skin distance.", "PMID": 996887} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6551", "title": "Comparative study of the teratogenicity of phenobarbitone, diphenylhydantoin and carbamazepine in mice.", "content": "Three selected anticonvulsants, phenobarbitone (PHB), diphenylhydantoin (DPH) and carbamazepine (CAA) were examined for embryotoxic and teratogenic activity in albino mice. After oral treatment of the dams during the period of organogenesis (days 6-15 of gestation) with both PHB and DPH in doses causing marked symptoms and signs of toxicity (40 and 170 mg/kg/day respectively), an abnormally high incidence of cleft palate was observed in the foetuses (4.3% and 9.3% resp.). In a cumulative control group of foetuses, the incidence of this particular malformation was only 0.13%. No significant change in the malformation rate was seen after the administration of CAA in doses up to 250 mg/kg/day. Slight to moderate retardation of foetal growth was noted after treatment with DPH and CAA, but only at the higer and toxic dose levels. DPH also increased the incidence of early embryonic deaths (deciduomata).", "contents": "Comparative study of the teratogenicity of phenobarbitone, diphenylhydantoin and carbamazepine in mice. Three selected anticonvulsants, phenobarbitone (PHB), diphenylhydantoin (DPH) and carbamazepine (CAA) were examined for embryotoxic and teratogenic activity in albino mice. After oral treatment of the dams during the period of organogenesis (days 6-15 of gestation) with both PHB and DPH in doses causing marked symptoms and signs of toxicity (40 and 170 mg/kg/day respectively), an abnormally high incidence of cleft palate was observed in the foetuses (4.3% and 9.3% resp.). In a cumulative control group of foetuses, the incidence of this particular malformation was only 0.13%. No significant change in the malformation rate was seen after the administration of CAA in doses up to 250 mg/kg/day. Slight to moderate retardation of foetal growth was noted after treatment with DPH and CAA, but only at the higer and toxic dose levels. DPH also increased the incidence of early embryonic deaths (deciduomata).", "PMID": 996878} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6552", "title": "Selenium and lead: mutual detoxifying effects.", "content": "Antagonistic toxic effects of selenium and lead were studied in growing rats. Chronic lead intoxication was produced by cutaneous application of lead naphthenate solution (80-200 mg Pb/kg body weight) for a period of 8 weeks and chronic selenium intoxication was induced by giving 5 ppm, 10 ppm and 15 ppm selenium in drinking water. The growth rate and food consumption of rats receiving selenium in addition to lead approached normal rate while animals treated with only one of them showed hampered growth rate and lower food consumption. The enzymatic activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase (ALA-D) in whole blood, liver and kidney and liver P-450 enzyme activity were normal in rats receiving both selenium and lead. The enzymic activities assayed were, however, depressed in the animals receiving either lead or selenium. Assay of lead and selenium in liver, brain, kidney and blood was carried out. Rats receiving both metals and higher concentrations of these metals in the organs studied, as compared to those only receiving one component. The data seem to indicate that the effect of selenium on the toxic effects of lead is similar to its protective role against methylmercury intoxication.", "contents": "Selenium and lead: mutual detoxifying effects. Antagonistic toxic effects of selenium and lead were studied in growing rats. Chronic lead intoxication was produced by cutaneous application of lead naphthenate solution (80-200 mg Pb/kg body weight) for a period of 8 weeks and chronic selenium intoxication was induced by giving 5 ppm, 10 ppm and 15 ppm selenium in drinking water. The growth rate and food consumption of rats receiving selenium in addition to lead approached normal rate while animals treated with only one of them showed hampered growth rate and lower food consumption. The enzymatic activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase (ALA-D) in whole blood, liver and kidney and liver P-450 enzyme activity were normal in rats receiving both selenium and lead. The enzymic activities assayed were, however, depressed in the animals receiving either lead or selenium. Assay of lead and selenium in liver, brain, kidney and blood was carried out. Rats receiving both metals and higher concentrations of these metals in the organs studied, as compared to those only receiving one component. The data seem to indicate that the effect of selenium on the toxic effects of lead is similar to its protective role against methylmercury intoxication.", "PMID": 996880} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6553", "title": "[Xeroradiographic field controls on a telecobalt unit in the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic region and in the extremities].", "content": "After having modified the method of direct field control by the telecobalt unit for the cranial region and the neck, it has been possible to effect these controls for the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic region, too. If two sources of radiation are used, it is decisive to cover with lead the zones of half-shadow on the field limits. The technology of direct field control and the advantages for planning and control of the radiation therapy are described.", "contents": "[Xeroradiographic field controls on a telecobalt unit in the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic region and in the extremities]. After having modified the method of direct field control by the telecobalt unit for the cranial region and the neck, it has been possible to effect these controls for the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic region, too. If two sources of radiation are used, it is decisive to cover with lead the zones of half-shadow on the field limits. The technology of direct field control and the advantages for planning and control of the radiation therapy are described.", "PMID": 996888} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6554", "title": "[Properties of Masonite as phantom material].", "content": "The radiophysical properties of the material \"Masonit\" are examined by experimental methods. Indications are given as to atomic composition, density, effective atomic number, concentration of electrons, and linear attenuation coefficient. A comparison with water shows that \"Masonit\" is a suitable phantom material especially for the purposes of radiotherapy.", "contents": "[Properties of Masonite as phantom material]. The radiophysical properties of the material \"Masonit\" are examined by experimental methods. Indications are given as to atomic composition, density, effective atomic number, concentration of electrons, and linear attenuation coefficient. A comparison with water shows that \"Masonit\" is a suitable phantom material especially for the purposes of radiotherapy.", "PMID": 996889} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6555", "title": "[Histologic studies on pancreas changes, caused by experimental fractionated local roentgen irradiation].", "content": "After exposition to a total dose of 8000 R delivered with 16 fractions, the pancreatic parenchymal changes in rats were investigated by the author using histological and histochemical techniques. The observations were performed from the first to the 150th day following the last fraction. During the period of acute changes (1st to 15th day), the most part of the acini is morphologically intact, many smaller or greater necrotic foci, however, are to be seen. This is partly due to the enzymes with cytolytic effects coming from the damaged smaller ducts and from glandular acini. The formation of the other part of the necrobiotic foci originates not only from direct radiation injury, but also from the capillary lesion by radiation. The injury to the wall of greater ducts induces edema, inflammations, dilatation of efferent ductules and stasis, all this leading consequently to an atrophy of the acini associated with the efferent ducts. During the period of chronical changes (50th to 150th day), the number of capillaries diminishes, the necrobiotic foci are multiplied especially in places where no capillaries are visible. This clearly emphasizes the role of the pathological reasons for capillary lesions. The regenerative phenomena occur only to a lesser extent, being confirmed to the efferent ducts. The extension of the necrotic zones together with the insignificant regeneration leads to a gradual destruction of the tissular substance. All this draws attention to the fact, that the radiation sensitivity of the organ can only be determined, if its acute and chronical changes are known.", "contents": "[Histologic studies on pancreas changes, caused by experimental fractionated local roentgen irradiation]. After exposition to a total dose of 8000 R delivered with 16 fractions, the pancreatic parenchymal changes in rats were investigated by the author using histological and histochemical techniques. The observations were performed from the first to the 150th day following the last fraction. During the period of acute changes (1st to 15th day), the most part of the acini is morphologically intact, many smaller or greater necrotic foci, however, are to be seen. This is partly due to the enzymes with cytolytic effects coming from the damaged smaller ducts and from glandular acini. The formation of the other part of the necrobiotic foci originates not only from direct radiation injury, but also from the capillary lesion by radiation. The injury to the wall of greater ducts induces edema, inflammations, dilatation of efferent ductules and stasis, all this leading consequently to an atrophy of the acini associated with the efferent ducts. During the period of chronical changes (50th to 150th day), the number of capillaries diminishes, the necrobiotic foci are multiplied especially in places where no capillaries are visible. This clearly emphasizes the role of the pathological reasons for capillary lesions. The regenerative phenomena occur only to a lesser extent, being confirmed to the efferent ducts. The extension of the necrotic zones together with the insignificant regeneration leads to a gradual destruction of the tissular substance. All this draws attention to the fact, that the radiation sensitivity of the organ can only be determined, if its acute and chronical changes are known.", "PMID": 996890} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6556", "title": "Patterns of changes in peripheral blood composition in the course of combination chemotherapy of cancer.", "content": "During MOPP (mechloretamine, vincristine, procarbasine and prednisone) chemotherapy in Hodgkin's disease a pattern of haematological injury develops gradually, and the period of maximal disturbances in peripheral blood parameters includes the last two or three months (the last 2 or 3 courses) of treatment with insufficient rebound between the courses. On the contrary, in the case of \"synchronization\" chemotherapy (vincristine and cyclophosphamide) in lung cancer a pattern of haematological injury develops rapidly, and the period of maximal disturbances in peripheral blood parameters takes only a few days, 7-12 days after each course, with sufficient or enhanced rebound between the courses. These differences are probably due to different scheduling of drugs in these methods of therapy.", "contents": "Patterns of changes in peripheral blood composition in the course of combination chemotherapy of cancer. During MOPP (mechloretamine, vincristine, procarbasine and prednisone) chemotherapy in Hodgkin's disease a pattern of haematological injury develops gradually, and the period of maximal disturbances in peripheral blood parameters includes the last two or three months (the last 2 or 3 courses) of treatment with insufficient rebound between the courses. On the contrary, in the case of \"synchronization\" chemotherapy (vincristine and cyclophosphamide) in lung cancer a pattern of haematological injury develops rapidly, and the period of maximal disturbances in peripheral blood parameters takes only a few days, 7-12 days after each course, with sufficient or enhanced rebound between the courses. These differences are probably due to different scheduling of drugs in these methods of therapy.", "PMID": 996891} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6557", "title": "A pilot experiment to compare regression of transplants of two different human tumors in athymic nude mice following single exposures to 60co radiation.", "content": "Human tumor transplants were grown in a thymus defective nude mouse mutant (nu/nu BALB/c/A/Bom). Procedures for local irradiation of the tumor with 60Co-radiation are described. An introductory test of the usefulness of these transplants in studies of radiation effects on human tumors is performed by investigation of the time course of regression of adenocarcinoma transplants in six mice following single exposures of 375, 750, 1180 and 1575 rd, respectively, and malignant melanoma transplants in two mice following single exposures to 1475 and 2420 rd, respectively. The higher radioresistance of the malignant melanomas relative to that of the ovarian tumor is expected on the basis of clinical experience and indicates that radiation effects on human tissue implants in nude mice mirror some of the fundamental features of the in situ situation.", "contents": "A pilot experiment to compare regression of transplants of two different human tumors in athymic nude mice following single exposures to 60co radiation. Human tumor transplants were grown in a thymus defective nude mouse mutant (nu/nu BALB/c/A/Bom). Procedures for local irradiation of the tumor with 60Co-radiation are described. An introductory test of the usefulness of these transplants in studies of radiation effects on human tumors is performed by investigation of the time course of regression of adenocarcinoma transplants in six mice following single exposures of 375, 750, 1180 and 1575 rd, respectively, and malignant melanoma transplants in two mice following single exposures to 1475 and 2420 rd, respectively. The higher radioresistance of the malignant melanomas relative to that of the ovarian tumor is expected on the basis of clinical experience and indicates that radiation effects on human tissue implants in nude mice mirror some of the fundamental features of the in situ situation.", "PMID": 996892} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6558", "title": "Heritable chromosome rearrangements induced in rat spermatids by x-irradiation.", "content": "The induction of reciprocal translocations by an exposure of rat spermatids to X-irradiation has been studied by cytological examination of dividing spermatocytes of F1 sons. The incidence of F1 translocated males was found to vary from 7.89% after exposure to 125 R to 22.44% after exposure to 500 R.", "contents": "Heritable chromosome rearrangements induced in rat spermatids by x-irradiation. The induction of reciprocal translocations by an exposure of rat spermatids to X-irradiation has been studied by cytological examination of dividing spermatocytes of F1 sons. The incidence of F1 translocated males was found to vary from 7.89% after exposure to 125 R to 22.44% after exposure to 500 R.", "PMID": 996893} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6559", "title": "The predictability of fertility planning status.", "content": "For any couple, the planning status of a pregnancy (what they intended, whether they used contraception, and whether they were successful) is strongly dependent on the planning status of their preceding pregnancy. The introduction of more acceptable and effective methods of fertility regulation has, however, attenuated the strength of these relationships. The patterns of continuity and change in planning status from pregnancy to pregnancy provide a parsimonious description of reproductive behavior over the course of the life cycle and of the major trends in planning in the recent past.", "contents": "The predictability of fertility planning status. For any couple, the planning status of a pregnancy (what they intended, whether they used contraception, and whether they were successful) is strongly dependent on the planning status of their preceding pregnancy. The introduction of more acceptable and effective methods of fertility regulation has, however, attenuated the strength of these relationships. The patterns of continuity and change in planning status from pregnancy to pregnancy provide a parsimonious description of reproductive behavior over the course of the life cycle and of the major trends in planning in the recent past.", "PMID": 996894} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6560", "title": "The Model Family Planning Project in Isfahan, Iran.", "content": "In the 1972-74 Isfahan Model Family Planning Project, which grew out of previous family planning projects in Isfahan, contraceptive education and services were provided by private doctors, family planning clinics, health centers, nurses, midwives, full-time field-workers, functionaries, and the mass media on a comprehensive and integrated basis. The percent of married women aged 15-44 using modern methods rose from 6 percent to 21 percent by the end of the project period. Continuation rates for the pill and IUD were comparable to those in other, more urban programs. Field-workers proved to be more effective in recruiting new acceptors than health workers and functionaries; mass media and relatives played indirect roles.", "contents": "The Model Family Planning Project in Isfahan, Iran. In the 1972-74 Isfahan Model Family Planning Project, which grew out of previous family planning projects in Isfahan, contraceptive education and services were provided by private doctors, family planning clinics, health centers, nurses, midwives, full-time field-workers, functionaries, and the mass media on a comprehensive and integrated basis. The percent of married women aged 15-44 using modern methods rose from 6 percent to 21 percent by the end of the project period. Continuation rates for the pill and IUD were comparable to those in other, more urban programs. Field-workers proved to be more effective in recruiting new acceptors than health workers and functionaries; mass media and relatives played indirect roles.", "PMID": 996895} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6561", "title": "Analyst biases in KAP surveys: a cross-cultural comparison.", "content": "The analysis phase of the KAP survey, in which meanings are ascribed to found empirical relationships, has largely been ignored in investigations of this data-gathering method. In order to determine the extent to which a lack of familiarity with the culture of data origin might influence survey interpretation, standardized KAP survey data from Bangladesh were presented to four groups of analysts who differed in degree of familiarity with the Bangladesh culture. Meanings ascribed by the analysts to the same empirical relationships were found to vary significantly by the degree to which they were familiar with the culture.", "contents": "Analyst biases in KAP surveys: a cross-cultural comparison. The analysis phase of the KAP survey, in which meanings are ascribed to found empirical relationships, has largely been ignored in investigations of this data-gathering method. In order to determine the extent to which a lack of familiarity with the culture of data origin might influence survey interpretation, standardized KAP survey data from Bangladesh were presented to four groups of analysts who differed in degree of familiarity with the Bangladesh culture. Meanings ascribed by the analysts to the same empirical relationships were found to vary significantly by the degree to which they were familiar with the culture.", "PMID": 996896} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6562", "title": "Medical opinion on abortion in Jamaica: a national Delphi survey of physician, nurses, and midwives.", "content": "A national sample of 120 Jamaican physicians, public health nurses, and licensed midwives participated in a two-stage Delphi survey to identify medical opinion on proposed liberlization of Jamaica's abortion law, and to predict the likely impact of such legislative action on existing health and family planning services. More than 80 percent of the respondents favored legalization of abortion, and most supported changes in the health service delivery system to accommodate the expected demand. They believed that clandestine abortion, involving pharmacists and physicians, is already widely practiced.", "contents": "Medical opinion on abortion in Jamaica: a national Delphi survey of physician, nurses, and midwives. A national sample of 120 Jamaican physicians, public health nurses, and licensed midwives participated in a two-stage Delphi survey to identify medical opinion on proposed liberlization of Jamaica's abortion law, and to predict the likely impact of such legislative action on existing health and family planning services. More than 80 percent of the respondents favored legalization of abortion, and most supported changes in the health service delivery system to accommodate the expected demand. They believed that clandestine abortion, involving pharmacists and physicians, is already widely practiced.", "PMID": 996897} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6563", "title": "A review of small canned computer programs for survey research and demographic analysis.", "content": "A variety of small canned computer programs for survey research and demographic analysis appropriate for use in developing countries are reviewed in this article. The programs discussed are SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences); CENTS, CO-CENTS, CENTS-AID, CENTS-AIE II; MINI-TAB EDIT, FREQUENCIES, TABLES, REGRESSION, CLIENT RECORD, DATES, MULT, LIFE, and PREGNANCY HISTORY; FIVFIV and SINSIN; DCL (Demographic Computer Library); MINI-TAB Population Projection, Functional Population Projection, and Family Planning Target Projection. A description and evaluation for each program of uses, instruction manuals, computer requirements, and procedures for obtaining manuals and programs are provided. Such information is intended to facilitate and encourage the use of the computer by data processors in developing countries.", "contents": "A review of small canned computer programs for survey research and demographic analysis. A variety of small canned computer programs for survey research and demographic analysis appropriate for use in developing countries are reviewed in this article. The programs discussed are SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences); CENTS, CO-CENTS, CENTS-AID, CENTS-AIE II; MINI-TAB EDIT, FREQUENCIES, TABLES, REGRESSION, CLIENT RECORD, DATES, MULT, LIFE, and PREGNANCY HISTORY; FIVFIV and SINSIN; DCL (Demographic Computer Library); MINI-TAB Population Projection, Functional Population Projection, and Family Planning Target Projection. A description and evaluation for each program of uses, instruction manuals, computer requirements, and procedures for obtaining manuals and programs are provided. Such information is intended to facilitate and encourage the use of the computer by data processors in developing countries.", "PMID": 996898} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6564", "title": "Family planning opinion leadership in Korea, 1971.", "content": "The characteristics of Korean family planning opinion leaders are assessed through a secondary analysis of the 1971 national survey conducted by the Korean Institute for Research in the Behavioral Sciences. In effect, what characterized Korean family planning opinion leaders was a rather national and democratic model. Those who had tried methods, discussed them, and knew a lot about them assumed leadership roles more than others. Place of residence, education, and other such variables mattered relatively little unless a woman had credibility imparted by actual use and knowledge imparted by use or discussions with family planning professionals.", "contents": "Family planning opinion leadership in Korea, 1971. The characteristics of Korean family planning opinion leaders are assessed through a secondary analysis of the 1971 national survey conducted by the Korean Institute for Research in the Behavioral Sciences. In effect, what characterized Korean family planning opinion leaders was a rather national and democratic model. Those who had tried methods, discussed them, and knew a lot about them assumed leadership roles more than others. Place of residence, education, and other such variables mattered relatively little unless a woman had credibility imparted by actual use and knowledge imparted by use or discussions with family planning professionals.", "PMID": 996899} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6565", "title": "The presuicidal syndrome.", "content": "The Presuicidal Syndrome, first described in 1958, relates to that specific psychic state of mind that leads to suicidal acts. It is an alarm signal indicating a tendency to suicide. The Presuicidal Syndrome has three principal components: constriction; inhibited aggression turned toward the self; and suicidal fantasies. The clinical details of these components are explicated. It is proposed that the Presuicidal Syndrome provides a basis for better judgment of the danger of suicide, makes more focused suicide prevention possible, and is an aid in the disclosure of those factors in society that often lead to suicide.", "contents": "The presuicidal syndrome. The Presuicidal Syndrome, first described in 1958, relates to that specific psychic state of mind that leads to suicidal acts. It is an alarm signal indicating a tendency to suicide. The Presuicidal Syndrome has three principal components: constriction; inhibited aggression turned toward the self; and suicidal fantasies. The clinical details of these components are explicated. It is proposed that the Presuicidal Syndrome provides a basis for better judgment of the danger of suicide, makes more focused suicide prevention possible, and is an aid in the disclosure of those factors in society that often lead to suicide.", "PMID": 996916} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6566", "title": "Suicide and drug abuse in the medical community.", "content": "In the United States each year the equivalent of an average-size medical school graduating class commits suicide, with the highest incidence occurring in the decade following the completion of training. Of these suicides, 20% to 30% are associated with drug abuse and 40% with alcoholism. Various problem areas are considered. Role strain, leading to excessive drug use in an attempt to increase work efficiency, is coupled with a denial of the physician's own dependency needs and gratification. The problem of identity occurs in relation to the exaggerated sense of duty and obligation the physician feels in attending to the demands of the patients and their families. Medicine as magical thinking is also discussed, revealing the physician's belief in his own immunity, which is strenuously tested when he actually sets up in practice. The community's high regard for the physician further complicates the situation. Too little has been done about working with emotional problems of medical students during their training and after they begin to practice. Unfortunately, physicians feel uncomfortable in turning to colleagues for help; rather, they tend to isolate themselves, resorting to alcohol and drugs. One should question the selection of medical students and their overall training, not only in terms of academic learning but also with more consideration for the stresses and strains of the future career.", "contents": "Suicide and drug abuse in the medical community. In the United States each year the equivalent of an average-size medical school graduating class commits suicide, with the highest incidence occurring in the decade following the completion of training. Of these suicides, 20% to 30% are associated with drug abuse and 40% with alcoholism. Various problem areas are considered. Role strain, leading to excessive drug use in an attempt to increase work efficiency, is coupled with a denial of the physician's own dependency needs and gratification. The problem of identity occurs in relation to the exaggerated sense of duty and obligation the physician feels in attending to the demands of the patients and their families. Medicine as magical thinking is also discussed, revealing the physician's belief in his own immunity, which is strenuously tested when he actually sets up in practice. The community's high regard for the physician further complicates the situation. Too little has been done about working with emotional problems of medical students during their training and after they begin to practice. Unfortunately, physicians feel uncomfortable in turning to colleagues for help; rather, they tend to isolate themselves, resorting to alcohol and drugs. One should question the selection of medical students and their overall training, not only in terms of academic learning but also with more consideration for the stresses and strains of the future career.", "PMID": 996917} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6567", "title": "Development and use of pediatric frozen red cell packs.", "content": "Repeated transfusion of small increments of blood are frequently required for the sick and premature newborn infant to correct endogenous hypovolemia and/or to replace blood obtained for laboratory monitoring purposes. Previously fresh group and type specific whole blood was used. To eliminate waste of fresh whole blood, maintain fresh red blood cell properties, eliminate the hazards of transfusing plasma and to provide a more efficient system, a pediatric frozen red cell pack (PFRCP) has been developed. Units of group O rr red blood cells are glycerolized using a high glycerol method. The glycerolized red blood cells are separated into three equal aliquots and frozen. When needed, the PFRCP are deglycerolized by a modified procedure using the IBM Cell Processor. During a six month period, 71 infants were given 153 separate transfusions of deglycerolized red blood cells using 102 PFRCP prepared from 34 units of red blood cells. Red blood cell recovery, hematocrit, white blood cell removal, residual glycerol, total protein, and supernatant hemoglobin levels were measured. Clinical response was followed and found to be excellent.", "contents": "Development and use of pediatric frozen red cell packs. Repeated transfusion of small increments of blood are frequently required for the sick and premature newborn infant to correct endogenous hypovolemia and/or to replace blood obtained for laboratory monitoring purposes. Previously fresh group and type specific whole blood was used. To eliminate waste of fresh whole blood, maintain fresh red blood cell properties, eliminate the hazards of transfusing plasma and to provide a more efficient system, a pediatric frozen red cell pack (PFRCP) has been developed. Units of group O rr red blood cells are glycerolized using a high glycerol method. The glycerolized red blood cells are separated into three equal aliquots and frozen. When needed, the PFRCP are deglycerolized by a modified procedure using the IBM Cell Processor. During a six month period, 71 infants were given 153 separate transfusions of deglycerolized red blood cells using 102 PFRCP prepared from 34 units of red blood cells. Red blood cell recovery, hematocrit, white blood cell removal, residual glycerol, total protein, and supernatant hemoglobin levels were measured. Clinical response was followed and found to be excellent.", "PMID": 996919} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6568", "title": "Quantitative and thermodynamic studies of erythrocytic ABO antigens.", "content": "This paper presents recent data from quantitative and thermodynamic investigations on A and B erythrocyte antigens. In regard to weak A phenotypes on the basis of quantitative data, practically no gap is observed from the weakest Aend to the strongest A3. Weak B phenotypes give a similar distribution. However, a more precise structural analysis including kinetics and thermodynamic measurements provides convincing evidence for the heterogeneity of each type of weak B reactive structures. Weak B antigens appear to be different from one to another, but similar inside one family. However, thermodynamics failed to demonstrate a qualitative difference between the weak B antigen in BX groups and the enhanced B antigen in ABX heterozygote, phenomenon that occurs in some very rare families. The same data were obtained from kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of B reactivity in cis AB samples; it can be assumed that such mutants are all different.", "contents": "Quantitative and thermodynamic studies of erythrocytic ABO antigens. This paper presents recent data from quantitative and thermodynamic investigations on A and B erythrocyte antigens. In regard to weak A phenotypes on the basis of quantitative data, practically no gap is observed from the weakest Aend to the strongest A3. Weak B phenotypes give a similar distribution. However, a more precise structural analysis including kinetics and thermodynamic measurements provides convincing evidence for the heterogeneity of each type of weak B reactive structures. Weak B antigens appear to be different from one to another, but similar inside one family. However, thermodynamics failed to demonstrate a qualitative difference between the weak B antigen in BX groups and the enhanced B antigen in ABX heterozygote, phenomenon that occurs in some very rare families. The same data were obtained from kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of B reactivity in cis AB samples; it can be assumed that such mutants are all different.", "PMID": 996920} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6569", "title": "The specificity of immunosuppression by alloantibody in the mouse.", "content": "The ability of alloantibody to suppress the humoral immune response to transplantation antigens in the mouse has been studied in relation to its specificity. It was found that antibody was able to suppress the cytotoxic antibody response to determinants other than those against which it was directed when there was some common antigenicity between the different H-2 types used for immunising. It was also found that suppression of the response to both parental haplotypes of an F1-hybrid cell could be achieved by antibody to only one parental haplotype, the antibody being made in the other parental strain to avoid any possibility of cross-reactivity. Such nonspecific immunosuppression was not achieved when cells of the two parental strains were administered mixed together.", "contents": "The specificity of immunosuppression by alloantibody in the mouse. The ability of alloantibody to suppress the humoral immune response to transplantation antigens in the mouse has been studied in relation to its specificity. It was found that antibody was able to suppress the cytotoxic antibody response to determinants other than those against which it was directed when there was some common antigenicity between the different H-2 types used for immunising. It was also found that suppression of the response to both parental haplotypes of an F1-hybrid cell could be achieved by antibody to only one parental haplotype, the antibody being made in the other parental strain to avoid any possibility of cross-reactivity. Such nonspecific immunosuppression was not achieved when cells of the two parental strains were administered mixed together.", "PMID": 996928} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6570", "title": "A study of acute \"short-wind\" (pneumonia) in village pigs of Papua New Guinea.", "content": "Observations were made over a 12-month period in two villages of the incidence and nature of an acute pneumonia syndrome of village pigs. A detailed ante-mortem and post-mortem examination was made of seven pigs with acute pneumonia, \"short-wind\". The principal ante-mortem findings were gross malnourished stunted young pigs with severe respiratory embarrassment. Post-mortem examination revealed acute bacterial pneumonia, superimposed on existing chronic enzootic and lungworm pneumonia. No single bacterial species was constantly isolated, Pastuerella spp. and Staphylococcus were the most frequently isolated. The pathogenesis of the disease is discussed. It is suggested that enzootic pneumonia is not a significant limiting factor in traditional pig husbandry. Low nutritional status and heavy nematode infections resulting in increased susceptibility to bacterial pneumonia of pigs are thought to be responsible for the high incidence and mortality from acute pneumonia.", "contents": "A study of acute \"short-wind\" (pneumonia) in village pigs of Papua New Guinea. Observations were made over a 12-month period in two villages of the incidence and nature of an acute pneumonia syndrome of village pigs. A detailed ante-mortem and post-mortem examination was made of seven pigs with acute pneumonia, \"short-wind\". The principal ante-mortem findings were gross malnourished stunted young pigs with severe respiratory embarrassment. Post-mortem examination revealed acute bacterial pneumonia, superimposed on existing chronic enzootic and lungworm pneumonia. No single bacterial species was constantly isolated, Pastuerella spp. and Staphylococcus were the most frequently isolated. The pathogenesis of the disease is discussed. It is suggested that enzootic pneumonia is not a significant limiting factor in traditional pig husbandry. Low nutritional status and heavy nematode infections resulting in increased susceptibility to bacterial pneumonia of pigs are thought to be responsible for the high incidence and mortality from acute pneumonia.", "PMID": 996930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6571", "title": "Research into the relative importance of Tabanidae (Diptera) in mechanical disease transmission. IV. A contribution to the epidemiology of bovine trypanosomiasis in Africa.", "content": "The incidence of trypanosomiasis was studied in a herd of dairy cattle near Dar es Salaam over a period of 4 months. The apparent density of tsetse flies and prevalence of various species of Tabanidae were measured. There was no statistical correlation between the disease incidence and the seasonal occurrence of Tabanidae. Although anaplasmosis was concurrently transmitted by Tabanus taeniola on an economically significant scale in this herd and there was a high incidence of Trypanosoma vivax infections it was thought, however, that trypanosomes were transmitted by Tabanidae at an insignificant rate. The only measureable result of such mechanical transmission was a change of the T. vivax/T. congolense ratio in favour of T. vivax (69 per cent of the infections).", "contents": "Research into the relative importance of Tabanidae (Diptera) in mechanical disease transmission. IV. A contribution to the epidemiology of bovine trypanosomiasis in Africa. The incidence of trypanosomiasis was studied in a herd of dairy cattle near Dar es Salaam over a period of 4 months. The apparent density of tsetse flies and prevalence of various species of Tabanidae were measured. There was no statistical correlation between the disease incidence and the seasonal occurrence of Tabanidae. Although anaplasmosis was concurrently transmitted by Tabanus taeniola on an economically significant scale in this herd and there was a high incidence of Trypanosoma vivax infections it was thought, however, that trypanosomes were transmitted by Tabanidae at an insignificant rate. The only measureable result of such mechanical transmission was a change of the T. vivax/T. congolense ratio in favour of T. vivax (69 per cent of the infections).", "PMID": 996931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6572", "title": "Preparation of cryoprecipitated factor VIII concentrates.", "content": "Factors affecting the yield of factor VIII in cryoprecipitate have been investigated in the context of a blood component program. Both in vitro and in vivo measurements were used to assess the effects of critical variables on the yield of factor VIII activity. Variables such as anticoagulant, plastic bag, mixing during collection, and platelet contamination had no significant effect on yield of factor VIII activity in cryoprecipitate. Among the most critical factors affecting yield were storage time of whole blood and procedures for freezing, thawing, and reconstitution. The following procedures were found to assure a 60 per cent recovery of factor VIII in cryoprecipitate: 1)processing of whole blood within six hours of collection; 2)use of a technique to freeze plasma within 30 minutes either in a -70 C ethanol bath or -85 C freezer; 3)rapid thawing (1 1/2 hour or less) in a 4 C circulating water bath; 4)centrifugation at 4,500 X g for 10 minutes at 4 C followed by draining of the supernatant in a 4 C cold room; 5) storage of the precipitate at -20 C until ready for use; 6) thawing in a 37 C water bath for at least 15 minutes followed by addition of 20 ml of 0.15 M saline for a 20 minute period at room temperature, and gentle mixing before pooling units for transfusion. The recovery of factor VIII in cryoprecipitate appears to be limited to about 65 per cent by its solubility in plasma at 4 C. Therefore, further effort to increase the amount available for treatment should involve improving the supply of plasma for its preparation and decreasing the cost of processing.", "contents": "Preparation of cryoprecipitated factor VIII concentrates. Factors affecting the yield of factor VIII in cryoprecipitate have been investigated in the context of a blood component program. Both in vitro and in vivo measurements were used to assess the effects of critical variables on the yield of factor VIII activity. Variables such as anticoagulant, plastic bag, mixing during collection, and platelet contamination had no significant effect on yield of factor VIII activity in cryoprecipitate. Among the most critical factors affecting yield were storage time of whole blood and procedures for freezing, thawing, and reconstitution. The following procedures were found to assure a 60 per cent recovery of factor VIII in cryoprecipitate: 1)processing of whole blood within six hours of collection; 2)use of a technique to freeze plasma within 30 minutes either in a -70 C ethanol bath or -85 C freezer; 3)rapid thawing (1 1/2 hour or less) in a 4 C circulating water bath; 4)centrifugation at 4,500 X g for 10 minutes at 4 C followed by draining of the supernatant in a 4 C cold room; 5) storage of the precipitate at -20 C until ready for use; 6) thawing in a 37 C water bath for at least 15 minutes followed by addition of 20 ml of 0.15 M saline for a 20 minute period at room temperature, and gentle mixing before pooling units for transfusion. The recovery of factor VIII in cryoprecipitate appears to be limited to about 65 per cent by its solubility in plasma at 4 C. Therefore, further effort to increase the amount available for treatment should involve improving the supply of plasma for its preparation and decreasing the cost of processing.", "PMID": 996922} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6573", "title": "Clinical conditions of East African birds of prey.", "content": "The author discusses 50 bird of prey cases of 24 species submitted for clinical examination and treatment in East Africa. Traumatic injuries constituted the largest group, 31 birds being presented in this category. Other conditions encountered included those involving the feet, respiratory disease, enteritis, nervous disease and a number of birds in poor nutritional condition. The treatment of the cases is discussed.", "contents": "Clinical conditions of East African birds of prey. The author discusses 50 bird of prey cases of 24 species submitted for clinical examination and treatment in East Africa. Traumatic injuries constituted the largest group, 31 birds being presented in this category. Other conditions encountered included those involving the feet, respiratory disease, enteritis, nervous disease and a number of birds in poor nutritional condition. The treatment of the cases is discussed.", "PMID": 996933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6574", "title": "Abortion and reproductive performance of cattle in northern Nigeria: a questionnaire survey.", "content": "A survey on abortion and reproductive performance in cattle was carried out in the six northern States of Nigeria in 1972-73. Three hundred and ninetten herds with 8,970 breeding cows were sampled. One hundred and thirteen herds reported abortion (35 per cent); the lowest incidence was in local herds in Kano State and the highest was on government ranches. Twenty-six herds reported recurrent or chronic abortion. The majority of abortions in non-government herds was not reported to local veterinary authorities (75-8-100 per cent). Average age at first conception in government herds was 2-5 years and 3-5 years in local herds. The percentage of calf crop was highest in the government herds (67 per cent) compared with local Fulani herds (34-2-54-5 per cent) and the pregnancy rate was almost double in the government herds. The percentage of Fulani herds reporting repeat breeding varied from 16-6 to 58-8. Although the survey gave no information as to the causes of abortion or the financial loss, it indicated that bovine abortion was more widespread in the northern states of Nigeria, than previously thought.", "contents": "Abortion and reproductive performance of cattle in northern Nigeria: a questionnaire survey. A survey on abortion and reproductive performance in cattle was carried out in the six northern States of Nigeria in 1972-73. Three hundred and ninetten herds with 8,970 breeding cows were sampled. One hundred and thirteen herds reported abortion (35 per cent); the lowest incidence was in local herds in Kano State and the highest was on government ranches. Twenty-six herds reported recurrent or chronic abortion. The majority of abortions in non-government herds was not reported to local veterinary authorities (75-8-100 per cent). Average age at first conception in government herds was 2-5 years and 3-5 years in local herds. The percentage of calf crop was highest in the government herds (67 per cent) compared with local Fulani herds (34-2-54-5 per cent) and the pregnancy rate was almost double in the government herds. The percentage of Fulani herds reporting repeat breeding varied from 16-6 to 58-8. Although the survey gave no information as to the causes of abortion or the financial loss, it indicated that bovine abortion was more widespread in the northern states of Nigeria, than previously thought.", "PMID": 996934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6575", "title": "A second example of anti-Lu14.", "content": "Anti-Lu 14 has been found in the serum of a gravida 2 pregnant woman who had not been given any blood transfusions. Her husband is Lu:14 but otherwise of common Lutheran blood type. Maternal immunization probably occurred during the first pregnancy. The second child did not inherit the father's Lu14 gene and was not affected by the maternal antibody.", "contents": "A second example of anti-Lu14. Anti-Lu 14 has been found in the serum of a gravida 2 pregnant woman who had not been given any blood transfusions. Her husband is Lu:14 but otherwise of common Lutheran blood type. Maternal immunization probably occurred during the first pregnancy. The second child did not inherit the father's Lu14 gene and was not affected by the maternal antibody.", "PMID": 996923} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6576", "title": "Studies on the livestock of Southern Darfur, Sudan. IV. Production traits in goats.", "content": "The results of a 15 months' intensive study on seven flocks of indigenous goats in the Southern Darfur region of the Sudan are discussed in this paper. Birth rates in the region approached 2-1 kids per doe per year. A high total offtake of 28 per cent and a weighted average death rate of about 16-5 per cent were insufficient to offset this high birth rate and flock numbers are increased. Mortality in kids was unrelated to number of births. Weighted average rate of gain for all surviving kids was 87 g per day to 3 months and 67 g per day to 6 months of age. The growth rates of twin and single were similar, but triplet kids grew at a slower rate. For each kilogramme liveweight of breeding females, goats produced 1-5 and 8 times the weight of meat produced by sheep and cattle respectively under the same management and environmental conditions.", "contents": "Studies on the livestock of Southern Darfur, Sudan. IV. Production traits in goats. The results of a 15 months' intensive study on seven flocks of indigenous goats in the Southern Darfur region of the Sudan are discussed in this paper. Birth rates in the region approached 2-1 kids per doe per year. A high total offtake of 28 per cent and a weighted average death rate of about 16-5 per cent were insufficient to offset this high birth rate and flock numbers are increased. Mortality in kids was unrelated to number of births. Weighted average rate of gain for all surviving kids was 87 g per day to 3 months and 67 g per day to 6 months of age. The growth rates of twin and single were similar, but triplet kids grew at a slower rate. For each kilogramme liveweight of breeding females, goats produced 1-5 and 8 times the weight of meat produced by sheep and cattle respectively under the same management and environmental conditions.", "PMID": 996936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6577", "title": "Experimental immunisation of six-month old calves against infection with the cysticercus stage of Taenia saginata.", "content": "Three groups of calves aged 6 months were completely protected against oral challenge with Taenia saginata eggs following immunisation by three different methods. These were hyperimmunisation with six serial inoculations of a homogenate of T. saginata strobila in Freund's complete adjuvant, a single intramuscular inoculation with hatched T. saginata eggs or a single oral dose of unhatched T. saginata eggs. The calves immunised with tapeworm homogenate developed the strongest haemagglutinating and precipitating antibody response to the complex of antigens in an extract of tapeworm strobila, cysticercus tissue or cysticercus fluid. The orally infected calves developed a moderate antibody response to these antigens but the calves inoculated with hatched eggs showed only a very weak antibody response. The calves infected orally with eggs developed a peripheral eosinophilia but the other two methods of immunisation did not evoke this response. After challenge infection all groups showed an increase in peripheral eosinophil counts except the group immunised with tapeworm homogenate.", "contents": "Experimental immunisation of six-month old calves against infection with the cysticercus stage of Taenia saginata. Three groups of calves aged 6 months were completely protected against oral challenge with Taenia saginata eggs following immunisation by three different methods. These were hyperimmunisation with six serial inoculations of a homogenate of T. saginata strobila in Freund's complete adjuvant, a single intramuscular inoculation with hatched T. saginata eggs or a single oral dose of unhatched T. saginata eggs. The calves immunised with tapeworm homogenate developed the strongest haemagglutinating and precipitating antibody response to the complex of antigens in an extract of tapeworm strobila, cysticercus tissue or cysticercus fluid. The orally infected calves developed a moderate antibody response to these antigens but the calves inoculated with hatched eggs showed only a very weak antibody response. The calves infected orally with eggs developed a peripheral eosinophilia but the other two methods of immunisation did not evoke this response. After challenge infection all groups showed an increase in peripheral eosinophil counts except the group immunised with tapeworm homogenate.", "PMID": 996937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6578", "title": "Removal of HBSAg from blood in vitro. I. Effects of washing alone, glycerol addition and removal, and glycerolization, freezing, and washing.", "content": "Red blood cells from HBSAg-positive blood were washed in the Fenwal Elutramatic, Haemonetics Processor 15, or the IBM Blood Processor with sodium chloride solutions, or in the Huggins Cytoglomerator with sugar solutions. The Fenwal Elutramatic and IBM Blood Processor were the most efficient washing systems, the Haemonetics Processor 15 was less efficient, and the Huggins Cytoglomerator was the least efficient in removing the HBSAg. Washing to remove the HBSAg from red blood cells containing 40 per cent W/V glycerol in an ionic medium was more efficient than washing HBSAg from liquid-stored red blood cells or red blood cells containing 20 per cent W/V glycerol. The original and modified dilution/agglomeration wash cycles used in the Huggins Cytoglomerator were not able to remove the HBSAg from units of blood that were radioimmune assay (RIA) positive and counterelectrophoresis (CEP) negative. Freezing had no effect on the removal of the HBSAg in vitro, whereas the concentration of 40 per cent W/V glycerol in the red blood cells that were washed did. HBSAg was not found in the amorphous debris remaining in the polycarbonate disposable bowl used in the Haemonetics Processor 15 or in the microaggregates remaining in washed red blood cells.", "contents": "Removal of HBSAg from blood in vitro. I. Effects of washing alone, glycerol addition and removal, and glycerolization, freezing, and washing. Red blood cells from HBSAg-positive blood were washed in the Fenwal Elutramatic, Haemonetics Processor 15, or the IBM Blood Processor with sodium chloride solutions, or in the Huggins Cytoglomerator with sugar solutions. The Fenwal Elutramatic and IBM Blood Processor were the most efficient washing systems, the Haemonetics Processor 15 was less efficient, and the Huggins Cytoglomerator was the least efficient in removing the HBSAg. Washing to remove the HBSAg from red blood cells containing 40 per cent W/V glycerol in an ionic medium was more efficient than washing HBSAg from liquid-stored red blood cells or red blood cells containing 20 per cent W/V glycerol. The original and modified dilution/agglomeration wash cycles used in the Huggins Cytoglomerator were not able to remove the HBSAg from units of blood that were radioimmune assay (RIA) positive and counterelectrophoresis (CEP) negative. Freezing had no effect on the removal of the HBSAg in vitro, whereas the concentration of 40 per cent W/V glycerol in the red blood cells that were washed did. HBSAg was not found in the amorphous debris remaining in the polycarbonate disposable bowl used in the Haemonetics Processor 15 or in the microaggregates remaining in washed red blood cells.", "PMID": 996921} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6579", "title": "Cryoprecipitates as a source of fibrinogen in treatment of disseminated introvascular coagulation (DIC).", "content": "Cryoprecipitates, in addition to containing factor VIII, contain about one third of the fibrinogen in the plasma from which they were derived. This fibrinogen is functional, as established by successfully preparing two congenital hypofibrinogenemics for major surgery by infusing cryoprecipitates. Cryoprecipitates and platelet concentrates are also used for patients with low levels caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). We feel that these patients benefit not only from the factor VIII in the cryoprecipitates, but from the fibrinogen, which adds its support to the fibrinogen in platelet infusions, plasma, and whole blood. Such support makes it possible to heparinize such patients more heavily than would be safe without such preparation. The authors report three patients with severe and life-endangering DIC who were heavily heparinized, and supported with cryoprecipitates, as well as other blood fractions. Response to this therapy was excellent.", "contents": "Cryoprecipitates as a source of fibrinogen in treatment of disseminated introvascular coagulation (DIC). Cryoprecipitates, in addition to containing factor VIII, contain about one third of the fibrinogen in the plasma from which they were derived. This fibrinogen is functional, as established by successfully preparing two congenital hypofibrinogenemics for major surgery by infusing cryoprecipitates. Cryoprecipitates and platelet concentrates are also used for patients with low levels caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). We feel that these patients benefit not only from the factor VIII in the cryoprecipitates, but from the fibrinogen, which adds its support to the fibrinogen in platelet infusions, plasma, and whole blood. Such support makes it possible to heparinize such patients more heavily than would be safe without such preparation. The authors report three patients with severe and life-endangering DIC who were heavily heparinized, and supported with cryoprecipitates, as well as other blood fractions. Response to this therapy was excellent.", "PMID": 996924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6580", "title": "Clinical importance of the rare erythrocyte antibody anti-Jra.", "content": "Alloantibodies to high-frequency antigens create serious problems for a transfusion service. It is obviously important to know the clinical significance of such antibodies. In the present study, an attempt was made to determine this with respect to the antibody anti-Jra in a patient of the rare blood type Jr(a-). A small volume of 51Cr-labeled Jr(a+) erythrocytes was infused intravenously and cell survival was monitored. The T1/2 of these cells was approximately 80 minutes indicating the in vivo potency of the antibody.", "contents": "Clinical importance of the rare erythrocyte antibody anti-Jra. Alloantibodies to high-frequency antigens create serious problems for a transfusion service. It is obviously important to know the clinical significance of such antibodies. In the present study, an attempt was made to determine this with respect to the antibody anti-Jra in a patient of the rare blood type Jr(a-). A small volume of 51Cr-labeled Jr(a+) erythrocytes was infused intravenously and cell survival was monitored. The T1/2 of these cells was approximately 80 minutes indicating the in vivo potency of the antibody.", "PMID": 996925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6581", "title": "Measurement of the acoustic properties of a nerve-muscle preparation as a function of physiologic state.", "content": "Nerve-muscle preparations of Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to low dosage ultrasound. The objectives were to measure the velocity of propagation and attenuation of ultrasonic energy in both the relaxed and contracted states. A tension-measuring system and associated ultrasonic instrumentation were designed to measure the tension developed in stimulated muscle and its corresponding acoustic parameters, ie the attenuation coefficient, alpha (db cm-1) and the velocity of propagation, c (ms-1). Each test was performed at ultrasonic frequencies 3.1, 5.35, and 7.68 MHz and with the preparation maintained at 23 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Attenuation of ultrasonic energy was observed to increase by 10 +/- 0.5% in the active state from its value in the relaxed state. The relation between the attenuation and the acoustic frequency was found to be approximately linear over the frequency range tested. The velocity of propagation in the active state did not change appreciably from its value in the relaxed state and was observed to be independent of the acoustic frequency in the range used.", "contents": "Measurement of the acoustic properties of a nerve-muscle preparation as a function of physiologic state. Nerve-muscle preparations of Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to low dosage ultrasound. The objectives were to measure the velocity of propagation and attenuation of ultrasonic energy in both the relaxed and contracted states. A tension-measuring system and associated ultrasonic instrumentation were designed to measure the tension developed in stimulated muscle and its corresponding acoustic parameters, ie the attenuation coefficient, alpha (db cm-1) and the velocity of propagation, c (ms-1). Each test was performed at ultrasonic frequencies 3.1, 5.35, and 7.68 MHz and with the preparation maintained at 23 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Attenuation of ultrasonic energy was observed to increase by 10 +/- 0.5% in the active state from its value in the relaxed state. The relation between the attenuation and the acoustic frequency was found to be approximately linear over the frequency range tested. The velocity of propagation in the active state did not change appreciably from its value in the relaxed state and was observed to be independent of the acoustic frequency in the range used.", "PMID": 996975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6582", "title": "Sacral agenesis. Analysis of 22 cases.", "content": "Sacral agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly of the spine and is usually associated with urologic abnormalities. Twenty-two patients are reviewed. Twenty-one had other congenital and developmental abnormalities in addition to sacral agenesis. Physical examination showed flattening of the buttocks, loss of the gluteal cleft, widely spaced buttock dimples, and a palpable sacral defect. Lateral views of the spine are essential when anteroposterior views suggest an absence of sacral segments. Seven patients had a significant familial history of diabetes mellitus. All patients with involvement of more than one sacral segment had neurogenic bladder dysfunction with incontinence. The degree of neurologic deficit could not be predicted from the radiologic appearance of the sacrum.", "contents": "Sacral agenesis. Analysis of 22 cases. Sacral agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly of the spine and is usually associated with urologic abnormalities. Twenty-two patients are reviewed. Twenty-one had other congenital and developmental abnormalities in addition to sacral agenesis. Physical examination showed flattening of the buttocks, loss of the gluteal cleft, widely spaced buttock dimples, and a palpable sacral defect. Lateral views of the spine are essential when anteroposterior views suggest an absence of sacral segments. Seven patients had a significant familial history of diabetes mellitus. All patients with involvement of more than one sacral segment had neurogenic bladder dysfunction with incontinence. The degree of neurologic deficit could not be predicted from the radiologic appearance of the sacrum.", "PMID": 997046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6583", "title": "Renal cystoscopy.", "content": "Percutaneous endoscopy of renal cysts is described. Its purpose is to rule out the presence of tumor within a cyst.", "contents": "Renal cystoscopy. Percutaneous endoscopy of renal cysts is described. Its purpose is to rule out the presence of tumor within a cyst.", "PMID": 997047} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6584", "title": "Transverse colon conduit for supravesical urinary tract diversion.", "content": "Twenty-two patients with extensive pelvic irradiation underwent supravesical urinary diversion using a transverse colon conduit. Primary diseases were most often carcinoma of the cervix and urinary bladder. Indications for diversion included original treatment planning, radiation cystitis, vesicovaginal fistula, and ureteral obstruction. Operative mortality was low (4 per cent), and most complications were managed by further surgery. Normal upper urinary tracts usually remained normal after diversion; relief of existing hydroureteronephrosis was seen in a majority of patients. Stomal problems have been minimal, and renal function has remained normal or stable. The method affords the use of nonirradiated transverse colon as well as the ureter high above the field of pelvic irradiation and is the preferred diversion in such patients.", "contents": "Transverse colon conduit for supravesical urinary tract diversion. Twenty-two patients with extensive pelvic irradiation underwent supravesical urinary diversion using a transverse colon conduit. Primary diseases were most often carcinoma of the cervix and urinary bladder. Indications for diversion included original treatment planning, radiation cystitis, vesicovaginal fistula, and ureteral obstruction. Operative mortality was low (4 per cent), and most complications were managed by further surgery. Normal upper urinary tracts usually remained normal after diversion; relief of existing hydroureteronephrosis was seen in a majority of patients. Stomal problems have been minimal, and renal function has remained normal or stable. The method affords the use of nonirradiated transverse colon as well as the ureter high above the field of pelvic irradiation and is the preferred diversion in such patients.", "PMID": 997048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6585", "title": "Radical cystectomy for carcinoma of bilharzial bladder. Technique and results.", "content": "One hundred and sixty-two patients with carcinoma of the bilharzial bladder were treated by radical cystectomy. The postoperative mortality was 12.9 per cent and the five-year survival rate was 38.9 per cent. Correlations of the survival figures relative to the various pathologic features of the tumor revealed that squamous and transitional tumors have essentially the same prognosis, and that the most important prognostic index was the tumor grade. In most cases treatment failures were due to local recurrences which developed within one year after operation.", "contents": "Radical cystectomy for carcinoma of bilharzial bladder. Technique and results. One hundred and sixty-two patients with carcinoma of the bilharzial bladder were treated by radical cystectomy. The postoperative mortality was 12.9 per cent and the five-year survival rate was 38.9 per cent. Correlations of the survival figures relative to the various pathologic features of the tumor revealed that squamous and transitional tumors have essentially the same prognosis, and that the most important prognostic index was the tumor grade. In most cases treatment failures were due to local recurrences which developed within one year after operation.", "PMID": 997049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6586", "title": "Serial carcinoembryonic antigen assays in patients with metastatic carcinoma of prostate being treated with chemotherapy.", "content": "Serial carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assays were conducted in patients with endocrine-unresponsive prostatic adenocarcinoma who were being treated with multidrug chemotherapy. Changes in CEA correlated with the clinical status of the patient in 70 per cent of the determinations and were more accurate than acid phosphatase in monitoring the response to treatment.", "contents": "Serial carcinoembryonic antigen assays in patients with metastatic carcinoma of prostate being treated with chemotherapy. Serial carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assays were conducted in patients with endocrine-unresponsive prostatic adenocarcinoma who were being treated with multidrug chemotherapy. Changes in CEA correlated with the clinical status of the patient in 70 per cent of the determinations and were more accurate than acid phosphatase in monitoring the response to treatment.", "PMID": 997050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6587", "title": "Hypernephroma and associated ureteral involvement.", "content": "The propensity of a hypernephroma to invade the renal vein and even the inferior vena cava is widely known. However, in contrast to papillary carcinoma of the kidney, hypernephromas rarely involve the ureter. Review of the English literature reveals 42 reported cases of ureteral involvement. Most represented metastases as opposed to direct, contiguous extension which is extremely rare. C case of hypernephroma with contiguous castlike extension into the ureter without mucosal violation is presented. Mechanisms of ureteral involvement and implications regarding treatment of hypernephromas are discussed.", "contents": "Hypernephroma and associated ureteral involvement. The propensity of a hypernephroma to invade the renal vein and even the inferior vena cava is widely known. However, in contrast to papillary carcinoma of the kidney, hypernephromas rarely involve the ureter. Review of the English literature reveals 42 reported cases of ureteral involvement. Most represented metastases as opposed to direct, contiguous extension which is extremely rare. C case of hypernephroma with contiguous castlike extension into the ureter without mucosal violation is presented. Mechanisms of ureteral involvement and implications regarding treatment of hypernephromas are discussed.", "PMID": 997052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6588", "title": "Asymptomatic bacteriospermia. Cause of infertility in men.", "content": "The causes of male infertility are still poorly understood, and asymptomatic bacteriospermia in the male can cause infertility. A new method was evaluated for examination of bacteriologic cultures of semen specimens. Treatment of the male shows successful results with pregnancies following.", "contents": "Asymptomatic bacteriospermia. Cause of infertility in men. The causes of male infertility are still poorly understood, and asymptomatic bacteriospermia in the male can cause infertility. A new method was evaluated for examination of bacteriologic cultures of semen specimens. Treatment of the male shows successful results with pregnancies following.", "PMID": 997051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6589", "title": "Seminoma in male aged seventy-three.", "content": "This is a report of a seventy-three-year-old male found to have a seminomatous tumor of his left testicle. This may represent the oldest reported case of pure seminoma. Men of all ages should have careful palpation of the testicles as part of a physical examination.", "contents": "Seminoma in male aged seventy-three. This is a report of a seventy-three-year-old male found to have a seminomatous tumor of his left testicle. This may represent the oldest reported case of pure seminoma. Men of all ages should have careful palpation of the testicles as part of a physical examination.", "PMID": 997053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6590", "title": "Adrenal insufficiency after unilateral radical nephrectomy.", "content": "A case of adrenal insufficiency occurring after unilateral radical nephrectomy is presented. Recommendations for identification and treatment of this condition are discussed.", "contents": "Adrenal insufficiency after unilateral radical nephrectomy. A case of adrenal insufficiency occurring after unilateral radical nephrectomy is presented. Recommendations for identification and treatment of this condition are discussed.", "PMID": 997054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6591", "title": "Treatment of uncontrolled hypertension by therapeutic renal infarction.", "content": "Certain hemodialysis patients need to be made anephric, either surgically or physiologically. Bilateral renal infarction with shredded absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) was performed on a woman with malignant hypertension being maintained on chronic center dialysis who was too great a surgical risk for bilateral nephrectomy. Peripheral embolization complicated the procedure resulting in a forefoot amputation for dry gangrene two months later. Her postinfarction peripheral plasma renins remained elevated, and she remained hypertensive but was more easily managed with fewer drugs. This technique has been successfully used by others in 1 patient with chronic renal failure and heavy proteinuria and another with hypertension and a solitary kidney. If, as in our case, postinfarction plasma renins remain elevated and hypertension persists, bilateral nephrectomy could be performed at a later date or infarction could be repeated.", "contents": "Treatment of uncontrolled hypertension by therapeutic renal infarction. Certain hemodialysis patients need to be made anephric, either surgically or physiologically. Bilateral renal infarction with shredded absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) was performed on a woman with malignant hypertension being maintained on chronic center dialysis who was too great a surgical risk for bilateral nephrectomy. Peripheral embolization complicated the procedure resulting in a forefoot amputation for dry gangrene two months later. Her postinfarction peripheral plasma renins remained elevated, and she remained hypertensive but was more easily managed with fewer drugs. This technique has been successfully used by others in 1 patient with chronic renal failure and heavy proteinuria and another with hypertension and a solitary kidney. If, as in our case, postinfarction plasma renins remain elevated and hypertension persists, bilateral nephrectomy could be performed at a later date or infarction could be repeated.", "PMID": 997056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6592", "title": "Retroperitoneal cyst and congenital absence of ipsilateral kidney.", "content": "The case report of a patient in whom a cystic retroperitoneal mass and the congenital absence of the ipsilateral kidney, ureter, ureteral orifice, and trigone is presented. The embryology and literature are noted. We can find only 2 similar cases in the literature.", "contents": "Retroperitoneal cyst and congenital absence of ipsilateral kidney. The case report of a patient in whom a cystic retroperitoneal mass and the congenital absence of the ipsilateral kidney, ureter, ureteral orifice, and trigone is presented. The embryology and literature are noted. We can find only 2 similar cases in the literature.", "PMID": 997055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6593", "title": "Retroperitoneal teratoma.", "content": "Retroperitoneal teratoma is the third most common primary retroperitoneal neoplasm of childhood ranking behind neuroblastoma and nephroblastoma. Ten per cent of these tumors are malignant. Two cases of benign retroperitoneal teratoma are reported, and the first description of the angiographic appearance of such a tumor is presented.", "contents": "Retroperitoneal teratoma. Retroperitoneal teratoma is the third most common primary retroperitoneal neoplasm of childhood ranking behind neuroblastoma and nephroblastoma. Ten per cent of these tumors are malignant. Two cases of benign retroperitoneal teratoma are reported, and the first description of the angiographic appearance of such a tumor is presented.", "PMID": 997059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6594", "title": "Parasitic lumbar arterial blood supply in renal angiomyolipoma.", "content": "A young woman with azotemia was found to have an angiomyolipoma which had parasitic blood supply from a lumbar artery. Parasitic lumbar arterial blood supply from a lumbar artery. Parasitic lumbar arterial blood supply has previously been considered a strong indication of malignancy. Since this benign lesion had not invaded the adjacent retroperitoneal structures, the phenomenon tends to confirm the postulate that parasitic blood supply to a lesion may occur through hypertrophy of small anastomotic channels normally present between adjacent vessels but not normally seen in angiography.", "contents": "Parasitic lumbar arterial blood supply in renal angiomyolipoma. A young woman with azotemia was found to have an angiomyolipoma which had parasitic blood supply from a lumbar artery. Parasitic lumbar arterial blood supply from a lumbar artery. Parasitic lumbar arterial blood supply has previously been considered a strong indication of malignancy. Since this benign lesion had not invaded the adjacent retroperitoneal structures, the phenomenon tends to confirm the postulate that parasitic blood supply to a lesion may occur through hypertrophy of small anastomotic channels normally present between adjacent vessels but not normally seen in angiography.", "PMID": 997061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6595", "title": "Role of intravenous urography in clinical assessment of polycystic kidney disease.", "content": "This study is a retrospective review of 30 patients with polycystic kidney disease analyzing the quantitative measurements of renomegaly reported in the literature and the correlation of radiographic findings with the clinical complications of uremia, hypertension, infection, and the need for dialysis. The only significant correlation noted was between renal size and the presence of infection. There was no significant correlation between renomegaly and the presence or development of hypertension, uremia, and the need for chronic dialysis.", "contents": "Role of intravenous urography in clinical assessment of polycystic kidney disease. This study is a retrospective review of 30 patients with polycystic kidney disease analyzing the quantitative measurements of renomegaly reported in the literature and the correlation of radiographic findings with the clinical complications of uremia, hypertension, infection, and the need for dialysis. The only significant correlation noted was between renal size and the presence of infection. There was no significant correlation between renomegaly and the presence or development of hypertension, uremia, and the need for chronic dialysis.", "PMID": 997062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6596", "title": "[Errors in diagnosis of strangulated irreducible hernias].", "content": "In the paper, the errors in diagnosis of strangulated irreducible hernias are analysed. The attention of specialists is drawn to the fact that in some cases irreducible hernias may be the cause of different cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders (angina, bronchial asthma). It is recommended to treat patients with irreducible hernias irrespective of their age. This measure would obviate not only complications relative to the principle lesion but also the development of reflex vascular and pulmonary complications.", "contents": "[Errors in diagnosis of strangulated irreducible hernias]. In the paper, the errors in diagnosis of strangulated irreducible hernias are analysed. The attention of specialists is drawn to the fact that in some cases irreducible hernias may be the cause of different cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders (angina, bronchial asthma). It is recommended to treat patients with irreducible hernias irrespective of their age. This measure would obviate not only complications relative to the principle lesion but also the development of reflex vascular and pulmonary complications.", "PMID": 997093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6597", "title": "[Tactical and technical errors as the cause of development of external intestinal fistulas].", "content": "An analysis of causes of the development of external enteric fistulas in 71 patients, who to the moment of surgery showed no purulent-inflammatory processes in the abdomen, has demonstrated that in most patients (40 persons) the fistula development can be related with technical errors (an injury, deserosing, suturing of the intestine) during an operation. It is believed that for prophylaxis of enteric fistulas a special care should be given by a surgeon to mobilization of the intestine from adhesions, strict observation of technical recommendations and tactical purposes pertaining to treatment of acute intestinal obstruction, strangulated hernias, etc.", "contents": "[Tactical and technical errors as the cause of development of external intestinal fistulas]. An analysis of causes of the development of external enteric fistulas in 71 patients, who to the moment of surgery showed no purulent-inflammatory processes in the abdomen, has demonstrated that in most patients (40 persons) the fistula development can be related with technical errors (an injury, deserosing, suturing of the intestine) during an operation. It is believed that for prophylaxis of enteric fistulas a special care should be given by a surgeon to mobilization of the intestine from adhesions, strict observation of technical recommendations and tactical purposes pertaining to treatment of acute intestinal obstruction, strangulated hernias, etc.", "PMID": 997094} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6598", "title": "[Stomach and duodenal ulcer in chronic nonspecific lung diseases].", "content": "The results of observations over 61 patients suffering pneumosclerosis and chronic lung emphysema, associated with secondary gastroduodenal ulcers, are reported. These made 20.2% among 302 patients with gastroduodenal hemorrhages. The clinic of these ulcers in a third of patients having cardiopulmonary insufficiency is characterized by few or no symptoms at all, that would handicap their diagnosis. For timely prevention of grave complications the authors recommend a careful examination of the gastrointestinal tract in all patients with persistant chronic lung affections, who complain of abdominal pains and dyspepsia.", "contents": "[Stomach and duodenal ulcer in chronic nonspecific lung diseases]. The results of observations over 61 patients suffering pneumosclerosis and chronic lung emphysema, associated with secondary gastroduodenal ulcers, are reported. These made 20.2% among 302 patients with gastroduodenal hemorrhages. The clinic of these ulcers in a third of patients having cardiopulmonary insufficiency is characterized by few or no symptoms at all, that would handicap their diagnosis. For timely prevention of grave complications the authors recommend a careful examination of the gastrointestinal tract in all patients with persistant chronic lung affections, who complain of abdominal pains and dyspepsia.", "PMID": 997095} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6599", "title": "[Acute gastrectasia].", "content": "The authors report their 20 observations of acute gastrectasia. An importance of early diagnosis of this pathology is emphasized, and due attention should be given to a proper interpretation of the observed symptoms. Also, the authors stress the importance of decompensated pyloric stenosis in the development of acute gastrectasia. It is concluded that in early diagnosis of acute gastric dilation the complex conservative therapy with a mandatory gastric sounding, correction of hydroelectrolytic disorders and patients' being in Shnitzler-Diterichs posture are of primary importance. In case of failure of this therapy and for intraoperative establishing of the diagnosis of acute gastrectasia gastrostomy may be performed.", "contents": "[Acute gastrectasia]. The authors report their 20 observations of acute gastrectasia. An importance of early diagnosis of this pathology is emphasized, and due attention should be given to a proper interpretation of the observed symptoms. Also, the authors stress the importance of decompensated pyloric stenosis in the development of acute gastrectasia. It is concluded that in early diagnosis of acute gastric dilation the complex conservative therapy with a mandatory gastric sounding, correction of hydroelectrolytic disorders and patients' being in Shnitzler-Diterichs posture are of primary importance. In case of failure of this therapy and for intraoperative establishing of the diagnosis of acute gastrectasia gastrostomy may be performed.", "PMID": 997105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6600", "title": "[Lamblia-induced cholecystitis].", "content": "Case reports of 32 patients with lambliasis induced cholecystitis, treated in the surgical clinic for a 28-year period, are analysed. The clinical data allow establishing the differential diagnosis between cholecystitis attack induced by the presence of Lamblia in bile ducts and an attack induced by the presence of concretions in the gallbladder. It is the authors' opinion that the complex exploration of patients should be carried out. A carefully selected anamnesis, data of multiple duodenal sounding and coprologic studies serve as a valuable adjunct in establishing the correct diagnosis and therapeutic tactics.", "contents": "[Lamblia-induced cholecystitis]. Case reports of 32 patients with lambliasis induced cholecystitis, treated in the surgical clinic for a 28-year period, are analysed. The clinical data allow establishing the differential diagnosis between cholecystitis attack induced by the presence of Lamblia in bile ducts and an attack induced by the presence of concretions in the gallbladder. It is the authors' opinion that the complex exploration of patients should be carried out. A carefully selected anamnesis, data of multiple duodenal sounding and coprologic studies serve as a valuable adjunct in establishing the correct diagnosis and therapeutic tactics.", "PMID": 997106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6601", "title": "[So-called \"white bile\" (clinico-experimental study)].", "content": "Based on clinical (37 cases of \"white bile\") and experimental (20 experiments) findings obtained by the authors, the characteristic of the so-called \"white bile\", observed in mechanic jaundice of various etiology, is given. It is pointed out that \"white-bile\" is the secretion of bile ducts and gallbladder mucous membrane--a colorless liquid, this secretion is permanently excreted and is a constant ingradient of colored bile while obturation of bile outflow ducts contributed only to its accumulation and detection.", "contents": "[So-called \"white bile\" (clinico-experimental study)]. Based on clinical (37 cases of \"white bile\") and experimental (20 experiments) findings obtained by the authors, the characteristic of the so-called \"white bile\", observed in mechanic jaundice of various etiology, is given. It is pointed out that \"white-bile\" is the secretion of bile ducts and gallbladder mucous membrane--a colorless liquid, this secretion is permanently excreted and is a constant ingradient of colored bile while obturation of bile outflow ducts contributed only to its accumulation and detection.", "PMID": 997107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6602", "title": "[Diagnosis and treatment of intestinal obstruction caused by cholelithiasis].", "content": "Cholelithic intestinal obstruction was observed in 7 (4.7%) of 150 patients operated upon for intestinal obstruction of non-tumor origin. The patients' age ranged from 56 to 82 years. The patients were admitted within the terms from 1 to 21 days since the onset of the disease. All patients were subjected to surgical therapy. In one case a duodenal concretion was removed, and cholecystectomy was performed. In the remainder a bile stone was removed from the small intestine. In one of these patients the intestinal segment changed pathologically being resected with an end-to end anastomosis. Three patients died: two--from peritonitis and one--from pulmonary artery embolism.", "contents": "[Diagnosis and treatment of intestinal obstruction caused by cholelithiasis]. Cholelithic intestinal obstruction was observed in 7 (4.7%) of 150 patients operated upon for intestinal obstruction of non-tumor origin. The patients' age ranged from 56 to 82 years. The patients were admitted within the terms from 1 to 21 days since the onset of the disease. All patients were subjected to surgical therapy. In one case a duodenal concretion was removed, and cholecystectomy was performed. In the remainder a bile stone was removed from the small intestine. In one of these patients the intestinal segment changed pathologically being resected with an end-to end anastomosis. Three patients died: two--from peritonitis and one--from pulmonary artery embolism.", "PMID": 997108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6603", "title": "[Surgical interventions in complicated forms of acute appendicitis].", "content": "Under study were the results of treatment in 10 056 patients with acute appendicitis, including 418 patients having its complicated forms. It is concluded that the extent of surgical intervention in complicated forms should be determined by the character of the complication, manifested in pathological changes of the peritoneal coat and patient's status. Appendectomy may be performed in most patients with appendicular infiltration. It is the authors' opinion that indications to peritoneal dialysis in peritonitis of appendicular origin should be largely restricted. The tactics employed by the authors enabled them to reduce the mortality in complicated forms of appendicitis up to 4.4%.", "contents": "[Surgical interventions in complicated forms of acute appendicitis]. Under study were the results of treatment in 10 056 patients with acute appendicitis, including 418 patients having its complicated forms. It is concluded that the extent of surgical intervention in complicated forms should be determined by the character of the complication, manifested in pathological changes of the peritoneal coat and patient's status. Appendectomy may be performed in most patients with appendicular infiltration. It is the authors' opinion that indications to peritoneal dialysis in peritonitis of appendicular origin should be largely restricted. The tactics employed by the authors enabled them to reduce the mortality in complicated forms of appendicitis up to 4.4%.", "PMID": 997109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6604", "title": "[Remote results of surgical treatment of chronic suppurative lung diseases].", "content": "The work was undertaken to study late results of surgical treatment of suppurative lung diseases during 1950-1974. Questionaries were sent to 420 operated patients. Answers were received from 328 (78%) patients, 86% of them were examined clinically, 14%--were estimated according to questionaries and their physician findings. 50 per cent of patients were followed up for 10-24 years. A positive effect was gained in 94.8%. 82 per cent of the operated patients have practically recovered well. The causes of poor issues are described, and trends for their improvement are delineated.", "contents": "[Remote results of surgical treatment of chronic suppurative lung diseases]. The work was undertaken to study late results of surgical treatment of suppurative lung diseases during 1950-1974. Questionaries were sent to 420 operated patients. Answers were received from 328 (78%) patients, 86% of them were examined clinically, 14%--were estimated according to questionaries and their physician findings. 50 per cent of patients were followed up for 10-24 years. A positive effect was gained in 94.8%. 82 per cent of the operated patients have practically recovered well. The causes of poor issues are described, and trends for their improvement are delineated.", "PMID": 997110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6605", "title": "[Operations in concomitant diseases of the abdominal organs].", "content": "Under consideration are one-moment operations for associated lesions of abdominal organs. Based on the experience with 103 such operations, the authors subdivided patients into two groups: emergency operated patients and those in whom planned interventions were performed. It is believed by the authors, that a careful clinical preoperative examination of the latter and methodical revision of abdominal organs in urgent laparotomies make it possible to reveal an associated pathology of abdominal organs and to perform a radical one-moment operative procedure.", "contents": "[Operations in concomitant diseases of the abdominal organs]. Under consideration are one-moment operations for associated lesions of abdominal organs. Based on the experience with 103 such operations, the authors subdivided patients into two groups: emergency operated patients and those in whom planned interventions were performed. It is believed by the authors, that a careful clinical preoperative examination of the latter and methodical revision of abdominal organs in urgent laparotomies make it possible to reveal an associated pathology of abdominal organs and to perform a radical one-moment operative procedure.", "PMID": 997111} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6606", "title": "[Purulent infection and sepsis in surgical patients].", "content": "The problems of pathogenesis, clinic and treatment of general purulent infection and sepsis are discussed. 1045 patients with different purulent diseases were observed by the author. Sepsis was diagnosed in 18 patients, that made 1.7 per cent to a total number of observations. Among these septic patients 8 patients died.", "contents": "[Purulent infection and sepsis in surgical patients]. The problems of pathogenesis, clinic and treatment of general purulent infection and sepsis are discussed. 1045 patients with different purulent diseases were observed by the author. Sepsis was diagnosed in 18 patients, that made 1.7 per cent to a total number of observations. Among these septic patients 8 patients died.", "PMID": 997112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6607", "title": "[Complications of local use of hydrocortisone in surgery].", "content": "Complications in 12 patients having diseases of the locomotor system resulting from local application of hydrocortisone are analysed. Having studied the character of complications and causes producing them, the author made a conclusion that if definite conditions for inducing the blockade are not complied with, it results in complications, which are much more dangerous than the initial lesion and, sometimes, may lead to disability.", "contents": "[Complications of local use of hydrocortisone in surgery]. Complications in 12 patients having diseases of the locomotor system resulting from local application of hydrocortisone are analysed. Having studied the character of complications and causes producing them, the author made a conclusion that if definite conditions for inducing the blockade are not complied with, it results in complications, which are much more dangerous than the initial lesion and, sometimes, may lead to disability.", "PMID": 997113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6608", "title": "[Diagnosis and surgical treatment of relative valvular insufficiency of deep veins of the lower limbs].", "content": "The experimental and clinical findings obtained by the authors have evidenced the rationale of using an autovein or large femoral fascia for application of a cuff. While using synthetic materials, some cases of venous thrombosis under a cuff were observed. Late results of the operation during 2-5 years were followed up in 25 patients, 13 of them had crural ulcers. No varicosity and ulcers were noted in outpatient examination.", "contents": "[Diagnosis and surgical treatment of relative valvular insufficiency of deep veins of the lower limbs]. The experimental and clinical findings obtained by the authors have evidenced the rationale of using an autovein or large femoral fascia for application of a cuff. While using synthetic materials, some cases of venous thrombosis under a cuff were observed. Late results of the operation during 2-5 years were followed up in 25 patients, 13 of them had crural ulcers. No varicosity and ulcers were noted in outpatient examination.", "PMID": 997114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6609", "title": "[Hemangioma of the synovial membrane of the knee joint].", "content": "The data on 15 patients with hemangioma of the synovial sheath of the knee joint are reported. It is the author's opinion that surgical removal of the tumor is the most radical method of treatment for hemangiomas. Among 15 patients such procedure was accomplished in 6, in the remainder biopsy or partial removal of the tumor followed by radiotherapy were performed. Late results were followed up in 9 patients.", "contents": "[Hemangioma of the synovial membrane of the knee joint]. The data on 15 patients with hemangioma of the synovial sheath of the knee joint are reported. It is the author's opinion that surgical removal of the tumor is the most radical method of treatment for hemangiomas. Among 15 patients such procedure was accomplished in 6, in the remainder biopsy or partial removal of the tumor followed by radiotherapy were performed. Late results were followed up in 9 patients.", "PMID": 997115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6610", "title": "[Surgical treatment of lung abscesses in children].", "content": "The authors report their clinical observations of 44 patients, aged from 2 months to 14 years, with acute pulmonary abscesses. As evidenced by the authors a roentgenological examination in dynamics is of great value in establishing the diagnosis of pulmonary abscess, since it makes possible to follow the destruction of lung tissues and the formation of cavities. For treatment of lung abscesses different methods were employed: toilet bronchoscopy with antibiotics perfusion, puncture and drainage of the abscess, in case of pulmonary hemorrhage a resection of the lung portion involved, the complex conservative therapy.", "contents": "[Surgical treatment of lung abscesses in children]. The authors report their clinical observations of 44 patients, aged from 2 months to 14 years, with acute pulmonary abscesses. As evidenced by the authors a roentgenological examination in dynamics is of great value in establishing the diagnosis of pulmonary abscess, since it makes possible to follow the destruction of lung tissues and the formation of cavities. For treatment of lung abscesses different methods were employed: toilet bronchoscopy with antibiotics perfusion, puncture and drainage of the abscess, in case of pulmonary hemorrhage a resection of the lung portion involved, the complex conservative therapy.", "PMID": 997116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6611", "title": "[Subcutaneous injuries of the duodenum in children].", "content": "In Child Surgery clinics of the Leningrad City since 1955 to 1974 eight children, aged from 3 to 15 years, were operated upon for this kind of trauma. The diagnosis of duodenal injuries intraoperatively is based on the presence of retroperitoneal hematoma, emphysema in the retroperitoneal space, yellow-green staining of the posterior peritoneal leaf.", "contents": "[Subcutaneous injuries of the duodenum in children]. In Child Surgery clinics of the Leningrad City since 1955 to 1974 eight children, aged from 3 to 15 years, were operated upon for this kind of trauma. The diagnosis of duodenal injuries intraoperatively is based on the presence of retroperitoneal hematoma, emphysema in the retroperitoneal space, yellow-green staining of the posterior peritoneal leaf.", "PMID": 997117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6612", "title": "[Intestinal obstruction in children caused by congenital adhesions and fibrous cords].", "content": "The authors present an analysis of 36 observations of congenital adhesive intestinal obstruction in children aged from 1 day to 11 years. In newborn infants and small children, aged from 1 to 3 years, the disease was mostly manifested in the clinic of acute obstruction. Therefore, all these children were operated upon on urgent indications. An importance of restoration of the bowel function as early as possible is emphasized for prophylaxis of the adhesive process. Postoperatively, physical therapy and prolonged peridural anesthesia are widely advocated. No recurrence of adhesive intestinal obstruction was noted.", "contents": "[Intestinal obstruction in children caused by congenital adhesions and fibrous cords]. The authors present an analysis of 36 observations of congenital adhesive intestinal obstruction in children aged from 1 day to 11 years. In newborn infants and small children, aged from 1 to 3 years, the disease was mostly manifested in the clinic of acute obstruction. Therefore, all these children were operated upon on urgent indications. An importance of restoration of the bowel function as early as possible is emphasized for prophylaxis of the adhesive process. Postoperatively, physical therapy and prolonged peridural anesthesia are widely advocated. No recurrence of adhesive intestinal obstruction was noted.", "PMID": 997118} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6613", "title": "[Annular pancreas in children].", "content": "In the paper, the results of examination and treatment of 19 patients with a ring-shape pancreas are presented. In children an annular pancreas is manifested in acute or recurrent high intestinal obstruction. The method of treatment consists in by-pass anastomosis constructed between the duodenum and jejunum or duodenoduodenostomy. Dissection of the ring seems to be not permissible in children. 10 children died postoperatively. The high mortality rate is conditioned by premature delivery, associated defects of development and delivery trauma.", "contents": "[Annular pancreas in children]. In the paper, the results of examination and treatment of 19 patients with a ring-shape pancreas are presented. In children an annular pancreas is manifested in acute or recurrent high intestinal obstruction. The method of treatment consists in by-pass anastomosis constructed between the duodenum and jejunum or duodenoduodenostomy. Dissection of the ring seems to be not permissible in children. 10 children died postoperatively. The high mortality rate is conditioned by premature delivery, associated defects of development and delivery trauma.", "PMID": 997119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6614", "title": "[Evaluation of the results of intramodullary metallic osteosynthesis of diaphyseal humeral fractures].", "content": "In the paper, an analysis of the results of surgical treatment in 32 patients with fractures of brachial diaphysis is given. Thirty one patients were subjected to retrograde osteosynthesis, the end of a nail being remained under the greater tubercle of the humerus, and in one patient a nail was inserted directly just on the cubital fossa aspect. Among 32 examined patients only 11 patients showed complete restoration of the anatomical integrity and function of the extremity. Partial restriction of the motion was noted in 6 cases. It is the author's opinion that in diaphyseal brachial fractures intramedullary osteosynthesis, with an nail being inserted upwards through the upper margin of the cubital fossa, is mostly rational.", "contents": "[Evaluation of the results of intramodullary metallic osteosynthesis of diaphyseal humeral fractures]. In the paper, an analysis of the results of surgical treatment in 32 patients with fractures of brachial diaphysis is given. Thirty one patients were subjected to retrograde osteosynthesis, the end of a nail being remained under the greater tubercle of the humerus, and in one patient a nail was inserted directly just on the cubital fossa aspect. Among 32 examined patients only 11 patients showed complete restoration of the anatomical integrity and function of the extremity. Partial restriction of the motion was noted in 6 cases. It is the author's opinion that in diaphyseal brachial fractures intramedullary osteosynthesis, with an nail being inserted upwards through the upper margin of the cubital fossa, is mostly rational.", "PMID": 997123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6615", "title": "[Diagnostic value of the reaction of morphological dissociation of clotted blood (RMDCB) in nonspecific pneumonias and lung cancer].", "content": "The authors studied separate parameters of the reaction of morphological dissociation of clotted blood in 97 patients, 83 of them suffering chronic nonspecific pneumonia and 14--lung cancer. Such RMDCB tests as the amount of the third fraction of blood coagulation (TFCB), the time of TFCB sediment formation and \"the prognostic index\" are found to be of certain diagnostic value, and along with other laboratory tests and clinical symptoms these allowed a differentiation between chronic nonspecific pneumonia and lung cancer.", "contents": "[Diagnostic value of the reaction of morphological dissociation of clotted blood (RMDCB) in nonspecific pneumonias and lung cancer]. The authors studied separate parameters of the reaction of morphological dissociation of clotted blood in 97 patients, 83 of them suffering chronic nonspecific pneumonia and 14--lung cancer. Such RMDCB tests as the amount of the third fraction of blood coagulation (TFCB), the time of TFCB sediment formation and \"the prognostic index\" are found to be of certain diagnostic value, and along with other laboratory tests and clinical symptoms these allowed a differentiation between chronic nonspecific pneumonia and lung cancer.", "PMID": 997124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6616", "title": "[Treatment of pseudarthroses and ununited crural bone fractures with transosseous compression-distraction osteosynthesis].", "content": "The materials of clinical observations of 103 patients with pseudarthrosis and unhealing crural fractures, in whom 104 operations of compression-distraction osteosynthesis were accomplished, are analysed. The results of the treatment in various groups of patients are described.", "contents": "[Treatment of pseudarthroses and ununited crural bone fractures with transosseous compression-distraction osteosynthesis]. The materials of clinical observations of 103 patients with pseudarthrosis and unhealing crural fractures, in whom 104 operations of compression-distraction osteosynthesis were accomplished, are analysed. The results of the treatment in various groups of patients are described.", "PMID": 997125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6617", "title": "[Preoperative care and anesthesia in surgical treatment of thyrotoxicosis].", "content": "The authors made an analysis of clinical materials pertaining to 1234 patients with thyrotoxicosis, who were given different preoperative management and operated upon under local and general anesthesia. It is noted, that there is less number of postoperative thyrotoxic crises after mercosolyl administration in combination with reserpine and nonspecific drugs than after Plummer preoperative preparation (0.1% versus 1.2%).", "contents": "[Preoperative care and anesthesia in surgical treatment of thyrotoxicosis]. The authors made an analysis of clinical materials pertaining to 1234 patients with thyrotoxicosis, who were given different preoperative management and operated upon under local and general anesthesia. It is noted, that there is less number of postoperative thyrotoxic crises after mercosolyl administration in combination with reserpine and nonspecific drugs than after Plummer preoperative preparation (0.1% versus 1.2%).", "PMID": 997127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6618", "title": "[Cold-induced anesthesia under a tourniquet during amputation of the lower limbs in old patients].", "content": "The technic of cold anesthesia under a tourniquet is described, and an analysis of 26 operated patients is given. The anesthesia was always a success. A complication was observed in one case (after inadequate application of a tourniquet chill and tachycardia were noted). A conclusion is made on certain advantages of cold anesthesia under a tourniquet in high amputation of the lower extremities in patients with manifest senile changes in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.", "contents": "[Cold-induced anesthesia under a tourniquet during amputation of the lower limbs in old patients]. The technic of cold anesthesia under a tourniquet is described, and an analysis of 26 operated patients is given. The anesthesia was always a success. A complication was observed in one case (after inadequate application of a tourniquet chill and tachycardia were noted). A conclusion is made on certain advantages of cold anesthesia under a tourniquet in high amputation of the lower extremities in patients with manifest senile changes in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.", "PMID": 997128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6619", "title": "[Use of autohemotransfusion in lung cancer surgery].", "content": "The authors report their experience with over 100 operations, using autohemotransfusions in patients with malignant pulmonary neoplasms. Autohemotransfusion was performed after the modern technic now employed. 3-7 days before the operation exfusion of 250-450 ml of blood was made. During 10 days after exfusion patients were given hemostimulating therapy. Autohemotransfusion was employed during the operative procedure. Before the exfusion, pre- and postoperatively at the 1st-5th-10th day and before patient's discharge a parallel determination of CBV, CPV, HV, circulating protein volume and clinical analysis of blood, blood bilirubin, residual nitrogen in blood, urine analysis were made. Based on the data obtained and literature survey the use of autohemotransfusion in most planned operative interventions is believed by the authors to be rational.", "contents": "[Use of autohemotransfusion in lung cancer surgery]. The authors report their experience with over 100 operations, using autohemotransfusions in patients with malignant pulmonary neoplasms. Autohemotransfusion was performed after the modern technic now employed. 3-7 days before the operation exfusion of 250-450 ml of blood was made. During 10 days after exfusion patients were given hemostimulating therapy. Autohemotransfusion was employed during the operative procedure. Before the exfusion, pre- and postoperatively at the 1st-5th-10th day and before patient's discharge a parallel determination of CBV, CPV, HV, circulating protein volume and clinical analysis of blood, blood bilirubin, residual nitrogen in blood, urine analysis were made. Based on the data obtained and literature survey the use of autohemotransfusion in most planned operative interventions is believed by the authors to be rational.", "PMID": 997129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6620", "title": "[Transfusion of newly stored blood].", "content": "It is shown that freshly stored stabilized blood differs in its effect on a recipient only on account of addition of stabilizors to it. The replacement effect due to transfusion of freshly preserved citrated blood is analogous to that noted in direct blood transfusion, however the response of the cardiovascular system inadequate for the transfused blood volume would restrict the rate and volume of transfusion. Freshly heparinized blood differs from donor blood by impaired coagulation factors, but it is identical in hemodynamic effect. Freshly preserved sorbent blood is mostly close in its efficacy to direct transfusions, since its content differs from native donor blood only in calcium content.", "contents": "[Transfusion of newly stored blood]. It is shown that freshly stored stabilized blood differs in its effect on a recipient only on account of addition of stabilizors to it. The replacement effect due to transfusion of freshly preserved citrated blood is analogous to that noted in direct blood transfusion, however the response of the cardiovascular system inadequate for the transfused blood volume would restrict the rate and volume of transfusion. Freshly heparinized blood differs from donor blood by impaired coagulation factors, but it is identical in hemodynamic effect. Freshly preserved sorbent blood is mostly close in its efficacy to direct transfusions, since its content differs from native donor blood only in calcium content.", "PMID": 997130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6621", "title": "[Errors in diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis in surgical practice].", "content": "A detailed clinical analysis has shown that abdominal tuberculosis in its clinical manifestations and course is characterized by pathognomonic signs which, if properly accounted, can provide an opportunity to avoid frequent diagnostic errors. It is the author's opinion that patients with abdominal tuberculosis should be operated upon only in surgical complications of the latter and after a careful examination, establishing the precise diagnosis and adequate preoperative management.", "contents": "[Errors in diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis in surgical practice]. A detailed clinical analysis has shown that abdominal tuberculosis in its clinical manifestations and course is characterized by pathognomonic signs which, if properly accounted, can provide an opportunity to avoid frequent diagnostic errors. It is the author's opinion that patients with abdominal tuberculosis should be operated upon only in surgical complications of the latter and after a careful examination, establishing the precise diagnosis and adequate preoperative management.", "PMID": 997131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6622", "title": "[Functional changes after segmental and lobar resections of the lungs at remote periods of observation].", "content": "Clinico-roentgenological and functional studies were carried out in 78 patients 2--12 years following segmental (42 patients) and lobar (3) pneumonectomies for tuberculosis. An analysis of the data obtained indicated that partial pneumonectomies within the boundaries of 1-5 segments per se fail to produce significant disorders in the ventilatory and gas metabolism function of the lung. 2-12 years after the operation the patients show considerable ventilatory reserves. Significant respiratory disorders are observed only in patients with postoperative complications and pathological changes in the lung, pleura and bronchi conditioned by tuberculosis and non-specific lung pathology.", "contents": "[Functional changes after segmental and lobar resections of the lungs at remote periods of observation]. Clinico-roentgenological and functional studies were carried out in 78 patients 2--12 years following segmental (42 patients) and lobar (3) pneumonectomies for tuberculosis. An analysis of the data obtained indicated that partial pneumonectomies within the boundaries of 1-5 segments per se fail to produce significant disorders in the ventilatory and gas metabolism function of the lung. 2-12 years after the operation the patients show considerable ventilatory reserves. Significant respiratory disorders are observed only in patients with postoperative complications and pathological changes in the lung, pleura and bronchi conditioned by tuberculosis and non-specific lung pathology.", "PMID": 997138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6623", "title": "[Lumbar retroperitoneal novocaine block, antibiotics and enzyme inhibitors in acute pancreatitis].", "content": "The possibility of infusing medical drugs in fascial sheaths of the pancreas was grounded anatomically. The blockade was used in 119 patients with acute pancreatitis. The authors recommend this blockade in complex with other therapeutic measures.", "contents": "[Lumbar retroperitoneal novocaine block, antibiotics and enzyme inhibitors in acute pancreatitis]. The possibility of infusing medical drugs in fascial sheaths of the pancreas was grounded anatomically. The blockade was used in 119 patients with acute pancreatitis. The authors recommend this blockade in complex with other therapeutic measures.", "PMID": 997143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6624", "title": "[Selection of a drainage operation in obstruction of the common bile duct].", "content": "Drainage operations were accomplished on extrahepatic bile ducts in 194 patients. It is the authors' opinion that in emergency surgery the operative procedure may be terminated by external drainage only in relative blockade of bile outflow in the duodenal lumen, while in unrelieved complete blockade of bile outflow such drainage seems to be permissible only in patients with an extremely high operative risk. Biliodigestive anastomoses were constructed in 96 patients. In persistant cholemia, cholangitis, signs of hepatic insufficiency the authors construct biliodigestive anastomoses and simultaneously accomplish provisional external drainage of bile ducts.", "contents": "[Selection of a drainage operation in obstruction of the common bile duct]. Drainage operations were accomplished on extrahepatic bile ducts in 194 patients. It is the authors' opinion that in emergency surgery the operative procedure may be terminated by external drainage only in relative blockade of bile outflow in the duodenal lumen, while in unrelieved complete blockade of bile outflow such drainage seems to be permissible only in patients with an extremely high operative risk. Biliodigestive anastomoses were constructed in 96 patients. In persistant cholemia, cholangitis, signs of hepatic insufficiency the authors construct biliodigestive anastomoses and simultaneously accomplish provisional external drainage of bile ducts.", "PMID": 997145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6625", "title": "[Closed liver injuries].", "content": "An experience with treatment of 50 patients having closed hepatic injuries is analysed. The use of instrumental methods of exploration (laparoscopy and laparocentesis) facilitates to establish the diagnosis and shortens considerably the time of preoperative examination of patients. Suturing of the hepatic wound with its pedicled omentum tamponade is the principal type surgery. The postoperative mortality was 29.6 per cent.", "contents": "[Closed liver injuries]. An experience with treatment of 50 patients having closed hepatic injuries is analysed. The use of instrumental methods of exploration (laparoscopy and laparocentesis) facilitates to establish the diagnosis and shortens considerably the time of preoperative examination of patients. Suturing of the hepatic wound with its pedicled omentum tamponade is the principal type surgery. The postoperative mortality was 29.6 per cent.", "PMID": 997146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6626", "title": "[Injuries of the heart and pericardium].", "content": "The authors experience with surgical treatment of heart and pericardium injuries is summarized. A total of 38 patients were operated upon. The surgical aid consisted in simultaneous performance of the complex of reanimation measures, urgent thoracotomy and suturing of the heart wound. Thirty six patients have recovered, two died. One patient died due to mediastinitis, the other -- due to progressive cardiovascular insufficiency.", "contents": "[Injuries of the heart and pericardium]. The authors experience with surgical treatment of heart and pericardium injuries is summarized. A total of 38 patients were operated upon. The surgical aid consisted in simultaneous performance of the complex of reanimation measures, urgent thoracotomy and suturing of the heart wound. Thirty six patients have recovered, two died. One patient died due to mediastinitis, the other -- due to progressive cardiovascular insufficiency.", "PMID": 997147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6627", "title": "[Characteristics of collateral circulation after ligation of the femoral artery under conditions of cold injury].", "content": "Studies on 52 dogs have shown that ligation of the femoral artery 12-14 hours following ice cooling of the extremity is accompanied with a great number of severe acute pneumonias frequently resulting in death. The leading mechanism of local disorders is spasm of the collaterals, the development of circulatory hypoxia of the tissues and congestive alterations in the venous system.", "contents": "[Characteristics of collateral circulation after ligation of the femoral artery under conditions of cold injury]. Studies on 52 dogs have shown that ligation of the femoral artery 12-14 hours following ice cooling of the extremity is accompanied with a great number of severe acute pneumonias frequently resulting in death. The leading mechanism of local disorders is spasm of the collaterals, the development of circulatory hypoxia of the tissues and congestive alterations in the venous system.", "PMID": 997149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6628", "title": "[Role of drugs with disaggregative effect in the prevention of thrombosis in reconstructive operations on the veins of the limbs].", "content": "With the aim of prophylaxis of early postoperative thrombosis in reparative operations on veins of the lower extremities acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin) was used. Diminishing of adhesion and aggregation of thrombocytes, a reduced fibrinase activity and lessening of clot density were noted.", "contents": "[Role of drugs with disaggregative effect in the prevention of thrombosis in reconstructive operations on the veins of the limbs]. With the aim of prophylaxis of early postoperative thrombosis in reparative operations on veins of the lower extremities acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin) was used. Diminishing of adhesion and aggregation of thrombocytes, a reduced fibrinase activity and lessening of clot density were noted.", "PMID": 997151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6629", "title": "[Effect of peridural block on the adrenal cortex function after operations on the biliary tract].", "content": "In patients operated upon with the use of peridural blockade the concentration of 11-OCS in blood plasma does not exceed the normal values both during surgery and in the immediate postoperative period. In patients operated upon under conditions of the routine combined narcosis an increased secretion of corticosteroids was observed.", "contents": "[Effect of peridural block on the adrenal cortex function after operations on the biliary tract]. In patients operated upon with the use of peridural blockade the concentration of 11-OCS in blood plasma does not exceed the normal values both during surgery and in the immediate postoperative period. In patients operated upon under conditions of the routine combined narcosis an increased secretion of corticosteroids was observed.", "PMID": 997152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6630", "title": "[Postural reactions of the circulatory system in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis].", "content": "The main cause of occurrence of postural reactions in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis is a deficit of blood circulatory volume as well as cerebrospinal disturbances and \"harmful\" peculiarities of the operative posture. An increase of the circulatory volume by infusion of 0.5-1.0 litres of plasma substituting substances prior to patient's being rendered the operative posture liquidates, to a great extent, postural reactions of the circulatory system.", "contents": "[Postural reactions of the circulatory system in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis]. The main cause of occurrence of postural reactions in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis is a deficit of blood circulatory volume as well as cerebrospinal disturbances and \"harmful\" peculiarities of the operative posture. An increase of the circulatory volume by infusion of 0.5-1.0 litres of plasma substituting substances prior to patient's being rendered the operative posture liquidates, to a great extent, postural reactions of the circulatory system.", "PMID": 997153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6631", "title": "[Ileus of the small intestine in the postoperative period].", "content": "It is shown that there are difficulties in establishing the diagnosis of intestinal ileus postoperatively, since therapeutic measures, residual phenomena of the principal lesion and operative trauma alter the clinical picture of intestinal ileus. An experience with treatment of 14 patients, subjected to relaparotomy for intestinal ileus, is reported.", "contents": "[Ileus of the small intestine in the postoperative period]. It is shown that there are difficulties in establishing the diagnosis of intestinal ileus postoperatively, since therapeutic measures, residual phenomena of the principal lesion and operative trauma alter the clinical picture of intestinal ileus. An experience with treatment of 14 patients, subjected to relaparotomy for intestinal ileus, is reported.", "PMID": 997154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6632", "title": "Fracture-dislocation of the tibio-tarsal joint in a dog.", "content": "A case of tibio-tarsal dislocation in a dog with fracture of both malleoli is described. An unusual feature was the absence of lateral instability in the hock despite fracture of the lateral malleolus.", "contents": "Fracture-dislocation of the tibio-tarsal joint in a dog. A case of tibio-tarsal dislocation in a dog with fracture of both malleoli is described. An unusual feature was the absence of lateral instability in the hock despite fracture of the lateral malleolus.", "PMID": 997164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6633", "title": "The shape of the free end of the bovine penis during erection and protrusion.", "content": "Illustrations in some anatomy textbooks purporting to be left lateral views of the organ are in fact right lateral views. The origin of this error is discussed. The variability in normal shape is described in 55 living bulls and 20 excised specimens from bulls of different breeds. The importance of a correct understanding of normal anatomy in clinical examination and surgery of the bovine penis is emphasised.", "contents": "The shape of the free end of the bovine penis during erection and protrusion. Illustrations in some anatomy textbooks purporting to be left lateral views of the organ are in fact right lateral views. The origin of this error is discussed. The variability in normal shape is described in 55 living bulls and 20 excised specimens from bulls of different breeds. The importance of a correct understanding of normal anatomy in clinical examination and surgery of the bovine penis is emphasised.", "PMID": 997174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6634", "title": "The control of inbreeding in closed herds with limited numbers of sires.", "content": "The application, in the calculation of inbreeding coefficients, of the formulae described by Wright and Cruden and a computer program based on Wright's formula, was examined. All three methods, used without rounding up, gave similar inbreeding coefficient figures.", "contents": "The control of inbreeding in closed herds with limited numbers of sires. The application, in the calculation of inbreeding coefficients, of the formulae described by Wright and Cruden and a computer program based on Wright's formula, was examined. All three methods, used without rounding up, gave similar inbreeding coefficient figures.", "PMID": 997175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6635", "title": "Bovine leptospirosis: infection by the Hebdomadis serogroup and mastitis.", "content": "An outbreak of mastitis involving approximately 70 out of 140 cows over a two-month period is described. Common mastitis pathogens were not incriminated. Leptospires belonging to the Hebdomadis serogroup were isolated from the milk of three out of five cows and the blood of two of those cows.", "contents": "Bovine leptospirosis: infection by the Hebdomadis serogroup and mastitis. An outbreak of mastitis involving approximately 70 out of 140 cows over a two-month period is described. Common mastitis pathogens were not incriminated. Leptospires belonging to the Hebdomadis serogroup were isolated from the milk of three out of five cows and the blood of two of those cows.", "PMID": 997178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6636", "title": "Pharmacokinetic investigations on diminazene and rolitetracycline in comparison to a combination of both.", "content": "Serum level tests were carried out on healthy cows with a combination drug of one part Berenil and two parts Reverin. When compared with the commercial preparations Berenil (Diminazene) and Reverin (Rolitetracycline), the kinetic behaviour of Reverin in the combination preparation was identical. In the case of Berenil, administered in the form of the combination drug, the second slow elimination phase with a 63 hour half-life, as found after the administration of Berenil only, could not be observed. Eight hours after administration of the combination only minimal Berenil serum levels were detectable, after 24 hours the levels were lower than the limit of detection. This has a practical bearing on the question of residues.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetic investigations on diminazene and rolitetracycline in comparison to a combination of both. Serum level tests were carried out on healthy cows with a combination drug of one part Berenil and two parts Reverin. When compared with the commercial preparations Berenil (Diminazene) and Reverin (Rolitetracycline), the kinetic behaviour of Reverin in the combination preparation was identical. In the case of Berenil, administered in the form of the combination drug, the second slow elimination phase with a 63 hour half-life, as found after the administration of Berenil only, could not be observed. Eight hours after administration of the combination only minimal Berenil serum levels were detectable, after 24 hours the levels were lower than the limit of detection. This has a practical bearing on the question of residues.", "PMID": 997179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6637", "title": "Bovine leptospirosis: a serological and clinical study.", "content": "Antibodies to serotypes representing one or more of 10 Leptospira serogroups were detected in the sera of 1766 (49-1 per cent) cows and heifers out of a total of 3600 sera tested. Infection by the Hebdomadis serogroup was the predominant infection; antibodies to serotype sejroe were found in 1503 (41-8 per cent) sera. Antibodies to the Icterohaemorrhagiae (7-7 per cent) and Balllm (7-3 per cent) serogroups were the next most common, while antibodies to the Australis, Javanica, Canicola, Panama, Cynopteri, Pyrogenes and Autumnalis serogroups were detected in a small number of animals. Only the Hebdomadis and Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroups were associated with clinical disease.", "contents": "Bovine leptospirosis: a serological and clinical study. Antibodies to serotypes representing one or more of 10 Leptospira serogroups were detected in the sera of 1766 (49-1 per cent) cows and heifers out of a total of 3600 sera tested. Infection by the Hebdomadis serogroup was the predominant infection; antibodies to serotype sejroe were found in 1503 (41-8 per cent) sera. Antibodies to the Icterohaemorrhagiae (7-7 per cent) and Balllm (7-3 per cent) serogroups were the next most common, while antibodies to the Australis, Javanica, Canicola, Panama, Cynopteri, Pyrogenes and Autumnalis serogroups were detected in a small number of animals. Only the Hebdomadis and Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroups were associated with clinical disease.", "PMID": 997182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6638", "title": "Lameness and leg weakness in rapidly growing turkeys associated with hip lesions.", "content": "A form of epidemic lameness affecting rapidly growing broadbreasted turkeys of different breeds was investigated in 16 flocks. The condition commenced when birds were between eight and 14 weeks old and was consistenly associated with the development of lesions in the hip. Affected birds first showed leg weakness and ataxia and later chronic postural changes involving the hip. The post mortem lesions were those of inflammation, oedema, ulceration, fibrosis and complensatory hypertrophy of localised areas associated with the hip articulation. The cause was not established but the anatomical features of affected birds, their nutritional status and their apparent freedom from recognised infectious diseased are discussed.", "contents": "Lameness and leg weakness in rapidly growing turkeys associated with hip lesions. A form of epidemic lameness affecting rapidly growing broadbreasted turkeys of different breeds was investigated in 16 flocks. The condition commenced when birds were between eight and 14 weeks old and was consistenly associated with the development of lesions in the hip. Affected birds first showed leg weakness and ataxia and later chronic postural changes involving the hip. The post mortem lesions were those of inflammation, oedema, ulceration, fibrosis and complensatory hypertrophy of localised areas associated with the hip articulation. The cause was not established but the anatomical features of affected birds, their nutritional status and their apparent freedom from recognised infectious diseased are discussed.", "PMID": 997183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6639", "title": "Modulation of plasma copper and zinc concentrations by disease states in ruminants.", "content": "Alterations in plasma copper and zinc concentrations were associated with the onset and course of several diseases in sheep and cattle. Plasma Cu concentration rose as plasma Zn declined. The pattern of these changes was similar to those reported in non-ruminant animals and man.", "contents": "Modulation of plasma copper and zinc concentrations by disease states in ruminants. Alterations in plasma copper and zinc concentrations were associated with the onset and course of several diseases in sheep and cattle. Plasma Cu concentration rose as plasma Zn declined. The pattern of these changes was similar to those reported in non-ruminant animals and man.", "PMID": 997184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6640", "title": "Bovine leptospirosis: demonstration of leptospires of the Hebdomadis serogroup in aborted fetuses and a premature calf.", "content": "Leptospires were demonstrated in five aborted fetuses and in a premature calf. Evidence is presented to indicate that a member of the Hebdomadis serogroup was the causative agent.", "contents": "Bovine leptospirosis: demonstration of leptospires of the Hebdomadis serogroup in aborted fetuses and a premature calf. Leptospires were demonstrated in five aborted fetuses and in a premature calf. Evidence is presented to indicate that a member of the Hebdomadis serogroup was the causative agent.", "PMID": 997189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6641", "title": "The pathogenesis, diagnosis and control of Johne's disease.", "content": "Since 1962, when the control of Johne's disease was last reviewed by the BVA technical development committee there have been no dramatic advances in diagnostic methods for Johne's disease or in methods of control. However, there has been a slow, but steady increase in knowledge of the various aspects of the disease. This article attempts to set out what is known and, more important, not known about the subject.", "contents": "The pathogenesis, diagnosis and control of Johne's disease. Since 1962, when the control of Johne's disease was last reviewed by the BVA technical development committee there have been no dramatic advances in diagnostic methods for Johne's disease or in methods of control. However, there has been a slow, but steady increase in knowledge of the various aspects of the disease. This article attempts to set out what is known and, more important, not known about the subject.", "PMID": 997190} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6642", "title": "Identification of Ehrlichia canis in East Africa.", "content": "Ehrlichia canis, the causative agent of canine ehrlichiosis or tropical canine pancytopaenia (TCP) has been identified in Kenya. Transmission studies to two dogs resulted in signs of ehrlichiosis including marked thrombocytopaenia, pyrexia, reduction in the packed cell volume and the presence of E canis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.", "contents": "Identification of Ehrlichia canis in East Africa. Ehrlichia canis, the causative agent of canine ehrlichiosis or tropical canine pancytopaenia (TCP) has been identified in Kenya. Transmission studies to two dogs resulted in signs of ehrlichiosis including marked thrombocytopaenia, pyrexia, reduction in the packed cell volume and the presence of E canis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.", "PMID": 997191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6643", "title": "Chronic bronchitis and alveolar emphysema in the horse.", "content": "Broken wind is a syndrome characterised by chronic bronchitis and alveolar emphysema. Clinical signs include nasal catarrh, persistent coughing, dyspnoea and poor exercise tolerance. In racehorses, lung haemorrhages may result in epistaxis. Broken wind is a disease of domestication ascribed to pollution of the stable air with fungal spores from hay and straw. Treatment and prevention are based on the provision of fresh air and, if housing is unavoidable, the adoption of a permanent regime of dust-free stable management. If an early diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment instituted, the prognosis is considered to be reasonably good. The disease exemplifies the validity of the Royal Veterinary College motto Venienti occurrite morbo (treat the disease at its first appearance).", "contents": "Chronic bronchitis and alveolar emphysema in the horse. Broken wind is a syndrome characterised by chronic bronchitis and alveolar emphysema. Clinical signs include nasal catarrh, persistent coughing, dyspnoea and poor exercise tolerance. In racehorses, lung haemorrhages may result in epistaxis. Broken wind is a disease of domestication ascribed to pollution of the stable air with fungal spores from hay and straw. Treatment and prevention are based on the provision of fresh air and, if housing is unavoidable, the adoption of a permanent regime of dust-free stable management. If an early diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment instituted, the prognosis is considered to be reasonably good. The disease exemplifies the validity of the Royal Veterinary College motto Venienti occurrite morbo (treat the disease at its first appearance).", "PMID": 997195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6644", "title": "Priorities for pig research.", "content": "A postal survey was carried out by the Pig Veterinary Society to establish the opinions of its members on priorities for pig research: 153 members, 64 per cent of the total--returned analysable questionnaires. The survey shows that problems of highest priority for members are atrophic rhinitis, non-infectious infertility, neonatal enteritis, economics of disease, preventive medicine programmes and swine dysentery. The membership was classified by the nature of their work into five groups and the six subjects listed above cover the top three priorities of all groups. A classification of the papers listed in the Index of Current Research on Pigs XXII 1976 suggests that some of the six subjects are under researched.", "contents": "Priorities for pig research. A postal survey was carried out by the Pig Veterinary Society to establish the opinions of its members on priorities for pig research: 153 members, 64 per cent of the total--returned analysable questionnaires. The survey shows that problems of highest priority for members are atrophic rhinitis, non-infectious infertility, neonatal enteritis, economics of disease, preventive medicine programmes and swine dysentery. The membership was classified by the nature of their work into five groups and the six subjects listed above cover the top three priorities of all groups. A classification of the papers listed in the Index of Current Research on Pigs XXII 1976 suggests that some of the six subjects are under researched.", "PMID": 997196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6645", "title": "Ronidazole in the treatment and prophylaxis of experimental swine dysentery.", "content": "Experimental swine dysentery was produced in groups of susceptible pigs by feeding pure cultures of two isolates of T hyodysenteriae. These infected groups of pigs were then used to assess the efficacy of ronidazole medication of the drinking water and of the feed in the treatment and prophylaxis of the experimental disease. Ronidazole was found to be effective in the treatment of swine dysentery and appeared to eliminate the causal agent, T hyodysenteriae, from treated affected pigs when given in the drinking water at 30 and 60 ppm for three days and in the feed at 120 ppm for four days. The inclusion of ronidazole in the feed for 14 days at 30, 60 and 90 ppm was found to suppress the development of the disease but 90 ppm was the only level found to prevent the development of infection.", "contents": "Ronidazole in the treatment and prophylaxis of experimental swine dysentery. Experimental swine dysentery was produced in groups of susceptible pigs by feeding pure cultures of two isolates of T hyodysenteriae. These infected groups of pigs were then used to assess the efficacy of ronidazole medication of the drinking water and of the feed in the treatment and prophylaxis of the experimental disease. Ronidazole was found to be effective in the treatment of swine dysentery and appeared to eliminate the causal agent, T hyodysenteriae, from treated affected pigs when given in the drinking water at 30 and 60 ppm for three days and in the feed at 120 ppm for four days. The inclusion of ronidazole in the feed for 14 days at 30, 60 and 90 ppm was found to suppress the development of the disease but 90 ppm was the only level found to prevent the development of infection.", "PMID": 997197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6646", "title": "Acute impaction of the rumen in a herd of Friesian cows.", "content": "An outbreak of acute impaction of the rumen in a herd of Friesian cows associated with the over eating of young grass and exposure to severe weather conditions, is described. The morbidity rate was 100 per cent and the mortality rate 6-5 per cent.", "contents": "Acute impaction of the rumen in a herd of Friesian cows. An outbreak of acute impaction of the rumen in a herd of Friesian cows associated with the over eating of young grass and exposure to severe weather conditions, is described. The morbidity rate was 100 per cent and the mortality rate 6-5 per cent.", "PMID": 997198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6647", "title": "[Non-specific immunologic reactivity among patients with primary multiple malignant neoplasms].", "content": "Under examination were seventy four patients with different combinations of primary multiple malignant tumors. In patients with 2 skin tumor nodes a high percent of delayed allergic reactions was found in response to the use of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and a correlated with the former high coefficient of the percutaneous test with tripan blue (QD). The mentioned indices are diminished as the third or more skin tumor nodes appear. In polyneoplasia involving internal organs delayed allergic reactions were found to be absent and QD markedly reduced.", "contents": "[Non-specific immunologic reactivity among patients with primary multiple malignant neoplasms]. Under examination were seventy four patients with different combinations of primary multiple malignant tumors. In patients with 2 skin tumor nodes a high percent of delayed allergic reactions was found in response to the use of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and a correlated with the former high coefficient of the percutaneous test with tripan blue (QD). The mentioned indices are diminished as the third or more skin tumor nodes appear. In polyneoplasia involving internal organs delayed allergic reactions were found to be absent and QD markedly reduced.", "PMID": 997403} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6648", "title": "[Blast-transformation reaction in patients with bone tumors].", "content": "The authors have studied phytohemagglutinin stimulation of DNA synthesis in leucocytes cultures of the peripheral blood in patients with some malignant osteoplasms and benign tumors, and the influence of plasma factors on this process, as well. In most cases, lymphocytes of patients with malignant tumors were shown to have a considerably decreased, as compared with the control, level of blasttransformation. No such difference was found for leucocytes cultures of patients with benign tumors.", "contents": "[Blast-transformation reaction in patients with bone tumors]. The authors have studied phytohemagglutinin stimulation of DNA synthesis in leucocytes cultures of the peripheral blood in patients with some malignant osteoplasms and benign tumors, and the influence of plasma factors on this process, as well. In most cases, lymphocytes of patients with malignant tumors were shown to have a considerably decreased, as compared with the control, level of blasttransformation. No such difference was found for leucocytes cultures of patients with benign tumors.", "PMID": 997404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6649", "title": "[Polyamine excretion in patients with tumors].", "content": "Polyamines excretion with the urine in patients with cancer of the stomach, lung, mammary gland and cervical cancer is considerably increased, as compared with patients having nontumor lesions and healthy individuals. Following a surgical removal of the tumor as well as after chemotherapy the level of polyamines in the diurnal urine is diminished up to normal values. The determination of polyamines excretion may serve as a test for laboratory diagnosis of malignant tumors and also as a criterion of the efficacy of treatment.", "contents": "[Polyamine excretion in patients with tumors]. Polyamines excretion with the urine in patients with cancer of the stomach, lung, mammary gland and cervical cancer is considerably increased, as compared with patients having nontumor lesions and healthy individuals. Following a surgical removal of the tumor as well as after chemotherapy the level of polyamines in the diurnal urine is diminished up to normal values. The determination of polyamines excretion may serve as a test for laboratory diagnosis of malignant tumors and also as a criterion of the efficacy of treatment.", "PMID": 997405} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6650", "title": "[Respiratory phosphorylation in the liver mitochondria of rats with transplantable sarcomas].", "content": "The method of polarography was used to study respiration and phosphorylation capacity of the hepatic mitochondria in rats with transplantable sarcoma 45 and Walker carcinosarcoma in different terms after transplantation, and in spontaneous regression of the tumors involved, as well. In the hepatic mitochondria of tumor-bearing animals a marked dissociation of respiration and phosphorylation is observed, being mostly manifested in oxidation of glutamate and endogenic NAD-dependent substrates. Non-phosphorylating oxidation suffers to a less extent. Experiments with the use of rhothenon indicated that an impaired rate of the coupling of oxidation and phosphorylation was also related with a destroyed succinate site in the respiratory chain. In the presence of serum albumin an up to normal values restoration of the rate of respiration and phosphorylation coupling is observed in the hepatic mitochondria of tumor-bearing animals. The degree of interference in the respiratory phosphorylation process is mostly significant at late stages of tumors development and sharply declines in their spontaneous regression.", "contents": "[Respiratory phosphorylation in the liver mitochondria of rats with transplantable sarcomas]. The method of polarography was used to study respiration and phosphorylation capacity of the hepatic mitochondria in rats with transplantable sarcoma 45 and Walker carcinosarcoma in different terms after transplantation, and in spontaneous regression of the tumors involved, as well. In the hepatic mitochondria of tumor-bearing animals a marked dissociation of respiration and phosphorylation is observed, being mostly manifested in oxidation of glutamate and endogenic NAD-dependent substrates. Non-phosphorylating oxidation suffers to a less extent. Experiments with the use of rhothenon indicated that an impaired rate of the coupling of oxidation and phosphorylation was also related with a destroyed succinate site in the respiratory chain. In the presence of serum albumin an up to normal values restoration of the rate of respiration and phosphorylation coupling is observed in the hepatic mitochondria of tumor-bearing animals. The degree of interference in the respiratory phosphorylation process is mostly significant at late stages of tumors development and sharply declines in their spontaneous regression.", "PMID": 997406} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6651", "title": "[Effect of a fractionated dose of fast electrons on mitotic activity and the number of DNA-synthesizing cells of tumor NK/Ly].", "content": "The mitotic activity and DNA synthesis in cells of NK/LY tumors in mice were studied after irradiation with fast electrons in fractionation of the dosage in 3 regimens having similar total dosage (1000 rad) and the total time of irradiation (5 days) but different single doses, the number of fractions and an interval between them. A marked decrease in mitotic indices values (MI) was observed with all three regimens during the first hours after irradiation. 3--6 hours after irradiation the period of their restoration started, which was mostly intensive in daily irradiation with 200 rad. A dependence between the time of MI restoration and the dosage per fraction and number of fractions is described as an exponential function with an index 1.47. The kinetics of variations in the number of labelled cells showed a similar character, but it was less pronounced, whereas peaks of rising of the label index in all regimens did not exceed the control level.", "contents": "[Effect of a fractionated dose of fast electrons on mitotic activity and the number of DNA-synthesizing cells of tumor NK/Ly]. The mitotic activity and DNA synthesis in cells of NK/LY tumors in mice were studied after irradiation with fast electrons in fractionation of the dosage in 3 regimens having similar total dosage (1000 rad) and the total time of irradiation (5 days) but different single doses, the number of fractions and an interval between them. A marked decrease in mitotic indices values (MI) was observed with all three regimens during the first hours after irradiation. 3--6 hours after irradiation the period of their restoration started, which was mostly intensive in daily irradiation with 200 rad. A dependence between the time of MI restoration and the dosage per fraction and number of fractions is described as an exponential function with an index 1.47. The kinetics of variations in the number of labelled cells showed a similar character, but it was less pronounced, whereas peaks of rising of the label index in all regimens did not exceed the control level.", "PMID": 997407} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6652", "title": "[Activity of lymphocytes from patients with malignant melanoma in a culture with phytohemagglutinin].", "content": "In the present work, the authors have employed a test for blasttransformation and mitotic activity of lymphocytes in the culture with phytohemagglutinin (PHA-Difeo) to estimate the state of cell immunity in patients having malignant melanoma (95). A correlation was made between these tests and the number of lymphoid cells in patients blood prior to and 10--14 days after surgery, radio- and combined therapy. The most informative index of the cell immunity state in patients with malignant melanoma before application of special therapeutic measures was the absolute number of lymphocytes in blood, while following the treatment- the kinetics of the complex of tests under study.", "contents": "[Activity of lymphocytes from patients with malignant melanoma in a culture with phytohemagglutinin]. In the present work, the authors have employed a test for blasttransformation and mitotic activity of lymphocytes in the culture with phytohemagglutinin (PHA-Difeo) to estimate the state of cell immunity in patients having malignant melanoma (95). A correlation was made between these tests and the number of lymphoid cells in patients blood prior to and 10--14 days after surgery, radio- and combined therapy. The most informative index of the cell immunity state in patients with malignant melanoma before application of special therapeutic measures was the absolute number of lymphocytes in blood, while following the treatment- the kinetics of the complex of tests under study.", "PMID": 997408} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6653", "title": "[Method quantitative assessment of the danger of chemical carcinogen exposure].", "content": "A formula of quantitative estimation of the degree of blastomogenic activity of chemical substances is suggested, in which blastomogenic activity of the substance (C) is directly proportional to a total number of the names of tumor involved organs in experimental animals (T), a relative frequency of carcinogenesis 100 (See Article), and is inversely proportional to the logarythm of an effective carcinogen dosage mg/Kg/lg ED50), a latent perioe of tumor development (l) in days, a total number of the names of tumor involved organs in control animals (T). (See Article), wheren-the number of experimental tumor-bearing animals, n1 -- the number of control animals with tumors, N -- the number of experimental animals surviving the first tumor appearance, N1 -- the number of control animals surviving the first tumor appearance. Numerical values are given for four classes of the blastomogenic activity of chemical compounds according to \"C\" criterion. The first class -- extremely high greater than 0.5, II class -- high 0.499 -- 0.1, III class -- moderately high 0.099 -- 0,05, IV class -- low less than 0.05.", "contents": "[Method quantitative assessment of the danger of chemical carcinogen exposure]. A formula of quantitative estimation of the degree of blastomogenic activity of chemical substances is suggested, in which blastomogenic activity of the substance (C) is directly proportional to a total number of the names of tumor involved organs in experimental animals (T), a relative frequency of carcinogenesis 100 (See Article), and is inversely proportional to the logarythm of an effective carcinogen dosage mg/Kg/lg ED50), a latent perioe of tumor development (l) in days, a total number of the names of tumor involved organs in control animals (T). (See Article), wheren-the number of experimental tumor-bearing animals, n1 -- the number of control animals with tumors, N -- the number of experimental animals surviving the first tumor appearance, N1 -- the number of control animals surviving the first tumor appearance. Numerical values are given for four classes of the blastomogenic activity of chemical compounds according to \"C\" criterion. The first class -- extremely high greater than 0.5, II class -- high 0.499 -- 0.1, III class -- moderately high 0.099 -- 0,05, IV class -- low less than 0.05.", "PMID": 997409} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6654", "title": "[Effect of overheating products of wood hydrolysis on 3,4-benzpyrene output].", "content": "Under study was the effect of overheating of wood pyrolysis products at 600 degrees C on the content of 3,4-benzpyrene in them. Overheating only of the water portion of pyrolysis products would increase considerably its BP content, on account of it the total output of the carcinogen is increased. While overheating of total pyrolysis products results in still greater increase of total BP output on account of its concentration rise both in the water portion and resin. Overheating of resin separately would result in a 7 times increase of BP concentration in it.", "contents": "[Effect of overheating products of wood hydrolysis on 3,4-benzpyrene output]. Under study was the effect of overheating of wood pyrolysis products at 600 degrees C on the content of 3,4-benzpyrene in them. Overheating only of the water portion of pyrolysis products would increase considerably its BP content, on account of it the total output of the carcinogen is increased. While overheating of total pyrolysis products results in still greater increase of total BP output on account of its concentration rise both in the water portion and resin. Overheating of resin separately would result in a 7 times increase of BP concentration in it.", "PMID": 997410} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6655", "title": "[Plastic repair of the urinary bladder].", "content": "Clinical observations of 76 patients in whom an artifical urinary bladder was constructed from the rectum are presented. 52 patients were operated upon for cancer of the urinary bladder, total papillomatosis, a metastasis of uterine cancer in the bladder, cancer of the sigmoid with the urinary bladder involvement, sarcoma and cancer of the prostate with the bladder involvement. 17 patients were operated upon for extrophy, 7 -- for cancer of the urethra. An isolation of the rectum is followed by ligation of the upper rectal and vein. Fifteen patients died postoperatively due to peritonitis (6), ascending infection of the urinary tract (4), postoperative shock (I), phlegmon of the minor pelvis (I). In late postoperative period an artificial urinary bladder provides for reservoir and excretory functions.", "contents": "[Plastic repair of the urinary bladder]. Clinical observations of 76 patients in whom an artifical urinary bladder was constructed from the rectum are presented. 52 patients were operated upon for cancer of the urinary bladder, total papillomatosis, a metastasis of uterine cancer in the bladder, cancer of the sigmoid with the urinary bladder involvement, sarcoma and cancer of the prostate with the bladder involvement. 17 patients were operated upon for extrophy, 7 -- for cancer of the urethra. An isolation of the rectum is followed by ligation of the upper rectal and vein. Fifteen patients died postoperatively due to peritonitis (6), ascending infection of the urinary tract (4), postoperative shock (I), phlegmon of the minor pelvis (I). In late postoperative period an artificial urinary bladder provides for reservoir and excretory functions.", "PMID": 997414} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6656", "title": "[Blood levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in breast cancer].", "content": "In concentration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in blood plasma was determined in 21 healthy females and in 37 patients with breast cancer. The method of competitive binding of tritium labelled testosterone and dihydrotestosterone by specifically binding beta-globulin was employed. It was found that healthy females fail to show any age variations in the concentration of the hormones under investigation in blood. In menopausal patients testosterone concentration tends to decrease in cancer dissemination.", "contents": "[Blood levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in breast cancer]. In concentration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in blood plasma was determined in 21 healthy females and in 37 patients with breast cancer. The method of competitive binding of tritium labelled testosterone and dihydrotestosterone by specifically binding beta-globulin was employed. It was found that healthy females fail to show any age variations in the concentration of the hormones under investigation in blood. In menopausal patients testosterone concentration tends to decrease in cancer dissemination.", "PMID": 997415} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6657", "title": "[Mutational-metabolic model of carcinogenesis and the progression of the neoplastic process].", "content": "The given data indicate the presence of a negative correlation between metabolic indices (a decrease of the tolerance to glucose, increase of the blood level of free fatty acids, insulin, cholesterol triglycerides, cortisol, stc) and the indices of cellular immunity, which is determined by the number of rosette-forming cells and blasttransformation reaction to PHA and skin tests. Accordingly, the administration of an antidiabetic drug-phenformin (phenetylbiguanide)--apart from the improvement of metabolic pattern, results in the restoration of the cell-mediated immunity indices. These findings provide a basis for stating the phenomenon of metabolic immunodepression. The metabolic immunodepression may be supposed to prevent immunological surveillance activation, which normally is realized through the signals, provided by cells subjected to somatic mutation. It is noteworthy that the given metabolic conditions (hypercholesterinemia, hyperinsulinemia, the enhanced utilization of free fatty acids) promote the division of somatic cells. Thus, the same metabolic shifts which increase the pull of proliferating cells and, accordingly, increase the possibility of mutation development, also cause the metabolic immunodepression at the same time. These opposite metabolic influences on somatic cells and T-dependent lymphocytes cause the development of the syndrome of cancrophilia. The syndrome of cancrophilia normally arises at pregnancy, in intensive growth of the organism in childhood, accelerated development, stress and during normal ageing. Many carcinogens cause the decrease of tolerance to glucose, the increase in blood-insulin level and elevation of the threshold of sensitivity of the hypothalamus to feedback suppression. This phenomenon is based on the decrease of catecholamine level in thehypothalamus in ageing, stress and the action of some carcinogens. Thus, the syndrome of cacrophilia provides the conditions for cancer development and tumor progression, besides, the tumor itself produces the metabolic shifts typical of cancrophilia. In the light of mutation-metabolic model of cancer development, it is possible to consider the fundamental factors which increase of hinder carcinogenesis.", "contents": "[Mutational-metabolic model of carcinogenesis and the progression of the neoplastic process]. The given data indicate the presence of a negative correlation between metabolic indices (a decrease of the tolerance to glucose, increase of the blood level of free fatty acids, insulin, cholesterol triglycerides, cortisol, stc) and the indices of cellular immunity, which is determined by the number of rosette-forming cells and blasttransformation reaction to PHA and skin tests. Accordingly, the administration of an antidiabetic drug-phenformin (phenetylbiguanide)--apart from the improvement of metabolic pattern, results in the restoration of the cell-mediated immunity indices. These findings provide a basis for stating the phenomenon of metabolic immunodepression. The metabolic immunodepression may be supposed to prevent immunological surveillance activation, which normally is realized through the signals, provided by cells subjected to somatic mutation. It is noteworthy that the given metabolic conditions (hypercholesterinemia, hyperinsulinemia, the enhanced utilization of free fatty acids) promote the division of somatic cells. Thus, the same metabolic shifts which increase the pull of proliferating cells and, accordingly, increase the possibility of mutation development, also cause the metabolic immunodepression at the same time. These opposite metabolic influences on somatic cells and T-dependent lymphocytes cause the development of the syndrome of cancrophilia. The syndrome of cancrophilia normally arises at pregnancy, in intensive growth of the organism in childhood, accelerated development, stress and during normal ageing. Many carcinogens cause the decrease of tolerance to glucose, the increase in blood-insulin level and elevation of the threshold of sensitivity of the hypothalamus to feedback suppression. This phenomenon is based on the decrease of catecholamine level in thehypothalamus in ageing, stress and the action of some carcinogens. Thus, the syndrome of cacrophilia provides the conditions for cancer development and tumor progression, besides, the tumor itself produces the metabolic shifts typical of cancrophilia. In the light of mutation-metabolic model of cancer development, it is possible to consider the fundamental factors which increase of hinder carcinogenesis.", "PMID": 997416} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6658", "title": "[Angioscanning in the diagnosis of breast neoplasms].", "content": "Angioscanning with macroalbumin J131 was performed in 30 patients with different mammary gland diseases (breast cancer--in 22, breast sarcoma--in 1, cystic fibroadenomatosis--in 6 and one patients without any breast pathology). Twenty eight of thirty patients were subjected to surgery, and the diagnosis was supported histologically. Injection of macroalbumin J131 in the subclavian artery enabled the authors to visualize malignant neoplasms, located mainly in the external quadrants of the mammary gland. The least size of the tumor, revealed by angioscanning, was 1.5 cm in diameter. The method of isotope injection directly in the subclavian artery, employed by the authors, may be recommended for patients, whose primary tumor is localized in the external half of the gland and in the axillary process.", "contents": "[Angioscanning in the diagnosis of breast neoplasms]. Angioscanning with macroalbumin J131 was performed in 30 patients with different mammary gland diseases (breast cancer--in 22, breast sarcoma--in 1, cystic fibroadenomatosis--in 6 and one patients without any breast pathology). Twenty eight of thirty patients were subjected to surgery, and the diagnosis was supported histologically. Injection of macroalbumin J131 in the subclavian artery enabled the authors to visualize malignant neoplasms, located mainly in the external quadrants of the mammary gland. The least size of the tumor, revealed by angioscanning, was 1.5 cm in diameter. The method of isotope injection directly in the subclavian artery, employed by the authors, may be recommended for patients, whose primary tumor is localized in the external half of the gland and in the axillary process.", "PMID": 997417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6659", "title": "[Monolayer culture study of colony-forming bone marrow cells from patients with lymphogranulomatosis].", "content": "Measurements of colonies diameter in monolayer cultures of bone marrow in 21 patients with lymphogranulomatosis (an active process and the state of clinical remission) and in 5 healthy donors with subsequent mathematical processing of the results indicated that in most patients with active lymphogranulomatosis and in some patients being in the state of clinical remission, in contrast to healthy donors, the distribution of colonies in diameter is not in accord with the normal law of the distribution. The reliability of the phenomenon observed and its significance for recognition of active lymphogranulomatous process are supported by an additional mathematical analysis.", "contents": "[Monolayer culture study of colony-forming bone marrow cells from patients with lymphogranulomatosis]. Measurements of colonies diameter in monolayer cultures of bone marrow in 21 patients with lymphogranulomatosis (an active process and the state of clinical remission) and in 5 healthy donors with subsequent mathematical processing of the results indicated that in most patients with active lymphogranulomatosis and in some patients being in the state of clinical remission, in contrast to healthy donors, the distribution of colonies in diameter is not in accord with the normal law of the distribution. The reliability of the phenomenon observed and its significance for recognition of active lymphogranulomatous process are supported by an additional mathematical analysis.", "PMID": 997418} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6660", "title": "[Information-retrieval system for pathomorphological studies of neoplastic diseases].", "content": "The information retrieval system of studying the operative oncological material, realized on manual punch cards, is suggested. Coding and decoding of signs is accomplished by means of a descriptive dictionary. The latter comprises 18 coded signs. The method of making a list of descriptors is given. A brief technic of handling a code card is presented.", "contents": "[Information-retrieval system for pathomorphological studies of neoplastic diseases]. The information retrieval system of studying the operative oncological material, realized on manual punch cards, is suggested. Coding and decoding of signs is accomplished by means of a descriptive dictionary. The latter comprises 18 coded signs. The method of making a list of descriptors is given. A brief technic of handling a code card is presented.", "PMID": 997419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6661", "title": "[Treatment of skin cancer (based on data from Moscow Region cancer institutes)].", "content": "Observations over 3308 patients with skin cancer were conducted, 77.5% of them were in stage I, 19.7%--in stage II, 2.6%--in stage III and 0.2%--in stage IV. The incidence in males was twice as rare as in females. The dependence of skin cancer on sex was studied in 1645 patients. The majority of patients aged from 51 to 70 years. According to histological findings basalioma was observed in 75.9% and squamous-cell cancer--in 24.1%. Short-focal roentgenotherapy at voltage of 40--60 kw was employed in 94,3%, the combined therapy--in 4.5% and the associated one--in 1.2%. Doses from 5000 to 7000 r (79.5% of patients) were routinely used. The clinical cure was gained in 97.7%, the duration of radiation effect realization was 3--4 weeks in 60 percent of cases. The clinical cure was seldom observed in dosage under 4000 r. The results of 10-year observations indicated that among 2616 patients recurrences were noted in 63 (2.4%). Short-focal roentgenotherapy and the combined treatment seem to be the methods of choice intreatment for skin cancer.", "contents": "[Treatment of skin cancer (based on data from Moscow Region cancer institutes)]. Observations over 3308 patients with skin cancer were conducted, 77.5% of them were in stage I, 19.7%--in stage II, 2.6%--in stage III and 0.2%--in stage IV. The incidence in males was twice as rare as in females. The dependence of skin cancer on sex was studied in 1645 patients. The majority of patients aged from 51 to 70 years. According to histological findings basalioma was observed in 75.9% and squamous-cell cancer--in 24.1%. Short-focal roentgenotherapy at voltage of 40--60 kw was employed in 94,3%, the combined therapy--in 4.5% and the associated one--in 1.2%. Doses from 5000 to 7000 r (79.5% of patients) were routinely used. The clinical cure was gained in 97.7%, the duration of radiation effect realization was 3--4 weeks in 60 percent of cases. The clinical cure was seldom observed in dosage under 4000 r. The results of 10-year observations indicated that among 2616 patients recurrences were noted in 63 (2.4%). Short-focal roentgenotherapy and the combined treatment seem to be the methods of choice intreatment for skin cancer.", "PMID": 997420} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6662", "title": "[Role of the polyclinic examination room in detecting breast cancer and precancer].", "content": "The authors review their 5-year experience with the work of the women's diagnostic department for recognition of cancer and precancer of the mammary gland. The efficacy of the activities of this diagnostic department is believed to be determined by two main factors: 1) proper organization of its activity and 2) its close contacts with an oncologist of the polyclinic.", "contents": "[Role of the polyclinic examination room in detecting breast cancer and precancer]. The authors review their 5-year experience with the work of the women's diagnostic department for recognition of cancer and precancer of the mammary gland. The efficacy of the activities of this diagnostic department is believed to be determined by two main factors: 1) proper organization of its activity and 2) its close contacts with an oncologist of the polyclinic.", "PMID": 997421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6663", "title": "[Prostaglandins compared with oxytocin for induction of labour at term (author's transl)].", "content": "12 cases of induction of labour with prostaglandin F2 alpha and 8 with prostaglandin E2 were compared with 14 cases in which induction was undertaken with oxytocin. All inductions were successful, the induction--delivery intervals being slightly shorter in the prostaglandin groups than in the oxytocin group. Both with prostaglandin F2 alpha and with prostaglandin E2 the cardiotocogram showed uterine hyperactivity in most of the cases with an unexpected, episodically-occurring increase in basal uterine tone and remarkable tachysystoly. Uterine hyper-activity led to fetal heart rate alterations of the \"dip 2\" type in about 50% of the cases. According to these results prostaglandins cannot be considered superior to oxytocin for the induction of labour at term.", "contents": "[Prostaglandins compared with oxytocin for induction of labour at term (author's transl)]. 12 cases of induction of labour with prostaglandin F2 alpha and 8 with prostaglandin E2 were compared with 14 cases in which induction was undertaken with oxytocin. All inductions were successful, the induction--delivery intervals being slightly shorter in the prostaglandin groups than in the oxytocin group. Both with prostaglandin F2 alpha and with prostaglandin E2 the cardiotocogram showed uterine hyperactivity in most of the cases with an unexpected, episodically-occurring increase in basal uterine tone and remarkable tachysystoly. Uterine hyper-activity led to fetal heart rate alterations of the \"dip 2\" type in about 50% of the cases. According to these results prostaglandins cannot be considered superior to oxytocin for the induction of labour at term.", "PMID": 997522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6664", "title": "[Connexions between instrumental delivery and cerebral damage in the infant (author's transl)].", "content": "An interdepartmental investigation was carried out on the incidence of brain injury, especially so-called minimal brain injury, after instrumental delivery of infants by means of forceps or vacuum extractor. There is no statistically-significant difference in the incidence of brain injury in infants delivered by means of forceps as compared with the vacuum extractor; there is, however, a significant increase in incidence of brain injury in infants following instrument-aided delivery as opposed to spontaneous delivery. A thorough explanation of the methods is given and the results are discussed.", "contents": "[Connexions between instrumental delivery and cerebral damage in the infant (author's transl)]. An interdepartmental investigation was carried out on the incidence of brain injury, especially so-called minimal brain injury, after instrumental delivery of infants by means of forceps or vacuum extractor. There is no statistically-significant difference in the incidence of brain injury in infants delivered by means of forceps as compared with the vacuum extractor; there is, however, a significant increase in incidence of brain injury in infants following instrument-aided delivery as opposed to spontaneous delivery. A thorough explanation of the methods is given and the results are discussed.", "PMID": 997523} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6665", "title": "[A prospective study on the occurrence of postoperative thrombosis of leg-veins and the possible influence of aescin in its prevention (author's transl)].", "content": "Based on the frequency of subclinical, postoperative thrombosis which we detected using radio-iodine-tagged fibrinogen (125I-fibrinogen) in 2 comparable test groups of 100 female patients each, we were able to compare the effectiveness of Aescin (Reparil) to the untreated group. Whereas only 16 patients in the Reparil group were thrombose-positive we found 27 such cases in the control group. The analysis of these data shows Reparil to be of distinct advantage when compared to the untreated group.", "contents": "[A prospective study on the occurrence of postoperative thrombosis of leg-veins and the possible influence of aescin in its prevention (author's transl)]. Based on the frequency of subclinical, postoperative thrombosis which we detected using radio-iodine-tagged fibrinogen (125I-fibrinogen) in 2 comparable test groups of 100 female patients each, we were able to compare the effectiveness of Aescin (Reparil) to the untreated group. Whereas only 16 patients in the Reparil group were thrombose-positive we found 27 such cases in the control group. The analysis of these data shows Reparil to be of distinct advantage when compared to the untreated group.", "PMID": 997524} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6666", "title": "[Effect of long-term treatment with synthetic oestrogens on plasma lipids and arterial vessels in male rabbits (author's transl)].", "content": "The effects of long-term treatment with synthetic oestrogens (Retalon retard, Sanabo Ltd., Wien, 5 mg/kg i.m. at weekly intervals) were investigated in 12 male rabbits and compared with the data obtained in 9 saline-treated control animals. After 6 months of treatment the oestrogen group showed significantly higher plasma phospholipid (p less than 0.005) and cholesterol (p less than 0.01) concentrations than the control group. However, histological examination of various important arterial vessels (the aorta and the coronary, cerebral, limb and renal arteries) revealed no pathological changes indicative of premature atherosclerosis in either the oestrogen group or in the control group. It is concluded that long-term treatment with synthetic oestrogens does not result in a higher incidence of atherosclerosis in rabbits.", "contents": "[Effect of long-term treatment with synthetic oestrogens on plasma lipids and arterial vessels in male rabbits (author's transl)]. The effects of long-term treatment with synthetic oestrogens (Retalon retard, Sanabo Ltd., Wien, 5 mg/kg i.m. at weekly intervals) were investigated in 12 male rabbits and compared with the data obtained in 9 saline-treated control animals. After 6 months of treatment the oestrogen group showed significantly higher plasma phospholipid (p less than 0.005) and cholesterol (p less than 0.01) concentrations than the control group. However, histological examination of various important arterial vessels (the aorta and the coronary, cerebral, limb and renal arteries) revealed no pathological changes indicative of premature atherosclerosis in either the oestrogen group or in the control group. It is concluded that long-term treatment with synthetic oestrogens does not result in a higher incidence of atherosclerosis in rabbits.", "PMID": 997525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6667", "title": "[The fate of corneal infiltrations in cases of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. A follow-up study over two and a half years (author's transl)].", "content": "34 out of 72 patients (47.2%) with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis due to an infection with the adeno-virus type 8 still showed, on average, corneal opacities after 2.3 years. The gamma2-test proved the statistical significance of the correlation between the prevention of persistent corneal changes and the abstention from topical treatment with corticosteroids in the acute phase of the disease. Yet, steroids mitigate the subjective discomfort, delay the development of keratitis by several days, or even prevent its manifestation as long as corticosteroids are applied. However, in one third of the cases, the keratitis recurs as soon as topical treatment with corticosteroids is stopped. Recurrent attacks of keratitis may flare up over years and the visual acuity may decrease to 6/12 causing transient incapability of working.", "contents": "[The fate of corneal infiltrations in cases of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. A follow-up study over two and a half years (author's transl)]. 34 out of 72 patients (47.2%) with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis due to an infection with the adeno-virus type 8 still showed, on average, corneal opacities after 2.3 years. The gamma2-test proved the statistical significance of the correlation between the prevention of persistent corneal changes and the abstention from topical treatment with corticosteroids in the acute phase of the disease. Yet, steroids mitigate the subjective discomfort, delay the development of keratitis by several days, or even prevent its manifestation as long as corticosteroids are applied. However, in one third of the cases, the keratitis recurs as soon as topical treatment with corticosteroids is stopped. Recurrent attacks of keratitis may flare up over years and the visual acuity may decrease to 6/12 causing transient incapability of working.", "PMID": 997526} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6668", "title": "[Methods and results of immunological investigations of the aqueous humour (author's transl)].", "content": "It is possible by means of various immunological methods to identify more than 15 proteins in the human aqueous humour. Quantitative methods permit the determination of the concentrations of these proteins in the aqueous humour. The absence of high molecular weight proteins shows that the aqueous humour mainly consists of an ultrafiltrate of serum.", "contents": "[Methods and results of immunological investigations of the aqueous humour (author's transl)]. It is possible by means of various immunological methods to identify more than 15 proteins in the human aqueous humour. Quantitative methods permit the determination of the concentrations of these proteins in the aqueous humour. The absence of high molecular weight proteins shows that the aqueous humour mainly consists of an ultrafiltrate of serum.", "PMID": 997527} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6669", "title": "[Prophylactic effect of isosorbide dinitrate on postoperative cardiac complications (author's transl)].", "content": "Isosorbide dinitrate (ISD) was administered before, during and after 178 operations performed on 127 patients with arterial occlusive disease. Its influence on postoperative myocardial infarction, heart failure and mortality was tested by comparison with 188 operations performed on 140 patients with hypertension and/or old myocardial infarction receiving no ISD prophylaxis. Risk of cardiac complications was similar in both groups. Mortality in the ISD-treated group was significantly lowered as compared with the control group and was about half of the overall mortality in patients with arterial occlusive disease operated on at our hospital over the past 10 years. This difference depended partly on the influence of ISD on cardiac complications. Post-operative myocardial infarction during ISD prophylaxis occurred in 0.6% of cases as compared with 3.7% in the control group (p less than 0.05), whilst the respective values for postoperative heart failure were 5.7% and 18.2% (p less than 0.001). Both complications are related to absolute or relative hypoxia during the post-operative stress period. ISD is effective by lowering cardiac preload and afterload and thereby diminishing myocardial oxygen demand. ISD is the drug of choice for surgical patients since it provides a steady and long-lasting effect after sublingual absorption. ISD prophylaxis during the perioperative period is indicated in cases with coronary artery disease and with increased cardiac preload or afterload.", "contents": "[Prophylactic effect of isosorbide dinitrate on postoperative cardiac complications (author's transl)]. Isosorbide dinitrate (ISD) was administered before, during and after 178 operations performed on 127 patients with arterial occlusive disease. Its influence on postoperative myocardial infarction, heart failure and mortality was tested by comparison with 188 operations performed on 140 patients with hypertension and/or old myocardial infarction receiving no ISD prophylaxis. Risk of cardiac complications was similar in both groups. Mortality in the ISD-treated group was significantly lowered as compared with the control group and was about half of the overall mortality in patients with arterial occlusive disease operated on at our hospital over the past 10 years. This difference depended partly on the influence of ISD on cardiac complications. Post-operative myocardial infarction during ISD prophylaxis occurred in 0.6% of cases as compared with 3.7% in the control group (p less than 0.05), whilst the respective values for postoperative heart failure were 5.7% and 18.2% (p less than 0.001). Both complications are related to absolute or relative hypoxia during the post-operative stress period. ISD is effective by lowering cardiac preload and afterload and thereby diminishing myocardial oxygen demand. ISD is the drug of choice for surgical patients since it provides a steady and long-lasting effect after sublingual absorption. ISD prophylaxis during the perioperative period is indicated in cases with coronary artery disease and with increased cardiac preload or afterload.", "PMID": 997528} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6670", "title": "[The therapeutic management of consumption coagulopathy in progressive liver cirrhosis: low-dosage heparin therapy (author's transl)].", "content": "The high incidence of consumption coagulopathy in active liver cirrhosis prompted us to introduce low-dosage heparin therapy (LDHT) in the management of this condition. An investigation was carried out on 109 patients with clinical and biochemical evidence of progressive liver cirrhosis, which was designed to evaluate whether in addition to basic LDHT, the administration of either vitamin K1, human fibrinogen or partial prothrombin complex (Prothromplex 500) enhanced the results obtained with LDHT alone. The normotest, PTT, thrombin coagulase activity, fibrinogen and platelet count were determined at regular intervals. A significant increase in fibrinogen and platelet count was obtained within 14 days of LDHT in about 75% of the patients and the consumption coagulopathy was halted. Additional treatment with vitamin K1 did not bring about any further increase in the prothrombin complex. Substitution therapy with factors II, IX, X and fibrinogen combined with LDHT brought the expected results. The results reported in the literature and the aims of, and indications for LDHT are discussed.", "contents": "[The therapeutic management of consumption coagulopathy in progressive liver cirrhosis: low-dosage heparin therapy (author's transl)]. The high incidence of consumption coagulopathy in active liver cirrhosis prompted us to introduce low-dosage heparin therapy (LDHT) in the management of this condition. An investigation was carried out on 109 patients with clinical and biochemical evidence of progressive liver cirrhosis, which was designed to evaluate whether in addition to basic LDHT, the administration of either vitamin K1, human fibrinogen or partial prothrombin complex (Prothromplex 500) enhanced the results obtained with LDHT alone. The normotest, PTT, thrombin coagulase activity, fibrinogen and platelet count were determined at regular intervals. A significant increase in fibrinogen and platelet count was obtained within 14 days of LDHT in about 75% of the patients and the consumption coagulopathy was halted. Additional treatment with vitamin K1 did not bring about any further increase in the prothrombin complex. Substitution therapy with factors II, IX, X and fibrinogen combined with LDHT brought the expected results. The results reported in the literature and the aims of, and indications for LDHT are discussed.", "PMID": 997529} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6671", "title": "[Studies on the immune status of patients with operated and irradiated cervical and breast cancer. III. Comparative investigation of the immune status of patients with breast cancer treated by operation and irradiation and of patients with cervical cancer treated either by operation or irradiation (author's transl)].", "content": "The immunological reactivity of 19 operated cases of breast cancer (14 T1 2, 5T3) was investigated before and at 3-weekly intervals up to 12 weeks after radiotherapy by means of a large panel of techniques. The results were compared with two groups of identically-investigated patients, one consisting of 11 cases of cervical cancer (stage III), treated solely by irradiation and the other of 12 cases of cervical cancer (Stages I a and II b), treated by operation only. Before irradiation and in the non-irradiated group cellular immunity appeared to be more disturbed in cases of breast cancer than in cases of cervical carcinoma, as shown by the lowest number of lymphocytes, the lowest number of spontaneously-rosetting lymphocytes, the lowest percentage of DNCB sensitization in patients and the lowest percentage of Tuberculin-positive skin tests. In both types of carcinoma the humoral immunity appeared to be impaired, as apparent from the lowered immune response to tetanus vaccination. Other parameters of humoral immunity such as the immune globulin concentration, iso- and heteroagglutinine, the titre of measles antibodies or membrane fluorescence of lymphocytes showed no dinstinct trends during the investigation period. After irradiation a) inhibiting and b) stimulating influences were observed: a) The incidence and extent of the immune response to tetanus vaccination was further reduced and a distinct lymphopenic effect was observed. b) The incidence of positive skin tests with varidase, as well as the number of spontaneously-rosetting lymphocytes increased after the commencement of irradiation. Apart from the known sensitization with DNCB and skin tests with tuberculin, determination of the antitoxin titre before and after tetanus vaccination provided the most reliable results in regard to immunological reactivity in the investigated tumour patients.", "contents": "[Studies on the immune status of patients with operated and irradiated cervical and breast cancer. III. Comparative investigation of the immune status of patients with breast cancer treated by operation and irradiation and of patients with cervical cancer treated either by operation or irradiation (author's transl)]. The immunological reactivity of 19 operated cases of breast cancer (14 T1 2, 5T3) was investigated before and at 3-weekly intervals up to 12 weeks after radiotherapy by means of a large panel of techniques. The results were compared with two groups of identically-investigated patients, one consisting of 11 cases of cervical cancer (stage III), treated solely by irradiation and the other of 12 cases of cervical cancer (Stages I a and II b), treated by operation only. Before irradiation and in the non-irradiated group cellular immunity appeared to be more disturbed in cases of breast cancer than in cases of cervical carcinoma, as shown by the lowest number of lymphocytes, the lowest number of spontaneously-rosetting lymphocytes, the lowest percentage of DNCB sensitization in patients and the lowest percentage of Tuberculin-positive skin tests. In both types of carcinoma the humoral immunity appeared to be impaired, as apparent from the lowered immune response to tetanus vaccination. Other parameters of humoral immunity such as the immune globulin concentration, iso- and heteroagglutinine, the titre of measles antibodies or membrane fluorescence of lymphocytes showed no dinstinct trends during the investigation period. After irradiation a) inhibiting and b) stimulating influences were observed: a) The incidence and extent of the immune response to tetanus vaccination was further reduced and a distinct lymphopenic effect was observed. b) The incidence of positive skin tests with varidase, as well as the number of spontaneously-rosetting lymphocytes increased after the commencement of irradiation. Apart from the known sensitization with DNCB and skin tests with tuberculin, determination of the antitoxin titre before and after tetanus vaccination provided the most reliable results in regard to immunological reactivity in the investigated tumour patients.", "PMID": 997530} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6672", "title": "[The effect of anti-inflammatory substances on free muscle transplants in the experimental animal (author's transl)].", "content": "The effect of repeated subcutaneous injections of hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone on connective tissue formation was investigated in free rat muscle transplants. The follow-up investigation took place 4 weeks after transplantation of the long extensor muscles of the digits to the vastus lateralis group of the rectus femoris muscle. Connective tissue measurements were performed on the basis of hydroxyproline determinations. It was observed that in the untreated transplant there is twice as much connective tissue (expressed as a percentage) as in the same muscle remaining in situ. Hydrocortisone did not reduce the amount of connective tissue in the transplant. Phenylbutazone reduced the amount of connective tissue by 27%. At the same time the total weight of the transplants treated with hydrocortisone and phynylbutazone was reduced by 15% and 33% respectively. Attention is drawn to the myotoxic properties of hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone. Hence, in spite of the inhibited connective tissue formation there is no improvement in muscle fibre regeneration and their use cannot be recommended.", "contents": "[The effect of anti-inflammatory substances on free muscle transplants in the experimental animal (author's transl)]. The effect of repeated subcutaneous injections of hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone on connective tissue formation was investigated in free rat muscle transplants. The follow-up investigation took place 4 weeks after transplantation of the long extensor muscles of the digits to the vastus lateralis group of the rectus femoris muscle. Connective tissue measurements were performed on the basis of hydroxyproline determinations. It was observed that in the untreated transplant there is twice as much connective tissue (expressed as a percentage) as in the same muscle remaining in situ. Hydrocortisone did not reduce the amount of connective tissue in the transplant. Phenylbutazone reduced the amount of connective tissue by 27%. At the same time the total weight of the transplants treated with hydrocortisone and phynylbutazone was reduced by 15% and 33% respectively. Attention is drawn to the myotoxic properties of hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone. Hence, in spite of the inhibited connective tissue formation there is no improvement in muscle fibre regeneration and their use cannot be recommended.", "PMID": 997531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6673", "title": "[Field trial with a new type of influenza subunit vaccine (author's transl)].", "content": "In a field trial a new influenza subunit vaccine was tested in parallel with a vaccine prepared from the whole virus. The subunit vaccine essentially contained only the proteins of the viral envelope, haemagglutinin and neuraminidase, which had been selectively solubilized by treatment with cetyl trimethylammonium bromide. Both vaccines contained 700 IU of strain A/Port Chalmers/73 in 0.5 ml. They were given to volunteers by the subcutaneous route with and without the addition of Al (OH)3 as adjuvant. Blood samples were taken on days 0, 28 and 90. Development of antibodies was assayed in the haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and neuraminidase-inhibition (NI) test. All vaccines exhibited a very good immunogenic effect as judged from the number of volunteers with at least a four-fold rise in antibodies in the HI-test and those reaching titres that are considered to be sufficiently high for protection against disease. The best results were obtained with the aqueous subunit vaccine. All four vaccines also stimulated the formation of neuraminidase-inhibiting antibodies. The vaccines were well tolerated by the volunteers. The incidence of minor local reactions such as redness, swelling and pain varied according to the vaccine used, as shown on statistical evaluation. The aqueous subunit vaccine clearly proved to be superior in this respect.", "contents": "[Field trial with a new type of influenza subunit vaccine (author's transl)]. In a field trial a new influenza subunit vaccine was tested in parallel with a vaccine prepared from the whole virus. The subunit vaccine essentially contained only the proteins of the viral envelope, haemagglutinin and neuraminidase, which had been selectively solubilized by treatment with cetyl trimethylammonium bromide. Both vaccines contained 700 IU of strain A/Port Chalmers/73 in 0.5 ml. They were given to volunteers by the subcutaneous route with and without the addition of Al (OH)3 as adjuvant. Blood samples were taken on days 0, 28 and 90. Development of antibodies was assayed in the haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and neuraminidase-inhibition (NI) test. All vaccines exhibited a very good immunogenic effect as judged from the number of volunteers with at least a four-fold rise in antibodies in the HI-test and those reaching titres that are considered to be sufficiently high for protection against disease. The best results were obtained with the aqueous subunit vaccine. All four vaccines also stimulated the formation of neuraminidase-inhibiting antibodies. The vaccines were well tolerated by the volunteers. The incidence of minor local reactions such as redness, swelling and pain varied according to the vaccine used, as shown on statistical evaluation. The aqueous subunit vaccine clearly proved to be superior in this respect.", "PMID": 997532} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6674", "title": "[Paraneoplastic syndromes affecting the nervous system and the musculature associated with malignant tumours of the thyroid gland (author's transl)].", "content": "Two cases are presented of the paraneoplastic syndrome in patients with a malignant tumour of the thyroid gland. The first case presented with a pseudomyasthenic syndrome (in conjunction with a haemangio endothelioma) and the second case with a form of neuromyopathy (in conjunction with a partly solid and partly hormone-producing thyroid carcinoma). The pathogenesis and classification of the so-called carcinomatous neuropathies is briefly outlined and the initially atypical course taken by the first case is discussed.", "contents": "[Paraneoplastic syndromes affecting the nervous system and the musculature associated with malignant tumours of the thyroid gland (author's transl)]. Two cases are presented of the paraneoplastic syndrome in patients with a malignant tumour of the thyroid gland. The first case presented with a pseudomyasthenic syndrome (in conjunction with a haemangio endothelioma) and the second case with a form of neuromyopathy (in conjunction with a partly solid and partly hormone-producing thyroid carcinoma). The pathogenesis and classification of the so-called carcinomatous neuropathies is briefly outlined and the initially atypical course taken by the first case is discussed.", "PMID": 997533} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6675", "title": "[Incidence and presentation of myocardial infarction in Tyrol, Austria; (WHO ischaemic heart disease register Innsbruck 1971/72) (author's transl)].", "content": "In 1971 a population-based Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) Register was established in the Innsbruck area as part of the WHO international collaborative study. Demographic and geographic data covering the area, as well as the locally-applied methods are described. One hundred and seventy four cases (133 males and 41 females) of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were registered in the age group 20-64 years. This corresponds to an annual incidence rate of 1.9(0/00) in men and 0.6(0/00) in women. These results confirm indications from the national mortality statistics that Innsbruck belongs to the group of areas in Europe with a relatively low incidence of AMI. The epidemiology of AMI in Europe is discussed. The frequency distribution of AMI according to month of the year, day of the week and hour of the day is reported for this area.", "contents": "[Incidence and presentation of myocardial infarction in Tyrol, Austria; (WHO ischaemic heart disease register Innsbruck 1971/72) (author's transl)]. In 1971 a population-based Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) Register was established in the Innsbruck area as part of the WHO international collaborative study. Demographic and geographic data covering the area, as well as the locally-applied methods are described. One hundred and seventy four cases (133 males and 41 females) of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were registered in the age group 20-64 years. This corresponds to an annual incidence rate of 1.9(0/00) in men and 0.6(0/00) in women. These results confirm indications from the national mortality statistics that Innsbruck belongs to the group of areas in Europe with a relatively low incidence of AMI. The epidemiology of AMI in Europe is discussed. The frequency distribution of AMI according to month of the year, day of the week and hour of the day is reported for this area.", "PMID": 997534} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6676", "title": "[Pulmonary artery end-diastolic pressure recordings after myocardial infarction (author's transl)].", "content": "29 patients with acute myocardial infarction were subdivided into 3 groups using the information gained by continuous measurement of the pulmonary artery end-diastolic pressure (PAEDP) during a stay of 3 to 5 days in the coronary care unit of this hospital. Group I comprised patients with a PAEDP of below 12 mm Hg (without treatment), group II those with a PAEDP of between 12 and 20 mm Hg and group III those patients with a PAEDP of above 20 mm Hg. 3 to 6 months after rehabilitation and ambulant \"\"coronary training'' a follow-up control PAEDP measurement was performed at rest and during ergometric stress with the bicycle exercise test. 2 out of the 15 patients in group I had a pathological PAEDP at rest, whilst exercise of 50 watts raised the PAEDP to pathological values in 40% of this group of patients. Group II: 58% of the patients with an initially-raised PAEDP showed a normal value at follow-up examination 3 months subsequently. Exercise of 50 watts raised the PAEDP to pathological values in 66% of the patients in this group. Group III. The pathologically high PAEDP recordings at rest made it impossible to subject these patients to stress with the bicycle ergometer. The prognostic value of the classification of patients with myocardial infarction into pressure groups and the importance of PAEDP follow-up measurements on patients after myocardial infarction at rest and after ergometric stress are discussed.", "contents": "[Pulmonary artery end-diastolic pressure recordings after myocardial infarction (author's transl)]. 29 patients with acute myocardial infarction were subdivided into 3 groups using the information gained by continuous measurement of the pulmonary artery end-diastolic pressure (PAEDP) during a stay of 3 to 5 days in the coronary care unit of this hospital. Group I comprised patients with a PAEDP of below 12 mm Hg (without treatment), group II those with a PAEDP of between 12 and 20 mm Hg and group III those patients with a PAEDP of above 20 mm Hg. 3 to 6 months after rehabilitation and ambulant \"\"coronary training'' a follow-up control PAEDP measurement was performed at rest and during ergometric stress with the bicycle exercise test. 2 out of the 15 patients in group I had a pathological PAEDP at rest, whilst exercise of 50 watts raised the PAEDP to pathological values in 40% of this group of patients. Group II: 58% of the patients with an initially-raised PAEDP showed a normal value at follow-up examination 3 months subsequently. Exercise of 50 watts raised the PAEDP to pathological values in 66% of the patients in this group. Group III. The pathologically high PAEDP recordings at rest made it impossible to subject these patients to stress with the bicycle ergometer. The prognostic value of the classification of patients with myocardial infarction into pressure groups and the importance of PAEDP follow-up measurements on patients after myocardial infarction at rest and after ergometric stress are discussed.", "PMID": 997535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6677", "title": "[On-line analysis of anaerobic power and oxygen debt in rectangular-triangular stress testing (author's transl)].", "content": "The rectangular-triangular bicycle exercise test with on-line analysis of respiratory function and gas exchange is used in the evaluation of physical performance. A programme has been developed for on-line computation of an index of anaerobic power and of oxygen debt. The index of anaerobic power is calculated by subtracting the oxygen uptake exceeding the resting values from the energy demand to sustain a given work load. The oxygen uptake exceeding the resting level during a period of five minutes after the exercise test is added up and the result is taken to represent the index of the oxygen debt. In this presentation of preliminary results it is concluded that the index of anaerobic power and the parameter of anaerobic power (maximal oxygen uptake in symptom-limited stress testing) provide valuable additional information in regard to the physical performance of untrained people, athletes and patients with impaired cardio-pulmonary function in quantitative terms.", "contents": "[On-line analysis of anaerobic power and oxygen debt in rectangular-triangular stress testing (author's transl)]. The rectangular-triangular bicycle exercise test with on-line analysis of respiratory function and gas exchange is used in the evaluation of physical performance. A programme has been developed for on-line computation of an index of anaerobic power and of oxygen debt. The index of anaerobic power is calculated by subtracting the oxygen uptake exceeding the resting values from the energy demand to sustain a given work load. The oxygen uptake exceeding the resting level during a period of five minutes after the exercise test is added up and the result is taken to represent the index of the oxygen debt. In this presentation of preliminary results it is concluded that the index of anaerobic power and the parameter of anaerobic power (maximal oxygen uptake in symptom-limited stress testing) provide valuable additional information in regard to the physical performance of untrained people, athletes and patients with impaired cardio-pulmonary function in quantitative terms.", "PMID": 997536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6678", "title": "[Epidemiological investigations on measles in unvaccinated and vaccinated children (author's transl)].", "content": "A national study, with participation of 82 paediatricians, was carried out on 9472 children over medium observation periods of between 3.13 and 5.46 years with evaluation of the history of measles, incidence of complications and details of vaccination procedure performed. The protection rate of primary vaccination with live vaccine was 0.89, with split vaccine (3 times) 0.67 and after a combination of split vaccine (3 times) with live vaccine (9 to 12 months later) 0.94. Complications due to measles in unvaccinated children were found in 5.9% of cases. Measles complications after failure of vaccination were found in 2.9% and 2.8% of children vaccinated with live or split vaccine, respectively. No such complications were observed in children vaccinated with a combination of split and live vaccines.", "contents": "[Epidemiological investigations on measles in unvaccinated and vaccinated children (author's transl)]. A national study, with participation of 82 paediatricians, was carried out on 9472 children over medium observation periods of between 3.13 and 5.46 years with evaluation of the history of measles, incidence of complications and details of vaccination procedure performed. The protection rate of primary vaccination with live vaccine was 0.89, with split vaccine (3 times) 0.67 and after a combination of split vaccine (3 times) with live vaccine (9 to 12 months later) 0.94. Complications due to measles in unvaccinated children were found in 5.9% of cases. Measles complications after failure of vaccination were found in 2.9% and 2.8% of children vaccinated with live or split vaccine, respectively. No such complications were observed in children vaccinated with a combination of split and live vaccines.", "PMID": 997537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6679", "title": "[Familial nephrotic syndrome with focal glomerular sclerosis (author's transl)].", "content": "This is a report about three siblings (one boy and two girls) suffering from a clinically- and morphologically-identical form of renal disease. The disease began in each case with symptomless proteinuria at the age of 3 years and proceeded after several years to the full-blown picture of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome with the rapid development of renal insufficiency. Histologically, minimal proliferative intercapillary glomerulonephritis with focal sclerosis was found in all 3 cases. This condition was resistant to steroid and immunosuppressive therapy. The incidence and the morphological, clinical and therapeutic peculiarities and the prognosis of familial nephrotic syndrome are discussed on the basis of these case reports.", "contents": "[Familial nephrotic syndrome with focal glomerular sclerosis (author's transl)]. This is a report about three siblings (one boy and two girls) suffering from a clinically- and morphologically-identical form of renal disease. The disease began in each case with symptomless proteinuria at the age of 3 years and proceeded after several years to the full-blown picture of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome with the rapid development of renal insufficiency. Histologically, minimal proliferative intercapillary glomerulonephritis with focal sclerosis was found in all 3 cases. This condition was resistant to steroid and immunosuppressive therapy. The incidence and the morphological, clinical and therapeutic peculiarities and the prognosis of familial nephrotic syndrome are discussed on the basis of these case reports.", "PMID": 997538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6680", "title": "[Long-term use of medium chain triglycerides in cystic fibrosis (author's transl)].", "content": "Conventional treatment of 15 children (aged 4 to 17 years) with cystic fibrosis and persistent failure to thrive was supplemented on an out-patient basis by a daily oral intake of 35 g of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) fat. Follow-up investigations were pursued for a longer period than described in the literature, namely up to 6 months after initiation of the MCT diet. While frequency of the bowel movements was reduced and abdominal discomfort disappeared no weight gain was observed. Clinically, steatorrhoea was clearly diminished. Pre-treatment serum cholesterol levels were lower (121 mg/dl, n=25) than in healthy subjects (182.2 mg/dl, n=56). No significant changes in either serum cholesterol or serum triglycerides were detected over the 6-month period. There were no clinical signs of an essential fatty acid deficiency in 4 patients followed up for 2 years so far. MCT fat should be included in the standard dietary regimen used in the management of any child with cystic fibrosis and failure to thrive. Its use is fully justified by the clinical improvement and alleviation of the steatorrhoea.", "contents": "[Long-term use of medium chain triglycerides in cystic fibrosis (author's transl)]. Conventional treatment of 15 children (aged 4 to 17 years) with cystic fibrosis and persistent failure to thrive was supplemented on an out-patient basis by a daily oral intake of 35 g of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) fat. Follow-up investigations were pursued for a longer period than described in the literature, namely up to 6 months after initiation of the MCT diet. While frequency of the bowel movements was reduced and abdominal discomfort disappeared no weight gain was observed. Clinically, steatorrhoea was clearly diminished. Pre-treatment serum cholesterol levels were lower (121 mg/dl, n=25) than in healthy subjects (182.2 mg/dl, n=56). No significant changes in either serum cholesterol or serum triglycerides were detected over the 6-month period. There were no clinical signs of an essential fatty acid deficiency in 4 patients followed up for 2 years so far. MCT fat should be included in the standard dietary regimen used in the management of any child with cystic fibrosis and failure to thrive. Its use is fully justified by the clinical improvement and alleviation of the steatorrhoea.", "PMID": 997539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6681", "title": "[The development of infants subjected to aided respiration in the newborn period (author's transl)].", "content": "22 children who required respiratory aid (LPPV, CPAP) in the newborn period were followed up to the age of 12 to 36 months. The birth weight ranged between 1050 and 4100 g and the duration of artificial ventilation ranged between 36 and 698 hours. Neurological development of 17 children was completely normal, whilst four showed noticeable hyperkinesis or slight dystonia and one child developed spastic diplegia of a moderate degree, which was almost completely overcome by physiotherapy. The mean developmental quotient (Eggers-Wagner) ranged between 76 and 127.", "contents": "[The development of infants subjected to aided respiration in the newborn period (author's transl)]. 22 children who required respiratory aid (LPPV, CPAP) in the newborn period were followed up to the age of 12 to 36 months. The birth weight ranged between 1050 and 4100 g and the duration of artificial ventilation ranged between 36 and 698 hours. Neurological development of 17 children was completely normal, whilst four showed noticeable hyperkinesis or slight dystonia and one child developed spastic diplegia of a moderate degree, which was almost completely overcome by physiotherapy. The mean developmental quotient (Eggers-Wagner) ranged between 76 and 127.", "PMID": 997540} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6682", "title": "[Hereditary symphalangism: observations on this syndrome in a newborn infant and his mother (author's transl)].", "content": "Symphalangism is the partial or complete bony fusion of phalanges in the fingers and toes due to an autosomal dominant gene, with inherited failure of development of one or more interphalangeal joints. Two patients--a newborn baby and his mother--both revealing this rare malformation, are presented in this paper and the clinical and radiological features are described and discussed.", "contents": "[Hereditary symphalangism: observations on this syndrome in a newborn infant and his mother (author's transl)]. Symphalangism is the partial or complete bony fusion of phalanges in the fingers and toes due to an autosomal dominant gene, with inherited failure of development of one or more interphalangeal joints. Two patients--a newborn baby and his mother--both revealing this rare malformation, are presented in this paper and the clinical and radiological features are described and discussed.", "PMID": 997541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6683", "title": "[The umbilical cord blood lead concentration: a comparison between an urban and rural population (author's transl)].", "content": "The cord blood lead level was determined to 40 newborn infants. The values were significantly higher in the infants born to mothers resident in Vienna than in the infants born to the group of mothers from the rural surroundings of Eisenstadt. The overall mean blood level was 17.7+/-7.4 mug/100 g. Increasing pollution requires investigations concerning possible effects on the growing fetus and would serve as foundation for future trend assessment studies.", "contents": "[The umbilical cord blood lead concentration: a comparison between an urban and rural population (author's transl)]. The cord blood lead level was determined to 40 newborn infants. The values were significantly higher in the infants born to mothers resident in Vienna than in the infants born to the group of mothers from the rural surroundings of Eisenstadt. The overall mean blood level was 17.7+/-7.4 mug/100 g. Increasing pollution requires investigations concerning possible effects on the growing fetus and would serve as foundation for future trend assessment studies.", "PMID": 997542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6684", "title": "[Pseudoatresia of the oesophagus in the newborn infant (author's transl)].", "content": "Pseudoatresia of the oesophagus seems to occur more frequently than assumed from the cases actually diagnosed. With reference to an appropriate case its traumatic origin is discussed and is considered to be closely connected with anatomical facts and special circumstances arising in newborn infants. Clinical symptoms, therapy and prophylaxis are pointed out. Common oesophageal atresia is the most important condition to be ruled out in the differential diagnosis.", "contents": "[Pseudoatresia of the oesophagus in the newborn infant (author's transl)]. Pseudoatresia of the oesophagus seems to occur more frequently than assumed from the cases actually diagnosed. With reference to an appropriate case its traumatic origin is discussed and is considered to be closely connected with anatomical facts and special circumstances arising in newborn infants. Clinical symptoms, therapy and prophylaxis are pointed out. Common oesophageal atresia is the most important condition to be ruled out in the differential diagnosis.", "PMID": 997543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6685", "title": "[18 q deletion in mother and daughter (author's transl)].", "content": "Transmission of 18 q deletion from a mother to her daughter is described in this report. By means of diverse banding techniques the same deletion was proven in both cases. Partial deletion on the long arm of chromosome 18 produces typical malformations and clinical characteristics which are compatible with life. In case of propagation it can be transmitted as a dominant characteristic.", "contents": "[18 q deletion in mother and daughter (author's transl)]. Transmission of 18 q deletion from a mother to her daughter is described in this report. By means of diverse banding techniques the same deletion was proven in both cases. Partial deletion on the long arm of chromosome 18 produces typical malformations and clinical characteristics which are compatible with life. In case of propagation it can be transmitted as a dominant characteristic.", "PMID": 997544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6686", "title": "[Results of repeated IgE titre determinations for the early diagnosis of tumour recurrence in the otolaryngological area (author's transl)].", "content": "Repeated serum IgE determinations in 292 tumour patients, in parallel with clinical check-ups, show the great diagnostic significance of the serum IgE level. The IgE titre variations give an insight into the tumour-host relationship and, in particular, into the current state of activity of the tumour patients who were found to be tumour-free after specific therapy have constant serum IgE values on repeated examination. The serum IgE level declines significantly during radiotherapy and after operative therapy. Tumour recurrence or metastases cause a sharp increase in the serum IgE level already before clinical manifestations can be ascertained. Hence, this method contributes through continued immunological checks towards an early diagnosis of tumour activity.", "contents": "[Results of repeated IgE titre determinations for the early diagnosis of tumour recurrence in the otolaryngological area (author's transl)]. Repeated serum IgE determinations in 292 tumour patients, in parallel with clinical check-ups, show the great diagnostic significance of the serum IgE level. The IgE titre variations give an insight into the tumour-host relationship and, in particular, into the current state of activity of the tumour patients who were found to be tumour-free after specific therapy have constant serum IgE values on repeated examination. The serum IgE level declines significantly during radiotherapy and after operative therapy. Tumour recurrence or metastases cause a sharp increase in the serum IgE level already before clinical manifestations can be ascertained. Hence, this method contributes through continued immunological checks towards an early diagnosis of tumour activity.", "PMID": 997545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6687", "title": "[A case of reversible deafness in cystic arachnoiditis (author's transl)].", "content": "A patient studied preoperatively by a neuro-otological test battery showed signs of an extensive cerebellopontine angle tumour. During the operation dense fibrotic tissue was found extending from the choroid plexus to the right acoustic nerve, which was freed and thus decompressed. Postoperatively, low frequency hearing improved markedly in the right ear. In contrast to the well-known documented cases of successful decompression of the optic nerve it has not been possible up to now to achieve a successful outcome in similar procedures on the acoustic nerve. In the described case the fibrotic lesion had obviously just caused reversible damage to the myelin sheaths of the eighth nerve, which can be interpreted as \"neurapraxia\" (Seddon, 1943). Further investigations in regard to the systematic elucidation of possibly reversible damage to the acoustic nerve are currently being performed at the IInd ENT department of Vienna University.", "contents": "[A case of reversible deafness in cystic arachnoiditis (author's transl)]. A patient studied preoperatively by a neuro-otological test battery showed signs of an extensive cerebellopontine angle tumour. During the operation dense fibrotic tissue was found extending from the choroid plexus to the right acoustic nerve, which was freed and thus decompressed. Postoperatively, low frequency hearing improved markedly in the right ear. In contrast to the well-known documented cases of successful decompression of the optic nerve it has not been possible up to now to achieve a successful outcome in similar procedures on the acoustic nerve. In the described case the fibrotic lesion had obviously just caused reversible damage to the myelin sheaths of the eighth nerve, which can be interpreted as \"neurapraxia\" (Seddon, 1943). Further investigations in regard to the systematic elucidation of possibly reversible damage to the acoustic nerve are currently being performed at the IInd ENT department of Vienna University.", "PMID": 997546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6688", "title": "[A six-year review of patients attending the sterility clinic (author's transl)].", "content": "The paper reports the therapeutic results achieved in patients attending the sterility clinic over the period 1969-1974. Altogether 540 couples were examined and treated. The average age of the female patients in this series was 29,6 years; the length of time over which pregnancy had been attempted averaged 3.9 years. Sterility was attributable to the female partner in 54.3% of the cases, to the male partner in 32.4% and to both spoused in 3%. No apparent cause for the sterility was detected in 10.3% of the cases. 209 pregnancies occurred following treatment, corresponding to an overall success rate of 38.7%, or 40.6% when due allowance is made for the 27 cases in whom the outlook was certainly hopeless. 107 husbands were treated and in 22 cases (20.5%) their spouses became pregnant during the period of treatment. The following therapeutic measures proved successful in the females: clomiphene: 34 pregnancies in 82 patients; gonadotrophins (HMG), HCG): 13 pregnancies in 35 patients; 22 out of 66 patients becamse pregnant had been discontinued; treatment of luteal insufficiency with Duphaston resulted in 13 pregnancies among 43 women; tubal surgery led to eight pregnancies in 32 patients and uterine surgery to one pregnancy among five patients. The greatest number of pregnancies was achieved by simple therapeutic measures such as consultation, determination of the optimum time for conception, local treatment, and cervical dilatation.", "contents": "[A six-year review of patients attending the sterility clinic (author's transl)]. The paper reports the therapeutic results achieved in patients attending the sterility clinic over the period 1969-1974. Altogether 540 couples were examined and treated. The average age of the female patients in this series was 29,6 years; the length of time over which pregnancy had been attempted averaged 3.9 years. Sterility was attributable to the female partner in 54.3% of the cases, to the male partner in 32.4% and to both spoused in 3%. No apparent cause for the sterility was detected in 10.3% of the cases. 209 pregnancies occurred following treatment, corresponding to an overall success rate of 38.7%, or 40.6% when due allowance is made for the 27 cases in whom the outlook was certainly hopeless. 107 husbands were treated and in 22 cases (20.5%) their spouses became pregnant during the period of treatment. The following therapeutic measures proved successful in the females: clomiphene: 34 pregnancies in 82 patients; gonadotrophins (HMG), HCG): 13 pregnancies in 35 patients; 22 out of 66 patients becamse pregnant had been discontinued; treatment of luteal insufficiency with Duphaston resulted in 13 pregnancies among 43 women; tubal surgery led to eight pregnancies in 32 patients and uterine surgery to one pregnancy among five patients. The greatest number of pregnancies was achieved by simple therapeutic measures such as consultation, determination of the optimum time for conception, local treatment, and cervical dilatation.", "PMID": 997548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6689", "title": "[Psychological aspects of hysterectomy (author's transl)].", "content": "The effects of hysterectomy on social and psychological behavioural changes were evaluated in 88 patients who were examined psychologically and somatically preoperatively and for a period of 5 to 6 months postoperatively. All patients were aware of the surgical consequences and were investigated in regard to social history and by means of psychological tests (HAWIE, MMPI, Rorschach). The personality profiles of these patients fell within the normal range, although showing a tendency towards psychosomatic alteration, which, however, decreased significantly after the operation. Hysterectomy does not appear to produce any clear-cut changes in the attitude toward sexuality according to the findings of this study. Neither the age at which sexual maturity was reached, nor the intelligence level, number of children, age nor social class appeared to show any significant influence on the capacity to achieve orgasm or the frequency of intercourse. Only three patients showed transient postoperative depression, although this is frequently described in the literature; its aetiology is discussed. The therapeutic approach, especially in the field of surgical gynaecology, must encompass every aspect of medicine and appropriate explanations of the surgical consequences should be given to the patients to prevent postoperative psychological complications.", "contents": "[Psychological aspects of hysterectomy (author's transl)]. The effects of hysterectomy on social and psychological behavioural changes were evaluated in 88 patients who were examined psychologically and somatically preoperatively and for a period of 5 to 6 months postoperatively. All patients were aware of the surgical consequences and were investigated in regard to social history and by means of psychological tests (HAWIE, MMPI, Rorschach). The personality profiles of these patients fell within the normal range, although showing a tendency towards psychosomatic alteration, which, however, decreased significantly after the operation. Hysterectomy does not appear to produce any clear-cut changes in the attitude toward sexuality according to the findings of this study. Neither the age at which sexual maturity was reached, nor the intelligence level, number of children, age nor social class appeared to show any significant influence on the capacity to achieve orgasm or the frequency of intercourse. Only three patients showed transient postoperative depression, although this is frequently described in the literature; its aetiology is discussed. The therapeutic approach, especially in the field of surgical gynaecology, must encompass every aspect of medicine and appropriate explanations of the surgical consequences should be given to the patients to prevent postoperative psychological complications.", "PMID": 997549} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6690", "title": "[The value of liquid crystal thermography in the detection of breast cancer by the gynaecologist (author's transl)].", "content": "A report is present of 1300 unselected patients investigated for breast cancer by liquid crystal thermography. The value of this method is comparable to the value of mammography, since the number of carcinomas which remained undetected by each diagnostic procedure was equal. The high degree of diagnostic accuracy achieved by the use of liquid crystal thermography indicates that this simple dignostic procedure is recommendable as a screening method for the detection of breast cancer in gynaecological practice.", "contents": "[The value of liquid crystal thermography in the detection of breast cancer by the gynaecologist (author's transl)]. A report is present of 1300 unselected patients investigated for breast cancer by liquid crystal thermography. The value of this method is comparable to the value of mammography, since the number of carcinomas which remained undetected by each diagnostic procedure was equal. The high degree of diagnostic accuracy achieved by the use of liquid crystal thermography indicates that this simple dignostic procedure is recommendable as a screening method for the detection of breast cancer in gynaecological practice.", "PMID": 997550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6691", "title": "[Creatinine during pregnancy (author's transl)].", "content": "Determination of the creatinine concentration of the amniotic fluid was undertaken between the 25th and 40th week of gestation in 114 patients. The normal serum creatinine level was simultaneously determined in 43 of these patients. The aim of this study was to examine whether this parameter of fetal renal function allows a conclusion to be drawn with respect to fetal maturity and the length of gestation. With increasing length of gestation a marked increase in the amniotic fluid and the maternal serum creatinine concentration was observed (p less than 0.01). The large scatter of the values made it impossible to relate any particular creatinine concentration to a certain week of gestation. However, if the concentration of creatinine in the amniotic fluid has reached a value of 2 mg% or more, a mature baby can be predicted in most cases. A tendency to raised levels of creatinine was seen in cases of EPH gestosis and latent diabetes mellitus. The determination of creatinine in the amniotic fluid can be recommended with certain reservations as an additional method to assess fetal maturity.", "contents": "[Creatinine during pregnancy (author's transl)]. Determination of the creatinine concentration of the amniotic fluid was undertaken between the 25th and 40th week of gestation in 114 patients. The normal serum creatinine level was simultaneously determined in 43 of these patients. The aim of this study was to examine whether this parameter of fetal renal function allows a conclusion to be drawn with respect to fetal maturity and the length of gestation. With increasing length of gestation a marked increase in the amniotic fluid and the maternal serum creatinine concentration was observed (p less than 0.01). The large scatter of the values made it impossible to relate any particular creatinine concentration to a certain week of gestation. However, if the concentration of creatinine in the amniotic fluid has reached a value of 2 mg% or more, a mature baby can be predicted in most cases. A tendency to raised levels of creatinine was seen in cases of EPH gestosis and latent diabetes mellitus. The determination of creatinine in the amniotic fluid can be recommended with certain reservations as an additional method to assess fetal maturity.", "PMID": 997551} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6692", "title": "[Endogenous oestrogen state in women with postmenopausal bleeding (author's transl)].", "content": "The endogenous oestrogen state in 52 women (33 with endometrial carcinoma and 19 with benign conditions of the endometrium) was assessed ny means of histological examinations of vaginal swabs and of radio-immunological determinations of 17 beta-oestradiol. Considering their age, these women displayed an oestrogen activity far exceeding that found in previous studies. There was no difference between the oestrogen levels in women with carcinoma and the other patients. Furthermore, it was stiking that in the same group of women the examined parameters frequently showed different results. Consequently, a diagnosis based solely on the investigation of one parameter must frequently be misleading.", "contents": "[Endogenous oestrogen state in women with postmenopausal bleeding (author's transl)]. The endogenous oestrogen state in 52 women (33 with endometrial carcinoma and 19 with benign conditions of the endometrium) was assessed ny means of histological examinations of vaginal swabs and of radio-immunological determinations of 17 beta-oestradiol. Considering their age, these women displayed an oestrogen activity far exceeding that found in previous studies. There was no difference between the oestrogen levels in women with carcinoma and the other patients. Furthermore, it was stiking that in the same group of women the examined parameters frequently showed different results. Consequently, a diagnosis based solely on the investigation of one parameter must frequently be misleading.", "PMID": 997552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6693", "title": "[Surgical therapy of varicose veins of the lower limb (author's transl)].", "content": "Between 1969 and 1975 302 patients were surgically treated for varicose veins of the lower limbs (bilaterally in 61 cases) in the 2nd Department of Surgery, University of Vienna. 151 patients (including 30 cases operated on bilaterally) were followed up. The \"classic\" technique of vein stripping introduced by Babcock [1], modified in regard to certain details, was employed. The results of the follow-up examinations are presented and discussed.", "contents": "[Surgical therapy of varicose veins of the lower limb (author's transl)]. Between 1969 and 1975 302 patients were surgically treated for varicose veins of the lower limbs (bilaterally in 61 cases) in the 2nd Department of Surgery, University of Vienna. 151 patients (including 30 cases operated on bilaterally) were followed up. The \"classic\" technique of vein stripping introduced by Babcock [1], modified in regard to certain details, was employed. The results of the follow-up examinations are presented and discussed.", "PMID": 997553} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6694", "title": "[Intraoperative Histological Investigations in Gynaecology (author's transl)].", "content": "This study corroborates the great value of pathologist consultation in cases of diagnostic difficulty arising during the course of gynaecological operations. Joint discussion of the macroscopic appearance and/or interpretation of the frozen section appearance proved indispensable in the decision as to the appropriate operative procedure and the extent of the surgical measures in 147 cases submitted to intr-operative frozen section investigation. The highly satisfactory results are discussed and attributed largely to the efficient cooperation between pathologist and surgeon.", "contents": "[Intraoperative Histological Investigations in Gynaecology (author's transl)]. This study corroborates the great value of pathologist consultation in cases of diagnostic difficulty arising during the course of gynaecological operations. Joint discussion of the macroscopic appearance and/or interpretation of the frozen section appearance proved indispensable in the decision as to the appropriate operative procedure and the extent of the surgical measures in 147 cases submitted to intr-operative frozen section investigation. The highly satisfactory results are discussed and attributed largely to the efficient cooperation between pathologist and surgeon.", "PMID": 997554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6695", "title": "[Biotransformation of 10-(3-quinuclidinylmethyl)phenothiazine (LM 209), a new anti-allergy agent and the distribution and excretion of its metabolites].", "content": "1. Metabolism of 10-(3-quinuclidinylmethyl)phenothiazine and the distribution and excretion of the metabolites, especially the sulphoxides, were studied in rat and dog after oral and intravenous administration. 2. Urine and bile contained relatively little unchanged drug. The sulphoxide, sulphone, N-oxide and N-oxide sulphoxide derivatives were identified as well as glucuronide and sulphate conjugates, suggesting the formation of hydroxylated products. Faeces contained mainly unchanged drug but also some sulphoxide and N-oxide. In the lung, brain and cerebro spinal fluid only unchanged drug and traces of sulphoxide were found, whereas in liver sulphone and N-oxide were also present. 3. After administration of the 35S-labelled sulphoxide, the distribution of radio-activity was very different from that observed with LM 209. The biological half-life (t0-5) of SM 209 was 3 to 4 times higher than that of the sulphoxide. LM 209 is better absorbed and its diffusion in the organism is superior. 4. Metabolism of LM 209 by liver microsome preparation was more rapid than metabolism of the sulphoxide. 5. These findings indicate that the activity of LM 209 is due more to the molecule itself than to its major metabolite.", "contents": "[Biotransformation of 10-(3-quinuclidinylmethyl)phenothiazine (LM 209), a new anti-allergy agent and the distribution and excretion of its metabolites]. 1. Metabolism of 10-(3-quinuclidinylmethyl)phenothiazine and the distribution and excretion of the metabolites, especially the sulphoxides, were studied in rat and dog after oral and intravenous administration. 2. Urine and bile contained relatively little unchanged drug. The sulphoxide, sulphone, N-oxide and N-oxide sulphoxide derivatives were identified as well as glucuronide and sulphate conjugates, suggesting the formation of hydroxylated products. Faeces contained mainly unchanged drug but also some sulphoxide and N-oxide. In the lung, brain and cerebro spinal fluid only unchanged drug and traces of sulphoxide were found, whereas in liver sulphone and N-oxide were also present. 3. After administration of the 35S-labelled sulphoxide, the distribution of radio-activity was very different from that observed with LM 209. The biological half-life (t0-5) of SM 209 was 3 to 4 times higher than that of the sulphoxide. LM 209 is better absorbed and its diffusion in the organism is superior. 4. Metabolism of LM 209 by liver microsome preparation was more rapid than metabolism of the sulphoxide. 5. These findings indicate that the activity of LM 209 is due more to the molecule itself than to its major metabolite.", "PMID": 997584} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6696", "title": "The biodegradation of the surfactant undecyl sulphate.", "content": "1. The metabolism of the odd-numbered carbon chain surfactant, potassium undecyl [35S]sulphate in the rat was investigated. 2. The major route for elimination of radioactivity was the urine, regardless of the route of administration. 3. The surfactant was extensively degraded in vivo to yield propionic acid 3-[35S]sulphate, the major radioactive component in urine. A second urinary metabolite was identified tentatively as pentanoic acid 5-[35S]sulphate. 4. Whole-body autoradiography revealed the liver as the major site of metabolism. 5. The nature of the metabolic products of undecyl sulphate suggest that it is bio-degraded by initial omega-oxidation followed by beta-oxidation.", "contents": "The biodegradation of the surfactant undecyl sulphate. 1. The metabolism of the odd-numbered carbon chain surfactant, potassium undecyl [35S]sulphate in the rat was investigated. 2. The major route for elimination of radioactivity was the urine, regardless of the route of administration. 3. The surfactant was extensively degraded in vivo to yield propionic acid 3-[35S]sulphate, the major radioactive component in urine. A second urinary metabolite was identified tentatively as pentanoic acid 5-[35S]sulphate. 4. Whole-body autoradiography revealed the liver as the major site of metabolism. 5. The nature of the metabolic products of undecyl sulphate suggest that it is bio-degraded by initial omega-oxidation followed by beta-oxidation.", "PMID": 997585} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6697", "title": "Metabolism of metoprolol in the rat in vitro and in vivo.", "content": "1. Metoprolol was metabolized in rat liver microsomes in vitro by O-demethylation with subsequent oxidation and by aliphatic hydroxylation of the methoxy-ethyl substituent and by oxidative deamination of the propanolisopropylamine side-chain. The same routes of metabolism in the rat in vivo were revealed from urinary metabolites. Eight metabolites were identified by g.l.c.-mass spectrometry by comparison with synthetized reference compounds. 2. Metoprolol binds to cytochrome-P-450 eliciting a type I difference spectrum with KS = 23 +/- 2-0 muM. The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant Km = 39 +/- 4-0 muM and Vmax = 1-28 +/- 0-22 nmol/mg protein X min were not significantly affected by pre-treatment of the rats with metoprolol or phenobarbital. Metoprolol pre-treatment had no effect on the cytochrome-P-450 level in the microsomes nor on the rate of metabolism of four standard substrates. Phenobarbital increased the cytochrome P-450 as expected. 3. Four metabolites representing the three main routes of metabolism were quantitatively determined after metabolism with rat liver microsomes and compared with the urinary levels of the same compounds. The same major metabolites were found in vitro and in vivo. The total amount of metabolites was not influenced by pre-treatment with metoprolol or phenobarbital. The relative amounts of the three main metabolites were slightly affected by pre-treatment.", "contents": "Metabolism of metoprolol in the rat in vitro and in vivo. 1. Metoprolol was metabolized in rat liver microsomes in vitro by O-demethylation with subsequent oxidation and by aliphatic hydroxylation of the methoxy-ethyl substituent and by oxidative deamination of the propanolisopropylamine side-chain. The same routes of metabolism in the rat in vivo were revealed from urinary metabolites. Eight metabolites were identified by g.l.c.-mass spectrometry by comparison with synthetized reference compounds. 2. Metoprolol binds to cytochrome-P-450 eliciting a type I difference spectrum with KS = 23 +/- 2-0 muM. The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant Km = 39 +/- 4-0 muM and Vmax = 1-28 +/- 0-22 nmol/mg protein X min were not significantly affected by pre-treatment of the rats with metoprolol or phenobarbital. Metoprolol pre-treatment had no effect on the cytochrome-P-450 level in the microsomes nor on the rate of metabolism of four standard substrates. Phenobarbital increased the cytochrome P-450 as expected. 3. Four metabolites representing the three main routes of metabolism were quantitatively determined after metabolism with rat liver microsomes and compared with the urinary levels of the same compounds. The same major metabolites were found in vitro and in vivo. The total amount of metabolites was not influenced by pre-treatment with metoprolol or phenobarbital. The relative amounts of the three main metabolites were slightly affected by pre-treatment.", "PMID": 997586} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6698", "title": "Taurine conjugation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and phenylacetic acid in two marine species.", "content": "1. At least 50% of a dose of 14C-labelled 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or phenylacetic acid was excreted in urine in 48 hours after administration to dogfish shark or flounder. 2. For both compounds, more than 90% of the urinary 14C was present as a single metabolite. 3. Each metabolite was the taurine conjugate of the administered compound.", "contents": "Taurine conjugation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and phenylacetic acid in two marine species. 1. At least 50% of a dose of 14C-labelled 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or phenylacetic acid was excreted in urine in 48 hours after administration to dogfish shark or flounder. 2. For both compounds, more than 90% of the urinary 14C was present as a single metabolite. 3. Each metabolite was the taurine conjugate of the administered compound.", "PMID": 997587} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6699", "title": "Metabolism of debrisoquine sulphate in rat, dog and man.", "content": "1. The metabolism of debrisoquine sulphate in the dog has been studied and is similar to that in rat and man. 2. Two acidic urinary metabolites, shown to be present in rat, dog and man, have been isolated from rat urine. After derivatization they were characterized by n.m.r. and mass spectroscopy as methyl 2-[2-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidylamino)-methyl]-phenylacetate and 2-[2-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidylamino)-ethyl]benzoate.", "contents": "Metabolism of debrisoquine sulphate in rat, dog and man. 1. The metabolism of debrisoquine sulphate in the dog has been studied and is similar to that in rat and man. 2. Two acidic urinary metabolites, shown to be present in rat, dog and man, have been isolated from rat urine. After derivatization they were characterized by n.m.r. and mass spectroscopy as methyl 2-[2-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidylamino)-methyl]-phenylacetate and 2-[2-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidylamino)-ethyl]benzoate.", "PMID": 997588} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6700", "title": "The metabolism of zingerone, a pungent principle of ginger.", "content": "1. The metabolism of 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)butan-2-one (zingerone), a pungent principle of ginger, has been investigated in rats. 2. Oral or intraperitoneal dosage (100mg/kg) of zingerone resulted in the urinary excretion of most metabolites within 24 h, mainly as glucuronide and/or sulphate conjugates. While zingerone itself accounted for roughly 50-55% of the dose, reduction to the corresponding carbinol (11-13%) also occurred. Side chain oxidation took place at all three available sites and oxidation at the 3-position, giving rise to C6-C2 metabolites, predominated. About 95-97% of the dose was accounted for. 3. Appreciable (40% in 12 h) biliary excretion occurred. Biliary studies and studies in vitro using caecal micro-organisms indicated that several O-demethylated metabolites found in the urine are of bacterial origin.", "contents": "The metabolism of zingerone, a pungent principle of ginger. 1. The metabolism of 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)butan-2-one (zingerone), a pungent principle of ginger, has been investigated in rats. 2. Oral or intraperitoneal dosage (100mg/kg) of zingerone resulted in the urinary excretion of most metabolites within 24 h, mainly as glucuronide and/or sulphate conjugates. While zingerone itself accounted for roughly 50-55% of the dose, reduction to the corresponding carbinol (11-13%) also occurred. Side chain oxidation took place at all three available sites and oxidation at the 3-position, giving rise to C6-C2 metabolites, predominated. About 95-97% of the dose was accounted for. 3. Appreciable (40% in 12 h) biliary excretion occurred. Biliary studies and studies in vitro using caecal micro-organisms indicated that several O-demethylated metabolites found in the urine are of bacterial origin.", "PMID": 997589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6701", "title": "The metabolic fate of the coronary vasodilator 4-(3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamoyl)-1-(N-pyrrolidinocarbonylmethyl)piperazine (cinepazide) in the rat, dog and man.", "content": "1. An oral dose of the coronary vasodilator 4-(3,4,5-trimethoxy[14C]cinnamoyl)-1-(N-pyrrolidinocarbonylmethyl)piperazine was well absorbed and more than 60% of the dose was excreted within 24 h. In 5 days, rats, dogs, and man excreted in the urine and faeces respectively 36.7% and 58.3%, 33.4% and 68.6%, and 61.3% and 38.1% dose. Faecal radioactivity was probably excreted via the bile. 2. Plasma concentrations of radioactivity reached a maximum within about 1 h in all three species and declined fairly rapidly (t0.5 less than 3 h). For several hours, more than 50% of the plasma radioactivity was due to unchanged drug. After correction for dose and body weight (normalization), peak plasma concentrations of unchanged drug in man, rat and dog were in the approximate ratio 100 :30:1. 3. Similar metabolites were excreted by the three species, but the relative proportions differed. Rats and man excreted 17.2% and 15.9% respectively as unchanged drug in the urine whereas dogs excreted only 3.6%. Rat bile and urine contained 4.3% and 9.8% dose respectively as glucuronides of the mono-O-demethylated compounds and dog and human urine contained 9.0% and 2.6% respectively of these metabolites. The corresponding pyrrolidone accounted for 2.5%, 5.5% and 5.1% respectively in rat, dog and human urine. Complete O-demethylation also occurred since 4-(3,4,5-trihydroxycinnamoyl)-1-(N-pyrrolidinocarbonylmethyl)piperazine was present in rat faeces (22.1% dose).", "contents": "The metabolic fate of the coronary vasodilator 4-(3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamoyl)-1-(N-pyrrolidinocarbonylmethyl)piperazine (cinepazide) in the rat, dog and man. 1. An oral dose of the coronary vasodilator 4-(3,4,5-trimethoxy[14C]cinnamoyl)-1-(N-pyrrolidinocarbonylmethyl)piperazine was well absorbed and more than 60% of the dose was excreted within 24 h. In 5 days, rats, dogs, and man excreted in the urine and faeces respectively 36.7% and 58.3%, 33.4% and 68.6%, and 61.3% and 38.1% dose. Faecal radioactivity was probably excreted via the bile. 2. Plasma concentrations of radioactivity reached a maximum within about 1 h in all three species and declined fairly rapidly (t0.5 less than 3 h). For several hours, more than 50% of the plasma radioactivity was due to unchanged drug. After correction for dose and body weight (normalization), peak plasma concentrations of unchanged drug in man, rat and dog were in the approximate ratio 100 :30:1. 3. Similar metabolites were excreted by the three species, but the relative proportions differed. Rats and man excreted 17.2% and 15.9% respectively as unchanged drug in the urine whereas dogs excreted only 3.6%. Rat bile and urine contained 4.3% and 9.8% dose respectively as glucuronides of the mono-O-demethylated compounds and dog and human urine contained 9.0% and 2.6% respectively of these metabolites. The corresponding pyrrolidone accounted for 2.5%, 5.5% and 5.1% respectively in rat, dog and human urine. Complete O-demethylation also occurred since 4-(3,4,5-trihydroxycinnamoyl)-1-(N-pyrrolidinocarbonylmethyl)piperazine was present in rat faeces (22.1% dose).", "PMID": 997590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6702", "title": "Interaction between bronchoconstrictor stimuli on human airway smooth muscle.", "content": "In healthy human subjects, the simultaneous aerosol administration of histamine and methacholine results in a pronounced decrease in maximum flow rates on partial expiratory flow-volume (PEFV) curves. When given alone in the same concentrations, these drugs produced no or minimal decreases in flow rates. The results suggest an interaction of histamine and cholinergic stimuli on airway smooth muscle (ASM). This mechanism might explain many experiments where vagal blockade diminished or abolished ASM response to histamine and other stimuli, simply by interfering with histamine-cholinergic interaction at the ASM level. These findings confirm similar findings of animal in vitro experiments. The experiments clearly confirm the sensitivity and value of assessing drug effects prior to a deep breath. Flow-rate changes after a full inspiration, taken from the maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curve, show either no relationship to the concentration of inhaled methacholine or significantly less effect than that seen on the PEFV curve.", "contents": "Interaction between bronchoconstrictor stimuli on human airway smooth muscle. In healthy human subjects, the simultaneous aerosol administration of histamine and methacholine results in a pronounced decrease in maximum flow rates on partial expiratory flow-volume (PEFV) curves. When given alone in the same concentrations, these drugs produced no or minimal decreases in flow rates. The results suggest an interaction of histamine and cholinergic stimuli on airway smooth muscle (ASM). This mechanism might explain many experiments where vagal blockade diminished or abolished ASM response to histamine and other stimuli, simply by interfering with histamine-cholinergic interaction at the ASM level. These findings confirm similar findings of animal in vitro experiments. The experiments clearly confirm the sensitivity and value of assessing drug effects prior to a deep breath. Flow-rate changes after a full inspiration, taken from the maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curve, show either no relationship to the concentration of inhaled methacholine or significantly less effect than that seen on the PEFV curve.", "PMID": 997592} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6703", "title": "Viability assessment of allograft valves by autoradiography.", "content": "Autoradiography using [(3)H]thymidine is a quantitative method to assess tissue viability. It has been found to be very useful in the organization of fresh aortic valve allograft banks. A brief description of the technique, as well as the marked difference in the active metabolism of fibro-blasts of valves placed in two storing solutions, is outlined.", "contents": "Viability assessment of allograft valves by autoradiography. Autoradiography using [(3)H]thymidine is a quantitative method to assess tissue viability. It has been found to be very useful in the organization of fresh aortic valve allograft banks. A brief description of the technique, as well as the marked difference in the active metabolism of fibro-blasts of valves placed in two storing solutions, is outlined.", "PMID": 997594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6704", "title": "Nuclear nonhistone proteins in murine melanoma cells. I. Quantitative isolation and fractionation.", "content": "Nuclear nonhistone proteins (NHP's) have been implicated as regulatory agents involved in controlling genetic expression. Utilizing murine melanoma cells, we describe a method for isolating and fractionating NHP's which greatly increases the yield of these proteins as well as the level of resolution required for detecting small differences in particular NHP's. Mouse melanoma cells were grown in medium labeled with [(3)H]leucine. Following 48 hr of incubation, the cells were harvested and nuclei isolated. The NHP's were extracted from the nuclei in a series of steps which yielded four major fractions: NHP(1), NHP(2), NHP(3), NHP(4). This method solubilized 80-90% of the protein from the nuclear homogenate. The NHP fractions were then separated on DEAE-cellulose columns in a series of salt steps increasing in concentration from 0.05 to 0.50 M NaCl, followed by steps of 2 M NaCl and 4 and 7 M guanidine-hydrochloride. The 40 NHP fractions eluted from these columns were further separated on polyacrylamide-SDS gels and ranged in molecular weight from 9000 to 110,000 daltons. Differences were observed in the electrophoretic pattern of each of these 40 fractions. The high resolution of these fractionation procedures greatly enhances the possibility of observing small changes in proteins which may play a role in gene regulation.", "contents": "Nuclear nonhistone proteins in murine melanoma cells. I. Quantitative isolation and fractionation. Nuclear nonhistone proteins (NHP's) have been implicated as regulatory agents involved in controlling genetic expression. Utilizing murine melanoma cells, we describe a method for isolating and fractionating NHP's which greatly increases the yield of these proteins as well as the level of resolution required for detecting small differences in particular NHP's. Mouse melanoma cells were grown in medium labeled with [(3)H]leucine. Following 48 hr of incubation, the cells were harvested and nuclei isolated. The NHP's were extracted from the nuclei in a series of steps which yielded four major fractions: NHP(1), NHP(2), NHP(3), NHP(4). This method solubilized 80-90% of the protein from the nuclear homogenate. The NHP fractions were then separated on DEAE-cellulose columns in a series of salt steps increasing in concentration from 0.05 to 0.50 M NaCl, followed by steps of 2 M NaCl and 4 and 7 M guanidine-hydrochloride. The 40 NHP fractions eluted from these columns were further separated on polyacrylamide-SDS gels and ranged in molecular weight from 9000 to 110,000 daltons. Differences were observed in the electrophoretic pattern of each of these 40 fractions. The high resolution of these fractionation procedures greatly enhances the possibility of observing small changes in proteins which may play a role in gene regulation.", "PMID": 997593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6705", "title": "Neutropenia during high dose intravenous oxacillin therapy.", "content": "Five patients who developed neutropenia following intravenous administration of high dose oxacillin for serious Staphylococcus aureus infection are described. Neutropenia was reversible with cessation of intravenous oxacillin therapy. Two patients were continued on oral oxacillin without untoward effects.", "contents": "Neutropenia during high dose intravenous oxacillin therapy. Five patients who developed neutropenia following intravenous administration of high dose oxacillin for serious Staphylococcus aureus infection are described. Neutropenia was reversible with cessation of intravenous oxacillin therapy. Two patients were continued on oral oxacillin without untoward effects.", "PMID": 997595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6706", "title": "A statistical analysis of reviewer agreement and bias in evaluating medical abstracts.", "content": "Observer variability affects virtually all aspects of clinical medicine and investigation. One important aspect, not previously examined, is the selection of abstracts for presentation at national medical meetings. In the present study, 109 abstracts, submitted to the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, were evaluated by three \"blind\" reviewers for originality, design-execution, importance, and overall scientific merit. Of the 77 abstracts rated for all parameters by all observers, interobserver agreement ranged between 81 and 88%. However, corresponding intraclass correlations varied between 0.16 (approaching statistical significance) and 0.37 (p < 0.01). Specific tests of systematic differences in scoring revealed statistically significant levels of observer bias on most of the abstract components. Moreover, the mean differences in interobserver ratings were quite small compared to the standard deviations of these differences. These results emphasize the importance of evaluating the simple percentage of rater agreement within the broader context of observer variability and systematic bias.", "contents": "A statistical analysis of reviewer agreement and bias in evaluating medical abstracts. Observer variability affects virtually all aspects of clinical medicine and investigation. One important aspect, not previously examined, is the selection of abstracts for presentation at national medical meetings. In the present study, 109 abstracts, submitted to the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, were evaluated by three \"blind\" reviewers for originality, design-execution, importance, and overall scientific merit. Of the 77 abstracts rated for all parameters by all observers, interobserver agreement ranged between 81 and 88%. However, corresponding intraclass correlations varied between 0.16 (approaching statistical significance) and 0.37 (p < 0.01). Specific tests of systematic differences in scoring revealed statistically significant levels of observer bias on most of the abstract components. Moreover, the mean differences in interobserver ratings were quite small compared to the standard deviations of these differences. These results emphasize the importance of evaluating the simple percentage of rater agreement within the broader context of observer variability and systematic bias.", "PMID": 997596} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6707", "title": "[Behavior of heparinocytes and fibrinolytic degradation products under sulfobromophthalein or indocyanine green in patients with liver diseases or persons with healthy liver].", "content": "Due to a slight haemooysis after the application of bromsulphalein an intravasal coagulation with reduction of the number of heparinocytes and an increase of fibrinolytic split products develops. These changes are to be observed in the vast majority of tests, also in such cases where no clinical signs of an incompatibility appear. Indocyanine-green does not cause these severe disturbances of coagulation. Slight changes are traced back to the examination technique. Patients with chronic liver disease already show increased values of fibrinolytic split products. In increased initial values of fibrinolytic split products bromsulphalein does not cause a further increase.", "contents": "[Behavior of heparinocytes and fibrinolytic degradation products under sulfobromophthalein or indocyanine green in patients with liver diseases or persons with healthy liver]. Due to a slight haemooysis after the application of bromsulphalein an intravasal coagulation with reduction of the number of heparinocytes and an increase of fibrinolytic split products develops. These changes are to be observed in the vast majority of tests, also in such cases where no clinical signs of an incompatibility appear. Indocyanine-green does not cause these severe disturbances of coagulation. Slight changes are traced back to the examination technique. Patients with chronic liver disease already show increased values of fibrinolytic split products. In increased initial values of fibrinolytic split products bromsulphalein does not cause a further increase.", "PMID": 997652} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6708", "title": "[Aspects of the risk-free use of micro-catheterization in 3342 examinations].", "content": "The microcatheterization for purpose of sounding of the right heart has proved itself in the prediagnostics of vitia cordis, for verification of the latent cor pulmonale, especially in combination with the bicycle ergometer load, and in the intensive medicine in the permanent measurement of the pressure of the pulmonary artery. The method gives the advantage of the frequent reproducibility and at the same time uncomplicated usability. In 3,342 microcatheter investigations only eight complications appeared (0.24% of the cases). Practical methodical references are given and possibilities of error in registering the pressure are indicated.", "contents": "[Aspects of the risk-free use of micro-catheterization in 3342 examinations]. The microcatheterization for purpose of sounding of the right heart has proved itself in the prediagnostics of vitia cordis, for verification of the latent cor pulmonale, especially in combination with the bicycle ergometer load, and in the intensive medicine in the permanent measurement of the pressure of the pulmonary artery. The method gives the advantage of the frequent reproducibility and at the same time uncomplicated usability. In 3,342 microcatheter investigations only eight complications appeared (0.24% of the cases). Practical methodical references are given and possibilities of error in registering the pressure are indicated.", "PMID": 997653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6709", "title": "[Importance of ECG in the monitoring of patients with pacemakers].", "content": "As treatment method of choice in permanent bradycardic disturbances of cardiac rhythm the control of pacemaker patients increasingly obtained importance. The knowledge of the normal as well as the disturbed pacemaker ECG is one condition for the optimal care of pacemaker patients, since more and more practicing physicians are involved into this responsible activity. After description of the ECG in intact pacemaker function (including the possibilities of errors) the disturbances most frequently observed in practice (change of the pacemaker frequency, deficits of synchronisation and stimulation) are dealt with and explained.", "contents": "[Importance of ECG in the monitoring of patients with pacemakers]. As treatment method of choice in permanent bradycardic disturbances of cardiac rhythm the control of pacemaker patients increasingly obtained importance. The knowledge of the normal as well as the disturbed pacemaker ECG is one condition for the optimal care of pacemaker patients, since more and more practicing physicians are involved into this responsible activity. After description of the ECG in intact pacemaker function (including the possibilities of errors) the disturbances most frequently observed in practice (change of the pacemaker frequency, deficits of synchronisation and stimulation) are dealt with and explained.", "PMID": 997654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6710", "title": "[Qualitative demands on a anti-N blood group test reagent from Vicia graminea (anti N vg)].", "content": "Qualitative demands made on anti-NVg are enunciated. Apart from a short description of the production and directions for the use indications for testing the specific effect, the purity and the titre are given. Furthermore, serological peculiarities of the anti-NVg for special questions are reported. Anti-NVg shall enlarge the series of the out superseding the usual anti-N-serum of the blood-group-serological diagnostic remedies with-rabbit.", "contents": "[Qualitative demands on a anti-N blood group test reagent from Vicia graminea (anti N vg)]. Qualitative demands made on anti-NVg are enunciated. Apart from a short description of the production and directions for the use indications for testing the specific effect, the purity and the titre are given. Furthermore, serological peculiarities of the anti-NVg for special questions are reported. Anti-NVg shall enlarge the series of the out superseding the usual anti-N-serum of the blood-group-serological diagnostic remedies with-rabbit.", "PMID": 997655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6711", "title": "[Diagnostic strategy in rheumatology].", "content": "Nowadays, rheumatology is primarily understood as arthrology. In special diagnostics at first an articular process is to be ascertained or excluded, the arthralgia is to be separated from the objectifyable arthritic syndrome and this must be more enclosed by simple findings of the anamnesis and the physical examination. The tentative diagnosis which is present after this already in the vast majority of cases must be confirmed by aimed laboratory and X-ray diagnostics. Some guiding principles concerning the X-ray examination, state and perspectives of articular scintigraphy, arthroscopy, thermography and relevant genetic research are reported.", "contents": "[Diagnostic strategy in rheumatology]. Nowadays, rheumatology is primarily understood as arthrology. In special diagnostics at first an articular process is to be ascertained or excluded, the arthralgia is to be separated from the objectifyable arthritic syndrome and this must be more enclosed by simple findings of the anamnesis and the physical examination. The tentative diagnosis which is present after this already in the vast majority of cases must be confirmed by aimed laboratory and X-ray diagnostics. Some guiding principles concerning the X-ray examination, state and perspectives of articular scintigraphy, arthroscopy, thermography and relevant genetic research are reported.", "PMID": 997656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6712", "title": "[Possibilities and limits of the morphological diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis].", "content": "For the morphological diagnostics of rheumatoid arthritis only the judgment of the synovial membrane is of practical importance. Based on the experience gleaned on more than 2,000 synovectomy preparations the following evidence concerning the possibilities and the limits of the morphological diagnostics and the judgment of activity can be enunciated. 1. A certain histological diagnosis of the rheumatoid arthritis is possible only when rheumatoid granulomas or their equivalents are proved. 2. A probability diagnosis results from a definite combination of symptoms of proliferative and exsudative reactions of the synovial membrane. Especially the absence of proliferative signs decreases the degree of probability of the diagnostic evidence. 3. Seropositive and seronegative cases do not reveal any differences in histological respect. The possibility of the class-specific determination of rheumatoid factors by means of an immunofluorescence test and the fact the seronegative cases showed IgM and IgM rheumatoid factors, when this test was used, demands an examination of this evidence. 4. As to the synovial membranes of large joints in the same membrane so distinctive local differences of the findings may exist that thus the value of the needle biopsy is restricted. Only positive findings may be evaluated diagnostically. 5. Apart from a diagnosis the histological findings of the synovial membrane also allow a judgment of the local activity. The basis activity and the actual activity are differentiated. The basis activity is regarded as an expression of the immunological activity, the actual activity as an expression of the inflammatory activity. There are no unambiguous relations to the total clinical activity. Differences in the behaviour of the activity between seropositive and seronegative cases are not to be proved. A revision of this evidence under the aspect of the class-specific proof of the rheumatoid factor is necessary.", "contents": "[Possibilities and limits of the morphological diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis]. For the morphological diagnostics of rheumatoid arthritis only the judgment of the synovial membrane is of practical importance. Based on the experience gleaned on more than 2,000 synovectomy preparations the following evidence concerning the possibilities and the limits of the morphological diagnostics and the judgment of activity can be enunciated. 1. A certain histological diagnosis of the rheumatoid arthritis is possible only when rheumatoid granulomas or their equivalents are proved. 2. A probability diagnosis results from a definite combination of symptoms of proliferative and exsudative reactions of the synovial membrane. Especially the absence of proliferative signs decreases the degree of probability of the diagnostic evidence. 3. Seropositive and seronegative cases do not reveal any differences in histological respect. The possibility of the class-specific determination of rheumatoid factors by means of an immunofluorescence test and the fact the seronegative cases showed IgM and IgM rheumatoid factors, when this test was used, demands an examination of this evidence. 4. As to the synovial membranes of large joints in the same membrane so distinctive local differences of the findings may exist that thus the value of the needle biopsy is restricted. Only positive findings may be evaluated diagnostically. 5. Apart from a diagnosis the histological findings of the synovial membrane also allow a judgment of the local activity. The basis activity and the actual activity are differentiated. The basis activity is regarded as an expression of the immunological activity, the actual activity as an expression of the inflammatory activity. There are no unambiguous relations to the total clinical activity. Differences in the behaviour of the activity between seropositive and seronegative cases are not to be proved. A revision of this evidence under the aspect of the class-specific proof of the rheumatoid factor is necessary.", "PMID": 997657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6713", "title": "[Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis].", "content": "On the basis of own observations of courses the author adopts a definite attitude to the early symptomatology of the rheumatoid arthritis. During the first weeks of the rheumatoid arthritis the following symptoms are found: articular syndromes, more frequently in form of obstinate polyarthralgias, mono-oligoarthritis, accompanied by morning rigidity and accelerated BSR as well as impairment of the general condition. In the majority of the patients only the tentative diagnosis rheumatoid arthritis may be made. After a one to three months' course of the disease the diagnosis becomes more probable. It is above all based on constancy and symmetry, characteristic localisation of the articular process, morning rigidity, radiologically paraarticular loosening of the structure and morphological symptoms of an acute and subacute synovialitis. 6 to 12 months after the beginning of the disease a clinical picture forms which allows to make the diagnosis of a certain or classical rheumatoid arthritis in accordance with the criteria of the ARA. The occurrence of a high activity of multiple affection of the joints (permanent symmetrical polyarthritis including the small joints of the hands and feet), distinctive morning rigidity, high fever and much accelerated BSR, beginning with the first weeks of the disease, speaks for the possibility of the development of an arthrovisceral form of the course of rheumatoid arthritis.", "contents": "[Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis]. On the basis of own observations of courses the author adopts a definite attitude to the early symptomatology of the rheumatoid arthritis. During the first weeks of the rheumatoid arthritis the following symptoms are found: articular syndromes, more frequently in form of obstinate polyarthralgias, mono-oligoarthritis, accompanied by morning rigidity and accelerated BSR as well as impairment of the general condition. In the majority of the patients only the tentative diagnosis rheumatoid arthritis may be made. After a one to three months' course of the disease the diagnosis becomes more probable. It is above all based on constancy and symmetry, characteristic localisation of the articular process, morning rigidity, radiologically paraarticular loosening of the structure and morphological symptoms of an acute and subacute synovialitis. 6 to 12 months after the beginning of the disease a clinical picture forms which allows to make the diagnosis of a certain or classical rheumatoid arthritis in accordance with the criteria of the ARA. The occurrence of a high activity of multiple affection of the joints (permanent symmetrical polyarthritis including the small joints of the hands and feet), distinctive morning rigidity, high fever and much accelerated BSR, beginning with the first weeks of the disease, speaks for the possibility of the development of an arthrovisceral form of the course of rheumatoid arthritis.", "PMID": 997658} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6714", "title": "[Early diagnosis of spondylarthritis ankylopoietica].", "content": "For the early recognition of the ankylopoietic spondylarthritis subjective and objective criteria are explained and the importance of X-ray-morphological, cytological, biochemical, immunogenetic and coagulation-physiological investigations are explained. By accentuation of two types of constellation of the course the possibility of an early diagnosis is given still before the appearance of severe irreparable X-ray-morphological changes in about half the cases of disease. Further observations and controls of courses are necessary for the confirmation of evidence.", "contents": "[Early diagnosis of spondylarthritis ankylopoietica]. For the early recognition of the ankylopoietic spondylarthritis subjective and objective criteria are explained and the importance of X-ray-morphological, cytological, biochemical, immunogenetic and coagulation-physiological investigations are explained. By accentuation of two types of constellation of the course the possibility of an early diagnosis is given still before the appearance of severe irreparable X-ray-morphological changes in about half the cases of disease. Further observations and controls of courses are necessary for the confirmation of evidence.", "PMID": 997659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6715", "title": "[Diagnostic problems of gout].", "content": "The arthritis urica is defined as a relatively rare, at the same time facultative symptom of different metabolic and other disturbances (primary and secondary gout). As a rule it is observed only several years of the beginning of the hyperuric-anemia nearly exclusively in males and is only one form of manifestation of the wide-spread complex gout syndrome. It is proposed to supplement the criteria for gout or arthritis urica of Rome 1961 and New York 1966 by new knowledge on the uncharacteristic gouty arthropathy. It is particularly referred to method problems of the determination of uric acid in the serum.", "contents": "[Diagnostic problems of gout]. The arthritis urica is defined as a relatively rare, at the same time facultative symptom of different metabolic and other disturbances (primary and secondary gout). As a rule it is observed only several years of the beginning of the hyperuric-anemia nearly exclusively in males and is only one form of manifestation of the wide-spread complex gout syndrome. It is proposed to supplement the criteria for gout or arthritis urica of Rome 1961 and New York 1966 by new knowledge on the uncharacteristic gouty arthropathy. It is particularly referred to method problems of the determination of uric acid in the serum.", "PMID": 997660} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6716", "title": "[Reiter's disease].", "content": "In the Reiter syndrome apart from the symptomatology on the part of the urogenital tract, the changes of eyes and joints a series of further diagnostically important participations of organs appear. In most cases is at the beginning an intestinal infection which, after characteristic latency periods, is followed by urethritis, arthritis and changes of the eyes. Characteristic is further an affection of skin and mucous membrane; facultatively a participation of the heart appears. Different types of course render the diagnosis difficult. The investigation for the occurrence of HL-A 27 is useful.", "contents": "[Reiter's disease]. In the Reiter syndrome apart from the symptomatology on the part of the urogenital tract, the changes of eyes and joints a series of further diagnostically important participations of organs appear. In most cases is at the beginning an intestinal infection which, after characteristic latency periods, is followed by urethritis, arthritis and changes of the eyes. Characteristic is further an affection of skin and mucous membrane; facultatively a participation of the heart appears. Different types of course render the diagnosis difficult. The investigation for the occurrence of HL-A 27 is useful.", "PMID": 997661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6717", "title": "[Use of compartment models in the pharmacokinetics].", "content": "A survey is given on the most important theoretical methods which are necessary for the analysis of pharmacokinetic data in clinic and experiment. According to their importance in practice the stress is on the description of the analysis of linear pharmacokinetic systems. Issuing from the general multicompartment theory the one- and two-compartment models important in clinic are dealt with more in detail. The problems of the model identification in models with three and more compartments are explained. With the help of the example of the one-compartment model the authors deal with the problems of the non-linear kinetics, which may appear in drugs with high plasma concentration. Summarizing are finally some hints given at the use of these theoretical methods in practice.", "contents": "[Use of compartment models in the pharmacokinetics]. A survey is given on the most important theoretical methods which are necessary for the analysis of pharmacokinetic data in clinic and experiment. According to their importance in practice the stress is on the description of the analysis of linear pharmacokinetic systems. Issuing from the general multicompartment theory the one- and two-compartment models important in clinic are dealt with more in detail. The problems of the model identification in models with three and more compartments are explained. With the help of the example of the one-compartment model the authors deal with the problems of the non-linear kinetics, which may appear in drugs with high plasma concentration. Summarizing are finally some hints given at the use of these theoretical methods in practice.", "PMID": 997662} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6718", "title": "[Intestinal microbial flora and resorption].", "content": "An abundant microbial growth in the small intestine is called \"overgrowth syndrome\". The dysbiosis existing hereby is to be characterized by the prevailing of certain sorts of germs. A series of typical symptoms is explained by the metabolic activity of microorganisms, in which case disturbances of absorption are uppermost. Morphological and histochemical changes of the intestinal mucous membrane as well as disturbances of the bile acid metabolism and the absorption of carbohydrates, fats and vitamin B12 are explained. Finally the author deals with the microflora in conditions of malabsorption.", "contents": "[Intestinal microbial flora and resorption]. An abundant microbial growth in the small intestine is called \"overgrowth syndrome\". The dysbiosis existing hereby is to be characterized by the prevailing of certain sorts of germs. A series of typical symptoms is explained by the metabolic activity of microorganisms, in which case disturbances of absorption are uppermost. Morphological and histochemical changes of the intestinal mucous membrane as well as disturbances of the bile acid metabolism and the absorption of carbohydrates, fats and vitamin B12 are explained. Finally the author deals with the microflora in conditions of malabsorption.", "PMID": 997663} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6719", "title": "[Experiences in the use of the so-called M-mode method in the clinical diagnosis of heart diseases].", "content": "Since formerly only the diastolic phase of the curve of the mitral valve was in the centre of interest for diagnosing the mitral stenosis, nowadays the systolic area is more taken into consideration, the changes of which apart from the hypertrophies of the heart walls increasingly gains significance for the diagnostics of the idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathies, the floppy valve syndrome, the aneurysm of the heart wall, the atrial septum defect as well as for systolic murmurs of different genesis. The registration of the movement of the posterior wall and the septum give the possibility of determination of the volume. Thus mean values of the stroke volume, the minute volume of the heart and the cardiac index showed a conspicuously good correspondence in persons with healthy heart compared with former determinations by dye dilution technique. As formerly (dye examinations) we found significant differences between normals and values of patients with mitral stenosis in stroke volume, ejection fraction, cardiac output and cardiac index, when we used the echocardiographic technique.", "contents": "[Experiences in the use of the so-called M-mode method in the clinical diagnosis of heart diseases]. Since formerly only the diastolic phase of the curve of the mitral valve was in the centre of interest for diagnosing the mitral stenosis, nowadays the systolic area is more taken into consideration, the changes of which apart from the hypertrophies of the heart walls increasingly gains significance for the diagnostics of the idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathies, the floppy valve syndrome, the aneurysm of the heart wall, the atrial septum defect as well as for systolic murmurs of different genesis. The registration of the movement of the posterior wall and the septum give the possibility of determination of the volume. Thus mean values of the stroke volume, the minute volume of the heart and the cardiac index showed a conspicuously good correspondence in persons with healthy heart compared with former determinations by dye dilution technique. As formerly (dye examinations) we found significant differences between normals and values of patients with mitral stenosis in stroke volume, ejection fraction, cardiac output and cardiac index, when we used the echocardiographic technique.", "PMID": 997664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6720", "title": "[Comparative allergologic studies in treated antihypertensive patients with vasomotor rhinitis].", "content": "In order to solve the problem, whether in anti-hypertensively treated patients with the symptom of the obstructed nose allergologic mechanisms play a role, comparisons with the transformation test of lymphocytes, the serologico-nephelometric two-step method after Hoign\u00e9 and the mast cell degranulation test in rats were carried out. The proof of the sensitisation to the applied medicament by the transformation test of the lymphocytes was successful in all 7 patients who complained about the symptom mentioned. These findings were supported by the positive results in 5 patients, which we achieved by means of the other two methods. By comparison with the treated and untreated control patients the question of the clinically relevant connection between sensitisation and symptomatology was discussed.", "contents": "[Comparative allergologic studies in treated antihypertensive patients with vasomotor rhinitis]. In order to solve the problem, whether in anti-hypertensively treated patients with the symptom of the obstructed nose allergologic mechanisms play a role, comparisons with the transformation test of lymphocytes, the serologico-nephelometric two-step method after Hoign\u00e9 and the mast cell degranulation test in rats were carried out. The proof of the sensitisation to the applied medicament by the transformation test of the lymphocytes was successful in all 7 patients who complained about the symptom mentioned. These findings were supported by the positive results in 5 patients, which we achieved by means of the other two methods. By comparison with the treated and untreated control patients the question of the clinically relevant connection between sensitisation and symptomatology was discussed.", "PMID": 997665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6721", "title": "[Determination of the renal clearance in combination with isotope nephrography].", "content": "The possibilities of a determination of the renal clearance including the separation of sides with the help of simple nuclear-medical examination and measuring techniques are described. In 50 patients the determination of the effective flow of renal plasma was carried out with 131J-labelled iodohippuric acid. Methodic variants were compared. The examinations of the patient last one hour. They can be carried out in the outpatient department within the isotopic nephrography. In addition to this only several takings of blood samples are necessary. A catheterization of the urinary bladder as it is necessary for the classical determinations of the clearance is no more to be done. The results show that with the help of the methods described valuable quantitative informations about the function of the kidneys are to be got.", "contents": "[Determination of the renal clearance in combination with isotope nephrography]. The possibilities of a determination of the renal clearance including the separation of sides with the help of simple nuclear-medical examination and measuring techniques are described. In 50 patients the determination of the effective flow of renal plasma was carried out with 131J-labelled iodohippuric acid. Methodic variants were compared. The examinations of the patient last one hour. They can be carried out in the outpatient department within the isotopic nephrography. In addition to this only several takings of blood samples are necessary. A catheterization of the urinary bladder as it is necessary for the classical determinations of the clearance is no more to be done. The results show that with the help of the methods described valuable quantitative informations about the function of the kidneys are to be got.", "PMID": 997666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6722", "title": "[Importance of continuous recording of vascular resistance].", "content": "The behaviour of resistance in the periphery of the circulation and in the organic regions underlies different influences. Depending on the function of the organs, on the situation of heart and circulation and on the therapeutic influences the vascular resistance changes. To the study of the dynamics of the behaviour of resistance particularly the continuous electronic recognition is suitable. The gain of time and information is great. Especially for the determination of the coronary perfusion in different functions of heart and circulation the continuous registration of the vascular resistance is necessary. Its importance was as an example demonstrated for the left-ventricular ejection resistance and for the left- and right-coronary influx resistance.", "contents": "[Importance of continuous recording of vascular resistance]. The behaviour of resistance in the periphery of the circulation and in the organic regions underlies different influences. Depending on the function of the organs, on the situation of heart and circulation and on the therapeutic influences the vascular resistance changes. To the study of the dynamics of the behaviour of resistance particularly the continuous electronic recognition is suitable. The gain of time and information is great. Especially for the determination of the coronary perfusion in different functions of heart and circulation the continuous registration of the vascular resistance is necessary. Its importance was as an example demonstrated for the left-ventricular ejection resistance and for the left- and right-coronary influx resistance.", "PMID": 997667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6723", "title": "[Assessment of granulopoietic function reserve of the bone marrow by means of the Pyrecol-test in granulocytopenias, immature-cell leukoses and patients under antineoplastic agent therapy].", "content": "By injection of the irritating substance Pyrecol the granulopoietic reserve of the function of the bone marrow can be judged. In normal test persons the result is after 8 hours an increase of leucocytes to 176%, when the granulocytes increase to 216%. On the other hand the rate of increase in patients with undifferentiated cell leucosis is statistically highly significantly lower (2alpha = 0.01) with 115 or 132%, respectively. A higher ejection function of the bone marrow correlating with the clinical improvement is to be found after a successful therapy with cytostatics. By this the test informatively contributes to dosage and effectiveness of the therapy with cytostatics and to the course of the disease. In 6 patients with granulocytopenia of unclear genesis examined in the result of the Pyrecol-test 5 passager granulocytopenias with favourable clinical course unambiguously distinguished themselves from a pan-myelophthisis with exitus letalis. The test is easily to be performed and has no essential concomitant a-pearances. By the integral functional evidence it represents a rational supplementation of the locally demarcated morphological substrate of the sternal puncture or bone marrow biopsy, respectively.", "contents": "[Assessment of granulopoietic function reserve of the bone marrow by means of the Pyrecol-test in granulocytopenias, immature-cell leukoses and patients under antineoplastic agent therapy]. By injection of the irritating substance Pyrecol the granulopoietic reserve of the function of the bone marrow can be judged. In normal test persons the result is after 8 hours an increase of leucocytes to 176%, when the granulocytes increase to 216%. On the other hand the rate of increase in patients with undifferentiated cell leucosis is statistically highly significantly lower (2alpha = 0.01) with 115 or 132%, respectively. A higher ejection function of the bone marrow correlating with the clinical improvement is to be found after a successful therapy with cytostatics. By this the test informatively contributes to dosage and effectiveness of the therapy with cytostatics and to the course of the disease. In 6 patients with granulocytopenia of unclear genesis examined in the result of the Pyrecol-test 5 passager granulocytopenias with favourable clinical course unambiguously distinguished themselves from a pan-myelophthisis with exitus letalis. The test is easily to be performed and has no essential concomitant a-pearances. By the integral functional evidence it represents a rational supplementation of the locally demarcated morphological substrate of the sternal puncture or bone marrow biopsy, respectively.", "PMID": 997668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6724", "title": "[Studies on the influence of glucose infusion on parameters of hemostasis].", "content": "In continuation of previous in vitro experiments the influence of glucose infusions on the following haemostatic functions was investigated: bleeding time, platelet count, platelet aggregation, release reaction, fibrinogen concentration, partial thromboplastin time. Five volunteers with normal metabolism a glucose infusion (100 g) was given for two hrs. Before, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hrs after the beginning of the infusion blood sugar, insulin level and haemostatic parameters were determined. Apart from an increase in the glucose and insulin level, a prolonged bleeding time, increased platelet count, inhibition of platelet aggregation and release reaction occurred. Simultaneously, fibrinogen concentration increased and partial thromboplastin time shortened. The possible causes of these changes in haemostasis during glucose supply are discussed.", "contents": "[Studies on the influence of glucose infusion on parameters of hemostasis]. In continuation of previous in vitro experiments the influence of glucose infusions on the following haemostatic functions was investigated: bleeding time, platelet count, platelet aggregation, release reaction, fibrinogen concentration, partial thromboplastin time. Five volunteers with normal metabolism a glucose infusion (100 g) was given for two hrs. Before, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hrs after the beginning of the infusion blood sugar, insulin level and haemostatic parameters were determined. Apart from an increase in the glucose and insulin level, a prolonged bleeding time, increased platelet count, inhibition of platelet aggregation and release reaction occurred. Simultaneously, fibrinogen concentration increased and partial thromboplastin time shortened. The possible causes of these changes in haemostasis during glucose supply are discussed.", "PMID": 997669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6725", "title": "[Reaction of the rabbit brain to locally applied deep temperature (light- and electronmicroscopy findings)].", "content": "Investigations by light and electron microscopy showed more details of potential patterns of injuring after application of low temperatures to rabbit brain. The authors were actually concerned to transforming the intensity of cooling into exact and reproducible degrees of necrosis. According to these experimental results, the application of cryotechnique to human central nervous tissue is just permitted on special premises (size of probe, low-level of temperature, and period of application).", "contents": "[Reaction of the rabbit brain to locally applied deep temperature (light- and electronmicroscopy findings)]. Investigations by light and electron microscopy showed more details of potential patterns of injuring after application of low temperatures to rabbit brain. The authors were actually concerned to transforming the intensity of cooling into exact and reproducible degrees of necrosis. According to these experimental results, the application of cryotechnique to human central nervous tissue is just permitted on special premises (size of probe, low-level of temperature, and period of application).", "PMID": 997670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6726", "title": "[Problems in the intravital demonstration of specific excitation-conducting structures of the heart].", "content": "A new method for x-ray visualization of essential parts of ventricular conduction system is reported, which was tried in vitro and in vivo on animals. Further a prospect is given as to the visualization of specific musculature, basing on the electrophysiologic course of excitation.", "contents": "[Problems in the intravital demonstration of specific excitation-conducting structures of the heart]. A new method for x-ray visualization of essential parts of ventricular conduction system is reported, which was tried in vitro and in vivo on animals. Further a prospect is given as to the visualization of specific musculature, basing on the electrophysiologic course of excitation.", "PMID": 997671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6727", "title": "[Thromboelastography and inhibitors of aggregation].", "content": "The effect of maintained treatment with salicylo-acetic acid (1.5 g/day) on the thrombelastogram was examined in the venous blood from 18 accidental patients. In the prevention of thrombembolia, resulting values of the thrombelastograph are not sufficient to show functional changes of platelets. Some of the patients revealed prolonged times for reaction and formation of coagula, thus discreet influencing the thrombelastogram might be supposed.", "contents": "[Thromboelastography and inhibitors of aggregation]. The effect of maintained treatment with salicylo-acetic acid (1.5 g/day) on the thrombelastogram was examined in the venous blood from 18 accidental patients. In the prevention of thrombembolia, resulting values of the thrombelastograph are not sufficient to show functional changes of platelets. Some of the patients revealed prolonged times for reaction and formation of coagula, thus discreet influencing the thrombelastogram might be supposed.", "PMID": 997672} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6728", "title": "[Role of the antrum in the etiology of stress ulcers in the rat].", "content": "In rats, antrectomy results in a decrease of ulcer rate by immobilization without statistic significance. Stress ulcer rate is also lowered by antral vagotomy, with statistically significant decrease of acid production. By antrectomy as well as by antral vagotomy just the acid production but not the circulatory disturbance in the mucosa of corpus is influenced, which is primarily responsible for the development of stress ulcers. This fact gives an explantation for the relatively high ulcer rate, compared with the conduction in rats after truncal vagotomy. Unclear remains whether antrectomy with consecutive total gastrin elimination is merely working by inhibiting the secretion, or if gastrin has a circulatory effect too.", "contents": "[Role of the antrum in the etiology of stress ulcers in the rat]. In rats, antrectomy results in a decrease of ulcer rate by immobilization without statistic significance. Stress ulcer rate is also lowered by antral vagotomy, with statistically significant decrease of acid production. By antrectomy as well as by antral vagotomy just the acid production but not the circulatory disturbance in the mucosa of corpus is influenced, which is primarily responsible for the development of stress ulcers. This fact gives an explantation for the relatively high ulcer rate, compared with the conduction in rats after truncal vagotomy. Unclear remains whether antrectomy with consecutive total gastrin elimination is merely working by inhibiting the secretion, or if gastrin has a circulatory effect too.", "PMID": 997673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6729", "title": "Experimental investigations on the possibility of transplantation of venous grafts stored at low temperatures.", "content": "At the Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Institute of Haematology in Warsaw 13 dogs received homografts of venous patches stored at low temperatures to fill defects in the wall of the lower caval vein. Venous patches were prepared from segments of femoral veins and were placed in 1.41 M DSMO and stored at the temperature of liquid nitrogen. The authors describe the methods of obtaining venous patches, the technique of freezing and defreezing of grafts, and details of operations. Full healing in of grafts took about 15 days. The results of histological examinations of grafts obtained during planned autopsies between 12 and 29 days after application of the graft are discussed.", "contents": "Experimental investigations on the possibility of transplantation of venous grafts stored at low temperatures. At the Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Institute of Haematology in Warsaw 13 dogs received homografts of venous patches stored at low temperatures to fill defects in the wall of the lower caval vein. Venous patches were prepared from segments of femoral veins and were placed in 1.41 M DSMO and stored at the temperature of liquid nitrogen. The authors describe the methods of obtaining venous patches, the technique of freezing and defreezing of grafts, and details of operations. Full healing in of grafts took about 15 days. The results of histological examinations of grafts obtained during planned autopsies between 12 and 29 days after application of the graft are discussed.", "PMID": 997674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6730", "title": "[Changes in the activity of lysosomal enzymes in experimental ileus].", "content": "After inducing experimental ileus in albino rats, the authors found changed lysosome enzyme activities in liver homogenizate. In the same kind \"free\" activity of acid phosphatase and acid ribonuclease is elevated by strangulation ileus. According to literature, these alterations result from changed permeability of lysosome membranes, resp. from rupture of lysosomes. Ileus by obstruction causes no significant changes of the \"free\" lysosomes activities in liver homogenizate. Increase of acid phosphatase and ribonuclease in blood serum by strangulation or obstruction is equally considerable in both kinds of ileus. The results of these experiments suggest the developing of hepatic damage under both kinds of experimental ileus, the extent of which can be assessed by determination of lysosome enzyme activities.", "contents": "[Changes in the activity of lysosomal enzymes in experimental ileus]. After inducing experimental ileus in albino rats, the authors found changed lysosome enzyme activities in liver homogenizate. In the same kind \"free\" activity of acid phosphatase and acid ribonuclease is elevated by strangulation ileus. According to literature, these alterations result from changed permeability of lysosome membranes, resp. from rupture of lysosomes. Ileus by obstruction causes no significant changes of the \"free\" lysosomes activities in liver homogenizate. Increase of acid phosphatase and ribonuclease in blood serum by strangulation or obstruction is equally considerable in both kinds of ileus. The results of these experiments suggest the developing of hepatic damage under both kinds of experimental ileus, the extent of which can be assessed by determination of lysosome enzyme activities.", "PMID": 997675} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6731", "title": "[Decontamination tests of heart valve grafts with cialit].", "content": "After exposure of contaminated xenogenous aortic valve grafts to 0.5 g% Cialit solution for 30 minutes, to 0.1 g% solution for 24 hours, or to 0.02 g% solution for 288 hours, growth of germs on the graft had stopped. Cialit has bacteriostatic and fungistatic effectiveness and fair stability of solubility; nevertheless it ought to be used with reservation. No safe destruction of microbes- spores and viruses in particular- can be guaranteed at acceptable Cialit concentrations of 0.1 g% and below.", "contents": "[Decontamination tests of heart valve grafts with cialit]. After exposure of contaminated xenogenous aortic valve grafts to 0.5 g% Cialit solution for 30 minutes, to 0.1 g% solution for 24 hours, or to 0.02 g% solution for 288 hours, growth of germs on the graft had stopped. Cialit has bacteriostatic and fungistatic effectiveness and fair stability of solubility; nevertheless it ought to be used with reservation. No safe destruction of microbes- spores and viruses in particular- can be guaranteed at acceptable Cialit concentrations of 0.1 g% and below.", "PMID": 997676} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6732", "title": "[Hemodynamics, metabolism and function of the perfused pancreas under normal temperature].", "content": "The canine pancreas-duodenum has been perfused for 3 h with a membrane oxygenator, a pulsatile pump and a heat exchanger at a temperature of 37 degrees C. Among the criteria used in this study, the insulin output into the venous blood in response to glucose administration, as well as pancreas secretion after secretion stimulation were those found to be the most reliable indicators as to the viability of the pancreas. This is further supported by an average oxygen consumption of 0,77 ml O2/100 g at a constant flow of 80 ml/min and a perfusion pressure of 75 mm Hg. The pressure/flow relationship as for any other perfused organ was a safe indicator as to the viability of the perfused pancreas. The functional viability correlated with our anatomical findings.", "contents": "[Hemodynamics, metabolism and function of the perfused pancreas under normal temperature]. The canine pancreas-duodenum has been perfused for 3 h with a membrane oxygenator, a pulsatile pump and a heat exchanger at a temperature of 37 degrees C. Among the criteria used in this study, the insulin output into the venous blood in response to glucose administration, as well as pancreas secretion after secretion stimulation were those found to be the most reliable indicators as to the viability of the pancreas. This is further supported by an average oxygen consumption of 0,77 ml O2/100 g at a constant flow of 80 ml/min and a perfusion pressure of 75 mm Hg. The pressure/flow relationship as for any other perfused organ was a safe indicator as to the viability of the perfused pancreas. The functional viability correlated with our anatomical findings.", "PMID": 997677} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6733", "title": "Oxygen consumption by hepatic tissue after transfusion of a stroma-free haemoglobin solution.", "content": "The ability of stroma-free haemoglobin solutions to transport oxygen was investigated by determining the oxygen consumption by the liver using Warburg's microrespirator. 50 ml of blood were removed from the rabbit under general anaesthesia and replaced by an identical volume of a non-oxygenated or oxygenated haemoglobin solution. The control rabbits received no transfusions. It was found that arterial hypotension produced by blood-letting caused a significant rise in oxygen consumption by the hepatic tissue. The rise was increased even more when the rabbits received no transfusions. Transfusion of non-oxygenated haemoglobin solutions caused likewise a rise in oxygen consumption immediately after transfusion. This rise was, however, not so significant as in the control group. On the other hand, transfusion of oxygenated haemoglobin solutions produced no rise in the oxygen consumption by the liver as compared to its value after blood-letting.", "contents": "Oxygen consumption by hepatic tissue after transfusion of a stroma-free haemoglobin solution. The ability of stroma-free haemoglobin solutions to transport oxygen was investigated by determining the oxygen consumption by the liver using Warburg's microrespirator. 50 ml of blood were removed from the rabbit under general anaesthesia and replaced by an identical volume of a non-oxygenated or oxygenated haemoglobin solution. The control rabbits received no transfusions. It was found that arterial hypotension produced by blood-letting caused a significant rise in oxygen consumption by the hepatic tissue. The rise was increased even more when the rabbits received no transfusions. Transfusion of non-oxygenated haemoglobin solutions caused likewise a rise in oxygen consumption immediately after transfusion. This rise was, however, not so significant as in the control group. On the other hand, transfusion of oxygenated haemoglobin solutions produced no rise in the oxygen consumption by the liver as compared to its value after blood-letting.", "PMID": 997678} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6734", "title": "[Preservation of articular cartilage. 1. Chondrocyte vitality depending on the preservation method (autoradiographic studies)].", "content": "Vitality of chondrocytes of articular cartilages of adult Alsatian dogs was autoradiographically examined in vitro after different kinds of preservation. All preserving methods that require freezing-in result in dying of cartilage cells, immediately or after one day. On the other hand, chondrocytes survive dry preservation at +4 degrees C. for 14 days, and even for 28 days when stored in 5 per cent glucose solution.", "contents": "[Preservation of articular cartilage. 1. Chondrocyte vitality depending on the preservation method (autoradiographic studies)]. Vitality of chondrocytes of articular cartilages of adult Alsatian dogs was autoradiographically examined in vitro after different kinds of preservation. All preserving methods that require freezing-in result in dying of cartilage cells, immediately or after one day. On the other hand, chondrocytes survive dry preservation at +4 degrees C. for 14 days, and even for 28 days when stored in 5 per cent glucose solution.", "PMID": 997679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6735", "title": "[Preservation of articular cartilage. 2. Behavior of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the intracellular substance of preserved articular cartilage (histo- and biochemical studies)].", "content": "Glucosaminoglucanes (acid mucopolysaccharides) were assessed by means of histochemic and biochemic methods in differently preserved articular cartilages of adult Alsatian dogs. Immediately after lyophilization, resp. 14 days after preservation at --196 degrees C., the glucosaminoglucanes decrease, whereas they are present in undiminished concentration after deep-freezing preservation (--18 degrees C. and --78 degrees C.) up to 30 months, and at +4 degrees C. up to 100 days. No more destruction of glucosaminoglucanes occurs after dying of chondrocytes, obviously depending on blocking the glucosaminoglucanes destructing enzymes during the freezing. With regard to the investigations on the vitality, deep-freezing preservation at --18 degrees C. to --78 degrees C. is recommended for storage of avital articular cartilage. Preservation of vital articular cartilage is possible for 28 days at +4 C. in 5 per cent glucose solution.", "contents": "[Preservation of articular cartilage. 2. Behavior of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the intracellular substance of preserved articular cartilage (histo- and biochemical studies)]. Glucosaminoglucanes (acid mucopolysaccharides) were assessed by means of histochemic and biochemic methods in differently preserved articular cartilages of adult Alsatian dogs. Immediately after lyophilization, resp. 14 days after preservation at --196 degrees C., the glucosaminoglucanes decrease, whereas they are present in undiminished concentration after deep-freezing preservation (--18 degrees C. and --78 degrees C.) up to 30 months, and at +4 degrees C. up to 100 days. No more destruction of glucosaminoglucanes occurs after dying of chondrocytes, obviously depending on blocking the glucosaminoglucanes destructing enzymes during the freezing. With regard to the investigations on the vitality, deep-freezing preservation at --18 degrees C. to --78 degrees C. is recommended for storage of avital articular cartilage. Preservation of vital articular cartilage is possible for 28 days at +4 C. in 5 per cent glucose solution.", "PMID": 997680} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6736", "title": "[Experimental skin replacement by means of absorbing alloplastic material].", "content": "In 15 rabbits skin defects of various size were induced. The defects were covered with blood-soaked Surgicel which at the margin was attached with Histoacryl adhesive. Gradually under this cover the epithelization proceeds. The authors recommend this emergency procedure in severe cases of burns of other extended skin injuries.", "contents": "[Experimental skin replacement by means of absorbing alloplastic material]. In 15 rabbits skin defects of various size were induced. The defects were covered with blood-soaked Surgicel which at the margin was attached with Histoacryl adhesive. Gradually under this cover the epithelization proceeds. The authors recommend this emergency procedure in severe cases of burns of other extended skin injuries.", "PMID": 997681} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6737", "title": "[Morphological and angiographic studies on mammary artery in coronary sclerosis].", "content": "Macroscopic and microscopic studies on the anterior interventricular ramus of left coronary artery, internal thoracic artery, and great saphenous vein were carried out 50 dead, aged 21 to 60 years. The internal thoracic artery was always normal whereas in 40 cases stenosing coronary sclerosis was found. At mammography, 25 patients with operable coronary obstruction also showed no degenerative alterations of this systematic artery. With a diameter of 1.5 mm in the 5th intercostal space the internal thoracic artery was fit for performing an anastomosis.", "contents": "[Morphological and angiographic studies on mammary artery in coronary sclerosis]. Macroscopic and microscopic studies on the anterior interventricular ramus of left coronary artery, internal thoracic artery, and great saphenous vein were carried out 50 dead, aged 21 to 60 years. The internal thoracic artery was always normal whereas in 40 cases stenosing coronary sclerosis was found. At mammography, 25 patients with operable coronary obstruction also showed no degenerative alterations of this systematic artery. With a diameter of 1.5 mm in the 5th intercostal space the internal thoracic artery was fit for performing an anastomosis.", "PMID": 997682} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6738", "title": "[Lyophilized vein as an arterial substitution].", "content": "The use of homologous preserved veins for replacing seems to have special importance in the surgery on peripheric and coronary arteries. Preliminary results from animal experiments are discussed in which lyophilized veins replaced arteries. Within 8 weeks after implantation into dog aorta develops a functionally satisfactory substitute. No immune reactions can be found histologically. The destruction of the graft and its replacement by host's tissue are temporally balanced. The experiments are to be continued.", "contents": "[Lyophilized vein as an arterial substitution]. The use of homologous preserved veins for replacing seems to have special importance in the surgery on peripheric and coronary arteries. Preliminary results from animal experiments are discussed in which lyophilized veins replaced arteries. Within 8 weeks after implantation into dog aorta develops a functionally satisfactory substitute. No immune reactions can be found histologically. The destruction of the graft and its replacement by host's tissue are temporally balanced. The experiments are to be continued.", "PMID": 997683} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6739", "title": "[Studies on the immunologic behavior of standardized virus-induced rat tumor after cryosurgical and surgical treatment].", "content": "The authors report on the behavior of a virus-induced tumor in the rat after cryosurgical and surgical treatment and re-implantation of different tumor suspensions. No specific \"immune-cryothermic response\" could be demonstrated. The principle of the lysis of the re-implantate lies in devitalizing the primary tumor.", "contents": "[Studies on the immunologic behavior of standardized virus-induced rat tumor after cryosurgical and surgical treatment]. The authors report on the behavior of a virus-induced tumor in the rat after cryosurgical and surgical treatment and re-implantation of different tumor suspensions. No specific \"immune-cryothermic response\" could be demonstrated. The principle of the lysis of the re-implantate lies in devitalizing the primary tumor.", "PMID": 997684} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6740", "title": "[Experimental and clinical use of the mini-size bubble-bag thermooxygenator by the Rygg-Kyvsgaard method].", "content": "The authors report on experimental and clinical use of the Mini-size-bubble-bag-thermooxygenator according to Rygg-Kyvsgaard. The advantages and possible applications are demonstrated. The Mini-size-bubble-bag-thermooxygenator is recommended for routine cardiosurgery on infants. The authors point at possibilities to use it in systems of extracorporeal circulation beyond cardiac surgery.", "contents": "[Experimental and clinical use of the mini-size bubble-bag thermooxygenator by the Rygg-Kyvsgaard method]. The authors report on experimental and clinical use of the Mini-size-bubble-bag-thermooxygenator according to Rygg-Kyvsgaard. The advantages and possible applications are demonstrated. The Mini-size-bubble-bag-thermooxygenator is recommended for routine cardiosurgery on infants. The authors point at possibilities to use it in systems of extracorporeal circulation beyond cardiac surgery.", "PMID": 997685} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6741", "title": "[Determination of lipids in serum and erythrocytes during surgery with extracorporeal circulation].", "content": "The changes of the lipids in serum and erythrocytes inclusively the fatty acid pattern of the phosphatids were registered at 16 patients of whose congenital heart defects were corrected with extracorporeal circulation. The differently evident changes of the lipid fractions are to relate to heparinization, hemodilution and injury of erythrocytes which is increasing in the duration of perfusion. They are discussed in their importance for clinical essential phenomenous as disturbances of the coagulation or hemolysis. From these preliminary studies is to conclude that the substitution of phosphatids is necessary at the end of or after the extracorporeal circulation.", "contents": "[Determination of lipids in serum and erythrocytes during surgery with extracorporeal circulation]. The changes of the lipids in serum and erythrocytes inclusively the fatty acid pattern of the phosphatids were registered at 16 patients of whose congenital heart defects were corrected with extracorporeal circulation. The differently evident changes of the lipid fractions are to relate to heparinization, hemodilution and injury of erythrocytes which is increasing in the duration of perfusion. They are discussed in their importance for clinical essential phenomenous as disturbances of the coagulation or hemolysis. From these preliminary studies is to conclude that the substitution of phosphatids is necessary at the end of or after the extracorporeal circulation.", "PMID": 997686} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6742", "title": "[Function of the liver reticuloendothelial system in hemorrhagic shock in dogs].", "content": "The function of hepatic reticulo-endothelial system at normal circulation and during hemorrhagic shock was examined in 13 dogs. The results were as follows:1.198Au-colloid liver scintigraphy demonstrated no essential alterations by shock. A trifling diminution caused by the diminished blood amount in the liver was found at heavy blood loss. The spleen was opcified in no case. 2. The elimination rate, resp. the blood clearance, of 198Au-colloid remained constant during the first 2 hours, proving that the vital clearance function of hepatic reticulo-endothelial system is completely maintained in this phase of hemorrhagic shock. After longer duration of hypovolemic shock (5 hours) elimination rate decreased. 3. It can be concluded that hepatic circulation at first alters according to the blood volume. 4. Consequently, functional testing of hepatic reticulo-endothelial system is not fit for early diagnosis of shock.", "contents": "[Function of the liver reticuloendothelial system in hemorrhagic shock in dogs]. The function of hepatic reticulo-endothelial system at normal circulation and during hemorrhagic shock was examined in 13 dogs. The results were as follows:1.198Au-colloid liver scintigraphy demonstrated no essential alterations by shock. A trifling diminution caused by the diminished blood amount in the liver was found at heavy blood loss. The spleen was opcified in no case. 2. The elimination rate, resp. the blood clearance, of 198Au-colloid remained constant during the first 2 hours, proving that the vital clearance function of hepatic reticulo-endothelial system is completely maintained in this phase of hemorrhagic shock. After longer duration of hypovolemic shock (5 hours) elimination rate decreased. 3. It can be concluded that hepatic circulation at first alters according to the blood volume. 4. Consequently, functional testing of hepatic reticulo-endothelial system is not fit for early diagnosis of shock.", "PMID": 997687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6743", "title": "Measurements of oxygen tension from the canine gastric mucosa under the influence of vasoactive and acid stimulating agents and following vagotomy. Implications on the pathophysiology of peptic ulceration.", "content": "By the use of a multiwire platinum electrode mucosal tissue pO2 from the canine gastric antrum is continuously recorded. Injection of norepinephrine causes a short, steep fall of mucosal pO2, naftidrofuryl elevates mucosal pO2 for several minutes in spite of reduced arterial blood pressure, pentagastrin produces a biphasic response, a temporary rise of mucosal pO2 is followed by a longer lasting decrease, vagotomy causes a considerable and more persistent drop of mucosal pO2. These experimental findings are discussed in their possible relations to the clinical problem of ulcer formation and therapy of gastroduodenal bleeding.", "contents": "Measurements of oxygen tension from the canine gastric mucosa under the influence of vasoactive and acid stimulating agents and following vagotomy. Implications on the pathophysiology of peptic ulceration. By the use of a multiwire platinum electrode mucosal tissue pO2 from the canine gastric antrum is continuously recorded. Injection of norepinephrine causes a short, steep fall of mucosal pO2, naftidrofuryl elevates mucosal pO2 for several minutes in spite of reduced arterial blood pressure, pentagastrin produces a biphasic response, a temporary rise of mucosal pO2 is followed by a longer lasting decrease, vagotomy causes a considerable and more persistent drop of mucosal pO2. These experimental findings are discussed in their possible relations to the clinical problem of ulcer formation and therapy of gastroduodenal bleeding.", "PMID": 997688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6744", "title": "[Influence of cholestasis due to duodenal ligation on the secretion of gastric juice in the rat].", "content": "In the rat stasis of duodenal and pancreatic juice, and of bile by ligatures at the duodenum with potential reflux into the stomach causes an inhibition of gastric secretion. The strongest effect presumably has the bile in connection with the distension of the duodenum. Moistening of the mucosa of gastric corpus with these juices seems to be unimportant.", "contents": "[Influence of cholestasis due to duodenal ligation on the secretion of gastric juice in the rat]. In the rat stasis of duodenal and pancreatic juice, and of bile by ligatures at the duodenum with potential reflux into the stomach causes an inhibition of gastric secretion. The strongest effect presumably has the bile in connection with the distension of the duodenum. Moistening of the mucosa of gastric corpus with these juices seems to be unimportant.", "PMID": 997689} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6745", "title": "[Induction of standardized burns in animal experiments].", "content": "A burn stamp is described that was designed in cooperation with the Institute for Biophysics. It is capable to induce standardized reproduceable burns in experiments on guinea-pigs.", "contents": "[Induction of standardized burns in animal experiments]. A burn stamp is described that was designed in cooperation with the Institute for Biophysics. It is capable to induce standardized reproduceable burns in experiments on guinea-pigs.", "PMID": 997690} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6746", "title": "[Limitations of and criteria for a coronary thrombosis model].", "content": "The increasing frequency of cardiac infarction and its close correlation with coronary thrombosis urge to seek for new therapeutic approaches to coronary thrombosis. Proper models are necessary for that. The principles hitherto published are reported as well as the limits of their reliability, and the demanded criteria of a pattern of coronary thrombosis are demonstrated.", "contents": "[Limitations of and criteria for a coronary thrombosis model]. The increasing frequency of cardiac infarction and its close correlation with coronary thrombosis urge to seek for new therapeutic approaches to coronary thrombosis. Proper models are necessary for that. The principles hitherto published are reported as well as the limits of their reliability, and the demanded criteria of a pattern of coronary thrombosis are demonstrated.", "PMID": 997691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6747", "title": "[Experimental model of coronary thrombosis in the closed thorax in swine].", "content": "Coronary thrombosis was induced in 14 miniature pigs by means of direct current. The induction electrode was introduced via the common carotid artery into the coronary artery. The intensity of current (1 mA) and the duration of current flow (60 min) were kept constant in all the experimental animals. 6 miniature pigs survived the period of observation (48 h). In all instances, an injury to the intima was the morphopathological location factor. With the exception of one animal, which died after an induction time of 60 min, coronary thrombosis was stated in all the miniature pigs. The experimental arrangement which produces closed-thorax coronary thrombosis is suited for cardiosurgical, physiopathological and pharmacological experiments, especially because the anatomy and the degree of development of the porcine heart are most similar to those of the human heart.", "contents": "[Experimental model of coronary thrombosis in the closed thorax in swine]. Coronary thrombosis was induced in 14 miniature pigs by means of direct current. The induction electrode was introduced via the common carotid artery into the coronary artery. The intensity of current (1 mA) and the duration of current flow (60 min) were kept constant in all the experimental animals. 6 miniature pigs survived the period of observation (48 h). In all instances, an injury to the intima was the morphopathological location factor. With the exception of one animal, which died after an induction time of 60 min, coronary thrombosis was stated in all the miniature pigs. The experimental arrangement which produces closed-thorax coronary thrombosis is suited for cardiosurgical, physiopathological and pharmacological experiments, especially because the anatomy and the degree of development of the porcine heart are most similar to those of the human heart.", "PMID": 997692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6748", "title": "[Studies on the mechanical resistance of human erythrocytes under in-vitro conditions].", "content": "Hemolysis and resistance of erythrocytes were studies in-vitro in experiments on human ACD fresh blood and on heparinized fresh blood after oxygen dispersion, resp. mixed oxygen and carbon dioxide dispersion, and subsequent treatment in the hemoresistometer. Blood alkalinity increases under oxygen dispersion, acidity increases under dispersion with mixed gases. The length of the period of dispersion is more important for hemolysis than the change of pH. The hematocrit value influences the behavior of blood resistance. High values imply enhanced hemolysis. There is no significant difference of actual hemolysis values between oxygen and oxygen/carbon dioxide dispersion. A different behavior appears in the calculation of difference value of hemolysis after treatment in resistometer and the respective actual hemolysis.", "contents": "[Studies on the mechanical resistance of human erythrocytes under in-vitro conditions]. Hemolysis and resistance of erythrocytes were studies in-vitro in experiments on human ACD fresh blood and on heparinized fresh blood after oxygen dispersion, resp. mixed oxygen and carbon dioxide dispersion, and subsequent treatment in the hemoresistometer. Blood alkalinity increases under oxygen dispersion, acidity increases under dispersion with mixed gases. The length of the period of dispersion is more important for hemolysis than the change of pH. The hematocrit value influences the behavior of blood resistance. High values imply enhanced hemolysis. There is no significant difference of actual hemolysis values between oxygen and oxygen/carbon dioxide dispersion. A different behavior appears in the calculation of difference value of hemolysis after treatment in resistometer and the respective actual hemolysis.", "PMID": 997693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6749", "title": "[Ulcer location in the stomach and pylorantral hypertrophy: problem of correlation of the ulcer location and wall hypertrophy in ulcus ventriculi].", "content": "Relationship between gastric ulcer (n = 100) site and antropyloric wall hypertrophy was examined in a prospective study. Irrespective of ulcer multiplicity most ulcers were found to be located at the lesser curvature and at the posterior wall (p less than 0,001); men had significantly more ulcers at the posterior wall than females (p less than 0, 001). Single ulcers and those connected with pyloric stenosis were more distant to the pylorus than multiple ulcers (p less than 0,001). Ulcer location did not relate to hypertrophy of the pyloric channel wall. Observed differences between single and multiple ulcers were limited to wall parts only: the musculature of high located single ulcers was significantly less hypertrophied 2,5 cm orally of the pylorus (p less than 0,02) and that of high multiple ulcers was more hypertrophied at the pylorus (p less than 0,02) than in the other parts. These findings suggest that ulcer variations do not influence the diffuse antropyloric disease in gastric ulcer patients and suggest that the generalized antral changes are prior to gastric ulcer occurance.", "contents": "[Ulcer location in the stomach and pylorantral hypertrophy: problem of correlation of the ulcer location and wall hypertrophy in ulcus ventriculi]. Relationship between gastric ulcer (n = 100) site and antropyloric wall hypertrophy was examined in a prospective study. Irrespective of ulcer multiplicity most ulcers were found to be located at the lesser curvature and at the posterior wall (p less than 0,001); men had significantly more ulcers at the posterior wall than females (p less than 0, 001). Single ulcers and those connected with pyloric stenosis were more distant to the pylorus than multiple ulcers (p less than 0,001). Ulcer location did not relate to hypertrophy of the pyloric channel wall. Observed differences between single and multiple ulcers were limited to wall parts only: the musculature of high located single ulcers was significantly less hypertrophied 2,5 cm orally of the pylorus (p less than 0,02) and that of high multiple ulcers was more hypertrophied at the pylorus (p less than 0,02) than in the other parts. These findings suggest that ulcer variations do not influence the diffuse antropyloric disease in gastric ulcer patients and suggest that the generalized antral changes are prior to gastric ulcer occurance.", "PMID": 997694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6750", "title": "[Influence of small intestine shunt and small intestine resection on gastrin secretion].", "content": "In 10 healthy controls, in 3 patients with subtotal resection of the small intestine and in 7 patients with jejuno-ileal bypass gastric ackd secretion and serum gastrin were determined in the basal state and after stimulation. The patients with short bowel revealed basal and pentagastrin stimulated gastric acid secretion in the lower normal range. Hypergastrinaemia, however, was present in these patients in the basal state and after food stimulation of gastrin release, while in patients with jejuno-ileal bypass basal and postprandial serum gastrin concentrations were within the normal range. These data suggest, that hypergastrinaemia in patients with short bowel is due to dimished gastrin catabolism and that the small intestine plays a significant role in gastrin inactivation.", "contents": "[Influence of small intestine shunt and small intestine resection on gastrin secretion]. In 10 healthy controls, in 3 patients with subtotal resection of the small intestine and in 7 patients with jejuno-ileal bypass gastric ackd secretion and serum gastrin were determined in the basal state and after stimulation. The patients with short bowel revealed basal and pentagastrin stimulated gastric acid secretion in the lower normal range. Hypergastrinaemia, however, was present in these patients in the basal state and after food stimulation of gastrin release, while in patients with jejuno-ileal bypass basal and postprandial serum gastrin concentrations were within the normal range. These data suggest, that hypergastrinaemia in patients with short bowel is due to dimished gastrin catabolism and that the small intestine plays a significant role in gastrin inactivation.", "PMID": 997695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6751", "title": "[Fat resorption: current concepts and micromophology].", "content": "Recent concepts in the physiology of intestinal fat absorption are reviewed and the intraluminal formation and the role of the mixed lipid micelle, the concept of the unstirred water layer and the role of the fatty acid binding protein in the intracellular transport of long chain fatty acids are particularly emphasized. It is pointed out that only little information is available on the exact mechanism of the synthesis of intestinal lipoproteins and their export from the intestinal epithelial cells. Finally, preliminary results are presented of an electron-microscopical investigation of the intestinal mucosa of rats at different intervals after intraduodenal injection of an emulsion of lipids.", "contents": "[Fat resorption: current concepts and micromophology]. Recent concepts in the physiology of intestinal fat absorption are reviewed and the intraluminal formation and the role of the mixed lipid micelle, the concept of the unstirred water layer and the role of the fatty acid binding protein in the intracellular transport of long chain fatty acids are particularly emphasized. It is pointed out that only little information is available on the exact mechanism of the synthesis of intestinal lipoproteins and their export from the intestinal epithelial cells. Finally, preliminary results are presented of an electron-microscopical investigation of the intestinal mucosa of rats at different intervals after intraduodenal injection of an emulsion of lipids.", "PMID": 997696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6752", "title": "[Combined radiomanometric and histological studies in the surgery of Vater's ampulla].", "content": "In 34 patients a transduodenal sphincteroplasty was performed for benign stenosis of the papilla of Vater or stones in the area of the papilla. The combined intraoperative radiomanometric investigations as well as the histological examinations of intraoperative biopsis of the liver and the papilla of Vater suggest that in most cases with elevated pressure values of the common duct pathological changes of the liver with signs of cholostasis as well as of the papilla of Vater either with pathohistological alterations or with stones in this area can be detected. Constantly, histological changes of the papilla of Vater lead to pathologically elevated pressures in the common duct. In these cases transduodenal sphincteroplasty is recommended instead of only treating with a bougie or dilating the papilla. The indication for this procedure can be objectified by intraoperative radiomanometry.", "contents": "[Combined radiomanometric and histological studies in the surgery of Vater's ampulla]. In 34 patients a transduodenal sphincteroplasty was performed for benign stenosis of the papilla of Vater or stones in the area of the papilla. The combined intraoperative radiomanometric investigations as well as the histological examinations of intraoperative biopsis of the liver and the papilla of Vater suggest that in most cases with elevated pressure values of the common duct pathological changes of the liver with signs of cholostasis as well as of the papilla of Vater either with pathohistological alterations or with stones in this area can be detected. Constantly, histological changes of the papilla of Vater lead to pathologically elevated pressures in the common duct. In these cases transduodenal sphincteroplasty is recommended instead of only treating with a bougie or dilating the papilla. The indication for this procedure can be objectified by intraoperative radiomanometry.", "PMID": 997697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6753", "title": "[Epidemiolgical significance of HBs-antigen subtypes D and Y in the Heidelberg area].", "content": "The HGsantigen subtypes D and Y were determined radioimmunologically in 220 HGsAg-positive patients from the Heidelberg area. The subtype D was significantly more frequent (D = 68%) in patients with chronic liver diseases (n = 45) and in healthy HGsAg carriers (n = 32) than in patients with acute viral hepatitis B (n = 143, D = 41%). The subtype distribution in patients with acute viral hepatitis was not constant in the years 1970--1974. An antigen drift from subtype D to subtype Y was shown in healthy HBsAg carriers from 1971 to 1974. The differing distribution of subtypes in persons with transient and persistent HGsAg finding can be explained unequivocally by the altered epidemiological situation at the time of the infection.", "contents": "[Epidemiolgical significance of HBs-antigen subtypes D and Y in the Heidelberg area]. The HGsantigen subtypes D and Y were determined radioimmunologically in 220 HGsAg-positive patients from the Heidelberg area. The subtype D was significantly more frequent (D = 68%) in patients with chronic liver diseases (n = 45) and in healthy HGsAg carriers (n = 32) than in patients with acute viral hepatitis B (n = 143, D = 41%). The subtype distribution in patients with acute viral hepatitis was not constant in the years 1970--1974. An antigen drift from subtype D to subtype Y was shown in healthy HBsAg carriers from 1971 to 1974. The differing distribution of subtypes in persons with transient and persistent HGsAg finding can be explained unequivocally by the altered epidemiological situation at the time of the infection.", "PMID": 997698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6754", "title": "[Treatment of hemostasis disorders in liver diseases:prothrombin-complex concentrates].", "content": "A short review about indications, dosage, effectiveness and possible complications of prothrombin complex concentrates in liver diseases is presented. In particular the combined \"low dosis heparintherapy\" is discussed.", "contents": "[Treatment of hemostasis disorders in liver diseases:prothrombin-complex concentrates]. A short review about indications, dosage, effectiveness and possible complications of prothrombin complex concentrates in liver diseases is presented. In particular the combined \"low dosis heparintherapy\" is discussed.", "PMID": 997699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6755", "title": "[Nevus eruption following thyroidin with spontaneous involution].", "content": "Report on a young girl with eruptive manifestation of multiple nevuscell nevi following unnecessary treatment with thyroid extract at the age of 13. When this treatment was stopped at age 19, most of the nevi diminuted. Many of them disappeared within a short time, some with halo formation. This case report shows a new side effect of thyroid extract therapy. It is also interesting with regard to pigment cell regulation.", "contents": "[Nevus eruption following thyroidin with spontaneous involution]. Report on a young girl with eruptive manifestation of multiple nevuscell nevi following unnecessary treatment with thyroid extract at the age of 13. When this treatment was stopped at age 19, most of the nevi diminuted. Many of them disappeared within a short time, some with halo formation. This case report shows a new side effect of thyroid extract therapy. It is also interesting with regard to pigment cell regulation.", "PMID": 997700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6756", "title": "[Data processing system for laboratory and hemodynamic heart catheterization measurements].", "content": "In cooperation with the Department of Electronic Data Processing Systems we have developed a data processing unit for the analysis of hemodynamic data at the Department of Internal Medicine I. The aim was to design a computer-system for the daily routine in heart-catheterizations as well as for the solution of scientific problems during hemodynamic studies. In the on-line-mode besides the ECG up to four pressures can be analysed simultaneously. Analog and digital tapes can also be processed off-line on demand. The concept of the whole system and the individual steps of computer-handling are adjusted to the problems of data-analysis in praxis from the viewpoint of the examining cardiologist. Since the system is interactive after each measurement and each given command the computer-results are displayed on the video-scope. Because of the modular structure of the program new medical criteria can easily be implemented at any time. Since the computer-system is not effectively used with only one cath-lab other units possibly of different hard-ware configuration can be connected simultaneously to the computer. Each cath-lab shares 16 K out of the total 32 K core-memory. The results are displayed graphically and alpha-numerically on video-scope, x-y-plotter and line printer. The sampling-rate for fluid-filled catheters is 200 Hz and for catheter-tip-manometers 400 Hz. Smothing and differentiation-procedures are adapted to the respective catheter-material. The computer-program calibrates the different pressure amplifiers automatically. After defining the catheter-position the pressure-signals are sampled for 10 s and immediately afterwards analyzed by the computer. The ECG and the corresponding pressure-curves are displayed on the video-scope. The automatically selected representative beat as well as each of the identified and numerated other beats of the sampling-phase can be displayed selectively together with its numerical results. The computer marks the positions within the pressure-curves, where the individual measurements were taken. Besides the systolic and diastolic pressures in valvular stenosis the maximal and mean systolic or diastolic gradients, ejection- or filling-period, valve-flow and valve-area are calculated autonomously. The calculation of cardiac-output, different volume-indices and stroke-work-index are based on Fick-method, thermo- or indicator-dilution technique. The contractility-parameters max dp/dt, t-max dp/dt, max dp/dt/DP, max dp/dt/P, VPM, V40, min dp/dt and the stiffness are computed for the left and on demand also for the right ventricle. Data of the patient and the operating-team, catheter-technique, complications and free comments are transmitted to the computer via terminal together with the actual time. The computer-system was drafted for permanent use. Therefore possible technical defects have been anticipated in the design of hard- and soft-ware. In cases of failure suitable steps allow the immediate restart of the system without loosing information...", "contents": "[Data processing system for laboratory and hemodynamic heart catheterization measurements]. In cooperation with the Department of Electronic Data Processing Systems we have developed a data processing unit for the analysis of hemodynamic data at the Department of Internal Medicine I. The aim was to design a computer-system for the daily routine in heart-catheterizations as well as for the solution of scientific problems during hemodynamic studies. In the on-line-mode besides the ECG up to four pressures can be analysed simultaneously. Analog and digital tapes can also be processed off-line on demand. The concept of the whole system and the individual steps of computer-handling are adjusted to the problems of data-analysis in praxis from the viewpoint of the examining cardiologist. Since the system is interactive after each measurement and each given command the computer-results are displayed on the video-scope. Because of the modular structure of the program new medical criteria can easily be implemented at any time. Since the computer-system is not effectively used with only one cath-lab other units possibly of different hard-ware configuration can be connected simultaneously to the computer. Each cath-lab shares 16 K out of the total 32 K core-memory. The results are displayed graphically and alpha-numerically on video-scope, x-y-plotter and line printer. The sampling-rate for fluid-filled catheters is 200 Hz and for catheter-tip-manometers 400 Hz. Smothing and differentiation-procedures are adapted to the respective catheter-material. The computer-program calibrates the different pressure amplifiers automatically. After defining the catheter-position the pressure-signals are sampled for 10 s and immediately afterwards analyzed by the computer. The ECG and the corresponding pressure-curves are displayed on the video-scope. The automatically selected representative beat as well as each of the identified and numerated other beats of the sampling-phase can be displayed selectively together with its numerical results. The computer marks the positions within the pressure-curves, where the individual measurements were taken. Besides the systolic and diastolic pressures in valvular stenosis the maximal and mean systolic or diastolic gradients, ejection- or filling-period, valve-flow and valve-area are calculated autonomously. The calculation of cardiac-output, different volume-indices and stroke-work-index are based on Fick-method, thermo- or indicator-dilution technique. The contractility-parameters max dp/dt, t-max dp/dt, max dp/dt/DP, max dp/dt/P, VPM, V40, min dp/dt and the stiffness are computed for the left and on demand also for the right ventricle. Data of the patient and the operating-team, catheter-technique, complications and free comments are transmitted to the computer via terminal together with the actual time. The computer-system was drafted for permanent use. Therefore possible technical defects have been anticipated in the design of hard- and soft-ware. In cases of failure suitable steps allow the immediate restart of the system without loosing information...", "PMID": 997705} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6757", "title": "[Relationship between frequency components of phonocardiography, vectorcardiography parameters and anatomic data].", "content": "Regarding heart volume, fundamental frequency of the first and second part of first heart sound (SI), vectorcardiographic parameters and constitutional data, the formerly found strong correlation between fundamental frequency of the first part of SI and heart volume was re-established. Heart volume guess got even better utilizing certain VCG-parameters, whereas constitutional measurement data gave no further approach. Correlations between VCG-data and fundamental frequencies of both parts of SI are referred to.", "contents": "[Relationship between frequency components of phonocardiography, vectorcardiography parameters and anatomic data]. Regarding heart volume, fundamental frequency of the first and second part of first heart sound (SI), vectorcardiographic parameters and constitutional data, the formerly found strong correlation between fundamental frequency of the first part of SI and heart volume was re-established. Heart volume guess got even better utilizing certain VCG-parameters, whereas constitutional measurement data gave no further approach. Correlations between VCG-data and fundamental frequencies of both parts of SI are referred to.", "PMID": 997706} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6758", "title": "[Risk factors of arteriosclerosis in patients with severe bradycardia arrhythmias].", "content": "The frequency and distribution of risk factors of arteriosclerosis were determined in 405 patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers and compared with the corresponding results of patients with cardiac infarction. The most frequent risk factors were smoking (43,5%), hypertension (35,2%), and diabetes (34,3%) in males, hypertension (52,3%) and diabetes (49,7%) in females. The frequency of cardiac infarction was in average 19,5%. In the infarction group diabetes was lower in both sexes (23,5% and 35,8%), respectively), hyperlipoproteinemia and smoking were more frequent. From the different distribution of risk factors it is suggested, that coronary arteriosclerosis is not the most important etiologic factor in the development of bradycardic dysrhythmias. The higher percentage of diabetes in the pacemaker group could point to metabolic disturbances or specific diabetic vascular disease as harmful factors to the conduction system.", "contents": "[Risk factors of arteriosclerosis in patients with severe bradycardia arrhythmias]. The frequency and distribution of risk factors of arteriosclerosis were determined in 405 patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers and compared with the corresponding results of patients with cardiac infarction. The most frequent risk factors were smoking (43,5%), hypertension (35,2%), and diabetes (34,3%) in males, hypertension (52,3%) and diabetes (49,7%) in females. The frequency of cardiac infarction was in average 19,5%. In the infarction group diabetes was lower in both sexes (23,5% and 35,8%), respectively), hyperlipoproteinemia and smoking were more frequent. From the different distribution of risk factors it is suggested, that coronary arteriosclerosis is not the most important etiologic factor in the development of bradycardic dysrhythmias. The higher percentage of diabetes in the pacemaker group could point to metabolic disturbances or specific diabetic vascular disease as harmful factors to the conduction system.", "PMID": 997707} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6759", "title": "[Experiences with 87 permanent atrial electrodes of various types and emplacement technics].", "content": "Between March 1972 and December 1975 87 atrial leads were implanted into 85 patients. In 37 cases the transmediastinal retrocardial approach was preferred. In all the other cases the electrodes were introduced transvenous endocardially. The results showed: 1. There exist techniques of atrial lead emplacement which, when applying suitable lead designs, guarantee an anatomic stable positioning either on the left or in the right atrium. Especially the new transvenous J-shaped electrodes of type Medtronic TJL can be positioned easily. The dislodgement ratio of these leads amounts of only 6%. 2. Retro- as well as intracardially very high action voltages were found. The ones sensed by the J-tip-electrodes from the endocardial surface of the right appendage even run up to 5,4 mV. 3. In spite of relatively high initial thresholds, no exit block was seen in any of the 34 cases, in whom atrial leads were inserted transvenous endocardially for permanent atrial pacing.", "contents": "[Experiences with 87 permanent atrial electrodes of various types and emplacement technics]. Between March 1972 and December 1975 87 atrial leads were implanted into 85 patients. In 37 cases the transmediastinal retrocardial approach was preferred. In all the other cases the electrodes were introduced transvenous endocardially. The results showed: 1. There exist techniques of atrial lead emplacement which, when applying suitable lead designs, guarantee an anatomic stable positioning either on the left or in the right atrium. Especially the new transvenous J-shaped electrodes of type Medtronic TJL can be positioned easily. The dislodgement ratio of these leads amounts of only 6%. 2. Retro- as well as intracardially very high action voltages were found. The ones sensed by the J-tip-electrodes from the endocardial surface of the right appendage even run up to 5,4 mV. 3. In spite of relatively high initial thresholds, no exit block was seen in any of the 34 cases, in whom atrial leads were inserted transvenous endocardially for permanent atrial pacing.", "PMID": 997708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6760", "title": "[D-transposition in situs inversus, atrial septal defect, open foramen ovale and tricuspid valve insufficiency].", "content": "This paper reports on a rare case of a so-called corrected d-transposition of the great vessels of a 62-year old woman with situs inversus. In addition the patient had a VSD, a patent foramen ovale, and a tricuspid-valve insufficiency. The topography of the ventricular cavities, the great vessels and the coronary arteries is described in detail. There is pointed to the surgical treatment of additional abnormalities to improve the prognosis.", "contents": "[D-transposition in situs inversus, atrial septal defect, open foramen ovale and tricuspid valve insufficiency]. This paper reports on a rare case of a so-called corrected d-transposition of the great vessels of a 62-year old woman with situs inversus. In addition the patient had a VSD, a patent foramen ovale, and a tricuspid-valve insufficiency. The topography of the ventricular cavities, the great vessels and the coronary arteries is described in detail. There is pointed to the surgical treatment of additional abnormalities to improve the prognosis.", "PMID": 997709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6761", "title": "The fine structure of the endogenous stages of Eimeria labbeana. 4. Microgametogenesis.", "content": "The fine structure of the microgamonts and microgametes of Eimeria labbeana from the columnar epithelial cells of the ileal mucosa of experimentally infected pigeons, Columba livia, has been described and compared with that of similar stages in other species of Eimeria. The microgamonts averaged 8.0 X 10.0 mum (6.7-8.4 X 9.0-11.4 mum), had a maximum number of 27 nuclei each (0.8-1.0 X 1.0-1.3 mum), and showed various stages of mitotic nuclear divisions without the appearance of detectable mitotic spindles. Modification of the membrane of some of the nuclei into spirally coiled structures containing granular bodies resembling autophagosomes were observed. One pair, and occasionally two pairs of centrioles with the typical (9 + 1) microtubular composition were seen in association with some of the nuclei. Polysaccharide granules were seen in only about 5% of the more than 2,000 microgamonts studied. Cytomere formation was not observed but development of microgametes in association with intra-cytoplasmic spaces, and surface invaginations was frequently seen. Microgametes were elongate to slightly curved, averaged 3.1 X 1.2 mum (2.8-3.3 X 0.8-1.3 mum), and each was composed of an apical perforatorium, 2 basal bodies, 2 flagella, 4 microtubules located representing a third but rudimentary flagellum, a row of more than 15 short microtubules located laterally in the apical region, a large nucleus (1.7 X 0.8 mum), and a mitochondrion. Subfibrillar composition of the basal body and basal-plate region was observed. The microgametes of E. labbeana are the shortest and stoutest ever reported from the genus Eimeria. The maximum number of microgametes detected from any one section was thirty.", "contents": "The fine structure of the endogenous stages of Eimeria labbeana. 4. Microgametogenesis. The fine structure of the microgamonts and microgametes of Eimeria labbeana from the columnar epithelial cells of the ileal mucosa of experimentally infected pigeons, Columba livia, has been described and compared with that of similar stages in other species of Eimeria. The microgamonts averaged 8.0 X 10.0 mum (6.7-8.4 X 9.0-11.4 mum), had a maximum number of 27 nuclei each (0.8-1.0 X 1.0-1.3 mum), and showed various stages of mitotic nuclear divisions without the appearance of detectable mitotic spindles. Modification of the membrane of some of the nuclei into spirally coiled structures containing granular bodies resembling autophagosomes were observed. One pair, and occasionally two pairs of centrioles with the typical (9 + 1) microtubular composition were seen in association with some of the nuclei. Polysaccharide granules were seen in only about 5% of the more than 2,000 microgamonts studied. Cytomere formation was not observed but development of microgametes in association with intra-cytoplasmic spaces, and surface invaginations was frequently seen. Microgametes were elongate to slightly curved, averaged 3.1 X 1.2 mum (2.8-3.3 X 0.8-1.3 mum), and each was composed of an apical perforatorium, 2 basal bodies, 2 flagella, 4 microtubules located representing a third but rudimentary flagellum, a row of more than 15 short microtubules located laterally in the apical region, a large nucleus (1.7 X 0.8 mum), and a mitochondrion. Subfibrillar composition of the basal body and basal-plate region was observed. The microgametes of E. labbeana are the shortest and stoutest ever reported from the genus Eimeria. The maximum number of microgametes detected from any one section was thirty.", "PMID": 997718} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6762", "title": "Genetic recombination of precociousness and anticoccidial drug resistance in Eimeria tenella.", "content": "Two strains of Eimeria tenella differing in decoquinate-resistance and developmental rate were crossed. Strain Wis-F was decoquinate-sensitive (DS) and precocious (P+), while strain 368 was decoquinate-resistant (DR) and had a normal developmental rate (P-). Cultures of the parent strains and a culture derived from a mixture of parent strain oocysts were propagated through drug and developmental barriers to select parasites with the respective parental phenotypes (DS/P + and DR/P-) and the recombinant phenotype (DR/P+). The ability of a portion of the population in the strain-cross culture to reproduce in the presence of simultaneously imposed drug and developmental barrier showed that they were the recombinant phenotype (DR/P+), which had been produced through fertilization by gametes of opposite parent strains of E. tenella.", "contents": "Genetic recombination of precociousness and anticoccidial drug resistance in Eimeria tenella. Two strains of Eimeria tenella differing in decoquinate-resistance and developmental rate were crossed. Strain Wis-F was decoquinate-sensitive (DS) and precocious (P+), while strain 368 was decoquinate-resistant (DR) and had a normal developmental rate (P-). Cultures of the parent strains and a culture derived from a mixture of parent strain oocysts were propagated through drug and developmental barriers to select parasites with the respective parental phenotypes (DS/P + and DR/P-) and the recombinant phenotype (DR/P+). The ability of a portion of the population in the strain-cross culture to reproduce in the presence of simultaneously imposed drug and developmental barrier showed that they were the recombinant phenotype (DR/P+), which had been produced through fertilization by gametes of opposite parent strains of E. tenella.", "PMID": 997719} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6763", "title": "Life cycle studies with Eimeria magna P\u00e9rard, 1925.", "content": "Excystation of Eimeria magna required exposure to CO2 at body temperature followed by trypsin and bile. Incubation in the presence of CO2 produced marked effects on the inner layer of the oocyst wall. The evidence suggests that CO2 stimulates enzymic activity from within the oocyst rather than exerting a physico-chemical effect on the oocyst wall from the outside. Released sporozoites measured 19.65 X 3.33 mum. In the rabbit, E. magna undergoes at least 5 cycles of asexual schizogony before gametogony takes place. First-generation schizonts were observed at 30 hr, measured 15 X 11 mum and contained 4, 6, 8 or occasionally 12 merozoites; the merozoites were characterised by two very large and prominent refractile granules. As the infection progressed, schizont size and merozoite numbers became more variable; some schizonts contained 2-8 fat merozoites, many probably multinuclear, while other schizonts contained 12-100 thinner merozoites. First generation schizogony took place in the glands; all subsequent stages developed in the upper parts of the villi of the small intestine. Sexual forms have been seen as early as 96 hr, but maximum sexual activity was noted at 120-192 hr. Oocysts measured 35.87 X 24.05 mum. The first oocysts were passed 6-7 days after inoculation, with peak production at 8-9 days. Sporulation was optimal at 30 degrees C; higher temperatures inhibited sporulation, and were in time lethal, while sporulation would take place normally after suppression by cold for at least 11 months. Single oocyst inoculations indicated a maximum reproductive potential of 26.15 million. Pathogenic effects were mostly mild, amounting to growth depression over days 4-7 and softening of the faeces; occasionally diarrhoea and/or death occurred.", "contents": "Life cycle studies with Eimeria magna P\u00e9rard, 1925. Excystation of Eimeria magna required exposure to CO2 at body temperature followed by trypsin and bile. Incubation in the presence of CO2 produced marked effects on the inner layer of the oocyst wall. The evidence suggests that CO2 stimulates enzymic activity from within the oocyst rather than exerting a physico-chemical effect on the oocyst wall from the outside. Released sporozoites measured 19.65 X 3.33 mum. In the rabbit, E. magna undergoes at least 5 cycles of asexual schizogony before gametogony takes place. First-generation schizonts were observed at 30 hr, measured 15 X 11 mum and contained 4, 6, 8 or occasionally 12 merozoites; the merozoites were characterised by two very large and prominent refractile granules. As the infection progressed, schizont size and merozoite numbers became more variable; some schizonts contained 2-8 fat merozoites, many probably multinuclear, while other schizonts contained 12-100 thinner merozoites. First generation schizogony took place in the glands; all subsequent stages developed in the upper parts of the villi of the small intestine. Sexual forms have been seen as early as 96 hr, but maximum sexual activity was noted at 120-192 hr. Oocysts measured 35.87 X 24.05 mum. The first oocysts were passed 6-7 days after inoculation, with peak production at 8-9 days. Sporulation was optimal at 30 degrees C; higher temperatures inhibited sporulation, and were in time lethal, while sporulation would take place normally after suppression by cold for at least 11 months. Single oocyst inoculations indicated a maximum reproductive potential of 26.15 million. Pathogenic effects were mostly mild, amounting to growth depression over days 4-7 and softening of the faeces; occasionally diarrhoea and/or death occurred.", "PMID": 997720} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6764", "title": "Ultrastructure and light microscope appearance of Blastocystis hominis in a patient with enteric disease.", "content": "The patient reported had a fulminant, refractory diarrhea of unknown etiology producing about 81 of diarrheal fluid daily which required continuously large volumes of intravenous fluid therapy. No protozoon other than Blastocystis hominis was present. Bacterial counts were very low in the fecal material because of continuous antibiotic therapy. Blastocystis hominis was present in large numbers, averaging for a 5-day period, 8.3 X 10(6)/ml of diarrheal fluid. Treatment with metronidazole for 12 days had no effect on either the diarrhea or the numbers of B. hominis present. The patient died from aspiration pneumonia without a firm diagnosis of his underlying disease. Identification of an unusual form of B. hominis seen only in diarrheal fluid was confirmed through cultivation, specific fluorescent antibody staining, as well as by transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy using hematoxylin staining and Nomarski interference contrast. The most significant result of this study is the description of ultrastructure of the in vivo trophozoite form of B. hominis. The persistence of certain morphologic features of the in vivo and in vitro forms of B. hominis is described. In vivo, B. hominis has a larger nucleus than in vitro, more prominent, well structured nucleoli, and hundreds of mitochondria with numerous delicate saccular cristae in a clear electron-lucent matrix and complex internal structure. Many cytoplasmic vesicles lined with ribosomes are present. The in vivo structure differs from the granular culture form of B. hominis, which has a smaller nucleus (nuclei), no distinct nucleoli, mitochondria characterized by a uniform structureless electron dense matrix, and few cytoplasmic, ribosome-lined vesicles. A feature retained in both in vivo and in vitro B. hominis is a distinct crescentic band of nuclear chromatin.", "contents": "Ultrastructure and light microscope appearance of Blastocystis hominis in a patient with enteric disease. The patient reported had a fulminant, refractory diarrhea of unknown etiology producing about 81 of diarrheal fluid daily which required continuously large volumes of intravenous fluid therapy. No protozoon other than Blastocystis hominis was present. Bacterial counts were very low in the fecal material because of continuous antibiotic therapy. Blastocystis hominis was present in large numbers, averaging for a 5-day period, 8.3 X 10(6)/ml of diarrheal fluid. Treatment with metronidazole for 12 days had no effect on either the diarrhea or the numbers of B. hominis present. The patient died from aspiration pneumonia without a firm diagnosis of his underlying disease. Identification of an unusual form of B. hominis seen only in diarrheal fluid was confirmed through cultivation, specific fluorescent antibody staining, as well as by transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy using hematoxylin staining and Nomarski interference contrast. The most significant result of this study is the description of ultrastructure of the in vivo trophozoite form of B. hominis. The persistence of certain morphologic features of the in vivo and in vitro forms of B. hominis is described. In vivo, B. hominis has a larger nucleus than in vitro, more prominent, well structured nucleoli, and hundreds of mitochondria with numerous delicate saccular cristae in a clear electron-lucent matrix and complex internal structure. Many cytoplasmic vesicles lined with ribosomes are present. The in vivo structure differs from the granular culture form of B. hominis, which has a smaller nucleus (nuclei), no distinct nucleoli, mitochondria characterized by a uniform structureless electron dense matrix, and few cytoplasmic, ribosome-lined vesicles. A feature retained in both in vivo and in vitro B. hominis is a distinct crescentic band of nuclear chromatin.", "PMID": 997721} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6765", "title": "Origin, structure and function of subcuticular cells of Fasciola hepatica.", "content": "In the present paper the ultrastructure of the subcuticulare zone of the tegument of Fasciola hepatica and the distribution of thimidine-H3 for establishing the localization of DNA-synthesis in the tegument was studied. There were two types of subcuticular cells: 1) non-differentiated cells with presence of incorporated labelled thimidine in nuclei presented by DNA non-stable macromolecules, and 2) differentiated or definitive subcuticular cells without aggregates of silver grains. The results showed a high level of DNA replication leading to mitotic activity of the non-differentiated cells and absence of mitotic activity in the definitive cells. There was a morphological similarity between non-differentiated cells and the cells from the medular zone, supposing a relationship in their origin.", "contents": "Origin, structure and function of subcuticular cells of Fasciola hepatica. In the present paper the ultrastructure of the subcuticulare zone of the tegument of Fasciola hepatica and the distribution of thimidine-H3 for establishing the localization of DNA-synthesis in the tegument was studied. There were two types of subcuticular cells: 1) non-differentiated cells with presence of incorporated labelled thimidine in nuclei presented by DNA non-stable macromolecules, and 2) differentiated or definitive subcuticular cells without aggregates of silver grains. The results showed a high level of DNA replication leading to mitotic activity of the non-differentiated cells and absence of mitotic activity in the definitive cells. There was a morphological similarity between non-differentiated cells and the cells from the medular zone, supposing a relationship in their origin.", "PMID": 997722} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6766", "title": "[Oribatids (Oribatei, Acari) as intermediate hosts of Ctenotaenia marmotae (Fr\u00f6lich, 1802), a tapeworm parasitic in marmots (author's transl)].", "content": "Out of 30 species of Oribatids (from 23 genera), which were provided with eggs of Ctenotaenia marmotae in the laboratory, 24 proved to be potential intermediate hosts. The course of development of the parasite in the intermediate host could be followed up as far as to the cysticercoid (Figs. 2-8). It largely corresponds to the development of other Anoplocephalidae. After 113 days p.i. (test temperature 18-20 degrees C) the cysticercoid stage was reached. In the P\u00f6lla valley (Carinthia), at sea level of 2,200 m, the droppings of marmots scattered on the grass andmingled with proglottids of C. marmotae were marked. 9 months later 24 grass samples were taken and examined as to infected Oribatids. Out of a total of 12,100 specimens 49 turned out to be infected with cysticercoids; these specimens, however, belong to the species of Trichoribates incisellus (Kramer) and Trichoribates trimaculatus (C.L. Koch). They were taken from 16 samples with a total of 8,400 Oribatids. This is the first evidence under natural conditions of Oribatids acting as intermediate hosts to C. marmotae. It is presumed that 2 seasonal invasion peaks occur in the final host Marmota marmota (L.).", "contents": "[Oribatids (Oribatei, Acari) as intermediate hosts of Ctenotaenia marmotae (Fr\u00f6lich, 1802), a tapeworm parasitic in marmots (author's transl)]. Out of 30 species of Oribatids (from 23 genera), which were provided with eggs of Ctenotaenia marmotae in the laboratory, 24 proved to be potential intermediate hosts. The course of development of the parasite in the intermediate host could be followed up as far as to the cysticercoid (Figs. 2-8). It largely corresponds to the development of other Anoplocephalidae. After 113 days p.i. (test temperature 18-20 degrees C) the cysticercoid stage was reached. In the P\u00f6lla valley (Carinthia), at sea level of 2,200 m, the droppings of marmots scattered on the grass andmingled with proglottids of C. marmotae were marked. 9 months later 24 grass samples were taken and examined as to infected Oribatids. Out of a total of 12,100 specimens 49 turned out to be infected with cysticercoids; these specimens, however, belong to the species of Trichoribates incisellus (Kramer) and Trichoribates trimaculatus (C.L. Koch). They were taken from 16 samples with a total of 8,400 Oribatids. This is the first evidence under natural conditions of Oribatids acting as intermediate hosts to C. marmotae. It is presumed that 2 seasonal invasion peaks occur in the final host Marmota marmota (L.).", "PMID": 997723} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6767", "title": "Observations on the histogenesis of nervous tissue in Diphyllobothrium dendriticum Nitzsch, 1824 (Cestoda, Pseudophyllidea).", "content": "The mode of growth of the populations of cells within and immediately surrounding the main lateral nerve cords in the actively growing, immature Diphyllobothrium dendriticum was studied by the use of 3H-thymidine autoradiography. The population of nerve cells within the nerve cord grows only on account of cell migration from the surrounding parenchyma. No mitotic figures were observed in the nerve cords. The rate of growth is high. Within a period of cultivation for 2 days in hamster 34% of the nerve cells within the nerve cords have arrived from the parenchyma. These cells can be considered as cells at the starting point for differentiation into nerve cells. The protective layer of binding cells around the nerve cords also grows on a-count of cells migrating from the parenchyma. The binding cells actively move from the outer regions of the layer inwards close to t-e nerve cord. As stem cells for these types of cell differentiation serve the highly basophilic, actively dividing germinative cells.", "contents": "Observations on the histogenesis of nervous tissue in Diphyllobothrium dendriticum Nitzsch, 1824 (Cestoda, Pseudophyllidea). The mode of growth of the populations of cells within and immediately surrounding the main lateral nerve cords in the actively growing, immature Diphyllobothrium dendriticum was studied by the use of 3H-thymidine autoradiography. The population of nerve cells within the nerve cord grows only on account of cell migration from the surrounding parenchyma. No mitotic figures were observed in the nerve cords. The rate of growth is high. Within a period of cultivation for 2 days in hamster 34% of the nerve cells within the nerve cords have arrived from the parenchyma. These cells can be considered as cells at the starting point for differentiation into nerve cells. The protective layer of binding cells around the nerve cords also grows on a-count of cells migrating from the parenchyma. The binding cells actively move from the outer regions of the layer inwards close to t-e nerve cord. As stem cells for these types of cell differentiation serve the highly basophilic, actively dividing germinative cells.", "PMID": 997724} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6768", "title": "Studies on cytodifferentiation in the neck region of Diphyllobothrium dendriticum Nitzsch, 1824 (Cestoda, Pseudophyllidea).", "content": "Cytodifferentiation in the neck region of adult D. dendriticum was studied. The highly basophilic germinative cells were found to differentiate into glycogen-containing parenchyma cells and three types of muscle cells. The cytodi-ferentiation was followed with the aid of 3H-thymidine. The differentiation potential of the germinative cells is discussed.", "contents": "Studies on cytodifferentiation in the neck region of Diphyllobothrium dendriticum Nitzsch, 1824 (Cestoda, Pseudophyllidea). Cytodifferentiation in the neck region of adult D. dendriticum was studied. The highly basophilic germinative cells were found to differentiate into glycogen-containing parenchyma cells and three types of muscle cells. The cytodi-ferentiation was followed with the aid of 3H-thymidine. The differentiation potential of the germinative cells is discussed.", "PMID": 997725} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6769", "title": "Antibodies sequestered in the liver granulomata of 8-week infections of CF1 mice by Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907.", "content": "With our methods IgM, 7Sgamma1 and C3 were detected in the egg-induced liver granulomata of 8-week infections of CF1 mice by Schistosoma mansoni. It is speculated that, in addition to sequestration of antigens within these lesions by these antibodies, 7Sgamma1 may be associated with the Hoeppli phenomenon, and IgM in combination with C3 may be responsible for the ultimate death of the embryo or miracidium within the egg shell.", "contents": "Antibodies sequestered in the liver granulomata of 8-week infections of CF1 mice by Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907. With our methods IgM, 7Sgamma1 and C3 were detected in the egg-induced liver granulomata of 8-week infections of CF1 mice by Schistosoma mansoni. It is speculated that, in addition to sequestration of antigens within these lesions by these antibodies, 7Sgamma1 may be associated with the Hoeppli phenomenon, and IgM in combination with C3 may be responsible for the ultimate death of the embryo or miracidium within the egg shell.", "PMID": 997726} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6770", "title": "Stereoscan observations of the miracidium and early sporocyst of Schistosoma mansoni.", "content": "Whole miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni, miracidia vibrated in an ultrasonic cleaner, and the miracidium-sporocyst transition were studied in the stereoscan electron microscope. After vibrating, the cilia broke off near the bases and the epidermal cells, intercellular ridge and sensory structures were revealed. The apical papilla had a folded surface with penetrating sensory cilia. The number of epidermal cells varied between 17 and 22. The lateral papillae appeared as bulbous projections on either side between the first and second tiers of epidermal cells. There was a ciliated pit nerve ending close to each lateral papilla. A few ciliated pits were found between the cells in the first tier, and up to twelve ciliated pits with long cilia could be found between the second and third tiers. Miracidia placed in haemolymph from Planorbarius corneus cast off the apical ciliated part of the epithelial cells, and large scars appeared where the ciliated plates had been. Later, the syncytial intercellular ridge dispersed throughout the surface of the mother sporocyst, and small cytoplasmic knobs appeared on the surface. The apical papilla and the lateral papillae were still observed a few hours after shedding the ciliated plates, but the ciliated pits disappeared shortly after the ciliated plates were lost.", "contents": "Stereoscan observations of the miracidium and early sporocyst of Schistosoma mansoni. Whole miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni, miracidia vibrated in an ultrasonic cleaner, and the miracidium-sporocyst transition were studied in the stereoscan electron microscope. After vibrating, the cilia broke off near the bases and the epidermal cells, intercellular ridge and sensory structures were revealed. The apical papilla had a folded surface with penetrating sensory cilia. The number of epidermal cells varied between 17 and 22. The lateral papillae appeared as bulbous projections on either side between the first and second tiers of epidermal cells. There was a ciliated pit nerve ending close to each lateral papilla. A few ciliated pits were found between the cells in the first tier, and up to twelve ciliated pits with long cilia could be found between the second and third tiers. Miracidia placed in haemolymph from Planorbarius corneus cast off the apical ciliated part of the epithelial cells, and large scars appeared where the ciliated plates had been. Later, the syncytial intercellular ridge dispersed throughout the surface of the mother sporocyst, and small cytoplasmic knobs appeared on the surface. The apical papilla and the lateral papillae were still observed a few hours after shedding the ciliated plates, but the ciliated pits disappeared shortly after the ciliated plates were lost.", "PMID": 997727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6771", "title": "[Age dependent possibilities for healing in cartilage injuries (experimental investigations with animals) (author's transl)].", "content": "Regenerative and degenerative changes of cartilage were studied in animals by micromorphological methods and autoradiography. Cartilage lesions of defined size were set in the femoral condyle of rabbits of variing age by means of an electrical drill developed by us. We used juvenile animals, 3 months old, and senile animals 4 years old. The lesions were studied by lightmicroscopy, electronmicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In young animals we were able to demonstrate prevailing reparative changes after injury and the potency for genuine regeneration originating from cartilage. Isolated chondral lesions develop reactive tissue originating mainly from superficial parts of the cartilage. When subchondral bone is exposed we see granulation tissue filling up the defect and change by metaplasia. The replacing tissue originating from superficial cartilage as well as from subchondral bone is able to fill the defect within 3 months. In the replacing tissue originating from cartilage we find fibroblasts and fibrocytes with many mitoses. Consecutively the cells are rounding increasingly. Finally chondrocytes are developing. At the same time as these reparative changes occur we see degenerative changes with decreased mucopolysaccharide synthesis, cell necroses with consecutive decrease in number of cells and singular small cluster. In old animals we could not demonstrate any reparative or regenerative changes after injuries; the artificial defect in cartilage persists. Instead, degenerative changes with signs of arthrosis are developing rapidly: chondroitin sulfate synthesis is decreased, there is ample cluster formation, cell necrosis, decrease in number of cells, and incorporation of paraplasmatic substances in cartilage. We could not demonstrate any mitoses. The causes for the inability of cartilage of aged individuals for reparative changes are discussed.", "contents": "[Age dependent possibilities for healing in cartilage injuries (experimental investigations with animals) (author's transl)]. Regenerative and degenerative changes of cartilage were studied in animals by micromorphological methods and autoradiography. Cartilage lesions of defined size were set in the femoral condyle of rabbits of variing age by means of an electrical drill developed by us. We used juvenile animals, 3 months old, and senile animals 4 years old. The lesions were studied by lightmicroscopy, electronmicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In young animals we were able to demonstrate prevailing reparative changes after injury and the potency for genuine regeneration originating from cartilage. Isolated chondral lesions develop reactive tissue originating mainly from superficial parts of the cartilage. When subchondral bone is exposed we see granulation tissue filling up the defect and change by metaplasia. The replacing tissue originating from superficial cartilage as well as from subchondral bone is able to fill the defect within 3 months. In the replacing tissue originating from cartilage we find fibroblasts and fibrocytes with many mitoses. Consecutively the cells are rounding increasingly. Finally chondrocytes are developing. At the same time as these reparative changes occur we see degenerative changes with decreased mucopolysaccharide synthesis, cell necroses with consecutive decrease in number of cells and singular small cluster. In old animals we could not demonstrate any reparative or regenerative changes after injuries; the artificial defect in cartilage persists. Instead, degenerative changes with signs of arthrosis are developing rapidly: chondroitin sulfate synthesis is decreased, there is ample cluster formation, cell necrosis, decrease in number of cells, and incorporation of paraplasmatic substances in cartilage. We could not demonstrate any mitoses. The causes for the inability of cartilage of aged individuals for reparative changes are discussed.", "PMID": 997729} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6772", "title": "[Investigations regarding the pathogenesis of fibromatosis of the palmar fascia (Dupuytren's contracture) (author's transl)].", "content": "The palmar aponeuroses of five patients suffering from Duputyren's disease were examined by means of light and electron microscopy. In all cases myofibroblasts could be found in the alterated regions of the palmar aponeuroses. The role of the fibroblasts for the pathogenesis of the disease is discussed.", "contents": "[Investigations regarding the pathogenesis of fibromatosis of the palmar fascia (Dupuytren's contracture) (author's transl)]. The palmar aponeuroses of five patients suffering from Duputyren's disease were examined by means of light and electron microscopy. In all cases myofibroblasts could be found in the alterated regions of the palmar aponeuroses. The role of the fibroblasts for the pathogenesis of the disease is discussed.", "PMID": 997730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6773", "title": "[A comparative investigation of acetylsalicyclic acid and indirect anticoagulants for the prophylaxis of venous thromboses in patients with an orthopedic-traumatologic case history (author's transl)].", "content": "The efficacy of acetylsalicylic acid as a general prophylactic for thromboembolic complications in bedridden adult patients with bone injuries and osteotomies was investigated. The results were compared with a control group and a group of patients receiving indirect anticoagulants. A statistically significant difference in the frequency of thromboembolic complications between the group receiving acetylsalicylic acid and the control group could not be established. The group receiving indirect anticoagulants showed a tenfold decrease in phlebothromboses and a fourteenfold decrease in pulmonary complications when compared with the control group. Even in high doses, acetylsalicylic acid is less reliable than anticoagulation therapy for the prophylaxis of venous thromboses and embolic pulmonary complications.", "contents": "[A comparative investigation of acetylsalicyclic acid and indirect anticoagulants for the prophylaxis of venous thromboses in patients with an orthopedic-traumatologic case history (author's transl)]. The efficacy of acetylsalicylic acid as a general prophylactic for thromboembolic complications in bedridden adult patients with bone injuries and osteotomies was investigated. The results were compared with a control group and a group of patients receiving indirect anticoagulants. A statistically significant difference in the frequency of thromboembolic complications between the group receiving acetylsalicylic acid and the control group could not be established. The group receiving indirect anticoagulants showed a tenfold decrease in phlebothromboses and a fourteenfold decrease in pulmonary complications when compared with the control group. Even in high doses, acetylsalicylic acid is less reliable than anticoagulation therapy for the prophylaxis of venous thromboses and embolic pulmonary complications.", "PMID": 997731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6774", "title": "[Proximal tibial osteotomy for osteoarthritis of the knee (author's transl)].", "content": "One hundred and seventeen cases of osteoarthritis of the knee-joint, were treated with tibia osteotomy. The result of the different types of the osteotomy are discussed. The proximal tibial osteotomy without metal-fixation has the best results.", "contents": "[Proximal tibial osteotomy for osteoarthritis of the knee (author's transl)]. One hundred and seventeen cases of osteoarthritis of the knee-joint, were treated with tibia osteotomy. The result of the different types of the osteotomy are discussed. The proximal tibial osteotomy without metal-fixation has the best results.", "PMID": 997732} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6775", "title": "[Patterns of localization and process in age induced bone atrophy and pathological osteoporosis (author's transl)].", "content": "Dennert and M\u00fcnzenberg recommend comparative examination of x-rays of the spine and coxal end of the femur both for the differentiation of physiological bone atrophy and pathological osteoporosis and for the gradual evaluation of osteoporosis. The systematic bone deterioration in the proximal section of the femur in physiological osteoporosis is absent in the pathological forms of osteoporosis where only the skleletal trunk is usually involved. Since quantitative examination procedures for the exact differenciation of osteoporosis are generally not available for the practice, the comparative examination represents an essential help for diagnosis and the gradual evaluation of osteoporosis. To support the interpretation of the findings from this procedure which is well suited for the practice, the chronological and local process of physiological and pathological osteoporoses (obtained by quantitative radiological measurements) are compared.", "contents": "[Patterns of localization and process in age induced bone atrophy and pathological osteoporosis (author's transl)]. Dennert and M\u00fcnzenberg recommend comparative examination of x-rays of the spine and coxal end of the femur both for the differentiation of physiological bone atrophy and pathological osteoporosis and for the gradual evaluation of osteoporosis. The systematic bone deterioration in the proximal section of the femur in physiological osteoporosis is absent in the pathological forms of osteoporosis where only the skleletal trunk is usually involved. Since quantitative examination procedures for the exact differenciation of osteoporosis are generally not available for the practice, the comparative examination represents an essential help for diagnosis and the gradual evaluation of osteoporosis. To support the interpretation of the findings from this procedure which is well suited for the practice, the chronological and local process of physiological and pathological osteoporoses (obtained by quantitative radiological measurements) are compared.", "PMID": 997733} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6776", "title": "[Side reaction after lumbar myelography with dimer-x (author's transl)].", "content": "The existence of several very impressive spinal paroxysms after lumbar myelography with Dimer-X1 caused us to make a retrospective investigation of 327 patients with 355 myelographies. In 7.1% of the investigations we have found partly heavy, but mostly reversible neurological complications. The latter cannot be classified, contrary to prevailing statements, in spinal, meningeal or cerebral reactions, since mostly all 3 anatomical structures are being concerned. Corresponding casuistical information are being presented and with their neurological symptomatic discussed. The spinal paroxysms appeared approximately 6 hours after the myelography and lasted over 8-10 hours, in spite of intensive therapeutical efforts. The pathogenesis points to a multifactorial occurrence caused by the coincidence of an increased dosage of the contrast media, too bed rest time, rising of the contrast media in the spinal cord zone and disturbed liquor fluid circulation and contrast media resorption. Pathophysiologically is in connection with spinal cramps an epileptic mechanism probable. Additional spinal reflexive components could be an explanation for the little therapeutical effect of Diacepam (Valium), which is contrary to the statement in the literature. We have seen a better effect in particular cases with Phenothiazine. With strict observance of specific precautionary measures, the Dimer-X seems to be a good media for the presentation of the lumbar subarachnoid space. A further development in this field is desirable.", "contents": "[Side reaction after lumbar myelography with dimer-x (author's transl)]. The existence of several very impressive spinal paroxysms after lumbar myelography with Dimer-X1 caused us to make a retrospective investigation of 327 patients with 355 myelographies. In 7.1% of the investigations we have found partly heavy, but mostly reversible neurological complications. The latter cannot be classified, contrary to prevailing statements, in spinal, meningeal or cerebral reactions, since mostly all 3 anatomical structures are being concerned. Corresponding casuistical information are being presented and with their neurological symptomatic discussed. The spinal paroxysms appeared approximately 6 hours after the myelography and lasted over 8-10 hours, in spite of intensive therapeutical efforts. The pathogenesis points to a multifactorial occurrence caused by the coincidence of an increased dosage of the contrast media, too bed rest time, rising of the contrast media in the spinal cord zone and disturbed liquor fluid circulation and contrast media resorption. Pathophysiologically is in connection with spinal cramps an epileptic mechanism probable. Additional spinal reflexive components could be an explanation for the little therapeutical effect of Diacepam (Valium), which is contrary to the statement in the literature. We have seen a better effect in particular cases with Phenothiazine. With strict observance of specific precautionary measures, the Dimer-X seems to be a good media for the presentation of the lumbar subarachnoid space. A further development in this field is desirable.", "PMID": 997734} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6777", "title": "[A muscle activated dynamic repair of lateral instability of the ankle (author's transl)].", "content": "A muscle activated dynamic plastic reconstruction of the fibular ligaments of the posttraumatic weak ankle is presented and the operative technique is described. The most important advantages of this operation are compared with known methods.", "contents": "[A muscle activated dynamic repair of lateral instability of the ankle (author's transl)]. A muscle activated dynamic plastic reconstruction of the fibular ligaments of the posttraumatic weak ankle is presented and the operative technique is described. The most important advantages of this operation are compared with known methods.", "PMID": 997735} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6778", "title": "[Factors influencing the results in the treatment of patients with femoral neck fractures (author's transl)].", "content": "The results of 213 consecutive operatively treated patients with fractures of the femoral neck were evaluated. Especially the effects of improved operative technique, careful pre- and postoperative care and intensified rehabilitation were observed. The series consisted of 151 women and 62 men, 111 femoral neck fractures and 102 trochanteric fractures. Nailing was performed on 54 femoral neck fracture patients and endoprothesis operation on 57 patients. No statistically significant differences were proved when the two consecutive two years series were compared with one another concerning the nailing results and the frequence of thrombosis and infection. However, by means of early weight-bearing and improved pre- and postoperative care the 6 months mortality decreased statistically significantly (chi2 = 6.58, p less than 0.05).", "contents": "[Factors influencing the results in the treatment of patients with femoral neck fractures (author's transl)]. The results of 213 consecutive operatively treated patients with fractures of the femoral neck were evaluated. Especially the effects of improved operative technique, careful pre- and postoperative care and intensified rehabilitation were observed. The series consisted of 151 women and 62 men, 111 femoral neck fractures and 102 trochanteric fractures. Nailing was performed on 54 femoral neck fracture patients and endoprothesis operation on 57 patients. No statistically significant differences were proved when the two consecutive two years series were compared with one another concerning the nailing results and the frequence of thrombosis and infection. However, by means of early weight-bearing and improved pre- and postoperative care the 6 months mortality decreased statistically significantly (chi2 = 6.58, p less than 0.05).", "PMID": 997736} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6779", "title": "[Restitution of lunate bone necrosis in a child (author's transl)].", "content": "We reported a case of aseptic bone-cartilage necrosis of the os lunatum in a child. All indications for constitutional disposition, anatomic variations in the wrist joint or a traumatizing of the wrist joint were absent. Etiologically, a disturbance in vascularization could be assumed. The increased repair potential in children apparently led to a restitution which has not been observed in adults.", "contents": "[Restitution of lunate bone necrosis in a child (author's transl)]. We reported a case of aseptic bone-cartilage necrosis of the os lunatum in a child. All indications for constitutional disposition, anatomic variations in the wrist joint or a traumatizing of the wrist joint were absent. Etiologically, a disturbance in vascularization could be assumed. The increased repair potential in children apparently led to a restitution which has not been observed in adults.", "PMID": 997737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6780", "title": "[Arthrosis of the first ray of the hand in geriatric patients (author's transl)].", "content": "The frequency of arthrosis in the first ray of the hand increases with the age of the patient, particularly in the saddle joint of the thumb and in the joint between the trapezoid bone and the navicular bone of the hand. The finding is frequently bilateral and is accompanied by kinesalgia, periarticular swelling and restricted movement. A relationship between arthrosis of the first ray of the hand and certain occupations can be assumed. While the arthrosis in the saddle joint of the thumb demonstrates the usual radiological symptoms of arthrosis, the sclerosing of the joint surfaces between the os naviculare and the ossa multangula is the most pronounced.", "contents": "[Arthrosis of the first ray of the hand in geriatric patients (author's transl)]. The frequency of arthrosis in the first ray of the hand increases with the age of the patient, particularly in the saddle joint of the thumb and in the joint between the trapezoid bone and the navicular bone of the hand. The finding is frequently bilateral and is accompanied by kinesalgia, periarticular swelling and restricted movement. A relationship between arthrosis of the first ray of the hand and certain occupations can be assumed. While the arthrosis in the saddle joint of the thumb demonstrates the usual radiological symptoms of arthrosis, the sclerosing of the joint surfaces between the os naviculare and the ossa multangula is the most pronounced.", "PMID": 997738} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6781", "title": "[Contribution toward determining the inner equilibrium of the spinal column (pivotal point as temporary pole) (author's transl)].", "content": "The estimation of the centre of rotation of a spine segment can be shown as a transient pole, which follows the polar curve of the movement of the upper segment of the spine, relative to the lower one. With the help of X-ray, it is possible to evaluate two separate positions of the pole, from the normal position to the medium flexion and from the medium to the extreme flexion of the lumbal segment. Based on these expected values, as well as their intervals, pathological cases can be recognized, which is also shown in an example.", "contents": "[Contribution toward determining the inner equilibrium of the spinal column (pivotal point as temporary pole) (author's transl)]. The estimation of the centre of rotation of a spine segment can be shown as a transient pole, which follows the polar curve of the movement of the upper segment of the spine, relative to the lower one. With the help of X-ray, it is possible to evaluate two separate positions of the pole, from the normal position to the medium flexion and from the medium to the extreme flexion of the lumbal segment. Based on these expected values, as well as their intervals, pathological cases can be recognized, which is also shown in an example.", "PMID": 997739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6782", "title": "[Can the human posture be explained by biomechanics? (author's transl)].", "content": "Up to now, lacking a bio-mechanical model, human posture has only been examined morphologically, although the physics of posture respond to simple laws. With the help of a physical model, based on the hypothesis of a minimal rotating movement of the trunk and head from the spine, this report gives a description of a normal posture. The model can be extended mathematically to establish a computer simulation of each case examined by X-ray, showing which posture would use the smallest amount of ligamentary and muscular force. The above bio-mechanical analyses of the spine as a whole is being further examined and improved mathematically.", "contents": "[Can the human posture be explained by biomechanics? (author's transl)]. Up to now, lacking a bio-mechanical model, human posture has only been examined morphologically, although the physics of posture respond to simple laws. With the help of a physical model, based on the hypothesis of a minimal rotating movement of the trunk and head from the spine, this report gives a description of a normal posture. The model can be extended mathematically to establish a computer simulation of each case examined by X-ray, showing which posture would use the smallest amount of ligamentary and muscular force. The above bio-mechanical analyses of the spine as a whole is being further examined and improved mathematically.", "PMID": 997740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6783", "title": "[Pictorial documentation in orthopaedics (author's transl)].", "content": "The experiences of 60 years of pictorial documentation in an Orthopaedic Clinic are presented. Whereas the evaluation of patient's progress by photographs dominated formerly, nowadays the main interest is frequently centered on scientific illustrations and documentation for teaching, lectures and publications. The paper describes, how these two demands can be met economically by effective utilization of the technical possibilities.", "contents": "[Pictorial documentation in orthopaedics (author's transl)]. The experiences of 60 years of pictorial documentation in an Orthopaedic Clinic are presented. Whereas the evaluation of patient's progress by photographs dominated formerly, nowadays the main interest is frequently centered on scientific illustrations and documentation for teaching, lectures and publications. The paper describes, how these two demands can be met economically by effective utilization of the technical possibilities.", "PMID": 997741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6784", "title": "[Report of a lateral collum femoris fracture in childhood with observations spanning a 32-year-period (author's transl)].", "content": "On the basis of a 32-year-observation-period (radiologically controlled) of a lateral collum femoris fracture which occurred when the patient was 8 years of age, it could be ascertained that surprisingly good results were achieved in the sense of self healing in spite of basic treatment errors, pseudarthrosis of the collum femoris and traumatic loosening of the femur head with subsequent alterations.", "contents": "[Report of a lateral collum femoris fracture in childhood with observations spanning a 32-year-period (author's transl)]. On the basis of a 32-year-observation-period (radiologically controlled) of a lateral collum femoris fracture which occurred when the patient was 8 years of age, it could be ascertained that surprisingly good results were achieved in the sense of self healing in spite of basic treatment errors, pseudarthrosis of the collum femoris and traumatic loosening of the femur head with subsequent alterations.", "PMID": 997742} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6785", "title": "[Investigations of the normal stability of Chopart's joint (author's transl)].", "content": "The stability of the so-called Chopart-joint was evaluated in 50 healthy and asymptomatic patients by x-ray examination under strain. Complete stability was found in 38%. Widening of the lateral joint space up to 4 mm in the remaining patients could be demonstrated. Greater instability must be regarded to be a ruptur of the Lig. calcaneocubiodeum.", "contents": "[Investigations of the normal stability of Chopart's joint (author's transl)]. The stability of the so-called Chopart-joint was evaluated in 50 healthy and asymptomatic patients by x-ray examination under strain. Complete stability was found in 38%. Widening of the lateral joint space up to 4 mm in the remaining patients could be demonstrated. Greater instability must be regarded to be a ruptur of the Lig. calcaneocubiodeum.", "PMID": 997743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6786", "title": "[Transverse lesion of the cord syndrome in chondrodystrophic dwarfs (author's transl)].", "content": "More than 70 transverse lesion of the cord syndromes in chondrodystrophic dwarfs have been described in the literature. 43 of these were adequately described and/or accessible for the authors. In 22 cases, a mechanical cause (including 14 lesions of the intervertebral disk) was directly responsible and, in 14 cases, no direct spinal cord suppression was found. In the latter group, 10 had a negative myelography, 3 positive and 1 case myelography was not performed. Of the 12 laminectomized cases, only 3 made a good recovery, 4 showed severe deterioration and 2 conservatively treated cases (including the case described here) were clearly improved. Of the 16 laminectomized cases with limited mechanical impediment, 8 showed good results, 3 indifferent and 5 unknown. The cause of the vascular myleopathy was assumed to be a combination of the narrowness of the bony vertebral canal and an increasing kyphotic process. The authors suggest that laminectomy for tranverse lesion of the cord syndrome in dwarfs should be made only after several controls and an established stop correlating with the location of the neurological lesions. We reject decompression laminectomy for vascular myleopathy because of the already endangered vascular situation and the poor results. We prefer orthopedic measures.", "contents": "[Transverse lesion of the cord syndrome in chondrodystrophic dwarfs (author's transl)]. More than 70 transverse lesion of the cord syndromes in chondrodystrophic dwarfs have been described in the literature. 43 of these were adequately described and/or accessible for the authors. In 22 cases, a mechanical cause (including 14 lesions of the intervertebral disk) was directly responsible and, in 14 cases, no direct spinal cord suppression was found. In the latter group, 10 had a negative myelography, 3 positive and 1 case myelography was not performed. Of the 12 laminectomized cases, only 3 made a good recovery, 4 showed severe deterioration and 2 conservatively treated cases (including the case described here) were clearly improved. Of the 16 laminectomized cases with limited mechanical impediment, 8 showed good results, 3 indifferent and 5 unknown. The cause of the vascular myleopathy was assumed to be a combination of the narrowness of the bony vertebral canal and an increasing kyphotic process. The authors suggest that laminectomy for tranverse lesion of the cord syndrome in dwarfs should be made only after several controls and an established stop correlating with the location of the neurological lesions. We reject decompression laminectomy for vascular myleopathy because of the already endangered vascular situation and the poor results. We prefer orthopedic measures.", "PMID": 997744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6787", "title": "[Electrogalvonic inflammation as the cause of aseptic implant loosening in alloarthroplasty of the hip joint (author's transl)].", "content": "The appearance of pronounced cavity formation and erosion of the cortex layer in the area of the prosthetic shaft following total endoprosthetic implantation, without signs of an acute bacterial inflammatory activity, was investigated in specimens from the Orthopedic Hospital, W\u00fcrzburg. The causes of these alterations, in most cases, could be electrogalvonic tension which produces inflammatory processes with lacunar disintegration of the cortex layer. In this process, the metal implant is loosened. In vitro experiments have shown that an average difference in potential of 290 mV can be established between both electrodes of the metal implant.", "contents": "[Electrogalvonic inflammation as the cause of aseptic implant loosening in alloarthroplasty of the hip joint (author's transl)]. The appearance of pronounced cavity formation and erosion of the cortex layer in the area of the prosthetic shaft following total endoprosthetic implantation, without signs of an acute bacterial inflammatory activity, was investigated in specimens from the Orthopedic Hospital, W\u00fcrzburg. The causes of these alterations, in most cases, could be electrogalvonic tension which produces inflammatory processes with lacunar disintegration of the cortex layer. In this process, the metal implant is loosened. In vitro experiments have shown that an average difference in potential of 290 mV can be established between both electrodes of the metal implant.", "PMID": 997745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6788", "title": "Mirror image aneurysms of the ulnar artery in the palm.", "content": "A case of sequential bilateral ulnar artery aneurysms in the palm is reported. Thirty-five unilateral true aneurysms in the hypothenar area are reported in the literature and most have been associated with repeated trauma to the palm. The diagnosis is easily established from physical examination. Definition of the anatomic relationships of the aneurysm is by selective arteriography. Surgical excision or ligation of the communicating arteries is curative.", "contents": "Mirror image aneurysms of the ulnar artery in the palm. A case of sequential bilateral ulnar artery aneurysms in the palm is reported. Thirty-five unilateral true aneurysms in the hypothenar area are reported in the literature and most have been associated with repeated trauma to the palm. The diagnosis is easily established from physical examination. Definition of the anatomic relationships of the aneurysm is by selective arteriography. Surgical excision or ligation of the communicating arteries is curative.", "PMID": 997771} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6789", "title": "Mural thrombosis after experimental carotid endarterectomy.", "content": "The incidence of mural thrombosis following three types of experimental intimal injuries at common carotid arteries, was investigated in a series of 12 dogs. Mural thrombosis was obtained at each of the intimal lesions. Moreover, obstructive thrombosis occurred in three instances. Further investigation of thrombi revealed that partial fragmentation occurred when exposed to hydrodynamic forces. These results suggest that mural thrombosis following carotid endarterectomy in humans, is possibly more frequent and significant than it is generally appreciated, thus leading to the consideration of postoperative anticoagulation after endarterectomy, as a means to minimize the incidence of postoperative embolic cerebrovascular accidents.", "contents": "Mural thrombosis after experimental carotid endarterectomy. The incidence of mural thrombosis following three types of experimental intimal injuries at common carotid arteries, was investigated in a series of 12 dogs. Mural thrombosis was obtained at each of the intimal lesions. Moreover, obstructive thrombosis occurred in three instances. Further investigation of thrombi revealed that partial fragmentation occurred when exposed to hydrodynamic forces. These results suggest that mural thrombosis following carotid endarterectomy in humans, is possibly more frequent and significant than it is generally appreciated, thus leading to the consideration of postoperative anticoagulation after endarterectomy, as a means to minimize the incidence of postoperative embolic cerebrovascular accidents.", "PMID": 997772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6790", "title": "The effect of postural changes upon the ankle arterial perfusion pressure.", "content": "The normal arterial blood pressure at the ankle, (AP), right brachial arterial pressure (RBP) and pressure index (PI) were investigated in 50 healthy young volunteers under basal conditions and during certain positions of the legs, utilizing Doppler ultrasound flow determination and standard size blood pressure cuff. The mean AP was 10 mm Hg higher than the mean RBP in 76 instances but AP was smaller than RBP in 24 out of 100 investigated lower extremities. Mean PI was 1.069+/-0.158. There was no statistically significant difference between PI of heavier and leaner patients although increased weight was associated with a significantly higher brachial and ankle arterial pressure. Departure of the lower extremity from the horizontal position resulted in AP changes explained by gravitational effects. If the new posture was maintained, the new AP persisted, thus indicating an absence of significant corrective circulatory adaptation to the posture changes. Extreme flexion of hip and knee joints resulted in a marked decrease of AP and PI, suggesting arterial kinking. This change was not affected by the weight:height ratio of the subject. It is concluded, therefore, that the presence of a greater amount of periarterial soft tissues does not significantly prevent arterial kinking. These tensional shifts indicate changes of flow pattern occurring in normal subjects during extreme flexion. Even more marked shifts can be anticipated in arteriosclerotic patients under similar circumstances.", "contents": "The effect of postural changes upon the ankle arterial perfusion pressure. The normal arterial blood pressure at the ankle, (AP), right brachial arterial pressure (RBP) and pressure index (PI) were investigated in 50 healthy young volunteers under basal conditions and during certain positions of the legs, utilizing Doppler ultrasound flow determination and standard size blood pressure cuff. The mean AP was 10 mm Hg higher than the mean RBP in 76 instances but AP was smaller than RBP in 24 out of 100 investigated lower extremities. Mean PI was 1.069+/-0.158. There was no statistically significant difference between PI of heavier and leaner patients although increased weight was associated with a significantly higher brachial and ankle arterial pressure. Departure of the lower extremity from the horizontal position resulted in AP changes explained by gravitational effects. If the new posture was maintained, the new AP persisted, thus indicating an absence of significant corrective circulatory adaptation to the posture changes. Extreme flexion of hip and knee joints resulted in a marked decrease of AP and PI, suggesting arterial kinking. This change was not affected by the weight:height ratio of the subject. It is concluded, therefore, that the presence of a greater amount of periarterial soft tissues does not significantly prevent arterial kinking. These tensional shifts indicate changes of flow pattern occurring in normal subjects during extreme flexion. Even more marked shifts can be anticipated in arteriosclerotic patients under similar circumstances.", "PMID": 997773} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6791", "title": "Surgical treatment of partial extraluminal occlusion of first part of vertebral artery.", "content": "This report presents the clinical concept of hindbrain ischemia due to partial extraluminal occlusion of a segment of the first part of the vertebral artery, and submits a definite method of surgical treatment. Thirty one patients with vertebral artery insufficiency are presented who had operations with striking post-operative symptomatic improvement. Operative selection of patients is dependent on aortic arch angiography with visualization of the neck vessels. There was no mortality and no significant morbidity in this series.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of partial extraluminal occlusion of first part of vertebral artery. This report presents the clinical concept of hindbrain ischemia due to partial extraluminal occlusion of a segment of the first part of the vertebral artery, and submits a definite method of surgical treatment. Thirty one patients with vertebral artery insufficiency are presented who had operations with striking post-operative symptomatic improvement. Operative selection of patients is dependent on aortic arch angiography with visualization of the neck vessels. There was no mortality and no significant morbidity in this series.", "PMID": 997774} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6792", "title": "Congenital carotid to jugular arteriovenous fistulae.", "content": "Congenital carotid to jugular arteriovenous communications are rare lesions presenting a challenging surgical problem. Including our case, five cases have been reported so far and all were female. The communications represent the persistence of embryonic arteriovenous channels and consequently they are usually multiple. Ligation of the external carotid artery or the use of multiple ligatures should be avoided as a recurrence usually ensues. In addition, both methods render secondary complete excision more difficult and hazardous to the patient. Primary complete resection is recommended as the procedure of choice.", "contents": "Congenital carotid to jugular arteriovenous fistulae. Congenital carotid to jugular arteriovenous communications are rare lesions presenting a challenging surgical problem. Including our case, five cases have been reported so far and all were female. The communications represent the persistence of embryonic arteriovenous channels and consequently they are usually multiple. Ligation of the external carotid artery or the use of multiple ligatures should be avoided as a recurrence usually ensues. In addition, both methods render secondary complete excision more difficult and hazardous to the patient. Primary complete resection is recommended as the procedure of choice.", "PMID": 997776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6793", "title": "Arteriovenous fistula for revascularization of the ischemic extremity.", "content": "The basic considerations in the use of an arterio-venous fistula for revascularization of the ischemic extremity have been summarized. Retrograde flow of arterial blood entering the venous system by way of an arteriovenous fistula has been demonstrated in acute and chronic animal experiments. While evidence of significant reversed flow in humans has been shown in a few small series, its occurrence is still controversial. The significance of venous valves in impending retrograde flow is not yet adequately investigated. Since a peripheral arteriovenous fistula is one of the most potent stimuli to arterial vessel formation in the extremity, its application may be worthy of consideration in certain selected patients with advanced and otherwise \"inoperable\" arterial occlusive disease.", "contents": "Arteriovenous fistula for revascularization of the ischemic extremity. The basic considerations in the use of an arterio-venous fistula for revascularization of the ischemic extremity have been summarized. Retrograde flow of arterial blood entering the venous system by way of an arteriovenous fistula has been demonstrated in acute and chronic animal experiments. While evidence of significant reversed flow in humans has been shown in a few small series, its occurrence is still controversial. The significance of venous valves in impending retrograde flow is not yet adequately investigated. Since a peripheral arteriovenous fistula is one of the most potent stimuli to arterial vessel formation in the extremity, its application may be worthy of consideration in certain selected patients with advanced and otherwise \"inoperable\" arterial occlusive disease.", "PMID": 997775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6794", "title": "[Effect of adaptation to high altitude hypoxia on fixation of temporary connections].", "content": "Parameters of preservation of conditioned defensive reflexes elaborated in one combination and of reflexes elaborated in many combinations in a T-maze varied as a function of time in animals preliminarily adapted to hypoxia and in control ones. Adaptation to altitude hypoxia raised the degree and duration of preservation of temporary connections and did not influence the course of conditioning. The degree of preservation in animals adapted to hypoxia was enhanced both during continued adaptation and in ten to twenty days after its cessation. It is probable that adaptation considerably intensifies the process of fixation of temporary connections. It is suggested that the effect results from activation of the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins in the brain, due to adaptation to altitude hypoxia.", "contents": "[Effect of adaptation to high altitude hypoxia on fixation of temporary connections]. Parameters of preservation of conditioned defensive reflexes elaborated in one combination and of reflexes elaborated in many combinations in a T-maze varied as a function of time in animals preliminarily adapted to hypoxia and in control ones. Adaptation to altitude hypoxia raised the degree and duration of preservation of temporary connections and did not influence the course of conditioning. The degree of preservation in animals adapted to hypoxia was enhanced both during continued adaptation and in ten to twenty days after its cessation. It is probable that adaptation considerably intensifies the process of fixation of temporary connections. It is suggested that the effect results from activation of the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins in the brain, due to adaptation to altitude hypoxia.", "PMID": 997924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6795", "title": "[Spatial relationships of electrical activity during reproduction of verbal signals in children].", "content": "The study of intercentral correlations of the brain biopotentials in five-to six year old children revealed considerable differences in the spatial distribution of interrelations of the neocortex projection and associative zones during reproduction of familiar and unfamiliar words. Reproduction of familiar words was accompanied by the greatest enhancement of interrelations of associative structures (infraparietal, frontal areas and Broca speech centre) with projection zones of the motor and acoustic analysers in the left hemisphere, while reproduction of unfamiliar words was attented with closer connections of the projection motor zone with the temporal and the anterior associative (frontal and speech) zones in the right hemisphere. The facts obtained testify to the existence of the interhemispheric asymmetry and to the different involvement of the neocortex projection and associative zones in the organization of motor speech in children.", "contents": "[Spatial relationships of electrical activity during reproduction of verbal signals in children]. The study of intercentral correlations of the brain biopotentials in five-to six year old children revealed considerable differences in the spatial distribution of interrelations of the neocortex projection and associative zones during reproduction of familiar and unfamiliar words. Reproduction of familiar words was accompanied by the greatest enhancement of interrelations of associative structures (infraparietal, frontal areas and Broca speech centre) with projection zones of the motor and acoustic analysers in the left hemisphere, while reproduction of unfamiliar words was attented with closer connections of the projection motor zone with the temporal and the anterior associative (frontal and speech) zones in the right hemisphere. The facts obtained testify to the existence of the interhemispheric asymmetry and to the different involvement of the neocortex projection and associative zones in the organization of motor speech in children.", "PMID": 997925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6796", "title": "[Phenomenon of masking in the reproduction of tactile signals].", "content": "The study of central masking and of its mechanisms is of interest in connection with the problem of transmitting information through the cutaneous communication channel. The subjects were children aged from seven to eight and from thirteen to fourteen with normal hearing, as well as deaf children. Latency and errors to localizing signals from isolated or paired action of four vibrators were determined in three series of experiments, using three, six and ten altenatives. A dependence of the precision of localization on the amount of information has been found: deteriorated identification is more pronounced in junior schoolchildren and in those with abnormal development. Matrices of the errors provide material for plottingildterial for plotting charts of convergence of afferent inputs. To elucidate the mechanisms of central masking, a comparison was made between the results of psychophysical and microphysiological experiments. Data analysis leads to the conslusion that the phenomenon of masking is determined by two factors: (1) the nature of the convergence of afferent inputs on the neuronal brain structures; (2) the level of formation of psychic operations which provide for singling out distinctive characteristics of signals, with subsequent decision regarding the certain class to which they belong, and with their recognition.", "contents": "[Phenomenon of masking in the reproduction of tactile signals]. The study of central masking and of its mechanisms is of interest in connection with the problem of transmitting information through the cutaneous communication channel. The subjects were children aged from seven to eight and from thirteen to fourteen with normal hearing, as well as deaf children. Latency and errors to localizing signals from isolated or paired action of four vibrators were determined in three series of experiments, using three, six and ten altenatives. A dependence of the precision of localization on the amount of information has been found: deteriorated identification is more pronounced in junior schoolchildren and in those with abnormal development. Matrices of the errors provide material for plottingildterial for plotting charts of convergence of afferent inputs. To elucidate the mechanisms of central masking, a comparison was made between the results of psychophysical and microphysiological experiments. Data analysis leads to the conslusion that the phenomenon of masking is determined by two factors: (1) the nature of the convergence of afferent inputs on the neuronal brain structures; (2) the level of formation of psychic operations which provide for singling out distinctive characteristics of signals, with subsequent decision regarding the certain class to which they belong, and with their recognition.", "PMID": 997926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6797", "title": "[Effect of serotonin on self stimulation and conditioned avoidance reactions in rats].", "content": "It has been shown that serotonin influences self-stimulation and avoidance conditioned reactions in rats in a different way. Serotonin administration caused a reorganization of self-stimulation process and enhanced its frequency; the avoidance reaction grew weaker and was achieved with a longer latency. Alternation of stages of activation and inhibition was observed in the EEG of the neocortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus as well as shifts in the heart rate. These changes did not always correlate with the animals' behaviour. Unidirectional, yet different serotonin effects on various behavioral reactions, brain electrical activity and vegetative processes testify to a relative independence of their mechanisms.", "contents": "[Effect of serotonin on self stimulation and conditioned avoidance reactions in rats]. It has been shown that serotonin influences self-stimulation and avoidance conditioned reactions in rats in a different way. Serotonin administration caused a reorganization of self-stimulation process and enhanced its frequency; the avoidance reaction grew weaker and was achieved with a longer latency. Alternation of stages of activation and inhibition was observed in the EEG of the neocortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus as well as shifts in the heart rate. These changes did not always correlate with the animals' behaviour. Unidirectional, yet different serotonin effects on various behavioral reactions, brain electrical activity and vegetative processes testify to a relative independence of their mechanisms.", "PMID": 997922} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6798", "title": "[Bilateral mechanisms of interference resistance in the parastriate cortex].", "content": "The influence of photic interference is manifested in animals (in cats) with an intact callosal body mainly in EP depression. The extent of EP depression depends directly on the strength of the interference and is inversely related to that of the determined stimulus. In some cases yet another effect, facilitation of EP may be manifested during the action of a weak interference. These facts are considered to result from postrevely. Section of the callosal body is followed by a weakening of the depressing influence of photic interference on EPs elicited by a certain stimulus, as well as by an enhancement of the facilitating influence on EPs of weak photic interferences. A stronger influence of a binocular photic interference, as compared with a monocular one, has been established in intact and callosotomized animals. A conclusion has been drawn that the interference resistance of a split brain is stronger than that of an intact one. A comparison of the interference resistance in the primary and secondary cortical visual projection zones has shown that after callosotomy interference resistance in the striate cortex increases to a greater extent than in the parastriate area.", "contents": "[Bilateral mechanisms of interference resistance in the parastriate cortex]. The influence of photic interference is manifested in animals (in cats) with an intact callosal body mainly in EP depression. The extent of EP depression depends directly on the strength of the interference and is inversely related to that of the determined stimulus. In some cases yet another effect, facilitation of EP may be manifested during the action of a weak interference. These facts are considered to result from postrevely. Section of the callosal body is followed by a weakening of the depressing influence of photic interference on EPs elicited by a certain stimulus, as well as by an enhancement of the facilitating influence on EPs of weak photic interferences. A stronger influence of a binocular photic interference, as compared with a monocular one, has been established in intact and callosotomized animals. A conclusion has been drawn that the interference resistance of a split brain is stronger than that of an intact one. A comparison of the interference resistance in the primary and secondary cortical visual projection zones has shown that after callosotomy interference resistance in the striate cortex increases to a greater extent than in the parastriate area.", "PMID": 997928} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6799", "title": "[Effect of inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis on audiogenic epileptiform reactions in rats of the KM line].", "content": "Injection of actinomycin D, puromycin and cycloheximide change the genetically determined reaction of rats to acoustic stimuli up to the appearance of resistance to sound. The change in the nature of audiogenic epileptiform seizures correlates with the disturbance of the RNA and protein synthesis in the experimental animals brain. The appearance of sound resistance does not correlate with the degree of inhibition of protein synthesis in the brain. It is assumed that the antiseizure effect of the drugs used is possibly due to their action on the neuromediator systems of the brain.", "contents": "[Effect of inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis on audiogenic epileptiform reactions in rats of the KM line]. Injection of actinomycin D, puromycin and cycloheximide change the genetically determined reaction of rats to acoustic stimuli up to the appearance of resistance to sound. The change in the nature of audiogenic epileptiform seizures correlates with the disturbance of the RNA and protein synthesis in the experimental animals brain. The appearance of sound resistance does not correlate with the degree of inhibition of protein synthesis in the brain. It is assumed that the antiseizure effect of the drugs used is possibly due to their action on the neuromediator systems of the brain.", "PMID": 997929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6800", "title": "[Formation of neuronal activity in the association area of the cortex in developing cats].", "content": "Background spike activity as well as activity evoked by photic and acoustic stimulation in units of the associative cortex (field PMSA) was investigated in experiments on curarized kittens aged from four to six hours up to 60 days. Background activity of single PMSA cells appears from the first day of the animal's life. The mean frequency of impulsation is low; it changes but slightly during the first two weeks. Evoked spike activity in response to light is recorded from the end of the first week of the animal's life. Responses to sound appear somewhat later. During the second week the number of monosensory cells increases. Later ther is a diminution of the relative number of monosensory units and an increase in the number of bisensory ones. The results are discussed in the aspect of heterochronic systemic maturing of cortical cells in ontogenesis.", "contents": "[Formation of neuronal activity in the association area of the cortex in developing cats]. Background spike activity as well as activity evoked by photic and acoustic stimulation in units of the associative cortex (field PMSA) was investigated in experiments on curarized kittens aged from four to six hours up to 60 days. Background activity of single PMSA cells appears from the first day of the animal's life. The mean frequency of impulsation is low; it changes but slightly during the first two weeks. Evoked spike activity in response to light is recorded from the end of the first week of the animal's life. Responses to sound appear somewhat later. During the second week the number of monosensory cells increases. Later ther is a diminution of the relative number of monosensory units and an increase in the number of bisensory ones. The results are discussed in the aspect of heterochronic systemic maturing of cortical cells in ontogenesis.", "PMID": 997927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6801", "title": "[Regulation of complex forms of animal behavior on the basis of electric stimulation of the emotionogenic structures of the brain].", "content": "The paper considers the possibility of controlling animal behaviour by acting on the positive emotional centres. It has been shown that in an experimental chamber under certain conditions of stimulation it is possible to control the motor-serach behaviour of dogs. This emphasized the possibility, in principal, for evolving biotechnical control systems of the \"technical facility-bioobject\" class.", "contents": "[Regulation of complex forms of animal behavior on the basis of electric stimulation of the emotionogenic structures of the brain]. The paper considers the possibility of controlling animal behaviour by acting on the positive emotional centres. It has been shown that in an experimental chamber under certain conditions of stimulation it is possible to control the motor-serach behaviour of dogs. This emphasized the possibility, in principal, for evolving biotechnical control systems of the \"technical facility-bioobject\" class.", "PMID": 997923} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6802", "title": "[Postsynaptic mechanism of habituation of turtle cortical neurons to moving stimuli].", "content": "An investigation was made into the change in the amplitude of evoked potentials and intracellular slow potentials of the turtle general cortex units in response to a periodic movement of a monotonous stimulus, a black band, across the visual field. The recorded depression of responses possesses all the properties of habituation. The first presentations of the monotonous stimulus produce a generalized habituation, gradually replaced by a selective habituation to the monotonous stimulus, as the number of stimulations increases. It has been shown that it is possible to disinhibit the amplitudes of the evoked potentials and intracellular slow potentials of cortical neurones to moving black bands which form part of the monotonous stimulus. A conclusion has been drawn that habituation of the turtle cortical units to moving stimuli is due to a postsynaptic mechanism.", "contents": "[Postsynaptic mechanism of habituation of turtle cortical neurons to moving stimuli]. An investigation was made into the change in the amplitude of evoked potentials and intracellular slow potentials of the turtle general cortex units in response to a periodic movement of a monotonous stimulus, a black band, across the visual field. The recorded depression of responses possesses all the properties of habituation. The first presentations of the monotonous stimulus produce a generalized habituation, gradually replaced by a selective habituation to the monotonous stimulus, as the number of stimulations increases. It has been shown that it is possible to disinhibit the amplitudes of the evoked potentials and intracellular slow potentials of cortical neurones to moving black bands which form part of the monotonous stimulus. A conclusion has been drawn that habituation of the turtle cortical units to moving stimuli is due to a postsynaptic mechanism.", "PMID": 997931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6803", "title": "[Analysis of an instrumental motor act].", "content": "Different instrumental conditioned reactions were elaborated in dogs which suffered simultaneously from thirst and hunger. During the elaboration, not only external agents and the animal's own movements become conditioned stimuli but also any objects linked to these movements whose positive signal meaning is compared in the course of reinforcement with negative signal meaning of other objects and becomes differentiated. To achieve one and the same aim, different instrumental habits may be used, while the same habit may be used for achieving different aims. During instrumental conditioning any habit may acquire a generalized positive biological significance as a means of procuring.", "contents": "[Analysis of an instrumental motor act]. Different instrumental conditioned reactions were elaborated in dogs which suffered simultaneously from thirst and hunger. During the elaboration, not only external agents and the animal's own movements become conditioned stimuli but also any objects linked to these movements whose positive signal meaning is compared in the course of reinforcement with negative signal meaning of other objects and becomes differentiated. To achieve one and the same aim, different instrumental habits may be used, while the same habit may be used for achieving different aims. During instrumental conditioning any habit may acquire a generalized positive biological significance as a means of procuring.", "PMID": 997936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6804", "title": "[Characteristics of the cortical input of the hippocampus. Functional differences in the lateral and medial entorhinal cortex].", "content": "Extracellular investigation in unanaesthetized rabbits revealed low reactivity of the lateral entorhinal cortex neurones (lEC, field 28b) to visual and auditory stimuli. Only 25% of cells responded to them by diffuse long-latency reactions, while in medial EC (mEC, field 28a) 70% of neurones responded to these stimuli with short-latency patterned reactions. The neurones of lEC were selectively responsive to different somatosensory stimuli. Among reactions short-latency on-effects were observed. In some cells application of these stimuli switched on rhythmic bursts of spikes (frequency about 3-4 Hz) or regular activity of pacemaker type. The lEC neurones responded by short-latency driving to electrical stimulation of prefrontal cortex, while mEC neurones were responsive to stimulation of posterior non-primary neocortical areas. The data are discussed in the light of recent morphological findings on cortico-cortical connections of EC.", "contents": "[Characteristics of the cortical input of the hippocampus. Functional differences in the lateral and medial entorhinal cortex]. Extracellular investigation in unanaesthetized rabbits revealed low reactivity of the lateral entorhinal cortex neurones (lEC, field 28b) to visual and auditory stimuli. Only 25% of cells responded to them by diffuse long-latency reactions, while in medial EC (mEC, field 28a) 70% of neurones responded to these stimuli with short-latency patterned reactions. The neurones of lEC were selectively responsive to different somatosensory stimuli. Among reactions short-latency on-effects were observed. In some cells application of these stimuli switched on rhythmic bursts of spikes (frequency about 3-4 Hz) or regular activity of pacemaker type. The lEC neurones responded by short-latency driving to electrical stimulation of prefrontal cortex, while mEC neurones were responsive to stimulation of posterior non-primary neocortical areas. The data are discussed in the light of recent morphological findings on cortico-cortical connections of EC.", "PMID": 997930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6805", "title": "[Modulated electromagnetic field as a factor of selective influence on animal mechanisms of goal-directed behavior].", "content": "Proceeding from P.K. Anokhin's theory of the functional systems, the paper considers the action of a modulated electromagnetic field (MEMF) on different stages of the central architectonics of purposeful behaviour of rats: afferent synthesis, decisions making, acceptor of the action results. The action of MEMF was studied in different experimental situations: choice of an alimentary or defensive reaction to one conditioned stimulus in different situations; extinction of conditioned alimentary reactions; elaboration and extinction of alimentary conditioned reactions in animals group contacts; choice of the side of reinforcement in a T-shaped maze, and, lastly, self-stimulation reactions. The experiments have shown that MEMF has a selective effect on the animals' emotional reactions. Greater disturbances are observed in the mechanisms of the animals' appraisal of the action of situational and trigger stimuli or surrounding individuals of their species and, hence, of decisions making and anticipation of future results of the action, the acceptor of the action results.", "contents": "[Modulated electromagnetic field as a factor of selective influence on animal mechanisms of goal-directed behavior]. Proceeding from P.K. Anokhin's theory of the functional systems, the paper considers the action of a modulated electromagnetic field (MEMF) on different stages of the central architectonics of purposeful behaviour of rats: afferent synthesis, decisions making, acceptor of the action results. The action of MEMF was studied in different experimental situations: choice of an alimentary or defensive reaction to one conditioned stimulus in different situations; extinction of conditioned alimentary reactions; elaboration and extinction of alimentary conditioned reactions in animals group contacts; choice of the side of reinforcement in a T-shaped maze, and, lastly, self-stimulation reactions. The experiments have shown that MEMF has a selective effect on the animals' emotional reactions. Greater disturbances are observed in the mechanisms of the animals' appraisal of the action of situational and trigger stimuli or surrounding individuals of their species and, hence, of decisions making and anticipation of future results of the action, the acceptor of the action results.", "PMID": 997935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6806", "title": "[Impulse activity of visual cortex neurons at successive stages of instrumental behavior].", "content": "Dynamics of spike activity of 62 units was studied in the projection visual area of the cerebral cortex in unrestrained cats during their performance of a conditioned alimentary instrumental reaction. Analysis of the activity of each unit was made at intervals from the beginning of the conditioned signal (light or sound) to the beginning of lapping milk which appeared in the feeding trough after the cat pressed the pedal. It has been found that the form of activity of the cortical unit greatly depends on the modality of the conditioned stimulus (light or sound). As to the final stages of instrumental behaviour and the achievment of the positive result, the degree of participation of cortical visual units in their formation does not depend on the modality of the conditioned signal.", "contents": "[Impulse activity of visual cortex neurons at successive stages of instrumental behavior]. Dynamics of spike activity of 62 units was studied in the projection visual area of the cerebral cortex in unrestrained cats during their performance of a conditioned alimentary instrumental reaction. Analysis of the activity of each unit was made at intervals from the beginning of the conditioned signal (light or sound) to the beginning of lapping milk which appeared in the feeding trough after the cat pressed the pedal. It has been found that the form of activity of the cortical unit greatly depends on the modality of the conditioned stimulus (light or sound). As to the final stages of instrumental behaviour and the achievment of the positive result, the degree of participation of cortical visual units in their formation does not depend on the modality of the conditioned signal.", "PMID": 997937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6807", "title": "[Slow potentials and the impulse activity of cerebral cortex neurons following elaboration of internal inhibition].", "content": "The development of all studied kinds of internal inhibition in rabbits is accompanied by an enhanced phasic state, alternation of activation and inhibition in the responses of the visual area neurones, and enhanced late components of evoked potentials to flashes. During further intensification of inhibition, generalized polyrhythmic potential oscillations develop, which are in correspondence with chaotic or irregular group discharges of units in the visual and sensorimotor cortical areas, separated by inhibitory pauses. It has been concluded that enhanced hyperpolarization plays a considerable part in the development of internal inhibition; it may be local, predominantly in the conditioned stimulus analyser, or generalized in the case of a stronger inhibition comprising many brain structures.", "contents": "[Slow potentials and the impulse activity of cerebral cortex neurons following elaboration of internal inhibition]. The development of all studied kinds of internal inhibition in rabbits is accompanied by an enhanced phasic state, alternation of activation and inhibition in the responses of the visual area neurones, and enhanced late components of evoked potentials to flashes. During further intensification of inhibition, generalized polyrhythmic potential oscillations develop, which are in correspondence with chaotic or irregular group discharges of units in the visual and sensorimotor cortical areas, separated by inhibitory pauses. It has been concluded that enhanced hyperpolarization plays a considerable part in the development of internal inhibition; it may be local, predominantly in the conditioned stimulus analyser, or generalized in the case of a stronger inhibition comprising many brain structures.", "PMID": 997942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6808", "title": "[Rol' of the frontal lobe in synchronizing biopotentials in different regions of the dog brain].", "content": "The role of the frontal cortex in formation of neocortical systemic processes has been studied by the method of sign correlation of the summate electrical activity. A distant EEG synchronization in the temporal and occipital zones sets in following strychninization of F2 zones (but not of Prc2 zones) in anaesthetized dogs or in cerveau isol\u00e9 preparations. In dogs with elaborated conditioned reflexes a statistically significant distant synchronization of the neocortical EEG sets in during the delay period only in case of well expressed motivation (of hunger in case of food reinforcement, and of thirst in case of water reinforcement). No distant conditioned EEG synchronization was revealed in lobectomised dogs. The role of the frontal cortex in the intracerebral integration is discussed which is necessary for achievement of the forthcoming signal activity.", "contents": "[Rol' of the frontal lobe in synchronizing biopotentials in different regions of the dog brain]. The role of the frontal cortex in formation of neocortical systemic processes has been studied by the method of sign correlation of the summate electrical activity. A distant EEG synchronization in the temporal and occipital zones sets in following strychninization of F2 zones (but not of Prc2 zones) in anaesthetized dogs or in cerveau isol\u00e9 preparations. In dogs with elaborated conditioned reflexes a statistically significant distant synchronization of the neocortical EEG sets in during the delay period only in case of well expressed motivation (of hunger in case of food reinforcement, and of thirst in case of water reinforcement). No distant conditioned EEG synchronization was revealed in lobectomised dogs. The role of the frontal cortex in the intracerebral integration is discussed which is necessary for achievement of the forthcoming signal activity.", "PMID": 997938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6809", "title": "[Role of natural sensory factors in organization of feeding behavior using fledgling development as an example].", "content": "A change in the composition of natural sensory stimuli, triggers of the alimentary functional system of Muscicapa hypoleuca nestlings, was studied throughout their nest life. In the first five days the alimentary reaction is elicited by a complex of acoustic stimuli. From the fifth to the eighth day the reaction appears in response to a momentary change of illumination. From the ninth to the thirteenth day two stimuli are involved in the organization of the alimentary reaction: a trigger stimulus-a momentary change of illumination, and a directional stimulus-a mobile silhouette of the bird. On the thirteenth to the fifteenth day the alimentary reaction appears only in response to the bird's movement. It is assumed that the successive change of trigger stimuli in one and the same alimentary functional system is determined by a successive involvement of increasingly complicated sensory mechanisms. The time periods of involvement may vary with a change of environmental factors.", "contents": "[Role of natural sensory factors in organization of feeding behavior using fledgling development as an example]. A change in the composition of natural sensory stimuli, triggers of the alimentary functional system of Muscicapa hypoleuca nestlings, was studied throughout their nest life. In the first five days the alimentary reaction is elicited by a complex of acoustic stimuli. From the fifth to the eighth day the reaction appears in response to a momentary change of illumination. From the ninth to the thirteenth day two stimuli are involved in the organization of the alimentary reaction: a trigger stimulus-a momentary change of illumination, and a directional stimulus-a mobile silhouette of the bird. On the thirteenth to the fifteenth day the alimentary reaction appears only in response to the bird's movement. It is assumed that the successive change of trigger stimuli in one and the same alimentary functional system is determined by a successive involvement of increasingly complicated sensory mechanisms. The time periods of involvement may vary with a change of environmental factors.", "PMID": 997939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6810", "title": "[Evoked potentials in the dog sensomotor cortex during an avoidance reaction].", "content": "Elaboration of avoidance reaction (conditioned reflex of the second order), based on a preliminarily elaborated escape (conditioned reflex of the first order) from pulse electro-cutaneus stimulation of the paw, led to a well-defined reorganization of the activity of the cortical limb projection structures. By excitability parameters (EP and motor reaction thresholds) and by changes of parameters of EP to electro-cutaneous stimulation, in escape reactions the sensory functions are drastically enhanced. Judging from the EP pattern, in response to the first pulses of the series (intensification of late components, appearance of an additional late negative wave), these pulses act as signals. With the introduction of distant stimuli (clicks), the electric current loses its signal significance, and the EP produced by it are sharply depressed and simplified. In the somatosensory projection of the paw, EP to clicks observed before conditioning, decrease or disappear completely. But they appear in the motor projection of the paw. In conjunction with excitation parameters, these data suggest the predominance of efferent functions of the paw in avoidance reactions.", "contents": "[Evoked potentials in the dog sensomotor cortex during an avoidance reaction]. Elaboration of avoidance reaction (conditioned reflex of the second order), based on a preliminarily elaborated escape (conditioned reflex of the first order) from pulse electro-cutaneus stimulation of the paw, led to a well-defined reorganization of the activity of the cortical limb projection structures. By excitability parameters (EP and motor reaction thresholds) and by changes of parameters of EP to electro-cutaneous stimulation, in escape reactions the sensory functions are drastically enhanced. Judging from the EP pattern, in response to the first pulses of the series (intensification of late components, appearance of an additional late negative wave), these pulses act as signals. With the introduction of distant stimuli (clicks), the electric current loses its signal significance, and the EP produced by it are sharply depressed and simplified. In the somatosensory projection of the paw, EP to clicks observed before conditioning, decrease or disappear completely. But they appear in the motor projection of the paw. In conjunction with excitation parameters, these data suggest the predominance of efferent functions of the paw in avoidance reactions.", "PMID": 997945} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6811", "title": "[Biomechanics of the motor act following destruction of the somatic feedback connections].", "content": "By means of cyclography method developed in detail by N.A. Bernstein for disclosing the changes in the physical parameters of jumps it was shown that as compared with intact animals, the speed of movements of the distal parts of the fore and hind limbs significantly decreases in animals with electro-coagulated medial lemnisci. The swing of flexion-extension in the ulnar and knee joints likewise diminishes, and the trajectory of the centre of gravity movement changes significantly. In the course of jumping from one platform to another the operated animal experiences difficulties in changing movement phases. It is suggested that the system of medial lemnisci exercises the function of internal somatic backward connection, which is necessary for the succession of micromovements within the general program of the motor act.", "contents": "[Biomechanics of the motor act following destruction of the somatic feedback connections]. By means of cyclography method developed in detail by N.A. Bernstein for disclosing the changes in the physical parameters of jumps it was shown that as compared with intact animals, the speed of movements of the distal parts of the fore and hind limbs significantly decreases in animals with electro-coagulated medial lemnisci. The swing of flexion-extension in the ulnar and knee joints likewise diminishes, and the trajectory of the centre of gravity movement changes significantly. In the course of jumping from one platform to another the operated animal experiences difficulties in changing movement phases. It is suggested that the system of medial lemnisci exercises the function of internal somatic backward connection, which is necessary for the succession of micromovements within the general program of the motor act.", "PMID": 997944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6812", "title": "[Conditioned reflexes in relation to temporal intervals].", "content": "The paper outlines the results of experiments on twelve rats aimed at studying conditioned reflexes of discrimination of both absolute and relative characteristics of time intervals (30 and 180; 10 and 90; 5 and 45; 5 and 40; 5 and 35; 5 and 30 sec). The data obtained are discussed in the light of I.P. Pavlov's hypothesis regarding the physiological mechanism of conditioning to time.", "contents": "[Conditioned reflexes in relation to temporal intervals]. The paper outlines the results of experiments on twelve rats aimed at studying conditioned reflexes of discrimination of both absolute and relative characteristics of time intervals (30 and 180; 10 and 90; 5 and 45; 5 and 40; 5 and 35; 5 and 30 sec). The data obtained are discussed in the light of I.P. Pavlov's hypothesis regarding the physiological mechanism of conditioning to time.", "PMID": 997946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6813", "title": "[Plasticity of reactions of the sensomotor cortex to sound combined with electrophoretic application of acetylcholine].", "content": "Reactivity to sound and electrophoretic application of acetylcholine-chloride (ACH) was studied in 170 sensorimotor units of non-anaesthetized rats. Reactivity to sound was found in 60 per cent of the cells, and to ACH, in 83 per cent. Plasticity of the reaction to sound (\"conditioned stimulus\") was studied in 44 units, when it was presented jointly with ACH (\"unconditioned stimulus\"). After pairing, the reaction to sound changed in 14 units out of 36 (40%). In the control procedures of pseudoconditioning, reactivity to sound changed in four units out of 15 (27%). Pseudoconditioning and stimuli pairing was successively carried out in seven units: four units manifested plasticity of their reactivity, two of them changed the response to sound both during pseudoconditioning and subsequent pairing of stimuli. It is assumed that the plastic properties of the examined neurones are determined by the integrative activity of the cell micropool with a radius of 70 to 150 mu.", "contents": "[Plasticity of reactions of the sensomotor cortex to sound combined with electrophoretic application of acetylcholine]. Reactivity to sound and electrophoretic application of acetylcholine-chloride (ACH) was studied in 170 sensorimotor units of non-anaesthetized rats. Reactivity to sound was found in 60 per cent of the cells, and to ACH, in 83 per cent. Plasticity of the reaction to sound (\"conditioned stimulus\") was studied in 44 units, when it was presented jointly with ACH (\"unconditioned stimulus\"). After pairing, the reaction to sound changed in 14 units out of 36 (40%). In the control procedures of pseudoconditioning, reactivity to sound changed in four units out of 15 (27%). Pseudoconditioning and stimuli pairing was successively carried out in seven units: four units manifested plasticity of their reactivity, two of them changed the response to sound both during pseudoconditioning and subsequent pairing of stimuli. It is assumed that the plastic properties of the examined neurones are determined by the integrative activity of the cell micropool with a radius of 70 to 150 mu.", "PMID": 997943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6814", "title": "[Alcohol consumption among pregnant women and outcome of pregnancy (author's transl)].", "content": "A prospective survey of more than 9,000 pregnant women showed that those who consumed more than 0.4 l of wine or equivalent in other alcoholic beverages per day during pregnancy had a higher risk of unfavourable outcome. The risk of stillbirth was higher, particularly that due to abruptio placentae. The average birthweight was lower and the risk of giving birth to a small-for-date infant was higher. Furthermore the men placental weight was lower. Women with moderate or high alcohol consumption also differed from those with low alcohol consumption in some classical risk factors for the outcome of pregnancy, but the increased risk with consumption of alcohol remained significant when these other factors were taken into account. The increased risk among women with moderate or high alcohol consumption appeared to be limited to beer drinkers, although the mean quantity of alcohol consumed by beer drinkers was smaller than that consumed by wine drinkers.", "contents": "[Alcohol consumption among pregnant women and outcome of pregnancy (author's transl)]. A prospective survey of more than 9,000 pregnant women showed that those who consumed more than 0.4 l of wine or equivalent in other alcoholic beverages per day during pregnancy had a higher risk of unfavourable outcome. The risk of stillbirth was higher, particularly that due to abruptio placentae. The average birthweight was lower and the risk of giving birth to a small-for-date infant was higher. Furthermore the men placental weight was lower. Women with moderate or high alcohol consumption also differed from those with low alcohol consumption in some classical risk factors for the outcome of pregnancy, but the increased risk with consumption of alcohol remained significant when these other factors were taken into account. The increased risk among women with moderate or high alcohol consumption appeared to be limited to beer drinkers, although the mean quantity of alcohol consumed by beer drinkers was smaller than that consumed by wine drinkers.", "PMID": 997948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6815", "title": "[Epidemiological study of youth suicide: comparison between primary suicidals and repeaters].", "content": "A survey of 537 subjects, under 20 years old and hospitalized after attempted suicide, showed that 30% had attempted suicide at least once before. There were statistically significant differences between repeaters and non-repeaters in psychopathological characteristics (psychiatric diagnosis and previous school behavior problems), socio-demographic characteristics (family size, alcoholism in the family) and in family relationships. Verification and development of these findings would lead to the construction of a scale of risk of repeating attempted suicide.", "contents": "[Epidemiological study of youth suicide: comparison between primary suicidals and repeaters]. A survey of 537 subjects, under 20 years old and hospitalized after attempted suicide, showed that 30% had attempted suicide at least once before. There were statistically significant differences between repeaters and non-repeaters in psychopathological characteristics (psychiatric diagnosis and previous school behavior problems), socio-demographic characteristics (family size, alcoholism in the family) and in family relationships. Verification and development of these findings would lead to the construction of a scale of risk of repeating attempted suicide.", "PMID": 997947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6816", "title": "[Alveolar CO as an index of ambiant CO in schoolchildren (author's transl)].", "content": "As it is impossible to use alveolar CO as an useful index of the exposure to ambiant CO in smokers, young children between 8 and 11 were used in this study, who had no contact with smoking. In a sample of 306 schoolchildren living in rural or urban areas, it was shown: a) that the technique which is usually employed in adults to get a sample of alvelolar air was applicable to young children, b) that alveolar CO concentrations did reflect very closely in these children ambiant CO concentrations, c) that smoking habits of parents have to be taken into account before assessing the relationship between alveolar CO concentrations and exposure.", "contents": "[Alveolar CO as an index of ambiant CO in schoolchildren (author's transl)]. As it is impossible to use alveolar CO as an useful index of the exposure to ambiant CO in smokers, young children between 8 and 11 were used in this study, who had no contact with smoking. In a sample of 306 schoolchildren living in rural or urban areas, it was shown: a) that the technique which is usually employed in adults to get a sample of alvelolar air was applicable to young children, b) that alveolar CO concentrations did reflect very closely in these children ambiant CO concentrations, c) that smoking habits of parents have to be taken into account before assessing the relationship between alveolar CO concentrations and exposure.", "PMID": 997950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6817", "title": "[Feasibility survey on the reliability of questionning on past eating habits in a group of men (author's transl)].", "content": "Among men 50-57 years old surveyed in 1969 and again in 1974 on their food intake, both questionaires of 37 who stated in 1974 that they had changed their eating habits in the preceding 5 years were selected for analysis. The mean reported caloric intake had dropped very significantly, but about 500 calories. When these persons were questioned in 1974 on their 1969 food consumption, the results compared to the 1969 questionary were identical for almost all food catergories and for total calories. Thus, a food consumption survey retrospective over a 5 years span appears no less reliable than a survey on present eating habits.", "contents": "[Feasibility survey on the reliability of questionning on past eating habits in a group of men (author's transl)]. Among men 50-57 years old surveyed in 1969 and again in 1974 on their food intake, both questionaires of 37 who stated in 1974 that they had changed their eating habits in the preceding 5 years were selected for analysis. The mean reported caloric intake had dropped very significantly, but about 500 calories. When these persons were questioned in 1974 on their 1969 food consumption, the results compared to the 1969 questionary were identical for almost all food catergories and for total calories. Thus, a food consumption survey retrospective over a 5 years span appears no less reliable than a survey on present eating habits.", "PMID": 997949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6818", "title": "[Air pollution in the vicinity of streets].", "content": "Air samples were collected in plastic bags simultaneously at various measuring points in the close range of streets. When examining the various bag materials, Teflon bags showed the smallest deviations in direct analyses and in analyses of up to two hours after the drawing of samples. The following methods were used for the analysis of the air samples collected in the bags: coulometry for CO and SO2, chemiluminescence for NO/NO2, chromotrophic acid for CH2O and flame ionization for hydrocarbons. The various components were measured close to a highway and near streets in residential and business areas. The simultaneously drawn samples showed a marked dependence on traffic frequency, type of built-up area along the streets as well as meteorological conditions. An opinion survey among adjacent residents on annoyance caused by air pollution and noise resulted in distinct differences between the sections with different traffic intensity.", "contents": "[Air pollution in the vicinity of streets]. Air samples were collected in plastic bags simultaneously at various measuring points in the close range of streets. When examining the various bag materials, Teflon bags showed the smallest deviations in direct analyses and in analyses of up to two hours after the drawing of samples. The following methods were used for the analysis of the air samples collected in the bags: coulometry for CO and SO2, chemiluminescence for NO/NO2, chromotrophic acid for CH2O and flame ionization for hydrocarbons. The various components were measured close to a highway and near streets in residential and business areas. The simultaneously drawn samples showed a marked dependence on traffic frequency, type of built-up area along the streets as well as meteorological conditions. An opinion survey among adjacent residents on annoyance caused by air pollution and noise resulted in distinct differences between the sections with different traffic intensity.", "PMID": 997954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6819", "title": "[U.I.C.C. information office on controlled therapeutic trials in cancer: an example of an information service in on-going research (author's transl)].", "content": "Since 1967, the U.I.C.C. Information Office has been collecting and reviewing, from a methodological point of view, data on controlled therapeutic trials in cancer in progress all over the world. The aim is to transmit the information to researchers who are interested, to encourage co-operation, to study methodological problems to study the distribution of trials by countries, sites, etc..., and lastly to determine the part of controlled therapeutic trials in progress in cancer therapy. At present, such services in on-going research have a tendancy to develop in other fields of scientific research.", "contents": "[U.I.C.C. information office on controlled therapeutic trials in cancer: an example of an information service in on-going research (author's transl)]. Since 1967, the U.I.C.C. Information Office has been collecting and reviewing, from a methodological point of view, data on controlled therapeutic trials in cancer in progress all over the world. The aim is to transmit the information to researchers who are interested, to encourage co-operation, to study methodological problems to study the distribution of trials by countries, sites, etc..., and lastly to determine the part of controlled therapeutic trials in progress in cancer therapy. At present, such services in on-going research have a tendancy to develop in other fields of scientific research.", "PMID": 997952} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6820", "title": "[Sampling problems in a survey of blood lead levels in city children].", "content": "A study on lead pollution was carried out on a sample of ca. 300 city children. This paper presents the errors producing bias in the sample. It is emphasized that, in Switzerland, the difference between the Swiss and the migrant population (the latter being mainly Italian and Spanish) must be taken into account.", "contents": "[Sampling problems in a survey of blood lead levels in city children]. A study on lead pollution was carried out on a sample of ca. 300 city children. This paper presents the errors producing bias in the sample. It is emphasized that, in Switzerland, the difference between the Swiss and the migrant population (the latter being mainly Italian and Spanish) must be taken into account.", "PMID": 997956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6821", "title": "[Air pollution due to cigarette smoke: physiological and irritating effects].", "content": "We assessed the effects on the judgement of air quality, eye blinking rate,and lung functions of air pollution due to cigarette smoke. At the same time, subjective irritations were recorded. The measured effects were brought into relationship with the concentration of some pollutants in the air.", "contents": "[Air pollution due to cigarette smoke: physiological and irritating effects]. We assessed the effects on the judgement of air quality, eye blinking rate,and lung functions of air pollution due to cigarette smoke. At the same time, subjective irritations were recorded. The measured effects were brought into relationship with the concentration of some pollutants in the air.", "PMID": 997957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6822", "title": "[Disturbances caused by noise in offices].", "content": "Noise measurements were carried out in 57 offices. At the same time 228 employees were asked about their opinion on the noise situation. Relations between objective and subjective criteria, noise values and complaints about disturbance caused by different types of noise were analyzed. Noise parameters comprising noise peaks are more adequate to assess disturbing noise than parameters based on a mean noise level. Statements on extent and frequency of disturbance in general and of communication depend on noise. Statements on disturbances of concentration and on impairment of performance do not depend on noise. Outdoor noise and \"subjectively worst noise\" are measurable in dB values; indoor noise, however, is independent from the measured values.", "contents": "[Disturbances caused by noise in offices]. Noise measurements were carried out in 57 offices. At the same time 228 employees were asked about their opinion on the noise situation. Relations between objective and subjective criteria, noise values and complaints about disturbance caused by different types of noise were analyzed. Noise parameters comprising noise peaks are more adequate to assess disturbing noise than parameters based on a mean noise level. Statements on extent and frequency of disturbance in general and of communication depend on noise. Statements on disturbances of concentration and on impairment of performance do not depend on noise. Outdoor noise and \"subjectively worst noise\" are measurable in dB values; indoor noise, however, is independent from the measured values.", "PMID": 997958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6823", "title": "[Noise in an intensive care unit].", "content": "An Intensive Care Unit is noisy. These Noises are made by the Machines and the Staff. Nose must be limited and also the patient isolated.", "contents": "[Noise in an intensive care unit]. An Intensive Care Unit is noisy. These Noises are made by the Machines and the Staff. Nose must be limited and also the patient isolated.", "PMID": 997959} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6824", "title": "[Sources and importance of indoor air pollution].", "content": "Indoor air quality affects a person's performance and well-being. This justifies the study of indoor air pollution for the development of comfortable and safe environments. A simultaneous indoor/outdoor sampling programme was carried out at three sites in Zurich. Parameters included CO, NO, NO2, and HCHO.", "contents": "[Sources and importance of indoor air pollution]. Indoor air quality affects a person's performance and well-being. This justifies the study of indoor air pollution for the development of comfortable and safe environments. A simultaneous indoor/outdoor sampling programme was carried out at three sites in Zurich. Parameters included CO, NO, NO2, and HCHO.", "PMID": 997955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6825", "title": "[Application of industrial hygiene principles as exemplified in a chromium plating plant].", "content": "Recognition, evaluation and control of hazards were carried out in a typical case where chromium was the major pollutant. It was also emphasized that industrial hygiene is necessary in the prevention of occupational diseases.", "contents": "[Application of industrial hygiene principles as exemplified in a chromium plating plant]. Recognition, evaluation and control of hazards were carried out in a typical case where chromium was the major pollutant. It was also emphasized that industrial hygiene is necessary in the prevention of occupational diseases.", "PMID": 997962} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6826", "title": "[Mercury levels found in fishermen of Lake Geneva].", "content": "This paper presents an evaluation of the mercury levels found in a population eating principally fish coming from the Lake of Geneva. A good correlation exists between the blood mercury level and the amount of fish ingested weekly. Interpretation of the results shows that the threshold of fish comsumption should be about 1.4 kg per week and per person.", "contents": "[Mercury levels found in fishermen of Lake Geneva]. This paper presents an evaluation of the mercury levels found in a population eating principally fish coming from the Lake of Geneva. A good correlation exists between the blood mercury level and the amount of fish ingested weekly. Interpretation of the results shows that the threshold of fish comsumption should be about 1.4 kg per week and per person.", "PMID": 997953} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6827", "title": "[The effect of nicotine on body weight and feeding behavior of rats].", "content": "Daily nicotine injections for 6 weeks produced a transient anorexia with a concomitant reduction of the body weight. Upon nicotine withdrawal, the rats developed a compensatory hyperphagia and gained nearly control weight.", "contents": "[The effect of nicotine on body weight and feeding behavior of rats]. Daily nicotine injections for 6 weeks produced a transient anorexia with a concomitant reduction of the body weight. Upon nicotine withdrawal, the rats developed a compensatory hyperphagia and gained nearly control weight.", "PMID": 997964} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6828", "title": "[Risks incurred by dental technicians working on metallic prostheses].", "content": "A short description of working conditions is given. Out of 25 radiographs, 5 show possible pneumoconiosis due to hard metal and one is abnormal. The hazards due to the presence of beryllium in numerous alloys is emphasized as well as the necessity of technical and medical supervision in dental laboratories.", "contents": "[Risks incurred by dental technicians working on metallic prostheses]. A short description of working conditions is given. Out of 25 radiographs, 5 show possible pneumoconiosis due to hard metal and one is abnormal. The hazards due to the presence of beryllium in numerous alloys is emphasized as well as the necessity of technical and medical supervision in dental laboratories.", "PMID": 997961} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6829", "title": "[The importance of bacterial exposure in sanitation employees when collecting refuse].", "content": "During their Work, Dustmen are exposed to important and various microbiological Aerosols, which, according to the Granulometry, could have an Influence on the Start and the Progress of chronic Bronchitis.", "contents": "[The importance of bacterial exposure in sanitation employees when collecting refuse]. During their Work, Dustmen are exposed to important and various microbiological Aerosols, which, according to the Granulometry, could have an Influence on the Start and the Progress of chronic Bronchitis.", "PMID": 997960} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6830", "title": "[Current developments in violent crime].", "content": "In the years 1960-1973 we see a great stability of all crimes of violence in Switzerland, while in the USA in the same years their increase was constant; in England and France, robberies with violence increased in the years 1960-1970.", "contents": "[Current developments in violent crime]. In the years 1960-1973 we see a great stability of all crimes of violence in Switzerland, while in the USA in the same years their increase was constant; in England and France, robberies with violence increased in the years 1960-1970.", "PMID": 997966} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6831", "title": "[A method of visual representation for the distribution of variables in the Geneva area].", "content": "Using a 10,000 square meter partition of the Geneva area, a computer mapping was developped for the geographical distribution of variables such as population density or pollutants emissions. An example is given in which the method is applied to epidemiological date (age and respiratory performance of a population sample).", "contents": "[A method of visual representation for the distribution of variables in the Geneva area]. Using a 10,000 square meter partition of the Geneva area, a computer mapping was developped for the geographical distribution of variables such as population density or pollutants emissions. An example is given in which the method is applied to epidemiological date (age and respiratory performance of a population sample).", "PMID": 997968} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6832", "title": "[Averaged electroretinograms (ERG) of rats exposed to 2 organomercury compounds].", "content": "Averaged ERGs of rats treated with phenylmercury borate and methylmercury chloride were recorded. Amplitude differences were seen only with the latter treatment. A high Hg tot. level was found in eyes of animals treated with methylmercury.", "contents": "[Averaged electroretinograms (ERG) of rats exposed to 2 organomercury compounds]. Averaged ERGs of rats treated with phenylmercury borate and methylmercury chloride were recorded. Amplitude differences were seen only with the latter treatment. A high Hg tot. level was found in eyes of animals treated with methylmercury.", "PMID": 997963} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6833", "title": "[The fluoride content of teeth in the canton of Vaud 5 years after the introduction of salt fluoridation].", "content": "Fluroide concentrations in teeth from the canton of Vaud were about at the same level reported from regions with 1,0 ppm F in the drinking water and from children receiving fluoride tablets during tooth formation age.", "contents": "[The fluoride content of teeth in the canton of Vaud 5 years after the introduction of salt fluoridation]. Fluroide concentrations in teeth from the canton of Vaud were about at the same level reported from regions with 1,0 ppm F in the drinking water and from children receiving fluoride tablets during tooth formation age.", "PMID": 997969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6834", "title": "[Blood pressure and smoking habits of 14-16-year-old students in Basel].", "content": "In a representative sample of Basle eight grade students (14-16 years) blood pressure measurements were correlated with smoking habits. Mean pressure was 122 68 mm Hg for 358 boys and 118/68 mm Hg for 387 girls (p 0,005). 40 of the boys (11%) and 56 of the girls (14%) reported themselves as smoking one or more cigarettes daily. They were found to have lower systolic and diastolic pressure values than non-smokers. These results confirm findings in adults, where smoking was reported to have an inhibiting effect on blood pressure rise in the case of weight gain.", "contents": "[Blood pressure and smoking habits of 14-16-year-old students in Basel]. In a representative sample of Basle eight grade students (14-16 years) blood pressure measurements were correlated with smoking habits. Mean pressure was 122 68 mm Hg for 358 boys and 118/68 mm Hg for 387 girls (p 0,005). 40 of the boys (11%) and 56 of the girls (14%) reported themselves as smoking one or more cigarettes daily. They were found to have lower systolic and diastolic pressure values than non-smokers. These results confirm findings in adults, where smoking was reported to have an inhibiting effect on blood pressure rise in the case of weight gain.", "PMID": 997971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6835", "title": "[Regional variation in mortality from ischemic heart disease in Switzerland].", "content": "Age standardized mortality from coronary heart disease was found to be higher in the German speaking parts of Switzerland than in the French speaking parts. Mortality from other diseases of the heart does not show a contrary gradient. The same pattern was confirmed among a cohort of Swiss physicians, observed over a 18-year period. Differences in smoking habits cannot explain the differential mortality rates.", "contents": "[Regional variation in mortality from ischemic heart disease in Switzerland]. Age standardized mortality from coronary heart disease was found to be higher in the German speaking parts of Switzerland than in the French speaking parts. Mortality from other diseases of the heart does not show a contrary gradient. The same pattern was confirmed among a cohort of Swiss physicians, observed over a 18-year period. Differences in smoking habits cannot explain the differential mortality rates.", "PMID": 997965} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6836", "title": "[Preventive medical services of city-canton: the city of Basel as an example].", "content": "An analysis of all preventive services provided by practicing physicians and various agencies is presented. Costs for these services amount to 1,4% of the cantonal outlays for health.", "contents": "[Preventive medical services of city-canton: the city of Basel as an example]. An analysis of all preventive services provided by practicing physicians and various agencies is presented. Costs for these services amount to 1,4% of the cantonal outlays for health.", "PMID": 997972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6837", "title": "[Gynecologic disorders in the prevention of juvenile diabetes].", "content": "Repeated gynecological affections have been detected in 26 out of 30 diabetic children. Therefore, it is important to do gynecological examinations in diabetic children. In addition, during a systematic check out, an impaired glucose tolerance has been found in 7 out of 18 children who presented inflammatory and itching gynecological affections. These findings emphasize the importance of systematical gynecological examination in childhood and adolescence in preventive medicine.", "contents": "[Gynecologic disorders in the prevention of juvenile diabetes]. Repeated gynecological affections have been detected in 26 out of 30 diabetic children. Therefore, it is important to do gynecological examinations in diabetic children. In addition, during a systematic check out, an impaired glucose tolerance has been found in 7 out of 18 children who presented inflammatory and itching gynecological affections. These findings emphasize the importance of systematical gynecological examination in childhood and adolescence in preventive medicine.", "PMID": 997970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6838", "title": "[Public screening for hypertension and problems of long-term follow-up].", "content": "Four months following public screening 34% of a random sample of 302 hypertensives still were under care: 50% of the 113 previously known and only 10% of the 189 preunaware. Such campaigns provide health education and reenforce the compliance of already known hypertensives. However, public screening yields poor individual follow up of newly identified hypertensives.", "contents": "[Public screening for hypertension and problems of long-term follow-up]. Four months following public screening 34% of a random sample of 302 hypertensives still were under care: 50% of the 113 previously known and only 10% of the 189 preunaware. Such campaigns provide health education and reenforce the compliance of already known hypertensives. However, public screening yields poor individual follow up of newly identified hypertensives.", "PMID": 997973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6839", "title": "[House calls in medical practice].", "content": "The frequency of daily home visits by practicing physicians has been investigated. A multiple regression analysis indicates that the number of daily home visits is reduced linearly with decreasing age and with increasing specialization of the doctor. With these variables taken into account, urban-rural differences cannot be demonstrated.", "contents": "[House calls in medical practice]. The frequency of daily home visits by practicing physicians has been investigated. A multiple regression analysis indicates that the number of daily home visits is reduced linearly with decreasing age and with increasing specialization of the doctor. With these variables taken into account, urban-rural differences cannot be demonstrated.", "PMID": 997974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6840", "title": "[Cooperation between school physicians and teachers].", "content": "Out of a comprehensive study of school health service in the German speaking region of the Canton of Berne, details are given concerning the cooperation between school doctors and teachers. Considerable gaps were detected and possible ways for improvement are proposed.", "contents": "[Cooperation between school physicians and teachers]. Out of a comprehensive study of school health service in the German speaking region of the Canton of Berne, details are given concerning the cooperation between school doctors and teachers. Considerable gaps were detected and possible ways for improvement are proposed.", "PMID": 997975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6841", "title": "[Illness behavior: preliminary results of an empirical study in Basel].", "content": "Preliminary data of inquiry on illness behavior are presented. 94% of the subjects (N =472 people working in administrative and industrial firms) reported at least one symptom within 1 month. Their consecutive activities are described.", "contents": "[Illness behavior: preliminary results of an empirical study in Basel]. Preliminary data of inquiry on illness behavior are presented. 94% of the subjects (N =472 people working in administrative and industrial firms) reported at least one symptom within 1 month. Their consecutive activities are described.", "PMID": 997976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6842", "title": "[Alcohol and liver cirrhosis in Switzerland].", "content": "The question wheter in Switzerland, too, there exists an association between alcoholism and cirrhosis of the liver was examind by the use of Federal Statistics. E.M. Jellinek devised an internationally applicable formula which shows a linear relationship between these two conditions. Three hypotheses were tested to validate the assumption that there are no alternate causes of cirrhosis of the liver. The results show: a) that in Switzerland as elsewhere, a direct relationship exists only between alcoholism and cirrhosis of the liver; b) that, in consequence, other causes of the condition have only small significance; c) that mortality from cirrhosis shows a distinct sex difference, with a surprisingly great increase amongst women in recent years.", "contents": "[Alcohol and liver cirrhosis in Switzerland]. The question wheter in Switzerland, too, there exists an association between alcoholism and cirrhosis of the liver was examind by the use of Federal Statistics. E.M. Jellinek devised an internationally applicable formula which shows a linear relationship between these two conditions. Three hypotheses were tested to validate the assumption that there are no alternate causes of cirrhosis of the liver. The results show: a) that in Switzerland as elsewhere, a direct relationship exists only between alcoholism and cirrhosis of the liver; b) that, in consequence, other causes of the condition have only small significance; c) that mortality from cirrhosis shows a distinct sex difference, with a surprisingly great increase amongst women in recent years.", "PMID": 997978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6843", "title": "[First tobacco consumption in children].", "content": "From 1436 pupils in North-Switzerland 9% of the boys and 3% of the girls smoked their first cigarette within or before the age of six years. 32% of these first cigarettes were smoked in woods or parks. 37% on streets, 31% on other places. 25% of the first cigarettes were stolen, not bought. 50% of all these children remembered to have a headache, vomitying or a stomach-ache after smoking the first cigarette. The boys began to smoke daily at the age of 13, the girls at the age of 14.", "contents": "[First tobacco consumption in children]. From 1436 pupils in North-Switzerland 9% of the boys and 3% of the girls smoked their first cigarette within or before the age of six years. 32% of these first cigarettes were smoked in woods or parks. 37% on streets, 31% on other places. 25% of the first cigarettes were stolen, not bought. 50% of all these children remembered to have a headache, vomitying or a stomach-ache after smoking the first cigarette. The boys began to smoke daily at the age of 13, the girls at the age of 14.", "PMID": 997979} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6844", "title": "[A nutritional survey of 38 single elderly persons with free choice of food].", "content": "The nutritional habits of 38 randomly selected single aged people with free choice of food have been investigated by the precise weighing method. Blood serum levels of the vitamins A, C, and E and of beta-carotene and biotin were analyzed, and the nutritional status with respect to the vitamins B1, B2, and B6 was examined by the transketolase-test, the glutathione-reductase-test, and the glutamic-acid-oxalo-acetic-transaminase-test. In relation to the desirable daily supply of nutrients and other dietary components the food was deficient in the vitamins B1, and B6 and in magnesium. For women an additional calcium-deficiency was demonstrated. The dietary fat content, however, was found to be high (44% of total calorie intake). The results of the blood analyses suggest an insufficient dietary supply of vitamin B1, partly also of the vitamins B6 and C. The total caloric intake was found to be rather low with respect to the age.", "contents": "[A nutritional survey of 38 single elderly persons with free choice of food]. The nutritional habits of 38 randomly selected single aged people with free choice of food have been investigated by the precise weighing method. Blood serum levels of the vitamins A, C, and E and of beta-carotene and biotin were analyzed, and the nutritional status with respect to the vitamins B1, B2, and B6 was examined by the transketolase-test, the glutathione-reductase-test, and the glutamic-acid-oxalo-acetic-transaminase-test. In relation to the desirable daily supply of nutrients and other dietary components the food was deficient in the vitamins B1, and B6 and in magnesium. For women an additional calcium-deficiency was demonstrated. The dietary fat content, however, was found to be high (44% of total calorie intake). The results of the blood analyses suggest an insufficient dietary supply of vitamin B1, partly also of the vitamins B6 and C. The total caloric intake was found to be rather low with respect to the age.", "PMID": 997982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6845", "title": "[Current standards for body height and weight of Swiss children and adolescents 4 to 19 1/2 years old (Geneva 1972)].", "content": "New tables have recently been published containing (1) the usual percentiles of body weight and stature in each of the successive 6 months age groups, (2) two different age independent estimates of weight percentiles related to height, and (3) 50%, 80%, and 95% contours for the bivariate joint distribution of height and weight in each age group. All of the tables and charts are given for boys and girls separately. In view of the randomness of the sampling and the characteristic heterogeneity of the population concerned, these new normal limits may be declared valid not only for the entire Swiss area, but even for adjacent regions.", "contents": "[Current standards for body height and weight of Swiss children and adolescents 4 to 19 1/2 years old (Geneva 1972)]. New tables have recently been published containing (1) the usual percentiles of body weight and stature in each of the successive 6 months age groups, (2) two different age independent estimates of weight percentiles related to height, and (3) 50%, 80%, and 95% contours for the bivariate joint distribution of height and weight in each age group. All of the tables and charts are given for boys and girls separately. In view of the randomness of the sampling and the characteristic heterogeneity of the population concerned, these new normal limits may be declared valid not only for the entire Swiss area, but even for adjacent regions.", "PMID": 997983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6846", "title": "[Effects of the trip to work on health, especially on blood pressure].", "content": "The goal of this study is to demonstrate relationships between journey to work and health status. 546 employees of industrial plants in northeastern Switzerland have been examined. We have demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between the length of journey to work and arterial blood pressure. Furthermore some dependences on the kind of transport hard to explain are demonstrated, but most of them aren't statistically significant.", "contents": "[Effects of the trip to work on health, especially on blood pressure]. The goal of this study is to demonstrate relationships between journey to work and health status. 546 employees of industrial plants in northeastern Switzerland have been examined. We have demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between the length of journey to work and arterial blood pressure. Furthermore some dependences on the kind of transport hard to explain are demonstrated, but most of them aren't statistically significant.", "PMID": 997980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6847", "title": "[Age at onset of obesity in children].", "content": "The majority of the obese children among 965 ten-year olds were overweight already at 7 yrs, but had not gained weight excessively during the first year of life. The most critical period therefore is the age between 1 and 7 yrs.", "contents": "[Age at onset of obesity in children]. The majority of the obese children among 965 ten-year olds were overweight already at 7 yrs, but had not gained weight excessively during the first year of life. The most critical period therefore is the age between 1 and 7 yrs.", "PMID": 997984} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6848", "title": "[The problem of obesity in children from the mountains and the city].", "content": "The problem of obesity has been investigated on 547 children from the mountains and the city by a questionary and by measuring skinfolds and body weight. The ratio of obesity is very high specially in children of the city and in parents of both groups. Obesity of parents, small sportif activity and nearly daily watching television was found to favour obesity of the children. Factors against obesity are the hard work of children in the mountains and large sportif activity. The mean values of body weight and skinfolds partially differ very much from the median values and cannot be used as norm.", "contents": "[The problem of obesity in children from the mountains and the city]. The problem of obesity has been investigated on 547 children from the mountains and the city by a questionary and by measuring skinfolds and body weight. The ratio of obesity is very high specially in children of the city and in parents of both groups. Obesity of parents, small sportif activity and nearly daily watching television was found to favour obesity of the children. Factors against obesity are the hard work of children in the mountains and large sportif activity. The mean values of body weight and skinfolds partially differ very much from the median values and cannot be used as norm.", "PMID": 997985} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6849", "title": "[Disease, physician-patient contacts and work disability in a general practice].", "content": "The frequency of Coronary Heart Disease symptoms (questionnaire from G. Rose) and some risk factors were recorded for 314 men in a general practice as part of a preventive screening programme. Simultaneously the number of physician-patient contacts and the total days of work disability were registered. The patients were divided into four social classes. There was a significant increase of symptoms of autonomic nervous disorder and hyperuricemia (p less than 0,025) as well as the number of smokers (p less than 0,001) with descending social class. The same trend was found with the frequency of physician-patient contacts and the total days of work disability (p less than 0,1). Patients with vegetative symptoms showed a mean of 7,2 physician-patient contacts and a work disability of 37,4 days per year. For patients with abnormal ECG findings the rates were 5,6 contacts and 33,4 days of disability per year. There was a significant difference in these rates compared to a control group.", "contents": "[Disease, physician-patient contacts and work disability in a general practice]. The frequency of Coronary Heart Disease symptoms (questionnaire from G. Rose) and some risk factors were recorded for 314 men in a general practice as part of a preventive screening programme. Simultaneously the number of physician-patient contacts and the total days of work disability were registered. The patients were divided into four social classes. There was a significant increase of symptoms of autonomic nervous disorder and hyperuricemia (p less than 0,025) as well as the number of smokers (p less than 0,001) with descending social class. The same trend was found with the frequency of physician-patient contacts and the total days of work disability (p less than 0,1). Patients with vegetative symptoms showed a mean of 7,2 physician-patient contacts and a work disability of 37,4 days per year. For patients with abnormal ECG findings the rates were 5,6 contacts and 33,4 days of disability per year. There was a significant difference in these rates compared to a control group.", "PMID": 997981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6850", "title": "[Stability of answers to questions about eating habits].", "content": "Different indices are used to evaluate the stability of answers referring to eating habits, collected in an interval of 6 months. The stability is comparable to answers to questions referring to participation in various groups. Both are strongly dependent on the frequency of the characteristic measured.", "contents": "[Stability of answers to questions about eating habits]. Different indices are used to evaluate the stability of answers referring to eating habits, collected in an interval of 6 months. The stability is comparable to answers to questions referring to participation in various groups. Both are strongly dependent on the frequency of the characteristic measured.", "PMID": 997986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6851", "title": "[Personality and scholastic achievement].", "content": "Based on the data of the \"Basle Adolescents Study\" 7 scales of the MMPI and the IQ according to Raven were compared with the average of grades. Teachers confirmed socially desirable personality traits with good grades and gave lower grades to pupils with a less desirable personality.", "contents": "[Personality and scholastic achievement]. Based on the data of the \"Basle Adolescents Study\" 7 scales of the MMPI and the IQ according to Raven were compared with the average of grades. Teachers confirmed socially desirable personality traits with good grades and gave lower grades to pupils with a less desirable personality.", "PMID": 997988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6852", "title": "[Height, weight and personality].", "content": "In a representative sample of Basle 8th grade students (165 boys and 237 girls) born in 1960, 23 MMPI scales were compared to height and triceps skinfold thikness. No correlation was found among boys; in girls height showed a positive, skinfold thickness a negative correlation with the social rating of a number of scales.", "contents": "[Height, weight and personality]. In a representative sample of Basle 8th grade students (165 boys and 237 girls) born in 1960, 23 MMPI scales were compared to height and triceps skinfold thikness. No correlation was found among boys; in girls height showed a positive, skinfold thickness a negative correlation with the social rating of a number of scales.", "PMID": 997989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6853", "title": "[An improved method for the detection of haptoglobin types from blood stains (author's transl)].", "content": "This paper describes a simple technique for the elimination of excess hemoglobin from blood stain extracts by means of P-cellulose column chromatography, which is applicable to the haptoglobin typing from blood stains.", "contents": "[An improved method for the detection of haptoglobin types from blood stains (author's transl)]. This paper describes a simple technique for the elimination of excess hemoglobin from blood stain extracts by means of P-cellulose column chromatography, which is applicable to the haptoglobin typing from blood stains.", "PMID": 997999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6854", "title": "[Studies on investigation of primary pathologic deterioration of the lower limbs. (author's transl)].", "content": "Veins of the limbs of 193 sudden deaths are examined under aspects of frequency, extent and localisation of sclerosis. Macroscopic process of preparation has approved. Correlations to several factors, especially age and affections of heart and arteries, are represented and discussed.", "contents": "[Studies on investigation of primary pathologic deterioration of the lower limbs. (author's transl)]. Veins of the limbs of 193 sudden deaths are examined under aspects of frequency, extent and localisation of sclerosis. Macroscopic process of preparation has approved. Correlations to several factors, especially age and affections of heart and arteries, are represented and discussed.", "PMID": 998000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6855", "title": "[A micro copper analysis with dithiooxamide as the basis of a new method of the determination of gunshot firing distances (author's transl)].", "content": "The determination of gunshot firing distances up to 160 cm is possible by means of a simple micro copper analysis. From a comparison of accurately known standards with the results from spot analysis by dithiooxamide it is possible to make, without additional instrumentation, a semiquantitative estimation of the copper content. The copper powder from bullet reaching the target is a function of muzzle to target distance. The experiments where analysed by flying spot densitometrie with a TLD 100 and the scatter of the data was determined statistically. This enables the method to a applicable in a very accurate way. The limitations of the method and possible perturbations are discussed and the results from this work are compared with the data obtained by other authors and by different methods.", "contents": "[A micro copper analysis with dithiooxamide as the basis of a new method of the determination of gunshot firing distances (author's transl)]. The determination of gunshot firing distances up to 160 cm is possible by means of a simple micro copper analysis. From a comparison of accurately known standards with the results from spot analysis by dithiooxamide it is possible to make, without additional instrumentation, a semiquantitative estimation of the copper content. The copper powder from bullet reaching the target is a function of muzzle to target distance. The experiments where analysed by flying spot densitometrie with a TLD 100 and the scatter of the data was determined statistically. This enables the method to a applicable in a very accurate way. The limitations of the method and possible perturbations are discussed and the results from this work are compared with the data obtained by other authors and by different methods.", "PMID": 998001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6856", "title": "[Smoking and medical specialty].", "content": "Smoking habits and smoking advisory practices of male practicing physicians in Switzerland were analyzed by medical specialty. After correction for age differences, pneumologists, ear, nose and throat specialists, pediatricians and internists smoke significantly less than the total group of physicians; on the other hand, psychiatrists have quit smoking less often than the medical profession as a whole. Giving advice on smoking to male patients follows a similar pattern. Gynaecologists give less regularly advice on smoking to pregnant women than do internists and general practitioners. The implications of these findings are discussed.", "contents": "[Smoking and medical specialty]. Smoking habits and smoking advisory practices of male practicing physicians in Switzerland were analyzed by medical specialty. After correction for age differences, pneumologists, ear, nose and throat specialists, pediatricians and internists smoke significantly less than the total group of physicians; on the other hand, psychiatrists have quit smoking less often than the medical profession as a whole. Giving advice on smoking to male patients follows a similar pattern. Gynaecologists give less regularly advice on smoking to pregnant women than do internists and general practitioners. The implications of these findings are discussed.", "PMID": 997994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6857", "title": "[On the problem of capability to act during mechanical suffocation (author's transl)].", "content": "On a case of mechanical suffocation the problem of persistent \"capability to act\" during continuing insufficient blood perfusion of the brain is discussed. This means a form of manifestation exhibiting a certain aim, but which cannot be related to voluntary human behaviour. As an explanation reflex-like stimulus-reaction connexions often repeated during life-time are suggested. Similarly, verbal expressions not compatible with the actual situation at the point of death after severe injuries of the frontal lobe cannot be explained conclusively. Those manifestations can probably be attributed to engram-like or life-style forming impressions.", "contents": "[On the problem of capability to act during mechanical suffocation (author's transl)]. On a case of mechanical suffocation the problem of persistent \"capability to act\" during continuing insufficient blood perfusion of the brain is discussed. This means a form of manifestation exhibiting a certain aim, but which cannot be related to voluntary human behaviour. As an explanation reflex-like stimulus-reaction connexions often repeated during life-time are suggested. Similarly, verbal expressions not compatible with the actual situation at the point of death after severe injuries of the frontal lobe cannot be explained conclusively. Those manifestations can probably be attributed to engram-like or life-style forming impressions.", "PMID": 998002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6858", "title": "[What is the value of health education by newspapers?].", "content": "One week after the publication of a series of articles on myocardial infarction and its prevention in a newspaper, an inquiry was performed to find out the effect of such publication. The results are discussed. They show that such publications are noticed by the population.", "contents": "[What is the value of health education by newspapers?]. One week after the publication of a series of articles on myocardial infarction and its prevention in a newspaper, an inquiry was performed to find out the effect of such publication. The results are discussed. They show that such publications are noticed by the population.", "PMID": 997995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6859", "title": "[The determination of time of death utilizing a considerable difference between urine-and blood alcohol (author's transl)].", "content": "Examining a case of death due to a subarachnoidal hemorraghe of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm the approximate time of death could only be determined by a considerable difference between alcohol contents of urine and blood. Since the urinary bladder was filled and a continuous diuresis until the moment of death could be assumed it was possible to calculate the average period of time during which the stated concentration of urine alcohol was formed, and to estimate the survival time.", "contents": "[The determination of time of death utilizing a considerable difference between urine-and blood alcohol (author's transl)]. Examining a case of death due to a subarachnoidal hemorraghe of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm the approximate time of death could only be determined by a considerable difference between alcohol contents of urine and blood. Since the urinary bladder was filled and a continuous diuresis until the moment of death could be assumed it was possible to calculate the average period of time during which the stated concentration of urine alcohol was formed, and to estimate the survival time.", "PMID": 998003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6860", "title": "[An attempt at drug education in the secondary schools of Geneva].", "content": "This compulsory information is given to students of 12th grade (14-15 years). A film is shown which is followed by a discussion between the students of each class and a doctor of the Health Department who is specialized in drug prevention. Teachers and parents are also informed in the same way. The efficiency of this method will have to be proved in the future.", "contents": "[An attempt at drug education in the secondary schools of Geneva]. This compulsory information is given to students of 12th grade (14-15 years). A film is shown which is followed by a discussion between the students of each class and a doctor of the Health Department who is specialized in drug prevention. Teachers and parents are also informed in the same way. The efficiency of this method will have to be proved in the future.", "PMID": 997996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6861", "title": "[Preventive behavior: the role of the environment and the capacity to adapt].", "content": "Preventive behavior attempts to maintain an optimal general state. When the degree of psychological and social constraints exceed the adaptational capacities of a subject one discovers in that individual a negative global perception, essentially with regards to the environment that can instigate diverse problems and accidents.", "contents": "[Preventive behavior: the role of the environment and the capacity to adapt]. Preventive behavior attempts to maintain an optimal general state. When the degree of psychological and social constraints exceed the adaptational capacities of a subject one discovers in that individual a negative global perception, essentially with regards to the environment that can instigate diverse problems and accidents.", "PMID": 997998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6862", "title": "[Forensic, clinical, toxicological and legal aspects in a case of survived criminal poisoning with E 605 forte (author's transl)].", "content": "A sixty-years-old man survived by intensive clinical treatment a criminal poisoning with E 605 forte by his wife. Several aspects of the case are discussed.", "contents": "[Forensic, clinical, toxicological and legal aspects in a case of survived criminal poisoning with E 605 forte (author's transl)]. A sixty-years-old man survived by intensive clinical treatment a criminal poisoning with E 605 forte by his wife. Several aspects of the case are discussed.", "PMID": 998004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6863", "title": "[Knowledge about \"alcohol and traffic\" in a younger population].", "content": "By means of a standardized multiple-choice-questionnaire, the knowledge concerning \"alcohol and traffic\" of 251 students attending military courses or mainly courses of further education was examined. A critical attitude but also some lacks of knowledge could be observed. More discussions on this subject especially amongst future and younger drivers have to be recommended.", "contents": "[Knowledge about \"alcohol and traffic\" in a younger population]. By means of a standardized multiple-choice-questionnaire, the knowledge concerning \"alcohol and traffic\" of 251 students attending military courses or mainly courses of further education was examined. A critical attitude but also some lacks of knowledge could be observed. More discussions on this subject especially amongst future and younger drivers have to be recommended.", "PMID": 997992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6864", "title": "[Experimental determination of blood-alcohol metabolism with dogs in haemorrhagic shock (author's transl)].", "content": "Ethanol at a dosage of 3 g/kg reduced body weight was injected i.v. into mongrel dogs resulting in a blood alcohol concentration of approximately 2.9 mg/ml. One hour after injection the dogs were anaesthetized with halothane-N20/02 and blood was withdrawn until the blood pressure was reduced to 40 mmHg. This usually required removal of about 30 - 40% of the total blood volume. The resulting haemorrhagic shock was ascertained by monitoring blood pH, pCO2, pO2, lactate, pyruvate and blood electrolytes. A blood specimen for enzymatic alcohol determination (ADH) was obtained every 30 min over a period of 3 hours. Compared with equally dosed controls the dogs in haemorrhagic shock showed a significant (p = 0.005) reduction of the blood alcohol decay rate (beta) which is explained by 1) the diminished blood flow through the liver and 2) the hypoxaemic metabolic situation in shock.", "contents": "[Experimental determination of blood-alcohol metabolism with dogs in haemorrhagic shock (author's transl)]. Ethanol at a dosage of 3 g/kg reduced body weight was injected i.v. into mongrel dogs resulting in a blood alcohol concentration of approximately 2.9 mg/ml. One hour after injection the dogs were anaesthetized with halothane-N20/02 and blood was withdrawn until the blood pressure was reduced to 40 mmHg. This usually required removal of about 30 - 40% of the total blood volume. The resulting haemorrhagic shock was ascertained by monitoring blood pH, pCO2, pO2, lactate, pyruvate and blood electrolytes. A blood specimen for enzymatic alcohol determination (ADH) was obtained every 30 min over a period of 3 hours. Compared with equally dosed controls the dogs in haemorrhagic shock showed a significant (p = 0.005) reduction of the blood alcohol decay rate (beta) which is explained by 1) the diminished blood flow through the liver and 2) the hypoxaemic metabolic situation in shock.", "PMID": 998005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6865", "title": "[Behavior of the human skin under the influence of electromagnetic radiation in the visible and near infrared region (author's transl)].", "content": "In legal medicine and also in other fields of medicine a unique characterization of the optical parameters of biological objects is often necessary. In this paper a method for the description of such probes is presented. The range of wavelength considered is the 400 nm... 1100 nm part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The method is based on the determination of reflection-, transmission and extinction-coefficients. The importance of scattering in the case of nonhomogenous, anisotropic biological matter is stressed.", "contents": "[Behavior of the human skin under the influence of electromagnetic radiation in the visible and near infrared region (author's transl)]. In legal medicine and also in other fields of medicine a unique characterization of the optical parameters of biological objects is often necessary. In this paper a method for the description of such probes is presented. The range of wavelength considered is the 400 nm... 1100 nm part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The method is based on the determination of reflection-, transmission and extinction-coefficients. The importance of scattering in the case of nonhomogenous, anisotropic biological matter is stressed.", "PMID": 998006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6866", "title": "[The problems of deaths by bolus aspiration (\"cafe-coronary\") (author's transl)].", "content": "Twentyseven fatal cases of suffocation by swallowing a bolus were analysed under different aspects. An attempt is made to interpret the functional disturbances which precede death, the causes for disturbance of swallowing and subsequent fatal reflex effects. The problems of judging the situation by the medical expert is discussed. Finally recommended therapeutic measures are critically evaluated to answer the question whether timely and adequate remedies truly exist.", "contents": "[The problems of deaths by bolus aspiration (\"cafe-coronary\") (author's transl)]. Twentyseven fatal cases of suffocation by swallowing a bolus were analysed under different aspects. An attempt is made to interpret the functional disturbances which precede death, the causes for disturbance of swallowing and subsequent fatal reflex effects. The problems of judging the situation by the medical expert is discussed. Finally recommended therapeutic measures are critically evaluated to answer the question whether timely and adequate remedies truly exist.", "PMID": 998008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6867", "title": "[The legal basis of organ transplantation (author's transl)].", "content": "Report on the legal basis of organ transplantation in Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Finland. Reference is made to the legal uncertainty in the Federal Republic of Western Germany. The Federation probably has no legislative competence for an adequate transplantation law. Amendments of the xi 168 StGB suggested by individual Federal States are discussed. The synopsis of the existing legal rules in the above mentioned countries suggests the proposal of general legal principles which should guarantee 1. the best medical care in transplantation medicine especially in renal explantates 2. a legal protection for the physician 3. a protection for personal rights of the donor. The author feels that the rights of those persons who provide for the corpses should be superceded by these considerations.", "contents": "[The legal basis of organ transplantation (author's transl)]. Report on the legal basis of organ transplantation in Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Finland. Reference is made to the legal uncertainty in the Federal Republic of Western Germany. The Federation probably has no legislative competence for an adequate transplantation law. Amendments of the xi 168 StGB suggested by individual Federal States are discussed. The synopsis of the existing legal rules in the above mentioned countries suggests the proposal of general legal principles which should guarantee 1. the best medical care in transplantation medicine especially in renal explantates 2. a legal protection for the physician 3. a protection for personal rights of the donor. The author feels that the rights of those persons who provide for the corpses should be superceded by these considerations.", "PMID": 998009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6868", "title": "[Program for the computation of plausibilities of paternity by means of serological findings. I. Description of program (author's transl)].", "content": "A computer program for the computation of the plausibility of paternity is presented. This program gives detailed information on the genotypical possibilities for a given phenotypical constellation.", "contents": "[Program for the computation of plausibilities of paternity by means of serological findings. I. Description of program (author's transl)]. A computer program for the computation of the plausibility of paternity is presented. This program gives detailed information on the genotypical possibilities for a given phenotypical constellation.", "PMID": 998010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6869", "title": "[Pathological findings in organs after diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (author's transl)].", "content": "An account is given of lesions in organs caused by diagnostic and/or therapeutic operations. First possible damages during reanimation in acute life threatenig diseases are described. Secondly indirect damages resulting from resuscitation are discussed, especially reanimation-caused encephalopathies. The predominantly quantitative variations of primary diseases and secondary diseases which can arise during intensivetherapy and during so called vita reducta, as well as damages caused by necessary and, as a rule, frequently repeated medical actions are mentioned...", "contents": "[Pathological findings in organs after diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (author's transl)]. An account is given of lesions in organs caused by diagnostic and/or therapeutic operations. First possible damages during reanimation in acute life threatenig diseases are described. Secondly indirect damages resulting from resuscitation are discussed, especially reanimation-caused encephalopathies. The predominantly quantitative variations of primary diseases and secondary diseases which can arise during intensivetherapy and during so called vita reducta, as well as damages caused by necessary and, as a rule, frequently repeated medical actions are mentioned...", "PMID": 998007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6870", "title": "[Program for the computation of plausibilities of paternity by means of serological findings. II. Demonstration of examples (author's transl)].", "content": "By demonstrating three actual cases of disputed paternity the validity of the computer program described in the first part of this paper is shown, namely: the information with respect to possible unrecognized exclusions pointing to chances of extended family studies; the standard deviation and distribution curve giving an actual survey of statistical parameters of a given case of disputed paternity.", "contents": "[Program for the computation of plausibilities of paternity by means of serological findings. II. Demonstration of examples (author's transl)]. By demonstrating three actual cases of disputed paternity the validity of the computer program described in the first part of this paper is shown, namely: the information with respect to possible unrecognized exclusions pointing to chances of extended family studies; the standard deviation and distribution curve giving an actual survey of statistical parameters of a given case of disputed paternity.", "PMID": 998011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6871", "title": "[Experimental coronary thrombosis in dogs. Morphologic investigations (author's transl)].", "content": "By means of electric induction without opening the chest in 23 dogs coronary thromboses were produced with the aid of a standardized method based on a test model of Salazar (1961). The morphological results are reported. 13 of the dogs showed coronary thromboses. At the same time in 12 animals a myocardial infarction could be registered. Altogether, we observed 17 myocardial infarctions. The electric field led to differently severe lesions in the walls of the coronary arteries. The significance of this test model is discussed.", "contents": "[Experimental coronary thrombosis in dogs. Morphologic investigations (author's transl)]. By means of electric induction without opening the chest in 23 dogs coronary thromboses were produced with the aid of a standardized method based on a test model of Salazar (1961). The morphological results are reported. 13 of the dogs showed coronary thromboses. At the same time in 12 animals a myocardial infarction could be registered. Altogether, we observed 17 myocardial infarctions. The electric field led to differently severe lesions in the walls of the coronary arteries. The significance of this test model is discussed.", "PMID": 998023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6872", "title": "[Morphologic investigations on experimental coronary thromboses in pigs (author's transl)].", "content": "With the aid of a standardized method basing on a report of Salazar (1961) coronary thromboses in pigs were produced by means of electric induction without opening the chest. 12 of 13 pigs showed thromboses in coronary arteries, in 8 animals with embolization of the thrombotic material. At the sametime in 8 pigs a myocardial infarction could be registered. The significance of these experiments discussed.", "contents": "[Morphologic investigations on experimental coronary thromboses in pigs (author's transl)]. With the aid of a standardized method basing on a report of Salazar (1961) coronary thromboses in pigs were produced by means of electric induction without opening the chest. 12 of 13 pigs showed thromboses in coronary arteries, in 8 animals with embolization of the thrombotic material. At the sametime in 8 pigs a myocardial infarction could be registered. The significance of these experiments discussed.", "PMID": 998024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6873", "title": "[Membranous glomerulonephritis and renal vein thrombosis (author's transl)].", "content": "A report on 3 autopsy cases is given, in 2 of them a combination of membranous glomerulonephritis (mGn) and bilateral renal vein thrombosis was detected, while the third case showed a combination of mGn and large pulmonary thrombembolism being in organisation. In semithin sections characteristic spikes were seen on the external surface of the glomerular basement membrane. An immunecomplex nephritis (type:transmembranous glomerulopathy) was observed in both kidneys examined by immunofluorescence technique. The pathogenetic correlations between mGn and renal vein thrombosis are unclear so far; the two main conceptions found in the literature are discussed. The knowledge of a combination between mGn and renal vein thrombosis has practical value. The findings of mGn in a renal biopsy specimen should the clinican cause to think of the possibility of renal vein thrombosis. On the other hand a renal vein thrombosis is an indication for the renal biopsy. A mGn can only be excluded by applying modern morphological methods, i.e. semithin section technique, immunohistology and/or electron microscopy.", "contents": "[Membranous glomerulonephritis and renal vein thrombosis (author's transl)]. A report on 3 autopsy cases is given, in 2 of them a combination of membranous glomerulonephritis (mGn) and bilateral renal vein thrombosis was detected, while the third case showed a combination of mGn and large pulmonary thrombembolism being in organisation. In semithin sections characteristic spikes were seen on the external surface of the glomerular basement membrane. An immunecomplex nephritis (type:transmembranous glomerulopathy) was observed in both kidneys examined by immunofluorescence technique. The pathogenetic correlations between mGn and renal vein thrombosis are unclear so far; the two main conceptions found in the literature are discussed. The knowledge of a combination between mGn and renal vein thrombosis has practical value. The findings of mGn in a renal biopsy specimen should the clinican cause to think of the possibility of renal vein thrombosis. On the other hand a renal vein thrombosis is an indication for the renal biopsy. A mGn can only be excluded by applying modern morphological methods, i.e. semithin section technique, immunohistology and/or electron microscopy.", "PMID": 998025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6874", "title": "[Coronary atherosclerosis, coronary thrombosis and myocardial infarction in autopsy cases (author's transl)].", "content": "The autopsy reports of the Pathological Institute Erfurt of the period from 1.1 1951 until 31.12. 1969 were scored for cases of coronary sclerosis which were analysed concerning frequency and distribution of age and sex, resp. In 52.26 percent of all autopsies (55.77 percent of men, 48.06 percent of women) a coronary sclerosis was present. Weak or moderately severe coronary sclerosis appeared more frequent (34.47 percent) than severe forms (17.80 percent of all autopsies). The difference in the relative frequency of coronary sclerosis between our material and the data of other authors we explain by subjective factors in the interpretation of the morphological changes of the coronary vessels. Males suffered significantly more frequent from all forms of coronary sclerosis. During the period of nineteen years a significant increase of the coronary sclerosis was observed. It is due to the more frequent occurrence of weak to moderately severe coronary sclerosis in both sexes, and of severe forms in men. The increase of the frequency of the coronary sclerosis particularly concerns the younger age groups.", "contents": "[Coronary atherosclerosis, coronary thrombosis and myocardial infarction in autopsy cases (author's transl)]. The autopsy reports of the Pathological Institute Erfurt of the period from 1.1 1951 until 31.12. 1969 were scored for cases of coronary sclerosis which were analysed concerning frequency and distribution of age and sex, resp. In 52.26 percent of all autopsies (55.77 percent of men, 48.06 percent of women) a coronary sclerosis was present. Weak or moderately severe coronary sclerosis appeared more frequent (34.47 percent) than severe forms (17.80 percent of all autopsies). The difference in the relative frequency of coronary sclerosis between our material and the data of other authors we explain by subjective factors in the interpretation of the morphological changes of the coronary vessels. Males suffered significantly more frequent from all forms of coronary sclerosis. During the period of nineteen years a significant increase of the coronary sclerosis was observed. It is due to the more frequent occurrence of weak to moderately severe coronary sclerosis in both sexes, and of severe forms in men. The increase of the frequency of the coronary sclerosis particularly concerns the younger age groups.", "PMID": 998026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6875", "title": "[Use of Nessler's reagent for recognition of lysine, ornithine, and arginine decomposition by gramnegative fermentative bacteria (author's transl)].", "content": "The reactions of lysine, ornithine and arginine decomposition are often difficult to read in Falkow's medium because either the decolorization of the indicator or the lack of sharp colour differences between positive and negative reactions. In such cases Nessler's reagent may be a useful aid. A volume of about 0.2 ml is added to the cultures after 4 days incubation through the mineral oil layer by means of a pipette. A positive reaction is indicated by an immediate white precipitation in case of lysine and ornithine decarboxylation, and a white or brownish precipitate which indicates arginine decomposition. A delayed opacity should be regarded as a negative reaction. Only unequivocal reactions should be considered. The specificity of the reactions was tested with pure substances of compounds which are formed by the decomposition of lysine, ornithine and arginine. Further studies of bacterial cultures in Falkow's medium and in a synthetic, amino acid containing medium without peptone gave identical results and showed that peptone derivates do not cause a false positive reaction with Nessler's reagent (Table 1). Comparative studies on 605 strains of Enterobacteriaceae and Vibrio in Falkow's medium with and without added Nessler's reagent gave corresponding results except some strains of Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii with different arginine reactions (Table 2). Strains of these species mostly decolorized the indicator thereby hindering the recognition of either a true positive or a true negative reaction. In these cases, however, the results obtained after addition of Nessler's reagent corresponded closely to the percentage of positive reactions cited in the literature.", "contents": "[Use of Nessler's reagent for recognition of lysine, ornithine, and arginine decomposition by gramnegative fermentative bacteria (author's transl)]. The reactions of lysine, ornithine and arginine decomposition are often difficult to read in Falkow's medium because either the decolorization of the indicator or the lack of sharp colour differences between positive and negative reactions. In such cases Nessler's reagent may be a useful aid. A volume of about 0.2 ml is added to the cultures after 4 days incubation through the mineral oil layer by means of a pipette. A positive reaction is indicated by an immediate white precipitation in case of lysine and ornithine decarboxylation, and a white or brownish precipitate which indicates arginine decomposition. A delayed opacity should be regarded as a negative reaction. Only unequivocal reactions should be considered. The specificity of the reactions was tested with pure substances of compounds which are formed by the decomposition of lysine, ornithine and arginine. Further studies of bacterial cultures in Falkow's medium and in a synthetic, amino acid containing medium without peptone gave identical results and showed that peptone derivates do not cause a false positive reaction with Nessler's reagent (Table 1). Comparative studies on 605 strains of Enterobacteriaceae and Vibrio in Falkow's medium with and without added Nessler's reagent gave corresponding results except some strains of Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii with different arginine reactions (Table 2). Strains of these species mostly decolorized the indicator thereby hindering the recognition of either a true positive or a true negative reaction. In these cases, however, the results obtained after addition of Nessler's reagent corresponded closely to the percentage of positive reactions cited in the literature.", "PMID": 998031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6876", "title": "Activity of various compounds against a pathogenic strain of Treponema hyodysenteriae.", "content": "A test method for in vitro investigations of chemotherapeutics against a pathogenic strain of Treponema hyodysenteriae is described. The sensitivity of this organism against various compounds especially against the pleuromutilin derivative 81723 hfu, a new antibiotic, was evaluated.", "contents": "Activity of various compounds against a pathogenic strain of Treponema hyodysenteriae. A test method for in vitro investigations of chemotherapeutics against a pathogenic strain of Treponema hyodysenteriae is described. The sensitivity of this organism against various compounds especially against the pleuromutilin derivative 81723 hfu, a new antibiotic, was evaluated.", "PMID": 998032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6877", "title": "[The action of detergents upon microbes (author's transl)].", "content": "The effect of sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate in the concentration range of 0.125%-1.0% upon gas formation by Klebsiella and Escherichia was studied. The experiments were performed in Sz\u00e1ntha's gas tubes on synthetic culture media containing glycerol; gas formation was measured volumetrically. Concentrations below 1.0% were found to promote gas formation when compared with the control tubes. In accordance with previous papers published, enteric and chromogenic bacteria also multiplied well in the presence of 1.0% DBS-Na. It is shown by the results at hand that additional studies of the influence of detergents upon processes of self-purification in surface waters should be performed.", "contents": "[The action of detergents upon microbes (author's transl)]. The effect of sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate in the concentration range of 0.125%-1.0% upon gas formation by Klebsiella and Escherichia was studied. The experiments were performed in Sz\u00e1ntha's gas tubes on synthetic culture media containing glycerol; gas formation was measured volumetrically. Concentrations below 1.0% were found to promote gas formation when compared with the control tubes. In accordance with previous papers published, enteric and chromogenic bacteria also multiplied well in the presence of 1.0% DBS-Na. It is shown by the results at hand that additional studies of the influence of detergents upon processes of self-purification in surface waters should be performed.", "PMID": 998033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6878", "title": "[Report about two cases of gastroenteritis caused by Plesiomonas shigelloides (author's transl)].", "content": "Plesiomonas shigelloides was isolated out of the feces from two patients. In one case the patient (she just arrived back from Kenia) had cholera-like symptoms. In the other case the nonspecific symptoms led to an appendectomy. In this case the association of the clinical symptoms with the bacteriological results is doubtful. Plesiomonas shigelloides belongs to the genus III. (Plesiomonas) of the family II. (Vibrionaceae) Part 8. (gram-negative facultatively anaerobic rods). Some of Plesiomonas shigelloides strains share a common O antigen with Sh. sonnei. Literature about infectious gastroenteritis in humans due to Plesiomonas shigelloides is very spare. This is the reason why the pathogenicity of this bacterium on humans is not comonly known. After on year of stool-research, with a relative small number of specimens, we found Plesiomonas shigelloides twice. This is the reason why we could assume that this bacterium is more often in feces than we thought till now.", "contents": "[Report about two cases of gastroenteritis caused by Plesiomonas shigelloides (author's transl)]. Plesiomonas shigelloides was isolated out of the feces from two patients. In one case the patient (she just arrived back from Kenia) had cholera-like symptoms. In the other case the nonspecific symptoms led to an appendectomy. In this case the association of the clinical symptoms with the bacteriological results is doubtful. Plesiomonas shigelloides belongs to the genus III. (Plesiomonas) of the family II. (Vibrionaceae) Part 8. (gram-negative facultatively anaerobic rods). Some of Plesiomonas shigelloides strains share a common O antigen with Sh. sonnei. Literature about infectious gastroenteritis in humans due to Plesiomonas shigelloides is very spare. This is the reason why the pathogenicity of this bacterium on humans is not comonly known. After on year of stool-research, with a relative small number of specimens, we found Plesiomonas shigelloides twice. This is the reason why we could assume that this bacterium is more often in feces than we thought till now.", "PMID": 998034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6879", "title": "[Enterobacteria of reptiles (author's transl)].", "content": "The aerobic gram-negative faecal flora of 78 reptiles consisting of 46 species (39 lizards of 23 species, 15 tortoises of 9 species, 24 snakes of 14 species) was studied. Salmonella was found to be present in 50% of lizards, in 16% of tortoises and in 16% of snakes. There were all together 15 different serotypes. Edwardsiella tarda was isolated in 20% of tortoises, in 12% of snakes but only in 3% of lizards. Tortoises represent therefore the possible normal habitat of Edwardsiella tarda. We isolated Arizona specially from snakes as was described by many authors. A new serotype (Arizona 26a, 26b:27 - 21 = S. arizonae 61:Z10:Z35) was found in a rattlesnake. There were found also much amounts of Citrobacter (52%), E. coli (50%), Proteus mirabilis (49%), Proteus morganii (18%), Proteus rettgeri (26%), Proteus vulgaris (32%). Klebsiella and Enterobacter seem to prefere the lizards. The overwhelming majority of the studied bacteria were lactose-negative, corresponding to the inability of reptiles producing lactose. The normal habitat of Salmonellae in reptiles and the high phylogenetic age of reptiles allows the hypothesis that salmonellae could have a similar old age as their host animals, because the ecological niche, i.e. the bowel of reptiles, has no changed for some hundred million years.", "contents": "[Enterobacteria of reptiles (author's transl)]. The aerobic gram-negative faecal flora of 78 reptiles consisting of 46 species (39 lizards of 23 species, 15 tortoises of 9 species, 24 snakes of 14 species) was studied. Salmonella was found to be present in 50% of lizards, in 16% of tortoises and in 16% of snakes. There were all together 15 different serotypes. Edwardsiella tarda was isolated in 20% of tortoises, in 12% of snakes but only in 3% of lizards. Tortoises represent therefore the possible normal habitat of Edwardsiella tarda. We isolated Arizona specially from snakes as was described by many authors. A new serotype (Arizona 26a, 26b:27 - 21 = S. arizonae 61:Z10:Z35) was found in a rattlesnake. There were found also much amounts of Citrobacter (52%), E. coli (50%), Proteus mirabilis (49%), Proteus morganii (18%), Proteus rettgeri (26%), Proteus vulgaris (32%). Klebsiella and Enterobacter seem to prefere the lizards. The overwhelming majority of the studied bacteria were lactose-negative, corresponding to the inability of reptiles producing lactose. The normal habitat of Salmonellae in reptiles and the high phylogenetic age of reptiles allows the hypothesis that salmonellae could have a similar old age as their host animals, because the ecological niche, i.e. the bowel of reptiles, has no changed for some hundred million years.", "PMID": 998035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6880", "title": "[Taxonomic importance of fermentation balances of Enterobacteriaceae (author's transl)].", "content": "Fermentation balances have been studied on 66 strains from 9 taxa of Enterobacteriaceae. In addition, 6 strains of Aeromonas have been investigated. Among these fermentation balances, 7 types could be distinguished. It was shown, that the taxa of Enterobacteriaceae differed with respect to the balance types involved. This is true especially for VP-positive taxa. For example, Hafnia, the Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia group, Enterobacter cloacae and Erwinia are to some extend characterized by different balance types. The groups of Enterobacteriaceae with plain acid fermentation are apperently more homogenous with respect to fermentation balances. Balances are, however, not suited for classification, because no balance type turned out to be absolutely group specific. The fermentation balances of our strains of Aeromonas are closely related to the acid-type balances of Enterobacteriaceae. A numerical classification of the data showed, that this method is most potent in sorting multivariate data. A basic agreement of both techniques, the subjective and the numerical subdivision, was found. The first one, however, tends to overemphasize differences among the types. A comparison between the quantitative data of fermentation balances and the corresponding diagnostic tests (MR, VP, Gas) gives information on the reliabiity of the latter.", "contents": "[Taxonomic importance of fermentation balances of Enterobacteriaceae (author's transl)]. Fermentation balances have been studied on 66 strains from 9 taxa of Enterobacteriaceae. In addition, 6 strains of Aeromonas have been investigated. Among these fermentation balances, 7 types could be distinguished. It was shown, that the taxa of Enterobacteriaceae differed with respect to the balance types involved. This is true especially for VP-positive taxa. For example, Hafnia, the Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia group, Enterobacter cloacae and Erwinia are to some extend characterized by different balance types. The groups of Enterobacteriaceae with plain acid fermentation are apperently more homogenous with respect to fermentation balances. Balances are, however, not suited for classification, because no balance type turned out to be absolutely group specific. The fermentation balances of our strains of Aeromonas are closely related to the acid-type balances of Enterobacteriaceae. A numerical classification of the data showed, that this method is most potent in sorting multivariate data. A basic agreement of both techniques, the subjective and the numerical subdivision, was found. The first one, however, tends to overemphasize differences among the types. A comparison between the quantitative data of fermentation balances and the corresponding diagnostic tests (MR, VP, Gas) gives information on the reliabiity of the latter.", "PMID": 998036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6881", "title": "[Three new serotypes of Salmonella subgenus I and four serological variants (author's transl)].", "content": "The Salmonella strains described in this paper were isolated from clinical and environmental sources in Togo (West Africa). All strains belong to subgenus I of the genus Salmonella. 1. Salmonella kodjovi 47:c:-, Supplement No. XVII (1974), isolated from stool specimen 2. Salmonella dadzie 51:1, v:e, n, x, Supplement No. XVII (1974), isolated from stool specimen 3. Salmonella mono 4, 12:1, w:1, 5, Supplement No. XVII (1975), isolated from pig droppings 4. Salmonella chincol var. s-, monophas. 6, 8:g, m:-, Supplement No. XVIII (1975), isolated from lizard intestines 5. Salmonella chicago var. i+, 28:r, i:1,5, Supplement No. XVIII (1975), isolated from stool specimen 6. Salmonella havana var. s+, 36+, 13,23:f,g,s:-, Supplement No. XVIII (1974), isolated from stool specimen 7. Salmonella elisabethville var. 15+, 3,15:r:1,7, isolated from lizard intestines.", "contents": "[Three new serotypes of Salmonella subgenus I and four serological variants (author's transl)]. The Salmonella strains described in this paper were isolated from clinical and environmental sources in Togo (West Africa). All strains belong to subgenus I of the genus Salmonella. 1. Salmonella kodjovi 47:c:-, Supplement No. XVII (1974), isolated from stool specimen 2. Salmonella dadzie 51:1, v:e, n, x, Supplement No. XVII (1974), isolated from stool specimen 3. Salmonella mono 4, 12:1, w:1, 5, Supplement No. XVII (1975), isolated from pig droppings 4. Salmonella chincol var. s-, monophas. 6, 8:g, m:-, Supplement No. XVIII (1975), isolated from lizard intestines 5. Salmonella chicago var. i+, 28:r, i:1,5, Supplement No. XVIII (1975), isolated from stool specimen 6. Salmonella havana var. s+, 36+, 13,23:f,g,s:-, Supplement No. XVIII (1974), isolated from stool specimen 7. Salmonella elisabethville var. 15+, 3,15:r:1,7, isolated from lizard intestines.", "PMID": 998037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6882", "title": "Epidemiological studies on Salmonella in a certain area. (\"Walcheren project\"). II. Salmonella in the mesenteric lymph nodes and rectal contents of normal pigs.", "content": "All pigs slaughtered on the former island of Walcheren were examined over a one-year period for the presence of Salmonella in the mesenteric lymph nodes and rectal contents. Salmonella was demonstrated in 22.3% of the 7756 animals examined. 50 different serotypes were isolated, two of which (S. menhaden and S. mikawasima) being isolated in The Netherlands for the first time. Particulars of the farms were collected, a distinction being made between different types of farm (breeding, breeding-fattening and fattening farm), kinds of feed (pellets, pellets + meal, and meal) and numbers of fattening pigs per farm. The results show that there is a small difference in proportion of positive pigs between pellet and meal feeding in favour of pellet feeding: 20.9% against 23.7%. It is remarkable that on smaller farms (up to 100 pigs), this difference is considerably greater in favour of pellet feeding: 12 9% against 21.0%. It was also found that on farms with pellet feeding fewer serotypes were isolated on average than on farms with meal feeding.", "contents": "Epidemiological studies on Salmonella in a certain area. (\"Walcheren project\"). II. Salmonella in the mesenteric lymph nodes and rectal contents of normal pigs. All pigs slaughtered on the former island of Walcheren were examined over a one-year period for the presence of Salmonella in the mesenteric lymph nodes and rectal contents. Salmonella was demonstrated in 22.3% of the 7756 animals examined. 50 different serotypes were isolated, two of which (S. menhaden and S. mikawasima) being isolated in The Netherlands for the first time. Particulars of the farms were collected, a distinction being made between different types of farm (breeding, breeding-fattening and fattening farm), kinds of feed (pellets, pellets + meal, and meal) and numbers of fattening pigs per farm. The results show that there is a small difference in proportion of positive pigs between pellet and meal feeding in favour of pellet feeding: 20.9% against 23.7%. It is remarkable that on smaller farms (up to 100 pigs), this difference is considerably greater in favour of pellet feeding: 12 9% against 21.0%. It was also found that on farms with pellet feeding fewer serotypes were isolated on average than on farms with meal feeding.", "PMID": 998038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6883", "title": "[Behaviour of the lung as an organ of absorption and reaction when air-borne contaminants are inhaled (author's transl)].", "content": "The pulmonary resorption of air pollutants constitute a significant factor for the whole body burden of men, as can be shown for lead, SO2 and CO. Particle size as well as water and lipid solubility of the noxious agents are important variables for the extent of the interaction with the pulmonary surface. Main objects for the inhalative pollutants are the bronchioli terminales and the respiratory epithel. The electronmicroscopic investigations point out a specific irritability of these structures as far as lead, oxydants and fibers are concerned. Comparatively low concentrations of the agents produce, in chronic exposure, changes in the caliber of the small airways and widening of the ductus alveolares and the alveoli. In addition to the reduction of the inner lungsurface one observes a thickening of the diffusion barrier in loco through some harmful substances. A number of pollutants influence a primary cytotoxic effect on alveolar macrophages. Thereby the bacterial infection resistance of the lung is reduced; moreover the phagozytes play an important part for the detoxification of carcinogenic carbohydrates. Hence the lung functions as a resorptionorgan, as a protectionorgan and as an object of damage for various air pollutants.", "contents": "[Behaviour of the lung as an organ of absorption and reaction when air-borne contaminants are inhaled (author's transl)]. The pulmonary resorption of air pollutants constitute a significant factor for the whole body burden of men, as can be shown for lead, SO2 and CO. Particle size as well as water and lipid solubility of the noxious agents are important variables for the extent of the interaction with the pulmonary surface. Main objects for the inhalative pollutants are the bronchioli terminales and the respiratory epithel. The electronmicroscopic investigations point out a specific irritability of these structures as far as lead, oxydants and fibers are concerned. Comparatively low concentrations of the agents produce, in chronic exposure, changes in the caliber of the small airways and widening of the ductus alveolares and the alveoli. In addition to the reduction of the inner lungsurface one observes a thickening of the diffusion barrier in loco through some harmful substances. A number of pollutants influence a primary cytotoxic effect on alveolar macrophages. Thereby the bacterial infection resistance of the lung is reduced; moreover the phagozytes play an important part for the detoxification of carcinogenic carbohydrates. Hence the lung functions as a resorptionorgan, as a protectionorgan and as an object of damage for various air pollutants.", "PMID": 998039} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6884", "title": "[On the mechanism of the biological persistence of halogenated and sulfonated aromatic hydrocarbons (author's transl)].", "content": "Aromatic compounds with unphysiological substituents like halogen or SO2H-groups are mainly degraded by cometabolism. Investigations with model compounds show, that the negative inductive effect (-I-effect) of the halogen substituents impede the electrophilic attack of the oxygenases, particularly the pyrocatechases. Although the \"affinity\" of the enzyme for the substrate increases with the number of halogen substituents, the rate of ring cleavage decreases by the presence of halogen substituents. Benzoate oxygenation shows that in certain positions of substitution the -I-effect can be weakened by the + M-effect of the halogen. As soon as aromaticity is lost by the action of dioxygenases, halide can be eliminated with greater ease and total mineralization is possible. When naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid is degraded by a naphthalene utilizing Pseudomonas strain the sulfonic acid group appears to be eliminated oxygenolytically and the carbon skeleton is channelled into the naphthalene pathway.", "contents": "[On the mechanism of the biological persistence of halogenated and sulfonated aromatic hydrocarbons (author's transl)]. Aromatic compounds with unphysiological substituents like halogen or SO2H-groups are mainly degraded by cometabolism. Investigations with model compounds show, that the negative inductive effect (-I-effect) of the halogen substituents impede the electrophilic attack of the oxygenases, particularly the pyrocatechases. Although the \"affinity\" of the enzyme for the substrate increases with the number of halogen substituents, the rate of ring cleavage decreases by the presence of halogen substituents. Benzoate oxygenation shows that in certain positions of substitution the -I-effect can be weakened by the + M-effect of the halogen. As soon as aromaticity is lost by the action of dioxygenases, halide can be eliminated with greater ease and total mineralization is possible. When naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid is degraded by a naphthalene utilizing Pseudomonas strain the sulfonic acid group appears to be eliminated oxygenolytically and the carbon skeleton is channelled into the naphthalene pathway.", "PMID": 998040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6885", "title": "[Hydrolysis of methoxysubstituted phenylureas, acylanilides and phenylcarbamates by a microbial aryl acylamidase (author's transl)].", "content": "The phenylurea herbicide linuron is hydrolyzed by Bacillus sphaericus ATCC 12123 quantitatively forming 3,4-dichloroaniline, CO2, and N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine. The inducible enzyme responsible for this hydrolysis was purified to homogeneity as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its molecular weight was 75 000 +/- 10%. Studies on its substrate specificity showed that either whole cells as the linuron-induced enzyme hydrolyze a large number of herbicidal and fungicidal acylanilides, the methoxysubstituted phenylureas and the phenylcarbamate propham at the carbonyl-aniline bond. This would classify the enzyme as an aryl acylamidase (E.C. 3.5.1). Hydrolysis of phenylamides by whole cells and by the enzyme is inhibited by different methylcarbamate and organophosphorus insecticides. Inhibition of hydrolysis of linuron by the aryl acylamidase by methylcarbamates is a competitive one.", "contents": "[Hydrolysis of methoxysubstituted phenylureas, acylanilides and phenylcarbamates by a microbial aryl acylamidase (author's transl)]. The phenylurea herbicide linuron is hydrolyzed by Bacillus sphaericus ATCC 12123 quantitatively forming 3,4-dichloroaniline, CO2, and N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine. The inducible enzyme responsible for this hydrolysis was purified to homogeneity as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its molecular weight was 75 000 +/- 10%. Studies on its substrate specificity showed that either whole cells as the linuron-induced enzyme hydrolyze a large number of herbicidal and fungicidal acylanilides, the methoxysubstituted phenylureas and the phenylcarbamate propham at the carbonyl-aniline bond. This would classify the enzyme as an aryl acylamidase (E.C. 3.5.1). Hydrolysis of phenylamides by whole cells and by the enzyme is inhibited by different methylcarbamate and organophosphorus insecticides. Inhibition of hydrolysis of linuron by the aryl acylamidase by methylcarbamates is a competitive one.", "PMID": 998041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6886", "title": "[Breakdown of the herbicide pyramin by micro-organisms of the soil (author's transl)].", "content": "The herbicide Pyramin, which is employed in the cultivation of beets to combat broad-leaf weeds, contains the herbicidal substance 5-amino-4-chloro-2-phenyl-3 (2H) pyridazinone, abbreviated pyrazone. The breakdown of pyrazone in the soil was investigated and it was found that this substance disappears relatively quickly and that the dephenylated heterocycle of pyrazone 5-amino-4-chloro-3 (2H) pyridazinone is obtained as transformation product. It was possible to isolate bacteria, which grow on pyrazone as the only carbon source, from soil samples originating from different parts of the world. Four compounds are excreted during the cultivation of pyrazone-degrading bacteria in a pyrazone mineral salt medium. With the aid of the structure of these metabolites and enzymatic tests, a scheme for the bacterial breakdown of pyrazone is proposed.", "contents": "[Breakdown of the herbicide pyramin by micro-organisms of the soil (author's transl)]. The herbicide Pyramin, which is employed in the cultivation of beets to combat broad-leaf weeds, contains the herbicidal substance 5-amino-4-chloro-2-phenyl-3 (2H) pyridazinone, abbreviated pyrazone. The breakdown of pyrazone in the soil was investigated and it was found that this substance disappears relatively quickly and that the dephenylated heterocycle of pyrazone 5-amino-4-chloro-3 (2H) pyridazinone is obtained as transformation product. It was possible to isolate bacteria, which grow on pyrazone as the only carbon source, from soil samples originating from different parts of the world. Four compounds are excreted during the cultivation of pyrazone-degrading bacteria in a pyrazone mineral salt medium. With the aid of the structure of these metabolites and enzymatic tests, a scheme for the bacterial breakdown of pyrazone is proposed.", "PMID": 998042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6887", "title": "[Microbial breakdown of acid anilide fungicides (author's transl)].", "content": "o-Toluylanilide, 2.5-dimethylfuran-3-carboxanilide, 5.6-dihydro-2-methyl-1.4-oxathiine-3-carboxanilide and other acid anilides are systemic fungicides which act selectively on rusts and smuts. From garden soil a Nocardia sp. was isolated which can grow with acid anilide fungicides as the only source of carbon. From this Nocardia sp. it was possible to produce mutants which are blocked genetically at various steps of the breakdown pathway of these acid anilide fungicides. It was possible to follow the breakdown pathway with the aid of accumulates of the rough I strain and of the mutants as well as by growth and enzyme tests. Breakdown starts with hydrolytic splitting of the acid amide bond by an acylamidase. The acid components of the fungicides are accumulated in the medium; they do not affect the growth. The aniline component is oxidized to pyrocatechol by a dioxygenase. Methyl and chloro-derivatives of aniline which are formed in the soil due to the hydrolysis of herbicides and fungicides, are also converted into the respective pyrocatechol derivatives. By orthocleavage cis-cis muconic acid forms from pyrocatechol. This compound is metabolized into succinate and acetyl CoA via the beta ketoadipate pathway.", "contents": "[Microbial breakdown of acid anilide fungicides (author's transl)]. o-Toluylanilide, 2.5-dimethylfuran-3-carboxanilide, 5.6-dihydro-2-methyl-1.4-oxathiine-3-carboxanilide and other acid anilides are systemic fungicides which act selectively on rusts and smuts. From garden soil a Nocardia sp. was isolated which can grow with acid anilide fungicides as the only source of carbon. From this Nocardia sp. it was possible to produce mutants which are blocked genetically at various steps of the breakdown pathway of these acid anilide fungicides. It was possible to follow the breakdown pathway with the aid of accumulates of the rough I strain and of the mutants as well as by growth and enzyme tests. Breakdown starts with hydrolytic splitting of the acid amide bond by an acylamidase. The acid components of the fungicides are accumulated in the medium; they do not affect the growth. The aniline component is oxidized to pyrocatechol by a dioxygenase. Methyl and chloro-derivatives of aniline which are formed in the soil due to the hydrolysis of herbicides and fungicides, are also converted into the respective pyrocatechol derivatives. By orthocleavage cis-cis muconic acid forms from pyrocatechol. This compound is metabolized into succinate and acetyl CoA via the beta ketoadipate pathway.", "PMID": 998043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6888", "title": "Initial reactions in the bacterial degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons.", "content": "Bacteria incorporate two atoms of molecular oxygen into aromatic hydrocarbons with the formation of cis dihydrodiols. The production of cis dihydrodiols has been demonstrated for substrates that range in size from benzene to benzo[a]pyrene. These results are in direct contrast to the mechanisms utilized by mammals, and possibly all eucaryotic organisms, for the oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons. Thus, mammals incorporate one atom of molecular oxygen into these substrates to form arene oxides. Hydration of the latter compounds produces dihydrodiols that have a trans stereochemistry.", "contents": "Initial reactions in the bacterial degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons. Bacteria incorporate two atoms of molecular oxygen into aromatic hydrocarbons with the formation of cis dihydrodiols. The production of cis dihydrodiols has been demonstrated for substrates that range in size from benzene to benzo[a]pyrene. These results are in direct contrast to the mechanisms utilized by mammals, and possibly all eucaryotic organisms, for the oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons. Thus, mammals incorporate one atom of molecular oxygen into these substrates to form arene oxides. Hydration of the latter compounds produces dihydrodiols that have a trans stereochemistry.", "PMID": 998044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6889", "title": "[Primary oxidation mechanisms in degradation of aliphatic hydrocarbons by bacterial enzyme systems (author's transl)].", "content": "The bacterial dissimilation of aliphatic hydrocarbons is catalysed by a monooxygenase mechanism with incorporation of molecular oxygen. Numerous publications have shown the cytochrome P 450-dependent hydroxylation of hydrocarbons, but there is considerably less information of hemo-protein-independent hydroxylations by alkanhydroxylases. In a marine Pseudomonad we found a system sensitive to cyanide: The oxygenase could be divided into three protein fractions. A cytochrome P 450 type spectrum was not detected. The NADH-dependent hydroxylation of n-decane can be activated by Mg2+ and Fe2+ ions. A noncompetitive product inhibition occurs which deserves special attention. An alcohol-dehydrogenase is closely associated with the oxygenase system by a kind of multienzyme-complex. Studies on kinetics and substrate specificity of this enzyme show an inhibition by excess substrate increasing with the chain length of the alcohols. The whole complex (alkanhydroxylase, alcoholdehydrogenase and aldehyddehydrogenase) is induceable by bacterial growth on alkanes, primary alcohols and fatty acids as sole carbon source.", "contents": "[Primary oxidation mechanisms in degradation of aliphatic hydrocarbons by bacterial enzyme systems (author's transl)]. The bacterial dissimilation of aliphatic hydrocarbons is catalysed by a monooxygenase mechanism with incorporation of molecular oxygen. Numerous publications have shown the cytochrome P 450-dependent hydroxylation of hydrocarbons, but there is considerably less information of hemo-protein-independent hydroxylations by alkanhydroxylases. In a marine Pseudomonad we found a system sensitive to cyanide: The oxygenase could be divided into three protein fractions. A cytochrome P 450 type spectrum was not detected. The NADH-dependent hydroxylation of n-decane can be activated by Mg2+ and Fe2+ ions. A noncompetitive product inhibition occurs which deserves special attention. An alcohol-dehydrogenase is closely associated with the oxygenase system by a kind of multienzyme-complex. Studies on kinetics and substrate specificity of this enzyme show an inhibition by excess substrate increasing with the chain length of the alcohols. The whole complex (alkanhydroxylase, alcoholdehydrogenase and aldehyddehydrogenase) is induceable by bacterial growth on alkanes, primary alcohols and fatty acids as sole carbon source.", "PMID": 998045} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6890", "title": "[An animal experimental study on the retention rate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the lung and in the subcutaneous tissue (author's transl)].", "content": "The retention rate of five polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (benzo(a)pyrene, dibenz(ah)anthracene, chrysene, pyrene, benz(a) anthracene) was studied after intratracheal instillation into syrian hamsters and subcutanous injection into mice. For subcutanous injection the PAH were solved in 0.5 ml tricaprylin, for intratracheal instillation a suspension in NaCl was used. The results were the following: 1. With respect to the retention rate of the five PAH the largest difference was found comparing the application modes. The ratio of the averaged half-time-values for the intratracheal test to the subcutanous test is about 1:35. 2. The retention rates for each polycyclic hydrocarbon differs significantly. An interrelation of PAH after application of a PAH-mixture was not detectable. 3. The retention rates determined in the lung and in the subcutanous tissue do not give a constant ratio concerning each PAH. Thus DBahA is retained in the lung as well as in the subcutanous tissue definitely longer than BaP. Chrysene and benz(a)anthracene behave - respecting the retention rate - in the subcutanous test like BaP. In lung tissue, however, the different behaviour becomes obvious: while benz(a)anthracene is eliminated most rapidly, chrysene can be detected for a relative long time.", "contents": "[An animal experimental study on the retention rate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the lung and in the subcutaneous tissue (author's transl)]. The retention rate of five polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (benzo(a)pyrene, dibenz(ah)anthracene, chrysene, pyrene, benz(a) anthracene) was studied after intratracheal instillation into syrian hamsters and subcutanous injection into mice. For subcutanous injection the PAH were solved in 0.5 ml tricaprylin, for intratracheal instillation a suspension in NaCl was used. The results were the following: 1. With respect to the retention rate of the five PAH the largest difference was found comparing the application modes. The ratio of the averaged half-time-values for the intratracheal test to the subcutanous test is about 1:35. 2. The retention rates for each polycyclic hydrocarbon differs significantly. An interrelation of PAH after application of a PAH-mixture was not detectable. 3. The retention rates determined in the lung and in the subcutanous tissue do not give a constant ratio concerning each PAH. Thus DBahA is retained in the lung as well as in the subcutanous tissue definitely longer than BaP. Chrysene and benz(a)anthracene behave - respecting the retention rate - in the subcutanous test like BaP. In lung tissue, however, the different behaviour becomes obvious: while benz(a)anthracene is eliminated most rapidly, chrysene can be detected for a relative long time.", "PMID": 998046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6891", "title": "[Microbial breakdown of caffeine (author's transl)].", "content": "A bacterium, capable of growing aerobically with caffeine as its sole source of carbon and nitrogen, was isolated from soil and identified as Pseudomonas putida sp. The breakdown of caffeine begins with stepwise demethylation, which leads via various N-methyl-purines to xanthine each step yielding formaldehyde. Xanthine is then broken down via uric acid, allantoin, allantoic acid and further intermediates to urea and glyoxylic acid, which serves as the actual source of carbon.", "contents": "[Microbial breakdown of caffeine (author's transl)]. A bacterium, capable of growing aerobically with caffeine as its sole source of carbon and nitrogen, was isolated from soil and identified as Pseudomonas putida sp. The breakdown of caffeine begins with stepwise demethylation, which leads via various N-methyl-purines to xanthine each step yielding formaldehyde. Xanthine is then broken down via uric acid, allantoin, allantoic acid and further intermediates to urea and glyoxylic acid, which serves as the actual source of carbon.", "PMID": 998047} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6892", "title": "[Degradation of (-)-ephedrine by Arthrobacter globiformis (author's transl)].", "content": "A bacterium which grows on and completely degrades ephedrine as the only source of carbon was isolated from soil. This bacterium was identified as Arthrobacter globiformis. From the culture medium the following metabolites were isolated: 1-hydroxy-1-phenyl acetone, benzoic acid, pyrocatechol, cis-cis-muconic acid and methylamine. The mechanism of metabolism is discussed and compared with that in mammals.", "contents": "[Degradation of (-)-ephedrine by Arthrobacter globiformis (author's transl)]. A bacterium which grows on and completely degrades ephedrine as the only source of carbon was isolated from soil. This bacterium was identified as Arthrobacter globiformis. From the culture medium the following metabolites were isolated: 1-hydroxy-1-phenyl acetone, benzoic acid, pyrocatechol, cis-cis-muconic acid and methylamine. The mechanism of metabolism is discussed and compared with that in mammals.", "PMID": 998048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6893", "title": "[Effects produced by insecticides on micro-organisms growing on harvest crops (vegetable foodstuff) (author's transl)].", "content": "Micro-organisms were isolated from several harvest crops and identified. Their capacity of breaking down pesticides frequently applied over large areas was investigated. It was found that some types of molds regularly found on untreated foodstuffs of vegetable origin have changed in composition and germ density during the last 5 to 10 years and that they are capable of more or less breaking down pesticides only to a limited extent. The particularly great increase of F. oxysporum in maize (corn) and corn flour can, accordingly, be caused by the application of herbicides.", "contents": "[Effects produced by insecticides on micro-organisms growing on harvest crops (vegetable foodstuff) (author's transl)]. Micro-organisms were isolated from several harvest crops and identified. Their capacity of breaking down pesticides frequently applied over large areas was investigated. It was found that some types of molds regularly found on untreated foodstuffs of vegetable origin have changed in composition and germ density during the last 5 to 10 years and that they are capable of more or less breaking down pesticides only to a limited extent. The particularly great increase of F. oxysporum in maize (corn) and corn flour can, accordingly, be caused by the application of herbicides.", "PMID": 998049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6894", "title": "[Heavy metal content in sediment samples taken from drinking-water reservoir (author's transl)].", "content": "Sediment samples were taken from the small preliminary catchment basin of the Wahnbachtal reservoir at Siegburg, extracted under mild conditions with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide and analysed for their content of heavy metals. The sediment sample of the most recent date showed the highest concentrations of metal, that of older date revealed lower values, but by far the lowest metal content was found in the clay of the former valley. The high metal contents in the sediment are not only to be attributed to human influence but are primarily caused by the lead and zinc ores in the catchment area. The hygienic significance of these results is to be seen in the remobilization processes which could lead to an undesirable increase of metal concentrations in the raw water fed to the drinking water treatment plant.", "contents": "[Heavy metal content in sediment samples taken from drinking-water reservoir (author's transl)]. Sediment samples were taken from the small preliminary catchment basin of the Wahnbachtal reservoir at Siegburg, extracted under mild conditions with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide and analysed for their content of heavy metals. The sediment sample of the most recent date showed the highest concentrations of metal, that of older date revealed lower values, but by far the lowest metal content was found in the clay of the former valley. The high metal contents in the sediment are not only to be attributed to human influence but are primarily caused by the lead and zinc ores in the catchment area. The hygienic significance of these results is to be seen in the remobilization processes which could lead to an undesirable increase of metal concentrations in the raw water fed to the drinking water treatment plant.", "PMID": 998050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6895", "title": "[Staphylogenic food poisoning in a children's home (author's transl)].", "content": "Disease affected a group of 56 children in a children's convalescent home. In the samples taken from the stomach as well as in the samples of the vomit brought up by the affected children, in which the remains of porridge oats were recognizable, cluster cocci were identified in the microscopic preparations. The latter were classified by culture growing and lysotypy into various staphylococcal phagotypes. These staphylococci were identified as enterotoxin A and enterotoxin C2 formers. Stains of staphylococci isolated from swabs taken from the throat, nose and hands of the persons engaged in the preparation of the porridge oats were of the same staphylococcal phage groups. Consequently it would appear that these persons contaminated the oats. The oats had been left overnight at about 2.5 centigrade and were served to 58 children at 7.45 in the morning. Around 9.30 the first cases presented. By about 12.00 their number had risen to 56. However, 24 hours later 41 children were again free from complaints despite the initial shock-like nature of the life-endangering conditions (vomiting, diarrhoea, circulatory disorders).", "contents": "[Staphylogenic food poisoning in a children's home (author's transl)]. Disease affected a group of 56 children in a children's convalescent home. In the samples taken from the stomach as well as in the samples of the vomit brought up by the affected children, in which the remains of porridge oats were recognizable, cluster cocci were identified in the microscopic preparations. The latter were classified by culture growing and lysotypy into various staphylococcal phagotypes. These staphylococci were identified as enterotoxin A and enterotoxin C2 formers. Stains of staphylococci isolated from swabs taken from the throat, nose and hands of the persons engaged in the preparation of the porridge oats were of the same staphylococcal phage groups. Consequently it would appear that these persons contaminated the oats. The oats had been left overnight at about 2.5 centigrade and were served to 58 children at 7.45 in the morning. Around 9.30 the first cases presented. By about 12.00 their number had risen to 56. However, 24 hours later 41 children were again free from complaints despite the initial shock-like nature of the life-endangering conditions (vomiting, diarrhoea, circulatory disorders).", "PMID": 998051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6896", "title": "[Results of hygienic investigations in hospitals and their consequences (author's transl)].", "content": "In all parts of the hospitals examined results were found, which demonstrated, in part considerable, gaps in the hygienic systems. Therefore the enforcement of the following measures must be emphatically postulated: - Development of hospital hygiene plans by competent experts in cooperation with the doctors and nurses in charge. - Foundation of commissions for hygiene, who are responsible for preventive measures and for the establishment of a survey of hospital infections. - Delegation of the internal control of hospital hygiene to a person experienced in that field without other functions. - Renovation of supplementation of the technical hygienical facilities especially in old hospitals.", "contents": "[Results of hygienic investigations in hospitals and their consequences (author's transl)]. In all parts of the hospitals examined results were found, which demonstrated, in part considerable, gaps in the hygienic systems. Therefore the enforcement of the following measures must be emphatically postulated: - Development of hospital hygiene plans by competent experts in cooperation with the doctors and nurses in charge. - Foundation of commissions for hygiene, who are responsible for preventive measures and for the establishment of a survey of hospital infections. - Delegation of the internal control of hospital hygiene to a person experienced in that field without other functions. - Renovation of supplementation of the technical hygienical facilities especially in old hospitals.", "PMID": 998052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6897", "title": "[Microbial breakdown of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (author's transl)].", "content": "Using the conventional enrichment technique various bacteria were isolated capable of degrading simple aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene, phenanthrene, and anthracene. One isolate had the capacity to co-oxidize fluorene, fluoranthene, and pyrene; the higher condensed aromatics, however, were not attacked. Ecological studies in soil percolators revealed that a variety of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons including benzo(a)-pyrene and benzo(a)anthracene were degraded by microbial activities.", "contents": "[Microbial breakdown of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (author's transl)]. Using the conventional enrichment technique various bacteria were isolated capable of degrading simple aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene, phenanthrene, and anthracene. One isolate had the capacity to co-oxidize fluorene, fluoranthene, and pyrene; the higher condensed aromatics, however, were not attacked. Ecological studies in soil percolators revealed that a variety of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons including benzo(a)-pyrene and benzo(a)anthracene were degraded by microbial activities.", "PMID": 998053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6898", "title": "[On the effect of odourants in laboratory and field tests (author's transl)].", "content": "Odour nuisance reactions are of considerable importance in environmental hygiene. Their scientific analysis calls for a high degree of flexibility in the selection of adequate \"access routes\". The present paper deals with results of laboratory and field investigations in conjunction with the problem of odour pollution. In a laboratory test 50 test subjects were exposed for 2 1/2 hours either to H2S stimuli at a level of about 2.5 ppm or to pure air. The following effects were investigated: perception and evaluation of stimuli, subjective feeling as well as ability to concentrate. As expected, perceived intensity and intolerance of the stimulus decreased linearly with the duration of exposure; the subjective feeling and concentration were not significantly affected by smell as was demonstrated by comparative checks. By contrast, field investigations of differently exposed groups of population clearly demonstrated negative effects of odour pollution. 704 inhabitants of the city of D\u00fcsseldorf, residing in control and exposed areas, were given standardised questionnaires by interviewers to obtain information on reactions to offensive smell. The multivariate data analysis produced a 3-factor reaction pattern, with factor I (general reaction to offensive smell on a sensory basis) being particularly discriminatory. Moreover, it was found that, under identical exposure conditions, persons with a low adaptive tolerance professed themselves to be much more disturbed by the smell than did others with a higher degree of adaptive tolerance to the nuisance. A comparison of the laboratory findings with the field values suggests that the scientific analysis of reactions to the smell pollution presupposes an existential engagement of the examinee which requires that the disturbing stimulus be \"embedded\" in the pattern of the daily reality of life. This, of course, can hardly be realized in the laboratory.", "contents": "[On the effect of odourants in laboratory and field tests (author's transl)]. Odour nuisance reactions are of considerable importance in environmental hygiene. Their scientific analysis calls for a high degree of flexibility in the selection of adequate \"access routes\". The present paper deals with results of laboratory and field investigations in conjunction with the problem of odour pollution. In a laboratory test 50 test subjects were exposed for 2 1/2 hours either to H2S stimuli at a level of about 2.5 ppm or to pure air. The following effects were investigated: perception and evaluation of stimuli, subjective feeling as well as ability to concentrate. As expected, perceived intensity and intolerance of the stimulus decreased linearly with the duration of exposure; the subjective feeling and concentration were not significantly affected by smell as was demonstrated by comparative checks. By contrast, field investigations of differently exposed groups of population clearly demonstrated negative effects of odour pollution. 704 inhabitants of the city of D\u00fcsseldorf, residing in control and exposed areas, were given standardised questionnaires by interviewers to obtain information on reactions to offensive smell. The multivariate data analysis produced a 3-factor reaction pattern, with factor I (general reaction to offensive smell on a sensory basis) being particularly discriminatory. Moreover, it was found that, under identical exposure conditions, persons with a low adaptive tolerance professed themselves to be much more disturbed by the smell than did others with a higher degree of adaptive tolerance to the nuisance. A comparison of the laboratory findings with the field values suggests that the scientific analysis of reactions to the smell pollution presupposes an existential engagement of the examinee which requires that the disturbing stimulus be \"embedded\" in the pattern of the daily reality of life. This, of course, can hardly be realized in the laboratory.", "PMID": 998054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6899", "title": "[On the problem of passive smoking (author's transl)].", "content": "There is no evidence to date that passive smoking leads in the long run to typical smokers' diseases or to an increased health risk in an average healthy person. There are no plausible reasons to justify the assumption that such disturbances develop in passive smokers in the short term. Exposure to tobacco smoke can, under unfavourable conditions, lead to temporary irritation and impair the feeling of well-being which some persons may experience as a considerable nuisance. There are groups of persons of increased sensitivity and predisposition towards health risks, such as asthmatics and small children. These persons should not be exposed to tobacco smoke. There is the problem of individually determined smell interference by tobacco smoke. Admittedly, numerous questions await still an answer, but there is enough time to clarify them at leisure since passive smoking entails no acute danger of poisoning (cf. Lit. No. 15). In this field the most important task is to study in detail the problem of nuisance caused by smoking, with regard to both the prevailing law and to the demands of air hygiene. A detailed comment on the verdict passed by the Administrative Court of Schleswig closes with the phrase: \"The prevention of the detrimental effects to health caused by tobacco smoke constitutes a preeminent task for the public health service and health policy\".", "contents": "[On the problem of passive smoking (author's transl)]. There is no evidence to date that passive smoking leads in the long run to typical smokers' diseases or to an increased health risk in an average healthy person. There are no plausible reasons to justify the assumption that such disturbances develop in passive smokers in the short term. Exposure to tobacco smoke can, under unfavourable conditions, lead to temporary irritation and impair the feeling of well-being which some persons may experience as a considerable nuisance. There are groups of persons of increased sensitivity and predisposition towards health risks, such as asthmatics and small children. These persons should not be exposed to tobacco smoke. There is the problem of individually determined smell interference by tobacco smoke. Admittedly, numerous questions await still an answer, but there is enough time to clarify them at leisure since passive smoking entails no acute danger of poisoning (cf. Lit. No. 15). In this field the most important task is to study in detail the problem of nuisance caused by smoking, with regard to both the prevailing law and to the demands of air hygiene. A detailed comment on the verdict passed by the Administrative Court of Schleswig closes with the phrase: \"The prevention of the detrimental effects to health caused by tobacco smoke constitutes a preeminent task for the public health service and health policy\".", "PMID": 998055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6900", "title": "[The importance of lead pollution for pregnant women and the newborn in the Ruhr area. II. Communication (author's transl)].", "content": "Systematic measurements of blood lead levels in 315 mature and immature neonates and 198 mothers show that at least 40% of statistical variance in blood lead levels depends on lead immission at the mother's place of residence. Almost identical blood lead levels are found in identical and non-identical twins. These investigations demonstrate the value of a biological lead monitoring system. On this basis blood lead levels in areas not covered by the present study can be prognosticated.", "contents": "[The importance of lead pollution for pregnant women and the newborn in the Ruhr area. II. Communication (author's transl)]. Systematic measurements of blood lead levels in 315 mature and immature neonates and 198 mothers show that at least 40% of statistical variance in blood lead levels depends on lead immission at the mother's place of residence. Almost identical blood lead levels are found in identical and non-identical twins. These investigations demonstrate the value of a biological lead monitoring system. On this basis blood lead levels in areas not covered by the present study can be prognosticated.", "PMID": 998056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6901", "title": "[Problems of perinatal neurology].", "content": "An analysis of more than 1000 cases of early organic brain lesions has demonstrated that in 54% of them the etiology of neurological disturbances was an antenatal pathology, in 38%-intranatal and in 8%-postnatal. The prevention of perinatal disorders of the nervous system is considered as a complex problem including measures of health prevention for the future mothers, control over the development of pregnancy, perfection of obstetric aid, effective measures for the prevention of tissue hypoxia and its sequalae, elaboration of methods of rehabilitative therapy, work with personnel.", "contents": "[Problems of perinatal neurology]. An analysis of more than 1000 cases of early organic brain lesions has demonstrated that in 54% of them the etiology of neurological disturbances was an antenatal pathology, in 38%-intranatal and in 8%-postnatal. The prevention of perinatal disorders of the nervous system is considered as a complex problem including measures of health prevention for the future mothers, control over the development of pregnancy, perfection of obstetric aid, effective measures for the prevention of tissue hypoxia and its sequalae, elaboration of methods of rehabilitative therapy, work with personnel.", "PMID": 998081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6902", "title": "[Early differential diagnosis of congenital and birth injuries of the brain].", "content": "The presented paper is a comparative study of clinico-immunological data with neuro-roentgen contrast methods (pneumoencephalography) in 156 newborns. The obtained data with a highly significant result permit to claim that the neuroimmune reactions up to the 7th day of life and even later, may reflect pathological changes of the brain in the newborn. Quite possibly they may be actively involved in the pathological process not only in the prenatal, but also in some cases in the postnatal ontogenesis.", "contents": "[Early differential diagnosis of congenital and birth injuries of the brain]. The presented paper is a comparative study of clinico-immunological data with neuro-roentgen contrast methods (pneumoencephalography) in 156 newborns. The obtained data with a highly significant result permit to claim that the neuroimmune reactions up to the 7th day of life and even later, may reflect pathological changes of the brain in the newborn. Quite possibly they may be actively involved in the pathological process not only in the prenatal, but also in some cases in the postnatal ontogenesis.", "PMID": 998082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6903", "title": "[Early neurologic manifestations of minimal brain dysfunction in children].", "content": "The authors studied 207 children with minimal cerebral dysfunctions. Among this contingent 132 were followed-up from the moment of birth and subsequently during 8-10 years. It was demonstrated that already at the early stages of development certain neurological signs can be detected: somato-vegetative disorders, changes of the muscular tone, a hypertensive syndrome. In some of the children there was a retardation of psychomotor functions and prespeech development. One of the important goals at the present time is the elaboration of preventive measures of minimal cerebral dysfunctions in children with perinatal brain lesions.", "contents": "[Early neurologic manifestations of minimal brain dysfunction in children]. The authors studied 207 children with minimal cerebral dysfunctions. Among this contingent 132 were followed-up from the moment of birth and subsequently during 8-10 years. It was demonstrated that already at the early stages of development certain neurological signs can be detected: somato-vegetative disorders, changes of the muscular tone, a hypertensive syndrome. In some of the children there was a retardation of psychomotor functions and prespeech development. One of the important goals at the present time is the elaboration of preventive measures of minimal cerebral dysfunctions in children with perinatal brain lesions.", "PMID": 998083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6904", "title": "[Neurologic pathology in children born using vacuum extraction].", "content": "In a vacuum extraction 36.2% of the children were born in asphyxia, in 20.9%-with symptoms of disturbed cerebral circulation. In children from the age of 1-7 years-16.3% of them demonstrated pathological signs of the different parts of the nervous system. In this connection the authors suggest a screening by the neurologists during the first days of life of all children born by vacuum extraction.", "contents": "[Neurologic pathology in children born using vacuum extraction]. In a vacuum extraction 36.2% of the children were born in asphyxia, in 20.9%-with symptoms of disturbed cerebral circulation. In children from the age of 1-7 years-16.3% of them demonstrated pathological signs of the different parts of the nervous system. In this connection the authors suggest a screening by the neurologists during the first days of life of all children born by vacuum extraction.", "PMID": 998084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6905", "title": "[Neurophysiologic study of sleep in infants with cerebral palsy].", "content": "With the aid of a polygraphical study of day sleep in infants with cerebral palsy it was possible to demonstrate in many cases changes of qualitative characteristics of the stages of sleep with disorders of normal dynamics in the EEG, motor and vegetative signs. The authors detected a certain correlation between the degree of such changes and the severity of the clinical symptomatology, as well as a possibility of changes in expression of the pathology of sleep at different stages of the disease, sometimes with an increase of this pathology.", "contents": "[Neurophysiologic study of sleep in infants with cerebral palsy]. With the aid of a polygraphical study of day sleep in infants with cerebral palsy it was possible to demonstrate in many cases changes of qualitative characteristics of the stages of sleep with disorders of normal dynamics in the EEG, motor and vegetative signs. The authors detected a certain correlation between the degree of such changes and the severity of the clinical symptomatology, as well as a possibility of changes in expression of the pathology of sleep at different stages of the disease, sometimes with an increase of this pathology.", "PMID": 998085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6906", "title": "[Electromyography in children with obstetrical paralysis].", "content": "The author for the first time conducted a EMG study of 75 children with obstetrical paralysis of the hands during the neonatal period and in children of an older age. In the majority of the cases there were certain changes of the EMG, characteristic of lesions of the spinal segmentary structures and not of the plexi as it was considered previously. During treatment directed to the area of intumescence, there was not only a clinical, but a EMG improvement as well.", "contents": "[Electromyography in children with obstetrical paralysis]. The author for the first time conducted a EMG study of 75 children with obstetrical paralysis of the hands during the neonatal period and in children of an older age. In the majority of the cases there were certain changes of the EMG, characteristic of lesions of the spinal segmentary structures and not of the plexi as it was considered previously. During treatment directed to the area of intumescence, there was not only a clinical, but a EMG improvement as well.", "PMID": 998086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6907", "title": "[Reye's syndrome in children with acute respiratory diseases].", "content": "The authors report a clinico-morphological traits in Ray's syndrome which occurred in 10 children with acute respiratory disorders. The prevalent symptoms were encephalopathy with fatty dystrophy of the internal organs and mainly of the liver. Literature data concerning the clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment of this disorder are discussed.", "contents": "[Reye's syndrome in children with acute respiratory diseases]. The authors report a clinico-morphological traits in Ray's syndrome which occurred in 10 children with acute respiratory disorders. The prevalent symptoms were encephalopathy with fatty dystrophy of the internal organs and mainly of the liver. Literature data concerning the clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment of this disorder are discussed.", "PMID": 998088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6908", "title": "[Clinical course of supratentorial brain tumors in children and adolescents].", "content": "The classical concept concerning the character of development of the blastomatose process in the brain is frequently altered when applied to children and adolescents with supratentorial newgrowths. An analysis of 102 cases with verified newgrowths of a different histological nature and localization in the supratentorial space permitted to distinquish 4 types of a clinical development of this kind of pathology: (1) with an acute onset and short-term development of the tumor process; 2) with a gradual, progressive increase of symptoms, but with expressed and long-term remissions; 3) with a slowly progressive development of the disease and a sudden severe syndrome of decompensation or terminal state; 4) with acute clinical signs of a newgrowth and a replacement by a subsequent progressive remittent development.", "contents": "[Clinical course of supratentorial brain tumors in children and adolescents]. The classical concept concerning the character of development of the blastomatose process in the brain is frequently altered when applied to children and adolescents with supratentorial newgrowths. An analysis of 102 cases with verified newgrowths of a different histological nature and localization in the supratentorial space permitted to distinquish 4 types of a clinical development of this kind of pathology: (1) with an acute onset and short-term development of the tumor process; 2) with a gradual, progressive increase of symptoms, but with expressed and long-term remissions; 3) with a slowly progressive development of the disease and a sudden severe syndrome of decompensation or terminal state; 4) with acute clinical signs of a newgrowth and a replacement by a subsequent progressive remittent development.", "PMID": 998089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6909", "title": "[Comparative clinico-pathophysiologic analysis of the characteristics of juvenile and late epilepsy].", "content": "Having in view the evolutional and ontogenetical traits of the bioelectrical brain activity and age types of the nervous system reactivity to endogenous and exagenous epileptic noxious factors, the authors compared the clinical and pathogenetical characteristics of an epileptic process in children and adults. Although there were several similar signs in children and late epilepsy, the authors opposed these forms on the basis of a different character in the type of development of the disease and changes in the cerebral electrogenesis, at the basis of which there lies the metabolic characteristics of a maturating and involutional brain. These regularities permitted to establish the diagnostical and prognostical criteria in respect to each separate form of the disease.", "contents": "[Comparative clinico-pathophysiologic analysis of the characteristics of juvenile and late epilepsy]. Having in view the evolutional and ontogenetical traits of the bioelectrical brain activity and age types of the nervous system reactivity to endogenous and exagenous epileptic noxious factors, the authors compared the clinical and pathogenetical characteristics of an epileptic process in children and adults. Although there were several similar signs in children and late epilepsy, the authors opposed these forms on the basis of a different character in the type of development of the disease and changes in the cerebral electrogenesis, at the basis of which there lies the metabolic characteristics of a maturating and involutional brain. These regularities permitted to establish the diagnostical and prognostical criteria in respect to each separate form of the disease.", "PMID": 998090} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6910", "title": "[Clinical picture, pathogenesis and treatment of convulsive seizures in young children].", "content": "The author presents some literature which considers epilepsy as a chronic disorder. The disease is a dependent epileptization of secondary foci from the primary ones and related to this phenomena, there is a stage development of the epileptic disease. The report contains results of clinical, EEG, PEG and morphological studies in 617 children which were made during more than 10 years. Clinico-anatomical correlations permitted to detect a relation between the severity of seizures and the degree of the natal brain lesion. An original graphical representation of the initial forms and development of seizures in the newborn and infants is given. The author attempts to give a hypothetical explanation of the acute stage of the pathogenetical process of convulsive disease, based on some laws of electrodynamics.", "contents": "[Clinical picture, pathogenesis and treatment of convulsive seizures in young children]. The author presents some literature which considers epilepsy as a chronic disorder. The disease is a dependent epileptization of secondary foci from the primary ones and related to this phenomena, there is a stage development of the epileptic disease. The report contains results of clinical, EEG, PEG and morphological studies in 617 children which were made during more than 10 years. Clinico-anatomical correlations permitted to detect a relation between the severity of seizures and the degree of the natal brain lesion. An original graphical representation of the initial forms and development of seizures in the newborn and infants is given. The author attempts to give a hypothetical explanation of the acute stage of the pathogenetical process of convulsive disease, based on some laws of electrodynamics.", "PMID": 998091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6911", "title": "[Effect of muscular dysfunction on the development of shoulder joint in children with Erb's paralysis].", "content": "In order to evaluate the disturbances of development of the shoulder joint in children with Erb's paralysis the authors conducted an X-ray examination of the shoulder girdle and the shoulder in the anterior-posterior projection. The assessment of the functional state of the muscles of the shoulder girdle was made with the aid of clinical EMG. It was established that there was a retardation of growth and ossification of the radial head of the humerus on the affected side, a decrease in the longitudinal and cross-sectional sizes of the humerus, a retardation in the development of the joint scopular cavity, disorders in spacial interrelationship in the components of the shoulder joint and internal rotation of the shoulder joint. The structural and anatomical changes in the components of the shoulder joint are associated with disorders of the neurotrophic processes in the bone tissue and the muscular dysbalance.", "contents": "[Effect of muscular dysfunction on the development of shoulder joint in children with Erb's paralysis]. In order to evaluate the disturbances of development of the shoulder joint in children with Erb's paralysis the authors conducted an X-ray examination of the shoulder girdle and the shoulder in the anterior-posterior projection. The assessment of the functional state of the muscles of the shoulder girdle was made with the aid of clinical EMG. It was established that there was a retardation of growth and ossification of the radial head of the humerus on the affected side, a decrease in the longitudinal and cross-sectional sizes of the humerus, a retardation in the development of the joint scopular cavity, disorders in spacial interrelationship in the components of the shoulder joint and internal rotation of the shoulder joint. The structural and anatomical changes in the components of the shoulder joint are associated with disorders of the neurotrophic processes in the bone tissue and the muscular dysbalance.", "PMID": 998092} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6912", "title": "[Clinical features of the defect in children with malignant schizophrenia].", "content": "On the basis of a study of the remote period in 38 patients with early child schizophrenia who were observed during 10 years, the author describes the clinical traits of the defect. The intellectual deterioration is connected with the age of the onset and degree of development of the process. The study displayed the correlation between the clinical picture with a schizophrenic defect proper and a mental underdevelopment resembling oligophrenia (\"pseudooligophrenic\" defect). In 26 cases the clinical picture was characterized by symptoms of a crude schizophrenic defect, in 12 -- symptoms of mental underdevelopment. Patients of the second group displayed a better adaptation to the environment.", "contents": "[Clinical features of the defect in children with malignant schizophrenia]. On the basis of a study of the remote period in 38 patients with early child schizophrenia who were observed during 10 years, the author describes the clinical traits of the defect. The intellectual deterioration is connected with the age of the onset and degree of development of the process. The study displayed the correlation between the clinical picture with a schizophrenic defect proper and a mental underdevelopment resembling oligophrenia (\"pseudooligophrenic\" defect). In 26 cases the clinical picture was characterized by symptoms of a crude schizophrenic defect, in 12 -- symptoms of mental underdevelopment. Patients of the second group displayed a better adaptation to the environment.", "PMID": 998093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6913", "title": "[Variants of psychopath-like pictures in adolescents with schizophrenia].", "content": "The author studied 100 adolescent boys from 12-18 years of age with schizophrenia in whom either in the onset, remission or during the entire extent of the disease there was a psychopath-like syndrome. Three variants of such conditions are described, they resemble schizoid, unstable and epileptoid psychopathy. The report contains differential diagnostical criteria of these states. Some common symptoms for all variants of psychopath-like pictures are given: ambivalency, unmotivated cruelty or seemingly crude demonstrativeness in suicidal activity, unmotivated wandering instead of goal-directed escapes, abuse of alcohol or narcotics as doping, etc.", "contents": "[Variants of psychopath-like pictures in adolescents with schizophrenia]. The author studied 100 adolescent boys from 12-18 years of age with schizophrenia in whom either in the onset, remission or during the entire extent of the disease there was a psychopath-like syndrome. Three variants of such conditions are described, they resemble schizoid, unstable and epileptoid psychopathy. The report contains differential diagnostical criteria of these states. Some common symptoms for all variants of psychopath-like pictures are given: ambivalency, unmotivated cruelty or seemingly crude demonstrativeness in suicidal activity, unmotivated wandering instead of goal-directed escapes, abuse of alcohol or narcotics as doping, etc.", "PMID": 998094} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6914", "title": "[Pathologic manifestations in children whose parents are ill with schizophrenia].", "content": "The author analyzed the mental development of 252 children born by schizophrenic patients. The detected anomalies were considered from the point of view of sex, age of the onset of psychosis and the type of the process in the ill parents. The found personality changes in these children were compared to the premorbid traits of children and adolescents of another group (128 cases) of schizophrenic patients having identical hereditary loading. This gives the bases to conclude that the personality changes in children of schizophrenic parents carry certain prognostical information.", "contents": "[Pathologic manifestations in children whose parents are ill with schizophrenia]. The author analyzed the mental development of 252 children born by schizophrenic patients. The detected anomalies were considered from the point of view of sex, age of the onset of psychosis and the type of the process in the ill parents. The found personality changes in these children were compared to the premorbid traits of children and adolescents of another group (128 cases) of schizophrenic patients having identical hereditary loading. This gives the bases to conclude that the personality changes in children of schizophrenic parents carry certain prognostical information.", "PMID": 998096} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6915", "title": "[Systematics and differentiation of personality disorders in children and adolescents with behavioral disorders].", "content": "The author discusses some problems of systematization and differential diagnoses of personality disorders which are accompanied by disturbances of behaviour in children and adolescents. An original classification of personality disorders and transient personality reactions in childhood and adolescence is proposed. Special attention is paid to the criteria of delineating pathological and nonpathological forms of personality disorders and personality reactions in this group of children as well as to the differential diagnosis of constitutional and organic psychopathy. On the other hand residual-organic psychopath-like conditions and psychogenic pathocharacterological personality development are analyzed.", "contents": "[Systematics and differentiation of personality disorders in children and adolescents with behavioral disorders]. The author discusses some problems of systematization and differential diagnoses of personality disorders which are accompanied by disturbances of behaviour in children and adolescents. An original classification of personality disorders and transient personality reactions in childhood and adolescence is proposed. Special attention is paid to the criteria of delineating pathological and nonpathological forms of personality disorders and personality reactions in this group of children as well as to the differential diagnosis of constitutional and organic psychopathy. On the other hand residual-organic psychopath-like conditions and psychogenic pathocharacterological personality development are analyzed.", "PMID": 998097} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6916", "title": "[Pathologic personality formation of the inhibited type in children and adolescents with disabling urologic diseases].", "content": "The study deals with an observation of 70 children and adolescents (boys) from 12-16 years who displayed pathological personality formation of an asthenical, anxious-dubious and pseudoschizoid type. The clinical traits of neurotical characterological disturbances depended upon the age of the onset of the urological disease, rate of its development, the attitude of the patients to his somatical disorder, rearing and the factor of deprivation. In order to prevent the appearance of deformed personality in such cases of wide and long-term use of group and individual psychotherapy is recommended.", "contents": "[Pathologic personality formation of the inhibited type in children and adolescents with disabling urologic diseases]. The study deals with an observation of 70 children and adolescents (boys) from 12-16 years who displayed pathological personality formation of an asthenical, anxious-dubious and pseudoschizoid type. The clinical traits of neurotical characterological disturbances depended upon the age of the onset of the urological disease, rate of its development, the attitude of the patients to his somatical disorder, rearing and the factor of deprivation. In order to prevent the appearance of deformed personality in such cases of wide and long-term use of group and individual psychotherapy is recommended.", "PMID": 998098} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6917", "title": "[Dynamics of neurotic stuttering in preschool age].", "content": "The report deals with the clinical picture and dynamics of neurotical stuttering in children of preschool age. The authors studied 65 such patients aged from 3-6 years. Two forms of the disease development were distinguished: benign and unfavourable or protracted. It was possible to detect a connection between speech and neurotic disorders. Factors influencing the unfavourable development of neurotic stuttering were the following: hereditary loading of speech pathology, unfavourable microsocial environment, somatic weakness, expressiveness and stability of neurotic symptoms.", "contents": "[Dynamics of neurotic stuttering in preschool age]. The report deals with the clinical picture and dynamics of neurotical stuttering in children of preschool age. The authors studied 65 such patients aged from 3-6 years. Two forms of the disease development were distinguished: benign and unfavourable or protracted. It was possible to detect a connection between speech and neurotic disorders. Factors influencing the unfavourable development of neurotic stuttering were the following: hereditary loading of speech pathology, unfavourable microsocial environment, somatic weakness, expressiveness and stability of neurotic symptoms.", "PMID": 998100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6918", "title": "[Functional speech system disorder in stuttering].", "content": "The author studied the EMG or orbicular muscles of the mouth, respiration, pulse frequency, SGR, EEG registration during the pronunciation of words out loud and to onself, during the orientation reflex to sound and verbal stimuli. These indices were mainly studied during autogenic training in patients with neurotic stuttering (the 1st group) and in patients with organic lesions of the CNS and stuttering (the 2nd group). The first group of patients demonstrated formed motor verbal sterotypes. A disturbance of the correct programme of action in the functional speech system is due to an increase of the activity in the limbico-reticular system. The 2nd group exhibits the absence of the correct programme of action in the accomplishment of motor speech stereotypes. The abnormal programme of the activity is formed from the beginning of the speech activity and is fixed in the ontogenetical memory.", "contents": "[Functional speech system disorder in stuttering]. The author studied the EMG or orbicular muscles of the mouth, respiration, pulse frequency, SGR, EEG registration during the pronunciation of words out loud and to onself, during the orientation reflex to sound and verbal stimuli. These indices were mainly studied during autogenic training in patients with neurotic stuttering (the 1st group) and in patients with organic lesions of the CNS and stuttering (the 2nd group). The first group of patients demonstrated formed motor verbal sterotypes. A disturbance of the correct programme of action in the functional speech system is due to an increase of the activity in the limbico-reticular system. The 2nd group exhibits the absence of the correct programme of action in the accomplishment of motor speech stereotypes. The abnormal programme of the activity is formed from the beginning of the speech activity and is fixed in the ontogenetical memory.", "PMID": 998101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6919", "title": "[Pathogenesis of central mechanisms of speech function disorders in children with alalia].", "content": "A study of special synchronization of brain biopotentials in EEG registrations by a correlational analysis permitted to establish that in children with alalia there was a complex defect in intercentral relations of the associative infraparietal areas with auditory, visual and motor analyzers in the left hemisphere. In children with alalia the intercentral correlations of biopotentials of the parieto-temporal areas were 10 times less, in the parieto-occipital ares 3 times less and almost twice less in the parieto-motor areas in the left hemisphere in comparison with norman children. Consequently disturbed speech development in children with alalia is connected with a defect in the functions of the higher sensory analysis and synthesis in the associative infraparietal areas with disturbed activity in the synchronizing, activating brain systems with disorders in the organization of spacial-time relations in different cortical areas.", "contents": "[Pathogenesis of central mechanisms of speech function disorders in children with alalia]. A study of special synchronization of brain biopotentials in EEG registrations by a correlational analysis permitted to establish that in children with alalia there was a complex defect in intercentral relations of the associative infraparietal areas with auditory, visual and motor analyzers in the left hemisphere. In children with alalia the intercentral correlations of biopotentials of the parieto-temporal areas were 10 times less, in the parieto-occipital ares 3 times less and almost twice less in the parieto-motor areas in the left hemisphere in comparison with norman children. Consequently disturbed speech development in children with alalia is connected with a defect in the functions of the higher sensory analysis and synthesis in the associative infraparietal areas with disturbed activity in the synchronizing, activating brain systems with disorders in the organization of spacial-time relations in different cortical areas.", "PMID": 998102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6920", "title": "[Clinical features of one of the syndromes associated with oligophrenia--the so-called \"elf face\"].", "content": "The authors give a clinical description of 19 patients from 2 years and 10 months-18 years with \"elf face\" syndrome. The most prominent traits of the disease were a specific look of the face, congenital heart insufficiency, muscular hypotonia, inguinal hernia. The mental state was characterized by an expressed mental retardation with some special traits: relatively well developed speech, talkativeness, good-naturedness, an euphoric mood, inactivity and poor motor functioning. In 3 patients who were older a psychopath-like syndrome was found. A study of the kariotype in 5 cases depicted hetermorphism of homologues in some pairs of chromosomes in more than 10% of the cells as well as an increased amount of structural reconstructions. Indirect calculation have shown that the incidence of the syndrome is approximately equal to 1:25000 births which is significantly more than cited in literature.", "contents": "[Clinical features of one of the syndromes associated with oligophrenia--the so-called \"elf face\"]. The authors give a clinical description of 19 patients from 2 years and 10 months-18 years with \"elf face\" syndrome. The most prominent traits of the disease were a specific look of the face, congenital heart insufficiency, muscular hypotonia, inguinal hernia. The mental state was characterized by an expressed mental retardation with some special traits: relatively well developed speech, talkativeness, good-naturedness, an euphoric mood, inactivity and poor motor functioning. In 3 patients who were older a psychopath-like syndrome was found. A study of the kariotype in 5 cases depicted hetermorphism of homologues in some pairs of chromosomes in more than 10% of the cells as well as an increased amount of structural reconstructions. Indirect calculation have shown that the incidence of the syndrome is approximately equal to 1:25000 births which is significantly more than cited in literature.", "PMID": 998103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6921", "title": "Influence of x-rays on the rate of accumulation of 131I in the thyroid of guinea pigs in the initial stage of radiation disease.", "content": "The influence of single, total body X-ray irradiation with 500 and 1500 R on 131 uptake in the thyroids of guinea pigs in the initial stage of radiation disease was studied. Radioactivity of the thyroid was measured 1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 h after i.p. injection of 131I, I.E. 69, 71, 74, 92 and 116 H after the and of X-ray irradiation. Sixty-nine and 71 h after the and of X-irradiation, accumulation of 131I was higher in the thyroids of male and female irradiated guinea pigs in comparison with controls. At 75 h after X-irradiation i.e 6 h after administration of 131I, a drop in the iodine content of the thyroid occurred, which lasted up to 48 h. The drop in 131I uptake by the thyroid was particularly significant at 92 h after irradiation of male and female guinea pigs i.e. at 24 h after introduction of the isotope, in comparison with the controls.", "contents": "Influence of x-rays on the rate of accumulation of 131I in the thyroid of guinea pigs in the initial stage of radiation disease. The influence of single, total body X-ray irradiation with 500 and 1500 R on 131 uptake in the thyroids of guinea pigs in the initial stage of radiation disease was studied. Radioactivity of the thyroid was measured 1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 h after i.p. injection of 131I, I.E. 69, 71, 74, 92 and 116 H after the and of X-ray irradiation. Sixty-nine and 71 h after the and of X-irradiation, accumulation of 131I was higher in the thyroids of male and female irradiated guinea pigs in comparison with controls. At 75 h after X-irradiation i.e 6 h after administration of 131I, a drop in the iodine content of the thyroid occurred, which lasted up to 48 h. The drop in 131I uptake by the thyroid was particularly significant at 92 h after irradiation of male and female guinea pigs i.e. at 24 h after introduction of the isotope, in comparison with the controls.", "PMID": 998108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6922", "title": "The effect of perphenazine treatment during the organogenesis in rats.", "content": "The teratogenic effect of perphenazine was studied in closed-bred Wistar rats. Rats were given the substance orally continuously on days 7 to 14 of pregnancy, or as a single dose on one of days 9-15. The doses were considerably higher than the specific neuroleptic doses of perphenazine (20-150 mg/kg). The fetal mortality and malformation rates were significantly higher in the perphenazine-treated groups than in the controls. The results were compared with the earlier results of methophenazine treatment. Perphenazine was found to be more toxic for rat embryos than methophenazine.", "contents": "The effect of perphenazine treatment during the organogenesis in rats. The teratogenic effect of perphenazine was studied in closed-bred Wistar rats. Rats were given the substance orally continuously on days 7 to 14 of pregnancy, or as a single dose on one of days 9-15. The doses were considerably higher than the specific neuroleptic doses of perphenazine (20-150 mg/kg). The fetal mortality and malformation rates were significantly higher in the perphenazine-treated groups than in the controls. The results were compared with the earlier results of methophenazine treatment. Perphenazine was found to be more toxic for rat embryos than methophenazine.", "PMID": 998109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6923", "title": "Are mast cells involved in adjuvant action?", "content": "A variety of adjuvant substances have been found to reduce the absolute and relative number of peritoneal mast cells in mice. This observation is discussed in the light of literary data suggesting a potential role of mast cells in the regulation (modification) of the immune response.", "contents": "Are mast cells involved in adjuvant action? A variety of adjuvant substances have been found to reduce the absolute and relative number of peritoneal mast cells in mice. This observation is discussed in the light of literary data suggesting a potential role of mast cells in the regulation (modification) of the immune response.", "PMID": 998110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6924", "title": "Substrate-stat: a method for characterization of enzymes in concentrated solutions at low substrate concentrations.", "content": "A method is proposed, which is suitable for kinetic studies with concentrated enzyme preparations, and its principal features are described. The method makes it possible to keep constant the concentration of substrate(s) or product(s) during the observation time. For this purpose, the increase or decrease of an indicator extinction signal, dependent on enzyme velocity, is monitored and automatic titration is performed using a suitable titer solution. This latter contains equimolar amounts of indicator and substrate(s). The whole system operates in a similar manner as in pH-stat devices. The technical set-up, model reaction systems and practical applications are shown. Operation problems and possible sources of error are examined. Finally, the main limitations as well as possible improvements are discussed.", "contents": "Substrate-stat: a method for characterization of enzymes in concentrated solutions at low substrate concentrations. A method is proposed, which is suitable for kinetic studies with concentrated enzyme preparations, and its principal features are described. The method makes it possible to keep constant the concentration of substrate(s) or product(s) during the observation time. For this purpose, the increase or decrease of an indicator extinction signal, dependent on enzyme velocity, is monitored and automatic titration is performed using a suitable titer solution. This latter contains equimolar amounts of indicator and substrate(s). The whole system operates in a similar manner as in pH-stat devices. The technical set-up, model reaction systems and practical applications are shown. Operation problems and possible sources of error are examined. Finally, the main limitations as well as possible improvements are discussed.", "PMID": 998112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6925", "title": "[In vitro incorporation of (33P)orthophosphate into the erythrocyte membrane phospholipids of newborn and adult domestic pigs].", "content": "Phosphate turnover of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids, judged by [33P] incorporation, was investigated with phosphatidylethanolamine, lecithin, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidic acid in newborn and adult domestic pigs. A new micromethod is described in detail using between 10(9) to 10(10) cells, both for quantitative determination of phospholipids and tracer incorporation studies in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids. Erythrocyte phospholipid values are given for pigs of varous age groups, showing essentially no difference, and are compared with the respective data for human erythrocytes. Thrombocytes and leukocytes were removed and separation of the red cells into reticulocytes and normocytes was done. This proved a higher level of phospholipid phosphate metabolic activity in neonatal pig erythrocytes--comparable to that in human red blood cells--according to their well known higher glucose permeability and glycolytic rate. Further evidence is accumulated by the results presented that the metabolic differences in neonatal pig red cells are due to a distinct neonatal erythrocyte population and not to the increased number of immature cells present in the circulation.", "contents": "[In vitro incorporation of (33P)orthophosphate into the erythrocyte membrane phospholipids of newborn and adult domestic pigs]. Phosphate turnover of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids, judged by [33P] incorporation, was investigated with phosphatidylethanolamine, lecithin, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidic acid in newborn and adult domestic pigs. A new micromethod is described in detail using between 10(9) to 10(10) cells, both for quantitative determination of phospholipids and tracer incorporation studies in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids. Erythrocyte phospholipid values are given for pigs of varous age groups, showing essentially no difference, and are compared with the respective data for human erythrocytes. Thrombocytes and leukocytes were removed and separation of the red cells into reticulocytes and normocytes was done. This proved a higher level of phospholipid phosphate metabolic activity in neonatal pig erythrocytes--comparable to that in human red blood cells--according to their well known higher glucose permeability and glycolytic rate. Further evidence is accumulated by the results presented that the metabolic differences in neonatal pig red cells are due to a distinct neonatal erythrocyte population and not to the increased number of immature cells present in the circulation.", "PMID": 998113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6926", "title": "[Changes in the lipid concentration in serum, liver and adipose tissue in alimentary obesity in Wistar rats].", "content": "In colony-bred Wistar rats maintained for several weeks on a high-percent fatty food (fat content 50%) compared with controls (3% fat in food) the concentrations of the following lipids were determined quantitatively: In serum lipid phosphorus (Lip. P.), free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG), free cholesterole (FC) and cholesteryl ester (CE), in liver Lip. P,TG, FC and CE, in epididymal adipose tissue Lip. P. FFS and TG. With increasing weight differences between the two animals groups, in the phase of steady weight growth (,,dynamic phase\", age of investigation 9 weeks, after 4 weeks on fatty food) a significant rise in serum FFS over the controls is observed with increases in TG and CE concentrations in the liver. After about 20 weeks of life the weight growth slows down; in this subsequent \"static phase\" the TG and CE accumulation in the liver further increases. Investigation of the epididymal adipose tissue suggests hypertrophy of the adipose cells. The results obtained with both phases are discussed with regard to possible metabolic alterations.", "contents": "[Changes in the lipid concentration in serum, liver and adipose tissue in alimentary obesity in Wistar rats]. In colony-bred Wistar rats maintained for several weeks on a high-percent fatty food (fat content 50%) compared with controls (3% fat in food) the concentrations of the following lipids were determined quantitatively: In serum lipid phosphorus (Lip. P.), free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG), free cholesterole (FC) and cholesteryl ester (CE), in liver Lip. P,TG, FC and CE, in epididymal adipose tissue Lip. P. FFS and TG. With increasing weight differences between the two animals groups, in the phase of steady weight growth (,,dynamic phase\", age of investigation 9 weeks, after 4 weeks on fatty food) a significant rise in serum FFS over the controls is observed with increases in TG and CE concentrations in the liver. After about 20 weeks of life the weight growth slows down; in this subsequent \"static phase\" the TG and CE accumulation in the liver further increases. Investigation of the epididymal adipose tissue suggests hypertrophy of the adipose cells. The results obtained with both phases are discussed with regard to possible metabolic alterations.", "PMID": 998114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6927", "title": "[Animal experimental studies on the thrombolytic effect of streptokinase].", "content": "The thrombolytic action of the streptokinase preparation Awelysin was investigated in animal experiments. After evaluation of the optimum fibrinolytically effective streptokinase dose and the changes in the clotting system induced by intravenous application of streptokinase experimentally produced deposition thrombi and clotting thrombi were lysed intravascularly in dogs, rabbits and rats. The success of the therapy was confirmed angiographically or rheographically.", "contents": "[Animal experimental studies on the thrombolytic effect of streptokinase]. The thrombolytic action of the streptokinase preparation Awelysin was investigated in animal experiments. After evaluation of the optimum fibrinolytically effective streptokinase dose and the changes in the clotting system induced by intravenous application of streptokinase experimentally produced deposition thrombi and clotting thrombi were lysed intravascularly in dogs, rabbits and rats. The success of the therapy was confirmed angiographically or rheographically.", "PMID": 998115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6928", "title": "Changes in labeling of soluble and solubilized hippocampus proteins after a learning experiment in rats.", "content": "At various intervals after acquisition of a brightness discrimination in rats labeled leucine was intraventricularly applied. Hippocampus tissue was fractionated in soluble and solubilized insoluble protein fractions. Protein content and labeling of several electrophoretically resolved bands showed a biphasic time course: a first increase was observed 20 minutes after training including preferably soluble proteins, whereas a second increase (about eight hours after training) was mainly related to solubilized insoluble proteins.", "contents": "Changes in labeling of soluble and solubilized hippocampus proteins after a learning experiment in rats. At various intervals after acquisition of a brightness discrimination in rats labeled leucine was intraventricularly applied. Hippocampus tissue was fractionated in soluble and solubilized insoluble protein fractions. Protein content and labeling of several electrophoretically resolved bands showed a biphasic time course: a first increase was observed 20 minutes after training including preferably soluble proteins, whereas a second increase (about eight hours after training) was mainly related to solubilized insoluble proteins.", "PMID": 998116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6929", "title": "[Effect of a conditioned emotional state on the discharging behavior of single neurons of the rat dorsal lateral geniculate body].", "content": "1. The spike activity of 155 cells of the dorsal geniculate body of rats was recorded under the influence of flash and the combination of flash with a tone. For test animals the tone has an emotional relevance (ERT), because they had been trained to learn a conditioned emotional reaction with the tone as conditioned stimulus. Controls had been sham trained, i.e. the tone was never reinforced and therefore without emotional relevance (EIT). 2. In the controls there was no difference in the quantity of facilitatory and inhibitory responses to the tone, whereas under ERT there were more often facilitations than inhibitions. 3. The tone changed the reaction to flash. This variation depends on the emotional relevance of the acoustic stimulus. The ERT evoked a stronger increase in the number of excitations than the EIT. The number of inhibitions decreased equally under both conditions. Also, the ERT changed the strength of the flash response more often than the EIT did. An increasing trend of excitation was found especially in primary positive cells, an increasing trend of inhibition especially in primary negative ones. The time course of responses shows these differences to occur in the primary positive cells essentially later than 200 mse cafter the stimulus, in the primary negative cells, however, within this interval.", "contents": "[Effect of a conditioned emotional state on the discharging behavior of single neurons of the rat dorsal lateral geniculate body]. 1. The spike activity of 155 cells of the dorsal geniculate body of rats was recorded under the influence of flash and the combination of flash with a tone. For test animals the tone has an emotional relevance (ERT), because they had been trained to learn a conditioned emotional reaction with the tone as conditioned stimulus. Controls had been sham trained, i.e. the tone was never reinforced and therefore without emotional relevance (EIT). 2. In the controls there was no difference in the quantity of facilitatory and inhibitory responses to the tone, whereas under ERT there were more often facilitations than inhibitions. 3. The tone changed the reaction to flash. This variation depends on the emotional relevance of the acoustic stimulus. The ERT evoked a stronger increase in the number of excitations than the EIT. The number of inhibitions decreased equally under both conditions. Also, the ERT changed the strength of the flash response more often than the EIT did. An increasing trend of excitation was found especially in primary positive cells, an increasing trend of inhibition especially in primary negative ones. The time course of responses shows these differences to occur in the primary positive cells essentially later than 200 mse cafter the stimulus, in the primary negative cells, however, within this interval.", "PMID": 998117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6930", "title": "Some behavioural changes induced by amantadine (adamantine).", "content": "In experiments carried out in mice, it was shown that amantadine (adamantine) (50, 75, 100 and 200 mg/kg i.p.) reduced the exploratory activity. This phenomenon was due not to reduction of the locomotion and of the muscular force. Amantadine in large doses had a slight convulsant action; at the same dose (100 mg/kg i.p.) it greatly potentiated the convulsant effects of pentetrazol. On Haffner's test amantadine had no analgesic activity.", "contents": "Some behavioural changes induced by amantadine (adamantine). In experiments carried out in mice, it was shown that amantadine (adamantine) (50, 75, 100 and 200 mg/kg i.p.) reduced the exploratory activity. This phenomenon was due not to reduction of the locomotion and of the muscular force. Amantadine in large doses had a slight convulsant action; at the same dose (100 mg/kg i.p.) it greatly potentiated the convulsant effects of pentetrazol. On Haffner's test amantadine had no analgesic activity.", "PMID": 998118} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6931", "title": "[Quantitative morphologic studies on hypoxically cultured rat myocardial cells].", "content": "Ventricle cells from neonatal rats were cultured in a medium preventing cell proliferation on a modified Roller apparatus with a defined pericellular oxygen partial pressure (pO2) of 38 or 0.6 mm Hg for about one week. The cells were harvested after the second and eighth day of culture (corresponding to one or seven days of culture under a defined pO2) and prepared for electron microscopy. Electron micrographs of this material were examined by stereologic techniques. The obtained results showed some deviations of mitochondrial fine structure of heart muscle cells depending on oxygen supply. During cultivation with a pO2 of 0.6 mm Hg (hypoxic conditions) we observed a proportional increase in mitochondria without cristae and an increase in size accompanied by a more irregular shape. On the contrary, the mitochondria of cells cultured with a pericellular pO2 of 28 mm Hg, which we consider to be a normoxic condition, did not show any deviation of inner membrane arrangement, but an increase in number and a decrease of size during cultivation was apparent. The mitochondria-myofibrils ratio decreased during cultivation in both conditions of oxygen supply. The ratio between sarcoplasmatic reticulum and myofibrils decreased markedly at a pO2 of 0.6 mm Hg.", "contents": "[Quantitative morphologic studies on hypoxically cultured rat myocardial cells]. Ventricle cells from neonatal rats were cultured in a medium preventing cell proliferation on a modified Roller apparatus with a defined pericellular oxygen partial pressure (pO2) of 38 or 0.6 mm Hg for about one week. The cells were harvested after the second and eighth day of culture (corresponding to one or seven days of culture under a defined pO2) and prepared for electron microscopy. Electron micrographs of this material were examined by stereologic techniques. The obtained results showed some deviations of mitochondrial fine structure of heart muscle cells depending on oxygen supply. During cultivation with a pO2 of 0.6 mm Hg (hypoxic conditions) we observed a proportional increase in mitochondria without cristae and an increase in size accompanied by a more irregular shape. On the contrary, the mitochondria of cells cultured with a pericellular pO2 of 28 mm Hg, which we consider to be a normoxic condition, did not show any deviation of inner membrane arrangement, but an increase in number and a decrease of size during cultivation was apparent. The mitochondria-myofibrils ratio decreased during cultivation in both conditions of oxygen supply. The ratio between sarcoplasmatic reticulum and myofibrils decreased markedly at a pO2 of 0.6 mm Hg.", "PMID": 998119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6932", "title": "Attempts at saving severely ischaemic limbs.", "content": "A distally produced arteriovenous fistula had a beneficial effect on the success of restorative arterial surgery in animal experiments. In two patients restorative vascular operation was supplemented with a distal arteriovenous shunt. In both cases, extremital function was preserved. In one patient the creation of a reversed venous circulation ensured a temporary result. Creation of an arteriovenous anastomosis, as an intervention improving the flow, and reversed venous circulation are recommended prior to amputation of otherwise incurable limbs. The progress in vascular surgery has resulted in a temporary or long-term preservation of more and more limbs which up to recent times had been condemned to amputation. The results are still unsatisfactory, as in a certain percentage of cases the success is only temporary.", "contents": "Attempts at saving severely ischaemic limbs. A distally produced arteriovenous fistula had a beneficial effect on the success of restorative arterial surgery in animal experiments. In two patients restorative vascular operation was supplemented with a distal arteriovenous shunt. In both cases, extremital function was preserved. In one patient the creation of a reversed venous circulation ensured a temporary result. Creation of an arteriovenous anastomosis, as an intervention improving the flow, and reversed venous circulation are recommended prior to amputation of otherwise incurable limbs. The progress in vascular surgery has resulted in a temporary or long-term preservation of more and more limbs which up to recent times had been condemned to amputation. The results are still unsatisfactory, as in a certain percentage of cases the success is only temporary.", "PMID": 998122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6933", "title": "[Changes in blood sugar and ammonium levels after ligation of the afferent hepatic vessels].", "content": "Blood sugar and ammonia levels were studied after ligation of the afferent vessels of the liver. Isolated liver anoxia and isolated splanchnic stagnation were produced by means of a side-to-side porto-caval anastomosis in dogs. Isolated liver ischaemia for 45 minutes did not lead to a typical change in blood sugar and ammonia levels. In splanchnic stagnation with intact hepatic circulation, hyperglycaemia and a high blood ammonia level appeared in the portal venous blood. Thus, in the first 45 minutes afferent hepatic vessels are primarily due to splanchnic stagnation and not to hepatic ischaemia. When splanchnic stagnation and hepatic ischaemia occur simulatneously, the enhanced production of metabolites and the lack of compensation lead to a rapid lethal outcome.", "contents": "[Changes in blood sugar and ammonium levels after ligation of the afferent hepatic vessels]. Blood sugar and ammonia levels were studied after ligation of the afferent vessels of the liver. Isolated liver anoxia and isolated splanchnic stagnation were produced by means of a side-to-side porto-caval anastomosis in dogs. Isolated liver ischaemia for 45 minutes did not lead to a typical change in blood sugar and ammonia levels. In splanchnic stagnation with intact hepatic circulation, hyperglycaemia and a high blood ammonia level appeared in the portal venous blood. Thus, in the first 45 minutes afferent hepatic vessels are primarily due to splanchnic stagnation and not to hepatic ischaemia. When splanchnic stagnation and hepatic ischaemia occur simulatneously, the enhanced production of metabolites and the lack of compensation lead to a rapid lethal outcome.", "PMID": 998123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6934", "title": "[Parasternal mediastinotomy].", "content": "The technique of parasternal mediastinotomy as a routine operation is describeds Indications and advantages of the intervention over other diagnostic and surgical method. are discussed and demonstrated on some characteristic cases.", "contents": "[Parasternal mediastinotomy]. The technique of parasternal mediastinotomy as a routine operation is describeds Indications and advantages of the intervention over other diagnostic and surgical method. are discussed and demonstrated on some characteristic cases.", "PMID": 998124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6935", "title": "[Electron microscopic changes of the intestinal mucosa following truncal vagotomy].", "content": "Ultrastructural changes on the mucosa of the jejunum and ileum after truncal vagotomy were studied in the dog. Tests performed 2, 3, 7 and 10 days, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 weeks as well as 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12 months after vagotomy showed no significant changes in the epithelial cells. The microvilli, smooth and rough surface endoplasmic reticulum, the free iebosomes and the terminal web area were completely intact. In some cells a swelling of the mitochondria was observed. It is concluded that vagotomy causes no such morphological changes of the intestinal mucosa which could explain postvagotomic diarrhoea.", "contents": "[Electron microscopic changes of the intestinal mucosa following truncal vagotomy]. Ultrastructural changes on the mucosa of the jejunum and ileum after truncal vagotomy were studied in the dog. Tests performed 2, 3, 7 and 10 days, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 weeks as well as 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12 months after vagotomy showed no significant changes in the epithelial cells. The microvilli, smooth and rough surface endoplasmic reticulum, the free iebosomes and the terminal web area were completely intact. In some cells a swelling of the mitochondria was observed. It is concluded that vagotomy causes no such morphological changes of the intestinal mucosa which could explain postvagotomic diarrhoea.", "PMID": 998125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6936", "title": "Analysis of reflex changes in hepatic tissue blood flow elicited from the intestinal mucosa.", "content": "The reflex changes of local hepatic blood flow (HBF) were studied in anaesthetized dogs. An increase of HBF following the acidification of duodenal mucosa and the injection of glucose solution into the intestinal lumen was demonstrated. An attempt was made to cast light on the underlying mechanism which may govern the above mentioned local circulatory reflexes in the liver, by investigating the effect of bilateral vagotomy and of the local anaesthesia of duodenal mucosa. The importance of these hepatic circulatory reflexes from the point of view of surgical indications and the clinical treatment is discussed.", "contents": "Analysis of reflex changes in hepatic tissue blood flow elicited from the intestinal mucosa. The reflex changes of local hepatic blood flow (HBF) were studied in anaesthetized dogs. An increase of HBF following the acidification of duodenal mucosa and the injection of glucose solution into the intestinal lumen was demonstrated. An attempt was made to cast light on the underlying mechanism which may govern the above mentioned local circulatory reflexes in the liver, by investigating the effect of bilateral vagotomy and of the local anaesthesia of duodenal mucosa. The importance of these hepatic circulatory reflexes from the point of view of surgical indications and the clinical treatment is discussed.", "PMID": 998126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6937", "title": "[Treatment of cirrhotic ascites by means of venous concentrated reinjected of the peritoneal fluid].", "content": "Thanks to diuretics, adequate diet, and other measures, the treatment of cirrhotic ascites in recent years has brought better results. Nonetheless, a certain number of patients do not respond to the above mentioned treatment. Such patients are afflicted with so called Refractory Ascites on which diuretics have no effect. In recent years the concentrated continuous reinjection methods has been accepted. During a nine month period, we have treated and analyzed thirty patients with severe Hepatic Ascitogenic Cirrhosis. The results have shown: 8 patients with satisfactory improvement with one reinjection, in 2 patients Ascites did not reoccur; 6 patients died; 6 patients failed to return for a control reexamination; in 2 patients, ascites persisted even after repeated reinjections. The patients were given diuretics the third week following the reinjection, and were put on a low salt diet. Ascites reoccurred, and to a greater degree during the second third, and fourth month. A reduced sodium level was corrected by the reinjection and by the administration of NaCl during the reinjection. K and Cl levels did not change significantly. Urea levels, which were elevated in many cases were normalized. Ammoniums and Phenols also tended to normalize following reinjection. Bilirubin values were highly variable especially in two patients. One of whom had a severely damaged liver (direct bilirubin), the other of whom had bleeding varicoses of the esophagus (indirect bilirubin). Both of these patients died. In such cases reinjection should not be performed until the bilirubin values fall below 5 mgr %. Of the six patients who died, four died of unforeseen esophageal hemorrhaging. A larger number of patients grew more tolerant of diuretics. Preparation for a Portocaval Shunt with the reinjection method is of a special advantage because of an overall improvement in condition, making surgery possible. Complications resulting from reinjection were insignificant and transitory. As a whole, our results (sixteen patients in satisfactory condition), showed that Continuous Venous Reinjection of peritoneal fluid, even though a palliative method, represents a significant step forward in the treatment of Ascites in the severely ill.", "contents": "[Treatment of cirrhotic ascites by means of venous concentrated reinjected of the peritoneal fluid]. Thanks to diuretics, adequate diet, and other measures, the treatment of cirrhotic ascites in recent years has brought better results. Nonetheless, a certain number of patients do not respond to the above mentioned treatment. Such patients are afflicted with so called Refractory Ascites on which diuretics have no effect. In recent years the concentrated continuous reinjection methods has been accepted. During a nine month period, we have treated and analyzed thirty patients with severe Hepatic Ascitogenic Cirrhosis. The results have shown: 8 patients with satisfactory improvement with one reinjection, in 2 patients Ascites did not reoccur; 6 patients died; 6 patients failed to return for a control reexamination; in 2 patients, ascites persisted even after repeated reinjections. The patients were given diuretics the third week following the reinjection, and were put on a low salt diet. Ascites reoccurred, and to a greater degree during the second third, and fourth month. A reduced sodium level was corrected by the reinjection and by the administration of NaCl during the reinjection. K and Cl levels did not change significantly. Urea levels, which were elevated in many cases were normalized. Ammoniums and Phenols also tended to normalize following reinjection. Bilirubin values were highly variable especially in two patients. One of whom had a severely damaged liver (direct bilirubin), the other of whom had bleeding varicoses of the esophagus (indirect bilirubin). Both of these patients died. In such cases reinjection should not be performed until the bilirubin values fall below 5 mgr %. Of the six patients who died, four died of unforeseen esophageal hemorrhaging. A larger number of patients grew more tolerant of diuretics. Preparation for a Portocaval Shunt with the reinjection method is of a special advantage because of an overall improvement in condition, making surgery possible. Complications resulting from reinjection were insignificant and transitory. As a whole, our results (sixteen patients in satisfactory condition), showed that Continuous Venous Reinjection of peritoneal fluid, even though a palliative method, represents a significant step forward in the treatment of Ascites in the severely ill.", "PMID": 998128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6938", "title": "[Inguinal hernia in childhood. Analysis of late results of surgery using Ferguson's method].", "content": "In the surgical treatment of hernias in children, many differences of opinion still exist, especially in the selection of the type of procedure to be used. The authors have applied the Ferguson Method in the repair of Inguinal hernias as a method of choice. Along with a high resection of Processus Vaginalis of the peritoneum, the anterior wall of Canalis Inguinalis is reinforced without transposing the Funiculus Spermaticus. To evaluate the success of this method, the authors made a late postoperative analysis. Examinations were made on 106 children of various ages who had unilateral inguinal hernia repairs one to two years prior. The unoperated contralateral inguinal canal served as a control by which eventual changes of testis could be evaluated. Clinical examinations involved determination of whether or not a recidive hernia exits, as well as the condition, size and consistency of the testis. Accordingly, poor postoperative results using the Ferguson method were less than one percent.", "contents": "[Inguinal hernia in childhood. Analysis of late results of surgery using Ferguson's method]. In the surgical treatment of hernias in children, many differences of opinion still exist, especially in the selection of the type of procedure to be used. The authors have applied the Ferguson Method in the repair of Inguinal hernias as a method of choice. Along with a high resection of Processus Vaginalis of the peritoneum, the anterior wall of Canalis Inguinalis is reinforced without transposing the Funiculus Spermaticus. To evaluate the success of this method, the authors made a late postoperative analysis. Examinations were made on 106 children of various ages who had unilateral inguinal hernia repairs one to two years prior. The unoperated contralateral inguinal canal served as a control by which eventual changes of testis could be evaluated. Clinical examinations involved determination of whether or not a recidive hernia exits, as well as the condition, size and consistency of the testis. Accordingly, poor postoperative results using the Ferguson method were less than one percent.", "PMID": 998129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6939", "title": "[Injuries of the thigh bone with a destruction of the neuro-vascular bundle].", "content": "From 1969 to 1971 the authors treated 1360 injured patients, eight of which suffered serious injuries of the thigh; fractured femur complicated by a severed Femoral Popliteal Artery, and lesions of the Sciatic Nerve. Six patients were injured at work, one in an automobile accident, and one was a gunshot victim. In approximately 1000 fractures one is complicated by an injured neurovascular bundle. The clinical picture of such a case is characteristic. The arteriograph is used only to locate the lesion. Reconstruction of the artery must be accomplished some eight to twelve hours following the injury. In all of the authors' cases, this was done one to eight hours following the trauma. After twelve hours, ischemic necrosis of the soft tissue (musculature) sets in requiring amputation. The remaining segment of the damaged artery is usually resected. In one case, a segment 8 cm. long was removed. Following the termino-terminal anastomosis, the injured extremity was placed in a flexed position whlich alleviated the tension on the sutures. The result of vein autographs are worse than those of the termino-terminal anastomoses. Thrombosis later begins to restrict blood flow through the reconstructed artery, but by this time, adequate collateral circulation has been established. The limb has thus been saved. Heparin is administrated immediately before and during the operation in a dosage of 5000 units per 500 ml. of physiological solution. Postoperatively, it is not used as it acts on the fibrin thrombi, and not on the thrombocyte thrombi which are formed postoperatively in the areas where the tunica intima has been damaged. Heparin is indicated in the prophylaxis of venous thrombosis. In these cases in which the femur was fractured, the question asked is whether to perform the osteosynthesis and anastomosis simultaneously, or to perform the former at a later time. The authors chose both methods for various reasons. Only a few cases permitted the authors to decide which approach would be better. Usually they performed a temporary fixation of the bone with Rusch's Pin, and sutured the artery. Four months later, a compressive osteosynthesis using an L-plate, was performed. In four cases, the Sciatic Nerve was injured, which, according to the circumstances was sutured either immediately, or 3 to 4 weeks later. In 3 patients, good functional results were obtained. Three cases resulted in a contracture of the knee, two of which also had residual Sciatic Paresis. One case resulted in permanent venous stasis (edema of the legs, and two cases results in amputation.", "contents": "[Injuries of the thigh bone with a destruction of the neuro-vascular bundle]. From 1969 to 1971 the authors treated 1360 injured patients, eight of which suffered serious injuries of the thigh; fractured femur complicated by a severed Femoral Popliteal Artery, and lesions of the Sciatic Nerve. Six patients were injured at work, one in an automobile accident, and one was a gunshot victim. In approximately 1000 fractures one is complicated by an injured neurovascular bundle. The clinical picture of such a case is characteristic. The arteriograph is used only to locate the lesion. Reconstruction of the artery must be accomplished some eight to twelve hours following the injury. In all of the authors' cases, this was done one to eight hours following the trauma. After twelve hours, ischemic necrosis of the soft tissue (musculature) sets in requiring amputation. The remaining segment of the damaged artery is usually resected. In one case, a segment 8 cm. long was removed. Following the termino-terminal anastomosis, the injured extremity was placed in a flexed position whlich alleviated the tension on the sutures. The result of vein autographs are worse than those of the termino-terminal anastomoses. Thrombosis later begins to restrict blood flow through the reconstructed artery, but by this time, adequate collateral circulation has been established. The limb has thus been saved. Heparin is administrated immediately before and during the operation in a dosage of 5000 units per 500 ml. of physiological solution. Postoperatively, it is not used as it acts on the fibrin thrombi, and not on the thrombocyte thrombi which are formed postoperatively in the areas where the tunica intima has been damaged. Heparin is indicated in the prophylaxis of venous thrombosis. In these cases in which the femur was fractured, the question asked is whether to perform the osteosynthesis and anastomosis simultaneously, or to perform the former at a later time. The authors chose both methods for various reasons. Only a few cases permitted the authors to decide which approach would be better. Usually they performed a temporary fixation of the bone with Rusch's Pin, and sutured the artery. Four months later, a compressive osteosynthesis using an L-plate, was performed. In four cases, the Sciatic Nerve was injured, which, according to the circumstances was sutured either immediately, or 3 to 4 weeks later. In 3 patients, good functional results were obtained. Three cases resulted in a contracture of the knee, two of which also had residual Sciatic Paresis. One case resulted in permanent venous stasis (edema of the legs, and two cases results in amputation.", "PMID": 998130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6940", "title": "[Aneurysm of the ulnar artery in the hypothenar region].", "content": "This is a discussion of a rare causative aneurism of the Ulnar Artery in the Hypothenar region. Such aneurisms, according to medical literature are very rare: Smith (1963) collected 35 such cases. According to Smith, Ulnar Aneurism can be of the true or false type. The latter occur following penetrating wounds which damage the arterial wall, and consist of extravasated blood contained in a fibrous capsule. Such aneurism can be micotic, or idiopathic in genesis as well. With chronic trauma, a true aneurism with a fusiform expansion of the arterial wall may be formed. Located within the aneurismatic dilatation are flaky thrombi which could totally occlude the lumen. The author discusses his case of a fifty two year-old chemical worker who sustained trauma eight months prior to the hospitalization. Following the injury, the patient felt pain, and a prickly sensation in the fourth and fifth fingers of his right hand. These symptoms become more pronounced and, with the time the third, fourth, and fifth fingers acquired a pale color. The pain radiated up to the axillary region. A small mass was detected in the hypothenar region immediately distal to the wrist joint. Tinnel's sign was positive. Sensitivity of the palmer aspect of the hypothenar region as well as in the ulnar aspect of the fourth and all of the fifth fingers was impaired. The motor funkcion of the above affected areas remained normal. During the operation, an aneurism of the Ulnar Artery was found in the Canal of Guyon which extended to Arcus Palmaris Superficialis. The aneurism was ligated and resected. The histological finding showed that this was a true aneurysm with a progressive organization of thrombi in one part of its wall. The postoperative course was free of complications. Five months following the operation, the patient felt no pain or prickly sensation. The temperature and color of the area under question had returned to normal.", "contents": "[Aneurysm of the ulnar artery in the hypothenar region]. This is a discussion of a rare causative aneurism of the Ulnar Artery in the Hypothenar region. Such aneurisms, according to medical literature are very rare: Smith (1963) collected 35 such cases. According to Smith, Ulnar Aneurism can be of the true or false type. The latter occur following penetrating wounds which damage the arterial wall, and consist of extravasated blood contained in a fibrous capsule. Such aneurism can be micotic, or idiopathic in genesis as well. With chronic trauma, a true aneurism with a fusiform expansion of the arterial wall may be formed. Located within the aneurismatic dilatation are flaky thrombi which could totally occlude the lumen. The author discusses his case of a fifty two year-old chemical worker who sustained trauma eight months prior to the hospitalization. Following the injury, the patient felt pain, and a prickly sensation in the fourth and fifth fingers of his right hand. These symptoms become more pronounced and, with the time the third, fourth, and fifth fingers acquired a pale color. The pain radiated up to the axillary region. A small mass was detected in the hypothenar region immediately distal to the wrist joint. Tinnel's sign was positive. Sensitivity of the palmer aspect of the hypothenar region as well as in the ulnar aspect of the fourth and all of the fifth fingers was impaired. The motor funkcion of the above affected areas remained normal. During the operation, an aneurism of the Ulnar Artery was found in the Canal of Guyon which extended to Arcus Palmaris Superficialis. The aneurism was ligated and resected. The histological finding showed that this was a true aneurysm with a progressive organization of thrombi in one part of its wall. The postoperative course was free of complications. Five months following the operation, the patient felt no pain or prickly sensation. The temperature and color of the area under question had returned to normal.", "PMID": 998131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6941", "title": "[Cytophotometric studies of DNA contents in peripheral blood leukocytes in patients with infectious mononucleosis].", "content": "Cytophotometric determinations of DNA were carried out with a pulse cytophotometer in peripheral blood leucocytes in 25 patients with infectious mononucleosis and 30 patients with other infectious diseases. DNA cytograms of patients with mononucleosis showed presence of a high percent of cells in phase S and G2+M of the cell cycle. This is an evidence of active proliferation of these cells persisting for about 6--8 weeks. The authors believe that pulse cytophotometry may be used for detection and investigation of states with lymphocytes stimulation in vivo, e.g. in certain infectious diseases, during immunotherapy of neoplasms, rejection reaction etc.", "contents": "[Cytophotometric studies of DNA contents in peripheral blood leukocytes in patients with infectious mononucleosis]. Cytophotometric determinations of DNA were carried out with a pulse cytophotometer in peripheral blood leucocytes in 25 patients with infectious mononucleosis and 30 patients with other infectious diseases. DNA cytograms of patients with mononucleosis showed presence of a high percent of cells in phase S and G2+M of the cell cycle. This is an evidence of active proliferation of these cells persisting for about 6--8 weeks. The authors believe that pulse cytophotometry may be used for detection and investigation of states with lymphocytes stimulation in vivo, e.g. in certain infectious diseases, during immunotherapy of neoplasms, rejection reaction etc.", "PMID": 998137} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6942", "title": "[Reduction of impulse duration for saving energy in pacemaker therapy].", "content": "The application of pacemakers with a impulse duration of 0.5 msec depends on the knowledge of the upper limit of the threshold, expressed in terms of current (rheobase). Follow-up studies in patients, where the implantation of the system was performed in two sessions, revealed a rheobase of 3.6 mA as the upper limit with the specified electrode system. Pacemakers with a impulse duration of 0.5 msec primarily offer themselves for the first implantation in connection with low surface electrodes, or for pacemaker replacement.", "contents": "[Reduction of impulse duration for saving energy in pacemaker therapy]. The application of pacemakers with a impulse duration of 0.5 msec depends on the knowledge of the upper limit of the threshold, expressed in terms of current (rheobase). Follow-up studies in patients, where the implantation of the system was performed in two sessions, revealed a rheobase of 3.6 mA as the upper limit with the specified electrode system. Pacemakers with a impulse duration of 0.5 msec primarily offer themselves for the first implantation in connection with low surface electrodes, or for pacemaker replacement.", "PMID": 998144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6943", "title": "[Detection of defects in components of antigen I and its significance in transfusiology].", "content": "The authors present the results of family investigations carried out in a healthy man whose serum contained anti-IDBH alloantibodies. In the erythrocytes of the propositus and one of his brothers defects in ID and IS components were found. At the same time increased expression of IT component was observed in both these men and in their brother. In the erythrocytes of the remaining family members no abnormalities in the components of I complex was found. The authors stress the importance of detection of these defects in the practice of transfusiology in patients with autoimmunohaemolytic anaemia.", "contents": "[Detection of defects in components of antigen I and its significance in transfusiology]. The authors present the results of family investigations carried out in a healthy man whose serum contained anti-IDBH alloantibodies. In the erythrocytes of the propositus and one of his brothers defects in ID and IS components were found. At the same time increased expression of IT component was observed in both these men and in their brother. In the erythrocytes of the remaining family members no abnormalities in the components of I complex was found. The authors stress the importance of detection of these defects in the practice of transfusiology in patients with autoimmunohaemolytic anaemia.", "PMID": 998138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6944", "title": "[Hereditary spherocytosis. Studies of erythrocyte enzymes and fetal hemoglobin before and after splenectomy].", "content": "A case of a hereditary sphaerocytosis with complete controlment is reported. After splenectomy the red blood cell enzymes as well as fetal haemoglobin only slowly normalized. The other parameters rapidly returned to normal.", "contents": "[Hereditary spherocytosis. Studies of erythrocyte enzymes and fetal hemoglobin before and after splenectomy]. A case of a hereditary sphaerocytosis with complete controlment is reported. After splenectomy the red blood cell enzymes as well as fetal haemoglobin only slowly normalized. The other parameters rapidly returned to normal.", "PMID": 998145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6945", "title": "[The use of an artificial kidney in edema therapy].", "content": "An artificial kidney (HFAK 5) was evaluated as an ultrafiltration device and was found to efficiently remove water from fluid-overloaded patients. The fluid removal rate was quantitated on a chronically hemodialyzed patient and an example of clinical application on a patient without renal insufficiency, is reported. It is suggested that ultrafiltration is a helpful method for treating refractory edematous states.", "contents": "[The use of an artificial kidney in edema therapy]. An artificial kidney (HFAK 5) was evaluated as an ultrafiltration device and was found to efficiently remove water from fluid-overloaded patients. The fluid removal rate was quantitated on a chronically hemodialyzed patient and an example of clinical application on a patient without renal insufficiency, is reported. It is suggested that ultrafiltration is a helpful method for treating refractory edematous states.", "PMID": 998146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6946", "title": "[Isolation and some properties of factor VIII (antihemophilic factor)].", "content": "A method for isolation of factor VIII from cryoprecipitate fraction of human plasma has been elaborated. The isolation procedure involves precipitation with dextran, removal of fibrinogen by means of defibrase, precipitation with ammonium sulfate, polyethylene glycol fractionation, and Sepharose 6B gel filtration step. Factor VIII has been purified 7000- to 13,000 -- fold.. The preparation is homogenous by ultracentrifugal examination and it has an S20,w value of 19.4. It also shows a single precipitin line when subjected to immunoelectrophoresis employing rabbit antibodies against factor VIII. The preparation did not enter a 7.5% polyacrylamide gel containing sodium dodecyl sulfate even in the presence of 8 M urea. After reduction of the protein with 2-mercaptoethanol, subunits were formed which migrated as one band in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.", "contents": "[Isolation and some properties of factor VIII (antihemophilic factor)]. A method for isolation of factor VIII from cryoprecipitate fraction of human plasma has been elaborated. The isolation procedure involves precipitation with dextran, removal of fibrinogen by means of defibrase, precipitation with ammonium sulfate, polyethylene glycol fractionation, and Sepharose 6B gel filtration step. Factor VIII has been purified 7000- to 13,000 -- fold.. The preparation is homogenous by ultracentrifugal examination and it has an S20,w value of 19.4. It also shows a single precipitin line when subjected to immunoelectrophoresis employing rabbit antibodies against factor VIII. The preparation did not enter a 7.5% polyacrylamide gel containing sodium dodecyl sulfate even in the presence of 8 M urea. After reduction of the protein with 2-mercaptoethanol, subunits were formed which migrated as one band in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.", "PMID": 998139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6947", "title": "[Prolonged storage of erythrocytes].", "content": "The authors report the results of biochemical investigations of erythrocytes stored for 70 days at 4 degrees C. For regeneration of phosphate substances in the erythrocytes they were subjected to 2-hour incubation at 37 degrees C parellelly in 3 types of rejuvenating fluids (PIGP, PIGPA, PIGPAd). Regeneration was done on the 28th, 42nd, 56th and 70th days and its results were assessed on the basis of determinations of ATP, 2,3-DPG, erythrocyte osmotic resistance index, percent of their recovery and contents of free haemoglobin. These investigations were carried out immediately after incubation and after 48 hours. The best regenerative properties among these fluids had PIGPAd fluid which raised the levels of ATP and 2,3-DPG in erytrocytes up to the 70th day of storage. In the light of these results it seems that the time of erythrocyte storage can be prolonged o 70 days despite ever increasing erythrocyte loss with prolonging storage.", "contents": "[Prolonged storage of erythrocytes]. The authors report the results of biochemical investigations of erythrocytes stored for 70 days at 4 degrees C. For regeneration of phosphate substances in the erythrocytes they were subjected to 2-hour incubation at 37 degrees C parellelly in 3 types of rejuvenating fluids (PIGP, PIGPA, PIGPAd). Regeneration was done on the 28th, 42nd, 56th and 70th days and its results were assessed on the basis of determinations of ATP, 2,3-DPG, erythrocyte osmotic resistance index, percent of their recovery and contents of free haemoglobin. These investigations were carried out immediately after incubation and after 48 hours. The best regenerative properties among these fluids had PIGPAd fluid which raised the levels of ATP and 2,3-DPG in erytrocytes up to the 70th day of storage. In the light of these results it seems that the time of erythrocyte storage can be prolonged o 70 days despite ever increasing erythrocyte loss with prolonging storage.", "PMID": 998140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6948", "title": "Haemodynamic effects of massive doses of hydrocortisone and the interaction with phenoxybenzamine in controlled haemorrhagic shock in the dog.", "content": "Haemorrhagic shock was produced in anaesthetized dogs by bleeding into a blood reservoir system. The blood level of the reservoir was adjusted at a level above the heart, corresponding to a mean arterial blood pressure of 6.7 kPa (50 mm Hg). The dogs were treated with hydrocortisone and the adrenergic alpha-receptor blocking agent phenoxybenzamine during the hypotension period. Hydrocortisone (80-160 mg kg-1) was found to induce vasodilation, which, however, was of a very small magnitude and was of short duration. Phenoxybenzamine given after hydrocortisone caused very pronounced vasodilation. Hydrocortisone (80 mg kg-1) given after phenoxybenzamine also showed a vasodilator activity, which seemed to be greater than that of the same dose of hydrocortisone given alone. Thus, the vasodilator action of hydrocortisone does not seem to be due to an alpha-receptor blockade of the drug. The vasodilator action of phenoxybenzamine given after hydrocortisone was greater than that of even higher doses of the drug given alone. From the present findings and the fact that corticosteroids are known to potentiate the sympathomimetic action of catecholamines, it is suggested that the hydrocortisone-induced potentiation of the vasodilation action of phenoxybenzamine found is related to an increased vascular adrenergic beta-receptor tone.", "contents": "Haemodynamic effects of massive doses of hydrocortisone and the interaction with phenoxybenzamine in controlled haemorrhagic shock in the dog. Haemorrhagic shock was produced in anaesthetized dogs by bleeding into a blood reservoir system. The blood level of the reservoir was adjusted at a level above the heart, corresponding to a mean arterial blood pressure of 6.7 kPa (50 mm Hg). The dogs were treated with hydrocortisone and the adrenergic alpha-receptor blocking agent phenoxybenzamine during the hypotension period. Hydrocortisone (80-160 mg kg-1) was found to induce vasodilation, which, however, was of a very small magnitude and was of short duration. Phenoxybenzamine given after hydrocortisone caused very pronounced vasodilation. Hydrocortisone (80 mg kg-1) given after phenoxybenzamine also showed a vasodilator activity, which seemed to be greater than that of the same dose of hydrocortisone given alone. Thus, the vasodilator action of hydrocortisone does not seem to be due to an alpha-receptor blockade of the drug. The vasodilator action of phenoxybenzamine given after hydrocortisone was greater than that of even higher doses of the drug given alone. From the present findings and the fact that corticosteroids are known to potentiate the sympathomimetic action of catecholamines, it is suggested that the hydrocortisone-induced potentiation of the vasodilation action of phenoxybenzamine found is related to an increased vascular adrenergic beta-receptor tone.", "PMID": 998147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6949", "title": "[Tardyferon-depot in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia].", "content": "Tardyferon was administered to 51 patients with iron deficiency anaemia. The drug was very well tolerated and even after administration to fasting patients it was tolerated well by 92% of patients. The iron absorption curve was on the average twice as high after 1 hour and increased up to 3 hours. A significant therapeutic effect with raised haemoglobin level by 10--27% was obtained after 4--6 weeks of treatment in 44 patients (86%). In the remaining cases the improvement was less pronounced.", "contents": "[Tardyferon-depot in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia]. Tardyferon was administered to 51 patients with iron deficiency anaemia. The drug was very well tolerated and even after administration to fasting patients it was tolerated well by 92% of patients. The iron absorption curve was on the average twice as high after 1 hour and increased up to 3 hours. A significant therapeutic effect with raised haemoglobin level by 10--27% was obtained after 4--6 weeks of treatment in 44 patients (86%). In the remaining cases the improvement was less pronounced.", "PMID": 998142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6950", "title": "Arrhythmias during halothane anesthesia I: The influence of atropine during induction with intubation.", "content": "The changes in cardiac rhythm which occurred during induction of halothane-N2O/O2 anesthesia with thiopenthal and one single dose of suxamethonium for intubation were studied in two groups of patients, one (at random) of which was given atropine intravenously 0.1 mg/10 kg 2 min before induction.", "contents": "Arrhythmias during halothane anesthesia I: The influence of atropine during induction with intubation. The changes in cardiac rhythm which occurred during induction of halothane-N2O/O2 anesthesia with thiopenthal and one single dose of suxamethonium for intubation were studied in two groups of patients, one (at random) of which was given atropine intravenously 0.1 mg/10 kg 2 min before induction.", "PMID": 998148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6951", "title": "The flow requirement in a non-polluting Mapleson C circuit.", "content": "Capnography and measurement of the respiratory minute volume were carried out on normal, conscious subjects during breathing of pure O2 via a Mapleson C modification of a Magill attachment, with and without continuous gas evacuation. The measurements were performed in two series, with intermittent discharge and with continuous evacuation. Rebreathing was calculated in relation to the test subject's basal respiratory minute volume, measured at the commencement of the test. The measurements indicated CO2 accumulation at a flow below 200% of the respiratory minute volume. There was no significant difference between the systems with and without evacuation.", "contents": "The flow requirement in a non-polluting Mapleson C circuit. Capnography and measurement of the respiratory minute volume were carried out on normal, conscious subjects during breathing of pure O2 via a Mapleson C modification of a Magill attachment, with and without continuous gas evacuation. The measurements were performed in two series, with intermittent discharge and with continuous evacuation. Rebreathing was calculated in relation to the test subject's basal respiratory minute volume, measured at the commencement of the test. The measurements indicated CO2 accumulation at a flow below 200% of the respiratory minute volume. There was no significant difference between the systems with and without evacuation.", "PMID": 998149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6952", "title": "[Cytochemical studies of primary granules in rat neutrophils: an electron microscope study].", "content": "Cytochemical investigations were carried out on primary granules in neutrophils in rats. For this purpose reaction for acid phosphatase and then using the same preparations of bone marrow peroxidase activity was determined. Peroxidase activity was demonstrated in all granules of first order (primary), but only in a part of them the activity of acid phosphatase was present. These granules are, most probably, lysosomes containing peroxidases apart from hydrolases.", "contents": "[Cytochemical studies of primary granules in rat neutrophils: an electron microscope study]. Cytochemical investigations were carried out on primary granules in neutrophils in rats. For this purpose reaction for acid phosphatase and then using the same preparations of bone marrow peroxidase activity was determined. Peroxidase activity was demonstrated in all granules of first order (primary), but only in a part of them the activity of acid phosphatase was present. These granules are, most probably, lysosomes containing peroxidases apart from hydrolases.", "PMID": 998141} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6953", "title": "Left ventricular ejection and the Heather Index measured by non-invasive methods during postural changes in man.", "content": "Differences have been found, which are usually 1% or less, between the left ventricular ejection time measured from the external carotid pulse tracing, and from the rate of change of thoracic impedance (dZ/dt) waveform, using either the second heart sound or the X-point of the dZ/dt tracing as the end-point. The Heather Index obtained from the ECG and dZ/dt tracings has been correlated with other indices of cardiac performance. The changes observed in the physiological variables during head-up and head-down tilting were in the expected directions.", "contents": "Left ventricular ejection and the Heather Index measured by non-invasive methods during postural changes in man. Differences have been found, which are usually 1% or less, between the left ventricular ejection time measured from the external carotid pulse tracing, and from the rate of change of thoracic impedance (dZ/dt) waveform, using either the second heart sound or the X-point of the dZ/dt tracing as the end-point. The Heather Index obtained from the ECG and dZ/dt tracings has been correlated with other indices of cardiac performance. The changes observed in the physiological variables during head-up and head-down tilting were in the expected directions.", "PMID": 998150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6954", "title": "Pressure and volume changes in tracheal tube cuffs during anaesthesia.", "content": "Recently, it has been observed that, when a patient is breathing a nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture and the cuff of the tracheal tube is filled with air, nitrous oxide may diffuse into the cuff and thereby cause an increase in volume and pressure. In the present investigation, different gas mixtures were used to fill the cuff, and repeated measurements of pressure, and occasionally of volume, were made during anaesthesia. Both large-volume and small-volume cuffs were studied. A considerable increase in volume and pressure took place in both types of cuffs. The changes were directly proportional to time for the first few hours. If the cuff was inflated with nitrous oxide-oxygen, no pressure increase occurred, and this was also true for the air-filled cuff if halothane anaesthesia was given.", "contents": "Pressure and volume changes in tracheal tube cuffs during anaesthesia. Recently, it has been observed that, when a patient is breathing a nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture and the cuff of the tracheal tube is filled with air, nitrous oxide may diffuse into the cuff and thereby cause an increase in volume and pressure. In the present investigation, different gas mixtures were used to fill the cuff, and repeated measurements of pressure, and occasionally of volume, were made during anaesthesia. Both large-volume and small-volume cuffs were studied. A considerable increase in volume and pressure took place in both types of cuffs. The changes were directly proportional to time for the first few hours. If the cuff was inflated with nitrous oxide-oxygen, no pressure increase occurred, and this was also true for the air-filled cuff if halothane anaesthesia was given.", "PMID": 998151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6955", "title": "Effects of halothane on the metabolism of human adipose tissue.", "content": "The metabolism of specimens of human adipose tissue exposed to different concentrations of halothane was studied. Halothane was added to the incubation medium directly or via the gas phase above the medium. The basal lipolysis was significantly increased by low concentrations of halothane. Higher concentrations clearly diminished the lipolysis, but here, in spite of the inhibitory effect on the basal lipolysis, the lipolytic effect of noradrenaline expressed as percent increment was increased. The rate of lipid synthesis from glucose was reduced when halothane was present in the gas phase. The effect of insulin on glucose metabolism was not affected by the presence of halothane, while the antilipolytic action was abolished by high concentrations of halothane. The results show that halothane may exert dual effects on the mobilization of lipids from human adipose tissue; at low concentrations halothane enhances the basal lipolysis, while at higher concentrations it exerts inhibitory effects.", "contents": "Effects of halothane on the metabolism of human adipose tissue. The metabolism of specimens of human adipose tissue exposed to different concentrations of halothane was studied. Halothane was added to the incubation medium directly or via the gas phase above the medium. The basal lipolysis was significantly increased by low concentrations of halothane. Higher concentrations clearly diminished the lipolysis, but here, in spite of the inhibitory effect on the basal lipolysis, the lipolytic effect of noradrenaline expressed as percent increment was increased. The rate of lipid synthesis from glucose was reduced when halothane was present in the gas phase. The effect of insulin on glucose metabolism was not affected by the presence of halothane, while the antilipolytic action was abolished by high concentrations of halothane. The results show that halothane may exert dual effects on the mobilization of lipids from human adipose tissue; at low concentrations halothane enhances the basal lipolysis, while at higher concentrations it exerts inhibitory effects.", "PMID": 998152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6956", "title": "Studies on pulmonary function in patients during respiratory treatment. Diagnostic and prognostic evaluations.", "content": "Twenty-nine patients, divided into three groups: 1) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; 2) acute or chronic pulmonary disease with left heart failure; 3) respiratory insufficiency after peritonitis, pancreatitis, and/or sepsis, were studied during respirator treatment with regard to gas exchange, breathing mechanics and central circulation. The dead space ventilation was somewhat greater in group 1 than in the other groups. The alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference was least in group 1, greater in group 2 and extremely high in group 3. Neither dynamic compliance of the thorax nor inspiratory resistance showed any significant differences between the groups. The cardiac output had the highest values in group 3. The venous admixture was generally small in group 1 and extremely large in group 3. The pulmonary artery pressures were highest in group 2. Three variables proved to be valuable when assessing the prognosis of a patient: a large venous admixture; a large alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference, and a high pulmonary artery pressure indicated a less favourable prognosis.", "contents": "Studies on pulmonary function in patients during respiratory treatment. Diagnostic and prognostic evaluations. Twenty-nine patients, divided into three groups: 1) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; 2) acute or chronic pulmonary disease with left heart failure; 3) respiratory insufficiency after peritonitis, pancreatitis, and/or sepsis, were studied during respirator treatment with regard to gas exchange, breathing mechanics and central circulation. The dead space ventilation was somewhat greater in group 1 than in the other groups. The alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference was least in group 1, greater in group 2 and extremely high in group 3. Neither dynamic compliance of the thorax nor inspiratory resistance showed any significant differences between the groups. The cardiac output had the highest values in group 3. The venous admixture was generally small in group 1 and extremely large in group 3. The pulmonary artery pressures were highest in group 2. Three variables proved to be valuable when assessing the prognosis of a patient: a large venous admixture; a large alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference, and a high pulmonary artery pressure indicated a less favourable prognosis.", "PMID": 998153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6957", "title": "Supraphysiological glucocorticoid treatment in hypoxic stress in dogs.", "content": "Effects of supraphysiologic methylprednisolone succinate doses on systolic time intervals, hemodynamic performance, and metabolism were studied in normal dogs during normoxia, after 60 min of normocapnic hypoxemia (PAO2 = 30 mm Hg), and reoxygenation. Bolus injections of 30 or 100 mg/kg methylprednisolone did not exert any positive inotropic action during normoxia. Cardiovascular and metabolic changes induced by hypoxia were modified only to a modest and statistically insignificant degree by sustained high levels of methylprednisolone.", "contents": "Supraphysiological glucocorticoid treatment in hypoxic stress in dogs. Effects of supraphysiologic methylprednisolone succinate doses on systolic time intervals, hemodynamic performance, and metabolism were studied in normal dogs during normoxia, after 60 min of normocapnic hypoxemia (PAO2 = 30 mm Hg), and reoxygenation. Bolus injections of 30 or 100 mg/kg methylprednisolone did not exert any positive inotropic action during normoxia. Cardiovascular and metabolic changes induced by hypoxia were modified only to a modest and statistically insignificant degree by sustained high levels of methylprednisolone.", "PMID": 998154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6958", "title": "Inadvertent abducens nerve block during therapeutic trigeminal nerve block. A case report.", "content": "A case is presented where reversible abducens nerve block accompanied second and third division trigeminal block with bupivacaine on two occasions. Intraorbital injection through the inferior orbital fissure most likely took place. Careful poistioning of the needle and limitation of the drug volume is mandatory for therapeutic trigeminal nerve blocks with neurolytic solutions.", "contents": "Inadvertent abducens nerve block during therapeutic trigeminal nerve block. A case report. A case is presented where reversible abducens nerve block accompanied second and third division trigeminal block with bupivacaine on two occasions. Intraorbital injection through the inferior orbital fissure most likely took place. Careful poistioning of the needle and limitation of the drug volume is mandatory for therapeutic trigeminal nerve blocks with neurolytic solutions.", "PMID": 998155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6959", "title": "Uptake of bupivacaine (Marcaine) in liver and lung after intramuscular administration in the dog.", "content": "The uptake of bupivacaine in the liver and lung of the dog was studied 10,20,30 and 60 min after intramuscular injection of the drug. It was possible to quantify this uptake by combining measurements of concentrations and flows. The administration of bupivacaine (0.75 mg/kg b.w.) did not result in any significant circulatory changes. Arterial bupivacaine concentrations showed major variations, indicating interindividual differences in absorption rate. Lung uptake after 10 min was high in two dogs with initially high blood concentrations of bupivacaine, but low after 20 min or longer. The other dogs showed little or no uptake. Mean hepatic bupivacaine uptake was about 50% of the total dose during the first hour after injection, this indicates the central role of the liver in eliminating bupivacaine even during the initial period following administration. The hepatic extraction ratio showed interindividual variations, but the mean value of about 55% was constant throughout the observation period. This is in agreement with earlier findings indicating a first-order elimination of bupivacaine.", "contents": "Uptake of bupivacaine (Marcaine) in liver and lung after intramuscular administration in the dog. The uptake of bupivacaine in the liver and lung of the dog was studied 10,20,30 and 60 min after intramuscular injection of the drug. It was possible to quantify this uptake by combining measurements of concentrations and flows. The administration of bupivacaine (0.75 mg/kg b.w.) did not result in any significant circulatory changes. Arterial bupivacaine concentrations showed major variations, indicating interindividual differences in absorption rate. Lung uptake after 10 min was high in two dogs with initially high blood concentrations of bupivacaine, but low after 20 min or longer. The other dogs showed little or no uptake. Mean hepatic bupivacaine uptake was about 50% of the total dose during the first hour after injection, this indicates the central role of the liver in eliminating bupivacaine even during the initial period following administration. The hepatic extraction ratio showed interindividual variations, but the mean value of about 55% was constant throughout the observation period. This is in agreement with earlier findings indicating a first-order elimination of bupivacaine.", "PMID": 998156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6960", "title": "Respiratory depressant action of tilidine during N2O + O2 anaesthesia.", "content": "The respiratory depressant actions of pethidine and tilidine during anaesthesia were compared in 18 surgical patients anaesthetized with N2O + O2 after thiopental induction. Five minutes after thiopental, 0.5 mg/kg pethidine or 1.5 mg/kg tilidine were each given intravenously to six patients, the remaining six patients serving as controls. Minute ventilation, respiratory rate, end-tidal CO2 and PCO2 from arterialized venous blood were measured up to 30 min. Pethidine caused the following maximal changes: V -0.98 +/- 0.24 (s.e. mean) 1/min, rate -5.5 +/- 0.7/min, CO2ET + 0.7 +/- 0.1 vol % and PCO2 + 5.7 +/- 1.1 mm Hg. These changes occurred within 10 min of the injection.", "contents": "Respiratory depressant action of tilidine during N2O + O2 anaesthesia. The respiratory depressant actions of pethidine and tilidine during anaesthesia were compared in 18 surgical patients anaesthetized with N2O + O2 after thiopental induction. Five minutes after thiopental, 0.5 mg/kg pethidine or 1.5 mg/kg tilidine were each given intravenously to six patients, the remaining six patients serving as controls. Minute ventilation, respiratory rate, end-tidal CO2 and PCO2 from arterialized venous blood were measured up to 30 min. Pethidine caused the following maximal changes: V -0.98 +/- 0.24 (s.e. mean) 1/min, rate -5.5 +/- 0.7/min, CO2ET + 0.7 +/- 0.1 vol % and PCO2 + 5.7 +/- 1.1 mm Hg. These changes occurred within 10 min of the injection.", "PMID": 998157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6961", "title": "Restoration of oxygen uptake and blood flow in the rat cerebral cortex after halothane anaesthesia.", "content": "Halothane decreases both the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2) when given in anaesthetic doses. A recent report (GJEDDE & HINDFELT 1975) suggests that when halothane is administered to rats for 1 hour, CBF and CMRO2 are depressed by about 30 and 40%, respectively, for as long as 4 hours after discontinuation of the halothane anaesthesia. In the present study rats were anaesthetized with 1% halothane for 1 hour, and CBF and CMRO2 were measured at the end of a 30 min recovery period, during which 70% N2O was administered. Comparison with animals maintained on 70% N2O throughout the entire 90 min period showed that previous halothane anaesthesia had no effects on CBF or CMRO2.", "contents": "Restoration of oxygen uptake and blood flow in the rat cerebral cortex after halothane anaesthesia. Halothane decreases both the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2) when given in anaesthetic doses. A recent report (GJEDDE & HINDFELT 1975) suggests that when halothane is administered to rats for 1 hour, CBF and CMRO2 are depressed by about 30 and 40%, respectively, for as long as 4 hours after discontinuation of the halothane anaesthesia. In the present study rats were anaesthetized with 1% halothane for 1 hour, and CBF and CMRO2 were measured at the end of a 30 min recovery period, during which 70% N2O was administered. Comparison with animals maintained on 70% N2O throughout the entire 90 min period showed that previous halothane anaesthesia had no effects on CBF or CMRO2.", "PMID": 998158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6962", "title": "The dumping valve and its clinical application.", "content": "An open reservoir for the collection and evacuation of anaesthetic gases permits leakage to room air. The use of a closed reservior for the removal of overspill gas from anaesthetic circuits is described. Calibrated gas evacuation is carried out through an ejector flowmeter from the anesthetic circuit or from a closed reservoir, where the gas is collected via a relief valve. In order to eliminate the risk of high or low pressure in the reservoir employed, a relief valve and a dumping valve is included in the system.", "contents": "The dumping valve and its clinical application. An open reservoir for the collection and evacuation of anaesthetic gases permits leakage to room air. The use of a closed reservior for the removal of overspill gas from anaesthetic circuits is described. Calibrated gas evacuation is carried out through an ejector flowmeter from the anesthetic circuit or from a closed reservoir, where the gas is collected via a relief valve. In order to eliminate the risk of high or low pressure in the reservoir employed, a relief valve and a dumping valve is included in the system.", "PMID": 998160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6963", "title": "The haemodynamic effects of adrenergic receptor blockade or stimulation druing nitrous oxide anaesthesia in dogs.", "content": "The effects of ventilation with normoxic and hyperoxic nitrous oxide on systemic, pulmonary and coronary haemodynamics before and after adrenergic receptor blockade or stimulation were investigated in 15 dogs. To evaluate a blocking or stimulating effect of nitrous oxide on the alpha-adrenergic receptors, the animals were given phenoxybenzamine or noradrenaline, respectively. The effects of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade or stimulation were studied after injection of propranolol or isoproterenol, respectively. The experiments showed that in spite of the lack of alpha-receptor blocking properties and despite the tendency to produce beta-receptor blockade, nitrous oxide induced vasodilation. The findings of the present study, together with the increase in cardiac output and peripheral vasodilation, suggest that the cardiovascular effects of nitrous oxide are extra-adrenergic.", "contents": "The haemodynamic effects of adrenergic receptor blockade or stimulation druing nitrous oxide anaesthesia in dogs. The effects of ventilation with normoxic and hyperoxic nitrous oxide on systemic, pulmonary and coronary haemodynamics before and after adrenergic receptor blockade or stimulation were investigated in 15 dogs. To evaluate a blocking or stimulating effect of nitrous oxide on the alpha-adrenergic receptors, the animals were given phenoxybenzamine or noradrenaline, respectively. The effects of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade or stimulation were studied after injection of propranolol or isoproterenol, respectively. The experiments showed that in spite of the lack of alpha-receptor blocking properties and despite the tendency to produce beta-receptor blockade, nitrous oxide induced vasodilation. The findings of the present study, together with the increase in cardiac output and peripheral vasodilation, suggest that the cardiovascular effects of nitrous oxide are extra-adrenergic.", "PMID": 998161} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6964", "title": "The haemodynamic effects of nitrous oxide anaesthesia on myocardial blood flow in dogs.", "content": "The effects of ventilation with nitrous oxide in oxygen on myocardial blood flow any oxygen metabolism were investigated in 31 mongrel dogs. The results of this study showed that, compared with controls, hyperoxic nitrous oxide mixtures did not cause any great changes in myocardial haemodynamics, despite a decrease in cardiac output and an increase in systemic vascular resistance. Normoxic nitrous oxide mixtures produced an increase of the coronary blood flow due to decreased coronary vascular resistance. To what extent this coronary vasodilatation resulted from a increased myocardial metabolism or from a direct effect of nitrous oxide on the coronary vascular bed cannot be quantified from the present results.", "contents": "The haemodynamic effects of nitrous oxide anaesthesia on myocardial blood flow in dogs. The effects of ventilation with nitrous oxide in oxygen on myocardial blood flow any oxygen metabolism were investigated in 31 mongrel dogs. The results of this study showed that, compared with controls, hyperoxic nitrous oxide mixtures did not cause any great changes in myocardial haemodynamics, despite a decrease in cardiac output and an increase in systemic vascular resistance. Normoxic nitrous oxide mixtures produced an increase of the coronary blood flow due to decreased coronary vascular resistance. To what extent this coronary vasodilatation resulted from a increased myocardial metabolism or from a direct effect of nitrous oxide on the coronary vascular bed cannot be quantified from the present results.", "PMID": 998162} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6965", "title": "The haemodynamic effects of nitrous oxide anaesthesia on systemic and pulmonary circulation in dogs.", "content": "The haemodynamic effects of nitrous oxide in normoxia (20% oxygen) and in hyperoxia (50% oxygen) were investigated in 13 dogs. Nitrous oxide in hyperoxia caused a significant rise in total peripheral resistance and a significant decrease in cardiac output, heart rate, myocardial contractility (dP/dt max) and cardiac work. On the other hand, nitrous oxide in normoxia seemed to reverse these findings and did not exert negative inotropic effects on the myocardium. The results indicate that the earlier reported sympathetic activation of the circulation may be related to hyperoxia and not to nitrous oxide as such.", "contents": "The haemodynamic effects of nitrous oxide anaesthesia on systemic and pulmonary circulation in dogs. The haemodynamic effects of nitrous oxide in normoxia (20% oxygen) and in hyperoxia (50% oxygen) were investigated in 13 dogs. Nitrous oxide in hyperoxia caused a significant rise in total peripheral resistance and a significant decrease in cardiac output, heart rate, myocardial contractility (dP/dt max) and cardiac work. On the other hand, nitrous oxide in normoxia seemed to reverse these findings and did not exert negative inotropic effects on the myocardium. The results indicate that the earlier reported sympathetic activation of the circulation may be related to hyperoxia and not to nitrous oxide as such.", "PMID": 998163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6966", "title": "Temporal lobe epilepsy and neuropathology. Histological findings in resected temporal lobes correlated to surgical results and clinical aspects.", "content": "Neuropathological findings were studied in 74 patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy who underwent unilateral temporal lobe resection in 1960-1969 in Denmark. In 60 per cent of the patients a well-defined neuropathological abnormality was revealed (i.e. 13 cases of focal lesions, including four small tumours, 21 cases of gliosis, and 10 cases of perivascular infiltration), in 23 per cent the findings were either questionably abnormal or without structural abnormality, while in the last 18 per cent sequelae of a previous operation dominated the histology. The general trend was for the postoperative clinical outcome to be better, the more specific and circumscribed the histological abnormality. There was no correlation between the neuropathological findings and the preoperative types of seizures. Postoperative recurrence of seizures was more often observed in patients with gliosis than in those with other histological diagnoses. A positive correlation existed between a history of cerebral infection and the presence of perivascular lymphocytic and histiocytic infiltration, and gliosis was a frequent finding in patients with epilepsy of unknown aetiology. No other significant correlation was found between the neuropathological abnormalities and the clinical, hereditary, aetiological, and social aspects.", "contents": "Temporal lobe epilepsy and neuropathology. Histological findings in resected temporal lobes correlated to surgical results and clinical aspects. Neuropathological findings were studied in 74 patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy who underwent unilateral temporal lobe resection in 1960-1969 in Denmark. In 60 per cent of the patients a well-defined neuropathological abnormality was revealed (i.e. 13 cases of focal lesions, including four small tumours, 21 cases of gliosis, and 10 cases of perivascular infiltration), in 23 per cent the findings were either questionably abnormal or without structural abnormality, while in the last 18 per cent sequelae of a previous operation dominated the histology. The general trend was for the postoperative clinical outcome to be better, the more specific and circumscribed the histological abnormality. There was no correlation between the neuropathological findings and the preoperative types of seizures. Postoperative recurrence of seizures was more often observed in patients with gliosis than in those with other histological diagnoses. A positive correlation existed between a history of cerebral infection and the presence of perivascular lymphocytic and histiocytic infiltration, and gliosis was a frequent finding in patients with epilepsy of unknown aetiology. No other significant correlation was found between the neuropathological abnormalities and the clinical, hereditary, aetiological, and social aspects.", "PMID": 998164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6967", "title": "Neurological disorders and detrusor hyperreflexia.", "content": "In 152 consecutively selected patients with detrusor hyperreflexia (DH) 96 (63 per cent) had neurological disorders. Thirty-two patients did not show any primary neurological or urological cause for DH. This group was chosen to elucidate the evaluation of possible neurological symptoms in relation to the urological symptomatology. Nine had died and one failed to appear to the neurological examination. Twelve (63 per cent) of the 22 examined patients showed signs of lesions in different parts of the central nervous system, particularly cerebrovascular diseases and myeloneuropathy. Six had had neurological symptoms for years. In two the urological symptoms were first to appear. In the group with no neurological complaints the urological symptoms had existed for 2-30 years. No essential difference was found in the degree of voiding disturbance whether or not neurological signs were disclosed. It is concluded that the discovery of DH should be followed by a neurological examination to disclose further signs of lesions in CNS. Likewise, an extended urological examination with demonstration of DH might help in the evaluation of an obscure neurological disease.", "contents": "Neurological disorders and detrusor hyperreflexia. In 152 consecutively selected patients with detrusor hyperreflexia (DH) 96 (63 per cent) had neurological disorders. Thirty-two patients did not show any primary neurological or urological cause for DH. This group was chosen to elucidate the evaluation of possible neurological symptoms in relation to the urological symptomatology. Nine had died and one failed to appear to the neurological examination. Twelve (63 per cent) of the 22 examined patients showed signs of lesions in different parts of the central nervous system, particularly cerebrovascular diseases and myeloneuropathy. Six had had neurological symptoms for years. In two the urological symptoms were first to appear. In the group with no neurological complaints the urological symptoms had existed for 2-30 years. No essential difference was found in the degree of voiding disturbance whether or not neurological signs were disclosed. It is concluded that the discovery of DH should be followed by a neurological examination to disclose further signs of lesions in CNS. Likewise, an extended urological examination with demonstration of DH might help in the evaluation of an obscure neurological disease.", "PMID": 998165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6968", "title": "Changes in serum immunoglobulin levels during phenytoin treatment of epilepsy.", "content": "Immunoglubulin concentrations were determined by radial immunodiffusion in sera from 15 epileptic patients before and during phenytoin therapy. Three reaction patterns were recorded: Two patients developed IgA deficiency (less than 0.05 mg/ml) during the first 3-4 months of treatment. Both patients also had a decrease in serum IgG and IgM, but no significant fall or increase in serum IgE. The IgA deficiency state was apparently reversible, since normalization of serum levels occurred after withdrawal of phenytoin. Five patients developed a 35-80 per cent reduction in serum IgA. In these patients, the decline in serum levels of IgG and IgM was inconsistent. Eight patients showed no significant fluctuations in serum immunoglobulins during phenytoin treatment. When a fall in serum IgA occurred, it did not correspond to a fall in serum or in red cell folate. Mean serum IgG was lower (9.37 mg/ml) in epileptic patients who had taken phenytoin for less than 1 year and had a low IgA, than in patients who had taken phenytoin for 10 years or more (11.50 mg/ml).", "contents": "Changes in serum immunoglobulin levels during phenytoin treatment of epilepsy. Immunoglubulin concentrations were determined by radial immunodiffusion in sera from 15 epileptic patients before and during phenytoin therapy. Three reaction patterns were recorded: Two patients developed IgA deficiency (less than 0.05 mg/ml) during the first 3-4 months of treatment. Both patients also had a decrease in serum IgG and IgM, but no significant fall or increase in serum IgE. The IgA deficiency state was apparently reversible, since normalization of serum levels occurred after withdrawal of phenytoin. Five patients developed a 35-80 per cent reduction in serum IgA. In these patients, the decline in serum levels of IgG and IgM was inconsistent. Eight patients showed no significant fluctuations in serum immunoglobulins during phenytoin treatment. When a fall in serum IgA occurred, it did not correspond to a fall in serum or in red cell folate. Mean serum IgG was lower (9.37 mg/ml) in epileptic patients who had taken phenytoin for less than 1 year and had a low IgA, than in patients who had taken phenytoin for 10 years or more (11.50 mg/ml).", "PMID": 998166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6969", "title": "Dementia in Parkinson's disease.", "content": "The occurrence of dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease was studied in a Parkinsonian population consisting of all traceable patients residing in a defined area. The prevalence of dementia was found to be 29 per cent in 444 patients studied. The frequency of dementia increased with advancing age and the patients showing signs of clinical arteriosclerosis were more often demented than the patients without arteriosclerosis. There was, however, an evident association between the stage of the disease and the frequency of dementia. The most severely disabled patients displayed dementia more often than the mildly affected, both among the patients with and without arteriosclerosis. The demented patients showed significantly more severe rigidity and hypokinesia when compared with the non-demented. Increasing severity of rigidity and hypolinesia, in particular was found to have a positive correlation with the degree of dementia. The association between dementia and the degree of motor involvement is considered to suggest the role of subcortical structures in the patholophysiology of dementia in Parkinson's disease.", "contents": "Dementia in Parkinson's disease. The occurrence of dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease was studied in a Parkinsonian population consisting of all traceable patients residing in a defined area. The prevalence of dementia was found to be 29 per cent in 444 patients studied. The frequency of dementia increased with advancing age and the patients showing signs of clinical arteriosclerosis were more often demented than the patients without arteriosclerosis. There was, however, an evident association between the stage of the disease and the frequency of dementia. The most severely disabled patients displayed dementia more often than the mildly affected, both among the patients with and without arteriosclerosis. The demented patients showed significantly more severe rigidity and hypokinesia when compared with the non-demented. Increasing severity of rigidity and hypolinesia, in particular was found to have a positive correlation with the degree of dementia. The association between dementia and the degree of motor involvement is considered to suggest the role of subcortical structures in the patholophysiology of dementia in Parkinson's disease.", "PMID": 998167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6970", "title": "Detection of carriers and genetic counseling in duchenne muscular dystrophy by ribosomal protein synthesis.", "content": "The in vitro protein synthesis by polyribosomes extracted from biopsied muscle (vastus lateralis) was studied in 47 known carriers, 87 possible carriers and in 60 normal females. A significant increase in specific activity of monomeric ribosomes, total polyribosomes and collagen synthesis was found in 46 (97.8 per cent) known carriers and 47 (54 per cent) possible carriers of Duchenne muscular dytrophy. The latter showed an increase in ribosomal protein synthesis in 10 (52.6 per cent) of 19 mothers of isolated cases, 31 (53.3 per cent) of 58 sisters, and 6 (60 per cent) of other female relatives. Serum creatine phosphokinase was increased in 30 (63.8 per cent) of 47 known carriers.", "contents": "Detection of carriers and genetic counseling in duchenne muscular dystrophy by ribosomal protein synthesis. The in vitro protein synthesis by polyribosomes extracted from biopsied muscle (vastus lateralis) was studied in 47 known carriers, 87 possible carriers and in 60 normal females. A significant increase in specific activity of monomeric ribosomes, total polyribosomes and collagen synthesis was found in 46 (97.8 per cent) known carriers and 47 (54 per cent) possible carriers of Duchenne muscular dytrophy. The latter showed an increase in ribosomal protein synthesis in 10 (52.6 per cent) of 19 mothers of isolated cases, 31 (53.3 per cent) of 58 sisters, and 6 (60 per cent) of other female relatives. Serum creatine phosphokinase was increased in 30 (63.8 per cent) of 47 known carriers.", "PMID": 998168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6971", "title": "The grasp reflex of the foot and related phenomena in the absence of other reflex abnormalities following cerebral commissurotomy.", "content": "The grasp reflex of the foot and related pheonomena were examined in six subjects with no abnormalities of deep tendon or plantar (and related) reflexes 6 to 10 years after cerebral comissurotomy. In all subjects they were more marked on the same side as the more damaged hemisphere. These tonic phenomena seem to be facillitated by sitting and standing postures. Practical and theoretical implications of the tonic foot responses in the absence of similar phenomena of the hand are discussed.", "contents": "The grasp reflex of the foot and related phenomena in the absence of other reflex abnormalities following cerebral commissurotomy. The grasp reflex of the foot and related pheonomena were examined in six subjects with no abnormalities of deep tendon or plantar (and related) reflexes 6 to 10 years after cerebral comissurotomy. In all subjects they were more marked on the same side as the more damaged hemisphere. These tonic phenomena seem to be facillitated by sitting and standing postures. Practical and theoretical implications of the tonic foot responses in the absence of similar phenomena of the hand are discussed.", "PMID": 998169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6972", "title": "Ceruloplasmin and copper level in maternal and cord blood and in the placenta in normal pregnancy and in pre-eclampsia.", "content": "Copper and ceruloplasmin were assayed in maternal and cord blood sera and in the placenta of 10 women with normal pregnancies, in 10 patients mild and 10 with severe pre-eclampsia. Copper and ceruloplasmin levels were significantly elevated in the maternal blood of pre-eclamptic patients as compared with normal pregnant women. The placental and cord blood concentrations of copper and ceruloplasmin showed non-significant changes, which indicates that their increase in the maternal blood is not of placental origin.", "contents": "Ceruloplasmin and copper level in maternal and cord blood and in the placenta in normal pregnancy and in pre-eclampsia. Copper and ceruloplasmin were assayed in maternal and cord blood sera and in the placenta of 10 women with normal pregnancies, in 10 patients mild and 10 with severe pre-eclampsia. Copper and ceruloplasmin levels were significantly elevated in the maternal blood of pre-eclamptic patients as compared with normal pregnant women. The placental and cord blood concentrations of copper and ceruloplasmin showed non-significant changes, which indicates that their increase in the maternal blood is not of placental origin.", "PMID": 998171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6973", "title": "Histamine metabolism and female sex hormones in women.", "content": "Oral combined contraceptives did not seem to alter histamine metabolism in females. During treatment with gonadotrophic hormones in four amenorrhoeic patients there was a tendency towards increasing excretion of methylhistamine (MeHi) followed by a sudden decrease corresponding to changes in the urinary estrogen. The excretion of methylimidazoleacetic acid (MeImAA) seemed to parallel that of MeHi. The findings support the hypothesis that an endogenous surge of estrogen may influence histamine turnover in women. Women of post-menopausal age have about the same histamine metabolism as younger menstruating women. Estrogen medication relieved symptoms of hot flushes or sweats but did not seem to affect the histamine turnover.", "contents": "Histamine metabolism and female sex hormones in women. Oral combined contraceptives did not seem to alter histamine metabolism in females. During treatment with gonadotrophic hormones in four amenorrhoeic patients there was a tendency towards increasing excretion of methylhistamine (MeHi) followed by a sudden decrease corresponding to changes in the urinary estrogen. The excretion of methylimidazoleacetic acid (MeImAA) seemed to parallel that of MeHi. The findings support the hypothesis that an endogenous surge of estrogen may influence histamine turnover in women. Women of post-menopausal age have about the same histamine metabolism as younger menstruating women. Estrogen medication relieved symptoms of hot flushes or sweats but did not seem to affect the histamine turnover.", "PMID": 998172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6974", "title": "The value of amniotic fluid lecithin/sphingomyelin determination in prediction of hyaline membrane disease.", "content": "246 samples of amniotic fluid were obtained from 245 women with normal or complicated pregnancy near or at parturition. The lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio was determined and retrospectively correlated with the clinical course of the neonate. Ten neonates developed hyaline membrane disease (HMD). The highest L/S-ratio in this group was 1.82. Cesarean section was not associated with HMD if L/S-ratio indicated pulmonary maturity (L/S greater than 2). With the exception of children born by women with toxemia or chronic hypertensive disease, where no case of HMD appeared among nine infants children with birth weights less than 2000 g developed HMD in about 50% (6/11 cases). The results show that the L/S-ratio correlates well to the pulmonary maturity of the neonate. Determination of L/S-ratio is therefore of great importance in cases of high risk pregnancy or doubtful gestational age prior to induction or Cesarean section.", "contents": "The value of amniotic fluid lecithin/sphingomyelin determination in prediction of hyaline membrane disease. 246 samples of amniotic fluid were obtained from 245 women with normal or complicated pregnancy near or at parturition. The lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio was determined and retrospectively correlated with the clinical course of the neonate. Ten neonates developed hyaline membrane disease (HMD). The highest L/S-ratio in this group was 1.82. Cesarean section was not associated with HMD if L/S-ratio indicated pulmonary maturity (L/S greater than 2). With the exception of children born by women with toxemia or chronic hypertensive disease, where no case of HMD appeared among nine infants children with birth weights less than 2000 g developed HMD in about 50% (6/11 cases). The results show that the L/S-ratio correlates well to the pulmonary maturity of the neonate. Determination of L/S-ratio is therefore of great importance in cases of high risk pregnancy or doubtful gestational age prior to induction or Cesarean section.", "PMID": 998173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6975", "title": "A comparative study of patients with cancer of the ovary, who have survived more or less than 10 years.", "content": "With the purpose of elucidating the characteristics in patients with cancer of the ovary who have survived 10 years compared with patients who have not survived 10 years, 161 patients with epithelial cancer and 15 patients with granulosa cell tumor who have survived 10 years, group A, have been compared with 157 patients with epithelial cancer and 14 patients with granulosa cell tumor, who have not survived 10 years, group B. The study showed that among epithelial tumors the stage of tumor and the histological picture in the form of \"low potential malignance\" or adenocarcinoma was of decisive importance for 10 years survival. No correlation between information such as age, marital status, profession, duration of symptoms, and the nature of symptoms and 10 years survival could be found in patients with tumor in stages I and II. Neither could the gynaecological examination, the nature of the surgical treatment nor radiation therapy be correlated with 10 years survival in stages I and II. 32 of the 152 patients with epithelial cancer in stages I and II, who have survived 10 years, have either died from their ovarian disease or have later on developed cancer localized to cervix ro corpus uteri. The author points out the risk of not removing both ovaries as well as the uterus and recommends that such patients are followed for many years after the treatment. In 29 patients with granulosa cell tumor neither the medical history, the stage of the tumor nor the treatment could be correlated with 10 years survival.", "contents": "A comparative study of patients with cancer of the ovary, who have survived more or less than 10 years. With the purpose of elucidating the characteristics in patients with cancer of the ovary who have survived 10 years compared with patients who have not survived 10 years, 161 patients with epithelial cancer and 15 patients with granulosa cell tumor who have survived 10 years, group A, have been compared with 157 patients with epithelial cancer and 14 patients with granulosa cell tumor, who have not survived 10 years, group B. The study showed that among epithelial tumors the stage of tumor and the histological picture in the form of \"low potential malignance\" or adenocarcinoma was of decisive importance for 10 years survival. No correlation between information such as age, marital status, profession, duration of symptoms, and the nature of symptoms and 10 years survival could be found in patients with tumor in stages I and II. Neither could the gynaecological examination, the nature of the surgical treatment nor radiation therapy be correlated with 10 years survival in stages I and II. 32 of the 152 patients with epithelial cancer in stages I and II, who have survived 10 years, have either died from their ovarian disease or have later on developed cancer localized to cervix ro corpus uteri. The author points out the risk of not removing both ovaries as well as the uterus and recommends that such patients are followed for many years after the treatment. In 29 patients with granulosa cell tumor neither the medical history, the stage of the tumor nor the treatment could be correlated with 10 years survival.", "PMID": 998174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6976", "title": "Changes in cardiac function during and after pregnancy expressed by systolic time intervals.", "content": "Hemodynamic changes during the first and third trimester in pregnancy and in the first week of puerperium were evaluated by non-invasive measurements of Systolic Time Intervals (STI) in supine and left lateral position. The Pre-ejection Period (PEP) was found to shorten significantly in pregnancy and the puerperium due to the increased blood volume. The electro-mechanical systole (QS2) and left ventricular ejection time (LVET) were shortened too, while PEP/LVET-ratio was increased in the third trimester due to the mechanical compression of the gravid uterus on the inferior vena cava. A lengthening of QS2 and LVET and a decreased PEP and P/L-ratio were demonstrated in the third trimester in lateral position when the pressure of the enlarged uterus was eliminated. Heart rate (HR) increased in late pregnancy as well as after delivery, while arterial blood pressure (BP) only underwent minor changes. Employment of the STI seems to provide more useful information about the changes cardiac function during gestation than HR and BP does. The measurements of STI can be repeated without any risk or inconvenience to the patients.", "contents": "Changes in cardiac function during and after pregnancy expressed by systolic time intervals. Hemodynamic changes during the first and third trimester in pregnancy and in the first week of puerperium were evaluated by non-invasive measurements of Systolic Time Intervals (STI) in supine and left lateral position. The Pre-ejection Period (PEP) was found to shorten significantly in pregnancy and the puerperium due to the increased blood volume. The electro-mechanical systole (QS2) and left ventricular ejection time (LVET) were shortened too, while PEP/LVET-ratio was increased in the third trimester due to the mechanical compression of the gravid uterus on the inferior vena cava. A lengthening of QS2 and LVET and a decreased PEP and P/L-ratio were demonstrated in the third trimester in lateral position when the pressure of the enlarged uterus was eliminated. Heart rate (HR) increased in late pregnancy as well as after delivery, while arterial blood pressure (BP) only underwent minor changes. Employment of the STI seems to provide more useful information about the changes cardiac function during gestation than HR and BP does. The measurements of STI can be repeated without any risk or inconvenience to the patients.", "PMID": 998175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6977", "title": "A comparative study of uterine activity in labour induced with prostaglandin F2alpha or oxytocin and in spontaneous labour. I. Pattern of the uterine contractions.", "content": "The uterine contraction patterns and the changes in fetal heart rate (FHR) were studied in cardiotocographic recordings from 26 women in oxytocin-induced labour, 26 women in PGF2alpha-induced labour and 24 women during the later part of spontaneous labour. The contraction patterns and their effect on the FHR did not differ between the three groups. During the course of labour an increasing steepness of the upward slope of the contraction wave with increasing intensity of the contraction was found. High frequency of atypical contraction patterns, suggesting some degree of uterine incoordination was found during the active phase of labour in 10 patients, 8 of whom were primiparae. This incoordination could not be related to the effect of induction with either drug. Incoordinated contractions were associated with longer duration of labour and a tendency to more pronounced acidosis in the infant at birth, although mean values still fell in the normal range. Ominous FHR patterns were only seen in 2 cases of uterine hyperactivity during induction of labour.", "contents": "A comparative study of uterine activity in labour induced with prostaglandin F2alpha or oxytocin and in spontaneous labour. I. Pattern of the uterine contractions. The uterine contraction patterns and the changes in fetal heart rate (FHR) were studied in cardiotocographic recordings from 26 women in oxytocin-induced labour, 26 women in PGF2alpha-induced labour and 24 women during the later part of spontaneous labour. The contraction patterns and their effect on the FHR did not differ between the three groups. During the course of labour an increasing steepness of the upward slope of the contraction wave with increasing intensity of the contraction was found. High frequency of atypical contraction patterns, suggesting some degree of uterine incoordination was found during the active phase of labour in 10 patients, 8 of whom were primiparae. This incoordination could not be related to the effect of induction with either drug. Incoordinated contractions were associated with longer duration of labour and a tendency to more pronounced acidosis in the infant at birth, although mean values still fell in the normal range. Ominous FHR patterns were only seen in 2 cases of uterine hyperactivity during induction of labour.", "PMID": 998176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6978", "title": "Radioisotope radical operation for cancer of the cervix.", "content": "By performing the radioisotope radical operation (pre-surgical labelling of the lymphatic tissue of the pelvis with colloidal 198Au) with the aid of a gamma camera, it was possible in 78 out of 93 cases to completely extirpate the regional lymphatic tissue of the pelvis. In eight out of 24 cases with positive findings on the lymph nodes we were also able to extirpate with this technique residues of carcinomatous lymphatic tissue during the course of a secondary isotope lymphadenectomy. This fact is likely to further improve the recovery rate--all the more so since even the scanner and eye probe technique already reduced the mortality rate due to recurrence by 16.4% after 5 years.", "contents": "Radioisotope radical operation for cancer of the cervix. By performing the radioisotope radical operation (pre-surgical labelling of the lymphatic tissue of the pelvis with colloidal 198Au) with the aid of a gamma camera, it was possible in 78 out of 93 cases to completely extirpate the regional lymphatic tissue of the pelvis. In eight out of 24 cases with positive findings on the lymph nodes we were also able to extirpate with this technique residues of carcinomatous lymphatic tissue during the course of a secondary isotope lymphadenectomy. This fact is likely to further improve the recovery rate--all the more so since even the scanner and eye probe technique already reduced the mortality rate due to recurrence by 16.4% after 5 years.", "PMID": 998177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6979", "title": "Experimental studies on connective tissue of the capsular ligament. Influences of aging and sex hormones.", "content": "Influences of aging and sex hormones on connective tissue metabolism in the hip joint capsule of Wistar rats were analyzed both biochemically and morphologically. As age advanced, collagen content and collagen fibril diameter of the hip joint capsule tended to increase gradually in both sexes until sexual maturation was reached. Collagen content was significantly greater in males than in females after sexual maturation. The collagen content and fibril diameter were considerably increased by ovariectomy and significantly decreased by the administration of estrogen, or estrogen combined with progesterone, whereas they were significantly increased by the administration of testosterone in orchiectomized male rats.", "contents": "Experimental studies on connective tissue of the capsular ligament. Influences of aging and sex hormones. Influences of aging and sex hormones on connective tissue metabolism in the hip joint capsule of Wistar rats were analyzed both biochemically and morphologically. As age advanced, collagen content and collagen fibril diameter of the hip joint capsule tended to increase gradually in both sexes until sexual maturation was reached. Collagen content was significantly greater in males than in females after sexual maturation. The collagen content and fibril diameter were considerably increased by ovariectomy and significantly decreased by the administration of estrogen, or estrogen combined with progesterone, whereas they were significantly increased by the administration of testosterone in orchiectomized male rats.", "PMID": 998180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6980", "title": "Intra-articular injection of high-molecular hyaluronic acid. An experimental study on normal adult rabbit knee joints.", "content": "High-molecular hyaluronic acid was injected repeatedly into normal knee joints of adult rabbits. Histologically the articular cartilage was not affected by this treatment. The content of chondroitin sulphate, assessed by a histochemical method, was not altered and neither was the water content of the hyaline articular cartilage. On the other hand, in the synovial membrane of joints treated with hyaluronic acid a diffuse infiltration of plasma cells and lymphocytes was observed, indicating that the hyaluronic acid administered exerts its action via the synovial membrane.", "contents": "Intra-articular injection of high-molecular hyaluronic acid. An experimental study on normal adult rabbit knee joints. High-molecular hyaluronic acid was injected repeatedly into normal knee joints of adult rabbits. Histologically the articular cartilage was not affected by this treatment. The content of chondroitin sulphate, assessed by a histochemical method, was not altered and neither was the water content of the hyaline articular cartilage. On the other hand, in the synovial membrane of joints treated with hyaluronic acid a diffuse infiltration of plasma cells and lymphocytes was observed, indicating that the hyaluronic acid administered exerts its action via the synovial membrane.", "PMID": 998181} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6981", "title": "Diffusion of tranexamic acid to the joint.", "content": "Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron, Kabi, Stockholm) in a dose of 10 mg per kg body weight was given i.v. to 17 patients at various intervals before operation on the knee joint, in order to elucidate the diffusion of the drug to the joint fluid and the synovial membrane. The acid diffused rapidly to both the above tissues, and in the joint fluid it reached the same concentration as in the serum. The biologic half-time in the joint fluid was about 3 hours. In the treatment of joint bleedings in hemophiliacs and in association with intra-articular operations on such patients tranexamic acid is a suitable supplement to conventional substitution therapy.", "contents": "Diffusion of tranexamic acid to the joint. Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron, Kabi, Stockholm) in a dose of 10 mg per kg body weight was given i.v. to 17 patients at various intervals before operation on the knee joint, in order to elucidate the diffusion of the drug to the joint fluid and the synovial membrane. The acid diffused rapidly to both the above tissues, and in the joint fluid it reached the same concentration as in the serum. The biologic half-time in the joint fluid was about 3 hours. In the treatment of joint bleedings in hemophiliacs and in association with intra-articular operations on such patients tranexamic acid is a suitable supplement to conventional substitution therapy.", "PMID": 998182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6982", "title": "Mechanical properties and density of bone in a case of severe endemic fluorosis.", "content": "Mechanical properties of 25 standardized specimens of compact bone from a 45-year-old man with extreme endemic fluorosis were compared with similar specimens of nonfluorotic bone. Data from dry and wet tested specimens were compared. Tensile strength, strain, energy absorbed to failure, and modulus of elasticity were reduced in fluorotic specimens while compressive strength, strain and energy were increased in both wet and dry specimens. Compressive properties exceeded tensile properties. Drying increased tensile and compressive strength and modulus but decreased tensile and compressive strength and energy absorbed. Dry specimens tended to follow Hooke's Law but wet specimens exhibited visco-elastic behavior. Wet fluorotic specimens had lower tensile properties but higher compressive properties and were more dense than fresh human compact bone.", "contents": "Mechanical properties and density of bone in a case of severe endemic fluorosis. Mechanical properties of 25 standardized specimens of compact bone from a 45-year-old man with extreme endemic fluorosis were compared with similar specimens of nonfluorotic bone. Data from dry and wet tested specimens were compared. Tensile strength, strain, energy absorbed to failure, and modulus of elasticity were reduced in fluorotic specimens while compressive strength, strain and energy were increased in both wet and dry specimens. Compressive properties exceeded tensile properties. Drying increased tensile and compressive strength and modulus but decreased tensile and compressive strength and energy absorbed. Dry specimens tended to follow Hooke's Law but wet specimens exhibited visco-elastic behavior. Wet fluorotic specimens had lower tensile properties but higher compressive properties and were more dense than fresh human compact bone.", "PMID": 998183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6983", "title": "Relations between age, mineral density and mechanical properties of human femoral compacta.", "content": "Relations between mineralisation and mechanical properties have been investigated in human femoral compacta. Evidence of age-related changes in physical properties of bone, independent of mineral density, is provided by significant (P less than 0.05) partial correlation between ultimate tensile stress and age. However, 75 per cent of variance in ultimate tensile stress, and 85 per cent of variance in ultimate compressive stress could be accounted for by variation in mineral density.", "contents": "Relations between age, mineral density and mechanical properties of human femoral compacta. Relations between mineralisation and mechanical properties have been investigated in human femoral compacta. Evidence of age-related changes in physical properties of bone, independent of mineral density, is provided by significant (P less than 0.05) partial correlation between ultimate tensile stress and age. However, 75 per cent of variance in ultimate tensile stress, and 85 per cent of variance in ultimate compressive stress could be accounted for by variation in mineral density.", "PMID": 998184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6984", "title": "Bone mineral content and mechanical strength of the femoral neck.", "content": "The bone mineral content of the femoral neck of 61 autopsy specimens was assayed by x-ray spectrophotometry. The mechanical strength of the specimens was also determined experimentally by applying a compressive force perpendicularly to the shaft. The ultimate force at fracture was obtained from force/displacement plots. A coefficient of correlation of 0.89 between bone mineral content of the femoral neck and the ultimate force at fracture was found. Even when limited to a group of women aged 67-80 a fairly close correlation was found. This indicates that the bone mineral level, measured in vivo, can be used as a criterion of the risk of fracture in elderly women.", "contents": "Bone mineral content and mechanical strength of the femoral neck. The bone mineral content of the femoral neck of 61 autopsy specimens was assayed by x-ray spectrophotometry. The mechanical strength of the specimens was also determined experimentally by applying a compressive force perpendicularly to the shaft. The ultimate force at fracture was obtained from force/displacement plots. A coefficient of correlation of 0.89 between bone mineral content of the femoral neck and the ultimate force at fracture was found. Even when limited to a group of women aged 67-80 a fairly close correlation was found. This indicates that the bone mineral level, measured in vivo, can be used as a criterion of the risk of fracture in elderly women.", "PMID": 998185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6985", "title": "Skeletal malformations induced by mitomycin C in chick embryos.", "content": "One hundred and eighty chick embryos were studied for the presence of skeletal malformations after administration of mitomycin C at 72, 96 and 120 hours of incubation. Axial skeleton defects included those of ribs, vertebrae, beak and crania. Appendicular skeletal defects were mainly confined to the lower limbs e.g. absence of phalanges, bent and shortened femur, fibula, tibia and metatarsus, in that order. Absence of phalanges and curved scapulae were noted in the upper limbs. The length of femur, tibia and metatarsus was significantly reduced (P less than 0.001) compared with the corresponding controls especially in the group treated at 96 h.", "contents": "Skeletal malformations induced by mitomycin C in chick embryos. One hundred and eighty chick embryos were studied for the presence of skeletal malformations after administration of mitomycin C at 72, 96 and 120 hours of incubation. Axial skeleton defects included those of ribs, vertebrae, beak and crania. Appendicular skeletal defects were mainly confined to the lower limbs e.g. absence of phalanges, bent and shortened femur, fibula, tibia and metatarsus, in that order. Absence of phalanges and curved scapulae were noted in the upper limbs. The length of femur, tibia and metatarsus was significantly reduced (P less than 0.001) compared with the corresponding controls especially in the group treated at 96 h.", "PMID": 998186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6986", "title": "Effect of tantalum markers of longitudinal bone growth.", "content": "Small tantalum pins (0.50 x 1.5 mm and 0.32 x 1.2 mm), used as intraosseous radio-opaque markers, were investigated for their effect on growth in 62 young rabbits. The tetracycline growth method was used and a difference in daily growth rate between the marked right leg and the unmarked left leg indicated a slight growth stimulation. The growth rate was slightly stimulated (at most, 26 mum/day) on days 1 and 2 after insertion, only if the larger markers were used. No growth effects were detectable on days 12 and 21.", "contents": "Effect of tantalum markers of longitudinal bone growth. Small tantalum pins (0.50 x 1.5 mm and 0.32 x 1.2 mm), used as intraosseous radio-opaque markers, were investigated for their effect on growth in 62 young rabbits. The tetracycline growth method was used and a difference in daily growth rate between the marked right leg and the unmarked left leg indicated a slight growth stimulation. The growth rate was slightly stimulated (at most, 26 mum/day) on days 1 and 2 after insertion, only if the larger markers were used. No growth effects were detectable on days 12 and 21.", "PMID": 998187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6987", "title": "Pain in osteoid osteoma: histological facts.", "content": "Six cases of osteoid osteoma were studied histologically using the Gross technique. When the nidus is located centrally, it is reached by amyelinic fibers accompanying the vessel branches or as independent fibers. The pain is generally considered to reflect changes in vessel pressure and it could also be due to direct irritation of the nerve fibers included in or near the calcification focus.", "contents": "Pain in osteoid osteoma: histological facts. Six cases of osteoid osteoma were studied histologically using the Gross technique. When the nidus is located centrally, it is reached by amyelinic fibers accompanying the vessel branches or as independent fibers. The pain is generally considered to reflect changes in vessel pressure and it could also be due to direct irritation of the nerve fibers included in or near the calcification focus.", "PMID": 998188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6988", "title": "Popliteal pterygium syndrome in a 74-year-old woman.", "content": "The case of a 74-year-old woman with the rare popliteal pterygium syndrome is presented. This syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with incomplete penetrance and varying expression and consists of cleft lip and palate, lip pits, genital anomalies, popliteal pterygium, and malformations of the extremities. The various treatments our patient underwent over the years are reported. Treatment of popliteal pterygium involves special problems whem removing the skin fold because the nerve and vascular cords lie immediately anterior to the posterior fibrous cord. In the present case there are widespread arthrotic changes, both in the extremity joints and in the spine. These patients are short in stature. This, together with the general arthropathy, suggests a hereditary metabolic disturbance in the cartilaginous tissue.", "contents": "Popliteal pterygium syndrome in a 74-year-old woman. The case of a 74-year-old woman with the rare popliteal pterygium syndrome is presented. This syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with incomplete penetrance and varying expression and consists of cleft lip and palate, lip pits, genital anomalies, popliteal pterygium, and malformations of the extremities. The various treatments our patient underwent over the years are reported. Treatment of popliteal pterygium involves special problems whem removing the skin fold because the nerve and vascular cords lie immediately anterior to the posterior fibrous cord. In the present case there are widespread arthrotic changes, both in the extremity joints and in the spine. These patients are short in stature. This, together with the general arthropathy, suggests a hereditary metabolic disturbance in the cartilaginous tissue.", "PMID": 998189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6989", "title": "Effect of the Milwaukee brace on vital and ventilatory capacity of scoliotic patients.", "content": "The vital capacity (VC) and the maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) were studied in 29 patients with scoliosis (predominantly idiopathic). The results obtained confirmed earlier observations that scoliotic patients have decreased VC and MVV. The immediate effect of the application of the Milwaukee brace was a slight though statistically significant decrease in MV, whereas there was no significant effect on VC. Treatment with the Milwaukee brace for a mean period of 15 months did not appreciably influence the VC or MVV, as a percentage of the predicted normal values of the patients, when measured without the brace applied.", "contents": "Effect of the Milwaukee brace on vital and ventilatory capacity of scoliotic patients. The vital capacity (VC) and the maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) were studied in 29 patients with scoliosis (predominantly idiopathic). The results obtained confirmed earlier observations that scoliotic patients have decreased VC and MVV. The immediate effect of the application of the Milwaukee brace was a slight though statistically significant decrease in MV, whereas there was no significant effect on VC. Treatment with the Milwaukee brace for a mean period of 15 months did not appreciably influence the VC or MVV, as a percentage of the predicted normal values of the patients, when measured without the brace applied.", "PMID": 998190} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6990", "title": "Traumatic hip dislocation in childhood. A report of three cases.", "content": "Three cases of traumatic dislocation of the hip joint in children are presented. All were subjected to immediate closed reduction under general anesthesia, followed by immobilization by means of skin traction for 2 weeks. Weight-bearing was resumed 2-3 weeks after the injury, and at follow-up examinations 23 to 27 months later the hip joints were found to be normal both clinically and radiographically.", "contents": "Traumatic hip dislocation in childhood. A report of three cases. Three cases of traumatic dislocation of the hip joint in children are presented. All were subjected to immediate closed reduction under general anesthesia, followed by immobilization by means of skin traction for 2 weeks. Weight-bearing was resumed 2-3 weeks after the injury, and at follow-up examinations 23 to 27 months later the hip joints were found to be normal both clinically and radiographically.", "PMID": 998191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6991", "title": "Thrombosis following hip arthroplasty. A study using phlebography and 125I-fibrinogen test.", "content": "Venous thrombosis after hip arthroplasty was studied using the 125I-fibrinogen test and phlebography. Eight out of ten dextran-treated and six out of ten control patients developed thrombosis. The thrombi were small and most frequently dorsal and dorso-lateral veins were involved. There were no thigh thrombi without concurrent calf thrombi. Half of the thrombi were found within the first postoperative week whereas the remainder occurred later. Preoperative venous pathology predisposed to postoperative thrombosis.", "contents": "Thrombosis following hip arthroplasty. A study using phlebography and 125I-fibrinogen test. Venous thrombosis after hip arthroplasty was studied using the 125I-fibrinogen test and phlebography. Eight out of ten dextran-treated and six out of ten control patients developed thrombosis. The thrombi were small and most frequently dorsal and dorso-lateral veins were involved. There were no thigh thrombi without concurrent calf thrombi. Half of the thrombi were found within the first postoperative week whereas the remainder occurred later. Preoperative venous pathology predisposed to postoperative thrombosis.", "PMID": 998192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6992", "title": "Experimental osteoarthritis in the rabbit knee joint.", "content": "The development of arthrotic-like changes following the resection of the cruciate ligaments in the knee joint of rabbits has been studied at intervals from 2 weeks to 10 months in 35 animals. Signs of cartilage degeneration were followed by changes in the subchondral bone, where formation of osteophytes and condensation took place. An increased vascular supply was demonstrated by microangiographic and scintigraphic investigations. The uptake of 18F and 99mTc-polyphosphate reached a maximal value about 2 months after the operation and then diminished despite further development of arthrotic changes.", "contents": "Experimental osteoarthritis in the rabbit knee joint. The development of arthrotic-like changes following the resection of the cruciate ligaments in the knee joint of rabbits has been studied at intervals from 2 weeks to 10 months in 35 animals. Signs of cartilage degeneration were followed by changes in the subchondral bone, where formation of osteophytes and condensation took place. An increased vascular supply was demonstrated by microangiographic and scintigraphic investigations. The uptake of 18F and 99mTc-polyphosphate reached a maximal value about 2 months after the operation and then diminished despite further development of arthrotic changes.", "PMID": 998193} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6993", "title": "Haematogenous osteomyelitis of the patella. Report of three cases.", "content": "Three cases of osteomyelitis of the patella are reported. One presented as an acute septic arthritis and another developed a sterile arthritis despite antibiotics. The clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment are discussed. Treatment with rest and antibiotics failed to cure the disease. In all three cases a sequestrectomy was carried out resulting in healing of the affected patella and recovery of knee mobility.", "contents": "Haematogenous osteomyelitis of the patella. Report of three cases. Three cases of osteomyelitis of the patella are reported. One presented as an acute septic arthritis and another developed a sterile arthritis despite antibiotics. The clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment are discussed. Treatment with rest and antibiotics failed to cure the disease. In all three cases a sequestrectomy was carried out resulting in healing of the affected patella and recovery of knee mobility.", "PMID": 998194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6994", "title": "Intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus. Report of a case and a short review of the literature.", "content": "One case of an intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus bone is presented together with a short review of the literature. Only 20 cases of tumors in the extremities have so far been published. The typical X-ray picture shows a cystic, sharply demarcated cavity, which macroscopically at operation is filled with yellowish, adipose tissue. In the present case and one previously published a central sclerotic mass was observed. The histological picture is typical, with mature adipose tissue mixed with a few degenerated bone trabeculae.", "contents": "Intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus. Report of a case and a short review of the literature. One case of an intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus bone is presented together with a short review of the literature. Only 20 cases of tumors in the extremities have so far been published. The typical X-ray picture shows a cystic, sharply demarcated cavity, which macroscopically at operation is filled with yellowish, adipose tissue. In the present case and one previously published a central sclerotic mass was observed. The histological picture is typical, with mature adipose tissue mixed with a few degenerated bone trabeculae.", "PMID": 998195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6995", "title": "Afferent and efferent nerve terminal degeneration in the guinea-pig cochlea following atoxyl administration.", "content": "Atoxyl causes destruction of both afferent and efferent nerve endings. Degeneration of afferent nerve terminals occurred even though the adjacent hair cell had a normal ultrastructure. The degeneration of the efferent nerve endings took place at the same time as the adjacent cell disintegration. Earlier studies on the effects of atoxyl have shown that it also induces damage to the stria vascularis and Reissner's membrane, thus interfering with endolymph metabolism (Anniko & Wers\u00e4ll, 1975; Anniko, 1975a, b). The afferent nerve terminals may be more sensitive to changes in the environment (endolymph) than are the surrounding structures, including efferent nerve endings, hair cells and supporting structures, and would therefore be the first structures to disintegrate.", "contents": "Afferent and efferent nerve terminal degeneration in the guinea-pig cochlea following atoxyl administration. Atoxyl causes destruction of both afferent and efferent nerve endings. Degeneration of afferent nerve terminals occurred even though the adjacent hair cell had a normal ultrastructure. The degeneration of the efferent nerve endings took place at the same time as the adjacent cell disintegration. Earlier studies on the effects of atoxyl have shown that it also induces damage to the stria vascularis and Reissner's membrane, thus interfering with endolymph metabolism (Anniko & Wers\u00e4ll, 1975; Anniko, 1975a, b). The afferent nerve terminals may be more sensitive to changes in the environment (endolymph) than are the surrounding structures, including efferent nerve endings, hair cells and supporting structures, and would therefore be the first structures to disintegrate.", "PMID": 998201} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6996", "title": "Surface structure of stria vascularis in the guinea pig cochlea. Normal morphology and atoxyl-induced pathologic changes.", "content": "The normal cell surface of the hexagonal epithelial (marginal) cells covering the stria vascularis is characterized by numerous microvilli and a few depressions. The cells at the spiral prominence are similar to the epithelial cells of the stria vascularis but are more spindle shaped and without depressions on the surface. Atoxyl treatment results in damage to the epithelial cells of the stria vascularis by loss of microvilli and depressions. Later during the degeneration, protrusions from the cell surface occur and the cell borders become fragmented. The cells of the spiral prominence are far less damaged. In advanced stages of strial damage great herniations including several adjacent cells may balloon out into the endolymphatic space.", "contents": "Surface structure of stria vascularis in the guinea pig cochlea. Normal morphology and atoxyl-induced pathologic changes. The normal cell surface of the hexagonal epithelial (marginal) cells covering the stria vascularis is characterized by numerous microvilli and a few depressions. The cells at the spiral prominence are similar to the epithelial cells of the stria vascularis but are more spindle shaped and without depressions on the surface. Atoxyl treatment results in damage to the epithelial cells of the stria vascularis by loss of microvilli and depressions. Later during the degeneration, protrusions from the cell surface occur and the cell borders become fragmented. The cells of the spiral prominence are far less damaged. In advanced stages of strial damage great herniations including several adjacent cells may balloon out into the endolymphatic space.", "PMID": 998203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6997", "title": "Intermediate endocochlear potential levels induced by hypoxia.", "content": "It seems that the positive potential of the scala media (endocochlear potential [EP]) and the high potassium concentration in the endolymph are generated and maintained by an electrogenic pump. In order to study its properties, the EP was measured in cats ventilated with low oxygen gas mixtures (2.25-10%). It was found that the EP could be maintained at intermediate levels which were more or less linear functions of blood oxygen tension (25-60 mmHg), showing that the pump can operate on intermediate levels. This hypoxic preparation may contribute to the study of cochlear blood flow.", "contents": "Intermediate endocochlear potential levels induced by hypoxia. It seems that the positive potential of the scala media (endocochlear potential [EP]) and the high potassium concentration in the endolymph are generated and maintained by an electrogenic pump. In order to study its properties, the EP was measured in cats ventilated with low oxygen gas mixtures (2.25-10%). It was found that the EP could be maintained at intermediate levels which were more or less linear functions of blood oxygen tension (25-60 mmHg), showing that the pump can operate on intermediate levels. This hypoxic preparation may contribute to the study of cochlear blood flow.", "PMID": 998204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6998", "title": "The in vitro development of innervated sensory hair cells of a mammal.", "content": "Twelfth gestation day mouse embryo otocysts with their associated statoacoustic ganglions and otic mesenchyme were explanted to \"in vitro\". The otocyst explants developed for seven days in organ culture. They were then fixed and studied on a light microscopic and ultrastructural level for the development of synapses. Evidence is presented that strongly suggests that afferent synapses are developing \"in vitro\" in the vestibular sensory epithelium studied.", "contents": "The in vitro development of innervated sensory hair cells of a mammal. Twelfth gestation day mouse embryo otocysts with their associated statoacoustic ganglions and otic mesenchyme were explanted to \"in vitro\". The otocyst explants developed for seven days in organ culture. They were then fixed and studied on a light microscopic and ultrastructural level for the development of synapses. Evidence is presented that strongly suggests that afferent synapses are developing \"in vitro\" in the vestibular sensory epithelium studied.", "PMID": 998202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_6999", "title": "Immediate relief of symptoms during acute attacks of Meniere's disease, using a pressure chamber.", "content": "Five patients with Meniere's disease were exposed to underpressure in a pressure chamber while suffering from acute attacks with vertigo, nausea, tinnitus and fullness of the ear. Spontaneous nystagmus was the objective criterion for the selection of suitable cases. Subjective as well as objective symptoms subsided much faster than they do with other kinds of treatment. Four patients were free from symptoms within 40 minutes, while the fifth case still complained of vertigo, tinnitus and fullness of the ear after the treatment. However, the symptoms were less severe. A mechanism is discussed by means of which an ambient pressure decrease might cause a reduction of the endolymphatic volume, thus relieving acute symptoms of Meniere's disease.", "contents": "Immediate relief of symptoms during acute attacks of Meniere's disease, using a pressure chamber. Five patients with Meniere's disease were exposed to underpressure in a pressure chamber while suffering from acute attacks with vertigo, nausea, tinnitus and fullness of the ear. Spontaneous nystagmus was the objective criterion for the selection of suitable cases. Subjective as well as objective symptoms subsided much faster than they do with other kinds of treatment. Four patients were free from symptoms within 40 minutes, while the fifth case still complained of vertigo, tinnitus and fullness of the ear after the treatment. However, the symptoms were less severe. A mechanism is discussed by means of which an ambient pressure decrease might cause a reduction of the endolymphatic volume, thus relieving acute symptoms of Meniere's disease.", "PMID": 998206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7000", "title": "Vestibulo-thalamic projections studied with antidromic technique in the cat.", "content": "The vestibulo-thalamic projection was investigated in anaesthetized cats. Electrical stimulation of posterolateral thalamic areas frequently changed the spontaneous firing pattern of neurons in the vestibular nuclei but only 5% were antidromically invaded. This group was further analysed with regard to types of labyrinthine and somatosensory input; thalamo-projecting neurons in the vestibular nuclei are frequently located in the lateral vestibular nucleus, they receive no monosynaptic inflow from the labyrinth and they often receive convergent vestibular and somatosensory input.", "contents": "Vestibulo-thalamic projections studied with antidromic technique in the cat. The vestibulo-thalamic projection was investigated in anaesthetized cats. Electrical stimulation of posterolateral thalamic areas frequently changed the spontaneous firing pattern of neurons in the vestibular nuclei but only 5% were antidromically invaded. This group was further analysed with regard to types of labyrinthine and somatosensory input; thalamo-projecting neurons in the vestibular nuclei are frequently located in the lateral vestibular nucleus, they receive no monosynaptic inflow from the labyrinth and they often receive convergent vestibular and somatosensory input.", "PMID": 998207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7001", "title": "Plethysmography as an objective method of audiometry.", "content": "In 37 subjects with normal hearing acuity and normal cardiovascular system, vasomotor reactions to sounds of 1024, 2048, and 4096 Hz frequency and 0, 10, 20, 60 and 80 dB intensity above the hearing threshold determined were studied subjectively. Pure sounds evoked in all persons plethysmographic reactions not subject to extinction under the conditions of audiometric investigation.", "contents": "Plethysmography as an objective method of audiometry. In 37 subjects with normal hearing acuity and normal cardiovascular system, vasomotor reactions to sounds of 1024, 2048, and 4096 Hz frequency and 0, 10, 20, 60 and 80 dB intensity above the hearing threshold determined were studied subjectively. Pure sounds evoked in all persons plethysmographic reactions not subject to extinction under the conditions of audiometric investigation.", "PMID": 998208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7002", "title": "Drill-generated noise levels in ear surgery.", "content": "The noise levels in the cochlea when a drill is used in the mastoid process have been calculated from vibration measurements on intact skulls of human cadavers and temporal bones. The results lend support to the conclusion that, in ear surgery the ipsilateral cochlea is exposed to noise levels of about 100 dB and the contralateral cochlea to levels 5-10 dB lower every time the drill is used. This noise trauma may account for some of the high-tone sensorineural hearing losses after tympanoplasty described by other authors.", "contents": "Drill-generated noise levels in ear surgery. The noise levels in the cochlea when a drill is used in the mastoid process have been calculated from vibration measurements on intact skulls of human cadavers and temporal bones. The results lend support to the conclusion that, in ear surgery the ipsilateral cochlea is exposed to noise levels of about 100 dB and the contralateral cochlea to levels 5-10 dB lower every time the drill is used. This noise trauma may account for some of the high-tone sensorineural hearing losses after tympanoplasty described by other authors.", "PMID": 998209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7003", "title": "Tensor tympani, a 'tuner' of tensor palati muscle.", "content": "The author has proved experimentally (in two dogs) that there is reflex hypertonia of the tensor palati muscle, synchronous with the 'shortening' reaction of the tensor tympani muscle in response to its \"static\" relaxation during the gradual passive inward displacement of the drum resulting from the negative intratympanic 'dip' due to absorption of air imprisoned within the middle ear. The author coined the term 'tuning' for the reflex hypertonia of tensor palati which is directly proportional to the degree of the slackness of its 'tuner', the muscle-tensor tympani. The degree of opening of the eustachian tube on swallowing depends upon the degree of 'tuning' of the tensor palati. The 'untuned' tensor palati fails to open the eustachian tube during swallowing. Presumably the excitation of tympanic chemoreceptors (glomus body) by the excess of CO2 during hypoxia of the tympanic cleft strengthens the 'shortening' reaction as well as the excitability of the tensor tympani muscle.", "contents": "Tensor tympani, a 'tuner' of tensor palati muscle. The author has proved experimentally (in two dogs) that there is reflex hypertonia of the tensor palati muscle, synchronous with the 'shortening' reaction of the tensor tympani muscle in response to its \"static\" relaxation during the gradual passive inward displacement of the drum resulting from the negative intratympanic 'dip' due to absorption of air imprisoned within the middle ear. The author coined the term 'tuning' for the reflex hypertonia of tensor palati which is directly proportional to the degree of the slackness of its 'tuner', the muscle-tensor tympani. The degree of opening of the eustachian tube on swallowing depends upon the degree of 'tuning' of the tensor palati. The 'untuned' tensor palati fails to open the eustachian tube during swallowing. Presumably the excitation of tympanic chemoreceptors (glomus body) by the excess of CO2 during hypoxia of the tympanic cleft strengthens the 'shortening' reaction as well as the excitability of the tensor tympani muscle.", "PMID": 998210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7004", "title": "Development of the labyrinthine receptors in the guinea pig, cat and dog.", "content": "Light and electron microscope observations were made on the vestibular receptors in fetal guinea pigs and cats, and in kittens and puppies. In the guinea pig hair cells were recognizable by 30 DBB (days before birth), myelinated preganglionary nerve fibers by 25 DBB, and neuro-epithelial synapses by 15 DBB. These observations can be correlated with the early development of the righting reflex in fetal guinea pig. Similar ultrastructural observations were made on cats and dogs at different times in development. A direct comparison between development in the vestibular system and the auditory system is possible since development of the organ of Corti in the same animals has previously been documented.", "contents": "Development of the labyrinthine receptors in the guinea pig, cat and dog. Light and electron microscope observations were made on the vestibular receptors in fetal guinea pigs and cats, and in kittens and puppies. In the guinea pig hair cells were recognizable by 30 DBB (days before birth), myelinated preganglionary nerve fibers by 25 DBB, and neuro-epithelial synapses by 15 DBB. These observations can be correlated with the early development of the righting reflex in fetal guinea pig. Similar ultrastructural observations were made on cats and dogs at different times in development. A direct comparison between development in the vestibular system and the auditory system is possible since development of the organ of Corti in the same animals has previously been documented.", "PMID": 998205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7005", "title": "The prognosis in acromegaly treated by transanthro-sphenoidal operation.", "content": "The paper is a report of a follow-up study of 80 acromegalic patients treated by transanthro-sphenoidal removal of a pituitary adenoma. The average follow-up time was 3.7 years. Complete restitution or improvement of the visual field defects was noted in 77%. Total regression of the soft tissue swelling was observed in around 1/3 of the patients. Complete regression or improvement of the acromegalic activity was achieved in 94%. Total regression of the dominant symptoms was noted in 74%. The rate of tumour recurrence was around 5% and the total mortality rate in the disease during the follow-up period 7.5%. The transanthro-sphenoidal surgery of the pituitary adenoma in this series resulted in a high rate of regression of the acromegalic symptoms at the same time as normal anterior pituitary function often was restored.", "contents": "The prognosis in acromegaly treated by transanthro-sphenoidal operation. The paper is a report of a follow-up study of 80 acromegalic patients treated by transanthro-sphenoidal removal of a pituitary adenoma. The average follow-up time was 3.7 years. Complete restitution or improvement of the visual field defects was noted in 77%. Total regression of the soft tissue swelling was observed in around 1/3 of the patients. Complete regression or improvement of the acromegalic activity was achieved in 94%. Total regression of the dominant symptoms was noted in 74%. The rate of tumour recurrence was around 5% and the total mortality rate in the disease during the follow-up period 7.5%. The transanthro-sphenoidal surgery of the pituitary adenoma in this series resulted in a high rate of regression of the acromegalic symptoms at the same time as normal anterior pituitary function often was restored.", "PMID": 998211} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7006", "title": "Five-year results of 1000 patients operated on for cancer of the larynx.", "content": "The five-year results of 1000 consecutive cases of cancer of the larynx operated on at the Clinic of Otolaryngology of the University of Florence are presented. The treatment was cordectomy for T1a glottic cancers and total laryngectomy for the other cases. The five year cure rate is 66.5% of the 606 supraglottic cancers, 76.9% of the 294 glottic cancers and 54% of the 100 subglottic cancers. These crude survival rates consider the 7.6% of patients who died from non-tumoral causes and the 1.1% of untraced patients.", "contents": "Five-year results of 1000 patients operated on for cancer of the larynx. The five-year results of 1000 consecutive cases of cancer of the larynx operated on at the Clinic of Otolaryngology of the University of Florence are presented. The treatment was cordectomy for T1a glottic cancers and total laryngectomy for the other cases. The five year cure rate is 66.5% of the 606 supraglottic cancers, 76.9% of the 294 glottic cancers and 54% of the 100 subglottic cancers. These crude survival rates consider the 7.6% of patients who died from non-tumoral causes and the 1.1% of untraced patients.", "PMID": 998213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7007", "title": "A scanning microscope study of vocal cord carcinoma.", "content": "A scanning electron microscope study of cell surface topography in squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cord has demonstrated characteristic changes. The malignant cells showed an irregular surface pattern with an abundance of microvilli-like structures of different sizes and shapes. In addition, the contact between the malignant cells was reduced. Normal vocal cord cells were closely associated and had a smooth surface with microridges.", "contents": "A scanning microscope study of vocal cord carcinoma. A scanning electron microscope study of cell surface topography in squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cord has demonstrated characteristic changes. The malignant cells showed an irregular surface pattern with an abundance of microvilli-like structures of different sizes and shapes. In addition, the contact between the malignant cells was reduced. Normal vocal cord cells were closely associated and had a smooth surface with microridges.", "PMID": 998212} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7008", "title": "Pedunculated intraluminal fibro-lipoma of the oesophagus. Case report.", "content": "Only few cases of pedunculated, benign, intraluminal lipomas and fibrolipomas of the oesophagus have been reported. A further case is now added. The diagnosis is often delayed since it is difficult both for the radiologist and the endoscopist to detect the tumour. Symptoms and signs are few and uncharacteristic. The diagnosis could be made earlier and without sophisticated methods if the possibility of a tumour is kept in mind, especially in patients with a dilated oesophagus and a normal opening of the cardia. The value of fiberoptic endoscopy as a valuable tool for early diagnosis is stressed. The therapy is in most cases extirpation through cervical oesophagotomy.", "contents": "Pedunculated intraluminal fibro-lipoma of the oesophagus. Case report. Only few cases of pedunculated, benign, intraluminal lipomas and fibrolipomas of the oesophagus have been reported. A further case is now added. The diagnosis is often delayed since it is difficult both for the radiologist and the endoscopist to detect the tumour. Symptoms and signs are few and uncharacteristic. The diagnosis could be made earlier and without sophisticated methods if the possibility of a tumour is kept in mind, especially in patients with a dilated oesophagus and a normal opening of the cardia. The value of fiberoptic endoscopy as a valuable tool for early diagnosis is stressed. The therapy is in most cases extirpation through cervical oesophagotomy.", "PMID": 998215} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7009", "title": "Effective pulmonary capillary blood flow in infants with birth asphyxia.", "content": "Effective pulmonary capillary blood flow was measured on the first day of life in twenty term infants with birth asphyxia and twenty-five normal term infants. The infants studied showed no clinical or laboratory evidence of respiratory distress. The mean effective pulmonary capillary blood flow of 121 ml/kg/min in the birth asphyxia group was significantly lower than the mean of 162 ml/kg/min in the normal group. The possible relationship of birth asphyxia and pulmonary hypoperfusion in the aetiology of the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome is discussed.", "contents": "Effective pulmonary capillary blood flow in infants with birth asphyxia. Effective pulmonary capillary blood flow was measured on the first day of life in twenty term infants with birth asphyxia and twenty-five normal term infants. The infants studied showed no clinical or laboratory evidence of respiratory distress. The mean effective pulmonary capillary blood flow of 121 ml/kg/min in the birth asphyxia group was significantly lower than the mean of 162 ml/kg/min in the normal group. The possible relationship of birth asphyxia and pulmonary hypoperfusion in the aetiology of the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome is discussed.", "PMID": 998225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7010", "title": "Immunologic studies in phenylketonuria.", "content": "Significantly reduced immunoglobulins were found in 22 patients with phenylketonuria. Tests of cellular immune function which included delayed skin hypersensitivity, T rosettes and PHA transformation were normal. Escherichia coli antibodies and the booster response to tetanus toxoid were also normal.", "contents": "Immunologic studies in phenylketonuria. Significantly reduced immunoglobulins were found in 22 patients with phenylketonuria. Tests of cellular immune function which included delayed skin hypersensitivity, T rosettes and PHA transformation were normal. Escherichia coli antibodies and the booster response to tetanus toxoid were also normal.", "PMID": 998226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7011", "title": "Chronic pulmonary disease in a child with the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.", "content": "The presence of chronic pulmonary disease is an uncommon finding in the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The patient discussed herein presented with severe irreversible obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by marked hyperinflation, an increase in static lung compliance, and tracheal dilatation. A largely normal lung biopsy ruled out chronic pulmonary emphysema. Despite the similarity of this patient to those with the Mounier-Kuhn syndrome, the degree of tracheobronchial enlargement was not as great as is usually seen in this disorder although these anatomic changes may develop with time. The findings in this case demonstrate that any site within the tracheobronchial tree may be involved in the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and further emphasize the need to determine the degree of reversibility of obstructive lung disease in children.", "contents": "Chronic pulmonary disease in a child with the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The presence of chronic pulmonary disease is an uncommon finding in the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The patient discussed herein presented with severe irreversible obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by marked hyperinflation, an increase in static lung compliance, and tracheal dilatation. A largely normal lung biopsy ruled out chronic pulmonary emphysema. Despite the similarity of this patient to those with the Mounier-Kuhn syndrome, the degree of tracheobronchial enlargement was not as great as is usually seen in this disorder although these anatomic changes may develop with time. The findings in this case demonstrate that any site within the tracheobronchial tree may be involved in the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and further emphasize the need to determine the degree of reversibility of obstructive lung disease in children.", "PMID": 998227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7012", "title": "Intrarenal reflux.", "content": "Seventy-six children with a total of 123 ureters showing vesico-ureteric reflux were reviewed in order to detect intrarenal reflux (pyelotubular backflow) occuring during micturating cystourethrography. This was found in 7 patients (9.2%). Five patients had unilateral and two bilateral intrarenal reflux. In only 7 out of the 9 kidneys with intrarenal reflux was it possible to outline the kidney contour precisely on excretion urography. In 3 cases renal damage corresponded exactly to the areas with intrarenal reflux. One kidney showed damage which did not correspond to the location of intrarenal reflux and 3 were without signs of damage. Renal damage of varying localization was found in 54 of the 123 kidneys with vesico-ureteric reflux and intrarenal reflux was present in 6 of these (11%). The significance of intrarenal reflux as a cause of renal damage and whether intrarenal reflux might be primary or secondary to the renal damage are discussed, and it is concluded that presence of intrarenal reflux is a definite indication for operation.", "contents": "Intrarenal reflux. Seventy-six children with a total of 123 ureters showing vesico-ureteric reflux were reviewed in order to detect intrarenal reflux (pyelotubular backflow) occuring during micturating cystourethrography. This was found in 7 patients (9.2%). Five patients had unilateral and two bilateral intrarenal reflux. In only 7 out of the 9 kidneys with intrarenal reflux was it possible to outline the kidney contour precisely on excretion urography. In 3 cases renal damage corresponded exactly to the areas with intrarenal reflux. One kidney showed damage which did not correspond to the location of intrarenal reflux and 3 were without signs of damage. Renal damage of varying localization was found in 54 of the 123 kidneys with vesico-ureteric reflux and intrarenal reflux was present in 6 of these (11%). The significance of intrarenal reflux as a cause of renal damage and whether intrarenal reflux might be primary or secondary to the renal damage are discussed, and it is concluded that presence of intrarenal reflux is a definite indication for operation.", "PMID": 998230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7013", "title": "An unusual case of Crohn's disease in a West Indian child.", "content": "Although perianal ulceration is common in Crohn's disease, extensive perineal ulceration particularly in children is rare. The case history is presented of a child who developed progressive hypertrophy of the vulva and ulceration of the groins at the age of 11 years but diagnosis of Crohn' s disease was delayed for 21 months. Treatment with steroids and azathioprine has induced a successful remission but difficulty has been experienced in reducing the steroid dosage.", "contents": "An unusual case of Crohn's disease in a West Indian child. Although perianal ulceration is common in Crohn's disease, extensive perineal ulceration particularly in children is rare. The case history is presented of a child who developed progressive hypertrophy of the vulva and ulceration of the groins at the age of 11 years but diagnosis of Crohn' s disease was delayed for 21 months. Treatment with steroids and azathioprine has induced a successful remission but difficulty has been experienced in reducing the steroid dosage.", "PMID": 998232} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7014", "title": "Menetrier's syndrome in children.", "content": "Since Menetrier's original description in 1888 many cases of hypertrophic gastritis have been recorded in adults. Only recently has a similar syndrome been described in childhood. The case reported demonstrates the characteristic features of the condition (the duration was rather longer than in other reported cases) and diagnosis, clinical course and aetiology are discussed. In contrast to the adult disease this illness is usually short-lived with full clinical and histological remission occurring within a few months.", "contents": "Menetrier's syndrome in children. Since Menetrier's original description in 1888 many cases of hypertrophic gastritis have been recorded in adults. Only recently has a similar syndrome been described in childhood. The case reported demonstrates the characteristic features of the condition (the duration was rather longer than in other reported cases) and diagnosis, clinical course and aetiology are discussed. In contrast to the adult disease this illness is usually short-lived with full clinical and histological remission occurring within a few months.", "PMID": 998233} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7015", "title": "Hypertension in a patient with acrodermatitis enteropathica.", "content": "One patient with acrodermatitis enteropathica complicated by hypertension is presented. The pathogenesis of the markedly elevated blood pressure is unknown. The acrodermatitis healed completely on zinc therapy and parallel to this improvement the hypertension could easily be controlled with a gradually decreased antihypertensive drug dosage.", "contents": "Hypertension in a patient with acrodermatitis enteropathica. One patient with acrodermatitis enteropathica complicated by hypertension is presented. The pathogenesis of the markedly elevated blood pressure is unknown. The acrodermatitis healed completely on zinc therapy and parallel to this improvement the hypertension could easily be controlled with a gradually decreased antihypertensive drug dosage.", "PMID": 998234} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7016", "title": "A highly differentiated exocrine pancreatic tumour in a young boy.", "content": "A primary pancreatic tumour in a 6-year-old boy was removed by radical excision. From both light and electron microscopic observations the tumour was considered to be of exocrine origin, with some differentiation towards acinar cells. Although the tumour was highly differentiated, it was regarded as probably malignant because of tumour growth into the surrounding fibrous capsule. The case is discussed in relation to earlier rare reports of pancreatic tumours in infants and children.", "contents": "A highly differentiated exocrine pancreatic tumour in a young boy. A primary pancreatic tumour in a 6-year-old boy was removed by radical excision. From both light and electron microscopic observations the tumour was considered to be of exocrine origin, with some differentiation towards acinar cells. Although the tumour was highly differentiated, it was regarded as probably malignant because of tumour growth into the surrounding fibrous capsule. The case is discussed in relation to earlier rare reports of pancreatic tumours in infants and children.", "PMID": 998235} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7017", "title": "Refractory coagulopathy in an infant with loss of clotting proteins into ascitic fluid.", "content": "Report of a newborn with massive ascites who developed a severe coagulopathy due to multiple intrinsic and extrinsic clotting factor deficiencies. All deficient coagulation factors were present in measurable quantities in the infant's ascitic fluid. It is postulated that she sustained loss of coagulant proteins by transudation into her peritoneal cavity. A similarly acquired coagulopathy should be suspected in all patients with a known increase in extravascular fluid compartments.", "contents": "Refractory coagulopathy in an infant with loss of clotting proteins into ascitic fluid. Report of a newborn with massive ascites who developed a severe coagulopathy due to multiple intrinsic and extrinsic clotting factor deficiencies. All deficient coagulation factors were present in measurable quantities in the infant's ascitic fluid. It is postulated that she sustained loss of coagulant proteins by transudation into her peritoneal cavity. A similarly acquired coagulopathy should be suspected in all patients with a known increase in extravascular fluid compartments.", "PMID": 998236} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7018", "title": "Fine structures of the spleen in hereditary elliptocytosis.", "content": "Light and electron microscopic studies of the spleen and liver from a patient with hereditary elliptocytosis have been reported. Characteristic findings are congestion of the cordal space, diminished variation of the erythrocyte shape in the cord, relatively empty sinuses and erythrophagocytosis by the cordal macrophages. The same basic defect of the red cell membrane as has been documented in hereditary sperocytosis might be a possible explanation on the pathogenesis of this rare hemolytic anemia.", "contents": "Fine structures of the spleen in hereditary elliptocytosis. Light and electron microscopic studies of the spleen and liver from a patient with hereditary elliptocytosis have been reported. Characteristic findings are congestion of the cordal space, diminished variation of the erythrocyte shape in the cord, relatively empty sinuses and erythrophagocytosis by the cordal macrophages. The same basic defect of the red cell membrane as has been documented in hereditary sperocytosis might be a possible explanation on the pathogenesis of this rare hemolytic anemia.", "PMID": 998237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7019", "title": "Intimal thickening of intra-organ arteries and smoking habits.", "content": "Intimal thickening of the intra-organ arteries of the major organs have been examined in 253 autopsy cases and, the microscopical findings have been analyzed according to smoking habits. It was found that especially that small arteries of the lung present a significantly higher degree of fibrous intimal thickening in cigarette smokers.", "contents": "Intimal thickening of intra-organ arteries and smoking habits. Intimal thickening of the intra-organ arteries of the major organs have been examined in 253 autopsy cases and, the microscopical findings have been analyzed according to smoking habits. It was found that especially that small arteries of the lung present a significantly higher degree of fibrous intimal thickening in cigarette smokers.", "PMID": 998238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7020", "title": "Castleman's lymphoma among Japanese population.", "content": "Since our report on Castlemans lymphoma in 1958, a total of 53 cases by 36 authors have appeared in the Japanese literatures. Among them our first case, whose tumor was found in the pelvic cavity, would be the first patient ever reported in Japan. The outstanding histological features of Castleman's lymphoma consists of variegated morphology of germinal centers due to peculiar capillary proliferation, multicentric germinal centers in a lymph follicle showing a chimerical figure and expansive growth of lymph follicles by compressing interfollicular area. Among these Japanese population, we have noticed the highest age incidence between 10-19 years, with somewhat female predominance, the most preferential site in the upper part of the body, and, as compared to the other ethnical subjects, more frequent tumor multiplicity and less usual plasma cell type of the tumor. A possible pathogenesis that Castleman's lymphoma could be \"a benign lymphoma\" in contrast to malignant lymphomas is emphasized from various aspects.", "contents": "Castleman's lymphoma among Japanese population. Since our report on Castlemans lymphoma in 1958, a total of 53 cases by 36 authors have appeared in the Japanese literatures. Among them our first case, whose tumor was found in the pelvic cavity, would be the first patient ever reported in Japan. The outstanding histological features of Castleman's lymphoma consists of variegated morphology of germinal centers due to peculiar capillary proliferation, multicentric germinal centers in a lymph follicle showing a chimerical figure and expansive growth of lymph follicles by compressing interfollicular area. Among these Japanese population, we have noticed the highest age incidence between 10-19 years, with somewhat female predominance, the most preferential site in the upper part of the body, and, as compared to the other ethnical subjects, more frequent tumor multiplicity and less usual plasma cell type of the tumor. A possible pathogenesis that Castleman's lymphoma could be \"a benign lymphoma\" in contrast to malignant lymphomas is emphasized from various aspects.", "PMID": 998239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7021", "title": "Secondary lipidosis in leukemia.", "content": "Foam cells in the spleen, bone marrow, liver and lymph nodes were examined on the 73 reliably recorded and sampled leukemia autopsy cases encountered at Kobe University from 1958 to 1972. Although the substances stored in the foam cells were biochemically unknown, the foam cells in leukemia could be morphologically classified into two types: The one was identified with the Gaucher type, but the other was not identified with the sea-blue type and might be considered as to be the transitional type described in another report. Foam cells could be found in the spleen of 6 out of 12 cases of chronic myeloid leukemia, one out of 2 cases of chronic lymphatic leukemia, one out of 7 cases of leukemic lymphosarcoma, one out of 9 cases of acute lymphatic leukemia, and none in 3 cases of monocytic leukemia. In acute myeloid leukemia, the incidence of foam cells in the spleen was 47.5% in 40 cases, and acquired lipidoses were more frequently seen in cases under 19 years of age, in male cases, in cases with an enlarged spleen over 400 g, and in cases of over 4 months' duration.", "contents": "Secondary lipidosis in leukemia. Foam cells in the spleen, bone marrow, liver and lymph nodes were examined on the 73 reliably recorded and sampled leukemia autopsy cases encountered at Kobe University from 1958 to 1972. Although the substances stored in the foam cells were biochemically unknown, the foam cells in leukemia could be morphologically classified into two types: The one was identified with the Gaucher type, but the other was not identified with the sea-blue type and might be considered as to be the transitional type described in another report. Foam cells could be found in the spleen of 6 out of 12 cases of chronic myeloid leukemia, one out of 2 cases of chronic lymphatic leukemia, one out of 7 cases of leukemic lymphosarcoma, one out of 9 cases of acute lymphatic leukemia, and none in 3 cases of monocytic leukemia. In acute myeloid leukemia, the incidence of foam cells in the spleen was 47.5% in 40 cases, and acquired lipidoses were more frequently seen in cases under 19 years of age, in male cases, in cases with an enlarged spleen over 400 g, and in cases of over 4 months' duration.", "PMID": 998240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7022", "title": "Histochemical and ultrastructural studies of the adrenal cortex in spontaneously hypertensive rats with high salt solution.", "content": "The response of the adrenal cortex in weanling Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR, Okamoto and Aoki) and Wistar-Kyoto Rats (WKR) when given 1% NaCl in drinking water was studied histochemically and electron microscopically. The development of hypertension was accelerated in SHR given 1% NaCl in drinking water. The thickness of the zona glomerulosa in WKR receiving 1% NaCl in drinking water remarkably diminished following the course of experiment and lipid droplets in the zona glomerulosa decreased gradually. The zona glomerulosa cells revealed shrinkage of the cells and a decreased number of mitochondrial cristae were observed at three weeks of experiment. The remaining tubular cristae of mitochondria possessed a milled outline. Golgi apparatus became small and fragmental. Membrane-bounded dense bodies were prominent in the peripheral portion of the cell and around Golgi apparatus. In SHR given 1% NaCl in drinking water, the width of the zona glomerulosa less diminished. A marked decrease in number and size of lipid droplets was seen. However, there was no distinct alteration of cytoplasmic organelles. These morphological changes were discussed from the standpoint of functional state in the zona glomerulosa with relation to the development of hypertension in SHR.", "contents": "Histochemical and ultrastructural studies of the adrenal cortex in spontaneously hypertensive rats with high salt solution. The response of the adrenal cortex in weanling Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR, Okamoto and Aoki) and Wistar-Kyoto Rats (WKR) when given 1% NaCl in drinking water was studied histochemically and electron microscopically. The development of hypertension was accelerated in SHR given 1% NaCl in drinking water. The thickness of the zona glomerulosa in WKR receiving 1% NaCl in drinking water remarkably diminished following the course of experiment and lipid droplets in the zona glomerulosa decreased gradually. The zona glomerulosa cells revealed shrinkage of the cells and a decreased number of mitochondrial cristae were observed at three weeks of experiment. The remaining tubular cristae of mitochondria possessed a milled outline. Golgi apparatus became small and fragmental. Membrane-bounded dense bodies were prominent in the peripheral portion of the cell and around Golgi apparatus. In SHR given 1% NaCl in drinking water, the width of the zona glomerulosa less diminished. A marked decrease in number and size of lipid droplets was seen. However, there was no distinct alteration of cytoplasmic organelles. These morphological changes were discussed from the standpoint of functional state in the zona glomerulosa with relation to the development of hypertension in SHR.", "PMID": 998241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7023", "title": "Atrial myxoma associated with multiple hamartomas.", "content": "A case of cardiac myxoma associated with renal angiofibrolipomas, renal medullary fibromas, thyroid adenoma and jejunal polyp was presented. So far as we know, the combined form of cardiac myxoma and renal hamartoma has not been hitherto reported. The combination of these various complications may suggest the relationships of tuberous sclerosis, Cowden disease, lymphangiomatosis among others. Besides it is noteworthy that the three of them, i.e. cardiac myxoma, renal angiofibrolipomas and thyroid adenoma, presented considerable atypism at the same time. As to the histogenesis of cardiac myxoma, this case may be in accord with the hamartoma theory.", "contents": "Atrial myxoma associated with multiple hamartomas. A case of cardiac myxoma associated with renal angiofibrolipomas, renal medullary fibromas, thyroid adenoma and jejunal polyp was presented. So far as we know, the combined form of cardiac myxoma and renal hamartoma has not been hitherto reported. The combination of these various complications may suggest the relationships of tuberous sclerosis, Cowden disease, lymphangiomatosis among others. Besides it is noteworthy that the three of them, i.e. cardiac myxoma, renal angiofibrolipomas and thyroid adenoma, presented considerable atypism at the same time. As to the histogenesis of cardiac myxoma, this case may be in accord with the hamartoma theory.", "PMID": 998242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7024", "title": "Non-African Burkitt's lymphoma in a young woman.", "content": "Non-African Burkitt's lymphoma is presented in a 29-year-old, unmarried woman, who developed tumors in both breats and ovaries, ascites and pleural effusion. Assessment of B cells in the tumor cells, derived from ascites, pleural effusion and tumor tissue is 90%, surface IgM being consisted of 86%, in an average. Histologically, the tumor tissue demonstrates prominent, socalled starry-sky effect, and cytologically, tumor cells are poorly-differentiated lymphocytoid cells in their feautures.", "contents": "Non-African Burkitt's lymphoma in a young woman. Non-African Burkitt's lymphoma is presented in a 29-year-old, unmarried woman, who developed tumors in both breats and ovaries, ascites and pleural effusion. Assessment of B cells in the tumor cells, derived from ascites, pleural effusion and tumor tissue is 90%, surface IgM being consisted of 86%, in an average. Histologically, the tumor tissue demonstrates prominent, socalled starry-sky effect, and cytologically, tumor cells are poorly-differentiated lymphocytoid cells in their feautures.", "PMID": 998243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7025", "title": "Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis.", "content": "This report presents the first autopsy case in Japan of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis which had developed in a 71-year-old man. The clinical course was of extremely long duration of more than 10 years. Malignancy was suspected on biopsy, and at one stage chylous ascites developed. The cause of this retroperitoneal fibrosis could not be determined, but it is considered that the vicious circle of inflammatory processes such as cellulitis and lymphangitis in the retroperitoneum and lymphedema as well as lymphorrhage attributable to mechanical lymphatic obstruction brought about the retroperitoneal fibrosis.", "contents": "Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis. This report presents the first autopsy case in Japan of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis which had developed in a 71-year-old man. The clinical course was of extremely long duration of more than 10 years. Malignancy was suspected on biopsy, and at one stage chylous ascites developed. The cause of this retroperitoneal fibrosis could not be determined, but it is considered that the vicious circle of inflammatory processes such as cellulitis and lymphangitis in the retroperitoneum and lymphedema as well as lymphorrhage attributable to mechanical lymphatic obstruction brought about the retroperitoneal fibrosis.", "PMID": 998244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7026", "title": "Penetration of fluorescent homologous serum proteins into the wall of the aorta in rats with acute angiotensin hypertension.", "content": "A few hours of acute angiotensin hypertension in rats increased the permeability of the thoracic part of the aorta for plasma components. The permeability, which was demonstrated by means of homologous circulating fluorescent serum proteins, seemed to be diffuse rather than focal. The fluorescent proteins penetrated into the whole thickness of the aortic wall, but were to a great extent deposited in the subendothelial space and the most luminal part of the tunica media. The deposition took place in the greater part of the circumference of the aortic wall. These results are in agreement with the insudative theory of atherogenesis, and the initial stage seems to be a \"damming back\" of some of the serum or plasma proteins for deposition in the subendothelial space and the most luminal part of the tunica media.", "contents": "Penetration of fluorescent homologous serum proteins into the wall of the aorta in rats with acute angiotensin hypertension. A few hours of acute angiotensin hypertension in rats increased the permeability of the thoracic part of the aorta for plasma components. The permeability, which was demonstrated by means of homologous circulating fluorescent serum proteins, seemed to be diffuse rather than focal. The fluorescent proteins penetrated into the whole thickness of the aortic wall, but were to a great extent deposited in the subendothelial space and the most luminal part of the tunica media. The deposition took place in the greater part of the circumference of the aortic wall. These results are in agreement with the insudative theory of atherogenesis, and the initial stage seems to be a \"damming back\" of some of the serum or plasma proteins for deposition in the subendothelial space and the most luminal part of the tunica media.", "PMID": 998245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7027", "title": "The diagnosis of cancer from body fluids. A comparison of cytology, DNA measurement, tissue culture, scanning and transmission microscopy.", "content": "A consecutive series of 70 exudates from 45 patients with clinically suspected malignancy was examined by cytology, cytophotometric measurement of DNA, short-term cell culture, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In seven patients (21 fluids), the presence of malignant disease was verified. Malignant and benign cases were correctly diagnosed by combination of cytology and DNA analyses. An abnormal DNA profile defined by greater than 10 per cent cells with greater than 2c DNA or single cells with greater than 8c DNA was only seen in malignant exudates. Short-term cell culture with scanning electron microscopy could distinguish between lymphoid cells, histiocytes, fibroblasts, mesothelial cells and cancer cells. Only cancer cells had prominent microvilli on their surface. A future larger series will explore whether a combination of cytology and cytophotometric DNA estimation alone will improve the diagnostic accuracy to the same substantial degree as this pilot study would suggest.", "contents": "The diagnosis of cancer from body fluids. A comparison of cytology, DNA measurement, tissue culture, scanning and transmission microscopy. A consecutive series of 70 exudates from 45 patients with clinically suspected malignancy was examined by cytology, cytophotometric measurement of DNA, short-term cell culture, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In seven patients (21 fluids), the presence of malignant disease was verified. Malignant and benign cases were correctly diagnosed by combination of cytology and DNA analyses. An abnormal DNA profile defined by greater than 10 per cent cells with greater than 2c DNA or single cells with greater than 8c DNA was only seen in malignant exudates. Short-term cell culture with scanning electron microscopy could distinguish between lymphoid cells, histiocytes, fibroblasts, mesothelial cells and cancer cells. Only cancer cells had prominent microvilli on their surface. A future larger series will explore whether a combination of cytology and cytophotometric DNA estimation alone will improve the diagnostic accuracy to the same substantial degree as this pilot study would suggest.", "PMID": 998246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7028", "title": "Spindle cell lipoma.", "content": "A clinical, light- and electronmicroscopic study of 14 patients with spindle cell lipoma is presented. Spindle cell lipoma is considered to be a distinctive lipomatous tumour histologically characterized by a mixture of fat cells and fibroblast-like spindle cells, ultrastructurally similar to fibroblasts, in a matrix with varying amounts of collagen and mucosubstances. The tumours showed a predominance for elderly men and all but one were situated in the posterior neck, shoulder region or upper back. The tumours varied between 1 and 9 cm, with a median value of 5 cm, in the widest diameter and were entirely or almost entirely situated in the subcutaneous tissue. A follow-up study of 11 patients, observed for 1-25 years, confirmed that the clinical course is benign. The differential diagnosis is discussed and it is emphasized that spindle cell lipoma is easily misinterpreted as sarcoma. Three tumours showed a pronounced nuclear polymorphism without mitotic activity, thought to be regressive in nature. The cellular change in these three tumours are presumed to be analogous with those in so called ancient neurilemmoma and therefore the name ancient spindle cell lipoma is proposed for the polymorphic spindle cell lipomas.", "contents": "Spindle cell lipoma. A clinical, light- and electronmicroscopic study of 14 patients with spindle cell lipoma is presented. Spindle cell lipoma is considered to be a distinctive lipomatous tumour histologically characterized by a mixture of fat cells and fibroblast-like spindle cells, ultrastructurally similar to fibroblasts, in a matrix with varying amounts of collagen and mucosubstances. The tumours showed a predominance for elderly men and all but one were situated in the posterior neck, shoulder region or upper back. The tumours varied between 1 and 9 cm, with a median value of 5 cm, in the widest diameter and were entirely or almost entirely situated in the subcutaneous tissue. A follow-up study of 11 patients, observed for 1-25 years, confirmed that the clinical course is benign. The differential diagnosis is discussed and it is emphasized that spindle cell lipoma is easily misinterpreted as sarcoma. Three tumours showed a pronounced nuclear polymorphism without mitotic activity, thought to be regressive in nature. The cellular change in these three tumours are presumed to be analogous with those in so called ancient neurilemmoma and therefore the name ancient spindle cell lipoma is proposed for the polymorphic spindle cell lipomas.", "PMID": 998247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7029", "title": "Glycosaminoglycans of cartilage and bone tissue in two cases of osteogenesis imperfecta congenita.", "content": "Epiphyseal cartilage and bone tissue from two cases of osteogenesis imperfecta congenita and one control case with similar skeletal age were examined regarding their glycosaminoglycan content. The diseased bone tissue showed a 3-fold increase in glycosaminoglycans, and 20-25 per cent of the chondroitin sulphate disaccharides seemed to be disulphated. The diseased cartilages showed only traces of material with characteristics of disulphates disaccharides. No disulphates disaccharides were isolated from the control materials. No difference between diseased and control material was indicated regarding molecular size, chondroitin-4-sulphate/chondroitin-6-sulphate ratio or contents of keratan sulphate and hyaluronic acid. The disease is thus associated with fundamental changes of the glycosaminoglycan structure, and these changes may be of functional importance to the mineralization process as well as to the organisation of collagen.", "contents": "Glycosaminoglycans of cartilage and bone tissue in two cases of osteogenesis imperfecta congenita. Epiphyseal cartilage and bone tissue from two cases of osteogenesis imperfecta congenita and one control case with similar skeletal age were examined regarding their glycosaminoglycan content. The diseased bone tissue showed a 3-fold increase in glycosaminoglycans, and 20-25 per cent of the chondroitin sulphate disaccharides seemed to be disulphated. The diseased cartilages showed only traces of material with characteristics of disulphates disaccharides. No disulphates disaccharides were isolated from the control materials. No difference between diseased and control material was indicated regarding molecular size, chondroitin-4-sulphate/chondroitin-6-sulphate ratio or contents of keratan sulphate and hyaluronic acid. The disease is thus associated with fundamental changes of the glycosaminoglycan structure, and these changes may be of functional importance to the mineralization process as well as to the organisation of collagen.", "PMID": 998248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7030", "title": "The localization of precancerous changes and carcinoma after previous gastric operation for benign condition.", "content": "Sixty-five patients operated on for a benign gastric condition showed at re-operation in 9 cases precancerous changes, in 22 cases carcinoma in situ, and in 34 cases infiltrating carcinoma. The median time to elapse between the two operations was 20 years. The pathological diagnosis established at the first operation was most often benign duodenal ulcer. Investigation revealed in 9 cases precancerous changes and in 47 cases various grades of adenocarcinoma within the anastomosis. In 37 cases of Billroth II operations, 5 precancerous changes, 15 carcinomas in situ and 17 infiltrative cancers were located on the posterior gastric wall near the efferent small intestinal loop. In these cases there were additional changes, one precancerous, 7 carcinomas in situ and two infiltrating cancers, situated against the cephalic part of the afferent small intestinal loop. Nineteen Billroth II patients had precancers or cancers at other sites within the anastomosis or gastric remnant. The remaining 9 cases of Billroth I, gastro-enterostomy and gastric Roux-en-Y procedures are too few to allow conclusions concerning the localization of precancer or cancer in the anastomosis.", "contents": "The localization of precancerous changes and carcinoma after previous gastric operation for benign condition. Sixty-five patients operated on for a benign gastric condition showed at re-operation in 9 cases precancerous changes, in 22 cases carcinoma in situ, and in 34 cases infiltrating carcinoma. The median time to elapse between the two operations was 20 years. The pathological diagnosis established at the first operation was most often benign duodenal ulcer. Investigation revealed in 9 cases precancerous changes and in 47 cases various grades of adenocarcinoma within the anastomosis. In 37 cases of Billroth II operations, 5 precancerous changes, 15 carcinomas in situ and 17 infiltrative cancers were located on the posterior gastric wall near the efferent small intestinal loop. In these cases there were additional changes, one precancerous, 7 carcinomas in situ and two infiltrating cancers, situated against the cephalic part of the afferent small intestinal loop. Nineteen Billroth II patients had precancers or cancers at other sites within the anastomosis or gastric remnant. The remaining 9 cases of Billroth I, gastro-enterostomy and gastric Roux-en-Y procedures are too few to allow conclusions concerning the localization of precancer or cancer in the anastomosis.", "PMID": 998249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7031", "title": "Growth of rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells in serum from patients with juvenile diabetes.", "content": "The effect of human diabetic serum on the growth of rabbit arterial smooth muscle cell cultures was studied in the stationary phase of growth. The serum was obtained from young, male, non-obese, juvenile diabetics and non-diabetics. The experiments were carried out using dialysed as well as non-dialysed serum. The concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides were equal in normal and diabetic serum. Media supplemented with diabetic serum from both short term and long term diabetics stimulated the outgrowth of the smooth muscle cells significantly (2p less than 0.01). A statistically significantly stimulation of growth was also observed using dialysed human diabetic serum (2p less than 0.05). Autoradiographic studies showed that the number of 3H-thymidine labelled cells and of cells in mitosis increased appreciably after incubation in diabetic human serum (2p less than 0.005). The present data show that human serum from juvenile diabetics contains a factor or factors which promote an excessive growth of arterial medial cells. The factor(s) is not lipids as hyperlipemia was not present nor is it glucose, aminoacids, fructose or ketones, as the growth effect remained after dialysis.", "contents": "Growth of rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells in serum from patients with juvenile diabetes. The effect of human diabetic serum on the growth of rabbit arterial smooth muscle cell cultures was studied in the stationary phase of growth. The serum was obtained from young, male, non-obese, juvenile diabetics and non-diabetics. The experiments were carried out using dialysed as well as non-dialysed serum. The concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides were equal in normal and diabetic serum. Media supplemented with diabetic serum from both short term and long term diabetics stimulated the outgrowth of the smooth muscle cells significantly (2p less than 0.01). A statistically significantly stimulation of growth was also observed using dialysed human diabetic serum (2p less than 0.05). Autoradiographic studies showed that the number of 3H-thymidine labelled cells and of cells in mitosis increased appreciably after incubation in diabetic human serum (2p less than 0.005). The present data show that human serum from juvenile diabetics contains a factor or factors which promote an excessive growth of arterial medial cells. The factor(s) is not lipids as hyperlipemia was not present nor is it glucose, aminoacids, fructose or ketones, as the growth effect remained after dialysis.", "PMID": 998250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7032", "title": "Evidence for an initial, thymus independent and a chronic, thymus dependent phase of DOCA and salt hypertension in mice.", "content": "Treatment with desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) and 1 per cent saline as drinking water for 21 days caused a significant and similar increase in blood pressure in haired mice, with a normal thymus function, as in nude mice with genetical aplasia of the thymus. After 57 and 78 days there was, however, a significantly more pronounced increase in blood pressure in haired than in nude mice. A marked degree of round cell infiltration around intrarenal vessels and degenerative changes including wedge-shaped infarcts were observed in the kidneys of the haired mice, commencing after 57 days of treatment, while no such changes were found in nude mice. Thymus grafting in nude mice, successively treated with DOCA and salt, conferred the ability to react with chronic hypertension and intrarenal vascular disease, equal to the reaction seen in haired mice. The present investigation has provided evidence for the existence of an initial thymus independent and a chronic thymus dependent phase of DOCA and salt hypertension in mice. It still remains an unsolved problem whether the secondary blood pressure fall observed in nude athymic mice is a direct consequence of the lack of perivascular cellular immune reactions, or caused by other defects in this strain of mice.", "contents": "Evidence for an initial, thymus independent and a chronic, thymus dependent phase of DOCA and salt hypertension in mice. Treatment with desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) and 1 per cent saline as drinking water for 21 days caused a significant and similar increase in blood pressure in haired mice, with a normal thymus function, as in nude mice with genetical aplasia of the thymus. After 57 and 78 days there was, however, a significantly more pronounced increase in blood pressure in haired than in nude mice. A marked degree of round cell infiltration around intrarenal vessels and degenerative changes including wedge-shaped infarcts were observed in the kidneys of the haired mice, commencing after 57 days of treatment, while no such changes were found in nude mice. Thymus grafting in nude mice, successively treated with DOCA and salt, conferred the ability to react with chronic hypertension and intrarenal vascular disease, equal to the reaction seen in haired mice. The present investigation has provided evidence for the existence of an initial thymus independent and a chronic thymus dependent phase of DOCA and salt hypertension in mice. It still remains an unsolved problem whether the secondary blood pressure fall observed in nude athymic mice is a direct consequence of the lack of perivascular cellular immune reactions, or caused by other defects in this strain of mice.", "PMID": 998251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7033", "title": "G-band analyses of a human intestinal leiomyosarcoma.", "content": "The chromosomes of a human intestinal leiomyosarcoma were studied by a direct method. The tumour had a hypodiploid stemline (S = 42) with both numerical and structural changes. These could be clarified using a G-banding method. The evolutionary pattern in the sarcoma was reminiscent of that found earlier in human meningiomas.", "contents": "G-band analyses of a human intestinal leiomyosarcoma. The chromosomes of a human intestinal leiomyosarcoma were studied by a direct method. The tumour had a hypodiploid stemline (S = 42) with both numerical and structural changes. These could be clarified using a G-banding method. The evolutionary pattern in the sarcoma was reminiscent of that found earlier in human meningiomas.", "PMID": 998252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7034", "title": "Possible functions of peptide antibiotics during growth of producer organisms: bacitracin and metal (II) ion transport.", "content": "The inhibitory effect of bacitracin upon growth of the producer strain Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 10716 was dependent upon the presence of several different metal (II) ions, particularly Mn (II), Co (II), or Zn (II) ions. This supports our previous suggestion that the normal function of bacitracin during growth of the producer organism may be to promote the uptake of several divalent metal ions. Due to the striking similarity between the antimicrobial effect of bacitracin towards susceptible organisms and the effect of bacitracin towards the producer organisms B. licheniformis ATCC 10716, the possibility that the antimicrobial effect of bacitracin may be an induction of uptake of toxic amounts of metal ions is discussed. The possibility that peptide antibiotics may normally participate in ion transport during growth of producer organisms is also discussed.", "contents": "Possible functions of peptide antibiotics during growth of producer organisms: bacitracin and metal (II) ion transport. The inhibitory effect of bacitracin upon growth of the producer strain Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 10716 was dependent upon the presence of several different metal (II) ions, particularly Mn (II), Co (II), or Zn (II) ions. This supports our previous suggestion that the normal function of bacitracin during growth of the producer organism may be to promote the uptake of several divalent metal ions. Due to the striking similarity between the antimicrobial effect of bacitracin towards susceptible organisms and the effect of bacitracin towards the producer organisms B. licheniformis ATCC 10716, the possibility that the antimicrobial effect of bacitracin may be an induction of uptake of toxic amounts of metal ions is discussed. The possibility that peptide antibiotics may normally participate in ion transport during growth of producer organisms is also discussed.", "PMID": 998253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7035", "title": "The haemolytic activity of Haemophilus species.", "content": "The importance of the species of blood employed for detection of haemolysis in seventy-seven Haemophilus strains of human and porcine origin was studied. Significant differences in the visibility of haemolytic zones obtained on the different blood agar media were observed. In decreasing order, the suitability of the species of blood was: calf, sheep, human, rabbit, poultry and horse blood. On plates containing washed sheep or calf red cells the haemolysin of all 36 strains of Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae acted synergistically with the beta-toxin of the Staphylococcus aureus strain used as \"feeder strain\", giving rise to a lytic phenomenon resembling the CAMP reaction.", "contents": "The haemolytic activity of Haemophilus species. The importance of the species of blood employed for detection of haemolysis in seventy-seven Haemophilus strains of human and porcine origin was studied. Significant differences in the visibility of haemolytic zones obtained on the different blood agar media were observed. In decreasing order, the suitability of the species of blood was: calf, sheep, human, rabbit, poultry and horse blood. On plates containing washed sheep or calf red cells the haemolysin of all 36 strains of Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae acted synergistically with the beta-toxin of the Staphylococcus aureus strain used as \"feeder strain\", giving rise to a lytic phenomenon resembling the CAMP reaction.", "PMID": 998254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7036", "title": "Age- and sex-related distribution of antibodies to hepatitis B surface and core antigens in a Swedish population.", "content": "Serum samples from people born between the years 1895 and 1970 were collected and tested for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) by passive haemagglutination (PHA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA), and for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) by immunoelectroosmophoresis (IEOP). Neither anti-HBs nor anti-HBc was detected in the serum from anyone under 15 years of age. The prevalence of anti-HBs and anti-HBc showed peaks of 9.2 and 8.3 per cent, respectively, in the age group of 40-49 years. The distribution of antibody was equal between men and women. Eighty per cent of the sera with anti-HBs were also positive for anti-HBc. All sera positive for anti-HBc also contained anti-HBs.", "contents": "Age- and sex-related distribution of antibodies to hepatitis B surface and core antigens in a Swedish population. Serum samples from people born between the years 1895 and 1970 were collected and tested for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) by passive haemagglutination (PHA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA), and for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) by immunoelectroosmophoresis (IEOP). Neither anti-HBs nor anti-HBc was detected in the serum from anyone under 15 years of age. The prevalence of anti-HBs and anti-HBc showed peaks of 9.2 and 8.3 per cent, respectively, in the age group of 40-49 years. The distribution of antibody was equal between men and women. Eighty per cent of the sera with anti-HBs were also positive for anti-HBc. All sera positive for anti-HBc also contained anti-HBs.", "PMID": 998255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7037", "title": "Effect of antibiotics on interferon production in mice.", "content": "Neomycin, chloramphenicol, gentamycin, rifampicin and oxytetracycline were tested for their influence on virus induced interferon (IF) production in mice. Repeated intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of antibiotics were given to produce significant serum concentrations during the time of IF production, induced by i.p. injections of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). IF titres in antibiotic-treated mice determined 6 hours after induction were compared to titres in control mice given NDV only. The IF production was not significantly modified in most of the antibiotic treated mice. Only the highest dose of chloramphenicol (2500 mug/mouse) appeared to cause a reduction in IF production (p less than 0.10). Addition of antibiotics in vitro did not alter the antiviral titres of IF.", "contents": "Effect of antibiotics on interferon production in mice. Neomycin, chloramphenicol, gentamycin, rifampicin and oxytetracycline were tested for their influence on virus induced interferon (IF) production in mice. Repeated intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of antibiotics were given to produce significant serum concentrations during the time of IF production, induced by i.p. injections of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). IF titres in antibiotic-treated mice determined 6 hours after induction were compared to titres in control mice given NDV only. The IF production was not significantly modified in most of the antibiotic treated mice. Only the highest dose of chloramphenicol (2500 mug/mouse) appeared to cause a reduction in IF production (p less than 0.10). Addition of antibiotics in vitro did not alter the antiviral titres of IF.", "PMID": 998256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7038", "title": "Antibodies to influenza A/swine-like viruses (Hsw1N1) in human sera: antigenic stimulation and changes in antibody status.", "content": "Human sera collected at the end of 1975 were studied for HI antibodies to influenza A/Mayo Clinic/103/74 (Hsw1N1). The frequent occurrence of these antibodies in subjects born before 1930 suggested that they are present in about 25% of the Finnish population. During the H3N2 epidemic in winter 1975-76 a low response of antibodies to A/swine-like viruses was recorded in about half of the influenza patients with a pre-existing titre, but not in any of the patients without pre-existing antibodies. A comparison of samples collected in 1969 and 1975 suggested that at the community level the antibodies to A/swine-like viruses have not decreased during the era of the H3N2 subtype.", "contents": "Antibodies to influenza A/swine-like viruses (Hsw1N1) in human sera: antigenic stimulation and changes in antibody status. Human sera collected at the end of 1975 were studied for HI antibodies to influenza A/Mayo Clinic/103/74 (Hsw1N1). The frequent occurrence of these antibodies in subjects born before 1930 suggested that they are present in about 25% of the Finnish population. During the H3N2 epidemic in winter 1975-76 a low response of antibodies to A/swine-like viruses was recorded in about half of the influenza patients with a pre-existing titre, but not in any of the patients without pre-existing antibodies. A comparison of samples collected in 1969 and 1975 suggested that at the community level the antibodies to A/swine-like viruses have not decreased during the era of the H3N2 subtype.", "PMID": 998257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7039", "title": "Ultrastructural studies on the endogenous development of Eimeria brunetti.", "content": "The schizonts of Eimeria brunetti were studied in the epithelial cells of the small intestine of infected chickens. The morphology of the host/parasite relationship was typical of that reported for other Eimeria spp. The initial dedifferentiation of the infecting organism generally occurred within the parasite cytoplasm but it was also observed that cytoplasm containing organelles could be budded off into the parasitophorous vacuole. Development into the schizont was accompanied by cytoplasmic growth and nuclear division. During nuclear division an eccentrically located nuclear spindle was present. Merozoite formation was initiated just below the limiting membrane of the schizont and was associated with the final nuclear division. The merozoites developed as protrusions from the schizont surface and merozoite organelles developed within these cytoplasmic projections. From this early stage, the developing merozoite grew and matured and the fully formed merozoites were found attached to a small residual mass of schizont cytoplasm. The 1st generation schizont is the only one which can be separately characterized. It differs from those of subsequent generations in a) possessing a refractile body, b) being larger and producing a larger number of merozoites, c) possessing invaginations of the limiting membrane, and d) the intra vacuolar folds of its parasitophorous vacuole are more extensive.", "contents": "Ultrastructural studies on the endogenous development of Eimeria brunetti. The schizonts of Eimeria brunetti were studied in the epithelial cells of the small intestine of infected chickens. The morphology of the host/parasite relationship was typical of that reported for other Eimeria spp. The initial dedifferentiation of the infecting organism generally occurred within the parasite cytoplasm but it was also observed that cytoplasm containing organelles could be budded off into the parasitophorous vacuole. Development into the schizont was accompanied by cytoplasmic growth and nuclear division. During nuclear division an eccentrically located nuclear spindle was present. Merozoite formation was initiated just below the limiting membrane of the schizont and was associated with the final nuclear division. The merozoites developed as protrusions from the schizont surface and merozoite organelles developed within these cytoplasmic projections. From this early stage, the developing merozoite grew and matured and the fully formed merozoites were found attached to a small residual mass of schizont cytoplasm. The 1st generation schizont is the only one which can be separately characterized. It differs from those of subsequent generations in a) possessing a refractile body, b) being larger and producing a larger number of merozoites, c) possessing invaginations of the limiting membrane, and d) the intra vacuolar folds of its parasitophorous vacuole are more extensive.", "PMID": 998258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7040", "title": "Correlation of the characters fermentation of trehalose, non-transmissible resistance to tetracycline, and relatively long flagellar wavelength in Proteus morganii.", "content": "An investigation of strains of Proteus morganii isolated from patients in Odense, Denmark, and of 21 serotype strains revealed a close correlation between the fermentation of trehalose and a non-transmissible resistance to tetracycline. The trehalose fermenting, tetracycline resistant strains had a longer flagellar wavelength than the non-fermenting, sensitive strains. Resistance to chloramphenicol occurred only in strains of the former group.", "contents": "Correlation of the characters fermentation of trehalose, non-transmissible resistance to tetracycline, and relatively long flagellar wavelength in Proteus morganii. An investigation of strains of Proteus morganii isolated from patients in Odense, Denmark, and of 21 serotype strains revealed a close correlation between the fermentation of trehalose and a non-transmissible resistance to tetracycline. The trehalose fermenting, tetracycline resistant strains had a longer flagellar wavelength than the non-fermenting, sensitive strains. Resistance to chloramphenicol occurred only in strains of the former group.", "PMID": 998259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7041", "title": "Transforamtion of twitching strains of Streptococcus sanguis.", "content": "Ninety-five strains of S. sanguis, 90 of which were twitching, were screened for competence in transformation with DNA from the \"Challis\" strain. Seventy-two strains, 68 of sero-group H and 4 of the provisional group 10043, were competent. Fourteen of the competent strains and all strains which appeared to be incompetent were tested with DNA from 3 other strains. The 14 competent strains were transformed by all the 3 DNAs. One of the apparently incompetent strains was transformed by autologous DNA only. Among 8 reference strains (including ATCC 10577, Type II of Washburn et al.) 5 were competent. Three of these did not show spreading or twitching. Among 16 non-spreading strains of alphahaemolytic streptococci which did not possess either the H or the 10043 group antigen, only one showed competence. The results indicate that twitching mobility is not a prerequisite for competence.", "contents": "Transforamtion of twitching strains of Streptococcus sanguis. Ninety-five strains of S. sanguis, 90 of which were twitching, were screened for competence in transformation with DNA from the \"Challis\" strain. Seventy-two strains, 68 of sero-group H and 4 of the provisional group 10043, were competent. Fourteen of the competent strains and all strains which appeared to be incompetent were tested with DNA from 3 other strains. The 14 competent strains were transformed by all the 3 DNAs. One of the apparently incompetent strains was transformed by autologous DNA only. Among 8 reference strains (including ATCC 10577, Type II of Washburn et al.) 5 were competent. Three of these did not show spreading or twitching. Among 16 non-spreading strains of alphahaemolytic streptococci which did not possess either the H or the 10043 group antigen, only one showed competence. The results indicate that twitching mobility is not a prerequisite for competence.", "PMID": 998260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7042", "title": "Haemagglutination of twitching Streptococcus sanguis.", "content": "Among 86, mostly twitching, polarly fimbriated strains of Streptococcus sanguis, 55 agglutinated guinea pig erythrocytes (GPE) after cultivation in Todd-Hewitt broth (TH), and 21 strains agglutinated GPE only after growth in TH with 10% horse serum (THS). Two of the positive strains were non-twitching and unfimbriated. Ten strains failed to haemagglutinate. Among 5 twitching strains belonging to the 10043 group, 3 agglutinated GPE after growth in TH and 2 only after growth in THS. Among 35 non-twitching strains of alpha-haemolytic streptococci, only 6 agglutinated GPE after growth in TH, and among 8 negative strains which were tested after growth in THS, only 1 agglutinated GPE. Tests using 6 different kinds of erythrocytes (guinea pig, rabbit, sheep, horse, chicken, human) revealed that differences between these were slight only. The results do not indicate that there is an absolute association between twitching and haemagglutination in S. sanguis. The haemagglutination of S. sanguis was not mannose-sensitive.", "contents": "Haemagglutination of twitching Streptococcus sanguis. Among 86, mostly twitching, polarly fimbriated strains of Streptococcus sanguis, 55 agglutinated guinea pig erythrocytes (GPE) after cultivation in Todd-Hewitt broth (TH), and 21 strains agglutinated GPE only after growth in TH with 10% horse serum (THS). Two of the positive strains were non-twitching and unfimbriated. Ten strains failed to haemagglutinate. Among 5 twitching strains belonging to the 10043 group, 3 agglutinated GPE after growth in TH and 2 only after growth in THS. Among 35 non-twitching strains of alpha-haemolytic streptococci, only 6 agglutinated GPE after growth in TH, and among 8 negative strains which were tested after growth in THS, only 1 agglutinated GPE. Tests using 6 different kinds of erythrocytes (guinea pig, rabbit, sheep, horse, chicken, human) revealed that differences between these were slight only. The results do not indicate that there is an absolute association between twitching and haemagglutination in S. sanguis. The haemagglutination of S. sanguis was not mannose-sensitive.", "PMID": 998261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7043", "title": "Identification of paramyxovirus-specific haemolysis-inhibiting antibodies separate from haemagglutinating-inhibiting and neuraminidase-inhibiting antibodies. 2. NDV and mumps virus haemolysis-inhibiting antibodies.", "content": "Egg-grown Newcastle disease (NDV) and mumps virus were used for preparation of rabbit hyperimmune sera against purified whole virus and projectionless virus particles. These sera and convalescent sera after natural NDV and mumps infections in chickens and human subjects, respectively, were studied in haemolysis-inhibition (HLI), haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and neuraminidase-inhibition (NI) tests both before and after absorption with Tween 80-ether (TE) treated virus preparations. In addition, neutralization tests using the different sera were carried out. HI and NI antibodies and the major population of neutralizing antibodies in convalescent sera were removed by absorption with TE treated virus material without changing the titre of non-HI HLI antibodies. Rabbit hyperimmune sera directed against projectionless virus particles exhibited HLI antibody titres in marked excess of HI and NI antibody titres, whereas this was not found in sera against whole virus. Absorption with TE treated virus material resulted in removal of all demonstrable antibody activities in sera against whole virus. The corresponding absorption of sera against projectionless particles eliminated HI antibodies without changing the titre of non-Hi HLI antibodies. In rabbit hyperimmune sera, HI antibodies were of primary importance in neutralization tests. After addition of anti-gamma globulin to the test, an efficient neutralization was observed if mumps non-HI HLI antibodies were used whereas this was not found if NDV non-HI HLI antibodies were used.", "contents": "Identification of paramyxovirus-specific haemolysis-inhibiting antibodies separate from haemagglutinating-inhibiting and neuraminidase-inhibiting antibodies. 2. NDV and mumps virus haemolysis-inhibiting antibodies. Egg-grown Newcastle disease (NDV) and mumps virus were used for preparation of rabbit hyperimmune sera against purified whole virus and projectionless virus particles. These sera and convalescent sera after natural NDV and mumps infections in chickens and human subjects, respectively, were studied in haemolysis-inhibition (HLI), haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and neuraminidase-inhibition (NI) tests both before and after absorption with Tween 80-ether (TE) treated virus preparations. In addition, neutralization tests using the different sera were carried out. HI and NI antibodies and the major population of neutralizing antibodies in convalescent sera were removed by absorption with TE treated virus material without changing the titre of non-HI HLI antibodies. Rabbit hyperimmune sera directed against projectionless virus particles exhibited HLI antibody titres in marked excess of HI and NI antibody titres, whereas this was not found in sera against whole virus. Absorption with TE treated virus material resulted in removal of all demonstrable antibody activities in sera against whole virus. The corresponding absorption of sera against projectionless particles eliminated HI antibodies without changing the titre of non-Hi HLI antibodies. In rabbit hyperimmune sera, HI antibodies were of primary importance in neutralization tests. After addition of anti-gamma globulin to the test, an efficient neutralization was observed if mumps non-HI HLI antibodies were used whereas this was not found if NDV non-HI HLI antibodies were used.", "PMID": 998262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7044", "title": "Yersinia pseudotuberculosis as the cause of septicaemia in a patient with amyloidosis.", "content": "Septicaemia caused by Y. pseudotuberculosis in a female patient, aged 61, is reported. The patient suffered from amyloidosis with extensive infiltration of liver, spleen, and kidneys. While under treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprin, Y. pseudotuberculasis, serotype IA, was isolated from each of 6 blood cultures. The infection responded favourably to treatment with ampicillin. The development of Y. pseudotuberculosis septicaemia owing to impairment of the defence mechanisms by the underlying disease and the treatment given is discussed.", "contents": "Yersinia pseudotuberculosis as the cause of septicaemia in a patient with amyloidosis. Septicaemia caused by Y. pseudotuberculosis in a female patient, aged 61, is reported. The patient suffered from amyloidosis with extensive infiltration of liver, spleen, and kidneys. While under treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprin, Y. pseudotuberculasis, serotype IA, was isolated from each of 6 blood cultures. The infection responded favourably to treatment with ampicillin. The development of Y. pseudotuberculosis septicaemia owing to impairment of the defence mechanisms by the underlying disease and the treatment given is discussed.", "PMID": 998263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7045", "title": "The macrophage response in mice after primary and secondary immunization with sheep red blood cells.", "content": "A primary and a secondary immune response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was evoked in mice by intraperitoneal injection of the antigen. Macrophage proliferation and migration as well as induction of the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase in macrophages were assessed along with lymphocyte proliferation. The proliferative responses were evaluated by 3H-thymidine labelling (autoradiography). The secondary response elicited a faster and stronger lymphocyte proliferation than the primary response. This pattern was not seen to apply to the macrophages where the highest proliferative rate was found in connection with the primary response. The macrophages acquired an increased content of acid phosphatase during both types of responses, but the significantly highest level was reached in the secondary response. Large numbers of monocytes migrated into the peritoneal cavity during the first day after immunization. However, macrophage proliferation took place in resident as well as in immigrant cells.", "contents": "The macrophage response in mice after primary and secondary immunization with sheep red blood cells. A primary and a secondary immune response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was evoked in mice by intraperitoneal injection of the antigen. Macrophage proliferation and migration as well as induction of the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase in macrophages were assessed along with lymphocyte proliferation. The proliferative responses were evaluated by 3H-thymidine labelling (autoradiography). The secondary response elicited a faster and stronger lymphocyte proliferation than the primary response. This pattern was not seen to apply to the macrophages where the highest proliferative rate was found in connection with the primary response. The macrophages acquired an increased content of acid phosphatase during both types of responses, but the significantly highest level was reached in the secondary response. Large numbers of monocytes migrated into the peritoneal cavity during the first day after immunization. However, macrophage proliferation took place in resident as well as in immigrant cells.", "PMID": 998264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7046", "title": "Immunological memory after priming with a thymus independent antigen, NIP-ficoll. 4-hydroxy-5-iodo-3-nitrophenylacetyl coupled to polymer of sucrose and epichlorhydrin.", "content": "The capacity of mouse spleen fragments to mount an anti-NIP (4-hydroxy-5-iodo-3-nitrophenylacetyl) response in vitro was studied. The fragments came from unprimed, NIP-Ficoll (polymer of sucrose and epichlorhydrin) or NIP-CG (chicken globulin) primed mice. Unprimed spleen fragments from C57BL/6 mice gave a good anti-NIP response to NIP-Ficoll, whereas CBA fragments did not. Priming with NIP-Ficoll made CBA fragments responsive and enhanced slightly the response of C57BL/6 fragments when stimulated with the same antigen. This memory effect could be seen only after a small priming dose. Priming the mice with NIP-Ficoll made their spleen fragments responsive to a protein conjugate of NIP (NIP-CG), but this effect was seen only after priming with a high dose. The antibody class distribution and the kinetics of the appearance of different immunoglobulin classes were similar in the primary and secondary responses in vitro. The peak responses of IgM, IgA and IgG were reached on day eight and the relative amount of IgG was the same in the primary and in the secondary responses. Spleen fragments derived from NIP-CG primed mice produced more IgG anti-NIP antibodies than fragments derived from untreated mice when immunized in vitro with NIP-Ficoll. The amount of IgG was, however, much higher when these fragments were challenged with the homologous antigen, NIP-CG.", "contents": "Immunological memory after priming with a thymus independent antigen, NIP-ficoll. 4-hydroxy-5-iodo-3-nitrophenylacetyl coupled to polymer of sucrose and epichlorhydrin. The capacity of mouse spleen fragments to mount an anti-NIP (4-hydroxy-5-iodo-3-nitrophenylacetyl) response in vitro was studied. The fragments came from unprimed, NIP-Ficoll (polymer of sucrose and epichlorhydrin) or NIP-CG (chicken globulin) primed mice. Unprimed spleen fragments from C57BL/6 mice gave a good anti-NIP response to NIP-Ficoll, whereas CBA fragments did not. Priming with NIP-Ficoll made CBA fragments responsive and enhanced slightly the response of C57BL/6 fragments when stimulated with the same antigen. This memory effect could be seen only after a small priming dose. Priming the mice with NIP-Ficoll made their spleen fragments responsive to a protein conjugate of NIP (NIP-CG), but this effect was seen only after priming with a high dose. The antibody class distribution and the kinetics of the appearance of different immunoglobulin classes were similar in the primary and secondary responses in vitro. The peak responses of IgM, IgA and IgG were reached on day eight and the relative amount of IgG was the same in the primary and in the secondary responses. Spleen fragments derived from NIP-CG primed mice produced more IgG anti-NIP antibodies than fragments derived from untreated mice when immunized in vitro with NIP-Ficoll. The amount of IgG was, however, much higher when these fragments were challenged with the homologous antigen, NIP-CG.", "PMID": 998266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7047", "title": "Studies of smooth-muscle antibodies in acute hepatitis.", "content": "Smooth-muscle antibodies (SMA) of the IgG and IgM class in titres of 10 to 80 were demonstrated in 19 of 38 patients with acute hepatitis (50 per cent). No IgA-SMA were detected. IgM-SMA occurred in the beginning of the disease, while IgG-SMA were found both early and late in the course of disease. There was no correlation between the occurrence of SMA and the biochemical liver parameters or the mode of exposure to infection, but IgM-SMA were found more often in the first serum sample obtained from patients without hepatitis-B-associated antigen (HBAg) than in HBAg-positive patients (P1 + P2 = 0.04) and it is suggested that hepatitis virus A more readily than hepatitis virus B can elicit the formation of SMA. The mean PHA-induced lymphocyte-transformation response was significantly lower in hepatitis patients than in the controls (0.02 greater than p greater than 0.01). The lymphocyte-transformation response to a low PHA dose (1 mug per ml) was lower in hepatitis patients without SMA than in those with SMA (0.10 greater than p greater than 0.05). SMA were not found in 28 control persons, and the incidence of tissue antibodies other than SMA did not differ in hepatitis patients and controls.", "contents": "Studies of smooth-muscle antibodies in acute hepatitis. Smooth-muscle antibodies (SMA) of the IgG and IgM class in titres of 10 to 80 were demonstrated in 19 of 38 patients with acute hepatitis (50 per cent). No IgA-SMA were detected. IgM-SMA occurred in the beginning of the disease, while IgG-SMA were found both early and late in the course of disease. There was no correlation between the occurrence of SMA and the biochemical liver parameters or the mode of exposure to infection, but IgM-SMA were found more often in the first serum sample obtained from patients without hepatitis-B-associated antigen (HBAg) than in HBAg-positive patients (P1 + P2 = 0.04) and it is suggested that hepatitis virus A more readily than hepatitis virus B can elicit the formation of SMA. The mean PHA-induced lymphocyte-transformation response was significantly lower in hepatitis patients than in the controls (0.02 greater than p greater than 0.01). The lymphocyte-transformation response to a low PHA dose (1 mug per ml) was lower in hepatitis patients without SMA than in those with SMA (0.10 greater than p greater than 0.05). SMA were not found in 28 control persons, and the incidence of tissue antibodies other than SMA did not differ in hepatitis patients and controls.", "PMID": 998267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7048", "title": "Decreased delayed hypersensitivity to tuberculin demonstrated in experimental leptospirosis in guinea pigs.", "content": "Skin reactivity to tuberculin has been studied during the course of experimental leptospirosis in guinea pigs. A depression of the delayed hypersensitivity to tuberculin was demonstrated in the infected animals. The depression was most pronounced when icterus had developed. The depression was not correlated with the amount of infectious units administered or with the demonstration of live leptospirae in the peritoneal cavity. In the infected animals there was no correlation between the initial and the final skin tests which is in contrast to findings in the control group.", "contents": "Decreased delayed hypersensitivity to tuberculin demonstrated in experimental leptospirosis in guinea pigs. Skin reactivity to tuberculin has been studied during the course of experimental leptospirosis in guinea pigs. A depression of the delayed hypersensitivity to tuberculin was demonstrated in the infected animals. The depression was most pronounced when icterus had developed. The depression was not correlated with the amount of infectious units administered or with the demonstration of live leptospirae in the peritoneal cavity. In the infected animals there was no correlation between the initial and the final skin tests which is in contrast to findings in the control group.", "PMID": 998265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7049", "title": "The effect of nitrogen mustard on human mononuclear blood cells.", "content": "The effect of nitrogen mustard on the function of human blood monocytes and lymphocytes cultured in vitro, was studied. After a single in vitro exposure to the drug at culture start, an inhibition of the survival of non-proliferating mononuclear phagocytes was observed. No immediate cytotoxic effect was registered. Nitrogen mustard given in therapeutic doses to patients with malignant lymphogranulomatosis did not reduce the survival of mononuclear phagocytes cultured at different times after the administration of the drug.", "contents": "The effect of nitrogen mustard on human mononuclear blood cells. The effect of nitrogen mustard on the function of human blood monocytes and lymphocytes cultured in vitro, was studied. After a single in vitro exposure to the drug at culture start, an inhibition of the survival of non-proliferating mononuclear phagocytes was observed. No immediate cytotoxic effect was registered. Nitrogen mustard given in therapeutic doses to patients with malignant lymphogranulomatosis did not reduce the survival of mononuclear phagocytes cultured at different times after the administration of the drug.", "PMID": 998268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7050", "title": "C1R levels in normal human sera determined by electroimmunoassay.", "content": "C1r levels in normal adults were determined by electroimmunoassay. The 95 per cent range was 71-133 per cent of a normal reference pool. C1r values were well correlated to the levels of C1q (r = 0.708) and of C1s (r = 0.768). The interplate variation of the method on double determinations was 3.4 (SD). C1r values in normal sera not appreciably affected by storage at room temperature or by repeated freezing and thawing. The C1r antigen in EDTA plasma was found to be labile.", "contents": "C1R levels in normal human sera determined by electroimmunoassay. C1r levels in normal adults were determined by electroimmunoassay. The 95 per cent range was 71-133 per cent of a normal reference pool. C1r values were well correlated to the levels of C1q (r = 0.708) and of C1s (r = 0.768). The interplate variation of the method on double determinations was 3.4 (SD). C1r values in normal sera not appreciably affected by storage at room temperature or by repeated freezing and thawing. The C1r antigen in EDTA plasma was found to be labile.", "PMID": 998269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7051", "title": "C1 subcomponent conplexes in normal and pathological sera studied by crossed immunoelectrophoresis.", "content": "Selected pathological sera gave three molecular species of C1s protein on crossed immunoelectrophoresis in the presence of calcium. C1s precipitates were obtained at the origin and in the beta1 and alpha2 regions. 12 normal sera gave C1s protein peaks at the origin and in alpha2 position. One of the normal sera also contained a small amount of the beta1 C1s protein. The C1s protein at the origin represented macromolecular C1. The alpha2 peak was a complex composed of C1 IA, C1s and C1r proteins. This complex was preformed in serum and did not show C4 cleaving activity. The molecular species in the beta1 region was shown to be a calcium-dependent complex of C1r and C1s, probably in proenzyme form. the C1r-C1s complex formed macromolecular C1 on addition of purified C1q to serum. During electrophoresis activation of C1 subcomponents was initiated by a mechanism involving CIr with generation of CIs activity in eluted fractions corresponding to the position of macromolecular C1 as well as in the beta region. The significance of beta1 C1s complexes or of alpha2 C1s complexes in normal and pathological sera was discussed.", "contents": "C1 subcomponent conplexes in normal and pathological sera studied by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Selected pathological sera gave three molecular species of C1s protein on crossed immunoelectrophoresis in the presence of calcium. C1s precipitates were obtained at the origin and in the beta1 and alpha2 regions. 12 normal sera gave C1s protein peaks at the origin and in alpha2 position. One of the normal sera also contained a small amount of the beta1 C1s protein. The C1s protein at the origin represented macromolecular C1. The alpha2 peak was a complex composed of C1 IA, C1s and C1r proteins. This complex was preformed in serum and did not show C4 cleaving activity. The molecular species in the beta1 region was shown to be a calcium-dependent complex of C1r and C1s, probably in proenzyme form. the C1r-C1s complex formed macromolecular C1 on addition of purified C1q to serum. During electrophoresis activation of C1 subcomponents was initiated by a mechanism involving CIr with generation of CIs activity in eluted fractions corresponding to the position of macromolecular C1 as well as in the beta region. The significance of beta1 C1s complexes or of alpha2 C1s complexes in normal and pathological sera was discussed.", "PMID": 998270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7052", "title": "Effect of sodium-salicylate on the function of cultured, human mononuclear cells.", "content": "The in vitro effect of Na-salicylate on some functions of human mononuclear cells was studied. In therapeutical concentrations the drug was found to interfere both the function of lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages. Na-salicylate in concentrations of 400-800 mug/ml slightly inhibited the digestion of yeast particles. When the drug was present in the culture medium in doses above 160 mug/ml during the cell differentiation period from 90 minutes to the 8th day of culture, a reduction in the number of adhesive, viable cells was recorded. The remaining cells, however, were found to have a normal phagocytic function. A strong and dose dependent inhibition of the ability of lymphocytes to proliferate after antigenic stimulation with BCG bacilli was recorded. The inhibitory effect on the PHA response, however, was less prominent. The results presented indicate that Na-salicylate has a direct inhibitory effect on lymphocyte proliferation and monocyte differentiation and phagocytosis, which may be part of the explanation of the anti-inflammatory effect of the drug.", "contents": "Effect of sodium-salicylate on the function of cultured, human mononuclear cells. The in vitro effect of Na-salicylate on some functions of human mononuclear cells was studied. In therapeutical concentrations the drug was found to interfere both the function of lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages. Na-salicylate in concentrations of 400-800 mug/ml slightly inhibited the digestion of yeast particles. When the drug was present in the culture medium in doses above 160 mug/ml during the cell differentiation period from 90 minutes to the 8th day of culture, a reduction in the number of adhesive, viable cells was recorded. The remaining cells, however, were found to have a normal phagocytic function. A strong and dose dependent inhibition of the ability of lymphocytes to proliferate after antigenic stimulation with BCG bacilli was recorded. The inhibitory effect on the PHA response, however, was less prominent. The results presented indicate that Na-salicylate has a direct inhibitory effect on lymphocyte proliferation and monocyte differentiation and phagocytosis, which may be part of the explanation of the anti-inflammatory effect of the drug.", "PMID": 998271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7053", "title": "Lymphocyte markers in newborn infants.", "content": "Purified peripheral blood lymphocytes from 20 newborn infants and 12 adults have been studied for the presence of surface markers. Adults and infants did not differ in the percentage of sheep RBC-binding cells (means 58-65%) or in Ig-bearing cells measured by the mixed antiglobulin reaction (means 7.2-11.6%). However, newborn infants had a significantly lower percentage of lymphocytes binding Fc of IgG (mean 10.4%) as compared to adults (mean 17.2%). No overall correlation between plasma Ig levels and Ig-bearing lymphocytes was found but a single infant with increased plasma IgA also showed the highest level of Ig-bearing lymphocytes among all infants.", "contents": "Lymphocyte markers in newborn infants. Purified peripheral blood lymphocytes from 20 newborn infants and 12 adults have been studied for the presence of surface markers. Adults and infants did not differ in the percentage of sheep RBC-binding cells (means 58-65%) or in Ig-bearing cells measured by the mixed antiglobulin reaction (means 7.2-11.6%). However, newborn infants had a significantly lower percentage of lymphocytes binding Fc of IgG (mean 10.4%) as compared to adults (mean 17.2%). No overall correlation between plasma Ig levels and Ig-bearing lymphocytes was found but a single infant with increased plasma IgA also showed the highest level of Ig-bearing lymphocytes among all infants.", "PMID": 998272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7054", "title": "Immunological unresponsiveness of nude mice to LCM virus infection.", "content": "The acute LCM infection in nude mice runs a course which is clinically inapparent, and neither a humoral nor a cell-mediated immune response could be detected. Furthermore, during this infection the blood virus titers reached extremely high values. These observations are contrary to what is seen when ordinary normal mice are infected with the LCM virus but identical with the events following infection of ordinary but immune-deficient mice. Despite the absence of immune responses to the virus in the nude mice the very high virus titers obtained within the first few days of the infection declined somewhat during the following weeks. This and the other observations made are discussed briefly in the light of the current hypothesis concerning the immune status of the nude mice and the pathogenesis of the LCM virus infection in mice.", "contents": "Immunological unresponsiveness of nude mice to LCM virus infection. The acute LCM infection in nude mice runs a course which is clinically inapparent, and neither a humoral nor a cell-mediated immune response could be detected. Furthermore, during this infection the blood virus titers reached extremely high values. These observations are contrary to what is seen when ordinary normal mice are infected with the LCM virus but identical with the events following infection of ordinary but immune-deficient mice. Despite the absence of immune responses to the virus in the nude mice the very high virus titers obtained within the first few days of the infection declined somewhat during the following weeks. This and the other observations made are discussed briefly in the light of the current hypothesis concerning the immune status of the nude mice and the pathogenesis of the LCM virus infection in mice.", "PMID": 998273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7055", "title": "On the formation and effects of thromboxane A2 in human platelets.", "content": "Incubation of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin G2 with a suspension of human platelets led to formation of an unstable (t1/2, 41+/-7 s) compound, thromboxane A2. Thromboxane A2 induced irreversible aggregation of washed platelets and of platelets in platelet-rich plasma and caused release of serotonin and ADP from platelets in platelet-rich plasma.", "contents": "On the formation and effects of thromboxane A2 in human platelets. Incubation of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin G2 with a suspension of human platelets led to formation of an unstable (t1/2, 41+/-7 s) compound, thromboxane A2. Thromboxane A2 induced irreversible aggregation of washed platelets and of platelets in platelet-rich plasma and caused release of serotonin and ADP from platelets in platelet-rich plasma.", "PMID": 998278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7056", "title": "Some physical properties of the pulmonary arterial bed deduced from pulsatile arterial flow and pressure.", "content": "This study aimed to quantify changes of vascular compliance and resistance of the proximal and the peripheral pulmonary arterial vessels when vascular smooth muscle was stimulated. These above vascular characteristics were derived from registrations of pulsatile pressure and flow in the pulmonary artery (PA). An in situ cat lung preparation was used, with the right heart by-passed by a pulsatile blood pump. Vascular input impedance was derived from PA pulsatile pressure and flow recordings, and impedance characteristics were used for calculation of the variables of a simple lumped analog representation of the arterial bed. PA smooth muscle was stimulated by infusions of collagen suspension, by general hypoxia and by noradrenaline injections. Collagen caused 40% reduction of vascular compliance (C), no changes in proximal arterial resistance (R1) and 180% increase in peripheral vascular resistance (R2). Hypoxia caused 50% reduced C, 20% increased R1 and 7u% increased R2. Noradrenaline caused 20% reduced C and 30% increased R1 and R2. These results, together with results derived from simulation of the observed impedance changes in a computer model of the lung arterial bed, indicated that collagen infusion elicited contraction of small and medium-sized arteries, with increased arterial volume as result of increased distending pressure. Hypoxia and noradrenaline, seemed both to cause contraction of the total arterial bed. This effect being most pronounced during hypoxia.", "contents": "Some physical properties of the pulmonary arterial bed deduced from pulsatile arterial flow and pressure. This study aimed to quantify changes of vascular compliance and resistance of the proximal and the peripheral pulmonary arterial vessels when vascular smooth muscle was stimulated. These above vascular characteristics were derived from registrations of pulsatile pressure and flow in the pulmonary artery (PA). An in situ cat lung preparation was used, with the right heart by-passed by a pulsatile blood pump. Vascular input impedance was derived from PA pulsatile pressure and flow recordings, and impedance characteristics were used for calculation of the variables of a simple lumped analog representation of the arterial bed. PA smooth muscle was stimulated by infusions of collagen suspension, by general hypoxia and by noradrenaline injections. Collagen caused 40% reduction of vascular compliance (C), no changes in proximal arterial resistance (R1) and 180% increase in peripheral vascular resistance (R2). Hypoxia caused 50% reduced C, 20% increased R1 and 7u% increased R2. Noradrenaline caused 20% reduced C and 30% increased R1 and R2. These results, together with results derived from simulation of the observed impedance changes in a computer model of the lung arterial bed, indicated that collagen infusion elicited contraction of small and medium-sized arteries, with increased arterial volume as result of increased distending pressure. Hypoxia and noradrenaline, seemed both to cause contraction of the total arterial bed. This effect being most pronounced during hypoxia.", "PMID": 998279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7057", "title": "Biosynthesis of acetylcholine in different brain regions in vivo following alternative methods of sacrifice by microwave irradiation.", "content": "Endogenous acetylcholine and biotransformation of tritium-labelled choline (3H-CH) were studied in mouse brain regions following different methods of sacrifice, viz. dislocation of the spine (7 min until enzymes inactivated), whole body microwave irradiation (7 s) and irradiation of the head (0.25 s). The brain temperature was measured in different locations 10 to 60 s after irradiation. The slope of the temperature time curves indicated a brain temperature of about 85-90 degrees C at the termination of exposure to both types of irradiation. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (CAT) were practically completely inactivated when measured one to two min after sacrifice. For turnover studies, mice were killed 1, 5, 10 or 20 min after i.v. injection of 15 nmol of 3H-Ch. The brains were dissected into 6 regions, extracted and analysed. No significant difference (except in cortex) in the amount of endogenous ACh was found when whole body irradiation was used in comparison to dislocation of the spine. However, the amount of 3H-acetylcholine (3H-ACh) was much higher in the striatum, hippocampus and cortex, in particular. With the shorter inactivation time (head irradiation) endogenous ACh was markedly increased in the striatum, cortex, medulla, oblongata and midbrain. However, there was no further increase in the radioactive ACh. The difference regarding the post-mortem sensitivity of endogenous and radioactive ACh does not seem to have been due to methodological artifacts but rather suggests that they are handled differently by the brain tissue. Plots of the specific radioactivity (SA) of Ch and ACh vs. time indicated fairly distinct precursor-product relationship in the different regions, when the animals were sacrificed by irradiation of the head.", "contents": "Biosynthesis of acetylcholine in different brain regions in vivo following alternative methods of sacrifice by microwave irradiation. Endogenous acetylcholine and biotransformation of tritium-labelled choline (3H-CH) were studied in mouse brain regions following different methods of sacrifice, viz. dislocation of the spine (7 min until enzymes inactivated), whole body microwave irradiation (7 s) and irradiation of the head (0.25 s). The brain temperature was measured in different locations 10 to 60 s after irradiation. The slope of the temperature time curves indicated a brain temperature of about 85-90 degrees C at the termination of exposure to both types of irradiation. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (CAT) were practically completely inactivated when measured one to two min after sacrifice. For turnover studies, mice were killed 1, 5, 10 or 20 min after i.v. injection of 15 nmol of 3H-Ch. The brains were dissected into 6 regions, extracted and analysed. No significant difference (except in cortex) in the amount of endogenous ACh was found when whole body irradiation was used in comparison to dislocation of the spine. However, the amount of 3H-acetylcholine (3H-ACh) was much higher in the striatum, hippocampus and cortex, in particular. With the shorter inactivation time (head irradiation) endogenous ACh was markedly increased in the striatum, cortex, medulla, oblongata and midbrain. However, there was no further increase in the radioactive ACh. The difference regarding the post-mortem sensitivity of endogenous and radioactive ACh does not seem to have been due to methodological artifacts but rather suggests that they are handled differently by the brain tissue. Plots of the specific radioactivity (SA) of Ch and ACh vs. time indicated fairly distinct precursor-product relationship in the different regions, when the animals were sacrificed by irradiation of the head.", "PMID": 998280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7058", "title": "Influence of age, growth, castration and testosterone treatment on the noradrenaline levels of the ductus deferens and the auxiliary male reproductive glands of the rat.", "content": "The total amount of noradrenaline (NA) in the male accessories increases with normal growth of the organs and also with the age of the rat. The ductus deferens of the old rat has about twice as high NA concentration as that of the young rat. Castration of the prepuberal rat or the puberal rat leads to retardation or cessation, respectively, of the increase in NA amount of the male genital tract. Only in the old rat does castration produce a definite decrease in NA amount of the tract. Castration always raises the NA concentration of the sex accessories. Testosterone treatment of the puberal rat or the old rat produces minor or no increase, respectively, in total amount of NA of the male sex accessories. Testosterone treatment of old prepuberally castrated rats produces a marked increase in NA content of the male organs. It is concluded that androgens have no substancial direct effect on the adrenergic innervation per se, but affects the transmitter levels of the male organs indirectly through changes in number, size and relative proportion of the target cells of the adrenergic nerves i.e. the smooth muscle cells.", "contents": "Influence of age, growth, castration and testosterone treatment on the noradrenaline levels of the ductus deferens and the auxiliary male reproductive glands of the rat. The total amount of noradrenaline (NA) in the male accessories increases with normal growth of the organs and also with the age of the rat. The ductus deferens of the old rat has about twice as high NA concentration as that of the young rat. Castration of the prepuberal rat or the puberal rat leads to retardation or cessation, respectively, of the increase in NA amount of the male genital tract. Only in the old rat does castration produce a definite decrease in NA amount of the tract. Castration always raises the NA concentration of the sex accessories. Testosterone treatment of the puberal rat or the old rat produces minor or no increase, respectively, in total amount of NA of the male sex accessories. Testosterone treatment of old prepuberally castrated rats produces a marked increase in NA content of the male organs. It is concluded that androgens have no substancial direct effect on the adrenergic innervation per se, but affects the transmitter levels of the male organs indirectly through changes in number, size and relative proportion of the target cells of the adrenergic nerves i.e. the smooth muscle cells.", "PMID": 998281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7059", "title": "A further contribution to the question of trophic and hormonal influences on the noradrenaline content of the male reproductive tract: effect of combined androgen and estrogen treatment of prepuberally castrated rats.", "content": "58 days old, prepuberally castrated, male rats were treated with estrogen, testosterone or a combination of both hormones for 18 days. The total noradrenaline (NA)-content of the male accessory glands was increased by the hormone treatments. This increase was smallest in the estrogen treated group and largest in the group treated with both estrogen and testosterone. The NA-concentration, however, followed the reversed picture i.e. it was largest in untreated castrated rats and smallest in the rats receiving both estrogen and testosterone. Neither treatment brought the NA-amount up to the level of uncastrated controls of the same age although the weights of the secondary sex glands of rats receiving both estrogen and testosterone exceeded those of uncastrated controls. Similar, but less definite changes were observed in vas deferens and cauda epididymidis. It is concluded that a developing target area exerts some trophic influence on the adrenergic neurons innervating it. However, the trophic influence exerted by the effector organ on the nerves is not of the kind, that the innervation density and NA-concentration of the organ always are maintained at a constant level.", "contents": "A further contribution to the question of trophic and hormonal influences on the noradrenaline content of the male reproductive tract: effect of combined androgen and estrogen treatment of prepuberally castrated rats. 58 days old, prepuberally castrated, male rats were treated with estrogen, testosterone or a combination of both hormones for 18 days. The total noradrenaline (NA)-content of the male accessory glands was increased by the hormone treatments. This increase was smallest in the estrogen treated group and largest in the group treated with both estrogen and testosterone. The NA-concentration, however, followed the reversed picture i.e. it was largest in untreated castrated rats and smallest in the rats receiving both estrogen and testosterone. Neither treatment brought the NA-amount up to the level of uncastrated controls of the same age although the weights of the secondary sex glands of rats receiving both estrogen and testosterone exceeded those of uncastrated controls. Similar, but less definite changes were observed in vas deferens and cauda epididymidis. It is concluded that a developing target area exerts some trophic influence on the adrenergic neurons innervating it. However, the trophic influence exerted by the effector organ on the nerves is not of the kind, that the innervation density and NA-concentration of the organ always are maintained at a constant level.", "PMID": 998282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7060", "title": "Influence of acetate on glucose metabolism in the perfused hind-quarter of the rat.", "content": "The metabolism of U-14C-glucose and U-14C-acetate and the interaction between the two substrates in the perfused hind-quarter of the rat was studied. 5% of glucose taken up was oxidized to CO2, accounting for 15% of total oxygen consumption. Glucose was mainly incorporated into glycogen, while incorporation into lipids was negligible. Acetate did not significantly alter glucose uptake, 14C-glucose oxidation or the incorporation of 14C-glucose into glycogen and lipids. 45% of acetate taken up was oxidized to CO2, accounting for 20-25% of total oxygen consumption. Insulin did not affect acetate uptake but increased 14C-acetate oxidation. Oxygen consumption was slightly increased by simultaneous oxidation of glucose and acetate and in this situation the tissue content.of high-energy phosphate compounds was slightly elevated. It is concluded that only minor effects by acetate on glucose metabolism in the perfused skeletal muscle were found. The insignificant effects compared to previously reported studies on heart tissue (Neely and Morgan 1974) can be explained by differences in acetate metabolism between the two tissues.", "contents": "Influence of acetate on glucose metabolism in the perfused hind-quarter of the rat. The metabolism of U-14C-glucose and U-14C-acetate and the interaction between the two substrates in the perfused hind-quarter of the rat was studied. 5% of glucose taken up was oxidized to CO2, accounting for 15% of total oxygen consumption. Glucose was mainly incorporated into glycogen, while incorporation into lipids was negligible. Acetate did not significantly alter glucose uptake, 14C-glucose oxidation or the incorporation of 14C-glucose into glycogen and lipids. 45% of acetate taken up was oxidized to CO2, accounting for 20-25% of total oxygen consumption. Insulin did not affect acetate uptake but increased 14C-acetate oxidation. Oxygen consumption was slightly increased by simultaneous oxidation of glucose and acetate and in this situation the tissue content.of high-energy phosphate compounds was slightly elevated. It is concluded that only minor effects by acetate on glucose metabolism in the perfused skeletal muscle were found. The insignificant effects compared to previously reported studies on heart tissue (Neely and Morgan 1974) can be explained by differences in acetate metabolism between the two tissues.", "PMID": 998283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7061", "title": "A perfluorochemical oxygen carrier (fluosol-43) in a synthetic medium used for perfusion of isolated rat liver.", "content": "An emulsion of perfluorotributylamine (Fluosol-43) was used as substitute for the gas-carrying function of erythrocytes in a synthetic medium for perfusion of isolated rat liver. The efficiency and effect of this synthetic gas-carrier were evaluated from measurements of the concentrations of rat albumin, the unsaturated vitamin B12-binding capacity of small-molecular-size vitamin B12-binding proteins (UBBC of SBP), urea nitrogen, glucose, sodium, potassium, alanine amino transferase (ALAT) in the medium, and the incorporation of 14C-lysine into the circulating proteins. Secretion of bile, portal pressure, PO2, PCO2 and pH in the affluent and the effluent mediums were also measured. The results demonstrate that the oxygen-carrying capacity of the medium and the metabolic functions of the liver were higher, and the liver damage less, when the medium included Fluosol-43 than without it. The albumin synthesis and the secretion of bile were as high as has been reported for perfusions with erythrocytes. This indicates that the oxygen carried by the Fluosol-43 was utilised by the liver, and that the metabolic functions were not adversely affected during 4 h of perfusion by the medium containing Fluosol-43.", "contents": "A perfluorochemical oxygen carrier (fluosol-43) in a synthetic medium used for perfusion of isolated rat liver. An emulsion of perfluorotributylamine (Fluosol-43) was used as substitute for the gas-carrying function of erythrocytes in a synthetic medium for perfusion of isolated rat liver. The efficiency and effect of this synthetic gas-carrier were evaluated from measurements of the concentrations of rat albumin, the unsaturated vitamin B12-binding capacity of small-molecular-size vitamin B12-binding proteins (UBBC of SBP), urea nitrogen, glucose, sodium, potassium, alanine amino transferase (ALAT) in the medium, and the incorporation of 14C-lysine into the circulating proteins. Secretion of bile, portal pressure, PO2, PCO2 and pH in the affluent and the effluent mediums were also measured. The results demonstrate that the oxygen-carrying capacity of the medium and the metabolic functions of the liver were higher, and the liver damage less, when the medium included Fluosol-43 than without it. The albumin synthesis and the secretion of bile were as high as has been reported for perfusions with erythrocytes. This indicates that the oxygen carried by the Fluosol-43 was utilised by the liver, and that the metabolic functions were not adversely affected during 4 h of perfusion by the medium containing Fluosol-43.", "PMID": 998284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7062", "title": "A possible vagal adrenergic release of serotonin from enterochromaffin cells in the cat.", "content": "The intracellular concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) in enterochromaffin cells (EC) in the cat small intestine have been studied by a cytofluorimetric method before and after long-lasting efferent vagal nerve stimulation in the neck. Such stimulation induces a decrease of 5-HT in EC of the gut as observed previously. Pretreatment with atropine could not block this decrease, suggesting a noncholinergic mechanism. Pretreatment with a beta-blocking agent, propranolol, or bilateral removal of the superior cervical ganglia could, however, block this 5-HT decrease. Pretreatment with an alpha-blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine, caused an increase in the 5-HT content of EC both with and without nerve stimulation; the reason for this is obscure. The results indicate, that vagal nerve stimulation induces a neurogenic 5-HT release from EC in the gut, and that adrenergic fibres, originating in the superior cervical ganglia, mediate this release probably via a beta-receptor mechanism. Whether or not an alpha-receptor mechanism is also involved cannot be judged at present.", "contents": "A possible vagal adrenergic release of serotonin from enterochromaffin cells in the cat. The intracellular concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) in enterochromaffin cells (EC) in the cat small intestine have been studied by a cytofluorimetric method before and after long-lasting efferent vagal nerve stimulation in the neck. Such stimulation induces a decrease of 5-HT in EC of the gut as observed previously. Pretreatment with atropine could not block this decrease, suggesting a noncholinergic mechanism. Pretreatment with a beta-blocking agent, propranolol, or bilateral removal of the superior cervical ganglia could, however, block this 5-HT decrease. Pretreatment with an alpha-blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine, caused an increase in the 5-HT content of EC both with and without nerve stimulation; the reason for this is obscure. The results indicate, that vagal nerve stimulation induces a neurogenic 5-HT release from EC in the gut, and that adrenergic fibres, originating in the superior cervical ganglia, mediate this release probably via a beta-receptor mechanism. Whether or not an alpha-receptor mechanism is also involved cannot be judged at present.", "PMID": 998285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7063", "title": "Effect of arterial blood pressure reduction on renal hemodynamics in the developing lamb.", "content": "The relationship between pressure and flow in the kidney has been examined in 2-9 and 31-48 day old lambs. Renal blood flow (RBF), determined by the microsphere technique, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were first studied under control conditions. The abdominal aorta was then constricted above the renal arteries until the pressure ranged between 60 and 70 mmHg, i.e. just below the normal autoregulatory range, and the hemodynamic recordings were repeated. During control conditions the arterial pressure was lower in the younger (93 mmHg) than in the older lambs (107 mmHg). During aortic constriction total RBF and GFR were reduced. In both age groups GFR was reduced out of proportion to RBF. The sodium excretion fell around 60% in both age groups. The fall in perfusion pressure resulted in a more pronounced blood flow reduction to the outer than to the inner cortical glomerular capillaries. This pressure-induced blood flow redistribution was found in both age groups. The consequences of the pronounced effect of reducing the perfusion pressure to 60-65 mmHg for the young lambs with their basally low arterial blood pressure are discussed.", "contents": "Effect of arterial blood pressure reduction on renal hemodynamics in the developing lamb. The relationship between pressure and flow in the kidney has been examined in 2-9 and 31-48 day old lambs. Renal blood flow (RBF), determined by the microsphere technique, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were first studied under control conditions. The abdominal aorta was then constricted above the renal arteries until the pressure ranged between 60 and 70 mmHg, i.e. just below the normal autoregulatory range, and the hemodynamic recordings were repeated. During control conditions the arterial pressure was lower in the younger (93 mmHg) than in the older lambs (107 mmHg). During aortic constriction total RBF and GFR were reduced. In both age groups GFR was reduced out of proportion to RBF. The sodium excretion fell around 60% in both age groups. The fall in perfusion pressure resulted in a more pronounced blood flow reduction to the outer than to the inner cortical glomerular capillaries. This pressure-induced blood flow redistribution was found in both age groups. The consequences of the pronounced effect of reducing the perfusion pressure to 60-65 mmHg for the young lambs with their basally low arterial blood pressure are discussed.", "PMID": 998289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7064", "title": "Adrenal function in the diabetic mutant mouse (gene symbol dbm).", "content": "The adrenal function in diabetes mutant mice with misty coat colour (dbm) was investigated by measurements of serum corticosteroids, adrenal weights and adrenal corticosteroid content. Furthermore, the adrenal corticosteroid content was studied in obese-hyperglycemic mice (ob). In the dbm-mice the serum corticosteroid levels were elevated at the age of 5 and 12 months although the adrenal weight only was significantly elevated at the age of 5 months. The adrenal corticosteroid content was significantly lower in the 12 months old dbm-mice. In the ob-mice the adrenal corticosteroid content was elevated at the age of 5 weeks, 5 and 12 months. It is concluded that in both the dbm-mouse and the ob-mouse there is an increased functional activity of the adrenal cortex which may reflect a pituitary hypersection of ACTH, perhaps as a manifestation of a common hypothalamic disorder.", "contents": "Adrenal function in the diabetic mutant mouse (gene symbol dbm). The adrenal function in diabetes mutant mice with misty coat colour (dbm) was investigated by measurements of serum corticosteroids, adrenal weights and adrenal corticosteroid content. Furthermore, the adrenal corticosteroid content was studied in obese-hyperglycemic mice (ob). In the dbm-mice the serum corticosteroid levels were elevated at the age of 5 and 12 months although the adrenal weight only was significantly elevated at the age of 5 months. The adrenal corticosteroid content was significantly lower in the 12 months old dbm-mice. In the ob-mice the adrenal corticosteroid content was elevated at the age of 5 weeks, 5 and 12 months. It is concluded that in both the dbm-mouse and the ob-mouse there is an increased functional activity of the adrenal cortex which may reflect a pituitary hypersection of ACTH, perhaps as a manifestation of a common hypothalamic disorder.", "PMID": 998290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7065", "title": "Tissue hyperosmolality as a causal factor in vasodilatation following sympathetic stimulation of the submandibular gland.", "content": "In a previous investigation, parasympathetic activation of the submandibular gland in the cat was found to cause a considerable increase of regional tissue osmolality, the degree of which was related to the evoked functional hyperemia; intra-arterial hypertonic infusion to the resting gland producing tissue hyperosmolality of similar magnitudes caused graded and marked dilatations (Lundvall and Holmberg 1974). It was concluded that hyperosmolality contributes significantly to the functional hyperemia response. In the present study evidence is presented to indicate that tissue hyperosmolality is a mediator of the dilatation associated with sympathetic activation as well. An increase of tissue hyperosmolality, as traced in the venous effluent, was found at all frequencies of sympathetic stimulation (2-16 Hz). At high stimulation rates it sometimes exceeded the resting control level by more than 20 mOsm/kg H2O. There was a direct relation between the degree of venous hyperosmolality and the hyperemia response observed immediately after cessation of stimulation. Comparison of the dilator effects evoked by sympathetic stimulation and by hypertonic infusion to the resting gland indicated that tissue hyperosmolality is an important causal factor for the nerve induced dilatation, especially at low and moderate stimulation rates.", "contents": "Tissue hyperosmolality as a causal factor in vasodilatation following sympathetic stimulation of the submandibular gland. In a previous investigation, parasympathetic activation of the submandibular gland in the cat was found to cause a considerable increase of regional tissue osmolality, the degree of which was related to the evoked functional hyperemia; intra-arterial hypertonic infusion to the resting gland producing tissue hyperosmolality of similar magnitudes caused graded and marked dilatations (Lundvall and Holmberg 1974). It was concluded that hyperosmolality contributes significantly to the functional hyperemia response. In the present study evidence is presented to indicate that tissue hyperosmolality is a mediator of the dilatation associated with sympathetic activation as well. An increase of tissue hyperosmolality, as traced in the venous effluent, was found at all frequencies of sympathetic stimulation (2-16 Hz). At high stimulation rates it sometimes exceeded the resting control level by more than 20 mOsm/kg H2O. There was a direct relation between the degree of venous hyperosmolality and the hyperemia response observed immediately after cessation of stimulation. Comparison of the dilator effects evoked by sympathetic stimulation and by hypertonic infusion to the resting gland indicated that tissue hyperosmolality is an important causal factor for the nerve induced dilatation, especially at low and moderate stimulation rates.", "PMID": 998291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7066", "title": "Slow evoked cortical responses to linear frequency ramps of a continuous pure tone.", "content": "Slow evoked cortical potentials from ten young normal-hearing subjects have been recorded as responses to linear frequency ramps of a continuous pure tone. Frequency changes from 10 to 500 Hz were studied; the rate of frequency change was varied from 0.02 to 50 kHz/s while the duration of the change was varied from 10 to 500 ms. The rate of frequency change was shown to have the greatest bearing on the responses except for frequency ramp durations below 50 ms and frequency changes below 50 Hz. The base frequencies (250-4000 Hz) and sound levels (20-80 dB HL) exerted an influence on the evoked responses that was qualitatively similar to their influence on behavioral thresholds. The direction of the frequency sweep had no significant influence on the evoked responses. A functional model is proposed in which the time derivate of the signal frequency is integrated with an adaptable integration time that is controlled by the rate of the frequency change.", "contents": "Slow evoked cortical responses to linear frequency ramps of a continuous pure tone. Slow evoked cortical potentials from ten young normal-hearing subjects have been recorded as responses to linear frequency ramps of a continuous pure tone. Frequency changes from 10 to 500 Hz were studied; the rate of frequency change was varied from 0.02 to 50 kHz/s while the duration of the change was varied from 10 to 500 ms. The rate of frequency change was shown to have the greatest bearing on the responses except for frequency ramp durations below 50 ms and frequency changes below 50 Hz. The base frequencies (250-4000 Hz) and sound levels (20-80 dB HL) exerted an influence on the evoked responses that was qualitatively similar to their influence on behavioral thresholds. The direction of the frequency sweep had no significant influence on the evoked responses. A functional model is proposed in which the time derivate of the signal frequency is integrated with an adaptable integration time that is controlled by the rate of the frequency change.", "PMID": 998292} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7067", "title": "Influence of intraocular colchicine and vinblastine on the cat iris.", "content": "The effect of intravitreally injected colchicine (100 mug and 300 mug) and vinblastine (100 mug) on function and sensitivity of the cat iris was studied in vivo. Both antimitotics caused the same effects: The sensitivity to touch of the cornea disappeared after the third day. The normal sensitivity recovered, but after 1 month there was still an anesthetic island in the center of the cornea. The consensual light reflex from the injected to the normal eye declined markedly between 12 and 24 h and was abolished after 4 days. The consensual light reflex from the normal to the injected eye decreased with a similar time course and was completely abolished or strongly reduced after 4-5 days. The function of the sphincter pupillae in the injected eye was reestablished after one month. The affected iris became supersensitive to both pilocarpine and norepinephrine. The degree of supersensitivity in the cholinergic system was closely and inversely related to the degree of impaired function. The function of the dilatator pupillae could not be tested. The observed phenomena were most likely due to inhibition of exoplasmic flow in the nerves supplying the iris and cornea.", "contents": "Influence of intraocular colchicine and vinblastine on the cat iris. The effect of intravitreally injected colchicine (100 mug and 300 mug) and vinblastine (100 mug) on function and sensitivity of the cat iris was studied in vivo. Both antimitotics caused the same effects: The sensitivity to touch of the cornea disappeared after the third day. The normal sensitivity recovered, but after 1 month there was still an anesthetic island in the center of the cornea. The consensual light reflex from the injected to the normal eye declined markedly between 12 and 24 h and was abolished after 4 days. The consensual light reflex from the normal to the injected eye decreased with a similar time course and was completely abolished or strongly reduced after 4-5 days. The function of the sphincter pupillae in the injected eye was reestablished after one month. The affected iris became supersensitive to both pilocarpine and norepinephrine. The degree of supersensitivity in the cholinergic system was closely and inversely related to the degree of impaired function. The function of the dilatator pupillae could not be tested. The observed phenomena were most likely due to inhibition of exoplasmic flow in the nerves supplying the iris and cornea.", "PMID": 998293} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7068", "title": "Biosynthesis of cadaverine in mice under the influence of an anabolic steroid.", "content": "The content of cadaverine (1,5-diaminopentane) in the kidney and urine was investigated in mice treated with the anabolic steroid Durabolin (nondrolone phenpropionate). After administration of this steroid cadaverine was found in the kidneys, whereas this amine could not be detected in the kidney of controls. The urinary excretion of cadaverine was elevated 50 times after Durabolin administration. An enzyme catalyzing the formation of cadaverine from lysine was shown for the first time to be present in mammalian tissue, namely in the kidney of mice after Durabolin administration.", "contents": "Biosynthesis of cadaverine in mice under the influence of an anabolic steroid. The content of cadaverine (1,5-diaminopentane) in the kidney and urine was investigated in mice treated with the anabolic steroid Durabolin (nondrolone phenpropionate). After administration of this steroid cadaverine was found in the kidneys, whereas this amine could not be detected in the kidney of controls. The urinary excretion of cadaverine was elevated 50 times after Durabolin administration. An enzyme catalyzing the formation of cadaverine from lysine was shown for the first time to be present in mammalian tissue, namely in the kidney of mice after Durabolin administration.", "PMID": 998294} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7069", "title": "Improved left ventricular performance by the transmission of pulse waves through the pulmonary vascular bed.", "content": "The influence on left ventricular performance of pulsewaves transmitted through the pulmonary vascular bed was studied in a cat lung preparation with the right heart bypassed by a pulsatile blood pump. The pump worked at a frequency slightly different from the intrinsic heart rate; transmitted pulse waves were thereby forced to arrive the left atrium at different phases of the left heart cycle. Slow fluctuations of left atrial pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure and left ventricular dP/dt were observed. Left ventricular systolic pressure and left ventricular dP/dt were maximum when the transmitted pulsewaves arrived left atrium just prior to the atrial contraction. The observed variation in left ventricular systolic pressure was found to be directly dependent on the magnitude of pulsatile hydraulic power transmitted to the left atrium.", "contents": "Improved left ventricular performance by the transmission of pulse waves through the pulmonary vascular bed. The influence on left ventricular performance of pulsewaves transmitted through the pulmonary vascular bed was studied in a cat lung preparation with the right heart bypassed by a pulsatile blood pump. The pump worked at a frequency slightly different from the intrinsic heart rate; transmitted pulse waves were thereby forced to arrive the left atrium at different phases of the left heart cycle. Slow fluctuations of left atrial pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure and left ventricular dP/dt were observed. Left ventricular systolic pressure and left ventricular dP/dt were maximum when the transmitted pulsewaves arrived left atrium just prior to the atrial contraction. The observed variation in left ventricular systolic pressure was found to be directly dependent on the magnitude of pulsatile hydraulic power transmitted to the left atrium.", "PMID": 998295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7070", "title": "Degeneration secretion and noradrenaline disappearance in rat salivary glands following proximal or distal axotomy.", "content": "The noradrenaline (NA) content and the degeneration secretion of saliva were studied in rat salivary glands, following proximal or distal sympathetic denervation. Proximal denervation was obtained by removal of the cervical superior ganglion, which left a long stump of adrenergic axons attached to the gland. Distal denervation was achieved by crushing the perihilar tissue, including the adrenergic axons, close to the gland, leaving only short axon stumps connected with the gland. Onset of both NA decrease and degeneration secretion occurred first in the distally denervated glands and about 2 h later on the proximally denervated sides. Except for the delay of 2 h the pattern of NA decrease and saliva secretion was similar after the two denervation procedures. The length of the attached axon stumps was estimated to be about 15-20 mm longer on the proximally denervated side. Therefore, the delay of 2 h caused by this length of axons corresponds to the proximo-distal intra-axonal transport distal to the \"axotomy\" of some protecting factors at the rate of 8-10 mm/h. Onset of degeneration secretion was observed between 11 and 12 h after proximal denervation when the NA content was decreased by about 10%. The maximum of saliva secretion occurred about 14 1/2 h after denervation when only 45% of the NA remained in the gland. The correlation between the degeneration secretion of saliva and the decrease in NA probably was due to 1) the amount of NA leaking from degenerating nerve terminals, and 2) the inactivation of this escaped NA by the re-uptake mechanism in the membrane of still intact nerve terminals.", "contents": "Degeneration secretion and noradrenaline disappearance in rat salivary glands following proximal or distal axotomy. The noradrenaline (NA) content and the degeneration secretion of saliva were studied in rat salivary glands, following proximal or distal sympathetic denervation. Proximal denervation was obtained by removal of the cervical superior ganglion, which left a long stump of adrenergic axons attached to the gland. Distal denervation was achieved by crushing the perihilar tissue, including the adrenergic axons, close to the gland, leaving only short axon stumps connected with the gland. Onset of both NA decrease and degeneration secretion occurred first in the distally denervated glands and about 2 h later on the proximally denervated sides. Except for the delay of 2 h the pattern of NA decrease and saliva secretion was similar after the two denervation procedures. The length of the attached axon stumps was estimated to be about 15-20 mm longer on the proximally denervated side. Therefore, the delay of 2 h caused by this length of axons corresponds to the proximo-distal intra-axonal transport distal to the \"axotomy\" of some protecting factors at the rate of 8-10 mm/h. Onset of degeneration secretion was observed between 11 and 12 h after proximal denervation when the NA content was decreased by about 10%. The maximum of saliva secretion occurred about 14 1/2 h after denervation when only 45% of the NA remained in the gland. The correlation between the degeneration secretion of saliva and the decrease in NA probably was due to 1) the amount of NA leaking from degenerating nerve terminals, and 2) the inactivation of this escaped NA by the re-uptake mechanism in the membrane of still intact nerve terminals.", "PMID": 998296} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7071", "title": "Intracerebroventricular glycerol: a potent inhibitor of ADH-release and thirst.", "content": "Infusions of isotonic or hypertonic (0.3 or 0.5 M) glycerol into the lateral cerebral ventricle (60 min, 0.02 ml/min) of non-hydrated goats invariably induced a conspicuous and sustained water diuresis. Corresponding infusions of 0.3 M glycerol/0.16 M NaCl were almost equally efficient in this respect. A more short-lasting and less pronounced water diuresis was obtained in response to equivalent infusions of pure d-glucose, and the response to 0.3 M glucose/0.16 M NaCl was variable. Intravenous injections of vasopressin blocked the glucose-induced diuresis, but only postponed the glycerol-induced diuresis. Intracerebroventricular (IVT) infusions of 0.5 M glycerol caused a sustained, complete inhibition of the urge to drink in the 48 h dehydrated goat, whereas IVT glucose only attenuated dehydrative drinking. Twenty min after the infusions of glycerol the CSF [Na+] in the lateral ventricle was about 15% below normal. About 10% reduction of CSF [Na+] was obtained 20 min after the IVT infusion of glycerol/NaCl. The corresponding infusion of pure d-glucose reduced the CSF [Na+] by less than 5%. The glycerol and glycerol/NaCl infusions caused a moderate reduction of renal Na+ + K+ excretion. The possibility is discussed that the observed effects of IVT glycerol is a manifestation of its efficiency to inhibit choroidal and/or juxtaventricular (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity.", "contents": "Intracerebroventricular glycerol: a potent inhibitor of ADH-release and thirst. Infusions of isotonic or hypertonic (0.3 or 0.5 M) glycerol into the lateral cerebral ventricle (60 min, 0.02 ml/min) of non-hydrated goats invariably induced a conspicuous and sustained water diuresis. Corresponding infusions of 0.3 M glycerol/0.16 M NaCl were almost equally efficient in this respect. A more short-lasting and less pronounced water diuresis was obtained in response to equivalent infusions of pure d-glucose, and the response to 0.3 M glucose/0.16 M NaCl was variable. Intravenous injections of vasopressin blocked the glucose-induced diuresis, but only postponed the glycerol-induced diuresis. Intracerebroventricular (IVT) infusions of 0.5 M glycerol caused a sustained, complete inhibition of the urge to drink in the 48 h dehydrated goat, whereas IVT glucose only attenuated dehydrative drinking. Twenty min after the infusions of glycerol the CSF [Na+] in the lateral ventricle was about 15% below normal. About 10% reduction of CSF [Na+] was obtained 20 min after the IVT infusion of glycerol/NaCl. The corresponding infusion of pure d-glucose reduced the CSF [Na+] by less than 5%. The glycerol and glycerol/NaCl infusions caused a moderate reduction of renal Na+ + K+ excretion. The possibility is discussed that the observed effects of IVT glycerol is a manifestation of its efficiency to inhibit choroidal and/or juxtaventricular (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity.", "PMID": 998297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7072", "title": "On the elicitation of the diving responses in ducks.", "content": "Peripheral receptors signalling in both the 3 main divisions of the trigeminal nerves and in the glossopharyngeal nerves are most likely involved in the onset of the apnea in diving ducks. Since the response also takes place when ducks are submerged in mercury, these peripheral receptors are hardly specific to water. Neither any of the 3 main groups of trigeminal, nor the glossopharyngeal receptors are alone responsible for the initiation of the apnea. Most likely the apnea takes place when the total impact on the 'respiratory centre' in the brain exceeds a certain treshold value, due to activation of a certain number of both trigeminal and glossopharyngeal peripheral receptors. However, even very local stimulation of the glottal area invariably evoked apnea, indicating a higher density of receptors there than for example on the beak or in the nares. This idea is supported by the fact that not even heavy rain evokes any response at all. It is unlikely that the cardiovascular adjustments displayed by diving ducks are directly coupled to the apnea response (i.e. to stimulation of peripheral receptors). Rather they are supposed to be components in orienting and chemoreceptor reflexes.", "contents": "On the elicitation of the diving responses in ducks. Peripheral receptors signalling in both the 3 main divisions of the trigeminal nerves and in the glossopharyngeal nerves are most likely involved in the onset of the apnea in diving ducks. Since the response also takes place when ducks are submerged in mercury, these peripheral receptors are hardly specific to water. Neither any of the 3 main groups of trigeminal, nor the glossopharyngeal receptors are alone responsible for the initiation of the apnea. Most likely the apnea takes place when the total impact on the 'respiratory centre' in the brain exceeds a certain treshold value, due to activation of a certain number of both trigeminal and glossopharyngeal peripheral receptors. However, even very local stimulation of the glottal area invariably evoked apnea, indicating a higher density of receptors there than for example on the beak or in the nares. This idea is supported by the fact that not even heavy rain evokes any response at all. It is unlikely that the cardiovascular adjustments displayed by diving ducks are directly coupled to the apnea response (i.e. to stimulation of peripheral receptors). Rather they are supposed to be components in orienting and chemoreceptor reflexes.", "PMID": 998298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7073", "title": "Temperature regulation during exercise in water and air.", "content": "Four healthy subjects were studied during exercise in water, using a swimming flume, and in air, on a stationary bicycle ergometer at mean skin temperatures of 30 and 33 degrees C, respectively. Measurements included rectal (Tre), esophageal (Tes), and mean skin (Ts) temperatures, metabolic energy liberation (M) and total heat production (H), maximal aerobic power output (Vo2 max), cardiac frequency and calculated peripheral tissue heat conductance (K). The results showed that for a given M and Ts, Tes and Tre were about 0.4 degree C lower and the K values were consistently higher in swimming than in bicycling. The intersubject variability in Tes and Tre was reduced by considering relative (expressed as %VO2max) rather than absolute work load, but the differences in the body temperatures between the two types of exercise remained. It was concluded that during exercise in water where the capacity for heat dissipation is increased, the body core temperature (Tc) is maintained at a lower level due to the higher forced convective and conductive heat transfer from the skin in water. This reduces the heat storage at the beginning of exercise compared with conditions in air. The lower Tc-Ts gradient for a given H in swimming, which results in higher K values implies a greater skin circulation than during cycling in air.", "contents": "Temperature regulation during exercise in water and air. Four healthy subjects were studied during exercise in water, using a swimming flume, and in air, on a stationary bicycle ergometer at mean skin temperatures of 30 and 33 degrees C, respectively. Measurements included rectal (Tre), esophageal (Tes), and mean skin (Ts) temperatures, metabolic energy liberation (M) and total heat production (H), maximal aerobic power output (Vo2 max), cardiac frequency and calculated peripheral tissue heat conductance (K). The results showed that for a given M and Ts, Tes and Tre were about 0.4 degree C lower and the K values were consistently higher in swimming than in bicycling. The intersubject variability in Tes and Tre was reduced by considering relative (expressed as %VO2max) rather than absolute work load, but the differences in the body temperatures between the two types of exercise remained. It was concluded that during exercise in water where the capacity for heat dissipation is increased, the body core temperature (Tc) is maintained at a lower level due to the higher forced convective and conductive heat transfer from the skin in water. This reduces the heat storage at the beginning of exercise compared with conditions in air. The lower Tc-Ts gradient for a given H in swimming, which results in higher K values implies a greater skin circulation than during cycling in air.", "PMID": 998300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7074", "title": "Cardiovascular and metabolic actions of neurotensin and (Gln4)-Neurotensin.", "content": "The actions of the tridecapeptides neurotensin and (Gln4)-neurotensin have been studied on the heart and on the blood flow in subcutaneous adipose tissue, skin and small intestine of anesthetized dogs. In addition, their possible actions have been investigated on blood glucose concentration and lipolysis in subcutaneous adipose tissue. The two peptides were found to be approximately equipotent. Intravenous infusion of 20-120 ng X kg-1 X min-1 produced slight hypotension, an initial vasodilatation in the small intestine and a delayed vasoconstriction in denervated subcutaneous adipose tissue and to a lesser extent in the skin and small intestine. At this infusion rate, neurotensin and (Gln4)-neurotensin did not elicit vasodilatation in the skin or adipose tissue and had no effect on heart rate. The delayed vasoconstriction in adipose tissue was not inhibited by local alpha-receptor blockade. Both neurotensin and (Gln4)-neurotensin increased glucose concentration in the upper dose range. No effects on lipolysis were observed, either in vivo or in vitro. These experiments show that neurotensin and (Gln4)-neurotensin have both vasodilator and vasoconstrictor actions in the peripheral vasculature but seem to be without cardiac actions. They also increase blood glucose concentration. It remains to be shown whether these actions are direct or whether some are indirectly mediated.", "contents": "Cardiovascular and metabolic actions of neurotensin and (Gln4)-Neurotensin. The actions of the tridecapeptides neurotensin and (Gln4)-neurotensin have been studied on the heart and on the blood flow in subcutaneous adipose tissue, skin and small intestine of anesthetized dogs. In addition, their possible actions have been investigated on blood glucose concentration and lipolysis in subcutaneous adipose tissue. The two peptides were found to be approximately equipotent. Intravenous infusion of 20-120 ng X kg-1 X min-1 produced slight hypotension, an initial vasodilatation in the small intestine and a delayed vasoconstriction in denervated subcutaneous adipose tissue and to a lesser extent in the skin and small intestine. At this infusion rate, neurotensin and (Gln4)-neurotensin did not elicit vasodilatation in the skin or adipose tissue and had no effect on heart rate. The delayed vasoconstriction in adipose tissue was not inhibited by local alpha-receptor blockade. Both neurotensin and (Gln4)-neurotensin increased glucose concentration in the upper dose range. No effects on lipolysis were observed, either in vivo or in vitro. These experiments show that neurotensin and (Gln4)-neurotensin have both vasodilator and vasoconstrictor actions in the peripheral vasculature but seem to be without cardiac actions. They also increase blood glucose concentration. It remains to be shown whether these actions are direct or whether some are indirectly mediated.", "PMID": 998299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7075", "title": "Experienced reality in somatic patients more that 65 years old. A comparative study of disturbed and clear, but demented states of consciousness.", "content": "Eight experienced qualities of reality were examined in relation to five sorts of experience in 15 demented patients in clear states of consciousness (the CSC group), and in 15 patients in disturbed states of consciousness (the DSC group). Many more abnormal reality qualities appeared in the DSC than in the CSC group. In the DSC patients the tendency to experience non-existent fantasy items as being real was so much greater than in the CSC patients that it will be of value in differential diagnosis if it is confirmed in other patient materials. In DSC patients, furthermore, positive qualities of sensation were found attached to many experiences of items which were not present in the actual stimulus fiels - even in patients who were not clinically hallucinated. The reliability of the results was controlled by having each patient evaluated by two psychiatrists.", "contents": "Experienced reality in somatic patients more that 65 years old. A comparative study of disturbed and clear, but demented states of consciousness. Eight experienced qualities of reality were examined in relation to five sorts of experience in 15 demented patients in clear states of consciousness (the CSC group), and in 15 patients in disturbed states of consciousness (the DSC group). Many more abnormal reality qualities appeared in the DSC than in the CSC group. In the DSC patients the tendency to experience non-existent fantasy items as being real was so much greater than in the CSC patients that it will be of value in differential diagnosis if it is confirmed in other patient materials. In DSC patients, furthermore, positive qualities of sensation were found attached to many experiences of items which were not present in the actual stimulus fiels - even in patients who were not clinically hallucinated. The reliability of the results was controlled by having each patient evaluated by two psychiatrists.", "PMID": 998322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7076", "title": "Lithium treatment of a patient with periodic catatonia.", "content": "This case report describes successful lithium treatment in a patient with long-standing periodic catatonia. Various medical treatments had been tried with meager results. Since 1955, a number of phenothiazines had been tried, also with little improvement. The institution of lithium treatment in 1964 caused a dramatic improvement in the patient's condition. For 9 years the patient remained totally asymptomatic. Lithium treatment was terminated in 1975 because of lithium intoxication with a diabetes insipidus-like syndrome. The patient then became psychotic again and has since experienced periodic phases similar to the previous illness. The diagnostic validity of the case is discussed, and some possible explanations of the favourable response to lithium are mentioned briefly.", "contents": "Lithium treatment of a patient with periodic catatonia. This case report describes successful lithium treatment in a patient with long-standing periodic catatonia. Various medical treatments had been tried with meager results. Since 1955, a number of phenothiazines had been tried, also with little improvement. The institution of lithium treatment in 1964 caused a dramatic improvement in the patient's condition. For 9 years the patient remained totally asymptomatic. Lithium treatment was terminated in 1975 because of lithium intoxication with a diabetes insipidus-like syndrome. The patient then became psychotic again and has since experienced periodic phases similar to the previous illness. The diagnostic validity of the case is discussed, and some possible explanations of the favourable response to lithium are mentioned briefly.", "PMID": 998323} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7077", "title": "Depression and daily temperature. A long-term study.", "content": "In a long-term observation of a manic-depressive female patient, three depressive episodes and two intervals without complaints were studied. During this period, the oral temperature was measured every 3 h. The temperature values were compared with a self-rating scale of the patient. The oral temperature showed a different pattern on the depressive days as compared with the interval days. The average temperature values were higher on depressive days. During the depression, changes were found in the daily temperature rhythm which resulted in a temperature maximum earlier in the day. The changes can be explained as indicating a desynchronization phenomenon of the circadian rhythms.", "contents": "Depression and daily temperature. A long-term study. In a long-term observation of a manic-depressive female patient, three depressive episodes and two intervals without complaints were studied. During this period, the oral temperature was measured every 3 h. The temperature values were compared with a self-rating scale of the patient. The oral temperature showed a different pattern on the depressive days as compared with the interval days. The average temperature values were higher on depressive days. During the depression, changes were found in the daily temperature rhythm which resulted in a temperature maximum earlier in the day. The changes can be explained as indicating a desynchronization phenomenon of the circadian rhythms.", "PMID": 998324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7078", "title": "Season of birth among siblings of schizophrenics. A test of the parental conception habits interpretation.", "content": "Many studies have shown schizophrenics to be born with unusual frequency in the period January-April, and one interpretation of this seasonality of birth is that the parents of schizophrenics have an unusually strong general tendency to conceive offspring who will be born in January-April. This parental conception habits interpretation may be tested by studying whether the siblings of schizophrenics are also born with increased frequency in January-April. The present study investigated the season of birth of 288 full siblings and 44 half-siblings in 91 families of male schizophrenics. Approximately 5% of the siblings were known to be schizophrenic; with the schizophrenic siblings excluded from the analyses, the full siblings showed a birth pattern much closer (nonsignificant) to that of the schizophrenics than to that of the general population. Half-siblings showed January-April birth rates at or below the population level. Although the mechanisms responsible for the current results still remain unclear, the study suggests that seasonality of births of schizophrenics may be related to the parents' conception habits as well as to an etiological or triggering effect on the development of schizophrenia in the offspring.", "contents": "Season of birth among siblings of schizophrenics. A test of the parental conception habits interpretation. Many studies have shown schizophrenics to be born with unusual frequency in the period January-April, and one interpretation of this seasonality of birth is that the parents of schizophrenics have an unusually strong general tendency to conceive offspring who will be born in January-April. This parental conception habits interpretation may be tested by studying whether the siblings of schizophrenics are also born with increased frequency in January-April. The present study investigated the season of birth of 288 full siblings and 44 half-siblings in 91 families of male schizophrenics. Approximately 5% of the siblings were known to be schizophrenic; with the schizophrenic siblings excluded from the analyses, the full siblings showed a birth pattern much closer (nonsignificant) to that of the schizophrenics than to that of the general population. Half-siblings showed January-April birth rates at or below the population level. Although the mechanisms responsible for the current results still remain unclear, the study suggests that seasonality of births of schizophrenics may be related to the parents' conception habits as well as to an etiological or triggering effect on the development of schizophrenia in the offspring.", "PMID": 998325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7079", "title": "Antivitamin B6 induced ultrastructural changes in the hippocampus of the convulsant rabbit and its biochemical correlates.", "content": "In rabbits epileptiform seizures were induced by systemic application of methoxypyridoxine, an antimetabolite of vitamin B6. The regional distribution of GABA was measured in 11 brain structures, before the onset of the seizure and during the generalized convulsions. In brain regions with a high GABA level the GABA content drops already preictally, in contrast to the GABA poor structures where no preictal decrease takes place. From this it is concluded that there exist two GABA pools, a functional one containing the GABA for chemical transmission, which is exhausted already preictally giving rise to the seizure discharges, and a metabolic one, which is utilized as an additional energy-source during the convulsions. Due to the decrease of the hippocampal GABA the endings of the dentate gyrus granule cells, the giant boutons contacting the apical dendrites of the pyramidal cells of CA3 and CA4, can discharge unrestrained. An ultrastructural correlate of the increased excitation is demonstrated. The dense-core vesicles of the giant boutons fuse in an omega-shaped form with the presynaptic membrane of the spines. This fusion-phenomenon is observed in ultrathin sections as well as in freeze-fractured replicas of this region.", "contents": "Antivitamin B6 induced ultrastructural changes in the hippocampus of the convulsant rabbit and its biochemical correlates. In rabbits epileptiform seizures were induced by systemic application of methoxypyridoxine, an antimetabolite of vitamin B6. The regional distribution of GABA was measured in 11 brain structures, before the onset of the seizure and during the generalized convulsions. In brain regions with a high GABA level the GABA content drops already preictally, in contrast to the GABA poor structures where no preictal decrease takes place. From this it is concluded that there exist two GABA pools, a functional one containing the GABA for chemical transmission, which is exhausted already preictally giving rise to the seizure discharges, and a metabolic one, which is utilized as an additional energy-source during the convulsions. Due to the decrease of the hippocampal GABA the endings of the dentate gyrus granule cells, the giant boutons contacting the apical dendrites of the pyramidal cells of CA3 and CA4, can discharge unrestrained. An ultrastructural correlate of the increased excitation is demonstrated. The dense-core vesicles of the giant boutons fuse in an omega-shaped form with the presynaptic membrane of the spines. This fusion-phenomenon is observed in ultrathin sections as well as in freeze-fractured replicas of this region.", "PMID": 998335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7080", "title": "Formation of glutamate and GABA in epileptogenic tissue from human hippocampus in vitro.", "content": "The levels of some amino acids and the incorporation rates of 14C from glucose and acetate were estimated in control human brain tissue and epileptogenic foci from human hippocampus incubated in glucose-saline medium. In the epileptogenic tissue the level of glutamine and the incorporation of radioactivity from both substrates into glutamine were lowered, mainly from acetate. These results suggest damaged glial metabolism. The relative increase of glutamate and decrease of glutamate formation in epileptogenic tissue were similar to the changes caused in rat brain slices by increased concentration of potassium in the incubation medium.", "contents": "Formation of glutamate and GABA in epileptogenic tissue from human hippocampus in vitro. The levels of some amino acids and the incorporation rates of 14C from glucose and acetate were estimated in control human brain tissue and epileptogenic foci from human hippocampus incubated in glucose-saline medium. In the epileptogenic tissue the level of glutamine and the incorporation of radioactivity from both substrates into glutamine were lowered, mainly from acetate. These results suggest damaged glial metabolism. The relative increase of glutamate and decrease of glutamate formation in epileptogenic tissue were similar to the changes caused in rat brain slices by increased concentration of potassium in the incubation medium.", "PMID": 998336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7081", "title": "Contribution to surgical terminology in epilepsy.", "content": "The classifications of the World Health Organization used in epileptology do not contain any aspects of surgical treatment. The introduction of stereotactic techniques make it necessary to include in the classification such terms as multifocal epilepsy, modified epilepsy and iatrogenic epilepsy. Epilepsy classification will most likely be affected also by the neuro-histological changes found from epileptogenic zones with bio-chemical analysis of brain structures as well as from the zone of epileptic focus.", "contents": "Contribution to surgical terminology in epilepsy. The classifications of the World Health Organization used in epileptology do not contain any aspects of surgical treatment. The introduction of stereotactic techniques make it necessary to include in the classification such terms as multifocal epilepsy, modified epilepsy and iatrogenic epilepsy. Epilepsy classification will most likely be affected also by the neuro-histological changes found from epileptogenic zones with bio-chemical analysis of brain structures as well as from the zone of epileptic focus.", "PMID": 998338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7082", "title": "The value of electrostimulation in epileptic focus localization.", "content": "The ES is a non-physiological stimulus of the brain. However it represents an important and indispensable part of stero-EEG investigation since it is an easily adjustable method, capable of inducing typical electro-clinical seizures. From the clinical and electrical responses elicited by ES and from the data of the stimulation tresh-old, we are in agreement with other authors, we feel we can also distinguish several different reacting zones in the epileptic brain: 1. The epileptogenic zone from which the complete or almost complete electro-clinical seizure is reproducible immediately by ES or with short latency. These pathological responses show the severe dysfunction of the given structures. 2. The irritative zones from which seizure elements can be evoked, but the complete electro-clinical seizure does not. \"Physiological\" clinical responses can also be elicited, but by a very low threshold stimulus pointing to the pathological excitability of this zone. 3. The area reacting to \"normal\" stimulus threshold with a physiological response. 4. The silent area without any electro-clinical response in the functional state of the nervous system. One of the practical values of ES is that makes possible to separate these zones from each other in a given patient within certain limits, and it may help to reveal the localization, the multiplicity and the degree of the \"seizure disposition\" in epilepsy.", "contents": "The value of electrostimulation in epileptic focus localization. The ES is a non-physiological stimulus of the brain. However it represents an important and indispensable part of stero-EEG investigation since it is an easily adjustable method, capable of inducing typical electro-clinical seizures. From the clinical and electrical responses elicited by ES and from the data of the stimulation tresh-old, we are in agreement with other authors, we feel we can also distinguish several different reacting zones in the epileptic brain: 1. The epileptogenic zone from which the complete or almost complete electro-clinical seizure is reproducible immediately by ES or with short latency. These pathological responses show the severe dysfunction of the given structures. 2. The irritative zones from which seizure elements can be evoked, but the complete electro-clinical seizure does not. \"Physiological\" clinical responses can also be elicited, but by a very low threshold stimulus pointing to the pathological excitability of this zone. 3. The area reacting to \"normal\" stimulus threshold with a physiological response. 4. The silent area without any electro-clinical response in the functional state of the nervous system. One of the practical values of ES is that makes possible to separate these zones from each other in a given patient within certain limits, and it may help to reveal the localization, the multiplicity and the degree of the \"seizure disposition\" in epilepsy.", "PMID": 998340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7083", "title": "Graphic representation of the epileptic focus.", "content": "On the basis of systematic examinations of electrical activity of brain deep structures in 87 epileptic patients, an experiment was carried out to replace the concept of the epileptic focus by the graph of functional grouping of structures with epileptic activity. In order to make the graph as realistic as possible, the multi-lead electrodes have to be introduced into the brain systematically and under standard conditions. In this case, the results obtained are comparable. At the same time, the graph proves to be the basis of indications for stereotactic treatment.", "contents": "Graphic representation of the epileptic focus. On the basis of systematic examinations of electrical activity of brain deep structures in 87 epileptic patients, an experiment was carried out to replace the concept of the epileptic focus by the graph of functional grouping of structures with epileptic activity. In order to make the graph as realistic as possible, the multi-lead electrodes have to be introduced into the brain systematically and under standard conditions. In this case, the results obtained are comparable. At the same time, the graph proves to be the basis of indications for stereotactic treatment.", "PMID": 998342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7084", "title": "Centrencephalic epilepsy and suboccipital derivations.", "content": "1. The application of suboccipital electrodes provides earlier and safer detection of pathological activities within deep infratentorial structures than the standard recording techniques. 2. Spike and wave complexes are better differentiated with regard to frequency, duration and possible primary focus, which is of basic importance in determining the optimal therapy; 3. The combinations with chemical activation methods increases the number of positive findings and thus contributes to a better diagnosis. 4. The technical procedure is not complicated or dangerous for the patient. It causes less pain and inconvenience than the application of the needle in sphenoidal electrodes; 5. Suboccipital electrodes applied alone or in combination with the scalp and sometimes with sphenoidal electrodes represent the simplest technique of recording and detecting deeply located focal centres as well as electrographic changes originating in deep infratentorial structures, without damaging the meninges.", "contents": "Centrencephalic epilepsy and suboccipital derivations. 1. The application of suboccipital electrodes provides earlier and safer detection of pathological activities within deep infratentorial structures than the standard recording techniques. 2. Spike and wave complexes are better differentiated with regard to frequency, duration and possible primary focus, which is of basic importance in determining the optimal therapy; 3. The combinations with chemical activation methods increases the number of positive findings and thus contributes to a better diagnosis. 4. The technical procedure is not complicated or dangerous for the patient. It causes less pain and inconvenience than the application of the needle in sphenoidal electrodes; 5. Suboccipital electrodes applied alone or in combination with the scalp and sometimes with sphenoidal electrodes represent the simplest technique of recording and detecting deeply located focal centres as well as electrographic changes originating in deep infratentorial structures, without damaging the meninges.", "PMID": 998344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7085", "title": "Clinical and electrophysiological effects of chronic epileptic lesion in split-brain cats.", "content": "The development of the clinical and EEG manifestations of intracortical alumina cream epileptogenic lesion is described in 14 split-brain cats. In 4 animals contralateral and/or ipsilateral, cortical and subcortical secondary epileptic foci were present. The results indicate that integrity of interhemispheric transfer through the corpus callosum and anterior and posterior commissures is not necessary for the transmission of epileptic activity to contralateral hemisphere. Partial epileptic seizures of Jacksonian type were observed in 6 cats. In 1 cat grand mal epileptic seizure developed. The possible mechanisms of secondary epileptic foci and generalized type of seizure are discussed.", "contents": "Clinical and electrophysiological effects of chronic epileptic lesion in split-brain cats. The development of the clinical and EEG manifestations of intracortical alumina cream epileptogenic lesion is described in 14 split-brain cats. In 4 animals contralateral and/or ipsilateral, cortical and subcortical secondary epileptic foci were present. The results indicate that integrity of interhemispheric transfer through the corpus callosum and anterior and posterior commissures is not necessary for the transmission of epileptic activity to contralateral hemisphere. Partial epileptic seizures of Jacksonian type were observed in 6 cats. In 1 cat grand mal epileptic seizure developed. The possible mechanisms of secondary epileptic foci and generalized type of seizure are discussed.", "PMID": 998348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7086", "title": "Determination of the functional hierarchy in multifocal epilepsy.", "content": "An averaging technique of epileptic spikes, carried out on human stereoelectroencephalographic explorations, allowed the detection of morphological alterations of spikes peculiar to a given structure, associated with variations of temporal relations among spikes simultaneously recorded in different structures. On the basis of experimental data it can be supposed that these variations reflect the alternance of the functional prevalence among the different structures involved in the epileptic process.", "contents": "Determination of the functional hierarchy in multifocal epilepsy. An averaging technique of epileptic spikes, carried out on human stereoelectroencephalographic explorations, allowed the detection of morphological alterations of spikes peculiar to a given structure, associated with variations of temporal relations among spikes simultaneously recorded in different structures. On the basis of experimental data it can be supposed that these variations reflect the alternance of the functional prevalence among the different structures involved in the epileptic process.", "PMID": 998349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7087", "title": "Investigation of epileptic structure properties by transfer function.", "content": "The paper deals with the possibility of applying linear control theory and the theory of statistical dynamics to the complex and quantitative analysis of electroencephalographic records. The aim is to specify signals in the brain environment, in particular sources, speed and direction of signals, and the determination from results gained of the model of signal transfer, The possibilities of applying Fourier analysis and correlation analysis are examined. The methodical approach of the transient analysis is suggested. Conditions are discussed for approximate application of linear theory. Experimental results, as well as the calculation of transfer parameters of signals are evaluated. The method of magnetic EEG records, the scanning and processing of data on analogue and digital computers are introduced. The method described of correlation and transient analysis arises from the necessity to detect epileptic structures from an evaluation of SEEG records of the deep brain structure.", "contents": "Investigation of epileptic structure properties by transfer function. The paper deals with the possibility of applying linear control theory and the theory of statistical dynamics to the complex and quantitative analysis of electroencephalographic records. The aim is to specify signals in the brain environment, in particular sources, speed and direction of signals, and the determination from results gained of the model of signal transfer, The possibilities of applying Fourier analysis and correlation analysis are examined. The methodical approach of the transient analysis is suggested. Conditions are discussed for approximate application of linear theory. Experimental results, as well as the calculation of transfer parameters of signals are evaluated. The method of magnetic EEG records, the scanning and processing of data on analogue and digital computers are introduced. The method described of correlation and transient analysis arises from the necessity to detect epileptic structures from an evaluation of SEEG records of the deep brain structure.", "PMID": 998350} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7088", "title": "The role of focal and extrafocal structures in the triggering of epileptic spikes: an experimental study.", "content": "Experiments carried out in cats with a neocortical cobalt induced epileptic focus demonstrated that focal averaged spikes, obtained by a personal computer technique, can alternatively lead the caudate ones or be led by them. Defined morphological alterations of the spikes characterize the two situations.", "contents": "The role of focal and extrafocal structures in the triggering of epileptic spikes: an experimental study. Experiments carried out in cats with a neocortical cobalt induced epileptic focus demonstrated that focal averaged spikes, obtained by a personal computer technique, can alternatively lead the caudate ones or be led by them. Defined morphological alterations of the spikes characterize the two situations.", "PMID": 998351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7089", "title": "Catecholamine levels in penicillin-induced epileptic focus of the cat cerebral cortex.", "content": "In 25 cats an unilateral epileptic focus was produced by intracortical injection of potassium benzyl penicillin and on the other hemisphere, sham-operation was done by injection of the same volume of saline solution without penicillin. Catecholamine analysis was performed for each hemisphere separately. In a second series of 15 cats, the effect of catecholamines and of 1-DOPA on penicillin-induced spike activity was examined. In the first and second stage of propagation of penicillin-induced spikes, dopamine and norepinephrine significantly decreased in the focus. In the third stage no differences existed. The penicillin-induced spike activity was reduced as well by the topical application of dopamine as of 1-DOPA, whilst no inhibitory effect was observed in the topical application of norepinephrine.", "contents": "Catecholamine levels in penicillin-induced epileptic focus of the cat cerebral cortex. In 25 cats an unilateral epileptic focus was produced by intracortical injection of potassium benzyl penicillin and on the other hemisphere, sham-operation was done by injection of the same volume of saline solution without penicillin. Catecholamine analysis was performed for each hemisphere separately. In a second series of 15 cats, the effect of catecholamines and of 1-DOPA on penicillin-induced spike activity was examined. In the first and second stage of propagation of penicillin-induced spikes, dopamine and norepinephrine significantly decreased in the focus. In the third stage no differences existed. The penicillin-induced spike activity was reduced as well by the topical application of dopamine as of 1-DOPA, whilst no inhibitory effect was observed in the topical application of norepinephrine.", "PMID": 998352} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7090", "title": "Lateral-trigonal intraventricular tumors. A new operative approach.", "content": "With the introduction of additional diagnostic methods, computerized axial tomography, interventricular tumors are discovered at a time when these lesions are still small and may have presented very insignificant or no clinical symptoms. If the lesion is a benign tumor as a meningioma and within the lateral ventricle of the dominant hemisphere a very difficult problem persents itself to the patient and surgeon. Shall they wait until the tumor reaches such a size to make more permanent symptoms to justify entering the ventricle by the conventional approach through the middle temporal gyrus and leaving the patient at least with a visual field defect? Or should surgery be postponed until the ventricle especially the temporal horne is enlarged due to blockage by the tumor, making the operative procedure technically easier? The authors present a method used in three atrial trigonal meningiomas of the dominant hemisphere which did not result in any neurological deficit which was not present before surgery and which abolished paroxysmal attacks of hemianopsia and severe headaches in one patient. The latter patient was believed to have suffered from migraine for 2 1/2 years.", "contents": "Lateral-trigonal intraventricular tumors. A new operative approach. With the introduction of additional diagnostic methods, computerized axial tomography, interventricular tumors are discovered at a time when these lesions are still small and may have presented very insignificant or no clinical symptoms. If the lesion is a benign tumor as a meningioma and within the lateral ventricle of the dominant hemisphere a very difficult problem persents itself to the patient and surgeon. Shall they wait until the tumor reaches such a size to make more permanent symptoms to justify entering the ventricle by the conventional approach through the middle temporal gyrus and leaving the patient at least with a visual field defect? Or should surgery be postponed until the ventricle especially the temporal horne is enlarged due to blockage by the tumor, making the operative procedure technically easier? The authors present a method used in three atrial trigonal meningiomas of the dominant hemisphere which did not result in any neurological deficit which was not present before surgery and which abolished paroxysmal attacks of hemianopsia and severe headaches in one patient. The latter patient was believed to have suffered from migraine for 2 1/2 years.", "PMID": 998353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7091", "title": "Sterilization of the operating microscope.", "content": "Sterilization of the operating microscope and its equipment with formaldehyde (10 g for 10 hours) in a specially developed container provides sterility and ideal storage, and secures immediate availability in daily operating theatre practice.", "contents": "Sterilization of the operating microscope. Sterilization of the operating microscope and its equipment with formaldehyde (10 g for 10 hours) in a specially developed container provides sterility and ideal storage, and secures immediate availability in daily operating theatre practice.", "PMID": 998354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7092", "title": "Extracranial metastases of anaplastic cerebral gliomas.", "content": "Seven cases are reported of anaplastic cerebral gliomas with metastases outside the neuraxis, seen among about 1500 gliomas. There were two children with anaplastic ependymomas, one adult with oligodendroglioma, and four young to middle-aged adults with astrocytomas grade III and IV. All patients had one or more craniotomies, and four had radiotherapy prior to the appearance of distant tumour deposits. The survival times ranged from 7 to 31 months in cases with gliomas grade II, and from 8 to 18 months with high grade astrocytomas. All seven tumours showed invasion of the meninges, ventricular walls, or both, and in four cases they transgressed the dura and surrounding bone or soft tissues. In six autopsy cases there was widespread dissemination of gliomas through the CSF pathways. Distant metastases involved regional or distant lymph nodes in six patients, the lungs in two, and the vertebrae, pleura, liver, or mediastinum in one patient each. The possible pathways for distant spread or intracranial gliomas and the factors which are considered responsible are briefly discussed.", "contents": "Extracranial metastases of anaplastic cerebral gliomas. Seven cases are reported of anaplastic cerebral gliomas with metastases outside the neuraxis, seen among about 1500 gliomas. There were two children with anaplastic ependymomas, one adult with oligodendroglioma, and four young to middle-aged adults with astrocytomas grade III and IV. All patients had one or more craniotomies, and four had radiotherapy prior to the appearance of distant tumour deposits. The survival times ranged from 7 to 31 months in cases with gliomas grade II, and from 8 to 18 months with high grade astrocytomas. All seven tumours showed invasion of the meninges, ventricular walls, or both, and in four cases they transgressed the dura and surrounding bone or soft tissues. In six autopsy cases there was widespread dissemination of gliomas through the CSF pathways. Distant metastases involved regional or distant lymph nodes in six patients, the lungs in two, and the vertebrae, pleura, liver, or mediastinum in one patient each. The possible pathways for distant spread or intracranial gliomas and the factors which are considered responsible are briefly discussed.", "PMID": 998355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7093", "title": "[Intramedullary oligodendroglioma with meningocerebral dissemination (author's transl)].", "content": "A 28 year old woman suffered from lumbar radicular signs and sensory deficit for three years before death. A progressive illness with increased intracranial pressure, cerebellar signs, and multiple cranial nerve palsies appeared one year after the onset of symptoms, but craniotomy of the posterior fossa was negative. After development of spastic paraparesis, an intramedullary oligodendroglioma of the lower thoracic cord was partly removed. Death occurred two months later from raised intracranial pressure. At autopsy a diffuse oligodendroglioma was found involving the periventricular regions of the brain, the entire subarachnoid space, the cerebral parenchyma, and the whole length of the thoracic cord. There was a small lumbar syrinx. It is suggested in this case that the dorsal intramedullary oligodendroglioma was the source from which tumour spread diffusely through the cerebrospinal fluid pathways and secondarily invaded the cerebrum. The diagnostic difficulties of diffuse meningeal gliomatosis are discussed.", "contents": "[Intramedullary oligodendroglioma with meningocerebral dissemination (author's transl)]. A 28 year old woman suffered from lumbar radicular signs and sensory deficit for three years before death. A progressive illness with increased intracranial pressure, cerebellar signs, and multiple cranial nerve palsies appeared one year after the onset of symptoms, but craniotomy of the posterior fossa was negative. After development of spastic paraparesis, an intramedullary oligodendroglioma of the lower thoracic cord was partly removed. Death occurred two months later from raised intracranial pressure. At autopsy a diffuse oligodendroglioma was found involving the periventricular regions of the brain, the entire subarachnoid space, the cerebral parenchyma, and the whole length of the thoracic cord. There was a small lumbar syrinx. It is suggested in this case that the dorsal intramedullary oligodendroglioma was the source from which tumour spread diffusely through the cerebrospinal fluid pathways and secondarily invaded the cerebrum. The diagnostic difficulties of diffuse meningeal gliomatosis are discussed.", "PMID": 998356} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7094", "title": "[Unusual recurrence of an IC--PC aneurysm after neck clipping--any structural weakness of the clip? (author's transl)].", "content": "Recurrence of an IC--PC aneurysm after a successful neck clipping (Heifetz' clip) is reported. This was caused by breaking of a clip blade at its proximal end. It is suggested that some structural weakness was present in the clip metal.", "contents": "[Unusual recurrence of an IC--PC aneurysm after neck clipping--any structural weakness of the clip? (author's transl)]. Recurrence of an IC--PC aneurysm after a successful neck clipping (Heifetz' clip) is reported. This was caused by breaking of a clip blade at its proximal end. It is suggested that some structural weakness was present in the clip metal.", "PMID": 998357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7095", "title": "Educating the future mental health executive: a public health approach.", "content": "The mental health program we are developing at the Yale School of Public Health has as its basic element a broad introduction to the concepts and principles of public health and mental health administration and is rooted in conern for community well-being. It is our belief that this combination of public health - mental health training will produce administrators for mental health, psychiatric and human resource agencies who will be able to design, implement, manage, and evaluate programs that improve mental health and help communities evaluate and structure the human services they need.", "contents": "Educating the future mental health executive: a public health approach. The mental health program we are developing at the Yale School of Public Health has as its basic element a broad introduction to the concepts and principles of public health and mental health administration and is rooted in conern for community well-being. It is our belief that this combination of public health - mental health training will produce administrators for mental health, psychiatric and human resource agencies who will be able to design, implement, manage, and evaluate programs that improve mental health and help communities evaluate and structure the human services they need.", "PMID": 998373} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7096", "title": "Teaching mental health administration to psychiatric residents.", "content": "Methods for teaching mental health administration within the framework of the regular psychiatric residency are described. The basic principles of social systems analysis and social systems management are the framework for both the field experience and the didactic curriculum. Emphasis is placed on student participation in the teaching process. The student engages in multiple exercises within the actual working processes of mental health administration. In essence, we attempt to teach mental health administration by providing learning experiences where the student performs the tasks and engages in the conceptual work that form the basis for social systems management.", "contents": "Teaching mental health administration to psychiatric residents. Methods for teaching mental health administration within the framework of the regular psychiatric residency are described. The basic principles of social systems analysis and social systems management are the framework for both the field experience and the didactic curriculum. Emphasis is placed on student participation in the teaching process. The student engages in multiple exercises within the actual working processes of mental health administration. In essence, we attempt to teach mental health administration by providing learning experiences where the student performs the tasks and engages in the conceptual work that form the basis for social systems management.", "PMID": 998375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7097", "title": "Physical attractiveness, physical effectiveness, and self-concept in late adolescents.", "content": "The differential role of various body attitudes in predicting the self-concepts of late adolescents (124 males and 218 females), enrolled in introductory psychology courses, was assessed. Subjects rated 24 body characteristics in terms of 1) how physically attractive they assumed these parts of their bodies were, and 2) how physically effective they assumed them to be; subjects also responded to a short self-concept scale. In accordance with the theory of Erikson (1968) and of McCandless (1970), it was expected that attractiveness attitudes should contribute more to the self-concepts of females than should effectiveness attitudes, while a reverse pattern of interrelatedness was expected for males. Results indicated a higher correspondence between what are seen as attractive body parts and what are viewed as effective body components for males than for females. Moreover, findings from step-wise multiple regression analyses of each sex group's ratings of the body parts for attractiveness and effectiveness, respectively, each with the criterion variable constituting mean self-concept score, were consistent with expectations. For females, the multiple correlation between attractiveness ratings and self-concept was greater than the multiple correlation between effectiveness ratings and self-concept, and more attractiveness variables than effectiveness variables were significant predictors of self-concept. The converse of these findings were obtained with the males' data. The relevance of these results for theories of personality development were discussed.", "contents": "Physical attractiveness, physical effectiveness, and self-concept in late adolescents. The differential role of various body attitudes in predicting the self-concepts of late adolescents (124 males and 218 females), enrolled in introductory psychology courses, was assessed. Subjects rated 24 body characteristics in terms of 1) how physically attractive they assumed these parts of their bodies were, and 2) how physically effective they assumed them to be; subjects also responded to a short self-concept scale. In accordance with the theory of Erikson (1968) and of McCandless (1970), it was expected that attractiveness attitudes should contribute more to the self-concepts of females than should effectiveness attitudes, while a reverse pattern of interrelatedness was expected for males. Results indicated a higher correspondence between what are seen as attractive body parts and what are viewed as effective body components for males than for females. Moreover, findings from step-wise multiple regression analyses of each sex group's ratings of the body parts for attractiveness and effectiveness, respectively, each with the criterion variable constituting mean self-concept score, were consistent with expectations. For females, the multiple correlation between attractiveness ratings and self-concept was greater than the multiple correlation between effectiveness ratings and self-concept, and more attractiveness variables than effectiveness variables were significant predictors of self-concept. The converse of these findings were obtained with the males' data. The relevance of these results for theories of personality development were discussed.", "PMID": 998382} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7098", "title": "RES blockade: effects on immunity and tolerance.", "content": "Reticuloendothelial cell blockade has been studied for decades in regards to physiological and immunological effects. \"Overloading\" of RE cells with inert colloidal particles, such as carbon or other particulate substances, has often been used to analyze the role of phagocytic activities in antibody formation, often with contrasting results. In the present studies the effects of colloidal carbon treatment of mice on immunologic responsiveness to sheep erythrocytes was investigated. Pre-treatment of mice with carbon shortly before either primary or secondary immunization with SRBCs markedly suppressed the expected antibody response, as shown by depressed numbers of hemolytic antibody plaque forming cells. Carbon treatment did not affect antibody forming cells per se as shown by lack of an effect on plaque forming cells when carbon was given after SRBCs, either in vivo or in vitro. Carbon injection before primary immunization prevented development of \"immunologic memory,\" as shown by an altered secondary immune response. Mice given carbon and SRBC several weeks before secondary immunization with RBCs developed a primary type antibody response characterized by appearance of 19S antibody with little or no 7S hemolysins, characteristic of a secondary response. Furthermore, by appropriate treatment of mice with carbon and SRBC, immunologic unresponsiveness to SRBCs could also be induced, as evident by absence of both 19S and 7S antibody formation after subsequent challenge immunization with sheep erythrocytes. The mechanisms involved in RE \"blockade\" induced aberrations of normal immune responses may be related to effects on macrophages or soluble humoral factors, or both. It is unlikely that carbon treatment affects immunocytes directly. Further studies concerning the nature and mechanism of RE blockade on cellular and humoral components of the immune response mechanisms seem warranted and should provide more insight concerning the role of macrophages in antibody formation.", "contents": "RES blockade: effects on immunity and tolerance. Reticuloendothelial cell blockade has been studied for decades in regards to physiological and immunological effects. \"Overloading\" of RE cells with inert colloidal particles, such as carbon or other particulate substances, has often been used to analyze the role of phagocytic activities in antibody formation, often with contrasting results. In the present studies the effects of colloidal carbon treatment of mice on immunologic responsiveness to sheep erythrocytes was investigated. Pre-treatment of mice with carbon shortly before either primary or secondary immunization with SRBCs markedly suppressed the expected antibody response, as shown by depressed numbers of hemolytic antibody plaque forming cells. Carbon treatment did not affect antibody forming cells per se as shown by lack of an effect on plaque forming cells when carbon was given after SRBCs, either in vivo or in vitro. Carbon injection before primary immunization prevented development of \"immunologic memory,\" as shown by an altered secondary immune response. Mice given carbon and SRBC several weeks before secondary immunization with RBCs developed a primary type antibody response characterized by appearance of 19S antibody with little or no 7S hemolysins, characteristic of a secondary response. Furthermore, by appropriate treatment of mice with carbon and SRBC, immunologic unresponsiveness to SRBCs could also be induced, as evident by absence of both 19S and 7S antibody formation after subsequent challenge immunization with sheep erythrocytes. The mechanisms involved in RE \"blockade\" induced aberrations of normal immune responses may be related to effects on macrophages or soluble humoral factors, or both. It is unlikely that carbon treatment affects immunocytes directly. Further studies concerning the nature and mechanism of RE blockade on cellular and humoral components of the immune response mechanisms seem warranted and should provide more insight concerning the role of macrophages in antibody formation.", "PMID": 998396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7099", "title": "Trauma induced histamine synthesis and RES activity.", "content": "The histidine decarboxylase activity of the lung and spleen was determined in animals made resistant to tumbling trauma, either by prior sublethal exposure or by injection of extracts prepared from the spleens and plasma of trauma resistant rats. The data describe the post-traumatic period in the normal animal as being associated with an increased histidine decarboxylase activity. In addition, the increased histidine decarboxylase activity was paralleled by an increased phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial elements of the spleen. In trauma resistant animals, changes in the enzyme activity and phagocytic capability were prevented or curtailed. The administration of spleen and plasma protective extracts were similarly effective in impeding these changes following trauma. It is suggested that the active humoral factor elaborated during conditioning and associated with the RES may act by inhibiting the activation of histidine decarboxylase.", "contents": "Trauma induced histamine synthesis and RES activity. The histidine decarboxylase activity of the lung and spleen was determined in animals made resistant to tumbling trauma, either by prior sublethal exposure or by injection of extracts prepared from the spleens and plasma of trauma resistant rats. The data describe the post-traumatic period in the normal animal as being associated with an increased histidine decarboxylase activity. In addition, the increased histidine decarboxylase activity was paralleled by an increased phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial elements of the spleen. In trauma resistant animals, changes in the enzyme activity and phagocytic capability were prevented or curtailed. The administration of spleen and plasma protective extracts were similarly effective in impeding these changes following trauma. It is suggested that the active humoral factor elaborated during conditioning and associated with the RES may act by inhibiting the activation of histidine decarboxylase.", "PMID": 998415} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7100", "title": "The role of transport processes in the distribution and disposition of prostaglandins.", "content": "Currently available evidence shows that some cell membranes represent a barrier to passive diffusion of PGs. In contrast, an active transport of PGs was demonstrated across the wall of the rabbit vagina in vitro. Evidence has been obtained indicating that similar carrier-mediated PG transport processes in vivo mediate the uptake of PGs from the circulation into the lung and the removal of these autocoids from the brain and the eye, across the blood--brain and blood--aqueous barriers. It was shown that probenecid, a known inhibitor of PG transport, enhances the effect of PGE1 on the brain, and in general, it appears to alter the distribution and rate of excretion of PGs. The existence of such barriers to the free diffusion of PGs and the saturable, and possibly rate-limiting, transport of these autocoids across some other membranes must be taken into consideration in the design of experiments and in the interpretation of results. Furthermore, the importance of this consideration is emphasized by the observation that many nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents and PG antagonists are effective inhibitors of PG transport (17,18); hence, they can be expected to affect the distribution and disposition of PGs.", "contents": "The role of transport processes in the distribution and disposition of prostaglandins. Currently available evidence shows that some cell membranes represent a barrier to passive diffusion of PGs. In contrast, an active transport of PGs was demonstrated across the wall of the rabbit vagina in vitro. Evidence has been obtained indicating that similar carrier-mediated PG transport processes in vivo mediate the uptake of PGs from the circulation into the lung and the removal of these autocoids from the brain and the eye, across the blood--brain and blood--aqueous barriers. It was shown that probenecid, a known inhibitor of PG transport, enhances the effect of PGE1 on the brain, and in general, it appears to alter the distribution and rate of excretion of PGs. The existence of such barriers to the free diffusion of PGs and the saturable, and possibly rate-limiting, transport of these autocoids across some other membranes must be taken into consideration in the design of experiments and in the interpretation of results. Furthermore, the importance of this consideration is emphasized by the observation that many nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents and PG antagonists are effective inhibitors of PG transport (17,18); hence, they can be expected to affect the distribution and disposition of PGs.", "PMID": 998428} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7101", "title": "Biosynthesis and catabolism of prostaglandins during animal development.", "content": "Catabolism of [9beta-3H1]prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) was investigated in several organs (lung, kidney, brain, and liver) of the rat and lamb with respect to the product-type formed as well as the capacity of the observed enzymes. Biosynthesis of PGE2alpha and PGF2alpha in the same tissues was measured by dual ion mass fragmentography after incubation of the tissue homogenate with excess exogenous arachidonic acid (100 mug/g tissue). Further confirmation of the products was obtained through computer-operated multiple ion mass plots for each compound investigated. The results demonstrate that 1. Total PG-catabolizing activity in most organs is not constant but varies with animal age; highest activity (10-60-fold greater than the adult) being observed at certain stages of organ development. 2. The diverse catabolizing enzymes are dissociated in their activity, some enzymes being most active in immature animals (15-PGDH, 13PGR) and others being most active in the adult (9 PGDH, beta-oxide). 3. The activity profile for PG catabolism is both organ and species-specific. 4. PB biosynthesis in developing animals does not change significantly. The observed higher activity of PG catabolism with little change in PG biosynthesis strongly suggests an important need for the rapid inactivation of prostaglandins at certain critical stages of development serving as a protective mechanism likely in the control of cell differentiation and against the potentially harmful vasocative properties of prostaglandins during organogenesis.", "contents": "Biosynthesis and catabolism of prostaglandins during animal development. Catabolism of [9beta-3H1]prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) was investigated in several organs (lung, kidney, brain, and liver) of the rat and lamb with respect to the product-type formed as well as the capacity of the observed enzymes. Biosynthesis of PGE2alpha and PGF2alpha in the same tissues was measured by dual ion mass fragmentography after incubation of the tissue homogenate with excess exogenous arachidonic acid (100 mug/g tissue). Further confirmation of the products was obtained through computer-operated multiple ion mass plots for each compound investigated. The results demonstrate that 1. Total PG-catabolizing activity in most organs is not constant but varies with animal age; highest activity (10-60-fold greater than the adult) being observed at certain stages of organ development. 2. The diverse catabolizing enzymes are dissociated in their activity, some enzymes being most active in immature animals (15-PGDH, 13PGR) and others being most active in the adult (9 PGDH, beta-oxide). 3. The activity profile for PG catabolism is both organ and species-specific. 4. PB biosynthesis in developing animals does not change significantly. The observed higher activity of PG catabolism with little change in PG biosynthesis strongly suggests an important need for the rapid inactivation of prostaglandins at certain critical stages of development serving as a protective mechanism likely in the control of cell differentiation and against the potentially harmful vasocative properties of prostaglandins during organogenesis.", "PMID": 998429} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7102", "title": "Prostaglandin action on transmitter release of adrenergic neuroeffector junctions.", "content": "The results presented here indicate that 1. The inhibitory action of the endoperoxides on NE release can be at least partly explained in terms of formation of degradation products, presumably mainly PGE2. 2. PGA2 is less active and the PG analogue 16,16-dimethyl-PGE2 more active than PGEs on transmitter release from adrenergic nerves. 3. PGF2alpha seems to enhance vascular responses to renal nerve activity solely by a postjunctional action. 4. PG synthesis inhibition augments NE turnover in a number of rat organs, thereby increasing the probability of PGs being involved in the control of adrenergic neurotransmission in vivo. 5. Prolongation of the duration of the impulse and action potential counteracts the effect of PGE on NE release, thereby strengthening the view that PGs operate on NE release from adrenergic nerve terminals by interfering with Ca2+ influx.", "contents": "Prostaglandin action on transmitter release of adrenergic neuroeffector junctions. The results presented here indicate that 1. The inhibitory action of the endoperoxides on NE release can be at least partly explained in terms of formation of degradation products, presumably mainly PGE2. 2. PGA2 is less active and the PG analogue 16,16-dimethyl-PGE2 more active than PGEs on transmitter release from adrenergic nerves. 3. PGF2alpha seems to enhance vascular responses to renal nerve activity solely by a postjunctional action. 4. PG synthesis inhibition augments NE turnover in a number of rat organs, thereby increasing the probability of PGs being involved in the control of adrenergic neurotransmission in vivo. 5. Prolongation of the duration of the impulse and action potential counteracts the effect of PGE on NE release, thereby strengthening the view that PGs operate on NE release from adrenergic nerve terminals by interfering with Ca2+ influx.", "PMID": 998430} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7103", "title": "Effect ofprostaglandins E1 and E2 on hypothalamoneurohypophyseal--Neurosecretory systems of rats: a histochemical study.", "content": "PGE2 increases NSM in the neurosecretory neurons and posterior pituitary store of HNNS. It stimulates acid phosphatase and TPPase activities in HT, indicating increased synthesis of NSM. PGE2 also increases AChE and BuChE activities. PGE1 shows very little effect on NSM distribution and enzyme activities. It is concluded that PGE2 causes increased HNNS activity by stimulating AChE-mediated and Ca2+-dependent \"stimulation secretion coupling mechanism\".", "contents": "Effect ofprostaglandins E1 and E2 on hypothalamoneurohypophyseal--Neurosecretory systems of rats: a histochemical study. PGE2 increases NSM in the neurosecretory neurons and posterior pituitary store of HNNS. It stimulates acid phosphatase and TPPase activities in HT, indicating increased synthesis of NSM. PGE2 also increases AChE and BuChE activities. PGE1 shows very little effect on NSM distribution and enzyme activities. It is concluded that PGE2 causes increased HNNS activity by stimulating AChE-mediated and Ca2+-dependent \"stimulation secretion coupling mechanism\".", "PMID": 998432} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7104", "title": "Comparison of the effects of prostaglandins A, E, F, and B on the canine pulmonary vascular bed.", "content": "The present data show that prostaglandins of the A, E, F, and B series have a wide spectrum of effects on the canine pulmonary vascular bed. PGF2alpha and PGB2 were very potent pulmonary pressor substances. Both of these agents increased pressure in the lobar artery and small vein. Since blood flow was constant and left atrial pressure did not rise, the increase in lobar arterial pressure reflects an increase in resistance to flow in the lung. The rise in venous pressure and the increase in pressure gradient between lobar artery and vein indicate that these substances increase pulmonary vascular resistance by constricting lobar veins and upstream vessels presumed to be small arteries. PGE1 and PGA1 both dilated the pulmonary vascular bed and the decrease in resistance was due to dilation of veins and upstream vessels. In the dog, both PGE2 and PGA2 were found to be modest pulmonary pressor substances. The increase in resistance with both agents was similar in blood and dextran-perfused lung lobes, hence interaction with formed elements contribute little, if anything, to these responses.", "contents": "Comparison of the effects of prostaglandins A, E, F, and B on the canine pulmonary vascular bed. The present data show that prostaglandins of the A, E, F, and B series have a wide spectrum of effects on the canine pulmonary vascular bed. PGF2alpha and PGB2 were very potent pulmonary pressor substances. Both of these agents increased pressure in the lobar artery and small vein. Since blood flow was constant and left atrial pressure did not rise, the increase in lobar arterial pressure reflects an increase in resistance to flow in the lung. The rise in venous pressure and the increase in pressure gradient between lobar artery and vein indicate that these substances increase pulmonary vascular resistance by constricting lobar veins and upstream vessels presumed to be small arteries. PGE1 and PGA1 both dilated the pulmonary vascular bed and the decrease in resistance was due to dilation of veins and upstream vessels. In the dog, both PGE2 and PGA2 were found to be modest pulmonary pressor substances. The increase in resistance with both agents was similar in blood and dextran-perfused lung lobes, hence interaction with formed elements contribute little, if anything, to these responses.", "PMID": 998434} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7105", "title": "Prostaglandins: a possible regulator of muscle tone in the ductus arteriosus.", "content": "We have shown that E-type prostaglandins are potent relaxant of the lamb ductus arteriosus at low, but not high, oxygen tensions, and that their effect is possibly controlled by the rate of endogenous PG synthesis. These findings, together with the demonstration of the contractile effect of PG synthesis blockers on the hypoxic ductus in vitro and in vivo and of the relaxant effect of GSH in vitro, strongly suggest that E-type prostaglandins are responsible for maintaining ductus patency during fetal life. The endoperoxide intermediates may act in concert with PGEs. While our findings argue against the idea that PGF2alpha mediates the oxygen-induced constriction, they suggest that suppression of PGE activity in a high oxygen environment might be important to the initiation of ductus closure at birth. An extension of this concept is that continued patency of the ductus after birth results from either the excessive formation of PGEs or from the persistence of a \"fetal-like\" response of ductal muscle to endogenous or bloodborne PGEs, or both. The present scheme of PGE action is amenable to practical applications. Our work and that of Elliott et al. (15) prove that PGEs can be used to reopen a constricted ductus in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease, thus improving their change of survival during subsequent corrective surgery. Conversely, treatment with blockers of PG synthesis is envisaged as an alternative to surgery for closing a persistent ductus.", "contents": "Prostaglandins: a possible regulator of muscle tone in the ductus arteriosus. We have shown that E-type prostaglandins are potent relaxant of the lamb ductus arteriosus at low, but not high, oxygen tensions, and that their effect is possibly controlled by the rate of endogenous PG synthesis. These findings, together with the demonstration of the contractile effect of PG synthesis blockers on the hypoxic ductus in vitro and in vivo and of the relaxant effect of GSH in vitro, strongly suggest that E-type prostaglandins are responsible for maintaining ductus patency during fetal life. The endoperoxide intermediates may act in concert with PGEs. While our findings argue against the idea that PGF2alpha mediates the oxygen-induced constriction, they suggest that suppression of PGE activity in a high oxygen environment might be important to the initiation of ductus closure at birth. An extension of this concept is that continued patency of the ductus after birth results from either the excessive formation of PGEs or from the persistence of a \"fetal-like\" response of ductal muscle to endogenous or bloodborne PGEs, or both. The present scheme of PGE action is amenable to practical applications. Our work and that of Elliott et al. (15) prove that PGEs can be used to reopen a constricted ductus in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease, thus improving their change of survival during subsequent corrective surgery. Conversely, treatment with blockers of PG synthesis is envisaged as an alternative to surgery for closing a persistent ductus.", "PMID": 998435} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7106", "title": "Antiarrhythmic effects of arachidonic, linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acid, and the influence of indomethacin and polyphloretinephosphate.", "content": "Intravenous application of arachidonic and linoleic acid induced strong antiarrhythmic effects demonstrated on three models of experimental arrhythmias. In contrast, linolenic and oleic acid were poorly effective. The antiarrhythmic action of the unsaturated fatty acids required 10- to 1000-fold higher doses in comparison with the most effective prostaglandins. Indomethacin decreased the antidysrhythmic action of arachidonic and linoleic acid; PG efficiency remained unaffected. Polyphloretinphosphate markedly reduced the improvement of aconitine arrhythmia by PGs, the decrease of the antidysrhythmic effects of arachidonic and linoleic acid was without statistical significance. The results suggest an important role of PG synthesis for the antiarrhythmic effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids.", "contents": "Antiarrhythmic effects of arachidonic, linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acid, and the influence of indomethacin and polyphloretinephosphate. Intravenous application of arachidonic and linoleic acid induced strong antiarrhythmic effects demonstrated on three models of experimental arrhythmias. In contrast, linolenic and oleic acid were poorly effective. The antiarrhythmic action of the unsaturated fatty acids required 10- to 1000-fold higher doses in comparison with the most effective prostaglandins. Indomethacin decreased the antidysrhythmic action of arachidonic and linoleic acid; PG efficiency remained unaffected. Polyphloretinphosphate markedly reduced the improvement of aconitine arrhythmia by PGs, the decrease of the antidysrhythmic effects of arachidonic and linoleic acid was without statistical significance. The results suggest an important role of PG synthesis for the antiarrhythmic effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids.", "PMID": 998437} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7107", "title": "Aspects of prostaglandin action in asthma.", "content": "Eight patients with type I allergic bronchial asthma were given specific allergens by inhalation until symptoms and signs of asthma attacks were provoked. In some of these patients the provocation was repeated with premediciation of heparin, theofyllamin, small doses of cortisone (beclomethasone inhalations) or pretreatment within indomethacin. Before and after the provocation as in the three patients with exercise-induced asthma, peripheral venous blood sampled and analyzed for 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2alpha using combined gas--liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The allergen or exercise-provoked asthmatic attacks were associated with an up to eightfold increase in 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2alpha, the main metabolite of PGF2alpha in plasma. The increase in PGF2alpha metabolite which could be demonstrated within a few minutes after starting the provocation or finishing the exercise test seemed to be correlated to the severity of the attack in the allergic asthma but not clearly in exercise asthma. Pretreatment with different drugs did not give significant change in allergen sensitivity or plasma metabolite of PGF2alpha, except after pretreatment with indomethacin where one patient showed a fairly unchanged allergen sensitivity but a marked decrease in the plasma level of the PGF2alpha metabolite. The role of prostaglandins, their precursers and intermediates in prostaglandin synthesis, in the pathogenesis of asthma is indeed complex.", "contents": "Aspects of prostaglandin action in asthma. Eight patients with type I allergic bronchial asthma were given specific allergens by inhalation until symptoms and signs of asthma attacks were provoked. In some of these patients the provocation was repeated with premediciation of heparin, theofyllamin, small doses of cortisone (beclomethasone inhalations) or pretreatment within indomethacin. Before and after the provocation as in the three patients with exercise-induced asthma, peripheral venous blood sampled and analyzed for 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2alpha using combined gas--liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The allergen or exercise-provoked asthmatic attacks were associated with an up to eightfold increase in 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2alpha, the main metabolite of PGF2alpha in plasma. The increase in PGF2alpha metabolite which could be demonstrated within a few minutes after starting the provocation or finishing the exercise test seemed to be correlated to the severity of the attack in the allergic asthma but not clearly in exercise asthma. Pretreatment with different drugs did not give significant change in allergen sensitivity or plasma metabolite of PGF2alpha, except after pretreatment with indomethacin where one patient showed a fairly unchanged allergen sensitivity but a marked decrease in the plasma level of the PGF2alpha metabolite. The role of prostaglandins, their precursers and intermediates in prostaglandin synthesis, in the pathogenesis of asthma is indeed complex.", "PMID": 998438} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7108", "title": "Involvement of endoperoxides and thromboxanes in anaphylactic reactions.", "content": "Our recent work on prostaglandin endoperoxides in the lung has shown that: 1. The endoperoxides were 5 to 10 times more potent than PGF2alpha in an in vitro preparation of respiratory smooth muscle, i.e., the guinea pig trachea. 2. The endoperoxides were 5 to 10 times more potent than PGF2alpha in causing an increase in tracheal insufflation pressure in the anaesthetized, artificially ventilated guinea pig. 3. Endoperoxides formed from exogenous arachidonic acid in homogenates of guinea pig lung and in intact guinea pig lung were converted to a large extent into metabolites different from the classical prostaglandins, i.e., thromboxane B2 (8-(1-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl)-9-12L-dihydroxy-5,10-heptadecadienoic acid) and HHT (12L-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid). 4. Injection of antigen into sensitized guinea pig lungs caused a significant release of the endoperoxide metabolite, thromboxane B2. PGF2alpha has previously been implicated to be involved in anaphylaxis (14). The findings described above show that the prostaglandin endoperoxides are important not only as precursors of PGF2alpha but also through their own effects on airway smooth muscle. Furthermore, the release of thromboxane B2 indicates that its immediate precursor, the biologically active thromboxane A2 is also formed in this system (15). This compound, which has a half-life of 30 to 40 sec causes platelet aggregation and contraction of the isolated rabbit aorta (15). Work is in progress to study the respiratory effects of thromboxane A2 and its possible role in anaphylactic reactions.", "contents": "Involvement of endoperoxides and thromboxanes in anaphylactic reactions. Our recent work on prostaglandin endoperoxides in the lung has shown that: 1. The endoperoxides were 5 to 10 times more potent than PGF2alpha in an in vitro preparation of respiratory smooth muscle, i.e., the guinea pig trachea. 2. The endoperoxides were 5 to 10 times more potent than PGF2alpha in causing an increase in tracheal insufflation pressure in the anaesthetized, artificially ventilated guinea pig. 3. Endoperoxides formed from exogenous arachidonic acid in homogenates of guinea pig lung and in intact guinea pig lung were converted to a large extent into metabolites different from the classical prostaglandins, i.e., thromboxane B2 (8-(1-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl)-9-12L-dihydroxy-5,10-heptadecadienoic acid) and HHT (12L-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid). 4. Injection of antigen into sensitized guinea pig lungs caused a significant release of the endoperoxide metabolite, thromboxane B2. PGF2alpha has previously been implicated to be involved in anaphylaxis (14). The findings described above show that the prostaglandin endoperoxides are important not only as precursors of PGF2alpha but also through their own effects on airway smooth muscle. Furthermore, the release of thromboxane B2 indicates that its immediate precursor, the biologically active thromboxane A2 is also formed in this system (15). This compound, which has a half-life of 30 to 40 sec causes platelet aggregation and contraction of the isolated rabbit aorta (15). Work is in progress to study the respiratory effects of thromboxane A2 and its possible role in anaphylactic reactions.", "PMID": 998440} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7109", "title": "Nocturnal asthma and sudden death.", "content": "Asthmatics may develop a considerable increase in airways obstruction during the night or early hours of the morning. In most patients, this causes only mild symptoms. In others, the effects may be severe, resulting in sudden death. Greater awareness of the potential severity of nocturnal asthma, together with actual measurement of airways obstruction at the time of symptoms, might prevent some of these catastrophes. If patients are not getting relief with their regular therapy, they should be admitted to the hospital for organized management.", "contents": "Nocturnal asthma and sudden death. Asthmatics may develop a considerable increase in airways obstruction during the night or early hours of the morning. In most patients, this causes only mild symptoms. In others, the effects may be severe, resulting in sudden death. Greater awareness of the potential severity of nocturnal asthma, together with actual measurement of airways obstruction at the time of symptoms, might prevent some of these catastrophes. If patients are not getting relief with their regular therapy, they should be admitted to the hospital for organized management.", "PMID": 998470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7110", "title": "Flutter of left ventricular structures in patients with aortic regurgitation, with special reference to patients with associated mitral stenosis.", "content": "Echocardiography was performed in 45 patients with aortic regurgitation. Forty showed a high frequency diastolic flutter of the mitral valve, which was holodiastolic in all but the patients with associated mitral stenosis. Of four patients with coexisting mitral stenosis, mitral flutter was absent in two; in the other two, in atrial fibrillation, mitral flutter occurred, but only during a fixed interval after mitral valve opening, irrespective of cycle length. A fine flutter of similar frequency was observed on the left ventricular aspect of the ventricular septum in 12 patients. In six of these it was of slight degree and restricted to early diastole and the high septum; in four others (three of whom had associated mitral stenosis), the septal flutter was more marked, holodiastolic, and present over all parts of the septum scanned; in two, it was holodiastolic over the high septum but early diastolic at lower septal levels. Aortography performed in 19 patients showed that septal flutter was present in seven of 12 patients in whom the regurgitant aortic jet was directed forward to the ventricular septum, whereas in the other seven patients with no septal flutter, the jet was directed away from the septum. Septal flutter is useful as an echocardiographic sign of aortic regurgitation, especially in the presence of mitral stenosis when mitral flutter may be absent or exceeded by septal flutter in both amplitude and duration, and when the mitral valve has been replaced by a prosthetic valve. Vibration of the septum appears to be attributable to the regurgitant aortic jet impinging on it and may contribute to the production and radiation of the characteristic diastolic murmur of aortic regurgitation.", "contents": "Flutter of left ventricular structures in patients with aortic regurgitation, with special reference to patients with associated mitral stenosis. Echocardiography was performed in 45 patients with aortic regurgitation. Forty showed a high frequency diastolic flutter of the mitral valve, which was holodiastolic in all but the patients with associated mitral stenosis. Of four patients with coexisting mitral stenosis, mitral flutter was absent in two; in the other two, in atrial fibrillation, mitral flutter occurred, but only during a fixed interval after mitral valve opening, irrespective of cycle length. A fine flutter of similar frequency was observed on the left ventricular aspect of the ventricular septum in 12 patients. In six of these it was of slight degree and restricted to early diastole and the high septum; in four others (three of whom had associated mitral stenosis), the septal flutter was more marked, holodiastolic, and present over all parts of the septum scanned; in two, it was holodiastolic over the high septum but early diastolic at lower septal levels. Aortography performed in 19 patients showed that septal flutter was present in seven of 12 patients in whom the regurgitant aortic jet was directed forward to the ventricular septum, whereas in the other seven patients with no septal flutter, the jet was directed away from the septum. Septal flutter is useful as an echocardiographic sign of aortic regurgitation, especially in the presence of mitral stenosis when mitral flutter may be absent or exceeded by septal flutter in both amplitude and duration, and when the mitral valve has been replaced by a prosthetic valve. Vibration of the septum appears to be attributable to the regurgitant aortic jet impinging on it and may contribute to the production and radiation of the characteristic diastolic murmur of aortic regurgitation.", "PMID": 998474} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7111", "title": "Hypoxemia and lung water in acute myocardial infarction.", "content": "Pulmonary extravascular volume or lung water (PEV), arterial blood gases, and cardiac hemodynamics were measured in 88 patients with acute myocardial infarction. A progressive increase in PEV and a decrease in arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) were observed from Class I (uncomplicated) patients to Class III (frank pulmonary edema) patients. Heart rate and pulmonary wedge pressure (Pw) rose and cardiac index declined with increasing severity of heart failure by clinical classification. There was a significant correlation between PEV and Pw independent of clinical class (r = 0.47, p less than 0.01). PaO2 had a negative correlation with Pw (r = -0.28, p less than 0.01) as well as PEV (r = -0.26, p less than 0.02). We conclude therefore that increased pulmonary hydrostatic pressure secondary to pulmonary venous hypertension in patients with acute myocardial infarction is a major determinant of interstitial edema. At higher values of PEV, PaO2 was lower. The mechanism of hypoxemia in the presence of excessive lung water may be due to multiple factors, including small airway dysfunction and intrapulmonary shunting.", "contents": "Hypoxemia and lung water in acute myocardial infarction. Pulmonary extravascular volume or lung water (PEV), arterial blood gases, and cardiac hemodynamics were measured in 88 patients with acute myocardial infarction. A progressive increase in PEV and a decrease in arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) were observed from Class I (uncomplicated) patients to Class III (frank pulmonary edema) patients. Heart rate and pulmonary wedge pressure (Pw) rose and cardiac index declined with increasing severity of heart failure by clinical classification. There was a significant correlation between PEV and Pw independent of clinical class (r = 0.47, p less than 0.01). PaO2 had a negative correlation with Pw (r = -0.28, p less than 0.01) as well as PEV (r = -0.26, p less than 0.02). We conclude therefore that increased pulmonary hydrostatic pressure secondary to pulmonary venous hypertension in patients with acute myocardial infarction is a major determinant of interstitial edema. At higher values of PEV, PaO2 was lower. The mechanism of hypoxemia in the presence of excessive lung water may be due to multiple factors, including small airway dysfunction and intrapulmonary shunting.", "PMID": 998475} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7112", "title": "A comparative analysis of pulmonary perfusion scans with pulmonary angiograms.", "content": "Pulmonary angiograms and pulmonary lung perfusion scans on 162 patients with pulmonary embolism were comparatively analyzed. Among the expert angiographic panel members who independently evaluated the studies there was consistent agreement on the diagnosis, size of the emboli, and severity. Consistency of agreement among the expert pulmonary lung perfusion scan panelists was considerably less. These data demonstrate that, in addition to the lack of specificity of the lung perfusion scan for the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboemboli, there is a considerable problem of interpretation in this patient population.", "contents": "A comparative analysis of pulmonary perfusion scans with pulmonary angiograms. Pulmonary angiograms and pulmonary lung perfusion scans on 162 patients with pulmonary embolism were comparatively analyzed. Among the expert angiographic panel members who independently evaluated the studies there was consistent agreement on the diagnosis, size of the emboli, and severity. Consistency of agreement among the expert pulmonary lung perfusion scan panelists was considerably less. These data demonstrate that, in addition to the lack of specificity of the lung perfusion scan for the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboemboli, there is a considerable problem of interpretation in this patient population.", "PMID": 998476} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7113", "title": "Lupus cardiomyopathy: cardiac mechanics, hemodynamics, and coronary blood flow in uncomplicated systemic lupus erythematosus.", "content": "Right and left heart pressures, left ventricular volumes, indices of contractility, myocardial wall stiffness, and coronary blood flow were determined in five young women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during diagnostic right and left heart catheterization. Examinations revealed (1) increases of right and left ventricular enddiastolic pressures; (2) decreases of cardiac output, stroke volume, ejection fraction, contractility indices, diastolic left ventricular volume inflow; (3) decreases of pharmacologically induced coronary vasodilation in SLE. The results demonstrate impaired pump function, reduced contractility, increased myocardial wall stiffness, and decreased coronary vascular reserve in SLE. It is concluded that lupus cardiomyopathy associated with an impairment of left ventricular function may be apparent in young women with SLE who have no clinical signs of cardiac dysfunction.", "contents": "Lupus cardiomyopathy: cardiac mechanics, hemodynamics, and coronary blood flow in uncomplicated systemic lupus erythematosus. Right and left heart pressures, left ventricular volumes, indices of contractility, myocardial wall stiffness, and coronary blood flow were determined in five young women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during diagnostic right and left heart catheterization. Examinations revealed (1) increases of right and left ventricular enddiastolic pressures; (2) decreases of cardiac output, stroke volume, ejection fraction, contractility indices, diastolic left ventricular volume inflow; (3) decreases of pharmacologically induced coronary vasodilation in SLE. The results demonstrate impaired pump function, reduced contractility, increased myocardial wall stiffness, and decreased coronary vascular reserve in SLE. It is concluded that lupus cardiomyopathy associated with an impairment of left ventricular function may be apparent in young women with SLE who have no clinical signs of cardiac dysfunction.", "PMID": 998477} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7114", "title": "Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis: clinicopathologic correlations.", "content": "Sixty-five cases of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) were discovered at autopsy during a 10 year period--an incidence of 1.6 per cent in the adult autopsy population. In 51 cases, one or more malignant neoplasms were associated; adenocarcinoma represented the most frequent histologic type of related neoplasm. Coagulation abnormalities suggestive of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) were present in 18.5 per cent of the cases. It is possible that both the valvular and peripheral intravascular thromboses in at least some cases of NBTE represent the abnormal coagulation of DIC. Arterial thrombosis with infarction occurred in many peripheral organs. Splenic and renal were most frequent, but cerebral and cardiac consequences were the most significant.", "contents": "Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis: clinicopathologic correlations. Sixty-five cases of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) were discovered at autopsy during a 10 year period--an incidence of 1.6 per cent in the adult autopsy population. In 51 cases, one or more malignant neoplasms were associated; adenocarcinoma represented the most frequent histologic type of related neoplasm. Coagulation abnormalities suggestive of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) were present in 18.5 per cent of the cases. It is possible that both the valvular and peripheral intravascular thromboses in at least some cases of NBTE represent the abnormal coagulation of DIC. Arterial thrombosis with infarction occurred in many peripheral organs. Splenic and renal were most frequent, but cerebral and cardiac consequences were the most significant.", "PMID": 998478} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7115", "title": "Effect of dextran loading on left ventricular performance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.", "content": "The status of left ventricular function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remains controversial. With a radionuclide technique left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, cardiac output, and stroke volume were measured at rest and following infusion of dextran in 23 men with severe COPD. Resting, mean LVEF was normal in 19 subjects with COPD alone; four with COPD and coronary artery disease had a depressed mean LVEF. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were both normal at rest indicating that the left ventricle was not volume underloaded. There was a normal response to dextran infusion (750 ml.) with no deterioration in LVEF and a significant increase in cardiac index, stroke volume index, LVEDVI, and PCW. These data suggest that at rest and following volume loading with dextran left ventricular function is normal in patients with COPD.", "contents": "Effect of dextran loading on left ventricular performance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The status of left ventricular function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remains controversial. With a radionuclide technique left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, cardiac output, and stroke volume were measured at rest and following infusion of dextran in 23 men with severe COPD. Resting, mean LVEF was normal in 19 subjects with COPD alone; four with COPD and coronary artery disease had a depressed mean LVEF. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were both normal at rest indicating that the left ventricle was not volume underloaded. There was a normal response to dextran infusion (750 ml.) with no deterioration in LVEF and a significant increase in cardiac index, stroke volume index, LVEDVI, and PCW. These data suggest that at rest and following volume loading with dextran left ventricular function is normal in patients with COPD.", "PMID": 998479} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7116", "title": "Reactive hyperemia: an index of the significance of coronary stenoses.", "content": "Coronary arterial stenosis of varying severity and length were created in open-chest dogs. The reactive hyperemic responses (RHR) to 15 second occlusions were used to produce flow increases and judge the physiological significance of the narrowings. RHR are sensitive indices of functional impairment when resting flow is unchanged. It was demonstrated that the length as well as the severity is important in assessing physiological significance by evaluation of narrowings 3 to 9 mm. long.", "contents": "Reactive hyperemia: an index of the significance of coronary stenoses. Coronary arterial stenosis of varying severity and length were created in open-chest dogs. The reactive hyperemic responses (RHR) to 15 second occlusions were used to produce flow increases and judge the physiological significance of the narrowings. RHR are sensitive indices of functional impairment when resting flow is unchanged. It was demonstrated that the length as well as the severity is important in assessing physiological significance by evaluation of narrowings 3 to 9 mm. long.", "PMID": 998480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7117", "title": "Coronary occlusion site as a determinant of the cardiac rhythm effects of atropine and vagotomy.", "content": "We have previously demonstrated that atropine pretreatment increases the incidence of fatal ventricular arrhythmias induced by left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the deleterious effect of atropine also applies to arrhythmias induced by right coronary artery (RCA) occlsusion. Occlusion of the RCA resulted in ventricular arrhythmias in all 20 animals studied, followed by ventricular fibrillation in three animals (15 per cent). Right coronary occlusion also resulted in bradycardia (-30.3 +/- 5.1 beats per minute) and hypotension (-23.1 +/- 4.9 mm. Hg). Pretreatment of 15 animals with atropine caused no significant increase in the incidence of ventricular fibrillation (i.e., 20 per cent). In addition, atropine pretreatment had no effect on the fall in heart rate and hypotension associated with RCA ligation. Sectioning the vagus nerves produced results similar to atropine pretreatment with the exception that a significant portion of the bradycardia was prevented. These results indicate that the increase in deaths after atropine observed in animals undergoing experimental LAD occlusion in not demonstrated with RCA occlusion. The results also indicate that the potential for deleterious effects of atropine in acute infarction might depend on the anatomic location of the involved myocardium.", "contents": "Coronary occlusion site as a determinant of the cardiac rhythm effects of atropine and vagotomy. We have previously demonstrated that atropine pretreatment increases the incidence of fatal ventricular arrhythmias induced by left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the deleterious effect of atropine also applies to arrhythmias induced by right coronary artery (RCA) occlsusion. Occlusion of the RCA resulted in ventricular arrhythmias in all 20 animals studied, followed by ventricular fibrillation in three animals (15 per cent). Right coronary occlusion also resulted in bradycardia (-30.3 +/- 5.1 beats per minute) and hypotension (-23.1 +/- 4.9 mm. Hg). Pretreatment of 15 animals with atropine caused no significant increase in the incidence of ventricular fibrillation (i.e., 20 per cent). In addition, atropine pretreatment had no effect on the fall in heart rate and hypotension associated with RCA ligation. Sectioning the vagus nerves produced results similar to atropine pretreatment with the exception that a significant portion of the bradycardia was prevented. These results indicate that the increase in deaths after atropine observed in animals undergoing experimental LAD occlusion in not demonstrated with RCA occlusion. The results also indicate that the potential for deleterious effects of atropine in acute infarction might depend on the anatomic location of the involved myocardium.", "PMID": 998481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7118", "title": "An approach to the treatment of essential hypertension.", "content": "The efficacy and side effects of the combined administration of propranolol and phenoxybenzamine were examined in 19 patients with moderate and moderately severe essential hypertension. By titrating the dosage of both drugs against pulse rate and blood pressure response, propranolol was given between 80 and 160 mg. and phenoxybenzamine between 20 and 50 mg. per day in divided doses. There was a substantial reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both recumbent and upright positions without orthostatic hypotension. Normal blood pressure (140/90 mm. Hg or less) or near normal (150/100 mm. Hg or less) was attained in 14 of the patients in the recumbent and 17 in the upright position. Pulse rate also decreased significantly, whereas body weight increased but not significantly so. Except for a reduction of ejaculation in three out of six male subjects, no symptomatic side effects were detected, and no changes in the liver or renal function or in blood count were observed. Despite the short duration of therapy, 3 to 10 weeks, this study clearly demonstrates that propranolol and phenoxybenzamine given together in individualized doses are very effective in lowering arterial blood pressure with minimal side effects.", "contents": "An approach to the treatment of essential hypertension. The efficacy and side effects of the combined administration of propranolol and phenoxybenzamine were examined in 19 patients with moderate and moderately severe essential hypertension. By titrating the dosage of both drugs against pulse rate and blood pressure response, propranolol was given between 80 and 160 mg. and phenoxybenzamine between 20 and 50 mg. per day in divided doses. There was a substantial reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both recumbent and upright positions without orthostatic hypotension. Normal blood pressure (140/90 mm. Hg or less) or near normal (150/100 mm. Hg or less) was attained in 14 of the patients in the recumbent and 17 in the upright position. Pulse rate also decreased significantly, whereas body weight increased but not significantly so. Except for a reduction of ejaculation in three out of six male subjects, no symptomatic side effects were detected, and no changes in the liver or renal function or in blood count were observed. Despite the short duration of therapy, 3 to 10 weeks, this study clearly demonstrates that propranolol and phenoxybenzamine given together in individualized doses are very effective in lowering arterial blood pressure with minimal side effects.", "PMID": 998482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7119", "title": "Computer simulation of the precordial QRS complex: effects of simulated changes in ventricular wall thickness and volume.", "content": "The cardiac electric field generated by depolarization of the human ventricle is simulated with a computer model which utilizes 1,500 dipoles. The configuration of the ventricles utilized in the model assumed that the cross-sectional shape of the left ventricle was circular and the right ventricular free wall was a portion of an ellipse. The torso was assumed to be homogeneous and infinite. The activation sequence was based on the measurements of Durrer. The depolarizational wave was simulated by dipole layers. The output of the model is presented as a standard multilead precordial ECG. The ECG complexes generated by the model closely resemble the precordial QRS complexes of normal man. Simulated increases in wall thickness (1 to 2.2 X control) were associated with changes in the calculated precordial QRS complexes which were characteristic of left ventricular hypertrophy. Voltage (R in V5 or V6 and S in V1) and QRS duration increased linearly as a function of calculated left ventricular mass. Increases in ventricular activation time were related nonlinearly to changes in left ventricular mass and did not occur in the absence of a simulated increase in wall thickness. The effects of simulated changes in left ventricular volume (0.6 to 3.0 X control) on the QRS complex were mainly dependent on the resultant increase in left ventricular mass. This model may be useful in simulating the precordial QRS complexes that result from isolated or combined changes in ventricular volume or wall thickness or other disorders of the heart. Furthermore, it may be useful whenever a simulation of a QRS generator is needed.", "contents": "Computer simulation of the precordial QRS complex: effects of simulated changes in ventricular wall thickness and volume. The cardiac electric field generated by depolarization of the human ventricle is simulated with a computer model which utilizes 1,500 dipoles. The configuration of the ventricles utilized in the model assumed that the cross-sectional shape of the left ventricle was circular and the right ventricular free wall was a portion of an ellipse. The torso was assumed to be homogeneous and infinite. The activation sequence was based on the measurements of Durrer. The depolarizational wave was simulated by dipole layers. The output of the model is presented as a standard multilead precordial ECG. The ECG complexes generated by the model closely resemble the precordial QRS complexes of normal man. Simulated increases in wall thickness (1 to 2.2 X control) were associated with changes in the calculated precordial QRS complexes which were characteristic of left ventricular hypertrophy. Voltage (R in V5 or V6 and S in V1) and QRS duration increased linearly as a function of calculated left ventricular mass. Increases in ventricular activation time were related nonlinearly to changes in left ventricular mass and did not occur in the absence of a simulated increase in wall thickness. The effects of simulated changes in left ventricular volume (0.6 to 3.0 X control) on the QRS complex were mainly dependent on the resultant increase in left ventricular mass. This model may be useful in simulating the precordial QRS complexes that result from isolated or combined changes in ventricular volume or wall thickness or other disorders of the heart. Furthermore, it may be useful whenever a simulation of a QRS generator is needed.", "PMID": 998483} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7120", "title": "Effectiveness and hazard of endomyocardial biopsy in dogs: comparison of two methods.", "content": "Two different methods of endomyocardial biopsy were evaluated. Compared to the Konno bioptome, a technique using a biopsy forceps originally designed for fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchial biopsy, passed through a No. 9 Fr. end-hole catheter, was easier to perform. The biopsy device is smaller than the Konno bioptome, has sharper teeth, and is easier to clean. The two techniques did not differ in arrhythmogenicity, hemorrhagic changes in the myocardium, or distortion of the specimens. Ventricular tachycardia as defined by three beats in a row was observed in 34 per cent. Epicardial hemorrhage was seen in nine of 14 animals, and the specimen distortion rate was 43 per cent. In one animal, perforation of the right ventricle and hemopericardium occurred.", "contents": "Effectiveness and hazard of endomyocardial biopsy in dogs: comparison of two methods. Two different methods of endomyocardial biopsy were evaluated. Compared to the Konno bioptome, a technique using a biopsy forceps originally designed for fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchial biopsy, passed through a No. 9 Fr. end-hole catheter, was easier to perform. The biopsy device is smaller than the Konno bioptome, has sharper teeth, and is easier to clean. The two techniques did not differ in arrhythmogenicity, hemorrhagic changes in the myocardium, or distortion of the specimens. Ventricular tachycardia as defined by three beats in a row was observed in 34 per cent. Epicardial hemorrhage was seen in nine of 14 animals, and the specimen distortion rate was 43 per cent. In one animal, perforation of the right ventricle and hemopericardium occurred.", "PMID": 998484} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7121", "title": "Dissection of the aorta complicating intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation.", "content": "A 61-year-old man with recent myocardial infarction complicated by a ventricular aneurysm and recurrent ventricular tachycardia underwent intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation prior to angiography and left ventricular aneurysmectomy. A dissecting aneurysm of the descending aorta adjacent to the position of the balloon catheter was found at autopsy. No intimal tear or cystic medial degeneration of the aorta was present to account for the dissection. The authors suggest that lateral and shearing forces generated by inflation of the balloon could result in dissection of the aorta.", "contents": "Dissection of the aorta complicating intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. A 61-year-old man with recent myocardial infarction complicated by a ventricular aneurysm and recurrent ventricular tachycardia underwent intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation prior to angiography and left ventricular aneurysmectomy. A dissecting aneurysm of the descending aorta adjacent to the position of the balloon catheter was found at autopsy. No intimal tear or cystic medial degeneration of the aorta was present to account for the dissection. The authors suggest that lateral and shearing forces generated by inflation of the balloon could result in dissection of the aorta.", "PMID": 998485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7122", "title": "The pathogenesis of the two forms of hypertensive pulmonary vascular disease.", "content": "Autopsy observations suggested that lesions of hypertensive pulmonary vascular disease (HPVD) due to elevated venous pressure differ from those with arterial hypertension only. Clinical and pathologic features were reviewed in patients from the Hopkins autopsy files with proved pulmonary hypertension; 50 had venous HPVD due to left-sided congestive heart failure, 50 had arterial HPVD due to congenital malformations, and 15 had idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (IPH). The two forms of HPVD have consistent distinctive histologic changes. In venous HPVD intimal fibroelastosis (IFE) develops in veins and arteries with retention of normal lumen diameters. Intensity of IFE correlates with severity and duration of venous hypertension. Arterial HPVD has IFE in conducting arteries, but the characteristic lesion is cellular intimal proliferation in regulatory arterioles, producing progresssive irreversible lumenal narrowing. Glomoid and angiomatoid lesions appear with prolonged severe arterial hypertension. They do not occur in venous HPVD. Hypertensive arteritis may develop with either form of HPVD. IPH has arterial-type HPVD. IFE of venous HPVD appears to be a response to increased mural tension. Arteriolar intimal cellular proliferations seen in arterial HPVD may be produced by blood flow boundary layer separations. IPH may be explainable as protracted inappropriate pulmonary arteriolar constriction.", "contents": "The pathogenesis of the two forms of hypertensive pulmonary vascular disease. Autopsy observations suggested that lesions of hypertensive pulmonary vascular disease (HPVD) due to elevated venous pressure differ from those with arterial hypertension only. Clinical and pathologic features were reviewed in patients from the Hopkins autopsy files with proved pulmonary hypertension; 50 had venous HPVD due to left-sided congestive heart failure, 50 had arterial HPVD due to congenital malformations, and 15 had idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (IPH). The two forms of HPVD have consistent distinctive histologic changes. In venous HPVD intimal fibroelastosis (IFE) develops in veins and arteries with retention of normal lumen diameters. Intensity of IFE correlates with severity and duration of venous hypertension. Arterial HPVD has IFE in conducting arteries, but the characteristic lesion is cellular intimal proliferation in regulatory arterioles, producing progresssive irreversible lumenal narrowing. Glomoid and angiomatoid lesions appear with prolonged severe arterial hypertension. They do not occur in venous HPVD. Hypertensive arteritis may develop with either form of HPVD. IPH has arterial-type HPVD. IFE of venous HPVD appears to be a response to increased mural tension. Arteriolar intimal cellular proliferations seen in arterial HPVD may be produced by blood flow boundary layer separations. IPH may be explainable as protracted inappropriate pulmonary arteriolar constriction.", "PMID": 998486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7123", "title": "Assessment of airborne hazards in the thorium processing industry.", "content": "Airborne thorium thoron and its decay products contribute significantly to the hazards in the thorium industry. These have been assessed and compared with the standards. Assessment also included the unattached fractions of the decay products, the thoron working levels and the aerodynamic particle size distribution of airborne thorium.", "contents": "Assessment of airborne hazards in the thorium processing industry. Airborne thorium thoron and its decay products contribute significantly to the hazards in the thorium industry. These have been assessed and compared with the standards. Assessment also included the unattached fractions of the decay products, the thoron working levels and the aerodynamic particle size distribution of airborne thorium.", "PMID": 998494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7124", "title": "Kidney, liver, hair and lungs as indicators of cadmium absorption.", "content": "Cadmium absorption in four human tissues, kidney, liver, hair and lungs was assayed and the intertissue correlations were determined. All the correlations were positive. The correlations of the kidney cadmium level and the levels in the other tissues were the weakest. The intertissue correlations besides being indicative of the physiological similarities between the tissues also suggest the existence of 1) a preferential scheme for the deposition of cadium from the recipient sites and 2) cadmium flow steady state. The kidney-liver and kidney-hair cadmium ratios were found to have exponential age associations.", "contents": "Kidney, liver, hair and lungs as indicators of cadmium absorption. Cadmium absorption in four human tissues, kidney, liver, hair and lungs was assayed and the intertissue correlations were determined. All the correlations were positive. The correlations of the kidney cadmium level and the levels in the other tissues were the weakest. The intertissue correlations besides being indicative of the physiological similarities between the tissues also suggest the existence of 1) a preferential scheme for the deposition of cadium from the recipient sites and 2) cadmium flow steady state. The kidney-liver and kidney-hair cadmium ratios were found to have exponential age associations.", "PMID": 998495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7125", "title": "Data inversion method and error estimate for cascade centripeters.", "content": "Although centripeters (\"virtual impactors\") have fewer substrate problems than impactors, their small secondary flows from the impaction regions complicate data analysis. It is shown here how to use data inversion to achieve substantial data improvement. The success of such methods depends upon data error and instrument response. The condition number, which measures error magnification, is defined, discussed, and evaluated for three-stage and five-stage centripeters.", "contents": "Data inversion method and error estimate for cascade centripeters. Although centripeters (\"virtual impactors\") have fewer substrate problems than impactors, their small secondary flows from the impaction regions complicate data analysis. It is shown here how to use data inversion to achieve substantial data improvement. The success of such methods depends upon data error and instrument response. The condition number, which measures error magnification, is defined, discussed, and evaluated for three-stage and five-stage centripeters.", "PMID": 998496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7126", "title": "The effect of high level sound exposure on the loudness difference limen.", "content": "Currently used threshold audiograms fail to detect the early stages of noise-induced hearing impairment. Threshold shifts may reach 10 to 15 dB before the impairment is detected. Loudness difference limen and critical band phenomena may provide an earlier and more sensitive test for such hearing impairment. Data is reported which shows that the difference limen shift (DLS) due to noise persists longer than temporary threshold shift (TTS). These findings suggest that DLS may be a more feasible tool for industrial use than either TTS or monitoring audiometry.", "contents": "The effect of high level sound exposure on the loudness difference limen. Currently used threshold audiograms fail to detect the early stages of noise-induced hearing impairment. Threshold shifts may reach 10 to 15 dB before the impairment is detected. Loudness difference limen and critical band phenomena may provide an earlier and more sensitive test for such hearing impairment. Data is reported which shows that the difference limen shift (DLS) due to noise persists longer than temporary threshold shift (TTS). These findings suggest that DLS may be a more feasible tool for industrial use than either TTS or monitoring audiometry.", "PMID": 998497} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7127", "title": "Accreditation of occupational health programs: development and validation of criteria.", "content": "Defined standards and a mechanism for evaluation of performance can help promote new and improve existing occupational health programs. Criteria must be based on sound principles, be comprehensive, discriminating and attainable. They should apply to small and large establishments with varying hazards. A successful program requires a multi-disciplinary effort involving physicians, nurses, industrial hygienists, health physicists, safety professionals, managers, technicians and labor. Assessment by on-site peer review is necessary. The criteria and process for their use must be accepted by the professions, labor and management. The Occupational Health/Safety Programs Accreditation Commission plans to use the document entitled Standards, Interpretations and Audit Criteria for Performance of Occupational Health Programs in its accreditation activities. The development and validation of this document and its use are described.", "contents": "Accreditation of occupational health programs: development and validation of criteria. Defined standards and a mechanism for evaluation of performance can help promote new and improve existing occupational health programs. Criteria must be based on sound principles, be comprehensive, discriminating and attainable. They should apply to small and large establishments with varying hazards. A successful program requires a multi-disciplinary effort involving physicians, nurses, industrial hygienists, health physicists, safety professionals, managers, technicians and labor. Assessment by on-site peer review is necessary. The criteria and process for their use must be accepted by the professions, labor and management. The Occupational Health/Safety Programs Accreditation Commission plans to use the document entitled Standards, Interpretations and Audit Criteria for Performance of Occupational Health Programs in its accreditation activities. The development and validation of this document and its use are described.", "PMID": 998498} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7128", "title": "Preparation of vinyl chloride standards using a permeation tube.", "content": "Vinyl chloride permeation tubes have been utilized to provide a convenient and accurate standardization procedure for charcoal tube monitoring of atmospheric vinyl chloride. The procedure circumvents the need of determining charcoal desorption efficiencies and eliminates the handling of free vinyl chloride in the laboratory preparation of vinyl chloride standards.", "contents": "Preparation of vinyl chloride standards using a permeation tube. Vinyl chloride permeation tubes have been utilized to provide a convenient and accurate standardization procedure for charcoal tube monitoring of atmospheric vinyl chloride. The procedure circumvents the need of determining charcoal desorption efficiencies and eliminates the handling of free vinyl chloride in the laboratory preparation of vinyl chloride standards.", "PMID": 998499} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7129", "title": "A comparison of cotton dust sampling techniques.", "content": "The standard high volume sampler, multistage cascade impactor, and modified vertical elutriators were evaluated for total cotton dust sampling. The effects of changes in performance parameters is reported. Mass median dust diameter found in four textile operations for several cotton grades are reported.", "contents": "A comparison of cotton dust sampling techniques. The standard high volume sampler, multistage cascade impactor, and modified vertical elutriators were evaluated for total cotton dust sampling. The effects of changes in performance parameters is reported. Mass median dust diameter found in four textile operations for several cotton grades are reported.", "PMID": 998500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7130", "title": "Acute oral testing for determining antiarrhythmic drug efficacy. I. Quinidine.", "content": "Acute oral drug testing with quinidine was used in 18 patients with high grade ventricular arrhythmia. This method involves administering a single large dose of the antiarrhythmic agent, monitoring heart rhythm by means of programmed trendscription and determining blood drug levels at selected intervals. After quinidine was given in a dose of 0.6 g, 10 patients had a positive response, defined as a 50% or greater reduction in ventricular premature beats and abolition of repetitive ectopic beats. Drug action began a mean of 88 minutes after administration, and the mean peak blood quinidine level was 3.2+/-0.5 (standard error) mug/ml. Four patients had a paradoxic increase in arrhythmia. In nine patients the response to acute drug testing was compared with the response to maintenance quinidine therapy with doses of 1.2 and 1.8 g/day. The presence of arrhythmia was assessed with 24 hour ambulatory monitoring and exercise stress testing. With both techniques, seven of nine patients showed results concordant with those of acute testing. Disparity in results of the two methods of drug administration was explained by the serum concentration of quinidine. Acute oral drug testing provides a new approach for determining expeditiously whether quinidine is effective or hazardous in an individual patient.", "contents": "Acute oral testing for determining antiarrhythmic drug efficacy. I. Quinidine. Acute oral drug testing with quinidine was used in 18 patients with high grade ventricular arrhythmia. This method involves administering a single large dose of the antiarrhythmic agent, monitoring heart rhythm by means of programmed trendscription and determining blood drug levels at selected intervals. After quinidine was given in a dose of 0.6 g, 10 patients had a positive response, defined as a 50% or greater reduction in ventricular premature beats and abolition of repetitive ectopic beats. Drug action began a mean of 88 minutes after administration, and the mean peak blood quinidine level was 3.2+/-0.5 (standard error) mug/ml. Four patients had a paradoxic increase in arrhythmia. In nine patients the response to acute drug testing was compared with the response to maintenance quinidine therapy with doses of 1.2 and 1.8 g/day. The presence of arrhythmia was assessed with 24 hour ambulatory monitoring and exercise stress testing. With both techniques, seven of nine patients showed results concordant with those of acute testing. Disparity in results of the two methods of drug administration was explained by the serum concentration of quinidine. Acute oral drug testing provides a new approach for determining expeditiously whether quinidine is effective or hazardous in an individual patient.", "PMID": 998504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7131", "title": "Undesirable cardiac arrhythmias associated with rate hysteresis pacemakers.", "content": "The introduction of the ventricular inhibited pulse generator with the feature of rate hysteresis has been associated with a variety of rhythm disturbances, some causing serious concern. This pulse generator has two different pacing rates: (1) the automatic rate, which is the interval between two successive paced beats (usually 860 msec or 70/min), and (2) the hysteresis interval, which results in a 1,000 msec delay between a sensed cardiac contraction and the next pacemaker discharge. The hysteresis interval after a sensed signal may result in long pauses that may predispose to the development of serious cardiac arrhythmias. Two examples of this type of complication were recently observed. One patient had bigeminal rhythm with mechanically ineffective cardiac contractions and an effective cardiac rate of 35/min; he experienced dyspnea and weakness during these prolonged episodes. Another patient had repeated episodes of ventricular fibrillation. The cardiac arrhythmias were not controlled by antiarrhythmic agents, and both patients required replacement of the pulse generator. The proposed advantages of pulse generator hysteresis are (1) prolongation of battery life, and (2) maintenance of effective atrial transport; these advantages may be outweighed by undesirable cardiac arrhythmias that may be associated with this mode of pacemaker function. Rate hysteresis cardiac pacemakers should be reserved for patients having predominantly sinus rhythm without ventricular irritability. In patients with frequent ectopic ventricular activity, atrial fibrillation or high degree atrioventricular block, the rate hysteresis pacemaker offers no advantage over the conventional demand pacemaker. For patients with frequent ectopic ventricular activity not easily controlled by antiarrhythmic agents, consideration should be given to the use of a permanent demand pacemaker with external rate control, which may provide greater flexibility in arrhythmia management.", "contents": "Undesirable cardiac arrhythmias associated with rate hysteresis pacemakers. The introduction of the ventricular inhibited pulse generator with the feature of rate hysteresis has been associated with a variety of rhythm disturbances, some causing serious concern. This pulse generator has two different pacing rates: (1) the automatic rate, which is the interval between two successive paced beats (usually 860 msec or 70/min), and (2) the hysteresis interval, which results in a 1,000 msec delay between a sensed cardiac contraction and the next pacemaker discharge. The hysteresis interval after a sensed signal may result in long pauses that may predispose to the development of serious cardiac arrhythmias. Two examples of this type of complication were recently observed. One patient had bigeminal rhythm with mechanically ineffective cardiac contractions and an effective cardiac rate of 35/min; he experienced dyspnea and weakness during these prolonged episodes. Another patient had repeated episodes of ventricular fibrillation. The cardiac arrhythmias were not controlled by antiarrhythmic agents, and both patients required replacement of the pulse generator. The proposed advantages of pulse generator hysteresis are (1) prolongation of battery life, and (2) maintenance of effective atrial transport; these advantages may be outweighed by undesirable cardiac arrhythmias that may be associated with this mode of pacemaker function. Rate hysteresis cardiac pacemakers should be reserved for patients having predominantly sinus rhythm without ventricular irritability. In patients with frequent ectopic ventricular activity, atrial fibrillation or high degree atrioventricular block, the rate hysteresis pacemaker offers no advantage over the conventional demand pacemaker. For patients with frequent ectopic ventricular activity not easily controlled by antiarrhythmic agents, consideration should be given to the use of a permanent demand pacemaker with external rate control, which may provide greater flexibility in arrhythmia management.", "PMID": 998505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7132", "title": "Propranolol-induced reduction of signs of ischemic injury during acute myocardial infarction.", "content": "The effect of intravenous administration of propranolol (3 to 10 mg) was studied in 12 patients with acute anterior transmural myocardial infarction within the first 8 hours from the onset of pain. Criteria for inclusion in the study were persistence of ischemic pain, S-T segment elevation of 0.3 or more mg in at least two standard precordial leads, heart rate of 80 or more beats/min, mean arterial pressure of 75 or more mm Hg and cardiac index of 2.5 or more liters/min per m2. Within 30 minutes of administration of propranolol, the sum of S-T segment elevations from leads V1 through V6 (sigmaST6) and the average S-T segment elevation over the left precordium recorded from multiple unipolar leads (ST) decreased significantly by 40 and 39%, respectively. At the same time, there was a significant reduction in heart rate (from 100+/-3 [standard error of the mean] to 79+/-4 beats/min), mean arterial pressure (from 112+/-6 to 95+/-5 mm Hg) and cardiac output (from 6.1+/-0.3 to 4.1+/-0.3 liters/min). Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure remained unaltered. Four hours later the hemodynamic variables had returned to control level, but the beneficial effect on myocardial injury persisted. These electrocardiographic changes were accompanied by resolution of ischemic pain and cessation of ventricular arrhythmias. The effects of propranolol were more pronounced in patients with angiographically demonstrable flow to the affected area of myocardium. Thus, administration of propranolol in the early hours of myocardial infarction can significantly reduce the signs of myocardial ischemic injury without excessively depressing myocardial function.", "contents": "Propranolol-induced reduction of signs of ischemic injury during acute myocardial infarction. The effect of intravenous administration of propranolol (3 to 10 mg) was studied in 12 patients with acute anterior transmural myocardial infarction within the first 8 hours from the onset of pain. Criteria for inclusion in the study were persistence of ischemic pain, S-T segment elevation of 0.3 or more mg in at least two standard precordial leads, heart rate of 80 or more beats/min, mean arterial pressure of 75 or more mm Hg and cardiac index of 2.5 or more liters/min per m2. Within 30 minutes of administration of propranolol, the sum of S-T segment elevations from leads V1 through V6 (sigmaST6) and the average S-T segment elevation over the left precordium recorded from multiple unipolar leads (ST) decreased significantly by 40 and 39%, respectively. At the same time, there was a significant reduction in heart rate (from 100+/-3 [standard error of the mean] to 79+/-4 beats/min), mean arterial pressure (from 112+/-6 to 95+/-5 mm Hg) and cardiac output (from 6.1+/-0.3 to 4.1+/-0.3 liters/min). Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure remained unaltered. Four hours later the hemodynamic variables had returned to control level, but the beneficial effect on myocardial injury persisted. These electrocardiographic changes were accompanied by resolution of ischemic pain and cessation of ventricular arrhythmias. The effects of propranolol were more pronounced in patients with angiographically demonstrable flow to the affected area of myocardium. Thus, administration of propranolol in the early hours of myocardial infarction can significantly reduce the signs of myocardial ischemic injury without excessively depressing myocardial function.", "PMID": 998506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7133", "title": "Propranolol therapy in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization.", "content": "The records of 185 consecutive patients having myocardial revascularization were reviewed with regard to preoperative administration of propranolol and intraoperative or postoperative complications. Tachycardia and hypertension before cardiopulmonary bypass were slightly more common in patients never taking propranolol or those who had discontinued it for more than 48 hours before operation. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postbypass hypotension among patients who took propranolol within 24 hours of operation, those who discontinued it more than 24 hours before operation, and those who never took the drug. Operative mortality was not significantly different among patients who received propranolol within 48 hours of operation (3%), those who never took it and those who discontinued it more than 48 hours before operation (4%). Early in the series, five patients had an acute myocardial infarction within 48 hours after routine preoperative withdrawal of propranolol. Because complete withdrawal of propranolol in patients with unstable angina pectoris may lead to acute myocardial infarction, we recommend gradual withdrawal of the drug during 48 hours before operation. If this is not possible because anginal pain recurs or intensifies, then reduced doses may be given safely up to 10 hours before revascularization, provided that the patient is a satisfactory candidate for bypass and that adequate myocardial revascularization can be accomplished.", "contents": "Propranolol therapy in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization. The records of 185 consecutive patients having myocardial revascularization were reviewed with regard to preoperative administration of propranolol and intraoperative or postoperative complications. Tachycardia and hypertension before cardiopulmonary bypass were slightly more common in patients never taking propranolol or those who had discontinued it for more than 48 hours before operation. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postbypass hypotension among patients who took propranolol within 24 hours of operation, those who discontinued it more than 24 hours before operation, and those who never took the drug. Operative mortality was not significantly different among patients who received propranolol within 48 hours of operation (3%), those who never took it and those who discontinued it more than 48 hours before operation (4%). Early in the series, five patients had an acute myocardial infarction within 48 hours after routine preoperative withdrawal of propranolol. Because complete withdrawal of propranolol in patients with unstable angina pectoris may lead to acute myocardial infarction, we recommend gradual withdrawal of the drug during 48 hours before operation. If this is not possible because anginal pain recurs or intensifies, then reduced doses may be given safely up to 10 hours before revascularization, provided that the patient is a satisfactory candidate for bypass and that adequate myocardial revascularization can be accomplished.", "PMID": 998507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7134", "title": "Effect of lithium on cardiovascular performance: report on extended ambulatory monitoring and exercise testing before and during lithium therapy.", "content": "To assess the effect of long-term lithium therapy on cardiac arrhythmias and cardiovascular performance, extended ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring was performed in 12 patients, and rest and exercise electrocardiograms in 10 of 12, before and during lithium therapy. Lithium increased the frequency of premature ventricular contractions in three patients, decreased it in one, and produced no change in eight. Three of four patients with atrial arrhythmias showed improvement during lithium therapy. Exercise performance was unchanged. Although 7 of the 12 patients manifested T wave flattening in the resting electrocardiogram, none had S-T segment displacement at rest or on treadmill exercise. Before lithium therapy, arrhythmias on exercise included premature atrial contractions in four patients, ventricular arrhythmias in four (premature ventricular contractions in four, with couplets in two and with ventricular tachycardia in one). During lithium therapy, exercise did not provoke premature atrial contractions or ventricular tachycardia in any of the patients, but three patients had premature ventricular contractions (with couplets in one case). We conclude that lithium at therapeutic levels may precipitate or aggravate ventricular arrhythmias. When administered to patients with heart disease, factors that interfere with renal clearance of lithium (heart failure, salt restriction, long-term diuretic therapy) must be recognized and doses must be adjusted accordingly. Careful follow-up and electrocardiographic monitoring are advisable if lithium is to be used in the presence of ventricular arrhythmias. Cardiovascular performance as assessed by treadmill exercise testing was not affected by long-term lithium therapy.", "contents": "Effect of lithium on cardiovascular performance: report on extended ambulatory monitoring and exercise testing before and during lithium therapy. To assess the effect of long-term lithium therapy on cardiac arrhythmias and cardiovascular performance, extended ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring was performed in 12 patients, and rest and exercise electrocardiograms in 10 of 12, before and during lithium therapy. Lithium increased the frequency of premature ventricular contractions in three patients, decreased it in one, and produced no change in eight. Three of four patients with atrial arrhythmias showed improvement during lithium therapy. Exercise performance was unchanged. Although 7 of the 12 patients manifested T wave flattening in the resting electrocardiogram, none had S-T segment displacement at rest or on treadmill exercise. Before lithium therapy, arrhythmias on exercise included premature atrial contractions in four patients, ventricular arrhythmias in four (premature ventricular contractions in four, with couplets in two and with ventricular tachycardia in one). During lithium therapy, exercise did not provoke premature atrial contractions or ventricular tachycardia in any of the patients, but three patients had premature ventricular contractions (with couplets in one case). We conclude that lithium at therapeutic levels may precipitate or aggravate ventricular arrhythmias. When administered to patients with heart disease, factors that interfere with renal clearance of lithium (heart failure, salt restriction, long-term diuretic therapy) must be recognized and doses must be adjusted accordingly. Careful follow-up and electrocardiographic monitoring are advisable if lithium is to be used in the presence of ventricular arrhythmias. Cardiovascular performance as assessed by treadmill exercise testing was not affected by long-term lithium therapy.", "PMID": 998508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7135", "title": "Radioactive tracers in congenital heart disease.", "content": "Radionuclide angiocardiography is a useful method in the evaluation of patients with congenital heart disease, safely and nontraumatically. Physiologic variables such as transit times, cardiac output, left ventricular ejection fraction, stroke volume, end-diastolic volume can be measured accurately with this technique. An important application of radionuclide angiocardiography in children with congenital heart disease is in the detection, localization and quantification (pulmonary to systemic flow ratio) of intracardiac shunts and shunts between the great vessels. This technique has been found useful in the evaluation of the newborn infant with cyanosis, the patient with a cardiac murmur and the patient who has had cardiovascular surgery. Newer mobile gamma camera-computer systems permit the performance of radionuclide angiocardiography in several ill premature and newborn infants and patients during the early postoperative period. Specially designed magnifying collimators and the development of ultrashort-lived radionuclides should result in an overall improvement in the diagnostic capabilities of this technique and in a further reduction in the radiation dose.", "contents": "Radioactive tracers in congenital heart disease. Radionuclide angiocardiography is a useful method in the evaluation of patients with congenital heart disease, safely and nontraumatically. Physiologic variables such as transit times, cardiac output, left ventricular ejection fraction, stroke volume, end-diastolic volume can be measured accurately with this technique. An important application of radionuclide angiocardiography in children with congenital heart disease is in the detection, localization and quantification (pulmonary to systemic flow ratio) of intracardiac shunts and shunts between the great vessels. This technique has been found useful in the evaluation of the newborn infant with cyanosis, the patient with a cardiac murmur and the patient who has had cardiovascular surgery. Newer mobile gamma camera-computer systems permit the performance of radionuclide angiocardiography in several ill premature and newborn infants and patients during the early postoperative period. Specially designed magnifying collimators and the development of ultrashort-lived radionuclides should result in an overall improvement in the diagnostic capabilities of this technique and in a further reduction in the radiation dose.", "PMID": 998510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7136", "title": "Clinical appraisal of current nuclear and other noninvasive cardiac diagnostic techniques.", "content": "At a time of rapid increases in the cost of medical care and the application of complex invasive procedures to cardiovascular diagnosis, the use of noninvasive methods has aroused interest. This report discusses the usefulness and limitations of various noninvasive diagnostic methods including nuclear medicine techniques, echocardiography, exercise electrocardiography and determination of systolic time intervals. Emphasis is placed on the applicability of these methods to specific disease processes (such as ischemic heart disease, cardiac valve disease, pulmonary embolic disease), their relative merits, future potential and present shortcomings.", "contents": "Clinical appraisal of current nuclear and other noninvasive cardiac diagnostic techniques. At a time of rapid increases in the cost of medical care and the application of complex invasive procedures to cardiovascular diagnosis, the use of noninvasive methods has aroused interest. This report discusses the usefulness and limitations of various noninvasive diagnostic methods including nuclear medicine techniques, echocardiography, exercise electrocardiography and determination of systolic time intervals. Emphasis is placed on the applicability of these methods to specific disease processes (such as ischemic heart disease, cardiac valve disease, pulmonary embolic disease), their relative merits, future potential and present shortcomings.", "PMID": 998511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7137", "title": "Common procedures for the noninvasive determination of regional myocardial perfusion, evaluation of regional wall motion and detection of acute infarction.", "content": "A brief description is given of imaging techniques to record and analyze the myocardial perfusion scan, study changes in segmental wall motion, measure ejection fraction and ventricular volumes and detect acute myocardial infarction. Attention to the details of collimation, pulse height analyzer settings, intrinsic resolution of the imaging device and quality of the tracers utilized for these studies will permit information of high quality to be obtained from subjects with use of these noninvasive techniques.", "contents": "Common procedures for the noninvasive determination of regional myocardial perfusion, evaluation of regional wall motion and detection of acute infarction. A brief description is given of imaging techniques to record and analyze the myocardial perfusion scan, study changes in segmental wall motion, measure ejection fraction and ventricular volumes and detect acute myocardial infarction. Attention to the details of collimation, pulse height analyzer settings, intrinsic resolution of the imaging device and quality of the tracers utilized for these studies will permit information of high quality to be obtained from subjects with use of these noninvasive techniques.", "PMID": 998512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7138", "title": "The nuclear stethoscope: a simple device for generation of left ventricular volume curves.", "content": "Initial evaluation has begun of a system for displaying left ventricular time-activity curves, relating the intraventricular content of radioactivity with the cardiac cycle as determined by the patient's electrocardiogram. Major problems include proper positioning of the detector, correction for background radioactivity outside the ventricle and calibration of the device to permit conversion of measurement of radioactivity to measurement of ventricular volumes.", "contents": "The nuclear stethoscope: a simple device for generation of left ventricular volume curves. Initial evaluation has begun of a system for displaying left ventricular time-activity curves, relating the intraventricular content of radioactivity with the cardiac cycle as determined by the patient's electrocardiogram. Major problems include proper positioning of the detector, correction for background radioactivity outside the ventricle and calibration of the device to permit conversion of measurement of radioactivity to measurement of ventricular volumes.", "PMID": 998513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7139", "title": "Pathophysiologic studies of the pulmonary and coronary circulations in man.", "content": "Studies of the pulmonary circulation in normal man, performed with external radiation detectors, have shown that pulmonary blood volume is about 10% of total blood volume. Pulmonary blood volume was unchanged in patients with acute or chronic left atrial hypertension and in normal persons during expansion of total blood volume in spite of marked increases in pulmonary vascular pressures. However, pulmonary blood volume was greatly increased in patients with polycythemia rubra vera and a large total blood volume and in patients with a left to right shunt but normal pulmonary intravascular pressure. Studies of regional myocardial perfusion with injection of xenon-133 solution into the left coronary artery revealed localized areas of ischemia distal to stenotic lesions even when the patient was at rest. During angina produced by pacing, more severe ischemia occurred, thus suggesting that functional factors reduce local perfusion below resting levels. In patients with \"variant\" angina, intravenous injection of thallium-201 chloride during spontaneous attacks has revealed large cold areas in myocardial scintigrams not present under control conditions, thus suggesting severe transmural reduction of perfusion in heart muscle corresponding to S-T segment elevation in the electrocardiogram.", "contents": "Pathophysiologic studies of the pulmonary and coronary circulations in man. Studies of the pulmonary circulation in normal man, performed with external radiation detectors, have shown that pulmonary blood volume is about 10% of total blood volume. Pulmonary blood volume was unchanged in patients with acute or chronic left atrial hypertension and in normal persons during expansion of total blood volume in spite of marked increases in pulmonary vascular pressures. However, pulmonary blood volume was greatly increased in patients with polycythemia rubra vera and a large total blood volume and in patients with a left to right shunt but normal pulmonary intravascular pressure. Studies of regional myocardial perfusion with injection of xenon-133 solution into the left coronary artery revealed localized areas of ischemia distal to stenotic lesions even when the patient was at rest. During angina produced by pacing, more severe ischemia occurred, thus suggesting that functional factors reduce local perfusion below resting levels. In patients with \"variant\" angina, intravenous injection of thallium-201 chloride during spontaneous attacks has revealed large cold areas in myocardial scintigrams not present under control conditions, thus suggesting severe transmural reduction of perfusion in heart muscle corresponding to S-T segment elevation in the electrocardiogram.", "PMID": 998514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7140", "title": "Organization of cardiovascular nuclear medicine units.", "content": "Progress in the development of cardiovascular nuclear medicine can be accelerated by close cooperation between cardiologists and nuclear medicine physicians in the planning, performance and interpretation of diagnostic tracer studies. The special needs of patients with acute cardiovascular disorders often require supplementation of the hospital's central nuclear medical facility with one or more satellite units in or near the coronary care unit, cardiac operating suite, postoperative intensive care unit or emergency room. Newly emerging noninvasive cardiac diagnostic laboratories should be equipped to perform certain nuclear medicine procedures. Selected nuclear diagnostic procedures also can provide useful supplemental information during cardiac catheterization and angiography.", "contents": "Organization of cardiovascular nuclear medicine units. Progress in the development of cardiovascular nuclear medicine can be accelerated by close cooperation between cardiologists and nuclear medicine physicians in the planning, performance and interpretation of diagnostic tracer studies. The special needs of patients with acute cardiovascular disorders often require supplementation of the hospital's central nuclear medical facility with one or more satellite units in or near the coronary care unit, cardiac operating suite, postoperative intensive care unit or emergency room. Newly emerging noninvasive cardiac diagnostic laboratories should be equipped to perform certain nuclear medicine procedures. Selected nuclear diagnostic procedures also can provide useful supplemental information during cardiac catheterization and angiography.", "PMID": 998515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7141", "title": "Increased plasma catecholamines in high renin hypertension.", "content": "Plasma catecholamines, indexes of sympathetic nervous tonicity, were measured simultaneously with renin both supine and after standing plus furosemide in patients with primary hypertension and normotensive volunteers. Seventy percent of hypertensive patients with high renin levels had increased catecholamines compared with a 14% incidence in the combined group with low and normal renin (P less than 0.001). Basal catecholamines were related directly to renin in the hypertensive patients and to blood pressure in the normal (P less than 0.05), but not in the high and low renin subgroups, and inversely to percent increase of catecholamines after standing plus furosemide in hypertensive and normotensive patients (P less than 0.01). Sympathetic nervous hypertonicity may be responsible for the elevation of blood pressure and for the activation of the renin-angiotensin system in patients with high renin hypertension.", "contents": "Increased plasma catecholamines in high renin hypertension. Plasma catecholamines, indexes of sympathetic nervous tonicity, were measured simultaneously with renin both supine and after standing plus furosemide in patients with primary hypertension and normotensive volunteers. Seventy percent of hypertensive patients with high renin levels had increased catecholamines compared with a 14% incidence in the combined group with low and normal renin (P less than 0.001). Basal catecholamines were related directly to renin in the hypertensive patients and to blood pressure in the normal (P less than 0.05), but not in the high and low renin subgroups, and inversely to percent increase of catecholamines after standing plus furosemide in hypertensive and normotensive patients (P less than 0.01). Sympathetic nervous hypertonicity may be responsible for the elevation of blood pressure and for the activation of the renin-angiotensin system in patients with high renin hypertension.", "PMID": 998517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7142", "title": "Renin and aldosterone suppression in the antihypertensive action of clonidine.", "content": "In 18 hypertensive patients receiving a constant (100 mEq/day) sodium diet, treatment with clonidine (0.3 mg/day for 5 days) decreased blood pressure in 11 patients with high and normal renin levels and 7 with low renin levels. The high and normal renin group had early and rapid reductions in blood pressure and plasma renin activity. In contrast, the low renin group had a more gradual hypotensive response and only a small absolute decrease in plasma renin. For all patients, pretreatment renin levels were related to the initial decrease in blood pressure but not to the reductions measured after 5 days. Thus, two mechanisms of action of clonidine are possible, one related to acute inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system in patients with high and normal renin levels and another that is independent of renin mechanisms and occurs in all hypertensive patients. In six additional patients with high renin levels induced by prior sodium depletion (10 mEq/day sodium diet), clonidine did not reduce blood pressure or renin, thus indicating that the suppressive action of this agent on renin pressor mechanisms occurs only in patients whose elevated renin levels are intrinsic to hypertension and unrelated to sodium depletion. Of the 18 patients receiving a normal sodium diet, 13 were classified as responding to treatment (decrease in both systolic and diastolic pressures of at least 10%). The five nonresponders had greater weight gain and higher values for aldosterone excretion. For all patients, there was a significant correlation between decrements in blood pressure and in aldosterone, suggesting that the countervailing effects of fluid accumulation on blood pressure in nonresponding patients resulted from a failure of aldosterone to be suppressed. Changes in aldosterone, in turn, correlated significantly with changes in renin. Thus, the antirenin effect of clonidine enhances its antihypertensive action not only by acutely ablating renin-angiotensin pressor mechanisms, but also by inhibiting aldosterone production and thereby minimizing longer-term reactive volume retention during treatment.", "contents": "Renin and aldosterone suppression in the antihypertensive action of clonidine. In 18 hypertensive patients receiving a constant (100 mEq/day) sodium diet, treatment with clonidine (0.3 mg/day for 5 days) decreased blood pressure in 11 patients with high and normal renin levels and 7 with low renin levels. The high and normal renin group had early and rapid reductions in blood pressure and plasma renin activity. In contrast, the low renin group had a more gradual hypotensive response and only a small absolute decrease in plasma renin. For all patients, pretreatment renin levels were related to the initial decrease in blood pressure but not to the reductions measured after 5 days. Thus, two mechanisms of action of clonidine are possible, one related to acute inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system in patients with high and normal renin levels and another that is independent of renin mechanisms and occurs in all hypertensive patients. In six additional patients with high renin levels induced by prior sodium depletion (10 mEq/day sodium diet), clonidine did not reduce blood pressure or renin, thus indicating that the suppressive action of this agent on renin pressor mechanisms occurs only in patients whose elevated renin levels are intrinsic to hypertension and unrelated to sodium depletion. Of the 18 patients receiving a normal sodium diet, 13 were classified as responding to treatment (decrease in both systolic and diastolic pressures of at least 10%). The five nonresponders had greater weight gain and higher values for aldosterone excretion. For all patients, there was a significant correlation between decrements in blood pressure and in aldosterone, suggesting that the countervailing effects of fluid accumulation on blood pressure in nonresponding patients resulted from a failure of aldosterone to be suppressed. Changes in aldosterone, in turn, correlated significantly with changes in renin. Thus, the antirenin effect of clonidine enhances its antihypertensive action not only by acutely ablating renin-angiotensin pressor mechanisms, but also by inhibiting aldosterone production and thereby minimizing longer-term reactive volume retention during treatment.", "PMID": 998518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7143", "title": "Left ventricular performance in mitral regurgitation assessed with systolic time intervals and echocardiography.", "content": "Among 22 patients with isolated mitral regurgitation of various origins, systolic time intervals (preejection period [PEP] index, left ventricular ejection time [LVET] index and PEP/LVET) and echocardiographic measures of left ventricular performance (end-diastolic diameter [Dd], end-systolic diameter [Ds], and the percent change in minor axis diameter [% delta D]) were calculated. The patients were classified into two groups, those with a normal or supernormal % delta D (group I, 15 patients) and those with a decreased % delta D (group II, 7 patients). On group analysis, prolongation of the preejection period, shortening of the left ventricular ejection time and an increase in PEP/LVET was generally characteristic of patients with mitral regurgitation. These changes were accentuated when mitral regurgitation was complicated by echocardiographic evidence of diminished left ventricular contractile performance (% delta D less than 30 percent). An increase in PEP/LVET to greater than 0.05 was consistently associated with abnormal left ventricular performance, whereas a normal PEP/LVET ratio reflected normal or supernormal left ventricular performance. An inverse linear relation was found between PEP/LVET and % delta D. When compared with previous data on the relation of these variables among patients without valve insufficiency, PEP/LVET proved to be increased for any level of % delta D in mitral regurgitation. The state of digitalization did not appear to influence the relation between PEP/LVET and % delta D. The use of echocardiographic measurements augments the determination of systolic time intervals in the analysis of left ventricular performance in patients with mitral regurgitation.", "contents": "Left ventricular performance in mitral regurgitation assessed with systolic time intervals and echocardiography. Among 22 patients with isolated mitral regurgitation of various origins, systolic time intervals (preejection period [PEP] index, left ventricular ejection time [LVET] index and PEP/LVET) and echocardiographic measures of left ventricular performance (end-diastolic diameter [Dd], end-systolic diameter [Ds], and the percent change in minor axis diameter [% delta D]) were calculated. The patients were classified into two groups, those with a normal or supernormal % delta D (group I, 15 patients) and those with a decreased % delta D (group II, 7 patients). On group analysis, prolongation of the preejection period, shortening of the left ventricular ejection time and an increase in PEP/LVET was generally characteristic of patients with mitral regurgitation. These changes were accentuated when mitral regurgitation was complicated by echocardiographic evidence of diminished left ventricular contractile performance (% delta D less than 30 percent). An increase in PEP/LVET to greater than 0.05 was consistently associated with abnormal left ventricular performance, whereas a normal PEP/LVET ratio reflected normal or supernormal left ventricular performance. An inverse linear relation was found between PEP/LVET and % delta D. When compared with previous data on the relation of these variables among patients without valve insufficiency, PEP/LVET proved to be increased for any level of % delta D in mitral regurgitation. The state of digitalization did not appear to influence the relation between PEP/LVET and % delta D. The use of echocardiographic measurements augments the determination of systolic time intervals in the analysis of left ventricular performance in patients with mitral regurgitation.", "PMID": 998519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7144", "title": "Echocardiographic and clinical spectrum of mitral anular calcification.", "content": "To establish the reliability of echocardiography in making the diagnosis of mitral anular calcification 10 consecutive patients with dense echoes at the mitral anular area were examined fluoroscopically, using an image intensifier. Nine of these had distinct mitral anular calcification. The echocardiographic reliability thus confirmed, 30 cases with similar findings were reviewed and the total group of 40 cases were used to define the echocardiographic spectrum of mitral anular calcification. This lesion extended variably from the anulus to involve the posterior left ventricular wall, mitral valve leaflets, aortic root, aortic valve and interventricular septum. The pleomorphic echocardiographic findings introduce difficulties in the diagnosis of pericardial effusion and mitral stenosis. Echocardiography is a reliable method of diagnosing mitral anular calcification, but care must be taken to avoid confusing this condition with others it resembles.", "contents": "Echocardiographic and clinical spectrum of mitral anular calcification. To establish the reliability of echocardiography in making the diagnosis of mitral anular calcification 10 consecutive patients with dense echoes at the mitral anular area were examined fluoroscopically, using an image intensifier. Nine of these had distinct mitral anular calcification. The echocardiographic reliability thus confirmed, 30 cases with similar findings were reviewed and the total group of 40 cases were used to define the echocardiographic spectrum of mitral anular calcification. This lesion extended variably from the anulus to involve the posterior left ventricular wall, mitral valve leaflets, aortic root, aortic valve and interventricular septum. The pleomorphic echocardiographic findings introduce difficulties in the diagnosis of pericardial effusion and mitral stenosis. Echocardiography is a reliable method of diagnosing mitral anular calcification, but care must be taken to avoid confusing this condition with others it resembles.", "PMID": 998520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7145", "title": "Favorable effects of oral maintenance digoxin therapy on left ventricular performance in normal subjects: echocardiographic study.", "content": "Left ventricular performance was assessed with echocardiography in 10 normal subjects before and during maintenance therapy with digoxin (0.5 mg/day orally) in the basal state and after acute pressure loading with intravenously administered phenylephrine. During digoxin therapy, despite a decrease in mean heart rate of 5 beats/min in the basal state, mean left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 74 +/- 2 to 79 +/- 1 percent (standard error, P less than 0.03); percent shortening of a left ventricular minor dimension increased from 37 +/- 2 to 41 +/- 1 percent (P less than 0.04) and the mean rate of left ventricular dimension shortening increased from 5.66 +/- 0.22 to 6.31 +/- 0.23 cm/sec (P = 0.05). During acute pressure loading with phenylephrine there was no change in mean heart rate after digoxin and mean ejection fraction increased from 69 +/- 3 to 75 +/- 2 percent; mean percent shortening increased from 33 +/- 2 to 38 +/- 2 percent; mean rate of shortening increased from 5.46 +/- 0.32 to 6.48 +/- 0.33 cm/sec and mean normalized rate of shortening increased from 1.11 +/- 0.06 to 1.29 +/- 0.05 sec-1 (all P less than 0.01). In a few subjects the response to digoxin did not coincide with the mean data for the whole group. This variability was largely due to difficulties in exactly matching heart rate between the control and digoxin studies. These data (1) support the concept that long-term oral digoxin therapy exerts a positive inotropic effect on the normal left ventricle, and (2) demonstrate the usefulness of echocardiography in nonivasive assessment of the effects of drugs on left ventricular performance.", "contents": "Favorable effects of oral maintenance digoxin therapy on left ventricular performance in normal subjects: echocardiographic study. Left ventricular performance was assessed with echocardiography in 10 normal subjects before and during maintenance therapy with digoxin (0.5 mg/day orally) in the basal state and after acute pressure loading with intravenously administered phenylephrine. During digoxin therapy, despite a decrease in mean heart rate of 5 beats/min in the basal state, mean left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 74 +/- 2 to 79 +/- 1 percent (standard error, P less than 0.03); percent shortening of a left ventricular minor dimension increased from 37 +/- 2 to 41 +/- 1 percent (P less than 0.04) and the mean rate of left ventricular dimension shortening increased from 5.66 +/- 0.22 to 6.31 +/- 0.23 cm/sec (P = 0.05). During acute pressure loading with phenylephrine there was no change in mean heart rate after digoxin and mean ejection fraction increased from 69 +/- 3 to 75 +/- 2 percent; mean percent shortening increased from 33 +/- 2 to 38 +/- 2 percent; mean rate of shortening increased from 5.46 +/- 0.32 to 6.48 +/- 0.33 cm/sec and mean normalized rate of shortening increased from 1.11 +/- 0.06 to 1.29 +/- 0.05 sec-1 (all P less than 0.01). In a few subjects the response to digoxin did not coincide with the mean data for the whole group. This variability was largely due to difficulties in exactly matching heart rate between the control and digoxin studies. These data (1) support the concept that long-term oral digoxin therapy exerts a positive inotropic effect on the normal left ventricle, and (2) demonstrate the usefulness of echocardiography in nonivasive assessment of the effects of drugs on left ventricular performance.", "PMID": 998521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7146", "title": "Chest pain as a predictor of coronary artery disease in patients with obstructive aortic valve disease.", "content": "To clarify the association between chest pain and significant coronary artery disease in patients who have aortic valve disease, 76 consecutive candidates for aortic valve replacement were evaluated prospectively with use of a historical questionnaire and coronary arteriography. Of the 76 patients, 19 (25 percent) had no chest pain, 21 (28 percent) had chest pain that was not typical of angina pectoris and 36 (47 percent) had chest pain typical of anigina pectoris. In 18 of 19 patients the absence of chest pain correlated with the absence of coronary artery disease. The single patient without chest pain who had coronary artery disease had evidence of an inferior myocardial infarction in the electrocardiogram. Thus, absence of chest pain and the absence of electrocardiographic evidence of infarction predicted the absence of coronary disease in all cases. The presence of chest pain did not predict the presence of coronary artery disease, but the more typical the pain of angina pectoris the more likely were patients to have significant coronary artery disease. Of the 21 patients with atypical chest pain, 6 (29 percent) had coronary artery disease, but of the 36 patients with typical angina pectoris 23 (64 percent) had significant coronary artery disease. In addition, when patients with chest pain not typical of angina pectoris also had coronary artery disease, the diseased vessels usually supplied smaller areas of the left ventricle than when the pain was typical of angina pectoris. In 21 of 23 patients (91 percent) with typical angina pectoris and significant coronary artery disease, lesions were present in the left coronary artery. There was no systolic pressure gradient across the aortic valve that excluded the presence of coronary artery disease, although all patients with a calculated aortic valve area of less than 0.4 cm2 were free of coronary artery disease. Patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction were more likely to have normal coronary arteries.", "contents": "Chest pain as a predictor of coronary artery disease in patients with obstructive aortic valve disease. To clarify the association between chest pain and significant coronary artery disease in patients who have aortic valve disease, 76 consecutive candidates for aortic valve replacement were evaluated prospectively with use of a historical questionnaire and coronary arteriography. Of the 76 patients, 19 (25 percent) had no chest pain, 21 (28 percent) had chest pain that was not typical of angina pectoris and 36 (47 percent) had chest pain typical of anigina pectoris. In 18 of 19 patients the absence of chest pain correlated with the absence of coronary artery disease. The single patient without chest pain who had coronary artery disease had evidence of an inferior myocardial infarction in the electrocardiogram. Thus, absence of chest pain and the absence of electrocardiographic evidence of infarction predicted the absence of coronary disease in all cases. The presence of chest pain did not predict the presence of coronary artery disease, but the more typical the pain of angina pectoris the more likely were patients to have significant coronary artery disease. Of the 21 patients with atypical chest pain, 6 (29 percent) had coronary artery disease, but of the 36 patients with typical angina pectoris 23 (64 percent) had significant coronary artery disease. In addition, when patients with chest pain not typical of angina pectoris also had coronary artery disease, the diseased vessels usually supplied smaller areas of the left ventricle than when the pain was typical of angina pectoris. In 21 of 23 patients (91 percent) with typical angina pectoris and significant coronary artery disease, lesions were present in the left coronary artery. There was no systolic pressure gradient across the aortic valve that excluded the presence of coronary artery disease, although all patients with a calculated aortic valve area of less than 0.4 cm2 were free of coronary artery disease. Patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction were more likely to have normal coronary arteries.", "PMID": 998522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7147", "title": "Coronary steal: its role in detrimental effect of isoproterenol after acute coronary occlusion in dogs.", "content": "Using epicardial electrograms others have established that infusion of isoproterenol increases myocardial injury after acute coronary occlusion. To define the contribution of alterations in collateral blood flow to this increased ischemia, isoproterenol was administered to 10 dogs. After pretreatment with practolol in doses that successfully block inotropic but not vascular effects of beta adrenergic stimulants, intracoronary isoproterenol continued to enhance the magnitude of S-T segment elevation in ischemic areas. Thus, vasodilation induced by isoproterenol appears to divert flow from the ischemic area. To test this hypothesis, intracoronary adenosine was given to cause coronary vasodilation without enhancing inotropy. S-T segment elevation at ischemic and adjacent sites was significantly increased. Neither agent had systemic effects, but each increased coronary blood flow while concomitantly decreasing collateral flow as evidenced by a reduction in retrograde coronary flow and peripheral coronary pressure. In addition, adenosine significantly diminished the rate of xenon-133 clearance from the ischemic myocardium. Thus, isoproterenol, in addition to its positive inotropic effect, increases myocardial injury by its vascular action. Collateral blood flow to acutely ischemic myocardium is diminished by the production of a coronary steal. Intravenously administered isoproterenol additionally diminishes collateral flow by decreasing coronary perfusion pressure. It is postulated that any agent that causes either a primary or secondary coronary vasodilation may cause a coronary steal and subsequently enhance myocardial injury.", "contents": "Coronary steal: its role in detrimental effect of isoproterenol after acute coronary occlusion in dogs. Using epicardial electrograms others have established that infusion of isoproterenol increases myocardial injury after acute coronary occlusion. To define the contribution of alterations in collateral blood flow to this increased ischemia, isoproterenol was administered to 10 dogs. After pretreatment with practolol in doses that successfully block inotropic but not vascular effects of beta adrenergic stimulants, intracoronary isoproterenol continued to enhance the magnitude of S-T segment elevation in ischemic areas. Thus, vasodilation induced by isoproterenol appears to divert flow from the ischemic area. To test this hypothesis, intracoronary adenosine was given to cause coronary vasodilation without enhancing inotropy. S-T segment elevation at ischemic and adjacent sites was significantly increased. Neither agent had systemic effects, but each increased coronary blood flow while concomitantly decreasing collateral flow as evidenced by a reduction in retrograde coronary flow and peripheral coronary pressure. In addition, adenosine significantly diminished the rate of xenon-133 clearance from the ischemic myocardium. Thus, isoproterenol, in addition to its positive inotropic effect, increases myocardial injury by its vascular action. Collateral blood flow to acutely ischemic myocardium is diminished by the production of a coronary steal. Intravenously administered isoproterenol additionally diminishes collateral flow by decreasing coronary perfusion pressure. It is postulated that any agent that causes either a primary or secondary coronary vasodilation may cause a coronary steal and subsequently enhance myocardial injury.", "PMID": 998523} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7148", "title": "Preceding His-atrial interval as a determinant of atrioventricular nodal conduction time in the human and rabbit heart.", "content": "This investigation shows that atrioventricular (A-V) nodal conduction time (A-H interval), both in the human and in the isolated rabbit heart, is determined mainly by the length of the preceding His-atrial (H-A) interval. The A-H intervals obtained during atrial extrasystolic stimulation at different basic rates, during Wenckebach cycles and during both transient and steady state responses to stepwise increases in stimulation frequency were plotted against the corresponding H-A intervals. The A-H intervals were found to have nearly the same duration provided they were preceded by the same H-A interval. The only important difference appeared in the short H-A interval range as a shortening of the A-H interval at faster basic rates. This facilitating effect of frequency, which was found in the majority of cases, is compatible with the similarly frequency-dependent shortening of the functional refractory period of the A-V node.", "contents": "Preceding His-atrial interval as a determinant of atrioventricular nodal conduction time in the human and rabbit heart. This investigation shows that atrioventricular (A-V) nodal conduction time (A-H interval), both in the human and in the isolated rabbit heart, is determined mainly by the length of the preceding His-atrial (H-A) interval. The A-H intervals obtained during atrial extrasystolic stimulation at different basic rates, during Wenckebach cycles and during both transient and steady state responses to stepwise increases in stimulation frequency were plotted against the corresponding H-A intervals. The A-H intervals were found to have nearly the same duration provided they were preceded by the same H-A interval. The only important difference appeared in the short H-A interval range as a shortening of the A-H interval at faster basic rates. This facilitating effect of frequency, which was found in the majority of cases, is compatible with the similarly frequency-dependent shortening of the functional refractory period of the A-V node.", "PMID": 998524} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7149", "title": "Double outlet left ventricle. Morphology, cineangiocardiographic diagnosis and surgical treatment.", "content": "In double outlet left ventricle,both the pulmonary artery and the aortaarisefromthemorphologicleft ventricle. This paper presents the anatomic and cineangiocardiographic features of five patients who had this condition proved at surgery or autopsy. The condition of the first patient was incorrectly diagnosed as transposition of the great arteries with pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect; the anatomic features were correctly interpreted at operation in 1966 and appropriate repair was made, but the patient died postoperatively. The condition of the other four patients was correctly diagnosed. The second patient had Ebstein's malformation of the tricuspid valve and hypoplastic right ventricle in addition to double outlet left ventricle; her condition was not considered operable. Two patients, one with visceroatrial situs solitus, concordant d-loop and dextrocardia, were surgically treated with good long-term results. The fifth patient died 2 years postoperatively and is the first patient reported to have double outlet left ventricle with visceroatrial situs inversus, a discordant d-loop and levocardia. The segmental approach to the classification and diagnosis of connection disorders is discussed and the radiologic criteria by which double outlet left ventricle may be diagnosed considered in detail. The importance of using the radiologic projection (usually left anterior oblique) that profiles the ventricular septum is emphasized because the diagnosis can be established only by delineating the relations of the origins of the great arteries to the ventricular septum. The surgical significance of other anatomic features, including the number, size and position of ventricular septal defects and conal malformations, is also discussed.", "contents": "Double outlet left ventricle. Morphology, cineangiocardiographic diagnosis and surgical treatment. In double outlet left ventricle,both the pulmonary artery and the aortaarisefromthemorphologicleft ventricle. This paper presents the anatomic and cineangiocardiographic features of five patients who had this condition proved at surgery or autopsy. The condition of the first patient was incorrectly diagnosed as transposition of the great arteries with pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect; the anatomic features were correctly interpreted at operation in 1966 and appropriate repair was made, but the patient died postoperatively. The condition of the other four patients was correctly diagnosed. The second patient had Ebstein's malformation of the tricuspid valve and hypoplastic right ventricle in addition to double outlet left ventricle; her condition was not considered operable. Two patients, one with visceroatrial situs solitus, concordant d-loop and dextrocardia, were surgically treated with good long-term results. The fifth patient died 2 years postoperatively and is the first patient reported to have double outlet left ventricle with visceroatrial situs inversus, a discordant d-loop and levocardia. The segmental approach to the classification and diagnosis of connection disorders is discussed and the radiologic criteria by which double outlet left ventricle may be diagnosed considered in detail. The importance of using the radiologic projection (usually left anterior oblique) that profiles the ventricular septum is emphasized because the diagnosis can be established only by delineating the relations of the origins of the great arteries to the ventricular septum. The surgical significance of other anatomic features, including the number, size and position of ventricular septal defects and conal malformations, is also discussed.", "PMID": 998525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7150", "title": "Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: morphologic study of 32 cases.", "content": "The detailed anatomy of the heart is described in 32 autopsy cases of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries.Tis condition is defined as the combination of atrioventricular (A-V) discordance and transposition of the great arteries. Examples of primitive (single) ventricle with \"inverted\" (that is, left-sided in situs solitus) outlet chamber are excluded. Six hearts with A-V discordance and pulmonary atresia are described in an appendix. In 29 cases of corrected transposition the heart was in situs solitus; in 3 it was in situs inversus totalis. Only 5 of these 32 hearts had no potential for intracardiac shunting. Anomalies of the tricuspid valve (91 percent of cases), ventricular septal defect (78 percent) and pulmonary outflow tract obstruction (44 percent) occurred with sufficient frequency to be considered part of the basic malformation and are described in detail. The precise anatomy and disposition of the A-V valve tension apparatus, the coronary arteries and the conducting tissues are described with special reference to possible surgical approaches for repair of the anomalies. In two hearts with situs solitus the aortic valve was right-sided with respect to the pulmonary valve. This finding is important for both diagnosis and nomenclature.", "contents": "Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: morphologic study of 32 cases. The detailed anatomy of the heart is described in 32 autopsy cases of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries.Tis condition is defined as the combination of atrioventricular (A-V) discordance and transposition of the great arteries. Examples of primitive (single) ventricle with \"inverted\" (that is, left-sided in situs solitus) outlet chamber are excluded. Six hearts with A-V discordance and pulmonary atresia are described in an appendix. In 29 cases of corrected transposition the heart was in situs solitus; in 3 it was in situs inversus totalis. Only 5 of these 32 hearts had no potential for intracardiac shunting. Anomalies of the tricuspid valve (91 percent of cases), ventricular septal defect (78 percent) and pulmonary outflow tract obstruction (44 percent) occurred with sufficient frequency to be considered part of the basic malformation and are described in detail. The precise anatomy and disposition of the A-V valve tension apparatus, the coronary arteries and the conducting tissues are described with special reference to possible surgical approaches for repair of the anomalies. In two hearts with situs solitus the aortic valve was right-sided with respect to the pulmonary valve. This finding is important for both diagnosis and nomenclature.", "PMID": 998526} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7151", "title": "Candida myocarditis without valvulitis.", "content": "Thirty-one patients with systemic candidiasis at postmortem examination were found to have Candida involvement of the myocardium without valvulitis. Retrospective examination of their clinical course demonstrated that a new conduction disturbance was seen in 10, supraventricular arrhythmias in 5,QRS changes mimicking myocardial infarction in 3, and pronounced T wave changes in 13. Hypotension or shock was seen in 13 patients and could not be explained by coexistent bacteremia or blood loss in 8. One patient died suddenly. Of 19 patients with systemic candidiasis without myocardial invasion, 4 had minor T wave changes and one had a supraventricular arrhythmia. Candida invasion of the heart significantly complicates the clinical course in systemic candidiasis and should be suspected when a young person without preexistent heart disease has cultures positive for a Candida organism, a significant arrhythmia, conduction distrubance or other dramatic QRS change. The effect of therapy on Candida invasion of the heart is unknown.", "contents": "Candida myocarditis without valvulitis. Thirty-one patients with systemic candidiasis at postmortem examination were found to have Candida involvement of the myocardium without valvulitis. Retrospective examination of their clinical course demonstrated that a new conduction disturbance was seen in 10, supraventricular arrhythmias in 5,QRS changes mimicking myocardial infarction in 3, and pronounced T wave changes in 13. Hypotension or shock was seen in 13 patients and could not be explained by coexistent bacteremia or blood loss in 8. One patient died suddenly. Of 19 patients with systemic candidiasis without myocardial invasion, 4 had minor T wave changes and one had a supraventricular arrhythmia. Candida invasion of the heart significantly complicates the clinical course in systemic candidiasis and should be suspected when a young person without preexistent heart disease has cultures positive for a Candida organism, a significant arrhythmia, conduction distrubance or other dramatic QRS change. The effect of therapy on Candida invasion of the heart is unknown.", "PMID": 998527} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7152", "title": "Intramuscular clindamycin for therapy of infective endocarditis. Report of 23 cases and review of the literature.", "content": "Twenty-three patients with infective endocarditis received intramuscular clindamycin (Cleocin) for treatment. Thirteen had acute Staphylococcus (S.) aureus endocarditis but none had involvement of the aortic valve. Eleven of these 13 infections were heroin-related and involved the tricuspid valve.Twenty-one patients were successfully treated. Two patients with heroin-related S. aureus infection failed to respond to intramuscularly administered clindamycin, but responded to retreatment with methicillin. There have been 34 reported cases of endocarditis treated with clindamycin. Although 80 percent of all cases due to staphylococci responded favorably, almost all were heroin-related tricuspid valve infections. In addition 91 percent of cases due to aerobic streptococci responded but, surpisingly, treatment failed in three of four cases of anaerobic endocarditis. Although clindamycin can be useful in streptococcal endocarditis and in some cases of heroin-related S. aureus tricuspid endocarditis, caution should be exercised in its use. It is \"less\" bactericidal than the penicillins or cephalosporins, and organisms have become resistant during treatment. Furthermore, patients with anaerobic endocarditis have not responded well, and data are not available to recommend administration of clindamycin for acute S. aureus infections engrafted on the aortic or mitral valve.", "contents": "Intramuscular clindamycin for therapy of infective endocarditis. Report of 23 cases and review of the literature. Twenty-three patients with infective endocarditis received intramuscular clindamycin (Cleocin) for treatment. Thirteen had acute Staphylococcus (S.) aureus endocarditis but none had involvement of the aortic valve. Eleven of these 13 infections were heroin-related and involved the tricuspid valve.Twenty-one patients were successfully treated. Two patients with heroin-related S. aureus infection failed to respond to intramuscularly administered clindamycin, but responded to retreatment with methicillin. There have been 34 reported cases of endocarditis treated with clindamycin. Although 80 percent of all cases due to staphylococci responded favorably, almost all were heroin-related tricuspid valve infections. In addition 91 percent of cases due to aerobic streptococci responded but, surpisingly, treatment failed in three of four cases of anaerobic endocarditis. Although clindamycin can be useful in streptococcal endocarditis and in some cases of heroin-related S. aureus tricuspid endocarditis, caution should be exercised in its use. It is \"less\" bactericidal than the penicillins or cephalosporins, and organisms have become resistant during treatment. Furthermore, patients with anaerobic endocarditis have not responded well, and data are not available to recommend administration of clindamycin for acute S. aureus infections engrafted on the aortic or mitral valve.", "PMID": 998528} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7153", "title": "Spectrum of coronary arterial spasm. Clinical, angiographic and myocardial metabolic experience in 29 cases.", "content": "A relationship of coronary arterial spasm to variant angina pectoris, subendocardial ischemia, major ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial infarction has been demonstrated. In 29 patients, spasm was angiographically observed in normal-appearing coronary arteries (7 patients) as well as superimposed on various degrees of coronary atherosclerotic obstruction (22 patients). All patients experienced an atypical anginal syndrome;16 patients also experienced typical exertional angina. Coronary spasm appeared to be a major contributory factor in eight occurrences of myocardial infarction and in 11 incidents of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and heart block. Coronary spasm in the 29 cases was distributed in the following fashion: left main trunk, 6 cases; right main trunk, 12 cases; proximal left anterior descending artery, 13 cases; proximal circumflex artery, 1 case; distal left anterior descending artery, 1 case; and distal circumflex artery, 2 cases. In 5 cases coronary spasm was noted at multiple sites.", "contents": "Spectrum of coronary arterial spasm. Clinical, angiographic and myocardial metabolic experience in 29 cases. A relationship of coronary arterial spasm to variant angina pectoris, subendocardial ischemia, major ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial infarction has been demonstrated. In 29 patients, spasm was angiographically observed in normal-appearing coronary arteries (7 patients) as well as superimposed on various degrees of coronary atherosclerotic obstruction (22 patients). All patients experienced an atypical anginal syndrome;16 patients also experienced typical exertional angina. Coronary spasm appeared to be a major contributory factor in eight occurrences of myocardial infarction and in 11 incidents of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and heart block. Coronary spasm in the 29 cases was distributed in the following fashion: left main trunk, 6 cases; right main trunk, 12 cases; proximal left anterior descending artery, 13 cases; proximal circumflex artery, 1 case; distal left anterior descending artery, 1 case; and distal circumflex artery, 2 cases. In 5 cases coronary spasm was noted at multiple sites.", "PMID": 998529} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7154", "title": "Afterload reduction in the management of postinfarction ventricular septal defect.", "content": "The primary goal in the medical management of ventricular septal defect complicating myocardial infarction is to support cardiac function and control symptoms, if possible, for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. If the patient survives this period, surgical correction of the defect is technically easier and safer. In many cases, However, cardiac function is severly compromised, intractable biventricular failure develops,early operation is necessary and the likelihood of successful repair is diminished.", "contents": "Afterload reduction in the management of postinfarction ventricular septal defect. The primary goal in the medical management of ventricular septal defect complicating myocardial infarction is to support cardiac function and control symptoms, if possible, for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. If the patient survives this period, surgical correction of the defect is technically easier and safer. In many cases, However, cardiac function is severly compromised, intractable biventricular failure develops,early operation is necessary and the likelihood of successful repair is diminished.", "PMID": 998530} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7155", "title": "Pulmonary arterial compression syndrome caused by false aneurysm of left ventricular outflow tract.", "content": "A 29 year old man experienced exertional dyspnea and coughing 3 1/2 years after insertion of a Brauwald-Cutter aortic valve prosthesis. Clinical examination suggested pulmonary arterial hypertension, and cardiac catheterization revealed a saccular lesion apparently arising from the left ventricular outflow tract and producing compression of the right pulmonary artery. Origin from the left ventricular outflow tract just under the aortic ring was confirmed at operation. The lesion apparently arose from an anular excavation related to previous endocarditis with abscess formation. Reported cases of similar aneurysmal lesions are briefly reviewed, and other known causes of the pulmonary arterial compression syndrome are discussed.", "contents": "Pulmonary arterial compression syndrome caused by false aneurysm of left ventricular outflow tract. A 29 year old man experienced exertional dyspnea and coughing 3 1/2 years after insertion of a Brauwald-Cutter aortic valve prosthesis. Clinical examination suggested pulmonary arterial hypertension, and cardiac catheterization revealed a saccular lesion apparently arising from the left ventricular outflow tract and producing compression of the right pulmonary artery. Origin from the left ventricular outflow tract just under the aortic ring was confirmed at operation. The lesion apparently arose from an anular excavation related to previous endocarditis with abscess formation. Reported cases of similar aneurysmal lesions are briefly reviewed, and other known causes of the pulmonary arterial compression syndrome are discussed.", "PMID": 998531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7156", "title": "Independence of the effects of cholesterol and degree of saturation of the fat in the diet on serum cholesterol in man.", "content": "The effect on the fasting serum lipid levels of adding daily 291 mg of cholesterol to diets containing 3 mg of cholesterol and equal fat content, but different fatty acid composition, was tested on 12 young men. The saturated diet provided 97 g/day of a staurated oil made up of 2 parts of palm oil and 1 part of coconut oil. The polyunsatured diet provided 97 g/day of safflower oil. The cholesterol was dissolved in 40 g of either oil incorporated into a spread. A similar spread, devoid of cholesterol, was fed during the cholesterol free periods. Duration of dietary periods was 14 days. Addition of cholesterol produced a mean elevation of serum cholesterol of 9 mg/dl (SE +/- 2.1) in the presence of the saturated diet, and of 8 mg/dl (SE +/- 1.6) in the presence of the polyunsaturated diet. Both cholesterol elevations were significant (P less than 0.01) but not significantly different from each other. Substitution of the saturated diet for the polyunsatured diet caused a significant elevation of serum cholesterol which was the same when the substitution was made in the presence or in the absence of added dietary cholesterol.", "contents": "Independence of the effects of cholesterol and degree of saturation of the fat in the diet on serum cholesterol in man. The effect on the fasting serum lipid levels of adding daily 291 mg of cholesterol to diets containing 3 mg of cholesterol and equal fat content, but different fatty acid composition, was tested on 12 young men. The saturated diet provided 97 g/day of a staurated oil made up of 2 parts of palm oil and 1 part of coconut oil. The polyunsatured diet provided 97 g/day of safflower oil. The cholesterol was dissolved in 40 g of either oil incorporated into a spread. A similar spread, devoid of cholesterol, was fed during the cholesterol free periods. Duration of dietary periods was 14 days. Addition of cholesterol produced a mean elevation of serum cholesterol of 9 mg/dl (SE +/- 2.1) in the presence of the saturated diet, and of 8 mg/dl (SE +/- 1.6) in the presence of the polyunsaturated diet. Both cholesterol elevations were significant (P less than 0.01) but not significantly different from each other. Substitution of the saturated diet for the polyunsatured diet caused a significant elevation of serum cholesterol which was the same when the substitution was made in the presence or in the absence of added dietary cholesterol.", "PMID": 998534} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7157", "title": "Effect of anti-insulin serum on the hepatic lipid metabolism of BHE rats.", "content": "The effects of daily injections of anti-insulin serum (AIS) on the hepatic synthesis of lipids was studied in young male BHE rats after 3 weeks of feeding either a 45% carbohydrate 40% protein diet, a 65% sucrose diet, or a 65% protein diet. One-half of the animals in each diet group received injections daily with AIS, and the remaining animals in each group received injections with isotonic saline solution. After 3 weeks the animals were killed, and levels of serum insulin cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined as were the levels of liver lipid, cholesterol, fatty acid synthetase, and the conversion of acetate 14C to cholesterol 14C. AIS treatment lowered serum insulin levels, serum triglyceride levels, caloric intake, weight gain, liver weight, acetate 14C incorporation into cholesterol 14C, and the percentage of liver lipid that was cholesterol. Diet affected serum and liver lipid levels, fatty acid synthetase activity, and the incorporation of acetate 14C into cholesterol 14C. The results of this study show that the lipogenic characteristic of the BHE rat is diet dependent, but that this characteristic can be modified to a limited extent by AIS treatment. Further, the results also suggest that the hyperlipemic characteristic of these rats may be independent of the hyperinsulinemic characteristic.", "contents": "Effect of anti-insulin serum on the hepatic lipid metabolism of BHE rats. The effects of daily injections of anti-insulin serum (AIS) on the hepatic synthesis of lipids was studied in young male BHE rats after 3 weeks of feeding either a 45% carbohydrate 40% protein diet, a 65% sucrose diet, or a 65% protein diet. One-half of the animals in each diet group received injections daily with AIS, and the remaining animals in each group received injections with isotonic saline solution. After 3 weeks the animals were killed, and levels of serum insulin cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined as were the levels of liver lipid, cholesterol, fatty acid synthetase, and the conversion of acetate 14C to cholesterol 14C. AIS treatment lowered serum insulin levels, serum triglyceride levels, caloric intake, weight gain, liver weight, acetate 14C incorporation into cholesterol 14C, and the percentage of liver lipid that was cholesterol. Diet affected serum and liver lipid levels, fatty acid synthetase activity, and the incorporation of acetate 14C into cholesterol 14C. The results of this study show that the lipogenic characteristic of the BHE rat is diet dependent, but that this characteristic can be modified to a limited extent by AIS treatment. Further, the results also suggest that the hyperlipemic characteristic of these rats may be independent of the hyperinsulinemic characteristic.", "PMID": 998535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7158", "title": "Relationships between cigarette smoking, oral contraceptives, and plasma vitamins A, E, C, and plasma triglycerides and cholesterol.", "content": "Plasma vitamins A, E, and C, plasma triglycerides and cholesterol, and leukocyte vitamin C were examined in young healthy adult females who were cigarette and/or oral contraceptive users. It was found that cigarette smoking slightly increased the levels of vitamin A, triglycerides, and cholesterol while oral contraceptives significantly increased these plasma lipids. The effects of cigarette smoking and oral contraceptives on these substances were additive. Neither cigarette smoking nor oral contraceptives had any significant effect on plasma vitamins E and C. Oral contraceptives slightly decreased the level of leukocyte vitamin C in the cigarette smokers. Cigarette smoking did not impart and acute effect on these parameters.", "contents": "Relationships between cigarette smoking, oral contraceptives, and plasma vitamins A, E, C, and plasma triglycerides and cholesterol. Plasma vitamins A, E, and C, plasma triglycerides and cholesterol, and leukocyte vitamin C were examined in young healthy adult females who were cigarette and/or oral contraceptive users. It was found that cigarette smoking slightly increased the levels of vitamin A, triglycerides, and cholesterol while oral contraceptives significantly increased these plasma lipids. The effects of cigarette smoking and oral contraceptives on these substances were additive. Neither cigarette smoking nor oral contraceptives had any significant effect on plasma vitamins E and C. Oral contraceptives slightly decreased the level of leukocyte vitamin C in the cigarette smokers. Cigarette smoking did not impart and acute effect on these parameters.", "PMID": 998536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7159", "title": "Two types of nutritional rickets in infants.", "content": "In 100 infants with nutritional rickets, i.e., responsive to vitamin D therapy, we found a close inverse relationship between serum phosphorus, on the one hand, and serum alkaline phosphatase and the presence of radiological signs of rickets, on the other. There was no correlation between serum calcium and the severity of bone lesions. It is concluded that hypophosphatemia but not hypocalcemia is typical of rickets. Since hypophosphatemia and rickets can be produced experimentally by phosphate deficiency alone, we suggest our infants can be divided into two groups, one with true vitamin D deficiency that leads to hypocalcemia and no or mild bone lesions, and one with primary phosphate deficiency, resulting perhaps from a defect in phosphate transport, which leads to rickets and hypophosphatemia.", "contents": "Two types of nutritional rickets in infants. In 100 infants with nutritional rickets, i.e., responsive to vitamin D therapy, we found a close inverse relationship between serum phosphorus, on the one hand, and serum alkaline phosphatase and the presence of radiological signs of rickets, on the other. There was no correlation between serum calcium and the severity of bone lesions. It is concluded that hypophosphatemia but not hypocalcemia is typical of rickets. Since hypophosphatemia and rickets can be produced experimentally by phosphate deficiency alone, we suggest our infants can be divided into two groups, one with true vitamin D deficiency that leads to hypocalcemia and no or mild bone lesions, and one with primary phosphate deficiency, resulting perhaps from a defect in phosphate transport, which leads to rickets and hypophosphatemia.", "PMID": 998537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7160", "title": "Physical and intellectual development in Philippine children fed five different dietary staples.", "content": "Assessments of dietary intake, intelligence, physical growth, and clinical signs of malnutrition were made on 600 children from five Philippine communities. Five boys and five girls each at ages 8,9, and 10 from poor and less poor families drawn from town and rural schools in each community were examined. Dietary staples were rice, fish, corn, coconuts, and sweet potatoes, respectively, at the five sites. Analyses of variance indicated marked differences among communities in nutrient intake based on 24-hr recall, in intellectual and anthropometric measures and in clinical signs of malnutrition. There were few significant F ratios for urban-rural residence, socioeconomic status, sec, or age. There were positive correlations of approximately 0.20 between intake of calories and carbohydrates and intelligence; between calories and carbohydrates and anthropometric measures; and between intelligence and anthropometric measures. Clinical signs in the eye and on the skin showed low correlations of about-0.20 with dietary intake of protein, fat, thiamin, and riboflavin but not with vitamin A. In all communities energy intake was low reflecting limited fat consumption. Where rice or corn was the staple, thiamin and riboflavin were also frequent deficiencies; with fish, ascorbic acid; with sweet potatoes and coconuts, calcium, riboflavin, and thiamin. A very high incidence of eye changes, suggestive of a vitamin A deficiency, was found even where vitamin A intake seemed adequate.", "contents": "Physical and intellectual development in Philippine children fed five different dietary staples. Assessments of dietary intake, intelligence, physical growth, and clinical signs of malnutrition were made on 600 children from five Philippine communities. Five boys and five girls each at ages 8,9, and 10 from poor and less poor families drawn from town and rural schools in each community were examined. Dietary staples were rice, fish, corn, coconuts, and sweet potatoes, respectively, at the five sites. Analyses of variance indicated marked differences among communities in nutrient intake based on 24-hr recall, in intellectual and anthropometric measures and in clinical signs of malnutrition. There were few significant F ratios for urban-rural residence, socioeconomic status, sec, or age. There were positive correlations of approximately 0.20 between intake of calories and carbohydrates and intelligence; between calories and carbohydrates and anthropometric measures; and between intelligence and anthropometric measures. Clinical signs in the eye and on the skin showed low correlations of about-0.20 with dietary intake of protein, fat, thiamin, and riboflavin but not with vitamin A. In all communities energy intake was low reflecting limited fat consumption. Where rice or corn was the staple, thiamin and riboflavin were also frequent deficiencies; with fish, ascorbic acid; with sweet potatoes and coconuts, calcium, riboflavin, and thiamin. A very high incidence of eye changes, suggestive of a vitamin A deficiency, was found even where vitamin A intake seemed adequate.", "PMID": 998540} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7161", "title": "Morphological effects of vitamin D and its analogs on bone.", "content": "Recent studies employing analogs of vitamin D in the treatment of clinical and experimental renal osteodystrophy indicate remarkable healing of morphological and biochemical skeletal lesions. After short periods of therapy, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol normalizes most of the histological abnormalities of the human uremic skeleton and significantly suppresses elevated levels of circulating immunoreactive parathyroid hormone. 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol appears to stimulate individual osteoblastic activity but does not increase the number of bone forming cells. Accumulated evidence suggests a direct effect of vitamin D and its metabolites on uremic bone.", "contents": "Morphological effects of vitamin D and its analogs on bone. Recent studies employing analogs of vitamin D in the treatment of clinical and experimental renal osteodystrophy indicate remarkable healing of morphological and biochemical skeletal lesions. After short periods of therapy, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol normalizes most of the histological abnormalities of the human uremic skeleton and significantly suppresses elevated levels of circulating immunoreactive parathyroid hormone. 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol appears to stimulate individual osteoblastic activity but does not increase the number of bone forming cells. Accumulated evidence suggests a direct effect of vitamin D and its metabolites on uremic bone.", "PMID": 998541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7162", "title": "Vitamin D deficiency and rickets.", "content": "Classical experimental rickets in the rat is a dual deficiency, resulting from both phosphate and vitamin D deficiency, with many of the features of rickets reproducible by simple phosphorus deficiency. Simple vitamin D deficiency differs markedly from experimental rickets, with only the absence of the vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding proteins common to both situations. The expression at the bone level of vitamin D deficiency differs in the two conditions, with rickets leading to profound structural and metabolic changes, whereas simple vitamin deficiency primarily compromises the regulatory function of bone, without obvious structural alterations. It is proposed that human nutritional rickets is the result of a nutritional vitamin D deficiency that aggravates the expression of a pre-existing metabolic defect in phosphate transport. Simple nutritional vitamin D deficiency, unaccompanied by rickets, may occur, but probably has always been rare.", "contents": "Vitamin D deficiency and rickets. Classical experimental rickets in the rat is a dual deficiency, resulting from both phosphate and vitamin D deficiency, with many of the features of rickets reproducible by simple phosphorus deficiency. Simple vitamin D deficiency differs markedly from experimental rickets, with only the absence of the vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding proteins common to both situations. The expression at the bone level of vitamin D deficiency differs in the two conditions, with rickets leading to profound structural and metabolic changes, whereas simple vitamin deficiency primarily compromises the regulatory function of bone, without obvious structural alterations. It is proposed that human nutritional rickets is the result of a nutritional vitamin D deficiency that aggravates the expression of a pre-existing metabolic defect in phosphate transport. Simple nutritional vitamin D deficiency, unaccompanied by rickets, may occur, but probably has always been rare.", "PMID": 998542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7163", "title": "Pantothenic acid, coenzyme A, and human chronic ulcerative and granulomatous colitis.", "content": "To investigate further an apparent relationship between chronic ulcerative and granulomatous colitis and pantothenic acid deficiency, colonic tissues obtained at the time of colectomy in 29 patients with these disorders were assayed for pantothenic acid and for coenzyme A (CoA) activity. For comparison, normal colonic tissues free of pathological lesions were obtained from 31 patients having colectomy for carcinoma or diverticulitis. Plasma, red blood cells, and colonic mucosa were assayed microbiologically for free and total pantothenic acid. The activity of CoA in colonic mucosa was determined by assaying the acetylation of sulfanilamide. Concentrations of free, bound, and total pantothenic acid in blood and in colonic mucosa did not differ between the two groups of patients. Bound pantothenic acid increased linearly with total pantothenic acid. Colonic mucosa concentrated free pantothenic acid to about 50 times the level of blood, and pantothenic acid in red cells was similar to the concentration in plasma. Compared to normal gut mucosa, CoA activity was markedly low in mucosa from patients with chronic ulcerative or granulomatous disease despite the presence of normal amounts of free and bound pantothenic acid. A block in the conversion of bound pantothenic acid to CoA in diseased mucosa is suggested.", "contents": "Pantothenic acid, coenzyme A, and human chronic ulcerative and granulomatous colitis. To investigate further an apparent relationship between chronic ulcerative and granulomatous colitis and pantothenic acid deficiency, colonic tissues obtained at the time of colectomy in 29 patients with these disorders were assayed for pantothenic acid and for coenzyme A (CoA) activity. For comparison, normal colonic tissues free of pathological lesions were obtained from 31 patients having colectomy for carcinoma or diverticulitis. Plasma, red blood cells, and colonic mucosa were assayed microbiologically for free and total pantothenic acid. The activity of CoA in colonic mucosa was determined by assaying the acetylation of sulfanilamide. Concentrations of free, bound, and total pantothenic acid in blood and in colonic mucosa did not differ between the two groups of patients. Bound pantothenic acid increased linearly with total pantothenic acid. Colonic mucosa concentrated free pantothenic acid to about 50 times the level of blood, and pantothenic acid in red cells was similar to the concentration in plasma. Compared to normal gut mucosa, CoA activity was markedly low in mucosa from patients with chronic ulcerative or granulomatous disease despite the presence of normal amounts of free and bound pantothenic acid. A block in the conversion of bound pantothenic acid to CoA in diseased mucosa is suggested.", "PMID": 998543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7164", "title": "Acute effect of ascorbic acid infusion on carbohydrate tolerance.", "content": "Large doses (1 to 2g/3 hr) of ascorbic acid were administered intravenously to normal weight and obese, nondiabetic subjects. Glucose tolerance and fasting plasma glucose levels were unaffected, despite a 3- to 8-fold rise in plasma concentrations of the vitamin. Infusion of ascorbic acid did not alter fasting serum insulin levels in normal subjects, but was associated with lower concentrations of hormone during an intravenous glucose tolerance test. Plasma glucose, serum insulin, growth hormone, and glucagon levels in obese subjects remained unchanged during the ascorbic acid infusion.", "contents": "Acute effect of ascorbic acid infusion on carbohydrate tolerance. Large doses (1 to 2g/3 hr) of ascorbic acid were administered intravenously to normal weight and obese, nondiabetic subjects. Glucose tolerance and fasting plasma glucose levels were unaffected, despite a 3- to 8-fold rise in plasma concentrations of the vitamin. Infusion of ascorbic acid did not alter fasting serum insulin levels in normal subjects, but was associated with lower concentrations of hormone during an intravenous glucose tolerance test. Plasma glucose, serum insulin, growth hormone, and glucagon levels in obese subjects remained unchanged during the ascorbic acid infusion.", "PMID": 998544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7165", "title": "Plasma amino acids and nitrogen retention of human subjects who consumed isonitrogenous diets containing rice and wheat or their constituent amino acids with and without additional lysine.", "content": "Six diets furnished 6.0 g of nitrogen to adult human subjects as follows: a combination of rice and wheat; mixtures in which either 100 or 50% of the amino acids in rice and wheat were replaced by their constituent amino acids; and similar diets in which lysine was increased from 1.2 to 1.8 g. Nitrogen retention was greater (P less than 0.01) and concentrations of several amino acids in plasma were lower when the cereals were supplemented with lysine than when all other diets were fed. Data obtained with mixtures of amino acids apparently cannot always be used interchangeably with that from cereal-based diets, even when amino acid content is the same. Changes in plasma amino acids are a useful indicator of utilization of dietary amono acids when nitrogen balance also is determined.", "contents": "Plasma amino acids and nitrogen retention of human subjects who consumed isonitrogenous diets containing rice and wheat or their constituent amino acids with and without additional lysine. Six diets furnished 6.0 g of nitrogen to adult human subjects as follows: a combination of rice and wheat; mixtures in which either 100 or 50% of the amino acids in rice and wheat were replaced by their constituent amino acids; and similar diets in which lysine was increased from 1.2 to 1.8 g. Nitrogen retention was greater (P less than 0.01) and concentrations of several amino acids in plasma were lower when the cereals were supplemented with lysine than when all other diets were fed. Data obtained with mixtures of amino acids apparently cannot always be used interchangeably with that from cereal-based diets, even when amino acid content is the same. Changes in plasma amino acids are a useful indicator of utilization of dietary amono acids when nitrogen balance also is determined.", "PMID": 998545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7166", "title": "Urinary creatinine excretion and lean body mass.", "content": "In a group of 34 adult and child subjects a high correlation (r = 0.988) was found between lean body mass, as determined by potassium-40 counting, and urinary creatinine excretion. The effect of technical errors was reduced by averaging the results of two or three 40K assays on each subject, and by making consecutive 3-day collections of urine. It appears that one can make a reasonable estimate of lean body mass from urinary creatinine excretion.", "contents": "Urinary creatinine excretion and lean body mass. In a group of 34 adult and child subjects a high correlation (r = 0.988) was found between lean body mass, as determined by potassium-40 counting, and urinary creatinine excretion. The effect of technical errors was reduced by averaging the results of two or three 40K assays on each subject, and by making consecutive 3-day collections of urine. It appears that one can make a reasonable estimate of lean body mass from urinary creatinine excretion.", "PMID": 998546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7167", "title": "Plasma and urinary amino acids and selected sulfur metabolites in young men fed a diet devoid of methionine and cystine.", "content": "A preliminary investigation was conducted to explore the use of plasma methionine and cystine for determining human sulfur amino acid requirements. Measurements of urinary methionine, cystine, taurine, and inorganic sulfate were included. After a 3-day control period, three young men were fed for 8 days a diet containing a purified -l-amino acid mixture, patterned after egg protein but devoid of methionine and cystine. Fasting plasma methionine and cystine levels showed little decrease during the 8-day period. Urinary cystine and taurine responses were inconsistent among the subjects. Urinary methionine and inorganic sulfate levels decreased markedly within a few days after feeding of the experimental diet, and may be useful criteria for determining human sulfur amino acid requirements.", "contents": "Plasma and urinary amino acids and selected sulfur metabolites in young men fed a diet devoid of methionine and cystine. A preliminary investigation was conducted to explore the use of plasma methionine and cystine for determining human sulfur amino acid requirements. Measurements of urinary methionine, cystine, taurine, and inorganic sulfate were included. After a 3-day control period, three young men were fed for 8 days a diet containing a purified -l-amino acid mixture, patterned after egg protein but devoid of methionine and cystine. Fasting plasma methionine and cystine levels showed little decrease during the 8-day period. Urinary cystine and taurine responses were inconsistent among the subjects. Urinary methionine and inorganic sulfate levels decreased markedly within a few days after feeding of the experimental diet, and may be useful criteria for determining human sulfur amino acid requirements.", "PMID": 998547} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7168", "title": "Vitamin A absorption in ascariasis.", "content": "Vitamin A absorption was studied in a group of 28 adult patients with ascariasis and 12 healthy adult controls, using a simplified vitamin A absorption test. In over 70% of the patients with ascariasis malabsorption of vitamin A was demonstrated. Stool egg counts for ascaris were not related to the degree of vitamin A malabsorption. Of the 23 patients in whom a D-xylose absorption test was performed, seven showed excretion less than 20% in 5 hr. Immediately after expulsion of the worms, vitamin A absorption improved in 13 out of 14 patients tested (in nine to normal level). The results of this study suggest that ascariasis in populations on marginal intakes of vitamin A and its precursors is an important contributing factor in producing clinical vitamin A deficiency.", "contents": "Vitamin A absorption in ascariasis. Vitamin A absorption was studied in a group of 28 adult patients with ascariasis and 12 healthy adult controls, using a simplified vitamin A absorption test. In over 70% of the patients with ascariasis malabsorption of vitamin A was demonstrated. Stool egg counts for ascaris were not related to the degree of vitamin A malabsorption. Of the 23 patients in whom a D-xylose absorption test was performed, seven showed excretion less than 20% in 5 hr. Immediately after expulsion of the worms, vitamin A absorption improved in 13 out of 14 patients tested (in nine to normal level). The results of this study suggest that ascariasis in populations on marginal intakes of vitamin A and its precursors is an important contributing factor in producing clinical vitamin A deficiency.", "PMID": 998548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7169", "title": "Adequacy of vitamin B6 supplementation during pregnancy: a prospective study.", "content": "This prospective study assesses the effect of 2.5, 4, and 10 mg of pyridoxine supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and fetal plasma levels of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) and on the degree of coenzyme saturation (activation factor) of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (alphaEGOT and alphaEGPT) in maternal erythrocytes. More than 4 mg of pyridoxine supplementation daily was required for most pregnancies to maintain maternal plasma PLP levels within the range observed during the first trimester and in the nonpregnant state. The plasma PLP concentrations in maternal and cord blood were highly correlated and indicated a dependence of fetal vitamin B6 nutrition on maternal circulating PLP. Measurements of alphaEGOT and alphaEGPT were not as reproducible as plasma PLP assays and were less sensitive and quantitative indicators. In the majority of subjects, the changes in alphaEGOT and alphaEGPT with time correlated poorly with the changes in plasma PLP. However, when the data were analyzed without regard for their dependence on time, they demonstrated a negative, linear correlation between alphaEGOT and log plasma PLP and between alphaEGPT and log plasma PLP for the group on 2.5 mg of pyridoxine and for all the subjects combined. Finally, the dietary records showed that most of the subjects consumed less than 2 mg of vitamin B6 daily from their food. The results indicate that the current Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin B6 during pregnancy (2.5 mg) is too low and that supplementation of this vitamin in an amount more than 4 mg daily is recommended.", "contents": "Adequacy of vitamin B6 supplementation during pregnancy: a prospective study. This prospective study assesses the effect of 2.5, 4, and 10 mg of pyridoxine supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and fetal plasma levels of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) and on the degree of coenzyme saturation (activation factor) of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (alphaEGOT and alphaEGPT) in maternal erythrocytes. More than 4 mg of pyridoxine supplementation daily was required for most pregnancies to maintain maternal plasma PLP levels within the range observed during the first trimester and in the nonpregnant state. The plasma PLP concentrations in maternal and cord blood were highly correlated and indicated a dependence of fetal vitamin B6 nutrition on maternal circulating PLP. Measurements of alphaEGOT and alphaEGPT were not as reproducible as plasma PLP assays and were less sensitive and quantitative indicators. In the majority of subjects, the changes in alphaEGOT and alphaEGPT with time correlated poorly with the changes in plasma PLP. However, when the data were analyzed without regard for their dependence on time, they demonstrated a negative, linear correlation between alphaEGOT and log plasma PLP and between alphaEGPT and log plasma PLP for the group on 2.5 mg of pyridoxine and for all the subjects combined. Finally, the dietary records showed that most of the subjects consumed less than 2 mg of vitamin B6 daily from their food. The results indicate that the current Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin B6 during pregnancy (2.5 mg) is too low and that supplementation of this vitamin in an amount more than 4 mg daily is recommended.", "PMID": 998549} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7170", "title": "Daily nutritional intake and serum lipid levels. The Tecumseh study.", "content": "To determine the influence of diet on serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels among adults, 24-hr dietary recall interviews were conducted among 957 men and 1,082 women resident in the community of Tecumseh, Michigan. Trained interviewers obtained detailed description of all foods consumed during 24 hr before venipuncture for lipid determination. Using a list of nutritional composition of 2,706 foods prepared from standard references, nutritionists determined quantities of all nutrients common to the American diet which were consumed by each participant according to a 24-hr diet record. For analysis, men and women were grouped into lower middle, and upper tertiles according to serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The mean daily consumption of each dietary component was virtually identical in all tertiles for men and women but differed between sexes. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were unrelated to quality, quantity, or proportions of fat, carbohydrate, or protein consumed in the 24-hr recall period.", "contents": "Daily nutritional intake and serum lipid levels. The Tecumseh study. To determine the influence of diet on serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels among adults, 24-hr dietary recall interviews were conducted among 957 men and 1,082 women resident in the community of Tecumseh, Michigan. Trained interviewers obtained detailed description of all foods consumed during 24 hr before venipuncture for lipid determination. Using a list of nutritional composition of 2,706 foods prepared from standard references, nutritionists determined quantities of all nutrients common to the American diet which were consumed by each participant according to a 24-hr diet record. For analysis, men and women were grouped into lower middle, and upper tertiles according to serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The mean daily consumption of each dietary component was virtually identical in all tertiles for men and women but differed between sexes. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were unrelated to quality, quantity, or proportions of fat, carbohydrate, or protein consumed in the 24-hr recall period.", "PMID": 998550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7171", "title": "Bacteria, diet, and large bowel cancer.", "content": "The influence of various dietary supplements on the fecal bacteria was studied. Substances were chosen for study because they were known to influence body metabolism or had been implicated in the various hypotheses as the cause of large bowel cancer. No alteration in the fecal flora was demonstrated. The implications of these findings are discussed in the light of other investigations with special reference to our theory concerning the cause of large bowel cancer.", "contents": "Bacteria, diet, and large bowel cancer. The influence of various dietary supplements on the fecal bacteria was studied. Substances were chosen for study because they were known to influence body metabolism or had been implicated in the various hypotheses as the cause of large bowel cancer. No alteration in the fecal flora was demonstrated. The implications of these findings are discussed in the light of other investigations with special reference to our theory concerning the cause of large bowel cancer.", "PMID": 998551} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7172", "title": "Colon cancer and diet, with special reference to intakes of fat and fiber.", "content": "Colon cancer, rare in the past, and in developing populations, currently accounts for 2 to 4% of all deaths in Western populations. Evidence suggests the primary cause to be changes in diet, which affect the bowel milieu int\u00e9rieur. It is possible that in sophisticated populations, the higher concentrations of fecal bile acids and sterols, and longer transit time, favor the production of potentially carcinogenic metabolites. Of secular changes in diet, evidence suggests that the following may have etiological importance: 1) the fall in intake of fiber-containing foods with its effects on bowel physiology, and 2) the decreased fiber but increased fat intakes, in their respective capacities to raise concentrations of fecal bile acids, sterols, and other noxious substances. For possible prophylaxis against colon cancer, recommendations for a lower fat intake, or a higher intake of fiber-containing foods (apart from fiber ingestion from bran) are extremely unlikely to be adopted. For future research, western populations with considerably lower than average mortality rates, e.g., Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, the rural Finnish population, as well as developing populations, demand intensive study. Also requiring elucidation are the respective roles of diet and of genetic constitution on concentrations of fecal bile acids, etc., and on transit time, in prone and nonprone populations.", "contents": "Colon cancer and diet, with special reference to intakes of fat and fiber. Colon cancer, rare in the past, and in developing populations, currently accounts for 2 to 4% of all deaths in Western populations. Evidence suggests the primary cause to be changes in diet, which affect the bowel milieu int\u00e9rieur. It is possible that in sophisticated populations, the higher concentrations of fecal bile acids and sterols, and longer transit time, favor the production of potentially carcinogenic metabolites. Of secular changes in diet, evidence suggests that the following may have etiological importance: 1) the fall in intake of fiber-containing foods with its effects on bowel physiology, and 2) the decreased fiber but increased fat intakes, in their respective capacities to raise concentrations of fecal bile acids, sterols, and other noxious substances. For possible prophylaxis against colon cancer, recommendations for a lower fat intake, or a higher intake of fiber-containing foods (apart from fiber ingestion from bran) are extremely unlikely to be adopted. For future research, western populations with considerably lower than average mortality rates, e.g., Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, the rural Finnish population, as well as developing populations, demand intensive study. Also requiring elucidation are the respective roles of diet and of genetic constitution on concentrations of fecal bile acids, etc., and on transit time, in prone and nonprone populations.", "PMID": 998552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7173", "title": "The reproducibility of dietary intake data in a prospective study of gastrointestinal cancer.", "content": "To test the reproducibility of the dietary questionnaire used in the Japan-Hawaii Cancer Study and to measure the consistency of dietary patterns over time, 109 men were reinterviewed with the same questionnaire after a 6-month interval and 111 men were reinterviewed after a 2-year interval. The responses for intake of the 33 food items in the questionnaire were fairly reproducible. Food items with substantial correlation coefficients in both groups of men tended to be consumed on a more habitual basis. This finding suggests that if habitually consumed foods are linked to specific cancers, it is less likely that such associations occur by chance. This is of particular importance because when many food items are considered in a dietary study, chance association between a specific food and cancer is not an infrequent event.", "contents": "The reproducibility of dietary intake data in a prospective study of gastrointestinal cancer. To test the reproducibility of the dietary questionnaire used in the Japan-Hawaii Cancer Study and to measure the consistency of dietary patterns over time, 109 men were reinterviewed with the same questionnaire after a 6-month interval and 111 men were reinterviewed after a 2-year interval. The responses for intake of the 33 food items in the questionnaire were fairly reproducible. Food items with substantial correlation coefficients in both groups of men tended to be consumed on a more habitual basis. This finding suggests that if habitually consumed foods are linked to specific cancers, it is less likely that such associations occur by chance. This is of particular importance because when many food items are considered in a dietary study, chance association between a specific food and cancer is not an infrequent event.", "PMID": 998553} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7174", "title": "The effect of dietary fiber supplementation in man. I. Modification of eating habits.", "content": "Six subjects were studied for an 8-week period that consisted of a 3-week control period, followed by a 3-week period during which their daily diets were supplemented with 3 oz of a high fiber breakfast food, All-bran, and a final 2 weeks on their regular diet. Daily diet records of food intake were recorded and analyzed for seven dietary constituents; carbohydrates, proteins, fats, cholesterol, fiber, alcohol, and total calories. The most significant change in eating behavior due to the fiber food supplementation was a decrease in eating eggs, butter, and breakfast meats. These foods were most often replaced because all six subjects chose to eat the major portion of All-bran during breakfast. An increase in milk and fruit also occurred during the supplemented feeding. These particular foods were added to make All-bran more palatable and served to increase carbohydrate and protein intake. Five subjects added the supplement to the between meal-time intake and thus caused an increase in total daily caloric intake. At lunch and dinner few foods were altered with no particular pattern of substitution. Notwithstanding the knowledge that increased fiber content may have beneficial effects, none of the subjects modified his eating behavior to include even 1 oz of a high fiber food daily after the experimental period was concluded. Thus behavior modification by forced diet intake of a high fiber breakfast food resulted in definite diet pattern changes that did not persist following the experimental period.", "contents": "The effect of dietary fiber supplementation in man. I. Modification of eating habits. Six subjects were studied for an 8-week period that consisted of a 3-week control period, followed by a 3-week period during which their daily diets were supplemented with 3 oz of a high fiber breakfast food, All-bran, and a final 2 weeks on their regular diet. Daily diet records of food intake were recorded and analyzed for seven dietary constituents; carbohydrates, proteins, fats, cholesterol, fiber, alcohol, and total calories. The most significant change in eating behavior due to the fiber food supplementation was a decrease in eating eggs, butter, and breakfast meats. These foods were most often replaced because all six subjects chose to eat the major portion of All-bran during breakfast. An increase in milk and fruit also occurred during the supplemented feeding. These particular foods were added to make All-bran more palatable and served to increase carbohydrate and protein intake. Five subjects added the supplement to the between meal-time intake and thus caused an increase in total daily caloric intake. At lunch and dinner few foods were altered with no particular pattern of substitution. Notwithstanding the knowledge that increased fiber content may have beneficial effects, none of the subjects modified his eating behavior to include even 1 oz of a high fiber food daily after the experimental period was concluded. Thus behavior modification by forced diet intake of a high fiber breakfast food resulted in definite diet pattern changes that did not persist following the experimental period.", "PMID": 998554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7175", "title": "Changes in fecal composition and colonic function due to cereal fiber.", "content": "The effect on colonic function of adding wheat fiber for 3 weeks to the metabolically-controlled diets of six healthy volunteers has been studied. Increasing dietary fiber intake from 17 to 45 g/day increased fecal weight from 79 +/- 6.6 g/day to 228 +/- 29.9 g/day and shortened mean transit time, measured by a continuous marker method, from 57.8 +/- 8.3 hr to 40.3 +/- 8.9 hr. The increase in fecal weight was largely due to water. Fiber caused a dilution of fecal marker and an increase in fecal fat, nitrogen, and calcium output. Fecal sodium, potassium, and chloride showed only small changes but volatile fatty acid output increased significantly without concentrations changing. Fecal bile acid output increased from 199 +/- 46 mg/day to 279 +/- 46 mg/day. These changes are discussed in light of current views of the role of dietary fiber in protecting against colon cancer.", "contents": "Changes in fecal composition and colonic function due to cereal fiber. The effect on colonic function of adding wheat fiber for 3 weeks to the metabolically-controlled diets of six healthy volunteers has been studied. Increasing dietary fiber intake from 17 to 45 g/day increased fecal weight from 79 +/- 6.6 g/day to 228 +/- 29.9 g/day and shortened mean transit time, measured by a continuous marker method, from 57.8 +/- 8.3 hr to 40.3 +/- 8.9 hr. The increase in fecal weight was largely due to water. Fiber caused a dilution of fecal marker and an increase in fecal fat, nitrogen, and calcium output. Fecal sodium, potassium, and chloride showed only small changes but volatile fatty acid output increased significantly without concentrations changing. Fecal bile acid output increased from 199 +/- 46 mg/day to 279 +/- 46 mg/day. These changes are discussed in light of current views of the role of dietary fiber in protecting against colon cancer.", "PMID": 998555} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7176", "title": "The effect on intestinal transit and the feces of raw and cooked bran in different doses.", "content": "Ten healthy male subjects on a low fiber diet were given two doses of raw wheat bran (12 and 20 g/day) and two doses of cooked bran (13.2 and 22 g/day). Both doses of raw bran increased fecal dry weight but only the higher dose decreased transit time and increased stool volume. Individual stool size was increased only by raw bran 12g/day. Neither bran influenced fecal wet weight or stool frequency. This study suggests that the cereal manufacturing process alters wheat bran so that cooked bran has less effect on the intestine than does a comparable amount of raw bran.", "contents": "The effect on intestinal transit and the feces of raw and cooked bran in different doses. Ten healthy male subjects on a low fiber diet were given two doses of raw wheat bran (12 and 20 g/day) and two doses of cooked bran (13.2 and 22 g/day). Both doses of raw bran increased fecal dry weight but only the higher dose decreased transit time and increased stool volume. Individual stool size was increased only by raw bran 12g/day. Neither bran influenced fecal wet weight or stool frequency. This study suggests that the cereal manufacturing process alters wheat bran so that cooked bran has less effect on the intestine than does a comparable amount of raw bran.", "PMID": 998556} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7177", "title": "Limulus amebocyte lysate test in neonates.", "content": "The limulus amebocyte lysate test for endotoxin was done on samples of blood from 22 well babies and 33 neonates in an intensive-care nursery. The objective was to determine whether falsely positive test results occurred in samples from newborn infants during acquisition of usual bowel flora. One neonate had a transiently positive limulus amebocyte lysate test; he had clinical signs of spesis, but no bacteremia could be documented. Unlike the nitroblue tetrazolium test, the limulus amebocyte lysate test does not appear to be regularly positive in neonates. The sensitivity of the test in detection of endotoxemia associated with gram-negative spesis in the neonate remains to be determined in a large prospective study.", "contents": "Limulus amebocyte lysate test in neonates. The limulus amebocyte lysate test for endotoxin was done on samples of blood from 22 well babies and 33 neonates in an intensive-care nursery. The objective was to determine whether falsely positive test results occurred in samples from newborn infants during acquisition of usual bowel flora. One neonate had a transiently positive limulus amebocyte lysate test; he had clinical signs of spesis, but no bacteremia could be documented. Unlike the nitroblue tetrazolium test, the limulus amebocyte lysate test does not appear to be regularly positive in neonates. The sensitivity of the test in detection of endotoxemia associated with gram-negative spesis in the neonate remains to be determined in a large prospective study.", "PMID": 998561} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7178", "title": "Pulmonary infection with Allescheria boydii.", "content": "Allescheria boydii, the most common fungus isolated from North American maduromycosis, is a well-described pathogen. Reports of its isolation from sites other than the extremities are rare. Only ten cases of pulmonary infection are recorded in the literature. Of these, two are primary infections, and eight are secondary. An eleventh case is reported. Although there are some elements in the patient's history that indicate that this infection is secondary, the authors regard the infection a primary one. A pathologic and microbiologic compendium of all 11 cases is presented.", "contents": "Pulmonary infection with Allescheria boydii. Allescheria boydii, the most common fungus isolated from North American maduromycosis, is a well-described pathogen. Reports of its isolation from sites other than the extremities are rare. Only ten cases of pulmonary infection are recorded in the literature. Of these, two are primary infections, and eight are secondary. An eleventh case is reported. Although there are some elements in the patient's history that indicate that this infection is secondary, the authors regard the infection a primary one. A pathologic and microbiologic compendium of all 11 cases is presented.", "PMID": 998563} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7179", "title": "Isolation of the uterotonic principle from Leonurus artemisia, the Chinese motherwort.", "content": "A search in ancient Chinese medicinal literature and modern phytochemical references indicates that the therapeutic value of Leonurus artemisia (I-mu ts'ao, the Chinese motherwort) might reside in a uterotonic principle present in leaves. Leonurine (4-guanidino-n-butyl syringate) was isolated from fresh and dry leaves of Leonurus artemisia. The uterotonic effect of leonurine was demonstrated in rat uterus in vitro. Results from this study suggest that functional phytochemistry based on ethnobotanical experience could lead to development of new and effective drugs from Chinese medicine.", "contents": "Isolation of the uterotonic principle from Leonurus artemisia, the Chinese motherwort. A search in ancient Chinese medicinal literature and modern phytochemical references indicates that the therapeutic value of Leonurus artemisia (I-mu ts'ao, the Chinese motherwort) might reside in a uterotonic principle present in leaves. Leonurine (4-guanidino-n-butyl syringate) was isolated from fresh and dry leaves of Leonurus artemisia. The uterotonic effect of leonurine was demonstrated in rat uterus in vitro. Results from this study suggest that functional phytochemistry based on ethnobotanical experience could lead to development of new and effective drugs from Chinese medicine.", "PMID": 998557} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7180", "title": "The involvement of medullary reticular formation in the hypotensive effect of extracts from seeds of Cassia tora.", "content": "In pentobarbital anesthetized rats, the medial portion of the medullary reticular formation has been identified to be directly involved in the hypotensive effect of extracts from the seeds of Cassia tora. This conclusion was drawn from the observed decrease in arterial blood pressure following local injection of extracts of this herb into this reticular site and from its inability to promote hypotension when the same reticular site has been electrolytically lesioned. The role of the medullary reticular formation in the Cassia tora-induced hypotension was suggested to be one which modulates the basic cardiovascular reflexes, favoring a decrease in vasomotor tone.", "contents": "The involvement of medullary reticular formation in the hypotensive effect of extracts from seeds of Cassia tora. In pentobarbital anesthetized rats, the medial portion of the medullary reticular formation has been identified to be directly involved in the hypotensive effect of extracts from the seeds of Cassia tora. This conclusion was drawn from the observed decrease in arterial blood pressure following local injection of extracts of this herb into this reticular site and from its inability to promote hypotension when the same reticular site has been electrolytically lesioned. The role of the medullary reticular formation in the Cassia tora-induced hypotension was suggested to be one which modulates the basic cardiovascular reflexes, favoring a decrease in vasomotor tone.", "PMID": 998558} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7181", "title": "The influence of acupuncture stimulation on plasma levels of LH, FSH, progesterone and estradiol in normally ovulating women.", "content": "This is the first attempt to elucidate the direct effect of acupuncture stimulation on plasma levels of LH, FSH, progesterone and esterone and estradiol in normally ovulating women. Four loci, which are known from experience to relate closely to female reproductive organs, were needled with electric stimulation and the responses to synthetic LH-RH with and without acupuncture stimulation were also analyzed in the same cases. Plasma hormone levels were measured by specific radioimmunoassay. All cases showed normal responses to LH-RH corresponding to the day of the menstrual cycle. During the initial part of stimulation, both progesterone and estradiol levels rose in follicular cases and declined in luteal cases. Plasma LH levels declined and FSH showed no change at this time. The analysis of plasma LH responses to LH-RH under acupuncture stimulation revealed extraordinary re-elevation in some cases. It is suggested that properly performed acupuncture stimulation might affect the female endocrine function.", "contents": "The influence of acupuncture stimulation on plasma levels of LH, FSH, progesterone and estradiol in normally ovulating women. This is the first attempt to elucidate the direct effect of acupuncture stimulation on plasma levels of LH, FSH, progesterone and esterone and estradiol in normally ovulating women. Four loci, which are known from experience to relate closely to female reproductive organs, were needled with electric stimulation and the responses to synthetic LH-RH with and without acupuncture stimulation were also analyzed in the same cases. Plasma hormone levels were measured by specific radioimmunoassay. All cases showed normal responses to LH-RH corresponding to the day of the menstrual cycle. During the initial part of stimulation, both progesterone and estradiol levels rose in follicular cases and declined in luteal cases. Plasma LH levels declined and FSH showed no change at this time. The analysis of plasma LH responses to LH-RH under acupuncture stimulation revealed extraordinary re-elevation in some cases. It is suggested that properly performed acupuncture stimulation might affect the female endocrine function.", "PMID": 998559} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7182", "title": "Isoelectric focusing of alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes in polyacrylamide gels. Use of Triton X-100 and improved staining technic.", "content": "The examination of alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes by means of isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel rods using the apparatus and focusing method of Righetti and Drysdale is discussed. A simultaneous coupling procedure using alpha-naphthyl phosphate and fast blue salt R in 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol buffer, pH 9.68, containing MgCl2 and ZnSO4 proved sensitive for developing the enzyme bands. Also discussed are the effects seen with the incorporation of Triton X100 into the gel and sample mixtures. Enzyme, which remained at the top of the gel without using this detergent, entered the gel easily with the addition of Triton X-100 into the application solution. Incorporation of Triton into the gel matrix resulted in some enzyme band patterns that showed distinct differences from gels containing no Triton.", "contents": "Isoelectric focusing of alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes in polyacrylamide gels. Use of Triton X-100 and improved staining technic. The examination of alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes by means of isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel rods using the apparatus and focusing method of Righetti and Drysdale is discussed. A simultaneous coupling procedure using alpha-naphthyl phosphate and fast blue salt R in 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol buffer, pH 9.68, containing MgCl2 and ZnSO4 proved sensitive for developing the enzyme bands. Also discussed are the effects seen with the incorporation of Triton X100 into the gel and sample mixtures. Enzyme, which remained at the top of the gel without using this detergent, entered the gel easily with the addition of Triton X-100 into the application solution. Incorporation of Triton into the gel matrix resulted in some enzyme band patterns that showed distinct differences from gels containing no Triton.", "PMID": 998565} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7183", "title": "Variations of cholesterol and total lipid concentrations in sera of healthy young men. Differentiating analytic error from biologic variability.", "content": "Three major sources of variation affecting serum cholesterol and serum total lipid concentration values were studied in a group of healthy men. The first source of variation, analytic error, was separated into pre-instrumental and instrumental components. The pre-instrumental component, which consisted of all uncertainties occurring from the instant of venipuncture to the entrance of the sample into the instrument, was statistically significant for total lipids. The second major source of variation-preparation of the subject-was evaluated for four major stresses: diet, exercise, posture prior to venipuncture, and duration of tourniquet application. Diet affected total lipids, while the specifics of posture and tourniquet application were statistically significant for both serum cholesterol and total lipids. The third source of variation considered was the within-day and the day-to-day changes. Within-day changes were divided into within-hour and hour-to-hour effects. Day-to-day changes occurred over a two-week period. The magnitude and statistical significance of the changes were evaluated using an ANOVA model. The C.V.'s of day-to-day changes for cholesterol and total lipids (biologic) were 5.3% and 10.2%, respectively while the hour-to-hour within-day C.V.'s were 3.8% for cholesterol and 10.4% for serum total lipids. In all cases the biologic variation was in far excess of the analytic variation. The significance of these factors affecting intraindividual variation in healthy subject is discussed.", "contents": "Variations of cholesterol and total lipid concentrations in sera of healthy young men. Differentiating analytic error from biologic variability. Three major sources of variation affecting serum cholesterol and serum total lipid concentration values were studied in a group of healthy men. The first source of variation, analytic error, was separated into pre-instrumental and instrumental components. The pre-instrumental component, which consisted of all uncertainties occurring from the instant of venipuncture to the entrance of the sample into the instrument, was statistically significant for total lipids. The second major source of variation-preparation of the subject-was evaluated for four major stresses: diet, exercise, posture prior to venipuncture, and duration of tourniquet application. Diet affected total lipids, while the specifics of posture and tourniquet application were statistically significant for both serum cholesterol and total lipids. The third source of variation considered was the within-day and the day-to-day changes. Within-day changes were divided into within-hour and hour-to-hour effects. Day-to-day changes occurred over a two-week period. The magnitude and statistical significance of the changes were evaluated using an ANOVA model. The C.V.'s of day-to-day changes for cholesterol and total lipids (biologic) were 5.3% and 10.2%, respectively while the hour-to-hour within-day C.V.'s were 3.8% for cholesterol and 10.4% for serum total lipids. In all cases the biologic variation was in far excess of the analytic variation. The significance of these factors affecting intraindividual variation in healthy subject is discussed.", "PMID": 998566} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7184", "title": "Acupuncture treatment of drug dependence in Pakistan.", "content": "Wen's technique of electro-acupuncture was used successfully for treatment of withdrawal symptoms of 19 drug abusers. The drug common to all was opium (eating as well as smoking). Other drugs were amphetamine, methaqualone (mandrax) and barbiturates by mouth and cannabis (charas) smoking. The sample of the study is too small to draw statistical conclusions, but it is worth stating that all the cases showed a definite response to electro-acupuncture and that their withdrawal symptoms, especially those of opium, were controlled within 30 minutes of the application. The need for subsequent treatment varied, but all patients were symptom free and chemical free on the 6th-8th day of treatment. Thus, the period of active treatment was much shorter than that with codeine substitution therapy. It appears obvious that electro-acupuncture is an effective, simple and more economical method for the detoxification of opiate dependents.", "contents": "Acupuncture treatment of drug dependence in Pakistan. Wen's technique of electro-acupuncture was used successfully for treatment of withdrawal symptoms of 19 drug abusers. The drug common to all was opium (eating as well as smoking). Other drugs were amphetamine, methaqualone (mandrax) and barbiturates by mouth and cannabis (charas) smoking. The sample of the study is too small to draw statistical conclusions, but it is worth stating that all the cases showed a definite response to electro-acupuncture and that their withdrawal symptoms, especially those of opium, were controlled within 30 minutes of the application. The need for subsequent treatment varied, but all patients were symptom free and chemical free on the 6th-8th day of treatment. Thus, the period of active treatment was much shorter than that with codeine substitution therapy. It appears obvious that electro-acupuncture is an effective, simple and more economical method for the detoxification of opiate dependents.", "PMID": 998560} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7185", "title": "Prostatic acid phosphatase. Current assessment in vaginal fluid of alleged rape victims.", "content": "Although elevated prostatic acid phosphatase activity (ACP) in vaginal fluid is compatible with recent coitus, the finding of spermatozoa in vaginal fluid is usually considered the diagnostic indicator for semen. When 80 alleged rape cases during an 18-month period were reviewed and the results of cytologic examination for the presence of spermatozoa compared with quantitative ACP determinations, the latter appeared to be a more reliable and sensitive indicator of semen. The normal range of ACP in semen, as well as persistence of ACP in vaginal fluid, was also defined. It is concluded that vaginal fluid ACP is a reliable and sensitive method for identification of semen. Furthermore, the results confirm that quantitative ACP determination of vaginal fluid specimens may substantiate the allegation of rape with respect to time.", "contents": "Prostatic acid phosphatase. Current assessment in vaginal fluid of alleged rape victims. Although elevated prostatic acid phosphatase activity (ACP) in vaginal fluid is compatible with recent coitus, the finding of spermatozoa in vaginal fluid is usually considered the diagnostic indicator for semen. When 80 alleged rape cases during an 18-month period were reviewed and the results of cytologic examination for the presence of spermatozoa compared with quantitative ACP determinations, the latter appeared to be a more reliable and sensitive indicator of semen. The normal range of ACP in semen, as well as persistence of ACP in vaginal fluid, was also defined. It is concluded that vaginal fluid ACP is a reliable and sensitive method for identification of semen. Furthermore, the results confirm that quantitative ACP determination of vaginal fluid specimens may substantiate the allegation of rape with respect to time.", "PMID": 998567} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7186", "title": "Reduced erythrocytic deformability in megaloblastic anemia.", "content": "Ten patients with megaloblastic anemia had erythrocytes with reduced deformability. The mean half-life for erythrocyte filtration was 9.89 minutes in these patients, compared with 5,20 minutes in controls. The half-life was inversely related to the hemoglobin concentration. After adequate vitamin replacement therapy filtrability improved significantly. Two patients had thromboembolic disease, It is proposed that the reduced erythrocytic deformability reflects membrane rigidity that might ultimately lead to hemolysis.", "contents": "Reduced erythrocytic deformability in megaloblastic anemia. Ten patients with megaloblastic anemia had erythrocytes with reduced deformability. The mean half-life for erythrocyte filtration was 9.89 minutes in these patients, compared with 5,20 minutes in controls. The half-life was inversely related to the hemoglobin concentration. After adequate vitamin replacement therapy filtrability improved significantly. Two patients had thromboembolic disease, It is proposed that the reduced erythrocytic deformability reflects membrane rigidity that might ultimately lead to hemolysis.", "PMID": 998568} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7187", "title": "Fibrinogen heterogeneity in cancer, in occlusive vascular disease, and after surgical procedures.", "content": "Electrophoresis in 3.5% polyacrylamide gel was used to determine the patterns of fibrinogen heterogeneity in healthy subjects, in postoperative patients and in patients with cancer or occlusive vascular disease. Two major and one minor fibrinogen fractions, differing in molecular weight, were identified, and their concentrations in blood determined. The high-molecular-weight (HWM) fraction was found in greatest concentration after operation, during the period of hyperfibrinogenemia, whereas no simultaneous increase of lower-molecular-weight (LMW and LMW') fractions occurred, suggesting that these were derivatives of HMW (\"native\") fibrinogen. No correlation between the concentrations of the LMW and LMW' fractions and fibrinolytic activity was found, suggesting that direct degradation of HMW fibrinogen by plasmin was unlikely. The high fibrinogen level in cancer patients was related to increased concentrations of HMW and LMW fractions, whereas in the vascular-disease patients it was due exclusively to increased concentrations of LMW and LMW' fibrinogen. Serial observations indicated little fluctuation in the concentration of these fractions, indicating a persistently accelerated rate of conversion of HMW to LMW and LMW' fibrinogen in occlusive vascular disease. Possible pathogenic implications are discussed.", "contents": "Fibrinogen heterogeneity in cancer, in occlusive vascular disease, and after surgical procedures. Electrophoresis in 3.5% polyacrylamide gel was used to determine the patterns of fibrinogen heterogeneity in healthy subjects, in postoperative patients and in patients with cancer or occlusive vascular disease. Two major and one minor fibrinogen fractions, differing in molecular weight, were identified, and their concentrations in blood determined. The high-molecular-weight (HWM) fraction was found in greatest concentration after operation, during the period of hyperfibrinogenemia, whereas no simultaneous increase of lower-molecular-weight (LMW and LMW') fractions occurred, suggesting that these were derivatives of HMW (\"native\") fibrinogen. No correlation between the concentrations of the LMW and LMW' fractions and fibrinolytic activity was found, suggesting that direct degradation of HMW fibrinogen by plasmin was unlikely. The high fibrinogen level in cancer patients was related to increased concentrations of HMW and LMW fractions, whereas in the vascular-disease patients it was due exclusively to increased concentrations of LMW and LMW' fibrinogen. Serial observations indicated little fluctuation in the concentration of these fractions, indicating a persistently accelerated rate of conversion of HMW to LMW and LMW' fibrinogen in occlusive vascular disease. Possible pathogenic implications are discussed.", "PMID": 998569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7188", "title": "Oxalosis. An unusual cause of myelophthisis in childhood.", "content": "In a child with renal failure and oliguria due to hyperoxaluria myelophthisis developed as a result of extensive bone-marrow replacement with calcium oxalate crystals and an accompanying fibrous proliferations. The histopathology associated with this metabolic disorder was demonstrated in posterior iliac crest bone-marrow trephine biopsies, renal biopsies, and nephrectomy specimens. Crystals were demonstrated in biopsy specimens of transplanted kidneys within six weeks following renal transplantation.", "contents": "Oxalosis. An unusual cause of myelophthisis in childhood. In a child with renal failure and oliguria due to hyperoxaluria myelophthisis developed as a result of extensive bone-marrow replacement with calcium oxalate crystals and an accompanying fibrous proliferations. The histopathology associated with this metabolic disorder was demonstrated in posterior iliac crest bone-marrow trephine biopsies, renal biopsies, and nephrectomy specimens. Crystals were demonstrated in biopsy specimens of transplanted kidneys within six weeks following renal transplantation.", "PMID": 998570} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7189", "title": "Primary Kaposi's sarcoma of lymph nods.", "content": "An example of Kaposi's sarcoma with primary involvement of lymph nodes is reported. The patient, a woman, was admitted because of generalized lymphadenopathy and anemia. She was also known to have congestive heart failure of rheumatic origin. SMA-12 screening disclosed hypercalcemia on several occasions during her hospitalization. Levels of circulating parathormone and prostaglandins E2 and F were markedly increased. Total bone scan was negative for involvement by tumor. Electronmicroscopic examination of an involved lymph node disclosed secretory bodies in the cytoplasm of malignant cells and other cells, with clear indication of endothelial origin. The rarity of Kaposi's sarcoma with primary lymph nodal involvement in the United States is discussed. So far as is known by the authors, no example of Kaposi's sarcoma has been associated with hypercalcemia due to ectopic endocrine production.", "contents": "Primary Kaposi's sarcoma of lymph nods. An example of Kaposi's sarcoma with primary involvement of lymph nodes is reported. The patient, a woman, was admitted because of generalized lymphadenopathy and anemia. She was also known to have congestive heart failure of rheumatic origin. SMA-12 screening disclosed hypercalcemia on several occasions during her hospitalization. Levels of circulating parathormone and prostaglandins E2 and F were markedly increased. Total bone scan was negative for involvement by tumor. Electronmicroscopic examination of an involved lymph node disclosed secretory bodies in the cytoplasm of malignant cells and other cells, with clear indication of endothelial origin. The rarity of Kaposi's sarcoma with primary lymph nodal involvement in the United States is discussed. So far as is known by the authors, no example of Kaposi's sarcoma has been associated with hypercalcemia due to ectopic endocrine production.", "PMID": 998571} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7190", "title": "Observed child restraint use in automobiles.", "content": "Visual observations were made on restraint use in occupants of 5,050 automobiles containing at least one passenger less than 10 years of age, and short interviews were conducted with the drivers. Ninety-three percent of passengers less than 10 years old were not restained. Eighty-nine percent of passengers 10 or older and 78% of the drivers were not restained. Sixteen percent of child motor vehicle restraint devices observed were not used, and 73% of those in use were not used correctly. Use of such devices declined sharply after age 1. Although child passengers were more likely to be restained if the driver was restrained, more than 75% of the children were not restrained when the driver was, even if the driver was the child's parent.", "contents": "Observed child restraint use in automobiles. Visual observations were made on restraint use in occupants of 5,050 automobiles containing at least one passenger less than 10 years of age, and short interviews were conducted with the drivers. Ninety-three percent of passengers less than 10 years old were not restained. Eighty-nine percent of passengers 10 or older and 78% of the drivers were not restained. Sixteen percent of child motor vehicle restraint devices observed were not used, and 73% of those in use were not used correctly. Use of such devices declined sharply after age 1. Although child passengers were more likely to be restained if the driver was restrained, more than 75% of the children were not restrained when the driver was, even if the driver was the child's parent.", "PMID": 998572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7191", "title": "Double stopcock technique for blood sampling from umbilical artery catheters.", "content": "Umbilical artery catheters have an established place in neonatal intensive care. A double stopcock technique is described for sampling blood from umbilical catheters. This method improves accuracy in blood withdrawal, avoids contamination of samples, and reduces blood loss to a minimum.", "contents": "Double stopcock technique for blood sampling from umbilical artery catheters. Umbilical artery catheters have an established place in neonatal intensive care. A double stopcock technique is described for sampling blood from umbilical catheters. This method improves accuracy in blood withdrawal, avoids contamination of samples, and reduces blood loss to a minimum.", "PMID": 998573} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7192", "title": "The role of urine sugar in diabetic management.", "content": "The concentration of reducing sugar in the urine is commonly used in the management of diabetes in children. Supplemental doses of regular insulin are administered in response to the concentration of urine sugar according to a protocol termed the \"sliding scale.\" This practice assumes that the concentration of sugar in urine is a good indicator of the plasma glucose concentration. This assumption was tested by comparing urine sugar concentrations in first and second voided urines with the plasma glucose concentrations in 220 children with diabetes. The correlation was good (r = .92) for both the first and second voided urine specimens. Thus, urine sugar concentrations in general define the level of plasma glucose. The large standard deviation of the plasma glucose at each concentration of urine sugar, however, limits the usefulness of urine sugar as an accurate reflection of the coincident plasma glucose concentration. The urine sugar concentration, although useful for the general management of diabetes, provides significant risk when used to guide frequent adjustments in insulin administration. Therefore, the \"sliding scale\" should not be used in the treatment of children with diabetes.", "contents": "The role of urine sugar in diabetic management. The concentration of reducing sugar in the urine is commonly used in the management of diabetes in children. Supplemental doses of regular insulin are administered in response to the concentration of urine sugar according to a protocol termed the \"sliding scale.\" This practice assumes that the concentration of sugar in urine is a good indicator of the plasma glucose concentration. This assumption was tested by comparing urine sugar concentrations in first and second voided urines with the plasma glucose concentrations in 220 children with diabetes. The correlation was good (r = .92) for both the first and second voided urine specimens. Thus, urine sugar concentrations in general define the level of plasma glucose. The large standard deviation of the plasma glucose at each concentration of urine sugar, however, limits the usefulness of urine sugar as an accurate reflection of the coincident plasma glucose concentration. The urine sugar concentration, although useful for the general management of diabetes, provides significant risk when used to guide frequent adjustments in insulin administration. Therefore, the \"sliding scale\" should not be used in the treatment of children with diabetes.", "PMID": 998574} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7193", "title": "A spinal arteriovenous malformation with hereditary cutaneous hemangiomas.", "content": "A 16-month-old girl with cutaneomeningospinal angiomatosis became paraplegic because of the intraspinal arteriovenous malformation. Since skin hemangiomas occurred in three successive generations of the girl's family, this may represent the first inherited case of this condition. In children with signs of a spinal space-occupying lesion, the presence of a skin hemangioma, especially if it is in a corresponding dermatome, could be the clue to early diagnosis of a spinal angioma.", "contents": "A spinal arteriovenous malformation with hereditary cutaneous hemangiomas. A 16-month-old girl with cutaneomeningospinal angiomatosis became paraplegic because of the intraspinal arteriovenous malformation. Since skin hemangiomas occurred in three successive generations of the girl's family, this may represent the first inherited case of this condition. In children with signs of a spinal space-occupying lesion, the presence of a skin hemangioma, especially if it is in a corresponding dermatome, could be the clue to early diagnosis of a spinal angioma.", "PMID": 998575} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7194", "title": "Unusual manifestations of Henoch-Sch\u00f6nlein syndrome.", "content": "Henoch-Sch\u00f6nlein syndrome represents a diagnostic challenge when the abdominal and/or joint manifestations precede the cutaneous lesions. Laparotomy is often performed unnecessarily. We describe a patient whose abdominal symptoms antedated the appearance of cutaneous lesions by three months. Gastrointestinal blood loss, thrombocytosis, hypoproteinemia, and the roentgenographic appearance of the small intestine suggested the correct diagnosis. His course was further complicated by hypertension associated with elevated plasma renin levels without evidence of nephritis. Joint manifestations were mild and transient as were testicular pain and swelling.", "contents": "Unusual manifestations of Henoch-Sch\u00f6nlein syndrome. Henoch-Sch\u00f6nlein syndrome represents a diagnostic challenge when the abdominal and/or joint manifestations precede the cutaneous lesions. Laparotomy is often performed unnecessarily. We describe a patient whose abdominal symptoms antedated the appearance of cutaneous lesions by three months. Gastrointestinal blood loss, thrombocytosis, hypoproteinemia, and the roentgenographic appearance of the small intestine suggested the correct diagnosis. His course was further complicated by hypertension associated with elevated plasma renin levels without evidence of nephritis. Joint manifestations were mild and transient as were testicular pain and swelling.", "PMID": 998576} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7195", "title": "Hyperdibasicaminoaciduria and hyperammonemia in familial protein intolerance.", "content": "A 3-year-old boy with hyperdibasicaminoaciduria and hyperammonemia showed characteristics of familial protein intolerance (FPI). Oral loading tests of lysine and arginine disclosed a remarkably reduced capability for intestinal absorption of these amino acids. Because urinary excretion and renal clearance of dibasic amino acids were only moderately elevated in the patient, the conspicuously decreased serum concentration of lysine, arginine, and ornithine was attributed to the defect in internal absorption. A possible explanation for elevated blood ammonia levels in FPI is that it is due to a deficiency of arginine and ornithine in the urea cycle that in turn results from a severe impairment in absorption of the amino acids by the gut mucosa.", "contents": "Hyperdibasicaminoaciduria and hyperammonemia in familial protein intolerance. A 3-year-old boy with hyperdibasicaminoaciduria and hyperammonemia showed characteristics of familial protein intolerance (FPI). Oral loading tests of lysine and arginine disclosed a remarkably reduced capability for intestinal absorption of these amino acids. Because urinary excretion and renal clearance of dibasic amino acids were only moderately elevated in the patient, the conspicuously decreased serum concentration of lysine, arginine, and ornithine was attributed to the defect in internal absorption. A possible explanation for elevated blood ammonia levels in FPI is that it is due to a deficiency of arginine and ornithine in the urea cycle that in turn results from a severe impairment in absorption of the amino acids by the gut mucosa.", "PMID": 998577} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7196", "title": "Severe renal dysgenesis produced by a dominant gene.", "content": "A woman with the autosomal dominant syndrome of preauricular pits, cervical fistulae, and partial deafness gave birth to two children with preauricular pits and severe renal dysgenesis. The facies had some features of the Potter facies of renal agenesis. One child died soon after birth because of pneumothorax and immature development of the lungs. We suggest that all infants with renal agenesis or dysgenesis be examined for preauricular pits because of the high recurrence risk of renal anomalies in families with this syndrome.", "contents": "Severe renal dysgenesis produced by a dominant gene. A woman with the autosomal dominant syndrome of preauricular pits, cervical fistulae, and partial deafness gave birth to two children with preauricular pits and severe renal dysgenesis. The facies had some features of the Potter facies of renal agenesis. One child died soon after birth because of pneumothorax and immature development of the lungs. We suggest that all infants with renal agenesis or dysgenesis be examined for preauricular pits because of the high recurrence risk of renal anomalies in families with this syndrome.", "PMID": 998578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7197", "title": "Bulging fontanelle as presenting sign in cystic fibrosis. Vitamin A metabolism and effect on cerebrospinal fluid pressure.", "content": "A 51/2-month-old infant had the single problem of a bulging fontanelle. A diagnosis of cystic fibrosis with secondary hypovitaminosis A was made by the findings of high sweat chloride values and a low serum carotene level. A greatly accelerated rate of weight gain following the addition of pancreatic enzyme supplements confirmed the presence of malabsorption. The infant developed characteristic fibrosis pulmonary disease at 20 months of age. Animal studies have shown vitamin A deficiency to be associated with increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, diminished absorption of CSF, and pathological findings of thickening and infiltration with mucopolysaccharides of the dura mater around the arachnoid villi.", "contents": "Bulging fontanelle as presenting sign in cystic fibrosis. Vitamin A metabolism and effect on cerebrospinal fluid pressure. A 51/2-month-old infant had the single problem of a bulging fontanelle. A diagnosis of cystic fibrosis with secondary hypovitaminosis A was made by the findings of high sweat chloride values and a low serum carotene level. A greatly accelerated rate of weight gain following the addition of pancreatic enzyme supplements confirmed the presence of malabsorption. The infant developed characteristic fibrosis pulmonary disease at 20 months of age. Animal studies have shown vitamin A deficiency to be associated with increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, diminished absorption of CSF, and pathological findings of thickening and infiltration with mucopolysaccharides of the dura mater around the arachnoid villi.", "PMID": 998579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7198", "title": "Treating Pseudomonas cepacia meningitis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.", "content": "An infant with neonatal meningitis caused by Pseudomonas cepacia responded promptly to treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) after other abtibiotics had failed. Pseudomonas cepacia has proven to be resistant to most of the commonly used antibiotics.", "contents": "Treating Pseudomonas cepacia meningitis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. An infant with neonatal meningitis caused by Pseudomonas cepacia responded promptly to treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) after other abtibiotics had failed. Pseudomonas cepacia has proven to be resistant to most of the commonly used antibiotics.", "PMID": 998580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7199", "title": "Electrosurgical advances in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.", "content": "Because of rapid technological advances in endoscopic instrumentation, electrosurgical polypectomy and electrocoagulation has become a reality in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Twenty gastric polyps and three duodenal polyps have been removed. Six additional hyperplastic gastric polyps were electrodesiccated. Nine gastric ulcers, four duodenal ulcers, one hemorrhagic gastritis, one gastric varix and three Mallory-Weiss tears were successfully electrocoagulated. One duodenal ulcer and one Mallory-Weiss tear was unsuccessfully electrocoagulated. No morbidity nor mortality occurred as a result of electrosurgical polypectomy or electrocoagulation.", "contents": "Electrosurgical advances in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Because of rapid technological advances in endoscopic instrumentation, electrosurgical polypectomy and electrocoagulation has become a reality in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Twenty gastric polyps and three duodenal polyps have been removed. Six additional hyperplastic gastric polyps were electrodesiccated. Nine gastric ulcers, four duodenal ulcers, one hemorrhagic gastritis, one gastric varix and three Mallory-Weiss tears were successfully electrocoagulated. One duodenal ulcer and one Mallory-Weiss tear was unsuccessfully electrocoagulated. No morbidity nor mortality occurred as a result of electrosurgical polypectomy or electrocoagulation.", "PMID": 998589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7200", "title": "The radiological differentiation between ulcerative and granulomatous colitis by double contrast radiology.", "content": "The purpose of this report is to illustrate the value of the double contrast technic for the detection of early changes of colitis and for the differentiation between ulcerative and granulomatous colitis. Fifty consecutive patients with radiologically-diagnosed nonspecific colitis are included and the radiographs, endoscopic and pathologic reports and photographs were reviewed. On radiological grounds ulcerative colitis were diagnosed in 23 patients and granulomatous colitis in 27 patients. There were no radiologically indeterminate cases. Follow-up information was obtained by colectomy in nine patients, colonoscopy in nine patients and sigmoidoscopy in the remainder. In no case did the endoscopic or pathologic diagnosis conflict with the radiological diagnosis. With the double contrast technic, very fine mucosal detail can be seen including features such as granular mucosa, \"aphthoid\" ulcers and discontinuous disease which are not demonstrable by the conventional single contrast barium enema. This detailed mapping of the nature and extent of disease facilitates the differential diagnosis between ulcerative and granulomatous colitis.", "contents": "The radiological differentiation between ulcerative and granulomatous colitis by double contrast radiology. The purpose of this report is to illustrate the value of the double contrast technic for the detection of early changes of colitis and for the differentiation between ulcerative and granulomatous colitis. Fifty consecutive patients with radiologically-diagnosed nonspecific colitis are included and the radiographs, endoscopic and pathologic reports and photographs were reviewed. On radiological grounds ulcerative colitis were diagnosed in 23 patients and granulomatous colitis in 27 patients. There were no radiologically indeterminate cases. Follow-up information was obtained by colectomy in nine patients, colonoscopy in nine patients and sigmoidoscopy in the remainder. In no case did the endoscopic or pathologic diagnosis conflict with the radiological diagnosis. With the double contrast technic, very fine mucosal detail can be seen including features such as granular mucosa, \"aphthoid\" ulcers and discontinuous disease which are not demonstrable by the conventional single contrast barium enema. This detailed mapping of the nature and extent of disease facilitates the differential diagnosis between ulcerative and granulomatous colitis.", "PMID": 998590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7201", "title": "A comparison of basal and stimulated gastric acid and duodenal bicarbonate in patients with and without duodenal ulcer disease.", "content": "Basal gastric secretion and the maximum response to pentagastrin and basal secretion into the duodenumand its near-maximum response to secretin were measured in 20 control subjects and ten patients with duodenal ulcer disease. In control subjects the volumes of stimulated gastric and duodenal secretions were significantly correlated. In patients with duodenal ulcer, there were no significant correlations between basal gastric and duodenal secretion but after stimulation both volumes and outputs (but not concnetrations) of gastric and duodenal secretions were significantly correlated. The bicarbonate secretory capacity in patients with duodenal ulcer was not only normal but was also comparable to the gastric acid secretory capacity. The basal bicarbonate content of the duodenal aspirate, however, in patients with duodenal ulcer was only half that in control subjects, perhaps another example of inadequate entry of bicarbonate into the duodenum in patients with duodenal ulcer in spite of the normal bicarbonate secretory capacity.", "contents": "A comparison of basal and stimulated gastric acid and duodenal bicarbonate in patients with and without duodenal ulcer disease. Basal gastric secretion and the maximum response to pentagastrin and basal secretion into the duodenumand its near-maximum response to secretin were measured in 20 control subjects and ten patients with duodenal ulcer disease. In control subjects the volumes of stimulated gastric and duodenal secretions were significantly correlated. In patients with duodenal ulcer, there were no significant correlations between basal gastric and duodenal secretion but after stimulation both volumes and outputs (but not concnetrations) of gastric and duodenal secretions were significantly correlated. The bicarbonate secretory capacity in patients with duodenal ulcer was not only normal but was also comparable to the gastric acid secretory capacity. The basal bicarbonate content of the duodenal aspirate, however, in patients with duodenal ulcer was only half that in control subjects, perhaps another example of inadequate entry of bicarbonate into the duodenum in patients with duodenal ulcer in spite of the normal bicarbonate secretory capacity.", "PMID": 998591} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7202", "title": "Tuberculous peritonitis. Low ascitic fluid glucose concentration as a diagnostic aid.", "content": "Five Vietnamese patients with tuberculous peritonitis are described. Fever, x-ray evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis, or positive PPD skin tests were absent in several patients. The diagnosis was considered only when routine paracentesis demonstrated ascitic fluids with increased protein concentrations and lymphocytic pleocytosis. Ascitic fluid glucose concentrations were less than 30 mg./100 cc. in three of five patients.", "contents": "Tuberculous peritonitis. Low ascitic fluid glucose concentration as a diagnostic aid. Five Vietnamese patients with tuberculous peritonitis are described. Fever, x-ray evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis, or positive PPD skin tests were absent in several patients. The diagnosis was considered only when routine paracentesis demonstrated ascitic fluids with increased protein concentrations and lymphocytic pleocytosis. Ascitic fluid glucose concentrations were less than 30 mg./100 cc. in three of five patients.", "PMID": 998592} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7203", "title": "Electromyographic study of the postoperative function of duodenal papilla. Does the endoscopic sphincterotomy of the ampulla of Vater destroy the bile flow mechanism?", "content": "Endoscopic sphincterotomy of the ampulla of Vater was performed in seven patients suffering from gallstones in the common bile duct and/or bile flow stasis. After this procedure, spontaneous delivery of gallstones occurred in two cases and a gallstone was extracted by our basket-tipped catheter in two cases. The electromyogram of the sphincter of Oddi after endoscopic sphincterotomy showed the similar patterns and rhythms to those before this procedure. Thus, the function (bile flow mechanism) of the sphincter was not destroyed by this procedure. Morphologic and physiologic data, therefore, lead to the conclusion that endoscopic sphincterotomy is a safe and useful procedure.", "contents": "Electromyographic study of the postoperative function of duodenal papilla. Does the endoscopic sphincterotomy of the ampulla of Vater destroy the bile flow mechanism? Endoscopic sphincterotomy of the ampulla of Vater was performed in seven patients suffering from gallstones in the common bile duct and/or bile flow stasis. After this procedure, spontaneous delivery of gallstones occurred in two cases and a gallstone was extracted by our basket-tipped catheter in two cases. The electromyogram of the sphincter of Oddi after endoscopic sphincterotomy showed the similar patterns and rhythms to those before this procedure. Thus, the function (bile flow mechanism) of the sphincter was not destroyed by this procedure. Morphologic and physiologic data, therefore, lead to the conclusion that endoscopic sphincterotomy is a safe and useful procedure.", "PMID": 998594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7204", "title": "Hepatic paraplegia.", "content": "A 53-year old cirrhotic patient is presented with spastic paraplegia as a sequel of chronic hepatic encephalopathy accompanying a spontaneous portasystemic anastomosis. We describe the clinical picture with the investigation, followed by a brief discussion on this rare syndrome.", "contents": "Hepatic paraplegia. A 53-year old cirrhotic patient is presented with spastic paraplegia as a sequel of chronic hepatic encephalopathy accompanying a spontaneous portasystemic anastomosis. We describe the clinical picture with the investigation, followed by a brief discussion on this rare syndrome.", "PMID": 998595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7205", "title": "Eosinophilic cholecystitis.", "content": "A somewhat obese, 40-year old female presented with a classic history of gallbladder disease and a peripheral eosinophilia of 14% without an allergic history. A nonvisualizing oral cholecystogram was followed by an uneventful cholecystectomy. Pathological examination revealed a calculus in the cystic duct and a pure transmural eosinophilic infiltrate of the gallbladder wall. Postoperatively the peripheral eosinophilia returned to normal. Biopsies of the small bowel one year later showed focal mucosal eosinophilia when the patient had recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea and peripheral eosinophilia. Eosinophilic cholecystitis may represent a descrete entity in search of an etiology or involvement of the biliary tract by eosinophilic gastroenteritis.", "contents": "Eosinophilic cholecystitis. A somewhat obese, 40-year old female presented with a classic history of gallbladder disease and a peripheral eosinophilia of 14% without an allergic history. A nonvisualizing oral cholecystogram was followed by an uneventful cholecystectomy. Pathological examination revealed a calculus in the cystic duct and a pure transmural eosinophilic infiltrate of the gallbladder wall. Postoperatively the peripheral eosinophilia returned to normal. Biopsies of the small bowel one year later showed focal mucosal eosinophilia when the patient had recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea and peripheral eosinophilia. Eosinophilic cholecystitis may represent a descrete entity in search of an etiology or involvement of the biliary tract by eosinophilic gastroenteritis.", "PMID": 998596} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7206", "title": "Some aspects of human and canine macroscopic pancreas innervation.", "content": "Both vagus nerves and the celiac ganglion complex are the main source of the pancreatic gland innervation. In both man and dog there is a distinct difference in the number of fibers ending in the different segments of the gland. In the former, the macroscopic innervation is primarily concentrated in the pancreas head and isthmus. In the latter most of the nerves enter through the upper part of the right limb (uncinate process). Both vagus nerves send direct fibers to the gland but in most of the nerves, that course in general along the different branches of the celiac and mesenteric arteries, the parasympathetic and adrenergic fibers are intermingled. The anterior hepatic plexus, continued down by the gastroduodenal, completes a nervous circle, at the lower edge of the pancreas, with the branches arising from the splenic plexus. In human pancreas most of the nerves, with the exception of the branches given off by the gastroduodenal network, enter the gland by its periphery, either through its superior or inferior border. The gastroduodenal plexus is the pathway for the duodenopancreatic and the duodenogastric arc reflexes and for the \"pancreatic type\" of pain triggered by some posterior penetrating duodenal ulcers.", "contents": "Some aspects of human and canine macroscopic pancreas innervation. Both vagus nerves and the celiac ganglion complex are the main source of the pancreatic gland innervation. In both man and dog there is a distinct difference in the number of fibers ending in the different segments of the gland. In the former, the macroscopic innervation is primarily concentrated in the pancreas head and isthmus. In the latter most of the nerves enter through the upper part of the right limb (uncinate process). Both vagus nerves send direct fibers to the gland but in most of the nerves, that course in general along the different branches of the celiac and mesenteric arteries, the parasympathetic and adrenergic fibers are intermingled. The anterior hepatic plexus, continued down by the gastroduodenal, completes a nervous circle, at the lower edge of the pancreas, with the branches arising from the splenic plexus. In human pancreas most of the nerves, with the exception of the branches given off by the gastroduodenal network, enter the gland by its periphery, either through its superior or inferior border. The gastroduodenal plexus is the pathway for the duodenopancreatic and the duodenogastric arc reflexes and for the \"pancreatic type\" of pain triggered by some posterior penetrating duodenal ulcers.", "PMID": 998597} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7207", "title": "Ampicillin-associated colitis.", "content": "Pseudomembraneous colitis has been increasingly observed after therapy with several antibiotics including ampicillin. This report describes the clinical and pathologic features of a patient who developed pseudomembraneous colitis while receiving ampicillin. The strikingly characteristic nature of these lesions is discussed and early diagnosis in the prevention of a potentially hazardous disorder is emphasized.", "contents": "Ampicillin-associated colitis. Pseudomembraneous colitis has been increasingly observed after therapy with several antibiotics including ampicillin. This report describes the clinical and pathologic features of a patient who developed pseudomembraneous colitis while receiving ampicillin. The strikingly characteristic nature of these lesions is discussed and early diagnosis in the prevention of a potentially hazardous disorder is emphasized.", "PMID": 998598} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7208", "title": "Amebic peritonitis.", "content": "A total of 18 patients with amebic peritonitis were studied. Fourteen of these cases were due to rupture of amebic liver abscess into the peritoneum and the remaining cases were due to perforation of amebic colitis. No initial suspicion of amebic etiology was made in more than half of the cases. In the group of ruptured liver abscesses, nearly half of the patients showed right lower lung syndrome. The diagnosis in 13 of 14 cases of rupture of liver abscess was confirmed on aspiration. Patients with ruptured amebic liver abcess were of two types: 1. Diffuse type with diffuse signs, shorter duration of illness and poor prognosis. 2. Localized type with longer duration of illness, marked signs of peritonitis and better prognosis. Once the diagnosis of peritonitis was made, the management was surgical. Conservative treatment was tried only in cases with signs of localization. The mortality rate had been 33% in amebic liver abscess rupturing into the peritoneum and 75% in perforation of the intestine. A high index of suspicion of amebiasis in patients with an acute abdomen and institution of early treatment are recommended to help in reducing this mortality. Amebic liver abscess and amebic dysentery should be treated energetically to avoid this fatal complication and surgical intervention whenever indicated should not be delayed.", "contents": "Amebic peritonitis. A total of 18 patients with amebic peritonitis were studied. Fourteen of these cases were due to rupture of amebic liver abscess into the peritoneum and the remaining cases were due to perforation of amebic colitis. No initial suspicion of amebic etiology was made in more than half of the cases. In the group of ruptured liver abscesses, nearly half of the patients showed right lower lung syndrome. The diagnosis in 13 of 14 cases of rupture of liver abscess was confirmed on aspiration. Patients with ruptured amebic liver abcess were of two types: 1. Diffuse type with diffuse signs, shorter duration of illness and poor prognosis. 2. Localized type with longer duration of illness, marked signs of peritonitis and better prognosis. Once the diagnosis of peritonitis was made, the management was surgical. Conservative treatment was tried only in cases with signs of localization. The mortality rate had been 33% in amebic liver abscess rupturing into the peritoneum and 75% in perforation of the intestine. A high index of suspicion of amebiasis in patients with an acute abdomen and institution of early treatment are recommended to help in reducing this mortality. Amebic liver abscess and amebic dysentery should be treated energetically to avoid this fatal complication and surgical intervention whenever indicated should not be delayed.", "PMID": 998599} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7209", "title": "Intestinal perforation in adults due to ingested opaque foreign bodies.", "content": "Accidental foreign body ingestion occasionally occurs in adults and is especially likely in those wearing dentures. While most foreign bodies pass readily through the gastrointestinal tract, complications such perforation, abscess, obstruction and hemorrhage occasionally occur. Radiography may be of help in detecting and localizing these foreign bodies and in determining complications caused by them.", "contents": "Intestinal perforation in adults due to ingested opaque foreign bodies. Accidental foreign body ingestion occasionally occurs in adults and is especially likely in those wearing dentures. While most foreign bodies pass readily through the gastrointestinal tract, complications such perforation, abscess, obstruction and hemorrhage occasionally occur. Radiography may be of help in detecting and localizing these foreign bodies and in determining complications caused by them.", "PMID": 998603} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7210", "title": "Primary torsion of the greater omentum mimicking duodenal ulcer.", "content": "The diagnosis of primary torsion of the omentum is a diagnostic enigma and is made almost exclusively at laparotomy. The difficulty is enhanced when the patient has a chronic problem mimicking a specific entity, e.g. peptic ulcer disease. The case presented is an example of this situation. The patient's history and acute presentation were compatible with chronic peptic ulcer disease with acute perforation. At laparotomy, the findings of torsion of the right lower omentum with infarction, along with marked scarring of the remainder of the greater omentum explained the clinical picture. Torsion of the greater omentum, therefore, must be added to the list of differential diagnoses when one is considering peptic ulcer disease.", "contents": "Primary torsion of the greater omentum mimicking duodenal ulcer. The diagnosis of primary torsion of the omentum is a diagnostic enigma and is made almost exclusively at laparotomy. The difficulty is enhanced when the patient has a chronic problem mimicking a specific entity, e.g. peptic ulcer disease. The case presented is an example of this situation. The patient's history and acute presentation were compatible with chronic peptic ulcer disease with acute perforation. At laparotomy, the findings of torsion of the right lower omentum with infarction, along with marked scarring of the remainder of the greater omentum explained the clinical picture. Torsion of the greater omentum, therefore, must be added to the list of differential diagnoses when one is considering peptic ulcer disease.", "PMID": 998604} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7211", "title": "Alcohol consumption and nonfatal myocardial infarction.", "content": "A study of the relathonship between alcohol consumption and nonfatal myocardial infarction, involving 399 cases and 2486 reference subjects, indicated absence of any major overall association (rate ratio point estimate of 0.9 with 95% confidence limits of 0.6 and 1.2), but there was some evidence of a lower rate in subjects consuming six or more drinks per day (rate ratio point estimate of 0.6 with 95% confidence limits of 0.3 and 1.1). Confounding by several potential confounders was controlled by stratification according to a confounder-summarizing score.", "contents": "Alcohol consumption and nonfatal myocardial infarction. A study of the relathonship between alcohol consumption and nonfatal myocardial infarction, involving 399 cases and 2486 reference subjects, indicated absence of any major overall association (rate ratio point estimate of 0.9 with 95% confidence limits of 0.6 and 1.2), but there was some evidence of a lower rate in subjects consuming six or more drinks per day (rate ratio point estimate of 0.6 with 95% confidence limits of 0.3 and 1.1). Confounding by several potential confounders was controlled by stratification according to a confounder-summarizing score.", "PMID": 998607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7212", "title": "Stratification by a multivariate confounder score.", "content": "The complexity and inefficiency of multiple cross-classification as a means of controlling confounding in etiologic research may be avoided upon summarizing the pattern of confounding factors for each subject in terms of a multivariate score. The control of confounding may be based on stratification by the score, with stratum-specific contingency tables obtained and analyzed in the usual manner.", "contents": "Stratification by a multivariate confounder score. The complexity and inefficiency of multiple cross-classification as a means of controlling confounding in etiologic research may be avoided upon summarizing the pattern of confounding factors for each subject in terms of a multivariate score. The control of confounding may be based on stratification by the score, with stratum-specific contingency tables obtained and analyzed in the usual manner.", "PMID": 998608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7213", "title": "Multivariate analysis of risk of perinatal telencephalic leucoencephalopathy.", "content": "The hospital and autopsy records of 40 infants who died with perinatal telencephalic leucoencephalopathy (PTL) (hypertrophic astrocytes and amphophilic globules in telencephalic white matter) were compared to those of 76 control infants who had no white matter abnormality. A linear discromination procedure, which takes into account multiple confounding factors, was used to estimate risk ratios. PTL was found more commonly in infants who (a) had bacteria isolated from blood at autopsy, (b) received intravenous glucose and water for more than one day, or (c) received kanamycin or streptomycin. Infants were at reduced risk if they received penicillin, atropine, mercurhydrin or a transfusion of whole blood. It is hypothesized that endotoxin from bacteremia adversely affects developing white matter and that the other risk factors of PTL are markers of, or contributors to, increased risk of gram negative infection. No evidence was found for antibiotic-endotoxin interaction. The factors that are associated with reduced risk of PTL may be markers of, or contributors to reduced risk of gram negative infection.", "contents": "Multivariate analysis of risk of perinatal telencephalic leucoencephalopathy. The hospital and autopsy records of 40 infants who died with perinatal telencephalic leucoencephalopathy (PTL) (hypertrophic astrocytes and amphophilic globules in telencephalic white matter) were compared to those of 76 control infants who had no white matter abnormality. A linear discromination procedure, which takes into account multiple confounding factors, was used to estimate risk ratios. PTL was found more commonly in infants who (a) had bacteria isolated from blood at autopsy, (b) received intravenous glucose and water for more than one day, or (c) received kanamycin or streptomycin. Infants were at reduced risk if they received penicillin, atropine, mercurhydrin or a transfusion of whole blood. It is hypothesized that endotoxin from bacteremia adversely affects developing white matter and that the other risk factors of PTL are markers of, or contributors to, increased risk of gram negative infection. No evidence was found for antibiotic-endotoxin interaction. The factors that are associated with reduced risk of PTL may be markers of, or contributors to reduced risk of gram negative infection.", "PMID": 998609} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7214", "title": "Childhood polymyositis: a case-control study.", "content": "A case-control epidemiologic study of childhood polymyositis is presented. Parents of 42 cases of childhood polymyositis were interviewed along with parents of controls matched for sex and age. Extensive review of past medical history, animal exposure history, residential and family history, and immunization history failed to reveal any significant differences between the two groups. The only suggestive difference was exposure to bacteriologically confirmed streptococcal diseases in 20 cases as compared to 13 controls.", "contents": "Childhood polymyositis: a case-control study. A case-control epidemiologic study of childhood polymyositis is presented. Parents of 42 cases of childhood polymyositis were interviewed along with parents of controls matched for sex and age. Extensive review of past medical history, animal exposure history, residential and family history, and immunization history failed to reveal any significant differences between the two groups. The only suggestive difference was exposure to bacteriologically confirmed streptococcal diseases in 20 cases as compared to 13 controls.", "PMID": 998610} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7215", "title": "Nursery outbreak of peritonitis with pneumoperitoneum probably caused by thermometer-induced rectal perforation.", "content": "Between June 16 and October 9, 1974, 9 neonates at a small, community hospital were stricken with an unusual, serious illness manifested by peritonitis and pneumoperitoneum; 3 died. Although the illness was initially thought to be necrotizing entercolitis, clinical, laboratory, and epidemiologic evidence strongly suggested that it was instead the result of gastrointestinal perforation. in case-control studies employing 3 different conposure to a particular nurses' aide. Other studies including a comparison of expected and actual exposures of ill infants to nursery personnel further linked this nurses' aide to illness. Since rectal temperature-taking was the only procedure possibly predisposing to gastrointestinal perforation that was routinely practiced in the nursery, it was hypothesized that the illness might be the result of rectal perforations. In order that rectal temperature-taking technique could be observed, each nurse and nurses' aide on the OB-GYN service was asked to take part in a general practical examination of nursing skills on a life-like baby doll. The mean and median depths to which nursing personnel inserted the thermometer exceeded the maximum depth recommended to prevent perforation. The nurses' aide epidemiologically associated with illness inserted the thermometer to almost twice the maximum recommended depth-farther than all the personnel who worked primarily in the nursery. After this nurses' aide was removed from the nursery and axillary temperature-taking replaced rectal temperature-taking as the nursery routine, the outbreak ceased.", "contents": "Nursery outbreak of peritonitis with pneumoperitoneum probably caused by thermometer-induced rectal perforation. Between June 16 and October 9, 1974, 9 neonates at a small, community hospital were stricken with an unusual, serious illness manifested by peritonitis and pneumoperitoneum; 3 died. Although the illness was initially thought to be necrotizing entercolitis, clinical, laboratory, and epidemiologic evidence strongly suggested that it was instead the result of gastrointestinal perforation. in case-control studies employing 3 different conposure to a particular nurses' aide. Other studies including a comparison of expected and actual exposures of ill infants to nursery personnel further linked this nurses' aide to illness. Since rectal temperature-taking was the only procedure possibly predisposing to gastrointestinal perforation that was routinely practiced in the nursery, it was hypothesized that the illness might be the result of rectal perforations. In order that rectal temperature-taking technique could be observed, each nurse and nurses' aide on the OB-GYN service was asked to take part in a general practical examination of nursing skills on a life-like baby doll. The mean and median depths to which nursing personnel inserted the thermometer exceeded the maximum depth recommended to prevent perforation. The nurses' aide epidemiologically associated with illness inserted the thermometer to almost twice the maximum recommended depth-farther than all the personnel who worked primarily in the nursery. After this nurses' aide was removed from the nursery and axillary temperature-taking replaced rectal temperature-taking as the nursery routine, the outbreak ceased.", "PMID": 998611} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7216", "title": "A community outbreak of scabies.", "content": "An elementary school in Broward County, Florida, reported an outbreak of scabies in January and February 1975. Investigation identified 23 cases of scabies in schoolchildren, with at least two cases in each grade. The first case had appeared as early as July 1974, but most occurred after December. There was little contact between students in different grades; most transmission was found to have taken place within families and in the community. An additional 28 cases were found in families and contacts; altogether, 51 cases in 24 families were identified on clinical or historical grounds. Infestation was more frequent in children who exchanged clothes with friends or relatives and in those who, on occasion, spent the night with other children.", "contents": "A community outbreak of scabies. An elementary school in Broward County, Florida, reported an outbreak of scabies in January and February 1975. Investigation identified 23 cases of scabies in schoolchildren, with at least two cases in each grade. The first case had appeared as early as July 1974, but most occurred after December. There was little contact between students in different grades; most transmission was found to have taken place within families and in the community. An additional 28 cases were found in families and contacts; altogether, 51 cases in 24 families were identified on clinical or historical grounds. Infestation was more frequent in children who exchanged clothes with friends or relatives and in those who, on occasion, spent the night with other children.", "PMID": 998612} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7217", "title": "Canine bladder cancer: epidemiologic features.", "content": "A retrospective study of medical records from 13 veterinary university hospital clinics yielded 114 dogs with microscopically confirmed primary malignancy of the bladder. When matched to controls, there was no increased frequency to suggest an association of urogenital tumors or anomalies with neoplasms of the bladder. The majority of tumors seen in this study were transitional cell carcinomas. Four breeds were identified with excessive risk for bladder cancer and may serve as models for further research into genetic determinants, such as abnormal tryptophan metabolism. The epidemiologic features of canine bladder cancer were compared with the disease in man. An excess among female dogs may be the result of less frequent urination as compared to male dogs. Assuming an etiology from urine-borne carcinogens applies to spontaneously occurring bladder cancer in dogs, then monitoring the frequency of occurrence of canine bladder cancer may provide an early warning of emerging environmental hazards to man.", "contents": "Canine bladder cancer: epidemiologic features. A retrospective study of medical records from 13 veterinary university hospital clinics yielded 114 dogs with microscopically confirmed primary malignancy of the bladder. When matched to controls, there was no increased frequency to suggest an association of urogenital tumors or anomalies with neoplasms of the bladder. The majority of tumors seen in this study were transitional cell carcinomas. Four breeds were identified with excessive risk for bladder cancer and may serve as models for further research into genetic determinants, such as abnormal tryptophan metabolism. The epidemiologic features of canine bladder cancer were compared with the disease in man. An excess among female dogs may be the result of less frequent urination as compared to male dogs. Assuming an etiology from urine-borne carcinogens applies to spontaneously occurring bladder cancer in dogs, then monitoring the frequency of occurrence of canine bladder cancer may provide an early warning of emerging environmental hazards to man.", "PMID": 998613} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7218", "title": "Viremia in young herons and ibis infected with Venezuelan encephalitis virus.", "content": "Fifty-seven of 61 nestling, 8- to 30-day-old herons of three species (Black-crowned Night Heron, Great Egret, and Snowy Egret), developed viremia lasting one to three days following subcutaneous inoculation with small doses of endemic or epidemic strains of Venezuelan encephalitis virus from Mexico, Guatemala or Venezuela. Two epidemic strains from Guatemala or Venezuela stimulated levels of viremia similar to those following infection with enzootic strains. Great Egrets, Striated and Boat-billed Herons and Scarlet Ibis older than 30 days of age developed viremias of lower levels and shorter durtions than did young birds. Marked differences in levles of viremia were not observed among Black-crowned Night Herons, Great Egrets, or Snowy Egrets. Over 50% of viremic blood samples from herons 8-30 days of age contained 1000 or more chick embryo cell culture plaque forming units of Venezuelan encephalitis per ml, levels sufficient to infect some vector species mosquitoes.", "contents": "Viremia in young herons and ibis infected with Venezuelan encephalitis virus. Fifty-seven of 61 nestling, 8- to 30-day-old herons of three species (Black-crowned Night Heron, Great Egret, and Snowy Egret), developed viremia lasting one to three days following subcutaneous inoculation with small doses of endemic or epidemic strains of Venezuelan encephalitis virus from Mexico, Guatemala or Venezuela. Two epidemic strains from Guatemala or Venezuela stimulated levels of viremia similar to those following infection with enzootic strains. Great Egrets, Striated and Boat-billed Herons and Scarlet Ibis older than 30 days of age developed viremias of lower levels and shorter durtions than did young birds. Marked differences in levles of viremia were not observed among Black-crowned Night Herons, Great Egrets, or Snowy Egrets. Over 50% of viremic blood samples from herons 8-30 days of age contained 1000 or more chick embryo cell culture plaque forming units of Venezuelan encephalitis per ml, levels sufficient to infect some vector species mosquitoes.", "PMID": 998614} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7219", "title": "A prophylactic transfusion program for children with sickle cell anemia complicated by CNS infarction.", "content": "CNS infarction is a devastating complication in sickle cell anemia. Episodes are frequently repetitive and often result in permanent neurologic abnormalities. In an attempt to prevent such recurrences a periodic transfusion program was begun at the Children's Hospital of Michigan in 1969. Twenty-one children currently on the program receive buffy-coat poor transfusions on an out-patient basis every 3 weeks. Of 15 who have been on the program for periods of from 9 months to 5 3/4 years, none have had progression of neurologic abnormalities, and several have had definite improvement in neurologic function. One child who was not brought in regularly had recurrent CNS infarction. The only recognized complication has been one instance of serum hepatitis. While such a transfusion program is not without risk, it seems an effective way of preventing progression of neurologic abnormalities resulting from recurrent CNS infarction in sickle cell anemia.", "contents": "A prophylactic transfusion program for children with sickle cell anemia complicated by CNS infarction. CNS infarction is a devastating complication in sickle cell anemia. Episodes are frequently repetitive and often result in permanent neurologic abnormalities. In an attempt to prevent such recurrences a periodic transfusion program was begun at the Children's Hospital of Michigan in 1969. Twenty-one children currently on the program receive buffy-coat poor transfusions on an out-patient basis every 3 weeks. Of 15 who have been on the program for periods of from 9 months to 5 3/4 years, none have had progression of neurologic abnormalities, and several have had definite improvement in neurologic function. One child who was not brought in regularly had recurrent CNS infarction. The only recognized complication has been one instance of serum hepatitis. While such a transfusion program is not without risk, it seems an effective way of preventing progression of neurologic abnormalities resulting from recurrent CNS infarction in sickle cell anemia.", "PMID": 998615} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7220", "title": "Red cell values on the first postnatal day during the last 16 weeks of gestation.", "content": "The hemoglobin concentration, red cell count, hematocrit, reticulocyte count, and red cell size distribution were determined on skin prick blood obtained on the first postnatal day from infants born at various stages of gestation, from week 24 to term. During this period the hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit remained constant, around 19 gm/100 ml and 60%, respectively. The mean corpuscular volume decreased progressively, with a corresponding rise in the red cell count. The reticulocyte count decreased progressively from 9.6% to 3.7% during the period of observation. The red cell size distribution (Price Jones) curve was markedly shifted to the macrocytic side at 24-25 weeks. Thereafter, cells larger than 102 mu3 decreased gradually, while the percentage of smaller cells increased. These observations are not consistent with the hypothesis of a progressive decrease in the supply of oxygen to the fetus during the later stages of gestation, to which the fetus adapts by increasing its hemoglobin concentration.", "contents": "Red cell values on the first postnatal day during the last 16 weeks of gestation. The hemoglobin concentration, red cell count, hematocrit, reticulocyte count, and red cell size distribution were determined on skin prick blood obtained on the first postnatal day from infants born at various stages of gestation, from week 24 to term. During this period the hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit remained constant, around 19 gm/100 ml and 60%, respectively. The mean corpuscular volume decreased progressively, with a corresponding rise in the red cell count. The reticulocyte count decreased progressively from 9.6% to 3.7% during the period of observation. The red cell size distribution (Price Jones) curve was markedly shifted to the macrocytic side at 24-25 weeks. Thereafter, cells larger than 102 mu3 decreased gradually, while the percentage of smaller cells increased. These observations are not consistent with the hypothesis of a progressive decrease in the supply of oxygen to the fetus during the later stages of gestation, to which the fetus adapts by increasing its hemoglobin concentration.", "PMID": 998616} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7221", "title": "Thalassemia intermedia caused by heterozygosity for both beta-thalassemia and hemoglobin Saki [beta 14 (A11) Leu replaced by Pro].", "content": "The syndrome thalassemia intermedia can be the clinical expression of heterozygosity for different tyes of thalassemia, beta-thalassemia and hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin, beta-thalassemia and Hb-Lepore, and in blacks it may even represent a true beta-thalassemia homozygote. This report describes thalassemia intermedia in a white male due to beta-thalassemia and an unstable hemoglobin. Chain-synthesis studies showed an excess of alpha-chain production over beta-chain production in the propositus and his mother but balanced chain synthesis in the clinically normal father, who is heterozygous for the unstable hemoglobin. The unstable hemoglobin was found to be beta14 (A11) Leu leads to Pro, which has previously been described in a clinically normal African woman, and named Hb-Saki. This hemoglobin is not distinguishable from Hb-A on routine electrophoresis at alkaline or acid pH and tests for unstable hemoglobins are necessary for its detection. The increasing list of such hemoglobin variants and previous cases of heterozygosity for beta-thalassemia and unstable hemoglobins are reviewed.", "contents": "Thalassemia intermedia caused by heterozygosity for both beta-thalassemia and hemoglobin Saki [beta 14 (A11) Leu replaced by Pro]. The syndrome thalassemia intermedia can be the clinical expression of heterozygosity for different tyes of thalassemia, beta-thalassemia and hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin, beta-thalassemia and Hb-Lepore, and in blacks it may even represent a true beta-thalassemia homozygote. This report describes thalassemia intermedia in a white male due to beta-thalassemia and an unstable hemoglobin. Chain-synthesis studies showed an excess of alpha-chain production over beta-chain production in the propositus and his mother but balanced chain synthesis in the clinically normal father, who is heterozygous for the unstable hemoglobin. The unstable hemoglobin was found to be beta14 (A11) Leu leads to Pro, which has previously been described in a clinically normal African woman, and named Hb-Saki. This hemoglobin is not distinguishable from Hb-A on routine electrophoresis at alkaline or acid pH and tests for unstable hemoglobins are necessary for its detection. The increasing list of such hemoglobin variants and previous cases of heterozygosity for beta-thalassemia and unstable hemoglobins are reviewed.", "PMID": 998617} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7222", "title": "Leukocyte function in familial Mediterranean fever.", "content": "Neutrophilic leukocytes of patients with familial Mediterranean fever and of normal control subjects were studied in vitro. FMF neutrophils were found to be morphologically normal by light and electron microscopy and to have normal quantities of the lysosomal enzyme lysozyme. FMF cells demonstrated a slight decrease in their ability to migrate randomly in capillary tubes, this was primarily seen in Armenian patients and in those experiencing an acute attack. The leukocytes of these patients functioned normally in regard to their chemotactic and Candida-killing activity.", "contents": "Leukocyte function in familial Mediterranean fever. Neutrophilic leukocytes of patients with familial Mediterranean fever and of normal control subjects were studied in vitro. FMF neutrophils were found to be morphologically normal by light and electron microscopy and to have normal quantities of the lysosomal enzyme lysozyme. FMF cells demonstrated a slight decrease in their ability to migrate randomly in capillary tubes, this was primarily seen in Armenian patients and in those experiencing an acute attack. The leukocytes of these patients functioned normally in regard to their chemotactic and Candida-killing activity.", "PMID": 998618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7223", "title": "Combined deficiencies of Factor VIII (AHF) and Factor XI (PTA).", "content": "Combined deficiencies of Factor VIII and Factor XI associated with moderate degree of bleeding symptoms were found in 3 brothers. Examination of Factor VIII activity and Factor VIII-related antigen revealed that the Factor VIII activity/Factor VIII-related antigen ratio was significantly decreased in their mother and maternal grandmother consistent with the carrier state of hemophilia. Factor XI deficiency was found in 2 siblings, the father, and 2 of his sisters. The paternal grandmother was thought to carry the abnormal Factor X I gene, although her Factor XI level was normal, because of a significant bleeding history. It was concluded that the combined Factor VIII and XI deficiencies in the 3 brothers represent the coincidental inheritance of 2 separate and independent abnormal genes.", "contents": "Combined deficiencies of Factor VIII (AHF) and Factor XI (PTA). Combined deficiencies of Factor VIII and Factor XI associated with moderate degree of bleeding symptoms were found in 3 brothers. Examination of Factor VIII activity and Factor VIII-related antigen revealed that the Factor VIII activity/Factor VIII-related antigen ratio was significantly decreased in their mother and maternal grandmother consistent with the carrier state of hemophilia. Factor XI deficiency was found in 2 siblings, the father, and 2 of his sisters. The paternal grandmother was thought to carry the abnormal Factor X I gene, although her Factor XI level was normal, because of a significant bleeding history. It was concluded that the combined Factor VIII and XI deficiencies in the 3 brothers represent the coincidental inheritance of 2 separate and independent abnormal genes.", "PMID": 998619} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7224", "title": "Method for determination and element analysis of particulate contamination in injectable solutions.", "content": "A method for sampling and evaluating the chemical and physical composition of particles in injectable solutions was developed. The technique facilitates detection of the particles' sources and possible medical hazards. Particles exceeding 0.2 mum are collected on a membrane filter sized for direct application in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The sampling device shortens the distance between filter and solution and minimizes contamination from the filter holder. Following coating of the membrane filter with gold, the particles are counted by screening at a magnification of 5,000 x in the SEM. Both unused membrane filters and filters through which a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride had been passed were analyzed. X-ray analysis of particles on the clean filter revealed silicon, aluminum (artifact from the stud) and calcium. X-ray analysis of the filter after passage of 1 liter normal saline revealed chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, aluminum (from study), calcium chlorine, sodium and silicon. Recommendations for standard procedures for particle detection in large-volume injectables are given.", "contents": "Method for determination and element analysis of particulate contamination in injectable solutions. A method for sampling and evaluating the chemical and physical composition of particles in injectable solutions was developed. The technique facilitates detection of the particles' sources and possible medical hazards. Particles exceeding 0.2 mum are collected on a membrane filter sized for direct application in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The sampling device shortens the distance between filter and solution and minimizes contamination from the filter holder. Following coating of the membrane filter with gold, the particles are counted by screening at a magnification of 5,000 x in the SEM. Both unused membrane filters and filters through which a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride had been passed were analyzed. X-ray analysis of particles on the clean filter revealed silicon, aluminum (artifact from the stud) and calcium. X-ray analysis of the filter after passage of 1 liter normal saline revealed chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, aluminum (from study), calcium chlorine, sodium and silicon. Recommendations for standard procedures for particle detection in large-volume injectables are given.", "PMID": 998621} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7225", "title": "Quantitative microchromatographic determination of hemoglobin F in patients with hemoglobins S and/or C.", "content": "The improved microchromatographic procedure for the detection of Hb-S and/or Hb-C in cord blood at birth (Schroeder et al.: J. Lab Clin Med 86:528-532, 1975) as well as a modification thereof may also be used for the quantitative determination of Hb-F in the presence of Hb-S and/or Hb-C. However, Hb-A interferes and must be absent. The methods use 0.5 X 6 cm columns of CM-cellulose with Tirs or Bis-tris developers and require 2-4 hr to complete. At low percentages of Hb-F, the sharper zone of the Tris method is more easily visible than that of the Bis-tris method, but the latter is a somewhat more rapid procedure. About 300 cases with Hb-S and/or Hb-C have been examined by the microchromatographic procedure. Most of these results (Fmicro) have been compared with data from the determination of Hb-F by one or more of the following methods: alkali denaturation (FAD), conventional DEAE-Sephadex chromatography (FDES), or isoleucine analyses of zones from DEAE-Sephadex chromatography (FIle). The accuracy and precision of the microchromatographic method is estimated to be 5-10%. The microchromatographic methods require much less time than conventional chromatography but more time than alkali denaturation procedures. Compared to the latter, the new methods use whole blood and less blood and permit the physical separation of Hb-F.", "contents": "Quantitative microchromatographic determination of hemoglobin F in patients with hemoglobins S and/or C. The improved microchromatographic procedure for the detection of Hb-S and/or Hb-C in cord blood at birth (Schroeder et al.: J. Lab Clin Med 86:528-532, 1975) as well as a modification thereof may also be used for the quantitative determination of Hb-F in the presence of Hb-S and/or Hb-C. However, Hb-A interferes and must be absent. The methods use 0.5 X 6 cm columns of CM-cellulose with Tirs or Bis-tris developers and require 2-4 hr to complete. At low percentages of Hb-F, the sharper zone of the Tris method is more easily visible than that of the Bis-tris method, but the latter is a somewhat more rapid procedure. About 300 cases with Hb-S and/or Hb-C have been examined by the microchromatographic procedure. Most of these results (Fmicro) have been compared with data from the determination of Hb-F by one or more of the following methods: alkali denaturation (FAD), conventional DEAE-Sephadex chromatography (FDES), or isoleucine analyses of zones from DEAE-Sephadex chromatography (FIle). The accuracy and precision of the microchromatographic method is estimated to be 5-10%. The microchromatographic methods require much less time than conventional chromatography but more time than alkali denaturation procedures. Compared to the latter, the new methods use whole blood and less blood and permit the physical separation of Hb-F.", "PMID": 998620} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7226", "title": "Six-month pharmacy technician training program at a community college.", "content": "A six-month pharmacy technician training program at a community college is discussed. Establishment of the program, recruitment and screening of applicants, and the curriculum are described. Also discussed are the advantages of community college training, the program's pharmacist advisory committee, contracts with hospitals that provide practical experience, reaction of state pharmacy organizations to the program, and the employment record of graduates. It is suggested that short, effective pharmacy technician training programs should be established in community colleges to supply high quality supportive personnel to hospital pharmacies. A national testing and certification program for pharmacy technicians is recommended.", "contents": "Six-month pharmacy technician training program at a community college. A six-month pharmacy technician training program at a community college is discussed. Establishment of the program, recruitment and screening of applicants, and the curriculum are described. Also discussed are the advantages of community college training, the program's pharmacist advisory committee, contracts with hospitals that provide practical experience, reaction of state pharmacy organizations to the program, and the employment record of graduates. It is suggested that short, effective pharmacy technician training programs should be established in community colleges to supply high quality supportive personnel to hospital pharmacies. A national testing and certification program for pharmacy technicians is recommended.", "PMID": 998628} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7227", "title": "Pharmaceutical services for the cancer patient.", "content": "Pharmaceutical services for cancer patients in a hospital-tumor institute are described. The duties of the pharmacists discussed are: (1) providing necessary medication including the preparation of chemotherapeutic agents for administration and (2) providing drug information for the oncology specialist, the private physician, the nurse and the patient. As part of the information service, discharged patients and clinic patients are given brief monographs on the chemotherapeutic drugs included in their treatment. Pharmacists attend ward rounds regularly with four different medical services.", "contents": "Pharmaceutical services for the cancer patient. Pharmaceutical services for cancer patients in a hospital-tumor institute are described. The duties of the pharmacists discussed are: (1) providing necessary medication including the preparation of chemotherapeutic agents for administration and (2) providing drug information for the oncology specialist, the private physician, the nurse and the patient. As part of the information service, discharged patients and clinic patients are given brief monographs on the chemotherapeutic drugs included in their treatment. Pharmacists attend ward rounds regularly with four different medical services.", "PMID": 998629} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7228", "title": "Pharmacist as a provider of oncology ambulatory care services.", "content": "The services provided by a pharmacist to ambulatory oncology patients is described. The pharmacist takes drug histories, monitors drug therapy, gives patient discharge consultations and acts in cooperation with local physicians and the medical staff in providing chemotherapy to cancer patients for home administration. The pharmacist also provides inservice education and acts as a consultant to the medical, nursing and pharmacy staffs.", "contents": "Pharmacist as a provider of oncology ambulatory care services. The services provided by a pharmacist to ambulatory oncology patients is described. The pharmacist takes drug histories, monitors drug therapy, gives patient discharge consultations and acts in cooperation with local physicians and the medical staff in providing chemotherapy to cancer patients for home administration. The pharmacist also provides inservice education and acts as a consultant to the medical, nursing and pharmacy staffs.", "PMID": 998630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7229", "title": "Pharmaceutical services in a pediatric oncology day hospital.", "content": "The role of the pharmacist in a treatment center in which pediatric cancer patients receive intensive chemotherapy with a minimum of inhospital admission time is discussed. Functions of the pharmacist include: preparation and dispensing of oral and parenteral medications; monitoring of physicians' orders; maintaining patient profiles; maintaining investigational drug records; providing drug information; and conducting inservice educational programs.", "contents": "Pharmaceutical services in a pediatric oncology day hospital. The role of the pharmacist in a treatment center in which pediatric cancer patients receive intensive chemotherapy with a minimum of inhospital admission time is discussed. Functions of the pharmacist include: preparation and dispensing of oral and parenteral medications; monitoring of physicians' orders; maintaining patient profiles; maintaining investigational drug records; providing drug information; and conducting inservice educational programs.", "PMID": 998631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7230", "title": "Cost of comprehensive pharmaceutical services in a 45-bed rural hospital.", "content": "The financial impact of a comprehensive pharmacy program on patient charges and hospital operating costs in a 45-bed community hospital was studied. Data were collected retrospectively for the fiscal year prior to initiating pharmacy services (FY73), the fiscal year during program development (FY74) and the fiscal year following full operations (FY75). The total cost of pharmacy services increased 75% from FY73 to FY75, with the largest dollar increase being in pharmacy salaries. Large increases among other cost items also were noted. The average total cost for pharmacy services increased from $3.28 per patient day in FY73 to $6.04 in FY75 (84%). Total hospital cost per patient day increased by approximately $35 from FY73 to FY75 (5%). The pharmaceutical services fee per dose of medication administered did not change from FY73 to FY75. Patient charges per day for medications and pharmaceutical services increased $0.55 (9.8%) from FY73 to FY75. There was a 55% reduction in the number of items carried in pharmacy inventory from FY73 to FY74 following the initiation of a formulary and a unit dose drug distribution system.", "contents": "Cost of comprehensive pharmaceutical services in a 45-bed rural hospital. The financial impact of a comprehensive pharmacy program on patient charges and hospital operating costs in a 45-bed community hospital was studied. Data were collected retrospectively for the fiscal year prior to initiating pharmacy services (FY73), the fiscal year during program development (FY74) and the fiscal year following full operations (FY75). The total cost of pharmacy services increased 75% from FY73 to FY75, with the largest dollar increase being in pharmacy salaries. Large increases among other cost items also were noted. The average total cost for pharmacy services increased from $3.28 per patient day in FY73 to $6.04 in FY75 (84%). Total hospital cost per patient day increased by approximately $35 from FY73 to FY75 (5%). The pharmaceutical services fee per dose of medication administered did not change from FY73 to FY75. Patient charges per day for medications and pharmaceutical services increased $0.55 (9.8%) from FY73 to FY75. There was a 55% reduction in the number of items carried in pharmacy inventory from FY73 to FY74 following the initiation of a formulary and a unit dose drug distribution system.", "PMID": 998632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7231", "title": "Double-blind evaluation of 5-mum final filtration to reduce postinfusion phlebitis.", "content": "A double-blind study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of 5-mum final filtration in preventing phlebitis secondary to intravenous fluid administration. An experimental administration set which contained distal portion of the tubing was used for patients randomly assigned to receive filtered intravenous solutions. An identical administration set minus the filter was used in the control group to allow double-blind evaluation of the injection site. Data were collected on 49 patients whose average age was eight years and one month. Most patients had a primary diagnosis of acute lymphocytic or myelocytic leukemia or solid tumor. The patients' injection sites were evaluated daily for clinical findings of phlebitis (erythema, induration, heat, erythematous-streak and discomfort). The incidence of phlebitis was significantly lower (p less than 0.01) in patients receiving filtered intravenous solutions. For the patients in this study, filtration of intravenous fluids with a 5-mum mesh filter appeared to be a feasible and effective means of reducing postinfusion complications.", "contents": "Double-blind evaluation of 5-mum final filtration to reduce postinfusion phlebitis. A double-blind study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of 5-mum final filtration in preventing phlebitis secondary to intravenous fluid administration. An experimental administration set which contained distal portion of the tubing was used for patients randomly assigned to receive filtered intravenous solutions. An identical administration set minus the filter was used in the control group to allow double-blind evaluation of the injection site. Data were collected on 49 patients whose average age was eight years and one month. Most patients had a primary diagnosis of acute lymphocytic or myelocytic leukemia or solid tumor. The patients' injection sites were evaluated daily for clinical findings of phlebitis (erythema, induration, heat, erythematous-streak and discomfort). The incidence of phlebitis was significantly lower (p less than 0.01) in patients receiving filtered intravenous solutions. For the patients in this study, filtration of intravenous fluids with a 5-mum mesh filter appeared to be a feasible and effective means of reducing postinfusion complications.", "PMID": 998633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7232", "title": "Use of bioavailability data by practitioners. Part 2: Preliminary report of evaluation skills of pharmacists and physicians.", "content": "The ability of pharmacists and physicians to interpret and evaluate promotional and clinical bioavailability data was compared to that of a panel of scientists with experience in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology. An examination tested the ability of 18 physicians and 68 pharmacists to: (1) evaluate and make clinical decisions using promotional bioavailability data; (2) demonstrate the basic qualitative and quantitative skills needed to make rational judgments on drug product selection; and (3) distinguish between drugs with real or potential bioavailability problems. On the examination, pharmacists, as a group, scored significantly higher (52%) than physicians (35%), but the panelists scored highest (83%). Hospital pharmacists (61%) scored higher than community pharmacists (42%). Recommendations for future studies of this type are presented.", "contents": "Use of bioavailability data by practitioners. Part 2: Preliminary report of evaluation skills of pharmacists and physicians. The ability of pharmacists and physicians to interpret and evaluate promotional and clinical bioavailability data was compared to that of a panel of scientists with experience in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology. An examination tested the ability of 18 physicians and 68 pharmacists to: (1) evaluate and make clinical decisions using promotional bioavailability data; (2) demonstrate the basic qualitative and quantitative skills needed to make rational judgments on drug product selection; and (3) distinguish between drugs with real or potential bioavailability problems. On the examination, pharmacists, as a group, scored significantly higher (52%) than physicians (35%), but the panelists scored highest (83%). Hospital pharmacists (61%) scored higher than community pharmacists (42%). Recommendations for future studies of this type are presented.", "PMID": 998634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7233", "title": "Computer support of pharmaceutical services for ambulatory patients.", "content": "A prototype computerized pharmaceutical services support system (CPSSS) is described. CPSSS maintains records on approximately 40,000 patients; 1,300 outpatient prescriptions are dispensed per day. Using Univac hardware and software developed inhouse, CPSSS provides an online drug therapy profile. The prescription label, including auxiliary information, storage and stability guidelines as well as the traditional information, is automatically generated. Prior to medication dispensing, all information is verified by a pharmacist after the computer searches the patient medication profile for 5,400 potential drug-drug, 1,500 drug-disease state, over 100 drug-allergy and 200 drug-laboratory test interactions as well as identifying duplicate pharmacological therapy. Retrospectively, the patient population is described as to sex, age and number of diagnoses. The number of prescriptions per physician also is reported. Twenty drugs represent one-half of the total prescriptions, with 32% of patients taking diuretics and 30% taking tranquilizers. All new prescriptions were prospectively reviewed. Approximately 2% had potential interactions or pharmacological duplication of therapy problems. Approximately 30% of all new prescriptions duplicated exactly an active prescription on file. When a pharmacist initiated physician contact as a result of CPSSS and profile review, physicians changed therapy approximately 73% of the time when informed of duplicate therapy, 27% of the time when informed of potential drug-disease state interactions and 32% of the time when informed of potential drug-drug interactions.", "contents": "Computer support of pharmaceutical services for ambulatory patients. A prototype computerized pharmaceutical services support system (CPSSS) is described. CPSSS maintains records on approximately 40,000 patients; 1,300 outpatient prescriptions are dispensed per day. Using Univac hardware and software developed inhouse, CPSSS provides an online drug therapy profile. The prescription label, including auxiliary information, storage and stability guidelines as well as the traditional information, is automatically generated. Prior to medication dispensing, all information is verified by a pharmacist after the computer searches the patient medication profile for 5,400 potential drug-drug, 1,500 drug-disease state, over 100 drug-allergy and 200 drug-laboratory test interactions as well as identifying duplicate pharmacological therapy. Retrospectively, the patient population is described as to sex, age and number of diagnoses. The number of prescriptions per physician also is reported. Twenty drugs represent one-half of the total prescriptions, with 32% of patients taking diuretics and 30% taking tranquilizers. All new prescriptions were prospectively reviewed. Approximately 2% had potential interactions or pharmacological duplication of therapy problems. Approximately 30% of all new prescriptions duplicated exactly an active prescription on file. When a pharmacist initiated physician contact as a result of CPSSS and profile review, physicians changed therapy approximately 73% of the time when informed of duplicate therapy, 27% of the time when informed of potential drug-disease state interactions and 32% of the time when informed of potential drug-drug interactions.", "PMID": 998635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7234", "title": "Delegation.", "content": "The three basic elements of delegation (responsibility, authority and accountability) are discussed with regard to effective management. Major guidelines for effective delegation are noted, including: (1) securing a mutual commitment to responsibilities involved; (2) establishing goals and checkpoints; (3) giving appropriate authority to the delegate; and (4) avoiding by-passing the delegate.", "contents": "Delegation. The three basic elements of delegation (responsibility, authority and accountability) are discussed with regard to effective management. Major guidelines for effective delegation are noted, including: (1) securing a mutual commitment to responsibilities involved; (2) establishing goals and checkpoints; (3) giving appropriate authority to the delegate; and (4) avoiding by-passing the delegate.", "PMID": 998636} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7235", "title": "High-pressure liquid chromatographic and spectrophotometric assays for theophylline in biological fluids.", "content": "The analysis of theophylline and other xanthine derivatives in biological fluids was examined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometric (Schack and Waxler) methods. An HPLC analysis technique involving precipitation of serum proteins using trichloroacetic acid, injection of the supernatant onto a strong cation exchange column and detection using ultraviolet absorbance provides a nonpolluting, micronized, rapid and reasonably sensitive and specific method for measuring serum theophylline concentrations during clinical pharmacokinetic monitoring. Pre-extration of xanthines with chloroform increases the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Good agreement was found in the assay results between the spectrophotometric and HPLC assays in 23 of 25 patient specimens, but occasional severe interferences were found with the former technique.", "contents": "High-pressure liquid chromatographic and spectrophotometric assays for theophylline in biological fluids. The analysis of theophylline and other xanthine derivatives in biological fluids was examined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometric (Schack and Waxler) methods. An HPLC analysis technique involving precipitation of serum proteins using trichloroacetic acid, injection of the supernatant onto a strong cation exchange column and detection using ultraviolet absorbance provides a nonpolluting, micronized, rapid and reasonably sensitive and specific method for measuring serum theophylline concentrations during clinical pharmacokinetic monitoring. Pre-extration of xanthines with chloroform increases the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Good agreement was found in the assay results between the spectrophotometric and HPLC assays in 23 of 25 patient specimens, but occasional severe interferences were found with the former technique.", "PMID": 998637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7236", "title": "Health planning, part 2; The National Health Planning and Resources Development Act of 1974.", "content": "The National Health Planning and Resources Development Act of 1974 is discussed, with particular reference to national guidelines, Health Sytems Agencies, state planning and development, technical assistance from HEW, and the purpose, plan and state approval of Health Resources Development.", "contents": "Health planning, part 2; The National Health Planning and Resources Development Act of 1974. The National Health Planning and Resources Development Act of 1974 is discussed, with particular reference to national guidelines, Health Sytems Agencies, state planning and development, technical assistance from HEW, and the purpose, plan and state approval of Health Resources Development.", "PMID": 998638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7237", "title": "Stability of gentamicin sulfate injection following unit dose repackaging.", "content": "The potency of gentamicin sulfate following repackaging in disposable syringes were determined by a modification of the agar diffusion bioassay, using a highly gentamicin-resistant strain of Psuedomonas aeruginosa to assay milligram quantities of active drug. Three factors were studied at 30, 60 and 90 days: (1) syringe character (glass vs plastic); (2) temperature (25 C vs 4 C); and (3) volume of aspirated sample. Glass syringes were superior at all time intervals. Storage in plastic for even 30 days resulted in unacceptable loss of potency (greater than 15%) and formation of a brown precipitate. Mass spectrophotometry indicated that this precipitate consisted mainly of esters of phthalic acid (plasticizer) and methylparaben (gentamicin preservative). Temperature had no effect on retained potency. A positive correlation between the percent potency lost and volume of gentamicin aspirated was demonstrated in both glass and plastic.", "contents": "Stability of gentamicin sulfate injection following unit dose repackaging. The potency of gentamicin sulfate following repackaging in disposable syringes were determined by a modification of the agar diffusion bioassay, using a highly gentamicin-resistant strain of Psuedomonas aeruginosa to assay milligram quantities of active drug. Three factors were studied at 30, 60 and 90 days: (1) syringe character (glass vs plastic); (2) temperature (25 C vs 4 C); and (3) volume of aspirated sample. Glass syringes were superior at all time intervals. Storage in plastic for even 30 days resulted in unacceptable loss of potency (greater than 15%) and formation of a brown precipitate. Mass spectrophotometry indicated that this precipitate consisted mainly of esters of phthalic acid (plasticizer) and methylparaben (gentamicin preservative). Temperature had no effect on retained potency. A positive correlation between the percent potency lost and volume of gentamicin aspirated was demonstrated in both glass and plastic.", "PMID": 998642} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7238", "title": "Reported use of nonprescribed drugs in health maintenance.", "content": "The reported use of nonprescribed drugs and its relationship to other reported illness and heal-related activities of subscribers within a prepaid comprehensive medical care system were examined. The data analyzed were abstracted from a household survey of 2603 Kaiser Health Plan subscribers. The survey gathered sociodemographic, economic, attitudinal and behavioral information. The health-related information collected included reported symptom experiences, behavior when ill, and customary health and health-related practices. The findings indicate that the use of nonprescribed drugs is a frequent and in some instances, an extensive activity. Some association was found between reported self-medication activities and selected symptom experiences, use of certain health practitioners, prescribed drug use and certain health maintenance activities and perception. It is concluded that use of nonprescribed drugs appeared to be related to other health-related behaviors, but not just randomly. Also, the use of nonprescribed medicine does not appear aberrant from the perspectives of contemporary health care.", "contents": "Reported use of nonprescribed drugs in health maintenance. The reported use of nonprescribed drugs and its relationship to other reported illness and heal-related activities of subscribers within a prepaid comprehensive medical care system were examined. The data analyzed were abstracted from a household survey of 2603 Kaiser Health Plan subscribers. The survey gathered sociodemographic, economic, attitudinal and behavioral information. The health-related information collected included reported symptom experiences, behavior when ill, and customary health and health-related practices. The findings indicate that the use of nonprescribed drugs is a frequent and in some instances, an extensive activity. Some association was found between reported self-medication activities and selected symptom experiences, use of certain health practitioners, prescribed drug use and certain health maintenance activities and perception. It is concluded that use of nonprescribed drugs appeared to be related to other health-related behaviors, but not just randomly. Also, the use of nonprescribed medicine does not appear aberrant from the perspectives of contemporary health care.", "PMID": 998644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7239", "title": "Therapeutic equivalency of two lidocaine preparations.", "content": "Twenty-five volunteers were studied as to the onset and duration of action of two commercial brands of lidocaine. One and two percent concentrations of the preparations were tested intradermally using a double-blind, cross-over protocol. Both needle-drop and electrical stimulation techniques were employed as the source of pain stimulus. Five additional subjects were studied in a dose-ranging study using a placebo and lidocaine concentrations of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.0%; this experiment was conduced to determine the sensitivity of the experimental methods. Both the needle-drop and electrical stimulation techniques were able to distinguish the 0.25% preparation from placebo and from the other concentrations of 1% and 2%. The two preparations were found to be statistically equivalent at concentrations of 1% and 2% and could be used interchangeably in clinical procedures.", "contents": "Therapeutic equivalency of two lidocaine preparations. Twenty-five volunteers were studied as to the onset and duration of action of two commercial brands of lidocaine. One and two percent concentrations of the preparations were tested intradermally using a double-blind, cross-over protocol. Both needle-drop and electrical stimulation techniques were employed as the source of pain stimulus. Five additional subjects were studied in a dose-ranging study using a placebo and lidocaine concentrations of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.0%; this experiment was conduced to determine the sensitivity of the experimental methods. Both the needle-drop and electrical stimulation techniques were able to distinguish the 0.25% preparation from placebo and from the other concentrations of 1% and 2%. The two preparations were found to be statistically equivalent at concentrations of 1% and 2% and could be used interchangeably in clinical procedures.", "PMID": 998645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7240", "title": "Drug therapy of patients treated in hospitals for duodenal ulcers.", "content": "Drug therapy in hospitalized patients treated for duodenal ulcer disease was reviewed retrospectively. The information was obtained by the means of a medical audit of patient records indexed by the discharge diagnosis of duodenal ulcers. A total of 485 cases were abstracted. Antacids were found to be the cornerstone of duodenal ulcer drug therapy. Anticholinergic drugs occupied a central role throughout the medical treatment of duodenal ulcers. The investigators identified a need for the dissemination of information concerning the use of anticholinergics in duodenal ulcer patients experiencing the complications of hemorrhage and obstruction.", "contents": "Drug therapy of patients treated in hospitals for duodenal ulcers. Drug therapy in hospitalized patients treated for duodenal ulcer disease was reviewed retrospectively. The information was obtained by the means of a medical audit of patient records indexed by the discharge diagnosis of duodenal ulcers. A total of 485 cases were abstracted. Antacids were found to be the cornerstone of duodenal ulcer drug therapy. Anticholinergic drugs occupied a central role throughout the medical treatment of duodenal ulcers. The investigators identified a need for the dissemination of information concerning the use of anticholinergics in duodenal ulcer patients experiencing the complications of hemorrhage and obstruction.", "PMID": 998646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7241", "title": "Evaluation of written reinforcements used in counseling cardiovascular patients.", "content": "The acceptance and effectiveness of medication cards and booklets for cardiovascular patients were evaluated. Approximately one month after discharge counseling which included the written reinforcements, 22 out of 50 patients discharged from cardiothoracic surgery and cardiovascular medicine units were questioned to assess patient usage of the medication cards/booklets and patient knowledge of their particular drugs. All patients except one indicated that they had read the material after leaving the hospital, and many had read it more than once. The effectiveness of the material was found to be only partially acceptable when general and specific medical questions were asked. The names and uses of most of the drugs taken by the patients were identified correctly.", "contents": "Evaluation of written reinforcements used in counseling cardiovascular patients. The acceptance and effectiveness of medication cards and booklets for cardiovascular patients were evaluated. Approximately one month after discharge counseling which included the written reinforcements, 22 out of 50 patients discharged from cardiothoracic surgery and cardiovascular medicine units were questioned to assess patient usage of the medication cards/booklets and patient knowledge of their particular drugs. All patients except one indicated that they had read the material after leaving the hospital, and many had read it more than once. The effectiveness of the material was found to be only partially acceptable when general and specific medical questions were asked. The names and uses of most of the drugs taken by the patients were identified correctly.", "PMID": 998647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7242", "title": "Comparative evaluation of drug interaction publications--1976.", "content": "The usefulness of several reference books in the retriveal and application of drug interaction information was evaluated. Each publication was evaluated as to whether it included information that would be necessary to determine if a suspected interaction was actually occurring. Twenty drug combinations which may interact were studied. In addition, the general format and features of each publication were reviewed. The American Pharmaceutical Association's Evaluations of Drug Interactions and Hansten's Drug Interactions were reviewed favorably on all points. Stockley's Drug Interactions and their Mechanisms was considered nearly as complete and certainly as authoritative. Cohen's Drug Interactions: A Handbook for Clinical Use, Gant's Drug Interaction Index: A Survey of Drug Interactions and Hartshorn's Handbook of Drug Interactions, were deemed useful as an added check if an interaction suspected clinically was not included in any of the former group.", "contents": "Comparative evaluation of drug interaction publications--1976. The usefulness of several reference books in the retriveal and application of drug interaction information was evaluated. Each publication was evaluated as to whether it included information that would be necessary to determine if a suspected interaction was actually occurring. Twenty drug combinations which may interact were studied. In addition, the general format and features of each publication were reviewed. The American Pharmaceutical Association's Evaluations of Drug Interactions and Hansten's Drug Interactions were reviewed favorably on all points. Stockley's Drug Interactions and their Mechanisms was considered nearly as complete and certainly as authoritative. Cohen's Drug Interactions: A Handbook for Clinical Use, Gant's Drug Interaction Index: A Survey of Drug Interactions and Hartshorn's Handbook of Drug Interactions, were deemed useful as an added check if an interaction suspected clinically was not included in any of the former group.", "PMID": 998648} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7243", "title": "Computerized consultation system for selection of antimicrobial therapy.", "content": "Mycin, a computer-based consultation system which provides to physicians antimicrobial therapy recommendations for patients with bacterial infections, is described. The consultation program arrives at therapeutic decisions using a built-in knowledge base as well as patient data entered by the physician. The system is capable of explaining its recommendations and answering questions about its reasoning process. The system's knowledge can be updated and corrected easily by infectious disease experts. At present the system is operational within a research setting; its routine use in a clinical setting will require further evaluation of its reliability and effectiveness.", "contents": "Computerized consultation system for selection of antimicrobial therapy. Mycin, a computer-based consultation system which provides to physicians antimicrobial therapy recommendations for patients with bacterial infections, is described. The consultation program arrives at therapeutic decisions using a built-in knowledge base as well as patient data entered by the physician. The system is capable of explaining its recommendations and answering questions about its reasoning process. The system's knowledge can be updated and corrected easily by infectious disease experts. At present the system is operational within a research setting; its routine use in a clinical setting will require further evaluation of its reliability and effectiveness.", "PMID": 998649} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7244", "title": "Medical Device Amendments of 1976.", "content": "The Medical Device Amendments of 1976 are discussed with particular reference to the history of device regulation, classification of devices, performance standards, applications for premarket approval and testing protocols.", "contents": "Medical Device Amendments of 1976. The Medical Device Amendments of 1976 are discussed with particular reference to the history of device regulation, classification of devices, performance standards, applications for premarket approval and testing protocols.", "PMID": 998650} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7245", "title": "MLT and MT student performance on a preliminary psychomotor test battery.", "content": "Psychomotor ability is a neglected component of student clinical evaluation in the laboratory setting. This paper describes development of an experimental psychomotor test battery containing mechanical comprehension, spatial perception, and manual dexterity subscales. A small sample of MLT and MT students constituted the study population used to determine interrelationships among the subscales. Pearson product moment correlations and factor analysis suggest isolation of hand-eye motor and perception-intelligence psychomotor components in the battery. Clinical laboratory implications of the findings are discussed.", "contents": "MLT and MT student performance on a preliminary psychomotor test battery. Psychomotor ability is a neglected component of student clinical evaluation in the laboratory setting. This paper describes development of an experimental psychomotor test battery containing mechanical comprehension, spatial perception, and manual dexterity subscales. A small sample of MLT and MT students constituted the study population used to determine interrelationships among the subscales. Pearson product moment correlations and factor analysis suggest isolation of hand-eye motor and perception-intelligence psychomotor components in the battery. Clinical laboratory implications of the findings are discussed.", "PMID": 998651} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7246", "title": "1974 Arizona P.A.C.E. participation.", "content": "Members of the Arizona State Society for Medical Technology were contacted to ascertain their knowledge of the P.A.C.E. program as well as to obtain release of the transcripts for those who participated during 1974. Observations regarding reported credits were noted. The Analysis of Variance test with Scheffe comparison was utilized to determine if any characteristic accounted for the difference in total continuing education hours reported. It was concluded that residence location, marital status, sex, age, degree level, length of membership in ASMT, years experience, employment extent, place of employment, and number of beds at place of employment had no significant effect on the total hours reported. A significant difference in total hours reported was noted for those individuals who reported either CEU or college credits. A significant difference was also noted in the total hours reported with respect to job description.", "contents": "1974 Arizona P.A.C.E. participation. Members of the Arizona State Society for Medical Technology were contacted to ascertain their knowledge of the P.A.C.E. program as well as to obtain release of the transcripts for those who participated during 1974. Observations regarding reported credits were noted. The Analysis of Variance test with Scheffe comparison was utilized to determine if any characteristic accounted for the difference in total continuing education hours reported. It was concluded that residence location, marital status, sex, age, degree level, length of membership in ASMT, years experience, employment extent, place of employment, and number of beds at place of employment had no significant effect on the total hours reported. A significant difference in total hours reported was noted for those individuals who reported either CEU or college credits. A significant difference was also noted in the total hours reported with respect to job description.", "PMID": 998653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7247", "title": "Definitions, sources and detection of laboratory error: a review.", "content": "Laboratory error has been estimated to occur in one to three percent of test results. Previous studies have identified common sources of laboratory-induced error. Methods of quality assurance are suggested to identify such errors and reduce the possibility of their reaching the physician. Present systems for monitoring quality assurance do not adequately detect biological and pharmacological errors.", "contents": "Definitions, sources and detection of laboratory error: a review. Laboratory error has been estimated to occur in one to three percent of test results. Previous studies have identified common sources of laboratory-induced error. Methods of quality assurance are suggested to identify such errors and reduce the possibility of their reaching the physician. Present systems for monitoring quality assurance do not adequately detect biological and pharmacological errors.", "PMID": 998654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7248", "title": "Dimensions of adaptive behavior in institutionalized mentally retarded children and adults: developmental perspective.", "content": "Factor analyses were performed utilizing the subscale scores of the AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale, Part One, for 3,354 institutionalized mentally retarded children and adults. Eight different age groups were studied to determine (a) the underlying dimensions of adaptive behavior measured by the scale, (b) similarity of factor structure across ages, (c) whether there were developmental changes revealed by factor scores, and (d) the extent to which the above findings would be related to level of retardation. Three salient factorial dimensions--Personal Self-Sufficiency, Community Self-Sufficiency, and Personal-Social Responsibility--appeared across a wide span of age ranges from childhood through senility. The implication of these factors was discussed in terms of the critical period of development, rate of growth, and maximum level of growth of subjects grouped by level of retardation.", "contents": "Dimensions of adaptive behavior in institutionalized mentally retarded children and adults: developmental perspective. Factor analyses were performed utilizing the subscale scores of the AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale, Part One, for 3,354 institutionalized mentally retarded children and adults. Eight different age groups were studied to determine (a) the underlying dimensions of adaptive behavior measured by the scale, (b) similarity of factor structure across ages, (c) whether there were developmental changes revealed by factor scores, and (d) the extent to which the above findings would be related to level of retardation. Three salient factorial dimensions--Personal Self-Sufficiency, Community Self-Sufficiency, and Personal-Social Responsibility--appeared across a wide span of age ranges from childhood through senility. The implication of these factors was discussed in terms of the critical period of development, rate of growth, and maximum level of growth of subjects grouped by level of retardation.", "PMID": 998656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7249", "title": "Reassessment of category knowledge in retarded individuals.", "content": "We investigated retarded individuals' knowledge of conceptual categories as reflected by semantic priming effects. In the first experiment, retarded individuals were shown pairs of pictures, one picture at a time, and asked to name each picture as rapidly and accurately as possible. The pictures in each pair were objects that were either categorically related or unrelated. The major finding was that second pictures in related pairs were named significantly faster than those in unrelated pairs. This reduction in naming-latency, or priming effect, was interpreted as indicating that information about categorical relationships is established in the memory structure of retarded individuals. In the second experiment, subjects were again given the picture-naming task plus two concept-usage tasks designed to test the recognition and verbalization of categorical relationships. Correlational analyses indicated that while performance on both usage tasks varied with intelligence, neither intelligence nor category usage correlated with the magnitude of the priming effect. This suggests that intelligence-related differences in category usage do not result from corresponding differences in conceptual competence but, rather, are related to the ability to use category information that is potentially available.", "contents": "Reassessment of category knowledge in retarded individuals. We investigated retarded individuals' knowledge of conceptual categories as reflected by semantic priming effects. In the first experiment, retarded individuals were shown pairs of pictures, one picture at a time, and asked to name each picture as rapidly and accurately as possible. The pictures in each pair were objects that were either categorically related or unrelated. The major finding was that second pictures in related pairs were named significantly faster than those in unrelated pairs. This reduction in naming-latency, or priming effect, was interpreted as indicating that information about categorical relationships is established in the memory structure of retarded individuals. In the second experiment, subjects were again given the picture-naming task plus two concept-usage tasks designed to test the recognition and verbalization of categorical relationships. Correlational analyses indicated that while performance on both usage tasks varied with intelligence, neither intelligence nor category usage correlated with the magnitude of the priming effect. This suggests that intelligence-related differences in category usage do not result from corresponding differences in conceptual competence but, rather, are related to the ability to use category information that is potentially available.", "PMID": 998657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7250", "title": "Studying cognitive development in retarded and nonretarded groups: the role of theory.", "content": "Stephens and McLaughlin's (1974) report of retarded-nonretarded group differences in performance on Piagetian reasoning tasks was critically examined. The findings were difficult to interpret in relation to major theories of cognition in retarded and nonretarded persons because of problems in the investigators' testing and subject selection procedures and because of an inappropriate use of analysis of covariance. These problems were discussed, their potential impact on the findings examined, and certain guidelines proposed for research of this genre--guidelines designed to sharpen the relationship between experimentation and theory.", "contents": "Studying cognitive development in retarded and nonretarded groups: the role of theory. Stephens and McLaughlin's (1974) report of retarded-nonretarded group differences in performance on Piagetian reasoning tasks was critically examined. The findings were difficult to interpret in relation to major theories of cognition in retarded and nonretarded persons because of problems in the investigators' testing and subject selection procedures and because of an inappropriate use of analysis of covariance. These problems were discussed, their potential impact on the findings examined, and certain guidelines proposed for research of this genre--guidelines designed to sharpen the relationship between experimentation and theory.", "PMID": 998658} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7251", "title": "Critique of the use of covariance adjustments for CA and MA in comparative studies of retarded and nonretarded persons.", "content": "Arguments were presented to show that the procedures of covariance adjustments for MA or for MA and CA are unsuited to the analysis of comparative data for retarded and nonretarded persons. Whatever the task and the performance levels of such subjects, the performance measures for both groups must always define a single continuous regression surface. It was proposed that graphical inspection of the regression surface will properly suggest the relative contributions of CA, MA, and IQ to the performance under study. Some of the data of the Temple longitudinal studies were used to illustrate the graphic procedure.", "contents": "Critique of the use of covariance adjustments for CA and MA in comparative studies of retarded and nonretarded persons. Arguments were presented to show that the procedures of covariance adjustments for MA or for MA and CA are unsuited to the analysis of comparative data for retarded and nonretarded persons. Whatever the task and the performance levels of such subjects, the performance measures for both groups must always define a single continuous regression surface. It was proposed that graphical inspection of the regression surface will properly suggest the relative contributions of CA, MA, and IQ to the performance under study. Some of the data of the Temple longitudinal studies were used to illustrate the graphic procedure.", "PMID": 998659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7252", "title": "Background music for repetitive task performance of severely retarded individuals.", "content": "Environmental manipulation in the form of specific tempo background music was used to assist in the habilitation of severely retarded persons. Thirty institutionalized retarded males were tested on a repetitive manual performance task judged to be similar to the type of tasks found in sheltered workshops. Each subject received each of the background treatments noncontingently: no music, slow tempo music, regular tempo music, fast tempo music. The results indicated that the regular tempo of background music facilitated the greatest improvement in performance, suggesting that the effect of music on performance is more complex than the issue of contingent presentation.", "contents": "Background music for repetitive task performance of severely retarded individuals. Environmental manipulation in the form of specific tempo background music was used to assist in the habilitation of severely retarded persons. Thirty institutionalized retarded males were tested on a repetitive manual performance task judged to be similar to the type of tasks found in sheltered workshops. Each subject received each of the background treatments noncontingently: no music, slow tempo music, regular tempo music, fast tempo music. The results indicated that the regular tempo of background music facilitated the greatest improvement in performance, suggesting that the effect of music on performance is more complex than the issue of contingent presentation.", "PMID": 998661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7253", "title": "Failure effects on outerdirectedness: a failure to replicate.", "content": "A replication was conducted of part of Turnure and Zigler's (1964) experiment in which they assessed whether outerdirectedness was a function of failure experiences. Thirty nonretarded and 30 retarded children, matched on MA, experienced either failure games administered with positive or negative comments followed by an imitative assessment task or received only the imitation task. The results did not support Zigler's hypothesis concerning the antecedents of outerdirectedness, as no short-term effects of failure were found. The findings refuted Turnure and Zigler's hypothesis that outerdirectedness is a function of situational social reinforcement. Differences in tasks presented, methods of analysis, and/or school populations may have contributed to the lack of correspondence with the Turnure and Zigler findings.", "contents": "Failure effects on outerdirectedness: a failure to replicate. A replication was conducted of part of Turnure and Zigler's (1964) experiment in which they assessed whether outerdirectedness was a function of failure experiences. Thirty nonretarded and 30 retarded children, matched on MA, experienced either failure games administered with positive or negative comments followed by an imitative assessment task or received only the imitation task. The results did not support Zigler's hypothesis concerning the antecedents of outerdirectedness, as no short-term effects of failure were found. The findings refuted Turnure and Zigler's hypothesis that outerdirectedness is a function of situational social reinforcement. Differences in tasks presented, methods of analysis, and/or school populations may have contributed to the lack of correspondence with the Turnure and Zigler findings.", "PMID": 998662} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7254", "title": "Effectiveness of a learning potential procedure in improving problem-solving skills of retarded and nonretarded children.", "content": "In this study we sought to determine the effectiveness of learning potential training on improving children's probelm-solving skills on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. A sample of 553 retarded and nonretarded students were pretested, randomly assigned to trained or nontrained groups, and posttested. Analyses of variance on factor scores derived from a varimax rotation of item responses revealed that learning potential training was effective in increasing the ability to reason by analogy of both retarded and nonretarded children. The learning potential procedure provided learning experiences related to reasoning skills that may not have been previously acquired in school.", "contents": "Effectiveness of a learning potential procedure in improving problem-solving skills of retarded and nonretarded children. In this study we sought to determine the effectiveness of learning potential training on improving children's probelm-solving skills on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. A sample of 553 retarded and nonretarded students were pretested, randomly assigned to trained or nontrained groups, and posttested. Analyses of variance on factor scores derived from a varimax rotation of item responses revealed that learning potential training was effective in increasing the ability to reason by analogy of both retarded and nonretarded children. The learning potential procedure provided learning experiences related to reasoning skills that may not have been previously acquired in school.", "PMID": 998663} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7255", "title": "Attentional model for the effectiveness of fading in training reading- vocabulary with retarded persons.", "content": "Researchers have shown that a simple reading-vocabulary can be trained by repeatedly pairing picture and word and that fading the picture over trials increases the efficiency of training. An attention hypothesis attributes the effectiveness of fading to an increase in attention to the word caused by the fading out of the picture. In an alternative hypothesis, stimulus change, it is proposed that the mechanism of fading derives from the increased salience of the changing stimuli, so that fading in the word would be as effective as fading out the picture. These competing hypotheses were tested by training 48 nonreading retarded persons (in four equated groups) under the following conditions: fade picture out, fade word in, double fade (picture fades out and word fades in simultaneously), and standard (picture and word paired without fading). Tests of vocabulary-learning showed that the fade picture out and double-fade conditions were equally effective and superior to the standard and fade word in conditions, which were equally ineffective. These findings were inconsistent with the stimulus-change hypothesis, but consistent with a two-look attentional model, based on the Zeaman and House attention theory (1963).", "contents": "Attentional model for the effectiveness of fading in training reading- vocabulary with retarded persons. Researchers have shown that a simple reading-vocabulary can be trained by repeatedly pairing picture and word and that fading the picture over trials increases the efficiency of training. An attention hypothesis attributes the effectiveness of fading to an increase in attention to the word caused by the fading out of the picture. In an alternative hypothesis, stimulus change, it is proposed that the mechanism of fading derives from the increased salience of the changing stimuli, so that fading in the word would be as effective as fading out the picture. These competing hypotheses were tested by training 48 nonreading retarded persons (in four equated groups) under the following conditions: fade picture out, fade word in, double fade (picture fades out and word fades in simultaneously), and standard (picture and word paired without fading). Tests of vocabulary-learning showed that the fade picture out and double-fade conditions were equally effective and superior to the standard and fade word in conditions, which were equally ineffective. These findings were inconsistent with the stimulus-change hypothesis, but consistent with a two-look attentional model, based on the Zeaman and House attention theory (1963).", "PMID": 998664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7256", "title": "Differences in attitudes toward sex-typed behavior of nonretarded and retarded children.", "content": "The present study was an initial attempt at understanding gender constancy in retarded children. Stories about retarded or nonretarded boys or girls were given to teachers and caretakers of retarded children and teachers of nonretarded children. The stories described children in four sex-stereotyped activities. Respondents rated each child in the stories on scales of typicality and acceptability. Results indicated that, while nonretarded children were rated as typical when engaging in sex-appropriate, desirable play activities, retarded children were rated as typical when engaging in undesirable activities, regardless of sex appropriateness. Different professional groups appeared to use different criteria when judging the children in the stories.", "contents": "Differences in attitudes toward sex-typed behavior of nonretarded and retarded children. The present study was an initial attempt at understanding gender constancy in retarded children. Stories about retarded or nonretarded boys or girls were given to teachers and caretakers of retarded children and teachers of nonretarded children. The stories described children in four sex-stereotyped activities. Respondents rated each child in the stories on scales of typicality and acceptability. Results indicated that, while nonretarded children were rated as typical when engaging in sex-appropriate, desirable play activities, retarded children were rated as typical when engaging in undesirable activities, regardless of sex appropriateness. Different professional groups appeared to use different criteria when judging the children in the stories.", "PMID": 998665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7257", "title": "Vicarious effects on the creative behavior of retarded and nonretarded children.", "content": "The effects of observing a model's overt display of a creative drawing response and hearing a description of these actions were assessed with 54 retarded and 68 nonretarded children. The modeled creative strategy was designed to be high in the dimension of elaboration. A multivariate research design was employed to assess the target dimension of elaboration, as well as to determine transfer to tasks of varying degrees of similarity to the model's task and to creative dimensions other than elaboration. The overt modeling of a creative strategy was most effective in improving elaboration, although verbal descriptions also aided performance. Retarded children were less able than nonretarded children to discriminate the essential elements of the model's elaboration strategy and displayed less acquisition of the elaboration strategy but showed comparable gradients of transfer.", "contents": "Vicarious effects on the creative behavior of retarded and nonretarded children. The effects of observing a model's overt display of a creative drawing response and hearing a description of these actions were assessed with 54 retarded and 68 nonretarded children. The modeled creative strategy was designed to be high in the dimension of elaboration. A multivariate research design was employed to assess the target dimension of elaboration, as well as to determine transfer to tasks of varying degrees of similarity to the model's task and to creative dimensions other than elaboration. The overt modeling of a creative strategy was most effective in improving elaboration, although verbal descriptions also aided performance. Retarded children were less able than nonretarded children to discriminate the essential elements of the model's elaboration strategy and displayed less acquisition of the elaboration strategy but showed comparable gradients of transfer.", "PMID": 998666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7258", "title": "Relationship among the self-direction, responsibility, and socialization domains of the Adaptive Behavior Scale.", "content": "The extent of the relationship among the Socialization, Self-Direction, and Responsibility domains of the Revised Adaptive Behavior Scale was investigated. Based upon the scores of 338 mentally retarded institutionalized male and female children and adults, high positive and significant correlations were obtained among these three domains. The relationship was explained in terms of a possible motivational link among the three domains.", "contents": "Relationship among the self-direction, responsibility, and socialization domains of the Adaptive Behavior Scale. The extent of the relationship among the Socialization, Self-Direction, and Responsibility domains of the Revised Adaptive Behavior Scale was investigated. Based upon the scores of 338 mentally retarded institutionalized male and female children and adults, high positive and significant correlations were obtained among these three domains. The relationship was explained in terms of a possible motivational link among the three domains.", "PMID": 998667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7259", "title": "Factor structure of the SREB Attendant Opinion Scale.", "content": "A factor analysis of the SREB (Southern Regional Education Board) Attendant Opinion Scale was performed, based on the responses of 105 subjects. The results were very similar to those reported by the authors of the scale. Four factors were interpreted as relating to job dissatisfaction, maintenance of the rights of residents, belief in making residents conform to moral standards, and authoritarianism. The scale appears to be a promising instrument for evaluating attendants' attitudes.", "contents": "Factor structure of the SREB Attendant Opinion Scale. A factor analysis of the SREB (Southern Regional Education Board) Attendant Opinion Scale was performed, based on the responses of 105 subjects. The results were very similar to those reported by the authors of the scale. Four factors were interpreted as relating to job dissatisfaction, maintenance of the rights of residents, belief in making residents conform to moral standards, and authoritarianism. The scale appears to be a promising instrument for evaluating attendants' attitudes.", "PMID": 998668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7260", "title": "Evolution of a women's clinic: an alternate system of medical care.", "content": "Following the Vermont Supreme Court decision, in 1972, invalidating an old statute against abortion, the community watched for change in hospital and medical practice. When none occurred, representatives of health agencies were jointed by feminists and others dissatisfied with existing medical facilities to form the Vermont Women's Health Center. Tensions resulting from differing viewpoints were channeled into the common goal of providing optimal health care involving paramedical personnel as well as gynecologists and other physicians. In 1973, 1,255 abortions were performed. Complications were monitored by the clinic, by the state health department, and by the International Fertility Research Program and were found to compare favorably with rates in larger clinics. Abortion-related visits initially outnumbered others by 2:1 but rapidly fell, indicating acceptance of the clinic for a variety of gynecologic services. After three years, the clinic is solvent, stable, and utilized by a wide range of women, the result of cooperation between the establishment and its critics.", "contents": "Evolution of a women's clinic: an alternate system of medical care. Following the Vermont Supreme Court decision, in 1972, invalidating an old statute against abortion, the community watched for change in hospital and medical practice. When none occurred, representatives of health agencies were jointed by feminists and others dissatisfied with existing medical facilities to form the Vermont Women's Health Center. Tensions resulting from differing viewpoints were channeled into the common goal of providing optimal health care involving paramedical personnel as well as gynecologists and other physicians. In 1973, 1,255 abortions were performed. Complications were monitored by the clinic, by the state health department, and by the International Fertility Research Program and were found to compare favorably with rates in larger clinics. Abortion-related visits initially outnumbered others by 2:1 but rapidly fell, indicating acceptance of the clinic for a variety of gynecologic services. After three years, the clinic is solvent, stable, and utilized by a wide range of women, the result of cooperation between the establishment and its critics.", "PMID": 998671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7261", "title": "Radical pelvic surgery versus radiation therapy for stage I carcinoma of the cervix (exclusive of microinvasion).", "content": "During the period from January 1, 1945, through December 31, 1975, 446 patients with Stage I infiltrative carcinoma of the cervix (exclusive of microinvasion) were evaluated at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Four different study groups with treatment comparisons between radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection and full-course radiation therapy are analyzed. The over-all uncorrected five-year survival rate when each form of therapy is evaluated approximates 85 per cent; the corrected five-year survival rate is approximately 90 per cent. When the regional lymph nodes were negative, the five-year survival rate was 96 per cent; when they were positive, the five-year survival rate was 55 per cent. Pathologic variations are evaluated, and basic vital statistics are reported. Thirteen per cent of the patients developed a recurrence within five years, 70 per cent occurring within the first three years. The therapeutic morbidity experienced in both groups of patients is essentially comparable, and the advantages of each form of therapy are presented.", "contents": "Radical pelvic surgery versus radiation therapy for stage I carcinoma of the cervix (exclusive of microinvasion). During the period from January 1, 1945, through December 31, 1975, 446 patients with Stage I infiltrative carcinoma of the cervix (exclusive of microinvasion) were evaluated at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Four different study groups with treatment comparisons between radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection and full-course radiation therapy are analyzed. The over-all uncorrected five-year survival rate when each form of therapy is evaluated approximates 85 per cent; the corrected five-year survival rate is approximately 90 per cent. When the regional lymph nodes were negative, the five-year survival rate was 96 per cent; when they were positive, the five-year survival rate was 55 per cent. Pathologic variations are evaluated, and basic vital statistics are reported. Thirteen per cent of the patients developed a recurrence within five years, 70 per cent occurring within the first three years. The therapeutic morbidity experienced in both groups of patients is essentially comparable, and the advantages of each form of therapy are presented.", "PMID": 998673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7262", "title": "Uterine pressure-flow relationships during early gestation.", "content": "Placental and myoendometrial pressure-flow relationships were determined in 17 gravid ewes between 29 and 110 gestational days with the use of radioactive-labeled microsphere injections under flow meter guidance. Myoendometrial relationships were consistently curvilinear with convexity toward the flow axis. From 29 to 40 days, caruncular-cotyledonary relationships were similar to myoendometrial ones. After 50 days, the relationship was slightly but significantly curvilinear with convexity toward the pressure axis. From 42 to 50 days, responses were intermediate. The changes in caruncle-cotyledon vascular reactivity correlated with the onset and maturation of interdigitation of fetal and maternal tissues during definitive placentation. A hypothesis for these changes in vascular reactivity is presented.", "contents": "Uterine pressure-flow relationships during early gestation. Placental and myoendometrial pressure-flow relationships were determined in 17 gravid ewes between 29 and 110 gestational days with the use of radioactive-labeled microsphere injections under flow meter guidance. Myoendometrial relationships were consistently curvilinear with convexity toward the flow axis. From 29 to 40 days, caruncular-cotyledonary relationships were similar to myoendometrial ones. After 50 days, the relationship was slightly but significantly curvilinear with convexity toward the pressure axis. From 42 to 50 days, responses were intermediate. The changes in caruncle-cotyledon vascular reactivity correlated with the onset and maturation of interdigitation of fetal and maternal tissues during definitive placentation. A hypothesis for these changes in vascular reactivity is presented.", "PMID": 998674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7263", "title": "Influence of blood pressure changes with and without proteinuria upon outcome of pregnancy.", "content": "A prospective study of 10,074 white gravidas and 2,880 black gravidas carried out during the years 1959 to 1967 has been analyzed with respect to the impact of elevated blood pressures and/or proteinuria upon pregnancy outcome. Edema was not considered because no evidence is available to indicate that its occurrence increases risk. The mean arterial pressure exhibited during the fifth and sixth months of pregnancy was found to be of significance, as well as the absolute levels of blood pressure attained prior to labor and delivery. The degree of rise in blood pressure was not of importance in itself. However, categories with significant proteinuria had greater increases in mean arterial pressure than did comparable categories without it. Significant proteinuria alone but especially with hypertension was also detrimental to pregnancy outcome. Eight categories incorporating early and late hypertension with and without proteinuria were created, and these were given descriptive diagnostic labels. Only \"gestational hypertension,\" as defined, proved to be essentially devoid of risk to the fetus. In all other non-normotensive categories there was an increase in the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, the frequency of intrauterine growth retardation, and neonatal morbidity. In every category, each of these untoward events was greater in black than in white gravidas, and a higher percentage of blacks was noted in each of the hypertensive categories. It is believed that hypertension, significant proteinuria, or both are associated with decreased uteroplacental blood flow which is the common denominator for all of these deleterious effects. The study suggests that \"gestational hypertension\" occurring late but without proteinuria may or may not represent an early stage of \"pre-eclampsia\" but does not, at least, place the infant at any substantially increased risk.", "contents": "Influence of blood pressure changes with and without proteinuria upon outcome of pregnancy. A prospective study of 10,074 white gravidas and 2,880 black gravidas carried out during the years 1959 to 1967 has been analyzed with respect to the impact of elevated blood pressures and/or proteinuria upon pregnancy outcome. Edema was not considered because no evidence is available to indicate that its occurrence increases risk. The mean arterial pressure exhibited during the fifth and sixth months of pregnancy was found to be of significance, as well as the absolute levels of blood pressure attained prior to labor and delivery. The degree of rise in blood pressure was not of importance in itself. However, categories with significant proteinuria had greater increases in mean arterial pressure than did comparable categories without it. Significant proteinuria alone but especially with hypertension was also detrimental to pregnancy outcome. Eight categories incorporating early and late hypertension with and without proteinuria were created, and these were given descriptive diagnostic labels. Only \"gestational hypertension,\" as defined, proved to be essentially devoid of risk to the fetus. In all other non-normotensive categories there was an increase in the stillbirth rate, the perinatal mortality rate, the frequency of intrauterine growth retardation, and neonatal morbidity. In every category, each of these untoward events was greater in black than in white gravidas, and a higher percentage of blacks was noted in each of the hypertensive categories. It is believed that hypertension, significant proteinuria, or both are associated with decreased uteroplacental blood flow which is the common denominator for all of these deleterious effects. The study suggests that \"gestational hypertension\" occurring late but without proteinuria may or may not represent an early stage of \"pre-eclampsia\" but does not, at least, place the infant at any substantially increased risk.", "PMID": 998675} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7264", "title": "The prognostic and diagnostic value of total estriol in urine and in serum and of human placental lactogen hormone in serum in the last part of pregnancy.", "content": "The benefit to the antenatal care from using estriol and human placental lactogen (hPL) determinations is emphasized and likewise that special attention must be paid to values below the reference intervals. Referring to biosynthesis and place of production, a survey is given of the various causes of low estriol and/or low hPL values, and a number of clinical cases illustrate the matter. A follow-up study of children from pregnancies with low estriol values has disclosed an alarming number of cases of severe handicaps.", "contents": "The prognostic and diagnostic value of total estriol in urine and in serum and of human placental lactogen hormone in serum in the last part of pregnancy. The benefit to the antenatal care from using estriol and human placental lactogen (hPL) determinations is emphasized and likewise that special attention must be paid to values below the reference intervals. Referring to biosynthesis and place of production, a survey is given of the various causes of low estriol and/or low hPL values, and a number of clinical cases illustrate the matter. A follow-up study of children from pregnancies with low estriol values has disclosed an alarming number of cases of severe handicaps.", "PMID": 998676} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7265", "title": "Renal disease in pregnancy.", "content": "Renal biopsy was obtained in 11 primiparous and 9 multiparous patients with severe pre-eclampsia. The large number of patients with renal disease allowed for single-case evaluation. Eclamptic convulsions and fetal deaths were observed in association with renal disease without foci of additional primary glomerular endotheliosis. The data indicate that pregnancy can exacerbate renal disease and allow for early diagnosis. Fluorescence angiography revealed changes in patients in whom the optic fundi were normal. Tissues of glomerulonephritis stained by immune fluorescence against immunoglobulins and on occasion against human fibrinogen. Primary endotheliosis and nephrosclerosis stained against fibrinogen only. There was no pattern of laboratory data to make the differential diagnosis between primary endotheliosis and various forms of renal disease. Fibrinogen breakdown products were inconsistently increased in contrast to fibrin monomer formation, which was increased regardless of the underlying morphology. It is our feeling that renal biopsy with subsequent pathologic classification is the only technique we have at present which provides relevant information on the effect of renal disease on pregnancy and vice versa.", "contents": "Renal disease in pregnancy. Renal biopsy was obtained in 11 primiparous and 9 multiparous patients with severe pre-eclampsia. The large number of patients with renal disease allowed for single-case evaluation. Eclamptic convulsions and fetal deaths were observed in association with renal disease without foci of additional primary glomerular endotheliosis. The data indicate that pregnancy can exacerbate renal disease and allow for early diagnosis. Fluorescence angiography revealed changes in patients in whom the optic fundi were normal. Tissues of glomerulonephritis stained by immune fluorescence against immunoglobulins and on occasion against human fibrinogen. Primary endotheliosis and nephrosclerosis stained against fibrinogen only. There was no pattern of laboratory data to make the differential diagnosis between primary endotheliosis and various forms of renal disease. Fibrinogen breakdown products were inconsistently increased in contrast to fibrin monomer formation, which was increased regardless of the underlying morphology. It is our feeling that renal biopsy with subsequent pathologic classification is the only technique we have at present which provides relevant information on the effect of renal disease on pregnancy and vice versa.", "PMID": 998677} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7266", "title": "Interaction of progesterone and adrenocorticoids in ultrastructural development of the mammary gland of the cat.", "content": "Comparative development of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) in mammary glands of rats was studied in relation to levels of progesterone and adrenocorticosteroids. The tranquilizer perphenazine was administered to stimulate secretion of prolactin; serum glucocorticoids also increased. When perphenazine was administered after ovulation, serum progesterone was increased 18-fold, but when treatment was begun on proestrus, ovulation was inhibited and serum progesterone increased only 4-fold. Concentrations of progesterone in the breast were approximately 10-fold greater than, but parallel to, serum concentrations. In ovulating rats the RER was poorly developed. In nonovulating rats extensive development of RER occurred. Cortisol acetate given to ovulating, perphenazine-treated rats did not alter levels of serum progesterone, but tissue progesterone was reduced by 50 per cent and development of RER approached that in nonovulating rats. The development of secretory capacity (formation of RER) in the breast appears to depend on the relation between stimulation by glucocorticoid and inhibition by progesterone.", "contents": "Interaction of progesterone and adrenocorticoids in ultrastructural development of the mammary gland of the cat. Comparative development of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) in mammary glands of rats was studied in relation to levels of progesterone and adrenocorticosteroids. The tranquilizer perphenazine was administered to stimulate secretion of prolactin; serum glucocorticoids also increased. When perphenazine was administered after ovulation, serum progesterone was increased 18-fold, but when treatment was begun on proestrus, ovulation was inhibited and serum progesterone increased only 4-fold. Concentrations of progesterone in the breast were approximately 10-fold greater than, but parallel to, serum concentrations. In ovulating rats the RER was poorly developed. In nonovulating rats extensive development of RER occurred. Cortisol acetate given to ovulating, perphenazine-treated rats did not alter levels of serum progesterone, but tissue progesterone was reduced by 50 per cent and development of RER approached that in nonovulating rats. The development of secretory capacity (formation of RER) in the breast appears to depend on the relation between stimulation by glucocorticoid and inhibition by progesterone.", "PMID": 998678} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7267", "title": "Urinary amine alterations in drug-addiction pregnancy.", "content": "Urinary amines were measured in 122 drug-addiction pregnancies. The profile of the patient indicates that 86 per cent were black and had a total of 2.98 pregnancies and 1.97 living children. She made 5.4 prenatal visits to our special drug-abuse prenatal clinic. The 208 antepartum 24 hour urine determinations indicated a mean excretion of epinephrine to be 28 +/- 1.6 mug which rises to 60 mug on the first day post partum. These values indicate increased adrenal gland activity and are more than six times greater than seen in normal pregnancy. The antepartum mean 24 hour urine excretion of norepinephrine is 49.7 +/- 2.6 mug which does not change on the first postpartum day. The antepartum norepinephrine values are 50 per cent higher than seen in normal pregnancy. Drug-addiction pregnancy in patients who are well controlled on methadone have markedly increased adrenal gland activity as evidence by increased levels of epinephrine. The sympathetic nervous system activity as evidenced by urinary norepinephrine is only slightly increased. Drug addiction alters the normal homeostatic mechanisms of pregnancy.", "contents": "Urinary amine alterations in drug-addiction pregnancy. Urinary amines were measured in 122 drug-addiction pregnancies. The profile of the patient indicates that 86 per cent were black and had a total of 2.98 pregnancies and 1.97 living children. She made 5.4 prenatal visits to our special drug-abuse prenatal clinic. The 208 antepartum 24 hour urine determinations indicated a mean excretion of epinephrine to be 28 +/- 1.6 mug which rises to 60 mug on the first day post partum. These values indicate increased adrenal gland activity and are more than six times greater than seen in normal pregnancy. The antepartum mean 24 hour urine excretion of norepinephrine is 49.7 +/- 2.6 mug which does not change on the first postpartum day. The antepartum norepinephrine values are 50 per cent higher than seen in normal pregnancy. Drug-addiction pregnancy in patients who are well controlled on methadone have markedly increased adrenal gland activity as evidence by increased levels of epinephrine. The sympathetic nervous system activity as evidenced by urinary norepinephrine is only slightly increased. Drug addiction alters the normal homeostatic mechanisms of pregnancy.", "PMID": 998679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7268", "title": "The mechanism of midtrimester abortion induced by intra-amniotic instillation of hypertonic saline: a modification of Gustavii's lysosomal hypothesis.", "content": "This modification of Gustavii's hypothesis recognizes the central role of saline-induced decidual cell necrosis and secondary prostaglandin release in the initiation of myometrial activity. In the absence of significant necrosis in the decidua basalis, passive stretching of the subplacental myometrium is considered to activate this region leading to secondary intervillous stasis and the reduction in progesterone delivery to the myometrium and systemic circulation. This drop in progesterone further sensitizes the myometrium to PGF2alpha stimulation and helps the self-sustaining process of myometrial activity culminating in clinical abortion. A third hypothetical contributing factor may be the loss of some myometrial inhibitor normally present in the amniotic fluid.", "contents": "The mechanism of midtrimester abortion induced by intra-amniotic instillation of hypertonic saline: a modification of Gustavii's lysosomal hypothesis. This modification of Gustavii's hypothesis recognizes the central role of saline-induced decidual cell necrosis and secondary prostaglandin release in the initiation of myometrial activity. In the absence of significant necrosis in the decidua basalis, passive stretching of the subplacental myometrium is considered to activate this region leading to secondary intervillous stasis and the reduction in progesterone delivery to the myometrium and systemic circulation. This drop in progesterone further sensitizes the myometrium to PGF2alpha stimulation and helps the self-sustaining process of myometrial activity culminating in clinical abortion. A third hypothetical contributing factor may be the loss of some myometrial inhibitor normally present in the amniotic fluid.", "PMID": 998680} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7269", "title": "Acute effects of maternal ethanol infusion on fetal cardiac performance.", "content": "In adult animals and man, both acute and chronic ethanol intake is associated with depression of myocardial performance. Accordingly, the cardiac effects of maternal ethanol infusions, in a manner comparable to common obstetric practice of inhibition of premature labor with ethano mighte for inhibition of premature labor, were evaluated in six chronically instrumented fetal sheep. Fetal and ewe arterial PO2, PCO2, and pH values remained within normal limits with infusion rates of 15 c.c. per kilogram of 10 per cent ethanol over two hours (blood ethanol = 110 mg. per cent) and 15 c.c. per kilogram over one hour (blood ethanol = 210 mg. per cent). Fetal instrument evaluation (for 14 to 30 days after operation) provided data concerning pressures and cardiac dimensions which allowed analysis of left ventricular performance. Ethanol produced a significant depression of the extent (p less than 0.01) and velocity (p less than 0.001) of left ventricular myocardial fiber shortening as well as in the mean rate of left ventricular myocardial fiber shortening as well as in the mean rate of left ventricular circumferential fiber shortening (p less than 0.01). These indices of cardiac contractility were depressed in the absence of changes in end diastolic diameter, left atrial pressure, and systemic arterial pressure. Thus, the practice of inhibition of premature labor with ethano6 might contribute to depressed myocardial performance in the neonatal period.", "contents": "Acute effects of maternal ethanol infusion on fetal cardiac performance. In adult animals and man, both acute and chronic ethanol intake is associated with depression of myocardial performance. Accordingly, the cardiac effects of maternal ethanol infusions, in a manner comparable to common obstetric practice of inhibition of premature labor with ethano mighte for inhibition of premature labor, were evaluated in six chronically instrumented fetal sheep. Fetal and ewe arterial PO2, PCO2, and pH values remained within normal limits with infusion rates of 15 c.c. per kilogram of 10 per cent ethanol over two hours (blood ethanol = 110 mg. per cent) and 15 c.c. per kilogram over one hour (blood ethanol = 210 mg. per cent). Fetal instrument evaluation (for 14 to 30 days after operation) provided data concerning pressures and cardiac dimensions which allowed analysis of left ventricular performance. Ethanol produced a significant depression of the extent (p less than 0.01) and velocity (p less than 0.001) of left ventricular myocardial fiber shortening as well as in the mean rate of left ventricular myocardial fiber shortening as well as in the mean rate of left ventricular circumferential fiber shortening (p less than 0.01). These indices of cardiac contractility were depressed in the absence of changes in end diastolic diameter, left atrial pressure, and systemic arterial pressure. Thus, the practice of inhibition of premature labor with ethano6 might contribute to depressed myocardial performance in the neonatal period.", "PMID": 998681} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7270", "title": "Factors affecting intrauterine contraceptive device performance. I. Endometrial cavity length.", "content": "The relationship of endometrial cavity length to intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) performance was evaluated in 319 patients wearing three types of devices. The rate of events, defined as pregnancy, expulsion, or medical removal, increased significantly when the length of the IUD was equal to, exceeded, or was shorter by two or more centimeters than the length of the endometrial cavity. Total uterine length was found to be a less accurate prognostic indicator of IUD performance than endometrial cavity length alone.", "contents": "Factors affecting intrauterine contraceptive device performance. I. Endometrial cavity length. The relationship of endometrial cavity length to intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) performance was evaluated in 319 patients wearing three types of devices. The rate of events, defined as pregnancy, expulsion, or medical removal, increased significantly when the length of the IUD was equal to, exceeded, or was shorter by two or more centimeters than the length of the endometrial cavity. Total uterine length was found to be a less accurate prognostic indicator of IUD performance than endometrial cavity length alone.", "PMID": 998687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7271", "title": "Metabolism of oral contraceptive drugs. The formation and disappearance of metabolites of norethindrone and mestranol after intravenous and oral administration.", "content": "Previous studies from this laboratory reported that 3H-labeled metabolites with half-lives of more than 24 hours may remain in the plasmaa of women receiving an intravenous injection of 3H norethindrone or 3H mestranol. To confirm the presence of these metabolites, blood samples were collected for five days after injection of 3H norethindrone or 3H mestranol; 3H representing metabolites of norethindrone disappeared with half-life values of 42 to 84 hours (mean 67 hours), while 3H representing metabolites of mestranol declined with an average half-life of 45 hours (range 37 to 65 hours). When the 3H-labeled drugs were administered orally, metabolites of similar half-life were formed. Because these compounds exist for several days after a single administration and since oral contraceptive drugs are normally taken daily, the possiblity of the accumulation of 3H in the plasm of women receiving several consecutive doses of 3H norethindrone was investigated. The results of this study show a stepwise accumulation of the 3H metabolites when 3H norethindrone was administered in six daily oral doses. However, the 3H levels declined from the peak on the sixth and last day of the treatment at a rate equivalent to those previously measured after intravenous or oral administration.", "contents": "Metabolism of oral contraceptive drugs. The formation and disappearance of metabolites of norethindrone and mestranol after intravenous and oral administration. Previous studies from this laboratory reported that 3H-labeled metabolites with half-lives of more than 24 hours may remain in the plasmaa of women receiving an intravenous injection of 3H norethindrone or 3H mestranol. To confirm the presence of these metabolites, blood samples were collected for five days after injection of 3H norethindrone or 3H mestranol; 3H representing metabolites of norethindrone disappeared with half-life values of 42 to 84 hours (mean 67 hours), while 3H representing metabolites of mestranol declined with an average half-life of 45 hours (range 37 to 65 hours). When the 3H-labeled drugs were administered orally, metabolites of similar half-life were formed. Because these compounds exist for several days after a single administration and since oral contraceptive drugs are normally taken daily, the possiblity of the accumulation of 3H in the plasm of women receiving several consecutive doses of 3H norethindrone was investigated. The results of this study show a stepwise accumulation of the 3H metabolites when 3H norethindrone was administered in six daily oral doses. However, the 3H levels declined from the peak on the sixth and last day of the treatment at a rate equivalent to those previously measured after intravenous or oral administration.", "PMID": 998688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7272", "title": "Metabolites of meperidine in the fetal and maternal serum.", "content": "Although meperidine appears to be the safest obstetric analgesic agent, it has been associated with infant respiratory depression in certain situations. It would appear that the incidence of fetal depression related to meperidine is dependent on the time of injection prior to delivery, the quantity of drug administered, and the rate of maternal metabolism of the analgesic. Previous work showed that meperidine is metabolized in the maternal system by one of three patterns. The present study demonstrates that the particular maternal serum pattern is characteristic for the individual, regardless of whether the patient is pregnant or not, and that the fetal depression, although usually mild, can be correlated with fetal pH data as well as Apgar scores. In addition, this study supports indirectly the contention that metabolites of meperidine rather than the parent compound cause fetal depression. It would appear, therefore, that in certain obstetric cases with a higher probability for infant depression, other analgesic agents might be considered, especially if the serum pattern indicates meperidine is being metabolized.", "contents": "Metabolites of meperidine in the fetal and maternal serum. Although meperidine appears to be the safest obstetric analgesic agent, it has been associated with infant respiratory depression in certain situations. It would appear that the incidence of fetal depression related to meperidine is dependent on the time of injection prior to delivery, the quantity of drug administered, and the rate of maternal metabolism of the analgesic. Previous work showed that meperidine is metabolized in the maternal system by one of three patterns. The present study demonstrates that the particular maternal serum pattern is characteristic for the individual, regardless of whether the patient is pregnant or not, and that the fetal depression, although usually mild, can be correlated with fetal pH data as well as Apgar scores. In addition, this study supports indirectly the contention that metabolites of meperidine rather than the parent compound cause fetal depression. It would appear, therefore, that in certain obstetric cases with a higher probability for infant depression, other analgesic agents might be considered, especially if the serum pattern indicates meperidine is being metabolized.", "PMID": 998689} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7273", "title": "Contraction of a perifoveal epiretinal membrane simulating a macular hole.", "content": "Four patients observed for a three- to four-year period had a hole in an epiretinal membrane overlying the macula that mimicked a macular hole. In two patients the clinical appearance remained essentially constant. In one, the epiretinal membrane contracted further, reducing the apparent macular hole to a slit and causing the typical appearance of a macular pucker. In the fourth patient, the epiretinal membrane peeled spontaneously causing the apparent hole to disappear. None of the patients had static perimetric findings that suggested a true macular hole. All of the patients had normal or nearly normal visual acuity when first seen. This was maintained except in the patient who suffered further membrane contraction. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated a slight fluorescence in the base of the hole in three of the four patients; however, it was not as pronounced as one sees in true macular holes. Lamellar macular holes characteristically show no fluorescence in the area of the hole.", "contents": "Contraction of a perifoveal epiretinal membrane simulating a macular hole. Four patients observed for a three- to four-year period had a hole in an epiretinal membrane overlying the macula that mimicked a macular hole. In two patients the clinical appearance remained essentially constant. In one, the epiretinal membrane contracted further, reducing the apparent macular hole to a slit and causing the typical appearance of a macular pucker. In the fourth patient, the epiretinal membrane peeled spontaneously causing the apparent hole to disappear. None of the patients had static perimetric findings that suggested a true macular hole. All of the patients had normal or nearly normal visual acuity when first seen. This was maintained except in the patient who suffered further membrane contraction. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated a slight fluorescence in the base of the hole in three of the four patients; however, it was not as pronounced as one sees in true macular holes. Lamellar macular holes characteristically show no fluorescence in the area of the hole.", "PMID": 998690} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7274", "title": "Carbon monoxide retinopathy.", "content": "A 26-year-old man who had become comatose after having inhaled carbon monoxide developed retinal venous engorgement and peripillary hemorrhages. Retinal changes closely resembled those that accompany hypoxemia.", "contents": "Carbon monoxide retinopathy. A 26-year-old man who had become comatose after having inhaled carbon monoxide developed retinal venous engorgement and peripillary hemorrhages. Retinal changes closely resembled those that accompany hypoxemia.", "PMID": 998691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7275", "title": "Recurrent amyloid involvement in the virreous body after vitrectomy.", "content": "A patient with vitreous opacification due to primary familial amyloidosis underwent bilateral vitrectomy via the pars plana with excellent visual results. Two and one half years later opacification of the vitreous body recurred in the retrolental area bilaterally, necessitating a repeat vitrectomy in the left eye. This opacity was successfully removed from the posterior surface of the lens without apparent damage to the lens.", "contents": "Recurrent amyloid involvement in the virreous body after vitrectomy. A patient with vitreous opacification due to primary familial amyloidosis underwent bilateral vitrectomy via the pars plana with excellent visual results. Two and one half years later opacification of the vitreous body recurred in the retrolental area bilaterally, necessitating a repeat vitrectomy in the left eye. This opacity was successfully removed from the posterior surface of the lens without apparent damage to the lens.", "PMID": 998692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7276", "title": "A histologic survey of trabeculectomy.", "content": "Thirty-two tissue blocks removed during trabeculectomy were examined histologically, 16 by both scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy, and 16 by light microscopy alone. Trabecular meshwork was identified in 27 specimens (84.3%) and Schlemm's canal in 17 (53%), each found with equal frequency by either technique. Ciliary muscle was identified in eight of 32 of specimens (25%) examined by light microscopy, but was present in 12 of 16 specimens (75%) examined by scanning electron microscopy. The identification of these specific anatomical structures did not correlate with the postoperative outcome. These findings support the contention that trabeculectomy is a filtering procedure.", "contents": "A histologic survey of trabeculectomy. Thirty-two tissue blocks removed during trabeculectomy were examined histologically, 16 by both scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy, and 16 by light microscopy alone. Trabecular meshwork was identified in 27 specimens (84.3%) and Schlemm's canal in 17 (53%), each found with equal frequency by either technique. Ciliary muscle was identified in eight of 32 of specimens (25%) examined by light microscopy, but was present in 12 of 16 specimens (75%) examined by scanning electron microscopy. The identification of these specific anatomical structures did not correlate with the postoperative outcome. These findings support the contention that trabeculectomy is a filtering procedure.", "PMID": 998693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7277", "title": "Changes in the facility of aqueous outflow induced by lens depression and intraocular pressure in excised human eyes.", "content": "The effects of intraocular pressure on aqueous outflow facility and mechanical tension on the iridocorneal angle were evaluated in 44 excised postmortem human eyes. Mechanical tension on the iridocorneal angle was induced by depression of the crystalline lens posteriorly in a quantitative manner to simulate the effect of cyclotonia on the facility of aqueout outflow. In eyes perfused at constant intraocular pressure but with stepwise increases in lens depression, the increase in facility of outflow produced by the increased tension on the iridocorneal angle was minimal at low levels of intraocular pressure (2.5 and 5 mm Hg) and greatest at higher levels of intraocular pressure (10 to 25 mm Hg). Conversely, in pairs of eyes perfused over a graded series of increasing intraocular pressure, and subjected to maximal lens depression, facility of outflow remained constant until intraocular pressure exceeded 20 mm Hg; in the fellow eyes, perfused without lens depression, facility of outflow diminished linearly with increasing intraocular pressure.", "contents": "Changes in the facility of aqueous outflow induced by lens depression and intraocular pressure in excised human eyes. The effects of intraocular pressure on aqueous outflow facility and mechanical tension on the iridocorneal angle were evaluated in 44 excised postmortem human eyes. Mechanical tension on the iridocorneal angle was induced by depression of the crystalline lens posteriorly in a quantitative manner to simulate the effect of cyclotonia on the facility of aqueout outflow. In eyes perfused at constant intraocular pressure but with stepwise increases in lens depression, the increase in facility of outflow produced by the increased tension on the iridocorneal angle was minimal at low levels of intraocular pressure (2.5 and 5 mm Hg) and greatest at higher levels of intraocular pressure (10 to 25 mm Hg). Conversely, in pairs of eyes perfused over a graded series of increasing intraocular pressure, and subjected to maximal lens depression, facility of outflow remained constant until intraocular pressure exceeded 20 mm Hg; in the fellow eyes, perfused without lens depression, facility of outflow diminished linearly with increasing intraocular pressure.", "PMID": 998694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7278", "title": "Ocular enucleation in a patient with severe classic hemophilia A.", "content": "A 27-year-old man with severe classic hemophilia A (antihemophilic globulin level: 1.5% of normal) had blunt trauma to his left eye that produced a corneoscleral laceration with prolapse of the intraocular contents. His left eye was enucleated under management with factor VIII replacement. This consisted of sufficient cryoprecipitate to increase the calculated circulating factor VIII level to 125%, sufficient factor VIII every 12 hours to increase peak postinfusion levels from 100 to 120%, and to maintain minimum levels of 30% immediately before infusion. Because he had developed a gingival hematoma when he was placed on epsilon amino caproic acid after only one day of factor VIII replacement following extraction of mandibular molars, we continued the high level of factor VIII replacement for five days and then began antifibrinolytic epsilon amino caproic acid therapy. His surgical and postoperative course were uneventful on this regimen.", "contents": "Ocular enucleation in a patient with severe classic hemophilia A. A 27-year-old man with severe classic hemophilia A (antihemophilic globulin level: 1.5% of normal) had blunt trauma to his left eye that produced a corneoscleral laceration with prolapse of the intraocular contents. His left eye was enucleated under management with factor VIII replacement. This consisted of sufficient cryoprecipitate to increase the calculated circulating factor VIII level to 125%, sufficient factor VIII every 12 hours to increase peak postinfusion levels from 100 to 120%, and to maintain minimum levels of 30% immediately before infusion. Because he had developed a gingival hematoma when he was placed on epsilon amino caproic acid after only one day of factor VIII replacement following extraction of mandibular molars, we continued the high level of factor VIII replacement for five days and then began antifibrinolytic epsilon amino caproic acid therapy. His surgical and postoperative course were uneventful on this regimen.", "PMID": 998695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7279", "title": "Plasma cell content of main and accessory lacrimal glands and conjunctiva.", "content": "The size, weight, and plasma cell content of main and accessory lacrimal glands were examined and compared to the number of plasma cells in the conjunctiva. There were from four to 35 accessory lacrimal glands in the upper conjunctiva and a rare accessory gland in the lower conjunctiva. The total accessory gland mass was approximately one tenth of the lacrimal gland mass although the number of plasma cells was approximately 1/20 of the mass. The number of plasma-cells in the lacrimal gland was estimated to be 3,200,000; in the conjunctiva, 2,100,000; and for the accessory glands, 180,000. Because of the many plasma cells in the relatively inaccessible lacrimal gland, cells of the lymphatic series may home to the lacrimal gland by non-antigenic mechanisms.", "contents": "Plasma cell content of main and accessory lacrimal glands and conjunctiva. The size, weight, and plasma cell content of main and accessory lacrimal glands were examined and compared to the number of plasma cells in the conjunctiva. There were from four to 35 accessory lacrimal glands in the upper conjunctiva and a rare accessory gland in the lower conjunctiva. The total accessory gland mass was approximately one tenth of the lacrimal gland mass although the number of plasma cells was approximately 1/20 of the mass. The number of plasma-cells in the lacrimal gland was estimated to be 3,200,000; in the conjunctiva, 2,100,000; and for the accessory glands, 180,000. Because of the many plasma cells in the relatively inaccessible lacrimal gland, cells of the lymphatic series may home to the lacrimal gland by non-antigenic mechanisms.", "PMID": 998699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7280", "title": "Cryotherapy of basal cell carcinoma in oculoplastic surgery.", "content": "Cryotherapy was an effective modality in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma in the eyelid and periorbital area and cured 93% of the 29 lesions in 25 patients. This method was especially advantageous in patients with blood clotting disorders; those with medical contraindications to, or who refused, classical surgery; patients who had prior radiation or surgery; patients with the basal cell nevus syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosa; and in patients with medial canthal tumors. Experimental cryotherapy in the albino rabbit showed their lacrimal system is not adversely affected by freezing in the temperature range required for tumor death.", "contents": "Cryotherapy of basal cell carcinoma in oculoplastic surgery. Cryotherapy was an effective modality in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma in the eyelid and periorbital area and cured 93% of the 29 lesions in 25 patients. This method was especially advantageous in patients with blood clotting disorders; those with medical contraindications to, or who refused, classical surgery; patients who had prior radiation or surgery; patients with the basal cell nevus syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosa; and in patients with medial canthal tumors. Experimental cryotherapy in the albino rabbit showed their lacrimal system is not adversely affected by freezing in the temperature range required for tumor death.", "PMID": 998700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7281", "title": "Isolated retinal arterial aneurysms.", "content": "We observed three patients with isolated retinal arterial aneurysms and obtained a clinicopathologic correlation in one of them. All three were hypertensive and in the sixth or seventh decade of life. Fatty exudates were present around the aneurysms, taking the form of large circinate rings in two cases. Microscopic examination in one case revealed a retinal arterial aneurysm with an extensive fibroglial reaction around it. Dilated capillaries, hemosiderin deposits, and both lipoidal and proteinaceous exudates were found in the adjacent retina. Isolated retinal arterial aneurysms appear to be distinct clinical entity as compared to miliary aneurysms of the cerebral circulation.", "contents": "Isolated retinal arterial aneurysms. We observed three patients with isolated retinal arterial aneurysms and obtained a clinicopathologic correlation in one of them. All three were hypertensive and in the sixth or seventh decade of life. Fatty exudates were present around the aneurysms, taking the form of large circinate rings in two cases. Microscopic examination in one case revealed a retinal arterial aneurysm with an extensive fibroglial reaction around it. Dilated capillaries, hemosiderin deposits, and both lipoidal and proteinaceous exudates were found in the adjacent retina. Isolated retinal arterial aneurysms appear to be distinct clinical entity as compared to miliary aneurysms of the cerebral circulation.", "PMID": 998701} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7282", "title": "Lymphocyte sensitivity to glucocorticoids.", "content": "We evaluated the possibility of identifying patients with open-angle glaucoma based on the in vitro behavior of their lymphocytes in the presence of glucocorticoids. Our results do not support the hypothesis that lymphocytes from patients with open-angle glaucoma, as compared to those from normal subjects, are more sensitive to the presence of corticosteroids in vitro. In addition, the degree of inhibition induced by glucocorticoids was closely related to the amount of activation of the lymphocyte membrane induced by different concentrations of phytohemagglutinin. Our results indicated that this may be a general phenomenon rather than one that is specific to a particular ophthalmological condition.", "contents": "Lymphocyte sensitivity to glucocorticoids. We evaluated the possibility of identifying patients with open-angle glaucoma based on the in vitro behavior of their lymphocytes in the presence of glucocorticoids. Our results do not support the hypothesis that lymphocytes from patients with open-angle glaucoma, as compared to those from normal subjects, are more sensitive to the presence of corticosteroids in vitro. In addition, the degree of inhibition induced by glucocorticoids was closely related to the amount of activation of the lymphocyte membrane induced by different concentrations of phytohemagglutinin. Our results indicated that this may be a general phenomenon rather than one that is specific to a particular ophthalmological condition.", "PMID": 998702} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7283", "title": "The prognostic value of HLA-B12 and HLA-B7 antigens in patients with increased intraocular pressure.", "content": "The presence of the histocompatibility antigens HLA-B12 or HLA-B7 in 76 patients with increased intraocular pressure and a GG response to topical corticosteroids (intraocular pressure over 31 mm Hg after six weeks of topical 0.1% dexamethasone eyedrops, four times daily) correlated with the development of glaucomatous visual field loss. In close agreement with prevalences in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, 14 (88%) of the 16 patients with increased intraocular pressure and a GG response who developed glaucomatous visual field loss had either HLA-B12 or B7 antigens. Fourteen (41%) of 34 patients with increased intraocular pressure and a GG response who had B12 or B7 antigens developed glaucomatous visual field loss but only two (5%) of 42 similar patients without either antigen had visual field loss. Other factors such as the initial intraocular pressure, the horizontal cup/disk ratio, and family history of glaucoma proved less valuable as prognostic indicators in this series.", "contents": "The prognostic value of HLA-B12 and HLA-B7 antigens in patients with increased intraocular pressure. The presence of the histocompatibility antigens HLA-B12 or HLA-B7 in 76 patients with increased intraocular pressure and a GG response to topical corticosteroids (intraocular pressure over 31 mm Hg after six weeks of topical 0.1% dexamethasone eyedrops, four times daily) correlated with the development of glaucomatous visual field loss. In close agreement with prevalences in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, 14 (88%) of the 16 patients with increased intraocular pressure and a GG response who developed glaucomatous visual field loss had either HLA-B12 or B7 antigens. Fourteen (41%) of 34 patients with increased intraocular pressure and a GG response who had B12 or B7 antigens developed glaucomatous visual field loss but only two (5%) of 42 similar patients without either antigen had visual field loss. Other factors such as the initial intraocular pressure, the horizontal cup/disk ratio, and family history of glaucoma proved less valuable as prognostic indicators in this series.", "PMID": 998703} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7284", "title": "Choroidoretinal vascular anastomoses after blunt trauma to the eye.", "content": "Six weeks after blunt ocular trauma in a 38-year-old white man, choroidoretinal vascular anastomoses occurred at the site of choroidal and retinal rupture. Neovascularization was not observed. Anastomoses of this type have been documented in other cicatrizing and granulomatous disease processes.", "contents": "Choroidoretinal vascular anastomoses after blunt trauma to the eye. Six weeks after blunt ocular trauma in a 38-year-old white man, choroidoretinal vascular anastomoses occurred at the site of choroidal and retinal rupture. Neovascularization was not observed. Anastomoses of this type have been documented in other cicatrizing and granulomatous disease processes.", "PMID": 998704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7285", "title": "Pretectal syndrome with metastatic malignant melanoma to the posterior commissure.", "content": "A 46-year-old man with a known metastatic tumor developed the sudden onset of upgaze paralysis, impaired convergence, eyelid retraction, pupillary light-near dissociation, convergence-retraction nystagmus, and ocular skew deviation in association with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Selective interruption of the posterior commissure by metastatic melanoma provided a precise anatomic correlation of the pretectal syndrome in man.", "contents": "Pretectal syndrome with metastatic malignant melanoma to the posterior commissure. A 46-year-old man with a known metastatic tumor developed the sudden onset of upgaze paralysis, impaired convergence, eyelid retraction, pupillary light-near dissociation, convergence-retraction nystagmus, and ocular skew deviation in association with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Selective interruption of the posterior commissure by metastatic melanoma provided a precise anatomic correlation of the pretectal syndrome in man.", "PMID": 998705} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7286", "title": "The Dirofilaria parasite in the orbit.", "content": "A 51-year-old white man had proptosis, pain, and inflammation of the left orbit and later developed diplopia. Treatment with antibiotics relieved most of the symptoms but a localized painful mass persisted in the left orbit. On biopsy a Dirofilaria worm was found. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and the residual nodule subsided. The patient was seen regularly for five months after surgery and the lesion has not recurred.", "contents": "The Dirofilaria parasite in the orbit. A 51-year-old white man had proptosis, pain, and inflammation of the left orbit and later developed diplopia. Treatment with antibiotics relieved most of the symptoms but a localized painful mass persisted in the left orbit. On biopsy a Dirofilaria worm was found. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and the residual nodule subsided. The patient was seen regularly for five months after surgery and the lesion has not recurred.", "PMID": 998706} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7287", "title": "Lacrimal obstruction after migration of orbital floor implant.", "content": "A 7-year-old girl developed epiphora, recurrent purulent conjunctivitis, and dacryocystitis 32 months after the repair of a traumatic orbital floor fracture. Dacryocystography and surgical exploration revealed that migration of the orbital floor implant had caused obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct at the sac. Migration of the implant was probably due to a failure to anchor the implant properly to bone.", "contents": "Lacrimal obstruction after migration of orbital floor implant. A 7-year-old girl developed epiphora, recurrent purulent conjunctivitis, and dacryocystitis 32 months after the repair of a traumatic orbital floor fracture. Dacryocystography and surgical exploration revealed that migration of the orbital floor implant had caused obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct at the sac. Migration of the implant was probably due to a failure to anchor the implant properly to bone.", "PMID": 998707} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7288", "title": "Small-incision capsular fragment forceps.", "content": "Capsular fragment forceps were designed especially for small-incision microsurgery. The blades were fashioned in a bayonet design so that capsular material may be grasped by the tip of the forceps while iris is not pinched by the heel of the forceps.", "contents": "Small-incision capsular fragment forceps. Capsular fragment forceps were designed especially for small-incision microsurgery. The blades were fashioned in a bayonet design so that capsular material may be grasped by the tip of the forceps while iris is not pinched by the heel of the forceps.", "PMID": 998708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7289", "title": "Mirror fixation.", "content": "A mirror is the ideal fixation device for an ophthalmoscopic examination: it is the essense of simplicity, and there is nothing the patient would rather watch than himself.", "contents": "Mirror fixation. A mirror is the ideal fixation device for an ophthalmoscopic examination: it is the essense of simplicity, and there is nothing the patient would rather watch than himself.", "PMID": 998709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7290", "title": "Suturing forceps for microsurgery.", "content": "A microsurgical modification of the Rizzuti scleral fixation forceps for corneal and cataract surgery employs Bonn 0.12-mm teeth on an angled handle with an appropriate curve between the teeth to fix the tissue more adequately to allow accurate placement of sutures.", "contents": "Suturing forceps for microsurgery. A microsurgical modification of the Rizzuti scleral fixation forceps for corneal and cataract surgery employs Bonn 0.12-mm teeth on an angled handle with an appropriate curve between the teeth to fix the tissue more adequately to allow accurate placement of sutures.", "PMID": 998710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7291", "title": "Fluorescein oropharyngoscopy.", "content": "To evaluate patency of the lacrimal system, fluorescein was instilled in the conjunctival cul-de-sac and the posterior oropharynx was examined with ultraviolet light. In 20 normal patients fluorescein was evident in one to 30 minutes. In cases of complete nasolacrimal duct blockage no fluorescein appeared after two hours.", "contents": "Fluorescein oropharyngoscopy. To evaluate patency of the lacrimal system, fluorescein was instilled in the conjunctival cul-de-sac and the posterior oropharynx was examined with ultraviolet light. In 20 normal patients fluorescein was evident in one to 30 minutes. In cases of complete nasolacrimal duct blockage no fluorescein appeared after two hours.", "PMID": 998711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7292", "title": "Contact lens and corneal topography with wear of the Soflens.", "content": "Changes in the topography of the cornea and the contact lens during and after adaptation to Bausch and Lomb Soflenses were measured in 7 eyes by means of keratometry and photoelectric keratoscopy. Generally, little change was found in the central or peripheral surface topography for either the cornea or the contact lens. Where small changes did occur, they were found to be independent of the original corneal curvature, the fit of the lens, or the duration of wear. Significant correlations were found, however, between the additional spectacle lens power (required over the contact lens to restore maximum visual acuity) and the change in curvature of the anterior surface of the Soflens, and betwen the toricity of the front surface of the contact lens and that of the cornea.", "contents": "Contact lens and corneal topography with wear of the Soflens. Changes in the topography of the cornea and the contact lens during and after adaptation to Bausch and Lomb Soflenses were measured in 7 eyes by means of keratometry and photoelectric keratoscopy. Generally, little change was found in the central or peripheral surface topography for either the cornea or the contact lens. Where small changes did occur, they were found to be independent of the original corneal curvature, the fit of the lens, or the duration of wear. Significant correlations were found, however, between the additional spectacle lens power (required over the contact lens to restore maximum visual acuity) and the change in curvature of the anterior surface of the Soflens, and betwen the toricity of the front surface of the contact lens and that of the cornea.", "PMID": 998714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7293", "title": "Values, personality, physical characteristics, and refractive error.", "content": "A questionnaire containing: (a) a questionnaire of physical characteristics associated with psychosomatic symptoms, (b) questions to determine the presence of myopia or hypermetropia but not the amount of error, (c) a shortened version of the Gough Adjective Check List, and (d) the Heist and Yonge Omnibus Personality Inventory were administered to 782 introductory psychology students attending Washington State University. This group consisted of 297 self-identified myopes (117 males, 180 females), 439 emmetropes (207 males, 232 females), and 46 hypermetropes (15 males, 31 females). Results indicated that myopes and nonmyopes differed from one another with respect to their value systems, personality, and physical characteristics as assessed by the components of the questionnaire. Differences in these characteristics were consistently found by all assessment techniques to exist most often between myopes and hypermetropes and between emmetropes and hypermetropes rather than between myopes and emmetropes. In general myopes exhibited a personality pattern of introversion, whereas hypermetropes maintained a pattern described as extroverted.", "contents": "Values, personality, physical characteristics, and refractive error. A questionnaire containing: (a) a questionnaire of physical characteristics associated with psychosomatic symptoms, (b) questions to determine the presence of myopia or hypermetropia but not the amount of error, (c) a shortened version of the Gough Adjective Check List, and (d) the Heist and Yonge Omnibus Personality Inventory were administered to 782 introductory psychology students attending Washington State University. This group consisted of 297 self-identified myopes (117 males, 180 females), 439 emmetropes (207 males, 232 females), and 46 hypermetropes (15 males, 31 females). Results indicated that myopes and nonmyopes differed from one another with respect to their value systems, personality, and physical characteristics as assessed by the components of the questionnaire. Differences in these characteristics were consistently found by all assessment techniques to exist most often between myopes and hypermetropes and between emmetropes and hypermetropes rather than between myopes and emmetropes. In general myopes exhibited a personality pattern of introversion, whereas hypermetropes maintained a pattern described as extroverted.", "PMID": 998715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7294", "title": "New design principles for visual acuity letter charts.", "content": "This paper intoduces new principles for the design and use of letter charts for the measurement of visual acuity. It is advocated that the test task should be essentially the same at each size level on the chart. Such standardization of the test task requires the use of letters of equal legibility, the same number of letters on each row, and uniform between-letter and between-row spacing. It is also advocated that, combined with the test task standardization, there should be a logarithmic progression of letter size. Charts incorporating these design features have been made. These charts facilitate the use of nonstandard testing distances which might be used when there is low visual acuity, when examination room layout prevents testing at the standard distance, or when it is necessary to validate visual acuity scores or detect malingering. Adjusting the visual acuity score according to the chosen testing distance is simplified by the use of logarithmic scaling.", "contents": "New design principles for visual acuity letter charts. This paper intoduces new principles for the design and use of letter charts for the measurement of visual acuity. It is advocated that the test task should be essentially the same at each size level on the chart. Such standardization of the test task requires the use of letters of equal legibility, the same number of letters on each row, and uniform between-letter and between-row spacing. It is also advocated that, combined with the test task standardization, there should be a logarithmic progression of letter size. Charts incorporating these design features have been made. These charts facilitate the use of nonstandard testing distances which might be used when there is low visual acuity, when examination room layout prevents testing at the standard distance, or when it is necessary to validate visual acuity scores or detect malingering. Adjusting the visual acuity score according to the chosen testing distance is simplified by the use of logarithmic scaling.", "PMID": 998716} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7295", "title": "Telescopic lenses and driving.", "content": "In some states, persons with significantly reduced visual acuity are being licensed to drive while wearing telescopic spectacle lenses (TSL). In order to evaluate possible visual field limitations present with these devices, the peripheral visual fields of a group of normally sighted subjects were measured while they wore TSL. Severely restricted central fields and sizeable ring scotomas were present with all units tested. These result indicate that driving with TSL should be discouraged.", "contents": "Telescopic lenses and driving. In some states, persons with significantly reduced visual acuity are being licensed to drive while wearing telescopic spectacle lenses (TSL). In order to evaluate possible visual field limitations present with these devices, the peripheral visual fields of a group of normally sighted subjects were measured while they wore TSL. Severely restricted central fields and sizeable ring scotomas were present with all units tested. These result indicate that driving with TSL should be discouraged.", "PMID": 998717} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7296", "title": "Learning disability: a multifaceted health threat an optometric question.", "content": "A conceptual model for the natural history of learning disabilities as a health threat will be presented. The model illustrates the multitude of individual and environmental factors influencing the subsequent physical and mental well-being of disabled learners as well as the professional interaction and interdisciplinary cooperation needed to limit if not prevent the societal impact of learning disabilities.", "contents": "Learning disability: a multifaceted health threat an optometric question. A conceptual model for the natural history of learning disabilities as a health threat will be presented. The model illustrates the multitude of individual and environmental factors influencing the subsequent physical and mental well-being of disabled learners as well as the professional interaction and interdisciplinary cooperation needed to limit if not prevent the societal impact of learning disabilities.", "PMID": 998720} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7297", "title": "Ultrastructure of human malignant diffuse mesothelioma.", "content": "Eleven cases of malignant diffuse mesotheliomas, histologically classified into two groups, epithelial (5 pleural and 3 peritoneal) and biphasic or mixed (2 pleural and 1 peritoneal) forms, were stuied by electron microscopy to elucidate their ultrastructural characteristics. The neoplastic cells of the epithelial forms were varied in ultrastructure, from well differentiated (marked by polarity, micovilli, glycogen granules, junctional structures, tonofilaments, intracellular vacuoles, and a basement membrane) to poorly differentiated (which lacked some of these epithelial characteristics). In four of eight instances in epithelial type tumors, nonepithelial or mesenchymal neoplastic cells were recognized. The biphasic or mixed cases included three major cell types: epithelial, atypical epithelial, and mesenchymal. It appeared that there were transitional forms among the three cell types. The observations support the concept that the neoplastic cell of malignant mesothelioma can differentiate into a number of cell lines.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of human malignant diffuse mesothelioma. Eleven cases of malignant diffuse mesotheliomas, histologically classified into two groups, epithelial (5 pleural and 3 peritoneal) and biphasic or mixed (2 pleural and 1 peritoneal) forms, were stuied by electron microscopy to elucidate their ultrastructural characteristics. The neoplastic cells of the epithelial forms were varied in ultrastructure, from well differentiated (marked by polarity, micovilli, glycogen granules, junctional structures, tonofilaments, intracellular vacuoles, and a basement membrane) to poorly differentiated (which lacked some of these epithelial characteristics). In four of eight instances in epithelial type tumors, nonepithelial or mesenchymal neoplastic cells were recognized. The biphasic or mixed cases included three major cell types: epithelial, atypical epithelial, and mesenchymal. It appeared that there were transitional forms among the three cell types. The observations support the concept that the neoplastic cell of malignant mesothelioma can differentiate into a number of cell lines.", "PMID": 998721} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7298", "title": "The retinal capillaries of the rat in deoxycorticosterone hypertension. An ultrastructural study with the diffusion tracer lanthanum.", "content": "Unilaterally nephrectomized rats treated with deoxycorticosterone and 1% sodium chloride in their drinking water developed severe systemic hypertension with marked cardiac and renal lesions. No pathologic changes could be detected in the retinal vasculature by light microscopy, but electron microscopy revealed inconstant alterations in the pericytes of retinal capillaries: these cells showed hyaloplasmic edema, margination of chromatin, dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and swelling of mitochondria. Injection of lanthanum into control rats confirmed that this 40-A tracer cannot pass the interendothelial tight junctions. In hypertensive animals, however, it penetrated these junctions and could be visualized in capillary basement membranes and between cells of the retina. The results indicate that an increase in permeability is probably the first pathologic change to occur in the retinal capillaries of hypertensive rats.", "contents": "The retinal capillaries of the rat in deoxycorticosterone hypertension. An ultrastructural study with the diffusion tracer lanthanum. Unilaterally nephrectomized rats treated with deoxycorticosterone and 1% sodium chloride in their drinking water developed severe systemic hypertension with marked cardiac and renal lesions. No pathologic changes could be detected in the retinal vasculature by light microscopy, but electron microscopy revealed inconstant alterations in the pericytes of retinal capillaries: these cells showed hyaloplasmic edema, margination of chromatin, dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and swelling of mitochondria. Injection of lanthanum into control rats confirmed that this 40-A tracer cannot pass the interendothelial tight junctions. In hypertensive animals, however, it penetrated these junctions and could be visualized in capillary basement membranes and between cells of the retina. The results indicate that an increase in permeability is probably the first pathologic change to occur in the retinal capillaries of hypertensive rats.", "PMID": 998722} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7299", "title": "Secretory immunoglobulins in colonic neoplasms.", "content": "Secretory immunoglobulins are found in nongoblet columnar cells of normal intestinal epithelium. These molecules consist of a secretory component portion, which is synthesized in the columnar cells, and an immunoglobulin portion which enters the columnar cells from plasma cells in the adjacent lamina propria. In the present work, the synthesis and transport of these various subunits have been studied by immunofluorescence in benign polyps and cancers of the colon. In both the epithelium and plasma cells of benign and malignant tumors, as well as in normal tissue, IgA is the principal immunoglobulin, followed by IgM. However, when compared to normal tissue, neoplastic epithelium contains less immunoglobulin and also less secretory component; the decrement usually inversely parallels the degree of differentiation. Thus, benign polyps closely resemble normal colonic mucosa in so far as the secretory immunoglobulin system is concerned. In contrast, atypical areas of benign polyps and carcinomas exhibit greatly decreased or absent synthesis and transport of secretory IgA. Plasma cells tend to be markedly decreased in the stroma of carcinomas, suggestive of an alteration in the normal mechanism for attracting the circulating precursors of local IgA plasma cells. Whenever neoplastic epithelium contained IgA, plasma cells with IgA could be observed in the vicinity; this is in keeping with the concept of local synthesis of secretory IgA. In some instances in which local plasma cells were plentiful, neoplastic cells were deficient in secretory component and IgA, which suggested impairment of the mechanisms for transporting IgA across epithelium. The possible role of secretory component in such transport and in attracting lymphoblasts to mucous membranes is dicussed.", "contents": "Secretory immunoglobulins in colonic neoplasms. Secretory immunoglobulins are found in nongoblet columnar cells of normal intestinal epithelium. These molecules consist of a secretory component portion, which is synthesized in the columnar cells, and an immunoglobulin portion which enters the columnar cells from plasma cells in the adjacent lamina propria. In the present work, the synthesis and transport of these various subunits have been studied by immunofluorescence in benign polyps and cancers of the colon. In both the epithelium and plasma cells of benign and malignant tumors, as well as in normal tissue, IgA is the principal immunoglobulin, followed by IgM. However, when compared to normal tissue, neoplastic epithelium contains less immunoglobulin and also less secretory component; the decrement usually inversely parallels the degree of differentiation. Thus, benign polyps closely resemble normal colonic mucosa in so far as the secretory immunoglobulin system is concerned. In contrast, atypical areas of benign polyps and carcinomas exhibit greatly decreased or absent synthesis and transport of secretory IgA. Plasma cells tend to be markedly decreased in the stroma of carcinomas, suggestive of an alteration in the normal mechanism for attracting the circulating precursors of local IgA plasma cells. Whenever neoplastic epithelium contained IgA, plasma cells with IgA could be observed in the vicinity; this is in keeping with the concept of local synthesis of secretory IgA. In some instances in which local plasma cells were plentiful, neoplastic cells were deficient in secretory component and IgA, which suggested impairment of the mechanisms for transporting IgA across epithelium. The possible role of secretory component in such transport and in attracting lymphoblasts to mucous membranes is dicussed.", "PMID": 998723} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7300", "title": "Microhemorrhage in the hyperplastic thyroid gland of the rat.", "content": "A microhemorrhagic process was consistently observed in association with the induction of thyroid hyperplasia by dietary thiouracil in the rat. This process appeared to involve the extravasation of erythrocytes (RBCs) through hyperplastic capillary walls. Those sites of extravasation which were directly visualized involved endothelial openings of less than 1 mu. These openings were surrounded by endothelial cytoplasm containing a dense fibrous material and were associated with RBC constriction during passage. Extravasated RBCs were most often noted singly or in small groups, either in columns between follicular epithelial cells or embedded amongst the basal epithelial infoldings. Occasionally, extravasated RBCs were also observed within follicular lumens. Extravasated RBCs were usually intact ultrastructurally, but occasionally an apparent hemolytic process was observed, both for RBCs embedded amongst epithelial cells and for those within follicular lumens. The nature and etiology of this microhemorrhagic process are considered in relation to the hypervascularity of the gland, the possibility of capillary wall alterations, the presence of endothelial cell mitoses, and the localization of the process.", "contents": "Microhemorrhage in the hyperplastic thyroid gland of the rat. A microhemorrhagic process was consistently observed in association with the induction of thyroid hyperplasia by dietary thiouracil in the rat. This process appeared to involve the extravasation of erythrocytes (RBCs) through hyperplastic capillary walls. Those sites of extravasation which were directly visualized involved endothelial openings of less than 1 mu. These openings were surrounded by endothelial cytoplasm containing a dense fibrous material and were associated with RBC constriction during passage. Extravasated RBCs were most often noted singly or in small groups, either in columns between follicular epithelial cells or embedded amongst the basal epithelial infoldings. Occasionally, extravasated RBCs were also observed within follicular lumens. Extravasated RBCs were usually intact ultrastructurally, but occasionally an apparent hemolytic process was observed, both for RBCs embedded amongst epithelial cells and for those within follicular lumens. The nature and etiology of this microhemorrhagic process are considered in relation to the hypervascularity of the gland, the possibility of capillary wall alterations, the presence of endothelial cell mitoses, and the localization of the process.", "PMID": 998724} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7301", "title": "Microcirculation of the lymph node with metastases.", "content": "Microangiographic and histologic examination of the popliteal lymph node was performed on 49 rabbits 3 to 55 days after V2 tumor implantation into the hind paw. Control animals received subcutaneous tissue extract from normal rabbit donors. During the first 10 days after the tumor implant from an allogeneic animal donor, the draining lymph node exhibited a hypervascular response which after 2 weeks gradually subsided. Subsequently, during the early stages of lymph node metastasis there was still hypervascularity adjacent to the metastatic deposit. In about 4 weeks the metastases became more established and surrounded by layers of plasma cells. The hypervascular changes of the surrounding lymph node subsided by this time. In lymph node metastases the microvasculature could be an indicator of the immunologic activity of the host.", "contents": "Microcirculation of the lymph node with metastases. Microangiographic and histologic examination of the popliteal lymph node was performed on 49 rabbits 3 to 55 days after V2 tumor implantation into the hind paw. Control animals received subcutaneous tissue extract from normal rabbit donors. During the first 10 days after the tumor implant from an allogeneic animal donor, the draining lymph node exhibited a hypervascular response which after 2 weeks gradually subsided. Subsequently, during the early stages of lymph node metastasis there was still hypervascularity adjacent to the metastatic deposit. In about 4 weeks the metastases became more established and surrounded by layers of plasma cells. The hypervascular changes of the surrounding lymph node subsided by this time. In lymph node metastases the microvasculature could be an indicator of the immunologic activity of the host.", "PMID": 998725} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7302", "title": "Mesangial involvement in hemolytic-uremic syndrome. A light and electron microscopic study.", "content": "Electron microscopic analysis of the mesangial injury in the hemolytic-uremic syndrome was performed in 10 patients. Proteinaceous material similar to that found in the subendothelial region was also seen focally in the mesangium altering the matrix and imparting a reticular appearance. This degenerative process was associated with reparative changes in the glomerular tuft. Many of the mesangial cells were hypertrophied and demonstrated phagocytic activity and peripheral extension of their cytoplasmic processes. Mitotic figures in endothelial as well as mesangial cells were regarded as evidence of a reparative process. Severe mesangial insudation of material containing fibrinogen derivatives resulted in segmental tuft necrosis with almost complete replacement and destruction of the mesangial matrix. On some occasions, a break of the glomerular basement membrane was accompanied by the escape of intraluminal contents into the urinary space, leading to crescentic epithelial cell proliferation.", "contents": "Mesangial involvement in hemolytic-uremic syndrome. A light and electron microscopic study. Electron microscopic analysis of the mesangial injury in the hemolytic-uremic syndrome was performed in 10 patients. Proteinaceous material similar to that found in the subendothelial region was also seen focally in the mesangium altering the matrix and imparting a reticular appearance. This degenerative process was associated with reparative changes in the glomerular tuft. Many of the mesangial cells were hypertrophied and demonstrated phagocytic activity and peripheral extension of their cytoplasmic processes. Mitotic figures in endothelial as well as mesangial cells were regarded as evidence of a reparative process. Severe mesangial insudation of material containing fibrinogen derivatives resulted in segmental tuft necrosis with almost complete replacement and destruction of the mesangial matrix. On some occasions, a break of the glomerular basement membrane was accompanied by the escape of intraluminal contents into the urinary space, leading to crescentic epithelial cell proliferation.", "PMID": 998726} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7303", "title": "Experimental induction of erythroblastemia using intravenous carbonyl iron particles.", "content": "An experimental model is presented whereby erythroblastemia, the appearance of nucleated red cells in circulation, was induced reproducibly in rabbits by intravenous injection of 0.5 to 1 g/kg carbonyl iron particles (CIP). The phenomenon reached a peak in 24 to 48 hours and disappeared after a week. Erythroblastemia was associated with evidence for disseminated intravenous coagulation; both could be aborted by administration of heparin. Repeated injection of CIP was always followed by recurrence of erythroblastemia. For a period as long as 7 months, the animals tolerated repeated injections without evidence of lasting sequelae. Electron microscopic studies of marrow tissue indicated alterations in the red cell nuclei but no alterations in the endothelium of marrow sinuses into which the red cells migrate to reach the circulation. This model provides a means to study the mechanisms involved in nuclear elimination by mammalian red cells.", "contents": "Experimental induction of erythroblastemia using intravenous carbonyl iron particles. An experimental model is presented whereby erythroblastemia, the appearance of nucleated red cells in circulation, was induced reproducibly in rabbits by intravenous injection of 0.5 to 1 g/kg carbonyl iron particles (CIP). The phenomenon reached a peak in 24 to 48 hours and disappeared after a week. Erythroblastemia was associated with evidence for disseminated intravenous coagulation; both could be aborted by administration of heparin. Repeated injection of CIP was always followed by recurrence of erythroblastemia. For a period as long as 7 months, the animals tolerated repeated injections without evidence of lasting sequelae. Electron microscopic studies of marrow tissue indicated alterations in the red cell nuclei but no alterations in the endothelium of marrow sinuses into which the red cells migrate to reach the circulation. This model provides a means to study the mechanisms involved in nuclear elimination by mammalian red cells.", "PMID": 998727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7304", "title": "The renal medulla and mechanisms of hypertension in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.", "content": "A significant number of offspring from brother-sister matings of NIH-Okamoto-Aoki spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were found to be normotensive at 20 weeks of age. Over 20% of the animals that were hypertensive at this age had mild-to-moderate unilateral hydronephrosis at the time of sacrifice. In over 90% of the rats that did not develop hypertension spontaneously, ligation of one ureter raised blood pressure above 150 mm Hg within 2 weeks. In those rats made hypertensive by obstructing one ureter and in those that developed hypertension with accompanying naturally occurring hydronephrosis, subcutaneous implants of fragmented renal medulla from unrelated normal rats decreased blood pressure to normotensive levels. In contrast, medullary implants had no significant effect in rats developing hypertension spontaneously without hydronephrosis. Renal inner medullary plasma flow was low in the obstructed kidneys of hydronephrotic hypertensive SHRs but was elevated in the kidneys of nonhydronephrotic hypertensive SHRs. The hypertension in hydronephrotic SHRs appears to be related to an impairment of the antihypertensive function of the renal medulla. Such an impairment of medullary antihypertensive function does not appear to play a significant role in the hypertension in SHRs without hydronephrosis.", "contents": "The renal medulla and mechanisms of hypertension in the spontaneously hypertensive rat. A significant number of offspring from brother-sister matings of NIH-Okamoto-Aoki spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were found to be normotensive at 20 weeks of age. Over 20% of the animals that were hypertensive at this age had mild-to-moderate unilateral hydronephrosis at the time of sacrifice. In over 90% of the rats that did not develop hypertension spontaneously, ligation of one ureter raised blood pressure above 150 mm Hg within 2 weeks. In those rats made hypertensive by obstructing one ureter and in those that developed hypertension with accompanying naturally occurring hydronephrosis, subcutaneous implants of fragmented renal medulla from unrelated normal rats decreased blood pressure to normotensive levels. In contrast, medullary implants had no significant effect in rats developing hypertension spontaneously without hydronephrosis. Renal inner medullary plasma flow was low in the obstructed kidneys of hydronephrotic hypertensive SHRs but was elevated in the kidneys of nonhydronephrotic hypertensive SHRs. The hypertension in hydronephrotic SHRs appears to be related to an impairment of the antihypertensive function of the renal medulla. Such an impairment of medullary antihypertensive function does not appear to play a significant role in the hypertension in SHRs without hydronephrosis.", "PMID": 998730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7305", "title": "Consequences of intramyocardial arterial lesions in aortic valvular stenosis.", "content": "Proliferative lesions, which included collagen deposition, developed with age in intramyocardial arteries of 27 patients with aortic stenosis and matched controls. Those with the most extensive intramyocardial artery lesions developed massive subendocardial infarcts during surgery. Using histologic quantitation, the percent of intramyocardial arteries with lesions in a patient was correlated with decreases in the amount of muscle in arterioles between the subepicardial and subendocardial zones of the left ventricle. The mean decrease in arteriolar muscle was 43% in patients with aortic stenosis and 19% in controls. Blood pressures correlate with the amount of muscle in arterioles, so subendocardial perfusing pressures were presumably low in those with aortic stenosis. Patients with the greatest decrease in arteriolar muscle across the myocardium had the most impaired left ventricular function, i.e., highest end diastolic pressures, lowest ejection fractions, and lowest mean fiber shortening rates.", "contents": "Consequences of intramyocardial arterial lesions in aortic valvular stenosis. Proliferative lesions, which included collagen deposition, developed with age in intramyocardial arteries of 27 patients with aortic stenosis and matched controls. Those with the most extensive intramyocardial artery lesions developed massive subendocardial infarcts during surgery. Using histologic quantitation, the percent of intramyocardial arteries with lesions in a patient was correlated with decreases in the amount of muscle in arterioles between the subepicardial and subendocardial zones of the left ventricle. The mean decrease in arteriolar muscle was 43% in patients with aortic stenosis and 19% in controls. Blood pressures correlate with the amount of muscle in arterioles, so subendocardial perfusing pressures were presumably low in those with aortic stenosis. Patients with the greatest decrease in arteriolar muscle across the myocardium had the most impaired left ventricular function, i.e., highest end diastolic pressures, lowest ejection fractions, and lowest mean fiber shortening rates.", "PMID": 998731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7306", "title": "Rat platelet aggregation by ATP. Aggregometrical and ultrastructural comparison with aggregations induced by ADP and collagen.", "content": "This paper describes the aggregation of rat platelets by adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The aggregometry of ATP-induced aggregation and the ultrastructure of ATP-aggregated platelets were compared and contrasted with those of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-treated and collagen-treated samples. Human platelets were also studied alongside with rat specimens. Several lines of evidence indicate that the ATP-induced aggregation of rat platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is not a result of contaminating ADP in the ATP preparation. ATP did not cause aggregation of human platelets; it inhibited ADP- and collagen-induced human platelet aggregation. ATP pretreated with a creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase system caused similar rat platelet aggregation as did ATP not treated with this system. The aggregometry of ATP-induced aggregation of rat PRP was similar to that of collagen-induced aggregation but markedly different from that of ADP-induced aggregation. However, the nature of ATP-induced aggregation was similar to that induced by ADP. Both ATP- and ADP-induced rat platelet aggregations were not affected by adenosine, adenosine monophosphate, or acetylsalicylic acid. The ultrastructure of ATP-aggregated platelets was similar to that of ADP-aggregated ones. It appears that either platelets of rats possess specific ATP receptors or the rat plasma contains a material, lacking or insufficiently present in human plasma, that converts ATP to ADP in a fashion similar to the release of ADP from platelet storage granules.", "contents": "Rat platelet aggregation by ATP. Aggregometrical and ultrastructural comparison with aggregations induced by ADP and collagen. This paper describes the aggregation of rat platelets by adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The aggregometry of ATP-induced aggregation and the ultrastructure of ATP-aggregated platelets were compared and contrasted with those of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-treated and collagen-treated samples. Human platelets were also studied alongside with rat specimens. Several lines of evidence indicate that the ATP-induced aggregation of rat platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is not a result of contaminating ADP in the ATP preparation. ATP did not cause aggregation of human platelets; it inhibited ADP- and collagen-induced human platelet aggregation. ATP pretreated with a creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase system caused similar rat platelet aggregation as did ATP not treated with this system. The aggregometry of ATP-induced aggregation of rat PRP was similar to that of collagen-induced aggregation but markedly different from that of ADP-induced aggregation. However, the nature of ATP-induced aggregation was similar to that induced by ADP. Both ATP- and ADP-induced rat platelet aggregations were not affected by adenosine, adenosine monophosphate, or acetylsalicylic acid. The ultrastructure of ATP-aggregated platelets was similar to that of ADP-aggregated ones. It appears that either platelets of rats possess specific ATP receptors or the rat plasma contains a material, lacking or insufficiently present in human plasma, that converts ATP to ADP in a fashion similar to the release of ADP from platelet storage granules.", "PMID": 998732} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7307", "title": "Acute murine adrenalitis induced by reovirus 3. An ultrastructural study.", "content": "Reovirus 3 infection of neonatal mice, although characterized primarily by encephalitis, hepatitis, and pancreatitis, also induces an adrenalitis. Histologically, the latter is characterized initially by foci of coagulative necrosis which later enlarge and become surrounded by leukocytic infiltration. Ultrastructurally, the virus was shown to replicate in the paranuclear region of mainly adrenocortical cells but also medullary and endothelial cells. Apoptosis is the most common form of necrosis exhibited and is quickly followed by an infiltration of mononuclear phagocytes which eventually ingest the virus and the cellular debris.", "contents": "Acute murine adrenalitis induced by reovirus 3. An ultrastructural study. Reovirus 3 infection of neonatal mice, although characterized primarily by encephalitis, hepatitis, and pancreatitis, also induces an adrenalitis. Histologically, the latter is characterized initially by foci of coagulative necrosis which later enlarge and become surrounded by leukocytic infiltration. Ultrastructurally, the virus was shown to replicate in the paranuclear region of mainly adrenocortical cells but also medullary and endothelial cells. Apoptosis is the most common form of necrosis exhibited and is quickly followed by an infiltration of mononuclear phagocytes which eventually ingest the virus and the cellular debris.", "PMID": 998733} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7308", "title": "Effects of riboflavin deficiency on the ultrastructure of rat sciatic nerve fibers.", "content": "Ultrastructural studies indicate that riboflavin deficiency induced by either dietary restrictions alone or with the addition of the antagonist galactoflavin severely affects the structural integrity of myelin lamellae. The degenerative process induced by riboflavin deficiency is time dependent. Nonmyelinated nerve fibers are not affected ultrastructurally by the deficiency. Cellular organelles of both myelinated and nonmyelinated nerve fibers remain intact and presumably functional.", "contents": "Effects of riboflavin deficiency on the ultrastructure of rat sciatic nerve fibers. Ultrastructural studies indicate that riboflavin deficiency induced by either dietary restrictions alone or with the addition of the antagonist galactoflavin severely affects the structural integrity of myelin lamellae. The degenerative process induced by riboflavin deficiency is time dependent. Nonmyelinated nerve fibers are not affected ultrastructurally by the deficiency. Cellular organelles of both myelinated and nonmyelinated nerve fibers remain intact and presumably functional.", "PMID": 998735} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7309", "title": "Oxygen toxicity in the newborn. The effect of chronic continuous 100 percent oxygen exposure on the lungs of newborn mice.", "content": "Continuous exposure of newborn mice of a single, highly inbred strain to 100% oxygen at normal atmospheric pressure for up to 6 weeks resulted in a progressive evolution of pulmonary changes which consisted of dense fibrous tissue deposition, chronic bronchitis and bronchiolitis, and emphysema. Survival of the experimental animals decreased with the duration of exposure, and it was 18% after the sixth week. While the pulmonary changes were evolving, lung growth was markedly inhibited in the experimental animals, whereas lung weight increased significantly. The present study indicates that in contrast to the adult mouse, survival of a substantial percentage of newborn mice for at least 6 weeks is possible, but it is associated with severe changes in pulmonary structure that doubtlessly lead to serious derangement of cardiopulmonary functions.", "contents": "Oxygen toxicity in the newborn. The effect of chronic continuous 100 percent oxygen exposure on the lungs of newborn mice. Continuous exposure of newborn mice of a single, highly inbred strain to 100% oxygen at normal atmospheric pressure for up to 6 weeks resulted in a progressive evolution of pulmonary changes which consisted of dense fibrous tissue deposition, chronic bronchitis and bronchiolitis, and emphysema. Survival of the experimental animals decreased with the duration of exposure, and it was 18% after the sixth week. While the pulmonary changes were evolving, lung growth was markedly inhibited in the experimental animals, whereas lung weight increased significantly. The present study indicates that in contrast to the adult mouse, survival of a substantial percentage of newborn mice for at least 6 weeks is possible, but it is associated with severe changes in pulmonary structure that doubtlessly lead to serious derangement of cardiopulmonary functions.", "PMID": 998734} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7310", "title": "Eosinophil and neutrophil granulocyte exudation in the Chediak-Higashi (beige) mouse.", "content": "Humans with Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) and mice carrying the beige mutation have a heritable defect which results in the presence of giant inclusion granules in the cytoplasm in a wide variety of cells and a markedly increased susceptibility to infections. To test whether this increased susceptibility to infection might be a consequence of impaired accumulation of granulocytes at sites of inflammatory-immune stimulation, we quantitated the exudation of granulocytes into the peritoneum in response to secondary tetanus toxoid challenge in normal mice and in two inbred mouse strains with the beige mutation. Neutrophil and eosinophil granulocyte responses in the peritoneal cavity were not diminished in the beige mice as compared to normal mice when previously sensitized animals were challenged intraperitoneally with tetanus toxoid. Since accumulation of cells at the in vivo site of inflammatory immune stimulation did not seem impaired in the mutant beige mice, it would appear that their increased susceptibility to infections is not due to impairment of cellular exudative responses, including the immune components of the eosinophil response.", "contents": "Eosinophil and neutrophil granulocyte exudation in the Chediak-Higashi (beige) mouse. Humans with Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) and mice carrying the beige mutation have a heritable defect which results in the presence of giant inclusion granules in the cytoplasm in a wide variety of cells and a markedly increased susceptibility to infections. To test whether this increased susceptibility to infection might be a consequence of impaired accumulation of granulocytes at sites of inflammatory-immune stimulation, we quantitated the exudation of granulocytes into the peritoneum in response to secondary tetanus toxoid challenge in normal mice and in two inbred mouse strains with the beige mutation. Neutrophil and eosinophil granulocyte responses in the peritoneal cavity were not diminished in the beige mice as compared to normal mice when previously sensitized animals were challenged intraperitoneally with tetanus toxoid. Since accumulation of cells at the in vivo site of inflammatory immune stimulation did not seem impaired in the mutant beige mice, it would appear that their increased susceptibility to infections is not due to impairment of cellular exudative responses, including the immune components of the eosinophil response.", "PMID": 998737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7311", "title": "Occurrence of human pancreatic polypeptide in pancreatic endocrine tumors. Possible implication in the watery diarrhea syndrome.", "content": "Eighteen endocrine pancreatic tumors were examined for the occurrence of cells producing insulin, glucagon, gastrin, human pancreatic polypeptide (HPP), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and for A1 cells. More than half of the tumors were mixed, i.e., they contained more than one type of hormone-producing cell. The clinical symptoms were attributable only to one of the hormones produced by the mixed tumors. Three of four tumors causing the watery diarrhea syndrome contained both VIP and HPP cells. In one such tumor there was a strong predominance of HPP cells; the serum HPP levels of this patient were a thousandfold elevated, whereas her VIP levels were within the normal range. Several lines of evidence point to HPP as a possible agent causing the watery diarrhea syndrome. In many of our patients, HPP cells hyperplasia was present in the extratumoral pancreas. Such hyperplasia may give rise to the raised serum HPP levels seen in many patients having endocrine pancreatic tumors.", "contents": "Occurrence of human pancreatic polypeptide in pancreatic endocrine tumors. Possible implication in the watery diarrhea syndrome. Eighteen endocrine pancreatic tumors were examined for the occurrence of cells producing insulin, glucagon, gastrin, human pancreatic polypeptide (HPP), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and for A1 cells. More than half of the tumors were mixed, i.e., they contained more than one type of hormone-producing cell. The clinical symptoms were attributable only to one of the hormones produced by the mixed tumors. Three of four tumors causing the watery diarrhea syndrome contained both VIP and HPP cells. In one such tumor there was a strong predominance of HPP cells; the serum HPP levels of this patient were a thousandfold elevated, whereas her VIP levels were within the normal range. Several lines of evidence point to HPP as a possible agent causing the watery diarrhea syndrome. In many of our patients, HPP cells hyperplasia was present in the extratumoral pancreas. Such hyperplasia may give rise to the raised serum HPP levels seen in many patients having endocrine pancreatic tumors.", "PMID": 998736} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7312", "title": "The children of imprisoned parents: a psychosocial exploration.", "content": "This study of children's reactions to the imprisonment of a parent identifies temporary behavioral symptoms that commonly follow the incarceration of a parent, as well as antisocial behavior on the part of a few pubertal children. The stigmatizing and traumatizing effects of imprisonment on the spouse and child left behind are discussed, and suggestions for clinical intervention are offered.", "contents": "The children of imprisoned parents: a psychosocial exploration. This study of children's reactions to the imprisonment of a parent identifies temporary behavioral symptoms that commonly follow the incarceration of a parent, as well as antisocial behavior on the part of a few pubertal children. The stigmatizing and traumatizing effects of imprisonment on the spouse and child left behind are discussed, and suggestions for clinical intervention are offered.", "PMID": 998741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7313", "title": "Community network therapy: an approach to aiding families with troubled children.", "content": "This paper outlines a method of working with troubled children that draws upon structural family therapy, school consultation, patient advocacy, and community mental health work. This blending of approaches is presented as the basis for an evolving mode of treatment referred to as community network therapy. Four of its principal dimensions are described, and examples of its clinical application are offered.", "contents": "Community network therapy: an approach to aiding families with troubled children. This paper outlines a method of working with troubled children that draws upon structural family therapy, school consultation, patient advocacy, and community mental health work. This blending of approaches is presented as the basis for an evolving mode of treatment referred to as community network therapy. Four of its principal dimensions are described, and examples of its clinical application are offered.", "PMID": 998740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7314", "title": "Symptom alleviation in the hyperactive child by dietary modification: a report of two cases.", "content": "Case reports are presented of two hyperactive preschool boys, one with severe cognitive and one with emotional problems, treated as a last resort with the Kaiser-Permanente elimination diet. Outcomes suggest further study of the effectiveness of the diet in alleviating symptoms of hyperactivity, especially in the preschool child who is unresponsive to medication and whose hyperactivity may be compounded by other developmental and emotional problems.", "contents": "Symptom alleviation in the hyperactive child by dietary modification: a report of two cases. Case reports are presented of two hyperactive preschool boys, one with severe cognitive and one with emotional problems, treated as a last resort with the Kaiser-Permanente elimination diet. Outcomes suggest further study of the effectiveness of the diet in alleviating symptoms of hyperactivity, especially in the preschool child who is unresponsive to medication and whose hyperactivity may be compounded by other developmental and emotional problems.", "PMID": 998742} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7315", "title": "Patients' rights or patients' neglect: the impact of the patients' rights movement on delivery systems.", "content": "This paper offers a clinician's perspective on the complex and controversial issues related to \"patients' rights.\" It is suggested that such \"rights\" interpreted and applied literally may contravene the basic right of the individual to receive needed treatment. Related issues are discussed, and a mechanism for exploring resolutions to the conflict between psychiatry and the law is suggested.", "contents": "Patients' rights or patients' neglect: the impact of the patients' rights movement on delivery systems. This paper offers a clinician's perspective on the complex and controversial issues related to \"patients' rights.\" It is suggested that such \"rights\" interpreted and applied literally may contravene the basic right of the individual to receive needed treatment. Related issues are discussed, and a mechanism for exploring resolutions to the conflict between psychiatry and the law is suggested.", "PMID": 998743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7316", "title": "Interdisciplinary training and interdisciplinary functioning: a survey of attitudes and practices in community mental health.", "content": "A survey of staff members and training-program directors suggests that inter-disciplinary functioning is the rule rather than the exception in community mental health centers, although there are significant differences by profession in time spent in interdisciplinary work and in attitudes toward it. Striking parallels are seen within each profession between attitudes of staff and of directors of training programs. Barriers to interdisciplinary functioning and training are identified and discussed.", "contents": "Interdisciplinary training and interdisciplinary functioning: a survey of attitudes and practices in community mental health. A survey of staff members and training-program directors suggests that inter-disciplinary functioning is the rule rather than the exception in community mental health centers, although there are significant differences by profession in time spent in interdisciplinary work and in attitudes toward it. Striking parallels are seen within each profession between attitudes of staff and of directors of training programs. Barriers to interdisciplinary functioning and training are identified and discussed.", "PMID": 998744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7317", "title": "The informal community caregiver: a link between the health care system and local residents.", "content": "A group of \"informal\" caregivers, local people to whom residents turn for information and advice, was identified in the east Harlem community and enlisted in a two-month study. Results suggest that formal human services agencies and their intended clientele would benefit by increased efforts on the part of these institutions to locate and work with community caregivers.", "contents": "The informal community caregiver: a link between the health care system and local residents. A group of \"informal\" caregivers, local people to whom residents turn for information and advice, was identified in the east Harlem community and enlisted in a two-month study. Results suggest that formal human services agencies and their intended clientele would benefit by increased efforts on the part of these institutions to locate and work with community caregivers.", "PMID": 998745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7318", "title": "Sexual attitudes and behavior patterns in a middle-class adolescent population.", "content": "Sexual activities and attitudes of a group of adolescents, who have been followed from early infancy as a part of the New York Longitudinal Study, are reported. Adolescents in the study evince a more matter-of-fact, less fearful attitude than that of previous generations, but do not seem more prone to casual sexual encounters. Sexual conflicts are seen to occur only in relation to overall psychological conflict.", "contents": "Sexual attitudes and behavior patterns in a middle-class adolescent population. Sexual activities and attitudes of a group of adolescents, who have been followed from early infancy as a part of the New York Longitudinal Study, are reported. Adolescents in the study evince a more matter-of-fact, less fearful attitude than that of previous generations, but do not seem more prone to casual sexual encounters. Sexual conflicts are seen to occur only in relation to overall psychological conflict.", "PMID": 998746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7319", "title": "A comparison of racial/ethnic preferences among Anglo, black and Latino children.", "content": "This study uses a photo-choice method to compare racial/ethnic group preferences of black, Anglo, and Latino children, with a focus on the latter--relatively little-studied--group. While both black and Anglo children choose ingroup photos, Latinos preferred pictures of Anglo children. Explanations of this outcome are explored, and a comparison between the situation of today's Latino child and the black child of ten years ago is suggested.", "contents": "A comparison of racial/ethnic preferences among Anglo, black and Latino children. This study uses a photo-choice method to compare racial/ethnic group preferences of black, Anglo, and Latino children, with a focus on the latter--relatively little-studied--group. While both black and Anglo children choose ingroup photos, Latinos preferred pictures of Anglo children. Explanations of this outcome are explored, and a comparison between the situation of today's Latino child and the black child of ten years ago is suggested.", "PMID": 998747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7320", "title": "EMG patterns and forces developed during step-down.", "content": "These experiments describe electromyographic activity and forces developed during step-down from several heights. The external environment of the experimental subjects was varied by blindfold or Achilles' tendon vibration during descent. EMG activity of the step-down limb, vertical force of impact and knee angle were measured. The results show that the triceps surae muscle contracts prior to the time of impact of the foot with the substrate if information about the step height is supplied to the subject and if the sensory system is not disturbed by vibration. In the presence of vibration or if the step height is unknown, the triceps surae does not contract prior to foot contact. This produces a large force transient which must be absorbed by the skeletal structure, rather than being damped by a lengthening contraction of the triceps surae. The data suggest that the forces developed during ordinary step-down may be the cause of bone and injury in people with impaired vision or in patients with damaged nervous systems who exhibit large responses to vibration.", "contents": "EMG patterns and forces developed during step-down. These experiments describe electromyographic activity and forces developed during step-down from several heights. The external environment of the experimental subjects was varied by blindfold or Achilles' tendon vibration during descent. EMG activity of the step-down limb, vertical force of impact and knee angle were measured. The results show that the triceps surae muscle contracts prior to the time of impact of the foot with the substrate if information about the step height is supplied to the subject and if the sensory system is not disturbed by vibration. In the presence of vibration or if the step height is unknown, the triceps surae does not contract prior to foot contact. This produces a large force transient which must be absorbed by the skeletal structure, rather than being damped by a lengthening contraction of the triceps surae. The data suggest that the forces developed during ordinary step-down may be the cause of bone and injury in people with impaired vision or in patients with damaged nervous systems who exhibit large responses to vibration.", "PMID": 998748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7321", "title": "Passive mechanical factors governing head and neck movements at the onset of sudden falls in the cat.", "content": "The head and neck movements of 16 cats undergoing sudden, unexpected falls have been assessed as a study preliminary to the investigation of reflex responses to the same stimulus. Six of the cats were studied while normal, and similarly tested at a later date to examine for any changes induced by making these animals pitch and roll insensitive, or by labyrinthectomy. The head and neck always described a sterotyped pattern of movement, consisting of progressive dorsiflexion of the neck without rotation of the head in space. This was unaltered by partial or complete loss of eighth nerve function. These findings are consistent with the head and neck movements of a falling cat being predominantly passive in origin, at least for the first 200 msec or so of an unexpected fall.", "contents": "Passive mechanical factors governing head and neck movements at the onset of sudden falls in the cat. The head and neck movements of 16 cats undergoing sudden, unexpected falls have been assessed as a study preliminary to the investigation of reflex responses to the same stimulus. Six of the cats were studied while normal, and similarly tested at a later date to examine for any changes induced by making these animals pitch and roll insensitive, or by labyrinthectomy. The head and neck always described a sterotyped pattern of movement, consisting of progressive dorsiflexion of the neck without rotation of the head in space. This was unaltered by partial or complete loss of eighth nerve function. These findings are consistent with the head and neck movements of a falling cat being predominantly passive in origin, at least for the first 200 msec or so of an unexpected fall.", "PMID": 998749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7322", "title": "Physical anthropology and the dental and medical specialties.", "content": "The rise of two sub-specialties in Physical Antrhopology traces back to the Anatomy Departments of Schools of Medicine in Germany and France during the nineteenth century. The study of human diversity in bones and bodies was largely by medically-trained anatomists. There developed Medical Antropology and Dental Anthropology, employing osteometry and craniometry on the skeleton, somatometry and cephalometry on the living body. As a result cross-sectional studies gave way to longitudinal studies and X-ray techniques were added to purely mensurational procedures. In Medical Anthropology the specialties most directly concerned are pediatrics, plastic surgery, endocrinology, and orthopaedics. In Dental Anthropology the specialties most directly concerned are pedodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics. The contributions of Physical Anthropology to each is discussed.", "contents": "Physical anthropology and the dental and medical specialties. The rise of two sub-specialties in Physical Antrhopology traces back to the Anatomy Departments of Schools of Medicine in Germany and France during the nineteenth century. The study of human diversity in bones and bodies was largely by medically-trained anatomists. There developed Medical Antropology and Dental Anthropology, employing osteometry and craniometry on the skeleton, somatometry and cephalometry on the living body. As a result cross-sectional studies gave way to longitudinal studies and X-ray techniques were added to purely mensurational procedures. In Medical Anthropology the specialties most directly concerned are pediatrics, plastic surgery, endocrinology, and orthopaedics. In Dental Anthropology the specialties most directly concerned are pedodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics. The contributions of Physical Anthropology to each is discussed.", "PMID": 998750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7323", "title": "Similarities between parents and their adopted children.", "content": "As show in 7,230 parent-child pairs (6,726 biological and 504 adoptive), adoptive parents and their adopted children tend to resemble each other in height, weight and fatfolds to an extent paralleling height, weight and fatfold resemblances of natural (biological) parents and their children. Accordingly, the magnitudes of parent-child resemblances commonly given may not be indicative of the extent of heritability of stature, weight and subcutaneous fat.", "contents": "Similarities between parents and their adopted children. As show in 7,230 parent-child pairs (6,726 biological and 504 adoptive), adoptive parents and their adopted children tend to resemble each other in height, weight and fatfolds to an extent paralleling height, weight and fatfold resemblances of natural (biological) parents and their children. Accordingly, the magnitudes of parent-child resemblances commonly given may not be indicative of the extent of heritability of stature, weight and subcutaneous fat.", "PMID": 998751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7324", "title": "Studies of the basicranial axis: a brief review.", "content": "Growth and development of the cranial base have interested students of anatomical disciplines for more than a century. Flexure of the basal region has been of particular interest and is among the most assiduously studied characteristics of the skull. Reports may be found in journals serving such a diversity of professional interests that a summary of facts and the more interesting speculations on unsettled aspects of this subject should be of value. This paper is a review of the literature from Virschow's and Schaeffer's writings in the latter half of the last century to those of the most recent investigators. It includes the works of anatomists, anthropologists, embryologists and orthodontists, among others.", "contents": "Studies of the basicranial axis: a brief review. Growth and development of the cranial base have interested students of anatomical disciplines for more than a century. Flexure of the basal region has been of particular interest and is among the most assiduously studied characteristics of the skull. Reports may be found in journals serving such a diversity of professional interests that a summary of facts and the more interesting speculations on unsettled aspects of this subject should be of value. This paper is a review of the literature from Virschow's and Schaeffer's writings in the latter half of the last century to those of the most recent investigators. It includes the works of anatomists, anthropologists, embryologists and orthodontists, among others.", "PMID": 998752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7325", "title": "Long bone growth in Western Eskimo and Aleut skeletons.", "content": "The pattern of long bone growth in Eskimo and Aleut juvenile skeletons reflects that in living Eskimos and Aleuts. There is a pre-adolescent growth spurt which is particularly intense in females. After age 14 male long bones supercede those of females in length. The characteristic Eskimo and Aleut adult body proportion is established early in childhood. Eskimos and Aleuts have shorter bones than whites at all ages. The difference in length of the forearm and lower leg in comparison with whites appears to increase especially at adolescence.", "contents": "Long bone growth in Western Eskimo and Aleut skeletons. The pattern of long bone growth in Eskimo and Aleut juvenile skeletons reflects that in living Eskimos and Aleuts. There is a pre-adolescent growth spurt which is particularly intense in females. After age 14 male long bones supercede those of females in length. The characteristic Eskimo and Aleut adult body proportion is established early in childhood. Eskimos and Aleuts have shorter bones than whites at all ages. The difference in length of the forearm and lower leg in comparison with whites appears to increase especially at adolescence.", "PMID": 998753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7326", "title": "Some aspects of aging in the lumbar spine.", "content": "I measured the bodies of vertebrae L3 and L4 of 338 skeletons from the Terry collection in the Smithsonian Institution, including Blacks and Whites, males and females, aged from 20 to 90 years. Transverse breadths of the upper and lower endplates (excluding osteophytes) and minimum transverse breadths all increase with age. In general, the greater broadening occurs in the endplates, but the middle of the body also broadens to such a degree that there is no demonstrable increase in vertebral \"flaring\" with age. In males, posterior body height decreases relative to anterior height, so that the lumbar bodies become more wedge-shaped with age but females show essentially no change. Anterior height decreases in proportion to minimum breadth, so that the lumbar bodies become relatively lower and broader, and this change is significantly correlated with age in all groups. Midbody height decreases relative to anterior height, so that Nordin's biconcavity index is reduced with age. The increase in biconcavity remains evident even when average anterior-posterior height is used to calculate the index. At all age levels a high percentage of individuals have biconcavity indices of 80% or less, indicating that Nordin's standard of normality for this index, established from measurement on radiographs of the living, should be revised downward for use in evaluating osteoporosis in skeletal populations.", "contents": "Some aspects of aging in the lumbar spine. I measured the bodies of vertebrae L3 and L4 of 338 skeletons from the Terry collection in the Smithsonian Institution, including Blacks and Whites, males and females, aged from 20 to 90 years. Transverse breadths of the upper and lower endplates (excluding osteophytes) and minimum transverse breadths all increase with age. In general, the greater broadening occurs in the endplates, but the middle of the body also broadens to such a degree that there is no demonstrable increase in vertebral \"flaring\" with age. In males, posterior body height decreases relative to anterior height, so that the lumbar bodies become more wedge-shaped with age but females show essentially no change. Anterior height decreases in proportion to minimum breadth, so that the lumbar bodies become relatively lower and broader, and this change is significantly correlated with age in all groups. Midbody height decreases relative to anterior height, so that Nordin's biconcavity index is reduced with age. The increase in biconcavity remains evident even when average anterior-posterior height is used to calculate the index. At all age levels a high percentage of individuals have biconcavity indices of 80% or less, indicating that Nordin's standard of normality for this index, established from measurement on radiographs of the living, should be revised downward for use in evaluating osteoporosis in skeletal populations.", "PMID": 998754} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7327", "title": "The estimation of sex on the basis of the talus and calcaneus.", "content": "The present report records and describes sexual dimorphism of the talus and calcaneus in American Blacks and Whites from the Terry Collection housed in the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. The greater amount of sexual dimorphism was observed in the talus, where 81 percent of the study sample could be accurately sexed. Four discriminant functions based on measurements from the talus and/or the calcaneus allowed sexing 79 to 89% of the study sample accurately. The techniques developed were then applied to two North American Indian samples, and sex of the individuals in these samples was assessed with the same degree of accuracy.", "contents": "The estimation of sex on the basis of the talus and calcaneus. The present report records and describes sexual dimorphism of the talus and calcaneus in American Blacks and Whites from the Terry Collection housed in the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. The greater amount of sexual dimorphism was observed in the talus, where 81 percent of the study sample could be accurately sexed. Four discriminant functions based on measurements from the talus and/or the calcaneus allowed sexing 79 to 89% of the study sample accurately. The techniques developed were then applied to two North American Indian samples, and sex of the individuals in these samples was assessed with the same degree of accuracy.", "PMID": 998755} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7328", "title": "The structure of the human symphysis pubis with special consideration of parturition and its sequelae.", "content": "Review of the structure of the symphysis pubis, based on my extensive study of the pelvic joints ('31) shows changes from age, function, pregnancy hormones and stress of parturition. Primary physiologic shearing clefts and secondary traumatic clefts in cartilage are more frequent in females. Interdigitations in the young osteocartilaginous border secure the vulnerable growth cartilage against increasing shearing forces. The retropubic eminence, ligamentous or cartilaginous, forms earlier in females, later, due to bony lipping in males, secondary to extrusion of disc cartilage. Ovarian and placental hormones in pregnancy cause remodeling and resorption of the posterior margin of the pubic facette and adjacent cortex, making a (variably) deep bony groove for greatly hypertrophied transverse ligaments. Delivery of a mature infant produces traumatic changes leading to extrusion of torn fibrocartilage in any direction, progressively loosening the symphysis, producing cartilage nodules, cysts and reactive bone formation. Older age degenerative arthritis is more frequent in parous females.", "contents": "The structure of the human symphysis pubis with special consideration of parturition and its sequelae. Review of the structure of the symphysis pubis, based on my extensive study of the pelvic joints ('31) shows changes from age, function, pregnancy hormones and stress of parturition. Primary physiologic shearing clefts and secondary traumatic clefts in cartilage are more frequent in females. Interdigitations in the young osteocartilaginous border secure the vulnerable growth cartilage against increasing shearing forces. The retropubic eminence, ligamentous or cartilaginous, forms earlier in females, later, due to bony lipping in males, secondary to extrusion of disc cartilage. Ovarian and placental hormones in pregnancy cause remodeling and resorption of the posterior margin of the pubic facette and adjacent cortex, making a (variably) deep bony groove for greatly hypertrophied transverse ligaments. Delivery of a mature infant produces traumatic changes leading to extrusion of torn fibrocartilage in any direction, progressively loosening the symphysis, producing cartilage nodules, cysts and reactive bone formation. Older age degenerative arthritis is more frequent in parous females.", "PMID": 998756} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7329", "title": "Anterior femoral curvature: its progably basis and utility as a criterion of racial assessment.", "content": "Stewart ('62) and Walensky ('65) indicated that while the metrical expression of anterior femoral curvature alone will not always differentiate between Whites, American Negroes, and North American Indians, it was very useful as a racial criterion in combination with observed traits such as torsion, pilastry, and cross-sectional shape. Seven additional North American Indian groups reported here, representing both pre-Columbian and post-contact times, upheld the observation that anterior femoral curvature is a useful feature of racial assessment for Negroes, Whites and North American Indians. However, two South American groups studied (Ecuador and Peru) were only slightly more curved than American Negroes, and were less curved than Whites and North American Indians. The metrical expression of anterior femoral curvature therefore is not a useful feature of racial assessment for separating these two South American Indian groups from Whites and American Negroes. Femora of American Negro and White individuals with low ponderal indices were found to be less bowed than the norms for their race; individuals with high ponderal indices were more bowed than the norm for their race. The assumed genetic basis for expression of anterior femoral curvature suggested by Stewart ('62) and Walensky ('65) seems to be a feature of human plastic response to body weight rather than to temporal, clinal, postural or equestrian influences.", "contents": "Anterior femoral curvature: its progably basis and utility as a criterion of racial assessment. Stewart ('62) and Walensky ('65) indicated that while the metrical expression of anterior femoral curvature alone will not always differentiate between Whites, American Negroes, and North American Indians, it was very useful as a racial criterion in combination with observed traits such as torsion, pilastry, and cross-sectional shape. Seven additional North American Indian groups reported here, representing both pre-Columbian and post-contact times, upheld the observation that anterior femoral curvature is a useful feature of racial assessment for Negroes, Whites and North American Indians. However, two South American groups studied (Ecuador and Peru) were only slightly more curved than American Negroes, and were less curved than Whites and North American Indians. The metrical expression of anterior femoral curvature therefore is not a useful feature of racial assessment for separating these two South American Indian groups from Whites and American Negroes. Femora of American Negro and White individuals with low ponderal indices were found to be less bowed than the norms for their race; individuals with high ponderal indices were more bowed than the norm for their race. The assumed genetic basis for expression of anterior femoral curvature suggested by Stewart ('62) and Walensky ('65) seems to be a feature of human plastic response to body weight rather than to temporal, clinal, postural or equestrian influences.", "PMID": 998757} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7330", "title": "Pathology of bedouin skeletal remains from two sites in Israel.", "content": "Frequency of pathology and of some anomalies in skeletons of Bedouin living about 200 BP, uncovered in the Israeli Negev, is considered in relation to particular bone, sex, age-group, and kinds of defects. The environment of the Bedouin in relation to his \"health-status\" is noted. Two-thirds of the skeletons had one or more different bones with defects. Incidence of crania with defects was: males, 26%, females, 18%; the highest incidence occurred at age 35-49. Alveolar abscesses occurred in 28% of maxillae, 9% of mandibles. Of the long bones, the tibia was most frequently affected (15%): swelling of the shaft, relatively common, was apparently caused by bejel, a non-venereal form of syphulis, similar to yaws, endemic to the Bedouin. Forty-eight percent had defective vertebrae, usually an arthritic manifestation of one kind or another; half of this group had defects in more than one region of the spine. Defects also occurred relatively frequenly in the innominata, sacrum, scapula, and clavicle, mostly arthritic lesios except in the sacrum in which the percentage with sacral hiatus was high. Average age at death was, males, 43 years, females, 33 years (adults only), and 28 years for all ages.", "contents": "Pathology of bedouin skeletal remains from two sites in Israel. Frequency of pathology and of some anomalies in skeletons of Bedouin living about 200 BP, uncovered in the Israeli Negev, is considered in relation to particular bone, sex, age-group, and kinds of defects. The environment of the Bedouin in relation to his \"health-status\" is noted. Two-thirds of the skeletons had one or more different bones with defects. Incidence of crania with defects was: males, 26%, females, 18%; the highest incidence occurred at age 35-49. Alveolar abscesses occurred in 28% of maxillae, 9% of mandibles. Of the long bones, the tibia was most frequently affected (15%): swelling of the shaft, relatively common, was apparently caused by bejel, a non-venereal form of syphulis, similar to yaws, endemic to the Bedouin. Forty-eight percent had defective vertebrae, usually an arthritic manifestation of one kind or another; half of this group had defects in more than one region of the spine. Defects also occurred relatively frequenly in the innominata, sacrum, scapula, and clavicle, mostly arthritic lesios except in the sacrum in which the percentage with sacral hiatus was high. Average age at death was, males, 43 years, females, 33 years (adults only), and 28 years for all ages.", "PMID": 998758} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7331", "title": "Physical variation and history in Melanesia and Australia.", "content": "Local biological variation is marked in Melanesia. Some of it may result from gene flow from Micronesia, but the essential variation appears to result from isolation due to social fragmentation, and to genetic drift in place. In different regions, the variation may correspond well with language relationships, and probably constitutes differentiation which has been preserved over a considerable period, especially since the arrival of horticulture and development of village farming. However, none of this patterning suggests distinct waves of migration into Melanesia. Variation among Australian aboriginal groups is smaller, though far from absent. It may reflect a hunting culture together with social customs allowing more intertribal marriage than is typical of Melanesia. While phenotypically Australians and Melanesias differ, cranially they are closely allied, as against other major human groups. It is suggested that the genetic and phenotypic variety is old, that it existed in the previous home of the Australo-Melanesians (Old Melanesia, comprising present Indonesia and the Phillipines) at least back to 40,000 years ago, and that much of the variation in Melanesia and Australia, including their differences, results from the sampling process involved when different groups out of the original populations made early corssings of the water barriers from Old Melanesia.", "contents": "Physical variation and history in Melanesia and Australia. Local biological variation is marked in Melanesia. Some of it may result from gene flow from Micronesia, but the essential variation appears to result from isolation due to social fragmentation, and to genetic drift in place. In different regions, the variation may correspond well with language relationships, and probably constitutes differentiation which has been preserved over a considerable period, especially since the arrival of horticulture and development of village farming. However, none of this patterning suggests distinct waves of migration into Melanesia. Variation among Australian aboriginal groups is smaller, though far from absent. It may reflect a hunting culture together with social customs allowing more intertribal marriage than is typical of Melanesia. While phenotypically Australians and Melanesias differ, cranially they are closely allied, as against other major human groups. It is suggested that the genetic and phenotypic variety is old, that it existed in the previous home of the Australo-Melanesians (Old Melanesia, comprising present Indonesia and the Phillipines) at least back to 40,000 years ago, and that much of the variation in Melanesia and Australia, including their differences, results from the sampling process involved when different groups out of the original populations made early corssings of the water barriers from Old Melanesia.", "PMID": 998759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7332", "title": "Ecology of dental disease.", "content": "Trace elements in the dental enamel of 43 prehistoric Indians from Illinois, Maryland and Virginia show concentration differences by age, sex and geographical locality. Sample areas on an incisor or first molar were blocked off with paraffin, washed twice with distilled water and etched 7 times with 6N HCl. An optical emission spectrophotometer was used to analyze the 9 samples, representing surface contamination and sequential enamel layers. Al, B, Ba, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Si, Sr, and Ti were present in most samples in micro or trace quantities; other elements were detected with less regularity. Comparisons of the 2 water washes with the 3 superficial, 4 deep and 7 total acid etches, suggest that during burial the residual inorganic portion of the enamel exchanged little or nothing with the soil. Enamel from archeological teeth may therefore be utilized in host factor studies in dental paleopathology. The Jy 50 Illinois Indians differ from the Potomac Creek, Virginia, Indians both in quantities of elements present and in internal sample variability. In each group, the sexes differ in 4 or more elements, both as to content and variability. Similarly, the older half of each sample differs from the younger. Patterns of sex and age difference are irregular, suggesting cultural differences, rather than physiological, in utilizing the environment during enamel-forming years. Enamel composition, as affected by differential environment utilization, may partially explain sex, age and geographical differences in dental pathology rates.", "contents": "Ecology of dental disease. Trace elements in the dental enamel of 43 prehistoric Indians from Illinois, Maryland and Virginia show concentration differences by age, sex and geographical locality. Sample areas on an incisor or first molar were blocked off with paraffin, washed twice with distilled water and etched 7 times with 6N HCl. An optical emission spectrophotometer was used to analyze the 9 samples, representing surface contamination and sequential enamel layers. Al, B, Ba, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Si, Sr, and Ti were present in most samples in micro or trace quantities; other elements were detected with less regularity. Comparisons of the 2 water washes with the 3 superficial, 4 deep and 7 total acid etches, suggest that during burial the residual inorganic portion of the enamel exchanged little or nothing with the soil. Enamel from archeological teeth may therefore be utilized in host factor studies in dental paleopathology. The Jy 50 Illinois Indians differ from the Potomac Creek, Virginia, Indians both in quantities of elements present and in internal sample variability. In each group, the sexes differ in 4 or more elements, both as to content and variability. Similarly, the older half of each sample differs from the younger. Patterns of sex and age difference are irregular, suggesting cultural differences, rather than physiological, in utilizing the environment during enamel-forming years. Enamel composition, as affected by differential environment utilization, may partially explain sex, age and geographical differences in dental pathology rates.", "PMID": 998760} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7333", "title": "Within and between race distances in population studies based on discrete traits of the human skull.", "content": "A battery of 24 discrete cranial traits has been tested for its power to discriminate within- and between-race distances for the two principal North American indigenous populations: Indian (7 samples, N = 366) and Eskimo (7 samples, N = 451). One of the Indian samples, Dakota Sioux, has been split according to tribal subdivisions, the intra-tribal mean distance providing a parameter of very close relationship. In addition, two Negro samples provide a parameter of relationship phylogenetically remote from the Amerinds. Separate male-female analysis of the three largest samples indicates that distances for pooled samples are not seriously affected by the sex component. Within-race distances (C. A. B. Smith's Measure of Divergence, MD), are smaller than between-race at the .00001 level of significance (Mann-Whitney U test) for both Indian-Eskimo and Amerind-Negro comparisons. The features most powerful for Indian-Eskimo and Amerind-Negro comparisons. The features most powerful for Indian-Eskimo discrimination are revealed by their percent contribution to the mean of 49 MD's. The African heritage of American Blacks is reflected in a characteristic Negro pattern of trait frequencies different from the Amerind. This battery of features yields valid taxonomical information useful in conjunction with other physical data to reconstruct affinities of extinct populations.", "contents": "Within and between race distances in population studies based on discrete traits of the human skull. A battery of 24 discrete cranial traits has been tested for its power to discriminate within- and between-race distances for the two principal North American indigenous populations: Indian (7 samples, N = 366) and Eskimo (7 samples, N = 451). One of the Indian samples, Dakota Sioux, has been split according to tribal subdivisions, the intra-tribal mean distance providing a parameter of very close relationship. In addition, two Negro samples provide a parameter of relationship phylogenetically remote from the Amerinds. Separate male-female analysis of the three largest samples indicates that distances for pooled samples are not seriously affected by the sex component. Within-race distances (C. A. B. Smith's Measure of Divergence, MD), are smaller than between-race at the .00001 level of significance (Mann-Whitney U test) for both Indian-Eskimo and Amerind-Negro comparisons. The features most powerful for Indian-Eskimo and Amerind-Negro comparisons. The features most powerful for Indian-Eskimo discrimination are revealed by their percent contribution to the mean of 49 MD's. The African heritage of American Blacks is reflected in a characteristic Negro pattern of trait frequencies different from the Amerind. This battery of features yields valid taxonomical information useful in conjunction with other physical data to reconstruct affinities of extinct populations.", "PMID": 998761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7334", "title": "The skeletal biology of the Virginia Indians.", "content": "Statistical analysis of one eastern and two western Virginia Indian skeletal samples reveals a general association between geographical and biological distance. However, the data suggest the importance of gene flow as a factor in minimizing local microdifferentiation. Females appear to contribute a disproportionate share to gene flow. This may be attributed to the widespread and apparently frequent practice of acquiring females and children through capture during recurring warfare.", "contents": "The skeletal biology of the Virginia Indians. Statistical analysis of one eastern and two western Virginia Indian skeletal samples reveals a general association between geographical and biological distance. However, the data suggest the importance of gene flow as a factor in minimizing local microdifferentiation. Females appear to contribute a disproportionate share to gene flow. This may be attributed to the widespread and apparently frequent practice of acquiring females and children through capture during recurring warfare.", "PMID": 998762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7335", "title": "A unique course in anthropology.", "content": "The course in forensic anthropology presented at Florida State University is designed to train criminal investigators in the application of physical anthropological and archaeological techniques to the investigation of buried bodies. Modification of archaeological field techniques by experimentation using artificial graves allows the recovery of fragile and easy to overlook evidence and ensures the recovery of all possible material for analysis by the physical anthropologist. An introduction to physical anthropology enables the criminal investigator to effectively communicate his needs and understand the type of information required for adequate identification of remains by a physical anthropologist.", "contents": "A unique course in anthropology. The course in forensic anthropology presented at Florida State University is designed to train criminal investigators in the application of physical anthropological and archaeological techniques to the investigation of buried bodies. Modification of archaeological field techniques by experimentation using artificial graves allows the recovery of fragile and easy to overlook evidence and ensures the recovery of all possible material for analysis by the physical anthropologist. An introduction to physical anthropology enables the criminal investigator to effectively communicate his needs and understand the type of information required for adequate identification of remains by a physical anthropologist.", "PMID": 998763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7336", "title": "The Caribou Eskimo: general and specific disease.", "content": "Reported here are two forms of skeletal pathology identified in an inclusive sample of Caribou Eskimo skeletons. Harris Lines, nonspecific indicators of stress, show marked periodicity in approximately one-half of the observable adults. This pattern is interpreted as the result of a recurrent, annual stress cycle, perhaps attributable to late winter famine. A second form of pathological change comprises resorptive lesions primarily localized in the spinal column and infrequently found on articular surfaces of the appendicular skeleton. Differential diagnosis is developed utilizing attributes of lesion form, lesion distribution, and epidemiology. Emphasis is placed upon deriving objective models which reflect disease in the absence of modern medical intervention. Major forms of pathology known to produce vertebral lesions are included. The model which best fits the Caribou Eskimo data is that of tuberculosis.", "contents": "The Caribou Eskimo: general and specific disease. Reported here are two forms of skeletal pathology identified in an inclusive sample of Caribou Eskimo skeletons. Harris Lines, nonspecific indicators of stress, show marked periodicity in approximately one-half of the observable adults. This pattern is interpreted as the result of a recurrent, annual stress cycle, perhaps attributable to late winter famine. A second form of pathological change comprises resorptive lesions primarily localized in the spinal column and infrequently found on articular surfaces of the appendicular skeleton. Differential diagnosis is developed utilizing attributes of lesion form, lesion distribution, and epidemiology. Emphasis is placed upon deriving objective models which reflect disease in the absence of modern medical intervention. Major forms of pathology known to produce vertebral lesions are included. The model which best fits the Caribou Eskimo data is that of tuberculosis.", "PMID": 998764} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7337", "title": "Digital dermatoglyphics of three caste groups of Mysore.", "content": "An analysis of digital pattern types and digital ridge counts was made for samples of three endogamous Mysore castes, viz., Lingayat, Vokkaliga and Adi Karnataka. The pattern types exhibit significant variations between Lingayat and Vokkaliga, and between Adi Karnataka and Vokkaliga, though, in general, distributional trend of the three principal pattern types are of the same order in all the three castes, having high frequency of loops, moderate whorls and low arches. In pattern types, differences between sexes are highly significant. The total ridge count (TRC) in both males and females is lower in the Adi Karnataka than in the Lingayat and Vokkaliga and the same holds good for the counts on each hand. Bimanual differences among the groups are small, and left hand counts in almost all the digits are consistently smaller than those of the right hand in all the castes irrespective of sex. TRC differences between sexes are not significant. It is striking that by contrast with the pattern type frequency data very little difference among the three Mysore castes emerges from the analysis of finger quantitative features, i.e., in total ridge count and pattern intensity index. Overall finger pattern frequencies of the present caste samples fit generally with those observed in other caste groups of Mysore but differ from the frequencies in Madras samples.", "contents": "Digital dermatoglyphics of three caste groups of Mysore. An analysis of digital pattern types and digital ridge counts was made for samples of three endogamous Mysore castes, viz., Lingayat, Vokkaliga and Adi Karnataka. The pattern types exhibit significant variations between Lingayat and Vokkaliga, and between Adi Karnataka and Vokkaliga, though, in general, distributional trend of the three principal pattern types are of the same order in all the three castes, having high frequency of loops, moderate whorls and low arches. In pattern types, differences between sexes are highly significant. The total ridge count (TRC) in both males and females is lower in the Adi Karnataka than in the Lingayat and Vokkaliga and the same holds good for the counts on each hand. Bimanual differences among the groups are small, and left hand counts in almost all the digits are consistently smaller than those of the right hand in all the castes irrespective of sex. TRC differences between sexes are not significant. It is striking that by contrast with the pattern type frequency data very little difference among the three Mysore castes emerges from the analysis of finger quantitative features, i.e., in total ridge count and pattern intensity index. Overall finger pattern frequencies of the present caste samples fit generally with those observed in other caste groups of Mysore but differ from the frequencies in Madras samples.", "PMID": 998765} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7338", "title": "Cortical bone loss with age in three native American populations.", "content": "Age-related thinning of cortical bone was investigated in archaeological populations of Eskimos, Pueblos, and Arikaras. Medial-lateral cortical thickness was measured on radiographs of humerus and femur, and thickness of the anterior femoral cortex was measured directly on samples taken for histologic study. Maximum length of the bones was used to calculate indices of relative cortical thickness, in order to minimize differences due to body size and build. Bone loss in the humerus begins before middle age in all three populations and, except for Eskimo males, the same is true of the anterior femoral cortex. In general, overall female loss of cortical bone amounts to two or three times that of the males, and in the case of the humerus and the anterior cortex of the femur, this difference is evident by middle age. The weight-bearing femoral medial-lateral cortex shows less sexual difference but has the greatest number of statistically significant differences between populations and the greatest contrast between populations in pattern of loss with age. It appears that of the cortical regions studied this is the area upon which environmental factors have the greatest effect, whereas areas more subject to tensile stress, the humerus and anterior femoral cortex, are less affected by these factors.", "contents": "Cortical bone loss with age in three native American populations. Age-related thinning of cortical bone was investigated in archaeological populations of Eskimos, Pueblos, and Arikaras. Medial-lateral cortical thickness was measured on radiographs of humerus and femur, and thickness of the anterior femoral cortex was measured directly on samples taken for histologic study. Maximum length of the bones was used to calculate indices of relative cortical thickness, in order to minimize differences due to body size and build. Bone loss in the humerus begins before middle age in all three populations and, except for Eskimo males, the same is true of the anterior femoral cortex. In general, overall female loss of cortical bone amounts to two or three times that of the males, and in the case of the humerus and the anterior cortex of the femur, this difference is evident by middle age. The weight-bearing femoral medial-lateral cortex shows less sexual difference but has the greatest number of statistically significant differences between populations and the greatest contrast between populations in pattern of loss with age. It appears that of the cortical regions studied this is the area upon which environmental factors have the greatest effect, whereas areas more subject to tensile stress, the humerus and anterior femoral cortex, are less affected by these factors.", "PMID": 998766} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7339", "title": "Temporal variation in prehistoric Nubian crania.", "content": "Much of the earlier work on the prehistory of Sudanese Nubia has emphasized discontinuity between early Nubian populations. However, recent investigations suggest the converse - that a remarkable degree of cultural and biological continuity exists among indigenous Nubian groups, perhaps as far back as the Paleolithic. Thus, cultural and biological differences between Nubian populations can be most effectively perceived as the result of in situ evolutionary development. The present analysis has two major purposes: (1) to describe the morphological differences in the craniofacial complex between indigenous Nubian populations extending from the A-Group (c. 3,400 B.C.) through the Christian (c. 1,500 A.D.) horizons; and (2) to account for these differences within an evolutionary framework. The multiple discriminant analysis of radiographically derived variables revealed a trend from a substantially lower and more elongated cranial vault to a shorter and taller vault throughout the almost 5,000 year time span. Associated with this pattern was a tendency for the face to become more inferiorly-posteriorly located with respect to the vault in the latter groups. Finally, the masseter and temporalis muscles underwent a reduction and slight relocation through time. We speculate that this trend may be associated with behavioral changes associated with transition from a hunting and gathering to a totally agricultural subsistence pattern.", "contents": "Temporal variation in prehistoric Nubian crania. Much of the earlier work on the prehistory of Sudanese Nubia has emphasized discontinuity between early Nubian populations. However, recent investigations suggest the converse - that a remarkable degree of cultural and biological continuity exists among indigenous Nubian groups, perhaps as far back as the Paleolithic. Thus, cultural and biological differences between Nubian populations can be most effectively perceived as the result of in situ evolutionary development. The present analysis has two major purposes: (1) to describe the morphological differences in the craniofacial complex between indigenous Nubian populations extending from the A-Group (c. 3,400 B.C.) through the Christian (c. 1,500 A.D.) horizons; and (2) to account for these differences within an evolutionary framework. The multiple discriminant analysis of radiographically derived variables revealed a trend from a substantially lower and more elongated cranial vault to a shorter and taller vault throughout the almost 5,000 year time span. Associated with this pattern was a tendency for the face to become more inferiorly-posteriorly located with respect to the vault in the latter groups. Finally, the masseter and temporalis muscles underwent a reduction and slight relocation through time. We speculate that this trend may be associated with behavioral changes associated with transition from a hunting and gathering to a totally agricultural subsistence pattern.", "PMID": 998767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7340", "title": "A note on craniofacial sutural growth.", "content": "The paper presents and discusses some features of sutural structures. Fibre orientation in sutures seems to be quite variable and associated with minute local growth phenomena. Trabecular patterns in bones, reflecting growth, appear to support the idea of the outside determination of growth. The bevelled and interdigitated structures seen in many sutures may be interpreted as an expedient solution to the problem of fast growth.", "contents": "A note on craniofacial sutural growth. The paper presents and discusses some features of sutural structures. Fibre orientation in sutures seems to be quite variable and associated with minute local growth phenomena. Trabecular patterns in bones, reflecting growth, appear to support the idea of the outside determination of growth. The bevelled and interdigitated structures seen in many sutures may be interpreted as an expedient solution to the problem of fast growth.", "PMID": 998768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7341", "title": "Inner medullary plasma flow in the kidney with ureteral obstruction.", "content": "To test the thesis that ureteral obstruction causes medullary ischemia, we determined inner medullary plasma flow (IMPF) in rats with bilateral or unilateral ureteral obstruction, and after relief of obstruction, by the intravenous 125I-albumin infusion technique. A progressive decline in IMPF was observed during obstruction of 18 h duration, greater in bilateral obstruction (7% of normal at 5h) than in unilateral obstruction (28% of normal at 5 h). The elevation in ureteral pressure was greater and more sustained in bilateral obstruction. After relief of obstruction, IMPF rose to 69-78% of normal in both groups within 2 h. Histologic studies showed tubular necrosis in portions of the inner and outer medulla immediately beneath the renal pelvic epithelium after bilateral or unilateral obstruction of 18 h duration, and India ink perfusion studies showed very poor filling of vasa recta in these areas. The concentrating defect in the postobstructive kidney may be related, at least in part, to damage inflicted by medullary ischemia during obstruction.", "contents": "Inner medullary plasma flow in the kidney with ureteral obstruction. To test the thesis that ureteral obstruction causes medullary ischemia, we determined inner medullary plasma flow (IMPF) in rats with bilateral or unilateral ureteral obstruction, and after relief of obstruction, by the intravenous 125I-albumin infusion technique. A progressive decline in IMPF was observed during obstruction of 18 h duration, greater in bilateral obstruction (7% of normal at 5h) than in unilateral obstruction (28% of normal at 5 h). The elevation in ureteral pressure was greater and more sustained in bilateral obstruction. After relief of obstruction, IMPF rose to 69-78% of normal in both groups within 2 h. Histologic studies showed tubular necrosis in portions of the inner and outer medulla immediately beneath the renal pelvic epithelium after bilateral or unilateral obstruction of 18 h duration, and India ink perfusion studies showed very poor filling of vasa recta in these areas. The concentrating defect in the postobstructive kidney may be related, at least in part, to damage inflicted by medullary ischemia during obstruction.", "PMID": 998774} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7342", "title": "Hydrolysis of peptides within lumen of small intestine.", "content": "The quantitative significance of intraluminal peptide hydrolases in the terminal stages of peptide digestion has been investigated, and the precise origins of these enzymes have been determined. Intestinal contents and mucosae were obtained from rats anethetized with ether. Experiments carried out on pancreaticobiliary secretions and germfree rats show that pancreatic and bacterial enzymes do not contribute significantly toward the luminal digestion of dipeptides. Chemical assay data, thermostability studies, and examination of electrophoretic mobilities of luminal peptide hydrolases indicate that jejunal enzymes originate predominantly from the cytoplasm of intestinal mucosal cells, whereas the brush border of muosal cells is a major source of the enzymes in the ileum. With glycl-L-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanyl-glycine as substrates, jejunal luminal activity was less than 2.6% of mucosal activity. Brush-border peptide hydrolase activity in ileal contents, however, was 11.9% and 40.7% of mucosal brush-border activity for the two substrates. Luminal enzymes thus play an insignifcant role in the terminal digestion of peptides in the jejunum, but have a much more important role in the ileal digestion of peptides.", "contents": "Hydrolysis of peptides within lumen of small intestine. The quantitative significance of intraluminal peptide hydrolases in the terminal stages of peptide digestion has been investigated, and the precise origins of these enzymes have been determined. Intestinal contents and mucosae were obtained from rats anethetized with ether. Experiments carried out on pancreaticobiliary secretions and germfree rats show that pancreatic and bacterial enzymes do not contribute significantly toward the luminal digestion of dipeptides. Chemical assay data, thermostability studies, and examination of electrophoretic mobilities of luminal peptide hydrolases indicate that jejunal enzymes originate predominantly from the cytoplasm of intestinal mucosal cells, whereas the brush border of muosal cells is a major source of the enzymes in the ileum. With glycl-L-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanyl-glycine as substrates, jejunal luminal activity was less than 2.6% of mucosal activity. Brush-border peptide hydrolase activity in ileal contents, however, was 11.9% and 40.7% of mucosal brush-border activity for the two substrates. Luminal enzymes thus play an insignifcant role in the terminal digestion of peptides in the jejunum, but have a much more important role in the ileal digestion of peptides.", "PMID": 998775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7343", "title": "Penile pressures and muscle activity associated with erection and ejaculation in the dog.", "content": "A needle-tipped polyvinyl catheter or subminiature pressure transducer was implanted in the corpus cavernosum penis (CCP), corpus spongiosum penis (CSP), or bulbus glandis to determine the pressure during coitus in 42 dogs. Silver ring electrodes were implanted in the ischiocavernosus (IC) and bulbospongiosus (BS) muscles to monitor the electromyographic (EMG) activity of these muscles. The CCP pressure increased from 26 mmHg in the quiescent state to 161 mmHg at mild erection of the penis in the presence of a receptive female. During the intromission phase of coitus, the mean peak CCP pressure was 5,296 mmHg in the dogs with implanted catheters and 7,434 mmHg in the dogs with implanted transducers. The CCP pressure peaks during intromission were more in phase with the contractile activity of the IC muscles than with the BS muscles. Anesthesia of IC muscles with lidocaine significantly reduced the CCP pressures and the dogs with low pressures were unable to copulate because of insufficient erection for intromission, which indicated that the IC muscles were the source of energy for the high CCP pressure. The mean peak CSP and bulbus glandis pressures during the intromission phase of coitus were 579 and 1280 mmHg, respectively. The contractile activity of the BS muscles was in phase with the CSP pressure peaks. Anesthesia of BS muscles with lidocaine reduced the peak CSP and bulbus glandis pressures during attempted coitus. The mean rupture pressure of the CCP was 86,615 mmHg.", "contents": "Penile pressures and muscle activity associated with erection and ejaculation in the dog. A needle-tipped polyvinyl catheter or subminiature pressure transducer was implanted in the corpus cavernosum penis (CCP), corpus spongiosum penis (CSP), or bulbus glandis to determine the pressure during coitus in 42 dogs. Silver ring electrodes were implanted in the ischiocavernosus (IC) and bulbospongiosus (BS) muscles to monitor the electromyographic (EMG) activity of these muscles. The CCP pressure increased from 26 mmHg in the quiescent state to 161 mmHg at mild erection of the penis in the presence of a receptive female. During the intromission phase of coitus, the mean peak CCP pressure was 5,296 mmHg in the dogs with implanted catheters and 7,434 mmHg in the dogs with implanted transducers. The CCP pressure peaks during intromission were more in phase with the contractile activity of the IC muscles than with the BS muscles. Anesthesia of IC muscles with lidocaine significantly reduced the CCP pressures and the dogs with low pressures were unable to copulate because of insufficient erection for intromission, which indicated that the IC muscles were the source of energy for the high CCP pressure. The mean peak CSP and bulbus glandis pressures during the intromission phase of coitus were 579 and 1280 mmHg, respectively. The contractile activity of the BS muscles was in phase with the CSP pressure peaks. Anesthesia of BS muscles with lidocaine reduced the peak CSP and bulbus glandis pressures during attempted coitus. The mean rupture pressure of the CCP was 86,615 mmHg.", "PMID": 998776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7344", "title": "Effect of temperature of resistance to stretch of tortoise muscle.", "content": "The effects of temperature over the range 5-30 degrees on isometric contraction and resistance to mechanical stretches of the ramp and hold type applied to active muscle have been studied in isolated tortoise gastrocnemius muscles. The isometric tension decreases as the temperature is lowered but, when expressed as a proportion of the isometric tension, the change in tension at the end of the ramp phase of the stretch is increased at the lower temperatures. The proportionate tension change at the end of the hold phase of the stretch could not be directly related to the temperature. An attempt is made to interpret the results in terms of current opinions on the mechanism of the generation of muscular tension.", "contents": "Effect of temperature of resistance to stretch of tortoise muscle. The effects of temperature over the range 5-30 degrees on isometric contraction and resistance to mechanical stretches of the ramp and hold type applied to active muscle have been studied in isolated tortoise gastrocnemius muscles. The isometric tension decreases as the temperature is lowered but, when expressed as a proportion of the isometric tension, the change in tension at the end of the ramp phase of the stretch is increased at the lower temperatures. The proportionate tension change at the end of the hold phase of the stretch could not be directly related to the temperature. An attempt is made to interpret the results in terms of current opinions on the mechanism of the generation of muscular tension.", "PMID": 998777} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7345", "title": "Age-related changes in Na+ excretion in saline-loaded spontaneously hypertensive rats.", "content": "The ability of 6- to 7-, 12- to 13-, and 16- to 17-wk-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) to excrete an acutely administered, isotonic saline load (equivalent to 4.5% body wt) was evaluated. Female SHR from two different colonies were studied. Age-matched female Wistar (W) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats served as controls. At age 6 wk, the fraction of administered Na+ load excreted by either SHR colony after 60 min was significantly lower than in the Wistar rats but not significank, one colony of SHR excreted significantly more sodium after 60 min than the other rats. Glomerular filtration rate during control periods was positively correlated with age in one SHR colony; no age-related changes were observed in glomerular function in the other groups. These data 1) suggest that WKY rats are more appropriate than the Wistar rats as controls for renal function in the SHR, 2) demonstrate that the ability of the SHR to excrete an acutely administered sodium load is equal to or greater than normotensive WKY controls, and 3) demonstrate that with respect to renal function parameters, the SHR is not a homogenous strain.", "contents": "Age-related changes in Na+ excretion in saline-loaded spontaneously hypertensive rats. The ability of 6- to 7-, 12- to 13-, and 16- to 17-wk-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) to excrete an acutely administered, isotonic saline load (equivalent to 4.5% body wt) was evaluated. Female SHR from two different colonies were studied. Age-matched female Wistar (W) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats served as controls. At age 6 wk, the fraction of administered Na+ load excreted by either SHR colony after 60 min was significantly lower than in the Wistar rats but not significank, one colony of SHR excreted significantly more sodium after 60 min than the other rats. Glomerular filtration rate during control periods was positively correlated with age in one SHR colony; no age-related changes were observed in glomerular function in the other groups. These data 1) suggest that WKY rats are more appropriate than the Wistar rats as controls for renal function in the SHR, 2) demonstrate that the ability of the SHR to excrete an acutely administered sodium load is equal to or greater than normotensive WKY controls, and 3) demonstrate that with respect to renal function parameters, the SHR is not a homogenous strain.", "PMID": 998778} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7346", "title": "Effect of fasting on hepatic ligandin, Z protein, and organic anion transfer from plasma in rats.", "content": "The effect of fasting on the rate of disappearance from plasma of bromsulphthalein (BSP) and dibromsulphthalein (DBSP), the hepatic content of BSP, and the concentration of ligandin and Z protein, two hepatic organic anion-binding proteins, was studied in the rat. Fasting for 48 h decreased the plasma disappearance of BSP and DBSP and the hepatic content of BSP as well as the amount of ligandin and Z protein. Phenobarbital given prior to fasting partially prevented these changes. A method of quantitation of Z by radioimmunoassay is described. Discrepancies in Z quantiation by dye binding and immunological methods in fasted but not control rats suggest the presence of competitors for organic anion binding to Z in fasting as well as after phenobarbital administration. Results of studies of ligandin turnover during fasting suggest decreased synthesis and increased degradation of the protein. Similar events may be of pathogenetic importance in nonhemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia observed during fasting in man, horses, and other animals.", "contents": "Effect of fasting on hepatic ligandin, Z protein, and organic anion transfer from plasma in rats. The effect of fasting on the rate of disappearance from plasma of bromsulphthalein (BSP) and dibromsulphthalein (DBSP), the hepatic content of BSP, and the concentration of ligandin and Z protein, two hepatic organic anion-binding proteins, was studied in the rat. Fasting for 48 h decreased the plasma disappearance of BSP and DBSP and the hepatic content of BSP as well as the amount of ligandin and Z protein. Phenobarbital given prior to fasting partially prevented these changes. A method of quantitation of Z by radioimmunoassay is described. Discrepancies in Z quantiation by dye binding and immunological methods in fasted but not control rats suggest the presence of competitors for organic anion binding to Z in fasting as well as after phenobarbital administration. Results of studies of ligandin turnover during fasting suggest decreased synthesis and increased degradation of the protein. Similar events may be of pathogenetic importance in nonhemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia observed during fasting in man, horses, and other animals.", "PMID": 998779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7347", "title": "Plasma glucagon in pups, decreased by fasting, unaffected by somatostatin or hypoglycemia.", "content": "In pups less than 4 days old, the mean basal plasma immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) level was about 3 times higher than in adult dogs. This high level decreased with age, and in pups older than 12 days the mean plasma IRG level did not differ from that in adults. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia did not raise plasma IRG concentration in young pups. Fasting decreased plasma IRG in young, but not in older pups. This decrease is consistent with the decrease in gluconeogenesis and in contrast to the metabolic adjustments observed in the adult organism. In pups less than 7 days old, both the pancreas and gastric mucosa contained considerably more IRG than the normal value reported for adult dogs. Gastroduodenal IRG was immunologically indistinguishable from pancreatic glucagon. In pups, somatostatin did not decrease the plasma concentration of either IRG or immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and caused no change in plasma glucose or in the rates of glucose production and utilization calculated from experiments with tracers. The experiments indicate that in pups the pancreatic and gastric alpha-cells are unresponsive to stimuli normally effective in grown dogs.", "contents": "Plasma glucagon in pups, decreased by fasting, unaffected by somatostatin or hypoglycemia. In pups less than 4 days old, the mean basal plasma immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) level was about 3 times higher than in adult dogs. This high level decreased with age, and in pups older than 12 days the mean plasma IRG level did not differ from that in adults. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia did not raise plasma IRG concentration in young pups. Fasting decreased plasma IRG in young, but not in older pups. This decrease is consistent with the decrease in gluconeogenesis and in contrast to the metabolic adjustments observed in the adult organism. In pups less than 7 days old, both the pancreas and gastric mucosa contained considerably more IRG than the normal value reported for adult dogs. Gastroduodenal IRG was immunologically indistinguishable from pancreatic glucagon. In pups, somatostatin did not decrease the plasma concentration of either IRG or immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and caused no change in plasma glucose or in the rates of glucose production and utilization calculated from experiments with tracers. The experiments indicate that in pups the pancreatic and gastric alpha-cells are unresponsive to stimuli normally effective in grown dogs.", "PMID": 998780} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7348", "title": "Mechanical properties of rat cardiac muscle during experimental thiamine deficiency.", "content": "The intrinsic contractile properties of isolated left ventricular trabecular periods of 24, 40, and 53 days were compared with those from 35 weight-matched food-deprived animals and 25 ad libitum fed controls. Contraction mechanics were measured for each muscle when stretched to the peak of its length tension curve at 28 degrees C in oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit solution. Although both thiamine-deficient and food-deprived groups had a marked diminution in body and left ventricular weight in comparison to ad libitum fed controls, no differences in left ventricular weights from thiamine-deficient and food-deprived rats were observed. In comparison to ad libitum fed control animals, food-deprived rats exhibited a prolongation in the duration of muscle contraction and an augmentation of tension development after 40 days. Upon appearance of neurological signs at an average of 53 days of a thiamine-deficient rats exhibited a decrease in performance associated with a decrease in the duration of contraction and rate of tension development.", "contents": "Mechanical properties of rat cardiac muscle during experimental thiamine deficiency. The intrinsic contractile properties of isolated left ventricular trabecular periods of 24, 40, and 53 days were compared with those from 35 weight-matched food-deprived animals and 25 ad libitum fed controls. Contraction mechanics were measured for each muscle when stretched to the peak of its length tension curve at 28 degrees C in oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit solution. Although both thiamine-deficient and food-deprived groups had a marked diminution in body and left ventricular weight in comparison to ad libitum fed controls, no differences in left ventricular weights from thiamine-deficient and food-deprived rats were observed. In comparison to ad libitum fed control animals, food-deprived rats exhibited a prolongation in the duration of muscle contraction and an augmentation of tension development after 40 days. Upon appearance of neurological signs at an average of 53 days of a thiamine-deficient rats exhibited a decrease in performance associated with a decrease in the duration of contraction and rate of tension development.", "PMID": 998781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7349", "title": "Regional shortening patterns in canine right ventricle.", "content": "The right ventricular outflow tract (OT) is a functionally distinct area of the right ventricle. However, there is little information on the contrdingly, inflow tract (IT) and OT chords and right ventricular free wall segmental changes were measured with implanted ultrasound crystals. The timing and extent of shortening of IT and OT chords and free wall segments were determined both at rest and after stellate ganglion stimulation. At rest, IT chord shortening began 51 ms before OT shortening. OT expansion occurred during this period. IT chord shortening began 51 ms before OT shortening. OT expansion occurred during this period. IT chord shortening was 38% while OT shortening was 34%. In contrast, OT segments did not show systolic expansion. IT segment shortening was 13% while OT shortening was 21%. With stellate stimulation, IT-OT gradients of 15-25 mmHg developed. The lag between IT and OT shortening decreased to 30 ms and segmental shortening increased. We conclude that the OT is a physiologically distinct region which contracts later and remains contracted longer than the IT. Both septal and free wall movements contribute to these changes.", "contents": "Regional shortening patterns in canine right ventricle. The right ventricular outflow tract (OT) is a functionally distinct area of the right ventricle. However, there is little information on the contrdingly, inflow tract (IT) and OT chords and right ventricular free wall segmental changes were measured with implanted ultrasound crystals. The timing and extent of shortening of IT and OT chords and free wall segments were determined both at rest and after stellate ganglion stimulation. At rest, IT chord shortening began 51 ms before OT shortening. OT expansion occurred during this period. IT chord shortening began 51 ms before OT shortening. OT expansion occurred during this period. IT chord shortening was 38% while OT shortening was 34%. In contrast, OT segments did not show systolic expansion. IT segment shortening was 13% while OT shortening was 21%. With stellate stimulation, IT-OT gradients of 15-25 mmHg developed. The lag between IT and OT shortening decreased to 30 ms and segmental shortening increased. We conclude that the OT is a physiologically distinct region which contracts later and remains contracted longer than the IT. Both septal and free wall movements contribute to these changes.", "PMID": 998782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7350", "title": "Hepatic cell integrity in hypodynamic states.", "content": "Changes in liver integrity were studied in isolated perfused cat livers during simulated shock conditions (i.e., combined hypoxia, acidosis, and ischemia) or under the influence of each hypodynamic state separately. The combined hypodynamic stimuli depressed carbon clearance 51% and significantly elevated lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) and cathepsin D activities in the perfusate. The perfused liver was more seriously affected by hypoxia than by acidosis or ischemia alone. Reticuloendothelial clearance was depressed 20% and 25% in acidosis and hypoxia, respectively. Hypoxia also induced a 3-fold increase in cathepsin D and a 13-fold increase in LDH activities in the perfusate. After 150 min of hypoxia or ischemia, free cathepsin D in liver tissue increased significantly. The impairment of liver cell integrity (i.e., of Kupffer and parenchymal cells) occurred between 60 and 90 min during simulated shock conditions, indicating that the liver is stable for 60 min when it is exposed to hypoperfusion. The perfused liver is sensitive to local stimuli that predominate in circulatory shock, particularly hypoxia. These stimuli promote the release of lysosomal and cytoplasmic enzymes as well as depress phagocytosis by the reticuloendothelial system, phenomena that exacerbate the shock state.", "contents": "Hepatic cell integrity in hypodynamic states. Changes in liver integrity were studied in isolated perfused cat livers during simulated shock conditions (i.e., combined hypoxia, acidosis, and ischemia) or under the influence of each hypodynamic state separately. The combined hypodynamic stimuli depressed carbon clearance 51% and significantly elevated lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) and cathepsin D activities in the perfusate. The perfused liver was more seriously affected by hypoxia than by acidosis or ischemia alone. Reticuloendothelial clearance was depressed 20% and 25% in acidosis and hypoxia, respectively. Hypoxia also induced a 3-fold increase in cathepsin D and a 13-fold increase in LDH activities in the perfusate. After 150 min of hypoxia or ischemia, free cathepsin D in liver tissue increased significantly. The impairment of liver cell integrity (i.e., of Kupffer and parenchymal cells) occurred between 60 and 90 min during simulated shock conditions, indicating that the liver is stable for 60 min when it is exposed to hypoperfusion. The perfused liver is sensitive to local stimuli that predominate in circulatory shock, particularly hypoxia. These stimuli promote the release of lysosomal and cytoplasmic enzymes as well as depress phagocytosis by the reticuloendothelial system, phenomena that exacerbate the shock state.", "PMID": 998783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7351", "title": "Inhibitory effects of catecholamines in canine cardiac Purkinje fibers.", "content": "The effect of catecholamines over a wide range of concentrations was studied on 42K uptake and efflux, as well as on spontaneous rate in canine cardiac Purkinje fibers. Low levels of catecholamines (less than 10(-10) M epinephrine; less than 10(-9) M norepinephrine) decreased automaticity. This negative chronotropic effect was blocked by phentolamine and mimicked by phenylephrine. These low levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine also inhibited 42K uptake by Purkinje fibers but had no effect on 42K efflux. The inhibition of 42K uptake was blocked by phentolamine and verapamil and mimicked by phenylephrine. The data indicate an alpha-receptor-mediated negative response of rate and 42K uptake to low levels of catecholamine. The end result is discussed in terms of a competitive increase in the influx of Ca2+ rather than Na+ and an indirect inhibition of the Na+-K+ pump.", "contents": "Inhibitory effects of catecholamines in canine cardiac Purkinje fibers. The effect of catecholamines over a wide range of concentrations was studied on 42K uptake and efflux, as well as on spontaneous rate in canine cardiac Purkinje fibers. Low levels of catecholamines (less than 10(-10) M epinephrine; less than 10(-9) M norepinephrine) decreased automaticity. This negative chronotropic effect was blocked by phentolamine and mimicked by phenylephrine. These low levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine also inhibited 42K uptake by Purkinje fibers but had no effect on 42K efflux. The inhibition of 42K uptake was blocked by phentolamine and verapamil and mimicked by phenylephrine. The data indicate an alpha-receptor-mediated negative response of rate and 42K uptake to low levels of catecholamine. The end result is discussed in terms of a competitive increase in the influx of Ca2+ rather than Na+ and an indirect inhibition of the Na+-K+ pump.", "PMID": 998784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7352", "title": "Effect of adrenal enucleation on sodium excretion in the rat.", "content": "After the adrenal glands are removed without their capsules, so-called adrenal enucleation, rats initially retain sodium, and, after adrenal regeneration, escape from salt retention. To define the renal mechanisms involved in this alteration in salt handling, we have utilized clearance and micropuncture techniques in three groups of saline-expanded rats that were sham-operated (S), enucleated (AE), or escaped after adrenal regeneration (E.) Sodium excretion was clearly blunted after AE, 5.5 mueq/min vs. 20.5 for S and 18.7 for E. Although glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and filtered load of sodium were lower in AE rats, the delivered load of sodium beyond the late distal tubule was not different among the groups: 0.30 neq/min for AE, 0.42 for S, and 0.40 for E. This was a consequence of strikingly greater sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle and distal tubule in both the S and E rats. In the collecting duct over 50% of the delivered sodium was reabsorbed by the AE rats while over 30% of the excreted sodium was added in this tubular segment in the other groups. These data demonstrate that the impaired natriuresis after adrenal enucleation appears to be due to striking differences in collecting duct function. Since adrenal regeneration in the escape animals reverses this sodium retention, the effect is probably related to some alteration in adrenal hormone production. Sodium excretion in markedly expanded normal rats also appears to be determined by the net addition of sodium in the collecting duct.", "contents": "Effect of adrenal enucleation on sodium excretion in the rat. After the adrenal glands are removed without their capsules, so-called adrenal enucleation, rats initially retain sodium, and, after adrenal regeneration, escape from salt retention. To define the renal mechanisms involved in this alteration in salt handling, we have utilized clearance and micropuncture techniques in three groups of saline-expanded rats that were sham-operated (S), enucleated (AE), or escaped after adrenal regeneration (E.) Sodium excretion was clearly blunted after AE, 5.5 mueq/min vs. 20.5 for S and 18.7 for E. Although glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and filtered load of sodium were lower in AE rats, the delivered load of sodium beyond the late distal tubule was not different among the groups: 0.30 neq/min for AE, 0.42 for S, and 0.40 for E. This was a consequence of strikingly greater sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle and distal tubule in both the S and E rats. In the collecting duct over 50% of the delivered sodium was reabsorbed by the AE rats while over 30% of the excreted sodium was added in this tubular segment in the other groups. These data demonstrate that the impaired natriuresis after adrenal enucleation appears to be due to striking differences in collecting duct function. Since adrenal regeneration in the escape animals reverses this sodium retention, the effect is probably related to some alteration in adrenal hormone production. Sodium excretion in markedly expanded normal rats also appears to be determined by the net addition of sodium in the collecting duct.", "PMID": 998785} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7353", "title": "Prostaglandin E release in the dog: effect of sodium.", "content": "Renal arterial injections (20 ml) of 4 M NaCl in 8 dogs and of 0.5 M NaCl in two dogs were followed by significant but delayed increases over 60 min in renal venous prostaglandin E (PGE) concentrations as measured by radioimmunoassay. Perfusion pressure increased significantly only at 5 min but plasma sodium concentration remained above base line for 60 min. In two dogs in which renal artery blood flow was maintained at a constant rate, comparable increases in PGE concentrations were observed. Injections of 1 M mannitol in three dogs and 5% dextrose in water in two dogs did not result in significant changes in PGE concentrations. In four dogs, administration of 50 mg indomethacin 15 min prior to injection of 20 ml of 4 M NaCl abolished the changes of PGE concentration. Sodium appears to have an effect on stimulation of PGE release by the canine kidney. This phenomenon may be of physiologic significance.", "contents": "Prostaglandin E release in the dog: effect of sodium. Renal arterial injections (20 ml) of 4 M NaCl in 8 dogs and of 0.5 M NaCl in two dogs were followed by significant but delayed increases over 60 min in renal venous prostaglandin E (PGE) concentrations as measured by radioimmunoassay. Perfusion pressure increased significantly only at 5 min but plasma sodium concentration remained above base line for 60 min. In two dogs in which renal artery blood flow was maintained at a constant rate, comparable increases in PGE concentrations were observed. Injections of 1 M mannitol in three dogs and 5% dextrose in water in two dogs did not result in significant changes in PGE concentrations. In four dogs, administration of 50 mg indomethacin 15 min prior to injection of 20 ml of 4 M NaCl abolished the changes of PGE concentration. Sodium appears to have an effect on stimulation of PGE release by the canine kidney. This phenomenon may be of physiologic significance.", "PMID": 998786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7354", "title": "Inhibition of ion transport by bile salts in canine gastric mucosa.", "content": "Studies were conducted with in vivo and in vitro canine stomach preparations. Instillation of 5, 10, and 20 mM bile salts in TES bufer (pH 7.4) into the nonsecreting stomach in vivo caused a progressive decrease in electrical potential difference (PD) and an increase in electrical resitance (R). The rate of acid secretion, determined by the pH-stat method in the histamine-stimulated stomach, decreased with 5 and 20 mM bile salts. Mucosal adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content of the nonsecreting or secreting stomach was reduced by bile salts. In vitro flux studies demonstrated that within the first hour after 1 mM bile salts were added to the mucosal side of the chamber, PD decreased, R increased, and net sodium transport decreased. In the second hour, unidirectional fluxes of sodium increased, indicating an increase in permeability of the gastric mucosa to sodium. These results demonstrate that the initial action of bile salts is inhibition of ion transport, which is followed by an increase in permeability.", "contents": "Inhibition of ion transport by bile salts in canine gastric mucosa. Studies were conducted with in vivo and in vitro canine stomach preparations. Instillation of 5, 10, and 20 mM bile salts in TES bufer (pH 7.4) into the nonsecreting stomach in vivo caused a progressive decrease in electrical potential difference (PD) and an increase in electrical resitance (R). The rate of acid secretion, determined by the pH-stat method in the histamine-stimulated stomach, decreased with 5 and 20 mM bile salts. Mucosal adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content of the nonsecreting or secreting stomach was reduced by bile salts. In vitro flux studies demonstrated that within the first hour after 1 mM bile salts were added to the mucosal side of the chamber, PD decreased, R increased, and net sodium transport decreased. In the second hour, unidirectional fluxes of sodium increased, indicating an increase in permeability of the gastric mucosa to sodium. These results demonstrate that the initial action of bile salts is inhibition of ion transport, which is followed by an increase in permeability.", "PMID": 998787} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7355", "title": "Effects of hypoxia on cardiac growth in neonatal rat.", "content": "To determine whether low oxygen environments enhance cardiac cell division in the neonatal period, newborn rat pups were reared for 21 days in 12-15% oxygen. Left ventricle and right ventricle weights were 30 and 180% greater than controls matched for body weight (P less than 0.001) as were left ventricle/body weight ratios (3.68+/-0.26 vs. 2.99+/-0.05 mg LV/g body wt,P less than 0.001). Left ventricular total DNA and DNA concentration was 95 and 48% greater than controls (P less than 0.001). Autoradiography confirmed that this increase in ventricular DNA resulted from an increased rate of division of cardiac muscle cells, fibroblast, and vascular endothelial cells. When [3H]thymidine was injected on day ), autoradiographs prepared on day 21 reflected an increased dilution of label in hypoxic rats consistent with enhanced proliferation. The labeling index and grains per nucleus of ventricular muscle cells was 25% (P less than 0.01) and 20% (P less than 0.02) less than controls, Thus, hypoxic stress applied early in the neonatal period augments the rate of division and ultimate number of cardiac muscle cells. Whether this enhancement results from a primary effect of oxygen or from secondary hemodynamic factors remains unknown.", "contents": "Effects of hypoxia on cardiac growth in neonatal rat. To determine whether low oxygen environments enhance cardiac cell division in the neonatal period, newborn rat pups were reared for 21 days in 12-15% oxygen. Left ventricle and right ventricle weights were 30 and 180% greater than controls matched for body weight (P less than 0.001) as were left ventricle/body weight ratios (3.68+/-0.26 vs. 2.99+/-0.05 mg LV/g body wt,P less than 0.001). Left ventricular total DNA and DNA concentration was 95 and 48% greater than controls (P less than 0.001). Autoradiography confirmed that this increase in ventricular DNA resulted from an increased rate of division of cardiac muscle cells, fibroblast, and vascular endothelial cells. When [3H]thymidine was injected on day ), autoradiographs prepared on day 21 reflected an increased dilution of label in hypoxic rats consistent with enhanced proliferation. The labeling index and grains per nucleus of ventricular muscle cells was 25% (P less than 0.01) and 20% (P less than 0.02) less than controls, Thus, hypoxic stress applied early in the neonatal period augments the rate of division and ultimate number of cardiac muscle cells. Whether this enhancement results from a primary effect of oxygen or from secondary hemodynamic factors remains unknown.", "PMID": 998788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7356", "title": "Acute isovolemic anemia in anesthetized chickens.", "content": "Acute isovolemic anemia was produced in anesthetized chickens by serial exchanges of 6% dextran 70 equal to 1% of body weight to quantitate cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. When hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were reduced by 50% (from 33.3 to 16.3 vol %, and from 10.3 to 5.4 g/100 g, respectively, P less than 0.001), tissue oxygen delivery was maintained by increases in cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), oxygen extraction, and reduced total peripheral resistance (TPR). Heart rate, right atrial pressure, and oxygen consumption (Vo2) were unchanged. Further reductions in Hct and Hb (to 10.8 vol % and 3.7 g/100 g, respectively), were accompanied by cardiovascular failure, as evidenced by falling CO, SV, tissue oxygen delivery, and Vo2. Relative apparent viscosity determinations on the exchanged blood-dextran mixtures indicated that large viscosity changes occurred with the first exchange whereas subsequent exchanges had small incremental viscosity changes. These data indicate that in acutely anemic chickens, oxygen transport capacity was maintained by increased cardiac output and decreased peripheral resistance, unless the severity of the anemia resulted in cardiovascular failure.", "contents": "Acute isovolemic anemia in anesthetized chickens. Acute isovolemic anemia was produced in anesthetized chickens by serial exchanges of 6% dextran 70 equal to 1% of body weight to quantitate cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. When hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were reduced by 50% (from 33.3 to 16.3 vol %, and from 10.3 to 5.4 g/100 g, respectively, P less than 0.001), tissue oxygen delivery was maintained by increases in cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), oxygen extraction, and reduced total peripheral resistance (TPR). Heart rate, right atrial pressure, and oxygen consumption (Vo2) were unchanged. Further reductions in Hct and Hb (to 10.8 vol % and 3.7 g/100 g, respectively), were accompanied by cardiovascular failure, as evidenced by falling CO, SV, tissue oxygen delivery, and Vo2. Relative apparent viscosity determinations on the exchanged blood-dextran mixtures indicated that large viscosity changes occurred with the first exchange whereas subsequent exchanges had small incremental viscosity changes. These data indicate that in acutely anemic chickens, oxygen transport capacity was maintained by increased cardiac output and decreased peripheral resistance, unless the severity of the anemia resulted in cardiovascular failure.", "PMID": 998789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7357", "title": "Protein composition of lung fluids in anesthetized dogs with acute cardiogenic edema.", "content": "We measured the protein composition of plasma and lung fluids from nine dogs with cardiogenic edema. To produce the edema, we increased left atrial pressure an average of 36 cmH2O by inflating a balloon catheter in the left atrium, infusing norepinephrine, and infusing large volumes of saline or saline-diluted blood. Blood samples were collected every 15 min, and airway fluid was collected from five dogs that developed severe edema. Terminally, the chest was opened and the lungs were removed. Samples of alveolar fluid were taken from the excised lung by direct pleural puncture with micropipettes. The lungs were frozen in liquid nitrogen and samples of free interstitial fluid were taken from the perivascular and peribronchial cuffs. Plasma and lung fluids were analyzed for total protein by the Lowry method and for albumin-globulin fractions by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The average total protein concentrations (g/100 ml) were--plasma, 2.65; free interstitial fluid, 1.05; alveolar fluid, 1.23; and airway fluid, 1.29. The average albumin fraction of plasma was 0.40; of alveolar fluid, 0.43; and of airway fluid, 0.43. The protein concentrations in the three lung fluids were nearly identical to each other, but were less than half that of plasma. We conclude that in high-pressure pulmonary edema with alveolar flooding, the capillary endothelium retains the ability to restrict protein relative to fluid filtration, but the alveolar epithelium becomes freely permeable to protein.", "contents": "Protein composition of lung fluids in anesthetized dogs with acute cardiogenic edema. We measured the protein composition of plasma and lung fluids from nine dogs with cardiogenic edema. To produce the edema, we increased left atrial pressure an average of 36 cmH2O by inflating a balloon catheter in the left atrium, infusing norepinephrine, and infusing large volumes of saline or saline-diluted blood. Blood samples were collected every 15 min, and airway fluid was collected from five dogs that developed severe edema. Terminally, the chest was opened and the lungs were removed. Samples of alveolar fluid were taken from the excised lung by direct pleural puncture with micropipettes. The lungs were frozen in liquid nitrogen and samples of free interstitial fluid were taken from the perivascular and peribronchial cuffs. Plasma and lung fluids were analyzed for total protein by the Lowry method and for albumin-globulin fractions by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The average total protein concentrations (g/100 ml) were--plasma, 2.65; free interstitial fluid, 1.05; alveolar fluid, 1.23; and airway fluid, 1.29. The average albumin fraction of plasma was 0.40; of alveolar fluid, 0.43; and of airway fluid, 0.43. The protein concentrations in the three lung fluids were nearly identical to each other, but were less than half that of plasma. We conclude that in high-pressure pulmonary edema with alveolar flooding, the capillary endothelium retains the ability to restrict protein relative to fluid filtration, but the alveolar epithelium becomes freely permeable to protein.", "PMID": 998790} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7358", "title": "Left ventricular function during acute elevation of aortic blood pressure in dogs.", "content": "Cardiac responses to mechanical constriction of the aorta proximal and distal to the arch arteries and to intravenous infusion of angiotensin were examined in open-chest atropinized dogs during continuous recording of left ventricular and aortic dimensions by means of ultrasonic elements. Proximal constriction reduced stroke volume by 18% both before and during isoproterenol infusion without changing left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, dimensions, or contractility, (dP/dt)IP; angiotensin induced less pronounced increments in stroke volume and end-diastolic volume. By combining proximal constriction with saline-dextran infusion, stroke volume and end-diastolic volume increased as during distal constriction. These results indicate that differences in preload account for the differences in stroke volume responses to proximal and distal aortic constriction. We propose that increased preload is caused by redistribution of blood from capacitance vessels rather than retention secondary to cardiac decompensation.", "contents": "Left ventricular function during acute elevation of aortic blood pressure in dogs. Cardiac responses to mechanical constriction of the aorta proximal and distal to the arch arteries and to intravenous infusion of angiotensin were examined in open-chest atropinized dogs during continuous recording of left ventricular and aortic dimensions by means of ultrasonic elements. Proximal constriction reduced stroke volume by 18% both before and during isoproterenol infusion without changing left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, dimensions, or contractility, (dP/dt)IP; angiotensin induced less pronounced increments in stroke volume and end-diastolic volume. By combining proximal constriction with saline-dextran infusion, stroke volume and end-diastolic volume increased as during distal constriction. These results indicate that differences in preload account for the differences in stroke volume responses to proximal and distal aortic constriction. We propose that increased preload is caused by redistribution of blood from capacitance vessels rather than retention secondary to cardiac decompensation.", "PMID": 998791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7359", "title": "Inhibitory effect of ethacrynic acid on chloride permeability.", "content": "Ethacrynic acid inhibits anion movements in ox red blood cells. The I50 for chloride is 7 X 10(-6) M. The inhibitory effect is instantaneous and completely reversed by washing the cells with a Ringer solution, suggesting that reaction with a membrane SH group is not involved in this process. Direct proof that ethacrynic acid does not act by its reactivity with thiol groups is given by experiments with dihydroethacrynic acid, a derivative that lacks the ability to combine with SH groups: the characteristics of inhibition are strictly identical (instantaneous and reversible; I50 equals 9 X 10(-6) M). All the phenoxyacetic derivatives tested were also more or less inhibitory. The relative activity of all the derivatives was highly correlated with their liposolubility, indicating that hydrophobic interaction is important in determining drug effect and influence of steric factors is minimal. The data suggest that inhibition essentially results from a hydrophobic interaction between ethacrynic acid and apolar regions of the membrane protein allowing chloride transport.", "contents": "Inhibitory effect of ethacrynic acid on chloride permeability. Ethacrynic acid inhibits anion movements in ox red blood cells. The I50 for chloride is 7 X 10(-6) M. The inhibitory effect is instantaneous and completely reversed by washing the cells with a Ringer solution, suggesting that reaction with a membrane SH group is not involved in this process. Direct proof that ethacrynic acid does not act by its reactivity with thiol groups is given by experiments with dihydroethacrynic acid, a derivative that lacks the ability to combine with SH groups: the characteristics of inhibition are strictly identical (instantaneous and reversible; I50 equals 9 X 10(-6) M). All the phenoxyacetic derivatives tested were also more or less inhibitory. The relative activity of all the derivatives was highly correlated with their liposolubility, indicating that hydrophobic interaction is important in determining drug effect and influence of steric factors is minimal. The data suggest that inhibition essentially results from a hydrophobic interaction between ethacrynic acid and apolar regions of the membrane protein allowing chloride transport.", "PMID": 998792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7360", "title": "Metabolism of ketone bodies by ovine brain in vivo.", "content": "Ketosis was produced by intravenous infusion (5 mmol/kg per h) of [3-14C]acetoacetate (sp act 0.5 muCi/mmol) into fed and 7-day-fasted sheep. Changes in arterial and sagittal sinus blood samples. During acetoacetate infusion, there was a significant increase in ketone body uptake (P less than 0.001) and conversion to 14CO2 in both fed and fasted sheep. Changes in arterial concentrations and cerebral removal of various metabolites were investigated by simultaneous collection of arterial and sagittal sinus blood samples. During acetoacetate infusion, there was a significant increase in ketone body uptake (P less than 0.001) and conversion to 14CO2 in both fed and fasted sheep when compared to control periods (saline infusion). The percent conversion of ketone bodies to 14CO2 was slightly higher in fasted sheep (22%) compared to fed sheep (18%). Blood glucose and free fatty acid concentrations were decreased, but there was a significant increase in blood lactic acid and lactic acid production by the brain. The plasma insulin concentration was increased significantly both in fed and fasted animals. These results indicate that ovine brain can utilize ketone bodies irrespective of nutritional state. In addition, ketone bodies stimulated the production of lactate by ovine brain.", "contents": "Metabolism of ketone bodies by ovine brain in vivo. Ketosis was produced by intravenous infusion (5 mmol/kg per h) of [3-14C]acetoacetate (sp act 0.5 muCi/mmol) into fed and 7-day-fasted sheep. Changes in arterial and sagittal sinus blood samples. During acetoacetate infusion, there was a significant increase in ketone body uptake (P less than 0.001) and conversion to 14CO2 in both fed and fasted sheep. Changes in arterial concentrations and cerebral removal of various metabolites were investigated by simultaneous collection of arterial and sagittal sinus blood samples. During acetoacetate infusion, there was a significant increase in ketone body uptake (P less than 0.001) and conversion to 14CO2 in both fed and fasted sheep when compared to control periods (saline infusion). The percent conversion of ketone bodies to 14CO2 was slightly higher in fasted sheep (22%) compared to fed sheep (18%). Blood glucose and free fatty acid concentrations were decreased, but there was a significant increase in blood lactic acid and lactic acid production by the brain. The plasma insulin concentration was increased significantly both in fed and fasted animals. These results indicate that ovine brain can utilize ketone bodies irrespective of nutritional state. In addition, ketone bodies stimulated the production of lactate by ovine brain.", "PMID": 998793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7361", "title": "Effect of ethyl adenosine on myocardial flow after coronary artery occlusion.", "content": "The effect of ethyl adenosine-5'-carboxylate hydrochloride (EA) was determined in 17 dogs by the radioactive microsphere technique. In both experimental and control animals, microspheres were injected 5 min before (preocclusion period), 60 min after (occlusion period), and 75 min after (saline or vasodilation period) ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Ten seconds prior to the third microsphere injection, saline was administered to five control animals, and saline with 0.5 mg/kg of EA was given to 12 experimental animals. There was no significant change in myocardial blood flow after saline injection. After EA, mean arterial pressure fell 10% (P less than .001); myocardial blood flow increased 275% (P less than .001) in the nonischemic left circumflex artery (CIRC) area and increased 82% (P less than .01) in the occluded LAD area. In addition, those animals with extensive collateral development showed a significantly greater increase in collateral blood flow than those with minimal collateral development (P less than .05). Thus, EA may increase flow to ischemic areas of myocardium dependent upon the extent of preexistent collateral supply.", "contents": "Effect of ethyl adenosine on myocardial flow after coronary artery occlusion. The effect of ethyl adenosine-5'-carboxylate hydrochloride (EA) was determined in 17 dogs by the radioactive microsphere technique. In both experimental and control animals, microspheres were injected 5 min before (preocclusion period), 60 min after (occlusion period), and 75 min after (saline or vasodilation period) ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Ten seconds prior to the third microsphere injection, saline was administered to five control animals, and saline with 0.5 mg/kg of EA was given to 12 experimental animals. There was no significant change in myocardial blood flow after saline injection. After EA, mean arterial pressure fell 10% (P less than .001); myocardial blood flow increased 275% (P less than .001) in the nonischemic left circumflex artery (CIRC) area and increased 82% (P less than .01) in the occluded LAD area. In addition, those animals with extensive collateral development showed a significantly greater increase in collateral blood flow than those with minimal collateral development (P less than .05). Thus, EA may increase flow to ischemic areas of myocardium dependent upon the extent of preexistent collateral supply.", "PMID": 998794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7362", "title": "Calcium-dependent resistance to stretch and stress relaxation in resting smooth muscles.", "content": "Mechanical responses to stretch and length-tension relations were examined in rabbit taenia coli, mesenteric vein, aorta, and myometrium and in guinea pig taenia coli made atonic by incubation in Krebs-bicarbonate solution at 20-22 degrees C. When stretched 10% of the length at which maximum active tension is observed (Lo) in 0.5 s, the muscles showed a transient large force (resistance to stretch) that decayed to a new constant level within minutes (stress relaxation). The resistance to stretch decreased markedly in Ca2+-free [disodium ethylene glycolbis-(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N-tetraacetic acid (EGTA)] Krebs but was restored in normal Krebs solution. Calcium removal did not affect the passive length-tension curve. The absence of Ca2+ did not change the steady-state force maintained by the muscle; thus stretch resistance was not due to tone. Blockade of Ca2+ influx associated with electrical activity with 5-[3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)methylamino]-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl-2-isopropylvaleronitrile (D-600) and of Ca2+ release from intracellular sites with thymol (1 mM) completely blocked contraction but did not alter the responses to stretch, thus dissociating the responses to stretch from these processes and tension development. The Ca2+-dependent stress relaxation showed a dependence on muscle length similar to that for active tension development. Except at long muscle lengths, where connective tissue markedly affects length-tension relations, most of the \"viscoelasticity\" of these smooth muscles is dependent on calcium and may be largely due to the straining of crossbridges that are attached, but not generating a net force, in the resting state.", "contents": "Calcium-dependent resistance to stretch and stress relaxation in resting smooth muscles. Mechanical responses to stretch and length-tension relations were examined in rabbit taenia coli, mesenteric vein, aorta, and myometrium and in guinea pig taenia coli made atonic by incubation in Krebs-bicarbonate solution at 20-22 degrees C. When stretched 10% of the length at which maximum active tension is observed (Lo) in 0.5 s, the muscles showed a transient large force (resistance to stretch) that decayed to a new constant level within minutes (stress relaxation). The resistance to stretch decreased markedly in Ca2+-free [disodium ethylene glycolbis-(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N-tetraacetic acid (EGTA)] Krebs but was restored in normal Krebs solution. Calcium removal did not affect the passive length-tension curve. The absence of Ca2+ did not change the steady-state force maintained by the muscle; thus stretch resistance was not due to tone. Blockade of Ca2+ influx associated with electrical activity with 5-[3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)methylamino]-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl-2-isopropylvaleronitrile (D-600) and of Ca2+ release from intracellular sites with thymol (1 mM) completely blocked contraction but did not alter the responses to stretch, thus dissociating the responses to stretch from these processes and tension development. The Ca2+-dependent stress relaxation showed a dependence on muscle length similar to that for active tension development. Except at long muscle lengths, where connective tissue markedly affects length-tension relations, most of the \"viscoelasticity\" of these smooth muscles is dependent on calcium and may be largely due to the straining of crossbridges that are attached, but not generating a net force, in the resting state.", "PMID": 998795} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7363", "title": "Rigor and resistance to stretch in vertebrate smooth muscle.", "content": "Depletion of the APT content of the rabbit taenia coli muscle to 0.07 mumol/g caused an increase in force equal to 11% of maximum active tension (Po) when the muscle was bathed in a calcium-containing Krebs solution at 21 degrees C, but no increase in force in a calcium-free solution. Stimulation of the muscle in calcium-containing medium during the loss of ATP increased the force maintained and permitted demonstration of an increased stiffness by shortening of the muscle. There was no increase in resistance to stretch in the ATP-depleted state compared with the resting state. There was, however, a calcium-dependent resistance to stretch with properties that suggested the presence of attached crossbridges in the resting state. Bathing of the resting muscle in a calcium-free medium decreased the resting resistance to stretch and permitted demonstration of an increased resistance to stretch in the rigor state. It is concluded that the rigor state exists in vertebrate smooth muscle.", "contents": "Rigor and resistance to stretch in vertebrate smooth muscle. Depletion of the APT content of the rabbit taenia coli muscle to 0.07 mumol/g caused an increase in force equal to 11% of maximum active tension (Po) when the muscle was bathed in a calcium-containing Krebs solution at 21 degrees C, but no increase in force in a calcium-free solution. Stimulation of the muscle in calcium-containing medium during the loss of ATP increased the force maintained and permitted demonstration of an increased stiffness by shortening of the muscle. There was no increase in resistance to stretch in the ATP-depleted state compared with the resting state. There was, however, a calcium-dependent resistance to stretch with properties that suggested the presence of attached crossbridges in the resting state. Bathing of the resting muscle in a calcium-free medium decreased the resting resistance to stretch and permitted demonstration of an increased resistance to stretch in the rigor state. It is concluded that the rigor state exists in vertebrate smooth muscle.", "PMID": 998796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7364", "title": "Blood flow to respiratory, cardiac, and limb muscles in dogs during graded exercise.", "content": "The distribution of cardiac output was analyzed in six dogs, with the animals at rest and running on a level treadmill for 3 min at 3-4 mph (mild exercise) and 3 min at 6-8 mph (moderate exercise). Organ flows were measured using 25-mug-diam radioactive microspheres. Cardiac output averaged 2.5, 4.6, and 5.7 liters/min, for rest, mild exercise, and moderate exercise, respectively. The greatest change was in diaphragmatic flow which increased by 275% with mild exercise and 500% with moderate exercise. Flow to intercostal muscles increased by 160 and 186%, to the exercising gastrocnemius muscle by 153 and 224%, and to cardiac muscle by 57 and 109% during mild and moderate exercise, respectively. Renal and cerebral flows did not change significantly. Significant decreases in flow occurred in the small and large intestines during moderate exercise. It is concluded that the increase in cardiac output during submaximal exercise was redistributed in a manner which limited flow to the brain, intestines, and kidneys and increased flow flow to the diaphragm, heart, and limb muscles.", "contents": "Blood flow to respiratory, cardiac, and limb muscles in dogs during graded exercise. The distribution of cardiac output was analyzed in six dogs, with the animals at rest and running on a level treadmill for 3 min at 3-4 mph (mild exercise) and 3 min at 6-8 mph (moderate exercise). Organ flows were measured using 25-mug-diam radioactive microspheres. Cardiac output averaged 2.5, 4.6, and 5.7 liters/min, for rest, mild exercise, and moderate exercise, respectively. The greatest change was in diaphragmatic flow which increased by 275% with mild exercise and 500% with moderate exercise. Flow to intercostal muscles increased by 160 and 186%, to the exercising gastrocnemius muscle by 153 and 224%, and to cardiac muscle by 57 and 109% during mild and moderate exercise, respectively. Renal and cerebral flows did not change significantly. Significant decreases in flow occurred in the small and large intestines during moderate exercise. It is concluded that the increase in cardiac output during submaximal exercise was redistributed in a manner which limited flow to the brain, intestines, and kidneys and increased flow flow to the diaphragm, heart, and limb muscles.", "PMID": 998797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7365", "title": "Pentose cycle activity of the isolated perfused rat lung.", "content": "Pentose cycle activity was estimated in isolated rat lungs under varying conditions of glucose oxidation. Lungs were perfused for 100-120 min with a Krebs-Ringer-bicarbonate buffer, pH 7.4, containing 1-14C- or 6-14C-labeled glucose and ventilated with 95% O2:5% CO2. Based on 14C specific yields in either 14CO2 or perfusate lactate plus pyruvate, pentose cycle flux in control lungs was 5.3 mumol of glucose per hour per gram dry weight (11-12% of glucose utilization). Pentose cycle activity was unaltered by perfusion with 0.8 mM 2,4-dinitrophenol. Perfusion with phenazine methosulfate, an artificial hydrogen acceptor, resulations of the pentose cycle based on 14C yields in tissue lipids (both the fatty acid and deacylated fractions) gave values 2-3 times higher than measurements based on 14CO2. This study indicates that pentose cycle activity in the lung accounts for a significant fraction of glucose utilization and this pathway readily responds to metabolic perturbation.", "contents": "Pentose cycle activity of the isolated perfused rat lung. Pentose cycle activity was estimated in isolated rat lungs under varying conditions of glucose oxidation. Lungs were perfused for 100-120 min with a Krebs-Ringer-bicarbonate buffer, pH 7.4, containing 1-14C- or 6-14C-labeled glucose and ventilated with 95% O2:5% CO2. Based on 14C specific yields in either 14CO2 or perfusate lactate plus pyruvate, pentose cycle flux in control lungs was 5.3 mumol of glucose per hour per gram dry weight (11-12% of glucose utilization). Pentose cycle activity was unaltered by perfusion with 0.8 mM 2,4-dinitrophenol. Perfusion with phenazine methosulfate, an artificial hydrogen acceptor, resulations of the pentose cycle based on 14C yields in tissue lipids (both the fatty acid and deacylated fractions) gave values 2-3 times higher than measurements based on 14CO2. This study indicates that pentose cycle activity in the lung accounts for a significant fraction of glucose utilization and this pathway readily responds to metabolic perturbation.", "PMID": 998798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7366", "title": "Regulation of plasma calcium in rats: age-related roles of PTH and calcitonin.", "content": "To determine the influence of aging on the relative roles of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin in the control of calcium homeostasis during fasting, we assessed changes in plasma calcium in fasted rats following simultaneous removal of the glands that secrete both hormones. Animals ranging in age from 3 to 34.7 wk were thyroparathyroidectomized or sham operated and bled by orbital puncture prior to and 1.5, 3, and 6 h after surgery. After thyroparathyroidectomy (TPTX), plasma calcium fell immediately and progressively in very young rats (3-6 wk old); in young animals (6.5-9.4 wk old), there was a delay of about 1.5 h pceded by a rise, which persisted for at least 3 h. Since the rise and fall in plasma calcium after TPTX are most likely due to calcitonin and PTH deficiencies, respectively, our observations are consistent with the following hypothesis; in the fasting state, the relative importance of calcitonin and PTH in the regulation of plasma calcium varies with age; PTH appears to play the dominant role in young rats; however, during maturation the importance of calcitonin appears to increase progressively.", "contents": "Regulation of plasma calcium in rats: age-related roles of PTH and calcitonin. To determine the influence of aging on the relative roles of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin in the control of calcium homeostasis during fasting, we assessed changes in plasma calcium in fasted rats following simultaneous removal of the glands that secrete both hormones. Animals ranging in age from 3 to 34.7 wk were thyroparathyroidectomized or sham operated and bled by orbital puncture prior to and 1.5, 3, and 6 h after surgery. After thyroparathyroidectomy (TPTX), plasma calcium fell immediately and progressively in very young rats (3-6 wk old); in young animals (6.5-9.4 wk old), there was a delay of about 1.5 h pceded by a rise, which persisted for at least 3 h. Since the rise and fall in plasma calcium after TPTX are most likely due to calcitonin and PTH deficiencies, respectively, our observations are consistent with the following hypothesis; in the fasting state, the relative importance of calcitonin and PTH in the regulation of plasma calcium varies with age; PTH appears to play the dominant role in young rats; however, during maturation the importance of calcitonin appears to increase progressively.", "PMID": 998799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7367", "title": "Effect of methionine sulfoximine on glutathione and amino acid levels in the nephron.", "content": "The effect of L-methionine-DL-sulfoximine (MSO) on renal glutathione concentration and aspartic acid transport has been studied by analyses of parts of individual freeze-dried glomeruli, early and late proximal convoluted, early and late proximal straight, and distal straight and convoluted tubules, and patches from thinlimb and papilla areas. Glutathione normally varies threefold along the kidney nephron, being highest in the convoluted and early straight proximal tubule, lowest in the distal straight tubule. Large loads of aspartate cause 20% diminution of glutathione in outer cortex, due entirely to changes in proximal tubule segments. MSO alone lowers glutathione 90% in all parts of the proximal tubule, with no change elsewhere. MSO does not affect the large increase in aspartate in proximal tubules caused by saturating aspartate loads, suggesting that glutathione is not directly involved in transport of this amino acid. Aspartate loads cause a large increase in renal glutamine, which is especially marked in the proximal straight tubule. MSO effectively blocks this increase and depresses tissue glutamine below normal levels.", "contents": "Effect of methionine sulfoximine on glutathione and amino acid levels in the nephron. The effect of L-methionine-DL-sulfoximine (MSO) on renal glutathione concentration and aspartic acid transport has been studied by analyses of parts of individual freeze-dried glomeruli, early and late proximal convoluted, early and late proximal straight, and distal straight and convoluted tubules, and patches from thinlimb and papilla areas. Glutathione normally varies threefold along the kidney nephron, being highest in the convoluted and early straight proximal tubule, lowest in the distal straight tubule. Large loads of aspartate cause 20% diminution of glutathione in outer cortex, due entirely to changes in proximal tubule segments. MSO alone lowers glutathione 90% in all parts of the proximal tubule, with no change elsewhere. MSO does not affect the large increase in aspartate in proximal tubules caused by saturating aspartate loads, suggesting that glutathione is not directly involved in transport of this amino acid. Aspartate loads cause a large increase in renal glutamine, which is especially marked in the proximal straight tubule. MSO effectively blocks this increase and depresses tissue glutamine below normal levels.", "PMID": 998800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7368", "title": "Effect of acetylcholine on Cl- and Na+ fluxes across dog tracheal epithelium in vitro.", "content": "Electrical potential difference is generated across canine tracheal epithelium by active transport of Cl- toward and Na+ away from the lumen. The present study examines the effects of acetylcholine on short-circuit current, potential difference, resistance, and fluxes of 36Cl and 24Na measured across pieces of canine tracheal epithelium mounted in Ussing-type chambers. Under short-circuit conditions, acetylcholine (5 X 10(-5) M) increased significantly net ion flux toward the lumen of Cl- (n equals 7) from +1.7 +/- SE 0.5 TO +3.3 +/- SE 0.5 mueq/cm2 - h, and of Na+ (n equals 7) from -0.8 +/- SE 0.2 to +0.5 +/- SE 0.2 mueq/cm2 - h. Under open-circuit conditions, acetylcholine (5 X 10(-5) M) increased significantly the unidirectional flux of Cl- (n equals 6) toward the lumen from 4.7 +/- SE 1.3 to 5.9 +/- SE 1.4 mueq/cm2 - h, while the other measured fluxes did not change significantly, suggesting that net Cl- flux had increased toward the lumen. Atropine sulfate (10(-8) M) prevented the response to acetylcholine (5 X 10(-5) M). The increased ion flux due to acetylcholine may mediate water secretion into the airway lumen, and this secretion may have important effects on the physical properties of the liquid through which the respiratory cilia beat.", "contents": "Effect of acetylcholine on Cl- and Na+ fluxes across dog tracheal epithelium in vitro. Electrical potential difference is generated across canine tracheal epithelium by active transport of Cl- toward and Na+ away from the lumen. The present study examines the effects of acetylcholine on short-circuit current, potential difference, resistance, and fluxes of 36Cl and 24Na measured across pieces of canine tracheal epithelium mounted in Ussing-type chambers. Under short-circuit conditions, acetylcholine (5 X 10(-5) M) increased significantly net ion flux toward the lumen of Cl- (n equals 7) from +1.7 +/- SE 0.5 TO +3.3 +/- SE 0.5 mueq/cm2 - h, and of Na+ (n equals 7) from -0.8 +/- SE 0.2 to +0.5 +/- SE 0.2 mueq/cm2 - h. Under open-circuit conditions, acetylcholine (5 X 10(-5) M) increased significantly the unidirectional flux of Cl- (n equals 6) toward the lumen from 4.7 +/- SE 1.3 to 5.9 +/- SE 1.4 mueq/cm2 - h, while the other measured fluxes did not change significantly, suggesting that net Cl- flux had increased toward the lumen. Atropine sulfate (10(-8) M) prevented the response to acetylcholine (5 X 10(-5) M). The increased ion flux due to acetylcholine may mediate water secretion into the airway lumen, and this secretion may have important effects on the physical properties of the liquid through which the respiratory cilia beat.", "PMID": 998801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7369", "title": "Changes in renal hemodynamics and renin release caused by increased plasma oncotic pressure.", "content": "The effect of increased plasma oncotic pressure on renal blood flow (RBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), electrolyte excretion, and renin secretion rate (RSR) was studied in dogs anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. Renal artery infusions of hyperoncotic dextran or human serum albumin raised renal venous colloid osmotic pressure an average of 7.3 and 10.1 mmHg, respectively, and caused small but consistent increases in RBF, large increases in RSR, marked decreases in urine flow rate and electrolyte excretion, with either no change or small decreases in GFR, and no change in renal artery pressure. Renal vasodilation was confined primarily to afferent arterioles and was not measureable until approximately 45 s after the start of infusions. The renal responses to increased plasma oncotic pressure appeared to be an autoregulatory phenomenon, consistent with a tubular mechanism dependent on an altered distal tubular fluid flow and/or composition. The increased renin release during increased plasma oncotic pressure is not compatible with a renal baroreceptor mechanism that responds to decreases in afferent arteriolar pressure because calculated glomerular pressure increased during albumin and dextran infusions.", "contents": "Changes in renal hemodynamics and renin release caused by increased plasma oncotic pressure. The effect of increased plasma oncotic pressure on renal blood flow (RBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), electrolyte excretion, and renin secretion rate (RSR) was studied in dogs anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. Renal artery infusions of hyperoncotic dextran or human serum albumin raised renal venous colloid osmotic pressure an average of 7.3 and 10.1 mmHg, respectively, and caused small but consistent increases in RBF, large increases in RSR, marked decreases in urine flow rate and electrolyte excretion, with either no change or small decreases in GFR, and no change in renal artery pressure. Renal vasodilation was confined primarily to afferent arterioles and was not measureable until approximately 45 s after the start of infusions. The renal responses to increased plasma oncotic pressure appeared to be an autoregulatory phenomenon, consistent with a tubular mechanism dependent on an altered distal tubular fluid flow and/or composition. The increased renin release during increased plasma oncotic pressure is not compatible with a renal baroreceptor mechanism that responds to decreases in afferent arteriolar pressure because calculated glomerular pressure increased during albumin and dextran infusions.", "PMID": 998802} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7370", "title": "Water content of rat adipose tissue and isolated adipocytes in relation to cell size.", "content": "Epididymal adipose tissue composition and adipocyte water content were studied in male rats during growth and development of spontaneous obesity. The data show that a highly significant positive correlation exists between fat-cell volume and intracellular water space (IWS) (r=.967, P less than .001). Intracellular water, expressed as picoliters per fat cell, varied from 1.5-2 in small fat cells (mean vol, 30-50 pl) to 9-10 in large cells (800-1,000 pl). When expressed as percent of fat-cell volume, IWS varied from 5-7% in the small fat cells to 1-1.3% in the large ones. Total adipose tissue water continued to increase with increasing adipose mass. Similarly, total adipocyte water increased with enlarging cell size and tissue mass. The contribution of total adipocyte water (as contrasted to that of nonadipocyte water) to total tissue water, however, was found to be limited (less than 23%) and to decline progressively with adipose mass expansion.", "contents": "Water content of rat adipose tissue and isolated adipocytes in relation to cell size. Epididymal adipose tissue composition and adipocyte water content were studied in male rats during growth and development of spontaneous obesity. The data show that a highly significant positive correlation exists between fat-cell volume and intracellular water space (IWS) (r=.967, P less than .001). Intracellular water, expressed as picoliters per fat cell, varied from 1.5-2 in small fat cells (mean vol, 30-50 pl) to 9-10 in large cells (800-1,000 pl). When expressed as percent of fat-cell volume, IWS varied from 5-7% in the small fat cells to 1-1.3% in the large ones. Total adipose tissue water continued to increase with increasing adipose mass. Similarly, total adipocyte water increased with enlarging cell size and tissue mass. The contribution of total adipocyte water (as contrasted to that of nonadipocyte water) to total tissue water, however, was found to be limited (less than 23%) and to decline progressively with adipose mass expansion.", "PMID": 998803} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7371", "title": "Effects of angiotensin, vasopressin, and methoxamine on cardiac function and blood flow distribution in conscious dogs.", "content": "A comparison was made of the effects of vasopressin (ADH), methoxamine (MX), and angiotensin II (AN) on coronary and left ventricular dynamics, cardiac output, and regional blood flow distribution in intact, consci9us dogs. At an equal percent pressure elevation, ADH reduced cardiac output and cardiac rate the most, while AN had the least effect. After denervation of arterial baroreceptors, ADH still reduced heart rate, while AN increased it, suggesting nonbaroreceptor negative and positive chronotropic effects, respectively. A differential pattern on peak dP/dt was also observed, with ACH causing a greater reduction than MX while AN did not decrease dP/dt. With heart rate held constant, AN did not reduce dP/dt, suggesting a direct positive inotropic effect since dP/dt should have fallen slightly due to reflex mechanisms, as was observed with MX and ADH. ADH induced the greatest increase in coronary resistance (140%), while the least (46%) was observed with AN, which could be explained, in part, by the differential effects observed on cardiac rate and contractility. The greatest increase in resistance in the iliac bed occurred with ADH (30%), and the least with AN (34%). Conversely, the greatest constriction in the renal bed occurred with AN (95%), and lesser amounts were observed with ADH (36%) and MX (35%). Thus ADH, MX, and AN exert potent yet differential vasoconstricting actions on peripheral beds. In addition, while all three agents elicited coronary vasoconstriction, the differential effects on coronary vascular resistance appeared to be due predominantly to a difference in chronotropic and inotropic actions.", "contents": "Effects of angiotensin, vasopressin, and methoxamine on cardiac function and blood flow distribution in conscious dogs. A comparison was made of the effects of vasopressin (ADH), methoxamine (MX), and angiotensin II (AN) on coronary and left ventricular dynamics, cardiac output, and regional blood flow distribution in intact, consci9us dogs. At an equal percent pressure elevation, ADH reduced cardiac output and cardiac rate the most, while AN had the least effect. After denervation of arterial baroreceptors, ADH still reduced heart rate, while AN increased it, suggesting nonbaroreceptor negative and positive chronotropic effects, respectively. A differential pattern on peak dP/dt was also observed, with ACH causing a greater reduction than MX while AN did not decrease dP/dt. With heart rate held constant, AN did not reduce dP/dt, suggesting a direct positive inotropic effect since dP/dt should have fallen slightly due to reflex mechanisms, as was observed with MX and ADH. ADH induced the greatest increase in coronary resistance (140%), while the least (46%) was observed with AN, which could be explained, in part, by the differential effects observed on cardiac rate and contractility. The greatest increase in resistance in the iliac bed occurred with ADH (30%), and the least with AN (34%). Conversely, the greatest constriction in the renal bed occurred with AN (95%), and lesser amounts were observed with ADH (36%) and MX (35%). Thus ADH, MX, and AN exert potent yet differential vasoconstricting actions on peripheral beds. In addition, while all three agents elicited coronary vasoconstriction, the differential effects on coronary vascular resistance appeared to be due predominantly to a difference in chronotropic and inotropic actions.", "PMID": 998804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7372", "title": "Absorption and exchange of water across rumen epithelium.", "content": "The osmotic pressure of solutions in the ventral sac of the rumen of the conscious cow was varied with Na Cl or mannitol. The mucosal blood flow measured by HTO clearance was minimal when the lumen contained an isotonic solution and rose threefold when the rumen was hypo- or hypertonic to plasma by 150 mosmol/kg. Thus osmotic gradients actoss the rumen epithelium stimulated mucosal blood flow. Using osmotic gradients small enough to avoid blood flow stimulation, the net water flow could be enhanced by butyrate, a chemical stimulator of blood flow. Thus water movement was partially limited by blood flow. This implied an appreciable change in osmotic pressure of the capillary blood toward that of the rumen contents. The relative importance of blood flow, membrane permeability, and solute uptake on water transport was assessed. The osmotic pressure in the rumen was stationary when the rumen solution was distinctly hypotonic to plasma. The absorbate in the absence of an osmotic gradient was thus hypertonic. The net uptake of solute increased rapidly when the solution in the lumen was hypertonic to plasma. This gave rise to a more rapid rate of change of osmotic pressure in the rumen under this condition.", "contents": "Absorption and exchange of water across rumen epithelium. The osmotic pressure of solutions in the ventral sac of the rumen of the conscious cow was varied with Na Cl or mannitol. The mucosal blood flow measured by HTO clearance was minimal when the lumen contained an isotonic solution and rose threefold when the rumen was hypo- or hypertonic to plasma by 150 mosmol/kg. Thus osmotic gradients actoss the rumen epithelium stimulated mucosal blood flow. Using osmotic gradients small enough to avoid blood flow stimulation, the net water flow could be enhanced by butyrate, a chemical stimulator of blood flow. Thus water movement was partially limited by blood flow. This implied an appreciable change in osmotic pressure of the capillary blood toward that of the rumen contents. The relative importance of blood flow, membrane permeability, and solute uptake on water transport was assessed. The osmotic pressure in the rumen was stationary when the rumen solution was distinctly hypotonic to plasma. The absorbate in the absence of an osmotic gradient was thus hypertonic. The net uptake of solute increased rapidly when the solution in the lumen was hypertonic to plasma. This gave rise to a more rapid rate of change of osmotic pressure in the rumen under this condition.", "PMID": 998805} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7373", "title": "Basis for synchronization of sympathetic and phrenic nerve discharges.", "content": "The basis for the relationship between the discharges in the external cartized cats that were vagotomized, paralyzed, and artificially ventilated. Ive discharge (with the period of the cycle of phrenic nerve activity) is extrinsically imposed on central sympathetic networks by elements of the brainstem respiratory oscillator. However, a number of observations made in the present study contradict this view. First, changes in respiratory rate were accompanied by dramatic shifts in the phase relations between sympathetic and phrenic nerve discharge. Second, slow oscillations of sympathetic and phrenic nerve discharge were not always locked in a 1:1 relation. Third, the slow sympathetic rhythm persisted when respiratory rhythmicity disappeic components of sympathetic and phrenic nerve activity are generated by in", "contents": "Basis for synchronization of sympathetic and phrenic nerve discharges. The basis for the relationship between the discharges in the external cartized cats that were vagotomized, paralyzed, and artificially ventilated. Ive discharge (with the period of the cycle of phrenic nerve activity) is extrinsically imposed on central sympathetic networks by elements of the brainstem respiratory oscillator. However, a number of observations made in the present study contradict this view. First, changes in respiratory rate were accompanied by dramatic shifts in the phase relations between sympathetic and phrenic nerve discharge. Second, slow oscillations of sympathetic and phrenic nerve discharge were not always locked in a 1:1 relation. Third, the slow sympathetic rhythm persisted when respiratory rhythmicity disappeic components of sympathetic and phrenic nerve activity are generated by in", "PMID": 998806} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7374", "title": "PO2-modulated performance of cardiac muscle.", "content": "An inverse linear relationship between normalized tension development (T/mm2) and muscle cross-sectional area (range 0.32-1.68 mm2) is seen in fully oxygenated rat papillary and columnar carnease muscles studied while contracting isometrically at the apex of the length-tension curve. The data demonstrate progressively poorer performance with thicker preparations, presumatic blockade) is added to fully oxygenated muscle preparations, no significant change in performance is seen even with the thickest preparations, suggesting that no portion of mechanical activity is supported by anaerobic glycolysis. With progressive lowering of the muscle bath PO2, the relative contributions of aerobic and glycolytic activity to mechanical performance are demonstrated. Viewed from the Hill model of oxygen and lactic acid distribution in a cylindrical section of muscle, the data that suggest the presence of a hypoxic core appear contrary to the evidence that indicates the absence of tension supported by glycolytic activity. A possible solution to this apparent contradiction is presented. The findings of these experiments emphasize limitations of isolated muscle studies and help define the relationship between oxygenation and mechanical activity of cardiac muscle.", "contents": "PO2-modulated performance of cardiac muscle. An inverse linear relationship between normalized tension development (T/mm2) and muscle cross-sectional area (range 0.32-1.68 mm2) is seen in fully oxygenated rat papillary and columnar carnease muscles studied while contracting isometrically at the apex of the length-tension curve. The data demonstrate progressively poorer performance with thicker preparations, presumatic blockade) is added to fully oxygenated muscle preparations, no significant change in performance is seen even with the thickest preparations, suggesting that no portion of mechanical activity is supported by anaerobic glycolysis. With progressive lowering of the muscle bath PO2, the relative contributions of aerobic and glycolytic activity to mechanical performance are demonstrated. Viewed from the Hill model of oxygen and lactic acid distribution in a cylindrical section of muscle, the data that suggest the presence of a hypoxic core appear contrary to the evidence that indicates the absence of tension supported by glycolytic activity. A possible solution to this apparent contradiction is presented. The findings of these experiments emphasize limitations of isolated muscle studies and help define the relationship between oxygenation and mechanical activity of cardiac muscle.", "PMID": 998807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7375", "title": "Compensatory phosphaturia after unilateral nephrectomy in the rat.", "content": "Within 24 hr after unilateral nephrectomy, fractional excretion of phosphate (FEp) by the remaining kidney is markedly increased. This increase in FEp occurs in throparathyroidectomized rats receiving fixed replacement doses of parathyroid hormone and, therefore, cannot be due to secondary hyperparathyroidism occurring in response to unilateral nephrectomy. In the avsence of any hormone replacement, the increase in FEp is much reduced, but still present. The increase in FEp cannot be ascribed to depression of overall tubular sodium reabsorption because it could be demonstrated in the absence of an increase in FENa. Phosphaturia following unilateral nephrectomy in the rat appears to be part of the complex of events that occur after acute reduction of renal mass; the exact mechanisms of its genesis are uncertain.", "contents": "Compensatory phosphaturia after unilateral nephrectomy in the rat. Within 24 hr after unilateral nephrectomy, fractional excretion of phosphate (FEp) by the remaining kidney is markedly increased. This increase in FEp occurs in throparathyroidectomized rats receiving fixed replacement doses of parathyroid hormone and, therefore, cannot be due to secondary hyperparathyroidism occurring in response to unilateral nephrectomy. In the avsence of any hormone replacement, the increase in FEp is much reduced, but still present. The increase in FEp cannot be ascribed to depression of overall tubular sodium reabsorption because it could be demonstrated in the absence of an increase in FENa. Phosphaturia following unilateral nephrectomy in the rat appears to be part of the complex of events that occur after acute reduction of renal mass; the exact mechanisms of its genesis are uncertain.", "PMID": 998808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7376", "title": "Does accommodative micropsia exist?", "content": "Subjects matched the size of a test target seen under various conditions of accommodation and convergence to the size of a reference target seen under constant conditions. Convergence, as expected, had a substantial effect on perceived size, while accommodation by itself had little or none.", "contents": "Does accommodative micropsia exist? Subjects matched the size of a test target seen under various conditions of accommodation and convergence to the size of a reference target seen under constant conditions. Convergence, as expected, had a substantial effect on perceived size, while accommodation by itself had little or none.", "PMID": 998809} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7377", "title": "Recognition thresholds as a function of word length.", "content": "Several experiments investigated the effect of word length on recognition thresholds for both familiar English words and unfamiliar pseudowords, the thresholds measured both with and without a stimulus mask. For familiar English words, length had no effect either with or without a mask. For unfamiliar pseudowords, length had a dramatic effect both with and without a mask.", "contents": "Recognition thresholds as a function of word length. Several experiments investigated the effect of word length on recognition thresholds for both familiar English words and unfamiliar pseudowords, the thresholds measured both with and without a stimulus mask. For familiar English words, length had no effect either with or without a mask. For unfamiliar pseudowords, length had a dramatic effect both with and without a mask.", "PMID": 998810} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7378", "title": "Gonadoblastoma: an ovarian tumor with characteristic pelvic calcifications.", "content": "Typical circumscribed mottled calcifications in the pelvis are a frequent finding in gonadoblastomas. Six patients with this tumor are reviewed. Radiologically visible calcifying gonadoblastomas were found in three cases.", "contents": "Gonadoblastoma: an ovarian tumor with characteristic pelvic calcifications. Typical circumscribed mottled calcifications in the pelvis are a frequent finding in gonadoblastomas. Six patients with this tumor are reviewed. Radiologically visible calcifying gonadoblastomas were found in three cases.", "PMID": 998811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7379", "title": "Calcified intraperitoneal metastases from ovarian carcinoma.", "content": "Three cases of calcified ovarian metastatic carcinoma are reported in order to illustrate their principal forms and distribution. These cases also demonstrate unusual features of serosal, colonic, and gastric invasion; ureteral obstruction by a calcified metastasis; and active uptake of technetium diphosphonate by the metastatic lesions. Plain films often simulate retained colonic barium.", "contents": "Calcified intraperitoneal metastases from ovarian carcinoma. Three cases of calcified ovarian metastatic carcinoma are reported in order to illustrate their principal forms and distribution. These cases also demonstrate unusual features of serosal, colonic, and gastric invasion; ureteral obstruction by a calcified metastasis; and active uptake of technetium diphosphonate by the metastatic lesions. Plain films often simulate retained colonic barium.", "PMID": 998812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7380", "title": "Sonographic-radiographic correlations of renal and perirenal infections.", "content": "Sonograms of 43 patients with intrinsic and perirenal infectious processes are reviewed. Fourteen had acute pyelonephritis; three, suppurative pyelonephritis; two, focal pyelonephritis; six, renal abscesses; three, infected cysts; six, perinephric abscesses; six, pyonephrosis; and three, chronic pyelonephritis. Sonography had little diagnostic value except for the patients with perinephric abscess. However, it proved valuable as a guide for a percutaneous approach to obtain cells for histologic diagnosis, to obtain fluid to determine chemotherapy, and to perform antegrade pyelography and percutaneous nephrostomy.", "contents": "Sonographic-radiographic correlations of renal and perirenal infections. Sonograms of 43 patients with intrinsic and perirenal infectious processes are reviewed. Fourteen had acute pyelonephritis; three, suppurative pyelonephritis; two, focal pyelonephritis; six, renal abscesses; three, infected cysts; six, perinephric abscesses; six, pyonephrosis; and three, chronic pyelonephritis. Sonography had little diagnostic value except for the patients with perinephric abscess. However, it proved valuable as a guide for a percutaneous approach to obtain cells for histologic diagnosis, to obtain fluid to determine chemotherapy, and to perform antegrade pyelography and percutaneous nephrostomy.", "PMID": 998813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7381", "title": "An approach to cardiac malposition and the heterotaxy syndrome using 99mTc sulfur colloid imaging.", "content": "A diagnostic approach to cardiac malposition and the heterotaxy syndrome is outlined. The 99mTc sulfur colloid intravenous forward angiocardiogram and plain chest radiograph are used to determine the two key diagnostic points: position of the venous atrium and stomach. If located on the opposite sides of the body, four basic situs configurations are possible, and the presence of associated cardiac anomalies may be predicted. For the two configurations in which the cardiac apex is on the same side as the stomach, the incidence of associated cardiac anomalies is low; when on opposite sides, the indicence is high. If the venous atrium and stomach are on the same side, then abdominal heterotaxy with associated splenic abnormality is present. Dynamic 99mTc sulfur colloid imaging will usually show interruption of the inferior vena cava, if present, and multiple or absent spleens.", "contents": "An approach to cardiac malposition and the heterotaxy syndrome using 99mTc sulfur colloid imaging. A diagnostic approach to cardiac malposition and the heterotaxy syndrome is outlined. The 99mTc sulfur colloid intravenous forward angiocardiogram and plain chest radiograph are used to determine the two key diagnostic points: position of the venous atrium and stomach. If located on the opposite sides of the body, four basic situs configurations are possible, and the presence of associated cardiac anomalies may be predicted. For the two configurations in which the cardiac apex is on the same side as the stomach, the incidence of associated cardiac anomalies is low; when on opposite sides, the indicence is high. If the venous atrium and stomach are on the same side, then abdominal heterotaxy with associated splenic abnormality is present. Dynamic 99mTc sulfur colloid imaging will usually show interruption of the inferior vena cava, if present, and multiple or absent spleens.", "PMID": 998814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7382", "title": "ARS Presidential Address: Estrogen therapy: a causal role in endometrial cancer?", "content": "Publicity associated with recent reports of a greater frequency of adenocarcinoma of the endometrium among women who take exogenous estrogens has created confusion among physicians and fear among patients. An objective review of available data on estrogen effects and current epidemiologic evidence suggests that estrogen may play an indirect role in the development of endometrial carcinoma. Until definitive data are available, physicians should exercise caution in prescribing estrogens, monitoring the status of the endometrium at regular intervals by sampling and pathologic analysis.", "contents": "ARS Presidential Address: Estrogen therapy: a causal role in endometrial cancer? Publicity associated with recent reports of a greater frequency of adenocarcinoma of the endometrium among women who take exogenous estrogens has created confusion among physicians and fear among patients. An objective review of available data on estrogen effects and current epidemiologic evidence suggests that estrogen may play an indirect role in the development of endometrial carcinoma. Until definitive data are available, physicians should exercise caution in prescribing estrogens, monitoring the status of the endometrium at regular intervals by sampling and pathologic analysis.", "PMID": 998825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7383", "title": "Initial accuracy of esophagograms in detection of small esophageal carcinoma.", "content": "Esophagograms of 35 patients were interpreted without knowledge of clinical history by four diagnostic radiologists. Six esophagograms were of normal esophagi, 16 were of various benign disorders, and 13 were examples of small (less than 3.5 cm) esophageal carcinomas. Overall diagnostic accuracy averaged 58%. Small esophageal carcinomas were initially diagnosed accurately in 73% of cases. Of the 27% false negative diagnoses, 6% were interpreted as normal and 21% as benign abnormalities. Esophageal lesions in the form of ulceration surrounded by mass were most often diagnosed correctly as carcinoma. The most common error was interpretation of esophagitis, stricture, and ulcerated benign lesions as carcinoma. Esophagography was found to be a good screening procedure for detection of esophageal disease but not for accurate diagnosis of small carcinomas.", "contents": "Initial accuracy of esophagograms in detection of small esophageal carcinoma. Esophagograms of 35 patients were interpreted without knowledge of clinical history by four diagnostic radiologists. Six esophagograms were of normal esophagi, 16 were of various benign disorders, and 13 were examples of small (less than 3.5 cm) esophageal carcinomas. Overall diagnostic accuracy averaged 58%. Small esophageal carcinomas were initially diagnosed accurately in 73% of cases. Of the 27% false negative diagnoses, 6% were interpreted as normal and 21% as benign abnormalities. Esophageal lesions in the form of ulceration surrounded by mass were most often diagnosed correctly as carcinoma. The most common error was interpretation of esophagitis, stricture, and ulcerated benign lesions as carcinoma. Esophagography was found to be a good screening procedure for detection of esophageal disease but not for accurate diagnosis of small carcinomas.", "PMID": 998826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7384", "title": "Gastrointestinal perforation without intraperitoneal air-fluid level in neonatal pneumoperitoneum.", "content": "Twenty-one cases of neonatal pneumoperitoneum seen at the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital between 1970 and 1974 were reviewed. Of 14 cases with autopsy or surgically proven gastrointestinal perforation, six did not have an intraperitoneal air-fluid level on the initial cross-table lateral roentgenogram while eight did. Four cases of pneumoperitoneum secondary to mechanically assisted ventilation and air leak phenomenon had no air-fluid level. A postmortem study in one premature infant cadaver suggests that the air-fluid level may not be reliably demonstrated when the amount of intraperitoneal fluid is small. These data support the contention that an intraperitoneal air-fluid level does not uniformly occur in perforated viscus and that its absence, even in the presence of mechanically assisted ventilation, does not exclude the necessity for surgical intervention. In some cases, water-soluble contrast examination of the gastrointestinal tract appears to be a more reliable diagnostic adjunct to document a perforated viscus, when a definite intraperitoneal air-fluid level is not present.", "contents": "Gastrointestinal perforation without intraperitoneal air-fluid level in neonatal pneumoperitoneum. Twenty-one cases of neonatal pneumoperitoneum seen at the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital between 1970 and 1974 were reviewed. Of 14 cases with autopsy or surgically proven gastrointestinal perforation, six did not have an intraperitoneal air-fluid level on the initial cross-table lateral roentgenogram while eight did. Four cases of pneumoperitoneum secondary to mechanically assisted ventilation and air leak phenomenon had no air-fluid level. A postmortem study in one premature infant cadaver suggests that the air-fluid level may not be reliably demonstrated when the amount of intraperitoneal fluid is small. These data support the contention that an intraperitoneal air-fluid level does not uniformly occur in perforated viscus and that its absence, even in the presence of mechanically assisted ventilation, does not exclude the necessity for surgical intervention. In some cases, water-soluble contrast examination of the gastrointestinal tract appears to be a more reliable diagnostic adjunct to document a perforated viscus, when a definite intraperitoneal air-fluid level is not present.", "PMID": 998827} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7385", "title": "Absent mesosternum in congenital heart disease.", "content": "The association of developmental abnormalities of the sternum with congenital heart disease is well known. These abnormalities include hypoplasia, multiple centers, and premature fusion. The absence of the sternal bodies in patients with congenital heart disease unrelated to a specific syndrome complex has not been previously described. Possible association with congenital pulmonary vascular disease was noted.", "contents": "Absent mesosternum in congenital heart disease. The association of developmental abnormalities of the sternum with congenital heart disease is well known. These abnormalities include hypoplasia, multiple centers, and premature fusion. The absence of the sternal bodies in patients with congenital heart disease unrelated to a specific syndrome complex has not been previously described. Possible association with congenital pulmonary vascular disease was noted.", "PMID": 998828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7386", "title": "Frontometaphyseal dysplasia: evidence for autosomal dominant inheritance.", "content": "Frontometaphyseal dysplasia is a syndrome that encompasses cranial hyperostosis, abnormal tubulation of cylindrical bones, and other skeletal and extraskeletal abnormalities. The most striking features are overgrowth of the supraorbital ridges which results in a Mephistophelian facial appearance and a radiographic configuration of the skull that has been likened to a soldier's helmet. Most patients have severe hearing loss, defective dentition, poorly developed musculature, and joint contractures. Dominant inheritance has been suggested in previous reports, but an appropriate pedigree has been documented in only one family. This paper describes three additional patients in two unrelated families: (1) an 8-year-old boy whose mother has mild metaphyseal dysplasia and several minor skeletal abnormalities that have occurred in patients with the syndrome; and (2) two maternal half-brothers. These cases provide additional evidence that frontometaphyseal dysplasia is an autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance.", "contents": "Frontometaphyseal dysplasia: evidence for autosomal dominant inheritance. Frontometaphyseal dysplasia is a syndrome that encompasses cranial hyperostosis, abnormal tubulation of cylindrical bones, and other skeletal and extraskeletal abnormalities. The most striking features are overgrowth of the supraorbital ridges which results in a Mephistophelian facial appearance and a radiographic configuration of the skull that has been likened to a soldier's helmet. Most patients have severe hearing loss, defective dentition, poorly developed musculature, and joint contractures. Dominant inheritance has been suggested in previous reports, but an appropriate pedigree has been documented in only one family. This paper describes three additional patients in two unrelated families: (1) an 8-year-old boy whose mother has mild metaphyseal dysplasia and several minor skeletal abnormalities that have occurred in patients with the syndrome; and (2) two maternal half-brothers. These cases provide additional evidence that frontometaphyseal dysplasia is an autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance.", "PMID": 998829} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7387", "title": "Effects of radiation therapy on growing long bones.", "content": "Characteristic radiographic changes were seen in six of 14 children who received radiation therapy to the epiphyseal plate of a long bone. These changes, which include metaphyseal sclerosis, metaphyseal fraying, and epiphyseal plate widening, resemble rickets. In three patients, these changes were followed by development of a broad metaphyseal band of increased density. The absence of metaphyseal changes may indicate sterilization of cartilage cells and may be predictive of significant limb shortening.", "contents": "Effects of radiation therapy on growing long bones. Characteristic radiographic changes were seen in six of 14 children who received radiation therapy to the epiphyseal plate of a long bone. These changes, which include metaphyseal sclerosis, metaphyseal fraying, and epiphyseal plate widening, resemble rickets. In three patients, these changes were followed by development of a broad metaphyseal band of increased density. The absence of metaphyseal changes may indicate sterilization of cartilage cells and may be predictive of significant limb shortening.", "PMID": 998830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7388", "title": "The single ectopic ureter.", "content": "A significant number of ureters with ectopic insertion occur in the single (nonduplex) collecting system. We have investigated 16 patients with this anomaly whose ureters were abnormal enough to cause problems. Characteristic symptoms at presentation included a pelvic mass, ureterovesical obstruction, a ureterocele, urinary dribbling, epididymitis, and infection of the urinary tract with or without reflux. Radiographic evaluation is usually possible using only intravenous urogarphy and voiding cystourethrography. Nonvisualization of one kidney in association with one of the above findings should suggest a single ectopic ureter. Particular attention should be paid to the site of ureteral insertion whenever reflux is seen.", "contents": "The single ectopic ureter. A significant number of ureters with ectopic insertion occur in the single (nonduplex) collecting system. We have investigated 16 patients with this anomaly whose ureters were abnormal enough to cause problems. Characteristic symptoms at presentation included a pelvic mass, ureterovesical obstruction, a ureterocele, urinary dribbling, epididymitis, and infection of the urinary tract with or without reflux. Radiographic evaluation is usually possible using only intravenous urogarphy and voiding cystourethrography. Nonvisualization of one kidney in association with one of the above findings should suggest a single ectopic ureter. Particular attention should be paid to the site of ureteral insertion whenever reflux is seen.", "PMID": 998831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7389", "title": "Hepatic occlusion venography with a balloon catheter in patients with end-to side portacaval shunts.", "content": "Hepatic occlusion venography with the aid of a Swan-Ganz balloon catheter represents a significant improvement in the radiographic demonstration of hepatic veins and their alteration in liver disease. It is simple to perform and can be combined with other hemodynamic examinations (e.g., hepatic vein pressure measurements). In this way the morphologic and hemodynamic changes in the pre- and postoperative evaluation of patients with portal hypertension can be investigated simultaneously. The method allows optimal demonstration of large branches of hepatic veins. Overloading of small areas of liver parenchyma with concentrated contrast medium, as in wedged hepatic venography, is avoided. Previously unknown portosplanchnic anastomoses developing after end-to-side portacaval shunt were demonstrated in seven of eight patients using this method. The frequency and size of these collaterals suggest possible hemodynamic and clinical significance.", "contents": "Hepatic occlusion venography with a balloon catheter in patients with end-to side portacaval shunts. Hepatic occlusion venography with the aid of a Swan-Ganz balloon catheter represents a significant improvement in the radiographic demonstration of hepatic veins and their alteration in liver disease. It is simple to perform and can be combined with other hemodynamic examinations (e.g., hepatic vein pressure measurements). In this way the morphologic and hemodynamic changes in the pre- and postoperative evaluation of patients with portal hypertension can be investigated simultaneously. The method allows optimal demonstration of large branches of hepatic veins. Overloading of small areas of liver parenchyma with concentrated contrast medium, as in wedged hepatic venography, is avoided. Previously unknown portosplanchnic anastomoses developing after end-to-side portacaval shunt were demonstrated in seven of eight patients using this method. The frequency and size of these collaterals suggest possible hemodynamic and clinical significance.", "PMID": 998832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7390", "title": "Arteriographic evaluation of the femoral bifurcation value of the ipsilateral anterior oblique projection.", "content": "Accurate preoperative evaluation of the proximal deep femoral artery is critical in proper surgical management of aortofemoral ischemic disease. A review of 116 femoral arteriograms demonstrated significant improvement in visualization of the femoral bifurcation and detection of proximal stenosis of the deep femoral artery when the ipsilateral anterior oblique projection was obtained in addition to the conventional anteroposterior projection.", "contents": "Arteriographic evaluation of the femoral bifurcation value of the ipsilateral anterior oblique projection. Accurate preoperative evaluation of the proximal deep femoral artery is critical in proper surgical management of aortofemoral ischemic disease. A review of 116 femoral arteriograms demonstrated significant improvement in visualization of the femoral bifurcation and detection of proximal stenosis of the deep femoral artery when the ipsilateral anterior oblique projection was obtained in addition to the conventional anteroposterior projection.", "PMID": 998833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7391", "title": "Metrizamide cisternography with hypocycloidal tomography: preliminary results.", "content": "Metrizamide (Amipaque), a nonionic water soluble contrast agent, has been shown to be safe and efficacious for lumbar myelography. Clinical trials of cervical, thoracic, and even intracranial examinations have produced good results. Despite an inherent neurotoxicity, significant complications have been quite rare, and patient tolerance in general is remarkably good. Preliminary results of metrizamide cisternograms using hypocycloidal tomography are presented to illustrate the anatomic detail which can be demonstrated using this technique.", "contents": "Metrizamide cisternography with hypocycloidal tomography: preliminary results. Metrizamide (Amipaque), a nonionic water soluble contrast agent, has been shown to be safe and efficacious for lumbar myelography. Clinical trials of cervical, thoracic, and even intracranial examinations have produced good results. Despite an inherent neurotoxicity, significant complications have been quite rare, and patient tolerance in general is remarkably good. Preliminary results of metrizamide cisternograms using hypocycloidal tomography are presented to illustrate the anatomic detail which can be demonstrated using this technique.", "PMID": 998834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7392", "title": "Fracture of the sella turcica.", "content": "Fracture involving the sella turcica is a rare complication of head trauma, but extremely important due to its strategic location adjacent to vital vascular and nervous structures. Of 14 cases reviewed, nine had at least one cranial nerve paralysis, with endocrine abnormalities and cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea seen to a lesser degree. The radiographic findings of sphenoid sinus fluid (13 of 14 cases), pneumocephalus, and unusual vascular occlusions are discussed.", "contents": "Fracture of the sella turcica. Fracture involving the sella turcica is a rare complication of head trauma, but extremely important due to its strategic location adjacent to vital vascular and nervous structures. Of 14 cases reviewed, nine had at least one cranial nerve paralysis, with endocrine abnormalities and cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea seen to a lesser degree. The radiographic findings of sphenoid sinus fluid (13 of 14 cases), pneumocephalus, and unusual vascular occlusions are discussed.", "PMID": 998835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7393", "title": "Intracranial chondromas.", "content": "Intracranial chondromas are rare lesions. Four new cases are added to the previously recorded 122 cases. These tumors originate from rests of cartilaginous cells at sphenoethmoidal and sphenooccipital synchondroses. Clinically, the major symptom is lower cranial nerve palsy; proptosis and visual impairment can also occur. More than 60% of the lesions are calcified. Bone destruction is common. Angiography shows displacement of vessels but no tumor stain. Pneumoencephalography reveals displacement of basal cisterns and the ventricular system. A radionuclide brain scan may show abnormal uptake in the tumor. Computed tomography should prove useful in evaluating cerebral extension. Unusual features in our case material included the presence of associated aneurysms in one.", "contents": "Intracranial chondromas. Intracranial chondromas are rare lesions. Four new cases are added to the previously recorded 122 cases. These tumors originate from rests of cartilaginous cells at sphenoethmoidal and sphenooccipital synchondroses. Clinically, the major symptom is lower cranial nerve palsy; proptosis and visual impairment can also occur. More than 60% of the lesions are calcified. Bone destruction is common. Angiography shows displacement of vessels but no tumor stain. Pneumoencephalography reveals displacement of basal cisterns and the ventricular system. A radionuclide brain scan may show abnormal uptake in the tumor. Computed tomography should prove useful in evaluating cerebral extension. Unusual features in our case material included the presence of associated aneurysms in one.", "PMID": 998836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7394", "title": "Arachnoid cysts on computed tomography.", "content": "The appearances of arachnoid cysts on computed tomography are presented. They are well defined lesions with the same density as cerebrospimal fluid and are not contrast enhanced. Superficial lesions are biconvex or semicircular and may have a characteristic straight inner margin. Deep lesions and cysts between the cerebellar hemispheres are spherical and some may be difficult to differentiate from cystic neoplasms. The etiology and clinical manifestations of arachnoid cysts are also briefly discussed.", "contents": "Arachnoid cysts on computed tomography. The appearances of arachnoid cysts on computed tomography are presented. They are well defined lesions with the same density as cerebrospimal fluid and are not contrast enhanced. Superficial lesions are biconvex or semicircular and may have a characteristic straight inner margin. Deep lesions and cysts between the cerebellar hemispheres are spherical and some may be difficult to differentiate from cystic neoplasms. The etiology and clinical manifestations of arachnoid cysts are also briefly discussed.", "PMID": 998837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7395", "title": "Anterior mediastinal lymphadenopathy in sarcoidosis.", "content": "Several lymph node chains in the anterior mediastinum lie between the sternum and the trachea. On a lateral chest radiograph they form two distinct groups separated by the superior vena cava. One group projects anterior to the trachea and is formed by overlapping nodes of the anterior paratracheal and the left anterior mediastinal (prearterial) chains. The other is in front of the superior vena cava, composed of the right anterior mediastinal (prevenous) and horizontal chains. The position of these chains prevents them, even when enlarged, from being seen on posteroanterior chest radiographs or tomography: frequently they may not be appreciated on lateral chest films. Therefore lateral chest tomography is the best method to evaluate anterior mediastinal lymphadenopathy. With this technique, anterior mediastinal lymphadenopathy in sarcoidosis should be found more frequently than indicated in the literature.", "contents": "Anterior mediastinal lymphadenopathy in sarcoidosis. Several lymph node chains in the anterior mediastinum lie between the sternum and the trachea. On a lateral chest radiograph they form two distinct groups separated by the superior vena cava. One group projects anterior to the trachea and is formed by overlapping nodes of the anterior paratracheal and the left anterior mediastinal (prearterial) chains. The other is in front of the superior vena cava, composed of the right anterior mediastinal (prevenous) and horizontal chains. The position of these chains prevents them, even when enlarged, from being seen on posteroanterior chest radiographs or tomography: frequently they may not be appreciated on lateral chest films. Therefore lateral chest tomography is the best method to evaluate anterior mediastinal lymphadenopathy. With this technique, anterior mediastinal lymphadenopathy in sarcoidosis should be found more frequently than indicated in the literature.", "PMID": 998838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7396", "title": "Differences between right and left lateral chest radiographs.", "content": "Differences between 150 normal right lateral chest teleroentgenographs and 150 left laterals (infants, children, and adults) were evaluated and determined to be greater than has been generally appreciated. On the left lateral view the left leaf is distinguished from the right leaf by the following generalizations: anteriorly the left leaf is lower; posteriorly it is higher as is its costrophrenic sulcus; it intersects the relatively flattened right leaf near the posterior heart border; the stomach bubble and/or colon are immediately subjacent; there is no segmental obliteration by the inferior vena cava as there often is with the right leaf; in adults the outline of the left leaf is often sharper. When both major fissures can be identified, the left almost always intersects its diaphragmatic leaf posterior to and more vertically than the right fissure.", "contents": "Differences between right and left lateral chest radiographs. Differences between 150 normal right lateral chest teleroentgenographs and 150 left laterals (infants, children, and adults) were evaluated and determined to be greater than has been generally appreciated. On the left lateral view the left leaf is distinguished from the right leaf by the following generalizations: anteriorly the left leaf is lower; posteriorly it is higher as is its costrophrenic sulcus; it intersects the relatively flattened right leaf near the posterior heart border; the stomach bubble and/or colon are immediately subjacent; there is no segmental obliteration by the inferior vena cava as there often is with the right leaf; in adults the outline of the left leaf is often sharper. When both major fissures can be identified, the left almost always intersects its diaphragmatic leaf posterior to and more vertically than the right fissure.", "PMID": 998839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7397", "title": "Community experience with small bowel bypass for morbid obesity.", "content": "A comparison of small bowel bypass performed at university centers and by private practitioners in a large metropolitan area demonstrates definite stmilarities in terms of patient selection, mortality and morbidity, and weight loss results. The only aspect of small bowel bypass in the private sector that could be criticized would be the adequacy of follow-up. An operation with as many known and probably other unknown long-term complications as jejunoileal bypass necessitates prolonged careful patient follow-up. We belive the person most qualified to provide such follow-up is the surgeon who performed by bypass procedure.", "contents": "Community experience with small bowel bypass for morbid obesity. A comparison of small bowel bypass performed at university centers and by private practitioners in a large metropolitan area demonstrates definite stmilarities in terms of patient selection, mortality and morbidity, and weight loss results. The only aspect of small bowel bypass in the private sector that could be criticized would be the adequacy of follow-up. An operation with as many known and probably other unknown long-term complications as jejunoileal bypass necessitates prolonged careful patient follow-up. We belive the person most qualified to provide such follow-up is the surgeon who performed by bypass procedure.", "PMID": 998847} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7398", "title": "Choledochoscopy.", "content": "Experience has shown the rigid choledochoscope to be a valuable instrument in the exploration of the common bile duct. It has provided a means for removal of difficult to remove calculi from the common bile duct.", "contents": "Choledochoscopy. Experience has shown the rigid choledochoscope to be a valuable instrument in the exploration of the common bile duct. It has provided a means for removal of difficult to remove calculi from the common bile duct.", "PMID": 998848} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7399", "title": "Cervical stenosis: a developmental anomaly with quadriparesis during football.", "content": "As seen by the graphic depiction of F.M.'s sagittal diameter (Fig. 3) and by the photographs of his air myelogram, cervical sagittal stenosis should be looked for and thought of as an underlying anatomic anomaly in the athlete who has recurrent episodes of \"pinched nerve\" with flexion and hyperextension of his cervical spine during blocking or tackling. It is significant that the patient underwent two \"normal\" cervical spine x-rays before tomograms and air myelogram pointed out the sagittal stenosis of his cervical canal. Sagittal stenosis must be thought of and looked for strenously in the athlete competing in high velocity collision sports where recurrent neck and upper extremity complaints are too often attributed to the pinched nerve complex and a \"horseshoe\" collar is the remedy.", "contents": "Cervical stenosis: a developmental anomaly with quadriparesis during football. As seen by the graphic depiction of F.M.'s sagittal diameter (Fig. 3) and by the photographs of his air myelogram, cervical sagittal stenosis should be looked for and thought of as an underlying anatomic anomaly in the athlete who has recurrent episodes of \"pinched nerve\" with flexion and hyperextension of his cervical spine during blocking or tackling. It is significant that the patient underwent two \"normal\" cervical spine x-rays before tomograms and air myelogram pointed out the sagittal stenosis of his cervical canal. Sagittal stenosis must be thought of and looked for strenously in the athlete competing in high velocity collision sports where recurrent neck and upper extremity complaints are too often attributed to the pinched nerve complex and a \"horseshoe\" collar is the remedy.", "PMID": 998843} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7400", "title": "Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis of jaundice.", "content": "Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was successfully accomplished in 395 patients or 97 per cent of the patients in whom it was attempted. Of 157 patients with cholestatic type jaundice, satisfactory endoscopic retrograde cholangiography or cholangiopancreatography was accomplished in 145 (92 per cent), with only one complication. ERCP excluded extrahepatic biliary ductal obstruction and thus avoided unnecessary surgical exploration in forty-nine patients with cholestatic jaundice. ERCP established the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice in ninety-six patients and delineated the site of ductal obstruction and probable cause. ERCP revealed additional significant previously undiagnosed upper gastrointestinal pathologic changes in 25 per cent of jaundiced patients.", "contents": "Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis of jaundice. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was successfully accomplished in 395 patients or 97 per cent of the patients in whom it was attempted. Of 157 patients with cholestatic type jaundice, satisfactory endoscopic retrograde cholangiography or cholangiopancreatography was accomplished in 145 (92 per cent), with only one complication. ERCP excluded extrahepatic biliary ductal obstruction and thus avoided unnecessary surgical exploration in forty-nine patients with cholestatic jaundice. ERCP established the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice in ninety-six patients and delineated the site of ductal obstruction and probable cause. ERCP revealed additional significant previously undiagnosed upper gastrointestinal pathologic changes in 25 per cent of jaundiced patients.", "PMID": 998849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7401", "title": "Iliac apophysitis and stress fractures in adolescent runners.", "content": "Twenty-one cases of overuse injury to the iliac crest apophysis is presented. It can be a significant cause of disability to the adolescent middle and long distance runner. All cases resolved with 4 to 6 weeks of rest.", "contents": "Iliac apophysitis and stress fractures in adolescent runners. Twenty-one cases of overuse injury to the iliac crest apophysis is presented. It can be a significant cause of disability to the adolescent middle and long distance runner. All cases resolved with 4 to 6 weeks of rest.", "PMID": 998842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7402", "title": "Primary carcinoma of the gallbladder. The role of adjunctive therapy in its treatment.", "content": "Of forty-three patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder discovered ih a twenty-five year period (during which 10,349 patients were diagnosed as having cholelithiasis), eighteen patients (42 per cent) had no obvious tumor outside of the gallbladder at the time of operation, nineteen patients (44 per cent) had local spread of the disease, and six patients (14 per cent) had abdominal carcinomatosis or distant metastasis. In the twenty-one patients who underwent surgical therapy for cure of their disease, the five year survival rate was 33 per cent. The more extensive surgical procedures (other than cholecystectomy alone) did not significantly increase survival. Neither the duration of the symptoms nor the pathologic type of the tumor altered the eventual outcome. No patients with tumor outside the gallbladder at the time of operation survived longer than two years. Compared to those who did not receive it, the fifteen patients treated postoperatively with adjunctive therapy (radiation therapy or chemotherapy or both) lived longer and also were significantly better palliated when tumor outside of the gallbladder was found at the time of operation. From these findings, the routine use of adjunctive therapy is recommended in all patients with disease outside of the gallbladder and serious consideration should be given to its use in all patients found to have carcinoma of the gallbladder.", "contents": "Primary carcinoma of the gallbladder. The role of adjunctive therapy in its treatment. Of forty-three patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder discovered ih a twenty-five year period (during which 10,349 patients were diagnosed as having cholelithiasis), eighteen patients (42 per cent) had no obvious tumor outside of the gallbladder at the time of operation, nineteen patients (44 per cent) had local spread of the disease, and six patients (14 per cent) had abdominal carcinomatosis or distant metastasis. In the twenty-one patients who underwent surgical therapy for cure of their disease, the five year survival rate was 33 per cent. The more extensive surgical procedures (other than cholecystectomy alone) did not significantly increase survival. Neither the duration of the symptoms nor the pathologic type of the tumor altered the eventual outcome. No patients with tumor outside the gallbladder at the time of operation survived longer than two years. Compared to those who did not receive it, the fifteen patients treated postoperatively with adjunctive therapy (radiation therapy or chemotherapy or both) lived longer and also were significantly better palliated when tumor outside of the gallbladder was found at the time of operation. From these findings, the routine use of adjunctive therapy is recommended in all patients with disease outside of the gallbladder and serious consideration should be given to its use in all patients found to have carcinoma of the gallbladder.", "PMID": 998850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7403", "title": "Limb salvage procedures for lower extremity ischemia.", "content": "Limb salvage procedures were performed in ninety patients during the period from 1965 to 1975. Sixteen different procedures were performed with an associated complication rate of 8.9 per cent and a mortality rate of 8.9 per cent. The patency rates were 79.7 per cent at thirty days and 72.9 per cent at last follow-up.", "contents": "Limb salvage procedures for lower extremity ischemia. Limb salvage procedures were performed in ninety patients during the period from 1965 to 1975. Sixteen different procedures were performed with an associated complication rate of 8.9 per cent and a mortality rate of 8.9 per cent. The patency rates were 79.7 per cent at thirty days and 72.9 per cent at last follow-up.", "PMID": 998851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7404", "title": "Little League survey: the Houston study.", "content": "1. In a study of 595 Little League pitchers, approximately 17% had a history of elbow symptoms: only 1% had elbow symptoms which had ever excluded them from pitching. There was no correlation between the presence of symptoms and years of pitching experience. 2. Some limitation of active extension of the elbow was seen in 12% of the pitchers; however, there was no correlation between elbow flexion contractures and years of pitching experience, symptoms, or roentgenographic pathology. No normal child had an elbow flexion contracture greater than 15 degrees. 3. A slight valgus carrying angle is considered a normal anatomic variant in the dominant arm. There was no correlation between valgus carrying angle and years of pitching experience or symptoms or roentgenographic pathology. 4. No roentgenographic evidence of avascular necrosis of the capitellum, radial head, or both was seen in this population. 5. Roentgenographic findings such as bony hypertrophy, enlargement of the medial epicondyle, and secondary ossification centers are normal anatomic variants not related to symptoms. Undisplaced stress fractures of the medial epicondyle respond well to conservative treatment, with no functional residual.", "contents": "Little League survey: the Houston study. 1. In a study of 595 Little League pitchers, approximately 17% had a history of elbow symptoms: only 1% had elbow symptoms which had ever excluded them from pitching. There was no correlation between the presence of symptoms and years of pitching experience. 2. Some limitation of active extension of the elbow was seen in 12% of the pitchers; however, there was no correlation between elbow flexion contractures and years of pitching experience, symptoms, or roentgenographic pathology. No normal child had an elbow flexion contracture greater than 15 degrees. 3. A slight valgus carrying angle is considered a normal anatomic variant in the dominant arm. There was no correlation between valgus carrying angle and years of pitching experience or symptoms or roentgenographic pathology. 4. No roentgenographic evidence of avascular necrosis of the capitellum, radial head, or both was seen in this population. 5. Roentgenographic findings such as bony hypertrophy, enlargement of the medial epicondyle, and secondary ossification centers are normal anatomic variants not related to symptoms. Undisplaced stress fractures of the medial epicondyle respond well to conservative treatment, with no functional residual.", "PMID": 998840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7405", "title": "Little League survey: the Eugene study.", "content": "In a clinical and radiographic survey of the elbows of 120 pitchers ages 11 and 12, 20% were found to have symptoms, 10% flexion contractures, and 23% roentgenographic changes related to traction stresses on the medial side of the elbow. Five per cent had more serious lateral compression findings related to the radial head or capitellum, but none of these had symptoms. Although this represents a definite incidence of abnormal occurrence, there were no statistically significant correlations or interrelations found relating to pitching experience, valgus elbow deformities, symptoms, flexion contractures, or x-ray findings.", "contents": "Little League survey: the Eugene study. In a clinical and radiographic survey of the elbows of 120 pitchers ages 11 and 12, 20% were found to have symptoms, 10% flexion contractures, and 23% roentgenographic changes related to traction stresses on the medial side of the elbow. Five per cent had more serious lateral compression findings related to the radial head or capitellum, but none of these had symptoms. Although this represents a definite incidence of abnormal occurrence, there were no statistically significant correlations or interrelations found relating to pitching experience, valgus elbow deformities, symptoms, flexion contractures, or x-ray findings.", "PMID": 998841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7406", "title": "Follow-up on hang gliding injuries in Colorado.", "content": "In a period extending from July 1973 to December 1975, seven fatal hang glider accidents were recorded in Colorado, all among experienced pilots. In addition, 11 serious nonfatal injuries were reported, which may represent only a fraction of those occurring. Accidents were noted to be multifactorial, caused by (1) pilot error, (2) equipment failure, (3) terrain hazards, and (4) possible design shortcomings. Accidents can be expected to decline in frequency with improved pilot training programs, grading and regulation of sites, and standardized safety clothing. No doubt over time, the less safe standard Rogallo wing will be replaced by the more stable Superkites and controlled collapsibles, which offer a higher safety margin. In the last analysis, this sport will remain a popular yet high risk endeavor (Figs. 2 through 5).", "contents": "Follow-up on hang gliding injuries in Colorado. In a period extending from July 1973 to December 1975, seven fatal hang glider accidents were recorded in Colorado, all among experienced pilots. In addition, 11 serious nonfatal injuries were reported, which may represent only a fraction of those occurring. Accidents were noted to be multifactorial, caused by (1) pilot error, (2) equipment failure, (3) terrain hazards, and (4) possible design shortcomings. Accidents can be expected to decline in frequency with improved pilot training programs, grading and regulation of sites, and standardized safety clothing. No doubt over time, the less safe standard Rogallo wing will be replaced by the more stable Superkites and controlled collapsibles, which offer a higher safety margin. In the last analysis, this sport will remain a popular yet high risk endeavor (Figs. 2 through 5).", "PMID": 998844} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7407", "title": "The role of profundaplasty in revascularization of the lower extremity.", "content": "Profundaplasty has been performed on 112 limbs (88 primary and 24 secondary) in eighty-five men. Seventy-six limbs had incapacitating claudication, twenty-three rest pain, and thirteen either gangrene or ischemic ulceration. In thirty-six limbs treated by profundaplasty alone there were no deaths but five subsequently had amputation for ischemic pain. In the seventy-six limbs treated by profundaplasty plus other operative augmentation there were three operative deaths and one late death; three required further operative surgery and in four amputation was necessary. Oblique arteriographic films of the femoral area are essential for evaluation of the profunda femoris artery. Both radionuclide and Doppler pressure studies confirmed physical and arteriographic findings. The latter would appear superior because of ease of availability and cost. After profundaplasty alone and aortofemoral bypass there was a moderate increase in calf blood flow, but in only those with a patent superficial femoral artery did blood flow and pressure studies return to within normal limits. Profundaplasty is an important addition to the armamentarium of the vascular surgeon in dealing with arteriosclerotic insufficiency of the lower extremities.", "contents": "The role of profundaplasty in revascularization of the lower extremity. Profundaplasty has been performed on 112 limbs (88 primary and 24 secondary) in eighty-five men. Seventy-six limbs had incapacitating claudication, twenty-three rest pain, and thirteen either gangrene or ischemic ulceration. In thirty-six limbs treated by profundaplasty alone there were no deaths but five subsequently had amputation for ischemic pain. In the seventy-six limbs treated by profundaplasty plus other operative augmentation there were three operative deaths and one late death; three required further operative surgery and in four amputation was necessary. Oblique arteriographic films of the femoral area are essential for evaluation of the profunda femoris artery. Both radionuclide and Doppler pressure studies confirmed physical and arteriographic findings. The latter would appear superior because of ease of availability and cost. After profundaplasty alone and aortofemoral bypass there was a moderate increase in calf blood flow, but in only those with a patent superficial femoral artery did blood flow and pressure studies return to within normal limits. Profundaplasty is an important addition to the armamentarium of the vascular surgeon in dealing with arteriosclerotic insufficiency of the lower extremities.", "PMID": 998852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7408", "title": "Clinical evaluation of 99mTc-pyridoxylideneglutamate for hepatobiliary scanning.", "content": "Clinical evaluation of hepatobiliary scanning using 99mTc-PG was done in twenty normal volunteers and eighty-three patients with liver and biliary tract disease. Satisfactory images of the biliary tract were obtained using small dosages of this agent. In normal humans, the agent reached the liver in 5 minutes, and the common bile duct, gallbladder, and duodenum in 10 to 20 minutes. The gallbladder was not visualized when the cystic duct was obstructed in patients with acute and chronic cholecystitis. In patients with partial common bile duct obstruction, a distended duct was visualized and there was delay in transit of radioactivity into the duodenum. With complete common bile duct obstruction, no radioactivity was seen in the biliary or gastrointestinal tracts up to 24 hours after injection. Hepatocellular disease was characterized by delayed liver clearance and delayed visualization of the biliary and gastrointestinal tracts. There were no toxic or other untoward effects in any patients.", "contents": "Clinical evaluation of 99mTc-pyridoxylideneglutamate for hepatobiliary scanning. Clinical evaluation of hepatobiliary scanning using 99mTc-PG was done in twenty normal volunteers and eighty-three patients with liver and biliary tract disease. Satisfactory images of the biliary tract were obtained using small dosages of this agent. In normal humans, the agent reached the liver in 5 minutes, and the common bile duct, gallbladder, and duodenum in 10 to 20 minutes. The gallbladder was not visualized when the cystic duct was obstructed in patients with acute and chronic cholecystitis. In patients with partial common bile duct obstruction, a distended duct was visualized and there was delay in transit of radioactivity into the duodenum. With complete common bile duct obstruction, no radioactivity was seen in the biliary or gastrointestinal tracts up to 24 hours after injection. Hepatocellular disease was characterized by delayed liver clearance and delayed visualization of the biliary and gastrointestinal tracts. There were no toxic or other untoward effects in any patients.", "PMID": 998853} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7409", "title": "Splenectomy in children. A correlative review of indications and complications in fifty patients.", "content": "We have reported our experience with splenectomy in fifty patients less than fourteen years old. The indications, results, and complications were enumerated. These data were then correlated with the recent literature regarding pediatric splenctomy. Of special note is the problem of immunologic incompetency associated with splenectomy in the patients less than five years old.", "contents": "Splenectomy in children. A correlative review of indications and complications in fifty patients. We have reported our experience with splenectomy in fifty patients less than fourteen years old. The indications, results, and complications were enumerated. These data were then correlated with the recent literature regarding pediatric splenctomy. Of special note is the problem of immunologic incompetency associated with splenectomy in the patients less than five years old.", "PMID": 998854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7410", "title": "Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as a small artery replacement. A preliminary report.", "content": "Recent laboratory and clinical investigations have demonstrated a specific configuration of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to be a superior biocompatible material for small artery replacement. Twenty such vascular grafts have been implanted in eighteen patients. Grafts were placed in the femoropopliteal or femoral posterior tibial or anterior tibial positions in fifteen patients and in the aortorenal position in three patients. The early results have been satisfying as judged by follow-up angiography and/or clinical examination. There has been no aneurysmal formation in this series of Impragrafts. No infections have been noted. We believe that Impragraft may offer a logical substitute for the inadequate or surgically absent saphenous vein autograft.", "contents": "Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as a small artery replacement. A preliminary report. Recent laboratory and clinical investigations have demonstrated a specific configuration of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to be a superior biocompatible material for small artery replacement. Twenty such vascular grafts have been implanted in eighteen patients. Grafts were placed in the femoropopliteal or femoral posterior tibial or anterior tibial positions in fifteen patients and in the aortorenal position in three patients. The early results have been satisfying as judged by follow-up angiography and/or clinical examination. There has been no aneurysmal formation in this series of Impragrafts. No infections have been noted. We believe that Impragraft may offer a logical substitute for the inadequate or surgically absent saphenous vein autograft.", "PMID": 998855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7411", "title": "Oculoplethysmography: an adjunct to arteriography in the diagnosis of extracranial carotid occlusive disease.", "content": "A four and a half year study documents that oculoplethysmography, in conjunction with carotid phonoangiography, fulfills the criteria of an effective noninvasive adjunct to arteriography in the diagnosis of extracranial carotid occlusive disease. The risk and expense of unnecessary arteriographic studies can be reduced and accuracy of arteriographic technics and interpretations can be enhanced by routine application of oculoplethysmography.", "contents": "Oculoplethysmography: an adjunct to arteriography in the diagnosis of extracranial carotid occlusive disease. A four and a half year study documents that oculoplethysmography, in conjunction with carotid phonoangiography, fulfills the criteria of an effective noninvasive adjunct to arteriography in the diagnosis of extracranial carotid occlusive disease. The risk and expense of unnecessary arteriographic studies can be reduced and accuracy of arteriographic technics and interpretations can be enhanced by routine application of oculoplethysmography.", "PMID": 998856} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7412", "title": "Value of segmental limb blood pressures in predicting results of aortofemoral bypass.", "content": "The efficacy of segmental limb blood pressure measurements, assessed noninvasively by Doppler ultrasound, in predicting the result of aortofemoral reconstruction was evaluated in fifty-two extremities with varying extent of aortoiliac and more distal arterial occlusive disease. Three prognostic correlates were analyzed: (1) preoperative proximal thigh/arm pressure index (TPI); (2) preoperative pressure gradient between adjacent leg segments (proximal thigh, above-knee, below-knee, and ankle), normally less than 30 mm Hg; and (3) early postoperative increase in the ankle/arm pressure index (API). After aortofemoral bypass, forty-one limbs (79 per cent) were asymptomatic or improved and eleven were unimproved. The mean TPI in extremities benefiting from aortofemoral bypass, 0.82 +/- 0.17 (+/-1SD) was significantly less than that of unimproved limbs, 1.01 +/- 0.09 (p less than 0.01). Aortofemoral bypass was beneficial in all twenty limbs with normal leg pressure gradients. Conversely, six of twenty-five legs with one abnormal gradient and five of seven with two abnormal gradients failed to improve. The postoperative increase in API was 0.1 or more in all forty-one improved extremities and was less than 0.1 in all eleven failures. Although eleven of thirty-two limbs (34 per cent) with arteriographic evidence of combined aortoiliac and subinguinal occlusive disease were not improved after proximal bypass, the result of operation could not be predicted from the angiographic pattern or severity of distal disease. Segmental limb blood pressures provide useful predictive indices of the efficacy of aortofemoral bypass and the potential need for more distal reconstruction in multisegmental disease.", "contents": "Value of segmental limb blood pressures in predicting results of aortofemoral bypass. The efficacy of segmental limb blood pressure measurements, assessed noninvasively by Doppler ultrasound, in predicting the result of aortofemoral reconstruction was evaluated in fifty-two extremities with varying extent of aortoiliac and more distal arterial occlusive disease. Three prognostic correlates were analyzed: (1) preoperative proximal thigh/arm pressure index (TPI); (2) preoperative pressure gradient between adjacent leg segments (proximal thigh, above-knee, below-knee, and ankle), normally less than 30 mm Hg; and (3) early postoperative increase in the ankle/arm pressure index (API). After aortofemoral bypass, forty-one limbs (79 per cent) were asymptomatic or improved and eleven were unimproved. The mean TPI in extremities benefiting from aortofemoral bypass, 0.82 +/- 0.17 (+/-1SD) was significantly less than that of unimproved limbs, 1.01 +/- 0.09 (p less than 0.01). Aortofemoral bypass was beneficial in all twenty limbs with normal leg pressure gradients. Conversely, six of twenty-five legs with one abnormal gradient and five of seven with two abnormal gradients failed to improve. The postoperative increase in API was 0.1 or more in all forty-one improved extremities and was less than 0.1 in all eleven failures. Although eleven of thirty-two limbs (34 per cent) with arteriographic evidence of combined aortoiliac and subinguinal occlusive disease were not improved after proximal bypass, the result of operation could not be predicted from the angiographic pattern or severity of distal disease. Segmental limb blood pressures provide useful predictive indices of the efficacy of aortofemoral bypass and the potential need for more distal reconstruction in multisegmental disease.", "PMID": 998857} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7413", "title": "Elastic compression in the prevention of venous stasis. A critical reevaluation.", "content": "The effect of elastic compression on venous flow in the legs provided by carefully fitted stockings has been measured by a venographic technic. The stocking used provides a gradually decreasing compression from ankle to groin. Clearance of stagnant blood from behind venous valves is clearly improved and the differences observed are statistically highly significant. These data suggest that the routine use of carefully fitted compression stockings will result in a decreased incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and provide a singularly safe, convenient, and noninvasive method of prophylaxis. Evidence presented suggests that at least two investigators have failed to show a decreased incidence of DVT in limbs subjected to elastic compression because the method of compression was inadequate .", "contents": "Elastic compression in the prevention of venous stasis. A critical reevaluation. The effect of elastic compression on venous flow in the legs provided by carefully fitted stockings has been measured by a venographic technic. The stocking used provides a gradually decreasing compression from ankle to groin. Clearance of stagnant blood from behind venous valves is clearly improved and the differences observed are statistically highly significant. These data suggest that the routine use of carefully fitted compression stockings will result in a decreased incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and provide a singularly safe, convenient, and noninvasive method of prophylaxis. Evidence presented suggests that at least two investigators have failed to show a decreased incidence of DVT in limbs subjected to elastic compression because the method of compression was inadequate .", "PMID": 998858} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7414", "title": "Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Bochdalek type.", "content": "Congenital Bochdalek hernias result in significant mortality in the newborn period. Forty-four cases over a nineteen year period are presented. The overall mortality is 34 per cent; however, it has decreased from 41 to 25 per cent in the last five years. The mortality of those patients less than 24 hours old remains high (33 per cent) but improved. We prefer the abdominal approach and believe that prolonged respiratory support will salvage a significant number of these critically ill infants.", "contents": "Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Bochdalek type. Congenital Bochdalek hernias result in significant mortality in the newborn period. Forty-four cases over a nineteen year period are presented. The overall mortality is 34 per cent; however, it has decreased from 41 to 25 per cent in the last five years. The mortality of those patients less than 24 hours old remains high (33 per cent) but improved. We prefer the abdominal approach and believe that prolonged respiratory support will salvage a significant number of these critically ill infants.", "PMID": 998859} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7415", "title": "Congenital anomalies of the diaphragm. Personal experience with thirty-five consecutive cases.", "content": "A personal experience of thirty-five consecutive patients with congenital anomalies of the diaphragm is reported. The anomalies included twenty-five Bochdalek hernias, seven diaphragmatic eventrations, and three esophageal hiatal hernias. Except for the patients with esophageal hiatal hernias, virtually all patients presented with respiratory embarrassment, twenty-seven of the thirty-five within 24 hours of birth. An especially high mortality is associated with this early onset of symptoms. The treatment was surgical with a thoracic approach used for right Bochdalek defects and eventrations, and an abdominal approach used for left Bochdalek hernias. The importance of proper preoperative and postoperative management in a well equipped neonatal intensive care unit is emphasized.", "contents": "Congenital anomalies of the diaphragm. Personal experience with thirty-five consecutive cases. A personal experience of thirty-five consecutive patients with congenital anomalies of the diaphragm is reported. The anomalies included twenty-five Bochdalek hernias, seven diaphragmatic eventrations, and three esophageal hiatal hernias. Except for the patients with esophageal hiatal hernias, virtually all patients presented with respiratory embarrassment, twenty-seven of the thirty-five within 24 hours of birth. An especially high mortality is associated with this early onset of symptoms. The treatment was surgical with a thoracic approach used for right Bochdalek defects and eventrations, and an abdominal approach used for left Bochdalek hernias. The importance of proper preoperative and postoperative management in a well equipped neonatal intensive care unit is emphasized.", "PMID": 998860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7416", "title": "Preperitoneal prosthetic inguinal herniorrhaphy without a relaxing incision.", "content": "A consecutive series of 276 men had 317 inguinal hernias repaired by the preperitoneal approach. Of these, 162 (59 per cent) had 194 (61 per cent) \"complete\" repairs using Marlex prostheses. Fifty-five of 152 indirect hernias (36 per cent) were patched similarly. Seventeen of twenty-two mixed bilateral defects (77 per cent) had a prosthetic patch. Thrity-three of forty-eight repairs (68 per cent) for recurrent hernia in forty-five men also employed Marlex. Two patients died postoperatively. Four of 194 repairs using Marlex failed. These preliminary results indicate that the advantages of preperitoneal exposure can be complemented by an initially satisfactory technic of repair using a prosthesis instead of the classic relaxing incision, which is difficult to use with this posterior approach.", "contents": "Preperitoneal prosthetic inguinal herniorrhaphy without a relaxing incision. A consecutive series of 276 men had 317 inguinal hernias repaired by the preperitoneal approach. Of these, 162 (59 per cent) had 194 (61 per cent) \"complete\" repairs using Marlex prostheses. Fifty-five of 152 indirect hernias (36 per cent) were patched similarly. Seventeen of twenty-two mixed bilateral defects (77 per cent) had a prosthetic patch. Thrity-three of forty-eight repairs (68 per cent) for recurrent hernia in forty-five men also employed Marlex. Two patients died postoperatively. Four of 194 repairs using Marlex failed. These preliminary results indicate that the advantages of preperitoneal exposure can be complemented by an initially satisfactory technic of repair using a prosthesis instead of the classic relaxing incision, which is difficult to use with this posterior approach.", "PMID": 998861} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7417", "title": "Intestinal necrosis and perforation in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs.", "content": "Immunosuppressive agents are frequently used in transplant recipients for prevention of homograft rejection and in patients with leukemia for treatment of their primary disease. From 1973 to 1975, fifty-nine patients undergoing renal transplantation and forty-one patients with leukemia were treated at the University of California (Davis) Medical Center. Intestinal necrosis and perforation developed in four (7 per cent) of those receiving transplants and in four (10 per cent) of the patients with leukemia. One transplant receipient and all four patients with leukemia had extensive necrosis of both the small and large intestines. Two transplant recipients had isolated sigmoid perforations, and one had splenic flexure colonic perforation. All died from septicemia with septic shock. The etiology of these intestinal complication appears related to immunosuppressive agents, particularly high dosages of steroids. Despite the grave prognosis, early surgical intervention is the only method of dealing with these complications. Early diagnosis as well as properly timed and selected operations are necessary for the successful management of these patients.", "contents": "Intestinal necrosis and perforation in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs. Immunosuppressive agents are frequently used in transplant recipients for prevention of homograft rejection and in patients with leukemia for treatment of their primary disease. From 1973 to 1975, fifty-nine patients undergoing renal transplantation and forty-one patients with leukemia were treated at the University of California (Davis) Medical Center. Intestinal necrosis and perforation developed in four (7 per cent) of those receiving transplants and in four (10 per cent) of the patients with leukemia. One transplant receipient and all four patients with leukemia had extensive necrosis of both the small and large intestines. Two transplant recipients had isolated sigmoid perforations, and one had splenic flexure colonic perforation. All died from septicemia with septic shock. The etiology of these intestinal complication appears related to immunosuppressive agents, particularly high dosages of steroids. Despite the grave prognosis, early surgical intervention is the only method of dealing with these complications. Early diagnosis as well as properly timed and selected operations are necessary for the successful management of these patients.", "PMID": 998862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7418", "title": "Long-term results with the combined operation for duodenal ulcer disease.", "content": "During the twenty year span from 1951 to 1970, the combined operation was selected as the procedure of choice 663 times in the surgical management of duodenal ulcer disease. A retrospective study of these cases represents a 70 per cent follow-up rate; thirty-two additional patients expired during this period of causes unrelated to peptic ulcer disease or the procedure, bringing the crude follow-up rate to 77 per cent. The known recurrence rate was 0.85 per cent and the mortality 0.6 per cent. None of the deaths were due to the operative procedure itself. Diarrhea (11 per cent) and dumping (24 per cent) were the principle postoperative sequelae, neither of which represented a significant problem after twelve to fourteen months. Their incidence after 1960 in this series was decreased due to improved technic, better overall total surgical care, and reduction of the extent of resection from 75 to 50 per cent. The results, as interpreted by surgeon, patients, and gastroenterologist, have been reviewed.", "contents": "Long-term results with the combined operation for duodenal ulcer disease. During the twenty year span from 1951 to 1970, the combined operation was selected as the procedure of choice 663 times in the surgical management of duodenal ulcer disease. A retrospective study of these cases represents a 70 per cent follow-up rate; thirty-two additional patients expired during this period of causes unrelated to peptic ulcer disease or the procedure, bringing the crude follow-up rate to 77 per cent. The known recurrence rate was 0.85 per cent and the mortality 0.6 per cent. None of the deaths were due to the operative procedure itself. Diarrhea (11 per cent) and dumping (24 per cent) were the principle postoperative sequelae, neither of which represented a significant problem after twelve to fourteen months. Their incidence after 1960 in this series was decreased due to improved technic, better overall total surgical care, and reduction of the extent of resection from 75 to 50 per cent. The results, as interpreted by surgeon, patients, and gastroenterologist, have been reviewed.", "PMID": 998863} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7419", "title": "The management of flail chest. A comparison of ventilatory and nonventilatory treatment.", "content": "Retrospective analysis of forty-two consecutive patients with flail chest injuries admitted to the Trauma Research Unit of the Naval Regional Medical Center, San Deigo from June 1972 to July 1975 compared ventilatory and nonventilatory management. The actual need for ventilatory support in these patients was determined by analyzing their records for evidence of significant pulmonary dysfunction. This allowed division of patients into three groups: \"appropriately\" ventilated; \"inappropriately\" ventilated; and nonventilated. Admission PO2 in the \"appropriately\" ventilated patients was significantly lower than in the other two groups because the former were admitted with respiratory distress and hypoxemia. Significantly more complications occurred in the ventilated groups than in the nonventilated. Treatment-associated complications were more frequent in the ventilated groups. Because of these findings, we belive that mechanical ventilation should be used in the treatment of flail chest injuries only for significant pulmonary dysfunction and not for the purpose of stabilizing the chest wall. If respiratory support is required, it should be discontinued when normal gas exchange has been restored.", "contents": "The management of flail chest. A comparison of ventilatory and nonventilatory treatment. Retrospective analysis of forty-two consecutive patients with flail chest injuries admitted to the Trauma Research Unit of the Naval Regional Medical Center, San Deigo from June 1972 to July 1975 compared ventilatory and nonventilatory management. The actual need for ventilatory support in these patients was determined by analyzing their records for evidence of significant pulmonary dysfunction. This allowed division of patients into three groups: \"appropriately\" ventilated; \"inappropriately\" ventilated; and nonventilated. Admission PO2 in the \"appropriately\" ventilated patients was significantly lower than in the other two groups because the former were admitted with respiratory distress and hypoxemia. Significantly more complications occurred in the ventilated groups than in the nonventilated. Treatment-associated complications were more frequent in the ventilated groups. Because of these findings, we belive that mechanical ventilation should be used in the treatment of flail chest injuries only for significant pulmonary dysfunction and not for the purpose of stabilizing the chest wall. If respiratory support is required, it should be discontinued when normal gas exchange has been restored.", "PMID": 998864} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7420", "title": "\"Prohibitive\" lung function and major surgical procedures.", "content": "Sixteen patients with preoperative pulmonary function testing data placing them in the \"prohibitive\" range underwent major surgical procedures with one mortality (6 per cent) and three major pulmonary complications (19 per cent). All complications were after pulmonary resections in patients with marked muscular weakness. Patients should not be denied necessary operative procedures on the basis of pulmonary function testing placing them in the \"prohibitive\" range of the Miller quadrant diagram alone. This term should be changed to \"increased risk.\"", "contents": "\"Prohibitive\" lung function and major surgical procedures. Sixteen patients with preoperative pulmonary function testing data placing them in the \"prohibitive\" range underwent major surgical procedures with one mortality (6 per cent) and three major pulmonary complications (19 per cent). All complications were after pulmonary resections in patients with marked muscular weakness. Patients should not be denied necessary operative procedures on the basis of pulmonary function testing placing them in the \"prohibitive\" range of the Miller quadrant diagram alone. This term should be changed to \"increased risk.\"", "PMID": 998865} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7421", "title": "Detection and management of hypercoagulability.", "content": "Patients at high risk of having thromboses can be identified not only on the basis of clinical criteria but also on the basis of laboratory studies. With use of a condensed coagulation profile consisting of six laboratory tests, the clinical impression of hypercoagulability can be confirmed in approximately 90 per cent of cases. Therapy directed to correct specific laboratory abnormalities may be more efficacious than nonspecific therapy.", "contents": "Detection and management of hypercoagulability. Patients at high risk of having thromboses can be identified not only on the basis of clinical criteria but also on the basis of laboratory studies. With use of a condensed coagulation profile consisting of six laboratory tests, the clinical impression of hypercoagulability can be confirmed in approximately 90 per cent of cases. Therapy directed to correct specific laboratory abnormalities may be more efficacious than nonspecific therapy.", "PMID": 998866} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7422", "title": "Congenital anomalies associated with thoracic outlet syndrome. Anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.", "content": "Personal evaluation of more than 2,300 patients for possible thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and knowledge gained from 980 TOS operations in 766 patients (operative incidence of 33.7 per cent of the patients examined) have shown that most patients with TOS have anomalous fibrous muscular bands near the brachial plexus that predispose them to neurologic irritation or compression involving the plexus. Anatomic analysis during operations for TOS, plus cadaver dissections, have disclosed seven distinct types of fibromuscular bands in addition to the less frequent bony anomalies long associated with neurovascular compression. One third of fifty-eight cadaver thoracic outlets dissected showed at least one of the seven muscular anomalies recognized at operations. These anomalies can be accurately related to the patients' symptoms, which are neurologic complaints in 99 per cent of the patients examined who ultimately have the diagnosis of TOS established. Neurologic symptoms are clearly explained by the anomalous bands irritating or compressing the brachial plexus and rarely have any effect on the subclavian vessels. These studies, and others before, have shown no correlation with impairment of circulation or positional radial pulse changes in almost all patients with true TOS. Also, arteriograms and nerve conduction studies generally have failed to be of value in establishing the accurate diagnosis. Reasons for these conclusions are explained, and the most reliable tests are described. The most effective means of relief of severe symptoms of TOS is to alter the mechanical irritation or compression of the brachial plexus by completely resecting the first throacic rib and all anomalous fibromuscular tissue around the plexus and subclavian vessels. If patients are are throughly evaluated with appropriate tests and highly selected for surgical treatment, gratifying relief will result in more than 90 per cent of patients, if the correct operation is performed with meticulous technic.", "contents": "Congenital anomalies associated with thoracic outlet syndrome. Anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Personal evaluation of more than 2,300 patients for possible thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and knowledge gained from 980 TOS operations in 766 patients (operative incidence of 33.7 per cent of the patients examined) have shown that most patients with TOS have anomalous fibrous muscular bands near the brachial plexus that predispose them to neurologic irritation or compression involving the plexus. Anatomic analysis during operations for TOS, plus cadaver dissections, have disclosed seven distinct types of fibromuscular bands in addition to the less frequent bony anomalies long associated with neurovascular compression. One third of fifty-eight cadaver thoracic outlets dissected showed at least one of the seven muscular anomalies recognized at operations. These anomalies can be accurately related to the patients' symptoms, which are neurologic complaints in 99 per cent of the patients examined who ultimately have the diagnosis of TOS established. Neurologic symptoms are clearly explained by the anomalous bands irritating or compressing the brachial plexus and rarely have any effect on the subclavian vessels. These studies, and others before, have shown no correlation with impairment of circulation or positional radial pulse changes in almost all patients with true TOS. Also, arteriograms and nerve conduction studies generally have failed to be of value in establishing the accurate diagnosis. Reasons for these conclusions are explained, and the most reliable tests are described. The most effective means of relief of severe symptoms of TOS is to alter the mechanical irritation or compression of the brachial plexus by completely resecting the first throacic rib and all anomalous fibromuscular tissue around the plexus and subclavian vessels. If patients are are throughly evaluated with appropriate tests and highly selected for surgical treatment, gratifying relief will result in more than 90 per cent of patients, if the correct operation is performed with meticulous technic.", "PMID": 998867} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7423", "title": "Intramural hematoma of the duodenum.", "content": "Five new cases of intramural duodenal hematoma are reviewed with 174 cases derived from the literature. Operative therapy with simple evacuation of the hematoma is advocated as the procedure of choice. Bypass procedures and resection should be reserved for selected cases.", "contents": "Intramural hematoma of the duodenum. Five new cases of intramural duodenal hematoma are reviewed with 174 cases derived from the literature. Operative therapy with simple evacuation of the hematoma is advocated as the procedure of choice. Bypass procedures and resection should be reserved for selected cases.", "PMID": 998868} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7424", "title": "The VIPoma: further confirmation of VIP as the hormonal agent in the WDHA syndrome.", "content": "The WDHA syndrome characterized by watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. The diagnosis has been made to date only due to severe clinical symptomatology. In a review of the literature gastrin, secretin, glucagon, enteroglucagon, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and prostaglandins have been variously suggested as a possible etiologic agent for this syndrome. A case of the WDHA syndrome is reported in which hormonal assays of the serum preoperatively and two years postoperatively and tumor for many of the proposed agents is performed. A discussion of possible cross-reactivity among these similary structured polypeptides in the radioimmunoassays systems is used to explain the multitude of possible hormonal agents presented in the literature. Standardization of the VIP assays will result in increasing diagnosis of this diseases state prior to its fulminant clinical presentation.", "contents": "The VIPoma: further confirmation of VIP as the hormonal agent in the WDHA syndrome. The WDHA syndrome characterized by watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. The diagnosis has been made to date only due to severe clinical symptomatology. In a review of the literature gastrin, secretin, glucagon, enteroglucagon, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and prostaglandins have been variously suggested as a possible etiologic agent for this syndrome. A case of the WDHA syndrome is reported in which hormonal assays of the serum preoperatively and two years postoperatively and tumor for many of the proposed agents is performed. A discussion of possible cross-reactivity among these similary structured polypeptides in the radioimmunoassays systems is used to explain the multitude of possible hormonal agents presented in the literature. Standardization of the VIP assays will result in increasing diagnosis of this diseases state prior to its fulminant clinical presentation.", "PMID": 998869} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7425", "title": "The esophageal anastomotic leak.", "content": "Sixty-three esophageal anastomoses were performed on adult patients with esophageal or gastric cancer. A total of thirteen anastomotic leaks occurred, resulting in death in seven patients and serious morbidity in an additional patients. Twelve patients had esophagocolostomy, with five anastomotic leaks. Four leaks occurred in the cervical region and were easily managed by local drainage and irrigation, while the other patient had an intrapleural leak resulting in sepsis and death. Twenty-eight patients had esophagogastrostomy, with a total of five leaks. All anastomoses were intrapleurally located, and death ensued in four patients. Fourteen Roux-en-Y and three loop esophagojejunostomies were performed, with no leaks. Two additional deaths occurred from leakage in the pleural cavity and left upper abdomen after jejunal interposition (3 patients) and esophagoduodenostomy (3 patients). In this study, impaired blood supply of the anastomotic end appeared to be the major cause of anastomotic failure. In addition, postoperative shock appeared to predispose to anastomotic leakage, whereas microscopic tumor at the lineof resection, duration of operation and operations for palliation did not appear to increase the leakage rate. The high mortality with esophageal anastomotic leak occurs when diagnosis is delayed and when the site of leakage is in the pleural cavity or left upper abdomen. Conservative treatment is uniformly fatal, whereas operative intervention offers the only chance for survival.", "contents": "The esophageal anastomotic leak. Sixty-three esophageal anastomoses were performed on adult patients with esophageal or gastric cancer. A total of thirteen anastomotic leaks occurred, resulting in death in seven patients and serious morbidity in an additional patients. Twelve patients had esophagocolostomy, with five anastomotic leaks. Four leaks occurred in the cervical region and were easily managed by local drainage and irrigation, while the other patient had an intrapleural leak resulting in sepsis and death. Twenty-eight patients had esophagogastrostomy, with a total of five leaks. All anastomoses were intrapleurally located, and death ensued in four patients. Fourteen Roux-en-Y and three loop esophagojejunostomies were performed, with no leaks. Two additional deaths occurred from leakage in the pleural cavity and left upper abdomen after jejunal interposition (3 patients) and esophagoduodenostomy (3 patients). In this study, impaired blood supply of the anastomotic end appeared to be the major cause of anastomotic failure. In addition, postoperative shock appeared to predispose to anastomotic leakage, whereas microscopic tumor at the lineof resection, duration of operation and operations for palliation did not appear to increase the leakage rate. The high mortality with esophageal anastomotic leak occurs when diagnosis is delayed and when the site of leakage is in the pleural cavity or left upper abdomen. Conservative treatment is uniformly fatal, whereas operative intervention offers the only chance for survival.", "PMID": 998871} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7426", "title": "Congenital dilatation of the bile ducts.", "content": "Our experience with five cases of cystic dilatation of the extrahepatic bile ducts is reported and compared with the literature. The following conclusions have been reached: (1) The etiology of this anomaly is primarily congenital but may involve an acquired component. (2) Diagnosis should be suspected when any of the triad of abdominal pain, right upper quadrant mass, or jaundice is present. (3) The diagnosis can usually be made in infants based on the clinical picture and routine radiologic studies. (4) Retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a useful tool in making the diagnosis in older children and adults. (5) Roux-en-Y choledochocystojejunostomy is the procedure of choice for type I cysts, excision for type II, and choledochocystoduodenostomy for type III.", "contents": "Congenital dilatation of the bile ducts. Our experience with five cases of cystic dilatation of the extrahepatic bile ducts is reported and compared with the literature. The following conclusions have been reached: (1) The etiology of this anomaly is primarily congenital but may involve an acquired component. (2) Diagnosis should be suspected when any of the triad of abdominal pain, right upper quadrant mass, or jaundice is present. (3) The diagnosis can usually be made in infants based on the clinical picture and routine radiologic studies. (4) Retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a useful tool in making the diagnosis in older children and adults. (5) Roux-en-Y choledochocystojejunostomy is the procedure of choice for type I cysts, excision for type II, and choledochocystoduodenostomy for type III.", "PMID": 998872} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7427", "title": "Experimental amniocentesis and teratogenesis. 1. Evaluation of the intra-amniotic route of treatment in teratological studies.", "content": "Experiments were designed to evaluate the usefulness of the intra-amniotic route of administration of test-substances in teratological studies. Particular attention was given to the differences in fetal parameters of growth and development and the incidence of fetal mortality between treated and untreated offspring which might be induced as a result of the treatment. Amniocentesis on gestational days 14, 15 or 16 produced a high incidence of fetal mortality and a significant reduction in the weights and crown-rump lengths of treated offspring. With increasing gestational age at the time of treatment and by reducing the volume of solvent injected, fetal mortality was decreased.", "contents": "Experimental amniocentesis and teratogenesis. 1. Evaluation of the intra-amniotic route of treatment in teratological studies. Experiments were designed to evaluate the usefulness of the intra-amniotic route of administration of test-substances in teratological studies. Particular attention was given to the differences in fetal parameters of growth and development and the incidence of fetal mortality between treated and untreated offspring which might be induced as a result of the treatment. Amniocentesis on gestational days 14, 15 or 16 produced a high incidence of fetal mortality and a significant reduction in the weights and crown-rump lengths of treated offspring. With increasing gestational age at the time of treatment and by reducing the volume of solvent injected, fetal mortality was decreased.", "PMID": 999025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7428", "title": "Experimental amniocentesis and teratogenesis. 2. Control of teratogenicity.", "content": "An attempt was made to ameliorate or eliminate the teratogenicity of experimental amniocentesis a) by reducing the calibre of the needle used to puncture the amniotic membranes, and b) by applying a surgical hemostatic sponge over the puncture site. It was found that although neither attempts altered the deleterious effects of amniocentesis on the fetal parameters of weight, crownrump length, and length-weight ratio, the incidence of fetal mortality decreased as the calibre of the needle was reduced. Evidence regarding the ability of the Gelfoam seal to ameliorate the teratogenicity of amniocentesis was conflicting and inconclusive.", "contents": "Experimental amniocentesis and teratogenesis. 2. Control of teratogenicity. An attempt was made to ameliorate or eliminate the teratogenicity of experimental amniocentesis a) by reducing the calibre of the needle used to puncture the amniotic membranes, and b) by applying a surgical hemostatic sponge over the puncture site. It was found that although neither attempts altered the deleterious effects of amniocentesis on the fetal parameters of weight, crownrump length, and length-weight ratio, the incidence of fetal mortality decreased as the calibre of the needle was reduced. Evidence regarding the ability of the Gelfoam seal to ameliorate the teratogenicity of amniocentesis was conflicting and inconclusive.", "PMID": 999026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7429", "title": "[Asymmetry in artificially deformed skulls from a Protobulgarian mass grave of the 9th century].", "content": "A series of 18 skulls with pronounced asymmetry, picked up out of a total of 52 artificially deformed and accordingly restored skulls are studied. It is a matter of material discovered in a circular tomb near by the village of Devnja, dating back to the end of the 9th century. To obtain metrical determination of the asymmetry, the authors performed measurements of chords, resp. arches between the anthropological points sphenion and asterion, as well as of the distance from the latter and from the porion on either side up to the glabella, inion, bregma and lambda. Besides the 18 sizes directly recorded, 18 chords constructed on the craniograms (three per skull) mainly between the above mentioned points were also utilized. For each dimension the absolute differences between left and right, the mean value of the differences and the asymmetry index after Duncker were calculated. Using the method outlined, an accurate and quantitative determination was made of the asymmetry both in the occipito-parietal and temporo-clinoidal parts of the skull (compensatory and persisting asymmetry). It is demonstrated that the discrepancies between some of the size values established in individual skulls, and the skull asymmetry, recorded scopically with other measurements, are due to displacements of the anthropological points (sphenion, asterion, inion), produced by differences in growth rate and size of bones. The arrested development of bones and the resulting depressions along their surfaces under the effect of the artificial deformation dressing are of utmost importance for the processes developing within the deformed skulls.", "contents": "[Asymmetry in artificially deformed skulls from a Protobulgarian mass grave of the 9th century]. A series of 18 skulls with pronounced asymmetry, picked up out of a total of 52 artificially deformed and accordingly restored skulls are studied. It is a matter of material discovered in a circular tomb near by the village of Devnja, dating back to the end of the 9th century. To obtain metrical determination of the asymmetry, the authors performed measurements of chords, resp. arches between the anthropological points sphenion and asterion, as well as of the distance from the latter and from the porion on either side up to the glabella, inion, bregma and lambda. Besides the 18 sizes directly recorded, 18 chords constructed on the craniograms (three per skull) mainly between the above mentioned points were also utilized. For each dimension the absolute differences between left and right, the mean value of the differences and the asymmetry index after Duncker were calculated. Using the method outlined, an accurate and quantitative determination was made of the asymmetry both in the occipito-parietal and temporo-clinoidal parts of the skull (compensatory and persisting asymmetry). It is demonstrated that the discrepancies between some of the size values established in individual skulls, and the skull asymmetry, recorded scopically with other measurements, are due to displacements of the anthropological points (sphenion, asterion, inion), produced by differences in growth rate and size of bones. The arrested development of bones and the resulting depressions along their surfaces under the effect of the artificial deformation dressing are of utmost importance for the processes developing within the deformed skulls.", "PMID": 999030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7430", "title": "Ultrastructural evidence for loss of the trophoblastic layer in the chorioallantoic placenta of Australian bandicoots (Marsupialia: Peramelidae).", "content": "In most marsupials, placentation involves only the yolk sac; however, in the bandicoot family, Peramelidae, a functional chorioallantoic placentation develops in addition (Hill, 1895, 1897, 1900; Flynn, '22, '23). This duality is viewed as having evolutionary significance because most eutheria have both placentae. Furthermore, the bandicoot trophoblast was reported to vanish from the chorioallantoic site in late gestation (Hill, 1897; Flynn, '23); whereas, the eutherian trophoblast is identifiable throughout later pregnancy and may act as an immunological barrier between maternal and fetal genotypes (Kirby '68). Thus we have re-examined this singular chorioallantoic placenta of the bandicoot in plastic sections with light and electron microscopy. A distinctive feature of the bandicoot placentation is the transformation of the uterine simple columnar luminal epithelium into a highly vascular lining composed almost entirely of discrete syncytial masses (homokaryons). Endometrial blood vessels penetrate among the homokaryons to create a rich network of large diameter capillaries at extremely superficial locations near the maternal surface. In the chorioallantoic placenta (7 mm to 10-11 mm crown-rump embryos) the microvillous surface of the maternal homokaryons interdigitates with the microvillous border of the fetal trophoblast with desmosomal interaction. This trophoblast consists of a single layer of tall columnar undifferentiated cells rich in ribosomes-polysomes, poor in cytoplasmic membranes, and with large nuclei that have distinct clumps of heterochromatin and conspicuous nucleoli. It is thus remarkable that these undifferentiated cells disappear as a recognizable layer later in gestation (12 mm crown-rump embryos). Flynn's hypothesis that the trophoblastic cells disappear by fusing with maternal syncytia gains support from the existence of two populations of nuclei in the syncytial masses only at the chorioallantoic site. One population is comparable to that occurring in the homokaryons pf the yolk sac placenta, i.e., pale staining nuclei with little heterochromatin and small peripheral nucleoli. However, the other nuclei resemble those of the trophoblast cells. Since the trophoblastic cells before their disappearance as a layer possess properties associated with potential for further differentiation, the possibility of fusion between the maternal homokaryons and fetal trophoblastic cells to form heterokaryons composed of two genotypes merits fur", "contents": "Ultrastructural evidence for loss of the trophoblastic layer in the chorioallantoic placenta of Australian bandicoots (Marsupialia: Peramelidae). In most marsupials, placentation involves only the yolk sac; however, in the bandicoot family, Peramelidae, a functional chorioallantoic placentation develops in addition (Hill, 1895, 1897, 1900; Flynn, '22, '23). This duality is viewed as having evolutionary significance because most eutheria have both placentae. Furthermore, the bandicoot trophoblast was reported to vanish from the chorioallantoic site in late gestation (Hill, 1897; Flynn, '23); whereas, the eutherian trophoblast is identifiable throughout later pregnancy and may act as an immunological barrier between maternal and fetal genotypes (Kirby '68). Thus we have re-examined this singular chorioallantoic placenta of the bandicoot in plastic sections with light and electron microscopy. A distinctive feature of the bandicoot placentation is the transformation of the uterine simple columnar luminal epithelium into a highly vascular lining composed almost entirely of discrete syncytial masses (homokaryons). Endometrial blood vessels penetrate among the homokaryons to create a rich network of large diameter capillaries at extremely superficial locations near the maternal surface. In the chorioallantoic placenta (7 mm to 10-11 mm crown-rump embryos) the microvillous surface of the maternal homokaryons interdigitates with the microvillous border of the fetal trophoblast with desmosomal interaction. This trophoblast consists of a single layer of tall columnar undifferentiated cells rich in ribosomes-polysomes, poor in cytoplasmic membranes, and with large nuclei that have distinct clumps of heterochromatin and conspicuous nucleoli. It is thus remarkable that these undifferentiated cells disappear as a recognizable layer later in gestation (12 mm crown-rump embryos). Flynn's hypothesis that the trophoblastic cells disappear by fusing with maternal syncytia gains support from the existence of two populations of nuclei in the syncytial masses only at the chorioallantoic site. One population is comparable to that occurring in the homokaryons pf the yolk sac placenta, i.e., pale staining nuclei with little heterochromatin and small peripheral nucleoli. However, the other nuclei resemble those of the trophoblast cells. Since the trophoblastic cells before their disappearance as a layer possess properties associated with potential for further differentiation, the possibility of fusion between the maternal homokaryons and fetal trophoblastic cells to form heterokaryons composed of two genotypes merits fur", "PMID": 999031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7431", "title": "Morphological changes in the midpiece of wooly opossum spermatozoa during epididymal transit.", "content": "Several ultrastructural changes were found to occur in the midpiece region of wooly opossum spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. The changes include alterations in mitochondrial morphology, development of structural specializations of the plasma membrane, and acquisition of a prominent extracellular coating. The lamellar membrane network which is wound about the periphery of the mitochondria becomes more densely packed during sperm development and the reticular network of membranes noted in the center of the mitochondria of immature sperm disappears leaving a homogeneous electron dense central zone. During epididymal transit the plasma membrane over the sperm midpiece region shows extensive structural modification. In cross sections of paired spermatozoa the plasma membrane of the midpiece regions shows a very regular, repetitive scalloping. In longitudinal sections the scalloping is observed as continuous parallel ridges which extend slightly obliquely to the flagellar long axis. Each ridge appears to be greater in density than the interridge areas. In the epididymis a prominent extracellular coating of dense material is deposited over the midpiece surface; this material is similar in appearance to dense material seen in restricted areas of the epididymal lumen. At the proximal and distal ends of the midpiece the plasma membrane comes into intimate contact with underlying structural specializations and it is suggested that these zones of fusion may serve to preserve regional differences in membrane composition.", "contents": "Morphological changes in the midpiece of wooly opossum spermatozoa during epididymal transit. Several ultrastructural changes were found to occur in the midpiece region of wooly opossum spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. The changes include alterations in mitochondrial morphology, development of structural specializations of the plasma membrane, and acquisition of a prominent extracellular coating. The lamellar membrane network which is wound about the periphery of the mitochondria becomes more densely packed during sperm development and the reticular network of membranes noted in the center of the mitochondria of immature sperm disappears leaving a homogeneous electron dense central zone. During epididymal transit the plasma membrane over the sperm midpiece region shows extensive structural modification. In cross sections of paired spermatozoa the plasma membrane of the midpiece regions shows a very regular, repetitive scalloping. In longitudinal sections the scalloping is observed as continuous parallel ridges which extend slightly obliquely to the flagellar long axis. Each ridge appears to be greater in density than the interridge areas. In the epididymis a prominent extracellular coating of dense material is deposited over the midpiece surface; this material is similar in appearance to dense material seen in restricted areas of the epididymal lumen. At the proximal and distal ends of the midpiece the plasma membrane comes into intimate contact with underlying structural specializations and it is suggested that these zones of fusion may serve to preserve regional differences in membrane composition.", "PMID": 999032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7432", "title": "Logarithmic growth of the hominoid mandible.", "content": "The growth of the basal unit of the mandible was studied by plotting the position, relative to the median plane, of the oval, mandibular and mental foramina in immature and adult skulls of Man, chimpanzee and gorilla. In Man, the basal unit was found to grow out along a constant logarithmic spiral. In the apes, the basal unit grew along a constant logarithmic spiral, the amount of unfolding being greater in the gorilla than in the chimpanzee. It is argued that the mode of growth seen in the apes evolved, as these forms became more prognathous, because it requires less compensatory rotation of the mandible, while the mode seen in Man is probably closer to that which occurred in common ancestral form.", "contents": "Logarithmic growth of the hominoid mandible. The growth of the basal unit of the mandible was studied by plotting the position, relative to the median plane, of the oval, mandibular and mental foramina in immature and adult skulls of Man, chimpanzee and gorilla. In Man, the basal unit was found to grow out along a constant logarithmic spiral. In the apes, the basal unit grew along a constant logarithmic spiral, the amount of unfolding being greater in the gorilla than in the chimpanzee. It is argued that the mode of growth seen in the apes evolved, as these forms became more prognathous, because it requires less compensatory rotation of the mandible, while the mode seen in Man is probably closer to that which occurred in common ancestral form.", "PMID": 999033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7433", "title": "Ultrastructural studies of the female breast: I. 9 + 0 cilia in myoepithelial cells.", "content": "9 + 0 cilia associated with diplosomes were observed in myoepithelial cells of the ductal system in the undiseased, resting, adult female breast. Ciliary diameter was 250 nm, and the longest found was 830 nm. The centrioles comprising the diplosome were 500 nm in length and 160 to 200 nm in diameter. Satellite bodies were associated with the diplosome but there was no rootlet system. Evidence suggested that all myoepithelial cells bear a cilium. The possible functions of the cilia in a sensory role as chemo- or mechanoreceptors related to myoepithelial and epithelial activities are discussed.", "contents": "Ultrastructural studies of the female breast: I. 9 + 0 cilia in myoepithelial cells. 9 + 0 cilia associated with diplosomes were observed in myoepithelial cells of the ductal system in the undiseased, resting, adult female breast. Ciliary diameter was 250 nm, and the longest found was 830 nm. The centrioles comprising the diplosome were 500 nm in length and 160 to 200 nm in diameter. Satellite bodies were associated with the diplosome but there was no rootlet system. Evidence suggested that all myoepithelial cells bear a cilium. The possible functions of the cilia in a sensory role as chemo- or mechanoreceptors related to myoepithelial and epithelial activities are discussed.", "PMID": 999034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7434", "title": "The ligaments of the human wrist and their functional significance.", "content": "The ligamentous anatomy of the wrist was analyzed by studying (1) 28 dissected human wrists, (2) and by examination of 19 wrist injuries created mechanically. Six volar intracapsular ligaments are described, two stabilizing the distal carpal row, three stabilizing the proximal carpal row and one stabilizing the proximal scaphoid pole. More specific terminology for these ligaments is proposed. An explanation of how these ligaments participate in the mechanical functioning of the carpus is advanced. Mechanically created wrist injuries had ruptures of specific ligaments as described augmenting a need for a more specific terminology. Suspected mechanisms of injury in perilunate and lunate dislocations are mentioned based upon the functional understanding of the intracapsular ligaments.", "contents": "The ligaments of the human wrist and their functional significance. The ligamentous anatomy of the wrist was analyzed by studying (1) 28 dissected human wrists, (2) and by examination of 19 wrist injuries created mechanically. Six volar intracapsular ligaments are described, two stabilizing the distal carpal row, three stabilizing the proximal carpal row and one stabilizing the proximal scaphoid pole. More specific terminology for these ligaments is proposed. An explanation of how these ligaments participate in the mechanical functioning of the carpus is advanced. Mechanically created wrist injuries had ruptures of specific ligaments as described augmenting a need for a more specific terminology. Suspected mechanisms of injury in perilunate and lunate dislocations are mentioned based upon the functional understanding of the intracapsular ligaments.", "PMID": 999035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7435", "title": "The subdural neurothelium of the cranial meninges in man.", "content": "The neurothelium obtained from human biopsy specimens is a very thin cellular layer located between the dura mater and the arachnoidea. It is a pluri-stratified squamous layer which has some epithelial features (desmosomes and tonofilaments), and lacks connective tissue fibers in the extracellular spaces. Usually there is increased nuclear and cytoplasmic density and enlarged extracellular spaces from the deepest to the most superficial layer. Since neurothelium is fragile and easily torn apart, it probably occupies the position considered to be the subdural space.", "contents": "The subdural neurothelium of the cranial meninges in man. The neurothelium obtained from human biopsy specimens is a very thin cellular layer located between the dura mater and the arachnoidea. It is a pluri-stratified squamous layer which has some epithelial features (desmosomes and tonofilaments), and lacks connective tissue fibers in the extracellular spaces. Usually there is increased nuclear and cytoplasmic density and enlarged extracellular spaces from the deepest to the most superficial layer. Since neurothelium is fragile and easily torn apart, it probably occupies the position considered to be the subdural space.", "PMID": 999036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7436", "title": "A correlative histofluorescence and light microscopic study of the formation of the sympathetic trunks in chick embryos.", "content": "The appearance and development of the primary and secondary sympathetic trunks in staged chick embryos was studied using the Falck-Owman histochemical method for the demonstration of primary monoamines. The earliest appearance of catecholamine (stage 20) was in individual fluorescent cells located in the region of the dorsal root ganglia about two stages prior to the formation of primary trunk aggregates. These cells are believed to be sympathetic precursor cells and correspond to formaldehyde-induced fluorescent cells observed in recent explantation experiments. Aggregates of fluorescent cells had formed bilaterally dorsolateral to the aorta at stage 22. These aggregates became continuous to form primary trunks by stage 24. The secondary sympathetic trunks were first seen in stage 25 and appeared to form at least partially by dorsal migration of cells from the primary trunks. Fluorescent cell processes were first observed at this stage. Secondary trunk formation was essentially complete by stage 28, and the primary trunks had become small and discontinuous. Definite rami communicantes could be observed by the early part of stage 28 in silver preparations. The significance of the development of two successive trunks in avians is discussed.", "contents": "A correlative histofluorescence and light microscopic study of the formation of the sympathetic trunks in chick embryos. The appearance and development of the primary and secondary sympathetic trunks in staged chick embryos was studied using the Falck-Owman histochemical method for the demonstration of primary monoamines. The earliest appearance of catecholamine (stage 20) was in individual fluorescent cells located in the region of the dorsal root ganglia about two stages prior to the formation of primary trunk aggregates. These cells are believed to be sympathetic precursor cells and correspond to formaldehyde-induced fluorescent cells observed in recent explantation experiments. Aggregates of fluorescent cells had formed bilaterally dorsolateral to the aorta at stage 22. These aggregates became continuous to form primary trunks by stage 24. The secondary sympathetic trunks were first seen in stage 25 and appeared to form at least partially by dorsal migration of cells from the primary trunks. Fluorescent cell processes were first observed at this stage. Secondary trunk formation was essentially complete by stage 28, and the primary trunks had become small and discontinuous. Definite rami communicantes could be observed by the early part of stage 28 in silver preparations. The significance of the development of two successive trunks in avians is discussed.", "PMID": 999037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7437", "title": "The accessory optic fiber system of the golden hamster with special reference to retinohypothalamic projection.", "content": "The hamster accessory optic fiber system has been investigated with the use of de Olmos-Ingram and Fink-Heimer silver methods following the production of unilateral ocular enucleation. It was found that this fiber system consists of both crossed and uncrossed inferior and superior fasciculi. The fibers of the inferior fasciculus (anterior accessory optic tract) run along the medial edge of the cerebral peduncle and terminate within the medial terminal nucleus of the accessory optic system. The fibers of the superior fasciculus (posterior accessory optic tract) leave the main optic tract, pass superficially over the medial geniculate nucleus and the cerebral peduncle; they synapse within the dorsal, the lateral and the medial terminal accessory optic nuclei. The presence of a retinohypothalamic tract could not be confirmed.", "contents": "The accessory optic fiber system of the golden hamster with special reference to retinohypothalamic projection. The hamster accessory optic fiber system has been investigated with the use of de Olmos-Ingram and Fink-Heimer silver methods following the production of unilateral ocular enucleation. It was found that this fiber system consists of both crossed and uncrossed inferior and superior fasciculi. The fibers of the inferior fasciculus (anterior accessory optic tract) run along the medial edge of the cerebral peduncle and terminate within the medial terminal nucleus of the accessory optic system. The fibers of the superior fasciculus (posterior accessory optic tract) leave the main optic tract, pass superficially over the medial geniculate nucleus and the cerebral peduncle; they synapse within the dorsal, the lateral and the medial terminal accessory optic nuclei. The presence of a retinohypothalamic tract could not be confirmed.", "PMID": 999038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7438", "title": "Urogenital anomalies in fetal rats produced by the anticancer agent 4(5)-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno) imidazole-4-carboxamide.", "content": "Pregnant Wistar rats injected intraperitoneally on gestational day 12 with single doses (100-1,000 mg/kg) or 600 mg/kg of 4(5)-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno) imidazole-4-carboxamide (dic) were autopsied on day 21 (100-1,000 mg/kg) or at 24-hour intervals on days 13-20 (600 mg/kg). Controls received CMC on the same schedule. All fetuses were weighed and examined for urogenital system (UGS) malformations. Those given 600 mg/kg were also studied histologically. DIC produced significant growth retardation at all doses on day 21 (18-72%). UGS malformations occurred in 27-67% of the fetuses at 200-400 mg/kg and in 100% of those given 600 mg/kg or more of DIC. Abnormalities included renal growth inhibition, fusion, ectopia, and ureteropelvic dilatation. At 600 mg/kg renal and body weights were reduced 40 and 55%, respectively. Ureteropelvic dilation was common, and cortical glomeruli, nephric collecting tubules, and papillae were retarded in development. The juxtamedullary glomeruli were well developed. Proximal nephric tubular mitotic activity was 85% greater than in control animals (day 17). On the basis of pertinent morphological and physiological data, it is postulated that the dilated upper urinary tracts represent functional hydronephrosis incident to severe renal retardation and its resultant compensatory response.", "contents": "Urogenital anomalies in fetal rats produced by the anticancer agent 4(5)-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno) imidazole-4-carboxamide. Pregnant Wistar rats injected intraperitoneally on gestational day 12 with single doses (100-1,000 mg/kg) or 600 mg/kg of 4(5)-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno) imidazole-4-carboxamide (dic) were autopsied on day 21 (100-1,000 mg/kg) or at 24-hour intervals on days 13-20 (600 mg/kg). Controls received CMC on the same schedule. All fetuses were weighed and examined for urogenital system (UGS) malformations. Those given 600 mg/kg were also studied histologically. DIC produced significant growth retardation at all doses on day 21 (18-72%). UGS malformations occurred in 27-67% of the fetuses at 200-400 mg/kg and in 100% of those given 600 mg/kg or more of DIC. Abnormalities included renal growth inhibition, fusion, ectopia, and ureteropelvic dilatation. At 600 mg/kg renal and body weights were reduced 40 and 55%, respectively. Ureteropelvic dilation was common, and cortical glomeruli, nephric collecting tubules, and papillae were retarded in development. The juxtamedullary glomeruli were well developed. Proximal nephric tubular mitotic activity was 85% greater than in control animals (day 17). On the basis of pertinent morphological and physiological data, it is postulated that the dilated upper urinary tracts represent functional hydronephrosis incident to severe renal retardation and its resultant compensatory response.", "PMID": 999039} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7439", "title": "Hormonal regulation of male reproduction (with reference to infertility in man).", "content": "In mammals, pituitary control of spermatogenesis varies with age. In the rat, before puberty FSH is highly active whereas LH is not; after puberty it seems that LH alone is able to support spermatogenesis. The mode of action of hormones is discussed. In the human, in case of infertility due to hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, spermatogenesis can be restored by HCG or HMG. The best results are obtained after simultaneous treatment with both hormones, LH activity being predominant.", "contents": "Hormonal regulation of male reproduction (with reference to infertility in man). In mammals, pituitary control of spermatogenesis varies with age. In the rat, before puberty FSH is highly active whereas LH is not; after puberty it seems that LH alone is able to support spermatogenesis. The mode of action of hormones is discussed. In the human, in case of infertility due to hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, spermatogenesis can be restored by HCG or HMG. The best results are obtained after simultaneous treatment with both hormones, LH activity being predominant.", "PMID": 999040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7440", "title": "Immunologic and testicular response in guinea pigs after unilateral traumatic orchitis.", "content": "An acute and intense trauma was inflicted in one of the testes of adult guinea pigs. The immunological response and histological changes developed both in the injured and contralateral glands were studied at different intervals of time. It was observed: 1) Necrotic seminiferous tubules and a granulomatous cell reaction were seen in the injured gonad at 15 days. This was followed by a reduction of the mononuclear cell infiltration at 48 days. Finally a fibrotic tissue replaced the damaged areas at around 100 days. 2) Foci showing the classical picture of immunologic orchitis appeared in the contralateral gland at 15 and 48 days. Less frequent lesions were detected in the final period of the experiment. 3) These lesions were accompanied by cellular immunity detectable by the macrophage migration inhibition test at 15 and 48 days. With the exception of cytophilic activity also detected in same periods, no antibodies of hemagglutinating and sperm-agglutinating types could be found.", "contents": "Immunologic and testicular response in guinea pigs after unilateral traumatic orchitis. An acute and intense trauma was inflicted in one of the testes of adult guinea pigs. The immunological response and histological changes developed both in the injured and contralateral glands were studied at different intervals of time. It was observed: 1) Necrotic seminiferous tubules and a granulomatous cell reaction were seen in the injured gonad at 15 days. This was followed by a reduction of the mononuclear cell infiltration at 48 days. Finally a fibrotic tissue replaced the damaged areas at around 100 days. 2) Foci showing the classical picture of immunologic orchitis appeared in the contralateral gland at 15 and 48 days. Less frequent lesions were detected in the final period of the experiment. 3) These lesions were accompanied by cellular immunity detectable by the macrophage migration inhibition test at 15 and 48 days. With the exception of cytophilic activity also detected in same periods, no antibodies of hemagglutinating and sperm-agglutinating types could be found.", "PMID": 999041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7441", "title": "[Studies of acrosin and human sperm trypsin inhibitor activity in human semen. I. Relations to sperm density].", "content": "Report concerning the sperm examination of 825 patients of the Dept. for Andrology. The acrosin as well as the human sperma trypsin inhibitor activity were investigated. The results were related to sperm density. It was found that acrosin activity was significantly dependent on sperm density. For the human sperma trypsin inhibitor activity this relationship could not be established, although lower values were found by sperm deficiency and higher values by high sperm density.", "contents": "[Studies of acrosin and human sperm trypsin inhibitor activity in human semen. I. Relations to sperm density]. Report concerning the sperm examination of 825 patients of the Dept. for Andrology. The acrosin as well as the human sperma trypsin inhibitor activity were investigated. The results were related to sperm density. It was found that acrosin activity was significantly dependent on sperm density. For the human sperma trypsin inhibitor activity this relationship could not be established, although lower values were found by sperm deficiency and higher values by high sperm density.", "PMID": 999042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7442", "title": "Plasma testosterone values in hypopspadiacs.", "content": "The plasma testosterone values were determined by radioimmunoassay in a group of 42 patients with a severe form of hypospaida, in one case of epispadia, in a control group of 69 boys with an adequate development of sex organs, and in 48 well fertile men. It was found that the beginning of pubescence started in both groups at the same age but that already from 13 years onwards the level of male sex hormone in the blood was lower in hypospadiacs than in the individuals of the control group. The difference is statistically significant in the subgroups from 19 years of age onwards. It is assumed that the function of gonads was insufficient in these patients not only in the period of intrauterine life, but that it often remains reduced even in puberty and adulthood.", "contents": "Plasma testosterone values in hypopspadiacs. The plasma testosterone values were determined by radioimmunoassay in a group of 42 patients with a severe form of hypospaida, in one case of epispadia, in a control group of 69 boys with an adequate development of sex organs, and in 48 well fertile men. It was found that the beginning of pubescence started in both groups at the same age but that already from 13 years onwards the level of male sex hormone in the blood was lower in hypospadiacs than in the individuals of the control group. The difference is statistically significant in the subgroups from 19 years of age onwards. It is assumed that the function of gonads was insufficient in these patients not only in the period of intrauterine life, but that it often remains reduced even in puberty and adulthood.", "PMID": 999043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7443", "title": "Effect of administration of a single dose of testosterone oenanthate on constituents of human seminal plasma and serum gonadotropins.", "content": "Testosterone oenanthate was administered intramuscularly in six infertile men with oligozoospermia and its effects on serum gonadotropins and some constituents in the seminal plasma were studied. One week after injection the mean serum FSH level was decreased to about 50%. Serum LH levels did not change. The mean ornithine decarboxylase activity in human semen was increased by 100% after the testosterone administration. The androgen dependent nature of ODC, fructose and sialic acid have been demonstrated.", "contents": "Effect of administration of a single dose of testosterone oenanthate on constituents of human seminal plasma and serum gonadotropins. Testosterone oenanthate was administered intramuscularly in six infertile men with oligozoospermia and its effects on serum gonadotropins and some constituents in the seminal plasma were studied. One week after injection the mean serum FSH level was decreased to about 50%. Serum LH levels did not change. The mean ornithine decarboxylase activity in human semen was increased by 100% after the testosterone administration. The androgen dependent nature of ODC, fructose and sialic acid have been demonstrated.", "PMID": 999044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7444", "title": "A note on serological interpretations.", "content": "This paper deals with the interpretation of binary serological data. It attempts to render exact and answer two questions: 1) What are all the serological interpretations of a given set of data? 2) How can different interpretations be distinguished serologically? It is hoped that the formal analysis of serology presented herein will prove to be helpful to those working with complex immunological systems.", "contents": "A note on serological interpretations. This paper deals with the interpretation of binary serological data. It attempts to render exact and answer two questions: 1) What are all the serological interpretations of a given set of data? 2) How can different interpretations be distinguished serologically? It is hoped that the formal analysis of serology presented herein will prove to be helpful to those working with complex immunological systems.", "PMID": 999052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7445", "title": "Genetic variation of pancreatic esterase isozyme in Japanese quail.", "content": "A genetic variation was found in pancreatic esterases of Japanese quail which appeared to be arylesterase. It was found on the cathode side in the agar gel electrophoresis. Three phenotypes, A,B and AB, were observed. These phenotypes were shown to be controlled by one autosomal locus, designated as Es-4, with co-dominant alleles Es-4A and Es-4B. Es-4 esterase isozymes were detected in all the individuals from about 4 days of age, but the activity was very weak. However, it gradually increased to reach a level almost the same as that of a mature quail from about 15 days of age.", "contents": "Genetic variation of pancreatic esterase isozyme in Japanese quail. A genetic variation was found in pancreatic esterases of Japanese quail which appeared to be arylesterase. It was found on the cathode side in the agar gel electrophoresis. Three phenotypes, A,B and AB, were observed. These phenotypes were shown to be controlled by one autosomal locus, designated as Es-4, with co-dominant alleles Es-4A and Es-4B. Es-4 esterase isozymes were detected in all the individuals from about 4 days of age, but the activity was very weak. However, it gradually increased to reach a level almost the same as that of a mature quail from about 15 days of age.", "PMID": 999053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7446", "title": "Pulmonary function tests and the diagnosis of bronchial asthma.", "content": "The uncertainties which combine to make the physiological profile of bronchial asthma difficult to define are discussed in this article. Although the clinician may take comfort when the physiologist has substantiated his diagnosis, he should not defer to the physiologist when pulmonary function testing fails to support his assessment of the patient.", "contents": "Pulmonary function tests and the diagnosis of bronchial asthma. The uncertainties which combine to make the physiological profile of bronchial asthma difficult to define are discussed in this article. Although the clinician may take comfort when the physiologist has substantiated his diagnosis, he should not defer to the physiologist when pulmonary function testing fails to support his assessment of the patient.", "PMID": 999054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7447", "title": "Ibuprofen (motrin) hypersensitivity in intrinsic and extrinsic allergic patients.", "content": "The introduction of new anti-inflammatory chemicals derived from propionic acid raised the possibility that they would not cross-react with the aspirin-salicylate type of anti-inflammatory drugs (and this group's cross-reactant chemicals). Thic allergic patients who have low tolerance for aspirin or BHA-BHT if concomitant low tolerance for iodides is also present. Likewise, ibuprofen is poorly tolerated by iodide intolerant patients. However, ASA or BHA-BHT intolerant patients who are tolerant of iodides tolerate a single 400 mgm motrin challenge; chronic motrin usage awaits further study. This study indicates that motrin is tolerated in patients tolerant of iodides but who suffer with extrinsic, atopic, allergic diseases and also in normals.", "contents": "Ibuprofen (motrin) hypersensitivity in intrinsic and extrinsic allergic patients. The introduction of new anti-inflammatory chemicals derived from propionic acid raised the possibility that they would not cross-react with the aspirin-salicylate type of anti-inflammatory drugs (and this group's cross-reactant chemicals). Thic allergic patients who have low tolerance for aspirin or BHA-BHT if concomitant low tolerance for iodides is also present. Likewise, ibuprofen is poorly tolerated by iodide intolerant patients. However, ASA or BHA-BHT intolerant patients who are tolerant of iodides tolerate a single 400 mgm motrin challenge; chronic motrin usage awaits further study. This study indicates that motrin is tolerated in patients tolerant of iodides but who suffer with extrinsic, atopic, allergic diseases and also in normals.", "PMID": 999055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7448", "title": "Immunotherapy: its evaluation by RAST.", "content": "A recommended procedure carried out effectively on 132 patients and based on three essential criteria that may help the allergist in his decision to terminate immunotherapy in a patient is reviewed and discussed. These criteria, embodying clinical reappraisal of the patient, skin retesting and definitive RAST profile results, are offered as a new approach for consideration by the clinical allergist in the care of his patients.", "contents": "Immunotherapy: its evaluation by RAST. A recommended procedure carried out effectively on 132 patients and based on three essential criteria that may help the allergist in his decision to terminate immunotherapy in a patient is reviewed and discussed. These criteria, embodying clinical reappraisal of the patient, skin retesting and definitive RAST profile results, are offered as a new approach for consideration by the clinical allergist in the care of his patients.", "PMID": 999056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7449", "title": "Hyposensitization in ragweed pollinosis.", "content": "The efficacy of hyposensitization in the control of ragweed hay fever has been demonstrated in both the clinic and the laboratory. In this paper evidence is presented that it also is important in preventing ragweed asthma. This is based on an experience with seven untreated patients who developed severe asthma in the 1975 season. The results of a 15-year study of constitutional reactions resulting from hyposensitization is summarized and means of their prevention is discussed.", "contents": "Hyposensitization in ragweed pollinosis. The efficacy of hyposensitization in the control of ragweed hay fever has been demonstrated in both the clinic and the laboratory. In this paper evidence is presented that it also is important in preventing ragweed asthma. This is based on an experience with seven untreated patients who developed severe asthma in the 1975 season. The results of a 15-year study of constitutional reactions resulting from hyposensitization is summarized and means of their prevention is discussed.", "PMID": 999058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7450", "title": "A multifactorial study of patients with asthma. Part 2: air pollution, animal dander and asthma symptoms.", "content": "As part of a multifactorial computer-assisted study of patients with asthma, the relationship between air pollution, animal dander and asthma symptoms was evaluated. No association was found between four major air pollutants (carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide) and asthma symptoms. Patients who owned cats and dogs reported more severe asthma symptoms (p less than .01) than patients who did not own cats and dogs. The evaluations completed to date indicate that daily exposure to cats and dogs accounts for more of the asthma symptoms differences between patients than daily exposure to air pollutants.", "contents": "A multifactorial study of patients with asthma. Part 2: air pollution, animal dander and asthma symptoms. As part of a multifactorial computer-assisted study of patients with asthma, the relationship between air pollution, animal dander and asthma symptoms was evaluated. No association was found between four major air pollutants (carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide) and asthma symptoms. Patients who owned cats and dogs reported more severe asthma symptoms (p less than .01) than patients who did not own cats and dogs. The evaluations completed to date indicate that daily exposure to cats and dogs accounts for more of the asthma symptoms differences between patients than daily exposure to air pollutants.", "PMID": 999059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7451", "title": "The development of allergy in infants of allergic parents: a prospective study concerning the role of heredity.", "content": "Ninety-four infants of allergic mothers were studied from birth to age 24 months. If the father was also allergic, the family history was termed bilateral (36 infants); if the father was not allergic, the family history was termed unilateral (58 infants). Data concerning family history, methods of feeding (bottle versus breast) and allergic skin reactivity were obtained. Significantly, more infants developed allergy if they were from a bilateral allergic parentage (P = less than 0.044). When skin test negative, bottle-fed infants with a bilateral family history were compared to breast-fed infants with a unilateral family history, there was significantly less asthma in the latter group (P = less than 0.047). During the first three months of life there was significantly less atopic dermatitis in the breast-fed infants with an unilateral family history than in the breast-fed infants with a bilateral family history (P = less than 0.027). In this study it remained unclear why infants with positive allergy skin tests demonstrated a different incidence of allergic disease from those who were skin-test negative when the variables of family history were the same.", "contents": "The development of allergy in infants of allergic parents: a prospective study concerning the role of heredity. Ninety-four infants of allergic mothers were studied from birth to age 24 months. If the father was also allergic, the family history was termed bilateral (36 infants); if the father was not allergic, the family history was termed unilateral (58 infants). Data concerning family history, methods of feeding (bottle versus breast) and allergic skin reactivity were obtained. Significantly, more infants developed allergy if they were from a bilateral allergic parentage (P = less than 0.044). When skin test negative, bottle-fed infants with a bilateral family history were compared to breast-fed infants with a unilateral family history, there was significantly less asthma in the latter group (P = less than 0.047). During the first three months of life there was significantly less atopic dermatitis in the breast-fed infants with an unilateral family history than in the breast-fed infants with a bilateral family history (P = less than 0.027). In this study it remained unclear why infants with positive allergy skin tests demonstrated a different incidence of allergic disease from those who were skin-test negative when the variables of family history were the same.", "PMID": 999060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7452", "title": "IgE levels in Hodgkin's disease.", "content": "Serum IgE levels were determined in a retrospectively selected group of 37 patients with Hodgkin's disease. IgE was determined by a double-antibody radioimmunoassay and expressed as International Units/ml. Patients were analyzed by stage and histologic classification of disease and compared to a group of 102 normal controls. IgE levels for the total group with Hodgkin's disease were significantly higher (p = .02) than controls but there was considerable overlap in ranges. Significant elevation of IgE was found in nodular sclerosing (p = .005) and Stage II Hodgkin's disease p = .0025). IgE elevations seen in other stages and histologic classes were not significant. While not conclusive, the IgE elevations that were found would be consistent with a suppressor T cell dysfunction in Hodgkin's disease.", "contents": "IgE levels in Hodgkin's disease. Serum IgE levels were determined in a retrospectively selected group of 37 patients with Hodgkin's disease. IgE was determined by a double-antibody radioimmunoassay and expressed as International Units/ml. Patients were analyzed by stage and histologic classification of disease and compared to a group of 102 normal controls. IgE levels for the total group with Hodgkin's disease were significantly higher (p = .02) than controls but there was considerable overlap in ranges. Significant elevation of IgE was found in nodular sclerosing (p = .005) and Stage II Hodgkin's disease p = .0025). IgE elevations seen in other stages and histologic classes were not significant. While not conclusive, the IgE elevations that were found would be consistent with a suppressor T cell dysfunction in Hodgkin's disease.", "PMID": 999061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7453", "title": "Acquired coagulation factor X activity deficiency connected with Hymenoxys odorata DC (Compositae), bitterweed poisoning in sheep.", "content": "An acquired coagulation factor X activity deficiency was demonstrated in sheep fed Hymenoxys odorata, bitterweed plant. All coagulation tests were normal before the sheep were given the plant material. All tests involving the function of factor X, including a specific factor assay, became abnormal after the sheep were given bitterweed. Other specific factors remained within normal limits. The presence of an inhibitory activity could not be shown.", "contents": "Acquired coagulation factor X activity deficiency connected with Hymenoxys odorata DC (Compositae), bitterweed poisoning in sheep. An acquired coagulation factor X activity deficiency was demonstrated in sheep fed Hymenoxys odorata, bitterweed plant. All coagulation tests were normal before the sheep were given the plant material. All tests involving the function of factor X, including a specific factor assay, became abnormal after the sheep were given bitterweed. Other specific factors remained within normal limits. The presence of an inhibitory activity could not be shown.", "PMID": 999065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7454", "title": "Normal abomasal electromyography and emptying in sheep and the effects of intraabomasal volatile fatty acid infusion.", "content": "Electromyographic activity and emptying of the abomasum were studied in 3 sheep. Pacesetter potentials (PP), with a frequency of 6.06 +/- 0.05 (X +/- SEM) cycles/minute and propagated distally with an increased conduction velocity approaching the pylorus, were recorded from the distal 11 cm of the antrum. Spike burst and fused action potentials (AP) were superimposed on a variable percentage of PP. The aborad propagation of both types of AP was associated with abomasal emptying at the net rate of 12.61 +/- 1.38 (X +/- SEM) ml/minute. Intraabomasal infusion of 50 ml of a 300 mM solution of either acetic, propionic, or butyric acid was associated with a marked decrease in abomasal AP activity and in the emptying rate. Butyric acid was most effective, followed by propionic and acetic acids. The importance of the results in relation to the pathogenesis of left displaced abomasum (LDA) in dairy cows was noted.", "contents": "Normal abomasal electromyography and emptying in sheep and the effects of intraabomasal volatile fatty acid infusion. Electromyographic activity and emptying of the abomasum were studied in 3 sheep. Pacesetter potentials (PP), with a frequency of 6.06 +/- 0.05 (X +/- SEM) cycles/minute and propagated distally with an increased conduction velocity approaching the pylorus, were recorded from the distal 11 cm of the antrum. Spike burst and fused action potentials (AP) were superimposed on a variable percentage of PP. The aborad propagation of both types of AP was associated with abomasal emptying at the net rate of 12.61 +/- 1.38 (X +/- SEM) ml/minute. Intraabomasal infusion of 50 ml of a 300 mM solution of either acetic, propionic, or butyric acid was associated with a marked decrease in abomasal AP activity and in the emptying rate. Butyric acid was most effective, followed by propionic and acetic acids. The importance of the results in relation to the pathogenesis of left displaced abomasum (LDA) in dairy cows was noted.", "PMID": 999066} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7455", "title": "Reproductive disease experimentally induced by exposing pregnant gilts to porcine parvovirus.", "content": "Porcine parvovirus (PPV) was administered intravenously or intranasally and orally between the 22nd and the 81st days of gestation to 20 pregnant gilts that were free of hemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibody for PPV. Gilts were exposed to 1 or both of 2 strains (NADL-7, NADL-2) of PPV and were killed 21 or more days later. Fetal and maternal fluids and tissues collected at necropsy were tested for PPV, viral antigen, and HI antibody. Transplacental infection occurred with 11 of 12 gilts given the mixture of strains NADL-7 and NADL-2 and with the 1 gilt given strain NADL-7 alone, but not with any of the 7 gilts given strain NADL-2 alone. The 8 noninfected litters were comprised of 74 fetuses of which 73 were alive and 1 was dead. The 12 infected litters were comprised of 91 fetuses of which 62 were alive (31 infected) and 29 were dead (26 infected). Virus was isolated from all of the 57 infected fetuses. Viral antigen was detected in tissues of 50 fetuses, including 5 live fetuses and 24 dead fetuses that were laden with antigen. All dead fetuses with a high concentration of viral antigen in their tissues were members of litters of gilts that were exposed to PPV no later than the 42nd day of gestation. Antibody was detected in serums (HI titers 10 through 1,280) of 27 of the 31 live infected fetuses and in serum (HI titer 10) of 1 fetus for which infection was not demonstrated. All serums collected from gilts at necropsy contained antibody (HI titers 320 through 2560) for PPV, but with the exception of isolating virus from 1 uterine lymph node, neither virus nor antigen was detected in maternal tissues.", "contents": "Reproductive disease experimentally induced by exposing pregnant gilts to porcine parvovirus. Porcine parvovirus (PPV) was administered intravenously or intranasally and orally between the 22nd and the 81st days of gestation to 20 pregnant gilts that were free of hemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibody for PPV. Gilts were exposed to 1 or both of 2 strains (NADL-7, NADL-2) of PPV and were killed 21 or more days later. Fetal and maternal fluids and tissues collected at necropsy were tested for PPV, viral antigen, and HI antibody. Transplacental infection occurred with 11 of 12 gilts given the mixture of strains NADL-7 and NADL-2 and with the 1 gilt given strain NADL-7 alone, but not with any of the 7 gilts given strain NADL-2 alone. The 8 noninfected litters were comprised of 74 fetuses of which 73 were alive and 1 was dead. The 12 infected litters were comprised of 91 fetuses of which 62 were alive (31 infected) and 29 were dead (26 infected). Virus was isolated from all of the 57 infected fetuses. Viral antigen was detected in tissues of 50 fetuses, including 5 live fetuses and 24 dead fetuses that were laden with antigen. All dead fetuses with a high concentration of viral antigen in their tissues were members of litters of gilts that were exposed to PPV no later than the 42nd day of gestation. Antibody was detected in serums (HI titers 10 through 1,280) of 27 of the 31 live infected fetuses and in serum (HI titer 10) of 1 fetus for which infection was not demonstrated. All serums collected from gilts at necropsy contained antibody (HI titers 320 through 2560) for PPV, but with the exception of isolating virus from 1 uterine lymph node, neither virus nor antigen was detected in maternal tissues.", "PMID": 999067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7456", "title": "Induction of lesions of selenium-vitamin E deficiency in pigs fed silver.", "content": "Four weanling swine fed for 4 weeks a commercial ration adequate in selenium and vitamin E, but supplemented with 0.5% silver acetate, developed lesions typical of selenium-vitamin E deficiency. Clinically, the pigs fed this high level of silver had anorexia, diarrhea, and growth depression; 3 of 4 pigs died. At necropsy, hepatic lesions of hepatosis dietetica were present in 4 of 4 silver-fed pigs, and 1 of 4 pigs had cardiac and skeletal muscle lesions characteristic of selenium-vitamin E deficiency. Development of lesions and mortality was prevented in 2 pigs fed the silver diet supplemented with alpha-tocopherol (100 IU/kg of diet), but not in 2 pigs fed the ration supplemented with selenium as selenite (1 ppm). Four pigs fed a lower dose level of silver (0.2% silver acetate) for 6 weeks failed to develop clinical or pathologic features of selenium-vitamin E deficiency. However, hepatic selenium content was significantly increased in pigs fed the silver-supplemented ration.", "contents": "Induction of lesions of selenium-vitamin E deficiency in pigs fed silver. Four weanling swine fed for 4 weeks a commercial ration adequate in selenium and vitamin E, but supplemented with 0.5% silver acetate, developed lesions typical of selenium-vitamin E deficiency. Clinically, the pigs fed this high level of silver had anorexia, diarrhea, and growth depression; 3 of 4 pigs died. At necropsy, hepatic lesions of hepatosis dietetica were present in 4 of 4 silver-fed pigs, and 1 of 4 pigs had cardiac and skeletal muscle lesions characteristic of selenium-vitamin E deficiency. Development of lesions and mortality was prevented in 2 pigs fed the silver diet supplemented with alpha-tocopherol (100 IU/kg of diet), but not in 2 pigs fed the ration supplemented with selenium as selenite (1 ppm). Four pigs fed a lower dose level of silver (0.2% silver acetate) for 6 weeks failed to develop clinical or pathologic features of selenium-vitamin E deficiency. However, hepatic selenium content was significantly increased in pigs fed the silver-supplemented ration.", "PMID": 999068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7457", "title": "Fine structural changes of the porcine uterine tube epithelium during early and late pregnancy.", "content": "Ultrastructural changes in the uterine tube (oviduct) of pregnant gilts have been investigated with special reference to the ciliated, secretory, and stromal cells. Tissue from the uterine tube ampulla and infundibulum was taken from 18 gilts at different stages of gestation (days 31, 36, 101, 102, 107, 110, and 112). Cilia were present throughout pregnancy, and deciliation was not apparent at any stage of gestation. The low epithelium of the uterine tube appeared similar to that of the luteal phase of the estrous cycle when corpora lutea were full grown. Prominent features at end of the gestation were numerous fibrous granules and basal bodies, indicating active formation of ciliary precursor organelles. Fibrogranular aggregates were also present in association with the basal bodies. In addition, numerous polyribosomes, mitochondria, and microtubules were encountered in the cytoplasm of ciliated cells at end of the gestation. The appearance of electron-opaque, fibrous granules during late pregnancy probably could be correlated with increasing endogenous levels of plasma estrogen. Intimate morphologic association between fibrous granules and basal bodies indicate that fibrous granules might provide precursor material for the development of cilia or rootlets. Characteristics ultrastructural changes observed in secretory cells during the estrous cycle were not discernible in secretory cells during pregnancy. The secretory cells appeared similar to those of the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. The apocrine secretory cells contained prominent, apical, cytoplasmic projections; pinching-off process of these protrusions was frequently observed during early and term gestation. Extruded nuclei along with other cytoplasmic organelles were also present, lying free in the tubal lumen. The endoplasmic reticulum was predominantly tubular in form. Synthesis, storage, and release of secretory granules were not apparent at early or late pregnancy. It is suggested that progesterone might have an inhibitory effect on the synthesis, storage, and release of secretory granules. Ultrastructural changes in stromal cells were not apparent at any stage of gestation. The stromal cells appeared similar to that of the luteal phase of the estrous cycle.", "contents": "Fine structural changes of the porcine uterine tube epithelium during early and late pregnancy. Ultrastructural changes in the uterine tube (oviduct) of pregnant gilts have been investigated with special reference to the ciliated, secretory, and stromal cells. Tissue from the uterine tube ampulla and infundibulum was taken from 18 gilts at different stages of gestation (days 31, 36, 101, 102, 107, 110, and 112). Cilia were present throughout pregnancy, and deciliation was not apparent at any stage of gestation. The low epithelium of the uterine tube appeared similar to that of the luteal phase of the estrous cycle when corpora lutea were full grown. Prominent features at end of the gestation were numerous fibrous granules and basal bodies, indicating active formation of ciliary precursor organelles. Fibrogranular aggregates were also present in association with the basal bodies. In addition, numerous polyribosomes, mitochondria, and microtubules were encountered in the cytoplasm of ciliated cells at end of the gestation. The appearance of electron-opaque, fibrous granules during late pregnancy probably could be correlated with increasing endogenous levels of plasma estrogen. Intimate morphologic association between fibrous granules and basal bodies indicate that fibrous granules might provide precursor material for the development of cilia or rootlets. Characteristics ultrastructural changes observed in secretory cells during the estrous cycle were not discernible in secretory cells during pregnancy. The secretory cells appeared similar to those of the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. The apocrine secretory cells contained prominent, apical, cytoplasmic projections; pinching-off process of these protrusions was frequently observed during early and term gestation. Extruded nuclei along with other cytoplasmic organelles were also present, lying free in the tubal lumen. The endoplasmic reticulum was predominantly tubular in form. Synthesis, storage, and release of secretory granules were not apparent at early or late pregnancy. It is suggested that progesterone might have an inhibitory effect on the synthesis, storage, and release of secretory granules. Ultrastructural changes in stromal cells were not apparent at any stage of gestation. The stromal cells appeared similar to that of the luteal phase of the estrous cycle.", "PMID": 999069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7458", "title": "Cardiopulmonary effects of rebreathing and nonrebreathing systems during halothane anesthesia in the cat.", "content": "Cardiopulmonary variables were measured in 3 groups of halothane-oxygen anesthetized cats. The groups, each containing 6 animals, were treated similarly except for maintenance anesthetic systems, and system variation was the basis for comparison. Groups were maintained, using a pediatric circle CO2 absorption system with an O2 flow of 0.5 L/minute, an Ayre's T-piece system with an O2 flow of 3 L/minute, and an adult circle CO2 absorption system with an O2 flow of 0.5 L/minute. Anesthesia was induced by mask, endotracheal intubation was done, and end-expired halothane was maintained at 1.4%. Measurements of cardiopulmonary variables were reported at 30-minute intervals for 135 minutes, the first measurements being made 15 minutes after induction. Control data were similar for all groups. Measured variables were not statistically or clinically different among groups, and change from control within groups was related to halothane anesthesia. The 3 systems produced similar cardiovascular and respiratory effects. Consequently, none of the systems proved superior to the other 2 on the basis of measured variables. Halothane anesthesia produced cardiopulmonary changes comparable to changes reported in other species anesthetized and maintained by similar techniques.", "contents": "Cardiopulmonary effects of rebreathing and nonrebreathing systems during halothane anesthesia in the cat. Cardiopulmonary variables were measured in 3 groups of halothane-oxygen anesthetized cats. The groups, each containing 6 animals, were treated similarly except for maintenance anesthetic systems, and system variation was the basis for comparison. Groups were maintained, using a pediatric circle CO2 absorption system with an O2 flow of 0.5 L/minute, an Ayre's T-piece system with an O2 flow of 3 L/minute, and an adult circle CO2 absorption system with an O2 flow of 0.5 L/minute. Anesthesia was induced by mask, endotracheal intubation was done, and end-expired halothane was maintained at 1.4%. Measurements of cardiopulmonary variables were reported at 30-minute intervals for 135 minutes, the first measurements being made 15 minutes after induction. Control data were similar for all groups. Measured variables were not statistically or clinically different among groups, and change from control within groups was related to halothane anesthesia. The 3 systems produced similar cardiovascular and respiratory effects. Consequently, none of the systems proved superior to the other 2 on the basis of measured variables. Halothane anesthesia produced cardiopulmonary changes comparable to changes reported in other species anesthetized and maintained by similar techniques.", "PMID": 999070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7459", "title": "Gamma camera imaging of bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia and adrenal tumors in the dog.", "content": "Gamma camera imaging of the adrenal glands was done in 8 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism and 4 normal dogs given intravenous injections of 131I-19-iodocholesterol. In normal dogs, both adrenal glands could be visualized separately, and there was no difficulty in distinguishing among the images of normal glands, hyperplastic glands, and functional adrenal tumors. In addition, gamma camera imaging enabled the correct surgical site to be selected for removal of adrenal tumors. Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed in 8 dogs by evaluation of urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (OHCS) excretion rates, urinary 17-OHCS and plasma 11beta-OHCS RESPONSES TO DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION OF ENDOGENOUS ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN (ACTH) secretion, and plasma 11beta-OHCS response to intravenous administration of ACTH. Base line 17-OHCS excretion increased in 5 of the 8 dogs. Plasma 11beta-OHCS concentrations were not decreased by dexamethasone administration in the 4 dogs subsequently found to have adrenal tumors; however, there was an exaggerated increase in plasma 11beta-OHCS concentration after administration of ACTH in 3 of the 4 dogs which had bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia.", "contents": "Gamma camera imaging of bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia and adrenal tumors in the dog. Gamma camera imaging of the adrenal glands was done in 8 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism and 4 normal dogs given intravenous injections of 131I-19-iodocholesterol. In normal dogs, both adrenal glands could be visualized separately, and there was no difficulty in distinguishing among the images of normal glands, hyperplastic glands, and functional adrenal tumors. In addition, gamma camera imaging enabled the correct surgical site to be selected for removal of adrenal tumors. Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed in 8 dogs by evaluation of urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (OHCS) excretion rates, urinary 17-OHCS and plasma 11beta-OHCS RESPONSES TO DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION OF ENDOGENOUS ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN (ACTH) secretion, and plasma 11beta-OHCS response to intravenous administration of ACTH. Base line 17-OHCS excretion increased in 5 of the 8 dogs. Plasma 11beta-OHCS concentrations were not decreased by dexamethasone administration in the 4 dogs subsequently found to have adrenal tumors; however, there was an exaggerated increase in plasma 11beta-OHCS concentration after administration of ACTH in 3 of the 4 dogs which had bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia.", "PMID": 999071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7460", "title": "Determination of the facility of aqueous humor outflow in the dog, comparing in vivo and in vitro tonographic and constant pressure perfusion techniques.", "content": "The gross facility of aqueous humor outflow (C) was estimated in the normal in vivo and in vitro dog eye, using tonography and constant pressure perfusion. Tonographic C value for 36 normal eyes, with the dog anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride and acetylpromazine maleate, was 0.21 (+/- 0.14, SD); the mean tonographic value in 35 eyes with the patient anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital was 0.15 (+/- 0.09). Constant pressure perfusion of the in vivo normal dog eyes at 20 mm of Hg intraocular pressure yielded a mean C value of 0.13 (+/- 0.07) and at 30 mm of Hg 0.18 (+/- 0.13). As intraocular pressure increased from 10 to 50 mm of Hg, the rate of outflow, as determined by constant pressure perfusion, increased. The C values from in vitro constant pressure perfusion were greater than those in the in vivo eyes and deceased in most eyes as intraocular pressure was increased as compared with the in vivo preparation.", "contents": "Determination of the facility of aqueous humor outflow in the dog, comparing in vivo and in vitro tonographic and constant pressure perfusion techniques. The gross facility of aqueous humor outflow (C) was estimated in the normal in vivo and in vitro dog eye, using tonography and constant pressure perfusion. Tonographic C value for 36 normal eyes, with the dog anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride and acetylpromazine maleate, was 0.21 (+/- 0.14, SD); the mean tonographic value in 35 eyes with the patient anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital was 0.15 (+/- 0.09). Constant pressure perfusion of the in vivo normal dog eyes at 20 mm of Hg intraocular pressure yielded a mean C value of 0.13 (+/- 0.07) and at 30 mm of Hg 0.18 (+/- 0.13). As intraocular pressure increased from 10 to 50 mm of Hg, the rate of outflow, as determined by constant pressure perfusion, increased. The C values from in vitro constant pressure perfusion were greater than those in the in vivo eyes and deceased in most eyes as intraocular pressure was increased as compared with the in vivo preparation.", "PMID": 999072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7461", "title": "Effects of training on resting and postexercise ECG in standardbred horses, using a standardized exercise test.", "content": "Five healthy, mature, previously trained Standardbred horses were given no exercise (left in a stall) for 4 months, then jogged (slow exercise) for 3 weeks, and placed in a 6-week training period. Cardiac variables were measured at the beginning of training and after 14, 20, 35, and 42 days of training before and at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after a 1.8-km (in 3:12 +/- 2 seconds) standard, submaximal exercise test on a deep 0.53-km track. There was no significant change during the 6-week conditioning period in the following variables at rest or at any of the times observed during recovery from test exercise: heart rate, PQ-interval, QRS-duration, QT-interval, and ratio of electrical systole to diastole. It appeared that measuring heart rate by electrocardiogram at rest and during recovery from execise is not of significance in evaluating the fitness in the previously trained adult horse.", "contents": "Effects of training on resting and postexercise ECG in standardbred horses, using a standardized exercise test. Five healthy, mature, previously trained Standardbred horses were given no exercise (left in a stall) for 4 months, then jogged (slow exercise) for 3 weeks, and placed in a 6-week training period. Cardiac variables were measured at the beginning of training and after 14, 20, 35, and 42 days of training before and at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after a 1.8-km (in 3:12 +/- 2 seconds) standard, submaximal exercise test on a deep 0.53-km track. There was no significant change during the 6-week conditioning period in the following variables at rest or at any of the times observed during recovery from test exercise: heart rate, PQ-interval, QRS-duration, QT-interval, and ratio of electrical systole to diastole. It appeared that measuring heart rate by electrocardiogram at rest and during recovery from execise is not of significance in evaluating the fitness in the previously trained adult horse.", "PMID": 999073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7462", "title": "Detection of Moraxella bovis antibodies in infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis by a passive hemagglutination test.", "content": "A passive hemagglutination test was developed to detect antibody response to Moraxella bovis in tears. Tannic acid-treated sheep erythrocytes were sensitized with sonicated antigen prepared from M bovis cultures. The test was found to be a relatively simple, specific, and reliable procedure for titrating antibodies in lacrimal secretions. The hemagglutination test could be a valuable method for seroepizootiologic investigation of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis.", "contents": "Detection of Moraxella bovis antibodies in infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis by a passive hemagglutination test. A passive hemagglutination test was developed to detect antibody response to Moraxella bovis in tears. Tannic acid-treated sheep erythrocytes were sensitized with sonicated antigen prepared from M bovis cultures. The test was found to be a relatively simple, specific, and reliable procedure for titrating antibodies in lacrimal secretions. The hemagglutination test could be a valuable method for seroepizootiologic investigation of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis.", "PMID": 999074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7463", "title": "In vitro transformation of rodent cells by simian adenovirus 7 and bovine adenovirus type 3 (strain WBR-1).", "content": "Hamster, rat, and mouse embryo cells were quantitatively transformed by simian adenovirus 7 with maximum efficiencies of 2.1 X 10(5), and 2.5 X 10(5) plaque-forming unit/focus-forming unit, respectively. Bovine adenovirus type 3 did not transform rat or mouse embryo cells, but transformed hamster embryo cells with a maximum efficiency of 3.4 X 10(4) plaque-forming unit/focus-forming unit. All of the transformed cells were tumorigenic in appropriate hosts and possessed viral-specific T-antigen.", "contents": "In vitro transformation of rodent cells by simian adenovirus 7 and bovine adenovirus type 3 (strain WBR-1). Hamster, rat, and mouse embryo cells were quantitatively transformed by simian adenovirus 7 with maximum efficiencies of 2.1 X 10(5), and 2.5 X 10(5) plaque-forming unit/focus-forming unit, respectively. Bovine adenovirus type 3 did not transform rat or mouse embryo cells, but transformed hamster embryo cells with a maximum efficiency of 3.4 X 10(4) plaque-forming unit/focus-forming unit. All of the transformed cells were tumorigenic in appropriate hosts and possessed viral-specific T-antigen.", "PMID": 999075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7464", "title": "Preliminary study of the in vivo motion in the canine shoulder.", "content": "An instrumented spatial linkage was used to measure the total motion in a canine shoulder as the dog was engaged in a variety of activities, including walking on a level carousel track, as well as over a hurdle, up and down a step, and up and down a ramp placed on the same track. For each activity, the motion data were analyzed, using 2 procedures. First, the linkage data and the joint contour data were combined by computer, and the motion was represented by a series of sequential computer drawings showing the scapular and humeral articular surfaces in their proper relative positions for selected increments of time during the various activities described. As an alternate but approximate method for describing the relative humeral-scapular motion, rotations about 3 mutually perpendicular axes through the average center of the shoulder joint were determined.", "contents": "Preliminary study of the in vivo motion in the canine shoulder. An instrumented spatial linkage was used to measure the total motion in a canine shoulder as the dog was engaged in a variety of activities, including walking on a level carousel track, as well as over a hurdle, up and down a step, and up and down a ramp placed on the same track. For each activity, the motion data were analyzed, using 2 procedures. First, the linkage data and the joint contour data were combined by computer, and the motion was represented by a series of sequential computer drawings showing the scapular and humeral articular surfaces in their proper relative positions for selected increments of time during the various activities described. As an alternate but approximate method for describing the relative humeral-scapular motion, rotations about 3 mutually perpendicular axes through the average center of the shoulder joint were determined.", "PMID": 999076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7465", "title": "Efficacy of albendazole against gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle.", "content": "Forty-five calves with artificial and pasture-acquired nematode infections were medicated with albendazole at dose levels of 0, 2.5, 5.0, or 10 mg/kg of body weight. A dose level of 2.5 mg/kg removed at least 99% of adult Trichostrongylus axei, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Cooperia oncophora, and Bunostomum phlebotomum. Burdens of Haemonchus contortus, Strongyloides papillosus, and Ostertagia ostertagi were reduced 79, 88, and 97%, respectively. At a dose level of 5.0 mg/kg, at least 95% of all adult nematodes were removed; at 10 mg/kg, at least 97% were removed. At least 99% of 4th-stage larvae of O ostertagi, T axei, C oncophora and T colubriformis and 96% of H contortus were expelled at a dose level of 2.5 mg/kg. At 5.0 and 10 mg/kg, 99 to 100% of all species of larvae were removed. Trichuris spp adults were slightly susceptible at all dose levels; larvae were susceptible (83%) only at 10 mg/kg.", "contents": "Efficacy of albendazole against gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle. Forty-five calves with artificial and pasture-acquired nematode infections were medicated with albendazole at dose levels of 0, 2.5, 5.0, or 10 mg/kg of body weight. A dose level of 2.5 mg/kg removed at least 99% of adult Trichostrongylus axei, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Cooperia oncophora, and Bunostomum phlebotomum. Burdens of Haemonchus contortus, Strongyloides papillosus, and Ostertagia ostertagi were reduced 79, 88, and 97%, respectively. At a dose level of 5.0 mg/kg, at least 95% of all adult nematodes were removed; at 10 mg/kg, at least 97% were removed. At least 99% of 4th-stage larvae of O ostertagi, T axei, C oncophora and T colubriformis and 96% of H contortus were expelled at a dose level of 2.5 mg/kg. At 5.0 and 10 mg/kg, 99 to 100% of all species of larvae were removed. Trichuris spp adults were slightly susceptible at all dose levels; larvae were susceptible (83%) only at 10 mg/kg.", "PMID": 999077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7466", "title": "Surgical preparation of miniature swine for atherosclerosis research.", "content": "A 2-stage surgical procedure for chronic intestinal, vascular, and lymphatic sampling in miniature swine is described. Cannulas were placed in the jejunum and ileum, followed by a 2nd implantation of indwelling catheters in the portal and hepatic veins, caudal vena cava, abdominal aorta, and cisterna chyli. The techniques used proved that miniature swine can be surgically adapted to meet experimental requirements.", "contents": "Surgical preparation of miniature swine for atherosclerosis research. A 2-stage surgical procedure for chronic intestinal, vascular, and lymphatic sampling in miniature swine is described. Cannulas were placed in the jejunum and ileum, followed by a 2nd implantation of indwelling catheters in the portal and hepatic veins, caudal vena cava, abdominal aorta, and cisterna chyli. The techniques used proved that miniature swine can be surgically adapted to meet experimental requirements.", "PMID": 999078} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7467", "title": "Use of duodenal drainage in the diagnosis of acalculous gallbladder disease.", "content": "Because of overreliance on oral cholecystograms, we have re-evaluated a little used laboratory test, duodenal drainage. In a series of 56 patients with normal oral cholecystograms and upper GI series who underwent duodenal drainage and cholecystectomy, 53 (95%) were found to have positive microscopic examinations. We think duodenal drainage is a safe, simple test which should be used as an adjunct to history and physical examination and oral cholecystography. In regard to clinical follow-up, 96 per cent of patients followed were judged to have excellent-to-good results.", "contents": "Use of duodenal drainage in the diagnosis of acalculous gallbladder disease. Because of overreliance on oral cholecystograms, we have re-evaluated a little used laboratory test, duodenal drainage. In a series of 56 patients with normal oral cholecystograms and upper GI series who underwent duodenal drainage and cholecystectomy, 53 (95%) were found to have positive microscopic examinations. We think duodenal drainage is a safe, simple test which should be used as an adjunct to history and physical examination and oral cholecystography. In regard to clinical follow-up, 96 per cent of patients followed were judged to have excellent-to-good results.", "PMID": 999081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7468", "title": "Clinical evalation of the the of local anesthesia for repair of inguinal hernia.", "content": "Three hundred sixty-six patients undergoing elective inguinal hernioplasty were randomized to receive either local anesthesia or traditional spinal or general anesthesia. Overall operative complication rates were nearly the same, but wound complication predominated in the local anesthesia group while problems related to anesthesia were more common with spinal or general technique. Patients who had local anesthesia had significantly fewer postoperative symptoms than did the others.", "contents": "Clinical evalation of the the of local anesthesia for repair of inguinal hernia. Three hundred sixty-six patients undergoing elective inguinal hernioplasty were randomized to receive either local anesthesia or traditional spinal or general anesthesia. Overall operative complication rates were nearly the same, but wound complication predominated in the local anesthesia group while problems related to anesthesia were more common with spinal or general technique. Patients who had local anesthesia had significantly fewer postoperative symptoms than did the others.", "PMID": 999082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7469", "title": "Post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism.", "content": "The incidence of hypoparathyroidism following thyroid surgery in the series reported was 7.8 per cent. Temporary hypoparathyroidism was present in 15 patients (4.6%) and permanent hypoparathyroidism in 10 (3.2%). Persistently low levels of serum calcium and high levels of serum phosphorus at six to 10 weeks after thyroid operation in patients with temporary hypoparathyroidism, with no tendency toward normalization, suggests permanent hypoparathyroidism. Serum calcium below 5 mg per cent suggests permanent hypoparathyroidism.", "contents": "Post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism. The incidence of hypoparathyroidism following thyroid surgery in the series reported was 7.8 per cent. Temporary hypoparathyroidism was present in 15 patients (4.6%) and permanent hypoparathyroidism in 10 (3.2%). Persistently low levels of serum calcium and high levels of serum phosphorus at six to 10 weeks after thyroid operation in patients with temporary hypoparathyroidism, with no tendency toward normalization, suggests permanent hypoparathyroidism. Serum calcium below 5 mg per cent suggests permanent hypoparathyroidism.", "PMID": 999087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7470", "title": "Dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans: analysis of eight cases in an African population.", "content": "Eight cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans seen in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between 1960 and 1972 are reviewed. The condition is rare in this population and affects young adults of both sexes. All were treated by wide excision and skin grafting with no recurrence at follow-up. The apparently low incidence being reported may be due in part to the inconsistent histological pattern of the lesion. Clinicians are urged to be more aware of this condition when a cutaneous, nodular or multiobulated tumor is encountered.", "contents": "Dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans: analysis of eight cases in an African population. Eight cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans seen in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between 1960 and 1972 are reviewed. The condition is rare in this population and affects young adults of both sexes. All were treated by wide excision and skin grafting with no recurrence at follow-up. The apparently low incidence being reported may be due in part to the inconsistent histological pattern of the lesion. Clinicians are urged to be more aware of this condition when a cutaneous, nodular or multiobulated tumor is encountered.", "PMID": 999088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7471", "title": "Ecological affinities of Brazil and the southeastern United States of America. A study in comparative physiological ecology.", "content": "Brazil and the southeastern United States have faunistic similarities and differences which are of fundamental interest to the environmental scientist. These similarities and differences provide natural experimental organisms and habitats which can provide answers to basic and applied questions. What are the lethal limits of organisms to environmental changes? How do animals functionally adjust to various ecological parameters? How have basic biological systems evolved in response to new environments? Although the comparative functional attributes of individual species has been stressed in this paper, knowledge of the comparative dynamics os is vitally needed before man can gain an understanding of how systems function, and, equally important, how to manage and manipulate coastal marine environments. This critical area is where man has the potential to exert his greatest influence on the future existence and evolution of specific organisms and ecosystems.", "contents": "Ecological affinities of Brazil and the southeastern United States of America. A study in comparative physiological ecology. Brazil and the southeastern United States have faunistic similarities and differences which are of fundamental interest to the environmental scientist. These similarities and differences provide natural experimental organisms and habitats which can provide answers to basic and applied questions. What are the lethal limits of organisms to environmental changes? How do animals functionally adjust to various ecological parameters? How have basic biological systems evolved in response to new environments? Although the comparative functional attributes of individual species has been stressed in this paper, knowledge of the comparative dynamics os is vitally needed before man can gain an understanding of how systems function, and, equally important, how to manage and manipulate coastal marine environments. This critical area is where man has the potential to exert his greatest influence on the future existence and evolution of specific organisms and ecosystems.", "PMID": 999090} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7472", "title": "[Morbidity and mortality in low-birth-weight infants (1,000 g, or less (author's transl)].", "content": "50 low-birth-weight infants (1,000 g. or less) admitted to an Intensive Care Unit from January 1972 up to December 1974 are evaluated. Obstetrical data maturity and morbidity are compared in order to investigate factors that might predispose survival of these infants. Significant differences in gestational age, birth weight and maturity have been encountered. Mortality rate increases with a low Apgar score at one and five minutes, a low hematocrit an admission, early appearance of apnea, respiratory distress, when ressuscitation was required, need for assisted ventilation and septicemia. Among the factors that improve the rate of survival are: being small for gestational age, early rupture of membranes and temperature on admission above 35.5 degrees (axillary). Problems most frequently encountered were respiratory distress, apnea, infection and metabolic disturbances. Mortality rate was 76%, lowered to 50% among the small for gestational age group. The main causes of death were sepsis, severe hypoxia and intracraneal hemorrhage.", "contents": "[Morbidity and mortality in low-birth-weight infants (1,000 g, or less (author's transl)]. 50 low-birth-weight infants (1,000 g. or less) admitted to an Intensive Care Unit from January 1972 up to December 1974 are evaluated. Obstetrical data maturity and morbidity are compared in order to investigate factors that might predispose survival of these infants. Significant differences in gestational age, birth weight and maturity have been encountered. Mortality rate increases with a low Apgar score at one and five minutes, a low hematocrit an admission, early appearance of apnea, respiratory distress, when ressuscitation was required, need for assisted ventilation and septicemia. Among the factors that improve the rate of survival are: being small for gestational age, early rupture of membranes and temperature on admission above 35.5 degrees (axillary). Problems most frequently encountered were respiratory distress, apnea, infection and metabolic disturbances. Mortality rate was 76%, lowered to 50% among the small for gestational age group. The main causes of death were sepsis, severe hypoxia and intracraneal hemorrhage.", "PMID": 999093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7473", "title": "[Prevention of burns in children (author's transl)].", "content": "Based on their experience of 1,870 burned children, authors point out the main etiologic factors involved and discuss the preventive actions among which an improvement of the familial income and an adequate diffusion of safety rules seem to be the most relevant.", "contents": "[Prevention of burns in children (author's transl)]. Based on their experience of 1,870 burned children, authors point out the main etiologic factors involved and discuss the preventive actions among which an improvement of the familial income and an adequate diffusion of safety rules seem to be the most relevant.", "PMID": 999094} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7474", "title": "[Hodgkin's disease in small children (author's transl)].", "content": "17 cases of Hodgkin's disease are reported, seen in a ten year period. Age of patients oscillated between three and seven years. There was a predominance of mixed cellularity type in histologic pattern. Most of patients were diagnosed in advanced clinical stages. Primary sign of disease was presence of cervical adenopathies and there were few cases of thoracic disease. Treatment consisted in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, according to histological type and clinical stage. Survival in our serie is of 53.3% with periods of observation from six months to seven years.", "contents": "[Hodgkin's disease in small children (author's transl)]. 17 cases of Hodgkin's disease are reported, seen in a ten year period. Age of patients oscillated between three and seven years. There was a predominance of mixed cellularity type in histologic pattern. Most of patients were diagnosed in advanced clinical stages. Primary sign of disease was presence of cervical adenopathies and there were few cases of thoracic disease. Treatment consisted in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, according to histological type and clinical stage. Survival in our serie is of 53.3% with periods of observation from six months to seven years.", "PMID": 999095} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7475", "title": "[Torsion of the testis in the newborn (author's transl)].", "content": "27 cases of torsion of the testis in the newborn among 46 operations for torsion of the spermatic cord in childhood are reported. Usually torsions were extravaginal and orchidectomy for advanced necrosis was necessary in 22 cases. Authors comment on predisposing factors which produce a torsion of the testis in the newborn. The aetiology is unclear. Pathology of the specimens of orchidectomy as well as the final atrophy of several of the conserved testis demonstrate that excision is probably indicated even with an early diagnosis, which is essential.", "contents": "[Torsion of the testis in the newborn (author's transl)]. 27 cases of torsion of the testis in the newborn among 46 operations for torsion of the spermatic cord in childhood are reported. Usually torsions were extravaginal and orchidectomy for advanced necrosis was necessary in 22 cases. Authors comment on predisposing factors which produce a torsion of the testis in the newborn. The aetiology is unclear. Pathology of the specimens of orchidectomy as well as the final atrophy of several of the conserved testis demonstrate that excision is probably indicated even with an early diagnosis, which is essential.", "PMID": 999097} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7476", "title": "[Aortic coarctation. Treatment under one year (author's transl)].", "content": "Fifteen patients operated upon for aortic coarctation under one year are reported. Nine of them survived. The E.C.G. was very useful as far as the surgical prognosis is concerned. Dead patients showed either right or biventricular hypertrophy, with alteration of the repolarisation. On the other hand 50% of survivors had left ventricular hypertrophy. In six of the operated patients a plasty between subclavian artery and aortic arch was performed. The remaining patients were treated by end-to-end anastomosis.", "contents": "[Aortic coarctation. Treatment under one year (author's transl)]. Fifteen patients operated upon for aortic coarctation under one year are reported. Nine of them survived. The E.C.G. was very useful as far as the surgical prognosis is concerned. Dead patients showed either right or biventricular hypertrophy, with alteration of the repolarisation. On the other hand 50% of survivors had left ventricular hypertrophy. In six of the operated patients a plasty between subclavian artery and aortic arch was performed. The remaining patients were treated by end-to-end anastomosis.", "PMID": 999098} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7477", "title": "[Pulmonary atresia with intact i.v. septum (author's transl)].", "content": "Eight cases of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, are reviewed. Three corresponded to the group with small or hypoplastic right ventricle and five to the one with normal or enlarged right ventricular cavity. The electrocardiogram was of less value than plain chest radiography for the differential diagnosis of both groups. Cardiac catheterization revealed a right to left atrial shunt and the suprasystemic level of the right ventricular pressure. Selective angiocardiography demonstrates the stop of contrast at the level of pulmonary valve. Five patients were operated. An ascending aorta to right pulmonary artery anastomosis, Waterston type, was performed in three patients. Pulmonary valvotomy was carried out in the others.", "contents": "[Pulmonary atresia with intact i.v. septum (author's transl)]. Eight cases of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, are reviewed. Three corresponded to the group with small or hypoplastic right ventricle and five to the one with normal or enlarged right ventricular cavity. The electrocardiogram was of less value than plain chest radiography for the differential diagnosis of both groups. Cardiac catheterization revealed a right to left atrial shunt and the suprasystemic level of the right ventricular pressure. Selective angiocardiography demonstrates the stop of contrast at the level of pulmonary valve. Five patients were operated. An ascending aorta to right pulmonary artery anastomosis, Waterston type, was performed in three patients. Pulmonary valvotomy was carried out in the others.", "PMID": 999099} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7478", "title": "[Vein and arterial renal thrombosis in a newborn (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of arterial and venous thrombosis in a newborn is presented. The etiopathogenic aspects are discussed, and the possible relationship between arterial and venous thrombosis in comparison with clinical renal vein thrombosis are evaluated. Appropriated treatment for these patients is presented.", "contents": "[Vein and arterial renal thrombosis in a newborn (author's transl)]. A case of arterial and venous thrombosis in a newborn is presented. The etiopathogenic aspects are discussed, and the possible relationship between arterial and venous thrombosis in comparison with clinical renal vein thrombosis are evaluated. Appropriated treatment for these patients is presented.", "PMID": 999096} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7479", "title": "Effectiveness of coronary care units in small community hospitals.", "content": "A prospective study was undertaken from 1969 to 1974 to evaluate a program establishing coronary care units in small community hospitals. Crude mortality rates from acute myocardial infarction in these small hospitals were 14.5%, slightly higher but not statistically different from concurrently collected data in three larger comparision hospitals (11.5%). Mutivariate discriminate analysis of clinical characteristics was used to calculate a risk score for each patient admitted. Observed deaths exceeded expected deaths (134 versus 119) (P greater than 0.30) in small hospitals but observed deaths were less than expected (55 versus 77)(P less than 0.05) in comparison hospitals. Mortality was significantly greater in those units admitting fewer than 60 patients with infarctions yearly (20.9%) than in those admitting more than 60 (10.7%) (P less than 0.001). These data suggest that coronary care units in small community hospitals can provide adequate coronary care, but their level of performance drops when fewer than 60 patients with infarctions are admitted yearly.", "contents": "Effectiveness of coronary care units in small community hospitals. A prospective study was undertaken from 1969 to 1974 to evaluate a program establishing coronary care units in small community hospitals. Crude mortality rates from acute myocardial infarction in these small hospitals were 14.5%, slightly higher but not statistically different from concurrently collected data in three larger comparision hospitals (11.5%). Mutivariate discriminate analysis of clinical characteristics was used to calculate a risk score for each patient admitted. Observed deaths exceeded expected deaths (134 versus 119) (P greater than 0.30) in small hospitals but observed deaths were less than expected (55 versus 77)(P less than 0.05) in comparison hospitals. Mortality was significantly greater in those units admitting fewer than 60 patients with infarctions yearly (20.9%) than in those admitting more than 60 (10.7%) (P less than 0.001). These data suggest that coronary care units in small community hospitals can provide adequate coronary care, but their level of performance drops when fewer than 60 patients with infarctions are admitted yearly.", "PMID": 999106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7480", "title": "[Plasmatic levels of glucose and insulin in siblings of diabetic children (author's transl)].", "content": "Observation of glucose and plasmatic insulin curve after oral administration of glucose in 16 brothers of juvenile diabetics. The findings were: slight curve alterations that would be compatible with chemical diabetes.", "contents": "[Plasmatic levels of glucose and insulin in siblings of diabetic children (author's transl)]. Observation of glucose and plasmatic insulin curve after oral administration of glucose in 16 brothers of juvenile diabetics. The findings were: slight curve alterations that would be compatible with chemical diabetes.", "PMID": 999100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7481", "title": "[Jadassohn's nevus sebaceous: E.E.G. data of four cases (author's transl)].", "content": "Electroencephalographic data of four cases of Jadassohn's nevus sebaceous found in children is reported. An attempt has been made to establish a correlation between the region of cutaneous lesion with that of the electroencephalographically affected area of the cerebral hemisphere. Cases published up until 1975 that have made reference to electroencephalographic findings are reviewed.", "contents": "[Jadassohn's nevus sebaceous: E.E.G. data of four cases (author's transl)]. Electroencephalographic data of four cases of Jadassohn's nevus sebaceous found in children is reported. An attempt has been made to establish a correlation between the region of cutaneous lesion with that of the electroencephalographically affected area of the cerebral hemisphere. Cases published up until 1975 that have made reference to electroencephalographic findings are reviewed.", "PMID": 999101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7482", "title": "Hemodynamics in sleep-induced apnea. Studies during wakefulness and sleep.", "content": "Twelve patients with predominantly obstructive type sleep apnea underwent cardiac catheterization, hemodynamic monitoring, and arterial blood gas analysis during wakefulness and sleep. Abnormalities during wakefulness included systemic hypertension in four of 12, exercise-induced mild pulmonary hypertension in five of 12, and alveolar hypoventilation in one. During sleep nine patients had cyclic elevations of arterial pressure with each apneic episode, exceeding 200 mm Hg systolic in three of 12. Pulmonary artery pressures increased in 10 of 12, exceeding 60 mm Hg systolic in five. Marked degrees of hypoxemia (arterial P02, less than 50 mm Hg in eight of 12) and moderate hypercapnia with respiratory acidosis were associated with these hemodynamic changes. Cyclic upper airway obstruction during sleep may result in hypercapnia, acidosis, and pronounced hypoxemia, which can lead to hemodynamic abnormalities during sleep. Sustained pulmonary hypertension and possibly systemic hypertension may follow. Tracheostomy is an effective therapy and is recommended to symptomatic patients who have predominantly obstructive apnea but no relievable anatomic cause of upper airway obstruction.", "contents": "Hemodynamics in sleep-induced apnea. Studies during wakefulness and sleep. Twelve patients with predominantly obstructive type sleep apnea underwent cardiac catheterization, hemodynamic monitoring, and arterial blood gas analysis during wakefulness and sleep. Abnormalities during wakefulness included systemic hypertension in four of 12, exercise-induced mild pulmonary hypertension in five of 12, and alveolar hypoventilation in one. During sleep nine patients had cyclic elevations of arterial pressure with each apneic episode, exceeding 200 mm Hg systolic in three of 12. Pulmonary artery pressures increased in 10 of 12, exceeding 60 mm Hg systolic in five. Marked degrees of hypoxemia (arterial P02, less than 50 mm Hg in eight of 12) and moderate hypercapnia with respiratory acidosis were associated with these hemodynamic changes. Cyclic upper airway obstruction during sleep may result in hypercapnia, acidosis, and pronounced hypoxemia, which can lead to hemodynamic abnormalities during sleep. Sustained pulmonary hypertension and possibly systemic hypertension may follow. Tracheostomy is an effective therapy and is recommended to symptomatic patients who have predominantly obstructive apnea but no relievable anatomic cause of upper airway obstruction.", "PMID": 999107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7483", "title": "Thyroid function and metabolic state in chronic renal failure.", "content": "Thirty-eight patients with chronic renal insufficiency who were in a dialysis program underwent studies of thyroid function and metabolic status. Mean values for serum total and free thyroxine (T4) concentrations and thyroxine-binding globulin capacity were within normal limits. Although mean serum total triiodothyronine (T3) concentration was normal, 43% of the group had low serum T3 and 54% had low serum free T3 concentrations. Serum thyrotrophin (TSH) concentrations were normal in all but four subjects who had very slight elevations. Metabolic status was assessed by various metabolic tests; mean values for each of these tests were normal, and the clinical index scores indicated that all patients were euthyroid. Results of metabolic testing were similar in patients with low and those with normal serum T3 concentrations. Low serum T3 measurements did not accurately reflect metabolic state in patients with chronic renal failure, whereas serum free T4 and TSH concentrations were reliable indicators of thyroid state.", "contents": "Thyroid function and metabolic state in chronic renal failure. Thirty-eight patients with chronic renal insufficiency who were in a dialysis program underwent studies of thyroid function and metabolic status. Mean values for serum total and free thyroxine (T4) concentrations and thyroxine-binding globulin capacity were within normal limits. Although mean serum total triiodothyronine (T3) concentration was normal, 43% of the group had low serum T3 and 54% had low serum free T3 concentrations. Serum thyrotrophin (TSH) concentrations were normal in all but four subjects who had very slight elevations. Metabolic status was assessed by various metabolic tests; mean values for each of these tests were normal, and the clinical index scores indicated that all patients were euthyroid. Results of metabolic testing were similar in patients with low and those with normal serum T3 concentrations. Low serum T3 measurements did not accurately reflect metabolic state in patients with chronic renal failure, whereas serum free T4 and TSH concentrations were reliable indicators of thyroid state.", "PMID": 999108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7484", "title": "Nelson's syndrome: frequency, prognosis, and effect of prior pituitary irradiation.", "content": "Previous reports differ regarding the frequency and course of pituitary tumors occurring after adrenalectomy for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (Nelson's syndrome). In this report, 120 patients who were adrenalectomized for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia were followed for 2 to 20 years. Nine of the 120 developed Nelson's syndrome (8%), the tumors appearing 6 months to 16 years after adrenalectomy. In the majority of cases, the course was benign; seven patients are living an average of 9.7 years after discovery of their tumors. Finally, contrary to previous reports, pituitary irradiation before adrenalectomy did not prevent Nelson's syndrome. Twenty of 120 patients had pituitary irradiation as the initial treatment for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and two subsequently developed pituitary tumors. Thus, after adrenalectomy for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, all patients, regardless of previous pituitary irradiation, should be followed indefinitely with periodic X rays of the sella turcica for the possible occurrence of Nelson's syndrome.", "contents": "Nelson's syndrome: frequency, prognosis, and effect of prior pituitary irradiation. Previous reports differ regarding the frequency and course of pituitary tumors occurring after adrenalectomy for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (Nelson's syndrome). In this report, 120 patients who were adrenalectomized for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia were followed for 2 to 20 years. Nine of the 120 developed Nelson's syndrome (8%), the tumors appearing 6 months to 16 years after adrenalectomy. In the majority of cases, the course was benign; seven patients are living an average of 9.7 years after discovery of their tumors. Finally, contrary to previous reports, pituitary irradiation before adrenalectomy did not prevent Nelson's syndrome. Twenty of 120 patients had pituitary irradiation as the initial treatment for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and two subsequently developed pituitary tumors. Thus, after adrenalectomy for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, all patients, regardless of previous pituitary irradiation, should be followed indefinitely with periodic X rays of the sella turcica for the possible occurrence of Nelson's syndrome.", "PMID": 999109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7485", "title": "[Appendicitis in a premature infant (a case report) (author's transl)].", "content": "The case of a 1600 g. 11 day-old premature infant operated upon for G.I. perforation 9 days after exchangetransfusion for hyperbilirrubinemia is reported. Surgery revealed peritonitis due lo appendiceal perforation without evidence of other NEC lesions. Rectal biopsy was normal as well. The problem of neonatal appendicitis is briefly reviewed.", "contents": "[Appendicitis in a premature infant (a case report) (author's transl)]. The case of a 1600 g. 11 day-old premature infant operated upon for G.I. perforation 9 days after exchangetransfusion for hyperbilirrubinemia is reported. Surgery revealed peritonitis due lo appendiceal perforation without evidence of other NEC lesions. Rectal biopsy was normal as well. The problem of neonatal appendicitis is briefly reviewed.", "PMID": 999103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7486", "title": "Unrecognized adult salicylate intoxication.", "content": "Adult salicylate intoxication has been considered to be easily recognized and assciated with low morbidity and mortality. In the present study of 73 consecutive adults hospitalized with salicylate intoxication, 27% of patients were undiagnosed for as long as 72 h after admission. The initial physical findings and laboratory data in patients not diagnosed on admission did not markedly differ from the findings in patients diagnosed on admission, and included tachypnea and acid-based disturbances as well as the frequent occurrence of neurologic abnormalities. However, patients with a delayed diagnosis of salicylate intoxication were older, rarely had a previous history of drug overdose, and more often became accidentally intoxicated while ingesting salicylate for associated medical illnesses when compared with patients diagnosed on admission. Moratlity was encountered with significantly greater frequency in patients with delayed diagnosis, and, consequently, delayed therapy, when compared with patients diagnosed on admission.", "contents": "Unrecognized adult salicylate intoxication. Adult salicylate intoxication has been considered to be easily recognized and assciated with low morbidity and mortality. In the present study of 73 consecutive adults hospitalized with salicylate intoxication, 27% of patients were undiagnosed for as long as 72 h after admission. The initial physical findings and laboratory data in patients not diagnosed on admission did not markedly differ from the findings in patients diagnosed on admission, and included tachypnea and acid-based disturbances as well as the frequent occurrence of neurologic abnormalities. However, patients with a delayed diagnosis of salicylate intoxication were older, rarely had a previous history of drug overdose, and more often became accidentally intoxicated while ingesting salicylate for associated medical illnesses when compared with patients diagnosed on admission. Moratlity was encountered with significantly greater frequency in patients with delayed diagnosis, and, consequently, delayed therapy, when compared with patients diagnosed on admission.", "PMID": 999110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7487", "title": "[Freeman-sheldon's syndrome (cranio-carpo-tarsal dysplasia) (author's transl)].", "content": "A case with typical features of Freeman-Sheldon's syndrome is reported. The proband, a five years old girl had not any other affected members in her family, and showed every other associated malformations previously described: soft tissue swelling of supraorbital area, deep set eyes, epicantus, convergent strabismus, small nose, long philtrum area, H-Defect of chin, craneal alterations, kyphoscoliosis, finger contractures, thickening of the skin over the dorsum of the fingers, talipes equinovarus, etc. A cylindrical morphology of the three last metacarpals of both hands is remarkable.", "contents": "[Freeman-sheldon's syndrome (cranio-carpo-tarsal dysplasia) (author's transl)]. A case with typical features of Freeman-Sheldon's syndrome is reported. The proband, a five years old girl had not any other affected members in her family, and showed every other associated malformations previously described: soft tissue swelling of supraorbital area, deep set eyes, epicantus, convergent strabismus, small nose, long philtrum area, H-Defect of chin, craneal alterations, kyphoscoliosis, finger contractures, thickening of the skin over the dorsum of the fingers, talipes equinovarus, etc. A cylindrical morphology of the three last metacarpals of both hands is remarkable.", "PMID": 999105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7488", "title": "[Hereditary acute tyrosinemia. a case report (author's trnasl)].", "content": "A three month old infant with hepatic cirrhosis of rapid instauration is presented. Diagnosis of acute tyrosinemia was suspected by clinical data and confirmed by the quantitiative determination of plasma amino acids and the peculiar histological characteristics of hepatic cirrhosis. Authors review briefly the pathogenesis, symptoms and treatment of the disease.", "contents": "[Hereditary acute tyrosinemia. a case report (author's trnasl)]. A three month old infant with hepatic cirrhosis of rapid instauration is presented. Diagnosis of acute tyrosinemia was suspected by clinical data and confirmed by the quantitiative determination of plasma amino acids and the peculiar histological characteristics of hepatic cirrhosis. Authors review briefly the pathogenesis, symptoms and treatment of the disease.", "PMID": 999104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7489", "title": "[Nephrotic syndrome associated with congenital syphilis (author's transl)].", "content": "Clinical and renal morphologic studies are reported in a 3 1/2 month old infant with congenital syphilis and nephrotic syndrome. Renal lesions were consistent with membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis, and the presence of glomerular deposits of IgM, C3, and of less intensity of IgE and fibrin, were demonstrated by means of immunofluorescence. These findings identify the renal lesion as an immune glomerulopathy. A therapeutic course of penicillin resulted in resolution of clinical manifestations without any evidence of persistent renal damage.", "contents": "[Nephrotic syndrome associated with congenital syphilis (author's transl)]. Clinical and renal morphologic studies are reported in a 3 1/2 month old infant with congenital syphilis and nephrotic syndrome. Renal lesions were consistent with membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis, and the presence of glomerular deposits of IgM, C3, and of less intensity of IgE and fibrin, were demonstrated by means of immunofluorescence. These findings identify the renal lesion as an immune glomerulopathy. A therapeutic course of penicillin resulted in resolution of clinical manifestations without any evidence of persistent renal damage.", "PMID": 999102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7490", "title": "[The role of the different immunoglobulins in the milk ring test used for the detection of brucellosis (author's transl)].", "content": "The serum immunoglobulins obtained from one heifer vaccinated against brucellosis, and milk immunoglobulins from a cow suffering from a natural udder infection, were purified. The preparations were more than 99.5 per cent pure. The role of each immunoglobulin in the milk ring test was determined. Fractions sIgA and IgM induce the formation of a broad coloured ring after 1 hour's incubation at 37 degrees C. Under these same conditions, no ring was observed with IgG1 or IgG2 but the coloured agglutinated bacteria were visible at the bottom of the tube. The maintenance of the tubes at 4 degrees for 18 hours increased the sensitivity of the milk ring test, with all immunoglobulins. When the four immunoglobulins were simultaneously present in milk, the formation of the coloured ring prevented the formation of a deposit of agglutinated bacteria on the bottom of the tube. In this case, agglutination at the bottom of the tube occured only at dilutions above that giving the coloured ring. Addition of IgG1 and IgG2 to the mild containing sIgA or IgM slightly increased the title of the milk ring test: one part of the deposit of agglutinated bacteria rose to the surface with the fat globules.", "contents": "[The role of the different immunoglobulins in the milk ring test used for the detection of brucellosis (author's transl)]. The serum immunoglobulins obtained from one heifer vaccinated against brucellosis, and milk immunoglobulins from a cow suffering from a natural udder infection, were purified. The preparations were more than 99.5 per cent pure. The role of each immunoglobulin in the milk ring test was determined. Fractions sIgA and IgM induce the formation of a broad coloured ring after 1 hour's incubation at 37 degrees C. Under these same conditions, no ring was observed with IgG1 or IgG2 but the coloured agglutinated bacteria were visible at the bottom of the tube. The maintenance of the tubes at 4 degrees for 18 hours increased the sensitivity of the milk ring test, with all immunoglobulins. When the four immunoglobulins were simultaneously present in milk, the formation of the coloured ring prevented the formation of a deposit of agglutinated bacteria on the bottom of the tube. In this case, agglutination at the bottom of the tube occured only at dilutions above that giving the coloured ring. Addition of IgG1 and IgG2 to the mild containing sIgA or IgM slightly increased the title of the milk ring test: one part of the deposit of agglutinated bacteria rose to the surface with the fat globules.", "PMID": 999126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7491", "title": "[A new procedure of \"Salmonella\" enrichment (author's transl)].", "content": "We have prepared a modification of Rappaport's medium by reducing the content of themalachite green oxalate: medium R10, which is incubated at 43 degrees C instead of 37 degrees. These two modifications allow a satisfactory growth of a wide range of Salmonella and a better inhibition of competing organisms than the original medium of Rappaport incubated at 37 degrees and than Muller-Kauffmann's medium incubated at 43 degrees.", "contents": "[A new procedure of \"Salmonella\" enrichment (author's transl)]. We have prepared a modification of Rappaport's medium by reducing the content of themalachite green oxalate: medium R10, which is incubated at 43 degrees C instead of 37 degrees. These two modifications allow a satisfactory growth of a wide range of Salmonella and a better inhibition of competing organisms than the original medium of Rappaport incubated at 37 degrees and than Muller-Kauffmann's medium incubated at 43 degrees.", "PMID": 999127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7492", "title": "Posttraumatic optochiasmatic arachnoiditis.", "content": "Seven cases of adhesive arachnoiditis of the optochiasmatic cistern, verified surgically, with a history of head injury are presented. Neuroophthalmologic findings consisted of impairment of visual acuity and funduscopic atrophy rather than papilledema. The visual fields showed a damage of the periaxial rather than the axial type. Neuroradiologic examinations did not consistently give the findings considered classical of optochiasmatic arachnoiditis. Surgical lysis of the adhesions has given an improvement of the visual function, or at least an arrest in its impairment, in almost all cases. It is thought that these cases still present some valid indications for neurosurgical exploration of the optochiasmatic region.", "contents": "Posttraumatic optochiasmatic arachnoiditis. Seven cases of adhesive arachnoiditis of the optochiasmatic cistern, verified surgically, with a history of head injury are presented. Neuroophthalmologic findings consisted of impairment of visual acuity and funduscopic atrophy rather than papilledema. The visual fields showed a damage of the periaxial rather than the axial type. Neuroradiologic examinations did not consistently give the findings considered classical of optochiasmatic arachnoiditis. Surgical lysis of the adhesions has given an improvement of the visual function, or at least an arrest in its impairment, in almost all cases. It is thought that these cases still present some valid indications for neurosurgical exploration of the optochiasmatic region.", "PMID": 999132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7493", "title": "Subtotal eyelid reconstruction.", "content": "I hope to stress that with familiarity with this procedure: (A) 50% of one or both lids as well as canthal excision can be adequately reconstructed in one operation without the need for canthotomy. (B) Scarring is minimized and resultant function and cosmetic results are good. (C) For the purposes of ablative surgery or traumatic loss the eyelids may be considered comparable to other external sphincters and amenable to the same reconstructive procedures and concepts which obtain in these other structures. Although many procedures have been recommended for sizeable lid losses, I feel that this operation offers certain advantages, particularly in its simplicity. These 7 cases demonstrate sizeable resections of lid tissue with satisfactory results even when as much as 50% or more is removed from one or both lids. The cardinal principle of the use of local tissues as recommended by Von Imre is to be stressed and still holds true today.", "contents": "Subtotal eyelid reconstruction. I hope to stress that with familiarity with this procedure: (A) 50% of one or both lids as well as canthal excision can be adequately reconstructed in one operation without the need for canthotomy. (B) Scarring is minimized and resultant function and cosmetic results are good. (C) For the purposes of ablative surgery or traumatic loss the eyelids may be considered comparable to other external sphincters and amenable to the same reconstructive procedures and concepts which obtain in these other structures. Although many procedures have been recommended for sizeable lid losses, I feel that this operation offers certain advantages, particularly in its simplicity. These 7 cases demonstrate sizeable resections of lid tissue with satisfactory results even when as much as 50% or more is removed from one or both lids. The cardinal principle of the use of local tissues as recommended by Von Imre is to be stressed and still holds true today.", "PMID": 999134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7494", "title": "[Immunogenicity and protective activity of glycoprotein extracted from rabies virus: results from comparison of preparations obtained by different methods of purification (author's transl)].", "content": "A rabies vaccine was prepared from virus grown on primary cultured bovine foetal kidney cells. After beta-propiolactone inactivation of the virus, the vaccine was partially purified by zinc acetate precipitation, G-75 Sephadex chromatography, and ultracentrifugation prior to a non ionic detergent solubilisation. A glycoprotein fraction with protective capacity was extracted by Triton X100 from the spikes of the inactivated rabies virus. An electrophoretically homogenous glycoprotein was found to have higher values of protective activity compared to the initial tissue culture vaccine. T-e yield from this extraction method was from 10 to 20 per cent, based upon an immunological assay.", "contents": "[Immunogenicity and protective activity of glycoprotein extracted from rabies virus: results from comparison of preparations obtained by different methods of purification (author's transl)]. A rabies vaccine was prepared from virus grown on primary cultured bovine foetal kidney cells. After beta-propiolactone inactivation of the virus, the vaccine was partially purified by zinc acetate precipitation, G-75 Sephadex chromatography, and ultracentrifugation prior to a non ionic detergent solubilisation. A glycoprotein fraction with protective capacity was extracted by Triton X100 from the spikes of the inactivated rabies virus. An electrophoretically homogenous glycoprotein was found to have higher values of protective activity compared to the initial tissue culture vaccine. T-e yield from this extraction method was from 10 to 20 per cent, based upon an immunological assay.", "PMID": 999129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7495", "title": "[Polyuridylic sequences and negative strands of Sindbis virus-specific RNAs: study by affinity chromatography on poly (A)-sepharose columns (author's transl)].", "content": "The experimental conditions of affinity chromatography on poly (A)-Sepharose columns have been determined. This method makes obvious the existence of polyuridylic acid sequences on the negative strands of Sinbis virus-spedific RNAs. The isolated RNAs are negative and positive strands hybrids. By polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, it has been shown that the negative strands have the same length as the 26 S interjacent RNA at the 6th hour, and as the 42 S virion RNA at the 9th hour postinfection. The polyadenylic acid sequences of the virion RNA and of the replicative intermediate are therefore probably genetically coded.", "contents": "[Polyuridylic sequences and negative strands of Sindbis virus-specific RNAs: study by affinity chromatography on poly (A)-sepharose columns (author's transl)]. The experimental conditions of affinity chromatography on poly (A)-Sepharose columns have been determined. This method makes obvious the existence of polyuridylic acid sequences on the negative strands of Sinbis virus-spedific RNAs. The isolated RNAs are negative and positive strands hybrids. By polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, it has been shown that the negative strands have the same length as the 26 S interjacent RNA at the 6th hour, and as the 42 S virion RNA at the 9th hour postinfection. The polyadenylic acid sequences of the virion RNA and of the replicative intermediate are therefore probably genetically coded.", "PMID": 999128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7496", "title": "[The rate constant K37 in complement fixation tests: kinetic studies on the influenza virus-immune complex model (author's transl)].", "content": "A kinetic study of the fixation of complement by the influenza immune complex was performed, using an automatic method originally described by Vargues for use in immunobacteriology. The autoanalyser provided curves which could be transformed into a simple equation. The experimental graph of the complement fixation reaction is superposable on a model curve obtained by exponential dilurion of complement. The methematical formula of this exponential complement dilution fits results of complement fixation by the immunecomplex. The rate constant can be estimated from the tangent at the orgin of the curve; it is a function of the nature of the immunesystem, the quantity of immune-complex and the temperature. These results show that the reaction behaves according to the equations of first order kinetics. This law is therefore the same as that described for other immunological systems, such as the seroneutralization of bacteriophage or the fixation of isoagglutinins on red cells. The kinetic study leads to the proposal of the k37 value for the titration of an anti-influenza serum. It is the rate constant of the reaction at 37 degrees C and is independant of the time and temperature of the fixation system as it is of the initial quantity of complement. Increased sensitivity of the reaction does not yield by higher values of k37 but affords greater precision in its calculation. This approach is identical to the one proposed by Adams for the titration of anti-phage sera.", "contents": "[The rate constant K37 in complement fixation tests: kinetic studies on the influenza virus-immune complex model (author's transl)]. A kinetic study of the fixation of complement by the influenza immune complex was performed, using an automatic method originally described by Vargues for use in immunobacteriology. The autoanalyser provided curves which could be transformed into a simple equation. The experimental graph of the complement fixation reaction is superposable on a model curve obtained by exponential dilurion of complement. The methematical formula of this exponential complement dilution fits results of complement fixation by the immunecomplex. The rate constant can be estimated from the tangent at the orgin of the curve; it is a function of the nature of the immunesystem, the quantity of immune-complex and the temperature. These results show that the reaction behaves according to the equations of first order kinetics. This law is therefore the same as that described for other immunological systems, such as the seroneutralization of bacteriophage or the fixation of isoagglutinins on red cells. The kinetic study leads to the proposal of the k37 value for the titration of an anti-influenza serum. It is the rate constant of the reaction at 37 degrees C and is independant of the time and temperature of the fixation system as it is of the initial quantity of complement. Increased sensitivity of the reaction does not yield by higher values of k37 but affords greater precision in its calculation. This approach is identical to the one proposed by Adams for the titration of anti-phage sera.", "PMID": 999130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7497", "title": "Some unresolved problems concerning the cochlear nerve.", "content": "Three types of afferent fibers innervate the hair cells of the organ of Corti: 1) specific radial fibers which establish contacts with a very few neighboring internal hair cells; 2) spiral fibers, each one of which establishes contact with a number of external hair cells distributed throughout long segments of the cochlea; and 3) unspecific radial fibers which are collaterals arising radially at irregular intervals from fibers of the ganglionic spiral bundles and which establish contact with internal hair cells. The existence of spiral ganglionic bundles of fibers oriented apicalward has long been described, and the fact that a number of ganglionic spiral fibers give off radial collaterals to innervate internal hair cells was illustrated by Cajal and by Lorente de N\u00f3. However, those structural details are not mentioned in the modern literature. In the ventral nucleus there are neurons with efferent axons which join the trapezoid body and cells with short axons ramified within the ventral nucleus itself. Two types of cells with efferent axons are illustrated and described, the spherical or bushy cell and the basket cell; and it is shown that branches of division of the two types of efferent axons form association tracts which end in the tuberculum acusticum. Also, the fact is illustrated that fibers having their cells of origin in that tuberculum form association paths which end in the ventral nucleus by means of extensive ramifications which form numerous synaptic endings. The dendritic and fibrillar plexuses in the ventral nucleus are described, an analysis is made of the relationships between the two plexuses and of the synaptic junctions that mediate transmission of nerve impulses. The synaptic junctions belong to a considerable number of types and in all illustrations the important fact repeatedly appears that one and the same fiber may form synaptic endings of widely different sizes and shapes located either on the same neuron or, more frequently, on different neurons. The intimate structure of each type of synaptic ending cannot be revealed by light microscopy, but only light microscopy can reveal to which kind of fiber the synaptic endings do belong. The presentation is concluded with a brief and preliminary discussion of physiological corollaries of certain general features of the anatomy of the acoustic system.", "contents": "Some unresolved problems concerning the cochlear nerve. Three types of afferent fibers innervate the hair cells of the organ of Corti: 1) specific radial fibers which establish contacts with a very few neighboring internal hair cells; 2) spiral fibers, each one of which establishes contact with a number of external hair cells distributed throughout long segments of the cochlea; and 3) unspecific radial fibers which are collaterals arising radially at irregular intervals from fibers of the ganglionic spiral bundles and which establish contact with internal hair cells. The existence of spiral ganglionic bundles of fibers oriented apicalward has long been described, and the fact that a number of ganglionic spiral fibers give off radial collaterals to innervate internal hair cells was illustrated by Cajal and by Lorente de N\u00f3. However, those structural details are not mentioned in the modern literature. In the ventral nucleus there are neurons with efferent axons which join the trapezoid body and cells with short axons ramified within the ventral nucleus itself. Two types of cells with efferent axons are illustrated and described, the spherical or bushy cell and the basket cell; and it is shown that branches of division of the two types of efferent axons form association tracts which end in the tuberculum acusticum. Also, the fact is illustrated that fibers having their cells of origin in that tuberculum form association paths which end in the ventral nucleus by means of extensive ramifications which form numerous synaptic endings. The dendritic and fibrillar plexuses in the ventral nucleus are described, an analysis is made of the relationships between the two plexuses and of the synaptic junctions that mediate transmission of nerve impulses. The synaptic junctions belong to a considerable number of types and in all illustrations the important fact repeatedly appears that one and the same fiber may form synaptic endings of widely different sizes and shapes located either on the same neuron or, more frequently, on different neurons. The intimate structure of each type of synaptic ending cannot be revealed by light microscopy, but only light microscopy can reveal to which kind of fiber the synaptic endings do belong. The presentation is concluded with a brief and preliminary discussion of physiological corollaries of certain general features of the anatomy of the acoustic system.", "PMID": 999135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7498", "title": "Physiological basis of cochlear transduction and sensitivity.", "content": "Experiments were conducted in the guinea pig cochlea and the Xenopus laevis lateral line organ to obtain information about the electrical impedance properties of the cochlea, the sources and characteristics of the cochlear potentials, and to determine if hair cells are electrically excitable. The significance of the resting and evoked cochlear potentials in the transduction process leading to excitation of the acoustic nerve fibers was evaluated by comparing the results of electrophysiological experiments with the prediction of a model of the cochlea designed after the mechanoelectric theory of hair cell function. The results of these experiments 1) were compatible with the prediction of the mechoelectric theory of cochlear function; 2) made it possible to estimate and compare the energy dissipated in generating and maintaining the cochlear potentials with the stores of biochemical energy available in the cochlea; and 3) showed that the hair cells are electrically excitable, from which it was concluded that interaction between the hair cells is feasible.", "contents": "Physiological basis of cochlear transduction and sensitivity. Experiments were conducted in the guinea pig cochlea and the Xenopus laevis lateral line organ to obtain information about the electrical impedance properties of the cochlea, the sources and characteristics of the cochlear potentials, and to determine if hair cells are electrically excitable. The significance of the resting and evoked cochlear potentials in the transduction process leading to excitation of the acoustic nerve fibers was evaluated by comparing the results of electrophysiological experiments with the prediction of a model of the cochlea designed after the mechanoelectric theory of hair cell function. The results of these experiments 1) were compatible with the prediction of the mechoelectric theory of cochlear function; 2) made it possible to estimate and compare the energy dissipated in generating and maintaining the cochlear potentials with the stores of biochemical energy available in the cochlea; and 3) showed that the hair cells are electrically excitable, from which it was concluded that interaction between the hair cells is feasible.", "PMID": 999136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7499", "title": "Safe level for noise exposure?", "content": "The safety of long, continuous exposure to several different levels of noise was determined. Chinchillas were exposed for two or nine days to an octave band of noise with a center frequency of .5 kHz or 4 kHz. By examining the inner ear for evidence of acute cellular degeneration, exposures which produced minimal permanent damage could be identified easily. Differences were found between the two bands of noise in the level required to produce injury, and the type, location and extent of damage which occurred as the level was increased. The findings help explain why exposure to industrial noise, which is generally low frequency, first produces measurable auditory changes for high frequency tones.", "contents": "Safe level for noise exposure? The safety of long, continuous exposure to several different levels of noise was determined. Chinchillas were exposed for two or nine days to an octave band of noise with a center frequency of .5 kHz or 4 kHz. By examining the inner ear for evidence of acute cellular degeneration, exposures which produced minimal permanent damage could be identified easily. Differences were found between the two bands of noise in the level required to produce injury, and the type, location and extent of damage which occurred as the level was increased. The findings help explain why exposure to industrial noise, which is generally low frequency, first produces measurable auditory changes for high frequency tones.", "PMID": 999137} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7500", "title": "Degeneration patterns in human ears exposed to noise.", "content": "Various forms of sensorineural degeneration patterns related to noise exposure are illustrated in six pairs of temporal bones selected from a group of 33 male patients with histories of noise exposure. For the entire group the commonest form of lesion, associated with a 4-kHz dip in the audiogram, was a relatively diffuse degeneration in the second quadrant of the basal turn, in the 9-13 mm area. An advanced form of this lesion had a wide gap of more or less complete sensorineural degeneration affecting the entire second quadrant and displaying various degrees of extension toward the apex and base. The pattern associated with an \"abrupt high-tone loss,\" with more or less complete hair cell and nerve degeneration in both the second and first quadrants and extending to the basal end of the cochlea, was rare. In one case this pattern appeared to have evolved from the first type of lesion as the remaining nerve fibers in the first quadrant had degenerated. The protective effect of the acoustic shadow of the head for the right ear, in shooting from the right shoulder, is demonstrated for the higher frequencies. Two almost identical cases of sharply-circumscribed single areas of degeneration in the first quadrant and one case with two such areas represent the third type of lesion. In one of these cases there was a history of firearm usage. It is postulated that this type of lesion is caused by impulse noise. In most of the material the degeneration pattern differed markedly from the diffuse degeneration seen with presbycusis. Degeneration patterns with knife-sharp transitions between completely degenerated and apparently undamaged areas appear to be characteristic of noise-induced injuries.", "contents": "Degeneration patterns in human ears exposed to noise. Various forms of sensorineural degeneration patterns related to noise exposure are illustrated in six pairs of temporal bones selected from a group of 33 male patients with histories of noise exposure. For the entire group the commonest form of lesion, associated with a 4-kHz dip in the audiogram, was a relatively diffuse degeneration in the second quadrant of the basal turn, in the 9-13 mm area. An advanced form of this lesion had a wide gap of more or less complete sensorineural degeneration affecting the entire second quadrant and displaying various degrees of extension toward the apex and base. The pattern associated with an \"abrupt high-tone loss,\" with more or less complete hair cell and nerve degeneration in both the second and first quadrants and extending to the basal end of the cochlea, was rare. In one case this pattern appeared to have evolved from the first type of lesion as the remaining nerve fibers in the first quadrant had degenerated. The protective effect of the acoustic shadow of the head for the right ear, in shooting from the right shoulder, is demonstrated for the higher frequencies. Two almost identical cases of sharply-circumscribed single areas of degeneration in the first quadrant and one case with two such areas represent the third type of lesion. In one of these cases there was a history of firearm usage. It is postulated that this type of lesion is caused by impulse noise. In most of the material the degeneration pattern differed markedly from the diffuse degeneration seen with presbycusis. Degeneration patterns with knife-sharp transitions between completely degenerated and apparently undamaged areas appear to be characteristic of noise-induced injuries.", "PMID": 999138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7501", "title": "Ultrastructural cochlear changes following acoustic hyperstimulation and ototoxicity.", "content": "Using guinea pigs and chinchillas as experimental animals, modes and patterns of sensory cell damage by acoustic hyperstimulation and kanamycin intoxication were compared. In general, outer hair cells were more vulnerable to both acoustic trauma and ototoxicity (particularly in the basal turn) than inner hair cells. However, in kanamycin ototoxicity, the inner hair cells were more vulnerable in the apical coil. Nerve endings and nerve fibers generally were resistant to both acoustic trauma and kanamycin intoxication, and their degeneration appears to be secondary to the sensory cell degeneration. A large number of unmyelinated nerve fibers were seen in both the organ of Corti and the osseous spiral lamina even three months after the organ of Corti had been completely degenerated by ototoxicity. The total number of unmyelinated and myelinated nerve fibers in the osseous spiral lamina far exceeded the scanty surviving ganglion cells in Rosenthal's canal, indicating the possibility of regeneration of these fibers following kanamycin intoxication. The remaining few ganglion cells were mainly type II or type III cells, and a majority of the type I ganglion cells appeared to be degenerated. Signs of strial damage were observed in both acoustic trauma and ototoxicity, but their pattern did not correlate well with that of sensory cell degeneration.", "contents": "Ultrastructural cochlear changes following acoustic hyperstimulation and ototoxicity. Using guinea pigs and chinchillas as experimental animals, modes and patterns of sensory cell damage by acoustic hyperstimulation and kanamycin intoxication were compared. In general, outer hair cells were more vulnerable to both acoustic trauma and ototoxicity (particularly in the basal turn) than inner hair cells. However, in kanamycin ototoxicity, the inner hair cells were more vulnerable in the apical coil. Nerve endings and nerve fibers generally were resistant to both acoustic trauma and kanamycin intoxication, and their degeneration appears to be secondary to the sensory cell degeneration. A large number of unmyelinated nerve fibers were seen in both the organ of Corti and the osseous spiral lamina even three months after the organ of Corti had been completely degenerated by ototoxicity. The total number of unmyelinated and myelinated nerve fibers in the osseous spiral lamina far exceeded the scanty surviving ganglion cells in Rosenthal's canal, indicating the possibility of regeneration of these fibers following kanamycin intoxication. The remaining few ganglion cells were mainly type II or type III cells, and a majority of the type I ganglion cells appeared to be degenerated. Signs of strial damage were observed in both acoustic trauma and ototoxicity, but their pattern did not correlate well with that of sensory cell degeneration.", "PMID": 999139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7502", "title": "Auditory-nerve activity in cats exposed to ototoxic drugs and high-intensity sounds.", "content": "The response characteristics of auditory-nerve fibers in normal cats are compared with those in cats exposed to kanamycin and high-intensity sounds. The pathophysiology is characterized by an elevation of the tuning-curve \"tips,\" which is sometimes associated with hypersensitivity of the \"tails\". Plots of unit thresholds are correlated with patterns of sensory-cell losses in the cochlea. There can be significant shifts in unit threshold without significant loss of hair cells; however, significant hair cell loss is always accompanied by highly abnormal unit thresholds. The presence of inner hair cells seems to be essential for the long-term survival of spiral ganglion cells. An incidental observation is that in the \"normal\" animal there is almost always a prominent \"notch\" at 3-4 kHz in the plots of threshold at characteristic frequency, which may have been produced by environmental noise.", "contents": "Auditory-nerve activity in cats exposed to ototoxic drugs and high-intensity sounds. The response characteristics of auditory-nerve fibers in normal cats are compared with those in cats exposed to kanamycin and high-intensity sounds. The pathophysiology is characterized by an elevation of the tuning-curve \"tips,\" which is sometimes associated with hypersensitivity of the \"tails\". Plots of unit thresholds are correlated with patterns of sensory-cell losses in the cochlea. There can be significant shifts in unit threshold without significant loss of hair cells; however, significant hair cell loss is always accompanied by highly abnormal unit thresholds. The presence of inner hair cells seems to be essential for the long-term survival of spiral ganglion cells. An incidental observation is that in the \"normal\" animal there is almost always a prominent \"notch\" at 3-4 kHz in the plots of threshold at characteristic frequency, which may have been produced by environmental noise.", "PMID": 999140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7503", "title": "Sodium loading of inner ear fluids.", "content": "A slow intracarotid infusion of hypertonic sodium chloride solution, 350 mEq/L, and potassium chloride, 5 mEq/L, was used to increase serum sodium chloride over a 90-minute period in 85 cats. A slow, steady rise in serum sodium occurred, which reached almost 208 mEq/L at the end of 90 minutes. A concomitant rise in sodium occurred in the cerebrospinal fluid and perilymph. In contrast, the sodium showed only a transient slight increase in the cochlear and vestibular endolymph. Endolymph potassium appeared to rise in order to balance out the increase in sodium concentration of the surrounding and extracellular fluids. The ratio of sodium to potassium ions in both the endolymph and perilymph compartment remained relatively constant before and after the infusion with hypertonic NaCl. After infusion, the total concentration of ions in endolymph was similar to that of perilymph. These experiments indicate that the endolymph compartment has a built-in mechanism for maintaining a low-sodium concentration while keeping ionic balance with the surrounding perilymph and serum.", "contents": "Sodium loading of inner ear fluids. A slow intracarotid infusion of hypertonic sodium chloride solution, 350 mEq/L, and potassium chloride, 5 mEq/L, was used to increase serum sodium chloride over a 90-minute period in 85 cats. A slow, steady rise in serum sodium occurred, which reached almost 208 mEq/L at the end of 90 minutes. A concomitant rise in sodium occurred in the cerebrospinal fluid and perilymph. In contrast, the sodium showed only a transient slight increase in the cochlear and vestibular endolymph. Endolymph potassium appeared to rise in order to balance out the increase in sodium concentration of the surrounding and extracellular fluids. The ratio of sodium to potassium ions in both the endolymph and perilymph compartment remained relatively constant before and after the infusion with hypertonic NaCl. After infusion, the total concentration of ions in endolymph was similar to that of perilymph. These experiments indicate that the endolymph compartment has a built-in mechanism for maintaining a low-sodium concentration while keeping ionic balance with the surrounding perilymph and serum.", "PMID": 999141} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7504", "title": "Electron microscopic cochlear observations in bilateral M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disease.", "content": "Electron microscopic study of the cochleas of an individual with bilateral M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disease revealed the presence of many abnormal sensory cells in the apical regions of the cochleas. The pathological alterations were greater in the left ear with the greater hearing loss. There were some giant cilia, fusion of cilia, and loss of cilia. The outer hair cells contained diffuse cuticular bodies near or basal to the nuclei. Many outer hair cells were retracted away from the reticular membrane. The population of the nerve endings appeared normal. The inner hair cells of the apical turns appeared essentially normal. The spiral ganglia were normal in number and morphology at the apical turns, and a majority of their cell bodies were of the unmyelinated or partly myelinated types. The stria vascularis showed atrophy; however, the magnitude of this change was consistent with that known to occur in the aging ear. In the distended areas Reissner's membrane showed areas devoid of mesothelial cells, as well as atrophic epithelial cells. The blood vessels were no different from other human cochlear vessels. These abnormalities seen in the stereocilia, the outer hair cells, and Reissner's membrane are a matter of fact. We must admit, however, that not enough electron microscopic studies have been performed on ears from aging individuals or ears with other pathologies to state that these changes are unique to M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disease. Furthermore, there is currently insufficient knowledge to predict whether these changes affect auditory function.", "contents": "Electron microscopic cochlear observations in bilateral M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disease. Electron microscopic study of the cochleas of an individual with bilateral M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disease revealed the presence of many abnormal sensory cells in the apical regions of the cochleas. The pathological alterations were greater in the left ear with the greater hearing loss. There were some giant cilia, fusion of cilia, and loss of cilia. The outer hair cells contained diffuse cuticular bodies near or basal to the nuclei. Many outer hair cells were retracted away from the reticular membrane. The population of the nerve endings appeared normal. The inner hair cells of the apical turns appeared essentially normal. The spiral ganglia were normal in number and morphology at the apical turns, and a majority of their cell bodies were of the unmyelinated or partly myelinated types. The stria vascularis showed atrophy; however, the magnitude of this change was consistent with that known to occur in the aging ear. In the distended areas Reissner's membrane showed areas devoid of mesothelial cells, as well as atrophic epithelial cells. The blood vessels were no different from other human cochlear vessels. These abnormalities seen in the stereocilia, the outer hair cells, and Reissner's membrane are a matter of fact. We must admit, however, that not enough electron microscopic studies have been performed on ears from aging individuals or ears with other pathologies to state that these changes are unique to M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disease. Furthermore, there is currently insufficient knowledge to predict whether these changes affect auditory function.", "PMID": 999142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7505", "title": "The combined correlated audiohistogram. Incorporation of the superior ventral cochlear nucleus.", "content": "The state of the spheroid cells of the superior ventral cochlear nucleus (SVCN) must be accounted for along with that of stria vascularis, hair cells, and spiral ganglion neurons in the development of the combined correlated audiohistogram in cases of sensorineural hearing loss. For the stated evaluation, transverse sections through SVCN are marked off into ventrodorsally progressive zones corresponding to the frequency levels of the audiometric chart, and the loss of spheroid cells in each level is estimated on a percentage basis. The resultant \"best fit\" of pattern of cell injury with audiometric curve suggests that the anatomic frequency scale of SVCN parallels the logarithmic frequency scale of the standard audiometric chart.", "contents": "The combined correlated audiohistogram. Incorporation of the superior ventral cochlear nucleus. The state of the spheroid cells of the superior ventral cochlear nucleus (SVCN) must be accounted for along with that of stria vascularis, hair cells, and spiral ganglion neurons in the development of the combined correlated audiohistogram in cases of sensorineural hearing loss. For the stated evaluation, transverse sections through SVCN are marked off into ventrodorsally progressive zones corresponding to the frequency levels of the audiometric chart, and the loss of spheroid cells in each level is estimated on a percentage basis. The resultant \"best fit\" of pattern of cell injury with audiometric curve suggests that the anatomic frequency scale of SVCN parallels the logarithmic frequency scale of the standard audiometric chart.", "PMID": 999144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7506", "title": "Histopathologic and experimental models for sensory and neural deafness.", "content": "Six selected cases with neonatal and fetal cochlear pathology are presented. Those denoting cochlear sepsis are: H. influenza purulent labyrinthitis, cytomegalovirus endolabyrinthitis, and aseptic meningitis and labyrinthitis. Those denoting cochlear neural aplasia are Goldenhar's syndrome, left-sided cardiac hypoplasia with partial basal turn neural aplasia, and cerebral cortical and ventricular hemorrhage with modiolar extension. These findings are compared to the fluorocitrate ototoxicity model for neural deafness in the guinea pig. This study suggests hypotheses for viral trophism in the inner ear and neural degeneration of the cochlea as mechanisms for sensorineural deafness.", "contents": "Histopathologic and experimental models for sensory and neural deafness. Six selected cases with neonatal and fetal cochlear pathology are presented. Those denoting cochlear sepsis are: H. influenza purulent labyrinthitis, cytomegalovirus endolabyrinthitis, and aseptic meningitis and labyrinthitis. Those denoting cochlear neural aplasia are Goldenhar's syndrome, left-sided cardiac hypoplasia with partial basal turn neural aplasia, and cerebral cortical and ventricular hemorrhage with modiolar extension. These findings are compared to the fluorocitrate ototoxicity model for neural deafness in the guinea pig. This study suggests hypotheses for viral trophism in the inner ear and neural degeneration of the cochlea as mechanisms for sensorineural deafness.", "PMID": 999143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7507", "title": "Hearing loss of a central type secondary to anoxic anoxia.", "content": "The effect of anoxic anoxia on the threshold sensitivity and amplitude of the responses from the auditory cortex, inferior colliculus and cochlea to acoustic stimuli in guinea pigs was studied. Decay of the amplitude of the responses from the auditory cortex and the inferior colliculus occurs faster and is more severe than that of the cochlea. Recovery of the amplitude of the responses is slower at the auditory cortex and the inferior colliculus than at the cochlea. Loss of auditory threshold sensitivity in anoxic anoxia is most prominent at the auditory cortex. The loss of sensitivity at the inferior colliculus is the next most severe. The loss of sensitivity at the cochlea is negligible. The relative vulnerability of the central auditory pathway to anoxic anoxia as compared to the end organ is demonstrated.", "contents": "Hearing loss of a central type secondary to anoxic anoxia. The effect of anoxic anoxia on the threshold sensitivity and amplitude of the responses from the auditory cortex, inferior colliculus and cochlea to acoustic stimuli in guinea pigs was studied. Decay of the amplitude of the responses from the auditory cortex and the inferior colliculus occurs faster and is more severe than that of the cochlea. Recovery of the amplitude of the responses is slower at the auditory cortex and the inferior colliculus than at the cochlea. Loss of auditory threshold sensitivity in anoxic anoxia is most prominent at the auditory cortex. The loss of sensitivity at the inferior colliculus is the next most severe. The loss of sensitivity at the cochlea is negligible. The relative vulnerability of the central auditory pathway to anoxic anoxia as compared to the end organ is demonstrated.", "PMID": 999146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7508", "title": "Masking level differences for cochlear and brain stem lesions.", "content": "Masking level differences (MLD) for 500 Hz pure tones and for spondees were obtained from 48 subjects. Twelve were without otologic or neurologic complaints (normal), 12 had high frequency, noise-induced hearing losses, 12 were diagnosed otologically as having M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disorder, and 12 had neurologically diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Results indicated that high frequency, noise-induced hearing losses do not affect MLD for 500 Hz stimuli, but do diminish the size of MLD for speech. Masking level differences for both 500 Hz and spondees were decreased for the M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disorder group. The group of patients having CNS disorders attributed to multiple sclerosis, to inflammatory lesion of the pons, to degenerative processes of the cerebellum and adjacent nervous tissue, or to brain stem cerebrovascular accident had normal hearing according to conventional pure tone and speech testing, but attained smaller than normal MLD for 500 Hz and spondees. These findings agree closely with results obtained in an earlier study and continue to suggest that, given normal peripheral auditory function, MLD tests may have unique value in detection of subtle lesions of the central auditory nervous system.", "contents": "Masking level differences for cochlear and brain stem lesions. Masking level differences (MLD) for 500 Hz pure tones and for spondees were obtained from 48 subjects. Twelve were without otologic or neurologic complaints (normal), 12 had high frequency, noise-induced hearing losses, 12 were diagnosed otologically as having M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disorder, and 12 had neurologically diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Results indicated that high frequency, noise-induced hearing losses do not affect MLD for 500 Hz stimuli, but do diminish the size of MLD for speech. Masking level differences for both 500 Hz and spondees were decreased for the M\u00e9ni\u00e8re's disorder group. The group of patients having CNS disorders attributed to multiple sclerosis, to inflammatory lesion of the pons, to degenerative processes of the cerebellum and adjacent nervous tissue, or to brain stem cerebrovascular accident had normal hearing according to conventional pure tone and speech testing, but attained smaller than normal MLD for 500 Hz and spondees. These findings agree closely with results obtained in an earlier study and continue to suggest that, given normal peripheral auditory function, MLD tests may have unique value in detection of subtle lesions of the central auditory nervous system.", "PMID": 999145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7509", "title": "New developments in evaluating central auditory mechanisms.", "content": "Five tests are reviewed for their ability to assist in the evaluation of the central auditory mechanism. These are: 1) the Masking Level Difference (MLD); 2) ipsilaterally and contralaterally evoked stapedius muscle reflex; 3) electrocochleography; 4) early brain stem responses; and 5) dichotic listening. A summary chart outlining the tests most commonly in use and their areas of special productivity is also presented.", "contents": "New developments in evaluating central auditory mechanisms. Five tests are reviewed for their ability to assist in the evaluation of the central auditory mechanism. These are: 1) the Masking Level Difference (MLD); 2) ipsilaterally and contralaterally evoked stapedius muscle reflex; 3) electrocochleography; 4) early brain stem responses; and 5) dichotic listening. A summary chart outlining the tests most commonly in use and their areas of special productivity is also presented.", "PMID": 999147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7510", "title": "Effects of removal of the statoacoustic ganglion complex upon the growing otocyst.", "content": "An experiment was designed to answer the question as to whether or not the neural elements of the statoacoustic ganglion complex have a trophic effect upon the histodifferentiation of the sensory structures of the embryonic mouse inner ear anlage as it develops in vitro. The embryonic inner ear anlage with associated otic mesenchyme and statoacoustic ganglion complex was excised from 11, 12, and 13-day CBA/C57 mouse embryos. The inner ear explants of each gestational age group were further divided into two groups: the first group \"A\" (with) statoacoustic ganglion was explanted to the organ culture system without further surgical intervention; the second group \"B\" (without) statoacoustic ganglion underwent further surgical manipulation during which their statoacoustic ganglion complexes were dissected away prior to explantation to in vitro. The explanted embryonic inner ears were allowed to develope in organ culture until the equivalent of gestation day 21 in vivo was reached for each group; then all cultures were fixed and histologically processed and stained by a nerve fiber stain, in combination with a stain for glucoprotein membranes. Each specimen was code labeled and scored for histodifferentiation of sensory structures. Light microscopic observations confirmed that in group \"A\" cultures, statoacoustic ganglion neurons and their nerve fibers were present in association with the developed sensory structures; neither ganglion cell neurons nor their nerve fibers were found to be present in the sensory structures that developed in the group \"B\" organ culture specimens. Quantification revealed no consistent trend of greater occurrence of any sensory structure in the groups of explants analyzed. The presence of such a trend would have signified the probable existence of a trophic effect of the statoacoustic ganglion neural elements upon development of inner ear sensory structures in the group \"A\" explants of the 11, 12, and 13-day embryo inner ear organ culture specimens when compared to the aganglionic group \"B\" cultures. Microscopic comparison of the sensory structures and their sensory hair cells that developed in the organ cultures revealed no differences in the quality of the histodifferentiation of eithergroup \"A\" or goup \"B\" explants. A base to apex pattern of histodifferentiation of the organ of Corti sensory structures, which has been described to occur in vivo, was noted to occur in the in vitro developed cochlear ducts of all of the explanted inner ears without respect to whether neural elements were present (\"A\") or absent (\"B\") during development. It was concluded from the quantification of histodifferentiation data and the above observation on the pattern of differentiation of Corti's organ that no trophic effect of neural elements of the statoacoustic ganglion complex influencing the histodifferentiation of sensory structures of 11, 12, and 13-gestation day mouse embryo inner ear explants as they differentiate in vitro could be demonstrated.", "contents": "Effects of removal of the statoacoustic ganglion complex upon the growing otocyst. An experiment was designed to answer the question as to whether or not the neural elements of the statoacoustic ganglion complex have a trophic effect upon the histodifferentiation of the sensory structures of the embryonic mouse inner ear anlage as it develops in vitro. The embryonic inner ear anlage with associated otic mesenchyme and statoacoustic ganglion complex was excised from 11, 12, and 13-day CBA/C57 mouse embryos. The inner ear explants of each gestational age group were further divided into two groups: the first group \"A\" (with) statoacoustic ganglion was explanted to the organ culture system without further surgical intervention; the second group \"B\" (without) statoacoustic ganglion underwent further surgical manipulation during which their statoacoustic ganglion complexes were dissected away prior to explantation to in vitro. The explanted embryonic inner ears were allowed to develope in organ culture until the equivalent of gestation day 21 in vivo was reached for each group; then all cultures were fixed and histologically processed and stained by a nerve fiber stain, in combination with a stain for glucoprotein membranes. Each specimen was code labeled and scored for histodifferentiation of sensory structures. Light microscopic observations confirmed that in group \"A\" cultures, statoacoustic ganglion neurons and their nerve fibers were present in association with the developed sensory structures; neither ganglion cell neurons nor their nerve fibers were found to be present in the sensory structures that developed in the group \"B\" organ culture specimens. Quantification revealed no consistent trend of greater occurrence of any sensory structure in the groups of explants analyzed. The presence of such a trend would have signified the probable existence of a trophic effect of the statoacoustic ganglion neural elements upon development of inner ear sensory structures in the group \"A\" explants of the 11, 12, and 13-day embryo inner ear organ culture specimens when compared to the aganglionic group \"B\" cultures. Microscopic comparison of the sensory structures and their sensory hair cells that developed in the organ cultures revealed no differences in the quality of the histodifferentiation of eithergroup \"A\" or goup \"B\" explants. A base to apex pattern of histodifferentiation of the organ of Corti sensory structures, which has been described to occur in vivo, was noted to occur in the in vitro developed cochlear ducts of all of the explanted inner ears without respect to whether neural elements were present (\"A\") or absent (\"B\") during development. It was concluded from the quantification of histodifferentiation data and the above observation on the pattern of differentiation of Corti's organ that no trophic effect of neural elements of the statoacoustic ganglion complex influencing the histodifferentiation of sensory structures of 11, 12, and 13-gestation day mouse embryo inner ear explants as they differentiate in vitro could be demonstrated.", "PMID": 999150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7511", "title": "Radiologically detected collaterals and regional myocardial flow responses to ischaemia in ischaemic heart disease.", "content": "By employing 133 Xenon injections and a gamma camera recording of the initial uptake and subsequent disappearance of the tracer, regional myocardial perfusion rates were determined in 38 patients with ischaemic heart disease. Areas supplied by collaterals and areas devoid of them were analyzed separately. In addition to determining basal flow rates, the regional perfusion was studied by repeated 133Xenon scintigrams during pacing-induced ischaemia. The data were grouped and analyzed according to the visual assessment of collateral response as observed in the angiograms performed under the same circumstances. Eleven patients who did not have collaterals on their angiograms were excluded, as were three patients in whom the collaterals were supplying segments distal to only subtotal obstructions leaving 24 patients to the study proper. Angiographic appraisal disclosed two different responses to ischaemia: ten patients exhibited an increase in the collateral pattern (responders) and 14 patients showed no change or reduction in the collaterals (nonresponders). The prepacing grading of the collaterals was similar in the subgroups. Under basal conditions the regional myocardial flow rates in areas supplied by collaterals or devoid of them were roughly similar. Upon ischaemia the greatest regional flow increment occurred in the responders. The data demonstrate a reasonable agreement between the visual assessment of collateral response to ischaemia and a change in the regional perfusion. The data further indicate that similar collateral patterns observed by routine coronary angiography are not functionally equipotent.", "contents": "Radiologically detected collaterals and regional myocardial flow responses to ischaemia in ischaemic heart disease. By employing 133 Xenon injections and a gamma camera recording of the initial uptake and subsequent disappearance of the tracer, regional myocardial perfusion rates were determined in 38 patients with ischaemic heart disease. Areas supplied by collaterals and areas devoid of them were analyzed separately. In addition to determining basal flow rates, the regional perfusion was studied by repeated 133Xenon scintigrams during pacing-induced ischaemia. The data were grouped and analyzed according to the visual assessment of collateral response as observed in the angiograms performed under the same circumstances. Eleven patients who did not have collaterals on their angiograms were excluded, as were three patients in whom the collaterals were supplying segments distal to only subtotal obstructions leaving 24 patients to the study proper. Angiographic appraisal disclosed two different responses to ischaemia: ten patients exhibited an increase in the collateral pattern (responders) and 14 patients showed no change or reduction in the collaterals (nonresponders). The prepacing grading of the collaterals was similar in the subgroups. Under basal conditions the regional myocardial flow rates in areas supplied by collaterals or devoid of them were roughly similar. Upon ischaemia the greatest regional flow increment occurred in the responders. The data demonstrate a reasonable agreement between the visual assessment of collateral response to ischaemia and a change in the regional perfusion. The data further indicate that similar collateral patterns observed by routine coronary angiography are not functionally equipotent.", "PMID": 999209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7512", "title": "Anaesthesia for cardioversion: immediate haemodynamics in patients anaesthetized with thiopental or althesin.", "content": "Immediate haemodynamic changes during electrical cardioversion were compared in 30 patients anaesthetized either with thiopental or with Althesin. The systolic arterial pressure, heart rate, stroke and cardiac indices were measured before atropine premedication, after atropine, during anaesthesia, and 3 and 10 minutes after defibrillation. The stroke index was estimated by transthoracic impedance method. Both anaesthetics caused a significant but similar decrease in systolic arterial pressure. The cardiac index remained relatively stable in both groups during all stages of the procedure. Atropine induced an expected increase in heart rate and a decrease in stroke index. while both variables tended to approach the baseline values after cardioversion with no difference between thiopental and althesin groups. No significant difference in the haemodynamic response to cardioversion was seen in patients with heart volumes exceeding 650 ml/m2 BSA as compared to those with smaller hearts. It is concluded that both thiopental and althesin can be considered as safe anaesthetics for cardioversion.", "contents": "Anaesthesia for cardioversion: immediate haemodynamics in patients anaesthetized with thiopental or althesin. Immediate haemodynamic changes during electrical cardioversion were compared in 30 patients anaesthetized either with thiopental or with Althesin. The systolic arterial pressure, heart rate, stroke and cardiac indices were measured before atropine premedication, after atropine, during anaesthesia, and 3 and 10 minutes after defibrillation. The stroke index was estimated by transthoracic impedance method. Both anaesthetics caused a significant but similar decrease in systolic arterial pressure. The cardiac index remained relatively stable in both groups during all stages of the procedure. Atropine induced an expected increase in heart rate and a decrease in stroke index. while both variables tended to approach the baseline values after cardioversion with no difference between thiopental and althesin groups. No significant difference in the haemodynamic response to cardioversion was seen in patients with heart volumes exceeding 650 ml/m2 BSA as compared to those with smaller hearts. It is concluded that both thiopental and althesin can be considered as safe anaesthetics for cardioversion.", "PMID": 999210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7513", "title": "Family studies in dermatitis herpetiformis.", "content": "Six families were studied which included 11 members with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) and three with coeliac disease (CD). Proximal jejunal biopsies performed on 20 relatives revealed villous atrophy in eight. Of these eight, two, both siblings of patients with DH, had a history of juvenile CD. Determinations of histocampatibility (HLA) antigens showed that HLS-B8 occurred in all six families although two patients with DH and one relative with a history of juvenile CD lacked this antigen. In one family the haplotype A1,B8 was associated with DH, villous atrophy, juvenile diabetes and Addison's disease. Skin biopsy failed to reveal IgA in any of the 44 relatives studied for this immunoglobulin. Antireticulin antibody was detected in the sera of seven (17%) relatives.", "contents": "Family studies in dermatitis herpetiformis. Six families were studied which included 11 members with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) and three with coeliac disease (CD). Proximal jejunal biopsies performed on 20 relatives revealed villous atrophy in eight. Of these eight, two, both siblings of patients with DH, had a history of juvenile CD. Determinations of histocampatibility (HLA) antigens showed that HLS-B8 occurred in all six families although two patients with DH and one relative with a history of juvenile CD lacked this antigen. In one family the haplotype A1,B8 was associated with DH, villous atrophy, juvenile diabetes and Addison's disease. Skin biopsy failed to reveal IgA in any of the 44 relatives studied for this immunoglobulin. Antireticulin antibody was detected in the sera of seven (17%) relatives.", "PMID": 999211} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7514", "title": "Association of precipitating anti-adrenal anti-adrenal antibodies with moniliasis-polyendocrinopathy syndrome.", "content": "The association of precipitating anti-adrenal antibodies with different subgroups of idiopathic Addison's disease were studied. We had previously found these antibodies in patients with the moniliasis-polyendocrinopathy syndrome. Sera of 36 adult patients suffering from different froms of Addison's disease were examined for the presence of adrenal antibodies demonstrable either by immunofluorescence (IFL) or by gel diffusion. 3 of the 17 patients with tuberculous and 17 of 19 patients with idiopathic Addison's disease had IFL antibodies but only one had precipitating antibodies. There was one typical case of Schmidt's syndrome, and four additional cases with Addison's disease combined with diabetes or thyroiditis, who may later develop the syndrome. None of htese patients had precipitating anti-adrenal antibodies. The only patients with precipitating adrenal antibodies had the moniliasis-polyendocrinopathy syndrome. He was not typical as Addison' disease appeared unusually late and he did not have hypoparathyroidism. The presence of precipitating anti-adrenal antibodies in this patient, and the absence of these in other groups of Addison's disease, is further evidence for the association of precipitating antibodies with the moniliasis-polyendocrinopathy syndrome.", "contents": "Association of precipitating anti-adrenal anti-adrenal antibodies with moniliasis-polyendocrinopathy syndrome. The association of precipitating anti-adrenal antibodies with different subgroups of idiopathic Addison's disease were studied. We had previously found these antibodies in patients with the moniliasis-polyendocrinopathy syndrome. Sera of 36 adult patients suffering from different froms of Addison's disease were examined for the presence of adrenal antibodies demonstrable either by immunofluorescence (IFL) or by gel diffusion. 3 of the 17 patients with tuberculous and 17 of 19 patients with idiopathic Addison's disease had IFL antibodies but only one had precipitating antibodies. There was one typical case of Schmidt's syndrome, and four additional cases with Addison's disease combined with diabetes or thyroiditis, who may later develop the syndrome. None of htese patients had precipitating anti-adrenal antibodies. The only patients with precipitating adrenal antibodies had the moniliasis-polyendocrinopathy syndrome. He was not typical as Addison' disease appeared unusually late and he did not have hypoparathyroidism. The presence of precipitating anti-adrenal antibodies in this patient, and the absence of these in other groups of Addison's disease, is further evidence for the association of precipitating antibodies with the moniliasis-polyendocrinopathy syndrome.", "PMID": 999212} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7515", "title": "Change in hormones reflecting sympathetic activity in the Finnish sauna.", "content": "The effects of the high temperature (80-120 degrees C) of the Finnish Sauna bath on the concentrations of growth hormone, immunoreactive insulin and renin activity in plasma, on blood glucose and on the urinary excretion of aldosterone, vanilmandelic acid and sodium of 55 healthy volunteers were studied. There was a significant increase in mean heart rate (62%), serum growth hormone (142%) and plasma renin activity (95%) in the Sauna. One hour after the Sauna bath the mean serum growth hormone had returned to the control level while plasma renin activity still remained higher (p less than 0.05) than before the Sauna bath. The serum insulin, blood sugar and urinary excretion of aldosterone and VMA did not change during or after Sauna bath. The urinary sodium excretion decreased significantly after the Sauna bath and the decrease was most striking (46%) during the first 6-hour period from the beginning of Sauna bath. Plasma renin activity values correlated positively with 12-hour urinary VMA excretion (p less than 0.01) and negatively with 6-hour urinary sodium excretion (p less than 0.05) before and after Sauna, suggesting the role of catecholamines and sodium depletion in renin response in Sauna.", "contents": "Change in hormones reflecting sympathetic activity in the Finnish sauna. The effects of the high temperature (80-120 degrees C) of the Finnish Sauna bath on the concentrations of growth hormone, immunoreactive insulin and renin activity in plasma, on blood glucose and on the urinary excretion of aldosterone, vanilmandelic acid and sodium of 55 healthy volunteers were studied. There was a significant increase in mean heart rate (62%), serum growth hormone (142%) and plasma renin activity (95%) in the Sauna. One hour after the Sauna bath the mean serum growth hormone had returned to the control level while plasma renin activity still remained higher (p less than 0.05) than before the Sauna bath. The serum insulin, blood sugar and urinary excretion of aldosterone and VMA did not change during or after Sauna bath. The urinary sodium excretion decreased significantly after the Sauna bath and the decrease was most striking (46%) during the first 6-hour period from the beginning of Sauna bath. Plasma renin activity values correlated positively with 12-hour urinary VMA excretion (p less than 0.01) and negatively with 6-hour urinary sodium excretion (p less than 0.05) before and after Sauna, suggesting the role of catecholamines and sodium depletion in renin response in Sauna.", "PMID": 999213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7516", "title": "Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the breast.", "content": "Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the breast was perfomred in 503 cases which were subsequently examined histologically. There were 192 cases of cancer and 311 benign lesions. The cytological technique consisted of fixation in 50% ethyl alcohol, Millipore filtration and Papanicolaou staining. Of the 192 malignant lesions, the aspiration biopsy findings were originally reported as malignant (Papanicolaou Gr. V) in 138 cases (71.9%) and after review of the specimens in 161 cases (83.9%). The figures for strongly suspicious findings (Gr. IV) were 19 (9.9%) originally and 6 (3.1%) after the review, in moderately suspicious findings (Gr. III) 14 (7.3%), respectively. Of the false negative cases four (2.1%) were due to inadequate specimens. In the 311 histologically benign cases malignancy was originally strongly suspected cyologically (Gr. IV) in five (1.4%) and Gr. III findings occurred in 22 suspected cytologically (Gr. IV) in five (1.4%) and Gr. III findings occurred in 22 cases (7.1%). After review, no strongly suspicious findings were left. Gr. III findings numbered nine (2.9%). There were no false psoitive (Gr V) cases in this series. Cytological manifestations are described and some clinicopathological aspects of fine-needle aspiration biospy of the breast are discussed. The orientation period with continuous cytohistological comparisons ie is essential for successful aspiration biopsy diagnosis.", "contents": "Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the breast. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the breast was perfomred in 503 cases which were subsequently examined histologically. There were 192 cases of cancer and 311 benign lesions. The cytological technique consisted of fixation in 50% ethyl alcohol, Millipore filtration and Papanicolaou staining. Of the 192 malignant lesions, the aspiration biopsy findings were originally reported as malignant (Papanicolaou Gr. V) in 138 cases (71.9%) and after review of the specimens in 161 cases (83.9%). The figures for strongly suspicious findings (Gr. IV) were 19 (9.9%) originally and 6 (3.1%) after the review, in moderately suspicious findings (Gr. III) 14 (7.3%), respectively. Of the false negative cases four (2.1%) were due to inadequate specimens. In the 311 histologically benign cases malignancy was originally strongly suspected cyologically (Gr. IV) in five (1.4%) and Gr. III findings occurred in 22 suspected cytologically (Gr. IV) in five (1.4%) and Gr. III findings occurred in 22 cases (7.1%). After review, no strongly suspicious findings were left. Gr. III findings numbered nine (2.9%). There were no false psoitive (Gr V) cases in this series. Cytological manifestations are described and some clinicopathological aspects of fine-needle aspiration biospy of the breast are discussed. The orientation period with continuous cytohistological comparisons ie is essential for successful aspiration biopsy diagnosis.", "PMID": 999214} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7517", "title": "HLA antigens in psoriasis. A family study.", "content": "HLA antigens were determined in 14 Finnish families with psoriatic members. The pedigrees of all families are presented. The results showed a clear association between HLA B13 and inheritable psoriasis, for all the 14 HLA analysed psoriatic patients in four families had B13. In one family all five psoriatic patients had the haplotype HLA-A10, Bw17; in two other families the association between Bw17 and psoriasis was less obvious. In three families six of the eight children with the haplotype A1, Bw37 had psoriasis. In all these families one parent had psoriasis or psoriatic relatives and the other parent contributed A1, Bw37. It is suggested that Bw37, in association with other genetic factors, indicates a high risk of developing psoriasis. In one family both the father with psoriatic arthritis and the son with post-urethritic Reiter's disease had A2, B27. This haplotype was also possibly associated with psoriatic arthritis in two families.", "contents": "HLA antigens in psoriasis. A family study. HLA antigens were determined in 14 Finnish families with psoriatic members. The pedigrees of all families are presented. The results showed a clear association between HLA B13 and inheritable psoriasis, for all the 14 HLA analysed psoriatic patients in four families had B13. In one family all five psoriatic patients had the haplotype HLA-A10, Bw17; in two other families the association between Bw17 and psoriasis was less obvious. In three families six of the eight children with the haplotype A1, Bw37 had psoriasis. In all these families one parent had psoriasis or psoriatic relatives and the other parent contributed A1, Bw37. It is suggested that Bw37, in association with other genetic factors, indicates a high risk of developing psoriasis. In one family both the father with psoriatic arthritis and the son with post-urethritic Reiter's disease had A2, B27. This haplotype was also possibly associated with psoriatic arthritis in two families.", "PMID": 999215} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7518", "title": "Psoriatic arthritis and Reiter's disease. HLA antigens in mixed cases.", "content": "HLA antigens were determined in 25 Finnish patients with both Reiter's disease and skin lesions identical with psoriasis vulgaris. HLA B27 was found in 23 cases (92%) B13 was found in one case, Bw17 and Bw37 were not found at all. The absence of these three \"psoriatic\" HLA antigens in the present series indicates that the psoriasis-like skin lesions belong to the varying clinical picture of Reiter's disease and not to the HLA linked psoriasis vulgaris.", "contents": "Psoriatic arthritis and Reiter's disease. HLA antigens in mixed cases. HLA antigens were determined in 25 Finnish patients with both Reiter's disease and skin lesions identical with psoriasis vulgaris. HLA B27 was found in 23 cases (92%) B13 was found in one case, Bw17 and Bw37 were not found at all. The absence of these three \"psoriatic\" HLA antigens in the present series indicates that the psoriasis-like skin lesions belong to the varying clinical picture of Reiter's disease and not to the HLA linked psoriasis vulgaris.", "PMID": 999217} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7519", "title": "Studies on fatty acids in pus of psoriasis pustulosa palmo-plantaris.", "content": "Thin-layer chromatography was used to find out if there were any quantitative differences in fatty acid content in pus from the palmar pustules in ten patients with psoriasis pustulosa palmo-plantaris (PPP) before and after long-term tetracycline therapy. No significant differences were found, indicating that it was not possible to correlate the good therapeutic effect of antibiotics reported in PPP with a decrease in the fatty acid content of pus from the pustles. However, the series was small and investigations are now in progress to establish whether small differences of significance can be demonstrated in a larger series. By combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometry the fatty acids of pus in patients with psoriasis pustulosa palmo-plantaris were analysed. Stearic and palmitic acids were found to be predominant.", "contents": "Studies on fatty acids in pus of psoriasis pustulosa palmo-plantaris. Thin-layer chromatography was used to find out if there were any quantitative differences in fatty acid content in pus from the palmar pustules in ten patients with psoriasis pustulosa palmo-plantaris (PPP) before and after long-term tetracycline therapy. No significant differences were found, indicating that it was not possible to correlate the good therapeutic effect of antibiotics reported in PPP with a decrease in the fatty acid content of pus from the pustles. However, the series was small and investigations are now in progress to establish whether small differences of significance can be demonstrated in a larger series. By combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometry the fatty acids of pus in patients with psoriasis pustulosa palmo-plantaris were analysed. Stearic and palmitic acids were found to be predominant.", "PMID": 999218} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7520", "title": "Plasminogen activator and histone hydrolyzing proteases in psoriasis scales--possible role in increased cell division.", "content": "Psoriatic plaque scale was collected from untreated patients, homogenized, and subjected to chromatography on Sephadex and DEAE-cellulose to separate proteolytic enzymes. Five proteolytic enzymes were partially separated and characterized as to their substrate specificities, pH-optimum and inhibitor characteristics. A neutral trypsin-like protease, an alkaline histone hydrolyzing protease and a neutral chymotrypsin-like protease isolated were found to differ from those separated earlier from normal human skin using the same procedures for enzyme purification. The trypsin-like enzyme preparation was found to be an effective fibrinolytic activator and the histone hydrolyzing enzyme showed fibrinolytic activity. The possible roles of these proteases in the increased cell division rate of psoriatic plaque are discussed.", "contents": "Plasminogen activator and histone hydrolyzing proteases in psoriasis scales--possible role in increased cell division. Psoriatic plaque scale was collected from untreated patients, homogenized, and subjected to chromatography on Sephadex and DEAE-cellulose to separate proteolytic enzymes. Five proteolytic enzymes were partially separated and characterized as to their substrate specificities, pH-optimum and inhibitor characteristics. A neutral trypsin-like protease, an alkaline histone hydrolyzing protease and a neutral chymotrypsin-like protease isolated were found to differ from those separated earlier from normal human skin using the same procedures for enzyme purification. The trypsin-like enzyme preparation was found to be an effective fibrinolytic activator and the histone hydrolyzing enzyme showed fibrinolytic activity. The possible roles of these proteases in the increased cell division rate of psoriatic plaque are discussed.", "PMID": 999219} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7521", "title": "[Hyperlipoproteinemias in psoriasis].", "content": "The hyperlipoproteinaemia truly characteristic of psoriasis is the type IV or major endogenous hypertriglyceridaemia. It is found in 39 p. 100 of patients with psoriasis as compared to 18 p. 100 of our controls (though 6 p. 100 of the French population according to Turpin and De Gennes). It appears to be definitely genotypic, environmental factors playing only a minor role. This study would tend to integrate psoriasis into the category of the metabolic diseases, coinciding with the notion of troubles with glucose metabolism in psoriatics, since it is now accepted that 80 p. 100 of type IV hyperlipoproteinaemias are pre-diabetic.", "contents": "[Hyperlipoproteinemias in psoriasis]. The hyperlipoproteinaemia truly characteristic of psoriasis is the type IV or major endogenous hypertriglyceridaemia. It is found in 39 p. 100 of patients with psoriasis as compared to 18 p. 100 of our controls (though 6 p. 100 of the French population according to Turpin and De Gennes). It appears to be definitely genotypic, environmental factors playing only a minor role. This study would tend to integrate psoriasis into the category of the metabolic diseases, coinciding with the notion of troubles with glucose metabolism in psoriatics, since it is now accepted that 80 p. 100 of type IV hyperlipoproteinaemias are pre-diabetic.", "PMID": 999226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7522", "title": "Neurological complications of drug abuse.", "content": "Widespread drug abuse, a comparatively recent medicosocial phenomenon, presents protean clinical patterns and challenging diagnostic problems daily that mimic classical medical syndromes. However, few reports have delineated predominantly neurologic syndromes associated with drug abuse. Five patients were observed illustrating the critical importance of considering drug abuse in the differential diagnosis of neurologic disease, particularly in the young population. It has been found that attention directed to four sources of information will substantiate the diagnosis of drug abuse in the large majority, thus expenditing the prompt initiation of appropriately directed treatment. In addition careful history and neurologic examination, a routine screeen of blood and urine should be run for barbiturates, bromides, alcohol and salicylates. An electroencephalogram is highly recommended as an initial study. It is informative, non-traumatic and inexpensive. Low voltage fast activity is consistent with drug effect and usually rules out other metabolic causes of coma. Other diagnostic principles are enumerated and illustrative cases are cited.", "contents": "Neurological complications of drug abuse. Widespread drug abuse, a comparatively recent medicosocial phenomenon, presents protean clinical patterns and challenging diagnostic problems daily that mimic classical medical syndromes. However, few reports have delineated predominantly neurologic syndromes associated with drug abuse. Five patients were observed illustrating the critical importance of considering drug abuse in the differential diagnosis of neurologic disease, particularly in the young population. It has been found that attention directed to four sources of information will substantiate the diagnosis of drug abuse in the large majority, thus expenditing the prompt initiation of appropriately directed treatment. In addition careful history and neurologic examination, a routine screeen of blood and urine should be run for barbiturates, bromides, alcohol and salicylates. An electroencephalogram is highly recommended as an initial study. It is informative, non-traumatic and inexpensive. Low voltage fast activity is consistent with drug effect and usually rules out other metabolic causes of coma. Other diagnostic principles are enumerated and illustrative cases are cited.", "PMID": 999220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7523", "title": "[Mucocutaneous Bowen's disease. 243 clinical cases].", "content": "The authors studied 243 cases of patients with 269 muco-cutaneous localisations of Bowen's disease. After considering the aetiological factors, the various clinical signs and the pathological associations, they draw histological conclusions. Poikilocarynosis seems to be the most reliable histological sign. They conclude their study with the prognosis and treatment.", "contents": "[Mucocutaneous Bowen's disease. 243 clinical cases]. The authors studied 243 cases of patients with 269 muco-cutaneous localisations of Bowen's disease. After considering the aetiological factors, the various clinical signs and the pathological associations, they draw histological conclusions. Poikilocarynosis seems to be the most reliable histological sign. They conclude their study with the prognosis and treatment.", "PMID": 999227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7524", "title": "Height, weight and menarche in Swedish urban school children in relation to socio-economic and regional factors.", "content": "During the period 1964-1973, a defined sample of 740 Swedish urban school children (360 girls and 380 boys) from 40 different urban areas all over the country were followed longitudinally. Height and weight were measured twice a year and age at menarche was recorded. Mean ages at peak height velocity (PHV) and peak weight velocity (PWV) were 11-91 years (SD 0-95) and 12-50 years (SD 1-08) for girls with average values of 8-30 cm/year (SD 1-32) and 7-37 kg/year (SD 1-94). Mean age at menarche was 13-05 years (SD 1-03). PHV and PWV in boys occurred on average at 14-09 years (SD 1-11) and 14-30 years (SD 1-11) with magnitudes of 9-84 cm/year (SD 1-40) and 9-07 kg/year (SD 2-04). No significant differences between socio-economic strata defined by father's occupation and family income were found either for height and weight or for ages at PHV, PWV and menarche. Girls but not boys in the lowest social group (III) had more weight for height during puberty than had girls in social groups I and II. Between the three main geographical regions of Sweden some differences were found. Boys in the South were at the ages of 17 and 18 on average heavier than boys from the rest of the country. Boys and girls in the South had PHV, PWV and menarche half a year later than children in Middle Sweden. In analysis of variance for age at PHV significant interaction terms were found for regions times urbanization. In the South and North age at PHV was earlier the higher the urbanization level, but in Middle Sweden the reverse occurred.", "contents": "Height, weight and menarche in Swedish urban school children in relation to socio-economic and regional factors. During the period 1964-1973, a defined sample of 740 Swedish urban school children (360 girls and 380 boys) from 40 different urban areas all over the country were followed longitudinally. Height and weight were measured twice a year and age at menarche was recorded. Mean ages at peak height velocity (PHV) and peak weight velocity (PWV) were 11-91 years (SD 0-95) and 12-50 years (SD 1-08) for girls with average values of 8-30 cm/year (SD 1-32) and 7-37 kg/year (SD 1-94). Mean age at menarche was 13-05 years (SD 1-03). PHV and PWV in boys occurred on average at 14-09 years (SD 1-11) and 14-30 years (SD 1-11) with magnitudes of 9-84 cm/year (SD 1-40) and 9-07 kg/year (SD 2-04). No significant differences between socio-economic strata defined by father's occupation and family income were found either for height and weight or for ages at PHV, PWV and menarche. Girls but not boys in the lowest social group (III) had more weight for height during puberty than had girls in social groups I and II. Between the three main geographical regions of Sweden some differences were found. Boys in the South were at the ages of 17 and 18 on average heavier than boys from the rest of the country. Boys and girls in the South had PHV, PWV and menarche half a year later than children in Middle Sweden. In analysis of variance for age at PHV significant interaction terms were found for regions times urbanization. In the South and North age at PHV was earlier the higher the urbanization level, but in Middle Sweden the reverse occurred.", "PMID": 999228} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7525", "title": "A kinetic nephelometric method for the assay of serum C3 and C4.", "content": "A two-point, fixed interval kinetic, nephelometric method for the immunoassay of serum C3 and serum C4 using a laser-modified, centrifugal fast analyzer is described. The procedure shows a precision of 2.45 percent (coefficient of variation, C.V.) for C3 at a mean concentration of 151 mg per dl and 3.65 percent (C.V.) for C4 at a mean concentration of 26.6 mg per dl. The kinetic method was found to give a satisfactory correlation with a continuous flow immunonephelometric procedure.", "contents": "A kinetic nephelometric method for the assay of serum C3 and C4. A two-point, fixed interval kinetic, nephelometric method for the immunoassay of serum C3 and serum C4 using a laser-modified, centrifugal fast analyzer is described. The procedure shows a precision of 2.45 percent (coefficient of variation, C.V.) for C3 at a mean concentration of 151 mg per dl and 3.65 percent (C.V.) for C4 at a mean concentration of 26.6 mg per dl. The kinetic method was found to give a satisfactory correlation with a continuous flow immunonephelometric procedure.", "PMID": 999222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7526", "title": "Plasma and red cell lipids in sickle cell disease.", "content": "Lipids, in particular phospholipids, are essential components of membrane systems, and the measurement of phospholipids and cholesterol in plasma and tissues is helpful in diagnosis. Phospholipids represent about 60 to 70% of total red cell (RBC) lipids, while about 25% is free cholesterol. Lipids in RBC are present in a dynamic state of equilibrium, and the RBC have the capacity for rapid exchange of lipids with plasma in several ways. The present study examined the cholesterol and phospholipid levels of plasma and erythrocytes in male patients with sickle cell anemia and in healthy male individuals of comparable age. This was performed with a view to detecting possible differences that might be related to some of the RBC abnormalities which accompany the disease. The results show that plasma lipids are significantly reduced in patients with sickle cell anemia and that RBC cholesterol was higher in sickle cell patients than in normal subjects.", "contents": "Plasma and red cell lipids in sickle cell disease. Lipids, in particular phospholipids, are essential components of membrane systems, and the measurement of phospholipids and cholesterol in plasma and tissues is helpful in diagnosis. Phospholipids represent about 60 to 70% of total red cell (RBC) lipids, while about 25% is free cholesterol. Lipids in RBC are present in a dynamic state of equilibrium, and the RBC have the capacity for rapid exchange of lipids with plasma in several ways. The present study examined the cholesterol and phospholipid levels of plasma and erythrocytes in male patients with sickle cell anemia and in healthy male individuals of comparable age. This was performed with a view to detecting possible differences that might be related to some of the RBC abnormalities which accompany the disease. The results show that plasma lipids are significantly reduced in patients with sickle cell anemia and that RBC cholesterol was higher in sickle cell patients than in normal subjects.", "PMID": 999221} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7527", "title": "Changes in haemoglobin and haematocrit values in children aged 6 to 13 1/2 years in Mexico City.", "content": "Levels of haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Ht) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined in 523 boys and 350 girls, clinically healthy, ages 6-0 to 13-5 years, middle socio-economic class living in Mexico City. In girls no significant differences according to age were observed in Hb or MCHC; however, Ht was significantly greater at 10-5 than at 10-0 years, without subsequent modifications. In boys, Hb and Ht had a first increase between 10-5 and 11-0 years and a second rise from 12-5 years on: MCHC remained unchanged. Boys were six to twelve months behind girls in regard to Ht increase; however, Ht increased when boys and girls reached similar mean weights (34 kg), heights (138 cm) and surface areas (1-15 m2); concomitantly, they had progressed to stage 2 of sexual development. Clear sex differences began to appear at age 11-5 when boys had higher Hb and Ht values than girls. These data suggest that Hb and Ht changes in these children are not related to chronological age but can be better interpreted if compared to weight, height, surface area or stage of sexual development.", "contents": "Changes in haemoglobin and haematocrit values in children aged 6 to 13 1/2 years in Mexico City. Levels of haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Ht) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined in 523 boys and 350 girls, clinically healthy, ages 6-0 to 13-5 years, middle socio-economic class living in Mexico City. In girls no significant differences according to age were observed in Hb or MCHC; however, Ht was significantly greater at 10-5 than at 10-0 years, without subsequent modifications. In boys, Hb and Ht had a first increase between 10-5 and 11-0 years and a second rise from 12-5 years on: MCHC remained unchanged. Boys were six to twelve months behind girls in regard to Ht increase; however, Ht increased when boys and girls reached similar mean weights (34 kg), heights (138 cm) and surface areas (1-15 m2); concomitantly, they had progressed to stage 2 of sexual development. Clear sex differences began to appear at age 11-5 when boys had higher Hb and Ht values than girls. These data suggest that Hb and Ht changes in these children are not related to chronological age but can be better interpreted if compared to weight, height, surface area or stage of sexual development.", "PMID": 999230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7528", "title": "Individual growth in stature: a comparison of four growth studies in the U.S.A.", "content": "Patterns of growth in stature of subjects from the four major U.S. longitudinal growth studies are compared by means of a two-component model for individual growth. Problems inherent in the comparison of data from independent growth studies, such as those arising from different methods of sampling subjects and scheduling measurements and the occurrence of atypical subjects, are considered and solutions are offered. Statistical tests of the individual growth parameters revealed significant, but small, differences among the samples in the magnitude of the contributions of prepubertal and adolescent growth to mature stature and in the velocity of growth. No differences between samples in the timing of the adolescent component were detected.", "contents": "Individual growth in stature: a comparison of four growth studies in the U.S.A. Patterns of growth in stature of subjects from the four major U.S. longitudinal growth studies are compared by means of a two-component model for individual growth. Problems inherent in the comparison of data from independent growth studies, such as those arising from different methods of sampling subjects and scheduling measurements and the occurrence of atypical subjects, are considered and solutions are offered. Statistical tests of the individual growth parameters revealed significant, but small, differences among the samples in the magnitude of the contributions of prepubertal and adolescent growth to mature stature and in the velocity of growth. No differences between samples in the timing of the adolescent component were detected.", "PMID": 999229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7529", "title": "Elution of filtered granulocytes for transfusion.", "content": "Functional and clinical transfusion studies were carried out on granulocytes eluted from nylon filters using ACD Saline solutions and 20% CPD Plasma ACD Saline solutions. Although the average volume of blood and total number of granulocytes filtered were the same, the yield of granulocytes eluted form the filters was 20% greater when 20% CPD plasma was in the eluting solution. Function studies indicated that while the antibacterial capacity of the saline eluted granulocytes was equivalent to that of plasma eluted cells, chemotactic activity was markedly reduced after 24 hours storage in the saline eluted cells. Clinical studies post transfusion also suggest better response from plasma eluted granulocytes.", "contents": "Elution of filtered granulocytes for transfusion. Functional and clinical transfusion studies were carried out on granulocytes eluted from nylon filters using ACD Saline solutions and 20% CPD Plasma ACD Saline solutions. Although the average volume of blood and total number of granulocytes filtered were the same, the yield of granulocytes eluted form the filters was 20% greater when 20% CPD plasma was in the eluting solution. Function studies indicated that while the antibacterial capacity of the saline eluted granulocytes was equivalent to that of plasma eluted cells, chemotactic activity was markedly reduced after 24 hours storage in the saline eluted cells. Clinical studies post transfusion also suggest better response from plasma eluted granulocytes.", "PMID": 999224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7530", "title": "An overview of the laboratory diagnosis of lead poisoning.", "content": "Four tests for the evaluation of lead poisoning are reviewed from both the clinical and methodological aspects. Whole blood or erythrocyte lead measurements appear to provide the best means of assessing the bodily burden of lead with electrothermal and Delves cup flame atomic absorption spectorphotometric techniques providing accurate and precise results. Urine lead is less reliable as a screening test for lead poisoning but is excellent for monitoring the course of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) therapy. Atomic absorption methods for urine are made difficult by the variable matrix of urine but satisfactory electrothermal and flame procedures have been described. Erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity is a very sensitive index of lead exposure,--perhaps too sensitive. Analytical procedures for measuring this enzyme are subject to errors and many complicating factors such as lack of stability of the specimen limit the usefulness of the test. Urine delta-aminolevulinic acid is of questionable value as a screening procedure and also is subject to analytical problems.", "contents": "An overview of the laboratory diagnosis of lead poisoning. Four tests for the evaluation of lead poisoning are reviewed from both the clinical and methodological aspects. Whole blood or erythrocyte lead measurements appear to provide the best means of assessing the bodily burden of lead with electrothermal and Delves cup flame atomic absorption spectorphotometric techniques providing accurate and precise results. Urine lead is less reliable as a screening test for lead poisoning but is excellent for monitoring the course of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) therapy. Atomic absorption methods for urine are made difficult by the variable matrix of urine but satisfactory electrothermal and flame procedures have been described. Erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity is a very sensitive index of lead exposure,--perhaps too sensitive. Analytical procedures for measuring this enzyme are subject to errors and many complicating factors such as lack of stability of the specimen limit the usefulness of the test. Urine delta-aminolevulinic acid is of questionable value as a screening procedure and also is subject to analytical problems.", "PMID": 999223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7531", "title": "Associations between polymorphic variety and anthropometric and biochemical variation in two New Guinea populations.", "content": "During International Biological Programme studies in Papua New Guinea, on Karkar Island and at Lufa in the Eastern Highlands, information on anthropometric, biochemical and genetic characteristics was collected from the same individuals. Use has been made of this special situation to investigate whether any associations exist between genetic markers and anthropometric and biochemical variation. Those found, and which satisfy criteria established to help in distinguishing real from chance associations, include: P with haemoglobin concentration and serum albumin and cholesterol levels; acid phosphatase with serum albumin level and haemoglobin concentration; anhaptoglobinaemia and serum globulin level; haemoglobin J-Tongariki with serum phosphorus level. The associations are discussed in terms of their arising from the direct result of environmental factors modifying gene expression, chance concordance of environmental and genetic variation, or pleiotropy.", "contents": "Associations between polymorphic variety and anthropometric and biochemical variation in two New Guinea populations. During International Biological Programme studies in Papua New Guinea, on Karkar Island and at Lufa in the Eastern Highlands, information on anthropometric, biochemical and genetic characteristics was collected from the same individuals. Use has been made of this special situation to investigate whether any associations exist between genetic markers and anthropometric and biochemical variation. Those found, and which satisfy criteria established to help in distinguishing real from chance associations, include: P with haemoglobin concentration and serum albumin and cholesterol levels; acid phosphatase with serum albumin level and haemoglobin concentration; anhaptoglobinaemia and serum globulin level; haemoglobin J-Tongariki with serum phosphorus level. The associations are discussed in terms of their arising from the direct result of environmental factors modifying gene expression, chance concordance of environmental and genetic variation, or pleiotropy.", "PMID": 999231} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7532", "title": "ABH secretion in populations of the British Isles.", "content": "Saliva specimens were collected from 163 Manx and 994 Cumbrian individuals and tested for secretor group. The findings confirm the pattern of variability in non-secretor frequencies reported in populations of the British Isles. A possible explanation for this distribution of secretor groups is suggested. The Cumbrian sample is also examined for intra-regional heterogeneity.", "contents": "ABH secretion in populations of the British Isles. Saliva specimens were collected from 163 Manx and 994 Cumbrian individuals and tested for secretor group. The findings confirm the pattern of variability in non-secretor frequencies reported in populations of the British Isles. A possible explanation for this distribution of secretor groups is suggested. The Cumbrian sample is also examined for intra-regional heterogeneity.", "PMID": 999232} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7533", "title": "Iodine induced thyroid disease.", "content": "Although iodine prevents goiter, enlarged thyroid glands continue to be detected in subjects, especially children, in spite of adequate iodine ingestion. Iodine may cause goiter in susceptible individuals by inhibiting the organic binding of iodine as is seen in adult asthmatics, neonates born of iodine ingesting mothers and in subjects residing along the littoral of Japan. Myxedema, especially in treated Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease, may also be precipitated by iodine. On the other hand, iodine given to euthyroid subjects in areas of endemic goiter and to subjects with nontoxic nodular goiter may induce thyrotoxicosis by disclosing diffuse autonomously functioning thyroid tissue. An indirect adverse effect of iodine upon the thyroid gland may be manifested by lymphocyte glandular infiltrates and chronic thyroiditis which were sparse or absent in thyroid glands removed from subjects living in iodine deficient areas before iodine prophylaxis and therapy. Not only has the incidence of thyroiditis increased, but the histologic and clinical distinctions between treated Graves' disease and chronic thyroiditis have become indistinct. Experimentally, chronic thyroiditis has been produced in animals following large doses of iodine. Accumulated evidence supports the concept that iodine contributes to the genesis of chronic thyroiditis.", "contents": "Iodine induced thyroid disease. Although iodine prevents goiter, enlarged thyroid glands continue to be detected in subjects, especially children, in spite of adequate iodine ingestion. Iodine may cause goiter in susceptible individuals by inhibiting the organic binding of iodine as is seen in adult asthmatics, neonates born of iodine ingesting mothers and in subjects residing along the littoral of Japan. Myxedema, especially in treated Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease, may also be precipitated by iodine. On the other hand, iodine given to euthyroid subjects in areas of endemic goiter and to subjects with nontoxic nodular goiter may induce thyrotoxicosis by disclosing diffuse autonomously functioning thyroid tissue. An indirect adverse effect of iodine upon the thyroid gland may be manifested by lymphocyte glandular infiltrates and chronic thyroiditis which were sparse or absent in thyroid glands removed from subjects living in iodine deficient areas before iodine prophylaxis and therapy. Not only has the incidence of thyroiditis increased, but the histologic and clinical distinctions between treated Graves' disease and chronic thyroiditis have become indistinct. Experimentally, chronic thyroiditis has been produced in animals following large doses of iodine. Accumulated evidence supports the concept that iodine contributes to the genesis of chronic thyroiditis.", "PMID": 999225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7534", "title": "Serum and red cell enzyme polymorphisms in six Amerindian tribes.", "content": "Data are presented on red cell and serum enzyme types in six Amerindian tribes in Central and South America of whom the Siriono, Chipaya and Jicaque are markedly inbred. The data obtained in three systems (AcP, PGM, 6PGD) show aberrant phenotype and gene frequencies in these three tribes by comparison with other Amerindian populations. Uniformity of the results was observed in the following red cell enzymes: AK, G6PD, PGM2, ADA and LDH.", "contents": "Serum and red cell enzyme polymorphisms in six Amerindian tribes. Data are presented on red cell and serum enzyme types in six Amerindian tribes in Central and South America of whom the Siriono, Chipaya and Jicaque are markedly inbred. The data obtained in three systems (AcP, PGM, 6PGD) show aberrant phenotype and gene frequencies in these three tribes by comparison with other Amerindian populations. Uniformity of the results was observed in the following red cell enzymes: AK, G6PD, PGM2, ADA and LDH.", "PMID": 999233} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7535", "title": "Menarcheal age in Stockholm girls, 1967.", "content": "Using the status quo method on 917 girls aged 10-17 years in 1967, mean age at menarche was computed to be 13-09 +/- 0-08 years (SD 1-10). There was no difference in mean age at menarche between girls from different social groups defined by father's or mother's occupation. The menstrual periods evoked severe discomfort in 9 per cent of the individuals. These were on an average significantly younger at menarche than the other girls. The percentage of the girls feeling discomfort during the menstrual periods as well as its intensity increased with time since menarche.", "contents": "Menarcheal age in Stockholm girls, 1967. Using the status quo method on 917 girls aged 10-17 years in 1967, mean age at menarche was computed to be 13-09 +/- 0-08 years (SD 1-10). There was no difference in mean age at menarche between girls from different social groups defined by father's or mother's occupation. The menstrual periods evoked severe discomfort in 9 per cent of the individuals. These were on an average significantly younger at menarche than the other girls. The percentage of the girls feeling discomfort during the menstrual periods as well as its intensity increased with time since menarche.", "PMID": 999234} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7536", "title": "[Development of an automated information retrieval system for the identification of antibiotics].", "content": "The basic points in the development of a specialized computer information search system providing ientification of new antibiotics at early stages of their investigation are described. The system of coding the physico-chemical properties of the agents and the spectra of their antimicrobial activity presenting the substance in the information bank is developed. The task of identification is to find in the reference bank according to some specially organized keys such antibiotics which are identical or close by their properties to the substance being identified. Mini-computer of M-6000 type is used as the technical base of the information search system. Preliminary organization of the bank specified by the coding system markedly reduces the requirements to the computer operative memory.", "contents": "[Development of an automated information retrieval system for the identification of antibiotics]. The basic points in the development of a specialized computer information search system providing ientification of new antibiotics at early stages of their investigation are described. The system of coding the physico-chemical properties of the agents and the spectra of their antimicrobial activity presenting the substance in the information bank is developed. The task of identification is to find in the reference bank according to some specially organized keys such antibiotics which are identical or close by their properties to the substance being identified. Mini-computer of M-6000 type is used as the technical base of the information search system. Preliminary organization of the bank specified by the coding system markedly reduces the requirements to the computer operative memory.", "PMID": 999235} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7537", "title": "[X-RAY PHASE ANALYSIS OF THE TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF Act. roseoflavus var. roseofungini].", "content": "Crystallinity of tubular structures of Act. roseoflavus var. roseofungini obtained from both the initial culture and the dedifferentiating fructose mutant was shown with the method of roentgen-phase analysis (the difractometric method with ionization registration of reflection)", "contents": "[X-RAY PHASE ANALYSIS OF THE TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF Act. roseoflavus var. roseofungini]. Crystallinity of tubular structures of Act. roseoflavus var. roseofungini obtained from both the initial culture and the dedifferentiating fructose mutant was shown with the method of roentgen-phase analysis (the difractometric method with ionization registration of reflection)", "PMID": 999236} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7538", "title": "[Physicochemical parameters of the surface of bacteria and the penicillin-binding capacity in relation to the sensitivity to penicillins and streptomycin].", "content": "Development of resistance to penicillins and streptomycin in bacteria results in an increase in the electrokinetic potential changes in the hydratation rate and isoelectric levels of pH. Changes in the physico-chemical properties of the surface of penicillin-resistant Escherichia depends mainly on the accompanying dissociation. The ability of Escherichia to bind labeled benzylpenicillin is shown. Binding of 35S-benzylpenicillin by Escherichia in S-form correlates with sensitivity of the culture to the antibiotic. The penicillin-resistant mutants in R-form bound the antibiotic to a greater extent than sensitive R-cultures. The role of penicillinase in binding 35S-benzylpenicillin by Escherichia was not shown experimentally. Only increased synthesis of the enzyme by the penicillin-resistant mutants was observed. The ability of Escherichia to bind 35S-benzylpenicillin does not depend on the physico-chemical properties of the cell surface and dissociation.", "contents": "[Physicochemical parameters of the surface of bacteria and the penicillin-binding capacity in relation to the sensitivity to penicillins and streptomycin]. Development of resistance to penicillins and streptomycin in bacteria results in an increase in the electrokinetic potential changes in the hydratation rate and isoelectric levels of pH. Changes in the physico-chemical properties of the surface of penicillin-resistant Escherichia depends mainly on the accompanying dissociation. The ability of Escherichia to bind labeled benzylpenicillin is shown. Binding of 35S-benzylpenicillin by Escherichia in S-form correlates with sensitivity of the culture to the antibiotic. The penicillin-resistant mutants in R-form bound the antibiotic to a greater extent than sensitive R-cultures. The role of penicillinase in binding 35S-benzylpenicillin by Escherichia was not shown experimentally. Only increased synthesis of the enzyme by the penicillin-resistant mutants was observed. The ability of Escherichia to bind 35S-benzylpenicillin does not depend on the physico-chemical properties of the cell surface and dissociation.", "PMID": 999237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7539", "title": "[Effect of lincomycin on a cell culture].", "content": "Cumulative and toxic properties of lincomycin evident from increased numbers of pathological mitosis were found on three-fold treatment of various cell lines with the antibiotic in concentrations of 100 or 200 Units/ml for 1.5 years. The toxicity level was not high since the other indices of the mitotic regimen remained unchanged.", "contents": "[Effect of lincomycin on a cell culture]. Cumulative and toxic properties of lincomycin evident from increased numbers of pathological mitosis were found on three-fold treatment of various cell lines with the antibiotic in concentrations of 100 or 200 Units/ml for 1.5 years. The toxicity level was not high since the other indices of the mitotic regimen remained unchanged.", "PMID": 999238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7540", "title": "[Dependence of the toxicity of the antineoplastic antibiotics rubomycin and carminomycin, on the age and sex of white mice and rats].", "content": "Karminomycin was more toxic with respect to 2-6 week mice than to adult animals when administered both intravenously or orally. 5-6 week rats were more stable than adult animals to the effect of karminomycin administered intravenously or orally. Significant species sensitivity to karminomycin was noted. When administered intravenously karminomycin administered intravenously was 2 times more toxic as compared to the oral use in the experiments with adult mice and 23 times more toxic in the experiments with adult rats. LD10 and LD50 of rubomycin administerean in adult animals. LD50 of karminomycin and rubomycin administered intravenously to adult female mice was somewhat lower than that for adult male mice.", "contents": "[Dependence of the toxicity of the antineoplastic antibiotics rubomycin and carminomycin, on the age and sex of white mice and rats]. Karminomycin was more toxic with respect to 2-6 week mice than to adult animals when administered both intravenously or orally. 5-6 week rats were more stable than adult animals to the effect of karminomycin administered intravenously or orally. Significant species sensitivity to karminomycin was noted. When administered intravenously karminomycin administered intravenously was 2 times more toxic as compared to the oral use in the experiments with adult mice and 23 times more toxic in the experiments with adult rats. LD10 and LD50 of rubomycin administerean in adult animals. LD50 of karminomycin and rubomycin administered intravenously to adult female mice was somewhat lower than that for adult male mice.", "PMID": 999239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7541", "title": "[Cross resistance in tumor cells and staphylococci with respect to anthracycline-group antineoplastic antibiotics].", "content": "The variants of the tumor cells of Fisher lymphadenosis, strain L-5178 and Staph. aureus resistant to rubomycin simultaneously became partially less sensitive to adriamycin. Sensitivity to karminomycin in the rubomycin resistant strains did not practically change as compared to the sensitivity of the initial strains. Sensitivity to adriamycin and rubomycin in Staph. aureus decreased 67 and 4 times respectively after 7 passages on media with increasing concentrations of adriamycin, while sensitivity to karminomycin decreased only 1.5 times, i.e. remained practically unchanged. After 22 passages of Staph. aureus to karminomycinrubomycin and adriamycin decreased 16, 67 and 33 times respectively. The results of the study may be explained by differences in the changes of the cell membrane permeability due to the drug effect.", "contents": "[Cross resistance in tumor cells and staphylococci with respect to anthracycline-group antineoplastic antibiotics]. The variants of the tumor cells of Fisher lymphadenosis, strain L-5178 and Staph. aureus resistant to rubomycin simultaneously became partially less sensitive to adriamycin. Sensitivity to karminomycin in the rubomycin resistant strains did not practically change as compared to the sensitivity of the initial strains. Sensitivity to adriamycin and rubomycin in Staph. aureus decreased 67 and 4 times respectively after 7 passages on media with increasing concentrations of adriamycin, while sensitivity to karminomycin decreased only 1.5 times, i.e. remained practically unchanged. After 22 passages of Staph. aureus to karminomycinrubomycin and adriamycin decreased 16, 67 and 33 times respectively. The results of the study may be explained by differences in the changes of the cell membrane permeability due to the drug effect.", "PMID": 999240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7542", "title": "[Fluorimetric determination of rubomycin with the boric acid reaction].", "content": "A fluorimetric method for determination of rubomycin in the blood, milk and urine of humans and animals in concentrations of 0.04-20 gamma/ml was developed. After protein precipitation from the biological material with trichloracetic acid and the antibiotic was determined by fluorescence of its borate complex in concentrated sulfuric acid (gammaexcitk = 575, gammaflk = 620 nm).", "contents": "[Fluorimetric determination of rubomycin with the boric acid reaction]. A fluorimetric method for determination of rubomycin in the blood, milk and urine of humans and animals in concentrations of 0.04-20 gamma/ml was developed. After protein precipitation from the biological material with trichloracetic acid and the antibiotic was determined by fluorescence of its borate complex in concentrated sulfuric acid (gammaexcitk = 575, gammaflk = 620 nm).", "PMID": 999241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7543", "title": "[Comparative data on the formation of complement-binding and hemagglutinating antibodies to penicillin].", "content": "Comparative data on production of complement-binding and hemagglutinating antibodies in the process of the antigenic effect of benzylpenicillin under experimental conditions are presented. 30 rabbit antisera and 3 sera of intact animals were studied. The hemagglutinating antibodies were determined in 19 antisera, high and reliable titers of the antipenicillin hemagglutinating antibodies being found only in 8 antisera. The antipenicillin complement-binding antibodies using complex antibiotic antibodies were also found in 19 antisera. The process of antibody production was more pronounced in the complement-binding reaction (CBR). Both types of the antibodies were detected simultaneously in 14 antisera. It is concluded that the CBR with the use of the penicillin complex antigenes on the stroma of the erythrocytes and in combination with the blood serum is a rather sensitive reaction for detection of antipenicillin antibodies.", "contents": "[Comparative data on the formation of complement-binding and hemagglutinating antibodies to penicillin]. Comparative data on production of complement-binding and hemagglutinating antibodies in the process of the antigenic effect of benzylpenicillin under experimental conditions are presented. 30 rabbit antisera and 3 sera of intact animals were studied. The hemagglutinating antibodies were determined in 19 antisera, high and reliable titers of the antipenicillin hemagglutinating antibodies being found only in 8 antisera. The antipenicillin complement-binding antibodies using complex antibiotic antibodies were also found in 19 antisera. The process of antibody production was more pronounced in the complement-binding reaction (CBR). Both types of the antibodies were detected simultaneously in 14 antisera. It is concluded that the CBR with the use of the penicillin complex antigenes on the stroma of the erythrocytes and in combination with the blood serum is a rather sensitive reaction for detection of antipenicillin antibodies.", "PMID": 999242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7544", "title": "[Use of Edman's method for splitting actinoidin peptides and aglycone].", "content": "Phenylthiohydantoins of amino acids isolated from actinoidine (n-oxyphenylglycine, 3-chlor-4-oxyphenylglycine, actinoidinic amino acid) were prepared. Their spectral and chromagraphic properties were studied. Splitting of the aglycone of actinoidine and the prodlcts of its incomplete acid hydrolysis (peptides Y-Phe and B-Y-Phe) was achieved with the Edman method. Parital structure of tripeptide B-Y-Phe (4NH2-group) was proposed. Tripeptide B-Y Phe constitutes about 80 per cent of the antibiotic aglycone part.", "contents": "[Use of Edman's method for splitting actinoidin peptides and aglycone]. Phenylthiohydantoins of amino acids isolated from actinoidine (n-oxyphenylglycine, 3-chlor-4-oxyphenylglycine, actinoidinic amino acid) were prepared. Their spectral and chromagraphic properties were studied. Splitting of the aglycone of actinoidine and the prodlcts of its incomplete acid hydrolysis (peptides Y-Phe and B-Y-Phe) was achieved with the Edman method. Parital structure of tripeptide B-Y-Phe (4NH2-group) was proposed. Tripeptide B-Y Phe constitutes about 80 per cent of the antibiotic aglycone part.", "PMID": 999243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7545", "title": "[Penetration of antibiotics into experimental foci of inflammation under the influence of proteolytic enzymes].", "content": "The effect of trypsin or chemotrypsin on the levels of benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin, kanamycin or tetracycline in the peritoneal inflammation fluid, as well as the effect of trypsin on penetration of these antibiotics into the granulemas of 2 types was studied. It was found that intramuscular administration of the enzymes to animals in a dose of 10 mg/kg resulted in increased levels of penicillins and kanamycin in the inflammation peritoneal fluid. An analogous effect of trypsin was observed with respect to experimental granulemas. The levels of tetracycline in restricted inflammatory foci increased only after intraperitoneal administration of trypsin to rats. Increased penetration of benzylpenicillin into the peritoneal fluid and connective tissue granulema under the effect of the enzymes was observed. The effect of trypsin on penetration of benzylpenicillin into granulema according to Selie did not differ from the effect of the enzyme on penetration of semisynthetic penicillins and kanamycin into it.", "contents": "[Penetration of antibiotics into experimental foci of inflammation under the influence of proteolytic enzymes]. The effect of trypsin or chemotrypsin on the levels of benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin, kanamycin or tetracycline in the peritoneal inflammation fluid, as well as the effect of trypsin on penetration of these antibiotics into the granulemas of 2 types was studied. It was found that intramuscular administration of the enzymes to animals in a dose of 10 mg/kg resulted in increased levels of penicillins and kanamycin in the inflammation peritoneal fluid. An analogous effect of trypsin was observed with respect to experimental granulemas. The levels of tetracycline in restricted inflammatory foci increased only after intraperitoneal administration of trypsin to rats. Increased penetration of benzylpenicillin into the peritoneal fluid and connective tissue granulema under the effect of the enzymes was observed. The effect of trypsin on penetration of benzylpenicillin into granulema according to Selie did not differ from the effect of the enzyme on penetration of semisynthetic penicillins and kanamycin into it.", "PMID": 999244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7546", "title": "[Comparative kinetics of oxytetracycline and oxyglucocycline cotent in tissues of the ENT organs].", "content": "The kinetics of oxytetracycline and oxyglucocycline levels (calculated for oxytetracycline) was studied on 80 patients with chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory organs, the antibiotics being administered intramuscularly. After a single injection of oxytetrachcline hydrochloride in a dose of 1500 Units/kg body weight its levels in the blood serum and certain tissues of the ENT organs were rather low. When the dose was 3000 Units/kg the maximum antibiotic level in the blood level reached 1 Unit/ml. The drug was detected in the bacteriostatic concentrations in the blood serum and tissues within 12 hours. When the dose of oxyglucocycline was 1500 Units/kg the rate of its absorption was 4 times higher than that of oxytetracycline absorption. However, the character of its distribution in the blood and tissues of the ENT organs did not differ from distribution of oxytetracycline as dependent on the duration of the injection period. The both pharmaceutical forms had a tendency to some retention of the drugs in the tissues of the palatine tonsils. Because of better absorption and retention in the tonsils tissue oxyglucocycline may be recommended for therapy of inflammatory processes in the lymphadenoid apparatus of the pharynx.", "contents": "[Comparative kinetics of oxytetracycline and oxyglucocycline cotent in tissues of the ENT organs]. The kinetics of oxytetracycline and oxyglucocycline levels (calculated for oxytetracycline) was studied on 80 patients with chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory organs, the antibiotics being administered intramuscularly. After a single injection of oxytetrachcline hydrochloride in a dose of 1500 Units/kg body weight its levels in the blood serum and certain tissues of the ENT organs were rather low. When the dose was 3000 Units/kg the maximum antibiotic level in the blood level reached 1 Unit/ml. The drug was detected in the bacteriostatic concentrations in the blood serum and tissues within 12 hours. When the dose of oxyglucocycline was 1500 Units/kg the rate of its absorption was 4 times higher than that of oxytetracycline absorption. However, the character of its distribution in the blood and tissues of the ENT organs did not differ from distribution of oxytetracycline as dependent on the duration of the injection period. The both pharmaceutical forms had a tendency to some retention of the drugs in the tissues of the palatine tonsils. Because of better absorption and retention in the tonsils tissue oxyglucocycline may be recommended for therapy of inflammatory processes in the lymphadenoid apparatus of the pharynx.", "PMID": 999245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7547", "title": "[Antibiotic sensitivity of the causative agents of pyelonephritis in pregnant and puerperal women].", "content": "The data presented are evident of the fact that the causative agents of pyelonephritis in pregnant women and puerpera are mostly Ecsherichia. Ilebsiella, Enterococcus and Ps. aeruginosa were isolated not so often. Strains with multiple antibiotic resistance were mainly isolated from the urine. It should be noted that 64 per cent of the Klebsiella strains and 90 per cent of the Proteus strains were sensitive to ampicillin. It should be taken into account in development of rational therapy of pyelonephritis in pregnant women and puerpera.", "contents": "[Antibiotic sensitivity of the causative agents of pyelonephritis in pregnant and puerperal women]. The data presented are evident of the fact that the causative agents of pyelonephritis in pregnant women and puerpera are mostly Ecsherichia. Ilebsiella, Enterococcus and Ps. aeruginosa were isolated not so often. Strains with multiple antibiotic resistance were mainly isolated from the urine. It should be noted that 64 per cent of the Klebsiella strains and 90 per cent of the Proteus strains were sensitive to ampicillin. It should be taken into account in development of rational therapy of pyelonephritis in pregnant women and puerpera.", "PMID": 999246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7548", "title": "[Nystatin and amphotericin B sorption complexes with polyvinyl-pyrrolidone in nonaqueous solvent systems].", "content": "Complexes of polyenic antibiotics with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) can be used for preparing effective pharmaceutical forms soluble in water and consisting of fine dispersions. Studies were carried out; they are of great importance for revealing the mechanism of polyen interaction with neutral polymers, as well as for development of the technological processes for production of the pharmaceutical forms. The sorption isoterms of PVP with the molecular weight of 10 000 and 35 000 on nystatin and amphotericin B were obtained in the process of precipitation in the system of dimethylformamide-ethylacetate. The constants of the strength of the antibiotic binding with the polymer in a complex were calculated. It was shown that the complex strength increased with a rise in the relative amount of the precipitant in the system. The temperature dependence of the binding strength constant was studied. The process of the complex forming was shown to be exothermic, the activation energy of the complex being 26-30 kcal per a mole of the antibiotic. No significant differences in the binding strength of nystatin and amphotericin B were observed. On the basis of the experimental data, a scheme of the complex structure explaining the binding process by formation of a number of hydrogen bonds between the antibiotic hydroxyl groups and the PVP tertiaryamide groups is proposed.", "contents": "[Nystatin and amphotericin B sorption complexes with polyvinyl-pyrrolidone in nonaqueous solvent systems]. Complexes of polyenic antibiotics with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) can be used for preparing effective pharmaceutical forms soluble in water and consisting of fine dispersions. Studies were carried out; they are of great importance for revealing the mechanism of polyen interaction with neutral polymers, as well as for development of the technological processes for production of the pharmaceutical forms. The sorption isoterms of PVP with the molecular weight of 10 000 and 35 000 on nystatin and amphotericin B were obtained in the process of precipitation in the system of dimethylformamide-ethylacetate. The constants of the strength of the antibiotic binding with the polymer in a complex were calculated. It was shown that the complex strength increased with a rise in the relative amount of the precipitant in the system. The temperature dependence of the binding strength constant was studied. The process of the complex forming was shown to be exothermic, the activation energy of the complex being 26-30 kcal per a mole of the antibiotic. No significant differences in the binding strength of nystatin and amphotericin B were observed. On the basis of the experimental data, a scheme of the complex structure explaining the binding process by formation of a number of hydrogen bonds between the antibiotic hydroxyl groups and the PVP tertiaryamide groups is proposed.", "PMID": 999248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7549", "title": "[Fluorimetric determination of rubomycin].", "content": "A fluorimetric method for determination of rubomycin in the blood, milk and urine of humans and animals was developed. After precipitation of proteins from the biological material with 30 per cent trichloracetic acid the antibiotic was recovered from the centrifugate with isoamylic alcohol and the extract was subjected to fluorimetric analysis at gamma-exc-495 and gamma-fi-595 nm.", "contents": "[Fluorimetric determination of rubomycin]. A fluorimetric method for determination of rubomycin in the blood, milk and urine of humans and animals was developed. After precipitation of proteins from the biological material with 30 per cent trichloracetic acid the antibiotic was recovered from the centrifugate with isoamylic alcohol and the extract was subjected to fluorimetric analysis at gamma-exc-495 and gamma-fi-595 nm.", "PMID": 999249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7550", "title": "[Nystatin biosynthesis by inactive mutants of Act. noursei when cultured together].", "content": "Inactive mutants of the nystatin-producing organism Act. noursei were selected. When 2 of them were cultivated together, nystatin biosynthesis was restored. The substance or substances restoring the antibiotic biosynthesis was excreted into the culture broth. It had non-protein nature and was stable on storage. Reduction of the nystatin biosynthetic chain proceeded without changes in the cultivation conditions.", "contents": "[Nystatin biosynthesis by inactive mutants of Act. noursei when cultured together]. Inactive mutants of the nystatin-producing organism Act. noursei were selected. When 2 of them were cultivated together, nystatin biosynthesis was restored. The substance or substances restoring the antibiotic biosynthesis was excreted into the culture broth. It had non-protein nature and was stable on storage. Reduction of the nystatin biosynthetic chain proceeded without changes in the cultivation conditions.", "PMID": 999250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7551", "title": "[Study of the relationship of growth and morphological differentiation to antibiotic formation in heliomycin-producing cultures].", "content": "Relation between the growth of the heliomycin-producing organisms, biosynthesis of the antibiotic and morphological differentiation of the mycelium was studied. The curves of the culture growth were of diauxic nature. The synthesis of heliomycin was parallel to the organism active growth (trophophase). The antibiotic was synthesized in the germinating spores and localized in the areas of active growth and surface structures. The indicator properties of heliomycin were also evident in the organism mycelium. The antibiotic was registered in the young hyphae mainly in an oxidated form timed to the membrane structures. With the culture development heliomycin accumulated in the mycelium in reduced form together with lipids in the form of granules (vacuole structures). Condensation of heliomycin in the vacuoles (granules) started during the 2nd lag-phase, and may be associated with both heliomycin storing and inclusion of detoxication mechanisms. It was shown that heliomycin was consumed in the culture under conditions of starvation. In this case the antibiotic granules disappeared. The connection between the synthesis of heliomycin and the organism active growth, localization of the antibiotic in the areas of active growth, consumption of the antibiotic under conditions of starvation indicate that heliomycin is important for the organism and participates in the processes of growth and metabolism.", "contents": "[Study of the relationship of growth and morphological differentiation to antibiotic formation in heliomycin-producing cultures]. Relation between the growth of the heliomycin-producing organisms, biosynthesis of the antibiotic and morphological differentiation of the mycelium was studied. The curves of the culture growth were of diauxic nature. The synthesis of heliomycin was parallel to the organism active growth (trophophase). The antibiotic was synthesized in the germinating spores and localized in the areas of active growth and surface structures. The indicator properties of heliomycin were also evident in the organism mycelium. The antibiotic was registered in the young hyphae mainly in an oxidated form timed to the membrane structures. With the culture development heliomycin accumulated in the mycelium in reduced form together with lipids in the form of granules (vacuole structures). Condensation of heliomycin in the vacuoles (granules) started during the 2nd lag-phase, and may be associated with both heliomycin storing and inclusion of detoxication mechanisms. It was shown that heliomycin was consumed in the culture under conditions of starvation. In this case the antibiotic granules disappeared. The connection between the synthesis of heliomycin and the organism active growth, localization of the antibiotic in the areas of active growth, consumption of the antibiotic under conditions of starvation indicate that heliomycin is important for the organism and participates in the processes of growth and metabolism.", "PMID": 999251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7552", "title": "[Rate of tetracycline dissolution from tablets and capsules and the biological availability of the antibiotic].", "content": "Relation between the rate of tetracycline dissolution from tablets and capsules and the biological acceptibility of the antibiotic in the host was studied. The antibiotic dissolution rate from the pharmaceutical forms was determined in a modernized apparatus \"Rotary basket\" in water, the speed of the basket rotation was 200 r.p.m. In addition the tetracycline blood levels in patients treated with the drug in the above pharmaceutical forms were estimated. It was found that the rate of the antibiotic dissolution characterized the antibiotic biological acceptibility. A test for the dissolution rate was developed. It may be used for estimation of production batches of tetracycline tablets.", "contents": "[Rate of tetracycline dissolution from tablets and capsules and the biological availability of the antibiotic]. Relation between the rate of tetracycline dissolution from tablets and capsules and the biological acceptibility of the antibiotic in the host was studied. The antibiotic dissolution rate from the pharmaceutical forms was determined in a modernized apparatus \"Rotary basket\" in water, the speed of the basket rotation was 200 r.p.m. In addition the tetracycline blood levels in patients treated with the drug in the above pharmaceutical forms were estimated. It was found that the rate of the antibiotic dissolution characterized the antibiotic biological acceptibility. A test for the dissolution rate was developed. It may be used for estimation of production batches of tetracycline tablets.", "PMID": 999252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7553", "title": "[Pharmacokinetics of rifampicin in experimental animals].", "content": "Rifampicin is rapidly absorbed when administered orally. Its high levels were detected during 1 to 3 hours after administration. The antibiotic was preserved in the blood serum in therapeutic concentrations for at least 24 hours depending on the dose used. When used repeatedly, it did not cumulate. Rifampicin easily penetrated into the organs and tissues of the animals, the highest concentrations being observed in the liver and kidneys. The antibiotic was mainly excreted with the bile. The drug pharmacokinetics depended on the animal species.", "contents": "[Pharmacokinetics of rifampicin in experimental animals]. Rifampicin is rapidly absorbed when administered orally. Its high levels were detected during 1 to 3 hours after administration. The antibiotic was preserved in the blood serum in therapeutic concentrations for at least 24 hours depending on the dose used. When used repeatedly, it did not cumulate. Rifampicin easily penetrated into the organs and tissues of the animals, the highest concentrations being observed in the liver and kidneys. The antibiotic was mainly excreted with the bile. The drug pharmacokinetics depended on the animal species.", "PMID": 999253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7554", "title": "[Penetration, distribution and retention of chlortetracycline in the body of pregnant rabbits and their fetuses].", "content": "Chlortetracycline was administered to the rabbits per os in a single dose of 150000 Units/kg. After 29-30 days of pregnancy the rabbits were sacrificied 1--3--6--9--12--24-hours and 2--3--4 days after the drug administration. Three-four rabbits were examined in every experiment. The antibiotic levels were determined by the agar-diffusion method. It was found that chlortetracycline was present in bactericidal concentrations in all 60 tissues of the rabbits and fetus examined except the rabbits eye lens. In some tissues of the rabbit and fetus chlortetracycline persisted up to 3 and 2 days respectively. The antibiotic levels in the organs, tissues and fluids of the fetus were many times lower than those in the rabbits. The concentration peak in the fetus was attained somewhat later and the rate of the concentration decrease was lower as compared to the same indices in the rabbit. The highest concentrations of chlortetracycline in the fetus were registered in the amniotic membranes, joints, bones, urine and amniotic fluid.", "contents": "[Penetration, distribution and retention of chlortetracycline in the body of pregnant rabbits and their fetuses]. Chlortetracycline was administered to the rabbits per os in a single dose of 150000 Units/kg. After 29-30 days of pregnancy the rabbits were sacrificied 1--3--6--9--12--24-hours and 2--3--4 days after the drug administration. Three-four rabbits were examined in every experiment. The antibiotic levels were determined by the agar-diffusion method. It was found that chlortetracycline was present in bactericidal concentrations in all 60 tissues of the rabbits and fetus examined except the rabbits eye lens. In some tissues of the rabbit and fetus chlortetracycline persisted up to 3 and 2 days respectively. The antibiotic levels in the organs, tissues and fluids of the fetus were many times lower than those in the rabbits. The concentration peak in the fetus was attained somewhat later and the rate of the concentration decrease was lower as compared to the same indices in the rabbit. The highest concentrations of chlortetracycline in the fetus were registered in the amniotic membranes, joints, bones, urine and amniotic fluid.", "PMID": 999254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7555", "title": "[Comparative effectiveness of ampicillin and benzylpenicillin in generalized forms of meningococcal infection].", "content": "Two groups of 49 patients each with generalized forms of meningococcal infection were observed. The patients of the 1st group were treated with ampicillin in a dose of 200-400 Units/kg and the patients of the 2nd group were treated with benzylpenicillin in a dose of 200000-300000 Units/kg of the body weight daily. Comparison of the ampicillin and benzylpenicillin liquor levels showed that benzylpenicillin was more persistent during the whole period between the injections. The indices of the patients' recovery in the groups observed did not differ significantly, which provided a conclusion that ampicillin was clinically effective and may be recommended as an independent etiotropic drug for treatment of generalized forms of meningococcal infection.", "contents": "[Comparative effectiveness of ampicillin and benzylpenicillin in generalized forms of meningococcal infection]. Two groups of 49 patients each with generalized forms of meningococcal infection were observed. The patients of the 1st group were treated with ampicillin in a dose of 200-400 Units/kg and the patients of the 2nd group were treated with benzylpenicillin in a dose of 200000-300000 Units/kg of the body weight daily. Comparison of the ampicillin and benzylpenicillin liquor levels showed that benzylpenicillin was more persistent during the whole period between the injections. The indices of the patients' recovery in the groups observed did not differ significantly, which provided a conclusion that ampicillin was clinically effective and may be recommended as an independent etiotropic drug for treatment of generalized forms of meningococcal infection.", "PMID": 999255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7556", "title": "[Methicillin penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid of patients].", "content": "Penetration of methicillin through the blood-liquor barrier in neurosurgical patients was studied. When administered in a dose of 2 gm the drug penetrated through the barrier in 1/3 of all observations within 1 to 3 hours. Increased liquor pressure in the patients resulted in prolongation of the antibiotic effect in the cerebrospinal fluid. The methicillin levels in the liquor were no sufficient for the growth inhibition of most methicillin sensitive staphylococci.", "contents": "[Methicillin penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid of patients]. Penetration of methicillin through the blood-liquor barrier in neurosurgical patients was studied. When administered in a dose of 2 gm the drug penetrated through the barrier in 1/3 of all observations within 1 to 3 hours. Increased liquor pressure in the patients resulted in prolongation of the antibiotic effect in the cerebrospinal fluid. The methicillin levels in the liquor were no sufficient for the growth inhibition of most methicillin sensitive staphylococci.", "PMID": 999256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7557", "title": "[Effect of kanamycin on kidney function in children with suppurative, inflammatory diseases].", "content": "The effect of kanamycin on the kidney function and the possibility of decreasing its side effect of pyrimidines were studied in240 children at the age of 2 month to 14 years (161 children with acute and chronic osteomyelitis and 79 children with staphylococcal destruction of the lungs). Kanamycin used in doses of 15000 and 25000 Units/kg of the body weight for 6 to 7 days in treatment of the children with staphylococcal destruction of the lungs, acute and chronic osteomyelitis had no nephrotoxic effect. Combination of kanamycin with pentoxyl, pryimidine derivative significantly improved the kidney function, which was evident from the content of the residual nitrogen in the blood serum and increased glomerural filtration. Combined use of kanamycin with pentoxyl promoted a decrease in albuminuria and leucocyturia. The data of the study provided recommendation of increased therapeutic doses of kanamycin, up to 15000--25000 Units/kg of the body weight in accordance with the recommendations under conditions of constant control of the kidney function.", "contents": "[Effect of kanamycin on kidney function in children with suppurative, inflammatory diseases]. The effect of kanamycin on the kidney function and the possibility of decreasing its side effect of pyrimidines were studied in240 children at the age of 2 month to 14 years (161 children with acute and chronic osteomyelitis and 79 children with staphylococcal destruction of the lungs). Kanamycin used in doses of 15000 and 25000 Units/kg of the body weight for 6 to 7 days in treatment of the children with staphylococcal destruction of the lungs, acute and chronic osteomyelitis had no nephrotoxic effect. Combination of kanamycin with pentoxyl, pryimidine derivative significantly improved the kidney function, which was evident from the content of the residual nitrogen in the blood serum and increased glomerural filtration. Combined use of kanamycin with pentoxyl promoted a decrease in albuminuria and leucocyturia. The data of the study provided recommendation of increased therapeutic doses of kanamycin, up to 15000--25000 Units/kg of the body weight in accordance with the recommendations under conditions of constant control of the kidney function.", "PMID": 999257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7558", "title": "[Effect of industrial contact with penicillin on the immunological reactivity of workers].", "content": "Immunological examination of women occupied in production of penicillin revealed a decrease in the phagocytic activity of the blood neutrophiles and the bactericidal properties of the skin, an increase in the quantitative composition of the autoflora of the skin and changes in its biochemical properties. Correlation between the changes in the values of the natural non-specific immunity as dependent on the level of the contact with the antibiotic was shown.", "contents": "[Effect of industrial contact with penicillin on the immunological reactivity of workers]. Immunological examination of women occupied in production of penicillin revealed a decrease in the phagocytic activity of the blood neutrophiles and the bactericidal properties of the skin, an increase in the quantitative composition of the autoflora of the skin and changes in its biochemical properties. Correlation between the changes in the values of the natural non-specific immunity as dependent on the level of the contact with the antibiotic was shown.", "PMID": 999258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7559", "title": "[New species of Actinomadura coeruleoviolacea sp. nov. and its antagonistic properties].", "content": "Eight strains of actinomycetes isolated from soil samples were described as representatives of Actinomadura coeruleoviolacea sp.nov. The species was characterized by straight and sometimes branching short chains of spores, smooth spores, blue aerial mycellium and violet soluble pigment. All the strains showed antibacterial activity when cultivated in liquid media. The pigment differed from all known pigments. It is probably a new natural compound.", "contents": "[New species of Actinomadura coeruleoviolacea sp. nov. and its antagonistic properties]. Eight strains of actinomycetes isolated from soil samples were described as representatives of Actinomadura coeruleoviolacea sp.nov. The species was characterized by straight and sometimes branching short chains of spores, smooth spores, blue aerial mycellium and violet soluble pigment. All the strains showed antibacterial activity when cultivated in liquid media. The pigment differed from all known pigments. It is probably a new natural compound.", "PMID": 999259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7560", "title": "[Makeup of the tubular structures of a stock culture of Act. roseoflavus var. roseofungini].", "content": "The methods of spectral analysis, spectrophotometry, fluorescence and thin-layer chromatography were used for the study of the composition of the tubular structures of the initial culture of Act. roseoflavus var. roseofungini. It was found that they contained a complex of antibiotics (roseofungin and its analogs), Ca, Mg, Na, K, Si and a significant amount of the third non-identified component in the antibiotic complex.", "contents": "[Makeup of the tubular structures of a stock culture of Act. roseoflavus var. roseofungini]. The methods of spectral analysis, spectrophotometry, fluorescence and thin-layer chromatography were used for the study of the composition of the tubular structures of the initial culture of Act. roseoflavus var. roseofungini. It was found that they contained a complex of antibiotics (roseofungin and its analogs), Ca, Mg, Na, K, Si and a significant amount of the third non-identified component in the antibiotic complex.", "PMID": 999261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7561", "title": "[Subsequent mutagenesis under the action of UV rays in a culture of Actinomadura carminata, a producer of carminomycin].", "content": "The succession of some markers on the chromosomes of Actinomadura carminata was shown with the method of successive mutagenesis based on the preferable effect of the mutagen on DNA in the site of replication. The spore germination was synchronized by selection of the spores of the definite size and maintenance at a temperature of 0 degrees. The periods of formation of the highest numbers of morphological and auxotrophic mutants were compared with the time of DNA replication.", "contents": "[Subsequent mutagenesis under the action of UV rays in a culture of Actinomadura carminata, a producer of carminomycin]. The succession of some markers on the chromosomes of Actinomadura carminata was shown with the method of successive mutagenesis based on the preferable effect of the mutagen on DNA in the site of replication. The spore germination was synchronized by selection of the spores of the definite size and maintenance at a temperature of 0 degrees. The periods of formation of the highest numbers of morphological and auxotrophic mutants were compared with the time of DNA replication.", "PMID": 999262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7562", "title": "[Study of the penicillinase of the plague microbe, the synthesis of which is determined by the R-episome].", "content": "Penicillinase produced by a culture of the plague microbe with episomic resistance to benzylpenicillin was isolated and purified. Comparative investigation of the substrate spectrum, Michaelis constant and antigenic properties of the enzymes from the plague and dysentery microbes (R-factor donor) showed that transfer of the R-episome to the new host did not affect the investigated properties of penicillinase the synthesis of which was controlled by this episome.", "contents": "[Study of the penicillinase of the plague microbe, the synthesis of which is determined by the R-episome]. Penicillinase produced by a culture of the plague microbe with episomic resistance to benzylpenicillin was isolated and purified. Comparative investigation of the substrate spectrum, Michaelis constant and antigenic properties of the enzymes from the plague and dysentery microbes (R-factor donor) showed that transfer of the R-episome to the new host did not affect the investigated properties of penicillinase the synthesis of which was controlled by this episome.", "PMID": 999263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7563", "title": "[Characteristics of the antimicrobial activity of lysozyme].", "content": "The antibacterial effect of lysozyme manufactured in the USSR was studied with respect to 1496 pathogenic strains of different microbial species. It was found that the percentage of the organisms sensitive to lysozyme among the total number of the microbes tested was not high and ranged within 1.5-3 except streptococci (21.7 per cent). Significant differences in the minimum bacteriostatic concentration (from 0.0006 to 10 mg/ml) with respect to both different microbial species and organisms belonging to the same microbial species were found. By the level of the antibacterial activity the Soviet lysozyme was not inferior to the Italian preparation. With respect to streptococci the Soviet lysozyme was more active.", "contents": "[Characteristics of the antimicrobial activity of lysozyme]. The antibacterial effect of lysozyme manufactured in the USSR was studied with respect to 1496 pathogenic strains of different microbial species. It was found that the percentage of the organisms sensitive to lysozyme among the total number of the microbes tested was not high and ranged within 1.5-3 except streptococci (21.7 per cent). Significant differences in the minimum bacteriostatic concentration (from 0.0006 to 10 mg/ml) with respect to both different microbial species and organisms belonging to the same microbial species were found. By the level of the antibacterial activity the Soviet lysozyme was not inferior to the Italian preparation. With respect to streptococci the Soviet lysozyme was more active.", "PMID": 999264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7564", "title": "[Pharmacokinetics and enzymatic transformations of 35S-lincomycin in the tissues of certain organs].", "content": "Pharmacokinetics of 35S-lincomycin was studied with the microbiological and radiometric methods of the antibiotic determination. Significant deviations in the results obtained with the two methods in determination of lincomycin levels in the liver and kidneys were observed. The values obtained with the radiometric method were 10 times higher than those obtained with the microbiological method. Paper radiochromatography of the extracts from the liver and kidneys of the animals treated with 35S-lincomycin revealed the presence of not only 35S-lincomycin, but also a number of the label containing substances, the products of the antibiotic enzymatic transformation. Radiochromatography of the extracts from the brain of the animals treated with 35S-lincomycin revealed several peaks of radioactivity against the back ground of low levels of the label.", "contents": "[Pharmacokinetics and enzymatic transformations of 35S-lincomycin in the tissues of certain organs]. Pharmacokinetics of 35S-lincomycin was studied with the microbiological and radiometric methods of the antibiotic determination. Significant deviations in the results obtained with the two methods in determination of lincomycin levels in the liver and kidneys were observed. The values obtained with the radiometric method were 10 times higher than those obtained with the microbiological method. Paper radiochromatography of the extracts from the liver and kidneys of the animals treated with 35S-lincomycin revealed the presence of not only 35S-lincomycin, but also a number of the label containing substances, the products of the antibiotic enzymatic transformation. Radiochromatography of the extracts from the brain of the animals treated with 35S-lincomycin revealed several peaks of radioactivity against the back ground of low levels of the label.", "PMID": 999267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7565", "title": "[Lysozyme content in the serum and organs of rabbits with a syphilitic infection].", "content": "The levels of lysozyme in the serum and organs of Shienshilla male rabbits infected with Nico-s treponema were determined. The studies showed that the lues infection affected the factors of non-specific immunity, which was evident from the changes in the lysozyme titer. Administration of benzylpenicillin resulted in a marked decrease in the lysozyme titer in all cases. The experiments are indicative of advisability of studying the use of crystalline lysozyme in combination with antibiotics for increasing the efficacy of therapy of syphilitic infection.", "contents": "[Lysozyme content in the serum and organs of rabbits with a syphilitic infection]. The levels of lysozyme in the serum and organs of Shienshilla male rabbits infected with Nico-s treponema were determined. The studies showed that the lues infection affected the factors of non-specific immunity, which was evident from the changes in the lysozyme titer. Administration of benzylpenicillin resulted in a marked decrease in the lysozyme titer in all cases. The experiments are indicative of advisability of studying the use of crystalline lysozyme in combination with antibiotics for increasing the efficacy of therapy of syphilitic infection.", "PMID": 999268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7566", "title": "Effect of dissolved oxygen and Eh and Bacteroides fragilis during continuous culture.", "content": "Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis was maintained in a chemostat modified for anaerobic conditions to test the effects of dissolved oxygen and Eh on growth. Using a defined medium containing glucose and a dilution rate of 0.16 h -1, a stable population of 3 X 10(9) colony-forming units/ml was present. At this steady state, the pH was 5.6, the Eh was -50 mV, and the dissolved oxygen concentration was 0% atmospheric saturation. The Eh was then adjusted to +300 mV by adding potassium ferricyanide while oxygen was excluded; in this system there were no demonstrable changes from the steady state in viable cells, pH, glucose concentration, or volatile fatty acid production. In other experiments oxygen was introduced into the original steady state at a dissolved oxygen concentration of 10% atmospheric saturation for a period of 6 to 8 h. During O2 exposure, the viable cell count decreased at a rate comparable to the theoretical washout rate for a static bacterial culture. Similar results were obtained with a dissolved oxygen concentration of 25 and 100%. Other effects of O2 exposure included an increase in Eh from -50 to +250 mV, a decrease in glucose consumption, and a decrease in volatile fatty acid production. These results suggest that dissolved oxygen has a bacteriostatic effect on B. fragilis in continuous culture, which may be independent of changes in Eh alone.", "contents": "Effect of dissolved oxygen and Eh and Bacteroides fragilis during continuous culture. Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis was maintained in a chemostat modified for anaerobic conditions to test the effects of dissolved oxygen and Eh on growth. Using a defined medium containing glucose and a dilution rate of 0.16 h -1, a stable population of 3 X 10(9) colony-forming units/ml was present. At this steady state, the pH was 5.6, the Eh was -50 mV, and the dissolved oxygen concentration was 0% atmospheric saturation. The Eh was then adjusted to +300 mV by adding potassium ferricyanide while oxygen was excluded; in this system there were no demonstrable changes from the steady state in viable cells, pH, glucose concentration, or volatile fatty acid production. In other experiments oxygen was introduced into the original steady state at a dissolved oxygen concentration of 10% atmospheric saturation for a period of 6 to 8 h. During O2 exposure, the viable cell count decreased at a rate comparable to the theoretical washout rate for a static bacterial culture. Similar results were obtained with a dissolved oxygen concentration of 25 and 100%. Other effects of O2 exposure included an increase in Eh from -50 to +250 mV, a decrease in glucose consumption, and a decrease in volatile fatty acid production. These results suggest that dissolved oxygen has a bacteriostatic effect on B. fragilis in continuous culture, which may be independent of changes in Eh alone.", "PMID": 999270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7567", "title": "Measuring the potential activity of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria.", "content": "[14C]hydrocarbons were utilized as a means of estimating the hydrocarbon-degrading potential of bacteria in estuarine and marine environments. Evaporation of the hydrocarbons must be considered in estimates of oxidation. Amount of mineralization of [14C]hexadecane can be equated with the total number of petroleum-degrading bacteria and the percentage of the total heterotrophic population, which they represent. Mineralization activity was found to be related to the activity of the bacterial populations during in situ incubation. Rates of mineralization were observed, as follows, for [14C]hexadecane greater than [14C]naphthalene greater than [14C]toluene greater than [14C]cyclohexane. Increased rates of uptake and mineralization were observed for bacteria in samples collected from an oil-polluted harbor compared with samples from a relatively unpolluted, shellfish-harvesting area, e.g., turnover times of 15 and 60 min for these areas, respectively, using [14C]hexadecane.", "contents": "Measuring the potential activity of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. [14C]hydrocarbons were utilized as a means of estimating the hydrocarbon-degrading potential of bacteria in estuarine and marine environments. Evaporation of the hydrocarbons must be considered in estimates of oxidation. Amount of mineralization of [14C]hexadecane can be equated with the total number of petroleum-degrading bacteria and the percentage of the total heterotrophic population, which they represent. Mineralization activity was found to be related to the activity of the bacterial populations during in situ incubation. Rates of mineralization were observed, as follows, for [14C]hexadecane greater than [14C]naphthalene greater than [14C]toluene greater than [14C]cyclohexane. Increased rates of uptake and mineralization were observed for bacteria in samples collected from an oil-polluted harbor compared with samples from a relatively unpolluted, shellfish-harvesting area, e.g., turnover times of 15 and 60 min for these areas, respectively, using [14C]hexadecane.", "PMID": 999271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7568", "title": "Enumeration of petroleum-degrading microorganisms.", "content": "A variety of factors, including concentration of oil, antibiotics, dyes, and inoculum washes, were examined to determine their effect on the total counts of microorganisms on oil-containing media. The media found to be best for enumerating petroleum-degrading microorganisms contained 0.5% (vol/vol) oil and 0.003% phenol red, with Fungizone added for isolating bacteria and streptomycin and tetracycline added for isolating yeasts and fungi. Washing the inoculum did not improve recovery of petroleum degraders. Specifically, silica gel-oil medium and a yeast medium are recommended for enumeration of petroleum-degrading bacteria and yeasts and fungi, respectively. It is suggested that counts of petroleum degraders be expressed as percentage of the total population rather than total numbers of petroleum degraders per se. Incubation temperature and presence of oil was found to influence the numbers of petroleum-degrading microorganisms at a given sampling site.", "contents": "Enumeration of petroleum-degrading microorganisms. A variety of factors, including concentration of oil, antibiotics, dyes, and inoculum washes, were examined to determine their effect on the total counts of microorganisms on oil-containing media. The media found to be best for enumerating petroleum-degrading microorganisms contained 0.5% (vol/vol) oil and 0.003% phenol red, with Fungizone added for isolating bacteria and streptomycin and tetracycline added for isolating yeasts and fungi. Washing the inoculum did not improve recovery of petroleum degraders. Specifically, silica gel-oil medium and a yeast medium are recommended for enumeration of petroleum-degrading bacteria and yeasts and fungi, respectively. It is suggested that counts of petroleum degraders be expressed as percentage of the total population rather than total numbers of petroleum degraders per se. Incubation temperature and presence of oil was found to influence the numbers of petroleum-degrading microorganisms at a given sampling site.", "PMID": 999272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7569", "title": "Heterotrophic utilization of glucose and glutamate in an estuary: effect of season and nutrient load.", "content": "Uptake of 14C-labeled glucose and glutamate was studied at several sites in Baltimore Harbor, Eastern Bay, and the Rhode River. Levels of uptake of 14C-labeled glutamate, measured over a period of 1 year during September, December, April, May, and June to estimate seasonal effects on heterotrophic utilization of selected nutrients, were highest in May and lowest in December. In a comparison of visibly polluted and unpolluted sites, the greatest amount of incorporation of glucose or glutamate and the highest Vmax values were observed at those sites where the microorganisms were exposed to varied and higher levels of pollutants, suggesting that Vmax may function as an indicator of relative pollution. Mineralization values ranged from 30 to 43%. A range of 0.44 to 2.32 mumol of C/liter per day was calculated for glutamate uptake.", "contents": "Heterotrophic utilization of glucose and glutamate in an estuary: effect of season and nutrient load. Uptake of 14C-labeled glucose and glutamate was studied at several sites in Baltimore Harbor, Eastern Bay, and the Rhode River. Levels of uptake of 14C-labeled glutamate, measured over a period of 1 year during September, December, April, May, and June to estimate seasonal effects on heterotrophic utilization of selected nutrients, were highest in May and lowest in December. In a comparison of visibly polluted and unpolluted sites, the greatest amount of incorporation of glucose or glutamate and the highest Vmax values were observed at those sites where the microorganisms were exposed to varied and higher levels of pollutants, suggesting that Vmax may function as an indicator of relative pollution. Mineralization values ranged from 30 to 43%. A range of 0.44 to 2.32 mumol of C/liter per day was calculated for glutamate uptake.", "PMID": 999273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7570", "title": "Byssotoxin A, a secondary metabolite of Byssochlamys fulva.", "content": "Byssochlamys fulva, isolated from corn, was grown on nutrient-amended shredded wheat medium for 14 days at 25 C. Crude solvent extract from these cultures was toxic to brine shrimp, chicken embryos, and rats. The extract was slightly inhibitory to the germination of of pea seeds, but was nontoxic to ten species of bacteria and one of yeast. One metabolite was isolated, given the trivial name byssotoxin A, and partially characterized chemically and physically.", "contents": "Byssotoxin A, a secondary metabolite of Byssochlamys fulva. Byssochlamys fulva, isolated from corn, was grown on nutrient-amended shredded wheat medium for 14 days at 25 C. Crude solvent extract from these cultures was toxic to brine shrimp, chicken embryos, and rats. The extract was slightly inhibitory to the germination of of pea seeds, but was nontoxic to ten species of bacteria and one of yeast. One metabolite was isolated, given the trivial name byssotoxin A, and partially characterized chemically and physically.", "PMID": 999274} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7571", "title": "Variation in colony counts of total viable anaerobic rumen bacteria as influenced by media and cultural methods.", "content": "Volume and type of medium, carbohydrate concentration, carbohydrate ratios, and inoculum level were investigated as possible factors influencing total colony counts of anaerobic rumen bacteria obtained in roll tubes (18 by 150 mm). Colony counts were lower when the rumen fluid was clarified by centrifugation before inclusion in the medium; however, decreasing the volume of 40% rumen fluid glucose-cellobiose-starch-agar medium (RGCSA medium with 0.025% each of glucose and cellobiose and 0.05% starch, 4 ml per tube) was compared to the clarified rumen fluid medium and non-rumen fluid medium (medium 10) of Caldwell and Bryant (1966), 9 ml of each per tube. Total counts of rumen contents from sheep consuming four different types of rations were higher with the 4 ml of RGCSA medium than with the other two media. Dilution of the basal medium as a result of inoculum volume, as much as 1.5 ml per 4 ml of medium, did not appear to affect total counts. Colony counts and the simplicity of medium preparation and inoculation would favor the present method for routine use in estimating numbers of total viable anaerobic rumen bacteria, especially when large numbers of samples are involved.", "contents": "Variation in colony counts of total viable anaerobic rumen bacteria as influenced by media and cultural methods. Volume and type of medium, carbohydrate concentration, carbohydrate ratios, and inoculum level were investigated as possible factors influencing total colony counts of anaerobic rumen bacteria obtained in roll tubes (18 by 150 mm). Colony counts were lower when the rumen fluid was clarified by centrifugation before inclusion in the medium; however, decreasing the volume of 40% rumen fluid glucose-cellobiose-starch-agar medium (RGCSA medium with 0.025% each of glucose and cellobiose and 0.05% starch, 4 ml per tube) was compared to the clarified rumen fluid medium and non-rumen fluid medium (medium 10) of Caldwell and Bryant (1966), 9 ml of each per tube. Total counts of rumen contents from sheep consuming four different types of rations were higher with the 4 ml of RGCSA medium than with the other two media. Dilution of the basal medium as a result of inoculum volume, as much as 1.5 ml per 4 ml of medium, did not appear to affect total counts. Colony counts and the simplicity of medium preparation and inoculation would favor the present method for routine use in estimating numbers of total viable anaerobic rumen bacteria, especially when large numbers of samples are involved.", "PMID": 999275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7572", "title": "Recovery of staphylococcal enterotoxin from foods by affinity chromatography.", "content": "Extraction, concentration, and serological detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins from foods are laborious and time consuming. By exposing food extracts to an insoluble matrix tagged with specific anti-enterotoxin B, we have been able to recover the toxin from foods in a sensitive and rapid way. After mixing the reagents for 2 h at room temperature, immunoglobulin G antibodies were attached to CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B at pH 8.5 (0.1 M carbonate buffer with 0.5 M NaCl). Sepharose-antibody complex (1 ml) specifically recovered 0.1 to 30 mug of enterotoxin B from 400 ml of food extract (100 g of food) after mixing for 2 h at 4 C. The Sepharose-antibody-toxin complex was washed with 0.02 M phosphate-buffered saline at pH 7.2, and the toxin was dissociated by 2 to 4 ml of 0.2 M HCl-glycine plus 0.5 M NaCl buffer at pH 2.8. The recovered enterotoxin was free of interfering food components and could be detected serologically. Work to couple antibodies A, B, C, D, and E to Sepharose to recover all five toxins in one step is under study.", "contents": "Recovery of staphylococcal enterotoxin from foods by affinity chromatography. Extraction, concentration, and serological detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins from foods are laborious and time consuming. By exposing food extracts to an insoluble matrix tagged with specific anti-enterotoxin B, we have been able to recover the toxin from foods in a sensitive and rapid way. After mixing the reagents for 2 h at room temperature, immunoglobulin G antibodies were attached to CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B at pH 8.5 (0.1 M carbonate buffer with 0.5 M NaCl). Sepharose-antibody complex (1 ml) specifically recovered 0.1 to 30 mug of enterotoxin B from 400 ml of food extract (100 g of food) after mixing for 2 h at 4 C. The Sepharose-antibody-toxin complex was washed with 0.02 M phosphate-buffered saline at pH 7.2, and the toxin was dissociated by 2 to 4 ml of 0.2 M HCl-glycine plus 0.5 M NaCl buffer at pH 2.8. The recovered enterotoxin was free of interfering food components and could be detected serologically. Work to couple antibodies A, B, C, D, and E to Sepharose to recover all five toxins in one step is under study.", "PMID": 999276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7573", "title": "Co-identity of the refusal and emetic principle from Fusarium-infected corn.", "content": "The structure of vomitoxin isolated from Fusarium-contaminated corn was proved to be 3,7,15-trihydroxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-en-8-one. This same toxin is responsible for the \"refusal phenomenon\" exhibited by swine fed contaminated corn. In addition, two new substances believed to be trichothecenes were isolated from naturally infected corn. Vomitoxin was also isolated from rice inoculated with F. graminearium NRRL 5883.", "contents": "Co-identity of the refusal and emetic principle from Fusarium-infected corn. The structure of vomitoxin isolated from Fusarium-contaminated corn was proved to be 3,7,15-trihydroxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-en-8-one. This same toxin is responsible for the \"refusal phenomenon\" exhibited by swine fed contaminated corn. In addition, two new substances believed to be trichothecenes were isolated from naturally infected corn. Vomitoxin was also isolated from rice inoculated with F. graminearium NRRL 5883.", "PMID": 999277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7574", "title": "Differences in destruction of cysts of pathogenic and nonpathogenic Naegleria and Acanthamoeba by chlorine.", "content": "The destructive action of chlorine on the pathogenic Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, the nonpathogenic N. gruberi, and an avirulent Acanthamoeba isolate was investigated. N fowleri is somewhat more sensitive to chlorine than N. gruberi, whereas the two Acanthamoeba strains are very resistant. This study yields information needed for the destruction of amoebic cysts in drinking water and swimming pools. It also gives some explanation for the occurence of Acanthamoeba strains in these waters.", "contents": "Differences in destruction of cysts of pathogenic and nonpathogenic Naegleria and Acanthamoeba by chlorine. The destructive action of chlorine on the pathogenic Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, the nonpathogenic N. gruberi, and an avirulent Acanthamoeba isolate was investigated. N fowleri is somewhat more sensitive to chlorine than N. gruberi, whereas the two Acanthamoeba strains are very resistant. This study yields information needed for the destruction of amoebic cysts in drinking water and swimming pools. It also gives some explanation for the occurence of Acanthamoeba strains in these waters.", "PMID": 999278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7575", "title": "Preservation of gastrointestinal bacteria and their microenvironmental associations in rats by freezing.", "content": "The use of frozen rat gastrointestinal tissue samples for both the recovery of viable bacteria and for observation of microbial communities associated with the tissue was investigated. A decrease of 1 log in lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and anaerobes was observed when the numbers of bacteria recoverable from frozen tissue (stored 7 to 9 days) were compared to those recoverable from fresh nonfrozen tissue (zero time control). However, freezing did not appear to decrease the numbers of recoverable coliforms. Tissues, cleaved with razor blades after being frozen and stored for 7 to 9 days, showed bacterial communities situated on the mucosa and in the lumen of gastrointestinal specimens. This freezing technique preserved structures not previously observed in the gastrointestinal tract. This indicates that freezing is a good method to use to study such fragile microenvironments.", "contents": "Preservation of gastrointestinal bacteria and their microenvironmental associations in rats by freezing. The use of frozen rat gastrointestinal tissue samples for both the recovery of viable bacteria and for observation of microbial communities associated with the tissue was investigated. A decrease of 1 log in lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and anaerobes was observed when the numbers of bacteria recoverable from frozen tissue (stored 7 to 9 days) were compared to those recoverable from fresh nonfrozen tissue (zero time control). However, freezing did not appear to decrease the numbers of recoverable coliforms. Tissues, cleaved with razor blades after being frozen and stored for 7 to 9 days, showed bacterial communities situated on the mucosa and in the lumen of gastrointestinal specimens. This freezing technique preserved structures not previously observed in the gastrointestinal tract. This indicates that freezing is a good method to use to study such fragile microenvironments.", "PMID": 999279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7576", "title": "Histology and cytochemistry of human skin. XXXVI. The nose and lips.", "content": "The skin of the nose is characterized by often conspicuously dilated openings of the ducts of many subaceous follicles. Histological sections are dominated by gigantic sebaceous follicles, but there are also numerous vellus hairs with small sebaceous glands. All hair follicles on the surface of the nose and in the vestibule are completely invested with nerve end organs. In the vestibule, the glabrous upper surface has intraepidermal nerves and a few mucocutaneous end organs. the vermillion zone of the lip, which seperates the skin of the external lip and the mucosa of the inner lip, is keratinizing glabrous epithelium, often with numerous sebaceous glands in the upperlip. The transitional area between the keratinizing epithelium of the vermillion and the nonkeratinizing epithelium of the labial mucosa is abundantly supplied with mucocutaneous end organs, with only a few in the labial mucosa. The mucoserous glands of the labial mucosa are richly innervated.", "contents": "Histology and cytochemistry of human skin. XXXVI. The nose and lips. The skin of the nose is characterized by often conspicuously dilated openings of the ducts of many subaceous follicles. Histological sections are dominated by gigantic sebaceous follicles, but there are also numerous vellus hairs with small sebaceous glands. All hair follicles on the surface of the nose and in the vestibule are completely invested with nerve end organs. In the vestibule, the glabrous upper surface has intraepidermal nerves and a few mucocutaneous end organs. the vermillion zone of the lip, which seperates the skin of the external lip and the mucosa of the inner lip, is keratinizing glabrous epithelium, often with numerous sebaceous glands in the upperlip. The transitional area between the keratinizing epithelium of the vermillion and the nonkeratinizing epithelium of the labial mucosa is abundantly supplied with mucocutaneous end organs, with only a few in the labial mucosa. The mucoserous glands of the labial mucosa are richly innervated.", "PMID": 999299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7577", "title": "Tachyphylaxis to topically applied steroids.", "content": "Acute tolerance to the vasoconstrictive effect of topically applied glucocorticoids in humans has recently been described. Similar acute tolerance to the antiproliferative properties of topically applied steroids in proliferating and normal hairless mouse epidermis is now shown to occur. Thus, at first, topically applied steroids cause profound inhibition of DNA synthesis and mitosis in the epidermis, but with continued treatment, DNA synthesis and mitosis recover and the tissue becomes insensitive to further stimulation. This suggests that there is an optimum approach to therapy with topically applied steroids that might reduce the incidence of side effects and improve therapeutic efficacy.", "contents": "Tachyphylaxis to topically applied steroids. Acute tolerance to the vasoconstrictive effect of topically applied glucocorticoids in humans has recently been described. Similar acute tolerance to the antiproliferative properties of topically applied steroids in proliferating and normal hairless mouse epidermis is now shown to occur. Thus, at first, topically applied steroids cause profound inhibition of DNA synthesis and mitosis in the epidermis, but with continued treatment, DNA synthesis and mitosis recover and the tissue becomes insensitive to further stimulation. This suggests that there is an optimum approach to therapy with topically applied steroids that might reduce the incidence of side effects and improve therapeutic efficacy.", "PMID": 999300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7578", "title": "Lichen planus subtropicus.", "content": "Among all the clinical varieties of lichen planus that have been reported in literature, a unique and clinically distinct type is seen in the Middle East countries. The lesions are annular, usually develop on the exposed parts of the body, and worsen by exposure to the sun. I describe this condition based on observation of 20 cases and review the literature.", "contents": "Lichen planus subtropicus. Among all the clinical varieties of lichen planus that have been reported in literature, a unique and clinically distinct type is seen in the Middle East countries. The lesions are annular, usually develop on the exposed parts of the body, and worsen by exposure to the sun. I describe this condition based on observation of 20 cases and review the literature.", "PMID": 999301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7579", "title": "Noninflammatory destruction of actinic keratoses by fluorouracil.", "content": "Sequential topical application of fluorouracil and 0.5% triamcinolone acetonide cream is as effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses as fluorouracil alone, but the combination obviates the unpleasent irritation caused by fluorouracil. Diluted (0.1%) triamcinolone acetonide cream preparations are ineffective in the suppression of the associated inflammation. There is no detectable difference in the number of new actinic keratoses between the combination therapy and fluorouracil alone. These findings demonstrate that the degree of success with fluorouracil therapy in actinic keratosis is not related to the degree of inflammation associated with the treatment and are consistent with a chemotherapeutic explanation of fluorouracil's effect on actinic keratosis.", "contents": "Noninflammatory destruction of actinic keratoses by fluorouracil. Sequential topical application of fluorouracil and 0.5% triamcinolone acetonide cream is as effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses as fluorouracil alone, but the combination obviates the unpleasent irritation caused by fluorouracil. Diluted (0.1%) triamcinolone acetonide cream preparations are ineffective in the suppression of the associated inflammation. There is no detectable difference in the number of new actinic keratoses between the combination therapy and fluorouracil alone. These findings demonstrate that the degree of success with fluorouracil therapy in actinic keratosis is not related to the degree of inflammation associated with the treatment and are consistent with a chemotherapeutic explanation of fluorouracil's effect on actinic keratosis.", "PMID": 999302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7580", "title": "Xanthelasmoidea. An unusual case of urticaria pigmentosa.", "content": "Xanthelasmoidea is an old term that has been used to describe yellow papules of urticaria pigmentosa. I used it to describe the cutaneous lesions in a young child with 1- to 2-cm oval papules, each of which was studded with 10 to 20 yellow puncta. Biopsy disclosed the puncta to be small nests of mast cells separated by normal dermis.", "contents": "Xanthelasmoidea. An unusual case of urticaria pigmentosa. Xanthelasmoidea is an old term that has been used to describe yellow papules of urticaria pigmentosa. I used it to describe the cutaneous lesions in a young child with 1- to 2-cm oval papules, each of which was studded with 10 to 20 yellow puncta. Biopsy disclosed the puncta to be small nests of mast cells separated by normal dermis.", "PMID": 999303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7581", "title": "Relapsing polychondritis treated with dapsone.", "content": "Relapsing polychondritis is a rare and sometimes fatal disease of unknown cause and pathogenesis. Results of recent studies suggest that it is an immune disorder probably caused by the production of autoantibodies to possibly the mucopolysaccharides. Perpetuation of the cartilage inflammation may be maintained by a proteolytic process. Treatment primarily has been with orally given corticosteroids. Dapsone has been shown to possibly inhibit lysosomal enzyme activity. We present a patient who, to our knowledge, is the first with relapsing polychondritis to be treated successfully with dapsone. The rapid response of the patient's condition to treatment with dapsone suggests an alternative, if not preferred, method of controlling this disease.", "contents": "Relapsing polychondritis treated with dapsone. Relapsing polychondritis is a rare and sometimes fatal disease of unknown cause and pathogenesis. Results of recent studies suggest that it is an immune disorder probably caused by the production of autoantibodies to possibly the mucopolysaccharides. Perpetuation of the cartilage inflammation may be maintained by a proteolytic process. Treatment primarily has been with orally given corticosteroids. Dapsone has been shown to possibly inhibit lysosomal enzyme activity. We present a patient who, to our knowledge, is the first with relapsing polychondritis to be treated successfully with dapsone. The rapid response of the patient's condition to treatment with dapsone suggests an alternative, if not preferred, method of controlling this disease.", "PMID": 999304} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7582", "title": "Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in an adult and a child.", "content": "Two patients had staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) with typical clinical and histopathologic findings. In both cases, the disease was reproduced by injections of staphylococci into mice. The adult patient, who had no other physical or laboratory abnormalities, showed intact humoral and cellular immunity; her uneventful clinical course was clearly different from the eight previously reported cases in adults. To our knowledge, the child represents the first case report of SSSS as a result of infection by a non-group 2 Staphylococcus.", "contents": "Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in an adult and a child. Two patients had staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) with typical clinical and histopathologic findings. In both cases, the disease was reproduced by injections of staphylococci into mice. The adult patient, who had no other physical or laboratory abnormalities, showed intact humoral and cellular immunity; her uneventful clinical course was clearly different from the eight previously reported cases in adults. To our knowledge, the child represents the first case report of SSSS as a result of infection by a non-group 2 Staphylococcus.", "PMID": 999305} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7583", "title": "Lichen planus pemphigoides. Immunofluorescence findings.", "content": "A 56-year-old woman developed a vesicular and bullous eruption followed by an efflorescence of lichenoid papules. The clinical and histologic features of this case were consistent with a diagnosis of lichen planus pemphigoides. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence studies demonstrated both in vivo-bound and circulating IgG with specificity for the epidermal basement membrane zone. A common pathogenic immunologic mechanism may exist for both lichen planus and lichen planus pemphigoides, which we believe are clinical variants of a similar disease process.", "contents": "Lichen planus pemphigoides. Immunofluorescence findings. A 56-year-old woman developed a vesicular and bullous eruption followed by an efflorescence of lichenoid papules. The clinical and histologic features of this case were consistent with a diagnosis of lichen planus pemphigoides. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence studies demonstrated both in vivo-bound and circulating IgG with specificity for the epidermal basement membrane zone. A common pathogenic immunologic mechanism may exist for both lichen planus and lichen planus pemphigoides, which we believe are clinical variants of a similar disease process.", "PMID": 999306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7584", "title": "Treatment of relapsing polychondritis with dapsone.", "content": "Three patients with relapsing polychondritis were treated successfully with dapsone. Mounting evidence suggests an immune-related pathogenesis for relapsing polychondritis. Dapsone may be effective in certain immune-related diseases because of its inhibition of lysosomal enzymes.", "contents": "Treatment of relapsing polychondritis with dapsone. Three patients with relapsing polychondritis were treated successfully with dapsone. Mounting evidence suggests an immune-related pathogenesis for relapsing polychondritis. Dapsone may be effective in certain immune-related diseases because of its inhibition of lysosomal enzymes.", "PMID": 999307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7585", "title": "Immediate hypersensitivity in hand dermatitis. Role of food-contact dermatitis.", "content": "A patient had a chronic hand eczema, presumably as a manifestation of atopy. Treatment resistance appeared due to handling certain foods that produced burning and stinging in the chronically eczematous skin and not in otherwise normal skin. Selected tests for delayed hypersensitivity and for immediate hyper sensitivity on intact skin of the back produced negative results, but on chronically inflamed skin of the arm and back, application of the pertinent foods produced a wheal and flare response. On intact skin, scratch tests with the foods produced positive results. Intradermal tests with commercial antigens were negative. Avoidance of these foods, as contactants, led to resolution of the dermatitis. Reappraisal of the role of immediate-type hypersensitivity in chronic hand eczema is important.", "contents": "Immediate hypersensitivity in hand dermatitis. Role of food-contact dermatitis. A patient had a chronic hand eczema, presumably as a manifestation of atopy. Treatment resistance appeared due to handling certain foods that produced burning and stinging in the chronically eczematous skin and not in otherwise normal skin. Selected tests for delayed hypersensitivity and for immediate hyper sensitivity on intact skin of the back produced negative results, but on chronically inflamed skin of the arm and back, application of the pertinent foods produced a wheal and flare response. On intact skin, scratch tests with the foods produced positive results. Intradermal tests with commercial antigens were negative. Avoidance of these foods, as contactants, led to resolution of the dermatitis. Reappraisal of the role of immediate-type hypersensitivity in chronic hand eczema is important.", "PMID": 999308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7586", "title": "Simultaneous systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatitis herpetiformis.", "content": "In April 1973, a 28-year-old woman had an eruption that was subsequently found to be dermatitis herpetiformis. In March 1974, she developed polyarthralgia and mriteria for each diagnosis were present. The concurrence of these two diseases has not been previously recorded, but we present reasons for believing that the two disorders may have similarities in pathogenesis based on disturbances in immune mechanisms.", "contents": "Simultaneous systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatitis herpetiformis. In April 1973, a 28-year-old woman had an eruption that was subsequently found to be dermatitis herpetiformis. In March 1974, she developed polyarthralgia and mriteria for each diagnosis were present. The concurrence of these two diseases has not been previously recorded, but we present reasons for believing that the two disorders may have similarities in pathogenesis based on disturbances in immune mechanisms.", "PMID": 999309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7587", "title": "Epithelioma Cuniculatum.", "content": "A 57-year-old man had a tumor for five years on the plantar surface of his foot. It was treated successfully by surgical curettage. Clinical and pathological features of the tumor are identical and pathological features of the tumor are identical to descriptions of the rare tumor of the foot designated as epithelioma cuniculatum.", "contents": "Epithelioma Cuniculatum. A 57-year-old man had a tumor for five years on the plantar surface of his foot. It was treated successfully by surgical curettage. Clinical and pathological features of the tumor are identical and pathological features of the tumor are identical to descriptions of the rare tumor of the foot designated as epithelioma cuniculatum.", "PMID": 999310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7588", "title": "Pyoderma gangrenosum associated with active chronic hepatitis: report of two cases.", "content": "In two patients, active chronic hepatitis was complicated by the development of pyoderma gangrenosum. The favorable response of the pyodermatous lesions to azathioprine therapy suggests that this drug may be of value in treating this disorder in patients for whom corticosteroid therapy produces no benefit or is contraindicated because of side effects. Azathioprine, too, is a potentially toxic drug and may need to be discontinued. Possible causal relationships between pyoderma gangrenosum and active chronic hepatitis are discussed.", "contents": "Pyoderma gangrenosum associated with active chronic hepatitis: report of two cases. In two patients, active chronic hepatitis was complicated by the development of pyoderma gangrenosum. The favorable response of the pyodermatous lesions to azathioprine therapy suggests that this drug may be of value in treating this disorder in patients for whom corticosteroid therapy produces no benefit or is contraindicated because of side effects. Azathioprine, too, is a potentially toxic drug and may need to be discontinued. Possible causal relationships between pyoderma gangrenosum and active chronic hepatitis are discussed.", "PMID": 999311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7589", "title": "Cutaneous extramedullary hematopoiesis.", "content": "An asymptomatic skin nodule in a patient with myelofibrosis was shown to consist of extramedullary hematopoiesis. It was a soft bluish nodule that resembled a hemangioma. Microscopically, both erythroid and myeloid cells, but not megakaryocytes, were found. This case demonstrates the ability of the skin to recapitulate dermal hematopoiesis seen in a stage of human fetal development.", "contents": "Cutaneous extramedullary hematopoiesis. An asymptomatic skin nodule in a patient with myelofibrosis was shown to consist of extramedullary hematopoiesis. It was a soft bluish nodule that resembled a hemangioma. Microscopically, both erythroid and myeloid cells, but not megakaryocytes, were found. This case demonstrates the ability of the skin to recapitulate dermal hematopoiesis seen in a stage of human fetal development.", "PMID": 999312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7590", "title": "Acrodermatitis enteropathica. Successful zinc therapy.", "content": "Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a familial syndrome with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis is unknown. Diiodohydroxyquin and related preparations have been the mainstay of treatment for the past 20 years. Recent evidence indicates that zinc therapy given orally may be the most effective treatment. We will describe the case of a 21-year-old woman who had had AE since she was 3 months old. Successful results were obtained with zinc therapy alone.", "contents": "Acrodermatitis enteropathica. Successful zinc therapy. Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a familial syndrome with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis is unknown. Diiodohydroxyquin and related preparations have been the mainstay of treatment for the past 20 years. Recent evidence indicates that zinc therapy given orally may be the most effective treatment. We will describe the case of a 21-year-old woman who had had AE since she was 3 months old. Successful results were obtained with zinc therapy alone.", "PMID": 999313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7591", "title": "Acquired generalized anhidrosis.", "content": "A patient developed generalized anhidrosis, probably following sunstroke. Light microscopy showed an atrophic, deeply lobulated or elongated configuration of the eccrine sweat glands, most of them containing many vacuoles that possessed strong acid phosphatase activity. Electron microscopy revealed that the vacuoles were bound by a unit membrane and that the contents varied. Fusion of the vacuoles and accumulation of cellular debris in the lumen were also seen. It was concluded that the vacuoles showed areas of autolysis and were classified in the group of lysosomes. In addition, it is postulated that the anhidrosis resulted from a critical rise in body temperature with subsequent changes in the secretory cells.", "contents": "Acquired generalized anhidrosis. A patient developed generalized anhidrosis, probably following sunstroke. Light microscopy showed an atrophic, deeply lobulated or elongated configuration of the eccrine sweat glands, most of them containing many vacuoles that possessed strong acid phosphatase activity. Electron microscopy revealed that the vacuoles were bound by a unit membrane and that the contents varied. Fusion of the vacuoles and accumulation of cellular debris in the lumen were also seen. It was concluded that the vacuoles showed areas of autolysis and were classified in the group of lysosomes. In addition, it is postulated that the anhidrosis resulted from a critical rise in body temperature with subsequent changes in the secretory cells.", "PMID": 999314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7592", "title": "Origin of intraventricular haemorrhage in the preterm infant.", "content": "A technique has been developed for the injection and stereomicroscopic examination of blood vessels in the preterm newborn brain. Using this technique it can be seen that in the immature brain there is a rich capillary bed in the germinal layer region supplied mainly by Heubner's artery. Capillary channels drain directly into the terminal vein and its main branches. Study of 19 cases with spontaneous germinal layer haemorrhage (GLH) with or without intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) failed to show rupture of the terminal vein or germinal layer infarction. In babies of up to 28 weeks' gestation GLH developed most frequently over the body of the caudate nucleus, whereas in babies of 29 weeks' gestation or more the haemorrhages were usually over the head of the caudate nucleus. Histological study of 10 cases of GLH failed to show rupture either of arteries or veins, though evidence of rupture at a capillary-vein junction was seen in one case and masses of fibrin adjacent to the vein wall in 2 others. Injection through the carotid artery caused prominent leaks of injection mass within the germinal layer capillary bed, often adjacent to the veins. Injection through the jugular veins in 2 cases failed to rupture the terminal vein but caused multiple vein ruptures at the junction of deep and cortical venous systems. Additional small ruptures in the germinal layer occurred in one of the cases only. It is suggested that the capillaries within the germinal layer may be ruptured by a rise in arterial pressure, particularly in conditions of hypercapnia and hypoxia.", "contents": "Origin of intraventricular haemorrhage in the preterm infant. A technique has been developed for the injection and stereomicroscopic examination of blood vessels in the preterm newborn brain. Using this technique it can be seen that in the immature brain there is a rich capillary bed in the germinal layer region supplied mainly by Heubner's artery. Capillary channels drain directly into the terminal vein and its main branches. Study of 19 cases with spontaneous germinal layer haemorrhage (GLH) with or without intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) failed to show rupture of the terminal vein or germinal layer infarction. In babies of up to 28 weeks' gestation GLH developed most frequently over the body of the caudate nucleus, whereas in babies of 29 weeks' gestation or more the haemorrhages were usually over the head of the caudate nucleus. Histological study of 10 cases of GLH failed to show rupture either of arteries or veins, though evidence of rupture at a capillary-vein junction was seen in one case and masses of fibrin adjacent to the vein wall in 2 others. Injection through the carotid artery caused prominent leaks of injection mass within the germinal layer capillary bed, often adjacent to the veins. Injection through the jugular veins in 2 cases failed to rupture the terminal vein but caused multiple vein ruptures at the junction of deep and cortical venous systems. Additional small ruptures in the germinal layer occurred in one of the cases only. It is suggested that the capillaries within the germinal layer may be ruptured by a rise in arterial pressure, particularly in conditions of hypercapnia and hypoxia.", "PMID": 999324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7593", "title": "Metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, neutropenia, and pancreatic insufficiency presenting with respiratory distress in the neonatal period.", "content": "Two pairs of brothers suffered respiratory distress in the newborn period because their ribs were abnormally short. The diagnostic radiological features of metaphyseal chondrodysplasia appeared only in the second year. Pancreatic insufficiency and neutropenia were present. One died of overwhelming infection and his brother survived a life-threatening episode of gangrenous proctitis.", "contents": "Metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, neutropenia, and pancreatic insufficiency presenting with respiratory distress in the neonatal period. Two pairs of brothers suffered respiratory distress in the newborn period because their ribs were abnormally short. The diagnostic radiological features of metaphyseal chondrodysplasia appeared only in the second year. Pancreatic insufficiency and neutropenia were present. One died of overwhelming infection and his brother survived a life-threatening episode of gangrenous proctitis.", "PMID": 999326} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7594", "title": "Arterial oxygen tension and response to oxygen breathing in differential diagnosis of congenital heart disease in infancy.", "content": "Arterial oxygen tension was measured from radial artery samples in 276 infants referred for cardiological investigation. Values obtained during air breathing in infants with congenital heart disease showed considerable overlap between 'cyanotic' and 'acyanotic' groups, and are of limited diagnostic use. By contrast, values obtained while breathing oxygen in concentrations of over 80%, measured in 182 infants, allowed clear differentiation between these groups. All infants with acyanotic, but only 2 of 109 with cyanotic lesions, achieved an arterial oxygen tension of more than 150 mmHg. In the cyanotic group the response to oxygen breathing was significantly greater in common mixing situations and in the hypoplastic left heart syndrome than with either pulmonary outflow tract obstruction or transposition of the great arteries. Infants with transposition had a significantly lower mean arterial oxygen tension in air than infants with other forms of cyanotic congenital heart disease. Of 23 infants whose final diagnosis was primary lung disease but in whom cyanotic congenital heart disease had been suspected, 7 achieved arterial oxygen tensions of more than 150 mmHg during oxygen breathing, and on this basis cardiac catheterization was not performed. We therefore conclude that measurement of the arterial oxygen tension while breathing high concentrations of oxygen should be routinely performed in the initial assessment of sick infants with suspected congenital heart disease.", "contents": "Arterial oxygen tension and response to oxygen breathing in differential diagnosis of congenital heart disease in infancy. Arterial oxygen tension was measured from radial artery samples in 276 infants referred for cardiological investigation. Values obtained during air breathing in infants with congenital heart disease showed considerable overlap between 'cyanotic' and 'acyanotic' groups, and are of limited diagnostic use. By contrast, values obtained while breathing oxygen in concentrations of over 80%, measured in 182 infants, allowed clear differentiation between these groups. All infants with acyanotic, but only 2 of 109 with cyanotic lesions, achieved an arterial oxygen tension of more than 150 mmHg. In the cyanotic group the response to oxygen breathing was significantly greater in common mixing situations and in the hypoplastic left heart syndrome than with either pulmonary outflow tract obstruction or transposition of the great arteries. Infants with transposition had a significantly lower mean arterial oxygen tension in air than infants with other forms of cyanotic congenital heart disease. Of 23 infants whose final diagnosis was primary lung disease but in whom cyanotic congenital heart disease had been suspected, 7 achieved arterial oxygen tensions of more than 150 mmHg during oxygen breathing, and on this basis cardiac catheterization was not performed. We therefore conclude that measurement of the arterial oxygen tension while breathing high concentrations of oxygen should be routinely performed in the initial assessment of sick infants with suspected congenital heart disease.", "PMID": 999325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7595", "title": "Growth hormone response in fetal alcohol syndrome.", "content": "In the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) there is severe physical growth retardation both prenatally and postnatally. Secretion of growth hormone (GH) after insulin-induced hypoglycaemia and arginine infusion was analysed in 5 cases of FAS to find out whether changes in GH secretion might account for the abnormal growth pattern. Results showed a normal or slight hyper-response of GH up to 150 ng/ml, and normal somatomedin activity in those blood samples with high GH level. It was concluded that the growth retardation in FAS is not caused by GH or somatomedin deficiencies.", "contents": "Growth hormone response in fetal alcohol syndrome. In the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) there is severe physical growth retardation both prenatally and postnatally. Secretion of growth hormone (GH) after insulin-induced hypoglycaemia and arginine infusion was analysed in 5 cases of FAS to find out whether changes in GH secretion might account for the abnormal growth pattern. Results showed a normal or slight hyper-response of GH up to 150 ng/ml, and normal somatomedin activity in those blood samples with high GH level. It was concluded that the growth retardation in FAS is not caused by GH or somatomedin deficiencies.", "PMID": 999327} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7596", "title": "Multifocal osteolysis with nephropathy.", "content": "A patient with progressive osteolysis of the carpal and tarsal bones with glomerulonephritis of unusual severity is described. There was a notable absence of osteodystrophy in this and other reported cases who had chronic renal failure.", "contents": "Multifocal osteolysis with nephropathy. A patient with progressive osteolysis of the carpal and tarsal bones with glomerulonephritis of unusual severity is described. There was a notable absence of osteodystrophy in this and other reported cases who had chronic renal failure.", "PMID": 999328} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7597", "title": "'Juvenile' myasthenia gravis in early infancy.", "content": "A previously well infant developed severe muscle weakness and hypotonia at 6 months of age. This was reversed by anticholinesterase medication. However, she had subsequent further weakness and died at 10 months after an acute respiratory arrest. The clinical pattern was that of the 'juvenile' form of myasthenia gravis rather than the 'congenital' forms which have previously been described in early infancy.", "contents": "'Juvenile' myasthenia gravis in early infancy. A previously well infant developed severe muscle weakness and hypotonia at 6 months of age. This was reversed by anticholinesterase medication. However, she had subsequent further weakness and died at 10 months after an acute respiratory arrest. The clinical pattern was that of the 'juvenile' form of myasthenia gravis rather than the 'congenital' forms which have previously been described in early infancy.", "PMID": 999329} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7598", "title": "Female phenotype in a male child due to 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficiency.", "content": "The discovery of testicles in a 3-year-old girl with XY karyotype led to a diagnosis of testicular feminization. Subsequently, however, hypokalaemia, hypertension, and severe prostration during a mild infection suggested adrenal involvement, and investigations showed a 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficiency. Diagnosis of testicular feminization should not be made without excluding a defect of testosterone synthesis.", "contents": "Female phenotype in a male child due to 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficiency. The discovery of testicles in a 3-year-old girl with XY karyotype led to a diagnosis of testicular feminization. Subsequently, however, hypokalaemia, hypertension, and severe prostration during a mild infection suggested adrenal involvement, and investigations showed a 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficiency. Diagnosis of testicular feminization should not be made without excluding a defect of testosterone synthesis.", "PMID": 999330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7599", "title": "Some aspects of the mode of action and metabolism of orthonil in plants.", "content": "A study of the physiological behaviour of the synthetic compound Orthonil (alpha-chloro-beta-(3-chloro-o-tolyl)-propionitrile revealed a strong auxin activity in higher plants. Otherwise, Orthonil appeared not to be a herbicide-auxin. It is metabolized intensively in plant tissues. Among the identified metabolites, two compounds were detected which also exert a high auxin activity. It is concluded that at least a part of the apparent auxin activity of Orthonil may be due to alpha-(3-chloro-o-tolyl) acetic acid, one metabolite of Orthonil. Although Orthonil strongly stimulates elongation growth, this growth is not accompanied by a stimulated ethylene evolution as is the case with other auxins. A possible metabolic pathway of Orthonil is discussed.", "contents": "Some aspects of the mode of action and metabolism of orthonil in plants. A study of the physiological behaviour of the synthetic compound Orthonil (alpha-chloro-beta-(3-chloro-o-tolyl)-propionitrile revealed a strong auxin activity in higher plants. Otherwise, Orthonil appeared not to be a herbicide-auxin. It is metabolized intensively in plant tissues. Among the identified metabolites, two compounds were detected which also exert a high auxin activity. It is concluded that at least a part of the apparent auxin activity of Orthonil may be due to alpha-(3-chloro-o-tolyl) acetic acid, one metabolite of Orthonil. Although Orthonil strongly stimulates elongation growth, this growth is not accompanied by a stimulated ethylene evolution as is the case with other auxins. A possible metabolic pathway of Orthonil is discussed.", "PMID": 999332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7600", "title": "Some patterns of herbicide and growth regulator intake, persistence, and distribution in sugarcane.", "content": "Absorption of 14C-labeled herbicides from nutrient culture solution through the roots of sugarcane plants (Saccharum spp. hybrids) resulted in three major types of distribution. Labeled residues from atrazine, ametryne, and metribuzine moved easily through the xylem to the green leaves and were deposited mainly at the leaf margins and tip. Senescence and leaf abscission removed most of the deposit from the plant. Picloram translocated rapidly into the leaves, but appeared to recycle from older to younger leaves with only small portions remaining in the senescent leaves. Asulam and pentachlorophenol (PCP) were absorbed by the roots; residues did not pass into the xylem and remained fixed in the roots. Foliar additions of labeled herbicides and growth regulators generally showed only minor absorption and translocation within the leaf. Weathering processes and volatility during a 6- to 12-week period left variable amounts of residue, characteristic of individual compounds, absorbed at the treated sites.", "contents": "Some patterns of herbicide and growth regulator intake, persistence, and distribution in sugarcane. Absorption of 14C-labeled herbicides from nutrient culture solution through the roots of sugarcane plants (Saccharum spp. hybrids) resulted in three major types of distribution. Labeled residues from atrazine, ametryne, and metribuzine moved easily through the xylem to the green leaves and were deposited mainly at the leaf margins and tip. Senescence and leaf abscission removed most of the deposit from the plant. Picloram translocated rapidly into the leaves, but appeared to recycle from older to younger leaves with only small portions remaining in the senescent leaves. Asulam and pentachlorophenol (PCP) were absorbed by the roots; residues did not pass into the xylem and remained fixed in the roots. Foliar additions of labeled herbicides and growth regulators generally showed only minor absorption and translocation within the leaf. Weathering processes and volatility during a 6- to 12-week period left variable amounts of residue, characteristic of individual compounds, absorbed at the treated sites.", "PMID": 999331} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7601", "title": "Nondestructive neutron activation analysis of marine organisms collected from ocean dump sites of the middle eastern United States.", "content": "The concentrations of eight metals were determined by a nondestructive neutron activation technique for eleven species of fish and shellfish. The marine organisms were collected from ocean dump sites off New York City, off New Haven, Connecticut, and off Delaware Bay. Antimony was not detected in most of the organisms examined in thid study; the detection limit was about 0.02 to 0.05 ppm. Antimony levels ranged from 0.01 to 0.129 ppm in fish that had detectable levels. Cobalt levels were low in all samples with most levels in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 ppm. Chromium concentrations at 0.3 to 1.0 ppm were only roughly quantitated by the procedure employed. Most marine organisms examined had chromium levels at or below these values. Nickel was not detected in any of the organisms examined; the detection limit was in the 3 to 6 ppm range. Rubidium concentrations were 0.6 to 1.5 ppm for most organisms; only rough quantitative measurement was possible at these levels. Selenium levels ranged from about 0.3 to 3.8 ppm in all samples. Silver concentrations were below 0.3 ppm in most organisms. Silver concentrations as high as 10 to 30 ppm, however, were found in the digestive gland of rock crab. Zinc levels in windowpane flounder liver were about 6 to 9 times greater than the 4 to 10 ppm levels found in muscle. Zinc concentrations in rock crab muscle, on the other hand, were only slightly higher than the 15 to 32 ppm concentration found in the digestive gland. Fish other than windowpane flounder had zinc levels that ranged from 4 to 9 ppm in the muscle and 14 to 42 ppm in the liver. Shellfish other than rock crab had zinc levels of 15 to 30 ppm in muscle and 17 to 40 ppm in the digestive gland.", "contents": "Nondestructive neutron activation analysis of marine organisms collected from ocean dump sites of the middle eastern United States. The concentrations of eight metals were determined by a nondestructive neutron activation technique for eleven species of fish and shellfish. The marine organisms were collected from ocean dump sites off New York City, off New Haven, Connecticut, and off Delaware Bay. Antimony was not detected in most of the organisms examined in thid study; the detection limit was about 0.02 to 0.05 ppm. Antimony levels ranged from 0.01 to 0.129 ppm in fish that had detectable levels. Cobalt levels were low in all samples with most levels in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 ppm. Chromium concentrations at 0.3 to 1.0 ppm were only roughly quantitated by the procedure employed. Most marine organisms examined had chromium levels at or below these values. Nickel was not detected in any of the organisms examined; the detection limit was in the 3 to 6 ppm range. Rubidium concentrations were 0.6 to 1.5 ppm for most organisms; only rough quantitative measurement was possible at these levels. Selenium levels ranged from about 0.3 to 3.8 ppm in all samples. Silver concentrations were below 0.3 ppm in most organisms. Silver concentrations as high as 10 to 30 ppm, however, were found in the digestive gland of rock crab. Zinc levels in windowpane flounder liver were about 6 to 9 times greater than the 4 to 10 ppm levels found in muscle. Zinc concentrations in rock crab muscle, on the other hand, were only slightly higher than the 15 to 32 ppm concentration found in the digestive gland. Fish other than windowpane flounder had zinc levels that ranged from 4 to 9 ppm in the muscle and 14 to 42 ppm in the liver. Shellfish other than rock crab had zinc levels of 15 to 30 ppm in muscle and 17 to 40 ppm in the digestive gland.", "PMID": 999333} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7602", "title": "Effects of leached mirex on experimental communities of estuarine animals.", "content": "Experimental communities of various estuarine animals in outdoor tanks were exposed to a continuous flow of water containing mirex for 10 weeks. The mirex was leached from fire ant bait (0.3% active ingredient) by fresh water which was then mixed with salt water to yield exposure concentrations averaging 0.038 mug/L. The experiment simulated runoff from treated land into estuarine areas. Mortality of grass shrimp (Palaemonetes vulgaris), pin, shrimp (Penaeus duorarum), common mud crabs (Panopeus herbstii), and striped hermit crabs (Clibanarius vittatus) was significantly high in tanks containing the toxicant. Mortality of ribbed mussels (Modiolus demissus) and American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) was significantly lower in treated tanks, probably because numbers of both species of crabs, which ate the bivalves, were reduced. Sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) were least affected by mirex. Almost all deaths occurred after 10 or more days of exposure. All exposed animals accumulated mirex, with maximum concentrations ranging from 5,500X (pink shrimp) to 73,700X (soft tissues of oysters) above the concentration in the water. Sand substratum contained mirex up to 1,500X that in the water. The study demonstrated that mirex can be leached from bait by fresh water and concentrated by and affect survival of members in an experimental estuarine community.", "contents": "Effects of leached mirex on experimental communities of estuarine animals. Experimental communities of various estuarine animals in outdoor tanks were exposed to a continuous flow of water containing mirex for 10 weeks. The mirex was leached from fire ant bait (0.3% active ingredient) by fresh water which was then mixed with salt water to yield exposure concentrations averaging 0.038 mug/L. The experiment simulated runoff from treated land into estuarine areas. Mortality of grass shrimp (Palaemonetes vulgaris), pin, shrimp (Penaeus duorarum), common mud crabs (Panopeus herbstii), and striped hermit crabs (Clibanarius vittatus) was significantly high in tanks containing the toxicant. Mortality of ribbed mussels (Modiolus demissus) and American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) was significantly lower in treated tanks, probably because numbers of both species of crabs, which ate the bivalves, were reduced. Sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) were least affected by mirex. Almost all deaths occurred after 10 or more days of exposure. All exposed animals accumulated mirex, with maximum concentrations ranging from 5,500X (pink shrimp) to 73,700X (soft tissues of oysters) above the concentration in the water. Sand substratum contained mirex up to 1,500X that in the water. The study demonstrated that mirex can be leached from bait by fresh water and concentrated by and affect survival of members in an experimental estuarine community.", "PMID": 999334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7603", "title": "Effect of a smelter complex on the regional distribution of cadmium, lead and zinc in litters and soil horizons.", "content": "The distribution of cadmium, lead and zinc concentrations in litter and mineral soil horizons from the Kootenay region were studied to determine the effect of the 70-yr operation of the world's largest base-metals smelter complex at Trail, British Columbia. Metals were retained near the surface in litter and surface mineral horizons and concentrations in deepest horizons were lower and normal for uncontaminated soils. Metal concentrations in surface horizons were significantly related to distance from the smelter and site elevation in the mountainous region. Regression equation models to predict metal concentrations as functions of distance and/or elevation accounted for 69.8, 93.3 and 76.7% of variance in litter concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn, respectively, and 91.3, 50.6, and 64.0% of their variances in surface mineral horizons. In view of concomitant random distribution of metal concentrations in deepest horizons, these relationships and low Zn/Cd ratios in surface horizons nearest to the smelter indicated surface deposition of airborne smelter emissions was responsible for metal contamination of Trail area surface soils.", "contents": "Effect of a smelter complex on the regional distribution of cadmium, lead and zinc in litters and soil horizons. The distribution of cadmium, lead and zinc concentrations in litter and mineral soil horizons from the Kootenay region were studied to determine the effect of the 70-yr operation of the world's largest base-metals smelter complex at Trail, British Columbia. Metals were retained near the surface in litter and surface mineral horizons and concentrations in deepest horizons were lower and normal for uncontaminated soils. Metal concentrations in surface horizons were significantly related to distance from the smelter and site elevation in the mountainous region. Regression equation models to predict metal concentrations as functions of distance and/or elevation accounted for 69.8, 93.3 and 76.7% of variance in litter concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn, respectively, and 91.3, 50.6, and 64.0% of their variances in surface mineral horizons. In view of concomitant random distribution of metal concentrations in deepest horizons, these relationships and low Zn/Cd ratios in surface horizons nearest to the smelter indicated surface deposition of airborne smelter emissions was responsible for metal contamination of Trail area surface soils.", "PMID": 999335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7604", "title": "Mirex-induced hepatic changes in chickens, Japanese quail, and rats.", "content": "Mirex was fed in the diet to chickens at 0 to 160 ppm for 12 and 16 weeks, to Japanese quail at 0 to 80 ppm for 12 weeks, and to rats at 0 to 100 ppm for 2 and 4 weeks. Mirex did not affect the concentration of protein or cytochrome P450 in hepatic microsomes of chickens or Japanese quail, nor did it affect hydroxylation of aniline or demethylation of aminopyrine. However, structural changes were apparent in livers of chickens fed mirex at 10 ppm and above and included regions of necrosis and nonspecific cellular aberrations and alterations of sinusoids and bile canaliculi. Mirex caused liver enlargement in rats and increased microsomal protein and cytochrome P450 but did not affect hydroxylation of aniline or demethylation of aminopyrine. Hepatic structural changes in rats that were associated with mirex included proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and degeneration of some bile canaliculi.", "contents": "Mirex-induced hepatic changes in chickens, Japanese quail, and rats. Mirex was fed in the diet to chickens at 0 to 160 ppm for 12 and 16 weeks, to Japanese quail at 0 to 80 ppm for 12 weeks, and to rats at 0 to 100 ppm for 2 and 4 weeks. Mirex did not affect the concentration of protein or cytochrome P450 in hepatic microsomes of chickens or Japanese quail, nor did it affect hydroxylation of aniline or demethylation of aminopyrine. However, structural changes were apparent in livers of chickens fed mirex at 10 ppm and above and included regions of necrosis and nonspecific cellular aberrations and alterations of sinusoids and bile canaliculi. Mirex caused liver enlargement in rats and increased microsomal protein and cytochrome P450 but did not affect hydroxylation of aniline or demethylation of aminopyrine. Hepatic structural changes in rats that were associated with mirex included proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and degeneration of some bile canaliculi.", "PMID": 999336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7605", "title": "Absorption and metabolism of a selective insecticide, 2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl-7 N-dimethoxyphosphinothioyl-N-methylcarbamate, in bean plants.", "content": "The absorption and metabolism of 2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl-7 N-dimethoxyphosphinothioyl-N-methylcarbamate (PSC), a selective, insecticidally active carbofuran derivative, was studied in red kidney bean plants. PSC was absorbed from hydroponic culture media and was translocated throughout the plants. PSC was metabolized to carbofuran, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, and 3-ketocarbofuran and these materials accounted for 25% of the recovered radioactivity. Each of these compounds are more toxic to mice than the parent compound. Additionally at least four other oxidized, hydroxylated and/or hydrolyzed metabolites were formed.", "contents": "Absorption and metabolism of a selective insecticide, 2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl-7 N-dimethoxyphosphinothioyl-N-methylcarbamate, in bean plants. The absorption and metabolism of 2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl-7 N-dimethoxyphosphinothioyl-N-methylcarbamate (PSC), a selective, insecticidally active carbofuran derivative, was studied in red kidney bean plants. PSC was absorbed from hydroponic culture media and was translocated throughout the plants. PSC was metabolized to carbofuran, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, and 3-ketocarbofuran and these materials accounted for 25% of the recovered radioactivity. Each of these compounds are more toxic to mice than the parent compound. Additionally at least four other oxidized, hydroxylated and/or hydrolyzed metabolites were formed.", "PMID": 999337} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7606", "title": "Importance of the indoor environment in air pollution exposure.", "content": "A portable personal air pollution sampler was used to measure the exposure of twenty children to respirable particulates, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide over a 24-hour period. Particulate exposures were significantly higher among children who lived with one or more smokers, and exceeded the primary air quality standard in nineteen of the twenty subjects. To a large extent, an individual's respirable particulate load appears to be determined by exposure to indoor rather than outdoor pollutants.", "contents": "Importance of the indoor environment in air pollution exposure. A portable personal air pollution sampler was used to measure the exposure of twenty children to respirable particulates, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide over a 24-hour period. Particulate exposures were significantly higher among children who lived with one or more smokers, and exceeded the primary air quality standard in nineteen of the twenty subjects. To a large extent, an individual's respirable particulate load appears to be determined by exposure to indoor rather than outdoor pollutants.", "PMID": 999338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7607", "title": "Carboxyhemoglobin trend in Chicago blood donors, 1970-1974.", "content": "An 18% reduction in the carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) saturation in nonsmoking Chicago blood donors occurred between 1970 and 1974, indicating that current donors are being exposed to a lower average carbon monoxide (CO) concentration than had been experienced by 1970 donors. In contrast to the situation in 1970, when it was discovered that 74% of the nonsmokers in Chicago were being exposed to CO in excess of the amount permitted by the federal air quality standards, in 1974 only 41% of the nonsmokers were being overexposed. The observed reduction in HbCO correlates well with both the ambient CO levels recorded at the air monitoring stations and the reduction in CO emission from automobiles. If the current trend continues, Chicago should reach compliance with air quality standards for CO by 1985. The measurement of HbCO in a representative urban population is an accurate index of actual CO exposure and supplements the air pollution data provided by air monitoring stations.", "contents": "Carboxyhemoglobin trend in Chicago blood donors, 1970-1974. An 18% reduction in the carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) saturation in nonsmoking Chicago blood donors occurred between 1970 and 1974, indicating that current donors are being exposed to a lower average carbon monoxide (CO) concentration than had been experienced by 1970 donors. In contrast to the situation in 1970, when it was discovered that 74% of the nonsmokers in Chicago were being exposed to CO in excess of the amount permitted by the federal air quality standards, in 1974 only 41% of the nonsmokers were being overexposed. The observed reduction in HbCO correlates well with both the ambient CO levels recorded at the air monitoring stations and the reduction in CO emission from automobiles. If the current trend continues, Chicago should reach compliance with air quality standards for CO by 1985. The measurement of HbCO in a representative urban population is an accurate index of actual CO exposure and supplements the air pollution data provided by air monitoring stations.", "PMID": 999339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7608", "title": "The surgical management of toxic dilatation of the colon: a report of 28 cases and review of the literature.", "content": "Experience with 28 patients with toxic dilatation of the colon is reviewed. The operative mortality in this series was 32% (9/28). Eight of the 9 patients who died were found to have colonic perforations at operation; in contrast, the group of patients with no perforations had a mortality rate of only 6%. Colonic perforation and sepsis were the most significant factors contributing to mortality and morbidity in this series. A review of the literature showed an overall operative mortality rate of 19.5% for patients with toxic megacolon; the mortality rate was 41% for patients with perforations and 8.8% for patients without perforations. It appears that the keystone to successful management is the avoidance of colonic perforation and sepsis; protracted medical management of toxic megacolon seems to have been at least partly responsible for these complications. Sixteen of the 18 survivors following subtotal colectomy required removal of the rectum within 9 months because of continued symptoms and disease in the rectal stump.", "contents": "The surgical management of toxic dilatation of the colon: a report of 28 cases and review of the literature. Experience with 28 patients with toxic dilatation of the colon is reviewed. The operative mortality in this series was 32% (9/28). Eight of the 9 patients who died were found to have colonic perforations at operation; in contrast, the group of patients with no perforations had a mortality rate of only 6%. Colonic perforation and sepsis were the most significant factors contributing to mortality and morbidity in this series. A review of the literature showed an overall operative mortality rate of 19.5% for patients with toxic megacolon; the mortality rate was 41% for patients with perforations and 8.8% for patients without perforations. It appears that the keystone to successful management is the avoidance of colonic perforation and sepsis; protracted medical management of toxic megacolon seems to have been at least partly responsible for these complications. Sixteen of the 18 survivors following subtotal colectomy required removal of the rectum within 9 months because of continued symptoms and disease in the rectal stump.", "PMID": 999345} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7609", "title": "Delayed gastric emptying following gastrectomy.", "content": "The characteristics of 46 patients unable to take a solid diet within two weeks of gastric resection and had no other post-operative complications are reviewed. The incidence of delayed gastric emptying was found to be 2 1/2 times greater in patients with vagotomy and hemigastrectomy than in those with subtotal gastrectomy. In addition, postoperative delay was often prolonged in the hemigastrectomy and vagotomy group. Mechanical factors were responsible for delay in only 10% of these patients. Possible explanations for these delays are made and it is suggested that localized starch peritonitis may explain many cases of \"functional efferent limb ileus.\" Measures to evaluate the source of delay are recommended and suggest conservative management for the majority of patients. Reoperation is reserved for those who require feeding or draining enterostomy tubes and those whose clinical course and evaluation suggest obstruction.", "contents": "Delayed gastric emptying following gastrectomy. The characteristics of 46 patients unable to take a solid diet within two weeks of gastric resection and had no other post-operative complications are reviewed. The incidence of delayed gastric emptying was found to be 2 1/2 times greater in patients with vagotomy and hemigastrectomy than in those with subtotal gastrectomy. In addition, postoperative delay was often prolonged in the hemigastrectomy and vagotomy group. Mechanical factors were responsible for delay in only 10% of these patients. Possible explanations for these delays are made and it is suggested that localized starch peritonitis may explain many cases of \"functional efferent limb ileus.\" Measures to evaluate the source of delay are recommended and suggest conservative management for the majority of patients. Reoperation is reserved for those who require feeding or draining enterostomy tubes and those whose clinical course and evaluation suggest obstruction.", "PMID": 999346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7610", "title": "Long-term patency of vein grafts preserved in liquid nitrogen in dimethyl sulfoxide.", "content": "Autogenous canine jugular veins were stored in 15% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in liquid nitrogen vapor for one to 28 days and then implanted in the carotid artery as autografts. The patency rate at one year was 62.5-87.5%. The patency rate of fresh jugular vein autografts placed in the carotid artery for one year was 75%. Similar autografts stored in liquid nitrogen vapor for one to 28 days without the cryopreservative DMSO exhibited a zero to 12.5% patency rate at one year. Scanning electron microscope studies revealed preservation of theendothelium in DMSO protected veins and a damaged or sloughed endothelium in veins frozen without DMSO cryopreservation.", "contents": "Long-term patency of vein grafts preserved in liquid nitrogen in dimethyl sulfoxide. Autogenous canine jugular veins were stored in 15% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in liquid nitrogen vapor for one to 28 days and then implanted in the carotid artery as autografts. The patency rate at one year was 62.5-87.5%. The patency rate of fresh jugular vein autografts placed in the carotid artery for one year was 75%. Similar autografts stored in liquid nitrogen vapor for one to 28 days without the cryopreservative DMSO exhibited a zero to 12.5% patency rate at one year. Scanning electron microscope studies revealed preservation of theendothelium in DMSO protected veins and a damaged or sloughed endothelium in veins frozen without DMSO cryopreservation.", "PMID": 999347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7611", "title": "Blood gas and carotid pressure: factors in stroke risk.", "content": "The internal carotid back pressure and arterial blood gas measurements have been employed in 269 patients undergoing 332 carotid endarterectomies in an effort to identify individuals at high risk of stroke during surgery. Patients having an internal carotid back pressure less than 25 Torr were operated using an inlying shunt. There were 159 patients having a PaCO2 greater than 45 Torr, 95 individuals with a PaCO2 between 35 to 45 Torr and 78 cases with a PaCO2 less than 35 Torr. The mean internal carotid back pressure was 63 Torr in the hypocarbic group and 45 Torr in the hypercarbic patients which represents a highly significant inverse relationship between PaCO2 and carotid back pressure (P less than 0.0002). There were four neurological deficits following surgery in the hypercarbic group and one each in the normocarbic and hypocarbic groups. These findings suggest a lower stroke incidence in patients having hypocarbic or normocarbic general anesthesia than those receiving hypercarbic general anesthesia. The low overall stroke rate of 2% indicates the safety of selective shunting during carotid endarterectomy.", "contents": "Blood gas and carotid pressure: factors in stroke risk. The internal carotid back pressure and arterial blood gas measurements have been employed in 269 patients undergoing 332 carotid endarterectomies in an effort to identify individuals at high risk of stroke during surgery. Patients having an internal carotid back pressure less than 25 Torr were operated using an inlying shunt. There were 159 patients having a PaCO2 greater than 45 Torr, 95 individuals with a PaCO2 between 35 to 45 Torr and 78 cases with a PaCO2 less than 35 Torr. The mean internal carotid back pressure was 63 Torr in the hypocarbic group and 45 Torr in the hypercarbic patients which represents a highly significant inverse relationship between PaCO2 and carotid back pressure (P less than 0.0002). There were four neurological deficits following surgery in the hypercarbic group and one each in the normocarbic and hypocarbic groups. These findings suggest a lower stroke incidence in patients having hypocarbic or normocarbic general anesthesia than those receiving hypercarbic general anesthesia. The low overall stroke rate of 2% indicates the safety of selective shunting during carotid endarterectomy.", "PMID": 999348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7612", "title": "Acute pancreatic pseudocysts: incidence and implications.", "content": "Of 92 patients with moderately severe acute pancreatitis initially studied within three weeks of onset by ultrasonic tomography, 52 developed an acute fluid collection in the lesser sac. Documentation of the ultrasound prediction of pseudocyst was achieved by surgery or autopsy in 26 cases. Spontaneous resolution of the acute pseudocyst was demonstrated by serial ultrasonography and radiogrphy in another 10 patients. Exploration exposed 3 false positive predictions of pseudocyst. Eleven other patients with a cystic configuration either refused surgery or were lost to followup. Acute pseudocyst formation is a relatively common phenomenon in the early phases of moderately severe pancreatitis. While spontaneous resolution of acute pseudocysts is frequent, in approximately 50% of cases acute pseudocysts progress to chronic pseudocysts. A distinction between acute and chronic pseudocyst is necessary since specific surgical management depends upon the phase of pseudocyst development. Unless regional sepsis supervens, acute pseudocyts of less than three weeks' duration may be followed by serial ultrasonography in the hope of spontaneous resolution. When a pseudocyst has achieved chronic status, spontaneous resolution is rare. Persistent conservative management under these conditions invites the excessive mortality and morbidity of spontaneous rupture.", "contents": "Acute pancreatic pseudocysts: incidence and implications. Of 92 patients with moderately severe acute pancreatitis initially studied within three weeks of onset by ultrasonic tomography, 52 developed an acute fluid collection in the lesser sac. Documentation of the ultrasound prediction of pseudocyst was achieved by surgery or autopsy in 26 cases. Spontaneous resolution of the acute pseudocyst was demonstrated by serial ultrasonography and radiogrphy in another 10 patients. Exploration exposed 3 false positive predictions of pseudocyst. Eleven other patients with a cystic configuration either refused surgery or were lost to followup. Acute pseudocyst formation is a relatively common phenomenon in the early phases of moderately severe pancreatitis. While spontaneous resolution of acute pseudocysts is frequent, in approximately 50% of cases acute pseudocysts progress to chronic pseudocysts. A distinction between acute and chronic pseudocyst is necessary since specific surgical management depends upon the phase of pseudocyst development. Unless regional sepsis supervens, acute pseudocyts of less than three weeks' duration may be followed by serial ultrasonography in the hope of spontaneous resolution. When a pseudocyst has achieved chronic status, spontaneous resolution is rare. Persistent conservative management under these conditions invites the excessive mortality and morbidity of spontaneous rupture.", "PMID": 999349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7613", "title": "Aneurysm of the aorta treated by wiring: case report of a 38-year survival.", "content": "A patient with a syphilitic aneurysm of the aorta treated by the insertion of wire is presented. The patient remained well for almost 40 years, but finally succumbed after rupture. The autopsy findings are discussed. To our knowledge, this represents the longest reported survival after treatment of an aortic aneurysm by wiring.", "contents": "Aneurysm of the aorta treated by wiring: case report of a 38-year survival. A patient with a syphilitic aneurysm of the aorta treated by the insertion of wire is presented. The patient remained well for almost 40 years, but finally succumbed after rupture. The autopsy findings are discussed. To our knowledge, this represents the longest reported survival after treatment of an aortic aneurysm by wiring.", "PMID": 999350} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7614", "title": "Clearance of mercury (HG-197, HG-203) vapor inhaled by human subjects.", "content": "Five human subjects inhaled a mixture of stable and radioactive mercury vapor for periods of 14 to 24 minutes. The subjects retained an average of 74% of that inhaled. Evidence is submitted to show that the retention occurred almost entirely in the alveoli. For 3 days after exposure, the exhaled breath was passed at intervals through activated charcoal traps for sampling periods of 10 to 35 minutes. The data indicated that an average of 7% of the retained mercury was lost in the expired breath, with a half time of 18 hours. Examination of the subjects in a whole body counter yielded average half times for mercury clearance from different parts of the body as follows: lung, 1.7 days; head, 21 days; kidney region, 64 days; chest, 43 days; and whole body, 58 days.", "contents": "Clearance of mercury (HG-197, HG-203) vapor inhaled by human subjects. Five human subjects inhaled a mixture of stable and radioactive mercury vapor for periods of 14 to 24 minutes. The subjects retained an average of 74% of that inhaled. Evidence is submitted to show that the retention occurred almost entirely in the alveoli. For 3 days after exposure, the exhaled breath was passed at intervals through activated charcoal traps for sampling periods of 10 to 35 minutes. The data indicated that an average of 7% of the retained mercury was lost in the expired breath, with a half time of 18 hours. Examination of the subjects in a whole body counter yielded average half times for mercury clearance from different parts of the body as follows: lung, 1.7 days; head, 21 days; kidney region, 64 days; chest, 43 days; and whole body, 58 days.", "PMID": 999343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7615", "title": "Impact of air pollution by lead on the heme biosynthetic pathway in school-age children.", "content": "Blood-lead level (Pb-B), erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, free erythrocyte porphyrin (FEP) concentration, delta-aminolevulinic acid concentration in urine (ALAU), hematocrit value, and hemoglobin concentration were compared for groups of children 10-13 years old from areas differently polluted by lead (rural area and lead smelter area). The biological responses of the children were also compared with those observed in adults similarly exposed to lead (Pb-B: 10-40 mug/100 ml). Compared with the rural children, children living less than 1 km from the smelter exhibited a significant increase of Pb-B and FEP, a significant inhibition of ALAD, and a slight positive correlation of ALAU with Pb-B; however, they showed no biological signs of anemia. In children living approximately 1.5 km from the smelter, there was still a significant increase of Pb-B and a concomitant inhibition of ALAD, but no change in FEP concentration. Comparison of the dose-response curves between Pb-B and FEP in adult males, adult females, and children indicates that the sensitivity to lead is in the order of children larger than or equal to women greater than men. Based on the FEP response, it is proposed that 25 mug Pb/100 ml blood be regarded as the maximum biologically allowable concentration of lead in blood of school-age children.", "contents": "Impact of air pollution by lead on the heme biosynthetic pathway in school-age children. Blood-lead level (Pb-B), erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, free erythrocyte porphyrin (FEP) concentration, delta-aminolevulinic acid concentration in urine (ALAU), hematocrit value, and hemoglobin concentration were compared for groups of children 10-13 years old from areas differently polluted by lead (rural area and lead smelter area). The biological responses of the children were also compared with those observed in adults similarly exposed to lead (Pb-B: 10-40 mug/100 ml). Compared with the rural children, children living less than 1 km from the smelter exhibited a significant increase of Pb-B and FEP, a significant inhibition of ALAD, and a slight positive correlation of ALAU with Pb-B; however, they showed no biological signs of anemia. In children living approximately 1.5 km from the smelter, there was still a significant increase of Pb-B and a concomitant inhibition of ALAD, but no change in FEP concentration. Comparison of the dose-response curves between Pb-B and FEP in adult males, adult females, and children indicates that the sensitivity to lead is in the order of children larger than or equal to women greater than men. Based on the FEP response, it is proposed that 25 mug Pb/100 ml blood be regarded as the maximum biologically allowable concentration of lead in blood of school-age children.", "PMID": 999344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7616", "title": "Stimulation by cigarette smoke of glutathione peroxidase system enzyme activities in rat lung.", "content": "This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of in vivo cigarette smoke exposure on glutathione peroxidase--related enzyme systems of the rat lung. These enzymes, acting in concert, are thought to be responsible for disposing of toxic lipid peroxides in pulmonary tissue. Thirty-day-old rats were exposed to thirteen cigarettes per day for 21 days with a Walton reverse-smoking exposure apparatus. After 21 days of smoke exposure, the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were increased 34%, 24%, and 38%, respectively, over control values. This level of cigarette smoke exposure did not cause detectable histological lesions. We present the hypothesis that short-term, low-level cigarette smoke exposure is capable of initiating metabolic alterations in lung cells at exposures at which histological changes are not detectable by light microscopy.", "contents": "Stimulation by cigarette smoke of glutathione peroxidase system enzyme activities in rat lung. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of in vivo cigarette smoke exposure on glutathione peroxidase--related enzyme systems of the rat lung. These enzymes, acting in concert, are thought to be responsible for disposing of toxic lipid peroxides in pulmonary tissue. Thirty-day-old rats were exposed to thirteen cigarettes per day for 21 days with a Walton reverse-smoking exposure apparatus. After 21 days of smoke exposure, the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were increased 34%, 24%, and 38%, respectively, over control values. This level of cigarette smoke exposure did not cause detectable histological lesions. We present the hypothesis that short-term, low-level cigarette smoke exposure is capable of initiating metabolic alterations in lung cells at exposures at which histological changes are not detectable by light microscopy.", "PMID": 999340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7617", "title": "Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assays in obstructive colorectal cancer.", "content": "Four of 40 patients with resectable colon or rectal cancer had tumors causing acute large bowel obstruction with colonic dilatation; all 4 patients had preoperative CEA titers above 10 ng/ml with a mean of 28 ng/ml. Thirty-six cancer patients without acute colon obstruction had a mean CEA titer of 4.5 ng/ml; only 6 of 36 patients had circulating CEA titers 10 ng/ml or greater. This suggested that pre-treatment CEA titers in patients with obstructing cancer are unusually high. Multiple CEA assays were performed on two of the 4 patients with colonic obstruction before and after bowel decompressive procedures and prior to their definitive treatment. Relief of obstruction alone produces marked reduction in circulating CEA; this suggested that not only the extent of disease but also the pathophysiological changes associated with obstruction influenced circulating CEA levels.", "contents": "Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assays in obstructive colorectal cancer. Four of 40 patients with resectable colon or rectal cancer had tumors causing acute large bowel obstruction with colonic dilatation; all 4 patients had preoperative CEA titers above 10 ng/ml with a mean of 28 ng/ml. Thirty-six cancer patients without acute colon obstruction had a mean CEA titer of 4.5 ng/ml; only 6 of 36 patients had circulating CEA titers 10 ng/ml or greater. This suggested that pre-treatment CEA titers in patients with obstructing cancer are unusually high. Multiple CEA assays were performed on two of the 4 patients with colonic obstruction before and after bowel decompressive procedures and prior to their definitive treatment. Relief of obstruction alone produces marked reduction in circulating CEA; this suggested that not only the extent of disease but also the pathophysiological changes associated with obstruction influenced circulating CEA levels.", "PMID": 999351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7618", "title": "Biochemical effect of ozone exposure in rats exposed to cigarette smoke.", "content": "Rats were exposed to three cigarettes per day for 35 days, under realistic conditions. Pulmonary glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) activity in the exposed animals increased 27% over control values (P less than .05). Subsequent exposure to acute, high-dose ozone (3 ppm for 4 hr) decreased the augmented G-6-PD activities to near normal levels, whereas ozone exposures in animals not exposed to cigarette smoke caused mild decreases in pulmonary G-6-PD activities. The importance of these findings with respect to the susceptibility of the smoker to oxidant exposures is unknown.", "contents": "Biochemical effect of ozone exposure in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Rats were exposed to three cigarettes per day for 35 days, under realistic conditions. Pulmonary glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) activity in the exposed animals increased 27% over control values (P less than .05). Subsequent exposure to acute, high-dose ozone (3 ppm for 4 hr) decreased the augmented G-6-PD activities to near normal levels, whereas ozone exposures in animals not exposed to cigarette smoke caused mild decreases in pulmonary G-6-PD activities. The importance of these findings with respect to the susceptibility of the smoker to oxidant exposures is unknown.", "PMID": 999341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7619", "title": "Note on the classification of the Leishmania sp. responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis in the East Central Region of Brazil.", "content": "The authors studied a species of Leishmania which is the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The parasite displays unusual characteristics which do not fit exactly into either the L. mexicana or L. brasiliensis complexes. The buoyant density DNA resembles that of the L. mexicana complex but the culture and hamster inoculation results resemble those of the L. brasiliensis complex. Further comparative studies are required to elucidate the relationship of the Mato Grosso Leishmania to the L. mexicana complex.", "contents": "Note on the classification of the Leishmania sp. responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis in the East Central Region of Brazil. The authors studied a species of Leishmania which is the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The parasite displays unusual characteristics which do not fit exactly into either the L. mexicana or L. brasiliensis complexes. The buoyant density DNA resembles that of the L. mexicana complex but the culture and hamster inoculation results resemble those of the L. brasiliensis complex. Further comparative studies are required to elucidate the relationship of the Mato Grosso Leishmania to the L. mexicana complex.", "PMID": 999353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7620", "title": "The epidemiology of 2056 remote site infections and 1966 surgical wound infections occurring in 1865 patients: a four year study of 40,923 operations at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital, Chicago.", "content": "Over a 4-year period 40,923 operations and 44,716 surgical admissions were monitored for both community and hospital onset infections. One thousand eight hundred sixty-five patients had 1966 surgical wound infections and 2056 remote infections including 1652 hospital onset and 404 community onset infections. One thousand one hudnred forty-four patients with multiple infections averaged 40 days in the hospital contrasted with 24 days for 721 patients with a single wound infection. The total excess cost of hospitalization for these patients was $951,150. A statistically significant reduction occurred for urinary tract infections, lower respiratory infections and clean and contaminated surgical wound infections. It is suggested that these are all inter-related and a significant reduction in surgical wound infections can be achieved through control of infections at remote sites, particularly those associated with medical devices. The coagulase positive staphylococcus is still the most important single bacterial species in the primary etiology of surgical wound infections. When the gastrointestinal tract is entered or \"supra\" infecting organisms appear, gram negative bacteria and mixed gram negative and gram positive infections are dominant. Reduction in remote site infections occurring in surgical patients is necessary to reduce the incidence of surgical wound infections, suggest preventive and control measures, and document the effectiveness of such measures.", "contents": "The epidemiology of 2056 remote site infections and 1966 surgical wound infections occurring in 1865 patients: a four year study of 40,923 operations at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital, Chicago. Over a 4-year period 40,923 operations and 44,716 surgical admissions were monitored for both community and hospital onset infections. One thousand eight hundred sixty-five patients had 1966 surgical wound infections and 2056 remote infections including 1652 hospital onset and 404 community onset infections. One thousand one hudnred forty-four patients with multiple infections averaged 40 days in the hospital contrasted with 24 days for 721 patients with a single wound infection. The total excess cost of hospitalization for these patients was $951,150. A statistically significant reduction occurred for urinary tract infections, lower respiratory infections and clean and contaminated surgical wound infections. It is suggested that these are all inter-related and a significant reduction in surgical wound infections can be achieved through control of infections at remote sites, particularly those associated with medical devices. The coagulase positive staphylococcus is still the most important single bacterial species in the primary etiology of surgical wound infections. When the gastrointestinal tract is entered or \"supra\" infecting organisms appear, gram negative bacteria and mixed gram negative and gram positive infections are dominant. Reduction in remote site infections occurring in surgical patients is necessary to reduce the incidence of surgical wound infections, suggest preventive and control measures, and document the effectiveness of such measures.", "PMID": 999352} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7621", "title": "Cadmium in kidney cortex, liver, and pancreas from Swedish autopsies. Estimation of biological half time in kidney cortex, considering calorie intake and smoking habits.", "content": "Cadmium and zinc have been analyzed in tissues from 292 persons autopsied in Stockholm. In kidney cortex, liver, and pancreas the individual cadmium levels are distributed in a lognormal way. In kidney cortex there is a continuous accumulation of cadmium with age up to 50 years, followed by a decrease. Smokers show a higher cadmium accumulation. For nonsmokers, the biological half time of cadmium in kidney cortex is estimated at 30 years, with an average concentration at age 50 of 11 mug/g wet weight. When smokers are included, the average cadmium concentration at age 50 is 22 mug/g wet weight. Based on the more pronounced cadmium accumulation among smokers than nonsmokers, the respiratory absorption rate of cadmium from tobacco smoke is estimated to be approximately 50%.", "contents": "Cadmium in kidney cortex, liver, and pancreas from Swedish autopsies. Estimation of biological half time in kidney cortex, considering calorie intake and smoking habits. Cadmium and zinc have been analyzed in tissues from 292 persons autopsied in Stockholm. In kidney cortex, liver, and pancreas the individual cadmium levels are distributed in a lognormal way. In kidney cortex there is a continuous accumulation of cadmium with age up to 50 years, followed by a decrease. Smokers show a higher cadmium accumulation. For nonsmokers, the biological half time of cadmium in kidney cortex is estimated at 30 years, with an average concentration at age 50 of 11 mug/g wet weight. When smokers are included, the average cadmium concentration at age 50 is 22 mug/g wet weight. Based on the more pronounced cadmium accumulation among smokers than nonsmokers, the respiratory absorption rate of cadmium from tobacco smoke is estimated to be approximately 50%.", "PMID": 999342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7622", "title": "Cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Libyan Arab Republic: distribution of the disease and identity of the parasite.", "content": "The endemicity of cutaneous leishmaniasis in northwest Libya was confirmed. Although the strains isolated from man had variable biological properties they were all biochemically similar according to the tests used. The Libyan strains resemble those of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in parts of the Middle East, but can be differentiated from urban or highland strains. It is suggested that the recent discovery of the disease is due partly to the improvement in medical services, and partly to the development of new areas of land for agriculture and housing.", "contents": "Cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Libyan Arab Republic: distribution of the disease and identity of the parasite. The endemicity of cutaneous leishmaniasis in northwest Libya was confirmed. Although the strains isolated from man had variable biological properties they were all biochemically similar according to the tests used. The Libyan strains resemble those of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in parts of the Middle East, but can be differentiated from urban or highland strains. It is suggested that the recent discovery of the disease is due partly to the improvement in medical services, and partly to the development of new areas of land for agriculture and housing.", "PMID": 999354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7623", "title": "In vitro studies on the use of penicillamine with tartar emetic against Schistosoma mansoni worms.", "content": "In vitro studies were carried out to test Sb125 tartar emetic (T.E.) in concentrations of 75, 100, 125, 150 and 200 mug/ml of rabbit serum and these concentrations together with penicillamine in ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:6 for their effect on the motility and antimony uptake by Schistosoma mansoni worms. The motility was observed microscopically every half hour for six hours and the Sb125 content was measured by a scintillation counter at one hour intervals for five hours. Results indicate that the ratio in which penicillamine is used with T.E. is very important. The antimony uptake by the worm is reduced, and the onset of T.E. action is delayed when it is used with penicillamine in a ratio exceeding 1:2.", "contents": "In vitro studies on the use of penicillamine with tartar emetic against Schistosoma mansoni worms. In vitro studies were carried out to test Sb125 tartar emetic (T.E.) in concentrations of 75, 100, 125, 150 and 200 mug/ml of rabbit serum and these concentrations together with penicillamine in ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:6 for their effect on the motility and antimony uptake by Schistosoma mansoni worms. The motility was observed microscopically every half hour for six hours and the Sb125 content was measured by a scintillation counter at one hour intervals for five hours. Results indicate that the ratio in which penicillamine is used with T.E. is very important. The antimony uptake by the worm is reduced, and the onset of T.E. action is delayed when it is used with penicillamine in a ratio exceeding 1:2.", "PMID": 999355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7624", "title": "The influence of Seitz filtration on the activity of hydatid fluid antigen.", "content": "Filtration of hydatid fluid through Seitz EK filter pads results in an initial retention of a part of sensitizing proteins on the filter disc. Filtration through membrane filters allows the passage of most of the proteins of the fluid and may be considered as a more satisfactory procedure for the preparation of antigen for Casoni skin tests. Membrane filtrates are likewise reactive in indirect haemagglutination tests.", "contents": "The influence of Seitz filtration on the activity of hydatid fluid antigen. Filtration of hydatid fluid through Seitz EK filter pads results in an initial retention of a part of sensitizing proteins on the filter disc. Filtration through membrane filters allows the passage of most of the proteins of the fluid and may be considered as a more satisfactory procedure for the preparation of antigen for Casoni skin tests. Membrane filtrates are likewise reactive in indirect haemagglutination tests.", "PMID": 999356} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7625", "title": "Multiple infection with Toxocara canis. Influence of antihistamines and corticosteroids on the histopathological response.", "content": "The histopathology of the tissues of mice infected with ten doses of 100 embryonated eggs of Toxocara canis and the influence of antihistamines and corticosteroids on these findings is described. The main lesions were confined to the liver and lungs. In infected but untreated control mice hepatic lesions consisted of periportal infiltrates, widespread foci of liver cell necrosis and polymorphonuclear and mononuclear accumulation and a few fibrotic granulomata. Treatment with antihistamines did not change these findings significantly, but corticosteroids decreased the amount of cellular infiltration and the size of the lesions. Pulmonary lesions consisted mostly of confluent infiltrates of polymorphonuclears, eosinophils and mononuclear cells with some macrophage proliferation. Neither drug seemed to affect the lung involvement.", "contents": "Multiple infection with Toxocara canis. Influence of antihistamines and corticosteroids on the histopathological response. The histopathology of the tissues of mice infected with ten doses of 100 embryonated eggs of Toxocara canis and the influence of antihistamines and corticosteroids on these findings is described. The main lesions were confined to the liver and lungs. In infected but untreated control mice hepatic lesions consisted of periportal infiltrates, widespread foci of liver cell necrosis and polymorphonuclear and mononuclear accumulation and a few fibrotic granulomata. Treatment with antihistamines did not change these findings significantly, but corticosteroids decreased the amount of cellular infiltration and the size of the lesions. Pulmonary lesions consisted mostly of confluent infiltrates of polymorphonuclears, eosinophils and mononuclear cells with some macrophage proliferation. Neither drug seemed to affect the lung involvement.", "PMID": 999357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7626", "title": "Effects on murine trichinosis of niridazole, a suppressant of cellular but not humoral immunological responses.", "content": "Two groups of mice infected with Trichinella spiralis were treated with niridazole (100 mg/kg), one on alternate days, the other daily. Both regimens failed to influence the numbers of adult worms in the intestines or larvae in the muscles compared with untreated control mice. Mice treated with niridazole daily, but not those treated on alternate days, showed a significant reduction in the inflammatory reaction to larvae in the muscles. Immediate footpad swelling in response to injection of soluble Trichinella larval antigen was not affected by niridazole treatment. Niridazole appears to have a highly selective action on immunological responses suppressing cell-mediated reactions but leaving humoral antibody formation relatively intact. Elimination of worms may require the presence of both cellular and humoral immune mechanisms, while inflammation around larvae in the muscles may be largely a cellular reaction.", "contents": "Effects on murine trichinosis of niridazole, a suppressant of cellular but not humoral immunological responses. Two groups of mice infected with Trichinella spiralis were treated with niridazole (100 mg/kg), one on alternate days, the other daily. Both regimens failed to influence the numbers of adult worms in the intestines or larvae in the muscles compared with untreated control mice. Mice treated with niridazole daily, but not those treated on alternate days, showed a significant reduction in the inflammatory reaction to larvae in the muscles. Immediate footpad swelling in response to injection of soluble Trichinella larval antigen was not affected by niridazole treatment. Niridazole appears to have a highly selective action on immunological responses suppressing cell-mediated reactions but leaving humoral antibody formation relatively intact. Elimination of worms may require the presence of both cellular and humoral immune mechanisms, while inflammation around larvae in the muscles may be largely a cellular reaction.", "PMID": 999358} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7627", "title": "The role of the house fly (Musca domestica) in the dissemination of hookworm.", "content": "Eggs and larvae of Ancylostoma caninum were recovered from the crop, mid-gut and hind-gut of Musca domestica; only larvae were recovered from the vomitus and one dead infective larva was recovered from the faeces on one occasion. All eggs recovered from the gut hatched after incubation for 48 hours. Up to 319 eggs and 1485 larvae were recovered from the legs of experimentally contaminated flies. The viability of the eggs and the longevity of the larvae recovered from the gut and external surface of the flys varied but larvae survived longer in the gut than on the external surface.", "contents": "The role of the house fly (Musca domestica) in the dissemination of hookworm. Eggs and larvae of Ancylostoma caninum were recovered from the crop, mid-gut and hind-gut of Musca domestica; only larvae were recovered from the vomitus and one dead infective larva was recovered from the faeces on one occasion. All eggs recovered from the gut hatched after incubation for 48 hours. Up to 319 eggs and 1485 larvae were recovered from the legs of experimentally contaminated flies. The viability of the eggs and the longevity of the larvae recovered from the gut and external surface of the flys varied but larvae survived longer in the gut than on the external surface.", "PMID": 999359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7628", "title": "Partial loss of cytoplasmic incompatibility with age in males of Culex fatigans.", "content": "The cytoplasms of Paris and Delhi strains of Culex fatigans have been reported to be bi-directionally incompatible. However, in the present study it is shown that with increasing age males with Paris cytoplasm show an increasing degree of partial compatibility with Delhi females. A male history of previous mating seems a contributory effect in enhancing the degree of partial compatibility. The relevance of partial compatibility to genetic control of C. fatigans is discussed.", "contents": "Partial loss of cytoplasmic incompatibility with age in males of Culex fatigans. The cytoplasms of Paris and Delhi strains of Culex fatigans have been reported to be bi-directionally incompatible. However, in the present study it is shown that with increasing age males with Paris cytoplasm show an increasing degree of partial compatibility with Delhi females. A male history of previous mating seems a contributory effect in enhancing the degree of partial compatibility. The relevance of partial compatibility to genetic control of C. fatigans is discussed.", "PMID": 999360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7629", "title": "Studies on the host-flea relationship. III Nutritional efficacy of blood meal of rat fleas Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild) and Xenopsylla astia (Rothschild).", "content": "Rat fleas, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild) and X. astia (Rothschild) were fed artificially on whole blood, milk and blood fractions in an attempt to identify the factor(s) which trigger ovarian maturation. Blood from the white rat, house rat, white mouse, frog, chick and man fed artificially induced vitellogenesis in over 50% of fleas of all combinations except in X. cheopis fed on chick blood. Gut distension alone had no influence on initiation of vitellogenesis as judged by feeding milk. Washed white rat blood cells resuspended in saline initiated vitellogenesis, but plasma did not. Addition to plasma of ATP, glutathione and serotonin did not initiate yolk deposition. However, raising the protein concentration of the rat plasma had a decided influence on vitellogenesis. The protein concentration of the diet appeared to be a decisive factor in initiating yolk deposition in these fleas. A change from whole blood to plasma diet caused all the mature oocytes to resorb in both the species of fleas.", "contents": "Studies on the host-flea relationship. III Nutritional efficacy of blood meal of rat fleas Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild) and Xenopsylla astia (Rothschild). Rat fleas, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild) and X. astia (Rothschild) were fed artificially on whole blood, milk and blood fractions in an attempt to identify the factor(s) which trigger ovarian maturation. Blood from the white rat, house rat, white mouse, frog, chick and man fed artificially induced vitellogenesis in over 50% of fleas of all combinations except in X. cheopis fed on chick blood. Gut distension alone had no influence on initiation of vitellogenesis as judged by feeding milk. Washed white rat blood cells resuspended in saline initiated vitellogenesis, but plasma did not. Addition to plasma of ATP, glutathione and serotonin did not initiate yolk deposition. However, raising the protein concentration of the rat plasma had a decided influence on vitellogenesis. The protein concentration of the diet appeared to be a decisive factor in initiating yolk deposition in these fleas. A change from whole blood to plasma diet caused all the mature oocytes to resorb in both the species of fleas.", "PMID": 999361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7630", "title": "The society of thoracic surgeons.", "content": "The opportunity to discuss evolving socioeconomic issues affecting the medical profession as a whole was rejected in favor of personalizing The Society of Thoracic Surgeons for a membership that has grown to almost 1,500 persons. Drawing on historical insights gained through participation in the origin, growth, and development of The Society, I take readers behind the scenes and introduce to them the many people and vast resources that serve our membership. Particular attention is focused on the services of The Society's headquarters office, which is housed and managed by Smith, Bucklin and Associates, Inc, of Chicago, a multiple-association management firm that serves 60 national organizations; on our prestigious publisher, Little, Brown and Company of Boston; and on its link with our Editorial Office in Ann Arbor.", "contents": "The society of thoracic surgeons. The opportunity to discuss evolving socioeconomic issues affecting the medical profession as a whole was rejected in favor of personalizing The Society of Thoracic Surgeons for a membership that has grown to almost 1,500 persons. Drawing on historical insights gained through participation in the origin, growth, and development of The Society, I take readers behind the scenes and introduce to them the many people and vast resources that serve our membership. Particular attention is focused on the services of The Society's headquarters office, which is housed and managed by Smith, Bucklin and Associates, Inc, of Chicago, a multiple-association management firm that serves 60 national organizations; on our prestigious publisher, Little, Brown and Company of Boston; and on its link with our Editorial Office in Ann Arbor.", "PMID": 999364} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7631", "title": "Open-heart experience in infants using normothermia and deep hypothermia.", "content": "During the 9-year period from 1967 through 1975, 124 open-heart operations were performed on infants less than 1 year of age with 35 operative deaths (28%). Ninety-seven of these procedures used continuous cardiopulmonary bypass with normothermia or mild hypothermia, and 27 were done under deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest. Mortality and morbidity were similar regardless of the operative technique, although deep hypothermia facilitated the repair of complex lesions. The highest mortality occurred in infants less than 3 months of age. Respiratory insufficiency, usually requiring prolonged ventilatory support, occurred only among infants who had pulmonary overcirculation or congestion prior to operation. Adequacy of intraoperative repair and postoperative care were the major determinants of survival.", "contents": "Open-heart experience in infants using normothermia and deep hypothermia. During the 9-year period from 1967 through 1975, 124 open-heart operations were performed on infants less than 1 year of age with 35 operative deaths (28%). Ninety-seven of these procedures used continuous cardiopulmonary bypass with normothermia or mild hypothermia, and 27 were done under deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest. Mortality and morbidity were similar regardless of the operative technique, although deep hypothermia facilitated the repair of complex lesions. The highest mortality occurred in infants less than 3 months of age. Respiratory insufficiency, usually requiring prolonged ventilatory support, occurred only among infants who had pulmonary overcirculation or congestion prior to operation. Adequacy of intraoperative repair and postoperative care were the major determinants of survival.", "PMID": 999365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7632", "title": "Effect of hypothermic anoxic cardioplegia on myocardial contractility.", "content": "A study was undertaken to ascertain the protective effect of topical hypothermia on the anoxic heart. The presence or absence of myocardial damage was judged by myocardial contractility. The papillary muscle of an excised rabbit heart was detached from the mitral annulus and interposed between a fixed point and a force/displacement transducer. The maximal net developed tension (TNmax) of the papillary muscle with normothermic coronary perfusion was used as an index of myocardial contractility. With each temperature drop of 10 degrees C, the anoxia time that resulted in the same recovery level of TNmax was prolonged by a factor of 2.8. A nomogram was constructed correlating percent of myocardial recovery seen with different degrees of myocardial hypothermia during various anoxic periods. Optimum protection was noted at a myocardial temperature of 18 degrees C.", "contents": "Effect of hypothermic anoxic cardioplegia on myocardial contractility. A study was undertaken to ascertain the protective effect of topical hypothermia on the anoxic heart. The presence or absence of myocardial damage was judged by myocardial contractility. The papillary muscle of an excised rabbit heart was detached from the mitral annulus and interposed between a fixed point and a force/displacement transducer. The maximal net developed tension (TNmax) of the papillary muscle with normothermic coronary perfusion was used as an index of myocardial contractility. With each temperature drop of 10 degrees C, the anoxia time that resulted in the same recovery level of TNmax was prolonged by a factor of 2.8. A nomogram was constructed correlating percent of myocardial recovery seen with different degrees of myocardial hypothermia during various anoxic periods. Optimum protection was noted at a myocardial temperature of 18 degrees C.", "PMID": 999366} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7633", "title": "Effects of morphine and halothane anesthesia on coronary blood flow.", "content": "This study was undertaken to determine the relative effects of morphine and halothane anesthesia on coronary blood flow. Right heart bypass was instituted in 20 dogs by draining the vena cava blood into a cardiotomy reservoir and returning it to the main pulmonary artery. Coronary sinus drainage was measured by a right ventricular cannula. Group I (10 dogs) was sequentially given 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5% halothane. Group II (10 dogs) was given 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mg per kilogram of morphine intravenously. Arterial pressure, coronary sinus blood flow, cardiac output, arterial pH, PCO2, and PO2 were determined and repeated at each dose level of anesthesia and compared to the control values. Morphine significantly increased coronary flow at 3, 4, and 5 mg/kg without pressure adjustment and at 2 mg/kg after pressure adjustment. Coronary flow with halothane was unchanged from control values except for a decrease at 2.5%. Coronary flow was significantly greater with 3, 4, and 5 mg/kg of morphine than with 1.0 and 1.5% halothane.", "contents": "Effects of morphine and halothane anesthesia on coronary blood flow. This study was undertaken to determine the relative effects of morphine and halothane anesthesia on coronary blood flow. Right heart bypass was instituted in 20 dogs by draining the vena cava blood into a cardiotomy reservoir and returning it to the main pulmonary artery. Coronary sinus drainage was measured by a right ventricular cannula. Group I (10 dogs) was sequentially given 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5% halothane. Group II (10 dogs) was given 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mg per kilogram of morphine intravenously. Arterial pressure, coronary sinus blood flow, cardiac output, arterial pH, PCO2, and PO2 were determined and repeated at each dose level of anesthesia and compared to the control values. Morphine significantly increased coronary flow at 3, 4, and 5 mg/kg without pressure adjustment and at 2 mg/kg after pressure adjustment. Coronary flow with halothane was unchanged from control values except for a decrease at 2.5%. Coronary flow was significantly greater with 3, 4, and 5 mg/kg of morphine than with 1.0 and 1.5% halothane.", "PMID": 999367} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7634", "title": "Resuscitation of the moribund patient using portable cardiopulmonary bypass.", "content": "The advancements in extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support through oxygenation and pumping units have permitted the explosive development of heart surgery. A battery-powered portable cardiopulmonary bypass machine has been used in 39 patients whose conditions precluded transport to the operating room. Nineteen patients with massive pulmonary emboli, 10 with extensive cardiopulmonary trauma, who had sustained massive drug overdose, and 2 with cardiogenic shock from acute myocardial infarction were successfully placed on cardiopulmonary bypass at the bedside within 15 minutes of cardiac arrest using femoral artery and femoral vein cannulation. Six patients who had cardiac arrest and suspected massive pulmonary emboli were found to have no mechanical cause for their arrest. Thirteen of the patients with massive pulmonary emboli were saved. Eight of the 10 patients who required portable cardiopulmonary bypass for massive traumatic thoracic injuries had control of hemorrhage and repair, allowing bypass to be discontinued. Two of these 8 patients had sustained transection of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. Sixteen patients survived for more than 30 days, and there are 15 long-term survivors.", "contents": "Resuscitation of the moribund patient using portable cardiopulmonary bypass. The advancements in extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support through oxygenation and pumping units have permitted the explosive development of heart surgery. A battery-powered portable cardiopulmonary bypass machine has been used in 39 patients whose conditions precluded transport to the operating room. Nineteen patients with massive pulmonary emboli, 10 with extensive cardiopulmonary trauma, who had sustained massive drug overdose, and 2 with cardiogenic shock from acute myocardial infarction were successfully placed on cardiopulmonary bypass at the bedside within 15 minutes of cardiac arrest using femoral artery and femoral vein cannulation. Six patients who had cardiac arrest and suspected massive pulmonary emboli were found to have no mechanical cause for their arrest. Thirteen of the patients with massive pulmonary emboli were saved. Eight of the 10 patients who required portable cardiopulmonary bypass for massive traumatic thoracic injuries had control of hemorrhage and repair, allowing bypass to be discontinued. Two of these 8 patients had sustained transection of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. Sixteen patients survived for more than 30 days, and there are 15 long-term survivors.", "PMID": 999368} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7635", "title": "Clinical and hemodynamic performance of a totally flexible prosthetic ring for atrioventricular valve reconstruction.", "content": "A new, totally flexible ring for atrioventricular annuloplasty is described. The technique for its insertion closely follows the principles of Carpentier's selective annulus reconstruction [4]. Ninety-nine such rings have been inserted (47 in the mitral and 52 in the triscuspid position); 45 valves were simultaneously replaced. There were 6 (4 hospital and 2 late) deaths. The thromboembolic incidence was 4.8%. No instances of dehiscence or late ring deterioration have been detected. Thirty-four patients have been recatheterized, 19 of them with mitral rings. The mitral gradients and angiographic findings show the correct functioning of the implanted ring. It is concluded that use of this flexible ring, which adapts to the continuous changes of the normal mitral annulus, produces a more physiological type of valve operation.", "contents": "Clinical and hemodynamic performance of a totally flexible prosthetic ring for atrioventricular valve reconstruction. A new, totally flexible ring for atrioventricular annuloplasty is described. The technique for its insertion closely follows the principles of Carpentier's selective annulus reconstruction [4]. Ninety-nine such rings have been inserted (47 in the mitral and 52 in the triscuspid position); 45 valves were simultaneously replaced. There were 6 (4 hospital and 2 late) deaths. The thromboembolic incidence was 4.8%. No instances of dehiscence or late ring deterioration have been detected. Thirty-four patients have been recatheterized, 19 of them with mitral rings. The mitral gradients and angiographic findings show the correct functioning of the implanted ring. It is concluded that use of this flexible ring, which adapts to the continuous changes of the normal mitral annulus, produces a more physiological type of valve operation.", "PMID": 999370} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7636", "title": "The surgical treatment of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome: evolution of improved methods for identification and interruption of the Kent Bundle.", "content": "Fifty patients have been operated upon for the tachyarrhythmias associated with Kent bundles. The indications for operation were supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in 23 and life-threatening tachyarrhythmia in 27. Among the unusual variants noted were multiple Kent bundles that conducted only retrograde in 3. Forty-nine patients underwent attempted interruption of the bundle of Kent followed by His bundle division in 6. One had elective division of the bundle of His. The surgical problems occurred in 13 patients with posterior septal Kent bundles. A new approach is outlined for this group. Division of the Kent bundle was successful in 31 patients, but 2 deaths occurred from cardiomyopathy. Seven patients had successful control of SVT by His bundle interruption. One patient with postoperative retrograde conduction has the SVT controlled with drugs. Eight have postoperative delta waves, but their SVT is controlled with drugs. There were 3 failures.", "contents": "The surgical treatment of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome: evolution of improved methods for identification and interruption of the Kent Bundle. Fifty patients have been operated upon for the tachyarrhythmias associated with Kent bundles. The indications for operation were supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in 23 and life-threatening tachyarrhythmia in 27. Among the unusual variants noted were multiple Kent bundles that conducted only retrograde in 3. Forty-nine patients underwent attempted interruption of the bundle of Kent followed by His bundle division in 6. One had elective division of the bundle of His. The surgical problems occurred in 13 patients with posterior septal Kent bundles. A new approach is outlined for this group. Division of the Kent bundle was successful in 31 patients, but 2 deaths occurred from cardiomyopathy. Seven patients had successful control of SVT by His bundle interruption. One patient with postoperative retrograde conduction has the SVT controlled with drugs. Eight have postoperative delta waves, but their SVT is controlled with drugs. There were 3 failures.", "PMID": 999369} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7637", "title": "Acute penetrating tracheal trauma.", "content": "During the past ten years, 20 patients with acute penetrating tracheal injury (15 cervical and 5 thoracic) have been treated at Grady Memorial Hospital. Ten of the 20 patients had other major associated injuries: 6 had esophageal wounds, 5 had arterial injuries, and 2 had additional wounds. In the first 5 patients treatment of the tracheal injuries consisted of tracheostomy alone. Later on, the tracheal wounds were managed according to type, site, size, and the type of other organ injury. Repair of the tracheal wound and tracheostomy were done in 3 patients, repair of the tracheal wound and temporary tracheal intubation in 4 patients, tracheocutaneous stoma in 1 patient, temporary tracheal intubation alone in 4 patients, and observation alone in 3 patients. Seventeen patients recovered from their injuries and 3 died from sepsis, respiratory insufficiency, or cerebrovascular accident. All 3 deceased patients had other major injuries. This experience suggests that the treatment of penetrating tracheal injury should depend upon the type, size, and site of the wound and the type of coexistent injury to other organs, and that primary repair of the tracheal wound can be carried out in the majority of the patients.", "contents": "Acute penetrating tracheal trauma. During the past ten years, 20 patients with acute penetrating tracheal injury (15 cervical and 5 thoracic) have been treated at Grady Memorial Hospital. Ten of the 20 patients had other major associated injuries: 6 had esophageal wounds, 5 had arterial injuries, and 2 had additional wounds. In the first 5 patients treatment of the tracheal injuries consisted of tracheostomy alone. Later on, the tracheal wounds were managed according to type, site, size, and the type of other organ injury. Repair of the tracheal wound and tracheostomy were done in 3 patients, repair of the tracheal wound and temporary tracheal intubation in 4 patients, tracheocutaneous stoma in 1 patient, temporary tracheal intubation alone in 4 patients, and observation alone in 3 patients. Seventeen patients recovered from their injuries and 3 died from sepsis, respiratory insufficiency, or cerebrovascular accident. All 3 deceased patients had other major injuries. This experience suggests that the treatment of penetrating tracheal injury should depend upon the type, size, and site of the wound and the type of coexistent injury to other organs, and that primary repair of the tracheal wound can be carried out in the majority of the patients.", "PMID": 999372} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7638", "title": "Surgical treatment of acute aortic regurgitation in infective endocarditis.", "content": "During a six-year period 15 consecutive patients with isolated aortic regurgitation due to infective endocarditis were encountered. None had prior significant aortic valve disease. Elective valve replacement was performed in 13 patients; emergency operation was needed in only 1 patient because of intractable pulmonary edema. One patient died suddenly from acute heart block while undergoing medical treatment. Preoperative cardiac catheterization studies in 10 of the 14 patients revealed gross elevations of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, pulmonary hypertension, depressed cardiac output, and 3 to 4+ aortic regurgitation. There was 1 early and 1 late postoperative death, both due to systemic embolism, yielding an overall surgical mortality of 14%. After a mean follow-up of 18 months, 10 of the 11 patients are in New York Heart Association Functional Class I. Most patients with acute aortic regurgitation secondary to infective endocarditis have clinically observable congestive heart failure and will eventually require valve replacement. If congestive heart failure can be stabilized by a medical regimen, a course of antibiotic therapy can be administered and elective valve replacement can be performed. The time taken for preoperative antibiotic treatment is not associated with irreversible myocardial damage sufficient to influence the results of operation.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of acute aortic regurgitation in infective endocarditis. During a six-year period 15 consecutive patients with isolated aortic regurgitation due to infective endocarditis were encountered. None had prior significant aortic valve disease. Elective valve replacement was performed in 13 patients; emergency operation was needed in only 1 patient because of intractable pulmonary edema. One patient died suddenly from acute heart block while undergoing medical treatment. Preoperative cardiac catheterization studies in 10 of the 14 patients revealed gross elevations of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, pulmonary hypertension, depressed cardiac output, and 3 to 4+ aortic regurgitation. There was 1 early and 1 late postoperative death, both due to systemic embolism, yielding an overall surgical mortality of 14%. After a mean follow-up of 18 months, 10 of the 11 patients are in New York Heart Association Functional Class I. Most patients with acute aortic regurgitation secondary to infective endocarditis have clinically observable congestive heart failure and will eventually require valve replacement. If congestive heart failure can be stabilized by a medical regimen, a course of antibiotic therapy can be administered and elective valve replacement can be performed. The time taken for preoperative antibiotic treatment is not associated with irreversible myocardial damage sufficient to influence the results of operation.", "PMID": 999371} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7639", "title": "Spectrum of pulmonary sequestration.", "content": "Bronchopulmonary sequestration was diagnosed in 17 patients ranging in age from newborn to 64 years. The sequestration was intralobar in 14 patients and extralobar in 3. The spectrum of symptoms could be divided into three patterns: no symptoms (6 patients), respiratory problems (8 patients), and cardiovascular problems (3 patients). Cardiovascular problems usually manifest themselves in the first few weeks or months of life and often have a respiratory component. In older patients the sequestration is first manifested by recurrent pulmonary infections or, if it remains uninfected, an asymptomatic density on chest roentgenogram. The definitive diagnostic study is arteriography. Operative treatment for the intralobar variety consists of segmental resection or, if the inflammatory process is more extensive, lobectomy. An extralobar sequestration may simply be excised.", "contents": "Spectrum of pulmonary sequestration. Bronchopulmonary sequestration was diagnosed in 17 patients ranging in age from newborn to 64 years. The sequestration was intralobar in 14 patients and extralobar in 3. The spectrum of symptoms could be divided into three patterns: no symptoms (6 patients), respiratory problems (8 patients), and cardiovascular problems (3 patients). Cardiovascular problems usually manifest themselves in the first few weeks or months of life and often have a respiratory component. In older patients the sequestration is first manifested by recurrent pulmonary infections or, if it remains uninfected, an asymptomatic density on chest roentgenogram. The definitive diagnostic study is arteriography. Operative treatment for the intralobar variety consists of segmental resection or, if the inflammatory process is more extensive, lobectomy. An extralobar sequestration may simply be excised.", "PMID": 999373} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7640", "title": "Intrathoracic presentation of amebic liver abscess.", "content": "Amebic infection is endemic in tropical and subtropical countries and still remains a common cause of chronic morbidity in these areas. This is a report of 10 patients with different intrathoracic presentations of amebic liver abscess who were treated surgically after conservative measures had failed. Five of these patients had empyema when first seen, 3 had lung abscess, and 1 had intrathoracic shadow that proved on exploration to be an amebic liver abscess. All of these 9 patients had abscesses on the right side secondary to amebic liver abscess of the right lobe of the liver. The tenth patient had amebic pericarditis secondary to amebic abscess of the left lobe of the liver. Failure of conservative treatment in these patients is attributed to the thick nature of the amebic pus and the severe reaction of the pleura and pericardium to the amebic infection. To avoid the serious complication of pleuropulmonary amebiasis, early operation is advised for large liver abscesses that are unlikely to be controlled by conservative treatment. Transpleural drainage of such abscesses gives direct approach to their sites, which are commonly located in the superior part of the right lobe of the liver. Such drainage has proved to be safe provided that the patient is receiving antiamebic drug treatment.", "contents": "Intrathoracic presentation of amebic liver abscess. Amebic infection is endemic in tropical and subtropical countries and still remains a common cause of chronic morbidity in these areas. This is a report of 10 patients with different intrathoracic presentations of amebic liver abscess who were treated surgically after conservative measures had failed. Five of these patients had empyema when first seen, 3 had lung abscess, and 1 had intrathoracic shadow that proved on exploration to be an amebic liver abscess. All of these 9 patients had abscesses on the right side secondary to amebic liver abscess of the right lobe of the liver. The tenth patient had amebic pericarditis secondary to amebic abscess of the left lobe of the liver. Failure of conservative treatment in these patients is attributed to the thick nature of the amebic pus and the severe reaction of the pleura and pericardium to the amebic infection. To avoid the serious complication of pleuropulmonary amebiasis, early operation is advised for large liver abscesses that are unlikely to be controlled by conservative treatment. Transpleural drainage of such abscesses gives direct approach to their sites, which are commonly located in the superior part of the right lobe of the liver. Such drainage has proved to be safe provided that the patient is receiving antiamebic drug treatment.", "PMID": 999374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7641", "title": "Bypass of superior vena cava with spiral vein graft.", "content": "The superior vena cava was successfully bypassed in a patient with superior vena cava syndrome due to granulomatous mediastinitis. A spiral vein graft constructed from autogenous vein was utilized. Complete relief of symptoms and graft patency documented by venography six months after the operation confirm the usefulness of this procedure in patients with superior vena cava obstruction.", "contents": "Bypass of superior vena cava with spiral vein graft. The superior vena cava was successfully bypassed in a patient with superior vena cava syndrome due to granulomatous mediastinitis. A spiral vein graft constructed from autogenous vein was utilized. Complete relief of symptoms and graft patency documented by venography six months after the operation confirm the usefulness of this procedure in patients with superior vena cava obstruction.", "PMID": 999375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7642", "title": "A new instrument for measurements in cardiovascular surgery.", "content": "An instrument for performing measurements in cardiac and vascular operations is described. This device is a modification of a vascular clamp that provides an accurate and simple method for making intracardiac measurements. The instrument is constructed to provide easy readout of even extremely small measurements.", "contents": "A new instrument for measurements in cardiovascular surgery. An instrument for performing measurements in cardiac and vascular operations is described. This device is a modification of a vascular clamp that provides an accurate and simple method for making intracardiac measurements. The instrument is constructed to provide easy readout of even extremely small measurements.", "PMID": 999376} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7643", "title": "A further look at tricuspid annuloplasty.", "content": "Is it necessary to replace the tricuspid valve or insert a tricuspid ring for pure tricuspid insufficiency, or is repair satisfactory? In 96 of 113 patients with pure tricuspid insufficiency the tricuspid valve was repaired by converting the incompetent three-leaflet valve into a two-leaflet one. To avoid liver damage in these critically ill patients, the inferior caval tie was omitted during the open-heart procedure. There have been 5 deaths in the last 51 consecutive operations. Three patients developed recurrent tricuspid insufficiency secondary to failure of the mitral repair or replacement. It is concluded that tricuspid repair for pure tricuspid insufficiency is a simple and excellent method for treating severe, pure tricuspid insufficiency.", "contents": "A further look at tricuspid annuloplasty. Is it necessary to replace the tricuspid valve or insert a tricuspid ring for pure tricuspid insufficiency, or is repair satisfactory? In 96 of 113 patients with pure tricuspid insufficiency the tricuspid valve was repaired by converting the incompetent three-leaflet valve into a two-leaflet one. To avoid liver damage in these critically ill patients, the inferior caval tie was omitted during the open-heart procedure. There have been 5 deaths in the last 51 consecutive operations. Three patients developed recurrent tricuspid insufficiency secondary to failure of the mitral repair or replacement. It is concluded that tricuspid repair for pure tricuspid insufficiency is a simple and excellent method for treating severe, pure tricuspid insufficiency.", "PMID": 999377} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7644", "title": "Experience with internal mammary artery grafts in 298 patients.", "content": "The internal mammary artery (IMA) was used as a graft in 298 patients undergoing coronary bypass procedures. Two patients died during the operative period and 2 others died one year later. Most of the survivors are free of angina. Of the IMAs restudied 9 to 24 months postoperatively, 95% were patent. This group included nearly all the patients having angina after operation. There are some situations in which the IMA may have inadequate flow in comparison to the vein graft. These results suggest the IMA is an excellent graft in most coronary bypass procedures.", "contents": "Experience with internal mammary artery grafts in 298 patients. The internal mammary artery (IMA) was used as a graft in 298 patients undergoing coronary bypass procedures. Two patients died during the operative period and 2 others died one year later. Most of the survivors are free of angina. Of the IMAs restudied 9 to 24 months postoperatively, 95% were patent. This group included nearly all the patients having angina after operation. There are some situations in which the IMA may have inadequate flow in comparison to the vein graft. These results suggest the IMA is an excellent graft in most coronary bypass procedures.", "PMID": 999378} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7645", "title": "Evolving indications for preoperative intraaortic balloon pump assistance.", "content": "Over a two-year period about 1,000 operations were performed with cardiopulmonary bypass. Intraaortic balloon pump assistance (IABP) was employed on 150 occasions, and a review of these has permitted clarification of the indications for its use. Sixty patients had IABP for carcinogenic shock either after infarction or cardiotomy, and 37 (62%) survived. Preoperative IABP in 90 high-risk patients resulted in survival for 79 (88%). The indications for prophylactic IABP included: (1) relief of severe pain, which occurred in 42 patients with acute coronary insufficiency, (2) improvement in the coronary perfusion pressure, which was accomplished in 20 patients with significant left main coronary artery occlusion or its equivalent, and (3) protection of left ventricular function, which war carried out in 28 patients with an LV ejection fraction of less than 0.40. The significance of the preoperative endocardial viability ratio (EVR) in relation to prophylactic IABP was also assessed: an EVR below 0.70 appears to be an indication for preoperative IABP.", "contents": "Evolving indications for preoperative intraaortic balloon pump assistance. Over a two-year period about 1,000 operations were performed with cardiopulmonary bypass. Intraaortic balloon pump assistance (IABP) was employed on 150 occasions, and a review of these has permitted clarification of the indications for its use. Sixty patients had IABP for carcinogenic shock either after infarction or cardiotomy, and 37 (62%) survived. Preoperative IABP in 90 high-risk patients resulted in survival for 79 (88%). The indications for prophylactic IABP included: (1) relief of severe pain, which occurred in 42 patients with acute coronary insufficiency, (2) improvement in the coronary perfusion pressure, which was accomplished in 20 patients with significant left main coronary artery occlusion or its equivalent, and (3) protection of left ventricular function, which war carried out in 28 patients with an LV ejection fraction of less than 0.40. The significance of the preoperative endocardial viability ratio (EVR) in relation to prophylactic IABP was also assessed: an EVR below 0.70 appears to be an indication for preoperative IABP.", "PMID": 999379} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7646", "title": "A servocontrolled atrial-aortic assist device: experimental findings and clinical experience.", "content": "A servocontrol system was developed to regulate a single roller pump left atrial-aortic (La-A) assist device. Responsiveness of the servomechanism to blood volume changes, myocardial damage, and mitral regurgitation was evaluated in 5 sheep and 6 dogs. Myocardial damage was induced by occlusion of coronary arteries. and the hemodynamic effects of La-A assistance were evaluated. While La-A assistance reduced left atrial pressures to low levels, the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure remained elevated in the severely damaged heart. LaA-assistance was used in 3 patients. Two were weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass after failure of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation, and 1 is a long-term survivor. The third was supported for 48 hours after attempt repair of complex congenital heart disease. The servocontrol device added to the safety of prolonged La-A assistance. This mode of assistance should be considered when intraaortic balloon counterpulsation has failed.", "contents": "A servocontrolled atrial-aortic assist device: experimental findings and clinical experience. A servocontrol system was developed to regulate a single roller pump left atrial-aortic (La-A) assist device. Responsiveness of the servomechanism to blood volume changes, myocardial damage, and mitral regurgitation was evaluated in 5 sheep and 6 dogs. Myocardial damage was induced by occlusion of coronary arteries. and the hemodynamic effects of La-A assistance were evaluated. While La-A assistance reduced left atrial pressures to low levels, the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure remained elevated in the severely damaged heart. LaA-assistance was used in 3 patients. Two were weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass after failure of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation, and 1 is a long-term survivor. The third was supported for 48 hours after attempt repair of complex congenital heart disease. The servocontrol device added to the safety of prolonged La-A assistance. This mode of assistance should be considered when intraaortic balloon counterpulsation has failed.", "PMID": 999380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7647", "title": "Surface-induced profound hypothermia in infant cardiac operations: a new system.", "content": "A new system of surface-induced profound hypothermia for infant cardiac operations has been developed in order to overcome problems inherent in the current techniques using crushed ice, water baths, and similar methods. The hypothermic chamber consists of two parts: a lower part, containing a refrigeration unit and a blower fan capable of lowering the air temperature in the chamber to -6 degrees C, and an upper part made of Plexiglas that has a completely detachable end to allow easy access to cannulas, the anesthesia hose, and the infant. A temperature panel recorder to monitor the infant's esophageal and rectal temperatures and the ambient chamber temperature is incorporated into the unit. Following evaluation in the animal laboratory, the hypothermic chamber has been successfully used in 10 infants without any complications attributable to the technique. This method provides a rapid and uniform drop of the body temperature and even skin cooling, eliminates the possibility of contact skin lesions, saves medical and paramedical personnel time in preparation of the infant and equipment, and allows observation of the child during the cooling phase. This hypothermic chamber has facilitated infant hypothermic operations.", "contents": "Surface-induced profound hypothermia in infant cardiac operations: a new system. A new system of surface-induced profound hypothermia for infant cardiac operations has been developed in order to overcome problems inherent in the current techniques using crushed ice, water baths, and similar methods. The hypothermic chamber consists of two parts: a lower part, containing a refrigeration unit and a blower fan capable of lowering the air temperature in the chamber to -6 degrees C, and an upper part made of Plexiglas that has a completely detachable end to allow easy access to cannulas, the anesthesia hose, and the infant. A temperature panel recorder to monitor the infant's esophageal and rectal temperatures and the ambient chamber temperature is incorporated into the unit. Following evaluation in the animal laboratory, the hypothermic chamber has been successfully used in 10 infants without any complications attributable to the technique. This method provides a rapid and uniform drop of the body temperature and even skin cooling, eliminates the possibility of contact skin lesions, saves medical and paramedical personnel time in preparation of the infant and equipment, and allows observation of the child during the cooling phase. This hypothermic chamber has facilitated infant hypothermic operations.", "PMID": 999382} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7648", "title": "Myocardial injury associated with potassium arrest.", "content": "The relative efficacy of potassium-induced ischemic arrest using buffered, isosmotic potassium (25 mEq/liter) was compared with hypothermic arrest in an experimental protocol employing an intact canine heart preparation. Myocardial function (LVSW, dp/dt max), serum creatine phosphokinase levels, myocardial perfusion, and light and electron microscopical examination of the heart were assessed in five groups of 5 dogs each. There was one control group (90 minutes of bypass, no anoxia) and four experimental groups, each subjected to 1 hour of ischemic arrest and 30 minutes of reperfusion, comparing normothermic ischemic arrest (NIA), hypothermic ischemic arrest (myocardial temperature less than 25 degrees C) (HIA), normothermic potassium arrest (NKA), and hypothermic potassium arrest (HKA). Myocardial function decreased significantly following NIA and NKA but remained essentially equal in the control, HIA and HKA groups. Serum creatine phosphokinase analysis documented a significant increase in each group of animals: 2,250 mU after NIA, 1,778 mU after NKA, 1,388 mU after HIA, 1,220 mU after HKA, and 838 mU after control bypass. Left ventricular myocardial perfusion was unmeasurably low after NIA, reduced to 111 m/100 gm of tissue/min after NKA, and increased to 165 to 188 ml/100 gm/min in the control, HIA and HKA groups. Electron microscopical studies showed a range of myocardial changes, from probably irreversible damage after NIA to similar but less diffuse changes after NKA, and to potentially reversible changes after HKA and HIA with the least alteration from control after HIA. The results indicate that potassium arrest alone is not as effective as hypothermia in preventing ischemic injury, and the combination of hypothermia with a single 150 cc administration of potassium (25 mEq/liter) does not appear to provide significant additional protection.", "contents": "Myocardial injury associated with potassium arrest. The relative efficacy of potassium-induced ischemic arrest using buffered, isosmotic potassium (25 mEq/liter) was compared with hypothermic arrest in an experimental protocol employing an intact canine heart preparation. Myocardial function (LVSW, dp/dt max), serum creatine phosphokinase levels, myocardial perfusion, and light and electron microscopical examination of the heart were assessed in five groups of 5 dogs each. There was one control group (90 minutes of bypass, no anoxia) and four experimental groups, each subjected to 1 hour of ischemic arrest and 30 minutes of reperfusion, comparing normothermic ischemic arrest (NIA), hypothermic ischemic arrest (myocardial temperature less than 25 degrees C) (HIA), normothermic potassium arrest (NKA), and hypothermic potassium arrest (HKA). Myocardial function decreased significantly following NIA and NKA but remained essentially equal in the control, HIA and HKA groups. Serum creatine phosphokinase analysis documented a significant increase in each group of animals: 2,250 mU after NIA, 1,778 mU after NKA, 1,388 mU after HIA, 1,220 mU after HKA, and 838 mU after control bypass. Left ventricular myocardial perfusion was unmeasurably low after NIA, reduced to 111 m/100 gm of tissue/min after NKA, and increased to 165 to 188 ml/100 gm/min in the control, HIA and HKA groups. Electron microscopical studies showed a range of myocardial changes, from probably irreversible damage after NIA to similar but less diffuse changes after NKA, and to potentially reversible changes after HKA and HIA with the least alteration from control after HIA. The results indicate that potassium arrest alone is not as effective as hypothermia in preventing ischemic injury, and the combination of hypothermia with a single 150 cc administration of potassium (25 mEq/liter) does not appear to provide significant additional protection.", "PMID": 999381} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7649", "title": "Results following physiological repair for tricuspid atresia.", "content": "Fourteen patients underwent a physiological operation for tricuspid atresia. Seven patients survived up to 3 years after operation. Six patients underwent hemodynamic studies 2 to 34 months postoperatively (mean, 15 months). Average age at the time of operation was 14 years (range, 5 to 25 years). Postoperative studies showed 4 patients to be in sinus rhythm and 2 in junctional rhythm. Right atrial pressure was elevated an average of 17 mm Hg (range, 10 to 34 mm Hg). All patients showed good atrial transport function regardless of their rhythm. Two had a right atrium-left pulmonary artery gradient of 1.5 to 10 mm Hg across the conduit. Average arterial saturation was 92% (range, 87 to 97%), on improvement of 13% over preoperative values. Residual hypoexmia was due to pulmonary vein desaturation and to atrial right-to-left shunting early postoperatively and later, to atrial right-to-left shunting alone.", "contents": "Results following physiological repair for tricuspid atresia. Fourteen patients underwent a physiological operation for tricuspid atresia. Seven patients survived up to 3 years after operation. Six patients underwent hemodynamic studies 2 to 34 months postoperatively (mean, 15 months). Average age at the time of operation was 14 years (range, 5 to 25 years). Postoperative studies showed 4 patients to be in sinus rhythm and 2 in junctional rhythm. Right atrial pressure was elevated an average of 17 mm Hg (range, 10 to 34 mm Hg). All patients showed good atrial transport function regardless of their rhythm. Two had a right atrium-left pulmonary artery gradient of 1.5 to 10 mm Hg across the conduit. Average arterial saturation was 92% (range, 87 to 97%), on improvement of 13% over preoperative values. Residual hypoexmia was due to pulmonary vein desaturation and to atrial right-to-left shunting early postoperatively and later, to atrial right-to-left shunting alone.", "PMID": 999383} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7650", "title": "Permanent cardiac pacemakers in children: technical considerations.", "content": "Placement of permanent cardiac pacemakers in children presents technical problems that are not encountered in the adult. Problems unique to pacemaker implantation in children are related to the patient's size, the relative bulkiness of pulse generators, the lack of subcutaneous tissue, and the child's growth and long life expectancy. Based on our experience with implantation of 27 permanent cardiac pacemakers in 13 children, we have found that the use of small pulse generators, placement of epicardial leads, insertion of properitoneal pulse generators, and use of recharabeable pacemakers are satisfactory methods in children.", "contents": "Permanent cardiac pacemakers in children: technical considerations. Placement of permanent cardiac pacemakers in children presents technical problems that are not encountered in the adult. Problems unique to pacemaker implantation in children are related to the patient's size, the relative bulkiness of pulse generators, the lack of subcutaneous tissue, and the child's growth and long life expectancy. Based on our experience with implantation of 27 permanent cardiac pacemakers in 13 children, we have found that the use of small pulse generators, placement of epicardial leads, insertion of properitoneal pulse generators, and use of recharabeable pacemakers are satisfactory methods in children.", "PMID": 999384} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7651", "title": "Management of uremic pericarditis: a report of 11 patients with cardiac tamponade and a review of the literature.", "content": "Uremic pericarditis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in most hemodialysis programs. A review of the literature and out own experience show that uremic pericarditis should be vigorously treated when detected. Usually an increase in the dialysis program with regional heparinization is sufficient to control the pericarditis. When signs of pericardial effusion are manifested, patients often progress rapidly to cardiac tamponade. A surgical anterolateral pericardiectomy is the most satisfactory measure in controlling pericardial effusion and preventing fatal cardiac tamponade. Although these patients have severely impaired renal function, the operation can be performed safely with a low morbidity and mortality.", "contents": "Management of uremic pericarditis: a report of 11 patients with cardiac tamponade and a review of the literature. Uremic pericarditis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in most hemodialysis programs. A review of the literature and out own experience show that uremic pericarditis should be vigorously treated when detected. Usually an increase in the dialysis program with regional heparinization is sufficient to control the pericarditis. When signs of pericardial effusion are manifested, patients often progress rapidly to cardiac tamponade. A surgical anterolateral pericardiectomy is the most satisfactory measure in controlling pericardial effusion and preventing fatal cardiac tamponade. Although these patients have severely impaired renal function, the operation can be performed safely with a low morbidity and mortality.", "PMID": 999385} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7652", "title": "Method for replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve with reimplantation of the coronary arteries.", "content": "A method for replacing the entire ascending aorta and aortic valve is described that employs direct anastomosis of the coronary ostia to the graft, facilitated by appropriately time periods of hypothermic ischemic cardiac arrest. The advantages of this technique are that proper placement of sutures around the coronary ostia is simplified and that hemostasis at the aortic annulus and coronary anastomosis can be evaluated before the aortic clamp is removed and suture lines become inaccessible.", "contents": "Method for replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve with reimplantation of the coronary arteries. A method for replacing the entire ascending aorta and aortic valve is described that employs direct anastomosis of the coronary ostia to the graft, facilitated by appropriately time periods of hypothermic ischemic cardiac arrest. The advantages of this technique are that proper placement of sutures around the coronary ostia is simplified and that hemostasis at the aortic annulus and coronary anastomosis can be evaluated before the aortic clamp is removed and suture lines become inaccessible.", "PMID": 999386} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7653", "title": "Pulmonary artery sling.", "content": "A case of pulmonary artery sling in a 1-year-old boy, treated by resection of the left pulmonary artery (LPA) at its origin from the right pulmonary artery (RPA) and reanastomosis of the LPA to the main pulmonary artery (MPA), is reported. In this patient the LPA-MPA anastomosis was demonstrated to be patent in a follow-up pulmonary angiogram six months after the operation. Pulmonary artery sling should be kept in mine when assessing respiratory distesss syndrome in children.", "contents": "Pulmonary artery sling. A case of pulmonary artery sling in a 1-year-old boy, treated by resection of the left pulmonary artery (LPA) at its origin from the right pulmonary artery (RPA) and reanastomosis of the LPA to the main pulmonary artery (MPA), is reported. In this patient the LPA-MPA anastomosis was demonstrated to be patent in a follow-up pulmonary angiogram six months after the operation. Pulmonary artery sling should be kept in mine when assessing respiratory distesss syndrome in children.", "PMID": 999387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7654", "title": "Glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow following treatment with phenobarbital.", "content": "SPF-male rats were treated intraperitoneally with phenobarbital (30 mg/kg/day) or 0.9% sodium chloride for 4 days. Endogenous creatinine clearance in conscious rats and inulin clearance in nondiuretic rats under inactin anesthesia were measured 24 hr following the last injection. In an additional group of treated rats diuresis was induced by sodium chloride and mannitol and then inulin- and PAH clearance were measured simultaneously. Following 4 days treatment with phenobarbital, endogenous creatinine clearance and inulin clearance were not significantly different in control and phenobarbital-treated animals. In contrast significant changes were found in urine volume and PAH clearance in the phenobarbital-treated animals. These results do not reflect any change in glomerular filtration rate, but might be attributed to an increase in renal plasma flow or an activated tubular transport system following phenobarbital administration.", "contents": "Glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow following treatment with phenobarbital. SPF-male rats were treated intraperitoneally with phenobarbital (30 mg/kg/day) or 0.9% sodium chloride for 4 days. Endogenous creatinine clearance in conscious rats and inulin clearance in nondiuretic rats under inactin anesthesia were measured 24 hr following the last injection. In an additional group of treated rats diuresis was induced by sodium chloride and mannitol and then inulin- and PAH clearance were measured simultaneously. Following 4 days treatment with phenobarbital, endogenous creatinine clearance and inulin clearance were not significantly different in control and phenobarbital-treated animals. In contrast significant changes were found in urine volume and PAH clearance in the phenobarbital-treated animals. These results do not reflect any change in glomerular filtration rate, but might be attributed to an increase in renal plasma flow or an activated tubular transport system following phenobarbital administration.", "PMID": 999390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7655", "title": "Suppression of ethanol intake following administration of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitors in rats.", "content": "A comparison was made between the efficacy of action of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and/or aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibition in suppressing voluntary ethanol consumption in rats. Calcium carbimide, which caused the largest increase in blood acetaldehyde levels following ethanol injections, was the least effective in reducing ethanol consumption, whereas FLA-63, which had a smaller effect on blood acetaldehyde levels, was the most potent suppressor of ethanol ingestion. Disulfiram, which inhibits both aldehyde dehydrogenase and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase had an intermediate effect in terms of raising blood acetaldehyde levels and in suppressing ethanol intake. It is suggested that the inhibition of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase may be at least partly responsible for the suppression of ethanol intake seen following disulfiram administration, and that disruption of catecholamine synthesis may prove to be a more effective method for suppressing ethanol consumption.", "contents": "Suppression of ethanol intake following administration of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitors in rats. A comparison was made between the efficacy of action of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and/or aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibition in suppressing voluntary ethanol consumption in rats. Calcium carbimide, which caused the largest increase in blood acetaldehyde levels following ethanol injections, was the least effective in reducing ethanol consumption, whereas FLA-63, which had a smaller effect on blood acetaldehyde levels, was the most potent suppressor of ethanol ingestion. Disulfiram, which inhibits both aldehyde dehydrogenase and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase had an intermediate effect in terms of raising blood acetaldehyde levels and in suppressing ethanol intake. It is suggested that the inhibition of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase may be at least partly responsible for the suppression of ethanol intake seen following disulfiram administration, and that disruption of catecholamine synthesis may prove to be a more effective method for suppressing ethanol consumption.", "PMID": 999391} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7656", "title": "Hepatic function after acute of subchronic nicotine administration in untreated mice and mice treated with hepatotoxic chemicals.", "content": "Male mice treated with nicotine hydrochloride either acutely (5 mg/kg i.p.) or subchronically (5 mg/kg i.p. daily for 3 weeks; 25 mg/liter in drinking water for 2-3 months) showed no evidence of hepatic dysfunction, as measured by serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase or serum alkaline phosphatase activities. Neither acute nor subchronic administration modified the hepatotoxic response to a potent hepatotoxin (carbon tetrachloride), nor that of less potent hepatotoxins chloroform or 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane, nor was the cholestatic effect of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate modified.", "contents": "Hepatic function after acute of subchronic nicotine administration in untreated mice and mice treated with hepatotoxic chemicals. Male mice treated with nicotine hydrochloride either acutely (5 mg/kg i.p.) or subchronically (5 mg/kg i.p. daily for 3 weeks; 25 mg/liter in drinking water for 2-3 months) showed no evidence of hepatic dysfunction, as measured by serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase or serum alkaline phosphatase activities. Neither acute nor subchronic administration modified the hepatotoxic response to a potent hepatotoxin (carbon tetrachloride), nor that of less potent hepatotoxins chloroform or 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane, nor was the cholestatic effect of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate modified.", "PMID": 999392} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7657", "title": "[The effect of mepyramine and 48/80 on the histamine content of pleural exudates in the rat].", "content": "The influence of pretreatment with the antihistaminic, mepyramine, or with the histamine liberator 48/80 was studied on the volume and the histamine content of pleural exudates induced in rats by intrapleural injection of turpentine, silver nitrate or carrageenan. The fluorometric determination of histamine was performed in the exudates collected at different times after injection of the irritant. In control animals the histamine levels were different from those previously found by the authors using biological assays. In rats pretreated with mepyramine or compound 48/80, the effects observed varied according to the nature of the irritant used to induce pleurisy.", "contents": "[The effect of mepyramine and 48/80 on the histamine content of pleural exudates in the rat]. The influence of pretreatment with the antihistaminic, mepyramine, or with the histamine liberator 48/80 was studied on the volume and the histamine content of pleural exudates induced in rats by intrapleural injection of turpentine, silver nitrate or carrageenan. The fluorometric determination of histamine was performed in the exudates collected at different times after injection of the irritant. In control animals the histamine levels were different from those previously found by the authors using biological assays. In rats pretreated with mepyramine or compound 48/80, the effects observed varied according to the nature of the irritant used to induce pleurisy.", "PMID": 999393} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7658", "title": "The interaction of acetylcholine and d-tubocurarine on the end-plate free muscle membrane of rat diaphragm in low chloride solution.", "content": "The interaction of acetylcholine (ACh) and d-tubocurarine (dTC) on the membrane potential of end-plate free parts of rat diaphragm muscle fibres was studied using a conventional microelectrode technique. ACh only caused membrane depolarizations when the external chloride concentration was diminished. Therefore, all experiments were performed in a 40 mM Cl- containing medium. A bell-shaped log-dose response curve was obtained with ACh. Maximal depolarization occurred at 3.10(-4) M. The pD2 value for ACh was calculated to be 4.2. The log-dose response curve was shifted to the right in the presence of dTC; besides, the maximum seemed to be depressed. The pA2 values for dTC appeared to be 4.9. It was concluded from these data that the cholinergic receptors outside the end-plate region have binding properties, which differ considerably from those of end-plate or postdenervational receptors.", "contents": "The interaction of acetylcholine and d-tubocurarine on the end-plate free muscle membrane of rat diaphragm in low chloride solution. The interaction of acetylcholine (ACh) and d-tubocurarine (dTC) on the membrane potential of end-plate free parts of rat diaphragm muscle fibres was studied using a conventional microelectrode technique. ACh only caused membrane depolarizations when the external chloride concentration was diminished. Therefore, all experiments were performed in a 40 mM Cl- containing medium. A bell-shaped log-dose response curve was obtained with ACh. Maximal depolarization occurred at 3.10(-4) M. The pD2 value for ACh was calculated to be 4.2. The log-dose response curve was shifted to the right in the presence of dTC; besides, the maximum seemed to be depressed. The pA2 values for dTC appeared to be 4.9. It was concluded from these data that the cholinergic receptors outside the end-plate region have binding properties, which differ considerably from those of end-plate or postdenervational receptors.", "PMID": 999394} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7659", "title": "[Sleeping time and awaking blood concentration of hexobarbital influenced by glucose and adrenaline in rats of both sexes].", "content": "Sleeping times in male and femal rats are prolonged after the simultaneous i.p. administration of adrenaline and hexobarbital sodium. The blood concentration of hexobarbital at awakening is unchanged in male rats, while in females this concentration is decreased. When adrenaline is given s.c., no change in sleeping times is observed in female and male rats, while the blood concentration of hexobarbital for the two sexes is decreased. Glucose, given p.o. or i.p., has no influence on sleeping times or on hexobarbital concentrations. The hexobarbital concentrations at awakening is higher in female than in male rats.", "contents": "[Sleeping time and awaking blood concentration of hexobarbital influenced by glucose and adrenaline in rats of both sexes]. Sleeping times in male and femal rats are prolonged after the simultaneous i.p. administration of adrenaline and hexobarbital sodium. The blood concentration of hexobarbital at awakening is unchanged in male rats, while in females this concentration is decreased. When adrenaline is given s.c., no change in sleeping times is observed in female and male rats, while the blood concentration of hexobarbital for the two sexes is decreased. Glucose, given p.o. or i.p., has no influence on sleeping times or on hexobarbital concentrations. The hexobarbital concentrations at awakening is higher in female than in male rats.", "PMID": 999395} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7660", "title": "A new model of active avoidance conditioning adequate for pharmacological studies.", "content": "A model of rapid learning (active avoidance conditioning), using rats, is described which induces retention depending on the number of trials to which the animals are submitted. For 3 trials (double stimulation) adequately spaced, the memory trace lasts for 48 hr, whilst 6 trails induce a trace for 10 days. One single application of the double stimulation does not give any apparent retention in normal rats for 24 hr. This experimental fact is used to study and screen the activity of substances on the learning process. Animals treated with piracetam, pemoline, methamphetamin, strychnine, pyritinol and meclofenoxate before this single trial, display evidence of retention 24 hr later. Other substances, with known clinical CNS activites, eg, tranquillizers, analgesics, etc... show no positive effect on the mnesic trace.", "contents": "A new model of active avoidance conditioning adequate for pharmacological studies. A model of rapid learning (active avoidance conditioning), using rats, is described which induces retention depending on the number of trials to which the animals are submitted. For 3 trials (double stimulation) adequately spaced, the memory trace lasts for 48 hr, whilst 6 trails induce a trace for 10 days. One single application of the double stimulation does not give any apparent retention in normal rats for 24 hr. This experimental fact is used to study and screen the activity of substances on the learning process. Animals treated with piracetam, pemoline, methamphetamin, strychnine, pyritinol and meclofenoxate before this single trial, display evidence of retention 24 hr later. Other substances, with known clinical CNS activites, eg, tranquillizers, analgesics, etc... show no positive effect on the mnesic trace.", "PMID": 999398} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7661", "title": "The importance of amino and ester functions for the curarizing activity of quaternary ammonium salts.", "content": "The curarizing and the depolarizing activities of derivatives of suxamethonium and decamethonium have been studied. A receptor model for suxamethonium and for decamethonium is proposed.", "contents": "The importance of amino and ester functions for the curarizing activity of quaternary ammonium salts. The curarizing and the depolarizing activities of derivatives of suxamethonium and decamethonium have been studied. A receptor model for suxamethonium and for decamethonium is proposed.", "PMID": 999399} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7662", "title": "Discriminative stimulus properties of a low dl-amphetamine dose.", "content": "Using a two-lever food-reinforced operant procedure, rats (n = 10) were trained to discriminate 0.16 mg/kg dl-amphetamine from saline. Over the dose range 0.08 to 0.63 mg/kg, cue detection was found to be dose-dependent (ED50: 0.13 mg/kg). However, 5 mg/kg dl-amphetamine was not generalized with the standard treatment. Further generalization experiments indicated that hydroxyamphetamine (ED50: 0.16 mg/kg) produces a discriminative stimulus similar to that of 0.16 mg/kg dl-amphetamine. Apomorphine (0.16 mg/kg), chlordiazepoxide (10 mg/kg), desipramine (10 mg/kg), fentanyl (0.04 mg/kg), haloperidol (0.04 mg/kg) and isopropamide (0.04 mg/kg) were not generalized with dl-amphetamine. Haloperidol (0.04 to 0.16 mg/kg) blocked the perception of 0.16 mg/kg dl-amphetamine in a dose-related way (ED50: 0.092 mg/kg). It is concluded that the discriminative stimulus properties of low dl-amphetamine doses differ qualitatively from those of high doses. The discriminative stimulus produced by 0.16 mg/kg dl-amphetamine presumably originates peripherally, whereas that produced by high doses of the drug reportedly is of central origin.", "contents": "Discriminative stimulus properties of a low dl-amphetamine dose. Using a two-lever food-reinforced operant procedure, rats (n = 10) were trained to discriminate 0.16 mg/kg dl-amphetamine from saline. Over the dose range 0.08 to 0.63 mg/kg, cue detection was found to be dose-dependent (ED50: 0.13 mg/kg). However, 5 mg/kg dl-amphetamine was not generalized with the standard treatment. Further generalization experiments indicated that hydroxyamphetamine (ED50: 0.16 mg/kg) produces a discriminative stimulus similar to that of 0.16 mg/kg dl-amphetamine. Apomorphine (0.16 mg/kg), chlordiazepoxide (10 mg/kg), desipramine (10 mg/kg), fentanyl (0.04 mg/kg), haloperidol (0.04 mg/kg) and isopropamide (0.04 mg/kg) were not generalized with dl-amphetamine. Haloperidol (0.04 to 0.16 mg/kg) blocked the perception of 0.16 mg/kg dl-amphetamine in a dose-related way (ED50: 0.092 mg/kg). It is concluded that the discriminative stimulus properties of low dl-amphetamine doses differ qualitatively from those of high doses. The discriminative stimulus produced by 0.16 mg/kg dl-amphetamine presumably originates peripherally, whereas that produced by high doses of the drug reportedly is of central origin.", "PMID": 999400} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7663", "title": "Calcium-dependent toxic effects of digoxin in isolated myocardial preparations.", "content": "On isolated guinea-pig papillary muscles as well as on electrically driven atria digoxin was infused into the bath fluid until cardiac arrest occurred. The concentration of digoxin which caused standstill is defined as the toxic one. The toxicity was determined under various Ca2+-concentrations. On the papillary muscle the increase of extracellular Ca2+ from 0.9 to 7.2 mM increased the toxicity of digoxin, i.e. significantly diminished its toxic concentrations. Likewise, on electrically driven atria an increase of Ca2+ from 0.45 to 7.2 mM increased the toxicity of digoxin. These results demonstrate that with regard to the toxicity Ca2+ and digoxin act synergistically.", "contents": "Calcium-dependent toxic effects of digoxin in isolated myocardial preparations. On isolated guinea-pig papillary muscles as well as on electrically driven atria digoxin was infused into the bath fluid until cardiac arrest occurred. The concentration of digoxin which caused standstill is defined as the toxic one. The toxicity was determined under various Ca2+-concentrations. On the papillary muscle the increase of extracellular Ca2+ from 0.9 to 7.2 mM increased the toxicity of digoxin, i.e. significantly diminished its toxic concentrations. Likewise, on electrically driven atria an increase of Ca2+ from 0.45 to 7.2 mM increased the toxicity of digoxin. These results demonstrate that with regard to the toxicity Ca2+ and digoxin act synergistically.", "PMID": 999401} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7664", "title": "Morphine effects on the cardiovascular system of awake, freely behaving rats.", "content": "The effects of small, i.v. infusion of morphine on the heart rate was studied in unanesthetized rats. A dose-response study indicated that all values of morphine between 5 and 1000 mug/kg resulted in a transient bradycardia. In addition, morphine doses above 20 mug/kg induced cardiac irregularities including atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block and temporary cardiac arrest. When morphine was delivered daily over a period of eight weeks, cardiac responding (first arrhythmias and then the bradycardia) became tolerant at a time when catatonia was still present. These results indicate that in an unanesthetized rat, profound cardiovascular effects are seen to very small, mug range, doses of morphine.", "contents": "Morphine effects on the cardiovascular system of awake, freely behaving rats. The effects of small, i.v. infusion of morphine on the heart rate was studied in unanesthetized rats. A dose-response study indicated that all values of morphine between 5 and 1000 mug/kg resulted in a transient bradycardia. In addition, morphine doses above 20 mug/kg induced cardiac irregularities including atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block and temporary cardiac arrest. When morphine was delivered daily over a period of eight weeks, cardiac responding (first arrhythmias and then the bradycardia) became tolerant at a time when catatonia was still present. These results indicate that in an unanesthetized rat, profound cardiovascular effects are seen to very small, mug range, doses of morphine.", "PMID": 999402} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7665", "title": "Blockade by SKF 525A of the rat sympathetic ganglia and the adrenal medulla.", "content": "SKF 525A (1.5-9 mg/kg), depending on the dose used, reduced or abolished the hypertensive effect of McN-A-343, DMPP and nicotine, but did neither noticeably affect the hypertensive effect of tyramine, adrenaline and noradrenaline, nor the hypotensive effect of acetylcholine and orciprenaline. It is concluded that SKF 525A blocks the rat sympathetic ganglia and the adrenal medulla. This blockade is non-specific. It is suggested that the blockade results from the stabilizing effect of SKF 525A on postsynaptic membranes of the sympathetic ganglia and the adrenal medulla.", "contents": "Blockade by SKF 525A of the rat sympathetic ganglia and the adrenal medulla. SKF 525A (1.5-9 mg/kg), depending on the dose used, reduced or abolished the hypertensive effect of McN-A-343, DMPP and nicotine, but did neither noticeably affect the hypertensive effect of tyramine, adrenaline and noradrenaline, nor the hypotensive effect of acetylcholine and orciprenaline. It is concluded that SKF 525A blocks the rat sympathetic ganglia and the adrenal medulla. This blockade is non-specific. It is suggested that the blockade results from the stabilizing effect of SKF 525A on postsynaptic membranes of the sympathetic ganglia and the adrenal medulla.", "PMID": 999403} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7666", "title": "Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of orciprenaline in various animal species and man.", "content": "The physiological disposition of tritiated orciprenaline, the 3,5-dihydroxy-isomer of isoprenaline, has been studied in rat, rabbit, cat and man. In the lungs, liver and kidneys of the rat higher 3H-concentrations were found than in the plasma after i.v. injection. A higher percentage of unchanged drug was located in the heart, lungs and skeletal muscle only. In the plasma of rabbit and cat as well as man the decline of 3H-activity was biphasic after i.v. administration with a half-life of 15 hr in the rabbit 6 hr in cat and man for the slower phase. The pharmacokinetic analysis of the post-infusion data in man resulted in an open two-compartment model with a high volume of distribution (ca. 700 liters). The total clearance (1400 ml/min) was rather high. The renal clearance contributed to 10 per cent only. The amount of drug absorbed after oral administration amounted to 44%, the reduced biovailability of 10 per cent indicated a fist-pass effect. The metabolism lead only to conjugates with glucuronic acid, most probably at one of the phenolic hydroxyl groups in rat, rabbit and man. The cat did not metabolize orciprenaline to an appreciable amount.", "contents": "Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of orciprenaline in various animal species and man. The physiological disposition of tritiated orciprenaline, the 3,5-dihydroxy-isomer of isoprenaline, has been studied in rat, rabbit, cat and man. In the lungs, liver and kidneys of the rat higher 3H-concentrations were found than in the plasma after i.v. injection. A higher percentage of unchanged drug was located in the heart, lungs and skeletal muscle only. In the plasma of rabbit and cat as well as man the decline of 3H-activity was biphasic after i.v. administration with a half-life of 15 hr in the rabbit 6 hr in cat and man for the slower phase. The pharmacokinetic analysis of the post-infusion data in man resulted in an open two-compartment model with a high volume of distribution (ca. 700 liters). The total clearance (1400 ml/min) was rather high. The renal clearance contributed to 10 per cent only. The amount of drug absorbed after oral administration amounted to 44%, the reduced biovailability of 10 per cent indicated a fist-pass effect. The metabolism lead only to conjugates with glucuronic acid, most probably at one of the phenolic hydroxyl groups in rat, rabbit and man. The cat did not metabolize orciprenaline to an appreciable amount.", "PMID": 999404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7667", "title": "Pharmacokinetics of sulpiride after oral and intravenous administration in the rat and the dog.", "content": "The plasma concentration of sulpiride was measured in the rat and in the dog after oral and i.v. administration of the drug. In the rat only traces (less than 1 mug/ml) of sulpiride were detected in plasma after an oral dose of 100 mg/kg. The peak concentrations in 3 dogs given 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg orally were 6.1, 15.6 and 23.9 mug/ml, respectively. The pharmacokinetic data after i.v. injection were compared to earlier observations with the related orthopramide compound, metoclopramide. The half-life of sulpiride in dog plasma (1.6 -- 3.4 hr) is longer than that of metoclopramide, but in the rat there is little difference between the two compounds. Both of the compounds have large total apparent volumes of distribution (1-2 1/kg) in the two species. The marked species difference in the systemic bioavailability of oral sulpiride should be taken into account when the orthopramide drugs are evaluated in pharmacological tests.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetics of sulpiride after oral and intravenous administration in the rat and the dog. The plasma concentration of sulpiride was measured in the rat and in the dog after oral and i.v. administration of the drug. In the rat only traces (less than 1 mug/ml) of sulpiride were detected in plasma after an oral dose of 100 mg/kg. The peak concentrations in 3 dogs given 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg orally were 6.1, 15.6 and 23.9 mug/ml, respectively. The pharmacokinetic data after i.v. injection were compared to earlier observations with the related orthopramide compound, metoclopramide. The half-life of sulpiride in dog plasma (1.6 -- 3.4 hr) is longer than that of metoclopramide, but in the rat there is little difference between the two compounds. Both of the compounds have large total apparent volumes of distribution (1-2 1/kg) in the two species. The marked species difference in the systemic bioavailability of oral sulpiride should be taken into account when the orthopramide drugs are evaluated in pharmacological tests.", "PMID": 999405} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7668", "title": "Probenecid-induced effects on bile flow and biliary excretion of 3H-ouabain.", "content": "Probenecid-induced effects on bile flow and biliary excretion of exogenous compounds, e.g. 3H-ouabain were investigated on bile-fistula rats. Clearance measurements of 14C-mannitol under incresed doses of probenecid gave evidence that the drug acts at the canalicular site only. Biliary excretion of radioactivity after 14C-probenecid administration was found to be saturated at a dosage of 100 mg X kg-1. Probenecid exerts its choleretic effect by osmotic activity in a \"bile acid-like\" manner. This is confirmed by a close positive correlation between the excretion of radioactivity after treatment with 14C-probenecid and bile flow. The effects of probenecid on the biliary excretion of exogenous compounds, e.g. ouabain, imply beside choleresis also inhibitory effects on transport systems. As a result of both effects the biliary excretion of ouabain remains unchanged within a within a wide range of probenecid doses.", "contents": "Probenecid-induced effects on bile flow and biliary excretion of 3H-ouabain. Probenecid-induced effects on bile flow and biliary excretion of exogenous compounds, e.g. 3H-ouabain were investigated on bile-fistula rats. Clearance measurements of 14C-mannitol under incresed doses of probenecid gave evidence that the drug acts at the canalicular site only. Biliary excretion of radioactivity after 14C-probenecid administration was found to be saturated at a dosage of 100 mg X kg-1. Probenecid exerts its choleretic effect by osmotic activity in a \"bile acid-like\" manner. This is confirmed by a close positive correlation between the excretion of radioactivity after treatment with 14C-probenecid and bile flow. The effects of probenecid on the biliary excretion of exogenous compounds, e.g. ouabain, imply beside choleresis also inhibitory effects on transport systems. As a result of both effects the biliary excretion of ouabain remains unchanged within a within a wide range of probenecid doses.", "PMID": 999406} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7669", "title": "The influence of extracellular calcium on muscarinic receptors in vascular smooth muscle.", "content": "The present study was designed to investigate the influence of extracellular calcium (Ca++) on the affinity of cholinergic agonists and antagonists for muscarinic receptors in isolated rabbit aortic strips. Dose-response curves which demonstrate the effect of acetylcholine on the force of contraction in the presence of various Ca++ concentrations were made. The affinity constant was calculated and the intrinsic activity was determined at each of the different Ca++ concentrations used. In addition, the relationship between extracellular Ca++ and the pA2 value for atropine was determined. No apparent relationship between the affinity of acetylcholine for the cholinergic receptors and Ca++ concentration in vascular muscle was demonstrated. However, the intrinsic activity was altered when the extracellular Ca++ was varied. In addition, atropine was effective to the same degree both in the presence and complete absence of Ca++. These results are discussed in relation to the dependency of acetylcholine on extracellular Ca++ to induce contractile responses after receptor occupancy in vascular muscle.", "contents": "The influence of extracellular calcium on muscarinic receptors in vascular smooth muscle. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of extracellular calcium (Ca++) on the affinity of cholinergic agonists and antagonists for muscarinic receptors in isolated rabbit aortic strips. Dose-response curves which demonstrate the effect of acetylcholine on the force of contraction in the presence of various Ca++ concentrations were made. The affinity constant was calculated and the intrinsic activity was determined at each of the different Ca++ concentrations used. In addition, the relationship between extracellular Ca++ and the pA2 value for atropine was determined. No apparent relationship between the affinity of acetylcholine for the cholinergic receptors and Ca++ concentration in vascular muscle was demonstrated. However, the intrinsic activity was altered when the extracellular Ca++ was varied. In addition, atropine was effective to the same degree both in the presence and complete absence of Ca++. These results are discussed in relation to the dependency of acetylcholine on extracellular Ca++ to induce contractile responses after receptor occupancy in vascular muscle.", "PMID": 999407} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7670", "title": "Anticholinergic activities of D(-)R- and L(+)S-mandeloylcholines.", "content": "The nature of the antagonism of the D(-)R- and L(+)S-mandeloylcholines to acetylcholine (ACh) was investigated at the muscarinic receptors of the guinea-pig ileal longitudinal muscle. The nature of the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and serum cholinesterase (ChE) by the mandeloylcholines was also investigated. Both optical isomers of mandeloylcholine were reversible competitive antagonists of ACh at the muscarinic receptors. One molecule of mandeloylcholine combined with one receptor. The apparent affinities (1/KB, where KB = dissociation constant) of the mandeloylcholines were in the following order: homatropine greater than D(-)R-mandeloylcholine greater than DL(+/-)RS-mandeloylcholines = L(+)S-mandeloylcholine. Therefore, the mandeloylcholines were stereoselective for muscarinic receptors. The mandeloylcholines were (mixed) reversible inhibitors (competitive and noncompetitive) of ACh hydrolysis by AChE. There was no significant difference between the apparent K1 values of the mandeloylcholines in the inhibition of AChE. The mandeloylcholines were mixed reversible inhibitors (competitive and noncompetitive) of ChE. D(-)R-mandeloylcholine had a higher apparent K1 than its isomer.", "contents": "Anticholinergic activities of D(-)R- and L(+)S-mandeloylcholines. The nature of the antagonism of the D(-)R- and L(+)S-mandeloylcholines to acetylcholine (ACh) was investigated at the muscarinic receptors of the guinea-pig ileal longitudinal muscle. The nature of the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and serum cholinesterase (ChE) by the mandeloylcholines was also investigated. Both optical isomers of mandeloylcholine were reversible competitive antagonists of ACh at the muscarinic receptors. One molecule of mandeloylcholine combined with one receptor. The apparent affinities (1/KB, where KB = dissociation constant) of the mandeloylcholines were in the following order: homatropine greater than D(-)R-mandeloylcholine greater than DL(+/-)RS-mandeloylcholines = L(+)S-mandeloylcholine. Therefore, the mandeloylcholines were stereoselective for muscarinic receptors. The mandeloylcholines were (mixed) reversible inhibitors (competitive and noncompetitive) of ACh hydrolysis by AChE. There was no significant difference between the apparent K1 values of the mandeloylcholines in the inhibition of AChE. The mandeloylcholines were mixed reversible inhibitors (competitive and noncompetitive) of ChE. D(-)R-mandeloylcholine had a higher apparent K1 than its isomer.", "PMID": 999408} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7671", "title": "Effects of morphine, chlorpromazine and chlordiazepoxide on shock-induced changes in basal skin conductance.", "content": "Chlorpromazine (12.5 and 25 mg/70 kg, i.m.) and chlordiazepoxide (25 and 50 mg/70 kg, i.m.) were compared with morphine (15 and 30 mg/70 kg, i.m.) and placebo in their effects on electric shock-induced increases in basal skin conductance. Morphine and chlorpromazine attenuated the increase compared with placebo, while chlordiazepoxide did not. None of the treatments produced reliable effects on the phasic responses to the stimuli.", "contents": "Effects of morphine, chlorpromazine and chlordiazepoxide on shock-induced changes in basal skin conductance. Chlorpromazine (12.5 and 25 mg/70 kg, i.m.) and chlordiazepoxide (25 and 50 mg/70 kg, i.m.) were compared with morphine (15 and 30 mg/70 kg, i.m.) and placebo in their effects on electric shock-induced increases in basal skin conductance. Morphine and chlorpromazine attenuated the increase compared with placebo, while chlordiazepoxide did not. None of the treatments produced reliable effects on the phasic responses to the stimuli.", "PMID": 999409} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7672", "title": "Tremorogenic effects of intracaudate d-amphetamine and their suppression by dopamine.", "content": "Pronounced tremors were produced in unanesthetized cats following intracaudate (I.C.) injections of either d-amphetamine (15 mug), dl-methamphetamine (20 mug), l-amphetamine (48 mug) or 3-methoxytyramine (68-120 mug). Yet, a series of other chemically and pharmacologically related phenylethylamines, including dopamine (90 mug), were not tremorogenic even at substantially higher doses. The d-amphetamine tremors developed rapidly, failed to exhibit tachyphylaxis to repeated challenging doses (15 mug) and were not influenced by pretreatment with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. They also developed independently of local acetylcholine activity as evidenced by the inability of cholinergic antagonists (scopolamine and hemicholinium) to interfere with the tremors. Significant qualitative differences were found between the I.C. effects of d-amphetamine (15 mug) and dopamine (15-90 mug): d-amphetamine further increased the intensity of ongoing tremors induced by physostigmine (111 mug I.C.), whereas, dopamine readily inhibited the latter. When superimposed, I.C. dopamine was equally effective in suppressing d-amphetamine tremor activity. The results emphasize the selective tremorogenic actions of d-amphetamine and call attention to the contrasting stabilizing role of dopamine. This would suggest that two types of adrenergic receptor sites are operative in the caudate in neuroregulation of involuntary movements.", "contents": "Tremorogenic effects of intracaudate d-amphetamine and their suppression by dopamine. Pronounced tremors were produced in unanesthetized cats following intracaudate (I.C.) injections of either d-amphetamine (15 mug), dl-methamphetamine (20 mug), l-amphetamine (48 mug) or 3-methoxytyramine (68-120 mug). Yet, a series of other chemically and pharmacologically related phenylethylamines, including dopamine (90 mug), were not tremorogenic even at substantially higher doses. The d-amphetamine tremors developed rapidly, failed to exhibit tachyphylaxis to repeated challenging doses (15 mug) and were not influenced by pretreatment with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. They also developed independently of local acetylcholine activity as evidenced by the inability of cholinergic antagonists (scopolamine and hemicholinium) to interfere with the tremors. Significant qualitative differences were found between the I.C. effects of d-amphetamine (15 mug) and dopamine (15-90 mug): d-amphetamine further increased the intensity of ongoing tremors induced by physostigmine (111 mug I.C.), whereas, dopamine readily inhibited the latter. When superimposed, I.C. dopamine was equally effective in suppressing d-amphetamine tremor activity. The results emphasize the selective tremorogenic actions of d-amphetamine and call attention to the contrasting stabilizing role of dopamine. This would suggest that two types of adrenergic receptor sites are operative in the caudate in neuroregulation of involuntary movements.", "PMID": 999410} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7673", "title": "Potentiation of morphine-induced seizure by 6-hydroxydopamine.", "content": "The influence of 6-hydroxydopamine on morphine-induced convulsions were investigated in rats. Morphine, in doses up to 100 mg/kg did not produce any convulsive pattern in vehicle-pretreated rats. The pretreatment of rats by 6-hydroxydopamine strongly potentiated the seizure producing activity of morphine and the dose-response curve of seizure severity shifted to the right. These results suggest that brain catecholamines are involved in the mechanism of morphine-induced convulsions.", "contents": "Potentiation of morphine-induced seizure by 6-hydroxydopamine. The influence of 6-hydroxydopamine on morphine-induced convulsions were investigated in rats. Morphine, in doses up to 100 mg/kg did not produce any convulsive pattern in vehicle-pretreated rats. The pretreatment of rats by 6-hydroxydopamine strongly potentiated the seizure producing activity of morphine and the dose-response curve of seizure severity shifted to the right. These results suggest that brain catecholamines are involved in the mechanism of morphine-induced convulsions.", "PMID": 999411} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7674", "title": "Effect of chlorpromazine or sulpiride and alcohol on psychomotor skills related to driving.", "content": "A double-blind cross-over trial was conducted with 20 healthy paid volunteers for the evaluation of the subacute effects of chlorpromazine (CPZ) and sulpiride, in oral doses used for anxious outpatients, on psychomotor skills related to driving. Psychomotor performance was measured on the 7th and 14th days of treatment at 30, 90 and 150 min after the intake of 0.5 g/kg of an alcoholic or placebo drink. After the neuroleptics alone, reaction and coordination skills, but not attention, were slightly impaired, CPZ differing significantly from the placebo on the 14th day. Both drugs interacted additively with alcohol. The combined administration of CPZ and alcohol led to inaccuracy, a slowing of reactions and impaired proprioception and coordination. The combination of sulpiride and alcohol increased the error rate in the choice reaction test and impaired coordination in the coordination test driven at a free speed. It is concluded that the psychomotor decrement that occurs after 2 weeks of treatment with small doses of CPZ may effect the ability to control a motor vehicle. The concurrent administration of alcohol during treatment with CPZ or sulpiride may cause some extra risk in traffic or occupational life.", "contents": "Effect of chlorpromazine or sulpiride and alcohol on psychomotor skills related to driving. A double-blind cross-over trial was conducted with 20 healthy paid volunteers for the evaluation of the subacute effects of chlorpromazine (CPZ) and sulpiride, in oral doses used for anxious outpatients, on psychomotor skills related to driving. Psychomotor performance was measured on the 7th and 14th days of treatment at 30, 90 and 150 min after the intake of 0.5 g/kg of an alcoholic or placebo drink. After the neuroleptics alone, reaction and coordination skills, but not attention, were slightly impaired, CPZ differing significantly from the placebo on the 14th day. Both drugs interacted additively with alcohol. The combined administration of CPZ and alcohol led to inaccuracy, a slowing of reactions and impaired proprioception and coordination. The combination of sulpiride and alcohol increased the error rate in the choice reaction test and impaired coordination in the coordination test driven at a free speed. It is concluded that the psychomotor decrement that occurs after 2 weeks of treatment with small doses of CPZ may effect the ability to control a motor vehicle. The concurrent administration of alcohol during treatment with CPZ or sulpiride may cause some extra risk in traffic or occupational life.", "PMID": 999412} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7675", "title": "The influence of reserpine on the responsiveness to norepinephrine and electrolyte contents of rabbit atria.", "content": "This study was designed to investigate the relationships between reserpine-induced supersensitivity and electrolyte levels in isolated rabbit atria. Atria from reserpine-treated (1, 3 or 4 mg/kg 24 hr before) and untreated rabbits were placed in an isolated organ bath for determination of dose-response relationships for norepinephrine, or were used for electrolyte assay. Reserpine-treated atria had greater resting and maximum rates of beat than did untreated atria. However, the ED50 concentrations of norepinephrine producing a rate response were similar. Atria pretreated with 1 or 3 mg/kg reserpine were supersensitive to the inotropic effect of norepinephrine. 4 mg/kg reserpine did not induce inotropic supersensitivity. Atrial sodium contents were significantly increased by 3 mg/kg reserpine. Potassium contents were increased by 1 and 4 mg/kg reserpine. Calcium contents were significantly decreased by 4 mg/kg reserpine, while magnesium contents were increased by 1 and 4 mg/kg. Reserpine induced supersensitivity to the inotropic effects of norepinephrine but did not alter the sensitivity to the chronotropic effect of the drug. This supersensitivity may be linked to alterations in the tissue's homeostatic mechanisms for calcium.", "contents": "The influence of reserpine on the responsiveness to norepinephrine and electrolyte contents of rabbit atria. This study was designed to investigate the relationships between reserpine-induced supersensitivity and electrolyte levels in isolated rabbit atria. Atria from reserpine-treated (1, 3 or 4 mg/kg 24 hr before) and untreated rabbits were placed in an isolated organ bath for determination of dose-response relationships for norepinephrine, or were used for electrolyte assay. Reserpine-treated atria had greater resting and maximum rates of beat than did untreated atria. However, the ED50 concentrations of norepinephrine producing a rate response were similar. Atria pretreated with 1 or 3 mg/kg reserpine were supersensitive to the inotropic effect of norepinephrine. 4 mg/kg reserpine did not induce inotropic supersensitivity. Atrial sodium contents were significantly increased by 3 mg/kg reserpine. Potassium contents were increased by 1 and 4 mg/kg reserpine. Calcium contents were significantly decreased by 4 mg/kg reserpine, while magnesium contents were increased by 1 and 4 mg/kg. Reserpine induced supersensitivity to the inotropic effects of norepinephrine but did not alter the sensitivity to the chronotropic effect of the drug. This supersensitivity may be linked to alterations in the tissue's homeostatic mechanisms for calcium.", "PMID": 999413} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7676", "title": "Mechanism of the hypotensive effect of prazosin.", "content": "Prazosin is a quinazoline that has a long lasting hypotensive effect. To investigate the mechanisms underlying its action experiments were performed in 75 dogs anesthetized with pentobarbitone sodium. Prazosin, after i.v. injection, lowered arterial pressure without altering heart rate and venous pressure, and decreased pressor responses to epinephrine, norepinephrine and splanchnic nerve stimulation. Orthocarboxybenzeno-seleninic acid, an alpha-adrenoceptor blocker, antagonized the hypotensive effect of prazosin. Neither administration of propranolol nor carotid sinus local anesthesia impaired prazosin hypotensive effects. Topical application of prazosin on both carotid sinuses had no effect on general arterial blood pressure; after intravenous administration it did not change the hypotension caused by electrical stimulation of the carotid sinuses. The depressor effects of papaverine and sodium nitrite on blood pressure were enhanced by prazosin. It is concluded that this drug exerts its hypotensive effect by blocking, alpha-adrenoceptors and by possibly relaxing vascular smooth muscle.", "contents": "Mechanism of the hypotensive effect of prazosin. Prazosin is a quinazoline that has a long lasting hypotensive effect. To investigate the mechanisms underlying its action experiments were performed in 75 dogs anesthetized with pentobarbitone sodium. Prazosin, after i.v. injection, lowered arterial pressure without altering heart rate and venous pressure, and decreased pressor responses to epinephrine, norepinephrine and splanchnic nerve stimulation. Orthocarboxybenzeno-seleninic acid, an alpha-adrenoceptor blocker, antagonized the hypotensive effect of prazosin. Neither administration of propranolol nor carotid sinus local anesthesia impaired prazosin hypotensive effects. Topical application of prazosin on both carotid sinuses had no effect on general arterial blood pressure; after intravenous administration it did not change the hypotension caused by electrical stimulation of the carotid sinuses. The depressor effects of papaverine and sodium nitrite on blood pressure were enhanced by prazosin. It is concluded that this drug exerts its hypotensive effect by blocking, alpha-adrenoceptors and by possibly relaxing vascular smooth muscle.", "PMID": 999414} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7677", "title": "The infectious complications of sarcoidosis: a current perspective.", "content": "The incidence of indections requiring hospitalization was determined in 122 patients with sarcoidosis. The group was remarkably free of infection except for three patients with Aspergillus mycetoma occurring in areas of long-standing parenchymal involvement with cystic degeneration. There was a single instance of complicating pulmonary tuberculosis, and the only extrathoracic infection was a single instance of disseminated herpes zoster. This study confirms that aspergillosis, not tuberculosis, is currently the most common infectious complication of sarcoidosis. Although previous case reports have suggested an increased incidence of invasive fungal infection in patients with sarcoidosis, there is little to support this concept. None of the patients in the present study group developed these fungal infections during a mean 7.2-year follow-up. The clinical presentation of many of the previously reported cases suggests that the entire course of the granulomatous illness was infectious in nature rather than sarcoidosis with complicating infection.", "contents": "The infectious complications of sarcoidosis: a current perspective. The incidence of indections requiring hospitalization was determined in 122 patients with sarcoidosis. The group was remarkably free of infection except for three patients with Aspergillus mycetoma occurring in areas of long-standing parenchymal involvement with cystic degeneration. There was a single instance of complicating pulmonary tuberculosis, and the only extrathoracic infection was a single instance of disseminated herpes zoster. This study confirms that aspergillosis, not tuberculosis, is currently the most common infectious complication of sarcoidosis. Although previous case reports have suggested an increased incidence of invasive fungal infection in patients with sarcoidosis, there is little to support this concept. None of the patients in the present study group developed these fungal infections during a mean 7.2-year follow-up. The clinical presentation of many of the previously reported cases suggests that the entire course of the granulomatous illness was infectious in nature rather than sarcoidosis with complicating infection.", "PMID": 999417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7678", "title": "Acute renal failure in patients with acute pancreatitis.", "content": "We describe five patients with acute pancreatitis in whom acute renal failure developed in the absence of hypotension. Pancreatitis was diagnosed clinically, with mean serum and urinary amylase levels of 766 +/- 197 (SE) and 2,378 +/- 572 units/100 ml, respectively. Acute renal failure developed within 24 hours after admission in all patients. It was manifested by oliguria, elevated levels of serum creatinine (mean, 6.9 +/- 1.1 mg/100 ml) and BUN (105 +/-28 mg/100 ml); a urinary sodium level of 72.0 +/- 6.6 mEq/liter; and isosmotic urine (355 +/- 31 mOsm/liter). The mean uric acid level was 18.6 +/- 1.6 mg/100 ml. Blood pressure was recorded frequently, and the lowest mean diastolic pressure was 96 +/- 6 mm Hg. The duration of the oliguric phase of acute renal failure was 8.2 +/- 1.7 days, and all patients recovered from both the acute pancreatitis and acute renal failure. In summary, acute pancreatitis, per se, can precipitate acute renal failure. It occurs early in the course of the pancreatitis, and extreme hyperuricemia is frequent finding that does not adversely affect the recovery of renal function.", "contents": "Acute renal failure in patients with acute pancreatitis. We describe five patients with acute pancreatitis in whom acute renal failure developed in the absence of hypotension. Pancreatitis was diagnosed clinically, with mean serum and urinary amylase levels of 766 +/- 197 (SE) and 2,378 +/- 572 units/100 ml, respectively. Acute renal failure developed within 24 hours after admission in all patients. It was manifested by oliguria, elevated levels of serum creatinine (mean, 6.9 +/- 1.1 mg/100 ml) and BUN (105 +/-28 mg/100 ml); a urinary sodium level of 72.0 +/- 6.6 mEq/liter; and isosmotic urine (355 +/- 31 mOsm/liter). The mean uric acid level was 18.6 +/- 1.6 mg/100 ml. Blood pressure was recorded frequently, and the lowest mean diastolic pressure was 96 +/- 6 mm Hg. The duration of the oliguric phase of acute renal failure was 8.2 +/- 1.7 days, and all patients recovered from both the acute pancreatitis and acute renal failure. In summary, acute pancreatitis, per se, can precipitate acute renal failure. It occurs early in the course of the pancreatitis, and extreme hyperuricemia is frequent finding that does not adversely affect the recovery of renal function.", "PMID": 999418} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7679", "title": "Elevated IgM levels, edema, and fatigue syndrome.", "content": "Two patients with nonpitting edema associated with extreme fatigue were found to have hyperimmunoglobulinemia M and eosinophilia. Additional laboratory abnormalities included an elevated ESR and the presence of rheumatoid factor. One patient had the symptom complex continually, and it was controlled with minimal amounts of prednisone. The other patient had intermittent symptoms, with eosinophilia in the asymptomatic state and decreased eosinophil counts while symptomatic. His symptomatic episodes were diminished in duration by methylprednisolone. We believe these cases, which have been evaluated for eight and four years, respectively, constitute a new syndrome that has substantial morbidity, but that is apparently benign and that can be controlled with corticosteroids.", "contents": "Elevated IgM levels, edema, and fatigue syndrome. Two patients with nonpitting edema associated with extreme fatigue were found to have hyperimmunoglobulinemia M and eosinophilia. Additional laboratory abnormalities included an elevated ESR and the presence of rheumatoid factor. One patient had the symptom complex continually, and it was controlled with minimal amounts of prednisone. The other patient had intermittent symptoms, with eosinophilia in the asymptomatic state and decreased eosinophil counts while symptomatic. His symptomatic episodes were diminished in duration by methylprednisolone. We believe these cases, which have been evaluated for eight and four years, respectively, constitute a new syndrome that has substantial morbidity, but that is apparently benign and that can be controlled with corticosteroids.", "PMID": 999419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7680", "title": "[Behavior of various metabolites of carbohydrate metabolism in the liver of young pigs following inhibition of C-11 hydroxylase and adrenalectomy].", "content": "The effects of glucocorticoid depression by C-11 hydroxylase inhibition and total adrenalectomy upon certain metabolites of the plasma, liver, and muscles that are related to gluconeogenesis were studied on ten store pigs. Metopiron caused decline of glucose and pyruvate concentrations in plasma and drop of liver glycogen. Total adrenalectomy caused changes of the same kind but much stronger in the agonal phase, yet without rendering the animals hypoglycaemic. Muscular glycogen dropped to one third of the normal. The results are discussed with reference to earlier studies into store pig.", "contents": "[Behavior of various metabolites of carbohydrate metabolism in the liver of young pigs following inhibition of C-11 hydroxylase and adrenalectomy]. The effects of glucocorticoid depression by C-11 hydroxylase inhibition and total adrenalectomy upon certain metabolites of the plasma, liver, and muscles that are related to gluconeogenesis were studied on ten store pigs. Metopiron caused decline of glucose and pyruvate concentrations in plasma and drop of liver glycogen. Total adrenalectomy caused changes of the same kind but much stronger in the agonal phase, yet without rendering the animals hypoglycaemic. Muscular glycogen dropped to one third of the normal. The results are discussed with reference to earlier studies into store pig.", "PMID": 999420} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7681", "title": "[Experimental hypocalcemia as a model for the study of etiopathogenetic factors of hypocalcemic hysteroparesis due to parturition in dairy cows].", "content": "Hypocalcaemia was experimentally induced to cattle of different age groups, and the resulting model showed that intraplasmic parathormone-induced calcium rise due to activation of calcium from the apatite crystals of the skeletal depot was a function of age and a sufficiently plausible explanation for age-dependent growing morbidity rates in the context of hypocalcaemic hysteroparalysis in concomitance with parturition. High vitamine D3 doses are recommended for systematic prophylaxis.", "contents": "[Experimental hypocalcemia as a model for the study of etiopathogenetic factors of hypocalcemic hysteroparesis due to parturition in dairy cows]. Hypocalcaemia was experimentally induced to cattle of different age groups, and the resulting model showed that intraplasmic parathormone-induced calcium rise due to activation of calcium from the apatite crystals of the skeletal depot was a function of age and a sufficiently plausible explanation for age-dependent growing morbidity rates in the context of hypocalcaemic hysteroparalysis in concomitance with parturition. High vitamine D3 doses are recommended for systematic prophylaxis.", "PMID": 999421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7682", "title": "[Studies on endocrine and spermatogenic testicular function. 5. Relationship between dietary protein quality and blood plasma levels of free and bound testosterone in adult rats].", "content": "The blood plasma content of testosterone-linking globulins, free testosterone, and total testosterone in 80 adult Wistar rats which received different qualities of feed proteins was determined by means of balancing dialysis and ultracentrifugation, using 3H-testosterone. The first group received casein with four per cent methionine added, the second maize gluten complement with amino acid, and the third casein with methionine and gelatin in a 2:3 ratio, while the fourth group was fed pure maize gluten diet. (Biological valence declined in the given order.) Assays of 100 ml blood plasma of each animal in the first and second groups gave 0.9 mug of testosterone-linking globulins (0.18 mug in third and fourth groups), about 9.0 mug total testosterone (2.5 mug in third and fourth groups), and some 1.4 mug free testosterone (0.55 mug in third and fourth groups). Discussed in this paper is the possible mechanism of regulation by which feed protein quality leads to variation of free testosterone levels in the blood plasma.", "contents": "[Studies on endocrine and spermatogenic testicular function. 5. Relationship between dietary protein quality and blood plasma levels of free and bound testosterone in adult rats]. The blood plasma content of testosterone-linking globulins, free testosterone, and total testosterone in 80 adult Wistar rats which received different qualities of feed proteins was determined by means of balancing dialysis and ultracentrifugation, using 3H-testosterone. The first group received casein with four per cent methionine added, the second maize gluten complement with amino acid, and the third casein with methionine and gelatin in a 2:3 ratio, while the fourth group was fed pure maize gluten diet. (Biological valence declined in the given order.) Assays of 100 ml blood plasma of each animal in the first and second groups gave 0.9 mug of testosterone-linking globulins (0.18 mug in third and fourth groups), about 9.0 mug total testosterone (2.5 mug in third and fourth groups), and some 1.4 mug free testosterone (0.55 mug in third and fourth groups). Discussed in this paper is the possible mechanism of regulation by which feed protein quality leads to variation of free testosterone levels in the blood plasma.", "PMID": 999422} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7683", "title": "[LD 50 and selenium concentration in the organs of rabbits following oral administration of sodium selenite and testing of the toxicity of Ursoselevit-Pr\u00e4mix].", "content": "LD50/24hr was established in the first of a series of experiments on 72 rabbits for orally applied sodium selenite. The dosage was 8.62 mg/kg live weight, the confidence interval being (1 - alpha = 0.95) +/- 0.13 mg/kg. The value was four times as high following intravenous application. Complete lethality was recorded from 15 mg Na2SeO3/kg live weight within 21 hours. Thirty-six animals were involved in the second experiment of the series. They had 50 or 100 per cent Ursoselevit-Pr\u00e4mix (30 ppm Se) in their rations. Body mass development of the test animals was superior to that recorded from the controls in the first 50 days, after which limit the former declined strongly in a few days. Their general condition worsened. Postmortem findings, following slaughter, included catarrhal enteritis, toxic liver dystrophy, scattered pulpous tumours in the spleen, and interstitial nephritis. In the third experiment (50 per cent Ursoselevit-Pr\u00e4mix with 60 ppm Se in the rations), the test animals developed better than the controls during the first two months, after which point they exhibited the same clinical symptoms as those observed in the second experiment, stopped to put on weight, and eventually turned cachectic. The pathomorphological findings were identical with those obtained from the second experiment. The selenium concentrations in the organs of the test animals all were much higher than those of the controls. Their amounts in excess to base values were up to eleven times in the blood, nine times in the liver, twelve times in the kidneys, and 13 times in the muscles.", "contents": "[LD 50 and selenium concentration in the organs of rabbits following oral administration of sodium selenite and testing of the toxicity of Ursoselevit-Pr\u00e4mix]. LD50/24hr was established in the first of a series of experiments on 72 rabbits for orally applied sodium selenite. The dosage was 8.62 mg/kg live weight, the confidence interval being (1 - alpha = 0.95) +/- 0.13 mg/kg. The value was four times as high following intravenous application. Complete lethality was recorded from 15 mg Na2SeO3/kg live weight within 21 hours. Thirty-six animals were involved in the second experiment of the series. They had 50 or 100 per cent Ursoselevit-Pr\u00e4mix (30 ppm Se) in their rations. Body mass development of the test animals was superior to that recorded from the controls in the first 50 days, after which limit the former declined strongly in a few days. Their general condition worsened. Postmortem findings, following slaughter, included catarrhal enteritis, toxic liver dystrophy, scattered pulpous tumours in the spleen, and interstitial nephritis. In the third experiment (50 per cent Ursoselevit-Pr\u00e4mix with 60 ppm Se in the rations), the test animals developed better than the controls during the first two months, after which point they exhibited the same clinical symptoms as those observed in the second experiment, stopped to put on weight, and eventually turned cachectic. The pathomorphological findings were identical with those obtained from the second experiment. The selenium concentrations in the organs of the test animals all were much higher than those of the controls. Their amounts in excess to base values were up to eleven times in the blood, nine times in the liver, twelve times in the kidneys, and 13 times in the muscles.", "PMID": 999423} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7684", "title": "[Single and complex effect of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in the air on small laboratory animals (rats) under various environmental conditions. 1. Effect of ammonia].", "content": "The maximum per-animal-position concentration of ammonia was studied under defined environmental conditions and with reference to basic stress on thermoregulation. The normal value of 30 ppm NH3, laid down in TGL 29084, was experimentally confirmed.", "contents": "[Single and complex effect of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in the air on small laboratory animals (rats) under various environmental conditions. 1. Effect of ammonia]. The maximum per-animal-position concentration of ammonia was studied under defined environmental conditions and with reference to basic stress on thermoregulation. The normal value of 30 ppm NH3, laid down in TGL 29084, was experimentally confirmed.", "PMID": 999424} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7685", "title": "[Single and complex effect of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in the air on small laboratory animals (rats) under various environmental conditions 2. Effect of hydrogen sulfide alone and hydrogen sulfide with ammonia and dust].", "content": "The maximum tolerable concentrations per animal position of hydrogen sulphide alone (5 ppm) and with ammonia (5 ppm H2S; 30 ppm NH3) were established by model experiments under defined environmental conditions. The normal values of the contaminant gas combination were found to be acceptable even with additional dust load on the experimental animals. TGL 29084 should stipulate 5 ppm hydrogen sulphide as the new maximum concentration per animal position.", "contents": "[Single and complex effect of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in the air on small laboratory animals (rats) under various environmental conditions 2. Effect of hydrogen sulfide alone and hydrogen sulfide with ammonia and dust]. The maximum tolerable concentrations per animal position of hydrogen sulphide alone (5 ppm) and with ammonia (5 ppm H2S; 30 ppm NH3) were established by model experiments under defined environmental conditions. The normal values of the contaminant gas combination were found to be acceptable even with additional dust load on the experimental animals. TGL 29084 should stipulate 5 ppm hydrogen sulphide as the new maximum concentration per animal position.", "PMID": 999425} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7686", "title": "[Quantitative determinations of plasma protein fractions in pregnant dairy cows during a 24-hour period using micro-agargel electrophoresis].", "content": "Total protein and the socalled classical blood plasma fractions were examined in hourly intervals over 24 hours in ten clinically intact pregnant Jersey cows. The average total protein values recorded from the plasma samples were 6.9 per cent and thus physiologically normal. The arithmetic mean values within one circadian rhythm did not differ markedly within each of the following fractions:albumin (38.7 +/- 5.08) alpha1-globulin (11.22 +/- 2.22),alpha2-globulin (14.25 +/- 1.95), and beta-globulins (12.56 +/- 0.91). Moderate rises were established only for the gamma-globulins at 1 a.m., 7 a.m., and 7 p.m. The protein fractions of blood plasma, consequently, are not subject to any circadian rhythm, and the time of blood sampling, therefore, has no bearings on laboratory diagnosis.", "contents": "[Quantitative determinations of plasma protein fractions in pregnant dairy cows during a 24-hour period using micro-agargel electrophoresis]. Total protein and the socalled classical blood plasma fractions were examined in hourly intervals over 24 hours in ten clinically intact pregnant Jersey cows. The average total protein values recorded from the plasma samples were 6.9 per cent and thus physiologically normal. The arithmetic mean values within one circadian rhythm did not differ markedly within each of the following fractions:albumin (38.7 +/- 5.08) alpha1-globulin (11.22 +/- 2.22),alpha2-globulin (14.25 +/- 1.95), and beta-globulins (12.56 +/- 0.91). Moderate rises were established only for the gamma-globulins at 1 a.m., 7 a.m., and 7 p.m. The protein fractions of blood plasma, consequently, are not subject to any circadian rhythm, and the time of blood sampling, therefore, has no bearings on laboratory diagnosis.", "PMID": 999426} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7687", "title": "[Studies on serum Mg and Ca levels in cattle with grass tetany on hypocalcemia before and following infusion with high Mg and medium or high Ca concentrations].", "content": "Behaviour of Mg and Ca content in the blood serum of 28 cattle with grass tetany and hypocalcaemia was evaluated at short time intervals after infusion of 500 ml of a solution A (containing 12 g Mg-adipat and 5 g Ca-gluconate/100 ml aqua dest.) and a solution B (containing 12 g Mg-adipate and 12 g Ca-gluconate/100 ml) respectively. After treatment with the last-named solutions there was evident a considerable increase of Mg-values in the blood serum for a longer period (up to 6 h), also in the case of distinct hypomagnesaemia while Ca-values of the circulating blood declined more quickly. Efficacy of treatment was the better the earlier infusion was performed after occurence of clinical signs. Application of solution B for treatment of grass tetany and paresis with tetany like symptoms is recommended for several reasons. Necessity of assurance the Mg and Ca supply after infusion is emphasized.", "contents": "[Studies on serum Mg and Ca levels in cattle with grass tetany on hypocalcemia before and following infusion with high Mg and medium or high Ca concentrations]. Behaviour of Mg and Ca content in the blood serum of 28 cattle with grass tetany and hypocalcaemia was evaluated at short time intervals after infusion of 500 ml of a solution A (containing 12 g Mg-adipat and 5 g Ca-gluconate/100 ml aqua dest.) and a solution B (containing 12 g Mg-adipate and 12 g Ca-gluconate/100 ml) respectively. After treatment with the last-named solutions there was evident a considerable increase of Mg-values in the blood serum for a longer period (up to 6 h), also in the case of distinct hypomagnesaemia while Ca-values of the circulating blood declined more quickly. Efficacy of treatment was the better the earlier infusion was performed after occurence of clinical signs. Application of solution B for treatment of grass tetany and paresis with tetany like symptoms is recommended for several reasons. Necessity of assurance the Mg and Ca supply after infusion is emphasized.", "PMID": 999427} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7688", "title": "[Studies on the activity, properties and isoenzymes of acid phosphatase in the erythrocytes of swine, horse, dog, cat, duck and chicken].", "content": "Acid phosphatase of erythrocytes of several species was investigated, with three isozymes having been recorded from swine (three types), three (two types) from horse, four (one type) from dog, two (two types) from cat, two (three types) from duck, and two (one type) from fowl. The Michaelis constant of the enzyme varied between 3.5 and 5 X 10(-4) M for the species involved. The species, however, differed slightly for the optimum pH of the enzyme. The average enzymatic activities were (5.68 +/- 0.42 for dog, 4.46 +/- 1.0 for horse, 3.8 +/- 0.24 for swine, 3.72 for cat, 2.5 +/- 0.62 for duck, and 1.9 +/- 0.8 for fowl. All values are units per gram haemoglobin. Even relatively low concentrations (0.2 or 1 mM) of copper, mercury, and cadmium ions were found to be strong inhibitors of the acid erythrocyte phosphatase.", "contents": "[Studies on the activity, properties and isoenzymes of acid phosphatase in the erythrocytes of swine, horse, dog, cat, duck and chicken]. Acid phosphatase of erythrocytes of several species was investigated, with three isozymes having been recorded from swine (three types), three (two types) from horse, four (one type) from dog, two (two types) from cat, two (three types) from duck, and two (one type) from fowl. The Michaelis constant of the enzyme varied between 3.5 and 5 X 10(-4) M for the species involved. The species, however, differed slightly for the optimum pH of the enzyme. The average enzymatic activities were (5.68 +/- 0.42 for dog, 4.46 +/- 1.0 for horse, 3.8 +/- 0.24 for swine, 3.72 for cat, 2.5 +/- 0.62 for duck, and 1.9 +/- 0.8 for fowl. All values are units per gram haemoglobin. Even relatively low concentrations (0.2 or 1 mM) of copper, mercury, and cadmium ions were found to be strong inhibitors of the acid erythrocyte phosphatase.", "PMID": 999428} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7689", "title": "[Studies on the endocrine and spermatogenetic testicular function 6. In-vitro biosynthesis of testosterone in fractions of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum from the rat's testis in relationship to age and quality of dietary proteins].", "content": "The metabolic activity of testosterone biosynthesis in fractions of the unstriated endoplasmatic reticulum of testicular tissue in animals in puberty living on corn gluten was about 20 per cent below that in animals that were fed corn gluten plus supplemented amino acids. Such lowered metabolic activity was recordable even from adult animals for another 30 days despite change of feed to high-quality proteins. The conversion rate of progesterone in testostrone still was lowered by some ten per cent. If change of enzyme activity in testosterone biosynthesis was caused by feeding different protein qualities, such variation could not be normalised within short time. Testosterone biosynthesis during postnatal development of rat was of two-phase nature even in the presence of temporary deficit due to low-quality feed protein. A regulation mechanism is assumed to exist and to enable completion of sexual maturity even on the basis of low-quality feed proteins. The metabolic activity at the time of qualitative transformation of the A/T ratio was significantly reduced, and this resulted in delayed occurrence of spermatogenesis as well as in retardation of body and testicular weight development.", "contents": "[Studies on the endocrine and spermatogenetic testicular function 6. In-vitro biosynthesis of testosterone in fractions of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum from the rat's testis in relationship to age and quality of dietary proteins]. The metabolic activity of testosterone biosynthesis in fractions of the unstriated endoplasmatic reticulum of testicular tissue in animals in puberty living on corn gluten was about 20 per cent below that in animals that were fed corn gluten plus supplemented amino acids. Such lowered metabolic activity was recordable even from adult animals for another 30 days despite change of feed to high-quality proteins. The conversion rate of progesterone in testostrone still was lowered by some ten per cent. If change of enzyme activity in testosterone biosynthesis was caused by feeding different protein qualities, such variation could not be normalised within short time. Testosterone biosynthesis during postnatal development of rat was of two-phase nature even in the presence of temporary deficit due to low-quality feed protein. A regulation mechanism is assumed to exist and to enable completion of sexual maturity even on the basis of low-quality feed proteins. The metabolic activity at the time of qualitative transformation of the A/T ratio was significantly reduced, and this resulted in delayed occurrence of spermatogenesis as well as in retardation of body and testicular weight development.", "PMID": 999429} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7690", "title": "[Prenatal diagnosis of chromosome abnormalities. Three years of experience].", "content": "Six hundred and eighty one diagnoses were established by means of cell culture and chromosome analysis on amniotic fluid obtained either by late amniocentesis or at the time of therapeutic abortion. Each prenatal diagnosis involved: 1. Genetic consultation. 2. Supervision of the pregnancy before amniocentesis. 3. Amniocentesis in the obstetric department. 4. Confirmation of the diagnosis when an abnormality of the foetus was discolvered. 5. Supervision of the pregnancy following the anmiocentesis and examination of the infant at birth and during the first year of life. The indications for chromosome studies and the results are discussed.", "contents": "[Prenatal diagnosis of chromosome abnormalities. Three years of experience]. Six hundred and eighty one diagnoses were established by means of cell culture and chromosome analysis on amniotic fluid obtained either by late amniocentesis or at the time of therapeutic abortion. Each prenatal diagnosis involved: 1. Genetic consultation. 2. Supervision of the pregnancy before amniocentesis. 3. Amniocentesis in the obstetric department. 4. Confirmation of the diagnosis when an abnormality of the foetus was discolvered. 5. Supervision of the pregnancy following the anmiocentesis and examination of the infant at birth and during the first year of life. The indications for chromosome studies and the results are discussed.", "PMID": 999438} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7691", "title": "[Treatment of Wilson's disease in children. Five case reports].", "content": "Reporting 5 cases of Wilson' disease occuring in children and expressed by a major liver involvement, the practical aspects of therapy are discussed. In 4 cases, follow-up exceeded 3 years. 1. D-Penicillillamine, a chelating agent, is administered for the purpose of inverting the cupric balance. Cupruria has, therefore, no absolute value and must be interpreted according to multiple factors. 2. The effects of D-penicillamine on the liver, as assessed by clinical, biological and histological data, appears encouraging. Laparoscopic examinations, so as to appreciate the evolution of the cirrhosis are still lacking. 3. The decrease in spleen size and signs of hypersplenism probably illustrate the reversibility of the portal hypertension. In Wilson's disease, portal hypertension requires special measures which exclude surgical portal diversion.", "contents": "[Treatment of Wilson's disease in children. Five case reports]. Reporting 5 cases of Wilson' disease occuring in children and expressed by a major liver involvement, the practical aspects of therapy are discussed. In 4 cases, follow-up exceeded 3 years. 1. D-Penicillillamine, a chelating agent, is administered for the purpose of inverting the cupric balance. Cupruria has, therefore, no absolute value and must be interpreted according to multiple factors. 2. The effects of D-penicillamine on the liver, as assessed by clinical, biological and histological data, appears encouraging. Laparoscopic examinations, so as to appreciate the evolution of the cirrhosis are still lacking. 3. The decrease in spleen size and signs of hypersplenism probably illustrate the reversibility of the portal hypertension. In Wilson's disease, portal hypertension requires special measures which exclude surgical portal diversion.", "PMID": 999439} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7692", "title": "Smooth pursuit eye movements, attention, and schizophrenia.", "content": "In previous studies, smooth pursuit eye movements (SPEM) have been shown to be disordered in about 70% of schizophrenics and about 45% of their first-degree relatives. In this report, the role of attention in these eye movements is addressed in three experiments (using as subjects schizophrenics, their first-degree relatives, and normals administered chloral hydrate) that recruit focused attention to the task. These studies show that voluntary attention in the form of inattention, \"heedless negligence,\" or failure to cooperate, is not the specific attentional quality that is disordered in SPEM of schizophrenics and their relatives. Rather, the data both indicate that nonvoluntary attending is specifically disordered in these persons, and implicate a neurophysiological substrate that can be described as a failure of inhibitory, synchronizing integrating systems which may be located in the brain stem.", "contents": "Smooth pursuit eye movements, attention, and schizophrenia. In previous studies, smooth pursuit eye movements (SPEM) have been shown to be disordered in about 70% of schizophrenics and about 45% of their first-degree relatives. In this report, the role of attention in these eye movements is addressed in three experiments (using as subjects schizophrenics, their first-degree relatives, and normals administered chloral hydrate) that recruit focused attention to the task. These studies show that voluntary attention in the form of inattention, \"heedless negligence,\" or failure to cooperate, is not the specific attentional quality that is disordered in SPEM of schizophrenics and their relatives. Rather, the data both indicate that nonvoluntary attending is specifically disordered in these persons, and implicate a neurophysiological substrate that can be described as a failure of inhibitory, synchronizing integrating systems which may be located in the brain stem.", "PMID": 999447} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7693", "title": "Drug refusal in schizophrenia and the wish to be crazy.", "content": "The extremes of drug compliance were studied in two groups of schizophrenics: 29 habitual drug-refusers who invariably discontinued medication only to be readmitted several months later, and 30 drug-complier patients who habitually came in for their refills or injections of antipsychotic medication. The drug-refusers experienced the resurgence of an ego-syntonic grandiose psychosis after they discontinued medication. The habitual compliers, in contrast, developed decompensations characterized by such dysphoric affects as depression, anxiety, virtual absence of grandiosity, and some awareness of illness. The refusal of these chronic schizophrenics to take their medication could not be attributed to social isolation, paranoid diagnosis, or secondary gain. A discriminant function analysis showed grandiosity to be the most powerful discriminating variable between the two groups. We interpret these findings to mean that some schizophrenics may prefer an ego-syntonic grandiose psychosis to a relative drug-induced normality.", "contents": "Drug refusal in schizophrenia and the wish to be crazy. The extremes of drug compliance were studied in two groups of schizophrenics: 29 habitual drug-refusers who invariably discontinued medication only to be readmitted several months later, and 30 drug-complier patients who habitually came in for their refills or injections of antipsychotic medication. The drug-refusers experienced the resurgence of an ego-syntonic grandiose psychosis after they discontinued medication. The habitual compliers, in contrast, developed decompensations characterized by such dysphoric affects as depression, anxiety, virtual absence of grandiosity, and some awareness of illness. The refusal of these chronic schizophrenics to take their medication could not be attributed to social isolation, paranoid diagnosis, or secondary gain. A discriminant function analysis showed grandiosity to be the most powerful discriminating variable between the two groups. We interpret these findings to mean that some schizophrenics may prefer an ego-syntonic grandiose psychosis to a relative drug-induced normality.", "PMID": 999448} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7694", "title": "Total and free plasma tryptophan levels in patients with affective disorders: effects of a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor.", "content": "Previous reports of decreased cerebrospinal fluid tryptophan levels and decreased free plasma tryptophan levels, as well as a reduction in the volume of distribution of tryptophan, suggest that alterations in the disposition of plasma tryptophan may occur in depressives. We examined the disposition of plasma tryptophan in ten normal controls and ten depressed patients. These measures were made on two drug-free baseline days and on two days when the subjects had been receiving the peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor, carbidopa, which inhibits tryptophan metabolism via extracerebral indoleamine pathways.", "contents": "Total and free plasma tryptophan levels in patients with affective disorders: effects of a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor. Previous reports of decreased cerebrospinal fluid tryptophan levels and decreased free plasma tryptophan levels, as well as a reduction in the volume of distribution of tryptophan, suggest that alterations in the disposition of plasma tryptophan may occur in depressives. We examined the disposition of plasma tryptophan in ten normal controls and ten depressed patients. These measures were made on two drug-free baseline days and on two days when the subjects had been receiving the peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor, carbidopa, which inhibits tryptophan metabolism via extracerebral indoleamine pathways.", "PMID": 999449} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7695", "title": "Reduced growth hormone responses to amphetamine in \"endogenous\" depressive patients: studies in normal, \"reactive\" and \"endogenous\" depressive, schizophrenic, and chronic alcoholic subjects.", "content": "Several pharmacological stimulation tests of the pituitary-hypothalamic system have been used to investigate psychiatric disorders. This study introduces amphetamine sulfate as a stimulus for human growth hormone (HGH) release in various psychiatric patients. Peak HGH release after a single intravenous administration of amphetamine sulfate, 0.1 mg/kg, was significantly lower in nine \"endogenous\" depressives (P = .01) and significantly higher in seven \"reactive\" depressives (P less than .05) as compared to normal subjects, whereas peak HGH release in eight schizophrenics and six chronic alcoholics did not differ significantly from that in normal subjects.", "contents": "Reduced growth hormone responses to amphetamine in \"endogenous\" depressive patients: studies in normal, \"reactive\" and \"endogenous\" depressive, schizophrenic, and chronic alcoholic subjects. Several pharmacological stimulation tests of the pituitary-hypothalamic system have been used to investigate psychiatric disorders. This study introduces amphetamine sulfate as a stimulus for human growth hormone (HGH) release in various psychiatric patients. Peak HGH release after a single intravenous administration of amphetamine sulfate, 0.1 mg/kg, was significantly lower in nine \"endogenous\" depressives (P = .01) and significantly higher in seven \"reactive\" depressives (P less than .05) as compared to normal subjects, whereas peak HGH release in eight schizophrenics and six chronic alcoholics did not differ significantly from that in normal subjects.", "PMID": 999450} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7696", "title": "Blackouts: relationship with memory capacity and alcoholism history.", "content": "Male alcoholic inpatients with a high incidence of memory blackouts did not differ on several memory measures from subjects with a low incidence of blackouts. Alcoholism chronicity also did not differentiate between subjects on the Wechsler Memory Scale, tests of storage and decay of a memory trace, and maintenance of a concept along a temporal continuum. A history of blackouts was, however, related to drinking pattern. High-incidence subjects reported a significantly greater frequency of drinking to intoxication or until falling asleep, craving a drink, and increased tolerance to alcohol.", "contents": "Blackouts: relationship with memory capacity and alcoholism history. Male alcoholic inpatients with a high incidence of memory blackouts did not differ on several memory measures from subjects with a low incidence of blackouts. Alcoholism chronicity also did not differentiate between subjects on the Wechsler Memory Scale, tests of storage and decay of a memory trace, and maintenance of a concept along a temporal continuum. A history of blackouts was, however, related to drinking pattern. High-incidence subjects reported a significantly greater frequency of drinking to intoxication or until falling asleep, craving a drink, and increased tolerance to alcohol.", "PMID": 999451} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7697", "title": "Psychopathology and mood during heroin use: acute vs chronic effects.", "content": "In the context of evaluating the effects of a narcotic antagonist on opiate acquisition, 14 detoxified addicts self-administered increasing doses of unblocked heroin intravenously over a ten-day period. Early in the addiction cycle, subjects experienced tension relief and euphoria but this was followed shortly by a shift in the direction of increasing dysphoria and psychopathology. Nonetheless, individual injections of the drug continued to induce brief episodes of positive mood, an effect enhanced by frequent injection. Heroin self-administration was sharply reduced when subjects were blocked with naltrexone, a narcotic antagonist, and the negative effects observed during unblocked drug use were not observed.", "contents": "Psychopathology and mood during heroin use: acute vs chronic effects. In the context of evaluating the effects of a narcotic antagonist on opiate acquisition, 14 detoxified addicts self-administered increasing doses of unblocked heroin intravenously over a ten-day period. Early in the addiction cycle, subjects experienced tension relief and euphoria but this was followed shortly by a shift in the direction of increasing dysphoria and psychopathology. Nonetheless, individual injections of the drug continued to induce brief episodes of positive mood, an effect enhanced by frequent injection. Heroin self-administration was sharply reduced when subjects were blocked with naltrexone, a narcotic antagonist, and the negative effects observed during unblocked drug use were not observed.", "PMID": 999452} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7698", "title": "[Neonatal jaundice occurring during infection with a Coxsackie B4 virus].", "content": "An infant, born at term, presented at the 3rd day of life an hepatitis with hepatospleomegaly, intense icterus and abnormal activities on the coagulation test. Coxsackie B 4 virus could be isolated from the urine, and later on the infant developed specific antibodies of increasing titers. The child recovered and encephalitic or myocardial involvements were not observed. The literature is reviewed and the authors underline the relative rarity but also the severity of Coxsackie B 4 infection in the neonatal period.", "contents": "[Neonatal jaundice occurring during infection with a Coxsackie B4 virus]. An infant, born at term, presented at the 3rd day of life an hepatitis with hepatospleomegaly, intense icterus and abnormal activities on the coagulation test. Coxsackie B 4 virus could be isolated from the urine, and later on the infant developed specific antibodies of increasing titers. The child recovered and encephalitic or myocardial involvements were not observed. The literature is reviewed and the authors underline the relative rarity but also the severity of Coxsackie B 4 infection in the neonatal period.", "PMID": 999440} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7699", "title": "[Experimental study on cancerogenic activity of asbestos filters (author's transl)].", "content": "Wistar rats evolved many malignant tumors of different localisation. The tumors grew in the time of 8-14 months after oral application of asbestos filters which contained 53% Chrysotile asbestos. The number of tumors was statistically significant different not only in comparison to a control group which got talc only, but also to an untreated control group. The localisation of the tumors varied and so conclusions about organ specifity can not be drawn, when asbestos is applicated orally.", "contents": "[Experimental study on cancerogenic activity of asbestos filters (author's transl)]. Wistar rats evolved many malignant tumors of different localisation. The tumors grew in the time of 8-14 months after oral application of asbestos filters which contained 53% Chrysotile asbestos. The number of tumors was statistically significant different not only in comparison to a control group which got talc only, but also to an untreated control group. The localisation of the tumors varied and so conclusions about organ specifity can not be drawn, when asbestos is applicated orally.", "PMID": 999453} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7700", "title": "[Pharmacokinetics of antibiotics in children].", "content": "Antibiotics plasma levels and pharmacokinetics are sometime different in adults and newborns. A study of absorption, plasma levels, half lives, protein binding and extravascular diffusion of antibiotic groups give a survey of the kinetic differences according to the ages.", "contents": "[Pharmacokinetics of antibiotics in children]. Antibiotics plasma levels and pharmacokinetics are sometime different in adults and newborns. A study of absorption, plasma levels, half lives, protein binding and extravascular diffusion of antibiotic groups give a survey of the kinetic differences according to the ages.", "PMID": 999441} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7701", "title": "[Investigation of electrophoretical enzyme ph\u00e4notypes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, red cell acid phosphatase, phosphoglucomutase and adenosine deaminase of permanent human cell lines (author's transl)].", "content": "Isoenzymes of 11 cell lines were investigated by electrophoretical separation. All lines have been cultivated from tissues of white persons, all but one (Leuc. Th. B.) were phosphoglucomutase 1 and all were adenosine deaminase 1. Three out of 11 cell lines did show glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) type B as expected. Two out of 8 cell lines with G6PD A were distinguishable by their specific type of \"red cell\" acid phosphatase (SEP). We conclude that in vitro the electrophoretical G6PD ph\u00e4notyp B changed to ph\u00e4notype A. Further 4 lines had other peculiarities which are indicative to their originality, though they were G6PD A. Our investigations did show that G6PD may become type A if a cell line changes to permanent growth capacity in vitro. The enzyme marker G6PD A alone may not be valuated as an absolute evidence for contamination or mix up with He-La Cells.", "contents": "[Investigation of electrophoretical enzyme ph\u00e4notypes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, red cell acid phosphatase, phosphoglucomutase and adenosine deaminase of permanent human cell lines (author's transl)]. Isoenzymes of 11 cell lines were investigated by electrophoretical separation. All lines have been cultivated from tissues of white persons, all but one (Leuc. Th. B.) were phosphoglucomutase 1 and all were adenosine deaminase 1. Three out of 11 cell lines did show glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) type B as expected. Two out of 8 cell lines with G6PD A were distinguishable by their specific type of \"red cell\" acid phosphatase (SEP). We conclude that in vitro the electrophoretical G6PD ph\u00e4notyp B changed to ph\u00e4notype A. Further 4 lines had other peculiarities which are indicative to their originality, though they were G6PD A. Our investigations did show that G6PD may become type A if a cell line changes to permanent growth capacity in vitro. The enzyme marker G6PD A alone may not be valuated as an absolute evidence for contamination or mix up with He-La Cells.", "PMID": 999454} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7702", "title": "[A modified screening model for potential cancerostatics by i.v. application of L 1210 ascites cells (author's transl)].", "content": "Intravenous application of L 1210 ascites cells failed to produce generalized leukemias. The treated animals died after 6-7 days within a short interval time, revealing the picture of massive tumor cell infiltrations in liver and spleen. Using histological and autoradiographical methods it has been established that the primary processes of ascites cell proliferations occur in liver and spleen. The tested reference substances, cytosine arabinoside and cyclophosphamide, showed in this modified model the same effects as after intraperitoneal application. The extremely short death interval of the control animals makes possible a more precise distinction between the death curves of control and test groups.", "contents": "[A modified screening model for potential cancerostatics by i.v. application of L 1210 ascites cells (author's transl)]. Intravenous application of L 1210 ascites cells failed to produce generalized leukemias. The treated animals died after 6-7 days within a short interval time, revealing the picture of massive tumor cell infiltrations in liver and spleen. Using histological and autoradiographical methods it has been established that the primary processes of ascites cell proliferations occur in liver and spleen. The tested reference substances, cytosine arabinoside and cyclophosphamide, showed in this modified model the same effects as after intraperitoneal application. The extremely short death interval of the control animals makes possible a more precise distinction between the death curves of control and test groups.", "PMID": 999455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7703", "title": "Combination of ametopterine (MTX) and cyclophosphamide (CPM) based on the principle of partial synchronization of cell proliferation in lung cancer. Phase II study.", "content": "Twenty-three patients with histologically proven bronchogenic carcinoma of the lung were treated with regimen consisting of 3 intravenous doses of 0.4 mg/kg of MTX and intravenous infusion of 30-50 mg/kg body weight of CPM. Interval between 1st and 2nd dose of MTX, which served as synchronizing agent in phase G1/S, was 12 hrs, and interval between 2nd and 3rd dose -- 6 hrs. Infusion of CPM, which was considered to be a preferably S-phase killer was started simultaneously with administration of 3rd dose of MTX. Such courses were repeated every 21-30 days. Objective responses were noted in 10 of 19 adequately treated patients. MTX-CPM favourably influenced survival of the responders. The therapy was, however associated with a number of adverse reactions, from which neutropenia and complicating bacterial infections were particularly dangerous.", "contents": "Combination of ametopterine (MTX) and cyclophosphamide (CPM) based on the principle of partial synchronization of cell proliferation in lung cancer. Phase II study. Twenty-three patients with histologically proven bronchogenic carcinoma of the lung were treated with regimen consisting of 3 intravenous doses of 0.4 mg/kg of MTX and intravenous infusion of 30-50 mg/kg body weight of CPM. Interval between 1st and 2nd dose of MTX, which served as synchronizing agent in phase G1/S, was 12 hrs, and interval between 2nd and 3rd dose -- 6 hrs. Infusion of CPM, which was considered to be a preferably S-phase killer was started simultaneously with administration of 3rd dose of MTX. Such courses were repeated every 21-30 days. Objective responses were noted in 10 of 19 adequately treated patients. MTX-CPM favourably influenced survival of the responders. The therapy was, however associated with a number of adverse reactions, from which neutropenia and complicating bacterial infections were particularly dangerous.", "PMID": 999456} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7704", "title": "[About occupational rehabilitation of stomach cancer patients after radical operation (author's transl)].", "content": "Questions of occupational rehabilitation after radical surgery of patients suffering from cancer reach more and more consideration all over the world. To feel as a usefull member of human society is a very important fact for patients operated radically. Stomach cancer is one of the most frequent localisations in the USSR. Respecting the frequency of invalidity this cancer pretends the second place among these diseases. The report is based on a total 249 cases. The total was divided in three groups: in the first were 113 patients working physically, in the second were 64 brainworkers and in the third 72 people, working not in time before operation. Results are showing, that in average three years are necessary for the rehabilitation of physical workers: 26.3% were working at the same place as before, 19% have gotten an easier workingplace and 54.7% were not a work, but 14.7% of them had an old-age pension. These proportions were the same later og at the same place as before. This leads to the recommendation to perform rehabilitation very individually in physical workers, but brainworkers should start working in the first year after operation without restriction.", "contents": "[About occupational rehabilitation of stomach cancer patients after radical operation (author's transl)]. Questions of occupational rehabilitation after radical surgery of patients suffering from cancer reach more and more consideration all over the world. To feel as a usefull member of human society is a very important fact for patients operated radically. Stomach cancer is one of the most frequent localisations in the USSR. Respecting the frequency of invalidity this cancer pretends the second place among these diseases. The report is based on a total 249 cases. The total was divided in three groups: in the first were 113 patients working physically, in the second were 64 brainworkers and in the third 72 people, working not in time before operation. Results are showing, that in average three years are necessary for the rehabilitation of physical workers: 26.3% were working at the same place as before, 19% have gotten an easier workingplace and 54.7% were not a work, but 14.7% of them had an old-age pension. These proportions were the same later og at the same place as before. This leads to the recommendation to perform rehabilitation very individually in physical workers, but brainworkers should start working in the first year after operation without restriction.", "PMID": 999457} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7705", "title": "[Bronchial cancer in Berlin, capital of the G.D.R. 2. communication. lung cancer detection between 1955 and 1973 (author's transl)].", "content": "In Berlin, capital of the G.D.R., more than 8,600 cases of bronchial cancer were observed in the period 1955 to 1969 and in 1973/4. Number of cases has increased from one 5-years period to the following period. Incidence of lung cancer in men increased especially in higher age groups whereas in female a rising incidence can be seen in all age groups. Duration of history is no good measure of health behaviour and of diagnostic quality. Distribution of clinical stages gives reliable information on the situation of detection. With rising age, the proportion of advanced stages increases. Stage distribution has not changed during the observation period and no measurable progress towards earlier detection of lung cancer has been achieved. In the same time, proportion of elderly lung cancer patients rose considerably and the chances of radical surgical treatment grew worse. Nevertheless the resection rate has increased. It seems that the quality of specialized surgical care has made some progress. Some conclusions can be drawn for cancer control: Prophylactic examinations are to be concentrated on high risk groups. Patients with suspicion of lung cancer shall be admitted to the specialist without delay. Development of nonsurgical methods of therapy for cancer of the lung is an important goal.", "contents": "[Bronchial cancer in Berlin, capital of the G.D.R. 2. communication. lung cancer detection between 1955 and 1973 (author's transl)]. In Berlin, capital of the G.D.R., more than 8,600 cases of bronchial cancer were observed in the period 1955 to 1969 and in 1973/4. Number of cases has increased from one 5-years period to the following period. Incidence of lung cancer in men increased especially in higher age groups whereas in female a rising incidence can be seen in all age groups. Duration of history is no good measure of health behaviour and of diagnostic quality. Distribution of clinical stages gives reliable information on the situation of detection. With rising age, the proportion of advanced stages increases. Stage distribution has not changed during the observation period and no measurable progress towards earlier detection of lung cancer has been achieved. In the same time, proportion of elderly lung cancer patients rose considerably and the chances of radical surgical treatment grew worse. Nevertheless the resection rate has increased. It seems that the quality of specialized surgical care has made some progress. Some conclusions can be drawn for cancer control: Prophylactic examinations are to be concentrated on high risk groups. Patients with suspicion of lung cancer shall be admitted to the specialist without delay. Development of nonsurgical methods of therapy for cancer of the lung is an important goal.", "PMID": 999458} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7706", "title": "[Testing of chemical substances, especially drugs, for carcinogenic activity in mammals (author's transl)].", "content": "Basing on recommandations given by international institutions and by individual experts and on our own experiences, general recommandations are submitted for the testing of substances for carcinogenic activity with particular respect to drugs and some problems related to the interpretation of the results are discussed.", "contents": "[Testing of chemical substances, especially drugs, for carcinogenic activity in mammals (author's transl)]. Basing on recommandations given by international institutions and by individual experts and on our own experiences, general recommandations are submitted for the testing of substances for carcinogenic activity with particular respect to drugs and some problems related to the interpretation of the results are discussed.", "PMID": 999459} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7707", "title": "The influence of trazodone on the circulatory system in patients with endogenous depression. I. Basic circulatory parameters.", "content": "In patients with endogenous depression in remission, decline of systolic blood pressure and a statistically significant shortening of pulse time were found.", "contents": "The influence of trazodone on the circulatory system in patients with endogenous depression. I. Basic circulatory parameters. In patients with endogenous depression in remission, decline of systolic blood pressure and a statistically significant shortening of pulse time were found.", "PMID": 999460} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7708", "title": "The influence of trazodone on the circulatory system in patients with endogenous depression. II. Influence on vascular reflexes.", "content": "In patients suffering from endogenous depression, Trazodone caused a tendency to normalization of results of Schellong's orthostatic test, the cold pressor test, and tests of thermoregulation.", "contents": "The influence of trazodone on the circulatory system in patients with endogenous depression. II. Influence on vascular reflexes. In patients suffering from endogenous depression, Trazodone caused a tendency to normalization of results of Schellong's orthostatic test, the cold pressor test, and tests of thermoregulation.", "PMID": 999461} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7709", "title": "The influence of some antidepressant drugs on cardiac function. III. Influence on the isolated heart and isolated coronary blood vessels.", "content": "Imipramine, nortriptyline and amitriptyline reduced coronary flow in experiments on the isolated heart muscle and raised the tone of isolated coronary blood vessels.", "contents": "The influence of some antidepressant drugs on cardiac function. III. Influence on the isolated heart and isolated coronary blood vessels. Imipramine, nortriptyline and amitriptyline reduced coronary flow in experiments on the isolated heart muscle and raised the tone of isolated coronary blood vessels.", "PMID": 999462} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7710", "title": "The influence of some antidepressant drugs on cardiac function. IV. Influence of blood supply of the heart in situ.", "content": "In in situ experiments with cats, impiramine, nortriptyline and amitriptyline depressed arterial blood pressure, diminished coroncary flow and amplitude of the heart's contraction, and slowed cardiac action.", "contents": "The influence of some antidepressant drugs on cardiac function. IV. Influence of blood supply of the heart in situ. In in situ experiments with cats, impiramine, nortriptyline and amitriptyline depressed arterial blood pressure, diminished coroncary flow and amplitude of the heart's contraction, and slowed cardiac action.", "PMID": 999463} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7711", "title": "Anticholinergic action of tricyclic antidepressant drugs on the circulatory system.", "content": "The action of some antidepressant drugs on the circulatory system was found to have an anticholinergic component.", "contents": "Anticholinergic action of tricyclic antidepressant drugs on the circulatory system. The action of some antidepressant drugs on the circulatory system was found to have an anticholinergic component.", "PMID": 999464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7712", "title": "The influence of premedication with 6-OH-dopamine and long-term administration of thymoanaleptics on development of experimental arterial hypertension.", "content": "Administration of 6-OH-DA into the lateral cerebral ventricle did not prevent development of hypertension or influence the effects of administration of tricyclic antidepressant drugs (TA). Injection os 6-OH-DA intraperitoneally prevented development of hypertension, and TA apparently protected against the consequences of administration of 6-OH-DA.", "contents": "The influence of premedication with 6-OH-dopamine and long-term administration of thymoanaleptics on development of experimental arterial hypertension. Administration of 6-OH-DA into the lateral cerebral ventricle did not prevent development of hypertension or influence the effects of administration of tricyclic antidepressant drugs (TA). Injection os 6-OH-DA intraperitoneally prevented development of hypertension, and TA apparently protected against the consequences of administration of 6-OH-DA.", "PMID": 999465} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7713", "title": "The influence of kinins on the action of circulatory drugs. I. The influence of kinins on hypertensive and hypotensive effects of selected drugs.", "content": "The influence of bradykinin and kallikrein on the action of norepinephrine, epinephrine, isoprenaline, phentolamine, propranolol, aminophylline and theophylline on blood pressure was studied. The kinins potentiated the hypertensive action of norepinephrine and epinephrine, weakened the hypotensive action of isoprenaline, potentiated the hypotensive action of propranolol, and had no effect on the action of phentolamine, aminophylline and theophylline.", "contents": "The influence of kinins on the action of circulatory drugs. I. The influence of kinins on hypertensive and hypotensive effects of selected drugs. The influence of bradykinin and kallikrein on the action of norepinephrine, epinephrine, isoprenaline, phentolamine, propranolol, aminophylline and theophylline on blood pressure was studied. The kinins potentiated the hypertensive action of norepinephrine and epinephrine, weakened the hypotensive action of isoprenaline, potentiated the hypotensive action of propranolol, and had no effect on the action of phentolamine, aminophylline and theophylline.", "PMID": 999466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7714", "title": "The influence of kinins on the action of circulatory drugs. II. The influence of bradylinin on the action of selected drugs on the isolated rat heart.", "content": "The influence of bradykinin and bradykinin in conjunction with norepinephrine, epinephrine, isoprenaline, phentolamine and propranolol on the work of the isolated rat heart was studied. Amplitude of cardiac contractions, their frequency, and coronary flow were recorded. The kinin had no influence on the work of the isolated rat heart, inhibited the stimulating action of norepinephrine, epinephrine and isoprenaline on the heart muscle, and had no effect on the action of phentolamine and propranolol.", "contents": "The influence of kinins on the action of circulatory drugs. II. The influence of bradylinin on the action of selected drugs on the isolated rat heart. The influence of bradykinin and bradykinin in conjunction with norepinephrine, epinephrine, isoprenaline, phentolamine and propranolol on the work of the isolated rat heart was studied. Amplitude of cardiac contractions, their frequency, and coronary flow were recorded. The kinin had no influence on the work of the isolated rat heart, inhibited the stimulating action of norepinephrine, epinephrine and isoprenaline on the heart muscle, and had no effect on the action of phentolamine and propranolol.", "PMID": 999467} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7715", "title": "The influence of albumin degradation products on central effect of thiopental.", "content": "The influence of trypsin- and leukocyte-induced degradation products of albumin on the potency of thiopental action was studied. Degradation products of albumin increased the potency of this drug as evaluated by Lat's test, prolonged the duration of thiopental sleep and potentiated the hypothermic effects of thiopental. Thiopental action under the influence of albumin degradation products did not depend on the changes to accumunlation of this drug in the brain tissue.", "contents": "The influence of albumin degradation products on central effect of thiopental. The influence of trypsin- and leukocyte-induced degradation products of albumin on the potency of thiopental action was studied. Degradation products of albumin increased the potency of this drug as evaluated by Lat's test, prolonged the duration of thiopental sleep and potentiated the hypothermic effects of thiopental. Thiopental action under the influence of albumin degradation products did not depend on the changes to accumunlation of this drug in the brain tissue.", "PMID": 999468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7716", "title": "The influence of albumin degradation products on central action of amphetamine and pentetrazol.", "content": "Trypsin degradation products of albumin given intraperitoneally and into the brain ventricle decrease psychostimulatory effects of amphetamine as evaluated by Lat's test and stereotypy. Albumin degradation products obtained by trypsin and leukocyte digestion increased the convulsant effects of pentetrazol. These effects are possibly connected with a neurohormonal background in the central nervous system.", "contents": "The influence of albumin degradation products on central action of amphetamine and pentetrazol. Trypsin degradation products of albumin given intraperitoneally and into the brain ventricle decrease psychostimulatory effects of amphetamine as evaluated by Lat's test and stereotypy. Albumin degradation products obtained by trypsin and leukocyte digestion increased the convulsant effects of pentetrazol. These effects are possibly connected with a neurohormonal background in the central nervous system.", "PMID": 999469} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7717", "title": "The influence of ATP and AMP injected into the lateral ventricles of the brain on behavior in rats.", "content": "The influence of ATP and AMP injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle in doses of 50, 100 and 200 mug on behavior in rats was studied. ATP in the doses administered had no effect on behavior of rats. AMP in these doses enhanced motor activity of the rats. Chemical sympathectomy by intracerebral injection of 6-hydroxy-dopamine did not affect the action of either of the compounds on behavior of rats. AMP potentiated the action of intracerbrally administered noradrenaline on behavior of the animals.", "contents": "The influence of ATP and AMP injected into the lateral ventricles of the brain on behavior in rats. The influence of ATP and AMP injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle in doses of 50, 100 and 200 mug on behavior in rats was studied. ATP in the doses administered had no effect on behavior of rats. AMP in these doses enhanced motor activity of the rats. Chemical sympathectomy by intracerebral injection of 6-hydroxy-dopamine did not affect the action of either of the compounds on behavior of rats. AMP potentiated the action of intracerbrally administered noradrenaline on behavior of the animals.", "PMID": 999470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7718", "title": "The influence of trypsin and neuraminidase on content of serotonin in rat blood platelets.", "content": "Trypsin produced phasic changes (increase or decrease) in the serotonin levels in blood platelets depending on the initial concentration of serotonin in the platelets. The lowest concentration of trypsin that was used raised the content of serotonin in unloaded platelets, while all tested concentrations of trypsin lowered content of serotonin when the platelets were loaded with serotonin. Prolongation of time of incubation from 6 to 12 minutes revealed an action of some of the concentrations of trypsin that were previously inactive. Neuraminidase lowered serotonin levels in rat platelets. The effect of the highest concentration of neuraminidase was enhanced in presence of some of the concentrations of trypsin.", "contents": "The influence of trypsin and neuraminidase on content of serotonin in rat blood platelets. Trypsin produced phasic changes (increase or decrease) in the serotonin levels in blood platelets depending on the initial concentration of serotonin in the platelets. The lowest concentration of trypsin that was used raised the content of serotonin in unloaded platelets, while all tested concentrations of trypsin lowered content of serotonin when the platelets were loaded with serotonin. Prolongation of time of incubation from 6 to 12 minutes revealed an action of some of the concentrations of trypsin that were previously inactive. Neuraminidase lowered serotonin levels in rat platelets. The effect of the highest concentration of neuraminidase was enhanced in presence of some of the concentrations of trypsin.", "PMID": 999471} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7719", "title": "The antiviral activity of isatin beta-thiosemicarbazone derivatives on vaccinia virus infection in mice.", "content": "Newly synthetized compounds of Mannich bases isatin-beta-thiosemicarbazone derivatives: N,N'-bis-(beta-thiosemicarbazone-isatinmethyl)-2-methylpiperazine (TSKI-VI); N,N'-bis (beta-thiosemicarbazoneisatinmethyl)-cis-2,5-dimethylpiperazine (TSKI-VII) and N,N'-bis (beta-thiosemicarbazoneisatinmethyl)-trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine (TSKI-VII), showed protective effect on mice infected i.c. with neurovaccinia virus. Antiviral activity was shown already at doses of 1-25 mg/kg increased with the concentrations of the administratered compounds. TSKI-VI given prophylactically also showed protective effect, similar to metisazone in mice later infected i.c. with vaccinia virus.", "contents": "The antiviral activity of isatin beta-thiosemicarbazone derivatives on vaccinia virus infection in mice. Newly synthetized compounds of Mannich bases isatin-beta-thiosemicarbazone derivatives: N,N'-bis-(beta-thiosemicarbazone-isatinmethyl)-2-methylpiperazine (TSKI-VI); N,N'-bis (beta-thiosemicarbazoneisatinmethyl)-cis-2,5-dimethylpiperazine (TSKI-VII) and N,N'-bis (beta-thiosemicarbazoneisatinmethyl)-trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine (TSKI-VII), showed protective effect on mice infected i.c. with neurovaccinia virus. Antiviral activity was shown already at doses of 1-25 mg/kg increased with the concentrations of the administratered compounds. TSKI-VI given prophylactically also showed protective effect, similar to metisazone in mice later infected i.c. with vaccinia virus.", "PMID": 999472} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7720", "title": "New derivatives of 2-chromanone-4 as potential antiinflammatory drugs. II. 2-Carboxymethyl-3,6-diacetoxybenzo-(b)-furan and its amido derivatives.", "content": "The action of acetyl chloride on 2-carboxy-7-hydroxychromanone-4 (I) gives rise to a compound with structure 2-chlorocarbonylmethane-3,6-diacetoxybenzo-(b)-furan (II). Chloride (II) was used to obtain amides IV--XI. Pharmacologic screening of chromanone derivatives showed strongest anti-inflammatory activity of 2-(2,4-dichloroanilido)- and 2-cyclohexylamido-3,6-diacetoxybenzo-(b)-furan (compounds 9 and 10), and much weaker anti-inflammatory activity of the remaining compounds.", "contents": "New derivatives of 2-chromanone-4 as potential antiinflammatory drugs. II. 2-Carboxymethyl-3,6-diacetoxybenzo-(b)-furan and its amido derivatives. The action of acetyl chloride on 2-carboxy-7-hydroxychromanone-4 (I) gives rise to a compound with structure 2-chlorocarbonylmethane-3,6-diacetoxybenzo-(b)-furan (II). Chloride (II) was used to obtain amides IV--XI. Pharmacologic screening of chromanone derivatives showed strongest anti-inflammatory activity of 2-(2,4-dichloroanilido)- and 2-cyclohexylamido-3,6-diacetoxybenzo-(b)-furan (compounds 9 and 10), and much weaker anti-inflammatory activity of the remaining compounds.", "PMID": 999473} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7721", "title": "The effect of uropolinum, a diatrizoate contrast medium, on erythrocyte metabolism.", "content": "In the presence of Uropolinum (sodium and N-methylglucamine diatrizoate) the lactate production of erythrocytes was decreased in half of the cases studied. The addition of albumin showed a protective effect on glycolysis of red blood cells. A decrease in glutathione reductase and increase in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was observed in all cases. Acethylcholinesterase activity was unaffected by Uropolinum. The activities of phosphohexose isomerase, phosphofructokinase. aldolase and ATP-ase were decreased in some subjects and increased in the others. It may be attributed to individual sensitivity of some subjects to diatrizoates and is consistent with clinical observations.", "contents": "The effect of uropolinum, a diatrizoate contrast medium, on erythrocyte metabolism. In the presence of Uropolinum (sodium and N-methylglucamine diatrizoate) the lactate production of erythrocytes was decreased in half of the cases studied. The addition of albumin showed a protective effect on glycolysis of red blood cells. A decrease in glutathione reductase and increase in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was observed in all cases. Acethylcholinesterase activity was unaffected by Uropolinum. The activities of phosphohexose isomerase, phosphofructokinase. aldolase and ATP-ase were decreased in some subjects and increased in the others. It may be attributed to individual sensitivity of some subjects to diatrizoates and is consistent with clinical observations.", "PMID": 999474} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7722", "title": "Botulinum antitoxins and antibacterial IgM and IgG antibodies in sera of persons immunized with botulinum polytoxoid combined with cholera vaccine. II. Response to cholera vaccine.", "content": "The response of humans to cholera vaccine was very heterogeneous. The proportion of IgG vibriocidal antibodies was high in persons having previous natural or artificial contact with V. cholerae antigens. Predominance of IgM antibody response was seen in persons vaccinated for the first time. This type of response was sometimes evoked by unspecific stimuli such as botulinum polytoxoid without cholera vaccine. Antibodies passively protecting mice were found both in IgM and IgG globulins but the activity of these antibodies was higher in IgG than in IgM globulins.", "contents": "Botulinum antitoxins and antibacterial IgM and IgG antibodies in sera of persons immunized with botulinum polytoxoid combined with cholera vaccine. II. Response to cholera vaccine. The response of humans to cholera vaccine was very heterogeneous. The proportion of IgG vibriocidal antibodies was high in persons having previous natural or artificial contact with V. cholerae antigens. Predominance of IgM antibody response was seen in persons vaccinated for the first time. This type of response was sometimes evoked by unspecific stimuli such as botulinum polytoxoid without cholera vaccine. Antibodies passively protecting mice were found both in IgM and IgG globulins but the activity of these antibodies was higher in IgG than in IgM globulins.", "PMID": 999475} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7723", "title": "The influence of lymphocytes on blood proteins in vitro.", "content": "Autologous IgG, IgM and IgA globulins were assayed quantitatively by the immunodiffusion method in cultures of white blood cells from 14 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In cases in which levels of IgG in the patient's blood were lower than 1,000 mg/100 ml, the IgG globulin was statistically significantly deficient in the cultures. Moreover, concentrations of IgG in the culture supernatant and absolute lymphocytosis were moderately strongly correlated. These observations indicate that the white blood cells of leukemia patients combine with IgG in their environment, and that this may be one of the mechanisms leading to hypogammaglobulinemia.", "contents": "The influence of lymphocytes on blood proteins in vitro. Autologous IgG, IgM and IgA globulins were assayed quantitatively by the immunodiffusion method in cultures of white blood cells from 14 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In cases in which levels of IgG in the patient's blood were lower than 1,000 mg/100 ml, the IgG globulin was statistically significantly deficient in the cultures. Moreover, concentrations of IgG in the culture supernatant and absolute lymphocytosis were moderately strongly correlated. These observations indicate that the white blood cells of leukemia patients combine with IgG in their environment, and that this may be one of the mechanisms leading to hypogammaglobulinemia.", "PMID": 999476} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7724", "title": "Influence of serum protein and medium composition on the dynamic adhesiveness of lymphocytes and erythrocytes.", "content": "The dynamic adhesiveness of lymphocytes and erythrocytes to glass was studied in two media differing in concentration of serum protein and bivalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+). The serum protein reduced adhesion of both kinds of cells, the effect being much greater with erythrocytes. Different adhesive properties of lymphocytes and erythrocytes under dynamic conditions were also observed in the protein-free media. Erythrocytes appear to be more sensitive to the influence of serum proteins as well as to the medium composition (in the absence of serum). Some influence of the ionic strength of the medium on erythrocyte adhesion is suggested. No effect of bivalent cations on lymphocyte adhesiveness with and without protein was observed.", "contents": "Influence of serum protein and medium composition on the dynamic adhesiveness of lymphocytes and erythrocytes. The dynamic adhesiveness of lymphocytes and erythrocytes to glass was studied in two media differing in concentration of serum protein and bivalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+). The serum protein reduced adhesion of both kinds of cells, the effect being much greater with erythrocytes. Different adhesive properties of lymphocytes and erythrocytes under dynamic conditions were also observed in the protein-free media. Erythrocytes appear to be more sensitive to the influence of serum proteins as well as to the medium composition (in the absence of serum). Some influence of the ionic strength of the medium on erythrocyte adhesion is suggested. No effect of bivalent cations on lymphocyte adhesiveness with and without protein was observed.", "PMID": 999477} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7725", "title": "Transplantation of Peyer's patches under the kidney capsule in syngeneic mice. I. Morphological studies.", "content": "The morphology of Peyer's patches transplanted under the kidney capsule in syngeneic mice was studied up to 30 days after transplantation. Changes undergoing in transplants were arbitrarily divided into three stages: the initial stage of necrosis, then from the third day on -- clearing of dead tissues, and finally, from the fifth day -- lymphoid regeneration. Starting from the ninth day on, the lymphoid structure of the transplants was quite distinct. Transplants appeared to be similar to Peyer's patches in situ. Reconstituted transplants contained a huge number of blood vessels located with lymphocytes. The epithelial cysts were found in all the transplants. They were formed by remnants of persisted intestinal epithelium covering Peyer's patches in situ. The possibility of epithelial influence on lymphoid regeneration of the transplants is discussed.", "contents": "Transplantation of Peyer's patches under the kidney capsule in syngeneic mice. I. Morphological studies. The morphology of Peyer's patches transplanted under the kidney capsule in syngeneic mice was studied up to 30 days after transplantation. Changes undergoing in transplants were arbitrarily divided into three stages: the initial stage of necrosis, then from the third day on -- clearing of dead tissues, and finally, from the fifth day -- lymphoid regeneration. Starting from the ninth day on, the lymphoid structure of the transplants was quite distinct. Transplants appeared to be similar to Peyer's patches in situ. Reconstituted transplants contained a huge number of blood vessels located with lymphocytes. The epithelial cysts were found in all the transplants. They were formed by remnants of persisted intestinal epithelium covering Peyer's patches in situ. The possibility of epithelial influence on lymphoid regeneration of the transplants is discussed.", "PMID": 999478} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7726", "title": "A modified method for isolating alpha-amylase from rabbit skeletal muscle.", "content": "A modified method for purifying alpha-amylase from rabbit skeletal muscle is described, which in comparison with the previously published method gives better results of isolation and is economical, less time-consuming, and require less material. The former method gave 1,340-fold purification of the enzyme with a yield of 0-6%, and the new method 2,014-fold purification and 7-6% yield. Electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel showed absence of a strictly defined zone of enzyme activity and presence of inactive proteins.", "contents": "A modified method for isolating alpha-amylase from rabbit skeletal muscle. A modified method for purifying alpha-amylase from rabbit skeletal muscle is described, which in comparison with the previously published method gives better results of isolation and is economical, less time-consuming, and require less material. The former method gave 1,340-fold purification of the enzyme with a yield of 0-6%, and the new method 2,014-fold purification and 7-6% yield. Electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel showed absence of a strictly defined zone of enzyme activity and presence of inactive proteins.", "PMID": 999479} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7727", "title": "Partial purification of nucleopeptides from rabbit skeletal muscle by the tannin-caffeine procedure.", "content": "After precipitation of acid-soluble proteins from sulfosalicylic acid extracts of rabbit skeletal muscles with tannin at neutral pH, the remaining material still formed insoluble complexes with tannin. After removing tannin with caffeine complexes subjected to column chromatography on Dowex 1 x 8 gave four fractions containing both amino acids and nucleotides. It was concluded that the isolated material contains nucleopeptides, besides nucleotides.", "contents": "Partial purification of nucleopeptides from rabbit skeletal muscle by the tannin-caffeine procedure. After precipitation of acid-soluble proteins from sulfosalicylic acid extracts of rabbit skeletal muscles with tannin at neutral pH, the remaining material still formed insoluble complexes with tannin. After removing tannin with caffeine complexes subjected to column chromatography on Dowex 1 x 8 gave four fractions containing both amino acids and nucleotides. It was concluded that the isolated material contains nucleopeptides, besides nucleotides.", "PMID": 999480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7728", "title": "Binding of 2,4,6,-triiodobenzoic derivatives with blood cells. I. Binding of 125I-labeled uropolin with lymphocytes and erythrocytes during separation of blood in uropolin-dextran gradient.", "content": "125I-labeled Uropolin (syn. Uropolinum, Uromiro, Urografin) is bound to lymphocytes and erythrocytes if used to isolate lymphocytes in uropolin-dextran gradient. After 24-hr storage of 4 degrees C lymphocytes retained 60% of their radioactivity, and erythrocytes 87% under the same conditions.", "contents": "Binding of 2,4,6,-triiodobenzoic derivatives with blood cells. I. Binding of 125I-labeled uropolin with lymphocytes and erythrocytes during separation of blood in uropolin-dextran gradient. 125I-labeled Uropolin (syn. Uropolinum, Uromiro, Urografin) is bound to lymphocytes and erythrocytes if used to isolate lymphocytes in uropolin-dextran gradient. After 24-hr storage of 4 degrees C lymphocytes retained 60% of their radioactivity, and erythrocytes 87% under the same conditions.", "PMID": 999481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7729", "title": "Functional evaluation of normal and pathologic knees during gait.", "content": "The functional performance of the knee joints of 29 normal volunteers, 65 patients with degenerative joint disease and 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis was studied according to clinical (historical, physical and roentgenographic) and biomechanical gait parameters. Temporal and distance gait factors (velocity, cadence and stride length) were significantly reduced in patients with diseased knees. Sagittal plane knee motion was markedly reduced, as was stance phase flexion, indicating poor tolerance of loading the flexed knee in the patient groups. There was no correlation between passive motion of the diseased knee and the amount of motion used during gait. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis generally showed more compromise of knee joint function than did patients with degenerative joint disease. Statistically, significant correlations between various clinical and biomechanical gait parameters suggest that the techniques used are an objective measurement of knee joint function and may be employed as a means of evaluating various treatment modalities for the diseased knee.", "contents": "Functional evaluation of normal and pathologic knees during gait. The functional performance of the knee joints of 29 normal volunteers, 65 patients with degenerative joint disease and 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis was studied according to clinical (historical, physical and roentgenographic) and biomechanical gait parameters. Temporal and distance gait factors (velocity, cadence and stride length) were significantly reduced in patients with diseased knees. Sagittal plane knee motion was markedly reduced, as was stance phase flexion, indicating poor tolerance of loading the flexed knee in the patient groups. There was no correlation between passive motion of the diseased knee and the amount of motion used during gait. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis generally showed more compromise of knee joint function than did patients with degenerative joint disease. Statistically, significant correlations between various clinical and biomechanical gait parameters suggest that the techniques used are an objective measurement of knee joint function and may be employed as a means of evaluating various treatment modalities for the diseased knee.", "PMID": 999482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7730", "title": "Interstimulus interval effects on habituation of flexor withdrawal activity mediated by the functionally transected human spinal cord.", "content": "The habituation of flexor withdrawal activity mediated by the functionally transected human spinal cord was investigated as a function of a wide range of different temporal intervals among the repetitive cutaneous stimuli. Nine patients with a chronic, transverse lesion of the cervical spinal cord were submitted to four daily habituation training series involving interstimulus intervals of either 1, 5, 25, or 125 seconds. The stimulus consisted of a 40-msec pulse train applied through surface electrodes to a midplantar site, and the response was expressed in terms of the goniometrically recorded dorsiflexion of the ankle. A reliable degree of habituation was found for the series involving the 1- and 5-second intervals. However, holding constant the number of stimuli involved in the comparisons, no habituation was found for the series involving intervals of 25 and 125 seconds.", "contents": "Interstimulus interval effects on habituation of flexor withdrawal activity mediated by the functionally transected human spinal cord. The habituation of flexor withdrawal activity mediated by the functionally transected human spinal cord was investigated as a function of a wide range of different temporal intervals among the repetitive cutaneous stimuli. Nine patients with a chronic, transverse lesion of the cervical spinal cord were submitted to four daily habituation training series involving interstimulus intervals of either 1, 5, 25, or 125 seconds. The stimulus consisted of a 40-msec pulse train applied through surface electrodes to a midplantar site, and the response was expressed in terms of the goniometrically recorded dorsiflexion of the ankle. A reliable degree of habituation was found for the series involving the 1- and 5-second intervals. However, holding constant the number of stimuli involved in the comparisons, no habituation was found for the series involving intervals of 25 and 125 seconds.", "PMID": 999483} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7731", "title": "Lateralization in stroke syndromes as a factor in ambulation.", "content": "Lateralization should not be ignored in any rehabilitation program for patients with stroke syndromes. Despite the known differences resulting from the localization in the dominant versus the nondominant hemisphere (spatial perception, speech, etc.), practical application of this knowledge in gait training is sparse. The authors looked into different stages of ambulation and the time sequence between these stages and the onset of disease. Standing and walking in parallel bars and outside, as well as elevation activities were given numerical values in an effort to assess abilities quantitatively. The assessment of each patient was recorded graphically (stage of gait against time) and then the different graphs were summated in order to form a common right hemiparetic versus left hemiparetic curve. This study of 236 out of 298 patients (129 left hemiparetics and 107 right ones) showed the following: (1) The right hemiparetics progressed more rapidly in all stages of ambulation, statistically significant figures being obtained for the first two stages; (2) a greater percentage of right versus left hemiparetics reached the assigned levels of ambulation: and (3) 89% out of the 236 patients included in our study were able to ambulate in parallel bars, 81% outside the bars and 38.5% were proficient in stair climbing. Out of the original total number of patients (298), 64% were able able to ambulate outside the bars.", "contents": "Lateralization in stroke syndromes as a factor in ambulation. Lateralization should not be ignored in any rehabilitation program for patients with stroke syndromes. Despite the known differences resulting from the localization in the dominant versus the nondominant hemisphere (spatial perception, speech, etc.), practical application of this knowledge in gait training is sparse. The authors looked into different stages of ambulation and the time sequence between these stages and the onset of disease. Standing and walking in parallel bars and outside, as well as elevation activities were given numerical values in an effort to assess abilities quantitatively. The assessment of each patient was recorded graphically (stage of gait against time) and then the different graphs were summated in order to form a common right hemiparetic versus left hemiparetic curve. This study of 236 out of 298 patients (129 left hemiparetics and 107 right ones) showed the following: (1) The right hemiparetics progressed more rapidly in all stages of ambulation, statistically significant figures being obtained for the first two stages; (2) a greater percentage of right versus left hemiparetics reached the assigned levels of ambulation: and (3) 89% out of the 236 patients included in our study were able to ambulate in parallel bars, 81% outside the bars and 38.5% were proficient in stair climbing. Out of the original total number of patients (298), 64% were able able to ambulate outside the bars.", "PMID": 999484} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7732", "title": "Myofeedback for muscle retraining in hemiplegic patients.", "content": "The use of audiovisual displays of myoelectric potentials (myofeedback) has been suggested for retraining and strengthening of paretic muscles in patients with hemiplegia from stroke. This controlled study examines the specificity and efficiency of myofeedback in the strengthening of paretic muscles in hemiplegic patients. Eighteen patients with trace to fair-minus grade of deltoid muscle power resulting from strokes that had occurred at least six weeks earlier were randomly assigned to the six possible orders of accurate (true), positive noncontingent (placebo) and no feedback conditions. On three successive days, each patient received one session of each feedback condition, consisting of 20 isometric contractions of five seconds each with ten seconds of intervening rests. In addition, each patient's motivational level was rated. Averaged myoelectric potentials were quantified for each contraction for analysis. When the data were analyzed without grouping, no statistical differences among the three feedback conditions were noted. However, when the subjects were grouped according to age and motivational level, during true and no feedback sessions, the older and the poorly motivated groups were found to show progressive increment of myoelectric output, whereas the younger and the better motivated showed the opposite results. With placebo feedback, both groups showed progressive decrement of myoelectric output. It is concluded that the effect of myofeedback is nonspecific at least in its short-term application for the retraining of hemiplegically paretic muscles.", "contents": "Myofeedback for muscle retraining in hemiplegic patients. The use of audiovisual displays of myoelectric potentials (myofeedback) has been suggested for retraining and strengthening of paretic muscles in patients with hemiplegia from stroke. This controlled study examines the specificity and efficiency of myofeedback in the strengthening of paretic muscles in hemiplegic patients. Eighteen patients with trace to fair-minus grade of deltoid muscle power resulting from strokes that had occurred at least six weeks earlier were randomly assigned to the six possible orders of accurate (true), positive noncontingent (placebo) and no feedback conditions. On three successive days, each patient received one session of each feedback condition, consisting of 20 isometric contractions of five seconds each with ten seconds of intervening rests. In addition, each patient's motivational level was rated. Averaged myoelectric potentials were quantified for each contraction for analysis. When the data were analyzed without grouping, no statistical differences among the three feedback conditions were noted. However, when the subjects were grouped according to age and motivational level, during true and no feedback sessions, the older and the poorly motivated groups were found to show progressive increment of myoelectric output, whereas the younger and the better motivated showed the opposite results. With placebo feedback, both groups showed progressive decrement of myoelectric output. It is concluded that the effect of myofeedback is nonspecific at least in its short-term application for the retraining of hemiplegically paretic muscles.", "PMID": 999485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7733", "title": "[On the evolution of voice (author's transl)].", "content": "The paper gives a short survey of the phylogenetic development of the laryngeal and supralaryngeal apparatus from amphibians to man. The increasing differentiation of vocal behaviour, paralleling the differentiation of the vocal apparatus, is outlined and special reference is made to the non-verbal component in human language. It is stressed that animal vocal repertoires can be extremely rich, but in contrast to human verbal behaviour they are generated almost exclusively by laryngeal modulations and only to a minimal degree by supralaryngeal activity (i.e. articulation). A phylogenetic development can also be seen in the cerebral organization of vocal behaviour. In amphibians, reptiles and lower mammals, the dorsal midbrain-pons transitional zone seems to be the only area responsible for the production of vocal utterances. This area probably serves in integrating vocal fold movements, expiration, intra- and extra-oral muscle activity into species-specific vocal patterns; its destruction results in mutism. In higher mammals, including man, this area does not lose its original function but is brought under the control of the cortex around the anterior sulcus cinguli (supplementary motor area and anterior cingulate gyrus). The latter seems to play an essential role in the initiation of vocal utterances in situations which do not have a rigid stimulus-response characteristic, i.e. in voluntary vocal behaviour. The highest level of voice production, finally is represented by the cortical face area, the destruction of which is without consequence to the innate vocal behaviour of animals but produces dysarthria in man. This area (together with its associated structures, such as the cortex-pontine nuclei-cerebellum-thalamus-cortex circuit) seems to be essential for the production of verbal or, more generally, learned vocal behaviour.", "contents": "[On the evolution of voice (author's transl)]. The paper gives a short survey of the phylogenetic development of the laryngeal and supralaryngeal apparatus from amphibians to man. The increasing differentiation of vocal behaviour, paralleling the differentiation of the vocal apparatus, is outlined and special reference is made to the non-verbal component in human language. It is stressed that animal vocal repertoires can be extremely rich, but in contrast to human verbal behaviour they are generated almost exclusively by laryngeal modulations and only to a minimal degree by supralaryngeal activity (i.e. articulation). A phylogenetic development can also be seen in the cerebral organization of vocal behaviour. In amphibians, reptiles and lower mammals, the dorsal midbrain-pons transitional zone seems to be the only area responsible for the production of vocal utterances. This area probably serves in integrating vocal fold movements, expiration, intra- and extra-oral muscle activity into species-specific vocal patterns; its destruction results in mutism. In higher mammals, including man, this area does not lose its original function but is brought under the control of the cortex around the anterior sulcus cinguli (supplementary motor area and anterior cingulate gyrus). The latter seems to play an essential role in the initiation of vocal utterances in situations which do not have a rigid stimulus-response characteristic, i.e. in voluntary vocal behaviour. The highest level of voice production, finally is represented by the cortical face area, the destruction of which is without consequence to the innate vocal behaviour of animals but produces dysarthria in man. This area (together with its associated structures, such as the cortex-pontine nuclei-cerebellum-thalamus-cortex circuit) seems to be essential for the production of verbal or, more generally, learned vocal behaviour.", "PMID": 999489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7734", "title": "[A short questionnaire for problem drinkers. An empirical analysis (author's transl)].", "content": "This short questionnaire for alcoholics (KFA) has so far been used as an aid for the clinical diagnosis of alcoholism. In the presented empirical study the KFA was tested on its efficiency as an independent diagnostic instrument for the identification of alcoholics. The questionnaire was given to 120 male alcoholics and 80 male controls (nonalcoholic inpatients). Its validity (correlation of test scores by independent criterion) of r = 0.81 with a reliability of r = 0.94 is fairly high, considering the nature of our control group being inpatients in contrast to the normally used healthy controls. A further improvement of discrimination could be achieved in weighting certain items. On this basis given a cutting score of 6 points the misclassifications in both alcoholics and controls could be reduced to 4%. Allowing this error rate the KFA can be considered a suitable test for the identification of alcoholics.", "contents": "[A short questionnaire for problem drinkers. An empirical analysis (author's transl)]. This short questionnaire for alcoholics (KFA) has so far been used as an aid for the clinical diagnosis of alcoholism. In the presented empirical study the KFA was tested on its efficiency as an independent diagnostic instrument for the identification of alcoholics. The questionnaire was given to 120 male alcoholics and 80 male controls (nonalcoholic inpatients). Its validity (correlation of test scores by independent criterion) of r = 0.81 with a reliability of r = 0.94 is fairly high, considering the nature of our control group being inpatients in contrast to the normally used healthy controls. A further improvement of discrimination could be achieved in weighting certain items. On this basis given a cutting score of 6 points the misclassifications in both alcoholics and controls could be reduced to 4%. Allowing this error rate the KFA can be considered a suitable test for the identification of alcoholics.", "PMID": 999490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7735", "title": "[The selective examination of the neck arteries by directional Doppler sonography (author's transl)].", "content": "The Doppler examination of the neck arteries of 300 subjects showed, that the common, internal and external carotid arteries and the vertebral artery can reliably be distinguished on the basis of their different pulse-curve characteristics. In addition, the compression of branches of the external carotid artery can identify these vessels in particular in pathologic cases. The details of the normal flow profiles and their changes by the compression tests are described. Compression of the vessels leads to a rise in flow resistance. The effect of such a rise in resistance is demonstrated using the A. radialis as a model. The identification of the neck arteries provides the basis for diagnostic examination and localization of their stenoses and occlusions.", "contents": "[The selective examination of the neck arteries by directional Doppler sonography (author's transl)]. The Doppler examination of the neck arteries of 300 subjects showed, that the common, internal and external carotid arteries and the vertebral artery can reliably be distinguished on the basis of their different pulse-curve characteristics. In addition, the compression of branches of the external carotid artery can identify these vessels in particular in pathologic cases. The details of the normal flow profiles and their changes by the compression tests are described. Compression of the vessels leads to a rise in flow resistance. The effect of such a rise in resistance is demonstrated using the A. radialis as a model. The identification of the neck arteries provides the basis for diagnostic examination and localization of their stenoses and occlusions.", "PMID": 999491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7736", "title": "[The diagnosis of stenoses and occlusions of the carotid arteries by means of directional Dopplersonography (author's transl)].", "content": "The Doppler examination of the carotid arteries in the neck was compared with the results of the examination of the supratrochlear artery and of the angiographic controls in 76 patients. The results of this study indicate that the insonation of the carotid arteries considerably improves the diagnostic possibilities offered by the examination of the supratrochlear artery alone. There are three main advantages: 1. The reliability of the Doppler examination is improved. The insonation of the carotid arteries of the 76 angiographically controlled patients including stenoses from 50% onward gave only one false-positive and one false-negative result. The percentage of correct diagnoses thereby attained was 97%. 2. The insonation of the carotid arteries permits reliable differentiation between stenoses and occlusions. This is not possible by the insonation of the supratrochlear artery alone. There was only one case in which the distinction was wrong. 3. The localization of the pathologic process was possible in all cases. These conclusions are only valid for the detection of occlusions and stenoses of more than 50%. Low degree stenoses cannot be detected by this method.", "contents": "[The diagnosis of stenoses and occlusions of the carotid arteries by means of directional Dopplersonography (author's transl)]. The Doppler examination of the carotid arteries in the neck was compared with the results of the examination of the supratrochlear artery and of the angiographic controls in 76 patients. The results of this study indicate that the insonation of the carotid arteries considerably improves the diagnostic possibilities offered by the examination of the supratrochlear artery alone. There are three main advantages: 1. The reliability of the Doppler examination is improved. The insonation of the carotid arteries of the 76 angiographically controlled patients including stenoses from 50% onward gave only one false-positive and one false-negative result. The percentage of correct diagnoses thereby attained was 97%. 2. The insonation of the carotid arteries permits reliable differentiation between stenoses and occlusions. This is not possible by the insonation of the supratrochlear artery alone. There was only one case in which the distinction was wrong. 3. The localization of the pathologic process was possible in all cases. These conclusions are only valid for the detection of occlusions and stenoses of more than 50%. Low degree stenoses cannot be detected by this method.", "PMID": 999492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7737", "title": "[The diagnosis of obstructions of the vertebral and subclavian arteries by means of directional Doppler sonography (author's transl)].", "content": "The Doppler examination of the vertebral and subclavian arteries was compared with the angiographic findings in 40 cases. The vertebral flow was recorded at its atlas slope, the subclavian artery at the supraclavicular fossa. Twenty-seven normal Doppler results were confirmed by angiography in 26 cases. In one case there was a 70% stenosis at the origin of the vertebral artery. Occlusions, stenoses, and severe hypoplasia of the vertebral artery can be detected, but not distinguished from each other by the Doppler examination. Diagnostically relevant findings are either nondetectable flow above the vertebral artery or only minor pulsations with amplitudes less than 25% of the normal side. Eleven cases showed a flow reversal in a vertebral artery. Five of them were angiographically controlled and all showed a typical subclavian steal syndrome. Although the precision of the results of the examination of the vertebral artery is not as good as for the carotid arteries, it is a rough, suitable atraumatic screening method particularly for the subclavian steal syndrome.", "contents": "[The diagnosis of obstructions of the vertebral and subclavian arteries by means of directional Doppler sonography (author's transl)]. The Doppler examination of the vertebral and subclavian arteries was compared with the angiographic findings in 40 cases. The vertebral flow was recorded at its atlas slope, the subclavian artery at the supraclavicular fossa. Twenty-seven normal Doppler results were confirmed by angiography in 26 cases. In one case there was a 70% stenosis at the origin of the vertebral artery. Occlusions, stenoses, and severe hypoplasia of the vertebral artery can be detected, but not distinguished from each other by the Doppler examination. Diagnostically relevant findings are either nondetectable flow above the vertebral artery or only minor pulsations with amplitudes less than 25% of the normal side. Eleven cases showed a flow reversal in a vertebral artery. Five of them were angiographically controlled and all showed a typical subclavian steal syndrome. Although the precision of the results of the examination of the vertebral artery is not as good as for the carotid arteries, it is a rough, suitable atraumatic screening method particularly for the subclavian steal syndrome.", "PMID": 999493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7738", "title": "Temperature and endocrine activity during sleep in man. Activation of cortisol and thyroid-stimulating hormone, inhibition of human growth hormone secretion by raised or decreased ambient and body temperatures.", "content": "1. Polygraphic night sleep recordings in eight healthy male volunteers with simultaneous measurement of rectal temperature, plasma growth hormone (HGH), cortisol, and TSH concentrations were performed during normal, raised, and lowered ambient and body temperature. 2. There was a statistically significant increase in plasma cortisol and TSH levels during cold nights with a smaller rise during high temperatures. 3. Growth hormone levels, measured as the mean highest plasma concentration in the first two NREM-REM sleep cycles, were slightly lower during hot and cold nights than corresponding baseline values. It is suggested that there may be an inverse relation between ACTH and HGH secretion by the anterior pituitary gland. 4. During the nights of high ambient temperature, decreased total duration of sleep and particularly low values of paradoxical sleep were observed. Night sleep in low ambient temperature with a significant decrease of body temperature is not different from baseline conditions. 5. The results suggest that a pronounced increase in stress hormone secretion may occur without changes in polygraphic EEG criteria.", "contents": "Temperature and endocrine activity during sleep in man. Activation of cortisol and thyroid-stimulating hormone, inhibition of human growth hormone secretion by raised or decreased ambient and body temperatures. 1. Polygraphic night sleep recordings in eight healthy male volunteers with simultaneous measurement of rectal temperature, plasma growth hormone (HGH), cortisol, and TSH concentrations were performed during normal, raised, and lowered ambient and body temperature. 2. There was a statistically significant increase in plasma cortisol and TSH levels during cold nights with a smaller rise during high temperatures. 3. Growth hormone levels, measured as the mean highest plasma concentration in the first two NREM-REM sleep cycles, were slightly lower during hot and cold nights than corresponding baseline values. It is suggested that there may be an inverse relation between ACTH and HGH secretion by the anterior pituitary gland. 4. During the nights of high ambient temperature, decreased total duration of sleep and particularly low values of paradoxical sleep were observed. Night sleep in low ambient temperature with a significant decrease of body temperature is not different from baseline conditions. 5. The results suggest that a pronounced increase in stress hormone secretion may occur without changes in polygraphic EEG criteria.", "PMID": 999495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7739", "title": "[Drug abuse and schizophrenia (author's transl)].", "content": "In a series of 103 psychotic patients with evidence of drug abuse, the following facts came to light. 1. A definitive diagnosis was made in 94%. In 6% of these cases the diagnosis remained unclear even after having been admitted for a second time. 2. Seventy-four percent (72 of 97) of the patients, who abused various drugs, usually in combination had organic psychoses, and 26% (25 of 97) were diagnosed as schizophrenics. 3. Of 36 patients, who suffered psychotic episodes due to the abuse of cannabis, or LSD, or heroin, 21 (= 58%) were schizophrenics. 4. In those cases showing organic psychoses, thought insertion, thought withdrawal, and thought broadcasting were not found. However all other first- (and second-) rank symptoms (Kurt Schneider) of schizophrenia were found. Perhaps this might be of help as a differential criterion. 5. The fact of drug abuse at the outset of a schizophrenia is dependent on the schizophrenic symptomatology. The use of and attitude to the drug as well as the experiencing of the drug's effects changes in the further course of the psychosis. This last point might also be of value in the differential diagnosis.", "contents": "[Drug abuse and schizophrenia (author's transl)]. In a series of 103 psychotic patients with evidence of drug abuse, the following facts came to light. 1. A definitive diagnosis was made in 94%. In 6% of these cases the diagnosis remained unclear even after having been admitted for a second time. 2. Seventy-four percent (72 of 97) of the patients, who abused various drugs, usually in combination had organic psychoses, and 26% (25 of 97) were diagnosed as schizophrenics. 3. Of 36 patients, who suffered psychotic episodes due to the abuse of cannabis, or LSD, or heroin, 21 (= 58%) were schizophrenics. 4. In those cases showing organic psychoses, thought insertion, thought withdrawal, and thought broadcasting were not found. However all other first- (and second-) rank symptoms (Kurt Schneider) of schizophrenia were found. Perhaps this might be of help as a differential criterion. 5. The fact of drug abuse at the outset of a schizophrenia is dependent on the schizophrenic symptomatology. The use of and attitude to the drug as well as the experiencing of the drug's effects changes in the further course of the psychosis. This last point might also be of value in the differential diagnosis.", "PMID": 999496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7740", "title": "[The effect of the beta-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol in mania (author's transl)].", "content": "Six patients with the diagnosis of acute mania were treated with high doses of the beta-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol. One of these patients was treated during two manic phases. Psychopathologic change during treatment was rated daily by a psychiatrist not informed on the patients medication. The IMPS (Inpatient Multidimensional Psychiatric Scale) was used. Three cases were placebo-controlled under double blind conditions. Four times we had a second medication period, twice with propranolol and once with oxprenolol and dexpropranolol respectively. Propranolol was administered every 4 h (six times per day), starting with single doses of 20-40 mg. Doses were increased individually under control of pulse rate, blood pressure, and ECG. Augmentation of doses was continued until an effect on manic symptomatology was undoubtedly seen or until therapy had to be discontinued because of side-effects. In four patients definite improvement of manic symptomatology could be achieved during altogether five manic phases within usually two treatment periods of 5-15 days. Manic behavior disappeared completely in two of these patients. The effective dosage of propranolol varied between 280 and 2320 mg per day. All of the improved patients relapsed after discontinuation of the drug. In the only case on dexpropranolol (5 days up to 900 mg daily) the effect was questionable. No extrapyramidal side-effects were observed. In one patient treatment was discontinued because of lack of cooperation, in another because of extrasystoles. Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in the patient who received dexpropranolol. This complication was possibly due to other medication. Other side-effects were insomnia, hypertension, precordial pain, abdominal pain as well as the expected hypotension and bradycardia. The significance of these results regarding the catecholamine hypothesis of manic-depressive illness is discussed.", "contents": "[The effect of the beta-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol in mania (author's transl)]. Six patients with the diagnosis of acute mania were treated with high doses of the beta-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol. One of these patients was treated during two manic phases. Psychopathologic change during treatment was rated daily by a psychiatrist not informed on the patients medication. The IMPS (Inpatient Multidimensional Psychiatric Scale) was used. Three cases were placebo-controlled under double blind conditions. Four times we had a second medication period, twice with propranolol and once with oxprenolol and dexpropranolol respectively. Propranolol was administered every 4 h (six times per day), starting with single doses of 20-40 mg. Doses were increased individually under control of pulse rate, blood pressure, and ECG. Augmentation of doses was continued until an effect on manic symptomatology was undoubtedly seen or until therapy had to be discontinued because of side-effects. In four patients definite improvement of manic symptomatology could be achieved during altogether five manic phases within usually two treatment periods of 5-15 days. Manic behavior disappeared completely in two of these patients. The effective dosage of propranolol varied between 280 and 2320 mg per day. All of the improved patients relapsed after discontinuation of the drug. In the only case on dexpropranolol (5 days up to 900 mg daily) the effect was questionable. No extrapyramidal side-effects were observed. In one patient treatment was discontinued because of lack of cooperation, in another because of extrasystoles. Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in the patient who received dexpropranolol. This complication was possibly due to other medication. Other side-effects were insomnia, hypertension, precordial pain, abdominal pain as well as the expected hypotension and bradycardia. The significance of these results regarding the catecholamine hypothesis of manic-depressive illness is discussed.", "PMID": 999494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7741", "title": "[Training and dominance in human voluntary movements. Right-left-comparisons of putting and throwing programs (author's transl)].", "content": "1. Muscle action potentials and efficiency were measured during shot putting and ball throwing in right and left handed normals. The dominant and the nondominant side were compared in trained and untrained persons in order to investigate motor learning effects. 2. Trained shot putters show a coordinated sequence of activation of trunk, leg and arm muscles of both sides which precedes the final arm extension. After turning the body from an initially inclined and twisted position the final arm extension transfers the force of the accelerated body mass to the shot. 3. When shot putting or throwing is performed by the nondominant arm in subjects trained for the dominant arm the coordination of the contralateral dominant arm is lacking, in contrast to the performance by the trained arm. 4. In untrained persons the shot putting is effected mainly by arm extension on either side. The preceding trunk and leg action is very incomplete and without coordination of the contralateral arm, whereas the shot putting arm shows stronger triceps brachii innervation. The distances achieved by untrained shot putters reach only one-fifth or one-third of those of highly trained persons. 5. In ball throwing the throwing arm shows final coactivation of the biceps and triceps muscles coordinated with trunk and contralateral arm movements. The distances reached by throwing with the untrained arm are about half of those of the trained dominant arm. 6. Trained sportsmen put the shot with the untrained nondominant arm to 73% of the distance achieved by the trained arm. Untrained persons, however, show an approximately equal, smaller range of shot with the dominant and nondominant arm (8% side difference). 7. A biomechanical factor causing different performances of trained and untrained persons in shot putting is the different force of the energy transferring mass: the untrained person thrusts mainly with the arm which has barely 1/20 of the mass of the whole body, used by the trained shot putter. 8. That bilateral training and not hemispheric dominance is the decisive factor producing the improved efficiency is demonstrated by three observations: a) the maximal efficiency and bilateral coordination of shot putting in trained persons, b) the lack of contralateral activation of the dominant arm in shot putting and throwing by the nondominant arm, and c) the minimal left and right side differences in performance of untrained persons.", "contents": "[Training and dominance in human voluntary movements. Right-left-comparisons of putting and throwing programs (author's transl)]. 1. Muscle action potentials and efficiency were measured during shot putting and ball throwing in right and left handed normals. The dominant and the nondominant side were compared in trained and untrained persons in order to investigate motor learning effects. 2. Trained shot putters show a coordinated sequence of activation of trunk, leg and arm muscles of both sides which precedes the final arm extension. After turning the body from an initially inclined and twisted position the final arm extension transfers the force of the accelerated body mass to the shot. 3. When shot putting or throwing is performed by the nondominant arm in subjects trained for the dominant arm the coordination of the contralateral dominant arm is lacking, in contrast to the performance by the trained arm. 4. In untrained persons the shot putting is effected mainly by arm extension on either side. The preceding trunk and leg action is very incomplete and without coordination of the contralateral arm, whereas the shot putting arm shows stronger triceps brachii innervation. The distances achieved by untrained shot putters reach only one-fifth or one-third of those of highly trained persons. 5. In ball throwing the throwing arm shows final coactivation of the biceps and triceps muscles coordinated with trunk and contralateral arm movements. The distances reached by throwing with the untrained arm are about half of those of the trained dominant arm. 6. Trained sportsmen put the shot with the untrained nondominant arm to 73% of the distance achieved by the trained arm. Untrained persons, however, show an approximately equal, smaller range of shot with the dominant and nondominant arm (8% side difference). 7. A biomechanical factor causing different performances of trained and untrained persons in shot putting is the different force of the energy transferring mass: the untrained person thrusts mainly with the arm which has barely 1/20 of the mass of the whole body, used by the trained shot putter. 8. That bilateral training and not hemispheric dominance is the decisive factor producing the improved efficiency is demonstrated by three observations: a) the maximal efficiency and bilateral coordination of shot putting in trained persons, b) the lack of contralateral activation of the dominant arm in shot putting and throwing by the nondominant arm, and c) the minimal left and right side differences in performance of untrained persons.", "PMID": 999497} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7742", "title": "Anal lesions complicating Crohn disease.", "content": "Of 503 patients with Crohn disease seen at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, 138 (28%) developed an anorectal abscess, anal fissure, or anal fistula during the course of their disease. In 9.3% of patients the anal lesion preceded the onset of intestinal symptoms by two weeks to 12 years. Patients in our series with large bowel disease were twice as likely to develop an anal lesion as were patients with small bowel disease. Likewise, patients with large bowel disease were twice as likely to have had an anal lesion as a presenting symptom. A patient with an anal lesion, however, was more apt to develop small bowel disease simply because the small bowel was a far commoner site of Crohn disease in this series. The cause of the anal lesions is still not clear. Specific evidence of Crohn disease was not found in histological examination of material from any of the patients.", "contents": "Anal lesions complicating Crohn disease. Of 503 patients with Crohn disease seen at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, 138 (28%) developed an anorectal abscess, anal fissure, or anal fistula during the course of their disease. In 9.3% of patients the anal lesion preceded the onset of intestinal symptoms by two weeks to 12 years. Patients in our series with large bowel disease were twice as likely to develop an anal lesion as were patients with small bowel disease. Likewise, patients with large bowel disease were twice as likely to have had an anal lesion as a presenting symptom. A patient with an anal lesion, however, was more apt to develop small bowel disease simply because the small bowel was a far commoner site of Crohn disease in this series. The cause of the anal lesions is still not clear. Specific evidence of Crohn disease was not found in histological examination of material from any of the patients.", "PMID": 999499} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7743", "title": "Surgical treatment of hydatid disease of the liver.", "content": "This report reviews 21 capsulorrhaphies for for hydatid disease of the liver. At operation, the cysts were intact, with clear fluid, and there was no gross bile oozing in the residual hepatic cavity. The largest amount of normal saline solution that filled a cavity in the right lobe was 650 ml. Only one patient (5%) underwent a second operation 16 days after the first one for infection that developed in a right lobe cavity after capsulorrhaphy. Insertion of a drain secured the recovery in three weeks. In retrospect, retention of a daughter cyst that was recovered at the second operation could account for this complication. The postoperative hospitalization period was eight to ten days for these patients. One can conclude from this experience that capsulorrhaphy has solved the problem of residual cavity provided that the technical points are observed.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of hydatid disease of the liver. This report reviews 21 capsulorrhaphies for for hydatid disease of the liver. At operation, the cysts were intact, with clear fluid, and there was no gross bile oozing in the residual hepatic cavity. The largest amount of normal saline solution that filled a cavity in the right lobe was 650 ml. Only one patient (5%) underwent a second operation 16 days after the first one for infection that developed in a right lobe cavity after capsulorrhaphy. Insertion of a drain secured the recovery in three weeks. In retrospect, retention of a daughter cyst that was recovered at the second operation could account for this complication. The postoperative hospitalization period was eight to ten days for these patients. One can conclude from this experience that capsulorrhaphy has solved the problem of residual cavity provided that the technical points are observed.", "PMID": 999500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7744", "title": "The axillo-axillary bypass graft: further experience.", "content": "The recent utilization of the axillo-axillary bypass graft for revascularization of proximal subclavian or innominate artery occlusions has proved to be a successful operation, technically simple with a low operative morbidity. We have reviewed the reported experience to date and have added our experience of nine additional cases. The procedure has produced excellent results in all patients, with no evidence of postoperative \"steal\" from the donor limb. Preoperative hemodynamic defects were corrected. Our experience has led us to the conclusion that this simpler and safer extrathoracic approach should be considered as the procedure of choice when arterial lesions allow for its selection and use.", "contents": "The axillo-axillary bypass graft: further experience. The recent utilization of the axillo-axillary bypass graft for revascularization of proximal subclavian or innominate artery occlusions has proved to be a successful operation, technically simple with a low operative morbidity. We have reviewed the reported experience to date and have added our experience of nine additional cases. The procedure has produced excellent results in all patients, with no evidence of postoperative \"steal\" from the donor limb. Preoperative hemodynamic defects were corrected. Our experience has led us to the conclusion that this simpler and safer extrathoracic approach should be considered as the procedure of choice when arterial lesions allow for its selection and use.", "PMID": 999501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7745", "title": "Reversibility of hepatic failure following jejunoileal bypass.", "content": "Jejunoileal bypass was performed in 50 morbidly obeses patients. The morbidity encountered compared favorably with that of other series. All patients manifesting hepatic failure demonstrated hyperbilirubinemia within the first three months postoperatively. Hyperbilirubinemia, if uncorrected, resulted in a mortality of 75%. Augmentation jejunal interposition was performed in three patients who demonstrated hepatic decompensation or severe electrolyte imbalance or both. This resulted in rapid correction of electrolyte disturbances, liver function measurements, and patient symptoms without significant postoperative weight gain. Persistent hyperbilirubinemia or recalcitrant electrolyte problems or both are indications for augmentation jejunal interposition.", "contents": "Reversibility of hepatic failure following jejunoileal bypass. Jejunoileal bypass was performed in 50 morbidly obeses patients. The morbidity encountered compared favorably with that of other series. All patients manifesting hepatic failure demonstrated hyperbilirubinemia within the first three months postoperatively. Hyperbilirubinemia, if uncorrected, resulted in a mortality of 75%. Augmentation jejunal interposition was performed in three patients who demonstrated hepatic decompensation or severe electrolyte imbalance or both. This resulted in rapid correction of electrolyte disturbances, liver function measurements, and patient symptoms without significant postoperative weight gain. Persistent hyperbilirubinemia or recalcitrant electrolyte problems or both are indications for augmentation jejunal interposition.", "PMID": 999502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7746", "title": "Laboratory experience with a new autotransfusion device.", "content": "A new device for collecting and administering blood by intraoperative autotransfusion consists of several novel features: a collection bag that is kept expanded by a vacuum and into which the blood is drawn by suction of a lesser degree than the outside vacuum, a crease in the collection bag that decreases turbulence and foaming, and separation of the infusion element from the retrieval system by a valve that allows pressure infusion and suction continously. The apparatus is inexpensive, quickly assembled, operated by wall suction or suction pump. We have had favorable experience with its use in animals.", "contents": "Laboratory experience with a new autotransfusion device. A new device for collecting and administering blood by intraoperative autotransfusion consists of several novel features: a collection bag that is kept expanded by a vacuum and into which the blood is drawn by suction of a lesser degree than the outside vacuum, a crease in the collection bag that decreases turbulence and foaming, and separation of the infusion element from the retrieval system by a valve that allows pressure infusion and suction continously. The apparatus is inexpensive, quickly assembled, operated by wall suction or suction pump. We have had favorable experience with its use in animals.", "PMID": 999503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7747", "title": "Effect of glucagon on hepatic circulation in the pig.", "content": "The effect of intravenous injection of 50 mug/kg of glucagon on the hepatic circulation of the pig was studied in 12 animals. Glucagon caused an arterial pressure reduction of 11 mm Hg after two minutes and 7 mm Hg after ten minutes. The portal pressure and blood flow were not altered. The superior mesenteric arterial flow decreased by 12%. The hepatic arterial blood flow increased by 80% after two minutes and by 58% after ten minutes. There was no difference in response when anesthesia was achieved with small intravenous doses of thiopental (Pentothal) sodium or 70% nitrous oxide in oxygen and tubocurarine chloride.", "contents": "Effect of glucagon on hepatic circulation in the pig. The effect of intravenous injection of 50 mug/kg of glucagon on the hepatic circulation of the pig was studied in 12 animals. Glucagon caused an arterial pressure reduction of 11 mm Hg after two minutes and 7 mm Hg after ten minutes. The portal pressure and blood flow were not altered. The superior mesenteric arterial flow decreased by 12%. The hepatic arterial blood flow increased by 80% after two minutes and by 58% after ten minutes. There was no difference in response when anesthesia was achieved with small intravenous doses of thiopental (Pentothal) sodium or 70% nitrous oxide in oxygen and tubocurarine chloride.", "PMID": 999504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7748", "title": "Dilation of intraheptic bile ducts in choledochal cyst: case report with follow-up review of the literature.", "content": "Fifty-five cases of intrahepatic dilation of the bile ducts associated with choledochal cyst have been found in the literature, mostly reported over the past five years. Obstructive jaundice is often not present at an early stage in this group of patients, but dissociation of the serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels could be an early manifestation of this condition. Recent advances in diagnosis and new concepts of the cause and surgical management are reviewed. A case is reported where choledochocystojejunostomy was performed using automatic stapling instruments. Disappearance of symptoms, normalization of liver functions, and reduction in size of the cysts were observed during the two-year postoperative period.", "contents": "Dilation of intraheptic bile ducts in choledochal cyst: case report with follow-up review of the literature. Fifty-five cases of intrahepatic dilation of the bile ducts associated with choledochal cyst have been found in the literature, mostly reported over the past five years. Obstructive jaundice is often not present at an early stage in this group of patients, but dissociation of the serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels could be an early manifestation of this condition. Recent advances in diagnosis and new concepts of the cause and surgical management are reviewed. A case is reported where choledochocystojejunostomy was performed using automatic stapling instruments. Disappearance of symptoms, normalization of liver functions, and reduction in size of the cysts were observed during the two-year postoperative period.", "PMID": 999505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7749", "title": "Total pancreatectomy for recurrent medullary fat necrosis.", "content": "A patient had subcutaneous and medullary bone fat necrosis associated with chronic, recurrent pancreatitis. In the case, recurrent symptoms of pancreatitis as well as progressive bone destruction were correlated with an increase in serum lipase levels. Total pancreatectomy was followed by relief of all symptoms and healing of destroyed bone. Medullary fat necrosis may be associated with pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, or cancer of the pancreas. Pancreatectomy may be useful if conservative treatment does not lead to healing of severe medullary fat necrosis associated with recurrent pancreatitis.", "contents": "Total pancreatectomy for recurrent medullary fat necrosis. A patient had subcutaneous and medullary bone fat necrosis associated with chronic, recurrent pancreatitis. In the case, recurrent symptoms of pancreatitis as well as progressive bone destruction were correlated with an increase in serum lipase levels. Total pancreatectomy was followed by relief of all symptoms and healing of destroyed bone. Medullary fat necrosis may be associated with pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, or cancer of the pancreas. Pancreatectomy may be useful if conservative treatment does not lead to healing of severe medullary fat necrosis associated with recurrent pancreatitis.", "PMID": 999506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7750", "title": "Hepatic adenoma associated with oral contraceptive use: an unusual clinical presentation.", "content": "A young woman who had taken contraceptive steroids for many years had the acute onset of abdominal pain because of central necrosis and hemorrhage into a hepatic adenoma. She had multiple lesions confined to one lobe of the liver. Persistent pyrexia and leukocytosis were also prominent clinical findings. She has had no evidence of recurrence of this problem during the seven years following right hepatic lobectomy. A review of the anabolic and contraceptive steroid-associated hepatic neoplasms is presented with comments directed toward the recognition of the critical clinical sequelae that can befall the patient with hepatic adenoma. Although all the patients in the steroid-treated group have tumors with benign and striking histologic similarity, microscopic evidence of malignant invasion of surrounding tissue is occassionally noted.", "contents": "Hepatic adenoma associated with oral contraceptive use: an unusual clinical presentation. A young woman who had taken contraceptive steroids for many years had the acute onset of abdominal pain because of central necrosis and hemorrhage into a hepatic adenoma. She had multiple lesions confined to one lobe of the liver. Persistent pyrexia and leukocytosis were also prominent clinical findings. She has had no evidence of recurrence of this problem during the seven years following right hepatic lobectomy. A review of the anabolic and contraceptive steroid-associated hepatic neoplasms is presented with comments directed toward the recognition of the critical clinical sequelae that can befall the patient with hepatic adenoma. Although all the patients in the steroid-treated group have tumors with benign and striking histologic similarity, microscopic evidence of malignant invasion of surrounding tissue is occassionally noted.", "PMID": 999507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7751", "title": "Catheter duodenostomy for perforated duodenal ulcer.", "content": "A new technique of catheter duodenostomy is described as treatment for a large perforated duodenal ulcer in a patient who came to the hospital seven days after the perforation. The problem of gastric stasis due to pyloric obstruction was tackled by gastrostomy. Nutritional needs of the patient were met by feeding through the duodenostomy catheter.", "contents": "Catheter duodenostomy for perforated duodenal ulcer. A new technique of catheter duodenostomy is described as treatment for a large perforated duodenal ulcer in a patient who came to the hospital seven days after the perforation. The problem of gastric stasis due to pyloric obstruction was tackled by gastrostomy. Nutritional needs of the patient were met by feeding through the duodenostomy catheter.", "PMID": 999509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7752", "title": "[Determination of data of protein metabolism kinetics from studies with 15N labeled feed].", "content": "The protein metabolism of normal growing rats was investigated in studies with 15N labelled feeding-stuffs (spring barley and feed yeast) which were based on a model developed by CZARNETZKI and coworkers (1969). Data on the kinetics of protein metabolism were calculated from the balances between the quantities of nitrogen and 15N ingested and those excreted with the faeces and urine. The rate of synthesis for the body proteins of growing rats (100 g liveweight) was found to be dependent upon the protein intake. 0.84 g of body protein were synthesized per day when 100 mg N were ingested. This rate increased to 1.8 g per day when the intake was 400 mg N. The rate of protein decomposition was also shown to be dependent on the level of protein consumption. The mean period of nitrogen retention in body proteins was shown to be about 30 days, the nitrogen pool was determined to be 0.30 g N.", "contents": "[Determination of data of protein metabolism kinetics from studies with 15N labeled feed]. The protein metabolism of normal growing rats was investigated in studies with 15N labelled feeding-stuffs (spring barley and feed yeast) which were based on a model developed by CZARNETZKI and coworkers (1969). Data on the kinetics of protein metabolism were calculated from the balances between the quantities of nitrogen and 15N ingested and those excreted with the faeces and urine. The rate of synthesis for the body proteins of growing rats (100 g liveweight) was found to be dependent upon the protein intake. 0.84 g of body protein were synthesized per day when 100 mg N were ingested. This rate increased to 1.8 g per day when the intake was 400 mg N. The rate of protein decomposition was also shown to be dependent on the level of protein consumption. The mean period of nitrogen retention in body proteins was shown to be about 30 days, the nitrogen pool was determined to be 0.30 g N.", "PMID": 999510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7753", "title": "[Nitrogen metabolism in the broiler chicken determined by means of 15N labeled wheat].", "content": "Studies were made on the N and 15N excretion of 4-weeks-old male broilers fed 15N labelled wheat. The broilers excreted an average of 1143 mg N per bird per day. This would correspond to a level of N retention of 1105 mg N per day (49% of N intake) for birds consuming 2248 mg N daily. 53.9 mg of the 148 mg of 15N ingested on the first day of tracer administration (=36% of the amount administered) were excreted on the same day. Separation of the excreta by chemical means was not found to be a suitable method for the subsequent 15N isotope analysis of faecal and urinary N. Only colostomated birds can be used if the degree of labelling of faecal and urinary N has to be determined.", "contents": "[Nitrogen metabolism in the broiler chicken determined by means of 15N labeled wheat]. Studies were made on the N and 15N excretion of 4-weeks-old male broilers fed 15N labelled wheat. The broilers excreted an average of 1143 mg N per bird per day. This would correspond to a level of N retention of 1105 mg N per day (49% of N intake) for birds consuming 2248 mg N daily. 53.9 mg of the 148 mg of 15N ingested on the first day of tracer administration (=36% of the amount administered) were excreted on the same day. Separation of the excreta by chemical means was not found to be a suitable method for the subsequent 15N isotope analysis of faecal and urinary N. Only colostomated birds can be used if the degree of labelling of faecal and urinary N has to be determined.", "PMID": 999511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7754", "title": "[Studies of the methods used for the determination of the digestibility of crude fats in calves].", "content": "An investigation was made of methods used for the exact determination of the crude content and crude extract of faeces. The following methods were examined: (1) Following treatment with hydrochloric acid a 1:1 mixture of ether and petroleum ether was used. (2) Following hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid extraction with ether was carried out immediately from the aqueous phases. (3) The analysis was carried out with Folch's solvent. A 1:1 mixture of methanol and chloroform was used. (4) The faeces were dried with infrared lamps and crude fat extraction was carried out with Folch's solvent. A 1:1 mixture of methanol and chloroform was used. (5) The faeces were dried with infrared lamps and extraction with ether was done in a Soxhlet apparatus. Nearly identical results were obtained with methods 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 in determining the content of crude extract, the acid number and the percentage proportion of fatty acids. Essential differences were found between methods 1 and 2 and methods 3 and 4. The most reliable results were obtained by using method (2). Method (5) was found to be most suitable for large-scale testing. Values for the content of crude extract in the faeces were somewhat lower (0.78%-1.2%) when determined by method (5). These variations were not significant statistically. (P greater than 5%). No significant differences were observed between methods (2) and (5). It was thus established that method (5) is best suited for estimating the crude extract of the faces. The faeces of calves were found to contain a high proportion of unsaponifiable matter. This proportion was subtracted from the percentage of crude extract and the amount of faecal crude fat was thus estimated. Very small but statistically significant differences were found by converting digestibility data of crude extract into those of crude fat. Hence, for future work the most appropriate method appears to be the estimation of the crude extract in feedingstuffs.", "contents": "[Studies of the methods used for the determination of the digestibility of crude fats in calves]. An investigation was made of methods used for the exact determination of the crude content and crude extract of faeces. The following methods were examined: (1) Following treatment with hydrochloric acid a 1:1 mixture of ether and petroleum ether was used. (2) Following hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid extraction with ether was carried out immediately from the aqueous phases. (3) The analysis was carried out with Folch's solvent. A 1:1 mixture of methanol and chloroform was used. (4) The faeces were dried with infrared lamps and crude fat extraction was carried out with Folch's solvent. A 1:1 mixture of methanol and chloroform was used. (5) The faeces were dried with infrared lamps and extraction with ether was done in a Soxhlet apparatus. Nearly identical results were obtained with methods 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 in determining the content of crude extract, the acid number and the percentage proportion of fatty acids. Essential differences were found between methods 1 and 2 and methods 3 and 4. The most reliable results were obtained by using method (2). Method (5) was found to be most suitable for large-scale testing. Values for the content of crude extract in the faeces were somewhat lower (0.78%-1.2%) when determined by method (5). These variations were not significant statistically. (P greater than 5%). No significant differences were observed between methods (2) and (5). It was thus established that method (5) is best suited for estimating the crude extract of the faces. The faeces of calves were found to contain a high proportion of unsaponifiable matter. This proportion was subtracted from the percentage of crude extract and the amount of faecal crude fat was thus estimated. Very small but statistically significant differences were found by converting digestibility data of crude extract into those of crude fat. Hence, for future work the most appropriate method appears to be the estimation of the crude extract in feedingstuffs.", "PMID": 999512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7755", "title": "The substitution of protein feed by lysine-supplemented protein-rich wheat during the raisung and laying periods in hens. 6. Report. The effect of graded lysine supplemented on the crude nutritional content of the carcas of laying hens.", "content": "In the present work 8 hens taken from each of the 16 experimental groups (90 birds per group) were killed at the end of the trial period (52 weeks). The weight of the organs was determined and bones, the utilizable parts and the residual carcass were analyzed for their crude nutrient content. The experimental birds received rations containing a large proportion of high-protein wheat supplemented with varying levels of lysine. Variations in the lysine supply did not affect the mass of blood, feathers, bones, liver, stomach, heart and ovaries, including ovarian follicles. An analysis of the utilizable parts (flesh, stomach, heart, liver, follicles, fat) for crude nutrients showed that the heavier birds receiving adequate amounts of lysine contained less crude protein and more crude fat than the smaller birds. A positive correlation was found to exist between the crude ash content of these samples (expressed as %) and the levels of lysine supplied during the laying period. All the birds receiving the lysine-deficient ration during the time of rearing or during the laying period contained significantly less crude ash in their bones. Alongside with the crude ash content the phosphorus content of the bones decreased when the birds where fed the diet for laying hens.", "contents": "The substitution of protein feed by lysine-supplemented protein-rich wheat during the raisung and laying periods in hens. 6. Report. The effect of graded lysine supplemented on the crude nutritional content of the carcas of laying hens. In the present work 8 hens taken from each of the 16 experimental groups (90 birds per group) were killed at the end of the trial period (52 weeks). The weight of the organs was determined and bones, the utilizable parts and the residual carcass were analyzed for their crude nutrient content. The experimental birds received rations containing a large proportion of high-protein wheat supplemented with varying levels of lysine. Variations in the lysine supply did not affect the mass of blood, feathers, bones, liver, stomach, heart and ovaries, including ovarian follicles. An analysis of the utilizable parts (flesh, stomach, heart, liver, follicles, fat) for crude nutrients showed that the heavier birds receiving adequate amounts of lysine contained less crude protein and more crude fat than the smaller birds. A positive correlation was found to exist between the crude ash content of these samples (expressed as %) and the levels of lysine supplied during the laying period. All the birds receiving the lysine-deficient ration during the time of rearing or during the laying period contained significantly less crude ash in their bones. Alongside with the crude ash content the phosphorus content of the bones decreased when the birds where fed the diet for laying hens.", "PMID": 999513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7756", "title": "[The replacement of skim milk in the diet of young pigs with an extremely short suckling period. 2. Report. Replacement of skim milk by fish meal and wheat in various ways and use of wheat in crude or boiled form in a liquid feed].", "content": "15 trials were carried out with 600 young pigs receiving a type of liquid skim milk diet from the 12th to the 28th day of age. 0% to 75% of the proportion of dietary milk were replaced by wheat and fish meal. The experimental rations used in the trial exhibited a high digestibility of crude nutrients. No transitional feeding period was necessary between the feeding of the milk diet and that of the substituted ration. Whole meal from crude wheat was found to be equivalent in quality to whole meal made from cooked wheat. A liquid feed in which about 50% of the dietary milk is replaced by wheat and fish meal is well suited for being fed to young pigs when these are between 13 and 28 days of age.", "contents": "[The replacement of skim milk in the diet of young pigs with an extremely short suckling period. 2. Report. Replacement of skim milk by fish meal and wheat in various ways and use of wheat in crude or boiled form in a liquid feed]. 15 trials were carried out with 600 young pigs receiving a type of liquid skim milk diet from the 12th to the 28th day of age. 0% to 75% of the proportion of dietary milk were replaced by wheat and fish meal. The experimental rations used in the trial exhibited a high digestibility of crude nutrients. No transitional feeding period was necessary between the feeding of the milk diet and that of the substituted ration. Whole meal from crude wheat was found to be equivalent in quality to whole meal made from cooked wheat. A liquid feed in which about 50% of the dietary milk is replaced by wheat and fish meal is well suited for being fed to young pigs when these are between 13 and 28 days of age.", "PMID": 999514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7757", "title": "Temperature-sensitive virion transcriptase activity in mutants of WSN influenza virus.", "content": "Temperature-sensitive mutants of WSN influenza virus (10, 11, 12) were tested in vitro for activity of the virion RNA-dependent RNA transcriptase at various temperatures. Temperature-sensitivity was found for virion transcriptase activity of mutants belonging to complementation/recombination group I, but not groups II, IV and V. It was not possible on the basis of the results to specify the precise biochemical lesion of mutants from group III.", "contents": "Temperature-sensitive virion transcriptase activity in mutants of WSN influenza virus. Temperature-sensitive mutants of WSN influenza virus (10, 11, 12) were tested in vitro for activity of the virion RNA-dependent RNA transcriptase at various temperatures. Temperature-sensitivity was found for virion transcriptase activity of mutants belonging to complementation/recombination group I, but not groups II, IV and V. It was not possible on the basis of the results to specify the precise biochemical lesion of mutants from group III.", "PMID": 999515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7758", "title": "Isolation of Reovirus type 2 from respiratory tract of sheep.", "content": "A virus isolated from a nasal swab taken from a healthy lamb was identified as a reovirus on the basis of morphology and physicochemical characteristics. This virus agglutinated human 0 erythrocytes and was shown by haemagglutination tests to be a type 2 reovirus. Serological evidence indicated infection of other healthy lambs in the same group.", "contents": "Isolation of Reovirus type 2 from respiratory tract of sheep. A virus isolated from a nasal swab taken from a healthy lamb was identified as a reovirus on the basis of morphology and physicochemical characteristics. This virus agglutinated human 0 erythrocytes and was shown by haemagglutination tests to be a type 2 reovirus. Serological evidence indicated infection of other healthy lambs in the same group.", "PMID": 999516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7759", "title": "Phospholipid and cholesterol composition of rubella virus and its host cell BHK 21 grown in suspension cultures.", "content": "Analysis of total lipid, phospholipid and cholesterol distribution has been conducted in parallel on BHK 21/13S cells grown in suspension cultures, on purified Rubella virus and on cells infected by the virus. Extracellular virus was purified by use of a previously described procedure (3,4). A higher content of lipid and phospholipid was found in infected cells (versus control cells) which were characterized by the presence of an unidentified nonphosphorylated lipid fraction that was detected neither in the control cells nor in the purified virus. The level and the nature of phospholipids and cholesterol of BHK 21/13S cells (infected or not) were compared to those of various clones of BHK 21cells. The same phospholipids were detected in the virus and in the cells but phosphatidyl choline level was much higher than in the control cells and lower than in the infected cells, while phosphatidyl ethanolamine content was lower than in the cells (infected or not). The presence of cardiolipin (4.4 per cent), the amount of sphingomyelin (6.9 per cent) and the molar ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids (0.26) in varions seem to favor a rubella virus maturation site in the cells.", "contents": "Phospholipid and cholesterol composition of rubella virus and its host cell BHK 21 grown in suspension cultures. Analysis of total lipid, phospholipid and cholesterol distribution has been conducted in parallel on BHK 21/13S cells grown in suspension cultures, on purified Rubella virus and on cells infected by the virus. Extracellular virus was purified by use of a previously described procedure (3,4). A higher content of lipid and phospholipid was found in infected cells (versus control cells) which were characterized by the presence of an unidentified nonphosphorylated lipid fraction that was detected neither in the control cells nor in the purified virus. The level and the nature of phospholipids and cholesterol of BHK 21/13S cells (infected or not) were compared to those of various clones of BHK 21cells. The same phospholipids were detected in the virus and in the cells but phosphatidyl choline level was much higher than in the control cells and lower than in the infected cells, while phosphatidyl ethanolamine content was lower than in the cells (infected or not). The presence of cardiolipin (4.4 per cent), the amount of sphingomyelin (6.9 per cent) and the molar ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids (0.26) in varions seem to favor a rubella virus maturation site in the cells.", "PMID": 999519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7760", "title": "Rotavirus infection in lambs: studies on passive protection.", "content": "Gnotobiotic lambs were protected against rotavirus infection by the presence in the gut at the time of infection of colostrum or serum containing antibodies to rotavirus. This protection was observed even when passively-acquired antibody was not present in the serum of the infected lamb. Infection under these conditions may have conferred immunity to subsequent challenge.", "contents": "Rotavirus infection in lambs: studies on passive protection. Gnotobiotic lambs were protected against rotavirus infection by the presence in the gut at the time of infection of colostrum or serum containing antibodies to rotavirus. This protection was observed even when passively-acquired antibody was not present in the serum of the infected lamb. Infection under these conditions may have conferred immunity to subsequent challenge.", "PMID": 999520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7761", "title": "Feline calicivirus carrier state. A study of the host/virus relationship.", "content": "The inter-epidemic phase of feline calicivirus was studied in a number of cats. During this period animals asymptomatically shed infective virus which was monitored at a number of sites and during different environmental conditions. Analysis of the amounts of virus shed by different cats showed that excretion occurred almost exclusively from the oropharynx, fluctuated with time, but was not influenced by periods of natural or artificial stress. Viral excretion from one individual cat was fairly constant although it appears that cats might be divided into high, medium or low level excretors. This variation in levels of excretion appears to have epidemiological importance in that high-level excretors more easily infect susceptible individuals.", "contents": "Feline calicivirus carrier state. A study of the host/virus relationship. The inter-epidemic phase of feline calicivirus was studied in a number of cats. During this period animals asymptomatically shed infective virus which was monitored at a number of sites and during different environmental conditions. Analysis of the amounts of virus shed by different cats showed that excretion occurred almost exclusively from the oropharynx, fluctuated with time, but was not influenced by periods of natural or artificial stress. Viral excretion from one individual cat was fairly constant although it appears that cats might be divided into high, medium or low level excretors. This variation in levels of excretion appears to have epidemiological importance in that high-level excretors more easily infect susceptible individuals.", "PMID": 999521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7762", "title": "Increased detection and yield of adenovirus in caffeine-stabilised KB cell monolayers.", "content": "Viable monolayers of KB cells were maintained without passage for up to one year by adding 2 X 10(-3) M caffeine to the medium, while untreated monolayers degenerated after 2 weeks. When adenoviruses type 2 and 17 were titrated on caffeine-stabilised KB cells, the late breakthrough of cytopathic effect at terminal dilutions (up to 40 days after inoculation) resulted in titre determinations up to 100-fold higher than those measured before spontaneous degeneration in untreated cells. Yields of adenovirus type 2 in caffeine-treated KB cultures infected at different multiplicities and harvested at different intervals were equal to, or up to 100-fold higher than those obtained in untreated cultures.", "contents": "Increased detection and yield of adenovirus in caffeine-stabilised KB cell monolayers. Viable monolayers of KB cells were maintained without passage for up to one year by adding 2 X 10(-3) M caffeine to the medium, while untreated monolayers degenerated after 2 weeks. When adenoviruses type 2 and 17 were titrated on caffeine-stabilised KB cells, the late breakthrough of cytopathic effect at terminal dilutions (up to 40 days after inoculation) resulted in titre determinations up to 100-fold higher than those measured before spontaneous degeneration in untreated cells. Yields of adenovirus type 2 in caffeine-treated KB cultures infected at different multiplicities and harvested at different intervals were equal to, or up to 100-fold higher than those obtained in untreated cultures.", "PMID": 999522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7763", "title": "[Cerebrospinal fluid bearing channels of the pia meter].", "content": "The pia mater of the human brain hemispheres has liquor canals which form a continuous network communicating with the cisterns of the brain base. The wall of the liquor canals is formed by a fibro-collagenous framework covered from two sides with the arachnoidendothelium. In the canal walls there are openings, through which the lumens of the canals communicate with the lumens of alveoli. The liquor canals are divided into the circulatory and excretory ones. The circulatory canals are disposed in the depth of the cerebral sulci, the secretory canals--on the surface of the convolutions. The liquor moves along the circulatory canals from the cisterns of the brain base onto the surface of cerebral hemispheres. Excretory canals adjoin the arachnoid membrane which is part of its wall (the \"roof\"). In the \"roof\" of the liquor canals the fibrocollagenous basis and the number of layers of the arachnoid--endothelium are reduced, the intercellular spaces between the cells of the arachnoidendothelium are dilated. Through the roofs of the liquor canals the liquor is excreted from the subarachnoid space into the subdural space. Inside the liquor canals there are arteries of the pia mater hung up to the canal walls by trabeculae (cords) of a dense connective tissue.", "contents": "[Cerebrospinal fluid bearing channels of the pia meter]. The pia mater of the human brain hemispheres has liquor canals which form a continuous network communicating with the cisterns of the brain base. The wall of the liquor canals is formed by a fibro-collagenous framework covered from two sides with the arachnoidendothelium. In the canal walls there are openings, through which the lumens of the canals communicate with the lumens of alveoli. The liquor canals are divided into the circulatory and excretory ones. The circulatory canals are disposed in the depth of the cerebral sulci, the secretory canals--on the surface of the convolutions. The liquor moves along the circulatory canals from the cisterns of the brain base onto the surface of cerebral hemispheres. Excretory canals adjoin the arachnoid membrane which is part of its wall (the \"roof\"). In the \"roof\" of the liquor canals the fibrocollagenous basis and the number of layers of the arachnoid--endothelium are reduced, the intercellular spaces between the cells of the arachnoidendothelium are dilated. Through the roofs of the liquor canals the liquor is excreted from the subarachnoid space into the subdural space. Inside the liquor canals there are arteries of the pia mater hung up to the canal walls by trabeculae (cords) of a dense connective tissue.", "PMID": 999530} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7764", "title": "[Teratogenic and embryotoxic activity of several 2,4-diaminopyrimidine derivatives].", "content": "The degree of teratogenic and embryotoxic effects is dependent not only on the period of gestation and the agent dosage but also on the chemical structure of its molecule. In the series of derivatives of 2,4-diamino-5-phenylpyrimidine with different length of the alkul radical in the 6 position the preparation with ethyl group has the greatest injuring effect. Thus, the structural distinctions in the molecules of pharmacological agents are responsible for the selective toxicity of drugs in relation to mammalian embryos.", "contents": "[Teratogenic and embryotoxic activity of several 2,4-diaminopyrimidine derivatives]. The degree of teratogenic and embryotoxic effects is dependent not only on the period of gestation and the agent dosage but also on the chemical structure of its molecule. In the series of derivatives of 2,4-diamino-5-phenylpyrimidine with different length of the alkul radical in the 6 position the preparation with ethyl group has the greatest injuring effect. Thus, the structural distinctions in the molecules of pharmacological agents are responsible for the selective toxicity of drugs in relation to mammalian embryos.", "PMID": 999531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7765", "title": "[Histophysiologic characteristics of the effector innervation of the arteries of the base of the brain during rat ontogenesis].", "content": "The development of adren- and cholinergic nervous plexuses in the brain base arteries was studied by histochemical methods of Falck and Kelle in animals and fetuses of 10-22 days, newborn rats, animals of 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 120 days of life and 1 and 2 years old rats. The cholinergic nerve fibres were first found in the basilar, vertebral and internal carotid arteries on the 15th and 16th days of ontogenesis. Specific fluorescence of adrenergic conductors on the same arteries is revealed somewhat later--from the 17th and 18th days of the intrauterine development. Further formation of the cholin- and adrenergic innervation of the arteries of the Willis' circle goes on synchronously. The number of nerve fibres increases with the growth of the artery diameter. The concentration of catecholamines and the activity of AChE in them gradually increases. The greatest density of nerve fibres per 1 mm2 is determined in 20-day-old rats. The number of cholinergic nerve fibres on the arteries of the brain base is equal to that of adrenergic fibres during the whole period of postnatal ontogenesis. By the 30th day the effector nervous apparatus has a definite structure. In old rats the activity of AChE and the content of catecholamines drop, the amount and concentration of nerve fibres decrease.", "contents": "[Histophysiologic characteristics of the effector innervation of the arteries of the base of the brain during rat ontogenesis]. The development of adren- and cholinergic nervous plexuses in the brain base arteries was studied by histochemical methods of Falck and Kelle in animals and fetuses of 10-22 days, newborn rats, animals of 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 120 days of life and 1 and 2 years old rats. The cholinergic nerve fibres were first found in the basilar, vertebral and internal carotid arteries on the 15th and 16th days of ontogenesis. Specific fluorescence of adrenergic conductors on the same arteries is revealed somewhat later--from the 17th and 18th days of the intrauterine development. Further formation of the cholin- and adrenergic innervation of the arteries of the Willis' circle goes on synchronously. The number of nerve fibres increases with the growth of the artery diameter. The concentration of catecholamines and the activity of AChE in them gradually increases. The greatest density of nerve fibres per 1 mm2 is determined in 20-day-old rats. The number of cholinergic nerve fibres on the arteries of the brain base is equal to that of adrenergic fibres during the whole period of postnatal ontogenesis. By the 30th day the effector nervous apparatus has a definite structure. In old rats the activity of AChE and the content of catecholamines drop, the amount and concentration of nerve fibres decrease.", "PMID": 999532} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7766", "title": "[Relief of the endothelial surface of human arteries according to scanning electron microscope findings].", "content": "The work presents data on the relief of the endothelial surface of initial portions of the common carotid artery and the common iliac artery of adult man obtained by the method of scanning electron microscopy. In middle-aged humans this relief has all the characteristic features which were noted in studying the aorta. Considerable changes of the endothelial surface relief were shown in elderly and old people in connection with the development of atherosclerosis. Postmortem alterations can result in sharp distortion of the endothelial surface relief.", "contents": "[Relief of the endothelial surface of human arteries according to scanning electron microscope findings]. The work presents data on the relief of the endothelial surface of initial portions of the common carotid artery and the common iliac artery of adult man obtained by the method of scanning electron microscopy. In middle-aged humans this relief has all the characteristic features which were noted in studying the aorta. Considerable changes of the endothelial surface relief were shown in elderly and old people in connection with the development of atherosclerosis. Postmortem alterations can result in sharp distortion of the endothelial surface relief.", "PMID": 999533} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7767", "title": "[Moprphometric indices of human cardiac neurons during postnatal ontogenesis].", "content": "Certain regularities in changes of the cytoplasm volumes of the cardiac neurocytes, their nuclei, nucleoli as well as nuclear-nucleolar relations were determined in humans (from nerborns to 90 years of age) in developmental aspects by the morphometrical analysis. All the neuron structural components under study have been shown to increase with age. This increase is satisfactorily expressed by a cubic parabola. A periodical increase in the intensity of gorwth of these characteristics has been shown in certain developmental periods according to physiological peculiarities of the organism and the cardio-vascular system which take place in postnatal ontogenesis. The established morphological data show specific features of differentiation, maturation and aging of cardiac neurocytes in humans.", "contents": "[Moprphometric indices of human cardiac neurons during postnatal ontogenesis]. Certain regularities in changes of the cytoplasm volumes of the cardiac neurocytes, their nuclei, nucleoli as well as nuclear-nucleolar relations were determined in humans (from nerborns to 90 years of age) in developmental aspects by the morphometrical analysis. All the neuron structural components under study have been shown to increase with age. This increase is satisfactorily expressed by a cubic parabola. A periodical increase in the intensity of gorwth of these characteristics has been shown in certain developmental periods according to physiological peculiarities of the organism and the cardio-vascular system which take place in postnatal ontogenesis. The established morphological data show specific features of differentiation, maturation and aging of cardiac neurocytes in humans.", "PMID": 999534} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7768", "title": "[Changes in the nervous elements of the skin in paronychia].", "content": "Biopsies taken from 132 patients during operations were studied histologically. The control material was taken from 54 corpses. The age of the patients and controls ranged from 5 to 68 years. Under investigation were pieces of tissue (0,5X0,2 cm) fixed in 12% neutral formalin. The nerve elements in the serous stage of all forms of panaritium had reactive changes, those in the purulent stage had destructive changes as well. The degree of the changes grown with age, from the serous stage to the purulent one, from unguinal panaritium to osteal panaritium. The least alterations were observed in the serous stage of unguinal panaritium and subcutaneous whitlow in patients from 15 to 25 years of age with the term of the disease 1-2 days. The greatest changes were found in severe forms of panaritium in people older than 50 years with the term of the disease 3-8 days.", "contents": "[Changes in the nervous elements of the skin in paronychia]. Biopsies taken from 132 patients during operations were studied histologically. The control material was taken from 54 corpses. The age of the patients and controls ranged from 5 to 68 years. Under investigation were pieces of tissue (0,5X0,2 cm) fixed in 12% neutral formalin. The nerve elements in the serous stage of all forms of panaritium had reactive changes, those in the purulent stage had destructive changes as well. The degree of the changes grown with age, from the serous stage to the purulent one, from unguinal panaritium to osteal panaritium. The least alterations were observed in the serous stage of unguinal panaritium and subcutaneous whitlow in patients from 15 to 25 years of age with the term of the disease 1-2 days. The greatest changes were found in severe forms of panaritium in people older than 50 years with the term of the disease 3-8 days.", "PMID": 999535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7769", "title": "[Structure of the sensory nerve apparatus of the branchial arteries of several representatives of bony fishes].", "content": "The innervation of bony arteries was studied in 19 fishes (6 perches, 11 breams and 2 pikes) by the silver impregnation method after Kajal--Faworski and Bielschowski--Gross. In the first branchial arc as well as in others the receptors of two kinds were revealed: those having the main type of branching and diffuse arborescent vessels. In rare cases granular terminations were revealed. The number of terminations found in the first branchial arc was twice as great as that in each of the rest arcs. A characteristic feature of the sensory nerve terminations of the branchial apparatus in fishes is their arborescent structure, a diffuse disposition of terminal branches and absence of special cells from the receptor. The structure of the receptory terminations in the first branchial arc of fishes is morphologically similar to the de Castro Ist type sensory terminations which he has found in the carotid sinus wall of mammals.", "contents": "[Structure of the sensory nerve apparatus of the branchial arteries of several representatives of bony fishes]. The innervation of bony arteries was studied in 19 fishes (6 perches, 11 breams and 2 pikes) by the silver impregnation method after Kajal--Faworski and Bielschowski--Gross. In the first branchial arc as well as in others the receptors of two kinds were revealed: those having the main type of branching and diffuse arborescent vessels. In rare cases granular terminations were revealed. The number of terminations found in the first branchial arc was twice as great as that in each of the rest arcs. A characteristic feature of the sensory nerve terminations of the branchial apparatus in fishes is their arborescent structure, a diffuse disposition of terminal branches and absence of special cells from the receptor. The structure of the receptory terminations in the first branchial arc of fishes is morphologically similar to the de Castro Ist type sensory terminations which he has found in the carotid sinus wall of mammals.", "PMID": 999536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7770", "title": "[Use of radiologic methods in the study of pancreatic arteries].", "content": "The intraorganic connections between separate arteries of the pancreas were studied in 26 dogs by methods of radioindication and radioisotope scanning. The results of measurings and the scannograms have shown the distribution of iodine-131 injected into the cranial pancreoduodenal artery to occur strictly within the limits of the head and the body of the pancreas. The radioactivity of tissues in the other parts of the pancreas was absent. The distribution of the isotope injected into the caudal pancreatic artery and into the pancreatic branches of the splenic artery was observed only in the uncinate process and in the caudal part of the gland. The data obtained show that in dogs the arteries of different parts of the pancreas are disconnected inside the organ.", "contents": "[Use of radiologic methods in the study of pancreatic arteries]. The intraorganic connections between separate arteries of the pancreas were studied in 26 dogs by methods of radioindication and radioisotope scanning. The results of measurings and the scannograms have shown the distribution of iodine-131 injected into the cranial pancreoduodenal artery to occur strictly within the limits of the head and the body of the pancreas. The radioactivity of tissues in the other parts of the pancreas was absent. The distribution of the isotope injected into the caudal pancreatic artery and into the pancreatic branches of the splenic artery was observed only in the uncinate process and in the caudal part of the gland. The data obtained show that in dogs the arteries of different parts of the pancreas are disconnected inside the organ.", "PMID": 999537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7771", "title": "[Architectonics of the superficial lymphatic net of the lungs of humans and several representatives of artiodactyl animals].", "content": "The superficial lymphatic vessels of the lungs were studied in man and some artiodactyl animals by the method of interstitial injection followed by dissection and clearing of the preparations. The superficial lymphatic network of the lungs was established to reside under the visceral pleura and to consist of one layer of capillaries. The lymphatic network consisting of large loops was found in sites with the increased respiratory function and with large pulmonary lobules i.e. on the costal and diaphragm surface of the lungs. In the sites of connection of lymph capillaries there are dilatations--lacunas.", "contents": "[Architectonics of the superficial lymphatic net of the lungs of humans and several representatives of artiodactyl animals]. The superficial lymphatic vessels of the lungs were studied in man and some artiodactyl animals by the method of interstitial injection followed by dissection and clearing of the preparations. The superficial lymphatic network of the lungs was established to reside under the visceral pleura and to consist of one layer of capillaries. The lymphatic network consisting of large loops was found in sites with the increased respiratory function and with large pulmonary lobules i.e. on the costal and diaphragm surface of the lungs. In the sites of connection of lymph capillaries there are dilatations--lacunas.", "PMID": 999538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7772", "title": "Hartnup disease. Clinical, pathological, and biochemical observations.", "content": "Hartnup disease is a rare genetic disorder of amino acid transport associated with variable and intermittent clinical abnormalities. A family is described in which three siblings had an intermittently progressive neurological disease and two of the affected siblings had the Hartnup-pattern aminoaciduria. Neuropathological examination of one case showed severe diffuse atrophy, generalized neuronal loss in the cortex, and Purkinje cell loss in the cerebellum. In vivo and in vitro studies of intestinal amino acid transport in the surviving sibling indicated a partial defect in the transport of several neutral amino acids (tryptophan, alanine, serine, and methionine) with normal transport of other neutral amino acids (threonine, phenylalanine, histidine, tyrosine, and isoleucine). Transport of glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and the basic amino acids appeared normal.", "contents": "Hartnup disease. Clinical, pathological, and biochemical observations. Hartnup disease is a rare genetic disorder of amino acid transport associated with variable and intermittent clinical abnormalities. A family is described in which three siblings had an intermittently progressive neurological disease and two of the affected siblings had the Hartnup-pattern aminoaciduria. Neuropathological examination of one case showed severe diffuse atrophy, generalized neuronal loss in the cortex, and Purkinje cell loss in the cerebellum. In vivo and in vitro studies of intestinal amino acid transport in the surviving sibling indicated a partial defect in the transport of several neutral amino acids (tryptophan, alanine, serine, and methionine) with normal transport of other neutral amino acids (threonine, phenylalanine, histidine, tyrosine, and isoleucine). Transport of glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and the basic amino acids appeared normal.", "PMID": 999542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7773", "title": "HLA haplotypes in families with high frequency of multiple sclerosis.", "content": "Eight families from southern Sweden having two or more members with multiple sclerosis (MS) were typed for various alleles of the HLA system. The MS patients within each family shared one major histocompatibility system (MHS) haplotype, which was identical to the hitherto-described MS-associated haplotype A3B7Dw2 only in two of the families. Healthy relatives of MS patients were often found to carry the same haplotype as the affected members, which makes an estimate of the degree of penetrance of disease in individuals carrying the MS-predisposing MHS-linked gene possible.", "contents": "HLA haplotypes in families with high frequency of multiple sclerosis. Eight families from southern Sweden having two or more members with multiple sclerosis (MS) were typed for various alleles of the HLA system. The MS patients within each family shared one major histocompatibility system (MHS) haplotype, which was identical to the hitherto-described MS-associated haplotype A3B7Dw2 only in two of the families. Healthy relatives of MS patients were often found to carry the same haplotype as the affected members, which makes an estimate of the degree of penetrance of disease in individuals carrying the MS-predisposing MHS-linked gene possible.", "PMID": 999543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7774", "title": "Cortical neuronal function during ischemia. Effects of occlusion of one middle cerebral artery on single-unit activity in cats.", "content": "To assess the effects of ischemia on neuronal function, the action potentials of 261 individual cortical neurons were recorded extracellulary and related to regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) measured by hydrogen clearance in 19 cats, seven of which had the left middle cerebral artery occluded during a recording. The onset of ischemia could be associated with transient increases of activity, including \"seizure discharges,\" as well as cessation of activity. No activity was noted at CBF less than 0.18 ml/gm/min; at higher (but ischemic) values for CBF, abnormal patterns of activity frequently were recorded. One neuron recovered function after cessation in association with an increase of CBF, indicating a potential for the restoration of function of ischemic neurons by effective therapeutic measures.", "contents": "Cortical neuronal function during ischemia. Effects of occlusion of one middle cerebral artery on single-unit activity in cats. To assess the effects of ischemia on neuronal function, the action potentials of 261 individual cortical neurons were recorded extracellulary and related to regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) measured by hydrogen clearance in 19 cats, seven of which had the left middle cerebral artery occluded during a recording. The onset of ischemia could be associated with transient increases of activity, including \"seizure discharges,\" as well as cessation of activity. No activity was noted at CBF less than 0.18 ml/gm/min; at higher (but ischemic) values for CBF, abnormal patterns of activity frequently were recorded. One neuron recovered function after cessation in association with an increase of CBF, indicating a potential for the restoration of function of ischemic neurons by effective therapeutic measures.", "PMID": 999544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7775", "title": "Status epilepticus in immature rats. Protective effects of glucose on survival and brain development.", "content": "The role of glucose metabolism in alleviating the complications of status epilepticus (SE) was investigated in developing rats. Pretreatment with glucose reduced mortality from SE by 90% in rats under 1 week of age, 80% in 10-day-old rats, 50% in 15- to 20-day-olds, and not at all in adults. In 4-day-old animals, brain DNA synthesis during seizures, and in survivors, brain weight, DNA, RNA, protein, and cholesterol contents at 7 days of age were reduced less in glucose-treated than in saline-treated littermates. In the saline group, seizures caused a progressive fall in brain glucose level but no fall in blood glucose level, suggesting that glucose transport from blood to brain could not keep pace with glycolytic demands. In glucose-treated rats, blood and brain glucose concentrations remained elevated throughout the convulsive period. There was no reduction of brain adenosine triphosphate levels in either group. Thus, the protection by glucose appears to be related to its roles as a carbon source rather than an energy source. It is concluded that in immature animals, depletion of brain glucose can occur in the absence of hypoglycemia, and may be an important and potentially treatable complication of status epilepticus.", "contents": "Status epilepticus in immature rats. Protective effects of glucose on survival and brain development. The role of glucose metabolism in alleviating the complications of status epilepticus (SE) was investigated in developing rats. Pretreatment with glucose reduced mortality from SE by 90% in rats under 1 week of age, 80% in 10-day-old rats, 50% in 15- to 20-day-olds, and not at all in adults. In 4-day-old animals, brain DNA synthesis during seizures, and in survivors, brain weight, DNA, RNA, protein, and cholesterol contents at 7 days of age were reduced less in glucose-treated than in saline-treated littermates. In the saline group, seizures caused a progressive fall in brain glucose level but no fall in blood glucose level, suggesting that glucose transport from blood to brain could not keep pace with glycolytic demands. In glucose-treated rats, blood and brain glucose concentrations remained elevated throughout the convulsive period. There was no reduction of brain adenosine triphosphate levels in either group. Thus, the protection by glucose appears to be related to its roles as a carbon source rather than an energy source. It is concluded that in immature animals, depletion of brain glucose can occur in the absence of hypoglycemia, and may be an important and potentially treatable complication of status epilepticus.", "PMID": 999545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7776", "title": "Electrophysiological study of anomalous innervation of intrinsic hand muscles.", "content": "The collision technique was used to study the incidence of anastomosis between median and ulnar nerves in the forearm (Martin-Gruber anastomosis). A motor anastomosis from median to ulnar nerve was found in 57 (17%) of 328 unselected subjects. The anomaly was bilateral in 39 subjects (68%) and unilateral in 18, nine on the right and nine on the left. Both hypothenar and thenar muscles were tested in 77 of 96 hands with the anastomosis (right and left sides combined). Both muscle groups were innervated by the communicating fibers in 63 hands (82%). Anomalous innervation was limited to hypothenar muscles in 13 and to thenar muscles in one hand. In contrast to the high incidence of the anastomosis from median to ulnar nerve, crossover from ulnar to median nerve in the forearm was found in none of 303 subjects tested.", "contents": "Electrophysiological study of anomalous innervation of intrinsic hand muscles. The collision technique was used to study the incidence of anastomosis between median and ulnar nerves in the forearm (Martin-Gruber anastomosis). A motor anastomosis from median to ulnar nerve was found in 57 (17%) of 328 unselected subjects. The anomaly was bilateral in 39 subjects (68%) and unilateral in 18, nine on the right and nine on the left. Both hypothenar and thenar muscles were tested in 77 of 96 hands with the anastomosis (right and left sides combined). Both muscle groups were innervated by the communicating fibers in 63 hands (82%). Anomalous innervation was limited to hypothenar muscles in 13 and to thenar muscles in one hand. In contrast to the high incidence of the anastomosis from median to ulnar nerve, crossover from ulnar to median nerve in the forearm was found in none of 303 subjects tested.", "PMID": 999546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7777", "title": "Response to topical epinephrine. A practical prognostic test in patients with ocular hypertension.", "content": "Eighty patients with ocular hypertension (intraocular pressure greater than 20 mm Hg) and GG-response to topical corticosteroids (over 31 mm Hg after six weeks of topical dexamethasome 0.1% four times a day) were tested for ocular hypotensive response to topical epinephrine. Of 80 patients observed for five to ten years, 20 (25%) developed gluacomatous visual field defects, and 34 (43%) were \"responders\" to topical epinephrine (IOP reduction of greater than 5 mm Hg). Of 20 patients who developed glaucomatous visual field defects, 17 (85%) had responded to topical epinephrine, but only 28% of those who did not have visual field defects showed this type of epinephrine response. Of 34 epinephrine responders, 17 (50%) developed glaucomatous visual field defects as compared to three of 46 (6.5%) nonresponders. The initial applanation IOP level proved less valuable as a prognostic indicator.", "contents": "Response to topical epinephrine. A practical prognostic test in patients with ocular hypertension. Eighty patients with ocular hypertension (intraocular pressure greater than 20 mm Hg) and GG-response to topical corticosteroids (over 31 mm Hg after six weeks of topical dexamethasome 0.1% four times a day) were tested for ocular hypotensive response to topical epinephrine. Of 80 patients observed for five to ten years, 20 (25%) developed gluacomatous visual field defects, and 34 (43%) were \"responders\" to topical epinephrine (IOP reduction of greater than 5 mm Hg). Of 20 patients who developed glaucomatous visual field defects, 17 (85%) had responded to topical epinephrine, but only 28% of those who did not have visual field defects showed this type of epinephrine response. Of 34 epinephrine responders, 17 (50%) developed glaucomatous visual field defects as compared to three of 46 (6.5%) nonresponders. The initial applanation IOP level proved less valuable as a prognostic indicator.", "PMID": 999549} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7778", "title": "Long-term epinephrine therapy of ocular hypertension.", "content": "Nineteen patients with symmetrical ocular hypertension and symmetrical cupping of the optic nerves were made asymmetric with respect to intraocular pressure for one to five years by unilateral topical treatment with epinephrine hydrochloride. Development of glaucomatous visual field defects was observed in 32% of the untreated eyes and in none of the treated eyes (P less than .05). Progressive cupping of the optic nerve was noted in 53% of the untreated eyes and in 11% of the treated eyes (P less than .025). Evidence of glaucomatous damage was observed more frequently in subjects maintained on this regimen for longer periods and in subjects with initial horizontal cup/disc ratios greater than 0.4 (P less than .05). None of the eyes, either treated or untreated, with mean intraocular pressures less than 24 mm Hg developed glaucomatous damage during the period of this study.", "contents": "Long-term epinephrine therapy of ocular hypertension. Nineteen patients with symmetrical ocular hypertension and symmetrical cupping of the optic nerves were made asymmetric with respect to intraocular pressure for one to five years by unilateral topical treatment with epinephrine hydrochloride. Development of glaucomatous visual field defects was observed in 32% of the untreated eyes and in none of the treated eyes (P less than .05). Progressive cupping of the optic nerve was noted in 53% of the untreated eyes and in 11% of the treated eyes (P less than .025). Evidence of glaucomatous damage was observed more frequently in subjects maintained on this regimen for longer periods and in subjects with initial horizontal cup/disc ratios greater than 0.4 (P less than .05). None of the eyes, either treated or untreated, with mean intraocular pressures less than 24 mm Hg developed glaucomatous damage during the period of this study.", "PMID": 999550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7779", "title": "Fundus flavimaculatus. A clinical classification.", "content": "Various stages of fundus flavimaculatus seen ophthalmoscopically were correlated with findings on electrophysiologic and psychophysical tests. A new classification of fundus flavimaculatus into stages recognizes the nuances in genetic expression and their correlation with findings on retinal function testing.", "contents": "Fundus flavimaculatus. A clinical classification. Various stages of fundus flavimaculatus seen ophthalmoscopically were correlated with findings on electrophysiologic and psychophysical tests. A new classification of fundus flavimaculatus into stages recognizes the nuances in genetic expression and their correlation with findings on retinal function testing.", "PMID": 999551} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7780", "title": "Lacrimal trephine.", "content": "This article introduces a surgical instrument that facilitates treatment of obstructions of the common canaliculus or the internal canalicular punctum and which can be used with failure of dacryocystorhinostomy secondary to a membrane formation in the area of nasolacrimal anastomosis.", "contents": "Lacrimal trephine. This article introduces a surgical instrument that facilitates treatment of obstructions of the common canaliculus or the internal canalicular punctum and which can be used with failure of dacryocystorhinostomy secondary to a membrane formation in the area of nasolacrimal anastomosis.", "PMID": 999558} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7781", "title": "Subjective and objective visual acuity testing techniques.", "content": "The Catford apparatus for determining the objective visual acuity was elevated with 20 normal (20 eyes) and 40 abnormal (75 diseased eyes) patients. The vision of the normal individuals was fogged with neutral-density filters and convex lenses. Eyes with normal or near normal vision showed good correlation between optokinetic response and visual acuity, but no correlation was observed in eyes with poor vision. These findings, which vary from those of Catford, indicate that objective methods of visual acuity testing using a nystagmoid response do not appear useful for general clinical purposes.", "contents": "Subjective and objective visual acuity testing techniques. The Catford apparatus for determining the objective visual acuity was elevated with 20 normal (20 eyes) and 40 abnormal (75 diseased eyes) patients. The vision of the normal individuals was fogged with neutral-density filters and convex lenses. Eyes with normal or near normal vision showed good correlation between optokinetic response and visual acuity, but no correlation was observed in eyes with poor vision. These findings, which vary from those of Catford, indicate that objective methods of visual acuity testing using a nystagmoid response do not appear useful for general clinical purposes.", "PMID": 999554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7782", "title": "Ridge at internal edge of cataract incision.", "content": "A white ridge that resembled an inverted snowbank and protruded into the anterior chamber from the region of the internal lips of the cataract incision was visualized gonioscopically during and after cataract operation. Its clinical apearance and course are delineated and documented, and its importance in relation to the formation of postoperative peripheral anterior synechiae, vitreous adhesions, and hyphemas is discussed.", "contents": "Ridge at internal edge of cataract incision. A white ridge that resembled an inverted snowbank and protruded into the anterior chamber from the region of the internal lips of the cataract incision was visualized gonioscopically during and after cataract operation. Its clinical apearance and course are delineated and documented, and its importance in relation to the formation of postoperative peripheral anterior synechiae, vitreous adhesions, and hyphemas is discussed.", "PMID": 999555} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7783", "title": "Active giant cell arteritis with cerebral involvement. Findings following four years of corticosteroid therapy.", "content": "A patient had continued active giant cell arteritis proved on biopsy four years after the initial diagnosis of temporal arteritis. The patient had had erythrocyte sedimentation rates within the normal range and had been receiving corticosteroids without interruption for four years. Central nervous system symptoms occurred three and four years after the initial diagnosis.", "contents": "Active giant cell arteritis with cerebral involvement. Findings following four years of corticosteroid therapy. A patient had continued active giant cell arteritis proved on biopsy four years after the initial diagnosis of temporal arteritis. The patient had had erythrocyte sedimentation rates within the normal range and had been receiving corticosteroids without interruption for four years. Central nervous system symptoms occurred three and four years after the initial diagnosis.", "PMID": 999552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7784", "title": "Adenocarcinoma of eccrine sweat glands.", "content": "A man developed left-sided proptosis and orbital edema that progressed during a three-week period. Ten years ago he had a skin lesion of the left lower lid excised and the histopathologic diagnosis then was granular cell myoblastoma. In 1972, the tumor recurred; a biopsy was again performed, but no definite diagnosis was made despite multiple consultations from general and ophthalmic pathologists. Biopsy specimens of the orbit, lids, and preauricular lymph node taken in 1974 showed a poorly differentiated mucus-secreting adenocarcinoma. A comparison of the three biopsy specimens showed cells with similar characteristics. Medical evaluation failed to reveal a primary tumor elsewhere in the body. The tumor most likely arose locally from an eccrine sweat gland. This is the second reported case of an adenocarcinoma of an eccrine sweat gland invading the orbit. The tumor, usually considered radioresistant, was successfully treated with radiotherapy, and the patient has remained free of tumor for 18 months.", "contents": "Adenocarcinoma of eccrine sweat glands. A man developed left-sided proptosis and orbital edema that progressed during a three-week period. Ten years ago he had a skin lesion of the left lower lid excised and the histopathologic diagnosis then was granular cell myoblastoma. In 1972, the tumor recurred; a biopsy was again performed, but no definite diagnosis was made despite multiple consultations from general and ophthalmic pathologists. Biopsy specimens of the orbit, lids, and preauricular lymph node taken in 1974 showed a poorly differentiated mucus-secreting adenocarcinoma. A comparison of the three biopsy specimens showed cells with similar characteristics. Medical evaluation failed to reveal a primary tumor elsewhere in the body. The tumor most likely arose locally from an eccrine sweat gland. This is the second reported case of an adenocarcinoma of an eccrine sweat gland invading the orbit. The tumor, usually considered radioresistant, was successfully treated with radiotherapy, and the patient has remained free of tumor for 18 months.", "PMID": 999556} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7785", "title": "Rheumatoid nodules of the upper lid. Report of a case.", "content": "Severe rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid nodules on the left upper lid occurred in a 72-year-old woman. Rheumatoid nodules may break down either spontaneously or secondary to trauma. When breakdown occurs, debridement and closure are recommeneded.", "contents": "Rheumatoid nodules of the upper lid. Report of a case. Severe rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid nodules on the left upper lid occurred in a 72-year-old woman. Rheumatoid nodules may break down either spontaneously or secondary to trauma. When breakdown occurs, debridement and closure are recommeneded.", "PMID": 999557} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7786", "title": "Skip areas in temporal arteritis.", "content": "Segments of temporal arteries removed from patients with the characteristic systemic findings of temporal arteritis were studied to determine whether they showed \"skip areas\" lacking evidence of granulomatous inflammation, as has been frequently described in this disease, or showed diagnostic evidence of inflammation throughout the entire length of the artery. Eleven temporal artery specimens from ten patients were included in this study. Sections from areas of each specimen had previously been found to contain typical granulomatous inflammation. Nine of these biopsy specimens contained granulomatous inflammation throughout their entire length. Two specimens each had two discrete areas of granulomatous inflammation adjoining segments that lacked evidence of epithelioid or giant cells. These \"skip areas\" showed diffuse round-cell infiltration of the adventia or lacked evidence of inflammation entirely. This series suggests that \"skip areas\" in temporal arteritis do occur.", "contents": "Skip areas in temporal arteritis. Segments of temporal arteries removed from patients with the characteristic systemic findings of temporal arteritis were studied to determine whether they showed \"skip areas\" lacking evidence of granulomatous inflammation, as has been frequently described in this disease, or showed diagnostic evidence of inflammation throughout the entire length of the artery. Eleven temporal artery specimens from ten patients were included in this study. Sections from areas of each specimen had previously been found to contain typical granulomatous inflammation. Nine of these biopsy specimens contained granulomatous inflammation throughout their entire length. Two specimens each had two discrete areas of granulomatous inflammation adjoining segments that lacked evidence of epithelioid or giant cells. These \"skip areas\" showed diffuse round-cell infiltration of the adventia or lacked evidence of inflammation entirely. This series suggests that \"skip areas\" in temporal arteritis do occur.", "PMID": 999553} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7787", "title": "Planning for state health in Australia. Part 2: Health services organization--overseas experience.", "content": "Although the majority of articles which are published in Australian Family Physician emphasize the clinical dimension of medical practice, it should be remembered that the policy of the journal is to report on a wide spectrum of topics which have a bearing on patient care. Because of this, and also in response to those readers who have requested information on state health services, we are publishing a series of three articles by Roderick McEwin and Paul Gross in consecutive issues of the journal. This paper is the second of the series.", "contents": "Planning for state health in Australia. Part 2: Health services organization--overseas experience. Although the majority of articles which are published in Australian Family Physician emphasize the clinical dimension of medical practice, it should be remembered that the policy of the journal is to report on a wide spectrum of topics which have a bearing on patient care. Because of this, and also in response to those readers who have requested information on state health services, we are publishing a series of three articles by Roderick McEwin and Paul Gross in consecutive issues of the journal. This paper is the second of the series.", "PMID": 999564} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7788", "title": "A survey of doctors' attitudes to breast cancer and self-detection methods.", "content": "Any public education campaign about cancer needs as much support from GPs as possible, for it is the GP to whom the patients at risk are first directed. A survey (sponsered by the Australian Cancer Society) of the attitudes of Sydney GPs towards breast cancer, self-detection procedures (breast self-examination), cancer education and related matters was conducted early in 1975. It is intended to utilize the findings of this survey in planning a large-scale field trial of public education about breast cancer which the Society hopes to undertake if funds can be obtained.", "contents": "A survey of doctors' attitudes to breast cancer and self-detection methods. Any public education campaign about cancer needs as much support from GPs as possible, for it is the GP to whom the patients at risk are first directed. A survey (sponsered by the Australian Cancer Society) of the attitudes of Sydney GPs towards breast cancer, self-detection procedures (breast self-examination), cancer education and related matters was conducted early in 1975. It is intended to utilize the findings of this survey in planning a large-scale field trial of public education about breast cancer which the Society hopes to undertake if funds can be obtained.", "PMID": 999563} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7789", "title": "Sulphonylureas--action and uses.", "content": "Although sulphonylureas have been of great value in the treatment of diabetics for the last 20 years, there has been some suggestion that when used in treating the maturity onset diabetic, they would be responsible for an increased death rate from cardiovascular disease. This article discusses the factors involved in the use of sulphonylureas with regard to indications, mode of action and side effects.", "contents": "Sulphonylureas--action and uses. Although sulphonylureas have been of great value in the treatment of diabetics for the last 20 years, there has been some suggestion that when used in treating the maturity onset diabetic, they would be responsible for an increased death rate from cardiovascular disease. This article discusses the factors involved in the use of sulphonylureas with regard to indications, mode of action and side effects.", "PMID": 999566} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7790", "title": "Travelling - medical problems of the overland route from India or South Africa to Europe.", "content": "An attempt has been made to outline briefly the medical problems of the overland route between India or Africa and Europe. Numbers of young people make these journeys, and this paper has been written in an endeavour to help the family doctor in advising the traveller.", "contents": "Travelling - medical problems of the overland route from India or South Africa to Europe. An attempt has been made to outline briefly the medical problems of the overland route between India or Africa and Europe. Numbers of young people make these journeys, and this paper has been written in an endeavour to help the family doctor in advising the traveller.", "PMID": 999561} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7791", "title": "Immunization in New South Wales.", "content": "Immunization is the most important single public health measure available to control many important infectious diseases. The childhood schedule of immunization consists of five injections of TA/CDT, five doses of Sabin vaccine, one injection of measles vaccine, and one injection of rubella vaccine. Even if TA/CDT and Sabin are given at the same time, this still means seven decisions to be made by the mother to take her child for immunization. Unless there is an effective health education programme, combined with cheap convenient effective immunization facilities, the herd immunity might drop to a level at which epidemics could occur. This article deals with the deterrents to immunization and suggests means of overcoming them.", "contents": "Immunization in New South Wales. Immunization is the most important single public health measure available to control many important infectious diseases. The childhood schedule of immunization consists of five injections of TA/CDT, five doses of Sabin vaccine, one injection of measles vaccine, and one injection of rubella vaccine. Even if TA/CDT and Sabin are given at the same time, this still means seven decisions to be made by the mother to take her child for immunization. Unless there is an effective health education programme, combined with cheap convenient effective immunization facilities, the herd immunity might drop to a level at which epidemics could occur. This article deals with the deterrents to immunization and suggests means of overcoming them.", "PMID": 999562} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7792", "title": "Over-immunization-an ever present problem.", "content": "The development of purified vaccines for the control of common infectious diseases may lead to a sense of false security and a tendency to over-immunize. Repeated antigenic challenge may cause hypersensitivity reactions which could harm the individual. For each vaccine there is an opitmum time and age for dosing; for those vaccines requiring a course of doses, there is a minimum but no maximum time interval between the doses. In Australia, active immunization is conducted on a regular basis against seven preventable infectious diseases. In this article, the vaccine control of each disease is discussed briefly and suggestions made to avoid hyperimmunization. The need to appreciate the dangers inherent in all immunization procedures in general, and in certain vaccines in particular, is emphasized. Indescriminate immunization cannot be condoned.", "contents": "Over-immunization-an ever present problem. The development of purified vaccines for the control of common infectious diseases may lead to a sense of false security and a tendency to over-immunize. Repeated antigenic challenge may cause hypersensitivity reactions which could harm the individual. For each vaccine there is an opitmum time and age for dosing; for those vaccines requiring a course of doses, there is a minimum but no maximum time interval between the doses. In Australia, active immunization is conducted on a regular basis against seven preventable infectious diseases. In this article, the vaccine control of each disease is discussed briefly and suggestions made to avoid hyperimmunization. The need to appreciate the dangers inherent in all immunization procedures in general, and in certain vaccines in particular, is emphasized. Indescriminate immunization cannot be condoned.", "PMID": 999560} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7793", "title": "Anxiety in early adulthood.", "content": "There is no doubt that the relatively recent changes in our society must have effects on the development of the early adult. These include changes in society's attitudes, permissiveness, changing roles, equal employment and wage opportunities, women's liberation, the 'single mother by desire', changing divorce laws, integrated university colleges of residence, to mention but a few factors. The effects of drugs, illegal and legal, alcohol, the motor vehicle, pollution and environmental change must also be remembered as possible sources of anxiety in early adulthood.", "contents": "Anxiety in early adulthood. There is no doubt that the relatively recent changes in our society must have effects on the development of the early adult. These include changes in society's attitudes, permissiveness, changing roles, equal employment and wage opportunities, women's liberation, the 'single mother by desire', changing divorce laws, integrated university colleges of residence, to mention but a few factors. The effects of drugs, illegal and legal, alcohol, the motor vehicle, pollution and environmental change must also be remembered as possible sources of anxiety in early adulthood.", "PMID": 999570} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7794", "title": "Acceptance by patients of the student in general practice.", "content": "A survey was done of the attitude of 4,852 patients to the presence of students in general practitioners' consulting rooms during the 5th year general practice apprenticeship in Queensland. Overall acceptance was 94 per cent. This was remarkably consistent with the results of a similar study in Aberdeen in 1970. Students were more welcome in country practices than in practices in provincial cities and Brisbane, and were also more welcome in solo than in group practices. A plea is made for general practitioners to cooperate, not only as preceptors in the apprenticeship scheme, but also to take part in the collection of basic data for research projects initiated by the sub-Department of Community Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine.", "contents": "Acceptance by patients of the student in general practice. A survey was done of the attitude of 4,852 patients to the presence of students in general practitioners' consulting rooms during the 5th year general practice apprenticeship in Queensland. Overall acceptance was 94 per cent. This was remarkably consistent with the results of a similar study in Aberdeen in 1970. Students were more welcome in country practices than in practices in provincial cities and Brisbane, and were also more welcome in solo than in group practices. A plea is made for general practitioners to cooperate, not only as preceptors in the apprenticeship scheme, but also to take part in the collection of basic data for research projects initiated by the sub-Department of Community Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine.", "PMID": 999569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7795", "title": "Personality screening in medical practice.", "content": "The PSI will be useful to health and social welfare professionals involved in making a choice between referring an individual to a formal mental health agency, or retaining him for counselling, or rejecting him as not likely to benefit from either service. In addition, the PSI will serve the needs of research and evaluation in, for example, appraising the effects of treatment or social intervention, and in community mental health research. A variety of other applications will be apparent to innovative professionals. In fact, there are several reports currently available which are available on request to ETASA.", "contents": "Personality screening in medical practice. The PSI will be useful to health and social welfare professionals involved in making a choice between referring an individual to a formal mental health agency, or retaining him for counselling, or rejecting him as not likely to benefit from either service. In addition, the PSI will serve the needs of research and evaluation in, for example, appraising the effects of treatment or social intervention, and in community mental health research. A variety of other applications will be apparent to innovative professionals. In fact, there are several reports currently available which are available on request to ETASA.", "PMID": 999571} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7796", "title": "Estimating the impact of health services in a community.", "content": "The advantages of clinical and mechanical combination of observations for prediction are mutually reinforced by an application of Bayesian statistics. The technique is shown to be particularly advantageous in a situation which is characterized by a paucity of observations available to suppliment a prior expert judgment. The approach also presents a basis for evaluating relative expertise and tracing the learning experience of experts. Taking the community as the organizational level of analysis, data on the classification of aged persons in Durham County, North Carolina, and data on the changes in classification of these individuals within the population over time are gathered and studied. These data are combined with clinical judgments of changes as a demonstration of the merits of the technique developed in this paper.", "contents": "Estimating the impact of health services in a community. The advantages of clinical and mechanical combination of observations for prediction are mutually reinforced by an application of Bayesian statistics. The technique is shown to be particularly advantageous in a situation which is characterized by a paucity of observations available to suppliment a prior expert judgment. The approach also presents a basis for evaluating relative expertise and tracing the learning experience of experts. Taking the community as the organizational level of analysis, data on the classification of aged persons in Durham County, North Carolina, and data on the changes in classification of these individuals within the population over time are gathered and studied. These data are combined with clinical judgments of changes as a demonstration of the merits of the technique developed in this paper.", "PMID": 999594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7797", "title": "A neural systems theory of schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia.", "content": "Some systems ideas applied to individual persons are used to try to explain symptoms of schizophrenia and a syndrome of uncontrolled fragments of movement which sometimes occurs as a side effect of chronic, antipsychotic drug therapy. The behavior of normal organisms may be conceptualized in three echelons of control, with each successively higher echelon organizing, by selective disinhibition, semiautonomous, spontaneous fragments of activity which comprise the next lower echelon. It is hypothesized that schizophrenia involves a deficiency of inhibition by the frontal cortex, first echelon, on the corpus striatum, second echelon. This results first in insufficiently integrated fragments of behavior, and second in premature associative linkages among active elements. First echelon control develops as a normal person matures and gradually loses some of the playful activities of childhood. It is hypothesized that by disrupting certain aspects of activity in the corpus striatum, neuroleptic drugs reduce schizophrenic symptoms but also reduce the capacity of the second echelon to inhibit and integrate the smaller behavioral fragments wired into lower parts of the brain, third echelon. This results in uncontrolled movements. Though many researchers already favor the hypothesis that neuroleptic drugs act on the corpus striatum, the broader theory presented here is new and depends in large part on general living systems considerations. Emphasis is on conceptual decomposition of the integrated behavior of a whole organism into less complex subsystems. Individually, these have neither too much nor too little complexity to yield a plausible model. Some experimental predictions and predictions about possible therapies are made from the theory.", "contents": "A neural systems theory of schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia. Some systems ideas applied to individual persons are used to try to explain symptoms of schizophrenia and a syndrome of uncontrolled fragments of movement which sometimes occurs as a side effect of chronic, antipsychotic drug therapy. The behavior of normal organisms may be conceptualized in three echelons of control, with each successively higher echelon organizing, by selective disinhibition, semiautonomous, spontaneous fragments of activity which comprise the next lower echelon. It is hypothesized that schizophrenia involves a deficiency of inhibition by the frontal cortex, first echelon, on the corpus striatum, second echelon. This results first in insufficiently integrated fragments of behavior, and second in premature associative linkages among active elements. First echelon control develops as a normal person matures and gradually loses some of the playful activities of childhood. It is hypothesized that by disrupting certain aspects of activity in the corpus striatum, neuroleptic drugs reduce schizophrenic symptoms but also reduce the capacity of the second echelon to inhibit and integrate the smaller behavioral fragments wired into lower parts of the brain, third echelon. This results in uncontrolled movements. Though many researchers already favor the hypothesis that neuroleptic drugs act on the corpus striatum, the broader theory presented here is new and depends in large part on general living systems considerations. Emphasis is on conceptual decomposition of the integrated behavior of a whole organism into less complex subsystems. Individually, these have neither too much nor too little complexity to yield a plausible model. Some experimental predictions and predictions about possible therapies are made from the theory.", "PMID": 999593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7798", "title": "[Radiographic pattern of iodine contrasted arteriosclerotic vascular changes. Analysis and documentation (author's transl)].", "content": "Vessels as well as soft tissues can be contrasted in a solution of 10 percent formaldehyde and sodium iodate so that structural details can easily be identified by X-ray. Atheromatous plaques, ulcers and calcifications are demonstrable by comparing X-ray films of contrasted and uncontrasted vessels. This methods allow a quick investigation of vascular walls and of other tissues.", "contents": "[Radiographic pattern of iodine contrasted arteriosclerotic vascular changes. Analysis and documentation (author's transl)]. Vessels as well as soft tissues can be contrasted in a solution of 10 percent formaldehyde and sodium iodate so that structural details can easily be identified by X-ray. Atheromatous plaques, ulcers and calcifications are demonstrable by comparing X-ray films of contrasted and uncontrasted vessels. This methods allow a quick investigation of vascular walls and of other tissues.", "PMID": 999596} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7799", "title": "Classification of the pathohistology of diseases of the salivary glands - review of 2,600 cases in the Salivary Gland Register.", "content": "Three major disease groups emerge from a classification of the pathohistology of 2,600 salivary gland preparations in the salivary gland register (from 1965 to 1974): salivary gland tumors (41%), salivary gland inflammations (26%), and sialadenosis (6%). Mucoceles (2%) and salivary gland cysts (1.5%) are seen less often. It is diagnostically important that lymph node changes in the area of the salivary glands (lymphadenitis, lymphomas, etc.) are worked up under suspicion of a primary salivary gland disease. Sialadenosis involves a primary, vegetative neuropathy, which is accompanied by enlargement of acinar cells. Under the heading of chronic sialdenitis, we fine 50% socalled K\u00fcttner tumors of the submandibular gland, 21% chronic relapsing parotitis, 14% chronic inflammations of the minor salivary glands and the sublingual gland, and 12% immune sialadenitis (myoepithelial sialadenitis in Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome and epitheloid cell sialadenitis in Heerfordts syndrome). A more than average number of immune sialadenitis cases develop into malignant lymphomas (4 cases in the salivary gland register). The 1,067 tumor cases containing of 929 epithelial tumors (87%), 89 mesenchymal tumors (hemangiomas, lymphangiomas, lipomas, neurofibromas, sarcomas) and 49 metastases or periglandular tumors. Epithelial tumors were grouped on the basis of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Benign tumors (71.5%) consisted of pleomorphic adenomas (51.5%) and monomorphic adenomas (50%). After the pleomorphic adenomas, cystadenolymphomas (over 10%) represented the most frequent benign salivary gland tumor. On the basis of epithelial and stromal differentiation, pleomorphic adenomas were subdividied into four subtypes (stroma-rich and stroma-poor adenomas). The malignant tumors consisted of acinar cell tumors (2.5%), mucoepidermoid tumors (6%), and carcinomas at various levels of differentiation (adenoid-cystic carcinomas, 6.5%; adenocarcinomas, 2%; squamous cell carcinomas, 2%; carcinomas in pleomorphic adenomas, 4%; miscellaneous carcinomas - salivary duct carcinomas, clear-cell carcinomas, undifferentiated carcinomas, 5.5%). Differences in age and sex distribution, localization, malignity metastases, recidivism, et", "contents": "Classification of the pathohistology of diseases of the salivary glands - review of 2,600 cases in the Salivary Gland Register. Three major disease groups emerge from a classification of the pathohistology of 2,600 salivary gland preparations in the salivary gland register (from 1965 to 1974): salivary gland tumors (41%), salivary gland inflammations (26%), and sialadenosis (6%). Mucoceles (2%) and salivary gland cysts (1.5%) are seen less often. It is diagnostically important that lymph node changes in the area of the salivary glands (lymphadenitis, lymphomas, etc.) are worked up under suspicion of a primary salivary gland disease. Sialadenosis involves a primary, vegetative neuropathy, which is accompanied by enlargement of acinar cells. Under the heading of chronic sialdenitis, we fine 50% socalled K\u00fcttner tumors of the submandibular gland, 21% chronic relapsing parotitis, 14% chronic inflammations of the minor salivary glands and the sublingual gland, and 12% immune sialadenitis (myoepithelial sialadenitis in Sj\u00f6gren's syndrome and epitheloid cell sialadenitis in Heerfordts syndrome). A more than average number of immune sialadenitis cases develop into malignant lymphomas (4 cases in the salivary gland register). The 1,067 tumor cases containing of 929 epithelial tumors (87%), 89 mesenchymal tumors (hemangiomas, lymphangiomas, lipomas, neurofibromas, sarcomas) and 49 metastases or periglandular tumors. Epithelial tumors were grouped on the basis of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Benign tumors (71.5%) consisted of pleomorphic adenomas (51.5%) and monomorphic adenomas (50%). After the pleomorphic adenomas, cystadenolymphomas (over 10%) represented the most frequent benign salivary gland tumor. On the basis of epithelial and stromal differentiation, pleomorphic adenomas were subdividied into four subtypes (stroma-rich and stroma-poor adenomas). The malignant tumors consisted of acinar cell tumors (2.5%), mucoepidermoid tumors (6%), and carcinomas at various levels of differentiation (adenoid-cystic carcinomas, 6.5%; adenocarcinomas, 2%; squamous cell carcinomas, 2%; carcinomas in pleomorphic adenomas, 4%; miscellaneous carcinomas - salivary duct carcinomas, clear-cell carcinomas, undifferentiated carcinomas, 5.5%). Differences in age and sex distribution, localization, malignity metastases, recidivism, et", "PMID": 999595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7800", "title": "The effect of intrauterinely injected lymphocytes prepared from sensitized or non-sensitized guinea-pigs on the ultrastructure of rat fetal membranes (visceral yolk sac).", "content": "The susceptibility of rat fetal membranes (visceral yolk sac) to cell-mediated immunity was studied electron microscopically at day 19 of pregnancy. For this purpose guinea-pigs were sensitized to rat placental antigens and the activated lymphocytes were injected intrauterinely. Simultaneously, the effect of lymphocytes from non-sensitized guinea-pigs was examined on the rat yolk sac. Lymphocytes from sensitized guinea-pigs revealed a clear cytotoxic effect on the visceral yolk sac, but the degree of cell destruction showed marked differences from one epithelial cell to the other. Furthermore, the yolk sac regionally displayed great differences in the intensity of immune cytolysis...", "contents": "The effect of intrauterinely injected lymphocytes prepared from sensitized or non-sensitized guinea-pigs on the ultrastructure of rat fetal membranes (visceral yolk sac). The susceptibility of rat fetal membranes (visceral yolk sac) to cell-mediated immunity was studied electron microscopically at day 19 of pregnancy. For this purpose guinea-pigs were sensitized to rat placental antigens and the activated lymphocytes were injected intrauterinely. Simultaneously, the effect of lymphocytes from non-sensitized guinea-pigs was examined on the rat yolk sac. Lymphocytes from sensitized guinea-pigs revealed a clear cytotoxic effect on the visceral yolk sac, but the degree of cell destruction showed marked differences from one epithelial cell to the other. Furthermore, the yolk sac regionally displayed great differences in the intensity of immune cytolysis...", "PMID": 999598} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7801", "title": "Ecology of microbial population of soils of North Bihar as affected by soil factors.", "content": "The determination of the number of bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi in 72 soil samples of different sugar cane soils in North Bihar (India) and the calculation of the correlations between these values and the content of organic carbon, total nitrogen, total soluble salts, available P2O5, and water-soluble K2O gave these results: 1. Significant and positive correlations were found between the content of organic carbon in the soil and the number of actinomycetes and fungi. 2. Significant and negative correlations were found between the content of water-soluble salts and the number of microorganisms. 3. There is a significant and positive correlatin between the number of bacteria and fungi and the total nitrogen content and and the available P2O5.", "contents": "Ecology of microbial population of soils of North Bihar as affected by soil factors. The determination of the number of bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi in 72 soil samples of different sugar cane soils in North Bihar (India) and the calculation of the correlations between these values and the content of organic carbon, total nitrogen, total soluble salts, available P2O5, and water-soluble K2O gave these results: 1. Significant and positive correlations were found between the content of organic carbon in the soil and the number of actinomycetes and fungi. 2. Significant and negative correlations were found between the content of water-soluble salts and the number of microorganisms. 3. There is a significant and positive correlatin between the number of bacteria and fungi and the total nitrogen content and and the available P2O5.", "PMID": 999608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7802", "title": "[Studies of climatic factors influencing the performance of cattle in the Syrian Arab Republic. 2. Assessment fo 1968/69 climatic factors].", "content": "On the basis of the values of temperature and moisture for one year, an experimental cowshed (80 cows) on the border of the Syriain semidesert was investigated using a new evaluation scheme. The assessment was made according to three ranges of physiological compatibility. Essential deficiencies were found in the construction and in the function of the cowshed. Using the relevant literature (see part 1) on this subject, the paper tries to show that such conditions must be detremental to the performance of European cattle breeds. If cattle stay for a long time in temperature regions above the physiological compatibility range, damages to the health must also be expected in non-adapted and local breeds. Suitable devices must be built into the cowsheds to enable release of warmth from the cattle kept there. Improvements in the climate of the cowshed are part of the complex measure for increasing the performance. The paper tries to stimulate more intensive studies of the climate and its effect on the performance in animal production for other regions and countries as well.", "contents": "[Studies of climatic factors influencing the performance of cattle in the Syrian Arab Republic. 2. Assessment fo 1968/69 climatic factors]. On the basis of the values of temperature and moisture for one year, an experimental cowshed (80 cows) on the border of the Syriain semidesert was investigated using a new evaluation scheme. The assessment was made according to three ranges of physiological compatibility. Essential deficiencies were found in the construction and in the function of the cowshed. Using the relevant literature (see part 1) on this subject, the paper tries to show that such conditions must be detremental to the performance of European cattle breeds. If cattle stay for a long time in temperature regions above the physiological compatibility range, damages to the health must also be expected in non-adapted and local breeds. Suitable devices must be built into the cowsheds to enable release of warmth from the cattle kept there. Improvements in the climate of the cowshed are part of the complex measure for increasing the performance. The paper tries to stimulate more intensive studies of the climate and its effect on the performance in animal production for other regions and countries as well.", "PMID": 999609} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7803", "title": "Light peak to dark trough ratio in clinical electro-oculography: influence of dark oscillations on the following light peak.", "content": "In the clinical standard EOG procedure the light rise potential is influenced by the preceding dark troughs oscillation. This is apparent in the different configuration of the light rise potential when following a dark trough instead of a steady state. Uninfluenced responses can be obtained only under steady-state conditions. Recording of the light peak potential in this manner may be used on a trial basis for clinical routine examination. Experimental and more detailed clinical studies require separate recording of light peak and dark trough potential, each preceded by a steady state. The evaluation of these responses, expressing them in percent of the steady state, should reveal more information than can be expected from the standard light peak to dark trough ratio.", "contents": "Light peak to dark trough ratio in clinical electro-oculography: influence of dark oscillations on the following light peak. In the clinical standard EOG procedure the light rise potential is influenced by the preceding dark troughs oscillation. This is apparent in the different configuration of the light rise potential when following a dark trough instead of a steady state. Uninfluenced responses can be obtained only under steady-state conditions. Recording of the light peak potential in this manner may be used on a trial basis for clinical routine examination. Experimental and more detailed clinical studies require separate recording of light peak and dark trough potential, each preceded by a steady state. The evaluation of these responses, expressing them in percent of the steady state, should reveal more information than can be expected from the standard light peak to dark trough ratio.", "PMID": 999618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7804", "title": "The value of electro-oculography for the diagnosis of tapeto-retinal degenerations.", "content": "The particular value of the EOG for diagnosis and prognosis has been demonstrated with the findings and case histories of seven patients. We have shown (1) that the EOG in connection with the ERG has contributed decisively to the differentiation of numerous types of tapeto-retinal dystrophies; (2) that the EOG is, as a rule, very valuable in distinguishing between tapeto-retinal dystrophies and flourishing or healed chorioretinitis, and (3) the different values of the other examination methods (visual field, colour vision tests, dark adaptation, angiography) in comparison with the electrophysiological methods. We have used the same methods as were used in previous examinations.", "contents": "The value of electro-oculography for the diagnosis of tapeto-retinal degenerations. The particular value of the EOG for diagnosis and prognosis has been demonstrated with the findings and case histories of seven patients. We have shown (1) that the EOG in connection with the ERG has contributed decisively to the differentiation of numerous types of tapeto-retinal dystrophies; (2) that the EOG is, as a rule, very valuable in distinguishing between tapeto-retinal dystrophies and flourishing or healed chorioretinitis, and (3) the different values of the other examination methods (visual field, colour vision tests, dark adaptation, angiography) in comparison with the electrophysiological methods. We have used the same methods as were used in previous examinations.", "PMID": 999616} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7805", "title": "Clinical importance of the electro-oculogram with special reference to the chloroquine retinopathy.", "content": "Examination of the EOG is surely worthwhile in cases of generalized pigment alteration and in juvenile foveal dystrophies. Its value in the control of chloroquine treatment is still doubted, but the method will become better if an EOG is made before treatment is started. EOGs made during the treatment can then be compared with those made earlier. As a result, the large interindividual variation is replaced by the much smaller intraindividual variation. In a group of normals and patients, the intraindividual standard deviation appeared to be about 10% of the original value of the EOG. Using this criterion, we think the EOG to be a valuable tool in preventing chloroquine retinopathy, although it is not yet certain if static perimetry with red light is still a better method.", "contents": "Clinical importance of the electro-oculogram with special reference to the chloroquine retinopathy. Examination of the EOG is surely worthwhile in cases of generalized pigment alteration and in juvenile foveal dystrophies. Its value in the control of chloroquine treatment is still doubted, but the method will become better if an EOG is made before treatment is started. EOGs made during the treatment can then be compared with those made earlier. As a result, the large interindividual variation is replaced by the much smaller intraindividual variation. In a group of normals and patients, the intraindividual standard deviation appeared to be about 10% of the original value of the EOG. Using this criterion, we think the EOG to be a valuable tool in preventing chloroquine retinopathy, although it is not yet certain if static perimetry with red light is still a better method.", "PMID": 999620} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7806", "title": "Subsite mapping of enzymes. Depolymerase computer modelling.", "content": "We have developed a depolymerase computer model that uses a minimization routine. The model is designed so that, given experimental bond-cleavage frequencies for oligomeric substrates and experimental Michaelis parameters as a function of substrate chain length, the optimum subsite map is generated. The minimized sum of the weighted-squared residuals of the experimental and calculated data is used as a criterion of the goodness-of-fit for the optimized subsite map. The application of the minimization procedure to subsite mapping is explored through the use of simulated data. A procedure is developed whereby the minimization model can be used to determine the number of subsites in the enzymic binding region and to locate the position of the catalytic amino acids among these subsites. The degree of propagation of experimental variance into the subsite-binding energies is estimated. The question of whether hydrolytic rate coefficients are constant or a function of the number of filled subsites is examined.", "contents": "Subsite mapping of enzymes. Depolymerase computer modelling. We have developed a depolymerase computer model that uses a minimization routine. The model is designed so that, given experimental bond-cleavage frequencies for oligomeric substrates and experimental Michaelis parameters as a function of substrate chain length, the optimum subsite map is generated. The minimized sum of the weighted-squared residuals of the experimental and calculated data is used as a criterion of the goodness-of-fit for the optimized subsite map. The application of the minimization procedure to subsite mapping is explored through the use of simulated data. A procedure is developed whereby the minimization model can be used to determine the number of subsites in the enzymic binding region and to locate the position of the catalytic amino acids among these subsites. The degree of propagation of experimental variance into the subsite-binding energies is estimated. The question of whether hydrolytic rate coefficients are constant or a function of the number of filled subsites is examined.", "PMID": 999629} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7807", "title": "Subsite mapping of enzymes. Application of the depolymerase computer model to two alpha-amylases.", "content": "In the preceding paper (Allen and Thoma, 1976) we developed a depolymerase computer model, which uses a minimization routine to establish a subsite map for a depolymerase. In the present paper we show how the model is applied to experimental data for two alpha-amylases. Michaelis parameters and bond-cleavage frequencies for substrates of chain lengths up to twelve glucosyl units have been reported for Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and a subsite map has been proposed for this enzyme [Thoma et al. (1971) J. Biol. Chem. 246, 5621-5635]. By applying the computer model to the experimental data, we have arrived at a ten-subsite map. We find that a significant improvement in this map is achieved by allowing the hydrolytic rate coefficient to vary as a function of the number of occupied subsites comprising the enzyme-binding region. The bond-cleavage frequencies, the enzyme is found to have eight subsites. A partial subsite map is arrived at, but the entire binding region cannot be mapped because Michaelis parameters are complicated by transglycosylation reactions. The hydrolytic rate coefficients for this enzyme are not constant.", "contents": "Subsite mapping of enzymes. Application of the depolymerase computer model to two alpha-amylases. In the preceding paper (Allen and Thoma, 1976) we developed a depolymerase computer model, which uses a minimization routine to establish a subsite map for a depolymerase. In the present paper we show how the model is applied to experimental data for two alpha-amylases. Michaelis parameters and bond-cleavage frequencies for substrates of chain lengths up to twelve glucosyl units have been reported for Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and a subsite map has been proposed for this enzyme [Thoma et al. (1971) J. Biol. Chem. 246, 5621-5635]. By applying the computer model to the experimental data, we have arrived at a ten-subsite map. We find that a significant improvement in this map is achieved by allowing the hydrolytic rate coefficient to vary as a function of the number of occupied subsites comprising the enzyme-binding region. The bond-cleavage frequencies, the enzyme is found to have eight subsites. A partial subsite map is arrived at, but the entire binding region cannot be mapped because Michaelis parameters are complicated by transglycosylation reactions. The hydrolytic rate coefficients for this enzyme are not constant.", "PMID": 999630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7808", "title": "A method for the determination of hyaluronate in the presence of other glycosaminoglycans and its application to human intervertebral disc.", "content": "A highly sensitive proteoglycan-binding assay was developed for the detection and determination of small amounts of hyaluronate. Application of this assay to human intervertebral-disc tissue showed that the radial distribution of hyaluronate closely followed the distribution of proteoglycans.", "contents": "A method for the determination of hyaluronate in the presence of other glycosaminoglycans and its application to human intervertebral disc. A highly sensitive proteoglycan-binding assay was developed for the detection and determination of small amounts of hyaluronate. Application of this assay to human intervertebral-disc tissue showed that the radial distribution of hyaluronate closely followed the distribution of proteoglycans.", "PMID": 999631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7809", "title": "Removal of a bound ligand from a macromolecule by gel filtration.", "content": "If a solution of macromolecule of concentration c and volume a, initially saturated with a ligand of dissociation constant K, is gel filtered through a volume v of solution initially free of ligand, the saturation y with which it emerges is given by the equation y-lny-1=Kv/ca.", "contents": "Removal of a bound ligand from a macromolecule by gel filtration. If a solution of macromolecule of concentration c and volume a, initially saturated with a ligand of dissociation constant K, is gel filtered through a volume v of solution initially free of ligand, the saturation y with which it emerges is given by the equation y-lny-1=Kv/ca.", "PMID": 999633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7810", "title": "The pre-eminence of k(cat) in the manifestation of optimal enzymic activity delineated by using the Briggs-Haldane two-step irreversible kinetic model.", "content": "The suggestion by Fersht [(1974) Proc. R. Soc. London Ser. B 187, 397-407] that enzymes that provide maximal rates of catalysis should be characterized by values of Ks, the dissociation constant of the enzyme-substrate complex, greater than 10 times the value of the ambient substrate concentration has been examined. 2. For such enzymes, Ks is not relevant, and attention is best focused on the relative numerical values of k(cat). (in units of s(-1) and the substrate molarity. It is necessary only that the former be about 10(10)-10(11) times the latter to ensure that the rate of product formation be diffusion-limited and thus maximal.", "contents": "The pre-eminence of k(cat) in the manifestation of optimal enzymic activity delineated by using the Briggs-Haldane two-step irreversible kinetic model. The suggestion by Fersht [(1974) Proc. R. Soc. London Ser. B 187, 397-407] that enzymes that provide maximal rates of catalysis should be characterized by values of Ks, the dissociation constant of the enzyme-substrate complex, greater than 10 times the value of the ambient substrate concentration has been examined. 2. For such enzymes, Ks is not relevant, and attention is best focused on the relative numerical values of k(cat). (in units of s(-1) and the substrate molarity. It is necessary only that the former be about 10(10)-10(11) times the latter to ensure that the rate of product formation be diffusion-limited and thus maximal.", "PMID": 999634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7811", "title": "Algebraic methods for deriving steady-state rate equations. Practical difficulties with mechanisms that contain repeated rate constants.", "content": "Methods of deriving rate equations that rely on repetition of terms for identification of redundant or invalid terms give incorrect results if used with mechanisms in which some rate constants appear more than once.", "contents": "Algebraic methods for deriving steady-state rate equations. Practical difficulties with mechanisms that contain repeated rate constants. Methods of deriving rate equations that rely on repetition of terms for identification of redundant or invalid terms give incorrect results if used with mechanisms in which some rate constants appear more than once.", "PMID": 999635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7812", "title": "The proton and metal complexes of adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate.", "content": "The formation constants of the complexes of adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate with H+ Mg2+, Ca2+ and a number of bivalent transition-metal ions were measured potentionmetrically. The complexes are generally a little more stable than the analogous complexes of ATP. By measuring the formation constants at two temperatures, this increase in stability was shown to result from an increased enthalpy change on complex-formation.", "contents": "The proton and metal complexes of adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate. The formation constants of the complexes of adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate with H+ Mg2+, Ca2+ and a number of bivalent transition-metal ions were measured potentionmetrically. The complexes are generally a little more stable than the analogous complexes of ATP. By measuring the formation constants at two temperatures, this increase in stability was shown to result from an increased enthalpy change on complex-formation.", "PMID": 999636} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7813", "title": "Alternative products in the reaction of 2-nitro-5-thiocyanatobenzoic acid with thiol groups.", "content": "2-Nitro-5-thiocyanatobenzoic acid has been proposed as a reagent for converting thiol groups in proteins into their S-cyano derivatives. Evidence was obtained for formation of both the S-cyano derivative and the mixed disulphide derivative. Formation of the S-cyano derivative can be promoted by addition of excess of CN-to the reaction mixture.", "contents": "Alternative products in the reaction of 2-nitro-5-thiocyanatobenzoic acid with thiol groups. 2-Nitro-5-thiocyanatobenzoic acid has been proposed as a reagent for converting thiol groups in proteins into their S-cyano derivatives. Evidence was obtained for formation of both the S-cyano derivative and the mixed disulphide derivative. Formation of the S-cyano derivative can be promoted by addition of excess of CN-to the reaction mixture.", "PMID": 999637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7814", "title": "Molecular weight and subunit size of fatty acid synthetase from rabbit mammary gland.", "content": "Fatty acid synthetase purified from the mammary gland of the rabbit has a mol. wt. of 968000 as determined by gel filtration. The enzyme gave one band, corresponding to a mol.wt. of approx. 35000, on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate and phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride.", "contents": "Molecular weight and subunit size of fatty acid synthetase from rabbit mammary gland. Fatty acid synthetase purified from the mammary gland of the rabbit has a mol. wt. of 968000 as determined by gel filtration. The enzyme gave one band, corresponding to a mol.wt. of approx. 35000, on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate and phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride.", "PMID": 999638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7815", "title": "Chicken muscle and fibroblast actin structure.", "content": "Double labelling and the isolation of peptides specific to muscle actin indicates that completely homologous 20-residue peptides can be produced from the C-terminal regions of muscle and chicken-embryo fibroblast actins by treatment with CNBr. By quantification of the amount of this peptide that can be produced from acetone-dried powders by CNBr treatment, 6.8% of the protein of the fibroblasts has been estimated to be actin.", "contents": "Chicken muscle and fibroblast actin structure. Double labelling and the isolation of peptides specific to muscle actin indicates that completely homologous 20-residue peptides can be produced from the C-terminal regions of muscle and chicken-embryo fibroblast actins by treatment with CNBr. By quantification of the amount of this peptide that can be produced from acetone-dried powders by CNBr treatment, 6.8% of the protein of the fibroblasts has been estimated to be actin.", "PMID": 999639} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7816", "title": "Stereospecific haem cleavage. A model for the formation of bile-pigment isomers in vivo and in vitro.", "content": "A new approach is suggested for an explanation of sterospecific haem degradation to biliverdin and bilirubin. A model is proposed in which an oxygen molecule, bound to the haem iron atom, attacks a methene-bridge carbon atom in an intramolecular reaction. Specificity of macrocyclic ring cleavage is explained on the basis of the different accessibilities of the bound oxygen molecule to the four methene bridges. The consequences of these ideas are assessed in relation to coupled oxidation in model systems and to haem catabolism.", "contents": "Stereospecific haem cleavage. A model for the formation of bile-pigment isomers in vivo and in vitro. A new approach is suggested for an explanation of sterospecific haem degradation to biliverdin and bilirubin. A model is proposed in which an oxygen molecule, bound to the haem iron atom, attacks a methene-bridge carbon atom in an intramolecular reaction. Specificity of macrocyclic ring cleavage is explained on the basis of the different accessibilities of the bound oxygen molecule to the four methene bridges. The consequences of these ideas are assessed in relation to coupled oxidation in model systems and to haem catabolism.", "PMID": 999640} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7817", "title": "Isolation and characterization of an active three-chain molecular species of bovine thrombin.", "content": "Partially purified bovine prothrombin was activated in half-saturated trisodium citrate seeded with thrombin, and the resulting thrombin was chromatographed on Amerblite IRC-50, followed by rechromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-50. Five fractions, possessing both esterase and clotting activities, were partially isolated, but fraction VI was shown to be a pure three-chain active species with threonine, isoleucine and lysine, in 1:1:1 molar proportions as N-termini. The amino acid composition and C-termini of fraction VI were determinied. The molecular weights of the isolated chains, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, were 7300, 12000 and 19500 respectively. These data, when taken together with the amino acid sequence of the two-chain thrombin reported by Magnusson et al. (1975) [in Prothrombin and related Coagulation Factors, (Hember, H. C. & Veltkamp, J. J., eds.), pp. 25-46, Leiden University Press, Leiden], indicated that proteolysis occurred at the Arg(78)-Lys(79) peptide bond of the B chain of a precursor molecular species, thus converting this two-chain species into the three-chain active form described here.", "contents": "Isolation and characterization of an active three-chain molecular species of bovine thrombin. Partially purified bovine prothrombin was activated in half-saturated trisodium citrate seeded with thrombin, and the resulting thrombin was chromatographed on Amerblite IRC-50, followed by rechromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-50. Five fractions, possessing both esterase and clotting activities, were partially isolated, but fraction VI was shown to be a pure three-chain active species with threonine, isoleucine and lysine, in 1:1:1 molar proportions as N-termini. The amino acid composition and C-termini of fraction VI were determinied. The molecular weights of the isolated chains, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, were 7300, 12000 and 19500 respectively. These data, when taken together with the amino acid sequence of the two-chain thrombin reported by Magnusson et al. (1975) [in Prothrombin and related Coagulation Factors, (Hember, H. C. & Veltkamp, J. J., eds.), pp. 25-46, Leiden University Press, Leiden], indicated that proteolysis occurred at the Arg(78)-Lys(79) peptide bond of the B chain of a precursor molecular species, thus converting this two-chain species into the three-chain active form described here.", "PMID": 999641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7818", "title": "Mouse haemoglobin beta chains. Comparative sequence data on adult major and minor beta chains from two species, Mus musculus and Mus cervicolor.", "content": "In inbred Mus musculus several different beta chains are known. In certain strains two beta chains are produced in unequal amounts by the two closely linked genes of the doublet breeding unit allele Hbb(d): Betadmaj and betadmin. One strain has a variant doublet allele, Hbb(p), which produces a variant minor beta chain, betapmin (the major beta chain, betapmaj, may not differ from betadmaj chain). Certain other strains have a singlet allele, Hbb(s), that produces only one beta chain, betas. Other species have different beta-chain patterns. In M. cervicolor two variant major beta chains are found, betacmaj (d-like) and betacmaj (s-like), both of which were found associated with minor beta chains. M. caroli has only one, 'Leporelike' beta chain, with structural features characteristic predominantly of betadmin chain in the N-terminal half and of betadmaj chain in the C-terminal half. The present paper presents sequence data on betas, betadmaj, betadmin, betapmin and betacmaj (d-like) chains. The data on betadmin chain cover almost the whole of that chain and show a minimum of nine differences from betadmaj chain and two from betapmin chain. It is suggested that the data on the beta chains of the various species show evidence for the past occurrence of double crossovers over regions within a gene coding for only one or a few amino acids, which events can be explained by the 'hybrid DNA' models of genetic recombination. Supplementary information on the amino acid sequence of the proteins has been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50067 (36 pages) at the British Library Lending Division, Boston Spa, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1976) 153, 5.", "contents": "Mouse haemoglobin beta chains. Comparative sequence data on adult major and minor beta chains from two species, Mus musculus and Mus cervicolor. In inbred Mus musculus several different beta chains are known. In certain strains two beta chains are produced in unequal amounts by the two closely linked genes of the doublet breeding unit allele Hbb(d): Betadmaj and betadmin. One strain has a variant doublet allele, Hbb(p), which produces a variant minor beta chain, betapmin (the major beta chain, betapmaj, may not differ from betadmaj chain). Certain other strains have a singlet allele, Hbb(s), that produces only one beta chain, betas. Other species have different beta-chain patterns. In M. cervicolor two variant major beta chains are found, betacmaj (d-like) and betacmaj (s-like), both of which were found associated with minor beta chains. M. caroli has only one, 'Leporelike' beta chain, with structural features characteristic predominantly of betadmin chain in the N-terminal half and of betadmaj chain in the C-terminal half. The present paper presents sequence data on betas, betadmaj, betadmin, betapmin and betacmaj (d-like) chains. The data on betadmin chain cover almost the whole of that chain and show a minimum of nine differences from betadmaj chain and two from betapmin chain. It is suggested that the data on the beta chains of the various species show evidence for the past occurrence of double crossovers over regions within a gene coding for only one or a few amino acids, which events can be explained by the 'hybrid DNA' models of genetic recombination. Supplementary information on the amino acid sequence of the proteins has been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50067 (36 pages) at the British Library Lending Division, Boston Spa, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1976) 153, 5.", "PMID": 999642} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7819", "title": "Studies on ligand binding to bovine liver uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase.", "content": "A procedure for the preparation of crystalline UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase is described. K(s) values for UDP-glucose and UTP were determined as 7 and 20 muM respectively, the latter being confirmed by three methods. By assuming an octameric structure, 1 mol of enzyme subunit bound 1 mol of substrate. The metal-ion activator, Mg2+, did not affect the equilibrium between nucleotide and enzyme. A substrate analogue, alphabeta-methylene-UTP, was synthesized and had the same K(s) value as UTP. In its presence, the K(s) for glucose 1-phosphate decreased by two orders of magnitude, thus confirming a compulsory binding order and excluding an uridylated enzyme intermediate. The results are discussed with respect to their implications in vivo.", "contents": "Studies on ligand binding to bovine liver uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase. A procedure for the preparation of crystalline UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase is described. K(s) values for UDP-glucose and UTP were determined as 7 and 20 muM respectively, the latter being confirmed by three methods. By assuming an octameric structure, 1 mol of enzyme subunit bound 1 mol of substrate. The metal-ion activator, Mg2+, did not affect the equilibrium between nucleotide and enzyme. A substrate analogue, alphabeta-methylene-UTP, was synthesized and had the same K(s) value as UTP. In its presence, the K(s) for glucose 1-phosphate decreased by two orders of magnitude, thus confirming a compulsory binding order and excluding an uridylated enzyme intermediate. The results are discussed with respect to their implications in vivo.", "PMID": 999644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7820", "title": "Delineation of the third antigenic site of lysozyme by application of a novel 'surface-simulation' synthetic approach directly linking the conformationally adjacent residues forming the site.", "content": "We have previously shown that an antigenic site in native lysozyme resides around the disulphide bridge 30-115 and incorporates Lys-33 and Lys-116 and one or both of Tyr-20 and Tyr-23. These residues fall in an imaginary line circumscribing part of the surface of the molecule and passing through the spatially adjacent residues Tyr-20, Arg-21, Tyr-23, Lys-116, Asn-113, Arg-114, Phe-34 and Lys-33. The identity of the site was confirmed by demonstrating that the synthetic peptide Tyr-Arg-Tyr-Gly-Lys-Asn-Arg-Gly-Phe-Lys (which does not exist in lysozyme but simulates a surface region of it), and an analogue in which glycine replaced Tyr-23, possessed remarkable immuno-chemical reactivity that accounted entirely for the expected reactivity of the site in native lysozyme. Tyr-23 is not part of the site, and its contribution was satisfied by a glycine spacer. The novel approach presents a powerful technique for the delineation of antigenic (and other binding) sites in native proteins and confirms that these need not always comprise residues in direct peptide linkage.", "contents": "Delineation of the third antigenic site of lysozyme by application of a novel 'surface-simulation' synthetic approach directly linking the conformationally adjacent residues forming the site. We have previously shown that an antigenic site in native lysozyme resides around the disulphide bridge 30-115 and incorporates Lys-33 and Lys-116 and one or both of Tyr-20 and Tyr-23. These residues fall in an imaginary line circumscribing part of the surface of the molecule and passing through the spatially adjacent residues Tyr-20, Arg-21, Tyr-23, Lys-116, Asn-113, Arg-114, Phe-34 and Lys-33. The identity of the site was confirmed by demonstrating that the synthetic peptide Tyr-Arg-Tyr-Gly-Lys-Asn-Arg-Gly-Phe-Lys (which does not exist in lysozyme but simulates a surface region of it), and an analogue in which glycine replaced Tyr-23, possessed remarkable immuno-chemical reactivity that accounted entirely for the expected reactivity of the site in native lysozyme. Tyr-23 is not part of the site, and its contribution was satisfied by a glycine spacer. The novel approach presents a powerful technique for the delineation of antigenic (and other binding) sites in native proteins and confirms that these need not always comprise residues in direct peptide linkage.", "PMID": 999647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7821", "title": "Carboxymethylation of methionine residues in bovine pituitary luteinizing hormone and its subunits. Location of specifically modified methionine residues.", "content": "Bovine lutropin (luteinizing hormone) was carboxymethylated at pH3.0 for 12 h at 37 degrees C with iodoacetic acid for specific modification of methionine residues. To facilitate the location of preferentially modified methionine residues, iodoE114C]acetic acid was added as tracer. The alpha and beta subunits of bovine lutropin were carboxymethylated with a 2- or 5-fold molar excess of iodoacetic acid either in the presence or absence of their counterpart subunits. The modified subunits were separated and isolated by counter-current distribution followed by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. To locate the modified methiones, the isolated alpha or beta chain was reduced. S-carboxymethylated and subjected to tryptic hydrolysis. The tryptic peptides were fractionated by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-10. From analyses of the purified 14C-labelled tryptic peptides, it was observed that methionine-8 and -33 in bovine lutropin alpha chain and methionine-52 in the beta chain were preferentially modified. Similar results were obtained when isolated alpha and beta subunits were individually carboxymethylated in the absence of their counterpart subunit under identical conditions. The fact that a recombinant of native human lutropin alpha chain, in which a valine residue is present in the position corresponding to methionine-8 of bovine lutropin alpha chain, and carboxymethylated bovine lutropin beta chain regenerated a substantial amount of receptor-site-binding activity indicated that methionine-8 in bovine alpha chain was biologically not essential. These studies showed clearly that both methionine-33 in the alpha chain and methionine-52 in the beta subunit were involved for optimum binding between bovine lutropin and its receptors for expression of hormonal activity.", "contents": "Carboxymethylation of methionine residues in bovine pituitary luteinizing hormone and its subunits. Location of specifically modified methionine residues. Bovine lutropin (luteinizing hormone) was carboxymethylated at pH3.0 for 12 h at 37 degrees C with iodoacetic acid for specific modification of methionine residues. To facilitate the location of preferentially modified methionine residues, iodoE114C]acetic acid was added as tracer. The alpha and beta subunits of bovine lutropin were carboxymethylated with a 2- or 5-fold molar excess of iodoacetic acid either in the presence or absence of their counterpart subunits. The modified subunits were separated and isolated by counter-current distribution followed by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. To locate the modified methiones, the isolated alpha or beta chain was reduced. S-carboxymethylated and subjected to tryptic hydrolysis. The tryptic peptides were fractionated by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-10. From analyses of the purified 14C-labelled tryptic peptides, it was observed that methionine-8 and -33 in bovine lutropin alpha chain and methionine-52 in the beta chain were preferentially modified. Similar results were obtained when isolated alpha and beta subunits were individually carboxymethylated in the absence of their counterpart subunit under identical conditions. The fact that a recombinant of native human lutropin alpha chain, in which a valine residue is present in the position corresponding to methionine-8 of bovine lutropin alpha chain, and carboxymethylated bovine lutropin beta chain regenerated a substantial amount of receptor-site-binding activity indicated that methionine-8 in bovine alpha chain was biologically not essential. These studies showed clearly that both methionine-33 in the alpha chain and methionine-52 in the beta subunit were involved for optimum binding between bovine lutropin and its receptors for expression of hormonal activity.", "PMID": 999646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7822", "title": "Kinetics of rat liver glucokinase. Co-operative interactions with glucose at physiologically significant concentrations.", "content": "The kinetics of glucokinase from rat liver were studied over wide ranges of glucose and MgATP2- concentrations. The initial rate shows a co-operative dependence on the glucose concentration, with Hill coefficients in the range 1.2-1.5. The degree of glucose co-operativity increases with the MgATP2- concentration, but no co-operativity was detected for the dependence of the rate on the MgATP2- concentration. The effects observed occur at physiologically reasonable concentrations of glucose and MgATP2- and are consistent with the presumed function of glucokinase in maintaining a constant concentration of glucose in the blood.", "contents": "Kinetics of rat liver glucokinase. Co-operative interactions with glucose at physiologically significant concentrations. The kinetics of glucokinase from rat liver were studied over wide ranges of glucose and MgATP2- concentrations. The initial rate shows a co-operative dependence on the glucose concentration, with Hill coefficients in the range 1.2-1.5. The degree of glucose co-operativity increases with the MgATP2- concentration, but no co-operativity was detected for the dependence of the rate on the MgATP2- concentration. The effects observed occur at physiologically reasonable concentrations of glucose and MgATP2- and are consistent with the presumed function of glucokinase in maintaining a constant concentration of glucose in the blood.", "PMID": 999645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7823", "title": "Selective modification of rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase by 5-chloro-4-oxopentanoic acid.", "content": "Rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase was irreverisbly inactivated by 5-chloro-4-oxopentanoic acid with a pKa of 9.2. The inhibition was time-dependent and was related to the 5-chloro-4-oxopentanoic acid concentration. Analysis of the kinetics of inhibition showed that the binding of the inhibitor showed positive co-operativity (n = 1.5 +/- 0.2). Inhibition of pyruvate kinase by 5-chloro-4-oxopentanoic acid was prevented by ligands which bind to the active site. Their effectiveness was placed in the order Mg2+ greater than phosphoenolpyruvate greater than ATP greater than ADP greater than pyruvate. Inhibitor-modified pyruvate kinase was unable to catalyse the detritiation of [3-(3)H]pyruvate in the ATP-promoted reaction, but it did retain 5-10% of the activity with either phosphate or arsenate as promoters. 5-Chlor-4-oxo-[3,5-(3)H]pentanoic acid was covalently bound to pyruvate kinase and demonstrated a stoicheiometry of 1 mol of inhibitor bound per mol of pyruvate kinase protomer. The incorporation of the inhibitor and the loss of enzyme was proportional. These results are discussed in terms of 5-chloro-4-oxopentanoic acid alkylating a functional group in the phosphoryl overlap region of the active site, and a model is presented in which this compound alkylates an active-site thiol in a reaction that is controlled by a more basic group at the active site.", "contents": "Selective modification of rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase by 5-chloro-4-oxopentanoic acid. Rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase was irreverisbly inactivated by 5-chloro-4-oxopentanoic acid with a pKa of 9.2. The inhibition was time-dependent and was related to the 5-chloro-4-oxopentanoic acid concentration. Analysis of the kinetics of inhibition showed that the binding of the inhibitor showed positive co-operativity (n = 1.5 +/- 0.2). Inhibition of pyruvate kinase by 5-chloro-4-oxopentanoic acid was prevented by ligands which bind to the active site. Their effectiveness was placed in the order Mg2+ greater than phosphoenolpyruvate greater than ATP greater than ADP greater than pyruvate. Inhibitor-modified pyruvate kinase was unable to catalyse the detritiation of [3-(3)H]pyruvate in the ATP-promoted reaction, but it did retain 5-10% of the activity with either phosphate or arsenate as promoters. 5-Chlor-4-oxo-[3,5-(3)H]pentanoic acid was covalently bound to pyruvate kinase and demonstrated a stoicheiometry of 1 mol of inhibitor bound per mol of pyruvate kinase protomer. The incorporation of the inhibitor and the loss of enzyme was proportional. These results are discussed in terms of 5-chloro-4-oxopentanoic acid alkylating a functional group in the phosphoryl overlap region of the active site, and a model is presented in which this compound alkylates an active-site thiol in a reaction that is controlled by a more basic group at the active site.", "PMID": 999648} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7824", "title": "Delta8(14)-steroids in the bacterium Methylococcus capsulatus.", "content": "The 4,4-dimethyl and 4alpha-methyl sterols of the bacterium Methylococcus capsulatus were identified as 4,4-dimethyl- and 4alpha-methyl-5alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3beta-ol and 4,4-dimethyl- and 4alpha-methyl-5alpha-cholesta-8(14),24-dien-3beta-ol. Sterol biosynthesis is blocked at the level of 4alpha-methyl delta8(14)-sterols.", "contents": "Delta8(14)-steroids in the bacterium Methylococcus capsulatus. The 4,4-dimethyl and 4alpha-methyl sterols of the bacterium Methylococcus capsulatus were identified as 4,4-dimethyl- and 4alpha-methyl-5alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3beta-ol and 4,4-dimethyl- and 4alpha-methyl-5alpha-cholesta-8(14),24-dien-3beta-ol. Sterol biosynthesis is blocked at the level of 4alpha-methyl delta8(14)-sterols.", "PMID": 999649} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7825", "title": "125I-labelling = 125I-Labelling.", "content": "Erythropoietin, the hormone that regulates erythropoiesis in mammals, was 125I-labelled by using the catalytic properties of lactoperoxidase and the H2O2-generating properties of glucose oxidase. This methodology, both rapid and simple, not only produced hormone preparations with high specific radioactivity but also did not substantially alter the biological integrity of erythropoietin when it was assayed in vivo.", "contents": "125I-labelling = 125I-Labelling. Erythropoietin, the hormone that regulates erythropoiesis in mammals, was 125I-labelled by using the catalytic properties of lactoperoxidase and the H2O2-generating properties of glucose oxidase. This methodology, both rapid and simple, not only produced hormone preparations with high specific radioactivity but also did not substantially alter the biological integrity of erythropoietin when it was assayed in vivo.", "PMID": 999650} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7826", "title": "Location of the carbohydrate groups of ovomucoid.", "content": "Tryptic glycopeptides were purified from the sialic acid-free variant of ovomucoid, O1, and its CNBr fragments. The amino acid sequences adjacent to the four major sites of carbohydrate (Carb.) attachment were: (1), Phe-Pro-Asn(Carb.)-Ala-Thr-Asp-Lys-Glu-Gly-Lys; (2), Ala-Try-Ser-Ile-Glu-Phe-Gly-Thr-Asn (Carb.)-Ile-Ser-Lys; (3), Glu, Thr-Val-Pro-Met-Asn(Carb.)-cys-Ser; (4), Ser-Ser-Tyr-Ala-Asn (Carb.)-Thr-Thr-Ser-Glu-Asp-Gly-Lys, Glycosylated Asn residues were located at position 10, between residues 49 and 60, and at positions 69 and 75, in the primary sequence. All of these carbohydrate groups contained GlcNAc, Man and Gal in the approximate molar proprotions 5:3:0.5. A further glycopeptide containing His was isolated in low yield, suggesting that some carbohydrate is attached at a fifth site. Two of the carbohydrate-attachment sites (Asn-10 and Asn-75) occur in sequences that show internal homologies. These are presumed to have evolved as a consequence of partial gene duplication. Three of the carbohydrate-attachment sites occur in similar positions to the carbohydrate groups in quail ovomucoid [Laskowski (1976) Protides Biol. Fluids Proc. Colloq. 23, in the press]. Prediction of peptide conformation from the sequence data by the method of Chou & Fasman [(1974) Biochemistry 13, 222-225] indicated that four glycosylated Asn residues in hen ovomucoid are very close to groups of amino acids that occur with high frequency in beta-turns. The possible significance of peptide-chain conformation in the attachment of carbohydrate to glycoproteins is briefly discussed.", "contents": "Location of the carbohydrate groups of ovomucoid. Tryptic glycopeptides were purified from the sialic acid-free variant of ovomucoid, O1, and its CNBr fragments. The amino acid sequences adjacent to the four major sites of carbohydrate (Carb.) attachment were: (1), Phe-Pro-Asn(Carb.)-Ala-Thr-Asp-Lys-Glu-Gly-Lys; (2), Ala-Try-Ser-Ile-Glu-Phe-Gly-Thr-Asn (Carb.)-Ile-Ser-Lys; (3), Glu, Thr-Val-Pro-Met-Asn(Carb.)-cys-Ser; (4), Ser-Ser-Tyr-Ala-Asn (Carb.)-Thr-Thr-Ser-Glu-Asp-Gly-Lys, Glycosylated Asn residues were located at position 10, between residues 49 and 60, and at positions 69 and 75, in the primary sequence. All of these carbohydrate groups contained GlcNAc, Man and Gal in the approximate molar proprotions 5:3:0.5. A further glycopeptide containing His was isolated in low yield, suggesting that some carbohydrate is attached at a fifth site. Two of the carbohydrate-attachment sites (Asn-10 and Asn-75) occur in sequences that show internal homologies. These are presumed to have evolved as a consequence of partial gene duplication. Three of the carbohydrate-attachment sites occur in similar positions to the carbohydrate groups in quail ovomucoid [Laskowski (1976) Protides Biol. Fluids Proc. Colloq. 23, in the press]. Prediction of peptide conformation from the sequence data by the method of Chou & Fasman [(1974) Biochemistry 13, 222-225] indicated that four glycosylated Asn residues in hen ovomucoid are very close to groups of amino acids that occur with high frequency in beta-turns. The possible significance of peptide-chain conformation in the attachment of carbohydrate to glycoproteins is briefly discussed.", "PMID": 999651} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7827", "title": "Amino acid sequence of a four-iron-four-sulphur ferredoxin isolated from Bacillus stearothermophilus.", "content": "1. The primary structure of a 4Fe-4S ferredoxin from Bacillus stearothermophilus was determined and shown to consist of a single polypeptide chain of 81 amino acid residues. The molecular weight of the holoprotein is about 9120. 2. There are only four cysteine residues in the molecule; three of these are located near the N-terminus as a Cys-X-X-Cys-X-X-Cys segment, and the fourth cysteine residue is followed by a proline and located in the C-terminal half. 3. The Fe-S chromophore in B. stearothermophilus ferredoxin was previously well characterized and was shown to consist of a single 4Fe-4S cluster. This ferredoxin sequence establishes for the first time the relative location of the four cysteine residues necessary to bind the 4Fe-4S cluster of a 4Fe ferredoxin, and is in agreement with the criteria for the relative positions of the cysteines proposed from X-ray-crystallographic studies on an 8Fe (two 4Fe-4S clusters) ferredoxin. 4. The sequence of B. stearothermophilus ferredoxin is homologous in many segments to that of other bacterial ferredoxins, the degree of homology being greater towards ferredoxins from Desulfovibrio gigas and photosynthetic bacteria than to Clostridial ferredoxins. 5. The presence of a relatively higher number of glutamic acid and lower number of cysteine residues in the molecule may explain the greater thermal stability and oxygen-insenstivity of this ferredoxin.", "contents": "Amino acid sequence of a four-iron-four-sulphur ferredoxin isolated from Bacillus stearothermophilus. 1. The primary structure of a 4Fe-4S ferredoxin from Bacillus stearothermophilus was determined and shown to consist of a single polypeptide chain of 81 amino acid residues. The molecular weight of the holoprotein is about 9120. 2. There are only four cysteine residues in the molecule; three of these are located near the N-terminus as a Cys-X-X-Cys-X-X-Cys segment, and the fourth cysteine residue is followed by a proline and located in the C-terminal half. 3. The Fe-S chromophore in B. stearothermophilus ferredoxin was previously well characterized and was shown to consist of a single 4Fe-4S cluster. This ferredoxin sequence establishes for the first time the relative location of the four cysteine residues necessary to bind the 4Fe-4S cluster of a 4Fe ferredoxin, and is in agreement with the criteria for the relative positions of the cysteines proposed from X-ray-crystallographic studies on an 8Fe (two 4Fe-4S clusters) ferredoxin. 4. The sequence of B. stearothermophilus ferredoxin is homologous in many segments to that of other bacterial ferredoxins, the degree of homology being greater towards ferredoxins from Desulfovibrio gigas and photosynthetic bacteria than to Clostridial ferredoxins. 5. The presence of a relatively higher number of glutamic acid and lower number of cysteine residues in the molecule may explain the greater thermal stability and oxygen-insenstivity of this ferredoxin.", "PMID": 999643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7828", "title": "Thiol-protein disulphide oxidoreductases. Differences between protein disulphide-isomerase and glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase activities in ox liver.", "content": "1. Protein disulphide-isomerase and glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase activities were assayed in parallel through a conventional purification of protein disulphide-isomerase from ox liver. 2. Throughout a series of purification steps (differential centrifugation, acetone extraction, (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography), the two activities appeared in the same fractions but were purified to different extents. 3. The final sample was 143-fold purified in protein disulphide-isomerase but only 10-fold purified in glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase; nevertheless the two activities in this preparation were not resolved by high-resolution isoelectric focusing and both showed pI4.65. 4. In a partially purified preparation containing both activities, glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase was far more sensitive to heat denaturation than was protein disulphide-isomerase; conversely protein disulphide-isomerase was more sensitive to inactivation by deoxycholate. 5. The data are inconsistent with a single enzyme being responsible for all the protein disulphide-isomerase and glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase activity of ox liver. It is suggested that several similiar thiol-protein disulphide oxidoreductases of overlapping specificities may better account for the data.", "contents": "Thiol-protein disulphide oxidoreductases. Differences between protein disulphide-isomerase and glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase activities in ox liver. 1. Protein disulphide-isomerase and glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase activities were assayed in parallel through a conventional purification of protein disulphide-isomerase from ox liver. 2. Throughout a series of purification steps (differential centrifugation, acetone extraction, (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography), the two activities appeared in the same fractions but were purified to different extents. 3. The final sample was 143-fold purified in protein disulphide-isomerase but only 10-fold purified in glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase; nevertheless the two activities in this preparation were not resolved by high-resolution isoelectric focusing and both showed pI4.65. 4. In a partially purified preparation containing both activities, glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase was far more sensitive to heat denaturation than was protein disulphide-isomerase; conversely protein disulphide-isomerase was more sensitive to inactivation by deoxycholate. 5. The data are inconsistent with a single enzyme being responsible for all the protein disulphide-isomerase and glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase activity of ox liver. It is suggested that several similiar thiol-protein disulphide oxidoreductases of overlapping specificities may better account for the data.", "PMID": 999652} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7829", "title": "Arylsulphatase and glycosulphatase of Charonia lampas. Substrate specificity towards sugar sulphate derivatives.", "content": "The specificity of the arylsulphatase and glycosulphatase enzymes of the marine mollusc Charonia lampas towards a number of carbohydrate sulphate esters was examined. The results confirm that the relationship between the established nomenclature of the two enzymes and their respective specificities is inconsistent.", "contents": "Arylsulphatase and glycosulphatase of Charonia lampas. Substrate specificity towards sugar sulphate derivatives. The specificity of the arylsulphatase and glycosulphatase enzymes of the marine mollusc Charonia lampas towards a number of carbohydrate sulphate esters was examined. The results confirm that the relationship between the established nomenclature of the two enzymes and their respective specificities is inconsistent.", "PMID": 999653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7830", "title": "The lupus anticoagulant.", "content": "The clinical and laboratory experience with the lupus anticoagulant was reviewed in 37 patients. The anti-coagulant is thought to act by blocking the activation of prothrombin by the prothrombin activator comlex of factors Xa, V, and phospholipid. Although the anticoagulant has been principally associated with diseases of immune origin, 14 of the present patients had disorders not thought to be immune in nature. Eighteen patients underwent twenty-one operative procedures with only a single episode of excessive bleeding. In the author's experience, the lupus anticoagulant is a rare cause of bleeding.", "contents": "The lupus anticoagulant. The clinical and laboratory experience with the lupus anticoagulant was reviewed in 37 patients. The anti-coagulant is thought to act by blocking the activation of prothrombin by the prothrombin activator comlex of factors Xa, V, and phospholipid. Although the anticoagulant has been principally associated with diseases of immune origin, 14 of the present patients had disorders not thought to be immune in nature. Eighteen patients underwent twenty-one operative procedures with only a single episode of excessive bleeding. In the author's experience, the lupus anticoagulant is a rare cause of bleeding.", "PMID": 999735} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7831", "title": "Frequency of neoplasia in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.", "content": "A patient population admitted to the hospital for either SLE or RA was surveyed for the subsequent development of neoplasms. The frequency of neoplasm in SLE patients appeared to be exaggerated, whereas the frequency of subsequent neoplasm in rheumatoid patients was unexpectedly low. A paucity of nephritis in the SLE group was noted. Further reports are encouraged so that the magnitude of the risk of malignancy developing with immunosuppressive therapy can be more precisely ascertained.", "contents": "Frequency of neoplasia in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. A patient population admitted to the hospital for either SLE or RA was surveyed for the subsequent development of neoplasms. The frequency of neoplasm in SLE patients appeared to be exaggerated, whereas the frequency of subsequent neoplasm in rheumatoid patients was unexpectedly low. A paucity of nephritis in the SLE group was noted. Further reports are encouraged so that the magnitude of the risk of malignancy developing with immunosuppressive therapy can be more precisely ascertained.", "PMID": 999736} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7832", "title": "Coagulation abnormalities in rheumatoid disease.", "content": "Forty-one patients with rheumatoid arthritis, including 6 with acute vasculitis, 13 with chronic vasculitis, and 22 without vasculitis, were studied for evidence of intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis (ICF). The mean plasma fibrinogen levels were elevated in all groups. The fibrinogen, platelet count, and fibrin split products were usually elevated in acute vasculitis. Fewer patients on corticosteroids had abnormal coagulation tests. Active plasmin was detected in 12 patients primarily with chronic vasculitis. Plasminogen activator activity was not diminished in vascular endothelium of normal appearing skin of those patients with or without vasculitis. None of the patients demonstrated decompensated intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis. The results suggest overcompensated ICF occurring in rheumatoid arthritis, but rheumatoid patients with vasculitis cannot be clearly distinguished from those without vasculitis on the basis of the usual tests performed for coagulation and fibrinolysis abnormalities.", "contents": "Coagulation abnormalities in rheumatoid disease. Forty-one patients with rheumatoid arthritis, including 6 with acute vasculitis, 13 with chronic vasculitis, and 22 without vasculitis, were studied for evidence of intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis (ICF). The mean plasma fibrinogen levels were elevated in all groups. The fibrinogen, platelet count, and fibrin split products were usually elevated in acute vasculitis. Fewer patients on corticosteroids had abnormal coagulation tests. Active plasmin was detected in 12 patients primarily with chronic vasculitis. Plasminogen activator activity was not diminished in vascular endothelium of normal appearing skin of those patients with or without vasculitis. None of the patients demonstrated decompensated intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis. The results suggest overcompensated ICF occurring in rheumatoid arthritis, but rheumatoid patients with vasculitis cannot be clearly distinguished from those without vasculitis on the basis of the usual tests performed for coagulation and fibrinolysis abnormalities.", "PMID": 999734} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7833", "title": "Hyaluronic acid produced by human synovial fibroblasts. Effect of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) and interferon.", "content": "Poly I:C (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid) stimulated hyaluronic acid production by rheumatoid and non-rheumatoid human synovial fibroblasts. Stimulation was dose dependent and was inhibited by acetylsalicyclic acid and indomethacin. Poly I and Poly C, when separately added, had no stimulatory effect on hyaluronic acid production, and Poly A:U had only a slight effect on this parameter. Cells grown with Poly I:C were virus resistant and interferon was detected in their medium. Human interferon had also a dose-dependent stimulatory effect on hyaluronic acid production by synovial cells. A possible interferon-mediated relationship between virus infection and pathologic accumulation of joint fluid is suggested.", "contents": "Hyaluronic acid produced by human synovial fibroblasts. Effect of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) and interferon. Poly I:C (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid) stimulated hyaluronic acid production by rheumatoid and non-rheumatoid human synovial fibroblasts. Stimulation was dose dependent and was inhibited by acetylsalicyclic acid and indomethacin. Poly I and Poly C, when separately added, had no stimulatory effect on hyaluronic acid production, and Poly A:U had only a slight effect on this parameter. Cells grown with Poly I:C were virus resistant and interferon was detected in their medium. Human interferon had also a dose-dependent stimulatory effect on hyaluronic acid production by synovial cells. A possible interferon-mediated relationship between virus infection and pathologic accumulation of joint fluid is suggested.", "PMID": 999740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7834", "title": "Aggregation of cartilage proteoglycans. II Evidence for the presence of a hyaluronate-binding region on proteoglycans from osteoarthritic cartilage.", "content": "Proteoglycan aggregates isolated from normal bovine knee cartilage were larger than those from osteoarthritic cartilage of the same joints and appeared relatively more resistant to digestion with leech hyaluronidase. Incubation of proteoglycan subunits from the arthritic cartilage with hyaluronic acid resulted in marked aggregation, comparable in magnitude to that shown by subunits from normal cartilage. The results indicate that the hyaluronate-binding region of these proteoglycans was functionally intact and suggest that diminished aggregation of proteoglycans in osteoarthritic cartilage may be due to an abnormality in some other constituent of the aggregates.", "contents": "Aggregation of cartilage proteoglycans. II Evidence for the presence of a hyaluronate-binding region on proteoglycans from osteoarthritic cartilage. Proteoglycan aggregates isolated from normal bovine knee cartilage were larger than those from osteoarthritic cartilage of the same joints and appeared relatively more resistant to digestion with leech hyaluronidase. Incubation of proteoglycan subunits from the arthritic cartilage with hyaluronic acid resulted in marked aggregation, comparable in magnitude to that shown by subunits from normal cartilage. The results indicate that the hyaluronate-binding region of these proteoglycans was functionally intact and suggest that diminished aggregation of proteoglycans in osteoarthritic cartilage may be due to an abnormality in some other constituent of the aggregates.", "PMID": 999739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7835", "title": "Serum antibody levels against T mycoplasmas in two North American Indian populations predisposed to spondylitis.", "content": "Serum antibody levels against T mycoplasmas (Ureaplasma urealyticum) were determined by the metabolic inhibition method in several populations. A higher prevalence of antibody was found in Haida Indians and Bella Coola Indians than in blood donors, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and patients attending a VD clinic. Antibody levels did not correlate with the presence of spodylitis or the histocompatibility antigen HLA-B27, although both these Indian populations have a high prevalence of spondylitis and HLA-B27.", "contents": "Serum antibody levels against T mycoplasmas in two North American Indian populations predisposed to spondylitis. Serum antibody levels against T mycoplasmas (Ureaplasma urealyticum) were determined by the metabolic inhibition method in several populations. A higher prevalence of antibody was found in Haida Indians and Bella Coola Indians than in blood donors, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and patients attending a VD clinic. Antibody levels did not correlate with the presence of spodylitis or the histocompatibility antigen HLA-B27, although both these Indian populations have a high prevalence of spondylitis and HLA-B27.", "PMID": 999741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7836", "title": "Measuring synovial fluid viscosity with a white blood cell diluting pipette. A simple, rapid,and reproducible method.", "content": "A convenient and accurate way to measure the relative viscosity of synovial fluid is to use a white blood cell diluting pipette as a simple viscometer. The technique is reproducible with 2% accuracy and adds little to the time required for routine synovial fluid analysis. The magnitude of the variation of synovial fluid viscosity with temperature is demonstrated, and it is suggested that routine clinical measurements be made at room temperature. Clinical data confirm that a single viscosity measurement has little or no diagnostic value.", "contents": "Measuring synovial fluid viscosity with a white blood cell diluting pipette. A simple, rapid,and reproducible method. A convenient and accurate way to measure the relative viscosity of synovial fluid is to use a white blood cell diluting pipette as a simple viscometer. The technique is reproducible with 2% accuracy and adds little to the time required for routine synovial fluid analysis. The magnitude of the variation of synovial fluid viscosity with temperature is demonstrated, and it is suggested that routine clinical measurements be made at room temperature. Clinical data confirm that a single viscosity measurement has little or no diagnostic value.", "PMID": 999744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7837", "title": "Carrageenin-induced arthritis. III. Proteolytic enzymes present in rabbit knee joints after a single intraarticular injection of carrageenin.", "content": "A single intraarticular injection of carrageenin into the rabbit knee joint initiates an inflammatory reaction in the synovial tissues. the exudate from the joint was able to degrade proteoglycan at pH 5.2 and pH 7.2. Further characterization of proteolytic enzymes in the inflamed synovial tissues showed the presence of cathepsin D, a neutral protease, and cathepsin B1. Maximum activities of two lysosomal enzymes, acid phosphatase and cathepsin D, were observed within 7 days of injection. Most of this activity was found to be associated with cells in the synovial fluid.", "contents": "Carrageenin-induced arthritis. III. Proteolytic enzymes present in rabbit knee joints after a single intraarticular injection of carrageenin. A single intraarticular injection of carrageenin into the rabbit knee joint initiates an inflammatory reaction in the synovial tissues. the exudate from the joint was able to degrade proteoglycan at pH 5.2 and pH 7.2. Further characterization of proteolytic enzymes in the inflamed synovial tissues showed the presence of cathepsin D, a neutral protease, and cathepsin B1. Maximum activities of two lysosomal enzymes, acid phosphatase and cathepsin D, were observed within 7 days of injection. Most of this activity was found to be associated with cells in the synovial fluid.", "PMID": 999738} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7838", "title": "Organic brain syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis following corticosteroid withdrawal.", "content": "Six patients with seropositive nodule-forming rheumatoid arthritis developed severe central nervous system manifestations consistent with a diagnosis of organic brain syndrome. Organic brain syndrome occurred while 5 of these patients were undergoing corticosteroid withdrawal after prolonged administration. Neuropsychiatric symptoms rapidly cleared, responding to reinstitution of oral or parenteral corticosteroids in large doses in 4 patients, to increase in dosage in 1 patient, and to no drug therapy in the remaining 1. Marked reduction in rheumatoid factor in sera and demonstration of IgM deposits in the choroid plexus in 1 of the patients raised the possibility of immune complex-mediated central nervous system vasculitis.", "contents": "Organic brain syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis following corticosteroid withdrawal. Six patients with seropositive nodule-forming rheumatoid arthritis developed severe central nervous system manifestations consistent with a diagnosis of organic brain syndrome. Organic brain syndrome occurred while 5 of these patients were undergoing corticosteroid withdrawal after prolonged administration. Neuropsychiatric symptoms rapidly cleared, responding to reinstitution of oral or parenteral corticosteroids in large doses in 4 patients, to increase in dosage in 1 patient, and to no drug therapy in the remaining 1. Marked reduction in rheumatoid factor in sera and demonstration of IgM deposits in the choroid plexus in 1 of the patients raised the possibility of immune complex-mediated central nervous system vasculitis.", "PMID": 999742} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7839", "title": "Multielement and automated radiochemical separation procedures for activation analysis.", "content": "In recent years the demand for information about the distribution of elements at trace concentration levels in high purity materials and in biological, environmental and geological specimens has increased greatly. Neutron activation analysis can play an important role in obtaining the required information. Radiochemical separations are required in many of the applications mentioned. A critical review of the progress made over the last 15 years in the development and application of radiochemical separation schemes for multielement activation analysis and in their automation is presented. About 80 radiochemical separation schemes are reviewed. Advantages and disadvantages of the automation of radiochemical separations are critically analysed. The various machines developed are illustrated and technical suggestions for the development of automated machines are given.", "contents": "Multielement and automated radiochemical separation procedures for activation analysis. In recent years the demand for information about the distribution of elements at trace concentration levels in high purity materials and in biological, environmental and geological specimens has increased greatly. Neutron activation analysis can play an important role in obtaining the required information. Radiochemical separations are required in many of the applications mentioned. A critical review of the progress made over the last 15 years in the development and application of radiochemical separation schemes for multielement activation analysis and in their automation is presented. About 80 radiochemical separation schemes are reviewed. Advantages and disadvantages of the automation of radiochemical separations are critically analysed. The various machines developed are illustrated and technical suggestions for the development of automated machines are given.", "PMID": 999756} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7840", "title": "Amniotic fluid testosterone levels in midpregnancy.", "content": "Amniotic fluid testosterone levels were measured on specimens obtained between 12 and 25 weeks' gestation from 58 male-fetus and 77 female-fetus pregnancies. For the male fetuses the mean +/- SE amniotic fluid testosterone level of 223 +/- 10 pg/ml was significantly higher (P less than 0.001) than the concentration found for the female fetuses (40 +/- 2 pg/ml). The ranges were 104-424 and 18-82 pg/ml, respectively, for the same fetuses. In the male fetuses the highest mean level was found during the 17th gestational week, but the mean level observed during any 1 week was not significantly differenf from any other week for both sexes. These data are consistent with the concept that amniotic fluid testosterone levels may be a rapid and effective method for establishing fetal sex in utero during midgestation.", "contents": "Amniotic fluid testosterone levels in midpregnancy. Amniotic fluid testosterone levels were measured on specimens obtained between 12 and 25 weeks' gestation from 58 male-fetus and 77 female-fetus pregnancies. For the male fetuses the mean +/- SE amniotic fluid testosterone level of 223 +/- 10 pg/ml was significantly higher (P less than 0.001) than the concentration found for the female fetuses (40 +/- 2 pg/ml). The ranges were 104-424 and 18-82 pg/ml, respectively, for the same fetuses. In the male fetuses the highest mean level was found during the 17th gestational week, but the mean level observed during any 1 week was not significantly differenf from any other week for both sexes. These data are consistent with the concept that amniotic fluid testosterone levels may be a rapid and effective method for establishing fetal sex in utero during midgestation.", "PMID": 999757} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7841", "title": "Hypothyroidism presenting as a polymyositis-like syndrome. Report of two cases.", "content": "Two patients with proximal muscle weakness and marked elevations of serum muscle enzymes were initially believed to have polymyositis; however electromyography and muscle biopsies were normal. Both patients were subsequently found to have hypothyroidism. Each regained her muscle strength, and serum enzymes normalized with thyroid hormone replacement. Because muscle weakness and an elevated creatine phosphokinase occur in most patients with hypothyroidism, thyroid dysfunction must be considered in the differential diagnosis of polymyositis.", "contents": "Hypothyroidism presenting as a polymyositis-like syndrome. Report of two cases. Two patients with proximal muscle weakness and marked elevations of serum muscle enzymes were initially believed to have polymyositis; however electromyography and muscle biopsies were normal. Both patients were subsequently found to have hypothyroidism. Each regained her muscle strength, and serum enzymes normalized with thyroid hormone replacement. Because muscle weakness and an elevated creatine phosphokinase occur in most patients with hypothyroidism, thyroid dysfunction must be considered in the differential diagnosis of polymyositis.", "PMID": 999745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7842", "title": "Ultrastructural alterations of nonciliated cells after nitrosamine treatment and their significance for pulmonary carcinogenesis.", "content": "Syrian golden hamsters received multiple subcutaneous injections of N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) or N-dibutylnitrosamine (DBN). Ultrastructural examination of the sequential alterations of bronchial epithelia was performed. Starting from the third to fourth treatment, the formation of lamellated inclusion bodies (LBs) was observed in nonciliated cells of segmental bronchi and peripheral bronchioles. These organelles closely resembled those LBs normally found in alveolar epithelial cells Type 2, which are a characteristic feature of alveolar cell carcinomas.", "contents": "Ultrastructural alterations of nonciliated cells after nitrosamine treatment and their significance for pulmonary carcinogenesis. Syrian golden hamsters received multiple subcutaneous injections of N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) or N-dibutylnitrosamine (DBN). Ultrastructural examination of the sequential alterations of bronchial epithelia was performed. Starting from the third to fourth treatment, the formation of lamellated inclusion bodies (LBs) was observed in nonciliated cells of segmental bronchi and peripheral bronchioles. These organelles closely resembled those LBs normally found in alveolar epithelial cells Type 2, which are a characteristic feature of alveolar cell carcinomas.", "PMID": 999758} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7843", "title": "[Ultrastructure of the granulomatous reaction against Descemet's membrane (author's transl)].", "content": "Ultrastructural findings in regard to the so-called granulomatous reaction against Descemet's membrane indicate that the membrane is phagocytized in the form of small clumps. Basically epithelial cells and, to a lesser extent giant cells, participate in the phagocytosis. In addition to the connective tissue, the epithelium is fairly actively involved in the regeneration of the cornea.", "contents": "[Ultrastructure of the granulomatous reaction against Descemet's membrane (author's transl)]. Ultrastructural findings in regard to the so-called granulomatous reaction against Descemet's membrane indicate that the membrane is phagocytized in the form of small clumps. Basically epithelial cells and, to a lesser extent giant cells, participate in the phagocytosis. In addition to the connective tissue, the epithelium is fairly actively involved in the regeneration of the cornea.", "PMID": 999759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7844", "title": "Gastric secretion and motility in duodenal ulcer: effect of current vagotomies.", "content": "Proximal gastric vagotomy, total gastric vagotomy, and truncal vagotomy all decrease gastric secretion of acid and pepsinogen, increase the concentration of gastrin in the serum, impair gastric receptive relaxation and accommodation, and speed gastric emptying of liquids. Only proximal gastric vagotomy preserves antral motility, gastric emptying of solids, and the pyloric barrier to duodenal-gastric reflux.", "contents": "Gastric secretion and motility in duodenal ulcer: effect of current vagotomies. Proximal gastric vagotomy, total gastric vagotomy, and truncal vagotomy all decrease gastric secretion of acid and pepsinogen, increase the concentration of gastrin in the serum, impair gastric receptive relaxation and accommodation, and speed gastric emptying of liquids. Only proximal gastric vagotomy preserves antral motility, gastric emptying of solids, and the pyloric barrier to duodenal-gastric reflux.", "PMID": 999760} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7845", "title": "A comparison in mice of naloxone and nalorphine as antagonists to neuroleptanalgesic drugs.", "content": "The effectiveness of naloxone and nalorphine in antagonizing the effects of fentanyl and droperidol on the hot plate reaction time and the respiratory rate of the mouse has been compared. Naloxone was superior to nalorphine, being a more effective antagonist, and was also free from significant agonist effects. However, neither antagonist was completely effective against the respiratory rate depression produced by combinations of fentanyl and droperidol. It is suggested that the duration of the antagonist effects of naloxone are shorter against respiratory depression than against analgesia.", "contents": "A comparison in mice of naloxone and nalorphine as antagonists to neuroleptanalgesic drugs. The effectiveness of naloxone and nalorphine in antagonizing the effects of fentanyl and droperidol on the hot plate reaction time and the respiratory rate of the mouse has been compared. Naloxone was superior to nalorphine, being a more effective antagonist, and was also free from significant agonist effects. However, neither antagonist was completely effective against the respiratory rate depression produced by combinations of fentanyl and droperidol. It is suggested that the duration of the antagonist effects of naloxone are shorter against respiratory depression than against analgesia.", "PMID": 999763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7846", "title": "Neuromuscular sensitivity to tubocurarine. A comparison of 10 parameters.", "content": "The pharmacometrics of neuromuscular block by tubocurarine was studied. Ten parameters were compared for the sensitivity, the scatter and the linearity of response at three levels of block in 11 cats. The fourth twitch of the train-of-four is the most sensitive parameter, followed in order of decreasing sensitivity by the train-of-four fade, the faded tetanus, the tetanus, the single twitch, the post-tetanic twitch and the tetanic fade. At the level of 50% block of the single twitch, all other parameters differ significantly (P less than 0.05) from the single twitch in sensitivity. With the exception of the tetanic fade, all parameters examined correlate with the single twitch (r xy = 0.42-0.77). This permits limited translation of results among various parameters. In cats the scatter of results is least for the most sensitive parameter, and vice versa. We conclude that the train-of-four is the most sensitive parameter, and that the single twitch is valid for an over-all estimation of the neuromuscular block induced by tubocurarine.", "contents": "Neuromuscular sensitivity to tubocurarine. A comparison of 10 parameters. The pharmacometrics of neuromuscular block by tubocurarine was studied. Ten parameters were compared for the sensitivity, the scatter and the linearity of response at three levels of block in 11 cats. The fourth twitch of the train-of-four is the most sensitive parameter, followed in order of decreasing sensitivity by the train-of-four fade, the faded tetanus, the tetanus, the single twitch, the post-tetanic twitch and the tetanic fade. At the level of 50% block of the single twitch, all other parameters differ significantly (P less than 0.05) from the single twitch in sensitivity. With the exception of the tetanic fade, all parameters examined correlate with the single twitch (r xy = 0.42-0.77). This permits limited translation of results among various parameters. In cats the scatter of results is least for the most sensitive parameter, and vice versa. We conclude that the train-of-four is the most sensitive parameter, and that the single twitch is valid for an over-all estimation of the neuromuscular block induced by tubocurarine.", "PMID": 999764} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7847", "title": "Investigations of the sensory blockade effect of perineurally injected ethanol on the tail nerve of the mouse.", "content": "The effect of an alcohol block on the conduction of sensory stimuli in the tail nerve of the mouse was investigated using the perineural injection of solutions of ethanol (35, 40 and 45%). One hundred and fifty white mice of either sex were given 2 X 0.03 ml of the relevant alcohol solution into both sides of the tail. Before and after the injections repeated sensory conduction measurements were made using the rat tail method. Using 35% ethanol a temporary block of pain conduction could be achieved in both sexes. By increasing the concentration to 40 or 45%, a prolongation of the blocking effect and an increase in the accompanying increase of the pain threshold was observed in some animals. On the other hand, in some animals, temporary motor paralysis occurred following 35% ethanol, and this effect became more frequent and severe using 40 and 45% ethanol. A further increase in the alcohol concentration was not possible because of the occurrence of anatomical changes in the tails of the experimental animals.", "contents": "Investigations of the sensory blockade effect of perineurally injected ethanol on the tail nerve of the mouse. The effect of an alcohol block on the conduction of sensory stimuli in the tail nerve of the mouse was investigated using the perineural injection of solutions of ethanol (35, 40 and 45%). One hundred and fifty white mice of either sex were given 2 X 0.03 ml of the relevant alcohol solution into both sides of the tail. Before and after the injections repeated sensory conduction measurements were made using the rat tail method. Using 35% ethanol a temporary block of pain conduction could be achieved in both sexes. By increasing the concentration to 40 or 45%, a prolongation of the blocking effect and an increase in the accompanying increase of the pain threshold was observed in some animals. On the other hand, in some animals, temporary motor paralysis occurred following 35% ethanol, and this effect became more frequent and severe using 40 and 45% ethanol. A further increase in the alcohol concentration was not possible because of the occurrence of anatomical changes in the tails of the experimental animals.", "PMID": 999765} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7848", "title": "Liver function tests following anaesthesia.", "content": "Liver function tests were performed in 41 patients who required repeated anaesthetics for genito-urinary surgery, and who had received multiple halothane anaesthetics in the past, first following anaesthesia using halothane and then following an anaesthetic without halothane. There was a smaller frequency of disturbance of liver function after halothane than after the non-halothane anaesthetic. There was no obvious relationship between the number of anaesthetics, or the total duration of anaesthesia, and the disturbance of liver function tests.", "contents": "Liver function tests following anaesthesia. Liver function tests were performed in 41 patients who required repeated anaesthetics for genito-urinary surgery, and who had received multiple halothane anaesthetics in the past, first following anaesthesia using halothane and then following an anaesthetic without halothane. There was a smaller frequency of disturbance of liver function after halothane than after the non-halothane anaesthetic. There was no obvious relationship between the number of anaesthetics, or the total duration of anaesthesia, and the disturbance of liver function tests.", "PMID": 999766} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7849", "title": "A comparison of some cardiorespiratory effects of althesin and ketamine when used for induction of anaesthesia in patients with cardiac disease.", "content": "Cardiorespiratory effects of ketamine and Althesin were measured in two groups of premedicated patients with cardiac disease. The drugs were given in clinically equivalent doses with a second dose administered about 10 min after induction. The first dose of ketamine caused a marked increase in systemic and pulmonary arterial pressure, heart rate, and central venous and wedge pressures and cardiac index. The first dose of Althesin caused a decrease in systemic arterial pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac index and heart work, but little change in heart rate. The second dose of induction agent was administered before the cardiorespiratory effects of the initial dose had resolved. The second dose of Althesin caused changes similar to those following the first dose, but less marked. The changes following the second dose of ketamine were opposite to those following the first dose.", "contents": "A comparison of some cardiorespiratory effects of althesin and ketamine when used for induction of anaesthesia in patients with cardiac disease. Cardiorespiratory effects of ketamine and Althesin were measured in two groups of premedicated patients with cardiac disease. The drugs were given in clinically equivalent doses with a second dose administered about 10 min after induction. The first dose of ketamine caused a marked increase in systemic and pulmonary arterial pressure, heart rate, and central venous and wedge pressures and cardiac index. The first dose of Althesin caused a decrease in systemic arterial pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac index and heart work, but little change in heart rate. The second dose of induction agent was administered before the cardiorespiratory effects of the initial dose had resolved. The second dose of Althesin caused changes similar to those following the first dose, but less marked. The changes following the second dose of ketamine were opposite to those following the first dose.", "PMID": 999767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7850", "title": "The effect of althesin (CT 1341) on the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve in vitro.", "content": "Blood from non-smoking donors was incubated with Althesin and the PO2 for half-saturation of haemoglobin at standard pH, PCO2 and temperature (P 50) was measured. The mean P 50 values of blood with blood concentrations of Althesin of 0.14 ml/dl and 0.42 ml/dl were greater (1.14 +/- 0.31 (SEM) mm Hg (P less than 0.005) and 2.22 +/- 0.35 (SEM) mm Hg (P less than 0.001), respectively) than that of control blood. These increases were dose-dependent (P less than 0.05). Erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) concentrations were not significantly different between the Althesin-treated and the control blood. Although a decrease in the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen in vitro in the presence of Althesin was statistically significant, this would have no clinical significance if the drug was being used for the induction of anaesthesia only.", "contents": "The effect of althesin (CT 1341) on the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve in vitro. Blood from non-smoking donors was incubated with Althesin and the PO2 for half-saturation of haemoglobin at standard pH, PCO2 and temperature (P 50) was measured. The mean P 50 values of blood with blood concentrations of Althesin of 0.14 ml/dl and 0.42 ml/dl were greater (1.14 +/- 0.31 (SEM) mm Hg (P less than 0.005) and 2.22 +/- 0.35 (SEM) mm Hg (P less than 0.001), respectively) than that of control blood. These increases were dose-dependent (P less than 0.05). Erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) concentrations were not significantly different between the Althesin-treated and the control blood. Although a decrease in the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen in vitro in the presence of Althesin was statistically significant, this would have no clinical significance if the drug was being used for the induction of anaesthesia only.", "PMID": 999768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7851", "title": "Plasma diazepam concentrations following prolonged administration.", "content": "Plasma diazepam and N-desmethyl diazepam concentrations were measured in patients receiving diazepam 5 mg or 10 mg i.v. at 4-h intervals for periods of 6-22 days. At both doses there was an accumulation of both diazepam and its metabolite, the latter reaching concentrations of up to two to three times that of the parent drug. Plasma diazepam concentrations reached a plateau after 8 days while the concentration of N-desmethyl metabolite continued to increase throughtout the period of drug administration. On discontinuation of diazepam therapy both diazepam and N-desmethyl diazepam concentrations decreased slowly, the former with a half-life of 2-4 days and the latter with a half-life of 4-8 days.", "contents": "Plasma diazepam concentrations following prolonged administration. Plasma diazepam and N-desmethyl diazepam concentrations were measured in patients receiving diazepam 5 mg or 10 mg i.v. at 4-h intervals for periods of 6-22 days. At both doses there was an accumulation of both diazepam and its metabolite, the latter reaching concentrations of up to two to three times that of the parent drug. Plasma diazepam concentrations reached a plateau after 8 days while the concentration of N-desmethyl metabolite continued to increase throughtout the period of drug administration. On discontinuation of diazepam therapy both diazepam and N-desmethyl diazepam concentrations decreased slowly, the former with a half-life of 2-4 days and the latter with a half-life of 4-8 days.", "PMID": 999769} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7852", "title": "Diazepam: routes of administration and rate of absorption. A study of women with pre-eclampsia.", "content": "Plasma diazepam concentrations were determined following oral, i.m. and i.v. administration to a group of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and a group of normal pregnant women. Diazepam concentrations were greater following oral as compared with i.m. administration in the control group, who received a single 5-mg dose, and this confirms previous similar reports. In the patients with pre-eclampsia, who were pre-loaded with diazepam, the i.m. route provided much higher plasma diazepam concentrations than did the oral route. This was probably a result of reduced gastric motility and gastric secretion caused by diazepam which affected the absorption of subsequent diazepam administered orally, and it is unlikely that pre-eclampsia contributed to these differences. Mist. magnesium trisilicate seemed to improve the rate of absorption of diazepam from the intestine in five patients studied, although this effect is unlikely to have much clinical importance.", "contents": "Diazepam: routes of administration and rate of absorption. A study of women with pre-eclampsia. Plasma diazepam concentrations were determined following oral, i.m. and i.v. administration to a group of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and a group of normal pregnant women. Diazepam concentrations were greater following oral as compared with i.m. administration in the control group, who received a single 5-mg dose, and this confirms previous similar reports. In the patients with pre-eclampsia, who were pre-loaded with diazepam, the i.m. route provided much higher plasma diazepam concentrations than did the oral route. This was probably a result of reduced gastric motility and gastric secretion caused by diazepam which affected the absorption of subsequent diazepam administered orally, and it is unlikely that pre-eclampsia contributed to these differences. Mist. magnesium trisilicate seemed to improve the rate of absorption of diazepam from the intestine in five patients studied, although this effect is unlikely to have much clinical importance.", "PMID": 999770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7853", "title": "Self-antagonism: a possible mechanism of tachyphylaxis in suxamethonium-induced neuromuscular block in man.", "content": "Twelve adults receiving halothane-nitrous oxide anaesthesia for elective surgery were investigated during suxamethonium-induced neuromuscular block, using the train-of-four twitch for measurement of both the degree of block and the magnitude of fade (decrease in fourth-to-first ratio). The residual neuromuscular block resulting from prolonged exposure to suxamethonium could be antagonized by bolus injections of suxamethonium itself, in doses which increased the block in Phase I. When self-antagonism was demonstrated, larger doses were necessary to increase the residual block, but only after overcoming the self-antagonizing effect. A biphasic response, first antagonizing then increasing the block, was observed following injection of a single bolus of suxamethonium. The self-antagonizing effect was more obvious in the fourth twitch of the train-of-four, resulting in a marked decrease in train-fo-four fade (increase in train-of-four ratio). It was concluded that self-anatagonism may be an important cause of tachyphylaxis in suxamethonium-induced neuromuscular block in man.", "contents": "Self-antagonism: a possible mechanism of tachyphylaxis in suxamethonium-induced neuromuscular block in man. Twelve adults receiving halothane-nitrous oxide anaesthesia for elective surgery were investigated during suxamethonium-induced neuromuscular block, using the train-of-four twitch for measurement of both the degree of block and the magnitude of fade (decrease in fourth-to-first ratio). The residual neuromuscular block resulting from prolonged exposure to suxamethonium could be antagonized by bolus injections of suxamethonium itself, in doses which increased the block in Phase I. When self-antagonism was demonstrated, larger doses were necessary to increase the residual block, but only after overcoming the self-antagonizing effect. A biphasic response, first antagonizing then increasing the block, was observed following injection of a single bolus of suxamethonium. The self-antagonizing effect was more obvious in the fourth twitch of the train-of-four, resulting in a marked decrease in train-fo-four fade (increase in train-of-four ratio). It was concluded that self-anatagonism may be an important cause of tachyphylaxis in suxamethonium-induced neuromuscular block in man.", "PMID": 999771} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7854", "title": "Blunt trauma to the trachea.", "content": "A 5-year-old child sustained blunt trauma to the cervical trachea. Diffuse subcutaneous emphysema of the neck and thorax developed rapidly. Anaesthesia was induced with halothane through a face-piece and the patient breathed spontaneously until the lesion has been evaluated. This course is advocated in the management of such injuries.", "contents": "Blunt trauma to the trachea. A 5-year-old child sustained blunt trauma to the cervical trachea. Diffuse subcutaneous emphysema of the neck and thorax developed rapidly. Anaesthesia was induced with halothane through a face-piece and the patient breathed spontaneously until the lesion has been evaluated. This course is advocated in the management of such injuries.", "PMID": 999772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7855", "title": "A colony-forming assay for human tumour xenografts using agar in diffusion chambers.", "content": "A technique for growing colonies from single-cell suspensions of human tumour xenografts using agar in diffusion chambers is described. Modified Millipore diffusion chambers containing tumour cells in semi-solid agar-medium were implanted into the peritoneal cavity of pre-irradiated mice and provided standard culture conditions for the study of colony-forming cells. All 11 xenograft tumours so far studied produced colonies. The incubation period for colony growth ranged from 12 to 28 days and the plating efficiency ranged from 0-3% to 16% for different tumours, but both parameters were constant for each individual tumour. The reproducibility of the system provides a colony-forming assay which can be used to study the effects of irradiation and cytotoxic drugs on human tumour clonogenic cells and may therefore have some advantages over similar assays based on experimental animal tumours.", "contents": "A colony-forming assay for human tumour xenografts using agar in diffusion chambers. A technique for growing colonies from single-cell suspensions of human tumour xenografts using agar in diffusion chambers is described. Modified Millipore diffusion chambers containing tumour cells in semi-solid agar-medium were implanted into the peritoneal cavity of pre-irradiated mice and provided standard culture conditions for the study of colony-forming cells. All 11 xenograft tumours so far studied produced colonies. The incubation period for colony growth ranged from 12 to 28 days and the plating efficiency ranged from 0-3% to 16% for different tumours, but both parameters were constant for each individual tumour. The reproducibility of the system provides a colony-forming assay which can be used to study the effects of irradiation and cytotoxic drugs on human tumour clonogenic cells and may therefore have some advantages over similar assays based on experimental animal tumours.", "PMID": 999782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7856", "title": "Complement activation in vivo in cancer patients receiving C. parvum immunotherapy.", "content": "Serum complement levels were assayed in 26 patients with disseminated cancer, who received immunotherapy with infusion of C. parvum. Complement activation, indicated by the consumption of C3 or C4 or both, was found in 46% of the patients. Serum samples showed direct correlation between decreased C3 and conversion of C3 proactivator, whereas such conversion did not occur when C4 alone was decreased. It is concluded that the bypass (properdin) pathway was activated in patients in whom C3 consumption was detected, while the classical (C1) pathway was activated in the patients with C4 consumption unaccompanied by C3 decrease. Direct correlation was observed between delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to recall antigens and the incidence of C. parvum-associated complement activation.", "contents": "Complement activation in vivo in cancer patients receiving C. parvum immunotherapy. Serum complement levels were assayed in 26 patients with disseminated cancer, who received immunotherapy with infusion of C. parvum. Complement activation, indicated by the consumption of C3 or C4 or both, was found in 46% of the patients. Serum samples showed direct correlation between decreased C3 and conversion of C3 proactivator, whereas such conversion did not occur when C4 alone was decreased. It is concluded that the bypass (properdin) pathway was activated in patients in whom C3 consumption was detected, while the classical (C1) pathway was activated in the patients with C4 consumption unaccompanied by C3 decrease. Direct correlation was observed between delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to recall antigens and the incidence of C. parvum-associated complement activation.", "PMID": 999783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7857", "title": "Tumour-initiating activities on mouse skin of dihydrodiols derived from benzo[a]pyrene.", "content": "Three dihydrodiols that are metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[a]-pyrene itself have been tested in a comparative experiment for their activities as initiators of tumours in mouse skin. A single application (25 mug) of 4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, of 7,8-dihydro-7,8-dihydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, of 9,10-dihydro-9,10-dihydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, or of benzo[a]pyrene was made to the shaved dorsal skin of adult female CDI mice; this was followed 2 weeks later by multiple thrice-or twice-weekly applications (1 mug) of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate as promoting agent. A control group of 30 mice received the promoting agent alone. The experiments were terminated 52 weeks after initiation. At this stage, all the groups contained mice bearing skin papillomas, some of which had progressed to malignancy. Quantitatively the results show that the 7,8-dihydrodiol is almost as active an initiator of mouse skin tumours as benzo[a]pyrene itself; the 4,5- and 9,10-dihydrodiols were significantly less active. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to the hypothesis that diol-epoxides are important in the metabolic activation of polycyclic hydrocarbons like benzo[a]pyrene.", "contents": "Tumour-initiating activities on mouse skin of dihydrodiols derived from benzo[a]pyrene. Three dihydrodiols that are metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[a]-pyrene itself have been tested in a comparative experiment for their activities as initiators of tumours in mouse skin. A single application (25 mug) of 4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, of 7,8-dihydro-7,8-dihydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, of 9,10-dihydro-9,10-dihydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, or of benzo[a]pyrene was made to the shaved dorsal skin of adult female CDI mice; this was followed 2 weeks later by multiple thrice-or twice-weekly applications (1 mug) of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate as promoting agent. A control group of 30 mice received the promoting agent alone. The experiments were terminated 52 weeks after initiation. At this stage, all the groups contained mice bearing skin papillomas, some of which had progressed to malignancy. Quantitatively the results show that the 7,8-dihydrodiol is almost as active an initiator of mouse skin tumours as benzo[a]pyrene itself; the 4,5- and 9,10-dihydrodiols were significantly less active. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to the hypothesis that diol-epoxides are important in the metabolic activation of polycyclic hydrocarbons like benzo[a]pyrene.", "PMID": 999784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7858", "title": "Effect of age and sex on lung-colony-forming efficiency of injected mouse tumour cells.", "content": "The i.v. injection of a specified number of cells of either an Ehrlich ascites tumour (ELD) or spontaneous mouse mammary adenocarcinomas (MA) into C3H mice yielded a number of lung colonies which varied significantly with the age or sex of recipient mice. The yield was higher in mice of 71 weeks than in those of 15 weeks, except for MA cells injected into females, when the yield was higher in the younger mice. Sex did not influence very significantly the yield of colonies from ELD cells; in the case of MA cells the direction of sex differences depended on age. A difference in the effect of pre-immunization with age was not observed.", "contents": "Effect of age and sex on lung-colony-forming efficiency of injected mouse tumour cells. The i.v. injection of a specified number of cells of either an Ehrlich ascites tumour (ELD) or spontaneous mouse mammary adenocarcinomas (MA) into C3H mice yielded a number of lung colonies which varied significantly with the age or sex of recipient mice. The yield was higher in mice of 71 weeks than in those of 15 weeks, except for MA cells injected into females, when the yield was higher in the younger mice. Sex did not influence very significantly the yield of colonies from ELD cells; in the case of MA cells the direction of sex differences depended on age. A difference in the effect of pre-immunization with age was not observed.", "PMID": 999785} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7859", "title": "Modulation by lymphocytes of the vascular effects caused by inflammatory mediators and carrageenin in the rat.", "content": "Inhibited permeability responses to intradermally injected histamine, serotonin and bradykinin were observed in leucopenic rats, when compared to those measured in normal animals. Significant reversal of the inhibited responses was seen when leucopenic rats were given suspensions of lymphocytes i.v. Suspensions of PMN granulocytes, however, were ineffective. In both cases, the volumes of the suspensions contained adequate quantities of the particular cells to counteract their deficiency. Histological changes provoked by carrageenin in the paws of leucopenic rats injected with suspensions of lymphocytes resembled those of normal rats, the main difference being that the number of cells which had emigrated into the affected tissues was reduced. In leucopenic controls or leucopenic animals injected with suspensions of PMN granulocytes, minimal histological alterations were observed. It is concluded that lymphocytes play a role in the development of acute inflammatory reactions.", "contents": "Modulation by lymphocytes of the vascular effects caused by inflammatory mediators and carrageenin in the rat. Inhibited permeability responses to intradermally injected histamine, serotonin and bradykinin were observed in leucopenic rats, when compared to those measured in normal animals. Significant reversal of the inhibited responses was seen when leucopenic rats were given suspensions of lymphocytes i.v. Suspensions of PMN granulocytes, however, were ineffective. In both cases, the volumes of the suspensions contained adequate quantities of the particular cells to counteract their deficiency. Histological changes provoked by carrageenin in the paws of leucopenic rats injected with suspensions of lymphocytes resembled those of normal rats, the main difference being that the number of cells which had emigrated into the affected tissues was reduced. In leucopenic controls or leucopenic animals injected with suspensions of PMN granulocytes, minimal histological alterations were observed. It is concluded that lymphocytes play a role in the development of acute inflammatory reactions.", "PMID": 999786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7860", "title": "An electron microscopic study of pig liver viability after extracorporeal storage.", "content": "The effects of hyperbaric oxygenation and ambient pressure oxygenation on the viability of pig liver stored in the Vickers' transportable organ storage unit were assessed by electron microscopy. It was found that hyperbaric oxygenation resulted in marked liver damage in contrast to ambient pressure storage. Although electron microscopy proved to be a sensitive method for detecting damage induced by unsuitable storage protocols consideration is given to the possibility that other changes, which may not be detectable by electron microscopy, limit the success of liver storage.", "contents": "An electron microscopic study of pig liver viability after extracorporeal storage. The effects of hyperbaric oxygenation and ambient pressure oxygenation on the viability of pig liver stored in the Vickers' transportable organ storage unit were assessed by electron microscopy. It was found that hyperbaric oxygenation resulted in marked liver damage in contrast to ambient pressure storage. Although electron microscopy proved to be a sensitive method for detecting damage induced by unsuitable storage protocols consideration is given to the possibility that other changes, which may not be detectable by electron microscopy, limit the success of liver storage.", "PMID": 999787} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7861", "title": "Immunization of mice against Coxsackievirus B3 and prevention of foetal growth retardation.", "content": "Coxsackievirus B3 infection in pregnant mice leads to a severe pancreatitis with a retardation of foetal growth and increased wastage. The present study demonstrates that animals may be immunized actively or passively against this infection to allow foetal development to proceed normally. Active immunization was achieved by injecting a low dose of live virus into 4-week-old animals. These mice were then mated at 10 weeks and given a high dose of virus on the eighth day of pregnancy. Examination at 18 days' gestation revealed that foetal growth was not significantly different from the controls injected with heat-killed virus, and pathological changes in the mothers were not seen. Animals were passively immunized against Coxsackievirus B3 in pregnancy by injecting serum from immunized animals 1 day before the high dose of live virus was given. This procedure also protected against the effects of the virus and litter sizes and foetal weights were normal.", "contents": "Immunization of mice against Coxsackievirus B3 and prevention of foetal growth retardation. Coxsackievirus B3 infection in pregnant mice leads to a severe pancreatitis with a retardation of foetal growth and increased wastage. The present study demonstrates that animals may be immunized actively or passively against this infection to allow foetal development to proceed normally. Active immunization was achieved by injecting a low dose of live virus into 4-week-old animals. These mice were then mated at 10 weeks and given a high dose of virus on the eighth day of pregnancy. Examination at 18 days' gestation revealed that foetal growth was not significantly different from the controls injected with heat-killed virus, and pathological changes in the mothers were not seen. Animals were passively immunized against Coxsackievirus B3 in pregnancy by injecting serum from immunized animals 1 day before the high dose of live virus was given. This procedure also protected against the effects of the virus and litter sizes and foetal weights were normal.", "PMID": 999788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7862", "title": "Placental agenesis, embryonal hydraemia, embryolethality and acute hypervitaminosis A in rats.", "content": "Acute maternal hypervitaminosis A established on Day 9 of gestation in Sprague-Dawley-derived rats caused a dose-related increase in the resorption of implants. The median embryolethal dose was 189,000 i.u./kg. In addition to suppression of the allantois leading to placental agenesis, damaged embryos showed retarded somatic development and hydraemia, all apparent 24 h after treatment. At about Day 11 the hydraemia involved the visceral wall of the yolk sac causing death of the embryo soon after. The fluid in the vitelline vessels continued to collect until Day 13 when it absorbed following necrosis of the wall of the yolk sac. Two mechanisms are suggested for the embryonal hydraemia: either the excess fluid resulted from a permeability disorder induced by the vitamin A; or it was retained metabolic water or water specifically absorbed to inflate the allantois and, being unused for this purpose, it pooled in the blood vessels of the embryo. The yolk sac hydraemia is more likely to have followed injury to the proximal endoderm.", "contents": "Placental agenesis, embryonal hydraemia, embryolethality and acute hypervitaminosis A in rats. Acute maternal hypervitaminosis A established on Day 9 of gestation in Sprague-Dawley-derived rats caused a dose-related increase in the resorption of implants. The median embryolethal dose was 189,000 i.u./kg. In addition to suppression of the allantois leading to placental agenesis, damaged embryos showed retarded somatic development and hydraemia, all apparent 24 h after treatment. At about Day 11 the hydraemia involved the visceral wall of the yolk sac causing death of the embryo soon after. The fluid in the vitelline vessels continued to collect until Day 13 when it absorbed following necrosis of the wall of the yolk sac. Two mechanisms are suggested for the embryonal hydraemia: either the excess fluid resulted from a permeability disorder induced by the vitamin A; or it was retained metabolic water or water specifically absorbed to inflate the allantois and, being unused for this purpose, it pooled in the blood vessels of the embryo. The yolk sac hydraemia is more likely to have followed injury to the proximal endoderm.", "PMID": 999789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7863", "title": "Factors affecting the susceptibility of staphylococci to killing by the cationic proteins from rabbit polymorphonuclear leucocytes: the effects of alteration of cellular energetics and of various iron compounds.", "content": "Anaerobiosis, various respiratory inhibitors and certain agents altering cellular energetics profoundly affect the staphylocidal action of the cationic proteins from rabbit polymorphonuclear leucocytes. It is suggested that sensitivity to these proteins depends on the structure of the cell membrane as influenced by (1) the oxidation level of the cytochrome chain and (2) its energized state. Agents such as amytal and rotenone, which cause a block at the beginning of the chain and would increase its oxidation level, enhance killing, whereas those causing a block in or at the end of the chain, such a 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide, cyanide and anaerobiosis, which would cause reduction of a part or whole of the chain, prevent killing. Among agents altering the energized state of the membrane, dicyclohexyl-carbodi-imide, an ATPase inhibitor, does not prevent killing, whereas 2,4-dinitrophenol, carbonylcyanide-trifluoromethoxy-phenylhydrazone and 5-Cl, 3-t-butyl, 2'-Cl, 4'-NO2-salicylanilide, all uncouplers and ionophores for a specific ion, do prevent killing, although gramicidin, a relatively nonspecific ionophore, does not. The paper also contains an extension of previous work on the effect of iron and haematin, to include various other iron compounds and haematin derivatives.", "contents": "Factors affecting the susceptibility of staphylococci to killing by the cationic proteins from rabbit polymorphonuclear leucocytes: the effects of alteration of cellular energetics and of various iron compounds. Anaerobiosis, various respiratory inhibitors and certain agents altering cellular energetics profoundly affect the staphylocidal action of the cationic proteins from rabbit polymorphonuclear leucocytes. It is suggested that sensitivity to these proteins depends on the structure of the cell membrane as influenced by (1) the oxidation level of the cytochrome chain and (2) its energized state. Agents such as amytal and rotenone, which cause a block at the beginning of the chain and would increase its oxidation level, enhance killing, whereas those causing a block in or at the end of the chain, such a 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide, cyanide and anaerobiosis, which would cause reduction of a part or whole of the chain, prevent killing. Among agents altering the energized state of the membrane, dicyclohexyl-carbodi-imide, an ATPase inhibitor, does not prevent killing, whereas 2,4-dinitrophenol, carbonylcyanide-trifluoromethoxy-phenylhydrazone and 5-Cl, 3-t-butyl, 2'-Cl, 4'-NO2-salicylanilide, all uncouplers and ionophores for a specific ion, do prevent killing, although gramicidin, a relatively nonspecific ionophore, does not. The paper also contains an extension of previous work on the effect of iron and haematin, to include various other iron compounds and haematin derivatives.", "PMID": 999790} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7864", "title": "Ultrastructural changes in the isolated rat kidney induced by conjugated bilirubin and bile acids.", "content": "The effects of bilirubin and bile acids on the ultrastructure of proximal renal tubules have been studied using an isolated rat kidney preparation, perfused with a protein-free dextran medium. Control kidneys perfused for 1 h had a normal glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow; the ultrastructure of proximal tubular cells was well preserved, with normal mitochondria, nuclear and plasma membranes, and microvilli of the brush border. When conjugated bilirubin, prepared from human hepatic bile, was added to the perfusion medium (5-0-7-5 mg/100 ml), marked alterations were observed in some cells, particularly with regard to the mitochondria and plasma membranes. These changes were greatly diminished by the inclusion of bovine albumin in the medium, indicating that the unbound fraction was primarily responsible for the tubular damage. The addition of taurocholate (450 muM), taurochenodeoxycholate (550 muM) or taurolithocholate (250 muM, bound to albumin) also produced plasma membrane changes, but only slight abnormalities were seen in the mitochondria and other structures. These ultrastructural observations support the concept that the elevated plasma levels of conjugated bilirubin and to a lesser extent bile acids are related to the renal failure associated with obstructive jaundice.", "contents": "Ultrastructural changes in the isolated rat kidney induced by conjugated bilirubin and bile acids. The effects of bilirubin and bile acids on the ultrastructure of proximal renal tubules have been studied using an isolated rat kidney preparation, perfused with a protein-free dextran medium. Control kidneys perfused for 1 h had a normal glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow; the ultrastructure of proximal tubular cells was well preserved, with normal mitochondria, nuclear and plasma membranes, and microvilli of the brush border. When conjugated bilirubin, prepared from human hepatic bile, was added to the perfusion medium (5-0-7-5 mg/100 ml), marked alterations were observed in some cells, particularly with regard to the mitochondria and plasma membranes. These changes were greatly diminished by the inclusion of bovine albumin in the medium, indicating that the unbound fraction was primarily responsible for the tubular damage. The addition of taurocholate (450 muM), taurochenodeoxycholate (550 muM) or taurolithocholate (250 muM, bound to albumin) also produced plasma membrane changes, but only slight abnormalities were seen in the mitochondria and other structures. These ultrastructural observations support the concept that the elevated plasma levels of conjugated bilirubin and to a lesser extent bile acids are related to the renal failure associated with obstructive jaundice.", "PMID": 999791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7865", "title": "Conformational flexibility of the serum amyloid precursor SAA.", "content": "SAA is a normal acute-phase serum protein and is thought to be the precursor of amyloid protein AA which is deposited as insoluble beta-pleated sheet fibrils in secondary amyloidosis. Native SAA has a molecular weight of 160,000 and has not been isolated; it has been most frequently purified as a species (designated SAAL) of 12,500 mol. wt. by gel filtration in dissociating solutions. The conformational properties of SAA proteins in patients with and without amyloidosis have been compared in an effort to determine the factors involved in the induction of the beta-pleated sheet conformation in the amyloid SAA protein prior to fibril deposition. Amyloid and nonamyloid SAA proteins are similar in that they readily undergo conformational changes which result in the formation of heterogenous mol. wt. SAA species and in an increased exposure of antigenic determinants which cross-react with AA fibril proteins. Amyloid and nonamyloid SAA are different, however, in that amyloid SAA is more resistant to dissociation to SAAL. Amyloid SAAL, while similar to nonamyloid SAAL in immunoreactivity, shows a greater tendency toward aggregation. The relative resistance of both amyloid SAA and SAAL to complete dissociation may play an important role in amyloid fibril formation from these precursors.", "contents": "Conformational flexibility of the serum amyloid precursor SAA. SAA is a normal acute-phase serum protein and is thought to be the precursor of amyloid protein AA which is deposited as insoluble beta-pleated sheet fibrils in secondary amyloidosis. Native SAA has a molecular weight of 160,000 and has not been isolated; it has been most frequently purified as a species (designated SAAL) of 12,500 mol. wt. by gel filtration in dissociating solutions. The conformational properties of SAA proteins in patients with and without amyloidosis have been compared in an effort to determine the factors involved in the induction of the beta-pleated sheet conformation in the amyloid SAA protein prior to fibril deposition. Amyloid and nonamyloid SAA proteins are similar in that they readily undergo conformational changes which result in the formation of heterogenous mol. wt. SAA species and in an increased exposure of antigenic determinants which cross-react with AA fibril proteins. Amyloid and nonamyloid SAA are different, however, in that amyloid SAA is more resistant to dissociation to SAAL. Amyloid SAAL, while similar to nonamyloid SAAL in immunoreactivity, shows a greater tendency toward aggregation. The relative resistance of both amyloid SAA and SAAL to complete dissociation may play an important role in amyloid fibril formation from these precursors.", "PMID": 999792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7866", "title": "Effect of hepatic venous outflow obstruction on pores and fenestration in sinusoidal endothelium.", "content": "The ultrastructure of pores and fenestrations in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells was examined following partial surgical occlusion of the suprahepatic portion of the inferior vena cava. Within 12 h after partial obstruction of hepatic venous outflow, endothelial pores (less than 0-1 mum in diameter) and sieve plates in the distal halves of sinusoids were greatly reduced in number or were totally absent, and they were replaced by large fenestration (less than 1-0 mum in diameter). These results suggest that pores forming sieve plates may fuse to form large fenestrations. The findings also indicate that sinusoidal hypertension and hypoxia associated with obstruction of hepatic venous outflow alter the distribution of pores and fenestrations in sinusoidal endothelium", "contents": "Effect of hepatic venous outflow obstruction on pores and fenestration in sinusoidal endothelium. The ultrastructure of pores and fenestrations in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells was examined following partial surgical occlusion of the suprahepatic portion of the inferior vena cava. Within 12 h after partial obstruction of hepatic venous outflow, endothelial pores (less than 0-1 mum in diameter) and sieve plates in the distal halves of sinusoids were greatly reduced in number or were totally absent, and they were replaced by large fenestration (less than 1-0 mum in diameter). These results suggest that pores forming sieve plates may fuse to form large fenestrations. The findings also indicate that sinusoidal hypertension and hypoxia associated with obstruction of hepatic venous outflow alter the distribution of pores and fenestrations in sinusoidal endothelium", "PMID": 999794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7867", "title": "Effect of different factors modifying the activity of some enzyme systems of the endoplastic reticulum on the sensitivity of cell organelles against the damaging action of chemical agents. I: Interrelations between the activity of some enzyme systems located in endoplasmic reticulum and hepatotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride.", "content": "An increased stability of liver lysosomes and mitochondria of burned, dehydrated and tumour-bearing rats has been found in the present investigations. Using biochemical criteria we were able to show that the membranes of liver subcellular particles of these animals become more resistent to the labilizing action of CCl4. The latter effect was confirmed by electron microscopic data. The tumour growth, dehydration and burning of rats as well as sleep deprivation, overheating, lanthanum and ruthenium red have been shown to cause changes in the activity of some enzyme-systems located in endoplasmic reticulum. The protective action of these chemical, pathological and stress factors against CCl4 produced damage to the cell organelles studied is discussed in relation to the activity of the drug metabolizing pathways; biochemical (modifying of some enzyme activity) as well as pharmacological (duration of hexobarbital sleep) data were used as criteria for the activity of these pathways.", "contents": "Effect of different factors modifying the activity of some enzyme systems of the endoplastic reticulum on the sensitivity of cell organelles against the damaging action of chemical agents. I: Interrelations between the activity of some enzyme systems located in endoplasmic reticulum and hepatotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride. An increased stability of liver lysosomes and mitochondria of burned, dehydrated and tumour-bearing rats has been found in the present investigations. Using biochemical criteria we were able to show that the membranes of liver subcellular particles of these animals become more resistent to the labilizing action of CCl4. The latter effect was confirmed by electron microscopic data. The tumour growth, dehydration and burning of rats as well as sleep deprivation, overheating, lanthanum and ruthenium red have been shown to cause changes in the activity of some enzyme-systems located in endoplasmic reticulum. The protective action of these chemical, pathological and stress factors against CCl4 produced damage to the cell organelles studied is discussed in relation to the activity of the drug metabolizing pathways; biochemical (modifying of some enzyme activity) as well as pharmacological (duration of hexobarbital sleep) data were used as criteria for the activity of these pathways.", "PMID": 999793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7868", "title": "The giant cell in cholesterol resorption.", "content": "Giant cells in the experimental cholesterol granuloma provided a convenient, recognizable cellular model in which to follow the transformation of crystalline cholesterol to liquid lipid. Crystals that were too large to be ingested by individual macrophages were incorporated into a multinucleate cell by a process of circumfusion, and were progressively converted to cholesterol esters within the giant cell. The liquid ester droplets seemed then to be mobilized by mononuclear cells until the entire implant had been resorbed.", "contents": "The giant cell in cholesterol resorption. Giant cells in the experimental cholesterol granuloma provided a convenient, recognizable cellular model in which to follow the transformation of crystalline cholesterol to liquid lipid. Crystals that were too large to be ingested by individual macrophages were incorporated into a multinucleate cell by a process of circumfusion, and were progressively converted to cholesterol esters within the giant cell. The liquid ester droplets seemed then to be mobilized by mononuclear cells until the entire implant had been resorbed.", "PMID": 999795} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7869", "title": "Occupational and regional associations of death, disablement, and sickness absence among Post Office staff 1972-75.", "content": "Rates of death in service and rates of premature retirement due to disability in an employed population of more than 400 000 people under the age of 60 years have been compared with duration rates of certified sickness absence for three years from April 1972. Standardized for age, rates of sickness absence and of death, combined with retirement (medical wastage) for men and women differed between 11 occupational groups by a factor of three. Significant rank correlations were observed between these two measures of ill health, rs = 0-827 for men, rs = 0-857 for women. Similar comparisons for 1974/75 of rates for staff employed in 10 geographical regions of the United Kingdom standardized for age and occupation, revealed twofold differences of rate, and rank correlation coefficients of + 0-794 for men and + 0-649 for women. These observations show that the duration of certified sickness absence is higher in groups of people showing other objective evidence of ill health and who are most in need of preventive health care. The need is discussed for a balanced view of the complex aetiology of sickness absence.", "contents": "Occupational and regional associations of death, disablement, and sickness absence among Post Office staff 1972-75. Rates of death in service and rates of premature retirement due to disability in an employed population of more than 400 000 people under the age of 60 years have been compared with duration rates of certified sickness absence for three years from April 1972. Standardized for age, rates of sickness absence and of death, combined with retirement (medical wastage) for men and women differed between 11 occupational groups by a factor of three. Significant rank correlations were observed between these two measures of ill health, rs = 0-827 for men, rs = 0-857 for women. Similar comparisons for 1974/75 of rates for staff employed in 10 geographical regions of the United Kingdom standardized for age and occupation, revealed twofold differences of rate, and rank correlation coefficients of + 0-794 for men and + 0-649 for women. These observations show that the duration of certified sickness absence is higher in groups of people showing other objective evidence of ill health and who are most in need of preventive health care. The need is discussed for a balanced view of the complex aetiology of sickness absence.", "PMID": 999796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7870", "title": "Sickness absence of lead workers and controls.", "content": "Certificated sickness rates and levels of lead exposure of 955 men who worked in a lead accumulator factory during a period of seven years (1965-72) were examined. The men were divided by department into four exposure groups; a second division into three groups was made, based on the mean of each man's blood lead measurements during the study period. Absences showed no age pattern, but men who left during the seven years of observation (ex-workers) had had a higher absence rate (842 spells/1000 man years) than those still employed in 1972 (535 spells/1000 man years). There was no significant difference in absence rates or lengths of absences between differently exposed departments either for all causes or for a selected group of potentially lead-induced causes. However, the proportion of potentially lead-induced absences was significantly higher in ex-workers (12-2%) than in current workers (7-4%). Similar analysis showed no significant differences in absence rates of men with different blood lead levels. It was concluded that higher levels of lead exposure did not seem to be associated with higher rates of absence or longer absences either for all causes of absence combined or for those causes which might be attributable to lead.", "contents": "Sickness absence of lead workers and controls. Certificated sickness rates and levels of lead exposure of 955 men who worked in a lead accumulator factory during a period of seven years (1965-72) were examined. The men were divided by department into four exposure groups; a second division into three groups was made, based on the mean of each man's blood lead measurements during the study period. Absences showed no age pattern, but men who left during the seven years of observation (ex-workers) had had a higher absence rate (842 spells/1000 man years) than those still employed in 1972 (535 spells/1000 man years). There was no significant difference in absence rates or lengths of absences between differently exposed departments either for all causes or for a selected group of potentially lead-induced causes. However, the proportion of potentially lead-induced absences was significantly higher in ex-workers (12-2%) than in current workers (7-4%). Similar analysis showed no significant differences in absence rates of men with different blood lead levels. It was concluded that higher levels of lead exposure did not seem to be associated with higher rates of absence or longer absences either for all causes of absence combined or for those causes which might be attributable to lead.", "PMID": 999797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7871", "title": "Sickness absence caused by chest diseases in relation to smoking and chronic bronchitis symptoms.", "content": "The relationship between sickness absence caused by chest diseases, smoking habit, and symptoms of chronic bronchitis among the workers of a fertilizer factory in Karak\u00f3w is examined. The analysis of absence was based on the spells and days of absence registered during a period of six years. The results show that the group of workers with symptoms of chronic bronchitis had many more spells and days of absence caused by chest diseases than persons free from these symptoms. The activity and chronicity of bronchitis symptoms strongly influenced the level of absence, but the role of smoking was not so evident. From the results obtained it appears that analysis of absence can be a valid screening test in the detection of chronic chest diseases, the frequency of which can easily be estimated from absence data.", "contents": "Sickness absence caused by chest diseases in relation to smoking and chronic bronchitis symptoms. The relationship between sickness absence caused by chest diseases, smoking habit, and symptoms of chronic bronchitis among the workers of a fertilizer factory in Karak\u00f3w is examined. The analysis of absence was based on the spells and days of absence registered during a period of six years. The results show that the group of workers with symptoms of chronic bronchitis had many more spells and days of absence caused by chest diseases than persons free from these symptoms. The activity and chronicity of bronchitis symptoms strongly influenced the level of absence, but the role of smoking was not so evident. From the results obtained it appears that analysis of absence can be a valid screening test in the detection of chronic chest diseases, the frequency of which can easily be estimated from absence data.", "PMID": 999798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7872", "title": "A survey of occupational cancer in the rubber and cablemaking industries: analysis of deaths occurring in 1972-74.", "content": "The records of 40 867 men employed for at least one year in the rubber and cablemaking industries have now been observed for eight years. This analysis compares the mortality pattern for 1972-74 with that previously reported for 1968-71. It indicates a significant excess of deaths due to cancer of the bladder throughout the industry including men who had not been exposed to acknowledged bladder carcinogens. This excess is in deaths occurring in 1973 and 1974 in the 45-64 and 65 years plus age groups. The two sectors of the industry where this excess is significant are footwear and footwear supplies except adhesives, and the tyre sector. The excess of all cancers taken together previously noted throughout the study population for 1968-71 is confirmed for 1972-74 as is the excess for lung cancers. The greater excess in the tyre sector is also confirmed, particularly in those men in the 55-64 year age group and those who entered the industry between 1950 and 1960. While men employed in 1967 on moulding, press, autoclave, and pan curing, and workers in finished goods, stores, packaging, and despatch continue to have more lung cancer deaths than expected for 1972-74, the excess is no longer statistically significant. An excess of cancer of the stomach which was overlooked in 1968-71 is not confirmed in 1972-74 but is nevertheless high when the total period of study 1968-74 is considered. The limitations of the study are discussed with particular reference to extrapolating the results to the whole industry. We conclude that there is a higher rate of lung cancer in the tyre sector of the industry and that immediate investigations are required to test the hypothesis concerning the recent excess of bladder cancers. Attention should now be paid to the control of exposures to all potential hazards in the industry.", "contents": "A survey of occupational cancer in the rubber and cablemaking industries: analysis of deaths occurring in 1972-74. The records of 40 867 men employed for at least one year in the rubber and cablemaking industries have now been observed for eight years. This analysis compares the mortality pattern for 1972-74 with that previously reported for 1968-71. It indicates a significant excess of deaths due to cancer of the bladder throughout the industry including men who had not been exposed to acknowledged bladder carcinogens. This excess is in deaths occurring in 1973 and 1974 in the 45-64 and 65 years plus age groups. The two sectors of the industry where this excess is significant are footwear and footwear supplies except adhesives, and the tyre sector. The excess of all cancers taken together previously noted throughout the study population for 1968-71 is confirmed for 1972-74 as is the excess for lung cancers. The greater excess in the tyre sector is also confirmed, particularly in those men in the 55-64 year age group and those who entered the industry between 1950 and 1960. While men employed in 1967 on moulding, press, autoclave, and pan curing, and workers in finished goods, stores, packaging, and despatch continue to have more lung cancer deaths than expected for 1972-74, the excess is no longer statistically significant. An excess of cancer of the stomach which was overlooked in 1968-71 is not confirmed in 1972-74 but is nevertheless high when the total period of study 1968-74 is considered. The limitations of the study are discussed with particular reference to extrapolating the results to the whole industry. We conclude that there is a higher rate of lung cancer in the tyre sector of the industry and that immediate investigations are required to test the hypothesis concerning the recent excess of bladder cancers. Attention should now be paid to the control of exposures to all potential hazards in the industry.", "PMID": 999799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7873", "title": "Farmer's lung disease in Somerset.", "content": "A survey of laboratory records was made to assess the value of the precipitin test and isolation methods in the diagnosis of farmer's lung disease and also to determine its prevalence in the farming population of Somerset. A link was established between the clinical diagnosis as written on the form that accompanied the specimen and the actual number of positive laboratory diagnoses made. Fifty (43%) of the clinically diagnosed patients were serologically positive for farmer's lung during a four-year period. If the clinically diagnosed but serologically negative cases of farmer's lung disease are added to this number, a prevalence of about 23 per 1000 of the farming population of Somerset is obtained.", "contents": "Farmer's lung disease in Somerset. A survey of laboratory records was made to assess the value of the precipitin test and isolation methods in the diagnosis of farmer's lung disease and also to determine its prevalence in the farming population of Somerset. A link was established between the clinical diagnosis as written on the form that accompanied the specimen and the actual number of positive laboratory diagnoses made. Fifty (43%) of the clinically diagnosed patients were serologically positive for farmer's lung during a four-year period. If the clinically diagnosed but serologically negative cases of farmer's lung disease are added to this number, a prevalence of about 23 per 1000 of the farming population of Somerset is obtained.", "PMID": 999800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7874", "title": "Excretion of 35S-Tobias acid (2-naphthylamino, 1-sulphonic acid) by the rat after oral and intravenous administration.", "content": "Urinary and faecal excretion of radioactivity after either an intravenous or oral (1 mg/kg) dose of 35S-labelled Tobias acid (2-naphthylamino, 1-sulphonic acid), a dyestuff intermediate structurally similar to the powerful carcinogen 2-naphthylamine, was studied in rats. The Tobias acid was eliminated from the body within 24 hours of administration, almost exclusively through the urine. TLC-chromatography of faecal extracts and urine did not disclose the presence of excreted products other than unchanged Tobias acid and the search for inorganic 35SO4 in the urine by BaCl2 precipitation was negative. There was significant absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, but neither cleavage of the sulphonic group nor other biotransformation by the intestinal flora was apparent under the test condition. There was no evidence that the sulphonic group of Tobias acid is cleaved in the body to a significant extent to give 2-naphthylamine. This information should help in the evaluation of the occupational hazard potential of Tobias acid.", "contents": "Excretion of 35S-Tobias acid (2-naphthylamino, 1-sulphonic acid) by the rat after oral and intravenous administration. Urinary and faecal excretion of radioactivity after either an intravenous or oral (1 mg/kg) dose of 35S-labelled Tobias acid (2-naphthylamino, 1-sulphonic acid), a dyestuff intermediate structurally similar to the powerful carcinogen 2-naphthylamine, was studied in rats. The Tobias acid was eliminated from the body within 24 hours of administration, almost exclusively through the urine. TLC-chromatography of faecal extracts and urine did not disclose the presence of excreted products other than unchanged Tobias acid and the search for inorganic 35SO4 in the urine by BaCl2 precipitation was negative. There was significant absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, but neither cleavage of the sulphonic group nor other biotransformation by the intestinal flora was apparent under the test condition. There was no evidence that the sulphonic group of Tobias acid is cleaved in the body to a significant extent to give 2-naphthylamine. This information should help in the evaluation of the occupational hazard potential of Tobias acid.", "PMID": 999801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7875", "title": "Dimers and trimers of immunoglobulin G covalently cross-linked with a bivalent affinity label.", "content": "A bivalent affinity label, bis(alpha-bromoacetyl-epsilon-2,4-dinitrophenyllysylproline)ethylenediamine, has been synthesized. Treatment of anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl antibodies with this compound produces a mixture of covalently and noncovalently cross-linked material. Only specific antibodies are covalently cross-linked, suggesting that covalent attachment occurs in the variable regions. Covalently cross-linked dimers and trimers have been isolated from the reaction mixture in a high state of purity, in yields of about 12 and 4%, respectively. The complexes are stable in solutions containing 10(-4) M hapten and can therefore be used as sensitive probes of immune effector functions.", "contents": "Dimers and trimers of immunoglobulin G covalently cross-linked with a bivalent affinity label. A bivalent affinity label, bis(alpha-bromoacetyl-epsilon-2,4-dinitrophenyllysylproline)ethylenediamine, has been synthesized. Treatment of anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl antibodies with this compound produces a mixture of covalently and noncovalently cross-linked material. Only specific antibodies are covalently cross-linked, suggesting that covalent attachment occurs in the variable regions. Covalently cross-linked dimers and trimers have been isolated from the reaction mixture in a high state of purity, in yields of about 12 and 4%, respectively. The complexes are stable in solutions containing 10(-4) M hapten and can therefore be used as sensitive probes of immune effector functions.", "PMID": 999804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7876", "title": "Abundance of tRNAPhe lacking the peroxy Y-base in mouse neuroblastoma.", "content": "Affinity chromatography on anti-Y (Y is a tricyclic imidazopurine to which is attached a complex four-carbon side chain) antibody immobilized to Sepharose was used to determine the proportion of rat liver tRNAPhe species containing the peroxy Y-nucleoside. Unfractionated Unfractionated mammalian tRNA was aminoacylated with labeled phenylalanine. The phenylalanyl-tRNA was then chemically acetylated to yield N-acetylphenylalanyl-tRNA. When this preparation was applied to the antibody column, between 6-10% of the radioactivity was not bound to the column, indicating a deficiency of peroxy Y-nuceloside in a minor isoaccepting tRNAPhe species. In contrast to normal tissues (including embryonic tissue), about 85% of the tRNAPhe from mouse neuroblastoma C-1300 or N-18 tumors lack the peroxy Y-base, a property which is not affected by tumor age. Rat liver labeled N-acetylphenylalanyl-tRNA preparations were resolved on Plaskon chromatography (RPC-5) into two minor peaks closely followed by a mojor component. A high proportion of the two minor tRNAPhe species was unable to bind to anti-Y antibodies. Upon mild acid treatment, the minor and major tRNAPhe species eluted simultaneously from Plaskon columns, at a much reduced salt concentration. These results would indicate that the two minor tRNAPhe species from rat liver as well as the major component contain a tricyclic imidazopurine base that differs from each other in its side chain. About 85% of the N-acetylphenylalanyl-tRNA from neuroblastoma was resolved by Plaskon chromatography as an early eluting peak. The position of this major neuroblastoma tRNAPhe species was not altered by mild acid treatment, and its elution position from the column almost coincides with that of acid-treated normal rat liver tRNAPhe. The latter results would suggest that most of the tRNAPhe chains from neuroblastoma lack the tricyclic imidazopurine of normal rat liver tRNAPhe, but are very close if not identical in primary nucleotide sequence.", "contents": "Abundance of tRNAPhe lacking the peroxy Y-base in mouse neuroblastoma. Affinity chromatography on anti-Y (Y is a tricyclic imidazopurine to which is attached a complex four-carbon side chain) antibody immobilized to Sepharose was used to determine the proportion of rat liver tRNAPhe species containing the peroxy Y-nucleoside. Unfractionated Unfractionated mammalian tRNA was aminoacylated with labeled phenylalanine. The phenylalanyl-tRNA was then chemically acetylated to yield N-acetylphenylalanyl-tRNA. When this preparation was applied to the antibody column, between 6-10% of the radioactivity was not bound to the column, indicating a deficiency of peroxy Y-nuceloside in a minor isoaccepting tRNAPhe species. In contrast to normal tissues (including embryonic tissue), about 85% of the tRNAPhe from mouse neuroblastoma C-1300 or N-18 tumors lack the peroxy Y-base, a property which is not affected by tumor age. Rat liver labeled N-acetylphenylalanyl-tRNA preparations were resolved on Plaskon chromatography (RPC-5) into two minor peaks closely followed by a mojor component. A high proportion of the two minor tRNAPhe species was unable to bind to anti-Y antibodies. Upon mild acid treatment, the minor and major tRNAPhe species eluted simultaneously from Plaskon columns, at a much reduced salt concentration. These results would indicate that the two minor tRNAPhe species from rat liver as well as the major component contain a tricyclic imidazopurine base that differs from each other in its side chain. About 85% of the N-acetylphenylalanyl-tRNA from neuroblastoma was resolved by Plaskon chromatography as an early eluting peak. The position of this major neuroblastoma tRNAPhe species was not altered by mild acid treatment, and its elution position from the column almost coincides with that of acid-treated normal rat liver tRNAPhe. The latter results would suggest that most of the tRNAPhe chains from neuroblastoma lack the tricyclic imidazopurine of normal rat liver tRNAPhe, but are very close if not identical in primary nucleotide sequence.", "PMID": 999805} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7877", "title": "Isolation and characterization of purified rat casein messenger ribonucleic acids.", "content": "Purification of casein messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) from lactating rat mammary gland RNA has been accomplished by a combination of sizing techniques, including Sepharose 4B chromatography and preparative agarose-urea gel electrophoresis, and affinity chromatography of poly(adenylic acid)-containing mRNA on oligo(dT)-cellulose. The separation of the individual casein mRNAs into discrete molecular species free of apparent ribosomal RNA contaminants was facilitated by the use of denaturing conditions either prior to or during each of the fractionation procedures. Two casein mRNA fractions were isolated: (1) a 15S mRNA doublet which directed the synthesis of the two largest rat caseins in the wheat-germ, cell-free, translation assay, and (2) a 12S mRNA which migrated as a single species during agarose-urea gel electrophoresis and directed the in vitro synthesis of the smallest of three rat caseins. These mRNAs had apparent molecular weights of 450 000 +/- 30 000 and 320 000 +/- 25 000 and contained poly(adenylic acid) sequences at their 3' termini ranging from 15 to 150 residues with number average lengths of 42 and 38 adenosines, respectively. The purity of the isolated casein mRNA'S was determined both by agarose-urea gel electrophoresis and by a careful comparison of the total products synthesized in the wheat-germ translation assay with those recognized by a specific casein antibody using an indirect immunoprecipitation technique. The specificity of the indirect immunoassay procedure was demonstrated by the selective displacement by purified rat casein of greater than 95% of the radioactive product synthesized in the cell-free system. Under optimal translation conditions for casein mRNA, at least 90% of the released protein synthesized in response to the 15S casein mRNA was specifically immunoprecipitable, representing a 178-fold purification compared with the initial RNA extract. Using these techniques a comparable purification was also obtained for a 15S mouse casein mRNA fraction. Finally, an analysis by fluorography on 5-20% (w/v) polyacrylamide gradient slab gels of the total proteins synthesized in response to both the 15S and 12S casein mRNAs revealed a close correspondence with those proteins which were specifically immunoprecipitated.", "contents": "Isolation and characterization of purified rat casein messenger ribonucleic acids. Purification of casein messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) from lactating rat mammary gland RNA has been accomplished by a combination of sizing techniques, including Sepharose 4B chromatography and preparative agarose-urea gel electrophoresis, and affinity chromatography of poly(adenylic acid)-containing mRNA on oligo(dT)-cellulose. The separation of the individual casein mRNAs into discrete molecular species free of apparent ribosomal RNA contaminants was facilitated by the use of denaturing conditions either prior to or during each of the fractionation procedures. Two casein mRNA fractions were isolated: (1) a 15S mRNA doublet which directed the synthesis of the two largest rat caseins in the wheat-germ, cell-free, translation assay, and (2) a 12S mRNA which migrated as a single species during agarose-urea gel electrophoresis and directed the in vitro synthesis of the smallest of three rat caseins. These mRNAs had apparent molecular weights of 450 000 +/- 30 000 and 320 000 +/- 25 000 and contained poly(adenylic acid) sequences at their 3' termini ranging from 15 to 150 residues with number average lengths of 42 and 38 adenosines, respectively. The purity of the isolated casein mRNA'S was determined both by agarose-urea gel electrophoresis and by a careful comparison of the total products synthesized in the wheat-germ translation assay with those recognized by a specific casein antibody using an indirect immunoprecipitation technique. The specificity of the indirect immunoassay procedure was demonstrated by the selective displacement by purified rat casein of greater than 95% of the radioactive product synthesized in the cell-free system. Under optimal translation conditions for casein mRNA, at least 90% of the released protein synthesized in response to the 15S casein mRNA was specifically immunoprecipitable, representing a 178-fold purification compared with the initial RNA extract. Using these techniques a comparable purification was also obtained for a 15S mouse casein mRNA fraction. Finally, an analysis by fluorography on 5-20% (w/v) polyacrylamide gradient slab gels of the total proteins synthesized in response to both the 15S and 12S casein mRNAs revealed a close correspondence with those proteins which were specifically immunoprecipitated.", "PMID": 999806} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7878", "title": "Papain-catalyzed reactions at subzero temperatures.", "content": "As a first step in the investigation of papain catalysis using subzero temperatures to detect, accumulate, and characterize enzyme-substrate intermediates, we have studied some potential cryosolvents and carried out preliminary intermediate trapping experiments. The effects of subzero temperatures and aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide solutions on the papain-catalyzed hydrolysis of Nalpha-carbobenzoxy-L-lysine p-nitrophenyl ester have been investigated in detail. At 0 degrees C, the value of kcat decreases with increasing dimethyl sulfoxide concentration, decreasing in proportion to the decreased water concentration; however, the value of Km increases exponentially. The effect on Km can be accounted for by a combination of both dielectric and competitive inhibition effects. The Arrhenius plot for the deacylation reaction in 7.65 M (60% v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide is linear over the temperature range 0 to -45 degrees C and extrapolates to a calculated value of kcat at 25 degrees C in excellent agreement with that obtained in the absence of organic solvent. The pH-rate profile is not substantially perturbed by the presence of 7.65 M dimethyl sulfoxide. At -45 degrees C and below, turnover occurs extremely slowly, and is essentially negligible, although acylation is still quite rapid. Consequently, the acyl enzyme, Na-carbobenzoxy-L-lysyl-papain, can be readily accumulated and trapped at temperatures below -50 degrees C. At these low temperatures, under conditions of excess substrate, the amount of p-nitrophenol liberated in the acylation reaction is equivalent to the active-site normality of the enzyme, indicating a 1:1 stoichiometry in formation of the acyl enzyme. The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide up to 7.65 M, on the intrinsic ultraviolet, fluorescence, and circular dichroic properties of the enzyme shows no evidence of any solvent-induced structural changes. All experimental observations are consistent with the conclusion that 7.65 M dimethyl sulfoxide and subzero temperatures have no deleterious effects on papain-catalyzed reactions. A related series of experiments indicate that aqueous ethanol cryosolvents up to 13.7 M (80% v/v) are also suitable. Preliminary experiments at subzero temperatures using Na-carbobenzoxy-L-lysine methyl ester suggest the existence of three enzyme-substrate intermediates which can be detected and accumulated.", "contents": "Papain-catalyzed reactions at subzero temperatures. As a first step in the investigation of papain catalysis using subzero temperatures to detect, accumulate, and characterize enzyme-substrate intermediates, we have studied some potential cryosolvents and carried out preliminary intermediate trapping experiments. The effects of subzero temperatures and aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide solutions on the papain-catalyzed hydrolysis of Nalpha-carbobenzoxy-L-lysine p-nitrophenyl ester have been investigated in detail. At 0 degrees C, the value of kcat decreases with increasing dimethyl sulfoxide concentration, decreasing in proportion to the decreased water concentration; however, the value of Km increases exponentially. The effect on Km can be accounted for by a combination of both dielectric and competitive inhibition effects. The Arrhenius plot for the deacylation reaction in 7.65 M (60% v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide is linear over the temperature range 0 to -45 degrees C and extrapolates to a calculated value of kcat at 25 degrees C in excellent agreement with that obtained in the absence of organic solvent. The pH-rate profile is not substantially perturbed by the presence of 7.65 M dimethyl sulfoxide. At -45 degrees C and below, turnover occurs extremely slowly, and is essentially negligible, although acylation is still quite rapid. Consequently, the acyl enzyme, Na-carbobenzoxy-L-lysyl-papain, can be readily accumulated and trapped at temperatures below -50 degrees C. At these low temperatures, under conditions of excess substrate, the amount of p-nitrophenol liberated in the acylation reaction is equivalent to the active-site normality of the enzyme, indicating a 1:1 stoichiometry in formation of the acyl enzyme. The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide up to 7.65 M, on the intrinsic ultraviolet, fluorescence, and circular dichroic properties of the enzyme shows no evidence of any solvent-induced structural changes. All experimental observations are consistent with the conclusion that 7.65 M dimethyl sulfoxide and subzero temperatures have no deleterious effects on papain-catalyzed reactions. A related series of experiments indicate that aqueous ethanol cryosolvents up to 13.7 M (80% v/v) are also suitable. Preliminary experiments at subzero temperatures using Na-carbobenzoxy-L-lysine methyl ester suggest the existence of three enzyme-substrate intermediates which can be detected and accumulated.", "PMID": 999807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7879", "title": "Studies on DNA alpha-polymerase of mouse myeloma: partial purification and comparison of three molecular forms of the enzyme.", "content": "Activity of DNA alpha-polymerase in extracts from MOPC-104E was not associated with a single protein molecule, but with several molecular species that differed in isoelectric point. The three most abundant of these enzyme species were first separated from other DNA polymerases and then resolved from each other by repeated chromatography on diethylaminoethylcellulose columns. Next, with the use of glycerol gradient centrifugation and DNA-cellulose column chromatography, the three species were further purified to a state representing more than 5000-fold purification over the crude extract. These three highly purified enzyme species exhibited very similar catalytic properties, and the main activity of each species sedimented at the same rate (6-7S) in glycerol gradients containing 0.5 M KCl. Analysis of the polypeptide content of each species revealed that polypeptides of about 150 000 and 60 000 daltons cofractionated with the DNA polymerase activity. The multiple alpha-polymerase species did not appear to result from in vitro proteolytic cleavage, since multiple species were observed in extracts prepared under several different types of conditions, including the presence of the protease inhibitors, phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, or trasylol. The three species were recovered in about the same relative amounts from both the nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of MOPC-104E, and it appeared that multiple species of alpha-polymerase were also present in extracts from fetal bovine liver.", "contents": "Studies on DNA alpha-polymerase of mouse myeloma: partial purification and comparison of three molecular forms of the enzyme. Activity of DNA alpha-polymerase in extracts from MOPC-104E was not associated with a single protein molecule, but with several molecular species that differed in isoelectric point. The three most abundant of these enzyme species were first separated from other DNA polymerases and then resolved from each other by repeated chromatography on diethylaminoethylcellulose columns. Next, with the use of glycerol gradient centrifugation and DNA-cellulose column chromatography, the three species were further purified to a state representing more than 5000-fold purification over the crude extract. These three highly purified enzyme species exhibited very similar catalytic properties, and the main activity of each species sedimented at the same rate (6-7S) in glycerol gradients containing 0.5 M KCl. Analysis of the polypeptide content of each species revealed that polypeptides of about 150 000 and 60 000 daltons cofractionated with the DNA polymerase activity. The multiple alpha-polymerase species did not appear to result from in vitro proteolytic cleavage, since multiple species were observed in extracts prepared under several different types of conditions, including the presence of the protease inhibitors, phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, or trasylol. The three species were recovered in about the same relative amounts from both the nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of MOPC-104E, and it appeared that multiple species of alpha-polymerase were also present in extracts from fetal bovine liver.", "PMID": 999808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7880", "title": "Characterization of the cyanogen bromide fragments of the beta chain of human haptoglobin.", "content": "Characterization of the cyanogen bromide (CNBr) fragments of the beta chain of human haptoglobin revealed five major fragments resulting from cleavage of four methionyl residues. The fragments were isolated by gel filtration in guanidine-HCl on Sepharose 6B and Bio-Gel P10 and P60. Compositional analyses of the five cyanogen bromide fragments accounted for 248-253 amino acid residues in agreement with the number of residues determined for the intact beta chain. Most of the carbohydrate was attached to CNBr II. Automated amino-terminal sequence analysis and carboxyl-terminal hydrolysis with carboxypeptidase of the haptoglobin beta chain and cyanogen bromide fragments identified 139 residues, or about 55% of the beta-chain molecule. The placement of the fragments within the beta-chain molecule was established by sequence analysis of whole beta chain and a plasmin cleavage fragment. The position of CNBr V was confirmed by the absence of homoserine or homoserine lactone. Cyanogen bromide reaction of intact haptoglobin 1-1 resulted in the isolation of a beta-chain fragment, CNBr III, covalently attached to the intact alpha1 chain by a single disulfide bond. The beta chain was shown to have primary structural similarities to the chymotrypsin family of serin eproteases. Partial sequence analysis of CNBr V established the region which is comparable to the serine-195 active-site region: /Asp-Thr-Cys-Tyr-Gly-Asp-Ala-Gly-Ser-Ala-Phe/ (residues 189-199, chymotrypsinogen A numbering). The active-site serine-195 is replaced by alanine; however, the specificity residue of the trypsin-like enzymes, Asp-189, is preserved. Several minor cyanogen bromide cleavage products were also identified in yields of up to 15%. These minor cleavage products give evidence that tryptophanyl residues in proteins, or glycoproteins, are also susceptible to cyanogen bromide cleavage.", "contents": "Characterization of the cyanogen bromide fragments of the beta chain of human haptoglobin. Characterization of the cyanogen bromide (CNBr) fragments of the beta chain of human haptoglobin revealed five major fragments resulting from cleavage of four methionyl residues. The fragments were isolated by gel filtration in guanidine-HCl on Sepharose 6B and Bio-Gel P10 and P60. Compositional analyses of the five cyanogen bromide fragments accounted for 248-253 amino acid residues in agreement with the number of residues determined for the intact beta chain. Most of the carbohydrate was attached to CNBr II. Automated amino-terminal sequence analysis and carboxyl-terminal hydrolysis with carboxypeptidase of the haptoglobin beta chain and cyanogen bromide fragments identified 139 residues, or about 55% of the beta-chain molecule. The placement of the fragments within the beta-chain molecule was established by sequence analysis of whole beta chain and a plasmin cleavage fragment. The position of CNBr V was confirmed by the absence of homoserine or homoserine lactone. Cyanogen bromide reaction of intact haptoglobin 1-1 resulted in the isolation of a beta-chain fragment, CNBr III, covalently attached to the intact alpha1 chain by a single disulfide bond. The beta chain was shown to have primary structural similarities to the chymotrypsin family of serin eproteases. Partial sequence analysis of CNBr V established the region which is comparable to the serine-195 active-site region: /Asp-Thr-Cys-Tyr-Gly-Asp-Ala-Gly-Ser-Ala-Phe/ (residues 189-199, chymotrypsinogen A numbering). The active-site serine-195 is replaced by alanine; however, the specificity residue of the trypsin-like enzymes, Asp-189, is preserved. Several minor cyanogen bromide cleavage products were also identified in yields of up to 15%. These minor cleavage products give evidence that tryptophanyl residues in proteins, or glycoproteins, are also susceptible to cyanogen bromide cleavage.", "PMID": 999809} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7881", "title": "Carbon monoxide binding properties of hemoglobin M Iwate.", "content": "The kinetic and equilibrium CO binding properties of hemoglobin (Hb) M Iwate (alpha2 87 His leads to Tyr beta2) have been investigated. The results show that the alpha(Met) beta2 (CO) tetramer of this protein has a low affinity for CO, as indicated by the stopped-flow and flash-photolysis kinetic, as well as the CO binding equilibrium, measurements. However, it has been found that the phosphate-free alpha2(Met)beta2(CO) tetramer does tend to dimerize extensively (K4.2 = 55 muM). The high-affinity forms seen in earlier kinetic measurements may be explained by this fact. When dimers are accounted for in the functional studies, the results show that the tetramer binds CO noncooperatively either with or without the allosteric cofactor, inositol hexaphosphate (IHP). IHP appears to influence the functional properties of a solution of Hb M Iwate by stabilizing the tetrameric state of aggregation, thereby greatly reducing the population of high-affinity dimers. When the CO \"off\" rate with IHP present (0.23 s-1) and the CO \"on\" rate to the tetramer either with or without IHP (1.9 X 10(5) M-1 s-1) at 25 degrees C are sued to calculate the equilibrium constant, the value obtained (8.3 X 10(5) M-1 s-1) is similar to that in equilibrium binding measurements on the phosphate-free tetramer (9.5 X 10(5) M-1) estimated from the observed P 1/2 value at 0.48 mM total heme concentration. By showing that dimers account for the high-affinity component seen in earlier kinetic experiments with Hg M Iwate, we can now more strongly suggest that cooperative CO binding to this tetramer is minimal or absent, with both of the active beta-hemes presenting a very low affinity.", "contents": "Carbon monoxide binding properties of hemoglobin M Iwate. The kinetic and equilibrium CO binding properties of hemoglobin (Hb) M Iwate (alpha2 87 His leads to Tyr beta2) have been investigated. The results show that the alpha(Met) beta2 (CO) tetramer of this protein has a low affinity for CO, as indicated by the stopped-flow and flash-photolysis kinetic, as well as the CO binding equilibrium, measurements. However, it has been found that the phosphate-free alpha2(Met)beta2(CO) tetramer does tend to dimerize extensively (K4.2 = 55 muM). The high-affinity forms seen in earlier kinetic measurements may be explained by this fact. When dimers are accounted for in the functional studies, the results show that the tetramer binds CO noncooperatively either with or without the allosteric cofactor, inositol hexaphosphate (IHP). IHP appears to influence the functional properties of a solution of Hb M Iwate by stabilizing the tetrameric state of aggregation, thereby greatly reducing the population of high-affinity dimers. When the CO \"off\" rate with IHP present (0.23 s-1) and the CO \"on\" rate to the tetramer either with or without IHP (1.9 X 10(5) M-1 s-1) at 25 degrees C are sued to calculate the equilibrium constant, the value obtained (8.3 X 10(5) M-1 s-1) is similar to that in equilibrium binding measurements on the phosphate-free tetramer (9.5 X 10(5) M-1) estimated from the observed P 1/2 value at 0.48 mM total heme concentration. By showing that dimers account for the high-affinity component seen in earlier kinetic experiments with Hg M Iwate, we can now more strongly suggest that cooperative CO binding to this tetramer is minimal or absent, with both of the active beta-hemes presenting a very low affinity.", "PMID": 999810} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7882", "title": "Oxygenation-linked subunit interactions in human hemoglobin: experimental studies on the concentration dependence of oxygenation curves.", "content": "An experimental study on the concentration dependence of oxygenation curves for human hemoglobin has been carried out between 4 X 10(-8) M heme and 5 X 10(-4) M heme in 0.1 M tris(hydroxymehtyl)aminomethane hydrochloride, 0.1 M NaCl, 1 mM disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, pH 7.4, 21.5 degrees C. With decreasing hemoglobin concentration the curves show pronounced shifts in position and shape, consistent with dissociation of tetrameric hemoglobin into dimeric species of high affinity and low cooperativity. Combination of these data with independently determined values of dissociation constants for unliganded and fully liganded hemoglobin permits a resolution of the seven parameters necessary to define the linked binding and subunit association processes. The total oxygenation-linked subunit dissociation energy (6.34 kcal) was resolved into intersubunit contact energy changes between alphabeta dimers in tetrameric hemoglobin which accompany binding of the first, middle two, and last oxygen molecules. The resolution is accurate to within approximately +/-0.3 kcal. To within this limit the isolated dimers are found to bind oxygen noncooperatively and with the same affinity as isolated alpha and beta chains. Equally good fits to the data are obtained when dimers are slightly anticooperative. At least three major energetic states are apparently assumed by hemoglobin tetramers, with respect to the alpha1beta2 contact region, corresponding to (a) unliganded, (b) singly liganded, (c) triply and quadruply liganded species. The results do not establish whether these states may be assumed by a single molecule, or whether they arise as averages over a distrubution of conformational states. They do provide unequivocal evidence against a concerted transition at any particular binding step in a system with only two energetic states of tetramer (i.e., an all or none switchover between T and R states at a particular binding step).", "contents": "Oxygenation-linked subunit interactions in human hemoglobin: experimental studies on the concentration dependence of oxygenation curves. An experimental study on the concentration dependence of oxygenation curves for human hemoglobin has been carried out between 4 X 10(-8) M heme and 5 X 10(-4) M heme in 0.1 M tris(hydroxymehtyl)aminomethane hydrochloride, 0.1 M NaCl, 1 mM disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, pH 7.4, 21.5 degrees C. With decreasing hemoglobin concentration the curves show pronounced shifts in position and shape, consistent with dissociation of tetrameric hemoglobin into dimeric species of high affinity and low cooperativity. Combination of these data with independently determined values of dissociation constants for unliganded and fully liganded hemoglobin permits a resolution of the seven parameters necessary to define the linked binding and subunit association processes. The total oxygenation-linked subunit dissociation energy (6.34 kcal) was resolved into intersubunit contact energy changes between alphabeta dimers in tetrameric hemoglobin which accompany binding of the first, middle two, and last oxygen molecules. The resolution is accurate to within approximately +/-0.3 kcal. To within this limit the isolated dimers are found to bind oxygen noncooperatively and with the same affinity as isolated alpha and beta chains. Equally good fits to the data are obtained when dimers are slightly anticooperative. At least three major energetic states are apparently assumed by hemoglobin tetramers, with respect to the alpha1beta2 contact region, corresponding to (a) unliganded, (b) singly liganded, (c) triply and quadruply liganded species. The results do not establish whether these states may be assumed by a single molecule, or whether they arise as averages over a distrubution of conformational states. They do provide unequivocal evidence against a concerted transition at any particular binding step in a system with only two energetic states of tetramer (i.e., an all or none switchover between T and R states at a particular binding step).", "PMID": 999811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7883", "title": "Oxygenation-linked subunit interactions in human hemoglobin: analysis of linkage functions for constituent energy terms.", "content": "Resolution of the linkage functions between oxygenation and subunit association-dissociation equilibria in human hemoglobin into the constituent microscopic terms has been explored by numerical simulation and least-squares analysis. The correlation properties between parameters has been studied using several choices of parameter sets in order to optimize resolution. It is found that, with currently available levels of experimental precision and ranges of variables, neither linkage function can provide sufficient resolution of all the desired energy terms. The most difficult quantities to resolve always include the dimer-tetramer association constant for unliganded hemoglobin and the oxygen binding constants to alphabeta dimers. A feasible experimental strategy for overcoming these difficulties lies in independent determination of the dimer-tetramer association constants for unliganded and fully oxygenated hemoglobin. These constants, in combination with the median lignad concentration, provide an estimate of the energy for total oxygenation of tetramers which is essentially independent of the other constituent energies. It is shown that if these separately determinable parameters are fixed, the remaining terms may be estimated to good accuracy using data which represents either linkage function. In general it is desirable to combine information from both types of experimental quantities. A previous paper (Mills, F.C., Johnson, M.L., and Ackers, G.K. (1976), Biochemestry, 15, the preceding paper in this issue) describes the experimental implementation of this strategy.", "contents": "Oxygenation-linked subunit interactions in human hemoglobin: analysis of linkage functions for constituent energy terms. Resolution of the linkage functions between oxygenation and subunit association-dissociation equilibria in human hemoglobin into the constituent microscopic terms has been explored by numerical simulation and least-squares analysis. The correlation properties between parameters has been studied using several choices of parameter sets in order to optimize resolution. It is found that, with currently available levels of experimental precision and ranges of variables, neither linkage function can provide sufficient resolution of all the desired energy terms. The most difficult quantities to resolve always include the dimer-tetramer association constant for unliganded hemoglobin and the oxygen binding constants to alphabeta dimers. A feasible experimental strategy for overcoming these difficulties lies in independent determination of the dimer-tetramer association constants for unliganded and fully oxygenated hemoglobin. These constants, in combination with the median lignad concentration, provide an estimate of the energy for total oxygenation of tetramers which is essentially independent of the other constituent energies. It is shown that if these separately determinable parameters are fixed, the remaining terms may be estimated to good accuracy using data which represents either linkage function. In general it is desirable to combine information from both types of experimental quantities. A previous paper (Mills, F.C., Johnson, M.L., and Ackers, G.K. (1976), Biochemestry, 15, the preceding paper in this issue) describes the experimental implementation of this strategy.", "PMID": 999812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7884", "title": "Structure of gene 5 protein-oligodeoxynucleotide complexes as determined by 1H, 19F, and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance.", "content": "1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra at 270 MHz of gene 5 protein from bacteriophage fd and its complexes with tetra- and octadeoxynucleotides show that approximately 12 of the 37 aromatic protons of the protein undergo upfield shifts upon nucleotide binding. In the complex with d(pT)8, the upfield shifts of the aromatic protons average approximately 0.3 ppm, while in the d(pA)8 complex the same resonances (assigned to tyrosyl protons) shift upfield approximately 0.8 ppm. These are interpreted as ring current shifts induced by stacking of the phenyl rings of three of the five tyrosyl residues with the bases of the nucleotides. 19FNMR of m-fluorotyrosyl gene 5 protein shows five separate resonances: two downfield from m-fluorotyrosine corresponding to \"buried\" tyrosyls and three near m-fluorotyrosine corresponding to \"surface\" tyrosyls. The latter (assigned to Tyr-26, -41, and -56, shown by chemical modification to be exposed to solvent) move upfield on nucleotide binding. The downfield 19F resonances are unaffected. Thus the aromatic protons shifted upfield on nucleotide binding appear to be those of Tyr-26, -41, and -56. In contrast to tetra-, octanucleotide binding to gene 5 protein induces large changes in the 1H resonances of the -CH3 groups of the Val, Leu, and Ile side chains. These may reflect conformational changes induced by protein-protein interactions between two monomers bound to the octanucleotide. 1H resonances of the epsilon-CH2 groups of the lysyl residues in the protein and the complexes with nucleotides are narrow with long T2 values, suggesting considerable rotational motion. Thus epilson-NH3+-phosphate interactions, if they occur, are on the surface of the complex and allow the epsilon-CH2 groups to retain considerable rotational freedom. 31P NMR of the bound nucleotides shows large decreases in T1 for the 3'-5' diesters, but little chemical shift suggesting no unusual distortion of the nucleotide backbone on binding to gene 5 protein. A three-dimensional model of a gene 5 protein-octanucleotide complex has been built based on predictions of the secondary structure from the amino acid sequence (87 AA) and tertiary folding dictated by known chemical and NMR features of the complex.", "contents": "Structure of gene 5 protein-oligodeoxynucleotide complexes as determined by 1H, 19F, and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra at 270 MHz of gene 5 protein from bacteriophage fd and its complexes with tetra- and octadeoxynucleotides show that approximately 12 of the 37 aromatic protons of the protein undergo upfield shifts upon nucleotide binding. In the complex with d(pT)8, the upfield shifts of the aromatic protons average approximately 0.3 ppm, while in the d(pA)8 complex the same resonances (assigned to tyrosyl protons) shift upfield approximately 0.8 ppm. These are interpreted as ring current shifts induced by stacking of the phenyl rings of three of the five tyrosyl residues with the bases of the nucleotides. 19FNMR of m-fluorotyrosyl gene 5 protein shows five separate resonances: two downfield from m-fluorotyrosine corresponding to \"buried\" tyrosyls and three near m-fluorotyrosine corresponding to \"surface\" tyrosyls. The latter (assigned to Tyr-26, -41, and -56, shown by chemical modification to be exposed to solvent) move upfield on nucleotide binding. The downfield 19F resonances are unaffected. Thus the aromatic protons shifted upfield on nucleotide binding appear to be those of Tyr-26, -41, and -56. In contrast to tetra-, octanucleotide binding to gene 5 protein induces large changes in the 1H resonances of the -CH3 groups of the Val, Leu, and Ile side chains. These may reflect conformational changes induced by protein-protein interactions between two monomers bound to the octanucleotide. 1H resonances of the epsilon-CH2 groups of the lysyl residues in the protein and the complexes with nucleotides are narrow with long T2 values, suggesting considerable rotational motion. Thus epilson-NH3+-phosphate interactions, if they occur, are on the surface of the complex and allow the epsilon-CH2 groups to retain considerable rotational freedom. 31P NMR of the bound nucleotides shows large decreases in T1 for the 3'-5' diesters, but little chemical shift suggesting no unusual distortion of the nucleotide backbone on binding to gene 5 protein. A three-dimensional model of a gene 5 protein-octanucleotide complex has been built based on predictions of the secondary structure from the amino acid sequence (87 AA) and tertiary folding dictated by known chemical and NMR features of the complex.", "PMID": 999816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7885", "title": "The salt-induced destacking of purine in aqueous NaCl systems and its implications on life at elevated temperatures.", "content": "Aqueous purine solutions in the absence and presence of NaCl have been studied by vapor-pressure osmometry and high-resolution proton-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy. The presence of NaCl causes a marked change in the temperature dependence of the molal osmotic coefficient and the chemical shift of the purine resonances when compared with the corresponding quantities in purine solutions containing no added salt. In the absence of salt, the destacking of the purine is gradual as the temperature is increased, whereas there is a sharp decrease in purine stacking at approximately 42 degrees C in the presence of NaCl. This salt-induced destacking of purine is consistent with the previously noted salt-induced bulk water destructuring at temperatures above approximately 42 degrees C. This effect has been deduced from considerations of species profiles in acid-water systems as a function of temperature (Leifer, L., and Inoue, K., manuscript in preparation). The implications of this phenomenon on biological systems at elevated temperatures will be discussed.", "contents": "The salt-induced destacking of purine in aqueous NaCl systems and its implications on life at elevated temperatures. Aqueous purine solutions in the absence and presence of NaCl have been studied by vapor-pressure osmometry and high-resolution proton-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy. The presence of NaCl causes a marked change in the temperature dependence of the molal osmotic coefficient and the chemical shift of the purine resonances when compared with the corresponding quantities in purine solutions containing no added salt. In the absence of salt, the destacking of the purine is gradual as the temperature is increased, whereas there is a sharp decrease in purine stacking at approximately 42 degrees C in the presence of NaCl. This salt-induced destacking of purine is consistent with the previously noted salt-induced bulk water destructuring at temperatures above approximately 42 degrees C. This effect has been deduced from considerations of species profiles in acid-water systems as a function of temperature (Leifer, L., and Inoue, K., manuscript in preparation). The implications of this phenomenon on biological systems at elevated temperatures will be discussed.", "PMID": 999817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7886", "title": "Effects of podophyllotoxin and VP-16-213 on microtubule assembly in vitro and nucleoside transport in HeLa cells.", "content": "VP-16-213, a semisynthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin, is an active antitumor agent. In this paper, the effects of VP-16-213 and podophyllotoxin on microtubule assembly in vitro and nucleoside transport in HeLa cells are compared. At 100 muM, VP-16-213 does not inhibit microtubule assembly in vitro, while 5 muM podophyllotoxin completely prevents the formation of microtubules. The presence of the glucoside moiety in VP-16-213 is responsible for the inactivity of VP-16-213 in this system because 4'-demethylepipodo-phyllotoxin, the nonglucoside congener of VP-16-213, inhibits microtubule assembly. In HeLa cells, VP-16-213 and podophyllotoxin share a common biological property; both agents inhibit the uptake of thymidine and uridine into cells by inhibiting the facilitated diffusional component of nucleoside transport. The conncentrations of drug necessary to inhibit thymidine and uridine uptake into HeLa cells by 50% are 10 and 5 muM, respectively, for podophyllotoxin, and 25 and 20 muM for VP-16-213. The action of podophyllotoxin on nucleoside transport appears unrelated to its effect on microtubule assembly, since VP-16-213, which does not inhibit microtubule assembly, inhibits nucleoside transport.", "contents": "Effects of podophyllotoxin and VP-16-213 on microtubule assembly in vitro and nucleoside transport in HeLa cells. VP-16-213, a semisynthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin, is an active antitumor agent. In this paper, the effects of VP-16-213 and podophyllotoxin on microtubule assembly in vitro and nucleoside transport in HeLa cells are compared. At 100 muM, VP-16-213 does not inhibit microtubule assembly in vitro, while 5 muM podophyllotoxin completely prevents the formation of microtubules. The presence of the glucoside moiety in VP-16-213 is responsible for the inactivity of VP-16-213 in this system because 4'-demethylepipodo-phyllotoxin, the nonglucoside congener of VP-16-213, inhibits microtubule assembly. In HeLa cells, VP-16-213 and podophyllotoxin share a common biological property; both agents inhibit the uptake of thymidine and uridine into cells by inhibiting the facilitated diffusional component of nucleoside transport. The conncentrations of drug necessary to inhibit thymidine and uridine uptake into HeLa cells by 50% are 10 and 5 muM, respectively, for podophyllotoxin, and 25 and 20 muM for VP-16-213. The action of podophyllotoxin on nucleoside transport appears unrelated to its effect on microtubule assembly, since VP-16-213, which does not inhibit microtubule assembly, inhibits nucleoside transport.", "PMID": 999818} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7887", "title": "Effect of VP-16-213 on the intracellular degradation of DNA in HeLa cells.", "content": "The effect of VP-16-213 on cellular DNA was studied by following the sedimentation profiles of radioactive DNA in HeLa cells on alkaline sucrose gradients. In VP-16-213 treated cells, high-molecular-weight DNA is converted to a lower molecular-weight form in a dose-dependent, temperature-dependent reaction. The effect of VP-16-213 on cellular DNA is reversed after the drug has been removed from the growth medium for 150 min. These results suggest that VP-16-213 induces single-stranded breaks in DNA in HeLa cells and that HeLa cells can repair these breaks within 150 min. The nonglucoside derivative of VP-16-213, 4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin, also induces the cleavage of cellular DNA but podophyllotoxin has no effect on DNA. A structure-activity relationship study, in which the effects of various VP-16-213 and podophyllotoxin congeners were tested for their ability to cleave cellular DNA,revealed that an hydroxyl group at the C-4' position is required for activity and that the configuration of the C-4 carbon influences the activity of a congener. These results may offer insights into the mechanism of action of VP-16-213 as an antitumor agent.", "contents": "Effect of VP-16-213 on the intracellular degradation of DNA in HeLa cells. The effect of VP-16-213 on cellular DNA was studied by following the sedimentation profiles of radioactive DNA in HeLa cells on alkaline sucrose gradients. In VP-16-213 treated cells, high-molecular-weight DNA is converted to a lower molecular-weight form in a dose-dependent, temperature-dependent reaction. The effect of VP-16-213 on cellular DNA is reversed after the drug has been removed from the growth medium for 150 min. These results suggest that VP-16-213 induces single-stranded breaks in DNA in HeLa cells and that HeLa cells can repair these breaks within 150 min. The nonglucoside derivative of VP-16-213, 4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin, also induces the cleavage of cellular DNA but podophyllotoxin has no effect on DNA. A structure-activity relationship study, in which the effects of various VP-16-213 and podophyllotoxin congeners were tested for their ability to cleave cellular DNA,revealed that an hydroxyl group at the C-4' position is required for activity and that the configuration of the C-4 carbon influences the activity of a congener. These results may offer insights into the mechanism of action of VP-16-213 as an antitumor agent.", "PMID": 999819} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7888", "title": "Sulfated glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycosaminoglycans from synaptic plasma and myelin membranes: isolation and characterization of sulfated glycopeptides.", "content": "In this report we provide biochemical evidence that a highly purified synaptic plasma membrane fraction derived from rat brain, after intraventricular injection of 35S-labeled sodium sulfate, is enriched in a number of large sulfated glycoproteins compared with a purified myelin fraction studied concurrently. A fraction of the detergent-solubilized sulfated glycoprotein bound specifically to concanavalin A-Sepharose. In addition, we have identified the 35S-labeled lipid-soluble material in these membrane fractions as cerebroside sulfate. The sulfated protein in the lipid-extracted membranes was shown to consist predominantly of a class of glycoproteins containing sulfate in ester linkage to oligosaccharide chains, which are differentiated structurally from the sulfated glycosaminoglycans of brain. These two classes of sulfated macromolecules were distinguished from one another by several chemical and physical parameters. We present the chemical characterization of the sulfated glycopeptides derived from synaptic plasma and myelin membranes by extensive proteolytic digestion after quantitative removal of cerebroside sulfate. Membrane-associated glycosaminoglycans, either specifically or adventitously associated with these neuronal membranes, were quantitatively precipitated and identified.", "contents": "Sulfated glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycosaminoglycans from synaptic plasma and myelin membranes: isolation and characterization of sulfated glycopeptides. In this report we provide biochemical evidence that a highly purified synaptic plasma membrane fraction derived from rat brain, after intraventricular injection of 35S-labeled sodium sulfate, is enriched in a number of large sulfated glycoproteins compared with a purified myelin fraction studied concurrently. A fraction of the detergent-solubilized sulfated glycoprotein bound specifically to concanavalin A-Sepharose. In addition, we have identified the 35S-labeled lipid-soluble material in these membrane fractions as cerebroside sulfate. The sulfated protein in the lipid-extracted membranes was shown to consist predominantly of a class of glycoproteins containing sulfate in ester linkage to oligosaccharide chains, which are differentiated structurally from the sulfated glycosaminoglycans of brain. These two classes of sulfated macromolecules were distinguished from one another by several chemical and physical parameters. We present the chemical characterization of the sulfated glycopeptides derived from synaptic plasma and myelin membranes by extensive proteolytic digestion after quantitative removal of cerebroside sulfate. Membrane-associated glycosaminoglycans, either specifically or adventitously associated with these neuronal membranes, were quantitatively precipitated and identified.", "PMID": 999820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7889", "title": "Differential translation of mouse myeloma messenger RNAs in a wheat germ cell-free system.", "content": "Translation of the polysomal mRNA of mouse myeloma cells in a wheat germ cell-free system leads to the immunoglobulin (Ig) light-chain precursor as the major product. Excess polysomal RNA causes strong inhibition of polypeptide synthesis, but has little effect of light-chain precursor synthesis. The inhibitory effect of excess RNA is avoided when the poly(A)-containing RNA fraction is used. With nearly saturating amounts of the latter RNA, light-chain recursor synthesis becomes more predominant, possibly as a result of competition between different mRNA species. High levels of potassium acetate cause strong inhibition of overall translation, but do not inhibit light-chain precursor synthesis. Addition of poly(A) to the cell-free system also causes inhibition, presumably through interference with the intiation process. Again, light-chain precursor synthesis is relatively resistant. Ig heavy-chain synthesis is relatively inefficent, but its resistance to the inhibitors tends to be nearly as great as that of the light-chain precursor. The results indicate that the Ig mRNAs are particulary efficient in initiating translation. This characteristic may account for certain features of the regulation of Ig synthesis in intact myeloma cells.", "contents": "Differential translation of mouse myeloma messenger RNAs in a wheat germ cell-free system. Translation of the polysomal mRNA of mouse myeloma cells in a wheat germ cell-free system leads to the immunoglobulin (Ig) light-chain precursor as the major product. Excess polysomal RNA causes strong inhibition of polypeptide synthesis, but has little effect of light-chain precursor synthesis. The inhibitory effect of excess RNA is avoided when the poly(A)-containing RNA fraction is used. With nearly saturating amounts of the latter RNA, light-chain recursor synthesis becomes more predominant, possibly as a result of competition between different mRNA species. High levels of potassium acetate cause strong inhibition of overall translation, but do not inhibit light-chain precursor synthesis. Addition of poly(A) to the cell-free system also causes inhibition, presumably through interference with the intiation process. Again, light-chain precursor synthesis is relatively resistant. Ig heavy-chain synthesis is relatively inefficent, but its resistance to the inhibitors tends to be nearly as great as that of the light-chain precursor. The results indicate that the Ig mRNAs are particulary efficient in initiating translation. This characteristic may account for certain features of the regulation of Ig synthesis in intact myeloma cells.", "PMID": 999824} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7890", "title": "Isolation and in vitro translation of zein messenger ribonucleic acid.", "content": "Zein messenger RNA was isolated from membrane-bound polyribosomes of developing maize kernels by oligo(dT)-cellulose chromatography. Translation of the mRNA in vitro yielded protein similar to native zein in amino acid content, ethanol solubility, and mobility on sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gels. The zein mRNA sedimented as a homogeneous peak on sucrose gradients and contained a poly(A)-rich region based upon hybridization to [3H]poly(U). The mRNA had an apparent molecular weight of 540 000 on agarose-acrylamide gels. It synthesized both 21 800 and 19 000 molecular weight zein components in the wheat-germ cell-free protein synthesis system. The possibility of a polycistronic mRNA or two mRNAs of similar molecular weight is considered.", "contents": "Isolation and in vitro translation of zein messenger ribonucleic acid. Zein messenger RNA was isolated from membrane-bound polyribosomes of developing maize kernels by oligo(dT)-cellulose chromatography. Translation of the mRNA in vitro yielded protein similar to native zein in amino acid content, ethanol solubility, and mobility on sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gels. The zein mRNA sedimented as a homogeneous peak on sucrose gradients and contained a poly(A)-rich region based upon hybridization to [3H]poly(U). The mRNA had an apparent molecular weight of 540 000 on agarose-acrylamide gels. It synthesized both 21 800 and 19 000 molecular weight zein components in the wheat-germ cell-free protein synthesis system. The possibility of a polycistronic mRNA or two mRNAs of similar molecular weight is considered.", "PMID": 999825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7891", "title": "13C nuclear magnetic resonance study of molecular motions and conformational transitions in muscle calcium binding parvalbumins.", "content": "13C nuclear magnetic resonance is used to detect the Ca2+ ion controlled conformational transition in muscle calcium binding parvalbumin and to study its intramolecular motions. Nuclear relaxation parameters are used to evaluate the reorientation rates of the protein and some of the amino acid side chains. While peripheral residues exhibit greater motional freedom than the protein interior, an interesting finding is that significant rapid internal motion is present in the phenylalanine rings comprising the hydrophobic core of the protein.", "contents": "13C nuclear magnetic resonance study of molecular motions and conformational transitions in muscle calcium binding parvalbumins. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance is used to detect the Ca2+ ion controlled conformational transition in muscle calcium binding parvalbumin and to study its intramolecular motions. Nuclear relaxation parameters are used to evaluate the reorientation rates of the protein and some of the amino acid side chains. While peripheral residues exhibit greater motional freedom than the protein interior, an interesting finding is that significant rapid internal motion is present in the phenylalanine rings comprising the hydrophobic core of the protein.", "PMID": 999828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7892", "title": "Mechanism of action of serine proteases: tetrahedral intermediate and concerted proton transfer.", "content": "Stopped-flow spectrophotometry and proton inventory experiments have been used to define the reaction pathway for hydrolysis of a specific peptide substrate, Ac-L-Ala-L-Pro-L-Ala p-nitroanilide, by the serine proteases elastase and alpha-lytic protease. The stopped-flow studies reveal the existence and buildup of a tetrahedral adduct between the active site serine hydroxyl group and the sensitive carbonyl group of the substrate. The decomposition of this tetrahedral intermediate to the acyl enzyme and p-nitroaniline is the rate-limiting step for the hydrolytic reaction. The proton inventory data suggest the simultaneous transfer of two protons (presumably from the catalytic carboxyl of Asp-102 to N pi of the catalytic imidazole of His-57 and from N pi of the imidazole to the anilide NH) in the transition state leading to breakdown of the tetrahedral complex. That these proton transfers occur in a concerted, rather than stepwise, process attests to the ability of enzymes to lower the enthalpy of activation most effectively when the precise alignment of a highly specific substrate and catalytic groups minimizes the entropy of activation.", "contents": "Mechanism of action of serine proteases: tetrahedral intermediate and concerted proton transfer. Stopped-flow spectrophotometry and proton inventory experiments have been used to define the reaction pathway for hydrolysis of a specific peptide substrate, Ac-L-Ala-L-Pro-L-Ala p-nitroanilide, by the serine proteases elastase and alpha-lytic protease. The stopped-flow studies reveal the existence and buildup of a tetrahedral adduct between the active site serine hydroxyl group and the sensitive carbonyl group of the substrate. The decomposition of this tetrahedral intermediate to the acyl enzyme and p-nitroaniline is the rate-limiting step for the hydrolytic reaction. The proton inventory data suggest the simultaneous transfer of two protons (presumably from the catalytic carboxyl of Asp-102 to N pi of the catalytic imidazole of His-57 and from N pi of the imidazole to the anilide NH) in the transition state leading to breakdown of the tetrahedral complex. That these proton transfers occur in a concerted, rather than stepwise, process attests to the ability of enzymes to lower the enthalpy of activation most effectively when the precise alignment of a highly specific substrate and catalytic groups minimizes the entropy of activation.", "PMID": 999831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7893", "title": "Deuterium and tritium exchange in enzyme kinetics.", "content": "The theory of the isotopic exchange of deuterium and tritium between an enzyme-substrate complex and the solvent is derived for 16 different types of experiment involving measurements of initial velocities and of the isotopic content of the reactants and products as a function of the extent of reaction. It is shown how the data from these experiments can be analyzed to obtain the rate constants for the individual steps and thereby the Gibbs free energies of the intermediates and transition states in the reaction. The effects of isotopic substitution on each intermidiate and transition state are also found and this allows conclusions to be drawn as to the extent to which a proton is in flight in a particular transition state. Neither substrate handling (that is, on-off steps), nor the isotopic exchange with the solvent, is assumed to be rapid.", "contents": "Deuterium and tritium exchange in enzyme kinetics. The theory of the isotopic exchange of deuterium and tritium between an enzyme-substrate complex and the solvent is derived for 16 different types of experiment involving measurements of initial velocities and of the isotopic content of the reactants and products as a function of the extent of reaction. It is shown how the data from these experiments can be analyzed to obtain the rate constants for the individual steps and thereby the Gibbs free energies of the intermediates and transition states in the reaction. The effects of isotopic substitution on each intermidiate and transition state are also found and this allows conclusions to be drawn as to the extent to which a proton is in flight in a particular transition state. Neither substrate handling (that is, on-off steps), nor the isotopic exchange with the solvent, is assumed to be rapid.", "PMID": 999832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7894", "title": "Energetics of triosephosphate isomerase: the appearance of solvent tritium in substrate dihydroxyacetone phosphate and in product.", "content": "When the isomerization of dihydroxyacetone phosphate to D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is catalyzed by triosephosphate isomerase in tritiated water, both the substrate and product become labeled. The specific radioactivity of the product is about 80% that of the solvent, which shows that the protonation of the enediol intermediate at C-2 (to form the enzyme-bound product D-glceraldehyde 3-phosphate) is followed by a slower step not involving proton transfer. The specific radioactivity of the remaining substrate after partial reaction rises as the reaction proceeds and shows that the reaction intermediate that exchanges protons with the medium returns to dihydroxyacetone phosphate (picking up tritium) about one-third as often as it is converted to D-glceraldehyde 3-phosphate. These results allow a qualitative description of the relative heights of the energy barriers in the catalyzed reaction and contribute to the quantitative analysis of the energetics of the process.", "contents": "Energetics of triosephosphate isomerase: the appearance of solvent tritium in substrate dihydroxyacetone phosphate and in product. When the isomerization of dihydroxyacetone phosphate to D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is catalyzed by triosephosphate isomerase in tritiated water, both the substrate and product become labeled. The specific radioactivity of the product is about 80% that of the solvent, which shows that the protonation of the enediol intermediate at C-2 (to form the enzyme-bound product D-glceraldehyde 3-phosphate) is followed by a slower step not involving proton transfer. The specific radioactivity of the remaining substrate after partial reaction rises as the reaction proceeds and shows that the reaction intermediate that exchanges protons with the medium returns to dihydroxyacetone phosphate (picking up tritium) about one-third as often as it is converted to D-glceraldehyde 3-phosphate. These results allow a qualitative description of the relative heights of the energy barriers in the catalyzed reaction and contribute to the quantitative analysis of the energetics of the process.", "PMID": 999834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7895", "title": "Energetics of triosephosphate isomerase: the appearance of solvent tritium in substrate glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and in product.", "content": "When the isomerization of D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate to dihydroxyacetone phosphate is catalyzed by triosephosphate isomerase in tritiated water, both the substrate and the product become labeled. The specific radioactivity of the product is only about 13% that of the solvent, which shows that the protonation of the enediol intermediate at C-1 (to form the enzyme-bound product dihydroxyacetone phosphate) is a kinetically significant step, and that the rate of loss of dihydroxyacetone phosphate from the enzyme is relatively fast. The specific radioactivity of the remaining substrate after partial reaction rises as the reaction proceeds and shows that the reaction intermediate that exchanges protons with the medium returns to D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate about one-third as often as it is converted to dihydroxyacetone phosphate. These results confirm the qualitative description of the relative heights of the energy barriers in this reaction and further contribute to the quantitative analysis of the free-energy profile.", "contents": "Energetics of triosephosphate isomerase: the appearance of solvent tritium in substrate glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and in product. When the isomerization of D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate to dihydroxyacetone phosphate is catalyzed by triosephosphate isomerase in tritiated water, both the substrate and the product become labeled. The specific radioactivity of the product is only about 13% that of the solvent, which shows that the protonation of the enediol intermediate at C-1 (to form the enzyme-bound product dihydroxyacetone phosphate) is a kinetically significant step, and that the rate of loss of dihydroxyacetone phosphate from the enzyme is relatively fast. The specific radioactivity of the remaining substrate after partial reaction rises as the reaction proceeds and shows that the reaction intermediate that exchanges protons with the medium returns to D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate about one-third as often as it is converted to dihydroxyacetone phosphate. These results confirm the qualitative description of the relative heights of the energy barriers in this reaction and further contribute to the quantitative analysis of the free-energy profile.", "PMID": 999835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7896", "title": "Energetics of triosephosphate isomerase: deuterium isotope effects in the enzyme-catalyzed reaction.", "content": "The effect of isotopic substitution of the specifically labilized hydrogen in the substrates of triosephosphate isomerase on the steady-state rates of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction has been examined. The k cat value for the enzyme-catalyzed transformation of [1(R)-2H] dihydroxyacetone phosphate is 2.9 times smaller than that for the 1(R)-1H compound. Because of the rapid loss of 2H to solvent from the enzyme-enediol complex, this factor represents the full kinetic isotope effect of the proton abstraction step. The values of k cat and of Km for D-[2-2H]glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate are indistinguishable from those of the 2-1H material. This arises from the rapid loss of 2H from the enzyme-enediol intermediate, which results in 1H rather than 2H transfer in the rate-limiting step. The steady-state kinetic results reported in this paper qualitatively confirm and quantitatively extend the results from the previous papers on the variation of the free energy along the reaction path.", "contents": "Energetics of triosephosphate isomerase: deuterium isotope effects in the enzyme-catalyzed reaction. The effect of isotopic substitution of the specifically labilized hydrogen in the substrates of triosephosphate isomerase on the steady-state rates of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction has been examined. The k cat value for the enzyme-catalyzed transformation of [1(R)-2H] dihydroxyacetone phosphate is 2.9 times smaller than that for the 1(R)-1H compound. Because of the rapid loss of 2H to solvent from the enzyme-enediol complex, this factor represents the full kinetic isotope effect of the proton abstraction step. The values of k cat and of Km for D-[2-2H]glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate are indistinguishable from those of the 2-1H material. This arises from the rapid loss of 2H from the enzyme-enediol intermediate, which results in 1H rather than 2H transfer in the rate-limiting step. The steady-state kinetic results reported in this paper qualitatively confirm and quantitatively extend the results from the previous papers on the variation of the free energy along the reaction path.", "PMID": 999836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7897", "title": "Energetics of triosephosphate isomerase: the nature of the proton transfer between the catalytic base and solvent water.", "content": "The isomerization of specifically deuterium-labeled [1(R)-2H5dihydroxyacetone phosphate to D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, catalyzed by the enzyme triosephosphate isomerase, has been studied. It is shown that the extent of transfer of the 2H label from the substrate to the product D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is (after complete reaction) the same as that of the corresponding transfer of 3H. The absence of an isotope effect shows that the exchange process of the tstopically labeled enzyme carboxyl group, -COOL H2O leads to -COOH + LOH, does not tnvolve a rate-limiting transition state in which L is the flight. Possible modes for the nature of the ionization of -COOL in 1H2O are discussed.", "contents": "Energetics of triosephosphate isomerase: the nature of the proton transfer between the catalytic base and solvent water. The isomerization of specifically deuterium-labeled [1(R)-2H5dihydroxyacetone phosphate to D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, catalyzed by the enzyme triosephosphate isomerase, has been studied. It is shown that the extent of transfer of the 2H label from the substrate to the product D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is (after complete reaction) the same as that of the corresponding transfer of 3H. The absence of an isotope effect shows that the exchange process of the tstopically labeled enzyme carboxyl group, -COOL H2O leads to -COOH + LOH, does not tnvolve a rate-limiting transition state in which L is the flight. Possible modes for the nature of the ionization of -COOL in 1H2O are discussed.", "PMID": 999837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7898", "title": "Free-energy profile of the reaction catalyzed by triosephosphate isomerase.", "content": "The experimental results on the interconversion of dihydroxyacetone phosphate and D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate catalyzed by triosephosphate isomerase that are presented in the previous five papers are here collected and analyzed according to the theory presented in the first paper (Albery, W.J., Knowles, J.R. (1976), Biochemistry 15, the first of eight papers in a series in this issue). The rate constants and fractionation factors so derived allow the construction of theGibbs free-energy profile for this enzyme-catalyzed reaction.", "contents": "Free-energy profile of the reaction catalyzed by triosephosphate isomerase. The experimental results on the interconversion of dihydroxyacetone phosphate and D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate catalyzed by triosephosphate isomerase that are presented in the previous five papers are here collected and analyzed according to the theory presented in the first paper (Albery, W.J., Knowles, J.R. (1976), Biochemistry 15, the first of eight papers in a series in this issue). The rate constants and fractionation factors so derived allow the construction of theGibbs free-energy profile for this enzyme-catalyzed reaction.", "PMID": 999838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7899", "title": "On the identity of nuclear membrane and non-histone nuclear proteins.", "content": "The fate of plasma and nuclear membrane polypeptides in preparations of acidic chromosomal protein from chicken erythrocytes has been investigated. It is shown that detergent extraction procedures (Nonidet P-40, Triton X-100, and saponin), commonly employed in the preparation of acidic chromosomal protein, cannot be relied upon to remove plasma and nuclear membrane polypeptides. These polypeptides persist in nuclear and chromatin preparations and subsequently fractionate as acidic chromosomal protein. In fact, the polypeptides in a preparation of erythrocyte acidic chromosomal protein are shown by gel electrophoresis in dodecyl sulfate to be almost identical to those in a preparation of erythrocyte nuclear membrane. The implication of these results for the preparation of acidic chromosomal protein is dicussed.", "contents": "On the identity of nuclear membrane and non-histone nuclear proteins. The fate of plasma and nuclear membrane polypeptides in preparations of acidic chromosomal protein from chicken erythrocytes has been investigated. It is shown that detergent extraction procedures (Nonidet P-40, Triton X-100, and saponin), commonly employed in the preparation of acidic chromosomal protein, cannot be relied upon to remove plasma and nuclear membrane polypeptides. These polypeptides persist in nuclear and chromatin preparations and subsequently fractionate as acidic chromosomal protein. In fact, the polypeptides in a preparation of erythrocyte acidic chromosomal protein are shown by gel electrophoresis in dodecyl sulfate to be almost identical to those in a preparation of erythrocyte nuclear membrane. The implication of these results for the preparation of acidic chromosomal protein is dicussed.", "PMID": 999840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7900", "title": "Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of D2O-substrate exchange reactions catalyzed by glutamic pyruvic and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminases.", "content": "Nuclear magnetic resonance studies in D2O (greater than 90%) with glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GTP) (2.6.1.2) demonstrate that this enzyme catalyzes the rapid exchange of both the alpha and beta hydrogens of L-alanine, the exchange of only one alpha hydrogen of glycine, and the beta hydrogens of pyruvate and fluoropyruvate. When the beta hydrogens of L-alanine undergo the enzyme-catalyzed exchange, the product may have 1, 2 or 3 of beta hydrogens exchanged. The exchange is stimulated by the addition of catalytic amounts of copartner of transaminations reaction. A mechanism is proposed for an extension of the conjugated system to include the alpha and beta carbons to explain the labilization of the beta hydrogens.", "contents": "Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of D2O-substrate exchange reactions catalyzed by glutamic pyruvic and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminases. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies in D2O (greater than 90%) with glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GTP) (2.6.1.2) demonstrate that this enzyme catalyzes the rapid exchange of both the alpha and beta hydrogens of L-alanine, the exchange of only one alpha hydrogen of glycine, and the beta hydrogens of pyruvate and fluoropyruvate. When the beta hydrogens of L-alanine undergo the enzyme-catalyzed exchange, the product may have 1, 2 or 3 of beta hydrogens exchanged. The exchange is stimulated by the addition of catalytic amounts of copartner of transaminations reaction. A mechanism is proposed for an extension of the conjugated system to include the alpha and beta carbons to explain the labilization of the beta hydrogens.", "PMID": 999842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7901", "title": "Intact photoreceptor membrane from bovine rod outer segment: size and shape in bleached state.", "content": "Photoreceptor disk membranes isolated from bovine rod outer segments are suspended in dilute aqueous sucrose (4.36 X 10(-3%)) and bleached, and their size and shape are determined with quasielastic and elastic light scattering. They are found to be extremely homogeneous spherical vesicles with a radius of 0.49 +/- 0.07 mum which appear to have derived from the native disk shape by osmotic swelling.", "contents": "Intact photoreceptor membrane from bovine rod outer segment: size and shape in bleached state. Photoreceptor disk membranes isolated from bovine rod outer segments are suspended in dilute aqueous sucrose (4.36 X 10(-3%)) and bleached, and their size and shape are determined with quasielastic and elastic light scattering. They are found to be extremely homogeneous spherical vesicles with a radius of 0.49 +/- 0.07 mum which appear to have derived from the native disk shape by osmotic swelling.", "PMID": 999843} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7902", "title": "Fluorescence lifetimes of Chlorella pyrenoidosa.", "content": "The flucrescence decay of Chlorella pyrenoidosa has been investigated under a variety of conditions in the picosecond and nanosecond time regions. Most of the fluorescence is accounted for by an expression of the form I(t) = I0exp-(At+Bt1/2) though an additional exponential term is required to include a weak component of lifetime 32 ps observable only at the higher pulse intensities. This interpretation reconciles earlier and apparently conflicting data. The weak 32 ps component may be associated with Photosystem I, although the possibility that it is an artefact of the high intensity pulses used cannot be excluded at present. The main fluorescence, described by the equation above is attributed to the antenna chlorophyll and is of the form which would be expected from a single light harvesting array with trapping at randomly distributed sites.", "contents": "Fluorescence lifetimes of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The flucrescence decay of Chlorella pyrenoidosa has been investigated under a variety of conditions in the picosecond and nanosecond time regions. Most of the fluorescence is accounted for by an expression of the form I(t) = I0exp-(At+Bt1/2) though an additional exponential term is required to include a weak component of lifetime 32 ps observable only at the higher pulse intensities. This interpretation reconciles earlier and apparently conflicting data. The weak 32 ps component may be associated with Photosystem I, although the possibility that it is an artefact of the high intensity pulses used cannot be excluded at present. The main fluorescence, described by the equation above is attributed to the antenna chlorophyll and is of the form which would be expected from a single light harvesting array with trapping at randomly distributed sites.", "PMID": 999844} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7903", "title": "Light-dependent development of thermoluminescence, delayed emission and fluorescence variation in dark-grown spruce leaves.", "content": "Thermoluminescence profiles of spruce leaves grown under various light or dark conditions were measured after excitation at a low temperature (-70 to -20 degrees C) by 1-min illumination with red light, and the following results were obtained. Mature spruce leaves showed five thermoluminescence bands at -30, -5, +20, +40 (or +35) and +70 degrees C (denoted as Zv, A, B1, B2 and C bands, respectively), but dark-grown spruce leaves with a similar chlorophyll content showed only two bands, at -30 and +70 degrees C (the Zv and C bands) and were devoid of the three other bands (the A, B1, and B2 bands). On exposure of the dark-grown leaves to continuous red light, the A, B1and B2 bands were rapidly developed, and the development was accompanied by enhancement of delayed emission, fluorescence variation and the Hill activity (photoreduction of 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol with water as electron donor). It was demonstrated that the dark-grown spruce leaves are devoid of the water-splitting system in Photosystem II, and that the latent water-splitting activity is rapidly photoactivated by exposure of the leaves to continuous red light. These results on the gymnosperm spruce leaves, in which greening proceeds in complete darkness, being independent of the development of the water-splitting system in light, were discussed in relation to previous observations on angiosperm leaves, in which both greening and the activity generation proceed in the light.", "contents": "Light-dependent development of thermoluminescence, delayed emission and fluorescence variation in dark-grown spruce leaves. Thermoluminescence profiles of spruce leaves grown under various light or dark conditions were measured after excitation at a low temperature (-70 to -20 degrees C) by 1-min illumination with red light, and the following results were obtained. Mature spruce leaves showed five thermoluminescence bands at -30, -5, +20, +40 (or +35) and +70 degrees C (denoted as Zv, A, B1, B2 and C bands, respectively), but dark-grown spruce leaves with a similar chlorophyll content showed only two bands, at -30 and +70 degrees C (the Zv and C bands) and were devoid of the three other bands (the A, B1, and B2 bands). On exposure of the dark-grown leaves to continuous red light, the A, B1and B2 bands were rapidly developed, and the development was accompanied by enhancement of delayed emission, fluorescence variation and the Hill activity (photoreduction of 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol with water as electron donor). It was demonstrated that the dark-grown spruce leaves are devoid of the water-splitting system in Photosystem II, and that the latent water-splitting activity is rapidly photoactivated by exposure of the leaves to continuous red light. These results on the gymnosperm spruce leaves, in which greening proceeds in complete darkness, being independent of the development of the water-splitting system in light, were discussed in relation to previous observations on angiosperm leaves, in which both greening and the activity generation proceed in the light.", "PMID": 999845} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7904", "title": "Relation between slow delayed light emission and acid base triggered luminescence in chloroplasts.", "content": "Acid-base triggered luminescence in relation to slow delayed light emission (greater than 3 s) was studied in chloroplasts. After analyzing their time courses, the acid-base induced luminescence curve was found to return to the original curve of delayed light emission. Peaks of the acid-base triggered luminescence induced after various darkness periods following preillumination decreased parallel to the time course of delayed light emission without base treatment. 3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea enhanced both the delayed light emission and acid-base induced luminescence, while carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone inhibited both. Several photophosphorylat ion uncouplers inhibited the acid-base induced luminescence wtihout any substantial effect on the delayed light emission. It is concluded that the acid-base triggered luminescence is not caused by the reversionof electrons from remote intermediates on the reducing side of Photosystem II. The possibility of the presence of an activation pathway for the acid-base triggered luminescence which differs from that of the delayed light emission is also discussed.", "contents": "Relation between slow delayed light emission and acid base triggered luminescence in chloroplasts. Acid-base triggered luminescence in relation to slow delayed light emission (greater than 3 s) was studied in chloroplasts. After analyzing their time courses, the acid-base induced luminescence curve was found to return to the original curve of delayed light emission. Peaks of the acid-base triggered luminescence induced after various darkness periods following preillumination decreased parallel to the time course of delayed light emission without base treatment. 3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea enhanced both the delayed light emission and acid-base induced luminescence, while carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone inhibited both. Several photophosphorylat ion uncouplers inhibited the acid-base induced luminescence wtihout any substantial effect on the delayed light emission. It is concluded that the acid-base triggered luminescence is not caused by the reversionof electrons from remote intermediates on the reducing side of Photosystem II. The possibility of the presence of an activation pathway for the acid-base triggered luminescence which differs from that of the delayed light emission is also discussed.", "PMID": 999846} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7905", "title": "Energy transfer in the photochemical apparatus of flashed bean leaves.", "content": "Fluorescence and energy transfer properties of bean leaves greened by brief, repetitive xenon flashes were studied at -196 degrees C. The bleaching of P-700 has no influence on the yield of fluorescence at any wavelength of emission. The light-induced fluorescence yield changes which are observed in both the 690 and 730 nm emission bands in the low temperature fluorescence spectra are due to changes in the state of the Photosystem II reaction centers. The fluorescence yield changes in the 730 nm band are attributed to energy transfer from Photosystem II to Photosystem I. Such energy transfer was also confirmed by measurements of the rate of photooxidation of P-700 AT -196 degrees C in leaves in which the Photosystem II reaction centers were either all open or all closed. It is concluded that energy transfer from Photosystem II to Photosystem I occurs in the flashed bean leaves which lack the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein.", "contents": "Energy transfer in the photochemical apparatus of flashed bean leaves. Fluorescence and energy transfer properties of bean leaves greened by brief, repetitive xenon flashes were studied at -196 degrees C. The bleaching of P-700 has no influence on the yield of fluorescence at any wavelength of emission. The light-induced fluorescence yield changes which are observed in both the 690 and 730 nm emission bands in the low temperature fluorescence spectra are due to changes in the state of the Photosystem II reaction centers. The fluorescence yield changes in the 730 nm band are attributed to energy transfer from Photosystem II to Photosystem I. Such energy transfer was also confirmed by measurements of the rate of photooxidation of P-700 AT -196 degrees C in leaves in which the Photosystem II reaction centers were either all open or all closed. It is concluded that energy transfer from Photosystem II to Photosystem I occurs in the flashed bean leaves which lack the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein.", "PMID": 999847} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7906", "title": "Studies on the pathway of cyclic electron flow in mesophyll chloroplasts of a C4 plant.", "content": "1. Cyclic photophosphorylation driven by white light, as followed by 14CO2 fixation by mesophyll chloroplast preparations of the C4 plant Digitaria sanguinalis, was specifically inhibited by disalicylidenepropanediamine (DSPD), antimycin A, 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone (DBMIB), 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDAC), and KCN suggesting that ferredoxin, cytochrome b563, plastoquinone, cytochrome f, and plastocyanin are obligatory intermediates of cyclic electron flow. It was found that 0.2 muM DCMU and 40 muM o-phenanthroline blocked noncyclic electron flow, stimulated cyclic photophosphorylation, and caused a partial reversal (40-100%) of the inhibition by DBMIB and antimycin A, but not DSPD. 2. Cyclic photophosphorylation could also be activated using only far-red illumination. Under this condition, however, cyclic photophosphorylation was much less sensitive to the inhibitors DBMIB, EDAC and antimycin A, but remained completely sensitive to DSPD and KCN. Inhibition in far-red light was not increased by preincubating the chloroplasts with the various inhibitors for several minutes in white light. 3. The striking correspondence between the effects of photosystem II inhibitors, DCMU and o-phenanthroline, on cyclic photophosphorylation under white light and cyclic photophosphorylation under far-red light (in the absence of photosystem II inhibitors) suggests that electrons flowing from photosystem II may regulate the pathway of cyclic electron flow.", "contents": "Studies on the pathway of cyclic electron flow in mesophyll chloroplasts of a C4 plant. 1. Cyclic photophosphorylation driven by white light, as followed by 14CO2 fixation by mesophyll chloroplast preparations of the C4 plant Digitaria sanguinalis, was specifically inhibited by disalicylidenepropanediamine (DSPD), antimycin A, 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone (DBMIB), 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDAC), and KCN suggesting that ferredoxin, cytochrome b563, plastoquinone, cytochrome f, and plastocyanin are obligatory intermediates of cyclic electron flow. It was found that 0.2 muM DCMU and 40 muM o-phenanthroline blocked noncyclic electron flow, stimulated cyclic photophosphorylation, and caused a partial reversal (40-100%) of the inhibition by DBMIB and antimycin A, but not DSPD. 2. Cyclic photophosphorylation could also be activated using only far-red illumination. Under this condition, however, cyclic photophosphorylation was much less sensitive to the inhibitors DBMIB, EDAC and antimycin A, but remained completely sensitive to DSPD and KCN. Inhibition in far-red light was not increased by preincubating the chloroplasts with the various inhibitors for several minutes in white light. 3. The striking correspondence between the effects of photosystem II inhibitors, DCMU and o-phenanthroline, on cyclic photophosphorylation under white light and cyclic photophosphorylation under far-red light (in the absence of photosystem II inhibitors) suggests that electrons flowing from photosystem II may regulate the pathway of cyclic electron flow.", "PMID": 999848} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7907", "title": "The isolation of mitochondria from dipteran flight muscle.", "content": "Procedures for the isolation of mitochondria from dipteran flight muscle have been investigated in an attempt to determine the extent and to identify the causes of deterioration associated with isolation. In the light of the results obtained isolation procedures have been improved by minimising mechanical damage, avoiding the development of anoxic conditions, and by the use of an isolation medium of a more physiological nature, containing the potassium salt of an organic anion as the principal osmoeffector, phosphate as the principal buffer, and low concentrations of free Mg2+. The oxidative capacity of mitochondria isolated by the improved method is adequate to support the in vivo requirements of the flight system.", "contents": "The isolation of mitochondria from dipteran flight muscle. Procedures for the isolation of mitochondria from dipteran flight muscle have been investigated in an attempt to determine the extent and to identify the causes of deterioration associated with isolation. In the light of the results obtained isolation procedures have been improved by minimising mechanical damage, avoiding the development of anoxic conditions, and by the use of an isolation medium of a more physiological nature, containing the potassium salt of an organic anion as the principal osmoeffector, phosphate as the principal buffer, and low concentrations of free Mg2+. The oxidative capacity of mitochondria isolated by the improved method is adequate to support the in vivo requirements of the flight system.", "PMID": 999849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7908", "title": "Interaction of oxidized and reduced N-methylphenazonium methosulfate (PMS) with photosystem II.", "content": "In 3-(3,4-dicholorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) poisoned chloroplasts, the restoration of the fluorescence induction is presumed to be due to a back reaction of the reduced primary acceptor (Q-) and the oxidized primary donor (Z+) of Photosystem II. Carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) is known to inhibit this back reaction. The influence of reduced N-methylphenazonium methosulfate (PMS) in the absence of CCCP and of oxidized PMS in the presence of CCCP on the back reaction was investigated and the following results were obtained: (1) Reduced PMS at the concentration of 1 muM inhibits the back reaction as effectively as hydroxylamine, suggesting an electron donating function of reduced PMS for System II. (2) The inhibition of the back reactionby CCCP is regenerated to a high degree by oxidized PMS which led to assume a cyclic System II electron flow catalysed by PMS. (3) At concentrations of reduced PMS higher than 1 muM it is shown that both the fast initial emission and more significantly the variable emission are quenched.", "contents": "Interaction of oxidized and reduced N-methylphenazonium methosulfate (PMS) with photosystem II. In 3-(3,4-dicholorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) poisoned chloroplasts, the restoration of the fluorescence induction is presumed to be due to a back reaction of the reduced primary acceptor (Q-) and the oxidized primary donor (Z+) of Photosystem II. Carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) is known to inhibit this back reaction. The influence of reduced N-methylphenazonium methosulfate (PMS) in the absence of CCCP and of oxidized PMS in the presence of CCCP on the back reaction was investigated and the following results were obtained: (1) Reduced PMS at the concentration of 1 muM inhibits the back reaction as effectively as hydroxylamine, suggesting an electron donating function of reduced PMS for System II. (2) The inhibition of the back reactionby CCCP is regenerated to a high degree by oxidized PMS which led to assume a cyclic System II electron flow catalysed by PMS. (3) At concentrations of reduced PMS higher than 1 muM it is shown that both the fast initial emission and more significantly the variable emission are quenched.", "PMID": 999850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7909", "title": "Isolation of photosystem II enriched membrane vesicles from spinach chloroplasts by phase partition.", "content": "Partition in an aqueous Dextran-polyethylene glycol two-phase system has been used for the separation of chloroplast membrane vesicles obtained by press treatment of a grana-enriched fraction after unstacking in a low salt buffer. The fractions obtained were analysed with respect to chlorophyll, photochemical activities and ultrastructural charasteristics. The results reveal that the material partitioning to the Dextran-rich bottom phase consisted of large membrane vesicles possessing mainly Photosystem II properties with very low contribution from Photosystem I. Measurements of the H2O to phenyl-p-benzoquinone and ascorbate-Cl2Ind to NADP+ electron transport rates indicate a ratio of around six between Photosystem II and I. The total fractionation procedure could be completed within 2-3 h with high recovery of both the Photosystem II water-splitting activity and the Photosystem I reduction of NADP+. These data demonstrate that press treatment of low-salt destabilized grana membranes yields a population of highly Photosystem-II enriched membrane vesicles which can be discriminated by the phase system. We suggest that such membrane vesicles originate from large regions in the native grana membrane which contain virtually only Photosystem II.", "contents": "Isolation of photosystem II enriched membrane vesicles from spinach chloroplasts by phase partition. Partition in an aqueous Dextran-polyethylene glycol two-phase system has been used for the separation of chloroplast membrane vesicles obtained by press treatment of a grana-enriched fraction after unstacking in a low salt buffer. The fractions obtained were analysed with respect to chlorophyll, photochemical activities and ultrastructural charasteristics. The results reveal that the material partitioning to the Dextran-rich bottom phase consisted of large membrane vesicles possessing mainly Photosystem II properties with very low contribution from Photosystem I. Measurements of the H2O to phenyl-p-benzoquinone and ascorbate-Cl2Ind to NADP+ electron transport rates indicate a ratio of around six between Photosystem II and I. The total fractionation procedure could be completed within 2-3 h with high recovery of both the Photosystem II water-splitting activity and the Photosystem I reduction of NADP+. These data demonstrate that press treatment of low-salt destabilized grana membranes yields a population of highly Photosystem-II enriched membrane vesicles which can be discriminated by the phase system. We suggest that such membrane vesicles originate from large regions in the native grana membrane which contain virtually only Photosystem II.", "PMID": 999851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7910", "title": "Absorbance changes due to the charge-accumulating species in system 2 of photosynthesis.", "content": "Absorbance changes are reported associated with Photosystem II and showing a periodicity of two and four as a function of flash number. The absorbance changes showing a periodicity of two were found to occur in the presence of artificial electron donors as well and are presumably caused by the secondary electron acceptor R of Photosystem II. The absorbance difference spectra suggest that R is a plastoquinone molecule, which is reduced to its semiquinone anion after an uneven number of flashes. After an even number of flashes, the semiquinone is reoxidized. The absorbance changes showing a periodicity of four are tentatively ascribed to the charge accumulating donor complex of Photosystem II.", "contents": "Absorbance changes due to the charge-accumulating species in system 2 of photosynthesis. Absorbance changes are reported associated with Photosystem II and showing a periodicity of two and four as a function of flash number. The absorbance changes showing a periodicity of two were found to occur in the presence of artificial electron donors as well and are presumably caused by the secondary electron acceptor R of Photosystem II. The absorbance difference spectra suggest that R is a plastoquinone molecule, which is reduced to its semiquinone anion after an uneven number of flashes. After an even number of flashes, the semiquinone is reoxidized. The absorbance changes showing a periodicity of four are tentatively ascribed to the charge accumulating donor complex of Photosystem II.", "PMID": 999852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7911", "title": "Reactions of plastocyanin and cytochrome 553 with photosystem I of Scenedesmus.", "content": "Chloroplast material active in photosynthetic electron transport has been isolated from Scenedesmus acutus (strain 270/3a). During homogenization, part of cytochrome 553 was solubilized, and part of it remained firmly bound to the membrane. A direct correlation between membrane cytochrome 553 and electron transport rates could not be found. Sonification removes plastocyanin, but leaves bound cytochrome 553 in the membrane. Photooxidation of the latter is dependent on added plastocyanin. In contrast to higher plant chloroplasts, added soluble cytochrome 553 was photooxidized by 707 nm light without plastocyanin present. Reduced plastocyanin or cytochrome 553 stimulated electron transport by Photosystem I when supplied together or separately. These reactions and cytochrome 553 photooxidation were not sensitive to preincubation of chloroplasts with KCN, indicating that both redox proteins can donate their electrons directly to the Photosystem I reaction center. Scenedesmus cytochrome 553 was about as active as plastocyanin from the same alga, whereas the corresponding protein from the alga Bumilleriopsis was without effect on electron transport rates. It is suggested that besides the reaction sequence cytochrome 553 leads to plastocyanin leads to Photosystem I reaction center, a second pathway cytochrome 553 leads to Photosystem I reaction center may operate additionally.", "contents": "Reactions of plastocyanin and cytochrome 553 with photosystem I of Scenedesmus. Chloroplast material active in photosynthetic electron transport has been isolated from Scenedesmus acutus (strain 270/3a). During homogenization, part of cytochrome 553 was solubilized, and part of it remained firmly bound to the membrane. A direct correlation between membrane cytochrome 553 and electron transport rates could not be found. Sonification removes plastocyanin, but leaves bound cytochrome 553 in the membrane. Photooxidation of the latter is dependent on added plastocyanin. In contrast to higher plant chloroplasts, added soluble cytochrome 553 was photooxidized by 707 nm light without plastocyanin present. Reduced plastocyanin or cytochrome 553 stimulated electron transport by Photosystem I when supplied together or separately. These reactions and cytochrome 553 photooxidation were not sensitive to preincubation of chloroplasts with KCN, indicating that both redox proteins can donate their electrons directly to the Photosystem I reaction center. Scenedesmus cytochrome 553 was about as active as plastocyanin from the same alga, whereas the corresponding protein from the alga Bumilleriopsis was without effect on electron transport rates. It is suggested that besides the reaction sequence cytochrome 553 leads to plastocyanin leads to Photosystem I reaction center, a second pathway cytochrome 553 leads to Photosystem I reaction center may operate additionally.", "PMID": 999853} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7912", "title": "Protein-protein interactions of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein. II. Evidence for two stages of cation independent association.", "content": "In a previous paper, we observed a two-stage cation-independent association of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein from spinach chloroplasts based on concentration-dependent changes in the sedimentation coefficient. The two stages of association occurred between (2-4) and (4-7) mug/ml chlorophyll. In this paper, we provide further evidence for this association. This includes: (1) A decrease in the number of divalent cation binding sites in the second stage of association. (2) A corresponding decrease in the extent of the cation-dependent association. (3) A positive deviation from Beer's law for chlorophyll b for both stages of the cation-independent association and a positive deviation for chlorophyll a for the second stage of association only. (4) A change in the fluorescence emission of both chlorophyll a and b. The change for chlorophyll b was observed for both steps of association whereas that for chlorophyll a was observed for the second step of association only. Therefore, the first stage of association affects only chlorophyll b whereas the second stage alters the environment of both chlorophyll a and b. (5) In addition, divalent cations quenched chlorophyll fluorescence. However, the quenching which required 200-300 muM divalent cation for half-maximal effects was related neither to divalent cation binding nor to the divalent cation-induced association of the protein.", "contents": "Protein-protein interactions of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein. II. Evidence for two stages of cation independent association. In a previous paper, we observed a two-stage cation-independent association of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein from spinach chloroplasts based on concentration-dependent changes in the sedimentation coefficient. The two stages of association occurred between (2-4) and (4-7) mug/ml chlorophyll. In this paper, we provide further evidence for this association. This includes: (1) A decrease in the number of divalent cation binding sites in the second stage of association. (2) A corresponding decrease in the extent of the cation-dependent association. (3) A positive deviation from Beer's law for chlorophyll b for both stages of the cation-independent association and a positive deviation for chlorophyll a for the second stage of association only. (4) A change in the fluorescence emission of both chlorophyll a and b. The change for chlorophyll b was observed for both steps of association whereas that for chlorophyll a was observed for the second step of association only. Therefore, the first stage of association affects only chlorophyll b whereas the second stage alters the environment of both chlorophyll a and b. (5) In addition, divalent cations quenched chlorophyll fluorescence. However, the quenching which required 200-300 muM divalent cation for half-maximal effects was related neither to divalent cation binding nor to the divalent cation-induced association of the protein.", "PMID": 999854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7913", "title": "An investigation of water splitting in the Kok scheme of photosynthetic oxygen evolution.", "content": "The involvement of OH bond breaking in the 4 dark reactions of the Kok scheme of photosynthetic oxygen evolution was investigated using Chlorella and spinach chloroplasts. When the photosynthetic material was suspended in a 2H2O based medium, the reaction rates in all 4 cases were only slightly reduced as compared to the rates observed in an H2O based medium. This was evidence that these rate processes were probably not limited by the breaking of an OH bond. Observations were also made on the yields of O2 from dark adapted Chlorella subjected to a sequence of brief saturating light flashes. The oscillating flash yield sequence observed with algai suspended in 2H2O showed greater damping of the oscillations than when the algae were suspended in H2O. A computer fit of the Kok model to these results revealed a slightly higher proportion of misses, alpha (i.e. absorbed quanta that do not drive photochemistry) in the 2H2O case.", "contents": "An investigation of water splitting in the Kok scheme of photosynthetic oxygen evolution. The involvement of OH bond breaking in the 4 dark reactions of the Kok scheme of photosynthetic oxygen evolution was investigated using Chlorella and spinach chloroplasts. When the photosynthetic material was suspended in a 2H2O based medium, the reaction rates in all 4 cases were only slightly reduced as compared to the rates observed in an H2O based medium. This was evidence that these rate processes were probably not limited by the breaking of an OH bond. Observations were also made on the yields of O2 from dark adapted Chlorella subjected to a sequence of brief saturating light flashes. The oscillating flash yield sequence observed with algai suspended in 2H2O showed greater damping of the oscillations than when the algae were suspended in H2O. A computer fit of the Kok model to these results revealed a slightly higher proportion of misses, alpha (i.e. absorbed quanta that do not drive photochemistry) in the 2H2O case.", "PMID": 999855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7914", "title": "Photooxidation of P-960 and photoreduction of P-800 (bacteriopheophytin b-800) in reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas viridis.", "content": "The light excitation of P-960 results in the oxidation of P-960 and the reduction of P-800 (bacteriophytin b-800) in the reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas viridis. A negative 847 nm band of the circular dichroism psectrum disappears under P-960 photooxidation, while a positive 827 nm band disappears under P-800 photoreduction. Exciton interaction of the pigment molecules in the reaction center is discussed.", "contents": "Photooxidation of P-960 and photoreduction of P-800 (bacteriopheophytin b-800) in reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas viridis. The light excitation of P-960 results in the oxidation of P-960 and the reduction of P-800 (bacteriophytin b-800) in the reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas viridis. A negative 847 nm band of the circular dichroism psectrum disappears under P-960 photooxidation, while a positive 827 nm band disappears under P-800 photoreduction. Exciton interaction of the pigment molecules in the reaction center is discussed.", "PMID": 999857} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7915", "title": "Inhibition of the reoxidation of the secondary electron acceptor of photosystem II by bicarbonate depletion.", "content": "In bicarbonate-depleted chloroplasts, the chlorophyll a fluorescence decayed with a halftime of about 150 ms after the third flash, and appreciably faster after the first and second flash of a series of flashes given after a dark period. After the fourth to twentieth flashes, the decay was also slow. After addition of bicarbonate, the decay was fast after all the flashes of the sequence. This indicates that the bicarbonate depletion inhibits the reoxidation of the secondary acceptor R2- by the plastoquinone pool; R is the secondary electron acceptor of pigment system II, as it accepts electrons from the reduced form of the primary electron acceptor (Q-). This conclusion is consistent with the measurements of the DCMU (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-),)-dimethylurea)- induced chlorophyll a fluorescence after a series of flashes in the presence and the absence of bicarbonate, if it is assumed that DCMU not only causes reduction of Q if added in the state QR-, but also if added in the state QT2-.", "contents": "Inhibition of the reoxidation of the secondary electron acceptor of photosystem II by bicarbonate depletion. In bicarbonate-depleted chloroplasts, the chlorophyll a fluorescence decayed with a halftime of about 150 ms after the third flash, and appreciably faster after the first and second flash of a series of flashes given after a dark period. After the fourth to twentieth flashes, the decay was also slow. After addition of bicarbonate, the decay was fast after all the flashes of the sequence. This indicates that the bicarbonate depletion inhibits the reoxidation of the secondary acceptor R2- by the plastoquinone pool; R is the secondary electron acceptor of pigment system II, as it accepts electrons from the reduced form of the primary electron acceptor (Q-). This conclusion is consistent with the measurements of the DCMU (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-),)-dimethylurea)- induced chlorophyll a fluorescence after a series of flashes in the presence and the absence of bicarbonate, if it is assumed that DCMU not only causes reduction of Q if added in the state QR-, but also if added in the state QT2-.", "PMID": 999858} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7916", "title": "Synthesis and loss of activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in dividing plant cells.", "content": "1. Using the technique of density-labelling with deuterium oxide, evidence has been obtained for the de novo synthesis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (D-glucose-6-phosphate:NADPH+ 1-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.49), during the culture of synchronously growing plant cells. 2. The entire increase in enzyme activity during the early cell cycles in this material can be accounted for by the appearance of an enzyme species with increased buoyand density. 3. A method is described for resolving overlapping distribution profiles after density centrifugation, which allows estimation of the amount of each species present at different times, and calculation of the loss of activity of the light species present from the start of culture. 4. Loss of activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in normal growing conditions in the presence of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid is very much faster than in conditions which do not lead to cell division: in the absence of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, or in the presence of the inhibitor of RNA synthesis, 6-methylpurine.", "contents": "Synthesis and loss of activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in dividing plant cells. 1. Using the technique of density-labelling with deuterium oxide, evidence has been obtained for the de novo synthesis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (D-glucose-6-phosphate:NADPH+ 1-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.49), during the culture of synchronously growing plant cells. 2. The entire increase in enzyme activity during the early cell cycles in this material can be accounted for by the appearance of an enzyme species with increased buoyand density. 3. A method is described for resolving overlapping distribution profiles after density centrifugation, which allows estimation of the amount of each species present at different times, and calculation of the loss of activity of the light species present from the start of culture. 4. Loss of activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in normal growing conditions in the presence of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid is very much faster than in conditions which do not lead to cell division: in the absence of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, or in the presence of the inhibitor of RNA synthesis, 6-methylpurine.", "PMID": 999859} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7917", "title": "The last two pathway-specific enzyme activities of hexosamine biosynthesis are present in Blastocladiella emersonii zoospores prior to germination.", "content": "Forward direction assays have been developed for the last two pathway-specific enzymes of hexosamine biosynthesis using crude extracts from Blastocladiella emersonii zoospores. The specific enzyme activities measured are substantially higher than those reported with enzyme preparations from other organisms. During the development of one of the assays, another enzyme activity was observed which converts one of the intermediates of the pathway, N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate, to N-acetylglucosamine. The finding of these three enzyme activities in zoospore extracts completes the demonstration that all the enzyme activities necessary to synthesize some 2% by weight as chitin early during zoospore germination (de novo cell wall formation) pre-exist in the zoospore. This demonstration is consistent with the conclusion that the hexosamine pathway is regulated at the post-translational level during zoospore germination.", "contents": "The last two pathway-specific enzyme activities of hexosamine biosynthesis are present in Blastocladiella emersonii zoospores prior to germination. Forward direction assays have been developed for the last two pathway-specific enzymes of hexosamine biosynthesis using crude extracts from Blastocladiella emersonii zoospores. The specific enzyme activities measured are substantially higher than those reported with enzyme preparations from other organisms. During the development of one of the assays, another enzyme activity was observed which converts one of the intermediates of the pathway, N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate, to N-acetylglucosamine. The finding of these three enzyme activities in zoospore extracts completes the demonstration that all the enzyme activities necessary to synthesize some 2% by weight as chitin early during zoospore germination (de novo cell wall formation) pre-exist in the zoospore. This demonstration is consistent with the conclusion that the hexosamine pathway is regulated at the post-translational level during zoospore germination.", "PMID": 999860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7918", "title": "Purification and properties of blood group A-active glycoprotein from oyster viscera.", "content": "A blood group A active substance was isolated from an acetone-dried powder of oyster viscera by extraction with 0.1 M NaCl after heating a homogenate with extraction medium, in boiling water. After the removal of the acidic fraction with cetylpyridinium chloride, the separated neutral fraction was digested successively with alpha-amylase and amyloglucosidase to remove glycogen. The blood group A-active portion was eluted from a Sepharose 4B column and purified by DEAE-Sephadex column chromatography. The purified active substance was homogeneous by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and its molecular weight was estimated as 100 000 by sedimentation equilibrium. The sugar content of the purified active substance, expressed in percentage of dry weight, was galactosamine, 16.6; galactose, 12.5; fucose, 9.9; glucosamine, 4.6; and glucose, 3.3. Sialic acid was not detected. Total amino acid content was 23.0% and the main constituents were threonine, proline and serine. The ORD spectrum indicated that the hexosamines were N-acetylated. Absence of glycolipid was confirmed by the analysis of fatty acid and sphingosine base. This active substance had a strong blood group A activity (0.04 mug/ml) but neither B nor H activity; it interacted with lima bean lectin but not with concanavalin A.", "contents": "Purification and properties of blood group A-active glycoprotein from oyster viscera. A blood group A active substance was isolated from an acetone-dried powder of oyster viscera by extraction with 0.1 M NaCl after heating a homogenate with extraction medium, in boiling water. After the removal of the acidic fraction with cetylpyridinium chloride, the separated neutral fraction was digested successively with alpha-amylase and amyloglucosidase to remove glycogen. The blood group A-active portion was eluted from a Sepharose 4B column and purified by DEAE-Sephadex column chromatography. The purified active substance was homogeneous by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and its molecular weight was estimated as 100 000 by sedimentation equilibrium. The sugar content of the purified active substance, expressed in percentage of dry weight, was galactosamine, 16.6; galactose, 12.5; fucose, 9.9; glucosamine, 4.6; and glucose, 3.3. Sialic acid was not detected. Total amino acid content was 23.0% and the main constituents were threonine, proline and serine. The ORD spectrum indicated that the hexosamines were N-acetylated. Absence of glycolipid was confirmed by the analysis of fatty acid and sphingosine base. This active substance had a strong blood group A activity (0.04 mug/ml) but neither B nor H activity; it interacted with lima bean lectin but not with concanavalin A.", "PMID": 999862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7919", "title": "Structure of chondroitin sulfates. Analyses of the products formed from chondroitin sulfates A and C by the action of the chondroitinases C and AC from Flavobacterium heparinum.", "content": "The structures of chondroitin sulfate A from whale cartilage and chondroitin sulfate C from shark cartilage have been examined with the aid of the chondroitinases AC and C from Flavobacterium heparinum. The analyses of the products formed from the chondroitin sulfates by the action of the chondroitinases have shown that three types of oligosaccharides compose the structure of chondroitin sulfate A, namely, a dodeca-, hexa- and a tetra-saccharide, containing five, two and one 4-sulfated disaccharides per 6-sulfated disaccharide residue, respectively. The polymer contains an average of 3 mol of each oligosaccharide per mol of chondroitin sulfate A. Each mol of chondroitin sulfate C contains an average of 5 mol of 4-sulfated disaccharide units. A tetra-saccharide containing one 4-sulfated disaccharide and one 6-sulfated disaccharide C indicating that the 4-sulfated disaccharides are not linked together in one specific region but spaced in the molecule.", "contents": "Structure of chondroitin sulfates. Analyses of the products formed from chondroitin sulfates A and C by the action of the chondroitinases C and AC from Flavobacterium heparinum. The structures of chondroitin sulfate A from whale cartilage and chondroitin sulfate C from shark cartilage have been examined with the aid of the chondroitinases AC and C from Flavobacterium heparinum. The analyses of the products formed from the chondroitin sulfates by the action of the chondroitinases have shown that three types of oligosaccharides compose the structure of chondroitin sulfate A, namely, a dodeca-, hexa- and a tetra-saccharide, containing five, two and one 4-sulfated disaccharides per 6-sulfated disaccharide residue, respectively. The polymer contains an average of 3 mol of each oligosaccharide per mol of chondroitin sulfate A. Each mol of chondroitin sulfate C contains an average of 5 mol of 4-sulfated disaccharide units. A tetra-saccharide containing one 4-sulfated disaccharide and one 6-sulfated disaccharide C indicating that the 4-sulfated disaccharides are not linked together in one specific region but spaced in the molecule.", "PMID": 999863} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7920", "title": "Biosynthesis of chondroitin sulfate side chains and hyaluronate. Time-course studies with cartilage slices of calf ribs under different conditions.", "content": "The time course of double labeling with 35SO24- and [3H]glucosamine was followed in a semi-in vitro system of cartilage slices from calf ribs whose chondroitin sulfate peptide pool consists of (A) less than 1% of very short under sulfated side chains of less than 10 disaccharide units length, (B) 3--5% of short under sulfated longer side chains (16 to 25 disaccharide units), (C) 3--5% of short, slightly oversulfated side chains (16--23 dissacharide units, very probably containing some dermatan sulfate), (D) the bulk material (74--82% of total uronate) of longest, slightly undersulfated or equally sulfated side chains (22--42 disaccharide units). After 10 min incubation rapid chain elongation with [3H]glucosamine and prelabeling with 35SO24- of endogenous acceptors are apparent. Chains of type A exhibit highest specific radioactivities. During 30--60 min incubation it is mainly chains of type B that show highest specific radioactivities, after 90 min chains of type C. On the after hand, chains of type D always incorporated the highest total amount of both precursors. Preincubation of slices for 40 min at 37 degres C strongly enhances labeling rates of all types A and B. After 10 min preincubation followed by 35SO24- labeling for 60 min, a decrease of radioactivity of type A and a distinct increase with type B are observed during the post incubation period. After pulse chase experiments type B exhibits highest specific radioactivities. The data make it evident that undersulfated short chondroitin sulfate side chains form very rapidly in a well organised manner and grow, by elongation and proceeding sulfation processes, to longer higher sulfated chains. The labeling of the hyaluronate pool is about half of that of the chondroitin sulfate pool after a lag phase of 10 min. The latter increases linearly after 35--45 min incubation time. However, after preincubation and chase experiments the hyaluronate pool is more highly labeled. The data indicate different precursor pools of both biosynthesis mechanisms, probably located in different cell compartments and/or different cartilage cells.", "contents": "Biosynthesis of chondroitin sulfate side chains and hyaluronate. Time-course studies with cartilage slices of calf ribs under different conditions. The time course of double labeling with 35SO24- and [3H]glucosamine was followed in a semi-in vitro system of cartilage slices from calf ribs whose chondroitin sulfate peptide pool consists of (A) less than 1% of very short under sulfated side chains of less than 10 disaccharide units length, (B) 3--5% of short under sulfated longer side chains (16 to 25 disaccharide units), (C) 3--5% of short, slightly oversulfated side chains (16--23 dissacharide units, very probably containing some dermatan sulfate), (D) the bulk material (74--82% of total uronate) of longest, slightly undersulfated or equally sulfated side chains (22--42 disaccharide units). After 10 min incubation rapid chain elongation with [3H]glucosamine and prelabeling with 35SO24- of endogenous acceptors are apparent. Chains of type A exhibit highest specific radioactivities. During 30--60 min incubation it is mainly chains of type B that show highest specific radioactivities, after 90 min chains of type C. On the after hand, chains of type D always incorporated the highest total amount of both precursors. Preincubation of slices for 40 min at 37 degres C strongly enhances labeling rates of all types A and B. After 10 min preincubation followed by 35SO24- labeling for 60 min, a decrease of radioactivity of type A and a distinct increase with type B are observed during the post incubation period. After pulse chase experiments type B exhibits highest specific radioactivities. The data make it evident that undersulfated short chondroitin sulfate side chains form very rapidly in a well organised manner and grow, by elongation and proceeding sulfation processes, to longer higher sulfated chains. The labeling of the hyaluronate pool is about half of that of the chondroitin sulfate pool after a lag phase of 10 min. The latter increases linearly after 35--45 min incubation time. However, after preincubation and chase experiments the hyaluronate pool is more highly labeled. The data indicate different precursor pools of both biosynthesis mechanisms, probably located in different cell compartments and/or different cartilage cells.", "PMID": 999864} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7921", "title": "The effect of hormones on synthesis of the region linking chondroitin sulfate to protein.", "content": "1. Particulate fractions of costal cartilage from young rats are capable of catalyzing the formation of the first two monosaccharide units of the chondroitin sulfate-protein linkage region. 2. Hormonal imbalance has been shown to influence the activity of the glycosyltransferases responsible for the sequential transfer of xylose and galactose from UDPxylose and UDPgalactose, respectively, in the formation of the linkage region. 3. The activity of xylosyltransferase was found to be decreased in costal cartilage of diabetic, thyroidectomized and hypophysectomized rats, but not in rats injected with either testosterone or hydrocortisone. In the latter two treatment groups, galactosyltransferase activity was decreased only in the group receiving hydrocortisone. 4. The combined results of this and previous studies suggest that decreased levels of chondroitin sulfate in diabetic, thyroidectomized and hypophysectomized animals are due to interference in the synthesis of the linkage region of the proteoglycan at the xylosyltransferase level whereas hydrocortisone acts primarily at the level of the galactosyltransferase.", "contents": "The effect of hormones on synthesis of the region linking chondroitin sulfate to protein. 1. Particulate fractions of costal cartilage from young rats are capable of catalyzing the formation of the first two monosaccharide units of the chondroitin sulfate-protein linkage region. 2. Hormonal imbalance has been shown to influence the activity of the glycosyltransferases responsible for the sequential transfer of xylose and galactose from UDPxylose and UDPgalactose, respectively, in the formation of the linkage region. 3. The activity of xylosyltransferase was found to be decreased in costal cartilage of diabetic, thyroidectomized and hypophysectomized rats, but not in rats injected with either testosterone or hydrocortisone. In the latter two treatment groups, galactosyltransferase activity was decreased only in the group receiving hydrocortisone. 4. The combined results of this and previous studies suggest that decreased levels of chondroitin sulfate in diabetic, thyroidectomized and hypophysectomized animals are due to interference in the synthesis of the linkage region of the proteoglycan at the xylosyltransferase level whereas hydrocortisone acts primarily at the level of the galactosyltransferase.", "PMID": 999865} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7922", "title": "Glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins associated with rat brain nuclei.", "content": "The concentration, composition and sulfate labeling of glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins have been studied in purified nuclei isolated in bulk from rat brain. The concentration of total glycosaminoglycans is 0.142 mumol hexosamine/100 mg protein, comprising 57% chondroitin 4-sulfate, 7% chondroitin 6-sulfate, 29% hyaluronic acid and 7% heparan sulfate. Control experiments demonstrated that less than 5% of the sulfated glycosaminoglycans associated with nuclei could be accounted for by the nonspecific adsorption of soluble acidic proteoglycans to basic nuclear proteins. Glycoprotein carbohydrate is present at a level of 206 mug/100 mg protein, and has an average composition of 30% N-acetylglucosamine, 29% mannose, 19% N-acetylneuraminic acid, 15% galactose, 4% N-acetylgalactosamine, and 3% fucose. Labeling studies also indicated the presence of ester sulfate residues on the glycoprotein oligosaccharides.", "contents": "Glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins associated with rat brain nuclei. The concentration, composition and sulfate labeling of glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins have been studied in purified nuclei isolated in bulk from rat brain. The concentration of total glycosaminoglycans is 0.142 mumol hexosamine/100 mg protein, comprising 57% chondroitin 4-sulfate, 7% chondroitin 6-sulfate, 29% hyaluronic acid and 7% heparan sulfate. Control experiments demonstrated that less than 5% of the sulfated glycosaminoglycans associated with nuclei could be accounted for by the nonspecific adsorption of soluble acidic proteoglycans to basic nuclear proteins. Glycoprotein carbohydrate is present at a level of 206 mug/100 mg protein, and has an average composition of 30% N-acetylglucosamine, 29% mannose, 19% N-acetylneuraminic acid, 15% galactose, 4% N-acetylgalactosamine, and 3% fucose. Labeling studies also indicated the presence of ester sulfate residues on the glycoprotein oligosaccharides.", "PMID": 999866} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7923", "title": "Cell protein degradation in cultured rat embryo fibroblasts. Suppression by vinblastine of the enhanced proteolysis by serum-deficient media.", "content": "Rat embryo fibroblasts grown in Eagle's minimal essential medium with 10% serum were labeled with L-[14C]leucine. After a 24 h cold chase, rates of proteolysis were evaluated by measuring the appearance of trichloroacetic acid-soluble 14C in the media. Cells remaining in minimal essential medium with 10% serum (basal) showed a proteolysis rate of 1% per h, whereas cells placed in minimal essential medium alone (serum-deficient) showed a stimulation of proteolysis to 3--4% per h. This enhanced proteolysis was transitory, occurring only for the first 4--8 h after cells were placed in the serum-deficient media. Vinblastine 10-5 M inhibited the enhanced proteolysis 40% but had no effect on basal proteolysis. Control experiments showed no detectable hydrolysis of extracellular proteins, nor did vinblastine affect the rate of protein synthesis. These data suggest that basal and enhanced proteolysis have at least partially distinct mechanisms in the cell and that only enhanced proteolysis involves microtubules.", "contents": "Cell protein degradation in cultured rat embryo fibroblasts. Suppression by vinblastine of the enhanced proteolysis by serum-deficient media. Rat embryo fibroblasts grown in Eagle's minimal essential medium with 10% serum were labeled with L-[14C]leucine. After a 24 h cold chase, rates of proteolysis were evaluated by measuring the appearance of trichloroacetic acid-soluble 14C in the media. Cells remaining in minimal essential medium with 10% serum (basal) showed a proteolysis rate of 1% per h, whereas cells placed in minimal essential medium alone (serum-deficient) showed a stimulation of proteolysis to 3--4% per h. This enhanced proteolysis was transitory, occurring only for the first 4--8 h after cells were placed in the serum-deficient media. Vinblastine 10-5 M inhibited the enhanced proteolysis 40% but had no effect on basal proteolysis. Control experiments showed no detectable hydrolysis of extracellular proteins, nor did vinblastine affect the rate of protein synthesis. These data suggest that basal and enhanced proteolysis have at least partially distinct mechanisms in the cell and that only enhanced proteolysis involves microtubules.", "PMID": 999867} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7924", "title": "The effect of poly(ethyleneglycol) esters on the partition of proteins and fragmented membranes in aqueous biphasic systems.", "content": "The hydroxyl groups of poly(ethyleneglycol) have been esterified (partly) with a number of carboxylic acids. When these esters are included in dextranpoly(ethyleneglycol)-water biphasic systems the partitions of proteins and membranes between the two phases (and the interface) are in some cases strongly affected. The affinity of serum albumin for the poly(ethyleneglycol)-rich phase is strongly increased when the fatty acid group consists of more than 10 carbon atoms. The partition also depends on the number of double bonds in the fatty acid. A corresponding relationship is found for membranes from spinach chloroplasts. The partitions of ovalbumin, lysozyme (EC 3.2.1.17) and ribonuclease (EC 3.1.4.22) are not influenced by the fatty acid esters. Esters of dibasic carboxylic acids show a minute but marked effect on the partition of proteins in general while malate and tartrate esters affect strongly the partition of chloroplast membranes. The partitions of both proteins and membranes are influenced by poly(ethyleneglycol) deoxycholate. Experiments with malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37), lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27), fumarase (EC 4.2.1.2), enolase (EC 4.2.1.11) and glutamate-ocaloacetate transaminase (EC 2.6.1.1) show that their partitions, measured on enzymic activity basis, is changed when esters of benzoic, linolenic, tartaric or deoxycholic acid are included in the biphasic system. The mechanism behind the effect of the esterified poly (ethyleneglycol) on the partition of biomaterial, in this type of aqueous biphasic systems, is discussed in terms of a direct binding of the esters to the partitioned material.", "contents": "The effect of poly(ethyleneglycol) esters on the partition of proteins and fragmented membranes in aqueous biphasic systems. The hydroxyl groups of poly(ethyleneglycol) have been esterified (partly) with a number of carboxylic acids. When these esters are included in dextranpoly(ethyleneglycol)-water biphasic systems the partitions of proteins and membranes between the two phases (and the interface) are in some cases strongly affected. The affinity of serum albumin for the poly(ethyleneglycol)-rich phase is strongly increased when the fatty acid group consists of more than 10 carbon atoms. The partition also depends on the number of double bonds in the fatty acid. A corresponding relationship is found for membranes from spinach chloroplasts. The partitions of ovalbumin, lysozyme (EC 3.2.1.17) and ribonuclease (EC 3.1.4.22) are not influenced by the fatty acid esters. Esters of dibasic carboxylic acids show a minute but marked effect on the partition of proteins in general while malate and tartrate esters affect strongly the partition of chloroplast membranes. The partitions of both proteins and membranes are influenced by poly(ethyleneglycol) deoxycholate. Experiments with malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37), lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27), fumarase (EC 4.2.1.2), enolase (EC 4.2.1.11) and glutamate-ocaloacetate transaminase (EC 2.6.1.1) show that their partitions, measured on enzymic activity basis, is changed when esters of benzoic, linolenic, tartaric or deoxycholic acid are included in the biphasic system. The mechanism behind the effect of the esterified poly (ethyleneglycol) on the partition of biomaterial, in this type of aqueous biphasic systems, is discussed in terms of a direct binding of the esters to the partitioned material.", "PMID": 999868} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7925", "title": "Separation of intact rat hepatocytes and rat liver nuclei into ploidy classes by velocity sedimentation at unit gravity.", "content": "A system is described which permits the separation of isolated hepatocytes and isolated rat liver nuclei belonging to different ploidy classes by velocity sedimentation at unit gravity. The problem of obtaining single cells suspensions is discussed and preparations were obtained that contained 96% single hepatocytes. By improving the sedimentation method, it took 2.5 h to separate rat liver nuclei on sucrose gradients into diploid and tetraploid ploidy classes. Recoveries were generally over 95%. The diploid band was 99% pure. DNA and protein content of the ploidy classes were measured. After partial hepatectomy and [3H]thymidine injection it was found that the label moved largely into the tetraploid compartment. Isolated hepatocytes were fractionated in 1 h on Ficoll gradients. Erythrocytes were separated from small nucleated cells and the population of hepatocytes was clearly separated from these two cell populations. Diploid hepatocytes were 80% and tetraploid hepatocytes were 99% pure. Viability was about 80% after fractionation. The gene dosage of NADPH cytochrome c reductase, succinate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase was estimated in diploid and tetraploid hepatocytes. Gene dosage was equal in diploid and tetraploid hepatocytes for succinate dehydrogenase and NADPH cytochrome c reductase. It is suggested, after correcting for non-viable tetraploid hepatocytes, that the gene dosage of lactate dehydrogenase was significantly lower in diploid than in tetraploid hepatocytes.", "contents": "Separation of intact rat hepatocytes and rat liver nuclei into ploidy classes by velocity sedimentation at unit gravity. A system is described which permits the separation of isolated hepatocytes and isolated rat liver nuclei belonging to different ploidy classes by velocity sedimentation at unit gravity. The problem of obtaining single cells suspensions is discussed and preparations were obtained that contained 96% single hepatocytes. By improving the sedimentation method, it took 2.5 h to separate rat liver nuclei on sucrose gradients into diploid and tetraploid ploidy classes. Recoveries were generally over 95%. The diploid band was 99% pure. DNA and protein content of the ploidy classes were measured. After partial hepatectomy and [3H]thymidine injection it was found that the label moved largely into the tetraploid compartment. Isolated hepatocytes were fractionated in 1 h on Ficoll gradients. Erythrocytes were separated from small nucleated cells and the population of hepatocytes was clearly separated from these two cell populations. Diploid hepatocytes were 80% and tetraploid hepatocytes were 99% pure. Viability was about 80% after fractionation. The gene dosage of NADPH cytochrome c reductase, succinate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase was estimated in diploid and tetraploid hepatocytes. Gene dosage was equal in diploid and tetraploid hepatocytes for succinate dehydrogenase and NADPH cytochrome c reductase. It is suggested, after correcting for non-viable tetraploid hepatocytes, that the gene dosage of lactate dehydrogenase was significantly lower in diploid than in tetraploid hepatocytes.", "PMID": 999869} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7926", "title": "Heterogeneity of chondrocyte mitochondria. A study of the Ca2+ concentration and density banding characteristics of normal and rachitic cartilage.", "content": "Previous morphological studies of the mineralizing epiphysis suggested that some mitochondria were concerned with Ca2+ accumulation while others were associated with cellular energetics and metabolism. To determine if there was mitochondrial heterogeneity in chondrocytes of the epiphyseal growth plate, mitochondria were isolated from four different regions of the plate and subjected to continuous sucrose gradient centrifugation. Centrifugation of the organelles in a narrow density sucrose gradient (1.5--2.0 M) in the presence of inhibitors of Ca2+ transport (ruthenium red and 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)) revealed that considerable heterogeneity existed. In the least calcified zone 20% of the mitochondria formed a low density band of low Ca2+ concentration (309 nmol/mg protein). Organelles isolated from more calcified tissue zones showed a concomitant increase in Ca2+ concentration (up to 5700 nmol/mg protein) as well as an increase in the total percentage of mitochondria sedimenting in 2.0 M sucrose. The banding patterns of mitochondria isolated from rachitic and hypertrophic cartilage were similar. In addition, similarities were also noted in the Ca2+ concentration and the cytochrome oxidase activities of mitochondria of these tissues. During recovery from the rachitic condition, there was a change in the density centrifugation characteristics of this tissue and a substantial increase was noted in the proportion of mitochondria sedimenting in 2.0 M sucrose. The Ca2+ concentration of mitochondria of this rapidly calcifying tissue suggested that the critical Ca2+ concentration necessary for initiation of the calcification mechanism was 4 mumol/mg protein.", "contents": "Heterogeneity of chondrocyte mitochondria. A study of the Ca2+ concentration and density banding characteristics of normal and rachitic cartilage. Previous morphological studies of the mineralizing epiphysis suggested that some mitochondria were concerned with Ca2+ accumulation while others were associated with cellular energetics and metabolism. To determine if there was mitochondrial heterogeneity in chondrocytes of the epiphyseal growth plate, mitochondria were isolated from four different regions of the plate and subjected to continuous sucrose gradient centrifugation. Centrifugation of the organelles in a narrow density sucrose gradient (1.5--2.0 M) in the presence of inhibitors of Ca2+ transport (ruthenium red and 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)) revealed that considerable heterogeneity existed. In the least calcified zone 20% of the mitochondria formed a low density band of low Ca2+ concentration (309 nmol/mg protein). Organelles isolated from more calcified tissue zones showed a concomitant increase in Ca2+ concentration (up to 5700 nmol/mg protein) as well as an increase in the total percentage of mitochondria sedimenting in 2.0 M sucrose. The banding patterns of mitochondria isolated from rachitic and hypertrophic cartilage were similar. In addition, similarities were also noted in the Ca2+ concentration and the cytochrome oxidase activities of mitochondria of these tissues. During recovery from the rachitic condition, there was a change in the density centrifugation characteristics of this tissue and a substantial increase was noted in the proportion of mitochondria sedimenting in 2.0 M sucrose. The Ca2+ concentration of mitochondria of this rapidly calcifying tissue suggested that the critical Ca2+ concentration necessary for initiation of the calcification mechanism was 4 mumol/mg protein.", "PMID": 999870} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7927", "title": "Fluorimetric determination of the resting potential changes associated with the chemotactic response in Paramecium.", "content": "(1) Evidence is presented which indicates that the carbocyanine dye (3,3'-dipropyl thiadicarbocyanine) can be used as a spectroscopic probe for monitoring the resting potential across tha plasma membrane of the ciliated protozoan Paramecium. (2) The dye at low concentrations (less than or equal to 1 muM) does not affect either the viability or the motility of the cells, nor does it induce a chemotactic response. (3) The fluorescence of the dye bound to the cells alters as the potential across the membrane is changed by increasing the external cation concentration. (4) The absorbance of the bound dye also changes in response to an alteration of the membrane potential. (5) The membrane potential changes as measured by the fluorescence method have been correlated with the measurements of the potential estimated by microelectrode methods. (6) Both cations which induce a negative chemotactic response in Paramecium (K+, Na+, Ba2+) and several non-toxic cations bring about a rapid depolarization of the plasma membrane. The significance of these rapid changes in relation to the swimming behaviour of the ciliate is discussed.", "contents": "Fluorimetric determination of the resting potential changes associated with the chemotactic response in Paramecium. (1) Evidence is presented which indicates that the carbocyanine dye (3,3'-dipropyl thiadicarbocyanine) can be used as a spectroscopic probe for monitoring the resting potential across tha plasma membrane of the ciliated protozoan Paramecium. (2) The dye at low concentrations (less than or equal to 1 muM) does not affect either the viability or the motility of the cells, nor does it induce a chemotactic response. (3) The fluorescence of the dye bound to the cells alters as the potential across the membrane is changed by increasing the external cation concentration. (4) The absorbance of the bound dye also changes in response to an alteration of the membrane potential. (5) The membrane potential changes as measured by the fluorescence method have been correlated with the measurements of the potential estimated by microelectrode methods. (6) Both cations which induce a negative chemotactic response in Paramecium (K+, Na+, Ba2+) and several non-toxic cations bring about a rapid depolarization of the plasma membrane. The significance of these rapid changes in relation to the swimming behaviour of the ciliate is discussed.", "PMID": 999871} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7928", "title": "Nuclear magnetic resonance of tissue 23Na. Correlation time.", "content": "Shporer and Civan (Biochim. Biophys. Acta (1974) 354, 291--304) reported the effect of magnetic-field strength on the NMR relaxation times of 23Na in frog skeletal muscle. From these data, they estimated the correlation time c for bound 23Na whose tumbling is severely restricted, and they suggested that the fraction of bound 23Na does not exceed some few percent of the total 23Na population. However, a step in their theoretical approach seems oversimplified. With an improved approach, we obtained an effectivec of 4--9 ns for bound 23Na. This value is some 10 times shorter than the corresponding value estimated by them from the same data. On the other hand, their conclusion concerning the amount of bound 23Na seems to remain valid. The origin of the observed difference between the two transverse relaxation times of tissue 23Na is also discussed.", "contents": "Nuclear magnetic resonance of tissue 23Na. Correlation time. Shporer and Civan (Biochim. Biophys. Acta (1974) 354, 291--304) reported the effect of magnetic-field strength on the NMR relaxation times of 23Na in frog skeletal muscle. From these data, they estimated the correlation time c for bound 23Na whose tumbling is severely restricted, and they suggested that the fraction of bound 23Na does not exceed some few percent of the total 23Na population. However, a step in their theoretical approach seems oversimplified. With an improved approach, we obtained an effectivec of 4--9 ns for bound 23Na. This value is some 10 times shorter than the corresponding value estimated by them from the same data. On the other hand, their conclusion concerning the amount of bound 23Na seems to remain valid. The origin of the observed difference between the two transverse relaxation times of tissue 23Na is also discussed.", "PMID": 999872} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7929", "title": "A comparison of negatively and positively charged liposomes containing entrapped polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid for interferon induction in mice.", "content": "Intravenous injection of negatively and positively charged liposomes containing entrapped poly(I)-poly(C) induced a vigorous interferon response in mice with serum titers of interferon reaching twenty times those observed with comparable dosages of free poly(I)-poly(C). The response did not persist over an extended time period as observed earlier for enhanced interferon production stimulated by positively charged liposomes containing the inducer. Both negatively and positively charged liposomes containing [14C]poly(I)-poly(C) were taken up chiefly by the liver when given intravenously. Negatively charged particles were concentrated somewhat preferentially by the spleen (7--9% of the dose compared to 4--6%). Less radioactivity was found in liver and spleen when negatively charged particles were given intraperitoneally than was the case when positively charged particles were injected by this route. Free [14C]poly(I)-poly(C) was extensively metabolized to low molecular weight materials within four hours of injection, while encapsulation of the polymer provided protection against in vivo degradation. When both preferential localization and protection were considered, from three to five times as much high molecular weight E114C]poly(I)-poly(C) was recovered from liver at four hours after intravenous injection when the compound was given in encapsulated form compared to free polymer. Similarly, for spleen, seven times and three times as much polymeric [14C]poly(I)-poly(C) was recovered following injection of negatively charged liposomes and positively charged liposomes respectively compared to free [14C]poly(I)-poly(C). At 48 h after an intravenous injection of positively charged liposomes, as much as four percent of the dose remained in high molecular weight form in the liver and one percent in the spleen. Following intraperitoneal injections, polymeric [14C]poly(I)-poly(C) recovered from the liver never exceeded 4.3% of the dose, showing that most of the radioactivity in the liver consisted of metabolites. These results suggest that elevated and prolonged production of interferon in animals treated with encapsulated inducer results from a combination of factors including preferential tissue location and protection of the inducer from hydrolytic cleavage.", "contents": "A comparison of negatively and positively charged liposomes containing entrapped polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid for interferon induction in mice. Intravenous injection of negatively and positively charged liposomes containing entrapped poly(I)-poly(C) induced a vigorous interferon response in mice with serum titers of interferon reaching twenty times those observed with comparable dosages of free poly(I)-poly(C). The response did not persist over an extended time period as observed earlier for enhanced interferon production stimulated by positively charged liposomes containing the inducer. Both negatively and positively charged liposomes containing [14C]poly(I)-poly(C) were taken up chiefly by the liver when given intravenously. Negatively charged particles were concentrated somewhat preferentially by the spleen (7--9% of the dose compared to 4--6%). Less radioactivity was found in liver and spleen when negatively charged particles were given intraperitoneally than was the case when positively charged particles were injected by this route. Free [14C]poly(I)-poly(C) was extensively metabolized to low molecular weight materials within four hours of injection, while encapsulation of the polymer provided protection against in vivo degradation. When both preferential localization and protection were considered, from three to five times as much high molecular weight E114C]poly(I)-poly(C) was recovered from liver at four hours after intravenous injection when the compound was given in encapsulated form compared to free polymer. Similarly, for spleen, seven times and three times as much polymeric [14C]poly(I)-poly(C) was recovered following injection of negatively charged liposomes and positively charged liposomes respectively compared to free [14C]poly(I)-poly(C). At 48 h after an intravenous injection of positively charged liposomes, as much as four percent of the dose remained in high molecular weight form in the liver and one percent in the spleen. Following intraperitoneal injections, polymeric [14C]poly(I)-poly(C) recovered from the liver never exceeded 4.3% of the dose, showing that most of the radioactivity in the liver consisted of metabolites. These results suggest that elevated and prolonged production of interferon in animals treated with encapsulated inducer results from a combination of factors including preferential tissue location and protection of the inducer from hydrolytic cleavage.", "PMID": 999873} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7930", "title": "Fractionation and characterization of low molecular weight solubilized proteins of newborn rat keratohyalin granules.", "content": "Newborn rat epidermis was extracted using methods reported to extract keratohyalin granules. All extraction techniques yielded preparations of solubilized proteins with similar sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoretograms. The solubilized proteins were fractionated on a Sephadex G-200 column and six low molecular weight protein fractions (apparent molecular weights between 10000 and 18000) have been identified. Four of these have been isolated and partially characterized. Two of the fractions are characterized by high histidine, arginine, serine and glutamic acid concentrations and have an amino acid composition similar to that of the histidine-rich protein characteristic of keratohyalin granules. One of these histidine-rich fractions (molecular weight 13700) has ribonuclease activity. The other two isolated fractions are basic proteins, one of which (molecular weight 12800) is a basic lysine-rich protein. This protein is not found in any other tissues of the new born or adult rat.", "contents": "Fractionation and characterization of low molecular weight solubilized proteins of newborn rat keratohyalin granules. Newborn rat epidermis was extracted using methods reported to extract keratohyalin granules. All extraction techniques yielded preparations of solubilized proteins with similar sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoretograms. The solubilized proteins were fractionated on a Sephadex G-200 column and six low molecular weight protein fractions (apparent molecular weights between 10000 and 18000) have been identified. Four of these have been isolated and partially characterized. Two of the fractions are characterized by high histidine, arginine, serine and glutamic acid concentrations and have an amino acid composition similar to that of the histidine-rich protein characteristic of keratohyalin granules. One of these histidine-rich fractions (molecular weight 13700) has ribonuclease activity. The other two isolated fractions are basic proteins, one of which (molecular weight 12800) is a basic lysine-rich protein. This protein is not found in any other tissues of the new born or adult rat.", "PMID": 999874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7931", "title": "The quaternary structure of a molluscan (Helisoma trivolvis) extracellular hemoglobin.", "content": "The hemoglobin (erythrocruorin) of the planorbid mollusc Helisoma trivolvis has a molecular weight of 1.7-10(6) and a sedimentation coefficient (s0 20, w) of 33.8 S at pH 7.0. At pH 2.0, the pigment consists of 32 S and 13 S material. The hemoglobin exists as a 350 000 molecular weight submultiple in 6 M guanidine and can be further dissociated into a 175-200 000 dalton polypeptide in 6M guanidine, 0.1 M 2-mercaptoethanol or by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis of globin, performic acid oxidized globin or carboxymethylated globin. Electron microscope observations show a ten-membered ring structure measuring 200 A in diameter. It is proposed that Helisoma hemoglobin consists of a 1.7-10(6) dalton circular assembly of ten 175-200 000 dalton polypeptide chains. The amino acid composition of the pigment is reported. The hemoglobin contains one heme per 18-19 000 g protein. Limited proteolysis of the intact pigment shows 60 000, 40 000 and 17 000-18 500 dalton components when analyzed by sodium dodecylsulfate gel electrophoresis. It is likely that the 175-200 000 dalton polypeptide consists of a linear arrangement of 8-12 heme-containing domains, each domain having a molecular weight of 18-19 000.", "contents": "The quaternary structure of a molluscan (Helisoma trivolvis) extracellular hemoglobin. The hemoglobin (erythrocruorin) of the planorbid mollusc Helisoma trivolvis has a molecular weight of 1.7-10(6) and a sedimentation coefficient (s0 20, w) of 33.8 S at pH 7.0. At pH 2.0, the pigment consists of 32 S and 13 S material. The hemoglobin exists as a 350 000 molecular weight submultiple in 6 M guanidine and can be further dissociated into a 175-200 000 dalton polypeptide in 6M guanidine, 0.1 M 2-mercaptoethanol or by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis of globin, performic acid oxidized globin or carboxymethylated globin. Electron microscope observations show a ten-membered ring structure measuring 200 A in diameter. It is proposed that Helisoma hemoglobin consists of a 1.7-10(6) dalton circular assembly of ten 175-200 000 dalton polypeptide chains. The amino acid composition of the pigment is reported. The hemoglobin contains one heme per 18-19 000 g protein. Limited proteolysis of the intact pigment shows 60 000, 40 000 and 17 000-18 500 dalton components when analyzed by sodium dodecylsulfate gel electrophoresis. It is likely that the 175-200 000 dalton polypeptide consists of a linear arrangement of 8-12 heme-containing domains, each domain having a molecular weight of 18-19 000.", "PMID": 999875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7932", "title": "Conformational changes in two neurotoxic proteins from snake venoms.", "content": "alpha-Neurotoxin from Naja nigricollis and erabutoxin b from Laticauda semifasciata, two homologous neurotoxic proteins, are studied by circular dichroism, ultraviolet spectroscopy and fluorescence in various water/trifluoroethanol mixtures. The data obtained show that the beta structure of alpha-neurotoxin is conserved in water as well as in the organic solvent. By contrast, erabutoxin b changes from the beta-structure in water to the helix type in trifluoroethanol. The latter induces similarly for both toxins a structural modification around tryptophan 29, a residue common to all neurotoxins known to date. The vicinity of tyrosine 25, another common amino acid, is also altered by the presence of the organic solvent as demonstrated by the sudden increase of reactivity of the phenolic ring towards iodine. The present work affords some evidence for the presence of a particular structure located around the two aromatic residues, which is common to all neurotoxins and able to rearrange independently from the rest of the molecule. Biological importance of this peculiar region is highly probable.", "contents": "Conformational changes in two neurotoxic proteins from snake venoms. alpha-Neurotoxin from Naja nigricollis and erabutoxin b from Laticauda semifasciata, two homologous neurotoxic proteins, are studied by circular dichroism, ultraviolet spectroscopy and fluorescence in various water/trifluoroethanol mixtures. The data obtained show that the beta structure of alpha-neurotoxin is conserved in water as well as in the organic solvent. By contrast, erabutoxin b changes from the beta-structure in water to the helix type in trifluoroethanol. The latter induces similarly for both toxins a structural modification around tryptophan 29, a residue common to all neurotoxins known to date. The vicinity of tyrosine 25, another common amino acid, is also altered by the presence of the organic solvent as demonstrated by the sudden increase of reactivity of the phenolic ring towards iodine. The present work affords some evidence for the presence of a particular structure located around the two aromatic residues, which is common to all neurotoxins and able to rearrange independently from the rest of the molecule. Biological importance of this peculiar region is highly probable.", "PMID": 999876} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7933", "title": "Demonstration and isolation of the hybrid hemoglobins alpha 2 A beta A beta C and alpha 2 A beta S beta C.", "content": "The corss-linking reagent p,p'-difluoro-m,m'-dinitrodiphenylsulfone has been used to fix in the tetramer form the various species of hemoglobin present in mixtures of hemoglobin A and hemoglobin C and of hemoglobin S and hemoglobin C. Following reaction, the presence of the hybrid hemoglobins alpha 2 A beta A beta C and alpha 2 A beta S beta C in these hemoglobin mixtures was demonstrated electrophoretically and the hybrids were isolated by ion-exchange chromatography. The identity of the alpha 2 A beta A beta C hybrid was further verified by peptide analysis. The success in cross-linking alpha 2 A beta 2 C, alpha 2 A beta A beta C, and alpha 2 A beta S beta C with p,p'-difluoro-m,m'-dinitrodiphenylsulfone shows that the distance between the alpha chain amino terminals in solution for these hemoglobin species is the same as in normal hemoglobin.", "contents": "Demonstration and isolation of the hybrid hemoglobins alpha 2 A beta A beta C and alpha 2 A beta S beta C. The corss-linking reagent p,p'-difluoro-m,m'-dinitrodiphenylsulfone has been used to fix in the tetramer form the various species of hemoglobin present in mixtures of hemoglobin A and hemoglobin C and of hemoglobin S and hemoglobin C. Following reaction, the presence of the hybrid hemoglobins alpha 2 A beta A beta C and alpha 2 A beta S beta C in these hemoglobin mixtures was demonstrated electrophoretically and the hybrids were isolated by ion-exchange chromatography. The identity of the alpha 2 A beta A beta C hybrid was further verified by peptide analysis. The success in cross-linking alpha 2 A beta 2 C, alpha 2 A beta A beta C, and alpha 2 A beta S beta C with p,p'-difluoro-m,m'-dinitrodiphenylsulfone shows that the distance between the alpha chain amino terminals in solution for these hemoglobin species is the same as in normal hemoglobin.", "PMID": 999877} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7934", "title": "Formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase from porcine liver. An octomeric enzyme containing bifunctional polypeptides.", "content": "The forminiminotransferase-cyclodeaminase complex contains 2.8% carbohydrate and is composed of identical subunits based on molecular weight, isoelectric focusing and the number of CNBr-generated peptides. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the complex is a ring-shaped molecule when negatively stained both in solution and in crystalline structures. Rotational reinforcement of electron micrographs reveals that the molecule is composed of eight subunits arranged in a planar ring. These results indicate that each polypeptide of the complex must contain both enzymic activities.", "contents": "Formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase from porcine liver. An octomeric enzyme containing bifunctional polypeptides. The forminiminotransferase-cyclodeaminase complex contains 2.8% carbohydrate and is composed of identical subunits based on molecular weight, isoelectric focusing and the number of CNBr-generated peptides. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the complex is a ring-shaped molecule when negatively stained both in solution and in crystalline structures. Rotational reinforcement of electron micrographs reveals that the molecule is composed of eight subunits arranged in a planar ring. These results indicate that each polypeptide of the complex must contain both enzymic activities.", "PMID": 999878} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7935", "title": "Studies on metrizamide-protein interactions.", "content": "1. The apparent density of catalase after isopycnic centrifugation in metrizamide gradients is dependent on the metrizamide concentration into which the enzyme is dissolved at the beginning of the centrifugation. 2. This different behaviour of the enzyme in metrizamide gradients is due to the formation of a metrizamide-protein complex which is more dense than the uncomplexed catalase. 3. A bimodal distribution of the catalase, with additional heavy bands, was only observed in metrizamide gradients in light water, where rather high metrizamide concentrations are needed even for a banding of the uncomplexed enzyme. 4. The half-life of the metrizamide-protein complex is less than 5 min. This was shown by spectroscopical measurements and band sedimentation analysis in an analytical ultracentrifuge.", "contents": "Studies on metrizamide-protein interactions. 1. The apparent density of catalase after isopycnic centrifugation in metrizamide gradients is dependent on the metrizamide concentration into which the enzyme is dissolved at the beginning of the centrifugation. 2. This different behaviour of the enzyme in metrizamide gradients is due to the formation of a metrizamide-protein complex which is more dense than the uncomplexed catalase. 3. A bimodal distribution of the catalase, with additional heavy bands, was only observed in metrizamide gradients in light water, where rather high metrizamide concentrations are needed even for a banding of the uncomplexed enzyme. 4. The half-life of the metrizamide-protein complex is less than 5 min. This was shown by spectroscopical measurements and band sedimentation analysis in an analytical ultracentrifuge.", "PMID": 999879} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7936", "title": "[Quantitative analysis of ovalbumin by thin-layer isoelectric focusing (author's transl)].", "content": "A new method for quantitation of ovalbumin by thin layer isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel is described. This technique separates ovalbumin from avian-magnum homogenates or egg white and allows the quantitative determination of each ovalbumin fraction. Considering the very small amount (7 mul) of sample needed for an analysis, the sensitivity and the reproducibility of the proposed method are good. The application of this technique to quail egg white ovalbumin analysis leads to the characterization of four fractions A3, A2, A1 and A0 containing, respectively, 0, 1, 2 and 3 atoms of phosphorus per mole and with isoelectric points that range from 4.95 (A3) to 4.65 (A0).", "contents": "[Quantitative analysis of ovalbumin by thin-layer isoelectric focusing (author's transl)]. A new method for quantitation of ovalbumin by thin layer isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel is described. This technique separates ovalbumin from avian-magnum homogenates or egg white and allows the quantitative determination of each ovalbumin fraction. Considering the very small amount (7 mul) of sample needed for an analysis, the sensitivity and the reproducibility of the proposed method are good. The application of this technique to quail egg white ovalbumin analysis leads to the characterization of four fractions A3, A2, A1 and A0 containing, respectively, 0, 1, 2 and 3 atoms of phosphorus per mole and with isoelectric points that range from 4.95 (A3) to 4.65 (A0).", "PMID": 999880} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7937", "title": "NMR relaxation investigation of water mobility in aqueous bovine serum albumin solutions.", "content": "T1 and T2 dispersion measurements of proton spin relaxation on aqueous solutions of bovine serum albumin as a function of both protein concentration and temperature, covering Larmor frequencies from 3 kHz to 75 MHz, will be presented as a most conclusive test for a three-phase fast-exchange relaxation model. By means of a computer curve fitting of this model to the experimental data, we were able to separate 3 distinct water environments and, in addition, the rotational tumbling of the bovine serum albumin molecules.", "contents": "NMR relaxation investigation of water mobility in aqueous bovine serum albumin solutions. T1 and T2 dispersion measurements of proton spin relaxation on aqueous solutions of bovine serum albumin as a function of both protein concentration and temperature, covering Larmor frequencies from 3 kHz to 75 MHz, will be presented as a most conclusive test for a three-phase fast-exchange relaxation model. By means of a computer curve fitting of this model to the experimental data, we were able to separate 3 distinct water environments and, in addition, the rotational tumbling of the bovine serum albumin molecules.", "PMID": 999881} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7938", "title": "Characterization of components of heat-treated serum albumin with bromcresol green.", "content": "The interactions of bromcresol green with various components isolated from heat treated bovine serum albumin at 65 degrees C and pH 9.0 were studied spectrophotometrically. The difference spectra of the dye induced by native albumin and component 1, which has the same electrophoretic mobility as native albumin, had a trough at 616 nm and peak at about 668 nm, whereas those induced by the denatured monomer (component 1'), denatured dimer (component 2) and denatured trimer (component 3) had a trough at 610 nm and peak at 655 nm. From these difference spectra, it was concluded that component 1 is a mixture of at least two components (native and modified native forms) and that components 1', 2 and 3, formed during the process of denaturation, have essentially the same conformation in the environment of the binding sites for bromcresol green. A possible mechanism for the heat denaturation of serum albumin is proposed.", "contents": "Characterization of components of heat-treated serum albumin with bromcresol green. The interactions of bromcresol green with various components isolated from heat treated bovine serum albumin at 65 degrees C and pH 9.0 were studied spectrophotometrically. The difference spectra of the dye induced by native albumin and component 1, which has the same electrophoretic mobility as native albumin, had a trough at 616 nm and peak at about 668 nm, whereas those induced by the denatured monomer (component 1'), denatured dimer (component 2) and denatured trimer (component 3) had a trough at 610 nm and peak at 655 nm. From these difference spectra, it was concluded that component 1 is a mixture of at least two components (native and modified native forms) and that components 1', 2 and 3, formed during the process of denaturation, have essentially the same conformation in the environment of the binding sites for bromcresol green. A possible mechanism for the heat denaturation of serum albumin is proposed.", "PMID": 999885} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7939", "title": "Acid phosphomonoesterase of human prostate. Carbohydrate content and optical properties.", "content": "Human prostatic acid phosphatase I, a glycoprotein, has been analyzed with respect to its quantiative carbohydrate composition and its fluorescence, optical rotatory and circular dichroic spectra. The protein of 89 000 molecular weight has 38 to 41 carbohydrate residues attached, of which 3 residues are fucose, 4 are galactose, 11 mannose, 15 glucosamine and there are 7 to 8 residues of sialic acid. The native glycoprotein contains about 30% alpha-helix as estimated from the rotational and dichroic spectra. Upon removal of sialic acid by neuraminidase treatment, there is a small increase in this value, while the fluorescence intensity at he emission maximum (357 nm) is distinctly increased. These effects suggest that an interaction exists of the sialic acid group with parts of the native protein. Allowance is made for the contribution of the carbohydrate components in interpreting the spectra in structural terms.", "contents": "Acid phosphomonoesterase of human prostate. Carbohydrate content and optical properties. Human prostatic acid phosphatase I, a glycoprotein, has been analyzed with respect to its quantiative carbohydrate composition and its fluorescence, optical rotatory and circular dichroic spectra. The protein of 89 000 molecular weight has 38 to 41 carbohydrate residues attached, of which 3 residues are fucose, 4 are galactose, 11 mannose, 15 glucosamine and there are 7 to 8 residues of sialic acid. The native glycoprotein contains about 30% alpha-helix as estimated from the rotational and dichroic spectra. Upon removal of sialic acid by neuraminidase treatment, there is a small increase in this value, while the fluorescence intensity at he emission maximum (357 nm) is distinctly increased. These effects suggest that an interaction exists of the sialic acid group with parts of the native protein. Allowance is made for the contribution of the carbohydrate components in interpreting the spectra in structural terms.", "PMID": 999886} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7940", "title": "Preparation and properties of carp muscle parvalbumin fragments A (residues 1 leads to 75) and B (residues 76 leads to 108).", "content": "The calcium-binding protein (parvalbumin), isolated from carp (Cyprinus carpio) muscle, has been specifically fragmented into two polypeptides by tryptic hydrolysis at the single arginine residue at position 75. Fragment A contains residues 1 leads to 75 and fragment B is composed of residues 76 leads to 108. The fragments have been characterized according to size, amino acid composition, carboxyl- and aminoterminal analysis. Both fragments appear to be homogeneous by these criteria. The intact protein is known to bind 2 mol of calcium per mol of parvalbumin, and although each fragment alone contains all of the essential ligands for the coordination of one Ca2+, neither fragment displays calcium binding activity. Attempts to reconstitute the two fragments, under a variety of conditions, into a functional complex which can bind calcium have been unsuccessful. The side chain of Arg-75 is known to occupy an internal position in the crystalline structure of parvalbumin (Kretsinger, R.H. and Nockolds, C.E. (1973) J. Biol. Chem. 248, 3313), where it is stabilized by an intricate network of hydrogen bonding involving the side chain of Glu-81. Although this internal salt bridge is approx. 20 A from either calcium binding site, it has been suggested that this structural feature of the molecule plays an essential role in the reversible binding of Ca2+. That the side chain of Arg-75 likewise occupies an internal position in the solution structure is indicated by its unavailability for reaction with 1,2-cyclohexanedione under conditions of physiological pH and temperature. However, in the presence of EDTA and at pH 8, it is readily modified by cyclohexanedione. This modification is accompanied by a concomitant loss in calcium binding activity. Reversal of the modification by treatment with hydroxylamine is accompanied by restoration of calcium binding activity. The serum of these data support the hypothesis that Arg-75 plays a critical role in the structural organization and calcium binding activity of the molecule, and in addition, suggests that the integrity of the peptide bond between Arg-75 and Ala-76 may be necessary for establishing the proper micro-environment required for formation of the internal salt bridge between Arg-75 and Glu-81.", "contents": "Preparation and properties of carp muscle parvalbumin fragments A (residues 1 leads to 75) and B (residues 76 leads to 108). The calcium-binding protein (parvalbumin), isolated from carp (Cyprinus carpio) muscle, has been specifically fragmented into two polypeptides by tryptic hydrolysis at the single arginine residue at position 75. Fragment A contains residues 1 leads to 75 and fragment B is composed of residues 76 leads to 108. The fragments have been characterized according to size, amino acid composition, carboxyl- and aminoterminal analysis. Both fragments appear to be homogeneous by these criteria. The intact protein is known to bind 2 mol of calcium per mol of parvalbumin, and although each fragment alone contains all of the essential ligands for the coordination of one Ca2+, neither fragment displays calcium binding activity. Attempts to reconstitute the two fragments, under a variety of conditions, into a functional complex which can bind calcium have been unsuccessful. The side chain of Arg-75 is known to occupy an internal position in the crystalline structure of parvalbumin (Kretsinger, R.H. and Nockolds, C.E. (1973) J. Biol. Chem. 248, 3313), where it is stabilized by an intricate network of hydrogen bonding involving the side chain of Glu-81. Although this internal salt bridge is approx. 20 A from either calcium binding site, it has been suggested that this structural feature of the molecule plays an essential role in the reversible binding of Ca2+. That the side chain of Arg-75 likewise occupies an internal position in the solution structure is indicated by its unavailability for reaction with 1,2-cyclohexanedione under conditions of physiological pH and temperature. However, in the presence of EDTA and at pH 8, it is readily modified by cyclohexanedione. This modification is accompanied by a concomitant loss in calcium binding activity. Reversal of the modification by treatment with hydroxylamine is accompanied by restoration of calcium binding activity. The serum of these data support the hypothesis that Arg-75 plays a critical role in the structural organization and calcium binding activity of the molecule, and in addition, suggests that the integrity of the peptide bond between Arg-75 and Ala-76 may be necessary for establishing the proper micro-environment required for formation of the internal salt bridge between Arg-75 and Glu-81.", "PMID": 999890} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7941", "title": "Denaturation of oxyhemoglobulin S by mechanical shaking.", "content": "The oxy form of sickle hemoglobin precipitates rapidly during mechanical shaking. The rate of precipitation depends on shaking conditions such as stroke amplitude, frequency, angle between the vial axis and the shaking motion, volume and viscosity of hemoglobin solution and temperature. The rate increases linearly with either stroke (S) or frequency (n) above a certain value (S = 5 mm or n = 10Hz). The rate constant was maximum when the angle 0 between the vial axis and the shaking direction was 30 degrees. The rate of precipitation of sickle oxyhemoglobin was faster at high temperatures and always about 10 times greater than that of normal hemoglobin. The activation energies of precipitation of hemoglobin S and A are 20.3 and 21.3 kcal/mol, respectively. The thermogram of hemoglobin was measured by a differential scanning calorimeter. The denaturation temperatures determined from the peak of denaturation curves were 83.5 degrees C for oxyhemoglobin S and 85 degrees C for oxyhemoglobin A. The precipitated hemoglobin after mechanical shaking did not show any denaturation peak indicating that the protein molecules are irreversibly denatured by shaking.", "contents": "Denaturation of oxyhemoglobulin S by mechanical shaking. The oxy form of sickle hemoglobin precipitates rapidly during mechanical shaking. The rate of precipitation depends on shaking conditions such as stroke amplitude, frequency, angle between the vial axis and the shaking motion, volume and viscosity of hemoglobin solution and temperature. The rate increases linearly with either stroke (S) or frequency (n) above a certain value (S = 5 mm or n = 10Hz). The rate constant was maximum when the angle 0 between the vial axis and the shaking direction was 30 degrees. The rate of precipitation of sickle oxyhemoglobin was faster at high temperatures and always about 10 times greater than that of normal hemoglobin. The activation energies of precipitation of hemoglobin S and A are 20.3 and 21.3 kcal/mol, respectively. The thermogram of hemoglobin was measured by a differential scanning calorimeter. The denaturation temperatures determined from the peak of denaturation curves were 83.5 degrees C for oxyhemoglobin S and 85 degrees C for oxyhemoglobin A. The precipitated hemoglobin after mechanical shaking did not show any denaturation peak indicating that the protein molecules are irreversibly denatured by shaking.", "PMID": 999891} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7942", "title": "Studies on phytohemagglutinins. XXVIII. Chemical modifications of the lectin from seeds of the lentil (Lens esculenta Moench.)", "content": "The reaction of lentil lectin with maleic anhydride yields maleyl derivatives with a degree of modification depending on the amount of used maleic anhydride. Hemagglutinating activity of maleyl derivatives decreases with the increasing number of modified lysine residues, but even at a maleylation of 90% of free -NH2 groups, the maleyl derivative of the lectin still retains a hemagglutinating activity. Maleylation of the lentil lectin is not accompanied by dissociation; the chemically modified lectin also retains its bound Mn. Maleyl derivatives of the lectin retain the ability to interact specifically with polysaccharides (Sephadex, mannan). After removal of maleyl groups in acidic medium, the hemagglutinating activity does not differ from that of the native lectin. Acetylation of the lentil lectin with N-acetylimidazole results in formation of a modified protein containing 3-5 acetylated -OH groups of the tyrosyl residues out of the total of 15 groups and 7-17 acetylated -NH2 groups out of the total of 26 free -NH2 groups, depending upon the reaction conditions. The presence of D-mannose in the reaction mixture does not affect the extent of modification of tyrosyl groups, but it decreases the modification of -NH2 groups. Acetyl derivatives of the lentil lectin do not possess hemagglutinating activity, but they retain the ability to interact with polysaccharides and to bind to erythrocytes. Acetylation does not affect the content of protein bound Mn. After de-O-acetylation, the hemagglutinating activity of the modified protein increases to the value of the native protein.", "contents": "Studies on phytohemagglutinins. XXVIII. Chemical modifications of the lectin from seeds of the lentil (Lens esculenta Moench.). The reaction of lentil lectin with maleic anhydride yields maleyl derivatives with a degree of modification depending on the amount of used maleic anhydride. Hemagglutinating activity of maleyl derivatives decreases with the increasing number of modified lysine residues, but even at a maleylation of 90% of free -NH2 groups, the maleyl derivative of the lectin still retains a hemagglutinating activity. Maleylation of the lentil lectin is not accompanied by dissociation; the chemically modified lectin also retains its bound Mn. Maleyl derivatives of the lectin retain the ability to interact specifically with polysaccharides (Sephadex, mannan). After removal of maleyl groups in acidic medium, the hemagglutinating activity does not differ from that of the native lectin. Acetylation of the lentil lectin with N-acetylimidazole results in formation of a modified protein containing 3-5 acetylated -OH groups of the tyrosyl residues out of the total of 15 groups and 7-17 acetylated -NH2 groups out of the total of 26 free -NH2 groups, depending upon the reaction conditions. The presence of D-mannose in the reaction mixture does not affect the extent of modification of tyrosyl groups, but it decreases the modification of -NH2 groups. Acetyl derivatives of the lentil lectin do not possess hemagglutinating activity, but they retain the ability to interact with polysaccharides and to bind to erythrocytes. Acetylation does not affect the content of protein bound Mn. After de-O-acetylation, the hemagglutinating activity of the modified protein increases to the value of the native protein.", "PMID": 999892} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7943", "title": "Effect of iron on sedimentation-velocity and gel filtration behaviour of transferrins from several vertebrates.", "content": "1. The effect of iron binding on the conformation of transferrins has been studied using analytical gel filtration and differential velocity sedimentation. 2. In all cases where bicarbonate is the anion the transferrin molecules undergo changes in Stokes' radius and sedimentation coefficient of the same order of magnitude, but of opposite sign. 3. Replacement of the bicarbonate ion with oxalate results in smaller changes in these two parameters. 4. In all cases except ovotranferrin, sheep serum transferrin, and human transferrin with oxalate as the anion, changes in Stokes' radius for the addition of the first and second iron atoms are similar. 5. For ovotransferrin and sheep transferrin it is necessary to postulate interaction between the iron-binding sites to account for the change in Stokes' radius caused by the second iron atom binding being greater than for the first. 6. Human transferrin with oxalate as the anion shows a greater change for the first atom bound than for the second which is consistent with the increased size of the oxalate ion compared with bicarbonate.", "contents": "Effect of iron on sedimentation-velocity and gel filtration behaviour of transferrins from several vertebrates. 1. The effect of iron binding on the conformation of transferrins has been studied using analytical gel filtration and differential velocity sedimentation. 2. In all cases where bicarbonate is the anion the transferrin molecules undergo changes in Stokes' radius and sedimentation coefficient of the same order of magnitude, but of opposite sign. 3. Replacement of the bicarbonate ion with oxalate results in smaller changes in these two parameters. 4. In all cases except ovotranferrin, sheep serum transferrin, and human transferrin with oxalate as the anion, changes in Stokes' radius for the addition of the first and second iron atoms are similar. 5. For ovotransferrin and sheep transferrin it is necessary to postulate interaction between the iron-binding sites to account for the change in Stokes' radius caused by the second iron atom binding being greater than for the first. 6. Human transferrin with oxalate as the anion shows a greater change for the first atom bound than for the second which is consistent with the increased size of the oxalate ion compared with bicarbonate.", "PMID": 999893} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7944", "title": "Conformational and biological properties of a covalently linked dimer of glucagon. Reaction of mono- and bifunctional sulfenyl halides.", "content": "The tryptophan residue of glucagon was modified by reaction with a mono-functional sulfenyl chloride (2-nitrophenylsulfenyl chloride) and with a bifunctional sulfenyl chloride (2,4-dinitro-1,5-phenyldisulfenyl chloride) to produce a monomeric form of glucagon with a modified tryptophan, glucagon-nitrophenylsulfenyl and a dimeric form (glucagon)2-dinitrophenyldisulfenyl respectively. The dimeric form was isolated by chromatography on Sephadex G-50. The circular dichroism spectra of pH and low temperature. The derivatives activated adenylate cyclase from rat liver to an extent comparable to that of the native hormone, indicating that a glucagon dimer is capable of biological activity and that an intact tryptophan residue is not essential for biological response.", "contents": "Conformational and biological properties of a covalently linked dimer of glucagon. Reaction of mono- and bifunctional sulfenyl halides. The tryptophan residue of glucagon was modified by reaction with a mono-functional sulfenyl chloride (2-nitrophenylsulfenyl chloride) and with a bifunctional sulfenyl chloride (2,4-dinitro-1,5-phenyldisulfenyl chloride) to produce a monomeric form of glucagon with a modified tryptophan, glucagon-nitrophenylsulfenyl and a dimeric form (glucagon)2-dinitrophenyldisulfenyl respectively. The dimeric form was isolated by chromatography on Sephadex G-50. The circular dichroism spectra of pH and low temperature. The derivatives activated adenylate cyclase from rat liver to an extent comparable to that of the native hormone, indicating that a glucagon dimer is capable of biological activity and that an intact tryptophan residue is not essential for biological response.", "PMID": 999894} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7945", "title": "Biochemical aspects of the visual process. XXXIV. Relation between sulfhydryl groups and properties of rhodopsin studied by means of methylmercuric iodide.", "content": "1. Treatment of isolated bovine rod outer segment membranes with the very reactive, small and uncharged sulfhydryl reagent methylmercuric iodide shows all six SH groups of rhodopsin can be modified without loss of its typical absorbance spectrum. 2. The partial loss of regeneration capacity, which occurs under these circumstances, can be attributed to secondary conformational changes following the actual modification reaction. 3. These observations plead against a direct involvement of SH groups in these two important parameters of rhodopsin. 4. Upon modification of SH groups, the normal photolytic sequence of rhodopsin is increasingly disturbed. When four or more SH groups are modified, the appearance of a photointermediate resembling metarhodopsin I dominates under conditions where native rhodopsin yields the transition of metarhodopsin II to metarhodopsin III.", "contents": "Biochemical aspects of the visual process. XXXIV. Relation between sulfhydryl groups and properties of rhodopsin studied by means of methylmercuric iodide. 1. Treatment of isolated bovine rod outer segment membranes with the very reactive, small and uncharged sulfhydryl reagent methylmercuric iodide shows all six SH groups of rhodopsin can be modified without loss of its typical absorbance spectrum. 2. The partial loss of regeneration capacity, which occurs under these circumstances, can be attributed to secondary conformational changes following the actual modification reaction. 3. These observations plead against a direct involvement of SH groups in these two important parameters of rhodopsin. 4. Upon modification of SH groups, the normal photolytic sequence of rhodopsin is increasingly disturbed. When four or more SH groups are modified, the appearance of a photointermediate resembling metarhodopsin I dominates under conditions where native rhodopsin yields the transition of metarhodopsin II to metarhodopsin III.", "PMID": 999895} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7946", "title": "Isolation, properties and primary structure of coypu and chinchilla pancreatic ribonuclease.", "content": "Pancreatic ribonucleases from the hystricomorph rodent species: coypu and chinchilla were isolated using chromatography on carboxymethyl-cellulose. The amino acid sequences were determined from tryptic digests of the aminoethylated proteins. The tryptic peptides were positioned in the sequence by homology with other pancreatic ribonucleases. Coypu pancreas contains one carbohydrate-containing ribonuclease component. From chinchilla pancreas two carbohydrate-containing ribonuclease components were obtained; one homogeneous and the other heterogeneous. The latter differs from the first in being more acidic; it exhibits heterogeneity both in its carbohydrate moiety (glycopeptides both with and without sialic acid were isolated) and in amino acid sequence (probably glycine at position 32 has been partially substituted by aspartic acid). In both ribonucleases the carbohydrate is attached to asparagine 34. Earlier results on the titration behaviour of histidine residues in both proteins obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are discussed. An ion bridge between the invariant glutamic acid 49 and histidine 80 may explain the high pK value of the latter.", "contents": "Isolation, properties and primary structure of coypu and chinchilla pancreatic ribonuclease. Pancreatic ribonucleases from the hystricomorph rodent species: coypu and chinchilla were isolated using chromatography on carboxymethyl-cellulose. The amino acid sequences were determined from tryptic digests of the aminoethylated proteins. The tryptic peptides were positioned in the sequence by homology with other pancreatic ribonucleases. Coypu pancreas contains one carbohydrate-containing ribonuclease component. From chinchilla pancreas two carbohydrate-containing ribonuclease components were obtained; one homogeneous and the other heterogeneous. The latter differs from the first in being more acidic; it exhibits heterogeneity both in its carbohydrate moiety (glycopeptides both with and without sialic acid were isolated) and in amino acid sequence (probably glycine at position 32 has been partially substituted by aspartic acid). In both ribonucleases the carbohydrate is attached to asparagine 34. Earlier results on the titration behaviour of histidine residues in both proteins obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are discussed. An ion bridge between the invariant glutamic acid 49 and histidine 80 may explain the high pK value of the latter.", "PMID": 999896} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7947", "title": "Sheep prothrombin: purification and partial characterization.", "content": "A procedure for the preparation of highly purified sheep prothrombin is described. The purified zymogen, when subjected to disc gel electrophoresis in polyacrylamide, gave rise to one single band. Only alanine was found as N-terminal residue. Carboxypeptidases A and B failed to release any C-terminal residue. The isoelectric point, as determined by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel slab, was shown to be 4.9-5.0. Non-chromatographed, but not the purified zymogen, could be converted into active thrombin in half-saturated trisodium citrate seeded with thrombin. Pure sheep prothrombin showed 5.6% of neutral sugars and the following amino acid composition: Ala35, Arg44, Asx54-55, -Cys24, Glx72, Gly53-54, His8, Ile19, Leu45, Lys31, Met7, Phe23, Pro36, Ser34, Thr29-29, Trp16, Tyr19 and Val33, which accounts for a molecular weight of about 66 000 (amino acids only). The molecular weight as determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after reduction by 2-mercaptoethanol, was shown to be 77 000 +/- 3000 (carbohydrates included).", "contents": "Sheep prothrombin: purification and partial characterization. A procedure for the preparation of highly purified sheep prothrombin is described. The purified zymogen, when subjected to disc gel electrophoresis in polyacrylamide, gave rise to one single band. Only alanine was found as N-terminal residue. Carboxypeptidases A and B failed to release any C-terminal residue. The isoelectric point, as determined by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel slab, was shown to be 4.9-5.0. Non-chromatographed, but not the purified zymogen, could be converted into active thrombin in half-saturated trisodium citrate seeded with thrombin. Pure sheep prothrombin showed 5.6% of neutral sugars and the following amino acid composition: Ala35, Arg44, Asx54-55, -Cys24, Glx72, Gly53-54, His8, Ile19, Leu45, Lys31, Met7, Phe23, Pro36, Ser34, Thr29-29, Trp16, Tyr19 and Val33, which accounts for a molecular weight of about 66 000 (amino acids only). The molecular weight as determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after reduction by 2-mercaptoethanol, was shown to be 77 000 +/- 3000 (carbohydrates included).", "PMID": 999897} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7948", "title": "Amino acid sequences of lamprey fibrinopeptides A and B and characterizations of the junctions split by lamprey and mammalian thrombins.", "content": "The amino acid sequences of the fibrinopeptides A and B from lamprey fibrinogen have been determined. The fibrinopeptide A is the shortest fibrinopeptide ever isolated, being comprised of only six amino acids. The fibrinopeptide B, on the other hand, is the largest fibrinopeptide characterized to date, having 36 amino acid residues and a cluster of covalently bound carbohydrate. As reported previously, lamprey fibrinogen is readily clotted by mammalian thrombins, but only the fibrinopeptide B is released during the process. Lamprey fibrinopeptide A is not released by mammalian thrombins and could only be removed with the use of lamprey thrombin. Firm proof that the lamprey fibrinopeptides A and B are the amino segments of the alpha and beta-chains respectively was obtained by a series of stepwise degradations on lamprey fibrinogen and lamprey fibrins produced in turn by the action of mammalian thrombin (fibrin B) and lamprey thrombin (fibrin A). These studies were supplemented by stepwise degradations on the individual Aalpha and Bbeta-chains. It the case of the lamprey Aalpha-chain it was also possible to release the 6-residue fibrinopeptide A from the isolated chain with lamprey thrombin and demonstrate that the newly exposed amino-terminal sequence begins with the Gly-Pro-Arg sequence characteristic of mammalian fibrin alpha-chains. In fact, the sequences on the fibrin side of both of the junctions split by thrombin(s) are highly conserved and virtually identical with those found in mammalian alpha and beta-chains.", "contents": "Amino acid sequences of lamprey fibrinopeptides A and B and characterizations of the junctions split by lamprey and mammalian thrombins. The amino acid sequences of the fibrinopeptides A and B from lamprey fibrinogen have been determined. The fibrinopeptide A is the shortest fibrinopeptide ever isolated, being comprised of only six amino acids. The fibrinopeptide B, on the other hand, is the largest fibrinopeptide characterized to date, having 36 amino acid residues and a cluster of covalently bound carbohydrate. As reported previously, lamprey fibrinogen is readily clotted by mammalian thrombins, but only the fibrinopeptide B is released during the process. Lamprey fibrinopeptide A is not released by mammalian thrombins and could only be removed with the use of lamprey thrombin. Firm proof that the lamprey fibrinopeptides A and B are the amino segments of the alpha and beta-chains respectively was obtained by a series of stepwise degradations on lamprey fibrinogen and lamprey fibrins produced in turn by the action of mammalian thrombin (fibrin B) and lamprey thrombin (fibrin A). These studies were supplemented by stepwise degradations on the individual Aalpha and Bbeta-chains. It the case of the lamprey Aalpha-chain it was also possible to release the 6-residue fibrinopeptide A from the isolated chain with lamprey thrombin and demonstrate that the newly exposed amino-terminal sequence begins with the Gly-Pro-Arg sequence characteristic of mammalian fibrin alpha-chains. In fact, the sequences on the fibrin side of both of the junctions split by thrombin(s) are highly conserved and virtually identical with those found in mammalian alpha and beta-chains.", "PMID": 999898} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7949", "title": "Hemoglobin Dakar = Hb Grady: demonstration by a new approach to the analysis of the tryptic core region of the alpha chain and oxygen equilibrium properties.", "content": "Preliminary studies have suggested that in Hb Dakar, histidine alpha112 was substituted by a glutamine. A re-investigation on this hemoglobin is presented in this report. A structural study has been performed using a new approach to analyse the tryptic core region of the human hemoglobin alpha chain. After tryptic digestion of the aminoethylated alpha chain, a secondary digestion of the tryptic core was carried out with chymotrypsin and with another protease, thermolysin. Analyses of the chymotryptic and thermolytic peptides indicated that the structure of Hb Dakar was identical to that of Hb Grady previously described by Huisman et al. who showed the insertion of three amino acid residues in position alpha115 or alpha118. The insertion, which was localized near two residues involved in the alpha1beta1 contact, did not produce a dissociation into dimers. Functional studies demonstrated a a slightly increased oxygen affinity, a lowered cooperativity and a normal Bohr effect. The low amount of the abnormal hemoglobin (8%) may in part be explained by a slight instability of the molecule.", "contents": "Hemoglobin Dakar = Hb Grady: demonstration by a new approach to the analysis of the tryptic core region of the alpha chain and oxygen equilibrium properties. Preliminary studies have suggested that in Hb Dakar, histidine alpha112 was substituted by a glutamine. A re-investigation on this hemoglobin is presented in this report. A structural study has been performed using a new approach to analyse the tryptic core region of the human hemoglobin alpha chain. After tryptic digestion of the aminoethylated alpha chain, a secondary digestion of the tryptic core was carried out with chymotrypsin and with another protease, thermolysin. Analyses of the chymotryptic and thermolytic peptides indicated that the structure of Hb Dakar was identical to that of Hb Grady previously described by Huisman et al. who showed the insertion of three amino acid residues in position alpha115 or alpha118. The insertion, which was localized near two residues involved in the alpha1beta1 contact, did not produce a dissociation into dimers. Functional studies demonstrated a a slightly increased oxygen affinity, a lowered cooperativity and a normal Bohr effect. The low amount of the abnormal hemoglobin (8%) may in part be explained by a slight instability of the molecule.", "PMID": 999899} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7950", "title": "Ultraviolet difference spectral studies of human serotransferrin and lactotransferrin.", "content": "In order to determine the conformational relationship of iron binding of human serotransferrin and lactotransferrin, ultraviolet difference spectral studies were performed in the presence of guanidine chloride and perturbants as deuterium oxide, ethylene glycol, glycerol and polyethylene glycol. In the presence of guanidine chloride solution the molar absorption differences at 292 nm of iron-saturated forms versus iron-free forms of human serotransferrin and lactotransferrin are respectively -16000 +/- 1000 and -14000 +/- 775. These modifications may be attributed to the involvement of tryptophan residues in the iron-binding sites of the two proteins. However, the results do not demonstrate that these tryptophan residues are bound directly to iron. Difference spectral studies in the presence of perturbants show that the apparent exposed tryptophan and tyrosine residues are higher with shorter range perturbants in iron-free forms of both transferrin molecules. The most important modification of exposed tyrosine residues has been noticed upon removing iron from human lactotransferrin than from serotransferrin.", "contents": "Ultraviolet difference spectral studies of human serotransferrin and lactotransferrin. In order to determine the conformational relationship of iron binding of human serotransferrin and lactotransferrin, ultraviolet difference spectral studies were performed in the presence of guanidine chloride and perturbants as deuterium oxide, ethylene glycol, glycerol and polyethylene glycol. In the presence of guanidine chloride solution the molar absorption differences at 292 nm of iron-saturated forms versus iron-free forms of human serotransferrin and lactotransferrin are respectively -16000 +/- 1000 and -14000 +/- 775. These modifications may be attributed to the involvement of tryptophan residues in the iron-binding sites of the two proteins. However, the results do not demonstrate that these tryptophan residues are bound directly to iron. Difference spectral studies in the presence of perturbants show that the apparent exposed tryptophan and tyrosine residues are higher with shorter range perturbants in iron-free forms of both transferrin molecules. The most important modification of exposed tyrosine residues has been noticed upon removing iron from human lactotransferrin than from serotransferrin.", "PMID": 999900} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7951", "title": "Low temperature magnetic circular dichroism spectra of met- and myoglobin derivatives.", "content": "1. Low temperature magnetic circular dichroism spectra of high and low spin derivatives of metmyoglobin and myoglobin have been measured in the Soret and high wavelength regions. 2. The large difference in intensity of the Soret magnetic circular dichroism bands suggest that a correlation exists between the signal intensity and spin state of the heme-iron. 3. From a comparison of the high and low spin sepctra of the myoglobin derivatives it is concluded that oxymyoglobin contains between 10 and 20% of a ferrous high spin component below 100 degrees K.", "contents": "Low temperature magnetic circular dichroism spectra of met- and myoglobin derivatives. 1. Low temperature magnetic circular dichroism spectra of high and low spin derivatives of metmyoglobin and myoglobin have been measured in the Soret and high wavelength regions. 2. The large difference in intensity of the Soret magnetic circular dichroism bands suggest that a correlation exists between the signal intensity and spin state of the heme-iron. 3. From a comparison of the high and low spin sepctra of the myoglobin derivatives it is concluded that oxymyoglobin contains between 10 and 20% of a ferrous high spin component below 100 degrees K.", "PMID": 999901} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7952", "title": "Laser Raman investigation of the conformation of human immunoglobulin G.", "content": "Laser Raman spectra of human immunoglobulin G in neutral solution, as well as in the lyophilized and alkaline-denatured states are presented. In the spectrum of the native protein, the amide III band appears at 1240 cm-1 and is assigned to the presence of beta-sheet structure. From its intensity, using a procedure described in this paper, we evaluate the beta-structure content to 37 +/- 4%. This result is supported by the strong amide I' band at 1667 cm-1 and by the presence in the spectra of two bands at 991 and 1078 cm-1, respectively assigned to the C-C and C-N skeletal stretching modes. The differences between the spectrum of the lyophilized powder and that of the solution show that the lyophilization process induces conformational changes that perturb the local environment of some of the tryptophan residues and alter the secondary structure of immunoglobulin G. The beta-structure appears to be more uniform and more abundant in solution. When the protein is denatured at pH 11, the amide III and amide I'bands, which become weaker and broader, shift in frequency from 1240 to 1248 cm-1 and from 1667 to 1656 cm-1 respectively. These changes indicate a decrease in the amount of beta-structure and a transition toward a much more disordered conformation. During the denaturation, the intensities of many bands of the aromatic chromophores change, notably the tryptophan peaks at 879, 1359 and 1573 cm-1.", "contents": "Laser Raman investigation of the conformation of human immunoglobulin G. Laser Raman spectra of human immunoglobulin G in neutral solution, as well as in the lyophilized and alkaline-denatured states are presented. In the spectrum of the native protein, the amide III band appears at 1240 cm-1 and is assigned to the presence of beta-sheet structure. From its intensity, using a procedure described in this paper, we evaluate the beta-structure content to 37 +/- 4%. This result is supported by the strong amide I' band at 1667 cm-1 and by the presence in the spectra of two bands at 991 and 1078 cm-1, respectively assigned to the C-C and C-N skeletal stretching modes. The differences between the spectrum of the lyophilized powder and that of the solution show that the lyophilization process induces conformational changes that perturb the local environment of some of the tryptophan residues and alter the secondary structure of immunoglobulin G. The beta-structure appears to be more uniform and more abundant in solution. When the protein is denatured at pH 11, the amide III and amide I'bands, which become weaker and broader, shift in frequency from 1240 to 1248 cm-1 and from 1667 to 1656 cm-1 respectively. These changes indicate a decrease in the amount of beta-structure and a transition toward a much more disordered conformation. During the denaturation, the intensities of many bands of the aromatic chromophores change, notably the tryptophan peaks at 879, 1359 and 1573 cm-1.", "PMID": 999902} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7953", "title": "An experimental and theoretical investigation of the core level spectra of a series of amino acids, dipeptides and polypeptides.", "content": "A series of simple amino acids, dipeptides and polypeptides have been studied experimentally by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis and the results theoretically quantified using the charge potential model and semi-empirically computed charge distributions, and non-empirical calculations of absolute and relative binding energies for model systems. Core binding energies are shown to be characteristic of given structural features and the experimental data taken in conjunction with the model theoretical calculations indicate a zwitterionic structure with extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding for simple amino acids in the solid state.", "contents": "An experimental and theoretical investigation of the core level spectra of a series of amino acids, dipeptides and polypeptides. A series of simple amino acids, dipeptides and polypeptides have been studied experimentally by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis and the results theoretically quantified using the charge potential model and semi-empirically computed charge distributions, and non-empirical calculations of absolute and relative binding energies for model systems. Core binding energies are shown to be characteristic of given structural features and the experimental data taken in conjunction with the model theoretical calculations indicate a zwitterionic structure with extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding for simple amino acids in the solid state.", "PMID": 999903} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7954", "title": "The structure of Miracil D, a DNA-binding drug.", "content": "The crystal structure of the drug Miracil D has been determined. Although the accuracy of the analysis is limited by disorder, it is apparent that the thioxanthone ring system is planar. The proximal nitrogen atom of the side-chain probably forms an intramolecular hydrogen bond with the carbonyl oxygen. The rest of the side-chain has a large degree of conformational mobility.", "contents": "The structure of Miracil D, a DNA-binding drug. The crystal structure of the drug Miracil D has been determined. Although the accuracy of the analysis is limited by disorder, it is apparent that the thioxanthone ring system is planar. The proximal nitrogen atom of the side-chain probably forms an intramolecular hydrogen bond with the carbonyl oxygen. The rest of the side-chain has a large degree of conformational mobility.", "PMID": 999904} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7955", "title": "Interaction of a fluorescent reagent, fluorescein mercuric acetate, with nucleic acids.", "content": "Fluorescein mercuric acetate (fluorescein Hg Ac), which is a fluorescent thiol reagent, was shown to bind to various nucleic acids by measuring the changes in its absorption and fluorescence properties. Up to a critical concentration of free fluorescein Hg Ac (1-10(-7) M for calf thymus DNA, with 42% GC, and 2-10(-7) M for Micrococcus lysodeikticus DNA, with 72% GC) this reagent appears to bind selectively to single-stranded sections in DNA. Above this critical concentration, cooperative binding to double helical DNA occurs, and denatured DNA is obtained after removal of bound fluorescein Hg Ac by dialysis against 1 M KCl. These facts indicate that fluorescein Hg Ac causes the denaturation of double helical DNA prior to binding as has been shown in the case of methylmercuric hydroxide. The binding of fluorescein Hg Ac to DNA is much stronger than that of methylmercuric hydroxide. The number of total binding sites for fluorescein Hg Ac is close to the number of base pairs for both calf thymus DNA and M. lysodeikticus DNA. Furthermore, it was shown that fluorescein Hg Ac binds to thymidine, deoxyguanosine, poly(U) and poly(G). Since fluorescence quenching of fluorescein Hg Ac accompanies its complex formation with DNA and the affinity is markedly high as indicated by the association constant of 6.8-10(7) M(-1) for single-stranded calf thymus DNA, fluorescein Hg Ac can be used for the structural studies of small amounts of nucleic acids.", "contents": "Interaction of a fluorescent reagent, fluorescein mercuric acetate, with nucleic acids. Fluorescein mercuric acetate (fluorescein Hg Ac), which is a fluorescent thiol reagent, was shown to bind to various nucleic acids by measuring the changes in its absorption and fluorescence properties. Up to a critical concentration of free fluorescein Hg Ac (1-10(-7) M for calf thymus DNA, with 42% GC, and 2-10(-7) M for Micrococcus lysodeikticus DNA, with 72% GC) this reagent appears to bind selectively to single-stranded sections in DNA. Above this critical concentration, cooperative binding to double helical DNA occurs, and denatured DNA is obtained after removal of bound fluorescein Hg Ac by dialysis against 1 M KCl. These facts indicate that fluorescein Hg Ac causes the denaturation of double helical DNA prior to binding as has been shown in the case of methylmercuric hydroxide. The binding of fluorescein Hg Ac to DNA is much stronger than that of methylmercuric hydroxide. The number of total binding sites for fluorescein Hg Ac is close to the number of base pairs for both calf thymus DNA and M. lysodeikticus DNA. Furthermore, it was shown that fluorescein Hg Ac binds to thymidine, deoxyguanosine, poly(U) and poly(G). Since fluorescence quenching of fluorescein Hg Ac accompanies its complex formation with DNA and the affinity is markedly high as indicated by the association constant of 6.8-10(7) M(-1) for single-stranded calf thymus DNA, fluorescein Hg Ac can be used for the structural studies of small amounts of nucleic acids.", "PMID": 999906} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7956", "title": "Mechanism of action of the 12,13-epoxytrichothecene, anguidine, an inhibitor of protein synthesis.", "content": "Anguidine, muconomycin A, T-2 toxin, crotocin and trichodermin, a group of 12,13-epoxytrichothecenes, inhibit protein synthesis in HeLa cells and in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. These five mycotoxins can be divided into two groups on the basis of the reversibility of their effects in HeLa cells, and kinetics of inhibition and effects on polyribosome structure in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. Anguidine, muconomycin A and T-2 toxin are irreversible inhibitors of protein synthesis; crotocin and trichodermin are reversible inhibitors of protein synthesis. After addition of low concentrations (1 muM) of anguidine, muconomycin A or T-2 toxin to rabbit reticulocyte lysates, polyribosomes are broken down to monosomes. At higher concentrations, 1 mM, these drugs begin to freeze the polyribosomes. Crotocin and trichodermin freeze the polyribosomes at a concentration of 10 muM. We conclude that anguidine, muconomycin A and T-2 toxin act primarily as inhibitors of initiation of protein synthesis, whereas crotocin and trichodermin inhibit the process of chain elongation.", "contents": "Mechanism of action of the 12,13-epoxytrichothecene, anguidine, an inhibitor of protein synthesis. Anguidine, muconomycin A, T-2 toxin, crotocin and trichodermin, a group of 12,13-epoxytrichothecenes, inhibit protein synthesis in HeLa cells and in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. These five mycotoxins can be divided into two groups on the basis of the reversibility of their effects in HeLa cells, and kinetics of inhibition and effects on polyribosome structure in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. Anguidine, muconomycin A and T-2 toxin are irreversible inhibitors of protein synthesis; crotocin and trichodermin are reversible inhibitors of protein synthesis. After addition of low concentrations (1 muM) of anguidine, muconomycin A or T-2 toxin to rabbit reticulocyte lysates, polyribosomes are broken down to monosomes. At higher concentrations, 1 mM, these drugs begin to freeze the polyribosomes. Crotocin and trichodermin freeze the polyribosomes at a concentration of 10 muM. We conclude that anguidine, muconomycin A and T-2 toxin act primarily as inhibitors of initiation of protein synthesis, whereas crotocin and trichodermin inhibit the process of chain elongation.", "PMID": 999905} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7957", "title": "Fractionation on the microscale of brain polyribosomes by electrophoresis on acrylamide gels.", "content": "A method is described for brain polyribosome fractionation by acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Brain polyribosomes were run in 2.0% gels in quartz capillaries of 800 mum inner diameter where the gels were supported by capillary force. The gels could then be ultraviolet-scanned in situ. Amounts of brain polyribosomes as small as 10-10(-3) A260nm unit could be analysed by this method. The method was checked by running a macroscale-prepared brain polyribosome sample. The various electrophoretic bands obtained showed a favourable A260nm: A280 ratio. A short RNase treatment caused the disappearance of the slowly migrating bands and the emergence of a predominant band migrating faster than the dimer. The various polyribosomal bands were then identified by comparison with the mobility of polyribosome fractions taken from a sucrose gradient fractionation. Finally, the electrophoretic pattern of brain polyribosomes compared favourably with the pattern obtained by the classic method of sucrose gradient sedimentation. The electrophoretic fractionation of polyribosomes prepared from one rat hippocampus (80 mg) is presented.", "contents": "Fractionation on the microscale of brain polyribosomes by electrophoresis on acrylamide gels. A method is described for brain polyribosome fractionation by acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Brain polyribosomes were run in 2.0% gels in quartz capillaries of 800 mum inner diameter where the gels were supported by capillary force. The gels could then be ultraviolet-scanned in situ. Amounts of brain polyribosomes as small as 10-10(-3) A260nm unit could be analysed by this method. The method was checked by running a macroscale-prepared brain polyribosome sample. The various electrophoretic bands obtained showed a favourable A260nm: A280 ratio. A short RNase treatment caused the disappearance of the slowly migrating bands and the emergence of a predominant band migrating faster than the dimer. The various polyribosomal bands were then identified by comparison with the mobility of polyribosome fractions taken from a sucrose gradient fractionation. Finally, the electrophoretic pattern of brain polyribosomes compared favourably with the pattern obtained by the classic method of sucrose gradient sedimentation. The electrophoretic fractionation of polyribosomes prepared from one rat hippocampus (80 mg) is presented.", "PMID": 999907} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7958", "title": "The isolation and characterization of intact polyribosomes from a cell wall mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardi.", "content": "A technique is described for obtaining intact polyribosomes from a cell-wall mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardi. When cells were lysed by nonionic detergent in buffers containing high salt and Mg2+-EDTA, polyribosomes of up to 25 ribosomes per polyribosome were obtained on sucrose density gradients. Under these conditions, nascent polypeptide radioactivity was associated with the polyribosomes and not with monoribosomes, and inactive monoribosomes were dissociated to ribosomal subunits. Whole cell lysates contain a mixture of cytoplasmic and chloroplastic polyribosomes. The relative contribution of the two types of polyribosomes was evaluated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of ribosomal RNA extracted from polyribosomes. This analysis showed that less than 15% of the polyribosomes from detergent-lysed cells were from chloroplasts. The contribution of chloroplast polyribosomes to total polyribosomes was increased to about 30% by incubation of the cells in chloramphenicol. When cells were disrupted mechanically (in a French pressure cell) only about 10% of the resulting free polyribosomes were chloroplastic.", "contents": "The isolation and characterization of intact polyribosomes from a cell wall mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardi. A technique is described for obtaining intact polyribosomes from a cell-wall mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardi. When cells were lysed by nonionic detergent in buffers containing high salt and Mg2+-EDTA, polyribosomes of up to 25 ribosomes per polyribosome were obtained on sucrose density gradients. Under these conditions, nascent polypeptide radioactivity was associated with the polyribosomes and not with monoribosomes, and inactive monoribosomes were dissociated to ribosomal subunits. Whole cell lysates contain a mixture of cytoplasmic and chloroplastic polyribosomes. The relative contribution of the two types of polyribosomes was evaluated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of ribosomal RNA extracted from polyribosomes. This analysis showed that less than 15% of the polyribosomes from detergent-lysed cells were from chloroplasts. The contribution of chloroplast polyribosomes to total polyribosomes was increased to about 30% by incubation of the cells in chloramphenicol. When cells were disrupted mechanically (in a French pressure cell) only about 10% of the resulting free polyribosomes were chloroplastic.", "PMID": 999908} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7959", "title": "The distribution of nascent polypeptide chains among intact polyribosomes from Chlamydomonas reinhardi.", "content": "A model of polyribosome function based on tape theory has been applied to the analysis of intact polyribosomes from Chlamydomonas reinhardi. The distribution of nascent polypeptide chains found on polyribosomes does not conform to the expected pattern in which small polypeptides are synthesized on small polyribosomes and large polypeptides on correspondingly large polyribosomes. This discrepancy was revealed in the analysis of specific activity of polyribosomes (radioactivity in nascent chains per ribosome) versus polyribosome size at labeling saturation. It was found that the specific activity of small polyribosomes was higher than predicted and that of large polyribosomes was lower. This finding was validated by measuring the sizes of nascent chains from various polyribosome size classes by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The presence of large polypeptides on small polyribosomes could be partially accounted for by the synthesis of polypeptides on chloroplast (chloramphenicol-sensitive) polyribosomes. A maximum peptide interval time of 10 s was estimated from the labeling kinetics of the nascent chains of mid-sized (cytoplasmic) polyribosomes. This rate of translation is comparable to that reported in other eucaryotic cells.", "contents": "The distribution of nascent polypeptide chains among intact polyribosomes from Chlamydomonas reinhardi. A model of polyribosome function based on tape theory has been applied to the analysis of intact polyribosomes from Chlamydomonas reinhardi. The distribution of nascent polypeptide chains found on polyribosomes does not conform to the expected pattern in which small polypeptides are synthesized on small polyribosomes and large polypeptides on correspondingly large polyribosomes. This discrepancy was revealed in the analysis of specific activity of polyribosomes (radioactivity in nascent chains per ribosome) versus polyribosome size at labeling saturation. It was found that the specific activity of small polyribosomes was higher than predicted and that of large polyribosomes was lower. This finding was validated by measuring the sizes of nascent chains from various polyribosome size classes by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The presence of large polypeptides on small polyribosomes could be partially accounted for by the synthesis of polypeptides on chloroplast (chloramphenicol-sensitive) polyribosomes. A maximum peptide interval time of 10 s was estimated from the labeling kinetics of the nascent chains of mid-sized (cytoplasmic) polyribosomes. This rate of translation is comparable to that reported in other eucaryotic cells.", "PMID": 999909} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7960", "title": "Studies on liver chromatin RNA from rats treated with alkylating agents.", "content": "We have examined firstly some properties of rat liver chromatin RNA and nuclear sap RNA and secondly the incorporation of [3H]orotic acid into the RNA in vivo in control rats and in rats treated with the alkylating agents, N,N-dimethylnitrosamine or methyl methane sulphonate. Half or more of the nuclear RNA is associated with the chromatin and consists mainly of two species: one is labelled and probably comprises \"nascent\" RNA, and the other is unlabelled and of lower molecular weight. Neither species is attributable to cytoplasmic contamination. Studies with added polylysine with RNAase A and with DNAase I suggest that both species are ironically bound to protein and that the labelled species is not associated with the part of the chromatin DNA most readily degraded by DNAase I. After dimethylnitrosamine treatment, the amount of unlabelled RNA remains constant but the amount of labelled RNA increases after a low dose, and decreases after a high dose. After methyl methane sulphonate treatment, no change occurs in either species. These results can be explained by changes in extent of association of the DNA and protein within the chromatin complex.", "contents": "Studies on liver chromatin RNA from rats treated with alkylating agents. We have examined firstly some properties of rat liver chromatin RNA and nuclear sap RNA and secondly the incorporation of [3H]orotic acid into the RNA in vivo in control rats and in rats treated with the alkylating agents, N,N-dimethylnitrosamine or methyl methane sulphonate. Half or more of the nuclear RNA is associated with the chromatin and consists mainly of two species: one is labelled and probably comprises \"nascent\" RNA, and the other is unlabelled and of lower molecular weight. Neither species is attributable to cytoplasmic contamination. Studies with added polylysine with RNAase A and with DNAase I suggest that both species are ironically bound to protein and that the labelled species is not associated with the part of the chromatin DNA most readily degraded by DNAase I. After dimethylnitrosamine treatment, the amount of unlabelled RNA remains constant but the amount of labelled RNA increases after a low dose, and decreases after a high dose. After methyl methane sulphonate treatment, no change occurs in either species. These results can be explained by changes in extent of association of the DNA and protein within the chromatin complex.", "PMID": 999910} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7961", "title": "Polypyrimidine sequences found in eukaryotic DNA have been conserved during evolution.", "content": "L-cell DNA contains an unexpectedly large amount of long pyrimidine tracts. Hydroxyapatite chromatography has been employed to show that these polypyrimidines hydridize extensively to the reiterated DNA of a large number of eukaryotes but fail to hybridize to prokaryotic DNA. This reaction is sequence specific and not the result of a special property of polypyrimidines since random 3H-labelled poly(dC-dT) shows poor hybridization to eukaryotic DNA. The hybrids formed by L-cell polypyrimidines and heterologous repeated sequences have a higher thermal stability than the corresponding hybrids of total repeated DNA indicating that sequences related to these polypyrimidines have been conserved during evolution. Furthermore, at least some of these tracts are transcribed because they are capable of reacting extensively with total cellular RNA. Although the function of these sequences is not yet known, the fact that they are widely conserved in evolution and also transcribed leads us to speculate that they play an an important role in eukaryotic cells.", "contents": "Polypyrimidine sequences found in eukaryotic DNA have been conserved during evolution. L-cell DNA contains an unexpectedly large amount of long pyrimidine tracts. Hydroxyapatite chromatography has been employed to show that these polypyrimidines hydridize extensively to the reiterated DNA of a large number of eukaryotes but fail to hybridize to prokaryotic DNA. This reaction is sequence specific and not the result of a special property of polypyrimidines since random 3H-labelled poly(dC-dT) shows poor hybridization to eukaryotic DNA. The hybrids formed by L-cell polypyrimidines and heterologous repeated sequences have a higher thermal stability than the corresponding hybrids of total repeated DNA indicating that sequences related to these polypyrimidines have been conserved during evolution. Furthermore, at least some of these tracts are transcribed because they are capable of reacting extensively with total cellular RNA. Although the function of these sequences is not yet known, the fact that they are widely conserved in evolution and also transcribed leads us to speculate that they play an an important role in eukaryotic cells.", "PMID": 999911} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7962", "title": "Hybridization of bean chloroplast transfer RNAs to chloroplast DNA.", "content": "Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) chloroplast tRNAsLeu and tRNAsPhe hybridize to chloroplast DNA, whereas the corresponding cytoplasmic tRNA species do not, suggesting that chloroplast transfer RNAs are coded for by chloroplast DNA. The hybridization of the three chloroplast tRNAsLeu or of the two tRNAsPhe isoacceptors is not additive, and the isoacceptors compete with each other in the hybridization to chloroplast DNA, suggesting that these isoacceptors are coded for by the same gene(s) and differ only in the extent of post-transcriptional modification. Although hererologous aminoacylation reactions and comparisons of base composition suggest a resemblance between chloroplast and procaryotic tRNAs, only a slight cross hybridization reaction was observed between chloroplast and Escherichia coli leucyl- or phenylalanyl-tRNAs and DNAs.", "contents": "Hybridization of bean chloroplast transfer RNAs to chloroplast DNA. Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) chloroplast tRNAsLeu and tRNAsPhe hybridize to chloroplast DNA, whereas the corresponding cytoplasmic tRNA species do not, suggesting that chloroplast transfer RNAs are coded for by chloroplast DNA. The hybridization of the three chloroplast tRNAsLeu or of the two tRNAsPhe isoacceptors is not additive, and the isoacceptors compete with each other in the hybridization to chloroplast DNA, suggesting that these isoacceptors are coded for by the same gene(s) and differ only in the extent of post-transcriptional modification. Although hererologous aminoacylation reactions and comparisons of base composition suggest a resemblance between chloroplast and procaryotic tRNAs, only a slight cross hybridization reaction was observed between chloroplast and Escherichia coli leucyl- or phenylalanyl-tRNAs and DNAs.", "PMID": 999912} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7963", "title": "Isolation and translation of non-crystallin messenger RNA from calf lens.", "content": "Affinith chromatography of lens polyribosomal RNA on oligo(dT)-cellulose yields three fractions. As arule the second fraction has been neglected in other studies reported in the literature. According to our investigations this fraction in particular contains the messengers for the non-crystallin lens proteins.", "contents": "Isolation and translation of non-crystallin messenger RNA from calf lens. Affinith chromatography of lens polyribosomal RNA on oligo(dT)-cellulose yields three fractions. As arule the second fraction has been neglected in other studies reported in the literature. According to our investigations this fraction in particular contains the messengers for the non-crystallin lens proteins.", "PMID": 999913} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7964", "title": "Studies on the formation and stability of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complexes from Ehrlich ascites cells.", "content": "Nine aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases from Ehrlich ascites cells were examined with respect to their ability to be isolated as high molecular weight complexes, soluble enzymes, and ribosome-bound enzymes. Several different methods were employed for cell homogenization and enzyme isolation, with particular attention paid to the effects of hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic buffers on enzyme isolation. The binding of all synthetases to ribosomes was eliminated if the low ionic strength of the isolation buffer was raised to isotonic levels. In contrast, neither the ionic strength or composition of the buffers, nor the procedures used for cell homogenization or enzyme isolation had any significant effect on the isolation of the high molecular weight synthetase complex. Certain enzymes (lysyl-, methionyl- and isoleucyl-tRNA synthetases) formed very stable complexes and high molecular weight species were the predominant forms of these enzymes under all conditions of cell homogenization and enzyme isolation. Other enzymes (glycyl-, tyrosinyl- and threonyl-tRNA synthetases) formed complexes very weakly, if at all, and always appeared predominately in the soluble enzyme fraction. Isolated soluble forms of the lysyl-, methionyl- and isoleucyl-tRNA synthetases did not associate to form significant amounts of complex upon re-isolATION, SUGGESTING THAT A COMPONENT NECESSARY FOR COMPLEX FORMATION WAS MISSING FROM THE SOLUBLE ENZYME FRACTION. However, the soluble forms of these enzymes, but not the glycyl-, tyrosinyl- and threonyl-tRNA synthetases, did for complexes when mixed with ribosomal RNA or polyuridylic acid. Preliminary experiments showed no significant differences between the complexed and soluble forms of the lysyl-, methionyl- and isoleucyl-tRNA synthetases with respect to Km values or ability to charge different isoaccepting tRNAs.", "contents": "Studies on the formation and stability of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complexes from Ehrlich ascites cells. Nine aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases from Ehrlich ascites cells were examined with respect to their ability to be isolated as high molecular weight complexes, soluble enzymes, and ribosome-bound enzymes. Several different methods were employed for cell homogenization and enzyme isolation, with particular attention paid to the effects of hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic buffers on enzyme isolation. The binding of all synthetases to ribosomes was eliminated if the low ionic strength of the isolation buffer was raised to isotonic levels. In contrast, neither the ionic strength or composition of the buffers, nor the procedures used for cell homogenization or enzyme isolation had any significant effect on the isolation of the high molecular weight synthetase complex. Certain enzymes (lysyl-, methionyl- and isoleucyl-tRNA synthetases) formed very stable complexes and high molecular weight species were the predominant forms of these enzymes under all conditions of cell homogenization and enzyme isolation. Other enzymes (glycyl-, tyrosinyl- and threonyl-tRNA synthetases) formed complexes very weakly, if at all, and always appeared predominately in the soluble enzyme fraction. Isolated soluble forms of the lysyl-, methionyl- and isoleucyl-tRNA synthetases did not associate to form significant amounts of complex upon re-isolATION, SUGGESTING THAT A COMPONENT NECESSARY FOR COMPLEX FORMATION WAS MISSING FROM THE SOLUBLE ENZYME FRACTION. However, the soluble forms of these enzymes, but not the glycyl-, tyrosinyl- and threonyl-tRNA synthetases, did for complexes when mixed with ribosomal RNA or polyuridylic acid. Preliminary experiments showed no significant differences between the complexed and soluble forms of the lysyl-, methionyl- and isoleucyl-tRNA synthetases with respect to Km values or ability to charge different isoaccepting tRNAs.", "PMID": 999914} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7965", "title": "Near-ultraviolet difference absorption and circular dichroism studies on partially synthetic ribonucleases S'.", "content": "Near-ultraviolet difference absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra were recorded upon recombination of synthetic S-peptide analogs, i.e. 1epsilon, 7epsilon-diguanidino-[Tyr8]-,1epsilon,7epsilon-diguanidono-[Asn14]-, [Phe(F)8, Orn10]- and 1epsilon, 7epsilon-diguanidino-S-peptide, with S-protein. Environmental alterations of Phe-8 in the S-peptide and Tyr-25 in the S-protein, derived from the association process, lead to strong optical signals whose location and magnitude were clearly defined by means of a comparative analysis of the above spectra. Additionally, the spectroscopic effects resulting from insertion of a tyrosyl residue into an hydrophobic environment in the presence or absence of hydrogen-bonding partners were identified and compared with similar findings obtained from the model compound p-cresol.", "contents": "Near-ultraviolet difference absorption and circular dichroism studies on partially synthetic ribonucleases S'. Near-ultraviolet difference absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra were recorded upon recombination of synthetic S-peptide analogs, i.e. 1epsilon, 7epsilon-diguanidino-[Tyr8]-,1epsilon,7epsilon-diguanidono-[Asn14]-, [Phe(F)8, Orn10]- and 1epsilon, 7epsilon-diguanidino-S-peptide, with S-protein. Environmental alterations of Phe-8 in the S-peptide and Tyr-25 in the S-protein, derived from the association process, lead to strong optical signals whose location and magnitude were clearly defined by means of a comparative analysis of the above spectra. Additionally, the spectroscopic effects resulting from insertion of a tyrosyl residue into an hydrophobic environment in the presence or absence of hydrogen-bonding partners were identified and compared with similar findings obtained from the model compound p-cresol.", "PMID": 999915} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7966", "title": "Far-ultraviolet difference absorption and circular dichroism studies on partially synthetic ribonucleases S'.", "content": "Far-ultraviolet difference absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra were recorded upon recombination of synthetic S-peptide analogs, i.e. 1epsilon, 7epsilon-diguanidino-[Tyr8]-, 1epsilon, 7epsilon-diguanidino-[Asn14]-, [Phe(F)8, Orn10]-, [Cha8, Orn10]- and 1epsilon, 7epsilon-diguanidono-S-peptide, with S-protein. The aromatic chromophores contributions to the absorption spectra in the 220-250 nm wavelengths interval strongly exceed the hyperchromism due to the random coil to right handled alpha-helix transition of the S-peptide, accompanying the association process. Contributions resulting from peptide transitions constitute a large portion of the total dichroism, nevertheless substitution of the non aromatic cycloexylalanine residue in position 8 of the S-peptide with phenylalanine, p-fluorophenylalanine and tyrosine leads to CD negative maxima located at 215, 215 and 212,5 nm, respectively. The strongest ellipticity increment (28%), relative to that of the Cha-derivative, was observed at 212,5 nm for the [Tyr8]-S-peptide analog, while in the narrow 222 nm range minimal differences were found upon insertion into the position 8 of the S-peptide of the above aromatic residues. Information derived from above data and from a comparison of RNAase A, S and S-protein CD spectra enabled us to assign the positive CD band at 240 nm in RNAase A spectrum to transitions of phenylalanines and inaccessible tyrosines.", "contents": "Far-ultraviolet difference absorption and circular dichroism studies on partially synthetic ribonucleases S'. Far-ultraviolet difference absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra were recorded upon recombination of synthetic S-peptide analogs, i.e. 1epsilon, 7epsilon-diguanidino-[Tyr8]-, 1epsilon, 7epsilon-diguanidino-[Asn14]-, [Phe(F)8, Orn10]-, [Cha8, Orn10]- and 1epsilon, 7epsilon-diguanidono-S-peptide, with S-protein. The aromatic chromophores contributions to the absorption spectra in the 220-250 nm wavelengths interval strongly exceed the hyperchromism due to the random coil to right handled alpha-helix transition of the S-peptide, accompanying the association process. Contributions resulting from peptide transitions constitute a large portion of the total dichroism, nevertheless substitution of the non aromatic cycloexylalanine residue in position 8 of the S-peptide with phenylalanine, p-fluorophenylalanine and tyrosine leads to CD negative maxima located at 215, 215 and 212,5 nm, respectively. The strongest ellipticity increment (28%), relative to that of the Cha-derivative, was observed at 212,5 nm for the [Tyr8]-S-peptide analog, while in the narrow 222 nm range minimal differences were found upon insertion into the position 8 of the S-peptide of the above aromatic residues. Information derived from above data and from a comparison of RNAase A, S and S-protein CD spectra enabled us to assign the positive CD band at 240 nm in RNAase A spectrum to transitions of phenylalanines and inaccessible tyrosines.", "PMID": 999916} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7967", "title": "Specific excision of the inserted DNA segment from hybrid plasmids constructed by the poly(dA). poly (dT) method.", "content": "The hybrid plasmid PBETAG, consisting of plasmid PMB9 DNA with an insert of rabbit globin DNA (about 600 base pairs) flanked by poly(dA) poly(dT) regions (Maniatis, T., Kee, S.G., Efstratiadis, A. and Kafatos, F.C. (1976) Cell 8, 163-182), was cleaved into two fragments by endonuclease S1 under conditions of partial denaturation. Only the smaller fragment (575 base pairs) contained globin-specific sequences, showing that excision had occurred in the A-T-rich regions. This method of cleavage provides a useful procedure for assessing the length of inserts in hybrid plasmids prepared by the poly(dA)-POLY(DT) tail method, and allows the preparative recovery of the insert.", "contents": "Specific excision of the inserted DNA segment from hybrid plasmids constructed by the poly(dA). poly (dT) method. The hybrid plasmid PBETAG, consisting of plasmid PMB9 DNA with an insert of rabbit globin DNA (about 600 base pairs) flanked by poly(dA) poly(dT) regions (Maniatis, T., Kee, S.G., Efstratiadis, A. and Kafatos, F.C. (1976) Cell 8, 163-182), was cleaved into two fragments by endonuclease S1 under conditions of partial denaturation. Only the smaller fragment (575 base pairs) contained globin-specific sequences, showing that excision had occurred in the A-T-rich regions. This method of cleavage provides a useful procedure for assessing the length of inserts in hybrid plasmids prepared by the poly(dA)-POLY(DT) tail method, and allows the preparative recovery of the insert.", "PMID": 999917} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7968", "title": "Interaction of glucose oxidase with phospholipid vesicles.", "content": "The interactions between glucose oxidase and phospholipid vesicles were investigated. The investigations were carried on molecules adsorbed on the outer surfaces as well as entrapped in the interior of the vesicles . The adsorption of glucose oxidase on the surfaces of egg egg licithin vesicles, containing varying amounts of cholesterol and stearoylamine was measured by determining the free fraction of glucose oxidase detected in the filtrates. In general an enhancement of enzymic activity was observed upon interaction with the vesicles. The enhancement depends on the lipid composition of the vesicles and the surface concentration of the adsorbed glucose oxidase. It reached a maximal value at a surface concentration of 1.4-10(11) molecules/cm2 (approximately 7.1 - 10(4) A2/molecule) on pure phosphatidylcholine vesicles and about 6.5 - 10(10) molecules/cm2 (approximately 16 - 10(4) A2/molecule) when the vesicles contained cholesterol or cholesterol and stearoylamine. CD measurements indicated that the change in enzymic activity of the adsorbed glucose oxidase was accompanied by conformational modification of the enzyme. In order to entrap glucose oxidase into the vesicles, the lipid was sonicated in the presence of the enzyme. After removal of the free and adsorbed enzyme the amount of the entrapped enzyme was determined by measuring its activity after disintegration of the vesicles with Triton. The enzymic activity of the entrapped glucose oxidase served as a measure for the permeability of the bilayer membrane of the lipid vesicles to glucose. Addition of insulin to the suspension of vesicles containing the entrapped glucose oxidase increased the permeability of glucose by up to 9 - 10(-8) cm/s. This value is the lowest estimate based on the assumption that one glucose oxidase molecule was entrapped in every vesicle.", "contents": "Interaction of glucose oxidase with phospholipid vesicles. The interactions between glucose oxidase and phospholipid vesicles were investigated. The investigations were carried on molecules adsorbed on the outer surfaces as well as entrapped in the interior of the vesicles . The adsorption of glucose oxidase on the surfaces of egg egg licithin vesicles, containing varying amounts of cholesterol and stearoylamine was measured by determining the free fraction of glucose oxidase detected in the filtrates. In general an enhancement of enzymic activity was observed upon interaction with the vesicles. The enhancement depends on the lipid composition of the vesicles and the surface concentration of the adsorbed glucose oxidase. It reached a maximal value at a surface concentration of 1.4-10(11) molecules/cm2 (approximately 7.1 - 10(4) A2/molecule) on pure phosphatidylcholine vesicles and about 6.5 - 10(10) molecules/cm2 (approximately 16 - 10(4) A2/molecule) when the vesicles contained cholesterol or cholesterol and stearoylamine. CD measurements indicated that the change in enzymic activity of the adsorbed glucose oxidase was accompanied by conformational modification of the enzyme. In order to entrap glucose oxidase into the vesicles, the lipid was sonicated in the presence of the enzyme. After removal of the free and adsorbed enzyme the amount of the entrapped enzyme was determined by measuring its activity after disintegration of the vesicles with Triton. The enzymic activity of the entrapped glucose oxidase served as a measure for the permeability of the bilayer membrane of the lipid vesicles to glucose. Addition of insulin to the suspension of vesicles containing the entrapped glucose oxidase increased the permeability of glucose by up to 9 - 10(-8) cm/s. This value is the lowest estimate based on the assumption that one glucose oxidase molecule was entrapped in every vesicle.", "PMID": 999918} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7969", "title": "Lipid-protein interactions with native and modified myelin basic protein.", "content": "The basic protein of central nervous system myelin has been shown to form complexes with acidic lipids in vitro. We measured the interaction of myelin basic protein with several charged and neutral lipids in a biphasic chloroform/methanol/water system and investigated the effect of decreasing the electrical charge of the basic amino groups of the myelin basic protein by acetylation. The modified myelin basic protein, which has an average of eight acetyl residues incorporated, was characterised by gel electrophoresis and circular dichroism. Complexes formed between the acetylated myelin basic protein and acidic lipids exhibited a reduction in the amount of lipids bound, a value that could be correlated with the number of modified amino groups. The significance of these experiments with reference to protein-lipid interaction in the myelin membrane is discussed.", "contents": "Lipid-protein interactions with native and modified myelin basic protein. The basic protein of central nervous system myelin has been shown to form complexes with acidic lipids in vitro. We measured the interaction of myelin basic protein with several charged and neutral lipids in a biphasic chloroform/methanol/water system and investigated the effect of decreasing the electrical charge of the basic amino groups of the myelin basic protein by acetylation. The modified myelin basic protein, which has an average of eight acetyl residues incorporated, was characterised by gel electrophoresis and circular dichroism. Complexes formed between the acetylated myelin basic protein and acidic lipids exhibited a reduction in the amount of lipids bound, a value that could be correlated with the number of modified amino groups. The significance of these experiments with reference to protein-lipid interaction in the myelin membrane is discussed.", "PMID": 999919} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7970", "title": "Effects of incorporated trypsin on anion exchange and membrane proteins in human red blood cell ghosts.", "content": "Varying concentrations of trypsin were sealed into human red cell ghosts and the effects on membrane proteins and sulfate equilibrium exchange were studied. After incubation for 45 min at 37 degrees C, pH 7.2, the following observations were made: above 10 ng/ml the ghosts undergo fragmentation without lysis. Dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis shows that the digestion of spectrin and of the protein in band 2.1 (nomenclature of Steck (1974) J. Cell. Biol. 62, 1-19) is nearly complete at 50 ng/ml, that of the protein in band 3 at 25 mug/ml. After digestion at 25 mug/ml, about 60% of the total protein of the membrane is released and the original bands of conventional dodecyl sulfate gel electropherograms of the remaining protein are nearly completely abolished. In their place three new bands appear representing peptides with molecular weights of 58 000, 48 000 and 34 000, respectively. Sometimes a fourth peptide with a molecular weight of approx. 13 000 is also observed. Using a radioactive labeling technique it is shown that the two peptides with the highest molecular weights are derived from the protein in band 3. Labeling with diazo[35S]sulfanilic acid indicates that in addition to the peptides in the described four Coomassie blue-stainable bands, other peptides with molecular weights up to 100 000 are still present in the exhaustively trypsinized ghosts. External trypsin has no effect on the sulfate equilibrium exchange in ghosts while internal trypsin causes inhibition. Inhibition becomes apparent at trypsin concentration exceeding those required to produce a complete digestion of spectrin. It remains incomplete, even at the highest intracellular concentrations which cause maximal effects on all membrane proteins, including the protein in band 3. Under these conditions strong further inhibition can be produced by agents which are known to inhibit anion transport in untreated red cells and ghosts. These agents include the penetrating 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and the nonpenetrating phlorizin, 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanato stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, 4,4'-diacetamido stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, and 2-(4'-aminophenyl)-6-methylbenzenethiazol-3',7-disulfonic acid (APMB). Unlike the other nonpenetrating inhibitors APMB is not only capable of inhibiting at the outer but also at the inner membrane surface. Treatment with internal trypsin does not significantly reduce the inhibition by incorporated APMB. The described observations suggest that after exhaustive tryptic digestion of the major membrane proteins, the receptor sites for typical inhibitors of anion transport continue to exert their function.", "contents": "Effects of incorporated trypsin on anion exchange and membrane proteins in human red blood cell ghosts. Varying concentrations of trypsin were sealed into human red cell ghosts and the effects on membrane proteins and sulfate equilibrium exchange were studied. After incubation for 45 min at 37 degrees C, pH 7.2, the following observations were made: above 10 ng/ml the ghosts undergo fragmentation without lysis. Dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis shows that the digestion of spectrin and of the protein in band 2.1 (nomenclature of Steck (1974) J. Cell. Biol. 62, 1-19) is nearly complete at 50 ng/ml, that of the protein in band 3 at 25 mug/ml. After digestion at 25 mug/ml, about 60% of the total protein of the membrane is released and the original bands of conventional dodecyl sulfate gel electropherograms of the remaining protein are nearly completely abolished. In their place three new bands appear representing peptides with molecular weights of 58 000, 48 000 and 34 000, respectively. Sometimes a fourth peptide with a molecular weight of approx. 13 000 is also observed. Using a radioactive labeling technique it is shown that the two peptides with the highest molecular weights are derived from the protein in band 3. Labeling with diazo[35S]sulfanilic acid indicates that in addition to the peptides in the described four Coomassie blue-stainable bands, other peptides with molecular weights up to 100 000 are still present in the exhaustively trypsinized ghosts. External trypsin has no effect on the sulfate equilibrium exchange in ghosts while internal trypsin causes inhibition. Inhibition becomes apparent at trypsin concentration exceeding those required to produce a complete digestion of spectrin. It remains incomplete, even at the highest intracellular concentrations which cause maximal effects on all membrane proteins, including the protein in band 3. Under these conditions strong further inhibition can be produced by agents which are known to inhibit anion transport in untreated red cells and ghosts. These agents include the penetrating 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and the nonpenetrating phlorizin, 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanato stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, 4,4'-diacetamido stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, and 2-(4'-aminophenyl)-6-methylbenzenethiazol-3',7-disulfonic acid (APMB). Unlike the other nonpenetrating inhibitors APMB is not only capable of inhibiting at the outer but also at the inner membrane surface. Treatment with internal trypsin does not significantly reduce the inhibition by incorporated APMB. The described observations suggest that after exhaustive tryptic digestion of the major membrane proteins, the receptor sites for typical inhibitors of anion transport continue to exert their function.", "PMID": 999920} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7971", "title": "Biogenesis of microsomal membrane glycoproteins in rat liver. IV. Characteristics of a cytoplasmic lipoprotein having properties of a membrane precursor.", "content": "The supernatant fraction from a rat liver homogenate contains a lipoprotein complex which can be incorporated into microsomal membranes in vitro. The lipoprotein can be purified by gel filtration and flotation in a NaBr solution. The isolated lipoprotein has an equilibrium density in the range of 1.07-1.14 g/ml, a sedimentation coefficient of 4.9 S and a calculated molecular weight of 210 000. The isolated complex contains 44% lipid by weight, half of which is phospholipid. The protein also has covalently bound sugar moieties, namely mannose, galactose, glucosamine, and sialic acid. The complex is unstable and may dissociate during the isolation procedure. The complex and its fragments contain two peptides with molecular weights of 11-13000 and 67-69000. These two components have practically identical amino acid compositions.", "contents": "Biogenesis of microsomal membrane glycoproteins in rat liver. IV. Characteristics of a cytoplasmic lipoprotein having properties of a membrane precursor. The supernatant fraction from a rat liver homogenate contains a lipoprotein complex which can be incorporated into microsomal membranes in vitro. The lipoprotein can be purified by gel filtration and flotation in a NaBr solution. The isolated lipoprotein has an equilibrium density in the range of 1.07-1.14 g/ml, a sedimentation coefficient of 4.9 S and a calculated molecular weight of 210 000. The isolated complex contains 44% lipid by weight, half of which is phospholipid. The protein also has covalently bound sugar moieties, namely mannose, galactose, glucosamine, and sialic acid. The complex is unstable and may dissociate during the isolation procedure. The complex and its fragments contain two peptides with molecular weights of 11-13000 and 67-69000. These two components have practically identical amino acid compositions.", "PMID": 999921} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7972", "title": "Molecular arrangements in sphingolipids. Conformation and hydrogen bonding of ceramide and their implication on membrane stability and permeability.", "content": "The preferred conformation of the ceramide part of sphingolipids has been deduced from single crystal structures of a series of sphingolipid constituents: N-tetracosanoylphytosphingosine, glycosylphytosphingosine hydrochloride, sphingosine hydrochloride, triacetylsphingosine, DL-2-hydroxytetradecanoic acid and N-stearoylethanolamine. The amide group of the ceramide, which serves as a link between the hydrocarbon chains, has a basic significance for the contormation of the entire molecule. This rigid group, which comprises six atoms in a planar conformation, adopts a perpendicular orientation towards the axes of the two hydrocarbon chains. The carbonyl oxygen thereby turns into an eclipsed position with the hydrogen atoma at carbon atom 2 of the sphingosine. A parallel chain stacking is achieved by a sharp perpendicular bend of the fatty acid. This bend is produced by a sequence of two --60 degrees rotations about the C-C bonds at both sides of the alpha-carbon atom. The orientation of the hydrogen bond donors and acceptors of the amide group and the hydroxyl groups allow lateral interaction with other lipid molecules. The proposed models are supported by infrared spectra, thin-layer chromatographic behaviour and monolayer studies of synthetic model ceramides. The functional role of the hydrogen bonding groups in the ceramide part of sphingolipids is emphasized and their significance for the formation of lateral hydrogen bonds within the membrane layer and thereof arising effects on membrane stability and permeability are discussed.", "contents": "Molecular arrangements in sphingolipids. Conformation and hydrogen bonding of ceramide and their implication on membrane stability and permeability. The preferred conformation of the ceramide part of sphingolipids has been deduced from single crystal structures of a series of sphingolipid constituents: N-tetracosanoylphytosphingosine, glycosylphytosphingosine hydrochloride, sphingosine hydrochloride, triacetylsphingosine, DL-2-hydroxytetradecanoic acid and N-stearoylethanolamine. The amide group of the ceramide, which serves as a link between the hydrocarbon chains, has a basic significance for the contormation of the entire molecule. This rigid group, which comprises six atoms in a planar conformation, adopts a perpendicular orientation towards the axes of the two hydrocarbon chains. The carbonyl oxygen thereby turns into an eclipsed position with the hydrogen atoma at carbon atom 2 of the sphingosine. A parallel chain stacking is achieved by a sharp perpendicular bend of the fatty acid. This bend is produced by a sequence of two --60 degrees rotations about the C-C bonds at both sides of the alpha-carbon atom. The orientation of the hydrogen bond donors and acceptors of the amide group and the hydroxyl groups allow lateral interaction with other lipid molecules. The proposed models are supported by infrared spectra, thin-layer chromatographic behaviour and monolayer studies of synthetic model ceramides. The functional role of the hydrogen bonding groups in the ceramide part of sphingolipids is emphasized and their significance for the formation of lateral hydrogen bonds within the membrane layer and thereof arising effects on membrane stability and permeability are discussed.", "PMID": 999922} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7973", "title": "Calorimetric and freeze fracture analysis of lipid phase transitions and lateral translational motion of intramembrane particles in mitochondrial membranes.", "content": "Differential scanning calorimetry combined with freeze fracture electron microscopy reveals that thermotropic lipid phase transitions and lateral translational motion of intramembrane particles occur in both membranes of whole, intact rat liver mitochondria and in isolated inner and outer membranes. The onset temperature of the liquid crystalline to gel state lipid phase transition in whole mitochondria and in the isolated outer membrane fraction is biphasic with an initial transition exotherm occurring at 9 degrees C. The onset temperature of the transition exotherm of the isolated inner membrane occurs at -4 degrees C. The onset temperature of the lipid transition endotherm is -15 degrees C for whole mitochondria, the inner membrane, ane the outer membrane fractions. These calorimetric analyses reveal that the bilayer lipid in the inner, energy transducing membrane is more fluid than in the outer membrane. Mitochondrial membranes cooled to temperatures in the region of their transition exotherms and then frozen reveal striking lateral separations between smooth, intramembrane particle-free regions (rich in gel state lipid) and particle-dense regions (rich in integral proteins) in their hydrophobic fracture faces. Such thermotropic lipid-protein lateral separations are completely reversible. These freeze fracture observations suggest that both mitochondrial membranes are naturally fluid to the extent that the integrat membrane proteins can diffuse laterally in the bilayer lipid.", "contents": "Calorimetric and freeze fracture analysis of lipid phase transitions and lateral translational motion of intramembrane particles in mitochondrial membranes. Differential scanning calorimetry combined with freeze fracture electron microscopy reveals that thermotropic lipid phase transitions and lateral translational motion of intramembrane particles occur in both membranes of whole, intact rat liver mitochondria and in isolated inner and outer membranes. The onset temperature of the liquid crystalline to gel state lipid phase transition in whole mitochondria and in the isolated outer membrane fraction is biphasic with an initial transition exotherm occurring at 9 degrees C. The onset temperature of the transition exotherm of the isolated inner membrane occurs at -4 degrees C. The onset temperature of the lipid transition endotherm is -15 degrees C for whole mitochondria, the inner membrane, ane the outer membrane fractions. These calorimetric analyses reveal that the bilayer lipid in the inner, energy transducing membrane is more fluid than in the outer membrane. Mitochondrial membranes cooled to temperatures in the region of their transition exotherms and then frozen reveal striking lateral separations between smooth, intramembrane particle-free regions (rich in gel state lipid) and particle-dense regions (rich in integral proteins) in their hydrophobic fracture faces. Such thermotropic lipid-protein lateral separations are completely reversible. These freeze fracture observations suggest that both mitochondrial membranes are naturally fluid to the extent that the integrat membrane proteins can diffuse laterally in the bilayer lipid.", "PMID": 999923} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7974", "title": "Diffusion-limited ion flow through pores.", "content": "If the permeability of an ion channel is high, the overall transport becomes ultimately limited by the rate with which ions from the aqueous phase arrive at the mouth of the channel. In this study a theoretical treatment of diffusion-limited ion transport through pores is given which takes both concentration and electric potential gradients into account as driving forces for the flow of ions. The current-voltage characteristic of a diffusion-limited channel is found to be strongly saturating. Addition of an impermeable elesults from a reduction in the electric field strength near the mouth of the channel. At low voltages the permeability P of the pore is obtaines as 1/P =(1/Pi)+(1/P'c)+(1/P''c) where Pi is the intrinsic permeability and P'c, P''c are the left-hand and right-hand convergence permeabilities, respectivelyl which are proportional to the aqueous diffusion coefficient of the permeable ion and to the effective capture radius of the pore.", "contents": "Diffusion-limited ion flow through pores. If the permeability of an ion channel is high, the overall transport becomes ultimately limited by the rate with which ions from the aqueous phase arrive at the mouth of the channel. In this study a theoretical treatment of diffusion-limited ion transport through pores is given which takes both concentration and electric potential gradients into account as driving forces for the flow of ions. The current-voltage characteristic of a diffusion-limited channel is found to be strongly saturating. Addition of an impermeable elesults from a reduction in the electric field strength near the mouth of the channel. At low voltages the permeability P of the pore is obtaines as 1/P =(1/Pi)+(1/P'c)+(1/P''c) where Pi is the intrinsic permeability and P'c, P''c are the left-hand and right-hand convergence permeabilities, respectivelyl which are proportional to the aqueous diffusion coefficient of the permeable ion and to the effective capture radius of the pore.", "PMID": 999924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7975", "title": "Serum glycoprotein-type sequence of monosaccharides in membrane glycoproteins of Semliki Forest virus.", "content": "Semliki Forest virus was grown in BHK-21 cells and labelled in vivo with radioactive monosaccharides. The virus was disrupted with sodium dodecyl sulphate and the polypeptides were hydrolyzed with pronase. A mixture of type A glycopeptides (for nomenclature, see Johnson and Clamp (1971) Biochem. J. 123, 739-745) of the membrane glycoproteins E1 and E3 was isolated by gel filtration and subjected to sequential degradation with exo-glycosidases. The reduction in the apparent molecular weight and the cleavage of radioactive monosaccharides were monitored with gel filtration. The results suggest that the type A oligosaccharides have similar average structures and contain at the non-reducing terminus 3.4 mol of alpha-D-sialic acid and 0.7 mol of alpha-L-focose, folloled by 3.1 mol of beta-D-galactose, 4.2 mol of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine, 0.7-1.5 mol of alpha-D-mannose, 0.5 mol of beta-D-mannose and 0.6-2.2 mol of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine attached to 1.0 mol of N-acetylglucosamine resistant to N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase. This innermost monosaccharide unit, therefore, appears to be attached to the peptide. The peptides attached to this N-acetyl-glucosamine had an apparent molecular weight of 720+/-100. We propose the following average structure, compatible with most of our data, for the type A glycopeptides of Semliki Forest virus:.", "contents": "Serum glycoprotein-type sequence of monosaccharides in membrane glycoproteins of Semliki Forest virus. Semliki Forest virus was grown in BHK-21 cells and labelled in vivo with radioactive monosaccharides. The virus was disrupted with sodium dodecyl sulphate and the polypeptides were hydrolyzed with pronase. A mixture of type A glycopeptides (for nomenclature, see Johnson and Clamp (1971) Biochem. J. 123, 739-745) of the membrane glycoproteins E1 and E3 was isolated by gel filtration and subjected to sequential degradation with exo-glycosidases. The reduction in the apparent molecular weight and the cleavage of radioactive monosaccharides were monitored with gel filtration. The results suggest that the type A oligosaccharides have similar average structures and contain at the non-reducing terminus 3.4 mol of alpha-D-sialic acid and 0.7 mol of alpha-L-focose, folloled by 3.1 mol of beta-D-galactose, 4.2 mol of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine, 0.7-1.5 mol of alpha-D-mannose, 0.5 mol of beta-D-mannose and 0.6-2.2 mol of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine attached to 1.0 mol of N-acetylglucosamine resistant to N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase. This innermost monosaccharide unit, therefore, appears to be attached to the peptide. The peptides attached to this N-acetyl-glucosamine had an apparent molecular weight of 720+/-100. We propose the following average structure, compatible with most of our data, for the type A glycopeptides of Semliki Forest virus:.", "PMID": 999925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7976", "title": "The interaction of an anionic photoreactive probe with the anion transport system of the human red blood cell.", "content": "N-(4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)-2-aminoethyl[35S]sulfonate is employed as a photoreactive probe for the anion transport system in the human erythrocyte. In the dark and at 37 degrees C the probe penetrates the membrane via a pathway sensitive to specific inhibitors of anion permeability. It reversibly inhibits sulfate and chloride fluxes but the inhibition is reduced by higher concentrations of sulfate. Upon photolysis to produce a reactive nitrene (at 0 degrees C to minimize penetration), the probe inhibition of anion permeability. Under appropriate conditions the degree of inhibition after photoactivation (irreversible) is almost the same as that in the dark (reversible). The binding sites for the radioactive probe are largely found in proteins of 95 000 apparent molecular weight (band 3). After pronase treatment of the labelled cells, most of the probe is found in a 65 000 molecular weight segment derived from the 95 000 molecular weight protein. In this respect the photoreactive probe resembles another potent irreversible inhibitor of anion transport, 4, 4'-diisothiocyano-2, 2' stilbene disulfonate. In fact, most of the binding sites for each probe are common to both. Thus, in the dark, the azido derivative protects the anion system from inhibition by DIDS and substantially reduces the binding of DIDS to band 3 protein. Conversely, pretreatment with DIDS substantially reduces the binding of the photoreactive probe to the same protein. The fact that an apparent substrate for the anion permeation system competes for binding sites with a specific non-penetrating inhibitor of anion permeability suggests that the inhibitory and transport sites may be closely related and implicates the 95 000 molecular weight protein as the element of the anion transport system which contains the substrate binding site.", "contents": "The interaction of an anionic photoreactive probe with the anion transport system of the human red blood cell. N-(4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)-2-aminoethyl[35S]sulfonate is employed as a photoreactive probe for the anion transport system in the human erythrocyte. In the dark and at 37 degrees C the probe penetrates the membrane via a pathway sensitive to specific inhibitors of anion permeability. It reversibly inhibits sulfate and chloride fluxes but the inhibition is reduced by higher concentrations of sulfate. Upon photolysis to produce a reactive nitrene (at 0 degrees C to minimize penetration), the probe inhibition of anion permeability. Under appropriate conditions the degree of inhibition after photoactivation (irreversible) is almost the same as that in the dark (reversible). The binding sites for the radioactive probe are largely found in proteins of 95 000 apparent molecular weight (band 3). After pronase treatment of the labelled cells, most of the probe is found in a 65 000 molecular weight segment derived from the 95 000 molecular weight protein. In this respect the photoreactive probe resembles another potent irreversible inhibitor of anion transport, 4, 4'-diisothiocyano-2, 2' stilbene disulfonate. In fact, most of the binding sites for each probe are common to both. Thus, in the dark, the azido derivative protects the anion system from inhibition by DIDS and substantially reduces the binding of DIDS to band 3 protein. Conversely, pretreatment with DIDS substantially reduces the binding of the photoreactive probe to the same protein. The fact that an apparent substrate for the anion permeation system competes for binding sites with a specific non-penetrating inhibitor of anion permeability suggests that the inhibitory and transport sites may be closely related and implicates the 95 000 molecular weight protein as the element of the anion transport system which contains the substrate binding site.", "PMID": 999926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7977", "title": "Error introduced by small reflection coefficients in permeability constansts obtained by hemolysis.", "content": "In 1933, M.H. Jacobs (J. Cell. Comp. Physiol. 4, 161-183) developed the theoretical basis for calculating permeability constants of nonelectryolytes passively penetrating erythrocytes from experimentally determined hemolysis times in isotonic solution of penetrating solute. This derivation had assumed that the reflection coefficient sigma=1, whereas, usually 0 less than sigma less than 1, By comparison of Jacobs' original derivation with the equations revised to include sigma, it is shown that: (see article) where r=(k1/k2), the apparent ratio of solute permeability constant (k1) to osmotic volume flow constant of water (k2) as determined by the Jacobs approach; and ro=(omega/Lpcs), the ratio of the true permeability constant (omega) to the osmotic flow calculated from the product of the pressure-filtration coefficient (Lp) and the concentration gradient (cs). The correct ratio may be expressed as a function of the apparent ratio: (see article) For large or small values of r, simpler approximations may be used: r greater than 1, ro approximately r r less than 1, ro approximately sigma4r These provide less than 20% error if sigma greater than 0.4 and r greater than 10 or r less than 0.1. Corrections for sigma less than 1 are applied to the classical (k1/k2) permeability constants of ethylene glycol, glycerol and propanol for bovine eryghtocytes. The sigma values for monoacetin and diacetin are predicted to be 0.7 and 0.6, respectively, on the basis of the deviation of their (k1/k2) constants from the expected relationship to partition coefficient and vapor pressure.", "contents": "Error introduced by small reflection coefficients in permeability constansts obtained by hemolysis. In 1933, M.H. Jacobs (J. Cell. Comp. Physiol. 4, 161-183) developed the theoretical basis for calculating permeability constants of nonelectryolytes passively penetrating erythrocytes from experimentally determined hemolysis times in isotonic solution of penetrating solute. This derivation had assumed that the reflection coefficient sigma=1, whereas, usually 0 less than sigma less than 1, By comparison of Jacobs' original derivation with the equations revised to include sigma, it is shown that: (see article) where r=(k1/k2), the apparent ratio of solute permeability constant (k1) to osmotic volume flow constant of water (k2) as determined by the Jacobs approach; and ro=(omega/Lpcs), the ratio of the true permeability constant (omega) to the osmotic flow calculated from the product of the pressure-filtration coefficient (Lp) and the concentration gradient (cs). The correct ratio may be expressed as a function of the apparent ratio: (see article) For large or small values of r, simpler approximations may be used: r greater than 1, ro approximately r r less than 1, ro approximately sigma4r These provide less than 20% error if sigma greater than 0.4 and r greater than 10 or r less than 0.1. Corrections for sigma less than 1 are applied to the classical (k1/k2) permeability constants of ethylene glycol, glycerol and propanol for bovine eryghtocytes. The sigma values for monoacetin and diacetin are predicted to be 0.7 and 0.6, respectively, on the basis of the deviation of their (k1/k2) constants from the expected relationship to partition coefficient and vapor pressure.", "PMID": 999927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7978", "title": "Effect of bilayer curvature on vibrational Raman spectroscopic behavior of phospholipid-water assemblies.", "content": "In order to clarify the effect of bilayer curvature upon phospholipid conformation, vibrational Raman spectra were recorded for dipalmitoyl and dimyristroyl phosphatidylcholine in the gel state for both multilayer and single-wall vesicle assemblies. An intensity comparison, based upon a nonperturbing internal standard, between the two classes of bilayrer systems reflected a decrease in peak height intensity for the observed hydrocarbon chain transitions in the single shell vesicle form. No intensity change between bilayer form was detected, however, for the two observed head group modes. Trends in the peak height intensity rations for the 1100 cm-1 carbon-carbon stretching vibrations indicated an increase in hydrocarbon chain transgauche isomerization for the vesicle in comparison to the multilayer arrangements. The sensitivity of the methylene carbon-hydrogen stretching modes to interchain interactions was demonstrated by comparisons of the intensity patterns in the 2900 cm-1 region to the intensity characteristics of the carbon-carbon stretching region for polycrystalline, multilayer and vesicle materials. Examination of various carbon-carbon stretching mode intensity ratios for cholesterol doped dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine bilayers indicated that while 25 mol% cholesterol increased the transgauche acyl chain isomerization in multilayers, no comparable effect was observed for the vesicle forms. In contrast, the methylene twisting/methylene deformation intensity ratios for the cholesterol containing systems suggested that some further type of interchain perturbation occurs in the vesicle aggregations.", "contents": "Effect of bilayer curvature on vibrational Raman spectroscopic behavior of phospholipid-water assemblies. In order to clarify the effect of bilayer curvature upon phospholipid conformation, vibrational Raman spectra were recorded for dipalmitoyl and dimyristroyl phosphatidylcholine in the gel state for both multilayer and single-wall vesicle assemblies. An intensity comparison, based upon a nonperturbing internal standard, between the two classes of bilayrer systems reflected a decrease in peak height intensity for the observed hydrocarbon chain transitions in the single shell vesicle form. No intensity change between bilayer form was detected, however, for the two observed head group modes. Trends in the peak height intensity rations for the 1100 cm-1 carbon-carbon stretching vibrations indicated an increase in hydrocarbon chain transgauche isomerization for the vesicle in comparison to the multilayer arrangements. The sensitivity of the methylene carbon-hydrogen stretching modes to interchain interactions was demonstrated by comparisons of the intensity patterns in the 2900 cm-1 region to the intensity characteristics of the carbon-carbon stretching region for polycrystalline, multilayer and vesicle materials. Examination of various carbon-carbon stretching mode intensity ratios for cholesterol doped dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine bilayers indicated that while 25 mol% cholesterol increased the transgauche acyl chain isomerization in multilayers, no comparable effect was observed for the vesicle forms. In contrast, the methylene twisting/methylene deformation intensity ratios for the cholesterol containing systems suggested that some further type of interchain perturbation occurs in the vesicle aggregations.", "PMID": 999928} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7979", "title": "The preference of cholesterol for phosphatidylcholine in mixed phosphatidylcholine-phosphatidylethanolamine bilayers.", "content": "The following phosphatidylethanolamines were studied by differential scanning calorimetry: 1,2-dipalmitoleoyl-, 1,2-dioleoyl-, 1,2-dilauroyl-, 1,2-dielaidyl-, 1,2-dimyristoyl- and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoryl-ethanolamine. The saturated and trans-unsaturated species underwent thermotropic phase transitions at temperatures about 20-30 degrees C higher than the corresponding phosphatidylcholines but the enthalpy changes were nearly identical. The transition temperatures for the cis-unsaturated species were about the same as those of the corresponding phosphatidylcholines but here the enthalpy change was markedly decreased as compared with the phosphatidylcholines. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed phase changes from a lamellar to a hexagonal phase for 1,2-dipalmitoleoyl- and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-phosphorylethanolamine at 20 and 0 degrees C respectively. At these temperatures no transitions were apparent in the calorimeter scan. Incorporation of increasing amounts of cholesterol into phosphatidylethanol-amine bilayers gradually decreased the enthalpy changes of the phase transition in the same manner as was demonstrated before for phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol mixtures. This was studied both for 1,2-dipalmitoleoyl- and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerophosphorylethanolamine. In an equimolar mixture of 1,2-dioleoyl- and 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphoryl-ethanolamine, which showed phase separation, cholesterol preferentially decreased the transition of the lowest melting component. In equimolar mixtures of phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylcholines, which showed phase separation, cholesterol preferentially abolished the transition of the phosphatidylcholine component present. This occurred both in experiments where the phosphatidylcholine was the lowest melting and where it was the highest melting component present in the mixture. These experiments strongly suggest that in phosphatidylcholine-phosphatidylethanolamine mixtures at temperatures where both components are in the liquid-crystalline state cholesterol is preferently associated with the phosphatidylcholine component in the mixture.", "contents": "The preference of cholesterol for phosphatidylcholine in mixed phosphatidylcholine-phosphatidylethanolamine bilayers. The following phosphatidylethanolamines were studied by differential scanning calorimetry: 1,2-dipalmitoleoyl-, 1,2-dioleoyl-, 1,2-dilauroyl-, 1,2-dielaidyl-, 1,2-dimyristoyl- and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoryl-ethanolamine. The saturated and trans-unsaturated species underwent thermotropic phase transitions at temperatures about 20-30 degrees C higher than the corresponding phosphatidylcholines but the enthalpy changes were nearly identical. The transition temperatures for the cis-unsaturated species were about the same as those of the corresponding phosphatidylcholines but here the enthalpy change was markedly decreased as compared with the phosphatidylcholines. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed phase changes from a lamellar to a hexagonal phase for 1,2-dipalmitoleoyl- and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-phosphorylethanolamine at 20 and 0 degrees C respectively. At these temperatures no transitions were apparent in the calorimeter scan. Incorporation of increasing amounts of cholesterol into phosphatidylethanol-amine bilayers gradually decreased the enthalpy changes of the phase transition in the same manner as was demonstrated before for phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol mixtures. This was studied both for 1,2-dipalmitoleoyl- and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerophosphorylethanolamine. In an equimolar mixture of 1,2-dioleoyl- and 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphoryl-ethanolamine, which showed phase separation, cholesterol preferentially decreased the transition of the lowest melting component. In equimolar mixtures of phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylcholines, which showed phase separation, cholesterol preferentially abolished the transition of the phosphatidylcholine component present. This occurred both in experiments where the phosphatidylcholine was the lowest melting and where it was the highest melting component present in the mixture. These experiments strongly suggest that in phosphatidylcholine-phosphatidylethanolamine mixtures at temperatures where both components are in the liquid-crystalline state cholesterol is preferently associated with the phosphatidylcholine component in the mixture.", "PMID": 999929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7980", "title": "Chemical modification by trinitrobenzenesulfonate of a lipid and proteins of intracytoplasmic membranes isolated from Chromatium vinosum and Azotobacter vinelandii.", "content": "1. The structure of intracytoplasmic membranes of a photosynthetic bacterium chromatium vinosum and a nitrogen-fixing bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii was studied by chemical modification of amino groups of phosphatidylethanolamine and proteins with trinitrobenzenesulfonate. 2. Almost all the constituents of intracytoplasmic membranes of C. vinosum were solubilized in a mixture of chloroform, methanol and trichloroacetic acid. One-third of proteins in the intracytoplasmic membranes of C. vinosum was found solubilized in a mixture of chloroform and methanol. By using a column chromatography with Sephadex LH-20 in organic solvents, the unmodified as well as the trinitrophenylated proteins and also the trinitrophenylated phosphatidylethanolamine were separated from the other colored substances. 3. In the chemical modification of the intracytoplasmic membrane preparations, 30% of phosphatidylethanolamine and 15% of protein amino groups in C. vinosum and 45% of phosphatidylethanolamine and 20% of protein amino groups in A. vinelandii were estimated to be exposed to the aqueous phase. In the single-layered liposomes composed of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol with a ratio of 2:1, 40% of phosphatidylethanolamine were estimated to be exposed to the aqueous phase.", "contents": "Chemical modification by trinitrobenzenesulfonate of a lipid and proteins of intracytoplasmic membranes isolated from Chromatium vinosum and Azotobacter vinelandii. 1. The structure of intracytoplasmic membranes of a photosynthetic bacterium chromatium vinosum and a nitrogen-fixing bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii was studied by chemical modification of amino groups of phosphatidylethanolamine and proteins with trinitrobenzenesulfonate. 2. Almost all the constituents of intracytoplasmic membranes of C. vinosum were solubilized in a mixture of chloroform, methanol and trichloroacetic acid. One-third of proteins in the intracytoplasmic membranes of C. vinosum was found solubilized in a mixture of chloroform and methanol. By using a column chromatography with Sephadex LH-20 in organic solvents, the unmodified as well as the trinitrophenylated proteins and also the trinitrophenylated phosphatidylethanolamine were separated from the other colored substances. 3. In the chemical modification of the intracytoplasmic membrane preparations, 30% of phosphatidylethanolamine and 15% of protein amino groups in C. vinosum and 45% of phosphatidylethanolamine and 20% of protein amino groups in A. vinelandii were estimated to be exposed to the aqueous phase. In the single-layered liposomes composed of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol with a ratio of 2:1, 40% of phosphatidylethanolamine were estimated to be exposed to the aqueous phase.", "PMID": 999930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7981", "title": "Fusion and protein-mediated phospholipid exchange studied with single bilayer phosphatidylcholine vesicles of different density.", "content": "A novel method has been developed for the study of phospholipid exchange and fusion of phospholipid vesicles. Two homogeneous populations of single bilayer phosphatidylcholine vesicles of similar size but markedly different density have been prepared. \"Dense\" vesicles were made from brominated dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine. \"Light\" vesicles were prepared from dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine. The two populations were easily separated by density gradient centrifugation. Phosphatidylcholine exchange protein from beef liver was used to promote lecithin exchange between the vesicle populations. Only the lecithin of the external monolayers of the vesicles was available for exchange by exchange protein, implying that flip-flop of vesicle phosphatidylcholine did not take place at a detectable frequency. No spontaneous intervesicle phosphatidylcholine exchange was observed. However, the dense and light vesicles did spontaneously fuse, over several hours, to produce particles of hybrid density.", "contents": "Fusion and protein-mediated phospholipid exchange studied with single bilayer phosphatidylcholine vesicles of different density. A novel method has been developed for the study of phospholipid exchange and fusion of phospholipid vesicles. Two homogeneous populations of single bilayer phosphatidylcholine vesicles of similar size but markedly different density have been prepared. \"Dense\" vesicles were made from brominated dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine. \"Light\" vesicles were prepared from dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine. The two populations were easily separated by density gradient centrifugation. Phosphatidylcholine exchange protein from beef liver was used to promote lecithin exchange between the vesicle populations. Only the lecithin of the external monolayers of the vesicles was available for exchange by exchange protein, implying that flip-flop of vesicle phosphatidylcholine did not take place at a detectable frequency. No spontaneous intervesicle phosphatidylcholine exchange was observed. However, the dense and light vesicles did spontaneously fuse, over several hours, to produce particles of hybrid density.", "PMID": 999931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7982", "title": "Lectin-receptor interactions in liposomes. II. Interaction of wheat germ agglutinin with phosphatidylcholine liposomes containing incorporated monosialoganglioside.", "content": "Bovine brain gangliosides incorporated into phospholipid liposomes provide receptors for wheat germ agglutinin. Purified monosialogangliosides were mixed with egg phosphatidylcholine, and unilamellar liposomes were generated. Addition of wheat germ agglutinin induced the liposomes to fuse, and gel filtration analysis revealed that the lectin was incorporated into the fused liposomes. The fusion process was studied by following the changes in the 90 degrees light scattering. Increasing the proportion of the monosialoganglioside in the liposomes was found to increase both the extent of the lectin-induced liposome fusion and the rate of the reaction; below a threshold of approx. 5 mol%, the process was extremely slow. The increase in light scattering could be prevented by the addition of the hapten inhibitor, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (1 mM). Addition of the inhibitor, subsequent to the lectin, caused a partial decrease in light scattering due to the dissociation of unfused vesicle aggregates. Electron microscopic examination revealed that the ganglioside-containing liposomes were vesicles, 244 +/- 25 A (S.D.) in diameter. Upon addition of wheat germ agglutinin, the vesicles appeared to fuse to form larger vesicles, corresponding to dimers and trimers of the initial vesicles. Inhibition studies with a variety of monosaccharides indicated that the sialic acid moieties present in the ganglioside acted as the lectin-receptor sites. This was confirmed by the observation that wheat germ agglutinin did not interact with phosphatidylcholine vesicles containing desialyated ganglioside.", "contents": "Lectin-receptor interactions in liposomes. II. Interaction of wheat germ agglutinin with phosphatidylcholine liposomes containing incorporated monosialoganglioside. Bovine brain gangliosides incorporated into phospholipid liposomes provide receptors for wheat germ agglutinin. Purified monosialogangliosides were mixed with egg phosphatidylcholine, and unilamellar liposomes were generated. Addition of wheat germ agglutinin induced the liposomes to fuse, and gel filtration analysis revealed that the lectin was incorporated into the fused liposomes. The fusion process was studied by following the changes in the 90 degrees light scattering. Increasing the proportion of the monosialoganglioside in the liposomes was found to increase both the extent of the lectin-induced liposome fusion and the rate of the reaction; below a threshold of approx. 5 mol%, the process was extremely slow. The increase in light scattering could be prevented by the addition of the hapten inhibitor, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (1 mM). Addition of the inhibitor, subsequent to the lectin, caused a partial decrease in light scattering due to the dissociation of unfused vesicle aggregates. Electron microscopic examination revealed that the ganglioside-containing liposomes were vesicles, 244 +/- 25 A (S.D.) in diameter. Upon addition of wheat germ agglutinin, the vesicles appeared to fuse to form larger vesicles, corresponding to dimers and trimers of the initial vesicles. Inhibition studies with a variety of monosaccharides indicated that the sialic acid moieties present in the ganglioside acted as the lectin-receptor sites. This was confirmed by the observation that wheat germ agglutinin did not interact with phosphatidylcholine vesicles containing desialyated ganglioside.", "PMID": 999932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7983", "title": "The lipid composition of plasma membrane subfractions originating from the three major functional domains of the rat hepatocyte cell surface.", "content": "1. The neutral and phospholipid compositions of three rat liver plasma membrane subfractions originating predominantly from the three major functional domains of the hepatocyte viz the blood sinusoidal, contiguous and bile canalicular fractions, were determined. 2. The sinusoidal and canalicular plasma membrane subfractions, both of which were vesicular, contained a higher lipid to protein weight ratio than the contiguous plasma membrane subfraction that consisted of membrane strips, junctional complexes and some larger vesicles. The three plasma membrane subfractions contained a similar neutral lipid to phospholipid ratio. The highest unesterified cholesterol content was associated with the canalicular plasma membrane subfraction. 3. The phospholipid profiles of the three subfractions were generally similar. However, the canalicular plasma membrane subfraction contained a higher proportion of sphingomyelin than the other subfractions. 4. Correlations between the neutral and phospholipid composition of the subfractions and membrane integrity and function are discussed, especially with respect to a possible role of lipids in governing the resilience of the canalicular plasma membrane to the action of bile salts.", "contents": "The lipid composition of plasma membrane subfractions originating from the three major functional domains of the rat hepatocyte cell surface. 1. The neutral and phospholipid compositions of three rat liver plasma membrane subfractions originating predominantly from the three major functional domains of the hepatocyte viz the blood sinusoidal, contiguous and bile canalicular fractions, were determined. 2. The sinusoidal and canalicular plasma membrane subfractions, both of which were vesicular, contained a higher lipid to protein weight ratio than the contiguous plasma membrane subfraction that consisted of membrane strips, junctional complexes and some larger vesicles. The three plasma membrane subfractions contained a similar neutral lipid to phospholipid ratio. The highest unesterified cholesterol content was associated with the canalicular plasma membrane subfraction. 3. The phospholipid profiles of the three subfractions were generally similar. However, the canalicular plasma membrane subfraction contained a higher proportion of sphingomyelin than the other subfractions. 4. Correlations between the neutral and phospholipid composition of the subfractions and membrane integrity and function are discussed, especially with respect to a possible role of lipids in governing the resilience of the canalicular plasma membrane to the action of bile salts.", "PMID": 999933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7984", "title": "Mechanism of ion transport through lipid bilayer-membranes mediated by peptide cyclo-(D-Val-L-Pro-L-Val-D-Pro).", "content": "The cyclic dodecapeptide PV, cyclo-(D-Val-L-Pro-L-Val-D-Pro)3, a structural analogue of the ion-carrier valinomycin, increases the cation permeability of lipid bilayer membranes. This paper reports the results of two types of relaxation experiments, namely relaxation of the membrane current after a voltage jump and decay of the membrane voltage after a charge pulse in lipid bilayer membranes exposed to PV. From the relaxation data, the rate constant for the translocation of the ion carrier complex across the membrane, as well as the partition coefficient of the complex between water and membrane solution interface were computed and found to be about one order of magnitude less than the comparable values for valinomycin (Val). Furthermore, the dependence of the initial membrane conductivity on ion concentration was used to evaluate the equilibrium constant, K, of complexation between PV and some monovalent cations in water. The values of K yield the following selectivity sequence of PV: Na+ less than NH4+ less than K+ less than Cs+ less than Rb+. These and earlier results are consistent with the idea that PV promotes cation movement across membranes by the solution complexation mechanism which involves complexation between ion and carrier in the aqueous phase and transport of the carrier across the membrane. In the particular form of the solution complexation mechanism operating here, the PV present in the PV-cation complex carrying charge across the membrane derives from the side from which the current is flowing (cis-mechanism). As shown previously, valinomycin, in contrast to PV, acts by an interfacial complexation mechanism in which the Val in the Val-cation complex derives from the side toward which current is flowing (trans-mechanism). The comparison of the kinetic properties of these two closely related compounds yields interesting insights into the relationship between chemical structure and function of ion carriers.", "contents": "Mechanism of ion transport through lipid bilayer-membranes mediated by peptide cyclo-(D-Val-L-Pro-L-Val-D-Pro). The cyclic dodecapeptide PV, cyclo-(D-Val-L-Pro-L-Val-D-Pro)3, a structural analogue of the ion-carrier valinomycin, increases the cation permeability of lipid bilayer membranes. This paper reports the results of two types of relaxation experiments, namely relaxation of the membrane current after a voltage jump and decay of the membrane voltage after a charge pulse in lipid bilayer membranes exposed to PV. From the relaxation data, the rate constant for the translocation of the ion carrier complex across the membrane, as well as the partition coefficient of the complex between water and membrane solution interface were computed and found to be about one order of magnitude less than the comparable values for valinomycin (Val). Furthermore, the dependence of the initial membrane conductivity on ion concentration was used to evaluate the equilibrium constant, K, of complexation between PV and some monovalent cations in water. The values of K yield the following selectivity sequence of PV: Na+ less than NH4+ less than K+ less than Cs+ less than Rb+. These and earlier results are consistent with the idea that PV promotes cation movement across membranes by the solution complexation mechanism which involves complexation between ion and carrier in the aqueous phase and transport of the carrier across the membrane. In the particular form of the solution complexation mechanism operating here, the PV present in the PV-cation complex carrying charge across the membrane derives from the side from which the current is flowing (cis-mechanism). As shown previously, valinomycin, in contrast to PV, acts by an interfacial complexation mechanism in which the Val in the Val-cation complex derives from the side toward which current is flowing (trans-mechanism). The comparison of the kinetic properties of these two closely related compounds yields interesting insights into the relationship between chemical structure and function of ion carriers.", "PMID": 999934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7985", "title": "Transport kinetics of hydrophobic ions in lipid bilayer membranes. Charge-pulse relaxation studies.", "content": "A modified version of the charge-pulse relaxation technique with improved time resolution was applied to the study of transport kinetics of hydrophobic ions (tetraphenylborate, dipicrylamine) through lipid bilayer membranes. Besides a better time resolution the charge-pulse method has the additional advantage that the perturbation of the membrane can be kept small (voltage amplitudes between 1 and 10 mV). The results of the analysis support the model proposed earlier, according to which the overall transport takes place in three consecutive steps, adsorption of the ion from water to the interface, translocation to the opposite interface, and desorption into the aqueous phase. The translocation rate constant ki and the partition coefficient gamma of the hydrophobic ion between water and the membrane were measured for lecithins with different mono-unsaturated fatty acid residues. Increasing the chain length of the fatty acid from C16 to C24 resulted in a decrease of ki by a factor of about 9 in the case of tetraphenylborate and by a factor of about 17 in the case of dipicrylamine.", "contents": "Transport kinetics of hydrophobic ions in lipid bilayer membranes. Charge-pulse relaxation studies. A modified version of the charge-pulse relaxation technique with improved time resolution was applied to the study of transport kinetics of hydrophobic ions (tetraphenylborate, dipicrylamine) through lipid bilayer membranes. Besides a better time resolution the charge-pulse method has the additional advantage that the perturbation of the membrane can be kept small (voltage amplitudes between 1 and 10 mV). The results of the analysis support the model proposed earlier, according to which the overall transport takes place in three consecutive steps, adsorption of the ion from water to the interface, translocation to the opposite interface, and desorption into the aqueous phase. The translocation rate constant ki and the partition coefficient gamma of the hydrophobic ion between water and the membrane were measured for lecithins with different mono-unsaturated fatty acid residues. Increasing the chain length of the fatty acid from C16 to C24 resulted in a decrease of ki by a factor of about 9 in the case of tetraphenylborate and by a factor of about 17 in the case of dipicrylamine.", "PMID": 999935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7986", "title": "Voltage-induce capacitance relaxation of lipid bilayer membranes. Effects of membrane composition.", "content": "The specific capacity of black lipid membranes of different phospholipids dissolved in n-alkanes was investigated. The hydrocarbon thickness of these membranes, as calculated from the electric capacity with a dielectric constant of 2.1, was in most cases close to 5 nm. It was found that the specific capacity is not constant with time after blackening. It shows a linear time dependence characteristic for each lipid/solvent system. The influence of a transmembrane potential on the capacity of the membranes was measured. It was shown that the extent of the capacity change, obtained 10 s after applying a voltage, was strongly dependent on the lipid composition as well as the solvent content of the membranes. The capacity change of the membranes seems to be caused mainly by a thickness change and not by an area increase of the membranes.", "contents": "Voltage-induce capacitance relaxation of lipid bilayer membranes. Effects of membrane composition. The specific capacity of black lipid membranes of different phospholipids dissolved in n-alkanes was investigated. The hydrocarbon thickness of these membranes, as calculated from the electric capacity with a dielectric constant of 2.1, was in most cases close to 5 nm. It was found that the specific capacity is not constant with time after blackening. It shows a linear time dependence characteristic for each lipid/solvent system. The influence of a transmembrane potential on the capacity of the membranes was measured. It was shown that the extent of the capacity change, obtained 10 s after applying a voltage, was strongly dependent on the lipid composition as well as the solvent content of the membranes. The capacity change of the membranes seems to be caused mainly by a thickness change and not by an area increase of the membranes.", "PMID": 999936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7987", "title": "Structural changes in bilayer membranes by multivalent ions.", "content": "Formation of microlenses, a reduction in thickness, and a change in mechanical properties have been observed when Ca2+ or other multivalent ions are added to bathing solutions of Mueller-Rudin membranes of acidic phospholipids. The observations are interpreted as an extrusion of residual solvent from the hydrocarbon core of the bilayer due to changes in packing imposed by the reduction of electrostatic repulsion of the head groups.", "contents": "Structural changes in bilayer membranes by multivalent ions. Formation of microlenses, a reduction in thickness, and a change in mechanical properties have been observed when Ca2+ or other multivalent ions are added to bathing solutions of Mueller-Rudin membranes of acidic phospholipids. The observations are interpreted as an extrusion of residual solvent from the hydrocarbon core of the bilayer due to changes in packing imposed by the reduction of electrostatic repulsion of the head groups.", "PMID": 999937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7988", "title": "Active potassium transport in reticulocytes of high-K+ and low-K+ sheep.", "content": "The kinetics of active K+ transport were studied in immature red blood cells cells from high-K+ and low-K+ sheep particulary with respect to the effects of varying intracellular K+ concentration, [K]i. Comparison was made with active transport, or pump, activity in mature high-K+ and low-K+ red cells. Reticulocytes from both types of sheep had much higher maximal active K+ influxes than did mature cells. In both types of reticulocytes, and in mature high-K+ cells as well, the pump was relatively insensitive to increasing [K]i. In contrast, intracellular K+ markedly inhibited the pump in mature low-K+ cells. Active K+ transport in low-K+ reticulocytes, however, as in mature low-K+ cells, is stimulated by specific isoimmune anti-L serum. Therefore the K+ pumps of high-K+ and low-K+ reticulocytes have similar kinetic properties. Maturation of the red cells, involving inactivation of most of the pump activity in both cell types, results in mature high-K+ and low-K+ cells with K+ pumps of very different kinetic characteristics.", "contents": "Active potassium transport in reticulocytes of high-K+ and low-K+ sheep. The kinetics of active K+ transport were studied in immature red blood cells cells from high-K+ and low-K+ sheep particulary with respect to the effects of varying intracellular K+ concentration, [K]i. Comparison was made with active transport, or pump, activity in mature high-K+ and low-K+ red cells. Reticulocytes from both types of sheep had much higher maximal active K+ influxes than did mature cells. In both types of reticulocytes, and in mature high-K+ cells as well, the pump was relatively insensitive to increasing [K]i. In contrast, intracellular K+ markedly inhibited the pump in mature low-K+ cells. Active K+ transport in low-K+ reticulocytes, however, as in mature low-K+ cells, is stimulated by specific isoimmune anti-L serum. Therefore the K+ pumps of high-K+ and low-K+ reticulocytes have similar kinetic properties. Maturation of the red cells, involving inactivation of most of the pump activity in both cell types, results in mature high-K+ and low-K+ cells with K+ pumps of very different kinetic characteristics.", "PMID": 999938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7989", "title": "A specific decrease of the fluorescence depolarization of perylene in muscle membranes from mice with muscular dystrophy.", "content": "The microviscosity of erythrocyte membranes and muscle microsomes from age matched 6-week old control mice REJ 129 Dy/Dy, and mice with muscular dystrophy REJ 129 DY/DY has been estimated by measuring the fluorescence depolarization of perylene. There was no difference between the erythrocyte membranes. The muscle microsomes from dystrophic animals had about 20% lower values than the controls. The temperature dependence indicated that a transition occurs in both sets of muscle microsomes, but the transition temperature was lower in the dystrophic microsomes. Cholesterol, phospholipid and triglyceride analyses of the membranes showed no difference between the erythrocyte membranes. The largest difference in the muscle microsomes was a two-fold increase in cholesterol level found in the dystrophic microsomes. No simple correlation could be made between the lipid analysis and the microviscosity measurements. Since the change in microviscosity is found in membranes isolated from the tissue primarily affected by the dy gene, we suggest that the change in microviscosity may be important in the development of the disease.", "contents": "A specific decrease of the fluorescence depolarization of perylene in muscle membranes from mice with muscular dystrophy. The microviscosity of erythrocyte membranes and muscle microsomes from age matched 6-week old control mice REJ 129 Dy/Dy, and mice with muscular dystrophy REJ 129 DY/DY has been estimated by measuring the fluorescence depolarization of perylene. There was no difference between the erythrocyte membranes. The muscle microsomes from dystrophic animals had about 20% lower values than the controls. The temperature dependence indicated that a transition occurs in both sets of muscle microsomes, but the transition temperature was lower in the dystrophic microsomes. Cholesterol, phospholipid and triglyceride analyses of the membranes showed no difference between the erythrocyte membranes. The largest difference in the muscle microsomes was a two-fold increase in cholesterol level found in the dystrophic microsomes. No simple correlation could be made between the lipid analysis and the microviscosity measurements. Since the change in microviscosity is found in membranes isolated from the tissue primarily affected by the dy gene, we suggest that the change in microviscosity may be important in the development of the disease.", "PMID": 999939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7990", "title": "Voltage-clamp experiments on oxidized cholesterol membranes modified with excitability-inducing material and comparison with a model.", "content": "The conductance of oxidized cholesterol membranes modified with excitability-inducing material was observed in membranes containing either single conductance channels or 100-1000 channels. Membranes containing single channels have several conductance states for each voltage polarity, and the current through membranes containing manychannels decays with at least two, and probably three, time constants following a step change in voltage (voltage-clamp). The time constants differ by about an order of magnitude. The multi-state behavior seems more pronounced in membranes made from highly oxidized cholesterol. Although a given conductance state could occur at either positive or negative voltages, each state was much more frequent at one polarity or the other. The most frequently observed single-channel conductance states in 0.1 M NaCl are about 0.3, 0.1, 0.03, and 0.0 n-1 for negative voltages and 0.25, 0.05, 0.03, and 0.0 n-1 for positive voltages. The current following a voltage clamp decays to a quasi-steady state within 1 min for positive voltages and 1-15 min for negative voltages. When the holding voltage is --20 mV, the decay constants and quasi-steady state conductances as functions of clamping voltage are reasonably well described by either a three-state model of the conductance or a two-state model applied independently at negative and positive voltages. However, for high voltages, the quasi-steady state does not appear to approach a state in which all the channels are in a low conductance state.", "contents": "Voltage-clamp experiments on oxidized cholesterol membranes modified with excitability-inducing material and comparison with a model. The conductance of oxidized cholesterol membranes modified with excitability-inducing material was observed in membranes containing either single conductance channels or 100-1000 channels. Membranes containing single channels have several conductance states for each voltage polarity, and the current through membranes containing manychannels decays with at least two, and probably three, time constants following a step change in voltage (voltage-clamp). The time constants differ by about an order of magnitude. The multi-state behavior seems more pronounced in membranes made from highly oxidized cholesterol. Although a given conductance state could occur at either positive or negative voltages, each state was much more frequent at one polarity or the other. The most frequently observed single-channel conductance states in 0.1 M NaCl are about 0.3, 0.1, 0.03, and 0.0 n-1 for negative voltages and 0.25, 0.05, 0.03, and 0.0 n-1 for positive voltages. The current following a voltage clamp decays to a quasi-steady state within 1 min for positive voltages and 1-15 min for negative voltages. When the holding voltage is --20 mV, the decay constants and quasi-steady state conductances as functions of clamping voltage are reasonably well described by either a three-state model of the conductance or a two-state model applied independently at negative and positive voltages. However, for high voltages, the quasi-steady state does not appear to approach a state in which all the channels are in a low conductance state.", "PMID": 999940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7991", "title": "Purification and partial characterization of two glycoproteins in bovine peripheral nerve myelin membrane.", "content": "Two major glycoproteins of bovine peripheral nerve myelin were isolated from the acid-insoluble residue of the myelin by a procedure involving delipidation with chloroform/methanol (2:1, v/v) and chromatography on Sephadex G-200 column with a buffer containing sodium dodecyl sulfate. The separation patterns of the proteins on the gel were affected considerably by the dodecyl sulfate concentration in the elution buffer. At above 2% dodecyl sulfate concentration in the elution buffer, the glycoproteins, could be separated clearly on the gel and were purified. The purified proteins, the BR protein (mol. wt. 28 000) and the PAS-II protein (mol. wt. 13 000), were homogeneous on dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The NH2- terminal amino acids of the BR and the PAS-II proteins were isoleucine and methionine, respectively. The BR protein contained glucosamine, mannose, galactose, fucose and sialic acids and the PAS-II protein contained glucosamine, mannose, galactose, fucose and glucose. Neither the BR protein nor the PAS-II were a glycosylated derivative of a basic protein of bovine peripheral nerve myelin, a deduction based on the results of amino acid analysis. The two major glycoproteins were observed commonly in the peripheral nerve myelin of cows, pigs, rabbits and guinea pigs, using dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.", "contents": "Purification and partial characterization of two glycoproteins in bovine peripheral nerve myelin membrane. Two major glycoproteins of bovine peripheral nerve myelin were isolated from the acid-insoluble residue of the myelin by a procedure involving delipidation with chloroform/methanol (2:1, v/v) and chromatography on Sephadex G-200 column with a buffer containing sodium dodecyl sulfate. The separation patterns of the proteins on the gel were affected considerably by the dodecyl sulfate concentration in the elution buffer. At above 2% dodecyl sulfate concentration in the elution buffer, the glycoproteins, could be separated clearly on the gel and were purified. The purified proteins, the BR protein (mol. wt. 28 000) and the PAS-II protein (mol. wt. 13 000), were homogeneous on dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The NH2- terminal amino acids of the BR and the PAS-II proteins were isoleucine and methionine, respectively. The BR protein contained glucosamine, mannose, galactose, fucose and sialic acids and the PAS-II protein contained glucosamine, mannose, galactose, fucose and glucose. Neither the BR protein nor the PAS-II were a glycosylated derivative of a basic protein of bovine peripheral nerve myelin, a deduction based on the results of amino acid analysis. The two major glycoproteins were observed commonly in the peripheral nerve myelin of cows, pigs, rabbits and guinea pigs, using dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.", "PMID": 999941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7992", "title": "Fractionation of human erythrocyte membranes. Presence of the nucleoside transport complex in an insoluble residue.", "content": "(1) Human erythrocyte membranes, when dialysed against water at pH 9.5, were partly solubilized, losing 80% of the membrane proteins and 65% of the membrane lipids. Sodium dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis of the particulate material revealed selective removal of proteins from the membrane. (2) The lipid-rich particulate material remaining retained the ability to bind specifically the nucleoside transport inhibitor, nitrobenzylthioinosine, previously shown to bind selectively to the nucleoside transport mechanism of whole erythrocytes and erythrocyte ghosts.", "contents": "Fractionation of human erythrocyte membranes. Presence of the nucleoside transport complex in an insoluble residue. (1) Human erythrocyte membranes, when dialysed against water at pH 9.5, were partly solubilized, losing 80% of the membrane proteins and 65% of the membrane lipids. Sodium dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis of the particulate material revealed selective removal of proteins from the membrane. (2) The lipid-rich particulate material remaining retained the ability to bind specifically the nucleoside transport inhibitor, nitrobenzylthioinosine, previously shown to bind selectively to the nucleoside transport mechanism of whole erythrocytes and erythrocyte ghosts.", "PMID": 999942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7993", "title": "Modulation of membrane drug permeability in Chinese hamster ovary cells.", "content": "The kinetics of colchicine uptake into Chinese hamster ovary cells have been investigated and found to be consistent with an unmediated diffusion mode. A variety of compounds such as local anesthetics and non-ionic detergents as well as drugs such as vinblastine, vincristine, daunomycin and actinomycin D potentiate the rate of colchicine uptake into these cells and into colchicine resistant mutants. In all cases, higher concentrations of these compounds were required to stimulate colchicine uptake in the colchicine resistant mutants than in the cells of the parental line. This stimulation was observed also in the uptake of puromycin, a structurally and functionally different drug. These stimulatory agents did not, however, cause the cells to become nonspecifically leaky since the uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose was unaffected. In addition, the activation energy of colchicine uptake was unaltered in the presence of stimulating agents, implying that they were not causing colchicine to enter the cells via a different mechanism. The results are compatible with the view that these compounds are membrane-active, and are able to stimulate an increased rate of unmediated diffusion of colchicine into the cells. It appears that a mechanism for the regulation of passive permeability is modified in the resistant mutants.", "contents": "Modulation of membrane drug permeability in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The kinetics of colchicine uptake into Chinese hamster ovary cells have been investigated and found to be consistent with an unmediated diffusion mode. A variety of compounds such as local anesthetics and non-ionic detergents as well as drugs such as vinblastine, vincristine, daunomycin and actinomycin D potentiate the rate of colchicine uptake into these cells and into colchicine resistant mutants. In all cases, higher concentrations of these compounds were required to stimulate colchicine uptake in the colchicine resistant mutants than in the cells of the parental line. This stimulation was observed also in the uptake of puromycin, a structurally and functionally different drug. These stimulatory agents did not, however, cause the cells to become nonspecifically leaky since the uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose was unaffected. In addition, the activation energy of colchicine uptake was unaltered in the presence of stimulating agents, implying that they were not causing colchicine to enter the cells via a different mechanism. The results are compatible with the view that these compounds are membrane-active, and are able to stimulate an increased rate of unmediated diffusion of colchicine into the cells. It appears that a mechanism for the regulation of passive permeability is modified in the resistant mutants.", "PMID": 999943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7994", "title": "Testing the simple carrier using irreversible inhibitors.", "content": "1. We analyse the kinetics of irreversible inhibition of the simple carrier. We consider how the rate of inactivation is influenced by the concentrations of permeant on the two sides of the membrane. 2. We consider various kinetic schemes for the simple carrier and show that these are all indistinguishable kinetically, using steady-state transport or inactivation data. We point out the advantages of using the simplest kinetic scheme and the possible pitfalls of using more complicated schemes, including the conventional carrier model. 3. We show that in the absence of information on the transport properties of the system, irreversible inhibition data are ambiguous. Taken together with transport data, however, inactivation data provide new tests for the applicability of the simple carrier. 4. The new tests show that for the simple carrier model to be applicable, the substrate dependencies of transport and of inactivation must be identical in comparable experimental situations. Further, the maximal rates of transport and of stimulation (or inhibition) of inactivation must obey a simple relationship, which we derive. We illustrate the use of these tests with published data on the glucose and choline transport systems of the human red blood cell.", "contents": "Testing the simple carrier using irreversible inhibitors. 1. We analyse the kinetics of irreversible inhibition of the simple carrier. We consider how the rate of inactivation is influenced by the concentrations of permeant on the two sides of the membrane. 2. We consider various kinetic schemes for the simple carrier and show that these are all indistinguishable kinetically, using steady-state transport or inactivation data. We point out the advantages of using the simplest kinetic scheme and the possible pitfalls of using more complicated schemes, including the conventional carrier model. 3. We show that in the absence of information on the transport properties of the system, irreversible inhibition data are ambiguous. Taken together with transport data, however, inactivation data provide new tests for the applicability of the simple carrier. 4. The new tests show that for the simple carrier model to be applicable, the substrate dependencies of transport and of inactivation must be identical in comparable experimental situations. Further, the maximal rates of transport and of stimulation (or inhibition) of inactivation must obey a simple relationship, which we derive. We illustrate the use of these tests with published data on the glucose and choline transport systems of the human red blood cell.", "PMID": 999944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7995", "title": "Determination of Triton X-100 binding to membrane proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.", "content": "The molecular weight of proteins in protein-detergent complexes can be determined from ultracentrifugation experiments if the amount of bound detergent is known. A new sensitive method to measure the binding of the nonionic detergent Triton X-100 to proteins has been developed. For the membrane proteins studied, less than 50 mug of protein was required to achieve an accuracy of 10% in the determination of the detergent-protein weight ratio. The proteins were equilibrated with the detergent by electrophoresis into polyacrylamide gels containing radioactively labelled Triton X-100. The gels were then sliced and the amount of bound detergent calculated from the increase in radio-activity in the slices containing the protein zone. The amounts of protein were determined by amino acid analysis of identical protein zones cut from gels running parallel.", "contents": "Determination of Triton X-100 binding to membrane proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of proteins in protein-detergent complexes can be determined from ultracentrifugation experiments if the amount of bound detergent is known. A new sensitive method to measure the binding of the nonionic detergent Triton X-100 to proteins has been developed. For the membrane proteins studied, less than 50 mug of protein was required to achieve an accuracy of 10% in the determination of the detergent-protein weight ratio. The proteins were equilibrated with the detergent by electrophoresis into polyacrylamide gels containing radioactively labelled Triton X-100. The gels were then sliced and the amount of bound detergent calculated from the increase in radio-activity in the slices containing the protein zone. The amounts of protein were determined by amino acid analysis of identical protein zones cut from gels running parallel.", "PMID": 999945} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7996", "title": "Molybdate and tungstate transfer by rat ileum. Competitive inhibition by sulphate.", "content": "For both MoO42- and WO42- the maximum rate of uptake by the small intestine of the rat (studied in vitro using the everted sac technique) occurs in the lower ileum. Kinetic constants, derived by a least squares procedure, are compared with those previously obtained for SO42- transport. For both V and Ka, SO42- greater than MoO42- greater than WO42-, with only small differences between sacs IV and V. Mutual inhibition of MoO42- and WO42- transport and inhibition of both by SO42- are competitive processes. This is shown by the generally good agreement between Ka values and derived Ki values and by V values in the presence and absence of the inhibiting species. The three ions SO42-, MoO42- and WO42- are probably transferred across the intestine by a common carrier system. Implications for the sulphate-molybdenum interaction in molybdosis are discussed.", "contents": "Molybdate and tungstate transfer by rat ileum. Competitive inhibition by sulphate. For both MoO42- and WO42- the maximum rate of uptake by the small intestine of the rat (studied in vitro using the everted sac technique) occurs in the lower ileum. Kinetic constants, derived by a least squares procedure, are compared with those previously obtained for SO42- transport. For both V and Ka, SO42- greater than MoO42- greater than WO42-, with only small differences between sacs IV and V. Mutual inhibition of MoO42- and WO42- transport and inhibition of both by SO42- are competitive processes. This is shown by the generally good agreement between Ka values and derived Ki values and by V values in the presence and absence of the inhibiting species. The three ions SO42-, MoO42- and WO42- are probably transferred across the intestine by a common carrier system. Implications for the sulphate-molybdenum interaction in molybdosis are discussed.", "PMID": 999946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7997", "title": "Stoichiometry of hemolysis by the polyene antibiotic lucensomycin.", "content": "The stoichiometry of hemolysis by the polyene antibiotic lucensomycin was investigated. It appears that hemolysis occurs only when a relatively high fraction (probably between 15 and 40%) of the cholesterol sites in the erythrocyte membrane have combined with the polyene. Also in phospholipid-cholesterol vesicles the increase of permeability requires occupancy of 40-50% of the existing cholesterol sites. As for the possible cooperative effect in the hemolytic process, it is probable that several (at least 9-10) lucensomycin-cholesterol adducts must interact on each side of the membrane to form an aqueous channel; the distribution of these adducts in the erythrocyte membrane occurs, however, apparently at random.", "contents": "Stoichiometry of hemolysis by the polyene antibiotic lucensomycin. The stoichiometry of hemolysis by the polyene antibiotic lucensomycin was investigated. It appears that hemolysis occurs only when a relatively high fraction (probably between 15 and 40%) of the cholesterol sites in the erythrocyte membrane have combined with the polyene. Also in phospholipid-cholesterol vesicles the increase of permeability requires occupancy of 40-50% of the existing cholesterol sites. As for the possible cooperative effect in the hemolytic process, it is probable that several (at least 9-10) lucensomycin-cholesterol adducts must interact on each side of the membrane to form an aqueous channel; the distribution of these adducts in the erythrocyte membrane occurs, however, apparently at random.", "PMID": 999947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7998", "title": "Selective effects of nonionic detergent and salt solutions in dissolving nuclear envelope protein.?20U.", "content": "Protein has been selectively extracted from isolated chicken erythrocyte nuclear envelope by (1) dilute MgCl2/Triton X-100 followed by (2) concentrated MgCl2/Triton X-100 solutions. Certain proteins appear to be selectively dissolved in the first solvent and may occur in the nuclear envelope primarily as lipoproteins. Among the proteins insoluble in the low MgCl2/Triton X-100 wash, as well as in 500 mM MgCl2 without Triton previously used in the preparation of the envelope fraction, the quantitatively major polypeptides dissolve in a combination of high MgCl2 and Triton X-100. Further, much of this dissolved protein precipitates when the MgCl2 concentration is lowered by dialysis. The insolubility of these proteins appears to result from a combination of ionic and hydrophobic interactions and may explain the resistance of nuclei to various manipulative procedures including nonionic detergent washes. The procedures described provide a route for gently and selectively dissolving representative proteins from the nuclear envelope lipoprotein matrix and from the envelope \"residual\" protein.", "contents": "Selective effects of nonionic detergent and salt solutions in dissolving nuclear envelope protein.?20U. Protein has been selectively extracted from isolated chicken erythrocyte nuclear envelope by (1) dilute MgCl2/Triton X-100 followed by (2) concentrated MgCl2/Triton X-100 solutions. Certain proteins appear to be selectively dissolved in the first solvent and may occur in the nuclear envelope primarily as lipoproteins. Among the proteins insoluble in the low MgCl2/Triton X-100 wash, as well as in 500 mM MgCl2 without Triton previously used in the preparation of the envelope fraction, the quantitatively major polypeptides dissolve in a combination of high MgCl2 and Triton X-100. Further, much of this dissolved protein precipitates when the MgCl2 concentration is lowered by dialysis. The insolubility of these proteins appears to result from a combination of ionic and hydrophobic interactions and may explain the resistance of nuclei to various manipulative procedures including nonionic detergent washes. The procedures described provide a route for gently and selectively dissolving representative proteins from the nuclear envelope lipoprotein matrix and from the envelope \"residual\" protein.", "PMID": 999948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_7999", "title": "[Inducible cephalosporinases from Proteus morganii].", "content": "It has been shown that two Proteus morganii strains produce an inducible cephalosporinase. No significative difference was shown between them: they present the same isoelectric poit: 8,3 and very similar kinetic constants. The parameter tau, proportional to the half life of antibiotic at low concentration, in presence of beta lactamase, shows that cefamandole is the most stable cephalosporin studied.", "contents": "[Inducible cephalosporinases from Proteus morganii]. It has been shown that two Proteus morganii strains produce an inducible cephalosporinase. No significative difference was shown between them: they present the same isoelectric poit: 8,3 and very similar kinetic constants. The parameter tau, proportional to the half life of antibiotic at low concentration, in presence of beta lactamase, shows that cefamandole is the most stable cephalosporin studied.", "PMID": 999950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8000", "title": "Structural studies on RNA from Bombyx mori L. I. Nucleoside composition of enriched tRNA species from the posterior silkgland purified by coutercurrent distribution.", "content": "A large scale fractionation of tRNA from the posterior silkgland of the silkworm Bombyx mori L. by countercurrent distribution is described. One single 1,500 transfer distribution carried out with Phosphate buffer-Fromamide-Isopropanol (PFI) solvent system yields highly enriched isoaccepting species with increasing mobility order: tRNA1Gly, tRNA1-2Ala, tRNATyr, tRNA2Gly, tRNA1Ser and tRNA2Ser with 75%, 70%, 90%, 60%, 60%, and 90% purities respectively. Nucleosides fingerprint analysis of each iso-tRNA species confirms the anticodon structures previously suggested for tRNA2Ala (IGC), tRNA2bGly (U-CC) (U-CC) and tRNA2bSer (IGA). Twenty two minor nucleosides, three of them with unknown structure, have been detected. They are: m5C in tRNA1Gly, m1I in all tRNAAla species, polar A and U called X in tRNATyr, polar U derivative in tRNAGly2, mt6A in tRNASer1 and i6A tRNA2Ser. Both tRNASer species have m3C and ac7C. We do not detect Q, Y and thiol derivatives. The elution characteristics of silkgland tRNA species may be expressed in a semilogarithmic diagram where log K (K is the partition coefficient) is related to the base ratio A/Y) and the coding properties. The distribution pattern of silkgland tRNAs has been compared with that of Yeast and Rat liver tRNAs fractionated by countercurrent distribution with the PFI and PMB (Potassium phosphate buffer, 2-methoxy ethanol, 2-butoxy ethanol) solvent systems.", "contents": "Structural studies on RNA from Bombyx mori L. I. Nucleoside composition of enriched tRNA species from the posterior silkgland purified by coutercurrent distribution. A large scale fractionation of tRNA from the posterior silkgland of the silkworm Bombyx mori L. by countercurrent distribution is described. One single 1,500 transfer distribution carried out with Phosphate buffer-Fromamide-Isopropanol (PFI) solvent system yields highly enriched isoaccepting species with increasing mobility order: tRNA1Gly, tRNA1-2Ala, tRNATyr, tRNA2Gly, tRNA1Ser and tRNA2Ser with 75%, 70%, 90%, 60%, 60%, and 90% purities respectively. Nucleosides fingerprint analysis of each iso-tRNA species confirms the anticodon structures previously suggested for tRNA2Ala (IGC), tRNA2bGly (U-CC) (U-CC) and tRNA2bSer (IGA). Twenty two minor nucleosides, three of them with unknown structure, have been detected. They are: m5C in tRNA1Gly, m1I in all tRNAAla species, polar A and U called X in tRNATyr, polar U derivative in tRNAGly2, mt6A in tRNASer1 and i6A tRNA2Ser. Both tRNASer species have m3C and ac7C. We do not detect Q, Y and thiol derivatives. The elution characteristics of silkgland tRNA species may be expressed in a semilogarithmic diagram where log K (K is the partition coefficient) is related to the base ratio A/Y) and the coding properties. The distribution pattern of silkgland tRNAs has been compared with that of Yeast and Rat liver tRNAs fractionated by countercurrent distribution with the PFI and PMB (Potassium phosphate buffer, 2-methoxy ethanol, 2-butoxy ethanol) solvent systems.", "PMID": 999951} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8001", "title": "Mouse brain uptake and metabolism of stearic acid.", "content": "After injection, labelled stearic acid is transported directly into the brain and incorporated into brain lipids without prior oxydation to acetate and resynthesis of fatty acids. Contamination by blood can be excluded. (The preparation contains all subcellular fraction except cytosol). The labelled stearic acid taken up is partly metabolized in the brain either by elongation or by degradation and in situ resynthesis of fatty acids. The activity in oleic acid and mono-unsaturated chains is hardly detectable. The labelled acids are incorporated into lipids or subcellular particles following characteristic kinetics, which show a diminution by 24 hours. When analysing the evolution of each lipid, it is shown that this profile is followed by phospholipids, but not by cerebrosides and free fatty acids. The formers are still increasing up to 50 hours, the latters are stable (suggesting a physical binding between membranes and free fatty acids). Thus nutrition is an important parameter for the synthesis of brain membranes as far as exogenous saturated fatty acids are needed.", "contents": "Mouse brain uptake and metabolism of stearic acid. After injection, labelled stearic acid is transported directly into the brain and incorporated into brain lipids without prior oxydation to acetate and resynthesis of fatty acids. Contamination by blood can be excluded. (The preparation contains all subcellular fraction except cytosol). The labelled stearic acid taken up is partly metabolized in the brain either by elongation or by degradation and in situ resynthesis of fatty acids. The activity in oleic acid and mono-unsaturated chains is hardly detectable. The labelled acids are incorporated into lipids or subcellular particles following characteristic kinetics, which show a diminution by 24 hours. When analysing the evolution of each lipid, it is shown that this profile is followed by phospholipids, but not by cerebrosides and free fatty acids. The formers are still increasing up to 50 hours, the latters are stable (suggesting a physical binding between membranes and free fatty acids). Thus nutrition is an important parameter for the synthesis of brain membranes as far as exogenous saturated fatty acids are needed.", "PMID": 999952} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8002", "title": "[Kinetic and structural characteristics of succinate dehydrogenase components reacting with natural and artificial electron acceptors].", "content": "A new catalitic activity of soluble succinate dehydrogenase, i.e. the reduction of low (20-200 muM) concentration of ferricyanide in the presence of succinate is described. The apparent Km value for the acceptor is about 200 muM. The turnover numbers of the enzyme measured in this reaction, with PMS as an electron acceptor and in the system reconstituted from soluble enzyme and alkali-treated submitochondrial particles (succinate oxidase) are found to be almost the same. The new succinate. ferricyanide reductase activity is very sensitive to oxygen, high (3 mM) ferricyanide concentration and mercaptide-forming agents. When the enzyme is stored under aerobic conditions the loss of this activity occurs according to the first-order kinetics with the same rate constants as the reconstitutive activity decreases. The rate constants both for ferricyanide reductase and reconstitution decay do not depend on pH within the range of 6,5--7,5 (k = 8.10(-2) min-1) and increase dramatically at pH 8,5 (K = 4.10(-1) MIN-1). When these two activities are lost after oxygen exposure the PMS-reductase fall down to about 50% of its original activity. The new ferricyanide reductase is found only in the soluble preparation of the enzyme succinate: cytochrome c reductase, succinate dehydrogenase of submitochondrial particles and reconstituted succinate oxidase do not interact with low concentrations of ferricyanide. The treatment of the enzyme after inactivation by oxygen exposure with sulfide ion--iron--mercaptoethanol mixture followed by Sephadex filtration completely restores the original reconstitutive, ferricyanide and PMS reductase activities. The hypothesis is suggested that succinate dehydrogenase contains at least two red-ox centers reacting with electron acceptors. The first one is located in hydrophylic environment (mitochondrial matrix) being accessible for high concentrations of ferricyanide. The second one (iron--sulfur complex, Hipip-type) is responsible for ferricyanide reductase activity described, being located intramembraneously and involved in the electron transfer between dehydrogenase and the rest of the respiratory chain.", "contents": "[Kinetic and structural characteristics of succinate dehydrogenase components reacting with natural and artificial electron acceptors]. A new catalitic activity of soluble succinate dehydrogenase, i.e. the reduction of low (20-200 muM) concentration of ferricyanide in the presence of succinate is described. The apparent Km value for the acceptor is about 200 muM. The turnover numbers of the enzyme measured in this reaction, with PMS as an electron acceptor and in the system reconstituted from soluble enzyme and alkali-treated submitochondrial particles (succinate oxidase) are found to be almost the same. The new succinate. ferricyanide reductase activity is very sensitive to oxygen, high (3 mM) ferricyanide concentration and mercaptide-forming agents. When the enzyme is stored under aerobic conditions the loss of this activity occurs according to the first-order kinetics with the same rate constants as the reconstitutive activity decreases. The rate constants both for ferricyanide reductase and reconstitution decay do not depend on pH within the range of 6,5--7,5 (k = 8.10(-2) min-1) and increase dramatically at pH 8,5 (K = 4.10(-1) MIN-1). When these two activities are lost after oxygen exposure the PMS-reductase fall down to about 50% of its original activity. The new ferricyanide reductase is found only in the soluble preparation of the enzyme succinate: cytochrome c reductase, succinate dehydrogenase of submitochondrial particles and reconstituted succinate oxidase do not interact with low concentrations of ferricyanide. The treatment of the enzyme after inactivation by oxygen exposure with sulfide ion--iron--mercaptoethanol mixture followed by Sephadex filtration completely restores the original reconstitutive, ferricyanide and PMS reductase activities. The hypothesis is suggested that succinate dehydrogenase contains at least two red-ox centers reacting with electron acceptors. The first one is located in hydrophylic environment (mitochondrial matrix) being accessible for high concentrations of ferricyanide. The second one (iron--sulfur complex, Hipip-type) is responsible for ferricyanide reductase activity described, being located intramembraneously and involved in the electron transfer between dehydrogenase and the rest of the respiratory chain.", "PMID": 999975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8003", "title": "[Mechanism of the phosphoglucomutase reaction].", "content": "The points of bonds ruptures in the course of phosphoglucomutase reaction were studied by two methods: incorporation of 18O and kinetic isotope effect with the use of double label (14C and 3H). The method of 18O determination by means of activation analysis is described. Analysis of data leads to the conclusion that phosphoryl, but not phosphate group, moves in the course of the reaction. Possible mechanisms of phosphoglutcomutase reaction are discussed.", "contents": "[Mechanism of the phosphoglucomutase reaction]. The points of bonds ruptures in the course of phosphoglucomutase reaction were studied by two methods: incorporation of 18O and kinetic isotope effect with the use of double label (14C and 3H). The method of 18O determination by means of activation analysis is described. Analysis of data leads to the conclusion that phosphoryl, but not phosphate group, moves in the course of the reaction. Possible mechanisms of phosphoglutcomutase reaction are discussed.", "PMID": 999976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8004", "title": "[Protein and RNA synthesis during the transition of potato tuber meristematic tissue from rest to growth].", "content": "The rate of RNA and protein synthesis in resting and growing meristem tissues from isolated tuber growth points under their incubation with labelled precursors is studied. It is found that the label incorporation into RNA is low during deep resting, protein synthesis being rather intensive. Both RNA and protein synthesis is intensified with the beginning of growth period. More homogenous in their metabolic rate set of RNAs is found in resting tissues in contrast with growing ones. The data on fractionation of total RNA preparation on MAK column and in sucrose density gradient showed that synthesis of high molecular weight RNA with metabolic period of 4 hours is stimulated in growing meristems. It is possible that synthesis of certain fractions of RNA and protein is one of regulation mechanisms for resting in meristem tissues.", "contents": "[Protein and RNA synthesis during the transition of potato tuber meristematic tissue from rest to growth]. The rate of RNA and protein synthesis in resting and growing meristem tissues from isolated tuber growth points under their incubation with labelled precursors is studied. It is found that the label incorporation into RNA is low during deep resting, protein synthesis being rather intensive. Both RNA and protein synthesis is intensified with the beginning of growth period. More homogenous in their metabolic rate set of RNAs is found in resting tissues in contrast with growing ones. The data on fractionation of total RNA preparation on MAK column and in sucrose density gradient showed that synthesis of high molecular weight RNA with metabolic period of 4 hours is stimulated in growing meristems. It is possible that synthesis of certain fractions of RNA and protein is one of regulation mechanisms for resting in meristem tissues.", "PMID": 999977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8005", "title": "[Glycine and alanine synthesis enzymes in the tissues of the silkworm during its development].", "content": "The activity of enzymes of glycine and alanine synthesis (glutamate-pyruvate aminotransferase, aspartate-beta-decarboxylase, threonine aldolase, serine hydroxymethyltransferase, alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) is studied in haemolymph, fat body, fibroin and sericine divisions of silk gland of silkworm Bombyx mori at terminal period of larva development. Alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase activity in fibroin division of silk gland (34,6 mu mole of glycine/mg of protein/min-10(-3)), alanine aminotransferase--in sericine division (36,0 mu mole of alanine/mg of protein/min-10(-3)) aspartate aminotransferase 27,3 mu mole of glutamic acid/mg of protein/min-10(-3)) and alanine aminotransferase (35,8 mu mole of alanine/mg of protein/min-10(-3)) on fat body. The ratio of alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase/glutamate-pyruvate aminotransferase activities in posterior division of silk gland is near to glycine/alanine ratio in silk fibroin. The character of the enzymes activity in silkworm tissues correlates with the silk formation rate.", "contents": "[Glycine and alanine synthesis enzymes in the tissues of the silkworm during its development]. The activity of enzymes of glycine and alanine synthesis (glutamate-pyruvate aminotransferase, aspartate-beta-decarboxylase, threonine aldolase, serine hydroxymethyltransferase, alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) is studied in haemolymph, fat body, fibroin and sericine divisions of silk gland of silkworm Bombyx mori at terminal period of larva development. Alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase activity in fibroin division of silk gland (34,6 mu mole of glycine/mg of protein/min-10(-3)), alanine aminotransferase--in sericine division (36,0 mu mole of alanine/mg of protein/min-10(-3)) aspartate aminotransferase 27,3 mu mole of glutamic acid/mg of protein/min-10(-3)) and alanine aminotransferase (35,8 mu mole of alanine/mg of protein/min-10(-3)) on fat body. The ratio of alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase/glutamate-pyruvate aminotransferase activities in posterior division of silk gland is near to glycine/alanine ratio in silk fibroin. The character of the enzymes activity in silkworm tissues correlates with the silk formation rate.", "PMID": 999978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8006", "title": "[Interaction of 4-aminobutyrate-transaminase from swine kidneys with 5'- and 6'-methyl derivatives of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate].", "content": "The study of interaction of 4-aminobutyrate transaminase with 5'- 6'-methyl derivates of PLP demonstrated that only the former was capable of forming a catalytically active holoenzyme possessing 0.37 activity of the native holoenzyme and a low affinity substrates. This compound interacts with the apoenzyme at a slower rate than does PLP; it has a reduced affinity towards apotransaminase (Km = 1.10(-4) M) and is replaced from the active site by native coenzyme. The other analog of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate forms a catalytically inactive complex with the apoenzyme; the other analog is not replaced from the active center by native coenzyme and non-competitively inhibits the reconstruction of apotransaminase (Ki = 2.10(-5) M).", "contents": "[Interaction of 4-aminobutyrate-transaminase from swine kidneys with 5'- and 6'-methyl derivatives of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate]. The study of interaction of 4-aminobutyrate transaminase with 5'- 6'-methyl derivates of PLP demonstrated that only the former was capable of forming a catalytically active holoenzyme possessing 0.37 activity of the native holoenzyme and a low affinity substrates. This compound interacts with the apoenzyme at a slower rate than does PLP; it has a reduced affinity towards apotransaminase (Km = 1.10(-4) M) and is replaced from the active site by native coenzyme. The other analog of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate forms a catalytically inactive complex with the apoenzyme; the other analog is not replaced from the active center by native coenzyme and non-competitively inhibits the reconstruction of apotransaminase (Ki = 2.10(-5) M).", "PMID": 999979} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8007", "title": "[Stability of the polyribosomes of Blakeslea trispora Thaxter during normal translation, its stimulation and inhibition].", "content": "beta-Ionone is found to stimulate considerably carotinoids synthesis in Blakeslea trispora. The stabilization of carotene-synthesizing ability of B. trispora in the presence of beta-ionine under prolonged incubation time is observed. Stabilization of polyribosomes in the presence of beta-ionine is observed when studying polyribosome content in B. trispora. A hypothesis is expressed on the existence of biochemical \"receptors\" as a linkage between synthesized protein and destroying mRNA.", "contents": "[Stability of the polyribosomes of Blakeslea trispora Thaxter during normal translation, its stimulation and inhibition]. beta-Ionone is found to stimulate considerably carotinoids synthesis in Blakeslea trispora. The stabilization of carotene-synthesizing ability of B. trispora in the presence of beta-ionine under prolonged incubation time is observed. Stabilization of polyribosomes in the presence of beta-ionine is observed when studying polyribosome content in B. trispora. A hypothesis is expressed on the existence of biochemical \"receptors\" as a linkage between synthesized protein and destroying mRNA.", "PMID": 999980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8008", "title": "[Effect of hydrocortisone and actinomycin D at different time of the day on incorporation of labeled precursor into the nuclear proteins of intact rat liver].", "content": "Variations in the incorporation of labelled precursor into nuclear rat liver proteins during a day in normal conditions and in the presence of hydrocortisone and actinomycin D are studied. Synthesis of nuclear proteins is found to have a fluctuating character. Hydrocortisone and actinomycin D, injected at different day time, induce changes in the character of nuclear proteins synthesis , which are more pronounced for histones. The effect of the hormone and the antibiotic is tightly bound with the functional state of liver cells at given moment.", "contents": "[Effect of hydrocortisone and actinomycin D at different time of the day on incorporation of labeled precursor into the nuclear proteins of intact rat liver]. Variations in the incorporation of labelled precursor into nuclear rat liver proteins during a day in normal conditions and in the presence of hydrocortisone and actinomycin D are studied. Synthesis of nuclear proteins is found to have a fluctuating character. Hydrocortisone and actinomycin D, injected at different day time, induce changes in the character of nuclear proteins synthesis , which are more pronounced for histones. The effect of the hormone and the antibiotic is tightly bound with the functional state of liver cells at given moment.", "PMID": 999981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8009", "title": "[Physico-chemical properties of a protein-inhibitor of serine proteinases from the potato].", "content": "Serine proteases inhibitor with pl-7.3, isolated from potatoe tubers by isoelectric focusing procedure as described previously (V.V. Mosolov et al., Bioorganic Chem., 1, 1449, 1975), was homogeneous under ultracentrifugation, having sedimentation coefficient S20,w 2.8S. Its molecular weight, investigated by sedimentation equilibrium and gel filtration through Sephadex G-100, was found to be 32500 and 31500 respectively. The Stokes radius R and frictional ratio f/fo were found to be 24 A and 1.14. The molecular weight of the inhibitor as determined by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis was twice as low as determined in ultracentrifuge and by gel filtration procedure. It is suggested that the inhibitor is dimer and consists of two protomers of equal molecular weight.", "contents": "[Physico-chemical properties of a protein-inhibitor of serine proteinases from the potato]. Serine proteases inhibitor with pl-7.3, isolated from potatoe tubers by isoelectric focusing procedure as described previously (V.V. Mosolov et al., Bioorganic Chem., 1, 1449, 1975), was homogeneous under ultracentrifugation, having sedimentation coefficient S20,w 2.8S. Its molecular weight, investigated by sedimentation equilibrium and gel filtration through Sephadex G-100, was found to be 32500 and 31500 respectively. The Stokes radius R and frictional ratio f/fo were found to be 24 A and 1.14. The molecular weight of the inhibitor as determined by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis was twice as low as determined in ultracentrifuge and by gel filtration procedure. It is suggested that the inhibitor is dimer and consists of two protomers of equal molecular weight.", "PMID": 999983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8010", "title": "[Effect of polyene antibiotics on isolated dog kidney nuclei].", "content": "Effect of amphotericin B and nistation on caryoplasmic proteins, nuclear membrane-bound chromatin (DNPm) and soluble DNP (DNP0) from dog kidney isolated nuclei is studied in vitro. The yield of caryoplasmic proteins from nuclei is found to be increased during incubation with amphotericin B and nistatin, the content of some fraction in caryoplasmic proteins being decreased while their qualitative composition being unchanged. It is found that the treatment of nuclei with amphotericin B contributes the association of DNP particles with nuclear membrane and the increase of protein/DNA and RNA/DNA ratios in DNPm. No such effects are observed in the presence of nistatin. Both antibiotics do not affect protein/DNA and RNA/DNA ratios in DNP0 fraction. Polyene antibiotics are shown to change considerably the composition of acid soluble proteins in DNP0 and DNPm and in non-histone proteins in DNP0, and not to affect the content of lipids and their fatty acid composition in DNPm. The data obtained are of certain value for explanation of the mechanism of toxic effect of polyene antibiotics on animal cells.", "contents": "[Effect of polyene antibiotics on isolated dog kidney nuclei]. Effect of amphotericin B and nistation on caryoplasmic proteins, nuclear membrane-bound chromatin (DNPm) and soluble DNP (DNP0) from dog kidney isolated nuclei is studied in vitro. The yield of caryoplasmic proteins from nuclei is found to be increased during incubation with amphotericin B and nistatin, the content of some fraction in caryoplasmic proteins being decreased while their qualitative composition being unchanged. It is found that the treatment of nuclei with amphotericin B contributes the association of DNP particles with nuclear membrane and the increase of protein/DNA and RNA/DNA ratios in DNPm. No such effects are observed in the presence of nistatin. Both antibiotics do not affect protein/DNA and RNA/DNA ratios in DNP0 fraction. Polyene antibiotics are shown to change considerably the composition of acid soluble proteins in DNP0 and DNPm and in non-histone proteins in DNP0, and not to affect the content of lipids and their fatty acid composition in DNPm. The data obtained are of certain value for explanation of the mechanism of toxic effect of polyene antibiotics on animal cells.", "PMID": 999982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8011", "title": "[DNA degradation during standard alkaline of thermal denaturation].", "content": "Essential degradation 8 DNA (up to 10 per cent) with liberation of acid-soluble fragments takes place on the standard alkaline (0,01 M sodium phosphate, pH 12, 60 degrees, 15 min) or thermal (0.06 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 6.8, 102 degrees C, 15 min) denaturation. This degradation is more or less selective: fraction of low molecular weight fragments, isolated by hydroxyapatite cromatography and eluted by 0.06 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 6.8 is rich in adenine and thymine and contains about 2 times less 5-methylcytosine than the total wheat germ DNA. The degree of degradation of DNA on thermal denaturation is higher than on alkaline degradation. Therefore while studying reassociation of various DNA, one and the same standard method of DNA denaturation should be used. Besides, both the level of DNA degradation and the nature of the resulting products (fragments) should be taken into account.", "contents": "[DNA degradation during standard alkaline of thermal denaturation]. Essential degradation 8 DNA (up to 10 per cent) with liberation of acid-soluble fragments takes place on the standard alkaline (0,01 M sodium phosphate, pH 12, 60 degrees, 15 min) or thermal (0.06 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 6.8, 102 degrees C, 15 min) denaturation. This degradation is more or less selective: fraction of low molecular weight fragments, isolated by hydroxyapatite cromatography and eluted by 0.06 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 6.8 is rich in adenine and thymine and contains about 2 times less 5-methylcytosine than the total wheat germ DNA. The degree of degradation of DNA on thermal denaturation is higher than on alkaline degradation. Therefore while studying reassociation of various DNA, one and the same standard method of DNA denaturation should be used. Besides, both the level of DNA degradation and the nature of the resulting products (fragments) should be taken into account.", "PMID": 999984} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8012", "title": "[Search for a protein kinase specific for treponin T].", "content": "A specific to troponin T (as compared to f1 histone) proteinkinase is isolated using affinity chromatography on Sepharose 4B with covalently bound dephosphorylated troponin T. Homogeneous proteinkinase has a molecular weight of 175.000 and phosphorylates troponin T at a rate exceeding that of histone phosphorylation, while crude proteinkinase preparation has troponin T phosphorylation rate 15--20 times as low as that of histone phosphorylation. The enzyme isolated is capable of phosphorylating troponin T, but not troponin I, in the whole troponin complex.", "contents": "[Search for a protein kinase specific for treponin T]. A specific to troponin T (as compared to f1 histone) proteinkinase is isolated using affinity chromatography on Sepharose 4B with covalently bound dephosphorylated troponin T. Homogeneous proteinkinase has a molecular weight of 175.000 and phosphorylates troponin T at a rate exceeding that of histone phosphorylation, while crude proteinkinase preparation has troponin T phosphorylation rate 15--20 times as low as that of histone phosphorylation. The enzyme isolated is capable of phosphorylating troponin T, but not troponin I, in the whole troponin complex.", "PMID": 999985} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8013", "title": "Human EEG spectra before and during cannabis hallucinations.", "content": "EEG correlates of subjective experiences induced by delta9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and EEG correlates of individual disposition to such experiences were investigated. Twelve normal volunteers took 200 mug/kg THC orally. The subjects were asked to signal subjective experiences. The EEG was analyzed (period analysis) before and repeatedly after THC injestion, during resting, attention, eye closure, visual hallucinations, and body image disturbances. EEG frequency spectra differed significantly between resting and visual hallucinations and body image disturbances. The differences included slower alpha and more theta during THC experiences, reminiscent of initial drowsiness EEG, and of some results in schizophrenia. The differences between spectra during visual hallucinations and during body image disturbances indicate different functional brain states. Subjects with a high tendency to cannabinol induced experiences exhibited resting spectra before and after THC with higher modal alpha frequences (reminiscent of subjects with high neuroticism scores) than subjects with a low tendency.", "contents": "Human EEG spectra before and during cannabis hallucinations. EEG correlates of subjective experiences induced by delta9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and EEG correlates of individual disposition to such experiences were investigated. Twelve normal volunteers took 200 mug/kg THC orally. The subjects were asked to signal subjective experiences. The EEG was analyzed (period analysis) before and repeatedly after THC injestion, during resting, attention, eye closure, visual hallucinations, and body image disturbances. EEG frequency spectra differed significantly between resting and visual hallucinations and body image disturbances. The differences included slower alpha and more theta during THC experiences, reminiscent of initial drowsiness EEG, and of some results in schizophrenia. The differences between spectra during visual hallucinations and during body image disturbances indicate different functional brain states. Subjects with a high tendency to cannabinol induced experiences exhibited resting spectra before and after THC with higher modal alpha frequences (reminiscent of subjects with high neuroticism scores) than subjects with a low tendency.", "PMID": 999986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8014", "title": "Short-term effects of naltrexone in 155 heroin ex-addicts.", "content": "The narcotic antagonist naltrexone was administered for periods of up to 8 months to a total of 155 patients at a dose of 40-200 mg per day. The antagonistic effect of naltrexone was tested by injections of heroin. Eighty milligrams of natrexone was effective for 48hr. The antagonistic effect decreased at 72 hr after the administration of 120-200 mg of naltrexone. Laboratory tests indicated no signs of toxicity. Naltrexone may elicit an increase in blood pressure and opigastric pain. Neither of these side effects appear clinically important. No signs of dependence on naltrexone were detected. These results suggest that naltrexone may be useful for clinical treatment of opiate dependence.", "contents": "Short-term effects of naltrexone in 155 heroin ex-addicts. The narcotic antagonist naltrexone was administered for periods of up to 8 months to a total of 155 patients at a dose of 40-200 mg per day. The antagonistic effect of naltrexone was tested by injections of heroin. Eighty milligrams of natrexone was effective for 48hr. The antagonistic effect decreased at 72 hr after the administration of 120-200 mg of naltrexone. Laboratory tests indicated no signs of toxicity. Naltrexone may elicit an increase in blood pressure and opigastric pain. Neither of these side effects appear clinically important. No signs of dependence on naltrexone were detected. These results suggest that naltrexone may be useful for clinical treatment of opiate dependence.", "PMID": 999987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8015", "title": "Carotid-vertebral artery blood transit time: results in healthy subjects and patients with schizophrenia and brain disease.", "content": "Estimation of blood transit time in the neck and the extension of this into the head was made by a method of electrical impedance, over a wide age range, in 159 healthy subjects, 160 schizophrenic patients, and 199 patients with organic brain disease. In each case, the distance between the electrocardiogram and the next succeeding pulse-volume impedance wave was measured and averaged over 30 serial wave forms. Chronological age proved a significant variable, transit times lengthening progressively with the age, but only for measurements extending into the head. Sex and hemispheric laterality played no significant role. With age held constant, mean transit times into the head were significantly prolonged in both groups of patients as compared with controls. No significant differences were found however between means of psychiatric andneurological patients. It is suggested that these results reinforce the organic etiology of schizophrenia.", "contents": "Carotid-vertebral artery blood transit time: results in healthy subjects and patients with schizophrenia and brain disease. Estimation of blood transit time in the neck and the extension of this into the head was made by a method of electrical impedance, over a wide age range, in 159 healthy subjects, 160 schizophrenic patients, and 199 patients with organic brain disease. In each case, the distance between the electrocardiogram and the next succeeding pulse-volume impedance wave was measured and averaged over 30 serial wave forms. Chronological age proved a significant variable, transit times lengthening progressively with the age, but only for measurements extending into the head. Sex and hemispheric laterality played no significant role. With age held constant, mean transit times into the head were significantly prolonged in both groups of patients as compared with controls. No significant differences were found however between means of psychiatric andneurological patients. It is suggested that these results reinforce the organic etiology of schizophrenia.", "PMID": 999988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8016", "title": "Erythrocyte ITP pyrophosphohydrolase deficiency in a psychiatric population.", "content": "A higher incidence of erythrocyte ITP pyrophosphohydrolase deficiency was found among a psychiatric population when compared to a nonpsychiatric group of subjects. Although the incidence was highest among schizophrenics, particularly those diagnosed as paranoid, the majority of the patients did not show such deficiency. The parallelisms between ITP pyrophosphohydrolase and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase deficiencies, both characterized by the lack of availability of IMP, and correlated to behavioral disorders, suggest that irregularities of hypoxanthine nucleotides may be implicated in abnormal mental processes.", "contents": "Erythrocyte ITP pyrophosphohydrolase deficiency in a psychiatric population. A higher incidence of erythrocyte ITP pyrophosphohydrolase deficiency was found among a psychiatric population when compared to a nonpsychiatric group of subjects. Although the incidence was highest among schizophrenics, particularly those diagnosed as paranoid, the majority of the patients did not show such deficiency. The parallelisms between ITP pyrophosphohydrolase and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase deficiencies, both characterized by the lack of availability of IMP, and correlated to behavioral disorders, suggest that irregularities of hypoxanthine nucleotides may be implicated in abnormal mental processes.", "PMID": 999989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8017", "title": "The effect of voluntary control of heart rate deceleration on skin conductance level: an example of response fractionation.", "content": "Twenty-four undergraduate male volunteers participated in an experimental designed to assess the effect of voluntary control of heart rate deceleration on skin conductance level. One group of subjects received heart rate feedback training and a second group performed a tracking task. Because heart-rate feedback was presented via a visual display, the tracking task group was included to control for display monitoring influences on heart rate. Results demonstrated feedback mediated acquisition of learned control of heart rate slowing. More importantly, the heart-rate slowing performance was accompanied by increases in skin conductance level. This 'fractionation' of physiological responding suggests the presence of a physiological response pattern which may counter initial attempts to produce greater magnitude slowing effects.", "contents": "The effect of voluntary control of heart rate deceleration on skin conductance level: an example of response fractionation. Twenty-four undergraduate male volunteers participated in an experimental designed to assess the effect of voluntary control of heart rate deceleration on skin conductance level. One group of subjects received heart rate feedback training and a second group performed a tracking task. Because heart-rate feedback was presented via a visual display, the tracking task group was included to control for display monitoring influences on heart rate. Results demonstrated feedback mediated acquisition of learned control of heart rate slowing. More importantly, the heart-rate slowing performance was accompanied by increases in skin conductance level. This 'fractionation' of physiological responding suggests the presence of a physiological response pattern which may counter initial attempts to produce greater magnitude slowing effects.", "PMID": 999990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8018", "title": "Further studies of physiological concomitants of hypnosis: skin temperature, heart rate and skin resistance.", "content": "Forehead skin temperature, heart rate and palmar skin resistance were recorded during passive hypnosis and compared with corresponding data obtained during the resting awake condition in a group of highly hypnotizable subjects experienced in self-hypnosis. Similar physiological measures were also monitored during experimental periods when subjects were experiencing suggested environmental conditions of cold and heat in hypnosis as compared with imagining the stress conditions. The data from these subjects were also compared with those obtained from a randomly selected group of people who were low in waking suggestibility and had never been hypnotized. The results indicate that the differences in mean physiological parameters were greatest between the two subject groups, although some noteable differences were also apparent between hypnosis and the awake condition within the experimental group.", "contents": "Further studies of physiological concomitants of hypnosis: skin temperature, heart rate and skin resistance. Forehead skin temperature, heart rate and palmar skin resistance were recorded during passive hypnosis and compared with corresponding data obtained during the resting awake condition in a group of highly hypnotizable subjects experienced in self-hypnosis. Similar physiological measures were also monitored during experimental periods when subjects were experiencing suggested environmental conditions of cold and heat in hypnosis as compared with imagining the stress conditions. The data from these subjects were also compared with those obtained from a randomly selected group of people who were low in waking suggestibility and had never been hypnotized. The results indicate that the differences in mean physiological parameters were greatest between the two subject groups, although some noteable differences were also apparent between hypnosis and the awake condition within the experimental group.", "PMID": 999991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8019", "title": "Relationship between basal body temperature and body activity in a human following a bilateral oophorectomy.", "content": "Continuous measures of arm movement activity and basal body temperature were obtained on one female over a total of 149 days, beginning 3 months subsequent to this female's bilateral oophorectomy. Prior to the oophorectomy the subject had been menstruating regularly, and earlier data on this subject had indicated a low-order positive correlation between temperature and activity. The present results found no such correlation, lending support to the notion that at least one index of bodily activity is related to ovarian functioning.", "contents": "Relationship between basal body temperature and body activity in a human following a bilateral oophorectomy. Continuous measures of arm movement activity and basal body temperature were obtained on one female over a total of 149 days, beginning 3 months subsequent to this female's bilateral oophorectomy. Prior to the oophorectomy the subject had been menstruating regularly, and earlier data on this subject had indicated a low-order positive correlation between temperature and activity. The present results found no such correlation, lending support to the notion that at least one index of bodily activity is related to ovarian functioning.", "PMID": 999992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8020", "title": "Characteristics of a neural clock regulating perception and psychomotor performance in man.", "content": "A biological clock regulating some psychomotor aspects of perception has been adduced from the results of the repetitive administration of a maximal speed tapping test of 15 sec per hand per min for a total of 20 min. 412 longitudinal timed tests from 8 healthy control subjects, 4 physically healthy and 6 brain damaged psychiatric patients formed the basis for the investigation of the properties of this clock. It was found that this perceptual clock is endogenous, self-sustaining and innate. Its free-running oscillations are independent of psychic state, emotions and affect. They are, however, dependent upon the subject's neural integrity and their phase may be influenced by an orientating reflex. Timing is precise but the preceding phase may influence a succeeding one. Despite the muscular activity of the task the clock is relatively independent of body temperature. It is also immune to most psychoactive drugs.", "contents": "Characteristics of a neural clock regulating perception and psychomotor performance in man. A biological clock regulating some psychomotor aspects of perception has been adduced from the results of the repetitive administration of a maximal speed tapping test of 15 sec per hand per min for a total of 20 min. 412 longitudinal timed tests from 8 healthy control subjects, 4 physically healthy and 6 brain damaged psychiatric patients formed the basis for the investigation of the properties of this clock. It was found that this perceptual clock is endogenous, self-sustaining and innate. Its free-running oscillations are independent of psychic state, emotions and affect. They are, however, dependent upon the subject's neural integrity and their phase may be influenced by an orientating reflex. Timing is precise but the preceding phase may influence a succeeding one. Despite the muscular activity of the task the clock is relatively independent of body temperature. It is also immune to most psychoactive drugs.", "PMID": 999993} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8021", "title": "Interindividual differences in circadian patterns of catecholamine excretion, body temperature, performance, and subjective arousal.", "content": "Interindividual differences in circadian rhythms of urinary catecholamine excretion, performance, self-ratings of arousal and oral temperature were studied in 80 subjects divided into three groups--morning-active, evening-active, and intermediate. Catecholamine excretion, body temperature, and self-ratings of arousal exhibited pronounced circadian variations. Morning-active subjects exceeded other groups in the 24 h level of adrenaline excretion but crest phases did not differ, occurring close to 13.00 h. No differences between groups were found for noradrenaline excretion. Crest phases occurred close to noon. Self-rated alertness exhibited a significantly earlier (14.12 h) crest phase for morning-active than for evening-active subjects (16.09 h). The performance did not differ between groups.", "contents": "Interindividual differences in circadian patterns of catecholamine excretion, body temperature, performance, and subjective arousal. Interindividual differences in circadian rhythms of urinary catecholamine excretion, performance, self-ratings of arousal and oral temperature were studied in 80 subjects divided into three groups--morning-active, evening-active, and intermediate. Catecholamine excretion, body temperature, and self-ratings of arousal exhibited pronounced circadian variations. Morning-active subjects exceeded other groups in the 24 h level of adrenaline excretion but crest phases did not differ, occurring close to 13.00 h. No differences between groups were found for noradrenaline excretion. Crest phases occurred close to noon. Self-rated alertness exhibited a significantly earlier (14.12 h) crest phase for morning-active than for evening-active subjects (16.09 h). The performance did not differ between groups.", "PMID": 999994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8022", "title": "Catecholamine correlates of radar monitoring performance.", "content": "Two experiments were concluded in which target detection performance was measured for male and female subjects engaged in a simulated radar monitoring task. In the first, 20 subjects performed for 2 h; in the second, 28 subjects for 1 h. Adrenaline excretion rate was significantly correlated with performance efficiency in both cases. Task duration and subject sex had no effect upon that correlation. The results of the two experiments were combined to show a general adrenaline/performance relationship.", "contents": "Catecholamine correlates of radar monitoring performance. Two experiments were concluded in which target detection performance was measured for male and female subjects engaged in a simulated radar monitoring task. In the first, 20 subjects performed for 2 h; in the second, 28 subjects for 1 h. Adrenaline excretion rate was significantly correlated with performance efficiency in both cases. Task duration and subject sex had no effect upon that correlation. The results of the two experiments were combined to show a general adrenaline/performance relationship.", "PMID": 999995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8023", "title": "Electrodermal conditioning to potentially phobic stimuli in male and female subjects.", "content": "There are clear sex differences in incidence of phobias for small animals, and in questionnaire-measured fear for animals. The present study examined whether these sex differences were reflected also in electrodermal conditioning to potentially phobic stimuli. Separate groups of males and females were exposed to a conditioning session involving either potentially phobic, snakes and spiders, or fear-irrelevant, flowers and mushrooms, conditioned stimuli with electric shock as the unconditioned stimulus. A long interstimulus interval differential paradigm was used, allowing analysis of first- and second interval anticipatory responses, and third-interval omission responses. There were 8 habituation trials, 16 acquisition trials and 40 extinction trials. Half of the trials involved the reinforced cue, and the other half the unreinforced cue. There were clear conditioning effects, with superior acquisition and resistance to extinction to the phobic as compared to the fear-irrelevant stimuli. However, there were no differences between the two sexes. The results were interpreted in terms of the preparedness theory of phobias, and in terms of social learning factors.", "contents": "Electrodermal conditioning to potentially phobic stimuli in male and female subjects. There are clear sex differences in incidence of phobias for small animals, and in questionnaire-measured fear for animals. The present study examined whether these sex differences were reflected also in electrodermal conditioning to potentially phobic stimuli. Separate groups of males and females were exposed to a conditioning session involving either potentially phobic, snakes and spiders, or fear-irrelevant, flowers and mushrooms, conditioned stimuli with electric shock as the unconditioned stimulus. A long interstimulus interval differential paradigm was used, allowing analysis of first- and second interval anticipatory responses, and third-interval omission responses. There were 8 habituation trials, 16 acquisition trials and 40 extinction trials. Half of the trials involved the reinforced cue, and the other half the unreinforced cue. There were clear conditioning effects, with superior acquisition and resistance to extinction to the phobic as compared to the fear-irrelevant stimuli. However, there were no differences between the two sexes. The results were interpreted in terms of the preparedness theory of phobias, and in terms of social learning factors.", "PMID": 999996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8024", "title": "Development of a short term assay for lymphoblastic transformation in man.", "content": "Blastic stimulation of lymphocytes by antigens or mitogens is usually measured by 3H-TdR labelling of DNA synthesis in 4 to 7 days. However, it has been recently shown, first in mice and guinea pigs, then in men, that it is possible to detect an earlier event by measurement of protein synthesis with 3H-Leucine in a few hours. The work presented here is devoted to determine the optimal conditions of such a short term assay in man. The technique we propose is described. Preliminary clinical results in lymphomas patients, compared to \"in vitro\" skin tests, are encouraging.", "contents": "Development of a short term assay for lymphoblastic transformation in man. Blastic stimulation of lymphocytes by antigens or mitogens is usually measured by 3H-TdR labelling of DNA synthesis in 4 to 7 days. However, it has been recently shown, first in mice and guinea pigs, then in men, that it is possible to detect an earlier event by measurement of protein synthesis with 3H-Leucine in a few hours. The work presented here is devoted to determine the optimal conditions of such a short term assay in man. The technique we propose is described. Preliminary clinical results in lymphomas patients, compared to \"in vitro\" skin tests, are encouraging.", "PMID": 1000017} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8025", "title": "Neonatal polycythemia in low birthweight infant.", "content": "74 low birthweight infants haematologic findings were studied during the first 24 hours and at the 8th day of life. By statistical methods derived from the multivariate analysis: stepwise multiple regression analysis and factor analysis, correlations were investigated between haemogram data (red cells count, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels and 18 others parameters. Most of the infants with polycythemia have toxaemic mothers and were born after a long gestation: they are affected by intra-uterine growth retardation, have a low glycaemia level but a normal calcaemia level, a large skull perimeter and a small thymus volume. But no correlation was observed between polycythemia and the following data: heart volume, neonatal icterus intensity, reticulocytes and erythroblasts counts.", "contents": "Neonatal polycythemia in low birthweight infant. 74 low birthweight infants haematologic findings were studied during the first 24 hours and at the 8th day of life. By statistical methods derived from the multivariate analysis: stepwise multiple regression analysis and factor analysis, correlations were investigated between haemogram data (red cells count, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels and 18 others parameters. Most of the infants with polycythemia have toxaemic mothers and were born after a long gestation: they are affected by intra-uterine growth retardation, have a low glycaemia level but a normal calcaemia level, a large skull perimeter and a small thymus volume. But no correlation was observed between polycythemia and the following data: heart volume, neonatal icterus intensity, reticulocytes and erythroblasts counts.", "PMID": 1000018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8026", "title": "Is there evidence for subclasses of chronic lymphocytic leukemia? A study using numerical classification techniques.", "content": "Various clinical and biological parameters were analysed among 95 chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients by two numerical classification techniques in an attempt to identify natural subdivisions in the disease. For each patient, a profile made up of 47 dichotomous variables was constructed and the distance between profiles computed with equal weight for each variable. No specific cluster of patients was identified by these techniques. However limited availability of data for some laboratory tests, particularly concerning the immune system, meant that these results had to be excluded from analysis. The profiles of patients who died from leukemia during a mean follow up period of 4 years apparently do not generate a distinct group from the other profiles in spite of some clustering.", "contents": "Is there evidence for subclasses of chronic lymphocytic leukemia? A study using numerical classification techniques. Various clinical and biological parameters were analysed among 95 chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients by two numerical classification techniques in an attempt to identify natural subdivisions in the disease. For each patient, a profile made up of 47 dichotomous variables was constructed and the distance between profiles computed with equal weight for each variable. No specific cluster of patients was identified by these techniques. However limited availability of data for some laboratory tests, particularly concerning the immune system, meant that these results had to be excluded from analysis. The profiles of patients who died from leukemia during a mean follow up period of 4 years apparently do not generate a distinct group from the other profiles in spite of some clustering.", "PMID": 1000019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8027", "title": "Ultrastructure, biological study and culture of C-cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland.", "content": "The ultra-structural of a C-cell carcinoma of the thyroid confirms previous data: the cells are slender, with a large nucleus. The Golgi apparatus is well developed. Granules in striking abundance are seen in every part of the cytoplasm: their diameter is 85 - 250 mmu.", "contents": "Ultrastructure, biological study and culture of C-cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland. The ultra-structural of a C-cell carcinoma of the thyroid confirms previous data: the cells are slender, with a large nucleus. The Golgi apparatus is well developed. Granules in striking abundance are seen in every part of the cytoplasm: their diameter is 85 - 250 mmu.", "PMID": 1000020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8028", "title": "A long-term effect of adult thymectomy on cortisone sensitivity and alkaline RNAse activity of murine lymphoid cells.", "content": "The alkaline RNAse content of lymphoid cells was measured in two year old mice that had been thymectomized at six to seven weeks of age and found to be three times higher in spleen and four times in lymph nodes than in sham thymectomized age-matched controls. There was, however, no difference in the content of alkaline RNAse in the liver between the two groups of mice. Following administration of cortisone, the RNAse level in the lymphoid organs was increased to a much greater extent in the control than in the thymectomized mice.", "contents": "A long-term effect of adult thymectomy on cortisone sensitivity and alkaline RNAse activity of murine lymphoid cells. The alkaline RNAse content of lymphoid cells was measured in two year old mice that had been thymectomized at six to seven weeks of age and found to be three times higher in spleen and four times in lymph nodes than in sham thymectomized age-matched controls. There was, however, no difference in the content of alkaline RNAse in the liver between the two groups of mice. Following administration of cortisone, the RNAse level in the lymphoid organs was increased to a much greater extent in the control than in the thymectomized mice.", "PMID": 1000021} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8029", "title": "Uptake of aluminium ion by the liver.", "content": "The specific uptake by the rat liver of 28Al was shown. There was specific uptake of 28Al by liver cell nuclei and DNA. This uptake was blocked by prior treatment with stable aluminium. It is concluded that aluminium enters the liver cell by some specific mechanism and that the reaction of aluminium with DNA inside the hepatocyte nucleus could be a mechanism responsible for the development of aluminium-induced experimental porphyria in the rat.", "contents": "Uptake of aluminium ion by the liver. The specific uptake by the rat liver of 28Al was shown. There was specific uptake of 28Al by liver cell nuclei and DNA. This uptake was blocked by prior treatment with stable aluminium. It is concluded that aluminium enters the liver cell by some specific mechanism and that the reaction of aluminium with DNA inside the hepatocyte nucleus could be a mechanism responsible for the development of aluminium-induced experimental porphyria in the rat.", "PMID": 1000022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8030", "title": "Bilirubin and paranitrophenol glucuronyl transferase activities and ultrastructural aspect of the liver in patients with chronic hemolytic anemias.", "content": "The hepatic ultrastructural aspect and the hepatic bilirubin (Bil-GT) and paranitrophenol (PNP-GT) glucuronyl transferase activities were studied in twenty subjects with a chronic hemolytic anemia (HA) and five subjects with an aplastic anemia. In chronic HA: the hepatic ultrastructural aspect showed mitochondrial abnormalities affecting structure (paracrystalline inclusions), size (giant mitochondria) and shape (irregular mitochondria); there was a decrease of Bil-GT activity in 80 percent of the patients. No connection could be shown between the HA etiology and the degree of the enzymatic activity decrease. The physiopathological mechanism of this enzymatic activity decrease is unknown; no deficiency of PNP-GT was observed; in chronic aplastic anemias there does not seem to be any modification, either of Bil-GT activity, or of hepatic PNP-GT activity. It is concluded that Bil-GT is often decreased in HA and that neither Bil-GT measurement nor the ultrastructural aspect of the liver distinguish chronic HA from Gilbert's syndrome.", "contents": "Bilirubin and paranitrophenol glucuronyl transferase activities and ultrastructural aspect of the liver in patients with chronic hemolytic anemias. The hepatic ultrastructural aspect and the hepatic bilirubin (Bil-GT) and paranitrophenol (PNP-GT) glucuronyl transferase activities were studied in twenty subjects with a chronic hemolytic anemia (HA) and five subjects with an aplastic anemia. In chronic HA: the hepatic ultrastructural aspect showed mitochondrial abnormalities affecting structure (paracrystalline inclusions), size (giant mitochondria) and shape (irregular mitochondria); there was a decrease of Bil-GT activity in 80 percent of the patients. No connection could be shown between the HA etiology and the degree of the enzymatic activity decrease. The physiopathological mechanism of this enzymatic activity decrease is unknown; no deficiency of PNP-GT was observed; in chronic aplastic anemias there does not seem to be any modification, either of Bil-GT activity, or of hepatic PNP-GT activity. It is concluded that Bil-GT is often decreased in HA and that neither Bil-GT measurement nor the ultrastructural aspect of the liver distinguish chronic HA from Gilbert's syndrome.", "PMID": 1000023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8031", "title": "Alteration in the uptake and storage of cardiac noradrenaline in spontaneously hypertensive rats.", "content": "Uptake and storage of noradrenaline administered to Spontaneously hypertensive rate (SHR) (14) was significantly reduced compared with normotensive Wister rats (NR). Initial uptake of noradrenaline at 10 minutes was only 19 per cent less in SHR than in NR. However, 60 minutes following the administration of noradrenaline, its concentration in the heart of SHR was 60 per cent less than that in NR. Noradrenaline administered to NR disappeared from the heart in 10 hours, and that from SHR in 5 hours only.", "contents": "Alteration in the uptake and storage of cardiac noradrenaline in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Uptake and storage of noradrenaline administered to Spontaneously hypertensive rate (SHR) (14) was significantly reduced compared with normotensive Wister rats (NR). Initial uptake of noradrenaline at 10 minutes was only 19 per cent less in SHR than in NR. However, 60 minutes following the administration of noradrenaline, its concentration in the heart of SHR was 60 per cent less than that in NR. Noradrenaline administered to NR disappeared from the heart in 10 hours, and that from SHR in 5 hours only.", "PMID": 1000025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8032", "title": "Fetal intestinal disaccharidases in human amniotic fluid.", "content": "Based on data from two human fetuses, a correlation exists between amniotic fluid and intestinal disaccharidase activities suggesting that the fetal intestine is the source of these amniotic fluid enzymes. Intestinal disaccharides are apparently released into the amniotic cavity by fetal defecation. As indicated by the drop of disaccharidase activities in amniotic fluid at 22 weeks gestation, defecation stops at this period of gestation.", "contents": "Fetal intestinal disaccharidases in human amniotic fluid. Based on data from two human fetuses, a correlation exists between amniotic fluid and intestinal disaccharidase activities suggesting that the fetal intestine is the source of these amniotic fluid enzymes. Intestinal disaccharides are apparently released into the amniotic cavity by fetal defecation. As indicated by the drop of disaccharidase activities in amniotic fluid at 22 weeks gestation, defecation stops at this period of gestation.", "PMID": 1000026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8033", "title": "Measurement of cell growth by a rapid U.V. spectrophotometric method.", "content": "A spectrophotometric method for measuring mammalian cell growth in culture is described. The attached cells were solubilized in 2N sodium hydroxide and the absorption was measured at 225 nm. The technique is sensitive to about 3000 cells per Petri dish and a linear relationship was obtained between the number of cells and the absorption at this wave length. The method is rapid and the solubilized material can be recovered for liquid scintillation counting when needed.", "contents": "Measurement of cell growth by a rapid U.V. spectrophotometric method. A spectrophotometric method for measuring mammalian cell growth in culture is described. The attached cells were solubilized in 2N sodium hydroxide and the absorption was measured at 225 nm. The technique is sensitive to about 3000 cells per Petri dish and a linear relationship was obtained between the number of cells and the absorption at this wave length. The method is rapid and the solubilized material can be recovered for liquid scintillation counting when needed.", "PMID": 1000027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8034", "title": "Plasma prolactin response to L-dopa TRH and metaclopramide in thyrotoxicosis.", "content": "The plasma PRL repsonse to synthetic TRH, L-dopa and metaclopramide was evaluated in patients with thyrotoxicosis. A PRL response similar to thtaclopramide,while no PRL response was observed after TRH. When the TRH-test was repeated after treatment, all patients showed a normal increment in plasma PRL. This data suggests that, in thyrotoxicosis, PRl response to TRH only is impaired, but PRL can be suppressed by L-dopa or released by metaclopramide notwithstanding the elevated values of thyroid hormone levels.", "contents": "Plasma prolactin response to L-dopa TRH and metaclopramide in thyrotoxicosis. The plasma PRL repsonse to synthetic TRH, L-dopa and metaclopramide was evaluated in patients with thyrotoxicosis. A PRL response similar to thtaclopramide,while no PRL response was observed after TRH. When the TRH-test was repeated after treatment, all patients showed a normal increment in plasma PRL. This data suggests that, in thyrotoxicosis, PRl response to TRH only is impaired, but PRL can be suppressed by L-dopa or released by metaclopramide notwithstanding the elevated values of thyroid hormone levels.", "PMID": 1000028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8035", "title": "Bidimensional immunoelectrophoresis in three stages (semi micromethod).", "content": "A three stage bidimensional immunoelectrophoresis enables a single protein to be identified in a complex rocket pattern. This identification is due to evidence of a complete reaction of identity between the antigen-antibody precipitation lines obtained in two gels.", "contents": "Bidimensional immunoelectrophoresis in three stages (semi micromethod). A three stage bidimensional immunoelectrophoresis enables a single protein to be identified in a complex rocket pattern. This identification is due to evidence of a complete reaction of identity between the antigen-antibody precipitation lines obtained in two gels.", "PMID": 1000029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8036", "title": "Anti-adrenocortical activity of SKF 12185 and SKF 252 A.", "content": "The synthesis of aldosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone from triated corticosterone by sheep adrenal homogenate have been studied in presence of increasing concentrations of SKF 12185, a product already known as an inhibitor of cortisol synthesis. An approximately 98% inhibition of the synthesis of both steroids occurred with only 2 x 10(-4) M of the drug. In contrast, incubation of a structurally closely related compound (SKF 252 A) under the same experimental conditions resulted in an only 52% inhibition with higher concentrations (2 x 10(-3) M). These findings could explain the marked aldosterone fall that occurs in SKF 12185 treated subjects and supports the therapeutic use of this product in treatment of hyperaldosteronism.", "contents": "Anti-adrenocortical activity of SKF 12185 and SKF 252 A. The synthesis of aldosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone from triated corticosterone by sheep adrenal homogenate have been studied in presence of increasing concentrations of SKF 12185, a product already known as an inhibitor of cortisol synthesis. An approximately 98% inhibition of the synthesis of both steroids occurred with only 2 x 10(-4) M of the drug. In contrast, incubation of a structurally closely related compound (SKF 252 A) under the same experimental conditions resulted in an only 52% inhibition with higher concentrations (2 x 10(-3) M). These findings could explain the marked aldosterone fall that occurs in SKF 12185 treated subjects and supports the therapeutic use of this product in treatment of hyperaldosteronism.", "PMID": 1000030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8037", "title": "A possible physiological function of lysozyme.", "content": "A possible physiological function of lysozyme might consist of an indirect effect arising in the course of its action on bacteria, as some of the bacterial reaction products behave as adjuvants or immunostimulating substances.", "contents": "A possible physiological function of lysozyme. A possible physiological function of lysozyme might consist of an indirect effect arising in the course of its action on bacteria, as some of the bacterial reaction products behave as adjuvants or immunostimulating substances.", "PMID": 1000031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8038", "title": "Elevated CEA levels in polyvinyl chloride workers.", "content": "Plasma CEA titer was measured in 200 polyvinyl chloride workers. A positive test was obtained in 48.3% of this high risk population as compared to 9.2% for a normal healthy population.", "contents": "Elevated CEA levels in polyvinyl chloride workers. Plasma CEA titer was measured in 200 polyvinyl chloride workers. A positive test was obtained in 48.3% of this high risk population as compared to 9.2% for a normal healthy population.", "PMID": 1000032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8039", "title": "Effect of 24 hour fast in obese children.", "content": "Effects of a 24 hour fast were studied in 21 obese children aged 7 to 14 and in 8 controls. Mean blood glucose (BG) during fast dropped more in controls (0.88 to 0.54 g/l) than in obese (0.90 to 0.63 g/l) Plasma cortisol changes were similar in the 2 groups, FFA increased (p less than 0.01) in the 2 groups, but the 24 hour mean level was higher in controls (4.0 mEq/l) than in obese (2.06 mEq/l). At the end of the fast, a ketonuria was present in all obese children except 2. Serum alanine dropped similarly in obese (28 to 24 muM p. cent ml) and in controls (30 to 22 muM p. cent ml). All obese exhibited at the end of the fast a significant rise (p less than 0.01) of branched chain aminoacids, not observed in controls. Responses to glucagon (0.03 mg/kg I.M.) were studied before and after fast. At time 0, BG response was higher and more prolonged in obese in spite of hyperinsulinism. At time 24 hours, BG raised from 0.50 to 0.74 g/1 and insulin from 8 to 35 muU/ml in controls, while in obese BG raised from 0.63 to 1.06 g/l and insulin from 25 to 88 muU/ml. Concomitant hyperinsulinsim and biological criteria of hypoinsulinism demonstrated in obese children the peripheral resistance to insulin. The contrast between a normal degree of protein gluconeogenesis and a reduced rate of fat mobilization during fast may be a major biological feature of obesity in childhood.", "contents": "Effect of 24 hour fast in obese children. Effects of a 24 hour fast were studied in 21 obese children aged 7 to 14 and in 8 controls. Mean blood glucose (BG) during fast dropped more in controls (0.88 to 0.54 g/l) than in obese (0.90 to 0.63 g/l) Plasma cortisol changes were similar in the 2 groups, FFA increased (p less than 0.01) in the 2 groups, but the 24 hour mean level was higher in controls (4.0 mEq/l) than in obese (2.06 mEq/l). At the end of the fast, a ketonuria was present in all obese children except 2. Serum alanine dropped similarly in obese (28 to 24 muM p. cent ml) and in controls (30 to 22 muM p. cent ml). All obese exhibited at the end of the fast a significant rise (p less than 0.01) of branched chain aminoacids, not observed in controls. Responses to glucagon (0.03 mg/kg I.M.) were studied before and after fast. At time 0, BG response was higher and more prolonged in obese in spite of hyperinsulinism. At time 24 hours, BG raised from 0.50 to 0.74 g/1 and insulin from 8 to 35 muU/ml in controls, while in obese BG raised from 0.63 to 1.06 g/l and insulin from 25 to 88 muU/ml. Concomitant hyperinsulinsim and biological criteria of hypoinsulinism demonstrated in obese children the peripheral resistance to insulin. The contrast between a normal degree of protein gluconeogenesis and a reduced rate of fat mobilization during fast may be a major biological feature of obesity in childhood.", "PMID": 1000033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8040", "title": "Study on the composition of casein from individual human milks.", "content": "The study of the chemical composition and of the electrophoretograms of 21 different human whole casein samples confirms the presence of an important heterogeneity between the different samples. A very considerable variability of phosphorus and sugars contents and a correlation between the different sugars components of the casein have been demonstrated statistically. The study of 3 milk samples from the same woman showed a decrease of the amino-sugars of the casein after the birth.", "contents": "Study on the composition of casein from individual human milks. The study of the chemical composition and of the electrophoretograms of 21 different human whole casein samples confirms the presence of an important heterogeneity between the different samples. A very considerable variability of phosphorus and sugars contents and a correlation between the different sugars components of the casein have been demonstrated statistically. The study of 3 milk samples from the same woman showed a decrease of the amino-sugars of the casein after the birth.", "PMID": 1000034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8041", "title": "Miniature chromatography of haemoglobin A2 and heterozygous beta thalassemia.", "content": "172 beta thalassemias are detected by applying a new method of haemoglobin A2 determination: Miniature chromotography on DEAE cellulose. This procedure is simple, fast, accurate and there is no significant difference with macro-chromatography. It is proposed as standard method for determination of hemolgobin A2. This study was made on 400 patients suspected of beta thalassemia, the majority of which presented with a considerable microcythemia.", "contents": "Miniature chromatography of haemoglobin A2 and heterozygous beta thalassemia. 172 beta thalassemias are detected by applying a new method of haemoglobin A2 determination: Miniature chromotography on DEAE cellulose. This procedure is simple, fast, accurate and there is no significant difference with macro-chromatography. It is proposed as standard method for determination of hemolgobin A2. This study was made on 400 patients suspected of beta thalassemia, the majority of which presented with a considerable microcythemia.", "PMID": 1000035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8042", "title": "Relationship of blood and saliva lactate and pyruvate concentrations.", "content": "Lactate and pyruvate concentrations of blood and saliva were investigated in nine healthy young men before and after maximal exercise. Lactate and pyruvate concentrations in saliva and blood were found to be unrealted. Interpretation favored salivary gland anaerobic metabolism as the origin of salivary lactate, but the large difference of 80 mg per 100 ml between blood and saliva found after 12 min of recovery may represent a threshold value and leaves unanswered the question on the origin of lactate in saliva. Multiple sampling following the recovery period for a longer time may change the present interpretation.", "contents": "Relationship of blood and saliva lactate and pyruvate concentrations. Lactate and pyruvate concentrations of blood and saliva were investigated in nine healthy young men before and after maximal exercise. Lactate and pyruvate concentrations in saliva and blood were found to be unrealted. Interpretation favored salivary gland anaerobic metabolism as the origin of salivary lactate, but the large difference of 80 mg per 100 ml between blood and saliva found after 12 min of recovery may represent a threshold value and leaves unanswered the question on the origin of lactate in saliva. Multiple sampling following the recovery period for a longer time may change the present interpretation.", "PMID": 1000036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8043", "title": "Artefacts due to sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the study of human erythrocyte membrane calcium binding protein.", "content": "Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is not usable for identification of calcium binding protein from human erythrocyte membrane; Ca2+ binds to anionic sites of SDS and with 45Ca radioactivity bands appear in gels in absence of proteins.", "contents": "Artefacts due to sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the study of human erythrocyte membrane calcium binding protein. Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is not usable for identification of calcium binding protein from human erythrocyte membrane; Ca2+ binds to anionic sites of SDS and with 45Ca radioactivity bands appear in gels in absence of proteins.", "PMID": 1000037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8044", "title": "Rat leukaemia cell line grown on a chemically defined medium.", "content": "Leukaemia cells of C12/0 line, derived from Gross virus-induced W/Fu rat thymoma, have been successfully maintained in a completely synthetic, serum-free RPMI 1640 medium. The cells propagated as good as in serum-supplemented medium, though they could not grow from a low cell density. Cells adhered to the substratum and did not survive. This problem was overcome by use of silicone-coated substratum, or of microexudate from C12/0 cells adsorbed on the substratum. The cells underwent degeneration soon after they reached their maximum density. C12/0 cells released macromolecules might possibly have both growth-promoting and toxic effect on the cell itself.", "contents": "Rat leukaemia cell line grown on a chemically defined medium. Leukaemia cells of C12/0 line, derived from Gross virus-induced W/Fu rat thymoma, have been successfully maintained in a completely synthetic, serum-free RPMI 1640 medium. The cells propagated as good as in serum-supplemented medium, though they could not grow from a low cell density. Cells adhered to the substratum and did not survive. This problem was overcome by use of silicone-coated substratum, or of microexudate from C12/0 cells adsorbed on the substratum. The cells underwent degeneration soon after they reached their maximum density. C12/0 cells released macromolecules might possibly have both growth-promoting and toxic effect on the cell itself.", "PMID": 1000038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8045", "title": "Primary carcinoma of the colon and hyperlipemia: a paraneoplastic syndrome.", "content": "The human counterpart of the association of hyperlipidemia with cancer is rare, as compared with the relative frequency of the syndrome in experimental animals. A case is presented of adenocarcinoma of the colon with a non casual relationship between the presence and the progression of the tumor and hyperlipemia. Surgical resection and antiblastic chemotherapy moreover seemed to influence the metabolic anomaly.", "contents": "Primary carcinoma of the colon and hyperlipemia: a paraneoplastic syndrome. The human counterpart of the association of hyperlipidemia with cancer is rare, as compared with the relative frequency of the syndrome in experimental animals. A case is presented of adenocarcinoma of the colon with a non casual relationship between the presence and the progression of the tumor and hyperlipemia. Surgical resection and antiblastic chemotherapy moreover seemed to influence the metabolic anomaly.", "PMID": 1000039} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8046", "title": "Oestrogen receptors in male breast cancer.", "content": "Eleven samples from 7 primary and 4 metastatic male breast cancers were analysed for cytoplasmic oestrogen receptors. Two samples of metastatic cancers were obtained from a same patient 6 months apart. Receptors were assayed by measuring the binding affinity of cytosol fractions for 3H-oestradiol- 17beta. Saturable binding sites were obtained in 6 primary and 1 metastatic cancers. The dissociation constant of the binding reactions were within the range reported for the specific oestrogen receptors from female breast cancers. When present, receptor concentrations varied from 59 to 532 fmoles/mg tissue protein. Competition studies of the binding of 3H-oestradiol- 17beta by excess amounts of unlabelled steroid hormones or antihormones revealed that the receptors were specific for oestrogens and antioestrogens. By all these criteria, receptors from male mammary cancer were identical to those from female breast cancer. Chromosome analysis was performed in 6 patients. All had normal 46 XY male pattern indicating that no conspicuous genetic abnormalities such as those of the Klinefelter syndrome seemed responsible for the presence of the receptors.", "contents": "Oestrogen receptors in male breast cancer. Eleven samples from 7 primary and 4 metastatic male breast cancers were analysed for cytoplasmic oestrogen receptors. Two samples of metastatic cancers were obtained from a same patient 6 months apart. Receptors were assayed by measuring the binding affinity of cytosol fractions for 3H-oestradiol- 17beta. Saturable binding sites were obtained in 6 primary and 1 metastatic cancers. The dissociation constant of the binding reactions were within the range reported for the specific oestrogen receptors from female breast cancers. When present, receptor concentrations varied from 59 to 532 fmoles/mg tissue protein. Competition studies of the binding of 3H-oestradiol- 17beta by excess amounts of unlabelled steroid hormones or antihormones revealed that the receptors were specific for oestrogens and antioestrogens. By all these criteria, receptors from male mammary cancer were identical to those from female breast cancer. Chromosome analysis was performed in 6 patients. All had normal 46 XY male pattern indicating that no conspicuous genetic abnormalities such as those of the Klinefelter syndrome seemed responsible for the presence of the receptors.", "PMID": 1000040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8047", "title": "Study of two cases of bisalbuminemia by electrofocusing.", "content": "Isoelectric focusing was used to compare normal seric albumin and seric albumin from two subjects with bisalbuminemia. An additional new albumin fraction was found in each of these two anormal sera. The isoelectric point of these variants was respectively 5.65 and 5.84. These results suggest that isoelectric focusing may be used to identify and classify the different variants of albumin.", "contents": "Study of two cases of bisalbuminemia by electrofocusing. Isoelectric focusing was used to compare normal seric albumin and seric albumin from two subjects with bisalbuminemia. An additional new albumin fraction was found in each of these two anormal sera. The isoelectric point of these variants was respectively 5.65 and 5.84. These results suggest that isoelectric focusing may be used to identify and classify the different variants of albumin.", "PMID": 1000041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8048", "title": "Immunological study of hydatidosis. I. Evaluation of the test of immuno-electrodiffusion in the humoral study of human hydatidosis.", "content": "The importance of immunological arguments in the discussion of hydatidosis, the permanent increase of requirements, the risk of cross reactions, the frequency of sero-epidemiological surveys imply the utilisation of specific and rapid micro-methods. The technique of immunoelectrodiffusion on a cellulose acetate membrane answers partly to those criteria; we have used it since 1971 in the diagnosis of parasitic infections and mainly to that of hydatidosis. Two hundred cases (400 samples) of the latter were studied longitudinally and reported. This micro-method is very specific (co-immunoelectrodiffusion), equal to that of immunoelectrophoresis. Its rapidity (3 to 4 hours) is close to that of indirect immunofluorescence. The revelation of suggestive diagrams of fissuration underlines the relative emergency of the definitive interpretation of an immunological examination in the diagnosis of hydatidosis.", "contents": "Immunological study of hydatidosis. I. Evaluation of the test of immuno-electrodiffusion in the humoral study of human hydatidosis. The importance of immunological arguments in the discussion of hydatidosis, the permanent increase of requirements, the risk of cross reactions, the frequency of sero-epidemiological surveys imply the utilisation of specific and rapid micro-methods. The technique of immunoelectrodiffusion on a cellulose acetate membrane answers partly to those criteria; we have used it since 1971 in the diagnosis of parasitic infections and mainly to that of hydatidosis. Two hundred cases (400 samples) of the latter were studied longitudinally and reported. This micro-method is very specific (co-immunoelectrodiffusion), equal to that of immunoelectrophoresis. Its rapidity (3 to 4 hours) is close to that of indirect immunofluorescence. The revelation of suggestive diagrams of fissuration underlines the relative emergency of the definitive interpretation of an immunological examination in the diagnosis of hydatidosis.", "PMID": 1000042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8049", "title": "Duodenal calcium-binding protein (CaBP) and phosphorus deprivation in growing rats.", "content": "The present study has been undertaken to elicit the effects of a low-phosphorous diet on intestinal calcium absorption. Measurements of duodenal calcium-binding protein (CaBP), mucosal calcium, fractional calcium absorption and duodenal calcium transport capacity has been performed in growing rats fed for three weeks a low-phosphorous diet adequate in vitamin-D3. In animals on low-phosphorous diet, the mucosal concentration of CaBP measured by a quantitative competitive binding assay has increased in parallel with the mucosal calcium concentration, the fractional absorption and the calcium transport capacity. Analytical gel electrophoresis of calcium-binding protein in animals fed low-phosphorous diet has shown the presence of a protein band which would involve more than the effect of the stimulated biosynthesis of 1alpha,25-DHCC.", "contents": "Duodenal calcium-binding protein (CaBP) and phosphorus deprivation in growing rats. The present study has been undertaken to elicit the effects of a low-phosphorous diet on intestinal calcium absorption. Measurements of duodenal calcium-binding protein (CaBP), mucosal calcium, fractional calcium absorption and duodenal calcium transport capacity has been performed in growing rats fed for three weeks a low-phosphorous diet adequate in vitamin-D3. In animals on low-phosphorous diet, the mucosal concentration of CaBP measured by a quantitative competitive binding assay has increased in parallel with the mucosal calcium concentration, the fractional absorption and the calcium transport capacity. Analytical gel electrophoresis of calcium-binding protein in animals fed low-phosphorous diet has shown the presence of a protein band which would involve more than the effect of the stimulated biosynthesis of 1alpha,25-DHCC.", "PMID": 1000043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8050", "title": "Chemical ionization mass spectrometry of polyunsaturated fatty acids of human serum.", "content": "Polyunsaturated fatty acids of human serum were analysed by combination gas-liquid chromatography and chemical ionization mass spectrometry, using isobutane as the reagent gas. The method described yielded the molecular ion of long chain unsaturated fatty acids as the base peak; these were weak or unobservable in the corresponding electron impact mass spectra. In the chemical ionization mass spectrometry, the derivatization with trimethylsilyl ether was demonstrated to be useful for the location of the double bonds of unsaturated fatty acids. Applied toteh serum polyunsaturated fatty acids, these methods have given identification of C18:4, C20:4, C20:5, C22:4, C22:5omega-6, C22:5omega-3, and C22:6.", "contents": "Chemical ionization mass spectrometry of polyunsaturated fatty acids of human serum. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of human serum were analysed by combination gas-liquid chromatography and chemical ionization mass spectrometry, using isobutane as the reagent gas. The method described yielded the molecular ion of long chain unsaturated fatty acids as the base peak; these were weak or unobservable in the corresponding electron impact mass spectra. In the chemical ionization mass spectrometry, the derivatization with trimethylsilyl ether was demonstrated to be useful for the location of the double bonds of unsaturated fatty acids. Applied toteh serum polyunsaturated fatty acids, these methods have given identification of C18:4, C20:4, C20:5, C22:4, C22:5omega-6, C22:5omega-3, and C22:6.", "PMID": 1000055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8051", "title": "The structure of narasin and a related ionophore.", "content": "Using electron impact and field desorption mass spectrometry, structures are proposed for narasin and a related ionophore, A28086B, derived from fermentation. The ionic fragmentation of these compounds and their derivatives is discussed and compared with that of salinomycin, whose structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction.", "contents": "The structure of narasin and a related ionophore. Using electron impact and field desorption mass spectrometry, structures are proposed for narasin and a related ionophore, A28086B, derived from fermentation. The ionic fragmentation of these compounds and their derivatives is discussed and compared with that of salinomycin, whose structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction.", "PMID": 1000056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8052", "title": "Electron impact mass spectrometry of some ketosugar derivatives.", "content": "The electron impact fragmentation of 1,2-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-glycero-tetros-3-ulofuranose has been studied with the help of deuterium and 18O labelling. The effect of substituting a hydrogen atom of C-4 for a CH3 radical and that of replacing the carbonyl function with a cyanomethylenic substituent is also reported.", "contents": "Electron impact mass spectrometry of some ketosugar derivatives. The electron impact fragmentation of 1,2-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-glycero-tetros-3-ulofuranose has been studied with the help of deuterium and 18O labelling. The effect of substituting a hydrogen atom of C-4 for a CH3 radical and that of replacing the carbonyl function with a cyanomethylenic substituent is also reported.", "PMID": 1000057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8053", "title": "Determined of bufuralol and its metabolites in plasma by mass fragmentography and by gas chromatography with electron capture detection.", "content": "A sensitive method for the simulataneous determination of bufuralol and its pharmacologically active metabolites in huamn plasma is described. The O-timethylsilyl,N-trifluoroacetyl derivatives are assayed by mass fragmentography. Sensitivity is 1 ng 76(-1) plasma for bufaralol and about 250 pg ml(-1) for the metabolites. An alternative procedure which uses gas chromatography with electron capture detection is also described. The sensitivity of this is about 10 ng ml(-1) plasma for all drug-related components.", "contents": "Determined of bufuralol and its metabolites in plasma by mass fragmentography and by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. A sensitive method for the simulataneous determination of bufuralol and its pharmacologically active metabolites in huamn plasma is described. The O-timethylsilyl,N-trifluoroacetyl derivatives are assayed by mass fragmentography. Sensitivity is 1 ng 76(-1) plasma for bufaralol and about 250 pg ml(-1) for the metabolites. An alternative procedure which uses gas chromatography with electron capture detection is also described. The sensitivity of this is about 10 ng ml(-1) plasma for all drug-related components.", "PMID": 1000058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8054", "title": "The direct determination of oestrogen and progesterone in human ovarian tissue by quantitative high resolution mass spectrometry.", "content": "The concentration of oestrone, oestradiol and progesterone in ovarian tissue have been determined directly by quantitative high resolution mass fragmentography without the necessity of extraction or purification. The changes in the levels of these steroids in the ovary throughout a 28 day period correlate well with those measured in plasma and also with those of the corresponding metabolites excreted in urine. Some benign ovarian tumours (cysts) have been shown to contain abnormally large amounts of progesterone.", "contents": "The direct determination of oestrogen and progesterone in human ovarian tissue by quantitative high resolution mass spectrometry. The concentration of oestrone, oestradiol and progesterone in ovarian tissue have been determined directly by quantitative high resolution mass fragmentography without the necessity of extraction or purification. The changes in the levels of these steroids in the ovary throughout a 28 day period correlate well with those measured in plasma and also with those of the corresponding metabolites excreted in urine. Some benign ovarian tumours (cysts) have been shown to contain abnormally large amounts of progesterone.", "PMID": 1000059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8055", "title": "Aromatic hydroxylation of ellipticine in rats: lack of an NIH shift.", "content": "Metabolites of the antitumor agent, elipticine (NSC) 71795), are mainly secreted in rat bile as two conjugates of hydroxylated elipticine. The possible involvement of an arene oxide intermediate prior to hydroxylation and conjugation has been studied using 7,9-dideutero-ellipticine and by determining the conservation of deuterium in the phenolic products. The deuterated drug was synthesized by acid catalyzed exchange and was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and high and low resolution mass spectrometry. Mass spectra of two conjugated metabolites from rat bile showed a mass ion at m/e 263 (singly deuterated hydroxylated elipticine). There was no evidence for conservation of deuterium at the position of hydroxylation (m/e 264). These results indicate that the major pathway of metabolism for this cancer chemotherapeutic drug, prior to conjugation and excretion in rat bile, proceeds by aromatic hydroxylation apparently without involving an arene oxide/NIH shift mechanism.", "contents": "Aromatic hydroxylation of ellipticine in rats: lack of an NIH shift. Metabolites of the antitumor agent, elipticine (NSC) 71795), are mainly secreted in rat bile as two conjugates of hydroxylated elipticine. The possible involvement of an arene oxide intermediate prior to hydroxylation and conjugation has been studied using 7,9-dideutero-ellipticine and by determining the conservation of deuterium in the phenolic products. The deuterated drug was synthesized by acid catalyzed exchange and was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and high and low resolution mass spectrometry. Mass spectra of two conjugated metabolites from rat bile showed a mass ion at m/e 263 (singly deuterated hydroxylated elipticine). There was no evidence for conservation of deuterium at the position of hydroxylation (m/e 264). These results indicate that the major pathway of metabolism for this cancer chemotherapeutic drug, prior to conjugation and excretion in rat bile, proceeds by aromatic hydroxylation apparently without involving an arene oxide/NIH shift mechanism.", "PMID": 1000060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8056", "title": "A model for ionization mechanisms in field desorption mass spectrometry.", "content": "The apparent discrepancy between theory and experimental practices in field desorption mass spectrometry has encouraged a study attempting to focus theoretical concepts more clearly into forms recognizable to the chemical investigator. Preliminary results indicate that best anode temperature for many compounds is independent of the applied voltage throughout the range available on the Varian MAT CH-5 double focusing mass spectrometer with the electron impact-field ionization-field desorption combined source. Studies of mass transfer indicate that desorption of the sample at the best anode temperature occurs in the absence of the applied field and at a rate which is indistinguishable from the rate of desorption in the presence of the field. These results and other observations, have led us to postulate a new mechanism of ion formation, involving chemical attachment reactions in a thin fluidized system. Clearly, the role of the field in this technique must be the subject of continued study.", "contents": "A model for ionization mechanisms in field desorption mass spectrometry. The apparent discrepancy between theory and experimental practices in field desorption mass spectrometry has encouraged a study attempting to focus theoretical concepts more clearly into forms recognizable to the chemical investigator. Preliminary results indicate that best anode temperature for many compounds is independent of the applied voltage throughout the range available on the Varian MAT CH-5 double focusing mass spectrometer with the electron impact-field ionization-field desorption combined source. Studies of mass transfer indicate that desorption of the sample at the best anode temperature occurs in the absence of the applied field and at a rate which is indistinguishable from the rate of desorption in the presence of the field. These results and other observations, have led us to postulate a new mechanism of ion formation, involving chemical attachment reactions in a thin fluidized system. Clearly, the role of the field in this technique must be the subject of continued study.", "PMID": 1000061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8057", "title": "Monocyte-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity: a clinical test of monocyte function.", "content": "The lack of a simple, rapid, and quantitative test of the functional activity of the monocyte has hampered studies of the contribution of this cell type to host defense and human disease. This report describes an assay of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, which depends exclusively upon the monocyte as the effector cell and therefore provides a convenient test of monocyte function. In this system, mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) obtained by Ficoll-Hypaque separation of whole blood are cytotoxic for 51Cr-labeled human erythrocyte targets coated with anti-blood group antibody. Removal of phagocytic monocytes from the MNL by iron ingestion, followed by exposure to a magnetic field, completely abolishes all cytotoxic activity from the remaining MNL population. Similarly, in severely mono-cytopenic patients with aplastic anemia, cytotoxic effector activity is absent. In normals and less severely monocytopenic aplastic anemia patients, cytotoxicity correlates significantly (p less than 0.001) with monocyte number. Application of this monocyte-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assay to the study of patients with the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome has revealed defective monocyte cytotoxic activity in spite of normal monocyte numbers, suggesting that this test may be useful for the assessment of monocyte function in a variety of clinical situations.", "contents": "Monocyte-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity: a clinical test of monocyte function. The lack of a simple, rapid, and quantitative test of the functional activity of the monocyte has hampered studies of the contribution of this cell type to host defense and human disease. This report describes an assay of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, which depends exclusively upon the monocyte as the effector cell and therefore provides a convenient test of monocyte function. In this system, mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) obtained by Ficoll-Hypaque separation of whole blood are cytotoxic for 51Cr-labeled human erythrocyte targets coated with anti-blood group antibody. Removal of phagocytic monocytes from the MNL by iron ingestion, followed by exposure to a magnetic field, completely abolishes all cytotoxic activity from the remaining MNL population. Similarly, in severely mono-cytopenic patients with aplastic anemia, cytotoxic effector activity is absent. In normals and less severely monocytopenic aplastic anemia patients, cytotoxicity correlates significantly (p less than 0.001) with monocyte number. Application of this monocyte-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assay to the study of patients with the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome has revealed defective monocyte cytotoxic activity in spite of normal monocyte numbers, suggesting that this test may be useful for the assessment of monocyte function in a variety of clinical situations.", "PMID": 1000082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8058", "title": "Steroids and hematopoiesis. III. The response of granulocytic and erythroid colony-forming cells to steroids of different classes.", "content": "Selected androgenic and nonandrogenic steroids enhance in vitro granulocytic and erythroid colony formation by mouse marrow cells, but do so by influencing either different target cells or cells in different states of cell cycle. Etiocholanolone, a naturally occurring nonandrogenic testosterone metabolite, permits cells not in active cycle to respond to colony-stimulating factor or erythropoietin. Fluoxymesterone, a synthetic androgen, appears to enhance colony growth by increasing the responsiveness of target cells to tropic stimuli. The majority of cells responding to this androgen are in active DNA synthesis. Direct comparison, however, of etiocholanolone-dependent erythroid or granulocytic colony-forming cells demonstrates nonidentity of the target cells. Thus colony-forming units responding to different classes of steroids are in different states of cell cycle and are physically separable. The enhancement of the in vitro response of colony-forming cells to regulating hormones by steroids such as etiocholanolane suggests a mechanism by which such agents may be therapeutically effective in certain cases of marrow failure in man.", "contents": "Steroids and hematopoiesis. III. The response of granulocytic and erythroid colony-forming cells to steroids of different classes. Selected androgenic and nonandrogenic steroids enhance in vitro granulocytic and erythroid colony formation by mouse marrow cells, but do so by influencing either different target cells or cells in different states of cell cycle. Etiocholanolone, a naturally occurring nonandrogenic testosterone metabolite, permits cells not in active cycle to respond to colony-stimulating factor or erythropoietin. Fluoxymesterone, a synthetic androgen, appears to enhance colony growth by increasing the responsiveness of target cells to tropic stimuli. The majority of cells responding to this androgen are in active DNA synthesis. Direct comparison, however, of etiocholanolone-dependent erythroid or granulocytic colony-forming cells demonstrates nonidentity of the target cells. Thus colony-forming units responding to different classes of steroids are in different states of cell cycle and are physically separable. The enhancement of the in vitro response of colony-forming cells to regulating hormones by steroids such as etiocholanolane suggests a mechanism by which such agents may be therapeutically effective in certain cases of marrow failure in man.", "PMID": 1000083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8059", "title": "The effect of chelating agents on iron mobilization in Chang cell cultures.", "content": "The investigation of chelating agents with potential therapeutic value in patients with transfusional iron overload has been facilitated by the use of Chang cell cultures. These cells have been incubated with [59Fe]transferrin for 22 hr, following which most of the intracellular radioiron is found in the cytosol, distributed between a ferritin and a nonferritin form. Iron release from the cells depends on transferrin saturation in the medium, but when transferrin is 100% saturated, which normally does not allow iron release, desferrioxamine, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, rhodotorulic acid, cholythydroxamic acid, and tropolone all promote the mobilization of ferritin iron and its release from cells. They are effective to an approximately equal degree. The incubation of [59Fe]transferrin with tropolone in vitro at a molar ratio of 1:500 results in the transfer of most of the labeled iron to the chelator, reflecting the exceptionally high binding constant of this compound. How far these phenomena relate to therapeutic potentially remains to be seen.", "contents": "The effect of chelating agents on iron mobilization in Chang cell cultures. The investigation of chelating agents with potential therapeutic value in patients with transfusional iron overload has been facilitated by the use of Chang cell cultures. These cells have been incubated with [59Fe]transferrin for 22 hr, following which most of the intracellular radioiron is found in the cytosol, distributed between a ferritin and a nonferritin form. Iron release from the cells depends on transferrin saturation in the medium, but when transferrin is 100% saturated, which normally does not allow iron release, desferrioxamine, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, rhodotorulic acid, cholythydroxamic acid, and tropolone all promote the mobilization of ferritin iron and its release from cells. They are effective to an approximately equal degree. The incubation of [59Fe]transferrin with tropolone in vitro at a molar ratio of 1:500 results in the transfer of most of the labeled iron to the chelator, reflecting the exceptionally high binding constant of this compound. How far these phenomena relate to therapeutic potentially remains to be seen.", "PMID": 1000084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8060", "title": "Fitzgerald factor (high molecular weight kininogen) clotting activity in human plasma in health and disease in various animal plasmas.", "content": "Fitzgerald factor (high molecular weight kininogen) is an agent in normal human plasma that corrects the impaired in vitro surface-mediated plasma reactions of blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and kinin generation observed in Fitzgerald trait plasma. To assess the possible pathophysiologic role of Fitzgerald factor, its titer was measured by a functional clot-promoting assay. Mean +/- SD in 42 normal adults was 0.99+/-0.25 units/ml, one unit being the activity in 1 ml of normal pooled plasma. No difference in titer was noted between normal men and women, during pregnancy, or after physical exercise. Fitzgerald factor activity was significantly reduced in the plasmas of eight patients with advanced hepatic cirrhosis (0.40+/-0.09 units/ml) and of ten patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (0.60+/-0.30 units/ml), but was normal in plasmas of patients with other congenital clotting factor deficiencies, nephrotic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or sarcoidosis, or under treatment with warfarin. The plasmas of 21 mammalian species tested appeared to contain Fitzgerald factor activity, but those of two avian, two repitilian, and one amphibian species did not correct the coagulant defect in Fitzgerald trait plasmas.", "contents": "Fitzgerald factor (high molecular weight kininogen) clotting activity in human plasma in health and disease in various animal plasmas. Fitzgerald factor (high molecular weight kininogen) is an agent in normal human plasma that corrects the impaired in vitro surface-mediated plasma reactions of blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and kinin generation observed in Fitzgerald trait plasma. To assess the possible pathophysiologic role of Fitzgerald factor, its titer was measured by a functional clot-promoting assay. Mean +/- SD in 42 normal adults was 0.99+/-0.25 units/ml, one unit being the activity in 1 ml of normal pooled plasma. No difference in titer was noted between normal men and women, during pregnancy, or after physical exercise. Fitzgerald factor activity was significantly reduced in the plasmas of eight patients with advanced hepatic cirrhosis (0.40+/-0.09 units/ml) and of ten patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (0.60+/-0.30 units/ml), but was normal in plasmas of patients with other congenital clotting factor deficiencies, nephrotic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or sarcoidosis, or under treatment with warfarin. The plasmas of 21 mammalian species tested appeared to contain Fitzgerald factor activity, but those of two avian, two repitilian, and one amphibian species did not correct the coagulant defect in Fitzgerald trait plasmas.", "PMID": 1000085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8061", "title": "Evidence suggesting the regulation of a coagulation factor levels in rabbits by a transferable plasma agent.", "content": "New Zealand white rabbits were given 30 ml of goat serum intravenously. This procedure resulted in an immediate decrease in platelet count, fibrinogen, and levels of coagulation factors II, V, VII, and X, due to consumption coagulopathy. These factors returned toward baseline levels approximately 12 hr after the injection. Plasma from rabbits who had received goat serum 48 hr previously (donor rabbits) was injected into recipient rabbits. This procedure resulted in a slight rise in the level of coagulation factor II (range, 20%-30%) and a significant rise in factors V (35%-75%), VII (35%-235%), and X (35%-75%) in the recipients. When plasma from control donor rabbits who had not received goat serum was injected into recipients, there was no change in these coagulation factors. It is postulated that the reduction in coagulation factor levels in donor rabbits induces a \"coagulopoietin\" for each factor or one \"coagulopoietin\" for all factors which stimulates increased synthesis and/or release of these factors in recipient rabbits.", "contents": "Evidence suggesting the regulation of a coagulation factor levels in rabbits by a transferable plasma agent. New Zealand white rabbits were given 30 ml of goat serum intravenously. This procedure resulted in an immediate decrease in platelet count, fibrinogen, and levels of coagulation factors II, V, VII, and X, due to consumption coagulopathy. These factors returned toward baseline levels approximately 12 hr after the injection. Plasma from rabbits who had received goat serum 48 hr previously (donor rabbits) was injected into recipient rabbits. This procedure resulted in a slight rise in the level of coagulation factor II (range, 20%-30%) and a significant rise in factors V (35%-75%), VII (35%-235%), and X (35%-75%) in the recipients. When plasma from control donor rabbits who had not received goat serum was injected into recipients, there was no change in these coagulation factors. It is postulated that the reduction in coagulation factor levels in donor rabbits induces a \"coagulopoietin\" for each factor or one \"coagulopoietin\" for all factors which stimulates increased synthesis and/or release of these factors in recipient rabbits.", "PMID": 1000086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8062", "title": "[Longtime therapy of congenital factor XIII deficiency using factor XIII concentrate].", "content": "Factor XIII was determined by enzymatic and immunochemical methods in 3 patients with congenital factor XIII deficiency. Factor XIII activity measured by trans-glutaminase assay was below 1% of normal value in each of these cases. Immunelectrophoresis determination revealed the absence of the functionally active subunit A, whereas subunit S was only slightly diminished (30 to 50% of the normal value). Substitution with factor XIII concentrate caused a parallel increase of factor XIII activity and subunit A concentration. No uptake of factor XIII activity or of subunit. A by platelets could be demonstrated. Despite discontinuous substitution over a period of six years no antibody against factor XIII activity could be demonstrated in one patient with congenital factor XIII deficiency.", "contents": "[Longtime therapy of congenital factor XIII deficiency using factor XIII concentrate]. Factor XIII was determined by enzymatic and immunochemical methods in 3 patients with congenital factor XIII deficiency. Factor XIII activity measured by trans-glutaminase assay was below 1% of normal value in each of these cases. Immunelectrophoresis determination revealed the absence of the functionally active subunit A, whereas subunit S was only slightly diminished (30 to 50% of the normal value). Substitution with factor XIII concentrate caused a parallel increase of factor XIII activity and subunit A concentration. No uptake of factor XIII activity or of subunit. A by platelets could be demonstrated. Despite discontinuous substitution over a period of six years no antibody against factor XIII activity could be demonstrated in one patient with congenital factor XIII deficiency.", "PMID": 1000087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8063", "title": "Neutrophil marrow release. A system analysis.", "content": "Neutrophil marrow egress is governed by several processes. The most important are cell maturation, functional behavior of marrow sinusoids and humoral or neuro-vascular factors. Neutrophil release cannot be observed directly but is reflected in the size, cellular composition and kinetics of the nonproliferating pool of granulocytopoiesis in bone marrow and of blood neutrophil pool. These experimentally determined parameters were used as the basis of a mathematical model study. The model describes two catenated compartments, the nonproliferating pool of granulocytopoiesis in marrow and the total blood granulocyte pool. Cell transit from one pool to the other was assumed to be age-dependent. It was expressed by a positive sloping sigmoidal function that defines the egress potential fo the cells that increases with cell maturation. During maturation granulocytopoietic cells develop intense motility which determines the morphology of the cells on smears. Relationship between cell motility and its morphology was defined by functions determining the age-dependent probabilities of cell fixation as metamyelocytes, band- and segmented forms, respectively. The parameters of this model could be so adjusted that all experimental data were matched within experimental errors. Thus, qualitative and quantitative information on neutrophil marrow egress was obtained for normal and pathological states of granulocytopoiesis.", "contents": "Neutrophil marrow release. A system analysis. Neutrophil marrow egress is governed by several processes. The most important are cell maturation, functional behavior of marrow sinusoids and humoral or neuro-vascular factors. Neutrophil release cannot be observed directly but is reflected in the size, cellular composition and kinetics of the nonproliferating pool of granulocytopoiesis in bone marrow and of blood neutrophil pool. These experimentally determined parameters were used as the basis of a mathematical model study. The model describes two catenated compartments, the nonproliferating pool of granulocytopoiesis in marrow and the total blood granulocyte pool. Cell transit from one pool to the other was assumed to be age-dependent. It was expressed by a positive sloping sigmoidal function that defines the egress potential fo the cells that increases with cell maturation. During maturation granulocytopoietic cells develop intense motility which determines the morphology of the cells on smears. Relationship between cell motility and its morphology was defined by functions determining the age-dependent probabilities of cell fixation as metamyelocytes, band- and segmented forms, respectively. The parameters of this model could be so adjusted that all experimental data were matched within experimental errors. Thus, qualitative and quantitative information on neutrophil marrow egress was obtained for normal and pathological states of granulocytopoiesis.", "PMID": 1000088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8064", "title": "Tuberculosis control in the Americas: current approaches.", "content": "Tuberculosi remains a serious public health problem in the Americas, and it has not declined as rapidly or as much as experts projected it would in the 1940's. Scientific advances in control of the disease over the last three decades have produced effective chemotherapeutic agents, established the immunizing capacity of BCG vaccine, and demonstrated the superior value of bacteriologic diagnosis in symptomatic individuals over mass community x-ray surveys, which are both inefficient and costly. They have also shown that most cases can be treated on an ambulatory basis, obviating the need for the lengthy hospital stays which have heretofore weighed so heavily on budgets. By standardization of control methods, both for diagnosis and for chemotherapy, these tasks can be taken on by polyvalent staff in the general health services, whose wide coverage places them in a position to reach a much larger segment of the population than that attended by the traditional vertical system. To a greater or lesser degree, all the countries in the Americas are beginning to orient their strategies in this direction, and some of them already have considerable progress to report.", "contents": "Tuberculosis control in the Americas: current approaches. Tuberculosi remains a serious public health problem in the Americas, and it has not declined as rapidly or as much as experts projected it would in the 1940's. Scientific advances in control of the disease over the last three decades have produced effective chemotherapeutic agents, established the immunizing capacity of BCG vaccine, and demonstrated the superior value of bacteriologic diagnosis in symptomatic individuals over mass community x-ray surveys, which are both inefficient and costly. They have also shown that most cases can be treated on an ambulatory basis, obviating the need for the lengthy hospital stays which have heretofore weighed so heavily on budgets. By standardization of control methods, both for diagnosis and for chemotherapy, these tasks can be taken on by polyvalent staff in the general health services, whose wide coverage places them in a position to reach a much larger segment of the population than that attended by the traditional vertical system. To a greater or lesser degree, all the countries in the Americas are beginning to orient their strategies in this direction, and some of them already have considerable progress to report.", "PMID": 1000093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8065", "title": "Measles vaccination.", "content": "Prevention of measles poses different problems in developed and developing countries. In developed countries the risk of late complications following the use of live vaccine should be further evaluated; additional attempst might also be made to create new types of inactivated vaccine. In developing countries the introduction of live measles vaccine should be given high priority. The main problems in developing areas appear to be ones relating to vaccine stability, distribution, and cost.", "contents": "Measles vaccination. Prevention of measles poses different problems in developed and developing countries. In developed countries the risk of late complications following the use of live vaccine should be further evaluated; additional attempst might also be made to create new types of inactivated vaccine. In developing countries the introduction of live measles vaccine should be given high priority. The main problems in developing areas appear to be ones relating to vaccine stability, distribution, and cost.", "PMID": 1000095} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8066", "title": "Rubella vaccination.", "content": "Various attenuated live rubella vaccines now in use are considered generally safe and immunogenic, but to date the longest that vaccinal immunity has been shown to endure is seven years. Subclinical reinfection is not uncommon among vaccines, but its effect on pregnancy and fetal development is not yet fully known. At present two mass immunization strategies are used: vaccination of all children under 12 years of age or protection only of females 10-14 years of age. In either case susceptible women of childbearing age who have no detectable rubella HI antibody are immunized as well. Such women may receive the vaccine during the postpartum period or at any other time when they are not pregnant, but strict precautions must always be taken to make sure they do not conceive for at least two months thereafter.", "contents": "Rubella vaccination. Various attenuated live rubella vaccines now in use are considered generally safe and immunogenic, but to date the longest that vaccinal immunity has been shown to endure is seven years. Subclinical reinfection is not uncommon among vaccines, but its effect on pregnancy and fetal development is not yet fully known. At present two mass immunization strategies are used: vaccination of all children under 12 years of age or protection only of females 10-14 years of age. In either case susceptible women of childbearing age who have no detectable rubella HI antibody are immunized as well. Such women may receive the vaccine during the postpartum period or at any other time when they are not pregnant, but strict precautions must always be taken to make sure they do not conceive for at least two months thereafter.", "PMID": 1000096} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8067", "title": "[Experimental terato-carcinoma: behavior of embryoid bodies inoculated into the abdominal cavity of syngeneic mice].", "content": "A suspension of CE \"44\" embryo\u00efd-bodies obtained from a transplanted OTT 60-50 subline was injected into the abdominal cavity of syngeneic L 129 mice. Terato-carcinoma and ascitic fluid were produced the latter containing embryo\u00efds. In situ examinations were made by serial transverse sectioning of the entire abdomen. The reconstruction of the sequence of events occuring after inoculation was achieved by killing the animals at different time after inoculation. This analysis showed that embryo\u00efd-bodies appear quite similar to blastulas and that they are attracted to evolving granulomas in the peritoneum. Blastulas attach through their outer wall which then breaks to permit the inner-cell masses to penetrate through the hole and contribute towards the subsequent development of terato-carcinomas.", "contents": "[Experimental terato-carcinoma: behavior of embryoid bodies inoculated into the abdominal cavity of syngeneic mice]. A suspension of CE \"44\" embryo\u00efd-bodies obtained from a transplanted OTT 60-50 subline was injected into the abdominal cavity of syngeneic L 129 mice. Terato-carcinoma and ascitic fluid were produced the latter containing embryo\u00efds. In situ examinations were made by serial transverse sectioning of the entire abdomen. The reconstruction of the sequence of events occuring after inoculation was achieved by killing the animals at different time after inoculation. This analysis showed that embryo\u00efd-bodies appear quite similar to blastulas and that they are attracted to evolving granulomas in the peritoneum. Blastulas attach through their outer wall which then breaks to permit the inner-cell masses to penetrate through the hole and contribute towards the subsequent development of terato-carcinomas.", "PMID": 1000090} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8068", "title": "[Value of the cytologic diagnosis of adenopathies by aspiration biopsy. Cytohistologic comparison of 1756 cases].", "content": "The value of the cytologic diagnosis by aspiration needle biopsy is analysed in a series of 1756 adenopathies, verified by histological examination (1311 malignant nodes and 445 inflammatory or normal lymph nodes). The result is that a large number of lymph node tumours, either primary or secondary, are identified by the cytologic examination (from 77% to 91% of the cases according to the explored zone). Furthermore the virtually non existent percentage of false positive results (3% of the cases) proves the great accuracy of this method in the diagnosis of malignancy. In contrast, the diagnosis of benign nature must never be stated without biopsy (2% to 4% of the cases are erroneous by negative according to the explored zone). Indeed, even if benign cells are obtained, nothing allows to eliminate a malignant tumour or a limited inflammatory zone, not reached by the needle.", "contents": "[Value of the cytologic diagnosis of adenopathies by aspiration biopsy. Cytohistologic comparison of 1756 cases]. The value of the cytologic diagnosis by aspiration needle biopsy is analysed in a series of 1756 adenopathies, verified by histological examination (1311 malignant nodes and 445 inflammatory or normal lymph nodes). The result is that a large number of lymph node tumours, either primary or secondary, are identified by the cytologic examination (from 77% to 91% of the cases according to the explored zone). Furthermore the virtually non existent percentage of false positive results (3% of the cases) proves the great accuracy of this method in the diagnosis of malignancy. In contrast, the diagnosis of benign nature must never be stated without biopsy (2% to 4% of the cases are erroneous by negative according to the explored zone). Indeed, even if benign cells are obtained, nothing allows to eliminate a malignant tumour or a limited inflammatory zone, not reached by the needle.", "PMID": 1000089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8069", "title": "Health education in rural Subinam: use of videotape in a national campaign against schistosomiasis.", "content": "A videotaped program on schistosomiasis, coordinated with a wide range of other campaign activities, was shown at schools, clinics, and other gathering places in the rural Surinam district of Saramacca. The usual procedure was to have two showings, the first for teachers and the second for pupils in grades four through six. The children were then asked to answer simple questions about the disease in writing. Booklets were also distributed to teachers and children, and in a number of instances follow-up activities were carried out such as classroom exercises and in one case an art contest. By and large the tape was a success. Viewer attention was best when the audience was comfortably seated and undistracted. It was found that the viewing by itself was not enough to ensure basic understanding of the schistosomiasis problem. Writing about the event afterwards helped for it to be taken seriously, reinforced the information conveyed, and allowed children to relate the ideas presented to their own experiences. It also gave the campaign workers a basis on which to estimate the degree of success achieved. At the same time, follow-up projects such as the art contest enlisted the active participation of children, community members, and educators and added greatly to the overall educational effect.", "contents": "Health education in rural Subinam: use of videotape in a national campaign against schistosomiasis. A videotaped program on schistosomiasis, coordinated with a wide range of other campaign activities, was shown at schools, clinics, and other gathering places in the rural Surinam district of Saramacca. The usual procedure was to have two showings, the first for teachers and the second for pupils in grades four through six. The children were then asked to answer simple questions about the disease in writing. Booklets were also distributed to teachers and children, and in a number of instances follow-up activities were carried out such as classroom exercises and in one case an art contest. By and large the tape was a success. Viewer attention was best when the audience was comfortably seated and undistracted. It was found that the viewing by itself was not enough to ensure basic understanding of the schistosomiasis problem. Writing about the event afterwards helped for it to be taken seriously, reinforced the information conveyed, and allowed children to relate the ideas presented to their own experiences. It also gave the campaign workers a basis on which to estimate the degree of success achieved. At the same time, follow-up projects such as the art contest enlisted the active participation of children, community members, and educators and added greatly to the overall educational effect.", "PMID": 1000098} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8070", "title": "Combined modality approach in small cell carcinoma of the bronchus. A pilot study.", "content": "Our first experiences with polychemotherapy (COMB-regimen) followed by radiotherapy for patients with small cell carcinomas are encouraging. 7 patients out of 18 showed a complete remission. The treatment was well tolerated by all patients.", "contents": "Combined modality approach in small cell carcinoma of the bronchus. A pilot study. Our first experiences with polychemotherapy (COMB-regimen) followed by radiotherapy for patients with small cell carcinomas are encouraging. 7 patients out of 18 showed a complete remission. The treatment was well tolerated by all patients.", "PMID": 1000091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8071", "title": "Community psychiatry and the Pan American Health Organization: the Jamaican experience.", "content": "The development of a modern psychiatric service in Jamaica and the role played by PAHO consultants in this development is described. Some fundamental points are raised: -It is essential that a director of mental health services and a senior psychiatric nurse be given senior positions in the Ministry of Health so that the psychiatric services receive due attention and are integrated closely with the other health services. -The local training of psychiatric professionals of all categories is essential for such a service and should be given priority by the Government. -The intelligent use of a large number of briefly trained individuals is the only way to provide psychiatric coverage in a developing country. -PAHO consultants assigned to work in a developing country over an extended period can play a useful role in the introduction of contemporary psychiatric services.", "contents": "Community psychiatry and the Pan American Health Organization: the Jamaican experience. The development of a modern psychiatric service in Jamaica and the role played by PAHO consultants in this development is described. Some fundamental points are raised: -It is essential that a director of mental health services and a senior psychiatric nurse be given senior positions in the Ministry of Health so that the psychiatric services receive due attention and are integrated closely with the other health services. -The local training of psychiatric professionals of all categories is essential for such a service and should be given priority by the Government. -The intelligent use of a large number of briefly trained individuals is the only way to provide psychiatric coverage in a developing country. -PAHO consultants assigned to work in a developing country over an extended period can play a useful role in the introduction of contemporary psychiatric services.", "PMID": 1000099} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8072", "title": "[Clinical peculiarities of nasopharyngeal cancers].", "content": "Nasopharyngeal carcinomas are very different from other malignancies of the upper digestive and respiratory tracts. Very uncommon in France, mostly undifferenciated, they occur in all decades, even in children or young adults, with a sex-ratio of 3/1, and without connection with alcohol and tobacco. Their insidious onset leads to the first manifestation as cervical metastasis, or evidence of intracranial involvment. The 5 years Survival rate is 30 p. 100: failures are local or distant metastases, principally in the skeleton. Destruction of the base of the skull and supraclavicular nodes yield poor results. Trials on systemic chemotherapy are in progress.", "contents": "[Clinical peculiarities of nasopharyngeal cancers]. Nasopharyngeal carcinomas are very different from other malignancies of the upper digestive and respiratory tracts. Very uncommon in France, mostly undifferenciated, they occur in all decades, even in children or young adults, with a sex-ratio of 3/1, and without connection with alcohol and tobacco. Their insidious onset leads to the first manifestation as cervical metastasis, or evidence of intracranial involvment. The 5 years Survival rate is 30 p. 100: failures are local or distant metastases, principally in the skeleton. Destruction of the base of the skull and supraclavicular nodes yield poor results. Trials on systemic chemotherapy are in progress.", "PMID": 1000092} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8073", "title": "A simple technique to treat drooling: lip resection and muscle flaps.", "content": "a simple technique to correct the lax oral sphincter has been developed. A wedge resection of the bulky, atonic lower lip is performed leaving a pedicle flap of orbicularis oris muscle on either side of the resection. The muscle flaps are tunnelled submucosally toward the opposit commissures and anchored. This gives excellent stability to the lower lip and prevents drooling.", "contents": "A simple technique to treat drooling: lip resection and muscle flaps. a simple technique to correct the lax oral sphincter has been developed. A wedge resection of the bulky, atonic lower lip is performed leaving a pedicle flap of orbicularis oris muscle on either side of the resection. The muscle flaps are tunnelled submucosally toward the opposit commissures and anchored. This gives excellent stability to the lower lip and prevents drooling.", "PMID": 1000114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8074", "title": "A simple diagnostic sign in the superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a burned patient.", "content": "In the superior mesenteric artery syndrome which may complicate extensive burns, a systolic murmur may be heard in the epigastrium when the patient is supine but not when he is prone. This sign combined with straight abdominal x-rays will clinch the diagnosis and thereby avoid an unnecessary barium meal or laparotomy.", "contents": "A simple diagnostic sign in the superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a burned patient. In the superior mesenteric artery syndrome which may complicate extensive burns, a systolic murmur may be heard in the epigastrium when the patient is supine but not when he is prone. This sign combined with straight abdominal x-rays will clinch the diagnosis and thereby avoid an unnecessary barium meal or laparotomy.", "PMID": 1000119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8075", "title": "Lymphaticovenous anastomosis by microvascular technique.", "content": "After developing some basic techniques of lymphaticovenous anastomoses in 60 dogs, a further study of these anastomoses in the greyhound was performed with a patency rate of 74 per cent a 1 week and 66 per cent between 6 and 12 weeks. Points of technique and causes of failure are discussed. The use of this method in the treatment of early secondary lymphoedema is mentioned.", "contents": "Lymphaticovenous anastomosis by microvascular technique. After developing some basic techniques of lymphaticovenous anastomoses in 60 dogs, a further study of these anastomoses in the greyhound was performed with a patency rate of 74 per cent a 1 week and 66 per cent between 6 and 12 weeks. Points of technique and causes of failure are discussed. The use of this method in the treatment of early secondary lymphoedema is mentioned.", "PMID": 1000123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8076", "title": "A review of 102 cases of hypospadias treated by the Van der Meulen procedure.", "content": "One hundred and two cases of hypospadias without chordee which were corrected by van der Meulen's operation were reviewed. There were no fistulas and only 10 complications. The functional result was good in 90 per cent.", "contents": "A review of 102 cases of hypospadias treated by the Van der Meulen procedure. One hundred and two cases of hypospadias without chordee which were corrected by van der Meulen's operation were reviewed. There were no fistulas and only 10 complications. The functional result was good in 90 per cent.", "PMID": 1000124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8077", "title": "Inhibitory innervation of cat sphincter of Oddi.", "content": "1 Electrical stimulation with trains of 0.1-0.2 ms pulses of the cat isolated sphincter of Oddi inhibited the spontaneous contractile activity and lowered base-line tension considerably. A contraction usually followed the period of stimulation. 2 These inhibitory effects were prevented by tetrodotoxin 0.1-0.5 mug/ml but were not reduced by hexamethonilm, morphine, or blockade of alpha- or beta-adrenoreceptors of cholinoceptors with phenoxy-benzamine propranolol or atropine, respectively. 3 Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP) inhibited the spontaneous sphincter activity and caused relaxation thus mimicking the effects of the C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (C8-CCK), isoprenaline and prostaglandin E1 and E2. 4 ATP alone (greater than 100 mug/ml) or ATP (greater than 10 mug/ml) plus dipyridamole (1 mug/ml), relaxed the sphincter to the same degrees as did the field stimulation. 5 In sphincter maximally contracted by acetylcholine, the effect of stimulation was more marked than that recorded in uncontracted preparations. 6 The present findings suggest that the sphincter of Oddi receives inhibitory nerves that are neither cholinergic nor adrenergic.", "contents": "Inhibitory innervation of cat sphincter of Oddi. 1 Electrical stimulation with trains of 0.1-0.2 ms pulses of the cat isolated sphincter of Oddi inhibited the spontaneous contractile activity and lowered base-line tension considerably. A contraction usually followed the period of stimulation. 2 These inhibitory effects were prevented by tetrodotoxin 0.1-0.5 mug/ml but were not reduced by hexamethonilm, morphine, or blockade of alpha- or beta-adrenoreceptors of cholinoceptors with phenoxy-benzamine propranolol or atropine, respectively. 3 Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP) inhibited the spontaneous sphincter activity and caused relaxation thus mimicking the effects of the C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (C8-CCK), isoprenaline and prostaglandin E1 and E2. 4 ATP alone (greater than 100 mug/ml) or ATP (greater than 10 mug/ml) plus dipyridamole (1 mug/ml), relaxed the sphincter to the same degrees as did the field stimulation. 5 In sphincter maximally contracted by acetylcholine, the effect of stimulation was more marked than that recorded in uncontracted preparations. 6 The present findings suggest that the sphincter of Oddi receives inhibitory nerves that are neither cholinergic nor adrenergic.", "PMID": 1000127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8078", "title": "Extra-vesicular binding of noradrenaline and guanethidine in the adrenergic neurones of the rat heart: a proposed site of action of adrenergic neurone blocking agents.", "content": "1 The binding and efflux characteristics of [14C]-guanethidine and [3H]-noradrenaline were studied in heart slices from rats which were pretreated with reserpine and nialamide. 2 Binding of both compounds occurred at extra-vesicular sites within the adrenergic neurone. After a brief period of rapid washout, the efflux of [14C]-guanethidine and [3H]-noradrenaline proceeded at a steady rate. The efflux of both compounds appeared to occur from a single intraneuronal compartment. 3 (+)-Amphetamine accelerated the efflux of [14C]-noradrenaline; this effect was inhibited by desipramine. 4 Unlabelled guanethidine and amantadine also increased the efflux of labelled compounds. Cocaine in high concentrations increased slightly the efflux of [14C]-guanethidine but not that of [3H]-noradrenaline. 5 Heart slices labelled with [3H]-noradrenaline became refractory to successive exposures to releasing agents although an appreciable amount of labelled compound was still present in in these slices. 6 It is suggested that [14C]-guanethidine and [3H]-noradrenaline are bound at a common extravesicular site within the adrenergic neurone. Binding of guanethidine to the extra-vesicular site may be relevant to its pharmacological action, i.e., the blockade of adrenergic transmission.", "contents": "Extra-vesicular binding of noradrenaline and guanethidine in the adrenergic neurones of the rat heart: a proposed site of action of adrenergic neurone blocking agents. 1 The binding and efflux characteristics of [14C]-guanethidine and [3H]-noradrenaline were studied in heart slices from rats which were pretreated with reserpine and nialamide. 2 Binding of both compounds occurred at extra-vesicular sites within the adrenergic neurone. After a brief period of rapid washout, the efflux of [14C]-guanethidine and [3H]-noradrenaline proceeded at a steady rate. The efflux of both compounds appeared to occur from a single intraneuronal compartment. 3 (+)-Amphetamine accelerated the efflux of [14C]-noradrenaline; this effect was inhibited by desipramine. 4 Unlabelled guanethidine and amantadine also increased the efflux of labelled compounds. Cocaine in high concentrations increased slightly the efflux of [14C]-guanethidine but not that of [3H]-noradrenaline. 5 Heart slices labelled with [3H]-noradrenaline became refractory to successive exposures to releasing agents although an appreciable amount of labelled compound was still present in in these slices. 6 It is suggested that [14C]-guanethidine and [3H]-noradrenaline are bound at a common extravesicular site within the adrenergic neurone. Binding of guanethidine to the extra-vesicular site may be relevant to its pharmacological action, i.e., the blockade of adrenergic transmission.", "PMID": 1000128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8079", "title": "Effect of morphine and naloxone on priming-induced audiogenic seizures in BALB/c mice.", "content": "1 Morphine (1-200 mg/kg s.c.) reduced the incidence and prolonged the latency of priming-induced audiogenic siezures in a dose-dependent manner. 2 This effect was reversed by naloxone (1 and 2 mg/kg) although naloxone was itself inactive. 3 This priming-induces seizure model may be useful in the study of tolerance and physical dependence.", "contents": "Effect of morphine and naloxone on priming-induced audiogenic seizures in BALB/c mice. 1 Morphine (1-200 mg/kg s.c.) reduced the incidence and prolonged the latency of priming-induced audiogenic siezures in a dose-dependent manner. 2 This effect was reversed by naloxone (1 and 2 mg/kg) although naloxone was itself inactive. 3 This priming-induces seizure model may be useful in the study of tolerance and physical dependence.", "PMID": 1000129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8080", "title": "Long-term effects of N-2-chlorethyl-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride on noradrenergic neurones in the rat brain and heart.", "content": "1 N-2-Chlorethyl-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride (DSP 4) 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally, produced a long-term decrease in the capacity of brain homogenates to accumulate noradrenaline with significant effect 8 months after the injection. It had no effect on the noradrenaline uptake in homogenates from the striatum (dopamine neurones) and on the uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in various brain regions. 2 In vitro DSP 4 inhibited the noradrenaline uptake in a cortical homogenate with an IC50 value of 2 muM but was more than ten times less active on the dopamine uptake in a striatal homogenate and the 5-HT uptake in a cortical homogenate. 3 DSP 4 (50 mg/kg i.p.) inhibited the uptake of noradrenaline in the rat heart atrium in vitro but this action was terminated within 2 weeks. 4 DSP 4 (50 mg/kg i.p.) cuased a decrease in the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity in the rat brain and heart. The onset of this effect was slow; in heart a lag period of 2-4 days was noted. In brain the DBH-activity in cerebral cortex was much more decreased than that in hypothalamus which was only slightly affected. A significant effect was still found 8 months after the injection. The noradrenaline concentration in the brain was greatly decreased for at least two weeks, whereas noradrenaline in heart was only temporarily reduced. 5 The long-term effects of DSP 4 on the noradrenaline accumulation, the DBH activity and noradrenaline concentration in the rat brain were antagonized by desipramine (10 mg/kg i.p.). 6 It is suggested that DSP 4 primarily attacks the membranal noradrenaline uptake sites forming a covalent bond and that the nerve terminals, as a result of this binding, degenerate.", "contents": "Long-term effects of N-2-chlorethyl-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride on noradrenergic neurones in the rat brain and heart. 1 N-2-Chlorethyl-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride (DSP 4) 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally, produced a long-term decrease in the capacity of brain homogenates to accumulate noradrenaline with significant effect 8 months after the injection. It had no effect on the noradrenaline uptake in homogenates from the striatum (dopamine neurones) and on the uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in various brain regions. 2 In vitro DSP 4 inhibited the noradrenaline uptake in a cortical homogenate with an IC50 value of 2 muM but was more than ten times less active on the dopamine uptake in a striatal homogenate and the 5-HT uptake in a cortical homogenate. 3 DSP 4 (50 mg/kg i.p.) inhibited the uptake of noradrenaline in the rat heart atrium in vitro but this action was terminated within 2 weeks. 4 DSP 4 (50 mg/kg i.p.) cuased a decrease in the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity in the rat brain and heart. The onset of this effect was slow; in heart a lag period of 2-4 days was noted. In brain the DBH-activity in cerebral cortex was much more decreased than that in hypothalamus which was only slightly affected. A significant effect was still found 8 months after the injection. The noradrenaline concentration in the brain was greatly decreased for at least two weeks, whereas noradrenaline in heart was only temporarily reduced. 5 The long-term effects of DSP 4 on the noradrenaline accumulation, the DBH activity and noradrenaline concentration in the rat brain were antagonized by desipramine (10 mg/kg i.p.). 6 It is suggested that DSP 4 primarily attacks the membranal noradrenaline uptake sites forming a covalent bond and that the nerve terminals, as a result of this binding, degenerate.", "PMID": 1000130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8081", "title": "Inhibition by amiloride of sodium-dependent fluid reabsorption in the rat isolated caudal epididymis.", "content": "The rate of fluid reabsorption was studied in the rat isolated caudal epididymal sac in vitro. 2 Part of the fluid reabsorption was found to be dependent on intraluminal Na+. Amiloride (0.1 mM) completely inhibited this component of fluid reabsorption. 3 The log dose-inhibition curve to amiloride was sigmoid and the IC50 value was found to be 1.6 muM.", "contents": "Inhibition by amiloride of sodium-dependent fluid reabsorption in the rat isolated caudal epididymis. The rate of fluid reabsorption was studied in the rat isolated caudal epididymal sac in vitro. 2 Part of the fluid reabsorption was found to be dependent on intraluminal Na+. Amiloride (0.1 mM) completely inhibited this component of fluid reabsorption. 3 The log dose-inhibition curve to amiloride was sigmoid and the IC50 value was found to be 1.6 muM.", "PMID": 1000131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8082", "title": "Myocardial uptake of digoxin in chronically digitalized dogs.", "content": "1 The time course of myocardial uptake of digoxin, increase in contractility and changes in myocardial potassium concentration was studied for 90 min following an intravenous digoxin dose to long-term digitalized dogs. 2 Nineteen dogs were investigated by the use of a biopsy technique which allowed sampling before and after administration of digoxin. 3 Ten minutes after administration of digoxin the myocardial concentration increased from 60 to 306 nmol/kg tissue, the myocardial concentration of digoxin was significantly lower (250 nmol/kg tissue) after 30 min and then increased again. 4 The transmural myocardial distribution of digoxin was uniform before and 90 min after administration of digoxin in long-term digitalized dogs but at 10 min after administration, both the subepicardial and the subendocardial concentration of digoxin were significantly lower than that of the mesocardial layer. 5 During the first 10 min the dp/dtmax increased to 135% of the control level. The increase remained unchanged during the rest of the study. 6 Myocardial potassium decreased throughout the study. 7 The M-configuration of the myocardial uptake curve and the non-uniformity of myocardial distribution of digoxin observed at 10 min after administrating digoxin to long-term digitalized dogs indicate that the distribution of myocardial blood flow may be changed during chronic digitalization.", "contents": "Myocardial uptake of digoxin in chronically digitalized dogs. 1 The time course of myocardial uptake of digoxin, increase in contractility and changes in myocardial potassium concentration was studied for 90 min following an intravenous digoxin dose to long-term digitalized dogs. 2 Nineteen dogs were investigated by the use of a biopsy technique which allowed sampling before and after administration of digoxin. 3 Ten minutes after administration of digoxin the myocardial concentration increased from 60 to 306 nmol/kg tissue, the myocardial concentration of digoxin was significantly lower (250 nmol/kg tissue) after 30 min and then increased again. 4 The transmural myocardial distribution of digoxin was uniform before and 90 min after administration of digoxin in long-term digitalized dogs but at 10 min after administration, both the subepicardial and the subendocardial concentration of digoxin were significantly lower than that of the mesocardial layer. 5 During the first 10 min the dp/dtmax increased to 135% of the control level. The increase remained unchanged during the rest of the study. 6 Myocardial potassium decreased throughout the study. 7 The M-configuration of the myocardial uptake curve and the non-uniformity of myocardial distribution of digoxin observed at 10 min after administrating digoxin to long-term digitalized dogs indicate that the distribution of myocardial blood flow may be changed during chronic digitalization.", "PMID": 1000132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8083", "title": "Studies on the mechanism of action of amantadine.", "content": "1 The effect of amantadine hydrochloride on various aspects of catecholamine metabolism in the rat brain has been investigated. 2 Amantadine failed to have any significant effect on brain concentrations of dopamine or noradrenaline even when administered daily for 9 days. 3 Amantadine had no effect on the rate of decline of noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations after alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. 4 In vitro amantadine inhibited dopamine uptake into synaptosomes only at high concentrations, and caused little release of dopamine from synaptosomes. 5 There is no evidence from these results to suggest that the anti-Parkinsonian effect of amantadine is related to an action on dopaminergic mechanisms.", "contents": "Studies on the mechanism of action of amantadine. 1 The effect of amantadine hydrochloride on various aspects of catecholamine metabolism in the rat brain has been investigated. 2 Amantadine failed to have any significant effect on brain concentrations of dopamine or noradrenaline even when administered daily for 9 days. 3 Amantadine had no effect on the rate of decline of noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations after alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. 4 In vitro amantadine inhibited dopamine uptake into synaptosomes only at high concentrations, and caused little release of dopamine from synaptosomes. 5 There is no evidence from these results to suggest that the anti-Parkinsonian effect of amantadine is related to an action on dopaminergic mechanisms.", "PMID": 1000133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8084", "title": "Further evidence that prostaglandins inhibit the release of noradrenaline from adrenergic nerve terminals by restriction of availability of calcium.", "content": "1 Guinea-pig vasa deferentia were continuously superfused after labelling the transmitter stores with [3H](-)-noradrenaline. Release of [3H]-(-)-noradrenaline was induced by transmural nerve stimulation. 2 Prostglandin E2 (14 nM) drastically reduced the release of [3H]-(-)-noradrenaline, while tetraethylammonium (2 mM), rubidium (6 mM), phenoxybenzamine (3 muM) each in the presence or absence of Uptake 1 or 2 blockade, and prolonged pulse duration (from 0.5 to 2.0 ms) all significantly increased the release of [3H]-(-)-noradrenaline per nerve impulse. 3 The inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E2 on evoked release of [3H]-(-)-noradrenaline was significantly reduced by tetraethylammonium, rubidium and prolonged pulse duration, whilst it was actually enhanced by phenoxybenzamine. This indicates that increased release of noradrenaline per nerve impulse does not per se counteract the inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E2. 4 It is concluded that tetraethylammonium, rubidium and prolonged pulse duration counteracted the inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E2 on T3H]-(-)-noradrenaline release by promoting calcium influx during the nerve action potential. The results are consistent with, and add more weight to the view that prostaglandins inhibit the release of noradrenaline by restriction of calcium availability.", "contents": "Further evidence that prostaglandins inhibit the release of noradrenaline from adrenergic nerve terminals by restriction of availability of calcium. 1 Guinea-pig vasa deferentia were continuously superfused after labelling the transmitter stores with [3H](-)-noradrenaline. Release of [3H]-(-)-noradrenaline was induced by transmural nerve stimulation. 2 Prostglandin E2 (14 nM) drastically reduced the release of [3H]-(-)-noradrenaline, while tetraethylammonium (2 mM), rubidium (6 mM), phenoxybenzamine (3 muM) each in the presence or absence of Uptake 1 or 2 blockade, and prolonged pulse duration (from 0.5 to 2.0 ms) all significantly increased the release of [3H]-(-)-noradrenaline per nerve impulse. 3 The inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E2 on evoked release of [3H]-(-)-noradrenaline was significantly reduced by tetraethylammonium, rubidium and prolonged pulse duration, whilst it was actually enhanced by phenoxybenzamine. This indicates that increased release of noradrenaline per nerve impulse does not per se counteract the inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E2. 4 It is concluded that tetraethylammonium, rubidium and prolonged pulse duration counteracted the inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E2 on T3H]-(-)-noradrenaline release by promoting calcium influx during the nerve action potential. The results are consistent with, and add more weight to the view that prostaglandins inhibit the release of noradrenaline by restriction of calcium availability.", "PMID": 1000134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8085", "title": "A comparison of affinity constants for muscarine-sensitive acetylcholine receptors in guinea-pig atrial pacemaker cells at 29 degrees C and in ileum at 29 degrees C and 37 degrees C.", "content": "1 The affinity of 17 compounds for muscarine-sensitive acetylcholine receptors in atrial pacemaker cells and ileum of the guinea-pig has been measured at 29 degrees C in Ringer-Locke solution. Measurements were also made at 37 degrees C with 7 of them. 2 Some of the compounds had much higher affinity for the receptors in the ileum than for those in the atria. For the most selective compound, 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide, the difference was approximately 20-fold. The receptors in the atria are therefore different the structure from those in the ileum. 3 The effect of temperature on affinity are not the same for all the compounds, tested indicating different enthalpies and entropies of adsorption and accounting for some of the difficulty experienced in predicting the affinity of new compounds.", "contents": "A comparison of affinity constants for muscarine-sensitive acetylcholine receptors in guinea-pig atrial pacemaker cells at 29 degrees C and in ileum at 29 degrees C and 37 degrees C. 1 The affinity of 17 compounds for muscarine-sensitive acetylcholine receptors in atrial pacemaker cells and ileum of the guinea-pig has been measured at 29 degrees C in Ringer-Locke solution. Measurements were also made at 37 degrees C with 7 of them. 2 Some of the compounds had much higher affinity for the receptors in the ileum than for those in the atria. For the most selective compound, 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide, the difference was approximately 20-fold. The receptors in the atria are therefore different the structure from those in the ileum. 3 The effect of temperature on affinity are not the same for all the compounds, tested indicating different enthalpies and entropies of adsorption and accounting for some of the difficulty experienced in predicting the affinity of new compounds.", "PMID": 1000135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8086", "title": "A comparison of deaf and non-deaf patients with paranoid and affective psychoses.", "content": "A comparison was made of the social and domestic background, prepsychotic personality and symptomatology of deaf ('hard of hearing') and non-deaf patients aged 50 or over with paranoid or affective psychoses. The deaf patients were found to be a very heterogeneous group in respect of age of onset, duration, severity and pathological basis of their deafness, but there was a substantial subgroup of paranoid patients with deafness beginning before the age of 45 in whom the personality appeared to have been less deviating than in the remainder. It was thought that the deafness in this subgroup had possibly played a relatively specific role in causing the psychosis. Some problems in identifying deafness and assessing its significance are discussed.", "contents": "A comparison of deaf and non-deaf patients with paranoid and affective psychoses. A comparison was made of the social and domestic background, prepsychotic personality and symptomatology of deaf ('hard of hearing') and non-deaf patients aged 50 or over with paranoid or affective psychoses. The deaf patients were found to be a very heterogeneous group in respect of age of onset, duration, severity and pathological basis of their deafness, but there was a substantial subgroup of paranoid patients with deafness beginning before the age of 45 in whom the personality appeared to have been less deviating than in the remainder. It was thought that the deafness in this subgroup had possibly played a relatively specific role in causing the psychosis. Some problems in identifying deafness and assessing its significance are discussed.", "PMID": 1000136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8087", "title": "A psychosocial study of accidental poisoning in Egyptian children.", "content": "One hundred and twenty-seven accidentally poisoned children from the emergency room of the Islamic Girls College, Cairo, were compared with an equal number of controls. The highest age incidence for both sexes in poisoned children was 36 months. Males outnumbered females at a ratio of 3:2. Behavioural problems such as hyperactivity, temper tantrums, aggression, stubbornness, nocturnal enuresis and impulsiveness occurred more often in poisoned children than in controls and more often in those (24 patients) referred with accidental poisoning on more than one occasion. The families of poisoned children differed significantly from the controls in their large size, low level of education, disturbed home atmosphere and the accessibility to the child of the poisonous substance.", "contents": "A psychosocial study of accidental poisoning in Egyptian children. One hundred and twenty-seven accidentally poisoned children from the emergency room of the Islamic Girls College, Cairo, were compared with an equal number of controls. The highest age incidence for both sexes in poisoned children was 36 months. Males outnumbered females at a ratio of 3:2. Behavioural problems such as hyperactivity, temper tantrums, aggression, stubbornness, nocturnal enuresis and impulsiveness occurred more often in poisoned children than in controls and more often in those (24 patients) referred with accidental poisoning on more than one occasion. The families of poisoned children differed significantly from the controls in their large size, low level of education, disturbed home atmosphere and the accessibility to the child of the poisonous substance.", "PMID": 1000137} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8088", "title": "Recruitment of problem drinkers.", "content": "As the first phase of a project designed to institute controlled drinking as a therapeutic goal for alcoholics, it was decied to recruit volunteers who were dissatisfied with their present mode of drinking but who had not previously sought help. This was done by requesting them to phone a private number. When these volunteers had been recruited it was proposed to modify their drinking habits to their own requirements, using non-averse training, drinking practice and ongoing group psychotherapy. This project however has not been implemented because of paucity of volunteers. The methods of recruitement are listed and those drinkers who volunteered are described. The reasons for the low rate of response are discussed.", "contents": "Recruitment of problem drinkers. As the first phase of a project designed to institute controlled drinking as a therapeutic goal for alcoholics, it was decied to recruit volunteers who were dissatisfied with their present mode of drinking but who had not previously sought help. This was done by requesting them to phone a private number. When these volunteers had been recruited it was proposed to modify their drinking habits to their own requirements, using non-averse training, drinking practice and ongoing group psychotherapy. This project however has not been implemented because of paucity of volunteers. The methods of recruitement are listed and those drinkers who volunteered are described. The reasons for the low rate of response are discussed.", "PMID": 1000138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8089", "title": "Clozapine versus perphenazine: the value of the biochemical mode of action of neuroleptics in predicting their therapeutic activity.", "content": "The chemical structure of a neuroleptic does not relaibly predict the exact profile of its therapeutic action. We considered the question whether the biochemical action of a neuroleptic, and specifically the ratio between DA-receptor block and NA-receptor block, might have a higher predictive value in this respect. In this context we carried out a double-blind study of the therapeutic value of clozapine and perphenazine in acute psychoses of varying symptomatology anc aetiology. There are strong indications that clozapine has only a slight inhibitory effect on transmission in central DA-ergic neurons, but markedly inhibits transmission in central NA-ergic neurons, and that the reverse applies to perphenazine. In view of these data we expected perphenazine to be a stronger antipsychotic and a weaker sedative than clozapine, and vice versa. The plausibility of this hypothesis was demonstrated. Partly also on the basis of earlier research, we concluded that the biochemical action of a neuroleptic is a more faithful predictor of its therapeutic action profile than the chemical structure.", "contents": "Clozapine versus perphenazine: the value of the biochemical mode of action of neuroleptics in predicting their therapeutic activity. The chemical structure of a neuroleptic does not relaibly predict the exact profile of its therapeutic action. We considered the question whether the biochemical action of a neuroleptic, and specifically the ratio between DA-receptor block and NA-receptor block, might have a higher predictive value in this respect. In this context we carried out a double-blind study of the therapeutic value of clozapine and perphenazine in acute psychoses of varying symptomatology anc aetiology. There are strong indications that clozapine has only a slight inhibitory effect on transmission in central DA-ergic neurons, but markedly inhibits transmission in central NA-ergic neurons, and that the reverse applies to perphenazine. In view of these data we expected perphenazine to be a stronger antipsychotic and a weaker sedative than clozapine, and vice versa. The plausibility of this hypothesis was demonstrated. Partly also on the basis of earlier research, we concluded that the biochemical action of a neuroleptic is a more faithful predictor of its therapeutic action profile than the chemical structure.", "PMID": 1000139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8090", "title": "Is a homosexual orientation irreversible?", "content": "In four studies homosexual patients were randomly allocated to receive either different forms of aversive therapy; or aversive therapy or a positive conditioning procedure. Before and after therapy the patients' sexual orientation was determined by measuring their penile volume responses to moving pictures of nude men and women. The aversive therapies produced reduction in homosexual feelings and behaviour. In the fourth study the reduction was significantly greater following the aversive compared with the positive conditioning procedure. No significant change in measured sexual orientation occurred in the patients who received aversive therapy compared with those who received positive conditioning. The measured sexual orientation of the homosexual patients after treatment differed significantly from that of heterosexual patients who received aversive therapy for sexual anomalies.", "contents": "Is a homosexual orientation irreversible? In four studies homosexual patients were randomly allocated to receive either different forms of aversive therapy; or aversive therapy or a positive conditioning procedure. Before and after therapy the patients' sexual orientation was determined by measuring their penile volume responses to moving pictures of nude men and women. The aversive therapies produced reduction in homosexual feelings and behaviour. In the fourth study the reduction was significantly greater following the aversive compared with the positive conditioning procedure. No significant change in measured sexual orientation occurred in the patients who received aversive therapy compared with those who received positive conditioning. The measured sexual orientation of the homosexual patients after treatment differed significantly from that of heterosexual patients who received aversive therapy for sexual anomalies.", "PMID": 1000140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8091", "title": "Height and personality characteristics of 47, XYY males in a sample of tall non-institutionalized males.", "content": "A sample of 471 enlisted men 183 cm or taller serving in the US Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps was screened for Y-chromosome aneuploidy by use of quinacrine fluorescence of peripheral blood smears. Two 47,XYY males were detected, resulting in a prevalence of 00425 or approximately 1 in 236. The prevalence of 47,XYY males (00331) in a number of samples of tall, non-institutionalized males is significantly higher than the incidence in newborn males (00061), indicating that 47,XYY males are disproportionately represented in tall male populations. The 47,XYY males had significantly higher scores than 46,XY males on the Schizophrenia, Schizophrenia+1K, and Prejudice scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and significantly lower scores on the Dominance scale. Since the probability that a randomly selected pair of subjects in the sample had four or more scale scores significantly different from the remainder of the group was greater than 05, it is possible that the differences between the 47,XYY and 46,XY males occurred by chance. On the other hand, one or more of these scales may measure personality dimensions on which non-institutionalized 47,XYY males may, in fact, differ from 46,XY males.", "contents": "Height and personality characteristics of 47, XYY males in a sample of tall non-institutionalized males. A sample of 471 enlisted men 183 cm or taller serving in the US Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps was screened for Y-chromosome aneuploidy by use of quinacrine fluorescence of peripheral blood smears. Two 47,XYY males were detected, resulting in a prevalence of 00425 or approximately 1 in 236. The prevalence of 47,XYY males (00331) in a number of samples of tall, non-institutionalized males is significantly higher than the incidence in newborn males (00061), indicating that 47,XYY males are disproportionately represented in tall male populations. The 47,XYY males had significantly higher scores than 46,XY males on the Schizophrenia, Schizophrenia+1K, and Prejudice scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and significantly lower scores on the Dominance scale. Since the probability that a randomly selected pair of subjects in the sample had four or more scale scores significantly different from the remainder of the group was greater than 05, it is possible that the differences between the 47,XYY and 46,XY males occurred by chance. On the other hand, one or more of these scales may measure personality dimensions on which non-institutionalized 47,XYY males may, in fact, differ from 46,XY males.", "PMID": 1000141} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8092", "title": "Associative intrusions in the vocabulary of schizophrenic and other patients.", "content": "Associative intrusions in the thought of short-term and long-term schizophrenic, non-schizophrenic, and non-psychiatric in-patients were measured using Rattan and Chapman's multiple-choice vocabulary test. This test consists of two subtests, one with associative distractors and the other without distractors, which are matched on discriminating power and thus permit the assessment of differential specific performance deficit uncontaminated by the generalized deficit characterisitc of many patient groups. Results indicated that some susceptibility to associative intrusions characterizes all groups of long-term patients regardless of diagnosis. Short-term patients (with the possible exception of schizophrenic) did not show such heightened susceptibility. Lengthy illness and/or stay in hospital are apparently implicated in at least this form of thought disorder, which has been often considered to be a uniquely schizophrenic phenomenon.", "contents": "Associative intrusions in the vocabulary of schizophrenic and other patients. Associative intrusions in the thought of short-term and long-term schizophrenic, non-schizophrenic, and non-psychiatric in-patients were measured using Rattan and Chapman's multiple-choice vocabulary test. This test consists of two subtests, one with associative distractors and the other without distractors, which are matched on discriminating power and thus permit the assessment of differential specific performance deficit uncontaminated by the generalized deficit characterisitc of many patient groups. Results indicated that some susceptibility to associative intrusions characterizes all groups of long-term patients regardless of diagnosis. Short-term patients (with the possible exception of schizophrenic) did not show such heightened susceptibility. Lengthy illness and/or stay in hospital are apparently implicated in at least this form of thought disorder, which has been often considered to be a uniquely schizophrenic phenomenon.", "PMID": 1000143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8093", "title": "Elongation of pause-time in speech: a simple, objective measure of motor retardation in depression.", "content": "A sample of 'automatic speech' (counting from 1 to 10) was tape-recorded and the times taken up by phonation and pauses measured. In four healthy volunteers, both phonation times and pause times remained constant over a period of two months. In four moderately depressed patients, with no history of manic illness and with no obvious clinical signs of motor retardation, the pause times were significantly elongated while the patients were depressed compared to pause times measured after recovery. The phonation times were constant throughout the period of observation (4-6 months). Other tests for motor retardation (tapping time; Nurses' rating scale; Hamilton Retardation Scores) did not give consistent results. It is concluded that the simple test described here may reveal a degree of motor retardation in cases where other tests fail to do so.", "contents": "Elongation of pause-time in speech: a simple, objective measure of motor retardation in depression. A sample of 'automatic speech' (counting from 1 to 10) was tape-recorded and the times taken up by phonation and pauses measured. In four healthy volunteers, both phonation times and pause times remained constant over a period of two months. In four moderately depressed patients, with no history of manic illness and with no obvious clinical signs of motor retardation, the pause times were significantly elongated while the patients were depressed compared to pause times measured after recovery. The phonation times were constant throughout the period of observation (4-6 months). Other tests for motor retardation (tapping time; Nurses' rating scale; Hamilton Retardation Scores) did not give consistent results. It is concluded that the simple test described here may reveal a degree of motor retardation in cases where other tests fail to do so.", "PMID": 1000144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8094", "title": "Further observation on study difficulty in university students including 'syllabus-boundess'.", "content": "The UCLS questionnaire, in a form modified to include a measure of syllabus-boundness, and a questionnaire to measure psychiatric symptomatology (the MHQ) were administered to two groups of students, one seeking help for emotional problems, the other a control group. Groups were compared on tests, test findings were inter-correlated, and scores were related to academic success. The UCLSQ is confirmed as a reliable research instrument. Principal component analysis again indicates a separation of psychoneurotic and motivational components of study difficulty. Syllabus-boundness ('Sylbism') emerges as a relatively independent trait, with a significant negative relationship to work satisfaction in both groups. MHQ scores again show a positive correlation between phobic anxiety and academic attainment for patients.", "contents": "Further observation on study difficulty in university students including 'syllabus-boundess'. The UCLS questionnaire, in a form modified to include a measure of syllabus-boundness, and a questionnaire to measure psychiatric symptomatology (the MHQ) were administered to two groups of students, one seeking help for emotional problems, the other a control group. Groups were compared on tests, test findings were inter-correlated, and scores were related to academic success. The UCLSQ is confirmed as a reliable research instrument. Principal component analysis again indicates a separation of psychoneurotic and motivational components of study difficulty. Syllabus-boundness ('Sylbism') emerges as a relatively independent trait, with a significant negative relationship to work satisfaction in both groups. MHQ scores again show a positive correlation between phobic anxiety and academic attainment for patients.", "PMID": 1000145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8095", "title": "Group modification of affective verbailzations: resistance to extinction and generalization effects.", "content": "An operant group procedure significantly increased the frequency of here-and-now affect, feedback, and empathy statements made by two groups of four subjects during ten one-hour sessions, divided into base line, acquisition, extinction, reacquisition and generalization periods. The continously reinforced group showed resistance to extinction, attributed in part to reinforcement by other group members when a subject made reinforceable statements. Failure of the variably reinforced group to replicate this finding was attributed in part to a less adequate conceptual grasp of the reinforcement categories resulting from the reduced feedback associated with a variable ratio schedule. Both groups showed strong generalization effects when subjects were distributed among eight new groups and the new groups and the new subjects' performance was also significantly higher than typical base levels.", "contents": "Group modification of affective verbailzations: resistance to extinction and generalization effects. An operant group procedure significantly increased the frequency of here-and-now affect, feedback, and empathy statements made by two groups of four subjects during ten one-hour sessions, divided into base line, acquisition, extinction, reacquisition and generalization periods. The continously reinforced group showed resistance to extinction, attributed in part to reinforcement by other group members when a subject made reinforceable statements. Failure of the variably reinforced group to replicate this finding was attributed in part to a less adequate conceptual grasp of the reinforcement categories resulting from the reduced feedback associated with a variable ratio schedule. Both groups showed strong generalization effects when subjects were distributed among eight new groups and the new groups and the new subjects' performance was also significantly higher than typical base levels.", "PMID": 1000146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8096", "title": "A new personal disturbance scale (DSSI/sAD).", "content": "A brief self-report measure of personal disturbance is presented. Being derived from the Delusions-Symptoms-States Inventory, it focuses exclusively on recent symptomatology, uncontaminated by personality attributes. Data are presented which show significant agreement (a) for the allocation of the items to syndromes by experiences raters, and (b) between patients' self-report and their psychiatrists' ratings. At the anxiety, depression, and total sAD scale levels a high discrimination is found between the normal and pmal distributions, both of which are in contrast to personality measures. The scales appear relevant to treatment evaluation and for detecting the personally disturbed in general populations.", "contents": "A new personal disturbance scale (DSSI/sAD). A brief self-report measure of personal disturbance is presented. Being derived from the Delusions-Symptoms-States Inventory, it focuses exclusively on recent symptomatology, uncontaminated by personality attributes. Data are presented which show significant agreement (a) for the allocation of the items to syndromes by experiences raters, and (b) between patients' self-report and their psychiatrists' ratings. At the anxiety, depression, and total sAD scale levels a high discrimination is found between the normal and pmal distributions, both of which are in contrast to personality measures. The scales appear relevant to treatment evaluation and for detecting the personally disturbed in general populations.", "PMID": 1000147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8097", "title": "Increasing patients' satisfaction with communications.", "content": "This paper reports a successful experimental attempt to increase satisfaction with communications amongst general medical patients. A group of patients who received extra interviews designed to increase their understanding of what they had been told about their illnesses showed significantly greater satisfaction than patients treated in the usual manner, and patients who received extra placebo interviews about their hospital stay. Changes in satisfaction with communications over the period following discharge from hospital are also described and possible reasons for them are discussed.", "contents": "Increasing patients' satisfaction with communications. This paper reports a successful experimental attempt to increase satisfaction with communications amongst general medical patients. A group of patients who received extra interviews designed to increase their understanding of what they had been told about their illnesses showed significantly greater satisfaction than patients treated in the usual manner, and patients who received extra placebo interviews about their hospital stay. Changes in satisfaction with communications over the period following discharge from hospital are also described and possible reasons for them are discussed.", "PMID": 1000148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8098", "title": "Towards a theory of auditory hallucinations: outline of an hypothetical four-factor model.", "content": "The research findings of the writer to date on auditorily hallucinated patients are briefly summarized and an hypothetical four-factor model outlined to account for them. This general working model envisages auditory hallucinations as stemming from the interaction of psychological stress with an underlying hallucinatroy predisposition which is to a large extent genetically determined. A third factor of external stimulation is seen as exerting an inhibitory effect on the conscious experience of the hallucination. While a fourth speculative factor of a positive feedback loop is introduced to account for a number of otherwise incompatible observations. Each of the four factors in the hypothetical model is defined as precisely as is possible at present and discussed in relation to other research findings in this area and to the literature more generally. An attempt is made to spell out some of the theoretical predictions and clinical implications of the model.", "contents": "Towards a theory of auditory hallucinations: outline of an hypothetical four-factor model. The research findings of the writer to date on auditorily hallucinated patients are briefly summarized and an hypothetical four-factor model outlined to account for them. This general working model envisages auditory hallucinations as stemming from the interaction of psychological stress with an underlying hallucinatroy predisposition which is to a large extent genetically determined. A third factor of external stimulation is seen as exerting an inhibitory effect on the conscious experience of the hallucination. While a fourth speculative factor of a positive feedback loop is introduced to account for a number of otherwise incompatible observations. Each of the four factors in the hypothetical model is defined as precisely as is possible at present and discussed in relation to other research findings in this area and to the literature more generally. An attempt is made to spell out some of the theoretical predictions and clinical implications of the model.", "PMID": 1000149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8099", "title": "Biofeedback control of migraine: a pilot study.", "content": "A group of six subjects was trained, using biofeedback procedures, in the voluntary regulation of hand temperature as a means of controlling migraine attacks. The training procedure and its relationship to migraine activity is described. Daily records of migraine activity were kept during base-line, training, and follow-up periods. Analysis of this data revealed statistically and clinically significant improvement on several indices of migraine activity. Evidence for a concomitant improvement in the ability of subjects to produce voluntary increases in hand temperature is presented.", "contents": "Biofeedback control of migraine: a pilot study. A group of six subjects was trained, using biofeedback procedures, in the voluntary regulation of hand temperature as a means of controlling migraine attacks. The training procedure and its relationship to migraine activity is described. Daily records of migraine activity were kept during base-line, training, and follow-up periods. Analysis of this data revealed statistically and clinically significant improvement on several indices of migraine activity. Evidence for a concomitant improvement in the ability of subjects to produce voluntary increases in hand temperature is presented.", "PMID": 1000151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8100", "title": "A review of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and behavioral effects of procaine in thoroughbred horses.", "content": "Since procaine has both local anaesthetic and central stimulant actions its presence in the blood or urine of racing horses is forbidden. After rapid intravenous injection of procaine HC1 (2.5 mg/Kg) in thoroughbred mares plasma levels of this drug fell rapidly (t 1/2 alpha = 5 min) and then more slowly (t 1/2 beta = 50.2 min). These kinetics were well fitted by a two compartment open model (Model I). This model gave an apparent Vdbeta for procaine in the horse of about 3,500 litres. Since procaine was about 45% bound to equine plasma protein this gives a true Vdbeta for procaine of about 6,500 litres. After subcutaneous injection of procaine HC1 (3.3 mg/Kg) plasma levels peaked at about 400 ng/ml and then declined with a half-life of about 75 minutes. These data were well fitted by Model I when this was modified to include simple first order absorption (K = 0.048 min-1) from the subcutaneous injection site (Model II). After intramuscular injection of procaine penicillin (33,000 I.U./Kg) plasma levels reached a peak at about 270 ng/ml and then declined with a half-life of about 9 hours. These data were approximately fitted by Model II assuming a first order rate constant for absorption of procaine of 0.0024 min-1. After intramuscular injection of procaine HC1 (10 mg/Kg) plasma levels of procaine peaked rapidly at about 600 ng/ml but thereafter declined slowly (+ 1/2 = 2 hours). A satisfactory pharmaco-kinetic model for this intramuscular data could not be developed. An approximation of these data was obtained by assuming the existence of two intramuscular drug compartments, one containing readily absorbable drug and the other poorly absorbable drug (Model III). After intra-articular administration of procaine (0.33 mg/Kg) plasma levels of this drug reached a peak at about 17 ng/ml and then declined with a half-life of about 2 hours. These data were not modelled.", "contents": "A review of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and behavioral effects of procaine in thoroughbred horses. Since procaine has both local anaesthetic and central stimulant actions its presence in the blood or urine of racing horses is forbidden. After rapid intravenous injection of procaine HC1 (2.5 mg/Kg) in thoroughbred mares plasma levels of this drug fell rapidly (t 1/2 alpha = 5 min) and then more slowly (t 1/2 beta = 50.2 min). These kinetics were well fitted by a two compartment open model (Model I). This model gave an apparent Vdbeta for procaine in the horse of about 3,500 litres. Since procaine was about 45% bound to equine plasma protein this gives a true Vdbeta for procaine of about 6,500 litres. After subcutaneous injection of procaine HC1 (3.3 mg/Kg) plasma levels peaked at about 400 ng/ml and then declined with a half-life of about 75 minutes. These data were well fitted by Model I when this was modified to include simple first order absorption (K = 0.048 min-1) from the subcutaneous injection site (Model II). After intramuscular injection of procaine penicillin (33,000 I.U./Kg) plasma levels reached a peak at about 270 ng/ml and then declined with a half-life of about 9 hours. These data were approximately fitted by Model II assuming a first order rate constant for absorption of procaine of 0.0024 min-1. After intramuscular injection of procaine HC1 (10 mg/Kg) plasma levels of procaine peaked rapidly at about 600 ng/ml but thereafter declined slowly (+ 1/2 = 2 hours). A satisfactory pharmaco-kinetic model for this intramuscular data could not be developed. An approximation of these data was obtained by assuming the existence of two intramuscular drug compartments, one containing readily absorbable drug and the other poorly absorbable drug (Model III). After intra-articular administration of procaine (0.33 mg/Kg) plasma levels of this drug reached a peak at about 17 ng/ml and then declined with a half-life of about 2 hours. These data were not modelled.", "PMID": 1000155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8101", "title": "The excretion of ibuprofen by the horse - a preliminary report.", "content": "The anti-inflammatory drug Ibuprofen [(+/-)-2-(p-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid] was estimated in the blood and urine of a horse using gas-liquid chromatography of the silylated derivative. Levels of the drug in the two body fluids were measured over a period of about 24 hours after administering a 12 gm dose of Ibuprofen. Plasma peak levels were observed within 30 to 60 min, and the drug was no longer detectable in the plasma by 8 hr. Urinary peak levels were observed 200 to 300 min after dosing, and the drug was no longer detectable in the urine by about 28 hr. It was observed that only 2% to 6% of the free unchanged drug was excreted in the urine.", "contents": "The excretion of ibuprofen by the horse - a preliminary report. The anti-inflammatory drug Ibuprofen [(+/-)-2-(p-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid] was estimated in the blood and urine of a horse using gas-liquid chromatography of the silylated derivative. Levels of the drug in the two body fluids were measured over a period of about 24 hours after administering a 12 gm dose of Ibuprofen. Plasma peak levels were observed within 30 to 60 min, and the drug was no longer detectable in the plasma by 8 hr. Urinary peak levels were observed 200 to 300 min after dosing, and the drug was no longer detectable in the urine by about 28 hr. It was observed that only 2% to 6% of the free unchanged drug was excreted in the urine.", "PMID": 1000156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8102", "title": "The gas-liquid chromatograph and the electron capture detection in equine drug testing.", "content": "Three gas-liquid chromatographic (G.L.C.) procedures discussed have been designed around the four \"esses\" of detection tests--speed, sensitivity, simplicity, and specificity. These techniques are admirably applicable to the very low plasma drug levels encountered in blood testing under pre-race conditions. The methods are equally applicable to post-race testing procedures, where both blood and urine samples are tested. Drugs can only rarely be detected by the electron capture detector (E.C.D.) without a prior derivatization step, which conveys to the drug(s) high electron affinity. Because of broad applicability, two derivatizing agents, heptafluorobutyric (HFBA) and pentafluorpropionic (PFPA) anhydrides are employed. The three techniques, allowing broad coverage of various drug classes are: 1) direct derivatization of drugs to form strongly electron capturing amides and esters. 2) reductive fragmentation of drugs with lithium aluminum hydride to form alcohols, with conversion to ester derivatives. 3) oxidative fragmentation of drugs with potassium dichromate to form derivatizable groups, followed by direct derivatization.", "contents": "The gas-liquid chromatograph and the electron capture detection in equine drug testing. Three gas-liquid chromatographic (G.L.C.) procedures discussed have been designed around the four \"esses\" of detection tests--speed, sensitivity, simplicity, and specificity. These techniques are admirably applicable to the very low plasma drug levels encountered in blood testing under pre-race conditions. The methods are equally applicable to post-race testing procedures, where both blood and urine samples are tested. Drugs can only rarely be detected by the electron capture detector (E.C.D.) without a prior derivatization step, which conveys to the drug(s) high electron affinity. Because of broad applicability, two derivatizing agents, heptafluorobutyric (HFBA) and pentafluorpropionic (PFPA) anhydrides are employed. The three techniques, allowing broad coverage of various drug classes are: 1) direct derivatization of drugs to form strongly electron capturing amides and esters. 2) reductive fragmentation of drugs with lithium aluminum hydride to form alcohols, with conversion to ester derivatives. 3) oxidative fragmentation of drugs with potassium dichromate to form derivatizable groups, followed by direct derivatization.", "PMID": 1000157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8103", "title": "Report on use of XAD resins in racing chemistry.", "content": "This report comprises a summary of the work done with XAD resin extraction by racing chemists and reported in the Association of Official Racing Chemists publications. It is apparent that the use of XAD resins is becoming more popular in racing laboratories as a technique for routine screening and also for the extraction of certain conjugated drugs. Most laboratories employ variations on the original Brinkmann Drug-Skreen Technique. Comparisons of the efficiency of extraction of drugs from horse urine by XAD-2 resin and by chloroform column extraction indicate that some drugs can be extracted with equal or greater efficiency by the resin technique.", "contents": "Report on use of XAD resins in racing chemistry. This report comprises a summary of the work done with XAD resin extraction by racing chemists and reported in the Association of Official Racing Chemists publications. It is apparent that the use of XAD resins is becoming more popular in racing laboratories as a technique for routine screening and also for the extraction of certain conjugated drugs. Most laboratories employ variations on the original Brinkmann Drug-Skreen Technique. Comparisons of the efficiency of extraction of drugs from horse urine by XAD-2 resin and by chloroform column extraction indicate that some drugs can be extracted with equal or greater efficiency by the resin technique.", "PMID": 1000159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8104", "title": "Research and identification of tranquillizers - use of retention index.", "content": "At the request of the Service des Haras, our laboratory works on the toxicological problems of the sport-horse. These studies have resulted in the setting up of an anti-doping control for equestrian competitions of various types, not only flat racing. During events, horses, must be calm and docile to the riders' order. Frequently, the latter use tranquillizers to try and win events. The analytical method for the research and identification of these compounds is described. The technique involves successively: 1. alkalinisation of the sample - saliva, blood or urine after enzymatic hydrolysis. 2. extraction with diethyl ether - the recovery is 70% to 90% depending upon the drug. 3. determination by gas-liquid chromatography with use of a retention index for qualitative analysis. We can detect up to fifteen tranquillizers in any one sample, even when present at such low concentrations as found in saliva. The use of the retention index is a reliable method for qualitative analysis. For example, the method has been used for three years, during which period the rentention index of acetylpromazine remained at 3240 +/- 7. The chromatographic analysis was performed on 3% OV-17 at 290 degrees. The chromatographic analysis has been performed by three columns of different polarity (OV-1; OV-17; SP-2250). If on the three columns, the retention index of one peak is the same as that of the tranquilizer, a further confirmation is made with the use of a thermionic detector specific for nitrogenous drugs. In conclusion, this method which is sufficiently precise and specific has been used for anti-doping control.", "contents": "Research and identification of tranquillizers - use of retention index. At the request of the Service des Haras, our laboratory works on the toxicological problems of the sport-horse. These studies have resulted in the setting up of an anti-doping control for equestrian competitions of various types, not only flat racing. During events, horses, must be calm and docile to the riders' order. Frequently, the latter use tranquillizers to try and win events. The analytical method for the research and identification of these compounds is described. The technique involves successively: 1. alkalinisation of the sample - saliva, blood or urine after enzymatic hydrolysis. 2. extraction with diethyl ether - the recovery is 70% to 90% depending upon the drug. 3. determination by gas-liquid chromatography with use of a retention index for qualitative analysis. We can detect up to fifteen tranquillizers in any one sample, even when present at such low concentrations as found in saliva. The use of the retention index is a reliable method for qualitative analysis. For example, the method has been used for three years, during which period the rentention index of acetylpromazine remained at 3240 +/- 7. The chromatographic analysis was performed on 3% OV-17 at 290 degrees. The chromatographic analysis has been performed by three columns of different polarity (OV-1; OV-17; SP-2250). If on the three columns, the retention index of one peak is the same as that of the tranquilizer, a further confirmation is made with the use of a thermionic detector specific for nitrogenous drugs. In conclusion, this method which is sufficiently precise and specific has been used for anti-doping control.", "PMID": 1000160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8105", "title": "Racing problems in the U.S.A.", "content": "The major problems of racing in the United States at the present time are caused by too much racing. This has led to too few horses and small fields. Consequently many owners and trainers are trying to enter their horses too frequently and to race them when they are not really fit to run. The desire to race horses as frequently as possible has led to constant pressure from horsemen through their organizations for so called \"permissive medication\". Started in the state of Colorado approximately ten years ago this has grown until finally there are only a few states, notably New York and New Jersey that have resisted the pressure. The drug that gave the opening wedge to permissive medication was phenylbutazone, but this in many states has led to the inclusion of other drugs including analgesics and drugs that veterinarians claim are needed for therapeutic purposes. Some states have endeavoured to control phenylbutazone medication by quantitation and while lower limits cause little difficulty, maximum allowable limits have caused problems and are not practical. While there has been no publicity to my knowledge about frusemide (furosemide, lasix) the abuse of this drug for so called \"bleeders\" is an example that may seriously interfere with drug detection in urine and its use should be confined to proven \"bleeders\" (i.e. horses suffering from epistaxis). Pre-race blood testing began roughly ten years ago at the harness tracks and has been resisted by our flat tracks rather successfully up to the present time. The blood testing methods and those used by the same laboratories in post-race urine testing is inadequate and will not detect many illegal drugs.", "contents": "Racing problems in the U.S.A. The major problems of racing in the United States at the present time are caused by too much racing. This has led to too few horses and small fields. Consequently many owners and trainers are trying to enter their horses too frequently and to race them when they are not really fit to run. The desire to race horses as frequently as possible has led to constant pressure from horsemen through their organizations for so called \"permissive medication\". Started in the state of Colorado approximately ten years ago this has grown until finally there are only a few states, notably New York and New Jersey that have resisted the pressure. The drug that gave the opening wedge to permissive medication was phenylbutazone, but this in many states has led to the inclusion of other drugs including analgesics and drugs that veterinarians claim are needed for therapeutic purposes. Some states have endeavoured to control phenylbutazone medication by quantitation and while lower limits cause little difficulty, maximum allowable limits have caused problems and are not practical. While there has been no publicity to my knowledge about frusemide (furosemide, lasix) the abuse of this drug for so called \"bleeders\" is an example that may seriously interfere with drug detection in urine and its use should be confined to proven \"bleeders\" (i.e. horses suffering from epistaxis). Pre-race blood testing began roughly ten years ago at the harness tracks and has been resisted by our flat tracks rather successfully up to the present time. The blood testing methods and those used by the same laboratories in post-race urine testing is inadequate and will not detect many illegal drugs.", "PMID": 1000162} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8106", "title": "Doping control in Japan. An automated extraction procedure for the doping test.", "content": "Horse racing in Japan consists of two systems, the National (10 racecourses) and the Regional public racing (32 racecourses) having about 2,500 racing meetings in total per year. Urine or saliva samples for dope testing are collected by the officials from thw winner, second and third, and transported to the laboratory in a frozen state. In 1975, 76, 117 samples were analyzed by this laboratory. The laboratory provides the following four methods of analysis, which are variously combined by request. (1) Method for detection of drugs extracted by chloroform from alkalinized sample. (2) Methods for detection of camphor and its derivatives. (3) Method for detection of barbiturates. (4) Method for detection of ethanol. These methods consist of screening, mainly by thin layer chromatography and confirmatory tests using ultra violet spectrophotometry, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry combined with gas chromatography. In the screening test of doping drugs, alkalinized samples are extracted with chloroform. In order to automate the extraction procedure, the authors contrived a new automatic extractor. They also devised a means of pH adjustment of horse urine by using buffer solution and an efficient mechanism of evaporation of organic solvent. Analytical data obtained by the automatic extractor are presented in this paper. In 1972, we started research work to automate the extraction procedure in method (1) above, and the Automatic Extractor has been in use in routine work since last July. One hundred and twnety samples per hour are extracted automatically by three automatic extractors. The analytical data using this apparatus is presented below.", "contents": "Doping control in Japan. An automated extraction procedure for the doping test. Horse racing in Japan consists of two systems, the National (10 racecourses) and the Regional public racing (32 racecourses) having about 2,500 racing meetings in total per year. Urine or saliva samples for dope testing are collected by the officials from thw winner, second and third, and transported to the laboratory in a frozen state. In 1975, 76, 117 samples were analyzed by this laboratory. The laboratory provides the following four methods of analysis, which are variously combined by request. (1) Method for detection of drugs extracted by chloroform from alkalinized sample. (2) Methods for detection of camphor and its derivatives. (3) Method for detection of barbiturates. (4) Method for detection of ethanol. These methods consist of screening, mainly by thin layer chromatography and confirmatory tests using ultra violet spectrophotometry, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry combined with gas chromatography. In the screening test of doping drugs, alkalinized samples are extracted with chloroform. In order to automate the extraction procedure, the authors contrived a new automatic extractor. They also devised a means of pH adjustment of horse urine by using buffer solution and an efficient mechanism of evaporation of organic solvent. Analytical data obtained by the automatic extractor are presented in this paper. In 1972, we started research work to automate the extraction procedure in method (1) above, and the Automatic Extractor has been in use in routine work since last July. One hundred and twnety samples per hour are extracted automatically by three automatic extractors. The analytical data using this apparatus is presented below.", "PMID": 1000163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8107", "title": "The antidoping control in horseraces in Italy.", "content": "The results and the improvement of the analytical procedures adopted for the control of doping in horses will be reported. This control has been systematically carried out in Italy for about 10 years in the laboratories of Italian Federation of Sport and Medicine in which the biological samples for the control of doping in various sport activities (football, cycling, athletics etc.) are also examined. In this way it is possible to use the same instruments for all these similar problems and compare the results. The analytical procedure is based on the following steps: 1) Extraction of the samples (mainly urine but sometimes blood or saliva). 2) Screening tests by thin-layer chromatography. 3) Confirmatory tests by gas chromatography on different columns and also by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. These single steps will be separately discussed, and practical problems encountered will be presented.", "contents": "The antidoping control in horseraces in Italy. The results and the improvement of the analytical procedures adopted for the control of doping in horses will be reported. This control has been systematically carried out in Italy for about 10 years in the laboratories of Italian Federation of Sport and Medicine in which the biological samples for the control of doping in various sport activities (football, cycling, athletics etc.) are also examined. In this way it is possible to use the same instruments for all these similar problems and compare the results. The analytical procedure is based on the following steps: 1) Extraction of the samples (mainly urine but sometimes blood or saliva). 2) Screening tests by thin-layer chromatography. 3) Confirmatory tests by gas chromatography on different columns and also by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. These single steps will be separately discussed, and practical problems encountered will be presented.", "PMID": 1000164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8108", "title": "Less common \"doping\" agents and substances encountered during routine screening for drugs.", "content": "The chromatographic and spectroscopic properties of several unusual substances which have been detected in the \"alkaloidal\" chloroform extract from racehorse urine and saliva samples are reported. Some of these substances have been identified by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the source of the substance is stated where this is known. Other substances whose identity is not known have been detected and their mass spectra show characteristic amine fragments. The occurrence of these unidentified substances is more frequent in aged urine samples and it would therefore appear that they are associated with putrefaction.", "contents": "Less common \"doping\" agents and substances encountered during routine screening for drugs. The chromatographic and spectroscopic properties of several unusual substances which have been detected in the \"alkaloidal\" chloroform extract from racehorse urine and saliva samples are reported. Some of these substances have been identified by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the source of the substance is stated where this is known. Other substances whose identity is not known have been detected and their mass spectra show characteristic amine fragments. The occurrence of these unidentified substances is more frequent in aged urine samples and it would therefore appear that they are associated with putrefaction.", "PMID": 1000165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8109", "title": "Computer tomography of traumatic extracerebral lesions.", "content": "Twenty-one traumatic intracranial extracerebral lesions in 15 patients were examined with the EMI scanner using the 160x160 matrix. The results were compared with operation and angiographic findings. Although angiography seems to be a more reliable diagnostic aid, computer tomography has important advantages as it provides information on the nature and extent of the extracerebral lesion as well as on concomitant brain damage.", "contents": "Computer tomography of traumatic extracerebral lesions. Twenty-one traumatic intracranial extracerebral lesions in 15 patients were examined with the EMI scanner using the 160x160 matrix. The results were compared with operation and angiographic findings. Although angiography seems to be a more reliable diagnostic aid, computer tomography has important advantages as it provides information on the nature and extent of the extracerebral lesion as well as on concomitant brain damage.", "PMID": 1000167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8110", "title": "Myoepithelial activity and the appearances of sialograms: a possible role in the formation of sialectasis.", "content": "In experimental studies on dogs it has been shown that the sialographic filling of the ductal system may be severely restricted if the myoepithelial cells are contracting and it seems likely that myoepithelial activity in man will also influence sialographic appearances. It has also been found that when secretory forces were accompanied by myoepithelial contraction against a sialographic pressure the ersuing damage to striated ducts produced appearances of sialectasis. IT IS WONDERED WHETHER SIMILAR EVENTS MAY SOMETIMES BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SIALECTATIC APPEARANCES IN MAN.", "contents": "Myoepithelial activity and the appearances of sialograms: a possible role in the formation of sialectasis. In experimental studies on dogs it has been shown that the sialographic filling of the ductal system may be severely restricted if the myoepithelial cells are contracting and it seems likely that myoepithelial activity in man will also influence sialographic appearances. It has also been found that when secretory forces were accompanied by myoepithelial contraction against a sialographic pressure the ersuing damage to striated ducts produced appearances of sialectasis. IT IS WONDERED WHETHER SIMILAR EVENTS MAY SOMETIMES BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SIALECTATIC APPEARANCES IN MAN.", "PMID": 1000168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8111", "title": "The r\u00f6ntgenographic findings in the acute neuronopathic form of Niemann-Pick disease.", "content": "The r\u00f6ntgenographic changes are described in two patients with the acute neuronopathic form of Niemann-Pick disease. These consist of metaphyseal splaying, osteoporosis and the quadrate appearance of the lumbar vertebrae with relatively long pedicles. The parenchymatous involvement is manifested by interstitial lung changes, enlargement of liver, spleen and kidney and distended intestinal loops with an abnormal mucosal pattern associated with prolonged transit time of the contrast material. The differential diagnosis of the above changes is discussed.", "contents": "The r\u00f6ntgenographic findings in the acute neuronopathic form of Niemann-Pick disease. The r\u00f6ntgenographic changes are described in two patients with the acute neuronopathic form of Niemann-Pick disease. These consist of metaphyseal splaying, osteoporosis and the quadrate appearance of the lumbar vertebrae with relatively long pedicles. The parenchymatous involvement is manifested by interstitial lung changes, enlargement of liver, spleen and kidney and distended intestinal loops with an abnormal mucosal pattern associated with prolonged transit time of the contrast material. The differential diagnosis of the above changes is discussed.", "PMID": 1000169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8112", "title": "Predictive factors and mechanism of arrhythmias and myocardial ischaemic changes in elderly patients during barium enema.", "content": "The incidence of significant arrhythmias and ST segment changes during barium enema examination (BE) was evaluated by Holter monitoring of 58 unselected patients over the age of 60 years. Forty percent of the group developed new significant arrhythmias of which the most common were frequent and/or multifocal premature ventricular contractions. Seven percent demonstrated ST segment depression. Administration of glucagon did not diminish the incidence of arrhythmias. Predictive factors for ECG abnormalities were advancing age, abnormal pre-BE-ECG, and pre-BE orthostatic hypotension. Analysis of arhythmias and response to phywiologic tension. Analysis of arrhythmias and response to physiologic manoeuvres suggested that the abnormalities were related to increased sympathetic tone which may be intensified by hypovolaemia resulting from routine bowel preparation.", "contents": "Predictive factors and mechanism of arrhythmias and myocardial ischaemic changes in elderly patients during barium enema. The incidence of significant arrhythmias and ST segment changes during barium enema examination (BE) was evaluated by Holter monitoring of 58 unselected patients over the age of 60 years. Forty percent of the group developed new significant arrhythmias of which the most common were frequent and/or multifocal premature ventricular contractions. Seven percent demonstrated ST segment depression. Administration of glucagon did not diminish the incidence of arrhythmias. Predictive factors for ECG abnormalities were advancing age, abnormal pre-BE-ECG, and pre-BE orthostatic hypotension. Analysis of arhythmias and response to phywiologic tension. Analysis of arrhythmias and response to physiologic manoeuvres suggested that the abnormalities were related to increased sympathetic tone which may be intensified by hypovolaemia resulting from routine bowel preparation.", "PMID": 1000170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8113", "title": "Quantitative aspects of pertechnetate concentration in human parotid and submandibular salivary glands..", "content": "Quantitative uptakes of 99Tcm-pertechnetate by the salivary glands have been measured in 36 subjects and normal values established. While uptake over the parotid gland increased with time, parotid uptakes were higher at all time intervals than uptakes over the submandibular glands. The uptake over the submandibulars also increased with time. There was no significant difference between resting uptakes of right and left glands, a significant difference would therefore suggest the presence of pathology. Values over the parotid gland are greater under resting conditions than following stimulation, but no such difference was noted for submandibular glands. However, with stimulated glands it was also shown that there was no significant difference between the right and left parotid, or rignt and left submandibular uptakes. The clinical relevance of these findings is discussed.", "contents": "Quantitative aspects of pertechnetate concentration in human parotid and submandibular salivary glands.. Quantitative uptakes of 99Tcm-pertechnetate by the salivary glands have been measured in 36 subjects and normal values established. While uptake over the parotid gland increased with time, parotid uptakes were higher at all time intervals than uptakes over the submandibular glands. The uptake over the submandibulars also increased with time. There was no significant difference between resting uptakes of right and left glands, a significant difference would therefore suggest the presence of pathology. Values over the parotid gland are greater under resting conditions than following stimulation, but no such difference was noted for submandibular glands. However, with stimulated glands it was also shown that there was no significant difference between the right and left parotid, or rignt and left submandibular uptakes. The clinical relevance of these findings is discussed.", "PMID": 1000171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8114", "title": "Vascular reconstruction in Buerger's disease.", "content": "In 23 of 148 patients with Buerger's disease, it was possible to undertake 27 arterial reconstructive procedures: bypass in 22 and thrombo-endarterectomy in 5. In a follow-up of 10 months to 8 years, the overall patency rate was 26 per cent. The long term patency rate of bypass grafting was good in obstruction of main vessels, but unsatisfactory with multiple occlusions. Bypass grafting was preferred to thromboendarterectomy. To obtain long term patency of revascularaized segments, complete abstinence from tobacco is absolutely essential. The preparatory manoeuvres for antogenous venous graft should be as atraumatic as possible. A functional diagnosis is indispensable when considering operative indications and for follow-up study of patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.", "contents": "Vascular reconstruction in Buerger's disease. In 23 of 148 patients with Buerger's disease, it was possible to undertake 27 arterial reconstructive procedures: bypass in 22 and thrombo-endarterectomy in 5. In a follow-up of 10 months to 8 years, the overall patency rate was 26 per cent. The long term patency rate of bypass grafting was good in obstruction of main vessels, but unsatisfactory with multiple occlusions. Bypass grafting was preferred to thromboendarterectomy. To obtain long term patency of revascularaized segments, complete abstinence from tobacco is absolutely essential. The preparatory manoeuvres for antogenous venous graft should be as atraumatic as possible. A functional diagnosis is indispensable when considering operative indications and for follow-up study of patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.", "PMID": 1000177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8115", "title": "Surgical treatment of kinked internal carotid arteries.", "content": "Carotid artery insufficiency is caused by an abnormal kinked or coiled internal carotid artery in 15-20 per cent of symptomatic patients. Surgical correction should be considered if other causes for the neurological signs are excluded, a pronounced kinked or coiled area is demonstrated and if there is not a severe neurological deficit. As well as eliminating the elongation, surgical correction should include intraluminal inspection of the artery as, in 38-5 per cent of cases, a concomitant arteriosclerotic stenosis requires simultaneous correction.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of kinked internal carotid arteries. Carotid artery insufficiency is caused by an abnormal kinked or coiled internal carotid artery in 15-20 per cent of symptomatic patients. Surgical correction should be considered if other causes for the neurological signs are excluded, a pronounced kinked or coiled area is demonstrated and if there is not a severe neurological deficit. As well as eliminating the elongation, surgical correction should include intraluminal inspection of the artery as, in 38-5 per cent of cases, a concomitant arteriosclerotic stenosis requires simultaneous correction.", "PMID": 1000178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8116", "title": "Structural deterioration in Celestin tubes.", "content": "Two cases are described where, after 2 years, a nylon-latex Celestin tube which was left in situ to bypass a benign stricture underwent structural deterioration and produced complications requiring tube replacement. It is recommended that an alternative endo-oesophageal tube should be considered where a lifespan of this order is contemplated.", "contents": "Structural deterioration in Celestin tubes. Two cases are described where, after 2 years, a nylon-latex Celestin tube which was left in situ to bypass a benign stricture underwent structural deterioration and produced complications requiring tube replacement. It is recommended that an alternative endo-oesophageal tube should be considered where a lifespan of this order is contemplated.", "PMID": 1000179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8117", "title": "A practical reappraisal of the anatomy of the extrahepatic bile ducts and arteries.", "content": "Two hundred and five dissections of the extrahepatic biliary tree have revealed that although the anatomy of this area is remarkably variable there are obly three important vascular and five important ductal anomalies (the former occurring much more frequently than the latter). Each anomaly is, however, easily recognized at operation. A higher incidence of anatomical anomalites was found in patients with gallstones compared with those without and in women than in men, and there was a remarkably low incidence of accessory hepatic ducts overall. The significance and practical implications of these findings are discussed.", "contents": "A practical reappraisal of the anatomy of the extrahepatic bile ducts and arteries. Two hundred and five dissections of the extrahepatic biliary tree have revealed that although the anatomy of this area is remarkably variable there are obly three important vascular and five important ductal anomalies (the former occurring much more frequently than the latter). Each anomaly is, however, easily recognized at operation. A higher incidence of anatomical anomalites was found in patients with gallstones compared with those without and in women than in men, and there was a remarkably low incidence of accessory hepatic ducts overall. The significance and practical implications of these findings are discussed.", "PMID": 1000180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8118", "title": "Gallstone pancreatitis with normal biliary radiology.", "content": "Three patients with relapsing gallstone pancreatitis and normal routine biliary radiology are reported and discussed. It is emphasized that when dealing with recurrent pancreatitis for which no cause is evident, normal conventional biliary radiology (oral cholecystogram and intravenous cholangiogram) should not necessarily be accepted as conclusive. The use of endoscopic cholangiography in such a situation is encouraging.", "contents": "Gallstone pancreatitis with normal biliary radiology. Three patients with relapsing gallstone pancreatitis and normal routine biliary radiology are reported and discussed. It is emphasized that when dealing with recurrent pancreatitis for which no cause is evident, normal conventional biliary radiology (oral cholecystogram and intravenous cholangiogram) should not necessarily be accepted as conclusive. The use of endoscopic cholangiography in such a situation is encouraging.", "PMID": 1000181} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8119", "title": "The immunogenicity of starch glove powder and talc.", "content": "An antigen responsible for cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity to starch glove powder in guinea-pigs was found to be associated with starch grains. Talc was not immunogenic in this system, and did not cross-react in skin tests with starch glove powder. Additives and protein components in the glove powder did not appear to be antigenic.", "contents": "The immunogenicity of starch glove powder and talc. An antigen responsible for cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity to starch glove powder in guinea-pigs was found to be associated with starch grains. Talc was not immunogenic in this system, and did not cross-react in skin tests with starch glove powder. Additives and protein components in the glove powder did not appear to be antigenic.", "PMID": 1000182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8120", "title": "Allergic starch peritonitis in the guinea-pig.", "content": "An experimental starch peritonitis in guinea-pigs previously immunized with starch glove powder and Freund's complete adjuvant is described. After peritoneal challenge by 10 mg starch glove powder, 22 per cent of the animals developed florid omental granulomas resembling those found in some patients with post-operative glove powder peritonitis. It is suggested that delayed hypersensitivity to a component of the glove powder may be responsible for the clinical features of starch peritonitis in man.", "contents": "Allergic starch peritonitis in the guinea-pig. An experimental starch peritonitis in guinea-pigs previously immunized with starch glove powder and Freund's complete adjuvant is described. After peritoneal challenge by 10 mg starch glove powder, 22 per cent of the animals developed florid omental granulomas resembling those found in some patients with post-operative glove powder peritonitis. It is suggested that delayed hypersensitivity to a component of the glove powder may be responsible for the clinical features of starch peritonitis in man.", "PMID": 1000183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8121", "title": "A comparison of polyglycolic acid and catgut sutures in rat colonic anastomoses.", "content": "Standard colonic wounds were closed in 44 rats by either polyglycolic acid or catgut sutures. Seven days later portions of the colonic wounds were measured for tensile strength and examined histologically. There was no difference in the mortality, strength of the anastomosis or the amount of inflammation induced by either of the suture materials used.", "contents": "A comparison of polyglycolic acid and catgut sutures in rat colonic anastomoses. Standard colonic wounds were closed in 44 rats by either polyglycolic acid or catgut sutures. Seven days later portions of the colonic wounds were measured for tensile strength and examined histologically. There was no difference in the mortality, strength of the anastomosis or the amount of inflammation induced by either of the suture materials used.", "PMID": 1000184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8122", "title": "Tension pneumoperitoneum: a report of 4 cases.", "content": "Four cases of tension pneumoperitoneum are described. In 3 patients this condition followed a perforation of a grossly distended caecum. In 2 of these patients there was an associated malignant neoplasm of the pelvic colon with obstruction. The third patient had a pseudo-obstruction of the transverse colon. The fourth patient had a tension penumoperitoneum with associated surgical emphysema in the neck and subcutaneous tissues of the abdomen and chest walls, following perforation of a duodenal ulcer. The aetiology, presentation and management, together with the mechanism of tension pneumoperitoneum, are discussed.", "contents": "Tension pneumoperitoneum: a report of 4 cases. Four cases of tension pneumoperitoneum are described. In 3 patients this condition followed a perforation of a grossly distended caecum. In 2 of these patients there was an associated malignant neoplasm of the pelvic colon with obstruction. The third patient had a pseudo-obstruction of the transverse colon. The fourth patient had a tension penumoperitoneum with associated surgical emphysema in the neck and subcutaneous tissues of the abdomen and chest walls, following perforation of a duodenal ulcer. The aetiology, presentation and management, together with the mechanism of tension pneumoperitoneum, are discussed.", "PMID": 1000185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8123", "title": "Fibrinolytic activator in the endothelium of the veins of the lower limb.", "content": "The local fibrinolytic acitivity of the femoral, popliteal and soleal veins has been studied using a histochemical technique. The results suggest that the fibrinolytic activity in the soleal veins may be low when compared with that in the femoral and popliteal veins. This may be an aetiological factor responsible for the high incidence of thrombi occurring in the soleal veins.", "contents": "Fibrinolytic activator in the endothelium of the veins of the lower limb. The local fibrinolytic acitivity of the femoral, popliteal and soleal veins has been studied using a histochemical technique. The results suggest that the fibrinolytic activity in the soleal veins may be low when compared with that in the femoral and popliteal veins. This may be an aetiological factor responsible for the high incidence of thrombi occurring in the soleal veins.", "PMID": 1000186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8124", "title": "Bilharzial granuloma of the gastro-intestinal tract.", "content": "Thirty-four patients with bilharzial granuloma of the gastro-intestinal tract were analysed. The commonest site was the rectosigmoid, Bilharzial \"appendicitis\" was also common but the exact relation between bilharzial granuloma and acute inflammation remains unclear. Preoperative diagnosis is bilharzial granuloma is occasionally difficult and histological proof is necessary. Surgical treatment with polypectomy in the case of a solitary polyp and excision of the affected segment of bowel when there are multiple polps are recommended. There is no evidence that the condition is premalignant.", "contents": "Bilharzial granuloma of the gastro-intestinal tract. Thirty-four patients with bilharzial granuloma of the gastro-intestinal tract were analysed. The commonest site was the rectosigmoid, Bilharzial \"appendicitis\" was also common but the exact relation between bilharzial granuloma and acute inflammation remains unclear. Preoperative diagnosis is bilharzial granuloma is occasionally difficult and histological proof is necessary. Surgical treatment with polypectomy in the case of a solitary polyp and excision of the affected segment of bowel when there are multiple polps are recommended. There is no evidence that the condition is premalignant.", "PMID": 1000188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8125", "title": "Bilhariziasis and prolapse of the rectum.", "content": "Twenty-six cases with complete prolapse of the rectum were investigated. In 8 of these, bilharziasis of the rectum and colon was found to be the cause of the prolapse. The role of bilharziasis in the pathogenesis of this condition is discussed. The age and sex incidence of bilharzial prolapse differs from that of cases without bilharziasis.", "contents": "Bilhariziasis and prolapse of the rectum. Twenty-six cases with complete prolapse of the rectum were investigated. In 8 of these, bilharziasis of the rectum and colon was found to be the cause of the prolapse. The role of bilharziasis in the pathogenesis of this condition is discussed. The age and sex incidence of bilharzial prolapse differs from that of cases without bilharziasis.", "PMID": 1000189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8126", "title": "Effect of intravenous dextran 70 and pneumatic leg compression on incidence of postoperative pulmonary embolism.", "content": "The incidence of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis was measured in 50 matched pairs of patients undergoing common surgical procedures with preoperative and postoperative ventilation-perfusion lung scans and the fibrinogen uptake test. One patient in each pair was treated with intravenous dextran 70 and pneumatic leggings. The incidence of pulmonary embolism among the treated patients was significantly reduced from 24% to 8%, but the incidence of deep vein thrombosis was not significantly reduced (34% to 24%).", "contents": "Effect of intravenous dextran 70 and pneumatic leg compression on incidence of postoperative pulmonary embolism. The incidence of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis was measured in 50 matched pairs of patients undergoing common surgical procedures with preoperative and postoperative ventilation-perfusion lung scans and the fibrinogen uptake test. One patient in each pair was treated with intravenous dextran 70 and pneumatic leggings. The incidence of pulmonary embolism among the treated patients was significantly reduced from 24% to 8%, but the incidence of deep vein thrombosis was not significantly reduced (34% to 24%).", "PMID": 1000195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8127", "title": "Tobramycin, amikacin, sissomicin, and gentamicin resistant Gram-negative rods.", "content": "Sensitivities to gentamicin, sissomicin, tobramycin, and amikacin were compared in 196 gentamicin-resistant Gram-negative rods and in 212 similar organisms sensitive to gentamicin, mainly isolated from clinical specimens. Amikacin was the aminoglycoside most active against gentamicin-resistant organisms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, klebsiella spp, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp, Providencia spp, and Citrobacter spp being particularly susceptible. Most of the gentamicin-resistant organisms were isolated from the urine of patients undergoing surgery. Gentamicin was the most active antibiotic against gentamicin-sensitive E coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Serratia spp. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Pseudomonas spp were most susceptible to tobramycin.", "contents": "Tobramycin, amikacin, sissomicin, and gentamicin resistant Gram-negative rods. Sensitivities to gentamicin, sissomicin, tobramycin, and amikacin were compared in 196 gentamicin-resistant Gram-negative rods and in 212 similar organisms sensitive to gentamicin, mainly isolated from clinical specimens. Amikacin was the aminoglycoside most active against gentamicin-resistant organisms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, klebsiella spp, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp, Providencia spp, and Citrobacter spp being particularly susceptible. Most of the gentamicin-resistant organisms were isolated from the urine of patients undergoing surgery. Gentamicin was the most active antibiotic against gentamicin-sensitive E coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Serratia spp. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Pseudomonas spp were most susceptible to tobramycin.", "PMID": 1000196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8128", "title": "Pyorrhoea as cause of pyrexia.", "content": "Three patients with fever and malaise, one of whom also had joint pains, were extensively investigated before their condition was attributed to dental sepsis. Each patient recovered fully after appropriate dental treatment. Dental sepsis should be added to the list of possible causes of pyrexia of undetermined origin, and a routine dental examination should be carried out in each case.", "contents": "Pyorrhoea as cause of pyrexia. Three patients with fever and malaise, one of whom also had joint pains, were extensively investigated before their condition was attributed to dental sepsis. Each patient recovered fully after appropriate dental treatment. Dental sepsis should be added to the list of possible causes of pyrexia of undetermined origin, and a routine dental examination should be carried out in each case.", "PMID": 1000197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8129", "title": "Nurses and nursing in primary medical care in England.", "content": "In 1974 we sent questionnaires on attachment and employment of nurses to 9214 general practices in England. There were 7863 replies (85%), of which 551 were excluded from the study. A total of 2654 nurses were directly employed by 24% (1774) of the practices, and 68% (4972) had attached nurses. Practices in health centres were larger and had greater nursing resources than those in other premises. We suggest that practices may employ nurses to compensate for ineffective nursing attachments, and we conclude that general-practice-employed nurses are becoming \"professionalised\".", "contents": "Nurses and nursing in primary medical care in England. In 1974 we sent questionnaires on attachment and employment of nurses to 9214 general practices in England. There were 7863 replies (85%), of which 551 were excluded from the study. A total of 2654 nurses were directly employed by 24% (1774) of the practices, and 68% (4972) had attached nurses. Practices in health centres were larger and had greater nursing resources than those in other premises. We suggest that practices may employ nurses to compensate for ineffective nursing attachments, and we conclude that general-practice-employed nurses are becoming \"professionalised\".", "PMID": 1000204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8130", "title": "Rational sequence of tests for pancreatic function.", "content": "Of 144 patients with suspected pancreatic disease in whom a 75Se-selenomethionine scan was performed, endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) was successful in 108 (75%). The final diagnosis is known in 100 patients and has been compared with scan and ERP findings. A normal scan reliably indicated a normal pancreas, but the scan was falsely abnormal in 30%. ERP distinguished between carcinoma and chronic pancreatitis in 84% of cases but was falsely normal in five patients with pancreatic disease. In extrahepatic biliary disease both tests tended to give falsely abnormal results. A sequence of tests to provide a rapid and reliable assessment of pancreatic function should be a radio-isotope scan, followed by ERP if the results of the scan are abnormal, and a Lundh test if the scan is abnormal but the findings on ERP are normal.", "contents": "Rational sequence of tests for pancreatic function. Of 144 patients with suspected pancreatic disease in whom a 75Se-selenomethionine scan was performed, endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) was successful in 108 (75%). The final diagnosis is known in 100 patients and has been compared with scan and ERP findings. A normal scan reliably indicated a normal pancreas, but the scan was falsely abnormal in 30%. ERP distinguished between carcinoma and chronic pancreatitis in 84% of cases but was falsely normal in five patients with pancreatic disease. In extrahepatic biliary disease both tests tended to give falsely abnormal results. A sequence of tests to provide a rapid and reliable assessment of pancreatic function should be a radio-isotope scan, followed by ERP if the results of the scan are abnormal, and a Lundh test if the scan is abnormal but the findings on ERP are normal.", "PMID": 1000205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8131", "title": "Non-fatal injuries sustained by seatbelt wearers: a comparative study.", "content": "The injuries sustained by 969 drivers and front-seat passengers in road-traffic accidents were studied. Altogether 196 (20-2%) of the drivers and passengers were wearing seat belts and 773 (79-8%) were not. The injuries among the two groups differed greatly in both severity and distribution. A total of 54 (27-6%) of the seatbelt wearers sustained one or more fractures compared with 300 (38-8%) of the non-wearers, and 18 (9-2%) of the seatbelt wearers were severely injured compared with 300 (38-8%) of the non-wearers. Soft-tissue injuries to the face were sustained by only 29 (14-8%) of the seatbelt wearers compared with 425 (55%) of the non-wearers. Since wearing seatbelts may become compulsory, the type and pattern of injuries to be expected in wearers should be appreciated.", "contents": "Non-fatal injuries sustained by seatbelt wearers: a comparative study. The injuries sustained by 969 drivers and front-seat passengers in road-traffic accidents were studied. Altogether 196 (20-2%) of the drivers and passengers were wearing seat belts and 773 (79-8%) were not. The injuries among the two groups differed greatly in both severity and distribution. A total of 54 (27-6%) of the seatbelt wearers sustained one or more fractures compared with 300 (38-8%) of the non-wearers, and 18 (9-2%) of the seatbelt wearers were severely injured compared with 300 (38-8%) of the non-wearers. Soft-tissue injuries to the face were sustained by only 29 (14-8%) of the seatbelt wearers compared with 425 (55%) of the non-wearers. Since wearing seatbelts may become compulsory, the type and pattern of injuries to be expected in wearers should be appreciated.", "PMID": 1000206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8132", "title": "Intensive investigation in management of Hodgkin's disease.", "content": "Ninety-eight patients with clinically localised Hodgkin's disease underwent laparotomy and splenectomy to determine the extent of microscopic spread. In 68 patients the procedure was carried out for untreated disease apparently confined above the diaphragm. Abdominal disease cannot be confidently excluded on the basis of non-invasive investigation at presentation. Clinical assessment of splenic disease was unreliable unless gross splenomegaly was present. Pedal lymphography was accurate in assessing para-aortic and iliac disease but of no value in assessing other intra-abdominal lymph node involvement, including that of the mesenteric lymph node. Trephine bone marrow biopsy findings were normal in all patients before surgery, and only one patient was found to have diseased bone marrow by Stryker-saw biopsy at operation. Liver disease was identified at operation in nine patients, some of whom were asymptomatic with clinically undetectable splenic and nodal disease. Detailed clinical staging failed to detect disease in one-third of patients who underwent laparotomy. These studies show that if radiotherapy is to remain the treatment of choice for disease truly localised to lymph nodes a detailed staging procedure, including laparotomy and splenectomy, remains essential. The value of this potentially curative treatment is considerably diminished in the patient who has been inadequately staged.", "contents": "Intensive investigation in management of Hodgkin's disease. Ninety-eight patients with clinically localised Hodgkin's disease underwent laparotomy and splenectomy to determine the extent of microscopic spread. In 68 patients the procedure was carried out for untreated disease apparently confined above the diaphragm. Abdominal disease cannot be confidently excluded on the basis of non-invasive investigation at presentation. Clinical assessment of splenic disease was unreliable unless gross splenomegaly was present. Pedal lymphography was accurate in assessing para-aortic and iliac disease but of no value in assessing other intra-abdominal lymph node involvement, including that of the mesenteric lymph node. Trephine bone marrow biopsy findings were normal in all patients before surgery, and only one patient was found to have diseased bone marrow by Stryker-saw biopsy at operation. Liver disease was identified at operation in nine patients, some of whom were asymptomatic with clinically undetectable splenic and nodal disease. Detailed clinical staging failed to detect disease in one-third of patients who underwent laparotomy. These studies show that if radiotherapy is to remain the treatment of choice for disease truly localised to lymph nodes a detailed staging procedure, including laparotomy and splenectomy, remains essential. The value of this potentially curative treatment is considerably diminished in the patient who has been inadequately staged.", "PMID": 1000227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8133", "title": "Increased insensible water loss in newborn infants nursed under radiant heaters.", "content": "Urine osmolality was studied in 38 babies nursed in conventional incubators or cots and 18 nursed under an overhead radiant heat shield. Among 50 babies receiving a similar fluid intake in the first 48 hours of life mean urinary osmolality was significantly higher in the radiant heater group. In babies weighing less than 1500 g a trend towards higher urinary osmolalities was recorded in those nursed under radiant heaters even though they had received amost double the fluid intake of the incubator group. Severe hypernatraemia occurred in four of the five babies weighing less than 1000 g who were nursed under radiant heaters but in none of the seven babies of similar birth weight nursed in incubators. These findings are consistent with previous observations of an increase in insensible water loss in babies nursed under radiant heaters and emphasise the importance of providing enough extra water for these infants and the need for close monitoring of their fluid balance. The latter may be done at the bedside by measuring urinary specific gravity with a hand refractometer.", "contents": "Increased insensible water loss in newborn infants nursed under radiant heaters. Urine osmolality was studied in 38 babies nursed in conventional incubators or cots and 18 nursed under an overhead radiant heat shield. Among 50 babies receiving a similar fluid intake in the first 48 hours of life mean urinary osmolality was significantly higher in the radiant heater group. In babies weighing less than 1500 g a trend towards higher urinary osmolalities was recorded in those nursed under radiant heaters even though they had received amost double the fluid intake of the incubator group. Severe hypernatraemia occurred in four of the five babies weighing less than 1000 g who were nursed under radiant heaters but in none of the seven babies of similar birth weight nursed in incubators. These findings are consistent with previous observations of an increase in insensible water loss in babies nursed under radiant heaters and emphasise the importance of providing enough extra water for these infants and the need for close monitoring of their fluid balance. The latter may be done at the bedside by measuring urinary specific gravity with a hand refractometer.", "PMID": 1000228} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8134", "title": "Vitamin D status in different subgroups of British Asians.", "content": "To assess the effect of religious dietary practices and social customs on the vitamin D status of Asian immigrants, we kept records of the dietary intake and time spent out of doors of 81 Ugandan Asian men, women, and girls (9-19 years old). Sera were analysed for 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD3), and 28% of the subjects were found to have levels below the lower limit of normal. The (vegetarian) Hindus had the lowest dietary intakes, least time out of doors, and lowest serum 25-OHD3. The Goan (Roman Catholic) Asians, despite more pigmentation, had 25-OHD3 levels similar to those found among indigenous British people and had the most satisfactory vitamin D intakes. Among Asians, whose exposure to sunlight may be limited, dietary vitamin D becomes the major determinant of serum 25-OHD3.", "contents": "Vitamin D status in different subgroups of British Asians. To assess the effect of religious dietary practices and social customs on the vitamin D status of Asian immigrants, we kept records of the dietary intake and time spent out of doors of 81 Ugandan Asian men, women, and girls (9-19 years old). Sera were analysed for 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD3), and 28% of the subjects were found to have levels below the lower limit of normal. The (vegetarian) Hindus had the lowest dietary intakes, least time out of doors, and lowest serum 25-OHD3. The Goan (Roman Catholic) Asians, despite more pigmentation, had 25-OHD3 levels similar to those found among indigenous British people and had the most satisfactory vitamin D intakes. Among Asians, whose exposure to sunlight may be limited, dietary vitamin D becomes the major determinant of serum 25-OHD3.", "PMID": 1000229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8135", "title": "Changed levels of endogenous sex steroids in women on oral contraceptives.", "content": "Serum and urinary levels of unconjugated testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and oestradiol were measured by specific radioimmunoassays in 10 healthy women in the early follicular phase of their menstrual cycle and in nine healthy women taking oral contraceptives. The contraceptive group had testosterone levels 1-3 times higher and dihydrotestosterone levels two times higher than those in the controls. Serum oestradiol levels in the contraceptive group were much lower than those in the controls and similar to levels in postmenopausal women. The contraceptive group had about twice the urinary excretion of unconjugated (free) testosterone and dihydrotestosterone of the controls, but their excretion of unconjugated oestradiol was 2-7 times lower. The great increase in serum and urinary androgen concentrations, as well as the suppression of oestradiol, may be related to the antiovulatory effect of oral contraceptives.", "contents": "Changed levels of endogenous sex steroids in women on oral contraceptives. Serum and urinary levels of unconjugated testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and oestradiol were measured by specific radioimmunoassays in 10 healthy women in the early follicular phase of their menstrual cycle and in nine healthy women taking oral contraceptives. The contraceptive group had testosterone levels 1-3 times higher and dihydrotestosterone levels two times higher than those in the controls. Serum oestradiol levels in the contraceptive group were much lower than those in the controls and similar to levels in postmenopausal women. The contraceptive group had about twice the urinary excretion of unconjugated (free) testosterone and dihydrotestosterone of the controls, but their excretion of unconjugated oestradiol was 2-7 times lower. The great increase in serum and urinary androgen concentrations, as well as the suppression of oestradiol, may be related to the antiovulatory effect of oral contraceptives.", "PMID": 1000230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8136", "title": "Weak autoantibody reactions to antigens other than sperm after vasectomy.", "content": "Autoantibody activity against various antigens was measured by indirect immunofluorescence in 97 men about to undergo vasectomy and 170 men who had undergone the operation up to six years earlier. There was a significantly higher prevalence of weakly positive autoantibody reactions among those who had undergone vasectomy. There was, however, no evidence that vasectomy could induce stronger autoantibody reactions such as those associated with autoimmune disease.", "contents": "Weak autoantibody reactions to antigens other than sperm after vasectomy. Autoantibody activity against various antigens was measured by indirect immunofluorescence in 97 men about to undergo vasectomy and 170 men who had undergone the operation up to six years earlier. There was a significantly higher prevalence of weakly positive autoantibody reactions among those who had undergone vasectomy. There was, however, no evidence that vasectomy could induce stronger autoantibody reactions such as those associated with autoimmune disease.", "PMID": 1000231} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8137", "title": "Computerised tomography of acute traumatic intracranial haematoma: reliability of neurosurgeons' interpretations.", "content": "Two neurosurgeons concerned with the emergency management of patients with head injury correctly diagnosed the presence or absence of an acute intracranial haematoma in 97 scans that were presented to them without knowledge of the patients' clinical details. There were no false-positives or false-negatives, although identification of the type of haematoma was not always possible. The impact of the EMI scan on patient management demands new approaches to the care of head injuries.", "contents": "Computerised tomography of acute traumatic intracranial haematoma: reliability of neurosurgeons' interpretations. Two neurosurgeons concerned with the emergency management of patients with head injury correctly diagnosed the presence or absence of an acute intracranial haematoma in 97 scans that were presented to them without knowledge of the patients' clinical details. There were no false-positives or false-negatives, although identification of the type of haematoma was not always possible. The impact of the EMI scan on patient management demands new approaches to the care of head injuries.", "PMID": 1000237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8138", "title": "Prednisone in MOPP chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease.", "content": "High remission rates have been produced by MOPP (mustine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) chemotherapy in patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease, but the prednisone component has caused adverse effects in patients who have undergone radiotherapy. The remission rates and length of remission were reviewed in 211 patients with Hodgkin's disease who received chemotherapy either with or without prednisone. In contrast to the findings of a British study, there were no significant differences in remission rates or length of remission between patients who had received prednisone and patients who had not. There were differences between the British prospective study and this retrospective one, but it is difficult to know what accounted for the substantial differences in the findings.", "contents": "Prednisone in MOPP chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease. High remission rates have been produced by MOPP (mustine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) chemotherapy in patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease, but the prednisone component has caused adverse effects in patients who have undergone radiotherapy. The remission rates and length of remission were reviewed in 211 patients with Hodgkin's disease who received chemotherapy either with or without prednisone. In contrast to the findings of a British study, there were no significant differences in remission rates or length of remission between patients who had received prednisone and patients who had not. There were differences between the British prospective study and this retrospective one, but it is difficult to know what accounted for the substantial differences in the findings.", "PMID": 1000259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8139", "title": "Abnormal calcium metabolism in normocalcaemic sarcoidosis.", "content": "In studies of calcium metabolism in 13 unselected patients with untreated sarcoidosis all were normocalcaemic but five had hypercalcuria. All had normal renal function. Calcium absorption was indexed by a double isotope test. 45Ca hyperabsorption occurred in six patients. Ten kinetic studies were carried out with 47Ca and in six bone turnover was increased. 45Ca absorption correlated well with the calculated bone uptake rate of calcium, and with urine calcium excretion. These results suggest that in sarcoidosis abnormalities in calcium metabolism are fairly common although they rarely result in sustained hypercalcaemia.", "contents": "Abnormal calcium metabolism in normocalcaemic sarcoidosis. In studies of calcium metabolism in 13 unselected patients with untreated sarcoidosis all were normocalcaemic but five had hypercalcuria. All had normal renal function. Calcium absorption was indexed by a double isotope test. 45Ca hyperabsorption occurred in six patients. Ten kinetic studies were carried out with 47Ca and in six bone turnover was increased. 45Ca absorption correlated well with the calculated bone uptake rate of calcium, and with urine calcium excretion. These results suggest that in sarcoidosis abnormalities in calcium metabolism are fairly common although they rarely result in sustained hypercalcaemia.", "PMID": 1000260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8140", "title": "Coagulation and fibrinolysis in intact hydatidiform molar pregnancy.", "content": "Tests of coagulation, fibrinolysis, and platelet function were performed in 17 patients with intact molar pregnancies. Women with intact molar pregnancies had higher fibrinogen factor VIII, and fibrinogen degradation products, concentrations and lower prothrombin, factor X, plasminogen, and plasminogen activator concentrations than controls with normal pregnancies. They also had reduced platelet counts and thromboelastographic values, which indicated hypocoagulability. These results suggest that intravascular coagulation occurs in intact hydatidiform molar pregnancies.", "contents": "Coagulation and fibrinolysis in intact hydatidiform molar pregnancy. Tests of coagulation, fibrinolysis, and platelet function were performed in 17 patients with intact molar pregnancies. Women with intact molar pregnancies had higher fibrinogen factor VIII, and fibrinogen degradation products, concentrations and lower prothrombin, factor X, plasminogen, and plasminogen activator concentrations than controls with normal pregnancies. They also had reduced platelet counts and thromboelastographic values, which indicated hypocoagulability. These results suggest that intravascular coagulation occurs in intact hydatidiform molar pregnancies.", "PMID": 1000261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8141", "title": "Regional survey of femoral neck fractures.", "content": "In the South-west Thames Region 2619 patients (2105 women and 514 men) were discharged with a diagnosis of femoral neck fracture in 1974. The equivalent of a 250-bedded hospital was occupied throughout the year. The incidence, average length of stay, and mortality rate rose with increasing age and there were differences in these indices in the five health areas. These results confirm the enormous burden placed on the hospital service by patients with fracture of the femoral neck but suggest that differences in practice in the five areas may contribute to the size of the problem.", "contents": "Regional survey of femoral neck fractures. In the South-west Thames Region 2619 patients (2105 women and 514 men) were discharged with a diagnosis of femoral neck fracture in 1974. The equivalent of a 250-bedded hospital was occupied throughout the year. The incidence, average length of stay, and mortality rate rose with increasing age and there were differences in these indices in the five health areas. These results confirm the enormous burden placed on the hospital service by patients with fracture of the femoral neck but suggest that differences in practice in the five areas may contribute to the size of the problem.", "PMID": 1000265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8142", "title": "Organization of auditory cortical areas in man.", "content": "Average responses to clicks were recorded from the exposed human cortex of 19 adult patients during operation for the treatment of intracranial diseases. Auditory evoked responses were obtained from two areas. Short latency potentials were recorded on the superior surface of the temporal lobe corresponding to the transverse temporal gyri. These responses consisted of two positive waves P1 and P2 separated by a negative wave N1. P1 had a mean latency of 14-7+/-1-5 ms, N1 a mean latency of 19-1+/-2-6 ms and P2 a mean latency of 32-2+/-4-1 ms. Responses to stimulation of the contralateral ear were of higher amplitude than responses to stimulation of the ipsilateral ear. Responses of smaller amplitude and longer latency were obtained from the superior temporal gyrus and the upper lip of the sylvian fissure. These responses had a mean peak latency for P1 of 40-2+/-2-6 ms, for N1 of 62-5+/-12-5 ms and for P2 of 97-7+/-17-2 ms. It is concluded that the cortical auditory region of man may be subdivided in two major areas: an area on the supratemporal plane representing the primary auditory area or A1 and a region surrounding A1 which perhaps comprises two areas, one on the superior temporal gyrus and one on the upper bank of the sylvian fissure including frontal and parietal operculi.", "contents": "Organization of auditory cortical areas in man. Average responses to clicks were recorded from the exposed human cortex of 19 adult patients during operation for the treatment of intracranial diseases. Auditory evoked responses were obtained from two areas. Short latency potentials were recorded on the superior surface of the temporal lobe corresponding to the transverse temporal gyri. These responses consisted of two positive waves P1 and P2 separated by a negative wave N1. P1 had a mean latency of 14-7+/-1-5 ms, N1 a mean latency of 19-1+/-2-6 ms and P2 a mean latency of 32-2+/-4-1 ms. Responses to stimulation of the contralateral ear were of higher amplitude than responses to stimulation of the ipsilateral ear. Responses of smaller amplitude and longer latency were obtained from the superior temporal gyrus and the upper lip of the sylvian fissure. These responses had a mean peak latency for P1 of 40-2+/-2-6 ms, for N1 of 62-5+/-12-5 ms and for P2 of 97-7+/-17-2 ms. It is concluded that the cortical auditory region of man may be subdivided in two major areas: an area on the supratemporal plane representing the primary auditory area or A1 and a region surrounding A1 which perhaps comprises two areas, one on the superior temporal gyrus and one on the upper bank of the sylvian fissure including frontal and parietal operculi.", "PMID": 1000279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8143", "title": "A case of mixed transcortical aphasia with intact naming.", "content": "Altholgh Lichtheim recognized that Wernicke's 'reflex arch' (primary auditory area, to Wernicke's area, to Broca's area, to primary motor area) was important for repetition, he recognized that other areas of the brain (for example, area of concepts or semantic area) must be important in comprehension and voluntary speech. He suggested that Wernicke's area (phonemic area) not only projected to Broca's area (as Wernicke suggested) but that it also projected to the area of concepts. A lesion of this latter pathway or in the area of concepts would produce a syndrome where repetition was intact but comprehension was impaired (e.g. transcortical sensory aphasia). Lichtheim also thought that the area of concepts projected directly to Broca's area and that voluntary speech was mediated by this pathway. Although Lichtheim's model could explain the mechanism underlying transcortical aphasia, his schema could not explain anomic aphasia. Unlike Lichtheim's schema, Kussmaul's schema suggested that the area of concepts projects back to Wernicke's area before projecting to Broca's area. With this schema, a patient with a hypothetical lesion which interrupted the pathway from the area of concepts to Wernicke's area (but did not interrupt the pathway from Wernicke's area to the area of concepts) should be anomic, with normal comprehension and repetition. In order for this latter schema to be plausible there should also be a lesion which interrupts the pathway from Wernicke's area to the area of concepts but does not interrupt the pathway which goes from the area of concepts to Wernicke's area. A patient with this hypothetical lesion should comprehend poorly; however, in spite of poor comprehension, naming and repetition should be intact. We report a patient who demonstrates poor comprehension with intact naming and repetition. This patient could also read aloud but could not comprehend written language. Not only could this patient name objects but he could demonstrate their use. These observations suggest that comprehension of written language is mediated by a different pathway than the recognition of visually presented objects.", "contents": "A case of mixed transcortical aphasia with intact naming. Altholgh Lichtheim recognized that Wernicke's 'reflex arch' (primary auditory area, to Wernicke's area, to Broca's area, to primary motor area) was important for repetition, he recognized that other areas of the brain (for example, area of concepts or semantic area) must be important in comprehension and voluntary speech. He suggested that Wernicke's area (phonemic area) not only projected to Broca's area (as Wernicke suggested) but that it also projected to the area of concepts. A lesion of this latter pathway or in the area of concepts would produce a syndrome where repetition was intact but comprehension was impaired (e.g. transcortical sensory aphasia). Lichtheim also thought that the area of concepts projected directly to Broca's area and that voluntary speech was mediated by this pathway. Although Lichtheim's model could explain the mechanism underlying transcortical aphasia, his schema could not explain anomic aphasia. Unlike Lichtheim's schema, Kussmaul's schema suggested that the area of concepts projects back to Wernicke's area before projecting to Broca's area. With this schema, a patient with a hypothetical lesion which interrupted the pathway from the area of concepts to Wernicke's area (but did not interrupt the pathway from Wernicke's area to the area of concepts) should be anomic, with normal comprehension and repetition. In order for this latter schema to be plausible there should also be a lesion which interrupts the pathway from Wernicke's area to the area of concepts but does not interrupt the pathway which goes from the area of concepts to Wernicke's area. A patient with this hypothetical lesion should comprehend poorly; however, in spite of poor comprehension, naming and repetition should be intact. We report a patient who demonstrates poor comprehension with intact naming and repetition. This patient could also read aloud but could not comprehend written language. Not only could this patient name objects but he could demonstrate their use. These observations suggest that comprehension of written language is mediated by a different pathway than the recognition of visually presented objects.", "PMID": 1000280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8144", "title": "The involvement of noradrenaline in motor activity as shown by rotational behaviour after unilateral lesions of the locus coeruleus.", "content": "Unilateral electrolytic lesions in the region of the locus coeruleus in rats result in contraversive circling behaviour following the administration of systemic apomorphine or dexamphetamine. In a large group of such animals there was a very good correlation between histological damage to the locus coeruleus and the presence of such rotation. There was a progressive increase in the percentage of rats showing this drug-induced behaviour as ipsilateral cerebral cortical noradrenaline content decreased. Unilateral injections of 6-OHDA produce more selective damage to the noradrenergic locus coeruleus and result in a similar, although less marked, apomorphine- and dexamphetamine-induced rotation. Unlike the rats with electrolytic lesions of the locus coeruleus, those with 6-OHDA injections did not show an increase in ipsilateral striatal dopamine content. It seems likely that the motor asymmetry seen with lesions which involve the locus coeruleus is due to damage to its noradrenergic cells. A possible explanation of the differences between electrolytic and 6-OHDA induced lesion is that the 6-OHDA produces damage to the ventral noradrenergic bundle as well as the locus coeruleus and results in an increase in ipsilateral cerebral cortical 5-hydroxytryptamine.", "contents": "The involvement of noradrenaline in motor activity as shown by rotational behaviour after unilateral lesions of the locus coeruleus. Unilateral electrolytic lesions in the region of the locus coeruleus in rats result in contraversive circling behaviour following the administration of systemic apomorphine or dexamphetamine. In a large group of such animals there was a very good correlation between histological damage to the locus coeruleus and the presence of such rotation. There was a progressive increase in the percentage of rats showing this drug-induced behaviour as ipsilateral cerebral cortical noradrenaline content decreased. Unilateral injections of 6-OHDA produce more selective damage to the noradrenergic locus coeruleus and result in a similar, although less marked, apomorphine- and dexamphetamine-induced rotation. Unlike the rats with electrolytic lesions of the locus coeruleus, those with 6-OHDA injections did not show an increase in ipsilateral striatal dopamine content. It seems likely that the motor asymmetry seen with lesions which involve the locus coeruleus is due to damage to its noradrenergic cells. A possible explanation of the differences between electrolytic and 6-OHDA induced lesion is that the 6-OHDA produces damage to the ventral noradrenergic bundle as well as the locus coeruleus and results in an increase in ipsilateral cerebral cortical 5-hydroxytryptamine.", "PMID": 1000281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8145", "title": "Automatisms during frontal lobe epileptic seizures.", "content": "Three new cases of automatisms occurring during frontal lobe epileptic seizures are reported. If these cases are added to those already published and adequately described in the literature, a total of 12 cases is obtained. An attempt is made to elucidate the clinical characteristics of automatisms encountered during frontal lobe seizures. This kind of automatism would seem to be clinically distinguishable from other types.", "contents": "Automatisms during frontal lobe epileptic seizures. Three new cases of automatisms occurring during frontal lobe epileptic seizures are reported. If these cases are added to those already published and adequately described in the literature, a total of 12 cases is obtained. An attempt is made to elucidate the clinical characteristics of automatisms encountered during frontal lobe seizures. This kind of automatism would seem to be clinically distinguishable from other types.", "PMID": 1000282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8146", "title": "Disorders in cerebellar ocular motor control. I. Saccadic overshoot dysmetria. An oculographic, control system and clinico-anatomical analysis.", "content": "Photoelectric eye movement recording in 9 patients with cerebellar disorders defined three features of saccadic overshoot dysmetria: (i) saccades were hypermetric and successively diminished in amplitude; (ii) saccadic initiation interval averaged 173 ms: and (iii) eye position was constant during the intersaccadic period. These characteristics indicated that the visually evoked saccades subserving foveation had increased gain, and were modelled by computer simulations using a sampled-data control model with increased feed-forward gain. Eight patients with saccadic overshoot dysmetria had cerebellar neoplasms, vermis-splitting surgical procedures and mid-line cerebellar signs. This clinical evidence suggests that vermian dysfunction is responsible for saccadic overshoot dysmetria. Normally, the cerebellar vermis appears to play an adaptive role by continuously adjusting gain of the direct visual motor pathway. When cerebellar disorder exists, adaptive gain modulation is lost, and, if gain then increases, saccadic overshoot dysmetria is a result.", "contents": "Disorders in cerebellar ocular motor control. I. Saccadic overshoot dysmetria. An oculographic, control system and clinico-anatomical analysis. Photoelectric eye movement recording in 9 patients with cerebellar disorders defined three features of saccadic overshoot dysmetria: (i) saccades were hypermetric and successively diminished in amplitude; (ii) saccadic initiation interval averaged 173 ms: and (iii) eye position was constant during the intersaccadic period. These characteristics indicated that the visually evoked saccades subserving foveation had increased gain, and were modelled by computer simulations using a sampled-data control model with increased feed-forward gain. Eight patients with saccadic overshoot dysmetria had cerebellar neoplasms, vermis-splitting surgical procedures and mid-line cerebellar signs. This clinical evidence suggests that vermian dysfunction is responsible for saccadic overshoot dysmetria. Normally, the cerebellar vermis appears to play an adaptive role by continuously adjusting gain of the direct visual motor pathway. When cerebellar disorder exists, adaptive gain modulation is lost, and, if gain then increases, saccadic overshoot dysmetria is a result.", "PMID": 1000283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8147", "title": "Disorders in cerebellar ocular motor control. II. Macrosaccadic oscillation. An oculographic, control system and clinico-anatomical analysis.", "content": "A distinctive cerebellar ocular motor disorder, macrosaccadic oscillation, evolved simultaneously with an acute cerebellar syndrome in 4 patients, 2 with haemorrhagic metastatic melanoma deep in the vermis, a third with a presumed cerebellar haematoma and a fourth with focal demyelinating disease. Ocular oscillations were conjugate, horizontal, symmetrical, occurred in bursts of several seconds duration, had amplitudes of 30 degrees to 50 degrees, and were evoked whenever the patient attempted to shift visual fixation or pursue a moving target. Photo-electric recordings in one patient with tumour defined features of this disorder of saccadic eye movement: (i) oscillation was composed of saccades, (ii) frequency was 2 Hz, (iii) bursts occurred with amplitude first increasing and then decreasing, (iv) intervals between beginnings of saccades averaged 260 ms and (v) eye position did not exhibit systematic drift during the intersaccadic period. These features documented the inreased gain and instability of the visually guided saccadic system. By using increased feed-forward gain in a sampled-data control model we simulated the pattern of macrosaccadic oscillation. We belive that the acute loss of the calibrator function of the cerebellum accounts for the gain abnormality underlying macrosaccadic oscillation.", "contents": "Disorders in cerebellar ocular motor control. II. Macrosaccadic oscillation. An oculographic, control system and clinico-anatomical analysis. A distinctive cerebellar ocular motor disorder, macrosaccadic oscillation, evolved simultaneously with an acute cerebellar syndrome in 4 patients, 2 with haemorrhagic metastatic melanoma deep in the vermis, a third with a presumed cerebellar haematoma and a fourth with focal demyelinating disease. Ocular oscillations were conjugate, horizontal, symmetrical, occurred in bursts of several seconds duration, had amplitudes of 30 degrees to 50 degrees, and were evoked whenever the patient attempted to shift visual fixation or pursue a moving target. Photo-electric recordings in one patient with tumour defined features of this disorder of saccadic eye movement: (i) oscillation was composed of saccades, (ii) frequency was 2 Hz, (iii) bursts occurred with amplitude first increasing and then decreasing, (iv) intervals between beginnings of saccades averaged 260 ms and (v) eye position did not exhibit systematic drift during the intersaccadic period. These features documented the inreased gain and instability of the visually guided saccadic system. By using increased feed-forward gain in a sampled-data control model we simulated the pattern of macrosaccadic oscillation. We belive that the acute loss of the calibrator function of the cerebellum accounts for the gain abnormality underlying macrosaccadic oscillation.", "PMID": 1000284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8148", "title": "Cerebral blood flow and metabolic rate early and late in prolonged epileptic seizures induced in rats by bicuculline.", "content": "Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metablic rate for oxygen (CMRO2) have been studied during sustained epileptic seizures induced by bicuculline (1-2 mg/kg, i.v.) in paralysed Wistar rats, artificially ventilated with nitrous oxide/oxygen. CBF was determined by venous outflow collection, and by 133Xe desaturation, using sagittal sinus blood (for cerebral cortical flow) or retroglenoid venous blood (for 'whole brain' flow). The procedure employed ensured that arterial oxygenation remained normal and blood glucose concentration was normal or high throughout the seizure. Arterial hypotension was prevented by the infusion of donor blood. CBF increased concurrently with seizure onset, reaching a maximum nine times higher than control value after 15-60 s. This was due to a marked rise in mean arterial pressure (to greater than 180 torr) and a dramatic fall in cerebrovascular resistance to less than 15 per cent of control). Subsequently, with decreasing blood pressure, CBF slowly diminished, being more than four times higher than control at 20 min, and slightly less than three times higher than control at two hours. The different procedures for measuring CBF gave closely similar results. A threefold increase relative to control CMRO2 (7-6 ml/100 g-1/min-1 for 'whole brain,' and 10-2 ml/100 g-1/min-1 for cerebral cortex) was measured after 1-20 min of seizure activity (utilizing either the venous outflow or the 133Xe desaturation procedure for CBF determination). After two hours of seizure activity CMR02 was still more than twice as high as the control. This high metabolic rate during sustained seizure activity will increase the susceptibility of the brain to 'ischaemic' damage during prolonged seizures in man in which an additional metabolic stress may be imposed by cerebral hypoxia, arterial hypotension, hyperpyrexia or hypoglycaemia.", "contents": "Cerebral blood flow and metabolic rate early and late in prolonged epileptic seizures induced in rats by bicuculline. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metablic rate for oxygen (CMRO2) have been studied during sustained epileptic seizures induced by bicuculline (1-2 mg/kg, i.v.) in paralysed Wistar rats, artificially ventilated with nitrous oxide/oxygen. CBF was determined by venous outflow collection, and by 133Xe desaturation, using sagittal sinus blood (for cerebral cortical flow) or retroglenoid venous blood (for 'whole brain' flow). The procedure employed ensured that arterial oxygenation remained normal and blood glucose concentration was normal or high throughout the seizure. Arterial hypotension was prevented by the infusion of donor blood. CBF increased concurrently with seizure onset, reaching a maximum nine times higher than control value after 15-60 s. This was due to a marked rise in mean arterial pressure (to greater than 180 torr) and a dramatic fall in cerebrovascular resistance to less than 15 per cent of control). Subsequently, with decreasing blood pressure, CBF slowly diminished, being more than four times higher than control at 20 min, and slightly less than three times higher than control at two hours. The different procedures for measuring CBF gave closely similar results. A threefold increase relative to control CMRO2 (7-6 ml/100 g-1/min-1 for 'whole brain,' and 10-2 ml/100 g-1/min-1 for cerebral cortex) was measured after 1-20 min of seizure activity (utilizing either the venous outflow or the 133Xe desaturation procedure for CBF determination). After two hours of seizure activity CMR02 was still more than twice as high as the control. This high metabolic rate during sustained seizure activity will increase the susceptibility of the brain to 'ischaemic' damage during prolonged seizures in man in which an additional metabolic stress may be imposed by cerebral hypoxia, arterial hypotension, hyperpyrexia or hypoglycaemia.", "PMID": 1000285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8149", "title": "Auditory brain-stem responses in brain death.", "content": "Auditory brain-stem responses were measured by far-field recording techniques in 27 patients fulfilling the criteria of brain death. The responses were either absent or consisted of the presence of just the initial component (Wave I). Wave I, when present, was of normal amplitude but prolonged in latency. Four patients were followed over several days from a state of coma with evidence of preserved brain-stem and cerebral functions to a clinical state compatible with brain death. Auditory brain-stem responses were initially intact and then showed a decrease in amplitude and a prolongation of latency of the later components until finally Wave I was alone. Auditory brain-stem responses are an objective measure of one of the sensory pathways traversing the brain-stem and can be used to evaluate the functional states of the brain-stem in patients in whom the question of brain death has been raised.", "contents": "Auditory brain-stem responses in brain death. Auditory brain-stem responses were measured by far-field recording techniques in 27 patients fulfilling the criteria of brain death. The responses were either absent or consisted of the presence of just the initial component (Wave I). Wave I, when present, was of normal amplitude but prolonged in latency. Four patients were followed over several days from a state of coma with evidence of preserved brain-stem and cerebral functions to a clinical state compatible with brain death. Auditory brain-stem responses were initially intact and then showed a decrease in amplitude and a prolongation of latency of the later components until finally Wave I was alone. Auditory brain-stem responses are an objective measure of one of the sensory pathways traversing the brain-stem and can be used to evaluate the functional states of the brain-stem in patients in whom the question of brain death has been raised.", "PMID": 1000286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8150", "title": "Reciprocal Ia inhibition in spastic hemiplegia of man.", "content": "The results of the present electrophysiological investigation have shed some light on the mechanisms underlying many clinical signs, at least, in patients with capsular hemiplegia. A tentative interpretation of them is given below. Cerebral lesions due to haemorrhage or infarction in the area of the middle cerebral artery interrupt an extensive part of the corticospinal tract and disturb many other descending pathways involved in voluntary performance. In consequence, a marked reduction in the ability to drive the spinal motor apparatus occurs, resulting in weakness of motor power. Here, we refer only to muscle power but not to performance. For example, the disturbance of voluntary contraction by clonus is disregarded (cf. fig. 8). On the other hand, the same lesions also release the spinal reflexes from inhibition by the higher levels of the brain and cause increased excitability in flexors and extensors. In the lower extremity, this is much more makred in extensors and extensor spasticity becomes a dominant sign clinically. Any release effect on the flexor system is largely cancelled by the high activity of the reciprocal Ia inhibitory pathway from extensors and only a fragment of it is occasionally revealed in some patients as an H-reflex in pre-tibial muscles or as weak Ia inhibition of the triceps surae. Reduced driving power of the brain may be compensated by raised excitability in the spinal cord and spastic extensors are thus naturally in a better condition to preserve motor power. Flexor muscles are doubly crippled by reduced descending impulses and strong reciprocal inhibition by the Ia impulses from the spindles of the extensor muscles.", "contents": "Reciprocal Ia inhibition in spastic hemiplegia of man. The results of the present electrophysiological investigation have shed some light on the mechanisms underlying many clinical signs, at least, in patients with capsular hemiplegia. A tentative interpretation of them is given below. Cerebral lesions due to haemorrhage or infarction in the area of the middle cerebral artery interrupt an extensive part of the corticospinal tract and disturb many other descending pathways involved in voluntary performance. In consequence, a marked reduction in the ability to drive the spinal motor apparatus occurs, resulting in weakness of motor power. Here, we refer only to muscle power but not to performance. For example, the disturbance of voluntary contraction by clonus is disregarded (cf. fig. 8). On the other hand, the same lesions also release the spinal reflexes from inhibition by the higher levels of the brain and cause increased excitability in flexors and extensors. In the lower extremity, this is much more makred in extensors and extensor spasticity becomes a dominant sign clinically. Any release effect on the flexor system is largely cancelled by the high activity of the reciprocal Ia inhibitory pathway from extensors and only a fragment of it is occasionally revealed in some patients as an H-reflex in pre-tibial muscles or as weak Ia inhibition of the triceps surae. Reduced driving power of the brain may be compensated by raised excitability in the spinal cord and spastic extensors are thus naturally in a better condition to preserve motor power. Flexor muscles are doubly crippled by reduced descending impulses and strong reciprocal inhibition by the Ia impulses from the spindles of the extensor muscles.", "PMID": 1000287} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8151", "title": "Kinetics of horseradish peroxidase migration through cerebral cortex.", "content": "This study provides a semiquantitative description of the migration of the extracellular space marker, horseradish peroxidase (HRP), through the cerebral cortex. Following a continuous subarachnoid infusion of HRP, this marker was fixed rapidly within the cortical extracellular space (ECS) by intravascular aldehyde perfusion fixation. Microscopic measurements of the maximum depth of penetration of HRP into the cortex perpendicular to the pial surface were taken from coronal whole brain sections of rabbits that had been exposed to HRP for varying periods of time. The depth of penetration plotted as a function of time of exposure to HRP produced a 'diffusion profile'. The failure of experimental points to conform to an ideal diffusion curve indicates that simple diffusion alone is an inadequate explanation of the rate of movement of large molecular solutes from the subarachnoid space through the cerebral cortical ECS. The complex pattern of migration velocity of HRP through cortex may be due to alterations of flux of this solute which result from variations in the volume of ECS in different cortical laminae and to the presence of bulk flow of extracellular fluid in the deeper cortical regions.", "contents": "Kinetics of horseradish peroxidase migration through cerebral cortex. This study provides a semiquantitative description of the migration of the extracellular space marker, horseradish peroxidase (HRP), through the cerebral cortex. Following a continuous subarachnoid infusion of HRP, this marker was fixed rapidly within the cortical extracellular space (ECS) by intravascular aldehyde perfusion fixation. Microscopic measurements of the maximum depth of penetration of HRP into the cortex perpendicular to the pial surface were taken from coronal whole brain sections of rabbits that had been exposed to HRP for varying periods of time. The depth of penetration plotted as a function of time of exposure to HRP produced a 'diffusion profile'. The failure of experimental points to conform to an ideal diffusion curve indicates that simple diffusion alone is an inadequate explanation of the rate of movement of large molecular solutes from the subarachnoid space through the cerebral cortical ECS. The complex pattern of migration velocity of HRP through cortex may be due to alterations of flux of this solute which result from variations in the volume of ECS in different cortical laminae and to the presence of bulk flow of extracellular fluid in the deeper cortical regions.", "PMID": 1000288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8152", "title": "The genetic organization of neuron number in Ammon's horns of house mice.", "content": "This study of the Ammon's horns of 20 inbred strains of house mice had 3 primary objectives. The first was to determine whether there was genetically-associated variability in the number of neurons present within a dorsal and a ventral portion of this brain region. If genetically-associated variability proved to be present, there were two additional objectives which we wished to achieve. One was to determine the degree to which genetically-associated variations in neuron number are confined to specific neuronal regions, or shared between neuronal regions. The other was to identify specific extreme strains for further study. A section cut in a coronal plane was selected for a sampling within a dorsal portion of Ammon's horn, and a section cut in a horizontal plane was selected for a sampling within a ventral portion. Counts were made of neuronal nuclei in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus and in the pyramidal layers of regio inferior and regio superior of the hippocampus. Cross-sectional areas for these somal laminae were also measured and planimetric neuron densities were obtained by computing the ratios of nuclei counted to the areas of the appropriate somal laminae. Genetically-associated variability in counts of neuronal nuclei was observed for all neuronal regions within both the dorsal and the ventral sampled portions. Genetically-associated variability in planimetric neuron density was clearly present within the dorsal portion. The obtained counts of neuronal nuclei were adjusted statistically for variations in planimetric neuron density to provide the best indices of variation in neuron number presently available. Results for these adjusted neuron counts were as follows. First, there was an indication of substantial genetically-associated variability in neuron number. With the single exception of one neuronal region (dorsal regio superior), adjusted neuron counts exhibited significant genetically-associated variability for all neuronal regions within both portions sampled. Second, there was evidence for both separate and shared genetic determination of neuron number between neuronal regions. Strains were not uniformly high, intermediate, or low in their adjusted neuron counts. Instead, a complex patterning of high and low genetically-associated correlations was observed between neuronal regions and sampled portions. Third, extreme strains for each neuronal region were identified for the sampled dorsal and ventral portions. Differences between the neuron numbers of interconnected neuronal regions imply variations in connectivity. Such variations could provide a morphological basis for 'tuning' associated adaptive characteristics of populations of house mice to enhance the likelihood of their survival in environments with varying ecological requirements.", "contents": "The genetic organization of neuron number in Ammon's horns of house mice. This study of the Ammon's horns of 20 inbred strains of house mice had 3 primary objectives. The first was to determine whether there was genetically-associated variability in the number of neurons present within a dorsal and a ventral portion of this brain region. If genetically-associated variability proved to be present, there were two additional objectives which we wished to achieve. One was to determine the degree to which genetically-associated variations in neuron number are confined to specific neuronal regions, or shared between neuronal regions. The other was to identify specific extreme strains for further study. A section cut in a coronal plane was selected for a sampling within a dorsal portion of Ammon's horn, and a section cut in a horizontal plane was selected for a sampling within a ventral portion. Counts were made of neuronal nuclei in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus and in the pyramidal layers of regio inferior and regio superior of the hippocampus. Cross-sectional areas for these somal laminae were also measured and planimetric neuron densities were obtained by computing the ratios of nuclei counted to the areas of the appropriate somal laminae. Genetically-associated variability in counts of neuronal nuclei was observed for all neuronal regions within both the dorsal and the ventral sampled portions. Genetically-associated variability in planimetric neuron density was clearly present within the dorsal portion. The obtained counts of neuronal nuclei were adjusted statistically for variations in planimetric neuron density to provide the best indices of variation in neuron number presently available. Results for these adjusted neuron counts were as follows. First, there was an indication of substantial genetically-associated variability in neuron number. With the single exception of one neuronal region (dorsal regio superior), adjusted neuron counts exhibited significant genetically-associated variability for all neuronal regions within both portions sampled. Second, there was evidence for both separate and shared genetic determination of neuron number between neuronal regions. Strains were not uniformly high, intermediate, or low in their adjusted neuron counts. Instead, a complex patterning of high and low genetically-associated correlations was observed between neuronal regions and sampled portions. Third, extreme strains for each neuronal region were identified for the sampled dorsal and ventral portions. Differences between the neuron numbers of interconnected neuronal regions imply variations in connectivity. Such variations could provide a morphological basis for 'tuning' associated adaptive characteristics of populations of house mice to enhance the likelihood of their survival in environments with varying ecological requirements.", "PMID": 1000289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8153", "title": "Generators and topography of hippocampal theta (RSA) in the anaesthetized and freely moving rat.", "content": "Spontaneous and hypothalamically induced hippocampal rhythmical slow activity (RSA or theta) was studied acutely in rats anaesthetized with urethane or immobilized with D-tubocurarine. Systematic tracking of microelectrodes showed two foci of hippocampal RSA, one located in the basal part (stratum oriens) of CAl (mean amplitude 1 mV) and the other located in stratum moleculare of the dorsal blade of the fascia dentata (mean amplitude 2 mV). The hippocampal RSA recorded from the lower blade of the fascia dentata was always smaller than that found in the upper blade (mean amplitude 1 mV). The whole dorsal hippocampal extent within each generator zone was shown to be in synchrony, and the respective generator zones of both hippocampi were synchronous with one another. A null zone in stratum radiation was found interposed between the two generators and a zone of large amplitude fast activity (30-50 Hz) was localized to the hilus of the fascia dentata. Wave form analysis showed that the RSA recorded from the two generators was approximately 180 degrees out of phase. Amplitude and analysis of phase changes of RSA recorded in brain areas outside of the two generator zones suggested that such activity was due to physical spread from the two generators, with the possible exception of a restricted portion of CA3. The existence of the two generators, 180 degrees out of phase, was demonstrated in freely moving rats. Behavioural observations showed that the two generators were related systematically to concurrent motor behaviour. Preliminary observations suggest that, of the two generators, the one located in CAl may be the more variable.", "contents": "Generators and topography of hippocampal theta (RSA) in the anaesthetized and freely moving rat. Spontaneous and hypothalamically induced hippocampal rhythmical slow activity (RSA or theta) was studied acutely in rats anaesthetized with urethane or immobilized with D-tubocurarine. Systematic tracking of microelectrodes showed two foci of hippocampal RSA, one located in the basal part (stratum oriens) of CAl (mean amplitude 1 mV) and the other located in stratum moleculare of the dorsal blade of the fascia dentata (mean amplitude 2 mV). The hippocampal RSA recorded from the lower blade of the fascia dentata was always smaller than that found in the upper blade (mean amplitude 1 mV). The whole dorsal hippocampal extent within each generator zone was shown to be in synchrony, and the respective generator zones of both hippocampi were synchronous with one another. A null zone in stratum radiation was found interposed between the two generators and a zone of large amplitude fast activity (30-50 Hz) was localized to the hilus of the fascia dentata. Wave form analysis showed that the RSA recorded from the two generators was approximately 180 degrees out of phase. Amplitude and analysis of phase changes of RSA recorded in brain areas outside of the two generator zones suggested that such activity was due to physical spread from the two generators, with the possible exception of a restricted portion of CA3. The existence of the two generators, 180 degrees out of phase, was demonstrated in freely moving rats. Behavioural observations showed that the two generators were related systematically to concurrent motor behaviour. Preliminary observations suggest that, of the two generators, the one located in CAl may be the more variable.", "PMID": 1000290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8154", "title": "The effect of 5-bromodeoxyuridine on the postnatal development of the rat cerebellum: a biochemical study.", "content": "The effect of a thymidine analog, 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), on the postnatal development of the cerebellum was studied. Rats were injected with 15 mg per 100 gram body weight of BrdU twice a day for 3 consecutive days from the second day after birth, and were killed at 5, 7, 15, 22 and 35 days of age. One hour prior to killing, the rats were given tritiated thymidine. The cerebellar DNA, RNA, protein and cerebroside, and the incorporation of thymidine were measured. BrdU administration caused a markedly retarded growth of the body and the cerebellum. At 35 days of age, the weights of the body and the cerebellum were 42 and 69% of the controls. Quantitative measurements of cerebellar nucleic acids and isotope uptake correlated well with previous morphological observation, and indicated that the analog caused a transient inhibition of cell formation and possibly destruction of stem cell population of the external granular layer. This inhibitory effect was compensated later by a more rapid DNA deposition and a prolongation of the period of cell proliferation. However, the restitution was incomplete and resulted in a permanent deficit in the final cell number, as reflected by the reduction in the size of the cerebellum of the BrdU-treated rats.", "contents": "The effect of 5-bromodeoxyuridine on the postnatal development of the rat cerebellum: a biochemical study. The effect of a thymidine analog, 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), on the postnatal development of the cerebellum was studied. Rats were injected with 15 mg per 100 gram body weight of BrdU twice a day for 3 consecutive days from the second day after birth, and were killed at 5, 7, 15, 22 and 35 days of age. One hour prior to killing, the rats were given tritiated thymidine. The cerebellar DNA, RNA, protein and cerebroside, and the incorporation of thymidine were measured. BrdU administration caused a markedly retarded growth of the body and the cerebellum. At 35 days of age, the weights of the body and the cerebellum were 42 and 69% of the controls. Quantitative measurements of cerebellar nucleic acids and isotope uptake correlated well with previous morphological observation, and indicated that the analog caused a transient inhibition of cell formation and possibly destruction of stem cell population of the external granular layer. This inhibitory effect was compensated later by a more rapid DNA deposition and a prolongation of the period of cell proliferation. However, the restitution was incomplete and resulted in a permanent deficit in the final cell number, as reflected by the reduction in the size of the cerebellum of the BrdU-treated rats.", "PMID": 1000291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8155", "title": "Clinical repercussion of the various states of extrinsic pulmonary granulomatoses on the bronchial tree.", "content": "The AA. evaluated the importance of the bronchial participation in 175 patients with histologically confirmed pulmonary granulomatoses. Many had symptoms specifically due to bronchial changes. In some of the patients, bronchial symptoms appeared late in the natural development of the disease, while in others they filled the clinical picture from the beginning. The AA. discuss the possible influence of other aggressors of the bronchial mucosa, e.g. tobacco, and conclude that, in a fair number of cases, it was not possible to attribute the pathology to them. In a patient with a history suggestive of pathology due to inhaled foreign particles, even when bronchial symptoms predominate, an extrinsic pulmonary granulomatosis must be considered for diagnosis.", "contents": "Clinical repercussion of the various states of extrinsic pulmonary granulomatoses on the bronchial tree. The AA. evaluated the importance of the bronchial participation in 175 patients with histologically confirmed pulmonary granulomatoses. Many had symptoms specifically due to bronchial changes. In some of the patients, bronchial symptoms appeared late in the natural development of the disease, while in others they filled the clinical picture from the beginning. The AA. discuss the possible influence of other aggressors of the bronchial mucosa, e.g. tobacco, and conclude that, in a fair number of cases, it was not possible to attribute the pathology to them. In a patient with a history suggestive of pathology due to inhaled foreign particles, even when bronchial symptoms predominate, an extrinsic pulmonary granulomatosis must be considered for diagnosis.", "PMID": 1000316} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8156", "title": "The role of bronchoscopy in the study of extrinsic pulmonary granulomatoses.", "content": "As the bronchial mucous membrane is one of the chief barriers against aggression to the respiratory tract by inhaled particles, the AA. reviewed 68 patients with pulmonary granulomatoses studied at the Department of Chest Diseases, Lisbon University Hospital, that had been submitted to bronchoscopy. Only about 22% of these had normal appearing mucosa, while the rest, among other aspects, showed congestion and edema. Bronchial biopsies were taken in the majority of patients (44). Only in two cases was the mucosa considered histologically normal while granulomas were found in 36% and generally it was possible to identify the nature of the foreign particles inhaled. Analysing the results, the AA. conclude that organic particles seem to produce granulomatous reactions more frequently, while inorganic particles seem rather to produce a marked irritating effect. The frequency with which bronchial changes were found in these patients seems to warrant the conclusions that bronchoscopy plays an important role in the study of patients with extrinsic pulmonary granulomatoses.", "contents": "The role of bronchoscopy in the study of extrinsic pulmonary granulomatoses. As the bronchial mucous membrane is one of the chief barriers against aggression to the respiratory tract by inhaled particles, the AA. reviewed 68 patients with pulmonary granulomatoses studied at the Department of Chest Diseases, Lisbon University Hospital, that had been submitted to bronchoscopy. Only about 22% of these had normal appearing mucosa, while the rest, among other aspects, showed congestion and edema. Bronchial biopsies were taken in the majority of patients (44). Only in two cases was the mucosa considered histologically normal while granulomas were found in 36% and generally it was possible to identify the nature of the foreign particles inhaled. Analysing the results, the AA. conclude that organic particles seem to produce granulomatous reactions more frequently, while inorganic particles seem rather to produce a marked irritating effect. The frequency with which bronchial changes were found in these patients seems to warrant the conclusions that bronchoscopy plays an important role in the study of patients with extrinsic pulmonary granulomatoses.", "PMID": 1000317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8157", "title": "Effects of dietary dilution with fibre on the food intake and gut dimensions of Japanese quail.", "content": "Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were fed on either a conventional diet (low-fibre) or the same diet diluted with 200 g oak sawdust/kg (high-fibre). The lengths of the colo-rectum, small intestine, two caeca combined and empty gizzard weight were measured at 10 and 20 weeks of age. Food intake and rate of passage were measured and an approximate measure of digestibility was also made. 2. There were separate effects of dietary fibre, sex and age on gut size. It was larger in birds fed on high-fibre diet, in females and in older birds. 3. Increased dietary fibre caused increased food intake, but had no obvious effect on the rate of passage. 4. When quail were fed on the low-fibre diet or the same diet diluted with 200 or 400 g cellulose powder/kg gut size at 20 weeks of age was greatest when the most fibrous diet was fed and decreased concomitantly with dietary fibre concentration. 5. It appeared that differences in gut size between dietary treatments were more a reflection of variations in food intake than of fibre per se, and that the effects of sex and age on gut size were probably similarly explained.", "contents": "Effects of dietary dilution with fibre on the food intake and gut dimensions of Japanese quail. Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were fed on either a conventional diet (low-fibre) or the same diet diluted with 200 g oak sawdust/kg (high-fibre). The lengths of the colo-rectum, small intestine, two caeca combined and empty gizzard weight were measured at 10 and 20 weeks of age. Food intake and rate of passage were measured and an approximate measure of digestibility was also made. 2. There were separate effects of dietary fibre, sex and age on gut size. It was larger in birds fed on high-fibre diet, in females and in older birds. 3. Increased dietary fibre caused increased food intake, but had no obvious effect on the rate of passage. 4. When quail were fed on the low-fibre diet or the same diet diluted with 200 or 400 g cellulose powder/kg gut size at 20 weeks of age was greatest when the most fibrous diet was fed and decreased concomitantly with dietary fibre concentration. 5. It appeared that differences in gut size between dietary treatments were more a reflection of variations in food intake than of fibre per se, and that the effects of sex and age on gut size were probably similarly explained.", "PMID": 1000323} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8158", "title": "Changes in food intake and gut size in Japanese quail in response to manipulation of dietary fibre content.", "content": "Adult Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) which had been fed, since hatching, on either a conventional diet (low-fibre) or on the same diet diluted with 200 g oak sawdust/kg (high-fibre) took 8 to 10 d to adjust their food intake when their diets were interchanged. 2. Those fed on high-fibre weighed less than those fed on low-fibre diet, and body weight changed rapidly when the diets were interchanged. All the birds digested about the same weight of nutrients in a day, irrespective of diet, and this suggests that body weight differences were due mainly to differences in energy utilisation, birds fed on high-fibre diet having to expend more energy on feeding than those fed on low-fibre diet. 3. Gut size was greater in birds fed on high-fibre diet, presumably to accommodate the greater bulk of food eaten, and when the diets were interchanged the gut dimension of both groups changed at similar rates, reaching the appropriate sizes for the respective diets in 3 to 4 weeks.", "contents": "Changes in food intake and gut size in Japanese quail in response to manipulation of dietary fibre content. Adult Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) which had been fed, since hatching, on either a conventional diet (low-fibre) or on the same diet diluted with 200 g oak sawdust/kg (high-fibre) took 8 to 10 d to adjust their food intake when their diets were interchanged. 2. Those fed on high-fibre weighed less than those fed on low-fibre diet, and body weight changed rapidly when the diets were interchanged. All the birds digested about the same weight of nutrients in a day, irrespective of diet, and this suggests that body weight differences were due mainly to differences in energy utilisation, birds fed on high-fibre diet having to expend more energy on feeding than those fed on low-fibre diet. 3. Gut size was greater in birds fed on high-fibre diet, presumably to accommodate the greater bulk of food eaten, and when the diets were interchanged the gut dimension of both groups changed at similar rates, reaching the appropriate sizes for the respective diets in 3 to 4 weeks.", "PMID": 1000324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8159", "title": "Effect of dietary vitamin A, ascorbic acid and their interaction on turkey bone mineralisation.", "content": "At early ages, added dietary ascorbic acid did not affect growth or femur mineralisation of poults. In poults after 8 and 12 weeks, femur mass was reduced by 3000 mg ascorbic acid per kg diet. 2. Plasma calcium and magnesium were not influenced differently by 1000, 4000 and 16,000 IU vitamin A/kg diet, but plasma phosphorus was decreased by the 16,000 level. 3. Vitamin A at 1000 or 16,000 IU/kg diet reduced growth in both sexes to 12 weeks of age compared with the NRC recommended 4000 IU/kg diet. In males, the growth retardation continued to 18 weeks. 4. Vitamin A at 16,000 IU/kg reduced femur development as measured by femur weight to body weight or to femur length ratios.", "contents": "Effect of dietary vitamin A, ascorbic acid and their interaction on turkey bone mineralisation. At early ages, added dietary ascorbic acid did not affect growth or femur mineralisation of poults. In poults after 8 and 12 weeks, femur mass was reduced by 3000 mg ascorbic acid per kg diet. 2. Plasma calcium and magnesium were not influenced differently by 1000, 4000 and 16,000 IU vitamin A/kg diet, but plasma phosphorus was decreased by the 16,000 level. 3. Vitamin A at 1000 or 16,000 IU/kg diet reduced growth in both sexes to 12 weeks of age compared with the NRC recommended 4000 IU/kg diet. In males, the growth retardation continued to 18 weeks. 4. Vitamin A at 16,000 IU/kg reduced femur development as measured by femur weight to body weight or to femur length ratios.", "PMID": 1000325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8160", "title": "An assessment of the optimal range of dietary sodium for inducing a pause in laying.", "content": "Laying hens were fed on a diet containing 0-9 g sodium/kg until 34 weeks of age, then groups were fed on diets containing 0-2, 0-3,0-4, 0-5, 0-6 or 0-9 g sodium/kg for 16 weeks before that containing 0-9 g sodium/kg was reintroduced for all birds. 2. Egg production and food consumption were depressed by the low-sodium diets in proportion to the dietary sodium content. 3. Birds receiving 0-3 to 0-6 g sodium/kg diet lost weight initially but subsequently gained weight; birds receiving 0-2 sodium/kg diet lost weight continouosly. 4. In birds receiving 0-2 g sodium/kg diet, the reproductive organs were completely regressed, whereas these organs resembled those of point-of-lay pullets in birds fed on 0-3 or 0-4 g sodium/kg. 5. When the control diet was reintroduced, birds which had received the low-sodium diets resumed normal egg production and food consumption and regained body weight. 6. The optimal range of dietary sodium for inducing a pause in egg laying is 0-3 to 0-4 g/kg.", "contents": "An assessment of the optimal range of dietary sodium for inducing a pause in laying. Laying hens were fed on a diet containing 0-9 g sodium/kg until 34 weeks of age, then groups were fed on diets containing 0-2, 0-3,0-4, 0-5, 0-6 or 0-9 g sodium/kg for 16 weeks before that containing 0-9 g sodium/kg was reintroduced for all birds. 2. Egg production and food consumption were depressed by the low-sodium diets in proportion to the dietary sodium content. 3. Birds receiving 0-3 to 0-6 g sodium/kg diet lost weight initially but subsequently gained weight; birds receiving 0-2 sodium/kg diet lost weight continouosly. 4. In birds receiving 0-2 g sodium/kg diet, the reproductive organs were completely regressed, whereas these organs resembled those of point-of-lay pullets in birds fed on 0-3 or 0-4 g sodium/kg. 5. When the control diet was reintroduced, birds which had received the low-sodium diets resumed normal egg production and food consumption and regained body weight. 6. The optimal range of dietary sodium for inducing a pause in egg laying is 0-3 to 0-4 g/kg.", "PMID": 1000326} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8161", "title": "Aspects of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, dietary biotin and fatty liver and kidney syndrome in broilers.", "content": "Two experiments were performed to investigate the biochemical changes associated with FLKS. A diet reported to induce FLKS was fed with or without supplementary biotin to broilers. In experiment 1 various stresses were applied to the birds. 2. In experiment 1 mortality from FLKS was 6% and in experiment 2 nil. Stress had little effect on the induction of the syndrome. 3. There were no significant differences due to diet in any of the variables examined in apparently normal birds. 4. Birds affected by FLKS showed the typical changes of increased liver and kidney weights and lipid contents but hepatic enzyme activities did not differ significantly from those of normal birds except that malate dehydrogenase (decarboxylating) (NADP) activity was significantly decreased. 5. Despite the low content of biotin in the unsupplemented diet (57 mug/kg) liver biotin content was not low in birds fed on this diet. 6. The results suggest that the incidence of FLKS is not related solely to dietary biotin content.", "contents": "Aspects of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, dietary biotin and fatty liver and kidney syndrome in broilers. Two experiments were performed to investigate the biochemical changes associated with FLKS. A diet reported to induce FLKS was fed with or without supplementary biotin to broilers. In experiment 1 various stresses were applied to the birds. 2. In experiment 1 mortality from FLKS was 6% and in experiment 2 nil. Stress had little effect on the induction of the syndrome. 3. There were no significant differences due to diet in any of the variables examined in apparently normal birds. 4. Birds affected by FLKS showed the typical changes of increased liver and kidney weights and lipid contents but hepatic enzyme activities did not differ significantly from those of normal birds except that malate dehydrogenase (decarboxylating) (NADP) activity was significantly decreased. 5. Despite the low content of biotin in the unsupplemented diet (57 mug/kg) liver biotin content was not low in birds fed on this diet. 6. The results suggest that the incidence of FLKS is not related solely to dietary biotin content.", "PMID": 1000327} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8162", "title": "The effect of pregnenolone, progesterone, deoxycorticosterone or corticosterone on the time of ovulation and oviposition in the hen.", "content": "Pregnenolone, progesterone, deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone were injected into hens between 16.30 and 17.00 h on the day of oviposition of the last egg of a sequence. 2. Pregnenolone did not affect ovulation, but all of the other steroids induced ovulation prematurely. 3. To induce premature ovulation in 50% of the hens, 82-31 mug+/-0-06 mug, 23-86 mug+/-0-07 mug and 659-26 mug+/-0-05 mug of progesterone, deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone, respectively were required for injection. 4. Differences were observed in the times of oviposition of eggs which ovulated in response to injections of either progesterone or a corticosteroid and it was suggested that the mechanism of action of progesterone and corticosteroids operates through different endocrine pathways.", "contents": "The effect of pregnenolone, progesterone, deoxycorticosterone or corticosterone on the time of ovulation and oviposition in the hen. Pregnenolone, progesterone, deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone were injected into hens between 16.30 and 17.00 h on the day of oviposition of the last egg of a sequence. 2. Pregnenolone did not affect ovulation, but all of the other steroids induced ovulation prematurely. 3. To induce premature ovulation in 50% of the hens, 82-31 mug+/-0-06 mug, 23-86 mug+/-0-07 mug and 659-26 mug+/-0-05 mug of progesterone, deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone, respectively were required for injection. 4. Differences were observed in the times of oviposition of eggs which ovulated in response to injections of either progesterone or a corticosteroid and it was suggested that the mechanism of action of progesterone and corticosteroids operates through different endocrine pathways.", "PMID": 1000328} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8163", "title": "Open lung biopsy as a diagnostic adjuvant in the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases.", "content": "In a survey of the possible means of establishing a diagnosis in diffuse pulmonary diseases, the usefulness of the open lung biopsy technique is discussed in more detail. In the opinion of the writers the open biopsy offers advantages over the other biopsy methods since: 1) a greater number of and more extensive biopsies can be taken; 2) the hazard of complications is slighter; 3) differences in biopsy specimens, for example, from the upper lobe and the lower lobe can be studied; 4) multiple biopsy specimens permit the carrying out of many examinations such as virological examination, bacteriological examination, histochemical examination, electron microscopic examination and immunofluorescence examination. The method under discussion carries no risk. There was no mortality in this series. The hazard of complications is slight and certainly slighter than in other methods; our experience has shown that it is slighter than in other methods of biopsying the lung.", "contents": "Open lung biopsy as a diagnostic adjuvant in the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases. In a survey of the possible means of establishing a diagnosis in diffuse pulmonary diseases, the usefulness of the open lung biopsy technique is discussed in more detail. In the opinion of the writers the open biopsy offers advantages over the other biopsy methods since: 1) a greater number of and more extensive biopsies can be taken; 2) the hazard of complications is slighter; 3) differences in biopsy specimens, for example, from the upper lobe and the lower lobe can be studied; 4) multiple biopsy specimens permit the carrying out of many examinations such as virological examination, bacteriological examination, histochemical examination, electron microscopic examination and immunofluorescence examination. The method under discussion carries no risk. There was no mortality in this series. The hazard of complications is slight and certainly slighter than in other methods; our experience has shown that it is slighter than in other methods of biopsying the lung.", "PMID": 1000321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8164", "title": "Temporal and thermal effects on deformation potentials in bone.", "content": "There were 44 freshly excised adult rat femora subjected to mechanical deformation in a 4-point bending jig while the load/deformation curves and the electrical potentials generated were recorded simultaneously. Serial testing was repeated after storage of specimens up to 30 days at 25 degrees C and -15 degrees, and after heating for 1 h at 70 degrees, 80 degrees, and 85 degrees C. The amplitude of the potential decreased shortly after the femora had been excised until, by 4-7 days, it reached a plateau which was 10-20% of the initial value. In some cases polarity reversal occurred. These changes were not prevented by freezing or drying nor were they accompanied by increased stiffness. It is presumed that they are related to more subtle changes in the mechanical properties of bone or to alterations in the generating or conducting mechanisms. Heating caused a significant increase in potential without a change in the waveform. A corresponding increase in the deformation occurred due to softening of the bone which could, in itself, be responsible for the increased potential without a basic alteration in the transducer mechanism.", "contents": "Temporal and thermal effects on deformation potentials in bone. There were 44 freshly excised adult rat femora subjected to mechanical deformation in a 4-point bending jig while the load/deformation curves and the electrical potentials generated were recorded simultaneously. Serial testing was repeated after storage of specimens up to 30 days at 25 degrees C and -15 degrees, and after heating for 1 h at 70 degrees, 80 degrees, and 85 degrees C. The amplitude of the potential decreased shortly after the femora had been excised until, by 4-7 days, it reached a plateau which was 10-20% of the initial value. In some cases polarity reversal occurred. These changes were not prevented by freezing or drying nor were they accompanied by increased stiffness. It is presumed that they are related to more subtle changes in the mechanical properties of bone or to alterations in the generating or conducting mechanisms. Heating caused a significant increase in potential without a change in the waveform. A corresponding increase in the deformation occurred due to softening of the bone which could, in itself, be responsible for the increased potential without a basic alteration in the transducer mechanism.", "PMID": 1000333} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8165", "title": "The biological activity of synthetic 25,26-dihydroxycholecalciferol and 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in vitamin D-deficient rats.", "content": "The biological activity of synthetic 24,25 and 25,26 diOHD3 was studied in vitamin D-deficient rats. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of small doses of both metabolites (0.125-0.250 mug) upon intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization. Both metabolites were able to increase calcium absorption in rats maintained on a calcium-deficient diet, but failed to do it in rats on a normal calcium diet. Bilateral nephrectomy suppressed this effect. The \"bone calcium mobilization\" of both derivatives was measured in vitamin D and calcium- or phosphorus-deprived rats after one intravenous dose. When serum calcium was initially low, 24,25 and 25,26 diOHD3 increased serum calcium moderately, but the increment was only significant with 24,25 diOHD3. When serum calcium was normal before the injection, both metabolites decreased serum calcium significantly, and the decrease was greater with 24,25 diOHD3. Intraperitoneal administration of the metabolites for 5 consecutive days produced a significant increase of calcium in serum and bone ash.", "contents": "The biological activity of synthetic 25,26-dihydroxycholecalciferol and 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in vitamin D-deficient rats. The biological activity of synthetic 24,25 and 25,26 diOHD3 was studied in vitamin D-deficient rats. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of small doses of both metabolites (0.125-0.250 mug) upon intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization. Both metabolites were able to increase calcium absorption in rats maintained on a calcium-deficient diet, but failed to do it in rats on a normal calcium diet. Bilateral nephrectomy suppressed this effect. The \"bone calcium mobilization\" of both derivatives was measured in vitamin D and calcium- or phosphorus-deprived rats after one intravenous dose. When serum calcium was initially low, 24,25 and 25,26 diOHD3 increased serum calcium moderately, but the increment was only significant with 24,25 diOHD3. When serum calcium was normal before the injection, both metabolites decreased serum calcium significantly, and the decrease was greater with 24,25 diOHD3. Intraperitoneal administration of the metabolites for 5 consecutive days produced a significant increase of calcium in serum and bone ash.", "PMID": 1000334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8166", "title": "Electron probe microanalysis of secondary carious lesions adjacent to silicate fillings.", "content": "Secondary caries associated with silicate fillings is characterized by lesions at the tooth surface and lesions of the cavity wall. The mineral content of the cavity wall lesions and the penetration of elements originating from the silicate fillings were studied in experimental in vitro and in vivo lesions as well as in natural carious lesions. Dentine wall lesions, where microradiographs had shown increased radiopacity relative to intact tissue, exhibited increased Ca and P values. Elements derived from the silicate fillings were regularly found in enamel and dentine. The concentrations of fluorine (F) and of zinc (Zn) amounted to 2-3% by weight close to the cavity wall and decreased gradually to less than 0.1% at depths of 600 mum and 400 mum, respectively, from the cavity. Aluminum (Al) most often occurred in a 20-40 mum-wide zone, showing a maximum concentration of 2-3% near the cavity. Sulfur (S) was often present in the dentinal cavity walls of natural secondary caries, but not in the in vitro specimens. The findings indicate that F released from the silicate filling significantly modifies the progress of a carious lesion in the adjacent enamel and dentine. Through its tendency to form complexes with F, Al may possibly enhance the cariostatic effect of F.", "contents": "Electron probe microanalysis of secondary carious lesions adjacent to silicate fillings. Secondary caries associated with silicate fillings is characterized by lesions at the tooth surface and lesions of the cavity wall. The mineral content of the cavity wall lesions and the penetration of elements originating from the silicate fillings were studied in experimental in vitro and in vivo lesions as well as in natural carious lesions. Dentine wall lesions, where microradiographs had shown increased radiopacity relative to intact tissue, exhibited increased Ca and P values. Elements derived from the silicate fillings were regularly found in enamel and dentine. The concentrations of fluorine (F) and of zinc (Zn) amounted to 2-3% by weight close to the cavity wall and decreased gradually to less than 0.1% at depths of 600 mum and 400 mum, respectively, from the cavity. Aluminum (Al) most often occurred in a 20-40 mum-wide zone, showing a maximum concentration of 2-3% near the cavity. Sulfur (S) was often present in the dentinal cavity walls of natural secondary caries, but not in the in vitro specimens. The findings indicate that F released from the silicate filling significantly modifies the progress of a carious lesion in the adjacent enamel and dentine. Through its tendency to form complexes with F, Al may possibly enhance the cariostatic effect of F.", "PMID": 1000335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8167", "title": "Effect of bicarbonate feeding on immobilization osteoporosis in the rat.", "content": "A time course study of immobilization osteoporosis was carried out in an experimental model in which the hind half of the rat was paralyzed by spinal section between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae. The earliest changes in the femure were a reduction in water content and in bone volume (3 days after operation). A significant reduction in both hydroxyproline and phosphate content was observed 8 days after immobilization. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, citrate, and carbonate were found significantly decreased at 15 days. Bone potassium remained unchanged. The rate of calcium accretion and the size of the exchangeable pools, when expressed per unit of bone mass, were not significantly affected by treatment. Sham-operated rats fed a bicarbonate-enriched diet, showed increased rates of calcium accretion and bone calcium content. The latter was not accompanied by increases in phosphate and carbonate contents. Operated animals fed the same diet showed an increased rate of bone resorption attributed to an assumed higher rate of parathyroid hormone secretion induced by bicarbonate feeding.", "contents": "Effect of bicarbonate feeding on immobilization osteoporosis in the rat. A time course study of immobilization osteoporosis was carried out in an experimental model in which the hind half of the rat was paralyzed by spinal section between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae. The earliest changes in the femure were a reduction in water content and in bone volume (3 days after operation). A significant reduction in both hydroxyproline and phosphate content was observed 8 days after immobilization. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, citrate, and carbonate were found significantly decreased at 15 days. Bone potassium remained unchanged. The rate of calcium accretion and the size of the exchangeable pools, when expressed per unit of bone mass, were not significantly affected by treatment. Sham-operated rats fed a bicarbonate-enriched diet, showed increased rates of calcium accretion and bone calcium content. The latter was not accompanied by increases in phosphate and carbonate contents. Operated animals fed the same diet showed an increased rate of bone resorption attributed to an assumed higher rate of parathyroid hormone secretion induced by bicarbonate feeding.", "PMID": 1000336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8168", "title": "1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol increases bone resorption in thyroparathyroidectomised mice.", "content": "Mice, 1 week old, prelabelled with 45Ca, were either thyroparathyroidectomised or sham-operated; 1 day later half of the mice of each group were injected with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (5 ng/g), and 20 h later all the mice were killed. Bone resorption in explants was then measured by an in vivo/in vitro technique previously published; compared with untreated mice it was found that 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol had increased resorption irrespective of whether the mice had been thyroparathyroidectomised or not. These data suggest that 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol is able to increase bone resorption independently of parathyroid hormone.", "contents": "1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol increases bone resorption in thyroparathyroidectomised mice. Mice, 1 week old, prelabelled with 45Ca, were either thyroparathyroidectomised or sham-operated; 1 day later half of the mice of each group were injected with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (5 ng/g), and 20 h later all the mice were killed. Bone resorption in explants was then measured by an in vivo/in vitro technique previously published; compared with untreated mice it was found that 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol had increased resorption irrespective of whether the mice had been thyroparathyroidectomised or not. These data suggest that 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol is able to increase bone resorption independently of parathyroid hormone.", "PMID": 1000337} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8169", "title": "A morphometric investigation of the duodenal mucosa of normal, vitamin D-deficient, and vitamin D-replete rats.", "content": "Light and electron microscopy were utilized to determine differences in morphology and size in duodenal villi and microvilli from normal, vitamin D-deficient, and vitamin D-replete rats. An increase in villus diameter and surface area was observed in vitamin D-deficient rats. Administration of vitamin D reversed the increase in diameter but the height of villi increased resulting in longer, thinner villi without a significant change in surface area. A decrease in microvillus surface area seen in vitamin D-deficient animals was reversed by the administration of vitamin D.", "contents": "A morphometric investigation of the duodenal mucosa of normal, vitamin D-deficient, and vitamin D-replete rats. Light and electron microscopy were utilized to determine differences in morphology and size in duodenal villi and microvilli from normal, vitamin D-deficient, and vitamin D-replete rats. An increase in villus diameter and surface area was observed in vitamin D-deficient rats. Administration of vitamin D reversed the increase in diameter but the height of villi increased resulting in longer, thinner villi without a significant change in surface area. A decrease in microvillus surface area seen in vitamin D-deficient animals was reversed by the administration of vitamin D.", "PMID": 1000338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8170", "title": "Presence of intracisternal type A particles in normal bone tissue from various mouse strains.", "content": "Intracisternal type A particles were detected by electron microscopy in cells of normal trabecular bone tissue from the mouse strains C57BL, NMRI, C3H, 101, and (C3H X 101)F1. The relatively small numbers of particles observed in all five strains were roughly equivalent. About 10% of the bone cell profiles examined in specimens from each animal contained a single particle. The intracisternal type A particles occurred predominantly in osteoblasts and rarely in osteoprogenitor cells and osteocytes. They were not found in osteoclasts.", "contents": "Presence of intracisternal type A particles in normal bone tissue from various mouse strains. Intracisternal type A particles were detected by electron microscopy in cells of normal trabecular bone tissue from the mouse strains C57BL, NMRI, C3H, 101, and (C3H X 101)F1. The relatively small numbers of particles observed in all five strains were roughly equivalent. About 10% of the bone cell profiles examined in specimens from each animal contained a single particle. The intracisternal type A particles occurred predominantly in osteoblasts and rarely in osteoprogenitor cells and osteocytes. They were not found in osteoclasts.", "PMID": 1000339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8171", "title": "Plasma proteins present in human cortical bone: enrichment of the alpha2HS-glycoprotein.", "content": "The spectrum of plasma proteins present in human cortical bone and permanent dentine has been determined. One plasma glycoprotein, the alpha2HS-glycoprotein, was found to be present at a high concentration in both bone and dentine and was shown to be concentrated in the mineralized tissues with respect to the other plasma proteins by factors of between 30 and 100. In this respect the alpha2HS-glycoprotein is analogous to the G2B-glycoprotein and alpha-glycoprotein of bovine and rabbit b one, respectively. The binding of alpha2HS-glycoprotein and albumin to calcium phosphates generated within serum samples has been studied at different serum:precipitate ratios. In each case all the alpha2HS-glycoprotein was removed from the samples and the alpha2HS-glycoprotein was concentrated with respect to albumin by factors ranging from 370 at the highest serum:precipitate ratio to 25 at the lowest ratio. The plasma alpha2HS-glycoprotein concentrations of patients with Paget's disease of bone were shown to be substantially lower than the normal range, with significant negative correlation between the alpha2HS-glycoprotein concentration and the plasma alkaline phosphatase activity.", "contents": "Plasma proteins present in human cortical bone: enrichment of the alpha2HS-glycoprotein. The spectrum of plasma proteins present in human cortical bone and permanent dentine has been determined. One plasma glycoprotein, the alpha2HS-glycoprotein, was found to be present at a high concentration in both bone and dentine and was shown to be concentrated in the mineralized tissues with respect to the other plasma proteins by factors of between 30 and 100. In this respect the alpha2HS-glycoprotein is analogous to the G2B-glycoprotein and alpha-glycoprotein of bovine and rabbit b one, respectively. The binding of alpha2HS-glycoprotein and albumin to calcium phosphates generated within serum samples has been studied at different serum:precipitate ratios. In each case all the alpha2HS-glycoprotein was removed from the samples and the alpha2HS-glycoprotein was concentrated with respect to albumin by factors ranging from 370 at the highest serum:precipitate ratio to 25 at the lowest ratio. The plasma alpha2HS-glycoprotein concentrations of patients with Paget's disease of bone were shown to be substantially lower than the normal range, with significant negative correlation between the alpha2HS-glycoprotein concentration and the plasma alkaline phosphatase activity.", "PMID": 1000340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8172", "title": "The origin of urinary hydroxylysyl glycosides in Paget's disease of bone and in primary hyperparathyroidism.", "content": "The urinary excretion of glucosyl-galactosyl-hydroxylysine and of galactosyl-hydroxylysine were studied in Paget's disease of bone and in primary hyperparathyroidism. Both metabolites were increased in these diseases. Although glucosyl-galactosyl-hydroxylysine is not abundant in bone collagen, it is possible that a part of it originates from calcified tissue.", "contents": "The origin of urinary hydroxylysyl glycosides in Paget's disease of bone and in primary hyperparathyroidism. The urinary excretion of glucosyl-galactosyl-hydroxylysine and of galactosyl-hydroxylysine were studied in Paget's disease of bone and in primary hyperparathyroidism. Both metabolites were increased in these diseases. Although glucosyl-galactosyl-hydroxylysine is not abundant in bone collagen, it is possible that a part of it originates from calcified tissue.", "PMID": 1000341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8173", "title": "Studies of the calcium accretion rate of bone during immobilization in intact and thyroparathyroidectomized adult rats.", "content": "In order to study the role played by the thyroid and the parathyroid glands in the development of osteoporosis induced by immobilization, 153 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats allocated in two groups were used. The animals of one group were thyroparathyroidectomized; those of the other group were left intact. Each group was then divided into two subgroups; in one the right hind leg of the animals were immobilized by an elastic adhesive bandage. The animals were observed for varying periods of time up to 16 weeks. Studies of bone mass and 45Ca accretion rate of the right and left femur and tibia were performed in all animals. The results indicate that disuse osteoporosis occurs in rats in the virtual absence of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. The bone loss of the immobilized femur and tibia was less pronounced in thyroparathyroidectomized rats compared to intact rats. The uptake of 45Ca in bone treated by immobilization as compared to the non-immobilized bone was found to be increased to the same proportion in thyroparathyroidectomized and in intact rats. The calcium-accretion rate of non-immobilized bone was lower in thyroparathyroidectomized than in intact rats. The observations indicate that in the rat the parathyroid and thyroid hormones influence the rate of bone turnover and thereby the rate of development of disuse osteoporosis.", "contents": "Studies of the calcium accretion rate of bone during immobilization in intact and thyroparathyroidectomized adult rats. In order to study the role played by the thyroid and the parathyroid glands in the development of osteoporosis induced by immobilization, 153 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats allocated in two groups were used. The animals of one group were thyroparathyroidectomized; those of the other group were left intact. Each group was then divided into two subgroups; in one the right hind leg of the animals were immobilized by an elastic adhesive bandage. The animals were observed for varying periods of time up to 16 weeks. Studies of bone mass and 45Ca accretion rate of the right and left femur and tibia were performed in all animals. The results indicate that disuse osteoporosis occurs in rats in the virtual absence of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. The bone loss of the immobilized femur and tibia was less pronounced in thyroparathyroidectomized rats compared to intact rats. The uptake of 45Ca in bone treated by immobilization as compared to the non-immobilized bone was found to be increased to the same proportion in thyroparathyroidectomized and in intact rats. The calcium-accretion rate of non-immobilized bone was lower in thyroparathyroidectomized than in intact rats. The observations indicate that in the rat the parathyroid and thyroid hormones influence the rate of bone turnover and thereby the rate of development of disuse osteoporosis.", "PMID": 1000342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8174", "title": "Ultrastructural studies on the formation of the periostracum in Helix aspersa (Mollusca).", "content": "The ultrastructure of the periostracal gland in Helix aspersa and the sequence of formation of the periostracum is described. The periostracal units which measure about 9-12 nm wide and 0.4-0.6 mum long are first detected in the Golgi cisternae. The cisternae containing the unit(s) eventually pinch off from the rest of the Golgi. Microtubules are seen in the space separating the nascent secretory inclusion and the Golgi. Cross-bridges are seen between the microtubules and the secretory inclusions, suggesting that the microtubules are involved in the transport of nascent inclusions away from the site of synthesis. Many periostracal units unite to form periostracal sheets. The mature inclusions containing periostracal sheets migrate to the apical part of the cell where they fuse with the lysosomes before being extruded externally in the lumen of the gland. Perhaps the lysosomal enzymes somehow modify the periostracal units before their extrusion or digest the excess periostracal units. The periostracal sheets released in the lumen disperse randomly to produce a fibrous sheet, which is non-uniform in texture at first but is entirely homogeneous by the time the periostracum is secreted outside.", "contents": "Ultrastructural studies on the formation of the periostracum in Helix aspersa (Mollusca). The ultrastructure of the periostracal gland in Helix aspersa and the sequence of formation of the periostracum is described. The periostracal units which measure about 9-12 nm wide and 0.4-0.6 mum long are first detected in the Golgi cisternae. The cisternae containing the unit(s) eventually pinch off from the rest of the Golgi. Microtubules are seen in the space separating the nascent secretory inclusion and the Golgi. Cross-bridges are seen between the microtubules and the secretory inclusions, suggesting that the microtubules are involved in the transport of nascent inclusions away from the site of synthesis. Many periostracal units unite to form periostracal sheets. The mature inclusions containing periostracal sheets migrate to the apical part of the cell where they fuse with the lysosomes before being extruded externally in the lumen of the gland. Perhaps the lysosomal enzymes somehow modify the periostracal units before their extrusion or digest the excess periostracal units. The periostracal sheets released in the lumen disperse randomly to produce a fibrous sheet, which is non-uniform in texture at first but is entirely homogeneous by the time the periostracum is secreted outside.", "PMID": 1000343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8175", "title": "Plasma fluoride and enamel fluorosis.", "content": "It is postulated that tissue fluid F concentrations are the primary determinants of flouride effects on bones and developing teeth and that these concentrations are dependent on, or mirrored by, blood plasma F. It has earlier been shown that the plasma F levels are dependent on the dietary F supply as well as on skeletal F concentration. Fasting and post-ingestion or postinjection plasma F levels have been determined in rats on F doses that cause different degrees of enamel fluorosis. The results indicate that temporary peak values rather than elevated fasting values are responsible for the occurrence of enamel fluorosis and that the peak values must approach about 10 muM in order to block enamel formation by the ameloblasts. The diagnostic and prognostic importance of plasma F determinations is discussed.", "contents": "Plasma fluoride and enamel fluorosis. It is postulated that tissue fluid F concentrations are the primary determinants of flouride effects on bones and developing teeth and that these concentrations are dependent on, or mirrored by, blood plasma F. It has earlier been shown that the plasma F levels are dependent on the dietary F supply as well as on skeletal F concentration. Fasting and post-ingestion or postinjection plasma F levels have been determined in rats on F doses that cause different degrees of enamel fluorosis. The results indicate that temporary peak values rather than elevated fasting values are responsible for the occurrence of enamel fluorosis and that the peak values must approach about 10 muM in order to block enamel formation by the ameloblasts. The diagnostic and prognostic importance of plasma F determinations is discussed.", "PMID": 1000344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8176", "title": "Stimulation of bone formation in vivo by phosphate supplementation.", "content": "The effect of phosphate supplementation on bone remodeling was assessed in six mature, healthy beagle dogs. The phosphate supplement was given in divided doses orally, daily for 12 weeks in the form of a neutral potassium phosphate preparation. The dose averaged 108 mg P/kg per day, which is double the normal canine phosphorus intake. Bone remodeling was assessed by measurement, at sacrifice, of areas of cortical bone containing different color-coded tetracyclines which had been continuously administered during 12-week control and treatment periods; remodeling was assessed kinetically during the control and treatment periods by replicate studies employing 47Ca intravenously. Both techniques demonstrated that the principal effect of phosphate supplementation was a significant stimulation of bone formation. Within cortical bone, formation was doubled, from an average of 2.7% to 5.3% per year. The major location of new bone deposits was endosteal. Whole skeletal mineral accretion, measured kinetically, increased 45% above an average control value of 0.154 g/day. These studies suggest that, in the adult dog, \"normal\" plasma phosphate levels are suboptimal for new bone formation. Even with this short duration of administration, phosphate produced microscopic calcification of the renal parenchyma. However, there was no biochemical evidence of renal functional impairment.", "contents": "Stimulation of bone formation in vivo by phosphate supplementation. The effect of phosphate supplementation on bone remodeling was assessed in six mature, healthy beagle dogs. The phosphate supplement was given in divided doses orally, daily for 12 weeks in the form of a neutral potassium phosphate preparation. The dose averaged 108 mg P/kg per day, which is double the normal canine phosphorus intake. Bone remodeling was assessed by measurement, at sacrifice, of areas of cortical bone containing different color-coded tetracyclines which had been continuously administered during 12-week control and treatment periods; remodeling was assessed kinetically during the control and treatment periods by replicate studies employing 47Ca intravenously. Both techniques demonstrated that the principal effect of phosphate supplementation was a significant stimulation of bone formation. Within cortical bone, formation was doubled, from an average of 2.7% to 5.3% per year. The major location of new bone deposits was endosteal. Whole skeletal mineral accretion, measured kinetically, increased 45% above an average control value of 0.154 g/day. These studies suggest that, in the adult dog, \"normal\" plasma phosphate levels are suboptimal for new bone formation. Even with this short duration of administration, phosphate produced microscopic calcification of the renal parenchyma. However, there was no biochemical evidence of renal functional impairment.", "PMID": 1000345} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8177", "title": "The effect of fluoride on bone of rats fed diets deficient in calcium or phosphorus.", "content": "Four groups of weanling rats were fed for 2 weeks on a diet sufficient or insufficient in calcium and/or phosphorus. Each group was divided into four subgroups which were offered distilled water supplemented with 0, 50, 75, or 150 ppm fluoride. High levels of fluoride in drinking water inhibited weight gain. This inhibition was less in rats deficient in phosphorus than when normal-phosphorus diets were offered. At a low level, fluoride was without any effect on bone ash, thickness of femoral cortical bone, and mechanical strength, as measured by maximal load, ultimate stress to breaking, and limit of elasticity. Modulus of elasticity was decreased. At higher levels fluoride tended to decrease most of these parameters, except in rats deprived of both calcium and phosphorus. The effect of fluoride was modified by lack of dietary calcium and/or phosphorus and appeared to be weaker in rats deficient in these nutrients. Lack of dietary calcium and/or phosphorus decreased bone strength more than did fluoride content of water and of bone mineral. Concentration of bone ash and thickness of femoral cortical bone were closely correlated with parameters of mechanical strength.", "contents": "The effect of fluoride on bone of rats fed diets deficient in calcium or phosphorus. Four groups of weanling rats were fed for 2 weeks on a diet sufficient or insufficient in calcium and/or phosphorus. Each group was divided into four subgroups which were offered distilled water supplemented with 0, 50, 75, or 150 ppm fluoride. High levels of fluoride in drinking water inhibited weight gain. This inhibition was less in rats deficient in phosphorus than when normal-phosphorus diets were offered. At a low level, fluoride was without any effect on bone ash, thickness of femoral cortical bone, and mechanical strength, as measured by maximal load, ultimate stress to breaking, and limit of elasticity. Modulus of elasticity was decreased. At higher levels fluoride tended to decrease most of these parameters, except in rats deprived of both calcium and phosphorus. The effect of fluoride was modified by lack of dietary calcium and/or phosphorus and appeared to be weaker in rats deficient in these nutrients. Lack of dietary calcium and/or phosphorus decreased bone strength more than did fluoride content of water and of bone mineral. Concentration of bone ash and thickness of femoral cortical bone were closely correlated with parameters of mechanical strength.", "PMID": 1000346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8178", "title": "Resistant proteoglycans in epiphyseal plate cartilage. Variations in their distribution in relationship to age and species.", "content": "The localizations of resistant proteoglycans (RPGs) in the epiphyseal plates of rats, dogs, and humans are similar. In the epiphysial plates from young rats, dogs, and humans, the RPGs form a stratum at the junction of the zones of resting and proliferating cells. Non-calcified cartilage RPGs are associated with cells which have the potential for proliferation or column organization. As the individuals age, RPGs are found in intercolumnar regions or at times are even absent. There is also a type of RPGs in calcified cartilage, including the calcified cartilage subjacent to the articular surface, in all species. In human epiphyseal plates, looser fibrillar RPGs change abruptly to a more condensed type in the zone of provisional calcification. Calcified cartilage RPGs stain more intensely with toluidine blue and may represent a different type of RPGs.", "contents": "Resistant proteoglycans in epiphyseal plate cartilage. Variations in their distribution in relationship to age and species. The localizations of resistant proteoglycans (RPGs) in the epiphyseal plates of rats, dogs, and humans are similar. In the epiphysial plates from young rats, dogs, and humans, the RPGs form a stratum at the junction of the zones of resting and proliferating cells. Non-calcified cartilage RPGs are associated with cells which have the potential for proliferation or column organization. As the individuals age, RPGs are found in intercolumnar regions or at times are even absent. There is also a type of RPGs in calcified cartilage, including the calcified cartilage subjacent to the articular surface, in all species. In human epiphyseal plates, looser fibrillar RPGs change abruptly to a more condensed type in the zone of provisional calcification. Calcified cartilage RPGs stain more intensely with toluidine blue and may represent a different type of RPGs.", "PMID": 1000347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8179", "title": "An interpretation of acute changes in plasma 45Ca following parathyroid hormone administration to thyroparathyroidectomized rats.", "content": "Acute changes in plasma calcium and 45Ca were studies in young adult male thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rats injected with moderate doses of parathyroid hormone (PTH). For plasma calcium changes, comparison was made between rats fasted or fed prior to PTH injection. For plasma 45Ca changes, the effect of the time of administration of the radionuclide was also studied; this included rats injected with PTH 1 h after radionuclide (\"1 h 45Ca\"), 18 h later (\"18 h 45Ca\") and more than 6 days later (\"6 day 45Ca\"). The results can be summarized as follows: (1) Plasma calcium changes were greater when PTH was injected into \"fed\" rather than into \"fasted\" rats. (2) PTH always produced a relative increase (compared to controls tested concurrently) in plasma 45Ca concentrations. This increase was the same in the \"1 h 45Ca\" and the \"18 h 45Ca\" group. (3) Plasma 45Ca rose at least temporarily following PTH injection in the \"18 h 45Ca\" group. (4) The 45Ca rise following PTH was always greater in \"fed\" than in \"fasted\" groups. (5) Plasma 45Ca specific activities (S.A.) tended to rise in the \"6 day 45Ca\" group and to fall in the \"18 h 45Ca\" group, following PTH injection. However, the 45Ca S.A. was always higher in fed than fasted groups. (6) In a few experiments in which 32P was injected with 45Ca, specific activity changes in plasma 45Ca following PTH injection were not accompanied by similar changes in 32P specific activity. These results could not be adequately explained by PTH effects on bone resorption, but the data supported the postulate that PTH controls plasma calcium concentrations by increasing transport of calcium through the osteocyte-lining cell (osteoblast) bone cell complex from the bone fluid compartment to the ECF.", "contents": "An interpretation of acute changes in plasma 45Ca following parathyroid hormone administration to thyroparathyroidectomized rats. Acute changes in plasma calcium and 45Ca were studies in young adult male thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rats injected with moderate doses of parathyroid hormone (PTH). For plasma calcium changes, comparison was made between rats fasted or fed prior to PTH injection. For plasma 45Ca changes, the effect of the time of administration of the radionuclide was also studied; this included rats injected with PTH 1 h after radionuclide (\"1 h 45Ca\"), 18 h later (\"18 h 45Ca\") and more than 6 days later (\"6 day 45Ca\"). The results can be summarized as follows: (1) Plasma calcium changes were greater when PTH was injected into \"fed\" rather than into \"fasted\" rats. (2) PTH always produced a relative increase (compared to controls tested concurrently) in plasma 45Ca concentrations. This increase was the same in the \"1 h 45Ca\" and the \"18 h 45Ca\" group. (3) Plasma 45Ca rose at least temporarily following PTH injection in the \"18 h 45Ca\" group. (4) The 45Ca rise following PTH was always greater in \"fed\" than in \"fasted\" groups. (5) Plasma 45Ca specific activities (S.A.) tended to rise in the \"6 day 45Ca\" group and to fall in the \"18 h 45Ca\" group, following PTH injection. However, the 45Ca S.A. was always higher in fed than fasted groups. (6) In a few experiments in which 32P was injected with 45Ca, specific activity changes in plasma 45Ca following PTH injection were not accompanied by similar changes in 32P specific activity. These results could not be adequately explained by PTH effects on bone resorption, but the data supported the postulate that PTH controls plasma calcium concentrations by increasing transport of calcium through the osteocyte-lining cell (osteoblast) bone cell complex from the bone fluid compartment to the ECF.", "PMID": 1000348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8180", "title": "The production of calcification in connective tissue and skeletal muscle using various chemical compounds.", "content": "The subcutaneous injection into mice of small quantities of lead salts resulted in calcification of the dorsal fascia. Other reputed calcergens failed to produce a similar reaction. However, the injection of Zn Cl2 and KMn O4 in high doses caused damage to, and subsequent calcification of the panniculus carnosus muscle.", "contents": "The production of calcification in connective tissue and skeletal muscle using various chemical compounds. The subcutaneous injection into mice of small quantities of lead salts resulted in calcification of the dorsal fascia. Other reputed calcergens failed to produce a similar reaction. However, the injection of Zn Cl2 and KMn O4 in high doses caused damage to, and subsequent calcification of the panniculus carnosus muscle.", "PMID": 1000349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8181", "title": "Calcified arteries in a gastropod.", "content": "The anterior aorta and major arteries of the land pulmonate snail Anguispira alternata have large calcium deposits in their walls. These deposits occur inside spherule cells, which line the walls of these vessels. The calcium occurs as amorphous calcium carbonate, in the form of intracellular spherules having alternating layers of organic and inorganic material. The spherule cells appear to be degenerating connective tissue cells; they are characterized by large numbers of spherules and by a cytoplasm which is totally empty except for a nucleus, scattered glycogen particles and a few membrane remnants. The injection of 45Ca into the foot of the snail results in rapid incorporation of this calcium into the spherule cells. Although calcium-containing spherules are now known from a wide variety of invertebrate tissues, they have not been previously recorded from arterial walls. The physiologic significance of these deposits is not known.", "contents": "Calcified arteries in a gastropod. The anterior aorta and major arteries of the land pulmonate snail Anguispira alternata have large calcium deposits in their walls. These deposits occur inside spherule cells, which line the walls of these vessels. The calcium occurs as amorphous calcium carbonate, in the form of intracellular spherules having alternating layers of organic and inorganic material. The spherule cells appear to be degenerating connective tissue cells; they are characterized by large numbers of spherules and by a cytoplasm which is totally empty except for a nucleus, scattered glycogen particles and a few membrane remnants. The injection of 45Ca into the foot of the snail results in rapid incorporation of this calcium into the spherule cells. Although calcium-containing spherules are now known from a wide variety of invertebrate tissues, they have not been previously recorded from arterial walls. The physiologic significance of these deposits is not known.", "PMID": 1000350} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8182", "title": "Proteoglycans of dentine and predentine.", "content": "A density gradient system is presented by which dentine and predentine are separated, leaving an intermediate fraction, which contains material from the mineralization front. From the fractions thus obtained the proteoglycans were extracted with 4 M guanidinium chloride and further purified in urea on a DEAE column. The glycosaminoglycans extracted from dentine appeared to be protein-bound, as judged from papain digestion experiments. The polydispersity of dentine proteoglycans seemed to depend, at least partly, upon the polydispersity of its glycosaminoglycans. The materials extracted from the three tissue fractions were ellted in a similar way from Sepharose 6 B, and the amino acid composition of the preparation was determined. The differing proteoglycan patterns of the three tissue fractions indicate a metabolism related to the mineralization front.", "contents": "Proteoglycans of dentine and predentine. A density gradient system is presented by which dentine and predentine are separated, leaving an intermediate fraction, which contains material from the mineralization front. From the fractions thus obtained the proteoglycans were extracted with 4 M guanidinium chloride and further purified in urea on a DEAE column. The glycosaminoglycans extracted from dentine appeared to be protein-bound, as judged from papain digestion experiments. The polydispersity of dentine proteoglycans seemed to depend, at least partly, upon the polydispersity of its glycosaminoglycans. The materials extracted from the three tissue fractions were ellted in a similar way from Sepharose 6 B, and the amino acid composition of the preparation was determined. The differing proteoglycan patterns of the three tissue fractions indicate a metabolism related to the mineralization front.", "PMID": 1000351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8183", "title": "A model-independent comparison of the rates of uptake and short term retention of 47Ca and 85Sr by the skeleton.", "content": "1. A method has been devised for comparing the impulse response functions of the skeleton for two or more boneseeking tracers, and for estimating the contribution made by measurement errors to the differences between any pair of impulse response functions. 2. Comparisons were made between the calculated impulse response functions for 47Ca and 85Sr obtained in simultaneous double tracer studies in sixteen subjects. Collectively the differences between the 47Ca and 85Sr functions could be accounted for entirely by measurement errors. 3. Because the calculation of an impulse response function requires fewer a priori assumptions than other forms of mathematical analysis, and automatically corrects for differences induced by recycling of tracer and non-identical rates of excretory plasma clearance of tracer, it is concluded that differences shown in previous in vivo studies between the fluxes of Ca and Sr into bone can be fully accounted for by undetermined oversimplifications in the various mathematical models used to analyse the results of those studies. 85Sr is therefore an adequate tracer for bone calcium in most in vivo studies.", "contents": "A model-independent comparison of the rates of uptake and short term retention of 47Ca and 85Sr by the skeleton. 1. A method has been devised for comparing the impulse response functions of the skeleton for two or more boneseeking tracers, and for estimating the contribution made by measurement errors to the differences between any pair of impulse response functions. 2. Comparisons were made between the calculated impulse response functions for 47Ca and 85Sr obtained in simultaneous double tracer studies in sixteen subjects. Collectively the differences between the 47Ca and 85Sr functions could be accounted for entirely by measurement errors. 3. Because the calculation of an impulse response function requires fewer a priori assumptions than other forms of mathematical analysis, and automatically corrects for differences induced by recycling of tracer and non-identical rates of excretory plasma clearance of tracer, it is concluded that differences shown in previous in vivo studies between the fluxes of Ca and Sr into bone can be fully accounted for by undetermined oversimplifications in the various mathematical models used to analyse the results of those studies. 85Sr is therefore an adequate tracer for bone calcium in most in vivo studies.", "PMID": 1000352} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8184", "title": "A new tracer method for the calculation of rates of bone formation and breakdown in osteoporosis and other generalised skeletal disorders.", "content": "1. Evidence has accumulated that the rate of accretion (A) of calcium to bone is the sum of two fluxes; apposition involving the laying down of new bone and augmentation which is the result of slow exchange of non-surface bone calcium with plasma calcium pools as the result of solid state diffusion. 2. A method has been devised for separating A into its two components. It requires the use of 45Ca or, for clinical studies, 85Sr as a calcium tracer. Studies which are initiated with a combined accretion rate--calcium balance study, are concluded with an estimate of the exponent of the power function which has been found to describe the whole body retention of tracer from the second month onward. 3. The impulse response function of the skeleton for the tracer is then calculated, making the assumption that in any uniform volume of bone, osteoclastic resorption is a first order process. Making in addition certain simplifying assumptions, which are shown to have a modest influence on the final results, a mean rate of bone resorption can be calculated using a development of the well known Stewart-Hamilton formula. The apposition rate is calculated as the sum of the resorption rate and the calcium balance. Augmentation and diminution, defined as equal and opposite exchange processes, are given by the difference between A and the apposition rate. 4. The results of our first thirteen studies in normal subjects and patients with metabolic bone disease are presented, together with analyses of some data from the literature. It is concluded that the development of an atraumatic method for measuring rates of bone formation and resorption in the whole body would be an important advance in the study of metabolic bone disease, and this work is presented so that critical comparisons may be initiated between this tracer method and independent histological methods for measuring these parameters.", "contents": "A new tracer method for the calculation of rates of bone formation and breakdown in osteoporosis and other generalised skeletal disorders. 1. Evidence has accumulated that the rate of accretion (A) of calcium to bone is the sum of two fluxes; apposition involving the laying down of new bone and augmentation which is the result of slow exchange of non-surface bone calcium with plasma calcium pools as the result of solid state diffusion. 2. A method has been devised for separating A into its two components. It requires the use of 45Ca or, for clinical studies, 85Sr as a calcium tracer. Studies which are initiated with a combined accretion rate--calcium balance study, are concluded with an estimate of the exponent of the power function which has been found to describe the whole body retention of tracer from the second month onward. 3. The impulse response function of the skeleton for the tracer is then calculated, making the assumption that in any uniform volume of bone, osteoclastic resorption is a first order process. Making in addition certain simplifying assumptions, which are shown to have a modest influence on the final results, a mean rate of bone resorption can be calculated using a development of the well known Stewart-Hamilton formula. The apposition rate is calculated as the sum of the resorption rate and the calcium balance. Augmentation and diminution, defined as equal and opposite exchange processes, are given by the difference between A and the apposition rate. 4. The results of our first thirteen studies in normal subjects and patients with metabolic bone disease are presented, together with analyses of some data from the literature. It is concluded that the development of an atraumatic method for measuring rates of bone formation and resorption in the whole body would be an important advance in the study of metabolic bone disease, and this work is presented so that critical comparisons may be initiated between this tracer method and independent histological methods for measuring these parameters.", "PMID": 1000353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8185", "title": "Influence of estrogens on bone resorption in organ culture.", "content": "Estradiol benzoate, ethinyl estradiol, and human calcitonin were compared for their ability to inhibit the spontaneous or parathyroid extract-induced bone resorption in organ cultures of 19-day fetal rat fibulae. The criteria used for the assessment of bone resorption were: the release of 45Ca from paired prelabeled bone rudiments into the culture medium, the dry weight, and the number of osteoclasts per bone. Estradiol benzoate at concentrations of 1.3 X 10(-5) to 2.6 X 10(-4)M had no effect on the release of 45Ca from fetal fibulae or on the dry weight. Histologically, treated bones were well preserved and resembled the controls. Parathyroid extract (PTE) alone caused extensive bone resorption with numerous osteoclasts and enhanced 45Ca release without weight gain. The addition of estradiol benzoate to the culture medium did not prevent the resorptive action of PTE. Ethinyl estradiol alone provoked a dose-related inhibition of 45Ca release at concentrations of 3.4 X 10(-5) to 1.7 X 10(-4)M. However, this inhibition was accompanied by a decrease in bone dry weight and by various degrees of cellular damage. The same phenomenon was observed in PTE-treated fibulae. Human calcitonin, on the contrary, inhibited the release of 45Ca by decreasing the number of osteoclasts while the weight of the fibulae increased. The inhibitory action of ethinyl estradiol appears to be caused by a toxic effect on bone cells. It is concluded that estrogens have no direct physiological effect on bone resorption in vitro.", "contents": "Influence of estrogens on bone resorption in organ culture. Estradiol benzoate, ethinyl estradiol, and human calcitonin were compared for their ability to inhibit the spontaneous or parathyroid extract-induced bone resorption in organ cultures of 19-day fetal rat fibulae. The criteria used for the assessment of bone resorption were: the release of 45Ca from paired prelabeled bone rudiments into the culture medium, the dry weight, and the number of osteoclasts per bone. Estradiol benzoate at concentrations of 1.3 X 10(-5) to 2.6 X 10(-4)M had no effect on the release of 45Ca from fetal fibulae or on the dry weight. Histologically, treated bones were well preserved and resembled the controls. Parathyroid extract (PTE) alone caused extensive bone resorption with numerous osteoclasts and enhanced 45Ca release without weight gain. The addition of estradiol benzoate to the culture medium did not prevent the resorptive action of PTE. Ethinyl estradiol alone provoked a dose-related inhibition of 45Ca release at concentrations of 3.4 X 10(-5) to 1.7 X 10(-4)M. However, this inhibition was accompanied by a decrease in bone dry weight and by various degrees of cellular damage. The same phenomenon was observed in PTE-treated fibulae. Human calcitonin, on the contrary, inhibited the release of 45Ca by decreasing the number of osteoclasts while the weight of the fibulae increased. The inhibitory action of ethinyl estradiol appears to be caused by a toxic effect on bone cells. It is concluded that estrogens have no direct physiological effect on bone resorption in vitro.", "PMID": 1000354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8186", "title": "An X-ray diffraction investigation of age-related changes in the crystal structure of bone apatite.", "content": "Evidence relating to the existence of crystalline bone mineral in vivo is considered, and bone apatite crystal structure investigated using an x-ray powder diffraction technique. Specimens of femoral compacta excised post-mortem from male and female subjects ranging from 3 1/2 years to 87 years of age have been studied. Values of the ratio c/a of bone apatite crystal cell axes for females are significantly higher (p less than 0.05) than for males. Moreover, significant change of c/a with age is observed for males (p = 0.0005) but not for females (p = 0.30). Differences in c/a are interpreted as indicating substitution of constituent ions in the bone apatite crystals.", "contents": "An X-ray diffraction investigation of age-related changes in the crystal structure of bone apatite. Evidence relating to the existence of crystalline bone mineral in vivo is considered, and bone apatite crystal structure investigated using an x-ray powder diffraction technique. Specimens of femoral compacta excised post-mortem from male and female subjects ranging from 3 1/2 years to 87 years of age have been studied. Values of the ratio c/a of bone apatite crystal cell axes for females are significantly higher (p less than 0.05) than for males. Moreover, significant change of c/a with age is observed for males (p = 0.0005) but not for females (p = 0.30). Differences in c/a are interpreted as indicating substitution of constituent ions in the bone apatite crystals.", "PMID": 1000355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8187", "title": "Hyaluronic acid in supragingival dental calculus.", "content": "A method is described for the isolation of heteropolysaccharides from human supragingival calculus. One component was identified as hyaluronic acid, by electrophoretic mobility, testicular hyaluronidase digestion and cetylpyridinium chloride profiles. No sulphated glycosaminoglycans were detected.", "contents": "Hyaluronic acid in supragingival dental calculus. A method is described for the isolation of heteropolysaccharides from human supragingival calculus. One component was identified as hyaluronic acid, by electrophoretic mobility, testicular hyaluronidase digestion and cetylpyridinium chloride profiles. No sulphated glycosaminoglycans were detected.", "PMID": 1000356} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8188", "title": "The preparation of human hemoglobin alpha-subunit and a study of its monomer-dimer association.", "content": "An improved procedure for the isolation of the alpha-subunit of human hemoglobin is described. The monomer-dimer equilibrium in alpha-subunit solutions has been studied by boundary analysis in gel filtration, sedimentation velocity, sedimentation equilibrium, and cross-linking with dimethyl adipimidate. A dissociation constant has been determined from the sedimentation equilibrium data. The reaction with haptoglobin of cross-linked alpha-subunit showed that the dimer fraction wound form a stable complex.", "contents": "The preparation of human hemoglobin alpha-subunit and a study of its monomer-dimer association. An improved procedure for the isolation of the alpha-subunit of human hemoglobin is described. The monomer-dimer equilibrium in alpha-subunit solutions has been studied by boundary analysis in gel filtration, sedimentation velocity, sedimentation equilibrium, and cross-linking with dimethyl adipimidate. A dissociation constant has been determined from the sedimentation equilibrium data. The reaction with haptoglobin of cross-linked alpha-subunit showed that the dimer fraction wound form a stable complex.", "PMID": 1000357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8189", "title": "The reaction between hemoglobin alpha-subunit and haptoglobin.", "content": "The interaction between human hemoglobin alpha-subunit and porcine haptoglobin was investigated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, gel filtration chromatography, sedimentation through excess alpha-subunit and gel filtration in an alpha-subunit-containing medium. No interaction was detected by the first two methods indicating dissociation of the complex during the application of these separation techniques. The latter two methods, in which the complex is studied in a medium of excess subunits, showed that haptoglobin became saturated with the binding of two alpha-subunits.", "contents": "The reaction between hemoglobin alpha-subunit and haptoglobin. The interaction between human hemoglobin alpha-subunit and porcine haptoglobin was investigated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, gel filtration chromatography, sedimentation through excess alpha-subunit and gel filtration in an alpha-subunit-containing medium. No interaction was detected by the first two methods indicating dissociation of the complex during the application of these separation techniques. The latter two methods, in which the complex is studied in a medium of excess subunits, showed that haptoglobin became saturated with the binding of two alpha-subunits.", "PMID": 1000358} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8190", "title": "Mammalian fatty acid synthetase. III. Characterization of human liver synthetase products and kinetics of methylmalonyl-CoA inhibition.", "content": "When propionyl-CoA was substituted for either acetyl-CoA or butyryl-CoA in the presence of [14C]malonyl-CoA and NADPH, the pure human liver fatty acids synthetase complex synthesized only straight-chain, saturated, 15- and 17-carbon radioactive fatty acids. At optimal concentrations, propionyl-CoA was a better primer of fatty acid synthesis than acetyl-CoA. Methylmalonyl-CoA inhibited the synthetase competitively with respect to malonyl-CoA. The Ki was calculated to be 8.4 muM. These findings provide an in vitro model and offer a direct explanation at the molecular level for some of the abnormal manifestations observed in diseases characterized by increased cellular concentrations of propionyl-CoA and methylmalonyl-CoA.", "contents": "Mammalian fatty acid synthetase. III. Characterization of human liver synthetase products and kinetics of methylmalonyl-CoA inhibition. When propionyl-CoA was substituted for either acetyl-CoA or butyryl-CoA in the presence of [14C]malonyl-CoA and NADPH, the pure human liver fatty acids synthetase complex synthesized only straight-chain, saturated, 15- and 17-carbon radioactive fatty acids. At optimal concentrations, propionyl-CoA was a better primer of fatty acid synthesis than acetyl-CoA. Methylmalonyl-CoA inhibited the synthetase competitively with respect to malonyl-CoA. The Ki was calculated to be 8.4 muM. These findings provide an in vitro model and offer a direct explanation at the molecular level for some of the abnormal manifestations observed in diseases characterized by increased cellular concentrations of propionyl-CoA and methylmalonyl-CoA.", "PMID": 1000360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8191", "title": "Circular dichroism and difference spectra of members of the troponin-tropomyosin system in cetyltrimethylammonium bromide.", "content": "The detergent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as a perturbant to study protein structure. Low concentrations of CTAB induced difference spectra for Ac-Trp-OEt and Ac-Tyr-OEt. The delta epsilonM values at their difference maxima were found to be 1300 at 292 nm for Ac-Trp-OEt and 400 at 287 for Ac-Tyr-OEt. These values were used to determine the number of tyrosine residues exposed in tropomyosin and troponin C, as well as the tyrosine and tryptophan residues exposed in troponin I and troponin T. In tropomyosin and troponin C all of the tyorosine residues were accessible to detergent. For TN-T, three of four tyrosines were free while the tryptophan residues were only partially exposed. In the case of TN-I both tyrosines were fully exposed but again evidence was obtained for a partially buried tryptophan chromophore. The stability of these proteins to CTAB was studies by measuring the far-uv circular dichroism spectra. Tropomyosin was quite sensitive to detergent and suffered a 60% loss in ellipticity at the concentration of CTAB used. The troponins, on the other hand, were affected to a lesser extent.", "contents": "Circular dichroism and difference spectra of members of the troponin-tropomyosin system in cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The detergent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as a perturbant to study protein structure. Low concentrations of CTAB induced difference spectra for Ac-Trp-OEt and Ac-Tyr-OEt. The delta epsilonM values at their difference maxima were found to be 1300 at 292 nm for Ac-Trp-OEt and 400 at 287 for Ac-Tyr-OEt. These values were used to determine the number of tyrosine residues exposed in tropomyosin and troponin C, as well as the tyrosine and tryptophan residues exposed in troponin I and troponin T. In tropomyosin and troponin C all of the tyorosine residues were accessible to detergent. For TN-T, three of four tyrosines were free while the tryptophan residues were only partially exposed. In the case of TN-I both tyrosines were fully exposed but again evidence was obtained for a partially buried tryptophan chromophore. The stability of these proteins to CTAB was studies by measuring the far-uv circular dichroism spectra. Tropomyosin was quite sensitive to detergent and suffered a 60% loss in ellipticity at the concentration of CTAB used. The troponins, on the other hand, were affected to a lesser extent.", "PMID": 1000361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8192", "title": "Cholera toxin and adenylate cyclase: properties of the activated enzyme in liver plasma membranes.", "content": "Adenylate cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1) activity in mouse liver plasma membranes is increased fivefold when animals are pretreated with cholera toxin. The increase in activity is detectable within 20 min of an intravenous injection of the toxin. The response of the control and cholera-toxin-activated adenylate cyclase to hormones, GTP, and NaF is complex. GTP causes the same fold stimulation of control and toxin-activated cyclase, but glucagon and NaF remain the most potent activators of liver adenylate cyclase irrespective of whether the enzyme is activated by cholera toxin. Determination of kinetic parameters of adenylate cyclase indicates that cholera toxin, hormones, and NaF do not change the affinity of the enzyme for ATP-Mg nor do they alter the Ka for free Mg2+. High concentrations of Mg2+ inhibit adenylate cyclase that is stimulated by either cholera toxin, glucagon, or NaF. These same Mg2+ concentrations have no effect on the basal activity of the enzyme or its activity in the presence of GTP.", "contents": "Cholera toxin and adenylate cyclase: properties of the activated enzyme in liver plasma membranes. Adenylate cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1) activity in mouse liver plasma membranes is increased fivefold when animals are pretreated with cholera toxin. The increase in activity is detectable within 20 min of an intravenous injection of the toxin. The response of the control and cholera-toxin-activated adenylate cyclase to hormones, GTP, and NaF is complex. GTP causes the same fold stimulation of control and toxin-activated cyclase, but glucagon and NaF remain the most potent activators of liver adenylate cyclase irrespective of whether the enzyme is activated by cholera toxin. Determination of kinetic parameters of adenylate cyclase indicates that cholera toxin, hormones, and NaF do not change the affinity of the enzyme for ATP-Mg nor do they alter the Ka for free Mg2+. High concentrations of Mg2+ inhibit adenylate cyclase that is stimulated by either cholera toxin, glucagon, or NaF. These same Mg2+ concentrations have no effect on the basal activity of the enzyme or its activity in the presence of GTP.", "PMID": 1000362} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8193", "title": "Some observations on the interaction of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and its natural inhibitors in the rat brain.", "content": "The difficulty of assaying dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DbetaH) (EC 1.14.17.1) has been circumvented by including N-ethylmaleimide (5 X 10(-2) M) in the incubation mixture along with a small amount of Cu2+ (20-60 muM). Such a procedure ensures that the maximum DbetaH activity is assessed in all extracts. As a result, the absolute levels of DbetaH in various regions of the rat brain have been established. The DbetaH values obtained are higher by 40% in the hypothalamus and 20% in the cerebral cortex, spinal cord, and caudate nucleus than those previously reported. The mechanism of the synergic effect seen when N-ethylmaleimide and Cu2+ are combined is not presently understood.", "contents": "Some observations on the interaction of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and its natural inhibitors in the rat brain. The difficulty of assaying dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DbetaH) (EC 1.14.17.1) has been circumvented by including N-ethylmaleimide (5 X 10(-2) M) in the incubation mixture along with a small amount of Cu2+ (20-60 muM). Such a procedure ensures that the maximum DbetaH activity is assessed in all extracts. As a result, the absolute levels of DbetaH in various regions of the rat brain have been established. The DbetaH values obtained are higher by 40% in the hypothalamus and 20% in the cerebral cortex, spinal cord, and caudate nucleus than those previously reported. The mechanism of the synergic effect seen when N-ethylmaleimide and Cu2+ are combined is not presently understood.", "PMID": 1000363} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8194", "title": "The purification of porcine haptoglobin by affinity chromatography with concanavalin A-Sepharose.", "content": "Methods designed for the isolation of human haptoglobin (Hp) were found insufficient when applied to pig plasma due to the formation of a material tentatively identified as albumin dimer. Small scale separation is possible by preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Larger scale purification from nonglycoprotein contaminants such as albumin dimer is achieved by affinity chromatography using immobilized concanavalin A. Porcine haptoglobin is microheterogeneous. More than 14 components, partially resolveable by gel filtration, were detected.", "contents": "The purification of porcine haptoglobin by affinity chromatography with concanavalin A-Sepharose. Methods designed for the isolation of human haptoglobin (Hp) were found insufficient when applied to pig plasma due to the formation of a material tentatively identified as albumin dimer. Small scale separation is possible by preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Larger scale purification from nonglycoprotein contaminants such as albumin dimer is achieved by affinity chromatography using immobilized concanavalin A. Porcine haptoglobin is microheterogeneous. More than 14 components, partially resolveable by gel filtration, were detected.", "PMID": 1000364} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8195", "title": "Chromosomal characterisation of five lepidopteran cell lines of Malacosoma disstria (Lasiocampidae) and Christoneura fumiferana (Tortricidae).", "content": "Chromosome number and morphology have been examined in four established cell lines (Md63, Md66, Md108, and Md109) of the forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria H\u00fcbner, and one (Cf124) of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens). Chromosome number distributions of Md63 (mode = 112) Md108 (mode = 103), Md109 (mode= 103), and Cf124 (mode = 110) overlap sufficiently to prevent identification of individual lines by number alone. However, Md66 is exceptional in possessing a modal number of 157. One large chromosome occurs in cells of all lines. The presence of this chromosome, the lack of any distinct polyploid series among chromosome numbers encountered, and the general inverse relationship between number and size of chromosomes, suggest that the high level of heteroploidy characteristic of these and other lepidopteran cell lines reflects not only a possible polyploid origin but also extensive chromosomal rearrangement and fragmentation. Tolerance for such change is attributed to the holokinetic organisation of lepidopteran chromosomes. A distinct heteropycnotic body is present in about 10% of Cf124 cell nuclei, and can be used as a marker for this line. This body may represent the sex chromatin normally encountered in somatic cells of female C. fumiferana.", "contents": "Chromosomal characterisation of five lepidopteran cell lines of Malacosoma disstria (Lasiocampidae) and Christoneura fumiferana (Tortricidae). Chromosome number and morphology have been examined in four established cell lines (Md63, Md66, Md108, and Md109) of the forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria H\u00fcbner, and one (Cf124) of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens). Chromosome number distributions of Md63 (mode = 112) Md108 (mode = 103), Md109 (mode= 103), and Cf124 (mode = 110) overlap sufficiently to prevent identification of individual lines by number alone. However, Md66 is exceptional in possessing a modal number of 157. One large chromosome occurs in cells of all lines. The presence of this chromosome, the lack of any distinct polyploid series among chromosome numbers encountered, and the general inverse relationship between number and size of chromosomes, suggest that the high level of heteroploidy characteristic of these and other lepidopteran cell lines reflects not only a possible polyploid origin but also extensive chromosomal rearrangement and fragmentation. Tolerance for such change is attributed to the holokinetic organisation of lepidopteran chromosomes. A distinct heteropycnotic body is present in about 10% of Cf124 cell nuclei, and can be used as a marker for this line. This body may represent the sex chromatin normally encountered in somatic cells of female C. fumiferana.", "PMID": 1000365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8196", "title": "The effect of accessory chromatin on chiasma distribution in maize.", "content": "From an analysis of metaphase I bivalent configurations in Zea mays L. it was possible to determine the effects of two supernumerary elements on chiasma formation. Both the B chromosome and abnormal chromosome 10 increased chiasma frequency. In addition to enhancing total exchanges, both elements caused a redistribution of chiasmata from distal to more proximal locations.", "contents": "The effect of accessory chromatin on chiasma distribution in maize. From an analysis of metaphase I bivalent configurations in Zea mays L. it was possible to determine the effects of two supernumerary elements on chiasma formation. Both the B chromosome and abnormal chromosome 10 increased chiasma frequency. In addition to enhancing total exchanges, both elements caused a redistribution of chiasmata from distal to more proximal locations.", "PMID": 1000366} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8197", "title": "The genetic relationship between the Hbb locus and body size in a population of mice divergently selected for six-week body weight.", "content": "Both pleiotropy and linkage were examined as possible explanations for the fixation of the Hbb3 allele in the six Large lines of a population of mice divergently selected for six-week body weight (six replicates in each direction and six controls). A survey of over 1200 individuals in the lines still segregating at the Hbb locus excluded pleiotropy as a possible explanation. The results showed a nonsignificant effect of haemoglobin genotype on body weight. The linkage relationship of the Hbb locus was examined using a backcross mating system. The Hbb3 c+ region (chromosome 7) of a Large line was backcrossed into its corresponding Small line (Hbb4 c). The resultant difference in body weight between the two segregants (Hbb8 c+ [Hbb4 c; Hbb4 c/Hbb4 c) was measured. The results suggested linkage as the most plausible explanation for the fixation of the Hbb4 allele in the six Large lines.", "contents": "The genetic relationship between the Hbb locus and body size in a population of mice divergently selected for six-week body weight. Both pleiotropy and linkage were examined as possible explanations for the fixation of the Hbb3 allele in the six Large lines of a population of mice divergently selected for six-week body weight (six replicates in each direction and six controls). A survey of over 1200 individuals in the lines still segregating at the Hbb locus excluded pleiotropy as a possible explanation. The results showed a nonsignificant effect of haemoglobin genotype on body weight. The linkage relationship of the Hbb locus was examined using a backcross mating system. The Hbb3 c+ region (chromosome 7) of a Large line was backcrossed into its corresponding Small line (Hbb4 c). The resultant difference in body weight between the two segregants (Hbb8 c+ [Hbb4 c; Hbb4 c/Hbb4 c) was measured. The results suggested linkage as the most plausible explanation for the fixation of the Hbb4 allele in the six Large lines.", "PMID": 1000367} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8198", "title": "Improved resolution of the meiotic chromsomes in both sexes of Euxoa species and their hybrids (Lepidoptera: noctuidae).", "content": "An air drying and Giemsa staining technique produces consistently good quality cytological preparations when applied to different species of Euxoa (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and, in particular, it allows an imporved resolution of the meiotic chromosomes in both sexes. All species so far investigated have a basic haploid chromosome complement of n (male) = 31(XX): n(female) = (XY). A single chiasma per individual bivalent is clearly visible in the male sex. Some chiasmata are formed in interstitial positions, but, by metaphase I, they have all undergone complete terminalization while the bivalents orient axially on the first division spindle. Direct evidence for lack of chiasma formation in the 31 hormorphic bivalents in the female sex is reported for the first time for species of Noctuidae. Evidence in favor of an XY system in the female sex is discussed. Preliminary studies of the meiotic divisions in hybrid material reveal the presence of cryptic structural differences between certain taxa, and will help to elucidate taxonomic problems within this complex genus.", "contents": "Improved resolution of the meiotic chromsomes in both sexes of Euxoa species and their hybrids (Lepidoptera: noctuidae). An air drying and Giemsa staining technique produces consistently good quality cytological preparations when applied to different species of Euxoa (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and, in particular, it allows an imporved resolution of the meiotic chromosomes in both sexes. All species so far investigated have a basic haploid chromosome complement of n (male) = 31(XX): n(female) = (XY). A single chiasma per individual bivalent is clearly visible in the male sex. Some chiasmata are formed in interstitial positions, but, by metaphase I, they have all undergone complete terminalization while the bivalents orient axially on the first division spindle. Direct evidence for lack of chiasma formation in the 31 hormorphic bivalents in the female sex is reported for the first time for species of Noctuidae. Evidence in favor of an XY system in the female sex is discussed. Preliminary studies of the meiotic divisions in hybrid material reveal the presence of cryptic structural differences between certain taxa, and will help to elucidate taxonomic problems within this complex genus.", "PMID": 1000368} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8199", "title": "The structlre of pili (fimbriae) of Moraxella bovis.", "content": "Cells from rough and smooth colonies of Moraxella bovis were examined by electron microscopy utilizing both shadowing and thin sectioning techniques. Pili were found on the surfaces of cells from rough but not smooth colonies. Pili had a peritrichoud distribution and appeared as delicate (6.5-8.5 nm in diameter), elongated unbranched filaments. When bacteria were sectioned pili did not contain central pores and appeared to originate from opacities on the surface of the cell wall.", "contents": "The structlre of pili (fimbriae) of Moraxella bovis. Cells from rough and smooth colonies of Moraxella bovis were examined by electron microscopy utilizing both shadowing and thin sectioning techniques. Pili were found on the surfaces of cells from rough but not smooth colonies. Pili had a peritrichoud distribution and appeared as delicate (6.5-8.5 nm in diameter), elongated unbranched filaments. When bacteria were sectioned pili did not contain central pores and appeared to originate from opacities on the surface of the cell wall.", "PMID": 1000369} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8200", "title": "Induction of bovine polioencephalomalacia with a feeding system based on molasses and urea.", "content": "Polioencephalomalacia (PEM), a disease first described in the United States and related to intensive beef production, appeared in Cuba coincident with the use of a new, molasses-urea-based diet to fatten bulls. Because the only experimental means so far of reproducing PEM has been with amprolium, a structural analog of thiamin, the present study attempted to induce the disease using the molasses-urea-based diet. Six Holstein bulls (200-300 kg) were studied during consumption of three successive diets: 1) commercial molasses-urea-restricted forage diet of Cuban feedlots, 2) a period in which forage was gradually withdrawn and 3) a forage-free diet composed only of molasses, urea and fish meal. PEM was reproduced in this way. At ten-day intervals, blood concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate and urea were measured, as well as when clinical signs of PEM appeared. The signs, clinical course and lesions of the experimentally induced disease were comparable to those of field cases. The biochemical results suggested a block in pyruvate oxidation as in PEM elsewhere in the world. No evidence existed of urea intoxication. In addition, brain and liver concentration of total thiamin from field cases and normal animals were found to be similar.", "contents": "Induction of bovine polioencephalomalacia with a feeding system based on molasses and urea. Polioencephalomalacia (PEM), a disease first described in the United States and related to intensive beef production, appeared in Cuba coincident with the use of a new, molasses-urea-based diet to fatten bulls. Because the only experimental means so far of reproducing PEM has been with amprolium, a structural analog of thiamin, the present study attempted to induce the disease using the molasses-urea-based diet. Six Holstein bulls (200-300 kg) were studied during consumption of three successive diets: 1) commercial molasses-urea-restricted forage diet of Cuban feedlots, 2) a period in which forage was gradually withdrawn and 3) a forage-free diet composed only of molasses, urea and fish meal. PEM was reproduced in this way. At ten-day intervals, blood concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate and urea were measured, as well as when clinical signs of PEM appeared. The signs, clinical course and lesions of the experimentally induced disease were comparable to those of field cases. The biochemical results suggested a block in pyruvate oxidation as in PEM elsewhere in the world. No evidence existed of urea intoxication. In addition, brain and liver concentration of total thiamin from field cases and normal animals were found to be similar.", "PMID": 1000370} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8201", "title": "Phagocytic acitivity of bovine leukocytes during pregnancy.", "content": "The phagocytic competence, measured as the total number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes per mm3 which phagocytosed Staphylococcus aureus, strain 321, in vitro, was determined in eight cows during complete pregnancies. Such leukocytes are referred to as \"Active PMN'S\". There was a gradual decline in the number of these cells from conception to a minimum between the 16th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, followed by a steady increase to the cessation of lactation when a marked drop occurred, after which there was an increase to a maximun during the second week prepartum. From this maximum there was a rapid decrease to an absolute minimum during the first week after parturition. From the second week postpartum there was a gradual increase to conception. The correlation coefficient (r) of number of active PMN'S with time before conception was -0.474 )p-0.01). There were significant differences (p=0.01) in numbers of active PMNS Among the eight cows. It was found that the cows fell into two groups, one whose members had, overall, significantly more active PMNs (p=0.001) than those in the second group. The between cow differences may have been due to 1) age, since the cows with the highest numbers of circulating active PMNs were younger than those in the other group of 2) the combined stress of pregnancy and lactation, as those cows which were both pregnant and milking had the lowest numbers of active PMNs.", "contents": "Phagocytic acitivity of bovine leukocytes during pregnancy. The phagocytic competence, measured as the total number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes per mm3 which phagocytosed Staphylococcus aureus, strain 321, in vitro, was determined in eight cows during complete pregnancies. Such leukocytes are referred to as \"Active PMN'S\". There was a gradual decline in the number of these cells from conception to a minimum between the 16th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, followed by a steady increase to the cessation of lactation when a marked drop occurred, after which there was an increase to a maximun during the second week prepartum. From this maximum there was a rapid decrease to an absolute minimum during the first week after parturition. From the second week postpartum there was a gradual increase to conception. The correlation coefficient (r) of number of active PMN'S with time before conception was -0.474 )p-0.01). There were significant differences (p=0.01) in numbers of active PMNS Among the eight cows. It was found that the cows fell into two groups, one whose members had, overall, significantly more active PMNs (p=0.001) than those in the second group. The between cow differences may have been due to 1) age, since the cows with the highest numbers of circulating active PMNs were younger than those in the other group of 2) the combined stress of pregnancy and lactation, as those cows which were both pregnant and milking had the lowest numbers of active PMNs.", "PMID": 1000371} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8202", "title": "Fusariotoxicosis from barley in British Columbia. I. Natural occurrence and diagnosis.", "content": "Clinical sickness was observed in domestic ducks, geese, horses and swine during October 1973. All species showed upper alimentary distress with mortalities occurring in the geese. Barley derived from a common source had been fed. Examination of the barley revealed invasion by Fusarium spp and detection of a high level of dermatitic fusariotoxins.", "contents": "Fusariotoxicosis from barley in British Columbia. I. Natural occurrence and diagnosis. Clinical sickness was observed in domestic ducks, geese, horses and swine during October 1973. All species showed upper alimentary distress with mortalities occurring in the geese. Barley derived from a common source had been fed. Examination of the barley revealed invasion by Fusarium spp and detection of a high level of dermatitic fusariotoxins.", "PMID": 1000372} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8203", "title": "Fusariotoxicosis from barley in British Columbia. II. Analysis and toxicity of syspected barley.", "content": "Fusariotoxin T-2, a trichothecene, was tentatively identified in barley samples which caused field outbreaks of mycotoxicosis in British Columbia. Geese died when fed the contaminated barley experimentally but mice were little affected after long term feeding. The methods used in the laboratory for trichothecene extraction and identification of T-2 toxin are described.", "contents": "Fusariotoxicosis from barley in British Columbia. II. Analysis and toxicity of syspected barley. Fusariotoxin T-2, a trichothecene, was tentatively identified in barley samples which caused field outbreaks of mycotoxicosis in British Columbia. Geese died when fed the contaminated barley experimentally but mice were little affected after long term feeding. The methods used in the laboratory for trichothecene extraction and identification of T-2 toxin are described.", "PMID": 1000373} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8204", "title": "The indirect hemagglutination test for the detection of antibodies in cattle naturally infected mycoplasmas.", "content": "Stable mycoplasma antigens for the indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) were prepared employing glutaraldehyde treated sheep erythrocytes sensitized with Mycoplasma agalactiae subsp. bovis and Mycoplasma bovigenitalium antigens. Employing these antigens mycoplasma antibodies were detected in sera from cattle which had mastitic symptoms due to natural infection with either M. agalactiae subsp. bovis or M. bovigenitalium. A total of 200 cows from four herds were examined at varying intervals for the presence of M. agalactiae subsp. bovis and for the detection of antibody using growth inhibition and IHA tests. Mycoplasmas were isolated from 37 animals. Growth inhibiting antibody was detected from 56 of the 200 animals. In the IHA tests, antibody titer greater than or equal to 1:80 were detected in 148 animals, 76 of these having antibody titers greater than or equal to 1:160, while sera of 116 normal control animals had no growth inhibiting antibody and none had IHA antibody titers greater than 1:40. M. bovigenitalium was isolated from the milk of three of 26 animals in a fifth herd during an outbreak of mastitis. Growth inhibiting antibodies were demonstrated in the sera of ten of the 26 animals. However, the IHA test detected antibody titers of greater than or equal to 1:160 in 13 animals and of 1:80 in one of the 26 animals. To determine the specificity of the IHA tests, M. agalactiae subsp. bovis and M. bovigenitalium antigens were reacted with rabbit hyperimmune typing sera produced against 12 species of bovine mycoplasmatales. Homologous antisera showed IHA antibody titers of 1:1280 and 1:2560 against M. agalactiae subsp. bovis and M. bovigenitalium respectively, whereas heterologous antisera showed IHA antibody titers of less than or equal to 1:20. Also eight type-specific bovine antisera were reacted with M agalactiae subsp. bovis and M. bovigenitalium antigens in homologous and heterologous tests. Homoogous reactions showed IHA antibody titers greater than or equal to 1:320, whereas heterologous reactions showed IHA titers of less than or equal to 1:20. This IHA test promises to be useful for the detection of bovine mycoplasma antibodies in sera from cattle infected with M. agalactiae subsp. bovis or M. bovigenitalium. Thes test is sensitive, reproducible and specific and the technique is relatively simple and rapid. The antigens were stable for at least seven months.", "contents": "The indirect hemagglutination test for the detection of antibodies in cattle naturally infected mycoplasmas. Stable mycoplasma antigens for the indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) were prepared employing glutaraldehyde treated sheep erythrocytes sensitized with Mycoplasma agalactiae subsp. bovis and Mycoplasma bovigenitalium antigens. Employing these antigens mycoplasma antibodies were detected in sera from cattle which had mastitic symptoms due to natural infection with either M. agalactiae subsp. bovis or M. bovigenitalium. A total of 200 cows from four herds were examined at varying intervals for the presence of M. agalactiae subsp. bovis and for the detection of antibody using growth inhibition and IHA tests. Mycoplasmas were isolated from 37 animals. Growth inhibiting antibody was detected from 56 of the 200 animals. In the IHA tests, antibody titer greater than or equal to 1:80 were detected in 148 animals, 76 of these having antibody titers greater than or equal to 1:160, while sera of 116 normal control animals had no growth inhibiting antibody and none had IHA antibody titers greater than 1:40. M. bovigenitalium was isolated from the milk of three of 26 animals in a fifth herd during an outbreak of mastitis. Growth inhibiting antibodies were demonstrated in the sera of ten of the 26 animals. However, the IHA test detected antibody titers of greater than or equal to 1:160 in 13 animals and of 1:80 in one of the 26 animals. To determine the specificity of the IHA tests, M. agalactiae subsp. bovis and M. bovigenitalium antigens were reacted with rabbit hyperimmune typing sera produced against 12 species of bovine mycoplasmatales. Homologous antisera showed IHA antibody titers of 1:1280 and 1:2560 against M. agalactiae subsp. bovis and M. bovigenitalium respectively, whereas heterologous antisera showed IHA antibody titers of less than or equal to 1:20. Also eight type-specific bovine antisera were reacted with M agalactiae subsp. bovis and M. bovigenitalium antigens in homologous and heterologous tests. Homoogous reactions showed IHA antibody titers greater than or equal to 1:320, whereas heterologous reactions showed IHA titers of less than or equal to 1:20. This IHA test promises to be useful for the detection of bovine mycoplasma antibodies in sera from cattle infected with M. agalactiae subsp. bovis or M. bovigenitalium. Thes test is sensitive, reproducible and specific and the technique is relatively simple and rapid. The antigens were stable for at least seven months.", "PMID": 1000374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8205", "title": "Mercury and mink. I. The use of mercury contaminated fish as a food for ranch mink.", "content": "Adult female and juvenile ranch mink were fed rations containing 50 and 75% of fish containing 0.44 ppm total mercury over a 145 day period. There was no clinical or pathological evidence of intoxication in these animals and mercury concentrations in tissue appeared to be at a level below that associated with toxicity.", "contents": "Mercury and mink. I. The use of mercury contaminated fish as a food for ranch mink. Adult female and juvenile ranch mink were fed rations containing 50 and 75% of fish containing 0.44 ppm total mercury over a 145 day period. There was no clinical or pathological evidence of intoxication in these animals and mercury concentrations in tissue appeared to be at a level below that associated with toxicity.", "PMID": 1000375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8206", "title": "Mercury and Mink. II. Experimental methyl mercury intoxication.", "content": "Adult female mink were fed rations containing 1.1, 1.8, 4.8, 8.3 and 15.0 ppm mercury as methyl mercury chloride over a 93 day period. Histopathological evidence of injury was present in all groups. Mink fed rations containing 1.8 to 15.0 ppm mercury developed clinical intoxication within the experimental period. The rapidity of onset of clinical intoxication was directly related to the mercury content of the ration. Mercury concentration in tissue of mink which died were similar, despite differences in mercury content of the diets and time of death. The average mercury concentration in the brain of mink which died was 11.9 ppm. The lesions of methyl mercury poisoning are described and criteria for diagnosis are discussed.", "contents": "Mercury and Mink. II. Experimental methyl mercury intoxication. Adult female mink were fed rations containing 1.1, 1.8, 4.8, 8.3 and 15.0 ppm mercury as methyl mercury chloride over a 93 day period. Histopathological evidence of injury was present in all groups. Mink fed rations containing 1.8 to 15.0 ppm mercury developed clinical intoxication within the experimental period. The rapidity of onset of clinical intoxication was directly related to the mercury content of the ration. Mercury concentration in tissue of mink which died were similar, despite differences in mercury content of the diets and time of death. The average mercury concentration in the brain of mink which died was 11.9 ppm. The lesions of methyl mercury poisoning are described and criteria for diagnosis are discussed.", "PMID": 1000376} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8207", "title": "Studies on the response of ewes to live chlamydiae adapted to chicken embryos or tissue culture.", "content": "Ewes infected before gestation with chicken embryo or tissue culture adapted chlamydial strain B-577 were challenge inoculated with the homologous strain at four to 18 weeks of gestation. The ewes responsed with group specific complement fixing antibody titers of 1:8 to 1:256 by the second week after initial infection. A secondary antibody response in the surviving challenge inoculated ewes occurred at the time of lambing and reached titers of 1:32 to 1:256 by the second week after parturition. Group specific complement fixing antibodies did not appear to play a significant role in resistance to chlamydial infection. Ewes infected with the chicken embryo adapted strain B-577 excreted chlamydiae in their feces 60 days after inoculation. However, chlamydiae were not recovered from feces of ewes infected with the tissue culture adapted strain B-577. Placentas of ewes challenge inoculated by the intravenous route were consistently infected. Chlamydiae were recovered from placentas, some fetuses and lambs. In two instances when challenge inoculation was given by the intramuscular route, infection was detected only by the direct fluorescent antibody method.", "contents": "Studies on the response of ewes to live chlamydiae adapted to chicken embryos or tissue culture. Ewes infected before gestation with chicken embryo or tissue culture adapted chlamydial strain B-577 were challenge inoculated with the homologous strain at four to 18 weeks of gestation. The ewes responsed with group specific complement fixing antibody titers of 1:8 to 1:256 by the second week after initial infection. A secondary antibody response in the surviving challenge inoculated ewes occurred at the time of lambing and reached titers of 1:32 to 1:256 by the second week after parturition. Group specific complement fixing antibodies did not appear to play a significant role in resistance to chlamydial infection. Ewes infected with the chicken embryo adapted strain B-577 excreted chlamydiae in their feces 60 days after inoculation. However, chlamydiae were not recovered from feces of ewes infected with the tissue culture adapted strain B-577. Placentas of ewes challenge inoculated by the intravenous route were consistently infected. Chlamydiae were recovered from placentas, some fetuses and lambs. In two instances when challenge inoculation was given by the intramuscular route, infection was detected only by the direct fluorescent antibody method.", "PMID": 1000377} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8208", "title": "Effect of trauma on plasma glucagon and insulin concentrations in sheep.", "content": "Portal plasma glucagon and insulin concentrations were measured before and after acute trauma (liver biosy). The trauma was sufficient to increase glucagon concentrations and depress insulin concentrations. These changes were associated with a marked hyperglycemia. Infusion of glucagon was insufficient to prevent stress inhibition of insulin secretion. The stimulation of glucagon secretion and inhibition of insulin secretion were of about one hour duration. These findings indicate that glucagon and insulin in conjunction with the nervous system may play an important role in the development of stress related hyperglycemia.", "contents": "Effect of trauma on plasma glucagon and insulin concentrations in sheep. Portal plasma glucagon and insulin concentrations were measured before and after acute trauma (liver biosy). The trauma was sufficient to increase glucagon concentrations and depress insulin concentrations. These changes were associated with a marked hyperglycemia. Infusion of glucagon was insufficient to prevent stress inhibition of insulin secretion. The stimulation of glucagon secretion and inhibition of insulin secretion were of about one hour duration. These findings indicate that glucagon and insulin in conjunction with the nervous system may play an important role in the development of stress related hyperglycemia.", "PMID": 1000378} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8209", "title": "Experimental production of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis: comparison of serological and immunological responses using pili fractions of Moraxella bovis.", "content": "The effect of vaccinating cattle and mice on the development of keratoconjunctivitis was studied. Cattle were vaccinated with whole cells, disrupted cells and pili fractions of three strains of Moraxella bovis. Mice were vaccinated with pili fractions of three strains. The resistance of all vaccinated animals was challenged with virulent cultures of M. bovis. In an attempt to correlate the response seen after vaccination and challenge with a pili fraction of M. bovis, vaccinated cattle and mice were grouped on the basis of signs of disease manifested and compared on the basis of serological responses. Serum samples were tested for antibodies by a gel diffusion precipitin test. A greater number of the sera of resistant cattle had antibodies to the homologous pili antigen than those of vaccinated nonresistant cattle. Cattle vaccinated with disrupted cells were not resistant to infectious bovine kerato-conjuctivitis and their sera lacked antibodies against the pili antigens. Vaccinated mice were more resistant to infectious bovine kerato-conjuctivitis and their sera lacked antibodies against the pili antigens. Vaccinated mice were more resistant to challenge exposure by homologous than heterologous cultures. A greater number of the sera of resistant mice had antibodies to pili antigens than nonresistant mice.", "contents": "Experimental production of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis: comparison of serological and immunological responses using pili fractions of Moraxella bovis. The effect of vaccinating cattle and mice on the development of keratoconjunctivitis was studied. Cattle were vaccinated with whole cells, disrupted cells and pili fractions of three strains of Moraxella bovis. Mice were vaccinated with pili fractions of three strains. The resistance of all vaccinated animals was challenged with virulent cultures of M. bovis. In an attempt to correlate the response seen after vaccination and challenge with a pili fraction of M. bovis, vaccinated cattle and mice were grouped on the basis of signs of disease manifested and compared on the basis of serological responses. Serum samples were tested for antibodies by a gel diffusion precipitin test. A greater number of the sera of resistant cattle had antibodies to the homologous pili antigen than those of vaccinated nonresistant cattle. Cattle vaccinated with disrupted cells were not resistant to infectious bovine kerato-conjuctivitis and their sera lacked antibodies against the pili antigens. Vaccinated mice were more resistant to infectious bovine kerato-conjuctivitis and their sera lacked antibodies against the pili antigens. Vaccinated mice were more resistant to challenge exposure by homologous than heterologous cultures. A greater number of the sera of resistant mice had antibodies to pili antigens than nonresistant mice.", "PMID": 1000379} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8210", "title": "Mycotoxin determinations on animal feedstuffs and tissues in Western Canada.", "content": "Results of examination of specimens of plant or animal origin for various mycotoxins are presented. Analyses for aflatoxins and ochratoxins were most frequently requested, usually on the basis of visible mouldiness. Aflatoxin B1 was found in one of 100 specimens at a level of 50 ppb in a sample of alfalfa brome hay. Ochratoxin A was detected in seven of 95 specimens comprising six samples of wheat at levels between 30 and 6000 ppb and one sample of hay at a level of 30 ppb. An overall detection rate of 4.2% involving significant levels of potent mycotoxins suggests that acute or chronic mycotoxicoses may occur in farm livestock or poultry more frequently than presently diagnosied.", "contents": "Mycotoxin determinations on animal feedstuffs and tissues in Western Canada. Results of examination of specimens of plant or animal origin for various mycotoxins are presented. Analyses for aflatoxins and ochratoxins were most frequently requested, usually on the basis of visible mouldiness. Aflatoxin B1 was found in one of 100 specimens at a level of 50 ppb in a sample of alfalfa brome hay. Ochratoxin A was detected in seven of 95 specimens comprising six samples of wheat at levels between 30 and 6000 ppb and one sample of hay at a level of 30 ppb. An overall detection rate of 4.2% involving significant levels of potent mycotoxins suggests that acute or chronic mycotoxicoses may occur in farm livestock or poultry more frequently than presently diagnosied.", "PMID": 1000380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8211", "title": "Temperature sensitivity studies on selected strains on Mycoplasma gallisepticum.", "content": "Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG324), a tylosin resistant strain of low virulence, was compared with four other strains with respect to their survival at temperatures from 46.1 to 48.9 degrees C. MG324 was found to be more resistant than the other strains tested.", "contents": "Temperature sensitivity studies on selected strains on Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG324), a tylosin resistant strain of low virulence, was compared with four other strains with respect to their survival at temperatures from 46.1 to 48.9 degrees C. MG324 was found to be more resistant than the other strains tested.", "PMID": 1000381} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8212", "title": "Lead and mercury residues in kidney and liver of Canadian slaughter animals.", "content": "Liver and kidney samples were collected from Canadian slaughter animals during the winter of 1973-1974. A total of 256 samples were analyzed for lead. Mean lead levels of 1.02 ppm in poultry liver, 1.04 ppm in bovine liver, 1.02 ppm in bovine kidney, 0.73 ppm in pork liver and 0.85 ppm in pork kidney were found. A total of 265 samples were analyzed for mercury. Mean mercury levels of 0.003 ppm in poultry liver, 0.007 ppm in bovine liver, 0.008 ppm in bovine kidney, 0.001 ppm in pork liver and 0.013 ppm in pork kidney were found. All levels detected were below the Canadian official tolerance of 2 ppm for lead and administrative tolerance of 0.5 ppm for mercury.", "contents": "Lead and mercury residues in kidney and liver of Canadian slaughter animals. Liver and kidney samples were collected from Canadian slaughter animals during the winter of 1973-1974. A total of 256 samples were analyzed for lead. Mean lead levels of 1.02 ppm in poultry liver, 1.04 ppm in bovine liver, 1.02 ppm in bovine kidney, 0.73 ppm in pork liver and 0.85 ppm in pork kidney were found. A total of 265 samples were analyzed for mercury. Mean mercury levels of 0.003 ppm in poultry liver, 0.007 ppm in bovine liver, 0.008 ppm in bovine kidney, 0.001 ppm in pork liver and 0.013 ppm in pork kidney were found. All levels detected were below the Canadian official tolerance of 2 ppm for lead and administrative tolerance of 0.5 ppm for mercury.", "PMID": 1000382} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8213", "title": "Infleuce of dietary levels of vitamin E and selenium on tissue and blood parameters in pigs.", "content": "Eighteen barrows approximately three weeks of age were used in a 3 X 3 factorial arrangement to investigate the effect of level of supplemental vitamin E and selenium on tissue and blood parameters. Tissue selenium concentrations increased in a quadratic manner with increased selenium intake with kidney tissue containing considerably greater concentrations than liver, heart or muscle. Supplementation of the diet caused a three-fold increase in serum selenium within the first week with a slight tendency to further increases in subsequent weeks. Serum vitamin E of unsupplemented pigs declined by fifty percent during the experiment, whereas supplemental vitamin E resulted in increased serum vitamin E. There was a considerable viration in percent peroxide hemolysis. Correlation of -0.63 between percent peroxide hemolysis and vitamin E intake and -0.85 between percent peroxide hemolysis and serum vitamin E were observed.", "contents": "Infleuce of dietary levels of vitamin E and selenium on tissue and blood parameters in pigs. Eighteen barrows approximately three weeks of age were used in a 3 X 3 factorial arrangement to investigate the effect of level of supplemental vitamin E and selenium on tissue and blood parameters. Tissue selenium concentrations increased in a quadratic manner with increased selenium intake with kidney tissue containing considerably greater concentrations than liver, heart or muscle. Supplementation of the diet caused a three-fold increase in serum selenium within the first week with a slight tendency to further increases in subsequent weeks. Serum vitamin E of unsupplemented pigs declined by fifty percent during the experiment, whereas supplemental vitamin E resulted in increased serum vitamin E. There was a considerable viration in percent peroxide hemolysis. Correlation of -0.63 between percent peroxide hemolysis and vitamin E intake and -0.85 between percent peroxide hemolysis and serum vitamin E were observed.", "PMID": 1000383} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8214", "title": "Epidemiological field studies of animal populations.", "content": "Numerous survey designs have been developed for epidemiological field studies of human populations, most of which are also applicable to field studies of animal poulations. Each design has its own advantages and disadvantages. The final design selected for a particular study depends upon such factors as the overall purpose of the study, the geographic dimensions of the study area, the diseases incidence or prevalence and species to be studied as well as the planned use for the data. Population dynamics including the distribution and density of the species to be studied are factors that should also be considered in the initial design of a study. A surveillance system, using mailed questionnaire data and a subsequent survey using direct interviews of validate the data in a statewide study of swine birth defects are used to illustrate some of the techniques that can be applied to domestic animal populations in a fairly large geographic area. The type of data collected, its use and its limitations are also considered.", "contents": "Epidemiological field studies of animal populations. Numerous survey designs have been developed for epidemiological field studies of human populations, most of which are also applicable to field studies of animal poulations. Each design has its own advantages and disadvantages. The final design selected for a particular study depends upon such factors as the overall purpose of the study, the geographic dimensions of the study area, the diseases incidence or prevalence and species to be studied as well as the planned use for the data. Population dynamics including the distribution and density of the species to be studied are factors that should also be considered in the initial design of a study. A surveillance system, using mailed questionnaire data and a subsequent survey using direct interviews of validate the data in a statewide study of swine birth defects are used to illustrate some of the techniques that can be applied to domestic animal populations in a fairly large geographic area. The type of data collected, its use and its limitations are also considered.", "PMID": 1000384} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8215", "title": "Bovine mastitis in Ontario due to Mycoplasma agalactiae subsp. bovis.", "content": "Bovine mastitis caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae subsp. bovis was first diagnosed in 16 of 55 cows in an Ontario herd in Feburary 1972. A total of 182 of 598 (30.4%) cows from 33 of 64 (51.5%) farms in widely separated areas of the province were culturally positive. Herd incidence varied from 15 to 40% with one closed herd having an incidence of 61%. Four herds were investigated culturally and serologically by the growth inhibition test for 15 months. In the acute phase the organism was present in the milk in extremely high numbers and could still be isolated from a few cows after eight to 12 months. The sera from 89.5% of the animals with clinical mycoplasma mastitis produced a zone of surface \"film\" and/or colony inhibition and some cows remained positive for six to 12 months. The disease was experimentally reproduced with a pure culture of the organism isolated from the milk of a cow from one of the herds.", "contents": "Bovine mastitis in Ontario due to Mycoplasma agalactiae subsp. bovis. Bovine mastitis caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae subsp. bovis was first diagnosed in 16 of 55 cows in an Ontario herd in Feburary 1972. A total of 182 of 598 (30.4%) cows from 33 of 64 (51.5%) farms in widely separated areas of the province were culturally positive. Herd incidence varied from 15 to 40% with one closed herd having an incidence of 61%. Four herds were investigated culturally and serologically by the growth inhibition test for 15 months. In the acute phase the organism was present in the milk in extremely high numbers and could still be isolated from a few cows after eight to 12 months. The sera from 89.5% of the animals with clinical mycoplasma mastitis produced a zone of surface \"film\" and/or colony inhibition and some cows remained positive for six to 12 months. The disease was experimentally reproduced with a pure culture of the organism isolated from the milk of a cow from one of the herds.", "PMID": 1000385} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8216", "title": "Effects of glucagon and insulin on lipolysis and ketogenesis in sheep.", "content": "The hepatic and portal productions of acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate and lipolysis were studied in normal and insulin-controlled alloxan-diabetic sheep. Since hyperinsulinemia is associated with glucagon administration, the latter group of sheep were used to maintain constant plasma insulin levels. After control values were obtained glucagon was infused intraportally at 90 mug/hr for two hours. The ketone body production by portal drained viscera was not significantly affected by glucagon. In alloxanized sheep, glucagon significantly (P less than 0.01) increased net hepatic production of acetoacetate (from -0.54 +/- 0.08 to 0.46 +/- 0.07 g/hr). Lipolysis also increased. However, in the normal sheep, hyperinsulinemia prevented any stimulatory effect of glucagon on hepatic ketogenesis and lipolysis. Therefore, while glucagon appears capable of stimulating ketogenesis andlipolysis, these effects are readily suppressed by insulin.", "contents": "Effects of glucagon and insulin on lipolysis and ketogenesis in sheep. The hepatic and portal productions of acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate and lipolysis were studied in normal and insulin-controlled alloxan-diabetic sheep. Since hyperinsulinemia is associated with glucagon administration, the latter group of sheep were used to maintain constant plasma insulin levels. After control values were obtained glucagon was infused intraportally at 90 mug/hr for two hours. The ketone body production by portal drained viscera was not significantly affected by glucagon. In alloxanized sheep, glucagon significantly (P less than 0.01) increased net hepatic production of acetoacetate (from -0.54 +/- 0.08 to 0.46 +/- 0.07 g/hr). Lipolysis also increased. However, in the normal sheep, hyperinsulinemia prevented any stimulatory effect of glucagon on hepatic ketogenesis and lipolysis. Therefore, while glucagon appears capable of stimulating ketogenesis andlipolysis, these effects are readily suppressed by insulin.", "PMID": 1000386} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8217", "title": "The role of colorstrum on the occurrence of immunoglobulin G subclasses and antibody production in neonatal goats.", "content": "Quantitative determinations of IgG1 and IgG2, in one group of colostrum-fed and one group of colostrum-deprived neonatal goats revealed that the occurrence of the IgG1 subclass preceeded that of the IgG2 in both cases. In the colostrum-fed animals the IgG2 appeared, on an average, in the fourth week of life whereas in the colostrum-deprived animals the IgG2 was detected as early as three weeks after birth. At the age of twelve weeks the mean concentrations for IgG, and IgG2 were higher in the animals deprived of colostrum. The immune response to human gamma globulin was studied in colostrum-fed and colostrum-deprived neonatal goats which were immunized at birth and again after four and eight weeks. Following the first two antigen administrations a significantly higher response was obtained in the colostrum-fed neonates. However, the third injection determined a similar response in both groups. A marked suppressive effect on the immune response was observed in colostrum-fed neonatal goats when specific antibodies were present in the colostrum after preimmunization of the mothers with human gamma globulin.", "contents": "The role of colorstrum on the occurrence of immunoglobulin G subclasses and antibody production in neonatal goats. Quantitative determinations of IgG1 and IgG2, in one group of colostrum-fed and one group of colostrum-deprived neonatal goats revealed that the occurrence of the IgG1 subclass preceeded that of the IgG2 in both cases. In the colostrum-fed animals the IgG2 appeared, on an average, in the fourth week of life whereas in the colostrum-deprived animals the IgG2 was detected as early as three weeks after birth. At the age of twelve weeks the mean concentrations for IgG, and IgG2 were higher in the animals deprived of colostrum. The immune response to human gamma globulin was studied in colostrum-fed and colostrum-deprived neonatal goats which were immunized at birth and again after four and eight weeks. Following the first two antigen administrations a significantly higher response was obtained in the colostrum-fed neonates. However, the third injection determined a similar response in both groups. A marked suppressive effect on the immune response was observed in colostrum-fed neonatal goats when specific antibodies were present in the colostrum after preimmunization of the mothers with human gamma globulin.", "PMID": 1000387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8218", "title": "A comparison of techniques for the quantitative analysis of hyaluronic acid in equine synovial fluid.", "content": "A comparison of methods of preparing the hyaluronic acid of equine synovial fluid for quantitative spectrophotographic analysis is presented. A new method is proposed which appears superior to the previous methods.", "contents": "A comparison of techniques for the quantitative analysis of hyaluronic acid in equine synovial fluid. A comparison of methods of preparing the hyaluronic acid of equine synovial fluid for quantitative spectrophotographic analysis is presented. A new method is proposed which appears superior to the previous methods.", "PMID": 1000388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8219", "title": "Some leptospira agglutinins detected in domestic animals in British Columbia.", "content": "During a period of six years 7,555 bovine sera, 421 canine sera, 251 porcine sera and 135 equine sera were tested for agglutinins to Leptospira interrogans serotypes canicola, grippotyphosa, hardjo, icterohemorrhagiae, pomona and sejroe. The bovine sera reacted predominantly with hardjo and/or sejroe at a rate of 15% compared to 3.5% with pomona. Breeding or abortion problems were associated with pomona but not with sejroe/hardjo agglutinins. The canine sera reacted to canicola (9.9%y and icterohemorrhagiae (5.4%), tcted predominantly with canicola (8.9%) and icterohemorrhagiae (8.1%).", "contents": "Some leptospira agglutinins detected in domestic animals in British Columbia. During a period of six years 7,555 bovine sera, 421 canine sera, 251 porcine sera and 135 equine sera were tested for agglutinins to Leptospira interrogans serotypes canicola, grippotyphosa, hardjo, icterohemorrhagiae, pomona and sejroe. The bovine sera reacted predominantly with hardjo and/or sejroe at a rate of 15% compared to 3.5% with pomona. Breeding or abortion problems were associated with pomona but not with sejroe/hardjo agglutinins. The canine sera reacted to canicola (9.9%y and icterohemorrhagiae (5.4%), tcted predominantly with canicola (8.9%) and icterohemorrhagiae (8.1%).", "PMID": 1000389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8220", "title": "Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: experimental production in calves with antigens of Micropolyspora faeni.", "content": "Pneumonitis was induced in calves by exposure to aerosols of Micropolyspora faeni with or without prior sensitization of the animals by subcutaneous injection of antigen. The pneumonitis primarily involved centrolobular areas and was characterized by alveolar septal thickening and loss of air space by cellular infiltration. Vasculitis and focal haemorrhage occurred in certain individuals and haemoproteinaceous exudate appeared within septa and alveolar lumina. The pneumonitis was compared with human farmer's lung, pneumonitis of housed cattle and other experimental hypersensitivity pneumonitides.", "contents": "Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: experimental production in calves with antigens of Micropolyspora faeni. Pneumonitis was induced in calves by exposure to aerosols of Micropolyspora faeni with or without prior sensitization of the animals by subcutaneous injection of antigen. The pneumonitis primarily involved centrolobular areas and was characterized by alveolar septal thickening and loss of air space by cellular infiltration. Vasculitis and focal haemorrhage occurred in certain individuals and haemoproteinaceous exudate appeared within septa and alveolar lumina. The pneumonitis was compared with human farmer's lung, pneumonitis of housed cattle and other experimental hypersensitivity pneumonitides.", "PMID": 1000390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8221", "title": "Values of three coagulation screening tests of precolostral calves.", "content": "Prothrombin times, partial thromboplastin times and platelet counts were performed to determine normal values and to screen for coagulation defects of precolostral calves. The precolostral calves were in two groups: one group of a few calves was tested two years before the second larger group. The results for both groups were similar. The tests were performed on postcolostral calves and on mature cows to compare their values with those of precolostral calves. The mean values of prothrombin times and partial thromboplastin times of precolostral calves in the first group were 18.8 seconds and 54.8 seconds respectively. The mean values of prothrombin times and partial thromboplastin times of precolostral calves in the second group were 18.8 seconds and 50.8 seconds respectively. The mean platelet count was 422,400/cmm for the first group and 482,800/cmm for the second group.", "contents": "Values of three coagulation screening tests of precolostral calves. Prothrombin times, partial thromboplastin times and platelet counts were performed to determine normal values and to screen for coagulation defects of precolostral calves. The precolostral calves were in two groups: one group of a few calves was tested two years before the second larger group. The results for both groups were similar. The tests were performed on postcolostral calves and on mature cows to compare their values with those of precolostral calves. The mean values of prothrombin times and partial thromboplastin times of precolostral calves in the first group were 18.8 seconds and 54.8 seconds respectively. The mean values of prothrombin times and partial thromboplastin times of precolostral calves in the second group were 18.8 seconds and 50.8 seconds respectively. The mean platelet count was 422,400/cmm for the first group and 482,800/cmm for the second group.", "PMID": 1000391} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8222", "title": "The determination of hemoglobin and myoglogin residues as a parameter for testing heat exposure in back bacon.", "content": "The use of an extraction of the heme pigments hemoglobin and myoglobin as a test for the heat exposure of back bacon was investigated by treating back bacon at varying temperatures of 50-70 degrees C and times of two to 180 minutes and observing the effect on the absorbance of heme pigment residue after nitrite oxidation. Absorbance at 409 nm was used in place of the more usual 540 nm to provide greater sensitivity in the detection of heme. A decrease in residual heme pigments was time-dependent, particularly at lower temperatures. In view of this factor and the complex nature of the heat exposure of a large block of back bacon, the application of this test would require a calibration of each process. Alternatively, limits to the amounts of heme pigment residue could be set. The heme pigment test is useful in its simplicity and overcomes difficulties associated with the coagulation and enzyme tests.", "contents": "The determination of hemoglobin and myoglogin residues as a parameter for testing heat exposure in back bacon. The use of an extraction of the heme pigments hemoglobin and myoglobin as a test for the heat exposure of back bacon was investigated by treating back bacon at varying temperatures of 50-70 degrees C and times of two to 180 minutes and observing the effect on the absorbance of heme pigment residue after nitrite oxidation. Absorbance at 409 nm was used in place of the more usual 540 nm to provide greater sensitivity in the detection of heme. A decrease in residual heme pigments was time-dependent, particularly at lower temperatures. In view of this factor and the complex nature of the heat exposure of a large block of back bacon, the application of this test would require a calibration of each process. Alternatively, limits to the amounts of heme pigment residue could be set. The heme pigment test is useful in its simplicity and overcomes difficulties associated with the coagulation and enzyme tests.", "PMID": 1000392} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8223", "title": "The bioavailability, dispostion kinetics and dosage of sulphadimethoxine in dogs.", "content": "The disposition kinetics of sulphadimethoxine were studied in six normal beagle dogs after intravenous injection of a single dose (55 mg/kg). The median (range) distribution and elimination half times of the drug were 2.36 (2.06-3.35) hours and 13.10 (9.71-16.50) hours, respectively. Total body clearance of the drug had a median value of 21.7 ml/kg/h and a mean value of 21.4 ml/kg/h. While the overall tissue to plasma level ratio (k12/k21) of the drug was 0.55 after distribution equilibrium had been attained, analogue computer simulated curves showed that at 24 hours the fractions (percentage) of the dose in the central and tissue compartments were 12 and 11%, respectively. The drug was shown, by equilibrium dialysis method, to be highly bound to plasma proteins (greater than 75%) within the usual therapeutic range (50 to 150 mug/ml) of plasma levels. The systemic availability of sulphadimethoxine from the oral suspension was 32.8% (22.5-80.0). Since the absorption half time, 1.87 (0.86-3.22) hours, was considerably shorter than the half-life, 13.10 (9.71-16.50) hours, of the drug, the rate of absorption would have little influence on the dosage regimen. Based on the experimental data obtained, a satisfactory dosage regimen might consist of a priming dose of 55 mg/kg by the intravenous route and maintenance doses of either 27.5 mg/kg of sulphadimethoxine injection given intravenously or 55 mg/kg of the oral suspension administered at 24 hour intervals. The adequacy and duration of therapy will depend upon the clinical response obtained.", "contents": "The bioavailability, dispostion kinetics and dosage of sulphadimethoxine in dogs. The disposition kinetics of sulphadimethoxine were studied in six normal beagle dogs after intravenous injection of a single dose (55 mg/kg). The median (range) distribution and elimination half times of the drug were 2.36 (2.06-3.35) hours and 13.10 (9.71-16.50) hours, respectively. Total body clearance of the drug had a median value of 21.7 ml/kg/h and a mean value of 21.4 ml/kg/h. While the overall tissue to plasma level ratio (k12/k21) of the drug was 0.55 after distribution equilibrium had been attained, analogue computer simulated curves showed that at 24 hours the fractions (percentage) of the dose in the central and tissue compartments were 12 and 11%, respectively. The drug was shown, by equilibrium dialysis method, to be highly bound to plasma proteins (greater than 75%) within the usual therapeutic range (50 to 150 mug/ml) of plasma levels. The systemic availability of sulphadimethoxine from the oral suspension was 32.8% (22.5-80.0). Since the absorption half time, 1.87 (0.86-3.22) hours, was considerably shorter than the half-life, 13.10 (9.71-16.50) hours, of the drug, the rate of absorption would have little influence on the dosage regimen. Based on the experimental data obtained, a satisfactory dosage regimen might consist of a priming dose of 55 mg/kg by the intravenous route and maintenance doses of either 27.5 mg/kg of sulphadimethoxine injection given intravenously or 55 mg/kg of the oral suspension administered at 24 hour intervals. The adequacy and duration of therapy will depend upon the clinical response obtained.", "PMID": 1000393} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8224", "title": "A simple technique for mass cultivation of Campylobacter fetus.", "content": "Studies using 86 media for maximum growth of Campylobacter fetus for antigen production showed that a diphasic medium (solid base with liquid overlay) was most suitable. The solid base was double strength cystine heart agar. The liquid overlay was thioglycollate medium of Brewer (135-C) without agar. This medium yielded maximum growth of C. fetus in six days with good motility, less clumping and less filament formation than all other media tried.", "contents": "A simple technique for mass cultivation of Campylobacter fetus. Studies using 86 media for maximum growth of Campylobacter fetus for antigen production showed that a diphasic medium (solid base with liquid overlay) was most suitable. The solid base was double strength cystine heart agar. The liquid overlay was thioglycollate medium of Brewer (135-C) without agar. This medium yielded maximum growth of C. fetus in six days with good motility, less clumping and less filament formation than all other media tried.", "PMID": 1000394} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8225", "title": "Investigation of maturation requirements for Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora larvae.", "content": "Infection of parasite-free six to eight week old calves with doses of 50,000 mixed Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora larvae varying in age from seven to 42 days did not reveal a significant larval maturation requirement.", "contents": "Investigation of maturation requirements for Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora larvae. Infection of parasite-free six to eight week old calves with doses of 50,000 mixed Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora larvae varying in age from seven to 42 days did not reveal a significant larval maturation requirement.", "PMID": 1000395} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8226", "title": "Strongyle infections in ponies. I. Response to intermittent thiabendazole treatments.", "content": "A group of seven ponies naturally infected with large numbers of small strongyles and raised under conditions to minimize reinfection were treated periodically over a three year span with thiabendazole at the rate of 44 mg/kg body weight. Based on the absence of worm eggs in the feces following each treatment, thiabendazole removed the adult strongyles present with a new population subsequently developing by maturation of inhibited larvae. It took as many as four or five treatments to eliminate or reduce significantly the worm burdens present in the ponies under the conditions of this study. Strongyle eggs started to reappear in the feces about six weeks after treatment and following the first treatment the mean egg counts rose to the pretreatment level. On successive treatments the interval for worm eggs to appear in the feces lengthened and mean egg counts never rose quite as high as immediate pretreatment levels. Hematological changes were not marked, although a small steady increase in the mean hemoglobin values and an equivalent small decrease in the mean eosinophil counts occurred in all ponies following each successive treatment. The study supports the rationale of regular anthelmintic treatment of horses in that even in the absence of reinfection, new burdens of adult worms develop following treatment.", "contents": "Strongyle infections in ponies. I. Response to intermittent thiabendazole treatments. A group of seven ponies naturally infected with large numbers of small strongyles and raised under conditions to minimize reinfection were treated periodically over a three year span with thiabendazole at the rate of 44 mg/kg body weight. Based on the absence of worm eggs in the feces following each treatment, thiabendazole removed the adult strongyles present with a new population subsequently developing by maturation of inhibited larvae. It took as many as four or five treatments to eliminate or reduce significantly the worm burdens present in the ponies under the conditions of this study. Strongyle eggs started to reappear in the feces about six weeks after treatment and following the first treatment the mean egg counts rose to the pretreatment level. On successive treatments the interval for worm eggs to appear in the feces lengthened and mean egg counts never rose quite as high as immediate pretreatment levels. Hematological changes were not marked, although a small steady increase in the mean hemoglobin values and an equivalent small decrease in the mean eosinophil counts occurred in all ponies following each successive treatment. The study supports the rationale of regular anthelmintic treatment of horses in that even in the absence of reinfection, new burdens of adult worms develop following treatment.", "PMID": 1000396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8227", "title": "Serum ampicillin levels in the calf: influence of dosage, route of administration and dosage form.", "content": "Holstein bull calves received ampicillin sodium by the intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous routes and ampicillin trihydrate by the intramuscular route, at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. In addition ampicillin sodium and ampicillin trihydrate were given at a 12 mg/kg dosage intramuscularly. The serum ampicillin concentrations were determined at five, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 min after drug administration and at 360 min after ampicillin trihydrate injection. Intravenous administration gave a high initial level (16.2 mug/ml) at five min that declined to below 1 mug/ml by 120 min. Subcutaneous administration produced the lowest initial levels of drug but concentrations of drug detected did not differ significantly from the intramuscular administration at any sampling interval. The 12 mg/kg intramuscular ampicillin sodium dosage produced significantly higher levels than the 5 mg/kg dosage only at five min. Ampicillin trihydrate gave higher levels than ampicillin sodium at all times except 30 min (5 mg/kg) and five min (12 mg/kg). The serum ampicillin disappearance study (5 mg/kg intravenous) gave a two component bi-exponential curve. Kinetic analysis of the first component showed a C01 (theoretical initial conc) of 44.8 mug/ml, a ke1 (rate constant of disappearance) of 0.064 mug min and a t1/21 (calculated half-life) of 10.8 min. The Co2, ke2 and t1/22 of the second component were 6.2 mug/ml, 0.0157 mug/min and 46.2 min respectively.", "contents": "Serum ampicillin levels in the calf: influence of dosage, route of administration and dosage form. Holstein bull calves received ampicillin sodium by the intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous routes and ampicillin trihydrate by the intramuscular route, at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. In addition ampicillin sodium and ampicillin trihydrate were given at a 12 mg/kg dosage intramuscularly. The serum ampicillin concentrations were determined at five, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 min after drug administration and at 360 min after ampicillin trihydrate injection. Intravenous administration gave a high initial level (16.2 mug/ml) at five min that declined to below 1 mug/ml by 120 min. Subcutaneous administration produced the lowest initial levels of drug but concentrations of drug detected did not differ significantly from the intramuscular administration at any sampling interval. The 12 mg/kg intramuscular ampicillin sodium dosage produced significantly higher levels than the 5 mg/kg dosage only at five min. Ampicillin trihydrate gave higher levels than ampicillin sodium at all times except 30 min (5 mg/kg) and five min (12 mg/kg). The serum ampicillin disappearance study (5 mg/kg intravenous) gave a two component bi-exponential curve. Kinetic analysis of the first component showed a C01 (theoretical initial conc) of 44.8 mug/ml, a ke1 (rate constant of disappearance) of 0.064 mug min and a t1/21 (calculated half-life) of 10.8 min. The Co2, ke2 and t1/22 of the second component were 6.2 mug/ml, 0.0157 mug/min and 46.2 min respectively.", "PMID": 1000398} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8228", "title": "The effect of route of immunization on the lapine immune response to killed Pasteurella haemolytica and the influence of aerosol challenge with the live organism.", "content": "Appearance of anti-Pasteurella haemolytica antibody in the serum and broncho-alveolar washings of rabbits is independent of the route of immunization and is similar in both locations. The most influential factor in development of a humoral response is exposure to live P. haemolytica and prior exposure to the killed bacterium has no significant effect upon titre determined following aerosol challenge with live organisms.", "contents": "The effect of route of immunization on the lapine immune response to killed Pasteurella haemolytica and the influence of aerosol challenge with the live organism. Appearance of anti-Pasteurella haemolytica antibody in the serum and broncho-alveolar washings of rabbits is independent of the route of immunization and is similar in both locations. The most influential factor in development of a humoral response is exposure to live P. haemolytica and prior exposure to the killed bacterium has no significant effect upon titre determined following aerosol challenge with live organisms.", "PMID": 1000399} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8229", "title": "Strongyle infections in ponies. II. Reinfection of treated animals.", "content": "Five of seven ponies whose strongyle worm burdens had previously been removed or markedly reduced by repeated thiabendazole treatments were reinfected with doses ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 small strongyle infective larvae. Reinfection of ponies resulted in the development of clinical signs characterized by abnormal feces, marked loss of weight and delayed shedding of winter hair coats. An abrupt increase in circulating eosinophils occurred during the first three weeks following reinfection. Patent infections developed in all ponies with worm eggs appearing in the feces from 12 to 15 weeks after receiving infective larvae. Worm egg outputs followed a cyclic pattern with approximately four to five peaks in egg output per year. There was an abrupt drop in the high worm egg counts in two untreated ponies approximately two and a half years after reinfection. No worms were recovered in the feces of these animals when they were subsequently treated, suggesting that a depletion in the number of inhibited larvae present in these ponies might have occurred.", "contents": "Strongyle infections in ponies. II. Reinfection of treated animals. Five of seven ponies whose strongyle worm burdens had previously been removed or markedly reduced by repeated thiabendazole treatments were reinfected with doses ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 small strongyle infective larvae. Reinfection of ponies resulted in the development of clinical signs characterized by abnormal feces, marked loss of weight and delayed shedding of winter hair coats. An abrupt increase in circulating eosinophils occurred during the first three weeks following reinfection. Patent infections developed in all ponies with worm eggs appearing in the feces from 12 to 15 weeks after receiving infective larvae. Worm egg outputs followed a cyclic pattern with approximately four to five peaks in egg output per year. There was an abrupt drop in the high worm egg counts in two untreated ponies approximately two and a half years after reinfection. No worms were recovered in the feces of these animals when they were subsequently treated, suggesting that a depletion in the number of inhibited larvae present in these ponies might have occurred.", "PMID": 1000397} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8230", "title": "Pathological changes in chickens, ducks and turkeys fed high levels of rapeseed oil.", "content": "Rations containing 25% of either regular rapeseed oil (36% erucic acid), Oro rapeseed oil (1.9% erucic acid), soybean oil or a mixture of lard and corn oil were fed to chickens, ducks and turkeys. The regular rapeseed oil ration caused growth depression, increased feed conversion and anemia in all species. All the ducks and some of the chickens fed the regular rapeseed oil ration died. These dead birds were affected with hydropericardium and ascites. No deaths in the turkeys could be attributed to the regular rapeseed oil ration but some turkeys fed this ration had degenerative foci characterized by infiltrations of histiocytic and giant cells in the myocardium. Severe fatty change in the heart, skeletal muscles, spleen and kidney was found at an early age in all birds fed the regular rapeseed oil ration. Less severe fatty change but no other lesions were found in birds fed the Oro rapeseed oil and soybean oil rations.", "contents": "Pathological changes in chickens, ducks and turkeys fed high levels of rapeseed oil. Rations containing 25% of either regular rapeseed oil (36% erucic acid), Oro rapeseed oil (1.9% erucic acid), soybean oil or a mixture of lard and corn oil were fed to chickens, ducks and turkeys. The regular rapeseed oil ration caused growth depression, increased feed conversion and anemia in all species. All the ducks and some of the chickens fed the regular rapeseed oil ration died. These dead birds were affected with hydropericardium and ascites. No deaths in the turkeys could be attributed to the regular rapeseed oil ration but some turkeys fed this ration had degenerative foci characterized by infiltrations of histiocytic and giant cells in the myocardium. Severe fatty change in the heart, skeletal muscles, spleen and kidney was found at an early age in all birds fed the regular rapeseed oil ration. Less severe fatty change but no other lesions were found in birds fed the Oro rapeseed oil and soybean oil rations.", "PMID": 1000400} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8231", "title": "Quantitative assessment of the morphology of the pig's head used as a model in surgical experimentation. Part 1: Methods of Measurements.", "content": "Thirty-two surface measurements were described for assessment of the effect of complex surgical operations on the skeleton of the face in pigs. The methods of measurements imitate those of anthropometry. The surface measurements can complement cephalometry with data about the changes in the soft tissue and thus improve the documentation of the effect of surgery. This paper can help in the evaluation of complicated osteotomy procedures using the pig as the animal model, for facial reconstruction research in humans.", "contents": "Quantitative assessment of the morphology of the pig's head used as a model in surgical experimentation. Part 1: Methods of Measurements. Thirty-two surface measurements were described for assessment of the effect of complex surgical operations on the skeleton of the face in pigs. The methods of measurements imitate those of anthropometry. The surface measurements can complement cephalometry with data about the changes in the soft tissue and thus improve the documentation of the effect of surgery. This paper can help in the evaluation of complicated osteotomy procedures using the pig as the animal model, for facial reconstruction research in humans.", "PMID": 1000401} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8232", "title": "In vitro effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) on bovine cells.", "content": "Bovine fetal muscle cells were exposed to culture media containing 2 mg and 20 mg per liter of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) for varying intervals to determine the in vitro response of mammalian cells to this compound. The concentrations of 2,4-D used were comparable to those used in spray programmes although the residues normally found in pasture are much lower since 2,4-D is rapidly degraded under field conditions. Untreated and treated cultures were analyzed for total cell count, mitotic index and the percentages of differentiating and degenerating cells. The response of cultures to treatment was similar irrespective of the concentrations of 2,4-D used although in higher concentrations there was an initial drop in mitotic index. Other changes noted in treated cultures included an increase in differentiating and degenerating cells compared to those in control. The mitotic cells in treated cultures exhibited unipolar and tripolar spindles and a variety of other abnormalities including malorientation of the mitotic apparatus in relation to the axis of the cell. Myoblasts in initial stages of myogenesis were noted to be in mitosis in treated cultures suggesting that 2,4-D may have a stimulatory effect on myoblasts which in normal myogenesis are in post mitotic stage.", "contents": "In vitro effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) on bovine cells. Bovine fetal muscle cells were exposed to culture media containing 2 mg and 20 mg per liter of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) for varying intervals to determine the in vitro response of mammalian cells to this compound. The concentrations of 2,4-D used were comparable to those used in spray programmes although the residues normally found in pasture are much lower since 2,4-D is rapidly degraded under field conditions. Untreated and treated cultures were analyzed for total cell count, mitotic index and the percentages of differentiating and degenerating cells. The response of cultures to treatment was similar irrespective of the concentrations of 2,4-D used although in higher concentrations there was an initial drop in mitotic index. Other changes noted in treated cultures included an increase in differentiating and degenerating cells compared to those in control. The mitotic cells in treated cultures exhibited unipolar and tripolar spindles and a variety of other abnormalities including malorientation of the mitotic apparatus in relation to the axis of the cell. Myoblasts in initial stages of myogenesis were noted to be in mitosis in treated cultures suggesting that 2,4-D may have a stimulatory effect on myoblasts which in normal myogenesis are in post mitotic stage.", "PMID": 1000402} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8233", "title": "Complement fixation titers in cattle following intranasal inoculation of Hemophilus somnus.", "content": "Five bulls were inoculated intranasally with a live culture of Hemophilus somnus originally isolated from a clinical case of Hemophilus septicemia. Preinoculation and postinoculation blood samples were taken at weekly intervals for nine weeks for measuring complement fixation titers and daily postinoculation temperatures were taken for one week. Three animals had transient fever and slight lethargy was observed in two animals had a transitory rise in complement fixation titers in the second to fifth weeks postexposure while one animal which had been seronegative on preinoculation testing produced little serological response to the organism. The experiment demonstrated that the nasal instillation of young cattle using an originally pathogenic H. somnus isolate is capable of stimulating only transitory complement fixation antibody titer.", "contents": "Complement fixation titers in cattle following intranasal inoculation of Hemophilus somnus. Five bulls were inoculated intranasally with a live culture of Hemophilus somnus originally isolated from a clinical case of Hemophilus septicemia. Preinoculation and postinoculation blood samples were taken at weekly intervals for nine weeks for measuring complement fixation titers and daily postinoculation temperatures were taken for one week. Three animals had transient fever and slight lethargy was observed in two animals had a transitory rise in complement fixation titers in the second to fifth weeks postexposure while one animal which had been seronegative on preinoculation testing produced little serological response to the organism. The experiment demonstrated that the nasal instillation of young cattle using an originally pathogenic H. somnus isolate is capable of stimulating only transitory complement fixation antibody titer.", "PMID": 1000404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8234", "title": "Twelfth rib resection as an approach for portal vein cannulation in sheep.", "content": "A surgical technique involving resection of the twelfth rib was used to insert silastic cannulas into the portal veins of three sheep to study amino acid metabolism. Good exposure to the vein was achieved by this method although it required positive ventilation due to the penetration of the thoracic cavity. All cannulas were buried subcutaneously and exteriorized near the dorsal midline. This facilitated continuous infusion into the portal cannula without disturbing cannula placement.", "contents": "Twelfth rib resection as an approach for portal vein cannulation in sheep. A surgical technique involving resection of the twelfth rib was used to insert silastic cannulas into the portal veins of three sheep to study amino acid metabolism. Good exposure to the vein was achieved by this method although it required positive ventilation due to the penetration of the thoracic cavity. All cannulas were buried subcutaneously and exteriorized near the dorsal midline. This facilitated continuous infusion into the portal cannula without disturbing cannula placement.", "PMID": 1000403} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8235", "title": "Neurofibrillary tangles in the dementia of \"normal pressure\" hydrocephalus.", "content": "Routine neuropathological examination could not explain the dramatic improvement exhibited by one patient with \"normal pressure\" hydrocephalus after shunting. The improved patient contrasted remarkably with the unchanged condition of four others also shunted successfully. The five brains were analysed by quantitative morphometry to determine the degree of neurofibrillary tangle formation in mesial temporal neurons. The density of tangle-bearing nerve cells in the four unimproved cases was markedly greater than in age-matched control brains from nineteen normal subjects, and fell in the same range as that of eight dements with neuropathologically confirmed Alzheimer's disease. The density of the one who recovered was within normal limits. The duration of dementia before shunting, and the total duration of dementia in these five patients rank in the same order as their degree of neurofibrillary formation. Furthermore, a positive linear correlation exists between the Tangle Indices and the total duration of dementia. The data suggest that early diagnosis may improve the chances of reversing the dementia of normal pressure hydrocephalus before histological alterations prove too severe.", "contents": "Neurofibrillary tangles in the dementia of \"normal pressure\" hydrocephalus. Routine neuropathological examination could not explain the dramatic improvement exhibited by one patient with \"normal pressure\" hydrocephalus after shunting. The improved patient contrasted remarkably with the unchanged condition of four others also shunted successfully. The five brains were analysed by quantitative morphometry to determine the degree of neurofibrillary tangle formation in mesial temporal neurons. The density of tangle-bearing nerve cells in the four unimproved cases was markedly greater than in age-matched control brains from nineteen normal subjects, and fell in the same range as that of eight dements with neuropathologically confirmed Alzheimer's disease. The density of the one who recovered was within normal limits. The duration of dementia before shunting, and the total duration of dementia in these five patients rank in the same order as their degree of neurofibrillary formation. Furthermore, a positive linear correlation exists between the Tangle Indices and the total duration of dementia. The data suggest that early diagnosis may improve the chances of reversing the dementia of normal pressure hydrocephalus before histological alterations prove too severe.", "PMID": 1000408} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8236", "title": "Some neurophysiological effects of cerebellar stimulation in man.", "content": "This paper presents the results of neurophysiological studies of the effects of cerebellar stimulation on H reflexes, late reflexes, blink reflexes, evoked potentials and EEG patterns in 18 human subjects (Male 13, Female 5, Age 25.8+/-10.0, Epileptic 9, Cerebral Palsy 9). In addition to the effects of cerebellar stimulation on the H reflex studies on soleus we assessed V1 and V2, \"late\" responses (Upton et al., 1971), cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) after median nerve stimulation, and visual evoked responses (VER) after flash stimulation. Experiments were extended to assess recovery curves of all the potentials and we examined the effects of changes on the rate or voltage of cerebellar stimulation. Cerebellar stimulation was inhibitory to all the responses except the visual evoked potentials. Serial studies in five patients produced consistent results. Preoperative and postoperative results were compared in two patients with no significant difference in the results in the absence of cerebellar stimulation. Ipsilateral cerebellar stimulation (CS) had the greatest inhibitory effects on H, V1 and V2 responses in the arm and leg whereas contralateral CS produced the greatest effects on cortical SSEPs. There was a greater bilateral effect on SSEPs and reflex responses after right CS than left CS and this may be the first indication of \"dominance\" in the cerebellar hemispheres. Cerebellar stimulation in patients on diphenylhydantoin produced minimal effects on SSEP's and this observation has led to further studies in patients taking diphenylhydantoin. Recovery of amplitude of the reflex and cortical responses took eight to 30 minutes after one minute of cerebellar stimulation. Serial CS of one minute on and one minute off produced increasing inhibition of SSEP's and reflexes for up to five stimulations. Recovery after cessation of cerebellar stimultion was associated with rebound excitation in six patients, the rebound being noted in the amplitude of H reflexes and SSEP's as well as in the frequency of paroxysmal spike and wave discharges in the EEG. The correlation of the results of such quantitative neurophysiological tests with clinical improvement may allow prediction of clinical improvement may allow prediction of clinical results after cerebellar stimulation. These techniques have already been used to measure the threshold of stimulation and may allow optimal stimulation characteristics to be assessed. The prolonged neurophysiological effects of stimulation may allow the use of maximum effective intervals between optimal epochs of stimulation so that any cerebellar damage can be minimized.", "contents": "Some neurophysiological effects of cerebellar stimulation in man. This paper presents the results of neurophysiological studies of the effects of cerebellar stimulation on H reflexes, late reflexes, blink reflexes, evoked potentials and EEG patterns in 18 human subjects (Male 13, Female 5, Age 25.8+/-10.0, Epileptic 9, Cerebral Palsy 9). In addition to the effects of cerebellar stimulation on the H reflex studies on soleus we assessed V1 and V2, \"late\" responses (Upton et al., 1971), cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) after median nerve stimulation, and visual evoked responses (VER) after flash stimulation. Experiments were extended to assess recovery curves of all the potentials and we examined the effects of changes on the rate or voltage of cerebellar stimulation. Cerebellar stimulation was inhibitory to all the responses except the visual evoked potentials. Serial studies in five patients produced consistent results. Preoperative and postoperative results were compared in two patients with no significant difference in the results in the absence of cerebellar stimulation. Ipsilateral cerebellar stimulation (CS) had the greatest inhibitory effects on H, V1 and V2 responses in the arm and leg whereas contralateral CS produced the greatest effects on cortical SSEPs. There was a greater bilateral effect on SSEPs and reflex responses after right CS than left CS and this may be the first indication of \"dominance\" in the cerebellar hemispheres. Cerebellar stimulation in patients on diphenylhydantoin produced minimal effects on SSEP's and this observation has led to further studies in patients taking diphenylhydantoin. Recovery of amplitude of the reflex and cortical responses took eight to 30 minutes after one minute of cerebellar stimulation. Serial CS of one minute on and one minute off produced increasing inhibition of SSEP's and reflexes for up to five stimulations. Recovery after cessation of cerebellar stimultion was associated with rebound excitation in six patients, the rebound being noted in the amplitude of H reflexes and SSEP's as well as in the frequency of paroxysmal spike and wave discharges in the EEG. The correlation of the results of such quantitative neurophysiological tests with clinical improvement may allow prediction of clinical improvement may allow prediction of clinical results after cerebellar stimulation. These techniques have already been used to measure the threshold of stimulation and may allow optimal stimulation characteristics to be assessed. The prolonged neurophysiological effects of stimulation may allow the use of maximum effective intervals between optimal epochs of stimulation so that any cerebellar damage can be minimized.", "PMID": 1000409} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8237", "title": "The reactivity of canine cerebral arteries to O2 and CO2 in vitro.", "content": "The responses of canine middle cerebral arteries to changes in pCO2 and pO2 were tested in vitro. It was found that there was no response to changes in pCO2 from 38.1 mm. Hg to 26.6 mm. Hg, but there was some constriction of the vessels with lowering of the pCO2 below 26.6 mm. Hg and there was minimal dilatation of the vessels when the pCO2 was increased from 38.1 mm. Hg to 87.2 mm. Hg. There was no response to changes in pO2 from more than 55 mm. Hg to 59.6 mm. Hg, but when pO2 was lowered below 50 mm. Hg there was a sudden, massive constriction of the arteries tested. It is postulated that this constriction is due to build-up of a substance (substances) during a period of hypoxia (pO2 less than 50 mm. Hg). The significance of the results obtained are discussed.", "contents": "The reactivity of canine cerebral arteries to O2 and CO2 in vitro. The responses of canine middle cerebral arteries to changes in pCO2 and pO2 were tested in vitro. It was found that there was no response to changes in pCO2 from 38.1 mm. Hg to 26.6 mm. Hg, but there was some constriction of the vessels with lowering of the pCO2 below 26.6 mm. Hg and there was minimal dilatation of the vessels when the pCO2 was increased from 38.1 mm. Hg to 87.2 mm. Hg. There was no response to changes in pO2 from more than 55 mm. Hg to 59.6 mm. Hg, but when pO2 was lowered below 50 mm. Hg there was a sudden, massive constriction of the arteries tested. It is postulated that this constriction is due to build-up of a substance (substances) during a period of hypoxia (pO2 less than 50 mm. Hg). The significance of the results obtained are discussed.", "PMID": 1000410} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8238", "title": "Quebec cooperative study of Friedreich's ataxia: design of the investigation.", "content": "The general outline of the complete prospective study of 50 cases of spino-cerebellar degeneration is given. The general protocol followed, the criteria for inclusion and the mode of analysis are described. The aim of this study was to establish a base of clinical, physiological and biochemical facts upon which a logical and systematic approach to pathogenesis and treatment of Friedreich's ataxia could be attempted.", "contents": "Quebec cooperative study of Friedreich's ataxia: design of the investigation. The general outline of the complete prospective study of 50 cases of spino-cerebellar degeneration is given. The general protocol followed, the criteria for inclusion and the mode of analysis are described. The aim of this study was to establish a base of clinical, physiological and biochemical facts upon which a logical and systematic approach to pathogenesis and treatment of Friedreich's ataxia could be attempted.", "PMID": 1000411} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8239", "title": "Genetic and family studies in Friedreich's ataxia.", "content": "This study consists of two parts: 1. A detailed genetic analysis of 35 sibships in which 58 individuals were affected with Friedreich's ataxia; and 2. Clinical and laboratory examinations of parents and siblings, in an attempt at carrier detection and diagnosis of the pre-clinical state. The increased parental consanguinity, the lack of affected individuals in other generations, and the lack of significance of extrinsic etiological variables, all suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, and this was confirmed by formal genetic analyses, employing several different methods. Associated abnormalities in our series of 58 patients included cardiomyopathy (51.7%), diabetes mellitus (19.0%), optic atrophy (5.2%), nerve deafness (5.2%) and congenital malformations (6.9%). The incidence of diabetes mellitus, congenital malformations, and epilepsy and/or febrile convulsions was elevated in first degree relatives of patients with Friedreich's ataxia.", "contents": "Genetic and family studies in Friedreich's ataxia. This study consists of two parts: 1. A detailed genetic analysis of 35 sibships in which 58 individuals were affected with Friedreich's ataxia; and 2. Clinical and laboratory examinations of parents and siblings, in an attempt at carrier detection and diagnosis of the pre-clinical state. The increased parental consanguinity, the lack of affected individuals in other generations, and the lack of significance of extrinsic etiological variables, all suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, and this was confirmed by formal genetic analyses, employing several different methods. Associated abnormalities in our series of 58 patients included cardiomyopathy (51.7%), diabetes mellitus (19.0%), optic atrophy (5.2%), nerve deafness (5.2%) and congenital malformations (6.9%). The incidence of diabetes mellitus, congenital malformations, and epilepsy and/or febrile convulsions was elevated in first degree relatives of patients with Friedreich's ataxia.", "PMID": 1000412} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8240", "title": "Friedreich's ataxia: preliminary results of some genealogical research.", "content": "A preliminary genealogical investigation of all the known ancestors from the year 1608 of 4 apparently unrelated French Canadian kindreds with Friedreich's ataxia reveals that the original ataxia gene in the province of Quebec was present within a core of no more than 10 families living in Quebec City in the mid-1600's.", "contents": "Friedreich's ataxia: preliminary results of some genealogical research. A preliminary genealogical investigation of all the known ancestors from the year 1608 of 4 apparently unrelated French Canadian kindreds with Friedreich's ataxia reveals that the original ataxia gene in the province of Quebec was present within a core of no more than 10 families living in Quebec City in the mid-1600's.", "PMID": 1000413} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8241", "title": "Electroencephalographic findings in Friedreich's ataxia.", "content": "Electroencephalographic tracings of 50 patients who presented the classical features of Friedreich's ataxia were reviewed. Mild nonspecific abnormalities were found in 33% and consisted of: a) Abnormal slow or irregular background rhythms in 15 patients (30%). b) Intermittent paroxysmal rhythms, considered to be projected from diencephalic or upper midbrain structures, in 4 patients (8%). c) Unilaterally absent driving responses in 2 affected siblings (4%). There was no response to intermittent photic stimulation in 60% of the patients. This finding is not considered a definite abnormality, and its significance remains unclear. Four patients (8%) had epileptic seizures, but of these only two had interictal epileptic abnormalities. There was no correlation between the duration and severity of the disease and the presence of electroencephalographic abnormalities. Friedreich's ataxia is mainly a spinal disorder. Involvement of supraspinal and in particular brain stem or diencephalic structures may be more extensive in those patients who show electrographic abnormalities. This would require confirmation with comparative data based on pathological observations. Impaired function of brain stem inhibitory mechanism may be responsible for the slightly raised incidence of seizures in patients with Friedreich's ataxia and other cerebellar degenerations.", "contents": "Electroencephalographic findings in Friedreich's ataxia. Electroencephalographic tracings of 50 patients who presented the classical features of Friedreich's ataxia were reviewed. Mild nonspecific abnormalities were found in 33% and consisted of: a) Abnormal slow or irregular background rhythms in 15 patients (30%). b) Intermittent paroxysmal rhythms, considered to be projected from diencephalic or upper midbrain structures, in 4 patients (8%). c) Unilaterally absent driving responses in 2 affected siblings (4%). There was no response to intermittent photic stimulation in 60% of the patients. This finding is not considered a definite abnormality, and its significance remains unclear. Four patients (8%) had epileptic seizures, but of these only two had interictal epileptic abnormalities. There was no correlation between the duration and severity of the disease and the presence of electroencephalographic abnormalities. Friedreich's ataxia is mainly a spinal disorder. Involvement of supraspinal and in particular brain stem or diencephalic structures may be more extensive in those patients who show electrographic abnormalities. This would require confirmation with comparative data based on pathological observations. Impaired function of brain stem inhibitory mechanism may be responsible for the slightly raised incidence of seizures in patients with Friedreich's ataxia and other cerebellar degenerations.", "PMID": 1000414} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8242", "title": "Nerve conduction studies and electromyography in Friedreich's ataxia.", "content": "Twenty-six of 50 patients were investigated with nerve conduction studies and electromyography using a standard protocol and were compared to the findings in 50 normal control subjects. Almost all cases of typical Friedreich's ataxia had absent sensory action potentials (SAP) in the digital (92%) or sural (96%) nerves. The others had markedly decreased S.A.P's. In these same patients motor conduction velocities were either normal or only slightly decreased. In the second, atypical group of 9 patients, the motor conduction velocities were considerably decreased. Because of the absence of sensory action potentials in Friedreich's ataxia, and that the absence was noted in our very mild cases, it is proposed that this measure be used to facilitate early diagnosis.", "contents": "Nerve conduction studies and electromyography in Friedreich's ataxia. Twenty-six of 50 patients were investigated with nerve conduction studies and electromyography using a standard protocol and were compared to the findings in 50 normal control subjects. Almost all cases of typical Friedreich's ataxia had absent sensory action potentials (SAP) in the digital (92%) or sural (96%) nerves. The others had markedly decreased S.A.P's. In these same patients motor conduction velocities were either normal or only slightly decreased. In the second, atypical group of 9 patients, the motor conduction velocities were considerably decreased. Because of the absence of sensory action potentials in Friedreich's ataxia, and that the absence was noted in our very mild cases, it is proposed that this measure be used to facilitate early diagnosis.", "PMID": 1000415} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8243", "title": "Electrocardiographic and vectocardiographic findings in Friedreich's ataxia.", "content": "Electrocardiographic and vectocardiographic changes are frequent in Friedreich's ataxia. In one of 35 patients both tests were normal. The vectocardiogram is more explicit in demonstrating the severity of the QRS changes with a right ventricular hypertrophy pattern present in 60% of cases. Serial examination of ECG tracings are recommended to monitor the cardiomyopathy in this progressive neurological disorder, in order to detect the onset of congestive heart failure, significant tachyarrythmias, or obstructive cardiomypathy.", "contents": "Electrocardiographic and vectocardiographic findings in Friedreich's ataxia. Electrocardiographic and vectocardiographic changes are frequent in Friedreich's ataxia. In one of 35 patients both tests were normal. The vectocardiogram is more explicit in demonstrating the severity of the QRS changes with a right ventricular hypertrophy pattern present in 60% of cases. Serial examination of ECG tracings are recommended to monitor the cardiomyopathy in this progressive neurological disorder, in order to detect the onset of congestive heart failure, significant tachyarrythmias, or obstructive cardiomypathy.", "PMID": 1000416} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8244", "title": "Echocardiographic findings in Friedreich's ataxia.", "content": "Echocardiographic examination of 21 patients with Friedreich's ataxia (age 7 to 28 years) showed cardiac abnormalities in 90% of the cases. They were characterized by varying degrees of septal hypertrophy in 81%, left ventricular free wall hypertrophy in 61%, and a slight reduction of left ventricular internal dimension in 57% of the cases. Asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH) with a septal/left ventricular free wall ratio of over 1.3 was found in 29% of the cases, and systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve in three patients. Two other patients showed evidence of a different type of cardiomyopathy with marked symmetric left ventricular hypertrophy and marked left ventricular enlargement.", "contents": "Echocardiographic findings in Friedreich's ataxia. Echocardiographic examination of 21 patients with Friedreich's ataxia (age 7 to 28 years) showed cardiac abnormalities in 90% of the cases. They were characterized by varying degrees of septal hypertrophy in 81%, left ventricular free wall hypertrophy in 61%, and a slight reduction of left ventricular internal dimension in 57% of the cases. Asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH) with a septal/left ventricular free wall ratio of over 1.3 was found in 29% of the cases, and systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve in three patients. Two other patients showed evidence of a different type of cardiomyopathy with marked symmetric left ventricular hypertrophy and marked left ventricular enlargement.", "PMID": 1000417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8245", "title": "Hemodynamic findings in Friedreich's ataxia.", "content": "Thirteen patients with classical Friedreich's ataxia underwent cardiac catheterization with recordings of retrograde cardiac pressures, measurements of cardiac output and calculation of the left ventricular volumes and mass. The cardiomyopathy in Friedreich's ataxia falls into the hypertrophic group of cardiomyopathies with decreased compliance of ventricular myocardium, varying degrees of concentric and asymmetric hypertrophy and outflow tract obstruction. Although there is no clear parallel between the degree of abnormal hemodynamic findings and the degree of neurological impairment, severely handicapped patients may present a diffusely hypertrophied and hypokinetic left ventricular myocardium.", "contents": "Hemodynamic findings in Friedreich's ataxia. Thirteen patients with classical Friedreich's ataxia underwent cardiac catheterization with recordings of retrograde cardiac pressures, measurements of cardiac output and calculation of the left ventricular volumes and mass. The cardiomyopathy in Friedreich's ataxia falls into the hypertrophic group of cardiomyopathies with decreased compliance of ventricular myocardium, varying degrees of concentric and asymmetric hypertrophy and outflow tract obstruction. Although there is no clear parallel between the degree of abnormal hemodynamic findings and the degree of neurological impairment, severely handicapped patients may present a diffusely hypertrophied and hypokinetic left ventricular myocardium.", "PMID": 1000418} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8246", "title": "Cardiac angiographic findings in Friedreich's ataxia.", "content": "Angiograms of 12 patients with typical Friedreich's ataxia were analyzed. The results corroborate previous reports and justify the conclusion that the cardiomyopathy is of the hypertrophic type. In 10 of 12 cases, the hypertrophy is concentric, and non obstructive. Less frequently (2 cases), this hypertrophy is accompanied by diffuse hypokinesis and depressed ejection fraction.", "contents": "Cardiac angiographic findings in Friedreich's ataxia. Angiograms of 12 patients with typical Friedreich's ataxia were analyzed. The results corroborate previous reports and justify the conclusion that the cardiomyopathy is of the hypertrophic type. In 10 of 12 cases, the hypertrophy is concentric, and non obstructive. Less frequently (2 cases), this hypertrophy is accompanied by diffuse hypokinesis and depressed ejection fraction.", "PMID": 1000419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8247", "title": "Pulmonary function studies in Friedreich's ataxia.", "content": "Pulmonary function tests were carried out on 20 patients with Friedreich's ataxia. The lung volume, diffusing capacity, flow rate, flow-volume curve, and blood gases were measured. In each patient the degree of scoliosis was measured and the pulmonary function tests were analyzed in relation to the scoliosis. A control group of 13 subjects with idiopathic scoliosis was used for comparison. In both groups, the degree of scoliosis was similar.", "contents": "Pulmonary function studies in Friedreich's ataxia. Pulmonary function tests were carried out on 20 patients with Friedreich's ataxia. The lung volume, diffusing capacity, flow rate, flow-volume curve, and blood gases were measured. In each patient the degree of scoliosis was measured and the pulmonary function tests were analyzed in relation to the scoliosis. A control group of 13 subjects with idiopathic scoliosis was used for comparison. In both groups, the degree of scoliosis was similar.", "PMID": 1000420} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8248", "title": "Clinical laboratory findings in Friedreich's ataxia.", "content": "All clinical laboratory tests carried out in 4 groups of patients with the diagnosis of typical or atypical Friedreich's ataxia have been found to be within the normal range. In this prospective study of 50 patients, a number of findings previously reported to be abnormal in the literature, have not been confirmed.", "contents": "Clinical laboratory findings in Friedreich's ataxia. All clinical laboratory tests carried out in 4 groups of patients with the diagnosis of typical or atypical Friedreich's ataxia have been found to be within the normal range. In this prospective study of 50 patients, a number of findings previously reported to be abnormal in the literature, have not been confirmed.", "PMID": 1000421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8249", "title": "Glucose and insulin metabolism in Friedreich's ataxia.", "content": "Our prospective survey of 50 ataxic patients confirms the previous finding of frequent clinical or chemical diabetes in Friedreich's ataxia. Eighteen percent of our typical cases have clinical diabetes and 40% at least an abnormal glucose tolerance curve. However, this finding does not appear to be specific to that form of ataxia. Furthermore, we have shown that most patients with ataxia have normal or low fasting insulin levels, but a hyperinsulinic response to a glucose load.", "contents": "Glucose and insulin metabolism in Friedreich's ataxia. Our prospective survey of 50 ataxic patients confirms the previous finding of frequent clinical or chemical diabetes in Friedreich's ataxia. Eighteen percent of our typical cases have clinical diabetes and 40% at least an abnormal glucose tolerance curve. However, this finding does not appear to be specific to that form of ataxia. Furthermore, we have shown that most patients with ataxia have normal or low fasting insulin levels, but a hyperinsulinic response to a glucose load.", "PMID": 1000422} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8250", "title": "Bilirubin metabolism - preliminary investigation.", "content": "In our studies, high total bilirubin values in the plasma were noted in cases of Friedreich's ataxia. A bimodal distribution of the values indicated the possible presence of two subgroups of patients. In these kindred, we demonstrated an elevation in unconjugated bilirubin with features similar to those reported in Gilbert's syndrome: normal liver function tests, elevation after fasting and day to day variability. We also report preliminary experiments indicating that bilirubin levels may be taurine dependent. We postulate that the defect could be a secondary component of the ataxic disease, possibly indicating a defect in membrane transport.", "contents": "Bilirubin metabolism - preliminary investigation. In our studies, high total bilirubin values in the plasma were noted in cases of Friedreich's ataxia. A bimodal distribution of the values indicated the possible presence of two subgroups of patients. In these kindred, we demonstrated an elevation in unconjugated bilirubin with features similar to those reported in Gilbert's syndrome: normal liver function tests, elevation after fasting and day to day variability. We also report preliminary experiments indicating that bilirubin levels may be taurine dependent. We postulate that the defect could be a secondary component of the ataxic disease, possibly indicating a defect in membrane transport.", "PMID": 1000423} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8251", "title": "Amino acid metabolism in Friedreich's ataxia.", "content": "A study of amino acids determined by sequential Multi-sample Amino Acid Automatic Analyzer in plasma, urine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with Friedreich's ataxia and control subjects has revealed a number of mathematically significant variations from normal. Of practical physiological importance are the following: a high urinary excretion of alanine with slightly elevated plasma levels; a low plasma and CSF concentration of aspartic acid in the presence of normal urinary values and finally a low CSF concentration of taurine accompanied by normal plasma levels, but elevated urinary output and renal clearance rates. We postulate that the modifications in alanine and aspartic acid are less specific and probably secondary, but there could be a genetic defect in the membrane transport of taurine and the other beta-amino acids in Friedreich's ataxia.", "contents": "Amino acid metabolism in Friedreich's ataxia. A study of amino acids determined by sequential Multi-sample Amino Acid Automatic Analyzer in plasma, urine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with Friedreich's ataxia and control subjects has revealed a number of mathematically significant variations from normal. Of practical physiological importance are the following: a high urinary excretion of alanine with slightly elevated plasma levels; a low plasma and CSF concentration of aspartic acid in the presence of normal urinary values and finally a low CSF concentration of taurine accompanied by normal plasma levels, but elevated urinary output and renal clearance rates. We postulate that the modifications in alanine and aspartic acid are less specific and probably secondary, but there could be a genetic defect in the membrane transport of taurine and the other beta-amino acids in Friedreich's ataxia.", "PMID": 1000424} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8252", "title": "Pyruvate metabolism in Friedreich's ataxia.", "content": "Friedreich's ataxia patients show evidence of an abnormally elevated and prolonged response of pyruvate and lactate to a glucose load, with normal fasting levels. However, ther is a bimodal distribution of this response with high and low pyruvate responders. This trait appears to be determined genetically, However, although in vivo tests suggest low oxidation of pyruvate, we were unable to confirm any in vitro impairment of each of the components of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex. We conclude that the defect is in the metabolic regulation of PDH, probably at the E3 (lipoamide dehydrogenase) step.", "contents": "Pyruvate metabolism in Friedreich's ataxia. Friedreich's ataxia patients show evidence of an abnormally elevated and prolonged response of pyruvate and lactate to a glucose load, with normal fasting levels. However, ther is a bimodal distribution of this response with high and low pyruvate responders. This trait appears to be determined genetically, However, although in vivo tests suggest low oxidation of pyruvate, we were unable to confirm any in vitro impairment of each of the components of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex. We conclude that the defect is in the metabolic regulation of PDH, probably at the E3 (lipoamide dehydrogenase) step.", "PMID": 1000425} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8253", "title": "Friedreich's ataxia 1976-an overview.", "content": "The prospective investigation of 50 cases of possible Friedreich's ataxia has permitted the clinical and biochemical celineation of the typical disease and an hypothesis on its pathogenesis. A tentative definition of the disorder could read: \"Friedreich's ataxia is a progressive degenerative disease always inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion and characterized by a cardiomyopathy and a ganglioneuropathy with dying back phenomenon. It is probably secondary to a defect in the membrane transport of taurine and beta-alanine and/or a defect in the regulation of pyruvate oxidation.\" The existence of two pathogenetically distinct distinct entities with the same phenotype is a strong possibility.", "contents": "Friedreich's ataxia 1976-an overview. The prospective investigation of 50 cases of possible Friedreich's ataxia has permitted the clinical and biochemical celineation of the typical disease and an hypothesis on its pathogenesis. A tentative definition of the disorder could read: \"Friedreich's ataxia is a progressive degenerative disease always inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion and characterized by a cardiomyopathy and a ganglioneuropathy with dying back phenomenon. It is probably secondary to a defect in the membrane transport of taurine and beta-alanine and/or a defect in the regulation of pyruvate oxidation.\" The existence of two pathogenetically distinct distinct entities with the same phenotype is a strong possibility.", "PMID": 1000426} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8254", "title": "Graphic monitoring of labour.", "content": "The parturograph is a composite record designed for the monitoring of fetal and maternal well-being and the progress of labour. It permits the early recognition of abnormalities and pinpoints the patients who would benefit most from intervention. Observations are made from the time of admission of the mother to the caseroom and recorded graphically. Factors assessed include fetal heart rate, maternal vital signs and urine, cervical dilatation, descent of the presenting fetal part, and frequency, duration and intensity of uterine contractions.", "contents": "Graphic monitoring of labour. The parturograph is a composite record designed for the monitoring of fetal and maternal well-being and the progress of labour. It permits the early recognition of abnormalities and pinpoints the patients who would benefit most from intervention. Observations are made from the time of admission of the mother to the caseroom and recorded graphically. Factors assessed include fetal heart rate, maternal vital signs and urine, cervical dilatation, descent of the presenting fetal part, and frequency, duration and intensity of uterine contractions.", "PMID": 1000439} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8255", "title": "Physicians' response to abnormal results of routine urinalysis.", "content": "To determine the clinical usefulness of routine urinalysis, the records of 400 patients were examined for results of the first urinalysis following admission to hospital, and the attending physician's response to abnormal findings was evaluated. Results were abnormal for 116 patients (29.0%); there were 22 (5.5% of total urinalyses) abnormalities of chemical constituents (protein, glucose or bilirubin was present) only, 56 (14.0%) of sediment only and 38 (9.5%) of both chemical constituents and sediment. The attending physician did not respond to abnormal results in 50.9% of the 116 instances.", "contents": "Physicians' response to abnormal results of routine urinalysis. To determine the clinical usefulness of routine urinalysis, the records of 400 patients were examined for results of the first urinalysis following admission to hospital, and the attending physician's response to abnormal findings was evaluated. Results were abnormal for 116 patients (29.0%); there were 22 (5.5% of total urinalyses) abnormalities of chemical constituents (protein, glucose or bilirubin was present) only, 56 (14.0%) of sediment only and 38 (9.5%) of both chemical constituents and sediment. The attending physician did not respond to abnormal results in 50.9% of the 116 instances.", "PMID": 1000440} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8256", "title": "Urethral response to latex and Silastic catheters.", "content": "The reaction of the urethral mucosa to latex and Silastic catheters was compared in two groups of patients undergoing prostatectomy. The bacteriologic response in the two groups differed little; however, Silastic catheters produced less cellular reaction than latex catheters.", "contents": "Urethral response to latex and Silastic catheters. The reaction of the urethral mucosa to latex and Silastic catheters was compared in two groups of patients undergoing prostatectomy. The bacteriologic response in the two groups differed little; however, Silastic catheters produced less cellular reaction than latex catheters.", "PMID": 1000441} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8257", "title": "Treatment of cutaneous ulcers with benzoyl peroxide.", "content": "Benzoyl peroxide, a powerful organic oxidizing agent, was applied topically according to a carefully developed technique to cutaneous ulcers of different types. The healing time was shortened greatly by the rapid development of healthy granulation tissue and the quick ingrowth of epithelium. Exceptionally large pressure ulcers with deep cavities, undercut edges and sinus tracts were sucessfully treated, as were stasis ulcers of long duration resistant to all other therapy. There were only 13 treatment failures among the 133 cases. The slow, sustained release of oxygen by benzoyl peroxide was though to be responsible for the success. The only complications were contact irritant dermatitis in 3% and contact allergic dermatitis in 2% of patients treated.", "contents": "Treatment of cutaneous ulcers with benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide, a powerful organic oxidizing agent, was applied topically according to a carefully developed technique to cutaneous ulcers of different types. The healing time was shortened greatly by the rapid development of healthy granulation tissue and the quick ingrowth of epithelium. Exceptionally large pressure ulcers with deep cavities, undercut edges and sinus tracts were sucessfully treated, as were stasis ulcers of long duration resistant to all other therapy. There were only 13 treatment failures among the 133 cases. The slow, sustained release of oxygen by benzoyl peroxide was though to be responsible for the success. The only complications were contact irritant dermatitis in 3% and contact allergic dermatitis in 2% of patients treated.", "PMID": 1000442} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8258", "title": "Effects of long-term administration of clonidine on plasma renin activity.", "content": "Plasma renin activity (PRA) was studied before and during long-term treatment with moderate oral doses (0.2 or 0.3 mg/d) of clonidine. Nine outpatients with essential hypertension received clonidine for 12 weeks; a significant decrease in blood pressure was evident in all patients. Except for a nonsignificant increase after 12 weeks of treatment, PRA values were not notably changed by clonidine therapy. No correlation was found between individual blood pressure changes and PRA variation during the study. The absence of a net effect on PRA in this study does not exclude more complex interactions of clonidine with the renin-angiotensin system. Nonetheless, clonidine cannot generally be classified as a \"renin-inhibiting\" drug.", "contents": "Effects of long-term administration of clonidine on plasma renin activity. Plasma renin activity (PRA) was studied before and during long-term treatment with moderate oral doses (0.2 or 0.3 mg/d) of clonidine. Nine outpatients with essential hypertension received clonidine for 12 weeks; a significant decrease in blood pressure was evident in all patients. Except for a nonsignificant increase after 12 weeks of treatment, PRA values were not notably changed by clonidine therapy. No correlation was found between individual blood pressure changes and PRA variation during the study. The absence of a net effect on PRA in this study does not exclude more complex interactions of clonidine with the renin-angiotensin system. Nonetheless, clonidine cannot generally be classified as a \"renin-inhibiting\" drug.", "PMID": 1000443} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8259", "title": "Right-sided endocarditis and ventricular septal defect.", "content": "Right-sided endocarditis occurred in a 40-year-old woman with ventricular septal defect. This association is uncommon in adults. Because of the changing and variable clinical patterns of this disease, it is difficult to make a prompt diagnosis. In this case diagnosis was delayed for almost a year. The occurrence of pneumonia due to Streptococcus viridans was the most important extracardiac manifestation.", "contents": "Right-sided endocarditis and ventricular septal defect. Right-sided endocarditis occurred in a 40-year-old woman with ventricular septal defect. This association is uncommon in adults. Because of the changing and variable clinical patterns of this disease, it is difficult to make a prompt diagnosis. In this case diagnosis was delayed for almost a year. The occurrence of pneumonia due to Streptococcus viridans was the most important extracardiac manifestation.", "PMID": 1000444} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8260", "title": "Systemic infection with Alaria americana (Trematoda).", "content": "Alaria americana is a trematode, the adult of which is found in mammalian carnivores. The first case of disseminated human infection by the mesocercarial stage of this worm occurred in a 24-year-old man. The infection possibly was acquired by the eating of inadequately cooked frogs, which are intermediate hosts of the worm. The diagnosis was made during life by lung biopsy and confirmed at autopsy. The mesocercariae were present in the stomach wall, lymph nodes, liver, myocardium, pancreas and surrounding adipose tissue, spleen, kidney, lungs, brain and spinal cord. There was no host reaction to the parasites. Granulomas were present in the stomach wall, lymph nodes and liver, but the worms were not identified in them. Hypersensitivity vasculitis and a bleeding diathesis due to disseminated intravascular coagulation and a circulating anticoagulant caused his death 8 days after the onset of his illness.", "contents": "Systemic infection with Alaria americana (Trematoda). Alaria americana is a trematode, the adult of which is found in mammalian carnivores. The first case of disseminated human infection by the mesocercarial stage of this worm occurred in a 24-year-old man. The infection possibly was acquired by the eating of inadequately cooked frogs, which are intermediate hosts of the worm. The diagnosis was made during life by lung biopsy and confirmed at autopsy. The mesocercariae were present in the stomach wall, lymph nodes, liver, myocardium, pancreas and surrounding adipose tissue, spleen, kidney, lungs, brain and spinal cord. There was no host reaction to the parasites. Granulomas were present in the stomach wall, lymph nodes and liver, but the worms were not identified in them. Hypersensitivity vasculitis and a bleeding diathesis due to disseminated intravascular coagulation and a circulating anticoagulant caused his death 8 days after the onset of his illness.", "PMID": 1000445} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8261", "title": "Traumatic vasospastic disease in chain-saw operators.", "content": "Raynaud's phenomenon is commonly induced in chain-saw operators by vibration; the hand guiding the tool is the more severely affected. The condition tends to persist after use of the chain-saw is stopped but compensation is rarely sought. Among 17 cases of Raynaud's phenomenon in lumberjacks the condition was found to be related to use of the chain-saw in 14, 10 of whom had to give up their work in colder weather because the disease was so disabling. Two criteria essential to establish the condition as vibration-induced Raynaud's phenomenon are the presence of symptoms for at least 2 years and a history of at least 1 year's constant use of the chain-saw. Careful physical examination and simple tests of vascular function will provide objective evidence of permanent damage by which the patients may be classified and compensated.", "contents": "Traumatic vasospastic disease in chain-saw operators. Raynaud's phenomenon is commonly induced in chain-saw operators by vibration; the hand guiding the tool is the more severely affected. The condition tends to persist after use of the chain-saw is stopped but compensation is rarely sought. Among 17 cases of Raynaud's phenomenon in lumberjacks the condition was found to be related to use of the chain-saw in 14, 10 of whom had to give up their work in colder weather because the disease was so disabling. Two criteria essential to establish the condition as vibration-induced Raynaud's phenomenon are the presence of symptoms for at least 2 years and a history of at least 1 year's constant use of the chain-saw. Careful physical examination and simple tests of vascular function will provide objective evidence of permanent damage by which the patients may be classified and compensated.", "PMID": 1000455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8262", "title": "Perforation of the gallbladder: analysis of 19 cases.", "content": "Perforation of the gallbladder occurred in 19 (3.8%) of 496 patients with acute cholecystitis treated at one hospital in an 8-year period. The average age of the 19 patients was 69 years and the female:male ratio was 3:2. Most had a history suggestive of gallbladder disease and most had coexisting cardiac, pulmonary, renal, nutritional or metabolic disease. The duration of the present illness was short, perforation occurring within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms in half the patients; the diagnosis was not suspected preoperatively in any. In the elderly patient with acute cholecystitis who has a long history of gallbladder disease, cholecystectomy should be performed early, before gangrene and perforation of the gallbladder can occur.", "contents": "Perforation of the gallbladder: analysis of 19 cases. Perforation of the gallbladder occurred in 19 (3.8%) of 496 patients with acute cholecystitis treated at one hospital in an 8-year period. The average age of the 19 patients was 69 years and the female:male ratio was 3:2. Most had a history suggestive of gallbladder disease and most had coexisting cardiac, pulmonary, renal, nutritional or metabolic disease. The duration of the present illness was short, perforation occurring within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms in half the patients; the diagnosis was not suspected preoperatively in any. In the elderly patient with acute cholecystitis who has a long history of gallbladder disease, cholecystectomy should be performed early, before gangrene and perforation of the gallbladder can occur.", "PMID": 1000456} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8263", "title": "Clindamycin plus gentamicin as expectant therapy for presumed mixed infections.", "content": "The prevalence of obligate anaerobes was studied prospectively in 60 patients with severe sepsis of intra-abdominal, soft tissue, female genital or oropulmonary origin. In addition, the efficacy of clindamycin (for anaerobes) plus gentamicin (for aerobic bacteria, especially coliforms) as initial empiric therapy in these patients was evaluated. Among 54 patients with cultural proof of infection, anaerobic pathogens were recovered from 52%. Nineteen patients had bacteremia; Bacteroides fragilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most prevalent pathogens, being isolated in five patients each. Infection was eradicated in 56 of the 60 patients (93%). Mortality related to sepsis was 7% in the entire group, 16% in patients with bacteremia and 2% in patients without bacteremia. Eighty-five percent of aerobic isolates tested were susceptible in vitro to either gentamicin or clindamycin; 97% of anaerobic isolates were inhibited by 5 mug/ml of clindamycin.", "contents": "Clindamycin plus gentamicin as expectant therapy for presumed mixed infections. The prevalence of obligate anaerobes was studied prospectively in 60 patients with severe sepsis of intra-abdominal, soft tissue, female genital or oropulmonary origin. In addition, the efficacy of clindamycin (for anaerobes) plus gentamicin (for aerobic bacteria, especially coliforms) as initial empiric therapy in these patients was evaluated. Among 54 patients with cultural proof of infection, anaerobic pathogens were recovered from 52%. Nineteen patients had bacteremia; Bacteroides fragilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most prevalent pathogens, being isolated in five patients each. Infection was eradicated in 56 of the 60 patients (93%). Mortality related to sepsis was 7% in the entire group, 16% in patients with bacteremia and 2% in patients without bacteremia. Eighty-five percent of aerobic isolates tested were susceptible in vitro to either gentamicin or clindamycin; 97% of anaerobic isolates were inhibited by 5 mug/ml of clindamycin.", "PMID": 1000457} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8264", "title": "Patterns of local and tourist use of an emergency department.", "content": "Illness patterns of local and tourist patients in an emergency department of a medium-sized Ontario city with a single hospital were compared. Frequencies of specific and broad categories of ailments and rates of admission to the hospital were similar in the two groups. However, non-Canadian tourists were admitted to hospital at a much lower rate than Canadian tourists. Rates of visits to the emergency department within certain age categories were remarkably similar, as were rates within the sexes. It is concluded that, in view of the striking similarity in the illness pattern of a group of patients not professionally referred to the hospital and that of local patients, who have potential contact with a more extensive medical network, public attitudes, rather than availability of health professionals, determine the pattern of illness observed in an emergency department.", "contents": "Patterns of local and tourist use of an emergency department. Illness patterns of local and tourist patients in an emergency department of a medium-sized Ontario city with a single hospital were compared. Frequencies of specific and broad categories of ailments and rates of admission to the hospital were similar in the two groups. However, non-Canadian tourists were admitted to hospital at a much lower rate than Canadian tourists. Rates of visits to the emergency department within certain age categories were remarkably similar, as were rates within the sexes. It is concluded that, in view of the striking similarity in the illness pattern of a group of patients not professionally referred to the hospital and that of local patients, who have potential contact with a more extensive medical network, public attitudes, rather than availability of health professionals, determine the pattern of illness observed in an emergency department.", "PMID": 1000458} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8265", "title": "The effect of cytosine arabinoside on platelet aggregation.", "content": "Platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, epinephrine, and thrombin was studied in patients with acute leukemia in complete remission, before and after a continuous 5-day intravenous infusion of cytosine arabinoside at a dose of 100 mg/m2 per day. Aggregation was also measured in normal subjects with cytosine arabinoside added in vitro. Cytosine arabinoside had no significant effect on platelet aggregation after either in vitro or in vivo administration.", "contents": "The effect of cytosine arabinoside on platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, epinephrine, and thrombin was studied in patients with acute leukemia in complete remission, before and after a continuous 5-day intravenous infusion of cytosine arabinoside at a dose of 100 mg/m2 per day. Aggregation was also measured in normal subjects with cytosine arabinoside added in vitro. Cytosine arabinoside had no significant effect on platelet aggregation after either in vitro or in vivo administration.", "PMID": 1000464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8266", "title": "Radiation therapy of malignant melanoma: experience with high individual treatment doses.", "content": "Reports of the existence of a large shoulder on the radiation survival curve of cultured mouse and human malignant melanoma cells prompted a clinical trial of radiation therapy using high individual-dose-fractionation schedules. Typically, individual doses of larger than or equal to 600 rads were delivered once or twice weekly. The most clear-cut effect was against skin metastases. Twenty-nine of 33 lesions showed partial or complete regression when treated in this manner. None of 11 lesions responded that were treated with individual treatment doses of 200 to 500 rads, although in some cases the total doses were greater than 5000 rads. Some of the possible roles for an effective radiation regimen in the overall management of this complex disease are discussed.", "contents": "Radiation therapy of malignant melanoma: experience with high individual treatment doses. Reports of the existence of a large shoulder on the radiation survival curve of cultured mouse and human malignant melanoma cells prompted a clinical trial of radiation therapy using high individual-dose-fractionation schedules. Typically, individual doses of larger than or equal to 600 rads were delivered once or twice weekly. The most clear-cut effect was against skin metastases. Twenty-nine of 33 lesions showed partial or complete regression when treated in this manner. None of 11 lesions responded that were treated with individual treatment doses of 200 to 500 rads, although in some cases the total doses were greater than 5000 rads. Some of the possible roles for an effective radiation regimen in the overall management of this complex disease are discussed.", "PMID": 1000466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8267", "title": "Total-body sequential segmental irradiation and combination chemotherapy for children with disseminated neuroblastoma.", "content": "Fourteen children with disseminated neuroblastoma were treated with segmental total-body irradiation and a combination of cyclophosphamide, vincristine and Adriamycin. Six others had localized tumors and were treated with either surgery alone or limited irradiation and chemotherapy. The main objective of the study was to find out if this aggressive therapy for disseminated neuroblastoma would be tolerated and would promote longer disease-free remissions and possibly, cures. Complete responses were obtained in all patients with localized tumors. Of the 14 patients with disseminated disease, three had complete responses, five had partial responses, two had objective responses, and four were classified as nonresponders. Survival rates for this group are poor. Only two patients are still alive, and the single patient who survives free of disease has had a complex clinical course that is only indirectly a result of treatment. The median survival for patients with disseminated tumor was 9 months, not appreciably different from earlier result. Although toxicity was clinically manageable, it interfered with the planned schedule of therapy. Continuous weight loss combined with severe bone marrow suppression due to irradiation prevented about 50% of the scheduled drug dose from being administered. This resulted in poor control of tumor outside of radiation ports and eventually led to progressive disease within previously irradiated sites. We conclude that irradiation used in this manner will not improve disease-free survival of children with disseminated neuroblastoma. It is essential that disseminated disease be controlled before extensive irradiation is attempted.", "contents": "Total-body sequential segmental irradiation and combination chemotherapy for children with disseminated neuroblastoma. Fourteen children with disseminated neuroblastoma were treated with segmental total-body irradiation and a combination of cyclophosphamide, vincristine and Adriamycin. Six others had localized tumors and were treated with either surgery alone or limited irradiation and chemotherapy. The main objective of the study was to find out if this aggressive therapy for disseminated neuroblastoma would be tolerated and would promote longer disease-free remissions and possibly, cures. Complete responses were obtained in all patients with localized tumors. Of the 14 patients with disseminated disease, three had complete responses, five had partial responses, two had objective responses, and four were classified as nonresponders. Survival rates for this group are poor. Only two patients are still alive, and the single patient who survives free of disease has had a complex clinical course that is only indirectly a result of treatment. The median survival for patients with disseminated tumor was 9 months, not appreciably different from earlier result. Although toxicity was clinically manageable, it interfered with the planned schedule of therapy. Continuous weight loss combined with severe bone marrow suppression due to irradiation prevented about 50% of the scheduled drug dose from being administered. This resulted in poor control of tumor outside of radiation ports and eventually led to progressive disease within previously irradiated sites. We conclude that irradiation used in this manner will not improve disease-free survival of children with disseminated neuroblastoma. It is essential that disseminated disease be controlled before extensive irradiation is attempted.", "PMID": 1000465} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8268", "title": "Immunocompetent cells in patients with malignant disease. I. The lack of naturally occurring killer cell activity in the unfractionated circulating lymphocytes from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).", "content": "The unfractionated, buffy coat cells of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were compared with their counterpart cells from normal volunteers for the capacity to lyse chromium-labeled xenogeneic target cells in vitro. Whereas killer cells were consistently detected in the circulation of normal individuals, no significant numbers of killer cells could be detected in the circulation of CLL patients. It is concluded that either these cells are not present in the circulation of CLL patients or that they are present in small numbers undetectable by this procedure. The possibility that killer cells in CLL patients are diluted by the much larger number of immunoincompetent cells has been ruled out.", "contents": "Immunocompetent cells in patients with malignant disease. I. The lack of naturally occurring killer cell activity in the unfractionated circulating lymphocytes from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The unfractionated, buffy coat cells of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were compared with their counterpart cells from normal volunteers for the capacity to lyse chromium-labeled xenogeneic target cells in vitro. Whereas killer cells were consistently detected in the circulation of normal individuals, no significant numbers of killer cells could be detected in the circulation of CLL patients. It is concluded that either these cells are not present in the circulation of CLL patients or that they are present in small numbers undetectable by this procedure. The possibility that killer cells in CLL patients are diluted by the much larger number of immunoincompetent cells has been ruled out.", "PMID": 1000467} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8269", "title": "Infusion hepatic angiography in diagnosis of liver metastases.", "content": "Infusion hepatic angiography was used, together with conventional angiography, for diagnosis in 68 patients with liver metastases. The combination of both techniques led to a diagnostic accuracy of 97%. Metastases were missed in only two patients, both of whom had underlying liver or biliary disease. In a comparison of the two techniques, the infusion study was found diagnostically essential in five patients (7%) and afforded improved diagnosis in 49 others (72%). In 10 patients (15%), it gave equivalent information; and in four patients (6%) less information than the conventional technique. Infusion hepatic angiography is a useful complementary technique in antatomic liver diagnosis, especially in its ability to improve upon the diagnostic accuracy of the capillary phase of hepatic angiography.", "contents": "Infusion hepatic angiography in diagnosis of liver metastases. Infusion hepatic angiography was used, together with conventional angiography, for diagnosis in 68 patients with liver metastases. The combination of both techniques led to a diagnostic accuracy of 97%. Metastases were missed in only two patients, both of whom had underlying liver or biliary disease. In a comparison of the two techniques, the infusion study was found diagnostically essential in five patients (7%) and afforded improved diagnosis in 49 others (72%). In 10 patients (15%), it gave equivalent information; and in four patients (6%) less information than the conventional technique. Infusion hepatic angiography is a useful complementary technique in antatomic liver diagnosis, especially in its ability to improve upon the diagnostic accuracy of the capillary phase of hepatic angiography.", "PMID": 1000468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8270", "title": "Assessment of serial carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assays in postoperative detection of recurrent colorectal cancer.", "content": "Monthly serial postoperative CEA determinations, three-monthly system review plus physical examination, and a battery of six-monthly laboratory and radiologic tests were compared in order to evaluate each in detection of recurrent colorectal cancer. Twelve of the 33 patients studied prospectively developed recurrent disease. In this study CEA was found not to be a substitute for careful clinical follow-up, but if used in a serial manner it was a useful adjunct for detection of early recurrent cancer, especially intra-hepatic and retroperitoneal disease recurring in patients with elevated pretreatment CEA levels. The other laboratory and radiologic tests employed were often useful to confirm progressing disease, but they did not reveal any first evidence of recurrent disease.", "contents": "Assessment of serial carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assays in postoperative detection of recurrent colorectal cancer. Monthly serial postoperative CEA determinations, three-monthly system review plus physical examination, and a battery of six-monthly laboratory and radiologic tests were compared in order to evaluate each in detection of recurrent colorectal cancer. Twelve of the 33 patients studied prospectively developed recurrent disease. In this study CEA was found not to be a substitute for careful clinical follow-up, but if used in a serial manner it was a useful adjunct for detection of early recurrent cancer, especially intra-hepatic and retroperitoneal disease recurring in patients with elevated pretreatment CEA levels. The other laboratory and radiologic tests employed were often useful to confirm progressing disease, but they did not reveal any first evidence of recurrent disease.", "PMID": 1000469} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8271", "title": "Pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis: three new cases studied with electron microscopy.", "content": "Three cases of pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis are described, with emphasis on the ultrastructural changes. The clinicopathologic features corresponded to those previously described. Each patient was a female in the reproductive years; breathlessness and recurrent pneumothoraces were the predominant clinical features. Histologically, the lungs showed a focal interstitial infiltrate of short, spindle-shaped mononuclear cells compatible with primitive smooth muscle, which was associated with irregular emphysema and hemosiderosis. Electron microscopy confirmed the smooth muscle nature of the pulmonary infiltrate and showed the presence of cells intermediate between smooth muscle and fibroblasts. Abnormalities were also noted in the pulmonary connective tissue that are possibly related to the fragility of the lung in this condition.", "contents": "Pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis: three new cases studied with electron microscopy. Three cases of pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis are described, with emphasis on the ultrastructural changes. The clinicopathologic features corresponded to those previously described. Each patient was a female in the reproductive years; breathlessness and recurrent pneumothoraces were the predominant clinical features. Histologically, the lungs showed a focal interstitial infiltrate of short, spindle-shaped mononuclear cells compatible with primitive smooth muscle, which was associated with irregular emphysema and hemosiderosis. Electron microscopy confirmed the smooth muscle nature of the pulmonary infiltrate and showed the presence of cells intermediate between smooth muscle and fibroblasts. Abnormalities were also noted in the pulmonary connective tissue that are possibly related to the fragility of the lung in this condition.", "PMID": 1000470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8272", "title": "Nodular fasciitis, a lesion of myofibroblasts: an ultrastructural study.", "content": "Eight histologically typical cases of nodular fasciitis were studied by electron microscopy and histochemistry. The findings confirm accepted views of the morphology of this lesion, and also reveal the previously undescribed fact that nodular fasciitis is a lesion of myofibroblasts. Its cells have the basic ultrastructural features of fibroblasts. In addition, all cells contain peripheral, longitudinally oriented bundles of myofilaments and hemidesmosome-like structures with associated basement membrane-like material. Many cells have deeply clefted nuclei, desmosomes, and pinocylotic vesicles. These specialized features are identical to thos of the myofibroblasts that have been described ifibroblasts have been found in inflammatory and trauma-related conditions and not in most studies of fibroblastic neoplasms. However, additional studies of proliferative and neoplastic fibroblastic lesions are needed to clarify the distribution and significance of myofibroblasts.", "contents": "Nodular fasciitis, a lesion of myofibroblasts: an ultrastructural study. Eight histologically typical cases of nodular fasciitis were studied by electron microscopy and histochemistry. The findings confirm accepted views of the morphology of this lesion, and also reveal the previously undescribed fact that nodular fasciitis is a lesion of myofibroblasts. Its cells have the basic ultrastructural features of fibroblasts. In addition, all cells contain peripheral, longitudinally oriented bundles of myofilaments and hemidesmosome-like structures with associated basement membrane-like material. Many cells have deeply clefted nuclei, desmosomes, and pinocylotic vesicles. These specialized features are identical to thos of the myofibroblasts that have been described ifibroblasts have been found in inflammatory and trauma-related conditions and not in most studies of fibroblastic neoplasms. However, additional studies of proliferative and neoplastic fibroblastic lesions are needed to clarify the distribution and significance of myofibroblasts.", "PMID": 1000471} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8273", "title": "The role of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy in detecting marrow involvement by nonhematologic malignancies.", "content": "A review of the records of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center identified 291 adult patients with nonhematologic malignancies who had undergone simultaneous bone marrow aspiration and biopsy from the same anatomic site. In 236 cases both samples were negative for tumor whereas in 39 both were positive. The biopsy was positive in three patients with a negative aspirate whereas in three others to aspirate was positive with a negative biopsy. The higher rate of tumor detection on aspirate in comparison with previous reports may be due to a thorough initial screening provided by technologists. Both aspiration and biopsy appear to be indicated for full evaluation of bone marrow in cancer patients.", "contents": "The role of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy in detecting marrow involvement by nonhematologic malignancies. A review of the records of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center identified 291 adult patients with nonhematologic malignancies who had undergone simultaneous bone marrow aspiration and biopsy from the same anatomic site. In 236 cases both samples were negative for tumor whereas in 39 both were positive. The biopsy was positive in three patients with a negative aspirate whereas in three others to aspirate was positive with a negative biopsy. The higher rate of tumor detection on aspirate in comparison with previous reports may be due to a thorough initial screening provided by technologists. Both aspiration and biopsy appear to be indicated for full evaluation of bone marrow in cancer patients.", "PMID": 1000472} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8274", "title": "Histologic criteria for the diagnosis of superficial spreading malignant melanoma: formulated on the basis of proven metastatic lesions.", "content": "Histologic material was studied from 30 patients with metastasizing cutaneous superficial spreading malignant melanoma in an attempt to establish reproducible criteria for the accurate diagnosis of the disease. This paper details the criteria for the histologic diagnosis of primary superficial spreading malignant melanoma of the skin.", "contents": "Histologic criteria for the diagnosis of superficial spreading malignant melanoma: formulated on the basis of proven metastatic lesions. Histologic material was studied from 30 patients with metastasizing cutaneous superficial spreading malignant melanoma in an attempt to establish reproducible criteria for the accurate diagnosis of the disease. This paper details the criteria for the histologic diagnosis of primary superficial spreading malignant melanoma of the skin.", "PMID": 1000473} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8275", "title": "Sertoli cell tumors of ovary: light microscopic and ultrastructural study with histogenetic considerations.", "content": "Two cases of pure Sertoli cell tumors of the ovary are presented. The tumors were grey to brown and generally solid, but with several cystic areas. They showed a highly differentiated, but variable, histologic patterns with solid cords of neoplastic cells, as well as tubular formations. Ultrastructurally, the basal part of the cells rested on a nonfibrillary basement membrane layer while the free border showed occasional cilia. Laterally, the cells showed tight junctions and desmosomes. Abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and some cystically dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum were evident. The theories regarding the histogenesis are discussed. Enough similarities, both by light and by electron microscopy, are presented between these tumors and the Sertoli cell to justify classifying these ovarian tumors as Sertoli cell in type. The development of cilia is considered to be a manifestation of focal metaplasia of the neoplastic Sertoli cell.", "contents": "Sertoli cell tumors of ovary: light microscopic and ultrastructural study with histogenetic considerations. Two cases of pure Sertoli cell tumors of the ovary are presented. The tumors were grey to brown and generally solid, but with several cystic areas. They showed a highly differentiated, but variable, histologic patterns with solid cords of neoplastic cells, as well as tubular formations. Ultrastructurally, the basal part of the cells rested on a nonfibrillary basement membrane layer while the free border showed occasional cilia. Laterally, the cells showed tight junctions and desmosomes. Abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and some cystically dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum were evident. The theories regarding the histogenesis are discussed. Enough similarities, both by light and by electron microscopy, are presented between these tumors and the Sertoli cell to justify classifying these ovarian tumors as Sertoli cell in type. The development of cilia is considered to be a manifestation of focal metaplasia of the neoplastic Sertoli cell.", "PMID": 1000474} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8276", "title": "Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) activity in pancreatic juice of patients with pancreatic carcinoma and pancreatitis.", "content": "Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) activity was assayed in plasma and in pure pancreatic juice from eight patients with carcinoma of the pancreas, 28 patients with pancreatitis, and 13 controls with no demonstrable pancreatic disease. Juice specimens were obtained via direct transduodenal cannulation of the pancreatic duct. The mean pancreatic juice CEA activities in controls, pancreatitis, and pancreatic carcinoma were 8.1 ng/ml, 18.6 ng/ml, and 309 ng/ml, respectively. Pancreatic juice CEA activity in patients with cancer of that organ was significantly higher than in those with pancreatitis or in controls. None of the 32 subjects with both pancreatic juice CEA activity less than 30 ng/ml and plasma CEA less than 2.5 ng/ml had pancreatic cancer. Three of the four patients with CEA elevations in both fluids above these levels harbored this malignancy. These findings suggest that combined measurement of CEA activity in plasma and pancreatic juice may help in diagnosing pancreatic disease.", "contents": "Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) activity in pancreatic juice of patients with pancreatic carcinoma and pancreatitis. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) activity was assayed in plasma and in pure pancreatic juice from eight patients with carcinoma of the pancreas, 28 patients with pancreatitis, and 13 controls with no demonstrable pancreatic disease. Juice specimens were obtained via direct transduodenal cannulation of the pancreatic duct. The mean pancreatic juice CEA activities in controls, pancreatitis, and pancreatic carcinoma were 8.1 ng/ml, 18.6 ng/ml, and 309 ng/ml, respectively. Pancreatic juice CEA activity in patients with cancer of that organ was significantly higher than in those with pancreatitis or in controls. None of the 32 subjects with both pancreatic juice CEA activity less than 30 ng/ml and plasma CEA less than 2.5 ng/ml had pancreatic cancer. Three of the four patients with CEA elevations in both fluids above these levels harbored this malignancy. These findings suggest that combined measurement of CEA activity in plasma and pancreatic juice may help in diagnosing pancreatic disease.", "PMID": 1000475} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8277", "title": "Salivary gland tumors in atomic bomb survivors, Hiroshima, Japan. I. Epidemiologic observations.", "content": "An epidemiologic investigation was undertaken in Hiroshima to study the relationship of salivary gland tumors to exposure to ionizing radiation. Two hundred and eleven cases examined between 1953-1971 were confirmed by a review of histologic specimens. Of these, 66 cases occurred in residents of Hiroshima City who were born before the A-bomb: 30 among A-bomb-exposed, and 36 in non-exposed individuals. The incidence of salivary gland tumors among the exposed individuals was significantly higher, 2.6 times greater than that among the nonexposed individuals for all tumors, and 10 times greater for malignant tumors. The incidence increased with proximity to the hypocenter for the directly exposed. An increased incidence was also found among early entrants, particularly those entering the city within 3 days of the A-bomb.", "contents": "Salivary gland tumors in atomic bomb survivors, Hiroshima, Japan. I. Epidemiologic observations. An epidemiologic investigation was undertaken in Hiroshima to study the relationship of salivary gland tumors to exposure to ionizing radiation. Two hundred and eleven cases examined between 1953-1971 were confirmed by a review of histologic specimens. Of these, 66 cases occurred in residents of Hiroshima City who were born before the A-bomb: 30 among A-bomb-exposed, and 36 in non-exposed individuals. The incidence of salivary gland tumors among the exposed individuals was significantly higher, 2.6 times greater than that among the nonexposed individuals for all tumors, and 10 times greater for malignant tumors. The incidence increased with proximity to the hypocenter for the directly exposed. An increased incidence was also found among early entrants, particularly those entering the city within 3 days of the A-bomb.", "PMID": 1000476} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8278", "title": "Papillary renal cell carcinoma: a clinical, radiologic, and pathologic study of 34 cases.", "content": "Papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known by its tendency to avascularity by angiography; however, data concerning its clinicopathologic spectrum and prognosis are not available. In a review of 224 renal cell carcinomas accesioned in our files, 34 were found to be papillary and 190 of other histologic types. A comparative analysis of these two gropus revealed marked differences. The majority of papillary tumors (85.3%) were in pathologic stage I, whereas more than half of the nonpapillary tumors had extended beyond the limits of the kidney. Follow-up data revealed that the survival for papillary RCC was significantly higher than that for nonpapillary tumors. This difference held true even when tumors in the same pathologic stage were compared. Many papillary tumors, particularly those with a favorable course, were massively necrotic, densely infiltrated by macrophages, or both. In view of these findings, the possibility that host mechanisms are involved in destruction and confinement of the tumor is discussed. Examination of kidney tissue distant from the tumor disclosed, in some cases, atypical hyperplastic changes of collecting tubules; this raises the possibility that some papillary tumors arise from distal tubular epithelium. Hypo- or avascularity was present in all papillary RCC's studied by angiography.", "contents": "Papillary renal cell carcinoma: a clinical, radiologic, and pathologic study of 34 cases. Papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known by its tendency to avascularity by angiography; however, data concerning its clinicopathologic spectrum and prognosis are not available. In a review of 224 renal cell carcinomas accesioned in our files, 34 were found to be papillary and 190 of other histologic types. A comparative analysis of these two gropus revealed marked differences. The majority of papillary tumors (85.3%) were in pathologic stage I, whereas more than half of the nonpapillary tumors had extended beyond the limits of the kidney. Follow-up data revealed that the survival for papillary RCC was significantly higher than that for nonpapillary tumors. This difference held true even when tumors in the same pathologic stage were compared. Many papillary tumors, particularly those with a favorable course, were massively necrotic, densely infiltrated by macrophages, or both. In view of these findings, the possibility that host mechanisms are involved in destruction and confinement of the tumor is discussed. Examination of kidney tissue distant from the tumor disclosed, in some cases, atypical hyperplastic changes of collecting tubules; this raises the possibility that some papillary tumors arise from distal tubular epithelium. Hypo- or avascularity was present in all papillary RCC's studied by angiography.", "PMID": 1000477} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8279", "title": "Endodermal sinus tumor of the pineal region: case report.", "content": "This is a case report of an endodermal sinus tumor occurring in the pineal region of a 12-year-old Caucasian boy. Germ cell tumors of this type demonstrate a selective overgrowth of yolk sac endoderm associated with extraembryonic mesoblast and arise perferentially in the gonads of young children. This is the ninth known report of this tumor in the world literature. Its occurrence in the posterior third ventricle again confirms that pineal region germ cell tumors are histologically analogous to germ cell tumors originating in the gonads. A disturbance in the region of the primitive streak is thought to account for the exclusive midline location of this tumor in extragonadal sites. This patient was treated with a combination of vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide, and concomitant cobalt irradiation. For endodermal sinus tumors in the pineal region, this combination appears more effective than previously reported treatment by irradiation alone.", "contents": "Endodermal sinus tumor of the pineal region: case report. This is a case report of an endodermal sinus tumor occurring in the pineal region of a 12-year-old Caucasian boy. Germ cell tumors of this type demonstrate a selective overgrowth of yolk sac endoderm associated with extraembryonic mesoblast and arise perferentially in the gonads of young children. This is the ninth known report of this tumor in the world literature. Its occurrence in the posterior third ventricle again confirms that pineal region germ cell tumors are histologically analogous to germ cell tumors originating in the gonads. A disturbance in the region of the primitive streak is thought to account for the exclusive midline location of this tumor in extragonadal sites. This patient was treated with a combination of vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide, and concomitant cobalt irradiation. For endodermal sinus tumors in the pineal region, this combination appears more effective than previously reported treatment by irradiation alone.", "PMID": 1000478} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8280", "title": "Olfactory neuroblastomas: a clinicopathologic study.", "content": "Clinical and pathologic findings in seven patients with olfactory neuroblastomas are reviewed. Thes neoplasms occurred over a wide age range and, regardless of microscopic pattern, had an unpredictable clinical course. Total extirpation followed by radiation provided optimal therapeutic benefit. The difficulty of pathologic diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastomas is emphasized by the number of neoplasms excluded from this series after critical review of clinical and microscopic findings.", "contents": "Olfactory neuroblastomas: a clinicopathologic study. Clinical and pathologic findings in seven patients with olfactory neuroblastomas are reviewed. Thes neoplasms occurred over a wide age range and, regardless of microscopic pattern, had an unpredictable clinical course. Total extirpation followed by radiation provided optimal therapeutic benefit. The difficulty of pathologic diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastomas is emphasized by the number of neoplasms excluded from this series after critical review of clinical and microscopic findings.", "PMID": 1000479} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8281", "title": "Epithelial papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: a clinicopathological study.", "content": "Seventeen cases of intranasal epithelial tumors are reviewed. Thirteen were epithelial papillomas and four were squamous cell carcinomas associated with epithelial papillomas. In two cases followed over a 10 year period, transformation from an initial papilloma into a carcinoma was demonstrated. The histopathologic caracteristics of these lesions are described including the presence of prominent palisading and intraepithelial nesting in some tumors. The literature was reviewed for reports of carcinoma arising in previously benign epithelial papillomas. We suggest that squamous cell carcinoma may occasionally arise from a previously benign epithelial papilloma.", "contents": "Epithelial papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: a clinicopathological study. Seventeen cases of intranasal epithelial tumors are reviewed. Thirteen were epithelial papillomas and four were squamous cell carcinomas associated with epithelial papillomas. In two cases followed over a 10 year period, transformation from an initial papilloma into a carcinoma was demonstrated. The histopathologic caracteristics of these lesions are described including the presence of prominent palisading and intraepithelial nesting in some tumors. The literature was reviewed for reports of carcinoma arising in previously benign epithelial papillomas. We suggest that squamous cell carcinoma may occasionally arise from a previously benign epithelial papilloma.", "PMID": 1000480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8282", "title": "Excess and deficit lung cancer mortality in three ethnic groups in Texas.", "content": "Based on Texas vital statistics for 1969-71, patterns of lung cancer mortality in three ethnic groups are examined. Among males, the risk of lung cancer for Mexican Americans is considerably lower than for Blacks and Anglos for ages under 75 and slightly higher for older ages. Among females, Mexican American exhibit a distinct excess of lung cancer mortality for ages 70 and over and a deficit for younger ages. The excess among Mexican American females is confined mainly to the older foreign-born women and the excess is reduced for ages 45-60 and diminishes for younger immigrants. This suggests that the excess risk among Mexican Americans will completely disappear within a generation and a general deficit pattern will emerge for all ages. The implications of the diminishing excess and the emerging deficit lung cancer mortality among Mexican Americans clearly call for further study in exploring the effect of cultural change on mortality patterns, particularly for cancer.", "contents": "Excess and deficit lung cancer mortality in three ethnic groups in Texas. Based on Texas vital statistics for 1969-71, patterns of lung cancer mortality in three ethnic groups are examined. Among males, the risk of lung cancer for Mexican Americans is considerably lower than for Blacks and Anglos for ages under 75 and slightly higher for older ages. Among females, Mexican American exhibit a distinct excess of lung cancer mortality for ages 70 and over and a deficit for younger ages. The excess among Mexican American females is confined mainly to the older foreign-born women and the excess is reduced for ages 45-60 and diminishes for younger immigrants. This suggests that the excess risk among Mexican Americans will completely disappear within a generation and a general deficit pattern will emerge for all ages. The implications of the diminishing excess and the emerging deficit lung cancer mortality among Mexican Americans clearly call for further study in exploring the effect of cultural change on mortality patterns, particularly for cancer.", "PMID": 1000481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8283", "title": "Surgical treatment of solitary pulmonary metastasis.", "content": "Seventeen patients undergoing pulmonary excision for metastatic tumors of the lung from 1965 to 1975 are reviewed with an overall four-year survival of 72%. From this group, four patients are alive five years and more after operation. In two patients however, multiple metastases in the contralateral lung and bones have appeared. One of them underwent a second removal of metastatic tumor in the other lung. On the basis of this limited experience and the one reported in the literature, we believe that excision of pulmonary metastasis in selected cases improve the prognosis of those patients, prolong life, and in some cases may even result in cure of the basic disease.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of solitary pulmonary metastasis. Seventeen patients undergoing pulmonary excision for metastatic tumors of the lung from 1965 to 1975 are reviewed with an overall four-year survival of 72%. From this group, four patients are alive five years and more after operation. In two patients however, multiple metastases in the contralateral lung and bones have appeared. One of them underwent a second removal of metastatic tumor in the other lung. On the basis of this limited experience and the one reported in the literature, we believe that excision of pulmonary metastasis in selected cases improve the prognosis of those patients, prolong life, and in some cases may even result in cure of the basic disease.", "PMID": 1000482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8284", "title": "Early morning hydroxyproline excretion in patients with breast cancer.", "content": "The hydroxyproline/creatinine excretion ratios have been measured in half-hour fasting morning urine specimens from breast cancer patients and compared with corresponding values measured in 24 hour urine collections. Both parameters show a close correlation. The value of the half-hour test in predicting the presence of early bone metastases, in monitoring the response of patients to therapy and in eliminating unwanted effects of dietary Hydroxyproline intake are discussed.", "contents": "Early morning hydroxyproline excretion in patients with breast cancer. The hydroxyproline/creatinine excretion ratios have been measured in half-hour fasting morning urine specimens from breast cancer patients and compared with corresponding values measured in 24 hour urine collections. Both parameters show a close correlation. The value of the half-hour test in predicting the presence of early bone metastases, in monitoring the response of patients to therapy and in eliminating unwanted effects of dietary Hydroxyproline intake are discussed.", "PMID": 1000483} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8285", "title": "Usefulness of drill biopsy in the diagnosis of breast tumors.", "content": "A retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the usefulness of 600 drill biopsies taken from 557 breast tumors. Based on the first biopsy, the malignant or benign nature of the tumor was accurately estimated in 93.6% of the cases. A diagnosis of cancer was established microscopically in 87.4% of the tumors. In our opinion, this method proved to be valuable and is recommended for outpatient clinics.", "contents": "Usefulness of drill biopsy in the diagnosis of breast tumors. A retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the usefulness of 600 drill biopsies taken from 557 breast tumors. Based on the first biopsy, the malignant or benign nature of the tumor was accurately estimated in 93.6% of the cases. A diagnosis of cancer was established microscopically in 87.4% of the tumors. In our opinion, this method proved to be valuable and is recommended for outpatient clinics.", "PMID": 1000484} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8286", "title": "Brain metastasis from prostatic carcinoma.", "content": "Between 1959 and 1971 there were 91 patients with clinically diagnosed prostatic carcinoma who were autopsied at Roswell Park Memorial Institute. In four of these 91 (4.4%) intracerebral metastasis were found at autopsy, but only in one of these four was the diagnosis arrived at pre-mortem. This report describes the diagnosis and management of intracerebral metastasis from prostate carcinoma. It appears, on the basis of our initial experience, that the clinical diagnosis of this entity deserves more frequent consideration.", "contents": "Brain metastasis from prostatic carcinoma. Between 1959 and 1971 there were 91 patients with clinically diagnosed prostatic carcinoma who were autopsied at Roswell Park Memorial Institute. In four of these 91 (4.4%) intracerebral metastasis were found at autopsy, but only in one of these four was the diagnosis arrived at pre-mortem. This report describes the diagnosis and management of intracerebral metastasis from prostate carcinoma. It appears, on the basis of our initial experience, that the clinical diagnosis of this entity deserves more frequent consideration.", "PMID": 1000485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8287", "title": "Standardized nomenclature for inbred strains of mice: sixth listing.", "content": "Rules for designating inbred strains of mice are presented, along with a list of strains with their origins and characteristics, a table of biochemical polymorphisms, and standard subline designations.", "contents": "Standardized nomenclature for inbred strains of mice: sixth listing. Rules for designating inbred strains of mice are presented, along with a list of strains with their origins and characteristics, a table of biochemical polymorphisms, and standard subline designations.", "PMID": 1000487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8288", "title": "Testicular relapse in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia during bone marrow remission.", "content": "Seven children with acute lymphocytic leukemia developed testicular swelling during bone marrow remission. Needle biopsies and one orchiectomy specimen revealed leukemic infiltration. Another patient encountered concurrent medullary and testicular relapses. The leukemic nature of the testicular infiltration can be readily confirmed on needle biopsies. Orchiectomy should be discouraged. The leukemic infiltration mainly took place in the interstitial spaces. The seminiferous tubules were atrophic and lined by Sertoli cells. Occasional spermatogenic cells could be found in some cases. The leukemic cells were also observed to invade and accumulate beneath the Sertoli cell layer. Destruction of the tubules by the infiltrate was seen in advanced cases. Postradiation biopsies were characterized by fibrosis. The sigeveloped subsequent marrow relapse despite the effective control of the testicular relapse by irradiation. Another important observation is the high incidence of testicular relapse (16.2% so far).", "contents": "Testicular relapse in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia during bone marrow remission. Seven children with acute lymphocytic leukemia developed testicular swelling during bone marrow remission. Needle biopsies and one orchiectomy specimen revealed leukemic infiltration. Another patient encountered concurrent medullary and testicular relapses. The leukemic nature of the testicular infiltration can be readily confirmed on needle biopsies. Orchiectomy should be discouraged. The leukemic infiltration mainly took place in the interstitial spaces. The seminiferous tubules were atrophic and lined by Sertoli cells. Occasional spermatogenic cells could be found in some cases. The leukemic cells were also observed to invade and accumulate beneath the Sertoli cell layer. Destruction of the tubules by the infiltrate was seen in advanced cases. Postradiation biopsies were characterized by fibrosis. The sigeveloped subsequent marrow relapse despite the effective control of the testicular relapse by irradiation. Another important observation is the high incidence of testicular relapse (16.2% so far).", "PMID": 1000486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8289", "title": "Specific receptors for glucocorticoid in the cytoplasm of the liver of AH 130 tumor-bearing rats.", "content": "Specific receptors for dexamethasone (11beta, 17alpha, 21-trihydroxy-9alpha-fluoro-16alpha-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione) in the cytoplasm of the liver from AH 130 (solid type) tumor-bearing rats markedly increased in the advanced stage of tumor growth. The cytoplasmic receptors of the livers of normal and tumor-bearing rats differed in their affinities for dexamethasone, and their apparent equilibrium (dissociation) constants (K) for dexamethasone were 4.0 and 2.6 X 10(-9) M, respectively. The rates of dissociation of dexamethasone-receptor complexes and the heat denaturations of the receptors in the livers of normal and tumor-bearing rats were similar. The glucocorticoid receptors of tumor-bearing rat liver had slightly higher affinities than did those of normal liver for all the steroids tested. Only a trace amount of receptors for dexamethasone could be detected in the cytoplasm of AH 130 ascites cells.", "contents": "Specific receptors for glucocorticoid in the cytoplasm of the liver of AH 130 tumor-bearing rats. Specific receptors for dexamethasone (11beta, 17alpha, 21-trihydroxy-9alpha-fluoro-16alpha-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione) in the cytoplasm of the liver from AH 130 (solid type) tumor-bearing rats markedly increased in the advanced stage of tumor growth. The cytoplasmic receptors of the livers of normal and tumor-bearing rats differed in their affinities for dexamethasone, and their apparent equilibrium (dissociation) constants (K) for dexamethasone were 4.0 and 2.6 X 10(-9) M, respectively. The rates of dissociation of dexamethasone-receptor complexes and the heat denaturations of the receptors in the livers of normal and tumor-bearing rats were similar. The glucocorticoid receptors of tumor-bearing rat liver had slightly higher affinities than did those of normal liver for all the steroids tested. Only a trace amount of receptors for dexamethasone could be detected in the cytoplasm of AH 130 ascites cells.", "PMID": 1000488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8290", "title": "An investigation into the binding of the carcinogen 15,16-dihydro-11-methylcyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-one to DNA in vitro.", "content": "After metabolic activation the carcinogen 15,16-dihydro-11-[3H]methylcyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-one binds to DNA in vitro, and this binding is prevented by 7,8-benzoflavone. Radioactivity cannot be removed from the DNA with organic solvents or by chromatography on Sephadex G-50, even after heat denaturation of the DNA. Enzymatic hydrolysis yields radioactive fractions, which elute from a column of Sephadex LH-20 immediately after the natural nucleosides. At least two species of reactive metabolites are involved in this bending, those with a half-life of a few hr and others with greater stability. After extraction from the aqueous incubation mixture, they could be detected in discrete polar fractions from separations of the complex metabolite mixture by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Their ability to bind to DNA decreased with time at ambient temperature, and they were rapidly deactivated by acid. 7,8-Benzolflavone acted by suppressing the formation of polar metabolites derived from enzymatic oxidation of the aromatic double bonds. The inhibitor had no effect on the enzymes hydroxylating saturated carbon; hence it is unlikely that metabolism of the methyl group is important in conversion of this carcinogen to its proximate form, although the presence of the 11-methyl group is essential for carcinogenic activity in this series.", "contents": "An investigation into the binding of the carcinogen 15,16-dihydro-11-methylcyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-one to DNA in vitro. After metabolic activation the carcinogen 15,16-dihydro-11-[3H]methylcyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-one binds to DNA in vitro, and this binding is prevented by 7,8-benzoflavone. Radioactivity cannot be removed from the DNA with organic solvents or by chromatography on Sephadex G-50, even after heat denaturation of the DNA. Enzymatic hydrolysis yields radioactive fractions, which elute from a column of Sephadex LH-20 immediately after the natural nucleosides. At least two species of reactive metabolites are involved in this bending, those with a half-life of a few hr and others with greater stability. After extraction from the aqueous incubation mixture, they could be detected in discrete polar fractions from separations of the complex metabolite mixture by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Their ability to bind to DNA decreased with time at ambient temperature, and they were rapidly deactivated by acid. 7,8-Benzolflavone acted by suppressing the formation of polar metabolites derived from enzymatic oxidation of the aromatic double bonds. The inhibitor had no effect on the enzymes hydroxylating saturated carbon; hence it is unlikely that metabolism of the methyl group is important in conversion of this carcinogen to its proximate form, although the presence of the 11-methyl group is essential for carcinogenic activity in this series.", "PMID": 1000489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8291", "title": "The interaction of rhodium(II) carboxylates with enzymes.", "content": "The effect of rhodium(II) acetate, propionate, and methoxyacetate on the activity of 17 enzymes was evaluated. The enzymes were preincubated with the rhodium(II) complexes in order to detect irreversible inhibition. All enzymes that have essential sulfhydryl groups in or near their active site were found to be irreversibly inhibited. Those enzymes without essential sulfhydryl groups were not affected. In each case, the rate of inactivation closely paralleled the observed toxicity and antitumor activity of rhodium(II) carboxylates; that is, rhodium(II) propionate greater than rhodium(II) acetate greater than rhodium(II) methoxyacetate. In addition, those enzymes that have been demonstrated to be most sensitive to established sulfhydryl inhibitors, such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, were also most sensitive to rhodium(II) carboxylate inactivation. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance measurements made during the titration of rhodium(II) acetate with cysteine showed that breakdown of the carboxylate cage occurred as a result of reaction with this sulfhydryl-containing amino acid.", "contents": "The interaction of rhodium(II) carboxylates with enzymes. The effect of rhodium(II) acetate, propionate, and methoxyacetate on the activity of 17 enzymes was evaluated. The enzymes were preincubated with the rhodium(II) complexes in order to detect irreversible inhibition. All enzymes that have essential sulfhydryl groups in or near their active site were found to be irreversibly inhibited. Those enzymes without essential sulfhydryl groups were not affected. In each case, the rate of inactivation closely paralleled the observed toxicity and antitumor activity of rhodium(II) carboxylates; that is, rhodium(II) propionate greater than rhodium(II) acetate greater than rhodium(II) methoxyacetate. In addition, those enzymes that have been demonstrated to be most sensitive to established sulfhydryl inhibitors, such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, were also most sensitive to rhodium(II) carboxylate inactivation. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance measurements made during the titration of rhodium(II) acetate with cysteine showed that breakdown of the carboxylate cage occurred as a result of reaction with this sulfhydryl-containing amino acid.", "PMID": 1000490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8292", "title": "Decreased liver and lung drug-metabolizing activity in mice treated with Corynebacterium parvum.", "content": "Injections of killed suspensions of Corynebacterium parvum (i.p.) in young male mice were followed by time- and dose-dependent decreases in the drug-metabolizing activity of liver microsomes and lung homogenates. In vitro assays with model substrates [aminopyrine, aniline, p-nitroanisole, and benzo(a)pyrene] were used to quantitate drug-metabolizing activity. It is likely that such decreases in mixed function oxidases activity will act to significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of concurrently or subsequently administered drugs. The results provide a possible mechanism to explain several previously reported immunochemotherapeutic interactions.", "contents": "Decreased liver and lung drug-metabolizing activity in mice treated with Corynebacterium parvum. Injections of killed suspensions of Corynebacterium parvum (i.p.) in young male mice were followed by time- and dose-dependent decreases in the drug-metabolizing activity of liver microsomes and lung homogenates. In vitro assays with model substrates [aminopyrine, aniline, p-nitroanisole, and benzo(a)pyrene] were used to quantitate drug-metabolizing activity. It is likely that such decreases in mixed function oxidases activity will act to significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of concurrently or subsequently administered drugs. The results provide a possible mechanism to explain several previously reported immunochemotherapeutic interactions.", "PMID": 1000491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8293", "title": "Electronic volume analysis of L1210 chemotherapy.", "content": "The rapid analysis of in vivo chemotherapy on the L1210 ascites tumor grown in C57BL/6 X DBA/2F1 mice has been shown by means of an electronic volume analysis. The drugs were injected on the 4th day of tumor growth, and the cells in the peritoneal cavity were studied at 24-hr intervals on the 5th through 7th day. Using the electronic cell volume distributions, combined with labeling indices, cell morphology, and cell counts, it was found that the alkylating agents. 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea and cyclophosphamide, at the dosages used, were more effective than the S-phase-specific drugs, palmitoyl ester of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine, vincristine, and methotrexate.", "contents": "Electronic volume analysis of L1210 chemotherapy. The rapid analysis of in vivo chemotherapy on the L1210 ascites tumor grown in C57BL/6 X DBA/2F1 mice has been shown by means of an electronic volume analysis. The drugs were injected on the 4th day of tumor growth, and the cells in the peritoneal cavity were studied at 24-hr intervals on the 5th through 7th day. Using the electronic cell volume distributions, combined with labeling indices, cell morphology, and cell counts, it was found that the alkylating agents. 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea and cyclophosphamide, at the dosages used, were more effective than the S-phase-specific drugs, palmitoyl ester of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine, vincristine, and methotrexate.", "PMID": 1000492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8294", "title": "The direct spectrophotometric observation of benzo(a)pyrene phenol formation by liver microsomes.", "content": "Optical spectral repetitive scan analysis during the oxidative metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene by liver microsomal suspensions reveals the time-dependent formation of an intermediate(s) of which the visible spectra resemble those of several benzo(a)pyrene phenols. Liver microsomes from 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rats showed a greater rate of formation of the phenols than did microsomes from control animals; the rate of formation catalyzed by liver microsomes from phenobarbital-pretreated rats was intermediate. When 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene was used as a standard for comparison of activity, the rates of formation of phenols were compared when measured by fluorometric, spectrophotometric, or high-pressure liquid chromatographic analytical techniques. An epoxide hydrase inhibitor, 1,1,1-trichloropropene-2,3-oxide, enhanced phenol formation regardless of the source of liver microsomes, and 7,8-benzoflavone inhibited control and 3-methylcholanthrene-induced microsomal metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene, 7,8-Benzoflavone did not effect benzo(a)pyrene metabolism by liver microsomes from phenobarbital-pretreated rats. The effect of inhibitors on the spectrophotometric assay correlates well with the results obtained from benzo(a)pyrene metabolite analysis using high-pressure liquid chromatography.", "contents": "The direct spectrophotometric observation of benzo(a)pyrene phenol formation by liver microsomes. Optical spectral repetitive scan analysis during the oxidative metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene by liver microsomal suspensions reveals the time-dependent formation of an intermediate(s) of which the visible spectra resemble those of several benzo(a)pyrene phenols. Liver microsomes from 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rats showed a greater rate of formation of the phenols than did microsomes from control animals; the rate of formation catalyzed by liver microsomes from phenobarbital-pretreated rats was intermediate. When 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene was used as a standard for comparison of activity, the rates of formation of phenols were compared when measured by fluorometric, spectrophotometric, or high-pressure liquid chromatographic analytical techniques. An epoxide hydrase inhibitor, 1,1,1-trichloropropene-2,3-oxide, enhanced phenol formation regardless of the source of liver microsomes, and 7,8-benzoflavone inhibited control and 3-methylcholanthrene-induced microsomal metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene, 7,8-Benzoflavone did not effect benzo(a)pyrene metabolism by liver microsomes from phenobarbital-pretreated rats. The effect of inhibitors on the spectrophotometric assay correlates well with the results obtained from benzo(a)pyrene metabolite analysis using high-pressure liquid chromatography.", "PMID": 1000493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8295", "title": "The epizootiology and pathogenesis of thyroid hyperplasia in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Lake Ontario.", "content": "The thyroid glands of coho salmon collected at different stages of their anadromous migration exhibited progressive and extensive hyperplasia and hypertrophy. The incidence of overt nodule formation rose from 5% in fish collected in August to 24% in fish collected in October. The histological picture of the goiters was similar to that found in thiourea-treated teleosts and thiouracil-treated mammals. There was a concomitant, significant decrease in serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine values between September and October (thyroxine, 1.0+/-0.3 mug/100 ml and 0.4 mug/100 ml in September and October, respectively; triiodothyronine, 400.3+/-51.6 ng/100 ml and 80.2 ng/100 ml in September and October, respectively) and marked hypertrophy and hyperplasia of thyrotrophs. These data indicate a progressive hypothyroid condition which, although it may be linked to iodide deficiency, may well be enhanced by other environmental factors. The evidence for involvement of other factors is discussed.", "contents": "The epizootiology and pathogenesis of thyroid hyperplasia in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Lake Ontario. The thyroid glands of coho salmon collected at different stages of their anadromous migration exhibited progressive and extensive hyperplasia and hypertrophy. The incidence of overt nodule formation rose from 5% in fish collected in August to 24% in fish collected in October. The histological picture of the goiters was similar to that found in thiourea-treated teleosts and thiouracil-treated mammals. There was a concomitant, significant decrease in serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine values between September and October (thyroxine, 1.0+/-0.3 mug/100 ml and 0.4 mug/100 ml in September and October, respectively; triiodothyronine, 400.3+/-51.6 ng/100 ml and 80.2 ng/100 ml in September and October, respectively) and marked hypertrophy and hyperplasia of thyrotrophs. These data indicate a progressive hypothyroid condition which, although it may be linked to iodide deficiency, may well be enhanced by other environmental factors. The evidence for involvement of other factors is discussed.", "PMID": 1000494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8296", "title": "Differences in benzo(a)pyrene metabolism between rodent liver microsomes and embryonic cells.", "content": "Differences in benzo(a)pyrene metabolite pattern have been shown by rodent liver microsomes (Sprague-Dawley) and rodent embryo cells from Syrian hamsters and NIH Swiss mice. Rodent liver induced by methylcholanthrene shows marked quantitative variation between species. Additional pattern changes were found in mouse and hamster embryo secondary cultures with a reduction of the K-region metabolites and a marked increase in 9-hydroxybenzo(a)-pyrene. These results are indicative of a region-specific attack on the carcinogen by the cell monooxygenases which is distinct from the liver attack of microsomal enzymes on benzo(a)pyrene. These results suggest that activation and detoxification of benzo(a)pyrene may be species and tissue variable, and susceptibility and resistence to malignant transformation may be predicted on induction of a fortuitous combination of intermediate metabolic steps.", "contents": "Differences in benzo(a)pyrene metabolism between rodent liver microsomes and embryonic cells. Differences in benzo(a)pyrene metabolite pattern have been shown by rodent liver microsomes (Sprague-Dawley) and rodent embryo cells from Syrian hamsters and NIH Swiss mice. Rodent liver induced by methylcholanthrene shows marked quantitative variation between species. Additional pattern changes were found in mouse and hamster embryo secondary cultures with a reduction of the K-region metabolites and a marked increase in 9-hydroxybenzo(a)-pyrene. These results are indicative of a region-specific attack on the carcinogen by the cell monooxygenases which is distinct from the liver attack of microsomal enzymes on benzo(a)pyrene. These results suggest that activation and detoxification of benzo(a)pyrene may be species and tissue variable, and susceptibility and resistence to malignant transformation may be predicted on induction of a fortuitous combination of intermediate metabolic steps.", "PMID": 1000495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8297", "title": "The incorporation of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine into the DNA of HeLa cells and the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity.", "content": "Inhibition of DNA synthesis during the period of exposure of HeLa cells to 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IUdR) inhibited the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity. This finding, taken together with previous findings that IUdR did not induce alkaline phosphatase activity in the presence of 2-fold molar excess thymidinemonstrated that IUdR incorporation into DNA is correlated with the increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. With the exception of an interim period described in the text, induction of alkaline phosphatase activity was linearly related to medium concentrations of IUdR of up to at least 3 muM. However, the extent of IUdR substitution in DNA did not appear to be related to the degree of enzyme induction. Alkaline phosphatase activity continued to increase at medium concentrations of IUdR from 1 to 3 muM, while little further substitution of DNA occurred.", "contents": "The incorporation of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine into the DNA of HeLa cells and the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity. Inhibition of DNA synthesis during the period of exposure of HeLa cells to 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IUdR) inhibited the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity. This finding, taken together with previous findings that IUdR did not induce alkaline phosphatase activity in the presence of 2-fold molar excess thymidinemonstrated that IUdR incorporation into DNA is correlated with the increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. With the exception of an interim period described in the text, induction of alkaline phosphatase activity was linearly related to medium concentrations of IUdR of up to at least 3 muM. However, the extent of IUdR substitution in DNA did not appear to be related to the degree of enzyme induction. Alkaline phosphatase activity continued to increase at medium concentrations of IUdR from 1 to 3 muM, while little further substitution of DNA occurred.", "PMID": 1000496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8298", "title": "Glycopeptides from the surgace of human neuroblastoma cells.", "content": "Glycopeptides suggesting a complex oligosaccharide composition are present on the surface of cells from human neuroblastoma tumors and several cell lines derived from the tumors. The glycopeptides, labeled with radioactive L-fucose, were removed from the cell surface with trypsin, digested with Pronase, and examined by chromatography on Sephadex G-50. Human skin fibroblasts, brain cells, and a fibroblast line derived from neuroblastoma tumor tissue show less complex glycopeptides. Although some differences exist between the cell lines and the primary tumor cells, the similarities between these human tumors and animal tumors examined previously are striking.", "contents": "Glycopeptides from the surgace of human neuroblastoma cells. Glycopeptides suggesting a complex oligosaccharide composition are present on the surface of cells from human neuroblastoma tumors and several cell lines derived from the tumors. The glycopeptides, labeled with radioactive L-fucose, were removed from the cell surface with trypsin, digested with Pronase, and examined by chromatography on Sephadex G-50. Human skin fibroblasts, brain cells, and a fibroblast line derived from neuroblastoma tumor tissue show less complex glycopeptides. Although some differences exist between the cell lines and the primary tumor cells, the similarities between these human tumors and animal tumors examined previously are striking.", "PMID": 1000497} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8299", "title": "Action of partially thiolated polynucleotides on the DNA polymerase alpha from regenerating rat liver.", "content": "The effects of partially thiolated polynucleotides on the DNA polymerase alpha from regenerating rat liver were investigated. The enzyme was isolated from the nuclear fraction essentially according to the method of Baril et al.; it was characterized as the alpha polymerase on the basis of its response to synthetic templates and its inhibition with N-ethylmaleimide. Although polycytidylic acid had no effect on the DNA polymerase alpha either as a template or as an inhibitor, partially thiolated polycytidylic acid (MPC) was found to be a potent inhibitor, its activity being directly related to its extent of thiolation (percentage of 5-mercaptocytidylate units in the polymer). In comparison, the DNA polymerase beta which was purified from normal rat liver nuclear fraction, was much less sensitive to inhibition by MPC. Analysis of the inhibition of the alpha polymerase by the method of Lineweaver and Burk showed that the inhibitory action of MPC was competitively reversible with the DNA template, but the binding of the 7.2%-thiolated MPC to the enzyme was much stronger than that of the template (Ki/Km less than 0.03). Polyuridylic acid as such showed some inhibitory activity which increased on partial thiolation, but the 8.4%-thiolated polyuridylic acid was less active than the 7.2% MPC. When MPC was annealed with polyinosinic acid, it lost 80% of its inhibitory activity in the double-stranded configuration. However, 1 to 2%-thiolated DNA isolates were significantly more potent inhibitors than were comparable (1.2%-thiolated) MPC and showed competitive reversibility with the unmodified (but \"activated\") DNA template. These results indicate that the inhibitory activities of partially thiolated polynucleotides depend not only on the percentage of 5-mercapto groups but also on the configuration, base composition, and other specific structural properties.", "contents": "Action of partially thiolated polynucleotides on the DNA polymerase alpha from regenerating rat liver. The effects of partially thiolated polynucleotides on the DNA polymerase alpha from regenerating rat liver were investigated. The enzyme was isolated from the nuclear fraction essentially according to the method of Baril et al.; it was characterized as the alpha polymerase on the basis of its response to synthetic templates and its inhibition with N-ethylmaleimide. Although polycytidylic acid had no effect on the DNA polymerase alpha either as a template or as an inhibitor, partially thiolated polycytidylic acid (MPC) was found to be a potent inhibitor, its activity being directly related to its extent of thiolation (percentage of 5-mercaptocytidylate units in the polymer). In comparison, the DNA polymerase beta which was purified from normal rat liver nuclear fraction, was much less sensitive to inhibition by MPC. Analysis of the inhibition of the alpha polymerase by the method of Lineweaver and Burk showed that the inhibitory action of MPC was competitively reversible with the DNA template, but the binding of the 7.2%-thiolated MPC to the enzyme was much stronger than that of the template (Ki/Km less than 0.03). Polyuridylic acid as such showed some inhibitory activity which increased on partial thiolation, but the 8.4%-thiolated polyuridylic acid was less active than the 7.2% MPC. When MPC was annealed with polyinosinic acid, it lost 80% of its inhibitory activity in the double-stranded configuration. However, 1 to 2%-thiolated DNA isolates were significantly more potent inhibitors than were comparable (1.2%-thiolated) MPC and showed competitive reversibility with the unmodified (but \"activated\") DNA template. These results indicate that the inhibitory activities of partially thiolated polynucleotides depend not only on the percentage of 5-mercapto groups but also on the configuration, base composition, and other specific structural properties.", "PMID": 1000498} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8300", "title": "Stimulation of thymidine uptake and cell proliferation in mouse embryo fibroblasts by conditioned medium from mammary cells in culture.", "content": "Undialyzed conditioned medium from several cell culture sources did not stimulate thymidine incorporation or cell overgrowth in quiescent, density-inhibited mouse embryo fibroblast cells. However, dialyzed conditioned medium (DCM) from clonal mouse mammary cell lines MCG-V14, MCG-T14, MCG-T10; HeLa cells; primary mouse adenocarcinoma cells; and BALB/c normal mouse mammary epithelial cells promoted growth in quiescent fibroblasts. The amount of growth-promoting activity produced per cell varied from 24% (HeLa) to 213% (MCG-V14) of the activity produced by primary tumor cells. The production of growth-promoting activity was not unique to tumor-derived cells or cells of high tumorigenicity. The amount of growth-promoting activity produced per cell in the active cultures was not correlated with any of the following: tumorigenicity, growth rat, cell density achieved at saturation, cell type, or species of cell origin. It is concluded that transformed and non-transformed cells of diverse origin, cell type, and tumorigenicity can produce growth factors in culture. The growth-promoting potential of the active media from primary tumor cultures accumulated with time of contact with cells and was too great to be accounted for entirely by the removal of low-molecular-weight inhibitors by dialysis. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that conditioned medium from the active cultures contained a dialyzable, growth-promoting activity. Different cell lines exhibited differential sensitivity to tumor cell DCM and fetal bovine serum. Furthermore, quiescent fibroblasts were stimulated by primary tumor cell DCM in the presence of saturating concentrations of fetal bovine serum. These observations support the notion that the active growth-promoting principle in primary tumor cell DCM may not be a serum factor(s).", "contents": "Stimulation of thymidine uptake and cell proliferation in mouse embryo fibroblasts by conditioned medium from mammary cells in culture. Undialyzed conditioned medium from several cell culture sources did not stimulate thymidine incorporation or cell overgrowth in quiescent, density-inhibited mouse embryo fibroblast cells. However, dialyzed conditioned medium (DCM) from clonal mouse mammary cell lines MCG-V14, MCG-T14, MCG-T10; HeLa cells; primary mouse adenocarcinoma cells; and BALB/c normal mouse mammary epithelial cells promoted growth in quiescent fibroblasts. The amount of growth-promoting activity produced per cell varied from 24% (HeLa) to 213% (MCG-V14) of the activity produced by primary tumor cells. The production of growth-promoting activity was not unique to tumor-derived cells or cells of high tumorigenicity. The amount of growth-promoting activity produced per cell in the active cultures was not correlated with any of the following: tumorigenicity, growth rat, cell density achieved at saturation, cell type, or species of cell origin. It is concluded that transformed and non-transformed cells of diverse origin, cell type, and tumorigenicity can produce growth factors in culture. The growth-promoting potential of the active media from primary tumor cultures accumulated with time of contact with cells and was too great to be accounted for entirely by the removal of low-molecular-weight inhibitors by dialysis. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that conditioned medium from the active cultures contained a dialyzable, growth-promoting activity. Different cell lines exhibited differential sensitivity to tumor cell DCM and fetal bovine serum. Furthermore, quiescent fibroblasts were stimulated by primary tumor cell DCM in the presence of saturating concentrations of fetal bovine serum. These observations support the notion that the active growth-promoting principle in primary tumor cell DCM may not be a serum factor(s).", "PMID": 1000499} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8301", "title": "Suppression of Moloney sarcoma virus immunity following sensitization with attenuated virus.", "content": "Murine sarcoma virus (Moloney strain) (MSV-M)-induced tumors are unusual in that they regularly appear less than 2 weeks after virus inoculation, progress for 1 to 2 weeks, and are rejected by normal adult BALB/c mice. Rejectio leaves the animals immune to tumor induction. In the present study, presensitization of normal adult BALB/c mice with attenuated MSV-M resulted in an altered pattern of tumor immunity. Injection of active MSV-M into the presensitized animals resulted in tumor induction and rejection similar to that observed in normal animals, but rejection failed to produce protection against the secondary inoculation with MSV-M. After the second inoculation with active MSV-M, tumors appeared and progressed but ultimately were rejected. Over 80% of the mice died, 25% after the primary challenge and the remainder after the secondary challenge. At death, all mice had histological evidence of leukemia which was the probable cause of death. The animals that died following the secondary challenge also had evidence of disseminated MSV-M. Solid tumor nodules were found in skeletal muscle distant from the original site of inoculation, and active MSV-M was isolated from spleen and lungs. The possibility that the results were produced by specific suppression of MSV-Moloney leukemia virus immunity is discussed.", "contents": "Suppression of Moloney sarcoma virus immunity following sensitization with attenuated virus. Murine sarcoma virus (Moloney strain) (MSV-M)-induced tumors are unusual in that they regularly appear less than 2 weeks after virus inoculation, progress for 1 to 2 weeks, and are rejected by normal adult BALB/c mice. Rejectio leaves the animals immune to tumor induction. In the present study, presensitization of normal adult BALB/c mice with attenuated MSV-M resulted in an altered pattern of tumor immunity. Injection of active MSV-M into the presensitized animals resulted in tumor induction and rejection similar to that observed in normal animals, but rejection failed to produce protection against the secondary inoculation with MSV-M. After the second inoculation with active MSV-M, tumors appeared and progressed but ultimately were rejected. Over 80% of the mice died, 25% after the primary challenge and the remainder after the secondary challenge. At death, all mice had histological evidence of leukemia which was the probable cause of death. The animals that died following the secondary challenge also had evidence of disseminated MSV-M. Solid tumor nodules were found in skeletal muscle distant from the original site of inoculation, and active MSV-M was isolated from spleen and lungs. The possibility that the results were produced by specific suppression of MSV-Moloney leukemia virus immunity is discussed.", "PMID": 1000500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8302", "title": "Classification of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines.", "content": "Eleven human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines established in this laboratory were classified into three groups based on morphological features (light and electron microscopy), modal chromosome number, and ability to synthesize carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Group 1 cell lines contained both dedifferentiated and differentiating cells growing in tight clusters or islands of epithelium-like cells; their modal chromosome number was about 47, and they synthesized small to moderate amounts of CEA. Group 2 cell lines were more dedifferentiated, were hyperdiploid, and synthesized small amounts of CEA. Group 3 cell lines were morphologically similar to those of Group 1 by light microscopy. They differed ultrastructurally by containing microvesicular bodies; the modal chromosome number varied from hyperdiploid to hypertriploid or they had bimodal populations of hypodiploid and hypertriploid cells, and they synthesized relatively large amounts of CEA. No correlation could be found between Broder's grade or Duke's classification of the original tumor and modal chromosome number or ability to synthesize CEA. These findings support Nowell's hypothesis that the stem line is different for each solid tumor, which makes it difficult to relate chromosomal changes to the initiation of the neoplastic state.", "contents": "Classification of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines. Eleven human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines established in this laboratory were classified into three groups based on morphological features (light and electron microscopy), modal chromosome number, and ability to synthesize carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Group 1 cell lines contained both dedifferentiated and differentiating cells growing in tight clusters or islands of epithelium-like cells; their modal chromosome number was about 47, and they synthesized small to moderate amounts of CEA. Group 2 cell lines were more dedifferentiated, were hyperdiploid, and synthesized small amounts of CEA. Group 3 cell lines were morphologically similar to those of Group 1 by light microscopy. They differed ultrastructurally by containing microvesicular bodies; the modal chromosome number varied from hyperdiploid to hypertriploid or they had bimodal populations of hypodiploid and hypertriploid cells, and they synthesized relatively large amounts of CEA. No correlation could be found between Broder's grade or Duke's classification of the original tumor and modal chromosome number or ability to synthesize CEA. These findings support Nowell's hypothesis that the stem line is different for each solid tumor, which makes it difficult to relate chromosomal changes to the initiation of the neoplastic state.", "PMID": 1000501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8303", "title": "Blood thymidine level and iododeoxyuridine incorporation and reutilization in DNA in mice given long-acting thymidine pellets.", "content": "A long-acting thymidine pellet consisting of 190 mg of cholesterol and 60 mg of thymidine has been developed for the study of thymidine metabolism and reutilization in vivo. Implantation of such a pellet s.c. in adult mice will maintain the blood plasma concentration of thymidine at levels between 40 and 8 X 10(-6) M, which are from 36 to 7 times those of normal mice, for periods up to 48 hr. During this period, in vivo uptake and reutilization of [125I]iododeoxyuridine, a thymidine analog, into intestinal and tumor DNA were almost completely suppressed. While iododeoxyuridine reutilization is not large in normal proliferative tissue even in the absence of pellet implants, reutilization of over 30% was measured in large, rapidly growing ascites tumors. The inhibition of iododeoxyuridine incorporation by elevated thymidine blood levels is directly proportional to serum concentration. This appears to be due to a thymidine pool in rapid equilibrium with blood thymidine. This pool is at least 10 times larger than the 4-nmole pool of extracellular thymidine.", "contents": "Blood thymidine level and iododeoxyuridine incorporation and reutilization in DNA in mice given long-acting thymidine pellets. A long-acting thymidine pellet consisting of 190 mg of cholesterol and 60 mg of thymidine has been developed for the study of thymidine metabolism and reutilization in vivo. Implantation of such a pellet s.c. in adult mice will maintain the blood plasma concentration of thymidine at levels between 40 and 8 X 10(-6) M, which are from 36 to 7 times those of normal mice, for periods up to 48 hr. During this period, in vivo uptake and reutilization of [125I]iododeoxyuridine, a thymidine analog, into intestinal and tumor DNA were almost completely suppressed. While iododeoxyuridine reutilization is not large in normal proliferative tissue even in the absence of pellet implants, reutilization of over 30% was measured in large, rapidly growing ascites tumors. The inhibition of iododeoxyuridine incorporation by elevated thymidine blood levels is directly proportional to serum concentration. This appears to be due to a thymidine pool in rapid equilibrium with blood thymidine. This pool is at least 10 times larger than the 4-nmole pool of extracellular thymidine.", "PMID": 1000502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8304", "title": "Diphtheria toxin effects on human cells in tissue culture.", "content": "HeLa cells exposed to a single sublethal concentration of diphtheria toxin were found to have diminished sensitivity when subsequently reexposed to the toxin. Three cells strains exhibiting toxin resistance were developed. In the cells that had previously been exposed to toxin at 0.015 mug/ml, 50% inhibition of protein synthesis required a toxin concentration of 0.3 mug/ml, which is more than 10 times that required in normal HeLa cells. There appears to be a threshold level of diphtheria toxin action. Concentrations of toxin greater than that required for 50% inhibition of protein synthesis (0.01 mug/ml) are associated with cytotoxicity, whereas those below this concentration may not be lethal. Several established human cell lines of both normal and neoplastic origin were tested for their sensitivity to the effects of the toxin. No special sensitivity was observed with the cells of tumor origin. Fifty % inhibition of protein synthesis of HeLa cells was achieved with diphtheria toxin (0.01 mug/ml) as compared to the normal human cell lines tested (0.03 and 0.5 mug/ml) and a cell line derived from a human pancreatic adenocarcinoma (0.2 mug/ml). A human breast carcinoma cell line showed a maximum of 45% inhibition of protein synthesis. This required a diphtheria toxin concentration of 5 mug/ml. These results suggest that different human cell lines show wide variation in their sensitivity to the toxin.", "contents": "Diphtheria toxin effects on human cells in tissue culture. HeLa cells exposed to a single sublethal concentration of diphtheria toxin were found to have diminished sensitivity when subsequently reexposed to the toxin. Three cells strains exhibiting toxin resistance were developed. In the cells that had previously been exposed to toxin at 0.015 mug/ml, 50% inhibition of protein synthesis required a toxin concentration of 0.3 mug/ml, which is more than 10 times that required in normal HeLa cells. There appears to be a threshold level of diphtheria toxin action. Concentrations of toxin greater than that required for 50% inhibition of protein synthesis (0.01 mug/ml) are associated with cytotoxicity, whereas those below this concentration may not be lethal. Several established human cell lines of both normal and neoplastic origin were tested for their sensitivity to the effects of the toxin. No special sensitivity was observed with the cells of tumor origin. Fifty % inhibition of protein synthesis of HeLa cells was achieved with diphtheria toxin (0.01 mug/ml) as compared to the normal human cell lines tested (0.03 and 0.5 mug/ml) and a cell line derived from a human pancreatic adenocarcinoma (0.2 mug/ml). A human breast carcinoma cell line showed a maximum of 45% inhibition of protein synthesis. This required a diphtheria toxin concentration of 5 mug/ml. These results suggest that different human cell lines show wide variation in their sensitivity to the toxin.", "PMID": 1000503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8305", "title": "The effects of estrogens and antiestrogens on hormone-responsive human breast cancer in long-term tissue culture.", "content": "We have established or characterized six lines of human breast cancer maintained in long-term tissue culture for at least 1 year and have examined these lines for estrogen responsiveness. One of these cell lines, MCF-7, shows marked stimulation of macromolecular synthesis and cell division with physiological concentrations of estradiol. Antiestrogens are strongly inhibitory, and at concentrations greater than 3 X 10(-7) M they kill cells. Antiestrogen effects are prevented by simultaneous treatment with estradiol or reversed by addition of estradiol to cells incubated in antiestrogen. Responsive cell lines contain high-affinity specific estradiol receptors. Antiestrogens compete with estradiol for these receptors but have a lower apparent affinity for the receptor than estrogens. Stimulation of cells by estrogens is biphasic, with inhibition and cell death at concentrations of 17beta-estradiol or diethylstilbestrol exceeding 10(-7) M. Killing by high concentrations of estrogen is probably a nonspecific effect in that we observe this response with 17alpha-estradiol at equivalent concentrations and in the otherwise unresponsive cells that contain no estrogen receptor sites.", "contents": "The effects of estrogens and antiestrogens on hormone-responsive human breast cancer in long-term tissue culture. We have established or characterized six lines of human breast cancer maintained in long-term tissue culture for at least 1 year and have examined these lines for estrogen responsiveness. One of these cell lines, MCF-7, shows marked stimulation of macromolecular synthesis and cell division with physiological concentrations of estradiol. Antiestrogens are strongly inhibitory, and at concentrations greater than 3 X 10(-7) M they kill cells. Antiestrogen effects are prevented by simultaneous treatment with estradiol or reversed by addition of estradiol to cells incubated in antiestrogen. Responsive cell lines contain high-affinity specific estradiol receptors. Antiestrogens compete with estradiol for these receptors but have a lower apparent affinity for the receptor than estrogens. Stimulation of cells by estrogens is biphasic, with inhibition and cell death at concentrations of 17beta-estradiol or diethylstilbestrol exceeding 10(-7) M. Killing by high concentrations of estrogen is probably a nonspecific effect in that we observe this response with 17alpha-estradiol at equivalent concentrations and in the otherwise unresponsive cells that contain no estrogen receptor sites.", "PMID": 1000504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8306", "title": "The effects of glucocorticoids and progesterone on hormone-responsive human breast cancer in long-term tissue culture.", "content": "Glucocorticoids, at physiological concentration, inhibit cell division and thymidine incorporation in three lines of human breast cancer maintained in long-term tissue culture. At steroid concentrations sufficient to inhibit thymidine incorporation 50%, little or no effect is seen on protein synthesis 48 hr after hormone addition. All three of these lines are shown to have glucocorticoid receptors demonstrable by competitive protein binding assays. Receptors are extensively characterized in one line by sucrose density gradient analysis and binding specificity studies. Good correlation between receptor-binding specificity and biological activity is found except for progesterone, which binds to glucocorticoid receptor but is noninhibitory. Cross-competition and quantification studies demonstrate a separate receptor for progesterone. This receptor has limited binding specificities restricted largely to progestational agents, whereas the glucocorticoid receptor bound both glucocorticoids and progesterone. Two other human breast cancer lines neither contain glucocorticoid receptor nor are inhibited by glucocorticoids. It is concluded that in some cases glucocorticoids can directly limit growth in human breast cancer in vitro without requiring alterations in other trophic hormones.", "contents": "The effects of glucocorticoids and progesterone on hormone-responsive human breast cancer in long-term tissue culture. Glucocorticoids, at physiological concentration, inhibit cell division and thymidine incorporation in three lines of human breast cancer maintained in long-term tissue culture. At steroid concentrations sufficient to inhibit thymidine incorporation 50%, little or no effect is seen on protein synthesis 48 hr after hormone addition. All three of these lines are shown to have glucocorticoid receptors demonstrable by competitive protein binding assays. Receptors are extensively characterized in one line by sucrose density gradient analysis and binding specificity studies. Good correlation between receptor-binding specificity and biological activity is found except for progesterone, which binds to glucocorticoid receptor but is noninhibitory. Cross-competition and quantification studies demonstrate a separate receptor for progesterone. This receptor has limited binding specificities restricted largely to progestational agents, whereas the glucocorticoid receptor bound both glucocorticoids and progesterone. Two other human breast cancer lines neither contain glucocorticoid receptor nor are inhibited by glucocorticoids. It is concluded that in some cases glucocorticoids can directly limit growth in human breast cancer in vitro without requiring alterations in other trophic hormones.", "PMID": 1000505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8307", "title": "The effects of androgens and antiandrogens on hormone-responsive human breast cancer in long-term tissue culture.", "content": "We have examined five human breast cancer cell lines in continuous tissue culture for androgen responsiveness. One of these cell lines shows a 2- to 4-fold stimulation of thymidine incorporation into DNA, apparent as early as 10 hr following androgen addition to cells incubated in serum-free medium. This stimulation is accompanied by an acceleration in cell replication. Antiandrogens [cyproterone acetate (6-chloro-17alpha-acetate-1,2alpha-methylene-4,6-pregnadiene-3,20-dione) and R2956 (17beta-hydroxy-2,2,17alpha-trimethoxyestra-4,9,11-triene-1-one)] inhibit both protein and DNA synthesis below control levels and block androgen-mediated stimulation. Prolonged incubation (greater than 72 hr) in antiandrogen is lethal. The MCF- cell line contains high-affinity receptors for androgenic steroids demonstrable by sucrose density gradients and competitive protein binding analysis. By cross-competition studies, androgen receptors are distinguishable from estrogen receptors also found in this cell line. Concentrations of steroid that saturate androgen receptor sites in vitro are about 1000 times lower than concentrations that maximally stimulate the cells. Changes in quantity and affinity of androgen binding to intact cells at 37 degrees as compared with usual binding techniques using cytosol preparation at 0 degrees do not explain this difference between dissociation of binding and effect. However, this difference can be explained by conversion of [3H]-5alpha-dihydrotestosterone to 5alpha-androstanediol and more polar metabolites at 37 degrees. An examination of incubation media, cytoplasmic extracts and crude nuclear pellets reveals probable conversion of [3H]testosterone to [3H]-5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Our data provide compelling evidence that some human breast cancer, at least in vitro, may be androgen dependent.", "contents": "The effects of androgens and antiandrogens on hormone-responsive human breast cancer in long-term tissue culture. We have examined five human breast cancer cell lines in continuous tissue culture for androgen responsiveness. One of these cell lines shows a 2- to 4-fold stimulation of thymidine incorporation into DNA, apparent as early as 10 hr following androgen addition to cells incubated in serum-free medium. This stimulation is accompanied by an acceleration in cell replication. Antiandrogens [cyproterone acetate (6-chloro-17alpha-acetate-1,2alpha-methylene-4,6-pregnadiene-3,20-dione) and R2956 (17beta-hydroxy-2,2,17alpha-trimethoxyestra-4,9,11-triene-1-one)] inhibit both protein and DNA synthesis below control levels and block androgen-mediated stimulation. Prolonged incubation (greater than 72 hr) in antiandrogen is lethal. The MCF- cell line contains high-affinity receptors for androgenic steroids demonstrable by sucrose density gradients and competitive protein binding analysis. By cross-competition studies, androgen receptors are distinguishable from estrogen receptors also found in this cell line. Concentrations of steroid that saturate androgen receptor sites in vitro are about 1000 times lower than concentrations that maximally stimulate the cells. Changes in quantity and affinity of androgen binding to intact cells at 37 degrees as compared with usual binding techniques using cytosol preparation at 0 degrees do not explain this difference between dissociation of binding and effect. However, this difference can be explained by conversion of [3H]-5alpha-dihydrotestosterone to 5alpha-androstanediol and more polar metabolites at 37 degrees. An examination of incubation media, cytoplasmic extracts and crude nuclear pellets reveals probable conversion of [3H]testosterone to [3H]-5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Our data provide compelling evidence that some human breast cancer, at least in vitro, may be androgen dependent.", "PMID": 1000506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8308", "title": "Effect of hepatocarcinogens on the binding of glucocorticoid-receptor complex in rat liver nuclei.", "content": "The effects of a number of carcinogens and hepatotoxins on the binding kinetics of the interactions of glucocorticoidcytosol receptor complex with nuclear acceptor sites in rat liver were investigated. Both the apparent sites in rat liver were investigated. Both the apparent concentration of nuclear binding sites and the Kd were significantly diminished following treatment of rats with sublethal doses of the carcinogens aflatoxin B1, diethylnitrosamine, dimethylnitrosamine, thioacetamide, 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene, 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene, and 3-methylcholanthrene. Treatment with actinomycin D resulted in a slight reduction in the apparent concentration of nuclear acceptor sites but had no effect on the nuclear binding Kd. The hepatotoxic but noncarcinogenic analgesic, acetaminophen, as well as the weakly toxic aflatoxin B1 cognate, aflatoxin B2, were without effect on the kinetics or binding capacity of glucocorticoid-nuclear acceptor site interaction. These experiments suggest that chemically induced alteration of functional glucocorticoid binding sites on chromatin may be involved in the biochemical effects produced in liver by carcinogens of several chemical types. This experimental model may provide a useful approach for further elucidation of early events in carcinogenesis.", "contents": "Effect of hepatocarcinogens on the binding of glucocorticoid-receptor complex in rat liver nuclei. The effects of a number of carcinogens and hepatotoxins on the binding kinetics of the interactions of glucocorticoidcytosol receptor complex with nuclear acceptor sites in rat liver were investigated. Both the apparent sites in rat liver were investigated. Both the apparent concentration of nuclear binding sites and the Kd were significantly diminished following treatment of rats with sublethal doses of the carcinogens aflatoxin B1, diethylnitrosamine, dimethylnitrosamine, thioacetamide, 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene, 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene, and 3-methylcholanthrene. Treatment with actinomycin D resulted in a slight reduction in the apparent concentration of nuclear acceptor sites but had no effect on the nuclear binding Kd. The hepatotoxic but noncarcinogenic analgesic, acetaminophen, as well as the weakly toxic aflatoxin B1 cognate, aflatoxin B2, were without effect on the kinetics or binding capacity of glucocorticoid-nuclear acceptor site interaction. These experiments suggest that chemically induced alteration of functional glucocorticoid binding sites on chromatin may be involved in the biochemical effects produced in liver by carcinogens of several chemical types. This experimental model may provide a useful approach for further elucidation of early events in carcinogenesis.", "PMID": 1000507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8309", "title": "Long-term transplantability and morphological stability of three experimentally induced urinary bladder carcinomas in rats.", "content": "Three transitional cell carcinomas induced in Fischer 344 rats by a methylcholanthrene pellet or a foreign body inserted locally into the bladder have been serially transplanted in the syngeneic strain for up to 6.5 years. There have been no changes in the individual morphological characteristics of the tumors during this time. Cells cultured in vitro for varying numbers of passages reproduce regularly the morphology of each tumor when they are injected back into the animals and results from a microcytotoxicity assay for cellular immunity indicate that they retain a common, bladder tumor-specific antigen. These tumors are useful for research in turmo biology and are offered to other scientists seeking transplantable carcinomas for experimentation.", "contents": "Long-term transplantability and morphological stability of three experimentally induced urinary bladder carcinomas in rats. Three transitional cell carcinomas induced in Fischer 344 rats by a methylcholanthrene pellet or a foreign body inserted locally into the bladder have been serially transplanted in the syngeneic strain for up to 6.5 years. There have been no changes in the individual morphological characteristics of the tumors during this time. Cells cultured in vitro for varying numbers of passages reproduce regularly the morphology of each tumor when they are injected back into the animals and results from a microcytotoxicity assay for cellular immunity indicate that they retain a common, bladder tumor-specific antigen. These tumors are useful for research in turmo biology and are offered to other scientists seeking transplantable carcinomas for experimentation.", "PMID": 1000508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8310", "title": "Effect of sex difference on the in vitro and in vivo metabolism of aflatoxin B1 by the rat.", "content": "Hepatic microsome-catalyzed metabolism of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to aflatoxin M1 and aflatoxin Q1 and the \"metabolic activation\" of AFB1 to DNA-alylating metabolite(s) were studied in normal male and female Sprague-Dawley rats, in gonadectomized animals, and in castrated males and normal females treated with testosterone. Microsomes from male animals formed 2 to 5 times more aflatoxin M1, aflatoxin Q1, and DNA-alkylating metabolite(s) than those from females. Castration reduced the metabolism of AFB1 by the microsomes from males by about 50%, whereas ovariectomy had no significant effect on AFB1 metabolism by the microsomes from females. Testosterone treatment (4 mg/rat, 3 times/week for about 6 weeks) of castrated immature males and immature females enhanced the metabolism of AFB1 by their microsomes. A sex difference in the metabolism of AFB1 by liver microsomes was also seen in other strains of rats tested: Wistar, Long-Evans, and Fischer. The activity of kidney microsomes for metabolic activation was 1 to 4% that of the liver activity and was generally lower in microsomes from male rats as compared to those from female rats of Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, and Long-Evans strains. The in vitro results obtained with hepatic microsomes correlated well with the in vivo metabolism of AFB1, in that more AFB1 became bound in vivo to hepatic DNA isolated from male rats and from a female rat treated with testosterone than that isolated from control female rats. These data suggest that the differences in hepatic AFB1 metabolism may be the underlying cause of the sex difference in toxicity and carcinogenicity of AFB1 observed in rats.", "contents": "Effect of sex difference on the in vitro and in vivo metabolism of aflatoxin B1 by the rat. Hepatic microsome-catalyzed metabolism of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to aflatoxin M1 and aflatoxin Q1 and the \"metabolic activation\" of AFB1 to DNA-alylating metabolite(s) were studied in normal male and female Sprague-Dawley rats, in gonadectomized animals, and in castrated males and normal females treated with testosterone. Microsomes from male animals formed 2 to 5 times more aflatoxin M1, aflatoxin Q1, and DNA-alkylating metabolite(s) than those from females. Castration reduced the metabolism of AFB1 by the microsomes from males by about 50%, whereas ovariectomy had no significant effect on AFB1 metabolism by the microsomes from females. Testosterone treatment (4 mg/rat, 3 times/week for about 6 weeks) of castrated immature males and immature females enhanced the metabolism of AFB1 by their microsomes. A sex difference in the metabolism of AFB1 by liver microsomes was also seen in other strains of rats tested: Wistar, Long-Evans, and Fischer. The activity of kidney microsomes for metabolic activation was 1 to 4% that of the liver activity and was generally lower in microsomes from male rats as compared to those from female rats of Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, and Long-Evans strains. The in vitro results obtained with hepatic microsomes correlated well with the in vivo metabolism of AFB1, in that more AFB1 became bound in vivo to hepatic DNA isolated from male rats and from a female rat treated with testosterone than that isolated from control female rats. These data suggest that the differences in hepatic AFB1 metabolism may be the underlying cause of the sex difference in toxicity and carcinogenicity of AFB1 observed in rats.", "PMID": 1000509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8311", "title": "Tissue pharmacokinetics, inhibition of DNA synthesis and tumor cell kill after high-dose methotrexate in murine tumor models.", "content": "In Sarcoma 180 and L1210 ascites tumor models, the initial rate of methotrexate accumulation in tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity and in small intestine (intracellularly) after s.c. doses up to 800 mg/kg, showed saturation kinetics. These results and the fact that initial uptake in these tissues within this dosage range was inhibited to the expected relative extent by the simultaneous administration of leucovorin suggest that carrier mediation and not passive diffusion is the major route of drug entry at these extremely high doses. Maximum accumulation of intracellular drug occurred within 2 hr and reached much higher levels in small intestine than in tumor cells at the higher dosages. At a 3-mg/kg dose of methotrexate s.c., intracellular exchangeable drug levels persisted more than four times longer in L1210 cells than in small intestine, but differences in persistence (L1210 cell versus gut) diminished markedly with increasing dosage. At 96 mg/kg, the difference in persistence was less than 2-fold. In small intestine and L1210 cells, theduration of inhibition of DNA synthesis at different dosages correlated with the extent to which exchangeable drug was retained. Toxic deaths occurred when inhibition in small intestine lasted longer than 25 to 30 hr. Recovery of synthesis in small intestine and L1210 cells occurred synchronously and only below dosages of 400 mg/kg. Within 24 hr after dosages of greater than 24 mg/kg, the rate of tumor cell loss increased to a point characterized by a single exponential (t1/2=8.5 hr). The total cell loss, but not the rate of cell loss, was dose dependent.", "contents": "Tissue pharmacokinetics, inhibition of DNA synthesis and tumor cell kill after high-dose methotrexate in murine tumor models. In Sarcoma 180 and L1210 ascites tumor models, the initial rate of methotrexate accumulation in tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity and in small intestine (intracellularly) after s.c. doses up to 800 mg/kg, showed saturation kinetics. These results and the fact that initial uptake in these tissues within this dosage range was inhibited to the expected relative extent by the simultaneous administration of leucovorin suggest that carrier mediation and not passive diffusion is the major route of drug entry at these extremely high doses. Maximum accumulation of intracellular drug occurred within 2 hr and reached much higher levels in small intestine than in tumor cells at the higher dosages. At a 3-mg/kg dose of methotrexate s.c., intracellular exchangeable drug levels persisted more than four times longer in L1210 cells than in small intestine, but differences in persistence (L1210 cell versus gut) diminished markedly with increasing dosage. At 96 mg/kg, the difference in persistence was less than 2-fold. In small intestine and L1210 cells, theduration of inhibition of DNA synthesis at different dosages correlated with the extent to which exchangeable drug was retained. Toxic deaths occurred when inhibition in small intestine lasted longer than 25 to 30 hr. Recovery of synthesis in small intestine and L1210 cells occurred synchronously and only below dosages of 400 mg/kg. Within 24 hr after dosages of greater than 24 mg/kg, the rate of tumor cell loss increased to a point characterized by a single exponential (t1/2=8.5 hr). The total cell loss, but not the rate of cell loss, was dose dependent.", "PMID": 1000510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8312", "title": "Follow-up of American Cancer Society Special Postdoctoral Research Fellowship recipients.", "content": "A follow-up study of the 44 recipients of American Cancer Society, Inc., Special Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from 1962 to 1973 revealed that 11 of 21 M.D. candidates obtained their second (Ph.D.) degree at the end of training. By contrast, all but one among the 23 Ph.D. candidates were awarded the second (M.D.) degree. A great majority of either group remain in active research, regardless of whether or not they obtained the second degree. A very high percentage of their research is cancer related.", "contents": "Follow-up of American Cancer Society Special Postdoctoral Research Fellowship recipients. A follow-up study of the 44 recipients of American Cancer Society, Inc., Special Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from 1962 to 1973 revealed that 11 of 21 M.D. candidates obtained their second (Ph.D.) degree at the end of training. By contrast, all but one among the 23 Ph.D. candidates were awarded the second (M.D.) degree. A great majority of either group remain in active research, regardless of whether or not they obtained the second degree. A very high percentage of their research is cancer related.", "PMID": 1000511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8313", "title": "Ambiguity of the thymidine index.", "content": "The observed thymidine indices of seven experimental tumor lines are compared as a function of duration of emulsion exposure. The effects of dose level of tritiated thymidine and background threshold are also evaluated. The results indicate that an arbitrary high background threshold discriminates against \"lightly\" labeled cells at short periods of exposure but that the chosen threshold becomes less critical with longer exposure. The observed thymidine index increases with increasing duration of emulsion exposure but appears to approach a plateau for all tumor systems. The \"thymidine index curves\" are significantly different for each tumor. There is an inverse relationship between the dose of tritiated thymidine and the duration of exposure required to recognize the same fraction of cells as labeled in a given tumor. Similar experimental conditions do not necessarily guarantee a valid basis for comparison of observed thymidine indices among tumors.", "contents": "Ambiguity of the thymidine index. The observed thymidine indices of seven experimental tumor lines are compared as a function of duration of emulsion exposure. The effects of dose level of tritiated thymidine and background threshold are also evaluated. The results indicate that an arbitrary high background threshold discriminates against \"lightly\" labeled cells at short periods of exposure but that the chosen threshold becomes less critical with longer exposure. The observed thymidine index increases with increasing duration of emulsion exposure but appears to approach a plateau for all tumor systems. The \"thymidine index curves\" are significantly different for each tumor. There is an inverse relationship between the dose of tritiated thymidine and the duration of exposure required to recognize the same fraction of cells as labeled in a given tumor. Similar experimental conditions do not necessarily guarantee a valid basis for comparison of observed thymidine indices among tumors.", "PMID": 1000512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8314", "title": "Effects and specificity of anticancer agents on the respiration and energy metabolism of tumor cells.", "content": "Using 35 new anticancer agents from the screening program of the National Cancer Institute we have performed a biochemical study of the effects on the respiration and oxidative phosphorylation of rat liver mitochondria and on the respiration of leukocyte, liver, L1210 leukemia, and Ehrlich ascites cell suspensions. Fifteen of the 35 compounds were found to be potent respiratory inhibitors as defined by 50% inhibition of mitochondrial respiration at concentrations of 110 mu mol/liter or less. The mechanism of respiratory inhibition by the drugs was either a rotenone-, antimycin-, or oligomycin-like effect. One triazine derivative showed some specificity for inhibiting tumor cell respiration in comparison with normal cell respiration. Two naphthoquinone derivatives showed inhibition of respiration in in vivo treatments at chemotherapeutic doses. It was concluded that data on respiratory effects may assist in the interpretation of the results of in vivo and in vitro screening tests of the drugs, and that in some cases, as with the naphthoquinone derivatives, the effects on respiration could be related to the mechanism of action or the mechanism of toxicity of the drugs.", "contents": "Effects and specificity of anticancer agents on the respiration and energy metabolism of tumor cells. Using 35 new anticancer agents from the screening program of the National Cancer Institute we have performed a biochemical study of the effects on the respiration and oxidative phosphorylation of rat liver mitochondria and on the respiration of leukocyte, liver, L1210 leukemia, and Ehrlich ascites cell suspensions. Fifteen of the 35 compounds were found to be potent respiratory inhibitors as defined by 50% inhibition of mitochondrial respiration at concentrations of 110 mu mol/liter or less. The mechanism of respiratory inhibition by the drugs was either a rotenone-, antimycin-, or oligomycin-like effect. One triazine derivative showed some specificity for inhibiting tumor cell respiration in comparison with normal cell respiration. Two naphthoquinone derivatives showed inhibition of respiration in in vivo treatments at chemotherapeutic doses. It was concluded that data on respiratory effects may assist in the interpretation of the results of in vivo and in vitro screening tests of the drugs, and that in some cases, as with the naphthoquinone derivatives, the effects on respiration could be related to the mechanism of action or the mechanism of toxicity of the drugs.", "PMID": 1000513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8315", "title": "Deveopment of resistance to combinations of six antimetabolites in mice with L1210 leukemia.", "content": "The development of resistance to combinations of 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and cytosine arabinoside was studied in L1210 leukemia through 60 transfer generations. The treatment schedules were either simultaneous or offset. In simultaneous administration, one sixth of the LD10 of each of the six drugs was administered within a few minutes, daily for 6 days. In offset administration, the drugs were given either in the above-listed order or in reversed order, with one drug given each day. In the simultaneous combination treatment protocol 31 transfer generations were necessary to reach partial resistance, but in the two offset combination schedules only five and three generations were needed. The relative rate of development of resistance to the individual drugs was slower in the three combination schedules than in single-drug schedules. Resistance to 6-mercaptopurine and 6-thioguanine was completed after four generations on the offset combination schedules, but only after 28 generations on the simultaneous schedule.", "contents": "Deveopment of resistance to combinations of six antimetabolites in mice with L1210 leukemia. The development of resistance to combinations of 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and cytosine arabinoside was studied in L1210 leukemia through 60 transfer generations. The treatment schedules were either simultaneous or offset. In simultaneous administration, one sixth of the LD10 of each of the six drugs was administered within a few minutes, daily for 6 days. In offset administration, the drugs were given either in the above-listed order or in reversed order, with one drug given each day. In the simultaneous combination treatment protocol 31 transfer generations were necessary to reach partial resistance, but in the two offset combination schedules only five and three generations were needed. The relative rate of development of resistance to the individual drugs was slower in the three combination schedules than in single-drug schedules. Resistance to 6-mercaptopurine and 6-thioguanine was completed after four generations on the offset combination schedules, but only after 28 generations on the simultaneous schedule.", "PMID": 1000516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8316", "title": "5-Fluorouracil (NSC-19893), DTIC (NSC-45388), BCNU (NSC-409962), and vincristine (NSC-67574) in advanced colorectal carcinoma.", "content": "Thirty-three patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma were treated with 5-day courses of 5-fluorouracil (10 mg/kg/day, iv, Days 1-5), DTIC (3 mg/kg/day, iv, Days 1 and 2), BCNU (1.5 mg/kg/day, iv, Day 1 only), and vincristine (0.025 mg/kg/day, iv, Day 1 only) at 5-week intervals. One patient achieved CR and six patients achieved PRs. Five of ten patients treated within 8 weeks after detection of advanced cancer had CR or PR (P = 0.02). After most courses toxicity was moderate, although it necessitated a change to another regimen for one patient. One patient refused further cancer chemotherapy and one patient died due to severe bone-marrow toxicity.", "contents": "5-Fluorouracil (NSC-19893), DTIC (NSC-45388), BCNU (NSC-409962), and vincristine (NSC-67574) in advanced colorectal carcinoma. Thirty-three patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma were treated with 5-day courses of 5-fluorouracil (10 mg/kg/day, iv, Days 1-5), DTIC (3 mg/kg/day, iv, Days 1 and 2), BCNU (1.5 mg/kg/day, iv, Day 1 only), and vincristine (0.025 mg/kg/day, iv, Day 1 only) at 5-week intervals. One patient achieved CR and six patients achieved PRs. Five of ten patients treated within 8 weeks after detection of advanced cancer had CR or PR (P = 0.02). After most courses toxicity was moderate, although it necessitated a change to another regimen for one patient. One patient refused further cancer chemotherapy and one patient died due to severe bone-marrow toxicity.", "PMID": 1000517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8317", "title": "Comparative evaluation of three combination regimens for advanced malignant melanoma: results of an international cooperative study.", "content": "The therapeutic results of a controlled study with three multiple-drug regimens (regimen A: DTIC, vincristine, BCNU; regimen B: DTIC, vincristine, hydroxyurea; and regimen C: DTIC, actinomycin D, BCNU) in a total of 274 evaluable patients with advanced malignant melanoma are reported. CRs were significantly more frequent (P less than 0.01) in regimens A (9.3%) and C (16.4%) compared with regimen B (1.1%). No significant difference in terms of CR plus PR was detected among the three regimens. In all regimens a higher number of CRs plus PRs was seen in patients with soft tissue metastases only, compared with those who had visceral involvement. In all three regimens patients achieving CR showed a longer duration of response and survival in comparison with patients achieving PR. The incidence of brain metastases was neither lowered nor delayed by the presence of BCNU in regimens A and C.", "contents": "Comparative evaluation of three combination regimens for advanced malignant melanoma: results of an international cooperative study. The therapeutic results of a controlled study with three multiple-drug regimens (regimen A: DTIC, vincristine, BCNU; regimen B: DTIC, vincristine, hydroxyurea; and regimen C: DTIC, actinomycin D, BCNU) in a total of 274 evaluable patients with advanced malignant melanoma are reported. CRs were significantly more frequent (P less than 0.01) in regimens A (9.3%) and C (16.4%) compared with regimen B (1.1%). No significant difference in terms of CR plus PR was detected among the three regimens. In all regimens a higher number of CRs plus PRs was seen in patients with soft tissue metastases only, compared with those who had visceral involvement. In all three regimens patients achieving CR showed a longer duration of response and survival in comparison with patients achieving PR. The incidence of brain metastases was neither lowered nor delayed by the presence of BCNU in regimens A and C.", "PMID": 1000518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8318", "title": "Phase II study of cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) (NSC-119875) in advanced adenocarcinoma of the ovary.", "content": "Cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) was used in the treatment of 34 patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the ovary who were resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Two dose schedules were explored: a high-dose schedule with 30 mg/m2 given daily on 3 successive days every 4 weeks and a low-dose schedule with 30 mg/m2 given once every 2-3 weeks. Nine patients (26.5%) showed a therapeutic response with a median duration of 6 months (range, 3-15 months). The main toxic effects included myelosuppression, renal function impairment, and nausea and vomiting. The high-dose schedule proved to be more toxic without any therapeutic advantage.", "contents": "Phase II study of cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) (NSC-119875) in advanced adenocarcinoma of the ovary. Cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) was used in the treatment of 34 patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the ovary who were resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Two dose schedules were explored: a high-dose schedule with 30 mg/m2 given daily on 3 successive days every 4 weeks and a low-dose schedule with 30 mg/m2 given once every 2-3 weeks. Nine patients (26.5%) showed a therapeutic response with a median duration of 6 months (range, 3-15 months). The main toxic effects included myelosuppression, renal function impairment, and nausea and vomiting. The high-dose schedule proved to be more toxic without any therapeutic advantage.", "PMID": 1000519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8319", "title": "Combination chemotherapy with adriamycin (NSC-123127) and cyclophosphamide (NSC-26271) for solid tumors: a phase II trial.", "content": "One hundred and nine adult patients with metastatic carcinoma were treated at 3-4-week intervas with a combination of adriamycin (40 mg/m2 given iv on Day 1) and cyclophosphamide (200 mg/m2/day given orally in divided doses on Days 3-6). Ninety-two of 96 patients who had an adequate trial (minumum of two courses or progression of disease after one course) had follow-up observations of tumor sites and were considered evaluable for response. Overall objective response rates by tumor type were as follows: stage III or IV ovarian adenocarcinoma, 61% (14 of 23 patients); endometrial adenocarcinoma, 67% (four of six patients); cervical adenocarcinoma, 33% (one of three patients); prostatic adenocarcinoma, 18% (two of 11 patients); testicular carcinoma, 33% (one of three patients); lung carcinoma, 21% (four of 19 patients); renal adenocarcinoma, 14% (one of seven patients); gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma, 18% (two of 11 patients); melanoma, 25% (one of four patients); and miscellaneous tumors, no responses in five patients. In patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma who had not previously received any cytotoxic chemotherapy the response rate was 80% (12 of 15 patients) with 33% five of 15 patients achieving complete clinical remission. CRs in these patients have now been maintained for periods ranging from 7 to 12 months. The major toxic effects were mild to moderate leukopenia, alopecia, and nausea with vomiting. Hemorrhagic cystitis was observed in three patients. The combination of adriamycin and cyclophosphamide is an effective treatment for carcinoma of the breast (reported elsewhere), ovary, and endometrium and should be considered for initial chemotherapy in patients with these tumors. Further investigations of its use for melanoma and carcinoma of the lung, prostate, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract are also warranted.", "contents": "Combination chemotherapy with adriamycin (NSC-123127) and cyclophosphamide (NSC-26271) for solid tumors: a phase II trial. One hundred and nine adult patients with metastatic carcinoma were treated at 3-4-week intervas with a combination of adriamycin (40 mg/m2 given iv on Day 1) and cyclophosphamide (200 mg/m2/day given orally in divided doses on Days 3-6). Ninety-two of 96 patients who had an adequate trial (minumum of two courses or progression of disease after one course) had follow-up observations of tumor sites and were considered evaluable for response. Overall objective response rates by tumor type were as follows: stage III or IV ovarian adenocarcinoma, 61% (14 of 23 patients); endometrial adenocarcinoma, 67% (four of six patients); cervical adenocarcinoma, 33% (one of three patients); prostatic adenocarcinoma, 18% (two of 11 patients); testicular carcinoma, 33% (one of three patients); lung carcinoma, 21% (four of 19 patients); renal adenocarcinoma, 14% (one of seven patients); gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma, 18% (two of 11 patients); melanoma, 25% (one of four patients); and miscellaneous tumors, no responses in five patients. In patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma who had not previously received any cytotoxic chemotherapy the response rate was 80% (12 of 15 patients) with 33% five of 15 patients achieving complete clinical remission. CRs in these patients have now been maintained for periods ranging from 7 to 12 months. The major toxic effects were mild to moderate leukopenia, alopecia, and nausea with vomiting. Hemorrhagic cystitis was observed in three patients. The combination of adriamycin and cyclophosphamide is an effective treatment for carcinoma of the breast (reported elsewhere), ovary, and endometrium and should be considered for initial chemotherapy in patients with these tumors. Further investigations of its use for melanoma and carcinoma of the lung, prostate, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract are also warranted.", "PMID": 1000520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8320", "title": "Multidisciplinary curative treatment for disseminated carcinoma of the breast.", "content": "Eighty-four patients with disseminated breast carcinoma were treated with the combination of hormonal therapy and combination chemotherapy from the time of diagnosis. Hormonal treatment included castration for women still menstruating, estrogens for women menopausal for greater than 5 years, and androgens or progesterone for women menopausal for less than 5 years. Combination chemotherapy consisted of monthly 5-day courses of 5-fluorouracil (500 mg/day, Days 1-5), cyclophosphamide (300 mg/day, Days 1 and 4), vincristine (1 mg/day, Days 2 and 5), and methotrexate (100 mg, Day 1) followed by citrovorum factor (12 mg/day, Days 2 and 3). The overall response rate was 83.3%: 43 CRs (51%) and 27 PRs. The median survival time was 17 months: 6 months for the failures, 12 months for the 27 PRs, and 27 months for the 43 CRs. Fifteen patients with CR are still alive: one after 16 months, one after 17 months, two after 19 months, and one each after 23, 24, 25, 31, 35, 37, 38, 43, 48, 68 and 70 months.", "contents": "Multidisciplinary curative treatment for disseminated carcinoma of the breast. Eighty-four patients with disseminated breast carcinoma were treated with the combination of hormonal therapy and combination chemotherapy from the time of diagnosis. Hormonal treatment included castration for women still menstruating, estrogens for women menopausal for greater than 5 years, and androgens or progesterone for women menopausal for less than 5 years. Combination chemotherapy consisted of monthly 5-day courses of 5-fluorouracil (500 mg/day, Days 1-5), cyclophosphamide (300 mg/day, Days 1 and 4), vincristine (1 mg/day, Days 2 and 5), and methotrexate (100 mg, Day 1) followed by citrovorum factor (12 mg/day, Days 2 and 3). The overall response rate was 83.3%: 43 CRs (51%) and 27 PRs. The median survival time was 17 months: 6 months for the failures, 12 months for the 27 PRs, and 27 months for the 43 CRs. Fifteen patients with CR are still alive: one after 16 months, one after 17 months, two after 19 months, and one each after 23, 24, 25, 31, 35, 37, 38, 43, 48, 68 and 70 months.", "PMID": 1000521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8321", "title": "Study of the infrared spectra of oligosaccharides in the region 1,000-40 cm-1.", "content": "The i.r. spectra of disaccharides differing in monosaccharide composition and in the position and configuration of the glycosidic linkage, and also those of raffinose and model saccharides, were studied in the region 1,000-40 cm-1. Two ranges may be of interest for structural analysis. The first, called \"the anomeric region=, is suitable for the determination of the configuration of the glycosidic linkage. The spectra of the oligosaccharides in the second region, called \"the region of crystallinity\", depend upon the packing of the molecules in the solid. The reasons for the present impossibility of using the far-infrared region of the i.r. spectra of lower oligosaccharides for the determination of the position of the glycosidic linkage are considered.", "contents": "Study of the infrared spectra of oligosaccharides in the region 1,000-40 cm-1. The i.r. spectra of disaccharides differing in monosaccharide composition and in the position and configuration of the glycosidic linkage, and also those of raffinose and model saccharides, were studied in the region 1,000-40 cm-1. Two ranges may be of interest for structural analysis. The first, called \"the anomeric region=, is suitable for the determination of the configuration of the glycosidic linkage. The spectra of the oligosaccharides in the second region, called \"the region of crystallinity\", depend upon the packing of the molecules in the solid. The reasons for the present impossibility of using the far-infrared region of the i.r. spectra of lower oligosaccharides for the determination of the position of the glycosidic linkage are considered.", "PMID": 1000524} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8322", "title": "The molecular-weight range of mucosal-heparin preparations.", "content": "A recently reported method describes the determination of the molecular-weight range of heparins by using an electrofocusing procedure to isolate individual molecular species. Commercially available heparins were fractionated on a column of polyacrylamide-agarose gel to give fractions whose molecular weights were estimated by viscometry. Fractions with mutually exclusive molecllar-weight ranges gave an appreciable number of common bands when subjected to the electrofocusing procedure; therefore, each of these bands cannot be formed from a single molecular species of heparin. Other mucopolysaccharides also gave band sequences indistinguishable from those of heparin; they differed in position and intensity with different ampholyte batches, and probably arose from individual molecular species of the ampholyte rather than the mucopolysaccharide. The molecular-weight range of the heparin was observed to be broader than that usually reported.", "contents": "The molecular-weight range of mucosal-heparin preparations. A recently reported method describes the determination of the molecular-weight range of heparins by using an electrofocusing procedure to isolate individual molecular species. Commercially available heparins were fractionated on a column of polyacrylamide-agarose gel to give fractions whose molecular weights were estimated by viscometry. Fractions with mutually exclusive molecllar-weight ranges gave an appreciable number of common bands when subjected to the electrofocusing procedure; therefore, each of these bands cannot be formed from a single molecular species of heparin. Other mucopolysaccharides also gave band sequences indistinguishable from those of heparin; they differed in position and intensity with different ampholyte batches, and probably arose from individual molecular species of the ampholyte rather than the mucopolysaccharide. The molecular-weight range of the heparin was observed to be broader than that usually reported.", "PMID": 1000525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8323", "title": "Characterization and structure of a sialic acid-containing hexasaccharide isolated from human pregnancy urine.", "content": "A hexasaccharide containing sialic acid has been isolated from the urine of pregnant women. It contains D-glucose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and sialic acid in the proportions of 2:1:1:2. Its structure, established by methylation analysis, enzymic digestion, and potassium borohydride reduction, is that of lacto-N-tetraose with one of the residues of sialic acid linked alpha-(2 leads to 3) to the terminal nonreducing residue of D-galactose, and the other sialic acid residue linked alpha-(2 leads to 6) to the N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residue. This hexasaccharide is related to human pregnancy, as it has not been found in nonpregnant, normal-woman urine and is present in human milk.", "contents": "Characterization and structure of a sialic acid-containing hexasaccharide isolated from human pregnancy urine. A hexasaccharide containing sialic acid has been isolated from the urine of pregnant women. It contains D-glucose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and sialic acid in the proportions of 2:1:1:2. Its structure, established by methylation analysis, enzymic digestion, and potassium borohydride reduction, is that of lacto-N-tetraose with one of the residues of sialic acid linked alpha-(2 leads to 3) to the terminal nonreducing residue of D-galactose, and the other sialic acid residue linked alpha-(2 leads to 6) to the N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residue. This hexasaccharide is related to human pregnancy, as it has not been found in nonpregnant, normal-woman urine and is present in human milk.", "PMID": 1000529} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8324", "title": "Echocardiography in the diagnosis of pericardial effusion.", "content": "Echocardiography is perhaps the most useful and accurate method of diagnosis of pericardial effusion. Its noninvasive nature and the ease with which it may be repeated make it doubly attractive. In the hands of a skilled echocardiographer, its accuracy is unequaled by other methods such as carbon dioxide injections, radionuclide angiography, and intra-atrial angiography. In addition, echocardiography as an aid to safe pericardiocentesis may become widely applicable.", "contents": "Echocardiography in the diagnosis of pericardial effusion. Echocardiography is perhaps the most useful and accurate method of diagnosis of pericardial effusion. Its noninvasive nature and the ease with which it may be repeated make it doubly attractive. In the hands of a skilled echocardiographer, its accuracy is unequaled by other methods such as carbon dioxide injections, radionuclide angiography, and intra-atrial angiography. In addition, echocardiography as an aid to safe pericardiocentesis may become widely applicable.", "PMID": 1000532} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8325", "title": "Pericardial heart disease: a study of its causes, consequences, and morphologic features.", "content": "This report reviews morphologic aspects of pericardial heart disease. A morphologic classification for this condition is presented. An ideal classification of pericardial heart disease obviously would take into account clinical, etiologic and morphologic features of this condition but a single classification combining these three components is lacking. Pericardial heart disease is relatively uncommon clinically, and when present at necropsy it usually had not been recognized during life. The term \"pericarditis\" is inaccurate because most pericardial diseases are noninflammatory in nature. Morphologically chronic pericardial heart disease may present clinically as an acute illness. Even when clinical symptoms are present, however, few patients develop evidence of cardiac dysfunction (constriction). When pericardial constriction occurs, it is the result of increased pericardial fluid or increased pericardial tissue or both. Increased fluid is treated by drainage; increased tissue is treated by excision. In most patients with chronic constrictive pericarditis the etiology is not apparent even after histologic examination of pericardia.", "contents": "Pericardial heart disease: a study of its causes, consequences, and morphologic features. This report reviews morphologic aspects of pericardial heart disease. A morphologic classification for this condition is presented. An ideal classification of pericardial heart disease obviously would take into account clinical, etiologic and morphologic features of this condition but a single classification combining these three components is lacking. Pericardial heart disease is relatively uncommon clinically, and when present at necropsy it usually had not been recognized during life. The term \"pericarditis\" is inaccurate because most pericardial diseases are noninflammatory in nature. Morphologically chronic pericardial heart disease may present clinically as an acute illness. Even when clinical symptoms are present, however, few patients develop evidence of cardiac dysfunction (constriction). When pericardial constriction occurs, it is the result of increased pericardial fluid or increased pericardial tissue or both. Increased fluid is treated by drainage; increased tissue is treated by excision. In most patients with chronic constrictive pericarditis the etiology is not apparent even after histologic examination of pericardia.", "PMID": 1000531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8326", "title": "Acute viral pericarditis.", "content": "Viral infections of the pericardium occur frequently. Unfortunately, the viruses responsible for the infection are rarely isolated or even identified. The clinical manifestations are those of fluid in the pericardium and usually an associated friction rub. There is no specific treatment for a viral agent, but supportive care is important and valuable. The diagnostic and therapeutic principles in the clinical care of patients with viral pericarditis are discussed. Viral pericarditis never occurs without associated subepicardial myocarditis and often occurs in association with diffuse myocarditis. For this reason the disease may be better termed viral myopericarditis.", "contents": "Acute viral pericarditis. Viral infections of the pericardium occur frequently. Unfortunately, the viruses responsible for the infection are rarely isolated or even identified. The clinical manifestations are those of fluid in the pericardium and usually an associated friction rub. There is no specific treatment for a viral agent, but supportive care is important and valuable. The diagnostic and therapeutic principles in the clinical care of patients with viral pericarditis are discussed. Viral pericarditis never occurs without associated subepicardial myocarditis and often occurs in association with diffuse myocarditis. For this reason the disease may be better termed viral myopericarditis.", "PMID": 1000534} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8327", "title": "Nonviral infectious pericarditis.", "content": "Infections of the pericardium can occur as incidental findings in patients with systemic disease or dominate the clinical situation, representing a major threat to life. These infections appear to arise from the contiguous spread of infected tissue or from hematogenous dissemination. The clinical manifestations can resemble the \"textbook description,\" but more often are subtle, nonspecific, or altered by the patient's basic disease. The diagnosis should never be discarded because dyspnea or chest pain are not elicited, friction rub and pulsus paradoxus are not detected, and chest x-rays and electrocardiograms are not \"confirmatory.\" It is generally conceded that there has been a recent shift in the etiology of infectious pericarditis. This change has been attributed to the increased average age of hospitalized patients, modern diagnostic and therapeutic advances, and the impact of antibiotics. However, three concepts have stood the test of time: accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of treatment; the availability of antibiotics must not relegate the role of surgery to a secondary position; and therapy must be directed against the pericarditis and the additional sources of infected tissue.", "contents": "Nonviral infectious pericarditis. Infections of the pericardium can occur as incidental findings in patients with systemic disease or dominate the clinical situation, representing a major threat to life. These infections appear to arise from the contiguous spread of infected tissue or from hematogenous dissemination. The clinical manifestations can resemble the \"textbook description,\" but more often are subtle, nonspecific, or altered by the patient's basic disease. The diagnosis should never be discarded because dyspnea or chest pain are not elicited, friction rub and pulsus paradoxus are not detected, and chest x-rays and electrocardiograms are not \"confirmatory.\" It is generally conceded that there has been a recent shift in the etiology of infectious pericarditis. This change has been attributed to the increased average age of hospitalized patients, modern diagnostic and therapeutic advances, and the impact of antibiotics. However, three concepts have stood the test of time: accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of treatment; the availability of antibiotics must not relegate the role of surgery to a secondary position; and therapy must be directed against the pericarditis and the additional sources of infected tissue.", "PMID": 1000535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8328", "title": "Constrictive pericarditis.", "content": "Constrictive pericarditis, although still a relatively rare disease, continues to be a clinical problem that most practicing cardiologists may encounter. A major clinical clue to diagnosis is the continued elevation of the central venous pressure after adequate diuresis. The diagnosis is further supported by (1) prominent X and Y descents in the jugular venous pulse, (2) a relatively normal or only slightly enlarged cardiac silhouette in a patient with congestive heart failure, (3) pericardial calcification or significant congestive failure especially when the right sided signs predominate without obvious cause. When the disease is suspected, appropriate investigation should be undertaken using both the noninvasive and the catheterization studies. If the diagnosis is supported, then the choice of therapy at present is based primarily on severity of symptoms with surgical removal of the constricting pericardium being the therapy of choice in patients unable to be managed medically.", "contents": "Constrictive pericarditis. Constrictive pericarditis, although still a relatively rare disease, continues to be a clinical problem that most practicing cardiologists may encounter. A major clinical clue to diagnosis is the continued elevation of the central venous pressure after adequate diuresis. The diagnosis is further supported by (1) prominent X and Y descents in the jugular venous pulse, (2) a relatively normal or only slightly enlarged cardiac silhouette in a patient with congestive heart failure, (3) pericardial calcification or significant congestive failure especially when the right sided signs predominate without obvious cause. When the disease is suspected, appropriate investigation should be undertaken using both the noninvasive and the catheterization studies. If the diagnosis is supported, then the choice of therapy at present is based primarily on severity of symptoms with surgical removal of the constricting pericardium being the therapy of choice in patients unable to be managed medically.", "PMID": 1000537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8329", "title": "The postpericardiotomy and similar syndromes.", "content": "A syndrome of pericardial and often pleural reaction with effusions and with fever occurs in three different settings. It bears the descriptive term of the condition which it follows: the postpericardiotomy syndrome, the postmyocardial infarction syndrome, and the postpericardial trauma syndrome. The manifestations, incidence, theories of etiology, treatment, and possibility of prevention were discussed. The syndrome is probably due to an immunologic response with an associated viral illness, since in a prospective study of children undergoing cardiac surgery in which the pericardium was entered, we found that the development of heart-reactive antibody in high titer and a significant rise in antiviral antibody occurred in patients with clinically evident syndrome.", "contents": "The postpericardiotomy and similar syndromes. A syndrome of pericardial and often pleural reaction with effusions and with fever occurs in three different settings. It bears the descriptive term of the condition which it follows: the postpericardiotomy syndrome, the postmyocardial infarction syndrome, and the postpericardial trauma syndrome. The manifestations, incidence, theories of etiology, treatment, and possibility of prevention were discussed. The syndrome is probably due to an immunologic response with an associated viral illness, since in a prospective study of children undergoing cardiac surgery in which the pericardium was entered, we found that the development of heart-reactive antibody in high titer and a significant rise in antiviral antibody occurred in patients with clinically evident syndrome.", "PMID": 1000538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8330", "title": "Analysis of cell cycle compartments of hepatocytes after partial hepatecomy.", "content": "An analysis of cell kinetic parameters as a function of intralobular localization of hepatocytes was performed using autoradiographic methods to obtain a basis for a quantitative description of cell cycle compartments after partial hepatectomy. The influx into the S compartment revealed a maximum in a lobular zone not immediately adjacent to the portal tract, with a decrease towards the perivenous and periportal area of the lobule. The maximum influx was found in the intermediate zone at 34 hr and a lower one in the perivenous parts of the lobule at 40 hr. The influx pattern at 56 hr was similar to the situation at 18 hr. The fraction of labelled mitoses in the whole liver and in subunits of the lobule disclosed a constant duration of S whereas the duration of G2 + M was prolonged from the periportal to the perivenous zone. A graphical model of kinetic events after partial hepatectomy is proposed, which describes the sizes of the various cell cycle compartments; the model successfully predicted the results of a continuous labelling experiment.", "contents": "Analysis of cell cycle compartments of hepatocytes after partial hepatecomy. An analysis of cell kinetic parameters as a function of intralobular localization of hepatocytes was performed using autoradiographic methods to obtain a basis for a quantitative description of cell cycle compartments after partial hepatectomy. The influx into the S compartment revealed a maximum in a lobular zone not immediately adjacent to the portal tract, with a decrease towards the perivenous and periportal area of the lobule. The maximum influx was found in the intermediate zone at 34 hr and a lower one in the perivenous parts of the lobule at 40 hr. The influx pattern at 56 hr was similar to the situation at 18 hr. The fraction of labelled mitoses in the whole liver and in subunits of the lobule disclosed a constant duration of S whereas the duration of G2 + M was prolonged from the periportal to the perivenous zone. A graphical model of kinetic events after partial hepatectomy is proposed, which describes the sizes of the various cell cycle compartments; the model successfully predicted the results of a continuous labelling experiment.", "PMID": 1000566} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8331", "title": "Regeneration of CFUs in the marrow of mice exposed to 300 rads after having recovered from 950 rads.", "content": "Exposure to 950 rads 60Co radiation has been reported to cause long-lasting damage to the hematopoietic stroma (HS), although the size of the CFUs population recovers to pre-irradiation levels. In these studies HS damage was detected only after subcutaneously implanting the femurs of the irradiated mice into syngeneic hosts. To exclude the possibility that what was considered to be HS damage was merely caused by artifacts due to the process of implantation in a new host, we compared the rate of regeneration of CFUs in mice which had recovered from 950 rads prior to receiving 300 rads 60Co radiation (950 + 300 rads group) with that of mice which received only 300 rads (0 + 300 rads group). The CFUs population in the 950 + 300 rads group grew exponentially for 2 weeks at a rate which did not differ significantly from that of CFUs in the 0 + 300 rads group. However, the rate of CFUs growth reached a plateau before full recovery was achieved in contrast to that in the 0 + 300 rads mice. We therefore conclude that the incomplete regeneration of CFUs in the marrows of 950 + 300 rads mice was most likely caused by X-irradiation-induced damage to the HS rather than damage to the inherent repopulating potential of the CFUs per se.", "contents": "Regeneration of CFUs in the marrow of mice exposed to 300 rads after having recovered from 950 rads. Exposure to 950 rads 60Co radiation has been reported to cause long-lasting damage to the hematopoietic stroma (HS), although the size of the CFUs population recovers to pre-irradiation levels. In these studies HS damage was detected only after subcutaneously implanting the femurs of the irradiated mice into syngeneic hosts. To exclude the possibility that what was considered to be HS damage was merely caused by artifacts due to the process of implantation in a new host, we compared the rate of regeneration of CFUs in mice which had recovered from 950 rads prior to receiving 300 rads 60Co radiation (950 + 300 rads group) with that of mice which received only 300 rads (0 + 300 rads group). The CFUs population in the 950 + 300 rads group grew exponentially for 2 weeks at a rate which did not differ significantly from that of CFUs in the 0 + 300 rads group. However, the rate of CFUs growth reached a plateau before full recovery was achieved in contrast to that in the 0 + 300 rads mice. We therefore conclude that the incomplete regeneration of CFUs in the marrows of 950 + 300 rads mice was most likely caused by X-irradiation-induced damage to the HS rather than damage to the inherent repopulating potential of the CFUs per se.", "PMID": 1000567} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8332", "title": "Cell kinetics of a chondrosarcoma.", "content": "The cell kinetics of the transplantable DC-II mouse chondrosarcoma have been studied by the pulse labelled mitoses method. The analysis gave the following estimates for the phases of the cell cycle: G1, 10-5 hr; S, 9-5 hr; G2, 4 hr with an intermitotic time of 23-5 hr. Consideration of the overall growth of the tumour indicated that the growth fraction and cell loss factor both had values of about 0-5. The results are compared with cell kinetic data from sarcomas and other cartilage tissues.", "contents": "Cell kinetics of a chondrosarcoma. The cell kinetics of the transplantable DC-II mouse chondrosarcoma have been studied by the pulse labelled mitoses method. The analysis gave the following estimates for the phases of the cell cycle: G1, 10-5 hr; S, 9-5 hr; G2, 4 hr with an intermitotic time of 23-5 hr. Consideration of the overall growth of the tumour indicated that the growth fraction and cell loss factor both had values of about 0-5. The results are compared with cell kinetic data from sarcomas and other cartilage tissues.", "PMID": 1000568} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8333", "title": "The perturbed cell proliferation kinetics of the EMT6/M/AC tumour in mice treated with anti-mouse lymphocyte serum.", "content": "The cell proliferation kinetics of the EMT6/M/AC tumour were determined at two volumes, 6-3 mm3 and 180 mm3, in mice treated with anti-mouse lymphocyte serum, AMLS. Comparison of the growth curve with that obtained in non-AMLS treated animals showed a marked increase in the growth rate at all volumes in the treated group. In contrast, the cell cycle time and the intermitotic phase times were not significantly different in the treated and untreated groups at comparable volumes. The increase in the growth rate in AMLS treated mice was obtained in spite of decreases in both the rate constant for cell production and the growth fraction, and was due to a marked decrease in the rate constant for cell loss.", "contents": "The perturbed cell proliferation kinetics of the EMT6/M/AC tumour in mice treated with anti-mouse lymphocyte serum. The cell proliferation kinetics of the EMT6/M/AC tumour were determined at two volumes, 6-3 mm3 and 180 mm3, in mice treated with anti-mouse lymphocyte serum, AMLS. Comparison of the growth curve with that obtained in non-AMLS treated animals showed a marked increase in the growth rate at all volumes in the treated group. In contrast, the cell cycle time and the intermitotic phase times were not significantly different in the treated and untreated groups at comparable volumes. The increase in the growth rate in AMLS treated mice was obtained in spite of decreases in both the rate constant for cell production and the growth fraction, and was due to a marked decrease in the rate constant for cell loss.", "PMID": 1000569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8334", "title": "Regenerative proliferation of mouse epidermal cells following adhesive tape stripping. Micro-flow fluorometry of isolated epidermal basal cells combined with 3H-TdR incorporation and a stathmokinetic method (colcemid).", "content": "The proliferating cells of mouse epidermis (basal cells) can be separated from the non-proliferating cells (differentiating cells) Laerum, 1969) and brought into a monodisperse suspension. This makes it possible to determine the cell cycle distributions (e.g. the relative number of cells in the G1, S and (G1 + M) phases of the cell cycle) of the basal cell population by means of micro-flow fluorometry. To study the regenerative cell proliferation in epidermis in more detail, changes in cell cycle distributions were observed by means of micro-flow fluorometry during the first 48 hr following adhesive tape stripping. 3H-TdR uptake (LI and grain count distribution) and mitotic rate (colcemid method) were also observed. An initial accumulation of G2 cells was observed 2 hr after stripping, followed by a subsequent decrease to less than half the control level. This was followed by an increase of cells entering mitosis from an initial depression to a first peak between 5 and 9 hr which could be satisfactorily explained by the changes in the G2 pool. After an initial depression of the S phase parameters, three peaks with intervals of about 12 hr followed. The cells in these peaks could be followed as cohorts through the G2 phase and mitosis, indicating a partial synchrony of cell cycle passage, with a shortening of the mean generation time of basal cells from 83-3 hr to about 12 hr. The oscillations of the proportion of cells in G2 phase indicated a rapid passage through this cell cycle phase. The S phase duration was within the normal range but showed a moderate decrease and the G1 phase duration was decreased to a minimum. In rapidly proliferating epidermis there was a good correlation between change in the number of labelled cells and cells with S phase DNA content. This shows that micro-flow fluorometry is a rapid method for the study of cell kinetics in a perturbed cell system in vivo.", "contents": "Regenerative proliferation of mouse epidermal cells following adhesive tape stripping. Micro-flow fluorometry of isolated epidermal basal cells combined with 3H-TdR incorporation and a stathmokinetic method (colcemid). The proliferating cells of mouse epidermis (basal cells) can be separated from the non-proliferating cells (differentiating cells) Laerum, 1969) and brought into a monodisperse suspension. This makes it possible to determine the cell cycle distributions (e.g. the relative number of cells in the G1, S and (G1 + M) phases of the cell cycle) of the basal cell population by means of micro-flow fluorometry. To study the regenerative cell proliferation in epidermis in more detail, changes in cell cycle distributions were observed by means of micro-flow fluorometry during the first 48 hr following adhesive tape stripping. 3H-TdR uptake (LI and grain count distribution) and mitotic rate (colcemid method) were also observed. An initial accumulation of G2 cells was observed 2 hr after stripping, followed by a subsequent decrease to less than half the control level. This was followed by an increase of cells entering mitosis from an initial depression to a first peak between 5 and 9 hr which could be satisfactorily explained by the changes in the G2 pool. After an initial depression of the S phase parameters, three peaks with intervals of about 12 hr followed. The cells in these peaks could be followed as cohorts through the G2 phase and mitosis, indicating a partial synchrony of cell cycle passage, with a shortening of the mean generation time of basal cells from 83-3 hr to about 12 hr. The oscillations of the proportion of cells in G2 phase indicated a rapid passage through this cell cycle phase. The S phase duration was within the normal range but showed a moderate decrease and the G1 phase duration was decreased to a minimum. In rapidly proliferating epidermis there was a good correlation between change in the number of labelled cells and cells with S phase DNA content. This shows that micro-flow fluorometry is a rapid method for the study of cell kinetics in a perturbed cell system in vivo.", "PMID": 1000570} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8335", "title": "The proliferative status of intestinal epithelial clonogenic cells: sensitivity to S phase specific cytotoxic agents.", "content": "High concentrations of tritiated thymidine and cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) have been used to selectively kill cells in the crypts of Lieberkuhn that are synthesizing DNA. The effect of these agents on the number of regenerating microcolonies seen 3 1/2 days after a range of radiation doses indicates that a majority of the clonogenic cells are proliferating rapidly and that the slowly proliferating cells at the base of the crypt do not represent the whole clonogenic population.", "contents": "The proliferative status of intestinal epithelial clonogenic cells: sensitivity to S phase specific cytotoxic agents. High concentrations of tritiated thymidine and cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) have been used to selectively kill cells in the crypts of Lieberkuhn that are synthesizing DNA. The effect of these agents on the number of regenerating microcolonies seen 3 1/2 days after a range of radiation doses indicates that a majority of the clonogenic cells are proliferating rapidly and that the slowly proliferating cells at the base of the crypt do not represent the whole clonogenic population.", "PMID": 1000571} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8336", "title": "The relation between cell proliferation, differentiation and ultrastructural development in rat intestinal epithelium.", "content": "The ultrastructural development of the principal cells in rat small intestine was studied by morphometric analyses in relation to the exact cell position along crypt and villus. From the bottom to the tip of the crypt, a gradual increase occurred in absolute size of the total cell, the cytoplasm, the terminal web and of nearly all cell organelles. Also, the relative size of the cytoplasm, mitochondria, microvilli and endoplasmic reticulum increased during crypt cell differentiation. No sudden changes in ultrastructure were observed in the so-called \"critical decision zone\", normally located halfway up the crypt where the proliferative activity ceases. At the crypt-villous junction a 1.4-3 fold increase in cell size, cytoplasm, terminal web and of most organelles was noted. Expansion of the proliferative cell compartment over the total length of the crypt as occurs during recovery after a low X-irradiation dose (72 h after 400 R) does not affect the normal development of cellular ultrastructure. These findings are discussed in relation to biochemical and cell kinetic data.", "contents": "The relation between cell proliferation, differentiation and ultrastructural development in rat intestinal epithelium. The ultrastructural development of the principal cells in rat small intestine was studied by morphometric analyses in relation to the exact cell position along crypt and villus. From the bottom to the tip of the crypt, a gradual increase occurred in absolute size of the total cell, the cytoplasm, the terminal web and of nearly all cell organelles. Also, the relative size of the cytoplasm, mitochondria, microvilli and endoplasmic reticulum increased during crypt cell differentiation. No sudden changes in ultrastructure were observed in the so-called \"critical decision zone\", normally located halfway up the crypt where the proliferative activity ceases. At the crypt-villous junction a 1.4-3 fold increase in cell size, cytoplasm, terminal web and of most organelles was noted. Expansion of the proliferative cell compartment over the total length of the crypt as occurs during recovery after a low X-irradiation dose (72 h after 400 R) does not affect the normal development of cellular ultrastructure. These findings are discussed in relation to biochemical and cell kinetic data.", "PMID": 1000572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8337", "title": "An ultrastructural in vitro study on the regulation of neurosecretory activity in the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis (L.) with particular reference to caudo-dorsal cells.", "content": "The neurosecretory Caudo-Dorsal Cells (CDC) in the cerebral ganglia of the freshwater pulmonate snail Lymnaea stagnalis produce an ovulation stimulating hormone. Previously it has been shown that neuronal and non-neuronal inputs are involved in the regulation of their activity. The degree of autonomy of these cells has been investigated by studying with morphometric methods the ultrastructure of CDC maintained in vitro. CDC of isolated cerebral ganglia which were cultured for 7 days show a considerable rate of synthesis, transport and release of neurohormone. Apparently these processes can proceed in the absence of neuronal and hormonal inputs from outside the cerebral ganglia. Completely isolated CDC, however, do not show neurosecretory activity in vitro; active Golgi zones, indicating the formation of neurosecretory elementary granules, are absent from such cells. Isolation does not seem to affect general cell functions such as protein synthesis and respiration. It is suggested that a neuronal input, originating within the cerebral ganglia, is necessary for the stimulation of CDC neurosecretory activity. Techniques are described for the isolation and culture of neurosecretory cells of L. stagnalis.", "contents": "An ultrastructural in vitro study on the regulation of neurosecretory activity in the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis (L.) with particular reference to caudo-dorsal cells. The neurosecretory Caudo-Dorsal Cells (CDC) in the cerebral ganglia of the freshwater pulmonate snail Lymnaea stagnalis produce an ovulation stimulating hormone. Previously it has been shown that neuronal and non-neuronal inputs are involved in the regulation of their activity. The degree of autonomy of these cells has been investigated by studying with morphometric methods the ultrastructure of CDC maintained in vitro. CDC of isolated cerebral ganglia which were cultured for 7 days show a considerable rate of synthesis, transport and release of neurohormone. Apparently these processes can proceed in the absence of neuronal and hormonal inputs from outside the cerebral ganglia. Completely isolated CDC, however, do not show neurosecretory activity in vitro; active Golgi zones, indicating the formation of neurosecretory elementary granules, are absent from such cells. Isolation does not seem to affect general cell functions such as protein synthesis and respiration. It is suggested that a neuronal input, originating within the cerebral ganglia, is necessary for the stimulation of CDC neurosecretory activity. Techniques are described for the isolation and culture of neurosecretory cells of L. stagnalis.", "PMID": 1000573} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8338", "title": "Morphometric in vitro analysis of the control of the activity of the neurosecretory dark green cells in the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis (L.)..", "content": "The neurosecretory Dark Green Cells (DGC) in the pleural and parietal ganglia of the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis seem to be involved in osmoregulation. Previous experiments have indicated that changes of the osmolality of the environment induce activity changes of the DGC. Furthermore, it was shown that information on environmental osmolality reaches the DGC via the blood. In the present study right pleural and parietal ganglion complexes were cultured for 3 days in vitro under different osmotic conditions. Quantitative electron microscopy revealed that, compared with the control osmolality (130mOsm/kg H2O), osmolalities of 160 and 190 mOsm/kg H2O caused a reduced synthesis and an increased storage of neurohormone in the DGC. Apparently, the activity of the DGC depended on the osmotic pressure of the medium. It is proposed that in vivo the osmotic pressure of the blood (which is related to the osmolality of the environment) regulates DGC activity.", "contents": "Morphometric in vitro analysis of the control of the activity of the neurosecretory dark green cells in the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis (L.).. The neurosecretory Dark Green Cells (DGC) in the pleural and parietal ganglia of the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis seem to be involved in osmoregulation. Previous experiments have indicated that changes of the osmolality of the environment induce activity changes of the DGC. Furthermore, it was shown that information on environmental osmolality reaches the DGC via the blood. In the present study right pleural and parietal ganglion complexes were cultured for 3 days in vitro under different osmotic conditions. Quantitative electron microscopy revealed that, compared with the control osmolality (130mOsm/kg H2O), osmolalities of 160 and 190 mOsm/kg H2O caused a reduced synthesis and an increased storage of neurohormone in the DGC. Apparently, the activity of the DGC depended on the osmotic pressure of the medium. It is proposed that in vivo the osmotic pressure of the blood (which is related to the osmolality of the environment) regulates DGC activity.", "PMID": 1000574} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8339", "title": "Basal lamina of human seminiferous tubule- its role in material transport. I. In presence of tunica vaginal hydrocele.", "content": "Electron microscopy of testicular biopsies obtained from two adult males with tunica vaginal hydrocele revealed some protrusions from the basal lamina to the germinal epithelium in the seminiferous tubule. The protrusions were of three types: some between the spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, some directly within the Sertoli cell cytoplasm and others inside the spermatogonia. The protrusions inside the spermatogonia were only 0.5 mum deep whereas the other types were from 1-11 mum deep. Occasionally some cut off portions of these protrusions were seen inside the ground cytoplasm of the Sertoli cell without an apparent connection with the original stalk. The matrix of the protrusions contained a homogenous component (composed of a fine filamentous element) and granular and membranous components. These components closely resemble the materials found in the basal lamina of the seminiferous tubule. It has been suggested that under mild pathological conditions, i.e., hydrocele, the junctions between the seminiferous tubule epithelium and the basal lamina become somewhat more flexible. As a result, the protrusions become longer and a passage might be formed to allow the flow of raw materials in or out of the seminiferous tubule.", "contents": "Basal lamina of human seminiferous tubule- its role in material transport. I. In presence of tunica vaginal hydrocele. Electron microscopy of testicular biopsies obtained from two adult males with tunica vaginal hydrocele revealed some protrusions from the basal lamina to the germinal epithelium in the seminiferous tubule. The protrusions were of three types: some between the spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, some directly within the Sertoli cell cytoplasm and others inside the spermatogonia. The protrusions inside the spermatogonia were only 0.5 mum deep whereas the other types were from 1-11 mum deep. Occasionally some cut off portions of these protrusions were seen inside the ground cytoplasm of the Sertoli cell without an apparent connection with the original stalk. The matrix of the protrusions contained a homogenous component (composed of a fine filamentous element) and granular and membranous components. These components closely resemble the materials found in the basal lamina of the seminiferous tubule. It has been suggested that under mild pathological conditions, i.e., hydrocele, the junctions between the seminiferous tubule epithelium and the basal lamina become somewhat more flexible. As a result, the protrusions become longer and a passage might be formed to allow the flow of raw materials in or out of the seminiferous tubule.", "PMID": 1000575} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8340", "title": "The morphology and innervation of subepithelial \"striated\" muscle cells in the male guinea-pig urethra.", "content": "Light and electron microscopic techniques have been used to determine the distribution, morphology and innervation of subepithelial striated muscle cells in the wall of the proximal urethra of the male guinea-pig. These cells form a continuous layer, immediately beneath the urethral epithelium extending from the bladder neck to the termination of the ejaculatory ducts into the proximal urethra. They differ from \"typical\" striated muscle fibres (as seen in the external urethral sphincter) by their small size, rich acetylcholinesterase content and the irregular arrangement of intracellular myofilaments and sarcoplasmic reticulum. In addition, motor end plate regions have not been observed on these striated cells when examined using a light microscopic histochemical technique. The cells are related to acetylcholinesterase positive nerves which run between them in a manner compatible with the occurrence of \"en passant\" synaptic interactions. Using electron microscopy, axonal varicosities containing small (50 nm diameter) agranular vesicles are encountered 50 nm from the striated cells; membrane specialisations characteristic om motor end plates have not been observed on the cells. The findings are discussed, particularly in relation to the distribution, unusual morphology and innervation of these subepithelial muscle cells.", "contents": "The morphology and innervation of subepithelial \"striated\" muscle cells in the male guinea-pig urethra. Light and electron microscopic techniques have been used to determine the distribution, morphology and innervation of subepithelial striated muscle cells in the wall of the proximal urethra of the male guinea-pig. These cells form a continuous layer, immediately beneath the urethral epithelium extending from the bladder neck to the termination of the ejaculatory ducts into the proximal urethra. They differ from \"typical\" striated muscle fibres (as seen in the external urethral sphincter) by their small size, rich acetylcholinesterase content and the irregular arrangement of intracellular myofilaments and sarcoplasmic reticulum. In addition, motor end plate regions have not been observed on these striated cells when examined using a light microscopic histochemical technique. The cells are related to acetylcholinesterase positive nerves which run between them in a manner compatible with the occurrence of \"en passant\" synaptic interactions. Using electron microscopy, axonal varicosities containing small (50 nm diameter) agranular vesicles are encountered 50 nm from the striated cells; membrane specialisations characteristic om motor end plates have not been observed on the cells. The findings are discussed, particularly in relation to the distribution, unusual morphology and innervation of these subepithelial muscle cells.", "PMID": 1000576} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8341", "title": "Ultrastructure and differentiation of ascidian muscle. I. Caudal musculature of the larva of Diplosoma macdonaldi.", "content": "The larval caudal musculature of the compound ascidian Diplosoma macdonaldi consists of two longitudinal bands of somatic striated muscle. Approximately 800 mononucleate cells, lying in rows between the epidermis and the notochord, constitute each muscle band. Unlike the caudal muscle cells of most other ascidian larvae, the myofibrils and apposed sarcoplasmic reticulum occupy both the cortical and the medullary sarcoplasm. The cross-striated myofibrils converge near the tapered ends of the caudal muscle cell and integrate into a field of myofilaments. The field originates and terminates at intermediate junctions at the transverse cellular boundaries. Close junctions and longitudinal and transverse segments of nonjunctional sarcolemmata flank the intermediate junctions, creating a transverse myomuscular (TMM) complex which superficially resembles the intercalated disk of the vertebrate heart. A perforated sheet of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) invests each myofibril. The sheet of SR spans between sarcomeres and is locally undifferentiated in relation to the cross-striations. Two to four saccular cisternae of SR near each sarcomeric Z-line establish interior (dyadic) couplings with an axial analogue of the vertebrate transverse tubular system. The axial tubules are invaginations of the sarcolemma within and adjacent to the intermediate junctions of the TMM complex. The caudal muscle cells of larval ascidians and the somatic striated muscle fibers of lower vertebrates bear similar relationships to the skeletal organs and share similar locomotor functions. At the cellular level, however, the larval ascidian caudal musculature more closely resembles the vertebrate myocardium.", "contents": "Ultrastructure and differentiation of ascidian muscle. I. Caudal musculature of the larva of Diplosoma macdonaldi. The larval caudal musculature of the compound ascidian Diplosoma macdonaldi consists of two longitudinal bands of somatic striated muscle. Approximately 800 mononucleate cells, lying in rows between the epidermis and the notochord, constitute each muscle band. Unlike the caudal muscle cells of most other ascidian larvae, the myofibrils and apposed sarcoplasmic reticulum occupy both the cortical and the medullary sarcoplasm. The cross-striated myofibrils converge near the tapered ends of the caudal muscle cell and integrate into a field of myofilaments. The field originates and terminates at intermediate junctions at the transverse cellular boundaries. Close junctions and longitudinal and transverse segments of nonjunctional sarcolemmata flank the intermediate junctions, creating a transverse myomuscular (TMM) complex which superficially resembles the intercalated disk of the vertebrate heart. A perforated sheet of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) invests each myofibril. The sheet of SR spans between sarcomeres and is locally undifferentiated in relation to the cross-striations. Two to four saccular cisternae of SR near each sarcomeric Z-line establish interior (dyadic) couplings with an axial analogue of the vertebrate transverse tubular system. The axial tubules are invaginations of the sarcolemma within and adjacent to the intermediate junctions of the TMM complex. The caudal muscle cells of larval ascidians and the somatic striated muscle fibers of lower vertebrates bear similar relationships to the skeletal organs and share similar locomotor functions. At the cellular level, however, the larval ascidian caudal musculature more closely resembles the vertebrate myocardium.", "PMID": 1000577} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8342", "title": "Silicon-containing granules of rat liver, kidney and spleen mitochondria. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis.", "content": "Isolated rat liver mitochondria containing granule aggregates (25-75 nm in diameter) and small (5-10 nm) electron opaque granules were examined by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. The granule aggregates gave an intense Si signal, while the small granules gave both Si and P signals. Isolated mitochondria of rat liver, spleen and kidney, subjected to detergent solubilization and differential centrifugation, produced two granule fractions: (1) a 10,000 g fraction consisting predominantly of granule aggregates (25--75 nm) composed of smaller granules (5--10 nm in diameter), and (2) a 10,000--30,000 g fraction of non-aggregated small granules (5-10 nm). Thin sections of isolated granule aggregates gave Si X-ray signals similar to those obtained from in situ granules. In addition S, Cl, Mg, Cr and Fe X-ray signals were observed. Cr occurred only in the large kidney granules, while Fe occurred in both fractions of the spleen and kidney granules. The presence of Si in the granules was confirmed by chemical analysis of the isolated granules and in vivo radiolabeling of the granules with 31Si and 68Ge. Contamination within the electron microscope was eliminated by a liquid nitrogen anticontamination device.", "contents": "Silicon-containing granules of rat liver, kidney and spleen mitochondria. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Isolated rat liver mitochondria containing granule aggregates (25-75 nm in diameter) and small (5-10 nm) electron opaque granules were examined by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. The granule aggregates gave an intense Si signal, while the small granules gave both Si and P signals. Isolated mitochondria of rat liver, spleen and kidney, subjected to detergent solubilization and differential centrifugation, produced two granule fractions: (1) a 10,000 g fraction consisting predominantly of granule aggregates (25--75 nm) composed of smaller granules (5--10 nm in diameter), and (2) a 10,000--30,000 g fraction of non-aggregated small granules (5-10 nm). Thin sections of isolated granule aggregates gave Si X-ray signals similar to those obtained from in situ granules. In addition S, Cl, Mg, Cr and Fe X-ray signals were observed. Cr occurred only in the large kidney granules, while Fe occurred in both fractions of the spleen and kidney granules. The presence of Si in the granules was confirmed by chemical analysis of the isolated granules and in vivo radiolabeling of the granules with 31Si and 68Ge. Contamination within the electron microscope was eliminated by a liquid nitrogen anticontamination device.", "PMID": 1000578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8343", "title": "Autoradiographic study on the localization of estradiol-17beta in neonatal mouse uterus and cervix.", "content": "The uptake of 3H-estradiol-17beta in the neonatal mouse uterus and cervix has been studied by an autoradiographic method. When the radioactive hormone is administered in vivo and in vitro, grains are found to be concentrated above the nuclei both in the uterine and cervical epithelium and stroma. Grain counts revealed that the nuclear concentration of grains is higher at 4 h than at 2 h after isotope injection. The cervical epithelium has a higher nuclear concentration than the uterine epithelium both in vivo and in vitro. In the stroma, this situation is reversed except after in vitro treatment of the tissues. In the cervix, more of the hormone seems to be located within the nucleus while in the uterus a higher proportion of the grains are found in the vicinity of the nuclear periphery. Although the nuclear concentration of grains is higher at 4 h than at 2 h, the number of grains above the sections is lower at 4 h. Both in vivo and in vitro, the number of grains is higher above the stromal than above the epithelial compartments of the uterus and cervix. Five days old animals showed the same labeling pattern. The differences in uptake and distribution of 3H-estradiol are discussed in relation to other known differences in the hormone responsiveness in these tissues.", "contents": "Autoradiographic study on the localization of estradiol-17beta in neonatal mouse uterus and cervix. The uptake of 3H-estradiol-17beta in the neonatal mouse uterus and cervix has been studied by an autoradiographic method. When the radioactive hormone is administered in vivo and in vitro, grains are found to be concentrated above the nuclei both in the uterine and cervical epithelium and stroma. Grain counts revealed that the nuclear concentration of grains is higher at 4 h than at 2 h after isotope injection. The cervical epithelium has a higher nuclear concentration than the uterine epithelium both in vivo and in vitro. In the stroma, this situation is reversed except after in vitro treatment of the tissues. In the cervix, more of the hormone seems to be located within the nucleus while in the uterus a higher proportion of the grains are found in the vicinity of the nuclear periphery. Although the nuclear concentration of grains is higher at 4 h than at 2 h, the number of grains above the sections is lower at 4 h. Both in vivo and in vitro, the number of grains is higher above the stromal than above the epithelial compartments of the uterus and cervix. Five days old animals showed the same labeling pattern. The differences in uptake and distribution of 3H-estradiol are discussed in relation to other known differences in the hormone responsiveness in these tissues.", "PMID": 1000579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8344", "title": "On the fine structure of the electrocyte of Electrophorus electricus L.", "content": "The general ultrastructure of the electrocyte, the basic unit of the electric organs of Electrophorus electricus, is analyzed. Presented herein are detailed observations of the syncytial surface, its fibrillar coat, invaginations of the plasma membrane and synaptic terminals. Using Thi\u00e9ry's method glycogen granules were identified in the syncytial cytoplasm and inside the synaptic terminals, their size and structure being compatible with the muscular origin of the electric organs, to which the filamentous meshwork found in the cytoplasm may be related. Among the perinuclear-organelles, are dense bodies with crystalline patterns. The mitochondrial matrix contains dense granules, their size and structure varying according to the organ to which they belong and to the fixation method used.", "contents": "On the fine structure of the electrocyte of Electrophorus electricus L. The general ultrastructure of the electrocyte, the basic unit of the electric organs of Electrophorus electricus, is analyzed. Presented herein are detailed observations of the syncytial surface, its fibrillar coat, invaginations of the plasma membrane and synaptic terminals. Using Thi\u00e9ry's method glycogen granules were identified in the syncytial cytoplasm and inside the synaptic terminals, their size and structure being compatible with the muscular origin of the electric organs, to which the filamentous meshwork found in the cytoplasm may be related. Among the perinuclear-organelles, are dense bodies with crystalline patterns. The mitochondrial matrix contains dense granules, their size and structure varying according to the organ to which they belong and to the fixation method used.", "PMID": 1000580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8345", "title": "Relationship between the chromatoid body and the acrosomal system in early spermatids of Myxine glutinosa L.", "content": "A transient close relationship between the chromatoid body and the developing acrosome is demonstrated in early spermatids of Myxine glutinosa.", "contents": "Relationship between the chromatoid body and the acrosomal system in early spermatids of Myxine glutinosa L. A transient close relationship between the chromatoid body and the developing acrosome is demonstrated in early spermatids of Myxine glutinosa.", "PMID": 1000583} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8346", "title": "Subsarcolemmal mitochondria and capillarization of soleus muscle fibers in young rats subjected to an endurance training. A morphometric study of semithin sections.", "content": "Rats, 6 weeks old, were subjected to a program of endurance running for 3, 6 and 12 weeks. 0.5 to 0.8 mum thick sections of Epon embedded soleus muscles were studied with morphometric methods. In cross-sections the area occupied by subsarcolemmal mitochondria was independent of the age, but was 53% higher after 12 weeks of training. The mean depth of the zones with subsarcolemmal mitochondria increased only 15% to about 0.9 mum. Thus, the subsarcolemmal mitochondria showed a pronounced spreading at the muscle fiber surface in trained muscles.-The number of capillaries per fiber decreased slightly in controls and increased not significantly in trained muscles. It is concluded that the subsarcolemmal mitochondria supply the energy for the active transport of metabolites through the sarcolemma in oxidative muscle fibers, and that they are the limiting factor for endurance performance of the soleus muscle fibers because the changes in the capillarization were only small. It is suggested that the subsarcolemmal and the interfibrillar mitochondria have different functions and may therefore represent different types of mitochondria which can be distinguished by their morphology as well as by their biochemical properties.", "contents": "Subsarcolemmal mitochondria and capillarization of soleus muscle fibers in young rats subjected to an endurance training. A morphometric study of semithin sections. Rats, 6 weeks old, were subjected to a program of endurance running for 3, 6 and 12 weeks. 0.5 to 0.8 mum thick sections of Epon embedded soleus muscles were studied with morphometric methods. In cross-sections the area occupied by subsarcolemmal mitochondria was independent of the age, but was 53% higher after 12 weeks of training. The mean depth of the zones with subsarcolemmal mitochondria increased only 15% to about 0.9 mum. Thus, the subsarcolemmal mitochondria showed a pronounced spreading at the muscle fiber surface in trained muscles.-The number of capillaries per fiber decreased slightly in controls and increased not significantly in trained muscles. It is concluded that the subsarcolemmal mitochondria supply the energy for the active transport of metabolites through the sarcolemma in oxidative muscle fibers, and that they are the limiting factor for endurance performance of the soleus muscle fibers because the changes in the capillarization were only small. It is suggested that the subsarcolemmal and the interfibrillar mitochondria have different functions and may therefore represent different types of mitochondria which can be distinguished by their morphology as well as by their biochemical properties.", "PMID": 1000581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8347", "title": "Hypothalamic and hormonal control of the photoperiodically induced vernal functions in the white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii. 1. The effects of hypothalamic lesions and exogenous hormones.", "content": "To assess the role of the hypothalamo-hypophysial complex in the control of photoperiodically induced vernal premigratory responses in the White-crowned Sparrow, the effects of hypothalamic lesions and systemic administration of several hormones on these responses were investigated. Lesions that destroyed the posterior median eminence (PME) or the entire median eminence (ME) inhibited photoperiodically induced testicular growth, premigratory fattening and Zugunruhe. Lesions in the basal infundibular nucleus (IN) that resulted in complete inhibition of testicular growth abolished Zugunruhe, but allowed varying degrees of fattening. The systemic administration of prolactin, testosterone propionate (TP) or the combination thereof in the PME-lesioned birds induced fattening similar to that observed in photostimulated controls but did not induce Zugunruhe. It is concluded that testosterone and prolactin are the most important hormones involved in the control of vernal premigratory fattening. The role of these hormones in the induction of vernal Zugunruhe is not positively proven.", "contents": "Hypothalamic and hormonal control of the photoperiodically induced vernal functions in the white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii. 1. The effects of hypothalamic lesions and exogenous hormones. To assess the role of the hypothalamo-hypophysial complex in the control of photoperiodically induced vernal premigratory responses in the White-crowned Sparrow, the effects of hypothalamic lesions and systemic administration of several hormones on these responses were investigated. Lesions that destroyed the posterior median eminence (PME) or the entire median eminence (ME) inhibited photoperiodically induced testicular growth, premigratory fattening and Zugunruhe. Lesions in the basal infundibular nucleus (IN) that resulted in complete inhibition of testicular growth abolished Zugunruhe, but allowed varying degrees of fattening. The systemic administration of prolactin, testosterone propionate (TP) or the combination thereof in the PME-lesioned birds induced fattening similar to that observed in photostimulated controls but did not induce Zugunruhe. It is concluded that testosterone and prolactin are the most important hormones involved in the control of vernal premigratory fattening. The role of these hormones in the induction of vernal Zugunruhe is not positively proven.", "PMID": 1000582} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8348", "title": "The embryonic diapause of Aulocara elliotti (Orthoptera, Acrididiae). Histological and morphometric changes during diapause development and following experimental termination with juvenile hormone analogue.", "content": "Progressive hypertrophy of fat body, muscles, gonads and pleuropodial glands was observed with lengthening diapause incubation in embryos of Aulocara elliotti. Embryonic hemolymph stained more darkly and lipoid materials accumulated in the fat body and other tissues. Gradual increase in volumes was observed in the corpora cardiaca, corpora allata and ventral head glands (ecdysial glands). Termination of diapause was achieved in embryos treated with juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) (4 ethyl phenyl 6.7 epoxy geranyl ether--87%, Stauffer Chemical) applied directly to the egg undiluted or when eggs were immersed in a 10% solution in methanol. Treated embryos terminating diapause underwent rapid teratological morphogenesis, achieving pigmentation and sclerotization as in definitive embryos without engulfing their yolk. In treated embryos which remained in diapause, unusual paired masses of pigmented cells, resembling the melanotic pseudotumors of Drosophila, were observed ventral and lateral to the stomodeum and are thought to be subesophageal body cells (pericardial cell homologues). In some embryos these cells were enlarged, lysed or their nuclei rhexic and pycnotic. This response suggests these cells are target organs for JHA, or perhaps for ecdysone or its precursor released by JHA treatment. Endocrine glands in treated embryos had significantly larger volumes (.01) than those of controls or untreated embryos. The ventral head glands of treated embryos appeared to be cytoplasmically depleted. It is suggested that JHA triggered the release of stored ecdysone (or its precursor produced in the ventral head gland) at a rate too rapid for normal morphogenetic processes, such as dorsal closure, to accompany epidermal maturation. The response to JHA cannot be interpreted as juvenilization, but rather must be considered to be precocious maturation. These results indicate that: 1. diapause development involves a transfer of nutrient materials from the yolk into the fat body and other embryonic tissues where they are available to meet the demands of post-diapause morphogenesis; 2. that embryonic diapause in A. elliotti is a consequence of endocrine deficiency which probably results ultimately from the lack of neurosecretory stimulus from the brain-corpora cardiaca complex; and 3. that the subesophageal body cells, and perhaps the pericardial cells, play an essential role in the embryonic physiology, perhaps in the production of carrier protein and/or an essential growth regulator.", "contents": "The embryonic diapause of Aulocara elliotti (Orthoptera, Acrididiae). Histological and morphometric changes during diapause development and following experimental termination with juvenile hormone analogue. Progressive hypertrophy of fat body, muscles, gonads and pleuropodial glands was observed with lengthening diapause incubation in embryos of Aulocara elliotti. Embryonic hemolymph stained more darkly and lipoid materials accumulated in the fat body and other tissues. Gradual increase in volumes was observed in the corpora cardiaca, corpora allata and ventral head glands (ecdysial glands). Termination of diapause was achieved in embryos treated with juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) (4 ethyl phenyl 6.7 epoxy geranyl ether--87%, Stauffer Chemical) applied directly to the egg undiluted or when eggs were immersed in a 10% solution in methanol. Treated embryos terminating diapause underwent rapid teratological morphogenesis, achieving pigmentation and sclerotization as in definitive embryos without engulfing their yolk. In treated embryos which remained in diapause, unusual paired masses of pigmented cells, resembling the melanotic pseudotumors of Drosophila, were observed ventral and lateral to the stomodeum and are thought to be subesophageal body cells (pericardial cell homologues). In some embryos these cells were enlarged, lysed or their nuclei rhexic and pycnotic. This response suggests these cells are target organs for JHA, or perhaps for ecdysone or its precursor released by JHA treatment. Endocrine glands in treated embryos had significantly larger volumes (.01) than those of controls or untreated embryos. The ventral head glands of treated embryos appeared to be cytoplasmically depleted. It is suggested that JHA triggered the release of stored ecdysone (or its precursor produced in the ventral head gland) at a rate too rapid for normal morphogenetic processes, such as dorsal closure, to accompany epidermal maturation. The response to JHA cannot be interpreted as juvenilization, but rather must be considered to be precocious maturation. These results indicate that: 1. diapause development involves a transfer of nutrient materials from the yolk into the fat body and other embryonic tissues where they are available to meet the demands of post-diapause morphogenesis; 2. that embryonic diapause in A. elliotti is a consequence of endocrine deficiency which probably results ultimately from the lack of neurosecretory stimulus from the brain-corpora cardiaca complex; and 3. that the subesophageal body cells, and perhaps the pericardial cells, play an essential role in the embryonic physiology, perhaps in the production of carrier protein and/or an essential growth regulator.", "PMID": 1000584} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8349", "title": "The fine structure of the drum muscles of the tigerfish, Therapon jarbua, as compared with the trunk musculature.", "content": "The fibers of drum and trunk muscles of the Tigerfish. Therapon jarbua, differ greatly in diameter. The myofibrils of the trunk muscles are irregularly oriented, while those of the drum muscles are rolled into spiral or concentric bands. Both muscle types possess the sarcomere structure typical of cross-straited musculature. However, the myofibrils of the drum muscles differ greatly in sarcomere length and width from those in the trunk musculature. The trunk muscles contain few mitochondria, whereas in the drum muscles mitochondria are abundant. The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of the drum muscles takes the form of elongated tubes in both the A and the I region; that of the trunk musculature consists of small vesicles. Of the two muscle types, the drum muscle contains more SR. With respect to the form of the T system, the trunk musculature is of the Z type and the drum muscles of the A-I type. The drum muscle displays a considerably greater number of motor endplates; these lack typical junctional folds and have mitochondria with very few cristae. No fat could be demonstrated in either the drum or the trunk muscles. However, the concentration of glycogen is higher in the drum muscles than in the musculature of the trunk.", "contents": "The fine structure of the drum muscles of the tigerfish, Therapon jarbua, as compared with the trunk musculature. The fibers of drum and trunk muscles of the Tigerfish. Therapon jarbua, differ greatly in diameter. The myofibrils of the trunk muscles are irregularly oriented, while those of the drum muscles are rolled into spiral or concentric bands. Both muscle types possess the sarcomere structure typical of cross-straited musculature. However, the myofibrils of the drum muscles differ greatly in sarcomere length and width from those in the trunk musculature. The trunk muscles contain few mitochondria, whereas in the drum muscles mitochondria are abundant. The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of the drum muscles takes the form of elongated tubes in both the A and the I region; that of the trunk musculature consists of small vesicles. Of the two muscle types, the drum muscle contains more SR. With respect to the form of the T system, the trunk musculature is of the Z type and the drum muscles of the A-I type. The drum muscle displays a considerably greater number of motor endplates; these lack typical junctional folds and have mitochondria with very few cristae. No fat could be demonstrated in either the drum or the trunk muscles. However, the concentration of glycogen is higher in the drum muscles than in the musculature of the trunk.", "PMID": 1000585} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8350", "title": "The effects of prostaglandin F2alpha on the fine structure of the corpus luteum of the pregnant hamster.", "content": "Corpora lutea (C.L.) from normal and prostaglandin-treated pregnant hamsters were examined by light and electron microscopy. Luteal cells from pregnant control animals were hypertrophied and contained an abundance of agranular endoplasmic reticulum (AER) suggesting steroidogenic activity. Animals which were injected on day 4 of pregnancy had ovulated by the third day following the injection, hence, two generations of corpora lutea were present in the ovary. Luteal cells from the \"old\" C.L. of pregnancy underwent a progressive degeneration during the four days following the single prostaglandin injection, whereas, cells from \"new\" C.L. appeared viable in most respects. The presence of aggregated platelets in both \"old\" and \"new\" C.L. was noted. It is suggested that the \"new\" C.L. are responsible for the rebound of plasma progesterone reported in previous investigations three days following prostaglandin treatment in pregnant hamsters.", "contents": "The effects of prostaglandin F2alpha on the fine structure of the corpus luteum of the pregnant hamster. Corpora lutea (C.L.) from normal and prostaglandin-treated pregnant hamsters were examined by light and electron microscopy. Luteal cells from pregnant control animals were hypertrophied and contained an abundance of agranular endoplasmic reticulum (AER) suggesting steroidogenic activity. Animals which were injected on day 4 of pregnancy had ovulated by the third day following the injection, hence, two generations of corpora lutea were present in the ovary. Luteal cells from the \"old\" C.L. of pregnancy underwent a progressive degeneration during the four days following the single prostaglandin injection, whereas, cells from \"new\" C.L. appeared viable in most respects. The presence of aggregated platelets in both \"old\" and \"new\" C.L. was noted. It is suggested that the \"new\" C.L. are responsible for the rebound of plasma progesterone reported in previous investigations three days following prostaglandin treatment in pregnant hamsters.", "PMID": 1000586} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8351", "title": "Histological, histochemical and electron microscopical studies on the nervous apparatus of the pineal organ in the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum.", "content": "150-190 photoreceptor cells form a basic structural component of the pineal organ of Ambystoma tigrinum. Most of the outer and inner segments of these cells project into the lumen horizontally. Only 10% of the total number of photoreceptor cells are located within the pineal roof which is composed of a single cell layer. The photoreceptor cells are connected with nerve cells by synapses displaying characteristic ribbons. Different types of synaptic contacts, i.e. simple, tangential, dyad, triad and invaginated, are found. They are embedded in extended neuropil zones. A particular type of synapse indicates the presence of interneurons. The basal processes of some photoreceptor cells leave the pineal organ and make synaptic contacts with nervous elements located within the area of the subcommissural organ. Employing the method of Karnovsky and Roots (1964) for histochemical demonstration of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) approximately 70 neurons (intrapineal neurons) can be discerned in the pineal organ of Ambystoma tigrinum. In analogy to the distribution of photoreceptor cells only few nerve cells are observed in the roof portion of the pineal organ. Evidently, two different types of AChE-positive intrapineal neurons are present. About 40-50 AChE-positive neurons (extrapineal neurons) are scattered in the area of the subcommissural organ. In this area two types of nerve cells can be distinguished: 1) neurons which send pinealofugal (afferent) axons toward the posterior commissure and 2) neurons which emit pinealopetal (efferent) axons into or toward the pineal organ. The nervous pathways connecting the pineal organ with the diencephalomesencephalic border area are represented by a distinct pineal pedicle and several accessory pineal tracts. Granular nerve fibers run within the posterior commissure and establish synaptic contacts in the commissural region adjacent to the pineal organ. Some of these granular elements enter the pineal organ. The morphology of the nervous apparatus of the pineal organ of Ambystoma tigrinum is discussed in context with evidence from physiological experiments.", "contents": "Histological, histochemical and electron microscopical studies on the nervous apparatus of the pineal organ in the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum. 150-190 photoreceptor cells form a basic structural component of the pineal organ of Ambystoma tigrinum. Most of the outer and inner segments of these cells project into the lumen horizontally. Only 10% of the total number of photoreceptor cells are located within the pineal roof which is composed of a single cell layer. The photoreceptor cells are connected with nerve cells by synapses displaying characteristic ribbons. Different types of synaptic contacts, i.e. simple, tangential, dyad, triad and invaginated, are found. They are embedded in extended neuropil zones. A particular type of synapse indicates the presence of interneurons. The basal processes of some photoreceptor cells leave the pineal organ and make synaptic contacts with nervous elements located within the area of the subcommissural organ. Employing the method of Karnovsky and Roots (1964) for histochemical demonstration of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) approximately 70 neurons (intrapineal neurons) can be discerned in the pineal organ of Ambystoma tigrinum. In analogy to the distribution of photoreceptor cells only few nerve cells are observed in the roof portion of the pineal organ. Evidently, two different types of AChE-positive intrapineal neurons are present. About 40-50 AChE-positive neurons (extrapineal neurons) are scattered in the area of the subcommissural organ. In this area two types of nerve cells can be distinguished: 1) neurons which send pinealofugal (afferent) axons toward the posterior commissure and 2) neurons which emit pinealopetal (efferent) axons into or toward the pineal organ. The nervous pathways connecting the pineal organ with the diencephalomesencephalic border area are represented by a distinct pineal pedicle and several accessory pineal tracts. Granular nerve fibers run within the posterior commissure and establish synaptic contacts in the commissural region adjacent to the pineal organ. Some of these granular elements enter the pineal organ. The morphology of the nervous apparatus of the pineal organ of Ambystoma tigrinum is discussed in context with evidence from physiological experiments.", "PMID": 1000587} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8352", "title": "Aggregation-induced alterations in fibroblast morphology. An ultrastructural study.", "content": "The different stages during aggregation of diploid human skin fibroblasts have been examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. As a result of aggregation, fibroblasts form a complex tissue configuration. Numerous intercellular junctions can be observed, while the cells remain polygonal and do not develop an organised intracellular cytoskeleton. Cell division occurs only rarely. After aggregation, signs of progressive auto-digestion develop. Adhesion to a substrate results in outgrowth of the cells and monolayer formation, even when extensive cell damage had occurred. The morphology of fibroblasts in aggregates and in the monolayers, from which they were derived is compared and the contribution of the aggregate system to the study of fibroblast behavior is discussed.", "contents": "Aggregation-induced alterations in fibroblast morphology. An ultrastructural study. The different stages during aggregation of diploid human skin fibroblasts have been examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. As a result of aggregation, fibroblasts form a complex tissue configuration. Numerous intercellular junctions can be observed, while the cells remain polygonal and do not develop an organised intracellular cytoskeleton. Cell division occurs only rarely. After aggregation, signs of progressive auto-digestion develop. Adhesion to a substrate results in outgrowth of the cells and monolayer formation, even when extensive cell damage had occurred. The morphology of fibroblasts in aggregates and in the monolayers, from which they were derived is compared and the contribution of the aggregate system to the study of fibroblast behavior is discussed.", "PMID": 1000588} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8353", "title": "The ultrastructural organization of the visual system of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella: the retina.", "content": "The ultrastructural organization of ommatidial components of the retina of the moth. Galleria mellonella are described from electron microscopic observations. Each ommatidium is composed of 12 common retinula cells and one basal eccentric cell. The retinula cells are connected together by a desmosomal strip along their length. The rhabdom occupies the basal thirty percent of the ommatidium and can be divided into nine segments of parallel microvilli. Several cells may contribute to an individual rhabdomere. The rhabdomeres are arranged in a cross with single cell rhabdomeres lying between the arms of the cross. Thin sections of ommatidium absorb polarized light differentially. The total amount of plane polarized light absorbed varies with angle of rotation for an entire ommatidium but there are also differences between the amount of absorption of adjacent rhabdomeric segments. Galleria appears to be the only lepidopteran in which the possibility of the polarized light reception has been reported.", "contents": "The ultrastructural organization of the visual system of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella: the retina. The ultrastructural organization of ommatidial components of the retina of the moth. Galleria mellonella are described from electron microscopic observations. Each ommatidium is composed of 12 common retinula cells and one basal eccentric cell. The retinula cells are connected together by a desmosomal strip along their length. The rhabdom occupies the basal thirty percent of the ommatidium and can be divided into nine segments of parallel microvilli. Several cells may contribute to an individual rhabdomere. The rhabdomeres are arranged in a cross with single cell rhabdomeres lying between the arms of the cross. Thin sections of ommatidium absorb polarized light differentially. The total amount of plane polarized light absorbed varies with angle of rotation for an entire ommatidium but there are also differences between the amount of absorption of adjacent rhabdomeric segments. Galleria appears to be the only lepidopteran in which the possibility of the polarized light reception has been reported.", "PMID": 1000589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8354", "title": "The ultrastructural organization of the visual system of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella: the optic tract.", "content": "The ultrastructural organization of the axons of retinula cells of the eye of the wax moth Galleria mellonella are described. The axons traverse an appreciable distance between the basement membrane of the retina and the lamina ganglionaris of the optic lobe of the brain. The optic tract was reconstructed from serial thin sections. Axons emanating from a single ommatidium are closely associated together in the optic tract. Adjacent cartridges fuse together to form large clusters of axons (8 to 10 cartridges). There is further coalescence between these large clusters. Extracellular space within the optic tract is severely limited and axons are sheathed by glial lamellae. Extracellular space between the axons and glia has been measured between 50 and 120 A. Calculations are presented that suggest that the glial interstices between the axons could increase the space constants of the axons significantly. Potentials could be transmitted along the length of the axons with between 59 to 37% decremental decrease, depending upon the number of glial interstices.", "contents": "The ultrastructural organization of the visual system of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella: the optic tract. The ultrastructural organization of the axons of retinula cells of the eye of the wax moth Galleria mellonella are described. The axons traverse an appreciable distance between the basement membrane of the retina and the lamina ganglionaris of the optic lobe of the brain. The optic tract was reconstructed from serial thin sections. Axons emanating from a single ommatidium are closely associated together in the optic tract. Adjacent cartridges fuse together to form large clusters of axons (8 to 10 cartridges). There is further coalescence between these large clusters. Extracellular space within the optic tract is severely limited and axons are sheathed by glial lamellae. Extracellular space between the axons and glia has been measured between 50 and 120 A. Calculations are presented that suggest that the glial interstices between the axons could increase the space constants of the axons significantly. Potentials could be transmitted along the length of the axons with between 59 to 37% decremental decrease, depending upon the number of glial interstices.", "PMID": 1000590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8355", "title": "Ultrastructural studies on prolactin and growth hormone cells in Anguilla pituitaries in vitro.", "content": "Eel hemi-pituitaries were cultured in vitro on high or low sodium media which are known to affect differentially prolactin and growth hormone release. Ultrastructural examination of the prolactin cells after 24 h culture showed the Golgi bodies were markedly more abundant and widely distributed in hemi-pituitaries from the low sodium medium. Secretory granule release profiles and dense bodies were also more frequent, but the percentage of the cytoplasmic volume occupied by secretory granules was lower than on the high sodium medium. RER was only slightly modified. Significant differences were noted in the shape and processes of the non-granulated (stellate) cells of the RPD, but there were only slight differences in the the ultrastructure of the somatotropes.", "contents": "Ultrastructural studies on prolactin and growth hormone cells in Anguilla pituitaries in vitro. Eel hemi-pituitaries were cultured in vitro on high or low sodium media which are known to affect differentially prolactin and growth hormone release. Ultrastructural examination of the prolactin cells after 24 h culture showed the Golgi bodies were markedly more abundant and widely distributed in hemi-pituitaries from the low sodium medium. Secretory granule release profiles and dense bodies were also more frequent, but the percentage of the cytoplasmic volume occupied by secretory granules was lower than on the high sodium medium. RER was only slightly modified. Significant differences were noted in the shape and processes of the non-granulated (stellate) cells of the RPD, but there were only slight differences in the the ultrastructure of the somatotropes.", "PMID": 1000591} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8356", "title": "Scanning electron microscopy of photoreceptor cells in the light- and dark-adapted retina of Haplochromis burtoni (Cichlidae, Teleostei).", "content": "The photoreceptor layer in the retina of Haplochromis burtoni (Cichlidae, Teleostei) was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Three types of receptors were identified: rods, single-cones and double-cones. The three-dimensional arrangement of these photoreceptors is described in the light- and dark-adapted retina. The surface of the inner segment of the photo-receptor cells displays fine vertical fissures which give rise to slender processes. These so called calycal processes which are of different lengths in rods and cones, surround the beginning of the smooth-surfaced outer segment. The myoid, the contractile part of the receptor, which is located beneath the ellipsoid, was examined in the single-cones of the dark-adapted retina. It is a slender structure with surface infoldings. The myoid, studied by transmission electron microscopy, contains bundles of parallel myofilaments, which are thought to be contractile.", "contents": "Scanning electron microscopy of photoreceptor cells in the light- and dark-adapted retina of Haplochromis burtoni (Cichlidae, Teleostei). The photoreceptor layer in the retina of Haplochromis burtoni (Cichlidae, Teleostei) was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Three types of receptors were identified: rods, single-cones and double-cones. The three-dimensional arrangement of these photoreceptors is described in the light- and dark-adapted retina. The surface of the inner segment of the photo-receptor cells displays fine vertical fissures which give rise to slender processes. These so called calycal processes which are of different lengths in rods and cones, surround the beginning of the smooth-surfaced outer segment. The myoid, the contractile part of the receptor, which is located beneath the ellipsoid, was examined in the single-cones of the dark-adapted retina. It is a slender structure with surface infoldings. The myoid, studied by transmission electron microscopy, contains bundles of parallel myofilaments, which are thought to be contractile.", "PMID": 1000593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8357", "title": "The rete testis in man: ultrastructural aspects.", "content": "The ultrastructure of the normal human rete testis was analyzed. The rete testis cavities are irregularly shaped and contain virtually no spermatozoa. Smooth muscle cells often surround the cavities. In the epithelial lining, two cell types are distinguishable. Flat, dark cells exhibit numerous slender microvilli, and numerous apical and basal micro-vesicles. Prismatic, lighter cells have more cell organelles, mostly polarized towards a supranuclear position. Both cell types contain variable amounts of glycogen and fat, and an occasional cilium. All cells display intricate lateral cell surfaces that possess different cell-to-cell attachment devices. Intermediate cell types are frequently found. On a morphological basis, the epithelial cells seem to be involved in the release of substances into the lumen and probably also in transport towards the base. Connective tissue elements are found subjacent to the epithelium. Scattered among the fibrocytes are typical smooth muscle cells. Expansions of some smooth muscle cells are connected to the epithelial basement membrane by a network of microfibrillar materia. The smooth muscle cells may be involved in changing the shape of the rete testis channels, thus promoting the flux of the rete testis fluid. Different types of nerve fibre bundles are distinguished in the connective tissue of the rete testis which may correspond to autonomic and sensory nerves or sensory receptors.", "contents": "The rete testis in man: ultrastructural aspects. The ultrastructure of the normal human rete testis was analyzed. The rete testis cavities are irregularly shaped and contain virtually no spermatozoa. Smooth muscle cells often surround the cavities. In the epithelial lining, two cell types are distinguishable. Flat, dark cells exhibit numerous slender microvilli, and numerous apical and basal micro-vesicles. Prismatic, lighter cells have more cell organelles, mostly polarized towards a supranuclear position. Both cell types contain variable amounts of glycogen and fat, and an occasional cilium. All cells display intricate lateral cell surfaces that possess different cell-to-cell attachment devices. Intermediate cell types are frequently found. On a morphological basis, the epithelial cells seem to be involved in the release of substances into the lumen and probably also in transport towards the base. Connective tissue elements are found subjacent to the epithelium. Scattered among the fibrocytes are typical smooth muscle cells. Expansions of some smooth muscle cells are connected to the epithelial basement membrane by a network of microfibrillar materia. The smooth muscle cells may be involved in changing the shape of the rete testis channels, thus promoting the flux of the rete testis fluid. Different types of nerve fibre bundles are distinguished in the connective tissue of the rete testis which may correspond to autonomic and sensory nerves or sensory receptors.", "PMID": 1000592} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8358", "title": "The occurrence of argyrophilic and argentaffin cells in the gut of Ciona intestinalis L.", "content": "Argyrophilic and argentaffin cells occur in the stomach and intestinal epithelium of the sea-squirt, Ciona intestinalis L. These cells are characterized by their basal swelling which contains the nucleus surrounded by small secretory granules and by a filamentous cell-apex which reaches the gut lumen. The cells are scattered unevenly within the epithelium. Their number decreases rapidly towards the lower part of the intestine. The localization, size of granules and their shape are features which differentiate these cells from other secretory cells in the gut epithelium such as mucous cells. These cells are thought to possess an endocrine function.", "contents": "The occurrence of argyrophilic and argentaffin cells in the gut of Ciona intestinalis L. Argyrophilic and argentaffin cells occur in the stomach and intestinal epithelium of the sea-squirt, Ciona intestinalis L. These cells are characterized by their basal swelling which contains the nucleus surrounded by small secretory granules and by a filamentous cell-apex which reaches the gut lumen. The cells are scattered unevenly within the epithelium. Their number decreases rapidly towards the lower part of the intestine. The localization, size of granules and their shape are features which differentiate these cells from other secretory cells in the gut epithelium such as mucous cells. These cells are thought to possess an endocrine function.", "PMID": 1000594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8359", "title": "Studies of cardiac ganglia in pre- and postnatal rabbits.", "content": "This investigation was undertaken to describe the ultrastructure of cardiac ganglia in rabbits from day 18 of gestation to day 35 postpartum. Special attention was directed to the types of synaptic contacts made with the principal neurons and with the small granule-containing cells. The cardiac ganglia in all animals consisted mainly of parasympathetic postganglionic neurons, supporting cells, and small granule-containing (small intensely fluorescent) cells. The neurons received afferent synaptic terminals of two types. One type contained mainly small clear vesicles typical of most cholinergic terminals. The second type contained mainly small dense-core vesicles (these were most prominent after treatment of the animal with 5-hydroxydopamine), and were considered to be adrenergic terminals. These adrenergic terminals are probably part of an inhibitory system in the ganglia. The small granule-containing cells received typical afferent synaptic terminals of the cholinergic type, and also formed specialized contacts with certain axonal terminals. These latter specializations are considered to be reciprocal synapses which probably have a role in modulating ganglionic transmission.", "contents": "Studies of cardiac ganglia in pre- and postnatal rabbits. This investigation was undertaken to describe the ultrastructure of cardiac ganglia in rabbits from day 18 of gestation to day 35 postpartum. Special attention was directed to the types of synaptic contacts made with the principal neurons and with the small granule-containing cells. The cardiac ganglia in all animals consisted mainly of parasympathetic postganglionic neurons, supporting cells, and small granule-containing (small intensely fluorescent) cells. The neurons received afferent synaptic terminals of two types. One type contained mainly small clear vesicles typical of most cholinergic terminals. The second type contained mainly small dense-core vesicles (these were most prominent after treatment of the animal with 5-hydroxydopamine), and were considered to be adrenergic terminals. These adrenergic terminals are probably part of an inhibitory system in the ganglia. The small granule-containing cells received typical afferent synaptic terminals of the cholinergic type, and also formed specialized contacts with certain axonal terminals. These latter specializations are considered to be reciprocal synapses which probably have a role in modulating ganglionic transmission.", "PMID": 1000595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8360", "title": "Indoleamine-accumulating neurons in the retina of rabbit, cat and goldfish.", "content": "Special neurons accumulating indoleamines have been detected in the retina of rabbit, cat and goldfish. They have their perikarya in the innermost cell row of the inner nuclear layer, among the amacrine cells, and send their processes to various parts of the inner plexiform layer. The distribution of the processes is different in the different animals investigated. The neurons do not correspond to the previously known dopaminergic retinal neurons, which have a different distribution of their terminals and which can be demonstrated with a specially developed technique, simultaneously with the indoleamine-accumulating neurons.", "contents": "Indoleamine-accumulating neurons in the retina of rabbit, cat and goldfish. Special neurons accumulating indoleamines have been detected in the retina of rabbit, cat and goldfish. They have their perikarya in the innermost cell row of the inner nuclear layer, among the amacrine cells, and send their processes to various parts of the inner plexiform layer. The distribution of the processes is different in the different animals investigated. The neurons do not correspond to the previously known dopaminergic retinal neurons, which have a different distribution of their terminals and which can be demonstrated with a specially developed technique, simultaneously with the indoleamine-accumulating neurons.", "PMID": 1000596} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8361", "title": "Tritiated thymidine autoradiographic study of cell migration and renewal in the pyloric mucosa of golden hamsters.", "content": "The kinetics of cell proliferation, migration and renewal in the pyloric mucosa of golden hamsters were studied by flash, cumulative and pulse labelling autoradiography following 3H-thymidine injections. By flash labelling autoradiography, it was shown that the labelled epithelial cells are exclusively confined to a zone several cells wide in the region of the isthmus between the gastric pits and the pyloric glands. In the cumulative and pulse labelling experiments, this cell proliferation in the isthmus region was shown to be for replacement of both the surface epithelial and the glandular cells. The surface epithelial cells of the pyloric mucosa arising in the upper portion of the isthmus come to line the pits and the surface, and are sloughed off into the gastric lumen within a week. The mucin-containing glandular cells, which arise more deeply in the isthmus region, migrate downwards and are apparently lost at the deepest level of the glands. The life span of the mucin-containing glandular cells was estimated at about 14 days. This cell type appears to undergo renewal of the \"first produced, first lost\" pipe line variety. However, a small number of glandular cells was found to survive for more than 20 days (up to 30 days), suggesting the existence of a sub-population of cells with different kinetics in the pyrloric glands.", "contents": "Tritiated thymidine autoradiographic study of cell migration and renewal in the pyloric mucosa of golden hamsters. The kinetics of cell proliferation, migration and renewal in the pyloric mucosa of golden hamsters were studied by flash, cumulative and pulse labelling autoradiography following 3H-thymidine injections. By flash labelling autoradiography, it was shown that the labelled epithelial cells are exclusively confined to a zone several cells wide in the region of the isthmus between the gastric pits and the pyloric glands. In the cumulative and pulse labelling experiments, this cell proliferation in the isthmus region was shown to be for replacement of both the surface epithelial and the glandular cells. The surface epithelial cells of the pyloric mucosa arising in the upper portion of the isthmus come to line the pits and the surface, and are sloughed off into the gastric lumen within a week. The mucin-containing glandular cells, which arise more deeply in the isthmus region, migrate downwards and are apparently lost at the deepest level of the glands. The life span of the mucin-containing glandular cells was estimated at about 14 days. This cell type appears to undergo renewal of the \"first produced, first lost\" pipe line variety. However, a small number of glandular cells was found to survive for more than 20 days (up to 30 days), suggesting the existence of a sub-population of cells with different kinetics in the pyrloric glands.", "PMID": 1000597} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8362", "title": "Differential sensitivity of rods and cones in Xenopus retina to hemicholinium-3.", "content": "Hemicholinium-3 (HC-3), a drug which prevents synthesis of acetylcholine in neurons, when injected intraperitoneally in doses as low as 2 X 5 mg/kg produces marked ultrastructural changes and damage in rod but not in cone photoreceptors. In rods it causes a reduction in cytoplasmic background density, swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum, ballooning of the outer membrane of the nucleus, leaching of the nucleoplasm and clumping of the nuclear chromatin. In dark-adapted rods HC-3 produces some loss of cytoplasmic synaptic vesicles but no reduction in numbers of those vesicles which lie adjacent to the synaptic ribbons. In light-adapted rods the drug does not cause such an apparent reduction of synaptic vesicles but does induce a considerable reduction in numbers of vesicles associated with the ribbons. These structural changes are discussed in the light of what is known about the pharmacology of HC-3 and neurotransmitter release from vertebrate photoreceptors.", "contents": "Differential sensitivity of rods and cones in Xenopus retina to hemicholinium-3. Hemicholinium-3 (HC-3), a drug which prevents synthesis of acetylcholine in neurons, when injected intraperitoneally in doses as low as 2 X 5 mg/kg produces marked ultrastructural changes and damage in rod but not in cone photoreceptors. In rods it causes a reduction in cytoplasmic background density, swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum, ballooning of the outer membrane of the nucleus, leaching of the nucleoplasm and clumping of the nuclear chromatin. In dark-adapted rods HC-3 produces some loss of cytoplasmic synaptic vesicles but no reduction in numbers of those vesicles which lie adjacent to the synaptic ribbons. In light-adapted rods the drug does not cause such an apparent reduction of synaptic vesicles but does induce a considerable reduction in numbers of vesicles associated with the ribbons. These structural changes are discussed in the light of what is known about the pharmacology of HC-3 and neurotransmitter release from vertebrate photoreceptors.", "PMID": 1000598} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8363", "title": "Ultrastructural changes of pituitary gonadotropic cells in estrogen-treated pregnant rats.", "content": "An ultrastructural study of gonadotropic pituitary cells was performed in estrogen-treated pregnant rats. Estradiol-treatment on Day 10 of pregnancy led to signs of ovulation or luteinization on Day 12 in 50% of the animals. Degranulation was observed in the FSH and LH cells of estrogen-responsive rats, whereas in the unresponsive group, the same cells were intensely granulated. The FSH cells of the control group showed signs of degranulation which could be correlated with follicular development. LH cells were sometimes degranulated. The role played by FSH and LH cells in the triggering of ovulation and luteinization by estrogen in the pregnant rat is discussed in the light of the ultrastructural observations.", "contents": "Ultrastructural changes of pituitary gonadotropic cells in estrogen-treated pregnant rats. An ultrastructural study of gonadotropic pituitary cells was performed in estrogen-treated pregnant rats. Estradiol-treatment on Day 10 of pregnancy led to signs of ovulation or luteinization on Day 12 in 50% of the animals. Degranulation was observed in the FSH and LH cells of estrogen-responsive rats, whereas in the unresponsive group, the same cells were intensely granulated. The FSH cells of the control group showed signs of degranulation which could be correlated with follicular development. LH cells were sometimes degranulated. The role played by FSH and LH cells in the triggering of ovulation and luteinization by estrogen in the pregnant rat is discussed in the light of the ultrastructural observations.", "PMID": 1000599} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8364", "title": "The connectivity of cones and cone horizontal cells in a mosaic-type teleost retina.", "content": "A total of 20 Golgi-impregnated cone horizontal cells of Nannacara anomala (Cichlidae) were studied in alternating semi- and ultrathin sections in order to examine their connections with the overlying square mosaic of equal double and central single cones. Cone horizontal cells exhibiting three types of processes: (a) the long horizontal \"axon\", (b) short horizontal dendrites with a terminal swelling, and (c) cone contacting processes ascending towards the outer plexiform layer. As seen in tangential sections, the latter processes are arranged in the form of two concentric circles including a central \"spot\". The processes of the inner circle contact the eight double cone pedicles of one square unit: processes of the outer circle contact eight more double cone pedicles which are directly adjacent to the square unit. The central \"spot\" represents a process which contacts the central single cone. Processes of the inner circle most often terminate in a dichotomous branching which represents the lateral elements to one ribbon synapse, whereas in the outer circle only a single terminal swelling is observed. Because of the mosaic of the cones and the constancy of this pattern of connectivity a model can be constructed where the dendritic fields of the cone horizontal cells overlap to a considerable extent. From this model, it follows that each double cone pedicle is contacted by four different horizontal cells. The functional significance of these findings for color vision is discussed in the light of recent work with the microspectrophotometer characterizing the cone system of this species as bichromatic. The mosaic-like arrangement of the horizontal cell dendrites supports the conclusion that the parallels between the patterns of receptor and horizontal cells are no coincidence but play an important role in lateral inhibition and neural adaptation of the retina.", "contents": "The connectivity of cones and cone horizontal cells in a mosaic-type teleost retina. A total of 20 Golgi-impregnated cone horizontal cells of Nannacara anomala (Cichlidae) were studied in alternating semi- and ultrathin sections in order to examine their connections with the overlying square mosaic of equal double and central single cones. Cone horizontal cells exhibiting three types of processes: (a) the long horizontal \"axon\", (b) short horizontal dendrites with a terminal swelling, and (c) cone contacting processes ascending towards the outer plexiform layer. As seen in tangential sections, the latter processes are arranged in the form of two concentric circles including a central \"spot\". The processes of the inner circle contact the eight double cone pedicles of one square unit: processes of the outer circle contact eight more double cone pedicles which are directly adjacent to the square unit. The central \"spot\" represents a process which contacts the central single cone. Processes of the inner circle most often terminate in a dichotomous branching which represents the lateral elements to one ribbon synapse, whereas in the outer circle only a single terminal swelling is observed. Because of the mosaic of the cones and the constancy of this pattern of connectivity a model can be constructed where the dendritic fields of the cone horizontal cells overlap to a considerable extent. From this model, it follows that each double cone pedicle is contacted by four different horizontal cells. The functional significance of these findings for color vision is discussed in the light of recent work with the microspectrophotometer characterizing the cone system of this species as bichromatic. The mosaic-like arrangement of the horizontal cell dendrites supports the conclusion that the parallels between the patterns of receptor and horizontal cells are no coincidence but play an important role in lateral inhibition and neural adaptation of the retina.", "PMID": 1000600} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8365", "title": "Histological and histochemical observations on the neurosecretory cells in the diencephalon of Chthonerpeton indistinctum and Ichthyophis paucisulcus (Gymnophiona, Amphibia).", "content": "In the diencephalon of two species of Gymnophiona (Amphibia) two neurosecretory nuclei were examined with histological (Alcian Blue, Aldehyde Fuchsin, Brookes Trichrome stain) and enzyme histochemical techniques (acid phosphatase, alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE)). In the preoptic nucleus two categories of secretory neurons were distinguished: large and medium sized neurons. The perikarya of both cell types contain very little neurosecretory material. The Alcian Blue method stained the medium sized neurons faintly but selectively. The tractus praeopticohypophyseus is marked by the presence of Herring bodies, which, however, are relatively scarce. The neurohypophysis, in contrast, contains large amounts of neurosecretory material. Both cell types of the preoptic nucleus are characterized by their very strong AChE and alpha-naphthylacetate esterase activity. The AChE also marks the tractus praeoptico-hypophyseus. In the large neurons acid phosphatase is present around the nucleus; in the medium sized neurons this enzyme is concentrated close to the origin of the axon. In the dorso-caudal hypothalamus a small group of neurons is stained with Alcian-Blue. These neurons, which also contain AChE, are located immediately under the ependyma which seems to be specialized in this region.", "contents": "Histological and histochemical observations on the neurosecretory cells in the diencephalon of Chthonerpeton indistinctum and Ichthyophis paucisulcus (Gymnophiona, Amphibia). In the diencephalon of two species of Gymnophiona (Amphibia) two neurosecretory nuclei were examined with histological (Alcian Blue, Aldehyde Fuchsin, Brookes Trichrome stain) and enzyme histochemical techniques (acid phosphatase, alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE)). In the preoptic nucleus two categories of secretory neurons were distinguished: large and medium sized neurons. The perikarya of both cell types contain very little neurosecretory material. The Alcian Blue method stained the medium sized neurons faintly but selectively. The tractus praeopticohypophyseus is marked by the presence of Herring bodies, which, however, are relatively scarce. The neurohypophysis, in contrast, contains large amounts of neurosecretory material. Both cell types of the preoptic nucleus are characterized by their very strong AChE and alpha-naphthylacetate esterase activity. The AChE also marks the tractus praeoptico-hypophyseus. In the large neurons acid phosphatase is present around the nucleus; in the medium sized neurons this enzyme is concentrated close to the origin of the axon. In the dorso-caudal hypothalamus a small group of neurons is stained with Alcian-Blue. These neurons, which also contain AChE, are located immediately under the ependyma which seems to be specialized in this region.", "PMID": 1000601} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8366", "title": "The structure of some cephalopod statoliths.", "content": "The statoliths of Sepia officinalits, Octopus vulgaris, Alloteuthis subulata and Taonius megalops have a smooth outline, but an irregular shape. They have projections and indentations. The statoliths from a pair of statocysts are usually quite similar in size and shape, and the general pattern is probably maintained throughout the size range of the species. Statoliths from large animals are marginally larger than those from smaller ones. The statolith usually occupies only a small part of the cavity of the statocyst, and it is situated in the anterior part of the statocyst. They are joined to the macula by hairs extending from it. These hairs are very delicate and easily broken during preparation of the specimens. The hairs are much longer and narrower than the receptor cilia of the macula. The receptor cilia are enclosed within holes in the tangled hairlike anchoring fibrils. The statolith is made up of crystalline subunits, the statoconia. The crystals vary in size, they are usually elongated, hexagonal with pointed ends. The statolith consists of a closely packed mass of these crystals, sometimes they are irregularly arranged, where in others they are stacked with their long axes parallel. In Sepia officinalis and Taonius megalops, the crystals are arranged in regular shaped packets and these packets of crystals are stacked together. These larger subunits are not always arranged in a regular way, and their major axes can be organised in several different ways. The size and outline of these large subunits do vary in different parts of the statolith. The external surface of the statolith is macroscopically smooth. Over some parts there is a surface layer covering the rod-like crystals that make up the major bulk of the stone. In other regions, the surface is rough at a microscopic level, the roughness is produced by the exposed ends of the filamentous crystals. The crystals are composed of calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite.", "contents": "The structure of some cephalopod statoliths. The statoliths of Sepia officinalits, Octopus vulgaris, Alloteuthis subulata and Taonius megalops have a smooth outline, but an irregular shape. They have projections and indentations. The statoliths from a pair of statocysts are usually quite similar in size and shape, and the general pattern is probably maintained throughout the size range of the species. Statoliths from large animals are marginally larger than those from smaller ones. The statolith usually occupies only a small part of the cavity of the statocyst, and it is situated in the anterior part of the statocyst. They are joined to the macula by hairs extending from it. These hairs are very delicate and easily broken during preparation of the specimens. The hairs are much longer and narrower than the receptor cilia of the macula. The receptor cilia are enclosed within holes in the tangled hairlike anchoring fibrils. The statolith is made up of crystalline subunits, the statoconia. The crystals vary in size, they are usually elongated, hexagonal with pointed ends. The statolith consists of a closely packed mass of these crystals, sometimes they are irregularly arranged, where in others they are stacked with their long axes parallel. In Sepia officinalis and Taonius megalops, the crystals are arranged in regular shaped packets and these packets of crystals are stacked together. These larger subunits are not always arranged in a regular way, and their major axes can be organised in several different ways. The size and outline of these large subunits do vary in different parts of the statolith. The external surface of the statolith is macroscopically smooth. Over some parts there is a surface layer covering the rod-like crystals that make up the major bulk of the stone. In other regions, the surface is rough at a microscopic level, the roughness is produced by the exposed ends of the filamentous crystals. The crystals are composed of calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite.", "PMID": 1000602} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8367", "title": "Studies on secretory glycoproteins in the rat exocrine pancreas. I. Fine structure of the Golgi complex and release of fucose-labeled proteins after in vivo stimulation with caerulein.", "content": "Using a double-label technique on isolated rat pancreatic lobules, the rate of synthesis and discharge of regular and fucosylated secretory proteins was studied under control conditions and after in vivo prestimulation with caerulein. Both labeled leucine and fucose were incorporated into pancreatic proteins at a linear rate, which was potentiated by in vivo stimulation. In pulse-chase experiments both regular and fucosylated secretory proteins were discharged into the medium in parallel. The in vivo pretreatment with caerulein caused an earlier discharge and increased the total amount released. Kinetic analysis of unstimulated (baseline) discharge of both classes of secretory proteins indicated in vitro sensitivity by the previous in vivo treatment with caerulein. The biochemical data were compared to the fine structure of the Golgi complex under both control and prestimulated ocnditions. The Golgi stacks were composed of four to six individual cisternae which in some cases were connected by intercisternal pores. Transporting vesicles were observed fusing along the total length of the outermost cisterna on both the cis- and trans-side and with the lateral ends of the intermediate cisternae. Under control conditions only the last trans-cisterna contained some electron opaque material; in vivo prestimulation led to distension and filling of all disternae in an individual Golgi-unit. Numerous stages of transformation of the last transcisterna into condensing vacuoles were observed, lending support to the hypothesis that during packaging of secretory products the membranes of the Golgi complex undergo a continuous turnover.", "contents": "Studies on secretory glycoproteins in the rat exocrine pancreas. I. Fine structure of the Golgi complex and release of fucose-labeled proteins after in vivo stimulation with caerulein. Using a double-label technique on isolated rat pancreatic lobules, the rate of synthesis and discharge of regular and fucosylated secretory proteins was studied under control conditions and after in vivo prestimulation with caerulein. Both labeled leucine and fucose were incorporated into pancreatic proteins at a linear rate, which was potentiated by in vivo stimulation. In pulse-chase experiments both regular and fucosylated secretory proteins were discharged into the medium in parallel. The in vivo pretreatment with caerulein caused an earlier discharge and increased the total amount released. Kinetic analysis of unstimulated (baseline) discharge of both classes of secretory proteins indicated in vitro sensitivity by the previous in vivo treatment with caerulein. The biochemical data were compared to the fine structure of the Golgi complex under both control and prestimulated ocnditions. The Golgi stacks were composed of four to six individual cisternae which in some cases were connected by intercisternal pores. Transporting vesicles were observed fusing along the total length of the outermost cisterna on both the cis- and trans-side and with the lateral ends of the intermediate cisternae. Under control conditions only the last trans-cisterna contained some electron opaque material; in vivo prestimulation led to distension and filling of all disternae in an individual Golgi-unit. Numerous stages of transformation of the last transcisterna into condensing vacuoles were observed, lending support to the hypothesis that during packaging of secretory products the membranes of the Golgi complex undergo a continuous turnover.", "PMID": 1000603} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8368", "title": "The ultrastructure of the androgenic gland in Porcellio scaber Later. (terrestrial isopods).", "content": "This paper presents the normal ultrastructural features of the androgenic gland in Porcellio scaber. It describes the changes in the organelles of its cells through the course of the secretory cycle, which terminates with the regression and destruction of these holocrine glandular cells. As products of this activity, the electron-opaque bodies (granules, lysosomes, agglomerates) and clear substances accumulate in the cytoplasm. With the destruction of the cell membrane, the entire cell content passes into the spaces of the haemocoele. The morphological modifications of the mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum are the most striking changes.", "contents": "The ultrastructure of the androgenic gland in Porcellio scaber Later. (terrestrial isopods). This paper presents the normal ultrastructural features of the androgenic gland in Porcellio scaber. It describes the changes in the organelles of its cells through the course of the secretory cycle, which terminates with the regression and destruction of these holocrine glandular cells. As products of this activity, the electron-opaque bodies (granules, lysosomes, agglomerates) and clear substances accumulate in the cytoplasm. With the destruction of the cell membrane, the entire cell content passes into the spaces of the haemocoele. The morphological modifications of the mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum are the most striking changes.", "PMID": 1000604} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8369", "title": "Cytochemical demonstration of latency of lysosomal hydrolases in digestive cells of the common mussel, mytilus edulis, and changes induced by thermal stress.", "content": "Latent beta-glucuronidase and glucosaminidase activities have been demonstrated in small cytoplasmic particles, which may possibly be primary lysosomes, as well as some larger granules of the digestive cells of the common mussel. Latency was indicated by increased staining of these structures following incubation in buffer at pH 4.5 at 37 degrees C. The exposure of mussels to temperatures of 25-28 degrees C over a period of four days induced a significant decrease in the latency of lysosomal glucosaminidase. Thermal death produced labilization of lysosomes although selective release of hydrolase activity was indicated by the differential latency of glucosaminidase and glucuronidase. The injection of hydrocortisone induced a significant increase in latency in stressed animals, indicating that the stress response involved changes in structure and function of membranes.", "contents": "Cytochemical demonstration of latency of lysosomal hydrolases in digestive cells of the common mussel, mytilus edulis, and changes induced by thermal stress. Latent beta-glucuronidase and glucosaminidase activities have been demonstrated in small cytoplasmic particles, which may possibly be primary lysosomes, as well as some larger granules of the digestive cells of the common mussel. Latency was indicated by increased staining of these structures following incubation in buffer at pH 4.5 at 37 degrees C. The exposure of mussels to temperatures of 25-28 degrees C over a period of four days induced a significant decrease in the latency of lysosomal glucosaminidase. Thermal death produced labilization of lysosomes although selective release of hydrolase activity was indicated by the differential latency of glucosaminidase and glucuronidase. The injection of hydrocortisone induced a significant increase in latency in stressed animals, indicating that the stress response involved changes in structure and function of membranes.", "PMID": 1000605} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8370", "title": "Freeze-etching studies on ultrastructural changes of endothelial cells in the thyroid of normal, TSH-treated and thyradin-treated mice.", "content": "Freeze-etching images of the capillary endothelium in the thyroid of normal, TSH-treated and Thyradin (powdered thyroid)-treated mice were examined. Numerous pores represent vesicular stomata or fenestrations. The number of the pores and their population density are increased in TSH-treated mice, and decreased in Thyradin-treated animals. In addition, the width of the parajunctional zone and of the flat ray free from endothelial pores is smaller in TSH-treated mice and larger in Thyradin-treated animals. These facts indicate that the number of endothelial pores changes according to the functional activity of the gland.", "contents": "Freeze-etching studies on ultrastructural changes of endothelial cells in the thyroid of normal, TSH-treated and thyradin-treated mice. Freeze-etching images of the capillary endothelium in the thyroid of normal, TSH-treated and Thyradin (powdered thyroid)-treated mice were examined. Numerous pores represent vesicular stomata or fenestrations. The number of the pores and their population density are increased in TSH-treated mice, and decreased in Thyradin-treated animals. In addition, the width of the parajunctional zone and of the flat ray free from endothelial pores is smaller in TSH-treated mice and larger in Thyradin-treated animals. These facts indicate that the number of endothelial pores changes according to the functional activity of the gland.", "PMID": 1000606} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8371", "title": "Regional differences in mitotic activity due to injury in mouse skin.", "content": "Mitotic activity adjacent to a wound inflicted at different sites in the mouse skin was measured 24 h after injury. A regional difference in the epidermal mitotic activity due to injury was noted. Mitotic activity was high in the anterior parts of the body including the head, lower in the middle to posterior regions of the body and lowest in the posterior-most parts of the body. Regional differences in epidermal mitotic activity due to injury were demonstrated in both female and male mice. The existence of a cranio-caudal gradient in epidermal response to injury is suggested.", "contents": "Regional differences in mitotic activity due to injury in mouse skin. Mitotic activity adjacent to a wound inflicted at different sites in the mouse skin was measured 24 h after injury. A regional difference in the epidermal mitotic activity due to injury was noted. Mitotic activity was high in the anterior parts of the body including the head, lower in the middle to posterior regions of the body and lowest in the posterior-most parts of the body. Regional differences in epidermal mitotic activity due to injury were demonstrated in both female and male mice. The existence of a cranio-caudal gradient in epidermal response to injury is suggested.", "PMID": 1000607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8372", "title": "Electron microscopic microprobe analysis of mineralized collagen fibrils and extracollagenous regions in turkey leg tendon.", "content": "Bundles of tibia tendon from 19 week-old turkeys were deep frozen, freeze dried and embedded in styrol methacrylate or Epon. In the distal mineralized region, bundles of unmineralized collagen fibrils as well as mineralized regions consisting of round microcompartments with low contrast surrounded by a mineral sheath with high contrast were found. The inner regions with low contrast corresponded to the mineralized collagen fibrils, while the contrast-rich peripheral zones corresponded to the mineralized collagen-free \"ground substance\". Using electron microscopic microprobe analysis, it was shown that the peripheral mineralized region, consisting mainly of closely packed needles, often contained 100% more mineral substance than the central, mineralized collagen zone, which consisted mainly of plate-like crystallites. Possible reasons for this difference in mineral content are discussed on the molecular level.", "contents": "Electron microscopic microprobe analysis of mineralized collagen fibrils and extracollagenous regions in turkey leg tendon. Bundles of tibia tendon from 19 week-old turkeys were deep frozen, freeze dried and embedded in styrol methacrylate or Epon. In the distal mineralized region, bundles of unmineralized collagen fibrils as well as mineralized regions consisting of round microcompartments with low contrast surrounded by a mineral sheath with high contrast were found. The inner regions with low contrast corresponded to the mineralized collagen fibrils, while the contrast-rich peripheral zones corresponded to the mineralized collagen-free \"ground substance\". Using electron microscopic microprobe analysis, it was shown that the peripheral mineralized region, consisting mainly of closely packed needles, often contained 100% more mineral substance than the central, mineralized collagen zone, which consisted mainly of plate-like crystallites. Possible reasons for this difference in mineral content are discussed on the molecular level.", "PMID": 1000609} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8373", "title": "Quantitative fluorescence studies of the effects of catecholamines and hydrocortisone on endogenous amine levels in neurones and small intensely fluorescent cells of embryonic chick sympathetic ganglia in vivo and in vitro.", "content": "Chick embryo lumbar sympathetic ganglia (11 day) cultured for three days and uncultured (in vivo) ganglia of comparable age were freeze-dried and processed by the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence technique for the demonstration of biogenic monoamines. The catecholamine levels within principal neurone cell bodies and small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells were then examined in plastic sections of the in vivo and in vitro ganglia by a quantitative fluorescence method under various experimental conditions. Culture of ganglia for three days in the presence of hydrocortisone acetate (10 mug/ml) resulted in an increased SIF cells fluorescence (P less than 0.001 compared to control) and a green to yellow colour shift in the fluorophore of SIF cells. No detectable alteration in the fluorescence level of neurones was observed. When neurones after three days in culture were incubated for 1 h in exogenous catecholamines, a significant increase in fluorescence levels (interpreted as an increase in catecholamine content) occurred with noradrenaline (2 X 10(-6) M; 2 X 10(-5) M). SIF cells in ganglia removed directly from 14-day old chicks similarly took up noradrenaline and dopamine, and also adrenaline (2 X 10(-5) M). Morphological results are presented which indicate that the cellular appearances and architecture of cultured ganglion explants are very similar to those in comparable ganglia in vivo.", "contents": "Quantitative fluorescence studies of the effects of catecholamines and hydrocortisone on endogenous amine levels in neurones and small intensely fluorescent cells of embryonic chick sympathetic ganglia in vivo and in vitro. Chick embryo lumbar sympathetic ganglia (11 day) cultured for three days and uncultured (in vivo) ganglia of comparable age were freeze-dried and processed by the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence technique for the demonstration of biogenic monoamines. The catecholamine levels within principal neurone cell bodies and small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells were then examined in plastic sections of the in vivo and in vitro ganglia by a quantitative fluorescence method under various experimental conditions. Culture of ganglia for three days in the presence of hydrocortisone acetate (10 mug/ml) resulted in an increased SIF cells fluorescence (P less than 0.001 compared to control) and a green to yellow colour shift in the fluorophore of SIF cells. No detectable alteration in the fluorescence level of neurones was observed. When neurones after three days in culture were incubated for 1 h in exogenous catecholamines, a significant increase in fluorescence levels (interpreted as an increase in catecholamine content) occurred with noradrenaline (2 X 10(-6) M; 2 X 10(-5) M). SIF cells in ganglia removed directly from 14-day old chicks similarly took up noradrenaline and dopamine, and also adrenaline (2 X 10(-5) M). Morphological results are presented which indicate that the cellular appearances and architecture of cultured ganglion explants are very similar to those in comparable ganglia in vivo.", "PMID": 1000608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8374", "title": "Seasonal changes in the fine structure of the accessory sex gland in the mole (Talpa europaea).", "content": "The mole has a single pair of accessory sex organs with features of both the prostate and the seminal vesicle, for which the term prostate gland is not appropriate. Seasonal changes occuring in this gland were related to four periods: a) the quiescence period, b) the maturation period, c) the active period and d) the involution period. During the quiescence period the cuboidal epithelial cells display a quasi-embryonic fine structure and are sparse in cytoplasmic organelles, but rich in glycogen and lipopigment. With the onset of sexual activity glycogen and lipopigment disappear and the rough endoplasmic reticulum as well as the Golgi apparatus begin to proliferate. The fully active gland is lined by a low epithelium with parallel stacks of rough endoplasmic reticulum, a large Golgi apparatus and several lysosomes and secretory granules. In the involution period the gland collapses and the epithelial cells are eliminated by hetero- and autophagic processes. During this period a great number of presumably endocrine cells were observed. The results were compared with findings in experimental studies and those on postnatal development of accessory sex glands in laboratory animals.", "contents": "Seasonal changes in the fine structure of the accessory sex gland in the mole (Talpa europaea). The mole has a single pair of accessory sex organs with features of both the prostate and the seminal vesicle, for which the term prostate gland is not appropriate. Seasonal changes occuring in this gland were related to four periods: a) the quiescence period, b) the maturation period, c) the active period and d) the involution period. During the quiescence period the cuboidal epithelial cells display a quasi-embryonic fine structure and are sparse in cytoplasmic organelles, but rich in glycogen and lipopigment. With the onset of sexual activity glycogen and lipopigment disappear and the rough endoplasmic reticulum as well as the Golgi apparatus begin to proliferate. The fully active gland is lined by a low epithelium with parallel stacks of rough endoplasmic reticulum, a large Golgi apparatus and several lysosomes and secretory granules. In the involution period the gland collapses and the epithelial cells are eliminated by hetero- and autophagic processes. During this period a great number of presumably endocrine cells were observed. The results were compared with findings in experimental studies and those on postnatal development of accessory sex glands in laboratory animals.", "PMID": 1000610} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8375", "title": "ER-annulate lamellar associations of mucosal epithelial cells of the rat jejunum.", "content": "Mucosal cells of the rat jejunum vary greatly in the relative abundance and kind of endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Many cells have few rough surfaced cisternal ER elements; these cells frequently are located in basal villous regions and generally are less differentiated than those near apices. Profiles of rough ER cisternae were often encountered in stacks of 3-4 parallel units in apical cells. A number of differentiating basal cells were found to contain ER-annulate lamellar associations arranged similarly to the ER stacks of apical cells. The annulate lamellae of this complex resemble those described for other rapidly differentiating or embryonic cells and may be derived from the nuclear envelope. They could be involved in the formation of the ER.", "contents": "ER-annulate lamellar associations of mucosal epithelial cells of the rat jejunum. Mucosal cells of the rat jejunum vary greatly in the relative abundance and kind of endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Many cells have few rough surfaced cisternal ER elements; these cells frequently are located in basal villous regions and generally are less differentiated than those near apices. Profiles of rough ER cisternae were often encountered in stacks of 3-4 parallel units in apical cells. A number of differentiating basal cells were found to contain ER-annulate lamellar associations arranged similarly to the ER stacks of apical cells. The annulate lamellae of this complex resemble those described for other rapidly differentiating or embryonic cells and may be derived from the nuclear envelope. They could be involved in the formation of the ER.", "PMID": 1000611} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8376", "title": "Occurrence of cilia in the fundus striati of the cat.", "content": "In the fundus striati of the cat a few multiple ciliated astroglial cells and a single-ciliated small neuron were observed. In astrocytes cilia display a 9 + 2 subfiber configuration.", "contents": "Occurrence of cilia in the fundus striati of the cat. In the fundus striati of the cat a few multiple ciliated astroglial cells and a single-ciliated small neuron were observed. In astrocytes cilia display a 9 + 2 subfiber configuration.", "PMID": 1000612} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8377", "title": "Coronary artery spasm: the effect of cardiovascular laboratory premedication practice.", "content": "Eighty-four university cardiovascular laboratories responded to a questionnaire concerning premedication practice and observation of noncatheter-induced coronary artery spasm during routine coronary angiography. Half of the laboratories stated that they had not observed the phenomenon. The data suggest that premedication practice may account in part for the relative rarity of this phenomenon.", "contents": "Coronary artery spasm: the effect of cardiovascular laboratory premedication practice. Eighty-four university cardiovascular laboratories responded to a questionnaire concerning premedication practice and observation of noncatheter-induced coronary artery spasm during routine coronary angiography. Half of the laboratories stated that they had not observed the phenomenon. The data suggest that premedication practice may account in part for the relative rarity of this phenomenon.", "PMID": 1000619} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8378", "title": "Determination of the origin of elevated plasma CPK after cardiac catheterization.", "content": "Episodes of chest pain are not common in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The diagnostic implications of this symptom may be complicated by the occasional appearance of electrocardiographic changes mimicking those seen in acute myocardial infarction, and by the frequent elevation of conventionally measured serum enzymes. Exclusion of infarction is particularly important when coronary revascularization is contemplated. Since the MB CPK isoenzyme is relatively specific to myocardium, we assayed CPK isoenzymes in plasma samples from 184 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization to determine whether CPK elevations accompanying catheterization can be distinguished from those associated with myocardial infarction. Samples were obtained every 2 hr for 24 hr, and CPK isoenzymes quantified by a kinetic fluorometric method. Total plasma CPK increased in all patients (mean peak 0.238 +/- 0.042 (SD) IU/ml) but MB CPK remained normal in 181 patients (less than 0.005 IU/ml). In three remaining patients, MB CPK was elevated and myocardial infarction was confirmed by 99mTc (SN) pyrophosphate scan. Twelve patients after catheterization, in whom no intramuscular premedication was given, exhibited only minimal elevation of total plasma CPK. In contrast, 100 control patients with acute myocardial infarction exhibited peak total CPK activity averaging 0.833 +/- 0.037 (SD), and MB CPK was elevated in all cases (0.078 +/- 0.027 (SD) IU/ml). Thus, CPK elevations after catheterization reflect release of enzyme from noncardiac sources rather than from injured myocardium. Furthermore, increased plasma MB CPK activity may be considered a reliable index of myocardial infarction in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.", "contents": "Determination of the origin of elevated plasma CPK after cardiac catheterization. Episodes of chest pain are not common in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The diagnostic implications of this symptom may be complicated by the occasional appearance of electrocardiographic changes mimicking those seen in acute myocardial infarction, and by the frequent elevation of conventionally measured serum enzymes. Exclusion of infarction is particularly important when coronary revascularization is contemplated. Since the MB CPK isoenzyme is relatively specific to myocardium, we assayed CPK isoenzymes in plasma samples from 184 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization to determine whether CPK elevations accompanying catheterization can be distinguished from those associated with myocardial infarction. Samples were obtained every 2 hr for 24 hr, and CPK isoenzymes quantified by a kinetic fluorometric method. Total plasma CPK increased in all patients (mean peak 0.238 +/- 0.042 (SD) IU/ml) but MB CPK remained normal in 181 patients (less than 0.005 IU/ml). In three remaining patients, MB CPK was elevated and myocardial infarction was confirmed by 99mTc (SN) pyrophosphate scan. Twelve patients after catheterization, in whom no intramuscular premedication was given, exhibited only minimal elevation of total plasma CPK. In contrast, 100 control patients with acute myocardial infarction exhibited peak total CPK activity averaging 0.833 +/- 0.037 (SD), and MB CPK was elevated in all cases (0.078 +/- 0.027 (SD) IU/ml). Thus, CPK elevations after catheterization reflect release of enzyme from noncardiac sources rather than from injured myocardium. Furthermore, increased plasma MB CPK activity may be considered a reliable index of myocardial infarction in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.", "PMID": 1000620} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8379", "title": "The significance of early changes of positive and negative dP/dt following contrast ventriculography.", "content": "The contrast agents used for cardiac angiography have pharmacologic effects on the myocardium and on peripheral and coronary circulations. These effects are a stress to the left ventricle. We have studied the sequential changes in heart rate, LVEDP, positive and negative dP/dt in 34 patients following left ventriculography. These patients were divided into three groups: nine normal patients, 14 patients with valvular or coronary artery disease and abnormal left ventricular function at rest, and 11 patients with significant coronary artery stenosis but normal left ventricular function at rest. Changes in dP/dt most clearly defined the normal and abnormal response. In the normal group the mean positive dP/dt rose abruptly at 30 sec after the ventriculogram, whereas the abnormal group showed a mean decrease. The extent of change varied, however, for patients within each group. Negative dP/dt decreased in both groups but more so in the abnormal group. As did the other groups, patients with coronary artery disease but with normal ventricular function showed individual variation in response. Their mean changes in positive and negative dP/dt were intermediate. Positive dP/dt decreased at 30 sec (similar to, but less than, the group with abnormal ventricular function) and negative dP/dt also diminished at 30 sec with a mean value between the normal and abnormal groups. The results of this study support the concept that left ventricular dysfunction may be elicited by the stress of contrast injection. More importantly, such dysfunction seen both with abnormal and normal left ventricles at rest, may be reflected by the relatively simple measurement of positive dP/dt after ventriculography.", "contents": "The significance of early changes of positive and negative dP/dt following contrast ventriculography. The contrast agents used for cardiac angiography have pharmacologic effects on the myocardium and on peripheral and coronary circulations. These effects are a stress to the left ventricle. We have studied the sequential changes in heart rate, LVEDP, positive and negative dP/dt in 34 patients following left ventriculography. These patients were divided into three groups: nine normal patients, 14 patients with valvular or coronary artery disease and abnormal left ventricular function at rest, and 11 patients with significant coronary artery stenosis but normal left ventricular function at rest. Changes in dP/dt most clearly defined the normal and abnormal response. In the normal group the mean positive dP/dt rose abruptly at 30 sec after the ventriculogram, whereas the abnormal group showed a mean decrease. The extent of change varied, however, for patients within each group. Negative dP/dt decreased in both groups but more so in the abnormal group. As did the other groups, patients with coronary artery disease but with normal ventricular function showed individual variation in response. Their mean changes in positive and negative dP/dt were intermediate. Positive dP/dt decreased at 30 sec (similar to, but less than, the group with abnormal ventricular function) and negative dP/dt also diminished at 30 sec with a mean value between the normal and abnormal groups. The results of this study support the concept that left ventricular dysfunction may be elicited by the stress of contrast injection. More importantly, such dysfunction seen both with abnormal and normal left ventricles at rest, may be reflected by the relatively simple measurement of positive dP/dt after ventriculography.", "PMID": 1000621} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8380", "title": "A comparison of formulas used to estimate mixed venous saturations.", "content": "True mixing of venous blood in the absence of shunt occurs in the pulmonary artery. In the presence of left to right shunt at a level proximal to the pulmonary artery, mixed venous blood for oxygen saturation (MVO2) is estimated by using an average of blood samples taken from the chamber proximal to the shunt. In atrial septal defect, the determination of MVO2 is calculated by using blood samples from the superior vena cava (SVC) and the inferior vena cava (IVC). Several formulas have been proposed, utilizing varying combinations of blood samples taken from the SVC and IVC. In the present investigation, 100 patients without evidence of shunt were studied during routine cardiac catheterization. Duplicate blood samples were taken from the pulmonary artery (PA), the SVC, and the IVC, and were analyzed for oxygen-saturation. If one assumes that the PA blood sample represents true venous blood mixing (TMVO2), the following formulas were used for comparison: 1)PA = SVC; 2) PA = IVC; 3) PA = (SVC + IVC)/2; 4) PA = (2SVC + IVC)/3; 5) PA = (3SVC + IVC)/4; and 6) PA = (2IVC + SVC)/3. When one uses the standard two variable regression equations, this study shows that the 90% confidence limits are wide. The correlation, however, is somewhat better if one uses the formulas 3)-6). Therefore, the error that may be introduced in calculating the TMVO2 may be substantial and can critically alter the estimation of the shunted blood volume.", "contents": "A comparison of formulas used to estimate mixed venous saturations. True mixing of venous blood in the absence of shunt occurs in the pulmonary artery. In the presence of left to right shunt at a level proximal to the pulmonary artery, mixed venous blood for oxygen saturation (MVO2) is estimated by using an average of blood samples taken from the chamber proximal to the shunt. In atrial septal defect, the determination of MVO2 is calculated by using blood samples from the superior vena cava (SVC) and the inferior vena cava (IVC). Several formulas have been proposed, utilizing varying combinations of blood samples taken from the SVC and IVC. In the present investigation, 100 patients without evidence of shunt were studied during routine cardiac catheterization. Duplicate blood samples were taken from the pulmonary artery (PA), the SVC, and the IVC, and were analyzed for oxygen-saturation. If one assumes that the PA blood sample represents true venous blood mixing (TMVO2), the following formulas were used for comparison: 1)PA = SVC; 2) PA = IVC; 3) PA = (SVC + IVC)/2; 4) PA = (2SVC + IVC)/3; 5) PA = (3SVC + IVC)/4; and 6) PA = (2IVC + SVC)/3. When one uses the standard two variable regression equations, this study shows that the 90% confidence limits are wide. The correlation, however, is somewhat better if one uses the formulas 3)-6). Therefore, the error that may be introduced in calculating the TMVO2 may be substantial and can critically alter the estimation of the shunted blood volume.", "PMID": 1000622} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8381", "title": "Cineangiographic measurements with the help of a vertebral grid system.", "content": "Cineangiographic measurements of cardiac structures require knowledge of the magnification factor due to nonparallelity of the X-ray beams. A new method is presented to determine the magnification factor from cineangiograms based on the patient's height and the height of three vertebral bodies and the adjacent intervertebral distances. The method enables measurement of cardiovascular structures from projected cineangiographic films where the appropriate magnification factor is missing. Furthermore, doubtful magnification factors can be checked out as to their accuracy.", "contents": "Cineangiographic measurements with the help of a vertebral grid system. Cineangiographic measurements of cardiac structures require knowledge of the magnification factor due to nonparallelity of the X-ray beams. A new method is presented to determine the magnification factor from cineangiograms based on the patient's height and the height of three vertebral bodies and the adjacent intervertebral distances. The method enables measurement of cardiovascular structures from projected cineangiographic films where the appropriate magnification factor is missing. Furthermore, doubtful magnification factors can be checked out as to their accuracy.", "PMID": 1000623} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8382", "title": "Effects of Adalat (nifedipine) on left ventricular hemodynamics in angina pectoris: comparative study with propranolol.", "content": "The hemodynamic effects of nifedipine and propranolol administered intravenously were studied in 17 patients with angina pectoris. Nine patients received nifedipine and eight received propranolol. The hemodynamic parameters were compared at rest and during supine bicycle exercise at work loads known to produce angina. Exercise-induced angina improved in four out of nine patients following nifedipine and in one out of eight patients following propranolol. Nifedipine significantly reduced the increment of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and Vmax during exercise. Intravenous propranolol significantly suppressed the increment of heart rate, max dp/dt, tension time index, and Vmax during exercise. Although the exact mode of action of nifedipine remains uncertain, it is suggested that it decreases myocardial oxygen requirements primarily through a reduction of left ventricular volume, whereas propranolol suppresses the positive chronotropic and inotropic responses of the heart muscle to exercise.", "contents": "Effects of Adalat (nifedipine) on left ventricular hemodynamics in angina pectoris: comparative study with propranolol. The hemodynamic effects of nifedipine and propranolol administered intravenously were studied in 17 patients with angina pectoris. Nine patients received nifedipine and eight received propranolol. The hemodynamic parameters were compared at rest and during supine bicycle exercise at work loads known to produce angina. Exercise-induced angina improved in four out of nine patients following nifedipine and in one out of eight patients following propranolol. Nifedipine significantly reduced the increment of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and Vmax during exercise. Intravenous propranolol significantly suppressed the increment of heart rate, max dp/dt, tension time index, and Vmax during exercise. Although the exact mode of action of nifedipine remains uncertain, it is suggested that it decreases myocardial oxygen requirements primarily through a reduction of left ventricular volume, whereas propranolol suppresses the positive chronotropic and inotropic responses of the heart muscle to exercise.", "PMID": 1000624} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8383", "title": "Systemic vasodilatation following diazepam after combined sympathetic and parasympathetic blockade in patients with coronary heart disease.", "content": "Clinical and hemodynamic benefits have been documented after giving diazepam to patients with coronary heart disease. The mechanisms by which this agent produces its hemodynamics effects are poorly understood. Partial autonomic blockade was induced in 10 patients by the intravenous administration of 5 mg propranolol and 0.8 mg atropine. Coronary and systemic hemodynamics were normal before and unchanged (p greater than 0.05) after propranolol and atropine administration. However, myocardial extraction of lactate improved in 9 out of 10 patients (from 11% to 24%, p less than 0.05). The patients then received 0.1 mg/kg diazepam intravenously. Diazepam had no effect on the coronary sinus blood flow and resistance while myocardial extraction of lactate further improved in all but one patient (from 24% to 35% at 5 min and 34% at 15 min, p less than 0.05). Heart rate increased by a mean of 4 beats at 5 min (p less than 0.01). Cardiac output was unchanged. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP) decreased significantly (p less than 0.001) at 5 and 15 min (6-10%) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) also diminished significantly (p less than 0.001) at 5 and 15 min (18-19%). These changes occurred despite autonomic blockade. These findings suggest, in the absence of change of myocardial blood flow and contractility, a direct peripheral action of the drug on arteries and/or veins.", "contents": "Systemic vasodilatation following diazepam after combined sympathetic and parasympathetic blockade in patients with coronary heart disease. Clinical and hemodynamic benefits have been documented after giving diazepam to patients with coronary heart disease. The mechanisms by which this agent produces its hemodynamics effects are poorly understood. Partial autonomic blockade was induced in 10 patients by the intravenous administration of 5 mg propranolol and 0.8 mg atropine. Coronary and systemic hemodynamics were normal before and unchanged (p greater than 0.05) after propranolol and atropine administration. However, myocardial extraction of lactate improved in 9 out of 10 patients (from 11% to 24%, p less than 0.05). The patients then received 0.1 mg/kg diazepam intravenously. Diazepam had no effect on the coronary sinus blood flow and resistance while myocardial extraction of lactate further improved in all but one patient (from 24% to 35% at 5 min and 34% at 15 min, p less than 0.05). Heart rate increased by a mean of 4 beats at 5 min (p less than 0.01). Cardiac output was unchanged. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP) decreased significantly (p less than 0.001) at 5 and 15 min (6-10%) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) also diminished significantly (p less than 0.001) at 5 and 15 min (18-19%). These changes occurred despite autonomic blockade. These findings suggest, in the absence of change of myocardial blood flow and contractility, a direct peripheral action of the drug on arteries and/or veins.", "PMID": 1000625} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8384", "title": "First heart sound: a phono-echocardiographic correlation with mitral, tricuspid, and aortic valvular events.", "content": "We evaluated the relationship of S1 recorded by phonocardiography at the mitral area with motion of the mitral, tricuspid, and aortic valves, recorded by simultaneous echocardiography in 20 cardiac patients with a normal PR interval. The first major component of S1 coincided with mitral valve closure in 20 of 20 patients (100%) and also with tricuspid valve closure in 14 of 20 patients (70%). The second major component of S1 coincided with aortic valve opening in 20 of 20 patients and also with tricuspid valve closure in six of 20 patients (30%). We conclude that the first major component of S1 coincides with mitral valve closure in all patients but may also coincide with tricuspid valve closure in many patients, and the second major component of S1 coincides with aortic valve opening in all patients but may also coincide with tricuspid valve closure in some patients.", "contents": "First heart sound: a phono-echocardiographic correlation with mitral, tricuspid, and aortic valvular events. We evaluated the relationship of S1 recorded by phonocardiography at the mitral area with motion of the mitral, tricuspid, and aortic valves, recorded by simultaneous echocardiography in 20 cardiac patients with a normal PR interval. The first major component of S1 coincided with mitral valve closure in 20 of 20 patients (100%) and also with tricuspid valve closure in 14 of 20 patients (70%). The second major component of S1 coincided with aortic valve opening in 20 of 20 patients and also with tricuspid valve closure in six of 20 patients (30%). We conclude that the first major component of S1 coincides with mitral valve closure in all patients but may also coincide with tricuspid valve closure in many patients, and the second major component of S1 coincides with aortic valve opening in all patients but may also coincide with tricuspid valve closure in some patients.", "PMID": 1000626} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8385", "title": "Cavernous hemangioma of the right atrium: presumptive diagnosis by coronary angiography.", "content": "The angiographic findings in a patient with an interesting vascular tumor of the right atrium are described. The tumor was supplied by vessels from both the right and left coronary arteries and consisted of dilated blood spaces in which contrast material persisted for a prolonged period of time.", "contents": "Cavernous hemangioma of the right atrium: presumptive diagnosis by coronary angiography. The angiographic findings in a patient with an interesting vascular tumor of the right atrium are described. The tumor was supplied by vessels from both the right and left coronary arteries and consisted of dilated blood spaces in which contrast material persisted for a prolonged period of time.", "PMID": 1000627} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8386", "title": "Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva with associated chest pain: report of two cases.", "content": "Ectopic origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva is an infrequent coronary anomaly. The right coronary artery then passes between the aorta and pulmonary artery. We report two such cases with chest pain suggestive of angina pectoris in the absence of atherosclerosis, as demonstrated by selective coronary arteriography. A technique for selectively catheterizing the ectopic right coronary artery is described.", "contents": "Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva with associated chest pain: report of two cases. Ectopic origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva is an infrequent coronary anomaly. The right coronary artery then passes between the aorta and pulmonary artery. We report two such cases with chest pain suggestive of angina pectoris in the absence of atherosclerosis, as demonstrated by selective coronary arteriography. A technique for selectively catheterizing the ectopic right coronary artery is described.", "PMID": 1000628} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8387", "title": "Patent ductus arteriosus in adult patients with aortic valvular disease: the importance of routine screening for a left-to-right shunt at cardiac catheterization.", "content": "Two patients, catheterized primarily for the preoperative assessment of clinically apparent aortic stenosis and insufficiency, were found to have a patent ductus arteriosus as well at cardiac catheterization. The association of aortic valve disease and patent ductus arteriosus is reviewed, and the importance of making the diagnosis prior to aortic valve replacement is stressed, emphasizing the routine use of the hydrogenplatinum electrode system.", "contents": "Patent ductus arteriosus in adult patients with aortic valvular disease: the importance of routine screening for a left-to-right shunt at cardiac catheterization. Two patients, catheterized primarily for the preoperative assessment of clinically apparent aortic stenosis and insufficiency, were found to have a patent ductus arteriosus as well at cardiac catheterization. The association of aortic valve disease and patent ductus arteriosus is reviewed, and the importance of making the diagnosis prior to aortic valve replacement is stressed, emphasizing the routine use of the hydrogenplatinum electrode system.", "PMID": 1000629} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8388", "title": "Design for obtaining the half-axial projection.", "content": "A device for obtaining the half-axial projection complementing single plane cine equipment is described. The design enables a single technician to raise and lower the patient's upper half of the body between 0 degrees and 20 degrees of longitudinal deviation from the rotating cradle, set between 0 degrees and 70 degrees of horizontal deviation. Materials cost less than $100 and can be assembled by personnel in most hospitals.", "contents": "Design for obtaining the half-axial projection. A device for obtaining the half-axial projection complementing single plane cine equipment is described. The design enables a single technician to raise and lower the patient's upper half of the body between 0 degrees and 20 degrees of longitudinal deviation from the rotating cradle, set between 0 degrees and 70 degrees of horizontal deviation. Materials cost less than $100 and can be assembled by personnel in most hospitals.", "PMID": 1000630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8389", "title": "Error in thermodilution cardiac output measurement caused by variation in syringe volume.", "content": "It is important to measure the exact volume of 5% dextrose injected when thermodilution cardiac output determinations are made. The marked volume on plastic syringes and their variability may contribute to a small but significant error in the results.", "contents": "Error in thermodilution cardiac output measurement caused by variation in syringe volume. It is important to measure the exact volume of 5% dextrose injected when thermodilution cardiac output determinations are made. The marked volume on plastic syringes and their variability may contribute to a small but significant error in the results.", "PMID": 1000631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8390", "title": "Technique for transjugular placement of an umbrella filter in a left inferior vena cava.", "content": "Transjugular placement of a Mobin-Uddin umbrella fillter in an anomalous left inferior vena cava to prevent recurrent pulmonary embolization may present technical difficulties. Preforming a slight curve in the applicator wire a short distance from its tip allowed catheterization and proper position of a fillter in two cases.", "contents": "Technique for transjugular placement of an umbrella filter in a left inferior vena cava. Transjugular placement of a Mobin-Uddin umbrella fillter in an anomalous left inferior vena cava to prevent recurrent pulmonary embolization may present technical difficulties. Preforming a slight curve in the applicator wire a short distance from its tip allowed catheterization and proper position of a fillter in two cases.", "PMID": 1000632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8391", "title": "Toxic effect of alantolactone and dihydroalantolactone in in vitro cultures of leukocytes.", "content": "Alantolactone, an allergenic sesquiterpene lactone, is toxic to leukocytes in in vitro cultures. Cell (1 X 10(6) cells/ml of culture) stimulation by pokeweed mitogen (PWM) decreases with increasing amounts of terpene. A concentration of 1 mug/ml of culture decreases stimulation by 50%. The reduced terpene, dihydro-11,13-alantolactone (DHA) is also toxic. A concentration of 1.7 mug/ml of culture of DHA brings about a 50% decrease in stimulation. Both compounds affect cell viability as measured by dye exclusion. It is suggested that the toxicity of alantolactone is not due to the presence of the alpha-methylene group conjugated to the carbonyl function of the gamma-lactone system.", "contents": "Toxic effect of alantolactone and dihydroalantolactone in in vitro cultures of leukocytes. Alantolactone, an allergenic sesquiterpene lactone, is toxic to leukocytes in in vitro cultures. Cell (1 X 10(6) cells/ml of culture) stimulation by pokeweed mitogen (PWM) decreases with increasing amounts of terpene. A concentration of 1 mug/ml of culture decreases stimulation by 50%. The reduced terpene, dihydro-11,13-alantolactone (DHA) is also toxic. A concentration of 1.7 mug/ml of culture of DHA brings about a 50% decrease in stimulation. Both compounds affect cell viability as measured by dye exclusion. It is suggested that the toxicity of alantolactone is not due to the presence of the alpha-methylene group conjugated to the carbonyl function of the gamma-lactone system.", "PMID": 1000726} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8392", "title": "Distribution along DNA of the bound carcinogen N-acetoxy-N-2-acetylaminofluorene in chromatin modified in vitro.", "content": "Chromatin from duck erythrocytes was modified in vitro by the carcinogen N-acetoxy-N-2-acetylaminofluorene (N-Ac-O-AAF). The distribution of the carcinogen along the DNA molecule was studied using staphylococcal nuclease which allows the fractionation of chromatin DNA into two zones. It was shown that the carcinogen binds preferentially to the regions of chromatin sensitive to the enzyme; however, the regions of DNA tightly bound to histones and resistant to the enzyme react comparatively well. The single-strand specific nuclease S1 which digests DNA modified by the carcinogen in vitro did not digest chromatin under the conditions used. Some possible mechanisms for the interaction of the carcinogen with chromatin are discussed.", "contents": "Distribution along DNA of the bound carcinogen N-acetoxy-N-2-acetylaminofluorene in chromatin modified in vitro. Chromatin from duck erythrocytes was modified in vitro by the carcinogen N-acetoxy-N-2-acetylaminofluorene (N-Ac-O-AAF). The distribution of the carcinogen along the DNA molecule was studied using staphylococcal nuclease which allows the fractionation of chromatin DNA into two zones. It was shown that the carcinogen binds preferentially to the regions of chromatin sensitive to the enzyme; however, the regions of DNA tightly bound to histones and resistant to the enzyme react comparatively well. The single-strand specific nuclease S1 which digests DNA modified by the carcinogen in vitro did not digest chromatin under the conditions used. Some possible mechanisms for the interaction of the carcinogen with chromatin are discussed.", "PMID": 1000727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8393", "title": "Prevention by copper of cadmium sequestration by metallothionein in liver.", "content": "Following chronic CdCl2 administration to rats, more than 98% of the metal in liver supernatant is bound to the low molecular weight binding protein, metallothionein. Simultaneous administration of high doses of Cd and copper salts result in an increase in toxicity which is accompanied by a failure of Cd sequestration by metallothionein in vivo. This may be due to an aggregation of metallothionein which has been observed in the presence of copper in vitro.", "contents": "Prevention by copper of cadmium sequestration by metallothionein in liver. Following chronic CdCl2 administration to rats, more than 98% of the metal in liver supernatant is bound to the low molecular weight binding protein, metallothionein. Simultaneous administration of high doses of Cd and copper salts result in an increase in toxicity which is accompanied by a failure of Cd sequestration by metallothionein in vivo. This may be due to an aggregation of metallothionein which has been observed in the presence of copper in vitro.", "PMID": 1000728} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8394", "title": "Automatic activity in depolarized guinea pig ventricular myocardium. Characteristics and mechanisms.", "content": "Membrane potential was changed uniformly in segments, 0.7-1.0 mm long, of guinea pig papillary muscles excised from the right ventricle by using extracellular polarizing current pulses applied across two electrically insulated cf preparations superfused with Tyrode's solution at maximum diastolic membrane potentials ranging from-35.2+/-7.5 (threshold) to +4.0+/-9.2 mV. The average maximum dV/dt of RAD ranged from 17.1 to 18.0 V/sec within a membrane potential range of -40 to +20 mV. Raising extracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]0 from 1.8 to 6.8 mM, or application of isoproterenol (10(-6)g/ml) enhanced the rate of RAD, but lowering [Ca2+]0 to 0.4 mM or exposure to MnCl2 (6 mM) abolished RAD. RAD were enhanced by lowering extracellular K+ concentration [K+]0 from 5.4 to 1.5 mM. RAD were suppressed in 40% of fibers by raising [K+]0 to 15.4 mM, and in all fibers by raising [K+]0 to 40.4 mM. This suppression was due to increased [K+]0 and not to K-induced depolarization because it persisted when membrane potential was held by means of a conditioning hyperpolarizing puled gradually after maximum repolarization. These observations suggest that the development of RAD in depolarized myocardium is associated with a time-dependent decrease in outward current (probably K current) and with increase in the background inward current, presumably flowing through the slow cha-nel carrying Ca or Na ions, or both.", "contents": "Automatic activity in depolarized guinea pig ventricular myocardium. Characteristics and mechanisms. Membrane potential was changed uniformly in segments, 0.7-1.0 mm long, of guinea pig papillary muscles excised from the right ventricle by using extracellular polarizing current pulses applied across two electrically insulated cf preparations superfused with Tyrode's solution at maximum diastolic membrane potentials ranging from-35.2+/-7.5 (threshold) to +4.0+/-9.2 mV. The average maximum dV/dt of RAD ranged from 17.1 to 18.0 V/sec within a membrane potential range of -40 to +20 mV. Raising extracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]0 from 1.8 to 6.8 mM, or application of isoproterenol (10(-6)g/ml) enhanced the rate of RAD, but lowering [Ca2+]0 to 0.4 mM or exposure to MnCl2 (6 mM) abolished RAD. RAD were enhanced by lowering extracellular K+ concentration [K+]0 from 5.4 to 1.5 mM. RAD were suppressed in 40% of fibers by raising [K+]0 to 15.4 mM, and in all fibers by raising [K+]0 to 40.4 mM. This suppression was due to increased [K+]0 and not to K-induced depolarization because it persisted when membrane potential was held by means of a conditioning hyperpolarizing puled gradually after maximum repolarization. These observations suggest that the development of RAD in depolarized myocardium is associated with a time-dependent decrease in outward current (probably K current) and with increase in the background inward current, presumably flowing through the slow cha-nel carrying Ca or Na ions, or both.", "PMID": 1000767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8395", "title": "Phasic right coronary artery blood flow in conscious dogs with normal and elevated right ventricular pressures.", "content": "We studied phasic right coronary blood flow in well trained normal dogs and dogs with pulmonic stenosis. We installed electromagnetic flow transducers and pressure tubes under anesthesia to monitor right coronary blood flow, cardiac output, central aortic blood pressure, and right ventribular pressure. In normotensive dogs, systolic flow amplitude equaled early diastolic flow levels. The ratio of systolic to diastolic flow at rest was substantially greater in the right coronary bed (36+/-1.3%) than in the left circumflex bed (13+/-3.6%). Right diastolid flow runoff, including the cove late in diastole, resembled left circumflex runoff. Blood flow to the normotensive right (37+/-1.1 ml/min 100(-1) g) and the left (35+/-1.0 ml/min(-1) g) ventricular myocardium indicated equal perfusion of both cardiac walls. Throttling of systolic flow was related directly to the right ventricular systolic pressure level in the dogs with pulmonic stenosis. Retrograde systolic flow occurred in severe right ventricular hypertension. The late diastolic runoff pattern in dogs with pulmonic stenosis appeared the same as for the normotensive dogs. We obtained systolic to diastolic flow ratios of 1/3 the value of normotensive hearts in high and severe pulmonic hypertension. Electrocardiograms and studies of pathology suggested restricted blood flow to the inner layers of the right myocardium in the dogs with severe and high right ventricular hypertension. Normotensive and hypertensive peak hyperemic flow responses were similar, except for an increased magnitude of diastolic flow, with proportionately less systolic flow in hypertensive states.", "contents": "Phasic right coronary artery blood flow in conscious dogs with normal and elevated right ventricular pressures. We studied phasic right coronary blood flow in well trained normal dogs and dogs with pulmonic stenosis. We installed electromagnetic flow transducers and pressure tubes under anesthesia to monitor right coronary blood flow, cardiac output, central aortic blood pressure, and right ventribular pressure. In normotensive dogs, systolic flow amplitude equaled early diastolic flow levels. The ratio of systolic to diastolic flow at rest was substantially greater in the right coronary bed (36+/-1.3%) than in the left circumflex bed (13+/-3.6%). Right diastolid flow runoff, including the cove late in diastole, resembled left circumflex runoff. Blood flow to the normotensive right (37+/-1.1 ml/min 100(-1) g) and the left (35+/-1.0 ml/min(-1) g) ventricular myocardium indicated equal perfusion of both cardiac walls. Throttling of systolic flow was related directly to the right ventricular systolic pressure level in the dogs with pulmonic stenosis. Retrograde systolic flow occurred in severe right ventricular hypertension. The late diastolic runoff pattern in dogs with pulmonic stenosis appeared the same as for the normotensive dogs. We obtained systolic to diastolic flow ratios of 1/3 the value of normotensive hearts in high and severe pulmonic hypertension. Electrocardiograms and studies of pathology suggested restricted blood flow to the inner layers of the right myocardium in the dogs with severe and high right ventricular hypertension. Normotensive and hypertensive peak hyperemic flow responses were similar, except for an increased magnitude of diastolic flow, with proportionately less systolic flow in hypertensive states.", "PMID": 1000768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8396", "title": "Reduction in baroreflex cardiovascular responses due to venous infusion in the rabbit.", "content": "We studied reflex bradycardia and depression of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) during left aortic nerve (LAN) stimulation before and after volume infusion in the anesthetized rabbit. Step increases in mean right atrial pressure (MRAP) to 10 mm Hg did not result in a significant change in heart rate or MAP. After volume loading, responses to LAN stimulation were not as great and the degree of attenuation was propoetional to the level of increased MRAP. A change in responsiveness was observed after elevation of MRAP by only 1 mm Hg, corresponding to less than a 10% increase in average calculated blood volume. after an increase in MRAP of 10 mm Hg, peak responses were attenuated by 44% (heart rate) and 52% (MAP), and the initial slopes (rate of change) were reduced by 46% (heart rate) and 66% (MAP). Comparison of the responses after infusion with blood and dextran solutions indicated that hemodilution was an unlikely explanation for the attenuation of the reflex responses. Total arterial baroreceptor denervation (ABD) abolished the volume-related attenuation was still present following bilateral aortic nerve section or vagotomy. It thus appears that the carotid sinus responds to changes inblood volume and influences the reflex cardiovascular responses to afferent stimulation of the LAN. On the other hand, cardiopulmonary receptors subserved by vagal afferents do not appear to be involved.", "contents": "Reduction in baroreflex cardiovascular responses due to venous infusion in the rabbit. We studied reflex bradycardia and depression of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) during left aortic nerve (LAN) stimulation before and after volume infusion in the anesthetized rabbit. Step increases in mean right atrial pressure (MRAP) to 10 mm Hg did not result in a significant change in heart rate or MAP. After volume loading, responses to LAN stimulation were not as great and the degree of attenuation was propoetional to the level of increased MRAP. A change in responsiveness was observed after elevation of MRAP by only 1 mm Hg, corresponding to less than a 10% increase in average calculated blood volume. after an increase in MRAP of 10 mm Hg, peak responses were attenuated by 44% (heart rate) and 52% (MAP), and the initial slopes (rate of change) were reduced by 46% (heart rate) and 66% (MAP). Comparison of the responses after infusion with blood and dextran solutions indicated that hemodilution was an unlikely explanation for the attenuation of the reflex responses. Total arterial baroreceptor denervation (ABD) abolished the volume-related attenuation was still present following bilateral aortic nerve section or vagotomy. It thus appears that the carotid sinus responds to changes inblood volume and influences the reflex cardiovascular responses to afferent stimulation of the LAN. On the other hand, cardiopulmonary receptors subserved by vagal afferents do not appear to be involved.", "PMID": 1000769} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8397", "title": "Ventricular pressure-volume curve indices change with end-diastolic pressure.", "content": "Many indices have been proposed to describee the diastolic pressure-volume curve mathematically and permit quantification of the elastic properties of the myocardium itself in hopes that changes in the muscle caused by disease would b.e reflected in the diastolic pressure-volume curve. To date, none of the proposed indices has been shown convincingly to discriminate one group of patients from another. While this situation in part arises from the relatively large amount of noise introduced by the technical difficulties of measuring synchronous pressures and volumes during diastole in man, ther is a more fundamental difficulty. In practice, one can measure only a short segment of the entire pressure-volume curve, and the values of all diastolic pressure-volume curve parameters investigated change significantly when one uses different segments of the same pressure-volume curve to compute them. These results were derived from relatively noise-free pressure-volume curves obtained by filling nine excised dog left ventricles at a known rate and monitoring pressure-volume curve used to compute the parameter. Merely increasing measurement fidelity will not resolve this problem, because none of these parameters accurately characterizes the entire diastolic pressure-volume curbe from a segment like that which one can reasonably expect to obtain from humans.", "contents": "Ventricular pressure-volume curve indices change with end-diastolic pressure. Many indices have been proposed to describee the diastolic pressure-volume curve mathematically and permit quantification of the elastic properties of the myocardium itself in hopes that changes in the muscle caused by disease would b.e reflected in the diastolic pressure-volume curve. To date, none of the proposed indices has been shown convincingly to discriminate one group of patients from another. While this situation in part arises from the relatively large amount of noise introduced by the technical difficulties of measuring synchronous pressures and volumes during diastole in man, ther is a more fundamental difficulty. In practice, one can measure only a short segment of the entire pressure-volume curve, and the values of all diastolic pressure-volume curve parameters investigated change significantly when one uses different segments of the same pressure-volume curve to compute them. These results were derived from relatively noise-free pressure-volume curves obtained by filling nine excised dog left ventricles at a known rate and monitoring pressure-volume curve used to compute the parameter. Merely increasing measurement fidelity will not resolve this problem, because none of these parameters accurately characterizes the entire diastolic pressure-volume curbe from a segment like that which one can reasonably expect to obtain from humans.", "PMID": 1000770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8398", "title": "Quantification of baroreceptor influence on arterial pressure changes seen in primary angiotension-induced hypertension in dogs.", "content": "We studied the role of the sino-aortic baroreceptors in the gradual development of hypertension induced by prolonged administration of small amounts of angiotensin II (A II) in intact dogs and dogs with denervated sino-aortic baroreceptors. Short-term 1-hour infusions of A II(1.0-100 ng/kg per min) showed that conscious denervated dogs had twice the pressor sensitivity of intact dogs. Long-term infusions of A II at 5.0 ng/kg per min (2-3 weeks) with continuous 24-hour recordings of arterial pressure showed that intact dogs required 28 hours to reach the same level of pressure attained by denervated dogs during the 1st hour of infusion. At the 28th hour the pressure in both groups was 70% of the maximum value attained by the 7th day of infusion. Both intact and denervated dogs reached nearly the same plateau level of pressure, the magnitude being directly related both the the A II infusion rate and the daily sodium intake. Cardiac output in intact dogs initially decreased after the onset of A II infusion, but by the 5th day of infusion it was 38% above control, whereas blood volume was unchanged. Heart rate returned to normal after a reduction during the 1st day of infusion in intact dogs. Plasma renin activity could not be detected after 24 hours of A II infusion in either intact or denervated dogs. The data indicate that about 35% of the hypertensive effect of A II results from its acute pressor action, and an additional 35% of the gradual increase in arterial pressure is in large measure a result of baroreceptor resetting. We conclude that the final 30% increase in pressure seems to result from increased cardiac output, the cause of which may be decreased vascular compliance. since the blood volume remains unaltered.", "contents": "Quantification of baroreceptor influence on arterial pressure changes seen in primary angiotension-induced hypertension in dogs. We studied the role of the sino-aortic baroreceptors in the gradual development of hypertension induced by prolonged administration of small amounts of angiotensin II (A II) in intact dogs and dogs with denervated sino-aortic baroreceptors. Short-term 1-hour infusions of A II(1.0-100 ng/kg per min) showed that conscious denervated dogs had twice the pressor sensitivity of intact dogs. Long-term infusions of A II at 5.0 ng/kg per min (2-3 weeks) with continuous 24-hour recordings of arterial pressure showed that intact dogs required 28 hours to reach the same level of pressure attained by denervated dogs during the 1st hour of infusion. At the 28th hour the pressure in both groups was 70% of the maximum value attained by the 7th day of infusion. Both intact and denervated dogs reached nearly the same plateau level of pressure, the magnitude being directly related both the the A II infusion rate and the daily sodium intake. Cardiac output in intact dogs initially decreased after the onset of A II infusion, but by the 5th day of infusion it was 38% above control, whereas blood volume was unchanged. Heart rate returned to normal after a reduction during the 1st day of infusion in intact dogs. Plasma renin activity could not be detected after 24 hours of A II infusion in either intact or denervated dogs. The data indicate that about 35% of the hypertensive effect of A II results from its acute pressor action, and an additional 35% of the gradual increase in arterial pressure is in large measure a result of baroreceptor resetting. We conclude that the final 30% increase in pressure seems to result from increased cardiac output, the cause of which may be decreased vascular compliance. since the blood volume remains unaltered.", "PMID": 1000771} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8399", "title": "Acute and chronic dose-response relationships for angiotensin, aldosterone, and arterial pressure at varying levels of sodium intake.", "content": "We examined the acute and chronic dose-response relationships between intravenously infused angiotensin II (A II) and the resulting changes in arterial pressure and plasma aldosterone concentration at varying levels of sodium intake. Sequential analysis of plasma aldosterone at each A II infusion rate resulted in an acute dose-related increase in plasma aldosterone which was markedly attenuated after the first 24 hours of infusion, the final level being directly related to the dose of A II and inversely related to sodium intake. A II infused at 5,15, and 23 ng/kg per min was associated with an initial increase (2nd to 8th hour) in plasma aldosterone to 2,6, and 9 times control values, respectively, in dogs receiving 40 mEq Na+/day. But, after the 1st day, aldosterone averaged only 1, 1.7, and 3 times control values for the next 2 weeks at the same rates of A II infusion. Dogs receiving 120 mEq Na+/day during A II infusion exhibited only a transient increase in plasma aldosterone during the 1st day. Sustained hypertension developed over a period of a week at all doses of A II at normal and high sodium intake, but did not occur at any dose of A II in sodium-depleted dogs. Increasing sodium intake from 40 to 120 mEq/day resulted in higher levels of hypertension, 125% compared to 140% of ocntrol values for dogs infused with A II, 5.0 ng/kg per min. We conclude that primary angiotensin-induced hypertension need not be associated with increased levels of plasma aldosterone, which appears to remain elevated only with amounts of A II greater than those required to sustain a significant degree of hypertension.", "contents": "Acute and chronic dose-response relationships for angiotensin, aldosterone, and arterial pressure at varying levels of sodium intake. We examined the acute and chronic dose-response relationships between intravenously infused angiotensin II (A II) and the resulting changes in arterial pressure and plasma aldosterone concentration at varying levels of sodium intake. Sequential analysis of plasma aldosterone at each A II infusion rate resulted in an acute dose-related increase in plasma aldosterone which was markedly attenuated after the first 24 hours of infusion, the final level being directly related to the dose of A II and inversely related to sodium intake. A II infused at 5,15, and 23 ng/kg per min was associated with an initial increase (2nd to 8th hour) in plasma aldosterone to 2,6, and 9 times control values, respectively, in dogs receiving 40 mEq Na+/day. But, after the 1st day, aldosterone averaged only 1, 1.7, and 3 times control values for the next 2 weeks at the same rates of A II infusion. Dogs receiving 120 mEq Na+/day during A II infusion exhibited only a transient increase in plasma aldosterone during the 1st day. Sustained hypertension developed over a period of a week at all doses of A II at normal and high sodium intake, but did not occur at any dose of A II in sodium-depleted dogs. Increasing sodium intake from 40 to 120 mEq/day resulted in higher levels of hypertension, 125% compared to 140% of ocntrol values for dogs infused with A II, 5.0 ng/kg per min. We conclude that primary angiotensin-induced hypertension need not be associated with increased levels of plasma aldosterone, which appears to remain elevated only with amounts of A II greater than those required to sustain a significant degree of hypertension.", "PMID": 1000772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8400", "title": "The effect of cardiac contraction on collateral resistance in the canine heart.", "content": "We determined whether the coronary collateral vessels develop an increased resistance to blood flow during systole as does the cognate vascular bed. Collateral resistance was estimated by measuring retrograde flow rate from a distal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery while the main left coronary artery was perfused at a constant pressure. Retrograde flow rate was measured before and during vagal arrest. We found that in 10 dogs the prolonged diastole experienced when the heart was stopped caused no significant change in the retrograde flow rate, which indicated that systole has little effect on the collateral resistance. However, when left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was altered by changing afterload or contractility, a direct relationship between end-diastolic pressure and collateral resistance was noted.", "contents": "The effect of cardiac contraction on collateral resistance in the canine heart. We determined whether the coronary collateral vessels develop an increased resistance to blood flow during systole as does the cognate vascular bed. Collateral resistance was estimated by measuring retrograde flow rate from a distal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery while the main left coronary artery was perfused at a constant pressure. Retrograde flow rate was measured before and during vagal arrest. We found that in 10 dogs the prolonged diastole experienced when the heart was stopped caused no significant change in the retrograde flow rate, which indicated that systole has little effect on the collateral resistance. However, when left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was altered by changing afterload or contractility, a direct relationship between end-diastolic pressure and collateral resistance was noted.", "PMID": 1000773} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8401", "title": "Effect of electrotonic potentials on pacemaker activity of canine Purkinje fibers in relation to parasystole.", "content": "Isolated false tendons excised form dog hearts were mounted in a three-chamber tissue bath. Isotonic sucrose solution was perfused in the central chamber to provide a region of depressed conductivity between the fiber segments in chambers 1 and 3, which were perfused with Tyrode's solution. The electrotonic influence of spontaneous or driven responses evoked in chamber 3 during the first half of the spontaneous cycle of a chamber 1 peacemaker delayed the next spontaneous discharge. This effect changed to acceleration when the chamber 3 segment fired during the second half of the spontaneous cycle. We found that subthreshold depolarizing current pulses 50-300 msec applied across the sucrose gap caused similar degrees of delay or acceleration. Furthermore, hyperpolarizing currents caused the reverse pattern. The results indicate that the discharge pattern of a parasystolic focus may be altered by the electrotonic influence of activity in the surrounding tissue. The significance of these findings is considered in relation to the mechanism of production of parasystolic rhythms.", "contents": "Effect of electrotonic potentials on pacemaker activity of canine Purkinje fibers in relation to parasystole. Isolated false tendons excised form dog hearts were mounted in a three-chamber tissue bath. Isotonic sucrose solution was perfused in the central chamber to provide a region of depressed conductivity between the fiber segments in chambers 1 and 3, which were perfused with Tyrode's solution. The electrotonic influence of spontaneous or driven responses evoked in chamber 3 during the first half of the spontaneous cycle of a chamber 1 peacemaker delayed the next spontaneous discharge. This effect changed to acceleration when the chamber 3 segment fired during the second half of the spontaneous cycle. We found that subthreshold depolarizing current pulses 50-300 msec applied across the sucrose gap caused similar degrees of delay or acceleration. Furthermore, hyperpolarizing currents caused the reverse pattern. The results indicate that the discharge pattern of a parasystolic focus may be altered by the electrotonic influence of activity in the surrounding tissue. The significance of these findings is considered in relation to the mechanism of production of parasystolic rhythms.", "PMID": 1000774} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8402", "title": "The evolution of early fibromuscular lesions hemodynamically induced in the dog renal artery. I. Light and transmission electron microscopy.", "content": "In view of the important roles of arterial intimal fibromuscular lesions as precursors of atherosclerotic plaque and occlusive lesions in arterial reconstructions, a model has been developed for the rapid hemodynamic induction of these lesions by anastomosis of the dog right renal artery to the inferior vena cava. Light and transmission electron microscopic observations were made on the arterial shunt after periods of rapid flow ranging form 10 minutes to 2 hours to identify initial factor(s) and evolutionary mechanisms in the etiology of the lesions. The sequence of events included aberrations in ruthenium red staining of the endothelial luminal membrane at 10 minutes, multilayered thickening of the subendothelial basement membrane (BM) at 15 minutes, and initial reorientation and migration of smooth muscle cells (SMC) into the intima along with the appearance of areas of degeneration of the internal elastic lamina (IEL) at 30 minutes. The endothelial cells were still intact in some areas overlying the SMC migration and IEL degeneration, but they were separating from the surface in other such areas. As subendothelium became exposed, some platelet adherence was noted. By 2 hours, the entire wall reaction was fully developed. Initial observations indicate that in the evolution of this hemodynamically induced lesion visible alteration in the endothelial cells is not prerequisite to degeneration of the underlying IEL and reorientation and migration of medial SMC.", "contents": "The evolution of early fibromuscular lesions hemodynamically induced in the dog renal artery. I. Light and transmission electron microscopy. In view of the important roles of arterial intimal fibromuscular lesions as precursors of atherosclerotic plaque and occlusive lesions in arterial reconstructions, a model has been developed for the rapid hemodynamic induction of these lesions by anastomosis of the dog right renal artery to the inferior vena cava. Light and transmission electron microscopic observations were made on the arterial shunt after periods of rapid flow ranging form 10 minutes to 2 hours to identify initial factor(s) and evolutionary mechanisms in the etiology of the lesions. The sequence of events included aberrations in ruthenium red staining of the endothelial luminal membrane at 10 minutes, multilayered thickening of the subendothelial basement membrane (BM) at 15 minutes, and initial reorientation and migration of smooth muscle cells (SMC) into the intima along with the appearance of areas of degeneration of the internal elastic lamina (IEL) at 30 minutes. The endothelial cells were still intact in some areas overlying the SMC migration and IEL degeneration, but they were separating from the surface in other such areas. As subendothelium became exposed, some platelet adherence was noted. By 2 hours, the entire wall reaction was fully developed. Initial observations indicate that in the evolution of this hemodynamically induced lesion visible alteration in the endothelial cells is not prerequisite to degeneration of the underlying IEL and reorientation and migration of medial SMC.", "PMID": 1000775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8403", "title": "Variations in 35SO4 incorporation into glycosaminoglycans along canine coronary arteries. A possible index of artery wall stress.", "content": "Focal areas of accentuated wall stress along the course of canine coronary arteries may be revealed by the level of 35SO4 incorporation into glycosaminoglycans (GAG). In the anterior descending artery, 35SO4 incorporation in higher in the proximal than in the distal region and may be extraordinarily high as the vessel enters a proximally located muscle bridge and at the takeoff region of multidirectional branches. In the circumflex artery, the incorporation also is higher in the proximal than in the distal region and is high at the genu where the posterior descending artery forms. There are differences in uptake of 35SO4 in vessels even when the arteries arise from the same vascular bed.this was shown by the higher incorporation in the left coronary artery than in the right coronary artery. A general anatomical agreement exists between these sites of high 35SO4 incorporation and previously described locations of interval elastic disruption ans proliferation of intimal connective tissue in the dog.", "contents": "Variations in 35SO4 incorporation into glycosaminoglycans along canine coronary arteries. A possible index of artery wall stress. Focal areas of accentuated wall stress along the course of canine coronary arteries may be revealed by the level of 35SO4 incorporation into glycosaminoglycans (GAG). In the anterior descending artery, 35SO4 incorporation in higher in the proximal than in the distal region and may be extraordinarily high as the vessel enters a proximally located muscle bridge and at the takeoff region of multidirectional branches. In the circumflex artery, the incorporation also is higher in the proximal than in the distal region and is high at the genu where the posterior descending artery forms. There are differences in uptake of 35SO4 in vessels even when the arteries arise from the same vascular bed.this was shown by the higher incorporation in the left coronary artery than in the right coronary artery. A general anatomical agreement exists between these sites of high 35SO4 incorporation and previously described locations of interval elastic disruption ans proliferation of intimal connective tissue in the dog.", "PMID": 1000776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8404", "title": "Evaluation of the force-frequency relationship as a descriptor of the inotropic state of canine left ventricular myocardium.", "content": "The short-term force-frequency characteristics of canine left ventricular myocardium were examined in both isolated and intact preparations by briefly pertubing the frequency of contraction with early extrasystoles. The maximum rate of rise of isometric tension (Fmas) of the isolated trabeculae carneae was potentiated by the introduction of extrasystoles. The ratio of Fmas of potentiated to control beats (force-frequency ratio) was not altered significantly by a change in muscle length. However, exposure of the trabeculae to isoproterenol (10(-7)M) significantly changed the force-frequency ratio obtained in response to a constant frequency perturbation. Similar experiments were performed on chronically instrumented conscious dogs. Left ventricular minor axis diameter was measured with implanted pulse-transit ultrasonic dimension transducers, and intracavitary pressure was measured with a high fidelity micromanometer. Atrial pacing was performed so that the end-diastolic diameters of the beats preceding and following the extrasystole could be made identical. Large increases in the maximum rate of rise of pressure (Pmas) were seen in the contraction after the extrasystole. The ratio of Pmax of the potentiated beat to that of the control beat was not changed by a 9% increase in the end-diastolic diameter, produced by saline infusion. Conversely, isoproterenol significantly altered this relationship in the same manner as in the isolated muscle. Thus, either in vitro or in situ, left ventricular myocardium exhibits large functional changes in response to brief perturbations in rate. The isoproterenol and length data indicate that the force-frequency ratio reflects frequency-dependent changes in the inotropic state, independent of changes in length.", "contents": "Evaluation of the force-frequency relationship as a descriptor of the inotropic state of canine left ventricular myocardium. The short-term force-frequency characteristics of canine left ventricular myocardium were examined in both isolated and intact preparations by briefly pertubing the frequency of contraction with early extrasystoles. The maximum rate of rise of isometric tension (Fmas) of the isolated trabeculae carneae was potentiated by the introduction of extrasystoles. The ratio of Fmas of potentiated to control beats (force-frequency ratio) was not altered significantly by a change in muscle length. However, exposure of the trabeculae to isoproterenol (10(-7)M) significantly changed the force-frequency ratio obtained in response to a constant frequency perturbation. Similar experiments were performed on chronically instrumented conscious dogs. Left ventricular minor axis diameter was measured with implanted pulse-transit ultrasonic dimension transducers, and intracavitary pressure was measured with a high fidelity micromanometer. Atrial pacing was performed so that the end-diastolic diameters of the beats preceding and following the extrasystole could be made identical. Large increases in the maximum rate of rise of pressure (Pmas) were seen in the contraction after the extrasystole. The ratio of Pmax of the potentiated beat to that of the control beat was not changed by a 9% increase in the end-diastolic diameter, produced by saline infusion. Conversely, isoproterenol significantly altered this relationship in the same manner as in the isolated muscle. Thus, either in vitro or in situ, left ventricular myocardium exhibits large functional changes in response to brief perturbations in rate. The isoproterenol and length data indicate that the force-frequency ratio reflects frequency-dependent changes in the inotropic state, independent of changes in length.", "PMID": 1000777} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8405", "title": "Site of myocardial infarction. A determinant of the cardiovascular changes induced in the cat by coronary occlusion.", "content": "The influence of site of acute myocardial infarction on heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance (TPR), cardiac rhythm, and mortality was determined in 58 anesthetized cats by occlusion of either the left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex or right coronary artery. LAD occlusion resulted in immediate decrease in cardiac output, heart rate, and blood pressure, an increase in TPR, and cardiac rhythm changes including premature ventricular beats, ventricular tachycardia, and occasionally ventricular fibrillation. The decrease in cardiac output and increase in TPR persisted in the cats surviving a ventricular arrhythmia. In contrast, right coronary occlusion resulted in a considerably smaller decrease in cardiac output. TPR did not increase, atrioventricular condition disturbances were common, and sinus bradycardia and hypotension persisted in the cats recovering from an arrhythmia. Left circumflex ligation resulted in cardiovascular changes intermediate between those produced by occlusion of the LAD or the right coronary artery. Mortality was similar in each of the three groups. We studied the coronary artery anatomy in 12 cats. In 10, the blood supply to the sinus node was from the right coronary artery and in 2, from the left circumflex coronary artery. The atrioventricular node artery arose from the right in 9 cats, and from the left circumflex in 3. The right coronary artery was dominant in 9 cats and the left in 3. In conclusion, the site of experimental coronary occlusion in cats is a major determinant of the hemodynamic and cardiac rhythm changes occurring after acute myocardial infarction. The cardiovascular responses evoked by ligation are related in part to the anatomical distribution of the occluded artery.", "contents": "Site of myocardial infarction. A determinant of the cardiovascular changes induced in the cat by coronary occlusion. The influence of site of acute myocardial infarction on heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance (TPR), cardiac rhythm, and mortality was determined in 58 anesthetized cats by occlusion of either the left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex or right coronary artery. LAD occlusion resulted in immediate decrease in cardiac output, heart rate, and blood pressure, an increase in TPR, and cardiac rhythm changes including premature ventricular beats, ventricular tachycardia, and occasionally ventricular fibrillation. The decrease in cardiac output and increase in TPR persisted in the cats surviving a ventricular arrhythmia. In contrast, right coronary occlusion resulted in a considerably smaller decrease in cardiac output. TPR did not increase, atrioventricular condition disturbances were common, and sinus bradycardia and hypotension persisted in the cats recovering from an arrhythmia. Left circumflex ligation resulted in cardiovascular changes intermediate between those produced by occlusion of the LAD or the right coronary artery. Mortality was similar in each of the three groups. We studied the coronary artery anatomy in 12 cats. In 10, the blood supply to the sinus node was from the right coronary artery and in 2, from the left circumflex coronary artery. The atrioventricular node artery arose from the right in 9 cats, and from the left circumflex in 3. The right coronary artery was dominant in 9 cats and the left in 3. In conclusion, the site of experimental coronary occlusion in cats is a major determinant of the hemodynamic and cardiac rhythm changes occurring after acute myocardial infarction. The cardiovascular responses evoked by ligation are related in part to the anatomical distribution of the occluded artery.", "PMID": 1000778} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8406", "title": "Intrarenal site of action of calcium on renin secretion in dogs.", "content": "We studied the effects of intrarenal calcium infusion on renin secretion in sodium-depleted dogs in an attempt to elucidate the major site of calcium-induced inhibition of renin release. Both calcium chloride and calcium gluconate reduced renal blood flow and renin secretion while renal perfusion pressure was unchanged. These data indicate that calcium inhibition of renin secretion did not occur primarily at the renal vascular receptor; decreased renal blood flow is usually associated with increased renin secretion. Calcium chloride infusion increased urinary chloride excretion without affecting sodium excretion, and calcium gluconate failed to increase either sodium or chloride excretion. Also, the filtered loads of sodium and chloride were unchanged during the calcium infusions. These results give no indication that calcium inhibited renin secretion by increasing the sodium or chloride load at the macula densa. The effects of intrarenal calcium infusion on renin release were also assessed in dogs with a nonfiltering kidney in which renal tubular mechanisms could not influence renin secretion. The observation that calcium still suppressed renin release in these dogs provides additional evidence that the the major effect of calcium involved nontubular mechanisms. Thus, it appears likely that calcium acted directly on the juxtaglomerular cells to inhibit renin secretion.", "contents": "Intrarenal site of action of calcium on renin secretion in dogs. We studied the effects of intrarenal calcium infusion on renin secretion in sodium-depleted dogs in an attempt to elucidate the major site of calcium-induced inhibition of renin release. Both calcium chloride and calcium gluconate reduced renal blood flow and renin secretion while renal perfusion pressure was unchanged. These data indicate that calcium inhibition of renin secretion did not occur primarily at the renal vascular receptor; decreased renal blood flow is usually associated with increased renin secretion. Calcium chloride infusion increased urinary chloride excretion without affecting sodium excretion, and calcium gluconate failed to increase either sodium or chloride excretion. Also, the filtered loads of sodium and chloride were unchanged during the calcium infusions. These results give no indication that calcium inhibited renin secretion by increasing the sodium or chloride load at the macula densa. The effects of intrarenal calcium infusion on renin release were also assessed in dogs with a nonfiltering kidney in which renal tubular mechanisms could not influence renin secretion. The observation that calcium still suppressed renin release in these dogs provides additional evidence that the the major effect of calcium involved nontubular mechanisms. Thus, it appears likely that calcium acted directly on the juxtaglomerular cells to inhibit renin secretion.", "PMID": 1000779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8407", "title": "Uptake of infarct-imaging agents in reversibly and irreversibly injured myocardium in cultured fetal mouse heart.", "content": "We studied the specificity of uptake of infarct-imaging agents for reversibly or irreversibly injured myocardium independently of blood flow by using intact beating fetal mouse hearts in organ culture. Reversible injury resulted from deprivation of oxygen and glucose for 4 hours at 37 degrees C; irreversible injury, from similar deprivation at 42 degrees C. At the end of the insult, uptake of 99mTc(Sc)-labeled pyrophosphate, glucoheptonate, or tetracycline was markedly increased in irreversibly damaged and, to a lesser degree, in reversibly injured hearts. After 24 hours of recovery, necrotic hearts accumulated even more pyrophosphate and tatracycline but less glucoheptonate. Uptake of radioiodinated tetracycline increased only in irreversibly injured hearts. Pyrophosphate uptake was not reduced in hearts cultured in calcium-free medium. These finding suggest that 99mTc(Sn)-labeled pyrophosphate, tetracycline, and glucoheptonate preferentially localize in irreversibly damaged myocardium; the 99mTc(Sn) complex modifies the specificity of uptake; and the uptake of 99mTc(Sn)-pyrophosphate appears unrelated to calcium uptake.", "contents": "Uptake of infarct-imaging agents in reversibly and irreversibly injured myocardium in cultured fetal mouse heart. We studied the specificity of uptake of infarct-imaging agents for reversibly or irreversibly injured myocardium independently of blood flow by using intact beating fetal mouse hearts in organ culture. Reversible injury resulted from deprivation of oxygen and glucose for 4 hours at 37 degrees C; irreversible injury, from similar deprivation at 42 degrees C. At the end of the insult, uptake of 99mTc(Sc)-labeled pyrophosphate, glucoheptonate, or tetracycline was markedly increased in irreversibly damaged and, to a lesser degree, in reversibly injured hearts. After 24 hours of recovery, necrotic hearts accumulated even more pyrophosphate and tatracycline but less glucoheptonate. Uptake of radioiodinated tetracycline increased only in irreversibly injured hearts. Pyrophosphate uptake was not reduced in hearts cultured in calcium-free medium. These finding suggest that 99mTc(Sn)-labeled pyrophosphate, tetracycline, and glucoheptonate preferentially localize in irreversibly damaged myocardium; the 99mTc(Sn) complex modifies the specificity of uptake; and the uptake of 99mTc(Sn)-pyrophosphate appears unrelated to calcium uptake.", "PMID": 1000780} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8408", "title": "Stimulation of renin release from rabbit renal cortex by arachidonic acid and prostaglandin endoperoxides.", "content": "The mechanism by which renal prostaglandins stimulate renin secretion in vivo is unknown. In this in vitro study we measured the effects of activation of the prostaglandin (PG) system on renin release from slices of rabbit renal cortex. The PG precursor arachidonic acid (C20:4), a natural PG endoperoxide (PGG2), two stable synthetic PG endoperoxide analogues (EPA I and II), PGE2, PGF2alpha, and two different PG synthesis inhibitors [indomethacin and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETA)] were used to evaluate the possibility of a direct action of the cortical PG system on renin secretion. Renin release increased significantly with time after addition of C20:4, PGG2, EPA I, and EPA II to the incubation medium. Stimulation of renin release was se-related for C20:4 in concentrations of 0.6 to 4.5 X 10(-6) M, for EPA I in concentrations of 0.7 to 2.8 X 10(-6) M, and for EPA II in concentrations of 1.4 to 14.0 X 10(-6) M. Indomethacin (10(-4) M) and ETA (10(-4) M) significantly decreased basal renin release as well as the renin release stimulated by C20:4 and EPA I. PGE2(10(-12) to 10(-6) M) had no effect on renin release, whereas PGF2alpha (10(-12) to 10(-6) M) decreased renin release in a dose-dependent manner. These data raise the possibility of a direct action of the renal cortical PG system on renin secretion. The results further indicate that stimulation of renin release by C20:4 may depend more specifically on the action of PG endoperoxides than on the primary prostaglandins.", "contents": "Stimulation of renin release from rabbit renal cortex by arachidonic acid and prostaglandin endoperoxides. The mechanism by which renal prostaglandins stimulate renin secretion in vivo is unknown. In this in vitro study we measured the effects of activation of the prostaglandin (PG) system on renin release from slices of rabbit renal cortex. The PG precursor arachidonic acid (C20:4), a natural PG endoperoxide (PGG2), two stable synthetic PG endoperoxide analogues (EPA I and II), PGE2, PGF2alpha, and two different PG synthesis inhibitors [indomethacin and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETA)] were used to evaluate the possibility of a direct action of the cortical PG system on renin secretion. Renin release increased significantly with time after addition of C20:4, PGG2, EPA I, and EPA II to the incubation medium. Stimulation of renin release was se-related for C20:4 in concentrations of 0.6 to 4.5 X 10(-6) M, for EPA I in concentrations of 0.7 to 2.8 X 10(-6) M, and for EPA II in concentrations of 1.4 to 14.0 X 10(-6) M. Indomethacin (10(-4) M) and ETA (10(-4) M) significantly decreased basal renin release as well as the renin release stimulated by C20:4 and EPA I. PGE2(10(-12) to 10(-6) M) had no effect on renin release, whereas PGF2alpha (10(-12) to 10(-6) M) decreased renin release in a dose-dependent manner. These data raise the possibility of a direct action of the renal cortical PG system on renin secretion. The results further indicate that stimulation of renin release by C20:4 may depend more specifically on the action of PG endoperoxides than on the primary prostaglandins.", "PMID": 1000781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8409", "title": "Investigation of the theory and mechanism of the origin of the second heart sound.", "content": "To investigate further the origin of the second heart sound we studied human subjects, dogs, and a model in vitro of the cardiovascular system. Intra-arterial sound, pressure, and, where possible, flow and high speed cine (2,000 frames/sec) were utilized. The closure sound of the semilunar valves was of higher amplitude in be ventricles than in their respective arterial cavities. The direction of inscription of the main components of intra-arterial sound were opposite in direction to the components of intraventricular sound. Notches, representative of pressure increments, were noted on the ventricular pressure tracings and were coincident with the components of sound. The amplitude of the closure sound varied with diastolic pressure, but remained unchanged with augmentation of forward and retrograde aortic flow. Cines showed second sound to begin after complete valvular closure, and average leaflet closure rate was constant regardless of pressure. Hence, the semilunar valves, when closed, act as an elastic membrane and, when set into motion, generate compression and expansion of the blood, producing transient pressure changes indicative of sound. The magnitude of the initial stretch is related to the differential pressure between the arterial and ventricular chambers. Sound transients which follow the major components of the second sound appear to be caused by the continuing stretch and recoil of the leaflets. Clinically unexplained findings such as the reduced or absent second sound in calcific aortic stenosis and its paradoxical presence in congenital aortic stenosis may be explained by those observations.", "contents": "Investigation of the theory and mechanism of the origin of the second heart sound. To investigate further the origin of the second heart sound we studied human subjects, dogs, and a model in vitro of the cardiovascular system. Intra-arterial sound, pressure, and, where possible, flow and high speed cine (2,000 frames/sec) were utilized. The closure sound of the semilunar valves was of higher amplitude in be ventricles than in their respective arterial cavities. The direction of inscription of the main components of intra-arterial sound were opposite in direction to the components of intraventricular sound. Notches, representative of pressure increments, were noted on the ventricular pressure tracings and were coincident with the components of sound. The amplitude of the closure sound varied with diastolic pressure, but remained unchanged with augmentation of forward and retrograde aortic flow. Cines showed second sound to begin after complete valvular closure, and average leaflet closure rate was constant regardless of pressure. Hence, the semilunar valves, when closed, act as an elastic membrane and, when set into motion, generate compression and expansion of the blood, producing transient pressure changes indicative of sound. The magnitude of the initial stretch is related to the differential pressure between the arterial and ventricular chambers. Sound transients which follow the major components of the second sound appear to be caused by the continuing stretch and recoil of the leaflets. Clinically unexplained findings such as the reduced or absent second sound in calcific aortic stenosis and its paradoxical presence in congenital aortic stenosis may be explained by those observations.", "PMID": 1000782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8410", "title": "Hierarchy of ventricular pacemakers.", "content": "To characterize the pattern of pacemaker dominance in the ventricular specialized conduction system (VSCS), escape ventricular pacemakers were localized and quantified in vivo and in virto, in normal hearts and in hearts 24 hours after myocardial infarction. Excape pacemaker foci were localized in vivo during vagally induced atrial arrest by means of electrograms recorded from the His bundle and proximal bundle branches and standard electrocardiographic limb leads. The VSCS was isolated using a modified Elizari preparation or preparations of each bundle branch. Peacemakers were located by extra- and intracellular recordings. Escape pacemaker foci in vivo were always in the proximal conduction system, usually the left bundle branch. The rate was 43+/-11 (mean+/-SD) beats/min. After beta-adrenergic blockade, the mean rate fell to 31+/-10 beats/min, but there were no shifts in pacemaker location. In the infarcted hearts, pacemakers were located in the peripheral left bundle branch. The mean rate was 146+/-20 beats/min. In isolated normal preparations, the dominant pacemakers usually were in the His bundle, firing at a mean rate of 43+/-10 beats/min. The rates of pacemakers diminished with distal progression. In infarcted hearts, the pacemakers invariably were in the infarct zone. The mean firing rates were not influenced by beta-adrenergic blockade. The results indicate that the dominant pacemakers are normally in the very proximal VSCS, but after myocardial infarction pacemaker dominance is shifted into the infarct. Distribution of pacemaker dominance is independent of sympathetic influence.", "contents": "Hierarchy of ventricular pacemakers. To characterize the pattern of pacemaker dominance in the ventricular specialized conduction system (VSCS), escape ventricular pacemakers were localized and quantified in vivo and in virto, in normal hearts and in hearts 24 hours after myocardial infarction. Excape pacemaker foci were localized in vivo during vagally induced atrial arrest by means of electrograms recorded from the His bundle and proximal bundle branches and standard electrocardiographic limb leads. The VSCS was isolated using a modified Elizari preparation or preparations of each bundle branch. Peacemakers were located by extra- and intracellular recordings. Escape pacemaker foci in vivo were always in the proximal conduction system, usually the left bundle branch. The rate was 43+/-11 (mean+/-SD) beats/min. After beta-adrenergic blockade, the mean rate fell to 31+/-10 beats/min, but there were no shifts in pacemaker location. In the infarcted hearts, pacemakers were located in the peripheral left bundle branch. The mean rate was 146+/-20 beats/min. In isolated normal preparations, the dominant pacemakers usually were in the His bundle, firing at a mean rate of 43+/-10 beats/min. The rates of pacemakers diminished with distal progression. In infarcted hearts, the pacemakers invariably were in the infarct zone. The mean firing rates were not influenced by beta-adrenergic blockade. The results indicate that the dominant pacemakers are normally in the very proximal VSCS, but after myocardial infarction pacemaker dominance is shifted into the infarct. Distribution of pacemaker dominance is independent of sympathetic influence.", "PMID": 1000783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8411", "title": "Methods for the estimation of three vitamin dependent red cell enzymes.", "content": "The estimation of vitamin dependent red cell enzymes before and after in vitro vitamin supplement offers a new approach to the assessment of vitamin nutritional state. To facilitate the clinical application of the principle involved, enzyme assay and aspartate aminotransferase have been made suitable for routine use. Reference ranges have been obtained for enzyme activity and vitamin effect, and the coefficients of variation for the techniques under normal use have been calculated. The assays are useful for hospital patients suspected of poor vitamin B nutrition i.e. the elderly, and chronic alcoholics.", "contents": "Methods for the estimation of three vitamin dependent red cell enzymes. The estimation of vitamin dependent red cell enzymes before and after in vitro vitamin supplement offers a new approach to the assessment of vitamin nutritional state. To facilitate the clinical application of the principle involved, enzyme assay and aspartate aminotransferase have been made suitable for routine use. Reference ranges have been obtained for enzyme activity and vitamin effect, and the coefficients of variation for the techniques under normal use have been calculated. The assays are useful for hospital patients suspected of poor vitamin B nutrition i.e. the elderly, and chronic alcoholics.", "PMID": 1000784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8412", "title": "The accuracy of commercial calibration sera and assayed control sera.", "content": "Commercial calibration sera and assayed control sera have been extensively studied in parallel runs. An attempt has been made to assess the accuracy of the stated values of these sera, using mehtods that in two major quality control schemes have been shown to be reliably accurate. The Technicon product has proven to be generally the most reliable of the calibration sera. Many discrepancies were found in the assayed control sera values, particularly for calcium, phosphate and bilirubin, and our results indicate that the products of some manufacturers need to be improved.", "contents": "The accuracy of commercial calibration sera and assayed control sera. Commercial calibration sera and assayed control sera have been extensively studied in parallel runs. An attempt has been made to assess the accuracy of the stated values of these sera, using mehtods that in two major quality control schemes have been shown to be reliably accurate. The Technicon product has proven to be generally the most reliable of the calibration sera. Many discrepancies were found in the assayed control sera values, particularly for calcium, phosphate and bilirubin, and our results indicate that the products of some manufacturers need to be improved.", "PMID": 1000785} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8413", "title": "Kinetic determination of serum haptoblobin with a centrifugal analyzer.", "content": "We describe a method for determining haptoglobin with a centrifugal analyzer that is based on haptoglobin combining stoichiometrically with hemoglobin to form a complex that has peroxidase-like activity proportional to the quantity of haptoglobin present. Under assay conditions, unbound hemoglobin exhibits only a small fraction of the total peroxidase activity. Activity is measured colorimetrically at 405 nm after reaction with o-dianisdine and ethyl hydrogen peroxide. The procedure is standardized by saturating aknown amount of hemoglobin with a serum whose hemoglobin binding capacity exceeds the amount of hemoglobin in the assay system. The mean and mean within-run precision of our method, determined by performing 17 replicate assays of both a pooled normal serum and a 10-fold dilution of the serum, was 1.13 g/liter (CV, 2.9%), and 106 mg/liter (cv, 5.8%), respectively. The 95 percentile estimate of the normal range by our method is 0.45-1.85 g/liter hemoglobin binding capacity. When results by our automated method were compared to those by a manual method [Scand. J. Clin. Lab. 2nvest. 18, 80 (1965)], the slope of the unweighted linear least-squares regression line was .970 the y-intercept 26 mg/liter, and the correlation coefficient .995.", "contents": "Kinetic determination of serum haptoblobin with a centrifugal analyzer. We describe a method for determining haptoglobin with a centrifugal analyzer that is based on haptoglobin combining stoichiometrically with hemoglobin to form a complex that has peroxidase-like activity proportional to the quantity of haptoglobin present. Under assay conditions, unbound hemoglobin exhibits only a small fraction of the total peroxidase activity. Activity is measured colorimetrically at 405 nm after reaction with o-dianisdine and ethyl hydrogen peroxide. The procedure is standardized by saturating aknown amount of hemoglobin with a serum whose hemoglobin binding capacity exceeds the amount of hemoglobin in the assay system. The mean and mean within-run precision of our method, determined by performing 17 replicate assays of both a pooled normal serum and a 10-fold dilution of the serum, was 1.13 g/liter (CV, 2.9%), and 106 mg/liter (cv, 5.8%), respectively. The 95 percentile estimate of the normal range by our method is 0.45-1.85 g/liter hemoglobin binding capacity. When results by our automated method were compared to those by a manual method [Scand. J. Clin. Lab. 2nvest. 18, 80 (1965)], the slope of the unweighted linear least-squares regression line was .970 the y-intercept 26 mg/liter, and the correlation coefficient .995.", "PMID": 1000792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8414", "title": "Separation and quantitation of serum constituents associated with calcium by gel filtration.", "content": "Gel filtration of serum by use of polyacrylamide beads (Biogel P-2) separates total colcium into four distinct peaks: an initial peak, corresponding to protein-bound calcium; a second peak containing the calcium complexes of citrate, phosphate, lactate, and sulfate; a third peak containing calcium bicarbonate; and a fourth peak or trough corresponding to the serum ionic calcium. An eluent containing (per liter) 140 mmol of sodium, 1.1o mmol of calcium, 0.50 mmol of magnesium, and 10 mmol of 2-([tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]amino)ethanesulfonic acid(pH 7.40 at 37 degrees C) provides physiological conditions that determine the equilibria between these calcium components. Association constants determined under these conditions permit calculation of the expected concentration of the calcium complexes in each tube of eluent, and these concentrations closely correspond to the amount of bound calcium measured experimentally. The mean distribution of calcium in healthy individuals, as determined by this method, is (per liter): calcium protein, 1.00 mmol; calcium complexes, 0.31 mmol; and ionic calcium, 1.07 mmol.", "contents": "Separation and quantitation of serum constituents associated with calcium by gel filtration. Gel filtration of serum by use of polyacrylamide beads (Biogel P-2) separates total colcium into four distinct peaks: an initial peak, corresponding to protein-bound calcium; a second peak containing the calcium complexes of citrate, phosphate, lactate, and sulfate; a third peak containing calcium bicarbonate; and a fourth peak or trough corresponding to the serum ionic calcium. An eluent containing (per liter) 140 mmol of sodium, 1.1o mmol of calcium, 0.50 mmol of magnesium, and 10 mmol of 2-([tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]amino)ethanesulfonic acid(pH 7.40 at 37 degrees C) provides physiological conditions that determine the equilibria between these calcium components. Association constants determined under these conditions permit calculation of the expected concentration of the calcium complexes in each tube of eluent, and these concentrations closely correspond to the amount of bound calcium measured experimentally. The mean distribution of calcium in healthy individuals, as determined by this method, is (per liter): calcium protein, 1.00 mmol; calcium complexes, 0.31 mmol; and ionic calcium, 1.07 mmol.", "PMID": 1000793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8415", "title": "Serum phospholipids determined without acid digestion.", "content": "A method for determination of phospholipids in serum is described that involves complexing intact phospholipids with chromogenic reagent, thus eliminating the need for acid digestion, which is a mandatory step in all the current procedures for phospholipid analysis. Inorganic phosphorus and other serum components do not interfere in the determination. Excellent agreement between results of this new procedure and the conventional acid digestion method (r=0.986, y intercept=2.053, and slope=0.986) makes it an attractive alternative clinical method for determination of phospholipids in serum.", "contents": "Serum phospholipids determined without acid digestion. A method for determination of phospholipids in serum is described that involves complexing intact phospholipids with chromogenic reagent, thus eliminating the need for acid digestion, which is a mandatory step in all the current procedures for phospholipid analysis. Inorganic phosphorus and other serum components do not interfere in the determination. Excellent agreement between results of this new procedure and the conventional acid digestion method (r=0.986, y intercept=2.053, and slope=0.986) makes it an attractive alternative clinical method for determination of phospholipids in serum.", "PMID": 1000794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8416", "title": "Microscale modification of a cation-exchange column procedure for plasma ammonia.", "content": "A column cation-exchange resin procedure for plasma ammonia was modified to require only 100 mul of plasma per determination. Mean analytical recovery of standard from resin (six samples) was 98% (range, 94-100%) as compared to a mean of 63% (range, 58-70) for nine samples when a batch cation-exchange procedure was used. Absorbance was proportional to sample concentration up to 800 mumol/liter. Analytical recovery of standard from plsma (six samples) was complete (mean, 103%; range, 90-113). Thirteen aliquots of a specimen of fresh plasma from a single adult individual gave a mean value of 20 mumol/liter (range, 11-26). The mean plasma venous ammonia concentration for 27 adults was 16 mumol/liter (range, 0-39), and for 15 newborns it was 60 (range, 34-102). Values for capillary plasma measured at the same time were higher, and we discuss possible explanations for this. Values are given for infants and children from one month to 14 years of age. Effects of storage time and temperature on plasma ammonia concentration are discussed.", "contents": "Microscale modification of a cation-exchange column procedure for plasma ammonia. A column cation-exchange resin procedure for plasma ammonia was modified to require only 100 mul of plasma per determination. Mean analytical recovery of standard from resin (six samples) was 98% (range, 94-100%) as compared to a mean of 63% (range, 58-70) for nine samples when a batch cation-exchange procedure was used. Absorbance was proportional to sample concentration up to 800 mumol/liter. Analytical recovery of standard from plsma (six samples) was complete (mean, 103%; range, 90-113). Thirteen aliquots of a specimen of fresh plasma from a single adult individual gave a mean value of 20 mumol/liter (range, 11-26). The mean plasma venous ammonia concentration for 27 adults was 16 mumol/liter (range, 0-39), and for 15 newborns it was 60 (range, 34-102). Values for capillary plasma measured at the same time were higher, and we discuss possible explanations for this. Values are given for infants and children from one month to 14 years of age. Effects of storage time and temperature on plasma ammonia concentration are discussed.", "PMID": 1000795} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8417", "title": "A spot test for uroporphyrinogen I synthase, the enzyme that is deficient in intermittent acute porphyria.", "content": "We describe a spot test for detecting deficiency of uroporphyrinogen I synthase (EC 4.3.1.8), which is characteristic of intermittent acute porphyria. The specimens used for enzyme assay are 6.5-mm filter paper discs saturated with dried blood (less than 15 mul) that was collected by direct application from a fingerstick or from venipuncture, with or without anticoagulant. The enzyme in such specimens is stable for at least nine days at -20 or c degrees C or for two days at room temperature. The discs are incubated with porphobilinogen (0.11 mmol/liter) in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane HCl buffer, pH 8.2, in the dark at 37 degrees C for 3.5 h. Trichloroacetic acid is added and, after centrifugation, the supernate is examined visually with a long-wavelength ultraviolet lamp. Samples from normal and porphyric subjects are readily differentiated, both by color and intensity of the resulting porphyrin fluorescence. Anemia is a potential source of falsely positive tests, but one may accurately determine the concentration of hemoglobin in the whole blood on the filter paper discs. Moreover, the fluorescence of normal but anemic samples clearly differs qualitatively from that of porphyric specimens. Another source of falsely positive tests, variation in enzyme activity creating an overlap zone of normal and porphyric results, has not been a confounding problem. The method thus seems to offer promise for screening populations for this disorder.", "contents": "A spot test for uroporphyrinogen I synthase, the enzyme that is deficient in intermittent acute porphyria. We describe a spot test for detecting deficiency of uroporphyrinogen I synthase (EC 4.3.1.8), which is characteristic of intermittent acute porphyria. The specimens used for enzyme assay are 6.5-mm filter paper discs saturated with dried blood (less than 15 mul) that was collected by direct application from a fingerstick or from venipuncture, with or without anticoagulant. The enzyme in such specimens is stable for at least nine days at -20 or c degrees C or for two days at room temperature. The discs are incubated with porphobilinogen (0.11 mmol/liter) in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane HCl buffer, pH 8.2, in the dark at 37 degrees C for 3.5 h. Trichloroacetic acid is added and, after centrifugation, the supernate is examined visually with a long-wavelength ultraviolet lamp. Samples from normal and porphyric subjects are readily differentiated, both by color and intensity of the resulting porphyrin fluorescence. Anemia is a potential source of falsely positive tests, but one may accurately determine the concentration of hemoglobin in the whole blood on the filter paper discs. Moreover, the fluorescence of normal but anemic samples clearly differs qualitatively from that of porphyric specimens. Another source of falsely positive tests, variation in enzyme activity creating an overlap zone of normal and porphyric results, has not been a confounding problem. The method thus seems to offer promise for screening populations for this disorder.", "PMID": 1000796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8418", "title": "How accurate are lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme estimations by the thin-layer agarose fluorescent technique?", "content": "We offer an assessment of the accuracy of the thin-layer agarose fluorescent technique of Elevitch et al. [Am. J. Clin. Pathol. 46, 692 (1966)]. We used semi-purified human lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes 1 and 5. Both the lactate lead to pyruvate and pyruvate lead to lactate assays [Clin. Chem. 20, 1462 (1974)] appear to give, within the errors of the techniques used, a substantially unbiased estimate of both LD-1 and LD-5, although this must remain a provisional conclusion until a definitive method of assay for the total and isoenzymic LD activities is created. Introducing a buffer into the substrate mixture (lactate lead to pyruvate assay) had no effect on these findings except at extremes of pH, when marked inaccuracies occurred.", "contents": "How accurate are lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme estimations by the thin-layer agarose fluorescent technique? We offer an assessment of the accuracy of the thin-layer agarose fluorescent technique of Elevitch et al. [Am. J. Clin. Pathol. 46, 692 (1966)]. We used semi-purified human lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes 1 and 5. Both the lactate lead to pyruvate and pyruvate lead to lactate assays [Clin. Chem. 20, 1462 (1974)] appear to give, within the errors of the techniques used, a substantially unbiased estimate of both LD-1 and LD-5, although this must remain a provisional conclusion until a definitive method of assay for the total and isoenzymic LD activities is created. Introducing a buffer into the substrate mixture (lactate lead to pyruvate assay) had no effect on these findings except at extremes of pH, when marked inaccuracies occurred.", "PMID": 1000797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8419", "title": "Interferences with the starch-iodine assay for serum amylase activity, and effects of hyperlipemia.", "content": "Recent reports imply or claim that amylase activity is inhibited in hyperlipemic sera, because diluted samples showed greater activities when assayed by a starch-iodine method. We find that dilutions of both clear and lipemic samples give higher-than-expected activities when assayed by a starch-iodine method, an effect attributable to the variable effects of protein, turbidity, and triglycerides in the hyperlipemic samples. Thus the starch-iodine method is unsuitable for assessing the effects of hyperlipemic samples on amylase activity. To do so, we used an alternative method, in which soluble dyed amylopectin is used as the substrate. This method exhibits apparent zero-order kinetics, and we detected no interfering factors. Plots of sample volume (x) vs. activity (y) for clear and hyperlipemic (triglycerides up to 80 g/liter) sera gave straight lines with y-intercepts of zero. Evidently hypertriglyceridemia does not inhibit amylase activity.", "contents": "Interferences with the starch-iodine assay for serum amylase activity, and effects of hyperlipemia. Recent reports imply or claim that amylase activity is inhibited in hyperlipemic sera, because diluted samples showed greater activities when assayed by a starch-iodine method. We find that dilutions of both clear and lipemic samples give higher-than-expected activities when assayed by a starch-iodine method, an effect attributable to the variable effects of protein, turbidity, and triglycerides in the hyperlipemic samples. Thus the starch-iodine method is unsuitable for assessing the effects of hyperlipemic samples on amylase activity. To do so, we used an alternative method, in which soluble dyed amylopectin is used as the substrate. This method exhibits apparent zero-order kinetics, and we detected no interfering factors. Plots of sample volume (x) vs. activity (y) for clear and hyperlipemic (triglycerides up to 80 g/liter) sera gave straight lines with y-intercepts of zero. Evidently hypertriglyceridemia does not inhibit amylase activity.", "PMID": 1000798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8420", "title": "Screening for erros in galactose metabolism with the erythrocyte.", "content": "We propose determination of the ratio of the rate of galactose metabolism to glucose metabolism by erythrocytes as a screening test for abnormalities in glucose and galactose metabolism. Packed erythrocytes (20 mul) are incubated for 1 h at 37 degrees C in 0.42 ml of a solution comprising phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), 0.4 mg of glucose, 60 mg of methylene blue, and 50 nCi of either [1-14C]glucose or [1-14C]galactose. Metabolism is then stopped by injecting dilute H2SO4 through a rubber septum sealing the flasks. On incubating the acidified solution for 1 h, the evolved CO2 is trapped in a well containing ethanolamine, which is suspended from the septum. The radioactivity of the well and its contents is measured in a scintillator, and from these data CO2 is calculated. (The scintillation medium is preheated with ethanolamine to eliminate chemiluminescence.) For normal adults mean values for CO2 are 0.468 mumol/liter of erythrocytes per minute for galactose and 37.8 mumol/liter of erythrocytes per minute for glucose. Homozygous galactosemics exhibit no galactose metabolism but the rate for flucose metabolism is normal. Results for parents of homozymotes are described. We review various causes for galactosemia and point out that transfer of galactose through the cell wall and into the erythrocyte is markedly reduced in certain cats and, although unreported, may possibly be a cause for galactosemia in humans.", "contents": "Screening for erros in galactose metabolism with the erythrocyte. We propose determination of the ratio of the rate of galactose metabolism to glucose metabolism by erythrocytes as a screening test for abnormalities in glucose and galactose metabolism. Packed erythrocytes (20 mul) are incubated for 1 h at 37 degrees C in 0.42 ml of a solution comprising phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), 0.4 mg of glucose, 60 mg of methylene blue, and 50 nCi of either [1-14C]glucose or [1-14C]galactose. Metabolism is then stopped by injecting dilute H2SO4 through a rubber septum sealing the flasks. On incubating the acidified solution for 1 h, the evolved CO2 is trapped in a well containing ethanolamine, which is suspended from the septum. The radioactivity of the well and its contents is measured in a scintillator, and from these data CO2 is calculated. (The scintillation medium is preheated with ethanolamine to eliminate chemiluminescence.) For normal adults mean values for CO2 are 0.468 mumol/liter of erythrocytes per minute for galactose and 37.8 mumol/liter of erythrocytes per minute for glucose. Homozygous galactosemics exhibit no galactose metabolism but the rate for flucose metabolism is normal. Results for parents of homozymotes are described. We review various causes for galactosemia and point out that transfer of galactose through the cell wall and into the erythrocyte is markedly reduced in certain cats and, although unreported, may possibly be a cause for galactosemia in humans.", "PMID": 1000799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8421", "title": "Energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry evaluated for multielement analysis in complex biological matrices.", "content": "Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry were evaluated as methods for routine multielement analysis of biological material. Standard samples included Standard Reference Materials (National Bureau of Standards), compounded mixtures, and supplements that provided a wide range of elemental concentrations for analysis. Elements included in this study were Zn, Pb, Ni, Mn, Fe, Mg, Cu, Ca, As, Se, Br, Rb, and Sr. Standards were analyzed as unknowns by participating laboratories. The two methods were evaluated for sensitivity, precision, and accuracy, and the results compared to those obtained for atomic absorption spectrometric analysis of identical standard unknowns. Both methods compared favorably and both were determined to be highly reliable for such an application. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are compared and discussed.", "contents": "Energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry evaluated for multielement analysis in complex biological matrices. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry were evaluated as methods for routine multielement analysis of biological material. Standard samples included Standard Reference Materials (National Bureau of Standards), compounded mixtures, and supplements that provided a wide range of elemental concentrations for analysis. Elements included in this study were Zn, Pb, Ni, Mn, Fe, Mg, Cu, Ca, As, Se, Br, Rb, and Sr. Standards were analyzed as unknowns by participating laboratories. The two methods were evaluated for sensitivity, precision, and accuracy, and the results compared to those obtained for atomic absorption spectrometric analysis of identical standard unknowns. Both methods compared favorably and both were determined to be highly reliable for such an application. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are compared and discussed.", "PMID": 1000800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8422", "title": "Stabilization of blood glucose by cooling with ice: an effective procedure for preservation of samples from adults and newborns.", "content": "Glycolysis causes a considerable decrease in blood glucose when whole blood is kept at room temperature without preservative. The most commonly used preservative, NaF, makes analysis of other serum constituents such as sodium and calcium and urea difficult or impossible, an especially serious limitation when sample size must be restricted. In samples at room temperature without preservative, plasma glucose decreased 36 mg/liter per hour in blood from adults and 60 mg/liter per hour in blood from newborns. Cooling on ice slowed these rates to 3.9 and 11, respectively. Plasma potassium increased 0.3 mmol/liter per hour in cooled specimens from both adults and newborns. Sodium, calcium, chloride and urea values were unaffected. We conclude that cooling effectively stabilizes plasma glucose for 4 h in samples from both adults and newborns and that potassium may be measured with negligible change for as long as 1 h and other constituents for the entire period.", "contents": "Stabilization of blood glucose by cooling with ice: an effective procedure for preservation of samples from adults and newborns. Glycolysis causes a considerable decrease in blood glucose when whole blood is kept at room temperature without preservative. The most commonly used preservative, NaF, makes analysis of other serum constituents such as sodium and calcium and urea difficult or impossible, an especially serious limitation when sample size must be restricted. In samples at room temperature without preservative, plasma glucose decreased 36 mg/liter per hour in blood from adults and 60 mg/liter per hour in blood from newborns. Cooling on ice slowed these rates to 3.9 and 11, respectively. Plasma potassium increased 0.3 mmol/liter per hour in cooled specimens from both adults and newborns. Sodium, calcium, chloride and urea values were unaffected. We conclude that cooling effectively stabilizes plasma glucose for 4 h in samples from both adults and newborns and that potassium may be measured with negligible change for as long as 1 h and other constituents for the entire period.", "PMID": 1000801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8423", "title": "Evaluation of a new blood-collecting device (\"microtainer\") that is suited for pediatric use.", "content": "We evaluated the prototype of a \"Microtainer\" (800-mul) tube (Becton-Dickinson Co., Rutherford, N.J. 07070), In which a semi-solid silicone material is used to separate serum from erythrocytes on centrifugation. We compared results for 18 serum analytes with those obtained for specimens collected by the \"dripping\" method of capillary blood collection. The serum was examined microscopically for platelets and leukocytes from both normal and leukemic specimens. The cellular elements were all contained in the erythrocyte layer. Hemolysis was negligible. Means for paired samples did not differ significantly, except for Na+, for which the difference was not clinically significant. Values for potassium and lactate dehydrogenase were unchanged 24 h after collection, even though the serum was left in the collecting device.", "contents": "Evaluation of a new blood-collecting device (\"microtainer\") that is suited for pediatric use. We evaluated the prototype of a \"Microtainer\" (800-mul) tube (Becton-Dickinson Co., Rutherford, N.J. 07070), In which a semi-solid silicone material is used to separate serum from erythrocytes on centrifugation. We compared results for 18 serum analytes with those obtained for specimens collected by the \"dripping\" method of capillary blood collection. The serum was examined microscopically for platelets and leukocytes from both normal and leukemic specimens. The cellular elements were all contained in the erythrocyte layer. Hemolysis was negligible. Means for paired samples did not differ significantly, except for Na+, for which the difference was not clinically significant. Values for potassium and lactate dehydrogenase were unchanged 24 h after collection, even though the serum was left in the collecting device.", "PMID": 1000802} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8424", "title": "Improved batch and column separation in the assay of hemoglobin A2.", "content": "Hemoglobin A2 is a batch fractionated on a column containing diethylaminoethyl-cellulose (DE52, Whatman) with a discontinuous buffer system at pH 8.9 and 7.3. A short micro-column method is also presented, which allows separation in less than 30 min with no interference from hemoglobin S. Both methods clearly distinguish normal from thalassemia specimens, and are simpler and more rapid than previously published methods.", "contents": "Improved batch and column separation in the assay of hemoglobin A2. Hemoglobin A2 is a batch fractionated on a column containing diethylaminoethyl-cellulose (DE52, Whatman) with a discontinuous buffer system at pH 8.9 and 7.3. A short micro-column method is also presented, which allows separation in less than 30 min with no interference from hemoglobin S. Both methods clearly distinguish normal from thalassemia specimens, and are simpler and more rapid than previously published methods.", "PMID": 1000803} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8425", "title": "Automated enzymatic determination of L-lactate in serum, with use of a miniature centrifugal analyzer.", "content": "We describe an automated enzymatic reaction-rate method for spectrophotometric determination of lactate in serum with a miniature centrifugal analyzer. The L(+) -lactate is selectively oxidized in the presence of lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) and NAD+ to form NADH, which is measured from its absorption. Reaction rates are determined automatically, and unknown concentrations are calculated from a computer-generated calibration curve with aqueous lithium lactate standards. Lactate concentrations in the range 0.32-1.6 mug/4 mul (80-400 mg/liter) of sample were determined with relative errors and coefficient of variation of 4.8%. Analytical recovery of lactate added to pooled serum was 89-112% (average, 101%). Comparison with a kit (\"Rapid Lactate\") method gave a correlation coefficient squared of 0.979 over a concentration range of 39-779 mg/liter.", "contents": "Automated enzymatic determination of L-lactate in serum, with use of a miniature centrifugal analyzer. We describe an automated enzymatic reaction-rate method for spectrophotometric determination of lactate in serum with a miniature centrifugal analyzer. The L(+) -lactate is selectively oxidized in the presence of lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) and NAD+ to form NADH, which is measured from its absorption. Reaction rates are determined automatically, and unknown concentrations are calculated from a computer-generated calibration curve with aqueous lithium lactate standards. Lactate concentrations in the range 0.32-1.6 mug/4 mul (80-400 mg/liter) of sample were determined with relative errors and coefficient of variation of 4.8%. Analytical recovery of lactate added to pooled serum was 89-112% (average, 101%). Comparison with a kit (\"Rapid Lactate\") method gave a correlation coefficient squared of 0.979 over a concentration range of 39-779 mg/liter.", "PMID": 1000804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8426", "title": "Properties of the amylase produced in carcinoma of the lung.", "content": "The properties of the amylase produced by carcinoma of the lung were studied. The abnormal amylase recognized in the serum of a patient with carcinoma of the lung had a mobility with beta-position and showed reduced migration to the cathodic side after neuraminidase digestion. This abnormal amylase had a close affinity for Concanavalin A and this affinity was not retarded by the neuraminidase digestion. However, the purified, tumor-extracted, amylase from the same patient had the same electrophoretic migration as normal human salivary amylase and was not affected by neuraminidase treatment. The abnormal affinity for Concanavalin A was not observed in this purified tumor-extracted amylase. It is suggested that some transglycosidation steps are needed for the appearance of the abnormal amylase in the patient's serum, and that the terminal sialic acid is independent of the affinity for Concanavalin A. The dissociation constants of the tumor amylase for several substrates were smaller than those of normal pancreatic or salivary amylases. Moreover, maltotriose had no affinity for the tumor-extracted amylase and it was not digested to maltose and glucose by the purified tumor extracted amylase. These differences in the kinetic properties and in the mode of digestion were of interest in the study of tumor-produced amylases.", "contents": "Properties of the amylase produced in carcinoma of the lung. The properties of the amylase produced by carcinoma of the lung were studied. The abnormal amylase recognized in the serum of a patient with carcinoma of the lung had a mobility with beta-position and showed reduced migration to the cathodic side after neuraminidase digestion. This abnormal amylase had a close affinity for Concanavalin A and this affinity was not retarded by the neuraminidase digestion. However, the purified, tumor-extracted, amylase from the same patient had the same electrophoretic migration as normal human salivary amylase and was not affected by neuraminidase treatment. The abnormal affinity for Concanavalin A was not observed in this purified tumor-extracted amylase. It is suggested that some transglycosidation steps are needed for the appearance of the abnormal amylase in the patient's serum, and that the terminal sialic acid is independent of the affinity for Concanavalin A. The dissociation constants of the tumor amylase for several substrates were smaller than those of normal pancreatic or salivary amylases. Moreover, maltotriose had no affinity for the tumor-extracted amylase and it was not digested to maltose and glucose by the purified tumor extracted amylase. These differences in the kinetic properties and in the mode of digestion were of interest in the study of tumor-produced amylases.", "PMID": 1000819} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8427", "title": "The effect of uraemic metabolites on parathyroid extract-induced bone resorption in vitro.", "content": "A study is reported of the effects of both pre- and post-dialysis serum and some of the known uraemic metabolites on parathyroid extract-induced bone resorption using an in vitro organ culture system. Serum from uraemic patients prior to haemodialysis was shown to inhibit the action of parathyroid hormone on bone and this inhibitory effect was not present after dialysis. Some of the uraemic metabolites studied and also phosphate exerted an inhibitory effect but the metabolites caused their inhibition at higher concentrations than those which are known to occur in uraemic patients. It is concluded that if uraemic metabolites play a role in vivo then it is probably due to a cumulative phenomenon.", "contents": "The effect of uraemic metabolites on parathyroid extract-induced bone resorption in vitro. A study is reported of the effects of both pre- and post-dialysis serum and some of the known uraemic metabolites on parathyroid extract-induced bone resorption using an in vitro organ culture system. Serum from uraemic patients prior to haemodialysis was shown to inhibit the action of parathyroid hormone on bone and this inhibitory effect was not present after dialysis. Some of the uraemic metabolites studied and also phosphate exerted an inhibitory effect but the metabolites caused their inhibition at higher concentrations than those which are known to occur in uraemic patients. It is concluded that if uraemic metabolites play a role in vivo then it is probably due to a cumulative phenomenon.", "PMID": 1000820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8428", "title": "A transient variant of serum lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes.", "content": "An unusual variant of the serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme pattern is described in an apparently healthy young woman. The abnormal pattern consisted of a single zone of LDH activity, having the same mobility as, but more diffuse than, normal LDH-4. The molecular weight of the abnormal LDH complex is approximately 280 000, but the nature of the additional component remains unknown, as the isoenzyme pattern spontaneously reverted to normal six weeks after it was first noticed.", "contents": "A transient variant of serum lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes. An unusual variant of the serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme pattern is described in an apparently healthy young woman. The abnormal pattern consisted of a single zone of LDH activity, having the same mobility as, but more diffuse than, normal LDH-4. The molecular weight of the abnormal LDH complex is approximately 280 000, but the nature of the additional component remains unknown, as the isoenzyme pattern spontaneously reverted to normal six weeks after it was first noticed.", "PMID": 1000821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8429", "title": "Simultaneous analysis of catecholamine acidic metabolites by single ion monitoring and manual control of the magnetic field.", "content": "A method for multicomponent analysis by single ion monitoring is presented. This method involves monitoring of one ion per selected compound in a GC run. To focus sequentially on each ion, the magnetic field strength of the mass spectrometer is manually reset to the proper value during the intervals between eluting peaks. Stationary phase bleeding provides a suitable reference background for rapid location of selected ions. This technique has been applied to the simultaneous analysis of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in urine samples. Quantitative data for DOPAC and HVA are presented using 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid (DHPPA) as an internal standard.", "contents": "Simultaneous analysis of catecholamine acidic metabolites by single ion monitoring and manual control of the magnetic field. A method for multicomponent analysis by single ion monitoring is presented. This method involves monitoring of one ion per selected compound in a GC run. To focus sequentially on each ion, the magnetic field strength of the mass spectrometer is manually reset to the proper value during the intervals between eluting peaks. Stationary phase bleeding provides a suitable reference background for rapid location of selected ions. This technique has been applied to the simultaneous analysis of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in urine samples. Quantitative data for DOPAC and HVA are presented using 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid (DHPPA) as an internal standard.", "PMID": 1000822} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8430", "title": "Long-term effects of aminoglutethimide on steroid metabolism in congenital adrenal hyperplasia.", "content": "Five cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to C21-hydroxylase defect were treated with a combination of aminoglutethimide and prednisolone. In the third year of treatment the urinary levels of 17-oxosteroids increased above normal values while the total 17-hydroxy-corticosteroids were normally low. Specifically, urinary pregnanetriol was normal in 3 cases. To determine the reasons for this disparity the adrenal metabolism of cholesterol, as judged by the urinary steroid metabolites, was studied. Fractionation of urinary steroid metabolites was by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) followed by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The results indicate that aminoglutethimide inhibits steroidogenesis less than prednisolone; that a pathway from cholesterol via 17 alpha, 20 alpha-dihydroxycholesterol to dehydroepiandrosterone is likely to operate after long-term aminoglutethimide therapy; that 11 beta-hydroxylase, at least for pregnenes may be inhibited by aminoglutethimide and that the metabolic breakdown of testosterone may be delayed by this drug.", "contents": "Long-term effects of aminoglutethimide on steroid metabolism in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Five cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to C21-hydroxylase defect were treated with a combination of aminoglutethimide and prednisolone. In the third year of treatment the urinary levels of 17-oxosteroids increased above normal values while the total 17-hydroxy-corticosteroids were normally low. Specifically, urinary pregnanetriol was normal in 3 cases. To determine the reasons for this disparity the adrenal metabolism of cholesterol, as judged by the urinary steroid metabolites, was studied. Fractionation of urinary steroid metabolites was by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) followed by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The results indicate that aminoglutethimide inhibits steroidogenesis less than prednisolone; that a pathway from cholesterol via 17 alpha, 20 alpha-dihydroxycholesterol to dehydroepiandrosterone is likely to operate after long-term aminoglutethimide therapy; that 11 beta-hydroxylase, at least for pregnenes may be inhibited by aminoglutethimide and that the metabolic breakdown of testosterone may be delayed by this drug.", "PMID": 1000823} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8431", "title": "Studies on the use of skin fibroblasts for the measurement of cystathionine synthase activity with respect to homocystinuria.", "content": "The levels of cystathionine synthase have been examined in cultured skin fibroblasts obtained from a patient suffering from pyridoxine-non-responsive homocystinuria and compared with the normal and heterozygous states. Levels of synthase activity were found to vary with time in culture and composition of culture media. The physical properties of normal and abnormal synthase activities were markedly different. It has been concluded that caution has to be exercised when using cell culture methods for the purpose of defining normal, heterozygous and homozygous states with reference to homocystinuria.", "contents": "Studies on the use of skin fibroblasts for the measurement of cystathionine synthase activity with respect to homocystinuria. The levels of cystathionine synthase have been examined in cultured skin fibroblasts obtained from a patient suffering from pyridoxine-non-responsive homocystinuria and compared with the normal and heterozygous states. Levels of synthase activity were found to vary with time in culture and composition of culture media. The physical properties of normal and abnormal synthase activities were markedly different. It has been concluded that caution has to be exercised when using cell culture methods for the purpose of defining normal, heterozygous and homozygous states with reference to homocystinuria.", "PMID": 1000825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8432", "title": "High-speed liquid chromatographic determination of antiepileptic drugs in human plasma.", "content": "A high-speed liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determinations of diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital and carbamazepine in human blood plasma is presented. This method involves two step extraction procedures with chloroform and uses 2 X 50 cm long stainless steel columns packed with a anion exchange resin, with a mobile phase of 4 mM ammonium phosphate buffer solution, pH 6.2 at a flow rate of 0.40 ml/min. The results presented show linear calibration curves and quantitative determinations as low as 1.0 mug of each drug added to 0.5 ml plasma. This method has a sensitivity sufficient to detect human plasma levels after therapeutic clinical doses.", "contents": "High-speed liquid chromatographic determination of antiepileptic drugs in human plasma. A high-speed liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determinations of diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital and carbamazepine in human blood plasma is presented. This method involves two step extraction procedures with chloroform and uses 2 X 50 cm long stainless steel columns packed with a anion exchange resin, with a mobile phase of 4 mM ammonium phosphate buffer solution, pH 6.2 at a flow rate of 0.40 ml/min. The results presented show linear calibration curves and quantitative determinations as low as 1.0 mug of each drug added to 0.5 ml plasma. This method has a sensitivity sufficient to detect human plasma levels after therapeutic clinical doses.", "PMID": 1000837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8433", "title": "Urinary formiminoglutamate in man. Normal values related to sex and age. Effects of low calorie intake and alcohol consumption.", "content": "A modification of the enzymic method of Tabor and Wyngarden for formiminoglutamate (FIGLU) estimation in urine is described. Alkaline degradation of FIGLU in blanks enhanced the sensitivity of the method. FIGLU excretion in 94 healthy persons indicated a sex and age dependence. Short term calorie restriction or fasting led to a decrease of FIGLU excretion while acute alcohol intoxication or chronic alcohol administration were accompanied by enhanced FIGLU excretion. It is suggested that decreased FIGLU excretion was due to histidine deficiency.", "contents": "Urinary formiminoglutamate in man. Normal values related to sex and age. Effects of low calorie intake and alcohol consumption. A modification of the enzymic method of Tabor and Wyngarden for formiminoglutamate (FIGLU) estimation in urine is described. Alkaline degradation of FIGLU in blanks enhanced the sensitivity of the method. FIGLU excretion in 94 healthy persons indicated a sex and age dependence. Short term calorie restriction or fasting led to a decrease of FIGLU excretion while acute alcohol intoxication or chronic alcohol administration were accompanied by enhanced FIGLU excretion. It is suggested that decreased FIGLU excretion was due to histidine deficiency.", "PMID": 1000838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8434", "title": "Uraemia and hyperuricaemia in acute myocardial infarction.", "content": "Plasma urate, urea and creatinine were measured at daily intervals for up to six days in 22 patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction. All except 3 patients showed some increase in plasma urea concentration and a tendency to increases in plasma urate was also observed. The increases in plasma urate correlated significantly with the increases in urea. This leads to the questioning of earlier reports linking hyperuricaemia with myocardial infarction when the possibility of uraemia has been ignored. Urine studies in a small number of patients showed no marked reduction in urea excretion, implying that increased production may partly account for the rise in plasma levels.", "contents": "Uraemia and hyperuricaemia in acute myocardial infarction. Plasma urate, urea and creatinine were measured at daily intervals for up to six days in 22 patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction. All except 3 patients showed some increase in plasma urea concentration and a tendency to increases in plasma urate was also observed. The increases in plasma urate correlated significantly with the increases in urea. This leads to the questioning of earlier reports linking hyperuricaemia with myocardial infarction when the possibility of uraemia has been ignored. Urine studies in a small number of patients showed no marked reduction in urea excretion, implying that increased production may partly account for the rise in plasma levels.", "PMID": 1000839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8435", "title": "Cellular glycosaminoglycans in lymphocytes from patients with cystic fibrosis.", "content": "Cellular glycosaminoglycans were isolated from lymphocytes from patients with cystic fibrosis and controls. The isolated glycosaminoglycans were fractionated by cellulose acetate electrophoresis, analyzed for glucosamine and galactosamine content, and subjected to hydrolysis with bovine testicular hyaluronidase. The total glycosaminoglycan content, the per cent glucosamine and galactosamine, and the distribution of cellular glycosaminoglycans in circulating lymphocytes in cystic fibrosis were no different from controls.", "contents": "Cellular glycosaminoglycans in lymphocytes from patients with cystic fibrosis. Cellular glycosaminoglycans were isolated from lymphocytes from patients with cystic fibrosis and controls. The isolated glycosaminoglycans were fractionated by cellulose acetate electrophoresis, analyzed for glucosamine and galactosamine content, and subjected to hydrolysis with bovine testicular hyaluronidase. The total glycosaminoglycan content, the per cent glucosamine and galactosamine, and the distribution of cellular glycosaminoglycans in circulating lymphocytes in cystic fibrosis were no different from controls.", "PMID": 1000840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8436", "title": "The effect of proteolytic activity on plasma renin activity assay.", "content": "Carrier proteins are used in the radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I. It has been shown that the proteolytic activity found in commercial lysozyme will falsely elevate the observed plasma renin activity. This effect is probably due to the fact that human plasma contains proteinase inhibitors which inhibit this activity during radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I. This proteolytic activity can be inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate or by heating lysozyme.", "contents": "The effect of proteolytic activity on plasma renin activity assay. Carrier proteins are used in the radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I. It has been shown that the proteolytic activity found in commercial lysozyme will falsely elevate the observed plasma renin activity. This effect is probably due to the fact that human plasma contains proteinase inhibitors which inhibit this activity during radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I. This proteolytic activity can be inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate or by heating lysozyme.", "PMID": 1000841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8437", "title": "Polyamine distribution in cellular compartments of blood and in aging erythrocytes.", "content": "Human blood was separated into pure preparations of erythrocytes, mononuclear leukocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, platelets, and platelet free plasma. The mean concentrations of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine per 10(9) cells were found to be several orders of magnitude higher for leukocytes than erythrocytes. There was no significant difference between leukocyte types. Platelets and plasma had relatively low levels in proportion to the amounts contributed by erythrocytes and leukocytes to whole blood. Human erythrocytes were age-separated by density and the changes in polyamine concentrations in maturing erythrocytes were documented. There were highly significant statistical differences between young and old red blood cells for putrescine, spermidine and spermine. The clinical use of red blood cell polyamines as an indicator of the activity of the bone marrow in anemic states is suggested.", "contents": "Polyamine distribution in cellular compartments of blood and in aging erythrocytes. Human blood was separated into pure preparations of erythrocytes, mononuclear leukocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, platelets, and platelet free plasma. The mean concentrations of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine per 10(9) cells were found to be several orders of magnitude higher for leukocytes than erythrocytes. There was no significant difference between leukocyte types. Platelets and plasma had relatively low levels in proportion to the amounts contributed by erythrocytes and leukocytes to whole blood. Human erythrocytes were age-separated by density and the changes in polyamine concentrations in maturing erythrocytes were documented. There were highly significant statistical differences between young and old red blood cells for putrescine, spermidine and spermine. The clinical use of red blood cell polyamines as an indicator of the activity of the bone marrow in anemic states is suggested.", "PMID": 1000842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8438", "title": "Quantitative determination of underivatized anti-convulsant drugs by high resolution gas chromatography with support-coated open tubular columns.", "content": "A method is described to prepare routinely high resolution support-coated open tubular (SCOT) columns. A siliceous support material (Cab-O-Sil) is deactivated with benzyltriphenylphosphonium chloride and deposited on the inside wall of a glass capillary column. After additional coating with a polar stationary phase (OV-225) a number of anticonvulsant drugs can be analyzed without prior derivatization. The columns described show high plate numbers and do not deteriorate in use. The repeatability of the gas chromatographic analysis is better than 1.2% (Orel). The minimum detectable quantity is of the order of 10(-10) g. An improved procedure for isolating the drugs from serum is given, which results in an extraction recovery of better than 90% for the drugs of interest.", "contents": "Quantitative determination of underivatized anti-convulsant drugs by high resolution gas chromatography with support-coated open tubular columns. A method is described to prepare routinely high resolution support-coated open tubular (SCOT) columns. A siliceous support material (Cab-O-Sil) is deactivated with benzyltriphenylphosphonium chloride and deposited on the inside wall of a glass capillary column. After additional coating with a polar stationary phase (OV-225) a number of anticonvulsant drugs can be analyzed without prior derivatization. The columns described show high plate numbers and do not deteriorate in use. The repeatability of the gas chromatographic analysis is better than 1.2% (Orel). The minimum detectable quantity is of the order of 10(-10) g. An improved procedure for isolating the drugs from serum is given, which results in an extraction recovery of better than 90% for the drugs of interest.", "PMID": 1000843} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8439", "title": "A new method for the determination of serum creatinine based on reaction with 3.5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride in an organic medium.", "content": "A new method for the determination of serum creatine, based on its reaction with 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride in an organic medium is described. Various analytical parameters are studied and comparisons are made with the routine picrate procedures, as well as the dinitrobenzoic acid methods reported in the literature. On the basis of the data submitted, the proposed method is recommended for routine clinical use.", "contents": "A new method for the determination of serum creatinine based on reaction with 3.5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride in an organic medium. A new method for the determination of serum creatine, based on its reaction with 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride in an organic medium is described. Various analytical parameters are studied and comparisons are made with the routine picrate procedures, as well as the dinitrobenzoic acid methods reported in the literature. On the basis of the data submitted, the proposed method is recommended for routine clinical use.", "PMID": 1000844} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8440", "title": "The enzymatic spectrofluorimetric determination of uric acid in microsamples of plasma by using p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid as a fluorophor.", "content": "A sensitive spectrofluorimetric micromethod for the determination of uric acid is presented together with its application to human and rat plasma. The method is based on the reactions or uricase and peroxidase coupled with p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid as a fluorophor. There is a very wide range of proportionality between the concentration of uric acid and the increase of fluorescence intensity. 10 ng of uric acid is still determinable. At most 25 mul of human or 50 mul of rat plasma is sufficient to obtain the accurate valve of endogenous plasma uric acid concentration. The uric acid levels of normal human and rat plasma measured by present method were within the ranges of concentrations previously reported. A comparative study of this method with a standard assay method is also presented.", "contents": "The enzymatic spectrofluorimetric determination of uric acid in microsamples of plasma by using p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid as a fluorophor. A sensitive spectrofluorimetric micromethod for the determination of uric acid is presented together with its application to human and rat plasma. The method is based on the reactions or uricase and peroxidase coupled with p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid as a fluorophor. There is a very wide range of proportionality between the concentration of uric acid and the increase of fluorescence intensity. 10 ng of uric acid is still determinable. At most 25 mul of human or 50 mul of rat plasma is sufficient to obtain the accurate valve of endogenous plasma uric acid concentration. The uric acid levels of normal human and rat plasma measured by present method were within the ranges of concentrations previously reported. A comparative study of this method with a standard assay method is also presented.", "PMID": 1000845} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8441", "title": "An improved assay of thyrotropin in dried blood samples on filter paper as a screening test for neonatal hypothyroidism.", "content": "A method for measuring thyrotropin (TSH) in eluates of dried blood samples on filter paper was evaluated and improved as a screening test for neonatal hypothyroidism. A linear relationship between the volume of eluate and the TSH value and good recoveries of endogenous TSH (104%) and added TSH (89%) were obtained, indicating that TSH in dried blood was extracted well by overnight elution and determined accurately by radioimmunoassay. The TSH content in the central portion of a spot was less (71%) than that in the peripheral portion. The TSH in dried blood samples on filter paper was stable at 4 degrees C, room temperature (about 25 degrees C) or 37 degrees C for 1 month. The TSH values of eluates were correlated with those of whole blood (r = 0.90) and serum (r = 0.81). Cases of primary hypothyroidism cound be readily differentiated from normal subjects by this method, even when eluates of their blood were combined with those of normal blood for assay of TSH.", "contents": "An improved assay of thyrotropin in dried blood samples on filter paper as a screening test for neonatal hypothyroidism. A method for measuring thyrotropin (TSH) in eluates of dried blood samples on filter paper was evaluated and improved as a screening test for neonatal hypothyroidism. A linear relationship between the volume of eluate and the TSH value and good recoveries of endogenous TSH (104%) and added TSH (89%) were obtained, indicating that TSH in dried blood was extracted well by overnight elution and determined accurately by radioimmunoassay. The TSH content in the central portion of a spot was less (71%) than that in the peripheral portion. The TSH in dried blood samples on filter paper was stable at 4 degrees C, room temperature (about 25 degrees C) or 37 degrees C for 1 month. The TSH values of eluates were correlated with those of whole blood (r = 0.90) and serum (r = 0.81). Cases of primary hypothyroidism cound be readily differentiated from normal subjects by this method, even when eluates of their blood were combined with those of normal blood for assay of TSH.", "PMID": 1000846} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8442", "title": "Effect of incubation in human plasma on electrophoretic mobility of brain-type creatine phosphokinase.", "content": "1. Electrophoretic mobility of brain-type creatine phosphokinase (CPK) from rabbit, rat and human decreased after incubation in human plasma for 3 h or 17 h but did not change after incubation in isotonic saline solution. The presence of the reducing agent mercaptoethanol during incubation in human plasma tended to reduce the rate of change of electrophoretic mobility of BB-CPK. 2. The activity of brain CPK was almost completely lost after incubation for 17 h in human plasma. The addition of mercaptoethanol after incubation of brain CPK in human plasma could only partially restore the enzyme activity. 3. The decrease in electrophoretic mobility of rat brain CPK occurred after incubation in an ultra-filtrate of human plasma which contained molecules whose molecular weight did not exceed 1000. 4. Gel chromatography indicated that incubation of brain CPK in human plasma did not markedly change the molecular size of the enzyme.", "contents": "Effect of incubation in human plasma on electrophoretic mobility of brain-type creatine phosphokinase. 1. Electrophoretic mobility of brain-type creatine phosphokinase (CPK) from rabbit, rat and human decreased after incubation in human plasma for 3 h or 17 h but did not change after incubation in isotonic saline solution. The presence of the reducing agent mercaptoethanol during incubation in human plasma tended to reduce the rate of change of electrophoretic mobility of BB-CPK. 2. The activity of brain CPK was almost completely lost after incubation for 17 h in human plasma. The addition of mercaptoethanol after incubation of brain CPK in human plasma could only partially restore the enzyme activity. 3. The decrease in electrophoretic mobility of rat brain CPK occurred after incubation in an ultra-filtrate of human plasma which contained molecules whose molecular weight did not exceed 1000. 4. Gel chromatography indicated that incubation of brain CPK in human plasma did not markedly change the molecular size of the enzyme.", "PMID": 1000847} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8443", "title": "Solid phase radioimmunoassay for determination of conjugated cholic acid in serum.", "content": "A modified radioimmunoassay for conjugated cholates is presented. In this modification the antibody is chemically bound to Sepharose which enablproducibility (the coefficient of variation between samples is 4%). The whole procedure is carried out at room temperature and with a short incubation time (45 min). Serum can by analysed directly (no extractions or modifications needed). The assay is a suitable tool for liver function testing. A rough indication of total bile acid concentration in serum or bile can also be obtained with this assay.", "contents": "Solid phase radioimmunoassay for determination of conjugated cholic acid in serum. A modified radioimmunoassay for conjugated cholates is presented. In this modification the antibody is chemically bound to Sepharose which enablproducibility (the coefficient of variation between samples is 4%). The whole procedure is carried out at room temperature and with a short incubation time (45 min). Serum can by analysed directly (no extractions or modifications needed). The assay is a suitable tool for liver function testing. A rough indication of total bile acid concentration in serum or bile can also be obtained with this assay.", "PMID": 1000848} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8444", "title": "Effect of agarose variability on the measurement of lysozyme activity.", "content": "Lysozyme assays are often performed by a diffusion technique utilizing agarose gels impregnated with substrate organisms (lysoplates), but the results differ greatly from those obtained with spectrophotometric or immunologic techniques. We have investigated the effect of agarose composition on the lysoplate assay utilizing 10 different gels varying in ionic parameters. Standard curves generated with purified human lysozyme solutions were parallel, but the diameters of the zones of lysis varied inversely with gel sulfate content. The different agaroses had variable effects on determinations of normal serum lysozyme, and the results obtained on any given gel agreed with neither those found on other gels nor with independent assay in another system. The lysoplate assay should be utilized only in those laboratories that can obtain uniform agarose preparations and extensively calibrate normal ranges for their gels.", "contents": "Effect of agarose variability on the measurement of lysozyme activity. Lysozyme assays are often performed by a diffusion technique utilizing agarose gels impregnated with substrate organisms (lysoplates), but the results differ greatly from those obtained with spectrophotometric or immunologic techniques. We have investigated the effect of agarose composition on the lysoplate assay utilizing 10 different gels varying in ionic parameters. Standard curves generated with purified human lysozyme solutions were parallel, but the diameters of the zones of lysis varied inversely with gel sulfate content. The different agaroses had variable effects on determinations of normal serum lysozyme, and the results obtained on any given gel agreed with neither those found on other gels nor with independent assay in another system. The lysoplate assay should be utilized only in those laboratories that can obtain uniform agarose preparations and extensively calibrate normal ranges for their gels.", "PMID": 1000849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8445", "title": "Diagnosis of disorders in amino acid methabolism by chemical ionization mass spectrometry.", "content": "A semi-quantitative method has been developed for rapid determination of amino acids and other nitrogenous compounds in human urine. The method uses direct chemical ionization mass spectrometry with isobutane as reagent. The nitrogenous compounds are separated from the urine samples by ion exchange. Disorders in amino acid metabolism have been determined by this method in patients suffering from phenylketonuria, cystinuria and maple-syrup urihe disease.", "contents": "Diagnosis of disorders in amino acid methabolism by chemical ionization mass spectrometry. A semi-quantitative method has been developed for rapid determination of amino acids and other nitrogenous compounds in human urine. The method uses direct chemical ionization mass spectrometry with isobutane as reagent. The nitrogenous compounds are separated from the urine samples by ion exchange. Disorders in amino acid metabolism have been determined by this method in patients suffering from phenylketonuria, cystinuria and maple-syrup urihe disease.", "PMID": 1000850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8446", "title": "Urinary levels of vanilmandelic acid and homovanillic acid determined by high-speed liquid chromatography.", "content": "High-speed liquid chromatographic determinations of vanilmandelic acid and homovanillic acid in human urine have been made. The effects of taking refreshments on the assay were examined. HVA conjugates in urine also were hydrolyzed and determined. Urinary excretion of vanilmandelic acid, free and conjugated homovanillic acid in normal subjects and patients with neuroblastoma, phaeochromosytoma and Sipple's syndrome were determined and discussed. Urinary excretion values (mean +/- 1 S.D.) of vanilmandelic acid and homovanillic acid in 14 normal subjects were 2.0 +/- 0.7 mg/day and 4.0 +/- 1.0 mg/day, respectively.", "contents": "Urinary levels of vanilmandelic acid and homovanillic acid determined by high-speed liquid chromatography. High-speed liquid chromatographic determinations of vanilmandelic acid and homovanillic acid in human urine have been made. The effects of taking refreshments on the assay were examined. HVA conjugates in urine also were hydrolyzed and determined. Urinary excretion of vanilmandelic acid, free and conjugated homovanillic acid in normal subjects and patients with neuroblastoma, phaeochromosytoma and Sipple's syndrome were determined and discussed. Urinary excretion values (mean +/- 1 S.D.) of vanilmandelic acid and homovanillic acid in 14 normal subjects were 2.0 +/- 0.7 mg/day and 4.0 +/- 1.0 mg/day, respectively.", "PMID": 1000851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8447", "title": "Daily variation of lipids and hormones in sera of healthy subjects.", "content": "The physiological day-to-day variation of selected hormone and lipid concentration values in sera of healthy subjects was studied. We drew blood specimens from 14 healthy volunteers, aged 22 to 40 years, (8 male and 6 female) at 0800 h on six separate days over a ten day interval. On one occasion all the twelve specimens from each subject (6 days X 2 replicates) were assayed for the hormones: thyroxine and cortisol; and the lipips: cholesterol and triglyceride which were analyzed by enzymatic methods. The assays were performed on one occasion in order to eliminate the batch-to-batch analytical variation which would tend to blur the physiological day-to-day variation. Using an analysis of variance technique, the total variation was separated into the physiological intraindividual day-to-day variation, the biological inter-individual variation, and the within-batch analytical variation. The mean physiological day-to-day variations in terms of percent coefficient of variation were 7.5% for thyroxine, 26.6% for cortisol, 4.8% for cholesterol, , and 25.0% for triglycerides.", "contents": "Daily variation of lipids and hormones in sera of healthy subjects. The physiological day-to-day variation of selected hormone and lipid concentration values in sera of healthy subjects was studied. We drew blood specimens from 14 healthy volunteers, aged 22 to 40 years, (8 male and 6 female) at 0800 h on six separate days over a ten day interval. On one occasion all the twelve specimens from each subject (6 days X 2 replicates) were assayed for the hormones: thyroxine and cortisol; and the lipips: cholesterol and triglyceride which were analyzed by enzymatic methods. The assays were performed on one occasion in order to eliminate the batch-to-batch analytical variation which would tend to blur the physiological day-to-day variation. Using an analysis of variance technique, the total variation was separated into the physiological intraindividual day-to-day variation, the biological inter-individual variation, and the within-batch analytical variation. The mean physiological day-to-day variations in terms of percent coefficient of variation were 7.5% for thyroxine, 26.6% for cortisol, 4.8% for cholesterol, , and 25.0% for triglycerides.", "PMID": 1000852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8448", "title": "A potential source of error in the enzymatic diagnosis of the neurolipidoses when radiolabelled sphinogolipids are used as substrates.", "content": "High specific activity 3H-labelled glucocerebroside, galactocerebroside and sphingomyelin but not 3H-labelled ceramide, have been found to bind to the wall of glass scintillation vials thereby greatly decreasing the counting efficiency. The binding of the lipids was largely eliminated by counting samples in scintillation fluid containing methanol (6-10%, v/v). To avoid possible errors in the enzymatic diagnosis of the neurolipidoses, it is suggested that the latter solvent should be routinely incorporated into scintillation fluid used for counting labelled sphingolipids.", "contents": "A potential source of error in the enzymatic diagnosis of the neurolipidoses when radiolabelled sphinogolipids are used as substrates. High specific activity 3H-labelled glucocerebroside, galactocerebroside and sphingomyelin but not 3H-labelled ceramide, have been found to bind to the wall of glass scintillation vials thereby greatly decreasing the counting efficiency. The binding of the lipids was largely eliminated by counting samples in scintillation fluid containing methanol (6-10%, v/v). To avoid possible errors in the enzymatic diagnosis of the neurolipidoses, it is suggested that the latter solvent should be routinely incorporated into scintillation fluid used for counting labelled sphingolipids.", "PMID": 1000853} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8449", "title": "The binding of a glycopeptide component of wheat gluten to intestinal mucosa of normal and coeliac human subjects.", "content": "A carbohydrate-containing component of wheat gluten (glyc-gli) has been prepared which is toxic to coeliac intestinal mucosa. Its amino acid composition is uniquely different from that of the parent gluten and from alpha-gliadin. This glyc-gli material has been shown to bind to membrane components of the coeliac intestinal cell but to bind only poorly to normal intestinal cell membranes. Furthermore this binding can be interfered with by exogenous free carbohydrate suggesting that the toxic moiety of gluten acts in an analagous way to plant lectins. These data suggest that the underlying defect in coeliac disease is related to the composition of the surface membrane of the enterocyte.", "contents": "The binding of a glycopeptide component of wheat gluten to intestinal mucosa of normal and coeliac human subjects. A carbohydrate-containing component of wheat gluten (glyc-gli) has been prepared which is toxic to coeliac intestinal mucosa. Its amino acid composition is uniquely different from that of the parent gluten and from alpha-gliadin. This glyc-gli material has been shown to bind to membrane components of the coeliac intestinal cell but to bind only poorly to normal intestinal cell membranes. Furthermore this binding can be interfered with by exogenous free carbohydrate suggesting that the toxic moiety of gluten acts in an analagous way to plant lectins. These data suggest that the underlying defect in coeliac disease is related to the composition of the surface membrane of the enterocyte.", "PMID": 1000854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8450", "title": "Prolactin in amniotic fluid: its correlation with maternal plasma prolactin.", "content": "Prolactin concentrations in amniotic fluid from 319 women with normal pregnancies and 29 women with complicated pregnancies were determined by radioimmunoassay. Prolactin levels varied from 36 ng/ml to 1800 ng/ml mean +/- S.D. = 408 +/- 297) in the normal pregnancy group but showed no definite pattern of rise or fall during pregnancy. No difference in levels was found in complicated pregnancies. Prolactin concentrations in the plasma from 203 of these women were also assayed. The levels in the amniotic fluid were about 9 fold higher than those in the plasma. There was no significant correlation between amniotic fluid and plasma levels of prolactin.", "contents": "Prolactin in amniotic fluid: its correlation with maternal plasma prolactin. Prolactin concentrations in amniotic fluid from 319 women with normal pregnancies and 29 women with complicated pregnancies were determined by radioimmunoassay. Prolactin levels varied from 36 ng/ml to 1800 ng/ml mean +/- S.D. = 408 +/- 297) in the normal pregnancy group but showed no definite pattern of rise or fall during pregnancy. No difference in levels was found in complicated pregnancies. Prolactin concentrations in the plasma from 203 of these women were also assayed. The levels in the amniotic fluid were about 9 fold higher than those in the plasma. There was no significant correlation between amniotic fluid and plasma levels of prolactin.", "PMID": 1000855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8451", "title": "Biphasic reaction kinetics in an anomalous isozyme of erythrocyte pyruvate kinase.", "content": "A mutant erythrocyte isozyme of pyruvate kinase (PK) (ATP: pyruvate phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.40) has been found in associatin with chronic hemolytic anemia in two siblings who were doubly heterozygous for the isozyme and for quantitative PK deficiency of the usual form. The isozyme was characterized by approximately normal maximum reaction velocities but had markedly decreased affinity for the substrate, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), with 5-fold to 10-fold increases in half-saturation constants and decreased interaction between substrate binding sites. Two distinctly separable kinetic patterns for PEP were observed with multiple specimens. Concentrations of fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP) required for half-maximal activation were two orders of magnitude greater than controls, and optimal pH was lowered to 6.5. stability at 4 degrees C was markedly decreased, but the lost enzyme could be reactivated by fdp for periods even longer than normal controls.", "contents": "Biphasic reaction kinetics in an anomalous isozyme of erythrocyte pyruvate kinase. A mutant erythrocyte isozyme of pyruvate kinase (PK) (ATP: pyruvate phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.40) has been found in associatin with chronic hemolytic anemia in two siblings who were doubly heterozygous for the isozyme and for quantitative PK deficiency of the usual form. The isozyme was characterized by approximately normal maximum reaction velocities but had markedly decreased affinity for the substrate, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), with 5-fold to 10-fold increases in half-saturation constants and decreased interaction between substrate binding sites. Two distinctly separable kinetic patterns for PEP were observed with multiple specimens. Concentrations of fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP) required for half-maximal activation were two orders of magnitude greater than controls, and optimal pH was lowered to 6.5. stability at 4 degrees C was markedly decreased, but the lost enzyme could be reactivated by fdp for periods even longer than normal controls.", "PMID": 1000857} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8452", "title": "Enzymatic measurement of free and esterified cholesterol levels in plasma and other biological preparations using the oxygen electrode in a modified glucose analyzer.", "content": "A method is described for assaying free and esterified cholesterol using the oxygen electrode in a modified glucose analyzer to measure the relative amount of oxygen utilization taking place during oxydation of free cholesterol by the enzyme, cholesterol oxidase. A second enzyme, cholesterol ester hydrolase, is utilized to generate free cholesterol from cholesterol esters. This assay procedure is rapid, specific, reproducible and applicable to the measurement of free and esterified cholesterol carried in the major plasma lipoprotein fractions of man and the rat and, in addition, it can be utilized for the assay of sterols in subcellular fractions of cells.", "contents": "Enzymatic measurement of free and esterified cholesterol levels in plasma and other biological preparations using the oxygen electrode in a modified glucose analyzer. A method is described for assaying free and esterified cholesterol using the oxygen electrode in a modified glucose analyzer to measure the relative amount of oxygen utilization taking place during oxydation of free cholesterol by the enzyme, cholesterol oxidase. A second enzyme, cholesterol ester hydrolase, is utilized to generate free cholesterol from cholesterol esters. This assay procedure is rapid, specific, reproducible and applicable to the measurement of free and esterified cholesterol carried in the major plasma lipoprotein fractions of man and the rat and, in addition, it can be utilized for the assay of sterols in subcellular fractions of cells.", "PMID": 1000858} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8453", "title": "alpha1-Microglobulin, a new low molecular weight plasma protein.", "content": "A new low molecular weight protein was purified from the urine of uraemic patients. The protein was found to be glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 31 500, determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and a carbohydrate content of 19%. It was electrophoretically heterogenous and migrated in the slow alpha1-region. The mean serum level in 20 apparently healthy individuals was 32+/-10 mg/1. The serum level was normal in 5 patients with severe reduction of plasma protein synthesis caused by cirrhosis of the liver but elevated in patients with a decreased glomerular filtration rate. The mean urinary excretion in 5 healthy individuals was 1.3 mg/24 h. Increased excretion was seen in 10 patients with varying degrees of uraemia.", "contents": "alpha1-Microglobulin, a new low molecular weight plasma protein. A new low molecular weight protein was purified from the urine of uraemic patients. The protein was found to be glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 31 500, determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and a carbohydrate content of 19%. It was electrophoretically heterogenous and migrated in the slow alpha1-region. The mean serum level in 20 apparently healthy individuals was 32+/-10 mg/1. The serum level was normal in 5 patients with severe reduction of plasma protein synthesis caused by cirrhosis of the liver but elevated in patients with a decreased glomerular filtration rate. The mean urinary excretion in 5 healthy individuals was 1.3 mg/24 h. Increased excretion was seen in 10 patients with varying degrees of uraemia.", "PMID": 1000859} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8454", "title": "The effect of various stains on quantitative agarose-gel electrophoresis: evaluation of the results with the aid of an analog computer.", "content": "The effect of dyes of varying purity and with different binding mechanisms on quantitative electrophoresis was examined with the aid of agarose-gel electrophoresis, the phoretogram curves being evaluated with an analog computer. Concurrent quantitative results were obtained with the three dyes tested, viz. Amido Black 10 B, Ponceau Red S and Procion Brilliant Blue. It is concluded that no falsification of electrophoresis results will be caused by dyes with colour-producing secondary components.", "contents": "The effect of various stains on quantitative agarose-gel electrophoresis: evaluation of the results with the aid of an analog computer. The effect of dyes of varying purity and with different binding mechanisms on quantitative electrophoresis was examined with the aid of agarose-gel electrophoresis, the phoretogram curves being evaluated with an analog computer. Concurrent quantitative results were obtained with the three dyes tested, viz. Amido Black 10 B, Ponceau Red S and Procion Brilliant Blue. It is concluded that no falsification of electrophoresis results will be caused by dyes with colour-producing secondary components.", "PMID": 1000860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8455", "title": "Determination of deuterium-labeled phenylalanine and tyrosine in human plasma with high pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.", "content": "A method is presented for the recovery of deuterated phenylalanine and tyrosine from human plasma. Phenylthiohydantoine derivatives are formed (Edman reaction) which are separated and isolated by high pressure liquid chromatography. The relative concentration of the deuterated amino acid is determined by mass spectrometry. The results obtained from a healthy person after oral loading with 40% monodeuterated L-phenylalanine are presented. The method appears to be suitable for in vivo studies of phenylalanine metabolism in humans.", "contents": "Determination of deuterium-labeled phenylalanine and tyrosine in human plasma with high pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. A method is presented for the recovery of deuterated phenylalanine and tyrosine from human plasma. Phenylthiohydantoine derivatives are formed (Edman reaction) which are separated and isolated by high pressure liquid chromatography. The relative concentration of the deuterated amino acid is determined by mass spectrometry. The results obtained from a healthy person after oral loading with 40% monodeuterated L-phenylalanine are presented. The method appears to be suitable for in vivo studies of phenylalanine metabolism in humans.", "PMID": 1000861} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8456", "title": "A reliable method for generating antibodies against pancreozymin, secretin and gastrin.", "content": "High specific antibodies against the gastrointestinal hormones pancreozymin, secretin, and gastrin were generated by coupling these peptides with N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole to bovine serum albumin. None of the antisera showed any cross reaction with gut and pancreatic hormones tested for cross reactivity. The dilution of antisera which were useful for the detection of 5-250 pg of hormone in human serum were 1:150 000 for secretin, 1:2000 for gastrin, and 1:2000 for pancreozymin. The N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole reagent is therefore highly effective for binding labile peptides to protein carriers without destroying the immunogenic features.", "contents": "A reliable method for generating antibodies against pancreozymin, secretin and gastrin. High specific antibodies against the gastrointestinal hormones pancreozymin, secretin, and gastrin were generated by coupling these peptides with N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole to bovine serum albumin. None of the antisera showed any cross reaction with gut and pancreatic hormones tested for cross reactivity. The dilution of antisera which were useful for the detection of 5-250 pg of hormone in human serum were 1:150 000 for secretin, 1:2000 for gastrin, and 1:2000 for pancreozymin. The N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole reagent is therefore highly effective for binding labile peptides to protein carriers without destroying the immunogenic features.", "PMID": 1000862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8457", "title": "Determination of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB activity in serum using immunological inhibition of creatine kinase M subunit activity. Activity kinetics and diagnostic significance in myocardial infarction.", "content": "This is a new method for the determination of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB activity in serum. The method uses direct activity measurement of creatine kinase B subunit activity after blocking of CK-M subunit activity by inhibiting antibodies. The test takes no longer than 15 min. The method yields an intra-serial C.V. of 2.0-12.9%, and a C.V. from day to day of 5.5%. The detection limit is 3.4 U/l creatine kinase MB. In the 95 cases with proven myocardial infarction several types of creatine kinase MB activity kinetics could be determined. The percentage of creatine kinase MB of peak CK-total is 6-25%, with a mean of 11.1%. The amount of creatine kinase MB with respect to total CK activity after reinfarction is higher than the amount after initial infarction.", "contents": "Determination of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB activity in serum using immunological inhibition of creatine kinase M subunit activity. Activity kinetics and diagnostic significance in myocardial infarction. This is a new method for the determination of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB activity in serum. The method uses direct activity measurement of creatine kinase B subunit activity after blocking of CK-M subunit activity by inhibiting antibodies. The test takes no longer than 15 min. The method yields an intra-serial C.V. of 2.0-12.9%, and a C.V. from day to day of 5.5%. The detection limit is 3.4 U/l creatine kinase MB. In the 95 cases with proven myocardial infarction several types of creatine kinase MB activity kinetics could be determined. The percentage of creatine kinase MB of peak CK-total is 6-25%, with a mean of 11.1%. The amount of creatine kinase MB with respect to total CK activity after reinfarction is higher than the amount after initial infarction.", "PMID": 1000863} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8458", "title": "Improved method for measurement of serum levels of phenobarbital, carbamazepine, primidone and diphenylhydantoin by gas-liquid chromatography.", "content": "A gas-liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of phenobarbital, primidone, carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin in human serum following therapeutic doses has been developed. After extraction with chloroform, the anticonvulsant drugs were methylated with phenyltrimethylammonium hydroxide in dimethylformamide at 85 degrees C for gas-liquid chromatography. Linear temperature programming of a 1% OV-17 column was used to achieve separation and quantitation. The procedure described in the present paper is relatively simple, highly specific and sufficiently sensitive for use in routine clinical assays.", "contents": "Improved method for measurement of serum levels of phenobarbital, carbamazepine, primidone and diphenylhydantoin by gas-liquid chromatography. A gas-liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of phenobarbital, primidone, carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin in human serum following therapeutic doses has been developed. After extraction with chloroform, the anticonvulsant drugs were methylated with phenyltrimethylammonium hydroxide in dimethylformamide at 85 degrees C for gas-liquid chromatography. Linear temperature programming of a 1% OV-17 column was used to achieve separation and quantitation. The procedure described in the present paper is relatively simple, highly specific and sufficiently sensitive for use in routine clinical assays.", "PMID": 1000864} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8459", "title": "Simultaneous measurement of renin and renin substrate concentration in human plasma by a simple kinetic method.", "content": "A simple kinetic method is described for measurement of plasma renin concentration (PRC) and plasma renin substrate concentration (PRS) in human plasma. It is based on the radioimmunological determination of angiotensin I generated when a plasma sample is incubated at 37 degrees C for 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. The use of exogenous renin and renin substrate preparations are not required. The specific velocity constant of reaction (K) was used to deduce the PRC. PRS determination was based on the stoichiometric conversion of renin substrate to angiotensin I. PRC and PRS have been determined in plasma from healthy subjects, plasma from health subjects 3 h after oral furosemide administration and in plasma from women, 12-20 weeks normally pregnant.", "contents": "Simultaneous measurement of renin and renin substrate concentration in human plasma by a simple kinetic method. A simple kinetic method is described for measurement of plasma renin concentration (PRC) and plasma renin substrate concentration (PRS) in human plasma. It is based on the radioimmunological determination of angiotensin I generated when a plasma sample is incubated at 37 degrees C for 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. The use of exogenous renin and renin substrate preparations are not required. The specific velocity constant of reaction (K) was used to deduce the PRC. PRS determination was based on the stoichiometric conversion of renin substrate to angiotensin I. PRC and PRS have been determined in plasma from healthy subjects, plasma from health subjects 3 h after oral furosemide administration and in plasma from women, 12-20 weeks normally pregnant.", "PMID": 1000866} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8460", "title": "Determination of manganese in blood and urine by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry.", "content": "A method for the determination of manganese in blood and urine is described. A chelate fo manganese with cupferron is extracted with methylisobutylketone and determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The method is directly applicable to urine but the determination of manganese in blood required a preliminary digestion step. With the use of internal standards, this technique allows the determination of manganese concentrations of the order of 1 mug/1 of urine or 1 mug/100 ml whole blood.", "contents": "Determination of manganese in blood and urine by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A method for the determination of manganese in blood and urine is described. A chelate fo manganese with cupferron is extracted with methylisobutylketone and determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The method is directly applicable to urine but the determination of manganese in blood required a preliminary digestion step. With the use of internal standards, this technique allows the determination of manganese concentrations of the order of 1 mug/1 of urine or 1 mug/100 ml whole blood.", "PMID": 1000867} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8461", "title": "Determination of quinidine in human serum in the presence of diuretics.", "content": "A new method for the determination of quinidine in human serum by fluorometry is described. The interference of triamterene encountered with other methods is greatly reduced, whereas a number of other diuretics do not interfere at all. The specificity is based on quenching of the fluorescence of cinchona alkaloids by chloride ions. The method has good reproducibility and linearity, and gives a recovery of 98%. A serum sample of 0.1 ml is sufficient for the assay. Comparison with two other methods showed that this procedure yields the total amount of cinchona alkaloids present in serum, which makes it extremely useful for routine clinical analysis.", "contents": "Determination of quinidine in human serum in the presence of diuretics. A new method for the determination of quinidine in human serum by fluorometry is described. The interference of triamterene encountered with other methods is greatly reduced, whereas a number of other diuretics do not interfere at all. The specificity is based on quenching of the fluorescence of cinchona alkaloids by chloride ions. The method has good reproducibility and linearity, and gives a recovery of 98%. A serum sample of 0.1 ml is sufficient for the assay. Comparison with two other methods showed that this procedure yields the total amount of cinchona alkaloids present in serum, which makes it extremely useful for routine clinical analysis.", "PMID": 1000868} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8462", "title": "Massive excretion of 2-oxoglutaric acid and 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid in a patient with a deficiency of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase.", "content": "A three-month old child, presenting with a history of feeding problems, suspected respiratory infection and failure to thrive, later developed fits and a profound irreversible metabolic acidosis. Chromatographic investigation of the urine revealed a gross excretion of 2-oxoglutaric and 3-hydroxyisovaleric acids. The identity of these two acids was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Enzyme studies on liver obtained at post-mortem demonstrated a deficiency of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA:carbon dioxide ligase (ADP) (EC 6.4.1.4).", "contents": "Massive excretion of 2-oxoglutaric acid and 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid in a patient with a deficiency of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase. A three-month old child, presenting with a history of feeding problems, suspected respiratory infection and failure to thrive, later developed fits and a profound irreversible metabolic acidosis. Chromatographic investigation of the urine revealed a gross excretion of 2-oxoglutaric and 3-hydroxyisovaleric acids. The identity of these two acids was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Enzyme studies on liver obtained at post-mortem demonstrated a deficiency of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA:carbon dioxide ligase (ADP) (EC 6.4.1.4).", "PMID": 1000869} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8463", "title": "The preparation of trimethylsilyl derivatives of sodium salts of organic acids.", "content": "Evidence is presented to confirm that N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide does not form trimethylsilyl derivatives of sodium salts of many organic acids. Further evidence suggests that such derivatives are formed when either hydroxylamine hydrochloride or trimethylchlorosilane are also present. This presents a useful technique of reducing losses of organic acids due to evaporation during lyophilisation by converting them to sodium salts and preparing volatile derivatives for gas chromatography directly from the salt residue.", "contents": "The preparation of trimethylsilyl derivatives of sodium salts of organic acids. Evidence is presented to confirm that N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide does not form trimethylsilyl derivatives of sodium salts of many organic acids. Further evidence suggests that such derivatives are formed when either hydroxylamine hydrochloride or trimethylchlorosilane are also present. This presents a useful technique of reducing losses of organic acids due to evaporation during lyophilisation by converting them to sodium salts and preparing volatile derivatives for gas chromatography directly from the salt residue.", "PMID": 1000870} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8464", "title": "Infantile polymyoclonus: Its occurrence in second cousins.", "content": "Two second cousins with infantile polymyoclonus are described. All other published cases in the literature are sporadic,and the occurrence of two cases of this exceedingly rare disorder in one family raises the possibility of genetic transmission. Careful examination of the family pedigree is indicated in this disorder.", "contents": "Infantile polymyoclonus: Its occurrence in second cousins. Two second cousins with infantile polymyoclonus are described. All other published cases in the literature are sporadic,and the occurrence of two cases of this exceedingly rare disorder in one family raises the possibility of genetic transmission. Careful examination of the family pedigree is indicated in this disorder.", "PMID": 1000874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8465", "title": "Lymphocyte proliferation inhibitory factor (PIF) in alcoholic liver disease.", "content": "Lymphocyte proliferation inhibitory factor (PIF) was determined in the supernatants of PHA-stimulated lymphocytes from patients with alcoholic liver disease. PIF was assayed by determining inhibition of DNA synthesis in WI-38 human lung fibroblasts. A two-fold greater inhibition in thymidine incorporation into DNA by lung fibroblasts was observed in supernatants of PHA stimulated lymphocytes from patients with alcoholic hepatitis or active Laennec's cirrhosis as compared with that found in control subjects or patients with fatty liver. It is suggested that decreased liver cell regeneration seen in some patients with alcoholic hepatitis may be due to increased elaboration of PIF.", "contents": "Lymphocyte proliferation inhibitory factor (PIF) in alcoholic liver disease. Lymphocyte proliferation inhibitory factor (PIF) was determined in the supernatants of PHA-stimulated lymphocytes from patients with alcoholic liver disease. PIF was assayed by determining inhibition of DNA synthesis in WI-38 human lung fibroblasts. A two-fold greater inhibition in thymidine incorporation into DNA by lung fibroblasts was observed in supernatants of PHA stimulated lymphocytes from patients with alcoholic hepatitis or active Laennec's cirrhosis as compared with that found in control subjects or patients with fatty liver. It is suggested that decreased liver cell regeneration seen in some patients with alcoholic hepatitis may be due to increased elaboration of PIF.", "PMID": 1000881} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8466", "title": "Features of the immune response to DNA in mice. I. Genetic control.", "content": "The genetic control of the immune response to DNA was studied in various strains of mice F1 hybrids and corresponding back-crosses immunized with single stranded DNA complexed to methylated bovine serum albumin. Anti-DNA antibody response was measured by radioimmuno-logical technique. High responder, low responder, and intermediate responder strains were found and the ability to respond to DNA was characterized as a dominant genetic trait which is not linked to the major locus of histocompatibility. Studies in back-crosses suggested that this immune response is under multigenic control. High responder mice produce both anti-double stranded DNA and anti-single stranded DNA 7S and 19S antibodies, while low responder mice produce mainly anti-single stranded DNA 19S antibodies.", "contents": "Features of the immune response to DNA in mice. I. Genetic control. The genetic control of the immune response to DNA was studied in various strains of mice F1 hybrids and corresponding back-crosses immunized with single stranded DNA complexed to methylated bovine serum albumin. Anti-DNA antibody response was measured by radioimmuno-logical technique. High responder, low responder, and intermediate responder strains were found and the ability to respond to DNA was characterized as a dominant genetic trait which is not linked to the major locus of histocompatibility. Studies in back-crosses suggested that this immune response is under multigenic control. High responder mice produce both anti-double stranded DNA and anti-single stranded DNA 7S and 19S antibodies, while low responder mice produce mainly anti-single stranded DNA 19S antibodies.", "PMID": 1000882} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8467", "title": "Anti-heart autoantibodies in ischaemic heart disease patients.", "content": "One hundred and ninety-nine ischaemic heart disease (IHD) patients were studied with regard to the prevalence of anti-heart autoantibodies (AHA). The incidence of AHA in IHD patients was 1%: one out of 102 patients who suffered acute myocardial infarction (AMI), one out of seventy-two patients who suffered from acute coronary insufficiency (ACI), and none out of twenty-five patients with other signs and symptoms of IHD, had AHA in their sera. An additional 2% of patients who suffered from AMI developed detectable antibody levels during a follow-up period of 15 days. In comparison,, 53% of patients (eight out of fifteen) who underwent heart surgery and who had no AHA prior to operation, developed these antibodies in their sera during 1-2 weeks following operation.", "contents": "Anti-heart autoantibodies in ischaemic heart disease patients. One hundred and ninety-nine ischaemic heart disease (IHD) patients were studied with regard to the prevalence of anti-heart autoantibodies (AHA). The incidence of AHA in IHD patients was 1%: one out of 102 patients who suffered acute myocardial infarction (AMI), one out of seventy-two patients who suffered from acute coronary insufficiency (ACI), and none out of twenty-five patients with other signs and symptoms of IHD, had AHA in their sera. An additional 2% of patients who suffered from AMI developed detectable antibody levels during a follow-up period of 15 days. In comparison,, 53% of patients (eight out of fifteen) who underwent heart surgery and who had no AHA prior to operation, developed these antibodies in their sera during 1-2 weeks following operation.", "PMID": 1000883} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8468", "title": "Computerised axial tomography and the diagnosis of glioma: a study of 100 consecutive histologically proven cases.", "content": "The reliability of computerised axial tomography (CAT) in the recognition of intracranial lesions is now accepted. Apart from ventricular displacement, compression or distension, abnormal patterns in the area of a lesion may be shown on the oscilloscope display and the corresponding polaroid film, and these may show additional enhancement patterns after the intravenous injection of a contrast medium. In an attempt to assess the changes shown with gliomas, both before and after contrast enhancement, and the possible relationship to the type of glioma present, and analysis has been made of 100 consecutive histologically proven cases. Other lesions occurring during the same period as the study, and giving a similar display, are illustrated and the differential diagnosis discussed.", "contents": "Computerised axial tomography and the diagnosis of glioma: a study of 100 consecutive histologically proven cases. The reliability of computerised axial tomography (CAT) in the recognition of intracranial lesions is now accepted. Apart from ventricular displacement, compression or distension, abnormal patterns in the area of a lesion may be shown on the oscilloscope display and the corresponding polaroid film, and these may show additional enhancement patterns after the intravenous injection of a contrast medium. In an attempt to assess the changes shown with gliomas, both before and after contrast enhancement, and the possible relationship to the type of glioma present, and analysis has been made of 100 consecutive histologically proven cases. Other lesions occurring during the same period as the study, and giving a similar display, are illustrated and the differential diagnosis discussed.", "PMID": 1000888} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8469", "title": "Studies in dose-time-volume relationships in bladder and tongue radium implants.", "content": "The clinical results of 26 tongue and 31 bladder radium implants were analysed in terms of proposed dose specification parameters that describe the dose-time-volume relationships of the implant. Tongue cases that recurred within two years were mostly those with a relatively short treatment time and in which a relatively large dose reduction factor had to be applied. The dose-time factor did not differ significantly in the groups of bladder implants having different clinical results. A higher incidence of necrosis was noted in bladder cases. This was associated with a significantly higher mean dose and a somewhat greater degree of dose inhomogeneity. Recurrences were generally linked with greater mean dose, target volume and dose inhomogeneity. These unfavourable dose-volume relationships were frequently associated with poor distribution of needles. The reported experimental and clinical findings pertinent to the differential sparing of normal tissues associated with protraction of continuous irradiation are outlined. In the light of these, it is felt that the results of tongue implants could have been improved by omission of the dose-time adjustment factor for treatment time of 3-10 days without undue risk of necrosis. However, bladder results could have been improved by attainment of a better implantation technique while keeping the treatment time within 6-8 days in view of the lower tolerance.", "contents": "Studies in dose-time-volume relationships in bladder and tongue radium implants. The clinical results of 26 tongue and 31 bladder radium implants were analysed in terms of proposed dose specification parameters that describe the dose-time-volume relationships of the implant. Tongue cases that recurred within two years were mostly those with a relatively short treatment time and in which a relatively large dose reduction factor had to be applied. The dose-time factor did not differ significantly in the groups of bladder implants having different clinical results. A higher incidence of necrosis was noted in bladder cases. This was associated with a significantly higher mean dose and a somewhat greater degree of dose inhomogeneity. Recurrences were generally linked with greater mean dose, target volume and dose inhomogeneity. These unfavourable dose-volume relationships were frequently associated with poor distribution of needles. The reported experimental and clinical findings pertinent to the differential sparing of normal tissues associated with protraction of continuous irradiation are outlined. In the light of these, it is felt that the results of tongue implants could have been improved by omission of the dose-time adjustment factor for treatment time of 3-10 days without undue risk of necrosis. However, bladder results could have been improved by attainment of a better implantation technique while keeping the treatment time within 6-8 days in view of the lower tolerance.", "PMID": 1000889} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8470", "title": "Acute transient radiation hepatitis following whole abdominal irradiation.", "content": "Sporadic cases or radiation hepatitis have been reported following doses above 3500 rad delivered in 3-4 weeks to the liver. The authors report their experience of radiation hepatitis in two out of 117 consecutive lymphoma cases treated with total abdominal irradiation. These two patients developed clinically overt manifestations which lasted for a short period of time and fully recovered. The dose delivered to the whole liver was 3000 rad in six weeks, but in one an additional 1000 rad in five fractions were delivered to the left lobe in an attempt to boost the dose to the central axis lymphatic system up to 4000 rad. The low incidence of radiation hepatitis and its reversible course, when 3000 rad in six weeks are delivered to the whole liver, is emphasised.", "contents": "Acute transient radiation hepatitis following whole abdominal irradiation. Sporadic cases or radiation hepatitis have been reported following doses above 3500 rad delivered in 3-4 weeks to the liver. The authors report their experience of radiation hepatitis in two out of 117 consecutive lymphoma cases treated with total abdominal irradiation. These two patients developed clinically overt manifestations which lasted for a short period of time and fully recovered. The dose delivered to the whole liver was 3000 rad in six weeks, but in one an additional 1000 rad in five fractions were delivered to the left lobe in an attempt to boost the dose to the central axis lymphatic system up to 4000 rad. The low incidence of radiation hepatitis and its reversible course, when 3000 rad in six weeks are delivered to the whole liver, is emphasised.", "PMID": 1000890} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8471", "title": "\"Early\" and \"late\" breast cancer: a unified concept for treatment.", "content": "Most women with \"early\" breast cancer have distant metastases by the time the primary growth comes to diagnosis. This observation is based upon the fact that these frequently appear despite successful removal of the primary growth, and given that they originate from the now no longer present tumour, the inescapable conclusion is that dissemination must have taken place prior to initial treatment. Failure to appreciate this rather obvious point results from shortcomings in available diagnostic technology, and inadequate usage of that which is available. Whether detected early or late, treatment of this disseminated cancer poses a common problem, and the various systemic methods are reviewed. Androgens, oestrogens, progestogens and single drug chemotherapy can, from time to time, produce useful results. By careful selection of patients with appropriate metastatic patterns, these methods may yield improved response rates up to 50% but, by and large, experience remains disappointing with across the board representative figures of perhaps 25% response being commonplace. Additionally, these methods are not without their side effects which can be distressing, and indeed on occasion life-threatening. Their short-comings have led to the development of cyclical combination chemotherapy as here reported. Cyclophosphamide, vincristine, 5-fluorouracil and methotrexate are administered for five consecutive days per month. The results obtained in 100 patients treated with this technique are compared with the authors' previous experience with norethisterone acetate and hypophysectomy. Whether the results are considered in total or broken down into prognostic categories such as predominant metastatic pattern, disease-free interval, or age, combination chemotherapy has a clear advantage over other techniques. Whilst this experience does not constitute a randomised trial, it is considered that the results are so superior to previous treatment techniques as to render such a study unnecessary or even unethical. It is proposed that combination chemotherapy should constitute the first line of treatment for overt advanced breast cancer. It is further proposed that its role should be explored at an earlier stage in the treatment of breast cancer. Before this can take place however, treatment must be made less demanding and less toxic. Further research is underway with these aims in mind.", "contents": "\"Early\" and \"late\" breast cancer: a unified concept for treatment. Most women with \"early\" breast cancer have distant metastases by the time the primary growth comes to diagnosis. This observation is based upon the fact that these frequently appear despite successful removal of the primary growth, and given that they originate from the now no longer present tumour, the inescapable conclusion is that dissemination must have taken place prior to initial treatment. Failure to appreciate this rather obvious point results from shortcomings in available diagnostic technology, and inadequate usage of that which is available. Whether detected early or late, treatment of this disseminated cancer poses a common problem, and the various systemic methods are reviewed. Androgens, oestrogens, progestogens and single drug chemotherapy can, from time to time, produce useful results. By careful selection of patients with appropriate metastatic patterns, these methods may yield improved response rates up to 50% but, by and large, experience remains disappointing with across the board representative figures of perhaps 25% response being commonplace. Additionally, these methods are not without their side effects which can be distressing, and indeed on occasion life-threatening. Their short-comings have led to the development of cyclical combination chemotherapy as here reported. Cyclophosphamide, vincristine, 5-fluorouracil and methotrexate are administered for five consecutive days per month. The results obtained in 100 patients treated with this technique are compared with the authors' previous experience with norethisterone acetate and hypophysectomy. Whether the results are considered in total or broken down into prognostic categories such as predominant metastatic pattern, disease-free interval, or age, combination chemotherapy has a clear advantage over other techniques. Whilst this experience does not constitute a randomised trial, it is considered that the results are so superior to previous treatment techniques as to render such a study unnecessary or even unethical. It is proposed that combination chemotherapy should constitute the first line of treatment for overt advanced breast cancer. It is further proposed that its role should be explored at an earlier stage in the treatment of breast cancer. Before this can take place however, treatment must be made less demanding and less toxic. Further research is underway with these aims in mind.", "PMID": 1000891} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8472", "title": "Shunt blockage in hydrocephalic children: the use of the valvogram.", "content": "Shunt blockage in valve-dependent hydrocephalic children is not always recognised, as symptoms may be non-specific and signs inconclusive. Valvography is a simple, easily interpreted technique for the investigation of shunt patency in children with Spitz Holter values in the shunt system. The technique affords a simple, rapid method of demonstrating patency at the cardiac end of the shunt. Fifty-one valvograms have been performed in 36 children. In 25 obstruction of the lower end was demonstrated. The unreliability of some associated signs is demonstrated. No serious complications have been observed and the technique has proved an invaluable addition to the practical management of these children.", "contents": "Shunt blockage in hydrocephalic children: the use of the valvogram. Shunt blockage in valve-dependent hydrocephalic children is not always recognised, as symptoms may be non-specific and signs inconclusive. Valvography is a simple, easily interpreted technique for the investigation of shunt patency in children with Spitz Holter values in the shunt system. The technique affords a simple, rapid method of demonstrating patency at the cardiac end of the shunt. Fifty-one valvograms have been performed in 36 children. In 25 obstruction of the lower end was demonstrated. The unreliability of some associated signs is demonstrated. No serious complications have been observed and the technique has proved an invaluable addition to the practical management of these children.", "PMID": 1000893} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8473", "title": "Transitional cell carcinoma of the kidney.", "content": "Transitional cell carcinoma is an uncommon disease of the renal pelvis, the diagnosis of which depends largely upon radiological investigation. Thirty-eight such tumours in 37 patients have been reviewed to establish the examination of choice. High-dose excretion urography, tailored to the presenting problems, is the primary investigation and the results fall into five main groups. Each presents different differential diagnostic problems. Discrete filling defects within the pyelogram (group I) may be overlooked, but, when seen, can be diagnosed on urography alone. Filling defects with dilated calyces (group II) are easily seen and readily diagnosed. Calyceal obliteration (group III) presents more difficulty in diagnosis and may require retrograde pyelography and selective renal angiography. Hydronephrosis with renal enlargement (group IV) is easily confused with uncomplicated primary pelvic hydronephrosis and will usually require antegrade pyelography for diagnosis. Reduced function without renal enlargement (group V) cannot be diagnosed on excretion urography and requires both retrograde pyeloureterography and selective renal angiography.", "contents": "Transitional cell carcinoma of the kidney. Transitional cell carcinoma is an uncommon disease of the renal pelvis, the diagnosis of which depends largely upon radiological investigation. Thirty-eight such tumours in 37 patients have been reviewed to establish the examination of choice. High-dose excretion urography, tailored to the presenting problems, is the primary investigation and the results fall into five main groups. Each presents different differential diagnostic problems. Discrete filling defects within the pyelogram (group I) may be overlooked, but, when seen, can be diagnosed on urography alone. Filling defects with dilated calyces (group II) are easily seen and readily diagnosed. Calyceal obliteration (group III) presents more difficulty in diagnosis and may require retrograde pyelography and selective renal angiography. Hydronephrosis with renal enlargement (group IV) is easily confused with uncomplicated primary pelvic hydronephrosis and will usually require antegrade pyelography for diagnosis. Reduced function without renal enlargement (group V) cannot be diagnosed on excretion urography and requires both retrograde pyeloureterography and selective renal angiography.", "PMID": 1000894} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8474", "title": "Pyonephrosis.", "content": "The clinical and radiological features of pyonephrosis are reviewed, based on a consecutive series of 40 cases. There were 32 female and eight male patients, with a peak incidence in the 50-59 year age group. In 63% of cases the right kidney was involved. Almost all patients complained of loin pain and 48% had lower urinary tract symptoms. In 58% of cases a renal mass was palpable. An anaemia, pyuria and elevated blood sedimentation rate were usual. Plain films of the abdomen revealed enlargement of the outline of the involved kidney in 75%, ipsilateral absence of the psoas shadow in 63% and urinary tract calculi in 60%. At high-dose excretion urography a nephrogram was obtained in 58% of cases and a pyelogram produced in 34%. No single clinical or radiological entity emerged, there being an unbroken spectrum of disease ranging from infected hydronephrosis to xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. There is an increasing incidence of calculi, loss of the renal and psoas outlines and reduced renal function with increasing chronicity of disease. High-dose excretion urography is the investigation of choice since not only may the diagnosis be established but also there precise pathological state of the involved kidney. Further radiological investigation is infrequently required.", "contents": "Pyonephrosis. The clinical and radiological features of pyonephrosis are reviewed, based on a consecutive series of 40 cases. There were 32 female and eight male patients, with a peak incidence in the 50-59 year age group. In 63% of cases the right kidney was involved. Almost all patients complained of loin pain and 48% had lower urinary tract symptoms. In 58% of cases a renal mass was palpable. An anaemia, pyuria and elevated blood sedimentation rate were usual. Plain films of the abdomen revealed enlargement of the outline of the involved kidney in 75%, ipsilateral absence of the psoas shadow in 63% and urinary tract calculi in 60%. At high-dose excretion urography a nephrogram was obtained in 58% of cases and a pyelogram produced in 34%. No single clinical or radiological entity emerged, there being an unbroken spectrum of disease ranging from infected hydronephrosis to xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. There is an increasing incidence of calculi, loss of the renal and psoas outlines and reduced renal function with increasing chronicity of disease. High-dose excretion urography is the investigation of choice since not only may the diagnosis be established but also there precise pathological state of the involved kidney. Further radiological investigation is infrequently required.", "PMID": 1000895} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8475", "title": "The incidence and importance of renal duplication.", "content": "The excretory urograms performed on 1716 children and 3480 adults have been examined to find the incidence and complications of renal duplication. Ninety-five patients with duplication were found, unilateral in 79 and bilateral in 16 patients. It was equally common on each side and twice as common in females as in males. Non-duplex kidneys had a mean of 9.4 calyces and duplex kidneys had a mean 3.7 upper and 7-6 calyces in lower moieties. In patients without renal disease and with unilateral duplication the two kidneys were equal in size in 39%, and the duplex was smaller in 10%. Twenty-seven per cent of the duplex kidneys examined showed evidence of disease compared to 3% of the non-duplex kidneys-a significant difference (P less than 0-001). Saddle reflux is the only abnormality unique to duplication and was seen in one patient. Extravesical ectopic ureter and ureterocoeles are known to be associated with renal duplication, but in this series ureterocoeles were found only on the non-duplex side. The duplex kidney in children is more susceptible to reflux than is the non-duplex kidney, and this leads to both ureteric and pelvi-calyceal dilation, and to chronic pyelonephritis in the duplex side in those children who develop urinary tract infections. Chronic pyelonephritis was found in 22% of patients under 15, significantly more often than in adults (P less than 0-001), although the incidence of duplication was unchanged. It is concluded that there is no real increase in the number of children with duplex kidneys having urinary tract infections, and the vast majority of duplex kidneys do not become diseased.", "contents": "The incidence and importance of renal duplication. The excretory urograms performed on 1716 children and 3480 adults have been examined to find the incidence and complications of renal duplication. Ninety-five patients with duplication were found, unilateral in 79 and bilateral in 16 patients. It was equally common on each side and twice as common in females as in males. Non-duplex kidneys had a mean of 9.4 calyces and duplex kidneys had a mean 3.7 upper and 7-6 calyces in lower moieties. In patients without renal disease and with unilateral duplication the two kidneys were equal in size in 39%, and the duplex was smaller in 10%. Twenty-seven per cent of the duplex kidneys examined showed evidence of disease compared to 3% of the non-duplex kidneys-a significant difference (P less than 0-001). Saddle reflux is the only abnormality unique to duplication and was seen in one patient. Extravesical ectopic ureter and ureterocoeles are known to be associated with renal duplication, but in this series ureterocoeles were found only on the non-duplex side. The duplex kidney in children is more susceptible to reflux than is the non-duplex kidney, and this leads to both ureteric and pelvi-calyceal dilation, and to chronic pyelonephritis in the duplex side in those children who develop urinary tract infections. Chronic pyelonephritis was found in 22% of patients under 15, significantly more often than in adults (P less than 0-001), although the incidence of duplication was unchanged. It is concluded that there is no real increase in the number of children with duplex kidneys having urinary tract infections, and the vast majority of duplex kidneys do not become diseased.", "PMID": 1000896} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8476", "title": "Urinary tract changes in obstetric vesico-vaginal fistulae: a report of 216 cases studied by intravenous urography.", "content": "Intravenous urographies carried out routinely on 216 cases of vesico-vaginal fistulae were reviewed. All the patients had suffered from urinary incontinence following obstructed labour for periods varying from immediate post-partum period to as long as 35 years with the majority (48%) presenting in the first year of the disease. One hundred and eleven patients (51-4%) showed no urinary tract abnormality. Calyceal abnormality was graded from 1-5 in ascending order of severity. The most frequent abnormality was Grade 1 (or minimal calyceal blunting) found in 75 (71%) of 105 cases showing lesions. Ten patients had non-functioning kidneys. There was no correlation of severity of calyceal grading with duration of the disease. Other notable changes were hydroureter in 75 (34%), medial deviation of the terminal ureters in 21 (9-7%) and bladder calculi in four. The study reveals a high risk of morbidity to the kidneys in patients with vesico-vaginal fistulae and the predominant role of fibrous itssue in tis genesis is postulated.", "contents": "Urinary tract changes in obstetric vesico-vaginal fistulae: a report of 216 cases studied by intravenous urography. Intravenous urographies carried out routinely on 216 cases of vesico-vaginal fistulae were reviewed. All the patients had suffered from urinary incontinence following obstructed labour for periods varying from immediate post-partum period to as long as 35 years with the majority (48%) presenting in the first year of the disease. One hundred and eleven patients (51-4%) showed no urinary tract abnormality. Calyceal abnormality was graded from 1-5 in ascending order of severity. The most frequent abnormality was Grade 1 (or minimal calyceal blunting) found in 75 (71%) of 105 cases showing lesions. Ten patients had non-functioning kidneys. There was no correlation of severity of calyceal grading with duration of the disease. Other notable changes were hydroureter in 75 (34%), medial deviation of the terminal ureters in 21 (9-7%) and bladder calculi in four. The study reveals a high risk of morbidity to the kidneys in patients with vesico-vaginal fistulae and the predominant role of fibrous itssue in tis genesis is postulated.", "PMID": 1000897} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8477", "title": "The radiology of the intrauterine contraceptive device.", "content": "Some intrauterine devices are of low radiographic density and require careful technique for their demonstration. The main indications for radiology are to exclude deformity, which reduces the loop's efficiency, perforation of the uterus, or expulsion of the loop.", "contents": "The radiology of the intrauterine contraceptive device. Some intrauterine devices are of low radiographic density and require careful technique for their demonstration. The main indications for radiology are to exclude deformity, which reduces the loop's efficiency, perforation of the uterus, or expulsion of the loop.", "PMID": 1000898} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8478", "title": "Two radiological observations on chest radiographs of children.", "content": "A. The frequency with which a ring shadow of the anterior bronchus could be clearly seen was investigated. The annual radiographs of the same normal children studied in another paper (Simon and Rona, 1976) were examined to see how often a small 3-5 mm ring shadow lying laterally near the upper part of the hilum could be clearly seen. This was the ring shadow most frequently seen and appears to be due to the anterior bronchus seen end on. B. In some children vessel size in the upper lobes is the same as that in the lower lobes. This tends to change to the adult pattern as the child grows older.", "contents": "Two radiological observations on chest radiographs of children. A. The frequency with which a ring shadow of the anterior bronchus could be clearly seen was investigated. The annual radiographs of the same normal children studied in another paper (Simon and Rona, 1976) were examined to see how often a small 3-5 mm ring shadow lying laterally near the upper part of the hilum could be clearly seen. This was the ring shadow most frequently seen and appears to be due to the anterior bronchus seen end on. B. In some children vessel size in the upper lobes is the same as that in the lower lobes. This tends to change to the adult pattern as the child grows older.", "PMID": 1000899} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8479", "title": "Standard of the descending (basal) pulmonary artery in children from the routine chest radiograph.", "content": "The right and left basal artery have been measured in serial radiographs taken annually for 3 years or more, in 48 boys and 45 girls, all clinically normal. Centiles were constructed from 5 to 15 year old children. A study of the gain in size revealed a growth spurt during the pubertal period corresponding to that seen with height or weight gain. Correlations were found between right basal artery size (RBA), height and weight. Between 22 and 40% of the RBA diameter can be explained by these two metric traits. Multiple regression equations were therefore constructed to predict the diameter of the artery from a knowledge of the height and weight of the person. It is suggested that these can be of help especially in borderline cases when the size of the basal artery falls between the 90th and 97th centile. A study of 14 patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension or increased blood flow or both were plotted on one of these charts. In 11 the RBA was above the 97th centile. In three who had high pulmonary artery pressure. the RBA was of normal width and they may well have been near or in the Eisenmenger situation. The limiation in that situation was underlined.", "contents": "Standard of the descending (basal) pulmonary artery in children from the routine chest radiograph. The right and left basal artery have been measured in serial radiographs taken annually for 3 years or more, in 48 boys and 45 girls, all clinically normal. Centiles were constructed from 5 to 15 year old children. A study of the gain in size revealed a growth spurt during the pubertal period corresponding to that seen with height or weight gain. Correlations were found between right basal artery size (RBA), height and weight. Between 22 and 40% of the RBA diameter can be explained by these two metric traits. Multiple regression equations were therefore constructed to predict the diameter of the artery from a knowledge of the height and weight of the person. It is suggested that these can be of help especially in borderline cases when the size of the basal artery falls between the 90th and 97th centile. A study of 14 patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension or increased blood flow or both were plotted on one of these charts. In 11 the RBA was above the 97th centile. In three who had high pulmonary artery pressure. the RBA was of normal width and they may well have been near or in the Eisenmenger situation. The limiation in that situation was underlined.", "PMID": 1000900} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8480", "title": "The prevalence of gallbladder disease in patients with ileostomy.", "content": "The prevalence of gallstones has been examined in an unselected group of ileostomy patients who had undergone surgery for ulcerative colitis. In this group 11 of 55 patients were found to have gallbladder disease which is an overall incidence of 20%. This is considerably higher than that found in a control population in the same area.", "contents": "The prevalence of gallbladder disease in patients with ileostomy. The prevalence of gallstones has been examined in an unselected group of ileostomy patients who had undergone surgery for ulcerative colitis. In this group 11 of 55 patients were found to have gallbladder disease which is an overall incidence of 20%. This is considerably higher than that found in a control population in the same area.", "PMID": 1000901} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8481", "title": "The plain abdominal radiograph in pneumatosis coli.", "content": "The clinical features and plain film findings in 14 patients with pneumatosis coli are described. Nine had oxygen treatment. The plain radiographic appearances are analysed and their value in diagnosis is presented. It is concluded that the plain abdominal radiograph is a simple and effective way of monitoring the progress of patients undergoing oxygen therapy.", "contents": "The plain abdominal radiograph in pneumatosis coli. The clinical features and plain film findings in 14 patients with pneumatosis coli are described. Nine had oxygen treatment. The plain radiographic appearances are analysed and their value in diagnosis is presented. It is concluded that the plain abdominal radiograph is a simple and effective way of monitoring the progress of patients undergoing oxygen therapy.", "PMID": 1000902} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8482", "title": "Acute arterial occlusions.", "content": "Aside from a ruptured aneurysm or an acute myocardial infarction, acute arterial occlusion is one of the most pressing of the nontraumatic situations facing the physician. Administration of sodium bicarbonate, papaverine, and heparin will often provide the extra few hours needed to get the patient into the hands of a vascular surgeon for surgical removal of the occlusion. Occasionally, one finds a candidate for the use of streptokinase. Regardless of the mode of therapy chosen, post-treatment angiograms are very important, for they often elucidate atherosclerotic lesions amenable to elective reconstructive surgery.", "contents": "Acute arterial occlusions. Aside from a ruptured aneurysm or an acute myocardial infarction, acute arterial occlusion is one of the most pressing of the nontraumatic situations facing the physician. Administration of sodium bicarbonate, papaverine, and heparin will often provide the extra few hours needed to get the patient into the hands of a vascular surgeon for surgical removal of the occlusion. Occasionally, one finds a candidate for the use of streptokinase. Regardless of the mode of therapy chosen, post-treatment angiograms are very important, for they often elucidate atherosclerotic lesions amenable to elective reconstructive surgery.", "PMID": 1000923} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8483", "title": "The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.", "content": "Objective documentation of pulmonary embolism is an essential prerequisite for appropriate treatment (Figure 7). A chest film, as well as measurement of arterial blood gases, should be obtained immediately, and if the lung fields are essentially normal, a lung scan should then be performed. If the scan shows a definite perfusion defect characteristic of embolism, this provides sufficient evidence to establish a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. The presence of hypoxemia with a low arterial pO2, further confirms the suspicion of a ventilation-perfusion abnormality, and anticoagulant therapy with heparin should be initiated immediately. Should the chest film show abnormalities in the same anatomic areas in which perfusion defects are present on the scan, further investigation by pulmonary arteriography is required to substantiate the diagnosis. The use of pulmonary angiography for documentation of pulmonary embolism is also indicated at the outset when certain specific disorders that confuse scan interpretation are also present-chronic obstructive lung disease, emphysema, asthma, congestive cardiac failure. Assessment of the arterial blood oxygenation simultaneously with the estimated occlusion and the hemodynamic data can be used as a prognostic index as therapy progresses.", "contents": "The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Objective documentation of pulmonary embolism is an essential prerequisite for appropriate treatment (Figure 7). A chest film, as well as measurement of arterial blood gases, should be obtained immediately, and if the lung fields are essentially normal, a lung scan should then be performed. If the scan shows a definite perfusion defect characteristic of embolism, this provides sufficient evidence to establish a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. The presence of hypoxemia with a low arterial pO2, further confirms the suspicion of a ventilation-perfusion abnormality, and anticoagulant therapy with heparin should be initiated immediately. Should the chest film show abnormalities in the same anatomic areas in which perfusion defects are present on the scan, further investigation by pulmonary arteriography is required to substantiate the diagnosis. The use of pulmonary angiography for documentation of pulmonary embolism is also indicated at the outset when certain specific disorders that confuse scan interpretation are also present-chronic obstructive lung disease, emphysema, asthma, congestive cardiac failure. Assessment of the arterial blood oxygenation simultaneously with the estimated occlusion and the hemodynamic data can be used as a prognostic index as therapy progresses.", "PMID": 1000926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8484", "title": "Social class and group therapy in a working class population.", "content": "In a clinic in which the assignment of patients to therapy was demonstrated as not affected by social class and in which no patient was excluded as unsuitable, 45% of those referred to group therapy stayed 2 or more years. The only category that consistently correlated with not remaining in treatment was that of unemployment. When unemployed persons were included there appeared to be a significant correlation between a stay of 2 or more years and social class. When only employed persons were considered, this significance disappeared.", "contents": "Social class and group therapy in a working class population. In a clinic in which the assignment of patients to therapy was demonstrated as not affected by social class and in which no patient was excluded as unsuitable, 45% of those referred to group therapy stayed 2 or more years. The only category that consistently correlated with not remaining in treatment was that of unemployment. When unemployed persons were included there appeared to be a significant correlation between a stay of 2 or more years and social class. When only employed persons were considered, this significance disappeared.", "PMID": 1000928} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8485", "title": "Citizen participation in the decision-making activities of formal social service agencies: an unreasonable goal?", "content": "In the past, attempts by social service agencies to include nonprofessional area residents in program planning and policy-making activities have met with little success. Such failures may be due in part to mistrust and a feeling that the agencies and their programs have little relevance to the problems faced by most people. Perhaps an alternative way of developing resident participation in community action programs would be to move the planning and decision-making process away from the trained experts associated with formal institutions to the residents within the neighborhoods themselves. The people living within a defined community would decide which problems they wish to address, and then use resources available within the community to solve them.", "contents": "Citizen participation in the decision-making activities of formal social service agencies: an unreasonable goal? In the past, attempts by social service agencies to include nonprofessional area residents in program planning and policy-making activities have met with little success. Such failures may be due in part to mistrust and a feeling that the agencies and their programs have little relevance to the problems faced by most people. Perhaps an alternative way of developing resident participation in community action programs would be to move the planning and decision-making process away from the trained experts associated with formal institutions to the residents within the neighborhoods themselves. The people living within a defined community would decide which problems they wish to address, and then use resources available within the community to solve them.", "PMID": 1000929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8486", "title": "Predictors of the duration of therapy for clients in the community mental health system.", "content": "Single and multiple correlates for premature termination and duration of treatment were examined for 13,450 clients seem in 17 community mental health facilities. Predictor variables included seven demographic characteristics of clients and five characteristics of service (type of personnel seeing clients, assignment to in- or outpatient programs, diagnosis rendered, assignment to therapy or diagnostic services, and assignment to individual therapy or other services. Results indicated that clients who are members of ethnic groups, who have low educational backgrounds, who are seen by paraprofessional staff, and who are assigned for diagnostic services quickly terminate at community mental health facilities.", "contents": "Predictors of the duration of therapy for clients in the community mental health system. Single and multiple correlates for premature termination and duration of treatment were examined for 13,450 clients seem in 17 community mental health facilities. Predictor variables included seven demographic characteristics of clients and five characteristics of service (type of personnel seeing clients, assignment to in- or outpatient programs, diagnosis rendered, assignment to therapy or diagnostic services, and assignment to individual therapy or other services. Results indicated that clients who are members of ethnic groups, who have low educational backgrounds, who are seen by paraprofessional staff, and who are assigned for diagnostic services quickly terminate at community mental health facilities.", "PMID": 1000930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8487", "title": "Training crisis intervention specialists and peer group counselors as therapeutic agents in the gay community.", "content": "This paper describes the development of a training program to provide unique services to homosexuals in crisis. The focus of the program was on the utilization of gay nonprofessionals as therapeutic agents in specific crisis situations and the development of a follow-up program to prevent future crises. Emphasis was placed on many aspects of the social milieu to provide comprehensive community intervention.", "contents": "Training crisis intervention specialists and peer group counselors as therapeutic agents in the gay community. This paper describes the development of a training program to provide unique services to homosexuals in crisis. The focus of the program was on the utilization of gay nonprofessionals as therapeutic agents in specific crisis situations and the development of a follow-up program to prevent future crises. Emphasis was placed on many aspects of the social milieu to provide comprehensive community intervention.", "PMID": 1000931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8488", "title": "The role of folk healers in community mental health services.", "content": "This paper deals with the relationship between sociocultural factors and psychopathology in Hispanic groups in a disadvantaged urban area. The data were drawn from a 6-year collaborative undertaking between the Lincoln Community Mental Health Center and two local spiritualistic centers in the Southeast Bronx, New York. Comparisons are offered between classical mental health personnel and indigenous folk healers with emphasis on terminology, means of communication, and diagnosis techniques, as well as the utilization of social behavior and moral values. Relevant inferences are drawn regarding the broader relationship between religion and psychiatry. The importance of understanding of utilization of local folk resources in the planning and implementation of mental health services in urban ghettos is documented.", "contents": "The role of folk healers in community mental health services. This paper deals with the relationship between sociocultural factors and psychopathology in Hispanic groups in a disadvantaged urban area. The data were drawn from a 6-year collaborative undertaking between the Lincoln Community Mental Health Center and two local spiritualistic centers in the Southeast Bronx, New York. Comparisons are offered between classical mental health personnel and indigenous folk healers with emphasis on terminology, means of communication, and diagnosis techniques, as well as the utilization of social behavior and moral values. Relevant inferences are drawn regarding the broader relationship between religion and psychiatry. The importance of understanding of utilization of local folk resources in the planning and implementation of mental health services in urban ghettos is documented.", "PMID": 1000932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8489", "title": "Decentralization of forensic services.", "content": "Decentralization of mental health services to persons in contact with the criminal justice system is essential in the application of community mental health concepts. This is feasible considering the levels of \"dangerousness\" of such persons, costs of the typical isolated central facility, and implications of the Supreme Court decision Jackson v. Indiana (406 U.S. 715, 1972). In Tennessee, reform began with legal review of unit records, pretrial screening in mental health centers, revision of state law, liaison with the Tennessee Board of Pardons and Paroles, and use of consultant staff. The results are positive wherever decentralization of services has been maintained.", "contents": "Decentralization of forensic services. Decentralization of mental health services to persons in contact with the criminal justice system is essential in the application of community mental health concepts. This is feasible considering the levels of \"dangerousness\" of such persons, costs of the typical isolated central facility, and implications of the Supreme Court decision Jackson v. Indiana (406 U.S. 715, 1972). In Tennessee, reform began with legal review of unit records, pretrial screening in mental health centers, revision of state law, liaison with the Tennessee Board of Pardons and Paroles, and use of consultant staff. The results are positive wherever decentralization of services has been maintained.", "PMID": 1000933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8490", "title": "Behavior therapy techniques as a fulfillment of community mental health ideology.", "content": "Due to value orientations, lack of knowledge, or exposure, the behavioral approach has been avoided by many professionals in the community mental health field. This is unfortunate, because many concepts of behavior analysis are identical to some of the guiding principles of the community mental health movement. Furthermore, the methods derived from a behavioral framework can help implement the community mental health idiology. This paper identifies possible linkages in the areas of treatment, client population, and evaluation.", "contents": "Behavior therapy techniques as a fulfillment of community mental health ideology. Due to value orientations, lack of knowledge, or exposure, the behavioral approach has been avoided by many professionals in the community mental health field. This is unfortunate, because many concepts of behavior analysis are identical to some of the guiding principles of the community mental health movement. Furthermore, the methods derived from a behavioral framework can help implement the community mental health idiology. This paper identifies possible linkages in the areas of treatment, client population, and evaluation.", "PMID": 1000934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8491", "title": "Computer processing of oxygen dissociation curves.", "content": "Oxygen dissociation curves (ODC) plotted by a semi-automatic analyzer are subsequently processed by a digital computer. This computer processing provides a complete determination of the ODC, hence offering more information than the single P50 generally used. The programs consist of three successive modules each with a higher degree of sophistication in the processing. The mass handling of the curves is also described.", "contents": "Computer processing of oxygen dissociation curves. Oxygen dissociation curves (ODC) plotted by a semi-automatic analyzer are subsequently processed by a digital computer. This computer processing provides a complete determination of the ODC, hence offering more information than the single P50 generally used. The programs consist of three successive modules each with a higher degree of sophistication in the processing. The mass handling of the curves is also described.", "PMID": 1000971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8492", "title": "Computerized tomography using a modified orthogonal tangent correction algorithm.", "content": "A modified orthogonal tangent correction algorithm is presented for computerized tomography. The algorithm uses four X-rays scans spaced 45 degrees apart, to reconstruct a transverse axial image. The reconstruction procedure is interative in which image matrix elements are corrected by alternately matching the two sets of orthogonal scan data. The algorithm has been applied to phantom data as well as to video recorded fluoroscopic data.", "contents": "Computerized tomography using a modified orthogonal tangent correction algorithm. A modified orthogonal tangent correction algorithm is presented for computerized tomography. The algorithm uses four X-rays scans spaced 45 degrees apart, to reconstruct a transverse axial image. The reconstruction procedure is interative in which image matrix elements are corrected by alternately matching the two sets of orthogonal scan data. The algorithm has been applied to phantom data as well as to video recorded fluoroscopic data.", "PMID": 1000972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8493", "title": "A method of computing drug distribution in plasma using stepwise association constants: clofibrate acid as an illustrative example.", "content": "A program is described to compute the distribution of ligand among various complexes of ligand and protein using stepwise association constants. The key input data consists of stepwise association constants and the concentration of macromolecule and various concentrations of ligand. The key output data consists of the concentration of free drug and protein and the concentration of the various complexes.", "contents": "A method of computing drug distribution in plasma using stepwise association constants: clofibrate acid as an illustrative example. A program is described to compute the distribution of ligand among various complexes of ligand and protein using stepwise association constants. The key input data consists of stepwise association constants and the concentration of macromolecule and various concentrations of ligand. The key output data consists of the concentration of free drug and protein and the concentration of the various complexes.", "PMID": 1000973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8494", "title": "CHRONOS: a data base management package for physicians and researchers.", "content": "This paper describes a general data base management package defined for medical applications. CHRONOS is a user-oriented system which has been designed for physicians to get periodical reports and for researchers to prepare statistical treatments. The basic principles of the data base and program organization are described: many possibilities are offered for data acquisition and specific efforts have been made in order to analyze easily the evolution of patients. Several medical applications are now operational with CHRONOS in fields as different as psychiatry and nephrology.", "contents": "CHRONOS: a data base management package for physicians and researchers. This paper describes a general data base management package defined for medical applications. CHRONOS is a user-oriented system which has been designed for physicians to get periodical reports and for researchers to prepare statistical treatments. The basic principles of the data base and program organization are described: many possibilities are offered for data acquisition and specific efforts have been made in order to analyze easily the evolution of patients. Several medical applications are now operational with CHRONOS in fields as different as psychiatry and nephrology.", "PMID": 1000974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8495", "title": "A DATA MANAGER for the health information system Berlin.", "content": "The needs for permanently changing the logical and physical structure of a medical datebase during the development of a health information system have initiated the project of implementing a DATA MANAGER. The concept of the DATA MANAGER covers facilities for the development of the logical data structure model including documentation of the model and programming support for application programs accessing the health information system (HIS) database. The outstanding facilities of the INTERLISP system have been found to be appropriate for writing the DATA MANAGER. A first data structure model, on which the DATA MANAGER will operate, is roughly outlined.", "contents": "A DATA MANAGER for the health information system Berlin. The needs for permanently changing the logical and physical structure of a medical datebase during the development of a health information system have initiated the project of implementing a DATA MANAGER. The concept of the DATA MANAGER covers facilities for the development of the logical data structure model including documentation of the model and programming support for application programs accessing the health information system (HIS) database. The outstanding facilities of the INTERLISP system have been found to be appropriate for writing the DATA MANAGER. A first data structure model, on which the DATA MANAGER will operate, is roughly outlined.", "PMID": 1000975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8496", "title": "A data structure model for a health information system.", "content": "The Ministry of Health and Environmental Control of Berlin is developing a Health Information System (HIS) on the basis of a multi-satellite network system, comprising a central, regional, local and functional unit level. The main part of this paper describes the conceptual structure of the Common Data Base (CDB) of HIS with special regard to the patient-oriented medical information originating from the various institutions of the health care system. This structure comprises the following five levels: 1. PATIENT 2. PROBLEM 3. CASE 4. EVENT 5. ACT Each of the levels represents a node in the structure model. A node is an entity with a set of \"local properties\" being specified for each level, referring to selected data on inferior levels. The structures of these five levels are described in detail. In the last part, so-called \"data-manipulation procedures\" are treated. These are descriptions covering any data manipulation and represent the basis of data integrity through system controlled transaction with the data base.", "contents": "A data structure model for a health information system. The Ministry of Health and Environmental Control of Berlin is developing a Health Information System (HIS) on the basis of a multi-satellite network system, comprising a central, regional, local and functional unit level. The main part of this paper describes the conceptual structure of the Common Data Base (CDB) of HIS with special regard to the patient-oriented medical information originating from the various institutions of the health care system. This structure comprises the following five levels: 1. PATIENT 2. PROBLEM 3. CASE 4. EVENT 5. ACT Each of the levels represents a node in the structure model. A node is an entity with a set of \"local properties\" being specified for each level, referring to selected data on inferior levels. The structures of these five levels are described in detail. In the last part, so-called \"data-manipulation procedures\" are treated. These are descriptions covering any data manipulation and represent the basis of data integrity through system controlled transaction with the data base.", "PMID": 1000976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8497", "title": "A computer system for handling data from bacterial sensitivity testing.", "content": "A computer system for handling data collected from antibiotic sensitivity testing of clinical bacterial isolates is described. The system allows a rapid handling of the information collected, supplying the ward and laboratory with cummulative data on each patient. The bacteriologist and the clinician are thus suitably armed when creating a rational antibiotic therapy.", "contents": "A computer system for handling data from bacterial sensitivity testing. A computer system for handling data collected from antibiotic sensitivity testing of clinical bacterial isolates is described. The system allows a rapid handling of the information collected, supplying the ward and laboratory with cummulative data on each patient. The bacteriologist and the clinician are thus suitably armed when creating a rational antibiotic therapy.", "PMID": 1000977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8498", "title": "A program for fitting of hypnograms and other biological data by orthogonal polynomials.", "content": "Many biological phenomenon are nonlinear and poorly approximated by linear regression. The program POLFIT calculates curvilinear regressions by fitting of orthogonal polynomials. This program, as well as two supporting programs (CORREC: disk storage, and CALCML: calculation of cumulated values of series of observations), was primarily designed for the study of the temporal organization of sleep components. They can be used as well for any other kind of biological data.", "contents": "A program for fitting of hypnograms and other biological data by orthogonal polynomials. Many biological phenomenon are nonlinear and poorly approximated by linear regression. The program POLFIT calculates curvilinear regressions by fitting of orthogonal polynomials. This program, as well as two supporting programs (CORREC: disk storage, and CALCML: calculation of cumulated values of series of observations), was primarily designed for the study of the temporal organization of sleep components. They can be used as well for any other kind of biological data.", "PMID": 1000978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8499", "title": "Echocardiographic study of left ventricular posterior wall motion in angina pectoris.", "content": "Echocardiographic study of left ventricular posterior wall motion was performed on 22 healthy subjects, on 7 cardiac patients without angina, and on 12 patients with angina pectoris, at rest and during supine exercise on a bicycle ergometer. Resting values did not differ significantly between patients with angina and control subjects. During submaximal ergometric exercise, the systolic excursion of the left ventricular posterior wall as well as the maximal systolic and diastolic velocities increased considerably in all groups. The degree of the changes was essentially similar in patients with angina and in healthy subjects. During chest pain, however, all three parameters of posterior wall motion decreased markedly, especially the systolic excursion, which fell well below the resting level. This phenomenon is attributed to the reduction of the work of the heart during chest pain.", "contents": "Echocardiographic study of left ventricular posterior wall motion in angina pectoris. Echocardiographic study of left ventricular posterior wall motion was performed on 22 healthy subjects, on 7 cardiac patients without angina, and on 12 patients with angina pectoris, at rest and during supine exercise on a bicycle ergometer. Resting values did not differ significantly between patients with angina and control subjects. During submaximal ergometric exercise, the systolic excursion of the left ventricular posterior wall as well as the maximal systolic and diastolic velocities increased considerably in all groups. The degree of the changes was essentially similar in patients with angina and in healthy subjects. During chest pain, however, all three parameters of posterior wall motion decreased markedly, especially the systolic excursion, which fell well below the resting level. This phenomenon is attributed to the reduction of the work of the heart during chest pain.", "PMID": 1000980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8500", "title": "Haemodynamics and myocardial metabolism in patients with obliterative coronary arteriosclerosis and tachycardia induced by pacing.", "content": "Fifty-three men with significant obliterative arteriosclerosis of coronary arteries were examined at rest, during and after pacing. Pacing induced both angina pectoris and depression of the ST segment in 38% of the patients; either angina pectoris or depression of ST segment, in 32% of the patients; the remaining 30% of patients were without symptoms or ECG signs of coronary insufficiency. Haemodynamic findings at rest, or during and after cessation of pacing were not different between these groups. Pacing increased heart rate, cardiac index remained unchanged, the stroke volume decreased, the left ventricular ejection time shortened. In both systemic and pulmonary arteries the systolic pressures decreased, the diastolic and mean pressures rose. The left ventricular end-diastolic pressure decreased. In 28 of the patients the myocardial metabolism was investigated. A close correlation was found between positive symptoms and ECG signs of myocardial ischaemia on the one hand, and metabolic signs on the other hand. Absence of angina pectoris and depressions of the ST segment during pacing does not exclude the presence of metabolic signs of ischaemia; an opposite finding is about three times less frequent. The study offers objective information about haemodynamics and myocardial metabolism before, during and after pacing, and represents an attempt of a simple classification of symptoms and signs of induced ischaemia.", "contents": "Haemodynamics and myocardial metabolism in patients with obliterative coronary arteriosclerosis and tachycardia induced by pacing. Fifty-three men with significant obliterative arteriosclerosis of coronary arteries were examined at rest, during and after pacing. Pacing induced both angina pectoris and depression of the ST segment in 38% of the patients; either angina pectoris or depression of ST segment, in 32% of the patients; the remaining 30% of patients were without symptoms or ECG signs of coronary insufficiency. Haemodynamic findings at rest, or during and after cessation of pacing were not different between these groups. Pacing increased heart rate, cardiac index remained unchanged, the stroke volume decreased, the left ventricular ejection time shortened. In both systemic and pulmonary arteries the systolic pressures decreased, the diastolic and mean pressures rose. The left ventricular end-diastolic pressure decreased. In 28 of the patients the myocardial metabolism was investigated. A close correlation was found between positive symptoms and ECG signs of myocardial ischaemia on the one hand, and metabolic signs on the other hand. Absence of angina pectoris and depressions of the ST segment during pacing does not exclude the presence of metabolic signs of ischaemia; an opposite finding is about three times less frequent. The study offers objective information about haemodynamics and myocardial metabolism before, during and after pacing, and represents an attempt of a simple classification of symptoms and signs of induced ischaemia.", "PMID": 1000981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8501", "title": "Cardiac lesions in nonspecific aorto-arteritis.", "content": "Cardiac conditions were examined in 48 patients with nonspecific aorto-arteritis. The authors assume that nonspecific aorto-arteritis may be accompanied by lesions, although usually moderate, of the valvular apparatus. Such defects, even moderate ones, are accessible to intravital diagnosis based on auscultation findings. Additional study is required for resolving whether such valvular defects are manifestations of the primary disease or sequelae of nonspecific aorto-arteritis combined with a rheumatic affliction. The most frequent form of cardiac lesion, however, is myocardial hypertrophy resulting from systemic hypertension. Signs of coronary insufficiency may signalize coronaritis and result from relative coronary insufficiency. Besides, there also occur symptoms of myocardial dystrophy, which in some patients may be caused by thyrotoxicosis, occasionally encountered in patients with nonspecific aorto-arteritis.", "contents": "Cardiac lesions in nonspecific aorto-arteritis. Cardiac conditions were examined in 48 patients with nonspecific aorto-arteritis. The authors assume that nonspecific aorto-arteritis may be accompanied by lesions, although usually moderate, of the valvular apparatus. Such defects, even moderate ones, are accessible to intravital diagnosis based on auscultation findings. Additional study is required for resolving whether such valvular defects are manifestations of the primary disease or sequelae of nonspecific aorto-arteritis combined with a rheumatic affliction. The most frequent form of cardiac lesion, however, is myocardial hypertrophy resulting from systemic hypertension. Signs of coronary insufficiency may signalize coronaritis and result from relative coronary insufficiency. Besides, there also occur symptoms of myocardial dystrophy, which in some patients may be caused by thyrotoxicosis, occasionally encountered in patients with nonspecific aorto-arteritis.", "PMID": 1000982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8502", "title": "Influence of nutritional status and tobacco smoking on the development of atherosclerosis in male manual and brain workers.", "content": "Atherosclerotic changes in the aorta and coronary arteries (stained with Sudan IV) were appraised by a visual planimetric method. The material had been obtained in a WHO-sponsored epidemiological study of atherosclerosis, carried out in Tallin, Riga, Kharkov, Ryazan, and Yalta. The authors examined vessels obtained from 430 practically healthy men of various nutritional status, deceased when aged 40-69 years. The influence of tobacco smoking was investigated by analyses of vessels obtained from 313 men -- heavy smokers, and 82 non-smokers, deceased when aged 30--69 years. The results obtained justify the conclusion that the accelerating effects of over-nourishment and tobacco smoking on the development of coronary vascular atherosclerosis were much more pronounced in male brain-workers than in male manual workers.", "contents": "Influence of nutritional status and tobacco smoking on the development of atherosclerosis in male manual and brain workers. Atherosclerotic changes in the aorta and coronary arteries (stained with Sudan IV) were appraised by a visual planimetric method. The material had been obtained in a WHO-sponsored epidemiological study of atherosclerosis, carried out in Tallin, Riga, Kharkov, Ryazan, and Yalta. The authors examined vessels obtained from 430 practically healthy men of various nutritional status, deceased when aged 40-69 years. The influence of tobacco smoking was investigated by analyses of vessels obtained from 313 men -- heavy smokers, and 82 non-smokers, deceased when aged 30--69 years. The results obtained justify the conclusion that the accelerating effects of over-nourishment and tobacco smoking on the development of coronary vascular atherosclerosis were much more pronounced in male brain-workers than in male manual workers.", "PMID": 1000983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8503", "title": "The action of arterial hypertension on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. I. Salt, adrenal-regeneration and renal (Goldblatt) hypertension.", "content": "The purpose of the investigation was to study the alterations in the lipid and lipoprotein content in the blood serum, the liver and the aortic wall of rats with experimentally induced salt, renal (Goldblatt) and adrenal-regeneration hypertension. The experiments were carried out on 59 Wistar rats (25 normotensive controls). It was established that both the serum and the liver lipid patterns vary in the three experimental models of hypertension. Thus, while in salt-induced hypertension no hyperlipidaemia and hyperlipoproteinaemia were established, in renal hypertension the serum lipid and lipoprotein levels were significantly increased in comparison to the controls. The cholesterol content in the liver was increased in all the three models of hypertension. The remaining lipid fractions were within normal ranges or a little decreased in salt-induced hypertension, while in renal and adrenal-regeneration hypertension their quantity was significantly increased. A two weeks' treatment with hypotensive prostaglandin E1 diminished the lipid and lipoprotein contents in the liver of rats with adrenal-regeneration hypertension, only cholesterol remaining unaltered. The blood serum level of free fatty acids increased in all the three models of experimental hypertension, as did the cholesterol and beta-lipoprotein level in the aortic wall. The alterations in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism established in this study are regarded as specific for the hypertensive process itself, since no histological alterations characteristic of atherosclerosis were observed.", "contents": "The action of arterial hypertension on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. I. Salt, adrenal-regeneration and renal (Goldblatt) hypertension. The purpose of the investigation was to study the alterations in the lipid and lipoprotein content in the blood serum, the liver and the aortic wall of rats with experimentally induced salt, renal (Goldblatt) and adrenal-regeneration hypertension. The experiments were carried out on 59 Wistar rats (25 normotensive controls). It was established that both the serum and the liver lipid patterns vary in the three experimental models of hypertension. Thus, while in salt-induced hypertension no hyperlipidaemia and hyperlipoproteinaemia were established, in renal hypertension the serum lipid and lipoprotein levels were significantly increased in comparison to the controls. The cholesterol content in the liver was increased in all the three models of hypertension. The remaining lipid fractions were within normal ranges or a little decreased in salt-induced hypertension, while in renal and adrenal-regeneration hypertension their quantity was significantly increased. A two weeks' treatment with hypotensive prostaglandin E1 diminished the lipid and lipoprotein contents in the liver of rats with adrenal-regeneration hypertension, only cholesterol remaining unaltered. The blood serum level of free fatty acids increased in all the three models of experimental hypertension, as did the cholesterol and beta-lipoprotein level in the aortic wall. The alterations in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism established in this study are regarded as specific for the hypertensive process itself, since no histological alterations characteristic of atherosclerosis were observed.", "PMID": 1000984} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8504", "title": "Mild hypertension at young age--a long-- term follow--up.", "content": "Out of a group of persons who had had mild hypertension (170/100 mmHg) at the age of 14--29 in the years 1952--1954, 72% were re-examined after 20 years. A surprisingly large part of them (36.3%) had a normal blood pressure even without any treatment during last 15 years. In 43.4%, the hypertension is now stabilized, and in 20.3% a progression of hypertension was found. The prognosis of a mild juvenile hypertension is significantly related to the family history of hypertension, the longevity of parents, and to the initial level of blood pressure.", "contents": "Mild hypertension at young age--a long-- term follow--up. Out of a group of persons who had had mild hypertension (170/100 mmHg) at the age of 14--29 in the years 1952--1954, 72% were re-examined after 20 years. A surprisingly large part of them (36.3%) had a normal blood pressure even without any treatment during last 15 years. In 43.4%, the hypertension is now stabilized, and in 20.3% a progression of hypertension was found. The prognosis of a mild juvenile hypertension is significantly related to the family history of hypertension, the longevity of parents, and to the initial level of blood pressure.", "PMID": 1000985} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8505", "title": "Prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents.", "content": "The children in the population of the district of Prague 4 were screened for the prevalence of hypertension. From the age group 6--11 years (1st--5th forms), a representative sample was selected, comprising 2 152 children; of the age group 12--19 years (6th--9th forms and adolescents), 90% of the population (11 323 individuals) were examined. The arbitrarily set criteria of hypertension 130/80 mmHg in the children aged 6--11 years and 135/80 mmHg in those aged 12--19 years, were found acceptable for identification of potential hypertonics. In the population examined, such or higher pressures were found in 0.5--3.4% of the subjects examined. By thorough clinical and laboratory examinations of children aged 11--15 years with elevated blood pressures the participation of secondary hypertension was determined. In comparison with a control group, these children exhibited statistically significantly more frequent diseases, obesity, and faulty regimen of living, as well as hypertension in their parents.", "contents": "Prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents. The children in the population of the district of Prague 4 were screened for the prevalence of hypertension. From the age group 6--11 years (1st--5th forms), a representative sample was selected, comprising 2 152 children; of the age group 12--19 years (6th--9th forms and adolescents), 90% of the population (11 323 individuals) were examined. The arbitrarily set criteria of hypertension 130/80 mmHg in the children aged 6--11 years and 135/80 mmHg in those aged 12--19 years, were found acceptable for identification of potential hypertonics. In the population examined, such or higher pressures were found in 0.5--3.4% of the subjects examined. By thorough clinical and laboratory examinations of children aged 11--15 years with elevated blood pressures the participation of secondary hypertension was determined. In comparison with a control group, these children exhibited statistically significantly more frequent diseases, obesity, and faulty regimen of living, as well as hypertension in their parents.", "PMID": 1000986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8506", "title": "Light and electron microscopy of laser microirradiated nucleoli and nucleoplasm in tissue culture cells.", "content": "This manuscript describes in precise detail the ultrastructural alterations produced as a result of laser micoirradiation of nucleoli and nucleoplasm of tissue culture cells. Because of the general difficulty of single cell recovery, flat embedding, and serial sectioning, very few studies have ever been conducted on microbeam irradiated cells; yet the use of the microbeam technique has become widespread in functional studies of the nucleus. The results presented here demonstrate two classes of lesion material: small spherical electron dense bodies 0.05-0.02 mum in diameter and a larger, more irregular electron dense material up to 1 mum in length. The occurrence of these different types of lesion materials is described in control irradiated nucleoli and nucleoplasm, irradiated nucleoli and nucleoplasm in quinacrine treated cells, irradiated nucleoli and nucleoplasm in actinomycin D treated cells, and irradiated nucleoli and nucleoplasm in combined actinomycin D and quinacrine treated cells. In all the cells in which actinomycin D was employed, nucleoli were selectively irradiated in either their granular or fibrillar zones. The results of the ultrastructural studies are discussed in light of earlier functional studies.", "contents": "Light and electron microscopy of laser microirradiated nucleoli and nucleoplasm in tissue culture cells. This manuscript describes in precise detail the ultrastructural alterations produced as a result of laser micoirradiation of nucleoli and nucleoplasm of tissue culture cells. Because of the general difficulty of single cell recovery, flat embedding, and serial sectioning, very few studies have ever been conducted on microbeam irradiated cells; yet the use of the microbeam technique has become widespread in functional studies of the nucleus. The results presented here demonstrate two classes of lesion material: small spherical electron dense bodies 0.05-0.02 mum in diameter and a larger, more irregular electron dense material up to 1 mum in length. The occurrence of these different types of lesion materials is described in control irradiated nucleoli and nucleoplasm, irradiated nucleoli and nucleoplasm in quinacrine treated cells, irradiated nucleoli and nucleoplasm in actinomycin D treated cells, and irradiated nucleoli and nucleoplasm in combined actinomycin D and quinacrine treated cells. In all the cells in which actinomycin D was employed, nucleoli were selectively irradiated in either their granular or fibrillar zones. The results of the ultrastructural studies are discussed in light of earlier functional studies.", "PMID": 1000987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8507", "title": "Auditory vocabulary of the right hemisphere following brain bisection or hemidecortication.", "content": "Unilateral scores of two commissurotomy and three (one left and two right) hemispherectomy patients were obtained on standardized auditory language comprehension tests which use pointing responses to a pictorial array. Unilateral performance by the commissurotomy patients was achieved by restricting the pictorial array to one visual half field, using a novel contact lens system which permits ocular scanning of the lateralized stimulus and self-monitoring of task performance. Using the Peabody and Ammons Picture Vocabulary Tests, the auditory vocabulary in the disconnected or isolated right hemispheres was found to be equivalent to that of normal subjects of ages 8:1 to 16:3 with a mean of 11:7 (eleven years and 7 months old). At the same time, standardized aphasia tests showed that the picture vocabulary in the right hemispheres is similar to that of a heterogeneous population of aphasics, even though the right hemispheres did not behave quite like any classical aphasic diagnostic group. No significant differences were found between right hemisphere comprehension of object vs. action names. Results indicated that vocabulary as a function of word frequency followed the same pattern in the right and left hemisphere although the right hemisphere was consistently lower. This parallel between the two hemispheres was conjectured to reflect some similar or even shared lexical structures in the two hemispheres. Together with other data on the performance of the right hemisphere on the Token Test (Zaidel, 1976), the results suggest a complex model of the development of language laterality in the brain, in which some, but not all, auditory language functions continue to develop in the right hemisphere past what is generally regarded as the critical period for language acquistion. In general, auditory language comprehension is better characterized as that of an \"average aphasic\" than that of a child of a specific age.", "contents": "Auditory vocabulary of the right hemisphere following brain bisection or hemidecortication. Unilateral scores of two commissurotomy and three (one left and two right) hemispherectomy patients were obtained on standardized auditory language comprehension tests which use pointing responses to a pictorial array. Unilateral performance by the commissurotomy patients was achieved by restricting the pictorial array to one visual half field, using a novel contact lens system which permits ocular scanning of the lateralized stimulus and self-monitoring of task performance. Using the Peabody and Ammons Picture Vocabulary Tests, the auditory vocabulary in the disconnected or isolated right hemispheres was found to be equivalent to that of normal subjects of ages 8:1 to 16:3 with a mean of 11:7 (eleven years and 7 months old). At the same time, standardized aphasia tests showed that the picture vocabulary in the right hemispheres is similar to that of a heterogeneous population of aphasics, even though the right hemispheres did not behave quite like any classical aphasic diagnostic group. No significant differences were found between right hemisphere comprehension of object vs. action names. Results indicated that vocabulary as a function of word frequency followed the same pattern in the right and left hemisphere although the right hemisphere was consistently lower. This parallel between the two hemispheres was conjectured to reflect some similar or even shared lexical structures in the two hemispheres. Together with other data on the performance of the right hemisphere on the Token Test (Zaidel, 1976), the results suggest a complex model of the development of language laterality in the brain, in which some, but not all, auditory language functions continue to develop in the right hemisphere past what is generally regarded as the critical period for language acquistion. In general, auditory language comprehension is better characterized as that of an \"average aphasic\" than that of a child of a specific age.", "PMID": 1000988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8508", "title": "Constructional apraxia in patients with discrete missile wounds of the brain.", "content": "Sixty patients with missile wounds confined to one of the four quadrants of the brain were investigated. All patients had neurosurgical verification of the limits of their lesions. The incidence and severity of constructional apraxia was studied using the WAIS Block Design and Object Assembly subtests, and the Bender Gestalt Test. A uniformly significant caudality effect was obtained with more posteriorly localized lesions resulting in more severe constructional apraxia. A significant laterality effect was obtained on two of three criterion measures with uniformly inferior performance by patients with right hemisphere lesions. The magnitude of the laterality effect, however, was less than that of the caudality effect for all criterion variables. The degree of severity of constructional apraxia in patients with right posterior lesions was uniformly greater than that of patients with other quadrant loci. The incidence of constructional apraxia in the four quadrants varied as expected with the left anterior lesion sample showing very little evidence of constructional apraxia, while the right posterior sample showed a high incidence of such deficits. The absolute incidence of significant constructional apraxia in all samples was suprisingly low. This finding might be partially accounted for by the age and general good health of the subjects studied, the relative absence of general cognitive impairment in the majority of subjects, and the discrete nature of the lesions.", "contents": "Constructional apraxia in patients with discrete missile wounds of the brain. Sixty patients with missile wounds confined to one of the four quadrants of the brain were investigated. All patients had neurosurgical verification of the limits of their lesions. The incidence and severity of constructional apraxia was studied using the WAIS Block Design and Object Assembly subtests, and the Bender Gestalt Test. A uniformly significant caudality effect was obtained with more posteriorly localized lesions resulting in more severe constructional apraxia. A significant laterality effect was obtained on two of three criterion measures with uniformly inferior performance by patients with right hemisphere lesions. The magnitude of the laterality effect, however, was less than that of the caudality effect for all criterion variables. The degree of severity of constructional apraxia in patients with right posterior lesions was uniformly greater than that of patients with other quadrant loci. The incidence of constructional apraxia in the four quadrants varied as expected with the left anterior lesion sample showing very little evidence of constructional apraxia, while the right posterior sample showed a high incidence of such deficits. The absolute incidence of significant constructional apraxia in all samples was suprisingly low. This finding might be partially accounted for by the age and general good health of the subjects studied, the relative absence of general cognitive impairment in the majority of subjects, and the discrete nature of the lesions.", "PMID": 1000989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8509", "title": "The occurrence of visual neglect in patients with unilateral cerebral disease.", "content": "Visual neglect for the contralateral space has been reported to occur more frequently and more severely following right than left brain damage. The present study sought to determine whether this hemispheric difference is task dependent, i.e. is maximal for tests demanding a thorough exploration and minimal for tests leaving space scanning to the patient's initiative. The findings supported this hypothesis. When the occurrence of neglect was assessed by means of a copying drawings test omissions of details contralateral to the involved hemisphere were found only in the right brain-damaged patient. When the patient was required to bisect a line or to choose the correct response among the alternatives of the Raven test, a tendency for preferring the homolateral hemi-space was also shown by left brain-damaged patients, although it was much more marked in the right-sided group. When patients were asked to insert balls in the holes of a board, both hemispheric groups showed a preference for the homolateral space. The incidence of constructional apraxia was evaluation in the same hemispheric groups and found not to be significantly different.", "contents": "The occurrence of visual neglect in patients with unilateral cerebral disease. Visual neglect for the contralateral space has been reported to occur more frequently and more severely following right than left brain damage. The present study sought to determine whether this hemispheric difference is task dependent, i.e. is maximal for tests demanding a thorough exploration and minimal for tests leaving space scanning to the patient's initiative. The findings supported this hypothesis. When the occurrence of neglect was assessed by means of a copying drawings test omissions of details contralateral to the involved hemisphere were found only in the right brain-damaged patient. When the patient was required to bisect a line or to choose the correct response among the alternatives of the Raven test, a tendency for preferring the homolateral hemi-space was also shown by left brain-damaged patients, although it was much more marked in the right-sided group. When patients were asked to insert balls in the holes of a board, both hemispheric groups showed a preference for the homolateral space. The incidence of constructional apraxia was evaluation in the same hemispheric groups and found not to be significantly different.", "PMID": 1000990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8510", "title": "Effects of unilateral hemispheric lesions on two types of optico-geometric illusions.", "content": "Two optico-geometrical illusions--the M\u00fcller-Lyer (ML) and the Ponzo (P) illusion--have been studied in normal subjects and in patients with unilateral cortical lesions. Patients with left-sided lesions have stronger illusions than normal subjects, the increase being significant only for the ML illusion. In the case of right-sided lesions, the P illusion is weakened while the ML illusion is equivalent to that of control subjects. The findings are discussed in relation to the mode of apprehension of information.", "contents": "Effects of unilateral hemispheric lesions on two types of optico-geometric illusions. Two optico-geometrical illusions--the M\u00fcller-Lyer (ML) and the Ponzo (P) illusion--have been studied in normal subjects and in patients with unilateral cortical lesions. Patients with left-sided lesions have stronger illusions than normal subjects, the increase being significant only for the ML illusion. In the case of right-sided lesions, the P illusion is weakened while the ML illusion is equivalent to that of control subjects. The findings are discussed in relation to the mode of apprehension of information.", "PMID": 1000991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8511", "title": "Iconic recognition of musical symbols in the lateral visual fields.", "content": "Subjects with formal musical training were tested tachistoscopically in order to obtain thresholds for recognizing single notes a staff, presented successively to the lateral visual fields. They were also tested on backward visual making of the same stimuli to determine the interstimllus interval needed to escape the masking effect (critical ISI). Response requirements in threshold and ISI conditions were nonverbal (depressing an organ key), or verbal (indicating the stimulus by name). Recognition threshold for notes were lower in the right visual field than in the left, and verbal responses were easier than manual responses in the threshold condition. However, critical ISIs were lower in the left field than in the right, and ISIs from the left visual field were lower with manual responses than with verbal responses. These findings support the idea that (a) threshold and ISI represent separate levels of perceptual processing, and (b) in trained subjects, the ability to recognize musical symbols may be governed by the left hemisphere, while the information-processing stage of iconic storage may occur in the right hemisphere.", "contents": "Iconic recognition of musical symbols in the lateral visual fields. Subjects with formal musical training were tested tachistoscopically in order to obtain thresholds for recognizing single notes a staff, presented successively to the lateral visual fields. They were also tested on backward visual making of the same stimuli to determine the interstimllus interval needed to escape the masking effect (critical ISI). Response requirements in threshold and ISI conditions were nonverbal (depressing an organ key), or verbal (indicating the stimulus by name). Recognition threshold for notes were lower in the right visual field than in the left, and verbal responses were easier than manual responses in the threshold condition. However, critical ISIs were lower in the left field than in the right, and ISIs from the left visual field were lower with manual responses than with verbal responses. These findings support the idea that (a) threshold and ISI represent separate levels of perceptual processing, and (b) in trained subjects, the ability to recognize musical symbols may be governed by the left hemisphere, while the information-processing stage of iconic storage may occur in the right hemisphere.", "PMID": 1000992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8512", "title": "The nature of comprehension errors in Broca's conduction and Wernicke's aphasics.", "content": "The purpose of the study was to ascertain if Broca's aphasics have a comprehension defect which is dependent on syntactic relationships, to ascertain how this comprehension defect, if present, is different from that seen in Wernicke's and conduction aphasias. Twenty-six aphasic patients (nine Broca's eight conduction, nine Wernicke's) and eight controls were given a test which helped differentiate comprehension errors caused by syntactic incompetence from those caused by lexical incompetence. Wenicke's aphasics made significantly more lexical errors than each of the other groups. There were no significant differences between the lexical errors made by the other groups (Broca's, conduction, and control. There were no significant differences between Broca's and conduction aphasics, however both these groups made more syntactic errors than the controls.", "contents": "The nature of comprehension errors in Broca's conduction and Wernicke's aphasics. The purpose of the study was to ascertain if Broca's aphasics have a comprehension defect which is dependent on syntactic relationships, to ascertain how this comprehension defect, if present, is different from that seen in Wernicke's and conduction aphasias. Twenty-six aphasic patients (nine Broca's eight conduction, nine Wernicke's) and eight controls were given a test which helped differentiate comprehension errors caused by syntactic incompetence from those caused by lexical incompetence. Wenicke's aphasics made significantly more lexical errors than each of the other groups. There were no significant differences between the lexical errors made by the other groups (Broca's, conduction, and control. There were no significant differences between Broca's and conduction aphasics, however both these groups made more syntactic errors than the controls.", "PMID": 1000994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8513", "title": "Left-handedness and cognitive deficit.", "content": "Intellectual and performance measures were taken on 7688 school children tested on three behavioral measures of handedness and one measure of eyedness. Test results were compared against all combinations of handedness and eyedness and against a measure of socio-economic level. No relationships of any kind were found. Comparisons of the present results are made against 33 studies concerned with possible deficits associated with left-handedness. The results of the present study combined with a review of the majority of studies on deficit and handedness strongly suggest that the hypothesis of no difference in intellectual and cognitive performance between right- and left-handed subjects can be accepted as true.", "contents": "Left-handedness and cognitive deficit. Intellectual and performance measures were taken on 7688 school children tested on three behavioral measures of handedness and one measure of eyedness. Test results were compared against all combinations of handedness and eyedness and against a measure of socio-economic level. No relationships of any kind were found. Comparisons of the present results are made against 33 studies concerned with possible deficits associated with left-handedness. The results of the present study combined with a review of the majority of studies on deficit and handedness strongly suggest that the hypothesis of no difference in intellectual and cognitive performance between right- and left-handed subjects can be accepted as true.", "PMID": 1000995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8514", "title": "Memory changes after unilateral electroconvulsive therapy with different electrode positions.", "content": "In the course of a series into the effects of unilateral electroconvulsive therapy on memory functions,double-blind cross-over intraindividual comparison were performed after the second and third treatment in patients suffering from depressive syndrome. The main aim of the project, which is still in course, was to explore the possibility of a further reduction of the side-effects of this antidepressant method. Three separate comparisons were performed between unilateral nondominant temporo-parietal ECT and (a) unilateral dominant temporo-parietal ECT, (b) unilateral non-dominant fronto-parietal ECT, (c) unilateral non-dominant fronto-fronto ECT (Figure 1). The treatments were given under total anaesthesia and with subtotal muscle relaxation. Four memory tests were administered three hours after the second and the third ECT, the treatment methods being allocated at random. The 30 Word-Pair Test is mixed audio-visual recall verbal test. The 30 Figure Test is mainly visual recognition test with items which can be easily verbally patterned. Further, two visual recognition tests, the 30 Face Test and the 30 Geometrical Figure Test, composed of not easily verbalized items were administered. For each test, three memory scores were obtained, immediate memory score (IMS, immediately after the presentation of the items, three hours after ECT), delayed memory score (DMS, three hours after IMS) and their differenc, forgetting score (FS). IMS is considered to be a function of the hypothetical memory variable, learning, and FS a function of the variable retention. DMS is related to both learning and retention. When non-dominant and dominant temporo-parietal ECT are compared, there are, after non-dominant ECT, significantly lower IMS and DMS in the 30 Face Test but only lower IMS in the 30 Geometrical Figure Test. The difference in DMS for the 30 Word-Pair Test is in the opposite direction (Figure 2). In the comparison between non-dominant temporo-parietal vs non-dominant fronto-frontal ECT, a slightly, non-significant, lower IMS in the 30 Face Test is apparent (Figure 4). Other important trends are not found in any of the studies (Figures 2-4). The results show that differential effects are obtained with different memory material when dominant and non-dominant electrode positions are used in unilateral ECT. The results are discussed in relation to the question whether high level perceptive function or memory is involved in the encoding-storage of complex non-verbal material in the non-dominant hemisphere.", "contents": "Memory changes after unilateral electroconvulsive therapy with different electrode positions. In the course of a series into the effects of unilateral electroconvulsive therapy on memory functions,double-blind cross-over intraindividual comparison were performed after the second and third treatment in patients suffering from depressive syndrome. The main aim of the project, which is still in course, was to explore the possibility of a further reduction of the side-effects of this antidepressant method. Three separate comparisons were performed between unilateral nondominant temporo-parietal ECT and (a) unilateral dominant temporo-parietal ECT, (b) unilateral non-dominant fronto-parietal ECT, (c) unilateral non-dominant fronto-fronto ECT (Figure 1). The treatments were given under total anaesthesia and with subtotal muscle relaxation. Four memory tests were administered three hours after the second and the third ECT, the treatment methods being allocated at random. The 30 Word-Pair Test is mixed audio-visual recall verbal test. The 30 Figure Test is mainly visual recognition test with items which can be easily verbally patterned. Further, two visual recognition tests, the 30 Face Test and the 30 Geometrical Figure Test, composed of not easily verbalized items were administered. For each test, three memory scores were obtained, immediate memory score (IMS, immediately after the presentation of the items, three hours after ECT), delayed memory score (DMS, three hours after IMS) and their differenc, forgetting score (FS). IMS is considered to be a function of the hypothetical memory variable, learning, and FS a function of the variable retention. DMS is related to both learning and retention. When non-dominant and dominant temporo-parietal ECT are compared, there are, after non-dominant ECT, significantly lower IMS and DMS in the 30 Face Test but only lower IMS in the 30 Geometrical Figure Test. The difference in DMS for the 30 Word-Pair Test is in the opposite direction (Figure 2). In the comparison between non-dominant temporo-parietal vs non-dominant fronto-frontal ECT, a slightly, non-significant, lower IMS in the 30 Face Test is apparent (Figure 4). Other important trends are not found in any of the studies (Figures 2-4). The results show that differential effects are obtained with different memory material when dominant and non-dominant electrode positions are used in unilateral ECT. The results are discussed in relation to the question whether high level perceptive function or memory is involved in the encoding-storage of complex non-verbal material in the non-dominant hemisphere.", "PMID": 1000996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8515", "title": "A behavioral manifestation of the development of interhemispheric transfer of learning in children.", "content": "Two hundred and fifty normal, right-handed children ranging from aged 5 to 15 were administered measures of grip strength, finger-tapping speed and the Tactual Performance Test. In order to assess the development of manual preference, analysis for each of the measures were performed on the left hand score as a percentage of the right hand score. Small age-related trends were found for the pure motor measures of speed and strength. In the case of the TPT, a clear age-related practice effect was found. The results were discussed in terms of the development of hemispheric cooperation.", "contents": "A behavioral manifestation of the development of interhemispheric transfer of learning in children. Two hundred and fifty normal, right-handed children ranging from aged 5 to 15 were administered measures of grip strength, finger-tapping speed and the Tactual Performance Test. In order to assess the development of manual preference, analysis for each of the measures were performed on the left hand score as a percentage of the right hand score. Small age-related trends were found for the pure motor measures of speed and strength. In the case of the TPT, a clear age-related practice effect was found. The results were discussed in terms of the development of hemispheric cooperation.", "PMID": 1000997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8516", "title": "Open multicentre clinical trial of diftalone in osteoarthrosis.", "content": "An open, multicentre trial was carried out in 140 patients with coxarthroxis and/or gonarthrosis to assess the effectiveness of treatment with diftalone. The trial lasted 4 weeks with a drug dosage decreasing from 1000 mg (Week 1) to 750 mg (Week 2), and to 500 mg (Weeks 3 and 4). In almost all of the objective and subjective assessments used for the measurement of effectiveness there was a statistically significant improvement with treatment, which was dose related, the greatest improvement being seen during the first week. Tolerance of treatment was assessed as good in the majority of patients and again, side-effects appeared to be dose related.", "contents": "Open multicentre clinical trial of diftalone in osteoarthrosis. An open, multicentre trial was carried out in 140 patients with coxarthroxis and/or gonarthrosis to assess the effectiveness of treatment with diftalone. The trial lasted 4 weeks with a drug dosage decreasing from 1000 mg (Week 1) to 750 mg (Week 2), and to 500 mg (Weeks 3 and 4). In almost all of the objective and subjective assessments used for the measurement of effectiveness there was a statistically significant improvement with treatment, which was dose related, the greatest improvement being seen during the first week. Tolerance of treatment was assessed as good in the majority of patients and again, side-effects appeared to be dose related.", "PMID": 1000998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8517", "title": "A single-blind comparative study of once daily dothiepin (\"Prothiaden\") and divided daily doses of amitriptyline.", "content": "Forty-eight patients took part in a single-blind clinical trial comparing a once daily dose of dothiepin (75 mg) and 25 mg 3-times a day of amitriptyline. The results showed that dothiepin caused a greater improvement than amitriptyline after 4 weeks of treatment as judged by depression scores, total scores and global assessments. The incidence of side-effects was less with dothiepin and in those patients who actually reported side-effects the severity was much less with dothiepin than with amitriptyline.", "contents": "A single-blind comparative study of once daily dothiepin (\"Prothiaden\") and divided daily doses of amitriptyline. Forty-eight patients took part in a single-blind clinical trial comparing a once daily dose of dothiepin (75 mg) and 25 mg 3-times a day of amitriptyline. The results showed that dothiepin caused a greater improvement than amitriptyline after 4 weeks of treatment as judged by depression scores, total scores and global assessments. The incidence of side-effects was less with dothiepin and in those patients who actually reported side-effects the severity was much less with dothiepin than with amitriptyline.", "PMID": 1000999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8518", "title": "An open, multicentre study of acebutolol in hypertension.", "content": "Four hundred and twenty-seven hypertensive patients in the United Kingdom have so far been admitted to two on-going open multicentre trials, and have been treated with acebutolol for periods ranging from 1 to 6 months. Oral dosages were within the range of 100 mg to 1200 mg/day in divided doses and were increased or decreased to suit individual requirements. The data on 366 patients completing more than 1 month's treatment were analysed. A high significant reduction in mean diastolic pressure was observed. This reduction was progressive up to 6-month's treatment and was the more marked as pre-treatment values were higher. There was a highly significant correlation between pre-treatment mean diastolic pressure and mean fall of diastolic pressure at 6-months' treatment. There was also a highly sigificant association between initial values and response, and between duration of treatment and response. The higher the pre-treatment value, the less likely was non-response. Response also increased as treatment duration increased. Although asthmatic patients were not excluded, only 2 of the 427 patients included in the present study had to discontinue treatment because of the occurrence of airways obstruction; only 1 of these patients had experienced asthma previously.", "contents": "An open, multicentre study of acebutolol in hypertension. Four hundred and twenty-seven hypertensive patients in the United Kingdom have so far been admitted to two on-going open multicentre trials, and have been treated with acebutolol for periods ranging from 1 to 6 months. Oral dosages were within the range of 100 mg to 1200 mg/day in divided doses and were increased or decreased to suit individual requirements. The data on 366 patients completing more than 1 month's treatment were analysed. A high significant reduction in mean diastolic pressure was observed. This reduction was progressive up to 6-month's treatment and was the more marked as pre-treatment values were higher. There was a highly significant correlation between pre-treatment mean diastolic pressure and mean fall of diastolic pressure at 6-months' treatment. There was also a highly sigificant association between initial values and response, and between duration of treatment and response. The higher the pre-treatment value, the less likely was non-response. Response also increased as treatment duration increased. Although asthmatic patients were not excluded, only 2 of the 427 patients included in the present study had to discontinue treatment because of the occurrence of airways obstruction; only 1 of these patients had experienced asthma previously.", "PMID": 1001000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8519", "title": "A study on the properties of mitochondria from rat kidney cortex and red medulla.", "content": "Mitochondria of rat kidney red medulla form a single band (rho = 1.163) on a sucrose gradient, while mitochondria of the cortex form bands in 2 density regions, namely ca. 66% (M1) at rho = 1.173 and ca. 33% (M2) at rho = 1.163. The mitochondria of the red medulla contain more cytochrome a, more cytochrome b, and less cytochrome c, compared to the M1 population which predominates in cortex. Mitochondria from the red medulla show higher rates of Pi incorporation into total organically bound phosphorus in the presence of ADP, Pi, and oxidizable substrate than do mitochondria from cortex. However, in absence of added oxidizable substrate the reverse is observed, indicating that isolated cortex mitochondria contain more endogenous substrate. The superiority of the red medulla organelles in phosphorylation in the presence of substrate persists in preparations made according to LOWENSTEINS [3] procedure (shortened isolation time, removal of lysosomal enzymes by digitonin treatment). This shows that the observed differences are not artifacts due to different degrees of damage to the organelles by lysosomal attack.", "contents": "A study on the properties of mitochondria from rat kidney cortex and red medulla. Mitochondria of rat kidney red medulla form a single band (rho = 1.163) on a sucrose gradient, while mitochondria of the cortex form bands in 2 density regions, namely ca. 66% (M1) at rho = 1.173 and ca. 33% (M2) at rho = 1.163. The mitochondria of the red medulla contain more cytochrome a, more cytochrome b, and less cytochrome c, compared to the M1 population which predominates in cortex. Mitochondria from the red medulla show higher rates of Pi incorporation into total organically bound phosphorus in the presence of ADP, Pi, and oxidizable substrate than do mitochondria from cortex. However, in absence of added oxidizable substrate the reverse is observed, indicating that isolated cortex mitochondria contain more endogenous substrate. The superiority of the red medulla organelles in phosphorylation in the presence of substrate persists in preparations made according to LOWENSTEINS [3] procedure (shortened isolation time, removal of lysosomal enzymes by digitonin treatment). This shows that the observed differences are not artifacts due to different degrees of damage to the organelles by lysosomal attack.", "PMID": 1001002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8520", "title": "The participation of the renal tubules to the metabolism of insulin.", "content": "The role of renal tubules was explored by two kinds of experiments: (1) inhibition of the tubular reabsorption of insulin by induced polyuria; (2) suppression of insulin filtration by ureter clamping; 1. Anaesthetized dogs maintained in normoglycaemia by glucose compensation were infused with crystalline and 125I-insulins. Polyuria was induced by: (1) saline-bicarbonate infusion; (2) furosemide with saline-bicarbonate infusion to replace urine losses; (3) massive infusion of mannitol. Inulin and paraminohippuric acid were used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate and the renal plasma flow. The permeability of the glomerular wall (pore radius and total area of the pores per unit of path length) was determined by measuring the sieving curve of 131I-polyvinyl-pyrrolidone fractions during basal and treatment periods. Mannitol infusion was able to bring the insulin/inulin clearance ratio up the values of the sieving coefficient of insulin (insulin filtration rate) without modifying the permeability of the glomerular wall; saline infusion displayed a similar effect; furosemide, only a minute one although it induced a more marked polyuria. 2. Clamping of the left ureter was performed on dogs with catheters inserted into the artery, the left renal vein, the pelvis and a renal lymphatic vessel. Almost complete suppression of the glomerular filtration was achieved. It slightly increased the high insulinic concentration of the renal lymph, entailed a 1/3 decrease in the extraction ratio of insulin and reduced by half its renal clearance. In conclusion, the tubules participate to the catabolism of insulin by two different mechanisms: (1) an uptake from the tubular fluid which can be inhibited by diuretics exerting their main action on the proximal tubules; (2) a direct catabolism from the interstitial fluid resulting from the large permeability of the peritubular capillaries to insulin.", "contents": "The participation of the renal tubules to the metabolism of insulin. The role of renal tubules was explored by two kinds of experiments: (1) inhibition of the tubular reabsorption of insulin by induced polyuria; (2) suppression of insulin filtration by ureter clamping; 1. Anaesthetized dogs maintained in normoglycaemia by glucose compensation were infused with crystalline and 125I-insulins. Polyuria was induced by: (1) saline-bicarbonate infusion; (2) furosemide with saline-bicarbonate infusion to replace urine losses; (3) massive infusion of mannitol. Inulin and paraminohippuric acid were used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate and the renal plasma flow. The permeability of the glomerular wall (pore radius and total area of the pores per unit of path length) was determined by measuring the sieving curve of 131I-polyvinyl-pyrrolidone fractions during basal and treatment periods. Mannitol infusion was able to bring the insulin/inulin clearance ratio up the values of the sieving coefficient of insulin (insulin filtration rate) without modifying the permeability of the glomerular wall; saline infusion displayed a similar effect; furosemide, only a minute one although it induced a more marked polyuria. 2. Clamping of the left ureter was performed on dogs with catheters inserted into the artery, the left renal vein, the pelvis and a renal lymphatic vessel. Almost complete suppression of the glomerular filtration was achieved. It slightly increased the high insulinic concentration of the renal lymph, entailed a 1/3 decrease in the extraction ratio of insulin and reduced by half its renal clearance. In conclusion, the tubules participate to the catabolism of insulin by two different mechanisms: (1) an uptake from the tubular fluid which can be inhibited by diuretics exerting their main action on the proximal tubules; (2) a direct catabolism from the interstitial fluid resulting from the large permeability of the peritubular capillaries to insulin.", "PMID": 1001004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8521", "title": "Specificity of sugar transport across the brush border of the rat proximal tubule.", "content": "By chemical and electrical measurements the transport of 25 sugars in the proximal tubule of the rat kidney was investigated. The data gained reveal the following structural requirements for the D-glucose transport system in the renal brush border: A free OH in the D-gluco-configuration on C atom 2 is most important - OH in equatorial position of the chair Cl conformation -. A free OH on C-3 in the equatorial configuration is also essential. If the OH on C-4 turns from the equatorial to the axial configuration the transport is 50% reduced. The OH on C-6 may be missing if otherwise the D-glucose configuration is unchanged. But if in addition the position of OH in C-4 has changed the transport ceases. Furthermore the presence of a C-6 atom and of a ring structure is necessary.", "contents": "Specificity of sugar transport across the brush border of the rat proximal tubule. By chemical and electrical measurements the transport of 25 sugars in the proximal tubule of the rat kidney was investigated. The data gained reveal the following structural requirements for the D-glucose transport system in the renal brush border: A free OH in the D-gluco-configuration on C atom 2 is most important - OH in equatorial position of the chair Cl conformation -. A free OH on C-3 in the equatorial configuration is also essential. If the OH on C-4 turns from the equatorial to the axial configuration the transport is 50% reduced. The OH on C-6 may be missing if otherwise the D-glucose configuration is unchanged. But if in addition the position of OH in C-4 has changed the transport ceases. Furthermore the presence of a C-6 atom and of a ring structure is necessary.", "PMID": 1001006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8522", "title": "Tubular adaptation of inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport in response to variations in dietary Pi in rats.", "content": "The renal response to variations in the dietary intake of inorganic phosphate (Pi) has been studied in intact and thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rats. The results show that the renal tubule can markedly vary its capacity to transport Pi according to homeostatic requirements: the lower the prior dietary intake, the higher the capacity of the tubule to reabsorb Pi. This adaptive response also occurs in TPTX rats. It is observed as early as three days after varying the dietary intake of Pi. This diet-induced difference in the tubular transport capacity for Pi can be seen in the presence of identical plasma Ca and urinary pH and also during marked expansion of extracellular volume. Comparison between Pi intake and thyroparathyroidectomy indicates that the fractional excretion of Pi measured at similar [Pi] Pl. can vary more than 100 times according to the prior dietary intake, whereas the removal of the thyroparathyroid glands brings about only a change of 2-4 times in this parameter. Free-flow micropunctures done in sham-operated rats pair-fed diets containing either 0.2 or 1.8 g/100 g P show a difference in Pi handling along the early proximal and distal tubule. However the most striking alteration seems to take place along the terminal nephron where an apparent net secretion of Pi would occur in the rats fed the high Pi diet. In conclusion the renal tubule adapts its transport capacity for Pi according to the supply of Pi in the diet. This involves a PTH-independent mechanism of great adaptive capability.", "contents": "Tubular adaptation of inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport in response to variations in dietary Pi in rats. The renal response to variations in the dietary intake of inorganic phosphate (Pi) has been studied in intact and thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rats. The results show that the renal tubule can markedly vary its capacity to transport Pi according to homeostatic requirements: the lower the prior dietary intake, the higher the capacity of the tubule to reabsorb Pi. This adaptive response also occurs in TPTX rats. It is observed as early as three days after varying the dietary intake of Pi. This diet-induced difference in the tubular transport capacity for Pi can be seen in the presence of identical plasma Ca and urinary pH and also during marked expansion of extracellular volume. Comparison between Pi intake and thyroparathyroidectomy indicates that the fractional excretion of Pi measured at similar [Pi] Pl. can vary more than 100 times according to the prior dietary intake, whereas the removal of the thyroparathyroid glands brings about only a change of 2-4 times in this parameter. Free-flow micropunctures done in sham-operated rats pair-fed diets containing either 0.2 or 1.8 g/100 g P show a difference in Pi handling along the early proximal and distal tubule. However the most striking alteration seems to take place along the terminal nephron where an apparent net secretion of Pi would occur in the rats fed the high Pi diet. In conclusion the renal tubule adapts its transport capacity for Pi according to the supply of Pi in the diet. This involves a PTH-independent mechanism of great adaptive capability.", "PMID": 1001007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8523", "title": "Acute and reversible inhibition of tubuloglomerular feedback mediated afferent vasoconstriction by the calcium-antagonist verapamil.", "content": "In order to analyze the role of afferent vasomotor activity in mediating tubuloglomerular feedback response, we studied the effect of the intravenously applied Ca++ antagonist Verapamil on proximal stop flow pressure (SFP). In Wistar rats SFP was recorded continuously upstream of a solid paraffin block under either zero or 50 nl/min loop perfusion rate with artificial tubular fluid. The latter elicits maximal feedback response. Similar experiments were performed on heminephrectomized rats which are known to exhibit a highly sensitive feedback response. Verapamil given as a single dose (0.05-0.15 mg/kg b.w., i.v.) resulted in a transient decrease of mean arterial blood pressure of about 10 to 20 mmHg (1 to 3 min), SFP was unaltered during zero loop perfusion. Verapamil applied during a feedback stimulated SFP decrease (50 nl/min loop perfusion) caused restoration of normal SFP for 6 to 10 min indicating an acute and reversible interference of this drug with feedback regulation. Reversal of feedback response was complete in both groups of rats irrespective of the large difference in their feedback sensitivity. Thus: 1. The Ca++ antagonist is a complete inhibitor of feedback mediated SFP changes, 2. decreased SFP during high loop perfusion rate could be titrated back to normal by continuous infusion of Verapamil (dose 0.04 mg/kg-min), 3. Furthermore, feedback regulation of SFP could be prevented by infusion of the drug just prior to increasing loop perfusion rate.", "contents": "Acute and reversible inhibition of tubuloglomerular feedback mediated afferent vasoconstriction by the calcium-antagonist verapamil. In order to analyze the role of afferent vasomotor activity in mediating tubuloglomerular feedback response, we studied the effect of the intravenously applied Ca++ antagonist Verapamil on proximal stop flow pressure (SFP). In Wistar rats SFP was recorded continuously upstream of a solid paraffin block under either zero or 50 nl/min loop perfusion rate with artificial tubular fluid. The latter elicits maximal feedback response. Similar experiments were performed on heminephrectomized rats which are known to exhibit a highly sensitive feedback response. Verapamil given as a single dose (0.05-0.15 mg/kg b.w., i.v.) resulted in a transient decrease of mean arterial blood pressure of about 10 to 20 mmHg (1 to 3 min), SFP was unaltered during zero loop perfusion. Verapamil applied during a feedback stimulated SFP decrease (50 nl/min loop perfusion) caused restoration of normal SFP for 6 to 10 min indicating an acute and reversible interference of this drug with feedback regulation. Reversal of feedback response was complete in both groups of rats irrespective of the large difference in their feedback sensitivity. Thus: 1. The Ca++ antagonist is a complete inhibitor of feedback mediated SFP changes, 2. decreased SFP during high loop perfusion rate could be titrated back to normal by continuous infusion of Verapamil (dose 0.04 mg/kg-min), 3. Furthermore, feedback regulation of SFP could be prevented by infusion of the drug just prior to increasing loop perfusion rate.", "PMID": 1001008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8524", "title": "Phosphate activation of glutaminase in sonicated mitochondria of normal and acidotic rat kidneys.", "content": "Glutaminase activity was assayed in homogenates and mitochondria of kidneys from normal and acidotic rats. These preparations were also subjected to ultrasonic disintegration and the enzyme was assayed in the pellets and supernatants resulting from ultracentrifugation. Glutaminase activity was recovered mainly in the mitochondrial fraction of unsonicated tissue. Sonication released some of the glutaminase from the mitochondria. The increase in glutaminase activity due to the addition of phosphate was greater for the enzyme released from the mitochondria by sonication than for the enzyme recovered in the mitochondrial pellet after centrifugation. Acidosis did not significantly alter glutaminase activity when assayed in Tris buffer. However, when phosphate was present in the incubation medium acidosis increased glutaminase activity whether or not it remained attached to the mitochondrial membrane during sonication. The data indicates that there is more than one isoenzyme of glutaminase in kidney mitochondria and that the sensitivities of these isoenzymes to phosphate are not identical.", "contents": "Phosphate activation of glutaminase in sonicated mitochondria of normal and acidotic rat kidneys. Glutaminase activity was assayed in homogenates and mitochondria of kidneys from normal and acidotic rats. These preparations were also subjected to ultrasonic disintegration and the enzyme was assayed in the pellets and supernatants resulting from ultracentrifugation. Glutaminase activity was recovered mainly in the mitochondrial fraction of unsonicated tissue. Sonication released some of the glutaminase from the mitochondria. The increase in glutaminase activity due to the addition of phosphate was greater for the enzyme released from the mitochondria by sonication than for the enzyme recovered in the mitochondrial pellet after centrifugation. Acidosis did not significantly alter glutaminase activity when assayed in Tris buffer. However, when phosphate was present in the incubation medium acidosis increased glutaminase activity whether or not it remained attached to the mitochondrial membrane during sonication. The data indicates that there is more than one isoenzyme of glutaminase in kidney mitochondria and that the sensitivities of these isoenzymes to phosphate are not identical.", "PMID": 1001010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8525", "title": "Direct quantitation of amino acid transport and metabolism in segments of individual nephrons.", "content": "A new approach to amino acid transport in kidney is described which may be useful for study of renal transport in general. The amino acid is given in threshold and above threshold loads along with inulin as a glomerular filtrate marker. The kidney is quickly frozen at --60 degrees. Frozen 16 mum sections are dried at --40 degrees, and identified parts of single nephrons are analyzed for amino acid given, certain metabolites and inulin. The relationship of amino acid to inulin along the tubule is used to indicate changes relative to the glomerular filtrate. With either aspartate or glutamate loads, both amino acids accumulate to high levels in segments in which transport is believed to take place (proximal convoluted and straight tubules). Glutamine also accumulates to a high degree, but only in the proximal straight tubule.", "contents": "Direct quantitation of amino acid transport and metabolism in segments of individual nephrons. A new approach to amino acid transport in kidney is described which may be useful for study of renal transport in general. The amino acid is given in threshold and above threshold loads along with inulin as a glomerular filtrate marker. The kidney is quickly frozen at --60 degrees. Frozen 16 mum sections are dried at --40 degrees, and identified parts of single nephrons are analyzed for amino acid given, certain metabolites and inulin. The relationship of amino acid to inulin along the tubule is used to indicate changes relative to the glomerular filtrate. With either aspartate or glutamate loads, both amino acids accumulate to high levels in segments in which transport is believed to take place (proximal convoluted and straight tubules). Glutamine also accumulates to a high degree, but only in the proximal straight tubule.", "PMID": 1001011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8526", "title": "Different renal oxidation rates of intramolecular carbon atoms in lactate and pyruvate.", "content": "In order to get more detailed information on the different renal modes of utilization of individual intramolecular carbon atoms, formation rates of 14CO2 and metabolic products from single-carbon labelled exogenous substrates have been studied in isolated tubular fragments from rat kidney cortex. The results showed that carboxyl groups from acetate, lactate, and pyruvate were converted to CO2 at a much higher rate than substrate-2-C or 3-C. This effect was not due to a physico-chemical splitting. The corresponding C-2 or C-3-atoms were incorporated into newly formed glucose to a higher extent than carboxyl groups. Apparently, the maximum chance to be converted to CO2 for an intramolecular carbon of an exogenous substrate lies at the stereospecific site of action of decarboxylating enzymes. With rising distance from this point the probability to be built into glucose (i.e. to escape the oxidative pathway) increases. Due to the different share of the intramolecular substrate carbon (in the total CO2 formation) without the use of single-carbon labelled substrates one cannot calculate the oxygen requirements for an observed 14CO2 formation.", "contents": "Different renal oxidation rates of intramolecular carbon atoms in lactate and pyruvate. In order to get more detailed information on the different renal modes of utilization of individual intramolecular carbon atoms, formation rates of 14CO2 and metabolic products from single-carbon labelled exogenous substrates have been studied in isolated tubular fragments from rat kidney cortex. The results showed that carboxyl groups from acetate, lactate, and pyruvate were converted to CO2 at a much higher rate than substrate-2-C or 3-C. This effect was not due to a physico-chemical splitting. The corresponding C-2 or C-3-atoms were incorporated into newly formed glucose to a higher extent than carboxyl groups. Apparently, the maximum chance to be converted to CO2 for an intramolecular carbon of an exogenous substrate lies at the stereospecific site of action of decarboxylating enzymes. With rising distance from this point the probability to be built into glucose (i.e. to escape the oxidative pathway) increases. Due to the different share of the intramolecular substrate carbon (in the total CO2 formation) without the use of single-carbon labelled substrates one cannot calculate the oxygen requirements for an observed 14CO2 formation.", "PMID": 1001012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8527", "title": "Molecular specificity of tubular amino acid reabsorption.", "content": "The specificity of tubular reabsorption of L-arginine and L-methionine was investigated by continuous microperfusion of single proximal convolutions of the rat kidney. The following observations were made: 1) L-arginine reabsorption form the tubular lumen is saturable and can be inhibited by cycloleucine and some L-arginine derivatives with the following structure: -OOC -- CH (N+H3) -- (CH2)x -- N+H (R1) -- R2 The optimal value of x is 3 to 4. The methylene group adjacent to the nitrogen can be replaced by an oxygen atom. The radicals R1 and R2 have to permit ionization of the vicinal nitrogen. L-cysteine, L-homoserine, and diaminodicarboxylic acids do not inhibit L-arginine reabsorption. 2) L-methionine reabsorption is mainly a saturable process (Vmax = 2.5 x 10-(11) mol/cm/sec; Km = 6.1 mM). Passive diffusion does not play an important role (permeability coefficient = 2.45 x 10(-7) cm2/sec. 3) D-methionine also uses this saturable system for reabsorption. However, the affinity in this case is much smaller (Km = 23 mM). 4) L-phenylalanine, L-iso-leucine, L-ethionine, and cycloleucine seem to share this mechanism with L-methionine. In addition, the autoradiographic method was employed to determine on which side of the tubular cell competition of L-arginine and L-lysine for reabsorption occurs. Good evidence was obtained that the specific receptor for these two amino acids is located at the luminal membrane.", "contents": "Molecular specificity of tubular amino acid reabsorption. The specificity of tubular reabsorption of L-arginine and L-methionine was investigated by continuous microperfusion of single proximal convolutions of the rat kidney. The following observations were made: 1) L-arginine reabsorption form the tubular lumen is saturable and can be inhibited by cycloleucine and some L-arginine derivatives with the following structure: -OOC -- CH (N+H3) -- (CH2)x -- N+H (R1) -- R2 The optimal value of x is 3 to 4. The methylene group adjacent to the nitrogen can be replaced by an oxygen atom. The radicals R1 and R2 have to permit ionization of the vicinal nitrogen. L-cysteine, L-homoserine, and diaminodicarboxylic acids do not inhibit L-arginine reabsorption. 2) L-methionine reabsorption is mainly a saturable process (Vmax = 2.5 x 10-(11) mol/cm/sec; Km = 6.1 mM). Passive diffusion does not play an important role (permeability coefficient = 2.45 x 10(-7) cm2/sec. 3) D-methionine also uses this saturable system for reabsorption. However, the affinity in this case is much smaller (Km = 23 mM). 4) L-phenylalanine, L-iso-leucine, L-ethionine, and cycloleucine seem to share this mechanism with L-methionine. In addition, the autoradiographic method was employed to determine on which side of the tubular cell competition of L-arginine and L-lysine for reabsorption occurs. Good evidence was obtained that the specific receptor for these two amino acids is located at the luminal membrane.", "PMID": 1001013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8528", "title": "L-alanine accumulation in isolated tubuli from rat kidney cortex.", "content": "Tubuli were prepared from rat renal cortex by modification of the method adopted from HOWARD and PESCH (J.Biol. Chem. 243, 3105, 1968). At 37 degrees C tubuli showed constant pyruvate consumption and glucose production for more than one hour. Intracellular electrolyte and amino acid concentrations were measured after separating the tubuli from the incubation medium by a layer of silicon oil in 5 seconds. During incubation at 37 degrees C L-alanine was accumulated 2.6 fold in the tubuli, while intracellular Na+ concentration dropped to about 50 mEq/l. At 27 degrees C, when pyruvate consumption and glucose production was reduced to less than half compared with 37 degrees C incubation, the respective gradients were higher. L-alanine accumulation was reduced by 2,4-dinitrophenol, antimycin A, ouabain and p-hydroxymercuribenzoate and was completely abolished by the reversal of the Na+ concentration gradient between extracellular and intracellular spaces. At 4 degrees C, when erergy production in tubuli ceased, L-alanine could be concentrated in the case of a Na+o/Na+i ratio greater than unity but not at a lower ratio. It is concluded that the accumulation of L-alanine is a direct function of the energy provided by the Na+ concentration gradient and is mediated by a postulated carrier, which can be injured by sulfhydryl group reagents like p-hydroxymercuribenzoate.", "contents": "L-alanine accumulation in isolated tubuli from rat kidney cortex. Tubuli were prepared from rat renal cortex by modification of the method adopted from HOWARD and PESCH (J.Biol. Chem. 243, 3105, 1968). At 37 degrees C tubuli showed constant pyruvate consumption and glucose production for more than one hour. Intracellular electrolyte and amino acid concentrations were measured after separating the tubuli from the incubation medium by a layer of silicon oil in 5 seconds. During incubation at 37 degrees C L-alanine was accumulated 2.6 fold in the tubuli, while intracellular Na+ concentration dropped to about 50 mEq/l. At 27 degrees C, when pyruvate consumption and glucose production was reduced to less than half compared with 37 degrees C incubation, the respective gradients were higher. L-alanine accumulation was reduced by 2,4-dinitrophenol, antimycin A, ouabain and p-hydroxymercuribenzoate and was completely abolished by the reversal of the Na+ concentration gradient between extracellular and intracellular spaces. At 4 degrees C, when erergy production in tubuli ceased, L-alanine could be concentrated in the case of a Na+o/Na+i ratio greater than unity but not at a lower ratio. It is concluded that the accumulation of L-alanine is a direct function of the energy provided by the Na+ concentration gradient and is mediated by a postulated carrier, which can be injured by sulfhydryl group reagents like p-hydroxymercuribenzoate.", "PMID": 1001014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8529", "title": "Renal substrate uptake, oxygen consumption and gluconeogenesis at low temperature.", "content": "One of the important needs in the surgery of renal transplantation is the long-term preservation of the removed kidney. Up to now, preservation time has been limited to about 72 hours. The viability of the stored organ decreases sharply with prolongation of the preservation over 24 hours. At present, two methods of preservation are widely used: the storage of the organ in a cold electrolyte solution, and the continuous, hypothermic perfusion with albumin or cryoprecipitated plasma [1]. Both methods require a low temperature to reduce the endogenous renal metabolism. Besides the quality of the removed kidney, the type of perfusate and the duration of perfusion, two other factors might influence the viability and later function of the transplanted kidney: the absolute temperature during preservation, and the supply of energy - yielding substrates to the isolated kidney [2,3]. Up to now, the influence of the latter factor on the metabolic performance of the kidney tissue has been studied only in a few investigations [4,5,6,7]. In the following study, we determined the uptake of various energy - yielding substrates, oxygen consumption and gluconeogenesis at various low temperatures in isolated rat kidney tubules.", "contents": "Renal substrate uptake, oxygen consumption and gluconeogenesis at low temperature. One of the important needs in the surgery of renal transplantation is the long-term preservation of the removed kidney. Up to now, preservation time has been limited to about 72 hours. The viability of the stored organ decreases sharply with prolongation of the preservation over 24 hours. At present, two methods of preservation are widely used: the storage of the organ in a cold electrolyte solution, and the continuous, hypothermic perfusion with albumin or cryoprecipitated plasma [1]. Both methods require a low temperature to reduce the endogenous renal metabolism. Besides the quality of the removed kidney, the type of perfusate and the duration of perfusion, two other factors might influence the viability and later function of the transplanted kidney: the absolute temperature during preservation, and the supply of energy - yielding substrates to the isolated kidney [2,3]. Up to now, the influence of the latter factor on the metabolic performance of the kidney tissue has been studied only in a few investigations [4,5,6,7]. In the following study, we determined the uptake of various energy - yielding substrates, oxygen consumption and gluconeogenesis at various low temperatures in isolated rat kidney tubules.", "PMID": 1001015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8530", "title": "Energy requirements for metabolic and excretory activities of perfused rat kidney.", "content": "A ratio 34.5 NA+/O2, or 5.8 Na+/ATP is obtained for the ouabain sensitive sodium pump, which accounts for 50% of sodium transport in the perfused kidney. Na-K-ATP'ase activity accounts for 15% of renal O2 uptake and sodium transport may account for only 30% of renal oxygen uptake. 2. Hydrogen ion secretion requires little extra energy. An increase in respiration produced by increasing the filtered load of potassium was not prevented by ouabain and active potassium secretion produced no detectable increases in oxygen consumption. 3. In general, the rate of oxidation substrates presented individually does not correlate well with the theoretical energy requirement for sodium transport. Exceptions were the low rate of oxidation of glutamine, which is consistent with limited sodium transport, and glucose, where the expected and observed rates of glucose oxidation are in close agreement. 4. The difference between substrates cannot be explained by activity of pyruvate kinase, by pyruvate dehydrogenase activation, by futile cycling between PFK/FDP'ase, or by involvement of the malate-aspartate shuttle.", "contents": "Energy requirements for metabolic and excretory activities of perfused rat kidney. A ratio 34.5 NA+/O2, or 5.8 Na+/ATP is obtained for the ouabain sensitive sodium pump, which accounts for 50% of sodium transport in the perfused kidney. Na-K-ATP'ase activity accounts for 15% of renal O2 uptake and sodium transport may account for only 30% of renal oxygen uptake. 2. Hydrogen ion secretion requires little extra energy. An increase in respiration produced by increasing the filtered load of potassium was not prevented by ouabain and active potassium secretion produced no detectable increases in oxygen consumption. 3. In general, the rate of oxidation substrates presented individually does not correlate well with the theoretical energy requirement for sodium transport. Exceptions were the low rate of oxidation of glutamine, which is consistent with limited sodium transport, and glucose, where the expected and observed rates of glucose oxidation are in close agreement. 4. The difference between substrates cannot be explained by activity of pyruvate kinase, by pyruvate dehydrogenase activation, by futile cycling between PFK/FDP'ase, or by involvement of the malate-aspartate shuttle.", "PMID": 1001016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8531", "title": "Inhibition of IAA-induced elongation in Avena coleoptile segments by lead: a physiological and an electron microscopic study.", "content": "A high resolution growth measuring apparatus was used to demonstrate the inhibition of auxin-induced cell elongation in oat coleoptile segments (Avena sativa L. var Holden) by lead at concentrations ranging from 2 x 10-6 M to 2 x 10-3 M. The inhibition was immediate, having no measurable lag period. Electron micrographs of lead-treated and control segments revealed that in the treated material, lead became localized as electron-dense granules in the cell walls and in vesicles associated with dictyosomes. These granules were found to be lead hydroxide phosphate by electron diffraction techniques. The possible significance of this localization and identification with regard to phosphatase activity is discussed.", "contents": "Inhibition of IAA-induced elongation in Avena coleoptile segments by lead: a physiological and an electron microscopic study. A high resolution growth measuring apparatus was used to demonstrate the inhibition of auxin-induced cell elongation in oat coleoptile segments (Avena sativa L. var Holden) by lead at concentrations ranging from 2 x 10-6 M to 2 x 10-3 M. The inhibition was immediate, having no measurable lag period. Electron micrographs of lead-treated and control segments revealed that in the treated material, lead became localized as electron-dense granules in the cell walls and in vesicles associated with dictyosomes. These granules were found to be lead hydroxide phosphate by electron diffraction techniques. The possible significance of this localization and identification with regard to phosphatase activity is discussed.", "PMID": 1001018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8532", "title": "Distribution of microtubules during centriole separation in rat kangaroo (Potorous) cells.", "content": "The distribution of microtubule profiles during separation of the centriole duplexes in prophase of rat kangaroo cells (PTK2W) has been investigated by serial section reconstructions. Separation begins with a reduction of the interphase microtubular network which radiates from the region of the duplex to all parts of the cell. As duplexes separate, microtubular elements appear between the duplexes. However, most microtubular elements extend oblique to the axis of separation rather than aligned along the axis of separation. Few microtubules are seen extending directly between duplexes. Longer profiles are seen as separation continues. Prior to the completion of separation, microtubules coalesce to form a discrete band often juxtaposed on the nuclear membrane. Subsequently, the duplexes reach their final position and nuclear envelope dissolution is initiated.", "contents": "Distribution of microtubules during centriole separation in rat kangaroo (Potorous) cells. The distribution of microtubule profiles during separation of the centriole duplexes in prophase of rat kangaroo cells (PTK2W) has been investigated by serial section reconstructions. Separation begins with a reduction of the interphase microtubular network which radiates from the region of the duplex to all parts of the cell. As duplexes separate, microtubular elements appear between the duplexes. However, most microtubular elements extend oblique to the axis of separation rather than aligned along the axis of separation. Few microtubules are seen extending directly between duplexes. Longer profiles are seen as separation continues. Prior to the completion of separation, microtubules coalesce to form a discrete band often juxtaposed on the nuclear membrane. Subsequently, the duplexes reach their final position and nuclear envelope dissolution is initiated.", "PMID": 1001019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8533", "title": "Immuno-electron microscopic study of the distribution of the S 100 protein in brain glial cells.", "content": "The distribution of the brain-specific S 100 protein was studied by an immunohistochemical method at the ultrastructural level. The S 100 protein was localized in the plasma membrane of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and neurons, but not in that of endothelial cells and pericytes. Astrocytic filaments also possessed S 100 activity. The vascular basement membrane lacked traces of S 100.", "contents": "Immuno-electron microscopic study of the distribution of the S 100 protein in brain glial cells. The distribution of the brain-specific S 100 protein was studied by an immunohistochemical method at the ultrastructural level. The S 100 protein was localized in the plasma membrane of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and neurons, but not in that of endothelial cells and pericytes. Astrocytic filaments also possessed S 100 activity. The vascular basement membrane lacked traces of S 100.", "PMID": 1001020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8534", "title": "Nucleic acid and protein differences in Volvox carteri cell types.", "content": "Nucleic acids in Volvox carteri have different radioactive labelling patterns in the two cell types, reproductive (gonidia) and somatic. Incorporation of 32P into DNA is maximum during gonidial division in both whole spheroids and isolated somatic and reproductive cells. The most active period of radioactive incorporation into the rRNA of gonidia and somatic cells is during spheroid enlargement, after which the terminally differentiated somatic cells show a steady, continuous decline. Incorporation into the gonidial rRNA declines markedly during late stages of gonidial division but increases during daughter spheroid growth. Polyarylamide gel electrophoresis profiles of cellular proteins are distinctive for spheroids at different developmental stages and also for the isolated cell types.", "contents": "Nucleic acid and protein differences in Volvox carteri cell types. Nucleic acids in Volvox carteri have different radioactive labelling patterns in the two cell types, reproductive (gonidia) and somatic. Incorporation of 32P into DNA is maximum during gonidial division in both whole spheroids and isolated somatic and reproductive cells. The most active period of radioactive incorporation into the rRNA of gonidia and somatic cells is during spheroid enlargement, after which the terminally differentiated somatic cells show a steady, continuous decline. Incorporation into the gonidial rRNA declines markedly during late stages of gonidial division but increases during daughter spheroid growth. Polyarylamide gel electrophoresis profiles of cellular proteins are distinctive for spheroids at different developmental stages and also for the isolated cell types.", "PMID": 1001021} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8535", "title": "Scanning electron microscopy in nematode-induced giant transfer cells.", "content": "A study of giant cells induced by the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, in roots of Impatiens balsamina was made by scanning electron microscopy. The cytoplasmic contents of giant cells were removed by a procedure based on KOH digestion, to reveal inner wall structure. Wall ingrowths typical of transfer cells are present in giant cells from six days onwards after induction. They develop on walls adjacent to vascular tissues, and their distribution and development was examined. Pit fields contianing plasmodesmata become elaborated in walls between giant cells, but pit fields are lost between giant cells and cells outside them. The distribution of plasmodesmata in pit fields suggests that de novo formation of plasmodesmata occurs in walls between giant cells. Various aspects of giant cell formation and function are discussed and wall ingrowth development is compared in giant cells and normal transfer cells.", "contents": "Scanning electron microscopy in nematode-induced giant transfer cells. A study of giant cells induced by the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, in roots of Impatiens balsamina was made by scanning electron microscopy. The cytoplasmic contents of giant cells were removed by a procedure based on KOH digestion, to reveal inner wall structure. Wall ingrowths typical of transfer cells are present in giant cells from six days onwards after induction. They develop on walls adjacent to vascular tissues, and their distribution and development was examined. Pit fields contianing plasmodesmata become elaborated in walls between giant cells, but pit fields are lost between giant cells and cells outside them. The distribution of plasmodesmata in pit fields suggests that de novo formation of plasmodesmata occurs in walls between giant cells. Various aspects of giant cell formation and function are discussed and wall ingrowth development is compared in giant cells and normal transfer cells.", "PMID": 1001022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8536", "title": "The chromosomal distribution of human satellite III DNA during meiosis.", "content": "In human meiotic cells DNA satellite II is located in the same sites as in mitotic cells, but in prophase the areas are less condensed. This differs from the situation in Plethodon where the sites of heavy satellite DNA are condensed throughout meiotic prophase (MacGregor and Kezer, 1971). The difference may be ascribed to the fact that Plethodon heavy satellite is pericentrically located, whereas few if any of the human satellite sites are actually at centromeres. A second difference is found in sperm, where the Plethodon satellite is located at a single site in the rear of the nucleus, while the satellite regions in mad do not have a common or constant orientation, suggesting that the respective satellites may well be functionally different.", "contents": "The chromosomal distribution of human satellite III DNA during meiosis. In human meiotic cells DNA satellite II is located in the same sites as in mitotic cells, but in prophase the areas are less condensed. This differs from the situation in Plethodon where the sites of heavy satellite DNA are condensed throughout meiotic prophase (MacGregor and Kezer, 1971). The difference may be ascribed to the fact that Plethodon heavy satellite is pericentrically located, whereas few if any of the human satellite sites are actually at centromeres. A second difference is found in sperm, where the Plethodon satellite is located at a single site in the rear of the nucleus, while the satellite regions in mad do not have a common or constant orientation, suggesting that the respective satellites may well be functionally different.", "PMID": 1001023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8537", "title": "Action of rotenone and related respiratory inhibitors on mammalian cell division. 1 Cell kinetics and biochemical aspects.", "content": "Inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration, phosphorylation inhibitors, and uncoupling agents have been reported to delay or inhibit mitosis in cultured mammalian cells. Although the molecular mechanism by which mitosis is delayed in the presence of most respiratory inhibitors presumably involves lowered ATP production for mitotic requirements, one respiratory inhibitor, rotenone, was determined to arrest mitosis by an unrelated mechanism. Cell cycle kinetics studies, oxygen consumption measurements, and viscosity assays indicate that rotenone arrests cultured mammalian cells in mitosis by inhibiting spindle microtubule assembly by a mechanism analogous with colchicine, Colecemid and related antimitotic drugs. Amytal, which blocks electron transport at the same site as does rotenone, failed to arrest cell progression at mitosis. Rotenone delayed cell progression in all phases of the cell cycle, apparently as a direct result of respiration inhibition. Thus, rotenone appears to exert a dual function on events of the cell cycle.", "contents": "Action of rotenone and related respiratory inhibitors on mammalian cell division. 1 Cell kinetics and biochemical aspects. Inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration, phosphorylation inhibitors, and uncoupling agents have been reported to delay or inhibit mitosis in cultured mammalian cells. Although the molecular mechanism by which mitosis is delayed in the presence of most respiratory inhibitors presumably involves lowered ATP production for mitotic requirements, one respiratory inhibitor, rotenone, was determined to arrest mitosis by an unrelated mechanism. Cell cycle kinetics studies, oxygen consumption measurements, and viscosity assays indicate that rotenone arrests cultured mammalian cells in mitosis by inhibiting spindle microtubule assembly by a mechanism analogous with colchicine, Colecemid and related antimitotic drugs. Amytal, which blocks electron transport at the same site as does rotenone, failed to arrest cell progression at mitosis. Rotenone delayed cell progression in all phases of the cell cycle, apparently as a direct result of respiration inhibition. Thus, rotenone appears to exert a dual function on events of the cell cycle.", "PMID": 1001024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8538", "title": "Action of rotenone and related respiratory inhibitors on mammalian cell division. 2 Ultrastructural studies.", "content": "Light and electron microscopic examination of cultured mammalian cells treated with the respiratory inhibitor rotenone revealed that chromosome, spindle, and centriole configurations were virtually identical to that of mitotic cells arrested with Colcemid, a microtubule assembly inhibitor. The chromosomes of cells arrested in mitosis with either drug were grouped in a spherical mass near the cell centre and centrioles failed to opposite mitotic poles. Spindle microtubules were observed in limited numbers near some chromosome kinetochores and the centrioles. The outer portions of the cell cytoplasm were devoid of microtubules. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that cells did not progress beyond early stages of mitosis in the presence of rotenone or Colcemid. The ultrastructure of cells harvested from cultures grown in amytal was similar to that of untreated cells. These observations suggest that rotenone arrests mitosis in mammalian cells by inhibition of spindle microtubule assembly.", "contents": "Action of rotenone and related respiratory inhibitors on mammalian cell division. 2 Ultrastructural studies. Light and electron microscopic examination of cultured mammalian cells treated with the respiratory inhibitor rotenone revealed that chromosome, spindle, and centriole configurations were virtually identical to that of mitotic cells arrested with Colcemid, a microtubule assembly inhibitor. The chromosomes of cells arrested in mitosis with either drug were grouped in a spherical mass near the cell centre and centrioles failed to opposite mitotic poles. Spindle microtubules were observed in limited numbers near some chromosome kinetochores and the centrioles. The outer portions of the cell cytoplasm were devoid of microtubules. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that cells did not progress beyond early stages of mitosis in the presence of rotenone or Colcemid. The ultrastructure of cells harvested from cultures grown in amytal was similar to that of untreated cells. These observations suggest that rotenone arrests mitosis in mammalian cells by inhibition of spindle microtubule assembly.", "PMID": 1001025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8539", "title": "Increased sister chromatid exchange in bone marrow and blood cells from Bloom's syndrome.", "content": "Bone-marrow cells from a patient with Bloom's syndrome cultured for 48 h in the presence of BudR exhibited a striking increase in the number of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in comparison to that in the marrow cells of a patient with treated polycythemia vera (PV). Thus, it appears that an increased incidence of SCE in Bloom's syndrome occurs in various differentiated types of cells, not just blood lymphocytes, and constitutes the syndrome's most characteristic cytogenetic feature. In contrast, the incidence of SCE was not increased in marrow cells and lymphocytes of the particular PV patient studied here, whose cells did exhibit increased numbers of chromatid and chromosome gaps and breaks, presumably as result of the patient's earlier treatment. An increased frequency of SCE was demonstrated in Bloom's syndrome lymphocytes using both a technique based on BudR incorporation and one based on labeling with tritated deoxycytidine. This observation constitutes evidence against the increase of SCE being due to an unusual reaction to BudR. By conventional cytogenetic techniques, chromosome instability, including chromatid and chromosome breaks, but no homologous chromatid interchanges were also recognized in Bloom's syndrome bone-marrow cells incubated in vitro (without BudR) for either 1.k or 16 h. This observation points to the existence of chromosome instability in vivo.", "contents": "Increased sister chromatid exchange in bone marrow and blood cells from Bloom's syndrome. Bone-marrow cells from a patient with Bloom's syndrome cultured for 48 h in the presence of BudR exhibited a striking increase in the number of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in comparison to that in the marrow cells of a patient with treated polycythemia vera (PV). Thus, it appears that an increased incidence of SCE in Bloom's syndrome occurs in various differentiated types of cells, not just blood lymphocytes, and constitutes the syndrome's most characteristic cytogenetic feature. In contrast, the incidence of SCE was not increased in marrow cells and lymphocytes of the particular PV patient studied here, whose cells did exhibit increased numbers of chromatid and chromosome gaps and breaks, presumably as result of the patient's earlier treatment. An increased frequency of SCE was demonstrated in Bloom's syndrome lymphocytes using both a technique based on BudR incorporation and one based on labeling with tritated deoxycytidine. This observation constitutes evidence against the increase of SCE being due to an unusual reaction to BudR. By conventional cytogenetic techniques, chromosome instability, including chromatid and chromosome breaks, but no homologous chromatid interchanges were also recognized in Bloom's syndrome bone-marrow cells incubated in vitro (without BudR) for either 1.k or 16 h. This observation points to the existence of chromosome instability in vivo.", "PMID": 1001026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8540", "title": "Robertsonian polymorphism and constitutive heterochromatin distribution in chromosomes of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri).", "content": "White-blood-cell culture was used to examine the chromosomes of 53 rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) from three locations in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. A Robertsonian chromosome polymorphism is present, resulting in diploid numbers of 60, 59, or 58 in different individuals with 104 chromosome arms. The low level of intraindividual Robertsonian variation, differences in the number of subtelocentric chromosomes between individuals with different chromosome numbers, and frequencies of fish with different chromosome numbers in one population suggest that the interindividual differences are inherited and not somatic. C-banding shows that constitutive heterochromatin is localized near the centromeres and near the secondary constriction one chromosome pair.", "contents": "Robertsonian polymorphism and constitutive heterochromatin distribution in chromosomes of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). White-blood-cell culture was used to examine the chromosomes of 53 rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) from three locations in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. A Robertsonian chromosome polymorphism is present, resulting in diploid numbers of 60, 59, or 58 in different individuals with 104 chromosome arms. The low level of intraindividual Robertsonian variation, differences in the number of subtelocentric chromosomes between individuals with different chromosome numbers, and frequencies of fish with different chromosome numbers in one population suggest that the interindividual differences are inherited and not somatic. C-banding shows that constitutive heterochromatin is localized near the centromeres and near the secondary constriction one chromosome pair.", "PMID": 1001027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8541", "title": "The relationship between chromatid interference and the mapping function.", "content": "A formula for a general mapping function involving only the number of chiasmata between two points on the chromosome and the average excess of four-stranded double exchanges over two-stranded double exchanges is derived. A formula is also given for deriving the proportion of three-stranded double exchanges after any given number of chiasmata; this is related to mapping for linkage with the centromere. It is shown that this proportion tends to a limit of 2/3 after a large number of chiasmata, whether or not chromatid interference is operating.", "contents": "The relationship between chromatid interference and the mapping function. A formula for a general mapping function involving only the number of chiasmata between two points on the chromosome and the average excess of four-stranded double exchanges over two-stranded double exchanges is derived. A formula is also given for deriving the proportion of three-stranded double exchanges after any given number of chiasmata; this is related to mapping for linkage with the centromere. It is shown that this proportion tends to a limit of 2/3 after a large number of chiasmata, whether or not chromatid interference is operating.", "PMID": 1001028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8542", "title": "Variation in the number of genes for rRNA among human acrocentric chromosomes: correlation with frequency of satellite association.", "content": "Grain counts after hybridization of 125I-rRNA to human chromosomes indicate numerical polymorphism at the rDNA sites. Prephotographing procedures decrease labeling but do not change the proportions of labeled RNA annealed to different chromosomes. A positive correlation was found between the frequency of participation of a given chromosome in satellite associations and its rDNA content by the criterion of grain count. Certain individual chromosomes are clear exceptions to this correlation.", "contents": "Variation in the number of genes for rRNA among human acrocentric chromosomes: correlation with frequency of satellite association. Grain counts after hybridization of 125I-rRNA to human chromosomes indicate numerical polymorphism at the rDNA sites. Prephotographing procedures decrease labeling but do not change the proportions of labeled RNA annealed to different chromosomes. A positive correlation was found between the frequency of participation of a given chromosome in satellite associations and its rDNA content by the criterion of grain count. Certain individual chromosomes are clear exceptions to this correlation.", "PMID": 1001029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8543", "title": "Cigarette smoking and coronary artery disease. A macroscopic and microscopic study.", "content": "Vascular changes in the coronary arteries and intramyocardial arteries and arteriole were studied in 1,056 men in relation to the effects of cigarette smoking and to age. The analysis was based on both macroscopic and microscopic studies, and the pathologist was unaware of the identity of the cases. The macroscopic study found a greater association with atheroma than a previous study taken from autopsies. The microscopic study found moderate and advanced fibrous intimal thickening of the coronary arteries to be more frequent in smokers and related to the amount or degree of cigarette smoking. The increase in fibrous intimal thickening was greater for intramyocardial arteries than for subepicardial arteries. The most marked difference by smoking habits was found in the myocardial arterioles. Advanced hyaline thickening was found in 90.7 percent of those smoking two or more packs of cigarettes per day, in 48.4 percent of those smoking less than one pack per day, and not in any of those who never smoked regularly.", "contents": "Cigarette smoking and coronary artery disease. A macroscopic and microscopic study. Vascular changes in the coronary arteries and intramyocardial arteries and arteriole were studied in 1,056 men in relation to the effects of cigarette smoking and to age. The analysis was based on both macroscopic and microscopic studies, and the pathologist was unaware of the identity of the cases. The macroscopic study found a greater association with atheroma than a previous study taken from autopsies. The microscopic study found moderate and advanced fibrous intimal thickening of the coronary arteries to be more frequent in smokers and related to the amount or degree of cigarette smoking. The increase in fibrous intimal thickening was greater for intramyocardial arteries than for subepicardial arteries. The most marked difference by smoking habits was found in the myocardial arterioles. Advanced hyaline thickening was found in 90.7 percent of those smoking two or more packs of cigarettes per day, in 48.4 percent of those smoking less than one pack per day, and not in any of those who never smoked regularly.", "PMID": 1001045} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8544", "title": "The relationship between prolapsing mitral leaflet syndrome and angina and normal coronary arteriograms.", "content": "Patients with a prolapsing mitral leaflet frequently have chest pain while their coronary arteriograms are normal. In this regard, these patients are similar to the group of patients with angina and normal coronary arteriograms. In the present study, clinical, electrocardiographic, cardiac hemodynamic, angiographic, and metabolic findings in 20 patients with a prolapsing mitral leaflet were compared to those of 16 patients with angina and normal coronary arteriograms. Except for the presence of mitral leaflet prolapse and systolic clicks, the findings were similar in both groups. We postulate that prolapsing mitral leaflet is probably related to two different mechanisms. In one the primary pathologic change is in the mitral valve (mainly myxomatous transformation), and the abnormalities of ventricular contraction are secondary to unloading of the heart because of a volume shift into the distended and enlarged mitral leaflets. In the other group, the primary pathologic change is in the myocardium, with secondary prolapse of the mitral valve. The myocardial abnormality itself is probably related to primary underlying myocardial disease or to arteriolar pathologic changes. The latter group has probably the same pathophysiologic abnormality as patients with angina and normal coronary arteriograms.", "contents": "The relationship between prolapsing mitral leaflet syndrome and angina and normal coronary arteriograms. Patients with a prolapsing mitral leaflet frequently have chest pain while their coronary arteriograms are normal. In this regard, these patients are similar to the group of patients with angina and normal coronary arteriograms. In the present study, clinical, electrocardiographic, cardiac hemodynamic, angiographic, and metabolic findings in 20 patients with a prolapsing mitral leaflet were compared to those of 16 patients with angina and normal coronary arteriograms. Except for the presence of mitral leaflet prolapse and systolic clicks, the findings were similar in both groups. We postulate that prolapsing mitral leaflet is probably related to two different mechanisms. In one the primary pathologic change is in the mitral valve (mainly myxomatous transformation), and the abnormalities of ventricular contraction are secondary to unloading of the heart because of a volume shift into the distended and enlarged mitral leaflets. In the other group, the primary pathologic change is in the myocardium, with secondary prolapse of the mitral valve. The myocardial abnormality itself is probably related to primary underlying myocardial disease or to arteriolar pathologic changes. The latter group has probably the same pathophysiologic abnormality as patients with angina and normal coronary arteriograms.", "PMID": 1001046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8545", "title": "Paradoxic bronchospasm after inhalation of isoptroterenol.", "content": "Paradoxic bronchospasm induced by adrenergic aerosols, especially isoproterenol, is a well-known clinical entity. It normally occurs in patients who abuse the use of isoproterenol, but has also been reported in a small group of other patients. This study attempted to identify patients who exhibit paradoxic bronchospasm after administration of aerosolized isoproterenol. Forty-one stable, ambulant asthmatics, whose FEV 1.0 was less than 70 percent of predicted normal were studied. None of the asthmatics had taken isoproterenol for one year prior to evaluation. Baseline pulmonary function tests (FVC,FEV 1.09 MMEFR), blood pressure and ECG rhythm strips were recorded, and repeated at 15, 30, 60 and 120 min after administration of isoproterenol. Twenty-nine of the asthmatic patients had the expected normal response ( delta FEV 1.09 15 min: + 579; 30 min: + 464; 60 min: + 372; 120 min: + 307 ml: + 44, + 36, + 23 and + 24 percent) (delta MMEFR, 15 min: + 37; 60 min: + 29; 120 min: + 18L/Min: + 75, + 69, + 47 and + 37 percent). Twelve asthmatic patients (29 percent) had paradoxic bronchospasm (delta FEV 1.09 15 min: - 38; 30 min: - 60; 60 min: - 175; 120 min: - 27 ml; -1, -4, - 10 and - 4 percent) (delta MMEFR - 15 min: - .5; 30 min: - 3; 60 min: - 9; 120 min: - 2L/min; + 4, - 3, - 6 and - 5 percent, P less than 0.001).", "contents": "Paradoxic bronchospasm after inhalation of isoptroterenol. Paradoxic bronchospasm induced by adrenergic aerosols, especially isoproterenol, is a well-known clinical entity. It normally occurs in patients who abuse the use of isoproterenol, but has also been reported in a small group of other patients. This study attempted to identify patients who exhibit paradoxic bronchospasm after administration of aerosolized isoproterenol. Forty-one stable, ambulant asthmatics, whose FEV 1.0 was less than 70 percent of predicted normal were studied. None of the asthmatics had taken isoproterenol for one year prior to evaluation. Baseline pulmonary function tests (FVC,FEV 1.09 MMEFR), blood pressure and ECG rhythm strips were recorded, and repeated at 15, 30, 60 and 120 min after administration of isoproterenol. Twenty-nine of the asthmatic patients had the expected normal response ( delta FEV 1.09 15 min: + 579; 30 min: + 464; 60 min: + 372; 120 min: + 307 ml: + 44, + 36, + 23 and + 24 percent) (delta MMEFR, 15 min: + 37; 60 min: + 29; 120 min: + 18L/Min: + 75, + 69, + 47 and + 37 percent). Twelve asthmatic patients (29 percent) had paradoxic bronchospasm (delta FEV 1.09 15 min: - 38; 30 min: - 60; 60 min: - 175; 120 min: - 27 ml; -1, -4, - 10 and - 4 percent) (delta MMEFR - 15 min: - .5; 30 min: - 3; 60 min: - 9; 120 min: - 2L/min; + 4, - 3, - 6 and - 5 percent, P less than 0.001).", "PMID": 1001047} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8546", "title": "Regional bronchoconstriction in asthma. 133Xenon washout scans following parenteral methacholine.", "content": "To determine the influence of bronchoconstriction on the distribution of ventilation during an asthma attack, pulmonary clearance of 133xenon was evaluated in four normal and eight asthmatic subjects within three to five minutes after intramuscular injection of methacholine. In asthmatics, administration of 4-10 mg methacholine resulted in a decrease of forced vital capacity of 28.5 +/- 5.1 (SE) percent and a decrease in expiratory flow at 60 percent vital capacity of 44.2 +/- 6.9 percent (P less than 0.001). The cumulative ventilation required to reach 50 percent of the pre-washout radioactivity increased from 3.6 +/- 0.8 to 9.9 +/- 1.6 L after administration of the drug (P less than 0.05). The normal subjects showed no ventilatory effects after receiving 10 mg methacholine. Comparison of clearance of 133xenon from ten areas of lung (each representing approximately 6 percent of the surface area of one lung) showed that all areas were affected to approximately the same extent during drug-induced asthma. These findings suggest that parenteral methacholine is an effective way to demonstrate airway hyperreactivity and that the airway response to methacholine in asthmatics is relatively generalized throughout the lung.", "contents": "Regional bronchoconstriction in asthma. 133Xenon washout scans following parenteral methacholine. To determine the influence of bronchoconstriction on the distribution of ventilation during an asthma attack, pulmonary clearance of 133xenon was evaluated in four normal and eight asthmatic subjects within three to five minutes after intramuscular injection of methacholine. In asthmatics, administration of 4-10 mg methacholine resulted in a decrease of forced vital capacity of 28.5 +/- 5.1 (SE) percent and a decrease in expiratory flow at 60 percent vital capacity of 44.2 +/- 6.9 percent (P less than 0.001). The cumulative ventilation required to reach 50 percent of the pre-washout radioactivity increased from 3.6 +/- 0.8 to 9.9 +/- 1.6 L after administration of the drug (P less than 0.05). The normal subjects showed no ventilatory effects after receiving 10 mg methacholine. Comparison of clearance of 133xenon from ten areas of lung (each representing approximately 6 percent of the surface area of one lung) showed that all areas were affected to approximately the same extent during drug-induced asthma. These findings suggest that parenteral methacholine is an effective way to demonstrate airway hyperreactivity and that the airway response to methacholine in asthmatics is relatively generalized throughout the lung.", "PMID": 1001048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8547", "title": "Echocardiographic manifestations of infiltrative cardiomyopathy. A report of seven cases due to amyloid.", "content": "Echocardiography has been useful in the evaluation of congestive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies. We present echocardiographic findings in seven patients with infiltrative cardiomyopathy due to amyloid. Cardiac amyloidosis was documented at autopsy in two patients, and the diagnosis was suggested by clinical, echocardiographic, tissue, or hemodynamic findings in the other five. Hemodynamic findings in three patients mimicked constrictive pericarditis; and autopsy was performed on one of the three and showed a normal pericardium. Underlying disorders were multiple myeloma (five patients), ankylosing spondylitis (one patient), and an unknown disorder (one patient). The basic echocardiographic findings in infiltrative cardiomyopathy due to amyloid were (1) symmetrically increased left ventricular wall thickness (in the absence of hypertension or aortic valvular disease), (2) hypokinesia and decreased systolic thickening of the interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall, and (3) small to normal size of the left ventricular cavity. Two patients also had small pericardial effusions. Thus, in a patient with congestive heart failure, these echocardiographic findings should suggest infiltrative cardiomyopathy.", "contents": "Echocardiographic manifestations of infiltrative cardiomyopathy. A report of seven cases due to amyloid. Echocardiography has been useful in the evaluation of congestive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies. We present echocardiographic findings in seven patients with infiltrative cardiomyopathy due to amyloid. Cardiac amyloidosis was documented at autopsy in two patients, and the diagnosis was suggested by clinical, echocardiographic, tissue, or hemodynamic findings in the other five. Hemodynamic findings in three patients mimicked constrictive pericarditis; and autopsy was performed on one of the three and showed a normal pericardium. Underlying disorders were multiple myeloma (five patients), ankylosing spondylitis (one patient), and an unknown disorder (one patient). The basic echocardiographic findings in infiltrative cardiomyopathy due to amyloid were (1) symmetrically increased left ventricular wall thickness (in the absence of hypertension or aortic valvular disease), (2) hypokinesia and decreased systolic thickening of the interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall, and (3) small to normal size of the left ventricular cavity. Two patients also had small pericardial effusions. Thus, in a patient with congestive heart failure, these echocardiographic findings should suggest infiltrative cardiomyopathy.", "PMID": 1001049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8548", "title": "Diagnosis of causes for acute respiratory distress by pressure-volume curves.", "content": "The determination of effective dynamic and static relationships between pressure and volume aided in the diagnosis of pulmonary disease, its course, and the effects of therapy in 22 patients receiving continuous mechanical ventilation. These measurements were made on multiple occasions early in the course of mechanical ventilation and were repeated after any indication of clinical deterioration. Abrupt changes from control measurements provided supportive evidence for the presence of cardiogenic pulmonary edema in four patients, progressive pneumonia in four patients, bronchoconstriction in four patients, retained secretions in five patients, pneumothorax in two patients, intubation of main-stem bronchus in three patients, and atelectasis in two patients and were useful in evaluating the results of subsequent therapy. These determinations are simple, noninvasive, and can be accomplished within minutes. The equipment needed is the same as that needed for continuous mechanical ventilation.", "contents": "Diagnosis of causes for acute respiratory distress by pressure-volume curves. The determination of effective dynamic and static relationships between pressure and volume aided in the diagnosis of pulmonary disease, its course, and the effects of therapy in 22 patients receiving continuous mechanical ventilation. These measurements were made on multiple occasions early in the course of mechanical ventilation and were repeated after any indication of clinical deterioration. Abrupt changes from control measurements provided supportive evidence for the presence of cardiogenic pulmonary edema in four patients, progressive pneumonia in four patients, bronchoconstriction in four patients, retained secretions in five patients, pneumothorax in two patients, intubation of main-stem bronchus in three patients, and atelectasis in two patients and were useful in evaluating the results of subsequent therapy. These determinations are simple, noninvasive, and can be accomplished within minutes. The equipment needed is the same as that needed for continuous mechanical ventilation.", "PMID": 1001050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8549", "title": "The clinical spectrum of chronic His bundle block.", "content": "This report details our total experience with documented chronic His bundle block in 24 patients. Ten patients had second-degree block (eight with 2:1 block and two with type-1 block), and 14 patients had complete heart block. There were 16 women (67 percent) and eight men (33 percent) with ages ranging from 17 to 87 years. Diagnoses were as follows: hypertensive cardiovascular disease, nine patients (38 percent); arteriosclerotic heart disease, six patients (25 percent); aortic valvular disease, three patients (13 percent); primary conduction disease, two patients (8 percent); primary myocardial disease, two patients (8 percent); congenital heart block, one patient (4 percent); and traumatic heart block, one patient (4 percent). Pacing was instituted in 20 patients because of the following; congestive heart failure, seven patients; syncope, seven patients; fatigue, four patients; and recurrent dizziness, two patients. Permanent pacing was indicated within ten days of initial diagnosis in 13 patients, from 20 to 80 days in four patients, and later than 100 days in three patients. An additional two asymptomatic patients were treated with prophylactic pacing.", "contents": "The clinical spectrum of chronic His bundle block. This report details our total experience with documented chronic His bundle block in 24 patients. Ten patients had second-degree block (eight with 2:1 block and two with type-1 block), and 14 patients had complete heart block. There were 16 women (67 percent) and eight men (33 percent) with ages ranging from 17 to 87 years. Diagnoses were as follows: hypertensive cardiovascular disease, nine patients (38 percent); arteriosclerotic heart disease, six patients (25 percent); aortic valvular disease, three patients (13 percent); primary conduction disease, two patients (8 percent); primary myocardial disease, two patients (8 percent); congenital heart block, one patient (4 percent); and traumatic heart block, one patient (4 percent). Pacing was instituted in 20 patients because of the following; congestive heart failure, seven patients; syncope, seven patients; fatigue, four patients; and recurrent dizziness, two patients. Permanent pacing was indicated within ten days of initial diagnosis in 13 patients, from 20 to 80 days in four patients, and later than 100 days in three patients. An additional two asymptomatic patients were treated with prophylactic pacing.", "PMID": 1001051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8550", "title": "R34000, a dioxolane imidazole in the therapy for experimental coccidioidomycosis. Comparison with miconazole and econazole.", "content": "Comparisons were made on the therapeutic influence of three imidazole drugs in experimental lethal coccidioidomycosis of mice. When administered by the intramuscular route, miconazole and a closely related structural analogue, econazole, were effective in preventing death, restricting fungal replication in the lungs, and minimizing the extent of extrapulmonary dissemination. Neither drug was as effective when administered by the oral route as by the intramuscular route. This contrasted sharply with results obtained using R34000, a dioxolane imidazole. It was very highly effective when administered by the oral route and less so by intramuscular injection. All orally treated mice survived a challenge lethal to more than 80 percent of control animals. Plasma or serum concentrations of orally administered R34000 in mice and in man exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration for a virulent strain of Coccidioides immitis.", "contents": "R34000, a dioxolane imidazole in the therapy for experimental coccidioidomycosis. Comparison with miconazole and econazole. Comparisons were made on the therapeutic influence of three imidazole drugs in experimental lethal coccidioidomycosis of mice. When administered by the intramuscular route, miconazole and a closely related structural analogue, econazole, were effective in preventing death, restricting fungal replication in the lungs, and minimizing the extent of extrapulmonary dissemination. Neither drug was as effective when administered by the oral route as by the intramuscular route. This contrasted sharply with results obtained using R34000, a dioxolane imidazole. It was very highly effective when administered by the oral route and less so by intramuscular injection. All orally treated mice survived a challenge lethal to more than 80 percent of control animals. Plasma or serum concentrations of orally administered R34000 in mice and in man exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration for a virulent strain of Coccidioides immitis.", "PMID": 1001052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8551", "title": "Techniques and significance of threshold measurement for cardiac pacing. Relationship to output circuit of cardiac pacemakers.", "content": "Because it determines the \"reserve\" of the pacemaker's output circuit, threshold measurement remains the single most important factor that will ultimately ensure successful pacing. In this review, we describe the various techniques and significance of threshold measurement in relation to the property of pacemaker output circuits. There are two basic types of pacing circuits: (1) those with constant current, as in most external (temporary) pulse generators, and (2) those with constant voltage, as in many implantable pulse generators. Current-limited pulse generators have features of both constant-current and constant-voltage circuitry. The current threshold is helpful in determining the integrity of the electrode-tissue interface and reflects the density of the current, which is the prime factor responsible for successful stimulation. Voltage thresholds are useful for information on lead position and integrity, especially when voltage and current are measured simultaneously. Impedance (calculated from voltage and current during stimulation) can be helpful in the diagnosis of lead fractures, insulation breaks, and position problems. Threshold and impedance are entirely unrelated factors, each providing specific and different information about a pacing system. Threshold may also be measured in terms of charge and energy and in relation to the width of the pulse (at a constant impulse amplitude). The concept of safety margins is important when measuring long-term threshold at the time of replacement of a pulse generator. We have analyzed this problem and have attempted to make acceptable recommendations in the absence of clear information in the literature about this subject.", "contents": "Techniques and significance of threshold measurement for cardiac pacing. Relationship to output circuit of cardiac pacemakers. Because it determines the \"reserve\" of the pacemaker's output circuit, threshold measurement remains the single most important factor that will ultimately ensure successful pacing. In this review, we describe the various techniques and significance of threshold measurement in relation to the property of pacemaker output circuits. There are two basic types of pacing circuits: (1) those with constant current, as in most external (temporary) pulse generators, and (2) those with constant voltage, as in many implantable pulse generators. Current-limited pulse generators have features of both constant-current and constant-voltage circuitry. The current threshold is helpful in determining the integrity of the electrode-tissue interface and reflects the density of the current, which is the prime factor responsible for successful stimulation. Voltage thresholds are useful for information on lead position and integrity, especially when voltage and current are measured simultaneously. Impedance (calculated from voltage and current during stimulation) can be helpful in the diagnosis of lead fractures, insulation breaks, and position problems. Threshold and impedance are entirely unrelated factors, each providing specific and different information about a pacing system. Threshold may also be measured in terms of charge and energy and in relation to the width of the pulse (at a constant impulse amplitude). The concept of safety margins is important when measuring long-term threshold at the time of replacement of a pulse generator. We have analyzed this problem and have attempted to make acceptable recommendations in the absence of clear information in the literature about this subject.", "PMID": 1001053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8552", "title": "Recovery from inhalation of diquat aerosol.", "content": "A patient developed high fever, cough, changing consolidations on chest roentgenograms, jaundice, and skin rash following inhalation of diquat aerosol. To our knowledge this is the first report of diquat inhalation and only the second report of aerosol damage from any part of the dipyridyl herbicides.", "contents": "Recovery from inhalation of diquat aerosol. A patient developed high fever, cough, changing consolidations on chest roentgenograms, jaundice, and skin rash following inhalation of diquat aerosol. To our knowledge this is the first report of diquat inhalation and only the second report of aerosol damage from any part of the dipyridyl herbicides.", "PMID": 1001057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8553", "title": "Development of rib notching after a cava-pulmonary anastomosis.", "content": "A patient with tetralogy of Fallot and mitral regurgitation developed unilateral rib notching on the right side secondary to a palliative cava-pulmonary anastomosis. After the operation, decreased perfusion of the right upper and middle lobes stimulated the development of collateral vessels from the systemic circulation to the right pulmonary artery. To our knowledge, this is the first time that this has been described.", "contents": "Development of rib notching after a cava-pulmonary anastomosis. A patient with tetralogy of Fallot and mitral regurgitation developed unilateral rib notching on the right side secondary to a palliative cava-pulmonary anastomosis. After the operation, decreased perfusion of the right upper and middle lobes stimulated the development of collateral vessels from the systemic circulation to the right pulmonary artery. To our knowledge, this is the first time that this has been described.", "PMID": 1001058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8554", "title": "Echocardiographic detection of bacterial vegetations in a child with a ventricular septal defect.", "content": "A 13-year-old boy with a small ventricular septal defect was admitted with clinical manifestations of acute endocarditis. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were isolated from the blood. Definitive diagnosis was made by detecting bacterial vegetations in the right ventricle on the echocardiogram. Repeated embolization of these vegetations to the pulmonary circulation led to the death of the patient.", "contents": "Echocardiographic detection of bacterial vegetations in a child with a ventricular septal defect. A 13-year-old boy with a small ventricular septal defect was admitted with clinical manifestations of acute endocarditis. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were isolated from the blood. Definitive diagnosis was made by detecting bacterial vegetations in the right ventricle on the echocardiogram. Repeated embolization of these vegetations to the pulmonary circulation led to the death of the patient.", "PMID": 1001059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8555", "title": "Mucoepidermoid tumor of trachea.", "content": "Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the trachea is rare. Its occurence in a 14-year-old boy is reported here. This case illustrates the typical course of tracheal tumors with clinical manifestations of cough, wheezing, and hemoptysis, the intially reported normal chest roentgenogram, and the common failure to diagnose tracheal tumor for several months. Early use of tomographic studies and bronchoscopic examination in any person with recent onset of airway obstruction unresponsive to bronchodilator therapy is recommended.", "contents": "Mucoepidermoid tumor of trachea. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the trachea is rare. Its occurence in a 14-year-old boy is reported here. This case illustrates the typical course of tracheal tumors with clinical manifestations of cough, wheezing, and hemoptysis, the intially reported normal chest roentgenogram, and the common failure to diagnose tracheal tumor for several months. Early use of tomographic studies and bronchoscopic examination in any person with recent onset of airway obstruction unresponsive to bronchodilator therapy is recommended.", "PMID": 1001060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8556", "title": "Bacterial endocarditis in a patient with Marfan's syndrome.", "content": "A patient with Marfan's syndrome and subacute bacterial endocarditis is presented. Echocardiographic studies demonstrated dilatation of the aortic root, prolapse of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, and the appearance of shaggy echoes on the anterior miltral leaflet, of the kind previously described as representing bacterial vegetations.", "contents": "Bacterial endocarditis in a patient with Marfan's syndrome. A patient with Marfan's syndrome and subacute bacterial endocarditis is presented. Echocardiographic studies demonstrated dilatation of the aortic root, prolapse of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, and the appearance of shaggy echoes on the anterior miltral leaflet, of the kind previously described as representing bacterial vegetations.", "PMID": 1001061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8557", "title": "Pulmonary tuberculosis following successful treatment of pulmonary infection with Mycobacterium kansasii.", "content": "A case of pulmonary tuberculosis following successful treatment of pulmonary infection with Mycobacterium kansasii is presented. The immunizing effect of an infection with M kansasii and and other nonspecific immune factors are discussed.", "contents": "Pulmonary tuberculosis following successful treatment of pulmonary infection with Mycobacterium kansasii. A case of pulmonary tuberculosis following successful treatment of pulmonary infection with Mycobacterium kansasii is presented. The immunizing effect of an infection with M kansasii and and other nonspecific immune factors are discussed.", "PMID": 1001062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8558", "title": "Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with obstruction of the upper respiratory tract.", "content": "A case of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is presented. The only symptoms in this 24-year-old woman patient were those of recurrent nasal obstruction, including mucosal ulcerations, edema, and thick secretions within the nose.", "contents": "Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with obstruction of the upper respiratory tract. A case of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is presented. The only symptoms in this 24-year-old woman patient were those of recurrent nasal obstruction, including mucosal ulcerations, edema, and thick secretions within the nose.", "PMID": 1001063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8559", "title": "Ruptured chordae of the tricuspid valve. The consequence of flow-directed Swan-Ganz catheterization.", "content": "A case of autopsy-documented ruptured chordae tendineae of the tricuspid valve, secondary to flow-directed Swan-Ganz catheterization of the right side of the heart is presented. A possible mechanism is discussed and safeguards to prevent this complication are suggested.", "contents": "Ruptured chordae of the tricuspid valve. The consequence of flow-directed Swan-Ganz catheterization. A case of autopsy-documented ruptured chordae tendineae of the tricuspid valve, secondary to flow-directed Swan-Ganz catheterization of the right side of the heart is presented. A possible mechanism is discussed and safeguards to prevent this complication are suggested.", "PMID": 1001064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8560", "title": "Changing P wave polarity. Intermittent posterior internodal conduction.", "content": "Spontaneous changes of P-wave polarity without change in heart rate were noted on the resting electrocardiogram of a patient admitted because of chest pain. Intracardiac and His bundle electrograms were compatible with a sequence of activation from high to low right atrium with both positive and negative P waves in lead aVR. The decrease in the P-His interval with positive P waves in lead aVR is consistent with selective conduction via the posterior internodal pathway.", "contents": "Changing P wave polarity. Intermittent posterior internodal conduction. Spontaneous changes of P-wave polarity without change in heart rate were noted on the resting electrocardiogram of a patient admitted because of chest pain. Intracardiac and His bundle electrograms were compatible with a sequence of activation from high to low right atrium with both positive and negative P waves in lead aVR. The decrease in the P-His interval with positive P waves in lead aVR is consistent with selective conduction via the posterior internodal pathway.", "PMID": 1001065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8561", "title": "Local community change for service to children.", "content": "Child psychiatrists in the United States recognize that there are hindrances and barriers that delay and obstruct the establishment of good psychiatric services for young people. Services are impeded by a number of myths and invalid assumptions as well as by a lack of national purposes to serve children who suffer. There are some things to do, nevertheless. One is education of the public as to children's maltreatment. Others are advocacy on behalf of children's expanding rights, working within establishment channels to eke out needed changes, forming coalitions with activist groups of special interests and pleading, and upgrading our own profession.", "contents": "Local community change for service to children. Child psychiatrists in the United States recognize that there are hindrances and barriers that delay and obstruct the establishment of good psychiatric services for young people. Services are impeded by a number of myths and invalid assumptions as well as by a lack of national purposes to serve children who suffer. There are some things to do, nevertheless. One is education of the public as to children's maltreatment. Others are advocacy on behalf of children's expanding rights, working within establishment channels to eke out needed changes, forming coalitions with activist groups of special interests and pleading, and upgrading our own profession.", "PMID": 1001068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8562", "title": "Adult-child interaction analysis: methodology and case application.", "content": "A revised methodology for analyzing adult-child interactions incorporating the use of videotape is presented. Results obtained from the application of this methodology to a successfully treated case of prolonged subsistence on pureed foods demonstrate that it is valid and useful. Objective confirmation of previous subjective clinical impressions and judgments was provided, and previously unnoted behavioral characteristics of mother, child and therapist were revealed. The clinical, research, and training potential of this comprehensive yet unobtrusive methodology is discussed.", "contents": "Adult-child interaction analysis: methodology and case application. A revised methodology for analyzing adult-child interactions incorporating the use of videotape is presented. Results obtained from the application of this methodology to a successfully treated case of prolonged subsistence on pureed foods demonstrate that it is valid and useful. Objective confirmation of previous subjective clinical impressions and judgments was provided, and previously unnoted behavioral characteristics of mother, child and therapist were revealed. The clinical, research, and training potential of this comprehensive yet unobtrusive methodology is discussed.", "PMID": 1001069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8563", "title": "Parent-infant interaction in 8-month-olds.", "content": "Twenty 8-month-olds were observed interacting with their parents in a structured laboratory situation. Their responses to separations from each parent and the entrance of a strange adult were recorded. These events did not result in the predicted intensification of parental preferences. Before and after the \"stressors,\" infants showed slight and equivocal preferences for their mothers over their fathers. Implications are briefly described.", "contents": "Parent-infant interaction in 8-month-olds. Twenty 8-month-olds were observed interacting with their parents in a structured laboratory situation. Their responses to separations from each parent and the entrance of a strange adult were recorded. These events did not result in the predicted intensification of parental preferences. Before and after the \"stressors,\" infants showed slight and equivocal preferences for their mothers over their fathers. Implications are briefly described.", "PMID": 1001070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8564", "title": "Memo to child care workers on their role in group homes.", "content": "The child care worker in a group home meets conditions both similar to and different from those of his counterpart in an institutional setting. Specific qualifications are needed to meet these specific problems.", "contents": "Memo to child care workers on their role in group homes. The child care worker in a group home meets conditions both similar to and different from those of his counterpart in an institutional setting. Specific qualifications are needed to meet these specific problems.", "PMID": 1001072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8565", "title": "The simulated family as an aid to learning family group treatment.", "content": "Role-playing by students as \"family members\" and \"therapist\" in a simulated family situation provides a stimulating learning experience for the participants and the student audience.", "contents": "The simulated family as an aid to learning family group treatment. Role-playing by students as \"family members\" and \"therapist\" in a simulated family situation provides a stimulating learning experience for the participants and the student audience.", "PMID": 1001074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8566", "title": "A day school approach to aggressive adolescents.", "content": "A day school for aggressive adolescents, organized cooperatively by a school system, a youth guidance center, and a state hospital, is providing an effective alternative to institutionalization. Education and therapy are combined in a supportive setting.", "contents": "A day school approach to aggressive adolescents. A day school for aggressive adolescents, organized cooperatively by a school system, a youth guidance center, and a state hospital, is providing an effective alternative to institutionalization. Education and therapy are combined in a supportive setting.", "PMID": 1001075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8567", "title": "Day care in working-class ethnic neighborhoods: implications for social policy.", "content": "Implications for social service planning are contained in the findings of a survey to determine preferences in day care for children in working-class families of Polish and Italian extraction.", "contents": "Day care in working-class ethnic neighborhoods: implications for social policy. Implications for social service planning are contained in the findings of a survey to determine preferences in day care for children in working-class families of Polish and Italian extraction.", "PMID": 1001076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8568", "title": "A framework for the therapeutic use of group activities.", "content": "An understanding of phase development in groups is the basis of this framework for the therapeutic use of program activities for emotionally disturbed children.", "contents": "A framework for the therapeutic use of group activities. An understanding of phase development in groups is the basis of this framework for the therapeutic use of program activities for emotionally disturbed children.", "PMID": 1001077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8569", "title": "Final results of the Nashville Comprehensive Emergency Services project.", "content": "This demonstration program was originally described in CHILD WELFARE's March 1974 issue. This summary of its results in coordinating the wide variety of services provided for neglected and abused children in a metropolitan area indicates that objectives were met, at a substantial reduction in costs.", "contents": "Final results of the Nashville Comprehensive Emergency Services project. This demonstration program was originally described in CHILD WELFARE's March 1974 issue. This summary of its results in coordinating the wide variety of services provided for neglected and abused children in a metropolitan area indicates that objectives were met, at a substantial reduction in costs.", "PMID": 1001079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8570", "title": "Infant approach behavior as related to attachment.", "content": "The chief purpose of this study was to identify characteristics that distinguish approach as an attachment behavior from approach serving other behavioral systems. Locomotor approaches of 16 male and 10 female white middle-class infants to an attachment figure (the mother) and to a nonattachment figure (the visitor-observer) were examined under naturalistic conditions at home. Observations were made during 4-hour home visits at 3-week intervals; those from 26 to 54 weeks were used. When approach was examined in a free-choice situation and without regard to behavioral context, infants approached the mother proportionally (though slightly) more often than the visitor (p less than .05). In 2 behavioral contexts, however, spontaneous infant approaches were sharply differential to the mother; approaches accompanied by crying and approaches terminating in a pickup appeal were directed almost exclusively to the mother (p less than .0001 for both). Touching upon completion of the approach was not differential, except in the context of a pickup appeal. Object-oriented approaches were more often directed to the visitor than to the mother (p less than .002) and may be either exploratory or affiliative. It is suggested that neither approach nor touching can be assumed to serve the attachment system without consideration of context- both environmental and behavioral.", "contents": "Infant approach behavior as related to attachment. The chief purpose of this study was to identify characteristics that distinguish approach as an attachment behavior from approach serving other behavioral systems. Locomotor approaches of 16 male and 10 female white middle-class infants to an attachment figure (the mother) and to a nonattachment figure (the visitor-observer) were examined under naturalistic conditions at home. Observations were made during 4-hour home visits at 3-week intervals; those from 26 to 54 weeks were used. When approach was examined in a free-choice situation and without regard to behavioral context, infants approached the mother proportionally (though slightly) more often than the visitor (p less than .05). In 2 behavioral contexts, however, spontaneous infant approaches were sharply differential to the mother; approaches accompanied by crying and approaches terminating in a pickup appeal were directed almost exclusively to the mother (p less than .0001 for both). Touching upon completion of the approach was not differential, except in the context of a pickup appeal. Object-oriented approaches were more often directed to the visitor than to the mother (p less than .002) and may be either exploratory or affiliative. It is suggested that neither approach nor touching can be assumed to serve the attachment system without consideration of context- both environmental and behavioral.", "PMID": 1001080} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8571", "title": "Development of the perception and production of line forms.", "content": "Of primary concern to the researcher interested in the development of drawing in children is an understanding of how lines are perceived and produced. The perception of line forms and of the edges and corners of solid forms may be similar in that both lead to the visual experience of contour. Lines, however, unlike the edges of solid objects, can function in 2 ways: they can be perceived or produced as paths or as the boundaries of shapes. The thesis of this article is that, in the drawings of very young children, line is produced as a path before it is produced as a boundary. An explanation for this progression is proposed.", "contents": "Development of the perception and production of line forms. Of primary concern to the researcher interested in the development of drawing in children is an understanding of how lines are perceived and produced. The perception of line forms and of the edges and corners of solid forms may be similar in that both lead to the visual experience of contour. Lines, however, unlike the edges of solid objects, can function in 2 ways: they can be perceived or produced as paths or as the boundaries of shapes. The thesis of this article is that, in the drawings of very young children, line is produced as a path before it is produced as a boundary. An explanation for this progression is proposed.", "PMID": 1001081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8572", "title": "Effects of social comparison on aggression and regression in groups of young children.", "content": "The influence of negative, equal, and positive social comparison and of nonsocial comparison upon 4- and 5-year-old black children's subsequent aggressive and regressive behavior in 3-member groups was investigated. The group behavior of boys included more physical agression following negative social comparison than the other treatments, and their group behavior also consisted of more nonverbal teasing behavior following the negative comparison treatment than that of the equal and nonsocial comparison groups. When the behavior of the nontarget partners was controlled, children initiated more physical aggression, nonverbal teasing, and regression after experiencing negative social comparison with the partners than after following the other treatments. There was some evidence to support the reciprocal influence of children's aggressive behavior on each other, particularly for boys following imbalanced social comparison treatments.", "contents": "Effects of social comparison on aggression and regression in groups of young children. The influence of negative, equal, and positive social comparison and of nonsocial comparison upon 4- and 5-year-old black children's subsequent aggressive and regressive behavior in 3-member groups was investigated. The group behavior of boys included more physical agression following negative social comparison than the other treatments, and their group behavior also consisted of more nonverbal teasing behavior following the negative comparison treatment than that of the equal and nonsocial comparison groups. When the behavior of the nontarget partners was controlled, children initiated more physical aggression, nonverbal teasing, and regression after experiencing negative social comparison with the partners than after following the other treatments. There was some evidence to support the reciprocal influence of children's aggressive behavior on each other, particularly for boys following imbalanced social comparison treatments.", "PMID": 1001082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8573", "title": "The influence of some parental characteristics on children's primary abilities and field independence: a study of adopted children.", "content": "The Children's Embedded Figures Test and measures of V, P, N and S abilities were administered to 5-7-year-old Belgian children (33 boys and 36 girls) adopted early in life. These child variables were correlated with the main factorial dimensions of the adoptive parents' answers on the Parental Attitude Research Instrument and on Buehler's Life Goals Inventory and with the adoptive mother's child-rearing practices, determined through an interview. The PARI dimensions were unrelated to children's test performances. Reinforcement of competition and independence, an interview variable, was significantly related to several ability measures and to the CEFT, especially in girls. The significant correlations of some LGI dimensions with boys' and/or girls' primary abilities were interpreted by referring to the influence on the development of children's abilities of a future-oriented attitude toward learning and memory and of a warm parent-child interaction.", "contents": "The influence of some parental characteristics on children's primary abilities and field independence: a study of adopted children. The Children's Embedded Figures Test and measures of V, P, N and S abilities were administered to 5-7-year-old Belgian children (33 boys and 36 girls) adopted early in life. These child variables were correlated with the main factorial dimensions of the adoptive parents' answers on the Parental Attitude Research Instrument and on Buehler's Life Goals Inventory and with the adoptive mother's child-rearing practices, determined through an interview. The PARI dimensions were unrelated to children's test performances. Reinforcement of competition and independence, an interview variable, was significantly related to several ability measures and to the CEFT, especially in girls. The significant correlations of some LGI dimensions with boys' and/or girls' primary abilities were interpreted by referring to the influence on the development of children's abilities of a future-oriented attitude toward learning and memory and of a warm parent-child interaction.", "PMID": 1001083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8574", "title": "Radial localization of odors by human newborns.", "content": "To study sensitivity to radial location of an odor source, 20 human newborns, ranging from 16 to 130 hours of age, were presented with a small amount of ammonium hydroxide. The odor source was placed near the nose slightly to the left or right of midline, with its position randomized over repeated trails. Direction of headturn with respect to the odor location and diffuse motor activity were scored from the videotape recordings of the newborns' behavior. It was found that as a group, the newborns turned away from the odor source more frequently than they turned toward it. The tendency to turn away from the odor was stronger in infants who displayed less motor activity after the response. Newborns also exhibited a right bias in the direction of the head movements. It is concluded that a spatially appropriate avoidance response is present in the neonate and that the newborn is innately sensitive to the radial location of an odor.", "contents": "Radial localization of odors by human newborns. To study sensitivity to radial location of an odor source, 20 human newborns, ranging from 16 to 130 hours of age, were presented with a small amount of ammonium hydroxide. The odor source was placed near the nose slightly to the left or right of midline, with its position randomized over repeated trails. Direction of headturn with respect to the odor location and diffuse motor activity were scored from the videotape recordings of the newborns' behavior. It was found that as a group, the newborns turned away from the odor source more frequently than they turned toward it. The tendency to turn away from the odor was stronger in infants who displayed less motor activity after the response. Newborns also exhibited a right bias in the direction of the head movements. It is concluded that a spatially appropriate avoidance response is present in the neonate and that the newborn is innately sensitive to the radial location of an odor.", "PMID": 1001084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8575", "title": "Infant visual acuity as a function of viewing distance.", "content": "Dynamic retinoscopy has suggested that near vision may be more acute than far vision during early infancy. To test this, acuity thresholds were determined by presenting square wave gratings in a preference paradigm to 1- and 2-month-old human infants at 4 viewing distances. Gratings were paired with unpatterned fields; direction of first fixation was the dependent measure. Infants exhibited the same acuity at each of the distances at which gratings were presented. The results were interpreted as compatible with the fact that considerable optical defocusing does not seriously affect a visual system, such as the infant's, that is sensitive only to low spatial frequencies.", "contents": "Infant visual acuity as a function of viewing distance. Dynamic retinoscopy has suggested that near vision may be more acute than far vision during early infancy. To test this, acuity thresholds were determined by presenting square wave gratings in a preference paradigm to 1- and 2-month-old human infants at 4 viewing distances. Gratings were paired with unpatterned fields; direction of first fixation was the dependent measure. Infants exhibited the same acuity at each of the distances at which gratings were presented. The results were interpreted as compatible with the fact that considerable optical defocusing does not seriously affect a visual system, such as the infant's, that is sensitive only to low spatial frequencies.", "PMID": 1001085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8576", "title": "The coordination of manipulation and visual fixation: a response to Schaffer (1975).", "content": "The present study was conducted to clarify the issues raised by Schaffer and Rubenstein about perceptual-motor integration in 6-month-old infants. The visual and motor responses to novel and familiar stimuli were measured in 12 6-month-old infants, using new measures of integration and concordance. The results indicate that the infants' responses to the stimuli were both integrated and concordant. Schaffer's conclusions, which are based on studies that show changes from 6 to 9 months of age, are discussed in light of the findings of the present study.", "contents": "The coordination of manipulation and visual fixation: a response to Schaffer (1975). The present study was conducted to clarify the issues raised by Schaffer and Rubenstein about perceptual-motor integration in 6-month-old infants. The visual and motor responses to novel and familiar stimuli were measured in 12 6-month-old infants, using new measures of integration and concordance. The results indicate that the infants' responses to the stimuli were both integrated and concordant. Schaffer's conclusions, which are based on studies that show changes from 6 to 9 months of age, are discussed in light of the findings of the present study.", "PMID": 1001086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8577", "title": "Action imitation: the early phase of infancy.", "content": "The early phase of imitation was studied in children between 6 and 18 months by means of the presentations of 22 actions. Comparison groups were used to assess spontaneous production of actions modeled for the treatment samples. Aanalyses yielded 4 clusters of actions, with 1 cluster showing age and treatment versus comparison group effects and others failing to show both these effects. An important factor affecting imitation was the presence of objects. Actions with objects were imitated more than actions without objects. Measures of attention were found to correlate with imitation level, wheras latency was inversely related to imitation. The presence of sound as a variable that potentially influences imitation was studied, but results were inconclusive. Moreover, imitation and object concept performance were unrelated when the factor of age was controlled.", "contents": "Action imitation: the early phase of infancy. The early phase of imitation was studied in children between 6 and 18 months by means of the presentations of 22 actions. Comparison groups were used to assess spontaneous production of actions modeled for the treatment samples. Aanalyses yielded 4 clusters of actions, with 1 cluster showing age and treatment versus comparison group effects and others failing to show both these effects. An important factor affecting imitation was the presence of objects. Actions with objects were imitated more than actions without objects. Measures of attention were found to correlate with imitation level, wheras latency was inversely related to imitation. The presence of sound as a variable that potentially influences imitation was studied, but results were inconclusive. Moreover, imitation and object concept performance were unrelated when the factor of age was controlled.", "PMID": 1001087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8578", "title": "Preference for color and form in preschoolers as related to color and form differentiation.", "content": "The preference for color or form as bases for similarity judgements among preschoolers (ages 2-5) and its relationship to the differentiation of form and color concepts as indexed by discrimination, identification, and labeling were investigated. As hypothesized, an early stage of form preference was found, replicating Brian and Goodenough's results. This was followed by the often-reported color preference and subsequent shift to form preference. A second hypothesis-that the relative salience of a dimension develops in parallel to its relative degree of differentiation-was not supported. This was so despite the fact that, within age groups, individuals who displayed higher proficiency in one dimension that in the other also preferred that dimension over the other. Implications for for existing explanations of developmental trends in preference were discussed.", "contents": "Preference for color and form in preschoolers as related to color and form differentiation. The preference for color or form as bases for similarity judgements among preschoolers (ages 2-5) and its relationship to the differentiation of form and color concepts as indexed by discrimination, identification, and labeling were investigated. As hypothesized, an early stage of form preference was found, replicating Brian and Goodenough's results. This was followed by the often-reported color preference and subsequent shift to form preference. A second hypothesis-that the relative salience of a dimension develops in parallel to its relative degree of differentiation-was not supported. This was so despite the fact that, within age groups, individuals who displayed higher proficiency in one dimension that in the other also preferred that dimension over the other. Implications for for existing explanations of developmental trends in preference were discussed.", "PMID": 1001088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8579", "title": "Neonatal characteristics and mother-infant interaction in two observational situations.", "content": "134 mothers and their newborn infants were studied in order to evaluate the realtionship's between neonatal characteristics and mother-infant interaction. The procedure included a newborn assessment with the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale and 2 mother-infant interaction observations, 1 carried out during feeding and the other during a semistructured situation. The results indicated that there were consistent relationships between infant and maternal behavior; more alert and responsive infants had more responsive and sensitive mothers. These consistencies were found for both infants and mothers across the different situations. Both infant and maternal responsiveness to a variey of social stimuli were noted.", "contents": "Neonatal characteristics and mother-infant interaction in two observational situations. 134 mothers and their newborn infants were studied in order to evaluate the realtionship's between neonatal characteristics and mother-infant interaction. The procedure included a newborn assessment with the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale and 2 mother-infant interaction observations, 1 carried out during feeding and the other during a semistructured situation. The results indicated that there were consistent relationships between infant and maternal behavior; more alert and responsive infants had more responsive and sensitive mothers. These consistencies were found for both infants and mothers across the different situations. Both infant and maternal responsiveness to a variey of social stimuli were noted.", "PMID": 1001089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8580", "title": "Infant responsivity to curvature.", "content": "The reactions of 112 10-month-old male infants to the property of curvature were examined using a habituation paradigm with lever pressing as an instrumental response. 4 levels of curvature (straightt line, minimal curve, moderate curve, large curve) each served as a standard (habituation) stimulus and as a transformation stimulus in 9 separate experimental conditions. Results revealed a greater initial dishabituation of reinforced instrumental responding in those conditions crossing the curved/straight boundary; furthermore, this initial dishabituation was sustained throughout the transformation phase of the experiment in those conditions which involved changes from straight to curved, but not curved to straight. Results are interpreted as implying a special attention-recruiting value for curvature in 10-month old infants.", "contents": "Infant responsivity to curvature. The reactions of 112 10-month-old male infants to the property of curvature were examined using a habituation paradigm with lever pressing as an instrumental response. 4 levels of curvature (straightt line, minimal curve, moderate curve, large curve) each served as a standard (habituation) stimulus and as a transformation stimulus in 9 separate experimental conditions. Results revealed a greater initial dishabituation of reinforced instrumental responding in those conditions crossing the curved/straight boundary; furthermore, this initial dishabituation was sustained throughout the transformation phase of the experiment in those conditions which involved changes from straight to curved, but not curved to straight. Results are interpreted as implying a special attention-recruiting value for curvature in 10-month old infants.", "PMID": 1001090} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8581", "title": "Pictorial depth sensitivity in two-year-old children.", "content": "2-year-old children's pointing responses to the closer or farther of 2 pictured houses were consistently accurate when the depth information included either interposition or relative height in the picture plane. Picture-plane size was not an effective source of depth information. These results place the emergences of pictorial depth perception prior to 20 months of age for children with previous exposure to pictures.", "contents": "Pictorial depth sensitivity in two-year-old children. 2-year-old children's pointing responses to the closer or farther of 2 pictured houses were consistently accurate when the depth information included either interposition or relative height in the picture plane. Picture-plane size was not an effective source of depth information. These results place the emergences of pictorial depth perception prior to 20 months of age for children with previous exposure to pictures.", "PMID": 1001091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8582", "title": "The effect of background shape on the ability of children to copy geometric forms.", "content": "Children can normally be expected to copy a circle at 3, a square at 4, and a triangle at 5 years of age on standard 81/2 x 11-inch paper. This study hypothesized that the shape of the background paper influences these norms. 53 nursery children copied each of these geometric forms on various-shaped background paper. The results indicated that copying a triangle on triangular paper was just as easy for these children as copying a square on a square piece of paper.", "contents": "The effect of background shape on the ability of children to copy geometric forms. Children can normally be expected to copy a circle at 3, a square at 4, and a triangle at 5 years of age on standard 81/2 x 11-inch paper. This study hypothesized that the shape of the background paper influences these norms. 53 nursery children copied each of these geometric forms on various-shaped background paper. The results indicated that copying a triangle on triangular paper was just as easy for these children as copying a square on a square piece of paper.", "PMID": 1001092} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8583", "title": "Concordance of visual and manipulative responsiveness to novel and familiar stimuli: a function of test procedures or of prior experience?", "content": "Concordance of differential visual and manipulative responsiveness to novel stimuli at 6 months of age was found when differential attractiveness and familiarity of the stimuli were controlled. This finding corroborates the findings of an earlier study in which the same object was used as the familiarization object for all subjects. The data indicate that concordance at 6 months of age is not an artifact of the test procedure. A hypothesis suggested by the comparison of these findings with others in the literature is that the opportunity to manipulate a wide variety of objects in the natural environment may contribute to the concordance of visual and manipulative responsiveness to novel stimuli at this age.", "contents": "Concordance of visual and manipulative responsiveness to novel and familiar stimuli: a function of test procedures or of prior experience? Concordance of differential visual and manipulative responsiveness to novel stimuli at 6 months of age was found when differential attractiveness and familiarity of the stimuli were controlled. This finding corroborates the findings of an earlier study in which the same object was used as the familiarization object for all subjects. The data indicate that concordance at 6 months of age is not an artifact of the test procedure. A hypothesis suggested by the comparison of these findings with others in the literature is that the opportunity to manipulate a wide variety of objects in the natural environment may contribute to the concordance of visual and manipulative responsiveness to novel stimuli at this age.", "PMID": 1001093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8584", "title": "The incidence of eidetic imagery as a function of age.", "content": "Many theorists suggest that eidetic imagery is important in early child development, but there have been few systematic attempts to test whether eidetic imagery varies inversely with age. A sample of 280 students, ranging in age from 5 to 18 years, was tested for eidetic imagery by methods designed to minimize the probability of confusion between eidetic imagery and visual memory imagery of any other type. As expected, the youngest age groups showed the highest frequency of eidetic imagery, and beyond age 7, the incidence did not vary systematically. The results are interpreted as indicating the plausibility of a theory which affords eidetic imagery a role in the early cognitive development of the child.", "contents": "The incidence of eidetic imagery as a function of age. Many theorists suggest that eidetic imagery is important in early child development, but there have been few systematic attempts to test whether eidetic imagery varies inversely with age. A sample of 280 students, ranging in age from 5 to 18 years, was tested for eidetic imagery by methods designed to minimize the probability of confusion between eidetic imagery and visual memory imagery of any other type. As expected, the youngest age groups showed the highest frequency of eidetic imagery, and beyond age 7, the incidence did not vary systematically. The results are interpreted as indicating the plausibility of a theory which affords eidetic imagery a role in the early cognitive development of the child.", "PMID": 1001094} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8585", "title": "The structure of imagery.", "content": "Children's drawings of objects about to be moved in space (anticipatory images) were studied in relation to their judgments about Euclidean spatial relations. Tasks assessing Euclidean geometric operations were administered to 102 girsl between the ages of 4 and 13 years. 5 operative levels resulted: (a) failure on all operations tasks, (b) success on conservation of length, (c) success on conservation and 1-dimensional measurement, (d) success on the latter 2 tasks plus measurement in 2 dimensions, and (e) success on the latter 3 tasks and coordination of internal and external reference frames. The same children performed on 6 imaginal tasks involving movements of objects. Results confirmed several theoretical expectations: (a) children who were unable to measure had difficulty imaging successive positions for 1-dimensional movement; (b) children who were unable to coordinate a point in space by reference to 2 axes were unable to draw states of movement correctly for 2-dimensional movement; (c) children's errors in drawing successive positions of moving objects were related to the structure of operations at the lower levels; and (d) the coordination of object positions over successive states was dependent on the ability to measure from an external frame. The results were interpreted as support for Piaget and Inhelder's theory of imagery development.", "contents": "The structure of imagery. Children's drawings of objects about to be moved in space (anticipatory images) were studied in relation to their judgments about Euclidean spatial relations. Tasks assessing Euclidean geometric operations were administered to 102 girsl between the ages of 4 and 13 years. 5 operative levels resulted: (a) failure on all operations tasks, (b) success on conservation of length, (c) success on conservation and 1-dimensional measurement, (d) success on the latter 2 tasks plus measurement in 2 dimensions, and (e) success on the latter 3 tasks and coordination of internal and external reference frames. The same children performed on 6 imaginal tasks involving movements of objects. Results confirmed several theoretical expectations: (a) children who were unable to measure had difficulty imaging successive positions for 1-dimensional movement; (b) children who were unable to coordinate a point in space by reference to 2 axes were unable to draw states of movement correctly for 2-dimensional movement; (c) children's errors in drawing successive positions of moving objects were related to the structure of operations at the lower levels; and (d) the coordination of object positions over successive states was dependent on the ability to measure from an external frame. The results were interpreted as support for Piaget and Inhelder's theory of imagery development.", "PMID": 1001095} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8586", "title": "Sex role stereotypes: developmental aspects and early intervention.", "content": "A total of 122 children participated in 2 experiments that examined the utility of sumbolic modeling stimuli in modifying sex role stereotypes. Results disclosed that, while some aspects of sex role stereotypes are present at age 3, other aspects are acquired between the third and fourth year of life. Additionally, males were found to exhibit more stereotyped responses than females. As predicted, brief presentations of illustrated stories involving egalitarian sex role models reduced stereotypic thinking. Interaction effects revealed that an egalitarian literature presentation was more effective at age 5 than age 4 and more effective for females than males. Finally, egalitarian symbolic models in films p-oduced more enduring attitude change on several measures than similar models in picture books.", "contents": "Sex role stereotypes: developmental aspects and early intervention. A total of 122 children participated in 2 experiments that examined the utility of sumbolic modeling stimuli in modifying sex role stereotypes. Results disclosed that, while some aspects of sex role stereotypes are present at age 3, other aspects are acquired between the third and fourth year of life. Additionally, males were found to exhibit more stereotyped responses than females. As predicted, brief presentations of illustrated stories involving egalitarian sex role models reduced stereotypic thinking. Interaction effects revealed that an egalitarian literature presentation was more effective at age 5 than age 4 and more effective for females than males. Finally, egalitarian symbolic models in films p-oduced more enduring attitude change on several measures than similar models in picture books.", "PMID": 1001096} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8587", "title": "[Clinical experiences with autologous blood transfusion in vascular surgery].", "content": "In a prospective study 30 patients with high operative risk in vascular surgery underwent preoperative phlebotomy. Blood loss during operation could be replaced by bank autologous blood. The clinical data during and after operation are compared with the data of a control group. The use of banked autologous blood does not even endanger patients with poor cardiorespiratory function. As a clinical procedure it is easily performed and reduces the cost of medical care. The method of preoperative phlebotomy reduces the need of homologous blood by 75%. The number of patients receiving homologous blood is reduced by 50%. Banked autologous blood is an important help for the anesthetist. The basic physiologic principles of the method are discussed as well as advantage and disadvantage of preoperative hemodilution. The authors suggest to withdrawal of 800 ml autologous blood before every operation in which the blood loss will be higher than 500 ml.", "contents": "[Clinical experiences with autologous blood transfusion in vascular surgery]. In a prospective study 30 patients with high operative risk in vascular surgery underwent preoperative phlebotomy. Blood loss during operation could be replaced by bank autologous blood. The clinical data during and after operation are compared with the data of a control group. The use of banked autologous blood does not even endanger patients with poor cardiorespiratory function. As a clinical procedure it is easily performed and reduces the cost of medical care. The method of preoperative phlebotomy reduces the need of homologous blood by 75%. The number of patients receiving homologous blood is reduced by 50%. Banked autologous blood is an important help for the anesthetist. The basic physiologic principles of the method are discussed as well as advantage and disadvantage of preoperative hemodilution. The authors suggest to withdrawal of 800 ml autologous blood before every operation in which the blood loss will be higher than 500 ml.", "PMID": 1001130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8588", "title": "[Double-blind study for the prevention of postoperative thrombosis].", "content": "In a double-blind study a randomized group of 96 patients with abdominal operations received a placebo, dipyridamol/acetylsalicylic acid or ASA alone. Thrombi were verified by the 125-I-fibrinogen test. In 38% of the placebo group deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was found, while only 10% of the dipyridamol/ASA group (P less than 0,05) and 28% of the ASA treated patients (not significant) showed radioactive thrombi. DVT were localized in 83.8% in the calf region. 48.6% of increasend activities were registered up to the end of the first postoperative day, 78.3% up to the third day. The results emphasize the importance of a general antithrombotic prophylaxis. Dipyridamol/ASA seems to be efficient in this regard for abdominal procedures.", "contents": "[Double-blind study for the prevention of postoperative thrombosis]. In a double-blind study a randomized group of 96 patients with abdominal operations received a placebo, dipyridamol/acetylsalicylic acid or ASA alone. Thrombi were verified by the 125-I-fibrinogen test. In 38% of the placebo group deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was found, while only 10% of the dipyridamol/ASA group (P less than 0,05) and 28% of the ASA treated patients (not significant) showed radioactive thrombi. DVT were localized in 83.8% in the calf region. 48.6% of increasend activities were registered up to the end of the first postoperative day, 78.3% up to the third day. The results emphasize the importance of a general antithrombotic prophylaxis. Dipyridamol/ASA seems to be efficient in this regard for abdominal procedures.", "PMID": 1001131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8589", "title": "[Comparative analysis of shaft geometry in frequently used endophrostheses of the hip joint].", "content": "The static behavior of various types of endoprostheses in partial or total hip replacements were tested by means of geometrical analysis in order to examine the loosening phenomena. -- The 3 heterogenous structural materials with highly differing elastic modules such as methylmetacrylate, steel, and bone, which are presently still necessary for the firm embedding of hip prosthesis, are the decisive factors in the observed loosening and migrating of hip arthroplastics. Deformation and fracture of methylmetacrylate alter the primary stabilization of femoral components, changing a two-point fixational system (a two-armed handle) into a device firmly fixed only at one side, thereby increasing the bending and stretching moments so that loosening, varus migration, and metal fatique may occur. -- Prostheses with long-shaft femoral components, with a great surface pressure, and a great momentum of resistance in the upper, endangered third part as well as prosthesis collars up to 65 degrees, are therefore preferable in order to avoid implant complications.", "contents": "[Comparative analysis of shaft geometry in frequently used endophrostheses of the hip joint]. The static behavior of various types of endoprostheses in partial or total hip replacements were tested by means of geometrical analysis in order to examine the loosening phenomena. -- The 3 heterogenous structural materials with highly differing elastic modules such as methylmetacrylate, steel, and bone, which are presently still necessary for the firm embedding of hip prosthesis, are the decisive factors in the observed loosening and migrating of hip arthroplastics. Deformation and fracture of methylmetacrylate alter the primary stabilization of femoral components, changing a two-point fixational system (a two-armed handle) into a device firmly fixed only at one side, thereby increasing the bending and stretching moments so that loosening, varus migration, and metal fatique may occur. -- Prostheses with long-shaft femoral components, with a great surface pressure, and a great momentum of resistance in the upper, endangered third part as well as prosthesis collars up to 65 degrees, are therefore preferable in order to avoid implant complications.", "PMID": 1001132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8590", "title": "Chromosome distribution in a23 Chinese hamster fibroblasts.", "content": "This study deals with a systematic chromosome position analysis of 116 anti-mitotic and hypotonic treated a23 chinese hamster cells. No chromosome or pair of chromosomes was found to be located nearer the center or the periphery of the metaphase plate than would be expected by the reference distribution. The homologous chromosomes of pair 2 lie nearer to each other but they do not form a specific angle. The same relative position was shown for the chromosome groups 1-2, 1-E1 and 2-E5 (E standing for an extra chromosome). On the other hand the chromosomes of the combinations X-7, X-8, 7-8, 8-11 and X-E2 were lying further from each other, while chromosomes 10-E1 had a greater mean angle. The non random distribution of the chromosomes 1 and 2 may be interpreted as function of their possibly more frequent participation in the organization of nucleoli. -- To obtain more information about the influence of preparation techniques on the alteration of the chromosome position in metaphase plates, this study deals with some overall considerations about chromosome position. It is shown that in a23 cells the smaller chromosomes do not tend to lie nearer the metaphase plate center (as it happens in human cells). Also a significant correlation between the chromosome position with respect to the metaphase plate center and the mean interchromosomal distances was not found in this type of cells.", "contents": "Chromosome distribution in a23 Chinese hamster fibroblasts. This study deals with a systematic chromosome position analysis of 116 anti-mitotic and hypotonic treated a23 chinese hamster cells. No chromosome or pair of chromosomes was found to be located nearer the center or the periphery of the metaphase plate than would be expected by the reference distribution. The homologous chromosomes of pair 2 lie nearer to each other but they do not form a specific angle. The same relative position was shown for the chromosome groups 1-2, 1-E1 and 2-E5 (E standing for an extra chromosome). On the other hand the chromosomes of the combinations X-7, X-8, 7-8, 8-11 and X-E2 were lying further from each other, while chromosomes 10-E1 had a greater mean angle. The non random distribution of the chromosomes 1 and 2 may be interpreted as function of their possibly more frequent participation in the organization of nucleoli. -- To obtain more information about the influence of preparation techniques on the alteration of the chromosome position in metaphase plates, this study deals with some overall considerations about chromosome position. It is shown that in a23 cells the smaller chromosomes do not tend to lie nearer the metaphase plate center (as it happens in human cells). Also a significant correlation between the chromosome position with respect to the metaphase plate center and the mean interchromosomal distances was not found in this type of cells.", "PMID": 1001138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8591", "title": "Chromosomes and DNA of Mus. The behavior of constitutive heterochromatin in spermatogenesis of M. dunni.", "content": "Using C-banded preparations of Mus dunni it is possible to study the behavior of constitutive heterochromatin in early stages of meiotic prophase. The X and the Y chromosomes, both of which contain a large amount of heterochromatin, lie apart in leptotene but move toward each other during zygotene. They then form the sex vesicle at late zygotene. In autosomes zygotene pairing appears to start from the telomeric ends. The centromere of the Y chromosome associates end-to-end with the terminal end of the long arm of the X chromosome. The autosomal heterochromatic short arms show forked morphology in certain bivalents at pachytene, suggesting probable incomplete synapsis.", "contents": "Chromosomes and DNA of Mus. The behavior of constitutive heterochromatin in spermatogenesis of M. dunni. Using C-banded preparations of Mus dunni it is possible to study the behavior of constitutive heterochromatin in early stages of meiotic prophase. The X and the Y chromosomes, both of which contain a large amount of heterochromatin, lie apart in leptotene but move toward each other during zygotene. They then form the sex vesicle at late zygotene. In autosomes zygotene pairing appears to start from the telomeric ends. The centromere of the Y chromosome associates end-to-end with the terminal end of the long arm of the X chromosome. The autosomal heterochromatic short arms show forked morphology in certain bivalents at pachytene, suggesting probable incomplete synapsis.", "PMID": 1001139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8592", "title": "Anomalous development and differential DNA replication in the X-chromosome of a Drosophila hybrid.", "content": "Male hybrids of the cross D. azteca X D. athabasca are larger (hybrid giant males) than their parents, whereas hybrid females are of the same size as the parental species. Microspectrophotometric measurements have shown that the larval polytene salivary gland chromosomes of hybrid giant males undergo one more endoreplication than those of their sisters or parents. Replication patterns of the larval salivary gland chromosomes were compared after pulse labeling with 3H-thymidine and autoradiography. In females of either species as well as of hybrids X-chromosomes and autosomes are equally labeled, i.e. all chromosome arms replicate synchronously. In males, however. often fewer sites are labeled on the X-chromosome than on the autosomes. In addition, in a significant number of nuclei from D. athabasca males and also from hybrid giant males the converse can also be observed: i.e. more sites are labeled on the X-chromosome than on the autosomes. The modified labeling patterns are interpreted as an indication of a time-shift in the replication of hemizygous X-chromosomes in males, in relation to the autosomes.", "contents": "Anomalous development and differential DNA replication in the X-chromosome of a Drosophila hybrid. Male hybrids of the cross D. azteca X D. athabasca are larger (hybrid giant males) than their parents, whereas hybrid females are of the same size as the parental species. Microspectrophotometric measurements have shown that the larval polytene salivary gland chromosomes of hybrid giant males undergo one more endoreplication than those of their sisters or parents. Replication patterns of the larval salivary gland chromosomes were compared after pulse labeling with 3H-thymidine and autoradiography. In females of either species as well as of hybrids X-chromosomes and autosomes are equally labeled, i.e. all chromosome arms replicate synchronously. In males, however. often fewer sites are labeled on the X-chromosome than on the autosomes. In addition, in a significant number of nuclei from D. athabasca males and also from hybrid giant males the converse can also be observed: i.e. more sites are labeled on the X-chromosome than on the autosomes. The modified labeling patterns are interpreted as an indication of a time-shift in the replication of hemizygous X-chromosomes in males, in relation to the autosomes.", "PMID": 1001140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8593", "title": "Comparative study of human chromosome replication in primary cultures of embryonic fibroblasts and in cultures of peripheral blood leucocytes. II. Replication of centromeric regions of chromosomes at the termination of the S period.", "content": "Replication of regions of chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 16, and group 4-5 was studied at the termination of the S period in primary cultures of embryonic fibroblasts (two embryos) and in cultures of peripheral blood (two women). Distinct differences were established in the pattern of late replication of the studied chromosomes in the cultures of the two types of cells. These differences consern first of all the centromeric and neighbouring regions of the chromosome. The content of late label in this region is 1.5-3 times higher in the cultures of fibroblasts than in the corresponding regions of leucocyte cultures. The difference is most pronounced in chromosomes 1, 3 and 16. It is suggested that the difference between cultures of these two types of cells in chromosome replication may be connected with the different genetic functioning of the centromeric and neighbouring regions in them. It is also possible that this difference is due to underreplication (or partial loss in an other way) of heterochromatin DNA of centromeric and neighbouring regions in leucocytes functioning for a long period without division.", "contents": "Comparative study of human chromosome replication in primary cultures of embryonic fibroblasts and in cultures of peripheral blood leucocytes. II. Replication of centromeric regions of chromosomes at the termination of the S period. Replication of regions of chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 16, and group 4-5 was studied at the termination of the S period in primary cultures of embryonic fibroblasts (two embryos) and in cultures of peripheral blood (two women). Distinct differences were established in the pattern of late replication of the studied chromosomes in the cultures of the two types of cells. These differences consern first of all the centromeric and neighbouring regions of the chromosome. The content of late label in this region is 1.5-3 times higher in the cultures of fibroblasts than in the corresponding regions of leucocyte cultures. The difference is most pronounced in chromosomes 1, 3 and 16. It is suggested that the difference between cultures of these two types of cells in chromosome replication may be connected with the different genetic functioning of the centromeric and neighbouring regions in them. It is also possible that this difference is due to underreplication (or partial loss in an other way) of heterochromatin DNA of centromeric and neighbouring regions in leucocytes functioning for a long period without division.", "PMID": 1001141} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8594", "title": "The transcripts of Balbiani rings from Chironomus thummi. Giant RNA molecules with messenger characteristics.", "content": "Experimental results on the transcription of Balbiani rings BR 1 and BR 2 of Chironomus thummi salivary gland chromosomes are presented. The DNA of Balbiani ring 2, which is the most active puff in larvae, is transcribed into large RNA molecules of about 22 X 10(6) D which resist degradation by heating, formamide or urea treatment. The asymmetrical distribution of electrophoretic profiles of BR 2 RNA and the appearence of a symmetrical BR RNA peak in the nucleoplasm suggest the synthesis of (mainly) one RNA fraction in BR 2. The gel electrophoretic patterns of BR 1 RNA are, on the other hand, characterized by the appearance of two main fractions of high molecular weight RNA, one of which corresponds in molecular weight (about 22 X 10(6) D) to BR 2 RNA. The second RNA fraction is significantly smaller in molecular size (molecular weight: about 10 X 10(6) D) and, like the 22 X 10(6) D RNA fractions of the two Balbiani rings, resistant against heating in 8 M urea. Binding to poly (U) sepharose of a significant part of Balbiani ring RNA suggests the existence of poly (A) and/or oligo (A) sequences in the Balbiani ring RNA. -- In situ hybridization of BR RNA to the salivary gland chromosomes reveals accumulation of silver grains over the Balbiani ring regions only and demonstrates the restriction of BR DNA sequences to the corresponding Balbiani ring.", "contents": "The transcripts of Balbiani rings from Chironomus thummi. Giant RNA molecules with messenger characteristics. Experimental results on the transcription of Balbiani rings BR 1 and BR 2 of Chironomus thummi salivary gland chromosomes are presented. The DNA of Balbiani ring 2, which is the most active puff in larvae, is transcribed into large RNA molecules of about 22 X 10(6) D which resist degradation by heating, formamide or urea treatment. The asymmetrical distribution of electrophoretic profiles of BR 2 RNA and the appearence of a symmetrical BR RNA peak in the nucleoplasm suggest the synthesis of (mainly) one RNA fraction in BR 2. The gel electrophoretic patterns of BR 1 RNA are, on the other hand, characterized by the appearance of two main fractions of high molecular weight RNA, one of which corresponds in molecular weight (about 22 X 10(6) D) to BR 2 RNA. The second RNA fraction is significantly smaller in molecular size (molecular weight: about 10 X 10(6) D) and, like the 22 X 10(6) D RNA fractions of the two Balbiani rings, resistant against heating in 8 M urea. Binding to poly (U) sepharose of a significant part of Balbiani ring RNA suggests the existence of poly (A) and/or oligo (A) sequences in the Balbiani ring RNA. -- In situ hybridization of BR RNA to the salivary gland chromosomes reveals accumulation of silver grains over the Balbiani ring regions only and demonstrates the restriction of BR DNA sequences to the corresponding Balbiani ring.", "PMID": 1001142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8595", "title": "The pattern of polytene chromosome synapsis in Drosophila species and interspecific hybrids.", "content": "The pairing of polytene chromosomes was investigated in Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila simulans and their hybrids as well as in species of the D. virilis group and in F1 hybrids between the species of this group. The study of frequency and extent of asynapsis revealed non-random distribution along chromosome arms both in interspecific hybrids and pure Drosophila species. It is suggested that definite chromosome regions exhibiting high pairing frequency serve as initiation sites of synapsis in salivary gland chromosomes.", "contents": "The pattern of polytene chromosome synapsis in Drosophila species and interspecific hybrids. The pairing of polytene chromosomes was investigated in Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila simulans and their hybrids as well as in species of the D. virilis group and in F1 hybrids between the species of this group. The study of frequency and extent of asynapsis revealed non-random distribution along chromosome arms both in interspecific hybrids and pure Drosophila species. It is suggested that definite chromosome regions exhibiting high pairing frequency serve as initiation sites of synapsis in salivary gland chromosomes.", "PMID": 1001143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8596", "title": "The DNAs of the A and B chromosomes of the mealy bug, Pseudococcus obscurus.", "content": "When the DNA of mealy bugs carrying B chromosomes (+B:DNA( was compared to the DNA of individuals not possessing Bs (-B:DNA), no significant differences were found using isopycnic centrifugations in CsCl or thermal denaturation analyses. Both DNAs had buoyant densities of 1.693 g/cm3 in neutral CsCl gradients and 1.748 g/cm3 in alkaline CsCl gradients. Satellite DNAs were not detected. The average Tm of +B:DNA was 67.9 degrees C in 0.1 SSC while -B:DNA had an average Tm of 67.4 degrees C in the same solution. However, in situ molecular hybridizations with complementary RNAs (cRNAs) transcribed in vitro from each type of DNA showed considerable differences with regard to the amount of labeling of B chromosomes. Using cRNA to +B:DNA, the average number of silver grains over a B chromosome was 2.1 X the average number of silver grains over individual non-B chromosomes (A chromosomes). In contrast, the ratio (B/A) using cRNA to -B:DNA was less than 0.14. The results are interpreted as meaning that very little DNA is shared in common by both A and B chromosomes.", "contents": "The DNAs of the A and B chromosomes of the mealy bug, Pseudococcus obscurus. When the DNA of mealy bugs carrying B chromosomes (+B:DNA( was compared to the DNA of individuals not possessing Bs (-B:DNA), no significant differences were found using isopycnic centrifugations in CsCl or thermal denaturation analyses. Both DNAs had buoyant densities of 1.693 g/cm3 in neutral CsCl gradients and 1.748 g/cm3 in alkaline CsCl gradients. Satellite DNAs were not detected. The average Tm of +B:DNA was 67.9 degrees C in 0.1 SSC while -B:DNA had an average Tm of 67.4 degrees C in the same solution. However, in situ molecular hybridizations with complementary RNAs (cRNAs) transcribed in vitro from each type of DNA showed considerable differences with regard to the amount of labeling of B chromosomes. Using cRNA to +B:DNA, the average number of silver grains over a B chromosome was 2.1 X the average number of silver grains over individual non-B chromosomes (A chromosomes). In contrast, the ratio (B/A) using cRNA to -B:DNA was less than 0.14. The results are interpreted as meaning that very little DNA is shared in common by both A and B chromosomes.", "PMID": 1001144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8597", "title": "Polytene chromosomes in pupal and adult blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae).", "content": "A number of pupal and adult tissues of eight Australian blackfly species representing three genera, Austrosimulium, Cnephia and Simulium, were examined for the presence of polytene chromosomes. Banded polytene chromosomes were found in malpighian tubules, hind gut, fat body, and ovary, but only those from the malpighian tubules of female adults and pupae were of good quality. A detailed comparison of polytene chromosomes from larval salivary glands and adult malpighian tubules was made in S. ornatipes and, to a limited extent, in S. melatum. The banding patterns of chromosomes from both tissues were found to be identical with minor differences in puffing patterns in S. ornatipes and chromocenter characteristics in S. melatum. A survey of the remaining six species shows five of them to have malpighian chromosomes suitable for detailed cytological analysis. Simultaneous studies of larval, pupal and adult polytene chromosome systems offer a novel approach to the analysis of population problems in blackflies. The ability to recognise sibling species in adults also has potential practical significance in efforts to control vectors of onchocerciasis.", "contents": "Polytene chromosomes in pupal and adult blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae). A number of pupal and adult tissues of eight Australian blackfly species representing three genera, Austrosimulium, Cnephia and Simulium, were examined for the presence of polytene chromosomes. Banded polytene chromosomes were found in malpighian tubules, hind gut, fat body, and ovary, but only those from the malpighian tubules of female adults and pupae were of good quality. A detailed comparison of polytene chromosomes from larval salivary glands and adult malpighian tubules was made in S. ornatipes and, to a limited extent, in S. melatum. The banding patterns of chromosomes from both tissues were found to be identical with minor differences in puffing patterns in S. ornatipes and chromocenter characteristics in S. melatum. A survey of the remaining six species shows five of them to have malpighian chromosomes suitable for detailed cytological analysis. Simultaneous studies of larval, pupal and adult polytene chromosome systems offer a novel approach to the analysis of population problems in blackflies. The ability to recognise sibling species in adults also has potential practical significance in efforts to control vectors of onchocerciasis.", "PMID": 1001146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8598", "title": "Evidence for a four micron replication unit in CHO cells.", "content": "CHO cells in culture were synchronized by mitotic selection, allowed to reattach to plastic flasks, and reach S phase in the presence of fluorode-oxyuridine at concentrations known to completely block the synthesis of thymidylate. The cells were released from the block with 3H-thymidine for pulses of 4, 8, 12, 24 and 40 min and DNA fiber autoradiographs prepared. An analysis of the spacing between origins of replication indicates that sites are available at intervals of about 4 mum along most of the DNA. Chain growth proceeds at about 1,000 nucleotides per minute and some of the closely situated sites become continuous, labeled segments after 8-12 min. However, unlabeled segments are still present between the replicated segments after 40 min. The data may be interpreted as evidence for regularly spaced initiation sites which are available in CHO cells, even though only one in 10-15 of these may be utilized for initiation each cycle under normal growth conditions in these cultures.", "contents": "Evidence for a four micron replication unit in CHO cells. CHO cells in culture were synchronized by mitotic selection, allowed to reattach to plastic flasks, and reach S phase in the presence of fluorode-oxyuridine at concentrations known to completely block the synthesis of thymidylate. The cells were released from the block with 3H-thymidine for pulses of 4, 8, 12, 24 and 40 min and DNA fiber autoradiographs prepared. An analysis of the spacing between origins of replication indicates that sites are available at intervals of about 4 mum along most of the DNA. Chain growth proceeds at about 1,000 nucleotides per minute and some of the closely situated sites become continuous, labeled segments after 8-12 min. However, unlabeled segments are still present between the replicated segments after 40 min. The data may be interpreted as evidence for regularly spaced initiation sites which are available in CHO cells, even though only one in 10-15 of these may be utilized for initiation each cycle under normal growth conditions in these cultures.", "PMID": 1001145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8599", "title": "Heterochromatin variation in the Australian rodent Uromys caudimaculatus.", "content": "Ten individuals of Uromys caudimaculatus sampled from Queensland gave evidence for the occurrence of two distinct chromosome races characterised by marked differences in their pattern of C-banding. In all four individuals from the north, thirteen of the twenty three chromosome which make up the standard haploid set had substantial distal C-blocks in addition to the smaller centric blocks which characterise all chromosomes other than the Y. Additionally two pairs had an interstitial block. By contrast none of the six southern individuals had fixed distal blocks though all of them except the Y carry pro-centric C-blocks and again one pair showed an interstitial block. The southern karyotype was, however, characterised by the presence of from six to nine mitotically stable supernumerary chromosomes all of which were totally C-positive despite the fact that at least five morphologically distinguishable types have been defined. While the relationship of these two types of constitutive heterochromatin remains to be clarified the large amount present in both northern and southern animals suggests that heterochromatin plays an important role in the basic biology of this species.", "contents": "Heterochromatin variation in the Australian rodent Uromys caudimaculatus. Ten individuals of Uromys caudimaculatus sampled from Queensland gave evidence for the occurrence of two distinct chromosome races characterised by marked differences in their pattern of C-banding. In all four individuals from the north, thirteen of the twenty three chromosome which make up the standard haploid set had substantial distal C-blocks in addition to the smaller centric blocks which characterise all chromosomes other than the Y. Additionally two pairs had an interstitial block. By contrast none of the six southern individuals had fixed distal blocks though all of them except the Y carry pro-centric C-blocks and again one pair showed an interstitial block. The southern karyotype was, however, characterised by the presence of from six to nine mitotically stable supernumerary chromosomes all of which were totally C-positive despite the fact that at least five morphologically distinguishable types have been defined. While the relationship of these two types of constitutive heterochromatin remains to be clarified the large amount present in both northern and southern animals suggests that heterochromatin plays an important role in the basic biology of this species.", "PMID": 1001147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8600", "title": "Interspecific \"common\" repetitive DNA sequences in salamanders of the genus Plethodon.", "content": "Intermediate repetitive sequences of Plethodon cinereus which comprised about 30% of the genomic DNA were isolated and iodinated with 125I. About 5% of the 125I-repetitive fraction hybridized with a large excess of DNA from P. dunni at Cot 20. About half of the 125I-DNA in the hybrids was resistant to extensive digestion with S-1 nuclease. The average molecular size of the S-1 nuclease-resistant fraction was about 100 nucleotide pairs. The melting temperature of the S-1 nuclease-resistant fraction was about 2 degrees lower than that of the corresponding fraction made with P. cinereus DNA. These results are taken to indicate the presence in the genomes of P. cinereus and P. dunni of evolutionarily stable \"common\" repetitive sequences. The average frequency of repetition of the common repetitive sequences is about 6,000 X in both species. The common repetitive fraction is also present in the genomes of other species of Plethodon, although the general populations of intermediate repetitive sequences are markedly different from one species to another. The cinereus--dunni common repetitive sequences could not be detected in plethodontids belonging to different tribes, nor in more distantly related amphibians. The profiles of binding of the common repetitive sequences to CsCl or CS2SO4-Ag+ density gradient fractions of P. dunni DNA suggested that these sequences consisted of heterogeneous components with respect to base compositions, and that they did not include large amounts of the genes for ribosomal RNA, 5S RNA, 4S RNA, or histone messenger RNA. In situ hybridization of the 3H-labelled intermediate repetitive sequences of P. cinereus to male meiotic chromosomes of the same species gave autoradiographs after an exposure of seven days showing all 14 chromosomes labelled. The pattern of labelling appeared not to be random, but was impossible to analyse on account of the irregular shapes and different degrees of stretching of diplotene and prometaphase chromosomes. In situ hybridization of the same sequences to meiotic chromosomes from P. dunni gave autoradiographs after 60 d exposure in which all chromosomes were labelled. These heterologous in situ hybrids can only have involved the \"common\" repetitive sequences.", "contents": "Interspecific \"common\" repetitive DNA sequences in salamanders of the genus Plethodon. Intermediate repetitive sequences of Plethodon cinereus which comprised about 30% of the genomic DNA were isolated and iodinated with 125I. About 5% of the 125I-repetitive fraction hybridized with a large excess of DNA from P. dunni at Cot 20. About half of the 125I-DNA in the hybrids was resistant to extensive digestion with S-1 nuclease. The average molecular size of the S-1 nuclease-resistant fraction was about 100 nucleotide pairs. The melting temperature of the S-1 nuclease-resistant fraction was about 2 degrees lower than that of the corresponding fraction made with P. cinereus DNA. These results are taken to indicate the presence in the genomes of P. cinereus and P. dunni of evolutionarily stable \"common\" repetitive sequences. The average frequency of repetition of the common repetitive sequences is about 6,000 X in both species. The common repetitive fraction is also present in the genomes of other species of Plethodon, although the general populations of intermediate repetitive sequences are markedly different from one species to another. The cinereus--dunni common repetitive sequences could not be detected in plethodontids belonging to different tribes, nor in more distantly related amphibians. The profiles of binding of the common repetitive sequences to CsCl or CS2SO4-Ag+ density gradient fractions of P. dunni DNA suggested that these sequences consisted of heterogeneous components with respect to base compositions, and that they did not include large amounts of the genes for ribosomal RNA, 5S RNA, 4S RNA, or histone messenger RNA. In situ hybridization of the 3H-labelled intermediate repetitive sequences of P. cinereus to male meiotic chromosomes of the same species gave autoradiographs after an exposure of seven days showing all 14 chromosomes labelled. The pattern of labelling appeared not to be random, but was impossible to analyse on account of the irregular shapes and different degrees of stretching of diplotene and prometaphase chromosomes. In situ hybridization of the same sequences to meiotic chromosomes from P. dunni gave autoradiographs after 60 d exposure in which all chromosomes were labelled. These heterologous in situ hybrids can only have involved the \"common\" repetitive sequences.", "PMID": 1001148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8601", "title": "Fine structure of active ribosomal genes.", "content": "The structure of active ribosomal genes in the newt Notophthalmus viridescens has been studied at the higher resolution permitted by negative staining. Spherical particles, 70 A to 100 A in diameter are seen on the non-transcribing \"spacer\" regions, but were absent from certain regions of the transcribing \"matrix\". The matrix core often appears thicker than a double strand of DNA. These results are discussed in the light of the recently discovered subunit structure of chromatin, and in relation to the question of the disposition of histones during transcription.", "contents": "Fine structure of active ribosomal genes. The structure of active ribosomal genes in the newt Notophthalmus viridescens has been studied at the higher resolution permitted by negative staining. Spherical particles, 70 A to 100 A in diameter are seen on the non-transcribing \"spacer\" regions, but were absent from certain regions of the transcribing \"matrix\". The matrix core often appears thicker than a double strand of DNA. These results are discussed in the light of the recently discovered subunit structure of chromatin, and in relation to the question of the disposition of histones during transcription.", "PMID": 1001149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8602", "title": "Isolation and some properties of a mammalian ribosomal DNA.", "content": "The DNA coding for 28 S and 18 S ribosomal RNA, including the spacer regions, has been isolated from calf (Bos taurus) thymus gland. The method used included shearing of the total DNA to a highly homogeneous size population, selective heat denaturation and S1 nuclease treatment to remove single stranded DNA. Repeated centrifugation on density gradients yields a 140-fold purified rDNA fraction with a GC content of 61.2% Eco RI nuclease cleaves this DNA into two fragments of 16.4 and 4.9 X 10(6) daltons. Hybridization of these fragments with 28 S and 18 S rRNA shows that the 28 S coding sequence is located mostly on the 4.9 X 10(6) dalton fragment, while both the 16.4 and 4.9 X 10(6) dalton fragments contain the 18 S sequence. The data indicate that the ribosomal RNA gene has a repeat unit of 21.3 X 10(6) daltons which includes a nontranscribed spacer of about 12.5 X 10(6) daltons.", "contents": "Isolation and some properties of a mammalian ribosomal DNA. The DNA coding for 28 S and 18 S ribosomal RNA, including the spacer regions, has been isolated from calf (Bos taurus) thymus gland. The method used included shearing of the total DNA to a highly homogeneous size population, selective heat denaturation and S1 nuclease treatment to remove single stranded DNA. Repeated centrifugation on density gradients yields a 140-fold purified rDNA fraction with a GC content of 61.2% Eco RI nuclease cleaves this DNA into two fragments of 16.4 and 4.9 X 10(6) daltons. Hybridization of these fragments with 28 S and 18 S rRNA shows that the 28 S coding sequence is located mostly on the 4.9 X 10(6) dalton fragment, while both the 16.4 and 4.9 X 10(6) dalton fragments contain the 18 S sequence. The data indicate that the ribosomal RNA gene has a repeat unit of 21.3 X 10(6) daltons which includes a nontranscribed spacer of about 12.5 X 10(6) daltons.", "PMID": 1001150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8603", "title": "Karyotype analysis of Ascaris lumbricoides var. suum. Male and female pachytene nuclei by 3-D reconstruction from electron microscopy of serial sections.", "content": "Twelve synaptonemal complexes are present in both oocyte and spermatocyte pachytene nuclei of Ascaris lumbricoides var. suum, as determined by 3-D reconstruction of the nuclear contents from electron microscropy of serial sections and therefore, n=12 in the strain of Ascaris described here. In the female the heterochromatic end of each synaptonemal complex is attached to the nuclear envelope and the other end is free in the nucleoplasm. In the male neither end of the synaptonemal complex is attached, but there is a heterochromatic knob at one end of each complex. Five additional large heterochromatic masses are present in the spermatocyte nucleus and these may be the sex chromosomes described by earlier workers.", "contents": "Karyotype analysis of Ascaris lumbricoides var. suum. Male and female pachytene nuclei by 3-D reconstruction from electron microscopy of serial sections. Twelve synaptonemal complexes are present in both oocyte and spermatocyte pachytene nuclei of Ascaris lumbricoides var. suum, as determined by 3-D reconstruction of the nuclear contents from electron microscropy of serial sections and therefore, n=12 in the strain of Ascaris described here. In the female the heterochromatic end of each synaptonemal complex is attached to the nuclear envelope and the other end is free in the nucleoplasm. In the male neither end of the synaptonemal complex is attached, but there is a heterochromatic knob at one end of each complex. Five additional large heterochromatic masses are present in the spermatocyte nucleus and these may be the sex chromosomes described by earlier workers.", "PMID": 1001151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8604", "title": "Correlated changes of Balbiani ring expansion and secretory protein synthesis in larval salivary glands of Chironomus tentans.", "content": "Salivary glands of various stages of the last larval instar of Chironomus tentans were quantitatively analyzed with respect to the expansion of their Balbiani rings (B1, B2, B3) by a fast green staining procedure as well as to the rate of synthesis of their secretory proteins (S1, S2, S3) by a scintillation counting procedure of electrophoretic fractions. The extent of expansion of B1, B2 and B3 correlates positively with the rate of synthesis of S3, S2 and S1, respectively. With B1 and S3 these parameters undergo a parallel and developmentally specific change being rather depressed in intermolt, and particularly in diapausing animals.", "contents": "Correlated changes of Balbiani ring expansion and secretory protein synthesis in larval salivary glands of Chironomus tentans. Salivary glands of various stages of the last larval instar of Chironomus tentans were quantitatively analyzed with respect to the expansion of their Balbiani rings (B1, B2, B3) by a fast green staining procedure as well as to the rate of synthesis of their secretory proteins (S1, S2, S3) by a scintillation counting procedure of electrophoretic fractions. The extent of expansion of B1, B2 and B3 correlates positively with the rate of synthesis of S3, S2 and S1, respectively. With B1 and S3 these parameters undergo a parallel and developmentally specific change being rather depressed in intermolt, and particularly in diapausing animals.", "PMID": 1001152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8605", "title": "Satellite DNA and cytogenetic evolution. DNA quantity, satellite DNA and karyotypic variations in kangaroo rats (genus Dipodomys).", "content": "The genus Dipodomys (kangaroo rats) exhibits major interspecies variations in the proportions of highly reiterated satellite DNA sequences in the genome as well as in the chromosome number and the proportions of uni-armed and bi-armed chromosomes. For nearly all of the approximately 22 species of the genus and several subspecies, liver DNA was distributed in neutral CsCl buoyant density gradients into four fractions; principal DNA (1.698 g/ml), intermediate-density DNA (1.702 G/ML), MS satellite (1.707 g/ml) and HS (heavy satellites (1.713 g/ml). The total nuclear DNA content of diploid liver cells measured in eleven species by quantitative cytophotometry, ranged from 6.9 to 10.9 pg. These data were correlated with known features of the karotypes of individual species. The salient findings were: (1) that interspecies variations in diploid chromosome number cluster at 52-54, 60-64 and 70-72 (2) that high total nuclear DNA was associated with high chromosome number, and with relatively large amounts of satellite DNA (3) that a high ratio of HS satellites to intermediate-density DNA was generally correlated with a predominance of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes (high fundamental number). The relationships of satellite DNA to karyotype structure reveal a new level of hierarchy in the genome that appears capable of exerting global control over environmental adaptation and the evolution of new species. This mechanism is consistent with recent hypotheses that changes in the macro-structure of the genome are more important than point mutations in facilitating the rapid phases of animal evolution.", "contents": "Satellite DNA and cytogenetic evolution. DNA quantity, satellite DNA and karyotypic variations in kangaroo rats (genus Dipodomys). The genus Dipodomys (kangaroo rats) exhibits major interspecies variations in the proportions of highly reiterated satellite DNA sequences in the genome as well as in the chromosome number and the proportions of uni-armed and bi-armed chromosomes. For nearly all of the approximately 22 species of the genus and several subspecies, liver DNA was distributed in neutral CsCl buoyant density gradients into four fractions; principal DNA (1.698 g/ml), intermediate-density DNA (1.702 G/ML), MS satellite (1.707 g/ml) and HS (heavy satellites (1.713 g/ml). The total nuclear DNA content of diploid liver cells measured in eleven species by quantitative cytophotometry, ranged from 6.9 to 10.9 pg. These data were correlated with known features of the karotypes of individual species. The salient findings were: (1) that interspecies variations in diploid chromosome number cluster at 52-54, 60-64 and 70-72 (2) that high total nuclear DNA was associated with high chromosome number, and with relatively large amounts of satellite DNA (3) that a high ratio of HS satellites to intermediate-density DNA was generally correlated with a predominance of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes (high fundamental number). The relationships of satellite DNA to karyotype structure reveal a new level of hierarchy in the genome that appears capable of exerting global control over environmental adaptation and the evolution of new species. This mechanism is consistent with recent hypotheses that changes in the macro-structure of the genome are more important than point mutations in facilitating the rapid phases of animal evolution.", "PMID": 1001153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8606", "title": "A denaturation map of sea urchin ribosomal DNA.", "content": "The ribosomal RNA genes from the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus have been studied with the electron microsocope using the technique of denaturation mapping. A repeating pattern of denatured regions was found with an average repeat length of 3.87 +/- 0.24 mum. This corresponds to a DNA sequence of approximately 12,000 base pairs with a molecular weight of 8 X 10(6) daltons.", "contents": "A denaturation map of sea urchin ribosomal DNA. The ribosomal RNA genes from the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus have been studied with the electron microsocope using the technique of denaturation mapping. A repeating pattern of denatured regions was found with an average repeat length of 3.87 +/- 0.24 mum. This corresponds to a DNA sequence of approximately 12,000 base pairs with a molecular weight of 8 X 10(6) daltons.", "PMID": 1001155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8607", "title": "Identification of late DNA-replicating regions in Chinese hamster chromosomes using a BrdU-Giemsa technique.", "content": "Asynchronous Chinese hamster cells were labelled with BrdU for 3 h prior to harvesting the metaphase cells. The late DNA replicating sites became unifilarly BrdU-substituted as compared to the earlier replicating sites having a normal DNA constitution. Those late replicating sites were identified by pale coloration or dot formation after treatment with 1.0 M Na-phosphate solution (adjusted to pH 9.0 with supersaturated amount of NaHCO3 and at a temperature of 69-75 degrees C) and staining with Giemsa dye. Using this technique, nuclei with incorporated BrdU could be distinguished from nuclei that had not incorporated BrdU. --One of the advantages of using this technique for identification of late DNA replicating sites is that cells are treated continuously with BrdU for a short period of time before harvesting and only one sampling, rather than a series of samplings, is required to achieve a clear-cut result.", "contents": "Identification of late DNA-replicating regions in Chinese hamster chromosomes using a BrdU-Giemsa technique. Asynchronous Chinese hamster cells were labelled with BrdU for 3 h prior to harvesting the metaphase cells. The late DNA replicating sites became unifilarly BrdU-substituted as compared to the earlier replicating sites having a normal DNA constitution. Those late replicating sites were identified by pale coloration or dot formation after treatment with 1.0 M Na-phosphate solution (adjusted to pH 9.0 with supersaturated amount of NaHCO3 and at a temperature of 69-75 degrees C) and staining with Giemsa dye. Using this technique, nuclei with incorporated BrdU could be distinguished from nuclei that had not incorporated BrdU. --One of the advantages of using this technique for identification of late DNA replicating sites is that cells are treated continuously with BrdU for a short period of time before harvesting and only one sampling, rather than a series of samplings, is required to achieve a clear-cut result.", "PMID": 1001156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8608", "title": "Pachytene mapping in the female silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera).", "content": "Pachytene preparations of the chromosome complement of female larvae of Bombyx mori were improved to give a distinct chromomere pattern of the bivalents suitable for chromosome mapping. Six of the 28 bivalents are described and can be identified regularly in the bivalent complements, among them the bivalent containing the nucleolus organizer. The relative lengths of these bivalents compared with one another change during development of pachytene. In contrast to other members of the Lepidoptera there is no conspicuous heterochromatic W-chromosome, which corresponds to the female-specific heterochromatin body present in the nuclei of somatic tissues. This tissue-specific heteropycnosis indicates a different functional state of the responsible chromosome or chromosomal segment in germ line and somatic cells.", "contents": "Pachytene mapping in the female silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera). Pachytene preparations of the chromosome complement of female larvae of Bombyx mori were improved to give a distinct chromomere pattern of the bivalents suitable for chromosome mapping. Six of the 28 bivalents are described and can be identified regularly in the bivalent complements, among them the bivalent containing the nucleolus organizer. The relative lengths of these bivalents compared with one another change during development of pachytene. In contrast to other members of the Lepidoptera there is no conspicuous heterochromatic W-chromosome, which corresponds to the female-specific heterochromatin body present in the nuclei of somatic tissues. This tissue-specific heteropycnosis indicates a different functional state of the responsible chromosome or chromosomal segment in germ line and somatic cells.", "PMID": 1001157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8609", "title": "Robertsonian metacentrics in the mouse.", "content": "A survey is given on the occurrence, the geographic origin and the arm composition of 27 Robertsonian fusion metacentric chromosomes of wild populations of the mouse. Their study is of twofold interest: a) it is possible to introduce these naturally occuring metacentrics in laboratory strains for experimental use. At present, altogether 34 metacentric chromosomes of different composition are available including 7 cases of metacentrics known form laboratory strains of the mouse. b) With the search for metacentrics in the mouse and with their identification insights are permitted in the role of Robertsonian changes in the course of mammalian evolution--Several separate populations of the mouse with different sets of multiple (up to 9) metacentrics have been found in Switzerland and Italy. Some of the individual metacentrics may occur in different populations. The participation of an acrocentric autosome in the formation of metacentrics seem to be at random, but the sex chromosomes are never included in a metacentric.--Homology of the arms involved in metacentrics is conserved, so that in meiosis of interpopulation hybrids is due to mechanisms of segregational imbalance and subsequent prenatal elimination of fetal offspring, but it follows also the pattern of male limited hybrid sterility.--From an evolutionary view point, karyotype rearrangements of Robertsonian type may initiate reproductive isolation, which prepares the ground for further genetic diversification and, as in the case of the mouse, of incipient speciation.", "contents": "Robertsonian metacentrics in the mouse. A survey is given on the occurrence, the geographic origin and the arm composition of 27 Robertsonian fusion metacentric chromosomes of wild populations of the mouse. Their study is of twofold interest: a) it is possible to introduce these naturally occuring metacentrics in laboratory strains for experimental use. At present, altogether 34 metacentric chromosomes of different composition are available including 7 cases of metacentrics known form laboratory strains of the mouse. b) With the search for metacentrics in the mouse and with their identification insights are permitted in the role of Robertsonian changes in the course of mammalian evolution--Several separate populations of the mouse with different sets of multiple (up to 9) metacentrics have been found in Switzerland and Italy. Some of the individual metacentrics may occur in different populations. The participation of an acrocentric autosome in the formation of metacentrics seem to be at random, but the sex chromosomes are never included in a metacentric.--Homology of the arms involved in metacentrics is conserved, so that in meiosis of interpopulation hybrids is due to mechanisms of segregational imbalance and subsequent prenatal elimination of fetal offspring, but it follows also the pattern of male limited hybrid sterility.--From an evolutionary view point, karyotype rearrangements of Robertsonian type may initiate reproductive isolation, which prepares the ground for further genetic diversification and, as in the case of the mouse, of incipient speciation.", "PMID": 1001158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8610", "title": "Cytology of meiosis in the triploid gyngenetic salamander Ambystoma tremblayi.", "content": "Female meiosis was analyzed in the triploid gynogenetic salamander Ambystoma tremblayi to determine the mechanism by which a stable chromosome number is maintained in this unisexual species. Gross details of the reproductive cycle and the cytology of meiosis were analyzed in 20 specimens and 320 oocytes involving all stages from early diplotene to the beginning of anaphase II. Ovulation apparently continues progressively involving a few oocytes at a time. Oocytes form the ovary contained chromosomes in diplotene, and diakinesis. The first metaphase was not observed since this stage occurs swiftly either immediately prior to or during ovulation. Oocytes in the most anterior region of the oviduct were in metaphase II, and those in the most posterior region were undergoing the beginning of anaphase II. Telophase II was not observed. Chromosome numbers obtained at all stages of prophase gave counts of approximately 42 bivalents, equivalent to the triploid somatic number known for this species. Similar numbers of dyads were obtained from metaphase II plates. This analysis supports earlier evidence suggesting that the triploid number of chromosomes in oocytes of A. tremblayi is doubled prior to meiosis, and the somatic number is restored by two normal meiotic divisions.", "contents": "Cytology of meiosis in the triploid gyngenetic salamander Ambystoma tremblayi. Female meiosis was analyzed in the triploid gynogenetic salamander Ambystoma tremblayi to determine the mechanism by which a stable chromosome number is maintained in this unisexual species. Gross details of the reproductive cycle and the cytology of meiosis were analyzed in 20 specimens and 320 oocytes involving all stages from early diplotene to the beginning of anaphase II. Ovulation apparently continues progressively involving a few oocytes at a time. Oocytes form the ovary contained chromosomes in diplotene, and diakinesis. The first metaphase was not observed since this stage occurs swiftly either immediately prior to or during ovulation. Oocytes in the most anterior region of the oviduct were in metaphase II, and those in the most posterior region were undergoing the beginning of anaphase II. Telophase II was not observed. Chromosome numbers obtained at all stages of prophase gave counts of approximately 42 bivalents, equivalent to the triploid somatic number known for this species. Similar numbers of dyads were obtained from metaphase II plates. This analysis supports earlier evidence suggesting that the triploid number of chromosomes in oocytes of A. tremblayi is doubled prior to meiosis, and the somatic number is restored by two normal meiotic divisions.", "PMID": 1001159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8611", "title": "Arrangement of chromosome ends and axial core formation during early meiotic prophase in the male grasshopper Brachystola magna by 3D, E.M. reconstruction.", "content": "Evidence is presented that chromosome ends are attached to the nuclear envelope prior to the formation of axial cores during early meiotic prophase in the grasshopper Brachystola magna. The attachment sites of distal and proximal chromosome ends are clustered in a small region of the inner nuclear envelope resulting in a classical bouquet arrangement of the chromosomes. Proximal ends are tightly clustered due to the presence of chromocenters. Distal chromosome ends are more widely scattered throughout the base of the bouquet.--Axial core formation can be initiated at chromosome ends or at internal chromosome sites. However, there is a preference for axial cores to form in distal chromosome regions rather than proximal regions during early meiotic prophase.--Virtually all of the nuclear pore complexes are located in the general vicinity of the chromosome attachment sites but each specific attachment site is surrounded by a small area of nuclear envelope which is devoid of pore complexes.", "contents": "Arrangement of chromosome ends and axial core formation during early meiotic prophase in the male grasshopper Brachystola magna by 3D, E.M. reconstruction. Evidence is presented that chromosome ends are attached to the nuclear envelope prior to the formation of axial cores during early meiotic prophase in the grasshopper Brachystola magna. The attachment sites of distal and proximal chromosome ends are clustered in a small region of the inner nuclear envelope resulting in a classical bouquet arrangement of the chromosomes. Proximal ends are tightly clustered due to the presence of chromocenters. Distal chromosome ends are more widely scattered throughout the base of the bouquet.--Axial core formation can be initiated at chromosome ends or at internal chromosome sites. However, there is a preference for axial cores to form in distal chromosome regions rather than proximal regions during early meiotic prophase.--Virtually all of the nuclear pore complexes are located in the general vicinity of the chromosome attachment sites but each specific attachment site is surrounded by a small area of nuclear envelope which is devoid of pore complexes.", "PMID": 1001160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8612", "title": "Cytological observations of deletions in pachytene stages of oogenesis and spermatogenesis in the mouse.", "content": "Cytological examination of pachytene stages of oogenesis and spermatogenesis revealed the presence of diagnositc loops in cells heterozygous for each one of six radiation induced lethal albino alleles in the mouse. Such loops were never found in any of the normal sibs or other controls. Such evidence supports the contention that all six of these mutations are deletions as indicated previously for five of them by complementation tests. An incidental finding was that of a pleiomorphic region on a medium sized pachytene bivalent in both sexes. This was not restricted to mutant cells but was also found in control cells. Whereas the pachytene deletion loops characterize lethal albino allele carriers, the observation of the pleiomorphic region reveals an apparently normal cytological phenomenon in the mouse, the significance of which remains to be determined.", "contents": "Cytological observations of deletions in pachytene stages of oogenesis and spermatogenesis in the mouse. Cytological examination of pachytene stages of oogenesis and spermatogenesis revealed the presence of diagnositc loops in cells heterozygous for each one of six radiation induced lethal albino alleles in the mouse. Such loops were never found in any of the normal sibs or other controls. Such evidence supports the contention that all six of these mutations are deletions as indicated previously for five of them by complementation tests. An incidental finding was that of a pleiomorphic region on a medium sized pachytene bivalent in both sexes. This was not restricted to mutant cells but was also found in control cells. Whereas the pachytene deletion loops characterize lethal albino allele carriers, the observation of the pleiomorphic region reveals an apparently normal cytological phenomenon in the mouse, the significance of which remains to be determined.", "PMID": 1001161} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8613", "title": "Secific arrangement of chromosomes in the spermiogenesis of Gallus domesticus.", "content": "On the chromosomes of the rooster the constitutive heterochromatin (C-bands) is to be found for the most part at the centromeres. The position of the centric heterochromatin in spermatids and sperm is not randomly distributed. In early, round spermatids one heterochromatic block lies at this exact position on the membrane that develops into the tip of the sperm nucleus (acrosomal chromocenter). During the elongation of the spermatid nucleus another heterochromatic block comes to lie on the basal nuclear membrane. The other centromeres arrange themselves tandem-wise between the acrosomal and the basal chromocenters. Comparisons have been made between this specific arrangement and the location of chromosomes in the sperm of amphibians and mammalians.", "contents": "Secific arrangement of chromosomes in the spermiogenesis of Gallus domesticus. On the chromosomes of the rooster the constitutive heterochromatin (C-bands) is to be found for the most part at the centromeres. The position of the centric heterochromatin in spermatids and sperm is not randomly distributed. In early, round spermatids one heterochromatic block lies at this exact position on the membrane that develops into the tip of the sperm nucleus (acrosomal chromocenter). During the elongation of the spermatid nucleus another heterochromatic block comes to lie on the basal nuclear membrane. The other centromeres arrange themselves tandem-wise between the acrosomal and the basal chromocenters. Comparisons have been made between this specific arrangement and the location of chromosomes in the sperm of amphibians and mammalians.", "PMID": 1001162} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8614", "title": "Contrasting patterns of DNA sequence arrangement in Apis mellifera (honeybee) and Musca domestica (housefly).", "content": "We have examined the organization of the repeated and single copy DNA sequences in the genomes of two insects, the honeybee (Apis mellifera) and the housefly (Musca domestica). Analysis of the reassociation kinetics of honeybee DNA fragments 330 and 2,200 nucleotides long shows that approximately 90% of both size fragments is composed entirely of non-repeated sequences. Thus honeybee DNA contains few or no repeated sequences interspersed with nonrepeated sequences at a distance of less than a few thousand nucleotides. On the other hand, the reassociation kinetics of housefly DNA fragments 250 and 2,000 nucleotides long indicates that less than 15% of the longer fragments are composed entirely of single copy sequences. A large fraction of the housefly DNA therefore contains repeated sequences spaced less than a few thousand nucleotides apart. Reassociated repetitive DNA from the housefly was treated with S1 nuclease and sized on agarose A-50. The S1 resistant sequences have a bimodal distribution of lengths. Thirty-three percent is greater than 1,500 nucleotide pairs, and 67% has an average size about 300 nucleotide pairs. The genome of the housefly appears to have at least 70% of its DNA arranged as short repeats interspersed with single copy sequences in a pattern qualitatively similar to that of most eukaryotic genomes.", "contents": "Contrasting patterns of DNA sequence arrangement in Apis mellifera (honeybee) and Musca domestica (housefly). We have examined the organization of the repeated and single copy DNA sequences in the genomes of two insects, the honeybee (Apis mellifera) and the housefly (Musca domestica). Analysis of the reassociation kinetics of honeybee DNA fragments 330 and 2,200 nucleotides long shows that approximately 90% of both size fragments is composed entirely of non-repeated sequences. Thus honeybee DNA contains few or no repeated sequences interspersed with nonrepeated sequences at a distance of less than a few thousand nucleotides. On the other hand, the reassociation kinetics of housefly DNA fragments 250 and 2,000 nucleotides long indicates that less than 15% of the longer fragments are composed entirely of single copy sequences. A large fraction of the housefly DNA therefore contains repeated sequences spaced less than a few thousand nucleotides apart. Reassociated repetitive DNA from the housefly was treated with S1 nuclease and sized on agarose A-50. The S1 resistant sequences have a bimodal distribution of lengths. Thirty-three percent is greater than 1,500 nucleotide pairs, and 67% has an average size about 300 nucleotide pairs. The genome of the housefly appears to have at least 70% of its DNA arranged as short repeats interspersed with single copy sequences in a pattern qualitatively similar to that of most eukaryotic genomes.", "PMID": 1001163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8615", "title": "Chromosomal localizations by in situ hybridization of the repetitious human DNA families and evidence of their satellite DNA equivalents.", "content": "Four of the five major repetitious human DNA families have been mapped by the in situ hybridization technique at their TOPT values. Two of the lighter density DNA families have autoradiographic grain patterns over heterochromatic chromosomal regions that resemble those of known satellite DNAs. The two heaviest density DNA families have autoradiographic grain patterns of middle repetitious DNAs, with all chromosomes showing labelling. Some evidence suggests that one of these DNA families is concentrated in certain chromosomal regions. Both DNA families exhibit biphasic TOPT curves. The presence of two thermal stability classes of hybrids suggests sequence interspersion. By co-enrichment studies in Ag+-CS2SO4 gradients, evidence suggests the origin of the three lightest density renaturated human DNA families to be satellites I, II and III.", "contents": "Chromosomal localizations by in situ hybridization of the repetitious human DNA families and evidence of their satellite DNA equivalents. Four of the five major repetitious human DNA families have been mapped by the in situ hybridization technique at their TOPT values. Two of the lighter density DNA families have autoradiographic grain patterns over heterochromatic chromosomal regions that resemble those of known satellite DNAs. The two heaviest density DNA families have autoradiographic grain patterns of middle repetitious DNAs, with all chromosomes showing labelling. Some evidence suggests that one of these DNA families is concentrated in certain chromosomal regions. Both DNA families exhibit biphasic TOPT curves. The presence of two thermal stability classes of hybrids suggests sequence interspersion. By co-enrichment studies in Ag+-CS2SO4 gradients, evidence suggests the origin of the three lightest density renaturated human DNA families to be satellites I, II and III.", "PMID": 1001164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8616", "title": "Suggestions for a rational aproach to the chemotherapy of schizophrenia.", "content": "Current psychiatric practice does not seem to have kept pace with the best recommendations of modern clinical psychopharmacology. Polypharmacy, inadequate dosage, overly brief drug trails, and erratic medication changes are commonplace. Psychopharmacology is obligated to disseminate the most current thinking in usuable form and psychiatry to attempt to implement it in clinical practice. Unique here is the concept that there are pharmacologic, theoretical, and technical reasons to prefer the use of high potency neuroleptics for the routine treatment of schizophrenia and to relegate low potency drugs to secondary status. Routine employment of higher standard neuroleptic doses is advanced to minimize the effects of individual variations in compliance, absorption, and metabolism. A suggested protocol for the acute treatment of schizophreniform disorders is offered.", "contents": "Suggestions for a rational aproach to the chemotherapy of schizophrenia. Current psychiatric practice does not seem to have kept pace with the best recommendations of modern clinical psychopharmacology. Polypharmacy, inadequate dosage, overly brief drug trails, and erratic medication changes are commonplace. Psychopharmacology is obligated to disseminate the most current thinking in usuable form and psychiatry to attempt to implement it in clinical practice. Unique here is the concept that there are pharmacologic, theoretical, and technical reasons to prefer the use of high potency neuroleptics for the routine treatment of schizophrenia and to relegate low potency drugs to secondary status. Routine employment of higher standard neuroleptic doses is advanced to minimize the effects of individual variations in compliance, absorption, and metabolism. A suggested protocol for the acute treatment of schizophreniform disorders is offered.", "PMID": 1001166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8617", "title": "Satellite DNA and evolution of sex chromosomes.", "content": "The satellite DNA (SATELLITE III) which is mainly represented in the female of Elaphe radiata (Ophidia, Colubridae) has been isolated and its buoyant density has been determined (delta equals 1.700 g cm-3). In situ hybridisation of radioactive complementary RNA of this satellite DNA with the chromosomes of different species has revealed that it is mainly concentrated on the W sex chromosome and its sequences are conserved throughout the sub-order Ophidia. From hybridisation studies these sequences are absent from the primitive family Boidae which represents a primitive state of differentiation of sex chromosomes. Chromosome analysis and C-banding have also revealed the absence of heteromorphism and of an entirely heterochromatic chromosome in the species belonging to the primitive family and their presence in the species of highly evolved families. It is suggested that the origin of satellite DNA (satellite III) in the W chromosome is the first step in differentiation of W from the Z in snakes by generating asynchrony in the DNA replication pattern of Z and W chromosomes and thus conceivably reducing the frequency of crossing-over between them which is the prerequisite of differentiation of sex chromosomes. Presence of similar sex chromosome associated satellite DNA in domestic chicken suggests its existence in a wider range of vertebrates than just the snakes.", "contents": "Satellite DNA and evolution of sex chromosomes. The satellite DNA (SATELLITE III) which is mainly represented in the female of Elaphe radiata (Ophidia, Colubridae) has been isolated and its buoyant density has been determined (delta equals 1.700 g cm-3). In situ hybridisation of radioactive complementary RNA of this satellite DNA with the chromosomes of different species has revealed that it is mainly concentrated on the W sex chromosome and its sequences are conserved throughout the sub-order Ophidia. From hybridisation studies these sequences are absent from the primitive family Boidae which represents a primitive state of differentiation of sex chromosomes. Chromosome analysis and C-banding have also revealed the absence of heteromorphism and of an entirely heterochromatic chromosome in the species belonging to the primitive family and their presence in the species of highly evolved families. It is suggested that the origin of satellite DNA (satellite III) in the W chromosome is the first step in differentiation of W from the Z in snakes by generating asynchrony in the DNA replication pattern of Z and W chromosomes and thus conceivably reducing the frequency of crossing-over between them which is the prerequisite of differentiation of sex chromosomes. Presence of similar sex chromosome associated satellite DNA in domestic chicken suggests its existence in a wider range of vertebrates than just the snakes.", "PMID": 1001165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8618", "title": "Neuropsychiatric studies of drinkers of denatured alcohol.", "content": "The literature on denatured alcohol drinking includes substantial reports on the toxicological aspects of the experimental studies and on acute poisoning of denatured alcohol. However, there is scant mention of the alcoholic's use of denatured alcohol as an alternate source to sustain his addictive habit. We have been repeatedly impressed by reports of consumption of denatured alcohol in histories given by chronic alcoholics. By definition, a drinker of denatured alcohol is a person who, over a period of time, drinks any preparation of rectified spirits which has been denatured for domestic, industrial, or medical use (see Table I). Common denaturants used are methyl alcohol, gasoline, benzene, chloroform, pyridine, and naphthalene, in combination or individually. (see Table I-Glossary). This study was lndertaken to explore the damage, mainly to the central nervous system, caused by the denaturants. Ten cases were studied for neuropsychiatric pathology resulting from drinking denatured alcohol. The duration of their drinking this substance varied from two months to eighteen months. From the clinical data, a personality profile is drawn of these individuals. There is a high incidence of toxicity to the central nervous system of an irreversible nature as well as to the respiratory system. Psychometric tests can be helpful in early detection (with prophylaxis) of damage caused to the higher cerebral process.", "contents": "Neuropsychiatric studies of drinkers of denatured alcohol. The literature on denatured alcohol drinking includes substantial reports on the toxicological aspects of the experimental studies and on acute poisoning of denatured alcohol. However, there is scant mention of the alcoholic's use of denatured alcohol as an alternate source to sustain his addictive habit. We have been repeatedly impressed by reports of consumption of denatured alcohol in histories given by chronic alcoholics. By definition, a drinker of denatured alcohol is a person who, over a period of time, drinks any preparation of rectified spirits which has been denatured for domestic, industrial, or medical use (see Table I). Common denaturants used are methyl alcohol, gasoline, benzene, chloroform, pyridine, and naphthalene, in combination or individually. (see Table I-Glossary). This study was lndertaken to explore the damage, mainly to the central nervous system, caused by the denaturants. Ten cases were studied for neuropsychiatric pathology resulting from drinking denatured alcohol. The duration of their drinking this substance varied from two months to eighteen months. From the clinical data, a personality profile is drawn of these individuals. There is a high incidence of toxicity to the central nervous system of an irreversible nature as well as to the respiratory system. Psychometric tests can be helpful in early detection (with prophylaxis) of damage caused to the higher cerebral process.", "PMID": 1001168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8619", "title": "Intracranial neoplasms in children: a comparison of North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.", "content": "Series of intracranial neoplasms in childrem from four continents (North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia) are presented and their histopathological distributions are compared. Findings include a proportion of craniopharyngiomas in Japan and Africa about double that of other areas, with a relative deficit of medulloblastomas. Pinealomas also occurred approximately three times as often in Japan and Africa as elsewhere. A incidence of ependymomas in India double that of other parts of the world was noted. Astrocytomas were the most frequently occurring neoplasms in all series except the Japanese. Possible interpretations of the differences among the series, as well as proposals for further investigation, are discussed.", "contents": "Intracranial neoplasms in children: a comparison of North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Series of intracranial neoplasms in childrem from four continents (North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia) are presented and their histopathological distributions are compared. Findings include a proportion of craniopharyngiomas in Japan and Africa about double that of other areas, with a relative deficit of medulloblastomas. Pinealomas also occurred approximately three times as often in Japan and Africa as elsewhere. A incidence of ependymomas in India double that of other parts of the world was noted. Astrocytomas were the most frequently occurring neoplasms in all series except the Japanese. Possible interpretations of the differences among the series, as well as proposals for further investigation, are discussed.", "PMID": 1001169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8620", "title": "Psychological stress as a cause of lithium prophylaxis failure, a report of three cases.", "content": "The author presents three lithium prophylaxis failures realted to stress. He suggests unresolved stress as an unresearched cause of lithium prophylaxis failure, and recommends further research be applied to this factor.", "contents": "Psychological stress as a cause of lithium prophylaxis failure, a report of three cases. The author presents three lithium prophylaxis failures realted to stress. He suggests unresolved stress as an unresearched cause of lithium prophylaxis failure, and recommends further research be applied to this factor.", "PMID": 1001170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8621", "title": "[Idiopathic \"juvenile\" chronic pancreatitis (author's transl)].", "content": "Among 192 cases of chronic pancreatitis, 51 (27%) were classifed as idiopathic after exclusion of all known aetiological factors. The age distribution of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis suggests that there are two separate entities, a \"senile\" (n = 38) (ISCP) and a \"juvenile\" form (n = 13) (IJCP). IJCP seems to represent a new nosological entity characterized by a low mean age at onset (25.6 years), a preponderance of males (n = 12), typical recurrent episodes of pancreatitis (n = 13), and a very high incidence of calcifications (n = 10). The course of IJCP seems to be rather benign but protracted. Despite lacking direct evidence, IJCP seems to be due to a genetic factor. The postulated causes of IJCP and ISCP may be identical with the primary factors which are considered to be responsible in combination with high alcohol intake, for the development of alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis.", "contents": "[Idiopathic \"juvenile\" chronic pancreatitis (author's transl)]. Among 192 cases of chronic pancreatitis, 51 (27%) were classifed as idiopathic after exclusion of all known aetiological factors. The age distribution of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis suggests that there are two separate entities, a \"senile\" (n = 38) (ISCP) and a \"juvenile\" form (n = 13) (IJCP). IJCP seems to represent a new nosological entity characterized by a low mean age at onset (25.6 years), a preponderance of males (n = 12), typical recurrent episodes of pancreatitis (n = 13), and a very high incidence of calcifications (n = 10). The course of IJCP seems to be rather benign but protracted. Despite lacking direct evidence, IJCP seems to be due to a genetic factor. The postulated causes of IJCP and ISCP may be identical with the primary factors which are considered to be responsible in combination with high alcohol intake, for the development of alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis.", "PMID": 1001185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8622", "title": "[Mineral content of growing bone (author's transl)].", "content": "Normal mineral content of the calcaneus was determined in 137 healthy persons aged 3 to 20 years. Calcium-salt content increased with age, reaching 60% of its final value in the sixth year of life. In females mineralisation was practically complete in the 15th year.", "contents": "[Mineral content of growing bone (author's transl)]. Normal mineral content of the calcaneus was determined in 137 healthy persons aged 3 to 20 years. Calcium-salt content increased with age, reaching 60% of its final value in the sixth year of life. In females mineralisation was practically complete in the 15th year.", "PMID": 1001186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8623", "title": "[Rubber band ligation--an alternative treatment for haemorrhoids (author's transl)].", "content": "Rubber band ligation, first described by Blaisdell, is an effective way of treating internal haemorrhoids. Treatment is ambulatory, thus saving time and costs. Experiences with 72 patients show this method to be superior to injection therapy and haemorrhoidectomy because of the simplicity of technique, the short period of treatment and the minimal discomfort for the patients. In our opinion rubber band ligation is the treatment of choice in managing internal haemorrhoids.", "contents": "[Rubber band ligation--an alternative treatment for haemorrhoids (author's transl)]. Rubber band ligation, first described by Blaisdell, is an effective way of treating internal haemorrhoids. Treatment is ambulatory, thus saving time and costs. Experiences with 72 patients show this method to be superior to injection therapy and haemorrhoidectomy because of the simplicity of technique, the short period of treatment and the minimal discomfort for the patients. In our opinion rubber band ligation is the treatment of choice in managing internal haemorrhoids.", "PMID": 1001187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8624", "title": "[Skin metastases in thyroid carcinoma (author's transl)].", "content": "Thyroid carcinomas rarely metastasize to the skin. In three patients skin metastases following follicular, papillo-follicular and medullary carcinomas were seen. In two cases the metastatic spread was haematogenous, in a third patient with a retrosternal thyroid carcinoma there was massive spread through the anterior thoracic wall. The diagnosis was made on histological invesitgation of the skin lesions and after total body scintigraphy with 131I. In one seemingly-healthy patient the histological investigation of skin nodule first led to the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. If skin metastases occur several years after the discovery of a visceral tumour the possibility of a second primary tumour should be considered. The results of combined treatment with with surgery, radio-therapy, (radioiodine and tele-cobalt) and hormone treatment show that skin metastases in thyroid carcinoma do not necessarily have a hopeless prognosis.", "contents": "[Skin metastases in thyroid carcinoma (author's transl)]. Thyroid carcinomas rarely metastasize to the skin. In three patients skin metastases following follicular, papillo-follicular and medullary carcinomas were seen. In two cases the metastatic spread was haematogenous, in a third patient with a retrosternal thyroid carcinoma there was massive spread through the anterior thoracic wall. The diagnosis was made on histological invesitgation of the skin lesions and after total body scintigraphy with 131I. In one seemingly-healthy patient the histological investigation of skin nodule first led to the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. If skin metastases occur several years after the discovery of a visceral tumour the possibility of a second primary tumour should be considered. The results of combined treatment with with surgery, radio-therapy, (radioiodine and tele-cobalt) and hormone treatment show that skin metastases in thyroid carcinoma do not necessarily have a hopeless prognosis.", "PMID": 1001192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8625", "title": "[Dextran 40 in the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis in surgery (author's transl)].", "content": "The effectiveness of 4 X 500 ml dextran-40 infusions (Rheomacrodex) for the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis was evaluated in a prospective, controlled, randomized study in urological and general surgical patients. The 125I-fibrinogen test was performed daily in all patients. 36 of 100 control patients developed deep vein thrombosis, but only 20 out of 92 (21.7%) did so in the dextran group (P less than 0.05). The number of patients showing bilateral deep vein thrombosis was significantly reduced under dextran prophylaxis (P less than 0.01). No side effects of dextran prophylaxis were seen.", "contents": "[Dextran 40 in the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis in surgery (author's transl)]. The effectiveness of 4 X 500 ml dextran-40 infusions (Rheomacrodex) for the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis was evaluated in a prospective, controlled, randomized study in urological and general surgical patients. The 125I-fibrinogen test was performed daily in all patients. 36 of 100 control patients developed deep vein thrombosis, but only 20 out of 92 (21.7%) did so in the dextran group (P less than 0.05). The number of patients showing bilateral deep vein thrombosis was significantly reduced under dextran prophylaxis (P less than 0.01). No side effects of dextran prophylaxis were seen.", "PMID": 1001193} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8626", "title": "[Primary amyloidosis presenting as intrahepatic cholestasis (author's transl)].", "content": "In a 37-year-old female patient with marked signs of cholestasis and excessive hyperbilirubinaemia without any recognisable cause, the unexpected diagnosis of massive amyloidosis of the peri-collagenous and perireticular type was made after hepatic needle biopsy. There were also amyloid deposits in the rectal mucosa and in the bone marrow. Fifteen months after the onset of disease symptoms the patient died from the consequences of spontaneous intrahepatic haemorrhage. At the post-mortem investigation generalised amyloidosis with massive involvement of nearly all organs was found. Primary amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any aetiologically unexplained cholestasis.", "contents": "[Primary amyloidosis presenting as intrahepatic cholestasis (author's transl)]. In a 37-year-old female patient with marked signs of cholestasis and excessive hyperbilirubinaemia without any recognisable cause, the unexpected diagnosis of massive amyloidosis of the peri-collagenous and perireticular type was made after hepatic needle biopsy. There were also amyloid deposits in the rectal mucosa and in the bone marrow. Fifteen months after the onset of disease symptoms the patient died from the consequences of spontaneous intrahepatic haemorrhage. At the post-mortem investigation generalised amyloidosis with massive involvement of nearly all organs was found. Primary amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any aetiologically unexplained cholestasis.", "PMID": 1001194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8627", "title": "[Single-view mammography (author's transl)].", "content": "Single-view mammography was performed in 12123 women (22321 pictures) so that the entire breast tissue was visualised. In 223 patients the results were compared with histological findings obtained subsequently. The high percentage of agreement indicates that the single-view examination is highly reliable.", "contents": "[Single-view mammography (author's transl)]. Single-view mammography was performed in 12123 women (22321 pictures) so that the entire breast tissue was visualised. In 223 patients the results were compared with histological findings obtained subsequently. The high percentage of agreement indicates that the single-view examination is highly reliable.", "PMID": 1001203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8628", "title": "[Nifedipine (a calcium antagonist) in the treatment of urinary obstruction (author's transl)].", "content": "Nifedipine (10 mg orally) had a relaxing effect on the ureters of 25 patients with various forms of urinary obstruction. At a daily dose of 30 mg this effect can be used for treating neurogenic disorders of bladder emptying due to unrestrained detrusor contractions.", "contents": "[Nifedipine (a calcium antagonist) in the treatment of urinary obstruction (author's transl)]. Nifedipine (10 mg orally) had a relaxing effect on the ureters of 25 patients with various forms of urinary obstruction. At a daily dose of 30 mg this effect can be used for treating neurogenic disorders of bladder emptying due to unrestrained detrusor contractions.", "PMID": 1001204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8629", "title": "[Combination of clofibrate and phenformin in the treatment of endogenous hypertriglyceridaemia (author's transl)].", "content": "Combined treatment with clofibrate and phenformin increased the lipid-lowering effect of clofibrate monotherapy in 15 patients with endogenous hypertriglyceridaemia significantly by ca. 10%. The therapeutic success was shown by a reduction in LDL-cholesterol and an additional reduction in VLDL-triglycerides. A clofibrate-induced rise in LDL-cholesterol could not be observed during the combined treatment. Thus combined treatment could be particularly advantageous in the prophylaxis of arteriosclerotic complications of endogenous hypertriglyceridaemia, provided that contra-indications of either of the preparations are excluded.", "contents": "[Combination of clofibrate and phenformin in the treatment of endogenous hypertriglyceridaemia (author's transl)]. Combined treatment with clofibrate and phenformin increased the lipid-lowering effect of clofibrate monotherapy in 15 patients with endogenous hypertriglyceridaemia significantly by ca. 10%. The therapeutic success was shown by a reduction in LDL-cholesterol and an additional reduction in VLDL-triglycerides. A clofibrate-induced rise in LDL-cholesterol could not be observed during the combined treatment. Thus combined treatment could be particularly advantageous in the prophylaxis of arteriosclerotic complications of endogenous hypertriglyceridaemia, provided that contra-indications of either of the preparations are excluded.", "PMID": 1001205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8630", "title": "[Lumbar myelography using dimer-x in the diagnosis of lumbar disc lesions (author's transl)].", "content": "The pre-operative myelograms performed using Dimer-X (dimeglumine-iocarmate) of 219 patients were re-evaluated post-operatively without knowledge of the operative findings. In 77% the myelographic interpretation was in agreement with the surgical diagnosis. The interpretation was difficult and unreliable when only one or few radiographic signs were present. In order to achieve optimal benefit from the investigation the history and clinical findings should also be considered as equally important. Myelography is only justified in clinically unclear cases. In view of this and possible complications a stringent indication in necessary.", "contents": "[Lumbar myelography using dimer-x in the diagnosis of lumbar disc lesions (author's transl)]. The pre-operative myelograms performed using Dimer-X (dimeglumine-iocarmate) of 219 patients were re-evaluated post-operatively without knowledge of the operative findings. In 77% the myelographic interpretation was in agreement with the surgical diagnosis. The interpretation was difficult and unreliable when only one or few radiographic signs were present. In order to achieve optimal benefit from the investigation the history and clinical findings should also be considered as equally important. Myelography is only justified in clinically unclear cases. In view of this and possible complications a stringent indication in necessary.", "PMID": 1001206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8631", "title": "[Prajmalium bitartrat-induced liver damage (author's transl)].", "content": "Liver damage was found in five patients (three men, two women) who were receiving prajmalium bitartrate. The cause was proven by re-exposure which was positive in all instances. The illness tended to start with acute fever and severe upper abdominal pains. When the drug was continued in one case, laparotomy was performed for suspected obstructive jaundice. Another patient had been admitted for operation because of jaundice. On re-exposure the most striking feature was a definite rise in glutamate-dehydrogenase. Prajmalium bitartrate is thus no better tolerated by the liver than ajmalin: both clinically, biochemically and morphologically the two drugs affect the liver similarly.", "contents": "[Prajmalium bitartrat-induced liver damage (author's transl)]. Liver damage was found in five patients (three men, two women) who were receiving prajmalium bitartrate. The cause was proven by re-exposure which was positive in all instances. The illness tended to start with acute fever and severe upper abdominal pains. When the drug was continued in one case, laparotomy was performed for suspected obstructive jaundice. Another patient had been admitted for operation because of jaundice. On re-exposure the most striking feature was a definite rise in glutamate-dehydrogenase. Prajmalium bitartrate is thus no better tolerated by the liver than ajmalin: both clinically, biochemically and morphologically the two drugs affect the liver similarly.", "PMID": 1001207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8632", "title": "[Experimental study on the pathogenesis of anastomotic ulcers (author's transl)].", "content": "Various forms of operative duodenal exclusion with or without duodenogastric reflux were performed on 54 male Wistar rats. It was demonstrated that after duodenal exclusion with reflux peptic ulcers regularly occur at the site of anastomosis. Continuous reflux of bile and pancreatic secretion is the decisive factor in the development of ulcer at the anastomotic border between stomach and jejunum. Stasis in the excluded duodenum (syndrome of the afferent loop) promotes the ulcerogenic reflux effect. If there is no pylorus, reflux and stasis are potentiated to the highest incidence of ulcer (more than 90%). These results indicate that operations with duodenal exclusion and reflux (Billroth II) should be discontinued.", "contents": "[Experimental study on the pathogenesis of anastomotic ulcers (author's transl)]. Various forms of operative duodenal exclusion with or without duodenogastric reflux were performed on 54 male Wistar rats. It was demonstrated that after duodenal exclusion with reflux peptic ulcers regularly occur at the site of anastomosis. Continuous reflux of bile and pancreatic secretion is the decisive factor in the development of ulcer at the anastomotic border between stomach and jejunum. Stasis in the excluded duodenum (syndrome of the afferent loop) promotes the ulcerogenic reflux effect. If there is no pylorus, reflux and stasis are potentiated to the highest incidence of ulcer (more than 90%). These results indicate that operations with duodenal exclusion and reflux (Billroth II) should be discontinued.", "PMID": 1001208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8633", "title": "[Oral contraceptives in prophylaxis of acute exacerbations of intermittent porphyria (author's transl)].", "content": "Out of 14 women with acute intermittent porphyria seven were treated for an average of five years with ovulation inhibitors. In another two cases a bilateral surgical oophorectomy and a radiotherapeutic castration were performed. Five untreated women formed the control group. In contrast to the control group there were no further acute exacerbations in the group treated with oral contraceptives. The two patients with oophorectomy and irradiation castration died following multiple acute exacerbations. In four of the women treated with oral contraceptives the development of persistent, and in some cases severe, arterial hypertension was observed. The pathogenesis cannot be explained.", "contents": "[Oral contraceptives in prophylaxis of acute exacerbations of intermittent porphyria (author's transl)]. Out of 14 women with acute intermittent porphyria seven were treated for an average of five years with ovulation inhibitors. In another two cases a bilateral surgical oophorectomy and a radiotherapeutic castration were performed. Five untreated women formed the control group. In contrast to the control group there were no further acute exacerbations in the group treated with oral contraceptives. The two patients with oophorectomy and irradiation castration died following multiple acute exacerbations. In four of the women treated with oral contraceptives the development of persistent, and in some cases severe, arterial hypertension was observed. The pathogenesis cannot be explained.", "PMID": 1001215} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8634", "title": "[Accuracy of exercise tests in the recognition of coronary-artery stenosis. Comparison between post-exercise ECG and coronary arteriogram (author's transl)].", "content": "Post-exercise ECGs and coronary arteriograms were compared in 180 unselected patients. Coronary-artery stenosis had been diagnosed correctly by arteriography in 94% of cases. In 60% this was also possible from the resting ECG (signs of myocardial infarction), while in the remaining 34% only the exercise ECG was positive. Post-exercise ECG changes are thus an important and largely specific means of diagnosing coronary-artery stenosis.", "contents": "[Accuracy of exercise tests in the recognition of coronary-artery stenosis. Comparison between post-exercise ECG and coronary arteriogram (author's transl)]. Post-exercise ECGs and coronary arteriograms were compared in 180 unselected patients. Coronary-artery stenosis had been diagnosed correctly by arteriography in 94% of cases. In 60% this was also possible from the resting ECG (signs of myocardial infarction), while in the remaining 34% only the exercise ECG was positive. Post-exercise ECG changes are thus an important and largely specific means of diagnosing coronary-artery stenosis.", "PMID": 1001216} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8635", "title": "[Doppler ultrasonic diagnosis of the subclavian-steal syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "It is possible to perform percutaneous Doppler ultrasonic flow measurements in the vertebral artery below its curvature over the atlas. Criteria supporting the subclavian-steal syndrome are (I) red side, (2) slowing of blood flow in the vertebral artery after compression of the axillary artery on the same side, and (3) delayed pulse in the axillary artery of the diseased compared with the normal side.", "contents": "[Doppler ultrasonic diagnosis of the subclavian-steal syndrome (author's transl)]. It is possible to perform percutaneous Doppler ultrasonic flow measurements in the vertebral artery below its curvature over the atlas. Criteria supporting the subclavian-steal syndrome are (I) red side, (2) slowing of blood flow in the vertebral artery after compression of the axillary artery on the same side, and (3) delayed pulse in the axillary artery of the diseased compared with the normal side.", "PMID": 1001217} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8636", "title": "Tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate: a report of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in peptic ulcer.", "content": "Tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate is a complex bismuth salt stable in colloidal form advocated for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Preliminary placebo-controlled trials in small numbers of ambulant patients with endoscopically proven peptic ulcer, strongly suggest that the compound accelerates the rate of healing of gastric and duodenal ulcer within 4 weeks of treatment. However, trials involving larger numbers of patients followed-up for longer periods are required before a clear verdict on the efficacy of tripotassium di-citrato bismuthate in gastric and duodenal ulcer can be given. There are no reliable data on the effect of the drug on ulcer recurrence rate. Side-effects are negligible and the drug could become an important therapeutic agent in peptic ulcer therapy if results of further study are conclusive. The drug causes dark discolouration of the stools and this should be borne in mind when considering the possibility of the presence of intestinal bleeding.", "contents": "Tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate: a report of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in peptic ulcer. Tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate is a complex bismuth salt stable in colloidal form advocated for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Preliminary placebo-controlled trials in small numbers of ambulant patients with endoscopically proven peptic ulcer, strongly suggest that the compound accelerates the rate of healing of gastric and duodenal ulcer within 4 weeks of treatment. However, trials involving larger numbers of patients followed-up for longer periods are required before a clear verdict on the efficacy of tripotassium di-citrato bismuthate in gastric and duodenal ulcer can be given. There are no reliable data on the effect of the drug on ulcer recurrence rate. Side-effects are negligible and the drug could become an important therapeutic agent in peptic ulcer therapy if results of further study are conclusive. The drug causes dark discolouration of the stools and this should be borne in mind when considering the possibility of the presence of intestinal bleeding.", "PMID": 1001219} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8637", "title": "Drug stimulated biotransformation of hormonal steroid contraceptives: clinical implications.", "content": "On the basis of well documented biochemical and pharmacological data about the influence of drug mediated enzyme induction on the biotransformation of natural and synthetic sex steroids, practical consequences for hormonal steroid contraception are described and discussed. Clinical reports dealing with this problem are still sparse. The clinical symptoms of drug stimulated biotransformation of hormonal steroid contraceptives are characteristic. Spotting or breakthrough bleeding are observed and in the extreme case conception may occur despite the regular intake of the contraceptive. The appearance of these symptoms differs from one individual to another. With a strong enzyme inducer, bleeding disorders can be provoked artifically in 50 to 60% of the women receiving hormonal contraceptive treatment. The range of drugs which stimulate biotransformation of hormonal contraceptives with consequent loss of their biological effectiveness is not completely known. For practical purposes, it is recommended that bleeding disturbances under hormonal steroid contraception in a previously regular cycle be regarded as loss of reliability; they should be remedied and taken as a sign to search for uncontrolled drug taking.", "contents": "Drug stimulated biotransformation of hormonal steroid contraceptives: clinical implications. On the basis of well documented biochemical and pharmacological data about the influence of drug mediated enzyme induction on the biotransformation of natural and synthetic sex steroids, practical consequences for hormonal steroid contraception are described and discussed. Clinical reports dealing with this problem are still sparse. The clinical symptoms of drug stimulated biotransformation of hormonal steroid contraceptives are characteristic. Spotting or breakthrough bleeding are observed and in the extreme case conception may occur despite the regular intake of the contraceptive. The appearance of these symptoms differs from one individual to another. With a strong enzyme inducer, bleeding disorders can be provoked artifically in 50 to 60% of the women receiving hormonal contraceptive treatment. The range of drugs which stimulate biotransformation of hormonal contraceptives with consequent loss of their biological effectiveness is not completely known. For practical purposes, it is recommended that bleeding disturbances under hormonal steroid contraception in a previously regular cycle be regarded as loss of reliability; they should be remedied and taken as a sign to search for uncontrolled drug taking.", "PMID": 1001220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8638", "title": "[Cerebral metabolism of dopamine and of serotonin during Alzheimer and Pick's diseases. Dynamic study by the test using probenecid].", "content": "A study of the cerebral metabolism of dopamine and serotonin has been realized by the probenecid test in 17 patients. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (13 patients) and Pick's disease (4 patients) has been made on clinical and radiological grounds. No important anomaly of this metabolism was discovered. In subjects with Alzheimer's disease, the renewal rates of H.V.A. and 5 H.I.A.A. were diminished in comparison to the values measured in normal individuals, but this difference was not significant. In patients with Pick's disease, the accumulation of H.V.A. after probenecid was in the normal bounds, whereas that of 5 H.I.A.A. was non-significantly decreased. The results are compared with those of the literature.", "contents": "[Cerebral metabolism of dopamine and of serotonin during Alzheimer and Pick's diseases. Dynamic study by the test using probenecid]. A study of the cerebral metabolism of dopamine and serotonin has been realized by the probenecid test in 17 patients. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (13 patients) and Pick's disease (4 patients) has been made on clinical and radiological grounds. No important anomaly of this metabolism was discovered. In subjects with Alzheimer's disease, the renewal rates of H.V.A. and 5 H.I.A.A. were diminished in comparison to the values measured in normal individuals, but this difference was not significant. In patients with Pick's disease, the accumulation of H.V.A. after probenecid was in the normal bounds, whereas that of 5 H.I.A.A. was non-significantly decreased. The results are compared with those of the literature.", "PMID": 1001240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8639", "title": "[Medicopsychosocial syndrome of polygonosomies (XXX, XXY, XYY, syndromes etc...)].", "content": "This is an attempt to describe a common syndrom of polygonosomy. Medical, psychological and social incidences of XXX, XXY, XYY, genotypes indicate that these chromosomal aberrations share identical features: phenotypic abnormalities (high stature, dermatoglyphes abnormalities), neuropsychic troubles (neurological symptoms and mental fragility) and antisocial tendancy. One can suppose that at least some polygonosomic persons have a minimal brain dysfunction (or damage), which causes more vulnerability to environnement, deprivation and stress. Relational, educational and socio-economical factors appear now to have a marked role in the etiopathogenesis of these psychiatric troubles. Some forensic and ethical problems of human genetic research are reviewed, such as the so-called \"criminal chromosome\", supplementary Y chromosome, a myth based upon false and premature scientific assertions.", "contents": "[Medicopsychosocial syndrome of polygonosomies (XXX, XXY, XYY, syndromes etc...)]. This is an attempt to describe a common syndrom of polygonosomy. Medical, psychological and social incidences of XXX, XXY, XYY, genotypes indicate that these chromosomal aberrations share identical features: phenotypic abnormalities (high stature, dermatoglyphes abnormalities), neuropsychic troubles (neurological symptoms and mental fragility) and antisocial tendancy. One can suppose that at least some polygonosomic persons have a minimal brain dysfunction (or damage), which causes more vulnerability to environnement, deprivation and stress. Relational, educational and socio-economical factors appear now to have a marked role in the etiopathogenesis of these psychiatric troubles. Some forensic and ethical problems of human genetic research are reviewed, such as the so-called \"criminal chromosome\", supplementary Y chromosome, a myth based upon false and premature scientific assertions.", "PMID": 1001241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8640", "title": "[Treatment of the neuroleptic syndrome by biperiden hydrochloride under its delayed-action form. A 9-month study on 55 hospitalized patients].", "content": "Biperiden hydrochloride has been used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and related disorders within two drugs: --Akinophyl, --and Akineton which is chemically similar but has a slower effect. The first French publications upon its use as a neuroleptic corrector date from 1972. Our study deals with 55 chronic psychotic patients treated with neuroleptics and varied correctors of resulting Parkinson disorders. Akineton has been substituted for the preceding antiparkinson drugs. We may come to the following conclusions = Akineton is effective upon neuroleptic syndrom, gives few or no untoward reactions, has no toxicologic effects, shows no incompatibility with any other drug. It is very satisfactory to have at our disposal a drug effective in small doses and having a slow effect within average of 24 hours.", "contents": "[Treatment of the neuroleptic syndrome by biperiden hydrochloride under its delayed-action form. A 9-month study on 55 hospitalized patients]. Biperiden hydrochloride has been used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and related disorders within two drugs: --Akinophyl, --and Akineton which is chemically similar but has a slower effect. The first French publications upon its use as a neuroleptic corrector date from 1972. Our study deals with 55 chronic psychotic patients treated with neuroleptics and varied correctors of resulting Parkinson disorders. Akineton has been substituted for the preceding antiparkinson drugs. We may come to the following conclusions = Akineton is effective upon neuroleptic syndrom, gives few or no untoward reactions, has no toxicologic effects, shows no incompatibility with any other drug. It is very satisfactory to have at our disposal a drug effective in small doses and having a slow effect within average of 24 hours.", "PMID": 1001242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8641", "title": "[Sulpiride and psychic decompensation].", "content": "The use of sulpirid in psychiatry allows to delineate three types of activity of this compound which originality consists most in this triple association: neuroleptic activity, as well as anticonfusional and antidepressive. The psychodynamic and phenomenological evaluation of patients receiving a sulpirid treatment, has led us to consider the process of \"psychic decompensation\" as a target variable particularly sensitive to the action of this psychotropic drug. This process can be found in various pathological states--acute delirious states, depressive episodes, anxiety, autism, stress situation--where sulpirid acts, beside its specific thymoanaleptic or neuroleptic properties, through a \"aspecific recompensation activity\". This translates, psychopathologically, the action of sulpirid on the vegetative brain as well as the anti-stress properties of this psychrotropic drug, as verified in animal experiment.", "contents": "[Sulpiride and psychic decompensation]. The use of sulpirid in psychiatry allows to delineate three types of activity of this compound which originality consists most in this triple association: neuroleptic activity, as well as anticonfusional and antidepressive. The psychodynamic and phenomenological evaluation of patients receiving a sulpirid treatment, has led us to consider the process of \"psychic decompensation\" as a target variable particularly sensitive to the action of this psychotropic drug. This process can be found in various pathological states--acute delirious states, depressive episodes, anxiety, autism, stress situation--where sulpirid acts, beside its specific thymoanaleptic or neuroleptic properties, through a \"aspecific recompensation activity\". This translates, psychopathologically, the action of sulpirid on the vegetative brain as well as the anti-stress properties of this psychrotropic drug, as verified in animal experiment.", "PMID": 1001243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8642", "title": "[Use of haloperidol at very high doses].", "content": "The authors report the observations of 12 patients who have been treated by haloperidol at a dose of 60 mg per os each day during periods from 15 to 106 days. They presented severe paranoid reaction with excitement. This treatment was insufficient to calm down the agitation and had to be completed by an increase of the doses in one case and by the association of an other neuroleptic in the other cases. The tolerance was always good.", "contents": "[Use of haloperidol at very high doses]. The authors report the observations of 12 patients who have been treated by haloperidol at a dose of 60 mg per os each day during periods from 15 to 106 days. They presented severe paranoid reaction with excitement. This treatment was insufficient to calm down the agitation and had to be completed by an increase of the doses in one case and by the association of an other neuroleptic in the other cases. The tolerance was always good.", "PMID": 1001244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8643", "title": "[Characteristic aspects of acute delusion psychosis in Madagascar].", "content": "Research workers have analysed 92 cases of acute delirium in their country and have tried to bring out of their studies the particular aspects which are sources of many diagnostical errors: --factors which cause anxiety and lead to depressive states in Europe, but which destroy quickly the consciousness of some personalities still to be defined in Madagascar; --poor delirium in the tropics with little or no reaction at all makes the diagnostic very difficult.", "contents": "[Characteristic aspects of acute delusion psychosis in Madagascar]. Research workers have analysed 92 cases of acute delirium in their country and have tried to bring out of their studies the particular aspects which are sources of many diagnostical errors: --factors which cause anxiety and lead to depressive states in Europe, but which destroy quickly the consciousness of some personalities still to be defined in Madagascar; --poor delirium in the tropics with little or no reaction at all makes the diagnostic very difficult.", "PMID": 1001245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8644", "title": "Effects of growth hormone, thyroxine, and age on diaphragm muscle from dwarf mice.", "content": "The ability of GH in vitro to stimulate leucine incorporation into protein and the uptake of 2-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) and 3-O-methyl-glucose (3-OMG) was studied in diaphragm muscle from dwarf (dw/dw) mice. Ovine GH (25 mug/ml) significantly enhanced the rate of protein synthesis in muscle from untreated dwarfs. In contrast, GH usually failed to stimulate transport, although occasionally a small increase in AIB uptake was seen. Insulin (50 muU/ml) readily stimulated both AIB transport and protein synthesis in muscle from untreated dwarfs. Dwarfs were treated for 4 days with thyroxine (T4) (0.3-5 mug/day) or 3,5,3'-triiodo thyronine (T3) (0.1 mug/day). This enhanced the responsiveness of the transport systems to GH and seemed to increase the basal transport rates for AIB and 3-OMG. After the T4-treatment 0.75 mug/ml GH stimulated AIB transport in mice aged 15 weeks; 25 mug/ml GH stimulated AIB transport in dwarfs aged 5 weeks-1 yr. and leucine incorporation into protein in dwarfs aged 5 weeks-2 yr. This last result suggests that response to GH does not cease merely due to increasing age. Synergism by T3/T4 was not permanent, and the maximum response to GH occurred 1 week after the last injection of T4. The possible mechanisms whereby thyroid hormones enhance responsiveness of the transport systems to GH are discussed.", "contents": "Effects of growth hormone, thyroxine, and age on diaphragm muscle from dwarf mice. The ability of GH in vitro to stimulate leucine incorporation into protein and the uptake of 2-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) and 3-O-methyl-glucose (3-OMG) was studied in diaphragm muscle from dwarf (dw/dw) mice. Ovine GH (25 mug/ml) significantly enhanced the rate of protein synthesis in muscle from untreated dwarfs. In contrast, GH usually failed to stimulate transport, although occasionally a small increase in AIB uptake was seen. Insulin (50 muU/ml) readily stimulated both AIB transport and protein synthesis in muscle from untreated dwarfs. Dwarfs were treated for 4 days with thyroxine (T4) (0.3-5 mug/day) or 3,5,3'-triiodo thyronine (T3) (0.1 mug/day). This enhanced the responsiveness of the transport systems to GH and seemed to increase the basal transport rates for AIB and 3-OMG. After the T4-treatment 0.75 mug/ml GH stimulated AIB transport in mice aged 15 weeks; 25 mug/ml GH stimulated AIB transport in dwarfs aged 5 weeks-1 yr. and leucine incorporation into protein in dwarfs aged 5 weeks-2 yr. This last result suggests that response to GH does not cease merely due to increasing age. Synergism by T3/T4 was not permanent, and the maximum response to GH occurred 1 week after the last injection of T4. The possible mechanisms whereby thyroid hormones enhance responsiveness of the transport systems to GH are discussed.", "PMID": 1001246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8645", "title": "Incomplete suppression of thyrotropin secretion after single injection of large L-triiodothyronine doses into hypothyroid rats.", "content": "In order to examine the mechanism underlying incomplete suppression of TSH secretion by thyroid hormones, we measured serum TSH and T3 levels (radioimmunoassay) in 3,5,3'-triiodothyromine (T3)-injected groups of euthyroid and hypothyroid rats. In 2 experiments, euthyroid rats received a single injection of 10 mug T3 and 25 mug T3/100 g body weight (BW). After T3 injection, the TSH levels fell rapidly to the undetectable range of the assay (1-5 ng/ml) within 3 h. TSH concentration returned to control levels following reduction of plasma T3 to pre-injection values as a result of hormone metabolism. Hypothyroid rats were used in the remaining experiments. They were injected with T3, 25 mug/100 g BW in 2 studies and 1000 mug/100 g BW in one. TSH levels in vehicle-injected groups were relatively constant for 9 days. In T3-injected groups, TSH decreased rapidly to about 10% of pre-injection concentrations within 5 hours. In the 3 studies, TSH remained at 100 ng/ml, 40 ng/ml and 30 ng/ml for 3-6 days despite markedly elevated T3 values. TSH then increased toward pre-injection values when T3 concentrations decreased to the euthyroid range. In an additional study, the daily injection of T3, 1 mug/100 g BW, resulted in a further decrease in plasma TSH to undetectable values only after 15-25 days. These studies show 2 components of TSH suppression in hypothyroid rats. Ninety per cent suppression occurs rapidly (hours) after a large dose of T3 Suppression of the residual TSH to the undetectable assay range occurs slowly, requiring prolonged (15-25 days) T3 administration. Further studies showed that TSH isolated from plasma of hypothyroid rats after T3 injection had an apparent molecular weight of 29,000 Daltons and exhibited an immunoassay curve parallel to rat TSH RP-1. Persistent secretion of TSH in the face of very high plasma T3 concentrations may reflect partial autonomy of thyrotrophs in TSH secretion or a nonspecific leak of TSH which is related in amount to the number of thyrotrophs present and/or their secretory activity in different thyroid states.", "contents": "Incomplete suppression of thyrotropin secretion after single injection of large L-triiodothyronine doses into hypothyroid rats. In order to examine the mechanism underlying incomplete suppression of TSH secretion by thyroid hormones, we measured serum TSH and T3 levels (radioimmunoassay) in 3,5,3'-triiodothyromine (T3)-injected groups of euthyroid and hypothyroid rats. In 2 experiments, euthyroid rats received a single injection of 10 mug T3 and 25 mug T3/100 g body weight (BW). After T3 injection, the TSH levels fell rapidly to the undetectable range of the assay (1-5 ng/ml) within 3 h. TSH concentration returned to control levels following reduction of plasma T3 to pre-injection values as a result of hormone metabolism. Hypothyroid rats were used in the remaining experiments. They were injected with T3, 25 mug/100 g BW in 2 studies and 1000 mug/100 g BW in one. TSH levels in vehicle-injected groups were relatively constant for 9 days. In T3-injected groups, TSH decreased rapidly to about 10% of pre-injection concentrations within 5 hours. In the 3 studies, TSH remained at 100 ng/ml, 40 ng/ml and 30 ng/ml for 3-6 days despite markedly elevated T3 values. TSH then increased toward pre-injection values when T3 concentrations decreased to the euthyroid range. In an additional study, the daily injection of T3, 1 mug/100 g BW, resulted in a further decrease in plasma TSH to undetectable values only after 15-25 days. These studies show 2 components of TSH suppression in hypothyroid rats. Ninety per cent suppression occurs rapidly (hours) after a large dose of T3 Suppression of the residual TSH to the undetectable assay range occurs slowly, requiring prolonged (15-25 days) T3 administration. Further studies showed that TSH isolated from plasma of hypothyroid rats after T3 injection had an apparent molecular weight of 29,000 Daltons and exhibited an immunoassay curve parallel to rat TSH RP-1. Persistent secretion of TSH in the face of very high plasma T3 concentrations may reflect partial autonomy of thyrotrophs in TSH secretion or a nonspecific leak of TSH which is related in amount to the number of thyrotrophs present and/or their secretory activity in different thyroid states.", "PMID": 1001247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8646", "title": "Inhibition of ovarian estradiol-17beta secretion by luteinizing hormone in prepubertal, pregnant mare serum-treated rats.", "content": "Serum estradiol-17beta levels, elevated prior to the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, decline abruptly following the release of endogenous LH or the injection of exogenous LH. To investigate the mechanism of this decline, bovine LH (NIH-LH-B8) was administered to immature rats, in which follicular maturation and estrogen biosynthesis were induced by a non-ovulating dose of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMS). Serum and ovarian estradiol-17beta concentrations fell detectably by 4h, and reached levels around 20% of the controls by 8h after iv injection of 10 mug LH. Concomitant decreases occurred in ovarian androgen concentrations, following an initial rise, and in the in vitro ovarian testosterone aromatizing enzyme activity. The LH-induced inhibition of the aromatase activity was found to be of a non-competitive type. It is proposed that two enzyme systems are inhibited as a result of the LH treatment: the C17,20-lyase and the C19 androgen aromatase, thereby leading to decreased concentrations of estrogens in the ovaries and blood.", "contents": "Inhibition of ovarian estradiol-17beta secretion by luteinizing hormone in prepubertal, pregnant mare serum-treated rats. Serum estradiol-17beta levels, elevated prior to the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, decline abruptly following the release of endogenous LH or the injection of exogenous LH. To investigate the mechanism of this decline, bovine LH (NIH-LH-B8) was administered to immature rats, in which follicular maturation and estrogen biosynthesis were induced by a non-ovulating dose of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMS). Serum and ovarian estradiol-17beta concentrations fell detectably by 4h, and reached levels around 20% of the controls by 8h after iv injection of 10 mug LH. Concomitant decreases occurred in ovarian androgen concentrations, following an initial rise, and in the in vitro ovarian testosterone aromatizing enzyme activity. The LH-induced inhibition of the aromatase activity was found to be of a non-competitive type. It is proposed that two enzyme systems are inhibited as a result of the LH treatment: the C17,20-lyase and the C19 androgen aromatase, thereby leading to decreased concentrations of estrogens in the ovaries and blood.", "PMID": 1001248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8647", "title": "Lack of somatotropin effect on glycosaminoglycan content of canine coronary arteries.", "content": "Eight beagles, 10 months of age, were surgically hypophysectomized and subsequently maintained without hormonal replacement therapy for 8 weeks. Four of the animals then received daily injections of bovine somatotropin (0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously for 3 weeks), while the remaining 4 were treated with saline. Six age-matched intact beagles served as normal controls. Following sacrifice, the aorta and both coronary arteries were dissected from each dog and analyzed for glycosaminoglycans (GAG, mucopolysaccharides). Four fractions were determined : hyaluronic acid (HA), heparan sulfate (HS), dermatan sulfate (DS), and the isomeric chondroitin sulfates (CS). In coronary arteries hypophysectomy had no effect on HA, but caused a significant reduction of HS, DS, and CS concentrations resulting in a marked lowering of the total GAG content. Treatment with somatotropin (GH) had no appreciable effect on any one of the four GAG constituents. The lack of sensitivity of coronary arteries to GH is contrary to the effectiveness of the hormone in raising sulfated GAG in aortas, which was previously demonstrated by us in hypophysectomized dogs and now confirmed again in the present series of experiments. The data support our hypothesis that there is a differential sensitivity to GH in the various parts of the vascular system.", "contents": "Lack of somatotropin effect on glycosaminoglycan content of canine coronary arteries. Eight beagles, 10 months of age, were surgically hypophysectomized and subsequently maintained without hormonal replacement therapy for 8 weeks. Four of the animals then received daily injections of bovine somatotropin (0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously for 3 weeks), while the remaining 4 were treated with saline. Six age-matched intact beagles served as normal controls. Following sacrifice, the aorta and both coronary arteries were dissected from each dog and analyzed for glycosaminoglycans (GAG, mucopolysaccharides). Four fractions were determined : hyaluronic acid (HA), heparan sulfate (HS), dermatan sulfate (DS), and the isomeric chondroitin sulfates (CS). In coronary arteries hypophysectomy had no effect on HA, but caused a significant reduction of HS, DS, and CS concentrations resulting in a marked lowering of the total GAG content. Treatment with somatotropin (GH) had no appreciable effect on any one of the four GAG constituents. The lack of sensitivity of coronary arteries to GH is contrary to the effectiveness of the hormone in raising sulfated GAG in aortas, which was previously demonstrated by us in hypophysectomized dogs and now confirmed again in the present series of experiments. The data support our hypothesis that there is a differential sensitivity to GH in the various parts of the vascular system.", "PMID": 1001249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8648", "title": "Stimulatory and inhibitory effects of estrogen on uterine DNA synthesis.", "content": "The induction of long-term responses in the uterus following estrogen treatment is discussed, with special reference to DNA synthesis. Immature female rats injected daily with estradiol-17beta or estriol (0.01 to 1 mug) or a combination of the two steroids for one, two or three consecutive days were sacrificed at intervals from 12 to 24 h after the last injection of vehicle or steroid. In vitro incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA [14C]leucine into protein, and oxidation of [14C)glucose to 14CO2 were determined. Nuclear-bound estradiol was determined by use of exchange assay or following incubation of intact uteri with 1 X 10(-8)M ([3H]estradiol for 1 h at 37 C. Injection of estriol only partially stimulated DNA synthesis by 18 to 24 h post-treatment. However, injection of estriol followed by injection of estradiol 6 h later resulted in increased DNA synthesis, suggesting that estrogen must be present for up to 6 h to induce subsequent DNA synthesis. Maximal DNA and protein synthesis and oxidation of glucose occurred at 24 h after injection of estradiol (0.1 or 1 mug) but was depressed to control levels by 24 h after the last of three daily injections. Daily injections of 0.01 mug of estradiol resulted in a similar pattern of DNA synthesis, although of lesser magnitude than that observed after injection of 0.1 or 1 mug of estradiol. However, if rats receiving daily injections of 0.01 mug estradiol were challenged with a higher dose of estradiol (1 mug), uterine DNA synthesis was markedly increased. The data suggest that prolonged exposure to estrogen causes uterine cells to become metabolically \"refractory\" to further estrogen stimulation. Sequential injections of estriol (1 mug) or intermittent injections of estradiol (1 mug) were ineffective in causing this uterine \"refractoriness\". Receptor binding of estrogen, translocation to the nucleus, and retention of receptor in the nucleus were not affected by sequential estrogen treatment. The accumulation of an inhibitory product is suggested as a possible explanation for this phenomenon.", "contents": "Stimulatory and inhibitory effects of estrogen on uterine DNA synthesis. The induction of long-term responses in the uterus following estrogen treatment is discussed, with special reference to DNA synthesis. Immature female rats injected daily with estradiol-17beta or estriol (0.01 to 1 mug) or a combination of the two steroids for one, two or three consecutive days were sacrificed at intervals from 12 to 24 h after the last injection of vehicle or steroid. In vitro incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA [14C]leucine into protein, and oxidation of [14C)glucose to 14CO2 were determined. Nuclear-bound estradiol was determined by use of exchange assay or following incubation of intact uteri with 1 X 10(-8)M ([3H]estradiol for 1 h at 37 C. Injection of estriol only partially stimulated DNA synthesis by 18 to 24 h post-treatment. However, injection of estriol followed by injection of estradiol 6 h later resulted in increased DNA synthesis, suggesting that estrogen must be present for up to 6 h to induce subsequent DNA synthesis. Maximal DNA and protein synthesis and oxidation of glucose occurred at 24 h after injection of estradiol (0.1 or 1 mug) but was depressed to control levels by 24 h after the last of three daily injections. Daily injections of 0.01 mug of estradiol resulted in a similar pattern of DNA synthesis, although of lesser magnitude than that observed after injection of 0.1 or 1 mug of estradiol. However, if rats receiving daily injections of 0.01 mug estradiol were challenged with a higher dose of estradiol (1 mug), uterine DNA synthesis was markedly increased. The data suggest that prolonged exposure to estrogen causes uterine cells to become metabolically \"refractory\" to further estrogen stimulation. Sequential injections of estriol (1 mug) or intermittent injections of estradiol (1 mug) were ineffective in causing this uterine \"refractoriness\". Receptor binding of estrogen, translocation to the nucleus, and retention of receptor in the nucleus were not affected by sequential estrogen treatment. The accumulation of an inhibitory product is suggested as a possible explanation for this phenomenon.", "PMID": 1001250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8649", "title": "Hormonal regulation of fetal brain cell proliferation: presence in serum of a trophin responsive to pituitary growth hormone stimulation.", "content": "Previous studies led us to hypothesize that brain growth was regulated by a growth hormone-dependent brain trophin. An in vitro bioassay system to assess this proposal was developed. Serum was shown to stimulate the uptake of tritiated thymidine into fetal brain cell DNA. This action could not be attributed to any nutrient contribution but was due to a non-dialyzable, heat-stable serum growth factor. The levels of the growth factor in serum were reduced after pituitary removal. When added in physiological concentration, growth hormone, prolactin, placental lactogen, insulin, nerve growth factor, thyroid and steroid hormones failed to stimulate the action of serum or to act synergistically with a serum component to stimulate DNA synthesis. Thyroxine, estradiol-17beta, and corticosterone inhibited serum activity. Administration of growth hormone to hypophysectomized rats restored serum levels to normal demonstrating that the serum growth factors was a mediating trophin responsive to pituitary growth hormone stimulation. The relationship of the brain trophin to other serum growth factors and its specificity of action remain to be defined. The present findings were in accordance with in vivo studies of hormonal influence on brain growth and support the proposal that fetal brain cell proliferation is stimulated by a serum trophin responsive to pituitary growth hormone.", "contents": "Hormonal regulation of fetal brain cell proliferation: presence in serum of a trophin responsive to pituitary growth hormone stimulation. Previous studies led us to hypothesize that brain growth was regulated by a growth hormone-dependent brain trophin. An in vitro bioassay system to assess this proposal was developed. Serum was shown to stimulate the uptake of tritiated thymidine into fetal brain cell DNA. This action could not be attributed to any nutrient contribution but was due to a non-dialyzable, heat-stable serum growth factor. The levels of the growth factor in serum were reduced after pituitary removal. When added in physiological concentration, growth hormone, prolactin, placental lactogen, insulin, nerve growth factor, thyroid and steroid hormones failed to stimulate the action of serum or to act synergistically with a serum component to stimulate DNA synthesis. Thyroxine, estradiol-17beta, and corticosterone inhibited serum activity. Administration of growth hormone to hypophysectomized rats restored serum levels to normal demonstrating that the serum growth factors was a mediating trophin responsive to pituitary growth hormone stimulation. The relationship of the brain trophin to other serum growth factors and its specificity of action remain to be defined. The present findings were in accordance with in vivo studies of hormonal influence on brain growth and support the proposal that fetal brain cell proliferation is stimulated by a serum trophin responsive to pituitary growth hormone.", "PMID": 1001251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8650", "title": "The excitation and inhibition of sexual receptivity in female hamsters by progesterone: time and dose relationships, neural localization and mechanisms of action.", "content": "Ovariectomized hamsters were administered estradiol benzoate (EB) and 44 h later, progesterone (P.) Lordosis behavior was induced. When an additional dose of P was given up to 24 h prior to or 24 h after the EB, EB-P facilitation of lordosis was inhibited. Additional hamsters were given varying doses of P (25-200 mu) following EB using both excitatory and inhibitory paradigms. Inhibition of EB-induced lordosis was effected with a lower dose of P than was the facilitation of EB induced lordosis by P. Hamsters were also given intracerebral implants of P using excitatory and inhibitory paradigms. No excitatory loci were found. Inhibition of EB-induced lordosis was effected by implants in the posterior hypothalamus and anterior mesencephalon, but not by diencephalic implants. Other hamsters were administered tritiated estradiol (E2) plus P prior to, concurrent with, or shortly after the E2. P had no effect upon the accumulation of E2 by any brain sites, although E2 was found to concentrate to a greater degree in the diencephalon than in the mesencephalon or cortex. The estrogen-induced depletion and replenishment of hypothalamic cytosol estrogen receptors was also studied. Concurrent P treatment had no effect upon the receptor depletion-replenishment process. It was concluded that P can both facilitate and inhibit estrogen-induced lordosis and that the inhibitory effects of P are not upon estrogen-sensitive cells in the brain.", "contents": "The excitation and inhibition of sexual receptivity in female hamsters by progesterone: time and dose relationships, neural localization and mechanisms of action. Ovariectomized hamsters were administered estradiol benzoate (EB) and 44 h later, progesterone (P.) Lordosis behavior was induced. When an additional dose of P was given up to 24 h prior to or 24 h after the EB, EB-P facilitation of lordosis was inhibited. Additional hamsters were given varying doses of P (25-200 mu) following EB using both excitatory and inhibitory paradigms. Inhibition of EB-induced lordosis was effected with a lower dose of P than was the facilitation of EB induced lordosis by P. Hamsters were also given intracerebral implants of P using excitatory and inhibitory paradigms. No excitatory loci were found. Inhibition of EB-induced lordosis was effected by implants in the posterior hypothalamus and anterior mesencephalon, but not by diencephalic implants. Other hamsters were administered tritiated estradiol (E2) plus P prior to, concurrent with, or shortly after the E2. P had no effect upon the accumulation of E2 by any brain sites, although E2 was found to concentrate to a greater degree in the diencephalon than in the mesencephalon or cortex. The estrogen-induced depletion and replenishment of hypothalamic cytosol estrogen receptors was also studied. Concurrent P treatment had no effect upon the receptor depletion-replenishment process. It was concluded that P can both facilitate and inhibit estrogen-induced lordosis and that the inhibitory effects of P are not upon estrogen-sensitive cells in the brain.", "PMID": 1001252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8651", "title": "Regulation of serum gonadotropins by photoperiod and testicular hormone in the Syrian hamster.", "content": "Male hamsters were maintained on long (14L:10D) or short (10L:14D) photoperiods. The serum concentrations of LH and FSH were reduced in the animals kept on the short photoperiod, and these animals had atrophied testes and sex accessories. Serum gonadotropin concentrations increased following castration in both long and short photoperiods, but gonadotropin secretion was inhibited by much smaller doses of testosterone in the males maintained on the short photoperiod as compared to males kept on a long photoperiod. The levels of testosterone required to suppress serum gonadotropin levels in castrated animals corresponded reasonably well with the serum androgen levels observed in intact males, suggesting that serum androgen is a major regulator of gonadotropin secretion in the male hamster.", "contents": "Regulation of serum gonadotropins by photoperiod and testicular hormone in the Syrian hamster. Male hamsters were maintained on long (14L:10D) or short (10L:14D) photoperiods. The serum concentrations of LH and FSH were reduced in the animals kept on the short photoperiod, and these animals had atrophied testes and sex accessories. Serum gonadotropin concentrations increased following castration in both long and short photoperiods, but gonadotropin secretion was inhibited by much smaller doses of testosterone in the males maintained on the short photoperiod as compared to males kept on a long photoperiod. The levels of testosterone required to suppress serum gonadotropin levels in castrated animals corresponded reasonably well with the serum androgen levels observed in intact males, suggesting that serum androgen is a major regulator of gonadotropin secretion in the male hamster.", "PMID": 1001253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8652", "title": "The content of a specific cell product in the vaginal epithelium of normal and neonatally estrogenized mice: its dependence on an estradiol-prolactin interaction.", "content": "The amount of an immunological marker (CVA) in mucified cells of the mouse vaginal epithelium was quantified by a mixed hemagglutination technique for tissue sections. Immature mice, adult mice which had been estrogenized neonatally (5 mug diethylstilbestrol daily for the first five days after birth), and adult non-estrogenized mice were studied. All adult animals were castrated 7-10 days before starting the experiments. Injections of 5 mug estradiol-17beta (48 and 24 h before killing the animals) increased the amount of CVA in all three groups of animals, but most markedly in the neonatally estrogenized mice. The amount of CVA found following estradiol treatment was decreased in adult animals injected with the ergot alkaloid CB154 (0.5 mg twice daily for 6 days) in addition to the hormone. This partial block of the estradiol-induced CVA response by CB154 was relieved by exogenous rat prolactin. The CVA content in immature animals was not influenced by CB154, given alone or together with estradiol. Combined treatment with estradiol and rat prolactin (3 mug every 8 h for 6 days) increased more efficiently than estradiol alone the amount of CVA in immature and adult nonestrogenized animals. Prolactin injected alone had no effect on the CVA content. These data strongly suggest a synergistic action of estradiol and prolactin in augmenting the epithelial CVA content. Explants of the vaginal wall from normal and neonatally estrogenized mice were grafted into the thigh muscles of newborn mice, every host carrying one graft from both types of animals. The CVA content in the epithelium of the two grafts increased to the same level in response to estradiol. When the hosts were injected with estradiol and prolactin, the CVA content was higher in grafts from estrogenized donors than in those from nonestrogenized animals. Our results demonstrate that the mucified vaginal cells in adult, neonatally estrogenized mice have a content of CVA which is higher than in nonestrogenized animals. This difference may be ascribed to hormonal factors (estradiol-prolactin) as well as to persistent effects in the vaginal cells as a result of the neonatal estrogen treatment.", "contents": "The content of a specific cell product in the vaginal epithelium of normal and neonatally estrogenized mice: its dependence on an estradiol-prolactin interaction. The amount of an immunological marker (CVA) in mucified cells of the mouse vaginal epithelium was quantified by a mixed hemagglutination technique for tissue sections. Immature mice, adult mice which had been estrogenized neonatally (5 mug diethylstilbestrol daily for the first five days after birth), and adult non-estrogenized mice were studied. All adult animals were castrated 7-10 days before starting the experiments. Injections of 5 mug estradiol-17beta (48 and 24 h before killing the animals) increased the amount of CVA in all three groups of animals, but most markedly in the neonatally estrogenized mice. The amount of CVA found following estradiol treatment was decreased in adult animals injected with the ergot alkaloid CB154 (0.5 mg twice daily for 6 days) in addition to the hormone. This partial block of the estradiol-induced CVA response by CB154 was relieved by exogenous rat prolactin. The CVA content in immature animals was not influenced by CB154, given alone or together with estradiol. Combined treatment with estradiol and rat prolactin (3 mug every 8 h for 6 days) increased more efficiently than estradiol alone the amount of CVA in immature and adult nonestrogenized animals. Prolactin injected alone had no effect on the CVA content. These data strongly suggest a synergistic action of estradiol and prolactin in augmenting the epithelial CVA content. Explants of the vaginal wall from normal and neonatally estrogenized mice were grafted into the thigh muscles of newborn mice, every host carrying one graft from both types of animals. The CVA content in the epithelium of the two grafts increased to the same level in response to estradiol. When the hosts were injected with estradiol and prolactin, the CVA content was higher in grafts from estrogenized donors than in those from nonestrogenized animals. Our results demonstrate that the mucified vaginal cells in adult, neonatally estrogenized mice have a content of CVA which is higher than in nonestrogenized animals. This difference may be ascribed to hormonal factors (estradiol-prolactin) as well as to persistent effects in the vaginal cells as a result of the neonatal estrogen treatment.", "PMID": 1001254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8653", "title": "Preparation of viable isolated bovine parathyroid cells.", "content": "A method is described for the preparation of isolated bovine parathyroid cells. Fresh, minced bovine parathyroid tissue is incubated with 2 mg/ml collagenase and 50 mug/ml DNAse for 1 h at 37 C with periodic pipetting. Parthyroid cells are separated from contaminating fat cells and red cells by low speed centrifugation. The resulting cell preparation is indistinguishable from parathyroid cells in intact bovine glands by light and electron microscopy. Hormone release is linear for at least 3 h at both high (2.0 mM) and low (0.5 mM) calcium concentrations and is inversely proportional to divalent cation concentration between 0.3 mM and 1.0 mM calcium as been observed previously both in vivo and in vitro. As in previous studies, hormone release is also stimulated up to 2-fold by 10(6) M (-)isoproterenol, an effect blocked by 10(-6)M (-)propranolol, suggesting a beta-adrenergic effect. Such a cell preparation should be useful for studying hormone binding and effects on cyclic nudleotides and cellular transport phenomena in both normal amd abnormal tissue.", "contents": "Preparation of viable isolated bovine parathyroid cells. A method is described for the preparation of isolated bovine parathyroid cells. Fresh, minced bovine parathyroid tissue is incubated with 2 mg/ml collagenase and 50 mug/ml DNAse for 1 h at 37 C with periodic pipetting. Parthyroid cells are separated from contaminating fat cells and red cells by low speed centrifugation. The resulting cell preparation is indistinguishable from parathyroid cells in intact bovine glands by light and electron microscopy. Hormone release is linear for at least 3 h at both high (2.0 mM) and low (0.5 mM) calcium concentrations and is inversely proportional to divalent cation concentration between 0.3 mM and 1.0 mM calcium as been observed previously both in vivo and in vitro. As in previous studies, hormone release is also stimulated up to 2-fold by 10(6) M (-)isoproterenol, an effect blocked by 10(-6)M (-)propranolol, suggesting a beta-adrenergic effect. Such a cell preparation should be useful for studying hormone binding and effects on cyclic nudleotides and cellular transport phenomena in both normal amd abnormal tissue.", "PMID": 1001255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8654", "title": "Circadian periodicity of epidermal growth factor and its abolition by superior cervical ganglionectomy.", "content": "The concentration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in mouse submaxillary gland displays a circadian variation, which can be phase-shifted by light-dark reversal, and which is abolished by superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCG). Such circadian variation persists in fasted animals. Peak concentrations occur during light hours, trough concentrations during dark, although peak concentrations in female animals occur 8 h in advance of the time when they are seen in male animals. The nocturnal fall can be reversed by a one hour exposure to light presented during the normal dark period. SCG does not abolish the increase in submaxillary gland EGF concentrations to levels characteristic of the normal male that is seen following testosterone administration to female mice (who normally exhibit much lower EGF concentrations). Plasma EGF concentrations do not exhibit a ciradian variation.", "contents": "Circadian periodicity of epidermal growth factor and its abolition by superior cervical ganglionectomy. The concentration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in mouse submaxillary gland displays a circadian variation, which can be phase-shifted by light-dark reversal, and which is abolished by superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCG). Such circadian variation persists in fasted animals. Peak concentrations occur during light hours, trough concentrations during dark, although peak concentrations in female animals occur 8 h in advance of the time when they are seen in male animals. The nocturnal fall can be reversed by a one hour exposure to light presented during the normal dark period. SCG does not abolish the increase in submaxillary gland EGF concentrations to levels characteristic of the normal male that is seen following testosterone administration to female mice (who normally exhibit much lower EGF concentrations). Plasma EGF concentrations do not exhibit a ciradian variation.", "PMID": 1001256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8655", "title": "Strain-dependent gonadal effects upon adrenal cholesterol ester concentration and composition in C57BL/10J and DBA/2J mice.", "content": "The effects of gonadectomy and sex hormone administration on the concentrations of the individual cholesterol esters in the adrenals of C57BL/10J and DBA/2J mice are described. The methyl esters of the fatty acids derived from the cholesterol ester fraction have been analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. In both strains the females have a higher total adrenal cholesterol ester concentration than the males. However, different gonadal effects operate in the two strains. In the C57 strain the presence of the ovary or the administration of estradiol benzoate to the ovariectomized female increases the concentrations of all adrenal cholesterol esters. This effect does not occur in the DBA strain. In the DBA strain the presence of the testes or the administration of testosterone propionate to the castrate male lowers the concentration of all adrenal cholesterol esters. This effect does not occur in the C57 strain. The response to testosterone propionate in the castrate male of the DBA strain is significantly greater than that of ovariectomized female. This finding suggests that sexual differentiation influences the magnitude of the response. In both strains cholesteryl adrenate (C22:4) shows these gonadal effects to a greater degree than the other adrenal cholesterol esters. Thus, there are at least two types of gonadal control of adrenal cholesterol esters. One of these affects all the esters in general while the other affects adrenic acid metabolism specifically.", "contents": "Strain-dependent gonadal effects upon adrenal cholesterol ester concentration and composition in C57BL/10J and DBA/2J mice. The effects of gonadectomy and sex hormone administration on the concentrations of the individual cholesterol esters in the adrenals of C57BL/10J and DBA/2J mice are described. The methyl esters of the fatty acids derived from the cholesterol ester fraction have been analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. In both strains the females have a higher total adrenal cholesterol ester concentration than the males. However, different gonadal effects operate in the two strains. In the C57 strain the presence of the ovary or the administration of estradiol benzoate to the ovariectomized female increases the concentrations of all adrenal cholesterol esters. This effect does not occur in the DBA strain. In the DBA strain the presence of the testes or the administration of testosterone propionate to the castrate male lowers the concentration of all adrenal cholesterol esters. This effect does not occur in the C57 strain. The response to testosterone propionate in the castrate male of the DBA strain is significantly greater than that of ovariectomized female. This finding suggests that sexual differentiation influences the magnitude of the response. In both strains cholesteryl adrenate (C22:4) shows these gonadal effects to a greater degree than the other adrenal cholesterol esters. Thus, there are at least two types of gonadal control of adrenal cholesterol esters. One of these affects all the esters in general while the other affects adrenic acid metabolism specifically.", "PMID": 1001257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8656", "title": "Metabolism of radioiodinated bovine parathyroid hormone in the rat.", "content": "Metabolism of bovine 125I-labeled parathyroid hormone was studied in the rat by gel filtration and by sequence analysis of the iodinated fragments. Analysis of the kinetics of hormone metabolism shows that iodinated intact hormone has a multiexponential disappearance curve with a rapid (3 min) initial and a slower (48 min) second component. Iodinated fragments, which rapidly increase during the first 12 min after injection of the intact hormone, subsequently disappear from the circulation with a t1/2 of no greater than 48 min. Plasma samples collected at various time-intervals after intravenous injection of bovine 125I-labeled parathyroid hormone were gel filtered on Bio-gel P-100. Four radioactive peaks were seen. The first and second peaks eluted, respectively, at the void volume of the column and at the position of intact hormone. The third peak consisted of iodinated fragments, and the last peak eluted at the salt volume of the column. Sequence analysis of the iodinated fragments in the third peak showed that it was heterogeneous, containing several different, but closely related, polypeptides. Before 48 min after injection, the most-abundant fragment is one whose amino-terminal amino acid is residue 34. The amino-terminal residue of the next most-common fragment is the amino acid at position 37. No fragments representing cleavages closer to the amino-terminus than residue 34 were seen. The results of these studies are virtually identical with those previously obtained in the dog. The similarities found in the sites of hormone proteolysis and in the kinetics of hormone metabolism in the rat and dog, coupled with the less direct evidence indicating that similar cleavages are also present in man and bovine, are consistent with the view that proteolysis of parathyroid hormone is peripheral tissues is specific, at least in mammalian species, and may be a critical step in controlling the availability of biologically active hormone.", "contents": "Metabolism of radioiodinated bovine parathyroid hormone in the rat. Metabolism of bovine 125I-labeled parathyroid hormone was studied in the rat by gel filtration and by sequence analysis of the iodinated fragments. Analysis of the kinetics of hormone metabolism shows that iodinated intact hormone has a multiexponential disappearance curve with a rapid (3 min) initial and a slower (48 min) second component. Iodinated fragments, which rapidly increase during the first 12 min after injection of the intact hormone, subsequently disappear from the circulation with a t1/2 of no greater than 48 min. Plasma samples collected at various time-intervals after intravenous injection of bovine 125I-labeled parathyroid hormone were gel filtered on Bio-gel P-100. Four radioactive peaks were seen. The first and second peaks eluted, respectively, at the void volume of the column and at the position of intact hormone. The third peak consisted of iodinated fragments, and the last peak eluted at the salt volume of the column. Sequence analysis of the iodinated fragments in the third peak showed that it was heterogeneous, containing several different, but closely related, polypeptides. Before 48 min after injection, the most-abundant fragment is one whose amino-terminal amino acid is residue 34. The amino-terminal residue of the next most-common fragment is the amino acid at position 37. No fragments representing cleavages closer to the amino-terminus than residue 34 were seen. The results of these studies are virtually identical with those previously obtained in the dog. The similarities found in the sites of hormone proteolysis and in the kinetics of hormone metabolism in the rat and dog, coupled with the less direct evidence indicating that similar cleavages are also present in man and bovine, are consistent with the view that proteolysis of parathyroid hormone is peripheral tissues is specific, at least in mammalian species, and may be a critical step in controlling the availability of biologically active hormone.", "PMID": 1001258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8657", "title": "Evidence for the presence of glucagon-like immunoreactivity (GLI) in the pancreas.", "content": "Glucagon-like immunoreactivity (GLI), which can be separated from glucagon by isoelectric focusing, has been detected in partially purified canine pancreatic extracts. Like gastrointestinal GLI, this insular GLI reacts with crossreacting antiserum 78J but not with glucagon \"specific\" antiserum 30K and has an isoelectric point (pl) of 9.5, whereas canine pancreatic glucagon has a pl of 6.25. When combined with glucagon, the GLI-glucagon mixture gives 48J assay values between GLI and this crossreacting antiglucagon serum and thus conceals it in glucagon-containing extracts.", "contents": "Evidence for the presence of glucagon-like immunoreactivity (GLI) in the pancreas. Glucagon-like immunoreactivity (GLI), which can be separated from glucagon by isoelectric focusing, has been detected in partially purified canine pancreatic extracts. Like gastrointestinal GLI, this insular GLI reacts with crossreacting antiserum 78J but not with glucagon \"specific\" antiserum 30K and has an isoelectric point (pl) of 9.5, whereas canine pancreatic glucagon has a pl of 6.25. When combined with glucagon, the GLI-glucagon mixture gives 48J assay values between GLI and this crossreacting antiglucagon serum and thus conceals it in glucagon-containing extracts.", "PMID": 1001259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8658", "title": "Neural mediation of compensatory adrenal growth.", "content": "Spinal cord hemisection between T2 and T3 inhibits compensatory adrenal growth when the contralateral but not the ipsilateral adrenal is removed (p less than 0.01). Pretreatment of left adrenals with 1 or 2% lidocaine, but not with saline, before removal inhibits compensatory right adrenal growth that is normally observed at 12 h (p less than 0.01). These results provide further functional evidence that both afferent and efferent neural elements mediate adrenal growth after unilateral adrenalectomy.", "contents": "Neural mediation of compensatory adrenal growth. Spinal cord hemisection between T2 and T3 inhibits compensatory adrenal growth when the contralateral but not the ipsilateral adrenal is removed (p less than 0.01). Pretreatment of left adrenals with 1 or 2% lidocaine, but not with saline, before removal inhibits compensatory right adrenal growth that is normally observed at 12 h (p less than 0.01). These results provide further functional evidence that both afferent and efferent neural elements mediate adrenal growth after unilateral adrenalectomy.", "PMID": 1001260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8659", "title": "Porcine gastric insulin.", "content": "We recently found that plasma from pancreatectomized pigs contained concentrations of insulin of 5-10 muU/ml up to five days after pancreatectomy. In search of an extrapancreatic source of insulin, acid-ethanol extracts of porcine stomach and small bowel mucosa were investigated for the presence of insulin. The extracts of the stomach contained large amounts of insulin immunoreactivity while insulin was not detectable in extracts of the small bowel. Upon gel filtration, immunoreactive insulin eluted from the gastric mucosa in a major peak corresponding to the elution volume of an insulin standard and a minor peak corresponding to the elution volume of a proinsulin standard.", "contents": "Porcine gastric insulin. We recently found that plasma from pancreatectomized pigs contained concentrations of insulin of 5-10 muU/ml up to five days after pancreatectomy. In search of an extrapancreatic source of insulin, acid-ethanol extracts of porcine stomach and small bowel mucosa were investigated for the presence of insulin. The extracts of the stomach contained large amounts of insulin immunoreactivity while insulin was not detectable in extracts of the small bowel. Upon gel filtration, immunoreactive insulin eluted from the gastric mucosa in a major peak corresponding to the elution volume of an insulin standard and a minor peak corresponding to the elution volume of a proinsulin standard.", "PMID": 1001261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8660", "title": "[Long-term diabetes--a special form of diabetes].", "content": "Two hundred and eight long-term diabetics from the diabetic population of one district were examined thoroughly by physicians of the several special branches and compared with a control group consisting of biostatic twins with a healthy metabolism. Case control was performed for 5 years. The frequent absence of pathological findings in the coronary, peripheric and cerebral regions as well as a significantly high percentage of standard weight and underweight were found to be characteristic signs in that patients who survived their diabetes for several tens of years. Five years after the first registration, 68 long-term diabetics and 23 subjects of the control group had been died. However, the excess mortality does not surpass the mortality of subjects diseased for a short period. Besides the age and the duration of the manifestation, the survival rate was found to be dependent on the degree of the micro- and macroangiopathies, hypertension and over-weight. On the other hand, the duration of the diabetes and the metabolic condition did not exert any perceptible influence.", "contents": "[Long-term diabetes--a special form of diabetes]. Two hundred and eight long-term diabetics from the diabetic population of one district were examined thoroughly by physicians of the several special branches and compared with a control group consisting of biostatic twins with a healthy metabolism. Case control was performed for 5 years. The frequent absence of pathological findings in the coronary, peripheric and cerebral regions as well as a significantly high percentage of standard weight and underweight were found to be characteristic signs in that patients who survived their diabetes for several tens of years. Five years after the first registration, 68 long-term diabetics and 23 subjects of the control group had been died. However, the excess mortality does not surpass the mortality of subjects diseased for a short period. Besides the age and the duration of the manifestation, the survival rate was found to be dependent on the degree of the micro- and macroangiopathies, hypertension and over-weight. On the other hand, the duration of the diabetes and the metabolic condition did not exert any perceptible influence.", "PMID": 1001262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8661", "title": "Further evidence for a predominantly maternal transmission of maturity-onset type diabetes.", "content": "A significantly increased maternal diabetes transmission was observed in young diabetics with maturity-onset type diabetes as compared to those with classical juvenile-onset type diabetes (P less than 0.001). With respect to paternal diabetes transmission, on the other hand, there was not found a similar difference between both types of diabetes mellitus.", "contents": "Further evidence for a predominantly maternal transmission of maturity-onset type diabetes. A significantly increased maternal diabetes transmission was observed in young diabetics with maturity-onset type diabetes as compared to those with classical juvenile-onset type diabetes (P less than 0.001). With respect to paternal diabetes transmission, on the other hand, there was not found a similar difference between both types of diabetes mellitus.", "PMID": 1001263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8662", "title": "Epididymal response to exogenous testosterone in rats sterilized neonatally by estrogen.", "content": "Male rats treated with estradiol dipropionate (250 mug) by subcutaneous injection on Day 5 of postnatal life failed to show maturation changes in the testis and epididymis at puberty. Histological examination at 60 days revealed inhibition of spermatogenesis at primary spermatocyte stage and atrophic Leydig cells. Epididymis presented infantile features and there was a marked reduction in the secretory activity as revealed by lowered concentration of sialic acid and glycerylphosphorylcholine. Testosterone therapy (1 mg/day) for a period 45 days prior to autopsy at 60 days failed to induce completion of spermatogenesis but restored the structural and functional integrity of the epididymis.", "contents": "Epididymal response to exogenous testosterone in rats sterilized neonatally by estrogen. Male rats treated with estradiol dipropionate (250 mug) by subcutaneous injection on Day 5 of postnatal life failed to show maturation changes in the testis and epididymis at puberty. Histological examination at 60 days revealed inhibition of spermatogenesis at primary spermatocyte stage and atrophic Leydig cells. Epididymis presented infantile features and there was a marked reduction in the secretory activity as revealed by lowered concentration of sialic acid and glycerylphosphorylcholine. Testosterone therapy (1 mg/day) for a period 45 days prior to autopsy at 60 days failed to induce completion of spermatogenesis but restored the structural and functional integrity of the epididymis.", "PMID": 1001264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8663", "title": "FSH and testosterone levels in the plasma of juvenile male rats after application of ovine FSH, HCG and PMS at different ages.", "content": "Male rats of the Wistar/Han strain are treated with ovine FSH, hCG or PMS in various doses for twelve days, beginning on the 1st, 12th, 24th or 36th day of life each. The determination of FSH in plasma by radioimmunoassay at the end of the treatment shows that all exogenous gonadotropins depress the FSH levels to immeasurable values. Plasma testosterone increases after application of hCG and PMS, not ovine FSH. To explain these findings a hypothalamic inhibition of the FSH release by a \"short feedback\" mechanism is discussed.", "contents": "FSH and testosterone levels in the plasma of juvenile male rats after application of ovine FSH, HCG and PMS at different ages. Male rats of the Wistar/Han strain are treated with ovine FSH, hCG or PMS in various doses for twelve days, beginning on the 1st, 12th, 24th or 36th day of life each. The determination of FSH in plasma by radioimmunoassay at the end of the treatment shows that all exogenous gonadotropins depress the FSH levels to immeasurable values. Plasma testosterone increases after application of hCG and PMS, not ovine FSH. To explain these findings a hypothalamic inhibition of the FSH release by a \"short feedback\" mechanism is discussed.", "PMID": 1001265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8664", "title": "Effect of prolactin administration on ovarian and thyroidal activity in relation to gonadotropic and thyrotropic potency in a freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).", "content": "Radiophosphorus incorporation by ovary was the criterion used for the assessment of ovarian activity in H. fossilis. Prolactin administration at different dose levels failed to elicit any obvious change in ovarian 32P uptake. From the findings of this experiment it appears that prolactin has no influence on ovarian activity. However, it exerted an inhibitory effect on the thyroid activity in intact H. fossilis. It was evident by retarded thyroidal 131I uptake. But the declension in serum PB131I was less pronounced. TSH content of the pituitary gland in response to prolactin administration was also reduced. It seems that prolactin interferes in thyroidal iodine accumulation perhaps by retarding the synthesis of TSH, but apparently does not prevent thyroxine output to a perceptible level.", "contents": "Effect of prolactin administration on ovarian and thyroidal activity in relation to gonadotropic and thyrotropic potency in a freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Radiophosphorus incorporation by ovary was the criterion used for the assessment of ovarian activity in H. fossilis. Prolactin administration at different dose levels failed to elicit any obvious change in ovarian 32P uptake. From the findings of this experiment it appears that prolactin has no influence on ovarian activity. However, it exerted an inhibitory effect on the thyroid activity in intact H. fossilis. It was evident by retarded thyroidal 131I uptake. But the declension in serum PB131I was less pronounced. TSH content of the pituitary gland in response to prolactin administration was also reduced. It seems that prolactin interferes in thyroidal iodine accumulation perhaps by retarding the synthesis of TSH, but apparently does not prevent thyroxine output to a perceptible level.", "PMID": 1001266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8665", "title": "Antiandrogenic and antirenotropic effect of spironolactone.", "content": "Spironolactone given to male mice in dose 1.5 mg for 21 days produced significant changes not only in the highly androgen dependent seminal vesicles but also in the kidneys. Spironolactone blocked the action of endogenous testosterone in intact mice and led to further significant decrease in seminal vesicles and kidney weight in castrated mice. Such an effect could be due to a blocking of androgenic action of adrenal steroids.", "contents": "Antiandrogenic and antirenotropic effect of spironolactone. Spironolactone given to male mice in dose 1.5 mg for 21 days produced significant changes not only in the highly androgen dependent seminal vesicles but also in the kidneys. Spironolactone blocked the action of endogenous testosterone in intact mice and led to further significant decrease in seminal vesicles and kidney weight in castrated mice. Such an effect could be due to a blocking of androgenic action of adrenal steroids.", "PMID": 1001267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8666", "title": "Changes in hypothalamic serotonin concentration following manipulations on the gonadotrophic gonadal axis of the constant estrous anovulatory (CEA) rat.", "content": "The effect of pinealectomy or of injection of luteinizing hormone (LH) containing pituitary extract on the serotonin concentration of the hypothalamus was comparatively investigated in female rats with three different types of constant estrous anovulatory (CEA) syndrome. CEA syndrome was provoked by frontal hypothalamic deafferentation (FHD), by neonatal androgen treatment (NA) and by exposure of continuous illumination (light induced constant estrous; LCE syndrome). Pinealectomy caused an increase in hypothalamic serotonin concentration in the FHD rat, but failed to increase it in the NA and LCE group. The injection of crude anterior pituitary extract, however, provoked significant elevation of the hypothalamic serotonin concentration equally in all three types of CEA syndrome. Ovariectomy in itself failed to cause any significant change in the serotonin level of the brain. However, pinealectomy or the injection of LH containing pituitary extract proved to be effective also in the ovariectomized CEA animals. It is concluded that the increase in the brain-serotonin concentration of CEA rats, observed after pinealectomy or after injection of LH containing crude pituitary estract, is running through a hypothalamo-pituitary mechanism rather than through the hormone secreting activity of the ovaries.", "contents": "Changes in hypothalamic serotonin concentration following manipulations on the gonadotrophic gonadal axis of the constant estrous anovulatory (CEA) rat. The effect of pinealectomy or of injection of luteinizing hormone (LH) containing pituitary extract on the serotonin concentration of the hypothalamus was comparatively investigated in female rats with three different types of constant estrous anovulatory (CEA) syndrome. CEA syndrome was provoked by frontal hypothalamic deafferentation (FHD), by neonatal androgen treatment (NA) and by exposure of continuous illumination (light induced constant estrous; LCE syndrome). Pinealectomy caused an increase in hypothalamic serotonin concentration in the FHD rat, but failed to increase it in the NA and LCE group. The injection of crude anterior pituitary extract, however, provoked significant elevation of the hypothalamic serotonin concentration equally in all three types of CEA syndrome. Ovariectomy in itself failed to cause any significant change in the serotonin level of the brain. However, pinealectomy or the injection of LH containing pituitary extract proved to be effective also in the ovariectomized CEA animals. It is concluded that the increase in the brain-serotonin concentration of CEA rats, observed after pinealectomy or after injection of LH containing crude pituitary estract, is running through a hypothalamo-pituitary mechanism rather than through the hormone secreting activity of the ovaries.", "PMID": 1001268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8667", "title": "Radioimmunoassay of LH in blood plasma of farm animals.", "content": "A radioimmunoassay technique has been developed for measuring LH in blood plasma of cattle, sheep and pigs, by using an antiserum against bovine LH. Either ovine or bovine LH could be used for labelling and calibration curves in case of these two species, while porcine LH was to be taken in case of pigs. Working range of the calibration curve was 0.3 to 20 ng/ml. The between-assay error ranged from 17 to 7.5% between 1 to 5 ng/ml, the within-assay error from 10 to 4%, respectively. A system of quality control of the assay was developed, based on a series of pretested sera by using the chi-square function.", "contents": "Radioimmunoassay of LH in blood plasma of farm animals. A radioimmunoassay technique has been developed for measuring LH in blood plasma of cattle, sheep and pigs, by using an antiserum against bovine LH. Either ovine or bovine LH could be used for labelling and calibration curves in case of these two species, while porcine LH was to be taken in case of pigs. Working range of the calibration curve was 0.3 to 20 ng/ml. The between-assay error ranged from 17 to 7.5% between 1 to 5 ng/ml, the within-assay error from 10 to 4%, respectively. A system of quality control of the assay was developed, based on a series of pretested sera by using the chi-square function.", "PMID": 1001269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8668", "title": "Plasma corticosterone during postnatal ontogenesis in rats: comparison of protein-binding and fluorometric method.", "content": "Competitive protein-binding method was used for determination of plasma corticosterone levels in rat during postnatal ontogenesis until 600 days of age. The level of corticosterone was high after birth, decreased until 5th day of life and then again increased at the end of the second week. During adolescence, when the sexual differentiation begins the levels of plasma corticosterone in females become permanently higher than those of males. Moreover, the comparison of plasma corticosterone level as measured with the aid of competitive protein-binding method and fluorometric method was described in hypophysectomised, stressed and normal male rats. The correlation between both methods was satisfactory, but the results obtained with a competitive protein-binding method were, on an average, by 35% lower. The specificity, precision and recovery of competitive protein-binding assay were found to be satisfactory. This method was found to be of advantage for a determination of plasma corticosterone level in small laboratory animals because of a small volume of plasma necessary.", "contents": "Plasma corticosterone during postnatal ontogenesis in rats: comparison of protein-binding and fluorometric method. Competitive protein-binding method was used for determination of plasma corticosterone levels in rat during postnatal ontogenesis until 600 days of age. The level of corticosterone was high after birth, decreased until 5th day of life and then again increased at the end of the second week. During adolescence, when the sexual differentiation begins the levels of plasma corticosterone in females become permanently higher than those of males. Moreover, the comparison of plasma corticosterone level as measured with the aid of competitive protein-binding method and fluorometric method was described in hypophysectomised, stressed and normal male rats. The correlation between both methods was satisfactory, but the results obtained with a competitive protein-binding method were, on an average, by 35% lower. The specificity, precision and recovery of competitive protein-binding assay were found to be satisfactory. This method was found to be of advantage for a determination of plasma corticosterone level in small laboratory animals because of a small volume of plasma necessary.", "PMID": 1001270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8669", "title": "Histochemical studies on the effect of thyroid hormone on alkaline and acid phosphatase activities in liver of fish and amphibia.", "content": "The Lata fishes (Ophicephalus punctatus) showed increased alkaline and acid phosphatase activities in liver after immersion for 15-30 days in thyroxine-containing medium (0.025 mug/ml). A single injection of thyroxine (1-2 mug/g of body weight) caused increased acid phosphatase activity in liver of Lata fish in comparison to the controls on the 5th day after experiment but the alkaline phosphatase activity remained unchanged. Both alkaline and acid phosphatases showed increased activities in liver of Lata fishes treated with a single injection of 4 mug of thyroxine per g of body weight on the 5th day. Immersion of Lata fishes in thiourea solution (1 mg/ml) for 15 days did not show any alteration in alkaline or acid phosphatase activities but these enzyme activities decreased after 30 days' immersion in thiourea solution in comparison to the controls. A seasonal variation of alkaline and acid phosphatase activities was observed in liver of Lata fishes. More alkaline phosphatase activity was found in liver of summer fishes than in winter fishes. The winter fishes showed more acid phosphatase activity than the summer fishes. Three consecutive injections of thyroxine (0.1 mug/g of body weight) to toads (Bufo melanostictus) caused increased alkaline and acid phosphatase activities in liver on the 5th day of the experiment, in comparison to the controls.", "contents": "Histochemical studies on the effect of thyroid hormone on alkaline and acid phosphatase activities in liver of fish and amphibia. The Lata fishes (Ophicephalus punctatus) showed increased alkaline and acid phosphatase activities in liver after immersion for 15-30 days in thyroxine-containing medium (0.025 mug/ml). A single injection of thyroxine (1-2 mug/g of body weight) caused increased acid phosphatase activity in liver of Lata fish in comparison to the controls on the 5th day after experiment but the alkaline phosphatase activity remained unchanged. Both alkaline and acid phosphatases showed increased activities in liver of Lata fishes treated with a single injection of 4 mug of thyroxine per g of body weight on the 5th day. Immersion of Lata fishes in thiourea solution (1 mg/ml) for 15 days did not show any alteration in alkaline or acid phosphatase activities but these enzyme activities decreased after 30 days' immersion in thiourea solution in comparison to the controls. A seasonal variation of alkaline and acid phosphatase activities was observed in liver of Lata fishes. More alkaline phosphatase activity was found in liver of summer fishes than in winter fishes. The winter fishes showed more acid phosphatase activity than the summer fishes. Three consecutive injections of thyroxine (0.1 mug/g of body weight) to toads (Bufo melanostictus) caused increased alkaline and acid phosphatase activities in liver on the 5th day of the experiment, in comparison to the controls.", "PMID": 1001271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8670", "title": "Diabetogenic effect of triamcinolone in man with impaired thyroid function: serum free fatty acids, inorganic phosphorus, calcium and total protein pattern after an oral glucose load.", "content": "In a group of 35 subjects (12 hypothyroid, 11 euthyroid and 12 hyperthyroid) the changes of FFA, inorganic phosphorus, calcium and total proteins were investigated during glucose tolerance test with (TGTT) or without (OGTT) triamcinolone pretreatment. In hypothyroidism the decrease of FFA during TGTT was blunted, whereas the pattern of phosphatemia was unaltered and total proteins were increased. In euthyroidism triamcinolone exerts the opposite effect on the behaviour of FFA (decline was smaller and shorter) and phosphatemia (decline was pronounced and persists for longer period). In hyperthyroidism the fasting level of FFA decreased in TGTT but during the test no significant differences in FFA and phosphatemia patterns were observed. The calcemia was not influenced by triamcinolone in any subgroup. Our results suggest the importance of thyroid function as modifying factor in some metabolic effects of triamcinolone in man. Changes in hypothyroidism are in good agreement with changes of blood glucose and insulinemia, as described previously. Opposite effect of triamcinolone on FFA and phosphatemia pattern in euthyroidism may suggest the changes of sensitivity of some peripheral tissues to insulin action. The decline of fasting level of FFA after triamcinolone in hyperthyroidism is surprising and might be of importance in maintaining unaltered glucose tolerance after triamcinolone in this subgroup.", "contents": "Diabetogenic effect of triamcinolone in man with impaired thyroid function: serum free fatty acids, inorganic phosphorus, calcium and total protein pattern after an oral glucose load. In a group of 35 subjects (12 hypothyroid, 11 euthyroid and 12 hyperthyroid) the changes of FFA, inorganic phosphorus, calcium and total proteins were investigated during glucose tolerance test with (TGTT) or without (OGTT) triamcinolone pretreatment. In hypothyroidism the decrease of FFA during TGTT was blunted, whereas the pattern of phosphatemia was unaltered and total proteins were increased. In euthyroidism triamcinolone exerts the opposite effect on the behaviour of FFA (decline was smaller and shorter) and phosphatemia (decline was pronounced and persists for longer period). In hyperthyroidism the fasting level of FFA decreased in TGTT but during the test no significant differences in FFA and phosphatemia patterns were observed. The calcemia was not influenced by triamcinolone in any subgroup. Our results suggest the importance of thyroid function as modifying factor in some metabolic effects of triamcinolone in man. Changes in hypothyroidism are in good agreement with changes of blood glucose and insulinemia, as described previously. Opposite effect of triamcinolone on FFA and phosphatemia pattern in euthyroidism may suggest the changes of sensitivity of some peripheral tissues to insulin action. The decline of fasting level of FFA after triamcinolone in hyperthyroidism is surprising and might be of importance in maintaining unaltered glucose tolerance after triamcinolone in this subgroup.", "PMID": 1001272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8671", "title": "Computer interviewing of patients with epilepsy.", "content": "Epilepsy histories obtained by the computer interview were similar in substance and detail to histories recorded by house staff and attending physicians. In general, more information was obtained by the computer, and negative findings were consistently recorded by the computer. For potentially embarrassing questions, the computer may obtain more accurate information (Slack and Van Cura, 1968b). This might explain the contradictions concerning incontinence and medication. This preliminary study suggests that computer interviewing can provide a reliable method for obtaining epilepsy histories. The study also pointed out where changes in question wording and branching logic would improve the computer interview. These changes are being incorporated into the second version of the epilepsy interview. We hope computer-based interviewing will prove useful to patients and physicians in the diagnosis, treatment, and study of epilepsy.", "contents": "Computer interviewing of patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy histories obtained by the computer interview were similar in substance and detail to histories recorded by house staff and attending physicians. In general, more information was obtained by the computer, and negative findings were consistently recorded by the computer. For potentially embarrassing questions, the computer may obtain more accurate information (Slack and Van Cura, 1968b). This might explain the contradictions concerning incontinence and medication. This preliminary study suggests that computer interviewing can provide a reliable method for obtaining epilepsy histories. The study also pointed out where changes in question wording and branching logic would improve the computer interview. These changes are being incorporated into the second version of the epilepsy interview. We hope computer-based interviewing will prove useful to patients and physicians in the diagnosis, treatment, and study of epilepsy.", "PMID": 1001281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8672", "title": "Left and right temporal lobe epileptics: a controlled investigation of some psychological differences.", "content": "Twenty-two young adults with clinically and electroencephalographically diagnosed temporal lobe epilepsy were selected from an outpatient neurology source; 11 with focal epileptic activity in the right temporal lobe and 11 with left temporal lobe involvement were included. All patients had normal intelligence and comparable educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. Matched nonepileptic controls were also tested. Subjects were given psychological tests assessing differences in cognitive style and affect communication. Greater reliance on the ear ipsilateral to discharge focus in a dichotic listening paradigm was discovered, confirming appropriate lateralization assignment. Left lateralized patients exhibited a more reflective cognitive style than controls; right lateralized patients were more impulsive. Previously confirmed associations between impulsivity and externalized aggressive responses suggest the hypothesis that externalization of aggressive responses may occur more often among right lateralized patients. Left lateralized patients exhibited a more reflective cognitive style than controls; right lateralized patients were more impulsive. Previously confirmed associations between impulsivity and externalized aggressive responses suggest the hypothesis that externalization of aggressive responses may occur more often among right lateralized patients. Left lateralized patients made more atypical assignments of affect labels to emotionally evocative descriptions. Right laterlized patients tended to assign affect labels as controls. A greater potential for disturbance in the verbal communication of affect among left laterlized patients is suggested.", "contents": "Left and right temporal lobe epileptics: a controlled investigation of some psychological differences. Twenty-two young adults with clinically and electroencephalographically diagnosed temporal lobe epilepsy were selected from an outpatient neurology source; 11 with focal epileptic activity in the right temporal lobe and 11 with left temporal lobe involvement were included. All patients had normal intelligence and comparable educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. Matched nonepileptic controls were also tested. Subjects were given psychological tests assessing differences in cognitive style and affect communication. Greater reliance on the ear ipsilateral to discharge focus in a dichotic listening paradigm was discovered, confirming appropriate lateralization assignment. Left lateralized patients exhibited a more reflective cognitive style than controls; right lateralized patients were more impulsive. Previously confirmed associations between impulsivity and externalized aggressive responses suggest the hypothesis that externalization of aggressive responses may occur more often among right lateralized patients. Left lateralized patients exhibited a more reflective cognitive style than controls; right lateralized patients were more impulsive. Previously confirmed associations between impulsivity and externalized aggressive responses suggest the hypothesis that externalization of aggressive responses may occur more often among right lateralized patients. Left lateralized patients made more atypical assignments of affect labels to emotionally evocative descriptions. Right laterlized patients tended to assign affect labels as controls. A greater potential for disturbance in the verbal communication of affect among left laterlized patients is suggested.", "PMID": 1001282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8673", "title": "Seizure admissions to a city hospital: the role of alcohol.", "content": "Among 472 adult seizure admissions to a municipal hospital, 41% had a history of alcohol abuse. Those were predominantly men aged 40 to 50 years. The primary underlying conditions were the alcohol withdrawal state (59%) and posttraumatic seizures. The nonalcohol groups included men and women equally, commonly between 20 and 40 years old, and frequent causes were vascular disease and posttraumatic seizures. However, many patients (24% in the alcohol and 39% in the nonalcohol groups) had no demonstrable cause. Focal sizures comprised 24% of the alcohol and 20% of the nonalcohol groups. Nonalcoholic focal seizures had a tumor or vascular lesion in 47%; above age 50 the association was 60%. Alcohol-related focal seizures had such a lesion in 15%, and only 19% above age 50. Conditions associated with alcoholic focal seizures were alcohol withdrawal and posttrauma sequelae.", "contents": "Seizure admissions to a city hospital: the role of alcohol. Among 472 adult seizure admissions to a municipal hospital, 41% had a history of alcohol abuse. Those were predominantly men aged 40 to 50 years. The primary underlying conditions were the alcohol withdrawal state (59%) and posttraumatic seizures. The nonalcohol groups included men and women equally, commonly between 20 and 40 years old, and frequent causes were vascular disease and posttraumatic seizures. However, many patients (24% in the alcohol and 39% in the nonalcohol groups) had no demonstrable cause. Focal sizures comprised 24% of the alcohol and 20% of the nonalcohol groups. Nonalcoholic focal seizures had a tumor or vascular lesion in 47%; above age 50 the association was 60%. Alcohol-related focal seizures had such a lesion in 15%, and only 19% above age 50. Conditions associated with alcoholic focal seizures were alcohol withdrawal and posttrauma sequelae.", "PMID": 1001283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8674", "title": "Mephenytoin: a reappraisal.", "content": "Serum levels of mephenytoin (Mesantoin) and its metabolite nirvanol were correlated with effectiveness and side effects in 93 patients. Mean mephenytoin level was 8% of the combined mephenytoin plus nirvanol levels. \"Total mephenytoin\" level should be used clinically, as neither individual component is as well correlated with clinical phenomena. Serum levels of 25 to 40 mug/ml usually yield improvement in seizure control without discomfort, and three-quarters of patients had fewer seizures. Side effects frequently associated with phenytoin were absent, but drowsiness, an occasional rash, and a single, fatal case of aplastic anemia were found. Performance on psychological tests of cognitive-attentional skills showed a modest improvement during mephenytoin administration. The drug merits wider employment in refractory seizure problems, but vigilant follow-up is required.", "contents": "Mephenytoin: a reappraisal. Serum levels of mephenytoin (Mesantoin) and its metabolite nirvanol were correlated with effectiveness and side effects in 93 patients. Mean mephenytoin level was 8% of the combined mephenytoin plus nirvanol levels. \"Total mephenytoin\" level should be used clinically, as neither individual component is as well correlated with clinical phenomena. Serum levels of 25 to 40 mug/ml usually yield improvement in seizure control without discomfort, and three-quarters of patients had fewer seizures. Side effects frequently associated with phenytoin were absent, but drowsiness, an occasional rash, and a single, fatal case of aplastic anemia were found. Performance on psychological tests of cognitive-attentional skills showed a modest improvement during mephenytoin administration. The drug merits wider employment in refractory seizure problems, but vigilant follow-up is required.", "PMID": 1001284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8675", "title": "Interaction of epileptic activities of bilateral deep temporal origin. An experimental study.", "content": "The interaction of epileptic activities obtained with electrical or chemical (penicillin) stimulation of the amygdaloid nuclear complexes of the two sides was studied in acute experiments on the rabbit. Several findings indicate that reciprocal influences between the two epileptogenic amygdalae can occur. Inhibitory as well as facilitatory interactive phenomena were observed. The occurrence of interaction and its sign seem related to the level of epileptic activity.", "contents": "Interaction of epileptic activities of bilateral deep temporal origin. An experimental study. The interaction of epileptic activities obtained with electrical or chemical (penicillin) stimulation of the amygdaloid nuclear complexes of the two sides was studied in acute experiments on the rabbit. Several findings indicate that reciprocal influences between the two epileptogenic amygdalae can occur. Inhibitory as well as facilitatory interactive phenomena were observed. The occurrence of interaction and its sign seem related to the level of epileptic activity.", "PMID": 1001285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8676", "title": "Experimental bilateral deep temporal epilepsy. Effects of ablation of one focus and of different brain lesions.", "content": "In acute experiments in the rabbit, the amygdaloid nuclear complexes of the two sides were made epileptogenic through electrical stimulation or local injection of penicillin in gel. The effects on the epileptic pattern produced by surgical removal of one of the two epileptogenic amygdalae and the effects of sterotactic lesioning of the region of anterior commissure, head of caudate nucleus, and occipital cortex were analyzed. The occurrence of phenomena of both inhibitory and facilitatory interaction between the two epileptogenic amydalae was confirmed. In some experimental conditions, the restraining influence of an amygdaloid penicillin focus on the contralateral one was quite relevant, and its effect could persist even after surgical removal of the focus from which it originated. The mediation of the interamygdadoid epileptic interaction could not be ascribed to a single cerebral structure or anatomofunctionally homogenous group of structures. The phenomenon appears to involve several structures at different encephalic levels.", "contents": "Experimental bilateral deep temporal epilepsy. Effects of ablation of one focus and of different brain lesions. In acute experiments in the rabbit, the amygdaloid nuclear complexes of the two sides were made epileptogenic through electrical stimulation or local injection of penicillin in gel. The effects on the epileptic pattern produced by surgical removal of one of the two epileptogenic amygdalae and the effects of sterotactic lesioning of the region of anterior commissure, head of caudate nucleus, and occipital cortex were analyzed. The occurrence of phenomena of both inhibitory and facilitatory interaction between the two epileptogenic amydalae was confirmed. In some experimental conditions, the restraining influence of an amygdaloid penicillin focus on the contralateral one was quite relevant, and its effect could persist even after surgical removal of the focus from which it originated. The mediation of the interamygdadoid epileptic interaction could not be ascribed to a single cerebral structure or anatomofunctionally homogenous group of structures. The phenomenon appears to involve several structures at different encephalic levels.", "PMID": 1001286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8677", "title": "Acute renal failure caused by nephrotoxins.", "content": "Renal micropuncture studies have greatly changed our views on the pathophysiology of acute renal failure caused by nephrotoxins. Formerly, this type of renal insufficiency was attributed to a direct effect of the nephrotoxins on tubule epithelial permeability. According to that theory, glomerular filtration was not greatly diminished, the filtrate formed being absorbed almost quantitatively and nonselectively across damaged tubule epithelium. Studies in a wide variety of rat models have now shown glomerular filtration to be reduced to a level which will inevitably cause renal failure in and of itself. Passive backflow of filtrate across tubular epithelium is either of minor degree or nonexistent even in models where frank tubular necrosis has occurred. This failure of filtration cannot be attributed to tubular obstruction since proximal tubule pressure is distinctly subnormal in most models studied. Instead, filtration failure appears best attributed to intrarenal hemodynamic alterations. While certain facts tend to incriminate the renin-angiotensin system as the cause of the hemodynamic aberrations, others argue to the contrary. The issue is underactive investigation.", "contents": "Acute renal failure caused by nephrotoxins. Renal micropuncture studies have greatly changed our views on the pathophysiology of acute renal failure caused by nephrotoxins. Formerly, this type of renal insufficiency was attributed to a direct effect of the nephrotoxins on tubule epithelial permeability. According to that theory, glomerular filtration was not greatly diminished, the filtrate formed being absorbed almost quantitatively and nonselectively across damaged tubule epithelium. Studies in a wide variety of rat models have now shown glomerular filtration to be reduced to a level which will inevitably cause renal failure in and of itself. Passive backflow of filtrate across tubular epithelium is either of minor degree or nonexistent even in models where frank tubular necrosis has occurred. This failure of filtration cannot be attributed to tubular obstruction since proximal tubule pressure is distinctly subnormal in most models studied. Instead, filtration failure appears best attributed to intrarenal hemodynamic alterations. While certain facts tend to incriminate the renin-angiotensin system as the cause of the hemodynamic aberrations, others argue to the contrary. The issue is underactive investigation.", "PMID": 1001287} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8678", "title": "Methoxyflurane nephropathy.", "content": "Investigations of methoxyflurane-induced nephrotoxicity in man have been extensively aided by the use of an animal model. To be of value the animal model must share similar metabolic pathways with man and have the same clinical manifestations of the diseases process. The Fischer 344 rat appears to meet these criteria. The predominant factors in the production of methoxyflurane nephrotoxicity appear to be high methoxyflurane dosage and serum inorganic fluoride concentration. It is likely that secondary factors include: (1) a high rate of methoxyflurane metabolism and sepsitivity of the kidney to inorganic fluoride toxicity: (2) concurrent treatment with other nephrotoxic drugs; (3) preexisting renal disease; (4) surgery of the urogenital tract, aorta, or renal vasculative; (5) repeat administration of methoxyflurane due to accumulation of inorganic fluoride and, perhaps, methoxyflurane induction of its own metabolism: and (6) concurrent treatment with enzyme-inducing drugs such as phenobarbital.", "contents": "Methoxyflurane nephropathy. Investigations of methoxyflurane-induced nephrotoxicity in man have been extensively aided by the use of an animal model. To be of value the animal model must share similar metabolic pathways with man and have the same clinical manifestations of the diseases process. The Fischer 344 rat appears to meet these criteria. The predominant factors in the production of methoxyflurane nephrotoxicity appear to be high methoxyflurane dosage and serum inorganic fluoride concentration. It is likely that secondary factors include: (1) a high rate of methoxyflurane metabolism and sepsitivity of the kidney to inorganic fluoride toxicity: (2) concurrent treatment with other nephrotoxic drugs; (3) preexisting renal disease; (4) surgery of the urogenital tract, aorta, or renal vasculative; (5) repeat administration of methoxyflurane due to accumulation of inorganic fluoride and, perhaps, methoxyflurane induction of its own metabolism: and (6) concurrent treatment with enzyme-inducing drugs such as phenobarbital.", "PMID": 1001288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8679", "title": "Perinatal nephropathies.", "content": "The purpose of this paper is to review the development of the mammalian kidney and to assess the influence that various perinatal manipulations may have on the developmental process either morphologically or functionally. Immature kidneys in general have less functional capacity than adult kidneys and a low rate of glomerular filtration, perhaps related to renal blood flow, which appears to limit the disposition of a fluid or solute load. Tubular reabsorption is also limited leading to the urinary loss of glucose, amino acids, bicarbonate and phosphate. Although the relatively low function of the immature kidney is a normal part of development, its capacity to respond under conditions of stress may be less adequate than in adults. An additional concern is that a variety of perinatal manipulations, such as the incidental or accidental ingestion of a chemical, may lead to varying degrees of altered morphogenesis or functional development of the kidney. Chemical induced renal anomalies may be of several types, but in typical teratology experiments hydronephrosis may be the most frequent observation. The functional consequences of these renal malformations may be lethal or inconsequential or while an animal may be able to survive and develop normally in the presence of a renal malformation, it is possible that a stressful situation would unmask a functional malformation which could compromise survival. Thus, some renal abnormalities may be subtle enough to go unnoticed without experimental tests. Without such tests it is impossible to evaluate the effect of functional alterations on successful adaptation.", "contents": "Perinatal nephropathies. The purpose of this paper is to review the development of the mammalian kidney and to assess the influence that various perinatal manipulations may have on the developmental process either morphologically or functionally. Immature kidneys in general have less functional capacity than adult kidneys and a low rate of glomerular filtration, perhaps related to renal blood flow, which appears to limit the disposition of a fluid or solute load. Tubular reabsorption is also limited leading to the urinary loss of glucose, amino acids, bicarbonate and phosphate. Although the relatively low function of the immature kidney is a normal part of development, its capacity to respond under conditions of stress may be less adequate than in adults. An additional concern is that a variety of perinatal manipulations, such as the incidental or accidental ingestion of a chemical, may lead to varying degrees of altered morphogenesis or functional development of the kidney. Chemical induced renal anomalies may be of several types, but in typical teratology experiments hydronephrosis may be the most frequent observation. The functional consequences of these renal malformations may be lethal or inconsequential or while an animal may be able to survive and develop normally in the presence of a renal malformation, it is possible that a stressful situation would unmask a functional malformation which could compromise survival. Thus, some renal abnormalities may be subtle enough to go unnoticed without experimental tests. Without such tests it is impossible to evaluate the effect of functional alterations on successful adaptation.", "PMID": 1001289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8680", "title": "Structural and functional changes in acute liver injury.", "content": "Carbon tetrachloride produces liver cell injury in a variety of animal species. The first structurally recognizable changes occur in the endoplasmic reticulum, with alteration in ribosome-membrane interactions. Later there is an increase in intracellular fat, and the formation of tangled nets of the ergastoplasm. At no time are there changes in mitochondria or single membrane limited bodies in cells with intact plasmalemma, although a relative increase in cell sap may appear. In dead cells (those with plasmalemma discontinuties) crystalline deposits of calcium phosphatase may be noted. Functional changes are related to the endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane. An early decrease in protein synthesis takes place; an accumulation of neutral lipid is related to this change. Later alterations in the ergastoplasmic functions (e.g., mixed function oxidation) occurs. Carbon tetrachloride is not the active agent; rather, a product of its metabolism, probably the CC1, free radical, is. The mechanisms of injury include macromolecular adduction and peroxide propagation. A third possibility includes a cascade effect with the production of secondary and tertiary products, also toxic in nature, with the ability to produce more widespread damage to intracellular structures.", "contents": "Structural and functional changes in acute liver injury. Carbon tetrachloride produces liver cell injury in a variety of animal species. The first structurally recognizable changes occur in the endoplasmic reticulum, with alteration in ribosome-membrane interactions. Later there is an increase in intracellular fat, and the formation of tangled nets of the ergastoplasm. At no time are there changes in mitochondria or single membrane limited bodies in cells with intact plasmalemma, although a relative increase in cell sap may appear. In dead cells (those with plasmalemma discontinuties) crystalline deposits of calcium phosphatase may be noted. Functional changes are related to the endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane. An early decrease in protein synthesis takes place; an accumulation of neutral lipid is related to this change. Later alterations in the ergastoplasmic functions (e.g., mixed function oxidation) occurs. Carbon tetrachloride is not the active agent; rather, a product of its metabolism, probably the CC1, free radical, is. The mechanisms of injury include macromolecular adduction and peroxide propagation. A third possibility includes a cascade effect with the production of secondary and tertiary products, also toxic in nature, with the ability to produce more widespread damage to intracellular structures.", "PMID": 1001290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8681", "title": "Determination of human body burden baseline date of platinum through autopsy tissue analysis.", "content": "Results of analysis for platinum in 97 autopsy sets are presented. Analysis was performed by a specially developed emission spectrochemical method. Almost half of the individuals studied were found to have detectable platinum in one or more tissue samples. Platinum was found to be deposited in 13 of 21 tissue types investigated. Surprisingly high values were observed in subcutaneous fat, previously not considered to be a target site for platinum deposition. These data will serve as a human tissue platinum burden baseline in EPA's Catalyst Research Program.", "contents": "Determination of human body burden baseline date of platinum through autopsy tissue analysis. Results of analysis for platinum in 97 autopsy sets are presented. Analysis was performed by a specially developed emission spectrochemical method. Almost half of the individuals studied were found to have detectable platinum in one or more tissue samples. Platinum was found to be deposited in 13 of 21 tissue types investigated. Surprisingly high values were observed in subcutaneous fat, previously not considered to be a target site for platinum deposition. These data will serve as a human tissue platinum burden baseline in EPA's Catalyst Research Program.", "PMID": 1001291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8682", "title": "Assaying potential carcinogens with Drosophila.", "content": "Drosophila offers many advantages for the detection of mutagenic activity of carcinogenic agents. It provides the quickest assay system for detecting mutations in animals today. Its generation time is short, and Drosophila is cheap and easy to breed in large numbers. The simple genetic testing methods give unequivocal answers about the whole spectrum of relevant genetic damage. A comparison of the detection capacity of assays sampling different kinds of genetic damage revealed that various substances are highly effective in inducing mutations but do not produce chromosome breakage effects at all, or only at much higher concentrations than those required for mutation induction. Of the different assay systems available, the classical sex-linked recessive lethal test deserves priority, in view of its superior capacity to detect mutagens. Of practical importance is also its high sensitivity, because a large number of loci in one fifth of the genome is tested for newly induced forward mutations, including small deletions. The recent findings that Drosophila is capable of carrying out the same metabolic activation reactions as the mammalian liver makes the organism eminently suitable for verifying results obtained in prescreening with fast microbial assay systems. An additional advantage in this respect is the capacity of Drosophila for detecting short-lived activation products, because intracellular metabolic activation appears to occur within the spermatids and spermatocytes.", "contents": "Assaying potential carcinogens with Drosophila. Drosophila offers many advantages for the detection of mutagenic activity of carcinogenic agents. It provides the quickest assay system for detecting mutations in animals today. Its generation time is short, and Drosophila is cheap and easy to breed in large numbers. The simple genetic testing methods give unequivocal answers about the whole spectrum of relevant genetic damage. A comparison of the detection capacity of assays sampling different kinds of genetic damage revealed that various substances are highly effective in inducing mutations but do not produce chromosome breakage effects at all, or only at much higher concentrations than those required for mutation induction. Of the different assay systems available, the classical sex-linked recessive lethal test deserves priority, in view of its superior capacity to detect mutagens. Of practical importance is also its high sensitivity, because a large number of loci in one fifth of the genome is tested for newly induced forward mutations, including small deletions. The recent findings that Drosophila is capable of carrying out the same metabolic activation reactions as the mammalian liver makes the organism eminently suitable for verifying results obtained in prescreening with fast microbial assay systems. An additional advantage in this respect is the capacity of Drosophila for detecting short-lived activation products, because intracellular metabolic activation appears to occur within the spermatids and spermatocytes.", "PMID": 1001292} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8683", "title": "Factors influencing the deposition of inhaled particles.", "content": "Because the initial deposition pattern of inhaled particles of various toxic agents determines their future clearance and insult to tissue, respiratory tract deposition is important in assessing the potential toxicity of inhaled aerosols. Factors influencing the deposition of inhaled particles can be classified into three main areas: (1) the physics of aerosols, (2) the anatomy of the respiratory tract and (3) the airflow patterns in the lung airways. In the physics of aerosols, the forces acting on a particle and its physical and chemical properties, such as particle size or size distribution, density, shape, hygroscopic or hydrophobic character, and chemical reactions of the particle will affect the deposition. With respect to the anatomy of the respiratory tract, important parameters are the diameters, the lengths, and the branching angles of airway segments, which determine the deposition. Physiological factors include airflow and breathing patterns, which influence particle deposition. Various lung models used in predicting particle deposition are reviewed and discussed. The air-way structures of various animal species are compared, showing the unique structure of the human lung compared to the animal species under study. Regional deposition data in man and dog are reviewed. Recent deposition data for small rodents are presented, showing regional difference in deposition with the right apical lobe having the highest relative deposition.", "contents": "Factors influencing the deposition of inhaled particles. Because the initial deposition pattern of inhaled particles of various toxic agents determines their future clearance and insult to tissue, respiratory tract deposition is important in assessing the potential toxicity of inhaled aerosols. Factors influencing the deposition of inhaled particles can be classified into three main areas: (1) the physics of aerosols, (2) the anatomy of the respiratory tract and (3) the airflow patterns in the lung airways. In the physics of aerosols, the forces acting on a particle and its physical and chemical properties, such as particle size or size distribution, density, shape, hygroscopic or hydrophobic character, and chemical reactions of the particle will affect the deposition. With respect to the anatomy of the respiratory tract, important parameters are the diameters, the lengths, and the branching angles of airway segments, which determine the deposition. Physiological factors include airflow and breathing patterns, which influence particle deposition. Various lung models used in predicting particle deposition are reviewed and discussed. The air-way structures of various animal species are compared, showing the unique structure of the human lung compared to the animal species under study. Regional deposition data in man and dog are reviewed. Recent deposition data for small rodents are presented, showing regional difference in deposition with the right apical lobe having the highest relative deposition.", "PMID": 1001293} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8684", "title": "Various forms of chemically induced liver injury and their detection by diagnostic procedures.", "content": "A large number of chemical agents, administered for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, can produce various types of hepatic injury by several mechanisms. Some agents are intrinsically hepatotoxic, and others produce hepatic injury only in the rare, uniquely susceptible individual. Idiosyncrasy of the host is the mechanism for most types of drug-induced hepatic injury. It may reflect allergy to the drug or a metabolic aberation of the host permitting the accumulation of hepatotoxic metabolites. The syndromes of hepatic disease produced by drugs have been classified hepatocellular, hepatocanalicular, mixed and canalicular. Measurement of serum enzyme activities has provided a powerful tool for studies of hepatotoxicity. Their measurement requires awareness of relative specificity, knowledge of the mechanisms involved, and knowledge of the relationship between known hepatotoxic states and elevated enzyme activities.", "contents": "Various forms of chemically induced liver injury and their detection by diagnostic procedures. A large number of chemical agents, administered for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, can produce various types of hepatic injury by several mechanisms. Some agents are intrinsically hepatotoxic, and others produce hepatic injury only in the rare, uniquely susceptible individual. Idiosyncrasy of the host is the mechanism for most types of drug-induced hepatic injury. It may reflect allergy to the drug or a metabolic aberation of the host permitting the accumulation of hepatotoxic metabolites. The syndromes of hepatic disease produced by drugs have been classified hepatocellular, hepatocanalicular, mixed and canalicular. Measurement of serum enzyme activities has provided a powerful tool for studies of hepatotoxicity. Their measurement requires awareness of relative specificity, knowledge of the mechanisms involved, and knowledge of the relationship between known hepatotoxic states and elevated enzyme activities.", "PMID": 1001294} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8685", "title": "Quantitative aspects in the assessment of liver injury.", "content": "Liver function data are usually difficult to use in their original form when one wishes to compare the hepatotoxic properties of several chemical substances. However, procedures are available for the conversion of liver function data into quantal responses. These permit the elaboration of dose-response lines for the substances in question, the calculation of median effective doses and the statistical analysis of differences in liver-damaging potency. These same procedures can be utilized for estimating the relative hazard involved if one compares the liver-damaging potency to the median effective dose for some other pharmacologie parameter. Alterations in hepatic triglycerides, lipid peroxidation, and the activities of various hepatic enzymes can also be quantitiated in a dose-related manner. This permits the selection of equitoxic doses required for certain comparative studies and the selection of doses in chemical interaction studies. The quantitative problems involved in low-frequency adverse reactions and the difficulty these present in the detection of liver injury in laboratory animals are discussed.", "contents": "Quantitative aspects in the assessment of liver injury. Liver function data are usually difficult to use in their original form when one wishes to compare the hepatotoxic properties of several chemical substances. However, procedures are available for the conversion of liver function data into quantal responses. These permit the elaboration of dose-response lines for the substances in question, the calculation of median effective doses and the statistical analysis of differences in liver-damaging potency. These same procedures can be utilized for estimating the relative hazard involved if one compares the liver-damaging potency to the median effective dose for some other pharmacologie parameter. Alterations in hepatic triglycerides, lipid peroxidation, and the activities of various hepatic enzymes can also be quantitiated in a dose-related manner. This permits the selection of equitoxic doses required for certain comparative studies and the selection of doses in chemical interaction studies. The quantitative problems involved in low-frequency adverse reactions and the difficulty these present in the detection of liver injury in laboratory animals are discussed.", "PMID": 1001295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8686", "title": "Assessment of hepatotoxic potential.", "content": "Philosophic concepts and pragmatic approaches toward improved understanding of the effect of drugs in the hepatocyte are reviewed. No set pattern of studies is advocated but rather observations are encouraged within the framework of studies that provide for varied exposure of the hepatocyte. Clinical usage should be imitated to provide earliest possible indications of toxicity in man. The need for definitive characterization through utilization of appropriate methodology derived from cross-fertilization of related disciplines is stressed. Both minimal and maximal dose effects should be established. Selected use of electron microscopy has become essential for characterizing responses of the liver to injury. The advantages of the toluidine blue-stained Epon \"thick\" sections are emphasized. Such observations are used to implement the utility of serial biopsies from the beagle dog prior to and during long-term study of potential hepatic injury. Examples of the critical effects of drug concentration within the hepatocyte are presented.", "contents": "Assessment of hepatotoxic potential. Philosophic concepts and pragmatic approaches toward improved understanding of the effect of drugs in the hepatocyte are reviewed. No set pattern of studies is advocated but rather observations are encouraged within the framework of studies that provide for varied exposure of the hepatocyte. Clinical usage should be imitated to provide earliest possible indications of toxicity in man. The need for definitive characterization through utilization of appropriate methodology derived from cross-fertilization of related disciplines is stressed. Both minimal and maximal dose effects should be established. Selected use of electron microscopy has become essential for characterizing responses of the liver to injury. The advantages of the toluidine blue-stained Epon \"thick\" sections are emphasized. Such observations are used to implement the utility of serial biopsies from the beagle dog prior to and during long-term study of potential hepatic injury. Examples of the critical effects of drug concentration within the hepatocyte are presented.", "PMID": 1001296} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8687", "title": "Renal function tests: what do they mean? A review of renal anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology.", "content": "Renal physiology, biochemistry, and anatomy are reviewed. For the most part, those aspects of these disciplines will be discussed which relate directly to the question of the evaluation of nephrotoxicity. In addition, emphasis is placed on those procedures and techniques which are useful in the evaluation of nephrotoxicity. A detailed discussion of histological and anatomical considerations is not given, since this is probably the least useful criterion for evaluation of renal damage. This information is intended as background for the remainder of the symposium which will be directed toward an understanding of specific nephrotoxicity phenomena.", "contents": "Renal function tests: what do they mean? A review of renal anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. Renal physiology, biochemistry, and anatomy are reviewed. For the most part, those aspects of these disciplines will be discussed which relate directly to the question of the evaluation of nephrotoxicity. In addition, emphasis is placed on those procedures and techniques which are useful in the evaluation of nephrotoxicity. A detailed discussion of histological and anatomical considerations is not given, since this is probably the least useful criterion for evaluation of renal damage. This information is intended as background for the remainder of the symposium which will be directed toward an understanding of specific nephrotoxicity phenomena.", "PMID": 1001297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8688", "title": "Urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine levels in women athletes during training and competition.", "content": "Training and competitive epinephrine and norepinephrine levels and proportions were compared in two groups of women athletes to determine whether changes in catecholamine excretion reflect the added mental stress of athletic competition on physical effort. An intercollegiate basketball team and a group of track and field athletes volunteered as subjects. Competitive epinephrine urinary levels were significantly (P less than 0.01) higher than training levels. A concomitant rise in the norepinephrine with an increase in physical effort was observed in both groups of athletes following training sessions as well as after athletic competition. Track and field athletes trying to qualify for an international team exhibited significantly ( less than 0.01) higher epinephrine levels than the team members; thus suggesting that anticipation of competition imposes a mental stress on an athlete. Constant changes in the catecholamine pattern as against a normal work load have yet to be established.", "contents": "Urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine levels in women athletes during training and competition. Training and competitive epinephrine and norepinephrine levels and proportions were compared in two groups of women athletes to determine whether changes in catecholamine excretion reflect the added mental stress of athletic competition on physical effort. An intercollegiate basketball team and a group of track and field athletes volunteered as subjects. Competitive epinephrine urinary levels were significantly (P less than 0.01) higher than training levels. A concomitant rise in the norepinephrine with an increase in physical effort was observed in both groups of athletes following training sessions as well as after athletic competition. Track and field athletes trying to qualify for an international team exhibited significantly ( less than 0.01) higher epinephrine levels than the team members; thus suggesting that anticipation of competition imposes a mental stress on an athlete. Constant changes in the catecholamine pattern as against a normal work load have yet to be established.", "PMID": 1001312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8689", "title": "[Adaptive modifications of cold pain (author's transl)].", "content": "38 healthy subjects 22-28 years of age underwent the cold-pressor-test seven times on each of 21 consecutive days always at the same time of day. The subjective sensations of cold pain and the objective circulatory reactions were registered. There was observed only a very distinct subjective cold pain habituation from one exposition to the other. The habituation effect on blood pressure reaction however was of expected extent. The long term adaptation showed to have effect on the predominance of the two components of pain perception the epicritic and protopathic pain experience. Initially the cold stimulus produced an overwhelmingly protopathic sufferenig whilst at the end of the three weeks of adaptation there remained only a reduced and localized epicritic pain sensation. Typological differences of pain reactions and pain adaptation are discussed.", "contents": "[Adaptive modifications of cold pain (author's transl)]. 38 healthy subjects 22-28 years of age underwent the cold-pressor-test seven times on each of 21 consecutive days always at the same time of day. The subjective sensations of cold pain and the objective circulatory reactions were registered. There was observed only a very distinct subjective cold pain habituation from one exposition to the other. The habituation effect on blood pressure reaction however was of expected extent. The long term adaptation showed to have effect on the predominance of the two components of pain perception the epicritic and protopathic pain experience. Initially the cold stimulus produced an overwhelmingly protopathic sufferenig whilst at the end of the three weeks of adaptation there remained only a reduced and localized epicritic pain sensation. Typological differences of pain reactions and pain adaptation are discussed.", "PMID": 1001313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8690", "title": "Influence of growth and athletic training on heart and lung functions.", "content": "Studies were performed at rest and during exercise of varied intensity on 52 boys of pre- and post-pubescent age. Each age group consisted of boys who were engaged in a strenuous prolonged hockey training program; this group was compared with a matched control group who did not participate in a regular training program. Any differences observed in the measured lung functions could be explained on the basis of physical size. Relationship of pulmonary capillary blood flow (Qc) and pulmonary diffusing capacity (DLco) to oxygen consumption were similar to those reported for adults and no difference between the trained and control groups was found in either the pre- or post-pubertal aged boys. Similarily, the trained pre-pubertal boys did not differ significantly from their matched control group in respect to the relationships of heart rate (HR) and stroke volume (SV) for any level of oxygen consumption. In contrast, the post-pubertal trained boys had significantly lower HR and higher SV (P less than 0.01) at each level of work than the control group. These differences between the trained and control post-pubertal boys are consistent with training effects observed in adults. The lack of differences between the trained and control pre-pubertal groups was surprising. Whether the differences in the post-pubertal groups due to a detraining effect in the post-pubertal control boys (as compared to the pre-pubertal control group) or to a continued high level of physical activity during and after the on-set of puberty in trained boys cannot be answered by this study. The findings suggest the importance of high intensity exercise programs during the growth period of adolescence if the efficiency of the oxygen delivery system, and possibly its ultimate dimensions, are to be enhanced.", "contents": "Influence of growth and athletic training on heart and lung functions. Studies were performed at rest and during exercise of varied intensity on 52 boys of pre- and post-pubescent age. Each age group consisted of boys who were engaged in a strenuous prolonged hockey training program; this group was compared with a matched control group who did not participate in a regular training program. Any differences observed in the measured lung functions could be explained on the basis of physical size. Relationship of pulmonary capillary blood flow (Qc) and pulmonary diffusing capacity (DLco) to oxygen consumption were similar to those reported for adults and no difference between the trained and control groups was found in either the pre- or post-pubertal aged boys. Similarily, the trained pre-pubertal boys did not differ significantly from their matched control group in respect to the relationships of heart rate (HR) and stroke volume (SV) for any level of oxygen consumption. In contrast, the post-pubertal trained boys had significantly lower HR and higher SV (P less than 0.01) at each level of work than the control group. These differences between the trained and control post-pubertal boys are consistent with training effects observed in adults. The lack of differences between the trained and control pre-pubertal groups was surprising. Whether the differences in the post-pubertal groups due to a detraining effect in the post-pubertal control boys (as compared to the pre-pubertal control group) or to a continued high level of physical activity during and after the on-set of puberty in trained boys cannot be answered by this study. The findings suggest the importance of high intensity exercise programs during the growth period of adolescence if the efficiency of the oxygen delivery system, and possibly its ultimate dimensions, are to be enhanced.", "PMID": 1001314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8691", "title": "Serum urea and amino nitrogen changes with exercise duration.", "content": "In eight groups of healthy male athlets, aged 19-44 years, serum urea, alpha-amino nitrogen and free tyrosine were determined before and after physical exercise of different duration. Exercise was competitional running, skiing, march or bicycle ergometer work, its duration between 15 and 765 min. The results were compared with previous data from this laboratory and those of other authors. After about 60-70 min of exertion, there is a significant fall in serum amino nitrogen and a rise in urea and free tyrosine; the magnitude of these changes correlated well to the duration of exercise. Likewise, there is a significant correlation between increase in serum urea and decrease in amino nitrogen. The observed changes strongly suggest an increased breakdown of nitrogen-containing compounds during prolonged exercise.", "contents": "Serum urea and amino nitrogen changes with exercise duration. In eight groups of healthy male athlets, aged 19-44 years, serum urea, alpha-amino nitrogen and free tyrosine were determined before and after physical exercise of different duration. Exercise was competitional running, skiing, march or bicycle ergometer work, its duration between 15 and 765 min. The results were compared with previous data from this laboratory and those of other authors. After about 60-70 min of exertion, there is a significant fall in serum amino nitrogen and a rise in urea and free tyrosine; the magnitude of these changes correlated well to the duration of exercise. Likewise, there is a significant correlation between increase in serum urea and decrease in amino nitrogen. The observed changes strongly suggest an increased breakdown of nitrogen-containing compounds during prolonged exercise.", "PMID": 1001315} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8692", "title": "Effects of beta blockade and atropinisation on plasma catecholamine concentration during exercise.", "content": "The changes in plasma catecholamine concentration (deltaC) following beta-blockade (practolol, 15 mg) and atropinisation (Atropine, 1.8 mg) have been studied on 5 healthy male subjects during exercise on a motor driven treadmill. The results showed that for a given V-2 and % VO2 max, beta blockade was without effect on delta C (except in one athletic subject, but atropine produced a rise in deltaC. In relation to Q, both drugs produced an increase in deltaC, but for a given cardiac frequency (fH) deltaC was higher with beta blockade, and lower with atropinisation than found in control experiments. The intra- and inter-subject variability of delta C in relation of fH was resolved by considering the change in cardiac frequency calculated from baseline value obtained during walking at 6.44 km/h on the level, and expressed as a percentage of the maximal fH attainable for given individuals under the different drug and control conditions (%deltafH). It was concluded that during short term exercise, the rise of deltaC in relation to %deltafH reflects both the myocardial sensitivity to vagal and beta blockade, and the circulatory vasoconstrictor control of blood vessels which is required to sustain increases in systemic and muscle blood flow.", "contents": "Effects of beta blockade and atropinisation on plasma catecholamine concentration during exercise. The changes in plasma catecholamine concentration (deltaC) following beta-blockade (practolol, 15 mg) and atropinisation (Atropine, 1.8 mg) have been studied on 5 healthy male subjects during exercise on a motor driven treadmill. The results showed that for a given V-2 and % VO2 max, beta blockade was without effect on delta C (except in one athletic subject, but atropine produced a rise in deltaC. In relation to Q, both drugs produced an increase in deltaC, but for a given cardiac frequency (fH) deltaC was higher with beta blockade, and lower with atropinisation than found in control experiments. The intra- and inter-subject variability of delta C in relation of fH was resolved by considering the change in cardiac frequency calculated from baseline value obtained during walking at 6.44 km/h on the level, and expressed as a percentage of the maximal fH attainable for given individuals under the different drug and control conditions (%deltafH). It was concluded that during short term exercise, the rise of deltaC in relation to %deltafH reflects both the myocardial sensitivity to vagal and beta blockade, and the circulatory vasoconstrictor control of blood vessels which is required to sustain increases in systemic and muscle blood flow.", "PMID": 1001316} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8693", "title": "Plasma volume, albumin and globulin concentrations and their intravascular masses. A comparative study in endurance athletes and sedentary subjects.", "content": "Plasma volume, hematocrit, intravascular protein concentration, colloid osmotic pressure and the intravascular mass of proteins were measured in 49 sedentary subjects and 40 endurance athletes (long-, middle distance runners, cyclists). The plasma volume in sedentary subjects was 42.7(35.8-51.7) ml/kg body weight (BW) as compared to 54.6(46.7-65.9) ml/kg BW in athletes. The protein concentrations were 71.0 (66.5-77.1) g/l in sedentary subjects and 69.0 (64.8-75.2) g/l in athletes. The respective numbers for the hematocrit were 44.6 (40.1-49.25)% and 42.8 (38.2-49.6)%, for the colloid osmotic pressure 38.0 (36.0-40.5) cm H2O (n=35) and 30.0 (25.0-34.4) cm H2O (n=31), for the intravascular mass of proteins 3.09 (2.45-4.01) g/kg BW and 3.75 (3.31-4.67) g/kg BW. All differences were statistically significant at least on the 5% level. The physiological consequences for athletes of having a lower hematocrit and lower protein concentration but a higher intravascular mass of proteins (+22%) for their waterbalance as well as for their dietary protein intake are discussed. Endurance exercise stimulates mainly the synthesis of albumin and globulins produced by the liver resulting in an expansion of the PV. The protein synthesis of the RES does not seem to respond to exercise stimulus.", "contents": "Plasma volume, albumin and globulin concentrations and their intravascular masses. A comparative study in endurance athletes and sedentary subjects. Plasma volume, hematocrit, intravascular protein concentration, colloid osmotic pressure and the intravascular mass of proteins were measured in 49 sedentary subjects and 40 endurance athletes (long-, middle distance runners, cyclists). The plasma volume in sedentary subjects was 42.7(35.8-51.7) ml/kg body weight (BW) as compared to 54.6(46.7-65.9) ml/kg BW in athletes. The protein concentrations were 71.0 (66.5-77.1) g/l in sedentary subjects and 69.0 (64.8-75.2) g/l in athletes. The respective numbers for the hematocrit were 44.6 (40.1-49.25)% and 42.8 (38.2-49.6)%, for the colloid osmotic pressure 38.0 (36.0-40.5) cm H2O (n=35) and 30.0 (25.0-34.4) cm H2O (n=31), for the intravascular mass of proteins 3.09 (2.45-4.01) g/kg BW and 3.75 (3.31-4.67) g/kg BW. All differences were statistically significant at least on the 5% level. The physiological consequences for athletes of having a lower hematocrit and lower protein concentration but a higher intravascular mass of proteins (+22%) for their waterbalance as well as for their dietary protein intake are discussed. Endurance exercise stimulates mainly the synthesis of albumin and globulins produced by the liver resulting in an expansion of the PV. The protein synthesis of the RES does not seem to respond to exercise stimulus.", "PMID": 1001317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8694", "title": "Circulatory effects of isometric muscle contractions, performed separately and in combination with dynamic exercise.", "content": "Studies on central circulation and regional blood flow were performed in healthy male volunteers at rest, during sustained isometric forearm contraction at 20% of MVC, during dynamic leg exercise (100 W) and during combined isometric and dynamic exercise. In 10 subjects pulmonary oxygen uptake, arterio-venous oxygen difference, heart rate, leg blood flow and blood pressures in the pulmonary and subclavian arteries and in the right atrium were measured. In 4 of these subjects the temperature was measured in mixed venous blood and in subcutaneous tissue in an attempt to further analyse the blood flow distribution through central versus peripheral parts of the circulatory system. In 5 other subjects the splanchnic blood flow was estimated by hepatic vein catheterization and dye dilution technique at rest and during isometric forearm contraction. It was found that cardiac output, oxygen uptake, heart rate and arterial blood pressure all increased in response to isometric contraction. Quantitatively the changes in heart rate and cardiac output induced by a sustained contraction were more marked when the contraction was performed separately than when it was added to dynamic exercise. In spite of the increased arterial pressure, the leg blood flow did not increase significantly. Neither did the splanchnic blood flow increase in response to hand-grip contrmic exercise. Isometric exercise, however, caused a blood temperature fall and a rise in subcutaneous temperature indicating an increased blood flow through the skin. It is concluded that during sustained isometric muscle contraction 1. the blood flow increase is mainly distributed to peripheral circulatory areas, 2. a concomitant dynamic exercixe interferes with the circulatory adaptation only to a small extent.", "contents": "Circulatory effects of isometric muscle contractions, performed separately and in combination with dynamic exercise. Studies on central circulation and regional blood flow were performed in healthy male volunteers at rest, during sustained isometric forearm contraction at 20% of MVC, during dynamic leg exercise (100 W) and during combined isometric and dynamic exercise. In 10 subjects pulmonary oxygen uptake, arterio-venous oxygen difference, heart rate, leg blood flow and blood pressures in the pulmonary and subclavian arteries and in the right atrium were measured. In 4 of these subjects the temperature was measured in mixed venous blood and in subcutaneous tissue in an attempt to further analyse the blood flow distribution through central versus peripheral parts of the circulatory system. In 5 other subjects the splanchnic blood flow was estimated by hepatic vein catheterization and dye dilution technique at rest and during isometric forearm contraction. It was found that cardiac output, oxygen uptake, heart rate and arterial blood pressure all increased in response to isometric contraction. Quantitatively the changes in heart rate and cardiac output induced by a sustained contraction were more marked when the contraction was performed separately than when it was added to dynamic exercise. In spite of the increased arterial pressure, the leg blood flow did not increase significantly. Neither did the splanchnic blood flow increase in response to hand-grip contrmic exercise. Isometric exercise, however, caused a blood temperature fall and a rise in subcutaneous temperature indicating an increased blood flow through the skin. It is concluded that during sustained isometric muscle contraction 1. the blood flow increase is mainly distributed to peripheral circulatory areas, 2. a concomitant dynamic exercixe interferes with the circulatory adaptation only to a small extent.", "PMID": 1001318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8695", "title": "Management of bleeding disorders in traumatic-haemorrhagic shock states with deep frozen fresh plasma.", "content": "Coagulation disorders in traumatic-haemorrhagic shock need not represent a simple coagulation problem. They may also occur as a complex of local and disseminated intravascular consumption, dilution, extravascular loss and depressed synthesis of coagulation factors. In the severely bleeding patient with a haemorrhagic diathesis heparin is contrainedicated because it does not normalize coagulability immediately. Therefore, it fails to stop haemorrhage and the shock becomes untreatable. Fresh frozen plasma, however, has proved to be suitable as a simultaneous substitution therapy for the coagulation disorder and the hypovolaemic shock. 25 patients suffering from severe traumatic-hemorrhagic shock associated with coagulation disorders and haemorrhagic diathesis were successfully treated with fresh frozen plasma, after conventional shock therapy had failed over a period of 2 hours. The success was documented clinically and by numerous laboratory tests. Thrombocytopenia has only a secondary responsibility for the haemorrhagic state.", "contents": "Management of bleeding disorders in traumatic-haemorrhagic shock states with deep frozen fresh plasma. Coagulation disorders in traumatic-haemorrhagic shock need not represent a simple coagulation problem. They may also occur as a complex of local and disseminated intravascular consumption, dilution, extravascular loss and depressed synthesis of coagulation factors. In the severely bleeding patient with a haemorrhagic diathesis heparin is contrainedicated because it does not normalize coagulability immediately. Therefore, it fails to stop haemorrhage and the shock becomes untreatable. Fresh frozen plasma, however, has proved to be suitable as a simultaneous substitution therapy for the coagulation disorder and the hypovolaemic shock. 25 patients suffering from severe traumatic-hemorrhagic shock associated with coagulation disorders and haemorrhagic diathesis were successfully treated with fresh frozen plasma, after conventional shock therapy had failed over a period of 2 hours. The success was documented clinically and by numerous laboratory tests. Thrombocytopenia has only a secondary responsibility for the haemorrhagic state.", "PMID": 1001319} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8696", "title": "The occurence and significance of microaggregates in stored blood.", "content": "During storage whole blood progressively forms microaggregates by adhesion of platelets and leucocytes. This occurs from the second day of storage and the presence of such potential microemboli can be demonstrated by light microscopy of smears of blood samples. They cause an increase in the viscosity of the blood as measurable by the screen filtration pressure method. If infused into a patient they, by causing microvascular occlusion, result in multiple organ dysfunction, primarily of the lung. It is recommended that, if whole blood greater than 4 days in storage is to be infused, an in-line microfilter be used to remove the microaggregates from the transfusion. Alternatively, early separation, or the use of fresh blood is recommended.", "contents": "The occurence and significance of microaggregates in stored blood. During storage whole blood progressively forms microaggregates by adhesion of platelets and leucocytes. This occurs from the second day of storage and the presence of such potential microemboli can be demonstrated by light microscopy of smears of blood samples. They cause an increase in the viscosity of the blood as measurable by the screen filtration pressure method. If infused into a patient they, by causing microvascular occlusion, result in multiple organ dysfunction, primarily of the lung. It is recommended that, if whole blood greater than 4 days in storage is to be infused, an in-line microfilter be used to remove the microaggregates from the transfusion. Alternatively, early separation, or the use of fresh blood is recommended.", "PMID": 1001320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8697", "title": "Organic acidaemia in intensive care unit patients.", "content": "Forty ICU patients were studied as to the prevalence and importance of organic acidaemia. It was observed that organic acidaemia was extremely common, secondly that a persistence of such an acidaemia heralded a poor prognosis and finally that the acidaemia rarely needed treatment in its own right.", "contents": "Organic acidaemia in intensive care unit patients. Forty ICU patients were studied as to the prevalence and importance of organic acidaemia. It was observed that organic acidaemia was extremely common, secondly that a persistence of such an acidaemia heralded a poor prognosis and finally that the acidaemia rarely needed treatment in its own right.", "PMID": 1001321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8698", "title": "Ethylene imine poisoning. A case report.", "content": "A case is described of accidental inhalation of ethylene imine vapour in a chemical worker. This resulted in glottic oedema which required tracheostomy. Artificial respiration was needed because of failure to maintain adequate arterial oxygen levels. The patient developed profuse salivation and sputum production. Endoscopy showed that the mucosal surfaces of the pharynx, trachea and major bronchi were destroyed. The patient was treated with steroids and antibiotics for pulmonary infection. Recovery was slow but he was eventually able to leave hospital. He was later readmitted with recurrent infection and developed acute airway obstruction from which he died. Post-mortem examination shoed extensive destruction of the mucosal lining with erosion and collapse of the cartilages. This was the cause of death. Previous reports of ethylene imine poisoning are reviewed. This appears to be the third fatal case.", "contents": "Ethylene imine poisoning. A case report. A case is described of accidental inhalation of ethylene imine vapour in a chemical worker. This resulted in glottic oedema which required tracheostomy. Artificial respiration was needed because of failure to maintain adequate arterial oxygen levels. The patient developed profuse salivation and sputum production. Endoscopy showed that the mucosal surfaces of the pharynx, trachea and major bronchi were destroyed. The patient was treated with steroids and antibiotics for pulmonary infection. Recovery was slow but he was eventually able to leave hospital. He was later readmitted with recurrent infection and developed acute airway obstruction from which he died. Post-mortem examination shoed extensive destruction of the mucosal lining with erosion and collapse of the cartilages. This was the cause of death. Previous reports of ethylene imine poisoning are reviewed. This appears to be the third fatal case.", "PMID": 1001322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8699", "title": "Immunologic defense in bacterial and viral meningitis in children.", "content": "The investigation of a number of parameters of nonspecific and specific defense in 13 purulent and 18 mumps meningitides gave no indication of underlying primary immunodeficiencies. Only in the acute phase of mumps meningitis did we find a temporary suppression of cellular immune reactions measured as diminished rate of incorporation of thymidine by phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes.", "contents": "Immunologic defense in bacterial and viral meningitis in children. The investigation of a number of parameters of nonspecific and specific defense in 13 purulent and 18 mumps meningitides gave no indication of underlying primary immunodeficiencies. Only in the acute phase of mumps meningitis did we find a temporary suppression of cellular immune reactions measured as diminished rate of incorporation of thymidine by phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes.", "PMID": 1001323} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8700", "title": "Bodyplethysmography in healthy children. Measurement of intrathoracic gas volume and airway resistance.", "content": "In 94 healthy children, 6-15 years of age, the intrathoracic gas volume at resting expiratory level (TVG) was measured by means of a pressure corrected flow body plethysmograph and compared to functional residual capacity (FRC), measured simultaneously to TGV by means of the Helium dilution technique. TGV is 1.9% (+/- 11.7% SD) smaller than FRC, this difference being not significant (P greater than 0.05). A predicted equation for TGV (in ml) in correlation to standing height (in cm) is published in boys and girls. In 82 healthy children, 6-15 years of age, airway resistance (Raw) was measured plethysmographically. Raw(in cmH2O/1/s) is smaller, the larger is the child (r = -0.57; P less than 0.01), the residual standard deviation around the regression line is considerable (29%) and corresponding to the value, published previously for total pulmonary flow resistance. Difficulties in the evaluation of recorded resistance curves as well as calculation and lung volume correction of the Raw-value are discussed.", "contents": "Bodyplethysmography in healthy children. Measurement of intrathoracic gas volume and airway resistance. In 94 healthy children, 6-15 years of age, the intrathoracic gas volume at resting expiratory level (TVG) was measured by means of a pressure corrected flow body plethysmograph and compared to functional residual capacity (FRC), measured simultaneously to TGV by means of the Helium dilution technique. TGV is 1.9% (+/- 11.7% SD) smaller than FRC, this difference being not significant (P greater than 0.05). A predicted equation for TGV (in ml) in correlation to standing height (in cm) is published in boys and girls. In 82 healthy children, 6-15 years of age, airway resistance (Raw) was measured plethysmographically. Raw(in cmH2O/1/s) is smaller, the larger is the child (r = -0.57; P less than 0.01), the residual standard deviation around the regression line is considerable (29%) and corresponding to the value, published previously for total pulmonary flow resistance. Difficulties in the evaluation of recorded resistance curves as well as calculation and lung volume correction of the Raw-value are discussed.", "PMID": 1001324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8701", "title": "Solitary hepatic hemangioma in a newborn infant complicated by cardiac failure, consumption coagulopathy, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and obstructive jaundice. Case report and review of the literature.", "content": "A newborn infant with a large hepatic hemangioma developed congestive heart failure, consumption coagulopathy, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and obstructive jaundice. The patient was mildly heparinized (250 units per kg and day) and underwent successful resection of the tumor without lobectomy at the age of 3 days. Blood volume increased from 93.9 ml/kg at the age of 5 h to 124.2 ml/kg prior to surgery. Red-cell mass simultaneously decreased from 53.8 to 39.4 ml/kg. The increase of blood volume is explained by congestive heart failure, the decrease of red-cell mass by intravascular coagulation within the tumor resulting in formation of thrombi and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. A review of the literature on infants with symptoms caused by an intrahepatic hemangioma during the first month of life confirms that surgical intervention is the treatment of choice for infants with giant solitary hemangioma of the liver.", "contents": "Solitary hepatic hemangioma in a newborn infant complicated by cardiac failure, consumption coagulopathy, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and obstructive jaundice. Case report and review of the literature. A newborn infant with a large hepatic hemangioma developed congestive heart failure, consumption coagulopathy, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and obstructive jaundice. The patient was mildly heparinized (250 units per kg and day) and underwent successful resection of the tumor without lobectomy at the age of 3 days. Blood volume increased from 93.9 ml/kg at the age of 5 h to 124.2 ml/kg prior to surgery. Red-cell mass simultaneously decreased from 53.8 to 39.4 ml/kg. The increase of blood volume is explained by congestive heart failure, the decrease of red-cell mass by intravascular coagulation within the tumor resulting in formation of thrombi and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. A review of the literature on infants with symptoms caused by an intrahepatic hemangioma during the first month of life confirms that surgical intervention is the treatment of choice for infants with giant solitary hemangioma of the liver.", "PMID": 1001325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8702", "title": "Mild variant of maple syrup urine disease.", "content": "Amino acids analysis were made on serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples of a Japanese 5-month-old infant suffering from irritability and mental retardation noticed at 2 months of age. Excessive amounts of branched-chain amino acids and of keto acids were detected in those samples and the large quantity of keto acids was found in urine with a qualitative 2,4-dinitro-phenyl-hydrazin test and with quantitative estimation. When thiamine hydrochloride (100 mg/day) was administered orally for 7 days to the patient fed with the cow's milk formula containing 2.1 gm/dl milk protein, there was no improvement of the branched-chain amino acidemia. Urinary keto acids, however, showed a marked decrease 7 days after the administration of thiamine hydrochloride. An overnight fast for 13 h resulted in normoglycemia. There was found no difference of blood L-lencine level between both parents and normal infants to whom L-leucine was loaded. The relation between decarboxylase activity for keto acids of branched-chain amino acids and thiamine hydrochloride was studied clinically, in the present communication.", "contents": "Mild variant of maple syrup urine disease. Amino acids analysis were made on serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples of a Japanese 5-month-old infant suffering from irritability and mental retardation noticed at 2 months of age. Excessive amounts of branched-chain amino acids and of keto acids were detected in those samples and the large quantity of keto acids was found in urine with a qualitative 2,4-dinitro-phenyl-hydrazin test and with quantitative estimation. When thiamine hydrochloride (100 mg/day) was administered orally for 7 days to the patient fed with the cow's milk formula containing 2.1 gm/dl milk protein, there was no improvement of the branched-chain amino acidemia. Urinary keto acids, however, showed a marked decrease 7 days after the administration of thiamine hydrochloride. An overnight fast for 13 h resulted in normoglycemia. There was found no difference of blood L-lencine level between both parents and normal infants to whom L-leucine was loaded. The relation between decarboxylase activity for keto acids of branched-chain amino acids and thiamine hydrochloride was studied clinically, in the present communication.", "PMID": 1001326} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8703", "title": "Primary perireticulin amyloidosis in a 14-year-old girl.", "content": "A primary perireticulin amyloidosis is reported in a 14-year-old girl, which showed the symptoms of a steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. The diagnosis was established by biopsies of kidney and rectum. Occurrence of amyloidosis in childhood and the clinical picture are discussed and references to clinical trials carried out are given.", "contents": "Primary perireticulin amyloidosis in a 14-year-old girl. A primary perireticulin amyloidosis is reported in a 14-year-old girl, which showed the symptoms of a steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. The diagnosis was established by biopsies of kidney and rectum. Occurrence of amyloidosis in childhood and the clinical picture are discussed and references to clinical trials carried out are given.", "PMID": 1001327} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8704", "title": "Immunologic function of patients with chronic benign lymphadenopathy.", "content": "Three children with chronic lymphoid hyperplasia and hypergamma-globulinemia are presented. They had normal numbers of circulating T-cells and normal in vitro lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin and specific mitogens. The number of cells staining for surface immunoglobulins was decreased in two patients but increased in one patient with chronic lymphocytosis which is still present 5 years after his initial hospitalization. Lymphocytes without detectable markers (\"Null cells\") were increased in all three patients. Levels of antibody titers to common antigens were normal. Lymph node biopsies showed nonspecific hyperplasia of the B-cell areas. The combination of normal immune responses with lymphoid hyperplasia and with a chronic lymphocytosis in one of the children suggests that this syndrome may be due to a defect in the regulation rather than the initiation of immune responses.", "contents": "Immunologic function of patients with chronic benign lymphadenopathy. Three children with chronic lymphoid hyperplasia and hypergamma-globulinemia are presented. They had normal numbers of circulating T-cells and normal in vitro lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin and specific mitogens. The number of cells staining for surface immunoglobulins was decreased in two patients but increased in one patient with chronic lymphocytosis which is still present 5 years after his initial hospitalization. Lymphocytes without detectable markers (\"Null cells\") were increased in all three patients. Levels of antibody titers to common antigens were normal. Lymph node biopsies showed nonspecific hyperplasia of the B-cell areas. The combination of normal immune responses with lymphoid hyperplasia and with a chronic lymphocytosis in one of the children suggests that this syndrome may be due to a defect in the regulation rather than the initiation of immune responses.", "PMID": 1001328} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8705", "title": "Xylose absorption before and after surgical correction of atrial septal defect (asd) and ventricular septal defect (vsd).", "content": "The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the acceleration of physical development in children after surgery for ASD or VSD is due to improved intestinal absorption. There were 17 patients with ASD and 9 patients with VSD (aged 5-15 years) examined. Significantly increased values of the xylose test after surgery were found in both groups. The authors suggest that the improvement in intestinal absorption is due to an increase of systemic blood flow after operation. Simultaneously, the stldy confirms, on natural human model, the known dependence between blood flow and the intestinal absorption rate.", "contents": "Xylose absorption before and after surgical correction of atrial septal defect (asd) and ventricular septal defect (vsd). The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the acceleration of physical development in children after surgery for ASD or VSD is due to improved intestinal absorption. There were 17 patients with ASD and 9 patients with VSD (aged 5-15 years) examined. Significantly increased values of the xylose test after surgery were found in both groups. The authors suggest that the improvement in intestinal absorption is due to an increase of systemic blood flow after operation. Simultaneously, the stldy confirms, on natural human model, the known dependence between blood flow and the intestinal absorption rate.", "PMID": 1001329} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8706", "title": "Bone marrow hypoplasia in anorexia nervosa.", "content": "Within a 2-year period, from March 1974 until May 1976 10 patients with anorexia nervosa were seen at the children's university hospitals of M\u00fcnchen (2 patients) and Giessen (8 patients). The patients were 10-16 years old, with one exception all girls, and had the typical cachexia, hypothermia, bradycardia, gray, hairy skin, and amenorrhea in those who had reached menarche. The blood counts at diagnosis revealed a leukopenia (below 5000/mm3) in 6 patients and a thrombocytopenia (below 150000/mm3) in 4 patients. The bone marrow was examined in 7 patients and showed marked hypocellularity with only few megakaryocytes present and abundant vacuolated hyaline material. Bone marrow erythroblasts were decreased (below 20%) in 5 patients, although peripheral blood hemoglobin and hematocrit were normal or even elevated in all 10 patients. In 7 patients blood urea nitrogen was elevated above 30 mg%, the highest value being 145 mg%. Blood and bone marrow alterations as well as the renal abnormalities disappeared within days to a few weeks after a regimen of strict fluid and caloric intake was initiated and a gain in body weight of up to 10 kg was achieved.", "contents": "Bone marrow hypoplasia in anorexia nervosa. Within a 2-year period, from March 1974 until May 1976 10 patients with anorexia nervosa were seen at the children's university hospitals of M\u00fcnchen (2 patients) and Giessen (8 patients). The patients were 10-16 years old, with one exception all girls, and had the typical cachexia, hypothermia, bradycardia, gray, hairy skin, and amenorrhea in those who had reached menarche. The blood counts at diagnosis revealed a leukopenia (below 5000/mm3) in 6 patients and a thrombocytopenia (below 150000/mm3) in 4 patients. The bone marrow was examined in 7 patients and showed marked hypocellularity with only few megakaryocytes present and abundant vacuolated hyaline material. Bone marrow erythroblasts were decreased (below 20%) in 5 patients, although peripheral blood hemoglobin and hematocrit were normal or even elevated in all 10 patients. In 7 patients blood urea nitrogen was elevated above 30 mg%, the highest value being 145 mg%. Blood and bone marrow alterations as well as the renal abnormalities disappeared within days to a few weeks after a regimen of strict fluid and caloric intake was initiated and a gain in body weight of up to 10 kg was achieved.", "PMID": 1001330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8707", "title": "Circulating quantities of sodium, potassium, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium in serum of healthy newborn infants.", "content": "The main serum ions were determined in healthy, full-term newborn infants having different plasma volumes. The serum sodium, potassium, and calcium concentrations were found to be constant, thus their circulating quantities were dependent on the actual plasma expansion. The serum inorganic phosphorus and magnesium concentrations were found to be inversely related to the plasma volume and therefore the circulating total quantities of these ions remained constant in different expansion of the plasma volume.", "contents": "Circulating quantities of sodium, potassium, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium in serum of healthy newborn infants. The main serum ions were determined in healthy, full-term newborn infants having different plasma volumes. The serum sodium, potassium, and calcium concentrations were found to be constant, thus their circulating quantities were dependent on the actual plasma expansion. The serum inorganic phosphorus and magnesium concentrations were found to be inversely related to the plasma volume and therefore the circulating total quantities of these ions remained constant in different expansion of the plasma volume.", "PMID": 1001331} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8708", "title": "Right ventricular involvement in acute myocardial infarction.", "content": "Involvement of the RV in AMI is not as rare as previously thought and may lead to a particular clinical and hemodynamic syndrome with raised RV filling pressures, hypotension and oliguria. Major extension to the RV from inferior LV infarctions can be recognized by ST segment elevations iead CR4R or V4R. The significance of anterior RV extension and of RV papillary muscle infarction is still largerly unknown. It has been suggested from autopsy studies that the prognosis of patients with RV involvement might be poor healed extensive RV infarction is rarely seen. Indeed, ST segment elevation in lead CR4R indicating RV involvement has been found to carry a poor short-term prognosis. An increased awareness of the possibility of impaired RV function and of the special therapeutic considerations in some of these patients may increase survival.", "contents": "Right ventricular involvement in acute myocardial infarction. Involvement of the RV in AMI is not as rare as previously thought and may lead to a particular clinical and hemodynamic syndrome with raised RV filling pressures, hypotension and oliguria. Major extension to the RV from inferior LV infarctions can be recognized by ST segment elevations iead CR4R or V4R. The significance of anterior RV extension and of RV papillary muscle infarction is still largerly unknown. It has been suggested from autopsy studies that the prognosis of patients with RV involvement might be poor healed extensive RV infarction is rarely seen. Indeed, ST segment elevation in lead CR4R indicating RV involvement has been found to carry a poor short-term prognosis. An increased awareness of the possibility of impaired RV function and of the special therapeutic considerations in some of these patients may increase survival.", "PMID": 1001336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8709", "title": "A study of the verapamil-induced changes in conductivity and refractoriness and monophasic action potentials of the dog heart in situ.", "content": "In the dog heart in situ, verapamil 0.30 mg/kg injected intravenously did not impair intraatrial, His--Purkinje and intraventricular conduction. The monophasic action potential (MAP) derived from the right atrium and ventricle was not altered by the drug. The functional refractory period (FRP) and the effective refractory period (ERP) of the atrium was not changed by verapamil. However, the drug caused a small but statistically significant decrease in the ratio between 50 and 90% repolarization, respectively, and the ERP of the right atrium, i.e. the ERP of the atrium increased in relation to the MAP duration. Verapamil used a marked reduction of the conduction velocity within and a pronounced increase of the AV nodal FRP and ERP. These changes were reversed by a rapid injection of calcium gluconate 40 mg/kg. The sinus node automaticity was not influenced by verapamil.", "contents": "A study of the verapamil-induced changes in conductivity and refractoriness and monophasic action potentials of the dog heart in situ. In the dog heart in situ, verapamil 0.30 mg/kg injected intravenously did not impair intraatrial, His--Purkinje and intraventricular conduction. The monophasic action potential (MAP) derived from the right atrium and ventricle was not altered by the drug. The functional refractory period (FRP) and the effective refractory period (ERP) of the atrium was not changed by verapamil. However, the drug caused a small but statistically significant decrease in the ratio between 50 and 90% repolarization, respectively, and the ERP of the right atrium, i.e. the ERP of the atrium increased in relation to the MAP duration. Verapamil used a marked reduction of the conduction velocity within and a pronounced increase of the AV nodal FRP and ERP. These changes were reversed by a rapid injection of calcium gluconate 40 mg/kg. The sinus node automaticity was not influenced by verapamil.", "PMID": 1001337} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8710", "title": "Problems in assessing infarction size by epicardial mapping: preliminary studies with quinidine.", "content": "Some of the laboratory difficulties in assessing infarction size produced by intermittent coronary artery occlusion were demonstrated by using an epicardial mapping technique in anesthetized open-chest dogs. Intermittent occlusion of a left anterior descending coronary artery branch resulted in a marked elevation of the ST segment above the baseline in the areas of the myocardium supplied by this vessel. Repeated occlusions after administration of normal saline as a control produced less ST-segment elevation thn that noted during control occlusions; however, repeated occlusions after infusion of quinidine produced a further lessening in ST-segment elevation. The problems encountered in interpreting these results are emphasized. Long-term coronary occlusion studies were performed in order to correlate epicardial electrograms with histological findings of ischemia or myocardial necrosis. Our investigations show that epicardial mapping tended to underestimate the area of injury, and this limits the interpretation of drug intervention studies such as those in which quinidine is administered. Therefore, caution should be exerted when using epicardial mapping techniques to assess the effect of various pharmacological interventions on infarction size in open-chest dogs.", "contents": "Problems in assessing infarction size by epicardial mapping: preliminary studies with quinidine. Some of the laboratory difficulties in assessing infarction size produced by intermittent coronary artery occlusion were demonstrated by using an epicardial mapping technique in anesthetized open-chest dogs. Intermittent occlusion of a left anterior descending coronary artery branch resulted in a marked elevation of the ST segment above the baseline in the areas of the myocardium supplied by this vessel. Repeated occlusions after administration of normal saline as a control produced less ST-segment elevation thn that noted during control occlusions; however, repeated occlusions after infusion of quinidine produced a further lessening in ST-segment elevation. The problems encountered in interpreting these results are emphasized. Long-term coronary occlusion studies were performed in order to correlate epicardial electrograms with histological findings of ischemia or myocardial necrosis. Our investigations show that epicardial mapping tended to underestimate the area of injury, and this limits the interpretation of drug intervention studies such as those in which quinidine is administered. Therefore, caution should be exerted when using epicardial mapping techniques to assess the effect of various pharmacological interventions on infarction size in open-chest dogs.", "PMID": 1001338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8711", "title": "Enzyme release after myocardial infarction: comparison of serial serum alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase with creatine phosphokinase levels.", "content": "Serial measurements on serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD) activity were made in 17 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Activities of both enzymes were measured 4-hourly from less than 12 h after the onset of chest pain until CPK activity had returned to near-normal levels. Blood was then sampled twice daily for a further 4--6 days in order to follow the decline in HBD activity. Degradation rates (KD) were calculated for both enzymes, and individual figures for KD were used in order to estimate the total cumulative release of each enzyme. We found a significant correlation between the duration (r = 0.66, P less than 0.01) and magnitude (r = 0.67, P less than 0.01) of release of the 2 enzymes, comparing different patients with one another. Duration od HBD release was 11 h greater than the duration of CPK release in 9 of the 17 patients who were suffering from cardiac failure (t = 0.01, P less than 0.02). Degradation rate (KD) for HBD was on average about one quarter of that for CPK, but there was no significant correlation between KD for the 2 enzymes. KD did not appear to be reduced in patients with cardiac failure. We conclude that the release patterns of CPK and HBD after myocardial infarction are similar, and this strengthens the case for acceptance of total enzyme release as a valid index of myocardial infarct size.", "contents": "Enzyme release after myocardial infarction: comparison of serial serum alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase with creatine phosphokinase levels. Serial measurements on serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD) activity were made in 17 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Activities of both enzymes were measured 4-hourly from less than 12 h after the onset of chest pain until CPK activity had returned to near-normal levels. Blood was then sampled twice daily for a further 4--6 days in order to follow the decline in HBD activity. Degradation rates (KD) were calculated for both enzymes, and individual figures for KD were used in order to estimate the total cumulative release of each enzyme. We found a significant correlation between the duration (r = 0.66, P less than 0.01) and magnitude (r = 0.67, P less than 0.01) of release of the 2 enzymes, comparing different patients with one another. Duration od HBD release was 11 h greater than the duration of CPK release in 9 of the 17 patients who were suffering from cardiac failure (t = 0.01, P less than 0.02). Degradation rate (KD) for HBD was on average about one quarter of that for CPK, but there was no significant correlation between KD for the 2 enzymes. KD did not appear to be reduced in patients with cardiac failure. We conclude that the release patterns of CPK and HBD after myocardial infarction are similar, and this strengthens the case for acceptance of total enzyme release as a valid index of myocardial infarct size.", "PMID": 1001339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8712", "title": "Regression of coronary artery obstructions demonstrated by coronary arteriography.", "content": "To determine the incidence and clinical features of regression of coronary artery obstructions we reviewed the angiograms of 93 nonoperated and 201 operated patients who had repeated coronary arteriographic studies. Regression of obstructions was found in 4 nonoperated cases (4.3%), all involving the left anterior descending artery. This was associated with improvement of the patient's clinical condition in only 1 case. No regressions were found in the surgical cases. Our data demonstrate that regression of coronary artery obstructions is rare and unrelated to clinical parameters.", "contents": "Regression of coronary artery obstructions demonstrated by coronary arteriography. To determine the incidence and clinical features of regression of coronary artery obstructions we reviewed the angiograms of 93 nonoperated and 201 operated patients who had repeated coronary arteriographic studies. Regression of obstructions was found in 4 nonoperated cases (4.3%), all involving the left anterior descending artery. This was associated with improvement of the patient's clinical condition in only 1 case. No regressions were found in the surgical cases. Our data demonstrate that regression of coronary artery obstructions is rare and unrelated to clinical parameters.", "PMID": 1001340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8713", "title": "Intra-His bundle blocks (102 cases).", "content": "Some intra-His bundle (intra-HB) blocks escape the routine exploration of the His bundle and are confused with supra- or infrahisian blocks. We believe that a more accurate exploration (recording of His bundle activity successively at the proximal end and the distal end of the His bundle, dynamic tests and drug injection) is needed to detect some concealed cases, mostly paroxysmal intra-HB blocks. In this series of 102 cases of intra-HB blocks, 20% had no criteria of AV block on the surface electrocardiogram, and only 4% had an intact conduction pattern (normal PR interval and normal QRS complexes.) A first degree intra-HB block was found in 35% (15 cases with a normal PR interval), a second degree intra-HB block in 23% and a thired degree intra-HB block in 42% of the cases (unidirectional in 4 cases). Of the 43% having an isolated intra-HB block, most were elderly women with a chronic third degree AV block.", "contents": "Intra-His bundle blocks (102 cases). Some intra-His bundle (intra-HB) blocks escape the routine exploration of the His bundle and are confused with supra- or infrahisian blocks. We believe that a more accurate exploration (recording of His bundle activity successively at the proximal end and the distal end of the His bundle, dynamic tests and drug injection) is needed to detect some concealed cases, mostly paroxysmal intra-HB blocks. In this series of 102 cases of intra-HB blocks, 20% had no criteria of AV block on the surface electrocardiogram, and only 4% had an intact conduction pattern (normal PR interval and normal QRS complexes.) A first degree intra-HB block was found in 35% (15 cases with a normal PR interval), a second degree intra-HB block in 23% and a thired degree intra-HB block in 42% of the cases (unidirectional in 4 cases). Of the 43% having an isolated intra-HB block, most were elderly women with a chronic third degree AV block.", "PMID": 1001341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8714", "title": "Right juxtaposition of the auricular appendages.", "content": "3 cases are described exhibiting the rare malformation of right juxtaposition of the auricular appendages. 1 case was encountered unexpectedly during surgical repair of an atrial septal defect and the patient survived. In this instance the segmental arrangement was solitus-concordant-normally connected arteries and the only associated defects in the heart were the atrial septal defect and a persistent left superior vena cava. In contrast, the other cases were discovered at autopsy and in both the juxtaposition accompanied severe additional anomalies. Common atrioventricular canal deformities were present in ambiguus 1-loop hearts and the ventriculo-arterial connections were double outlet right ventricle with d-malposition and normal connections with d-malposition respectively. Histological study in one of the hearts confirmed the presence of 1-bulboventricular looping, and showed an unusual arrangement of conducting tissues. Two atrioventricular nodes were present, and each communicated via separate atrioventricular bundles with the ventricular conducting tissues. The cases are compared with other reported examples of right juxtaposition, and it is indicated that whereas right juxtaposition is frequently an isolated finding this is rarely the case in the more common left juxtaposition.", "contents": "Right juxtaposition of the auricular appendages. 3 cases are described exhibiting the rare malformation of right juxtaposition of the auricular appendages. 1 case was encountered unexpectedly during surgical repair of an atrial septal defect and the patient survived. In this instance the segmental arrangement was solitus-concordant-normally connected arteries and the only associated defects in the heart were the atrial septal defect and a persistent left superior vena cava. In contrast, the other cases were discovered at autopsy and in both the juxtaposition accompanied severe additional anomalies. Common atrioventricular canal deformities were present in ambiguus 1-loop hearts and the ventriculo-arterial connections were double outlet right ventricle with d-malposition and normal connections with d-malposition respectively. Histological study in one of the hearts confirmed the presence of 1-bulboventricular looping, and showed an unusual arrangement of conducting tissues. Two atrioventricular nodes were present, and each communicated via separate atrioventricular bundles with the ventricular conducting tissues. The cases are compared with other reported examples of right juxtaposition, and it is indicated that whereas right juxtaposition is frequently an isolated finding this is rarely the case in the more common left juxtaposition.", "PMID": 1001342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8715", "title": "Kidney and plasma renin in human renovascular hypertension.", "content": "Renin activities were determined in plasma and in single, microdissected juxtaglomerular apparatus in 19 patients with unilateral renal artery stenosis. The mean juxtaglomerular apparatus renin concentration in the stenosed kidneys was 5.5 +/- 1.2 (SEM) mug.l-1.h-1 which is about ten times that of the suppressed renin concentration in the contralateral kidneys (0.6 +/- 0.05 mug.l-1.h-1). On the affected side a positive correlation was found between intrarenal and renal venous renin concentration (r = 0.93; p less than 0.001). Both intrarenal and renal venous renin concentrations of the stenosed kindeys were positively correlated to renin secretion rates, as calculated from renin analysis in plasma from the vena cava and renal veins. No relationship could be demonstrated between intrarenal or renal venous renin concentration and the degree of blood pressure elevation or transstenotic pressure gradient. However, a positive correlation was evident between peripheral plasma renin activity and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.88; p less than 0.001). Comparative enzyme kinetic analyses of renin from the juxtaglomerular apparatus and renal venous plasma were performed using sheep substrate. The lowest apparent Km-values of renin were found in renal venous plasma from the stenosed kidneys (198 +/- 13 mug/l) compared with the contralateral side (301 +/- 20 mug/l; p less than 0.001). Mean apparent Km-values of juxtaglomerular apparatus renin in the stenosed (270 +/- 36 mug/l) and contralateral (292 +/- 37 mug/l) kidneys did not differ. No significant differences were found between mean apparent Km-values for renin in peripheral plasma of renovascular hypertensive patients and control subjects using either homologous human or heterologous sheep renin substrate. The results suggest that, in addition to the renin concentration other factors are relevant to chronic high blood pressure in renovascular hypertension.", "contents": "Kidney and plasma renin in human renovascular hypertension. Renin activities were determined in plasma and in single, microdissected juxtaglomerular apparatus in 19 patients with unilateral renal artery stenosis. The mean juxtaglomerular apparatus renin concentration in the stenosed kidneys was 5.5 +/- 1.2 (SEM) mug.l-1.h-1 which is about ten times that of the suppressed renin concentration in the contralateral kidneys (0.6 +/- 0.05 mug.l-1.h-1). On the affected side a positive correlation was found between intrarenal and renal venous renin concentration (r = 0.93; p less than 0.001). Both intrarenal and renal venous renin concentrations of the stenosed kindeys were positively correlated to renin secretion rates, as calculated from renin analysis in plasma from the vena cava and renal veins. No relationship could be demonstrated between intrarenal or renal venous renin concentration and the degree of blood pressure elevation or transstenotic pressure gradient. However, a positive correlation was evident between peripheral plasma renin activity and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.88; p less than 0.001). Comparative enzyme kinetic analyses of renin from the juxtaglomerular apparatus and renal venous plasma were performed using sheep substrate. The lowest apparent Km-values of renin were found in renal venous plasma from the stenosed kidneys (198 +/- 13 mug/l) compared with the contralateral side (301 +/- 20 mug/l; p less than 0.001). Mean apparent Km-values of juxtaglomerular apparatus renin in the stenosed (270 +/- 36 mug/l) and contralateral (292 +/- 37 mug/l) kidneys did not differ. No significant differences were found between mean apparent Km-values for renin in peripheral plasma of renovascular hypertensive patients and control subjects using either homologous human or heterologous sheep renin substrate. The results suggest that, in addition to the renin concentration other factors are relevant to chronic high blood pressure in renovascular hypertension.", "PMID": 1001343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8716", "title": "Enzyme activities in skeletal muscles from patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency.", "content": "The enzyme pattern in gastrocnemius muscle tissue was studied in 39 patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency. Phosphofructokinase and glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase were significantly increased in the skeletal muscles from these patients. The most pronounced changes were found in 3-OH-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, and in cytochrome-c-oxidase. These enzyme activities were increased by 60, 40 and 25 per cent respectively. In patients with claudication as the only symptom, the metabolic capacity was generally increased in skeletal muscles affected by the low blood flow. With increasing severity of arterial insufficiency, all enzyme activities decreased and glycolytic enzymes were affected first. 3-OH-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase, citrate synthase and cytochrome-c-oxidase activities were still comparatively high in patients with gangrenous foot ulcers, indicating some maintenance of the muscle viability even in situations with very low blood flow.", "contents": "Enzyme activities in skeletal muscles from patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency. The enzyme pattern in gastrocnemius muscle tissue was studied in 39 patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency. Phosphofructokinase and glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase were significantly increased in the skeletal muscles from these patients. The most pronounced changes were found in 3-OH-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, and in cytochrome-c-oxidase. These enzyme activities were increased by 60, 40 and 25 per cent respectively. In patients with claudication as the only symptom, the metabolic capacity was generally increased in skeletal muscles affected by the low blood flow. With increasing severity of arterial insufficiency, all enzyme activities decreased and glycolytic enzymes were affected first. 3-OH-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase, citrate synthase and cytochrome-c-oxidase activities were still comparatively high in patients with gangrenous foot ulcers, indicating some maintenance of the muscle viability even in situations with very low blood flow.", "PMID": 1001344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8717", "title": "Hepatic storage and biliary transport maximum of taurocholate and taurochenodeoxycholate in the dog.", "content": "The purpose of this work was to validate for taurocholate and taurochenodeoxycholate the multiple infusion method of Wheeler et al. previously used for the study of hepatic sulphobromophthalein transport and to obtain numerical estimates of the relative storage capacity and secretory transport maximum of both bile acids. Experiments were performed in anaesthetized dogs after depletion of the endogenous bile acid pool. Bile was collected continuously to prevent recirculation of bile acids and to measure their secretion rates. Taurocholate or taurochenodeoxycholate were infused intravenously at 3 different rates and blood samples were collected every ten min to measure serum bile acid concentrations. Extrahepatic distribution spaces of taurocholate and taurochenodeoxycholate were measured by an isotope dilution method. Serum bile acid concentrations varied linearly with time during the last 30 min of each infusion period. A linear relationship was found between the calculated hepatic removal rate and the rate of change of serum bile acid concentration. The mean values of relative storage capacity were (in mumol.mumol-1.l-1.kg body weight-1) 0.16 +/- SD 0.07 for taurocholate and 0.08 +/- SD 0.03 for taurochenodeoxycholate. The mean values for secretory transport maximum were (in mumol.min-1.kg body weight-1) 4.81 +/- SD 1.24 for taurocholate and 3.56 +/- SD 0.60 for taurochenodeoxycholate. The values of secretory transport maximum with the multiple infusion method were only slightly higher than those obtained by direct measurement of biliary secretion. The values of relative storage capacity obtained during infusions resulting in decreasing plasma concentrations were usually lower than those obtained when the plasma concentration increased. This suggests that the limitations of the method previously noted for sulphobromophthalein may apply to bile acids.", "contents": "Hepatic storage and biliary transport maximum of taurocholate and taurochenodeoxycholate in the dog. The purpose of this work was to validate for taurocholate and taurochenodeoxycholate the multiple infusion method of Wheeler et al. previously used for the study of hepatic sulphobromophthalein transport and to obtain numerical estimates of the relative storage capacity and secretory transport maximum of both bile acids. Experiments were performed in anaesthetized dogs after depletion of the endogenous bile acid pool. Bile was collected continuously to prevent recirculation of bile acids and to measure their secretion rates. Taurocholate or taurochenodeoxycholate were infused intravenously at 3 different rates and blood samples were collected every ten min to measure serum bile acid concentrations. Extrahepatic distribution spaces of taurocholate and taurochenodeoxycholate were measured by an isotope dilution method. Serum bile acid concentrations varied linearly with time during the last 30 min of each infusion period. A linear relationship was found between the calculated hepatic removal rate and the rate of change of serum bile acid concentration. The mean values of relative storage capacity were (in mumol.mumol-1.l-1.kg body weight-1) 0.16 +/- SD 0.07 for taurocholate and 0.08 +/- SD 0.03 for taurochenodeoxycholate. The mean values for secretory transport maximum were (in mumol.min-1.kg body weight-1) 4.81 +/- SD 1.24 for taurocholate and 3.56 +/- SD 0.60 for taurochenodeoxycholate. The values of secretory transport maximum with the multiple infusion method were only slightly higher than those obtained by direct measurement of biliary secretion. The values of relative storage capacity obtained during infusions resulting in decreasing plasma concentrations were usually lower than those obtained when the plasma concentration increased. This suggests that the limitations of the method previously noted for sulphobromophthalein may apply to bile acids.", "PMID": 1001345} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8718", "title": "Defective renal handling of water in the rat with a portacaval shunt.", "content": "Male rats with a portacaval anastomosis, placed in metabolic cages excreted twice as much urine as unoperated control rats. After subcutaneous injection of one unit of pitressin tannate in oil, the rats on average exhibited a 27% reduction in fluid intake and a 37% reduction in urine volume. Nevertheless the rats still excreted 60% more urine than control rats. Fluid restriction resulted in a reduction in urine volume and an increase in urine osmolality in both groups of rats. Shunted rats, however, continued to excrete 49 ml.kg.(-1)24h-1, while drinking only 43 ml.kg.(-1)24h-1. Owing to the negative water balance plasma osmolality rose by 22 mosm/kg H2O. Two weeks after portacaval anastomosis arterial prostaglandin-E concentrations were 412 ng/1, compared to 158 ng/1 in control rats. The results are consistent with the idea, that the shunt induced diuresis may be due to the renal effects of prostaglandin-E.", "contents": "Defective renal handling of water in the rat with a portacaval shunt. Male rats with a portacaval anastomosis, placed in metabolic cages excreted twice as much urine as unoperated control rats. After subcutaneous injection of one unit of pitressin tannate in oil, the rats on average exhibited a 27% reduction in fluid intake and a 37% reduction in urine volume. Nevertheless the rats still excreted 60% more urine than control rats. Fluid restriction resulted in a reduction in urine volume and an increase in urine osmolality in both groups of rats. Shunted rats, however, continued to excrete 49 ml.kg.(-1)24h-1, while drinking only 43 ml.kg.(-1)24h-1. Owing to the negative water balance plasma osmolality rose by 22 mosm/kg H2O. Two weeks after portacaval anastomosis arterial prostaglandin-E concentrations were 412 ng/1, compared to 158 ng/1 in control rats. The results are consistent with the idea, that the shunt induced diuresis may be due to the renal effects of prostaglandin-E.", "PMID": 1001346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8719", "title": "Natriuresis and renin release by the denervated dog kidney during furosemide administration.", "content": "Renal excretion of sodium and water, renal venous plasma renin activity and renin secretion rate were measured during the administration of furosemide (5 mg/kg) to 10 anesthetized dogs, previously subjected to unilateral splanchnicotomy (\"renal denervation\"). Denervation diuresis and natriuresis, observed during control periods, did not occur when the diuretic was given and there were no significant changes in glomerular filtration rate or renal plasma flow in either the intact or denervated kidneys. Despite the abolition of denervation natriuresis with furosemide, plasma renin activity and renin secretion rate were depressed by splanchnicotomy. Thus, changes in the sodium load to the macula densa do not seem to play a decisive role in decreasing renin release following renal denervation.", "contents": "Natriuresis and renin release by the denervated dog kidney during furosemide administration. Renal excretion of sodium and water, renal venous plasma renin activity and renin secretion rate were measured during the administration of furosemide (5 mg/kg) to 10 anesthetized dogs, previously subjected to unilateral splanchnicotomy (\"renal denervation\"). Denervation diuresis and natriuresis, observed during control periods, did not occur when the diuretic was given and there were no significant changes in glomerular filtration rate or renal plasma flow in either the intact or denervated kidneys. Despite the abolition of denervation natriuresis with furosemide, plasma renin activity and renin secretion rate were depressed by splanchnicotomy. Thus, changes in the sodium load to the macula densa do not seem to play a decisive role in decreasing renin release following renal denervation.", "PMID": 1001347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8720", "title": "Compensatory adaptation of bicarbonate excretion following acute contralateral kidney exclusion in the dog.", "content": "Changes in the excretion of bicarbonate, sodium and potassium in one kidney after exclusion (complete sudden ligation of renal pedicle) of its partner have been studied in 16 dogs undergoing bicarbonate diuresis. Fluid balance, haematocrit, plasma electrolyte and protein concentrations were maintained constant throughout the experiment. Acute contralateral renal pedicle ligation lead to an immediate increase in bicarbonate as well as water, sodium and potassium excretion by the remaining kidney. The rapid and immediate increase in the fractional and absolute rates of bicarbonate excretion was observed at varying levels of bicarbonate loading, with the greatest response occurring at the highest infusion rate. Sodium, potassium and water excretion also increased in parallel with urinary bicarbonate loss. The increase in bicarbonate exposition, glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow, aldosterone and vasopressin. In 8 sham-operated animals, no abrupt increase in sodium and bicarbonate excretion occurred despite similar continued infusion of sodium bicarbonate. It was concluded that exclusion of one kidney induces immediate adaptive excretory changes for sodium and bicarbonate in the remaining kidney, and that these changes are not accounted for by any of the known factors normally regulating sodium and bicarbonate excretion.", "contents": "Compensatory adaptation of bicarbonate excretion following acute contralateral kidney exclusion in the dog. Changes in the excretion of bicarbonate, sodium and potassium in one kidney after exclusion (complete sudden ligation of renal pedicle) of its partner have been studied in 16 dogs undergoing bicarbonate diuresis. Fluid balance, haematocrit, plasma electrolyte and protein concentrations were maintained constant throughout the experiment. Acute contralateral renal pedicle ligation lead to an immediate increase in bicarbonate as well as water, sodium and potassium excretion by the remaining kidney. The rapid and immediate increase in the fractional and absolute rates of bicarbonate excretion was observed at varying levels of bicarbonate loading, with the greatest response occurring at the highest infusion rate. Sodium, potassium and water excretion also increased in parallel with urinary bicarbonate loss. The increase in bicarbonate exposition, glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow, aldosterone and vasopressin. In 8 sham-operated animals, no abrupt increase in sodium and bicarbonate excretion occurred despite similar continued infusion of sodium bicarbonate. It was concluded that exclusion of one kidney induces immediate adaptive excretory changes for sodium and bicarbonate in the remaining kidney, and that these changes are not accounted for by any of the known factors normally regulating sodium and bicarbonate excretion.", "PMID": 1001348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8721", "title": "Effects of angiotensin II and noradrenaline on intrarenal haemodynamics in the rat.", "content": "The haemodynamic effects of angiotensin II and noradrenaline were studied in the rat kidney. These pressors were given by intravenous infusion in stepwise increasing doses. Intrarenal haemodynamics were analyzed by the 133xenon washout technique, 85krypton autoradiography and silastic casting of the renal vascular tree. Angiotensin II induced significant changes in intrarenal haemodynamics before any changes in systemic blood pressure were detected. The decrease in mean renal blood flow (2.91 ml.min-1.g-1 in controls, 1.76 ml.min-1.g-1 in rats given 50 mug of angiotensin II.kg-1.h-1) reflects a reduction in component I blood flow rate (from 3.9 to 2.9 ml.min-1.g-1) as well as a decrease in the fraction of total renal blood flow supplied to component I of the washout curve (from 84% to 62%). With noradrenaline an increase in total renal resistance occurred simultaneously with the elevation of mean arterial blood pressure. The resulting reduction in mean renal blood flow (from 2.76 ml.min-1.g-1 in controls to 1.55 ml.min-1.g-1 in rats given 1000 mug of noradrenaline kg-1.h-1) reflects a decrease in component I blood flow rate with lower infusion rates and a drop in component I flow fraction (from 82% to 52%) whith higher doses. In contrast to canine kidneys, no evidence for a patchy cortical vasoconstriction was found in the rat. Using autoradiography it was possible to attribute component I to the renal cortex and subcortical area of the kidney.", "contents": "Effects of angiotensin II and noradrenaline on intrarenal haemodynamics in the rat. The haemodynamic effects of angiotensin II and noradrenaline were studied in the rat kidney. These pressors were given by intravenous infusion in stepwise increasing doses. Intrarenal haemodynamics were analyzed by the 133xenon washout technique, 85krypton autoradiography and silastic casting of the renal vascular tree. Angiotensin II induced significant changes in intrarenal haemodynamics before any changes in systemic blood pressure were detected. The decrease in mean renal blood flow (2.91 ml.min-1.g-1 in controls, 1.76 ml.min-1.g-1 in rats given 50 mug of angiotensin II.kg-1.h-1) reflects a reduction in component I blood flow rate (from 3.9 to 2.9 ml.min-1.g-1) as well as a decrease in the fraction of total renal blood flow supplied to component I of the washout curve (from 84% to 62%). With noradrenaline an increase in total renal resistance occurred simultaneously with the elevation of mean arterial blood pressure. The resulting reduction in mean renal blood flow (from 2.76 ml.min-1.g-1 in controls to 1.55 ml.min-1.g-1 in rats given 1000 mug of noradrenaline kg-1.h-1) reflects a decrease in component I blood flow rate with lower infusion rates and a drop in component I flow fraction (from 82% to 52%) whith higher doses. In contrast to canine kidneys, no evidence for a patchy cortical vasoconstriction was found in the rat. Using autoradiography it was possible to attribute component I to the renal cortex and subcortical area of the kidney.", "PMID": 1001349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8722", "title": "The effect of meal feeding and of sham-feeding on insulin secretion in dogs.", "content": "After feeding intact conscious dogs 1000 g mashed meat, peripheral venous immunoreactive insulin activity (IRI) increases before any enhancement of amino nitrogen concentration. This course of IRI is paralleled by a decrease of free fatty acids. Meal feeding in dogs, whose pancreatic juice is completely diverted from the gut by a fistula, is followed by a similar IRI increase without a distinct enhancement of amino nitrogen. In oesophagus fistula dogs, sham-feeding meat in 9 out of 15 experiments results in a considerable early IRI increase which is correlated with a small but a significant decrease of blood glucose and free fatty acid concentrations. In these tests there was no amino nitrogen alteration either.", "contents": "The effect of meal feeding and of sham-feeding on insulin secretion in dogs. After feeding intact conscious dogs 1000 g mashed meat, peripheral venous immunoreactive insulin activity (IRI) increases before any enhancement of amino nitrogen concentration. This course of IRI is paralleled by a decrease of free fatty acids. Meal feeding in dogs, whose pancreatic juice is completely diverted from the gut by a fistula, is followed by a similar IRI increase without a distinct enhancement of amino nitrogen. In oesophagus fistula dogs, sham-feeding meat in 9 out of 15 experiments results in a considerable early IRI increase which is correlated with a small but a significant decrease of blood glucose and free fatty acid concentrations. In these tests there was no amino nitrogen alteration either.", "PMID": 1001350} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8723", "title": "Observations on lipid metabolism in chronic renal failure, during conservative and haemodialysis therapy.", "content": "The main variables of glycolipid metabolism (blood non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, insulin, glucose) have been measured in basal conditions in uraemic patients on conservative treatment and on dialysis of different duration and bath glucose concentration (no glucose, 1 g/l, 2 g/l). Basal values for the patients on conservative dietary treatment are not different from normal. In dialysed patients, the blood non-esterified fatty acid and triglyceride concentrations are increased (p less than 0.001) while cholesterol glucose and insulin levels are unchanged. No significant difference is found between the various types of dialysis, having different duration and bath glucose concentration", "contents": "Observations on lipid metabolism in chronic renal failure, during conservative and haemodialysis therapy. The main variables of glycolipid metabolism (blood non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, insulin, glucose) have been measured in basal conditions in uraemic patients on conservative treatment and on dialysis of different duration and bath glucose concentration (no glucose, 1 g/l, 2 g/l). Basal values for the patients on conservative dietary treatment are not different from normal. In dialysed patients, the blood non-esterified fatty acid and triglyceride concentrations are increased (p less than 0.001) while cholesterol glucose and insulin levels are unchanged. No significant difference is found between the various types of dialysis, having different duration and bath glucose concentration", "PMID": 1001351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8724", "title": "Lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity and cholestyramine resin therapy in man.", "content": "The effect of the bile-acid-sequestering agent cholestyramine on esterification of plasma cholesterol has been studied in vitro. No change in the activity of plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase was found by either of the two assay methods employed. Similarly the resin did not produce any significant change in the ability of plasma to act as substrate for a given lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase source. It is concluded that the frequently reported relationship between plasma cholesterol concentration and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity does not represent cause and effect. Also other variables influenced by bile-acid-sequestering agents, such as hepatic cholesterol synthesis, are unlikely to be major determinants of plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity.", "contents": "Lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity and cholestyramine resin therapy in man. The effect of the bile-acid-sequestering agent cholestyramine on esterification of plasma cholesterol has been studied in vitro. No change in the activity of plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase was found by either of the two assay methods employed. Similarly the resin did not produce any significant change in the ability of plasma to act as substrate for a given lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase source. It is concluded that the frequently reported relationship between plasma cholesterol concentration and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity does not represent cause and effect. Also other variables influenced by bile-acid-sequestering agents, such as hepatic cholesterol synthesis, are unlikely to be major determinants of plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity.", "PMID": 1001352} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8725", "title": "Comparison of the pharmacokinetics of intravenous dl-propranolol in borderline and permanent hypertension.", "content": "In borderline and permanent hypertensives after rapid i.v. injection of dl-propranolol 0.2 mg/kg plasma levels were measured and were fitted to a two-compartment open-model. In borderline patients, characterized by a high basal cardiac output (CO), plasma levels were always lower than in permanent hypertensives. The biological half-life was reduced and the central volume of distribution, volume of distribution at pseudo-equilibrium and total clearance (TC) were markedly increased. In the overall population, there was a significant positive correlation between CO and TC. Rapid achievement of a predetermined plateau in each group constituted experimental proof of the validity of the two-compartment open-model for kinetic analysis of propranolol i.v. If kinetic parameters from permanent hypertensive were applied to borderline hypertensives a lower plateau was obtained. Thus, in so far as beta-blockade is related to plasma level of propranolol, an increased intravenous dose may be required in patients with high CO.", "contents": "Comparison of the pharmacokinetics of intravenous dl-propranolol in borderline and permanent hypertension. In borderline and permanent hypertensives after rapid i.v. injection of dl-propranolol 0.2 mg/kg plasma levels were measured and were fitted to a two-compartment open-model. In borderline patients, characterized by a high basal cardiac output (CO), plasma levels were always lower than in permanent hypertensives. The biological half-life was reduced and the central volume of distribution, volume of distribution at pseudo-equilibrium and total clearance (TC) were markedly increased. In the overall population, there was a significant positive correlation between CO and TC. Rapid achievement of a predetermined plateau in each group constituted experimental proof of the validity of the two-compartment open-model for kinetic analysis of propranolol i.v. If kinetic parameters from permanent hypertensive were applied to borderline hypertensives a lower plateau was obtained. Thus, in so far as beta-blockade is related to plasma level of propranolol, an increased intravenous dose may be required in patients with high CO.", "PMID": 1001353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8726", "title": "Studies on hydralazine. III. Bioavailability of hydralazine in man.", "content": "The bioavailability of orally administered hydralazine was assessed in 4 healthy subjects after separate administration of a single oral or intravenous dose (0.3 mg-kg-1). Comparison of the areas under the serum concentration-time curves showed that 26-55% of the oral dose was available to the systemic circulation as unchanged drug. The 0-24 h excretion of the drug in urine was rapid: 11.4-14.1% of the dose after intravenous administration, and 2.0-3.6% after an oral dose. Acetylation of hydralazine leads to formation of 3-methyl-s-triazolo-3,4, aphthalazine (MTP) and a gas-liquid-chromatographic method for its measurement in urine was developed. After oral and intravenous administration, 0.8-1.2% and 1.4-2.3% of the dose, respectively, were recovered within 24 hours from urine as MTP. After oral administration there was a relative increase in the amount of MTP in every subject, which indicates route-dependent metabolism. The lower bioavailability of oral hydralazine could be explained in terms of first-pass metabolism.", "contents": "Studies on hydralazine. III. Bioavailability of hydralazine in man. The bioavailability of orally administered hydralazine was assessed in 4 healthy subjects after separate administration of a single oral or intravenous dose (0.3 mg-kg-1). Comparison of the areas under the serum concentration-time curves showed that 26-55% of the oral dose was available to the systemic circulation as unchanged drug. The 0-24 h excretion of the drug in urine was rapid: 11.4-14.1% of the dose after intravenous administration, and 2.0-3.6% after an oral dose. Acetylation of hydralazine leads to formation of 3-methyl-s-triazolo-3,4, aphthalazine (MTP) and a gas-liquid-chromatographic method for its measurement in urine was developed. After oral and intravenous administration, 0.8-1.2% and 1.4-2.3% of the dose, respectively, were recovered within 24 hours from urine as MTP. After oral administration there was a relative increase in the amount of MTP in every subject, which indicates route-dependent metabolism. The lower bioavailability of oral hydralazine could be explained in terms of first-pass metabolism.", "PMID": 1001354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8727", "title": "Lack of relationship between serum free fatty acids and impaired plasma protein binding of diphenylhydantoin in chronic renal failure.", "content": "The plasma protein binding of diphenyldantoin (DPH) in 13 patients with varying degrees of renal failure was considerably less than in normal healthy subjects confirming early studies. The fraction of unbound DPH was correlated with serum creatinine (r = 0.81, p less than 0.001), but there was no significant correlation with the serum concentration of free fatty acids, triglycerides or cholesterol.", "contents": "Lack of relationship between serum free fatty acids and impaired plasma protein binding of diphenylhydantoin in chronic renal failure. The plasma protein binding of diphenyldantoin (DPH) in 13 patients with varying degrees of renal failure was considerably less than in normal healthy subjects confirming early studies. The fraction of unbound DPH was correlated with serum creatinine (r = 0.81, p less than 0.001), but there was no significant correlation with the serum concentration of free fatty acids, triglycerides or cholesterol.", "PMID": 1001355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8728", "title": "The pharmacokinetics of chlormethiazole following intravenous administration in the aged.", "content": "Eight healthy aged subjects were administered 1.2 g of chlormethiazole by constant-rate intravenous infusion. The disposition of the drug was found to be multi-exponential in character. Fits of plasma level-time data to two- and three-compartment open models were assessed with the aid of statistical tests. For three of the subjects the experimental data were adequately fitted to a two-compartment pharmakcokinetic model, however a three-compartment model was necessary to fit the data observed for a further four subjects. An anomalous chlormethiazole plasma concentration-time curve was obtained for the remaining subject. The disposition half-life of chlormethiazole was 8.49 +/- 3.28 h and the plasma clearance was 16.14 +/- 5.00 ml/min/kg. These values were significantly different to those reported earlier for young adult subjects and the clinical implications have been discussed. The blood/plasma concentration ratio of chlormethiazole was found to be approximately one with some evidence for concentration dependence.", "contents": "The pharmacokinetics of chlormethiazole following intravenous administration in the aged. Eight healthy aged subjects were administered 1.2 g of chlormethiazole by constant-rate intravenous infusion. The disposition of the drug was found to be multi-exponential in character. Fits of plasma level-time data to two- and three-compartment open models were assessed with the aid of statistical tests. For three of the subjects the experimental data were adequately fitted to a two-compartment pharmakcokinetic model, however a three-compartment model was necessary to fit the data observed for a further four subjects. An anomalous chlormethiazole plasma concentration-time curve was obtained for the remaining subject. The disposition half-life of chlormethiazole was 8.49 +/- 3.28 h and the plasma clearance was 16.14 +/- 5.00 ml/min/kg. These values were significantly different to those reported earlier for young adult subjects and the clinical implications have been discussed. The blood/plasma concentration ratio of chlormethiazole was found to be approximately one with some evidence for concentration dependence.", "PMID": 1001356} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8729", "title": "Bioavailability of beta-acetyldigoxin after single and repeated doses of tablets and solution.", "content": "In eight healthy volunteers the bioavailability of beta-acetyldigoxin solution and tablets was measured after single and multiple doses. Plasma and urine data were used to calculate bioavailability by four different methods. The differences obtained and the interindividual variations suggested that different and independent methods should be employed to assess \"absolute\" and \"true\" bioavailability. There was no significant difference between the regimens and both preparations had similar bioavailability; mean values (+/- SD) for the solution were 68.3 +/- 8.7% (single dose) and 68.6 +/- 5.9% (multiple doses), and for the tablets 72.8 +/- 7.5% and 66.1 +/- 6.0%, respectively. For routine measurements, single dose studies with plasma and urine sampling for 24 hours and 48 hours, respectively were an accurate and practicable procedure.", "contents": "Bioavailability of beta-acetyldigoxin after single and repeated doses of tablets and solution. In eight healthy volunteers the bioavailability of beta-acetyldigoxin solution and tablets was measured after single and multiple doses. Plasma and urine data were used to calculate bioavailability by four different methods. The differences obtained and the interindividual variations suggested that different and independent methods should be employed to assess \"absolute\" and \"true\" bioavailability. There was no significant difference between the regimens and both preparations had similar bioavailability; mean values (+/- SD) for the solution were 68.3 +/- 8.7% (single dose) and 68.6 +/- 5.9% (multiple doses), and for the tablets 72.8 +/- 7.5% and 66.1 +/- 6.0%, respectively. For routine measurements, single dose studies with plasma and urine sampling for 24 hours and 48 hours, respectively were an accurate and practicable procedure.", "PMID": 1001357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8730", "title": "Simple model to explain effects of plasma protein binding and tissue binding on calculated volumes of distribution, apparent elimination rate constants and clearances.", "content": "A simple pharmacokinetic model, incorporating linear plasma protein binding, linear tissue binding, and first order elimination of free (unbound) drug, was studied. If Clp is the plasma clearance, Vf is the \"true\" volume of distribution of free drug, beta is the apparent elimination rate constant, sigma is the fraction of the drug which is free in plasma, f is the fraction of the drug which is free in the entire body, kf is the intrinsic elimination rate constant for free drug, and AoTB is the initial amount of drug which is bound to tissues, then the model indicates that the following relationships hold: (1) Clp = Vfsigma kf; (2) beta = f kf; and Vdext = (sigma/f) Vf. Only sigma, and not f, can be measured experimentally. Dividing Clp by sigma provides an estimate of the intrinsic clearance of free drug, Vfkf. A plot of Vdext versus sigma has an intercept equal to Vf, and the ratio of the slope/intercept is an estimate of AoTB/Aof, where Aof is the initial amount of free drug (equal to Vf times initial concentration of free drug in plasma). Thus, an estimate of AoTB may be obtained. Dividing the intrinsic clearance by Vf provides an estimate of kf. Thus, theoretically, estimates of Vf, kf, AoTB and f may be obtained. The variables are not separated when beta is plotted versus sigma, and curvature of such plots is expected; no useful information is obtained from such plots.", "contents": "Simple model to explain effects of plasma protein binding and tissue binding on calculated volumes of distribution, apparent elimination rate constants and clearances. A simple pharmacokinetic model, incorporating linear plasma protein binding, linear tissue binding, and first order elimination of free (unbound) drug, was studied. If Clp is the plasma clearance, Vf is the \"true\" volume of distribution of free drug, beta is the apparent elimination rate constant, sigma is the fraction of the drug which is free in plasma, f is the fraction of the drug which is free in the entire body, kf is the intrinsic elimination rate constant for free drug, and AoTB is the initial amount of drug which is bound to tissues, then the model indicates that the following relationships hold: (1) Clp = Vfsigma kf; (2) beta = f kf; and Vdext = (sigma/f) Vf. Only sigma, and not f, can be measured experimentally. Dividing Clp by sigma provides an estimate of the intrinsic clearance of free drug, Vfkf. A plot of Vdext versus sigma has an intercept equal to Vf, and the ratio of the slope/intercept is an estimate of AoTB/Aof, where Aof is the initial amount of free drug (equal to Vf times initial concentration of free drug in plasma). Thus, an estimate of AoTB may be obtained. Dividing the intrinsic clearance by Vf provides an estimate of kf. Thus, theoretically, estimates of Vf, kf, AoTB and f may be obtained. The variables are not separated when beta is plotted versus sigma, and curvature of such plots is expected; no useful information is obtained from such plots.", "PMID": 1001358} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8731", "title": "General derivation of the ideal intravenous drug input required to achieve and maintain a constant plasma drug concentration. Theoretical application to lignocaine therapy.", "content": "A constant plasma drug concentration can be achieved and maintained by the intravenous administration of an initial bolus loading dose in conjunction with a constant rate and an exponential intravenous drug infusion. The drug input required to achieve a constant plasma drug concentration is derived without making any assumptions about the nature of drug distribution within the body or elimination from the body.", "contents": "General derivation of the ideal intravenous drug input required to achieve and maintain a constant plasma drug concentration. Theoretical application to lignocaine therapy. A constant plasma drug concentration can be achieved and maintained by the intravenous administration of an initial bolus loading dose in conjunction with a constant rate and an exponential intravenous drug infusion. The drug input required to achieve a constant plasma drug concentration is derived without making any assumptions about the nature of drug distribution within the body or elimination from the body.", "PMID": 1001359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8732", "title": "Reconstitution of genetically regulated responses against random and ordered synthetic polypeptides by methylated bovine serum albumin as analyzed by isoelectric focusing.", "content": "In previous publications it was shown by avidity measurements, cross-reactivity patterns and genetic analyses, that the tetrapeptide T-T-G-G is the immuno-dominant epitope of the synthetic polypeptide (T, G)-A--L. In the present study this close immunological relationship between the random multichain copolymer (T, G)-A--L and the ordered analogue (T-T-G-G)-A--L is extended by two additional criteria. First, the immune response against (T-T-G-G)-A--L in H-2k nonresponder mouse strains can be reconstituted to high antibody levels by complexing this antigen to methylated bovine serum albumin, as was tested earlier for (T,G)-A--L. The antibodies elicited upon reconstitution in both antigenic systems are directed mainly against the same determinant, T-T-G-G. Second, isoelectric focusing analysis of specific antisera developed with radiolabeled antigen revealed restricted 7 S IgG antibody populations in high responder and reconstituted high and low responder mice. The spectra were found to be of similar complexity in the (T,G)-A--L and in the (T-T-G-G)-A--L system. From these data it was concluded that the repertoires of specific B cells to T-T-G-G are very similar in high and low responder strains, and the defect in the H-2k low responder systems should be located at the level of T-B cell cooperation.", "contents": "Reconstitution of genetically regulated responses against random and ordered synthetic polypeptides by methylated bovine serum albumin as analyzed by isoelectric focusing. In previous publications it was shown by avidity measurements, cross-reactivity patterns and genetic analyses, that the tetrapeptide T-T-G-G is the immuno-dominant epitope of the synthetic polypeptide (T, G)-A--L. In the present study this close immunological relationship between the random multichain copolymer (T, G)-A--L and the ordered analogue (T-T-G-G)-A--L is extended by two additional criteria. First, the immune response against (T-T-G-G)-A--L in H-2k nonresponder mouse strains can be reconstituted to high antibody levels by complexing this antigen to methylated bovine serum albumin, as was tested earlier for (T,G)-A--L. The antibodies elicited upon reconstitution in both antigenic systems are directed mainly against the same determinant, T-T-G-G. Second, isoelectric focusing analysis of specific antisera developed with radiolabeled antigen revealed restricted 7 S IgG antibody populations in high responder and reconstituted high and low responder mice. The spectra were found to be of similar complexity in the (T,G)-A--L and in the (T-T-G-G)-A--L system. From these data it was concluded that the repertoires of specific B cells to T-T-G-G are very similar in high and low responder strains, and the defect in the H-2k low responder systems should be located at the level of T-B cell cooperation.", "PMID": 1001360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8733", "title": "Nonparallel changes in brain monoamines of pyridoxine-deficient growing rats.", "content": "The effects of a large number of neurotropic drugs have been attributed to changes in the metabolism of 5-hydroxytryptamine. The aromatic amino acid decarboxylase considered to decarboxylate both dihydroxyphenylalanine and 5-hydroxytryptophan requires pyridoxal phosphate as coenzyme. Thus, in pyridoxine deficiency one would expect a decrease of serotonin as well as the catecholamines of the brain. In the present study we have found a very significant decrease in brain serotonin of the pyridoxine-deficient growing rat. However, the brain levels of norepinephrine and dopamine were not altered. This decrease in serotonin does not result from a decrease either in the brain level of trytophan or the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase. Increased degradation of serotonin measured by the levels of its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid is also excluded, thus suggesting the possibility that the decarboxylation of 5-hydroxytryptophan is decreased in pyridoxine deficiency.", "contents": "Nonparallel changes in brain monoamines of pyridoxine-deficient growing rats. The effects of a large number of neurotropic drugs have been attributed to changes in the metabolism of 5-hydroxytryptamine. The aromatic amino acid decarboxylase considered to decarboxylate both dihydroxyphenylalanine and 5-hydroxytryptophan requires pyridoxal phosphate as coenzyme. Thus, in pyridoxine deficiency one would expect a decrease of serotonin as well as the catecholamines of the brain. In the present study we have found a very significant decrease in brain serotonin of the pyridoxine-deficient growing rat. However, the brain levels of norepinephrine and dopamine were not altered. This decrease in serotonin does not result from a decrease either in the brain level of trytophan or the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase. Increased degradation of serotonin measured by the levels of its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid is also excluded, thus suggesting the possibility that the decarboxylation of 5-hydroxytryptophan is decreased in pyridoxine deficiency.", "PMID": 1001386} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8734", "title": "Horizontal vestibular nystagmus. I. Identification of medial vestibular neurones.", "content": "1. The properities of inputs from the horizontal semi-circular canal to neurones of the medial vestibular nucleus have been studied intracellularly in the unanaesthetized enc\u00e9phale isol\u00e9 cat. 2. Secondary neurones of the bestibulo-abducens reflex arc were identified by their orthodromic response to labyrinthine stimulation and by antidromic excitation from the contralateral abducens nucleus. 3. The responses of medial vestibular cells receiving only labyrinthine in puts are also described. These were seen to be predominantly excitatory though IPSPs were observed in a few cases. 4. Identified vestibular neurones were intracellularly injected with procion yellow and showed different morphological characteristics correlated with function.", "contents": "Horizontal vestibular nystagmus. I. Identification of medial vestibular neurones. 1. The properities of inputs from the horizontal semi-circular canal to neurones of the medial vestibular nucleus have been studied intracellularly in the unanaesthetized enc\u00e9phale isol\u00e9 cat. 2. Secondary neurones of the bestibulo-abducens reflex arc were identified by their orthodromic response to labyrinthine stimulation and by antidromic excitation from the contralateral abducens nucleus. 3. The responses of medial vestibular cells receiving only labyrinthine in puts are also described. These were seen to be predominantly excitatory though IPSPs were observed in a few cases. 4. Identified vestibular neurones were intracellularly injected with procion yellow and showed different morphological characteristics correlated with function.", "PMID": 1001387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8735", "title": "Horizontal vestibular nystagmus. II. Activity patterns of medial vestibular neurones during nystagmus.", "content": "1. Identified medial vestibular neurones were studied before, during and after nystagmogenic labyrinthine stimulation in the Enc\u00e9phale isol\u00e9 cat. Motor discharges were simultaneously recorded from the contralateral abducens nerve. 2. 87.9% of the recorded neurones showed changes in tonic firing frequency during repetitibe labyrinthine stimulation with no nystagmic modulation in behaviour. 3. The secondary vestibular neurones projecting monosynaptically to the contralateral abducens motoneurones were included in this non-rhythmic population. 4. Only 2% of the recorded population fired rhythmically both during nystagmogenic stimulation and poststimulation nystagmus. These neurones showed plasticity in behaviour regarding the phases of nystagmus recorded from the contralateral abducens nerve. 5. The remaining 10.1% of the medial vestibular neurones were excited or inhibited by repetitive stimulation of the labyrinth but showed burst firing pattersn correlated with poststimulation nystagmic discharges.", "contents": "Horizontal vestibular nystagmus. II. Activity patterns of medial vestibular neurones during nystagmus. 1. Identified medial vestibular neurones were studied before, during and after nystagmogenic labyrinthine stimulation in the Enc\u00e9phale isol\u00e9 cat. Motor discharges were simultaneously recorded from the contralateral abducens nerve. 2. 87.9% of the recorded neurones showed changes in tonic firing frequency during repetitibe labyrinthine stimulation with no nystagmic modulation in behaviour. 3. The secondary vestibular neurones projecting monosynaptically to the contralateral abducens motoneurones were included in this non-rhythmic population. 4. Only 2% of the recorded population fired rhythmically both during nystagmogenic stimulation and poststimulation nystagmus. These neurones showed plasticity in behaviour regarding the phases of nystagmus recorded from the contralateral abducens nerve. 5. The remaining 10.1% of the medial vestibular neurones were excited or inhibited by repetitive stimulation of the labyrinth but showed burst firing pattersn correlated with poststimulation nystagmic discharges.", "PMID": 1001388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8736", "title": "Abortion utilization: does travel distance matter?", "content": "The further a woman must travel in order to obtain an abortion, the less likely she is to get one. Distance is especially disadvantageous to blacks, and most so to black teenagers. Distance discourages use among rural as well as urban women. Opening new clinics increases abortion use in nearby communities.", "contents": "Abortion utilization: does travel distance matter? The further a woman must travel in order to obtain an abortion, the less likely she is to get one. Distance is especially disadvantageous to blacks, and most so to black teenagers. Distance discourages use among rural as well as urban women. Opening new clinics increases abortion use in nearby communities.", "PMID": 1001409} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8737", "title": "[Primary structure of the casein macropeptide of porcine and human kappa caseins].", "content": "The amino acid sequence of porcine and human caseinomacropeptides (CMP), the C-terminal glycopeptide released from kappa-casein by chymosin at the initial step of milk coagulation, have been investigated. The complete amino acid sequence of porcine CMP and that of the first 59 amino acid residues of human CMP have been determined. Porcine and human CMPs contain 71 and likely 65 amino acid residues respectively. The extra hexapeptide 38-43 found in porcine CMP arises obviously from the duplication of the DNA fragment coding for the 6 preceding amino acids.", "contents": "[Primary structure of the casein macropeptide of porcine and human kappa caseins]. The amino acid sequence of porcine and human caseinomacropeptides (CMP), the C-terminal glycopeptide released from kappa-casein by chymosin at the initial step of milk coagulation, have been investigated. The complete amino acid sequence of porcine CMP and that of the first 59 amino acid residues of human CMP have been determined. Porcine and human CMPs contain 71 and likely 65 amino acid residues respectively. The extra hexapeptide 38-43 found in porcine CMP arises obviously from the duplication of the DNA fragment coding for the 6 preceding amino acids.", "PMID": 1001463} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8738", "title": "The diagnosis and treatment of amenorrheas.", "content": "Correct diagnosis and treatment of amenorrhea is a challenging problem to the clinician. A systematic approach to the differential diagnosis and treatment, based on functional activity along the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, is presented. By obtaining a detailed history, performing a meticulous physical examination, and utilizing several simple clinical and laboratory tests, a correct diagnosis can be reached for the majority of patients. Treatment is relatively simple and geared to the patient's desires. In most instances, understanding of the basic problem helps the patient to cope with it and no treatment is needed. If lack of menses is a problem, cyclic bleeding at regular intervals can be induced. When fertility is a problem, ovulation can be induced, provided that there is no ovarian failure. By spending sufficient time with the patient, paying attention to detail, and giving some thought, a correct diagnosis can be reached and adequate treatment given to most amenorrheic patients.", "contents": "The diagnosis and treatment of amenorrheas. Correct diagnosis and treatment of amenorrhea is a challenging problem to the clinician. A systematic approach to the differential diagnosis and treatment, based on functional activity along the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, is presented. By obtaining a detailed history, performing a meticulous physical examination, and utilizing several simple clinical and laboratory tests, a correct diagnosis can be reached for the majority of patients. Treatment is relatively simple and geared to the patient's desires. In most instances, understanding of the basic problem helps the patient to cope with it and no treatment is needed. If lack of menses is a problem, cyclic bleeding at regular intervals can be induced. When fertility is a problem, ovulation can be induced, provided that there is no ovarian failure. By spending sufficient time with the patient, paying attention to detail, and giving some thought, a correct diagnosis can be reached and adequate treatment given to most amenorrheic patients.", "PMID": 1001519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8739", "title": "Induction of midtrimester abortion by the combined method of continuous extravovular infusion of prostaglandin F2alpha and intracervical laminaria tents.", "content": "Midtrimester abortion was successfully induced in 55 of 60 patients with continuous extraovular infusion of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) following the insertion of intracervical laminaria tents. Intravenous oxytocin was also used in 38 (63%) of the 60 patients. The mean induction-abortion time (IAT) was 11.72 hours +/- 1.06 SD). Abortion was completed in 40% within 8 hours, 80% within 16 hours, and 93% within 24 hours. The mean total dose of PGF2alpha was 41.9 mg. There was no significant difference in IAT between the parous patients (13.40 hours +/- 1.90 SD) and the nulliparous patients (10.41 hours +/- 1.13 SD). There was no apparent correlation between IAT and the stages of gestation (12 to 22 weeks). The five patients who failed to abort within 24 to 36 hours underwent uterine evacuation, which was easily accomplished because there was a marked degree of cervical dilatation. Side effects and complications of the technique were few. Endometritis occurred in three patients, two of whom had had intrauterine devices in situ until just prior to the procedure. It appears that this method has a high success rate, an acceptable safety factor, good patient tolerance, and relatively few side effects.", "contents": "Induction of midtrimester abortion by the combined method of continuous extravovular infusion of prostaglandin F2alpha and intracervical laminaria tents. Midtrimester abortion was successfully induced in 55 of 60 patients with continuous extraovular infusion of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) following the insertion of intracervical laminaria tents. Intravenous oxytocin was also used in 38 (63%) of the 60 patients. The mean induction-abortion time (IAT) was 11.72 hours +/- 1.06 SD). Abortion was completed in 40% within 8 hours, 80% within 16 hours, and 93% within 24 hours. The mean total dose of PGF2alpha was 41.9 mg. There was no significant difference in IAT between the parous patients (13.40 hours +/- 1.90 SD) and the nulliparous patients (10.41 hours +/- 1.13 SD). There was no apparent correlation between IAT and the stages of gestation (12 to 22 weeks). The five patients who failed to abort within 24 to 36 hours underwent uterine evacuation, which was easily accomplished because there was a marked degree of cervical dilatation. Side effects and complications of the technique were few. Endometritis occurred in three patients, two of whom had had intrauterine devices in situ until just prior to the procedure. It appears that this method has a high success rate, an acceptable safety factor, good patient tolerance, and relatively few side effects.", "PMID": 1001520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8740", "title": "The abortifacient effectiveness and plasma prostaglandin concentrations with 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2alpha methyl ester-containing vaginal silastic devices.", "content": "The abortifacient effectiveness of three intravaginal Silastic devices impregnated with 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2alpha (15(S)-Me-PGF2alpha) methyl ester in concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% was investigated. Each concentration was tested in 10 patients with gestations ranging from 8 to 19 weeks. Abortion was successfully induced by prostaglandin alone in 6 patients with the 0.25% device, in 9 patients with the 0.5% device, and all 10 patients treated with the 1.0% device. Additionally, three patients treated with the 0.25% device and one patient treated with the 0.5% device aborted with concomitant, continuous, intravenous oxytocin therapy. The mean abortion time with the 0.25% device was 16.43 hours; with the 0.5% device, 16.49 hours; and with the 1.0% device, 10.18 hours. The peripheral plasma levels of 15(S)-Me-PGF2alpha methyl ester were the most variable with the 0.5% device. The plasma levels of 15(S)-Me-PGF2alpha methyl ester of patients receiving the 0.25% device were similar to the levels of patients receiving the 1.0% device. The intravaginal Silastic device impregnated with 15(S)-Me-PGF2alpha methyl ester appears to be an effective abortifacient, but further study is indicated to determine the most efficient device with the fewest side effects.", "contents": "The abortifacient effectiveness and plasma prostaglandin concentrations with 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2alpha methyl ester-containing vaginal silastic devices. The abortifacient effectiveness of three intravaginal Silastic devices impregnated with 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2alpha (15(S)-Me-PGF2alpha) methyl ester in concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% was investigated. Each concentration was tested in 10 patients with gestations ranging from 8 to 19 weeks. Abortion was successfully induced by prostaglandin alone in 6 patients with the 0.25% device, in 9 patients with the 0.5% device, and all 10 patients treated with the 1.0% device. Additionally, three patients treated with the 0.25% device and one patient treated with the 0.5% device aborted with concomitant, continuous, intravenous oxytocin therapy. The mean abortion time with the 0.25% device was 16.43 hours; with the 0.5% device, 16.49 hours; and with the 1.0% device, 10.18 hours. The peripheral plasma levels of 15(S)-Me-PGF2alpha methyl ester were the most variable with the 0.5% device. The plasma levels of 15(S)-Me-PGF2alpha methyl ester of patients receiving the 0.25% device were similar to the levels of patients receiving the 1.0% device. The intravaginal Silastic device impregnated with 15(S)-Me-PGF2alpha methyl ester appears to be an effective abortifacient, but further study is indicated to determine the most efficient device with the fewest side effects.", "PMID": 1001521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8741", "title": "Intra-amniotic prostaglandin F2alpha and urea for midtrimester abortion.", "content": "Intra-amniotic prostaglandin F2alpha, in doses of 2.5 to 20 mg, combined with 80 gm of urea, was an effective, safe, simple, and economical midtrimester abortifacient in 115 patients. The mean abortal time, 15.8 hours, was significantly less than that in prior series in which intra-amniotic hypertonic saline or urea was administered together with constant, intravenous oxytocin infusion. The use of intracervical laminaria tents did not shorten the abortal time. Only eight patients had not aborted within 30 hours; only two had not aborted within 36 hours; and only six received a second intra-amniotic injection. Operative removal of the placenta, when necessary, was accomplished under intravenous sedation in a treatment room. The incidence of infection, nausea, vomiting, and other complications was low.", "contents": "Intra-amniotic prostaglandin F2alpha and urea for midtrimester abortion. Intra-amniotic prostaglandin F2alpha, in doses of 2.5 to 20 mg, combined with 80 gm of urea, was an effective, safe, simple, and economical midtrimester abortifacient in 115 patients. The mean abortal time, 15.8 hours, was significantly less than that in prior series in which intra-amniotic hypertonic saline or urea was administered together with constant, intravenous oxytocin infusion. The use of intracervical laminaria tents did not shorten the abortal time. Only eight patients had not aborted within 30 hours; only two had not aborted within 36 hours; and only six received a second intra-amniotic injection. Operative removal of the placenta, when necessary, was accomplished under intravenous sedation in a treatment room. The incidence of infection, nausea, vomiting, and other complications was low.", "PMID": 1001522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8742", "title": "An intravaginal contraceptive diaphragm made of collagen sponge: new old principle.", "content": "This study presents a theoretical background for a new intravaginal contraceptive. A highly resilient and liquid-absorbent collagen sponge in the form of a cup is self-administered in the upper vault of the vagina, where it is retained for several days to form a mechanical barrier against sperm. The high fluid-binding capacity contributes to the trapping and immobilization of sperm within the sponge. Other methods enhancing the retention and spermicidal effect of the sponge are discussed. Clinical testing of the sponge is in progress.", "contents": "An intravaginal contraceptive diaphragm made of collagen sponge: new old principle. This study presents a theoretical background for a new intravaginal contraceptive. A highly resilient and liquid-absorbent collagen sponge in the form of a cup is self-administered in the upper vault of the vagina, where it is retained for several days to form a mechanical barrier against sperm. The high fluid-binding capacity contributes to the trapping and immobilization of sperm within the sponge. Other methods enhancing the retention and spermicidal effect of the sponge are discussed. Clinical testing of the sponge is in progress.", "PMID": 1001524} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8743", "title": "The acceptance of the collagen sponge diaphragm as an intravaginal contraceptive in human volunteers.", "content": "Two types of highly resilient and liquid-absorbent collagen sponge contraceptives (CSC) in the shape of cylindrical cups (6 cm wide and 2.5 cm thick) were evaluated for acceptance as an intravaginal contraceptive method for a period of 3 months in 27 volunteers. Parameters such as retention, odor, irritation, itching, discharge, and convenience for the user and her sexual partner were tested. Average retention time was 7 to 9 days (range, 2 to 28 days); still, most sexually active volunteers preferred to remove the CSC every 3 to 4 days, rinse them in tap water, and reinsert them. Odor was noticed by users in 4% of the tested sponges and in 30% of all volunteers by medical personnel at the time of removal of the CSC from the vagina. No irritation, itching, or discharge was reported. The CSC alone did not cause any inconvenience to the user or partner, while the CSC with inserted rubber ring was felt by both partners and was found to be dislocated. This study indicates good acceptance of the CSC in intravaginal use. Studies to evaluate the efficacy of collagen sponges as mechanical contraceptive barriers are in progress.", "contents": "The acceptance of the collagen sponge diaphragm as an intravaginal contraceptive in human volunteers. Two types of highly resilient and liquid-absorbent collagen sponge contraceptives (CSC) in the shape of cylindrical cups (6 cm wide and 2.5 cm thick) were evaluated for acceptance as an intravaginal contraceptive method for a period of 3 months in 27 volunteers. Parameters such as retention, odor, irritation, itching, discharge, and convenience for the user and her sexual partner were tested. Average retention time was 7 to 9 days (range, 2 to 28 days); still, most sexually active volunteers preferred to remove the CSC every 3 to 4 days, rinse them in tap water, and reinsert them. Odor was noticed by users in 4% of the tested sponges and in 30% of all volunteers by medical personnel at the time of removal of the CSC from the vagina. No irritation, itching, or discharge was reported. The CSC alone did not cause any inconvenience to the user or partner, while the CSC with inserted rubber ring was felt by both partners and was found to be dislocated. This study indicates good acceptance of the CSC in intravaginal use. Studies to evaluate the efficacy of collagen sponges as mechanical contraceptive barriers are in progress.", "PMID": 1001525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8744", "title": "Puerperal Weck clip sterilization: study I (first study of two consecutive studies).", "content": "One hundred and four puerperal applications have been performed using the (original) Weck pistol-grip applicator and applying the large Weck clip in the inverted V configuration. Follow-up varied from 37 to 42 months. The corrected failure rate was 8.7%. Mechanical difficulties were encountered with the jaws and metal sleeve of the (original) Weck pistol-grip applicator. Recovered clip configuration and tubal tissue histology are presented. Histologic changes suggest possible reversibility.", "contents": "Puerperal Weck clip sterilization: study I (first study of two consecutive studies). One hundred and four puerperal applications have been performed using the (original) Weck pistol-grip applicator and applying the large Weck clip in the inverted V configuration. Follow-up varied from 37 to 42 months. The corrected failure rate was 8.7%. Mechanical difficulties were encountered with the jaws and metal sleeve of the (original) Weck pistol-grip applicator. Recovered clip configuration and tubal tissue histology are presented. Histologic changes suggest possible reversibility.", "PMID": 1001526} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8745", "title": "Puerperal weck clip sterilization: study II (second study of two consecutive studies).", "content": "Forty-five puerperal inverted V Weck clip applications have been completed with either the Samuel's or (modified) Weck pistol-grip applicator. Of the 45 applications, 31 have been followed for 25 to 36 months (69%), 12 have been followed for 13 to 25 months (27%), and 2 have been followed for 9 to 12 months (4%). The failure rate thus far is 2.2%. No mechanical difficulties were encountered with the Samuel's or the (modified) Weck pistol-grip applicator. Reversibility has been observed in one interval patient, while pre-admission evaluation of a puerperal patient suggests postremoval tubal patency.", "contents": "Puerperal weck clip sterilization: study II (second study of two consecutive studies). Forty-five puerperal inverted V Weck clip applications have been completed with either the Samuel's or (modified) Weck pistol-grip applicator. Of the 45 applications, 31 have been followed for 25 to 36 months (69%), 12 have been followed for 13 to 25 months (27%), and 2 have been followed for 9 to 12 months (4%). The failure rate thus far is 2.2%. No mechanical difficulties were encountered with the Samuel's or the (modified) Weck pistol-grip applicator. Reversibility has been observed in one interval patient, while pre-admission evaluation of a puerperal patient suggests postremoval tubal patency.", "PMID": 1001527} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8746", "title": "Accuracy of basal body temperature for ovulation detection.", "content": "In 30 normally menstruating women, ages 19 to 41 (mean 24), gravida 0 to 5 (mean 0.7), basal body temperature (BBT) was correlated with serum luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone, and estradiol or urinary estrogen levels assayed serially during one menstrual cycle. In 21 subjects (70%), a biphasic BBT correlated with an ovulatory hormonal pattern. Six women (20%) had a monophasic BBT but demonstrated a preovulatory estrogen peak, a midcycle LH surge, and a significant rise in serum progesterone levels during the luteal phase. The remaining three women (10%) showed anovulatory cycles (two women) or a deficient luteal phase (one woman) as determined by BBT and hormonal assays. The results indicate that in approximately 20% of ovulatory cycles the BBT failed to demonstrate ovulation.", "contents": "Accuracy of basal body temperature for ovulation detection. In 30 normally menstruating women, ages 19 to 41 (mean 24), gravida 0 to 5 (mean 0.7), basal body temperature (BBT) was correlated with serum luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone, and estradiol or urinary estrogen levels assayed serially during one menstrual cycle. In 21 subjects (70%), a biphasic BBT correlated with an ovulatory hormonal pattern. Six women (20%) had a monophasic BBT but demonstrated a preovulatory estrogen peak, a midcycle LH surge, and a significant rise in serum progesterone levels during the luteal phase. The remaining three women (10%) showed anovulatory cycles (two women) or a deficient luteal phase (one woman) as determined by BBT and hormonal assays. The results indicate that in approximately 20% of ovulatory cycles the BBT failed to demonstrate ovulation.", "PMID": 1001528} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8747", "title": "Microscopic appearance of the human fallopian tube following a reanastomosis procedure.", "content": "Microscopic evaluation of a human fallopian tube following end-to-end anastomosis over a polyethylene stent was performed 10 days after the initial surgical procedure. The stent was removed on the 3rd postoperative day. Examination of the excised tube revealed a patent lumen without any evidence of mucosal compromise. The submucosa adjacent to the anastomotic site revealed a mild polymorphonuclear leukocytic infiltration, although a marked inflammatory response was observed around the 5-0 chromic sutures used in the reanastomosis. This case and recent animal studies suggest that early removal of the stent does not appear to jeopardize the patency of the tube and may be preferable to removal after 3 to 4 months.", "contents": "Microscopic appearance of the human fallopian tube following a reanastomosis procedure. Microscopic evaluation of a human fallopian tube following end-to-end anastomosis over a polyethylene stent was performed 10 days after the initial surgical procedure. The stent was removed on the 3rd postoperative day. Examination of the excised tube revealed a patent lumen without any evidence of mucosal compromise. The submucosa adjacent to the anastomotic site revealed a mild polymorphonuclear leukocytic infiltration, although a marked inflammatory response was observed around the 5-0 chromic sutures used in the reanastomosis. This case and recent animal studies suggest that early removal of the stent does not appear to jeopardize the patency of the tube and may be preferable to removal after 3 to 4 months.", "PMID": 1001529} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8748", "title": "Hyperprolactinemic male infertility.", "content": "Serum prolactin was studied in 25 fertile and 127 infertile men. The latter included 91 oligospermic, 27 azoospermic, and 9 hypogonadotropic hypogonadal men. The mean prolactin level in all three groups of infertile men was significantly above that of the fertile group. There was no correlation among serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, sperm count, and serum prolactin values. Hyperprolactinemia was found in five patients (two oligospermic, one azoospermic, and two hypogonadotropic hypogonadal men). Bromocriptine, 2.5 mg twice daily, suppressed hyperprolactinemia. In one man with hyperprolactinemic oligospermia, treatment with bromocriptine yielded significant improvement in sperm count (to normal values).", "contents": "Hyperprolactinemic male infertility. Serum prolactin was studied in 25 fertile and 127 infertile men. The latter included 91 oligospermic, 27 azoospermic, and 9 hypogonadotropic hypogonadal men. The mean prolactin level in all three groups of infertile men was significantly above that of the fertile group. There was no correlation among serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, sperm count, and serum prolactin values. Hyperprolactinemia was found in five patients (two oligospermic, one azoospermic, and two hypogonadotropic hypogonadal men). Bromocriptine, 2.5 mg twice daily, suppressed hyperprolactinemia. In one man with hyperprolactinemic oligospermia, treatment with bromocriptine yielded significant improvement in sperm count (to normal values).", "PMID": 1001530} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8749", "title": "Histones instead of protamines in terminal germ cells of infertile, oligospermic men.", "content": "A study was carried out, by means of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, of the nucleoproteins of spermatozoa from infertile, oligospermic patients affected by partial idiopathic spermatidic arrest. Results in a normal group of men, in agreement with previous reports, showed the presence of protamines in mature spermatozoa. Data relative to nucleoproteins in \"spermatozoa\" from the infertile patients showed that, in these cells, no protamines were detectable, but histones exclusively. These findings suggest that in our patients a maturational defect of spermatogenesis exists both at the meiotic level (a DNA content double that of spermatozoa) and during spermatidic maturation (no substitution of histones by protamines). Therefore, the nuclear maturation of these terminal germ cells is that typical of that of primary spermatocytes.", "contents": "Histones instead of protamines in terminal germ cells of infertile, oligospermic men. A study was carried out, by means of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, of the nucleoproteins of spermatozoa from infertile, oligospermic patients affected by partial idiopathic spermatidic arrest. Results in a normal group of men, in agreement with previous reports, showed the presence of protamines in mature spermatozoa. Data relative to nucleoproteins in \"spermatozoa\" from the infertile patients showed that, in these cells, no protamines were detectable, but histones exclusively. These findings suggest that in our patients a maturational defect of spermatogenesis exists both at the meiotic level (a DNA content double that of spermatozoa) and during spermatidic maturation (no substitution of histones by protamines). Therefore, the nuclear maturation of these terminal germ cells is that typical of that of primary spermatocytes.", "PMID": 1001531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8750", "title": "Androgen levels in intact and vasectomized rams during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons.", "content": "Plasma androgen profiles were studied in two intact and two vasectomized rams in October (over a 12-hour period) and in a similar number in February (over a 25-hour period). No significant differences were found between intact animals and those vasectomized 4, 6, and 7 months previously. All intact and vasectomized animals showed a marked difference in profiles between October and February. The response to an intravenous injection of 4500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin was also studied in February and no significant difference was observed in the subsequent pattern of plasma androgens.", "contents": "Androgen levels in intact and vasectomized rams during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Plasma androgen profiles were studied in two intact and two vasectomized rams in October (over a 12-hour period) and in a similar number in February (over a 25-hour period). No significant differences were found between intact animals and those vasectomized 4, 6, and 7 months previously. All intact and vasectomized animals showed a marked difference in profiles between October and February. The response to an intravenous injection of 4500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin was also studied in February and no significant difference was observed in the subsequent pattern of plasma androgens.", "PMID": 1001532} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8751", "title": "Participation of membrane sulfhydryl groups in the epididymal maturation of human and rabbit spermatozoa.", "content": "Changes in the concentration of -SH groups on the human and rabbit spermatozoal membrane and during epididymal maturation were studied by means of a new fluorescent probe, carboxyphenylmaleimide (CPhM), which reacts specifically with -SH groups. Binding of CPhM did not modify oxygen uptake, motility, or viability of the sperm cells used, but produced a characteristic increase in fluorescence. By analysis of this increase it was possible to calculate the presence of 35 +/- 4.2 and 55 +/- 8 nmoles of exposed -SH groups/10(8) rabbit and human ejaculated spermatozoa, respectively. Caput epididymal cells bound significantly more CPhM than did cauda epididymal cells or ejaculated spermatozoa (155 +/- 22, 78 +/- 11, and 35 +/- 4.2 nmoles/10(8) cells, respectively, in rabbit cells; and 184, 110 +/- 18, and 55 +/- 8 nmoles/10(8) cells, respectively, in humans cells). In addition to the differences in number of exposed -SH groups observed between human and rabbit sperm cells, the behavior of these membrane-reactive groups when ethylenediaminetetraacetate and/or zinc were added to the incubation media indicates that the participation of membrane--SH groups in sperm physiology is species-specific.", "contents": "Participation of membrane sulfhydryl groups in the epididymal maturation of human and rabbit spermatozoa. Changes in the concentration of -SH groups on the human and rabbit spermatozoal membrane and during epididymal maturation were studied by means of a new fluorescent probe, carboxyphenylmaleimide (CPhM), which reacts specifically with -SH groups. Binding of CPhM did not modify oxygen uptake, motility, or viability of the sperm cells used, but produced a characteristic increase in fluorescence. By analysis of this increase it was possible to calculate the presence of 35 +/- 4.2 and 55 +/- 8 nmoles of exposed -SH groups/10(8) rabbit and human ejaculated spermatozoa, respectively. Caput epididymal cells bound significantly more CPhM than did cauda epididymal cells or ejaculated spermatozoa (155 +/- 22, 78 +/- 11, and 35 +/- 4.2 nmoles/10(8) cells, respectively, in rabbit cells; and 184, 110 +/- 18, and 55 +/- 8 nmoles/10(8) cells, respectively, in humans cells). In addition to the differences in number of exposed -SH groups observed between human and rabbit sperm cells, the behavior of these membrane-reactive groups when ethylenediaminetetraacetate and/or zinc were added to the incubation media indicates that the participation of membrane--SH groups in sperm physiology is species-specific.", "PMID": 1001533} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8752", "title": "[An unusual case of herpes circinata (author's transl)].", "content": "A 61-year-old patient presented with an eczematous patch on the left wrist, suspect of a contact dermatitis to his watch. This lesion did not respond to the usual topical treatment. On the contrary, new lesions appeared on both forearms. A fungous culture was positive and confirmed the diagnosis of tinea circinata. Appropriate treatment allowed a complete cure within 1 month.", "contents": "[An unusual case of herpes circinata (author's transl)]. A 61-year-old patient presented with an eczematous patch on the left wrist, suspect of a contact dermatitis to his watch. This lesion did not respond to the usual topical treatment. On the contrary, new lesions appeared on both forearms. A fungous culture was positive and confirmed the diagnosis of tinea circinata. Appropriate treatment allowed a complete cure within 1 month.", "PMID": 1001589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8753", "title": "[Cutaneous leishmaniasis: an autochtonous case in Switzerland?].", "content": "Different kinds of Phlebotomus, which are responsible for the infectiousness of cutaneous leishmaniasis, have been identified at different places in Europe. The pathogenic agent, Leishmania tropica, essentially linked to climatic circumstances, seems slowly to gain ground north of the Mediterranean Sea. The chance of having an autochthonous case in Ticino (Southern Switzerland) is existing. A treatment with Rifampicin has been successful.", "contents": "[Cutaneous leishmaniasis: an autochtonous case in Switzerland?]. Different kinds of Phlebotomus, which are responsible for the infectiousness of cutaneous leishmaniasis, have been identified at different places in Europe. The pathogenic agent, Leishmania tropica, essentially linked to climatic circumstances, seems slowly to gain ground north of the Mediterranean Sea. The chance of having an autochthonous case in Ticino (Southern Switzerland) is existing. A treatment with Rifampicin has been successful.", "PMID": 1001590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8754", "title": "[Radiotherapy of precancerous lesions and carcinoma of the head (author's transl)].", "content": "On the basis of results and check-ups gained at the clinic of Zurich, it can be demonstrated, once more, that radiotherapy of precancerous lesions and tumors, even critically considered, is still a very valuable and safe method of treatment with lasting success in 90 to 99% of the cases. At the same time this method safeguards the essential functions, even in the case of particularly difficult areas.", "contents": "[Radiotherapy of precancerous lesions and carcinoma of the head (author's transl)]. On the basis of results and check-ups gained at the clinic of Zurich, it can be demonstrated, once more, that radiotherapy of precancerous lesions and tumors, even critically considered, is still a very valuable and safe method of treatment with lasting success in 90 to 99% of the cases. At the same time this method safeguards the essential functions, even in the case of particularly difficult areas.", "PMID": 1001591} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8755", "title": "[A follow-up of x-ray-treated tuberous hemangiomas after 15-20 years (author.s transl)].", "content": "The treatment of hemangiomas with X-rays has been sharply criticized because of their tendency to involute spontaneously. It has been the aim of this catamnestic study to re-examine for X-ray injury those patients, whose hemangiomas were irradiated 15-20 years ago. The findings indicate that signs of roentgenoderma can appear already with 800 r and increase rapidly over 1,500 r. The observed irreversible damages, however, were mostly not grave, but admonish a certain amount of restraint. An assessment of the effectiveness of low X-ray doses still requires verification considering a faster spontaneous involution.", "contents": "[A follow-up of x-ray-treated tuberous hemangiomas after 15-20 years (author.s transl)]. The treatment of hemangiomas with X-rays has been sharply criticized because of their tendency to involute spontaneously. It has been the aim of this catamnestic study to re-examine for X-ray injury those patients, whose hemangiomas were irradiated 15-20 years ago. The findings indicate that signs of roentgenoderma can appear already with 800 r and increase rapidly over 1,500 r. The observed irreversible damages, however, were mostly not grave, but admonish a certain amount of restraint. An assessment of the effectiveness of low X-ray doses still requires verification considering a faster spontaneous involution.", "PMID": 1001593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8756", "title": "[Studies on the effect of vitamin A acid in experimentally induced follicular keratosis (author's transl)].", "content": "Topical application of Benzoxazole to the inner surface of the ear of the rabbit induced a considerable and histologically verified follicular keratosis. This effect could be intensified by a preceding treatment of the animal with androgens. Vitamin A acid, applied topically, is able to eliminate this follicular keratosis.", "contents": "[Studies on the effect of vitamin A acid in experimentally induced follicular keratosis (author's transl)]. Topical application of Benzoxazole to the inner surface of the ear of the rabbit induced a considerable and histologically verified follicular keratosis. This effect could be intensified by a preceding treatment of the animal with androgens. Vitamin A acid, applied topically, is able to eliminate this follicular keratosis.", "PMID": 1001595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8757", "title": "[Round-headed spermatozoa (author's transl)].", "content": "The light microscopic diagnosis of round-headed spermatozoa is shown to comprise different pathomorphogenetic types that are only distinguishable by electron microscopy. Two types are described, one of them corresponding to the type that was initially characterized by SCHIRREN and HOLSTEIN by its globular nucleus and its lack of the acrosomal cap; the other one, with normally shaped nucleus and acrosome in an enlarged headpiece, reveals signs of a primary maturing inhibition.", "contents": "[Round-headed spermatozoa (author's transl)]. The light microscopic diagnosis of round-headed spermatozoa is shown to comprise different pathomorphogenetic types that are only distinguishable by electron microscopy. Two types are described, one of them corresponding to the type that was initially characterized by SCHIRREN and HOLSTEIN by its globular nucleus and its lack of the acrosomal cap; the other one, with normally shaped nucleus and acrosome in an enlarged headpiece, reveals signs of a primary maturing inhibition.", "PMID": 1001596} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8758", "title": "The use of new polymethylmethacrylate adjuvants for split influenza vaccines.", "content": "Split influenza virus vaccines with varying antigen content were adjuvated with polymethylmethacrylate particles, produced by polymerizing monomeric methylmethacrylate in the presence of the subunits, or by addition of the subunits to previously polymerized methacrylate particles. Both adjuvants yielded higher antibody titers than aluminum hydroxide or fluid vaccines. The character of the antigen-adjuvant conjugate of both types of polymer adjuvants is discussed.", "contents": "The use of new polymethylmethacrylate adjuvants for split influenza vaccines. Split influenza virus vaccines with varying antigen content were adjuvated with polymethylmethacrylate particles, produced by polymerizing monomeric methylmethacrylate in the presence of the subunits, or by addition of the subunits to previously polymerized methacrylate particles. Both adjuvants yielded higher antibody titers than aluminum hydroxide or fluid vaccines. The character of the antigen-adjuvant conjugate of both types of polymer adjuvants is discussed.", "PMID": 1001597} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8759", "title": "Occurrence of plasmocytoid cells in long-term blood-cell cultures from a patient with 'hairy cell' leukemia.", "content": "Cells from the peripheral blood of a patient with 'hairy cell' leukemia were cultivated in long-term cultures. They grew with a monolayer growth pattern and consisted of at least two cell populations. The electron microscopic morphology of the cultivated cells revealed cells resembling 'hairy cells' showing the typical cytoplasmic protrusions and cells with structural characteristics of plasma cells.", "contents": "Occurrence of plasmocytoid cells in long-term blood-cell cultures from a patient with 'hairy cell' leukemia. Cells from the peripheral blood of a patient with 'hairy cell' leukemia were cultivated in long-term cultures. They grew with a monolayer growth pattern and consisted of at least two cell populations. The electron microscopic morphology of the cultivated cells revealed cells resembling 'hairy cells' showing the typical cytoplasmic protrusions and cells with structural characteristics of plasma cells.", "PMID": 1001598} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8760", "title": "Morphologic and molecular changes in target cells during in vitro interaction with macrophages.", "content": "Recent work has indicated that macrophages can affect eukaryote cells in a variety of ways. The inhibitory or enhancing effects on target cell proliferation are mediated by soluble factors released from macrophages and appear to affect every replicating cells. Macrophages have also been shown to affect target cell viability and this destructive potential was initially considered to be tumor-specific. The present work further assesses these macrophage effects on targets by morphologic and fluorimetric methods. Morphologic analysis of the interaction between activated nonimmune macrophages (AM) and tumor cells attests to close cell-to-cell contact as an important factor in the mediation of target cell damage. All evidence suggests that damaged targets progressively disintegrate, and residues of target cell cytoplasma and/or nucleus are then engulfed as a secondary event. Analysis by impulse cytophotometry of the alterations in the DNA distribution occurring during interaction with AM revealed a marked decrease in the number of nuclei with higher DNA content. This effect was virtually identical irrespective of whether target cells were derived from normal or transformed tissues. Analysis of the consequences of AM/target cell interaction by cytofluorimetry showed that a large proportion of tumor cells lyse in the course of the interaction. However, no such killing occurred in recent explants derived from normal tissues interacted with AM; the majority of these targets were arrested in G1.", "contents": "Morphologic and molecular changes in target cells during in vitro interaction with macrophages. Recent work has indicated that macrophages can affect eukaryote cells in a variety of ways. The inhibitory or enhancing effects on target cell proliferation are mediated by soluble factors released from macrophages and appear to affect every replicating cells. Macrophages have also been shown to affect target cell viability and this destructive potential was initially considered to be tumor-specific. The present work further assesses these macrophage effects on targets by morphologic and fluorimetric methods. Morphologic analysis of the interaction between activated nonimmune macrophages (AM) and tumor cells attests to close cell-to-cell contact as an important factor in the mediation of target cell damage. All evidence suggests that damaged targets progressively disintegrate, and residues of target cell cytoplasma and/or nucleus are then engulfed as a secondary event. Analysis by impulse cytophotometry of the alterations in the DNA distribution occurring during interaction with AM revealed a marked decrease in the number of nuclei with higher DNA content. This effect was virtually identical irrespective of whether target cells were derived from normal or transformed tissues. Analysis of the consequences of AM/target cell interaction by cytofluorimetry showed that a large proportion of tumor cells lyse in the course of the interaction. However, no such killing occurred in recent explants derived from normal tissues interacted with AM; the majority of these targets were arrested in G1.", "PMID": 1001599} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8761", "title": "Effect of age and sex on lesions of the esophagus in Buffalo strain rats ingesting diethylnitrosamine.", "content": "Inbred Buffalo male and female rats, 4, 12, 24, and 52 weeks of age, ingested 0.0114% diethylnitrosamine in a semisynthetic diet. Both age and sex were important in the development of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the esophagus. The 4-week-old male rats had notably more carcinomas of the esophagus than female rats of the same age; whereas, 12-week-old male rats had only slightly more carcinomas than the females. The incidence of esophageal lesions was about the same in 24-week-old males and females. Rats 52 weeks of age were not susceptible to esophageal carcinogenesis.", "contents": "Effect of age and sex on lesions of the esophagus in Buffalo strain rats ingesting diethylnitrosamine. Inbred Buffalo male and female rats, 4, 12, 24, and 52 weeks of age, ingested 0.0114% diethylnitrosamine in a semisynthetic diet. Both age and sex were important in the development of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the esophagus. The 4-week-old male rats had notably more carcinomas of the esophagus than female rats of the same age; whereas, 12-week-old male rats had only slightly more carcinomas than the females. The incidence of esophageal lesions was about the same in 24-week-old males and females. Rats 52 weeks of age were not susceptible to esophageal carcinogenesis.", "PMID": 1001600} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8762", "title": "Clara cells in the llama.", "content": "A study was made by light and electron microscopy of the Clara cells of two llamas born and bred at an altitude of 4,720 m in the Peruvian Andes. The Clara cells were numerous and prominent with big apical caps, many of which had been extruded into the terminal bronchioles. On electron microscopy the caps were found to contain vesicular endoplasmic reticulum. Previous studies have shown this to contain dipalmitoyl lecithin, a known pulmonary surfactant. Acute exposure to a simulated altitude of 4,270 m has been reported to increase surface tension in lung extracts of mice. Hence it may be that an animal, such as the llama, chronically exposed to high altitude requires a persistent secretion of pulmonary surfactant.", "contents": "Clara cells in the llama. A study was made by light and electron microscopy of the Clara cells of two llamas born and bred at an altitude of 4,720 m in the Peruvian Andes. The Clara cells were numerous and prominent with big apical caps, many of which had been extruded into the terminal bronchioles. On electron microscopy the caps were found to contain vesicular endoplasmic reticulum. Previous studies have shown this to contain dipalmitoyl lecithin, a known pulmonary surfactant. Acute exposure to a simulated altitude of 4,270 m has been reported to increase surface tension in lung extracts of mice. Hence it may be that an animal, such as the llama, chronically exposed to high altitude requires a persistent secretion of pulmonary surfactant.", "PMID": 1001601} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8763", "title": "Estrogen receptor in human myoma tissue.", "content": "The occurrence and characteristics of an estrogen receptor in the cytosol of myoma samples from human uteri were investigated employing dextran-coated charcoal and density gradient centrifugation techniques. Receptor binding site concentrations in 24 myoma specimens ranged from 23 to 515 fmol/mg cytosol protein (98+/-108, mean+/-S.D.). In one myoma sample no receptor was found. The apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) was 1.3 X 10(-10) mol/l for estradiol-17beta. On sucrose density gradient centrifugation, [3H]estradiol was bound by macromolecules with sedimentation rates of 4 and 8 S. The latter component was specific for estrogens, whereas the former contained specific and nonspecific binding sites. Ligand specificity studies were carried out utilizing 30 different steroidal compounds. A good correlation was found between the in vitro binding affinity and the in vivo estrogenic potency of the compounds tested. The cytosol estrogen receptor from myoma had a ligand specificity which closely resembled that of the corresponding receptor in normal human myometrium and endometrium as well as in human breast carcinoma. The myoma estrogen receptor level was compared to that in normal myometrium and endometrium in 13 uterine specimens. The receptor concentrations in cytosol fractions from myoma and myometrium correlated significantly (P less than 0.05), whereas no correlation existed between the receptor levels in endometrial and myoma cytosols. Furthermore, the estrogen receptor content in myoma samples did not correlate to estradiol-17beta levels in the myoma cytosol or serum of the same patient.", "contents": "Estrogen receptor in human myoma tissue. The occurrence and characteristics of an estrogen receptor in the cytosol of myoma samples from human uteri were investigated employing dextran-coated charcoal and density gradient centrifugation techniques. Receptor binding site concentrations in 24 myoma specimens ranged from 23 to 515 fmol/mg cytosol protein (98+/-108, mean+/-S.D.). In one myoma sample no receptor was found. The apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) was 1.3 X 10(-10) mol/l for estradiol-17beta. On sucrose density gradient centrifugation, [3H]estradiol was bound by macromolecules with sedimentation rates of 4 and 8 S. The latter component was specific for estrogens, whereas the former contained specific and nonspecific binding sites. Ligand specificity studies were carried out utilizing 30 different steroidal compounds. A good correlation was found between the in vitro binding affinity and the in vivo estrogenic potency of the compounds tested. The cytosol estrogen receptor from myoma had a ligand specificity which closely resembled that of the corresponding receptor in normal human myometrium and endometrium as well as in human breast carcinoma. The myoma estrogen receptor level was compared to that in normal myometrium and endometrium in 13 uterine specimens. The receptor concentrations in cytosol fractions from myoma and myometrium correlated significantly (P less than 0.05), whereas no correlation existed between the receptor levels in endometrial and myoma cytosols. Furthermore, the estrogen receptor content in myoma samples did not correlate to estradiol-17beta levels in the myoma cytosol or serum of the same patient.", "PMID": 1001806} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8764", "title": "Interactions of glucagon and fructose in the control of glycogenolysis in perfused rat liver.", "content": "By measuring the specific radioactivity of glucose released from isolated perfused livers of normal, fed rats in the presence of [U-14C]fructose, the gluconeogenetic and glycogenolytic contributions to glucose production were estimated. After 20 min of perfusion with 4 mM fructose, glycogenolysis was inhibited by 40% in the absence and by 70% in the presence of glucagon (3 nM). Glucagon decreased the release of lactate plus pyruvate and enhanced glucose formation from fructose without affecting its uptake. Glycerol (4 mM) and xylitol (3 mM) had qualitatively similar, but smaller effects on glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis. The glucagon-mediated phosphorylase b to a conversion was not altered by fructose, indicating that glycogenolysis was decreased as a consequence of an inhibition of phosphorylase a. During the first minutes after the addition of fructose, decreased ATP/AMP ratios and tissue Pi levels correlated with a transient increase of phosphorylase a activity. It was concluded that the effects of fructose on the control of hepatic glycogenolysis and glucose production were the result of a complex interplay between a transient b to a conversion of phosphorylase and an inhibition of the a-form of the enzyme, possibly by fructose 1-phosphate and other phosphorylated metabolites.", "contents": "Interactions of glucagon and fructose in the control of glycogenolysis in perfused rat liver. By measuring the specific radioactivity of glucose released from isolated perfused livers of normal, fed rats in the presence of [U-14C]fructose, the gluconeogenetic and glycogenolytic contributions to glucose production were estimated. After 20 min of perfusion with 4 mM fructose, glycogenolysis was inhibited by 40% in the absence and by 70% in the presence of glucagon (3 nM). Glucagon decreased the release of lactate plus pyruvate and enhanced glucose formation from fructose without affecting its uptake. Glycerol (4 mM) and xylitol (3 mM) had qualitatively similar, but smaller effects on glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis. The glucagon-mediated phosphorylase b to a conversion was not altered by fructose, indicating that glycogenolysis was decreased as a consequence of an inhibition of phosphorylase a. During the first minutes after the addition of fructose, decreased ATP/AMP ratios and tissue Pi levels correlated with a transient increase of phosphorylase a activity. It was concluded that the effects of fructose on the control of hepatic glycogenolysis and glucose production were the result of a complex interplay between a transient b to a conversion of phosphorylase and an inhibition of the a-form of the enzyme, possibly by fructose 1-phosphate and other phosphorylated metabolites.", "PMID": 1001807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8765", "title": "The restricted penetration of iodinated rat FSH and LH into the seminiferous tubules of the rat testis.", "content": "The penetration of 125I-iodinated rat follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH; labelled by three different techniques) and luteinizing hormone (LH) through the walls of the seminiferous tubules of the rat testis has been studied by injecting the labelled hormone into rats with the efferent ducts of one testis ligated 16 h before the collection of samples of blood and tissues. The concentration of trichloracetic acid-precipitable and immunoprecipitable radioactivity was measured in blood plasma and rete testis fluid and calculated for the total secreted fluid retained in the testis by the ligature, and for the additional tubular fluid from the ligated testis, separated by centrifugation after decapsulating the testis and dispersing the cells. Very little intact hormone penetrated into the testicular fluids, even 16 h after injection of the labelled hormone, and the volume of distribution in the unligated testis of the trichloracetic acid-precipitable radioactivity was only slightly greater than that for markers known to be confined to the extracellular interstitial fluid. This suggests that the labelled hormones do not penetrate readily through the walls of the semiferous tubules into their lumina. Injected inorganic iodiide and trichloracetic acid-soluble 125I-circulating after the injection of iodinated hormones penetrated more rapidly into the tubules, but had not reached equilibrium between the testicular fluids and blood plasma 16 h after injection. Labelled FSH was reasonably stable in the circulation after injection, but 80% of the 125I was not protein-bound 16 h after injection of labelled LH.", "contents": "The restricted penetration of iodinated rat FSH and LH into the seminiferous tubules of the rat testis. The penetration of 125I-iodinated rat follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH; labelled by three different techniques) and luteinizing hormone (LH) through the walls of the seminiferous tubules of the rat testis has been studied by injecting the labelled hormone into rats with the efferent ducts of one testis ligated 16 h before the collection of samples of blood and tissues. The concentration of trichloracetic acid-precipitable and immunoprecipitable radioactivity was measured in blood plasma and rete testis fluid and calculated for the total secreted fluid retained in the testis by the ligature, and for the additional tubular fluid from the ligated testis, separated by centrifugation after decapsulating the testis and dispersing the cells. Very little intact hormone penetrated into the testicular fluids, even 16 h after injection of the labelled hormone, and the volume of distribution in the unligated testis of the trichloracetic acid-precipitable radioactivity was only slightly greater than that for markers known to be confined to the extracellular interstitial fluid. This suggests that the labelled hormones do not penetrate readily through the walls of the semiferous tubules into their lumina. Injected inorganic iodiide and trichloracetic acid-soluble 125I-circulating after the injection of iodinated hormones penetrated more rapidly into the tubules, but had not reached equilibrium between the testicular fluids and blood plasma 16 h after injection. Labelled FSH was reasonably stable in the circulation after injection, but 80% of the 125I was not protein-bound 16 h after injection of labelled LH.", "PMID": 1001808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8766", "title": "Relative sensitivity of the corpus luteum of different days of pregnancy to LH-deprivation in the rat and hamster.", "content": "Deprivation of endogenous LH by LH antiserum (LH A/S) in 6-day pregnant rats did not affect the luteal or serum progesterone within 24 h. LH A/S treatment on day 7 or 8 of pregnancy, however, caused a 70 and 92% reduction in luteal progesterone, respectively, within 24 h. Serum levels of progesterone showed a similar reduction. In the case of pregnant hamster, unlike the rat, there was a significant decrease in progesterone in the serum, luteal and non-luteal compartments whether the A/S was administered on day 4, 5 or 6. There was more than a 10-fold increase in the luteal cholesterol esters within 24 h whether the A/S was given on day 6, 7 or 8 of pregnancy in the rat. Rat corpora lutea of days 6 and 8 of pregnancy reacted in a like manner to LH-deprivation, showing an increased utilization of [U-14C]glucose to form 14CO2 in vitro. In the rat, LH (25 mug NIH-S19) administration in vivo either on day 6 or day 8 of pregnancy, caused within 2 h an increase in serum and non-luteal progesterone, but luteal progesterone was unchanged. On the other hand, LH administration to hamsters on day 8 of pregnancy caused an increase in progesterone levels in serum, luteal and non-luteal tissue. Incubation of corpora lutea isolated from untreated 6- and 8-day pregnant rats with LH brought about an increase in progesterone secretion into the medium in both cases. The results show that, even though LH-deprivation does not apparently affect progesterone concentration in the corpus luteum of 6-day pregnant rats, it does affect other metabolic parameters such as glucose utilization and cholesterol turnover, suggesting that the corpus luteum of early pregnancy exhibits a continuous dependency on LH for the maintainence of metabolic functions.", "contents": "Relative sensitivity of the corpus luteum of different days of pregnancy to LH-deprivation in the rat and hamster. Deprivation of endogenous LH by LH antiserum (LH A/S) in 6-day pregnant rats did not affect the luteal or serum progesterone within 24 h. LH A/S treatment on day 7 or 8 of pregnancy, however, caused a 70 and 92% reduction in luteal progesterone, respectively, within 24 h. Serum levels of progesterone showed a similar reduction. In the case of pregnant hamster, unlike the rat, there was a significant decrease in progesterone in the serum, luteal and non-luteal compartments whether the A/S was administered on day 4, 5 or 6. There was more than a 10-fold increase in the luteal cholesterol esters within 24 h whether the A/S was given on day 6, 7 or 8 of pregnancy in the rat. Rat corpora lutea of days 6 and 8 of pregnancy reacted in a like manner to LH-deprivation, showing an increased utilization of [U-14C]glucose to form 14CO2 in vitro. In the rat, LH (25 mug NIH-S19) administration in vivo either on day 6 or day 8 of pregnancy, caused within 2 h an increase in serum and non-luteal progesterone, but luteal progesterone was unchanged. On the other hand, LH administration to hamsters on day 8 of pregnancy caused an increase in progesterone levels in serum, luteal and non-luteal tissue. Incubation of corpora lutea isolated from untreated 6- and 8-day pregnant rats with LH brought about an increase in progesterone secretion into the medium in both cases. The results show that, even though LH-deprivation does not apparently affect progesterone concentration in the corpus luteum of 6-day pregnant rats, it does affect other metabolic parameters such as glucose utilization and cholesterol turnover, suggesting that the corpus luteum of early pregnancy exhibits a continuous dependency on LH for the maintainence of metabolic functions.", "PMID": 1001809} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8767", "title": "Cytochrome P-450 and the aromatization of 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone and androstenedione by human placental microsomes.", "content": "When measured in vitro using human placental microsomal preparations, the aromatization of 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone to estriol and androstenedione to estrone and estradiol proceeds at almost identical initial rates. Important differences between 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone and adrostenedione aromatization are evident, however. While substantial findings have implicated cytochrome P-450 in placental aromatization, the aromatizaiton of androstenedione is insensitive to CO although it is competitively inhibited by metyrapone. 16alpha-Hydroxytestosterone aromatization, in contrast, is inhibited 50-60% by CO and is strongly inhibited by metyrapone. 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone aromatization is strongly inhibited in a competitive manner by androstenedione, while 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone has essentially no effect on androstenedione aromatization, althogh at very high 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone concentrations (65 muM) and subsaturating androstenedione concentrations, 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone appears to noncomptitively inhibit androstenedione aromatization. The apparent Km for the aromatization of androstenedione is 95 nM and for 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone, 7 muM. Both androstenedione and 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone cause type I spectral perturbations associated with binding to cytochrome P-450 when added to placental microsomes; however, the deltaA390-420 is twice as great in response to saturating amounts of androstenedione than in response to 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone. If androstenedione is added to 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone, the same spectral change as that caused by androstenedione alone is expressed. The apparent spectral dissociation constant for androstenedione is 93 nM while for 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone it is 11muM; both essentially the same as the comparable apparent Kms for aromatization. The evidence suggests the presence of two aromatase P-450's in human placenta.", "contents": "Cytochrome P-450 and the aromatization of 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone and androstenedione by human placental microsomes. When measured in vitro using human placental microsomal preparations, the aromatization of 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone to estriol and androstenedione to estrone and estradiol proceeds at almost identical initial rates. Important differences between 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone and adrostenedione aromatization are evident, however. While substantial findings have implicated cytochrome P-450 in placental aromatization, the aromatizaiton of androstenedione is insensitive to CO although it is competitively inhibited by metyrapone. 16alpha-Hydroxytestosterone aromatization, in contrast, is inhibited 50-60% by CO and is strongly inhibited by metyrapone. 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone aromatization is strongly inhibited in a competitive manner by androstenedione, while 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone has essentially no effect on androstenedione aromatization, althogh at very high 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone concentrations (65 muM) and subsaturating androstenedione concentrations, 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone appears to noncomptitively inhibit androstenedione aromatization. The apparent Km for the aromatization of androstenedione is 95 nM and for 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone, 7 muM. Both androstenedione and 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone cause type I spectral perturbations associated with binding to cytochrome P-450 when added to placental microsomes; however, the deltaA390-420 is twice as great in response to saturating amounts of androstenedione than in response to 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone. If androstenedione is added to 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone, the same spectral change as that caused by androstenedione alone is expressed. The apparent spectral dissociation constant for androstenedione is 93 nM while for 16alpha-hydroxytestosterone it is 11muM; both essentially the same as the comparable apparent Kms for aromatization. The evidence suggests the presence of two aromatase P-450's in human placenta.", "PMID": 1001810} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8768", "title": "Site at which FSH regulates estradiol-17beta biosynthesis in Sertoli cell preparations in culture.", "content": "Sertoli cells were isolated from testes of 20-day-old rats and were maintained in primary culture. The ability of these cells to synthesise estradiol-17beta from a variety of exogenous substrates, progesterone, testosterone,androstenedione, 19-hydroxyandrostenedione and 19-hydroxytestosterone in the presence and absence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was examined. In the presence of each of the substrates alone for 24 h the rate of estradiol-17beta synthesis was very low. FSH (NIH-FSH-S11, 5 mug/ml) stimulated estradiol-17beta synthesis 75-fold when added to medium containing testosterone (5 X 10(-7)M) but caused only marginal stimulation when added to medium containing progesterone (5 X 10(-7) M). Both FSH and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (bu2cAMP) stimulated the conversion of each of the substrates, androstenedione, 19-hydroxyandrostenedione and 19-hydroxytestosterone to estradiol-17beta, and the effects were similar to those observed in the presence of testosterone. These data indicate that, under the culture conditions employed, progesterone is not an effective substrate for conversion to estradiol-17beta by Sertoli cells. Estradiol-17beta synthesis was stimulated by FSH in the presence of the C19 steluences the conversion of androgens to estrogens, either directly or indirectly, at the aromatisation step (i.e. the conversion of 19-hydroxylated androgens to estrogens).", "contents": "Site at which FSH regulates estradiol-17beta biosynthesis in Sertoli cell preparations in culture. Sertoli cells were isolated from testes of 20-day-old rats and were maintained in primary culture. The ability of these cells to synthesise estradiol-17beta from a variety of exogenous substrates, progesterone, testosterone,androstenedione, 19-hydroxyandrostenedione and 19-hydroxytestosterone in the presence and absence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was examined. In the presence of each of the substrates alone for 24 h the rate of estradiol-17beta synthesis was very low. FSH (NIH-FSH-S11, 5 mug/ml) stimulated estradiol-17beta synthesis 75-fold when added to medium containing testosterone (5 X 10(-7)M) but caused only marginal stimulation when added to medium containing progesterone (5 X 10(-7) M). Both FSH and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (bu2cAMP) stimulated the conversion of each of the substrates, androstenedione, 19-hydroxyandrostenedione and 19-hydroxytestosterone to estradiol-17beta, and the effects were similar to those observed in the presence of testosterone. These data indicate that, under the culture conditions employed, progesterone is not an effective substrate for conversion to estradiol-17beta by Sertoli cells. Estradiol-17beta synthesis was stimulated by FSH in the presence of the C19 steluences the conversion of androgens to estrogens, either directly or indirectly, at the aromatisation step (i.e. the conversion of 19-hydroxylated androgens to estrogens).", "PMID": 1001811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8769", "title": "Estrogen-induced changes of ribonucleic acid in the rat uterus.", "content": "The incorporation of [3H]uridine into uterine RNA of immature rats was studied up to 6 h after a single injection of estradiol. Under these experimental conditions, estradiol progressively increased the incorporation of the radioactive precursor into the total RNA. This increase could not be explained by variations in the uptake of [3H]uridine by the tissue. The total RNA and the fractions obtained by differential thermal extraction were analysed by gel electrophoresis. One hour after hormone treatment, a similar increase of incorporation of the labelled precursor in the different RNA species was observed. After a long period of time, [3H]uridine was preferentially incorporated into rRNA as compared to HnRNA and to heterogenous cytoplasmic RNA. Experiments which involved the use of low doses of actinomycin D sufficient to inhibit any rRNA synthesis, confirmed the relatively slight increase in precursor incorporation into non-ribosomal RNA. The distribution of the radioactivity incorporated into the 3 fractions of RNA, obtained by thermal extraction (2 nuclear fractions and 1 cytoplasmic), suggested an increase in the rate of transcription and transport of the RNA during hormonal treatment. The polyA-containing uterine RNA was isolated on a column of oligo(dT)-cellulose and subsequently studied by electrophoresis. There is no preferential incorporation of precursor into the polyA-containing RNA when compared with the total RNA. However, the polyA-containing RNA constitutes the only part of the non-ribosomal RNA whose synthesis continues to increase throughout the period of hormone treatment.", "contents": "Estrogen-induced changes of ribonucleic acid in the rat uterus. The incorporation of [3H]uridine into uterine RNA of immature rats was studied up to 6 h after a single injection of estradiol. Under these experimental conditions, estradiol progressively increased the incorporation of the radioactive precursor into the total RNA. This increase could not be explained by variations in the uptake of [3H]uridine by the tissue. The total RNA and the fractions obtained by differential thermal extraction were analysed by gel electrophoresis. One hour after hormone treatment, a similar increase of incorporation of the labelled precursor in the different RNA species was observed. After a long period of time, [3H]uridine was preferentially incorporated into rRNA as compared to HnRNA and to heterogenous cytoplasmic RNA. Experiments which involved the use of low doses of actinomycin D sufficient to inhibit any rRNA synthesis, confirmed the relatively slight increase in precursor incorporation into non-ribosomal RNA. The distribution of the radioactivity incorporated into the 3 fractions of RNA, obtained by thermal extraction (2 nuclear fractions and 1 cytoplasmic), suggested an increase in the rate of transcription and transport of the RNA during hormonal treatment. The polyA-containing uterine RNA was isolated on a column of oligo(dT)-cellulose and subsequently studied by electrophoresis. There is no preferential incorporation of precursor into the polyA-containing RNA when compared with the total RNA. However, the polyA-containing RNA constitutes the only part of the non-ribosomal RNA whose synthesis continues to increase throughout the period of hormone treatment.", "PMID": 1001812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8770", "title": "Clostridium oedematiens: observations on potency assaying.", "content": "The United States has established a Standard Requirement for the potency testing of biological products containing Clostridium oedematiens belonging to two types: type B (Cl. novyi) and type D (Cl. haemolyticum). Guinea pig testing has provided widely varying results depending on the origin of the animals. The tests reported are intended to determine the efficacity of the vaccines (Cl. novyi and Cl. haemolyticum) depending on the animal tested: guinea pigs, sheep and bovines; they further establish a parallelism between the antitoxin titer and the immunity of the animal.", "contents": "Clostridium oedematiens: observations on potency assaying. The United States has established a Standard Requirement for the potency testing of biological products containing Clostridium oedematiens belonging to two types: type B (Cl. novyi) and type D (Cl. haemolyticum). Guinea pig testing has provided widely varying results depending on the origin of the animals. The tests reported are intended to determine the efficacity of the vaccines (Cl. novyi and Cl. haemolyticum) depending on the animal tested: guinea pigs, sheep and bovines; they further establish a parallelism between the antitoxin titer and the immunity of the animal.", "PMID": 1001824} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8771", "title": "Potency testing of Clostridium septicum bacterins in sheep and laboratory animals.", "content": "The immunogenic potency of bacterins containing Clostridium septicum was evaluated in mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and sheep to establish potency requirements for these bacterins. Two subcutaneous injections of Cl. septicum bacterins were shown to provide resistance against intramuscular spore challenge. Protection in mice, hamsters and guinea pigs was generally at low levels, in the range of 1 to 5 LD50. Efficacy estimates, at these levels of challenge, indicated that a degree of relationship existed between the response of rabbits and the response of sheep. This relationship was confirmed at higher levels of spore challenge, at greater than 5 to 500 LD50. Undiluted bacterins were classed as good or poor based on percent survival responses in sheep. Bacterins providing 90 to 100% survival were classed as good; those providing 30 to 57% survival were classed as poor. In rabbits, this classification was less evident with the undiluted bacterins. Dilution of bacterins to 1:32 provided a discriminatory level with 7 of 8 bacterins examined and represented correlation of the sheep and rabbits responses. A similar relationship was demonstrated between protection in sheep against spore challenge and the antitoxin response in rabbits to undiluted bacterins. Antitoxin responses, when obtained, were generally higher in rabbits than those obtained in sheep. Further evaluation of a good and a poor bacterin in rabbits indicated that no direct relationship existed between antitoxin titer in rabbits and resistance to spore challenge, when compared at the same dilutions of bacterins. Evaluation of serum agglutination responses to types I and II somatic antigens indicated a poor relationship between agglutination response and resistance to spore challenge in both sheep and rabbits. Cl. septicum toxoids were shown to provide resistance to spore challenge in rabbits.", "contents": "Potency testing of Clostridium septicum bacterins in sheep and laboratory animals. The immunogenic potency of bacterins containing Clostridium septicum was evaluated in mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and sheep to establish potency requirements for these bacterins. Two subcutaneous injections of Cl. septicum bacterins were shown to provide resistance against intramuscular spore challenge. Protection in mice, hamsters and guinea pigs was generally at low levels, in the range of 1 to 5 LD50. Efficacy estimates, at these levels of challenge, indicated that a degree of relationship existed between the response of rabbits and the response of sheep. This relationship was confirmed at higher levels of spore challenge, at greater than 5 to 500 LD50. Undiluted bacterins were classed as good or poor based on percent survival responses in sheep. Bacterins providing 90 to 100% survival were classed as good; those providing 30 to 57% survival were classed as poor. In rabbits, this classification was less evident with the undiluted bacterins. Dilution of bacterins to 1:32 provided a discriminatory level with 7 of 8 bacterins examined and represented correlation of the sheep and rabbits responses. A similar relationship was demonstrated between protection in sheep against spore challenge and the antitoxin response in rabbits to undiluted bacterins. Antitoxin responses, when obtained, were generally higher in rabbits than those obtained in sheep. Further evaluation of a good and a poor bacterin in rabbits indicated that no direct relationship existed between antitoxin titer in rabbits and resistance to spore challenge, when compared at the same dilutions of bacterins. Evaluation of serum agglutination responses to types I and II somatic antigens indicated a poor relationship between agglutination response and resistance to spore challenge in both sheep and rabbits. Cl. septicum toxoids were shown to provide resistance to spore challenge in rabbits.", "PMID": 1001825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8772", "title": "Preparation and evaluation to Clostridium septicum toxoid.", "content": "Clostridium septicum was grown under controlled conditions to produce high levels of alpha toxin. The toxin was toxoided and concentrated by ultrafiltration. The toxoided alpha toxin retained immunizing properties. The concentrated toxoid, when formulated on Total Combining Power, in monovalent or multivalent clostridial products, provided protection to rabbits against direct challenge with Cl. septicum spores. The toxoided alpha toxin produced antitoxin levels which exceeded current minima.", "contents": "Preparation and evaluation to Clostridium septicum toxoid. Clostridium septicum was grown under controlled conditions to produce high levels of alpha toxin. The toxin was toxoided and concentrated by ultrafiltration. The toxoided alpha toxin retained immunizing properties. The concentrated toxoid, when formulated on Total Combining Power, in monovalent or multivalent clostridial products, provided protection to rabbits against direct challenge with Cl. septicum spores. The toxoided alpha toxin produced antitoxin levels which exceeded current minima.", "PMID": 1001826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8773", "title": "Some observations on the quality control testing of Clostridium chauvoei vaccines.", "content": "Agglutination tests are not suitable for the estimation of the protective antibody level in the sera of vaccinated animals and should not be used for the quality control testing of blackleg vaccines. Some highly virulent strains of Cl. chauvoei are only effectively protected against by vaccines containing cells with a heat labile protective antigen in addition to the heat stable antigen common to all cells of Cl. chauvoei. As these highly virulent strains may be encountered in the field it is important that such strains should be selected for the challenge of vaccinated animals in the quality control testing of blackleg vaccines. It would be useful if an international center could be responsible for the collection and distribution of such strains.", "contents": "Some observations on the quality control testing of Clostridium chauvoei vaccines. Agglutination tests are not suitable for the estimation of the protective antibody level in the sera of vaccinated animals and should not be used for the quality control testing of blackleg vaccines. Some highly virulent strains of Cl. chauvoei are only effectively protected against by vaccines containing cells with a heat labile protective antigen in addition to the heat stable antigen common to all cells of Cl. chauvoei. As these highly virulent strains may be encountered in the field it is important that such strains should be selected for the challenge of vaccinated animals in the quality control testing of blackleg vaccines. It would be useful if an international center could be responsible for the collection and distribution of such strains.", "PMID": 1001827} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8774", "title": "Some problems concerning the assay of Clostridium chauvoei vaccine in laboratory animals.", "content": "The potency test prescribed for Cl. chauvoei vaccines in the British Veterinary Codex requires the complete survival of a group of immunized guinea pigs and death of all unvaccinated controls. Problems arising from the influence of extraneous factors such as animal strain, diet and seasonal variation on the outcome of this test are discussed together with alternative methods that might permit the use of a standard preparation.", "contents": "Some problems concerning the assay of Clostridium chauvoei vaccine in laboratory animals. The potency test prescribed for Cl. chauvoei vaccines in the British Veterinary Codex requires the complete survival of a group of immunized guinea pigs and death of all unvaccinated controls. Problems arising from the influence of extraneous factors such as animal strain, diet and seasonal variation on the outcome of this test are discussed together with alternative methods that might permit the use of a standard preparation.", "PMID": 1001828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8775", "title": "[Failure of anti-symptomatic vaccination and the methods of vaccine activity control].", "content": "Blackleg (Clostridium chauvoei) infection in Charollais cattle appears to have undergone some etiological and pathogenic changes which are reflected in the apparent failure of vaccination. Two methods have been used to determine the quality of the vaccines in order to meet the different requirements specified by pharmacopeias. The two methods differ in the vaccination schedules of the guinea pigs and the test strain used which may be either a virulent culture or a suspension of spore in calcium chloride. Both methods appear to be efficient in selecting vaccines which provide good protection. It follows, therefore, that the vaccination failures would appear to be the result of intensive selection of beef cattle with reduced immunological response. If this is the case, the remedy for these vaccination failures might lie in an adaptation of the vaccination schedule to the early developing breeds of cattle obtained by intensive selective breeding.", "contents": "[Failure of anti-symptomatic vaccination and the methods of vaccine activity control]. Blackleg (Clostridium chauvoei) infection in Charollais cattle appears to have undergone some etiological and pathogenic changes which are reflected in the apparent failure of vaccination. Two methods have been used to determine the quality of the vaccines in order to meet the different requirements specified by pharmacopeias. The two methods differ in the vaccination schedules of the guinea pigs and the test strain used which may be either a virulent culture or a suspension of spore in calcium chloride. Both methods appear to be efficient in selecting vaccines which provide good protection. It follows, therefore, that the vaccination failures would appear to be the result of intensive selection of beef cattle with reduced immunological response. If this is the case, the remedy for these vaccination failures might lie in an adaptation of the vaccination schedule to the early developing breeds of cattle obtained by intensive selective breeding.", "PMID": 1001829} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8776", "title": "Potency testing of Cl. sordellii bacterin-toxoids by means of a mouse protection test.", "content": "A potency assay method involving mouse protection against spore challenge has been developed and used, since 1967, for the potency testing of the Cl. sordellii component of several multivalent clostridial bacterins. The mouse test results obtained with several experimental bacterin formulations are presented along with other test data concerning the relationship of alpha antitoxin response and protection in guinea pigs and cattle.", "contents": "Potency testing of Cl. sordellii bacterin-toxoids by means of a mouse protection test. A potency assay method involving mouse protection against spore challenge has been developed and used, since 1967, for the potency testing of the Cl. sordellii component of several multivalent clostridial bacterins. The mouse test results obtained with several experimental bacterin formulations are presented along with other test data concerning the relationship of alpha antitoxin response and protection in guinea pigs and cattle.", "PMID": 1001830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8777", "title": "The assay of clostridial vaccines in mice.", "content": "The proposed establishment of a multicomponent clostridial standard vaccine inevitably raises the question of how such a preparation might be used in the standardization of batches of vaccine. Traditional multipoint parallel line assays based on the antitoxin responses of rabbits and guinea pigs are likely to prove prohibitively costly, whilst simpler methods based on single dose levels of either vaccine fail to quantitate the relationship between test vaccine and standard.", "contents": "The assay of clostridial vaccines in mice. The proposed establishment of a multicomponent clostridial standard vaccine inevitably raises the question of how such a preparation might be used in the standardization of batches of vaccine. Traditional multipoint parallel line assays based on the antitoxin responses of rabbits and guinea pigs are likely to prove prohibitively costly, whilst simpler methods based on single dose levels of either vaccine fail to quantitate the relationship between test vaccine and standard.", "PMID": 1001831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8778", "title": "[Determination and the trial of a polyvalent anatoxin against clostridiosis of the sheep].", "content": "Description of the preparation and composition of a new type of polyvalent vaccine against bradsot, infectious enterotoxemia and malignant edema (necrotic hepatitis) of sheep as well as dysentery of lambs. This vaccine is a formolized polyanatoxin obtained after centrifugation, purification and concentration of the toxins followed by formolization and adsorption on aluminum hydroxyde. The serum antibody titers are much higher than after utilizing the usual vaccines and the period of immunity in the sheep is considerably extended.", "contents": "[Determination and the trial of a polyvalent anatoxin against clostridiosis of the sheep]. Description of the preparation and composition of a new type of polyvalent vaccine against bradsot, infectious enterotoxemia and malignant edema (necrotic hepatitis) of sheep as well as dysentery of lambs. This vaccine is a formolized polyanatoxin obtained after centrifugation, purification and concentration of the toxins followed by formolization and adsorption on aluminum hydroxyde. The serum antibody titers are much higher than after utilizing the usual vaccines and the period of immunity in the sheep is considerably extended.", "PMID": 1001832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8779", "title": "The relative potency of an oily adjuvant multicomponent vaccine in laboratory animals and sheep.", "content": "Oil emulsion vaccines differ considerably from conventional alum precipitated vaccines both in their method of application and immunological response. It is questionable whether the existing statutory tests provide meaningful evaluation of such vaccines. Attempts were therefore made to determine how far antigenicity tests of an oil emulsion vaccine in laboratory animals reflects the potency of this vaccine in the target species - sheep. The results that were obtained are presented and discussed and comparisons are made with similar results obtained with a multicomponent alum precipitated vaccine.", "contents": "The relative potency of an oily adjuvant multicomponent vaccine in laboratory animals and sheep. Oil emulsion vaccines differ considerably from conventional alum precipitated vaccines both in their method of application and immunological response. It is questionable whether the existing statutory tests provide meaningful evaluation of such vaccines. Attempts were therefore made to determine how far antigenicity tests of an oil emulsion vaccine in laboratory animals reflects the potency of this vaccine in the target species - sheep. The results that were obtained are presented and discussed and comparisons are made with similar results obtained with a multicomponent alum precipitated vaccine.", "PMID": 1001833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8780", "title": "The development of the EEG in the rat.", "content": "The development of the electroencephalogram (EEG) and, especially, behavioral state-specific EEG patterns was studied in white and black hooded rats of the Lister strain, aged 9-30 days. Movements of the rat were recorded and the behavioral state was monitored by means of a push-button device. The EEG was collected when the rat was in State 1 (regular respiration, absence of movements, and, after the 14th day when the rat eye opens, eyes closed), State 2 (irregular respiration, continual occurrence of twitches, and, after the 14th day, eyes closed), and in State 4 (irregular respiration, presence of gross body movements, and, after the 14th day, eyes opened). The EEG of rats on the 9th and 10th day did not reveal behavioral state-specific patterns. The amplitudes of the EEG were low and only low frequencies occurred. Between the 10th and 13th day an EEG pattern specific for State 1 containing high amplitudes developed. From the 14th day onwards spindles (frequencies from 14-18 Hz) occurred in the EEG during State 1. From the 14th day onwards, the EEG from the visual cortex during State 2 showed a regular and continually occurring 5-Hz rhythm. Bursts with 5-Hz waves were recorded from the visual cortex only intermittently during State 4. The EEG frequencies during the bursts varied between 5 and 7 Hz from the 17th day onwards. Computer analysis of the amplitude distributions showed a considerable increase in the power after the 10th day. The analysis of the frequency spectra indicated that the power increase occurs expecially in the higher frequencies of the EEG signal. Visual analysis as well as computer analysis of the EEG did not reveal systematic changes in the EEG after the 18th day when the EEG was similar to that recorded at older ages.", "contents": "The development of the EEG in the rat. The development of the electroencephalogram (EEG) and, especially, behavioral state-specific EEG patterns was studied in white and black hooded rats of the Lister strain, aged 9-30 days. Movements of the rat were recorded and the behavioral state was monitored by means of a push-button device. The EEG was collected when the rat was in State 1 (regular respiration, absence of movements, and, after the 14th day when the rat eye opens, eyes closed), State 2 (irregular respiration, continual occurrence of twitches, and, after the 14th day, eyes closed), and in State 4 (irregular respiration, presence of gross body movements, and, after the 14th day, eyes opened). The EEG of rats on the 9th and 10th day did not reveal behavioral state-specific patterns. The amplitudes of the EEG were low and only low frequencies occurred. Between the 10th and 13th day an EEG pattern specific for State 1 containing high amplitudes developed. From the 14th day onwards spindles (frequencies from 14-18 Hz) occurred in the EEG during State 1. From the 14th day onwards, the EEG from the visual cortex during State 2 showed a regular and continually occurring 5-Hz rhythm. Bursts with 5-Hz waves were recorded from the visual cortex only intermittently during State 4. The EEG frequencies during the bursts varied between 5 and 7 Hz from the 17th day onwards. Computer analysis of the amplitude distributions showed a considerable increase in the power after the 10th day. The analysis of the frequency spectra indicated that the power increase occurs expecially in the higher frequencies of the EEG signal. Visual analysis as well as computer analysis of the EEG did not reveal systematic changes in the EEG after the 18th day when the EEG was similar to that recorded at older ages.", "PMID": 1001836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8781", "title": "Reaction time and the psychological refractory period in children and adults.", "content": "The psychological refractory period-the prolonged reaction time (RT) to the second of 2 closely-spaced stimuli-was investigated in groups of 13 children and 13 adults. Subjects responded as fast as possible to the 2nd of 2 loud clicks that were presented after a soft click which served as a ready signal. The inter-stimulus interval (ISI), or time between loud clicks, was investigated as an independent variable. The results for ISI's of 50, 100, 250, and 500 msec confirmed the existence of an inverse relationship between RT and ISI. In accordance with the hypothesis investigated, RT was more prolonged in children than in adults as ISI decreased. Findings were consistent with the view that refractory period (RP) of an information-processing element in the central processor is longer in children than in adults. A single-channel model of information processing was proposed which could explain the inverse relationship between RT and ISI; could account for the slope differences between the RT vs ISI curves from children and adults; and could account, in part, for the overall longer RT's of children than of adults.", "contents": "Reaction time and the psychological refractory period in children and adults. The psychological refractory period-the prolonged reaction time (RT) to the second of 2 closely-spaced stimuli-was investigated in groups of 13 children and 13 adults. Subjects responded as fast as possible to the 2nd of 2 loud clicks that were presented after a soft click which served as a ready signal. The inter-stimulus interval (ISI), or time between loud clicks, was investigated as an independent variable. The results for ISI's of 50, 100, 250, and 500 msec confirmed the existence of an inverse relationship between RT and ISI. In accordance with the hypothesis investigated, RT was more prolonged in children than in adults as ISI decreased. Findings were consistent with the view that refractory period (RP) of an information-processing element in the central processor is longer in children than in adults. A single-channel model of information processing was proposed which could explain the inverse relationship between RT and ISI; could account for the slope differences between the RT vs ISI curves from children and adults; and could account, in part, for the overall longer RT's of children than of adults.", "PMID": 1001837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8782", "title": "Undernutrition in early life: lasting effects on activity and social behavior of male and female rats.", "content": "The growth-retarded offspring of mother rats undernourished throughout pregnancy and lactation were fed ad libitum from weaning. Males were tested at 100 days of age, and ovariectomized females at 150 days. After 2 weeks of isolation, pairs of males consisting of 1 control (C) and 1 previously undernourished (PU) rat were observed for 10 min on each of 9 consecutive days. Similarly paired and treated female rats were tested a total of 8 times, the first 3 tests being separated from the last 5 by a 10-day interval. The PU rats, whether male or female, performed more rearing responses and PU male rats ambulated more in the social situation than C rats. The PU males also performed more of the social responses allogroom, walk over, and mount than C males. Similarly, PU females performed more allogroom and crawl under than C females. In general, PU rats were more active than C rats and more socially responsive.", "contents": "Undernutrition in early life: lasting effects on activity and social behavior of male and female rats. The growth-retarded offspring of mother rats undernourished throughout pregnancy and lactation were fed ad libitum from weaning. Males were tested at 100 days of age, and ovariectomized females at 150 days. After 2 weeks of isolation, pairs of males consisting of 1 control (C) and 1 previously undernourished (PU) rat were observed for 10 min on each of 9 consecutive days. Similarly paired and treated female rats were tested a total of 8 times, the first 3 tests being separated from the last 5 by a 10-day interval. The PU rats, whether male or female, performed more rearing responses and PU male rats ambulated more in the social situation than C rats. The PU males also performed more of the social responses allogroom, walk over, and mount than C males. Similarly, PU females performed more allogroom and crawl under than C females. In general, PU rats were more active than C rats and more socially responsive.", "PMID": 1001838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8783", "title": "A longitudinal study of bioelectric activity in the pre- and post-hatch chick.", "content": "A technique for embryonic implantation and the subsequent recording of electrocortical, neck muscle, and ocular activity continously from the 20th day of incubation through hatching and the first few days thereafter is demonstrated. The embryonic maturation of the EEG, with a characteristic muscle burst pattern heralding hatching was found, supporting previous reports obtained with acute preparations. The technique for injection into the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) vessels or direct deposition onto the CAM is also described. The usefulness of the embryonic neurophysiological implantation coupled with the injection at specific stages of development is discusses as an approach to the understanding of the parameters of the maturation of the sleep-wakefulness cycle, neurochemistry, and behavior.", "contents": "A longitudinal study of bioelectric activity in the pre- and post-hatch chick. A technique for embryonic implantation and the subsequent recording of electrocortical, neck muscle, and ocular activity continously from the 20th day of incubation through hatching and the first few days thereafter is demonstrated. The embryonic maturation of the EEG, with a characteristic muscle burst pattern heralding hatching was found, supporting previous reports obtained with acute preparations. The technique for injection into the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) vessels or direct deposition onto the CAM is also described. The usefulness of the embryonic neurophysiological implantation coupled with the injection at specific stages of development is discusses as an approach to the understanding of the parameters of the maturation of the sleep-wakefulness cycle, neurochemistry, and behavior.", "PMID": 1001839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8784", "title": "Short exposures to enriched environments can increase genetic variability of behavior in mice.", "content": "Previous work indicates that mice of different genotypes reared in enriched environments show differential increases in performance on a food-seeking task. In this study 2 experiments examined the effects in selected mice strains of short exposures to such enrichment. Experiment 1 indicated that 48 hr of exposure to enriched cages was sufficient to produce results found previously when subjects were reared from birth in enriched cages. Experiment 2 indicated that as little as 6 hr of exposure to an enriched cage was sufficient to produce almost maximal enrichment effects in C57BL/10J mice.", "contents": "Short exposures to enriched environments can increase genetic variability of behavior in mice. Previous work indicates that mice of different genotypes reared in enriched environments show differential increases in performance on a food-seeking task. In this study 2 experiments examined the effects in selected mice strains of short exposures to such enrichment. Experiment 1 indicated that 48 hr of exposure to enriched cages was sufficient to produce results found previously when subjects were reared from birth in enriched cages. Experiment 2 indicated that as little as 6 hr of exposure to an enriched cage was sufficient to produce almost maximal enrichment effects in C57BL/10J mice.", "PMID": 1001840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8785", "title": "Effects of cyclophosphamide treatment of newborn mice on the development of swimming and reflex behavior and on adult behavioral performance.", "content": "Cyclophosphamide (CP), an antineoplastic agent, was administered subcutaneously to Swiss-Webster mice on the day of birth and the mice were later tested for developmental or adult behavioral abnormalities. The CP dosages of 20, 30, or 45 mg/kg of body weight retarded maturation of swimming ability and 45 mg/kg retarded maturation of the righting reflex. At 7 weeks of age mice treated neonatally with 30 or 45 mg/kg of CP had reduced locomotor activity and were more emotionally reactive than controls in an open field. Mice treated with 30 but not 20 mg/kg of CP tended to avoid shock less than controls and those treated with 20 mg/kg fell more frequently when crossing a rotating rod for food. Rotorod performance was improved by treatment with 45 but not 30 mg/kg of CP. All dosages examined decreased body weight gains but only 30 or 45 mg/kg resulted in gross body malformations. The results indicate that CP can functionally impair the development of mice and that some of these impairments are independent of gross body malformations.", "contents": "Effects of cyclophosphamide treatment of newborn mice on the development of swimming and reflex behavior and on adult behavioral performance. Cyclophosphamide (CP), an antineoplastic agent, was administered subcutaneously to Swiss-Webster mice on the day of birth and the mice were later tested for developmental or adult behavioral abnormalities. The CP dosages of 20, 30, or 45 mg/kg of body weight retarded maturation of swimming ability and 45 mg/kg retarded maturation of the righting reflex. At 7 weeks of age mice treated neonatally with 30 or 45 mg/kg of CP had reduced locomotor activity and were more emotionally reactive than controls in an open field. Mice treated with 30 but not 20 mg/kg of CP tended to avoid shock less than controls and those treated with 20 mg/kg fell more frequently when crossing a rotating rod for food. Rotorod performance was improved by treatment with 45 but not 30 mg/kg of CP. All dosages examined decreased body weight gains but only 30 or 45 mg/kg resulted in gross body malformations. The results indicate that CP can functionally impair the development of mice and that some of these impairments are independent of gross body malformations.", "PMID": 1001841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8786", "title": "The effects of tactile and kinesthetic stimulation on neonatal development in the premature infant.", "content": "The effects of tactile and kinesthetic stimulation on the neonatal development of 12 premature infants were investigated. Experimental infants received four 15-min periods of tactile and kinesthetic stimulation daily for 10 days. The control infants received only standard, routine nursery care. Data were collected daily on 8 dependent measures: weight, number of feedings, amount of formula intake, body temperature, respiration, heart rate, frequency of voiding, and frequency of stooling. The data analyses revealed significant differences in amount of formula intake and in weight at the end of the treatment period in favor of the experimental infants. Additionally, the experimental infants required significantly fewer feedings during the stimulation period. All others dependent measures were nonsignificant.", "contents": "The effects of tactile and kinesthetic stimulation on neonatal development in the premature infant. The effects of tactile and kinesthetic stimulation on the neonatal development of 12 premature infants were investigated. Experimental infants received four 15-min periods of tactile and kinesthetic stimulation daily for 10 days. The control infants received only standard, routine nursery care. Data were collected daily on 8 dependent measures: weight, number of feedings, amount of formula intake, body temperature, respiration, heart rate, frequency of voiding, and frequency of stooling. The data analyses revealed significant differences in amount of formula intake and in weight at the end of the treatment period in favor of the experimental infants. Additionally, the experimental infants required significantly fewer feedings during the stimulation period. All others dependent measures were nonsignificant.", "PMID": 1001842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8787", "title": "Genetic and ontogenetic variations in locomotor activity following treatment with scopolamine or d-amphetamine.", "content": "Highly inbred mice of 3 strains (A/J, DBA/2J, and C57BL/6J) were tested in an open field at 14, 21, or 28 days of age. Ten minutes prior to testing, mice received treatment of saline, scopolamine (.5 or 1.0 mg/kg of body weight), or d-amphetamine (.5, 1.0, or 5.0 mg/kg). The d-amphetamine (5.0 mg/kg) increased activity in all strains at 14 days and 28 days of age, and at 21 days significantly increased activity in all except the C5BL/6. In contrast, increased activity with the scopolamine treatment was seen in DBA/2 at 21 days, but not in A and C57BL/6 until 28 days postnatally. The data support a caudal-rostral gradient of brain development with the inhibitory cholinergic system developing more slowly than the excitatory catecholamine system. In addition, strain-specific differences in activity levels are discussed in relation to the differential rates of chloinergic maturation.", "contents": "Genetic and ontogenetic variations in locomotor activity following treatment with scopolamine or d-amphetamine. Highly inbred mice of 3 strains (A/J, DBA/2J, and C57BL/6J) were tested in an open field at 14, 21, or 28 days of age. Ten minutes prior to testing, mice received treatment of saline, scopolamine (.5 or 1.0 mg/kg of body weight), or d-amphetamine (.5, 1.0, or 5.0 mg/kg). The d-amphetamine (5.0 mg/kg) increased activity in all strains at 14 days and 28 days of age, and at 21 days significantly increased activity in all except the C5BL/6. In contrast, increased activity with the scopolamine treatment was seen in DBA/2 at 21 days, but not in A and C57BL/6 until 28 days postnatally. The data support a caudal-rostral gradient of brain development with the inhibitory cholinergic system developing more slowly than the excitatory catecholamine system. In addition, strain-specific differences in activity levels are discussed in relation to the differential rates of chloinergic maturation.", "PMID": 1001843} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8788", "title": "Neonatal and adult brain parameters in mice selected for adult brain weight.", "content": "Several neonatal and adult parameters were determined in the Roderick-Wimer lines of mice selected for low (L) or for high (Hb and Hg) adult brain weight, and in the unselected control line (C). Neonatal cerebral weight, DNA (index of cell number), and protein were significantly higher in the H and C lines than in the L line. The ratios of cerebral DNA/weight (index of cell density), cerebral protein/weight, and cerebral protein/DNA (index of protein content per cell or cell size) were at birth practically the same in all lines. In the adult animals all the differences were amplified and, in addition, some of the differences in the above ratios were significant, for the cerebral cortex as well as for the cerebellum. These findings may be causally related to the reported superiority in behavioral performance of the H line.", "contents": "Neonatal and adult brain parameters in mice selected for adult brain weight. Several neonatal and adult parameters were determined in the Roderick-Wimer lines of mice selected for low (L) or for high (Hb and Hg) adult brain weight, and in the unselected control line (C). Neonatal cerebral weight, DNA (index of cell number), and protein were significantly higher in the H and C lines than in the L line. The ratios of cerebral DNA/weight (index of cell density), cerebral protein/weight, and cerebral protein/DNA (index of protein content per cell or cell size) were at birth practically the same in all lines. In the adult animals all the differences were amplified and, in addition, some of the differences in the above ratios were significant, for the cerebral cortex as well as for the cerebellum. These findings may be causally related to the reported superiority in behavioral performance of the H line.", "PMID": 1001844} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8789", "title": "On gluconeogenesis of human liver. Accelerated hepatic glucose formation induced by increased precursor supply.", "content": "In 8 subjects in whom portal vein catheters had been inserted 5-6 days previously during cholecystectomy, arterial and portal concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, alanine, free fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate revealed no significant differences. This provided the basis for the calculation of hepatic balances from arterio-hepatic venous substrate-differences in 17 healthy volunteers. In eight of them metabolic balances were determined during elevated hepatic lactate supply. Kinetics of the substrates throughout the whole test period in 9 controls showed no gross interference from the catheterization or infusion procedure. The elevated hepatic lactate concentration caused a doubling of hepatic glucose output, which could almost entirely be accounted for by a fivefold increase of hepatic lactate uptake. This acceleration of hepatic gluconeogenesis was accompanied by a significant increment of hepatic free fatty acid uptake, whereas hepatic ketone body production did not change. These data seem to support the view that hepatic energy requirements caused by an accelerated gluconeogenesis might be covered from enhanced free fatty acid oxidation.", "contents": "On gluconeogenesis of human liver. Accelerated hepatic glucose formation induced by increased precursor supply. In 8 subjects in whom portal vein catheters had been inserted 5-6 days previously during cholecystectomy, arterial and portal concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, alanine, free fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate revealed no significant differences. This provided the basis for the calculation of hepatic balances from arterio-hepatic venous substrate-differences in 17 healthy volunteers. In eight of them metabolic balances were determined during elevated hepatic lactate supply. Kinetics of the substrates throughout the whole test period in 9 controls showed no gross interference from the catheterization or infusion procedure. The elevated hepatic lactate concentration caused a doubling of hepatic glucose output, which could almost entirely be accounted for by a fivefold increase of hepatic lactate uptake. This acceleration of hepatic gluconeogenesis was accompanied by a significant increment of hepatic free fatty acid uptake, whereas hepatic ketone body production did not change. These data seem to support the view that hepatic energy requirements caused by an accelerated gluconeogenesis might be covered from enhanced free fatty acid oxidation.", "PMID": 1001845} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8790", "title": "Regulation of brittle diabetics by a pre-planned insulin infusion programme.", "content": "Eleven brittle diabetics, mean duration 11.5 years, all treated with highly purified porcine NPH insulin twice daily, were placed on highly purified porcine regular insulin 4 times daily for 2 days. Thereafter pre-planned intravenous insulin infusion was started. Insulin in an amount corresponding to the daily insulin requirement was infused by a mobile electric infusion pump at precalculated rates between 30 and 7 ml/hour during 2 days. The patients were ambulatory. Capillary blood glucose was taken every 30 min after meals and every two hours during the night. After an equilibration period of 7 hours, blood glucose fluctuations were in the physiological range in nearly all patients during the infusion period. [Only 1.3% of the blood samples showed glucose levels lower than 2.5 mmol/l and 2.9% levels exceeding 10.0 mmol/l during the infusion days]. Mean blood glucose (MBG) was 6.0 +/- 0.9 mmol/l (mean +/- s.d.), the standard deviation of MBG was 1.8 +/- 0.5 mmol/l, the mean amplitude of blood glucose excursions (MAGE) 4.7 +/- 1.4 mmol/l, and glucosuria 3.1 +/- 3.9 g/day. All these data of glucose homeostasis were significantly lower during the infusion days. The incidence of hypoglycaemic attacks was low (0.32/patient/day) and not significantly higher than during NPH treatment. It is concluded that near normal blood glucose fluctuations can be achieved in brittle diabetics by preplanned insulin infusion without blood glucose monitoring.", "contents": "Regulation of brittle diabetics by a pre-planned insulin infusion programme. Eleven brittle diabetics, mean duration 11.5 years, all treated with highly purified porcine NPH insulin twice daily, were placed on highly purified porcine regular insulin 4 times daily for 2 days. Thereafter pre-planned intravenous insulin infusion was started. Insulin in an amount corresponding to the daily insulin requirement was infused by a mobile electric infusion pump at precalculated rates between 30 and 7 ml/hour during 2 days. The patients were ambulatory. Capillary blood glucose was taken every 30 min after meals and every two hours during the night. After an equilibration period of 7 hours, blood glucose fluctuations were in the physiological range in nearly all patients during the infusion period. [Only 1.3% of the blood samples showed glucose levels lower than 2.5 mmol/l and 2.9% levels exceeding 10.0 mmol/l during the infusion days]. Mean blood glucose (MBG) was 6.0 +/- 0.9 mmol/l (mean +/- s.d.), the standard deviation of MBG was 1.8 +/- 0.5 mmol/l, the mean amplitude of blood glucose excursions (MAGE) 4.7 +/- 1.4 mmol/l, and glucosuria 3.1 +/- 3.9 g/day. All these data of glucose homeostasis were significantly lower during the infusion days. The incidence of hypoglycaemic attacks was low (0.32/patient/day) and not significantly higher than during NPH treatment. It is concluded that near normal blood glucose fluctuations can be achieved in brittle diabetics by preplanned insulin infusion without blood glucose monitoring.", "PMID": 1001846} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8791", "title": "Arterial concentration and forearm extraction of glucose and insulin during the early phase of a glucose infusion.", "content": "The concentrations of glucose and insulin were determined with high precision at half minute intervals in arterial and deep forearm vein blood after a bolus injection of glucose (4 g), followed by a constant i. v. infusion (200 mg/min), in four healthy subjects. The values for the deep vein were corrected for the transit time, which was determined by injection of Cardio-green. Arterial glucose peaked at the end of the bolus injection, venous glucose 1 1/2 min later. Arterial insulin reached its maximum later than glucose, after 2 1/2-4 min. The venous insulin reached its maximum later and was much lower than the arterial level, in two cases only around 50% of the arterial concentration. It is concluded that early after glucose administration there is a considerable extraction of both glucose and insulin by the forearm. Since the insulin extraction was quite variable venous insulin concentrations cannot be used for the assessment of early insulin response to glucose.", "contents": "Arterial concentration and forearm extraction of glucose and insulin during the early phase of a glucose infusion. The concentrations of glucose and insulin were determined with high precision at half minute intervals in arterial and deep forearm vein blood after a bolus injection of glucose (4 g), followed by a constant i. v. infusion (200 mg/min), in four healthy subjects. The values for the deep vein were corrected for the transit time, which was determined by injection of Cardio-green. Arterial glucose peaked at the end of the bolus injection, venous glucose 1 1/2 min later. Arterial insulin reached its maximum later than glucose, after 2 1/2-4 min. The venous insulin reached its maximum later and was much lower than the arterial level, in two cases only around 50% of the arterial concentration. It is concluded that early after glucose administration there is a considerable extraction of both glucose and insulin by the forearm. Since the insulin extraction was quite variable venous insulin concentrations cannot be used for the assessment of early insulin response to glucose.", "PMID": 1001847} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8792", "title": "Biological properties of chemically modified insulins. I. Biological activity of proinsulin and insulin modified at A1-glycine and B29-lysine.", "content": "Beef insulin, pork proinsulin and four derivatives of beef insulin modified at the A1-B29 site on the molecular surface have been studied. Three derivatives had a synthetic crosslink between the A and B chains. Previous studies with these materials [2, 3 and 5] had demonstrated in vivo bioactivities which were much higher than those displayed in vitro. This paper reports experiments which explain this discrepancy. The analogues were administered at equimolar rates to anaesthetised greyhounds by a priming-dose constant infusion technique and the plasma concentrations achieved were estimated by radioimmunoassay. Proinsulin and the modified insulins were metabolised more slowly than insulin. Biopotency values, which related fall in plasma glucose concentration to the total administered dose of analogue, agreed broadly with published results of conventional in vivo bioassays. On the other hand, calculation of potency in relation to the serum concentration of analogue actually achieved, yielded results which agreed more closely with in vitro assay data. We conclude that for these analogues, reported discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo biopotencies can be largely explained by the different rates at which these materials are metabolised.", "contents": "Biological properties of chemically modified insulins. I. Biological activity of proinsulin and insulin modified at A1-glycine and B29-lysine. Beef insulin, pork proinsulin and four derivatives of beef insulin modified at the A1-B29 site on the molecular surface have been studied. Three derivatives had a synthetic crosslink between the A and B chains. Previous studies with these materials [2, 3 and 5] had demonstrated in vivo bioactivities which were much higher than those displayed in vitro. This paper reports experiments which explain this discrepancy. The analogues were administered at equimolar rates to anaesthetised greyhounds by a priming-dose constant infusion technique and the plasma concentrations achieved were estimated by radioimmunoassay. Proinsulin and the modified insulins were metabolised more slowly than insulin. Biopotency values, which related fall in plasma glucose concentration to the total administered dose of analogue, agreed broadly with published results of conventional in vivo bioassays. On the other hand, calculation of potency in relation to the serum concentration of analogue actually achieved, yielded results which agreed more closely with in vitro assay data. We conclude that for these analogues, reported discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo biopotencies can be largely explained by the different rates at which these materials are metabolised.", "PMID": 1001848} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8793", "title": "Response of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) to test meal in chronic pancreatitis--relationship to endocrine and exocrine insufficiency.", "content": "Twenty-nine patients with chronic pancreatitis had a significantly greater IR-GIP response to a test meal than 15 controls. This increased response was not related to the degree of steatorrhoea or glucose intolerance. It was most marked in a group of patients with moderately impaired IRI release and medium steatorrhoea. From this is concluded that the IR-GIP response to a test meal is determined by at least two factors: 1. feedback control via insulin secretion, 2. assimilation of fat. In chronic pancreatitis endocrine insufficiency may induce an exaggerated GIP response and severe exocrine insufficiency may prevent fat induced GIP release. Gastrin is not involved in the different GIP response in patients with chronic pancreatitis.", "contents": "Response of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) to test meal in chronic pancreatitis--relationship to endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. Twenty-nine patients with chronic pancreatitis had a significantly greater IR-GIP response to a test meal than 15 controls. This increased response was not related to the degree of steatorrhoea or glucose intolerance. It was most marked in a group of patients with moderately impaired IRI release and medium steatorrhoea. From this is concluded that the IR-GIP response to a test meal is determined by at least two factors: 1. feedback control via insulin secretion, 2. assimilation of fat. In chronic pancreatitis endocrine insufficiency may induce an exaggerated GIP response and severe exocrine insufficiency may prevent fat induced GIP release. Gastrin is not involved in the different GIP response in patients with chronic pancreatitis.", "PMID": 1001849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8794", "title": "Plasma glucagon immunoreactivity in a totally pancreatectomized patient.", "content": "Analysis of the plasma from a totally pancreatectomized patient, with antiserum 30 K, has demonstrated basal glucagon immunoreactivity (GIR) levels in the normal range (80-110 pg/ml). Neither i. v. arginine nor oral glucose affected these GIR values, thus indicating the absence of functioning pancreatic or gastrointestinal A-cells. Furthermore, filtration of whole plasma on Bio Gel P-30 showed no GIR in the 3500 MW elution volume. GIR was found to be distributed in two peaks. One peak eluted in the protein region, similarly to \"big plasma glucagon\" (BPG), and the second peak appeared after the glucagon-I125 marker. The protein-sized moiety was not absorbable by charcoal, and on Sephadex G-100 it eluted within the globulin region. When subjected to trypsin treatment, it yielded smaller GIR fractions. According to these criteria, it can be assumed that this component is identical to BPG. Therefore, an extrapancreatic source for BPG is suggested. On the other hand, the presence of fasting hyperglycaemia in this patient indicates that insulin deficiency by itself suffices to raise blood sugar to diabetic levels.", "contents": "Plasma glucagon immunoreactivity in a totally pancreatectomized patient. Analysis of the plasma from a totally pancreatectomized patient, with antiserum 30 K, has demonstrated basal glucagon immunoreactivity (GIR) levels in the normal range (80-110 pg/ml). Neither i. v. arginine nor oral glucose affected these GIR values, thus indicating the absence of functioning pancreatic or gastrointestinal A-cells. Furthermore, filtration of whole plasma on Bio Gel P-30 showed no GIR in the 3500 MW elution volume. GIR was found to be distributed in two peaks. One peak eluted in the protein region, similarly to \"big plasma glucagon\" (BPG), and the second peak appeared after the glucagon-I125 marker. The protein-sized moiety was not absorbable by charcoal, and on Sephadex G-100 it eluted within the globulin region. When subjected to trypsin treatment, it yielded smaller GIR fractions. According to these criteria, it can be assumed that this component is identical to BPG. Therefore, an extrapancreatic source for BPG is suggested. On the other hand, the presence of fasting hyperglycaemia in this patient indicates that insulin deficiency by itself suffices to raise blood sugar to diabetic levels.", "PMID": 1001850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8795", "title": "Effects of monosodium glutamate administration in the neonatal period on the diabetic syndrome in KK mice.", "content": "Administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to KK mice during the neonatal period resulted in a syndrome of obesity, stunting and hypogonadism. In some animals the genetic predisposition to diabetes was unmasked with the development of marked hyperglycaemia and or hyperinsulinaemia. Food intake was not increased compared to controls. The elevated plasma glucose and insulin in fed MSG treated mice fell rapidly with food deprivation. Glucose disposal was comparable in MSG treated and control mice after IP glucose, but after oral glucose MSG treated mice showed impaired glucose tolerance. Insulin secretion was defective in MSG treated mice after IP but not after oral glucose.", "contents": "Effects of monosodium glutamate administration in the neonatal period on the diabetic syndrome in KK mice. Administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to KK mice during the neonatal period resulted in a syndrome of obesity, stunting and hypogonadism. In some animals the genetic predisposition to diabetes was unmasked with the development of marked hyperglycaemia and or hyperinsulinaemia. Food intake was not increased compared to controls. The elevated plasma glucose and insulin in fed MSG treated mice fell rapidly with food deprivation. Glucose disposal was comparable in MSG treated and control mice after IP glucose, but after oral glucose MSG treated mice showed impaired glucose tolerance. Insulin secretion was defective in MSG treated mice after IP but not after oral glucose.", "PMID": 1001851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8796", "title": "C-peptide in children with juvenile diabetes. A preliminary report.", "content": "Serum C-peptide, insulin-binding IgG and total insulin (IRI) were determined in 96 juvenile diabetics aged 4-21 years, with onset of diabetes at the age of 1-16 years and with 2-17 years' duration of diabetes. Thirty-four patients (35.4%) had detectable levels of C-peptide (greater than or equal to 0.04 pmol/ml). Compared to non-diabetic adults, 19 had values below the normal range, 12 showed values within the normal range (0.18-0.63 pmol/ml) and 3 rated above normal. There was a negative correlation between the fasting C-peptide concentration and the degree of ketonuria at the onset of diabetes and a positive correlation between C-peptide levels and the incidence of post-initial remission periods. Patients without detectable C-peptide had significantly higher levels of insulin antibodies than those who had detectable levels of C-peptide. The possibility of a relationship between the intensity of the initial treatment of diabetes and the preservation of the B-cell function is discussed, as well as the possibility of insulin antibodies being a cause of B-cell exhaustion.", "contents": "C-peptide in children with juvenile diabetes. A preliminary report. Serum C-peptide, insulin-binding IgG and total insulin (IRI) were determined in 96 juvenile diabetics aged 4-21 years, with onset of diabetes at the age of 1-16 years and with 2-17 years' duration of diabetes. Thirty-four patients (35.4%) had detectable levels of C-peptide (greater than or equal to 0.04 pmol/ml). Compared to non-diabetic adults, 19 had values below the normal range, 12 showed values within the normal range (0.18-0.63 pmol/ml) and 3 rated above normal. There was a negative correlation between the fasting C-peptide concentration and the degree of ketonuria at the onset of diabetes and a positive correlation between C-peptide levels and the incidence of post-initial remission periods. Patients without detectable C-peptide had significantly higher levels of insulin antibodies than those who had detectable levels of C-peptide. The possibility of a relationship between the intensity of the initial treatment of diabetes and the preservation of the B-cell function is discussed, as well as the possibility of insulin antibodies being a cause of B-cell exhaustion.", "PMID": 1001852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8797", "title": "Effect of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine on immune response in rats in stomach carcinogenesis.", "content": "Subcutaneous injections of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight for 10 days showed depressed production of hemolysin against sheep red blood cells (SRNC) in Wistar rats. On the other hand, oral administration at the dose of approximately 35 mg/kg body weight for 30 weeks scarcely suppressed antibody preduction to heterologous RBC and cell-mediated immune response to Walker-256 carcinosarcoma in Wistar rats during the experimental period of 55 weeks. The daily administration by way of oral route proved to be efficient for the induction of stomach cancer. The difference in immunosuppressive effect of MNNG by these two routes will be discussed in relation to the susceptibility of in vivo degradation of the carcinogen.", "contents": "Effect of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine on immune response in rats in stomach carcinogenesis. Subcutaneous injections of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight for 10 days showed depressed production of hemolysin against sheep red blood cells (SRNC) in Wistar rats. On the other hand, oral administration at the dose of approximately 35 mg/kg body weight for 30 weeks scarcely suppressed antibody preduction to heterologous RBC and cell-mediated immune response to Walker-256 carcinosarcoma in Wistar rats during the experimental period of 55 weeks. The daily administration by way of oral route proved to be efficient for the induction of stomach cancer. The difference in immunosuppressive effect of MNNG by these two routes will be discussed in relation to the susceptibility of in vivo degradation of the carcinogen.", "PMID": 1001862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8798", "title": "Effect of experimental immune atrophic gastritis on the induction of gastric carcinoma by X-irradiation in ICR mice.", "content": "Divided doses of 6,000 or 8,000 rad of X-ray were given to the gastric region of ICR/JCL female mice with immune atrophic gastritis produced by the injection with allogenic stomach antigen. The carcinogenic effect of X-rays for inducing gastric carcinoma was significantly increased by this method. Two points can be presented as its reason. First, the pyloric gland mucosa regenerating from injuries by immunization was exposed to the divided dose of X-rays. Second, the marked requirement of gastrin secretion attributable to severe injuries of parietal cell mass by immunization and local X-irradiation acted as a promoting factor on the induction of gastric carcinoma by X-ray for a long time through the trophic effects on the pyloric gland.", "contents": "Effect of experimental immune atrophic gastritis on the induction of gastric carcinoma by X-irradiation in ICR mice. Divided doses of 6,000 or 8,000 rad of X-ray were given to the gastric region of ICR/JCL female mice with immune atrophic gastritis produced by the injection with allogenic stomach antigen. The carcinogenic effect of X-rays for inducing gastric carcinoma was significantly increased by this method. Two points can be presented as its reason. First, the pyloric gland mucosa regenerating from injuries by immunization was exposed to the divided dose of X-rays. Second, the marked requirement of gastrin secretion attributable to severe injuries of parietal cell mass by immunization and local X-irradiation acted as a promoting factor on the induction of gastric carcinoma by X-ray for a long time through the trophic effects on the pyloric gland.", "PMID": 1001863} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8799", "title": "Radioimmunoassay of carcinoembryonic antigen and clinical significance of its level in plasma.", "content": "The level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the plasma was measured in 258 patients, consisting of 198 patients with various cancers and 60 with various non-malignant diseases. As the normal control, the plasma CEA level was examined in 330 apparently healthy individuals and the value was 3.1 +/- 1.1 ng/ml on the average. If the level higher than 4.2 ng/ml could be assumed to be above the normal, 109 out of 198 (55%) patients with malignant diseases were considered to show abnormally elevated CEA values. Based on the above criterion, the CEA titer was abnormally elevated only in 11 out of 60 cases (18%) without cancers. Among cancerous patients, the ones with carcinomas of the digestive tract and the lung exhibited a positive titer of CEA higher than 10.1 ng/ml. When the relationship between the plasma CEA level and histological findings in patients with lung cancer was examined, cases with the adenocarcinoma had more elevated titers than those with any other types of lung cancer. It was also found, by the serial estimation of plasma CEA, that the titer dropped after a successful therapy but elevated again with the recurrence of cancer. Repeated estimation of Cea is thought to be valuable as an indicator for clinical phases of cancer patients.", "contents": "Radioimmunoassay of carcinoembryonic antigen and clinical significance of its level in plasma. The level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the plasma was measured in 258 patients, consisting of 198 patients with various cancers and 60 with various non-malignant diseases. As the normal control, the plasma CEA level was examined in 330 apparently healthy individuals and the value was 3.1 +/- 1.1 ng/ml on the average. If the level higher than 4.2 ng/ml could be assumed to be above the normal, 109 out of 198 (55%) patients with malignant diseases were considered to show abnormally elevated CEA values. Based on the above criterion, the CEA titer was abnormally elevated only in 11 out of 60 cases (18%) without cancers. Among cancerous patients, the ones with carcinomas of the digestive tract and the lung exhibited a positive titer of CEA higher than 10.1 ng/ml. When the relationship between the plasma CEA level and histological findings in patients with lung cancer was examined, cases with the adenocarcinoma had more elevated titers than those with any other types of lung cancer. It was also found, by the serial estimation of plasma CEA, that the titer dropped after a successful therapy but elevated again with the recurrence of cancer. Repeated estimation of Cea is thought to be valuable as an indicator for clinical phases of cancer patients.", "PMID": 1001864} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8800", "title": "Clinical value of protein-bound fucose in patients with carcinoma and other diseases.", "content": "Protein-bound fucose content in sera from normal persons and patients with various malignant and non-malignant diseases was measured and statistically analyzed. Normal serum gave a mean value of 6.84 +/- 0.13 mg/100 ml, and rarely exceeded 9 mg/100 ml. Although no significant difference was found between sexes, there was a tendency of fucose content to decrease in older persons. It was noted that more than 90% of cancer-bearing patients have significantly higher level than critical value (9 mg/100 ml), while only 8.7% of patients with benign tumor showed positive result. These results were not limited to special organs but in common to all cases studied. The elevation of serum fucose content in malignant tumor was well correlated with its stages of progression, though the levels were less significant in early and in rather locally restricted breast and thyroid cancer. Serial postoperative follow-up study showed that the levels in serum fucose content was a useful parameter for judging the effectiveness of therapy and the prognosis of the patient. The fucose content in malignant tumor tissue and metastasized lymph node appeared to be significantly elevated than that in normal tissue. The practical usage and limitation of the fucose value in various diseases, together with a possible source of serum fucose were discussed.", "contents": "Clinical value of protein-bound fucose in patients with carcinoma and other diseases. Protein-bound fucose content in sera from normal persons and patients with various malignant and non-malignant diseases was measured and statistically analyzed. Normal serum gave a mean value of 6.84 +/- 0.13 mg/100 ml, and rarely exceeded 9 mg/100 ml. Although no significant difference was found between sexes, there was a tendency of fucose content to decrease in older persons. It was noted that more than 90% of cancer-bearing patients have significantly higher level than critical value (9 mg/100 ml), while only 8.7% of patients with benign tumor showed positive result. These results were not limited to special organs but in common to all cases studied. The elevation of serum fucose content in malignant tumor was well correlated with its stages of progression, though the levels were less significant in early and in rather locally restricted breast and thyroid cancer. Serial postoperative follow-up study showed that the levels in serum fucose content was a useful parameter for judging the effectiveness of therapy and the prognosis of the patient. The fucose content in malignant tumor tissue and metastasized lymph node appeared to be significantly elevated than that in normal tissue. The practical usage and limitation of the fucose value in various diseases, together with a possible source of serum fucose were discussed.", "PMID": 1001865} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8801", "title": "Development of adenocarcinoma of the prostate in ICR mice locally irradiated with X-rays.", "content": "The pelvic region of male ICR/JCL mice 5 approximately 7 weeks of age was irradiated with 1,000 rad of X-rays for a total of 8 exposures ot determine whether such irradiation would induce prostatic carcinoma. Prostatic adenocarcinoma was observed in 5 of 135 animals which survived more than 12 weeks after the first X-irradiation. Because spontaneous development of prostatic adenocarcinoma has not been reported in mice, development of this carcinoma in these animals can be considered to be attributable to X-irradiation.", "contents": "Development of adenocarcinoma of the prostate in ICR mice locally irradiated with X-rays. The pelvic region of male ICR/JCL mice 5 approximately 7 weeks of age was irradiated with 1,000 rad of X-rays for a total of 8 exposures ot determine whether such irradiation would induce prostatic carcinoma. Prostatic adenocarcinoma was observed in 5 of 135 animals which survived more than 12 weeks after the first X-irradiation. Because spontaneous development of prostatic adenocarcinoma has not been reported in mice, development of this carcinoma in these animals can be considered to be attributable to X-irradiation.", "PMID": 1001866} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8802", "title": "Haptoglobin types in cancer patients in comparison with normal populations in the Eastern India.", "content": "The distribution of haptoglobin (Hp) phenotypes in patients with different types of cancer was compared with those in the normal population, with the aid of vertical disc polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The Hp1 gene frequency (0.0647) of the normal population exhibited only a slight difference from that of the cancer patients, as against previous records. The only appreciable difference was in the range of mobility of the Hp2 bands from the origin in individuals with Hp 2-1 and 2-2 phenotypes.", "contents": "Haptoglobin types in cancer patients in comparison with normal populations in the Eastern India. The distribution of haptoglobin (Hp) phenotypes in patients with different types of cancer was compared with those in the normal population, with the aid of vertical disc polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The Hp1 gene frequency (0.0647) of the normal population exhibited only a slight difference from that of the cancer patients, as against previous records. The only appreciable difference was in the range of mobility of the Hp2 bands from the origin in individuals with Hp 2-1 and 2-2 phenotypes.", "PMID": 1001867} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8803", "title": "Human breast cancer serially transplantable in nude mice in ascites form.", "content": "Cell suspension of a human breast cancer cell line (Hattori line) was injected intraperitoneally into an athymic nude mouse to produce ascites form breast cancer (peritoneal carcinomatosis). Subsequent serail transfers of cancer cells in ascites were also successful in mice. All male and female nude mice injected 1 X 10(7) tumor cells died of accumulation of ascites after a latency period averaging 4 weeks, with one exception which died of a wasting disease. Multiple lung metastases were observed in some mice. The tumor cells retained cytological characteristics of the original cell line, and histology of the infiltrating tumor in the peritoneum and omentum was that of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Differentiation not only toward acinar or duct lining cells but also toward myoepithelial cells was observed by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.", "contents": "Human breast cancer serially transplantable in nude mice in ascites form. Cell suspension of a human breast cancer cell line (Hattori line) was injected intraperitoneally into an athymic nude mouse to produce ascites form breast cancer (peritoneal carcinomatosis). Subsequent serail transfers of cancer cells in ascites were also successful in mice. All male and female nude mice injected 1 X 10(7) tumor cells died of accumulation of ascites after a latency period averaging 4 weeks, with one exception which died of a wasting disease. Multiple lung metastases were observed in some mice. The tumor cells retained cytological characteristics of the original cell line, and histology of the infiltrating tumor in the peritoneum and omentum was that of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Differentiation not only toward acinar or duct lining cells but also toward myoepithelial cells was observed by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.", "PMID": 1001868} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8804", "title": "Absence of vitamin B12-binding proteins in the histamine-containing gastric carcinoid in Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis.", "content": "The transplantable argyrophilic gastric carcinoids producing histamine found in Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis contained no significant amount of vitamin B12-binding proteins. It was also demonstrated that the concentration of vitamin B12-binding proteins in glandular stomach of mastomys was much lower than those in the same tissues of the rat or mouse.", "contents": "Absence of vitamin B12-binding proteins in the histamine-containing gastric carcinoid in Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis. The transplantable argyrophilic gastric carcinoids producing histamine found in Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis contained no significant amount of vitamin B12-binding proteins. It was also demonstrated that the concentration of vitamin B12-binding proteins in glandular stomach of mastomys was much lower than those in the same tissues of the rat or mouse.", "PMID": 1001869} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8805", "title": "Recovery in Burkitt lymphoma cells after X-ray irradiation.", "content": "The radiation response of cultured Burkitt lymphoma cell, known as a particular cell line of high radiosensitivity, was studied by the colony formation method. The values of n, Dq, and Do derived from the survival curve after a single dose X-irradiation resulted in small values as 1.1, 10 rad, and 125 rad. The maximum recovery of about 5% was observed 3 hr after the irradiation by a split-dose experiment. In the survival curve derived from a split-dose irradiation, n and Dq increased while Do remained unchanged. The reason for these increases in n and Dq may be attributed to the nonhomogeneous or mixed population response.", "contents": "Recovery in Burkitt lymphoma cells after X-ray irradiation. The radiation response of cultured Burkitt lymphoma cell, known as a particular cell line of high radiosensitivity, was studied by the colony formation method. The values of n, Dq, and Do derived from the survival curve after a single dose X-irradiation resulted in small values as 1.1, 10 rad, and 125 rad. The maximum recovery of about 5% was observed 3 hr after the irradiation by a split-dose experiment. In the survival curve derived from a split-dose irradiation, n and Dq increased while Do remained unchanged. The reason for these increases in n and Dq may be attributed to the nonhomogeneous or mixed population response.", "PMID": 1001870} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8806", "title": "Cell population size dependency of therapeutic effect of divided dosage of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine.", "content": "A total dose of 960 mg/kg body weight of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (cytosine arabinoside) was given intraperitoneally to rats bearing Yoshida sarcoma, in a single or divided doses. Single-dose therapy gave an increased life span of about 1 day irrespective of cell population size in accord with the concept of constant percentage cell kill. Tumor cell reduction was estimated to be about 70%. Divded-dose therapy, however, brought about increased life span which was reciprocally proportional to the logarithm of population size. Estimated cell reduction was 87% when population size was 10(8) cells and 99.95% at 10(4) cells.", "contents": "Cell population size dependency of therapeutic effect of divided dosage of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine. A total dose of 960 mg/kg body weight of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (cytosine arabinoside) was given intraperitoneally to rats bearing Yoshida sarcoma, in a single or divided doses. Single-dose therapy gave an increased life span of about 1 day irrespective of cell population size in accord with the concept of constant percentage cell kill. Tumor cell reduction was estimated to be about 70%. Divded-dose therapy, however, brought about increased life span which was reciprocally proportional to the logarithm of population size. Estimated cell reduction was 87% when population size was 10(8) cells and 99.95% at 10(4) cells.", "PMID": 1001871} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8807", "title": "Enzymes and reproduction in natural populations of Drosophila euronotus.", "content": "Populations of Drosophila euronotus, one from southern Louisiana )3 samples), and one from Missouri (2 samples), were classified for allele frequencies at alkaline phosphatase (APH) and acid phosphatase (ACPH) loci. The two populations differed consistently in allele frequencies at both loci. The APH locus is on the inversion-free X chromosome; the chromosomal locus of the autosomal ACPH is unknown, and could involve inversion polymorphism. Wild females from Missouri and Louisiana populations heterozygous at the APH locus carried more sperm at capture than did the corresponding homozygotes. This heterotic association was significant for the combined samples, and whether it was the result of heterosis at the enzyme locus studied, or due to geographically widespread close linkage with other heterotic loci, it should help to maintain heterozygosity at the APH locus. In a Louisiana collection which included large numbers of sperm-free females, simultaneous homozygosity at both enzyme loci was significantly associated with lack of sperm. It is suggested that the latter association is the result of young heterozygous females achieving sexual maturity earlier than do the double homozygotes. The average effective sperm load for 225 wild females was only 29.4, suggesting the necessity for frequent repeat-mating in nature to maintain female fertility. A comparison of the sex-linked APH genotypes of wild females with those of their daughters indicated that among 295 wild-inseminated females from five populations, 35% had mated more than once, and of this 35%, six females had mated at least three times. Because of ascertainment difficulties, it is clear that the true frequency of multiple-mating in nature must have been much higher than the observed 35%. Laboratory studies indicate that multiple-mating in this species does not involve sperm displacement, possibly due to the small number of sperms transmitted per mating, and the fact that the sperm receptacles are only partially filled by a given mating.", "contents": "Enzymes and reproduction in natural populations of Drosophila euronotus. Populations of Drosophila euronotus, one from southern Louisiana )3 samples), and one from Missouri (2 samples), were classified for allele frequencies at alkaline phosphatase (APH) and acid phosphatase (ACPH) loci. The two populations differed consistently in allele frequencies at both loci. The APH locus is on the inversion-free X chromosome; the chromosomal locus of the autosomal ACPH is unknown, and could involve inversion polymorphism. Wild females from Missouri and Louisiana populations heterozygous at the APH locus carried more sperm at capture than did the corresponding homozygotes. This heterotic association was significant for the combined samples, and whether it was the result of heterosis at the enzyme locus studied, or due to geographically widespread close linkage with other heterotic loci, it should help to maintain heterozygosity at the APH locus. In a Louisiana collection which included large numbers of sperm-free females, simultaneous homozygosity at both enzyme loci was significantly associated with lack of sperm. It is suggested that the latter association is the result of young heterozygous females achieving sexual maturity earlier than do the double homozygotes. The average effective sperm load for 225 wild females was only 29.4, suggesting the necessity for frequent repeat-mating in nature to maintain female fertility. A comparison of the sex-linked APH genotypes of wild females with those of their daughters indicated that among 295 wild-inseminated females from five populations, 35% had mated more than once, and of this 35%, six females had mated at least three times. Because of ascertainment difficulties, it is clear that the true frequency of multiple-mating in nature must have been much higher than the observed 35%. Laboratory studies indicate that multiple-mating in this species does not involve sperm displacement, possibly due to the small number of sperms transmitted per mating, and the fact that the sperm receptacles are only partially filled by a given mating.", "PMID": 1001873} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8808", "title": "Hidden genetic variability within electromorphs in finite populations.", "content": "The amount of hidden genetic variability within electromorphs in finite populations is studied by using the infinite site model and stepwise mutation model simultaneously. A formula is developed for the bivariate probability generating function for the number of codon differences and the number of electromorph state differences between two randomly chosen cistrons. Using this formula, the distribution as well as the mean and variance of the number of codon differences between two identical or nonidentical electromorphs are studied. The distribution of the number of codon differences between two randomly chosen identical electromorphs is similar to the geometric distribution but more leptokurtic. Studies are also made on the number of codon differences between two electromorphs chosen at random one from each of two populations which have been separated for an arbitrary number of generations. It is shown that the amount of hidden genetic variability is very large if the product of effective population size and mutation rate is large.", "contents": "Hidden genetic variability within electromorphs in finite populations. The amount of hidden genetic variability within electromorphs in finite populations is studied by using the infinite site model and stepwise mutation model simultaneously. A formula is developed for the bivariate probability generating function for the number of codon differences and the number of electromorph state differences between two randomly chosen cistrons. Using this formula, the distribution as well as the mean and variance of the number of codon differences between two identical or nonidentical electromorphs are studied. The distribution of the number of codon differences between two randomly chosen identical electromorphs is similar to the geometric distribution but more leptokurtic. Studies are also made on the number of codon differences between two electromorphs chosen at random one from each of two populations which have been separated for an arbitrary number of generations. It is shown that the amount of hidden genetic variability is very large if the product of effective population size and mutation rate is large.", "PMID": 1001874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8809", "title": "The Lewontin and Krakauer test on quantitative characters.", "content": "It is shown that LEWONTIN and KRAKAUER's test could also be applied to quantitative characters that do not show important dominance and epistatic genetic variances. The design of experiments for this purpose and the error of the estimation of F are discussed.", "contents": "The Lewontin and Krakauer test on quantitative characters. It is shown that LEWONTIN and KRAKAUER's test could also be applied to quantitative characters that do not show important dominance and epistatic genetic variances. The design of experiments for this purpose and the error of the estimation of F are discussed.", "PMID": 1001875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8810", "title": "Marker effects on reversion of T4rII mutants.", "content": "The frequencies of 2-aminopurine- and 5-bromouracil-induced A:T leads to G:C transitions were compared at nonsense sites throughout the rII region of bacteriophage T4. These frequencies are influenced both by adjacent base pairs within the nonsense codons and by extracodonic factors. Following 2AP treatment, they are high in amber (UAG) and lower in opal (UGA) codons than in allelic ochre (UAA) codons. In general, 5BU-induced transitions are more frequent in both amber and opal codons than in the allelic ochre codons. 2AP- and 5BU-induced transition frequencies in the first and third positions of opal codons are correlated with those in the corresponding positions of the allelic ochre codons. Similarly, the frequencies of 2AP-induced transition in the first and second positions of amber codons and their ochre alleles are correlated. However, there is little correlation between the frequencies of 5BU-induced transitions in the first and second positions of allelic amber and ochre codons.", "contents": "Marker effects on reversion of T4rII mutants. The frequencies of 2-aminopurine- and 5-bromouracil-induced A:T leads to G:C transitions were compared at nonsense sites throughout the rII region of bacteriophage T4. These frequencies are influenced both by adjacent base pairs within the nonsense codons and by extracodonic factors. Following 2AP treatment, they are high in amber (UAG) and lower in opal (UGA) codons than in allelic ochre (UAA) codons. In general, 5BU-induced transitions are more frequent in both amber and opal codons than in the allelic ochre codons. 2AP- and 5BU-induced transition frequencies in the first and third positions of opal codons are correlated with those in the corresponding positions of the allelic ochre codons. Similarly, the frequencies of 2AP-induced transition in the first and second positions of amber codons and their ochre alleles are correlated. However, there is little correlation between the frequencies of 5BU-induced transitions in the first and second positions of allelic amber and ochre codons.", "PMID": 1001876} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8811", "title": "Mapping of the homothallic genes, HM alpha and HMa, in Saccharomyces yeasts.", "content": "Two of the three homothallic genes, HM alpha and HMa, showed direct linkage to the mating-type locus at approximately 73 and 98 strans (57 and 65 centimorgans [cM], respectively, whereas, the other, HO, showed no linkage to 25 standard markers distributed over 17 chromosomes including the mating-type locus. To determine whether the HM alpha and HMa loci located on the left or right side of the mating-type locus, equations for three factor analysis of three linked genes were derived. Tetrad data were collected and were compared with expected values by chi 2 statistics. Calculations indicated that the HM alpha gene is probably located on the right arm at 95 strans (65 cM) from the centromere and the HMa locus at approximately 90 strans (64 cM) on the left arm of chromosome III.", "contents": "Mapping of the homothallic genes, HM alpha and HMa, in Saccharomyces yeasts. Two of the three homothallic genes, HM alpha and HMa, showed direct linkage to the mating-type locus at approximately 73 and 98 strans (57 and 65 centimorgans [cM], respectively, whereas, the other, HO, showed no linkage to 25 standard markers distributed over 17 chromosomes including the mating-type locus. To determine whether the HM alpha and HMa loci located on the left or right side of the mating-type locus, equations for three factor analysis of three linked genes were derived. Tetrad data were collected and were compared with expected values by chi 2 statistics. Calculations indicated that the HM alpha gene is probably located on the right arm at 95 strans (65 cM) from the centromere and the HMa locus at approximately 90 strans (64 cM) on the left arm of chromosome III.", "PMID": 1001877} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8812", "title": "Nonbehavioral selection for pawns, mutants of Paramecium aurelia with decreased excitability.", "content": "The reversal response in Paramecium aurelia is mediated by calcium which carries the inward current during excitation. Electrophysiological studies indicate that strontium and barium can also carry the inward current. Exposure to high concentrations of barium rapidly paralyzes and later kills wild-type paramecia. Following mutagenesis with nitrosoguanidine, seven mutants which continued to swim in the ;high-barium' solution were selected. All of the mutants show decreased reversal behavior, with phenotypes ranging from extremely non-reversing (;extreme' pawns) to nearly wild-type reversal behavior (;partial' pawns). The mutations fall into three complementation groups, identical to the pwA, pwB, and pwC genes of Kunget al. (1975). All of the pwA and pwB mutants withstand longer exposure to barium, the pwB mutants surviving longer than the pwA mutants. Among mutants of each gene, survival is correlated with loss of reversal behavior. Double mutants (A-B, A-C, B-C), identified in the exautogamous progeny of crosses between ;partial' mutants, exhibited a more extreme non-reversing phenotype than either of their single-mutant (;partial' pawn) parents.---Inability to reverse could be expected from an alteration in the calcium-activated reversal mechanism or in excitation. A normal calcium-activated structure was demonstrated in all pawns by chlorpromazine treatment. In a separate report (Schein, Bennett and Katz 1976) the results of electrophysiological investigations directly demonstrate decreased excitability in all of the mutants, a decrease due to an altered calcium activation. The studies of the genetics, the survival in barium and the electro-physiology of the pawns demonstrate that the pwA and pwB genes have different effects on calcium activation.", "contents": "Nonbehavioral selection for pawns, mutants of Paramecium aurelia with decreased excitability. The reversal response in Paramecium aurelia is mediated by calcium which carries the inward current during excitation. Electrophysiological studies indicate that strontium and barium can also carry the inward current. Exposure to high concentrations of barium rapidly paralyzes and later kills wild-type paramecia. Following mutagenesis with nitrosoguanidine, seven mutants which continued to swim in the ;high-barium' solution were selected. All of the mutants show decreased reversal behavior, with phenotypes ranging from extremely non-reversing (;extreme' pawns) to nearly wild-type reversal behavior (;partial' pawns). The mutations fall into three complementation groups, identical to the pwA, pwB, and pwC genes of Kunget al. (1975). All of the pwA and pwB mutants withstand longer exposure to barium, the pwB mutants surviving longer than the pwA mutants. Among mutants of each gene, survival is correlated with loss of reversal behavior. Double mutants (A-B, A-C, B-C), identified in the exautogamous progeny of crosses between ;partial' mutants, exhibited a more extreme non-reversing phenotype than either of their single-mutant (;partial' pawn) parents.---Inability to reverse could be expected from an alteration in the calcium-activated reversal mechanism or in excitation. A normal calcium-activated structure was demonstrated in all pawns by chlorpromazine treatment. In a separate report (Schein, Bennett and Katz 1976) the results of electrophysiological investigations directly demonstrate decreased excitability in all of the mutants, a decrease due to an altered calcium activation. The studies of the genetics, the survival in barium and the electro-physiology of the pawns demonstrate that the pwA and pwB genes have different effects on calcium activation.", "PMID": 1001878} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8813", "title": "Sulfhydryl compounds in melanocytes of yellow (Ay/a), nonagouti (a/a), and agouti (A/A) mice.", "content": "CLEFFMANN (1953, 1963a,b) has reported that yellow but not black melanocytes of agouti (A/A) rabbits contained reducing sulfhydryl compounds. We have attempted to repeat CLEFFMANN's observations in mouse melanocytes of the lethal yellow (Ay/a), nonagouti (a/a) and agouti (A/A) genotypes. Our results contradict those of CLEFFMANN and reveal that yellow and black melanocytes, regardless of genotype, possess equivalent amounts of histochemically detectable sulfhydryl compounds. These results do not support the hypothesis that agouti-locus genes act by controlling the sulfhydryl metabolism of pigment cells.", "contents": "Sulfhydryl compounds in melanocytes of yellow (Ay/a), nonagouti (a/a), and agouti (A/A) mice. CLEFFMANN (1953, 1963a,b) has reported that yellow but not black melanocytes of agouti (A/A) rabbits contained reducing sulfhydryl compounds. We have attempted to repeat CLEFFMANN's observations in mouse melanocytes of the lethal yellow (Ay/a), nonagouti (a/a) and agouti (A/A) genotypes. Our results contradict those of CLEFFMANN and reveal that yellow and black melanocytes, regardless of genotype, possess equivalent amounts of histochemically detectable sulfhydryl compounds. These results do not support the hypothesis that agouti-locus genes act by controlling the sulfhydryl metabolism of pigment cells.", "PMID": 1001879} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8814", "title": "Lack of genic similarity between two sibling species of drosophila as revealed by varied techniques.", "content": "Acrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed on the enzyme xanthine dehydrogenase in sixty isochromosomal lines of Drosophila persimilis from three geographic populations. Sequential electrophoretic analysis using varied gel concentrations and buffers revealed twenty-three alleles in this species where only five had been described previously. These new electrophoretic techniques also detected a profound increase in divergence of gene frequencies at this locus between D. persimilis and its sibling species D. pseudoobscura. The implications of these results for questions of speciation and the maintenance of genetic variability are discussed.", "contents": "Lack of genic similarity between two sibling species of drosophila as revealed by varied techniques. Acrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed on the enzyme xanthine dehydrogenase in sixty isochromosomal lines of Drosophila persimilis from three geographic populations. Sequential electrophoretic analysis using varied gel concentrations and buffers revealed twenty-three alleles in this species where only five had been described previously. These new electrophoretic techniques also detected a profound increase in divergence of gene frequencies at this locus between D. persimilis and its sibling species D. pseudoobscura. The implications of these results for questions of speciation and the maintenance of genetic variability are discussed.", "PMID": 1001880} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8815", "title": "Genetic heterogeneity within electrophoretic \"alleles\" of xanthine dehydrogenase in Drosophila pseudoobscura.", "content": "An experimental plan for an exhaustive determination of genic variation at structural gene loci is presented. In the initial steps of this program, 146 isochromosomal lines from 12 geographic populations of D. pseudoobscura were examined for allelic variation of xanthine dehydrogenase by the serial use of 4 different electrophoretic conditions and a head stability test. The 5 criteria revealed a total of 37 allelic classes out of the 146 genomes examined where only 6 had been previously revealed by the usual method of gel electrophoresis. This immense increase in genic variation also showed previously unsuspected population differences between the main part of the species distribution and the isolated population of Bogot\u00e1 population. The average heterozygosity at the Xdh locus is at least 72% in natural populations. This result, together with the very large number of alleles segregating and the pattern of allelic frequencies, has implications for theories of genetic polymorphism which are discussed.", "contents": "Genetic heterogeneity within electrophoretic \"alleles\" of xanthine dehydrogenase in Drosophila pseudoobscura. An experimental plan for an exhaustive determination of genic variation at structural gene loci is presented. In the initial steps of this program, 146 isochromosomal lines from 12 geographic populations of D. pseudoobscura were examined for allelic variation of xanthine dehydrogenase by the serial use of 4 different electrophoretic conditions and a head stability test. The 5 criteria revealed a total of 37 allelic classes out of the 146 genomes examined where only 6 had been previously revealed by the usual method of gel electrophoresis. This immense increase in genic variation also showed previously unsuspected population differences between the main part of the species distribution and the isolated population of Bogot\u00e1 population. The average heterozygosity at the Xdh locus is at least 72% in natural populations. This result, together with the very large number of alleles segregating and the pattern of allelic frequencies, has implications for theories of genetic polymorphism which are discussed.", "PMID": 1001881} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8816", "title": "Polymorphism in a cyclic parthenogenetic species: Simocephalus serrulatus.", "content": "A survey of sixteen isozyme loci using electrophoretic techniques was conducted for three isolated natural populations and one laboratory population of the cyclic parthenogenetic species, Simocephalus serrulatus. The proportion of polymorphic loci (33%-60%) and the average number of heterozygous loci per individual (6%-23%) in the three natural populations were found to be comparable to those found in most sexually reproducing organisms. Detailed analyses were made for one of these populations using five polymorphic loci. The results indicated that (1) seasonal changes in genotypic frequencies took place, (2) apomicitic parthenogenesis does not lead to genetic homogeneity, and (3) marked gametic disequilibrium at these five loci was present in the population, indicating that selection acted on coadapted groups of genes.", "contents": "Polymorphism in a cyclic parthenogenetic species: Simocephalus serrulatus. A survey of sixteen isozyme loci using electrophoretic techniques was conducted for three isolated natural populations and one laboratory population of the cyclic parthenogenetic species, Simocephalus serrulatus. The proportion of polymorphic loci (33%-60%) and the average number of heterozygous loci per individual (6%-23%) in the three natural populations were found to be comparable to those found in most sexually reproducing organisms. Detailed analyses were made for one of these populations using five polymorphic loci. The results indicated that (1) seasonal changes in genotypic frequencies took place, (2) apomicitic parthenogenesis does not lead to genetic homogeneity, and (3) marked gametic disequilibrium at these five loci was present in the population, indicating that selection acted on coadapted groups of genes.", "PMID": 1001882} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8817", "title": "Testing for selective neutrality of electrophoretically detectable protein polymorphisms.", "content": "The statistical assessment of gene-frequency data on protein polymorphisms in natural populations remains a contentious issue. Here we formulate a test of whether polymorphisms detected by electrophoresis are in accordance with the stepwise, or charge-state, model of mutation in finite populations in the absence of selection. First, estimates of the model parameters are derived by minimizing chi-square deviations of the observed frequencies of genotypes with alleles (0,1,2...) units apart from their theoretical expected values. Then the remaining deviation is tested under the null hypothesis of neutrality. The procedure was found to be conservative for false rejections in simulation data. We applied the test to Ayala and Tracey 's data on 27 allozymic loci in six populations of Drosophila willistoni . About one-quarter of polymorphic loci showed significant departure from the neutral theory predictions in virtually all populations. A further quarter showed significant departure in some populations. The remaining data showed an acceptable fit to the charge state model. A predominating mode of selection was selection against alleles associated with extreme electrophoretic mobilities. The advantageous properties and the difficulties of the procedure are discussed.", "contents": "Testing for selective neutrality of electrophoretically detectable protein polymorphisms. The statistical assessment of gene-frequency data on protein polymorphisms in natural populations remains a contentious issue. Here we formulate a test of whether polymorphisms detected by electrophoresis are in accordance with the stepwise, or charge-state, model of mutation in finite populations in the absence of selection. First, estimates of the model parameters are derived by minimizing chi-square deviations of the observed frequencies of genotypes with alleles (0,1,2...) units apart from their theoretical expected values. Then the remaining deviation is tested under the null hypothesis of neutrality. The procedure was found to be conservative for false rejections in simulation data. We applied the test to Ayala and Tracey 's data on 27 allozymic loci in six populations of Drosophila willistoni . About one-quarter of polymorphic loci showed significant departure from the neutral theory predictions in virtually all populations. A further quarter showed significant departure in some populations. The remaining data showed an acceptable fit to the charge state model. A predominating mode of selection was selection against alleles associated with extreme electrophoretic mobilities. The advantageous properties and the difficulties of the procedure are discussed.", "PMID": 1001883} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8818", "title": "[Lethal and mutagenic photodynamic effect of acridine orange on bacteriophage cd].", "content": "Both acridine-sensitized inactivation and mutagenesis in phage sd have been studied and compared with the effect of other mutagens. Inactivation curve was not stictly exponential, with a small shoulder at short light doses and deviation of survival lower than 10(-5). The lethal effect was not reactivated by multiplicity reactivation. Photodynamic damage in phage sd was accompanied by the increase of the rise (but not of the latent) period in the one-step curve of phage multiplication and increase of the burst size. Experiments were carried out at dye concentration of 1-10(-5) M or lower; a strong dark effect of the dye being observed under 2-fold increase of the dye concentration. Plaque-type mutants were formed up to the maximum approximately 1% at the survival approximately 2--10(-5); in comparison with other mutagens photo-sensitized mutagenesis in phage sd was lower. The significant increase in the number of plaque mutants was observed after the illumination of phage fraction surviving the pre-treatment with higher acridine orange concentration (greater than or equal to 2-10(-5)M).", "contents": "[Lethal and mutagenic photodynamic effect of acridine orange on bacteriophage cd]. Both acridine-sensitized inactivation and mutagenesis in phage sd have been studied and compared with the effect of other mutagens. Inactivation curve was not stictly exponential, with a small shoulder at short light doses and deviation of survival lower than 10(-5). The lethal effect was not reactivated by multiplicity reactivation. Photodynamic damage in phage sd was accompanied by the increase of the rise (but not of the latent) period in the one-step curve of phage multiplication and increase of the burst size. Experiments were carried out at dye concentration of 1-10(-5) M or lower; a strong dark effect of the dye being observed under 2-fold increase of the dye concentration. Plaque-type mutants were formed up to the maximum approximately 1% at the survival approximately 2--10(-5); in comparison with other mutagens photo-sensitized mutagenesis in phage sd was lower. The significant increase in the number of plaque mutants was observed after the illumination of phage fraction surviving the pre-treatment with higher acridine orange concentration (greater than or equal to 2-10(-5)M).", "PMID": 1001884} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8819", "title": "[Genetic characteristics of the \"EEC\" syndrome (ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasis, cheilognathopalatoschisis)].", "content": "The analysis of the literature and author's observations of the \"EEC\" syndrome (ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia and cleft lip/palate) revealed that this is a disorder with an autosomal-dominant type of inheritance with an incomplete penetrance and varying expressivity. Both sexes are affected with the same frequency. The complete form of the syndrome was mentioned in 27 cases only; all other patients had incomplete forms. The combination of two out of 3 main features is enough for the diagnosis of this syndrome. The most common trait of the \"EEC\" syndrome is ectrodactyly (73/77), clefts of lip or palate were observed in 53 patients out of 77, the ectodermal dysplasia was mentioned in 44 cases. There is an increase of mutation frequency in older parents.", "contents": "[Genetic characteristics of the \"EEC\" syndrome (ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasis, cheilognathopalatoschisis)]. The analysis of the literature and author's observations of the \"EEC\" syndrome (ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia and cleft lip/palate) revealed that this is a disorder with an autosomal-dominant type of inheritance with an incomplete penetrance and varying expressivity. Both sexes are affected with the same frequency. The complete form of the syndrome was mentioned in 27 cases only; all other patients had incomplete forms. The combination of two out of 3 main features is enough for the diagnosis of this syndrome. The most common trait of the \"EEC\" syndrome is ectrodactyly (73/77), clefts of lip or palate were observed in 53 patients out of 77, the ectodermal dysplasia was mentioned in 44 cases. There is an increase of mutation frequency in older parents.", "PMID": 1001885} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8820", "title": "[Mechanism of action of antimutagens. I. ionol modification of aberrations induced by different factors].", "content": "The capacity of decreasing the frequency of chromosome aberrations, spontaneous and induced by ionizing radiation (gamma-rays) and alkylating compounds (ethylene imine) was established to be inherent in ionole (2,6-di-tretbutyl-4-methylphenole). Crepis capillaris was used as the experimental material. Ionole was particularly efficient with respect to aberrations induced by ethylene imine. The decrease of the frequency of spontaneous and induced aberrations did not affect their spectrum.", "contents": "[Mechanism of action of antimutagens. I. ionol modification of aberrations induced by different factors]. The capacity of decreasing the frequency of chromosome aberrations, spontaneous and induced by ionizing radiation (gamma-rays) and alkylating compounds (ethylene imine) was established to be inherent in ionole (2,6-di-tretbutyl-4-methylphenole). Crepis capillaris was used as the experimental material. Ionole was particularly efficient with respect to aberrations induced by ethylene imine. The decrease of the frequency of spontaneous and induced aberrations did not affect their spectrum.", "PMID": 1001886} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8821", "title": "[Mechanism of action of antimutagens. II. Relationship between the antimutagenic effect of ionol and the stage of the mitotic cycle of Crepis capillaris L].", "content": "When a synchronous population of Crepis capillaris L. cells was used as the experimental material, the repair of spontaneous and induced aberrations by antimutagens was established to take place at the G1 stage. A definite period within this stage when the repair proceeds is discovered.", "contents": "[Mechanism of action of antimutagens. II. Relationship between the antimutagenic effect of ionol and the stage of the mitotic cycle of Crepis capillaris L]. When a synchronous population of Crepis capillaris L. cells was used as the experimental material, the repair of spontaneous and induced aberrations by antimutagens was established to take place at the G1 stage. A definite period within this stage when the repair proceeds is discovered.", "PMID": 1001887} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8822", "title": "[Mutagenic effect of different types of irradiation on the sex cells of male mice. IX. Duration of preservation of radiation-induced reciprocal translocations during the course of the reproductive period].", "content": "The rate of induction of reciprocal translocations by gamma-irradiation of mouse spermatogonia was studied by cytological examination of descendent spermatocytes. The CBA mice were given a total single acute dose of 300 r or 3 times per 300 r with 7 and 28 days intervals. The irradiated mice were killed within 3,7 and 12 month after the irradiation. The frequency of translocations in 3 and 7 month after the treatment was the same. A 25% decrease in the yield of reciprocal translocations was observed in 12 months after the irradiation. It suggests that the genetic risk from ionizing radiation remains high a year after the irradiation.", "contents": "[Mutagenic effect of different types of irradiation on the sex cells of male mice. IX. Duration of preservation of radiation-induced reciprocal translocations during the course of the reproductive period]. The rate of induction of reciprocal translocations by gamma-irradiation of mouse spermatogonia was studied by cytological examination of descendent spermatocytes. The CBA mice were given a total single acute dose of 300 r or 3 times per 300 r with 7 and 28 days intervals. The irradiated mice were killed within 3,7 and 12 month after the irradiation. The frequency of translocations in 3 and 7 month after the treatment was the same. A 25% decrease in the yield of reciprocal translocations was observed in 12 months after the irradiation. It suggests that the genetic risk from ionizing radiation remains high a year after the irradiation.", "PMID": 1001888} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8823", "title": "[Mutagenic effect of different types of irradiation on the sex cells of male mice. X. Frequency of recessive lethal mutations and reciprocal translocations in the spermatogonia of mice subjected to fractional gamma-irradiation].", "content": "The frequency of recessive lethal mutations and reciprocal translocations was investigated in spermatogonia of CBA male mice which were thrice gamma-irradiated at doses of 300 r with 28 days intervals. The rate of induced recessive lethals was estimated 1) by comparison of embryos survival between the irradiated and control groups in mating of the F1 males with their daughters, and 2) by estimation the frequency of males heterozygotes for recessive lethals in the first generation. In the first case the frequency of recessive lethals was 2,8 +/- 0,8-10(-4) per r per gamete (for the pre- and post-implantation death) and 1,6 +/- 0,1-10(-4) per r per gamete (for the pre- and post-implantation death) and 1,6 +/- 0,1-10(-4) per r per gamete in the second case. The frequency of heterozygotes for reciprocal translocations in the first generations of males was 3,1 +/- 0,9-10(-5) per r per gamete.", "contents": "[Mutagenic effect of different types of irradiation on the sex cells of male mice. X. Frequency of recessive lethal mutations and reciprocal translocations in the spermatogonia of mice subjected to fractional gamma-irradiation]. The frequency of recessive lethal mutations and reciprocal translocations was investigated in spermatogonia of CBA male mice which were thrice gamma-irradiated at doses of 300 r with 28 days intervals. The rate of induced recessive lethals was estimated 1) by comparison of embryos survival between the irradiated and control groups in mating of the F1 males with their daughters, and 2) by estimation the frequency of males heterozygotes for recessive lethals in the first generation. In the first case the frequency of recessive lethals was 2,8 +/- 0,8-10(-4) per r per gamete (for the pre- and post-implantation death) and 1,6 +/- 0,1-10(-4) per r per gamete (for the pre- and post-implantation death) and 1,6 +/- 0,1-10(-4) per r per gamete in the second case. The frequency of heterozygotes for reciprocal translocations in the first generations of males was 3,1 +/- 0,9-10(-5) per r per gamete.", "PMID": 1001889} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8824", "title": "[Relationship between genetic differentiation of the thymus in mice of different strains and malignant growth. IV. Genetic analysis of the thymic index in mice].", "content": "Relative thymus weight was estimated in C3H/He, C57BL/6 mice, their F1 and backcross hybrids, as well as in the progeny of complete diallel crosses between the BALB/c, C3H/He, C57BL/6 and AKR/J strains. On the basis of the analysis of these measurements, a conclusion is drawn that this character is inherited with incomplete dominance of smaller relative weight. The genes determining greater thymus weight are concentrated in the genetic pool of AKR/J and C57BL/6 strains. These genes are characterized by some degree of recessivity with respect to the genes determining smaller thymus weight which are concentrated in the genetic pool of C3H/He and BALB/c strains. The highest concentration of the \"plus\" and \"minus\" genes is found in the genetic pools of AKR/J and C3H/He strains respectively.", "contents": "[Relationship between genetic differentiation of the thymus in mice of different strains and malignant growth. IV. Genetic analysis of the thymic index in mice]. Relative thymus weight was estimated in C3H/He, C57BL/6 mice, their F1 and backcross hybrids, as well as in the progeny of complete diallel crosses between the BALB/c, C3H/He, C57BL/6 and AKR/J strains. On the basis of the analysis of these measurements, a conclusion is drawn that this character is inherited with incomplete dominance of smaller relative weight. The genes determining greater thymus weight are concentrated in the genetic pool of AKR/J and C57BL/6 strains. These genes are characterized by some degree of recessivity with respect to the genes determining smaller thymus weight which are concentrated in the genetic pool of C3H/He and BALB/c strains. The highest concentration of the \"plus\" and \"minus\" genes is found in the genetic pools of AKR/J and C3H/He strains respectively.", "PMID": 1001891} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8825", "title": "[Substrate of a UV-induced repair system providing for W-reactivation of lambda phage].", "content": "Escherichia coli uvrA, polA and uvrD cells carrying non-UV-inducible prophage lambdac1857ind- were infected with 3H-thymidine labelled homoimmune phage lambdac1857, and the effect of UV-irradiation of super-infecting phage and lysogenic bacterial cells on the content of intracellular covalently-closed lambda DNA circles (cccDNA) and pyrimidine dimer content in lambda DNA are studied. UV-irradiation of host cells results in two-fold increase of relative content of cccDNA of UV-irradiated phage lambda in uvrD mutant, while there is no such an effect in uvrA and polA mutants. In UV-irradiated or intact uvrA lysogens cccDNA molecules, forming after the infection with UV-irradiated phage lambda, contain pyrimidine dimers, but in uvrD mutant cccDNA in free of dimers. The data indicate that the repair system induced by UV-irradiation of uvrA and polA cells acts exclusively on the DNA defects appearing after (or in the course) of phage genomes replication. UV-inducible repair system in uvrD mutant can operate also on some intermediates of abortive excision repair, possibly on long single straided excision gaps.", "contents": "[Substrate of a UV-induced repair system providing for W-reactivation of lambda phage]. Escherichia coli uvrA, polA and uvrD cells carrying non-UV-inducible prophage lambdac1857ind- were infected with 3H-thymidine labelled homoimmune phage lambdac1857, and the effect of UV-irradiation of super-infecting phage and lysogenic bacterial cells on the content of intracellular covalently-closed lambda DNA circles (cccDNA) and pyrimidine dimer content in lambda DNA are studied. UV-irradiation of host cells results in two-fold increase of relative content of cccDNA of UV-irradiated phage lambda in uvrD mutant, while there is no such an effect in uvrA and polA mutants. In UV-irradiated or intact uvrA lysogens cccDNA molecules, forming after the infection with UV-irradiated phage lambda, contain pyrimidine dimers, but in uvrD mutant cccDNA in free of dimers. The data indicate that the repair system induced by UV-irradiation of uvrA and polA cells acts exclusively on the DNA defects appearing after (or in the course) of phage genomes replication. UV-inducible repair system in uvrD mutant can operate also on some intermediates of abortive excision repair, possibly on long single straided excision gaps.", "PMID": 1001892} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8826", "title": "[Genetic study of bacteriophage phi81. I. Isolation, study of complementation and preliminary mapping of amber-mutants of bacteriophage phi81].", "content": "123 Amber mutants of lambdoid bacteriophage phi81 are isolated and distributed into 19 complementation groups. Deletion mapping made possible to locate 5 gene groups on the genetic map of bacteriophage phi81 and to determine a region of possible location of mm' sticky ends on the prophage genetic map. A gene of phage phi81 is localized, which controls the adsorption specificity, and which functional similarity to a respective gene of phage phi80 is demonstrated.", "contents": "[Genetic study of bacteriophage phi81. I. Isolation, study of complementation and preliminary mapping of amber-mutants of bacteriophage phi81]. 123 Amber mutants of lambdoid bacteriophage phi81 are isolated and distributed into 19 complementation groups. Deletion mapping made possible to locate 5 gene groups on the genetic map of bacteriophage phi81 and to determine a region of possible location of mm' sticky ends on the prophage genetic map. A gene of phage phi81 is localized, which controls the adsorption specificity, and which functional similarity to a respective gene of phage phi80 is demonstrated.", "PMID": 1001893} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8827", "title": "When primary cancer spreads to the skin.", "content": "The lesions usually are asymptomatic, rapidly growing nodules that seem to crop up overnight. In most patients, the site is not far away from the primary tumor. For example, the metastatic seeds from breast carcinoma--the most common cause of secondary skin cancer--have an affinity for the anterior chest wall. An exception to this tendency toward localization is the scalp, which holds an odd attraction for implants from distant as well as nearby tumors. A high index of suspicion and an adequate biopsy are essential to diagnosis. The skin lesions can be puzzling when the primary tumor is silent or unrecognized. Tumors that masquerade as benign growths can allow a covert malignancy to remain undetected for a long time unless histologic sections are examined. Most secondary skin lesions do not require treatment. The exceptions are inflammatory, painful, or ulcerating neoplasms and relatively slow-growing tumors that yield to simple measures--i.e., surgical excision and/or radiotherapy. The psychologic value of treating symptom-free but highly noticeable lesions should also be considered.", "contents": "When primary cancer spreads to the skin. The lesions usually are asymptomatic, rapidly growing nodules that seem to crop up overnight. In most patients, the site is not far away from the primary tumor. For example, the metastatic seeds from breast carcinoma--the most common cause of secondary skin cancer--have an affinity for the anterior chest wall. An exception to this tendency toward localization is the scalp, which holds an odd attraction for implants from distant as well as nearby tumors. A high index of suspicion and an adequate biopsy are essential to diagnosis. The skin lesions can be puzzling when the primary tumor is silent or unrecognized. Tumors that masquerade as benign growths can allow a covert malignancy to remain undetected for a long time unless histologic sections are examined. Most secondary skin lesions do not require treatment. The exceptions are inflammatory, painful, or ulcerating neoplasms and relatively slow-growing tumors that yield to simple measures--i.e., surgical excision and/or radiotherapy. The psychologic value of treating symptom-free but highly noticeable lesions should also be considered.", "PMID": 1001899} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8828", "title": "Biofeedback training to overcome poststroke foot-drop.", "content": "The technique has exciting potential for elderly hemiplegic patients, even those who are confined to a nursing home. There are limiting factors, of course; the method is time-consuming and the initial outlay for equipment is high. But the rewards can be well worth the time, effort, and cost involved. The recovery potential of some geriatric patients after a cerebrovascular accident may seem bleak because of multiple disabilities, e.g., paralysis, delayed reflexes, aphasia. Fortunately, these disorders do not necessarily decree failure of biofeedback training. Neither does advanced age. The strongest component in success is motivation. A case in point is the 82 year old woman described here who had been hemiparetic for seven years. With biofeedback training, she gained--and maintained--muscle strength.", "contents": "Biofeedback training to overcome poststroke foot-drop. The technique has exciting potential for elderly hemiplegic patients, even those who are confined to a nursing home. There are limiting factors, of course; the method is time-consuming and the initial outlay for equipment is high. But the rewards can be well worth the time, effort, and cost involved. The recovery potential of some geriatric patients after a cerebrovascular accident may seem bleak because of multiple disabilities, e.g., paralysis, delayed reflexes, aphasia. Fortunately, these disorders do not necessarily decree failure of biofeedback training. Neither does advanced age. The strongest component in success is motivation. A case in point is the 82 year old woman described here who had been hemiparetic for seven years. With biofeedback training, she gained--and maintained--muscle strength.", "PMID": 1001900} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8829", "title": "Oral signs of aging and their clinical significance.", "content": "A look in the patient's mouth can give clues to his overall health. For instance, atrophic glossitis--or breakdown of the tongue's papillary structure--reveals that there may be incomplete absorption of vitamin B complex or some other nutritional deficiency. Tenderness and impaired motion in the jaw can mean any of a number of problems related to other joints of the body. Osteoarthritis is often to blame. Or the disablement may be due to rheumatoid arthritis or to sclerosis of joint surfaces. Atrophy of the alveolar bone, which progresses slowly during normal aging, is speeded up in persons with osteoporosis. Even after all teeth are gone, bone loss continues. It's likely to be excessive and uneven, and the resultant sharp ridges and spicules sometimes cause so much pain and irritation that the patient can't tolerate dentures.", "contents": "Oral signs of aging and their clinical significance. A look in the patient's mouth can give clues to his overall health. For instance, atrophic glossitis--or breakdown of the tongue's papillary structure--reveals that there may be incomplete absorption of vitamin B complex or some other nutritional deficiency. Tenderness and impaired motion in the jaw can mean any of a number of problems related to other joints of the body. Osteoarthritis is often to blame. Or the disablement may be due to rheumatoid arthritis or to sclerosis of joint surfaces. Atrophy of the alveolar bone, which progresses slowly during normal aging, is speeded up in persons with osteoporosis. Even after all teeth are gone, bone loss continues. It's likely to be excessive and uneven, and the resultant sharp ridges and spicules sometimes cause so much pain and irritation that the patient can't tolerate dentures.", "PMID": 1001901} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8830", "title": "Important factors in rehabilitating the psychiatric patient.", "content": "Family conflicts, retirement, bereavement, and isolation often precipitate emotional and physical decompensation in the elderly. Such stresses can cause a precipitous regression, and as the ego tries to master the intense anxiety, massive denial, hypochondriasis, projection, introjection, and helplessness can take over. Evaluation of an emotionally distraught patient with behavioral changes should include comprehensive assessment of medical, psychologic, and social problems. The physician should not be concerned only with physical disorders and ignore psychosocial data; neither should the psychiatrist focus on the psyche and disregard obvious somatic disorders. Treatment must be realistic, prompt, and energetic. Undertreatment for fear of drug toxicity, overtreatment by plying the patient with multiple drugs, and delay in treatment are equally destructive. Appropriate medication and group psycho-therapy are extremely useful, but the most important element of treatment is a doctor-patient relationship that supports and sustains hope in the distressed patient.", "contents": "Important factors in rehabilitating the psychiatric patient. Family conflicts, retirement, bereavement, and isolation often precipitate emotional and physical decompensation in the elderly. Such stresses can cause a precipitous regression, and as the ego tries to master the intense anxiety, massive denial, hypochondriasis, projection, introjection, and helplessness can take over. Evaluation of an emotionally distraught patient with behavioral changes should include comprehensive assessment of medical, psychologic, and social problems. The physician should not be concerned only with physical disorders and ignore psychosocial data; neither should the psychiatrist focus on the psyche and disregard obvious somatic disorders. Treatment must be realistic, prompt, and energetic. Undertreatment for fear of drug toxicity, overtreatment by plying the patient with multiple drugs, and delay in treatment are equally destructive. Appropriate medication and group psycho-therapy are extremely useful, but the most important element of treatment is a doctor-patient relationship that supports and sustains hope in the distressed patient.", "PMID": 1001902} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8831", "title": "A look at Gerovital--the \"youth\" drug.", "content": "The FDA is permitting controlled studies of the drug's possible antidepressant effects--but hasn't approved its use to \"reverse\" aging.", "contents": "A look at Gerovital--the \"youth\" drug. The FDA is permitting controlled studies of the drug's possible antidepressant effects--but hasn't approved its use to \"reverse\" aging.", "PMID": 1001903} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8832", "title": "Arterial blood gas tensions during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.", "content": "Arterial blood gas tensions were measured before and during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with (group I) and without (group 2) sedation with intravenous diazepam. There was a highly significant fall in the PaO2, which occurred in both groups and was therefore not attributable to diazepam. Measurement of FEV, and FVC before endoscopy had no predictive value for those patients whose PaO2 fell the most.", "contents": "Arterial blood gas tensions during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Arterial blood gas tensions were measured before and during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with (group I) and without (group 2) sedation with intravenous diazepam. There was a highly significant fall in the PaO2, which occurred in both groups and was therefore not attributable to diazepam. Measurement of FEV, and FVC before endoscopy had no predictive value for those patients whose PaO2 fell the most.", "PMID": 1001972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8833", "title": "Coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis: further studies of their relationship.", "content": "Using diagnostic criteria which are currently accepted as most reliable we have found that 19% (9/47) of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) have no evidence of coeliac disease. The incidence of HL-A8 in the DH patients was 78%, which is considerably greater than that in healthy controls and no different from that reported in coeliac disease. Furthermore, the incidence of HL-A8 was just as much increased in those DH patients without evidence of coeliac disease suggesting that HL-A8 is associated with DH per se--that is, regardless of its association with coeliac disease.", "contents": "Coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis: further studies of their relationship. Using diagnostic criteria which are currently accepted as most reliable we have found that 19% (9/47) of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) have no evidence of coeliac disease. The incidence of HL-A8 in the DH patients was 78%, which is considerably greater than that in healthy controls and no different from that reported in coeliac disease. Furthermore, the incidence of HL-A8 was just as much increased in those DH patients without evidence of coeliac disease suggesting that HL-A8 is associated with DH per se--that is, regardless of its association with coeliac disease.", "PMID": 1001971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8834", "title": "Complement fixing hepatitis B core antigen immune complexes in the liver of patients with HBs antigen positive chronic disease.", "content": "One hundred and fifty-two biopsies from serologically HBsAg positive and negative patients with liver disease were studied in immunofluorescence: for the presence of the surface (HBs) and the core (HBc) antigenic determinants foeterminants of the hepatitis B virus, of immunoglobulins and complement (C) deposits, and for the capacity to fix human C. Circumstantial evidence is presented suggesting that HBc immune-complexes are a relevant feature in the establishment and progression of chronic HBSAg liver disease. C fixation by liver cells was shown in all HBC positive patients with chronic hepatitis; an active form was present in every case, except two with a persistent hepatitis, an inverse ratio of HBc to C binding fluorescence being noted between active chronic hepatitis and cirrhotic patients. HBc without C fixation was observed in only three patients in the incubation phase of infectious hepatitis. IgG deposits were often found in HBc containing, C fixing nuclei. No C binding or IgG deposits were observed in acute self-limited type B hepatitis, in serologically positive patients with normal liver or minimal histological lesions, with and without HBs cytoplasmic fluorescence in their biopsy, or in serologically negative individuals.", "contents": "Complement fixing hepatitis B core antigen immune complexes in the liver of patients with HBs antigen positive chronic disease. One hundred and fifty-two biopsies from serologically HBsAg positive and negative patients with liver disease were studied in immunofluorescence: for the presence of the surface (HBs) and the core (HBc) antigenic determinants foeterminants of the hepatitis B virus, of immunoglobulins and complement (C) deposits, and for the capacity to fix human C. Circumstantial evidence is presented suggesting that HBc immune-complexes are a relevant feature in the establishment and progression of chronic HBSAg liver disease. C fixation by liver cells was shown in all HBC positive patients with chronic hepatitis; an active form was present in every case, except two with a persistent hepatitis, an inverse ratio of HBc to C binding fluorescence being noted between active chronic hepatitis and cirrhotic patients. HBc without C fixation was observed in only three patients in the incubation phase of infectious hepatitis. IgG deposits were often found in HBc containing, C fixing nuclei. No C binding or IgG deposits were observed in acute self-limited type B hepatitis, in serologically positive patients with normal liver or minimal histological lesions, with and without HBs cytoplasmic fluorescence in their biopsy, or in serologically negative individuals.", "PMID": 1001973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8835", "title": "Study of an epidemic of venoocclusive disease in India.", "content": "Twenty-five cases of rapidly developing ascites occurring in an epidemic form were observed in a tribal district in Central India during August 1972-May 1973. Eleven of the patients died. Six patients were brought to hospital and studied for periods of two to 17 months. Necropsy was performed on one patient who died. The clinical features suggested an outflow tract obstruction such as a Budd-Chiari-like syndrome or venoocclusive disease. Radiographic and haemodynamic studies demonstrated a combination of post and perisinusoidal blocks. Liver dysfunction was indicated by the presence of a marked bromsulphthalein retention and mild to moderate hypoalbuminaemia. Histological examination of the liver biopsies showed changes that ranged from centrizonal haemorrhagic necrosis to an extensive centrilobular fibrosis associated with central vein occlusion. The disease was apparently caused by a food toxin, and the possible nature of this is discussed.", "contents": "Study of an epidemic of venoocclusive disease in India. Twenty-five cases of rapidly developing ascites occurring in an epidemic form were observed in a tribal district in Central India during August 1972-May 1973. Eleven of the patients died. Six patients were brought to hospital and studied for periods of two to 17 months. Necropsy was performed on one patient who died. The clinical features suggested an outflow tract obstruction such as a Budd-Chiari-like syndrome or venoocclusive disease. Radiographic and haemodynamic studies demonstrated a combination of post and perisinusoidal blocks. Liver dysfunction was indicated by the presence of a marked bromsulphthalein retention and mild to moderate hypoalbuminaemia. Histological examination of the liver biopsies showed changes that ranged from centrizonal haemorrhagic necrosis to an extensive centrilobular fibrosis associated with central vein occlusion. The disease was apparently caused by a food toxin, and the possible nature of this is discussed.", "PMID": 1001974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8836", "title": "Effect of portal-systemic anastomosis on renal haemodynamics in cirrhosis.", "content": "In 12 patients with portal hypertension and repeated bleedings from oesophageal varices the central haemodynamics, portal pressure, and mean renal blood flow (RBF) were investigated immediately before and two to seven months after portal-systemic shunt. Cardiac output increased significantly, whereas arterial pressure was unchanged after operation. RBF, which was initially less than in controls, did not change. As portal pressure decreased significantly, a direct portal-renal, neural, or humoral reflex mechanism does not explain the subnormal RBF in cirrhosis. As plasma volume was large and unchanged after operation a \"diminished circulating plasma volume\" is an unlikely explanation. Therefore, on the basis of the present observations, previously postulated causes of renal hypoperfusion in cirrhosis need revision.", "contents": "Effect of portal-systemic anastomosis on renal haemodynamics in cirrhosis. In 12 patients with portal hypertension and repeated bleedings from oesophageal varices the central haemodynamics, portal pressure, and mean renal blood flow (RBF) were investigated immediately before and two to seven months after portal-systemic shunt. Cardiac output increased significantly, whereas arterial pressure was unchanged after operation. RBF, which was initially less than in controls, did not change. As portal pressure decreased significantly, a direct portal-renal, neural, or humoral reflex mechanism does not explain the subnormal RBF in cirrhosis. As plasma volume was large and unchanged after operation a \"diminished circulating plasma volume\" is an unlikely explanation. Therefore, on the basis of the present observations, previously postulated causes of renal hypoperfusion in cirrhosis need revision.", "PMID": 1001975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8837", "title": "Sulphated and unsulphated bile acids in serum, bile, and urine of patients with cholestasis.", "content": "Samples of serum, bile, and urine were collected simultaneously from patients with cholestasis of varying aetiology and from patients with cirrhosis; their bile acid composition was determined by gas/liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. In cholestasis, the patterns in all three body fluids differed consistently and strikingly. In serum, cholic acid was the major bile acid and most bile acids (greater than 93%) were unsulphated, whereas, in urine, chenodeoxycholic was the major bile acid, and the majority of bile acids (greater than 60%) were sulphated. Secondary bile acids were virtually absent in bile, serum, and urine. The total amount of bile acids excreted for 24 hours correlated highly with the concentration of serum bile acids; in patients with complete obstruction, urinary excretion averaged 71-6 mg/24 h. In cirrhotic patients, serum bile acids were less raised, and chenodeoxycholic acid was the predominant acid. In healthy controls, serum bile acids were consistently richer in chenodeoxycholic acid than biliary bile acids, and no bile acids were present in urine. No unusual monohydroxy bile acids were present in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, but, in several patients, there was a considerable amount of hyocholic acid present in the urinary bile acids. The analyses of individual bile acids in serum and urine did not appear to provide helpful information in the differential diagnosis of cholestasis. Thus, in cholestasis, conjugation of chenodeoxycholic acid with sulphate becomes a major biochemical pathway, urine becomes a major route of bile acid excretion, and abnormal bile acids are formed.", "contents": "Sulphated and unsulphated bile acids in serum, bile, and urine of patients with cholestasis. Samples of serum, bile, and urine were collected simultaneously from patients with cholestasis of varying aetiology and from patients with cirrhosis; their bile acid composition was determined by gas/liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. In cholestasis, the patterns in all three body fluids differed consistently and strikingly. In serum, cholic acid was the major bile acid and most bile acids (greater than 93%) were unsulphated, whereas, in urine, chenodeoxycholic was the major bile acid, and the majority of bile acids (greater than 60%) were sulphated. Secondary bile acids were virtually absent in bile, serum, and urine. The total amount of bile acids excreted for 24 hours correlated highly with the concentration of serum bile acids; in patients with complete obstruction, urinary excretion averaged 71-6 mg/24 h. In cirrhotic patients, serum bile acids were less raised, and chenodeoxycholic acid was the predominant acid. In healthy controls, serum bile acids were consistently richer in chenodeoxycholic acid than biliary bile acids, and no bile acids were present in urine. No unusual monohydroxy bile acids were present in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, but, in several patients, there was a considerable amount of hyocholic acid present in the urinary bile acids. The analyses of individual bile acids in serum and urine did not appear to provide helpful information in the differential diagnosis of cholestasis. Thus, in cholestasis, conjugation of chenodeoxycholic acid with sulphate becomes a major biochemical pathway, urine becomes a major route of bile acid excretion, and abnormal bile acids are formed.", "PMID": 1001976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8838", "title": "Analysis of the effects of food and of digestive secretions on the small intestine of the rat. 1. Mucosal morphology and epithelial replacement.", "content": "A modified Roux-en-Y repositioning of rat small intestine was performed so that the proximal segment of bowel (A) received only bile and pancreastic secretions, the second (B) received food direct from the stomach, and these two segments drained into a third (C). Four to five weeks after operation, cell production was assessed by injection of vincristine into operated, sham-operated and unoperated rats, and counts of blocked metaphases were made on isolated microdissected crypts. Villus height, crypt depth, and the number of crypts per villus (crypt/villus ratio) were also measured. Most of segment A showed no significant differences from sham-operated intestine, although the normal proximo-distal gradient of villus height was abolished. At the distal end (near the anastomosis with segments B and C), crypt depth and cell production were increased. The villus height gradient in segment B was also abolished, although crypt depth and cell production were significantly increased, especially at the proximal end. Crypt/villus ratio was also increased. Segment C showed all the characteristics of small bowel promoted to a more proximal position: increased villus height, crypt depth and cell production. Increased crypt/villus ratio was also observed. These results are discussed in terms of the role of food and of digestive secretions in the control of mucosal morphology and epithelial replacement.", "contents": "Analysis of the effects of food and of digestive secretions on the small intestine of the rat. 1. Mucosal morphology and epithelial replacement. A modified Roux-en-Y repositioning of rat small intestine was performed so that the proximal segment of bowel (A) received only bile and pancreastic secretions, the second (B) received food direct from the stomach, and these two segments drained into a third (C). Four to five weeks after operation, cell production was assessed by injection of vincristine into operated, sham-operated and unoperated rats, and counts of blocked metaphases were made on isolated microdissected crypts. Villus height, crypt depth, and the number of crypts per villus (crypt/villus ratio) were also measured. Most of segment A showed no significant differences from sham-operated intestine, although the normal proximo-distal gradient of villus height was abolished. At the distal end (near the anastomosis with segments B and C), crypt depth and cell production were increased. The villus height gradient in segment B was also abolished, although crypt depth and cell production were significantly increased, especially at the proximal end. Crypt/villus ratio was also increased. Segment C showed all the characteristics of small bowel promoted to a more proximal position: increased villus height, crypt depth and cell production. Increased crypt/villus ratio was also observed. These results are discussed in terms of the role of food and of digestive secretions in the control of mucosal morphology and epithelial replacement.", "PMID": 1001979} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8839", "title": "Endemic tropical sprue in Rhodesia.", "content": "The existence of tropical sprue in Africa is controversial. In this paper we present 31 cases seen in Rhodesia over a 15 month period. They have the clinical features, small intestinal morphology, malabsorption pattern, and treatment response of tropical sprue. Other causes of malabsorption, and primary malnutrition, have been excluded. The severity of the clinical state and intestinal malabsorption distinguish these patients from those we have described with tropical enteropathy. The previous work on tropical sprue in Africa is reviewed and it is apparent that, when it has been adequately looked for, it has been found. It is clear that the question of tropical sprue in Africa must be re-examined and that it existence may have hitherto been concealed by the assumption that primary malnutrition is responsible for the high prevalence of deficiency states.", "contents": "Endemic tropical sprue in Rhodesia. The existence of tropical sprue in Africa is controversial. In this paper we present 31 cases seen in Rhodesia over a 15 month period. They have the clinical features, small intestinal morphology, malabsorption pattern, and treatment response of tropical sprue. Other causes of malabsorption, and primary malnutrition, have been excluded. The severity of the clinical state and intestinal malabsorption distinguish these patients from those we have described with tropical enteropathy. The previous work on tropical sprue in Africa is reviewed and it is apparent that, when it has been adequately looked for, it has been found. It is clear that the question of tropical sprue in Africa must be re-examined and that it existence may have hitherto been concealed by the assumption that primary malnutrition is responsible for the high prevalence of deficiency states.", "PMID": 1001977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8840", "title": "Tropical enteropathy in Rhodesia.", "content": "Tropical enteropathy, which may be related to tropical sprue, has been described in many developing countries including parts of Africa. The jejunal changes of enteropathy are seen in Rhodesians of all social and racial categories. Xylose excretion, however, is related to socioeconomic status, but not race. Upper socioeconomic Africans and Europeans excrete significantly more xylose than lower socioeconomic Africans. Vitamin B12 and fat absorption are normal, suggesting predominant involvement of the proximal small intestine. Tropical enteropathy in Rhodesia is similar to that seen in Nigeria but is associated with less malabsorption than is found in the Caribbean, the Indian subcontinent, and South East Asia. The possible aetiological factors are discussed. It is postulated that the lighter exposure of upper class Africans and Europeans to repeated gastrointestinal infections may accound for their superior xylose absorption compared with Africans of low socioeconomic circumstances. It is further suggested that the milder enteropathy seen in Africa may be explained by a lower prevalence of acute gastroenteritis than in experienced elsewhere in the tropics.", "contents": "Tropical enteropathy in Rhodesia. Tropical enteropathy, which may be related to tropical sprue, has been described in many developing countries including parts of Africa. The jejunal changes of enteropathy are seen in Rhodesians of all social and racial categories. Xylose excretion, however, is related to socioeconomic status, but not race. Upper socioeconomic Africans and Europeans excrete significantly more xylose than lower socioeconomic Africans. Vitamin B12 and fat absorption are normal, suggesting predominant involvement of the proximal small intestine. Tropical enteropathy in Rhodesia is similar to that seen in Nigeria but is associated with less malabsorption than is found in the Caribbean, the Indian subcontinent, and South East Asia. The possible aetiological factors are discussed. It is postulated that the lighter exposure of upper class Africans and Europeans to repeated gastrointestinal infections may accound for their superior xylose absorption compared with Africans of low socioeconomic circumstances. It is further suggested that the milder enteropathy seen in Africa may be explained by a lower prevalence of acute gastroenteritis than in experienced elsewhere in the tropics.", "PMID": 1001978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8841", "title": "Effect of paracetamol (acetaminophen) on gastric ionic fluxes and potential difference in man.", "content": "Paracetamol has replaced aspirin as the analgesic of choice in many situations. The major reason is the damaging effect of aspirin on gastric mucosa. Alterations in gastric ionic fluxes and potential difference provide measures of aspirin-induced structural damage. We studied the effect of large doses of paracetamol (acetaminophen 2-0 g) on gastric ionic fluxes in man. In addition, the effect of 2-0 g paracetamol on gastric potential difference was compared with that of 600 mg aspirin. In contrast with salicylates, paracetamol caused no significant alteration in movement of H+ and Na+ ions over control periods. Aspirin causes a significant fall in transmucosal potential difference (PD) across gastric mucosa of 15 mv, while paracetamol cuased no significant change. Paracetamol in a dose four times that recommended does not alter gastric ionic fluxes or potential difference. These studies support choice of paracetamol as analgesic over aspirin where damage to gastric mucosa may be critical.", "contents": "Effect of paracetamol (acetaminophen) on gastric ionic fluxes and potential difference in man. Paracetamol has replaced aspirin as the analgesic of choice in many situations. The major reason is the damaging effect of aspirin on gastric mucosa. Alterations in gastric ionic fluxes and potential difference provide measures of aspirin-induced structural damage. We studied the effect of large doses of paracetamol (acetaminophen 2-0 g) on gastric ionic fluxes in man. In addition, the effect of 2-0 g paracetamol on gastric potential difference was compared with that of 600 mg aspirin. In contrast with salicylates, paracetamol caused no significant alteration in movement of H+ and Na+ ions over control periods. Aspirin causes a significant fall in transmucosal potential difference (PD) across gastric mucosa of 15 mv, while paracetamol cuased no significant change. Paracetamol in a dose four times that recommended does not alter gastric ionic fluxes or potential difference. These studies support choice of paracetamol as analgesic over aspirin where damage to gastric mucosa may be critical.", "PMID": 1001981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8842", "title": "Histocompatibility antigens in inflammatory bowel disease. Their clinical significance and their association with arthropathy with special reference to HLA-B27 (W27).", "content": "Histocompatibility (HLA) antigen phenotypes have been studied in 100 patients with ulcerative colitis, 100 with Crohn's disease, and 283 normal controls. In addition the incidence of ankylosing spondylitis, sacroiliitis, and \"enteropathic\" peripheral arthropathy was determined in the patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There was no significant difference in antigen frequency between patients and controls. However, the incidence of HLA-B27 was increased in the patients complicated by ankylosing spondylitis and/or sacroiliitis in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In contrast, none of the 29 IBD patients with \"enteropathic\" peripheral arthropathy had B27 antigen. Furthermore, ankylosing spondylitis was found more frequently in ulcerative colitis bearing HLA-B27 compared with non-B27 patients (P less than 0-01). The same was found in Crohn's disease, although this difference was not statistically significant. In addition, 12 of 14 ulcerative colitis patients and five out of six Crohn's patients with HLA-B27 had total colitis, compared with the frequency of total colitis in non-B27 patients (P less than 0-024 and less than 0-03 respectively). The data suggest that B27 histocompatibility antigen could be a pathogenetic discriminator between the arthropathies in IBD and may be of prognostic significance with respect to extension and severity of the disease.", "contents": "Histocompatibility antigens in inflammatory bowel disease. Their clinical significance and their association with arthropathy with special reference to HLA-B27 (W27). Histocompatibility (HLA) antigen phenotypes have been studied in 100 patients with ulcerative colitis, 100 with Crohn's disease, and 283 normal controls. In addition the incidence of ankylosing spondylitis, sacroiliitis, and \"enteropathic\" peripheral arthropathy was determined in the patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There was no significant difference in antigen frequency between patients and controls. However, the incidence of HLA-B27 was increased in the patients complicated by ankylosing spondylitis and/or sacroiliitis in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In contrast, none of the 29 IBD patients with \"enteropathic\" peripheral arthropathy had B27 antigen. Furthermore, ankylosing spondylitis was found more frequently in ulcerative colitis bearing HLA-B27 compared with non-B27 patients (P less than 0-01). The same was found in Crohn's disease, although this difference was not statistically significant. In addition, 12 of 14 ulcerative colitis patients and five out of six Crohn's patients with HLA-B27 had total colitis, compared with the frequency of total colitis in non-B27 patients (P less than 0-024 and less than 0-03 respectively). The data suggest that B27 histocompatibility antigen could be a pathogenetic discriminator between the arthropathies in IBD and may be of prognostic significance with respect to extension and severity of the disease.", "PMID": 1001980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8843", "title": "Steroid-protein binding: from circulating blood to target cell nucleus.", "content": "The concept of protein binding of steroid hormones is traced from its origins through the period of confirmation and initial extension. Further considerations include cell surface recognition sites, subcellular sources of binding protein, and the new evidence that lysosomes participate in the translocation and intranuclear penetration of the hormone in steroid target cells. This short review thus aims to provide a link between current investigations and the ideas upon which they have been based.", "contents": "Steroid-protein binding: from circulating blood to target cell nucleus. The concept of protein binding of steroid hormones is traced from its origins through the period of confirmation and initial extension. Further considerations include cell surface recognition sites, subcellular sources of binding protein, and the new evidence that lysosomes participate in the translocation and intranuclear penetration of the hormone in steroid target cells. This short review thus aims to provide a link between current investigations and the ideas upon which they have been based.", "PMID": 1001997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8844", "title": "An analysis of the mechanisms of egg transport in the ampulla of the rabbit oviduct.", "content": "Ampullary transport of supravitally stained cumulus egg masses was studied in intact oviducts of anesthetized rabbits whose abdomens had been opened for observation. Following observations of normal transport, muscular activity of the ampulla was inhibited pharmacologically with Acepromazine, a preanesthetic tranquilizer. With muscle contractions blocked, egg transport continued but in a dramatically altered fashion; in the final two thirds of the ampulla the motion changed from rapid to-and-fro movements to a slow uniform prouterine movement which was attributed to ciliary activity. However, the net velocity of transport did not change when the smooth muscle was inhibited indicating that muscle contractions are at least unnecessary and perhaps ineffective for ampullary egg transport in the rabbit.", "contents": "An analysis of the mechanisms of egg transport in the ampulla of the rabbit oviduct. Ampullary transport of supravitally stained cumulus egg masses was studied in intact oviducts of anesthetized rabbits whose abdomens had been opened for observation. Following observations of normal transport, muscular activity of the ampulla was inhibited pharmacologically with Acepromazine, a preanesthetic tranquilizer. With muscle contractions blocked, egg transport continued but in a dramatically altered fashion; in the final two thirds of the ampulla the motion changed from rapid to-and-fro movements to a slow uniform prouterine movement which was attributed to ciliary activity. However, the net velocity of transport did not change when the smooth muscle was inhibited indicating that muscle contractions are at least unnecessary and perhaps ineffective for ampullary egg transport in the rabbit.", "PMID": 1001998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8845", "title": "Induction of a labile chicken plasma coagulation factor by choline: dose-response relations, specificity, and effects of protein synthesis inhibitors.", "content": "Minimum oral doses of 21.5 mg/kg choline chloride were required for induction of maximum plasma level of the choline-dependent component (pi-factor) of of the labile factor activity complex in chickens on a choline-deficient diet. Several derivatives and potential precursors of choline were inactive as substitutes for the free base. After intravenous injections of optimal doses of choline, an initial lag of about 8 min was followed by a linear increase in pi-factor level reaching the maximum level about 31 min after the injection. The response was blocked and arrested by simultaneous and delayed injections, respectively, of puromycin and cycloheximide. After intravenous injections of actinomycin D, the response of choline was unaffected by a delay of up to 40 min, but completely abolished by a further delay of 90 min or more. The data suggest that the plasma level of pi-factor is goverened by the supply of choline by regulation of a pre-translational step in the biosynthesis of pi-factor.", "contents": "Induction of a labile chicken plasma coagulation factor by choline: dose-response relations, specificity, and effects of protein synthesis inhibitors. Minimum oral doses of 21.5 mg/kg choline chloride were required for induction of maximum plasma level of the choline-dependent component (pi-factor) of of the labile factor activity complex in chickens on a choline-deficient diet. Several derivatives and potential precursors of choline were inactive as substitutes for the free base. After intravenous injections of optimal doses of choline, an initial lag of about 8 min was followed by a linear increase in pi-factor level reaching the maximum level about 31 min after the injection. The response was blocked and arrested by simultaneous and delayed injections, respectively, of puromycin and cycloheximide. After intravenous injections of actinomycin D, the response of choline was unaffected by a delay of up to 40 min, but completely abolished by a further delay of 90 min or more. The data suggest that the plasma level of pi-factor is goverened by the supply of choline by regulation of a pre-translational step in the biosynthesis of pi-factor.", "PMID": 1001999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8846", "title": "Sonography: a method for localization of hematomas in hemophiliacs.", "content": "Sonography was used to visualize hematomas in hemophilic patients. The method is especially helpful for the diagnosis of psoas hematoma and retroperitoneal hematoma and allows the follow-up of hematomas of the cervical region and muscle hematomas. The method is simple, rapid, painless and has no known adverse effects.", "contents": "Sonography: a method for localization of hematomas in hemophiliacs. Sonography was used to visualize hematomas in hemophilic patients. The method is especially helpful for the diagnosis of psoas hematoma and retroperitoneal hematoma and allows the follow-up of hematomas of the cervical region and muscle hematomas. The method is simple, rapid, painless and has no known adverse effects.", "PMID": 1002000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8847", "title": "Pretreatment with heparin in thrombolytic therapy with Urokinase. Heparin-urokinase therapy.", "content": "Initially, we administered urokinase to five patients according to the following schedule: 500,000 CTA U during the first 10 min, then 250,000 CTA U/h for 12 h. Using this modality, we noted the appearance, during the first hours of treatment, of hypercoagulability. We then choose to modify the schedule by pretreatment with 7,500 U. i.v. of heparin, followed promptly by 250,000 CTA U/h of urokinase (without a loading dose). This obviate the appearance of hypercoagulability without reducing the fibrinolytic effect of treatment and without producing hemorrhagic complications.", "contents": "Pretreatment with heparin in thrombolytic therapy with Urokinase. Heparin-urokinase therapy. Initially, we administered urokinase to five patients according to the following schedule: 500,000 CTA U during the first 10 min, then 250,000 CTA U/h for 12 h. Using this modality, we noted the appearance, during the first hours of treatment, of hypercoagulability. We then choose to modify the schedule by pretreatment with 7,500 U. i.v. of heparin, followed promptly by 250,000 CTA U/h of urokinase (without a loading dose). This obviate the appearance of hypercoagulability without reducing the fibrinolytic effect of treatment and without producing hemorrhagic complications.", "PMID": 1002001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8848", "title": "Platelet-collagen interaction. The influence of native and modified collagen (Type I) on the aggregation of human platelets.", "content": "Type I collagen from calf skin, collagen modified by pepsin treatment, methylation, succinylation or deamidation, as well as the alpha-chains and cyanogen bromide peptides of the alpha1-chain were investigated with respect to their capacity to induce aggregation of human platelets. These preparations permitted an evaluation of the efficacy of the amino acid sequence, triple conformation,and various fibrillar structures in platelet aggregation. All collagens in dissolved in dissolved form (collagen dissolved at acid pH, pepsin-treated, methylated, deamidated, and succinylated collagen) induced platelet aggregation only after fibril formation. The arrangement of molecules within fibrils is of secondary importance. Modification of the side chains of amino acid residues affects primarily the formation of fibrils. The effect of these side chains on platelet aggregation is masked by the overwhelming potency of the fibrillar forms.", "contents": "Platelet-collagen interaction. The influence of native and modified collagen (Type I) on the aggregation of human platelets. Type I collagen from calf skin, collagen modified by pepsin treatment, methylation, succinylation or deamidation, as well as the alpha-chains and cyanogen bromide peptides of the alpha1-chain were investigated with respect to their capacity to induce aggregation of human platelets. These preparations permitted an evaluation of the efficacy of the amino acid sequence, triple conformation,and various fibrillar structures in platelet aggregation. All collagens in dissolved in dissolved form (collagen dissolved at acid pH, pepsin-treated, methylated, deamidated, and succinylated collagen) induced platelet aggregation only after fibril formation. The arrangement of molecules within fibrils is of secondary importance. Modification of the side chains of amino acid residues affects primarily the formation of fibrils. The effect of these side chains on platelet aggregation is masked by the overwhelming potency of the fibrillar forms.", "PMID": 1002002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8849", "title": "Factor-VIII-related antigen and cold-insoluble globulin in leukemias and carcinomas.", "content": "An elevated plasma level of the factor-VIII-related antigen is not specific for leukemias and malignancies but is also observed in inflammations and in rheumatic diseases. As a reason for this nonspecific change an increased tissue breakdown has to be considered as well as an impaired elimination of the protein, possibly in some cases in the course of a consumption coagulopathy. The plasma levels of the cold-insoluble globulin were reduced in chronic lymphatic leukemias and in acute inflammations, but elevated in rheumatic diseases. Production and liberation of the cold-insoluble globulin may not only be changed by malignant transformation of cells but also by inflammatory and infectious processes.", "contents": "Factor-VIII-related antigen and cold-insoluble globulin in leukemias and carcinomas. An elevated plasma level of the factor-VIII-related antigen is not specific for leukemias and malignancies but is also observed in inflammations and in rheumatic diseases. As a reason for this nonspecific change an increased tissue breakdown has to be considered as well as an impaired elimination of the protein, possibly in some cases in the course of a consumption coagulopathy. The plasma levels of the cold-insoluble globulin were reduced in chronic lymphatic leukemias and in acute inflammations, but elevated in rheumatic diseases. Production and liberation of the cold-insoluble globulin may not only be changed by malignant transformation of cells but also by inflammatory and infectious processes.", "PMID": 1002003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8850", "title": "Rat liver macrophages will not phagocytose fibrin during disseminated intravascular coagulation.", "content": "Disseminated intravascular coagulation was induced in rats by injection of a silver colloid suspension or thrombin. Ten min after the injection of colloid, fibrin deposits were observed light microscopically in all major organs. At 30 min, fibrin was no longer present. In rats treated with antifibrinolytics (epsilon-aminocaproic acid or Trasylol) fibrin was still present at 30 and 60 min. Interaction of fibrin with Kupffer cells was studied by electron microscopy. At 3, 10, and 20 min after the colloid injection, all fibrin occurred extracellularly, close to the surface of Kupffer cells. At 30 min, all fibrin had disappeared. In rats pretreated with antifibrinolytics, too, all fibrin was found extracellularly at 10, 30, and 60 min. Comparable results were obtained when thrombin was used to induce coagulation. It is concluded that removal of native fibrin from the circulation by Kupffer-cell phagocytosis is unlikely.", "contents": "Rat liver macrophages will not phagocytose fibrin during disseminated intravascular coagulation. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was induced in rats by injection of a silver colloid suspension or thrombin. Ten min after the injection of colloid, fibrin deposits were observed light microscopically in all major organs. At 30 min, fibrin was no longer present. In rats treated with antifibrinolytics (epsilon-aminocaproic acid or Trasylol) fibrin was still present at 30 and 60 min. Interaction of fibrin with Kupffer cells was studied by electron microscopy. At 3, 10, and 20 min after the colloid injection, all fibrin occurred extracellularly, close to the surface of Kupffer cells. At 30 min, all fibrin had disappeared. In rats pretreated with antifibrinolytics, too, all fibrin was found extracellularly at 10, 30, and 60 min. Comparable results were obtained when thrombin was used to induce coagulation. It is concluded that removal of native fibrin from the circulation by Kupffer-cell phagocytosis is unlikely.", "PMID": 1002004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8851", "title": "Binding of 14C-ADP by thrombasthenic platelet membranes.", "content": "We have measured the binding of 14C-ADP to isolated human platelet membranes by a technique using 0.8-mum Millipore filters to separate unbound tracer from membrane-bound nucleotide. The binding was dependent on the time of incubation and on the nucleotide concentration in the medium. The affinity constant was found to be comprised between 0.35 x 10(6) and 0.55 x 10 (6) M-1. Platelet membranes prepared from different thrombasthenic patients bound 14C-ADP with the same kinetic parameters as those from normal subjects. The affinity constant as determined for two of these thrombasthenic platelet membrane preparations was in the normal range.", "contents": "Binding of 14C-ADP by thrombasthenic platelet membranes. We have measured the binding of 14C-ADP to isolated human platelet membranes by a technique using 0.8-mum Millipore filters to separate unbound tracer from membrane-bound nucleotide. The binding was dependent on the time of incubation and on the nucleotide concentration in the medium. The affinity constant was found to be comprised between 0.35 x 10(6) and 0.55 x 10 (6) M-1. Platelet membranes prepared from different thrombasthenic patients bound 14C-ADP with the same kinetic parameters as those from normal subjects. The affinity constant as determined for two of these thrombasthenic platelet membrane preparations was in the normal range.", "PMID": 1002005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8852", "title": "Dose-dependent influence of acetylsalicyclic acid on platelet functions and plasmatic coagulation factors.", "content": "Lysine salt of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was given to ten patients by intravenous infusion. Blood samples taken at intervals during the infusion permitted the examination of the influence of the dose of ASA on platelet functions. Aggregation was significantly reduced when 50 mg ASA had entered circulation, while a diminution of PF3 and PF4 availability could only be demonstrated when the dose had reached 500 and 200 mg, respectively. In order to exclude a longer latency time for the diminution of PF3 and pf4 availability, a second series of ten patients received intravenous injections of 100 and 300 mg ASA, respectively. From these patients, blood was taken 1 h after the injection. The decrease of PF3 and PF4 availability in these cases was comparable to the results of the first group. In a third series of patients, a daily intravenous dose of 2,000 mg ASA was given. In these cases, a moderate decrease of factors II, VII, IX and X was observed. Since the appearance of a PIVKA effect could also be demonstrated, vitamin K antagonism was assumed when a high dose of AS", "contents": "Dose-dependent influence of acetylsalicyclic acid on platelet functions and plasmatic coagulation factors. Lysine salt of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was given to ten patients by intravenous infusion. Blood samples taken at intervals during the infusion permitted the examination of the influence of the dose of ASA on platelet functions. Aggregation was significantly reduced when 50 mg ASA had entered circulation, while a diminution of PF3 and PF4 availability could only be demonstrated when the dose had reached 500 and 200 mg, respectively. In order to exclude a longer latency time for the diminution of PF3 and pf4 availability, a second series of ten patients received intravenous injections of 100 and 300 mg ASA, respectively. From these patients, blood was taken 1 h after the injection. The decrease of PF3 and PF4 availability in these cases was comparable to the results of the first group. In a third series of patients, a daily intravenous dose of 2,000 mg ASA was given. In these cases, a moderate decrease of factors II, VII, IX and X was observed. Since the appearance of a PIVKA effect could also be demonstrated, vitamin K antagonism was assumed when a high dose of AS", "PMID": 1002006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8853", "title": "Combined administration of low dose heparin and aspirin as prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis after hip joint surgery.", "content": "The study was carried out on 75 patients undergoing hip joint surgery. The efficacy of a prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by acetylsalicyclic lysine (ASL) and by a low dose heparin (LDH) combined with the ASL treatment was investigated using the 125I-fibrinogen test. DVT was not significantly decreased by the ASL application (53%) compared to the controls (60%). DVT occurred significantly less under the combined administration (27%) than in the other two groups.", "contents": "Combined administration of low dose heparin and aspirin as prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis after hip joint surgery. The study was carried out on 75 patients undergoing hip joint surgery. The efficacy of a prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by acetylsalicyclic lysine (ASL) and by a low dose heparin (LDH) combined with the ASL treatment was investigated using the 125I-fibrinogen test. DVT was not significantly decreased by the ASL application (53%) compared to the controls (60%). DVT occurred significantly less under the combined administration (27%) than in the other two groups.", "PMID": 1002007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8854", "title": "Changes in coagulation factors following acute myocardial infarction in man.", "content": "The whole blood clotting time, plasma fibrinogen and individual coagulation factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII were serially measured in 14 patients over a 10-day period following acute myocardial infarction. A further six patients with similar symptoms but without evidence of myocardial infarction were also studied. The whole blood clotting time was significantly shorter within the first 24 h after infarction than on subsequent days. There were significant increases in the levels of fibrinogen and of factors VIII, IX, and XI and a significant decrease in factor XII in the patients who had sustained a myocardial infarction. The patients without myocardial infarction had no significant change in any of the coagulation factors measured.", "contents": "Changes in coagulation factors following acute myocardial infarction in man. The whole blood clotting time, plasma fibrinogen and individual coagulation factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII were serially measured in 14 patients over a 10-day period following acute myocardial infarction. A further six patients with similar symptoms but without evidence of myocardial infarction were also studied. The whole blood clotting time was significantly shorter within the first 24 h after infarction than on subsequent days. There were significant increases in the levels of fibrinogen and of factors VIII, IX, and XI and a significant decrease in factor XII in the patients who had sustained a myocardial infarction. The patients without myocardial infarction had no significant change in any of the coagulation factors measured.", "PMID": 1002008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8855", "title": "Surgical treatment of fractures of the scapula in the dog and cat.", "content": "As osteosynthesis of fractures ofthe scapula in the dog and cat have so far been almost completely ignored, personally observed cases are reported including 14 treated by osteosynthesis and one by ostectomy.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of fractures of the scapula in the dog and cat. As osteosynthesis of fractures ofthe scapula in the dog and cat have so far been almost completely ignored, personally observed cases are reported including 14 treated by osteosynthesis and one by ostectomy.", "PMID": 1002063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8856", "title": "The quantitative analysis of glass by atomic absorption spectroscopy.", "content": "An analytical procedure for the determination of manganese and magnesium in glass fragments of approximately 1 mg has been developed. The concentrations of these elements in glass are shown to have some potential value for classification and discrimination of glass.", "contents": "The quantitative analysis of glass by atomic absorption spectroscopy. An analytical procedure for the determination of manganese and magnesium in glass fragments of approximately 1 mg has been developed. The concentrations of these elements in glass are shown to have some potential value for classification and discrimination of glass.", "PMID": 1002070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8857", "title": "Dilution of blood in fresh water drowning. Post-mortem determination of osmolarity and electrolytes in blood, cerebrospinal fluid and vitreous humor.", "content": "In an attempt to detect signs of dilution of blood 38 autopsy cases of drowning in fresh water and 35 cases with other causes of death were investigated. Osmolarity and sodium and potassium concentrations were determined in serum from the right and left sides of the heart, cerebrospinal fluiid and vitreous humor...", "contents": "Dilution of blood in fresh water drowning. Post-mortem determination of osmolarity and electrolytes in blood, cerebrospinal fluid and vitreous humor. In an attempt to detect signs of dilution of blood 38 autopsy cases of drowning in fresh water and 35 cases with other causes of death were investigated. Osmolarity and sodium and potassium concentrations were determined in serum from the right and left sides of the heart, cerebrospinal fluiid and vitreous humor...", "PMID": 1002071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8858", "title": "[Use of seat belts by pregnant women].", "content": "There are almost no pregnant women who never use a motorcar. The safety in crashes is diminished by mistakes in contruction and handling of the safety-equipment. Only every fourth woman can be regarded as properly protected. It should be the task of the physician to instruct his pregnant patients in the use of the seat belt.", "contents": "[Use of seat belts by pregnant women]. There are almost no pregnant women who never use a motorcar. The safety in crashes is diminished by mistakes in contruction and handling of the safety-equipment. Only every fourth woman can be regarded as properly protected. It should be the task of the physician to instruct his pregnant patients in the use of the seat belt.", "PMID": 1002079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8859", "title": "Notes on epidemiology of homicide in an urban area.", "content": "Over the past 30 years, there was a slow but steady increase of the homicide rate in the United States. The increase was faster in the urban areas. In St. Louis, Missouri, the rate had increased from 7/100 000 in 1943 to 33/100 000 in 1973. The development of meaningful preventive measures depends upon repeated epidemiologic investigations to determine the changes in patterns of crime to see if our approach to the problem is still adequate to meet the need. The police records of 214 homicide victims in the city of St. Louis during 1973 were examined. Mean age of the victims was 35 years. Eighty-five per cent of them were men and 81% were black. There are 2 distinctly different profiles of homicide victims, \"younger\" under 30 years old, and \"older\" 30 years old and over. \"Young\" victims had a mean age of 21 years. They were more likely to be black, killed after an argument over money or property, or while committing a crime, and killed by a gun. There were more black victims killed by other blacks and the murderer was usually older (mean age 26 years). These homicides were less frequently victim-precipitated, killed by a relative or friend, or while drinking. \"Older\" victims had a mean age of 49 years. Among them there were more whites, more victim-precipitated and more victims drank prior to their death, while the murderer was usually younger (mean age 35 years).", "contents": "Notes on epidemiology of homicide in an urban area. Over the past 30 years, there was a slow but steady increase of the homicide rate in the United States. The increase was faster in the urban areas. In St. Louis, Missouri, the rate had increased from 7/100 000 in 1943 to 33/100 000 in 1973. The development of meaningful preventive measures depends upon repeated epidemiologic investigations to determine the changes in patterns of crime to see if our approach to the problem is still adequate to meet the need. The police records of 214 homicide victims in the city of St. Louis during 1973 were examined. Mean age of the victims was 35 years. Eighty-five per cent of them were men and 81% were black. There are 2 distinctly different profiles of homicide victims, \"younger\" under 30 years old, and \"older\" 30 years old and over. \"Young\" victims had a mean age of 21 years. They were more likely to be black, killed after an argument over money or property, or while committing a crime, and killed by a gun. There were more black victims killed by other blacks and the murderer was usually older (mean age 26 years). These homicides were less frequently victim-precipitated, killed by a relative or friend, or while drinking. \"Older\" victims had a mean age of 49 years. Among them there were more whites, more victim-precipitated and more victims drank prior to their death, while the murderer was usually younger (mean age 35 years).", "PMID": 1002072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8860", "title": "[Alcohol and pregnancy. Negative and positive effects of acute and chronic effect of alcohol on the course and outcome of pregnancy].", "content": "The attitude towards alcohol is ambiguous and mainly depending upon the role attributed to it:as a stimulant, as a pharmacon or as a drug the person may be addicted to. Acute and chronic alcohol intoxication may be followed by psychic and somatic leasons. As far as pregnancy is concerned, leasons due to chronic alcohol consume have to be considered as maternal factors of high risk to the pregnancy. Acute alcohol intoxication may be harmful for the pregnancy as well as gametogenesis and gametes and embryo. Alcohol has been used in obstetrics as an analgetic during delivery, for premedication in obstetrical operations, for elimination of edema in toxicosis, as an abortifacient and as adjuvant in termination of lactation. Critical evaluation shows that these indications are only of historical value. Today more effective and specific compounds are available and as for the narcotic effect is concerned the dosage of the new narcotics of course is more exact. Alcohol recently has been proposed as a tocolytic agent. Although today other tocolytics are available, it should be kept in mind as a substitute if the use of beta-mimetic substances is not possible. The controversy about the value of alcohol in therapy or prevention of newborn hyperbilirubinaemie is not yet resolved, but should be clarified since this therapy--if of value--would constitute one of the rare possibilities to interfere with the fetal metabolism.", "contents": "[Alcohol and pregnancy. Negative and positive effects of acute and chronic effect of alcohol on the course and outcome of pregnancy]. The attitude towards alcohol is ambiguous and mainly depending upon the role attributed to it:as a stimulant, as a pharmacon or as a drug the person may be addicted to. Acute and chronic alcohol intoxication may be followed by psychic and somatic leasons. As far as pregnancy is concerned, leasons due to chronic alcohol consume have to be considered as maternal factors of high risk to the pregnancy. Acute alcohol intoxication may be harmful for the pregnancy as well as gametogenesis and gametes and embryo. Alcohol has been used in obstetrics as an analgetic during delivery, for premedication in obstetrical operations, for elimination of edema in toxicosis, as an abortifacient and as adjuvant in termination of lactation. Critical evaluation shows that these indications are only of historical value. Today more effective and specific compounds are available and as for the narcotic effect is concerned the dosage of the new narcotics of course is more exact. Alcohol recently has been proposed as a tocolytic agent. Although today other tocolytics are available, it should be kept in mind as a substitute if the use of beta-mimetic substances is not possible. The controversy about the value of alcohol in therapy or prevention of newborn hyperbilirubinaemie is not yet resolved, but should be clarified since this therapy--if of value--would constitute one of the rare possibilities to interfere with the fetal metabolism.", "PMID": 1002081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8861", "title": "Statistical assessment of the value of numerical evidence.", "content": "Statistical parameter V measuring the value of numerical evidence was introduced. It is a decisional parameter and it changes between 0 and 1. Its definition takes into account statistical properties of the general population and sources investigated, as well as the operating characteristic function of the test used. It was concluded that the value of evidence increases contrary to the value of the quotient of determinants of variance--covariance matrices of the source population and general population. A method was developed to choose attributes of the investigated material to satisfy best possible results of the identification.", "contents": "Statistical assessment of the value of numerical evidence. Statistical parameter V measuring the value of numerical evidence was introduced. It is a decisional parameter and it changes between 0 and 1. Its definition takes into account statistical properties of the general population and sources investigated, as well as the operating characteristic function of the test used. It was concluded that the value of evidence increases contrary to the value of the quotient of determinants of variance--covariance matrices of the source population and general population. A method was developed to choose attributes of the investigated material to satisfy best possible results of the identification.", "PMID": 1002073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8862", "title": "[Course observation after intra-amniotic administration of lecithin in premature cesarean section].", "content": "A report of a 36 year old patient is given who was hospitalized because of an erythroblastosis. An indicated sectio caesarea resulted in an intraamnial application of lecithine for preventing a respiratory distress syndrome. It can be concluded by the measured lecithin-concentration that a high phospholipid-level in the amniotic fluid leads to an increased resorption by the fetus. Postpartal investigations showed a completely normal lung function in the newborne.", "contents": "[Course observation after intra-amniotic administration of lecithin in premature cesarean section]. A report of a 36 year old patient is given who was hospitalized because of an erythroblastosis. An indicated sectio caesarea resulted in an intraamnial application of lecithine for preventing a respiratory distress syndrome. It can be concluded by the measured lecithin-concentration that a high phospholipid-level in the amniotic fluid leads to an increased resorption by the fetus. Postpartal investigations showed a completely normal lung function in the newborne.", "PMID": 1002082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8863", "title": "Isolated rat hepatocytes as an experimental tool in the study of cell injury. Effect of anoxia.", "content": "Rat hepatocytes were isolated by liver perfusion in the presence of collagenase and hyaluronidase and incubated in the absence or presence of oxygen. As a result of anoxia, there was a gradual increase in plasma membrane permeability, noted as an increase in succinate-stimulated oxygen uptake, a decrease in trypan blue exclusion frequency, a leakage of cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase activity and an increased proportion of swollen and disrupted cells. After anaerobic incubation for 30 minutes--but not for 60 minutes--there were signs of recovery from anoxic cell injury upon re-oxygenation. The changes in plasma membrane permeability properties in anoxia seemed to be preceded by a marked decrease in cellular ATP level; aerobic incubation of hepatocytes in the presence of an uncoupler of phosphorylation from respiration led to a similar decrease in cellular ATP concentration followed by similar disturbances in plasma membrane permeability properties. It is suggested that a distrubed plasma membrane function caused by a decreased energy level is of primary importance for the initiation of cell death in anoxia.", "contents": "Isolated rat hepatocytes as an experimental tool in the study of cell injury. Effect of anoxia. Rat hepatocytes were isolated by liver perfusion in the presence of collagenase and hyaluronidase and incubated in the absence or presence of oxygen. As a result of anoxia, there was a gradual increase in plasma membrane permeability, noted as an increase in succinate-stimulated oxygen uptake, a decrease in trypan blue exclusion frequency, a leakage of cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase activity and an increased proportion of swollen and disrupted cells. After anaerobic incubation for 30 minutes--but not for 60 minutes--there were signs of recovery from anoxic cell injury upon re-oxygenation. The changes in plasma membrane permeability properties in anoxia seemed to be preceded by a marked decrease in cellular ATP level; aerobic incubation of hepatocytes in the presence of an uncoupler of phosphorylation from respiration led to a similar decrease in cellular ATP concentration followed by similar disturbances in plasma membrane permeability properties. It is suggested that a distrubed plasma membrane function caused by a decreased energy level is of primary importance for the initiation of cell death in anoxia.", "PMID": 1002075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8864", "title": "[Psycho- and somatoneuroses in comparison : anxiety neurosis/phobia--bronchial asthma. Psychosomatic inquiry study].", "content": "In order to answer the question of whether an interrater's stable facts make it possible to differentiate between neurosis, 50 psychosomatics (asthamatics) were compared with 50 psychosomatics (asthmatics) were compared with 50 psychoneurotics including 25 cases of anxiety neurotics and 25 phobics. The age at the time the patient became ill, the age at the time of the scientific investigation, length of illness, psycho- and psychosomatic pre-illnesses, former hospitalizations, primordial and accompanying symptoms, social facts, types of the conflict situation which triggered the illness and the results of intelligent tests were correlated with the main variabilities: neurosis, sex, character structure and tests for statistical significance: psycho and psychosomatic neurosis as well as anxiety neurosis and phobia are different from one another in numberous variabilities.", "contents": "[Psycho- and somatoneuroses in comparison : anxiety neurosis/phobia--bronchial asthma. Psychosomatic inquiry study]. In order to answer the question of whether an interrater's stable facts make it possible to differentiate between neurosis, 50 psychosomatics (asthamatics) were compared with 50 psychosomatics (asthmatics) were compared with 50 psychoneurotics including 25 cases of anxiety neurotics and 25 phobics. The age at the time the patient became ill, the age at the time of the scientific investigation, length of illness, psycho- and psychosomatic pre-illnesses, former hospitalizations, primordial and accompanying symptoms, social facts, types of the conflict situation which triggered the illness and the results of intelligent tests were correlated with the main variabilities: neurosis, sex, character structure and tests for statistical significance: psycho and psychosomatic neurosis as well as anxiety neurosis and phobia are different from one another in numberous variabilities.", "PMID": 1002083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8865", "title": "Identification of blood groups and isoenzymic phenotypes from blood stains, heart blood and nervous tissues after transfusion.", "content": "A man aged 42 years died from a hemorrhage resulting from stab wounds in his neck, chest and abdomen. The MN blood group and PGM1 phenotype of the victim's heart blood were inconsistent with those of the blood stains around the victim. The victim was transfused with 4000 ml of blood during the 9 hours before his death. Because PGM1 phenotypes obtained from blood stains at the scene of the crime and from the weapon corresponded with those from the victim's dental pulp, peripheral nerve and bone marrow, the victim's blood groups and isoenzymic phenotypes could be determined accurately.", "contents": "Identification of blood groups and isoenzymic phenotypes from blood stains, heart blood and nervous tissues after transfusion. A man aged 42 years died from a hemorrhage resulting from stab wounds in his neck, chest and abdomen. The MN blood group and PGM1 phenotype of the victim's heart blood were inconsistent with those of the blood stains around the victim. The victim was transfused with 4000 ml of blood during the 9 hours before his death. Because PGM1 phenotypes obtained from blood stains at the scene of the crime and from the weapon corresponded with those from the victim's dental pulp, peripheral nerve and bone marrow, the victim's blood groups and isoenzymic phenotypes could be determined accurately.", "PMID": 1002077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8866", "title": "[Thrombosis, embolism and aggregation inhibitors in surgery].", "content": "The frequency in letal pulmonary embolism at the I. Chirurgische Univ.-Klinik and the Unfallchirurgie I, Vienna, and experimental and clinical studies of the protective effect of aggregation inhibitors are reported. Significant difference of extent in experimentally induced venous thrombosis was found in animal groups with and without preventive treatment. Two double-blind trials with acetylsalicylic acid and placebo brought significant differences in the frequency of letal pulmonary embolism in patients with hip fracture and a lower rate of immediate post-operative vascular reobstruction due to high peripher vascular resistance in patients undergoing vascular surgery.", "contents": "[Thrombosis, embolism and aggregation inhibitors in surgery]. The frequency in letal pulmonary embolism at the I. Chirurgische Univ.-Klinik and the Unfallchirurgie I, Vienna, and experimental and clinical studies of the protective effect of aggregation inhibitors are reported. Significant difference of extent in experimentally induced venous thrombosis was found in animal groups with and without preventive treatment. Two double-blind trials with acetylsalicylic acid and placebo brought significant differences in the frequency of letal pulmonary embolism in patients with hip fracture and a lower rate of immediate post-operative vascular reobstruction due to high peripher vascular resistance in patients undergoing vascular surgery.", "PMID": 1002084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8867", "title": "[Problems in the special nosological position of keratoacanthoma. Clinical, histological and comparative Feulgen-cytophotometric studies. 3. Classification of keratoacanthomas, therapeutic consequences, conclusions].", "content": "Feulgen-cytophotometric examinations of 61 keratoacanthomas of the skin have revealed 3 types differing from each other in their DNA distribution. Keratoacanthomas type I are characterized by a diploid DNA distribution--comparable to epidermis cells. An increasing average DNA content (x) and mean distribution (Sx) compared with diploid cells are, however, conspicuous. Keratoacanthomas type II display DNA peaks in the triploid phase and increasing x and Sx. Keratoacanthomas type III show DNA tumor stem lines in the hypotetraploid, tetraploid and hypertetraploid phases, with x and Sx further increasing. The occurrence of two tumor cell populations of aneuploid localization is noteworthy in part of the keratoacanthomas. Transitional types among the tumors mentioned above are possible. Only type I does not allow cytophotometric demarcation of epidermis cells or tissue lymphocytes based on statistical analysis. The three types of keratoacanthomas can be significantly defined against each other. These cytophotometric findings explain the occurrence of clinical variations of keratoacanthomas with tumor ulceration, increased growth and recidivity. As a rule total excision and careful histological examinations are advisable. The occurrence of paraneoplastic keratoacanthomas and carcinomata disguished as keratoacanthomas is mentioned. Spontaneous healing should not be waited for despite the possible occurrence of benign keratoacanthomas.", "contents": "[Problems in the special nosological position of keratoacanthoma. Clinical, histological and comparative Feulgen-cytophotometric studies. 3. Classification of keratoacanthomas, therapeutic consequences, conclusions]. Feulgen-cytophotometric examinations of 61 keratoacanthomas of the skin have revealed 3 types differing from each other in their DNA distribution. Keratoacanthomas type I are characterized by a diploid DNA distribution--comparable to epidermis cells. An increasing average DNA content (x) and mean distribution (Sx) compared with diploid cells are, however, conspicuous. Keratoacanthomas type II display DNA peaks in the triploid phase and increasing x and Sx. Keratoacanthomas type III show DNA tumor stem lines in the hypotetraploid, tetraploid and hypertetraploid phases, with x and Sx further increasing. The occurrence of two tumor cell populations of aneuploid localization is noteworthy in part of the keratoacanthomas. Transitional types among the tumors mentioned above are possible. Only type I does not allow cytophotometric demarcation of epidermis cells or tissue lymphocytes based on statistical analysis. The three types of keratoacanthomas can be significantly defined against each other. These cytophotometric findings explain the occurrence of clinical variations of keratoacanthomas with tumor ulceration, increased growth and recidivity. As a rule total excision and careful histological examinations are advisable. The occurrence of paraneoplastic keratoacanthomas and carcinomata disguished as keratoacanthomas is mentioned. Spontaneous healing should not be waited for despite the possible occurrence of benign keratoacanthomas.", "PMID": 1002085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8868", "title": "[High-dose enzyme-substitution therapy in digestive disorders].", "content": "A new highly effective enzyme-substituting product (Combizym forte) was tested clinically on 62 patients suffering from digestive insufficiency to ascertain the improvements of the complaints pain, nausea, meteorism, diarrhea and obstipation as well as the tolerance. 88,7% of the cases were free from complaints within about 14 days of treatment. Three patients had diarrhea; no other sidereactions were observed. Apart from the high enzymatic activity of Combizym forte, the absence of Fel tauri is noteworthy as it allows to increase doses considerably. The demonstration of the therapeutic action of Combizym forte by examinations of the stools and enzyme-chemical measurements will be the subject of another series of tests (2nd information).", "contents": "[High-dose enzyme-substitution therapy in digestive disorders]. A new highly effective enzyme-substituting product (Combizym forte) was tested clinically on 62 patients suffering from digestive insufficiency to ascertain the improvements of the complaints pain, nausea, meteorism, diarrhea and obstipation as well as the tolerance. 88,7% of the cases were free from complaints within about 14 days of treatment. Three patients had diarrhea; no other sidereactions were observed. Apart from the high enzymatic activity of Combizym forte, the absence of Fel tauri is noteworthy as it allows to increase doses considerably. The demonstration of the therapeutic action of Combizym forte by examinations of the stools and enzyme-chemical measurements will be the subject of another series of tests (2nd information).", "PMID": 1002087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8869", "title": "[Legal aspects of noise abatement].", "content": "Noise abatement is a problem of technology, medicine, law, and education. In the technical field, the problem of avoiding hazards is the primary one. In respect of encroachment upon neighbours mutual regard should be the foremost consideration. From the legal angle, a distinction is made between protection of the individial-above all under the provisions of the German Civil Code (B\u00fcrgerliches Gesetzbuch)-and of the community-under the provisions of criminal law and administrative law. Future legislation will have to concentrate increasingly upon governmental control measures especially with a view to prevention, instead of the issue of protection of the individual.", "contents": "[Legal aspects of noise abatement]. Noise abatement is a problem of technology, medicine, law, and education. In the technical field, the problem of avoiding hazards is the primary one. In respect of encroachment upon neighbours mutual regard should be the foremost consideration. From the legal angle, a distinction is made between protection of the individial-above all under the provisions of the German Civil Code (B\u00fcrgerliches Gesetzbuch)-and of the community-under the provisions of criminal law and administrative law. Future legislation will have to concentrate increasingly upon governmental control measures especially with a view to prevention, instead of the issue of protection of the individual.", "PMID": 1002088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8870", "title": "[Erythropoietic protoporthyria. Clinical aspects and therapy].", "content": "After introduction in clinical, histological and ultrastructural features of erythropoietic protoporphyria the therapeutic effect of beta-Carotene is reported in 5 patients with erythropoietic proporphyria and in 1 patient with polymorphous light dermatosis. beta-Carotene was given orally in a daily initial dose of 50-100 mg, continued with 25 mg a day. In all patients the therapeutic effect set on about 2 months after beginning of the treatment and was measured by increased toleration to insolation. During the treatment over a period of four years no side effects were noticed by 127 clinical and biochemical controls beside a dose-dependent \"icterus\" localized as well in the perioral region as on the hands and feet.", "contents": "[Erythropoietic protoporthyria. Clinical aspects and therapy]. After introduction in clinical, histological and ultrastructural features of erythropoietic protoporphyria the therapeutic effect of beta-Carotene is reported in 5 patients with erythropoietic proporphyria and in 1 patient with polymorphous light dermatosis. beta-Carotene was given orally in a daily initial dose of 50-100 mg, continued with 25 mg a day. In all patients the therapeutic effect set on about 2 months after beginning of the treatment and was measured by increased toleration to insolation. During the treatment over a period of four years no side effects were noticed by 127 clinical and biochemical controls beside a dose-dependent \"icterus\" localized as well in the perioral region as on the hands and feet.", "PMID": 1002089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8871", "title": "[Estrogens and carcinoma of the endometrium].", "content": "The physicians and the women were disturbed by recent communications discussing a possible relationship between the postmenopausal application of estrogens and endometrial carcinoma. An analysis of these reports is made critically and in detail. The practical aspects are delineated and a precise guide to postmenopausal estrogen therapy is presented.", "contents": "[Estrogens and carcinoma of the endometrium]. The physicians and the women were disturbed by recent communications discussing a possible relationship between the postmenopausal application of estrogens and endometrial carcinoma. An analysis of these reports is made critically and in detail. The practical aspects are delineated and a precise guide to postmenopausal estrogen therapy is presented.", "PMID": 1002092} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8872", "title": "[Disorders of libido from the gynecological view point].", "content": "Sexual dysfunctions are differentiated according to the following symptoms: libido dysfunction, orgasmic dysfunction, vaginism, algopareunia and polysymptomatic dysfunction. In the out-patient service for sexual and other psychosomatic disorders of the University of Heidelberg's Women's Hospital 90 women with libido dysfunction were treated with conflict-centered psychotherapy after exclusion of organic diseases which could explain the reduction of libido and after exclusion of a depression where the loss of libido is a regular symptom. The success-rate was 63%. It was attempted to reinforce the ego of the patient which enables him to experience his surroundings with less conflicts. Neurotic anxieties and symptoms are decreased and loos their importance so that the patient is able to handle his sexual disturbance. Among the psychosocial factors, i.e. focal causes, responsible for the libido dysfunction we found: In 48% of the cases the relationship between parents and children had been disturbed, which caused difficulties in the identification process (lack of father or mother, cool mother, divorce, borken home). Problems with the partners were found in 42%. 2/3 of these women had not grown up in intact families, which seems to predestinate difficulties in communication later on. Psychodynamically the loss of libido means sexual resistance which can lead to aversion or disgust. When there is no excitement the vasocongestion and lubrication do not take place: cohabitation pain (algopareunia) results. On the other hand the reduction of libido can also be a result of chronic algopareunia, i.e. secondary. Psychogenic bleedings (\"aversion-bleeding\") during or after intercourse occasionally occur in combination with algopareunia and lack of libido.", "contents": "[Disorders of libido from the gynecological view point]. Sexual dysfunctions are differentiated according to the following symptoms: libido dysfunction, orgasmic dysfunction, vaginism, algopareunia and polysymptomatic dysfunction. In the out-patient service for sexual and other psychosomatic disorders of the University of Heidelberg's Women's Hospital 90 women with libido dysfunction were treated with conflict-centered psychotherapy after exclusion of organic diseases which could explain the reduction of libido and after exclusion of a depression where the loss of libido is a regular symptom. The success-rate was 63%. It was attempted to reinforce the ego of the patient which enables him to experience his surroundings with less conflicts. Neurotic anxieties and symptoms are decreased and loos their importance so that the patient is able to handle his sexual disturbance. Among the psychosocial factors, i.e. focal causes, responsible for the libido dysfunction we found: In 48% of the cases the relationship between parents and children had been disturbed, which caused difficulties in the identification process (lack of father or mother, cool mother, divorce, borken home). Problems with the partners were found in 42%. 2/3 of these women had not grown up in intact families, which seems to predestinate difficulties in communication later on. Psychodynamically the loss of libido means sexual resistance which can lead to aversion or disgust. When there is no excitement the vasocongestion and lubrication do not take place: cohabitation pain (algopareunia) results. On the other hand the reduction of libido can also be a result of chronic algopareunia, i.e. secondary. Psychogenic bleedings (\"aversion-bleeding\") during or after intercourse occasionally occur in combination with algopareunia and lack of libido.", "PMID": 1002093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8873", "title": "[Dermolipectomy for the reduction of redundant skin and local lipodystrophy].", "content": "Operative techniques by Pitanguy for abdominoplasty and fat reduction in trochanteric lipodystrophy and their results are presented. In comparison to most other procedures this technique shows the following advantages: low and horizontal final scar; the possibility to remove periumbilical fat and skin by transposition of the umbilicus; a diastasis of the mm.recti can be corrected and infraumbilical scars can be removed. The technique of excision described by Pitanguy for reduction of trochanteric fat is a simple and safe procedure leading to satisfying cosmetic results. During the past 18 months we treated 20 patients using Pitanguys technique. The results are definitely better than those achieved with other methods.", "contents": "[Dermolipectomy for the reduction of redundant skin and local lipodystrophy]. Operative techniques by Pitanguy for abdominoplasty and fat reduction in trochanteric lipodystrophy and their results are presented. In comparison to most other procedures this technique shows the following advantages: low and horizontal final scar; the possibility to remove periumbilical fat and skin by transposition of the umbilicus; a diastasis of the mm.recti can be corrected and infraumbilical scars can be removed. The technique of excision described by Pitanguy for reduction of trochanteric fat is a simple and safe procedure leading to satisfying cosmetic results. During the past 18 months we treated 20 patients using Pitanguys technique. The results are definitely better than those achieved with other methods.", "PMID": 1002094} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8874", "title": "[Reproduction and cohabitation disorders from the andrological viewpoint].", "content": "Analogous to gynecological fertility diagnostics as applied to women, the andrological methodology for the examination of men has been expanded into a simple and extended method of fertility diagnostics. Generally, the examination of a male patient begins with simple fertility diagnostics and is followed-up individually by detailed diagnostic procedures only when a certain suspicion exists. As a rule extended diagnostic procedures are not applied to a husband before the wife's ability to conceive has not first been determined at least by a simple gynecological examination. This proceeding sequence is rational and satisfying particularly since some fertility diagnostic interventions can only be imposed upon a patient after all other possibilities are exhausted. Primarily in cases of cohabitational disorders caused by male impotence, a similar diagnostic method is applied. As in the case of fertility examinations, all other possibilities, such as endocrinological malfunctions, metabolic disorders, disease symptoms and neurological defeciencies are thoroughly investigated. After all pathological findings are ruled out, psychoanalytical tests are advised. In most cases, behavioural disorders can be left to the guidance of the andrologist within the framework of minor sexual-psychological psychiatry. In more severe cases, specialized psychiatric diagnostic procedures are recommended. Although the classic spermiogram is still the focal point of diagnostics, normo-zoospermia is no longer necessarily synonymous with reproductive ability. Under given circumstances, differential diagnostic considerations are sometimes necessary taking the entire equipment of extended diagnostic procedures for granted.", "contents": "[Reproduction and cohabitation disorders from the andrological viewpoint]. Analogous to gynecological fertility diagnostics as applied to women, the andrological methodology for the examination of men has been expanded into a simple and extended method of fertility diagnostics. Generally, the examination of a male patient begins with simple fertility diagnostics and is followed-up individually by detailed diagnostic procedures only when a certain suspicion exists. As a rule extended diagnostic procedures are not applied to a husband before the wife's ability to conceive has not first been determined at least by a simple gynecological examination. This proceeding sequence is rational and satisfying particularly since some fertility diagnostic interventions can only be imposed upon a patient after all other possibilities are exhausted. Primarily in cases of cohabitational disorders caused by male impotence, a similar diagnostic method is applied. As in the case of fertility examinations, all other possibilities, such as endocrinological malfunctions, metabolic disorders, disease symptoms and neurological defeciencies are thoroughly investigated. After all pathological findings are ruled out, psychoanalytical tests are advised. In most cases, behavioural disorders can be left to the guidance of the andrologist within the framework of minor sexual-psychological psychiatry. In more severe cases, specialized psychiatric diagnostic procedures are recommended. Although the classic spermiogram is still the focal point of diagnostics, normo-zoospermia is no longer necessarily synonymous with reproductive ability. Under given circumstances, differential diagnostic considerations are sometimes necessary taking the entire equipment of extended diagnostic procedures for granted.", "PMID": 1002095} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8875", "title": "[Differential diagnosis of the Prom-standard-values-deviating spermiogram].", "content": "Critical remarks to some points of clinical relevance for differential diagnosis of the spermatogram are made. The following parameters of the andrological examination are discussed: testis volume, ejaculate volume, pH, consistency of the ejaculate, sperm density, sperm motility, sperm morphology, biochemistry of the human semen.", "contents": "[Differential diagnosis of the Prom-standard-values-deviating spermiogram]. Critical remarks to some points of clinical relevance for differential diagnosis of the spermatogram are made. The following parameters of the andrological examination are discussed: testis volume, ejaculate volume, pH, consistency of the ejaculate, sperm density, sperm motility, sperm morphology, biochemistry of the human semen.", "PMID": 1002096} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8876", "title": "[Differential diagnostic significance of cytogenetic findings for family planning].", "content": "Numerical and structural chromosome aberrations can be responsible for sterility, infertility and live-borns with multiple malformations. The usefulness of cytogenetical studies in those handicapped families is discussed in respect to medical advice and genetic counseling.", "contents": "[Differential diagnostic significance of cytogenetic findings for family planning]. Numerical and structural chromosome aberrations can be responsible for sterility, infertility and live-borns with multiple malformations. The usefulness of cytogenetical studies in those handicapped families is discussed in respect to medical advice and genetic counseling.", "PMID": 1002097} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8877", "title": "[Differential diagnosis in potency disorders].", "content": "Disorders of sexual libido are seldom organic, in general they are of psychological origin. It is, however, difficult to obtain a differential diagnosis. One of the first diagnostic considerations must be the establishment of primary or secondary libidinal dificit, or indeed, whether there is no libido at all. In cases of libido disorders with primary libido dificit, depression, organic disease, or side effects of pharmaca may be the cause. Libido disorders in the presence of functional libido, however, must be regarded as primarily psychologically caused. An exception are libido problems in the presence of diabetes mellitus and peripheral vasculatory defeciencies. In these cases libido is either totally absent or appears only secondarily. The symptomatology of libido disorders in the presence of depression, diabetes melitus, and peripheral vasculatory disturbancies, as well as psychologically caused erectile and ejaculatory difficulties are discussed in detail. These groups are compared with respect to libido and behavior involving erection, ejaculation, anxiety and avoidance.", "contents": "[Differential diagnosis in potency disorders]. Disorders of sexual libido are seldom organic, in general they are of psychological origin. It is, however, difficult to obtain a differential diagnosis. One of the first diagnostic considerations must be the establishment of primary or secondary libidinal dificit, or indeed, whether there is no libido at all. In cases of libido disorders with primary libido dificit, depression, organic disease, or side effects of pharmaca may be the cause. Libido disorders in the presence of functional libido, however, must be regarded as primarily psychologically caused. An exception are libido problems in the presence of diabetes mellitus and peripheral vasculatory defeciencies. In these cases libido is either totally absent or appears only secondarily. The symptomatology of libido disorders in the presence of depression, diabetes melitus, and peripheral vasculatory disturbancies, as well as psychologically caused erectile and ejaculatory difficulties are discussed in detail. These groups are compared with respect to libido and behavior involving erection, ejaculation, anxiety and avoidance.", "PMID": 1002099} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8878", "title": "[Therpeutic experiences with a new antitussive principle].", "content": "In the therapeutic schedule of a great sanatorium, primarily specialized in the treatment of bronchial and asthmatical diseases to the effect of a rehabilitation, a new speciality for the treatment of the symptom cough-Contrapect-was tested. Essential clinical and analytical parameters of the pulmonary function were subject to detailed examinations. The results proved that the marginal value of breathing increased and the intensity of the cough and the subjective dyspnoea were reduced. Secondary effects were not observed. The patients liked to take the drug. We also consider the product suitable for therapeutic use in general practice subsequent to clinical treatment, since, in compliance with the appropriate definition, coughing represents the main symptom of chronic bronchitis. A chronic bronchitis is assumed, if permanent cough exists over 3 months at least during a period of 2 years.", "contents": "[Therpeutic experiences with a new antitussive principle]. In the therapeutic schedule of a great sanatorium, primarily specialized in the treatment of bronchial and asthmatical diseases to the effect of a rehabilitation, a new speciality for the treatment of the symptom cough-Contrapect-was tested. Essential clinical and analytical parameters of the pulmonary function were subject to detailed examinations. The results proved that the marginal value of breathing increased and the intensity of the cough and the subjective dyspnoea were reduced. Secondary effects were not observed. The patients liked to take the drug. We also consider the product suitable for therapeutic use in general practice subsequent to clinical treatment, since, in compliance with the appropriate definition, coughing represents the main symptom of chronic bronchitis. A chronic bronchitis is assumed, if permanent cough exists over 3 months at least during a period of 2 years.", "PMID": 1002100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8879", "title": "Glucose, insulin and glucagon in the diabetic goose.", "content": "The relationships between plasma glucose, insulin and glucagon were studied in geese made diabetic by subtotal pancreatectomy. As early as the first hours after the operation, the plasma glucose increases and a permanent diabetes develops. This diabetic state is characterized by two features: a very low plasma insulin level, which does not vary during the survival of the diabetic animals and a concentration of plasma glucagon (of pancreatic origin) which transiently diminishes then rises far above the normal level, and is correlated with the basal concentration of plasma glucose. The impaired glucose tolerance observed in diabetic animals is related to the suppression of the glucose-insulin and glucose-glucagon feedback mechanisms.", "contents": "Glucose, insulin and glucagon in the diabetic goose. The relationships between plasma glucose, insulin and glucagon were studied in geese made diabetic by subtotal pancreatectomy. As early as the first hours after the operation, the plasma glucose increases and a permanent diabetes develops. This diabetic state is characterized by two features: a very low plasma insulin level, which does not vary during the survival of the diabetic animals and a concentration of plasma glucagon (of pancreatic origin) which transiently diminishes then rises far above the normal level, and is correlated with the basal concentration of plasma glucose. The impaired glucose tolerance observed in diabetic animals is related to the suppression of the glucose-insulin and glucose-glucagon feedback mechanisms.", "PMID": 1002101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8880", "title": "Somatomedin production in the neonatal rat.", "content": "The hormonal stimulus to rat fetal and neonatal somatic and skeletal growth has been investigated by a study of ciruclating somatomedin (SM), growth hormone (GH) and insulin levels in rats from 21 days in utero to 40 days of post natal life. Somatomedin activity could not be detected in the serum of fetal rats in which circulating GH and insulin levels were high. In early post natal life GH and insulin levels remained high but gradually declined reaching normal adult levels at 19 days and 40 days respectively. Somatomedin activity was measurable only at low levels until 11 days after birth and thereafter remained steady throughout the time period studied. These studies suggest that somatomedin alone is not responsible for the rapid growth of the rat in early neonatal life and it is suggested that insulin may also be active as a growth factor in this period.", "contents": "Somatomedin production in the neonatal rat. The hormonal stimulus to rat fetal and neonatal somatic and skeletal growth has been investigated by a study of ciruclating somatomedin (SM), growth hormone (GH) and insulin levels in rats from 21 days in utero to 40 days of post natal life. Somatomedin activity could not be detected in the serum of fetal rats in which circulating GH and insulin levels were high. In early post natal life GH and insulin levels remained high but gradually declined reaching normal adult levels at 19 days and 40 days respectively. Somatomedin activity was measurable only at low levels until 11 days after birth and thereafter remained steady throughout the time period studied. These studies suggest that somatomedin alone is not responsible for the rapid growth of the rat in early neonatal life and it is suggested that insulin may also be active as a growth factor in this period.", "PMID": 1002102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8881", "title": "Effect of adrenalectomy on weight gain and body composition of yellow obese mice (Ay/a).", "content": "It has been reported that the adrenal gland is essential to the development of obesity if Ay/a Yellow obese mice (Hausberger and Hausberger 1960). Since the actual body composition data to support this report has not been published, we attempted to duplicate this observation by adrenalectomy of the Yellow mice before the onset of obesity. Two groups of Yellow mice (Ay/a) and normal mice (a/a) were either sham operated or adrenalectomized at two months of age and at four months of age. Body weight was monitored until body gain had stopped. At that time the animals were sacrified and checked for completeness of adrenal removal. Body composition of dry matter, fat, protein, and ash was determined. Adrenalectomy caused a reduction of body fat of 33% and 30% in both the a/a Control and the Ay/a Yellow mice, respectively. The adrenalectomized Yellow mice were still fatter than adrenalectomized Controls (25.3% fat vs. 10.6% fat). Yellow and control adrenalectomized mice showed similar depression in growth rate. These data suggest that while the adrenal gland is essential for complete expression of the genetic potential for fat deposition, it may not be necessary for partial expression indicating a secondary role in the development of obesity in the Ay/a Yellow mouse.", "contents": "Effect of adrenalectomy on weight gain and body composition of yellow obese mice (Ay/a). It has been reported that the adrenal gland is essential to the development of obesity if Ay/a Yellow obese mice (Hausberger and Hausberger 1960). Since the actual body composition data to support this report has not been published, we attempted to duplicate this observation by adrenalectomy of the Yellow mice before the onset of obesity. Two groups of Yellow mice (Ay/a) and normal mice (a/a) were either sham operated or adrenalectomized at two months of age and at four months of age. Body weight was monitored until body gain had stopped. At that time the animals were sacrified and checked for completeness of adrenal removal. Body composition of dry matter, fat, protein, and ash was determined. Adrenalectomy caused a reduction of body fat of 33% and 30% in both the a/a Control and the Ay/a Yellow mice, respectively. The adrenalectomized Yellow mice were still fatter than adrenalectomized Controls (25.3% fat vs. 10.6% fat). Yellow and control adrenalectomized mice showed similar depression in growth rate. These data suggest that while the adrenal gland is essential for complete expression of the genetic potential for fat deposition, it may not be necessary for partial expression indicating a secondary role in the development of obesity in the Ay/a Yellow mouse.", "PMID": 1002103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8882", "title": "Experimental hypergastrinaemia in the dog.", "content": "In order to investigate chronic hypergastrinaemia in dogs, studies with various excluded antrum preparations were performed. Gastric secretion was collected from denervated fundic pouches and gastrin levels were measured pre- and postoperatively by radioimmunoassay. In some samples the gastrins were separated according to their molecular size. Distinct hypergastrinaemia and acid hypersecretion developed in dogs where the antrum was excluded by a mucosal septum. Gastrin levels rose to 349 +/- 64 pg/ml (normal 76 +/- 19 pg/ml). Analysis of the gastrin pattern showed a predominance of smaller gastrin components. Although there was marked hypersecretion in most of the dogs with hypergastrinaemia, no close correlation was evident between these parameters. Some of the dogs with hypergastrinaemia developed anastomotic ulcers.", "contents": "Experimental hypergastrinaemia in the dog. In order to investigate chronic hypergastrinaemia in dogs, studies with various excluded antrum preparations were performed. Gastric secretion was collected from denervated fundic pouches and gastrin levels were measured pre- and postoperatively by radioimmunoassay. In some samples the gastrins were separated according to their molecular size. Distinct hypergastrinaemia and acid hypersecretion developed in dogs where the antrum was excluded by a mucosal septum. Gastrin levels rose to 349 +/- 64 pg/ml (normal 76 +/- 19 pg/ml). Analysis of the gastrin pattern showed a predominance of smaller gastrin components. Although there was marked hypersecretion in most of the dogs with hypergastrinaemia, no close correlation was evident between these parameters. Some of the dogs with hypergastrinaemia developed anastomotic ulcers.", "PMID": 1002104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8883", "title": "Superior immunoreactivity of 125I (Des-Tyr-betaAla)-secretin with rabbit anti-secretin sera compared to 125I-secretin and 125 I-6-Tyrosyl secretin.", "content": "A secretin analogue in which the normal amino acid sequence had been elongated by a (Des-Tyr-betaAla)-residue was studied as tracer for secretin radioimmunoassay. 125I-(DATA)-secretin exhibited superior immunoreactivity with several rabbit anti-secretin sera compared to 125I-6-Tyr-secretin and also to secretin iodinated at its N-terminal histidyl residue. This may be due, at least in part, to higher conformational integrity of the secretin moiety in the 125I-(DATA)-secretin molecule. Thus, at present, 125I-(DATA)-secretin appears to be most suitable as tracer for sensitive secretin radioimmunoassay.", "contents": "Superior immunoreactivity of 125I (Des-Tyr-betaAla)-secretin with rabbit anti-secretin sera compared to 125I-secretin and 125 I-6-Tyrosyl secretin. A secretin analogue in which the normal amino acid sequence had been elongated by a (Des-Tyr-betaAla)-residue was studied as tracer for secretin radioimmunoassay. 125I-(DATA)-secretin exhibited superior immunoreactivity with several rabbit anti-secretin sera compared to 125I-6-Tyr-secretin and also to secretin iodinated at its N-terminal histidyl residue. This may be due, at least in part, to higher conformational integrity of the secretin moiety in the 125I-(DATA)-secretin molecule. Thus, at present, 125I-(DATA)-secretin appears to be most suitable as tracer for sensitive secretin radioimmunoassay.", "PMID": 1002105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8884", "title": "Adrenal and plasma corticosterone levels in the pregnant, foetal and neonatal rat, in the perinatal period.", "content": "A group of pregnant control rats was sacrificed before parturition, in the morning, afternoon and evening of day 20 and 21 and in the morning of day 22. Another group was sacrificed during parturition, when 2 to 8 foetuses had been expelled. The onset of parturition occurred for the first rat in the afternoon of day 21 and for the last rat in the afternoon of day 22. Corticosterone was extracted from maternal, foetal and neonatal adrenals and plasma, and was assayed by a fluorometric procedure. The maternal adrenal and plasma corticosterone levels, before parturition, were lower in the morning than in the afternoon excepting day 22 when morning values were as high as those in the afternoon of day 21. Adrenal and plasma corticosterone concentrations were elevated during parturition in the mother but not the foetus. Plasma corticosterone values were raised in the newborn compared to their littermates in utero.", "contents": "Adrenal and plasma corticosterone levels in the pregnant, foetal and neonatal rat, in the perinatal period. A group of pregnant control rats was sacrificed before parturition, in the morning, afternoon and evening of day 20 and 21 and in the morning of day 22. Another group was sacrificed during parturition, when 2 to 8 foetuses had been expelled. The onset of parturition occurred for the first rat in the afternoon of day 21 and for the last rat in the afternoon of day 22. Corticosterone was extracted from maternal, foetal and neonatal adrenals and plasma, and was assayed by a fluorometric procedure. The maternal adrenal and plasma corticosterone levels, before parturition, were lower in the morning than in the afternoon excepting day 22 when morning values were as high as those in the afternoon of day 21. Adrenal and plasma corticosterone concentrations were elevated during parturition in the mother but not the foetus. Plasma corticosterone values were raised in the newborn compared to their littermates in utero.", "PMID": 1002106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8885", "title": "Effect of pregnancy on serum alanine concentration in normal and genetically diabetic mice.", "content": "Serum alanine concentration was determined in nonpregnant and pregnant normal control Swiss albino (SA) and genetically diabetic KK mice. The serum alanine levels were significantly lower in nonpregnant KK than in nonpregnant SA mice. Fasting elicited hypoglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and hypoalaninemia in both groups of pregnant mice. Oral administration of alanine in nonpregnant and pregnant mice resulted in a significant rise in blood sugar levels within 15 min in both groups. However, the initial blood sugar response to oral alanine was greater in pregnant than in nonpregnant mice. This increase in blood sugar response to exogenous alanine appears to be mediated by glucagon. The data suggest that pregnancy elicits hypoglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and hypoalaninemia in both nondiabetic and diabetic mice.", "contents": "Effect of pregnancy on serum alanine concentration in normal and genetically diabetic mice. Serum alanine concentration was determined in nonpregnant and pregnant normal control Swiss albino (SA) and genetically diabetic KK mice. The serum alanine levels were significantly lower in nonpregnant KK than in nonpregnant SA mice. Fasting elicited hypoglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and hypoalaninemia in both groups of pregnant mice. Oral administration of alanine in nonpregnant and pregnant mice resulted in a significant rise in blood sugar levels within 15 min in both groups. However, the initial blood sugar response to oral alanine was greater in pregnant than in nonpregnant mice. This increase in blood sugar response to exogenous alanine appears to be mediated by glucagon. The data suggest that pregnancy elicits hypoglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and hypoalaninemia in both nondiabetic and diabetic mice.", "PMID": 1002107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8886", "title": "Simultaneous estimation of four plasma androgens before and after dynamic tests in women with hirsutism: correlation with long-term therapy.", "content": "Concentrations of testosterone, delta4-androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone and delta5-androstenediol were measured in 12 patients affected by hirsutism associated with menstrual disorders. Testosterone was elevated in 9 cases, in whom high levels of delta4-androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone was found, and normal in 3 cases, 2 of which presented high values of dihydrotestosterone and one high levels of delta5-androstenediol. In some hirsute females therefore, other androgens, such as dihydrotestosterone and delta5-androstenediol, play a role in the pathogenesis of hirsutism. Dexamethasone and estrogen progestin combinations were administered for dynamic tests, and results in most cases provided useful information in the selection of suitable long-term therapy.", "contents": "Simultaneous estimation of four plasma androgens before and after dynamic tests in women with hirsutism: correlation with long-term therapy. Concentrations of testosterone, delta4-androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone and delta5-androstenediol were measured in 12 patients affected by hirsutism associated with menstrual disorders. Testosterone was elevated in 9 cases, in whom high levels of delta4-androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone was found, and normal in 3 cases, 2 of which presented high values of dihydrotestosterone and one high levels of delta5-androstenediol. In some hirsute females therefore, other androgens, such as dihydrotestosterone and delta5-androstenediol, play a role in the pathogenesis of hirsutism. Dexamethasone and estrogen progestin combinations were administered for dynamic tests, and results in most cases provided useful information in the selection of suitable long-term therapy.", "PMID": 1002113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8887", "title": "Characteristics of aldosterone antisera related to the duration of immunization.", "content": "Three antisera specific to aldosterone and elicited with different aldosterone protein conjugates (aldosterone-3-oxine rabbit serum albumin and aldosterone-3-oxime bovine gamma-globulin) were studied by radioimmunological methods at various times subsequent to first-immunization. A considerable variability of the parameters important in radioimmunoassay was observed over the whole experimental period. Titer, sensitivity and specificity of two antisera tended to increase as long as the animals were boosted. In the third they did not change in a uniform way.", "contents": "Characteristics of aldosterone antisera related to the duration of immunization. Three antisera specific to aldosterone and elicited with different aldosterone protein conjugates (aldosterone-3-oxine rabbit serum albumin and aldosterone-3-oxime bovine gamma-globulin) were studied by radioimmunological methods at various times subsequent to first-immunization. A considerable variability of the parameters important in radioimmunoassay was observed over the whole experimental period. Titer, sensitivity and specificity of two antisera tended to increase as long as the animals were boosted. In the third they did not change in a uniform way.", "PMID": 1002114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8888", "title": "Changes in the concentration of LH, FSH and estrogen in the immature female rat during precocious sexual maturation induced by electrochemical stimulation of the brain.", "content": "Electrochemical stimulation of the hypothalamus of 23-day-old female rats induced precocious puberty as judged by occurrence of vaginal opening, the degree of uterine hypertrophy, changes in ovarian steroid content and incidence of first ovulation. Three types of responses were observed: (I) pubertal ovulation within 96 h; (II) pubertal ovulation within 120 h, and (III) vaginal opening at 120 h not followed by ovulation. All treated animals showed a sustained increase in the LH/FSH ratio in both pituitary and plasma. Plasma estrogen was also increased 1 h after stimulation. A preovulatory rise in plasma estrogen and gonadotropins was noted in type I and type II animals. These data lend further support to the suggestion that brain stimulation causes a release of gonadotrophins which induced ovarian steroidogenesis leading to an ovulatory gonadotropin surge via a positive feedback effect.", "contents": "Changes in the concentration of LH, FSH and estrogen in the immature female rat during precocious sexual maturation induced by electrochemical stimulation of the brain. Electrochemical stimulation of the hypothalamus of 23-day-old female rats induced precocious puberty as judged by occurrence of vaginal opening, the degree of uterine hypertrophy, changes in ovarian steroid content and incidence of first ovulation. Three types of responses were observed: (I) pubertal ovulation within 96 h; (II) pubertal ovulation within 120 h, and (III) vaginal opening at 120 h not followed by ovulation. All treated animals showed a sustained increase in the LH/FSH ratio in both pituitary and plasma. Plasma estrogen was also increased 1 h after stimulation. A preovulatory rise in plasma estrogen and gonadotropins was noted in type I and type II animals. These data lend further support to the suggestion that brain stimulation causes a release of gonadotrophins which induced ovarian steroidogenesis leading to an ovulatory gonadotropin surge via a positive feedback effect.", "PMID": 1002115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8889", "title": "Histochemical localization of some hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in the mouse epididymis.", "content": "The mouse epididymis was studied to localize histochemically a number of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in the various zones. The epithelium of the posterior half of the initial segment (head) and the anterior half of the middle segment (body) shows a strong reaction for delta5-3beta-, 3alpha,5alpha-, 3alpha,5beta-, 11beta, 16alpha-, 17beta, 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. This activity attenuates posteriorly. Only the 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is present throughout the length of the epididymis. The luminal contents of the middle segment also show the histochemical utilization of a number of steroids.", "contents": "Histochemical localization of some hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in the mouse epididymis. The mouse epididymis was studied to localize histochemically a number of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in the various zones. The epithelium of the posterior half of the initial segment (head) and the anterior half of the middle segment (body) shows a strong reaction for delta5-3beta-, 3alpha,5alpha-, 3alpha,5beta-, 11beta, 16alpha-, 17beta, 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. This activity attenuates posteriorly. Only the 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is present throughout the length of the epididymis. The luminal contents of the middle segment also show the histochemical utilization of a number of steroids.", "PMID": 1002116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8890", "title": "Feedback effects of dexamethasone on adrenocortical responses in rats with fornix section.", "content": "To investigate the sites of the negative feedback of corticoids in the regulation of ACTH secretion, the effect of 10 mug of dexamethasone on adrenocortical responses to ether stress was studied in intact and fornix-sectioned rats. Dexamethasone pretreatment in both groups depressed significantly both the basal and stress plasma corticosterone levels. However, in rats with fornix section the amount of depression of the adrenocortical response was much smaller than in intact animals, when compared to the non-treated group. These data would inicate that extrahypothalamic regions play a role in the action of glucocorticoids in the feedback control of pituitary-adrenal function and that the hippocampus participates in this mechaism.", "contents": "Feedback effects of dexamethasone on adrenocortical responses in rats with fornix section. To investigate the sites of the negative feedback of corticoids in the regulation of ACTH secretion, the effect of 10 mug of dexamethasone on adrenocortical responses to ether stress was studied in intact and fornix-sectioned rats. Dexamethasone pretreatment in both groups depressed significantly both the basal and stress plasma corticosterone levels. However, in rats with fornix section the amount of depression of the adrenocortical response was much smaller than in intact animals, when compared to the non-treated group. These data would inicate that extrahypothalamic regions play a role in the action of glucocorticoids in the feedback control of pituitary-adrenal function and that the hippocampus participates in this mechaism.", "PMID": 1002117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8891", "title": "Regulation of pineal enzymes by photoperiod, gonadal hormones and melatonin in Coturnix quail.", "content": "The photoperiodic and hormonal regulation of melatonin-synthesizing enzymes was determined in pineals of Coturnix quail. N-Acetyl transferase (NAT) and hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase (HIOMT) were twofold higher in pineals of female and male Coturnix quail during exposure to darkness (16L:8D). Castration decreased pineal HIOMT activity in both female and male Coturnix, while selective gonadal steroids restored activity. NAT was not affected by castration or gonadal steroids. Implantation of melatonin into female Coturnix decreased both HIOMT and NAT activities. These results suggest that NAT is regulated primarily by photoperiodicity, while HIOMT activity is a consequence of the external perceptive environment and the internal hormonal milieu, with both enzymic activities modulated by the feedback inhibitory influence of endogenous melatonin.", "contents": "Regulation of pineal enzymes by photoperiod, gonadal hormones and melatonin in Coturnix quail. The photoperiodic and hormonal regulation of melatonin-synthesizing enzymes was determined in pineals of Coturnix quail. N-Acetyl transferase (NAT) and hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase (HIOMT) were twofold higher in pineals of female and male Coturnix quail during exposure to darkness (16L:8D). Castration decreased pineal HIOMT activity in both female and male Coturnix, while selective gonadal steroids restored activity. NAT was not affected by castration or gonadal steroids. Implantation of melatonin into female Coturnix decreased both HIOMT and NAT activities. These results suggest that NAT is regulated primarily by photoperiodicity, while HIOMT activity is a consequence of the external perceptive environment and the internal hormonal milieu, with both enzymic activities modulated by the feedback inhibitory influence of endogenous melatonin.", "PMID": 1002118} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8892", "title": "Plasma lipoproteins in pregnancy.", "content": "Plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and apolipoprotein B were measured in healthy women during pregnancy. Hyperlipidaemia was most marked in the third trimester of pregnancy, but the increases in cholesterol, triglyceride and apolipoprotein-B were not identical (14, 74 and 36%, respectively). The increase in plasma cholesterol was due to a progressive rise in very low density (VLDL) and low density (LDL) lipoproteins. There was a change in composition and size of both VLDL and LDL, demonstrated by a reduction in the ratio of cholesterol to apolipoprotein-B and altered properties of both lipoproteins on polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. It is difficult to explain these changes but they did not appear to be related to growth hormone, oestrogens or progestogens.", "contents": "Plasma lipoproteins in pregnancy. Plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and apolipoprotein B were measured in healthy women during pregnancy. Hyperlipidaemia was most marked in the third trimester of pregnancy, but the increases in cholesterol, triglyceride and apolipoprotein-B were not identical (14, 74 and 36%, respectively). The increase in plasma cholesterol was due to a progressive rise in very low density (VLDL) and low density (LDL) lipoproteins. There was a change in composition and size of both VLDL and LDL, demonstrated by a reduction in the ratio of cholesterol to apolipoprotein-B and altered properties of both lipoproteins on polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. It is difficult to explain these changes but they did not appear to be related to growth hormone, oestrogens or progestogens.", "PMID": 1002119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8893", "title": "Leucyl naphthylamidase activity in pigeon and toad testes under various experimental conditions.", "content": "The activity pattern and functional significance of leucyl naphthylamidase (LNase) in the pigeon testis under different hormonal and photoperiod conditions as well as in the testes of short- and long-term HCG-treated toads have been studied histochemically. In both the species, the enzyme activity was present in the maturing spermatids and those embedded in the Sertoli cell components, the mature spermatozoa released in the lumen being devoid of any LNase activity. In pigeon, the stimulation of spermatogenic process was associated with enhanced activity of the enzyme, whereas arrest of spermatogenesis showed little or no activity. In toad, short-term HCG treatment caused mild stimulation of spermiation resulting in sperm release from the Sertoli cells and this was accompanied by moderate decrease in LNase activity. The long-term HCG treatment produced an enhanced stimulation of spermiogenesis and spermiation processes resulting in almost total disappearance of LNase activity. The above observations suggest that the enzyme in the testes of both species is related to spermiogenesis and/or spermiation events of spermatogenesis.", "contents": "Leucyl naphthylamidase activity in pigeon and toad testes under various experimental conditions. The activity pattern and functional significance of leucyl naphthylamidase (LNase) in the pigeon testis under different hormonal and photoperiod conditions as well as in the testes of short- and long-term HCG-treated toads have been studied histochemically. In both the species, the enzyme activity was present in the maturing spermatids and those embedded in the Sertoli cell components, the mature spermatozoa released in the lumen being devoid of any LNase activity. In pigeon, the stimulation of spermatogenic process was associated with enhanced activity of the enzyme, whereas arrest of spermatogenesis showed little or no activity. In toad, short-term HCG treatment caused mild stimulation of spermiation resulting in sperm release from the Sertoli cells and this was accompanied by moderate decrease in LNase activity. The long-term HCG treatment produced an enhanced stimulation of spermiogenesis and spermiation processes resulting in almost total disappearance of LNase activity. The above observations suggest that the enzyme in the testes of both species is related to spermiogenesis and/or spermiation events of spermatogenesis.", "PMID": 1002120} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8894", "title": "Bioavailability and LH-suppressing effect of different testosterone preparations in normal and hypogonadal men.", "content": "The therapeutic effectiveness of intramuscularly administered testosterone esters and free testosterone in suppositories was investigated by the measurement of plasma testosterone and LH levels after administration to normal and hypogonadal men. Testosterone levels were elevated above the lower physiological limit for 1 day after 25 mg testosterone one propionate, for 2 days after 50 mg testosterone propionate and for 14 days after 250 mg testosterone oenanthate. LH levels were suppressed for the corresponding periods. Elevated plasma testosterone and suppressed LH levels were maintained by testosterone suppositories (3 x 20 mg for 5 days).", "contents": "Bioavailability and LH-suppressing effect of different testosterone preparations in normal and hypogonadal men. The therapeutic effectiveness of intramuscularly administered testosterone esters and free testosterone in suppositories was investigated by the measurement of plasma testosterone and LH levels after administration to normal and hypogonadal men. Testosterone levels were elevated above the lower physiological limit for 1 day after 25 mg testosterone one propionate, for 2 days after 50 mg testosterone propionate and for 14 days after 250 mg testosterone oenanthate. LH levels were suppressed for the corresponding periods. Elevated plasma testosterone and suppressed LH levels were maintained by testosterone suppositories (3 x 20 mg for 5 days).", "PMID": 1002121} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8895", "title": "Prolactin and testicular lipids.", "content": "The effects of prolactin and prolactin plus progesterone (P-P) on the testes of adult rats were investigated. The weight of testes, seminal vesicles and the lipid composition of testes were studied 24 h after the administration of hormones. Prolactin treatment increased the weight of seminal vesicles but did not affect testicular weight, whereas P-P treatment had markedly reduced the weights of testes and seminal vesicles. Progesterone did not have any effect on the weight of testes and seminal vesicles. Both treatments had significantly reduced the total testicular lipids, which was more pronounced in the P-P treated group (28, 50%, respectively). The esterified cholesterol was increased by the administration of prolactin and P-P with a concurrent fall in the free cholesterol. The total cholesterol was depleted only by prolactin treatment. Testicular phospholipids, particularly the phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were markedly depleted by these hormones. This action of prolactin is more significant in the presence of progesterone. The depletion of phospholipids appears to be mainly due to enhanced flow of testicular tubular fluid carrying away phospholipids from testis rather than a shift in the biosynthetic pathway favouring glyceride formation. In our previous study, it has been shown that progesterone favours accumulation of esterified cholesterol by depleting the available free cholesterol. Prolactin on the other hand depletes phospholipids and total cholesterol, increases esterified cholesterol. Thus, prolactin appears to have a role in steroidogensis as well as in the secretory processes of the testis.", "contents": "Prolactin and testicular lipids. The effects of prolactin and prolactin plus progesterone (P-P) on the testes of adult rats were investigated. The weight of testes, seminal vesicles and the lipid composition of testes were studied 24 h after the administration of hormones. Prolactin treatment increased the weight of seminal vesicles but did not affect testicular weight, whereas P-P treatment had markedly reduced the weights of testes and seminal vesicles. Progesterone did not have any effect on the weight of testes and seminal vesicles. Both treatments had significantly reduced the total testicular lipids, which was more pronounced in the P-P treated group (28, 50%, respectively). The esterified cholesterol was increased by the administration of prolactin and P-P with a concurrent fall in the free cholesterol. The total cholesterol was depleted only by prolactin treatment. Testicular phospholipids, particularly the phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were markedly depleted by these hormones. This action of prolactin is more significant in the presence of progesterone. The depletion of phospholipids appears to be mainly due to enhanced flow of testicular tubular fluid carrying away phospholipids from testis rather than a shift in the biosynthetic pathway favouring glyceride formation. In our previous study, it has been shown that progesterone favours accumulation of esterified cholesterol by depleting the available free cholesterol. Prolactin on the other hand depletes phospholipids and total cholesterol, increases esterified cholesterol. Thus, prolactin appears to have a role in steroidogensis as well as in the secretory processes of the testis.", "PMID": 1002122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8896", "title": "Exogenous hypercortisolism and epididymal fat cell count in young rats.", "content": "The influence of two different grades of exogenous hypercortisolism on body weight, epididymal fat pad weight and the total number of fat cells in epididymal fat pads was investigated in young, growing rats. Cortisol, 4-5 mg/kg/day orally from the 7th to the 9th week, reduced body weight gain, whereas epididymal fat pad weight and fat cell content did not differ from those of the control rats. Cortisone acetate, 2.5 mg per 100 g, given subcutaneously for 2 weeks to rats 4-11 week of age caused in the young rat (4-6 weeks) a partial inhibition of the normal increase in body weight, whereas in the young-adult rat (6 weeks and older) an actual decrease of body weight was seen. At both dose levels and - with respect to the higher dose level- in all age groups studied, the weight and fat cell content of the epididymal fat pad were not changed by the cortisone (cortisol) treatment.", "contents": "Exogenous hypercortisolism and epididymal fat cell count in young rats. The influence of two different grades of exogenous hypercortisolism on body weight, epididymal fat pad weight and the total number of fat cells in epididymal fat pads was investigated in young, growing rats. Cortisol, 4-5 mg/kg/day orally from the 7th to the 9th week, reduced body weight gain, whereas epididymal fat pad weight and fat cell content did not differ from those of the control rats. Cortisone acetate, 2.5 mg per 100 g, given subcutaneously for 2 weeks to rats 4-11 week of age caused in the young rat (4-6 weeks) a partial inhibition of the normal increase in body weight, whereas in the young-adult rat (6 weeks and older) an actual decrease of body weight was seen. At both dose levels and - with respect to the higher dose level- in all age groups studied, the weight and fat cell content of the epididymal fat pad were not changed by the cortisone (cortisol) treatment.", "PMID": 1002123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8897", "title": "The effect of testosterone on the behavior and coloration of adult male cichlid fish (Haplochromis burtoni, G\u00fcnther).", "content": "The African cichlid fish Haplochromis burtoni shows specific behavioral responses to the intramuscular injection of testosterone. Approaching and attacking were significantly increased by injections, while six other observed behaviors remained unchanged. The results suggest that the injected testosterone affected the control of both sexual and agonistic behaviors.", "contents": "The effect of testosterone on the behavior and coloration of adult male cichlid fish (Haplochromis burtoni, G\u00fcnther). The African cichlid fish Haplochromis burtoni shows specific behavioral responses to the intramuscular injection of testosterone. Approaching and attacking were significantly increased by injections, while six other observed behaviors remained unchanged. The results suggest that the injected testosterone affected the control of both sexual and agonistic behaviors.", "PMID": 1002124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8898", "title": "Studies on the biosynthesis of cyclitols, XXXIV[l] Purification of myo-inositol 3-methyltransferase from Pisum sativum and of myo-inositol 1-methyltransferase from Vinca minor to homogeneity by affinity chromatography.", "content": "With the help of affinity chromatography on an agarose gel containing epi-inositol as the group exhibiting affinity towards enzymes acting on myo-inositol, the two methyltransferases from higher plant materials transforming myo-inositol to D-bornesitol and L-bornesitol, respectively, were purified to homogeneity. The two enzymes show certain similarities as far as pH optima, isoelectric points and specific activities are concerned, but differ significantly in the molecular weight and in their affinity towards the methyl donor, S-adenosyl-L-methionine.", "contents": "Studies on the biosynthesis of cyclitols, XXXIV[l] Purification of myo-inositol 3-methyltransferase from Pisum sativum and of myo-inositol 1-methyltransferase from Vinca minor to homogeneity by affinity chromatography. With the help of affinity chromatography on an agarose gel containing epi-inositol as the group exhibiting affinity towards enzymes acting on myo-inositol, the two methyltransferases from higher plant materials transforming myo-inositol to D-bornesitol and L-bornesitol, respectively, were purified to homogeneity. The two enzymes show certain similarities as far as pH optima, isoelectric points and specific activities are concerned, but differ significantly in the molecular weight and in their affinity towards the methyl donor, S-adenosyl-L-methionine.", "PMID": 1002125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8899", "title": "Partial separation of synaptosomes accumulating 4-aminobutyrate or glutamate by zonal centrifugation on a discontinuous sucrose gradient.", "content": "Rat cerebral cortex slices were incubated with 1muM [3H]4-aminobutyrate or [3H]L-glutamine. The subcellular distribution of the accumulated labelled substances were determined by fractionating the nuclei-free homogenates on a 5-step discontinuous sucrose density gradient in a B XIV zonal rotor. The gradient was designed to separate the synaptosomes into 3 subpopulations of increasing density. The patterns of distribution of [3H]4-aminobutyrate and [3H-a1L-glutamate in the three synaptosomal peaks were distinctly different. This indicates the presence of separate types of nerve ending accumulating these two potential neurotransmitters, which are known to be metabolically closely linked through the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase. Recentrifugation of the 3 synaptosomal peaks on flat step gradients in a swingout rotor did not result in any further enrichment in transmitter-specific synaptosomes.", "contents": "Partial separation of synaptosomes accumulating 4-aminobutyrate or glutamate by zonal centrifugation on a discontinuous sucrose gradient. Rat cerebral cortex slices were incubated with 1muM [3H]4-aminobutyrate or [3H]L-glutamine. The subcellular distribution of the accumulated labelled substances were determined by fractionating the nuclei-free homogenates on a 5-step discontinuous sucrose density gradient in a B XIV zonal rotor. The gradient was designed to separate the synaptosomes into 3 subpopulations of increasing density. The patterns of distribution of [3H]4-aminobutyrate and [3H-a1L-glutamate in the three synaptosomal peaks were distinctly different. This indicates the presence of separate types of nerve ending accumulating these two potential neurotransmitters, which are known to be metabolically closely linked through the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase. Recentrifugation of the 3 synaptosomal peaks on flat step gradients in a swingout rotor did not result in any further enrichment in transmitter-specific synaptosomes.", "PMID": 1002126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8900", "title": "Cholic acid uptake and isolated rat hepatocytes.", "content": "Cholic acid uptake was studied in isolated rat hepatocytes using a centrifugal filtration technique to allow rapid sampling. Hepatocytes were found to adsorb as well as to transport cholic acid. The adsorption was characterized by a capacity of 24 nmol X mg cell protein-1 and an association constant of 0.59 X 103 M-1. Cholic acid uptake was linear with respect to concentration at or below 10 degree C, suggesting a unsaturable uptake process which was considered to represent simple diffusion and is quantitated by a diffusion coefficient of 1.76 pmol cholic acid X min-1 X mg protein-1 X muM-1. Above 10 degrees C the uptake curve was biphasic. After subtracting the unsaturable component from uptake rates at higher temperatures, a curve showing saturable kinetics resulted. The apparent Km and V values at 37 degrees C were calculated to be 31muM and 0.8 nmol X min-1 X mg protein-1 respectively. This saturable uptake process was temperature-dependent with an activation energy of 13 kcal X mol-1 (5.44 X 104 J X mol-1) and was inhibited by oligomycin and KCN. Countertransport was demonstrated with cholic, taurocholic and chenodeoxycholic acids. The results suggest that cholic acid is transported by an energy-dependent carrier-mediated process in addition to simple diffusion by hepatocytes, and that the postulated carrier has affinity for other bile acids.", "contents": "Cholic acid uptake and isolated rat hepatocytes. Cholic acid uptake was studied in isolated rat hepatocytes using a centrifugal filtration technique to allow rapid sampling. Hepatocytes were found to adsorb as well as to transport cholic acid. The adsorption was characterized by a capacity of 24 nmol X mg cell protein-1 and an association constant of 0.59 X 103 M-1. Cholic acid uptake was linear with respect to concentration at or below 10 degree C, suggesting a unsaturable uptake process which was considered to represent simple diffusion and is quantitated by a diffusion coefficient of 1.76 pmol cholic acid X min-1 X mg protein-1 X muM-1. Above 10 degrees C the uptake curve was biphasic. After subtracting the unsaturable component from uptake rates at higher temperatures, a curve showing saturable kinetics resulted. The apparent Km and V values at 37 degrees C were calculated to be 31muM and 0.8 nmol X min-1 X mg protein-1 respectively. This saturable uptake process was temperature-dependent with an activation energy of 13 kcal X mol-1 (5.44 X 104 J X mol-1) and was inhibited by oligomycin and KCN. Countertransport was demonstrated with cholic, taurocholic and chenodeoxycholic acids. The results suggest that cholic acid is transported by an energy-dependent carrier-mediated process in addition to simple diffusion by hepatocytes, and that the postulated carrier has affinity for other bile acids.", "PMID": 1002127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8901", "title": "Carbohydrate linkage site in the beta-chain of human fibrin.", "content": "The beta-chain of fibrin was cleaved with trypsin or cyanogen bromide. Carbohydrate containing fragments were isolated by affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-agarose. The fragments were analysed for amino acid sequence and for amino and carbohydrate composition. The sequence of 21 amino acid residues around the carbohydrate attachment point was determined. The carbohydrate carrying amino acid was identified as aspartic acid/asparagine.", "contents": "Carbohydrate linkage site in the beta-chain of human fibrin. The beta-chain of fibrin was cleaved with trypsin or cyanogen bromide. Carbohydrate containing fragments were isolated by affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-agarose. The fragments were analysed for amino acid sequence and for amino and carbohydrate composition. The sequence of 21 amino acid residues around the carbohydrate attachment point was determined. The carbohydrate carrying amino acid was identified as aspartic acid/asparagine.", "PMID": 1002128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8902", "title": "[Rule of antibody structure. the primary structure of a monoclonal IgG1 immunoglobulin (myeloma protein Nie), I: Purification and characterization of the protein, the L- and H-chains, the cyanogenbromide cleavage products, and the disulfide bridges (author's transl)].", "content": "Myeloma protein Nie has been isolated from the serum of a myeloma patient by free flow continuous high voltage electrophoresis or by Pevicon-block electrophoresis. It was further purified by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration, and characterized by amino acid analysis and end group determination. Serologically, the protein belongs to the IgG1 subclass. It has been typed as Gm1+, 2-,4- and 17+. The L-chain is of the k-type. The L- and H-chains have been separated by gel-filtration after partial reduction and alkylation and characterized by amino acid analysis and end group determination. The F(ab)- and Fc-fragments, prepared by limited tryptic digestion, have been separated and characterized. Cyanogen bromide splitting products have been prepared both from the intact IgG and from the Fc-and the partially reduced and alkylated F(ab)-fragment. These splitting products have been purified and characterized by amino acid analysis and end group determination. By means of these cyanogen bromide splitting products and by partial reduction and alkylation, the disulfide bridges in the protein could be localized: one L-H-bridge, two inter-H-bridges and four loop forming intra-H-bridges.", "contents": "[Rule of antibody structure. the primary structure of a monoclonal IgG1 immunoglobulin (myeloma protein Nie), I: Purification and characterization of the protein, the L- and H-chains, the cyanogenbromide cleavage products, and the disulfide bridges (author's transl)]. Myeloma protein Nie has been isolated from the serum of a myeloma patient by free flow continuous high voltage electrophoresis or by Pevicon-block electrophoresis. It was further purified by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration, and characterized by amino acid analysis and end group determination. Serologically, the protein belongs to the IgG1 subclass. It has been typed as Gm1+, 2-,4- and 17+. The L-chain is of the k-type. The L- and H-chains have been separated by gel-filtration after partial reduction and alkylation and characterized by amino acid analysis and end group determination. The F(ab)- and Fc-fragments, prepared by limited tryptic digestion, have been separated and characterized. Cyanogen bromide splitting products have been prepared both from the intact IgG and from the Fc-and the partially reduced and alkylated F(ab)-fragment. These splitting products have been purified and characterized by amino acid analysis and end group determination. By means of these cyanogen bromide splitting products and by partial reduction and alkylation, the disulfide bridges in the protein could be localized: one L-H-bridge, two inter-H-bridges and four loop forming intra-H-bridges.", "PMID": 1002129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8903", "title": "[1-Adamanty fluoroformate, a useful reagent in peptide chemistry (author's transl)].", "content": "1-Adamantyl fluoroformate was prepared from 1-adamantol and fluorophosgene. The cristalline and stable fluoroformate was allowed to react with amino acids to give the corresponding 1-adamantyloxycarbonyl derivatives in consistently high yields. Additonally this new reagent proved to be ideally reactive for acylation of the imidazol function of histidine and histidyl-peptides.", "contents": "[1-Adamanty fluoroformate, a useful reagent in peptide chemistry (author's transl)]. 1-Adamantyl fluoroformate was prepared from 1-adamantol and fluorophosgene. The cristalline and stable fluoroformate was allowed to react with amino acids to give the corresponding 1-adamantyloxycarbonyl derivatives in consistently high yields. Additonally this new reagent proved to be ideally reactive for acylation of the imidazol function of histidine and histidyl-peptides.", "PMID": 1002131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8904", "title": "Studies of the ligand binding to cholera toxin, I. The lipophilic moiety of sialoglycolipids.", "content": "The fixation of cholera toxin by ganglioside GGtet1 is dependent on the nature of the carbohydrate as well as the lipid moiety of the glycolipid. The role of the lipid in binding to the toxin investigated with synthetic ganglioside analogues (gangliosidoides). The interaction between glycolipid and toxin was followed by precipitate formation, by inhibition of toxicity and in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. For specific precipitation, an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain at least 14 C-atoms in length is required. Some of the gangliosidoides form high molecular weight complexes with cholera toxin at lower molar ratios of ligand to protein than the natural compound. None of the synthetic gangliosidoides equalled natural ganglioside in its ability to inhibit the effects of the toxin in vivo, but some did show considerable inhibitory activity ih monosialo-gangliotetraose or corresponding sialo-glycolipids prevents the easy degradation of the B-protein of cholera toxin into protein subunits by sodium dodecylsulfate.", "contents": "Studies of the ligand binding to cholera toxin, I. The lipophilic moiety of sialoglycolipids. The fixation of cholera toxin by ganglioside GGtet1 is dependent on the nature of the carbohydrate as well as the lipid moiety of the glycolipid. The role of the lipid in binding to the toxin investigated with synthetic ganglioside analogues (gangliosidoides). The interaction between glycolipid and toxin was followed by precipitate formation, by inhibition of toxicity and in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. For specific precipitation, an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain at least 14 C-atoms in length is required. Some of the gangliosidoides form high molecular weight complexes with cholera toxin at lower molar ratios of ligand to protein than the natural compound. None of the synthetic gangliosidoides equalled natural ganglioside in its ability to inhibit the effects of the toxin in vivo, but some did show considerable inhibitory activity ih monosialo-gangliotetraose or corresponding sialo-glycolipids prevents the easy degradation of the B-protein of cholera toxin into protein subunits by sodium dodecylsulfate.", "PMID": 1002130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8905", "title": "[Di-tert.-butyl-dicarbonate, a useful tert.-Butyloxycardonylating reagent (author's transl)].", "content": "Di-tert.-butyl-dicarbonate is an ideal reagent for tert.-butyloxycarbonylating amino acids and their derivatives in regard to both reaction rate and simplicity of the procedure.", "contents": "[Di-tert.-butyl-dicarbonate, a useful tert.-Butyloxycardonylating reagent (author's transl)]. Di-tert.-butyl-dicarbonate is an ideal reagent for tert.-butyloxycarbonylating amino acids and their derivatives in regard to both reaction rate and simplicity of the procedure.", "PMID": 1002132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8906", "title": "Localization of factors controlling spermatogenesis in the nonfluorescent portion of the human Y chromosome long arm.", "content": "A deletion of the Y chromosome at the distal portion of band q11 was found in 6 men with normal male habitus but with azoospermia. Five of them were found during a survey of 1170 subfertile males while the sixth was karyotyped because of slight bone abnormalities. These findings, together with a review of the literature, suggest that on the distal portion of the nonfluoresecent segment of the long arm of the Y, factors are located controlling spermatogenesis.", "contents": "Localization of factors controlling spermatogenesis in the nonfluorescent portion of the human Y chromosome long arm. A deletion of the Y chromosome at the distal portion of band q11 was found in 6 men with normal male habitus but with azoospermia. Five of them were found during a survey of 1170 subfertile males while the sixth was karyotyped because of slight bone abnormalities. These findings, together with a review of the literature, suggest that on the distal portion of the nonfluoresecent segment of the long arm of the Y, factors are located controlling spermatogenesis.", "PMID": 1002136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8907", "title": "Effects of inhibitors of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis on frequencies and types of premature chromosome condensation from X-ray induced micronuclei.", "content": "Cells containing X-ray induced micronuclei were treated for a few hours before fixation with inhibitors of DNA synthesis (cytosine arabinoside; azathioprine; thymidine; trenimon), of RNA synthesis (actinomycin D; ethidium bromide), and of protein synthesis (puromycin). Only the inhibitors of DNA synthesis lead to a significant suppression of the frequencies of mitoses with micronucleus derived premature chromosome condensation (PCC). We tend to interprete the result as follows: Micronuclei that are in the G1 phase of their cell cycles are accumulated at the G1/S border or in the early S phase of their cell cycles under the influence of the inhibitors of the DNA synthesis. Micronuclei blocked in this way cannot be induced to undergo PCC and seem to disappear from the cells.", "contents": "Effects of inhibitors of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis on frequencies and types of premature chromosome condensation from X-ray induced micronuclei. Cells containing X-ray induced micronuclei were treated for a few hours before fixation with inhibitors of DNA synthesis (cytosine arabinoside; azathioprine; thymidine; trenimon), of RNA synthesis (actinomycin D; ethidium bromide), and of protein synthesis (puromycin). Only the inhibitors of DNA synthesis lead to a significant suppression of the frequencies of mitoses with micronucleus derived premature chromosome condensation (PCC). We tend to interprete the result as follows: Micronuclei that are in the G1 phase of their cell cycles are accumulated at the G1/S border or in the early S phase of their cell cycles under the influence of the inhibitors of the DNA synthesis. Micronuclei blocked in this way cannot be induced to undergo PCC and seem to disappear from the cells.", "PMID": 1002137} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8908", "title": "Partial trisomy 9q--chromosomal syndrome.", "content": "The clinical features consisting mainly of enophthalmos, beaked nose, narrow palpebral fissures, receding chin, long fingers and toes, typical for chromsomal syndrome or partial trisomy 9q, were confirmed in a new case.", "contents": "Partial trisomy 9q--chromosomal syndrome. The clinical features consisting mainly of enophthalmos, beaked nose, narrow palpebral fissures, receding chin, long fingers and toes, typical for chromsomal syndrome or partial trisomy 9q, were confirmed in a new case.", "PMID": 1002138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8909", "title": "Partial trisomy 20p derived from a t(18;20) translocation.", "content": "Two sibs show a strikingly concordant syndrome of congenital anomalies and G-banding reveals that each has partial trisomy 20p resulting from a t(18;20) translocation. They resemble other cases of partial trisomy 20p in some respects but also differ in some ways. Their normal sib, mother, and half-aunt are balanced heterozygotes for the t(18;20) translocation. The segregation of the balanced translocation in this family is associated with an extremely poor reproductive record. The segregation pattern closely parallels that of a t(13;20) translocation in a family described by Carrel et al. (1971) and Francke (1972). The similarity of segregation patterns is predictable on the basis of probable pachytene configurations, but the dissimilarity of phenotypes between families is not readily explained.", "contents": "Partial trisomy 20p derived from a t(18;20) translocation. Two sibs show a strikingly concordant syndrome of congenital anomalies and G-banding reveals that each has partial trisomy 20p resulting from a t(18;20) translocation. They resemble other cases of partial trisomy 20p in some respects but also differ in some ways. Their normal sib, mother, and half-aunt are balanced heterozygotes for the t(18;20) translocation. The segregation of the balanced translocation in this family is associated with an extremely poor reproductive record. The segregation pattern closely parallels that of a t(13;20) translocation in a family described by Carrel et al. (1971) and Francke (1972). The similarity of segregation patterns is predictable on the basis of probable pachytene configurations, but the dissimilarity of phenotypes between families is not readily explained.", "PMID": 1002139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8910", "title": "Expansion and contraction of hypomelanotic areas in human piebaldism.", "content": "A case of human piebaldism with white forelock is presented, with emphasis on the unusual aspect of expansion and diminution of the hypomelanotic areas. Possible mechanisms of piebaldism and of changes in the hypomelanotic areas are discussed.", "contents": "Expansion and contraction of hypomelanotic areas in human piebaldism. A case of human piebaldism with white forelock is presented, with emphasis on the unusual aspect of expansion and diminution of the hypomelanotic areas. Possible mechanisms of piebaldism and of changes in the hypomelanotic areas are discussed.", "PMID": 1002140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8911", "title": "Comparative investigations on cytogenetic effects of X-irradiation on the germinal epithelium of male mice and Chinese hamsters.", "content": "In one short-term-experiment and one long-term-experiment spermatogonia of mice and Chinese hamsters were compared for their sensitivity of X-ray induced chromosome aberrations. Short-term-experiment: Six hours after varying doses of X-rays the spermatogonia of both species were analysed and the number of induced chromatid breaks determined. At the dose range from 25-125 R the number of induced chromatid breaks per cell per roentgen is 0.01 in mice. In Chinese hamsters this value is 0.0072. The frequencies of chromatid breaks were studied in both species after a single dose of 100 R until 48 h p.i. The frequency in mice decreased more slowly than in hamster spermatogonia. After 12 h p.i. the ratio breaks in mice cells: breaks in hamster cells was 3.5:1, after 24 h this ratio was 5.2:1 after 48 h both frequencies were on the same level. Long-term-experiment: Analysis of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes has been done 5 weeks after irradiation of the mice and 2, and 4 months after irradiation of the Chinese hamsters. The number of observed reciprocal translocations turned out to be higher in spermatogonial mitoses than in diakinesis-metaphases I in each animal. The conclusion is drawn for mice that a selection against abnormal cells is taking place already during pre-meiosis. In hamster pre-meiosis, the results are only indicative for a similar effect.", "contents": "Comparative investigations on cytogenetic effects of X-irradiation on the germinal epithelium of male mice and Chinese hamsters. In one short-term-experiment and one long-term-experiment spermatogonia of mice and Chinese hamsters were compared for their sensitivity of X-ray induced chromosome aberrations. Short-term-experiment: Six hours after varying doses of X-rays the spermatogonia of both species were analysed and the number of induced chromatid breaks determined. At the dose range from 25-125 R the number of induced chromatid breaks per cell per roentgen is 0.01 in mice. In Chinese hamsters this value is 0.0072. The frequencies of chromatid breaks were studied in both species after a single dose of 100 R until 48 h p.i. The frequency in mice decreased more slowly than in hamster spermatogonia. After 12 h p.i. the ratio breaks in mice cells: breaks in hamster cells was 3.5:1, after 24 h this ratio was 5.2:1 after 48 h both frequencies were on the same level. Long-term-experiment: Analysis of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes has been done 5 weeks after irradiation of the mice and 2, and 4 months after irradiation of the Chinese hamsters. The number of observed reciprocal translocations turned out to be higher in spermatogonial mitoses than in diakinesis-metaphases I in each animal. The conclusion is drawn for mice that a selection against abnormal cells is taking place already during pre-meiosis. In hamster pre-meiosis, the results are only indicative for a similar effect.", "PMID": 1002141} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8912", "title": "Quantitative and qualitative study of acrocentric associations in 109 normal subjects.", "content": "This study involving 109 normal subjects shows that the mean number of associations by cell seems to represent a biological constant which is not sex related and increases with age, especially after 33 years. From a qualitative point of view, the associations are not at random and their distribution varies from one individual to another. The tendency to associate is a characteristic of a given chromosome in a given individual.", "contents": "Quantitative and qualitative study of acrocentric associations in 109 normal subjects. This study involving 109 normal subjects shows that the mean number of associations by cell seems to represent a biological constant which is not sex related and increases with age, especially after 33 years. From a qualitative point of view, the associations are not at random and their distribution varies from one individual to another. The tendency to associate is a characteristic of a given chromosome in a given individual.", "PMID": 1002142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8913", "title": "Staining of the spindle apparatus in human lymphocyte and fibroblast cultures.", "content": "The spindle apparatus of human mitoses can be preferentially stained with Giemsa if the cells are fixed with methanol--acetic acid and treated for about 15 min with 0.1 X SSC at 92 degrees C and for 18 h with 2 X SSC at 60 degrees C.", "contents": "Staining of the spindle apparatus in human lymphocyte and fibroblast cultures. The spindle apparatus of human mitoses can be preferentially stained with Giemsa if the cells are fixed with methanol--acetic acid and treated for about 15 min with 0.1 X SSC at 92 degrees C and for 18 h with 2 X SSC at 60 degrees C.", "PMID": 1002143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8914", "title": "Stability of X chromosome differentiation in mouse embryos. Reversal may not be responsible for the extreme X-inactivation mosaicism in extraembryonic membranes.", "content": "By means of a double labeling method with H3-thymidine and 5-bromodeoxyuridine, it was found that the X chromosome showed no sign of change from an allocyclic to an isocyclic state, or vice vers in 6.5- and 7.5-day mouse embryos. Thus, reversal of allocycly may not account for the predominance of cells with the paternally derived X chromosome inactive in the yolk sac and the chorion of the mouse embryo.", "contents": "Stability of X chromosome differentiation in mouse embryos. Reversal may not be responsible for the extreme X-inactivation mosaicism in extraembryonic membranes. By means of a double labeling method with H3-thymidine and 5-bromodeoxyuridine, it was found that the X chromosome showed no sign of change from an allocyclic to an isocyclic state, or vice vers in 6.5- and 7.5-day mouse embryos. Thus, reversal of allocycly may not account for the predominance of cells with the paternally derived X chromosome inactive in the yolk sac and the chorion of the mouse embryo.", "PMID": 1002144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8915", "title": "Possible intrachromosomal duplication in a case of trisomy 9p.", "content": "A 5-year-old boy with multiple minor anomalies and mental retardation was found to have chromosomal condition of 46,XY,inv dup(9p) (pter leads to p13::p21 leads to p24::p13 leads to qter). The clinical features of the propositus fit well with those of trisomy 9p which have been established to be a clinical entity.", "contents": "Possible intrachromosomal duplication in a case of trisomy 9p. A 5-year-old boy with multiple minor anomalies and mental retardation was found to have chromosomal condition of 46,XY,inv dup(9p) (pter leads to p13::p21 leads to p24::p13 leads to qter). The clinical features of the propositus fit well with those of trisomy 9p which have been established to be a clinical entity.", "PMID": 1002145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8916", "title": "Trisomy 4p due to a paternal t(4p-;16p+) translocation.", "content": "A patient is described carrying a duplication 4p12 leads to pter due to a paternal translocation: 46,XY,t(4;16) (p12;p13). Involvement of chromosome No. 16 and the heterogeneity of the clinical picture in cases with dup (4p) are discussed.", "contents": "Trisomy 4p due to a paternal t(4p-;16p+) translocation. A patient is described carrying a duplication 4p12 leads to pter due to a paternal translocation: 46,XY,t(4;16) (p12;p13). Involvement of chromosome No. 16 and the heterogeneity of the clinical picture in cases with dup (4p) are discussed.", "PMID": 1002146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8917", "title": "Cytogenetic survey of a hospital for the mentally retarded.", "content": "A cytogenetic survey of all 588 patients in Strathmont Training Centre, an Australian hospital for the mentally retarded, was carried out. Abnormal karyotypes were found in 90 (15.3%) patients, of whom 73 (12.4%) had clinical Down syndrome, 12 (2.04%) other autosomal abnormalities, and 5 (0.85%) sex chromosome abnormalities.", "contents": "Cytogenetic survey of a hospital for the mentally retarded. A cytogenetic survey of all 588 patients in Strathmont Training Centre, an Australian hospital for the mentally retarded, was carried out. Abnormal karyotypes were found in 90 (15.3%) patients, of whom 73 (12.4%) had clinical Down syndrome, 12 (2.04%) other autosomal abnormalities, and 5 (0.85%) sex chromosome abnormalities.", "PMID": 1002147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8918", "title": "Chromosomal damage in epileptics on monotherapy with carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin.", "content": "We analyzed the leukocyte chromosomes of 10 epileptic probands on monotherapy with carbamazepine (CP), of 14 epileptic probands on monotherapy with diphenylhydantoin (DPH) and of 20 clinically normal probands (controls, CO). In the CP and in the DPH group we found a significant elevation of exchange-type aberrations as compared to the CO group. In the CP group we found predominantly chromatid translocations, in the DPH group exclusively dicentric chromosomes.", "contents": "Chromosomal damage in epileptics on monotherapy with carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin. We analyzed the leukocyte chromosomes of 10 epileptic probands on monotherapy with carbamazepine (CP), of 14 epileptic probands on monotherapy with diphenylhydantoin (DPH) and of 20 clinically normal probands (controls, CO). In the CP and in the DPH group we found a significant elevation of exchange-type aberrations as compared to the CO group. In the CP group we found predominantly chromatid translocations, in the DPH group exclusively dicentric chromosomes.", "PMID": 1002148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8919", "title": "Studies on frequency of Y chromatin in human sperm.", "content": "The preparation and evaluation of human ejaculate smears on cover glasses enables double-sided examination of the individual sperm heads in the fluorescence microscope. By this method of observation the frequency of Y chromatin in the ejaculates of 19 probands increased significantly to between 1.7 and 6.3%. However, the frequency of 50% Y chromatin-positive sperms theoretically to be expected is not found by applying this technique. Furthermore, sexual abstention of at least 14 days leads to a statistically significant decrease of the frequency of Y chromatin. These observations could explain why the data on Y chromatin frequency reported in the literature appear so inconsistent.", "contents": "Studies on frequency of Y chromatin in human sperm. The preparation and evaluation of human ejaculate smears on cover glasses enables double-sided examination of the individual sperm heads in the fluorescence microscope. By this method of observation the frequency of Y chromatin in the ejaculates of 19 probands increased significantly to between 1.7 and 6.3%. However, the frequency of 50% Y chromatin-positive sperms theoretically to be expected is not found by applying this technique. Furthermore, sexual abstention of at least 14 days leads to a statistically significant decrease of the frequency of Y chromatin. These observations could explain why the data on Y chromatin frequency reported in the literature appear so inconsistent.", "PMID": 1002149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8920", "title": "Hand dermatoglyphics in trisomy 4p.", "content": "A dermatoglyphic analysis of the hands of 16 patients with trisomy for the short arm of chromosome 4 has revealed an increased frequency of whorl patterns on fingertips, presence of axial triradii in position t' on palms and an increase of the main line index. Although of little diagnostic value these changes must be included in the constellation of major signs which characterize the 4p trisomy syndrome.", "contents": "Hand dermatoglyphics in trisomy 4p. A dermatoglyphic analysis of the hands of 16 patients with trisomy for the short arm of chromosome 4 has revealed an increased frequency of whorl patterns on fingertips, presence of axial triradii in position t' on palms and an increase of the main line index. Although of little diagnostic value these changes must be included in the constellation of major signs which characterize the 4p trisomy syndrome.", "PMID": 1002150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8921", "title": "Rapid prenatal and postnatal detection of inborn errors of propionate, methylmalonate, and cobalamin metabolism: a sensitive assay using cultured cells.", "content": "A sensitive, reliable, and easily performed procedure is described for the prenatal and postnatal detection of inborn errors of propionate, methylmalonate, and cobalamin metabolism using cultured amniotic cells and skin fibroblasts. With this assay, control fibroblast lines incorporated a mean of 6.89 nanoatoms 14C/mg protein from [1-14C]propionate into trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-precipitable cell material in 10 h. Twenty-five mutant fibroblast lines from patients with propionicacidemia or one of the methylmalonicacidemias fixed 0.04 to 0.93 nanoatoms 14C/mg. Considerable variation was observed, both among and within discrete mutant classes, with respect to the residual amount of propionate pathway activity, possibly reflecting further molecular heterogeneity in these disorders. We applied this procedure to cultured amniotic cells from controls and 4 midtrimester pregnancies at risk for methylmalonicacidemia and diagnosed one fetus with a methylmalonyl CoA apomutase defect and 3 fetuses which were unaffected.", "contents": "Rapid prenatal and postnatal detection of inborn errors of propionate, methylmalonate, and cobalamin metabolism: a sensitive assay using cultured cells. A sensitive, reliable, and easily performed procedure is described for the prenatal and postnatal detection of inborn errors of propionate, methylmalonate, and cobalamin metabolism using cultured amniotic cells and skin fibroblasts. With this assay, control fibroblast lines incorporated a mean of 6.89 nanoatoms 14C/mg protein from [1-14C]propionate into trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-precipitable cell material in 10 h. Twenty-five mutant fibroblast lines from patients with propionicacidemia or one of the methylmalonicacidemias fixed 0.04 to 0.93 nanoatoms 14C/mg. Considerable variation was observed, both among and within discrete mutant classes, with respect to the residual amount of propionate pathway activity, possibly reflecting further molecular heterogeneity in these disorders. We applied this procedure to cultured amniotic cells from controls and 4 midtrimester pregnancies at risk for methylmalonicacidemia and diagnosed one fetus with a methylmalonyl CoA apomutase defect and 3 fetuses which were unaffected.", "PMID": 1002151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8922", "title": "G6PD Lozere and Trinacria-like. Segregation of two non hemolytic variants in a French family.", "content": "Two new G6PD variants have been found in red blood cells of the members of a French family originating from Lozere. The father is hemizygous for an electrophoretically fast variant with mild enzyme deficiency (50--60% of normal). The abnormal paternal G6PD gene is segregating in his daughter who is double heterozygous for maternal and paternal variants. This mutant enzyme, different from previously described variants is designated as Gd Lozere. The mother is heterozygous for another G6PD variant. Two sons are hemizygous for this latter mutant enzyme characterized by a moderate deficiency (25--30% of normal) and slower electrophoretic mobility with some slightly altered kinetic properties. This G6PD had been identified as Gd Trinacria like. These two abnormal enzymes are not associated with any hemolytic problem. Case reported is the first showing the segregation of two new mutant enzymes, distinct from common G6PD variants, among the members of the same family.", "contents": "G6PD Lozere and Trinacria-like. Segregation of two non hemolytic variants in a French family. Two new G6PD variants have been found in red blood cells of the members of a French family originating from Lozere. The father is hemizygous for an electrophoretically fast variant with mild enzyme deficiency (50--60% of normal). The abnormal paternal G6PD gene is segregating in his daughter who is double heterozygous for maternal and paternal variants. This mutant enzyme, different from previously described variants is designated as Gd Lozere. The mother is heterozygous for another G6PD variant. Two sons are hemizygous for this latter mutant enzyme characterized by a moderate deficiency (25--30% of normal) and slower electrophoretic mobility with some slightly altered kinetic properties. This G6PD had been identified as Gd Trinacria like. These two abnormal enzymes are not associated with any hemolytic problem. Case reported is the first showing the segregation of two new mutant enzymes, distinct from common G6PD variants, among the members of the same family.", "PMID": 1002152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8923", "title": "The distribution of esterase D variants in different ethnic groups.", "content": "Blood samples collected from a number of human populations belonging to various ethnic groups were screened on cellogel for red-cell esterase D (ESD) variants. These data gathered during the present study together with those that have already appeared in the literature indicate that the common variant allele ESD2 occurs most frequently in the Mongoloid populations, least frequently in the Negroid, and with intermediate frequencies in the Caucasoids. An east to west cline was noticed in the northern populations of the Indian subcontinent; ESD2 gene frequencies in these populations were found to range between those among the Mongoloids and the Caucasoids.", "contents": "The distribution of esterase D variants in different ethnic groups. Blood samples collected from a number of human populations belonging to various ethnic groups were screened on cellogel for red-cell esterase D (ESD) variants. These data gathered during the present study together with those that have already appeared in the literature indicate that the common variant allele ESD2 occurs most frequently in the Mongoloid populations, least frequently in the Negroid, and with intermediate frequencies in the Caucasoids. An east to west cline was noticed in the northern populations of the Indian subcontinent; ESD2 gene frequencies in these populations were found to range between those among the Mongoloids and the Caucasoids.", "PMID": 1002153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8924", "title": "The red cell 3 phosphoglycerate kinase polymorphism. Report of a new allele.", "content": "Blood samples from 778 Burundian, Rwandan, and Zairan negroes were examined by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate for phosphoglycerate kinase polymorphism. PGK 1 was observed in all but 6 hemolysates; in these cases a new allele was detected, having a frequency of about 0.018 in Rwandans.", "contents": "The red cell 3 phosphoglycerate kinase polymorphism. Report of a new allele. Blood samples from 778 Burundian, Rwandan, and Zairan negroes were examined by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate for phosphoglycerate kinase polymorphism. PGK 1 was observed in all but 6 hemolysates; in these cases a new allele was detected, having a frequency of about 0.018 in Rwandans.", "PMID": 1002154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8925", "title": "\"Jumping\" satellites in three generations: a warning for paternity tests and prenatal diagnosis.", "content": "Prominent intensely fluorescent satellites on one chromosome 22 seem to have been transferred, during gametogenesis of a male carrier of a balanced 10/22 translocation, from the normal 22 to the translocated 22 in his daughter and son, both carriers of the translocation. Prenatal diagnosis was performed in the carrier daughter and in the chromosomally normal female foetus the satellites have jumped back to one normal chromosome 22. The phenomenon is probably due to exchanges between the short arms of chromosome 22 at meiotic pairing in the father and in his daughter. These observations give a warning for caution in the use of marker variants for paternity tests and prenatal diagnosis.", "contents": "\"Jumping\" satellites in three generations: a warning for paternity tests and prenatal diagnosis. Prominent intensely fluorescent satellites on one chromosome 22 seem to have been transferred, during gametogenesis of a male carrier of a balanced 10/22 translocation, from the normal 22 to the translocated 22 in his daughter and son, both carriers of the translocation. Prenatal diagnosis was performed in the carrier daughter and in the chromosomally normal female foetus the satellites have jumped back to one normal chromosome 22. The phenomenon is probably due to exchanges between the short arms of chromosome 22 at meiotic pairing in the father and in his daughter. These observations give a warning for caution in the use of marker variants for paternity tests and prenatal diagnosis.", "PMID": 1002155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8926", "title": "Partial monosomy 22 as the result of an unbalanced translocation 5:22 in a patient with cri-du-chat syndrome.", "content": "A 2-year-old boy with features suggestive of cri-du-chat syndrome had a complex karyotype: 45,XY,--22,5p--,t(5p:22q). Clinical symptoms were catlike cry in early infancy, severe mental and motor retardation, failure to thrive, hypertelorism, antimongoloid slant of the eyes, ptosis of the eyelids, epicanthus, micrognathia, dermatoglyphics abnormalities, and partial syndactyly between 2nd and 3rd toes.", "contents": "Partial monosomy 22 as the result of an unbalanced translocation 5:22 in a patient with cri-du-chat syndrome. A 2-year-old boy with features suggestive of cri-du-chat syndrome had a complex karyotype: 45,XY,--22,5p--,t(5p:22q). Clinical symptoms were catlike cry in early infancy, severe mental and motor retardation, failure to thrive, hypertelorism, antimongoloid slant of the eyes, ptosis of the eyelids, epicanthus, micrognathia, dermatoglyphics abnormalities, and partial syndactyly between 2nd and 3rd toes.", "PMID": 1002156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8927", "title": "Trisomy 9 associated with an enlarged 9qh segment in a liveborn.", "content": "This report describes the third case of a complete trisomy 9 in a liveborn infant. A tentative explanation for the origin of a \"very large\" h-segment which was not present in either parent of the proposita is put forward.", "contents": "Trisomy 9 associated with an enlarged 9qh segment in a liveborn. This report describes the third case of a complete trisomy 9 in a liveborn infant. A tentative explanation for the origin of a \"very large\" h-segment which was not present in either parent of the proposita is put forward.", "PMID": 1002157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8928", "title": "Esterase D polymorphism in Chinese and Japanese.", "content": "Esterase D phenotypes have been determined in Chinese and Japanese populations in the San Francisco area. The EsD1 gene frequencies were 0.612 for the Chinese population and 0.582 for the Japanese population.", "contents": "Esterase D polymorphism in Chinese and Japanese. Esterase D phenotypes have been determined in Chinese and Japanese populations in the San Francisco area. The EsD1 gene frequencies were 0.612 for the Chinese population and 0.582 for the Japanese population.", "PMID": 1002158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8929", "title": "Length of human C-bands in relation to the degree of chromosome condensation.", "content": "The C-band length of human chromosome 1 in prophase and prematurely condensed interphase chromosomes is relatively shorter than in metaphase chromosomes. However, even in chromosomes with the same degree of contraction the absolute length of the C-band varies considerably. This allocyclic behaviour of human constitutive heterochromatin has to be kept in mind if C-bands of different individuals are compared.", "contents": "Length of human C-bands in relation to the degree of chromosome condensation. The C-band length of human chromosome 1 in prophase and prematurely condensed interphase chromosomes is relatively shorter than in metaphase chromosomes. However, even in chromosomes with the same degree of contraction the absolute length of the C-band varies considerably. This allocyclic behaviour of human constitutive heterochromatin has to be kept in mind if C-bands of different individuals are compared.", "PMID": 1002159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8930", "title": "Trisomy 6 associated with aplastic anemia.", "content": "A clone with 47 chromosomes was observed in the bone marrow of a patient with aplastic anemia and found to be trisomic for chromosome 6. The abnormal clone was not observed in the peripheral blood.", "contents": "Trisomy 6 associated with aplastic anemia. A clone with 47 chromosomes was observed in the bone marrow of a patient with aplastic anemia and found to be trisomic for chromosome 6. The abnormal clone was not observed in the peripheral blood.", "PMID": 1002160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8931", "title": "Chromosome 7 short arm deletion and craniosynostosis. A 7p-syndrome.", "content": "A patient with craniosynostosis and a small deletion of part of the short arm of chromosome 7 is described. A review of the literature indicates that craniosynostosis has occurred in at least four of the five infants (the fifth having microcephaly) affected by structural changes (resulting in deletion) within the terminal region of the short arm of chromosome 7.", "contents": "Chromosome 7 short arm deletion and craniosynostosis. A 7p-syndrome. A patient with craniosynostosis and a small deletion of part of the short arm of chromosome 7 is described. A review of the literature indicates that craniosynostosis has occurred in at least four of the five infants (the fifth having microcephaly) affected by structural changes (resulting in deletion) within the terminal region of the short arm of chromosome 7.", "PMID": 1002161} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8932", "title": "Chromosomal constitution of nucleolus-associated chromatin in man.", "content": "Use of specific stains permits analysis of the frequency of nucleolus-associated heterochromatin in chromosomes 1 and 9 from human fibroblasts. In 81 per cent of interphase nuclei the heterochromatic segment of both No. 1 chromosomes is associated with the nucleolus, while in 19 per cent only one heterochromatic segment shows such an association with the other occupying a random position in the nucleoplasm. The nucleolar association of chromosome 9 heterochromatin is less constant: in 42.3 per cent of the nuclei both segments are associated with the nucleolus, in 39 per cent of the nuclei only one heterochromatic segment presents such an association, and in 18.7 per cent neither of the two heterochromatic segments is in nucleolar association. In 6 per cent of the cells, one or two chromosome 9 heterochromatic segments are in contact with the nuclear membrane. In situ hybridization using tritium-labeled 28S and 18S RNA shows that in the interphase nucleus the acrocentric short arms, carriers of ribosomal cistrons, are associated with the nucleolus. These observations demonstrate the complexity of the nucleolus-associated chromatin which, in addition to segments of chromosomes 1, 9, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, may include the Y chromosome. They also confirm that the nucleolus constitutes one of the orientation points determining the relative localization of chromosomes in the interphase nucleus.", "contents": "Chromosomal constitution of nucleolus-associated chromatin in man. Use of specific stains permits analysis of the frequency of nucleolus-associated heterochromatin in chromosomes 1 and 9 from human fibroblasts. In 81 per cent of interphase nuclei the heterochromatic segment of both No. 1 chromosomes is associated with the nucleolus, while in 19 per cent only one heterochromatic segment shows such an association with the other occupying a random position in the nucleoplasm. The nucleolar association of chromosome 9 heterochromatin is less constant: in 42.3 per cent of the nuclei both segments are associated with the nucleolus, in 39 per cent of the nuclei only one heterochromatic segment presents such an association, and in 18.7 per cent neither of the two heterochromatic segments is in nucleolar association. In 6 per cent of the cells, one or two chromosome 9 heterochromatic segments are in contact with the nuclear membrane. In situ hybridization using tritium-labeled 28S and 18S RNA shows that in the interphase nucleus the acrocentric short arms, carriers of ribosomal cistrons, are associated with the nucleolus. These observations demonstrate the complexity of the nucleolus-associated chromatin which, in addition to segments of chromosomes 1, 9, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, may include the Y chromosome. They also confirm that the nucleolus constitutes one of the orientation points determining the relative localization of chromosomes in the interphase nucleus.", "PMID": 1002162} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8933", "title": "Chromosomal and clinical findings in 110 females with Turner syndrome.", "content": "One hundred and ten patients with abnormal karyotypes who were referred to the Department of Medical Genetics with the possible diagnosis of Turner syndrome were reviewed. The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities and clinical findings in the different chromosomal types are summarized.", "contents": "Chromosomal and clinical findings in 110 females with Turner syndrome. One hundred and ten patients with abnormal karyotypes who were referred to the Department of Medical Genetics with the possible diagnosis of Turner syndrome were reviewed. The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities and clinical findings in the different chromosomal types are summarized.", "PMID": 1002163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8934", "title": "A new genetic variant of galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase.", "content": "The enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (E.C.2.7.7.12), which has an important function in the metabolism of galactose, exists in multiple molecular forms. The different phenotypes are genetically determined. They can be distinguished according to their electrophoretic mobility. The enzymatic activity of the different gene products varies within certain limits. A new phenotype of the enzyme has been detected in the red cells of a healthy individual. The electrophoretic migration of this phenotype is slower compared to the wild type and its enzymatic activity is lower, but still sufficient as not to cause galactosemia. An extensive family study revealed that the rare gene is inherited according to mendelian law. Independently the same gene product has been detected in two other, nonrelated individuals out of a total of 1668 samples tested. The gene frequency can therefore be estimated to 0.0009 in the Swiss population. We suggest that the new type be called Berne variant of galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase.", "contents": "A new genetic variant of galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase. The enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (E.C.2.7.7.12), which has an important function in the metabolism of galactose, exists in multiple molecular forms. The different phenotypes are genetically determined. They can be distinguished according to their electrophoretic mobility. The enzymatic activity of the different gene products varies within certain limits. A new phenotype of the enzyme has been detected in the red cells of a healthy individual. The electrophoretic migration of this phenotype is slower compared to the wild type and its enzymatic activity is lower, but still sufficient as not to cause galactosemia. An extensive family study revealed that the rare gene is inherited according to mendelian law. Independently the same gene product has been detected in two other, nonrelated individuals out of a total of 1668 samples tested. The gene frequency can therefore be estimated to 0.0009 in the Swiss population. We suggest that the new type be called Berne variant of galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase.", "PMID": 1002164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8935", "title": "The human leukocyte test system. X. higher sensitivity to X-irradiation in the G0 stage of the cell cycle of early as compared to late replicating cells.", "content": "Leukocyte cultures were set up with X-irradiated whole blood (200 R). Cells starting with their DNA synthesis between 25 and 35 h after cultureinitiation (\"early replicating cells\") were pulse-labeled with tritiated thymidine ([3H]TdR). Mitoses were collected with colcemid in adjacent intervals from 36 up to 72 h after culture initiation. At fixation times of 50, 56, 62, and 72 h enough mitoses for a determination of the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations (dicentric and ring chromosomes) were found. After that the preparations were processed for autoradiography. All mitoses analyzed for chromosomal aberrations were re-analyzed for labeling, and the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations in labeled (=\"late replicating cells\") mitoses were compared. At all fixation times, higher frequencies of dicentric chromosomes were found in labeled as compared to unlabeled mitoses, indicating a higher sensitivity of early replicating cells to X-irradiation in the G0 stage of the cell cycle.", "contents": "The human leukocyte test system. X. higher sensitivity to X-irradiation in the G0 stage of the cell cycle of early as compared to late replicating cells. Leukocyte cultures were set up with X-irradiated whole blood (200 R). Cells starting with their DNA synthesis between 25 and 35 h after cultureinitiation (\"early replicating cells\") were pulse-labeled with tritiated thymidine ([3H]TdR). Mitoses were collected with colcemid in adjacent intervals from 36 up to 72 h after culture initiation. At fixation times of 50, 56, 62, and 72 h enough mitoses for a determination of the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations (dicentric and ring chromosomes) were found. After that the preparations were processed for autoradiography. All mitoses analyzed for chromosomal aberrations were re-analyzed for labeling, and the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations in labeled (=\"late replicating cells\") mitoses were compared. At all fixation times, higher frequencies of dicentric chromosomes were found in labeled as compared to unlabeled mitoses, indicating a higher sensitivity of early replicating cells to X-irradiation in the G0 stage of the cell cycle.", "PMID": 1002165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8936", "title": "Localization of the Bf locus within the HLA region. Report on an informative family and critical evaluation of available data on Bf mapping.", "content": "Since the estimation of recombination fractions is only an arbitrary means to map genetic loci on chromosomal regions, family studies of cases with informative cross-overs within the region in question are of decisive importance. This paper reports the study of a family with a HLA-B to HLA-D cross-over which is informative in the Bf system. The possible reasons for conflicting published data on Bf gene mapping are discussed.", "contents": "Localization of the Bf locus within the HLA region. Report on an informative family and critical evaluation of available data on Bf mapping. Since the estimation of recombination fractions is only an arbitrary means to map genetic loci on chromosomal regions, family studies of cases with informative cross-overs within the region in question are of decisive importance. This paper reports the study of a family with a HLA-B to HLA-D cross-over which is informative in the Bf system. The possible reasons for conflicting published data on Bf gene mapping are discussed.", "PMID": 1002166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8937", "title": "Laser UV microirradiation of interphase nuclei and post-treatment with caffeine. A new approach to establish the arrangement of interphase chromosomes.", "content": "Laser UV microirradiation of Chinese hamster interphase cells combined with caffeine post-treatment produced different patterns of chromosome damage in mitosis following irradiation of a small area of the nucleus that may be classified in three categories: I)intact metaphase figures, II)chromosome damage confined to a small area of the metaphase spread, III)mitotic figures with damage on all chromosomes. Category III might be the consequence of a non-localized distortion of nuclear metabolism. By contrast, category II may reflect localized DNA damage induced by microirradiation, which could not be efficiently repaired due to the effect of caffeine. If this interpretation is right, in metaphase figures of category II chromosome damage should occur only at the irradiation site. The effect might then be used to investigate neighbourhood relationships of individual chromosomes in the interphase nucleus.", "contents": "Laser UV microirradiation of interphase nuclei and post-treatment with caffeine. A new approach to establish the arrangement of interphase chromosomes. Laser UV microirradiation of Chinese hamster interphase cells combined with caffeine post-treatment produced different patterns of chromosome damage in mitosis following irradiation of a small area of the nucleus that may be classified in three categories: I)intact metaphase figures, II)chromosome damage confined to a small area of the metaphase spread, III)mitotic figures with damage on all chromosomes. Category III might be the consequence of a non-localized distortion of nuclear metabolism. By contrast, category II may reflect localized DNA damage induced by microirradiation, which could not be efficiently repaired due to the effect of caffeine. If this interpretation is right, in metaphase figures of category II chromosome damage should occur only at the irradiation site. The effect might then be used to investigate neighbourhood relationships of individual chromosomes in the interphase nucleus.", "PMID": 1002167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8938", "title": "Glutamic pyruvic transaminase and esterase D types in the Asian-Pacific area.", "content": "More than 11000 blood samples have been examined for glutamicpyruvic transaminase (GPT) and almost 9000 for Esterase D(EsD) in the Asian-Pacific area; GPT3 and GPT6 were detected in several population groups in New Guinea, Singapore and some Pacific islands. No previously undescribed alleles were found in either system.", "contents": "Glutamic pyruvic transaminase and esterase D types in the Asian-Pacific area. More than 11000 blood samples have been examined for glutamicpyruvic transaminase (GPT) and almost 9000 for Esterase D(EsD) in the Asian-Pacific area; GPT3 and GPT6 were detected in several population groups in New Guinea, Singapore and some Pacific islands. No previously undescribed alleles were found in either system.", "PMID": 1002168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8939", "title": "Asbestos cancers as an example of the problem of comparative risks.", "content": "Major differences in excess cancer risks have occurred in the asbestos industry in the past; part of this difference is probably related tp dustiness, part to the type of fibre used. In the case of mesotheliomas there is evidence of a major effect of the fibre type in the order of risk, crocidolite greater than amosite greater than chrysotile greater than anthophyllite. Differences of risk within an industry indicate that there is a dose response relation for both bronchial cancers and mesotheliomas. Also that in some instances it has been possible to identify lightly exposed groups in which no excess risks were detectable. As these least exposed groups are likely to have had several orders of magnitude heavier exposure than the general population, the risks to the general public are likely to be negligible. Bronchial cancers in absolute numbers are the major excess risk and are highly smoking-related. Stopping cigarette smoking is likely to be of paramount importance in reducing the excess cancer risks in asbestos-exposed individuals. Cancers in other sites which may possibly be related to asbestos exposure need further study even though the magnitude of the excess risk has been small compared to the lung cancers. In my view it is now possible to use the epidemiological evidence and experimental results to predict with fair confidence the physical and chemical characters and dose of natural and man-made fibres which will not cause a significant hazard in the future.", "contents": "Asbestos cancers as an example of the problem of comparative risks. Major differences in excess cancer risks have occurred in the asbestos industry in the past; part of this difference is probably related tp dustiness, part to the type of fibre used. In the case of mesotheliomas there is evidence of a major effect of the fibre type in the order of risk, crocidolite greater than amosite greater than chrysotile greater than anthophyllite. Differences of risk within an industry indicate that there is a dose response relation for both bronchial cancers and mesotheliomas. Also that in some instances it has been possible to identify lightly exposed groups in which no excess risks were detectable. As these least exposed groups are likely to have had several orders of magnitude heavier exposure than the general population, the risks to the general public are likely to be negligible. Bronchial cancers in absolute numbers are the major excess risk and are highly smoking-related. Stopping cigarette smoking is likely to be of paramount importance in reducing the excess cancer risks in asbestos-exposed individuals. Cancers in other sites which may possibly be related to asbestos exposure need further study even though the magnitude of the excess risk has been small compared to the lung cancers. In my view it is now possible to use the epidemiological evidence and experimental results to predict with fair confidence the physical and chemical characters and dose of natural and man-made fibres which will not cause a significant hazard in the future.", "PMID": 1002169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8940", "title": "Effect of changed working techniques on asbestos dust levels in the working environment.", "content": "The methods are presented for correcting the working environment when asbestos dust concentrations are too high. Asbestos dust, being fibrous, remains suspended longer than most industrial dusts, and has a tendency to pack and cling together. Sophisticated monitoring techniques have made possible the attainment of standards that are effective in controlling risks of asbestos related diseases. The most difficult situation to control is the dust produced in stripping old asbestos lagging, but predamping has greatly reduced the contamination. Special attention has been paid to the special needs of people working with asbestos on building sites. Special hoods have been designed to protect workers drilling, cutting and sanding asbestos material. The Environmental Control Committee has prepared a series of Control and Safety Guides and a Code of Practice for the Disposal of Asbestos Waste Material as part of activities to promote new and improved methods of dust control.", "contents": "Effect of changed working techniques on asbestos dust levels in the working environment. The methods are presented for correcting the working environment when asbestos dust concentrations are too high. Asbestos dust, being fibrous, remains suspended longer than most industrial dusts, and has a tendency to pack and cling together. Sophisticated monitoring techniques have made possible the attainment of standards that are effective in controlling risks of asbestos related diseases. The most difficult situation to control is the dust produced in stripping old asbestos lagging, but predamping has greatly reduced the contamination. Special attention has been paid to the special needs of people working with asbestos on building sites. Special hoods have been designed to protect workers drilling, cutting and sanding asbestos material. The Environmental Control Committee has prepared a series of Control and Safety Guides and a Code of Practice for the Disposal of Asbestos Waste Material as part of activities to promote new and improved methods of dust control.", "PMID": 1002171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8941", "title": "Occupational chemical carcinogenesis: new facts, priorities and perspectives.", "content": "There is need for a new active approach to the problem of occupational carcinogenesis. It is no longer acceptable to adopt a \"wait and see\" attitude since: 1. evidence suggests that cancer is an \"ecological\" disease; 2. The carcinogenic risk has been increasing as industrialisation increased; 3. Factory workers are the most exposed population and hazards spread from the work-place to the general population as consumer goods and pollution. It is necessary and possible, to identify potential carcinogens before workers and the general population are exposed. That predictive experiments could be done, is exemplified by the history of stilboestrol, bis (chloromethyl) ether, vinyl chloride and chromium pigments, all of which were reported carcinogenic in animal tests before any epidemiological results were available. Unforturnately, these results were received with scepticism because the test methods were thought to be inadequate. It is necessary to develop the future policy of prevention by: 1. establishing a priority for testing compounds already produced and widespread in occurence and those about to be produced on a large scale; 2. establishing experimental models for determining carcinogenic risk, especially rapid screening tests; 3. study of the more important compounds by long-term bioassays. Full details are given of the testing of vinyl chloride monamer and preliminary results are tabulated for tests on styrene, acrylonitrile and vinylidene chloride.", "contents": "Occupational chemical carcinogenesis: new facts, priorities and perspectives. There is need for a new active approach to the problem of occupational carcinogenesis. It is no longer acceptable to adopt a \"wait and see\" attitude since: 1. evidence suggests that cancer is an \"ecological\" disease; 2. The carcinogenic risk has been increasing as industrialisation increased; 3. Factory workers are the most exposed population and hazards spread from the work-place to the general population as consumer goods and pollution. It is necessary and possible, to identify potential carcinogens before workers and the general population are exposed. That predictive experiments could be done, is exemplified by the history of stilboestrol, bis (chloromethyl) ether, vinyl chloride and chromium pigments, all of which were reported carcinogenic in animal tests before any epidemiological results were available. Unforturnately, these results were received with scepticism because the test methods were thought to be inadequate. It is necessary to develop the future policy of prevention by: 1. establishing a priority for testing compounds already produced and widespread in occurence and those about to be produced on a large scale; 2. establishing experimental models for determining carcinogenic risk, especially rapid screening tests; 3. study of the more important compounds by long-term bioassays. Full details are given of the testing of vinyl chloride monamer and preliminary results are tabulated for tests on styrene, acrylonitrile and vinylidene chloride.", "PMID": 1002172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8942", "title": "Metabolism of 14 C-vinyl chloride in vitro and in vivo.", "content": "Rat liver microsomes metabolise 14 C-vinyl chloride to intermediates which irreversibly bind to the microsomal protein and to soluble proteins and RNA, when these compounds are added to the incubation. A superoxide (O2) generating system comprised of phenazine methosulfate and NADH also converts 14 C-vinyl chloride to metabolites which irreversibly bind to albumin. These data are consistent with the assumption of chloroethylene oxide being the primary reactive metabolite of vinyl chloride. If rats are exposed to 14 C-vinyl chloride, about half of the radioactive metabolites in the liver microsomal fraction is bound irreversibly to microsomal protein, when assessed immediately after exposure. Large amounts of polar, extractable, metabolites are present in the cytosol fraction. The amount of radioactivity in tissues of the rats, irreversibly bound immediately after exposure, comprises 10 - 40% of the total radioactivity in tissues. This percentage rises up to 70% after 48 hrs. Som radioactivity derived from 14 C-vinyl chloride is also incorporated into DNA and RNA of liver. Whereas the peak of incorporation of 14 C into DNA is already reached immediately after exposure to 14 C-vinyl chloride, specific labelling of RNA increases after exposure until its maximum after 24 hours.", "contents": "Metabolism of 14 C-vinyl chloride in vitro and in vivo. Rat liver microsomes metabolise 14 C-vinyl chloride to intermediates which irreversibly bind to the microsomal protein and to soluble proteins and RNA, when these compounds are added to the incubation. A superoxide (O2) generating system comprised of phenazine methosulfate and NADH also converts 14 C-vinyl chloride to metabolites which irreversibly bind to albumin. These data are consistent with the assumption of chloroethylene oxide being the primary reactive metabolite of vinyl chloride. If rats are exposed to 14 C-vinyl chloride, about half of the radioactive metabolites in the liver microsomal fraction is bound irreversibly to microsomal protein, when assessed immediately after exposure. Large amounts of polar, extractable, metabolites are present in the cytosol fraction. The amount of radioactivity in tissues of the rats, irreversibly bound immediately after exposure, comprises 10 - 40% of the total radioactivity in tissues. This percentage rises up to 70% after 48 hrs. Som radioactivity derived from 14 C-vinyl chloride is also incorporated into DNA and RNA of liver. Whereas the peak of incorporation of 14 C into DNA is already reached immediately after exposure to 14 C-vinyl chloride, specific labelling of RNA increases after exposure until its maximum after 24 hours.", "PMID": 1002173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8943", "title": "Carcinogenic potential of chlorinated ethylenes tentative molecular rules.", "content": "Chlorinated ethylenes are activated in mammalian metabolism to oxiranes. Only those with asymmetric chlorine substitution are mutagenic (trichloroethylene, vinylidence chloride and vinyl chloride) whilst the symetric molecules (tetrachloroethylene, cis- and trans-1.2-dichloroethylene) are inactive in this respect. Thus, stability of the oxirances (higher in the symmetric molecules, lower in the asymmetric ones) seems to be the important feature for the mutagenic, and possibly carcinogenic potential.", "contents": "Carcinogenic potential of chlorinated ethylenes tentative molecular rules. Chlorinated ethylenes are activated in mammalian metabolism to oxiranes. Only those with asymmetric chlorine substitution are mutagenic (trichloroethylene, vinylidence chloride and vinyl chloride) whilst the symetric molecules (tetrachloroethylene, cis- and trans-1.2-dichloroethylene) are inactive in this respect. Thus, stability of the oxirances (higher in the symmetric molecules, lower in the asymmetric ones) seems to be the important feature for the mutagenic, and possibly carcinogenic potential.", "PMID": 1002174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8944", "title": "[Chemical carcinogenesis in tissue culture: criteria and transformation tests].", "content": "We belive that there are four criteria for the evaluation of cell transformation in culture: development of transformed colonies, appearance of altered foci when cells sensitive to contact inhibition are used, formation of colonies in agar, and the capacity to induce tumors in animals (tumorigenic potentiality). The formation of transfomred colonies provides a short term (t. of BERWALD-SACHS) to determine the transformating activity of chemical carcinogens. Judging by the published results there is a good correlation between this in vitro test and in vivo results. Nevertheless this test does not seem to me appropriate to studies on the activity of complex mixtures. But the use of a short term test to monitor transformation in the course of long term tests does seem justified and useful. The formation of altered foci is the basis of two intermediate term tests (t. of CHEN-HEIDELBERGER, and t. of HUEBNER'S group). The value of these two tests have been experimentally proven, but their only disadvantage is the necessity of using cells that are not readily available. Formation of colonies in agar is a criterion useful only for the control of cell transformation during long term tests. Tumorigenicity constitutes a long term test. It is the absolute proof of cell transformation. We propose a long term experimental system combined with periodic checks of transformation by cell cloning in liquid medium (criteria of the transformed colonies or altered foci), and by cloning in agar. The reported results show that it is possible to determine cellular transformation accurately without recourse to the animal. This combined long term test permits the classification of treatments based on their transformating capacity.", "contents": "[Chemical carcinogenesis in tissue culture: criteria and transformation tests]. We belive that there are four criteria for the evaluation of cell transformation in culture: development of transformed colonies, appearance of altered foci when cells sensitive to contact inhibition are used, formation of colonies in agar, and the capacity to induce tumors in animals (tumorigenic potentiality). The formation of transfomred colonies provides a short term (t. of BERWALD-SACHS) to determine the transformating activity of chemical carcinogens. Judging by the published results there is a good correlation between this in vitro test and in vivo results. Nevertheless this test does not seem to me appropriate to studies on the activity of complex mixtures. But the use of a short term test to monitor transformation in the course of long term tests does seem justified and useful. The formation of altered foci is the basis of two intermediate term tests (t. of CHEN-HEIDELBERGER, and t. of HUEBNER'S group). The value of these two tests have been experimentally proven, but their only disadvantage is the necessity of using cells that are not readily available. Formation of colonies in agar is a criterion useful only for the control of cell transformation during long term tests. Tumorigenicity constitutes a long term test. It is the absolute proof of cell transformation. We propose a long term experimental system combined with periodic checks of transformation by cell cloning in liquid medium (criteria of the transformed colonies or altered foci), and by cloning in agar. The reported results show that it is possible to determine cellular transformation accurately without recourse to the animal. This combined long term test permits the classification of treatments based on their transformating capacity.", "PMID": 1002175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8945", "title": "Application of the results of carcinogen bioassays to man.", "content": "Animal experiments to test for the possible carcinogenic activity of chemicals provide the best and only deeply researched method for the detection or environmental carcinogens for man. The fact that most known human carcinogens give tumors in animals encourages the belief that these tests have validity. However, there are significant differences in the numbers of the exposed populations of men and animals, in the part of the lifespan during which each is exposed, in the metabolic activation of the carcinogens, and in the longevity of men and experimental rodents. For regulatory purposes, we must assume that the results of bioassay in rodents will closely parallel tumor induction in man, although we cannot be sure of this. In some cases, such as rodent bladder tumors associated with bladder stone, or subcutaneous sarcomas arising locally to massive injection of food dyes, there may be reason to reject an association. It is only by continued research into the way in which both man and laboratory animals react to carcinogens that we may hope to refine our methodologies and obtain an accurate, well-defined net to trap potential environmental carcinogens without depriving the community of chemicals, through false associations or false positive results that may be of great value, sociiologically or economically.", "contents": "Application of the results of carcinogen bioassays to man. Animal experiments to test for the possible carcinogenic activity of chemicals provide the best and only deeply researched method for the detection or environmental carcinogens for man. The fact that most known human carcinogens give tumors in animals encourages the belief that these tests have validity. However, there are significant differences in the numbers of the exposed populations of men and animals, in the part of the lifespan during which each is exposed, in the metabolic activation of the carcinogens, and in the longevity of men and experimental rodents. For regulatory purposes, we must assume that the results of bioassay in rodents will closely parallel tumor induction in man, although we cannot be sure of this. In some cases, such as rodent bladder tumors associated with bladder stone, or subcutaneous sarcomas arising locally to massive injection of food dyes, there may be reason to reject an association. It is only by continued research into the way in which both man and laboratory animals react to carcinogens that we may hope to refine our methodologies and obtain an accurate, well-defined net to trap potential environmental carcinogens without depriving the community of chemicals, through false associations or false positive results that may be of great value, sociiologically or economically.", "PMID": 1002176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8946", "title": "[Capacity of cells in culture to a accumulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at microspectrofluoremetric detectable levels. Preliminary results].", "content": "In the course of more general microspectrofluorometric studies on intracellular metabolic control mechanisms, the behaviour of living cells was investigated in culture media containing traces of Benzo(a)Pryene (BP) difficultly recordable by spectrofluorimetry. A rapid transfer of BP to the intracellular phase with accumulation was observed. In this manner the recording of the hydrocarbon fluorescence emission spectrum from one single cell became very easy. This fact has led to the investigation of the experimental conditions required for a quantitative detection of trace amounts of aromatic hydrocarbons, and the results presented here are the initial finding of such analysis. In a first part, the requirement for a recording of the complete fluorescence emission spectrum will be emphasized as a condition for a quantitative results. The second part of the presentation is devoted to observations effectively made on fluoresence emission spectra recorded from cells grown in the presence of traces of BP. Due to the aim pursued it is evident that the cells selected for this type of studies should exhibit a relatively slow metabolization of the hydrocarbon. Two significant facts emerge: (a) in most cases the fluorescence spectrum recorded from BP-medium grown cells is not identical to that of BP in solution (less defined structure, displaced maxima, and modified relative intensities of maxima). The spectrum observed in the BP medium grown cells is apparently the result of two spectra, one corresponding to a free BP fraction, the other to a BP fraction interacting with cellular constitutents. (b) When the cells were maintained for periods up to one to three months in presence of low amounts of BP, it was noticed that the BP fractions \"interacting\" seemed relatively more significant than in cells non \"adapted\"to BP. Both results are evidently subject to biological intrpretations outside the scope of this communication. However, they permit to draw the attention on the fact, that the quantitative determination of the hydrocarbon in the living cell can be achieved only after definition of a sufficiently precise experimental protocol.", "contents": "[Capacity of cells in culture to a accumulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at microspectrofluoremetric detectable levels. Preliminary results]. In the course of more general microspectrofluorometric studies on intracellular metabolic control mechanisms, the behaviour of living cells was investigated in culture media containing traces of Benzo(a)Pryene (BP) difficultly recordable by spectrofluorimetry. A rapid transfer of BP to the intracellular phase with accumulation was observed. In this manner the recording of the hydrocarbon fluorescence emission spectrum from one single cell became very easy. This fact has led to the investigation of the experimental conditions required for a quantitative detection of trace amounts of aromatic hydrocarbons, and the results presented here are the initial finding of such analysis. In a first part, the requirement for a recording of the complete fluorescence emission spectrum will be emphasized as a condition for a quantitative results. The second part of the presentation is devoted to observations effectively made on fluoresence emission spectra recorded from cells grown in the presence of traces of BP. Due to the aim pursued it is evident that the cells selected for this type of studies should exhibit a relatively slow metabolization of the hydrocarbon. Two significant facts emerge: (a) in most cases the fluorescence spectrum recorded from BP-medium grown cells is not identical to that of BP in solution (less defined structure, displaced maxima, and modified relative intensities of maxima). The spectrum observed in the BP medium grown cells is apparently the result of two spectra, one corresponding to a free BP fraction, the other to a BP fraction interacting with cellular constitutents. (b) When the cells were maintained for periods up to one to three months in presence of low amounts of BP, it was noticed that the BP fractions \"interacting\" seemed relatively more significant than in cells non \"adapted\"to BP. Both results are evidently subject to biological intrpretations outside the scope of this communication. However, they permit to draw the attention on the fact, that the quantitative determination of the hydrocarbon in the living cell can be achieved only after definition of a sufficiently precise experimental protocol.", "PMID": 1002177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8947", "title": "Feasibility of monitoring populations to detect environmental carcinogens.", "content": "In relation to cancer, monitoring, i.e. \"continuing observation in order to decide when changes in incidence or mortality may have occurred\" can be of two types: (a) passive (or routine) monitoring using routinely collected cancer statistics for populations in general (b) active (or exposure-oriented) monitoring in which the cancer experience of groups with specific exposures is compared with that of the non-exposed. The advantages and disadvantages of mortality and morbidity data for passive monitoring are listed. It is concluded that passive monitoring can rarely do more than indicate areas for further study. The potential of active monitoring is examined by consideration of industrial and occupational exposures, the follow-up of persons on prolonged drug therapy (including transplacental effects) and changes in cancer risk following migration. As such studies are often univariate, it may not be possible to allow for the effect of other factors, and confirmatory studies will often be required. It is belived that priority should currently be given to monitoring occupational exposures, particularly those involving chemicals shown by animals studies to have carcinogenic activity. To monitor everybody for everything will result in nothing. The social responsibilities which devolve on monitors, the authorities, both sides of industry and the general public as a result of the establishment of monitoring systems are discussed. It is concluded that monitoring, active or passive, does not represent a quick road to the identification of environmental carcinogens but can point to products or processes likely to have a cancer risk - a risk which would have to be confirmed or otherwise by other methods.", "contents": "Feasibility of monitoring populations to detect environmental carcinogens. In relation to cancer, monitoring, i.e. \"continuing observation in order to decide when changes in incidence or mortality may have occurred\" can be of two types: (a) passive (or routine) monitoring using routinely collected cancer statistics for populations in general (b) active (or exposure-oriented) monitoring in which the cancer experience of groups with specific exposures is compared with that of the non-exposed. The advantages and disadvantages of mortality and morbidity data for passive monitoring are listed. It is concluded that passive monitoring can rarely do more than indicate areas for further study. The potential of active monitoring is examined by consideration of industrial and occupational exposures, the follow-up of persons on prolonged drug therapy (including transplacental effects) and changes in cancer risk following migration. As such studies are often univariate, it may not be possible to allow for the effect of other factors, and confirmatory studies will often be required. It is belived that priority should currently be given to monitoring occupational exposures, particularly those involving chemicals shown by animals studies to have carcinogenic activity. To monitor everybody for everything will result in nothing. The social responsibilities which devolve on monitors, the authorities, both sides of industry and the general public as a result of the establishment of monitoring systems are discussed. It is concluded that monitoring, active or passive, does not represent a quick road to the identification of environmental carcinogens but can point to products or processes likely to have a cancer risk - a risk which would have to be confirmed or otherwise by other methods.", "PMID": 1002179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8948", "title": "Analysis of atomospheric carcinogens and their cofactors.", "content": "Problems in the sampling and analysis of a variety of key air pollutants have been considered. The pollutants of primary interest were those with carcinogenic, mutagenic or cofactor activity. These include benzo[a]pyrene, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alkylating agents, amines, chloromethyl ethers, epoxides nitrosamines, nitrogen dioxide, nitrates, sulfate and sulfite. Screening tests of the analytical and bioassay types were also discussed; a large variety of these tests were summarized in tables. Concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene in urban atmospheres, in highly polluted atmospheres and effluents, and in a large variety of environment mixtures were reported.", "contents": "Analysis of atomospheric carcinogens and their cofactors. Problems in the sampling and analysis of a variety of key air pollutants have been considered. The pollutants of primary interest were those with carcinogenic, mutagenic or cofactor activity. These include benzo[a]pyrene, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alkylating agents, amines, chloromethyl ethers, epoxides nitrosamines, nitrogen dioxide, nitrates, sulfate and sulfite. Screening tests of the analytical and bioassay types were also discussed; a large variety of these tests were summarized in tables. Concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene in urban atmospheres, in highly polluted atmospheres and effluents, and in a large variety of environment mixtures were reported.", "PMID": 1002180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8949", "title": "[Measurement of potential environmental carcinogens. II. Final determination methods].", "content": "As part of a general study of the biological activity of atmospheric micro constituants, we have perfected the methods for the rapid determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The method involves the use of two selective collectors, a high output rotatory freeze-drier, two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography. A pollution map has been prepared of the Lyons areas showing the atmospheric concentrations of 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their variation with weather and sampling point.", "contents": "[Measurement of potential environmental carcinogens. II. Final determination methods]. As part of a general study of the biological activity of atmospheric micro constituants, we have perfected the methods for the rapid determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The method involves the use of two selective collectors, a high output rotatory freeze-drier, two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography. A pollution map has been prepared of the Lyons areas showing the atmospheric concentrations of 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their variation with weather and sampling point.", "PMID": 1002181} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8950", "title": "[N-nitroso compounds. Analysis and possible carcinogenicity in man].", "content": "Much work has been carried out on N-nitroso compounds but their role in human pathology has still to be elucidated. We cannot extrapolate experimental data to the human situation but we do have indirect evidence that nitroso compounds can be carcinogens in man. Although some nitrosamines are organ-specific, the nitroso group induces the development of many different types of cancer in animals It is probable that the same phenomenon occurs in human pathology, and we cannot therefore expect to have special case reports on their carcinogenicity in man. Therefore, an alternative approach to the study of the role of nitrosamines in human pathology would be to establish a correlation between cancer morbidity in some regions and amounts of N-nitroso compounds in the environment. In view of the complexity of the problem of in vivo nitrosamine formation, it is more realistic nowadays to measure exogenous nitrosamines. Many laboratories are currently engaged on studies on N-nitroso compounds, although systematic information on their presence in the environment is scant. Furthermore, the data acquired by different laboratories has been obtained using a variety of methods for sampling, storage, clean-up and identification and estimation, with the result that it is not known to what extent these results are comparable.Therefore, the standardization and determination of comparability of methods for the identification of N-nitroso compounds is the first step towards their quantitation in the environment. Adequate methods are now available for the determination of volatile nitrosamines, down to the mug/dg level, but methods for non-volatile nitrosamines are still in the development stages. In order to avail all interested laboratories of information on analytical methods for volatile nitrosamines, IARC's analytical chemistry laboratory has organized a three part collaborative study using samples of canned luncheon meat. The results of this study were encouraging, and the European Sub-Committee for the Guidance of Collaborative Studies, at its last meeting, recommended that such studies be continued and extendedto include non-volatile nitrosamines. In parallel with the perfection of analytical techniques, IARC has initiated studies on the measurement of volatile nitrosamines in the environment in conjuction with the epidemiological studies on oesophageal cancer at present being carried out. The data collected up to now is far from being complete but it is important in that it represents the first step towards the evaluation of the risk to health of N-nitroso compounds, which constitute a part of the total carcinogenic load in the human environment.", "contents": "[N-nitroso compounds. Analysis and possible carcinogenicity in man]. Much work has been carried out on N-nitroso compounds but their role in human pathology has still to be elucidated. We cannot extrapolate experimental data to the human situation but we do have indirect evidence that nitroso compounds can be carcinogens in man. Although some nitrosamines are organ-specific, the nitroso group induces the development of many different types of cancer in animals It is probable that the same phenomenon occurs in human pathology, and we cannot therefore expect to have special case reports on their carcinogenicity in man. Therefore, an alternative approach to the study of the role of nitrosamines in human pathology would be to establish a correlation between cancer morbidity in some regions and amounts of N-nitroso compounds in the environment. In view of the complexity of the problem of in vivo nitrosamine formation, it is more realistic nowadays to measure exogenous nitrosamines. Many laboratories are currently engaged on studies on N-nitroso compounds, although systematic information on their presence in the environment is scant. Furthermore, the data acquired by different laboratories has been obtained using a variety of methods for sampling, storage, clean-up and identification and estimation, with the result that it is not known to what extent these results are comparable.Therefore, the standardization and determination of comparability of methods for the identification of N-nitroso compounds is the first step towards their quantitation in the environment. Adequate methods are now available for the determination of volatile nitrosamines, down to the mug/dg level, but methods for non-volatile nitrosamines are still in the development stages. In order to avail all interested laboratories of information on analytical methods for volatile nitrosamines, IARC's analytical chemistry laboratory has organized a three part collaborative study using samples of canned luncheon meat. The results of this study were encouraging, and the European Sub-Committee for the Guidance of Collaborative Studies, at its last meeting, recommended that such studies be continued and extendedto include non-volatile nitrosamines. In parallel with the perfection of analytical techniques, IARC has initiated studies on the measurement of volatile nitrosamines in the environment in conjuction with the epidemiological studies on oesophageal cancer at present being carried out. The data collected up to now is far from being complete but it is important in that it represents the first step towards the evaluation of the risk to health of N-nitroso compounds, which constitute a part of the total carcinogenic load in the human environment.", "PMID": 1002182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8951", "title": "Control of carcinogenic hazards in industry.", "content": "Complete control of carcinogenic hazards in industry is an unrealistic concept. Industry, nevertheless, has a duty to give careful consideration to existing carcinogenic hazards, and to the possibility of new ones. Only well recognized hazards can be subjected to legislative control. Industry must take into account published experimental and epidemiological data, along with physical and chemical considerations related to specific agents, and, where necessary, introduce appropriate preventive measures.", "contents": "Control of carcinogenic hazards in industry. Complete control of carcinogenic hazards in industry is an unrealistic concept. Industry, nevertheless, has a duty to give careful consideration to existing carcinogenic hazards, and to the possibility of new ones. Only well recognized hazards can be subjected to legislative control. Industry must take into account published experimental and epidemiological data, along with physical and chemical considerations related to specific agents, and, where necessary, introduce appropriate preventive measures.", "PMID": 1002185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8952", "title": "The trade unionist's view of occurpational cancer.", "content": "The Transport and General Workers' Union (UK) has an active programme devoted to monitoring the health of its 1.8 million members. Files on members who died of bladder cancer after exposure to beta-naphthylamine go back to the late 1920's. From the same period came data on members suffering from asbestosis which included same cases of lung cancer before the industrial cause of the disease was recognized. These and other more recent examples including Nonox S and vinyl chloride amply justify the need for setting up registers of all workers who are at risk from industrial exposure. The scientfic community has a responsibility for communicating data regarding hazards both to employers and employees who can then ensure that all who have been exposed can be notified and screened. The trade unions have a part to play in ensuring that industry accepts conditions of greater control under the new regulations in the United Kingdom. There must be a continuing tripartite discussion between industrial management, trade unions and the responsible governement official.", "contents": "The trade unionist's view of occurpational cancer. The Transport and General Workers' Union (UK) has an active programme devoted to monitoring the health of its 1.8 million members. Files on members who died of bladder cancer after exposure to beta-naphthylamine go back to the late 1920's. From the same period came data on members suffering from asbestosis which included same cases of lung cancer before the industrial cause of the disease was recognized. These and other more recent examples including Nonox S and vinyl chloride amply justify the need for setting up registers of all workers who are at risk from industrial exposure. The scientfic community has a responsibility for communicating data regarding hazards both to employers and employees who can then ensure that all who have been exposed can be notified and screened. The trade unions have a part to play in ensuring that industry accepts conditions of greater control under the new regulations in the United Kingdom. There must be a continuing tripartite discussion between industrial management, trade unions and the responsible governement official.", "PMID": 1002186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8953", "title": "Aviation and environmental benzo(a)pyrene pollution.", "content": "Spectrofluorescent methods of analysis have shown that soot and exhaust products of aviation engines, both piston and turbine, contain benzo[a]pyrene (BP). A modern aircraft engine releases into the atmosphere from 2-10 mg BP per min. Extracts of aviation engine soot applied to the skin of mice induced malignant tumors in almost all treated animals. The ground within airports is polluted with BP, its level diminishing with distance from the runway. The concentration of carcinogenic hydrocarbons in aircraft exhausts is dependent on the working regime of the engine and on the character of fuel combustion.", "contents": "Aviation and environmental benzo(a)pyrene pollution. Spectrofluorescent methods of analysis have shown that soot and exhaust products of aviation engines, both piston and turbine, contain benzo[a]pyrene (BP). A modern aircraft engine releases into the atmosphere from 2-10 mg BP per min. Extracts of aviation engine soot applied to the skin of mice induced malignant tumors in almost all treated animals. The ground within airports is polluted with BP, its level diminishing with distance from the runway. The concentration of carcinogenic hydrocarbons in aircraft exhausts is dependent on the working regime of the engine and on the character of fuel combustion.", "PMID": 1002189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8954", "title": "Carcinogens in estuaries, their monitoring and possible hazard to man.", "content": "Bottom-dwelling flatfish and their skin tumors can be used as an early-warning-system for the pollution by chemical carcinogens in sub- and inter-tidal waters. A trial in British Columbia and the State of Washington showed a link between tumor prevalence and urban activity. The possible use of marine accumulator organisms (mussels) in the estimation of benzo(a)pyrene levels of harbours is considered. The combination of biological and chemical assays could provide the basis for a large-scale routine surveillance of the marine environment.", "contents": "Carcinogens in estuaries, their monitoring and possible hazard to man. Bottom-dwelling flatfish and their skin tumors can be used as an early-warning-system for the pollution by chemical carcinogens in sub- and inter-tidal waters. A trial in British Columbia and the State of Washington showed a link between tumor prevalence and urban activity. The possible use of marine accumulator organisms (mussels) in the estimation of benzo(a)pyrene levels of harbours is considered. The combination of biological and chemical assays could provide the basis for a large-scale routine surveillance of the marine environment.", "PMID": 1002191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8955", "title": "Studies on the effect of feeding nitrite and secondary amines to Wistar rats.", "content": "1. When 1 000 mg/l sodium nitrite are added to drinking-water, nitrosamines are formed in the stomachs of Wistar rats at levels greater than the background only if the concentrations of added DMA or pyrrolidine exceed 1 000 mg/kg. Once this concentration is exceeded there is a rapid increase in nitrosamine formation up to 2 000 mg/kg added amine; however, for pyrrolidine, the rate of increase of NPy decreases when the dietary level of amine exceeds 2 000 mg/kg. This threshold level of 1 000 mg/kg amine is one which is rarely reached in normal human dietary patterns. 2. Due to the presence of this threshold it is unrealistic to extrapolate from high experimental dietary concentrations of secondary amines to those found in practice when considering nitrosamine formation in vivo. 3.The concentration of dietary amine has a greater influence on nitrosamine formation in the stomachs of rats than does the concentration of nitrite in drinking-water (up to 1 000 mg/l). This finding is in contradiction to the current kinetic theory of nitrosamine formation, in which formation is predicted to be proportional to the square of the nitrite concentration.", "contents": "Studies on the effect of feeding nitrite and secondary amines to Wistar rats. 1. When 1 000 mg/l sodium nitrite are added to drinking-water, nitrosamines are formed in the stomachs of Wistar rats at levels greater than the background only if the concentrations of added DMA or pyrrolidine exceed 1 000 mg/kg. Once this concentration is exceeded there is a rapid increase in nitrosamine formation up to 2 000 mg/kg added amine; however, for pyrrolidine, the rate of increase of NPy decreases when the dietary level of amine exceeds 2 000 mg/kg. This threshold level of 1 000 mg/kg amine is one which is rarely reached in normal human dietary patterns. 2. Due to the presence of this threshold it is unrealistic to extrapolate from high experimental dietary concentrations of secondary amines to those found in practice when considering nitrosamine formation in vivo. 3.The concentration of dietary amine has a greater influence on nitrosamine formation in the stomachs of rats than does the concentration of nitrite in drinking-water (up to 1 000 mg/l). This finding is in contradiction to the current kinetic theory of nitrosamine formation, in which formation is predicted to be proportional to the square of the nitrite concentration.", "PMID": 1002198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8956", "title": "Mass spectrometry of nitrosamines: rearrangement of nitrosobenzylmethylamine molecular ions with loss of OH-radicals investigated by deuterated derivatives.", "content": "Nitrosamines (R1R2NO) containing a certain R groups yield mass spectra with M+-OH fragments which can be accounted for by intramolecular hydrogen shift with subsequent cleavage of OH-radicals. As can be shown with mass spectra of specifically deuterated derivatives of nitrosobenzylmethylamine - nitrosobenzyltrideuteriomethylamine, alpha,alpha-nitrosodideuteriobenzylmethylamine and o,o',p-nitrosotrideuteri0-benzylmethylamine - hydrogen transfer within the molecular ion of nitrosobenzylmethylamine occurs selectively onto the oxygen of the nitroso group from the benzylethylene group, probably via a five-membered cyclic transition state. Cleavage of OH radicals leads to formation of M+-17 ions, the stability of which can be explained by mesomerically stabilized cyclic diazirinium ions.", "contents": "Mass spectrometry of nitrosamines: rearrangement of nitrosobenzylmethylamine molecular ions with loss of OH-radicals investigated by deuterated derivatives. Nitrosamines (R1R2NO) containing a certain R groups yield mass spectra with M+-OH fragments which can be accounted for by intramolecular hydrogen shift with subsequent cleavage of OH-radicals. As can be shown with mass spectra of specifically deuterated derivatives of nitrosobenzylmethylamine - nitrosobenzyltrideuteriomethylamine, alpha,alpha-nitrosodideuteriobenzylmethylamine and o,o',p-nitrosotrideuteri0-benzylmethylamine - hydrogen transfer within the molecular ion of nitrosobenzylmethylamine occurs selectively onto the oxygen of the nitroso group from the benzylethylene group, probably via a five-membered cyclic transition state. Cleavage of OH radicals leads to formation of M+-17 ions, the stability of which can be explained by mesomerically stabilized cyclic diazirinium ions.", "PMID": 1002199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8957", "title": "DNA repair synthesis in guineapig pancreas following exposure to nitrosomethylurethane.", "content": "NMUT, a known pancreatic carcinogen in guineapigs, alkylates pancreatic DNA and RNA, both in vivo and in vitro. Following the in vivo administration of a single maximum tolerated dose of NMUT (30 mg/kg), a significant increase in 3H-Tdr incorporation into DNA was observed in the duodenal segment of the pancreas after four days; this increase in thymidine incorporation probably represents in vivo DNA repair synthesis. The level of normal DNA synthesis was greater in the duodenal segment than elsewhere in the pancreas. In vitro exposure of pancreatic slices from the duodenal segment to 20 mM NMUT for 30 minutes resulted in a significant increase in 3H-TdR incorporation into DNA in the presence of HU, reflecting DNA repair synthesis following NMUT-induced DNA damage; normal DNA synthesis in the pancreatic slices in vitro was markedly suppressed by 10 mM HU. Studies on the kinetics of DNA repair synthesis in pancreatic slices indicated an initial increase of 3H-TdR incorporation, followed by a steady time-dependent decline. It appears that most of the DNA repair synthesis occurs within two hours after exposure to NMUT.", "contents": "DNA repair synthesis in guineapig pancreas following exposure to nitrosomethylurethane. NMUT, a known pancreatic carcinogen in guineapigs, alkylates pancreatic DNA and RNA, both in vivo and in vitro. Following the in vivo administration of a single maximum tolerated dose of NMUT (30 mg/kg), a significant increase in 3H-Tdr incorporation into DNA was observed in the duodenal segment of the pancreas after four days; this increase in thymidine incorporation probably represents in vivo DNA repair synthesis. The level of normal DNA synthesis was greater in the duodenal segment than elsewhere in the pancreas. In vitro exposure of pancreatic slices from the duodenal segment to 20 mM NMUT for 30 minutes resulted in a significant increase in 3H-TdR incorporation into DNA in the presence of HU, reflecting DNA repair synthesis following NMUT-induced DNA damage; normal DNA synthesis in the pancreatic slices in vitro was markedly suppressed by 10 mM HU. Studies on the kinetics of DNA repair synthesis in pancreatic slices indicated an initial increase of 3H-TdR incorporation, followed by a steady time-dependent decline. It appears that most of the DNA repair synthesis occurs within two hours after exposure to NMUT.", "PMID": 1002205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8958", "title": "Prenatal and postnatal toxicity induced in guinea-pigs by nitrosomethylurea.", "content": "Oral administration of NMU at maximally tolerated doses of guinea-pigs from day 34 to 58 of pregnancy induced embryotoxic effects, as evidenced by a high incidence of stillbirths and reduction in birth weight, and postnatal toxic effects, as evidenced by stunting, progressive mortality and extensive fatty degeneration of the liver in F1 progeny. Similar administration of NMUT at maximally tolerated doses did not induce such toxic effects.", "contents": "Prenatal and postnatal toxicity induced in guinea-pigs by nitrosomethylurea. Oral administration of NMU at maximally tolerated doses of guinea-pigs from day 34 to 58 of pregnancy induced embryotoxic effects, as evidenced by a high incidence of stillbirths and reduction in birth weight, and postnatal toxic effects, as evidenced by stunting, progressive mortality and extensive fatty degeneration of the liver in F1 progeny. Similar administration of NMUT at maximally tolerated doses did not induce such toxic effects.", "PMID": 1002207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8959", "title": "Toxic and carcinogenic effects of nitrosodimethylamine in mink.", "content": "In a feeding experiment, 96 mink divided into four groups were kept on diets in which each animal received from 0.04-0.07 mg/kg bw NDMA/day. After four months' feeding the mink were still in good health. Except for 20 mink kept for breeding, the animals were skinned. They showed no gross lesions; however, in the livers of mink receiving a total of 16-21 mg/kg bw NDMA some of the smaller hepatic veins were partially occluded. The 20 remaining mink and their offspring were all kept on the same diet, which included 10% herring meal with a NDMA content of 7.2-7.8 mg/kg. After 233 experimental days and a total intake of 26 mg/kg bw NDMA one male died of liver fibrosis and occlusive changes in the hepatic veins. The remaining 16 in the parent group and 22 in the F1 group developed haemangiomatous liver tumours after a total intake of 25-87 mg/kg bw NDMA. The carcinogenic action of NDMA on mink appears to be nearly 100% if the exposure time is long enough and if the dose is near to the hepatotoxic level.", "contents": "Toxic and carcinogenic effects of nitrosodimethylamine in mink. In a feeding experiment, 96 mink divided into four groups were kept on diets in which each animal received from 0.04-0.07 mg/kg bw NDMA/day. After four months' feeding the mink were still in good health. Except for 20 mink kept for breeding, the animals were skinned. They showed no gross lesions; however, in the livers of mink receiving a total of 16-21 mg/kg bw NDMA some of the smaller hepatic veins were partially occluded. The 20 remaining mink and their offspring were all kept on the same diet, which included 10% herring meal with a NDMA content of 7.2-7.8 mg/kg. After 233 experimental days and a total intake of 26 mg/kg bw NDMA one male died of liver fibrosis and occlusive changes in the hepatic veins. The remaining 16 in the parent group and 22 in the F1 group developed haemangiomatous liver tumours after a total intake of 25-87 mg/kg bw NDMA. The carcinogenic action of NDMA on mink appears to be nearly 100% if the exposure time is long enough and if the dose is near to the hepatotoxic level.", "PMID": 1002208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8960", "title": "A metallurgical examination of fractured stainless-steel ASIF tibial plates.", "content": "Between 1970 and 1973 99 tibial fractures were treated by rigid internal fixation with ASIF plates. The fractures were all regarded as sufficiently stable for exercise without weight bearing, thus needing no additional external support during the healing period. Four of the plates broke late in the healing period, after the onset of weight bearing. These fractures had some degree of delayed union with slight resorption of the bone ends, resulting in cyclical bending of the plate. Examination of 2 of the fractured plates by scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis and optical metallography revealed that the primary cause of plate fracture was fatigue. There was no evidence that corrosion fatigue or inclusion content were factors leading to plate fracture.", "contents": "A metallurgical examination of fractured stainless-steel ASIF tibial plates. Between 1970 and 1973 99 tibial fractures were treated by rigid internal fixation with ASIF plates. The fractures were all regarded as sufficiently stable for exercise without weight bearing, thus needing no additional external support during the healing period. Four of the plates broke late in the healing period, after the onset of weight bearing. These fractures had some degree of delayed union with slight resorption of the bone ends, resulting in cyclical bending of the plate. Examination of 2 of the fractured plates by scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis and optical metallography revealed that the primary cause of plate fracture was fatigue. There was no evidence that corrosion fatigue or inclusion content were factors leading to plate fracture.", "PMID": 1002271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8961", "title": "Anterior urethral injuries.", "content": "Seventeen patients are reviewed who presented at the Birmingham Accident Hospital over a 20-year period with injuries to the anterior urethra. Fourteen of the injuries resulted from isolated direct blows to the perineum, while 3 were associated with multiple injuries. The clinical features and management of these patients are discussed in conjunction with a review of the relevant literature. A protocol for the management of this type of injury is outlined.", "contents": "Anterior urethral injuries. Seventeen patients are reviewed who presented at the Birmingham Accident Hospital over a 20-year period with injuries to the anterior urethra. Fourteen of the injuries resulted from isolated direct blows to the perineum, while 3 were associated with multiple injuries. The clinical features and management of these patients are discussed in conjunction with a review of the relevant literature. A protocol for the management of this type of injury is outlined.", "PMID": 1002272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8962", "title": "Reversed dynamic slings. A new concept in the treatment of post-traumatic elbow flexion contractures.", "content": "Following the successful treatment of knee-flexion contractures in haemophiliacs using an external corrective system with reversed dynamic slings, these have been adapted to treat post-traumatic elbow contractures. A case is described in which 90 degrees of fixed flexion was corrected in 1 week without discomfort. Clearly there is no need to resort to an internally applied hinge-distractor apparatus or capsulectomy if a simple external sling system is successful without complications.", "contents": "Reversed dynamic slings. A new concept in the treatment of post-traumatic elbow flexion contractures. Following the successful treatment of knee-flexion contractures in haemophiliacs using an external corrective system with reversed dynamic slings, these have been adapted to treat post-traumatic elbow contractures. A case is described in which 90 degrees of fixed flexion was corrected in 1 week without discomfort. Clearly there is no need to resort to an internally applied hinge-distractor apparatus or capsulectomy if a simple external sling system is successful without complications.", "PMID": 1002273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8963", "title": "Treatment of old unreduced dislocation of the elbow.", "content": "Twenty-six patients with old unreduced dislocation of the elbow treated by open reduction were reviewed. All patients improved after surgery. It is felt that any patient with an elbow dislocation which is less than 3 months old should be treated by open reduction. The operative technique using a medial and lateral approach and keeping the dissection extraperiosteal is described.", "contents": "Treatment of old unreduced dislocation of the elbow. Twenty-six patients with old unreduced dislocation of the elbow treated by open reduction were reviewed. All patients improved after surgery. It is felt that any patient with an elbow dislocation which is less than 3 months old should be treated by open reduction. The operative technique using a medial and lateral approach and keeping the dissection extraperiosteal is described.", "PMID": 1002274} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8964", "title": "Rotational deformities after fractures of the femoral shaft in childhood.", "content": "Sixty-two patients with femoral fractures treated conservatively have been studied over an interval of 1 to 6 years. Rotational deformity was assessed by a radiological method of anteversion measurement. The degree of rotational deformity following fracture ranged from 10 degrees to 33 degrees in just over one-third of the whole group; by later assessment there was no evidence of spontaneous correction during growth. In view of the possibility of early complaints, e.g. pain and fatigue in the abnormally rotated extremity, and the potential risk of subsequent arthrosis, we consider that rotational deformity over 20 degrees ought to be avoided. It is suggested that use of the extension table of Weber is the most satisfactory conservative method of treatment of femoral fractures in childhood (Weber, 1969). This enables correction of significant rotation deformity during treatment under radiographic control.", "contents": "Rotational deformities after fractures of the femoral shaft in childhood. Sixty-two patients with femoral fractures treated conservatively have been studied over an interval of 1 to 6 years. Rotational deformity was assessed by a radiological method of anteversion measurement. The degree of rotational deformity following fracture ranged from 10 degrees to 33 degrees in just over one-third of the whole group; by later assessment there was no evidence of spontaneous correction during growth. In view of the possibility of early complaints, e.g. pain and fatigue in the abnormally rotated extremity, and the potential risk of subsequent arthrosis, we consider that rotational deformity over 20 degrees ought to be avoided. It is suggested that use of the extension table of Weber is the most satisfactory conservative method of treatment of femoral fractures in childhood (Weber, 1969). This enables correction of significant rotation deformity during treatment under radiographic control.", "PMID": 1002275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8965", "title": "Two episodes of clinical fat embolism following multiple fractures.", "content": "Second episodes of clinical fat embolism have not previously been reported. This paper presents the case report of a patient with multiple fractures who developed two distinct attacks with a symptom-free interval. The second attack was partly responsible for death, and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis.", "contents": "Two episodes of clinical fat embolism following multiple fractures. Second episodes of clinical fat embolism have not previously been reported. This paper presents the case report of a patient with multiple fractures who developed two distinct attacks with a symptom-free interval. The second attack was partly responsible for death, and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis.", "PMID": 1002276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8966", "title": "A conservative approach to penetrating injuries of the chest. Experience with 131 successive cases.", "content": "One hundred and thirty-one cases of penetrating injuries of the chest were reviewed prospectively. A policy of conservative management is advocated, based on the intercostal drainage of moderate or large collections of fluid and/or air. The site of the intercostal drain is not an important factor in the management.", "contents": "A conservative approach to penetrating injuries of the chest. Experience with 131 successive cases. One hundred and thirty-one cases of penetrating injuries of the chest were reviewed prospectively. A policy of conservative management is advocated, based on the intercostal drainage of moderate or large collections of fluid and/or air. The site of the intercostal drain is not an important factor in the management.", "PMID": 1002277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8967", "title": "Injection injury of the radial nerve.", "content": "Four cases of radial nerve palsy following intra-muscular injections into the arm are reported. Recovery occurred in all 4 cases--1 after neurolysis and 3 spontaneously. The mechanism of nerve damage and its treatment are discussed.", "contents": "Injection injury of the radial nerve. Four cases of radial nerve palsy following intra-muscular injections into the arm are reported. Recovery occurred in all 4 cases--1 after neurolysis and 3 spontaneously. The mechanism of nerve damage and its treatment are discussed.", "PMID": 1002278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8968", "title": "Brachial plexus lesions complicating anterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder joint.", "content": "Four cases of brachial plexus lesions caused by anterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder are reported. The incidence, mechanism of injury and prognosis are reviewed.", "contents": "Brachial plexus lesions complicating anterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder joint. Four cases of brachial plexus lesions caused by anterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder are reported. The incidence, mechanism of injury and prognosis are reviewed.", "PMID": 1002279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8969", "title": "Bilateral anterior dislocation of the shoulders: a case report.", "content": "A case of bilateral subcoracoid dislocation of the shoulder is described and the clinical presentation commented on.", "contents": "Bilateral anterior dislocation of the shoulders: a case report. A case of bilateral subcoracoid dislocation of the shoulder is described and the clinical presentation commented on.", "PMID": 1002280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8970", "title": "Central dislocation of the hip with complications.", "content": "A case of severe central fracture-dislocation of the acetabulum is described. This lesion was complicated by a small-bowel rupture and occlusion of the iliac vessels. In order to reduce the dislocation, iliopubic osteotomy and excision of the hip joint capsule was necessary.", "contents": "Central dislocation of the hip with complications. A case of severe central fracture-dislocation of the acetabulum is described. This lesion was complicated by a small-bowel rupture and occlusion of the iliac vessels. In order to reduce the dislocation, iliopubic osteotomy and excision of the hip joint capsule was necessary.", "PMID": 1002281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8971", "title": "Chronic Clostridium septicum infection of a tibial fracture: a case report.", "content": "An open transverse fracture of the mid-shaft of the tibia of a professional footballer became infected by Clostridium septicum and, after early compression plating, required surgical intervention on three further occasions and extensive antibiotic treatment before healing occurred. Clostridial infection is a recognized complication of open fractures contaminated with soil, and the necrotizing toxins produced by the C. septicum were probably responsible for the persistence of this infection. Infection occurred in less than 1 per cent of our series of 215 operations of compression plating of fresh fractures of the tibial shaft. Infection by clostridium species is a serious complication of open fractures. This patient did not show the spreading inflammation and necrosis, or the marked systemic upset, characteristic of acute clostridial infection, but persistent local infection necessitated prolonged surgical and antibiotic treatment.", "contents": "Chronic Clostridium septicum infection of a tibial fracture: a case report. An open transverse fracture of the mid-shaft of the tibia of a professional footballer became infected by Clostridium septicum and, after early compression plating, required surgical intervention on three further occasions and extensive antibiotic treatment before healing occurred. Clostridial infection is a recognized complication of open fractures contaminated with soil, and the necrotizing toxins produced by the C. septicum were probably responsible for the persistence of this infection. Infection occurred in less than 1 per cent of our series of 215 operations of compression plating of fresh fractures of the tibial shaft. Infection by clostridium species is a serious complication of open fractures. This patient did not show the spreading inflammation and necrosis, or the marked systemic upset, characteristic of acute clostridial infection, but persistent local infection necessitated prolonged surgical and antibiotic treatment.", "PMID": 1002285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8972", "title": "Injuries of the axillary artery caused by fractures of the neck of the humerus.", "content": "Three patients are presented in whom the axillary artery was injured in combination with a simple fracture of the neck of the humerus. The pathological anatomy, symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment of these lesions are discussed with reference to our own experience.", "contents": "Injuries of the axillary artery caused by fractures of the neck of the humerus. Three patients are presented in whom the axillary artery was injured in combination with a simple fracture of the neck of the humerus. The pathological anatomy, symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment of these lesions are discussed with reference to our own experience.", "PMID": 1002286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8973", "title": "Superior mesenteric artery injury: a case report.", "content": "A case of blunt trauma to the upper abdomen with multiple organ injury is described. The lesion involveing the superior mesenteric artery was undiagnosed at operation. The subsequent diagnosis and handling of the case is described with a review of the literature on blunt injury to this vessel.", "contents": "Superior mesenteric artery injury: a case report. A case of blunt trauma to the upper abdomen with multiple organ injury is described. The lesion involveing the superior mesenteric artery was undiagnosed at operation. The subsequent diagnosis and handling of the case is described with a review of the literature on blunt injury to this vessel.", "PMID": 1002287} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8974", "title": "The results of prosthetic replacement in fracture-dislocations of the upper end of the humerus.", "content": "Eleven patients with fracture-dislocation of the upper end of the humerus treated by a Neer prosthesis are reviewed. The results of treatment are very disappointing. The complication rate is high. From these results in a small series, it would appear that prosthetic replacement of the humeral head does not offer the patient any significant advantage when compared with other reported methods. The possible cause of these poor results are discussed.", "contents": "The results of prosthetic replacement in fracture-dislocations of the upper end of the humerus. Eleven patients with fracture-dislocation of the upper end of the humerus treated by a Neer prosthesis are reviewed. The results of treatment are very disappointing. The complication rate is high. From these results in a small series, it would appear that prosthetic replacement of the humeral head does not offer the patient any significant advantage when compared with other reported methods. The possible cause of these poor results are discussed.", "PMID": 1002289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8975", "title": "Analysis of karate injuries sustained in 295 contests.", "content": "The injuries sustained in 295 karate contests were analysed. It was noted that in 25 per cent of the contests there was some sort of injury, and in 10 per cent the injury was severe enough to cause the withdrawal of the participant. Injury seemed to occur most commonly among lower-grade participants and more often in the first hour of each day's competition. Protective padding of the arms, legs, feet and hands, and the use of gumshields and protective boxes appeared to reduce the incidence and severity of injury.", "contents": "Analysis of karate injuries sustained in 295 contests. The injuries sustained in 295 karate contests were analysed. It was noted that in 25 per cent of the contests there was some sort of injury, and in 10 per cent the injury was severe enough to cause the withdrawal of the participant. Injury seemed to occur most commonly among lower-grade participants and more often in the first hour of each day's competition. Protective padding of the arms, legs, feet and hands, and the use of gumshields and protective boxes appeared to reduce the incidence and severity of injury.", "PMID": 1002290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8976", "title": "The use of the K\u00fcntscher Y nail in the treatment of intertrochantertc and subtrochanteric fractures of the femur.", "content": "Conventional nail plates provide a relatively poor fixation of unstable and pathological fractures of the upper femur, and nail-plate failure is not uncommon. A two-part device, the K\u00fcntscher Y nail, provides a strong fixation in these cases and is not difficult ot insert if the method described is employed. The results in 91 patients treated with the Y nail are discussed. Since distal migration of the nail has been prevented by use of a flanged medullary nail, no mechanical failure has occurred. Early weight bearing can be permitted after operation.", "contents": "The use of the K\u00fcntscher Y nail in the treatment of intertrochantertc and subtrochanteric fractures of the femur. Conventional nail plates provide a relatively poor fixation of unstable and pathological fractures of the upper femur, and nail-plate failure is not uncommon. A two-part device, the K\u00fcntscher Y nail, provides a strong fixation in these cases and is not difficult ot insert if the method described is employed. The results in 91 patients treated with the Y nail are discussed. Since distal migration of the nail has been prevented by use of a flanged medullary nail, no mechanical failure has occurred. Early weight bearing can be permitted after operation.", "PMID": 1002291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8977", "title": "Plastic injection injury of the hand.", "content": "A unique case of injection of plastic material into the hand is reported. Treatment was simple because the molten plastic solidified, separated readily from the surrounding tissues and could be withdrawn without fragmentation. There was no evidence of serious damage to the surrounding tissues by the plastic before it has cooled and set. The mechanism of the injury is explained and the need for simple safety precautions is noted.", "contents": "Plastic injection injury of the hand. A unique case of injection of plastic material into the hand is reported. Treatment was simple because the molten plastic solidified, separated readily from the surrounding tissues and could be withdrawn without fragmentation. There was no evidence of serious damage to the surrounding tissues by the plastic before it has cooled and set. The mechanism of the injury is explained and the need for simple safety precautions is noted.", "PMID": 1002292} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8978", "title": "An unusual ulnar nerve injury associated with dislocation of the elbow.", "content": "A case of anterior traumatic transportation of the ulnar nerve presenting as a nerve palsy after dislocation of the elbow is described.", "contents": "An unusual ulnar nerve injury associated with dislocation of the elbow. A case of anterior traumatic transportation of the ulnar nerve presenting as a nerve palsy after dislocation of the elbow is described.", "PMID": 1002293} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8979", "title": "Hang gliding injuries.", "content": "Two fatal and 42 non-fatal hang gliding accidents are reported. The commonest cause was stalling the craft, either owing to adverse winds or to pilot inexperience. The most frequent injuries were fractures of the wrist, humerus and spine. Inexperienced pilots were involved in most of the accidents, so that the training and supervision of novices is of fundamental importance if the accident rate of the sport is to be reduced.", "contents": "Hang gliding injuries. Two fatal and 42 non-fatal hang gliding accidents are reported. The commonest cause was stalling the craft, either owing to adverse winds or to pilot inexperience. The most frequent injuries were fractures of the wrist, humerus and spine. Inexperienced pilots were involved in most of the accidents, so that the training and supervision of novices is of fundamental importance if the accident rate of the sport is to be reduced.", "PMID": 1002294} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8980", "title": "Rehabilitation of the brain-damaged survivor.", "content": "This paper described the detailed examination of 121 patients who had suffered from traumatic brain damage. An important feature of the study was that all patients were examined by methods devised by the therapists in the department concerned, and the results subsequently integrated. The patients are described and their ability to return to independent existence is assessed in relation to the duration of unconsciousness and of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). One method in particular, devised in the physiotherapy department, seems to suggest scope for developing recovery curves that might prove valuable indicators of the effectiveness of long-term therapy.", "contents": "Rehabilitation of the brain-damaged survivor. This paper described the detailed examination of 121 patients who had suffered from traumatic brain damage. An important feature of the study was that all patients were examined by methods devised by the therapists in the department concerned, and the results subsequently integrated. The patients are described and their ability to return to independent existence is assessed in relation to the duration of unconsciousness and of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). One method in particular, devised in the physiotherapy department, seems to suggest scope for developing recovery curves that might prove valuable indicators of the effectiveness of long-term therapy.", "PMID": 1002295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8981", "title": "Iatrogenic factors in femoral neck fractures.", "content": "A study of 200 femoral neck fractures in ambulant patients showed that 62 per cent of subcapital and 58 per cent of trochanteric fractures occurred without a significant history of injury. It was also observed that almost 70 per cent of patients in this group were on long-term medication which could affect bone density. In the remaining patients with a definite history of injury, only 20 per cent and 21 per cent respectively were on long-term therapy, figures which corresponded to the 18 per cent of patients on prolonged medication attending with minor injuries (age- and sex-matched). The action of corticosteroids, thyroxine, phenobarbitone, phenytoin, frusemide and bendrofluazide on bone density and their responsibility for femoral neck fractures are discussed.", "contents": "Iatrogenic factors in femoral neck fractures. A study of 200 femoral neck fractures in ambulant patients showed that 62 per cent of subcapital and 58 per cent of trochanteric fractures occurred without a significant history of injury. It was also observed that almost 70 per cent of patients in this group were on long-term medication which could affect bone density. In the remaining patients with a definite history of injury, only 20 per cent and 21 per cent respectively were on long-term therapy, figures which corresponded to the 18 per cent of patients on prolonged medication attending with minor injuries (age- and sex-matched). The action of corticosteroids, thyroxine, phenobarbitone, phenytoin, frusemide and bendrofluazide on bone density and their responsibility for femoral neck fractures are discussed.", "PMID": 1002296} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8982", "title": "Activity in saline of phthalylated or succinylated derivatives of mycobacterial water-soluble adjuvant.", "content": "A water-soluble fraction (WSA) of the cell wall can substitute for mycobacterial cells in Freund complete adjuvant. However, when WSA is administered in saline instead of in a water-in-oil emulsion, its adjuvant activity is very weak, and under certain experimental conditions it can even inhibit the humoral immune response. The data reported in the present study show that after treatment by phthalic or succinic anhydride the adjuvant activity of WSA was markedly changed, since high levels of circulating antibodies were produced when these derivatives were administered with an antigen in an aqueous medium. Moreover, the antigenic determinants of WSA were modified and acylated WSA had no tuberculin-like activity.", "contents": "Activity in saline of phthalylated or succinylated derivatives of mycobacterial water-soluble adjuvant. A water-soluble fraction (WSA) of the cell wall can substitute for mycobacterial cells in Freund complete adjuvant. However, when WSA is administered in saline instead of in a water-in-oil emulsion, its adjuvant activity is very weak, and under certain experimental conditions it can even inhibit the humoral immune response. The data reported in the present study show that after treatment by phthalic or succinic anhydride the adjuvant activity of WSA was markedly changed, since high levels of circulating antibodies were produced when these derivatives were administered with an antigen in an aqueous medium. Moreover, the antigenic determinants of WSA were modified and acylated WSA had no tuberculin-like activity.", "PMID": 1002297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8983", "title": "Effect of warfarin on the induction and course of experimental endocarditis.", "content": "The effect of warfarin treatment on an experimental endocarditis was studied in rabbits. Warfarin had no effect on the induction of a Streptococcus sanguis infection in catheter-induced endocardial vegetations, and the course of this infection was also unaltered. However, warfarin treatment resulted in rapidly progressive bacteremia, probably due to impaired circulation in clearing organs such as the lungs, liver, and spleen. Warfarin also reduced the survival time of the infected rabbits, in which pulmonary edema and extensive lung hemorrhages may have been a contributory factor.", "contents": "Effect of warfarin on the induction and course of experimental endocarditis. The effect of warfarin treatment on an experimental endocarditis was studied in rabbits. Warfarin had no effect on the induction of a Streptococcus sanguis infection in catheter-induced endocardial vegetations, and the course of this infection was also unaltered. However, warfarin treatment resulted in rapidly progressive bacteremia, probably due to impaired circulation in clearing organs such as the lungs, liver, and spleen. Warfarin also reduced the survival time of the infected rabbits, in which pulmonary edema and extensive lung hemorrhages may have been a contributory factor.", "PMID": 1002298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8984", "title": "Interaction of inflammatory cells and oral microorganisms. II. Modulation of rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocyte hydrolase release by polysaccharides in response to Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis.", "content": "The release of lysosomal hydrolases from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) has been postulated in the pathogenesis of tissue injury in periodontal disease. In the present study, lysosomal enzyme release was monitored from rabbit peritoneal exudate PMNs exposed to Streptocccus mutans or Streptococcus sanguis. S. mutans grown in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth failed to promote significant PMN enzyme release. S. sanguis grown in BHI broth, although more effective than S. mutants, was a weak stimulus for promotion of PMN hydrolase release. Preincubation of washed, viable S. mutans in sucrose or in different-molecular-weight dextrans resulted in the ability of the organisms to provoke PMN release reactions. This effect could bot be demonstrated with boiled or trypsinized S. mutans or with viable S. sanguis. However, when grown in BHI broth supplemented with sucrose, but not with glucose, both S. mutans and S. sanguis triggered discharge of PMN enzymes. The mechanism(s) whereby dextran or sucrose modulates PMN-bacterial interaction may in some manner be related to promotion of microbial adhesiveness or aggregation by dextran and by bacterial synthesis of glucans from sucrose.", "contents": "Interaction of inflammatory cells and oral microorganisms. II. Modulation of rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocyte hydrolase release by polysaccharides in response to Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis. The release of lysosomal hydrolases from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) has been postulated in the pathogenesis of tissue injury in periodontal disease. In the present study, lysosomal enzyme release was monitored from rabbit peritoneal exudate PMNs exposed to Streptocccus mutans or Streptococcus sanguis. S. mutans grown in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth failed to promote significant PMN enzyme release. S. sanguis grown in BHI broth, although more effective than S. mutants, was a weak stimulus for promotion of PMN hydrolase release. Preincubation of washed, viable S. mutans in sucrose or in different-molecular-weight dextrans resulted in the ability of the organisms to provoke PMN release reactions. This effect could bot be demonstrated with boiled or trypsinized S. mutans or with viable S. sanguis. However, when grown in BHI broth supplemented with sucrose, but not with glucose, both S. mutans and S. sanguis triggered discharge of PMN enzymes. The mechanism(s) whereby dextran or sucrose modulates PMN-bacterial interaction may in some manner be related to promotion of microbial adhesiveness or aggregation by dextran and by bacterial synthesis of glucans from sucrose.", "PMID": 1002299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8985", "title": "Interaction of inflammatory cells and oral microorganisms. III. Modulation of rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocyte hydrolase release response to Actinomyces viscosus and Streptococcus mutans by immunoglobulins and complement.", "content": "In the absence of antiserum, rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) released lysosomal enzymes in response to Actinomyces viscosus (19246) but not to Streptococcus mutans (6715). Antibodies had a marked modulating influence on these reactions. PMN hydrolase release was significantly enhanced to both organisms when specific rabbit antiserum and isolated immunoglobulin G (IgG) were included in the incubations. Immune complex F(ab')2 fragments of IgG directed against S. mutans agglutinated bacteria. Immune complexes consisting of S. mutans and F(ab')2 fragments of IgG directed against this organism were not effective as bacteria-IgG complexes in stimulating PMN release. The intensity of the release response to bacteria-IgG complexes was also diminished when PMNs were preincubated with isolated Fc fragments derived from IgG. Fresh serum as a source of complement components had no demonstrable effect on PMN release either alone or in conjuction with antiserum in these experiments. These data may be relevant to the mechanisms and consequences of the interaction of PMNs and plaque bacteria in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.", "contents": "Interaction of inflammatory cells and oral microorganisms. III. Modulation of rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocyte hydrolase release response to Actinomyces viscosus and Streptococcus mutans by immunoglobulins and complement. In the absence of antiserum, rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) released lysosomal enzymes in response to Actinomyces viscosus (19246) but not to Streptococcus mutans (6715). Antibodies had a marked modulating influence on these reactions. PMN hydrolase release was significantly enhanced to both organisms when specific rabbit antiserum and isolated immunoglobulin G (IgG) were included in the incubations. Immune complex F(ab')2 fragments of IgG directed against S. mutans agglutinated bacteria. Immune complexes consisting of S. mutans and F(ab')2 fragments of IgG directed against this organism were not effective as bacteria-IgG complexes in stimulating PMN release. The intensity of the release response to bacteria-IgG complexes was also diminished when PMNs were preincubated with isolated Fc fragments derived from IgG. Fresh serum as a source of complement components had no demonstrable effect on PMN release either alone or in conjuction with antiserum in these experiments. These data may be relevant to the mechanisms and consequences of the interaction of PMNs and plaque bacteria in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.", "PMID": 1002300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8986", "title": "Lung weight parallels disease severity in experimental coccidioidomycosis.", "content": "Evidence provided by histopathological study of lesions is a valuable adjunct for evaluating chemotherapeutic efficacy in experimental animal models, In addition, this should be correlated with a measure of disease severity in the same animal. The latter could be obtained by homogenization of infected organs and quantitative enumeration of viable cells of the etiological agent, but this would preclude histopathological studies in the same animal. Progression of disease in pulmonary infection is associated with replacement of air space by fluid, cells, and cellular debris. Therefore, an increase in lung weight should reflect severity of disease. Results with the murine model of coccidioidomycosis demonstrate that increasing lung weight parallels the increasing census of fungus cells in the lungs of both treated and nontreated infected mice. This was supported with evidence obtained from microscopic studies of lesions indicating that specific chemotherapy limited spread of the infection and inhibited multiplication of the fungus in the lung. Therefore, lung weight can be used as a measure of disease severity in the murine model of coccidioidomycosis.", "contents": "Lung weight parallels disease severity in experimental coccidioidomycosis. Evidence provided by histopathological study of lesions is a valuable adjunct for evaluating chemotherapeutic efficacy in experimental animal models, In addition, this should be correlated with a measure of disease severity in the same animal. The latter could be obtained by homogenization of infected organs and quantitative enumeration of viable cells of the etiological agent, but this would preclude histopathological studies in the same animal. Progression of disease in pulmonary infection is associated with replacement of air space by fluid, cells, and cellular debris. Therefore, an increase in lung weight should reflect severity of disease. Results with the murine model of coccidioidomycosis demonstrate that increasing lung weight parallels the increasing census of fungus cells in the lungs of both treated and nontreated infected mice. This was supported with evidence obtained from microscopic studies of lesions indicating that specific chemotherapy limited spread of the infection and inhibited multiplication of the fungus in the lung. Therefore, lung weight can be used as a measure of disease severity in the murine model of coccidioidomycosis.", "PMID": 1002301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8987", "title": "Lack of effect of azathioprine on phytohemagglutinin-induced lymphocyte transformation and established delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity.", "content": "The effect of experimental long-term azathioprine administration on pre-existing in vitro and in vivo manifestations of delayed hypersensitivity was examined. Adult ewes were administered 3 mg/kg/day azathioprine for periods of up to 28 days. Neither phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced nor tuberculin-induced lymphocyte transformation was affected. Similarly, pre-existing skin test positivity to tuberculin showed no observable change following drug therapy. These results agree with the majority of those involving clinical situations and indicate that immunosuppression with azathiprine cannot be effectively monitored by either the lymphocyte transformation response to PHA or by changes in the in vivo or in vitro manifestations of pre-existing delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity.", "contents": "Lack of effect of azathioprine on phytohemagglutinin-induced lymphocyte transformation and established delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity. The effect of experimental long-term azathioprine administration on pre-existing in vitro and in vivo manifestations of delayed hypersensitivity was examined. Adult ewes were administered 3 mg/kg/day azathioprine for periods of up to 28 days. Neither phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced nor tuberculin-induced lymphocyte transformation was affected. Similarly, pre-existing skin test positivity to tuberculin showed no observable change following drug therapy. These results agree with the majority of those involving clinical situations and indicate that immunosuppression with azathiprine cannot be effectively monitored by either the lymphocyte transformation response to PHA or by changes in the in vivo or in vitro manifestations of pre-existing delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity.", "PMID": 1002310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8988", "title": "Evaluation of tobacco hypersensitivity responses in the mouse. A potential animal model for critical study of tobacco allergy.", "content": "CFW female mice immunized with tobacco leaf extract developed type 1 skin and mast cell sensitivities that could be quantitated. The presence of both IgG1- and IgE-tobacco-mast-cell-sensitizing antibodies was detected by 2 and 48 h. PCA test. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that mice can surve as good animal models for critical investigation of tobacco hypersensitivity in the laboratory.", "contents": "Evaluation of tobacco hypersensitivity responses in the mouse. A potential animal model for critical study of tobacco allergy. CFW female mice immunized with tobacco leaf extract developed type 1 skin and mast cell sensitivities that could be quantitated. The presence of both IgG1- and IgE-tobacco-mast-cell-sensitizing antibodies was detected by 2 and 48 h. PCA test. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that mice can surve as good animal models for critical investigation of tobacco hypersensitivity in the laboratory.", "PMID": 1002311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8989", "title": "Preparation of an infectious mononucleosis receptor from sheep erythrocyte stroma.", "content": "A method is described for the isolation and purification of infectious mononucleosis receptor (IMR) in high yield from sheep erythrocyte stroma. The procedure involves extraction of the stroma successively with boiling acetone, 100, 75 and 50% ethanol which removes approximately 40% non-infectious mononucleosis-active material. Subsequent phenol/buffered saline extraction of the residue from the organic extraction yields a highly active IMR preparation in the aqueous phases. This material was further purified by ethanol precipitation and gel filtration chromatography. The yield was 0.2% of the stroma. Approximately 0.1 mug/ml of the purified IMR inhibits 4 agglutinating units of infectious mononucleosis (IM) serum. The material is a glycoprotein containing N-acetyl- and N-glycolylneuraminic acids, hexose, hexosamine and approximately 46% protein. It gives one band in immunoelectrophoresis with IM serum and loses IM specificity upon treatment with neuraminidase.", "contents": "Preparation of an infectious mononucleosis receptor from sheep erythrocyte stroma. A method is described for the isolation and purification of infectious mononucleosis receptor (IMR) in high yield from sheep erythrocyte stroma. The procedure involves extraction of the stroma successively with boiling acetone, 100, 75 and 50% ethanol which removes approximately 40% non-infectious mononucleosis-active material. Subsequent phenol/buffered saline extraction of the residue from the organic extraction yields a highly active IMR preparation in the aqueous phases. This material was further purified by ethanol precipitation and gel filtration chromatography. The yield was 0.2% of the stroma. Approximately 0.1 mug/ml of the purified IMR inhibits 4 agglutinating units of infectious mononucleosis (IM) serum. The material is a glycoprotein containing N-acetyl- and N-glycolylneuraminic acids, hexose, hexosamine and approximately 46% protein. It gives one band in immunoelectrophoresis with IM serum and loses IM specificity upon treatment with neuraminidase.", "PMID": 1002312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8990", "title": "Cytotoxic effector capacity of bone marrow mononuclear cells.", "content": "Purified mononuclear cells from guinea pig bone marrow possess highly efficient cytotoxic effector cell capabilities in the phytohemagglutinin-induced cellular cytotoxity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assays against chicken red blood cell targets. This cytotoxic activity is not removed by depletion of adherent cells by passage through rayon wool columns. Thus bone marrow lymphocytes themselves, depleted of adherent monocytes, possess this killer cell capacity. These effector cells may either arise de novo within the bone marrow parenchyma or arrive there as part of the recirculating lymphocyte pool. These studies lend further understanding of the development of functional capabilities of bone marrow lymphoid cells.", "contents": "Cytotoxic effector capacity of bone marrow mononuclear cells. Purified mononuclear cells from guinea pig bone marrow possess highly efficient cytotoxic effector cell capabilities in the phytohemagglutinin-induced cellular cytotoxity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assays against chicken red blood cell targets. This cytotoxic activity is not removed by depletion of adherent cells by passage through rayon wool columns. Thus bone marrow lymphocytes themselves, depleted of adherent monocytes, possess this killer cell capacity. These effector cells may either arise de novo within the bone marrow parenchyma or arrive there as part of the recirculating lymphocyte pool. These studies lend further understanding of the development of functional capabilities of bone marrow lymphoid cells.", "PMID": 1002313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8991", "title": "Presence and characterization of lymphokines in mouse ascites tumor fluids.", "content": "Considerable skin-reactive and macrophage-disappearance-inducing activities were detected in cell-free fluids of 2 mouse ascites tumors (Ehrlich ascites tumor, leukemia L 1210). Fractionation of the supernatants by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration on Sephadex G-200, and DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column chromatography resulted in characterization of the proteinaceous substance which accounts for skin-reactive activity. The factor responsible bears a close physicochemical and biological resemblance to the skin-reactive factor of lymphocytic origin which is known to be generated by specific or nonspecific stimulation of lymphocytes in vitro, or to be produced spontaneously by lymphoblastoid cell lines. The biological significance of the findings is discussed.", "contents": "Presence and characterization of lymphokines in mouse ascites tumor fluids. Considerable skin-reactive and macrophage-disappearance-inducing activities were detected in cell-free fluids of 2 mouse ascites tumors (Ehrlich ascites tumor, leukemia L 1210). Fractionation of the supernatants by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration on Sephadex G-200, and DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column chromatography resulted in characterization of the proteinaceous substance which accounts for skin-reactive activity. The factor responsible bears a close physicochemical and biological resemblance to the skin-reactive factor of lymphocytic origin which is known to be generated by specific or nonspecific stimulation of lymphocytes in vitro, or to be produced spontaneously by lymphoblastoid cell lines. The biological significance of the findings is discussed.", "PMID": 1002314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8992", "title": "Motivation, capacity, learning and age.", "content": "Performance and ability to learn in old age seem to depend not only upon physical and mental capacities, but upon willingness to use these capacities fully. This paper outlines a possible model of such a process, in terms of two known principles of motivation: first, that willingness to undertake action is a function of some difference or ratio between expected result and the effort, whether physical or mental, required to attain it; and second that what is achieved is valued more highly if the effort required has been relatively great. These principles seem capable of tying together many seemingly disparate facts about age changes in learning and in adaptation to developments at work, and also in everyday interests and pursuits and in the acceptance of rehabilitative procedures. They also have implications for human relationships in old age. These are discussed with reference to loneliness, which is regarded as arising when personality characteristics make communications from and to other people unrewarding.", "contents": "Motivation, capacity, learning and age. Performance and ability to learn in old age seem to depend not only upon physical and mental capacities, but upon willingness to use these capacities fully. This paper outlines a possible model of such a process, in terms of two known principles of motivation: first, that willingness to undertake action is a function of some difference or ratio between expected result and the effort, whether physical or mental, required to attain it; and second that what is achieved is valued more highly if the effort required has been relatively great. These principles seem capable of tying together many seemingly disparate facts about age changes in learning and in adaptation to developments at work, and also in everyday interests and pursuits and in the acceptance of rehabilitative procedures. They also have implications for human relationships in old age. These are discussed with reference to loneliness, which is regarded as arising when personality characteristics make communications from and to other people unrewarding.", "PMID": 1002324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8993", "title": "Test anxiety in elderly and young adults.", "content": "Test anxiety in elderly and young adult college students was measured by the Anxiety Achievement Test following a free-recall memory experiment. As expected, the elderly had higher levels of debilitating test anxiety than the younger adults. A large proportion of older persons showed behavioural manifestations of test anxiety either by refusing to participate in the study, or by their reactions during the testing. Test anxiety was related to memory performance among both age groups, suggesting than an older person's performance on a cognitive task may be influenced by affective reactions to the testing situation itself.", "contents": "Test anxiety in elderly and young adults. Test anxiety in elderly and young adult college students was measured by the Anxiety Achievement Test following a free-recall memory experiment. As expected, the elderly had higher levels of debilitating test anxiety than the younger adults. A large proportion of older persons showed behavioural manifestations of test anxiety either by refusing to participate in the study, or by their reactions during the testing. Test anxiety was related to memory performance among both age groups, suggesting than an older person's performance on a cognitive task may be influenced by affective reactions to the testing situation itself.", "PMID": 1002325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8994", "title": "Trends in anthropological gerontology: from Simmons to the seventies.", "content": "An analysis of the major trends and findings of socio-cultural studies of the aged in various cultures, as carried out by anthropologists or by other social scientists using anthropological methodology. The paper discusses the present state of our knowledge concerning comparative gerontological phenomena and gives suggestions for further research.", "contents": "Trends in anthropological gerontology: from Simmons to the seventies. An analysis of the major trends and findings of socio-cultural studies of the aged in various cultures, as carried out by anthropologists or by other social scientists using anthropological methodology. The paper discusses the present state of our knowledge concerning comparative gerontological phenomena and gives suggestions for further research.", "PMID": 1002326} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8995", "title": "Personal and social value concerns of Scandinavian elderly: a multivariate study.", "content": "This study is a descriptive account of the results obtained by a set of three attitudes scales, as part of a larger study on the value concerns of two samples of Scandinavian elderly, one Danish and the other Norwegian. The measuring instruments were the Cantril Self Anchoring Scale, the Life Satisfaction Index-A and Rosencranz-McNevin's Semantic Differential. The results indicate that both samples are equally preoccupied with personal security rather than economic concerns. The Danish sample perceives greater congruence between life goals and achievements than the Norwegians. The Norwegians see their young as deviant from the modal ideology of the adult world, while the Danes perceive the young as drifters, but functionally efficient. No correlation was found between personal life satisfaction and acceptance of youth, a finding at variance with results obtained by the authors among previous U.S. Samples of aged.", "contents": "Personal and social value concerns of Scandinavian elderly: a multivariate study. This study is a descriptive account of the results obtained by a set of three attitudes scales, as part of a larger study on the value concerns of two samples of Scandinavian elderly, one Danish and the other Norwegian. The measuring instruments were the Cantril Self Anchoring Scale, the Life Satisfaction Index-A and Rosencranz-McNevin's Semantic Differential. The results indicate that both samples are equally preoccupied with personal security rather than economic concerns. The Danish sample perceives greater congruence between life goals and achievements than the Norwegians. The Norwegians see their young as deviant from the modal ideology of the adult world, while the Danes perceive the young as drifters, but functionally efficient. No correlation was found between personal life satisfaction and acceptance of youth, a finding at variance with results obtained by the authors among previous U.S. Samples of aged.", "PMID": 1002327} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8996", "title": "Learning to live in a therapeutic community: a study of elderly inpatients.", "content": "Fifty-two elderly mental patients in a state hospital were transferred to a new milieu ward. In order to evaluate patient success in the unit, three outcome categories were defined nine months after the unit opened: discharge to the community, adjustment to the setting, and return to the previous ward. Despite the unit's emphasis on performance criteria for success, staff evaluations of the patients' personality rather than the patients' achievement of the behavioural criteria, accounted for success in the setting.", "contents": "Learning to live in a therapeutic community: a study of elderly inpatients. Fifty-two elderly mental patients in a state hospital were transferred to a new milieu ward. In order to evaluate patient success in the unit, three outcome categories were defined nine months after the unit opened: discharge to the community, adjustment to the setting, and return to the previous ward. Despite the unit's emphasis on performance criteria for success, staff evaluations of the patients' personality rather than the patients' achievement of the behavioural criteria, accounted for success in the setting.", "PMID": 1002328} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8997", "title": "Concrete and formal operational thought processes in young adulthood and old age.", "content": "A study was conducted to examine the role of concrete and formal operations in a young and old population. In addition, the present study explored the relation between operational thought and Cattell's concept of fluid and crystallized intelligence, as well as the role of differential living arrangements in maintaining operational thought. Eighty females from three age groups (18-20 years, 60-70 years and 70-80 years of age) were tested on a series of Piagetian tasks and indices of fluid and crystallized intelligence. The findings supported the notion that age-related performance differences occur in the area of formal operational thought prior to the time they occur in concrete operational thought. Except for the young sample, the operational tasks were found to be unrelated to fluid intelligence at the age levels represented in this study. Living independently as opposed to living in an old age home did not appear to be a significant factor in maintaining operational thought. Discussion focused on the necessity of identifying those factors which influence the developmental course of formal operational thought across the life span.", "contents": "Concrete and formal operational thought processes in young adulthood and old age. A study was conducted to examine the role of concrete and formal operations in a young and old population. In addition, the present study explored the relation between operational thought and Cattell's concept of fluid and crystallized intelligence, as well as the role of differential living arrangements in maintaining operational thought. Eighty females from three age groups (18-20 years, 60-70 years and 70-80 years of age) were tested on a series of Piagetian tasks and indices of fluid and crystallized intelligence. The findings supported the notion that age-related performance differences occur in the area of formal operational thought prior to the time they occur in concrete operational thought. Except for the young sample, the operational tasks were found to be unrelated to fluid intelligence at the age levels represented in this study. Living independently as opposed to living in an old age home did not appear to be a significant factor in maintaining operational thought. Discussion focused on the necessity of identifying those factors which influence the developmental course of formal operational thought across the life span.", "PMID": 1002329} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8998", "title": "Toward a metatheoretical model of cognitive development.", "content": "Recently Piaget's model of cognitive development has been seriously questioned. This questioning was due partially to the inadequacy of the model in explaining creative, scientific and mature thought in adulthood. Various proposals have suggested the existence of a fifth stage in cognitive to represent adult thought. A second tradition has focused on the Piagetian model as a competence model. This has initiated a search for an appropriate performance model to describe the processes by which knowledge is actively constructed and applied. The present work reviews the theoretical positions and the research relevant to issue and proposes a synthesis through which cognitive development can be viewed as being both product and process, competence and performance, structure and function simultaneously.", "contents": "Toward a metatheoretical model of cognitive development. Recently Piaget's model of cognitive development has been seriously questioned. This questioning was due partially to the inadequacy of the model in explaining creative, scientific and mature thought in adulthood. Various proposals have suggested the existence of a fifth stage in cognitive to represent adult thought. A second tradition has focused on the Piagetian model as a competence model. This has initiated a search for an appropriate performance model to describe the processes by which knowledge is actively constructed and applied. The present work reviews the theoretical positions and the research relevant to issue and proposes a synthesis through which cognitive development can be viewed as being both product and process, competence and performance, structure and function simultaneously.", "PMID": 1002330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_8999", "title": "Implementing an income strategy for the elderly: studies in organizational change.", "content": "The organizational dimensions of the shift in aging policy from a services strategy to an income strategy are examined. With data from the first year of a longitudinal study of the impact of the new Supplemental Security Income program in the United States, hypotheses about the local-level effect of federally mandated changes in the relationships between organizations and in the adaptation of focal organization staff are tested. Domain consensus, differential prestige and complementarity of function are identified as important factors in the implementation of change.", "contents": "Implementing an income strategy for the elderly: studies in organizational change. The organizational dimensions of the shift in aging policy from a services strategy to an income strategy are examined. With data from the first year of a longitudinal study of the impact of the new Supplemental Security Income program in the United States, hypotheses about the local-level effect of federally mandated changes in the relationships between organizations and in the adaptation of focal organization staff are tested. Domain consensus, differential prestige and complementarity of function are identified as important factors in the implementation of change.", "PMID": 1002331} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9000", "title": "A note on the modifiability and reversibility of development and aging.", "content": "Two major theories of biological development and aging are discussed: the mutation theory and the waste theory. The first relies on the instability of chromosomes and proposes that the aged organism, during his long life span, is more likely to have experienced damaging effects. Changes in irradiation have been introduced to manipulate longevity in the laboratory. The second theory relies on the accumulation of metabolic waste in cells and proposes, likewise, that the aged organism is more likely than the young to experience damaging effects. Recent developments in chemotherapy enable the removal of cellular waste material and, thus, the reversibility of aging processes. Some implications for the behavioral sciences are discussed.", "contents": "A note on the modifiability and reversibility of development and aging. Two major theories of biological development and aging are discussed: the mutation theory and the waste theory. The first relies on the instability of chromosomes and proposes that the aged organism, during his long life span, is more likely to have experienced damaging effects. Changes in irradiation have been introduced to manipulate longevity in the laboratory. The second theory relies on the accumulation of metabolic waste in cells and proposes, likewise, that the aged organism is more likely than the young to experience damaging effects. Recent developments in chemotherapy enable the removal of cellular waste material and, thus, the reversibility of aging processes. Some implications for the behavioral sciences are discussed.", "PMID": 1002332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9001", "title": "Metabolism of calcium and magnesium in liver during acute thioacetamide intoxication.", "content": "The metabolism of calcium and magnesium in liver of thioacetamide treated rats has been studied. A change in the semipermeability of the cell membrane to calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium was observed. The variations in the concentration of extra- and intracellular cations indicates that an undiscriminated in- and outflux of those ions takes place at the time of highest calcium deposition. This change in the cell membrane permeability seems to be related to modifications in the phospholipid metabolism. An increased incorporation of 32P into the acidic phospholipids (phosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl serine) suggests their involvement in the physiological changes of the cell membrane. The results also point out the existence of a hormonally determined susceptibility of the cell membrane to undergo those changes.", "contents": "Metabolism of calcium and magnesium in liver during acute thioacetamide intoxication. The metabolism of calcium and magnesium in liver of thioacetamide treated rats has been studied. A change in the semipermeability of the cell membrane to calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium was observed. The variations in the concentration of extra- and intracellular cations indicates that an undiscriminated in- and outflux of those ions takes place at the time of highest calcium deposition. This change in the cell membrane permeability seems to be related to modifications in the phospholipid metabolism. An increased incorporation of 32P into the acidic phospholipids (phosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl serine) suggests their involvement in the physiological changes of the cell membrane. The results also point out the existence of a hormonally determined susceptibility of the cell membrane to undergo those changes.", "PMID": 1002347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9002", "title": "Pharmacokinetic study and bioavailability of three marketed compounds releasing p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (CPIB) in volunteers.", "content": "The bioavailability and the pharmacokinetics of three hypolipidemic marketed drugs: clofibride, clofibrate and basic aluminium salt of p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (CPIB), releasing in vivo p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (CPIB), the active metabolite, have been investigated in seven healthy male volunteers. The plasma and urinary concentrations of CPIB were determined by a gaschromatographic method, after oral ingestion of a single dose of each compound, releasing 1,3 g of CPIB, as a therapeutic dose, according to a crossover repetition design. The CPIB peak plasma level achieved by clofibride occurs earlier and is higher than this observed after clofibrate, but the CPIB bioavailability, measured by the areas under the plasma concentration-time curve released by clofibride and clofibrate, has be found similar. On the other hand, the CPIB released by the basic aluminium salt of CPIB is slowly absorbed as shown by the very low plasma levels and CPIB urinary excretion during this 24h study.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetic study and bioavailability of three marketed compounds releasing p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (CPIB) in volunteers. The bioavailability and the pharmacokinetics of three hypolipidemic marketed drugs: clofibride, clofibrate and basic aluminium salt of p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (CPIB), releasing in vivo p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (CPIB), the active metabolite, have been investigated in seven healthy male volunteers. The plasma and urinary concentrations of CPIB were determined by a gaschromatographic method, after oral ingestion of a single dose of each compound, releasing 1,3 g of CPIB, as a therapeutic dose, according to a crossover repetition design. The CPIB peak plasma level achieved by clofibride occurs earlier and is higher than this observed after clofibrate, but the CPIB bioavailability, measured by the areas under the plasma concentration-time curve released by clofibride and clofibrate, has be found similar. On the other hand, the CPIB released by the basic aluminium salt of CPIB is slowly absorbed as shown by the very low plasma levels and CPIB urinary excretion during this 24h study.", "PMID": 1002348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9003", "title": "Effects of lidocaine on myocardial function and on isoprenaline-induced circulatory changes in man.", "content": "14 non-cardiac patients aged 42 to 71 years (mean 49 years) were studied. Part I 1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg of lidocaine were administered i.v. on two consecutive days and systolic time intervals (STI) were obtained at one minute intervals for 30 minutes. No change in STI was observed after lidocaine injection. In Part II, a bolus of 5 mug of isoprenaline was given i.v. before and after an injection of 2 mg/kg of lidocaine. Isoprenaline caused a highly significant increase in the heart rate, shortening of the total electromechanical systole, pre-ejection period, electromechanical delay, isovolumic contraction time as well as PEP/LVET and ICT/QS1, indices (in all cases p less than 0.001). 2 mg/kg lidocaine had no blocking or potentiating action on the catecholamine-induced circulatory changes. In Part III, after the isoprenaline challenge, a dose of 2 mg/kg of lidocaine was administered and the bolus injection was followed by an infusion of 30 mug/kg/min. Lidocaine per se caused no change in STI in the course of the infusion over 90 minutes, and there was no difference between isoprenaline-induced changes in STI before and during lidocaine infusion. These results suggest that lidocaine has no negative inotropic effect in the therapeutic dose range in man. Lidocaine caused no change in the systolic time intervals, it had no blocking or potentiating action on the isoprenaline-induced circulatory changes, and it had no negative inotropic effect in therapeutic doses in man.", "contents": "Effects of lidocaine on myocardial function and on isoprenaline-induced circulatory changes in man. 14 non-cardiac patients aged 42 to 71 years (mean 49 years) were studied. Part I 1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg of lidocaine were administered i.v. on two consecutive days and systolic time intervals (STI) were obtained at one minute intervals for 30 minutes. No change in STI was observed after lidocaine injection. In Part II, a bolus of 5 mug of isoprenaline was given i.v. before and after an injection of 2 mg/kg of lidocaine. Isoprenaline caused a highly significant increase in the heart rate, shortening of the total electromechanical systole, pre-ejection period, electromechanical delay, isovolumic contraction time as well as PEP/LVET and ICT/QS1, indices (in all cases p less than 0.001). 2 mg/kg lidocaine had no blocking or potentiating action on the catecholamine-induced circulatory changes. In Part III, after the isoprenaline challenge, a dose of 2 mg/kg of lidocaine was administered and the bolus injection was followed by an infusion of 30 mug/kg/min. Lidocaine per se caused no change in STI in the course of the infusion over 90 minutes, and there was no difference between isoprenaline-induced changes in STI before and during lidocaine infusion. These results suggest that lidocaine has no negative inotropic effect in the therapeutic dose range in man. Lidocaine caused no change in the systolic time intervals, it had no blocking or potentiating action on the isoprenaline-induced circulatory changes, and it had no negative inotropic effect in therapeutic doses in man.", "PMID": 1002349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9004", "title": "The effect of propranolol, prindolol, practolol and verapamil versus placebo on exercise induced tachycardia in patients with ventricular preexcitation.", "content": "Propranolol, prindolol, practolol and verapamil have been given orally in a fixed dose to subjects with preexcitation syndrome in a cross over study. The effect on exercise induced tachycardia, prevention of tachyarrhythmias and normalization of heart rate after exercise was investigated. Propranolol, practolol and prindolol significantly (p less than 0.01-0.05) reduced the heart rate at rest and during exercise and favourably influenced the normalization of the heart rate after exercise. The effect on effort tolerance (work done till the submaximal heart rate was reached) was significantly better after propranolol (versus prindolol and verapamil) and practolol (versus verapamil) only. Verapamil showed a consistent effect only given intravenously in paroxysmal tachycardia while in the majority of patients there was no difference between oral verapamil and placebo.", "contents": "The effect of propranolol, prindolol, practolol and verapamil versus placebo on exercise induced tachycardia in patients with ventricular preexcitation. Propranolol, prindolol, practolol and verapamil have been given orally in a fixed dose to subjects with preexcitation syndrome in a cross over study. The effect on exercise induced tachycardia, prevention of tachyarrhythmias and normalization of heart rate after exercise was investigated. Propranolol, practolol and prindolol significantly (p less than 0.01-0.05) reduced the heart rate at rest and during exercise and favourably influenced the normalization of the heart rate after exercise. The effect on effort tolerance (work done till the submaximal heart rate was reached) was significantly better after propranolol (versus prindolol and verapamil) and practolol (versus verapamil) only. Verapamil showed a consistent effect only given intravenously in paroxysmal tachycardia while in the majority of patients there was no difference between oral verapamil and placebo.", "PMID": 1002350} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9005", "title": "The importance of individual pharmacokinetic data for treatment of epilepsy with carbamazepine.", "content": "4 patients with therapy-resistant psychomotor seizures had been treated with high doses of carbamazepine for 3-6 mo. The serum concentration, taken 2-hourly from 1600-0400 and at 0700 hr, showed the plasma half-life to be on the order of 10 hr, about one-third of that in normal volunteers. The half-life was about 5, 10, 10 and 20 hr. The findings showed that a therapeutic concentration of carbamazepine in serum can be maintained over 24 hr by 3 high doses per day. Single doses of up to 800 mg could be taken without serious side effects in patients treated for long periods with carbamazepine as sole medication.", "contents": "The importance of individual pharmacokinetic data for treatment of epilepsy with carbamazepine. 4 patients with therapy-resistant psychomotor seizures had been treated with high doses of carbamazepine for 3-6 mo. The serum concentration, taken 2-hourly from 1600-0400 and at 0700 hr, showed the plasma half-life to be on the order of 10 hr, about one-third of that in normal volunteers. The half-life was about 5, 10, 10 and 20 hr. The findings showed that a therapeutic concentration of carbamazepine in serum can be maintained over 24 hr by 3 high doses per day. Single doses of up to 800 mg could be taken without serious side effects in patients treated for long periods with carbamazepine as sole medication.", "PMID": 1002351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9006", "title": "Carbenicillin half-life in children with early diabetes mellitus.", "content": "It has been shown earlier by the authors that the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the penicillin clearance are increased in short-term childhood diabetes. Recently, GFR and carbenicillin half-life (T/2) were determined in insulin-treated children with a diabetes duration of 1-5 years, and in a healthy control group. An inverse relationship, between carbenicillin T/2 and GFR was found in both groups. The GFR was significantly higher, and the carbeniciliin T/2 significantly lower in diabetic children than in healthy controls. There was no correlation to blood sugar levels. It is suggested that the accelerated elimination of penicillin and carbenicillin in early diabetes necessitates higher dosages of these drugs for an adequate therapeutic effect.", "contents": "Carbenicillin half-life in children with early diabetes mellitus. It has been shown earlier by the authors that the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the penicillin clearance are increased in short-term childhood diabetes. Recently, GFR and carbenicillin half-life (T/2) were determined in insulin-treated children with a diabetes duration of 1-5 years, and in a healthy control group. An inverse relationship, between carbenicillin T/2 and GFR was found in both groups. The GFR was significantly higher, and the carbeniciliin T/2 significantly lower in diabetic children than in healthy controls. There was no correlation to blood sugar levels. It is suggested that the accelerated elimination of penicillin and carbenicillin in early diabetes necessitates higher dosages of these drugs for an adequate therapeutic effect.", "PMID": 1002352} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9007", "title": "Reversal of the suppressed potassium excretion during treatment with combinations of antikaliuretic drugs (spironolactone, canrenone, triamterene, amiloride) in patients with liver cirrhosis.", "content": "\"Refractory\" ascites was drained off by combinations of antialdosterone (spironolactone, canrenone) and pseudoantialdosterone (triamterene, amiloride) drugs inducing as high sodium excretion as 100 mEq per day in two patients with liver cirrhosis kept on a 9 mEq Na diet. Potentiation of the natriuretic effects of the two types of antikaliuretic drugs occurred by real synergism rather than addition. Although natriuretic acitivity showed a typical dose-related pattern, potassium excretion was unpredictable. Significant increase in potassium excretion (reversal of the suppression) occurred when 300 mg triamterene was combined with 200 mg canrenone in one of the two patients and when the dose of spironolactone or canrenone was increased from 200 mg to 600 mg within the combinations with 300 mg triamterene or 20 mg amiloride in the other. Parallel increase in sodium and potassium excretions might be caused by a proximal tubular effect or by inhibition of potassium reabsorption along with sodium in Henle's loop. The vasopressin (DDAVP) refractory distorsion of the relationship between osmolal clearance and free water reabsorpton (induced by pseudo-antialdosterone agents and potentiated by antialdosterone drugs) observed in all the 6 cases of the present patient material favoured the \"loop hypothesis\".", "contents": "Reversal of the suppressed potassium excretion during treatment with combinations of antikaliuretic drugs (spironolactone, canrenone, triamterene, amiloride) in patients with liver cirrhosis. \"Refractory\" ascites was drained off by combinations of antialdosterone (spironolactone, canrenone) and pseudoantialdosterone (triamterene, amiloride) drugs inducing as high sodium excretion as 100 mEq per day in two patients with liver cirrhosis kept on a 9 mEq Na diet. Potentiation of the natriuretic effects of the two types of antikaliuretic drugs occurred by real synergism rather than addition. Although natriuretic acitivity showed a typical dose-related pattern, potassium excretion was unpredictable. Significant increase in potassium excretion (reversal of the suppression) occurred when 300 mg triamterene was combined with 200 mg canrenone in one of the two patients and when the dose of spironolactone or canrenone was increased from 200 mg to 600 mg within the combinations with 300 mg triamterene or 20 mg amiloride in the other. Parallel increase in sodium and potassium excretions might be caused by a proximal tubular effect or by inhibition of potassium reabsorption along with sodium in Henle's loop. The vasopressin (DDAVP) refractory distorsion of the relationship between osmolal clearance and free water reabsorpton (induced by pseudo-antialdosterone agents and potentiated by antialdosterone drugs) observed in all the 6 cases of the present patient material favoured the \"loop hypothesis\".", "PMID": 1002353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9008", "title": "Interference of bencyclan with 11-hydroxycorticosteroids determinations.", "content": "Falsely high fluorimetric readings were obtained in plasma and urine 11-hydroxycorticosteroids (mostly cortisol) assays during the administration of bencyclan to hypertensive patients. No valid conclusion can be drawn from 11-hydroxycorticosteroids assays in bencyclan treated patients.", "contents": "Interference of bencyclan with 11-hydroxycorticosteroids determinations. Falsely high fluorimetric readings were obtained in plasma and urine 11-hydroxycorticosteroids (mostly cortisol) assays during the administration of bencyclan to hypertensive patients. No valid conclusion can be drawn from 11-hydroxycorticosteroids assays in bencyclan treated patients.", "PMID": 1002354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9009", "title": "[Hemostatic disorders with secretolytics? A contribution to drug safety].", "content": "Based on literature and on the results of this open clinical trial we conclude, that there is no connection between application of the above named group of drugs and the change in parameters of haemostasis function, which might lead to a manifest haemorrhagic diathesis. Within the period surveyed of 14 days no case of induced coagulopathy and particularly no thrombocytopenia was seen. The substances under consideration themselves did not exert any anticoagulatory effect nor did they potentiate or inhibit the effect of a concurrently given cumarin derivative.", "contents": "[Hemostatic disorders with secretolytics? A contribution to drug safety]. Based on literature and on the results of this open clinical trial we conclude, that there is no connection between application of the above named group of drugs and the change in parameters of haemostasis function, which might lead to a manifest haemorrhagic diathesis. Within the period surveyed of 14 days no case of induced coagulopathy and particularly no thrombocytopenia was seen. The substances under consideration themselves did not exert any anticoagulatory effect nor did they potentiate or inhibit the effect of a concurrently given cumarin derivative.", "PMID": 1002355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9010", "title": "Dopamine induced hypoxemia in patients with left heart failure.", "content": "Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that dopamine produces a significant decrease in arterial PO2 and a mild increase in arterial PCO2 in patients with left heart failure. The present investigations were designed to find out dopamine-induced effects impairing gas exchange. In patients with left heart failure and pulmonary congestion the true pulmonary shunt has been determined by O2-breathing. A statistically significant increase of true shunting could be evaluated. However, from calculations of the components composing AaDO2-air it can be demonstrated that most of dopamine-dependent increase of AaDO2-air is due to an elevated diffusion-distribution gradient. This dopamine effect on arterial PO2 does not limit dopamine application because oxygen administration will outrange the side effect. As changes of ventilation did not occur dopamine is assumed to open up pulmonary vessels producing blood flow in poorly ventilated parts of the lungs and causing an increased disturbance of ventilation/perfusion ratio. The increased true pulmonary shunt can be regarded as result of perfusion of totally unventilated lung areas when dopamine is infused. Haloperidol can attenuate dopamine-dependent decrease in arterial PO2. How haloperidol abolishes this dopamine effect on arterial oxygen tension remains unknown.", "contents": "Dopamine induced hypoxemia in patients with left heart failure. Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that dopamine produces a significant decrease in arterial PO2 and a mild increase in arterial PCO2 in patients with left heart failure. The present investigations were designed to find out dopamine-induced effects impairing gas exchange. In patients with left heart failure and pulmonary congestion the true pulmonary shunt has been determined by O2-breathing. A statistically significant increase of true shunting could be evaluated. However, from calculations of the components composing AaDO2-air it can be demonstrated that most of dopamine-dependent increase of AaDO2-air is due to an elevated diffusion-distribution gradient. This dopamine effect on arterial PO2 does not limit dopamine application because oxygen administration will outrange the side effect. As changes of ventilation did not occur dopamine is assumed to open up pulmonary vessels producing blood flow in poorly ventilated parts of the lungs and causing an increased disturbance of ventilation/perfusion ratio. The increased true pulmonary shunt can be regarded as result of perfusion of totally unventilated lung areas when dopamine is infused. Haloperidol can attenuate dopamine-dependent decrease in arterial PO2. How haloperidol abolishes this dopamine effect on arterial oxygen tension remains unknown.", "PMID": 1002356} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9011", "title": "Deaths in connection with chlormethiazole (heminevrin) therapy.", "content": "Six cases are described where death occurred in connection with chlormethiazole (Heminevrin) infusion. The close time relationship and indirect evidence strongly suggest that chlormethiazole had an important role in the fatal outcome of the patients, but definite proof of this way was not possible to obtain. Present or past alcohol abuse and respiratory, liver, cardiac or CNS diseases of different degrees seemed to be features in common for the patients possibly rendering them susceptible to the suggested detrimental effect of chlormethiazole therapy. Respiratory depression is supposed to be the primary pathogenetic mechanism of the death. Considering the relatively limited use of chlormethiazole in the department in which these cases were observed and the recommended dosage applied, the risk of serious complication during chlormethiazole infusions seems to be surprisingly high.", "contents": "Deaths in connection with chlormethiazole (heminevrin) therapy. Six cases are described where death occurred in connection with chlormethiazole (Heminevrin) infusion. The close time relationship and indirect evidence strongly suggest that chlormethiazole had an important role in the fatal outcome of the patients, but definite proof of this way was not possible to obtain. Present or past alcohol abuse and respiratory, liver, cardiac or CNS diseases of different degrees seemed to be features in common for the patients possibly rendering them susceptible to the suggested detrimental effect of chlormethiazole therapy. Respiratory depression is supposed to be the primary pathogenetic mechanism of the death. Considering the relatively limited use of chlormethiazole in the department in which these cases were observed and the recommended dosage applied, the risk of serious complication during chlormethiazole infusions seems to be surprisingly high.", "PMID": 1002357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9012", "title": "Use of antimicrobial drugs in medical wards.", "content": "Antimicrobial usage patterns in 17,750 consecutive medical in-patients, monitored between 1966 and 1972 are described. 36.4% of all patients were exposed to one or more antimicrobials and about half of them received more than one antimicrobial agent. Penicillins accounted for 49% of all exposures and use of ampicillin rose steadily over the years. Concomitant receipt of more than one antimicrobial was common (22% of all exposed patients). Of 171 possible two-drug combinations involving 19 drugs, 126 were actually encountered. Apart from combinations, 60% of antimicrobial recipients received more than one agent at different times.", "contents": "Use of antimicrobial drugs in medical wards. Antimicrobial usage patterns in 17,750 consecutive medical in-patients, monitored between 1966 and 1972 are described. 36.4% of all patients were exposed to one or more antimicrobials and about half of them received more than one antimicrobial agent. Penicillins accounted for 49% of all exposures and use of ampicillin rose steadily over the years. Concomitant receipt of more than one antimicrobial was common (22% of all exposed patients). Of 171 possible two-drug combinations involving 19 drugs, 126 were actually encountered. Apart from combinations, 60% of antimicrobial recipients received more than one agent at different times.", "PMID": 1002359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9013", "title": "Inadequacy of information about drugs.", "content": "A questionary was sent back by 52 interns in three internal medicine services. It showed that approximately 60% of doctors lack \"often\" or \"very often\" pharmacological facts. Information about comparative efficacy is the most difficult to obtain.", "contents": "Inadequacy of information about drugs. A questionary was sent back by 52 interns in three internal medicine services. It showed that approximately 60% of doctors lack \"often\" or \"very often\" pharmacological facts. Information about comparative efficacy is the most difficult to obtain.", "PMID": 1002360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9014", "title": "Individual differences in the antidiuretic response induced by single doses of 1-deamino-8-D-arginine-vasopressin (DDAVP) in patients with pituitary diabetes insipidus.", "content": "Marked interindividual differences were found in the height and duration of the antidiuretic action induced by increasing single intravenous doses (0.5 mug and 8 mug) of DDAVP in patients with pituitary diabetes insipidus. It was assumed that differences in the duration of action reflected individual variations in the rate of removal of vasopressin.", "contents": "Individual differences in the antidiuretic response induced by single doses of 1-deamino-8-D-arginine-vasopressin (DDAVP) in patients with pituitary diabetes insipidus. Marked interindividual differences were found in the height and duration of the antidiuretic action induced by increasing single intravenous doses (0.5 mug and 8 mug) of DDAVP in patients with pituitary diabetes insipidus. It was assumed that differences in the duration of action reflected individual variations in the rate of removal of vasopressin.", "PMID": 1002361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9015", "title": "Comparison of the effects of atenolol and practolol on exercise tachycardia in normal subjects.", "content": "The relationship between cumulative doses of practolol and atenolol and resultant decreases in exercise tachycardia has been examined in 4 healthy volunteers. Continuous intravenous infusions of practolol (0.4 mg/kg), atenolol (0.12 mg/kg) and saline were administered between 7 and 12 minutes of bicycle exercise. The mean (+/- S.E.M.) heart rate (HR) at 7 min. for practolol (133 +/- 5.1) and atenolol (132 +/- 2.8) were significantly (p less than .01) reduced to 115 +/- 2.3 and 104 +/- 2.9 beats/min. respectively. The pre-infusion HR in the saline study (132 +/- 1.2) was unchanged (133 +/- 4.6) at 12 min. The relationship between the log cumulative dose of each drug and the per cent fall in HR/min was linear for each subject. The log dose-response curve (mean of 4 subjects) for practolol (y = 9.6x + 18.1) was more horizontal than for atenolol (y = 18.4x + 38.6).", "contents": "Comparison of the effects of atenolol and practolol on exercise tachycardia in normal subjects. The relationship between cumulative doses of practolol and atenolol and resultant decreases in exercise tachycardia has been examined in 4 healthy volunteers. Continuous intravenous infusions of practolol (0.4 mg/kg), atenolol (0.12 mg/kg) and saline were administered between 7 and 12 minutes of bicycle exercise. The mean (+/- S.E.M.) heart rate (HR) at 7 min. for practolol (133 +/- 5.1) and atenolol (132 +/- 2.8) were significantly (p less than .01) reduced to 115 +/- 2.3 and 104 +/- 2.9 beats/min. respectively. The pre-infusion HR in the saline study (132 +/- 1.2) was unchanged (133 +/- 4.6) at 12 min. The relationship between the log cumulative dose of each drug and the per cent fall in HR/min was linear for each subject. The log dose-response curve (mean of 4 subjects) for practolol (y = 9.6x + 18.1) was more horizontal than for atenolol (y = 18.4x + 38.6).", "PMID": 1002362} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9016", "title": "Combined simultaneous radiotherapy and chemotherapy for treatment of unresectable and/or metastatic cancer.", "content": "The present program was started in 1971 and is being conducted as a probing study. We believe that the only conclusion that can be drawn thus far is that, by utilizing the conventional cobalt therapy and chemotherapy together, there has been no increase in morbidity or mortality. The patients appear to have tolerated this therapy well on an out-patient basis with hospitalization only being needed occasionally. By the time the radiotherapist and/or chemotherapist sees the patient, the cancer is usually systemic. Therefore, a combined approach should be seriously considered since we have found that the patients tolerate this program well. The authors also feel that there has been an improvement, thus far, in terms of completion and duration of response. Further studies are currently being carried out in order to arrive at a more satisfactory statistical conclusion.", "contents": "Combined simultaneous radiotherapy and chemotherapy for treatment of unresectable and/or metastatic cancer. The present program was started in 1971 and is being conducted as a probing study. We believe that the only conclusion that can be drawn thus far is that, by utilizing the conventional cobalt therapy and chemotherapy together, there has been no increase in morbidity or mortality. The patients appear to have tolerated this therapy well on an out-patient basis with hospitalization only being needed occasionally. By the time the radiotherapist and/or chemotherapist sees the patient, the cancer is usually systemic. Therefore, a combined approach should be seriously considered since we have found that the patients tolerate this program well. The authors also feel that there has been an improvement, thus far, in terms of completion and duration of response. Further studies are currently being carried out in order to arrive at a more satisfactory statistical conclusion.", "PMID": 1002363} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9017", "title": "[Isoelectric focusing of an alkylating 3H-cyclophosphamide derivative from human bladder urine].", "content": "1) A stable polar 3H-cyclophosphamide metabolite capable of alkylating 4-(p-nitrobenzyl) pyridine and relatively high concentrated in human bladder urine was isolated. The compound has the pI value 9.06. It is a phosphoramide mustard conjugate. 2) Determination of the isoelectric point was accomplished by means of a new thin-layer isoelectric focusing technique applicable for characterizing loaded parts of low molecular weight substance mixtures.", "contents": "[Isoelectric focusing of an alkylating 3H-cyclophosphamide derivative from human bladder urine]. 1) A stable polar 3H-cyclophosphamide metabolite capable of alkylating 4-(p-nitrobenzyl) pyridine and relatively high concentrated in human bladder urine was isolated. The compound has the pI value 9.06. It is a phosphoramide mustard conjugate. 2) Determination of the isoelectric point was accomplished by means of a new thin-layer isoelectric focusing technique applicable for characterizing loaded parts of low molecular weight substance mixtures.", "PMID": 1002364} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9018", "title": "On human biotransformation of some penicillins.", "content": "Urinary excretion of ampicillin, amoxicillin and oxacillin was studied in five healthy volunteers. Determinations were carried out by chemical methods (PC, TLC, spectrophotometry). Beside the parent compounds and their penicilloic acids, an alphaamino-substituted derivative was demonstrated. The total recovery of amoxicillin was nearly complete, recovery of ampicillin and oxacillin was about 50%. The combination of aminopenicillins with oxacillin did not alter significantly the excretion of the individual compounds.", "contents": "On human biotransformation of some penicillins. Urinary excretion of ampicillin, amoxicillin and oxacillin was studied in five healthy volunteers. Determinations were carried out by chemical methods (PC, TLC, spectrophotometry). Beside the parent compounds and their penicilloic acids, an alphaamino-substituted derivative was demonstrated. The total recovery of amoxicillin was nearly complete, recovery of ampicillin and oxacillin was about 50%. The combination of aminopenicillins with oxacillin did not alter significantly the excretion of the individual compounds.", "PMID": 1002365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9019", "title": "Effect of acebutolol, a new beta-receptor antagonist on heart rate and rate-pressure product in normal subjects.", "content": "A study on the effect of acebutolol, a new beta receptor antagonist, on the resting and post-exercise heart rate and rate-pressure product was carried out in 8 normal volunteers. Intravenous administration of 10 and 20 mg acebutolol was compared with 10 and 20 mg practolol administered at weekly intervals. In the oral study, increasing doses of acebutolol were administered over a period of 20 days. The heart rate and blood pressure was recorded before and at the completion of 4-minute exercise period. The exercise was carried out on a bicycle ergometer at 150 watt per minute for 4 minutes. In a dose to dose comparison, the potencies of acebutolol and practolol administered intravenously were of the same order, in decreasing the resting and post-exercise heart rate and rate pressure product. Their duration of action was also similar. In the oral study, the peak effect was achieved at a dosage of 200 mg per day (100 mg twice daily) of acebutolol. Acebutolol decreased the resting as well as post-exercise rate-pressure product (cardiac work load). This may be the mechanism for the reported beneficial effect in angina pectoris. Acebutolol was well tolerated and no serious side-effects were observed.", "contents": "Effect of acebutolol, a new beta-receptor antagonist on heart rate and rate-pressure product in normal subjects. A study on the effect of acebutolol, a new beta receptor antagonist, on the resting and post-exercise heart rate and rate-pressure product was carried out in 8 normal volunteers. Intravenous administration of 10 and 20 mg acebutolol was compared with 10 and 20 mg practolol administered at weekly intervals. In the oral study, increasing doses of acebutolol were administered over a period of 20 days. The heart rate and blood pressure was recorded before and at the completion of 4-minute exercise period. The exercise was carried out on a bicycle ergometer at 150 watt per minute for 4 minutes. In a dose to dose comparison, the potencies of acebutolol and practolol administered intravenously were of the same order, in decreasing the resting and post-exercise heart rate and rate pressure product. Their duration of action was also similar. In the oral study, the peak effect was achieved at a dosage of 200 mg per day (100 mg twice daily) of acebutolol. Acebutolol decreased the resting as well as post-exercise rate-pressure product (cardiac work load). This may be the mechanism for the reported beneficial effect in angina pectoris. Acebutolol was well tolerated and no serious side-effects were observed.", "PMID": 1002366} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9020", "title": "Pharmacokinetics of azathioprine under haemodialysis.", "content": "Due to the retarded elimination of azathioprine and its metabolites immunosuppressive therapy creates certain problems during acute or chronic renal failure. For this reason the pharmacokinetics of azathioprine and its metabolites were studied in patients with chronic renal failure. Elimination during eight hours of haemodialysis amounted to 45%, which is only slightly less than the elimination in the urine of normal persons over a period of 24 hours. The dialysance of azathioprine and its metabolites was similar to that for uric acid. Effective elimination through haemodialysis is therefore possible. We are of the opinion that the dose of azathioprine for effective immunosuppressive therapy can be maintained under simultaneous haemodialysis.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetics of azathioprine under haemodialysis. Due to the retarded elimination of azathioprine and its metabolites immunosuppressive therapy creates certain problems during acute or chronic renal failure. For this reason the pharmacokinetics of azathioprine and its metabolites were studied in patients with chronic renal failure. Elimination during eight hours of haemodialysis amounted to 45%, which is only slightly less than the elimination in the urine of normal persons over a period of 24 hours. The dialysance of azathioprine and its metabolites was similar to that for uric acid. Effective elimination through haemodialysis is therefore possible. We are of the opinion that the dose of azathioprine for effective immunosuppressive therapy can be maintained under simultaneous haemodialysis.", "PMID": 1002367} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9021", "title": "Effect of long-term alcohol consumption on the half-life of tetracycline and doxycycline in man.", "content": "Elimination of the bacteriostatics tetracycline and doxycycline was compared in patients on long-term alcohol consumption to that in healthy controls. The half-life of doxycycline but not that of tetracycline was significantly shorter in alcoholics than in controls and in some patients the serum concentration of doxycycline decreased below the generally accepted minimum therapeutic concentration when dosed once daily. So, the dosing twice daily might be indicated especially if additional inducing drugs are used.", "contents": "Effect of long-term alcohol consumption on the half-life of tetracycline and doxycycline in man. Elimination of the bacteriostatics tetracycline and doxycycline was compared in patients on long-term alcohol consumption to that in healthy controls. The half-life of doxycycline but not that of tetracycline was significantly shorter in alcoholics than in controls and in some patients the serum concentration of doxycycline decreased below the generally accepted minimum therapeutic concentration when dosed once daily. So, the dosing twice daily might be indicated especially if additional inducing drugs are used.", "PMID": 1002368} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9022", "title": "Distribution and elimination kinetics of intravenously and intramusculary administered tobramycin in man.", "content": "The pharmacokinetic profile of Tobramycin, a new aminoglycoside antibiotic, has been determined in man following intravenous and intramuscular administration. The serum elimination of the antibiotic obeys two-compartment open model kinetics after intravenous injection. The fast (alpha) and slow (beta) disposition rate constants averaged 0.1169 min-1 and 0.0099 min-1 respectively. The volume of distribution at the steady-state averaged 0.123 liter kg-1 and the plasma clearance 0.8 ml min-1 kg-1. Calculation of the intrinsic absorption rate of an intramuscular dose according to the two-compartment open model indicates that absorption increases during the first 40 minutes, then decreases and is virtually complete 90 minutes after administration in all subjects. The absolute physiological availability of the intramuscular dose averaged 84.9%. A method of administration compatible with the kinetic properties of the drug is proposed.", "contents": "Distribution and elimination kinetics of intravenously and intramusculary administered tobramycin in man. The pharmacokinetic profile of Tobramycin, a new aminoglycoside antibiotic, has been determined in man following intravenous and intramuscular administration. The serum elimination of the antibiotic obeys two-compartment open model kinetics after intravenous injection. The fast (alpha) and slow (beta) disposition rate constants averaged 0.1169 min-1 and 0.0099 min-1 respectively. The volume of distribution at the steady-state averaged 0.123 liter kg-1 and the plasma clearance 0.8 ml min-1 kg-1. Calculation of the intrinsic absorption rate of an intramuscular dose according to the two-compartment open model indicates that absorption increases during the first 40 minutes, then decreases and is virtually complete 90 minutes after administration in all subjects. The absolute physiological availability of the intramuscular dose averaged 84.9%. A method of administration compatible with the kinetic properties of the drug is proposed.", "PMID": 1002369} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9023", "title": "Nephrectomy. A five-year material.", "content": "A review of 158 consecutive nephrectomies is presented. The pathological findings are listed and compared to other author's findings. In the present series a very low rate of nephrectomy necessitated by stone and infection is noted. Surprisingly, 14 normal kidneys were removed. The specific diagnostic problems in each case are discussed, and better diagnostic procedures in the future are mentioned.", "contents": "Nephrectomy. A five-year material. A review of 158 consecutive nephrectomies is presented. The pathological findings are listed and compared to other author's findings. In the present series a very low rate of nephrectomy necessitated by stone and infection is noted. Surprisingly, 14 normal kidneys were removed. The specific diagnostic problems in each case are discussed, and better diagnostic procedures in the future are mentioned.", "PMID": 1002394} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9024", "title": "The non-functioning kidney in renal tuberculosis.", "content": "The authors have found a non-functioning kidney in 117 patients, constituting more than 24 per cent of 487 patients with bacteriologically and/or histologically confirmed renal tuberculosis, treated and followed up in the last ten years. In 2/3 of the patients with non-functioning kidney and renal tuberculosis, the conditions of non-functioning had been already present from the very beginning, at the time when renal tuberculosis was established. In the remaining 1/3 of the patients, one of the kidneys had ceased to function in the course of treatment. The authors found that the main causes for the failure of the kidney function in renal tuberculosis are strictures of the draining urinary pathways. Emphasis is laid upon the necessity of a careful observation of the patients with renal tuberculosis in the course of drug treatment in view of a timely detection and treatment ofthe strictures in the draining urinary pathways.", "contents": "The non-functioning kidney in renal tuberculosis. The authors have found a non-functioning kidney in 117 patients, constituting more than 24 per cent of 487 patients with bacteriologically and/or histologically confirmed renal tuberculosis, treated and followed up in the last ten years. In 2/3 of the patients with non-functioning kidney and renal tuberculosis, the conditions of non-functioning had been already present from the very beginning, at the time when renal tuberculosis was established. In the remaining 1/3 of the patients, one of the kidneys had ceased to function in the course of treatment. The authors found that the main causes for the failure of the kidney function in renal tuberculosis are strictures of the draining urinary pathways. Emphasis is laid upon the necessity of a careful observation of the patients with renal tuberculosis in the course of drug treatment in view of a timely detection and treatment ofthe strictures in the draining urinary pathways.", "PMID": 1002395} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9025", "title": "Magnesium deficiency in children with urolithiasis.", "content": "In a group of 57 children with urolithiasis hypomagnesaemia was found in 15 cases (26.3%). All children but one with abnormally low serum magnesium levels had recurrent or bilateral nephrolithiasis or nephrocalcinosis. Prevalence of hyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria, marked severity of the clinical features, abnormality of Ca metabolism and its responsiveness to MgO treatment were demonstrable in Mg deficiency.", "contents": "Magnesium deficiency in children with urolithiasis. In a group of 57 children with urolithiasis hypomagnesaemia was found in 15 cases (26.3%). All children but one with abnormally low serum magnesium levels had recurrent or bilateral nephrolithiasis or nephrocalcinosis. Prevalence of hyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria, marked severity of the clinical features, abnormality of Ca metabolism and its responsiveness to MgO treatment were demonstrable in Mg deficiency.", "PMID": 1002396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9026", "title": "Urethral pressure profile measurements in children.", "content": "After a brief representation of the physiological processes during micturition in the region of the bladder-urethra junction, the pathological changes in neurogenic micturition dysfunctions leading to an increase of the infravesical flow resistance are considered. A suitable procedure for determining exactly the dysfunction is the registration of a urethral pressure profile. The construction is based on pressure measurement by means of a catheter with a lateral eye, with constant slow perfusion. Measuring errors had to be determined in preliminary trials. Examples of investigations in children with various subvesical urinary dysfunctions demonstrates different points concerning this method.", "contents": "Urethral pressure profile measurements in children. After a brief representation of the physiological processes during micturition in the region of the bladder-urethra junction, the pathological changes in neurogenic micturition dysfunctions leading to an increase of the infravesical flow resistance are considered. A suitable procedure for determining exactly the dysfunction is the registration of a urethral pressure profile. The construction is based on pressure measurement by means of a catheter with a lateral eye, with constant slow perfusion. Measuring errors had to be determined in preliminary trials. Examples of investigations in children with various subvesical urinary dysfunctions demonstrates different points concerning this method.", "PMID": 1002397} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9027", "title": "Prognostic usefulness of serum lactic dehydrogenase and its fifth isoenzyme levels in carcinoma of the prostate.", "content": "Antiandrogenic treatment with castration, intravenous diethylstibestrol diphosphate and oral estradiol benzoate was given to 51 patients with prostatic carcinoma. The interrelationship between the clinical response to this treatment and the changes of serum lactic dehydrogenase (SLDH) and SLDH isoenzyme V fraction (SLDH-V) level was studied. Pretreatment SLDH level is significant in regard to the 5-year survival rate. Response of SLDH and SLDH-V levels to antiandrogenic treatment has no significant influence on the 5-year survival rates. As regard the index of the 5-year survival rate in patients with prostatic carcinoma, SLDH-V was almost as specific as SLDH.", "contents": "Prognostic usefulness of serum lactic dehydrogenase and its fifth isoenzyme levels in carcinoma of the prostate. Antiandrogenic treatment with castration, intravenous diethylstibestrol diphosphate and oral estradiol benzoate was given to 51 patients with prostatic carcinoma. The interrelationship between the clinical response to this treatment and the changes of serum lactic dehydrogenase (SLDH) and SLDH isoenzyme V fraction (SLDH-V) level was studied. Pretreatment SLDH level is significant in regard to the 5-year survival rate. Response of SLDH and SLDH-V levels to antiandrogenic treatment has no significant influence on the 5-year survival rates. As regard the index of the 5-year survival rate in patients with prostatic carcinoma, SLDH-V was almost as specific as SLDH.", "PMID": 1002398} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9028", "title": "The effect of saline-induced extracellular volume expansion on the kidney function.", "content": "The functional parameters of renal function of non-hydrated and hydrated dogs (saline-infused to an extent of 1-2% of the body weight) have been compared. The directly measured renal blood flow and the total renal vascular resistance were the same in the two groups. No difference has been found in glomerular filtration rate, the Cinulin was the same in the two groups. There was no important difference in the PAH clearance and PAH extraction. In the hypervolaemic group, the sodium and water excretion was about threefold that of the non-hydrated animals. The plasma protein concentration was significantly lower in the hydrated group. In our experiments we did not find glomerular factors responsible for the increase of sodium and water excretion. The decrease of tubular reabsorption is attributed partly to the decreased plasma protein concentration, partly to unknown (perhaps natriuretic) humoral factors.", "contents": "The effect of saline-induced extracellular volume expansion on the kidney function. The functional parameters of renal function of non-hydrated and hydrated dogs (saline-infused to an extent of 1-2% of the body weight) have been compared. The directly measured renal blood flow and the total renal vascular resistance were the same in the two groups. No difference has been found in glomerular filtration rate, the Cinulin was the same in the two groups. There was no important difference in the PAH clearance and PAH extraction. In the hypervolaemic group, the sodium and water excretion was about threefold that of the non-hydrated animals. The plasma protein concentration was significantly lower in the hydrated group. In our experiments we did not find glomerular factors responsible for the increase of sodium and water excretion. The decrease of tubular reabsorption is attributed partly to the decreased plasma protein concentration, partly to unknown (perhaps natriuretic) humoral factors.", "PMID": 1002399} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9029", "title": "Stimulation of renin secretion by various methods: optional results with hydrochlorothiazide.", "content": "Serum renin concentration (SRC) was determined in 97 hypertensive patients under basal conditions and during stimulation of renin secretion. Renin secretion was stimulated by upright posture and by either of the following means: (a) diet containing 20 mEq Na/24 hours for 3 days; (b) 300 mg i.v. diazoxide injections; (c) oral ingestion of 80 mg furosemide; (d) oral hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), 25 mg twice daily for 3 days. HCT was used in 6 patients previously treated with daizoxide and in 8 patients previously treated with furosemide. Using pairs of basal and stimulated SRC determinations, the patients could be classified as high, normal, or low renin hypertensives. HCT proved to be the most convenient stimulus as far as efficacy, reliability and the patients' tolerance were concerned, and compared well with sodium restriction.", "contents": "Stimulation of renin secretion by various methods: optional results with hydrochlorothiazide. Serum renin concentration (SRC) was determined in 97 hypertensive patients under basal conditions and during stimulation of renin secretion. Renin secretion was stimulated by upright posture and by either of the following means: (a) diet containing 20 mEq Na/24 hours for 3 days; (b) 300 mg i.v. diazoxide injections; (c) oral ingestion of 80 mg furosemide; (d) oral hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), 25 mg twice daily for 3 days. HCT was used in 6 patients previously treated with daizoxide and in 8 patients previously treated with furosemide. Using pairs of basal and stimulated SRC determinations, the patients could be classified as high, normal, or low renin hypertensives. HCT proved to be the most convenient stimulus as far as efficacy, reliability and the patients' tolerance were concerned, and compared well with sodium restriction.", "PMID": 1002400} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9030", "title": "Hepatitis and its problems in a haemodialysis Unit.", "content": "Current knowledge on the hazard of hepatitis in haemodialysis units is reviewed. Its routes of access and spread, and the possibilities of prevention are discussed. The preventive measures employed at the Haemodialysis Unit of the Department of Urology, University Medical School, P\u00e9cs, are outlined and the results reflecting three and a half years' experience are presented.", "contents": "Hepatitis and its problems in a haemodialysis Unit. Current knowledge on the hazard of hepatitis in haemodialysis units is reviewed. Its routes of access and spread, and the possibilities of prevention are discussed. The preventive measures employed at the Haemodialysis Unit of the Department of Urology, University Medical School, P\u00e9cs, are outlined and the results reflecting three and a half years' experience are presented.", "PMID": 1002401} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9031", "title": "X-ray appearance and clinical significance of left atrial wall calcification.", "content": "Ten patients with calcifications of the left atrium are reported with review of the literature. Calcification of the left atrium is frequently associated with history of rheumatic fever, longstanding congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, mural thrombus and embolization. Early recognition of such lesions is essential for the management of the patients, particularly when surgical intervention is contemplated. A practical classification of left atrial calcification is proposed according to the dominant lesion in each group: (a) Calcification of the left atrial appendage alone (Mitral stenosis). (b) cacification of all 3 component lesions of the left atrium, i.e., the left atrial appendage, the free wall, and the mitral valve (Severe mitral stenosis). (c) Calcification of the left atrium in MacCallum's patch alone (Mitral insufficiency).", "contents": "X-ray appearance and clinical significance of left atrial wall calcification. Ten patients with calcifications of the left atrium are reported with review of the literature. Calcification of the left atrium is frequently associated with history of rheumatic fever, longstanding congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, mural thrombus and embolization. Early recognition of such lesions is essential for the management of the patients, particularly when surgical intervention is contemplated. A practical classification of left atrial calcification is proposed according to the dominant lesion in each group: (a) Calcification of the left atrial appendage alone (Mitral stenosis). (b) cacification of all 3 component lesions of the left atrium, i.e., the left atrial appendage, the free wall, and the mitral valve (Severe mitral stenosis). (c) Calcification of the left atrium in MacCallum's patch alone (Mitral insufficiency).", "PMID": 1002404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9032", "title": "Acute lobar collapse in canine lungs.", "content": "A series of experiments was carried out on 28 dogs in which the following aspects were investigated: in 9 dogs, the special configuration of acute lobar atelectasis; in 10 dogs, the pressure-volume characteristics of collapsed and non-collapsed diaphragmatic lobes; in 12 dogs, the wet-weight/dry-weight ratios of atelectatic contralateral lobes; in 6 dogs, the amount of blood sequestered in atelectatic diaphragmatic lobes was estimated. The relationships of an atelectic lobe closely resemble those described in man. Loss of apposition between visceral and parietal pleural surfaces was never observed. The W/D weight ratio of the collapsed lobe invariably was higher than that of the non-collapsed contralateral lobe indicating a slight increase in the volume of fluid in the atelectatic lobe. No pressure-volume differences were found between atelectatic and non-collapsed lobes.", "contents": "Acute lobar collapse in canine lungs. A series of experiments was carried out on 28 dogs in which the following aspects were investigated: in 9 dogs, the special configuration of acute lobar atelectasis; in 10 dogs, the pressure-volume characteristics of collapsed and non-collapsed diaphragmatic lobes; in 12 dogs, the wet-weight/dry-weight ratios of atelectatic contralateral lobes; in 6 dogs, the amount of blood sequestered in atelectatic diaphragmatic lobes was estimated. The relationships of an atelectic lobe closely resemble those described in man. Loss of apposition between visceral and parietal pleural surfaces was never observed. The W/D weight ratio of the collapsed lobe invariably was higher than that of the non-collapsed contralateral lobe indicating a slight increase in the volume of fluid in the atelectatic lobe. No pressure-volume differences were found between atelectatic and non-collapsed lobes.", "PMID": 1002405} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9033", "title": "Evaluation of various contrast agents for improved arthrography.", "content": "In the canine knee joint the monomer methylglucamine iothalamate, the dimer methylglucamine iocarmate, and the nonionic contrast agent metrizamide were examined for use in arthrography. A total of 104 injections were performed with equal iodine concentrations (280-282 mg/ml) and volumes (4 ml) of the three contrast agents. These were evaluated using radiographic comparison and iodine estimations of the joint fluid at various times after injection. Radiographically the dimer was superior, followed by metrizamide and then the monomer. The greatest amount of total iodine within the joint fluid at various times after injection was found with the dimer. Iodine concentrations in the joint fluid were similar for the dimer and metrizamide, both greater than with the monomer.", "contents": "Evaluation of various contrast agents for improved arthrography. In the canine knee joint the monomer methylglucamine iothalamate, the dimer methylglucamine iocarmate, and the nonionic contrast agent metrizamide were examined for use in arthrography. A total of 104 injections were performed with equal iodine concentrations (280-282 mg/ml) and volumes (4 ml) of the three contrast agents. These were evaluated using radiographic comparison and iodine estimations of the joint fluid at various times after injection. Radiographically the dimer was superior, followed by metrizamide and then the monomer. The greatest amount of total iodine within the joint fluid at various times after injection was found with the dimer. Iodine concentrations in the joint fluid were similar for the dimer and metrizamide, both greater than with the monomer.", "PMID": 1002406} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9034", "title": "Arthrography with Amipaque (metrizamide) and other contrast media. A roentgenographic and histologic evaluation in rabbits.", "content": "Arthrography of the knee joint was performed in 30 rabbits for comparison of Amipaque (metrizamide) with Urografin 60% (meglumine-sodium diatrizoate), Isopaque Amin (meglumine-calcium metrizoate), Conray Meglumin 282 (meglumine iothalamate) and Dimer-X (meglumine iocarmate). Films taken at regular intervals show longer contrast duration, and less hydrarthrosis after injection of Amipaque. Minimal focal inflammatory reaction in the synovial membrane is found in many cases when the animals are sacrificed 1 day or 7 days after the injections. No significant difference can be found between the contrast media, and similar changes are also seen after injection of physiologic saline.", "contents": "Arthrography with Amipaque (metrizamide) and other contrast media. A roentgenographic and histologic evaluation in rabbits. Arthrography of the knee joint was performed in 30 rabbits for comparison of Amipaque (metrizamide) with Urografin 60% (meglumine-sodium diatrizoate), Isopaque Amin (meglumine-calcium metrizoate), Conray Meglumin 282 (meglumine iothalamate) and Dimer-X (meglumine iocarmate). Films taken at regular intervals show longer contrast duration, and less hydrarthrosis after injection of Amipaque. Minimal focal inflammatory reaction in the synovial membrane is found in many cases when the animals are sacrificed 1 day or 7 days after the injections. No significant difference can be found between the contrast media, and similar changes are also seen after injection of physiologic saline.", "PMID": 1002407} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9035", "title": "Skeletal demineralization and growth retardation in inflammatory bowel disease.", "content": "Skeletal growth and mineralization in 54 adolescent and adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease have been analyzed comprehensively. Quantitative and qualitative radiologic techniques consisted of conventional roentgenography, photon absorptiometry, and radiographic morphometry. The data are correlated with the type, duration, and severity of disease, and with several modes of therapy. The results indicate the osteopenia and retardation of growth are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly in adolescents, in whom the effects of corticosteroids on the skeleton are most deleterious.", "contents": "Skeletal demineralization and growth retardation in inflammatory bowel disease. Skeletal growth and mineralization in 54 adolescent and adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease have been analyzed comprehensively. Quantitative and qualitative radiologic techniques consisted of conventional roentgenography, photon absorptiometry, and radiographic morphometry. The data are correlated with the type, duration, and severity of disease, and with several modes of therapy. The results indicate the osteopenia and retardation of growth are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly in adolescents, in whom the effects of corticosteroids on the skeleton are most deleterious.", "PMID": 1002408} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9036", "title": "Adenoviridae.", "content": "The elevation of the genus Adenovirus to a family named Adenoviridae is described. This family at the present stage contains two genera, mammalian adenoviruses--Mastadenovirus--and avian adenoviruses--Aviadenovirus. The two genera are separated primarily on the basis of difference in immunological properties of the virions.", "contents": "Adenoviridae. The elevation of the genus Adenovirus to a family named Adenoviridae is described. This family at the present stage contains two genera, mammalian adenoviruses--Mastadenovirus--and avian adenoviruses--Aviadenovirus. The two genera are separated primarily on the basis of difference in immunological properties of the virions.", "PMID": 1002415} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9037", "title": "Occurrence of a peculiar type of adenovirus 2 penton oligomer.", "content": "Evidence was presented that in adenovirus type 2, a representative of Rosen's subgroup III, a preferential oligomer species of pentons, penton tetramers, could be detected in freshly purified penton preparations.", "contents": "Occurrence of a peculiar type of adenovirus 2 penton oligomer. Evidence was presented that in adenovirus type 2, a representative of Rosen's subgroup III, a preferential oligomer species of pentons, penton tetramers, could be detected in freshly purified penton preparations.", "PMID": 1002416} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9038", "title": "A method for the study of regional ischemic dysfunction in the intact dog. Permanent endocardial markers and the pressure-length loop.", "content": "A radiographic method for use in the closed-chest dog is described which allows the quantitation of segmental mechanical performance. Previous work has shown that the area of the pressure-length loop (an approximation of a stress-strain integral) is a useful measure of the mechanical work performed by a segment of myocardium. The position of radiopaque markers previously placed to define segments of myocardium is recorded by biplane cineradiography. From simultaneous measurements of left ventricular pressure the integral of pressure with respect to segment length during one cardiac cycle is calculated. An example illustrating the utility of this model for the study of regional myocardial ischemia is presented.", "contents": "A method for the study of regional ischemic dysfunction in the intact dog. Permanent endocardial markers and the pressure-length loop. A radiographic method for use in the closed-chest dog is described which allows the quantitation of segmental mechanical performance. Previous work has shown that the area of the pressure-length loop (an approximation of a stress-strain integral) is a useful measure of the mechanical work performed by a segment of myocardium. The position of radiopaque markers previously placed to define segments of myocardium is recorded by biplane cineradiography. From simultaneous measurements of left ventricular pressure the integral of pressure with respect to segment length during one cardiac cycle is calculated. An example illustrating the utility of this model for the study of regional myocardial ischemia is presented.", "PMID": 1002410} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9039", "title": "Mechanism of production of cardiac conduction abnormalities due to coronary arteriography in dogs.", "content": "Left coronary arteriography and left coronary artery injections of Tyrode's solution and glucose solutions were performed in 12 anesthetized dogs. The contrast medium was found to prolong the conduction time through the AV junctional tissue and through the most distal part of the conduction network as verified by His-bundle electrogram and by surface ECG (lead II). The results indicate that for evaluation of the effects on conductivity of various media, it is most reliable to measure the altered conduction velocity in the AV nodal region. The prolongation of conduction time produced by contrast medium explains heart conduction blocks and may contribute to the genesis of ventricular fibrillation, frequent complications to coronary arteriography. The data suggest that anoxemia does not cause this delayed conduction. Hyperosmolarity contributes to the alterations of the conductivity, but the ionic composition and anion toxicity of the contrast medium also may be of importance.", "contents": "Mechanism of production of cardiac conduction abnormalities due to coronary arteriography in dogs. Left coronary arteriography and left coronary artery injections of Tyrode's solution and glucose solutions were performed in 12 anesthetized dogs. The contrast medium was found to prolong the conduction time through the AV junctional tissue and through the most distal part of the conduction network as verified by His-bundle electrogram and by surface ECG (lead II). The results indicate that for evaluation of the effects on conductivity of various media, it is most reliable to measure the altered conduction velocity in the AV nodal region. The prolongation of conduction time produced by contrast medium explains heart conduction blocks and may contribute to the genesis of ventricular fibrillation, frequent complications to coronary arteriography. The data suggest that anoxemia does not cause this delayed conduction. Hyperosmolarity contributes to the alterations of the conductivity, but the ionic composition and anion toxicity of the contrast medium also may be of importance.", "PMID": 1002411} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9040", "title": "Preliminary characterization of the nucleic acid of infantile gastroenteritis virus (orbivirus group).", "content": "The nucleic acid of infantile gastroenteritis virus was partially characterized. It was found to be a double-stranded RNA having a buoyant density in CS2SO4 of 1.57 g/ml.", "contents": "Preliminary characterization of the nucleic acid of infantile gastroenteritis virus (orbivirus group). The nucleic acid of infantile gastroenteritis virus was partially characterized. It was found to be a double-stranded RNA having a buoyant density in CS2SO4 of 1.57 g/ml.", "PMID": 1002417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9041", "title": "Cardiac function during coronary arteriography with calcium enriched diatrizoate and metrizamide.", "content": "Calcium was added to diatrizoate (Renografin 76) and metrizamide (Amipaque) to concentrations from 2.5 to 50 mEq/1. The solutions were injected into the left coronary artery in dogs with either the chest opened or closed. In open chest experiments contractile force and aortic pressures were recorded. In closed chest dogs, left ventricular pressure, first derivative of that pressure and aortic pressure were registered. The calcium ion concentration was linearly, inversely related to the effect of the contrast solutions on the recorded parameters. In these experiments the optimal amount of calcium is suggested to 40 mEq/1 added to the diatrizoate solution but only 10 mEq/1 added to the metrizamide solution. No ECG changes due to calcium addition could be registered. The cardiac toxicity of these contrast media seem to be due to an interference with the calcium flux across the cell membrane. The effect on contractility can be recorded with the same reliability in either closed or open chest experiments.", "contents": "Cardiac function during coronary arteriography with calcium enriched diatrizoate and metrizamide. Calcium was added to diatrizoate (Renografin 76) and metrizamide (Amipaque) to concentrations from 2.5 to 50 mEq/1. The solutions were injected into the left coronary artery in dogs with either the chest opened or closed. In open chest experiments contractile force and aortic pressures were recorded. In closed chest dogs, left ventricular pressure, first derivative of that pressure and aortic pressure were registered. The calcium ion concentration was linearly, inversely related to the effect of the contrast solutions on the recorded parameters. In these experiments the optimal amount of calcium is suggested to 40 mEq/1 added to the diatrizoate solution but only 10 mEq/1 added to the metrizamide solution. No ECG changes due to calcium addition could be registered. The cardiac toxicity of these contrast media seem to be due to an interference with the calcium flux across the cell membrane. The effect on contractility can be recorded with the same reliability in either closed or open chest experiments.", "PMID": 1002412} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9042", "title": "Comparisons between X-ray photodensitometric and gamma-ray absorptiometric findings of bone mineral measurements, and the evidence of their convertibility.", "content": "Fifty-two bone mineral measurements were made in chronic renal failure patients using two different radiologic techniques concurrently: gamma-ray absorptiometry; and x-ray photodensitometry. Although the sites of measurements of the cortical bone mineral mass in radius were different (distal vs. proximal) and different parameters were determined (in units of gm/cm vs. gm/cm2), a moderately good correlation was found between measurements by the two techniques (r = 0.61, p less than 0.001). Using external bone width, it was possible to calculate from photodensitometric measurements the bone mass per unit length (gm/cm). This conversion improved the correlation with absorptiometry values considerably (r = 0.78, p less than 0.001). A similar correlation was found between the trabecular bone mass in the distal radius, measured by absorptiometry, and the cortical bone mass in the proximal radius, determined by photodensitometry (r = 0.79, p less than 0.001), the correlation between the cortical and trabecular bone masses by absorptiometry being only slightly higher (r = 0.84, p less than 0.001). The residual variations not explained by the correlations between the absorptiometric and photodensitometric techniques may be largely due to the real differences of bone mineral masses at the two measuring sites and by the inherent methodological errors.", "contents": "Comparisons between X-ray photodensitometric and gamma-ray absorptiometric findings of bone mineral measurements, and the evidence of their convertibility. Fifty-two bone mineral measurements were made in chronic renal failure patients using two different radiologic techniques concurrently: gamma-ray absorptiometry; and x-ray photodensitometry. Although the sites of measurements of the cortical bone mineral mass in radius were different (distal vs. proximal) and different parameters were determined (in units of gm/cm vs. gm/cm2), a moderately good correlation was found between measurements by the two techniques (r = 0.61, p less than 0.001). Using external bone width, it was possible to calculate from photodensitometric measurements the bone mass per unit length (gm/cm). This conversion improved the correlation with absorptiometry values considerably (r = 0.78, p less than 0.001). A similar correlation was found between the trabecular bone mass in the distal radius, measured by absorptiometry, and the cortical bone mass in the proximal radius, determined by photodensitometry (r = 0.79, p less than 0.001), the correlation between the cortical and trabecular bone masses by absorptiometry being only slightly higher (r = 0.84, p less than 0.001). The residual variations not explained by the correlations between the absorptiometric and photodensitometric techniques may be largely due to the real differences of bone mineral masses at the two measuring sites and by the inherent methodological errors.", "PMID": 1002409} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9043", "title": "Slow response induced in canine Purkinje fiber by contrast medium.", "content": "Cardiac toxicity of angiographic contrast medium has been documented at the cellular level by using the methods of micro-electrode electrophysiology. Canine Purkinje fibers exposed to contrast medium exhibit a \"slow response.\" The increased automaticity and slowed conduction inherent in this \"slow response\" may cause the serious arrhythmias and other adverse effects recorded by electrocardiograms during coronary angiography. Hyperosmolarity plays only a minor role in the observed cellular toxicity. The unphysiologic concentrations of sodium, potassium, and calcium in the tested contrast medium were not responsible for the changes observed. Toxicity is probably an inherent chemical property of iodinated diatrizoate or meglumine ions.", "contents": "Slow response induced in canine Purkinje fiber by contrast medium. Cardiac toxicity of angiographic contrast medium has been documented at the cellular level by using the methods of micro-electrode electrophysiology. Canine Purkinje fibers exposed to contrast medium exhibit a \"slow response.\" The increased automaticity and slowed conduction inherent in this \"slow response\" may cause the serious arrhythmias and other adverse effects recorded by electrocardiograms during coronary angiography. Hyperosmolarity plays only a minor role in the observed cellular toxicity. The unphysiologic concentrations of sodium, potassium, and calcium in the tested contrast medium were not responsible for the changes observed. Toxicity is probably an inherent chemical property of iodinated diatrizoate or meglumine ions.", "PMID": 1002413} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9044", "title": "Interaction of ligandin with radiographic contrast media.", "content": "Ligandin (Y protein) is an abundant cytoplasmic glutathione transferase present in liver, kidney and gut in various animals and man. Its interaction with four radiologic contrast media (Telepaque, 3-(3 amino-2,4,6, triiodophenyl -2 ethylpropanoic acid, sodium salt; Hypaque, sodium -3, 5-diacetamido-2,4,6,-triiodobenzoate; Cholografin, N,N'adipyl-bis-(3-amino-2,4,6-triiodobenzoic acid) N-methyl-glucosamine; Diodrast, 3,5-Diiodo-4-pyridone-N-acetic acid, Diethanolamine Salt was investigated by observing inhibitory effects on the enzyme-catalyzed conjugation of glutathione with 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene. Lineweaver-Burk plots of reciprocal initial velocity versus reciprocal inhibitor concentrations at fixed glutathione and chlorodinitrobenzene concentrations demonstrate non-competitive inhibition by all contrast media except Diodrast. No conjugates of contrast media with glutathione were formed. It is postulated that intracellular accumulation of contrast media is aided by intracellular binding with ligandin. Inhibition of the GSH transferase activity of ligandin can disrupt the mercapturate formation, an important detoxification process.", "contents": "Interaction of ligandin with radiographic contrast media. Ligandin (Y protein) is an abundant cytoplasmic glutathione transferase present in liver, kidney and gut in various animals and man. Its interaction with four radiologic contrast media (Telepaque, 3-(3 amino-2,4,6, triiodophenyl -2 ethylpropanoic acid, sodium salt; Hypaque, sodium -3, 5-diacetamido-2,4,6,-triiodobenzoate; Cholografin, N,N'adipyl-bis-(3-amino-2,4,6-triiodobenzoic acid) N-methyl-glucosamine; Diodrast, 3,5-Diiodo-4-pyridone-N-acetic acid, Diethanolamine Salt was investigated by observing inhibitory effects on the enzyme-catalyzed conjugation of glutathione with 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene. Lineweaver-Burk plots of reciprocal initial velocity versus reciprocal inhibitor concentrations at fixed glutathione and chlorodinitrobenzene concentrations demonstrate non-competitive inhibition by all contrast media except Diodrast. No conjugates of contrast media with glutathione were formed. It is postulated that intracellular accumulation of contrast media is aided by intracellular binding with ligandin. Inhibition of the GSH transferase activity of ligandin can disrupt the mercapturate formation, an important detoxification process.", "PMID": 1002414} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9045", "title": "[Hemofiltration in the treatment of generalized edema].", "content": "9 fluid overloaded patients, 8 of them with congestive heart failure and 1 patient with acute renal failure, were treated by ultrafiltration without hemodialysis. Using Gambro-major- and Rhone-Poulenc-6-dialysers the patients were deprived of 6,907.14+/-3,586.13 ml or 652.83 ml/h of extracellular fluid, on an average. During the withdrawal of fluid the plasma volume and central venous pressure decreased, whereas the cardiac output slightly increased. After the ultrafiltration, which did not show any undesirable side effects, the patients could be held in a compensative state by conservative therapy (digitalis and diuretics).", "contents": "[Hemofiltration in the treatment of generalized edema]. 9 fluid overloaded patients, 8 of them with congestive heart failure and 1 patient with acute renal failure, were treated by ultrafiltration without hemodialysis. Using Gambro-major- and Rhone-Poulenc-6-dialysers the patients were deprived of 6,907.14+/-3,586.13 ml or 652.83 ml/h of extracellular fluid, on an average. During the withdrawal of fluid the plasma volume and central venous pressure decreased, whereas the cardiac output slightly increased. After the ultrafiltration, which did not show any undesirable side effects, the patients could be held in a compensative state by conservative therapy (digitalis and diuretics).", "PMID": 1002456} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9046", "title": "[The distribution of HLA antigens in patients with duodenal ulcer].", "content": "Over a period of many years, the connection between blood groups and peptic ulcer is discussed. We examined the HLA system and did not find any relation between HLA distribution, and duodenal ulcer.", "contents": "[The distribution of HLA antigens in patients with duodenal ulcer]. Over a period of many years, the connection between blood groups and peptic ulcer is discussed. We examined the HLA system and did not find any relation between HLA distribution, and duodenal ulcer.", "PMID": 1002457} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9047", "title": "[67Ga-whole-body-scanning for non-invasive diagnosis and observation of the course of Hodgkin's disease].", "content": "Whole body scanning with 67-Ga citrate, could stand the test as a valuable non-invasive agent for the diagnosis and course study of Hodgkin's disease. It shows a differential accuracy in various nodal and extranodal manifestations, as well as in treated and non-treated cases. The method is not capable of replacing the common diagnostic methods which has been thus far used, but it can complete and occasionally correct them. The best diagnostic information can be gained in the thorax and in extranodal manifestations, which are difficult to evaluate by conventional studies. Our own results, which were obtained by means of studies in 18 cases, are discussed in comparison with reported results in the literature.", "contents": "[67Ga-whole-body-scanning for non-invasive diagnosis and observation of the course of Hodgkin's disease]. Whole body scanning with 67-Ga citrate, could stand the test as a valuable non-invasive agent for the diagnosis and course study of Hodgkin's disease. It shows a differential accuracy in various nodal and extranodal manifestations, as well as in treated and non-treated cases. The method is not capable of replacing the common diagnostic methods which has been thus far used, but it can complete and occasionally correct them. The best diagnostic information can be gained in the thorax and in extranodal manifestations, which are difficult to evaluate by conventional studies. Our own results, which were obtained by means of studies in 18 cases, are discussed in comparison with reported results in the literature.", "PMID": 1002458} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9048", "title": "[The effect of uricosuric and uricostatic drugs on DNA metabolism].", "content": "Some of the drugs, which are used in therapy of gout were tested with respect to their influence on semi-conservative DNA-synthesis and DNA-repair in vitro, using different cell systems. The agents (Benzbromarone, Allopurinol, Thiopurinol) were investigated in concentrations similar to blood-levels in normal therapy. The cells were irradiated with ultraviolet or ionizing radiation in order to damage their DNA and DNA-repair (unscheduled DNA-synthesis) was estimated by measuring the incorporation of radioactively labeled thymidine into acid insoluble material under appropriate conditions. The substances showed different effects on DNA-synthesis as well as on DNA-repair, even then, when their supposed influence on enzymes of nucleotide metabolism, was similar.", "contents": "[The effect of uricosuric and uricostatic drugs on DNA metabolism]. Some of the drugs, which are used in therapy of gout were tested with respect to their influence on semi-conservative DNA-synthesis and DNA-repair in vitro, using different cell systems. The agents (Benzbromarone, Allopurinol, Thiopurinol) were investigated in concentrations similar to blood-levels in normal therapy. The cells were irradiated with ultraviolet or ionizing radiation in order to damage their DNA and DNA-repair (unscheduled DNA-synthesis) was estimated by measuring the incorporation of radioactively labeled thymidine into acid insoluble material under appropriate conditions. The substances showed different effects on DNA-synthesis as well as on DNA-repair, even then, when their supposed influence on enzymes of nucleotide metabolism, was similar.", "PMID": 1002459} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9049", "title": "[I. Psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy in dermatology. Psychotherapeutic aspects and indications].", "content": "Different dermatoses, known as psychodermatoses, are classified into psychodynamic and psychopathological aspects. The symptoms are differentiated in: psychosomatic-, psychotic-, hiding a psychoneurosis, psychovegetative- and secundary symptom. The only and important instrument for diagnosis is the interview. An example of a patient with chronic urticaria is given. The differentiation is important to indicate the therapy: psychotherapy or psychopharmacological therapy.", "contents": "[I. Psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy in dermatology. Psychotherapeutic aspects and indications]. Different dermatoses, known as psychodermatoses, are classified into psychodynamic and psychopathological aspects. The symptoms are differentiated in: psychosomatic-, psychotic-, hiding a psychoneurosis, psychovegetative- and secundary symptom. The only and important instrument for diagnosis is the interview. An example of a patient with chronic urticaria is given. The differentiation is important to indicate the therapy: psychotherapy or psychopharmacological therapy.", "PMID": 1002470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9050", "title": "[Psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy in dermatology. II. Psychopharmacotherapy in dermatology].", "content": "The increasing amount of psychopharmacologic drugs and their widespread use in medical disciplines other than psychiatry ask for a basic information of possibilities, risk and limits of these modern therapeutic agents. This paper reviews the most common psychiatric syndroms in dermatologic practice and provides some hints for a reasonable administration of these drugs.", "contents": "[Psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy in dermatology. II. Psychopharmacotherapy in dermatology]. The increasing amount of psychopharmacologic drugs and their widespread use in medical disciplines other than psychiatry ask for a basic information of possibilities, risk and limits of these modern therapeutic agents. This paper reviews the most common psychiatric syndroms in dermatologic practice and provides some hints for a reasonable administration of these drugs.", "PMID": 1002471} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9051", "title": "[Epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica inversa: report on 2 sisters].", "content": "Two sister cases of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica inversa are reported. This type, first described by Gedde-Dahl (1971), is characterized by the inverse site of skin involvement, the intermittent course, frequent traumatic corneal erosions, retarded development of skin atrophy and absence of milia formation. Our present cases had all these characteristics except the corneal involvement. The pedigree of this family favors an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance; no consanguinity is demonstrable in the ancestors over four generations. Electron microscopic examination in one of the patients reveals the blistering beneath the basal lamina, which suggests that the pathogenesis may be similar to the Hallopeau-Siemens type rather than to the junctional type of epidermolysis bullosa.", "contents": "[Epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica inversa: report on 2 sisters]. Two sister cases of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica inversa are reported. This type, first described by Gedde-Dahl (1971), is characterized by the inverse site of skin involvement, the intermittent course, frequent traumatic corneal erosions, retarded development of skin atrophy and absence of milia formation. Our present cases had all these characteristics except the corneal involvement. The pedigree of this family favors an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance; no consanguinity is demonstrable in the ancestors over four generations. Electron microscopic examination in one of the patients reveals the blistering beneath the basal lamina, which suggests that the pathogenesis may be similar to the Hallopeau-Siemens type rather than to the junctional type of epidermolysis bullosa.", "PMID": 1002472} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9052", "title": "[Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome in childhood].", "content": "A case of cheilitis granulomatosa in an 11-year-old boy is presented. The frequency of Melkersson-Rosenthal-syndrome in childhood is compiled from data in the literature. The Melkersson-Rosenthal-syndrome does not differ in children in its clinical and histological picture known from adults. In childhood, females are more often affected than males. The etiology of the syndrome ist still unknown. Symptomatic and temporal improvement could be achieved following local injections of triamcinolone acetonide suspension.", "contents": "[Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome in childhood]. A case of cheilitis granulomatosa in an 11-year-old boy is presented. The frequency of Melkersson-Rosenthal-syndrome in childhood is compiled from data in the literature. The Melkersson-Rosenthal-syndrome does not differ in children in its clinical and histological picture known from adults. In childhood, females are more often affected than males. The etiology of the syndrome ist still unknown. Symptomatic and temporal improvement could be achieved following local injections of triamcinolone acetonide suspension.", "PMID": 1002473} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9053", "title": "Behavioral science applied to cardiovascular health: progress and research needs in the modification of risk-taking habits in adult populations.", "content": "Epidemiological and experimental studies provide evidence that a complex of behavioral, biological and environmental factors interact in the etiology of many cardiovascular diseases. A survey of research and theory concerning training and counseling programs for adult populations is provided. Six basic behavioral recommendations are made for the maintenance of cardiovascular health. Problems in the design of mass media and interpersonal campaigns to alter the health habits of large populations are considered.", "contents": "Behavioral science applied to cardiovascular health: progress and research needs in the modification of risk-taking habits in adult populations. Epidemiological and experimental studies provide evidence that a complex of behavioral, biological and environmental factors interact in the etiology of many cardiovascular diseases. A survey of research and theory concerning training and counseling programs for adult populations is provided. Six basic behavioral recommendations are made for the maintenance of cardiovascular health. Problems in the design of mass media and interpersonal campaigns to alter the health habits of large populations are considered.", "PMID": 1002491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9054", "title": "Psychosocial correlates of delayed decisions to abort.", "content": "Two samples of women aborting in New York and Connecticut during 1972 and 1973 were studied. In all, six hundred and fifty eight women about to undergo first and second trimester procedures completed a self-administered questionnaire. Items include: demographic, psychosocial and personality parameters, and a detailed review of the decision process leading to abortion. Analyses of the correlates of delay are organized around four components: acknowledgment of pregnancy; seeing a physician ; deciding to abort; and locating a clinic. Other analyses focus on the role of decisional conflict in delay. Methodological issues, implications for educational practice and for theory of decision-making are discussed.", "contents": "Psychosocial correlates of delayed decisions to abort. Two samples of women aborting in New York and Connecticut during 1972 and 1973 were studied. In all, six hundred and fifty eight women about to undergo first and second trimester procedures completed a self-administered questionnaire. Items include: demographic, psychosocial and personality parameters, and a detailed review of the decision process leading to abortion. Analyses of the correlates of delay are organized around four components: acknowledgment of pregnancy; seeing a physician ; deciding to abort; and locating a clinic. Other analyses focus on the role of decisional conflict in delay. Methodological issues, implications for educational practice and for theory of decision-making are discussed.", "PMID": 1002492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9055", "title": "[Indications for the reconstruction of the unstable thorax due to serial rib fractures and respiratory insufficiency].", "content": "Because of the impending danger of bronchopneumonial infection caused by hospital germs we consider it of utmost importance in the care and treatment of patients with instable thorax to shorten the period of intubation and artificial respiration. By stabilizing 3 or 4 chozen ribs within the flailing chest wall, we found it possible to significantly reduce the period of intubation, intensive care and hospitalisation. The splinting of several ribs individually by introducing socalled \"Rehbein plates\" into the medullary cavity of those in question proved to be a trustworthy method in achieving this goal.", "contents": "[Indications for the reconstruction of the unstable thorax due to serial rib fractures and respiratory insufficiency]. Because of the impending danger of bronchopneumonial infection caused by hospital germs we consider it of utmost importance in the care and treatment of patients with instable thorax to shorten the period of intubation and artificial respiration. By stabilizing 3 or 4 chozen ribs within the flailing chest wall, we found it possible to significantly reduce the period of intubation, intensive care and hospitalisation. The splinting of several ribs individually by introducing socalled \"Rehbein plates\" into the medullary cavity of those in question proved to be a trustworthy method in achieving this goal.", "PMID": 1002505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9056", "title": "[Perforation of the small intestine in systemic diseases].", "content": "Small intestine perforations caused by systemic disorders are, except with M. Crohn, extremely rare. Therefore we report two cases of \"spontaneous\" small intestine perforations: one with hypersensitivity angiitis and one with Moya-Moya-disease, the latter not yet described in the literature.", "contents": "[Perforation of the small intestine in systemic diseases]. Small intestine perforations caused by systemic disorders are, except with M. Crohn, extremely rare. Therefore we report two cases of \"spontaneous\" small intestine perforations: one with hypersensitivity angiitis and one with Moya-Moya-disease, the latter not yet described in the literature.", "PMID": 1002517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9057", "title": "[Silicone rubber-- an unsuitable and dangerous material for T-drains].", "content": "Four cases of bile peritonitis after removal of silastic T-tubes are described. The removal of the tubes took place 8 to 23 days after operation. This complication has been described only since the introduction of silastic tubing. The therapy consists in early relaparotomy and drainage. In dogs, the behavior of intraperitoneal silastic and rubber tubes was compared. Whereas rubber tubing was completely surrounded by a fibrous sheet not later than 2 weeks after implantation, the silastic tubing was floating freely in the abdominal cavity even after 6 weeks. Therefore, the use of silastic tubes is dangerous in short-time bile duct drainage. On the other hand, this material had advantages for long-term drainage and for endoluminal prostheses.", "contents": "[Silicone rubber-- an unsuitable and dangerous material for T-drains]. Four cases of bile peritonitis after removal of silastic T-tubes are described. The removal of the tubes took place 8 to 23 days after operation. This complication has been described only since the introduction of silastic tubing. The therapy consists in early relaparotomy and drainage. In dogs, the behavior of intraperitoneal silastic and rubber tubes was compared. Whereas rubber tubing was completely surrounded by a fibrous sheet not later than 2 weeks after implantation, the silastic tubing was floating freely in the abdominal cavity even after 6 weeks. Therefore, the use of silastic tubes is dangerous in short-time bile duct drainage. On the other hand, this material had advantages for long-term drainage and for endoluminal prostheses.", "PMID": 1002539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9058", "title": "Semipermeable membranes for improving the histochemical demonstration of enzyme activities in tissue sections. VI. D-glucose 6-phosphate isomerase and phosphoglucomutase.", "content": "Improved histochemical multi-step techniques for the demonstration of glucose 6-phosphate isomerase and phosphoglucomutase in tissue sections are described. With these techniques a semipermeable membrane is interposed between the incubating solutions and the tissue sections preventing diffusion of enzymes into the medium during incubation. In the histochemical system the glucosephosphate isomerase converts the substrate D-fructo-furanose 6-phosphoric acid to D-gluco-pyranose 6-phosphoric acid, and the phosphoglucomutase converts the substrate alpha-D-glucose 1-phosphate to the same reagent, which in turn is oxidized, by exogenous and endogenous glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase to D-glucono-delta-lactone 6-phosphoric acid. Concomittantly the electrons are transferred via NADP+, phenazine methosulphate and menadione to nitro-BT. Sodiumazide and amytal are incorporated to block electron transfer to the cytochromes.", "contents": "Semipermeable membranes for improving the histochemical demonstration of enzyme activities in tissue sections. VI. D-glucose 6-phosphate isomerase and phosphoglucomutase. Improved histochemical multi-step techniques for the demonstration of glucose 6-phosphate isomerase and phosphoglucomutase in tissue sections are described. With these techniques a semipermeable membrane is interposed between the incubating solutions and the tissue sections preventing diffusion of enzymes into the medium during incubation. In the histochemical system the glucosephosphate isomerase converts the substrate D-fructo-furanose 6-phosphoric acid to D-gluco-pyranose 6-phosphoric acid, and the phosphoglucomutase converts the substrate alpha-D-glucose 1-phosphate to the same reagent, which in turn is oxidized, by exogenous and endogenous glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase to D-glucono-delta-lactone 6-phosphoric acid. Concomittantly the electrons are transferred via NADP+, phenazine methosulphate and menadione to nitro-BT. Sodiumazide and amytal are incorporated to block electron transfer to the cytochromes.", "PMID": 1002568} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9059", "title": "Morphology and histochemistry of the adrenal medulla. I. Various types of primary catecholamine-storing cells in the mouse adrenal medulla.", "content": "Semithin sections (Araldite) of mouse adreno-medullary tissue were examined in the light microscope after perfusion fixation with glutaraldehyde, glutaraldehyde/formaldehyde or after freeze-drying followed by a treatment with hot formaldehyde gas. The following methods were employed: (i) aldehyde-induced fluorescence of catecholamines, (ii) Schmorl's ferric ferricyanide reaction, (iii) argentaffin reaction, and (iiii) staining with alkaline lead citrate followed by Timm's silver sulphide reaction. The correspondence of results obtained by the various methods was proven in consecutive sections or by successively applying different methods to identical sections. Four types of primary catecholamine-storing cells were identified. NA1 cells contain cytoplasmic granules up to 0.3 mum in diameter which stain black with ammoniacal silver and display a bright white to yellow fluorescence. NA2 cells show smaller cytoplasmic granules which stain brown with the argentaffin method and give white catecholamine fluorescence. NA3 cells appear yellow-earth after applying the argentaffin reaction and show greenish fluorescence. NA4 cells are hardly identified in the light microscope. These cells are significantly smaller than the above mentioned cells and characterized by a high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio. They become straw coloured with ammoniacal silver and show greenish fluorescence. The argentaffin reaction was also used to identify these cells in semithin sections of glutaraldehyde/osmium tetroxide fixed material. The fine structure of the various noradrenalin-storing cells was studied in consecutive thin sections. NA1 cells were found to contain two populations of granules, the larger ones measuring between 300 and 350 nm, the smaller ones about 175 nm. The granules in NA2 cells correspond to this latter population (175 nm). NA3 cells contain an uniform granule population with a main diameter of 120 nm. The smallest granules are seen in NA4 cells being in the dimension of 80 nm. Granules in NA1 and NA2 cells show uniformly high density, whereas those in NA3 and NA4 cells display cores of varying density. Granules with moderately dense cores in NA3 and NA4 cells may represent partially emptied sites of noradrenalin storage or dopamin containing particles.", "contents": "Morphology and histochemistry of the adrenal medulla. I. Various types of primary catecholamine-storing cells in the mouse adrenal medulla. Semithin sections (Araldite) of mouse adreno-medullary tissue were examined in the light microscope after perfusion fixation with glutaraldehyde, glutaraldehyde/formaldehyde or after freeze-drying followed by a treatment with hot formaldehyde gas. The following methods were employed: (i) aldehyde-induced fluorescence of catecholamines, (ii) Schmorl's ferric ferricyanide reaction, (iii) argentaffin reaction, and (iiii) staining with alkaline lead citrate followed by Timm's silver sulphide reaction. The correspondence of results obtained by the various methods was proven in consecutive sections or by successively applying different methods to identical sections. Four types of primary catecholamine-storing cells were identified. NA1 cells contain cytoplasmic granules up to 0.3 mum in diameter which stain black with ammoniacal silver and display a bright white to yellow fluorescence. NA2 cells show smaller cytoplasmic granules which stain brown with the argentaffin method and give white catecholamine fluorescence. NA3 cells appear yellow-earth after applying the argentaffin reaction and show greenish fluorescence. NA4 cells are hardly identified in the light microscope. These cells are significantly smaller than the above mentioned cells and characterized by a high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio. They become straw coloured with ammoniacal silver and show greenish fluorescence. The argentaffin reaction was also used to identify these cells in semithin sections of glutaraldehyde/osmium tetroxide fixed material. The fine structure of the various noradrenalin-storing cells was studied in consecutive thin sections. NA1 cells were found to contain two populations of granules, the larger ones measuring between 300 and 350 nm, the smaller ones about 175 nm. The granules in NA2 cells correspond to this latter population (175 nm). NA3 cells contain an uniform granule population with a main diameter of 120 nm. The smallest granules are seen in NA4 cells being in the dimension of 80 nm. Granules in NA1 and NA2 cells show uniformly high density, whereas those in NA3 and NA4 cells display cores of varying density. Granules with moderately dense cores in NA3 and NA4 cells may represent partially emptied sites of noradrenalin storage or dopamin containing particles.", "PMID": 1002569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9060", "title": "Fluorescence histochemistry of peptide hormone-producing cells: observations on the nitroso-naphthol method for the demonstration of tyrosine residues.", "content": "Nitroso-naphthol reacts with tyrosine residues of peptides (and probably also proteins) to yield intensely fluorescent condensation products. This reaction forms the basis of a fluorescence histochemical procedure designed to demonstrate cells that are rich in tyrosine-containing peptides or proteins. In models the method was found to be specific for p-hydroxylated phenolic compounds. Fluorescence was induced also following formaldehyde vapour fixation. With the nitroso-naphthol technique the zymogen granules of gastric chief cells, intestinal Paneth cells, pancreatic acinar cells and certain peptide hormone-secreting cells such as the GH cells in the adenohypophysis, the insulin cells of the pancreatic islets and the calcitonin cells of the thyroid gave intense fluorescence with spectral characteristics indistinguishable from those ofthe fluorophores of tyrosine-containing peptides. In addition, a population of endocrine-like cells in the antral and intestinal mucosa of certain mammals displayed fluorescence.", "contents": "Fluorescence histochemistry of peptide hormone-producing cells: observations on the nitroso-naphthol method for the demonstration of tyrosine residues. Nitroso-naphthol reacts with tyrosine residues of peptides (and probably also proteins) to yield intensely fluorescent condensation products. This reaction forms the basis of a fluorescence histochemical procedure designed to demonstrate cells that are rich in tyrosine-containing peptides or proteins. In models the method was found to be specific for p-hydroxylated phenolic compounds. Fluorescence was induced also following formaldehyde vapour fixation. With the nitroso-naphthol technique the zymogen granules of gastric chief cells, intestinal Paneth cells, pancreatic acinar cells and certain peptide hormone-secreting cells such as the GH cells in the adenohypophysis, the insulin cells of the pancreatic islets and the calcitonin cells of the thyroid gave intense fluorescence with spectral characteristics indistinguishable from those ofthe fluorophores of tyrosine-containing peptides. In addition, a population of endocrine-like cells in the antral and intestinal mucosa of certain mammals displayed fluorescence.", "PMID": 1002570} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9061", "title": "Enzymic and morphological studies on catalase positive particles from brown fat of cold adapted rats.", "content": "Brown adipose tissue of normal and cold-adapted adult rats has been investigated morphologically and cytochemically. In thin-sections catalase-positive particles appear as circular, oval or elongated profiles lying either as single particles or forming groups. Biochemical studies on peroxisomal enzymes show an increase of catalase activity to the tenfold amount after cold adaptation. The tissue is devoid of D-aminoacid oxidase and glycolate oxidase, while low activities of middle-chain-alpha-hydroxyacid oxidases could be detected. The catalase-positive particles were purified by differential and is lower than that of the liver peroxisomes. Enzymic investigations of the fractions render it probably that particles contain carnitine acetyltransferase, whereas they are lacking NAD-dependent glycerophosphate dehydrogenase. The pellets derived from the gradient centrifugation have been checked morphologically for purity. After performing DAB-cytochemistry for identification of the peroxidatic activity of catalase, most of the particles were shown to be structurally intact and homogeneously filled with reaction product.", "contents": "Enzymic and morphological studies on catalase positive particles from brown fat of cold adapted rats. Brown adipose tissue of normal and cold-adapted adult rats has been investigated morphologically and cytochemically. In thin-sections catalase-positive particles appear as circular, oval or elongated profiles lying either as single particles or forming groups. Biochemical studies on peroxisomal enzymes show an increase of catalase activity to the tenfold amount after cold adaptation. The tissue is devoid of D-aminoacid oxidase and glycolate oxidase, while low activities of middle-chain-alpha-hydroxyacid oxidases could be detected. The catalase-positive particles were purified by differential and is lower than that of the liver peroxisomes. Enzymic investigations of the fractions render it probably that particles contain carnitine acetyltransferase, whereas they are lacking NAD-dependent glycerophosphate dehydrogenase. The pellets derived from the gradient centrifugation have been checked morphologically for purity. After performing DAB-cytochemistry for identification of the peroxidatic activity of catalase, most of the particles were shown to be structurally intact and homogeneously filled with reaction product.", "PMID": 1002571} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9062", "title": "Electron microscopic localization of adenylate cyclase activity of white and brown adipose tissue of the rat and chicken.", "content": "Brown adipose tissue of newborn rats and chicken embryos and white adipose tissue of adult rats were studied. Adenylate cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1.) activity stimulated by 0.1 mmol/l noradrenaline was demonstrated using an electron microscopic histochemical method. The reaction product was visualized as a cobalt salt in the plasmalemma of the adipocytes. The adipocytes of the brown adipose tissue of the newborn rats showed most intense reaction in the outer surfaces of their plasmalemma. Alloxan totally inhibited the enzymatic reaction. The histochemical reaction used in the present study probably demonstrated the hormonal receptor sites in the plasmalemmas of the adipocytes which are stimulated by noradrenaline.", "contents": "Electron microscopic localization of adenylate cyclase activity of white and brown adipose tissue of the rat and chicken. Brown adipose tissue of newborn rats and chicken embryos and white adipose tissue of adult rats were studied. Adenylate cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1.) activity stimulated by 0.1 mmol/l noradrenaline was demonstrated using an electron microscopic histochemical method. The reaction product was visualized as a cobalt salt in the plasmalemma of the adipocytes. The adipocytes of the brown adipose tissue of the newborn rats showed most intense reaction in the outer surfaces of their plasmalemma. Alloxan totally inhibited the enzymatic reaction. The histochemical reaction used in the present study probably demonstrated the hormonal receptor sites in the plasmalemmas of the adipocytes which are stimulated by noradrenaline.", "PMID": 1002572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9063", "title": "Esterase. XXIII. Electron microscopical demonstration of non-specific esterases in the jejunum of the mouse (Mus musc.) with two quinoline derivatives.", "content": "The intracellular distribution of non specific esterases in various villous cells of mouse jejunum was investigated using two substrates, 8-acetoxiquinoline (Q-O-2) and 8-acetyl mercaptoquinoline (Q-S-2) respectively. With the more selectively staining Q-S-2 a uniform reaction was demonstrated in all enterocytes which was mainly located in the endoplasmic reticulum and the nuclear envelope. Possibly it is a matter of a single enzyme being hardly detachable from the membranes. With the non selectively staining Q-O-2 several esterases were demonstrated Es-2, adn Es-9 among them. The main reaction was found in columnar and Goblet cells, in both at all cellular membranes and in the mitochondrial matrix, additionally in cisterns and vesicles of the endoplasmic reticulum and of the Golgi apparatus and at lipid droplets of the former, finally at mucous droplets of the latter. An extracellular reaction was found in the intercellular cleft and between the microvilli of the brush border.", "contents": "Esterase. XXIII. Electron microscopical demonstration of non-specific esterases in the jejunum of the mouse (Mus musc.) with two quinoline derivatives. The intracellular distribution of non specific esterases in various villous cells of mouse jejunum was investigated using two substrates, 8-acetoxiquinoline (Q-O-2) and 8-acetyl mercaptoquinoline (Q-S-2) respectively. With the more selectively staining Q-S-2 a uniform reaction was demonstrated in all enterocytes which was mainly located in the endoplasmic reticulum and the nuclear envelope. Possibly it is a matter of a single enzyme being hardly detachable from the membranes. With the non selectively staining Q-O-2 several esterases were demonstrated Es-2, adn Es-9 among them. The main reaction was found in columnar and Goblet cells, in both at all cellular membranes and in the mitochondrial matrix, additionally in cisterns and vesicles of the endoplasmic reticulum and of the Golgi apparatus and at lipid droplets of the former, finally at mucous droplets of the latter. An extracellular reaction was found in the intercellular cleft and between the microvilli of the brush border.", "PMID": 1002573} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9064", "title": "[A pathological classification of pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands (author's transl)].", "content": "Pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands show, despite their pleomorphism, certain histological characteristics. These are based onthe differentiation of the epithelial cell and the amount and nature of the stroma. A systematic histological analysis of 310 pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland resulted in the following findings and classification. 1. The most frequent epithelial cell forms were salivary duct and myoepithelial cells (75-90%) seen as epidermoid cell groups (75%). Rarer forms of differentiation were striated duct cells (5%), keratinised squamous epithelium (2,5%), oncocytes (1%), basal cells (1%), and sebaceous gland cells or goblet cells (less than 1%). 2. A myxomatous stroma represented the prototype of stromal differentiation (80%). A chondroid stroma was found in 10% of cases examined and a mixed mucochondroid stroma in 3%. Further differentiation included hyaline stroma (25%) and fibrous stroma (15%) especially in the older tumour or after irradiation. Rarely was a fascicular (0,5%) or osseous (1%) stromal change found. 3. Four subgroups of pleomorphic adenoma can be classified from consideration of the epithelial and stromal changes. Subgroup 1 (30,5%) is the classical pleomorphic adenoma with a stroma content of 30-50%; subgroup 2 (55%) has a stroma content of 80%; subgroup 3 (9%) has a poor stroma content of 20-30% or less and an epitaelial differentiation similar to subgroup 1; and subgroup 4 has also a poor stroma content (6%) with a relatively monomorphic epithelial structure. 4. Recurrences (13,5%) were seen more in stroma-rich pleomorphic adenomas than in stroma-poor tumours. 5. On the basis of cytological differentiation, pleomorphic adenomas develop from indifferent tissue adjacent to salivary intercalated or striated ducts.", "contents": "[A pathological classification of pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands (author's transl)]. Pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands show, despite their pleomorphism, certain histological characteristics. These are based onthe differentiation of the epithelial cell and the amount and nature of the stroma. A systematic histological analysis of 310 pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland resulted in the following findings and classification. 1. The most frequent epithelial cell forms were salivary duct and myoepithelial cells (75-90%) seen as epidermoid cell groups (75%). Rarer forms of differentiation were striated duct cells (5%), keratinised squamous epithelium (2,5%), oncocytes (1%), basal cells (1%), and sebaceous gland cells or goblet cells (less than 1%). 2. A myxomatous stroma represented the prototype of stromal differentiation (80%). A chondroid stroma was found in 10% of cases examined and a mixed mucochondroid stroma in 3%. Further differentiation included hyaline stroma (25%) and fibrous stroma (15%) especially in the older tumour or after irradiation. Rarely was a fascicular (0,5%) or osseous (1%) stromal change found. 3. Four subgroups of pleomorphic adenoma can be classified from consideration of the epithelial and stromal changes. Subgroup 1 (30,5%) is the classical pleomorphic adenoma with a stroma content of 30-50%; subgroup 2 (55%) has a stroma content of 80%; subgroup 3 (9%) has a poor stroma content of 20-30% or less and an epitaelial differentiation similar to subgroup 1; and subgroup 4 has also a poor stroma content (6%) with a relatively monomorphic epithelial structure. 4. Recurrences (13,5%) were seen more in stroma-rich pleomorphic adenomas than in stroma-poor tumours. 5. On the basis of cytological differentiation, pleomorphic adenomas develop from indifferent tissue adjacent to salivary intercalated or striated ducts.", "PMID": 1002574} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9065", "title": "[Causal therapy for diseases of the inner ear? (author's transl)].", "content": "The examples of sudden deafness and Meniere's Disease are used to discuss the possibilities of causal therapy for inner ear dysfunctions. In sudden deafness, etiological and therapeutic considerations are focused on the problem of disorders of the arterial and venous microcirculation, contributing to oxygen deprivation of the organ of Corti. Disruption of the arterial microcirculation leads to irreversible damage of the sensory organ within minutes and non-responsiveness to therapy, whereas even serious venous circulation disturbances can be treated successfully within days after onset of the acute disease. While knowledge of pathological changes in sudden deafness is still limited, temporal bone studies in Meniere's disease provides important information on its pathogenesis. Many authors have described enlargement of the cochlear duct as evidence for endolymphatic hydrops. Maximum enlargement of the endolymphatic system disrupts the membrane system which separates endo- from perolymph, and can be confirmed by histologic examination. This indicates that a change of the ionic concentration in the inner ear fluids is responsible for inner ear dysfunction. Thus, the acute Meniere attack can be explained as a consequence of the \"burst hydrops.\" Because of the still unknown etiology of hydrops, only its consequences can be treated at the present time: i.c., immediate removal of the toxic potassium concentration from the perilymph by increasing the microcirculation of the inner ear before irreversible damage occurs.", "contents": "[Causal therapy for diseases of the inner ear? (author's transl)]. The examples of sudden deafness and Meniere's Disease are used to discuss the possibilities of causal therapy for inner ear dysfunctions. In sudden deafness, etiological and therapeutic considerations are focused on the problem of disorders of the arterial and venous microcirculation, contributing to oxygen deprivation of the organ of Corti. Disruption of the arterial microcirculation leads to irreversible damage of the sensory organ within minutes and non-responsiveness to therapy, whereas even serious venous circulation disturbances can be treated successfully within days after onset of the acute disease. While knowledge of pathological changes in sudden deafness is still limited, temporal bone studies in Meniere's disease provides important information on its pathogenesis. Many authors have described enlargement of the cochlear duct as evidence for endolymphatic hydrops. Maximum enlargement of the endolymphatic system disrupts the membrane system which separates endo- from perolymph, and can be confirmed by histologic examination. This indicates that a change of the ionic concentration in the inner ear fluids is responsible for inner ear dysfunction. Thus, the acute Meniere attack can be explained as a consequence of the \"burst hydrops.\" Because of the still unknown etiology of hydrops, only its consequences can be treated at the present time: i.c., immediate removal of the toxic potassium concentration from the perilymph by increasing the microcirculation of the inner ear before irreversible damage occurs.", "PMID": 1002575} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9066", "title": "[Applies phoniatry. III. Stuttering and Cluttering (author's transl)].", "content": "Stuttering is caused by many factors, and consequential verbal communication may be abolished partially or even totally. Medical management should not concern itself solely with the speech problem, and the individual problem and behaviour of each patient should be considered. Unlike stuttering, cluttering does not mean poor communication, but again in its treatment, individuality must be considered. Treatment is based on frequent tuition of a slower speech and of control of the impulsive personality traits.", "contents": "[Applies phoniatry. III. Stuttering and Cluttering (author's transl)]. Stuttering is caused by many factors, and consequential verbal communication may be abolished partially or even totally. Medical management should not concern itself solely with the speech problem, and the individual problem and behaviour of each patient should be considered. Unlike stuttering, cluttering does not mean poor communication, but again in its treatment, individuality must be considered. Treatment is based on frequent tuition of a slower speech and of control of the impulsive personality traits.", "PMID": 1002576} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9067", "title": "[Possibilities of error in tympanometry (author's transl)].", "content": "The possibilities for error in tympanometry are described. Mechanical difficulties in adaptation of the measurement tubes to the external auditory canal may be encountered. Tympanograms are discussed in patients with adhesive processes and otosclerosis which lead to incorrect results because of deviation from standard results. In the presence of adhesive processes, soft scars may produce a normal tympanogram so that the use of the Siegle speculum in connection with the Br\u00fcning magnifier is recommended. A normal tympanogram may also be absent in patients with otosclerosis. The height of the compliance curves generally does not allow conclusions as to the extent of the middle ear process so that in cases of doubt, the final determination of pathology can only be obtained by exploratory tympanotomy.", "contents": "[Possibilities of error in tympanometry (author's transl)]. The possibilities for error in tympanometry are described. Mechanical difficulties in adaptation of the measurement tubes to the external auditory canal may be encountered. Tympanograms are discussed in patients with adhesive processes and otosclerosis which lead to incorrect results because of deviation from standard results. In the presence of adhesive processes, soft scars may produce a normal tympanogram so that the use of the Siegle speculum in connection with the Br\u00fcning magnifier is recommended. A normal tympanogram may also be absent in patients with otosclerosis. The height of the compliance curves generally does not allow conclusions as to the extent of the middle ear process so that in cases of doubt, the final determination of pathology can only be obtained by exploratory tympanotomy.", "PMID": 1002577} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9068", "title": "[The aetiology and management of the frontal sinus mucopyocoele (author's transl)].", "content": "The pathogenesis of frontal sinus mucopyocoele is assessed in 33 patients seen between 1958 to 1972. In 45% there has been previous frontal sinus surgery. The importance of the frontonasal duct and healthy mucosa is stressed. The unexpectedly high number of mucopyocoeles following surgery permitted critical assessment of the procedures employed. The most successful and least complicated of which involved preservation or reconstruction of a drainage canal, removal of the obstructing middle turbinate and use of an indwelling drainage tube for at least 6 months. Regular follow-up and adequate early treatment of intercurrent infection are essential.", "contents": "[The aetiology and management of the frontal sinus mucopyocoele (author's transl)]. The pathogenesis of frontal sinus mucopyocoele is assessed in 33 patients seen between 1958 to 1972. In 45% there has been previous frontal sinus surgery. The importance of the frontonasal duct and healthy mucosa is stressed. The unexpectedly high number of mucopyocoeles following surgery permitted critical assessment of the procedures employed. The most successful and least complicated of which involved preservation or reconstruction of a drainage canal, removal of the obstructing middle turbinate and use of an indwelling drainage tube for at least 6 months. Regular follow-up and adequate early treatment of intercurrent infection are essential.", "PMID": 1002578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9069", "title": "Enhancement of the auditory evoked response by conditioning.", "content": "Averaged electroencephalic audiometry has previously demonstrated that cortical responses to auditory stimuli increase and decrease in a direct relationship with stimulus sensation levels. This study utilized a conditioning paradigm with bimodal stimulus presentations in order to effect an enhancement of the auditory evoked response at low sensation levels with normal hearing subjects. The conditioning procedure that was used was found to enhance significantly the percentage of responses as well as the response amplitude. The individual specificity of the response remained unaffected by the conditioning. Response latencies were increased as a result of conditioning. Response latencies were increased as a result of conditioning.", "contents": "Enhancement of the auditory evoked response by conditioning. Averaged electroencephalic audiometry has previously demonstrated that cortical responses to auditory stimuli increase and decrease in a direct relationship with stimulus sensation levels. This study utilized a conditioning paradigm with bimodal stimulus presentations in order to effect an enhancement of the auditory evoked response at low sensation levels with normal hearing subjects. The conditioning procedure that was used was found to enhance significantly the percentage of responses as well as the response amplitude. The individual specificity of the response remained unaffected by the conditioning. Response latencies were increased as a result of conditioning. Response latencies were increased as a result of conditioning.", "PMID": 1002579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9070", "title": "Milk transfer of pyrrolizidine alkoloids in cattle.", "content": "A study was conducted to determine if pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Senecio jacobaea (tansy ragwort) are passed into milk of lactating cows. Four cows were given dried tansy ragwort via rumen cannula at a dosage of 10 g/kg/day for 2 weeks. Chemical assay of pyrrolizidine alkaloid content in the dried plants averaged 0.16% by weight. By use of thin-layer chromatography, 5 alkaloids were isolated from the plant materials. The only alkaloid isolated from the milk was jacoline. Condition of the cows and nursing calves was monitored via measurement of blood leukocyte count, and serum protein, albumin, and globulin content. Sorbitol dehydrogenase values and liver biopsy specimens were used to assess liver function. In the cows, marked changes were observed in blood leukocyte count, sorbitol dehydrogenase values, and liver biopsy findings. No changes of any type were observed in the calves. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid content of the milk ranged from 9.4 to 16.7 mug/100 ml of milk.", "contents": "Milk transfer of pyrrolizidine alkoloids in cattle. A study was conducted to determine if pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Senecio jacobaea (tansy ragwort) are passed into milk of lactating cows. Four cows were given dried tansy ragwort via rumen cannula at a dosage of 10 g/kg/day for 2 weeks. Chemical assay of pyrrolizidine alkaloid content in the dried plants averaged 0.16% by weight. By use of thin-layer chromatography, 5 alkaloids were isolated from the plant materials. The only alkaloid isolated from the milk was jacoline. Condition of the cows and nursing calves was monitored via measurement of blood leukocyte count, and serum protein, albumin, and globulin content. Sorbitol dehydrogenase values and liver biopsy specimens were used to assess liver function. In the cows, marked changes were observed in blood leukocyte count, sorbitol dehydrogenase values, and liver biopsy findings. No changes of any type were observed in the calves. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid content of the milk ranged from 9.4 to 16.7 mug/100 ml of milk.", "PMID": 1002587} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9071", "title": "The clinical relationship between acoustic reflexes and loudness perception.", "content": "Speech-elicited acoustic reflexes and three measures of subjective loudness perceptions were administered to 10 normal ears and to 20 ears with confirmed sensorineural hearing loss. Most notable was the comparison between loudness discomfort level and the acoustic reflex, revealing a limited relationship. The use of the acoustic reflex as a clinical predictor of loudness discomfort is questioned.", "contents": "The clinical relationship between acoustic reflexes and loudness perception. Speech-elicited acoustic reflexes and three measures of subjective loudness perceptions were administered to 10 normal ears and to 20 ears with confirmed sensorineural hearing loss. Most notable was the comparison between loudness discomfort level and the acoustic reflex, revealing a limited relationship. The use of the acoustic reflex as a clinical predictor of loudness discomfort is questioned.", "PMID": 1002582} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9072", "title": "Prescription of hearing aids: a rationale.", "content": "A rationale is presented for a hearing aid prescription. Once the choice of ear(s) to be fitted is determined and whether air or bone conduction fitting is appropriate, output and gain-frequency response characteristics are prescribed on the basis of audiometric test data. The specific prescription data for ouptut are based on uncomfortable loudness levels, and gain-frequency response data are based on a formula that was determined by imposing typical speech parameters over a given hearing loss. A hearing aid prescription is not only intended to predict amplification needs but, just as important, it also provides a method for testing the results of those predictions.", "contents": "Prescription of hearing aids: a rationale. A rationale is presented for a hearing aid prescription. Once the choice of ear(s) to be fitted is determined and whether air or bone conduction fitting is appropriate, output and gain-frequency response characteristics are prescribed on the basis of audiometric test data. The specific prescription data for ouptut are based on uncomfortable loudness levels, and gain-frequency response data are based on a formula that was determined by imposing typical speech parameters over a given hearing loss. A hearing aid prescription is not only intended to predict amplification needs but, just as important, it also provides a method for testing the results of those predictions.", "PMID": 1002581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9073", "title": "Epidemiologic analysis of oral and pharyngeal cancer in dogs, cats, horses, and cattle.", "content": "Four hundred sixty-nine oral-pharyngeal malignancies diagnosed in dogs, cats, horses, and cattle and submitted to the Viterinary Medical Data Program between March 1, 1964, and Dec 31, 1974, were analyzed. Of these cases, 84% were in dogs. The most frequent oral-pharyngeal cancer in dogs was melanoma; in cats and horses, it was squamous cell carcinoma. In dogs, the risk of developing melanoma increased more with age than did the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma and fibrosarcoma. Male dogs had significantly greater risk of developing fibrosarcomas and melanomas than did female dogs. The German Shorthaired Pointer, Weimaraner, Golden Retriever, Boxer, and Cocker Spaniel breeds had significantly higher risk and Dachshunds and Beagles had significantly lower risk, as compared with all breeds combined. There was no significant difference between observed and expected numbers of tonsillar carcinomas diagnosed at veterinary colleges located in small urban areas (less than 50,000 persons) as compared with large urban populations (greater than 500,000).", "contents": "Epidemiologic analysis of oral and pharyngeal cancer in dogs, cats, horses, and cattle. Four hundred sixty-nine oral-pharyngeal malignancies diagnosed in dogs, cats, horses, and cattle and submitted to the Viterinary Medical Data Program between March 1, 1964, and Dec 31, 1974, were analyzed. Of these cases, 84% were in dogs. The most frequent oral-pharyngeal cancer in dogs was melanoma; in cats and horses, it was squamous cell carcinoma. In dogs, the risk of developing melanoma increased more with age than did the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma and fibrosarcoma. Male dogs had significantly greater risk of developing fibrosarcomas and melanomas than did female dogs. The German Shorthaired Pointer, Weimaraner, Golden Retriever, Boxer, and Cocker Spaniel breeds had significantly higher risk and Dachshunds and Beagles had significantly lower risk, as compared with all breeds combined. There was no significant difference between observed and expected numbers of tonsillar carcinomas diagnosed at veterinary colleges located in small urban areas (less than 50,000 persons) as compared with large urban populations (greater than 500,000).", "PMID": 1002589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9074", "title": "Consideration of an association between geographic distribution of caves and occurrence of rabies in foxes.", "content": "Establishing a causative relationship for the association between geographic distribution of caves and the occurrence of rabies in foxes in the United States will require the demonstration of a plausible biological mechanism and proof from carefully designed epidemiologic studies. Considerable data implying biological plausibility exists in the form of rabies as an enzootic disease in bats, bat predation by ground animals, bat migratory patterns, and several possible virus transmission routes to the fox. Further data showing development of rabies in the fox following appropriate bat contact are needed. Evidence leading to the acceptability of a causal relationship should distinguish between spurious, causal, and indirect hypotheses. An alternative hypothesis is whether cave areas are superior fox habitats and harbor far greater populations of foxes than do noncave areas.", "contents": "Consideration of an association between geographic distribution of caves and occurrence of rabies in foxes. Establishing a causative relationship for the association between geographic distribution of caves and the occurrence of rabies in foxes in the United States will require the demonstration of a plausible biological mechanism and proof from carefully designed epidemiologic studies. Considerable data implying biological plausibility exists in the form of rabies as an enzootic disease in bats, bat predation by ground animals, bat migratory patterns, and several possible virus transmission routes to the fox. Further data showing development of rabies in the fox following appropriate bat contact are needed. Evidence leading to the acceptability of a causal relationship should distinguish between spurious, causal, and indirect hypotheses. An alternative hypothesis is whether cave areas are superior fox habitats and harbor far greater populations of foxes than do noncave areas.", "PMID": 1002590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9075", "title": "Unoccluded bone conduction screening as an alternative to impedance screening.", "content": "The present study was undertaken to determine which intensity level of an unoccluded bone-conducted (BC) signal might be best suited for use as a supplemental procedure to an individual pure-tone air-conduction school screening program. Four intensity levels (0, 5, 10, 15 dB hearing level) of a 500 Hz BC tone were presented in ascending order to a public school population in addition to screening by impedance audiometry and pure-tone air conducted signals. Tetrachoric analysis using impedance screening results as a standard comparison revealed that a 10-dB unoccluded BC signal at 500 Hz provided an effective supplemental procedure for identifying conductive pathology in the population studied.", "contents": "Unoccluded bone conduction screening as an alternative to impedance screening. The present study was undertaken to determine which intensity level of an unoccluded bone-conducted (BC) signal might be best suited for use as a supplemental procedure to an individual pure-tone air-conduction school screening program. Four intensity levels (0, 5, 10, 15 dB hearing level) of a 500 Hz BC tone were presented in ascending order to a public school population in addition to screening by impedance audiometry and pure-tone air conducted signals. Tetrachoric analysis using impedance screening results as a standard comparison revealed that a 10-dB unoccluded BC signal at 500 Hz provided an effective supplemental procedure for identifying conductive pathology in the population studied.", "PMID": 1002583} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9076", "title": "Blood lead concentrations of children and dogs from 83 Illinois families.", "content": "In comparison of blood lead concentrations (BLC) of 119 children and 94 dogs from 83 low-income suburban Illinois families, the mean BLC in the children was 8.9 mug/100 ml greater than that in the dogs. Demonstration of a BLC of diagnostic significance in a family dog increased the probability sixfold of finding a child in the same family with a BLC similarly increased. A history of pica in a family dog also increased the likelihood of finding pica in the family's children. It was concluded that family dogs may be useful sentinels of lead poisoning in children, and that veterinarians seeing dogs in clinical situations may have public health responsibilities with regard to lead poisoning.", "contents": "Blood lead concentrations of children and dogs from 83 Illinois families. In comparison of blood lead concentrations (BLC) of 119 children and 94 dogs from 83 low-income suburban Illinois families, the mean BLC in the children was 8.9 mug/100 ml greater than that in the dogs. Demonstration of a BLC of diagnostic significance in a family dog increased the probability sixfold of finding a child in the same family with a BLC similarly increased. A history of pica in a family dog also increased the likelihood of finding pica in the family's children. It was concluded that family dogs may be useful sentinels of lead poisoning in children, and that veterinarians seeing dogs in clinical situations may have public health responsibilities with regard to lead poisoning.", "PMID": 1002592} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9077", "title": "Effects of practice on SISI scores and the relationship of SISI score to the intensity difference limen.", "content": "The standard short increment sensitivity index (SISI) was given to 24 normal hearing subjects 10 times in two test sessions. For each subject the intensity difference limen was determined with a quantal method using the SISI apparatus. Although the group data indicated a statistically significant improvement in scores across presentations, the change was not clinically significant, in that the highest mean score continued to be \"negative\" in clinical interpretation. Four individual subjects, however, moved from initial sntations. Highest scores achieved by the subjects were found to be significantly related to intensity difference limen. The results suggest that the clinician must be aware of a potential for a clinically significant improvement in SISI score with practice on the part of some subjects.", "contents": "Effects of practice on SISI scores and the relationship of SISI score to the intensity difference limen. The standard short increment sensitivity index (SISI) was given to 24 normal hearing subjects 10 times in two test sessions. For each subject the intensity difference limen was determined with a quantal method using the SISI apparatus. Although the group data indicated a statistically significant improvement in scores across presentations, the change was not clinically significant, in that the highest mean score continued to be \"negative\" in clinical interpretation. Four individual subjects, however, moved from initial sntations. Highest scores achieved by the subjects were found to be significantly related to intensity difference limen. The results suggest that the clinician must be aware of a potential for a clinically significant improvement in SISI score with practice on the part of some subjects.", "PMID": 1002585} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9078", "title": "Effect of feeding pine needles on ovine reproduction.", "content": "Estrous cycles were not altered in 30 mature ewes fed pine needles 11 to 13 days prior to breeding. Pregnancy and lambing rates were not affected by the feeding of pine needles. An antiestrogenic effect of pine needles on the reproductive process in ewes was not clinically detectable. There was no indication of any toxic effects on ewes consuming a 37% pine needle diet.", "contents": "Effect of feeding pine needles on ovine reproduction. Estrous cycles were not altered in 30 mature ewes fed pine needles 11 to 13 days prior to breeding. Pregnancy and lambing rates were not affected by the feeding of pine needles. An antiestrogenic effect of pine needles on the reproductive process in ewes was not clinically detectable. There was no indication of any toxic effects on ewes consuming a 37% pine needle diet.", "PMID": 1002594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9079", "title": "Differential diagnosis of viral leukoencephalomyelitis of goats.", "content": "In clinical evaluation of 13 kid goats with viral leukoencephalomyelitis, diseases goats were found to be usually 2 to 4 months old, afebrile, and with unaltered mental status. The most frequent neurologic signs were posterior paresis and ataxia. Pleocytosis and lymphopenia were consistent antemortem laboratory findings. Absence of other abnormal laboratory and radiographic changes were also typical of the disease. Confirmation of the diagnosis can be obtained only be thorough histologic examination of the brain and spinal cord.", "contents": "Differential diagnosis of viral leukoencephalomyelitis of goats. In clinical evaluation of 13 kid goats with viral leukoencephalomyelitis, diseases goats were found to be usually 2 to 4 months old, afebrile, and with unaltered mental status. The most frequent neurologic signs were posterior paresis and ataxia. Pleocytosis and lymphopenia were consistent antemortem laboratory findings. Absence of other abnormal laboratory and radiographic changes were also typical of the disease. Confirmation of the diagnosis can be obtained only be thorough histologic examination of the brain and spinal cord.", "PMID": 1002595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9080", "title": "Problems with earphone calibration using a manikin.", "content": "The response of a single TDH-39 receiver mounted in a MX-41/AR and an Auraldome cushion was measured psychoacoustically and electroacoustically using standard couplers and the Zwislocki coupler mounted in KEMAR (Knowles Electronic Manikin for Acoustic Research). Although the psychoacoustic data were similar for both cushions, electroacoustic responses differed across cushions and across couplers. It was concluded that an accurate method for evaluating circumaural earphones has not yet been developed and the manikin, in its present form, is unsuitable for supra-aural or circumaural earphone calibration.", "contents": "Problems with earphone calibration using a manikin. The response of a single TDH-39 receiver mounted in a MX-41/AR and an Auraldome cushion was measured psychoacoustically and electroacoustically using standard couplers and the Zwislocki coupler mounted in KEMAR (Knowles Electronic Manikin for Acoustic Research). Although the psychoacoustic data were similar for both cushions, electroacoustic responses differed across cushions and across couplers. It was concluded that an accurate method for evaluating circumaural earphones has not yet been developed and the manikin, in its present form, is unsuitable for supra-aural or circumaural earphone calibration.", "PMID": 1002584} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9081", "title": "Situational cues in visual speech perception by geriatric subjects.", "content": "Situational cues have been known to enhance visual speech perception. In the present study the influence of relevant and nonrelevant visual and auditory background information on visual perception of everyday sentences was measured in geriatric subjects using videotaped material. Results indicated that visual speech perception with relevant situational cues was significantly different from performance when nonrelevant cues were provided and when situational cues were absent. Individual subject deviations in performance were noted and their therapeutic implications were presented.", "contents": "Situational cues in visual speech perception by geriatric subjects. Situational cues have been known to enhance visual speech perception. In the present study the influence of relevant and nonrelevant visual and auditory background information on visual perception of everyday sentences was measured in geriatric subjects using videotaped material. Results indicated that visual speech perception with relevant situational cues was significantly different from performance when nonrelevant cues were provided and when situational cues were absent. Individual subject deviations in performance were noted and their therapeutic implications were presented.", "PMID": 1002586} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9082", "title": "Ichthyosis in two dogs.", "content": "Ichthyosis in 2 dogs was characterized by extreme hyperkeratosis on all or part of the skin and by extreme thickening of the digital and metapodial pads. The skin disorder closely resembled human lamellar ichthyosis, in which the histologic features include a thickened granular layer, mitotic figures, and dense collections of coarse keratohyaline granules. The disease was believed to be inherited, probably autosomal recessive, inasmuch as none of the parents was affected. Treatment of 1 dog with 5% lactic acid in hydrophilic ointment reduced the hyperkeratosis and decreased the shedding of scales.", "contents": "Ichthyosis in two dogs. Ichthyosis in 2 dogs was characterized by extreme hyperkeratosis on all or part of the skin and by extreme thickening of the digital and metapodial pads. The skin disorder closely resembled human lamellar ichthyosis, in which the histologic features include a thickened granular layer, mitotic figures, and dense collections of coarse keratohyaline granules. The disease was believed to be inherited, probably autosomal recessive, inasmuch as none of the parents was affected. Treatment of 1 dog with 5% lactic acid in hydrophilic ointment reduced the hyperkeratosis and decreased the shedding of scales.", "PMID": 1002598} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9083", "title": "Radiologic and gross anatomic evaluation of bone healing in the dog.", "content": "Bone healing associated with 3 techniques of midshaft femoral fracture fixation in 36 young adult Beagle-type dogs was evaluated in radiographic and gross pathoanatomic studies. A serrated transverse fracture was surgically and aseptically created on the midshaft of either the left or the right femur of each dog. The fixation devices used were intramedullary (IM) pin, IM pin and 1/2 Kirschner device, and tension bone plates. The radiographic evaluation was done in series. The first radiographs were taken during surgery. Radiographs were then taken immediately after surgery, to record the status of reduction, alignment, and fixation. Radiographs were taken at the 4th and 10th postoperative weeks, to monitor healing. All dogs were euthanatized at the 10th week. Both the normal femur and the healing femur were removed from all dogs, all soft tissue was removed from the bone, and each femur was examined grossly. Each type of fixation was associated with a distinct mode of osteogenesis. Bony union and clinical union (that stage in the healing process when fixation can be removed) were defined as a successful conclusion to each case. Malunion and nonunion were defined as unsuccessful conclusions. Delayed union was defined as neither successful nor unsuccessful. The IM pin cases had a 64.2% success rate and a 14.2% failure rate. The IM pin and 1/2 Kirschner cases had a 100% success rate. The bone plate cases were 91% successful, with 0% failure. A problem identified with IM pinning was axial rotation (6 of 14 or 42% of the cases). It was concluded that IM pins should not be used alone for the fixation of femoral fractures in adult dogs.", "contents": "Radiologic and gross anatomic evaluation of bone healing in the dog. Bone healing associated with 3 techniques of midshaft femoral fracture fixation in 36 young adult Beagle-type dogs was evaluated in radiographic and gross pathoanatomic studies. A serrated transverse fracture was surgically and aseptically created on the midshaft of either the left or the right femur of each dog. The fixation devices used were intramedullary (IM) pin, IM pin and 1/2 Kirschner device, and tension bone plates. The radiographic evaluation was done in series. The first radiographs were taken during surgery. Radiographs were then taken immediately after surgery, to record the status of reduction, alignment, and fixation. Radiographs were taken at the 4th and 10th postoperative weeks, to monitor healing. All dogs were euthanatized at the 10th week. Both the normal femur and the healing femur were removed from all dogs, all soft tissue was removed from the bone, and each femur was examined grossly. Each type of fixation was associated with a distinct mode of osteogenesis. Bony union and clinical union (that stage in the healing process when fixation can be removed) were defined as a successful conclusion to each case. Malunion and nonunion were defined as unsuccessful conclusions. Delayed union was defined as neither successful nor unsuccessful. The IM pin cases had a 64.2% success rate and a 14.2% failure rate. The IM pin and 1/2 Kirschner cases had a 100% success rate. The bone plate cases were 91% successful, with 0% failure. A problem identified with IM pinning was axial rotation (6 of 14 or 42% of the cases). It was concluded that IM pins should not be used alone for the fixation of femoral fractures in adult dogs.", "PMID": 1002599} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9084", "title": "Morphology of the epididymal region and ductus deferens of the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).", "content": "The ductal system of the reproductive tract of the male domestic turkey was studied by gross dissection and light microscopy of paraffin and Epon embedded tissues. The succession of ductules as one passes caudally from the testis was as follows: seminiferous tubules; rete testis; ductuli efferentes; connecting ductules; ductus epididymidis; ductus deferens; receptaculum ductus deferentis; papilla ductus deferentis. Non-ciliated cells of the male tract consisted of squamous and low cuboidal cells of the rete testis, granulated columnar cells lining the ductuli efferentes and connective ductules; agranulated columnar cells which formed the epithelium of the ductus epididymidis, ductus deferens, receptaculum and papilla ductus deferentis; and basal cells which were found in increasing number from the ductuli efferentes to the papilla. The basal cells had a reduced amount of cytoplasm and stained more intensely than the other cell types. Ciliated cells were apparent in the ductuli efferentes and connecting ductules, and these consistently stained lighter than the non-ciliated cells. Non-ciliated columnar cells of the ductuli efferentes and connecting ductules contained chromatophilic granules. Cytoplasmic blebbing into the ductal lumina was found associated with these non-ciliated cells as well as the agranular cells of the ductus epididymidis and deferens. Evidence obtained from this study suggests that the non-ciliated cells of the ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens have a contribution to make to the seminal plasma by apocrine secretion.", "contents": "Morphology of the epididymal region and ductus deferens of the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). The ductal system of the reproductive tract of the male domestic turkey was studied by gross dissection and light microscopy of paraffin and Epon embedded tissues. The succession of ductules as one passes caudally from the testis was as follows: seminiferous tubules; rete testis; ductuli efferentes; connecting ductules; ductus epididymidis; ductus deferens; receptaculum ductus deferentis; papilla ductus deferentis. Non-ciliated cells of the male tract consisted of squamous and low cuboidal cells of the rete testis, granulated columnar cells lining the ductuli efferentes and connective ductules; agranulated columnar cells which formed the epithelium of the ductus epididymidis, ductus deferens, receptaculum and papilla ductus deferentis; and basal cells which were found in increasing number from the ductuli efferentes to the papilla. The basal cells had a reduced amount of cytoplasm and stained more intensely than the other cell types. Ciliated cells were apparent in the ductuli efferentes and connecting ductules, and these consistently stained lighter than the non-ciliated cells. Non-ciliated columnar cells of the ductuli efferentes and connecting ductules contained chromatophilic granules. Cytoplasmic blebbing into the ductal lumina was found associated with these non-ciliated cells as well as the agranular cells of the ductus epididymidis and deferens. Evidence obtained from this study suggests that the non-ciliated cells of the ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens have a contribution to make to the seminal plasma by apocrine secretion.", "PMID": 1002602} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9085", "title": "An ultrastructural study of implantation in the golden hamster. II. Trophoblastic invasion and removal of the uterine epithelium.", "content": "Sixty six implantation sites from 18 golden hamsters were examined with light and electron microscopy between 4 and 5 1/2 days of pregnancy (post-ovulation). At 4 days some blastocysts began to invade the uterine epithelium, with trophoblastic processes penetrating and engulfing portions of the uterine epithelium. The majority of epithelial cells appeared normal before invasion, although at two implantation sites three or four adjoining epithelial cells were necrotic before penetration by the trophoblast. In general the epithelial cells were degenerating at the time the trophoblast invaded the epithelium. Inclusions, representing portions of the engulfed epithelium, and varying in size and electron density, were present throughout the invading trophoblast cells at 4 1/2 and 5 days of pregnancy. At 5 1/2 days the uterine epithelium had disappeared and the embryo was now almost completely surrounded by blood lacunae.", "contents": "An ultrastructural study of implantation in the golden hamster. II. Trophoblastic invasion and removal of the uterine epithelium. Sixty six implantation sites from 18 golden hamsters were examined with light and electron microscopy between 4 and 5 1/2 days of pregnancy (post-ovulation). At 4 days some blastocysts began to invade the uterine epithelium, with trophoblastic processes penetrating and engulfing portions of the uterine epithelium. The majority of epithelial cells appeared normal before invasion, although at two implantation sites three or four adjoining epithelial cells were necrotic before penetration by the trophoblast. In general the epithelial cells were degenerating at the time the trophoblast invaded the epithelium. Inclusions, representing portions of the engulfed epithelium, and varying in size and electron density, were present throughout the invading trophoblast cells at 4 1/2 and 5 days of pregnancy. At 5 1/2 days the uterine epithelium had disappeared and the embryo was now almost completely surrounded by blood lacunae.", "PMID": 1002601} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9086", "title": "Freeze-fracture replication of organized tissue without cryoprotection.", "content": "Fresh pieces of rat liver and pancreas were rapidly frozen without prior chemical fixation or cryoprotection, and replicated folloing freeze-fracture. Replicas revealed small peripheral areas free of ice crystals or damage and, within such areas, general ultrastructural morphology was essentially similar to that seen in conventionally processed material. On fracture faces of plasma and nuclear membranes a population of less prominent particles in addition to conventional membrane-associated particles was seen, and smooth areas devoid of particles of any type were seen on some nuclear membranes. These smooth areas did not appear to be similar to smooth areas allegedly arising as artifacts of conventional processing. Tight junctions and gap junctions appeared as they do in cryoprotected specimens. The results provide a base-line for assessing the possible effects of processing steps or agents on the ultrastructure of organized tissues as revealed in freeze-fracture replicas.", "contents": "Freeze-fracture replication of organized tissue without cryoprotection. Fresh pieces of rat liver and pancreas were rapidly frozen without prior chemical fixation or cryoprotection, and replicated folloing freeze-fracture. Replicas revealed small peripheral areas free of ice crystals or damage and, within such areas, general ultrastructural morphology was essentially similar to that seen in conventionally processed material. On fracture faces of plasma and nuclear membranes a population of less prominent particles in addition to conventional membrane-associated particles was seen, and smooth areas devoid of particles of any type were seen on some nuclear membranes. These smooth areas did not appear to be similar to smooth areas allegedly arising as artifacts of conventional processing. Tight junctions and gap junctions appeared as they do in cryoprotected specimens. The results provide a base-line for assessing the possible effects of processing steps or agents on the ultrastructure of organized tissues as revealed in freeze-fracture replicas.", "PMID": 1002603} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9087", "title": "Casts of hepatic blood vessels: a comparison of the microcirculation of the penguin, Pygoscelis adeliae, with some common laboratory animals.", "content": "Latex casts of the hepatic blood vessels of the penguin, Pygoscelis adeliae, and of some common laboratory animals were compared. There was general similarity between the different species, but the portal venous and hepatic arterial systems of the penguin were simpler than those of other species. Measurements were made of the volume and length of portal veins and it appears that the portal venous system is capable of being a more efficient blood reservoir in the penguin than in other species studied. The peribiliary plexus was especially well formed in the penguin and was drained by long veins which usually joined portal venous branches. Some of the long veins drained directly into the hepatic venous tree: these translobular veins were more prominent than in mammals. Anastomoses between hepatic artery and portal vein were not present in penguins, and the supply to the sinusoids appeared to be separate. The morphology of small hepatic veins of all the species appeared to be similar.", "contents": "Casts of hepatic blood vessels: a comparison of the microcirculation of the penguin, Pygoscelis adeliae, with some common laboratory animals. Latex casts of the hepatic blood vessels of the penguin, Pygoscelis adeliae, and of some common laboratory animals were compared. There was general similarity between the different species, but the portal venous and hepatic arterial systems of the penguin were simpler than those of other species. Measurements were made of the volume and length of portal veins and it appears that the portal venous system is capable of being a more efficient blood reservoir in the penguin than in other species studied. The peribiliary plexus was especially well formed in the penguin and was drained by long veins which usually joined portal venous branches. Some of the long veins drained directly into the hepatic venous tree: these translobular veins were more prominent than in mammals. Anastomoses between hepatic artery and portal vein were not present in penguins, and the supply to the sinusoids appeared to be separate. The morphology of small hepatic veins of all the species appeared to be similar.", "PMID": 1002604} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9088", "title": "The postnatal development of the alimentary canal in the opossum. I. Oesophagus.", "content": "The oesophageal epithelium of the newborn opossum generally is two to three cells in depth and in some regions appears pseudostratified. By the 9th postnatal day the epithelium shows two distinct strata. Ciliated cells and occasional goblet cells also are observed within the epithelium during this stage and in subsequent stages. Cilia persist in the oesophagus of the adult opossum, but are restricted to the depths of the transverse folds found in the distal part of the organ. The epithelium covering the transverse folds of the adult likewise has an immature appearance. By 4-5 cm (ca. 20 days), the epithelium has assumed a more mature appearance and is of greater depth. This and later stages show three basic strata: a germinal layer, a spinous layer and, adjacent to the lumen, a flattened layer of cells that retain their nuclei. The epithelium throughout the postnatal period and in the adult does not undergo complete keratinization. The oesophageal glands begin as outgrowths from the epithelium just prior to 4-5 cm (ca. 20 days). The glands continue their development throughout the remainder of the postnatal period. The secretory units of the oesophageal glands of the the major portion of the secretory elements, and a light, rounded cell type which is less numerous and which occupies the terminal portions of the secretory units. Secretory material of the former appears complex, consisting of both neutral and acid glycoproteins. The secretory product of the light cell type is unknown at present. Both cell types are encompassed by myoepithelial cells. The relationship of the mitotic sequences to the observations made by microscopic examination of the developing oesophagus is discussed.", "contents": "The postnatal development of the alimentary canal in the opossum. I. Oesophagus. The oesophageal epithelium of the newborn opossum generally is two to three cells in depth and in some regions appears pseudostratified. By the 9th postnatal day the epithelium shows two distinct strata. Ciliated cells and occasional goblet cells also are observed within the epithelium during this stage and in subsequent stages. Cilia persist in the oesophagus of the adult opossum, but are restricted to the depths of the transverse folds found in the distal part of the organ. The epithelium covering the transverse folds of the adult likewise has an immature appearance. By 4-5 cm (ca. 20 days), the epithelium has assumed a more mature appearance and is of greater depth. This and later stages show three basic strata: a germinal layer, a spinous layer and, adjacent to the lumen, a flattened layer of cells that retain their nuclei. The epithelium throughout the postnatal period and in the adult does not undergo complete keratinization. The oesophageal glands begin as outgrowths from the epithelium just prior to 4-5 cm (ca. 20 days). The glands continue their development throughout the remainder of the postnatal period. The secretory units of the oesophageal glands of the the major portion of the secretory elements, and a light, rounded cell type which is less numerous and which occupies the terminal portions of the secretory units. Secretory material of the former appears complex, consisting of both neutral and acid glycoproteins. The secretory product of the light cell type is unknown at present. Both cell types are encompassed by myoepithelial cells. The relationship of the mitotic sequences to the observations made by microscopic examination of the developing oesophagus is discussed.", "PMID": 1002605} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9089", "title": "Destruction of hyaline cartilage in the sigmoid notch of the human ulna.", "content": "In an ulna from an adolescent a fossa nudata divided the articular surface of the sigmoid notch into olecranon and coronoid areas. In the floor of the fossa a layer of loose avascular pannus covered a thin layer of articular cartilage. The pannus appeared to have been formed by removal of chondroitin from the cartilage, freeing the cells and unmasking the fibres. Probably the change followed loss of contact between the articular cartilages of the sigmoid notch and trochlea during postnatal growth.", "contents": "Destruction of hyaline cartilage in the sigmoid notch of the human ulna. In an ulna from an adolescent a fossa nudata divided the articular surface of the sigmoid notch into olecranon and coronoid areas. In the floor of the fossa a layer of loose avascular pannus covered a thin layer of articular cartilage. The pannus appeared to have been formed by removal of chondroitin from the cartilage, freeing the cells and unmasking the fibres. Probably the change followed loss of contact between the articular cartilages of the sigmoid notch and trochlea during postnatal growth.", "PMID": 1002607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9090", "title": "Transport of solutes through cartilage: permeability to large molecules.", "content": "A review of the transport of solutes through articular cartilage is given, with special reference to the effect of variations in matrix composition. Some physiological implications of our findings are discussed. Also, results of an experimental study of the permeability of articular cartilage to large globular proteins are presented. Because of the very low partition coefficients of large solutes between cartilage and an external solution new experimental techniques had to be devised, particularly for the study of diffusion. The partition coefficients of solutes were found to decrease very steeply with increase in size, up to serum albumin. There was, however, no further decrease for IGG. The diffusion coefficient of serum albumin in cartilage was relatively high (one quarter of the value in aqueous solution). These two facts taken together suggest that there may be a very small fraction of relatively large pores in cartilage through which the transport of large molecules is taking place. The permeability of cartilage to large molecules is extremely sensitive to variations in the glycosaminoglycan content: for a threefold increase in the latter there is a hundredfold decrease in the partition coefficient. For cartilage of fixed charge density around 0-19 m-equiv/g, there is no penetration at all of globular proteins of size equal to or larger than serum albumin.", "contents": "Transport of solutes through cartilage: permeability to large molecules. A review of the transport of solutes through articular cartilage is given, with special reference to the effect of variations in matrix composition. Some physiological implications of our findings are discussed. Also, results of an experimental study of the permeability of articular cartilage to large globular proteins are presented. Because of the very low partition coefficients of large solutes between cartilage and an external solution new experimental techniques had to be devised, particularly for the study of diffusion. The partition coefficients of solutes were found to decrease very steeply with increase in size, up to serum albumin. There was, however, no further decrease for IGG. The diffusion coefficient of serum albumin in cartilage was relatively high (one quarter of the value in aqueous solution). These two facts taken together suggest that there may be a very small fraction of relatively large pores in cartilage through which the transport of large molecules is taking place. The permeability of cartilage to large molecules is extremely sensitive to variations in the glycosaminoglycan content: for a threefold increase in the latter there is a hundredfold decrease in the partition coefficient. For cartilage of fixed charge density around 0-19 m-equiv/g, there is no penetration at all of globular proteins of size equal to or larger than serum albumin.", "PMID": 1002608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9091", "title": "Observations on some additional abnormalities in situs inversus viscerum.", "content": "The abnormal findings in a case of Situs inversus totalis are described. The duodenum was placed abnormally and retained its primitive mesentery. The proximal 22 in of jejunum were retroperitoneal. The attachment of the root of the mesentery to the posterior abdominal wall had a 7-shaped appearance, and there was a partial failure of the primitive mesocolon to adhere to the posterior abdominal wall. The common hepatic artery arose from the superior meseneric artery, which also provided a branch to the proximal jejunal loop. The right vagus nerve was found anterior to the oesophagus at the oesophageal hiatus in the diaphragm, and the left vagus was posterior. A double ureter was present on the right side. The findings are discussed in relation to mid-gut development.", "contents": "Observations on some additional abnormalities in situs inversus viscerum. The abnormal findings in a case of Situs inversus totalis are described. The duodenum was placed abnormally and retained its primitive mesentery. The proximal 22 in of jejunum were retroperitoneal. The attachment of the root of the mesentery to the posterior abdominal wall had a 7-shaped appearance, and there was a partial failure of the primitive mesocolon to adhere to the posterior abdominal wall. The common hepatic artery arose from the superior meseneric artery, which also provided a branch to the proximal jejunal loop. The right vagus nerve was found anterior to the oesophagus at the oesophageal hiatus in the diaphragm, and the left vagus was posterior. A double ureter was present on the right side. The findings are discussed in relation to mid-gut development.", "PMID": 1002609} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9092", "title": "The root surface in human teeth: a microradiographic study.", "content": "In an attempt to clarify the nature of the human cemento-dentinal junction, ground sections of incompletely formed and fully formed extracted teeth were prepared and their histology compared with their microradiographic appearances. The results showed that incompletely formed teeth possess distinctive surface layers outside the granular layer of Tomes. The evidence indicates that these layers are of dentinal origin; their presence during development supports previous explanations by the author of the hyaline layer of Hopewell-Smith and of so-called intermediate cementum. The results also indicate that the granular layer of Tomes does not represent the outer limit of root dentine. The relationship of these surface layers to the definitive cementum which is present in fully formed teeth was studied in both young and older patients. From the results it was concluded that cementum formation begins in the more apical region of the teeth at a time when root formation is well advanced, and that it spreads towards the crown rather than in the generally accepted reverse direction.", "contents": "The root surface in human teeth: a microradiographic study. In an attempt to clarify the nature of the human cemento-dentinal junction, ground sections of incompletely formed and fully formed extracted teeth were prepared and their histology compared with their microradiographic appearances. The results showed that incompletely formed teeth possess distinctive surface layers outside the granular layer of Tomes. The evidence indicates that these layers are of dentinal origin; their presence during development supports previous explanations by the author of the hyaline layer of Hopewell-Smith and of so-called intermediate cementum. The results also indicate that the granular layer of Tomes does not represent the outer limit of root dentine. The relationship of these surface layers to the definitive cementum which is present in fully formed teeth was studied in both young and older patients. From the results it was concluded that cementum formation begins in the more apical region of the teeth at a time when root formation is well advanced, and that it spreads towards the crown rather than in the generally accepted reverse direction.", "PMID": 1002610} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9093", "title": "Development and cytodifferentiation of the rabbit pars intermedia. II. Neonatal to adult.", "content": "Material from pars intermedia obtained from rabbits ranging from the second week post-partum to the adult stage, and including specimens from pregnant animals, was studied. The rate of cell division became greatly reduced early in postnatal) development. The commonest type of cell (the pars intermedia-glandular cell) becomes increasingly PAS-positive during the early stages of development. Although by 35 days differentiation of all the ACT-type cells is complete, the pars intermedia-glandular cells take as long as 53 days to mature. The epithelioid border of the hypophysial cleft persists throughout life, commonly containing dark cells. A ciliary fringe frequently appears in neonates and persists in pregnancy. Possible functions of such cilia are discussed. Throughout development the fine structure of the vasculature was studied. Secretory granules resembling those within the cells were seen in and around the blood vessels, and the mode of endocrine secretion in the pars intermedia tissue is discussed. The pars intermedia-glandular cells of the pregnant rabbits appeared hyperactive. The functional significance of the mammalian pars intermedia is discussed.", "contents": "Development and cytodifferentiation of the rabbit pars intermedia. II. Neonatal to adult. Material from pars intermedia obtained from rabbits ranging from the second week post-partum to the adult stage, and including specimens from pregnant animals, was studied. The rate of cell division became greatly reduced early in postnatal) development. The commonest type of cell (the pars intermedia-glandular cell) becomes increasingly PAS-positive during the early stages of development. Although by 35 days differentiation of all the ACT-type cells is complete, the pars intermedia-glandular cells take as long as 53 days to mature. The epithelioid border of the hypophysial cleft persists throughout life, commonly containing dark cells. A ciliary fringe frequently appears in neonates and persists in pregnancy. Possible functions of such cilia are discussed. Throughout development the fine structure of the vasculature was studied. Secretory granules resembling those within the cells were seen in and around the blood vessels, and the mode of endocrine secretion in the pars intermedia tissue is discussed. The pars intermedia-glandular cells of the pregnant rabbits appeared hyperactive. The functional significance of the mammalian pars intermedia is discussed.", "PMID": 1002611} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9094", "title": "Langerhans cells in the human oesophagus.", "content": "The dendrite cells of Langerhans, first identified in the epidermis, have now been observed in the middle and superficial layers of the normal human oesophageal mucosa. They exhibit typical Langerhans granules, but no desmosomes and tonofilaments. They often have irregular indented nuclei, with a relatively pale cytoplasm contrasting with that of the adjacent squamous cells. These cells are sometimes difficult to distinguish from intra-epithelial lymphocytes, which are also encountered in the oesophageal mucosa and which share certain ultrastructural characteristics with Langerhans cells.", "contents": "Langerhans cells in the human oesophagus. The dendrite cells of Langerhans, first identified in the epidermis, have now been observed in the middle and superficial layers of the normal human oesophageal mucosa. They exhibit typical Langerhans granules, but no desmosomes and tonofilaments. They often have irregular indented nuclei, with a relatively pale cytoplasm contrasting with that of the adjacent squamous cells. These cells are sometimes difficult to distinguish from intra-epithelial lymphocytes, which are also encountered in the oesophageal mucosa and which share certain ultrastructural characteristics with Langerhans cells.", "PMID": 1002612} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9095", "title": "Changes in the total number of neuroglia, mitotic cells and necrotic cells in the anterior limb of the mouse anterior commissure following hypoxic stress.", "content": "The effects of hypoxic stress (390 mmHg) on the total number of glia, cell division, and cell death in the anterior limb of the anterior commissure were studied. There was a significant (P less than 0-01) fall in the total number of glia following exposure to hypoxia at 390 mmHg for two days. No significant change was observed in the total number of glia between the hypoxic and recovery group one week after return to sea level (ca. 760 mmHg). No change was observed in the number of mitotic figures in the control, hypoxic or recovery groups, but significant falls were observed in the mean number of necrotic cells between both the control and hypoxic groups (P less than 0-05) and the hypoxic and recovery groups (P less than 0-012). The decrease in necrotic cells may be due to a large number of elderly and effete cells, which would normally have undergone degeneration over a period of weeks, dying rapidly after the onset of hypoxia, thus temporarily reducing the daily cell death rate.", "contents": "Changes in the total number of neuroglia, mitotic cells and necrotic cells in the anterior limb of the mouse anterior commissure following hypoxic stress. The effects of hypoxic stress (390 mmHg) on the total number of glia, cell division, and cell death in the anterior limb of the anterior commissure were studied. There was a significant (P less than 0-01) fall in the total number of glia following exposure to hypoxia at 390 mmHg for two days. No significant change was observed in the total number of glia between the hypoxic and recovery group one week after return to sea level (ca. 760 mmHg). No change was observed in the number of mitotic figures in the control, hypoxic or recovery groups, but significant falls were observed in the mean number of necrotic cells between both the control and hypoxic groups (P less than 0-05) and the hypoxic and recovery groups (P less than 0-012). The decrease in necrotic cells may be due to a large number of elderly and effete cells, which would normally have undergone degeneration over a period of weeks, dying rapidly after the onset of hypoxia, thus temporarily reducing the daily cell death rate.", "PMID": 1002613} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9096", "title": "The effect of denervation and dystrophy on the adaptation of sarcomere number to the functional length of the muscle in young and adult mice.", "content": "In young animals the elongation of the limb bones increases the functional lengths of the muscles. In adult animals the functional length of a muscle can be increased by immobilizing it in the lengthened position. In both cases the muscle adapts by adding on more sarcomeres in series. The role of the nerve supply in this adaptation has been investigated using denervated muscles and muscles from dystrophic animals where there is thought to be an abnormality of the nerve supply. Postnatal sarcomere addition in denervated muscles falls short of that of controls. Although this might mean that the nerve supply is necessary for normal addition of sarcomeres, it is just as likely that there is a change in gait resulting from denervation, which affects the sarcomere number. Sarcomere number in fully grown mice is not affected by denervation, nor is the ability of the muscle to adapt to immobilization in the lengthened position. This is true for fast-twitch as well as slow-twitch muscles. In dystrophic muscles postnatal sarcomere addition is normal, although the presence of a few short fibres in the muscle may mean that some muscle fibres cannot adapt to an increase in the functional length of the muscle accompanying bone growth. Adult dystrophic muscle is capable of adapting to immobilization in the lengthened position. However, although the total number of additional sarcomeres is the same as in normal immobilized muscle, they are added on at a slower rate. The experiments show that although denervated and dystrophic muscle fibres are in a state of atrophy they are still capable of adding on sarcomeres in series when the functional length of the muscle is increased. It would appear that the mechanism which enables the muscle to respond in this way to an increased functional length does not involve the nerve supply. This work was supported by a grant from the National Fund for Research into Crippling Diseases.", "contents": "The effect of denervation and dystrophy on the adaptation of sarcomere number to the functional length of the muscle in young and adult mice. In young animals the elongation of the limb bones increases the functional lengths of the muscles. In adult animals the functional length of a muscle can be increased by immobilizing it in the lengthened position. In both cases the muscle adapts by adding on more sarcomeres in series. The role of the nerve supply in this adaptation has been investigated using denervated muscles and muscles from dystrophic animals where there is thought to be an abnormality of the nerve supply. Postnatal sarcomere addition in denervated muscles falls short of that of controls. Although this might mean that the nerve supply is necessary for normal addition of sarcomeres, it is just as likely that there is a change in gait resulting from denervation, which affects the sarcomere number. Sarcomere number in fully grown mice is not affected by denervation, nor is the ability of the muscle to adapt to immobilization in the lengthened position. This is true for fast-twitch as well as slow-twitch muscles. In dystrophic muscles postnatal sarcomere addition is normal, although the presence of a few short fibres in the muscle may mean that some muscle fibres cannot adapt to an increase in the functional length of the muscle accompanying bone growth. Adult dystrophic muscle is capable of adapting to immobilization in the lengthened position. However, although the total number of additional sarcomeres is the same as in normal immobilized muscle, they are added on at a slower rate. The experiments show that although denervated and dystrophic muscle fibres are in a state of atrophy they are still capable of adding on sarcomeres in series when the functional length of the muscle is increased. It would appear that the mechanism which enables the muscle to respond in this way to an increased functional length does not involve the nerve supply. This work was supported by a grant from the National Fund for Research into Crippling Diseases.", "PMID": 1002614} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9097", "title": "The development and structure of the chimpanzee mandible.", "content": "The sites of growth and remodeling, and the associated changes in cortical bone structure, have been studied in the chimpanzee mandible and compared with those previously reported in the human and macaque mandibles. The location of the principal sites of growth, and the distribution of the areas of deposition and resorption in the ramus, were found to be similar in all three species. In the chimpanzee, unlike Man, the bone being deposited at the condyle, posterior border of the ramus and coronoid process was plexiform in nature, indicating very rapid growth. The pattern of remodeling in the mandibular body, on the other hand, showed marked species differences at the chin and on the submandibular lingual surface, which account for the contrasts seen in the adult morphology of these regions. Although the pattern of distribution of cortical densities differed from that of surface remodeling, the information they give is complementary in analysing bone growth. The densest regions were found to coincide with sites of consistent lamellar deposition, while the least dense regions were those where plexiform bone was formed. Areas where remodeling led to the greatest reorientation of bone tissue within the cortex showed the greatest disparity between the two patterns.", "contents": "The development and structure of the chimpanzee mandible. The sites of growth and remodeling, and the associated changes in cortical bone structure, have been studied in the chimpanzee mandible and compared with those previously reported in the human and macaque mandibles. The location of the principal sites of growth, and the distribution of the areas of deposition and resorption in the ramus, were found to be similar in all three species. In the chimpanzee, unlike Man, the bone being deposited at the condyle, posterior border of the ramus and coronoid process was plexiform in nature, indicating very rapid growth. The pattern of remodeling in the mandibular body, on the other hand, showed marked species differences at the chin and on the submandibular lingual surface, which account for the contrasts seen in the adult morphology of these regions. Although the pattern of distribution of cortical densities differed from that of surface remodeling, the information they give is complementary in analysing bone growth. The densest regions were found to coincide with sites of consistent lamellar deposition, while the least dense regions were those where plexiform bone was formed. Areas where remodeling led to the greatest reorientation of bone tissue within the cortex showed the greatest disparity between the two patterns.", "PMID": 1002615} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9098", "title": "Descriptive analysis of eating regulation in obese and nonobese children.", "content": "Bite rate, sip rate, and concurrent activities of six 7-yr-old children, three obese and three nonobese, were observed at lunchtime over a six-month period. A procedure for decreasing bite rate, putting eating utensils down between bites, was implemented in a multiple-baseline across-subjects design. Sip rates and concurrent activities were observed to assess behavioral covariations. In addition, bite rate and amount of food completed were computed over six food categories to analyze food preferences. Results indicated the control of bite rate acorss all subjects, with a significant reduction in amount of food consumed. Correlations between the response classes indicated they were at least partially independent. Differences in eating behavior of obese and nonobese subjects were observed for breadstuffs and milk drinking.", "contents": "Descriptive analysis of eating regulation in obese and nonobese children. Bite rate, sip rate, and concurrent activities of six 7-yr-old children, three obese and three nonobese, were observed at lunchtime over a six-month period. A procedure for decreasing bite rate, putting eating utensils down between bites, was implemented in a multiple-baseline across-subjects design. Sip rates and concurrent activities were observed to assess behavioral covariations. In addition, bite rate and amount of food completed were computed over six food categories to analyze food preferences. Results indicated the control of bite rate acorss all subjects, with a significant reduction in amount of food consumed. Correlations between the response classes indicated they were at least partially independent. Differences in eating behavior of obese and nonobese subjects were observed for breadstuffs and milk drinking.", "PMID": 1002629} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9099", "title": "Teaching pedestrian skills to retarded persons: generalization from the classroom to the natural environment.", "content": "Little attention has been given to teaching adaptive community skills to retarded persons. In this study, five retarded male students were taught basic pedestrian skills in a classroom- Training was conducted on a model built to simulate city traffic conditions. Each subject was taught five specific skills involved in street crossing in sequence, viz. intersection recognition, pedestrian-light skills, traffic-light skills, and skills for two different stop-sign conditions. Before, during, and after training, subjects were tested on generalization probes on model and under actual city traffic conditions. Results of a multiple-baseline design acorss both subjects and behaviors indicated that after receiving classroom training on the skills, each subject exhibited appropriate pedestrian skills under city traffic conditions. In addition, training in some skills appeared to facilitate performance in skills not yet trained.", "contents": "Teaching pedestrian skills to retarded persons: generalization from the classroom to the natural environment. Little attention has been given to teaching adaptive community skills to retarded persons. In this study, five retarded male students were taught basic pedestrian skills in a classroom- Training was conducted on a model built to simulate city traffic conditions. Each subject was taught five specific skills involved in street crossing in sequence, viz. intersection recognition, pedestrian-light skills, traffic-light skills, and skills for two different stop-sign conditions. Before, during, and after training, subjects were tested on generalization probes on model and under actual city traffic conditions. Results of a multiple-baseline design acorss both subjects and behaviors indicated that after receiving classroom training on the skills, each subject exhibited appropriate pedestrian skills under city traffic conditions. In addition, training in some skills appeared to facilitate performance in skills not yet trained.", "PMID": 1002631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9100", "title": "Improving social interaction in chronic psychotic using discriminated avoidance (\"nagging\"): experimental analysis and generalization.", "content": "Three social-interaction behaviors of a withdrawn chronic schizophrenic were increased using a discriminated avoidance (\"nagging\") procedure. The three behaviors were: (a) voice volume loud enough so that two-thirds of his speech was intellibible at a distance of 3m; (b) duration of speech of at least 15 sec; (c) placement of hands and elbows on the armrests of the chair in which he was sitting. \"Nagging\" consisted of verbal prompts to improve performance when the behaviors did not meet their criteria. A combined withdrawal and multiple-baseline design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure, and the contingency was sequentially applied to each of the three behaviors in each of four different interactions to determine the degree of stimulus and response generalization. Results indicated that the contingency was the effective element in increasing the patient's appropriate performance, and that there was a high degree of stimulus generalization and a moderate degree of response generalization. After the patient's discharge from the hospital, the durability of improvement across time and setting was determined in followup sessions conducted at a day treatment center and at a residential care home. Volume and duration generalized well to the new settings, while arm placement extinguished immediately.", "contents": "Improving social interaction in chronic psychotic using discriminated avoidance (\"nagging\"): experimental analysis and generalization. Three social-interaction behaviors of a withdrawn chronic schizophrenic were increased using a discriminated avoidance (\"nagging\") procedure. The three behaviors were: (a) voice volume loud enough so that two-thirds of his speech was intellibible at a distance of 3m; (b) duration of speech of at least 15 sec; (c) placement of hands and elbows on the armrests of the chair in which he was sitting. \"Nagging\" consisted of verbal prompts to improve performance when the behaviors did not meet their criteria. A combined withdrawal and multiple-baseline design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure, and the contingency was sequentially applied to each of the three behaviors in each of four different interactions to determine the degree of stimulus and response generalization. Results indicated that the contingency was the effective element in increasing the patient's appropriate performance, and that there was a high degree of stimulus generalization and a moderate degree of response generalization. After the patient's discharge from the hospital, the durability of improvement across time and setting was determined in followup sessions conducted at a day treatment center and at a residential care home. Volume and duration generalized well to the new settings, while arm placement extinguished immediately.", "PMID": 1002628} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9101", "title": "Aerobic power as a factor in women's response to work in hot environments.", "content": "Twelve young women, athletes (n = 6) and nonathletes (n = 6), walked on a treadmill at loads equivalent to approximately 30% Vo2 max for two 50-min periods in three environments: 1) 28 degrees C, 45% rh, 2) 35 degrees C, 65% rh, and 3) 48 degrees C, 10% rh. There were no differences between groups in rectal temperature, heart rate, evaporative heat loss, or mean skin temperature at 28 or 35 degrees C or during the first work period in the 48 degrees C environment. However, a significantly lower cardiac output (Q) and stroke volume (SV) observed for nonathletes by the 46th min of work at 48 degrees C may explain why no nonathletes were able to complete a 2nd h of work while four of six athletes successfully finished the period. It appears that in conditions of severe heat stress (48 degrees C) athletes were able to maintain a cardiac output sufficient to meet the metabolic requirements and the large increase in peripheral blood flow for a longer period of time than nonathletes.", "contents": "Aerobic power as a factor in women's response to work in hot environments. Twelve young women, athletes (n = 6) and nonathletes (n = 6), walked on a treadmill at loads equivalent to approximately 30% Vo2 max for two 50-min periods in three environments: 1) 28 degrees C, 45% rh, 2) 35 degrees C, 65% rh, and 3) 48 degrees C, 10% rh. There were no differences between groups in rectal temperature, heart rate, evaporative heat loss, or mean skin temperature at 28 or 35 degrees C or during the first work period in the 48 degrees C environment. However, a significantly lower cardiac output (Q) and stroke volume (SV) observed for nonathletes by the 46th min of work at 48 degrees C may explain why no nonathletes were able to complete a 2nd h of work while four of six athletes successfully finished the period. It appears that in conditions of severe heat stress (48 degrees C) athletes were able to maintain a cardiac output sufficient to meet the metabolic requirements and the large increase in peripheral blood flow for a longer period of time than nonathletes.", "PMID": 1002636} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9102", "title": "An analysis of multiple misplaced parental social contingencies.", "content": "This study analyzed the training of a mother to modify five subclasses of her attention to her young child's noncompliance with instructions, and also displayed the changes in her child's behavior correlated with these events. Training in four subclasses consisted of teaching the mother to withhold various forms of social attention to her daughter's undesired behavior; training in the fifth subclass involved introduction of a brief room-timeout procedure for noncompliance. The effectiveness of the parent-training procedure, consisting of initial instructions and daily feedback, was demonstrated through a multiple-baseline design across the five subclasses of parent behavior. Sequential decreased in the first three subclasses of the mother's social attention to undesired child behavior resulted in incomplete improvements in some child responses; however, a decrease in the fourth subclass resulted in a significant increase in undesired child behavior. Complete remediation of all child behaviors was achieved following the training of a timeout procedure for noncompliance. Postchecks conducted up to 16 weeks later showed that these effects were durable.", "contents": "An analysis of multiple misplaced parental social contingencies. This study analyzed the training of a mother to modify five subclasses of her attention to her young child's noncompliance with instructions, and also displayed the changes in her child's behavior correlated with these events. Training in four subclasses consisted of teaching the mother to withhold various forms of social attention to her daughter's undesired behavior; training in the fifth subclass involved introduction of a brief room-timeout procedure for noncompliance. The effectiveness of the parent-training procedure, consisting of initial instructions and daily feedback, was demonstrated through a multiple-baseline design across the five subclasses of parent behavior. Sequential decreased in the first three subclasses of the mother's social attention to undesired child behavior resulted in incomplete improvements in some child responses; however, a decrease in the fourth subclass resulted in a significant increase in undesired child behavior. Complete remediation of all child behaviors was achieved following the training of a timeout procedure for noncompliance. Postchecks conducted up to 16 weeks later showed that these effects were durable.", "PMID": 1002632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9103", "title": "Cardiorespiratory responses of sedentary college women as a function of training intensity.", "content": "Twenty-seven sedentary college women trained on a treadmill 3 times weekly over a 9-wk experimental period. Subjects exercised at a heart rate (HR) of either 50 or 65% of the HR reserve added to the resting HR with the duration of each session limited to the time required to elicit 1,000 beats above the resting value. Treadmill speed was adjusted automatically to maintain the prescribed exercise heart rate (EHR) within +/- 5 beats-min(-1). A comparison of the pretraining and posttraining results revealed that both training intensities caused significant increases in VO2max (1-min(-1) and ml-kg(-1)-min(-1)), V at VO2max, and O2 pulse at VO2max, and a significant decrease in VEO2 at VO2max. There was no alteration in EHR at VO2max for either intensity. For every dependent variable in which training effects were noted, the absolute gain made by the subjects training at the 65% intensity was greater than for those exercising at 50%. In no instance, however, was the difference between groups statistically significant. It was concluded that training at an EHR of either 50 or 65% of the HR reserve plus resting HR is sufficient to elicit a training response.", "contents": "Cardiorespiratory responses of sedentary college women as a function of training intensity. Twenty-seven sedentary college women trained on a treadmill 3 times weekly over a 9-wk experimental period. Subjects exercised at a heart rate (HR) of either 50 or 65% of the HR reserve added to the resting HR with the duration of each session limited to the time required to elicit 1,000 beats above the resting value. Treadmill speed was adjusted automatically to maintain the prescribed exercise heart rate (EHR) within +/- 5 beats-min(-1). A comparison of the pretraining and posttraining results revealed that both training intensities caused significant increases in VO2max (1-min(-1) and ml-kg(-1)-min(-1)), V at VO2max, and O2 pulse at VO2max, and a significant decrease in VEO2 at VO2max. There was no alteration in EHR at VO2max for either intensity. For every dependent variable in which training effects were noted, the absolute gain made by the subjects training at the 65% intensity was greater than for those exercising at 50%. In no instance, however, was the difference between groups statistically significant. It was concluded that training at an EHR of either 50 or 65% of the HR reserve plus resting HR is sufficient to elicit a training response.", "PMID": 1002637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9104", "title": "A performance-based lottery to improve residential care and training by institutional staff.", "content": "Two experiments were conducted on four units of a residential facility for the multiply-handicapped retarded in an attempt to improve daily care and training services. Experiment I compared the effects of two procedures in maintaining the work performance of attendants, using an A-B design on two units. One procedure consisted of implementing specific staff-resident assignments, the other consisted of allowing attendants who had met performance criteria to be eligible for a weekly lottery in which they could win the opportunity to rearrange their days off for the following week. Results showed that the lottery was a more effective procedure as measured by the per cent of time attendants engaged in predefined target behaviors, and by their frequency of task completion in several areas of resident care. Experiment II replicated and extended these results to the area of work quality on two additional units, using a multiple-baseline design. The performance lottery was found to be an effective econimical procedure that could be implemented by supervisory staff on a large scale.", "contents": "A performance-based lottery to improve residential care and training by institutional staff. Two experiments were conducted on four units of a residential facility for the multiply-handicapped retarded in an attempt to improve daily care and training services. Experiment I compared the effects of two procedures in maintaining the work performance of attendants, using an A-B design on two units. One procedure consisted of implementing specific staff-resident assignments, the other consisted of allowing attendants who had met performance criteria to be eligible for a weekly lottery in which they could win the opportunity to rearrange their days off for the following week. Results showed that the lottery was a more effective procedure as measured by the per cent of time attendants engaged in predefined target behaviors, and by their frequency of task completion in several areas of resident care. Experiment II replicated and extended these results to the area of work quality on two additional units, using a multiple-baseline design. The performance lottery was found to be an effective econimical procedure that could be implemented by supervisory staff on a large scale.", "PMID": 1002630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9105", "title": "Interactions between local and reflex influences on human forearm skin blood flow.", "content": "A three-part experiment was designed to examine interactions between local and reflex influences on forearm skin blood flow (SkBF). In part I locally increasing arm skin temperature (Tsk) to 42.5 degrees C was not associated with increases in underlying forearm muscle blood flow, esophageal temperature (Tes), or forearm blood flow in the contralateral cool arm. In part II whole-body Tsk was held at 38 or 40 degrees C and the surface temperature of one arm held at 38 or 42 degrees C for prolonged periods. SkBF in the heated arm rose rapidly with the elevation in body Tsk and arm Tsk continued to rise as Tes rose. SkBF in the arm kept at 32 degrees C paralleled rising Tes. In six studies, SkBF in the cool arm ultimately converged with SkBF in the heated arm. In eight other studies, heated arm SkBF maintained an offset above cool arm SkBF throughout the period of whole-body heating. In part III, local arm Tsk of 42.5 degrees C did not abolish skin vasoconstrictor response to lower body negative pressure. We conclude that local and reflex influences to skin interact so as to modify the degree but not the pattern of skin vasomotor response.", "contents": "Interactions between local and reflex influences on human forearm skin blood flow. A three-part experiment was designed to examine interactions between local and reflex influences on forearm skin blood flow (SkBF). In part I locally increasing arm skin temperature (Tsk) to 42.5 degrees C was not associated with increases in underlying forearm muscle blood flow, esophageal temperature (Tes), or forearm blood flow in the contralateral cool arm. In part II whole-body Tsk was held at 38 or 40 degrees C and the surface temperature of one arm held at 38 or 42 degrees C for prolonged periods. SkBF in the heated arm rose rapidly with the elevation in body Tsk and arm Tsk continued to rise as Tes rose. SkBF in the arm kept at 32 degrees C paralleled rising Tes. In six studies, SkBF in the cool arm ultimately converged with SkBF in the heated arm. In eight other studies, heated arm SkBF maintained an offset above cool arm SkBF throughout the period of whole-body heating. In part III, local arm Tsk of 42.5 degrees C did not abolish skin vasoconstrictor response to lower body negative pressure. We conclude that local and reflex influences to skin interact so as to modify the degree but not the pattern of skin vasomotor response.", "PMID": 1002638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9106", "title": "The effects of social punishment on noncompliance: a comparison with timeout and positive practice.", "content": "The effects of social punishment, positive practice, and timeout on the noncompliant behavior of four mentally retarded children were assessed in a multitreatment withdrawal design. When programmed, the experimental procedure occurred contigent on non-compliance to experimenter-issued commands. Commands were given at 55-sec intervals throughout each experimental session. The results showed (1) lower levels of noncompliance with social punishment than with the positive-practice or timeout conditions, and (2) that relatively few applications of social punishment were required to obtain this effect. The advantages of social punishment over other punishment procedures, considerations to be made before using it, and the various aspects of the procedure that contribute to its effectiveness were discussed.", "contents": "The effects of social punishment on noncompliance: a comparison with timeout and positive practice. The effects of social punishment, positive practice, and timeout on the noncompliant behavior of four mentally retarded children were assessed in a multitreatment withdrawal design. When programmed, the experimental procedure occurred contigent on non-compliance to experimenter-issued commands. Commands were given at 55-sec intervals throughout each experimental session. The results showed (1) lower levels of noncompliance with social punishment than with the positive-practice or timeout conditions, and (2) that relatively few applications of social punishment were required to obtain this effect. The advantages of social punishment over other punishment procedures, considerations to be made before using it, and the various aspects of the procedure that contribute to its effectiveness were discussed.", "PMID": 1002633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9107", "title": "Effect of altitude exposure on thermoregulatory response of man to cold.", "content": "The thermoregulatory responses to 10 degrees C (for 3 h) were investigated in 1) 12 natives from sea level (lowlanders) at 150 m, and on arrival at 3,350 and 4,340 m; 2) 6 of these during a 6-wk sojourn at 4,360 m, and on return to sea level; and 3) 5 natives from each of the two altitudes (highlanders) in their respective habitat, and after descent to 150 m. The cold-induced increase in the rate of O2 consumption (Vo2) of the lowlanders was significantly smaller at both altitudes than at sea level. It did not recover substantially during the 6 wk at altitude, but was restored to its initial rate on return to sea level. By contrast, visible shivering activity was augmented on arrival at altitude. It persisted throughout the 6 wk there, but was greatly depressed on return to sea level, despite the increased Vo2. Mean skin temperatures (Tsk) stabilized in the cold at significantly higher values at altitude. Rectal temperature (Tre) decreased similarly at all altitudes. Vo2 of the highlanders in the cold was significantly greater at sea level than at their resident altitudes, although shivering activity was less intense; Tsk stabilized at significantly lower levels at 150 m than at either altitude. These results indicate that altitude exposure reduces the calorigenic response of man to cold, and that this effect is not moderated by acclimatization to altitude, yet is reversible immediately on descent to sea level. The component of cold thermogenesis which appeared to be reduced by altitude exposure was nonshivering thermogenesis rather than visible shivering.", "contents": "Effect of altitude exposure on thermoregulatory response of man to cold. The thermoregulatory responses to 10 degrees C (for 3 h) were investigated in 1) 12 natives from sea level (lowlanders) at 150 m, and on arrival at 3,350 and 4,340 m; 2) 6 of these during a 6-wk sojourn at 4,360 m, and on return to sea level; and 3) 5 natives from each of the two altitudes (highlanders) in their respective habitat, and after descent to 150 m. The cold-induced increase in the rate of O2 consumption (Vo2) of the lowlanders was significantly smaller at both altitudes than at sea level. It did not recover substantially during the 6 wk at altitude, but was restored to its initial rate on return to sea level. By contrast, visible shivering activity was augmented on arrival at altitude. It persisted throughout the 6 wk there, but was greatly depressed on return to sea level, despite the increased Vo2. Mean skin temperatures (Tsk) stabilized in the cold at significantly higher values at altitude. Rectal temperature (Tre) decreased similarly at all altitudes. Vo2 of the highlanders in the cold was significantly greater at sea level than at their resident altitudes, although shivering activity was less intense; Tsk stabilized at significantly lower levels at 150 m than at either altitude. These results indicate that altitude exposure reduces the calorigenic response of man to cold, and that this effect is not moderated by acclimatization to altitude, yet is reversible immediately on descent to sea level. The component of cold thermogenesis which appeared to be reduced by altitude exposure was nonshivering thermogenesis rather than visible shivering.", "PMID": 1002639} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9108", "title": "Teaching coin summation to the mentally retarded.", "content": "A procedure to teach four mild and moderately retarded persons to sum the value of coin combinations was tested. Subjects were first taught to count a single target coin, and then to sum that coin in combination with coins previously trained. Five American coins and various combinations were trained. Modelling, modelling with subject participation, and independent counting by the subject constituted the training sequence. The subjects improved from a mean pretest score of 29% to 92% correct at posttest. A four-week followup score showed a mean of 79% correct. A multiple-baseline design suggested that improvement in coin-counting performance occurred only after the coin was trained. The results indicate that this procedure has potential for teaching the retarded to sum combinations of coinds in 5 to 6 hr of instruction.", "contents": "Teaching coin summation to the mentally retarded. A procedure to teach four mild and moderately retarded persons to sum the value of coin combinations was tested. Subjects were first taught to count a single target coin, and then to sum that coin in combination with coins previously trained. Five American coins and various combinations were trained. Modelling, modelling with subject participation, and independent counting by the subject constituted the training sequence. The subjects improved from a mean pretest score of 29% to 92% correct at posttest. A four-week followup score showed a mean of 79% correct. A multiple-baseline design suggested that improvement in coin-counting performance occurred only after the coin was trained. The results indicate that this procedure has potential for teaching the retarded to sum combinations of coinds in 5 to 6 hr of instruction.", "PMID": 1002634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9109", "title": "Pulmonary function changes in ozone-interaction of concentration and ventilation.", "content": "A total of 28 healthy young subjects have been exposed for 2 h to ozone (0.37-0.75 ppm) under conditions of either rest or intermittent light exercise (sufficient to increase the respiratory minute volume by a factor of 2.5). All pulmonary function tests (vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, maximum expiratory flow-volume curve, slope of phase III of alveolar nitrogen plateau) showed a significant deterioration relative to parallel control experiments. Responses were related to the dose of ozone as calculated from the product of concentration, exposure time, and respiratory minute volume during exposure, changes at 1 h averaging approximately one-half those seen at 2 h.", "contents": "Pulmonary function changes in ozone-interaction of concentration and ventilation. A total of 28 healthy young subjects have been exposed for 2 h to ozone (0.37-0.75 ppm) under conditions of either rest or intermittent light exercise (sufficient to increase the respiratory minute volume by a factor of 2.5). All pulmonary function tests (vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, maximum expiratory flow-volume curve, slope of phase III of alveolar nitrogen plateau) showed a significant deterioration relative to parallel control experiments. Responses were related to the dose of ozone as calculated from the product of concentration, exposure time, and respiratory minute volume during exposure, changes at 1 h averaging approximately one-half those seen at 2 h.", "PMID": 1002640} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9110", "title": "The changing criterion design.", "content": "This article describes and illustrates with two case studies a relatively novel form of the multiple-baseline design called the changing criterion design. It also presents the design's formal requirements, and suggests target behaviors and circumstances for which the design might be useful.", "contents": "The changing criterion design. This article describes and illustrates with two case studies a relatively novel form of the multiple-baseline design called the changing criterion design. It also presents the design's formal requirements, and suggests target behaviors and circumstances for which the design might be useful.", "PMID": 1002635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9111", "title": "Ventilatory control in peripheral chemoreceptor-denervated ponies during chronic hypoxemia.", "content": "The present study was designed to provide further insight into the role of the carotid and aortic chemoreceptors in ventilatory (VE) acclimatization during sojourn at altitude. Measurements were made: 1) on 10 ponies near sea level (SL, 740 Torr) under normal conditions, 2) on 6 of these at SL following chemoreceptor denervation (CD), and 3) subsequently on all 10 during 4 days of hypobaric hypoxia (PaO2 = 40-47 Torr). CD resulteo in hypoventilation at SL (deltaPaCO2 = d8 Torr, P less than 0.05), and it prevented hyperventilation normally observed with injection of NaCN and acute exposure to hypoxia (less than 1 h). In contrast, hyperventilation was evident in normal ponies during acute hypoxia (deltaPaCO2 = -6.7 Torr). Ventilation increased in both groups between the 2nd and 8th h of hypoxia (deltaPaCO2 from 1 h = -4 Torr, P less than 0.05). This change, a common characteristic of acclimatization, persisted throughout 4 days of hypoxia in the normal ponies. However, in the CD ponies this change was evident consistently only through the 12th h and after the 44 h hyperventilation was no longer evident. We conclude that the peripheral chemoreceptors are essential in ponies for normal VE acclimatization to this degree of hypoxemia. Two additional findings in CD ponies suggest the presence of a CNS inhibitory influence on the VE control center during chronic hypoxemia. First, acute hyperoxygenation on the 4th day of hypoxemia induced hyperventilation (deltaPaCO2 = -5 Torr, P less than 0.05). Second, again on the 4th day and during hyperoxygenation, VE responsiveness to CO2 and doxapram HCl was greater than at sea level.", "contents": "Ventilatory control in peripheral chemoreceptor-denervated ponies during chronic hypoxemia. The present study was designed to provide further insight into the role of the carotid and aortic chemoreceptors in ventilatory (VE) acclimatization during sojourn at altitude. Measurements were made: 1) on 10 ponies near sea level (SL, 740 Torr) under normal conditions, 2) on 6 of these at SL following chemoreceptor denervation (CD), and 3) subsequently on all 10 during 4 days of hypobaric hypoxia (PaO2 = 40-47 Torr). CD resulteo in hypoventilation at SL (deltaPaCO2 = d8 Torr, P less than 0.05), and it prevented hyperventilation normally observed with injection of NaCN and acute exposure to hypoxia (less than 1 h). In contrast, hyperventilation was evident in normal ponies during acute hypoxia (deltaPaCO2 = -6.7 Torr). Ventilation increased in both groups between the 2nd and 8th h of hypoxia (deltaPaCO2 from 1 h = -4 Torr, P less than 0.05). This change, a common characteristic of acclimatization, persisted throughout 4 days of hypoxia in the normal ponies. However, in the CD ponies this change was evident consistently only through the 12th h and after the 44 h hyperventilation was no longer evident. We conclude that the peripheral chemoreceptors are essential in ponies for normal VE acclimatization to this degree of hypoxemia. Two additional findings in CD ponies suggest the presence of a CNS inhibitory influence on the VE control center during chronic hypoxemia. First, acute hyperoxygenation on the 4th day of hypoxemia induced hyperventilation (deltaPaCO2 = -5 Torr, P less than 0.05). Second, again on the 4th day and during hyperoxygenation, VE responsiveness to CO2 and doxapram HCl was greater than at sea level.", "PMID": 1002641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9112", "title": "Effect of beta-adrenergic blockade during exercise on ventilation and gas exchange.", "content": "The ventilatory effects of beta-adrenergic blockade during steady-state exercise were studied in eight normal subjects using intravenous propranolol hydrochloride (0.2 mg/kg). Heart rate decreased in all subjects by an average of 17%. Coincident with the phase of decreasing heart rate was a significant decrease in both minute ventilation (VE) and CO2 output (VCO2), averaging 9.6 and 9.2%, respectively. Both functions returned to prepropranolol levels after heart rate had reached its reduced steady-state value. The change in VE was significantly correlated with the change in VCO2 (r = 0.85, P less than 0.005), and was associated with negligible changes in endtidal CO2 tensions and ventilatory equivalents for CO2. We interpret these studies as showing that the transient isocapnic hypopnea concomitant with an acute reduction in cardiac output was secondary to a transient decrease in CO2 flux (cardiac output x mixed venous CO2 content). This decrease in VE appears to be induced by the acute decrease in cardiac output (\"cardiodynamic hypopnea\"), in fashion similar to the previously described cardiodynamic hyperpnea.", "contents": "Effect of beta-adrenergic blockade during exercise on ventilation and gas exchange. The ventilatory effects of beta-adrenergic blockade during steady-state exercise were studied in eight normal subjects using intravenous propranolol hydrochloride (0.2 mg/kg). Heart rate decreased in all subjects by an average of 17%. Coincident with the phase of decreasing heart rate was a significant decrease in both minute ventilation (VE) and CO2 output (VCO2), averaging 9.6 and 9.2%, respectively. Both functions returned to prepropranolol levels after heart rate had reached its reduced steady-state value. The change in VE was significantly correlated with the change in VCO2 (r = 0.85, P less than 0.005), and was associated with negligible changes in endtidal CO2 tensions and ventilatory equivalents for CO2. We interpret these studies as showing that the transient isocapnic hypopnea concomitant with an acute reduction in cardiac output was secondary to a transient decrease in CO2 flux (cardiac output x mixed venous CO2 content). This decrease in VE appears to be induced by the acute decrease in cardiac output (\"cardiodynamic hypopnea\"), in fashion similar to the previously described cardiodynamic hyperpnea.", "PMID": 1002642} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9113", "title": "Sodium o-iodobenzoate and hemoglobin-oxygen affinity: in vivo effects.", "content": "Sodium o-iodobenzoate (OISB) was given intravenously to 15 dogs to test the in vivo effect of this drug on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve. Administration of a single dose of 500 mg/kg was followed by an average increase in P50 (PO2 at 50% oxyhemoglobin saturation) of 3.6 mmHg from 26.8 +/- 0.5 to 30.4 +/- 1.8 mmHg (corrected to pH 7.4). This elevation was sustained for 7 days. During intravenous infusions of 200 mg/kg every other day for 3 wk, there was a sustained increase in P50 of 2.6 mmHg from 27.8 +/- 1.1 to 30.4 +/- 0.9 mmHg. All dogs survived the experiment and no ill effects of the drug were noted. An increase in serum lactate and pyruvate occurred in all animals following acute or chronic exposure to the drug. There was no significant change in whole blood pH, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentrations, intracellular pH, or serum total phosphate. Multiple infusions of sodium cyanate (50 mg/kg per day) reduced P50 by an average of 12.2 +/- 0.3 mmHg. A subsequent single infusion of OISB (500 mg/kg) failed to increase P50. Our preliminary data indicate that pharmacological manipulation of hemoglobin O2 affinity is possible with organic compounds unrelated to erythrocyte metabolism.", "contents": "Sodium o-iodobenzoate and hemoglobin-oxygen affinity: in vivo effects. Sodium o-iodobenzoate (OISB) was given intravenously to 15 dogs to test the in vivo effect of this drug on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve. Administration of a single dose of 500 mg/kg was followed by an average increase in P50 (PO2 at 50% oxyhemoglobin saturation) of 3.6 mmHg from 26.8 +/- 0.5 to 30.4 +/- 1.8 mmHg (corrected to pH 7.4). This elevation was sustained for 7 days. During intravenous infusions of 200 mg/kg every other day for 3 wk, there was a sustained increase in P50 of 2.6 mmHg from 27.8 +/- 1.1 to 30.4 +/- 0.9 mmHg. All dogs survived the experiment and no ill effects of the drug were noted. An increase in serum lactate and pyruvate occurred in all animals following acute or chronic exposure to the drug. There was no significant change in whole blood pH, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentrations, intracellular pH, or serum total phosphate. Multiple infusions of sodium cyanate (50 mg/kg per day) reduced P50 by an average of 12.2 +/- 0.3 mmHg. A subsequent single infusion of OISB (500 mg/kg) failed to increase P50. Our preliminary data indicate that pharmacological manipulation of hemoglobin O2 affinity is possible with organic compounds unrelated to erythrocyte metabolism.", "PMID": 1002643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9114", "title": "Cardiorespiratory deconditioning with static and dynamic leg exercise during bed rest.", "content": "Bed rest deconditioning was assessed in seven healthy men (19-22 yr) following three 14-day periods of controlled activity during recumbency by measuring submaximal and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilation (VE), heart rate, and plasma volume. Exercise regimens were performed in the supine position and included a) two 30-min periods daily of intermittent static exercise at 21% of maximal leg extension force, and b) two 30-min periods of dynamic bicycle ergometer exercise daily at 68% of VO2max. No prescribed exercise was performed during the third bed rest period. Compared with their respective pre-bed rest control values, VO2max decreased (P less than 0.05) under all exercise conditions; -12.3% with no exercise, -9.2% with dynamic exercise, but only -4.8% with static exercise. Maximal heart rate was increased by 3.3% to 4.9% (P less than 0.05) under the three exercise conditions, while plasma volume decreased (P less than 0.05) -15.1% with no exercise and -10.1% with static, but only -7.8% (NS) with dynamic exercise. Since neither the static nor dynamic exercise training regimes minimized the changes in all the variables studied, some combination of these two types of exercise may be necessary for maximum protection from the effects of the bed deconditioning.", "contents": "Cardiorespiratory deconditioning with static and dynamic leg exercise during bed rest. Bed rest deconditioning was assessed in seven healthy men (19-22 yr) following three 14-day periods of controlled activity during recumbency by measuring submaximal and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilation (VE), heart rate, and plasma volume. Exercise regimens were performed in the supine position and included a) two 30-min periods daily of intermittent static exercise at 21% of maximal leg extension force, and b) two 30-min periods of dynamic bicycle ergometer exercise daily at 68% of VO2max. No prescribed exercise was performed during the third bed rest period. Compared with their respective pre-bed rest control values, VO2max decreased (P less than 0.05) under all exercise conditions; -12.3% with no exercise, -9.2% with dynamic exercise, but only -4.8% with static exercise. Maximal heart rate was increased by 3.3% to 4.9% (P less than 0.05) under the three exercise conditions, while plasma volume decreased (P less than 0.05) -15.1% with no exercise and -10.1% with static, but only -7.8% (NS) with dynamic exercise. Since neither the static nor dynamic exercise training regimes minimized the changes in all the variables studied, some combination of these two types of exercise may be necessary for maximum protection from the effects of the bed deconditioning.", "PMID": 1002644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9115", "title": "Flow field and mass transport analysis in arteries with longitudinal ridges.", "content": "Recent observations have indicated that the earliest lesions of atherosclerosis frequently take the form of longitudinal and helical ridges in arteries of man. Since longitudinal vortices are expected to be present in the troughs between the longitudinal ridges, an analysis was carried out to investigate the three-dimensional flow field and the trasport of lipoproteins and oxygen molecules to arterial walls in the presence of such vortices. The calculations revealed that local hypoxia and lipoprotein accumulation may occur at the ridges, leading to subsequent intimal thickening and ridge growth. Higher shear stresses, calculated in the troughs between ridges, may also partially damage the endothelium and lead to intimal thickening and subsequent merging of the ridges. Meaningful measurements are needed in vivo to determine the strength of the vortices, their time-varying behavior, and the actual transverse variations in shear stress, oxygen transport, and lipoprotein accumulation from trough to ridge regions, in order to appraise the present findings and to learn more about the observed progressive thickening and widening of ridges with increasing degrees of intimal thickening and atherosclerosis.", "contents": "Flow field and mass transport analysis in arteries with longitudinal ridges. Recent observations have indicated that the earliest lesions of atherosclerosis frequently take the form of longitudinal and helical ridges in arteries of man. Since longitudinal vortices are expected to be present in the troughs between the longitudinal ridges, an analysis was carried out to investigate the three-dimensional flow field and the trasport of lipoproteins and oxygen molecules to arterial walls in the presence of such vortices. The calculations revealed that local hypoxia and lipoprotein accumulation may occur at the ridges, leading to subsequent intimal thickening and ridge growth. Higher shear stresses, calculated in the troughs between ridges, may also partially damage the endothelium and lead to intimal thickening and subsequent merging of the ridges. Meaningful measurements are needed in vivo to determine the strength of the vortices, their time-varying behavior, and the actual transverse variations in shear stress, oxygen transport, and lipoprotein accumulation from trough to ridge regions, in order to appraise the present findings and to learn more about the observed progressive thickening and widening of ridges with increasing degrees of intimal thickening and atherosclerosis.", "PMID": 1002645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9116", "title": "Effect of pretest temperature on aerosol penetration and clearance in donkeys.", "content": "Pretest temperature and humidity were correlated with tracheobronchial particle penetration and clearance data from donkeys housed in unheated outdoor facilities and tested after spending 1-2 h in a temperature- and humidity-controlled laboratory. The animals inhaled an inert insoluble radioisotope-labeled monodisperse aerosol for several minutes. Its retention was monitored continuously for 3 h by external gamma detection. Aerosol deposition pattern and bronchial clearance were linearly correlated with pretest outdoor temperature which ranged from -10 to 30 degrees C. The fraction depositing in the unciliated regions of the lung decreased 0.6% per degrees C drop in outdoor temperature. Overall bronchial transport decreased at least 1.5% per degrees C decrease. Multiple linear regression analysis and correction for the positive correlation between temperature and humidity left no significant residual humidity dependence. Acclimatization of the animals in the laboratory for 6 h before testing significantly reduced these effects.", "contents": "Effect of pretest temperature on aerosol penetration and clearance in donkeys. Pretest temperature and humidity were correlated with tracheobronchial particle penetration and clearance data from donkeys housed in unheated outdoor facilities and tested after spending 1-2 h in a temperature- and humidity-controlled laboratory. The animals inhaled an inert insoluble radioisotope-labeled monodisperse aerosol for several minutes. Its retention was monitored continuously for 3 h by external gamma detection. Aerosol deposition pattern and bronchial clearance were linearly correlated with pretest outdoor temperature which ranged from -10 to 30 degrees C. The fraction depositing in the unciliated regions of the lung decreased 0.6% per degrees C drop in outdoor temperature. Overall bronchial transport decreased at least 1.5% per degrees C decrease. Multiple linear regression analysis and correction for the positive correlation between temperature and humidity left no significant residual humidity dependence. Acclimatization of the animals in the laboratory for 6 h before testing significantly reduced these effects.", "PMID": 1002646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9117", "title": "Left ventricular effects on right ventricular developed pressure.", "content": "The possibility that left ventricular (LV) performance might affect right ventricular (RV) function through the myocardium was examined by using isolated, flow-perfused, paced rabbit hearts beating isovolumically. Reducing LV volume from its optimal volume to zero caused a 5.7% decrease (N = 10, P less than 0.001) in right ventricular developed pressure (RVDP). Ligating the anterior ventricular branches of the left coronary artery which in the rabbit supply the LV free wall resulted in an additional 9.3% decrease in RVDP (N = 5, P = 0.05) within 3 min of ligation. Finally, cutting the LV free wall from the atrioventricular orifice to the apex (thereby preventing any developed LV free wall force during systole) caused a 45% further decrease in RVDP (N = 2, P less than 0.02). Cineradiographic study showed that the alterations in RVDP resulting from changes in LV volume and coronary occlusion correlated significantly (N = 5, P less than 0.01) with the magnitude of septal bulging into the RV cavity during systole. The results indicate that alteration in LV free wall function and changes in LV volume can directly effect RVDP through the myocardium.", "contents": "Left ventricular effects on right ventricular developed pressure. The possibility that left ventricular (LV) performance might affect right ventricular (RV) function through the myocardium was examined by using isolated, flow-perfused, paced rabbit hearts beating isovolumically. Reducing LV volume from its optimal volume to zero caused a 5.7% decrease (N = 10, P less than 0.001) in right ventricular developed pressure (RVDP). Ligating the anterior ventricular branches of the left coronary artery which in the rabbit supply the LV free wall resulted in an additional 9.3% decrease in RVDP (N = 5, P = 0.05) within 3 min of ligation. Finally, cutting the LV free wall from the atrioventricular orifice to the apex (thereby preventing any developed LV free wall force during systole) caused a 45% further decrease in RVDP (N = 2, P less than 0.02). Cineradiographic study showed that the alterations in RVDP resulting from changes in LV volume and coronary occlusion correlated significantly (N = 5, P less than 0.01) with the magnitude of septal bulging into the RV cavity during systole. The results indicate that alteration in LV free wall function and changes in LV volume can directly effect RVDP through the myocardium.", "PMID": 1002647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9118", "title": "New respiratory gas valve support for graded exercise studies.", "content": "We describe a new support structure for respiratory gas valves for use in exercise studies. Use of this structure largely avoids problems of large inertial reactions and feelings of confinement on the part of the subject which have characterized previous systems. The support mechanism consists of a spring-reacted, pivoted boom carried on the end of a counterbalanced swinging beam. This device was designed for use on an adjustable slope motor-driven treadmill, but may be adapted to a variety of other experimental arrangements.", "contents": "New respiratory gas valve support for graded exercise studies. We describe a new support structure for respiratory gas valves for use in exercise studies. Use of this structure largely avoids problems of large inertial reactions and feelings of confinement on the part of the subject which have characterized previous systems. The support mechanism consists of a spring-reacted, pivoted boom carried on the end of a counterbalanced swinging beam. This device was designed for use on an adjustable slope motor-driven treadmill, but may be adapted to a variety of other experimental arrangements.", "PMID": 1002649} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9119", "title": "Computer simulation of brainstem respiratory activity.", "content": "A mathematical model of the medullary respiratory oscillator, composed of two mutually inhibiting populations (inspiratory and expiratory) of computer-simulated neurons, is presented. Each population consists of randomly interconnected subpopulations of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, is presented. Each population consists of randomly interconnected subpopulations of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Neuronal coupling is such that either the inspiratory or expiratory population alone is capable of cyclic activity. Weak inhibitory connections between inspiratory and expiratory populations provide satisfactory reciprocating activity independent of the natural frequency of either population alone. Initiation and persistence of rhythmic activity is dependent on a diffused noncyclic excitatory input. Vagal discharge, simulated by phasic inhibition of inspiratory neurons, results in increased respiratory frequency with decreased inspiratory activity. In the absence of simulated vagal discharge, uniform facilitation of synaptic connections increases averaged activities of inspiratory and expiratory populations, with minor effect on frequency. In the presence of simulated vagal discharge, facilitation of synaptic connections increases both frequency and amplitude. The simulated effects of synaptic facilitation, with and without vagal discharge, mimic the physiological response to CO2 in the intact and vagotimized animal.", "contents": "Computer simulation of brainstem respiratory activity. A mathematical model of the medullary respiratory oscillator, composed of two mutually inhibiting populations (inspiratory and expiratory) of computer-simulated neurons, is presented. Each population consists of randomly interconnected subpopulations of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, is presented. Each population consists of randomly interconnected subpopulations of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Neuronal coupling is such that either the inspiratory or expiratory population alone is capable of cyclic activity. Weak inhibitory connections between inspiratory and expiratory populations provide satisfactory reciprocating activity independent of the natural frequency of either population alone. Initiation and persistence of rhythmic activity is dependent on a diffused noncyclic excitatory input. Vagal discharge, simulated by phasic inhibition of inspiratory neurons, results in increased respiratory frequency with decreased inspiratory activity. In the absence of simulated vagal discharge, uniform facilitation of synaptic connections increases averaged activities of inspiratory and expiratory populations, with minor effect on frequency. In the presence of simulated vagal discharge, facilitation of synaptic connections increases both frequency and amplitude. The simulated effects of synaptic facilitation, with and without vagal discharge, mimic the physiological response to CO2 in the intact and vagotimized animal.", "PMID": 1002648} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9120", "title": "Transducer for recording electrical and mechanical chronic intestinal activity.", "content": "An extraluminal displacement transducer has been developed for simultaneously recording the mechanical activity in two perpendicular directions and the electrical activity of the intestinal serosa. The length variations in two perpendicular directions were measured by means of strain gauges bounded on two pairs of lamellae embedded in a rigid stand. The electrical activity was recorded by means of four electrodes situated at the extremity of these lamellae. The electrical gauges of each pair of lamellae are connected to form a Wheatstone bridge. This device allows establishment of a correlation between the mechanical displacement of the intestinal wall serosa and electrical potentials by means of studies of long duration.", "contents": "Transducer for recording electrical and mechanical chronic intestinal activity. An extraluminal displacement transducer has been developed for simultaneously recording the mechanical activity in two perpendicular directions and the electrical activity of the intestinal serosa. The length variations in two perpendicular directions were measured by means of strain gauges bounded on two pairs of lamellae embedded in a rigid stand. The electrical activity was recorded by means of four electrodes situated at the extremity of these lamellae. The electrical gauges of each pair of lamellae are connected to form a Wheatstone bridge. This device allows establishment of a correlation between the mechanical displacement of the intestinal wall serosa and electrical potentials by means of studies of long duration.", "PMID": 1002650} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9121", "title": "Venous ultrasound catheter-tip technique for evaluation of arterial hemodynamics.", "content": "A variety of devices has been used for measuring flow properties of deep-lying arteries, but many have limitations. This paper describes a relatively nontraumatic intravenous approach which uses a catheter in connection with a pulsed ultrasonic Doppler velocity meter (PUDVM) and an ultrasound echo track. The venous ultrasound catheter (VUC) has permitted measurements of local instantaneols blood velocity, flow, and wall motion in the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries of beagle dogs; evaluation studies have been conducted to compare the VUC recordings with an independent method for measuring blood flow and wall motion. Coupling of this catheter-tip device with the PUDVM and echo track provides chronic measurements of hemodynamic parameters in these deep vessels which were virtually impossible to obtain previously. This technique may prove useful in monitoring vessel pathology longitudinally as well as in basic experimental situations requiring flow and arterial wall mechanical properties.", "contents": "Venous ultrasound catheter-tip technique for evaluation of arterial hemodynamics. A variety of devices has been used for measuring flow properties of deep-lying arteries, but many have limitations. This paper describes a relatively nontraumatic intravenous approach which uses a catheter in connection with a pulsed ultrasonic Doppler velocity meter (PUDVM) and an ultrasound echo track. The venous ultrasound catheter (VUC) has permitted measurements of local instantaneols blood velocity, flow, and wall motion in the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries of beagle dogs; evaluation studies have been conducted to compare the VUC recordings with an independent method for measuring blood flow and wall motion. Coupling of this catheter-tip device with the PUDVM and echo track provides chronic measurements of hemodynamic parameters in these deep vessels which were virtually impossible to obtain previously. This technique may prove useful in monitoring vessel pathology longitudinally as well as in basic experimental situations requiring flow and arterial wall mechanical properties.", "PMID": 1002651} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9122", "title": "Ventricular dimensions measured noninvasively by echocardiography in the awake dog.", "content": "A surface echocardiographic technique was employed in 37 mongrel dogs for measurement of left ventricular dimensions. Intracardiac bolus injections of dextran were used as an echo contrast material to visualize cardiac chambers, and the identification of intracardiac structures was further confirmed by postmortem examination. The left ventricle could be satisfactorily visualized from both the right and left chest, providing two transverse left ventricular diameters nearly perpendicular to each other. End-diastolic and end-systolic diameter measurements in the two separate transverse planes differed by an average of only 0.07 and 0.1 cm, respectively, and dimensional measurements were reproducible from day to day. Diastolic diameter ranged from 3.0 to 4.7 cm (mean 3.7 cm) and systolic diameter 1.9 to 3.3 cm (mean 2.6 cm). Diameter was directly related to animal weight. Stroke volume calculated from the dimension measurements correlated with stroke volume calculated from indicator-dilution curves in 16 dogs. Ejection fraction averaged 0.67 and 0.54, depending on the formula used to calculate volumes. These results indicate that surface echocardiography can be employed to evaluate left ventricular dimensions in the awake dog.", "contents": "Ventricular dimensions measured noninvasively by echocardiography in the awake dog. A surface echocardiographic technique was employed in 37 mongrel dogs for measurement of left ventricular dimensions. Intracardiac bolus injections of dextran were used as an echo contrast material to visualize cardiac chambers, and the identification of intracardiac structures was further confirmed by postmortem examination. The left ventricle could be satisfactorily visualized from both the right and left chest, providing two transverse left ventricular diameters nearly perpendicular to each other. End-diastolic and end-systolic diameter measurements in the two separate transverse planes differed by an average of only 0.07 and 0.1 cm, respectively, and dimensional measurements were reproducible from day to day. Diastolic diameter ranged from 3.0 to 4.7 cm (mean 3.7 cm) and systolic diameter 1.9 to 3.3 cm (mean 2.6 cm). Diameter was directly related to animal weight. Stroke volume calculated from the dimension measurements correlated with stroke volume calculated from indicator-dilution curves in 16 dogs. Ejection fraction averaged 0.67 and 0.54, depending on the formula used to calculate volumes. These results indicate that surface echocardiography can be employed to evaluate left ventricular dimensions in the awake dog.", "PMID": 1002652} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9123", "title": "Method to optimize high-pressure, multicomponent gas mixing.", "content": "By use of the equations derived herein, a method is outlined to determine the optimum filing sequence and to obtain the maximum possible pressure when two or more pure high-pressure gases are to be transferred to a receiver cylinder in order to prepare a multicomponent gas mixture. The method is valid for any number of gas components, originating from high-pressure storage cyclinders of arbitrary size and pressure and for a receiver cylinder to contain initially one or more of the component gases. Percentage concentrations within 1% of desired are easily obtained with this method.", "contents": "Method to optimize high-pressure, multicomponent gas mixing. By use of the equations derived herein, a method is outlined to determine the optimum filing sequence and to obtain the maximum possible pressure when two or more pure high-pressure gases are to be transferred to a receiver cylinder in order to prepare a multicomponent gas mixture. The method is valid for any number of gas components, originating from high-pressure storage cyclinders of arbitrary size and pressure and for a receiver cylinder to contain initially one or more of the component gases. Percentage concentrations within 1% of desired are easily obtained with this method.", "PMID": 1002653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9124", "title": "Distribution of chondroitin sulfate in cartilage proteoglycans under associative conditions.", "content": "Proteoglycan aggregates and proteoglycan subunits were extracted from bovine articular cartilage with guanidine-HC1 folowed by fractionation by equilibrium centrifugation in cesium chloride density gradients. The distribution of chondroitin sulfates (CS) in the cartilage proteoglycans was studied at the disaccharide level by digestion with chondroitinases. In the proteoglycan aggregate fraction, it was observed that the proportion of 4-sulfated disaccharide units to total CS increased from the bottom to the top fractions, whereas that of 6-sulfated disaccharide units was in the reverse order. Thus, the ratio of 4-sulfated disaccharide units to 6-sulfated disaccharide units increased significantly with decreasing density. The proportion of non-sulfated disaccharide units to total CS tended to increase with increasing density. These data indicate a polydisperse distribution of CS chains, under the conditions used here, in proteoglycan aggregates from bovine articular cartilage.", "contents": "Distribution of chondroitin sulfate in cartilage proteoglycans under associative conditions. Proteoglycan aggregates and proteoglycan subunits were extracted from bovine articular cartilage with guanidine-HC1 folowed by fractionation by equilibrium centrifugation in cesium chloride density gradients. The distribution of chondroitin sulfates (CS) in the cartilage proteoglycans was studied at the disaccharide level by digestion with chondroitinases. In the proteoglycan aggregate fraction, it was observed that the proportion of 4-sulfated disaccharide units to total CS increased from the bottom to the top fractions, whereas that of 6-sulfated disaccharide units was in the reverse order. Thus, the ratio of 4-sulfated disaccharide units to 6-sulfated disaccharide units increased significantly with decreasing density. The proportion of non-sulfated disaccharide units to total CS tended to increase with increasing density. These data indicate a polydisperse distribution of CS chains, under the conditions used here, in proteoglycan aggregates from bovine articular cartilage.", "PMID": 1002665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9125", "title": "Partial purification and properties of porcine thymus lactosylceramide beta-galactosidase.", "content": "Porcine thymus lactosylceramide beta-galactosidase was purified by a simple procedure. In the final step of isoelectric focusing the enzyme was separated into two peaks of pI 6.3 (peak I) and 7.0 (peak II), which showed 3,600- and 4,000-fold enhancement of lactosylceramide-hydrolysing activity, respectively. The two peaks had identical mobility on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The apparent molecular weight was 34,000. Neither monosialoganglioside (GM1) nor galactosylceramide was hydrolysed by the purified enzyme fractions. The optimal pH was at 4.6, and sodium taurocholate was essential for the reaction. The apparent Km was 2.3 x 10-5 M. The reaction was stimulated by sodium chloride and linoleic acid, while it was strongly inhibited by Triton X-100 and bovine serum albumin. Galactosylceramide, p-nitrophenyl beta-galactoside, and p-nitrophenol were weak inhibitors. No effects of GM1 and galactose were observed on the hydrolysis of lactosylceramide.", "contents": "Partial purification and properties of porcine thymus lactosylceramide beta-galactosidase. Porcine thymus lactosylceramide beta-galactosidase was purified by a simple procedure. In the final step of isoelectric focusing the enzyme was separated into two peaks of pI 6.3 (peak I) and 7.0 (peak II), which showed 3,600- and 4,000-fold enhancement of lactosylceramide-hydrolysing activity, respectively. The two peaks had identical mobility on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The apparent molecular weight was 34,000. Neither monosialoganglioside (GM1) nor galactosylceramide was hydrolysed by the purified enzyme fractions. The optimal pH was at 4.6, and sodium taurocholate was essential for the reaction. The apparent Km was 2.3 x 10-5 M. The reaction was stimulated by sodium chloride and linoleic acid, while it was strongly inhibited by Triton X-100 and bovine serum albumin. Galactosylceramide, p-nitrophenyl beta-galactoside, and p-nitrophenol were weak inhibitors. No effects of GM1 and galactose were observed on the hydrolysis of lactosylceramide.", "PMID": 1002666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9126", "title": "Dietary control of triglyceride and phospholipid synthesis in rat liver slices.", "content": "1. The effect of dietary manipulation on the synthesis of triglycerides and phospholipids was investigated by determining the incorporation of labeled long-chain fatty acid or glycerol into these lipids in liver slices derived from normally fed, fasted, and fat-free refed rats. 2. Triglyceride synthesis was affected markedly by the dietary regime of the animal; the lowest rates were measured with fasted rats, and the highest ones with fat-free refed rats. 3. In contrast to triglyceride synthesis, phospholipid synthesis occured at virtually constant rates regardless of the dietary conditions. 4. Addition of large amounts of fatty acid to the incubation mixture resulted in a marked stimulation of triglyceride synthesis, whereas phospholipid synthesis was affected to a much smaller extent. 5. These results indicate that the synthesis of triglycerides and that of phospholipids are controlled independently, and that the availability of fatty acid in the cell contributes to the control of triglyceride synthesis.", "contents": "Dietary control of triglyceride and phospholipid synthesis in rat liver slices. 1. The effect of dietary manipulation on the synthesis of triglycerides and phospholipids was investigated by determining the incorporation of labeled long-chain fatty acid or glycerol into these lipids in liver slices derived from normally fed, fasted, and fat-free refed rats. 2. Triglyceride synthesis was affected markedly by the dietary regime of the animal; the lowest rates were measured with fasted rats, and the highest ones with fat-free refed rats. 3. In contrast to triglyceride synthesis, phospholipid synthesis occured at virtually constant rates regardless of the dietary conditions. 4. Addition of large amounts of fatty acid to the incubation mixture resulted in a marked stimulation of triglyceride synthesis, whereas phospholipid synthesis was affected to a much smaller extent. 5. These results indicate that the synthesis of triglycerides and that of phospholipids are controlled independently, and that the availability of fatty acid in the cell contributes to the control of triglyceride synthesis.", "PMID": 1002667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9127", "title": "Kinetic study of alpha-chymotrypsin catalysis with regard to the interaction between the specificity-determining site and the aromatic side chain of substrates.", "content": "In order to investigate how changes in the structures of side-chain aromatic groups of specific substrates influence binding and kinetic specificity in alpha chymotrypsin [EC 3.4.21.1]-catalyzed reactions, a number of nucleus-substituted derivatives of the specific ester substrates were prepared and steady-state kinetic studies were carried out at pH 6.5 and 7.8. Ac-Trp(NCps)-OMe was hydrolyzed more readily at low substrate concentration than Ac-Trp-OMe due to its smaller Km(app) value, suggesting that the bulky 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenylsulfenyl moiety interacts with outer residues rather than with those in the hydrophobic pocket and that this interaction increases the binding specificity. Inhibition experiments using the corresponding carboxylate and analogous inhibitors, however, showed that the carboxy group at the para position of the phenyl nucleus of the substituent sterically hinders association with the active site of alpha-chymotrypsin at pH 7.8 but not at pH 6.5. The kcat values of Ac-Trp(CHO)-0Me, Ac-Tyr(3-NO2)-OMe, and Ac-m-Tyr-OMe were much higher than those of the corresponding specific substrates, indicating that derivatives with a substitute as large as a formyl, nitro or hydroxyl group at the xi-position are stereochemically favorable to the catalytic process. Remarkable increases in Km(app) were also observed. The individual parameters for Ac-Dopa-OMe, however, were comparable to those for Ac-Tyr-OMe.", "contents": "Kinetic study of alpha-chymotrypsin catalysis with regard to the interaction between the specificity-determining site and the aromatic side chain of substrates. In order to investigate how changes in the structures of side-chain aromatic groups of specific substrates influence binding and kinetic specificity in alpha chymotrypsin [EC 3.4.21.1]-catalyzed reactions, a number of nucleus-substituted derivatives of the specific ester substrates were prepared and steady-state kinetic studies were carried out at pH 6.5 and 7.8. Ac-Trp(NCps)-OMe was hydrolyzed more readily at low substrate concentration than Ac-Trp-OMe due to its smaller Km(app) value, suggesting that the bulky 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenylsulfenyl moiety interacts with outer residues rather than with those in the hydrophobic pocket and that this interaction increases the binding specificity. Inhibition experiments using the corresponding carboxylate and analogous inhibitors, however, showed that the carboxy group at the para position of the phenyl nucleus of the substituent sterically hinders association with the active site of alpha-chymotrypsin at pH 7.8 but not at pH 6.5. The kcat values of Ac-Trp(CHO)-0Me, Ac-Tyr(3-NO2)-OMe, and Ac-m-Tyr-OMe were much higher than those of the corresponding specific substrates, indicating that derivatives with a substitute as large as a formyl, nitro or hydroxyl group at the xi-position are stereochemically favorable to the catalytic process. Remarkable increases in Km(app) were also observed. The individual parameters for Ac-Dopa-OMe, however, were comparable to those for Ac-Tyr-OMe.", "PMID": 1002668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9128", "title": "Properties of non-polymerizable tropomyosin obtained by carboxypeptidase A digestion.", "content": "Tropomyosin digested with carboxypeptidase A [EC 3.4.12.2] (CTM) shows a lower viscosity than the undigested protein in solution. From the relation between the viscosity decrease and the amount of amino acids liberated from the carboxyl terminus during this digestion, it is inferred that loss of the tri-peptide-Thr-Ser-Ile from the C-terminus is responsible for the decrease in viscosity. The secondary structure of -TM was not affected by the digestion according to circular dichroic measurements. The viscosity of CTM did not increase in methanol-water mixtures, whereas that of tropomyosin increased markedly. These results indicate that polymerizability was lost upon the removal of a small peptide from the C-terminus without change in the secondary structure. A decrease in the viscosity of tropomyosin solutions was observed on the addition of CTM, indicating that CTM interacts with intact tropomyosin. The dependence of the viscosity decrease on the amount of CTM showed that CTM binds tropomyosin in a one-to-one ratio as a result of end-to-end interaction. Since paracrystals having a 400 A repeated band structure could be grown in the presence of Mg ions at neutral pH, side-by-side interactions in CTM molecules remain intact, even though polymerizability is lost. The disc gel electrophoretic pattern showed that troponin could bind to CTM, but no increase in viscosity due to the complex was observed in solution. That is, the C-terminal part of tropomyosin is not required for the formation of the complex. The amount of CTM bound to F-actin was less than half of that bound to undigested tropomyosin, and could be reduced to one-tenth by a washing procedure. In the presence of troponin, however, the amount recovered to the level of tropomyosin normally bound to F-actin. Therefore, it is concluded that troponin is bound in the middle of the tropomyosin molecule and strengthens the binding of tropomyosin to F-actin.", "contents": "Properties of non-polymerizable tropomyosin obtained by carboxypeptidase A digestion. Tropomyosin digested with carboxypeptidase A [EC 3.4.12.2] (CTM) shows a lower viscosity than the undigested protein in solution. From the relation between the viscosity decrease and the amount of amino acids liberated from the carboxyl terminus during this digestion, it is inferred that loss of the tri-peptide-Thr-Ser-Ile from the C-terminus is responsible for the decrease in viscosity. The secondary structure of -TM was not affected by the digestion according to circular dichroic measurements. The viscosity of CTM did not increase in methanol-water mixtures, whereas that of tropomyosin increased markedly. These results indicate that polymerizability was lost upon the removal of a small peptide from the C-terminus without change in the secondary structure. A decrease in the viscosity of tropomyosin solutions was observed on the addition of CTM, indicating that CTM interacts with intact tropomyosin. The dependence of the viscosity decrease on the amount of CTM showed that CTM binds tropomyosin in a one-to-one ratio as a result of end-to-end interaction. Since paracrystals having a 400 A repeated band structure could be grown in the presence of Mg ions at neutral pH, side-by-side interactions in CTM molecules remain intact, even though polymerizability is lost. The disc gel electrophoretic pattern showed that troponin could bind to CTM, but no increase in viscosity due to the complex was observed in solution. That is, the C-terminal part of tropomyosin is not required for the formation of the complex. The amount of CTM bound to F-actin was less than half of that bound to undigested tropomyosin, and could be reduced to one-tenth by a washing procedure. In the presence of troponin, however, the amount recovered to the level of tropomyosin normally bound to F-actin. Therefore, it is concluded that troponin is bound in the middle of the tropomyosin molecule and strengthens the binding of tropomyosin to F-actin.", "PMID": 1002669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9129", "title": "Regulation of AMP deaminase from chicken erythrocytes. A kinetic study of the allosteric interactions.", "content": "The allosteric properties of AMP deaminase [EC 3.5.4.6] from chicken erythrocytes have been qualitatively and quantitatively accounted for by the concerted transition theory of Monod et al., on the assumption that this enzyme has different numbers of binding sites for each ligand. Theoretical curves yield a satisfactory fit for all experimental saturation functions with respect to activation by alkali metals and inhibition by Pi, assuming that the numbers of binding sites for AMP, alkali metals, and Pi are 4, 2, and 4, respectively. The enzyme was inhibited by concentrations of ATP and GTP below 0.1 and 0.25 mM, respectively, whereas activation of the enzyme was observed at ATP and GTP concentrations above 0.4 and 1.5 mM, respectively. These unusual kinetics with respect to ATP and GTP could be also accounted for by assuming 2 inhibitory and 4 activating sites for each ligand.", "contents": "Regulation of AMP deaminase from chicken erythrocytes. A kinetic study of the allosteric interactions. The allosteric properties of AMP deaminase [EC 3.5.4.6] from chicken erythrocytes have been qualitatively and quantitatively accounted for by the concerted transition theory of Monod et al., on the assumption that this enzyme has different numbers of binding sites for each ligand. Theoretical curves yield a satisfactory fit for all experimental saturation functions with respect to activation by alkali metals and inhibition by Pi, assuming that the numbers of binding sites for AMP, alkali metals, and Pi are 4, 2, and 4, respectively. The enzyme was inhibited by concentrations of ATP and GTP below 0.1 and 0.25 mM, respectively, whereas activation of the enzyme was observed at ATP and GTP concentrations above 0.4 and 1.5 mM, respectively. These unusual kinetics with respect to ATP and GTP could be also accounted for by assuming 2 inhibitory and 4 activating sites for each ligand.", "PMID": 1002670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9130", "title": "Regulation of chicken erythrocyte AMP deaminase by phytic acid.", "content": "AMP deaminase [EC 3.5.6.4] purified from chicken erythrocytes was inhibited by phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate), which is the principal organic phosphate in chicken red cells. Kinetic analysis has indicated that this inhibition is of an allosteric type. The estimated Ki value was within the normal range of phytic acid concentration, suggesting that this compound acts as a physiological effector. Divalent cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ were shown to affect AMP deaminase by potentiating inhibition by lower concentrations of phytic acid, and by relieving the inhibition at higher concentrations of phytic acid. These results suggests that Ca2+ and Mg2+ can modify the inhibition of AMP deaminase by phytic acid in chicken red cells.", "contents": "Regulation of chicken erythrocyte AMP deaminase by phytic acid. AMP deaminase [EC 3.5.6.4] purified from chicken erythrocytes was inhibited by phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate), which is the principal organic phosphate in chicken red cells. Kinetic analysis has indicated that this inhibition is of an allosteric type. The estimated Ki value was within the normal range of phytic acid concentration, suggesting that this compound acts as a physiological effector. Divalent cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ were shown to affect AMP deaminase by potentiating inhibition by lower concentrations of phytic acid, and by relieving the inhibition at higher concentrations of phytic acid. These results suggests that Ca2+ and Mg2+ can modify the inhibition of AMP deaminase by phytic acid in chicken red cells.", "PMID": 1002671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9131", "title": "Gamma-Actinin, a new regulatory protein from rabbit skeletal muscle. I. Purification and characterization.", "content": "A new regulatory protein which we have designated as gamma-actinin has been isolated from native thin filaments of rabbit skeletal muscle. Depolymerized native thin filaments were fractionated by salting out with ammonium sulfate, and the precipitates obtained at 40--60% ammonium sulfate saturation were further subjected to DEAE-Sephadex and Sephadex G-200 column chromatography. The purified gamma-actinin was shown to have a chain weight of 35,000 daltons and had a strong inhibitory action on the polymerization of G-actin. The results of amino acid analysis indicated a unique amino acid composition of gamma-actinin as compared with other structural proteins of muscle. Non-polar and neutral amino acid residues were abundant. One cysteine residue was contained per one molecule of gamma-actinin and played a critical role in the maintenance of the inhibitory activity. Pelleting of gamma-actinin with F-actin showed that gamma-actinin binds to F-action.", "contents": "Gamma-Actinin, a new regulatory protein from rabbit skeletal muscle. I. Purification and characterization. A new regulatory protein which we have designated as gamma-actinin has been isolated from native thin filaments of rabbit skeletal muscle. Depolymerized native thin filaments were fractionated by salting out with ammonium sulfate, and the precipitates obtained at 40--60% ammonium sulfate saturation were further subjected to DEAE-Sephadex and Sephadex G-200 column chromatography. The purified gamma-actinin was shown to have a chain weight of 35,000 daltons and had a strong inhibitory action on the polymerization of G-actin. The results of amino acid analysis indicated a unique amino acid composition of gamma-actinin as compared with other structural proteins of muscle. Non-polar and neutral amino acid residues were abundant. One cysteine residue was contained per one molecule of gamma-actinin and played a critical role in the maintenance of the inhibitory activity. Pelleting of gamma-actinin with F-actin showed that gamma-actinin binds to F-action.", "PMID": 1002672} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9132", "title": "Effective method for activity assay of lipase from Chromobacterium viscosum.", "content": "A method was devised for activity assay of the lipase [triacylglycerol acyl-hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3] excreted from Chromobacterium viscosum into the culture medium; olive oil emulsified with the aid of Adekatol 45-S-8 (a non-ionic detergent, the ethoxylate of linear sec-alcohols having chain lengths of 10--16 carbon atoms) was used as the substrate. This method was specifically effective for Chromobacterium lipase acitvity assay, and was approximately twice as sensitive as the conventional method, in which polyvinyl alcohol is used for the emulsification of the substrate.", "contents": "Effective method for activity assay of lipase from Chromobacterium viscosum. A method was devised for activity assay of the lipase [triacylglycerol acyl-hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3] excreted from Chromobacterium viscosum into the culture medium; olive oil emulsified with the aid of Adekatol 45-S-8 (a non-ionic detergent, the ethoxylate of linear sec-alcohols having chain lengths of 10--16 carbon atoms) was used as the substrate. This method was specifically effective for Chromobacterium lipase acitvity assay, and was approximately twice as sensitive as the conventional method, in which polyvinyl alcohol is used for the emulsification of the substrate.", "PMID": 1002673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9133", "title": "A new bile acid conjugate, ciliatocholic acid, from bovine gall bladder bile.", "content": "This study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of ciliatocholic acid in bovine gall bladder bile. Ciliatocholic acid was synthesized according to the method described by Bergstr\u00f4m and Norman for the synthesis of taurocholic acid. Elemental analysis, melting point, and the infrared spectrum of this substance were determined. An isolation procedure for ciliatocholic acid was established by stepwise elution with an HCl-ethanol solvent system using a Dowex-1 anion exchange resin column chromatographic technique. Ciliatocholic acid amounting to 158 mug (as ciliatine) per 100 ml of gall bladder bile was found in the fraction eluted with 0.01 N HCl in 50% ethanol. This coumpound was purified by preparative thin-layer chromatography and confirmed to be ciliatocholic acid from the hydrolytic stability, phosphorus determination, and chromatographic behavior. Thus, bovine gall bladder bile contains a small amount of ciliatocholic acid.", "contents": "A new bile acid conjugate, ciliatocholic acid, from bovine gall bladder bile. This study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of ciliatocholic acid in bovine gall bladder bile. Ciliatocholic acid was synthesized according to the method described by Bergstr\u00f4m and Norman for the synthesis of taurocholic acid. Elemental analysis, melting point, and the infrared spectrum of this substance were determined. An isolation procedure for ciliatocholic acid was established by stepwise elution with an HCl-ethanol solvent system using a Dowex-1 anion exchange resin column chromatographic technique. Ciliatocholic acid amounting to 158 mug (as ciliatine) per 100 ml of gall bladder bile was found in the fraction eluted with 0.01 N HCl in 50% ethanol. This coumpound was purified by preparative thin-layer chromatography and confirmed to be ciliatocholic acid from the hydrolytic stability, phosphorus determination, and chromatographic behavior. Thus, bovine gall bladder bile contains a small amount of ciliatocholic acid.", "PMID": 1002674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9134", "title": "The structure of a glycopeptide (GP-II) isolated from Rhizopus saccharogenic amylase.", "content": "Mild alkaline treatment of glycopeptide (GP-II) resulted in the loss of 1 mole of serine and 5 moles of threonine per mole of GP-II, suggesting the presence of O-glycosyl bonds between 1 serine and 5 threonine residues and carbohydrate chains. Treatment of GP-II with alkaline borohydride released only disaccharide. Methylation studies of the carbohydrate moiety gave 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-methyl and 2,4,6-tri-O-methyl derivatives of mannose in a ratio of approximately 1:1. In addition, one step of Smith degradation resulted in the loss of about 6 residues of mannose per mole of GP-II. Moreover, alpha-mannosidase [EC 3.2.1.24] liberated about 6 residles of mannose per mole of GP-II. On the basis of these data, the structure of the carbohydrate moiety of GP-II was confirmed to be 3-O-alpha-mannosylmannose. The amino- and carboxyl-terminal amino acids of GP-II were determined to be threonine and serine, respectively. On reductive cleavage of N-proline bonds with metallic sodium in liquid ammonia, 2 moles of alanine per mole of GP-II were lost. From the compositions of three fragments isolated from the reductive cleavage products, the amino acid sequence of the peptide portion of GP-II was determined. Based on these data, a probable structure was proposed for GP-II.", "contents": "The structure of a glycopeptide (GP-II) isolated from Rhizopus saccharogenic amylase. Mild alkaline treatment of glycopeptide (GP-II) resulted in the loss of 1 mole of serine and 5 moles of threonine per mole of GP-II, suggesting the presence of O-glycosyl bonds between 1 serine and 5 threonine residues and carbohydrate chains. Treatment of GP-II with alkaline borohydride released only disaccharide. Methylation studies of the carbohydrate moiety gave 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-methyl and 2,4,6-tri-O-methyl derivatives of mannose in a ratio of approximately 1:1. In addition, one step of Smith degradation resulted in the loss of about 6 residues of mannose per mole of GP-II. Moreover, alpha-mannosidase [EC 3.2.1.24] liberated about 6 residles of mannose per mole of GP-II. On the basis of these data, the structure of the carbohydrate moiety of GP-II was confirmed to be 3-O-alpha-mannosylmannose. The amino- and carboxyl-terminal amino acids of GP-II were determined to be threonine and serine, respectively. On reductive cleavage of N-proline bonds with metallic sodium in liquid ammonia, 2 moles of alanine per mole of GP-II were lost. From the compositions of three fragments isolated from the reductive cleavage products, the amino acid sequence of the peptide portion of GP-II was determined. Based on these data, a probable structure was proposed for GP-II.", "PMID": 1002675} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9135", "title": "Connectin, an elastic protein from myofibrils.", "content": "The elastic protein isolated from myofibrils of chicken skeletal muscle was compared with extracellular non-collagenous reticulin prepared from chicken liver and skeletal muscle. The amino acid compositions of these proteins were similar except that their contents of Phe, Leu, Cys/2, and Hyp were different. The impregnations of the elastic protein and reticulin with silver were also different. The reticulin was not at all elastic. It also differed from reticulin in solubility and antigenicity. It is proposed to call the intracellular elastic protein connectin.", "contents": "Connectin, an elastic protein from myofibrils. The elastic protein isolated from myofibrils of chicken skeletal muscle was compared with extracellular non-collagenous reticulin prepared from chicken liver and skeletal muscle. The amino acid compositions of these proteins were similar except that their contents of Phe, Leu, Cys/2, and Hyp were different. The impregnations of the elastic protein and reticulin with silver were also different. The reticulin was not at all elastic. It also differed from reticulin in solubility and antigenicity. It is proposed to call the intracellular elastic protein connectin.", "PMID": 1002676} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9136", "title": "Enrichment of enzyme activity on deformylation of 1-NFK-lysozyme.", "content": "The formamide linkage of an inactive lysozyme derivative (1-NFK-lysozyme), formed by selective ozonization of tryptophan 62 in hen egg-white lysozyme [EC 3.2.1.17] was hydrolyzed with dilute acid faster in the frozen state at about --10 degrees than at 20 degrees. On hydrolysis of 1-NFK-lysozyme the low lytic activity increased to approximately 80% of that of native lysozyme. It is suggested that the binding ability associated with kynurenine 62 in the lysozyme derivative formed by this hydrolysis may be responsible for increase in enzymatic activity.", "contents": "Enrichment of enzyme activity on deformylation of 1-NFK-lysozyme. The formamide linkage of an inactive lysozyme derivative (1-NFK-lysozyme), formed by selective ozonization of tryptophan 62 in hen egg-white lysozyme [EC 3.2.1.17] was hydrolyzed with dilute acid faster in the frozen state at about --10 degrees than at 20 degrees. On hydrolysis of 1-NFK-lysozyme the low lytic activity increased to approximately 80% of that of native lysozyme. It is suggested that the binding ability associated with kynurenine 62 in the lysozyme derivative formed by this hydrolysis may be responsible for increase in enzymatic activity.", "PMID": 1002677} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9137", "title": "Isolation and characterization of nerve growth factor from the venom of Naja naja atra.", "content": "Nerve growth factor was isolated from the venom of Naja naja atra by ion exchange and gel permeation chromatography and was found to be homogeneous by disc gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight was estimated to be approximately 20,000 by gel filtration and 22,000 by ultracentrifugation. This protein, which showed an isoelectric point of pH 7.02, probably consists of two subunits of equal molecular weight which are held together or interact with each other noncovalently. The biological activity survives treatment by a number of proteolytic enzymes, such as trypsin [EC 3.4.21.4], chymotrypsin [EC 3.4.21.1], and pepsin [EC 3.4.23.1].", "contents": "Isolation and characterization of nerve growth factor from the venom of Naja naja atra. Nerve growth factor was isolated from the venom of Naja naja atra by ion exchange and gel permeation chromatography and was found to be homogeneous by disc gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight was estimated to be approximately 20,000 by gel filtration and 22,000 by ultracentrifugation. This protein, which showed an isoelectric point of pH 7.02, probably consists of two subunits of equal molecular weight which are held together or interact with each other noncovalently. The biological activity survives treatment by a number of proteolytic enzymes, such as trypsin [EC 3.4.21.4], chymotrypsin [EC 3.4.21.1], and pepsin [EC 3.4.23.1].", "PMID": 1002678} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9138", "title": "The biosynthesis of transfer RNA in insects. II. Isolation of transfer RNA precursors from the posterior silk gland of Bombyx mori.", "content": "The occurrence of precursors to tRNA in the post-polysomal fraction of the posterior silk gland of Bombyx mori was demonstrated by pulse-chase labeling and DNA-RNA hybridization competition experiments. These precursors had molecular sizes ranging from 4S to 5S on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Analysis of the incorporation of the methyl group from [methyl-14C]methionine revealed that a radioactive peak on polyacrylamide gel appeared in the 4.5S region during brief labeling. This suggested that some methylation occurred at the 4.5S precursor step.", "contents": "The biosynthesis of transfer RNA in insects. II. Isolation of transfer RNA precursors from the posterior silk gland of Bombyx mori. The occurrence of precursors to tRNA in the post-polysomal fraction of the posterior silk gland of Bombyx mori was demonstrated by pulse-chase labeling and DNA-RNA hybridization competition experiments. These precursors had molecular sizes ranging from 4S to 5S on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Analysis of the incorporation of the methyl group from [methyl-14C]methionine revealed that a radioactive peak on polyacrylamide gel appeared in the 4.5S region during brief labeling. This suggested that some methylation occurred at the 4.5S precursor step.", "PMID": 1002679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9139", "title": "delta-Aminolevulinate synthetases in the liver cytosol fraction and mitochondria of mice treated with allylisopropylacetamide and 3,5-dicarbethoxyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine.", "content": "Hepatic delta-aminolevulinate (ALA) synthetase was induced in mice by the administration of allylisopropylacetamide (AIA) and 3,5-dicarbethoxy-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC). In both cases, a significant amount of ALA synthetase accumulated in the liver cytosol fraction as well as in the mitochondria. The apparent molecular weight of the cytosol ALA synthetase was estimated to be 320,000 by gel filtration, but when the cytosol ALA synthetase was subjected to sucrose density gradient centrifugation, it showed a molecular weight of 110,000. In the mitochondria, there were two different sizes of ALA synthetase with molecular weights of 150,000 and 110,000, respectively; the larger enzyme was predominant in DDC-treated mice, whereas in AIA-treated mice and normal mice the enzyme existed mostly in the smaller form. When hemin was injected into mice pretreated with DDC, the molecular size of the mitochondrial ALA synthetase changed from 150,000 to 110,000. The half-life of ALA synthetase in the liver cytosol fraction was about 30 min in both the AIA-treated and DDC-treated mice. The half-life of the mitochondrial ALA synthetase in AIA-treated mice and normal mice was about 60 min, but in DDC-treated mice the half-life was as long as 150 min. The data suggest that the cytosol ALA synthetase of mouse liver is a protein complex with properties very similar to those of the cytosol ALA synthetase of rat liver, which has been shown to be composed of the enzyme active protein and two catalytically inactive binding proteins, and that ALA synthetase may be transferred from the liver cytosol fraction to the mitochondria with a size of about 150,000 daltons, followed by its conversion to enzyme with a molecular weight of 110,000 within the mitochondria. The process of intramitochondrial enzyme degradation seems to be affected in DDC-treated animals.", "contents": "delta-Aminolevulinate synthetases in the liver cytosol fraction and mitochondria of mice treated with allylisopropylacetamide and 3,5-dicarbethoxyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine. Hepatic delta-aminolevulinate (ALA) synthetase was induced in mice by the administration of allylisopropylacetamide (AIA) and 3,5-dicarbethoxy-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC). In both cases, a significant amount of ALA synthetase accumulated in the liver cytosol fraction as well as in the mitochondria. The apparent molecular weight of the cytosol ALA synthetase was estimated to be 320,000 by gel filtration, but when the cytosol ALA synthetase was subjected to sucrose density gradient centrifugation, it showed a molecular weight of 110,000. In the mitochondria, there were two different sizes of ALA synthetase with molecular weights of 150,000 and 110,000, respectively; the larger enzyme was predominant in DDC-treated mice, whereas in AIA-treated mice and normal mice the enzyme existed mostly in the smaller form. When hemin was injected into mice pretreated with DDC, the molecular size of the mitochondrial ALA synthetase changed from 150,000 to 110,000. The half-life of ALA synthetase in the liver cytosol fraction was about 30 min in both the AIA-treated and DDC-treated mice. The half-life of the mitochondrial ALA synthetase in AIA-treated mice and normal mice was about 60 min, but in DDC-treated mice the half-life was as long as 150 min. The data suggest that the cytosol ALA synthetase of mouse liver is a protein complex with properties very similar to those of the cytosol ALA synthetase of rat liver, which has been shown to be composed of the enzyme active protein and two catalytically inactive binding proteins, and that ALA synthetase may be transferred from the liver cytosol fraction to the mitochondria with a size of about 150,000 daltons, followed by its conversion to enzyme with a molecular weight of 110,000 within the mitochondria. The process of intramitochondrial enzyme degradation seems to be affected in DDC-treated animals.", "PMID": 1002680} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9140", "title": "Ca-releasing action of beta, gamma-methylene adenosine triphosphate on fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum.", "content": "beta,gamma-Methylene adenosine triphosphate (AMPOPCP) has two effects on fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (FSR), i.e., inhibition of the rate of Ca uptake and the induction of Ca release from FSR filled with Ca. The Ca release brought about by AMPOPCP has many features in common with the mechanism of Ca-induced Ca release: i) it is inhibited by 10 mM procaine; ii) the amount of Ca release increases with increase in the extent of saturation of FSR with Ca; iii) increase of the Ca concentration in the extent of saturation of FSR with Ca; iii) increase of the Ca concentration in the medium facilitates the release of Ca. However, no facilitation of Ca release upon decrease of Mg concentration in the medium is observable. AMPOPCP and caffeine potentiate each other remarkably in their Ca-releasing action, irrespective of the kind of substrate. From the mode of action of AMPOPCP on the rate of Ca uptake, the amount of phosphorylated intermediate (EP), and the effect on Sr release, it is suggested that the state of the FSR-ATP complex is crucial for Ca-induced Ca release.", "contents": "Ca-releasing action of beta, gamma-methylene adenosine triphosphate on fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum. beta,gamma-Methylene adenosine triphosphate (AMPOPCP) has two effects on fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (FSR), i.e., inhibition of the rate of Ca uptake and the induction of Ca release from FSR filled with Ca. The Ca release brought about by AMPOPCP has many features in common with the mechanism of Ca-induced Ca release: i) it is inhibited by 10 mM procaine; ii) the amount of Ca release increases with increase in the extent of saturation of FSR with Ca; iii) increase of the Ca concentration in the extent of saturation of FSR with Ca; iii) increase of the Ca concentration in the medium facilitates the release of Ca. However, no facilitation of Ca release upon decrease of Mg concentration in the medium is observable. AMPOPCP and caffeine potentiate each other remarkably in their Ca-releasing action, irrespective of the kind of substrate. From the mode of action of AMPOPCP on the rate of Ca uptake, the amount of phosphorylated intermediate (EP), and the effect on Sr release, it is suggested that the state of the FSR-ATP complex is crucial for Ca-induced Ca release.", "PMID": 1002681} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9141", "title": "Control of ketogenesis from amino acids. IV. Tissue specificity in oxidation of leucine, tyrosine, and lysine.", "content": "In vitro and in vivo studies were made on the tissue specificity of oxidation of the ketogenic amino acids, leucine, tyrosine, and lysine. In in vitro studies the abilities of slices of various tissues of rats to form 14CO2 from 14C-amino acids were examined. With liver, but not kidney slices, addition of alpha-ketoglutarate was required for the maximum activities with these amino acids. Among the various tissues tested, kidney had the highest activity for lysine oxidation, followed by liver; other tissues showed very low activity. Kidney also had the highest activity for leucine oxidation, followed by diaphragm; liver and adipose tissue had lower activities. Liver had the highest activity for tyrosine oxidation, but kidney also showed considerable activity; other tissues had negligible activity. In in vivo studies the blood flow through the liver or kidney was stopped by ligation of the blood vessels. Then labeled amino acids were injected and recovery of radioactivity in respiratory 14CO2 was measured. In contrast to results with slices, no difference was found in the respiratory 14CO2 when the renal blood vessels were or were not ligated. On the contrary ligation of the hepatic vessels suppressed the oxidations of lysine and tyrosine completely and that of leucine partially. Thus in vivo, lysine and tyrosine seem to be metabolized mainly in the liver, whereas leucine is metabolized mostly in extrahepatic tissues and partly in liver. Use of tissue slices seems to be of only limited value in elucidating the metabolisms of these amino acids.", "contents": "Control of ketogenesis from amino acids. IV. Tissue specificity in oxidation of leucine, tyrosine, and lysine. In vitro and in vivo studies were made on the tissue specificity of oxidation of the ketogenic amino acids, leucine, tyrosine, and lysine. In in vitro studies the abilities of slices of various tissues of rats to form 14CO2 from 14C-amino acids were examined. With liver, but not kidney slices, addition of alpha-ketoglutarate was required for the maximum activities with these amino acids. Among the various tissues tested, kidney had the highest activity for lysine oxidation, followed by liver; other tissues showed very low activity. Kidney also had the highest activity for leucine oxidation, followed by diaphragm; liver and adipose tissue had lower activities. Liver had the highest activity for tyrosine oxidation, but kidney also showed considerable activity; other tissues had negligible activity. In in vivo studies the blood flow through the liver or kidney was stopped by ligation of the blood vessels. Then labeled amino acids were injected and recovery of radioactivity in respiratory 14CO2 was measured. In contrast to results with slices, no difference was found in the respiratory 14CO2 when the renal blood vessels were or were not ligated. On the contrary ligation of the hepatic vessels suppressed the oxidations of lysine and tyrosine completely and that of leucine partially. Thus in vivo, lysine and tyrosine seem to be metabolized mainly in the liver, whereas leucine is metabolized mostly in extrahepatic tissues and partly in liver. Use of tissue slices seems to be of only limited value in elucidating the metabolisms of these amino acids.", "PMID": 1002682} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9142", "title": "A correlation between changes in gamma-aminobutyric acid metabolism and seizures induced by antivitamin B6.", "content": "The effects of DL-penicillamine (DL-PeA), hydrazine and toxopyrimidine (TXP, 2-methyl-6-amino-5-hydroxymethylpyrimidine) on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism in mouse brain were studied. All these compounds inhibited the activity of glutamate decarboxylase [EC 4.1.1.15] (GAD) and slightly inhibited that of 4-aminobutyrate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase [EC 2.6.1.19] (GABA-T). In contrast, very different effects were observed on GABA levels; hydrazine caused a marked increase, DL-PeA had no effect, and TXP caused a slight decrease in the content of the amino acid. These results could be described by an equation which related the excitable state to changes in the flux of the GABA bypass. Since the values obtained from the equation clearly reflect the seizure activity, it is suggested that the decreased GABA flux might be a cause of convulsions induced by these drugs.", "contents": "A correlation between changes in gamma-aminobutyric acid metabolism and seizures induced by antivitamin B6. The effects of DL-penicillamine (DL-PeA), hydrazine and toxopyrimidine (TXP, 2-methyl-6-amino-5-hydroxymethylpyrimidine) on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism in mouse brain were studied. All these compounds inhibited the activity of glutamate decarboxylase [EC 4.1.1.15] (GAD) and slightly inhibited that of 4-aminobutyrate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase [EC 2.6.1.19] (GABA-T). In contrast, very different effects were observed on GABA levels; hydrazine caused a marked increase, DL-PeA had no effect, and TXP caused a slight decrease in the content of the amino acid. These results could be described by an equation which related the excitable state to changes in the flux of the GABA bypass. Since the values obtained from the equation clearly reflect the seizure activity, it is suggested that the decreased GABA flux might be a cause of convulsions induced by these drugs.", "PMID": 1002683} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9143", "title": "Magnesium ion-induced changes in the binding mode of adenylates to chloroplast coupling factor 1.", "content": "The effect of Mg2+ on the binding of adenylates to isolated chloroplast coupling factor 1 (CF1) was studied using CD spectrometry and ultrafiltration. At adenylate concentrations smaller than 100 muM, one mole of CF1 binds three moles of ATP (or ADP) regardless of the presence of Mg2+. In the presence of Mg2+, the first two ATP's bind to CF1 independently with the same binding constant of 2.5 X 10(-1) muM-1, then the third ATP binds with a much higher affinity of 10 muM-1. In the absence of Mg2+, the first ATP binds to CF1 with a binding constant of 2.5 X 10(-1) muM-1 then the other two ATP's bind less easily with the same binding constant of 4.0 X 10(-2) muM-1. The binding mode of ADP to CF1 is quite similar to that of ATP. In the presence of Mg2+, the binding constants of the first two ADP's are both 7.6 X 10(-2) muM-1, that of the third ADP being 4.0 muM-1. In the absence of Mg2+, the binding constant of the first ADP is 7.6 X 10(-2) muM-1, the constants of the other two ADP's both being 4.0 X 10(-2) muM-1. AMP caused a negligible change in CD.", "contents": "Magnesium ion-induced changes in the binding mode of adenylates to chloroplast coupling factor 1. The effect of Mg2+ on the binding of adenylates to isolated chloroplast coupling factor 1 (CF1) was studied using CD spectrometry and ultrafiltration. At adenylate concentrations smaller than 100 muM, one mole of CF1 binds three moles of ATP (or ADP) regardless of the presence of Mg2+. In the presence of Mg2+, the first two ATP's bind to CF1 independently with the same binding constant of 2.5 X 10(-1) muM-1, then the third ATP binds with a much higher affinity of 10 muM-1. In the absence of Mg2+, the first ATP binds to CF1 with a binding constant of 2.5 X 10(-1) muM-1 then the other two ATP's bind less easily with the same binding constant of 4.0 X 10(-2) muM-1. The binding mode of ADP to CF1 is quite similar to that of ATP. In the presence of Mg2+, the binding constants of the first two ADP's are both 7.6 X 10(-2) muM-1, that of the third ADP being 4.0 muM-1. In the absence of Mg2+, the binding constant of the first ADP is 7.6 X 10(-2) muM-1, the constants of the other two ADP's both being 4.0 X 10(-2) muM-1. AMP caused a negligible change in CD.", "PMID": 1002684} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9144", "title": "Separation of molecular species of glucosylceramide by high performance liquid chromatography of their benzoyl derivatives.", "content": "The method of separation of glucosylceramide by HPLC was reported. Glucosylceramide was perbenzoylated and separated on a packed muBondapack C18 column, using methanol as eluting solvent. The pattern obtained by HPLC closely resembled that obtained by GLC of the TMS-glucosylceramide, and reflected the molecular species of fatty acid components. This method is reproducible, and sensitive as GLC. This method also can be used for analysis of higher glycolipids.", "contents": "Separation of molecular species of glucosylceramide by high performance liquid chromatography of their benzoyl derivatives. The method of separation of glucosylceramide by HPLC was reported. Glucosylceramide was perbenzoylated and separated on a packed muBondapack C18 column, using methanol as eluting solvent. The pattern obtained by HPLC closely resembled that obtained by GLC of the TMS-glucosylceramide, and reflected the molecular species of fatty acid components. This method is reproducible, and sensitive as GLC. This method also can be used for analysis of higher glycolipids.", "PMID": 1002685} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9145", "title": "Further studies on the mechanism of adrenaline-induced lipolysis in lipid micelles.", "content": "Lipase [EC 3.1.1.3] depleted lipid micelles, in which lipolysis was not elicited by adrenaline, were prepared from lipid micelles. When these lipase-depleted lipid micelles incubated with adipose tissue extract containing lipase activity, adrenaline-induced lipolysis was restored to almost the same level as that of native lipid micelles. Adrenaline-induced lipolysis was not restored when the lipase-depleted lipid micelles were homogenized or sonicated. Various tissue extracts from kidney, lung, liver, and pancreas, and post-heparin plasma, which contained lipase activity, restored adrenaline-induced lipolysis in lipase-depleted lipid micelles.", "contents": "Further studies on the mechanism of adrenaline-induced lipolysis in lipid micelles. Lipase [EC 3.1.1.3] depleted lipid micelles, in which lipolysis was not elicited by adrenaline, were prepared from lipid micelles. When these lipase-depleted lipid micelles incubated with adipose tissue extract containing lipase activity, adrenaline-induced lipolysis was restored to almost the same level as that of native lipid micelles. Adrenaline-induced lipolysis was not restored when the lipase-depleted lipid micelles were homogenized or sonicated. Various tissue extracts from kidney, lung, liver, and pancreas, and post-heparin plasma, which contained lipase activity, restored adrenaline-induced lipolysis in lipase-depleted lipid micelles.", "PMID": 1002686} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9146", "title": "Determination of the anomeric configurations of Corbicula ceramide di- and trihexoside by chromium trioxide oxidation.", "content": "The anomeric configurations of Corbicula ceramide dihexoside and ceramide trihexoside were determined by chromium trioxide oxidation and the structures of these lipids were shown to be Man-beta(1 leads to 4)-Glc-beta(1 leads to 1)-ceramide and Man-alpha(1 leads to 4)-Man-beta(1 leads to 4)-Glc-beta(1 leads to 1)-ceramide. These results are compatible with those obtained by enzymic hydrolysis reported previously.", "contents": "Determination of the anomeric configurations of Corbicula ceramide di- and trihexoside by chromium trioxide oxidation. The anomeric configurations of Corbicula ceramide dihexoside and ceramide trihexoside were determined by chromium trioxide oxidation and the structures of these lipids were shown to be Man-beta(1 leads to 4)-Glc-beta(1 leads to 1)-ceramide and Man-alpha(1 leads to 4)-Man-beta(1 leads to 4)-Glc-beta(1 leads to 1)-ceramide. These results are compatible with those obtained by enzymic hydrolysis reported previously.", "PMID": 1002687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9147", "title": "A method for analyzing enzyme kinetics with substrate activation and inhibition and its application to the alpha-chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of phenyl acetates.", "content": "A general kinetic method was developed to analyze enzyme-catalyzed systems complicated by the presence of activation or inhibition by substrate. The method was applied to the alpha-chymotrypsin [EC 3.4.21.1]-catalyzed hydrolysis of p-chlorophenyl and p-methoxyphenyl acetates. Deacylation rate constants which were not complicated by substrate activation were obtained. The analysis shows that the abnormal substituent dependence of kcat in the steady state hydrolysis is due not to substrate activation but to inappropriateness of the two-step mechanism or the existence of more than one acetyl-enzyme intermediate.", "contents": "A method for analyzing enzyme kinetics with substrate activation and inhibition and its application to the alpha-chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of phenyl acetates. A general kinetic method was developed to analyze enzyme-catalyzed systems complicated by the presence of activation or inhibition by substrate. The method was applied to the alpha-chymotrypsin [EC 3.4.21.1]-catalyzed hydrolysis of p-chlorophenyl and p-methoxyphenyl acetates. Deacylation rate constants which were not complicated by substrate activation were obtained. The analysis shows that the abnormal substituent dependence of kcat in the steady state hydrolysis is due not to substrate activation but to inappropriateness of the two-step mechanism or the existence of more than one acetyl-enzyme intermediate.", "PMID": 1002688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9148", "title": "Formation of lipid-linked sugar compounds in Halobacterium salinarium. Presumed intermediates in glycoprotein synthesis.", "content": "The ability of bacitracin to inhibit the growth of Halobacterium salinarium suggested that glycosylation of the major envelope component, a high molecular weight glycoprotein, might occur via a pathway involving lipid intermediates. This report demonstrates that the cells have enzymatic activities for formation of lipid-linked sugar compounds having the expected properties of such intermediates. Whole cell homogenate catalyzed the transfer of sugar from UDP-glucose, GDP-mannose, and UDP-N-acetyglucosamine to endogenous lipid acceptors. Two lipid products were formed from UDP-glucose, two from GDP-mannose, and one from UDP-N-acetylglucosamine. Characterization of the partially purified lipids by ion exchange chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and mild acid and base hydrolysis showed the major product in each case to have the properties expected for polyisoprenyl phosphoglucose, polyisoprenyl phosphomannose, and polyisoprenyl pyrophospho-N-acetylglucosamine. Estimates of chain length by thin layer chromatography indicate that the lipid has 11 to 12 isoprene identity as a C55-60-polyisoprenyl pyrophospho-N-acetylglucosamine. The N-acetylglucosamine transferase, present in cell envelope preparations, was partially characterized. The enzyme was found to be extremely halophilic, specifically requiring a high concentration of KCl. Optimum activity was obtained at 4 m KCl and partial substitution of K+ by Na+ resulted in a decrease in activity.", "contents": "Formation of lipid-linked sugar compounds in Halobacterium salinarium. Presumed intermediates in glycoprotein synthesis. The ability of bacitracin to inhibit the growth of Halobacterium salinarium suggested that glycosylation of the major envelope component, a high molecular weight glycoprotein, might occur via a pathway involving lipid intermediates. This report demonstrates that the cells have enzymatic activities for formation of lipid-linked sugar compounds having the expected properties of such intermediates. Whole cell homogenate catalyzed the transfer of sugar from UDP-glucose, GDP-mannose, and UDP-N-acetyglucosamine to endogenous lipid acceptors. Two lipid products were formed from UDP-glucose, two from GDP-mannose, and one from UDP-N-acetylglucosamine. Characterization of the partially purified lipids by ion exchange chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and mild acid and base hydrolysis showed the major product in each case to have the properties expected for polyisoprenyl phosphoglucose, polyisoprenyl phosphomannose, and polyisoprenyl pyrophospho-N-acetylglucosamine. Estimates of chain length by thin layer chromatography indicate that the lipid has 11 to 12 isoprene identity as a C55-60-polyisoprenyl pyrophospho-N-acetylglucosamine. The N-acetylglucosamine transferase, present in cell envelope preparations, was partially characterized. The enzyme was found to be extremely halophilic, specifically requiring a high concentration of KCl. Optimum activity was obtained at 4 m KCl and partial substitution of K+ by Na+ resulted in a decrease in activity.", "PMID": 1002689} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9149", "title": "mRNA guanylyltransferase and mRNA (guanine-7-)-methyltransferase from vaccinia virions. Donor and acceptor substrate specificites.", "content": "Characterization of the donor and acceptor specificities of mRNA guanylyltransferase and mRNA (guanine-7-)-methyltransferase isolated from vaccinia virus cores has enabled us to discriminate between alternative reaction sequences leading to the formation of the 5'-terminal m7G(5')pppN-structure. The mRNA guanylyltransferase catalyzes the transfer of a residue of GMP from GTP to acceptors which possess a 5'-terminal diphosphate. A diphosphate-terminated polyribonucleotide is preferred to a mononucleoside diphosphate as an acceptor suggesting that the guanylyltransferase reaction occurs after initiation of RNA synthesis. Although all of the homopolyribonucleotides tested (pp(A)n, pp(G)n, pp(I)n, pp(U)n, and pp(C)n) are acceptors for the mRNA guanylyltransferase indicating lack of strict sequence specificity, those containing purines are preferred. Only GTP and dGTP are donors in the reaction; 7-methylguanosine (m7G) triphosphate specifically is not a donor indicating that guanylylation must precede guanine-7-methylation. The preferred acceptor of the mRNA (guanine-7-)-methyltransferase is the product of the guanylyltransferase reaction, a polyribonucleotide with the 5'-terminal sequence G(5')pppN-. The enzyme can also catalyze, but less efficiently methylation of the following: dinucleoside triphosphates with the structure G(5')pppN, GTP, dGTP, ITP, GDP, GMP, and guanosine. The enzyme will not catalyze the transfer of methyl groups to ATP, XTP, CTP, UTP, or to guanosine-containing compounds with phosphate groups in either positions 2' or 3' or in 3'-5' phosphodiester linkages. The latter specificity provides an explanation for the absence of internal 7-methylguanosine in mRNA. In the presence of PPi, the mRNA guanylyltransferase catalyzes the pyrophosphorolysis of the dinucleoside triphosphate G(5')pppA, but not of m7G(5')pppA. Since PPi is generated in the process of RNA chain elongation, stabilization of the 5'-terminal sequences of mRNA is afforded by guanine-7-methylation.", "contents": "mRNA guanylyltransferase and mRNA (guanine-7-)-methyltransferase from vaccinia virions. Donor and acceptor substrate specificites. Characterization of the donor and acceptor specificities of mRNA guanylyltransferase and mRNA (guanine-7-)-methyltransferase isolated from vaccinia virus cores has enabled us to discriminate between alternative reaction sequences leading to the formation of the 5'-terminal m7G(5')pppN-structure. The mRNA guanylyltransferase catalyzes the transfer of a residue of GMP from GTP to acceptors which possess a 5'-terminal diphosphate. A diphosphate-terminated polyribonucleotide is preferred to a mononucleoside diphosphate as an acceptor suggesting that the guanylyltransferase reaction occurs after initiation of RNA synthesis. Although all of the homopolyribonucleotides tested (pp(A)n, pp(G)n, pp(I)n, pp(U)n, and pp(C)n) are acceptors for the mRNA guanylyltransferase indicating lack of strict sequence specificity, those containing purines are preferred. Only GTP and dGTP are donors in the reaction; 7-methylguanosine (m7G) triphosphate specifically is not a donor indicating that guanylylation must precede guanine-7-methylation. The preferred acceptor of the mRNA (guanine-7-)-methyltransferase is the product of the guanylyltransferase reaction, a polyribonucleotide with the 5'-terminal sequence G(5')pppN-. The enzyme can also catalyze, but less efficiently methylation of the following: dinucleoside triphosphates with the structure G(5')pppN, GTP, dGTP, ITP, GDP, GMP, and guanosine. The enzyme will not catalyze the transfer of methyl groups to ATP, XTP, CTP, UTP, or to guanosine-containing compounds with phosphate groups in either positions 2' or 3' or in 3'-5' phosphodiester linkages. The latter specificity provides an explanation for the absence of internal 7-methylguanosine in mRNA. In the presence of PPi, the mRNA guanylyltransferase catalyzes the pyrophosphorolysis of the dinucleoside triphosphate G(5')pppA, but not of m7G(5')pppA. Since PPi is generated in the process of RNA chain elongation, stabilization of the 5'-terminal sequences of mRNA is afforded by guanine-7-methylation.", "PMID": 1002690} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9150", "title": "Identification of 17-methyl-18-norandrosta-5,13(17-dien-3beta-ol, the C19 fragment formed by adrenal side chain cleavage of a 20-aryl analog of (20S)-20-hydroxycholesterol.", "content": "Incubation of (20R)-20-phenyl-5-pregnene-3beta,20-diol, an aromatic analog of (23S)-20-hydroxycholesterol, with an adrenal mitochondrial preparation leads to the formation of four compounds: pregnenolone, phenol, a C8 ketone, acetophenone, and a nonpolar C19 compound. This latter compound has now been identified by reverse isotope dilution analysis and by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry as 17-methyl-18-norandrosta-5,13(17)-dien-3beta-ol. From these results it is evident that enzymatic fission of the C-17,20 bond of this synthetic derivative occurs. On the other hand, when (20S)-20-hydroxy[21-14C]cholesterol was used as substrate, the analogous cleavage did not take place. Thus, substitution of an aromatic group on C-20 facilitates side chain cleavage between that carbon atom and the nucleus whereas neither of the naturally occuring precursors, cholesterol or its 20-hydroxylated counterpart, are metabolized to a C8 fragment.", "contents": "Identification of 17-methyl-18-norandrosta-5,13(17-dien-3beta-ol, the C19 fragment formed by adrenal side chain cleavage of a 20-aryl analog of (20S)-20-hydroxycholesterol. Incubation of (20R)-20-phenyl-5-pregnene-3beta,20-diol, an aromatic analog of (23S)-20-hydroxycholesterol, with an adrenal mitochondrial preparation leads to the formation of four compounds: pregnenolone, phenol, a C8 ketone, acetophenone, and a nonpolar C19 compound. This latter compound has now been identified by reverse isotope dilution analysis and by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry as 17-methyl-18-norandrosta-5,13(17)-dien-3beta-ol. From these results it is evident that enzymatic fission of the C-17,20 bond of this synthetic derivative occurs. On the other hand, when (20S)-20-hydroxy[21-14C]cholesterol was used as substrate, the analogous cleavage did not take place. Thus, substitution of an aromatic group on C-20 facilitates side chain cleavage between that carbon atom and the nucleus whereas neither of the naturally occuring precursors, cholesterol or its 20-hydroxylated counterpart, are metabolized to a C8 fragment.", "PMID": 1002691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9151", "title": "Isolation and amino acid sequence of a neurotoxic phospholipase A from the venom of the Australian tiger snake Notechis scutatus scutatus.", "content": "The complete amino acid sequence of notechis 5, a neurotoxic phospholipase A from the venom of Notechis scutatus scutatus (Australian tiger snake), has been elucidated. The main fragmentation of the 119-residue peptide chain was accomplished by digesting the reduced and S-carboxymethylated derivative of the protein with a staphylococcal protease specific for glutamoyl bonds. Tryptic peptides were used to align and complete the sequence of the four staphylococcal protease peptides. The sequence was determined by Edman degradation by means of the direct phenylthiohydantoin method. Notechis 5 differs in seven positions from the recently elucidated sequence of the presynaptic neurotoxin notexin from the same venom. Notechis 5 has a 50% higher specific prospholipase A activity than notexin when assayed against egg yolk but is only one-third as toxic.", "contents": "Isolation and amino acid sequence of a neurotoxic phospholipase A from the venom of the Australian tiger snake Notechis scutatus scutatus. The complete amino acid sequence of notechis 5, a neurotoxic phospholipase A from the venom of Notechis scutatus scutatus (Australian tiger snake), has been elucidated. The main fragmentation of the 119-residue peptide chain was accomplished by digesting the reduced and S-carboxymethylated derivative of the protein with a staphylococcal protease specific for glutamoyl bonds. Tryptic peptides were used to align and complete the sequence of the four staphylococcal protease peptides. The sequence was determined by Edman degradation by means of the direct phenylthiohydantoin method. Notechis 5 differs in seven positions from the recently elucidated sequence of the presynaptic neurotoxin notexin from the same venom. Notechis 5 has a 50% higher specific prospholipase A activity than notexin when assayed against egg yolk but is only one-third as toxic.", "PMID": 1002692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9152", "title": "Regulation of de novo purine biosynthesis in human lymphoblasts. Coordinate control of proximal (rate-determining) steps and the inosinic acid branch point.", "content": "Purine nucleotide synthesis de novo has been studied in a permanent tissue culture line of human splenic lymphoblasts with particular attention to coordination of control of the proximal (rate-determining) steps with the distal branch point of the pathway. An assay was used which permits simultaneous determination of the overall rate of labeling of all intracellular purines with sodium [14C]formate, as well as the distribution of isotope into all intracellular guanine- and adenine-containing compounds. The guanine to adenine labeling ratio was used as an index of IMP branch point regulation. It was found that exogenous adenine and guanine produce feedback-controlling effects not only on the first step in the de novo pathway, but also on the IMP branch point. Concentrations of adenine which produce less than 40% inhibition of the overall rate of de novo purine synthesis do so by selectively inhibiting adenine nucleotide synthesis de novo by 50 to 70% while stimulating guanine nucleotide synthesis de novo by up to 20%. A reciprocal effect is seen with exogenous guanine. The adenosine analog 6-methylmercaptopurine ribonucleoside selectivity inhibits adenine nucleotide synthesis via the de novo pathway but not from exogenous hypoxanthine. Thus, the reactions of purine nucleotide interconversion, in particular adenylosuccinate synthetase, may be regulated differently in cells deriving their purine nucleotides solely from de novo synthesis than when deriving them via \"salvage\" of preformed hypoxanthine.", "contents": "Regulation of de novo purine biosynthesis in human lymphoblasts. Coordinate control of proximal (rate-determining) steps and the inosinic acid branch point. Purine nucleotide synthesis de novo has been studied in a permanent tissue culture line of human splenic lymphoblasts with particular attention to coordination of control of the proximal (rate-determining) steps with the distal branch point of the pathway. An assay was used which permits simultaneous determination of the overall rate of labeling of all intracellular purines with sodium [14C]formate, as well as the distribution of isotope into all intracellular guanine- and adenine-containing compounds. The guanine to adenine labeling ratio was used as an index of IMP branch point regulation. It was found that exogenous adenine and guanine produce feedback-controlling effects not only on the first step in the de novo pathway, but also on the IMP branch point. Concentrations of adenine which produce less than 40% inhibition of the overall rate of de novo purine synthesis do so by selectively inhibiting adenine nucleotide synthesis de novo by 50 to 70% while stimulating guanine nucleotide synthesis de novo by up to 20%. A reciprocal effect is seen with exogenous guanine. The adenosine analog 6-methylmercaptopurine ribonucleoside selectivity inhibits adenine nucleotide synthesis via the de novo pathway but not from exogenous hypoxanthine. Thus, the reactions of purine nucleotide interconversion, in particular adenylosuccinate synthetase, may be regulated differently in cells deriving their purine nucleotides solely from de novo synthesis than when deriving them via \"salvage\" of preformed hypoxanthine.", "PMID": 1002693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9153", "title": "H5 Histone and DNA-relaxing enzyme of chicken erythrocytes. Interaction with superhelical DNA.", "content": "The interaction of closed circular duplex DNA with the lysine-rich H5 histone fraction of avian erythrocytes has been studied. H5, like H1 histone, interacts preferentially with superhelical DNA. The extent of interaction increases with increasing negative or positive superhelicity. Salt-extracted lysine-rich histones show the same specificity for interaction with superhelices as do acid-extracted preparations. Chicken erythrocyte nuclei contain DNA-relaxing enzyme. This enzyme is extracted from the nuclei at lower salt concentrations than those required to extract H1 and H5 histones and is, therefore, probably a function of a protein distinct from H1 and H5 histones.", "contents": "H5 Histone and DNA-relaxing enzyme of chicken erythrocytes. Interaction with superhelical DNA. The interaction of closed circular duplex DNA with the lysine-rich H5 histone fraction of avian erythrocytes has been studied. H5, like H1 histone, interacts preferentially with superhelical DNA. The extent of interaction increases with increasing negative or positive superhelicity. Salt-extracted lysine-rich histones show the same specificity for interaction with superhelices as do acid-extracted preparations. Chicken erythrocyte nuclei contain DNA-relaxing enzyme. This enzyme is extracted from the nuclei at lower salt concentrations than those required to extract H1 and H5 histones and is, therefore, probably a function of a protein distinct from H1 and H5 histones.", "PMID": 1002694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9154", "title": "Isolation of rat liver albumin messenger RNA.", "content": "Rat liver albumin messenger RNA has been purified to apparent homogeneity by means of polysome immunoprecipitation and poly(U)-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Specific polysomes synthesizing albumin were separated from total liver polysomes through a double antibody technique which allowed isolation of a specific immunoprecipitate. The albumin-polysome immunoprecipitate was dissolved in detergent and the polysomal RNA was separated from protein by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Albumin mRNA was then separated from ribosomal RNA by affinity chromatography through the binding of poly(U)-Sepharose to the polyadenylate 3' terminus of the mRNA. Pure albumin mRNA migrated as an 18 S peak on 85% formamide-containing linear sucrose gradients and as a 22 S peak on 2.5% polyacrylamide gels in sodium dodecyl sulfate. It coded for the translation of authentic liver albumin when added to a heterologous protein-synthesizing cell-free system derived from either rabbit reticulocyte lysates or wheat germ extracts. Translation analysis in reticulocyte lysates indicated that albumin polysomes were purified approximately 9-fold from total liver polysomes, and that albumin mRNA was purified approximately 74-fold from albumin polysomal RNA. The total translation product in the mRNA-dependent wheat germ system, upon addition of the pure mRNA, was identified as authentic albumin by means of gel electrophoresis and tryptic peptide chromatography.", "contents": "Isolation of rat liver albumin messenger RNA. Rat liver albumin messenger RNA has been purified to apparent homogeneity by means of polysome immunoprecipitation and poly(U)-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Specific polysomes synthesizing albumin were separated from total liver polysomes through a double antibody technique which allowed isolation of a specific immunoprecipitate. The albumin-polysome immunoprecipitate was dissolved in detergent and the polysomal RNA was separated from protein by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Albumin mRNA was then separated from ribosomal RNA by affinity chromatography through the binding of poly(U)-Sepharose to the polyadenylate 3' terminus of the mRNA. Pure albumin mRNA migrated as an 18 S peak on 85% formamide-containing linear sucrose gradients and as a 22 S peak on 2.5% polyacrylamide gels in sodium dodecyl sulfate. It coded for the translation of authentic liver albumin when added to a heterologous protein-synthesizing cell-free system derived from either rabbit reticulocyte lysates or wheat germ extracts. Translation analysis in reticulocyte lysates indicated that albumin polysomes were purified approximately 9-fold from total liver polysomes, and that albumin mRNA was purified approximately 74-fold from albumin polysomal RNA. The total translation product in the mRNA-dependent wheat germ system, upon addition of the pure mRNA, was identified as authentic albumin by means of gel electrophoresis and tryptic peptide chromatography.", "PMID": 1002695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9155", "title": "Polymerization of Acanthamoeba actin. Kinetics, thermodynamics, and co-polymerization with muscle actin.", "content": "The kinetics and thermodynamics for the polymerization of purified Acanthamoeba actin were studied and compared to muscle actin. Polymerization was qualitatively similar for the two actins with a rate-limiting nucleation step followed by rapid polymer extension. Polymerization occurred only above a threshold critical concentration which varied with polymerization conditions for each actin. In the presence of 2 mM MgCl2, nucleation of both actins was rapid and their critical concentrations were similarly low and not detectably dependent on temperature. In 0.1 M KCl, the rates of nucleation of both actins were much slower than when Mg2+ was present and were significantly different from each other. Also, under these conditions, the critical concentrations of Acanthamoeba and muscle actin were significantly different and both varied markedly with temperature. These quantitative differences between the two actins could be attributed to differences in both their enthalpies and entropies of polymerization, Acanthamoeba actin having the more positive deltaH and delta S. Co-polymerization of the two actins was also demonstrated. Overall, however, there were no qualitative differences between Acanthamoeba and muscle actin that would suggest a unique role for the monomer-polymer equilibrium of cytoplasmic actin in cell motility.", "contents": "Polymerization of Acanthamoeba actin. Kinetics, thermodynamics, and co-polymerization with muscle actin. The kinetics and thermodynamics for the polymerization of purified Acanthamoeba actin were studied and compared to muscle actin. Polymerization was qualitatively similar for the two actins with a rate-limiting nucleation step followed by rapid polymer extension. Polymerization occurred only above a threshold critical concentration which varied with polymerization conditions for each actin. In the presence of 2 mM MgCl2, nucleation of both actins was rapid and their critical concentrations were similarly low and not detectably dependent on temperature. In 0.1 M KCl, the rates of nucleation of both actins were much slower than when Mg2+ was present and were significantly different from each other. Also, under these conditions, the critical concentrations of Acanthamoeba and muscle actin were significantly different and both varied markedly with temperature. These quantitative differences between the two actins could be attributed to differences in both their enthalpies and entropies of polymerization, Acanthamoeba actin having the more positive deltaH and delta S. Co-polymerization of the two actins was also demonstrated. Overall, however, there were no qualitative differences between Acanthamoeba and muscle actin that would suggest a unique role for the monomer-polymer equilibrium of cytoplasmic actin in cell motility.", "PMID": 1002696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9156", "title": "Stimulation of phosphorylase kinase autophosphorylation by peptide analogs of phosphorylase.", "content": "Autoactivation of phosphorylase kinase in the presence of substrates has been studied to determine the cause of the hysteresis, or lag, in the phosphorylase kinase reaction. Peptide analogs corresponding to the convertible serine region of phosphorylase have been used as low molecular weight alternative substrates. Autophosphorylation of the kinase molecule was measured under conditions that favored autoactivation. Phosphorylase b and a tetradecapeptide, which was found to be a good model of phosphorylase, stimulated autoactivation by 86- and 37-fold, respectively. The tetradecapeptide also stimulated autophosphorylation of subunits A and B of the kinase molecule. This increased autophosphorylation coincided with an increased ability to convert phosphorylase. This finding supports the hypothesis that autophosphorylation is responsible for the lag in the phosphorylase kinase reaction. No evidence was obtained to suggest that the lag could be due to dissociation of the kinase. The stoichiometry of phosphate incorporation into phosphorylase kinase subunits by autophosphorylation was much greater than that reported to occur by protein kinase phosphorylation. Multiple phosphorylation sites in subunit A accounted for most of the phosphate incorporation during autophosphorylation. Saturating levels of hexa- and octapeptide analogs also caused stimulation of autophosphorylation. Possible mechanisms and experimental implications of substrate-stimulated autophosphorylation are discussed. Consideration also is given to the possible role of effectors in autophosphorylation in vivo.", "contents": "Stimulation of phosphorylase kinase autophosphorylation by peptide analogs of phosphorylase. Autoactivation of phosphorylase kinase in the presence of substrates has been studied to determine the cause of the hysteresis, or lag, in the phosphorylase kinase reaction. Peptide analogs corresponding to the convertible serine region of phosphorylase have been used as low molecular weight alternative substrates. Autophosphorylation of the kinase molecule was measured under conditions that favored autoactivation. Phosphorylase b and a tetradecapeptide, which was found to be a good model of phosphorylase, stimulated autoactivation by 86- and 37-fold, respectively. The tetradecapeptide also stimulated autophosphorylation of subunits A and B of the kinase molecule. This increased autophosphorylation coincided with an increased ability to convert phosphorylase. This finding supports the hypothesis that autophosphorylation is responsible for the lag in the phosphorylase kinase reaction. No evidence was obtained to suggest that the lag could be due to dissociation of the kinase. The stoichiometry of phosphate incorporation into phosphorylase kinase subunits by autophosphorylation was much greater than that reported to occur by protein kinase phosphorylation. Multiple phosphorylation sites in subunit A accounted for most of the phosphate incorporation during autophosphorylation. Saturating levels of hexa- and octapeptide analogs also caused stimulation of autophosphorylation. Possible mechanisms and experimental implications of substrate-stimulated autophosphorylation are discussed. Consideration also is given to the possible role of effectors in autophosphorylation in vivo.", "PMID": 1002697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9157", "title": "Gangliosides of human kidney.", "content": "Five gangliosides isolated from human kidney have been characterized. The two main fractions were shown to be typical extraneural gangliosides in having lactose as their neutral carbohydrate moiety. Their structures were identified as: AcNeu(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc(beta1-1)Cer and AcNeu(alpha2-8)AcNeu(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc(beta1-1)Cer. The two main hexosamine-containing gangliosides are structurally related to human blood group substances of glycosphingolipid nature. The following structures are postulated: AcNeu(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc(beta1-1)Cer and AcNeu(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc(beta1-1)Cer. The third hexosamine-containing ganglioside belongs to a different series of glycolipids and was shown to have the structure of a major ganglioside of human brain: AcNeu(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-3)GalNAc(beta1-4)[AcNeu(alpha2-3)]Gal(beta1-4)Glc(beta1-1)Cer. The fatty acid structure of different gangliosides was shown to resemble that of neutral glycolipids of human kidney with the nonhydroxy acids C16:0, C22:0, and C24:0 as major components.", "contents": "Gangliosides of human kidney. Five gangliosides isolated from human kidney have been characterized. The two main fractions were shown to be typical extraneural gangliosides in having lactose as their neutral carbohydrate moiety. Their structures were identified as: AcNeu(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc(beta1-1)Cer and AcNeu(alpha2-8)AcNeu(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc(beta1-1)Cer. The two main hexosamine-containing gangliosides are structurally related to human blood group substances of glycosphingolipid nature. The following structures are postulated: AcNeu(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc(beta1-1)Cer and AcNeu(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc(beta1-1)Cer. The third hexosamine-containing ganglioside belongs to a different series of glycolipids and was shown to have the structure of a major ganglioside of human brain: AcNeu(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-3)GalNAc(beta1-4)[AcNeu(alpha2-3)]Gal(beta1-4)Glc(beta1-1)Cer. The fatty acid structure of different gangliosides was shown to resemble that of neutral glycolipids of human kidney with the nonhydroxy acids C16:0, C22:0, and C24:0 as major components.", "PMID": 1002698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9158", "title": "Hemoglobin Providence. A human hemoglobin variant occurring in two forms in vivo.", "content": "Hemoglobin Providence Asn and Hemoglobin Providence Asp are two abnormal hemoglobins which apparently arise from a single genetic change that substitutes asparagine for lysine at position 82 (EF6) in the beta chain of human hemoglobin. The second form appears to be thr result of a partial in vivo deamidation of the asparagine situated at position beta 82. Cellulose acetate and citrate agar electrophoresis of hemolysates from patients with this abnormality shows three bands. Globin chain electrophoresis at acid and alkaline pH shows three beta chains. These three chains correspond to the normal beta A chain and two abnormal beta chains. Sequence analysis indicates that the two abnormal chains differ from beta A at only position beta 82. In the two abnormal chains, the residue which is normally lysine is substituted either by asparagine or by aspartic acid. These substitutions are notable because beta 82 lysine is one of the residues involved in 2,3-diphosphoglycerate binding. Additionally, beta 82 lysine is typically invariant in hemoglobin beta chain sequences. Sequence data on the two forms of Hemoglobin Providence are given in this paper. The functional properties of these two forms are described in the next paper.", "contents": "Hemoglobin Providence. A human hemoglobin variant occurring in two forms in vivo. Hemoglobin Providence Asn and Hemoglobin Providence Asp are two abnormal hemoglobins which apparently arise from a single genetic change that substitutes asparagine for lysine at position 82 (EF6) in the beta chain of human hemoglobin. The second form appears to be thr result of a partial in vivo deamidation of the asparagine situated at position beta 82. Cellulose acetate and citrate agar electrophoresis of hemolysates from patients with this abnormality shows three bands. Globin chain electrophoresis at acid and alkaline pH shows three beta chains. These three chains correspond to the normal beta A chain and two abnormal beta chains. Sequence analysis indicates that the two abnormal chains differ from beta A at only position beta 82. In the two abnormal chains, the residue which is normally lysine is substituted either by asparagine or by aspartic acid. These substitutions are notable because beta 82 lysine is one of the residues involved in 2,3-diphosphoglycerate binding. Additionally, beta 82 lysine is typically invariant in hemoglobin beta chain sequences. Sequence data on the two forms of Hemoglobin Providence are given in this paper. The functional properties of these two forms are described in the next paper.", "PMID": 1002699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9159", "title": "Studies on a nonpolysomal ribonucleoprotein coding for myosin heavy chains from chick embryonic muscles.", "content": "A messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) particle containing the mRNA coding for the myosin heavy chain (MHC mRNA) has been isolated from the postpolysomal fraction of homogenates of 14-day-old chick embryonic muscles. The mRNP sediments in sucrose gradient as 120 S and has a characteristic buoyant density of 1.415 g/cm3, which corresponds to an RNA:protein ratio of 1:3.8. The RNA isolated from the 120 S particle behaved like authentic MHC mRNA purified from chick embryonic muscles with respect to electrophoretic mobility and ability to program the synthesis of myosin heavy chain in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system as judged by multi-step co-purification of the in vitro products with chick embryonic leg muscle myosin added as carrier. The RNA obtained from the 120 S particle was as effective as purified MHC mRNA in stimulating the synthesis of the complete myosin heavy chains in rabbit reticulocyte lysate under conditions where non-muscle mRNAs had no such effect. Analysis of the protein moieties of the 120 S particle by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis shows the presence of seven distinct polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 44,000, 49,000, 53,000, 81,000, 83,000, and 98,000, whereas typical ribosomal proteins are absent. These results indicate that the 120 S particles are distinct cellular entities unrelated to ribosomes or initiation complexes. The presence of muscle-specific mRNAs as cytoplasmic mRNPs suggests that these particles may be involved in translational control during myogenesis in embryonic muscles.", "contents": "Studies on a nonpolysomal ribonucleoprotein coding for myosin heavy chains from chick embryonic muscles. A messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) particle containing the mRNA coding for the myosin heavy chain (MHC mRNA) has been isolated from the postpolysomal fraction of homogenates of 14-day-old chick embryonic muscles. The mRNP sediments in sucrose gradient as 120 S and has a characteristic buoyant density of 1.415 g/cm3, which corresponds to an RNA:protein ratio of 1:3.8. The RNA isolated from the 120 S particle behaved like authentic MHC mRNA purified from chick embryonic muscles with respect to electrophoretic mobility and ability to program the synthesis of myosin heavy chain in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system as judged by multi-step co-purification of the in vitro products with chick embryonic leg muscle myosin added as carrier. The RNA obtained from the 120 S particle was as effective as purified MHC mRNA in stimulating the synthesis of the complete myosin heavy chains in rabbit reticulocyte lysate under conditions where non-muscle mRNAs had no such effect. Analysis of the protein moieties of the 120 S particle by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis shows the presence of seven distinct polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 44,000, 49,000, 53,000, 81,000, 83,000, and 98,000, whereas typical ribosomal proteins are absent. These results indicate that the 120 S particles are distinct cellular entities unrelated to ribosomes or initiation complexes. The presence of muscle-specific mRNAs as cytoplasmic mRNPs suggests that these particles may be involved in translational control during myogenesis in embryonic muscles.", "PMID": 1002700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9160", "title": "Lipolytic action of cholera toxin on fat cells. Re-examination of the concept implicating GM1 ganglioside as the native membrane receptor.", "content": "The possible role of galactosyl-N-acetylgalactosaminyl-[N-acetylneuraminyl]-galactosylglucosylceramide (GM1) ganglioside in the lipolytic activity of cholera toxin on isolated fat cells has been examined. Analyses of the ganglioside content and composition of intact fat cells, their membranous ghosts, and the total particulate fraction of these cells indicate that N-acetylneuraminylgalactosylglucosylceramide (GM3) represents the major ganglioside, with substantial amounts of N-acetylgalactosaminyl-[N-acetylneuraminyl]-galactosylglucosylceramide (GM2) and smaller amounts of other higher homologues also present. Native GM1 was not detected in any of these preparations. Examination of the relative capacities of various exogenously added radiolabeled sphingolipids to bind to the cells indicated that GM2 and glucosylsphingosine were accumulated by the cells to extents comparable to GM1. Galactosylsphingosine and sulfatide also exhibited significant, although lesser, binding affinities for the cells. The adipocytes appeared to nonspecifically bind exogenously added GM1; saturation of binding sites for GM1 could not be observed up to the highest concentration tested (2 X 10(-4) M), wherein about 7 X 10(9) molecules were associated with the cells. Essentially all of this exogenously added GM1 was found bound to the plasma membrane \"ghost\" fraction. Investigation of the biological responses of the cells confirmed their sensitivities to both cholera toxin and epinephrine-stimulated lipolysis, as well as the lag period displayed during the toxin's action. While we could confirm that the toxin's lipolytic activity can be enhanced by prior treatment of the fat cells with GM1, several of the observed characteristics of this phenomenon differ from earlier reported findings. Accordingly, added GM1 was able to enhance only the subsequent rate, but not the extent, of toxin-stimulated glycerol release (lipolysis) from the cells. We also were unable to confirm the ability of GM1 to enhance the toxin's activity at either saturating or at low toxin concentrations. The limited ability of added GM1 to enhance the toxin's activity appeared in a unique bell-shaped dose-response manner. The inability of high levels of GM1 to stimulate a dose of toxin that was ineffective on native cells suggests that the earlier reported ability of crude brain gangliosides to accomplish this was due to some component other than GM1 in the crude extract. While several glycosphingolipids and some other carbohydrate-containing substances that were tested lacked the ability to mimic the enhancing effect of GM1, 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-galactoside exhibited an effect similar to, although less pronounced than, that of GM1. The findings in these studies are unable to lend support to the earlier hypothesis that (a) GM1 is cholera toxin's naturally occurring membrane receptor on native fat cells, and (b) the ability of exogenously added GM1 to enhance the toxin's lipolytic activity represents the specific creation of additional natural receptors on adipocytes...", "contents": "Lipolytic action of cholera toxin on fat cells. Re-examination of the concept implicating GM1 ganglioside as the native membrane receptor. The possible role of galactosyl-N-acetylgalactosaminyl-[N-acetylneuraminyl]-galactosylglucosylceramide (GM1) ganglioside in the lipolytic activity of cholera toxin on isolated fat cells has been examined. Analyses of the ganglioside content and composition of intact fat cells, their membranous ghosts, and the total particulate fraction of these cells indicate that N-acetylneuraminylgalactosylglucosylceramide (GM3) represents the major ganglioside, with substantial amounts of N-acetylgalactosaminyl-[N-acetylneuraminyl]-galactosylglucosylceramide (GM2) and smaller amounts of other higher homologues also present. Native GM1 was not detected in any of these preparations. Examination of the relative capacities of various exogenously added radiolabeled sphingolipids to bind to the cells indicated that GM2 and glucosylsphingosine were accumulated by the cells to extents comparable to GM1. Galactosylsphingosine and sulfatide also exhibited significant, although lesser, binding affinities for the cells. The adipocytes appeared to nonspecifically bind exogenously added GM1; saturation of binding sites for GM1 could not be observed up to the highest concentration tested (2 X 10(-4) M), wherein about 7 X 10(9) molecules were associated with the cells. Essentially all of this exogenously added GM1 was found bound to the plasma membrane \"ghost\" fraction. Investigation of the biological responses of the cells confirmed their sensitivities to both cholera toxin and epinephrine-stimulated lipolysis, as well as the lag period displayed during the toxin's action. While we could confirm that the toxin's lipolytic activity can be enhanced by prior treatment of the fat cells with GM1, several of the observed characteristics of this phenomenon differ from earlier reported findings. Accordingly, added GM1 was able to enhance only the subsequent rate, but not the extent, of toxin-stimulated glycerol release (lipolysis) from the cells. We also were unable to confirm the ability of GM1 to enhance the toxin's activity at either saturating or at low toxin concentrations. The limited ability of added GM1 to enhance the toxin's activity appeared in a unique bell-shaped dose-response manner. The inability of high levels of GM1 to stimulate a dose of toxin that was ineffective on native cells suggests that the earlier reported ability of crude brain gangliosides to accomplish this was due to some component other than GM1 in the crude extract. While several glycosphingolipids and some other carbohydrate-containing substances that were tested lacked the ability to mimic the enhancing effect of GM1, 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-galactoside exhibited an effect similar to, although less pronounced than, that of GM1. The findings in these studies are unable to lend support to the earlier hypothesis that (a) GM1 is cholera toxin's naturally occurring membrane receptor on native fat cells, and (b) the ability of exogenously added GM1 to enhance the toxin's lipolytic activity represents the specific creation of additional natural receptors on adipocytes...", "PMID": 1002701} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9161", "title": "Hydrophobic interaction of human, mouse, and rabbit interferons with immobilized hydrocarbons.", "content": "Interferons of human, mouse, and rabbit origin bind to straight chain hydrocarbons immobilized on agarose. The hydrophobic nature of binding is established by the following observations: (a) a positive correlation between the length of hydrocarbon ligand and the strength of interaction; (b) a stronger interaction with hydrocarbon ligands terminated with apolar rather than polar head groups; (c) a lack of dependence of binding on ionic strength and pH of the solvent; (d) a reversal of binding by ethylene glycol, a hydrophobic solute; (e) an increasing eluting efficacy of tetraalkylammonium ions with the length of their alkyl substituents. The hydrophobic interactions of human interferon underlie the efficiency of two-step chromatographic procedures. For example, human embryo kidney interferon can be purified about 3,600-fold by sequential chromatography on (a) concanavalin A-agarose, (b) octyl-agarose. Another two-step procedure: (a) concanavalin A-agarose, (b) L-tryptophan-agarose, gives about 10,000-fold purification. The overall recovery of interferon in both cases in close to 90%.", "contents": "Hydrophobic interaction of human, mouse, and rabbit interferons with immobilized hydrocarbons. Interferons of human, mouse, and rabbit origin bind to straight chain hydrocarbons immobilized on agarose. The hydrophobic nature of binding is established by the following observations: (a) a positive correlation between the length of hydrocarbon ligand and the strength of interaction; (b) a stronger interaction with hydrocarbon ligands terminated with apolar rather than polar head groups; (c) a lack of dependence of binding on ionic strength and pH of the solvent; (d) a reversal of binding by ethylene glycol, a hydrophobic solute; (e) an increasing eluting efficacy of tetraalkylammonium ions with the length of their alkyl substituents. The hydrophobic interactions of human interferon underlie the efficiency of two-step chromatographic procedures. For example, human embryo kidney interferon can be purified about 3,600-fold by sequential chromatography on (a) concanavalin A-agarose, (b) octyl-agarose. Another two-step procedure: (a) concanavalin A-agarose, (b) L-tryptophan-agarose, gives about 10,000-fold purification. The overall recovery of interferon in both cases in close to 90%.", "PMID": 1002702} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9162", "title": "Subunit dissociation in fish hemoglobins.", "content": "The tetramer-dimer dissociation equilibria (K 4,2) of several fish hemoglobins have been examined by sedimentation velocity measurements with a scanner-computer system for the ultracentrifuge and by flash photolysis measurements using rapid kinetic methods. Samples studied in detail included hemoglobins from a marine teleost, Brevoortia tyrannus (common name, menhaden); a fresh water teleost, Cyprinus carpio, (common name, carp); and an elasmobranch Prionace glauca (common name, blue shark). For all three species in the CO form at pH 7, in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, sedimentation coefficients of 4.3 S (typical of tetrameric hemoglobin) are observed in the micromolar concentration range. In contrast, mammalian hemoglobins dissociate appreciably to dimers under these conditions. The inability to detect dissociation in three fish hemoglobins at the lowest concentrations examined indicates that K 4,2 must have a value of 10(-8) M or less. In flash photolysis experiments on very dilute solutions in long path length cells, two kinetic components were detected with their proportions varying as expected for an equilibrium between tetramers (the slower component) and dimers (the faster component); values of K 4,2 for the three fish hemoglobins in the range 10(-9) to 10(-8) M were calculated from these data. Thus, the values of K 4,2 for liganded forms of the fish hemoglobins appear to be midway between the value for liganded human hemoglobin (K 4,2 approximately 10(-6) M) and unliganded human hemoglobin (K 4,2 approximately 10(-12) M). This conclusion is supported by measurements on solutions containing guanidine hydrochloride to enhance the degree of dissociation. All three fish hemoglobins are appreciably dissociated at guanidine concentrations of about 0.8 M, which is roughly midway between the guanidine concentrations needed to cause comparable dissociation of liganded human hemoglobin (about 0.4 M) and unliganded human hemoglobin (about 1.6 M). Kinetic measurements on solutions containing guanidine hydrochloride indicated that there are changes in both the absolute rates and the proportions of the fast and slow components, which along with other factors complicated the analysis of the data in terms of dissociation constants. Measurements were also made in solutions containing urea to promote dissociation, but with this agent very high concentrations (about 6 M) were required to give measureable dissociation and the fish hemoglobins were unstable under these conditions, with appreciable loss of absorbance spectra in both the sedimentation and kinetic experiments.", "contents": "Subunit dissociation in fish hemoglobins. The tetramer-dimer dissociation equilibria (K 4,2) of several fish hemoglobins have been examined by sedimentation velocity measurements with a scanner-computer system for the ultracentrifuge and by flash photolysis measurements using rapid kinetic methods. Samples studied in detail included hemoglobins from a marine teleost, Brevoortia tyrannus (common name, menhaden); a fresh water teleost, Cyprinus carpio, (common name, carp); and an elasmobranch Prionace glauca (common name, blue shark). For all three species in the CO form at pH 7, in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, sedimentation coefficients of 4.3 S (typical of tetrameric hemoglobin) are observed in the micromolar concentration range. In contrast, mammalian hemoglobins dissociate appreciably to dimers under these conditions. The inability to detect dissociation in three fish hemoglobins at the lowest concentrations examined indicates that K 4,2 must have a value of 10(-8) M or less. In flash photolysis experiments on very dilute solutions in long path length cells, two kinetic components were detected with their proportions varying as expected for an equilibrium between tetramers (the slower component) and dimers (the faster component); values of K 4,2 for the three fish hemoglobins in the range 10(-9) to 10(-8) M were calculated from these data. Thus, the values of K 4,2 for liganded forms of the fish hemoglobins appear to be midway between the value for liganded human hemoglobin (K 4,2 approximately 10(-6) M) and unliganded human hemoglobin (K 4,2 approximately 10(-12) M). This conclusion is supported by measurements on solutions containing guanidine hydrochloride to enhance the degree of dissociation. All three fish hemoglobins are appreciably dissociated at guanidine concentrations of about 0.8 M, which is roughly midway between the guanidine concentrations needed to cause comparable dissociation of liganded human hemoglobin (about 0.4 M) and unliganded human hemoglobin (about 1.6 M). Kinetic measurements on solutions containing guanidine hydrochloride indicated that there are changes in both the absolute rates and the proportions of the fast and slow components, which along with other factors complicated the analysis of the data in terms of dissociation constants. Measurements were also made in solutions containing urea to promote dissociation, but with this agent very high concentrations (about 6 M) were required to give measureable dissociation and the fish hemoglobins were unstable under these conditions, with appreciable loss of absorbance spectra in both the sedimentation and kinetic experiments.", "PMID": 1002703} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9163", "title": "Reactivity of cyanate with valine-1 (alpha) of hemoglobin. A probe of conformational change and anion binding.", "content": "The 3-fold increase in the carbamylation rate of Val-1 (alpha) of hemoglobin upon deoxygenation described earlier is now shown to be a sensitive probe of conformational change. Thus, whereas this residue in methemoglobin A is carbamylated at the same rate as in liganded hemoglobin, upon addition of inositol hexaphosphate its carbamylation rate is enhanced 30% as much as the total change in the rate between the CO and deoxy states. For CO-hemoglobin Kansas in the presence of the organic phosphate, the relative increase in the carbamylation rate of this residue is about 50%. These results indicate that methemoglobin A and hemoglobin Kansas in the presence of inositol hexaphosphate do not assume a conformation identical with deoxyhemoglobin but rather form either a mixture of R and T states or an intermediate conformation in the region around Val-1 (alpha). Studies on the mechanism for the rate enhancement in deoxyhemoglobin suggest that the cyanate anion binds to groups in the vicinity of Val-1 (alpha) prior to proton transfer and carbamylation of this NH2-terminal residue. Thus, specific removal with carboxypeptidase B of Arg-141 (alpha), which is close to Val-1 (alpha) in deoxyhemoglobin, abolishes the enhancement in carbamylation. Chloride, which has the same valency as cyanate, is a better competitive inhibitor of the carbamylation of deoxyhemoglobin (Ki = 50 mM) compared with liganded hemoglobin. Nitrate and iodide are also effective inhibitors of the carbamylation of Val-1 (alpha) of deoxyhemoglobin (Ki = 35 mM); inorganic phosphate, sulfate, and fluoride are poor competitive inhibitors. The change in pKa of Val-1 (alpha) upon deoxygenation may be due to its differential interaction with chloride.", "contents": "Reactivity of cyanate with valine-1 (alpha) of hemoglobin. A probe of conformational change and anion binding. The 3-fold increase in the carbamylation rate of Val-1 (alpha) of hemoglobin upon deoxygenation described earlier is now shown to be a sensitive probe of conformational change. Thus, whereas this residue in methemoglobin A is carbamylated at the same rate as in liganded hemoglobin, upon addition of inositol hexaphosphate its carbamylation rate is enhanced 30% as much as the total change in the rate between the CO and deoxy states. For CO-hemoglobin Kansas in the presence of the organic phosphate, the relative increase in the carbamylation rate of this residue is about 50%. These results indicate that methemoglobin A and hemoglobin Kansas in the presence of inositol hexaphosphate do not assume a conformation identical with deoxyhemoglobin but rather form either a mixture of R and T states or an intermediate conformation in the region around Val-1 (alpha). Studies on the mechanism for the rate enhancement in deoxyhemoglobin suggest that the cyanate anion binds to groups in the vicinity of Val-1 (alpha) prior to proton transfer and carbamylation of this NH2-terminal residue. Thus, specific removal with carboxypeptidase B of Arg-141 (alpha), which is close to Val-1 (alpha) in deoxyhemoglobin, abolishes the enhancement in carbamylation. Chloride, which has the same valency as cyanate, is a better competitive inhibitor of the carbamylation of deoxyhemoglobin (Ki = 50 mM) compared with liganded hemoglobin. Nitrate and iodide are also effective inhibitors of the carbamylation of Val-1 (alpha) of deoxyhemoglobin (Ki = 35 mM); inorganic phosphate, sulfate, and fluoride are poor competitive inhibitors. The change in pKa of Val-1 (alpha) upon deoxygenation may be due to its differential interaction with chloride.", "PMID": 1002704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9164", "title": "Hemocyanin of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus. Structural differentiation of the isolated components.", "content": "The high molecular weight hemocyanin found in the hemolymph of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, is composed of at least eight different kinds of subunits. Ion exchange chromatography at high pH in the presence of EDTA yields five major zones, hemocyanins I to V, three of which are electrophoretically heterogeneous. The subunits have similar molecular weights, 65,000 to 70,000, and their amino acid compositions are remarkably similar to each other and to other arthropod and molluscan hemocyanins. Digestion of the native subunits of Limulus hemocyanin by formic acid or trypsin shows considerable structural diversity which is supported by cyanogen bromide cleavage patterns and by peptide mapping of the tryptic peptides prepared from denatured hemocyanin subunits. The structural differentiation of the subunits is accompanied by functional differentiation, as shown in previous investigations of their O2 and CO affinities (Sullivan, B., Bonaventura, J., and Bonaventura, C. (1974) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 71, 2558-2562; Bonaventura, C., Bonaventura, J., Sullivan, B., and Bourne, S. (1975) Biochemistry 13, 4784-4789). The subunit diversity of Limulus hemocyanin suggests that other electrophoretically heterogeneous hemocyanins may be composed of structurally distinct subunits.", "contents": "Hemocyanin of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus. Structural differentiation of the isolated components. The high molecular weight hemocyanin found in the hemolymph of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, is composed of at least eight different kinds of subunits. Ion exchange chromatography at high pH in the presence of EDTA yields five major zones, hemocyanins I to V, three of which are electrophoretically heterogeneous. The subunits have similar molecular weights, 65,000 to 70,000, and their amino acid compositions are remarkably similar to each other and to other arthropod and molluscan hemocyanins. Digestion of the native subunits of Limulus hemocyanin by formic acid or trypsin shows considerable structural diversity which is supported by cyanogen bromide cleavage patterns and by peptide mapping of the tryptic peptides prepared from denatured hemocyanin subunits. The structural differentiation of the subunits is accompanied by functional differentiation, as shown in previous investigations of their O2 and CO affinities (Sullivan, B., Bonaventura, J., and Bonaventura, C. (1974) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 71, 2558-2562; Bonaventura, C., Bonaventura, J., Sullivan, B., and Bourne, S. (1975) Biochemistry 13, 4784-4789). The subunit diversity of Limulus hemocyanin suggests that other electrophoretically heterogeneous hemocyanins may be composed of structurally distinct subunits.", "PMID": 1002705} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9165", "title": "Aggregation of deoxyhemoglobin S at low concentrations.", "content": "The self-association of deoxyhemoglobin S was measured in dilute solutions (0 to 5 g/dl) by Rayleigh light scattering at 630 nm and osmometry in 0.05 M potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.35). Weight and number average molecular weights (Mw and Mn, respectively) and the second or higher virial coefficients, B' were determined. No experimentally significant differences were observed between oxy- and deoxy-Hb S up to the concentration of 2 g/dl; their apparent average molecular weights were within experimental error. Above that concentration, both Mn and Mw of deoxy-Hb S were significantly different from that of oxy-Hb S. The negative second viral coefficent of deoxy-Hb S, observed by both techniques, is consistent with the self-association of this protein. The lack of effect of 0.4 M propylurea on the state of aggregation and the significant influence of 0.1 M NaCl suggests that polar interactions are involved in formation of these aggregates.", "contents": "Aggregation of deoxyhemoglobin S at low concentrations. The self-association of deoxyhemoglobin S was measured in dilute solutions (0 to 5 g/dl) by Rayleigh light scattering at 630 nm and osmometry in 0.05 M potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.35). Weight and number average molecular weights (Mw and Mn, respectively) and the second or higher virial coefficients, B' were determined. No experimentally significant differences were observed between oxy- and deoxy-Hb S up to the concentration of 2 g/dl; their apparent average molecular weights were within experimental error. Above that concentration, both Mn and Mw of deoxy-Hb S were significantly different from that of oxy-Hb S. The negative second viral coefficent of deoxy-Hb S, observed by both techniques, is consistent with the self-association of this protein. The lack of effect of 0.4 M propylurea on the state of aggregation and the significant influence of 0.1 M NaCl suggests that polar interactions are involved in formation of these aggregates.", "PMID": 1002706} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9166", "title": "Carbon 13 NMR study of nonenzymatic reactions of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate with selected amino acids and of related reactions.", "content": "Carbon 13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been used to monitor the nonenzymatic reactions of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate with glycine, alanine, valine, serine, and with several other model compounds. Isotopically enriched amino acids were employed so that low concentrations could be utilized while still allowing relatively rapid acquisition of spectral data. The results for alanine and serine are particularly noteworthy in that alanine is deaminated to pyruvate and pyruvate is aminated to alanine, but contrary to the enzymatic reactions of various serine dehydratases wherein serine is converted to pyruvate, the nonenzymatic reaction utilizing serine results in hydroxypruvate rather than pyruvate formation. In the reverse reaction, hydroxypyruvate is aminated to serine but very inefficiently relative to the amination of pyruvate to alanine. The experimental results have been formulated into a proposed reaction mechanism for deamination of amino acids by pyridoxal-P.", "contents": "Carbon 13 NMR study of nonenzymatic reactions of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate with selected amino acids and of related reactions. Carbon 13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been used to monitor the nonenzymatic reactions of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate with glycine, alanine, valine, serine, and with several other model compounds. Isotopically enriched amino acids were employed so that low concentrations could be utilized while still allowing relatively rapid acquisition of spectral data. The results for alanine and serine are particularly noteworthy in that alanine is deaminated to pyruvate and pyruvate is aminated to alanine, but contrary to the enzymatic reactions of various serine dehydratases wherein serine is converted to pyruvate, the nonenzymatic reaction utilizing serine results in hydroxypruvate rather than pyruvate formation. In the reverse reaction, hydroxypyruvate is aminated to serine but very inefficiently relative to the amination of pyruvate to alanine. The experimental results have been formulated into a proposed reaction mechanism for deamination of amino acids by pyridoxal-P.", "PMID": 1002707} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9167", "title": "Purification and characterization of initiation factor IF-E2 from rabbit reticulocytes.", "content": "Initiation factor IF-E2 was isolated from rabbit reticulocytes and purified 120-fold to near homogeneity by ammonium sulfate fractionation, column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and phosphocellulose, and, when suitable, by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The factor is a complex protein containing three nonidentical polypeptides of molecular weight 57,000, 52,000, and 36,000. It behaves as a complex throughout its purification and during polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in nondenaturing buffer but its thress components are readily separated by electrophoresis in denaturing buffers. None of its components corresponds to any of the polypeptides of the other initiation factors or to any proteins of ribosomes washed in buffers containing a high salf concentration. A stoichiometric ratio of 1:1:1 was determined for the three polypeptides; based on the assumption of one copy each per complex, the calculated factor molecular weight is 145,000, a value in agreement with the measured value of 160,000. Initiation factor IF-E2 was radioactively labeled in vitro by reductive alkylation or by phosphorylation with a protein kinase also isolated from rabbit reticulocytes. Neither procedure causes a measurable change in the ability of the factor to form a ternary complex with GTP and the initiator methionyl-tRNA. 5'-Guanylyl-methylenediphosphonate may substitute for GTP, but only at relatively high concentrations. The binding of labeled initiation factor IF-E2 and methionyl-tRNA to the 40 S ribosomal subunit was studied by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Appreciable binding of the factor is seen only when all three components of the ternary complex are included in the reaction mixture. The binding of either the factor or methionyl-tRNA was not stimulated by the addition of globin messenger RNA and initiation factor IF-E3. It was shown that all three polypeptide components of initiation factor IF-E2 are bound to these nascent initiation complexes.", "contents": "Purification and characterization of initiation factor IF-E2 from rabbit reticulocytes. Initiation factor IF-E2 was isolated from rabbit reticulocytes and purified 120-fold to near homogeneity by ammonium sulfate fractionation, column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and phosphocellulose, and, when suitable, by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The factor is a complex protein containing three nonidentical polypeptides of molecular weight 57,000, 52,000, and 36,000. It behaves as a complex throughout its purification and during polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in nondenaturing buffer but its thress components are readily separated by electrophoresis in denaturing buffers. None of its components corresponds to any of the polypeptides of the other initiation factors or to any proteins of ribosomes washed in buffers containing a high salf concentration. A stoichiometric ratio of 1:1:1 was determined for the three polypeptides; based on the assumption of one copy each per complex, the calculated factor molecular weight is 145,000, a value in agreement with the measured value of 160,000. Initiation factor IF-E2 was radioactively labeled in vitro by reductive alkylation or by phosphorylation with a protein kinase also isolated from rabbit reticulocytes. Neither procedure causes a measurable change in the ability of the factor to form a ternary complex with GTP and the initiator methionyl-tRNA. 5'-Guanylyl-methylenediphosphonate may substitute for GTP, but only at relatively high concentrations. The binding of labeled initiation factor IF-E2 and methionyl-tRNA to the 40 S ribosomal subunit was studied by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Appreciable binding of the factor is seen only when all three components of the ternary complex are included in the reaction mixture. The binding of either the factor or methionyl-tRNA was not stimulated by the addition of globin messenger RNA and initiation factor IF-E3. It was shown that all three polypeptide components of initiation factor IF-E2 are bound to these nascent initiation complexes.", "PMID": 1002708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9168", "title": "Isolation and characterization of major intrinsic microsomal membrane proteins.", "content": "Treatment of the membrane matrix derived from hepatic microsomes with buffered 1 M urea resulted in the selective extraction of a group of proteins together with a portion of the membrane lipid. Thorough chemical characterization of this fraction has been performed, and the proteins have been fractionated by two different procedures. The first of these, preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, has produced five highly homogeneous membrane proteins which have been characterized with regard to molecular weight, electrophoretic behavior in five different polyacrylamide systems, NH2 terminus, relative carbohydrate content, isoelectric point, and amino acid composition. The five proteins of this group fell in the molecular weight range of 54,000 to 96,000 and had isoelectric points ranging from pH 4.9 to pH 6.7. Further fractionation of the urea-soluble proteins by gel filtration in a sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing medium resulted in the isolation of four homogeneous molecular weight classes of proteins which have been characterized with respect to various physicochemical parameters. The major membrane glycoprotein (apparent molecular weight, 171,000) was isolated by this procedure and found to contain approximately equal amounts of NH2-terminal glycine and serine. suggesting the presence of at least two polypeptide chains in this molecular weight region. From the urea-insoluble fraction of the membrane comprising approximately 80% of the total protein, five intrinsic polypeptides designated S-5 through S-9 were isolated. S-5 (54,000) and S-6 (49,000) represent the most prominent components in the microsomal membrane, accounting for close to 30% of the total protein. Also isolated and characterized is the smallest membrane protein (S-9), a hydrophobic polypeptide of molecular weight 16,000. All of the urea-insoluble proteins are glycoproteins, and S-7 (35,000) gives the second most intense stain for carbohydrate of all proteins in the microsomal membrane.", "contents": "Isolation and characterization of major intrinsic microsomal membrane proteins. Treatment of the membrane matrix derived from hepatic microsomes with buffered 1 M urea resulted in the selective extraction of a group of proteins together with a portion of the membrane lipid. Thorough chemical characterization of this fraction has been performed, and the proteins have been fractionated by two different procedures. The first of these, preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, has produced five highly homogeneous membrane proteins which have been characterized with regard to molecular weight, electrophoretic behavior in five different polyacrylamide systems, NH2 terminus, relative carbohydrate content, isoelectric point, and amino acid composition. The five proteins of this group fell in the molecular weight range of 54,000 to 96,000 and had isoelectric points ranging from pH 4.9 to pH 6.7. Further fractionation of the urea-soluble proteins by gel filtration in a sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing medium resulted in the isolation of four homogeneous molecular weight classes of proteins which have been characterized with respect to various physicochemical parameters. The major membrane glycoprotein (apparent molecular weight, 171,000) was isolated by this procedure and found to contain approximately equal amounts of NH2-terminal glycine and serine. suggesting the presence of at least two polypeptide chains in this molecular weight region. From the urea-insoluble fraction of the membrane comprising approximately 80% of the total protein, five intrinsic polypeptides designated S-5 through S-9 were isolated. S-5 (54,000) and S-6 (49,000) represent the most prominent components in the microsomal membrane, accounting for close to 30% of the total protein. Also isolated and characterized is the smallest membrane protein (S-9), a hydrophobic polypeptide of molecular weight 16,000. All of the urea-insoluble proteins are glycoproteins, and S-7 (35,000) gives the second most intense stain for carbohydrate of all proteins in the microsomal membrane.", "PMID": 1002709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9169", "title": "Negligible amount of copper in hepatic L-tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase.", "content": "During the purification of L-tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, a protohemoprotein from rat liver, both copper and heme contents of the preparations were found to be progressively increased as purification proceeded. However, the greater part of copper was removed in the late stages of the purification giving a copper to heme ratio less than 0.4. The small amounts of copper could further be reduced by one-half, by a mild treatment of enzyme with chelators such as ethylenedi aminetetraacetate, without any accompanying decrease in enzymatic activity. Since the turnover number of these enzyme preparations expressed per mol of enzyme-bound heme, 200 to 277 min-1 at 25 degrees, were either comparable to or slightly higher than those reported with homogeneous enzyme preparations, the heme in the preparation was considered to be of fully active L-tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase and, therefore, such a small ratio of copper to heme, 0.1 to 0.3, indicated that copper is not a constituent of L-tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase of rat liver. The findings were thus inconsistent with the results of Brady et al. (Brady, F. O., Monaco, M. E. Forman, H. J. Schutz, G., and Feigelson, P. (1972) J. Biol. Chem. 247, 7915-7922), who found that L-tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase contained 2 g atoms of copper and 2 mol of heme/mol of enzyme. Possible reasons for this discrepancy have been discussed.", "contents": "Negligible amount of copper in hepatic L-tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. During the purification of L-tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, a protohemoprotein from rat liver, both copper and heme contents of the preparations were found to be progressively increased as purification proceeded. However, the greater part of copper was removed in the late stages of the purification giving a copper to heme ratio less than 0.4. The small amounts of copper could further be reduced by one-half, by a mild treatment of enzyme with chelators such as ethylenedi aminetetraacetate, without any accompanying decrease in enzymatic activity. Since the turnover number of these enzyme preparations expressed per mol of enzyme-bound heme, 200 to 277 min-1 at 25 degrees, were either comparable to or slightly higher than those reported with homogeneous enzyme preparations, the heme in the preparation was considered to be of fully active L-tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase and, therefore, such a small ratio of copper to heme, 0.1 to 0.3, indicated that copper is not a constituent of L-tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase of rat liver. The findings were thus inconsistent with the results of Brady et al. (Brady, F. O., Monaco, M. E. Forman, H. J. Schutz, G., and Feigelson, P. (1972) J. Biol. Chem. 247, 7915-7922), who found that L-tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase contained 2 g atoms of copper and 2 mol of heme/mol of enzyme. Possible reasons for this discrepancy have been discussed.", "PMID": 1002710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9170", "title": "Isolation and characterization of two mouse L cell lines resistant to the toxic lectin ricin.", "content": "Two variant mouse L cell lines (termed CL 3 and CL 6) have been selected for resistant to ricin, a galactose-binding lectin with potent cytotoxic activity. The resistant lines exhibit a 50 to 70% decrease in ricin binding and a 300- to 500-fold increase in resistance to the toxic effects of ricin. Crude membrane preparations of CL 3 cells have increased sialic acid content (200% of control), while the galactose, mannose, and hexosamine content is within normal limits. Both the glycoproteins and glycolipids of CL 3 cells have increased sialic acid, with the GM3:lactosylceramide ratios for parent L and CL 3 cells being 0.29 and 1.5, respectively. In contrast, the membranes of CL 6 cells have a decrease in sialic acid, galactose, and hexosamine content with mannose being normal. Both cell lines have specific alterations in glycosyltransferase activities which can account for the observed membrane sugar changes. CL 3 cells have increased CMP-sialic acid:glycoprotein sialyltransferase and GM3 synthetase activities, while CL 6 cells have decrease UDP-GlcNAc:glycoproteinN-acetylglucosaminyltransferase and DPU-galactose:glycoprotein galactosyltransferase activities. The increased sialic acid content of CL 3 cells serves to mask ricin binding sites, since neuraminidase treatment of this cell line restores ricin binding to essentially normal levels. However, the fact that neuraminidase-treated CL 3 cells are still 45-fold resistant to ricin indicates that either a special class of productive ricin binding sites is not being exposed or that the cell line has a second mechanism for ricin resistance.", "contents": "Isolation and characterization of two mouse L cell lines resistant to the toxic lectin ricin. Two variant mouse L cell lines (termed CL 3 and CL 6) have been selected for resistant to ricin, a galactose-binding lectin with potent cytotoxic activity. The resistant lines exhibit a 50 to 70% decrease in ricin binding and a 300- to 500-fold increase in resistance to the toxic effects of ricin. Crude membrane preparations of CL 3 cells have increased sialic acid content (200% of control), while the galactose, mannose, and hexosamine content is within normal limits. Both the glycoproteins and glycolipids of CL 3 cells have increased sialic acid, with the GM3:lactosylceramide ratios for parent L and CL 3 cells being 0.29 and 1.5, respectively. In contrast, the membranes of CL 6 cells have a decrease in sialic acid, galactose, and hexosamine content with mannose being normal. Both cell lines have specific alterations in glycosyltransferase activities which can account for the observed membrane sugar changes. CL 3 cells have increased CMP-sialic acid:glycoprotein sialyltransferase and GM3 synthetase activities, while CL 6 cells have decrease UDP-GlcNAc:glycoproteinN-acetylglucosaminyltransferase and DPU-galactose:glycoprotein galactosyltransferase activities. The increased sialic acid content of CL 3 cells serves to mask ricin binding sites, since neuraminidase treatment of this cell line restores ricin binding to essentially normal levels. However, the fact that neuraminidase-treated CL 3 cells are still 45-fold resistant to ricin indicates that either a special class of productive ricin binding sites is not being exposed or that the cell line has a second mechanism for ricin resistance.", "PMID": 1002711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9171", "title": "Role of glucagon on the control of hepatic protein synthesis and degradation in the rat in vivo.", "content": "The effect of glucagon on hepatic protein systhesis and proteolysis has been investigated. The intraperitoneal administration of 200 mug of glucagon produced an increase of the polypeptide chains completion time which was maximal 5 min after its administration and approached control values at 20 min. The increase of the polypeptides chains completion time observed at 5 min after the hormone administration represents a 38% inhibition of the hepatic protein synthetic rate. When glucagon was continuously supplied by intravascular infusion, maximal inhibition was attained throughout the experiment. This inhibition of protein synthesis brought about by glucagon was accompanied by an increase in the polyribosomal state of aggregation, indicating that the hormone acts mainly if not exclusively, on the elongation or termination step, or both. The administration of glucagon produced also a progressive increase in the hepatic valine concentration. This increase could not be accounted for the the decrease in plasma valine levels, suggesting that the rise in haptic valine concentration is an expression of hepatic proteolysis rather than the result of an accelerated transport of amino acids across the hepatocyte plasma membrane. The different time sequence in the glucagon-induced effects of protein synthesis and proteolysis suggests that both effects are independent and probably mediated by different mechanisms.", "contents": "Role of glucagon on the control of hepatic protein synthesis and degradation in the rat in vivo. The effect of glucagon on hepatic protein systhesis and proteolysis has been investigated. The intraperitoneal administration of 200 mug of glucagon produced an increase of the polypeptide chains completion time which was maximal 5 min after its administration and approached control values at 20 min. The increase of the polypeptides chains completion time observed at 5 min after the hormone administration represents a 38% inhibition of the hepatic protein synthetic rate. When glucagon was continuously supplied by intravascular infusion, maximal inhibition was attained throughout the experiment. This inhibition of protein synthesis brought about by glucagon was accompanied by an increase in the polyribosomal state of aggregation, indicating that the hormone acts mainly if not exclusively, on the elongation or termination step, or both. The administration of glucagon produced also a progressive increase in the hepatic valine concentration. This increase could not be accounted for the the decrease in plasma valine levels, suggesting that the rise in haptic valine concentration is an expression of hepatic proteolysis rather than the result of an accelerated transport of amino acids across the hepatocyte plasma membrane. The different time sequence in the glucagon-induced effects of protein synthesis and proteolysis suggests that both effects are independent and probably mediated by different mechanisms.", "PMID": 1002712} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9172", "title": "Participation of a trisaccharide-lipid in glycosylation of oviduct membrane glycoproteins.", "content": "Preincubation of a hen oviduct membrane preparation with UDP-Nactyl[14C]glucosamine and bacitracin, followed by incubation with GDP-mannose, leads to formation of a chloroform/methanol (2/1)-extractable glycolipid. Treatment of the lipid with mild acid results in the release of a trisaccharide shown to have the structure beta-mannosyl-N-acetylglucosamineyl-N-acetylglucosamine. Incubation of purified trisaccharide-lipid with oviduct membranes in the presence of sodium deoxycholate, Mn2+, and GDP-mannose leads to formation of a labeled glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of 25,000...", "contents": "Participation of a trisaccharide-lipid in glycosylation of oviduct membrane glycoproteins. Preincubation of a hen oviduct membrane preparation with UDP-Nactyl[14C]glucosamine and bacitracin, followed by incubation with GDP-mannose, leads to formation of a chloroform/methanol (2/1)-extractable glycolipid. Treatment of the lipid with mild acid results in the release of a trisaccharide shown to have the structure beta-mannosyl-N-acetylglucosamineyl-N-acetylglucosamine. Incubation of purified trisaccharide-lipid with oviduct membranes in the presence of sodium deoxycholate, Mn2+, and GDP-mannose leads to formation of a labeled glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of 25,000...", "PMID": 1002713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9173", "title": "Nuclear location of mammalian DNA polymerase activities.", "content": "Nuclei were isolated from monolayer cultures of mouse and human cells using a nonaqueous procedure of cell fractionation in which lyophilized cells were homogenized and centrifuged in 100% glycerol. In previous work we have shown that the nuclear pellet and cytoplasmic supernatant fraction contained 10% or less of the nucleic acids characteristic of the other cell fraction. Aqueous extracts made from fresh cultures and from nonaqueous material at each step of the fractionation procedure were assayed fro DNA polymerase activity. Activities were normalized to DNA contents of extracted material. Specific activity was preserved quantitatively through freezing and drying the cells, but was found to be unstable in glycerol suspensions with approximate half-lives and 1 h at 23 degrees and 4 h at 0-4 degrees. Activities were relatively stable at -25 degrees, however, so that by homogenizing only 15 min at 4 degrees and centrifuging at -25 degrees we preserved approximately 85% of the specific activity of fresh cultures in the nonaqueous nuclear fraction. Sedimentation analyses showed that the nuclear fraction contained both DNA polymerase-alpha and-beta in approximately the proportions expected if all polymerase activities were confined to the nucleus in living cells. DNA polymerase-alpha was found to be more unstable in glycerol suspensions than DNA polymerase-beta. Nuclear location of both activities was found in exponential cultures and in 3T3 mouse cultures synchronized in the G1 and S phases of the cell division cycle. We found no evidence for cytoplasmic factors affecting nuclear polymerase activities. We have concluded that the two major DNA polymerases are nuclear although one, DNA polymerase-alpha, frequently is present as a weakly bound nuclear protein.", "contents": "Nuclear location of mammalian DNA polymerase activities. Nuclei were isolated from monolayer cultures of mouse and human cells using a nonaqueous procedure of cell fractionation in which lyophilized cells were homogenized and centrifuged in 100% glycerol. In previous work we have shown that the nuclear pellet and cytoplasmic supernatant fraction contained 10% or less of the nucleic acids characteristic of the other cell fraction. Aqueous extracts made from fresh cultures and from nonaqueous material at each step of the fractionation procedure were assayed fro DNA polymerase activity. Activities were normalized to DNA contents of extracted material. Specific activity was preserved quantitatively through freezing and drying the cells, but was found to be unstable in glycerol suspensions with approximate half-lives and 1 h at 23 degrees and 4 h at 0-4 degrees. Activities were relatively stable at -25 degrees, however, so that by homogenizing only 15 min at 4 degrees and centrifuging at -25 degrees we preserved approximately 85% of the specific activity of fresh cultures in the nonaqueous nuclear fraction. Sedimentation analyses showed that the nuclear fraction contained both DNA polymerase-alpha and-beta in approximately the proportions expected if all polymerase activities were confined to the nucleus in living cells. DNA polymerase-alpha was found to be more unstable in glycerol suspensions than DNA polymerase-beta. Nuclear location of both activities was found in exponential cultures and in 3T3 mouse cultures synchronized in the G1 and S phases of the cell division cycle. We found no evidence for cytoplasmic factors affecting nuclear polymerase activities. We have concluded that the two major DNA polymerases are nuclear although one, DNA polymerase-alpha, frequently is present as a weakly bound nuclear protein.", "PMID": 1002714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9174", "title": "Isolation of eukaryotic ribosomal proteins. Purification and characterization of the 60 S ribosomal subunit proteins L4, L5, L7, L9, L11, L12, L13, L21, L22, L23, L26, L27, L30, L33, L35', L37, and L39.", "content": "The proteins of the large subunit of rat liver ribosomes were separated into seven groups by stepwise elution from carboxymethylcellulose with LiCl at pH 6.5. Seventeen proteins (L4, L5, L7, L9, L11, L12, L13, L21, L22, L23, L26, L27, L30, L33, L35', L37, and L39) were isolated from three of the groups (B60, D60, G60) by ion exchange chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose and by filtration through Sephadex. The amount of protein obtained varied from 0.5 to 15 mg. Eight of the proteins (L9, L11, L13, L21, L22, L35', L37 and L39) had no detectable contamination; the impurities in the others were no greater than 9%. The molecular weight of the proteins was estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate; the amino acid composition was determined.", "contents": "Isolation of eukaryotic ribosomal proteins. Purification and characterization of the 60 S ribosomal subunit proteins L4, L5, L7, L9, L11, L12, L13, L21, L22, L23, L26, L27, L30, L33, L35', L37, and L39. The proteins of the large subunit of rat liver ribosomes were separated into seven groups by stepwise elution from carboxymethylcellulose with LiCl at pH 6.5. Seventeen proteins (L4, L5, L7, L9, L11, L12, L13, L21, L22, L23, L26, L27, L30, L33, L35', L37, and L39) were isolated from three of the groups (B60, D60, G60) by ion exchange chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose and by filtration through Sephadex. The amount of protein obtained varied from 0.5 to 15 mg. Eight of the proteins (L9, L11, L13, L21, L22, L35', L37 and L39) had no detectable contamination; the impurities in the others were no greater than 9%. The molecular weight of the proteins was estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate; the amino acid composition was determined.", "PMID": 1002715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9175", "title": "Methylmethacrylate as an adjunct in internal fixation of pathological fractures. Experience with three hundred and seventy-five cases.", "content": "In 323 patients with 375 pathological fractures or impending fractures, local tumor resection and internal fixation supplemented by intramedullary methylmethacrylate proved highly successful. One hundred and thirty-nine patients had metastases from breast carcinoma; 142, metastases from other tumors; and forty-two, myeloma or lymphoma. The mean survival for the 210 patients who had undergone operation two years or more before final evaluation was 15.4 months. Ninety-four per cent of the patients who were ambulatory before fracture regained the ability to walk. Eighty-five per cent had excellent or good pain relief and in only five was pain relief rated poor. There were four failures of fixation and six functionally poor results. Twenty patients died within four weeks of operation, but the remaining patients benefited from the procedure in terms of pain relief, improved mobility, and ease of nursing care.", "contents": "Methylmethacrylate as an adjunct in internal fixation of pathological fractures. Experience with three hundred and seventy-five cases. In 323 patients with 375 pathological fractures or impending fractures, local tumor resection and internal fixation supplemented by intramedullary methylmethacrylate proved highly successful. One hundred and thirty-nine patients had metastases from breast carcinoma; 142, metastases from other tumors; and forty-two, myeloma or lymphoma. The mean survival for the 210 patients who had undergone operation two years or more before final evaluation was 15.4 months. Ninety-four per cent of the patients who were ambulatory before fracture regained the ability to walk. Eighty-five per cent had excellent or good pain relief and in only five was pain relief rated poor. There were four failures of fixation and six functionally poor results. Twenty patients died within four weeks of operation, but the remaining patients benefited from the procedure in terms of pain relief, improved mobility, and ease of nursing care.", "PMID": 1002744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9176", "title": "Intramedullary fixation of pathological fractures and lesions of the subtrochanteric region of the femur.", "content": "The Zickel intramedullary appliance was used without methylmethacrylate in forty-six patients to stabilize thirty-five fractures and eleven impending fractures associated with osseous lesions in the subtrochanteric region of the femur. Early mobilization or ambulation was possible in nearly all cases. The patients with actual fractures survived an average of 4.7 months, while those with lesions stabilized prophylactically survived an average of 13.8 months postoperatively. Fourteen of the thirty-five patients with fractures showed union after an average of 4.5 months.", "contents": "Intramedullary fixation of pathological fractures and lesions of the subtrochanteric region of the femur. The Zickel intramedullary appliance was used without methylmethacrylate in forty-six patients to stabilize thirty-five fractures and eleven impending fractures associated with osseous lesions in the subtrochanteric region of the femur. Early mobilization or ambulation was possible in nearly all cases. The patients with actual fractures survived an average of 4.7 months, while those with lesions stabilized prophylactically survived an average of 13.8 months postoperatively. Fourteen of the thirty-five patients with fractures showed union after an average of 4.5 months.", "PMID": 1002745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9177", "title": "Pathological fractures in the proximal part of the femur treated by Zickel-nail fixation.", "content": "Twenty-one patients were treated with Zickel nail for neoplastic pathological fracture or impending pathological fracture: in the femoral neck in three, in the intertrochanteric region in three, and in the subtrochanteric region in fifteen. Nineteen patients were restored to bed-chain status by the third postoperative day, and twenty were able to walk. Failure of fixation did not occur and there were no infections.", "contents": "Pathological fractures in the proximal part of the femur treated by Zickel-nail fixation. Twenty-one patients were treated with Zickel nail for neoplastic pathological fracture or impending pathological fracture: in the femoral neck in three, in the intertrochanteric region in three, and in the subtrochanteric region in fifteen. Nineteen patients were restored to bed-chain status by the third postoperative day, and twenty were able to walk. Failure of fixation did not occur and there were no infections.", "PMID": 1002746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9178", "title": "Prophylactic internal fixation of the femur for neoplastic lesions.", "content": "Prophylactic intramedullary nailing was performed in eighteen femora of fourteen patients who had neoplastic lesions in the femur and survived for from thirty-eight to 1309 days after nailing. The procedure enabled all but three patients to be ambulatory with a walker by four days after operation and to continue to walk until they became moribund shortly before death. The complications were: one postoperative infection, penetration of the nail through the femoral cortex in three femora before prebending of the nail became part of the procedure, and ectopic bone about the proximal end of the rod. The procedure is recommended for the prevention of pathological fracture and relief of pain.", "contents": "Prophylactic internal fixation of the femur for neoplastic lesions. Prophylactic intramedullary nailing was performed in eighteen femora of fourteen patients who had neoplastic lesions in the femur and survived for from thirty-eight to 1309 days after nailing. The procedure enabled all but three patients to be ambulatory with a walker by four days after operation and to continue to walk until they became moribund shortly before death. The complications were: one postoperative infection, penetration of the nail through the femoral cortex in three femora before prebending of the nail became part of the procedure, and ectopic bone about the proximal end of the rod. The procedure is recommended for the prevention of pathological fracture and relief of pain.", "PMID": 1002747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9179", "title": "The strength of the anterior cruciate ligament in humans and Rhesus monkeys.", "content": "The mechanical properties of anterior cruciate bone-ligament-bone specimens from humans and rhesus monkeys were determined in tension to failure under high strain-rate conditions. The age range of the human specimens was from sixteen to eighty-six years. The values fro human specimens obtained from young adults with regard to elastic modulus, ultimate tensile stress, and strain energy to failure were approximately two to three times those for specimens from humans in the sixth decade and older. The major mode of failure was ligament disruption in the specimens from young adult humans and avulsion of bone beneath the ligament insertion site in the specimens from older humans. The difference in mode of failure correlated with histological observations of decreased bone mass at the site of ligament attachment in the specimens from older humans. Rhesus monkey specimens had higher values for elastic modulus, failure stress, and strain energy. Significant reductions in strength and stiffness properties of ligament units were shown to occur with advancing age to a greater degree than expected. All experiments in which specimens from older human cadavera are used should be interpreted with caution when the results are applied to mechanisms of ligament failure for younger or athletic individuals.", "contents": "The strength of the anterior cruciate ligament in humans and Rhesus monkeys. The mechanical properties of anterior cruciate bone-ligament-bone specimens from humans and rhesus monkeys were determined in tension to failure under high strain-rate conditions. The age range of the human specimens was from sixteen to eighty-six years. The values fro human specimens obtained from young adults with regard to elastic modulus, ultimate tensile stress, and strain energy to failure were approximately two to three times those for specimens from humans in the sixth decade and older. The major mode of failure was ligament disruption in the specimens from young adult humans and avulsion of bone beneath the ligament insertion site in the specimens from older humans. The difference in mode of failure correlated with histological observations of decreased bone mass at the site of ligament attachment in the specimens from older humans. Rhesus monkey specimens had higher values for elastic modulus, failure stress, and strain energy. Significant reductions in strength and stiffness properties of ligament units were shown to occur with advancing age to a greater degree than expected. All experiments in which specimens from older human cadavera are used should be interpreted with caution when the results are applied to mechanisms of ligament failure for younger or athletic individuals.", "PMID": 1002748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9180", "title": "Cruciate ligament prosthesis: strength, creep, and fatigue properties.", "content": "The mechanical properties of the Richards polyethylene ligament implant were studied and compared with the strength of human cruciate ligament preparations. The implant yields and plastically deforms at a force of 420 newtons (ninety-four pounds) and approximately 10 per cent elongation when tested at a strain rate of 100 per second. This is one-fourth the average tensile strength of the human anterior curciate ligament preparations. When tested at a strain rate of 1 per cent per second the implant's yield-point force was lowered by 15 per cent. The implant exhibits considerable viscoelastic behavior and will progressively elongate under repetitive loads when insufficient time is allowed for it to return to its original length. In bending, the implant did not fail after eighty million stress reversals (forty million revolutions) when tested while immersed in saline solution at body temperature. The tests indicate that the tensile strength of the implant is low in comparison with both the strength of human preparations and estimates of actual in vivo functional loads. We conclude that caution is required in the use of this implant.", "contents": "Cruciate ligament prosthesis: strength, creep, and fatigue properties. The mechanical properties of the Richards polyethylene ligament implant were studied and compared with the strength of human cruciate ligament preparations. The implant yields and plastically deforms at a force of 420 newtons (ninety-four pounds) and approximately 10 per cent elongation when tested at a strain rate of 100 per second. This is one-fourth the average tensile strength of the human anterior curciate ligament preparations. When tested at a strain rate of 1 per cent per second the implant's yield-point force was lowered by 15 per cent. The implant exhibits considerable viscoelastic behavior and will progressively elongate under repetitive loads when insufficient time is allowed for it to return to its original length. In bending, the implant did not fail after eighty million stress reversals (forty million revolutions) when tested while immersed in saline solution at body temperature. The tests indicate that the tensile strength of the implant is low in comparison with both the strength of human preparations and estimates of actual in vivo functional loads. We conclude that caution is required in the use of this implant.", "PMID": 1002749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9181", "title": "Hydroxychloroquine sulphate in prevention of deep venous thrombosis following fracture of the hip, pelvis, or thoracolumbar spine.", "content": "One hundred and fifty-three patients, forty-eight to ninety-seven years old, were included in a double-blind placebo-controlled investigation of the usefulness of hydroxychloroquine sulphate for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis in patients with fractures of the hip, pelvis, or thoracolumbar spine. The results indicated that this drug can reduce the number of thrombeombolic complications significantly (p less than 0.005), a finding that corresponds to the results obtained with other drugs such as coumarin derivatives or dextran 70.", "contents": "Hydroxychloroquine sulphate in prevention of deep venous thrombosis following fracture of the hip, pelvis, or thoracolumbar spine. One hundred and fifty-three patients, forty-eight to ninety-seven years old, were included in a double-blind placebo-controlled investigation of the usefulness of hydroxychloroquine sulphate for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis in patients with fractures of the hip, pelvis, or thoracolumbar spine. The results indicated that this drug can reduce the number of thrombeombolic complications significantly (p less than 0.005), a finding that corresponds to the results obtained with other drugs such as coumarin derivatives or dextran 70.", "PMID": 1002750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9182", "title": "Joint replacement surgery in patients under thirty.", "content": "Forty-five patients, twenty-six of them with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, had sixty-seven total hip arthroplasties. The patients' ages ranged from twelve to twenty-nine years. An over-all good result was demonstrated in 93 per cent of the patients had a poor result, in 6.9 per cent. The average follow-up period was 32.5 months. Careful planning in severely dysplastic joints should be done.", "contents": "Joint replacement surgery in patients under thirty. Forty-five patients, twenty-six of them with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, had sixty-seven total hip arthroplasties. The patients' ages ranged from twelve to twenty-nine years. An over-all good result was demonstrated in 93 per cent of the patients had a poor result, in 6.9 per cent. The average follow-up period was 32.5 months. Careful planning in severely dysplastic joints should be done.", "PMID": 1002751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9183", "title": "Treatment of ulnar fractures by functional bracing.", "content": "Treatment of isolated fracture of the ulna by means of functional bracing was successful in seventy-two cases. No non-unions were encountered. There was minimum deformity and loss of pronation-supination, and no loss of motion at the elbow and wrist. The average time to healing was ten weeks.", "contents": "Treatment of ulnar fractures by functional bracing. Treatment of isolated fracture of the ulna by means of functional bracing was successful in seventy-two cases. No non-unions were encountered. There was minimum deformity and loss of pronation-supination, and no loss of motion at the elbow and wrist. The average time to healing was ten weeks.", "PMID": 1002752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9184", "title": "Halo-pelvic distraction apparatus. An analysis of one hundred and fifty consecutive patients.", "content": "One hundred and fifty consecutive patients on whom the halo-pelvic apparatus was used were analyzed. Sixty-six per cent had tuberculous kyphosis or paralytic scoliosis. The apparatus was of great value in holding and correcting spines with tuberculous kyphosis and the results were gratifying, even though the average correction of the kyphos was only 20 per cent. In paralytic scoliosis a 46 per cent correction was obtained, but presently Dwyer and Harrington instrumentation are used for the majority of such cases. The halo-pelvic apparatus was effective in holding and correcting severe congenital curves and kyphoscoliosis secondary to neurofibromatosis, especially when there were signs of cord compression. The complication rate was high early in the series, but has been lowered by strict patient selection and close adherence to specific guidelines in the application of the apparatus. The apparatus should be reserved for severe deformities when other means of correction or stabilization are inadequate.", "contents": "Halo-pelvic distraction apparatus. An analysis of one hundred and fifty consecutive patients. One hundred and fifty consecutive patients on whom the halo-pelvic apparatus was used were analyzed. Sixty-six per cent had tuberculous kyphosis or paralytic scoliosis. The apparatus was of great value in holding and correcting spines with tuberculous kyphosis and the results were gratifying, even though the average correction of the kyphos was only 20 per cent. In paralytic scoliosis a 46 per cent correction was obtained, but presently Dwyer and Harrington instrumentation are used for the majority of such cases. The halo-pelvic apparatus was effective in holding and correcting severe congenital curves and kyphoscoliosis secondary to neurofibromatosis, especially when there were signs of cord compression. The complication rate was high early in the series, but has been lowered by strict patient selection and close adherence to specific guidelines in the application of the apparatus. The apparatus should be reserved for severe deformities when other means of correction or stabilization are inadequate.", "PMID": 1002753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9185", "title": "Roentgenographic evaluation of vertebral rotation.", "content": "To examine the accuracy of vertebral rotation determinations made from roentgenographic pedicle-shadow offset measurements, roentgenograms were made of fifteen cadaver vertebrae with different sagittal and frontal inclinations and longitudinal axis rotations ranging from 15 degrees left to 45 degrees right. It was found that significant uncertainties arise when vertebral rotation is evaluated from measurements of pedicle-shadow offset: true and apparent offsets in a single vertebra differ markedly; vertebrae from different spines have different offsets for the same degree of rotation and the same inclinations; and changes in the sagittal and frontal inclinations of a single vertebra alter its offset in the same manner as changes in rotation. From these results, it seems unlikely that precise measurements of rotation changes in spines with mild or moderate scolioses, for example, can be made from anteroposterior roentgenograms.", "contents": "Roentgenographic evaluation of vertebral rotation. To examine the accuracy of vertebral rotation determinations made from roentgenographic pedicle-shadow offset measurements, roentgenograms were made of fifteen cadaver vertebrae with different sagittal and frontal inclinations and longitudinal axis rotations ranging from 15 degrees left to 45 degrees right. It was found that significant uncertainties arise when vertebral rotation is evaluated from measurements of pedicle-shadow offset: true and apparent offsets in a single vertebra differ markedly; vertebrae from different spines have different offsets for the same degree of rotation and the same inclinations; and changes in the sagittal and frontal inclinations of a single vertebra alter its offset in the same manner as changes in rotation. From these results, it seems unlikely that precise measurements of rotation changes in spines with mild or moderate scolioses, for example, can be made from anteroposterior roentgenograms.", "PMID": 1002754} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9186", "title": "Complications of total hip-replacement arthorplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.", "content": "During the period 1969 through 1974, 716 total hip-replacement arthorplasties were performed. The results of the surgery in 275 cases of rheumatoid arthritis as regards complications were compared with those in 382 procedures in cases of osteoarthritis. In contrast to the reports of others,the incidence of deep would infection in the two groups was found to be equal. Patients undergoing total hip-replacement arthroplasty as a revision of a previous operation had a substantially increased risk of infection. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, however, were more subject to certain other complication (intraoperative fracture, difficulties with anesthesia, and malposition of prosthetic components), in addition to the complications that were predictable because of the involvement of multiple joints and the systemic disease process.", "contents": "Complications of total hip-replacement arthorplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. During the period 1969 through 1974, 716 total hip-replacement arthorplasties were performed. The results of the surgery in 275 cases of rheumatoid arthritis as regards complications were compared with those in 382 procedures in cases of osteoarthritis. In contrast to the reports of others,the incidence of deep would infection in the two groups was found to be equal. Patients undergoing total hip-replacement arthroplasty as a revision of a previous operation had a substantially increased risk of infection. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, however, were more subject to certain other complication (intraoperative fracture, difficulties with anesthesia, and malposition of prosthetic components), in addition to the complications that were predictable because of the involvement of multiple joints and the systemic disease process.", "PMID": 1002755} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9187", "title": "Urinary infections in total hip arthroplasty. Influences of prophylactic cephalosporins and catheterization.", "content": "We studied 359 patients retrospectively and 100 patients prospectively, all on cephalosporin prophylaxis. Urinary infections were eight times more frequent in catheterized patients; most were caused by Pseudomonas and Enterobacter. One patients had acute seeding in the arthroplasty site from a Pseudomonas urinary infection.", "contents": "Urinary infections in total hip arthroplasty. Influences of prophylactic cephalosporins and catheterization. We studied 359 patients retrospectively and 100 patients prospectively, all on cephalosporin prophylaxis. Urinary infections were eight times more frequent in catheterized patients; most were caused by Pseudomonas and Enterobacter. One patients had acute seeding in the arthroplasty site from a Pseudomonas urinary infection.", "PMID": 1002756} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9188", "title": "Boyd and Syme ankle amputations in children.", "content": "The Syme and Boyd amputations at the ankle were compared in thirty-four children followed for three to sixteen years. Good results were found with both techniques. The best results occurred when the heel pad was aligned in the plantigrade position, which produced almost normal function of the heel pad. The Boyd technique was a surer method of obtaining such alignment but was technically more difficult. Both the Boyd and Syme techniques are recommended for ankle amputation in children, but a distinct advantage of one technique over the other could not be defined.", "contents": "Boyd and Syme ankle amputations in children. The Syme and Boyd amputations at the ankle were compared in thirty-four children followed for three to sixteen years. Good results were found with both techniques. The best results occurred when the heel pad was aligned in the plantigrade position, which produced almost normal function of the heel pad. The Boyd technique was a surer method of obtaining such alignment but was technically more difficult. Both the Boyd and Syme techniques are recommended for ankle amputation in children, but a distinct advantage of one technique over the other could not be defined.", "PMID": 1002757} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9189", "title": "Oerative treatment of the plantar-flexed inverted foot in adult hemiplegia.", "content": "From a population of 902 adult patients with acquired hemiplegia, thirty-two patients with extensor synergy were chosen for a reconstructive procedure designed to eliminate the need for an orthosis. Three additional patients underwent the procedure to eliminate severe spasticity which precluded orthotic fitting. The operative technique, first described by Mooney and associates, involved lengthening of the tendo achillis and tibialis posterior tendon, multiple toe-flexor tenotomies, and a split transfer of the tibialis anterior tendon. Satisfactory results were recorded for thirty-two patients. The three failures were ascribed to inappropriate selection of patients for surgery.", "contents": "Oerative treatment of the plantar-flexed inverted foot in adult hemiplegia. From a population of 902 adult patients with acquired hemiplegia, thirty-two patients with extensor synergy were chosen for a reconstructive procedure designed to eliminate the need for an orthosis. Three additional patients underwent the procedure to eliminate severe spasticity which precluded orthotic fitting. The operative technique, first described by Mooney and associates, involved lengthening of the tendo achillis and tibialis posterior tendon, multiple toe-flexor tenotomies, and a split transfer of the tibialis anterior tendon. Satisfactory results were recorded for thirty-two patients. The three failures were ascribed to inappropriate selection of patients for surgery.", "PMID": 1002758} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9190", "title": "Squamous-cell carcinoma complicating chronic osteomyelitis.", "content": "Treatment of carcinomatous degeneration in patients with chronic osteomyelitis requires differentiation between benign, penetrating epithelioma and invading, low-grade squamous-cell carcinoma. Although most lesions are low grade, analysis of the case histories of twenty-three patients treated at the Mayo Clinic indicates that these tumors do metastasize. When malignant-appearing epithelium invading bone is identified, ablative surgery is indicated. Inadequate surgical treatment resulted in the deaths of two patients in our series. Routine regional lymphadenectomy at the time of amputation seems unnecessary. Regional lymphadenopathy persisting for six to twelve weeks after amputation warrants surgical intervention. With prompt, aggressive surgical treatment, the prognosis for patients with squamous-cell carcinoma in an osteomyelitic cavity is good.", "contents": "Squamous-cell carcinoma complicating chronic osteomyelitis. Treatment of carcinomatous degeneration in patients with chronic osteomyelitis requires differentiation between benign, penetrating epithelioma and invading, low-grade squamous-cell carcinoma. Although most lesions are low grade, analysis of the case histories of twenty-three patients treated at the Mayo Clinic indicates that these tumors do metastasize. When malignant-appearing epithelium invading bone is identified, ablative surgery is indicated. Inadequate surgical treatment resulted in the deaths of two patients in our series. Routine regional lymphadenectomy at the time of amputation seems unnecessary. Regional lymphadenopathy persisting for six to twelve weeks after amputation warrants surgical intervention. With prompt, aggressive surgical treatment, the prognosis for patients with squamous-cell carcinoma in an osteomyelitic cavity is good.", "PMID": 1002759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9191", "title": "Changes in the hexosamine content and swelling ratio of articular cartilage as functions of depth from the surface.", "content": "The hexasamine content and swelling ratio of adult bovine articular cartilage were determined as functions of depth. Progressing from the surface downward, the hexosamine content increased rapidly to a depth equivalent to approximately 30 to 35 per cent of the total thickness of the uncalcified portion of the tissue, and thereafter decreased at a less rapid rate. The swelling ratio was relatively constant throughtout the first quarter of the tissue but diminished thereafter. At depths below 35 per cent, the curve for the decrease in swelling ratio with depth was similar in form to that for the decrease in hexosamine content. Considering the factors that determine the swelling ratio of polyelectrolyte gels, it is proposed that progressing down from the surface, the interaction between the macromolecular components of the tissue is increased to a depth equivalent to about one-third of the total thickness of the cartilage.", "contents": "Changes in the hexosamine content and swelling ratio of articular cartilage as functions of depth from the surface. The hexasamine content and swelling ratio of adult bovine articular cartilage were determined as functions of depth. Progressing from the surface downward, the hexosamine content increased rapidly to a depth equivalent to approximately 30 to 35 per cent of the total thickness of the uncalcified portion of the tissue, and thereafter decreased at a less rapid rate. The swelling ratio was relatively constant throughtout the first quarter of the tissue but diminished thereafter. At depths below 35 per cent, the curve for the decrease in swelling ratio with depth was similar in form to that for the decrease in hexosamine content. Considering the factors that determine the swelling ratio of polyelectrolyte gels, it is proposed that progressing down from the surface, the interaction between the macromolecular components of the tissue is increased to a depth equivalent to about one-third of the total thickness of the cartilage.", "PMID": 1002760} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9192", "title": "Fracture healing in the presence of chronic hypoxia.", "content": "Recent studies have demonstrated that fracture healing normally takes place under hypoxic conditions. The present study evaluated the effect of a state of chronic systemic hypoxia on fracture healing in dogs. A significant delay in fracture healing was demonstrated in the hypoxic animals roentgenographically, histologically, and by strength-testing criteria. A further reduction in the available oxygen supply below that present during normal repair had an adverse effect on fracture healing.", "contents": "Fracture healing in the presence of chronic hypoxia. Recent studies have demonstrated that fracture healing normally takes place under hypoxic conditions. The present study evaluated the effect of a state of chronic systemic hypoxia on fracture healing in dogs. A significant delay in fracture healing was demonstrated in the hypoxic animals roentgenographically, histologically, and by strength-testing criteria. A further reduction in the available oxygen supply below that present during normal repair had an adverse effect on fracture healing.", "PMID": 1002761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9193", "title": "Metabolic recovery of articular cartilage after intra-articular injections of glucocorticoid.", "content": "The recovery of adult rabbit articular cartilage after nine weekly intra-articular injections of hydrocortisone acetate was investigated using biochemical, autoradiographic, and tracer methods. After the cessation of steroid injections, the rates of synthesis of proteoglycans and collagen increased by up to 900 per cent. The increase occurred because of accelerated metabolism of existing cells and an increase (caused by mitosis) in the number of functioning chondrocytes. The proteoglycan concentration only returned to normal values after six months.", "contents": "Metabolic recovery of articular cartilage after intra-articular injections of glucocorticoid. The recovery of adult rabbit articular cartilage after nine weekly intra-articular injections of hydrocortisone acetate was investigated using biochemical, autoradiographic, and tracer methods. After the cessation of steroid injections, the rates of synthesis of proteoglycans and collagen increased by up to 900 per cent. The increase occurred because of accelerated metabolism of existing cells and an increase (caused by mitosis) in the number of functioning chondrocytes. The proteoglycan concentration only returned to normal values after six months.", "PMID": 1002762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9194", "title": "Sickle-cell dactylitis.", "content": "In order to define better the presentation, roentgenographic features, and clinical course of sickle-cell dactylitis, the records of nine children with sickle-cell anemia and acutely painful, swollen digits were reviewed. The average age of these children at the time of diagnosis was eighteen months, and in five instances the dactylitis occurred before the diagnosis of sickle-cell disease was established. The clinical signs, consisting of swelling, tenderness, fever, and leukocytosis, were self-limiting and resolved in five to thirty-one days. The roentgenographic features, characterized by periosteal new-bone formation or intramedullary densities, appeared in seven to fourteen days and resolved in two to three months. Incorrect diagnosis is frequent in this condition but can be avoided as familiarity with the syndrome increases.", "contents": "Sickle-cell dactylitis. In order to define better the presentation, roentgenographic features, and clinical course of sickle-cell dactylitis, the records of nine children with sickle-cell anemia and acutely painful, swollen digits were reviewed. The average age of these children at the time of diagnosis was eighteen months, and in five instances the dactylitis occurred before the diagnosis of sickle-cell disease was established. The clinical signs, consisting of swelling, tenderness, fever, and leukocytosis, were self-limiting and resolved in five to thirty-one days. The roentgenographic features, characterized by periosteal new-bone formation or intramedullary densities, appeared in seven to fourteen days and resolved in two to three months. Incorrect diagnosis is frequent in this condition but can be avoided as familiarity with the syndrome increases.", "PMID": 1002763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9195", "title": "Perturbation of mammalian cell division. III. The topography and kinetics of extrusion subdivision.", "content": "If mitotic-arrested, cold-stored HeLa cells are incubated at 37 degrees C a proportion of the population divides by an aberrant process which we have called subdivision by extrusion. This process has been studied by time-lapse photography and shown to differ from normal cleavage in several respects. The cell surface becomes more generally mobile and, instead of producing the precisely localized furrowing activity of cytokinesis, gives rise to multiple surface protrusions. These protrusions enlarge at the expense of the parent cell and develop into a cluster of small daughter cells (mini segregants). The surface structure of the cell, as seen by scanning electron microscopy, also changes; the microvilli characteristic of interphase, metaphase and cleaving HeLa cells are lost during extrusion and the cell surface becomes smooth. Extrusion activity is much more variable than division by cleavage in terms of both topography and kinetics, and in general takes longer to complete. Some cells in the cold-treated populations divide by mixtures of cleavage and extrusion or by cleavage alone. The relative numbers of cells dividing in different ways vary with the conditions of pretreatment and incubation of the mitotic cells. The greater the perturbation (e.g. longer cold storage), the greater the proportion of extruding rather than cleaving cells. Human diploid cells can also be induced to subdivide by extrusion. Possible mechanisms underlying the different types of division activity are discussed.", "contents": "Perturbation of mammalian cell division. III. The topography and kinetics of extrusion subdivision. If mitotic-arrested, cold-stored HeLa cells are incubated at 37 degrees C a proportion of the population divides by an aberrant process which we have called subdivision by extrusion. This process has been studied by time-lapse photography and shown to differ from normal cleavage in several respects. The cell surface becomes more generally mobile and, instead of producing the precisely localized furrowing activity of cytokinesis, gives rise to multiple surface protrusions. These protrusions enlarge at the expense of the parent cell and develop into a cluster of small daughter cells (mini segregants). The surface structure of the cell, as seen by scanning electron microscopy, also changes; the microvilli characteristic of interphase, metaphase and cleaving HeLa cells are lost during extrusion and the cell surface becomes smooth. Extrusion activity is much more variable than division by cleavage in terms of both topography and kinetics, and in general takes longer to complete. Some cells in the cold-treated populations divide by mixtures of cleavage and extrusion or by cleavage alone. The relative numbers of cells dividing in different ways vary with the conditions of pretreatment and incubation of the mitotic cells. The greater the perturbation (e.g. longer cold storage), the greater the proportion of extruding rather than cleaving cells. Human diploid cells can also be induced to subdivide by extrusion. Possible mechanisms underlying the different types of division activity are discussed.", "PMID": 1002770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9196", "title": "Characterization of nuclear structures containing superhelical DNA.", "content": "Structures resembling nuclei but depleted of protein may be released by gently lysing cells in solutions containing non-ionic detergents and high concentrations of salt. These nucleoids sediment in gradients containing intercalating agents in a manner characteristic of DNA that is intact, supercoiled and circular. The concentration of salt present during isolation of human nucleoids affects their protein content. When made in I-95 M NaCl they lack histones and most of the proteins characteristic of chromatin; in 1-0 M NaCl they contain variable amounts of histones. The effects of various treatments on nucleoid integrity were investigated.", "contents": "Characterization of nuclear structures containing superhelical DNA. Structures resembling nuclei but depleted of protein may be released by gently lysing cells in solutions containing non-ionic detergents and high concentrations of salt. These nucleoids sediment in gradients containing intercalating agents in a manner characteristic of DNA that is intact, supercoiled and circular. The concentration of salt present during isolation of human nucleoids affects their protein content. When made in I-95 M NaCl they lack histones and most of the proteins characteristic of chromatin; in 1-0 M NaCl they contain variable amounts of histones. The effects of various treatments on nucleoid integrity were investigated.", "PMID": 1002771} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9197", "title": "Lectin receptor sites on rat liver cell nuclear membranes.", "content": "The presence and localization of lectin receptor sites on rat liver cell nuclear and other endomembranes was studied by light and electron microscopy using fluorescein and ferritin-coupled lectin conjugates. Isolated nuclei labelled with fluorescein-conjugated Concanavalin A (Con A) or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) often showed membrane staining, which sometimes was especially bright on small stretches of the nuclear surface. Unlabelled nuclei and nuclei with a complete ring fluorescence were also seen. The nuclear fluorescence corresponded in intensity to that seen on the surface of isolated rat liver cells. Con A-ferritin particles were seldom detected on the cytoplasmic surface of the intact nuclear envelope. However, at places where the 2 leaflets of the envelope were widely separated or where the outer nuclear membrane was partly torn away, heavy labelling was seen on the cisternal surface of both the inner and outer nuclear membranes. Labelling with Con A-ferritin was also found on the cisternal side of rough endoplasmic reticulum present in the specimens. No labelling was seen on the cytoplasmic surface of mitochondrial outer membrane. The results demonstrate the presence of binding sites for Con A and WGA in nuclei and an asymmetric localization of these sites on the cisternal side of ribosome-carrying endomembranes in rat liver cells.", "contents": "Lectin receptor sites on rat liver cell nuclear membranes. The presence and localization of lectin receptor sites on rat liver cell nuclear and other endomembranes was studied by light and electron microscopy using fluorescein and ferritin-coupled lectin conjugates. Isolated nuclei labelled with fluorescein-conjugated Concanavalin A (Con A) or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) often showed membrane staining, which sometimes was especially bright on small stretches of the nuclear surface. Unlabelled nuclei and nuclei with a complete ring fluorescence were also seen. The nuclear fluorescence corresponded in intensity to that seen on the surface of isolated rat liver cells. Con A-ferritin particles were seldom detected on the cytoplasmic surface of the intact nuclear envelope. However, at places where the 2 leaflets of the envelope were widely separated or where the outer nuclear membrane was partly torn away, heavy labelling was seen on the cisternal surface of both the inner and outer nuclear membranes. Labelling with Con A-ferritin was also found on the cisternal side of rough endoplasmic reticulum present in the specimens. No labelling was seen on the cytoplasmic surface of mitochondrial outer membrane. The results demonstrate the presence of binding sites for Con A and WGA in nuclei and an asymmetric localization of these sites on the cisternal side of ribosome-carrying endomembranes in rat liver cells.", "PMID": 1002772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9198", "title": "Evidence for a correlation between the number of marginal band microtubules and the size of vertebrate erthrocytes.", "content": "In 23 species of vertebrates the dimensions of erythrocytes and the number of their marginal band microtubules were examined. A positive correlation was found between the size of erythrocytes and the number of microtubules. The absence of microtubules in diskoid erythrocytes of mammals-Camelidae-is discussed.", "contents": "Evidence for a correlation between the number of marginal band microtubules and the size of vertebrate erthrocytes. In 23 species of vertebrates the dimensions of erythrocytes and the number of their marginal band microtubules were examined. A positive correlation was found between the size of erythrocytes and the number of microtubules. The absence of microtubules in diskoid erythrocytes of mammals-Camelidae-is discussed.", "PMID": 1002773} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9199", "title": "The preprophase band: possible involvement in the formation of the cell wall.", "content": "Numerous vesicles were observed among the microtubules of the \"preprophase\" band in prophase cells from root tips of Allium cepa. The content of these vesicles looks similar to the matrix of adjacent cell walls, and these vesicles often appear to be involved in exocytosis. In addition, the cell walls perpendicular to the plane of (beneath) the preprophase band are often differentially thickened compared to the walls lying parallel to the plane of the band. Our interpretation of these observations is that the preprophase band may direct or channel vesicles containing precursors of the cell wall to localized regions of wall synthesis. The incorporation of constituents of the cell wall into a narrow region defined by the position of the preprophase band may be a mechanism that ensures unidirecitonal growth of meristematic cells.", "contents": "The preprophase band: possible involvement in the formation of the cell wall. Numerous vesicles were observed among the microtubules of the \"preprophase\" band in prophase cells from root tips of Allium cepa. The content of these vesicles looks similar to the matrix of adjacent cell walls, and these vesicles often appear to be involved in exocytosis. In addition, the cell walls perpendicular to the plane of (beneath) the preprophase band are often differentially thickened compared to the walls lying parallel to the plane of the band. Our interpretation of these observations is that the preprophase band may direct or channel vesicles containing precursors of the cell wall to localized regions of wall synthesis. The incorporation of constituents of the cell wall into a narrow region defined by the position of the preprophase band may be a mechanism that ensures unidirecitonal growth of meristematic cells.", "PMID": 1002774} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9200", "title": "Purification of gibberellic acid-induced lysosomes from wheat aleurone cells.", "content": "Using isopycnic density gradient centrifugation, lysosomes were concentrated in a single region of a sucrose-Ficoll gradient (p = 1-10 g cm-3), well separated from most other cell organelles. Gibberellic acid-induced lysosomes were found to be rich in alpha-amylase and protease but not ribonuclease. The lysosomal band also contained a majority of the NADH2-cytochrome c reductase, a marker enzyme for endoplasmic reticulum, found in the gradient. Examination of electron micrographs revealed that a purified band of lyosomes contained at least 3 vesicle types, ranging in size from 0-1 to 0-5 mum. The significance of these findings to proposed mechanisms of action of gibberellic acid is discussed.", "contents": "Purification of gibberellic acid-induced lysosomes from wheat aleurone cells. Using isopycnic density gradient centrifugation, lysosomes were concentrated in a single region of a sucrose-Ficoll gradient (p = 1-10 g cm-3), well separated from most other cell organelles. Gibberellic acid-induced lysosomes were found to be rich in alpha-amylase and protease but not ribonuclease. The lysosomal band also contained a majority of the NADH2-cytochrome c reductase, a marker enzyme for endoplasmic reticulum, found in the gradient. Examination of electron micrographs revealed that a purified band of lyosomes contained at least 3 vesicle types, ranging in size from 0-1 to 0-5 mum. The significance of these findings to proposed mechanisms of action of gibberellic acid is discussed.", "PMID": 1002775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9201", "title": "Freeze-fracture studies of frog atrial fibres.", "content": "The freeze-fracturing technique was used to characterize the junctional devices involved in the electrical coupling of frog atrial fibres. These fibres are connected by a type of junction which can be interpreted as a morphological variant of the \"gap junction\" or \"nexus\". The most characteristic features are rows of 9-nm junctional particles forming single or anastomosed circular profiles on the inner membrane face, and corresponding pits on the outer membrane face. Very seldom aggregates consisting of few geometrically disposed 9-nm particles are found. The significance of the junctional structures in the atrial fibres is discussed, with respect to present knowledge about junctional features of gap junctions in various tissues, including embryonic ones.", "contents": "Freeze-fracture studies of frog atrial fibres. The freeze-fracturing technique was used to characterize the junctional devices involved in the electrical coupling of frog atrial fibres. These fibres are connected by a type of junction which can be interpreted as a morphological variant of the \"gap junction\" or \"nexus\". The most characteristic features are rows of 9-nm junctional particles forming single or anastomosed circular profiles on the inner membrane face, and corresponding pits on the outer membrane face. Very seldom aggregates consisting of few geometrically disposed 9-nm particles are found. The significance of the junctional structures in the atrial fibres is discussed, with respect to present knowledge about junctional features of gap junctions in various tissues, including embryonic ones.", "PMID": 1002776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9202", "title": "Investigation of the index structure of Drugdoc and Ringdoc.", "content": "A comparative study was performed on the index structure of Drugdoc and Ringdoc based on the output of both systems on the same nine articles. In both systems major and secondary indexing terms are used as descriptors for biomedical and pharmaceutical context, and alphanumeric codes for showing the concept and viewpoint of the article. Ringdoc is superior in coding of drugs and pharmaceutical information as its descriptors have hierarchical relations, multifacet coding is performed, and synonyms are selected. Medical term related descriptors are more abundant in Drugdoc, including synonyms and analogous words, but no hierarchy is seen. Ringdoc selectively chooses descriptors related to the main theme of the article, whereas Drugdoc chooses descriptors comprehensively throughout the article.", "contents": "Investigation of the index structure of Drugdoc and Ringdoc. A comparative study was performed on the index structure of Drugdoc and Ringdoc based on the output of both systems on the same nine articles. In both systems major and secondary indexing terms are used as descriptors for biomedical and pharmaceutical context, and alphanumeric codes for showing the concept and viewpoint of the article. Ringdoc is superior in coding of drugs and pharmaceutical information as its descriptors have hierarchical relations, multifacet coding is performed, and synonyms are selected. Medical term related descriptors are more abundant in Drugdoc, including synonyms and analogous words, but no hierarchy is seen. Ringdoc selectively chooses descriptors related to the main theme of the article, whereas Drugdoc chooses descriptors comprehensively throughout the article.", "PMID": 1002777} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9203", "title": "[Early and late results of choledoco-duodenal anastomosis during surgical treatment of biliary lithiasis. Apropos of a series of 62 cases].", "content": "The authors report a series of 62 choledoco-duodenal anastomoses carried out during surgical treatment of cholelithiasis and note the indications for this procedure, emphasizing the necessity for a wide common bile duct and a normal duodenum. Apart from complete obstruction of the common bile duct with gall stones, the main indication is organic obstruction of the terminal part and of the sphincter of Oddi. A 2 cm anastomosis is necessary. Duodeno-biliary reflux has no direct consequence in the absence of stenosis of the anastomosis and of pre-existing cholangitis. In the long term, the results are favourable in 95 p. 100 of cases.", "contents": "[Early and late results of choledoco-duodenal anastomosis during surgical treatment of biliary lithiasis. Apropos of a series of 62 cases]. The authors report a series of 62 choledoco-duodenal anastomoses carried out during surgical treatment of cholelithiasis and note the indications for this procedure, emphasizing the necessity for a wide common bile duct and a normal duodenum. Apart from complete obstruction of the common bile duct with gall stones, the main indication is organic obstruction of the terminal part and of the sphincter of Oddi. A 2 cm anastomosis is necessary. Duodeno-biliary reflux has no direct consequence in the absence of stenosis of the anastomosis and of pre-existing cholangitis. In the long term, the results are favourable in 95 p. 100 of cases.", "PMID": 1002778} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9204", "title": "[Short common bile duct or high implantation. Apropos of 2 cases].", "content": "The authors report a case of so-called short common bile duct or highly implanted common bile duct, associated with double duodenal ulcer, with an unfavourable course in a very young girl. The pathological characteristics and the course suggested it was a congenital case of short bile duct, which is a rare disease, as 37 cases have been reported over a period of 25 years. 32 were associated with duodenal ulcer, which is often resistant to medical treatment, and becomes complicated in 33% of cases. The relationship between the two conditions remains hypothetical. Biliodigestive reflux was the first sign in 66% of cases. Retrograde opacification of the bile ducts under duodenoscopy should permit a diagnosis and precise pre-operative assessment. The abnormality has no special treatment, but the treatment of the associated disease, of the ulcer in particular, should be adapted to the ectopic bile duct to avoid serious injury. At operation, careful examination before dissection will determine the [site] of the papilla and of the opening of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. Vagotomy should be associated with a drainage operation, if possible, or gastrectomy may be performed with gastro-jejunal anastomosis leaving behind the posterior ulcer. Many precautions are necessary including the duodenal stump and details of these are given here.", "contents": "[Short common bile duct or high implantation. Apropos of 2 cases]. The authors report a case of so-called short common bile duct or highly implanted common bile duct, associated with double duodenal ulcer, with an unfavourable course in a very young girl. The pathological characteristics and the course suggested it was a congenital case of short bile duct, which is a rare disease, as 37 cases have been reported over a period of 25 years. 32 were associated with duodenal ulcer, which is often resistant to medical treatment, and becomes complicated in 33% of cases. The relationship between the two conditions remains hypothetical. Biliodigestive reflux was the first sign in 66% of cases. Retrograde opacification of the bile ducts under duodenoscopy should permit a diagnosis and precise pre-operative assessment. The abnormality has no special treatment, but the treatment of the associated disease, of the ulcer in particular, should be adapted to the ectopic bile duct to avoid serious injury. At operation, careful examination before dissection will determine the [site] of the papilla and of the opening of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. Vagotomy should be associated with a drainage operation, if possible, or gastrectomy may be performed with gastro-jejunal anastomosis leaving behind the posterior ulcer. Many precautions are necessary including the duodenal stump and details of these are given here.", "PMID": 1002779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9205", "title": "[Post-traumatic sequestra of the liver].", "content": "The authors report 92 cases of trauma of the liver which survived initial operation and study the special problems linked to hepatic sequestration. They analyse the factors which favour the appearance of these sequestra and the methods of diagnosis using clinical, laboratory, arteriographic and scintigraphic data. Relatively frequent (8,4 p. 100), these complications require fairly early surgical treatment. They are commonly localised to the dome of the liver and this renders their approach difficult. A low postero-lateral thoracotomy with resection of the 10 th or 11 th rib, followed by sequestrectomy and drainage, seems to them ideal approach. The pleuropulmonary sequelae are minimal.", "contents": "[Post-traumatic sequestra of the liver]. The authors report 92 cases of trauma of the liver which survived initial operation and study the special problems linked to hepatic sequestration. They analyse the factors which favour the appearance of these sequestra and the methods of diagnosis using clinical, laboratory, arteriographic and scintigraphic data. Relatively frequent (8,4 p. 100), these complications require fairly early surgical treatment. They are commonly localised to the dome of the liver and this renders their approach difficult. A low postero-lateral thoracotomy with resection of the 10 th or 11 th rib, followed by sequestrectomy and drainage, seems to them ideal approach. The pleuropulmonary sequelae are minimal.", "PMID": 1002780} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9206", "title": "[Evaluation of the opening of the sphincter of Oddi].", "content": "Measurement of the activity of the sphincter of Oddi by the method of classical manometry did not reveal any significant difference before and after vagotomy. However, the existence after perfusion of residual pressure greater than initial pressure, suggests that a deformity of the duct during perfusion disturbs measurement of the opening of the sphincter. The mechanical properties of the duct were measured in vitro, as a first approximation it was suggested that the error due to a deformity of the duct, might be eliminated using several perfusion rates and calculating for each rate the opening R of the sphincter using the following formula: R equals (Perfusion pressure-Residual pressure) Flow rate. When the opening of the sphincter is calculated in this way, one may observe that vagotomy leads to definite reduction of the resistance of Oddi's sphincter.", "contents": "[Evaluation of the opening of the sphincter of Oddi]. Measurement of the activity of the sphincter of Oddi by the method of classical manometry did not reveal any significant difference before and after vagotomy. However, the existence after perfusion of residual pressure greater than initial pressure, suggests that a deformity of the duct during perfusion disturbs measurement of the opening of the sphincter. The mechanical properties of the duct were measured in vitro, as a first approximation it was suggested that the error due to a deformity of the duct, might be eliminated using several perfusion rates and calculating for each rate the opening R of the sphincter using the following formula: R equals (Perfusion pressure-Residual pressure) Flow rate. When the opening of the sphincter is calculated in this way, one may observe that vagotomy leads to definite reduction of the resistance of Oddi's sphincter.", "PMID": 1002781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9207", "title": "Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of some biologically important short chain acid butyl esters.", "content": "Mass spectra of n-butyl esters of selected biologically important short chain fatty acids were obtained by using the technique of gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results indicate that simple cleavage is responsible for the primary fragmentation of the molecules. The mass spectral data are considered to be advantageous for the identification of unknown short chain acids.", "contents": "Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of some biologically important short chain acid butyl esters. Mass spectra of n-butyl esters of selected biologically important short chain fatty acids were obtained by using the technique of gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results indicate that simple cleavage is responsible for the primary fragmentation of the molecules. The mass spectral data are considered to be advantageous for the identification of unknown short chain acids.", "PMID": 1002782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9208", "title": "Identification of gasoline contamination of ground-water by gas chromatography.", "content": "Individual components that make up different grades of gasoline - or gasolines of the same grade produced by different manufacturers - are resolved and identified by gas chromatography using packed columns and a flame ionization detector. Contaminants at levels as low as 0.5 mu1/1 may be identified by the method if samples of gasoline from the source of contamination can be obtained for comparison. The uniqueness of this method is that it can be applied for routine analysis without the use of sophisticated complements for the gas chromatograph.", "contents": "Identification of gasoline contamination of ground-water by gas chromatography. Individual components that make up different grades of gasoline - or gasolines of the same grade produced by different manufacturers - are resolved and identified by gas chromatography using packed columns and a flame ionization detector. Contaminants at levels as low as 0.5 mu1/1 may be identified by the method if samples of gasoline from the source of contamination can be obtained for comparison. The uniqueness of this method is that it can be applied for routine analysis without the use of sophisticated complements for the gas chromatograph.", "PMID": 1002783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9209", "title": "Simultaneous gas chromatographic analysis for the four commonly used antiepileptic drugs in serum.", "content": "We describe a simple, sensitive method for the determination of phenobarbital, diphenylhydantoin, carbamazepine and primidone in serum, by use of gas-liquid chromatography with temperature programming. The methylated derivatives of these anticonvulsants were well resolved, as was 5-(p-methylphenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin, the internal standard. In this procedure we used an ion-exchange resin for separation of the drug from the serum. The proposed procedure requires only 1.0 ml of serum and can be done in less than 1 h. The lower limit of detection for each of the drugs is 0.5 mg/1. Analytical recoveries of drug from serum were excellent and peak height and concentration were linearly related up to twice the toxic concentration for serum.", "contents": "Simultaneous gas chromatographic analysis for the four commonly used antiepileptic drugs in serum. We describe a simple, sensitive method for the determination of phenobarbital, diphenylhydantoin, carbamazepine and primidone in serum, by use of gas-liquid chromatography with temperature programming. The methylated derivatives of these anticonvulsants were well resolved, as was 5-(p-methylphenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin, the internal standard. In this procedure we used an ion-exchange resin for separation of the drug from the serum. The proposed procedure requires only 1.0 ml of serum and can be done in less than 1 h. The lower limit of detection for each of the drugs is 0.5 mg/1. Analytical recoveries of drug from serum were excellent and peak height and concentration were linearly related up to twice the toxic concentration for serum.", "PMID": 1002784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9210", "title": "Gas chromatographic analysis of dialkylbarbituric acids.", "content": "A variety of procedures for the derivatization of barbituric acids for gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) are described and a convenient procedure for n-alkylation of barbiturates is reported. The gas chromatographic behavior of derivatives(methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl) is discussed on the basis of the retention index. For the identification and quatitation of 23 barbiturates in biological fluids, use of the propyl derivatives allows a clear gas chromatogram to be obtained by using only one stationary phase. Alkylation with n-alkylating reagents gives only the N,N'-derivative, as confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The fragmentation pattern by electron-impact mass spectrometry is discussed. Alkylation with branched alkylating reagents gives up to three peaks, the major peak being the N,N'-derivative; the other peaks identified by NMR and GC, correspond to the isomeric N,O-derivatives.", "contents": "Gas chromatographic analysis of dialkylbarbituric acids. A variety of procedures for the derivatization of barbituric acids for gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) are described and a convenient procedure for n-alkylation of barbiturates is reported. The gas chromatographic behavior of derivatives(methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl) is discussed on the basis of the retention index. For the identification and quatitation of 23 barbiturates in biological fluids, use of the propyl derivatives allows a clear gas chromatogram to be obtained by using only one stationary phase. Alkylation with n-alkylating reagents gives only the N,N'-derivative, as confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The fragmentation pattern by electron-impact mass spectrometry is discussed. Alkylation with branched alkylating reagents gives up to three peaks, the major peak being the N,N'-derivative; the other peaks identified by NMR and GC, correspond to the isomeric N,O-derivatives.", "PMID": 1002786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9211", "title": "Simultaneous determination of methylated barbiturates and other anticonvulsant drugs by high-resolution gas chromatography.", "content": "Several barbiturates and other anticonvulsant drugs can be analyzed simultaneously as dimethylated derivatives by high-resolution gas chromatography with a solid flash methylation injector. Quantitative determinations were performed on test serum during a quality control scheme. The sensitivity (+/- 0.1 mug/ml) and the accuracy are compatible with the measurement of therapeutic levels of barbiturates. The advantages of the method are discussed.", "contents": "Simultaneous determination of methylated barbiturates and other anticonvulsant drugs by high-resolution gas chromatography. Several barbiturates and other anticonvulsant drugs can be analyzed simultaneously as dimethylated derivatives by high-resolution gas chromatography with a solid flash methylation injector. Quantitative determinations were performed on test serum during a quality control scheme. The sensitivity (+/- 0.1 mug/ml) and the accuracy are compatible with the measurement of therapeutic levels of barbiturates. The advantages of the method are discussed.", "PMID": 1002787} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9212", "title": "Improved technique for the analysis of amino acids and related compounds on thin layers of cellulose.XI. Direct, visual micro-method for investigating the primary structural sequence of collagen and other proteins.", "content": "The present paper describes a new variation of the \"finger printing\" technique for examining the primary structure of proteins. It is based on the production of a reproducible, partial acid hydrolysate consisting of amino acids and small peptides which are separated into compact spots by bi-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. The spots are characterized by ther Rf values and colour reactions with a variety of reagents. The method was initially developed for collagen but has been applied to other proteins, with interesting results. It has developed logically from earlier, systematic studies on amino acids and peptides, and holds promise for the comparative investigation of normal and diseased human collagen.", "contents": "Improved technique for the analysis of amino acids and related compounds on thin layers of cellulose.XI. Direct, visual micro-method for investigating the primary structural sequence of collagen and other proteins. The present paper describes a new variation of the \"finger printing\" technique for examining the primary structure of proteins. It is based on the production of a reproducible, partial acid hydrolysate consisting of amino acids and small peptides which are separated into compact spots by bi-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. The spots are characterized by ther Rf values and colour reactions with a variety of reagents. The method was initially developed for collagen but has been applied to other proteins, with interesting results. It has developed logically from earlier, systematic studies on amino acids and peptides, and holds promise for the comparative investigation of normal and diseased human collagen.", "PMID": 1002788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9213", "title": "A comparison of the determination of partition coeficients of 1,4-benzodiazephines by high-performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography.", "content": "Relative partition coefficients (P) of 1,4-benzodiazepines were determined by a reversed-phase thin-layer chromatographic (RP-TLC) technique in the systemoleyl alcohol-water, and by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using several column packing materials. RMw values, obtained by RP-TLC, correlated well with log P values determined directly in the system oleyl alcohol-water and with the literature values for the system 1-octanol-water. Th log k' w values from the HPLC experiments could be determined with greater precision, but the correlations of log k'w with log Poleyl alcohol and log Poctanol were not as good as those found for the Rmw values.", "contents": "A comparison of the determination of partition coeficients of 1,4-benzodiazephines by high-performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. Relative partition coefficients (P) of 1,4-benzodiazepines were determined by a reversed-phase thin-layer chromatographic (RP-TLC) technique in the systemoleyl alcohol-water, and by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using several column packing materials. RMw values, obtained by RP-TLC, correlated well with log P values determined directly in the system oleyl alcohol-water and with the literature values for the system 1-octanol-water. Th log k' w values from the HPLC experiments could be determined with greater precision, but the correlations of log k'w with log Poleyl alcohol and log Poctanol were not as good as those found for the Rmw values.", "PMID": 1002789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9214", "title": "Determination of free fatty acids as pentafluorobenzyl esters by electron capture gas chromatography.", "content": "A method for the determination of free fatty acids in minute serum samples has been developed. The acids are esterified by extractive alkylation, using tetrabutylammonium as a counter ion and pentafluorobenzyl bromide as alkylating reagent. The derivatization of palmitic acid required a reaction time of 25 min. The excess of pentafluorobenzyl bromide is removed by coupling it with a phenoalkylamine and extraction of the product into an acidic aqueous phase. Quantitation is carried out by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The precision achieved in the determination of 6.2 mug of palmitic acid in 50 mul of mouse serum was 6.1% (S.D.).", "contents": "Determination of free fatty acids as pentafluorobenzyl esters by electron capture gas chromatography. A method for the determination of free fatty acids in minute serum samples has been developed. The acids are esterified by extractive alkylation, using tetrabutylammonium as a counter ion and pentafluorobenzyl bromide as alkylating reagent. The derivatization of palmitic acid required a reaction time of 25 min. The excess of pentafluorobenzyl bromide is removed by coupling it with a phenoalkylamine and extraction of the product into an acidic aqueous phase. Quantitation is carried out by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The precision achieved in the determination of 6.2 mug of palmitic acid in 50 mul of mouse serum was 6.1% (S.D.).", "PMID": 1002790} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9215", "title": "Pyrolysis gas chromatography as an aid to the identification of Aspergillus species.", "content": "Using pyrolysis gas chromatography it was possible to identify each of nine Aspergillus species. The effects of hyphal age and the non-differentiation with spores are discussed.", "contents": "Pyrolysis gas chromatography as an aid to the identification of Aspergillus species. Using pyrolysis gas chromatography it was possible to identify each of nine Aspergillus species. The effects of hyphal age and the non-differentiation with spores are discussed.", "PMID": 1002791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9216", "title": "Comparative study on the derivatization of l-alpha-acetyl-methadol metabolites for electron capture gas-liquid chromatography.", "content": "Six reagents-trichloroacetyl chloride, trichloroacetic anhydride, pentafluorobenzoyl chloride, heptafluorobutyryl chloride, heptafluorobutyric anhydride, and trifluoroacetic anhydride- were evaluated as potential derivatizing reagents for quantitating the metabolites of l-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) -noracetylmethadol, dinoracetylmethadol, methadol, and normethadol-by electron capture gas-liquid chromatography. All of the reagents studied reacted quantitatively with all of the metabolites except methadol; however, trichloroacetyl chloride was found to be the most satisfactory general reagent for analyzing these metabolites in biological fluids. A gas-liquid chromatographic method is presented which combines both flame ionization and electron capture detection for quantitating plasma and urine levels of methadone, l-alpha-acetylmethadol and its metabolites.", "contents": "Comparative study on the derivatization of l-alpha-acetyl-methadol metabolites for electron capture gas-liquid chromatography. Six reagents-trichloroacetyl chloride, trichloroacetic anhydride, pentafluorobenzoyl chloride, heptafluorobutyryl chloride, heptafluorobutyric anhydride, and trifluoroacetic anhydride- were evaluated as potential derivatizing reagents for quantitating the metabolites of l-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) -noracetylmethadol, dinoracetylmethadol, methadol, and normethadol-by electron capture gas-liquid chromatography. All of the reagents studied reacted quantitatively with all of the metabolites except methadol; however, trichloroacetyl chloride was found to be the most satisfactory general reagent for analyzing these metabolites in biological fluids. A gas-liquid chromatographic method is presented which combines both flame ionization and electron capture detection for quantitating plasma and urine levels of methadone, l-alpha-acetylmethadol and its metabolites.", "PMID": 1002792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9217", "title": "Analysis of isomeric impurities in a synthesis of the novel anti-inflammatory drug, benoxaprofen.", "content": "Gas-liquid chromatographic procedures are described for the determination of isomeric impurities in rho-chlorobenzoyl chloride and the intermediates, 2-(rho-nitrophenyl)-proprionitrile and 2-phenylpropionitrile, in a ten-stage synthesis of benoxaprofen, 2-(rho-chlorophenyl)-alpha-methyl-5-benzoxazoleacetic acid.", "contents": "Analysis of isomeric impurities in a synthesis of the novel anti-inflammatory drug, benoxaprofen. Gas-liquid chromatographic procedures are described for the determination of isomeric impurities in rho-chlorobenzoyl chloride and the intermediates, 2-(rho-nitrophenyl)-proprionitrile and 2-phenylpropionitrile, in a ten-stage synthesis of benoxaprofen, 2-(rho-chlorophenyl)-alpha-methyl-5-benzoxazoleacetic acid.", "PMID": 1002793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9218", "title": "General procedure for the isolation and identification of 6-alpha- and 6-beta-hydroxy metabolites of narcotic agonists and antagonists with a hydromorphone structure.", "content": "In order to aid in the elucidation of the metabolism of drugs containing the hydromorphone structure, a method is described for isolation from urine, separation and identification of the 6-alpha- and 6-beta-hydroxy metabolites. The samples were acid-hydrolyzed, extracted, and separated by thin-layer chromatography. The zone containing the hydroxy metabolites was removed and the compounds were re-extracted and analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). Silylation of the extract was necessary in most cases for optimum GLC resolution of the alpha- and beta-hydroxy epimers. To demonstrate application of this method, the urine of guinea-pigs and rats which had received a single 40-mg dose of naloxone subcutaneously was analyzed. Analysis indicated a alpha/beta ratio of 0.41 for the guinea-pig. In contrast, the amount of 6-alpha-naloxol found in the urine of the rat was negligible in comparison with the 6-beta-hydroxy metabolite, indicating a species difference in the stereospecificity of the drug-metabolizing enzyme.", "contents": "General procedure for the isolation and identification of 6-alpha- and 6-beta-hydroxy metabolites of narcotic agonists and antagonists with a hydromorphone structure. In order to aid in the elucidation of the metabolism of drugs containing the hydromorphone structure, a method is described for isolation from urine, separation and identification of the 6-alpha- and 6-beta-hydroxy metabolites. The samples were acid-hydrolyzed, extracted, and separated by thin-layer chromatography. The zone containing the hydroxy metabolites was removed and the compounds were re-extracted and analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). Silylation of the extract was necessary in most cases for optimum GLC resolution of the alpha- and beta-hydroxy epimers. To demonstrate application of this method, the urine of guinea-pigs and rats which had received a single 40-mg dose of naloxone subcutaneously was analyzed. Analysis indicated a alpha/beta ratio of 0.41 for the guinea-pig. In contrast, the amount of 6-alpha-naloxol found in the urine of the rat was negligible in comparison with the 6-beta-hydroxy metabolite, indicating a species difference in the stereospecificity of the drug-metabolizing enzyme.", "PMID": 1002794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9219", "title": "Simultaneous quantification of procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide with high-performance liquid chromatography.", "content": "A rapid, precise and specific method for the simultaneous determination of procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide (NAPA) in plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography is described. N-Formylprocainamide was utilized as internal standard. The coefficients of variation of the method for both procainamide and NAPA were 3.6% in the range of plasma levels to be expected clinically. The method is especially useful for rapid determination of acetylator phenotype in patients requiring procainamide for control of arrhythmias.", "contents": "Simultaneous quantification of procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide with high-performance liquid chromatography. A rapid, precise and specific method for the simultaneous determination of procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide (NAPA) in plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography is described. N-Formylprocainamide was utilized as internal standard. The coefficients of variation of the method for both procainamide and NAPA were 3.6% in the range of plasma levels to be expected clinically. The method is especially useful for rapid determination of acetylator phenotype in patients requiring procainamide for control of arrhythmias.", "PMID": 1002795} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9220", "title": "Chromatographic separation of selenohypotaurine, selenotaurine, selenohomohypotaurine and selenohomotaurine.", "content": "By either paper or ion-exchange chromatography the two seleninic compounds selenohypotaurine and selenohomohypotaurine, and the two selenonic compounds selenotaurine and selenohomotaurine may be all separated from each other. On paper chromatography seleninic derivatives may be separated from the corresponding sulphinic compounds, while selenonic compounds show RF values similar to those of the corresponding sulphonic derivatives. These two latter types of compounds may be differentiated, however, since selenonic compounds liberate iodine from HI, while sulphonic compounds do not. Also by automated ion-exchange chromatography seleninic derivatives are well separated from the analogous sulphinic compounds, while selenonic compounds are eluted together with the corresponding sulphonic compounds.", "contents": "Chromatographic separation of selenohypotaurine, selenotaurine, selenohomohypotaurine and selenohomotaurine. By either paper or ion-exchange chromatography the two seleninic compounds selenohypotaurine and selenohomohypotaurine, and the two selenonic compounds selenotaurine and selenohomotaurine may be all separated from each other. On paper chromatography seleninic derivatives may be separated from the corresponding sulphinic compounds, while selenonic compounds show RF values similar to those of the corresponding sulphonic derivatives. These two latter types of compounds may be differentiated, however, since selenonic compounds liberate iodine from HI, while sulphonic compounds do not. Also by automated ion-exchange chromatography seleninic derivatives are well separated from the analogous sulphinic compounds, while selenonic compounds are eluted together with the corresponding sulphonic compounds.", "PMID": 1002796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9221", "title": "Identification and determination of phthalate esters in river water by high-performance liquid chromatography.", "content": "The use of three separation modes (normal and reversed-phase adsorption chromatography and gel chromatography) with an ultraviolet absorption detector of variable wavelength provides the basis for a very sensitive method for the determination of phthalate esters in river water. Phthalates in river water were extracted with n-hexane and the extract was injected into three chromatographic systems [porous polymer beads-n-hexane (at 224 nm); porous polymer beads-methanol (at 224 nm); and polystyrene GPC gel-chloroform (at 243 nm)] without any pre-treatment such as clean-up concentration. Average concentrations of approximately 45 ppb of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and 10 ppb of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DOP) were found in a given river water. Phthalate concentrations as low as 2 ppb could be determined. The limit of determination could be lowered by the use of concentration process. The absolute detection limit was 2 ng of DOP at 224 nm.", "contents": "Identification and determination of phthalate esters in river water by high-performance liquid chromatography. The use of three separation modes (normal and reversed-phase adsorption chromatography and gel chromatography) with an ultraviolet absorption detector of variable wavelength provides the basis for a very sensitive method for the determination of phthalate esters in river water. Phthalates in river water were extracted with n-hexane and the extract was injected into three chromatographic systems [porous polymer beads-n-hexane (at 224 nm); porous polymer beads-methanol (at 224 nm); and polystyrene GPC gel-chloroform (at 243 nm)] without any pre-treatment such as clean-up concentration. Average concentrations of approximately 45 ppb of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and 10 ppb of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DOP) were found in a given river water. Phthalate concentrations as low as 2 ppb could be determined. The limit of determination could be lowered by the use of concentration process. The absolute detection limit was 2 ng of DOP at 224 nm.", "PMID": 1002807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9222", "title": "Separation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by liquid chromatography on cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone.", "content": "Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be separated by liquid chromatography on cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stationary phase using a polar solvent as eluent. The order of elution is determined primarily by the number of condensed aromatic rings Efficient separations were obtained with a column packed with 63-90 mum particles of PVP and isopropanol as eluent. Capacity factors (k') ranged from 0.3-10 for PAHS having from one to five aromatic rings, and theoretical plate heights were between 0.3 and 0.5 mm. This technique is being used to assist in the characterization of products from coal liquifaction processes.", "contents": "Separation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by liquid chromatography on cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be separated by liquid chromatography on cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stationary phase using a polar solvent as eluent. The order of elution is determined primarily by the number of condensed aromatic rings Efficient separations were obtained with a column packed with 63-90 mum particles of PVP and isopropanol as eluent. Capacity factors (k') ranged from 0.3-10 for PAHS having from one to five aromatic rings, and theoretical plate heights were between 0.3 and 0.5 mm. This technique is being used to assist in the characterization of products from coal liquifaction processes.", "PMID": 1002808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9223", "title": "Determination of beta-cetotetrine in plasma and urine using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.", "content": "A sensitive and specific method for the determination of beta-cetotetrine in biological fluids has been developed using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer electrochemical detection. The limit of detection for beta-cetotetrine was less than 0.25 pmoles, or approx. 100 pg injected on-column. beta-Cetotetrin could be analyzed in plasma at concentrations of 25ng/ml. Linear responses were observed up to 2.5 mug/ml, and the relative standard deviation of the procedure was +/-5%. The method was also employed for the determination of similar levels of beta-cetotetrine in urine.", "contents": "Determination of beta-cetotetrine in plasma and urine using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. A sensitive and specific method for the determination of beta-cetotetrine in biological fluids has been developed using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer electrochemical detection. The limit of detection for beta-cetotetrine was less than 0.25 pmoles, or approx. 100 pg injected on-column. beta-Cetotetrin could be analyzed in plasma at concentrations of 25ng/ml. Linear responses were observed up to 2.5 mug/ml, and the relative standard deviation of the procedure was +/-5%. The method was also employed for the determination of similar levels of beta-cetotetrine in urine.", "PMID": 1002809} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9224", "title": "Separation of chloramphenicol intermediates by high-performance liquid chromatography on micropak-NH2 columns.", "content": "A column containing a chemically bonded phase, MicroPak-NH2, was used to seperate six components of a chloramphenicol-intermediate mixture. Two-component eluents comprising a non-hydrogen-bonding apolar solvent (cyclohexane) and a polar hydrogen-bonding solvent (dioxan, tetrahydrofuran or isopropanol) were tested. A correlation was found to exist between the values of the capacity factor (k') and the Hildebrand parameter (delta). Three-component eluents comprising cyclohexane and one of the binary mixtures dioxan-isopropanol or tetrahydrofuran-isopropanol were also studied. Optimum separation conditions with respect to analysis time, degree of resolution and detection limit were established. The system was successfully used to analyse production samples.", "contents": "Separation of chloramphenicol intermediates by high-performance liquid chromatography on micropak-NH2 columns. A column containing a chemically bonded phase, MicroPak-NH2, was used to seperate six components of a chloramphenicol-intermediate mixture. Two-component eluents comprising a non-hydrogen-bonding apolar solvent (cyclohexane) and a polar hydrogen-bonding solvent (dioxan, tetrahydrofuran or isopropanol) were tested. A correlation was found to exist between the values of the capacity factor (k') and the Hildebrand parameter (delta). Three-component eluents comprising cyclohexane and one of the binary mixtures dioxan-isopropanol or tetrahydrofuran-isopropanol were also studied. Optimum separation conditions with respect to analysis time, degree of resolution and detection limit were established. The system was successfully used to analyse production samples.", "PMID": 1002810} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9225", "title": "Fractionation of of proteolytic enzymes by affinity chromatography on sepharose aminocaproyl proflavin.", "content": "The serine proteinases trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase, and acrosin bind to the proflavin resin, the sulfhydryl proteinases ficin, bromelain, and papain are retarded by the resin, whereas most proteins and enzymes tested are not bound. Elution of the bound activities is accomplished NaCl or by variation from the pH optimum of the enzyme. Commercially available enzymes that are bound or retarded are easily further purified by the column. The acrosin activity of sperm acrosomal extracts is separated into bound and unbound activities. Acrosin is purified 120-fold from sperm acrosomal extracts in a single step, yielding a specific activity of 96.", "contents": "Fractionation of of proteolytic enzymes by affinity chromatography on sepharose aminocaproyl proflavin. The serine proteinases trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase, and acrosin bind to the proflavin resin, the sulfhydryl proteinases ficin, bromelain, and papain are retarded by the resin, whereas most proteins and enzymes tested are not bound. Elution of the bound activities is accomplished NaCl or by variation from the pH optimum of the enzyme. Commercially available enzymes that are bound or retarded are easily further purified by the column. The acrosin activity of sperm acrosomal extracts is separated into bound and unbound activities. Acrosin is purified 120-fold from sperm acrosomal extracts in a single step, yielding a specific activity of 96.", "PMID": 1002811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9226", "title": "Changes of circulating thyroxine, triiodothyronine and reverse triiodothyronine after radiographic contrast agents.", "content": "Thyroid function was studied for 42 days in 58 patients, 28 of whome had euthyroid goiter, after urography (diatrizoic acid), cholangiography (ioglycamic acid), and cholecystography (Naiopanoate). After urography and cholangiography short-lived increases of the serum thyroxine occurred in a few patients, but the mean thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentration did not change. By contrast, 7 days after oral cholecystography serum thyroxine had risen consistently by 22% with a concomittant rise of the free thyroxine, while triiodothyronine declined by 15%. The thyroxine metabolite 3,3',5'-triiodo-1-thyronine (reverse T3) rose by 50% and serum thyrotropin concentration doubled. After 42 days thryoxine and triiodothyronine had returned to baseline, and none of the 58 patients developed clinical hyperthyroidism. In patients with severe myxoedema kept on a constant replacement dose with 1-thyroxine NA-iopanoate produced similar changes with the exception of the rise of the serum thyroxine. The primary event after Na-iopanoate seems to be a fall of the serum triiodothyronine, which in turn augments thyrotropin and indirectly thyroxine secretion. the marked and sometimes sustained rose of serum thyroxine after cholecystography may lead to the erroneous diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.", "contents": "Changes of circulating thyroxine, triiodothyronine and reverse triiodothyronine after radiographic contrast agents. Thyroid function was studied for 42 days in 58 patients, 28 of whome had euthyroid goiter, after urography (diatrizoic acid), cholangiography (ioglycamic acid), and cholecystography (Naiopanoate). After urography and cholangiography short-lived increases of the serum thyroxine occurred in a few patients, but the mean thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentration did not change. By contrast, 7 days after oral cholecystography serum thyroxine had risen consistently by 22% with a concomittant rise of the free thyroxine, while triiodothyronine declined by 15%. The thyroxine metabolite 3,3',5'-triiodo-1-thyronine (reverse T3) rose by 50% and serum thyrotropin concentration doubled. After 42 days thryoxine and triiodothyronine had returned to baseline, and none of the 58 patients developed clinical hyperthyroidism. In patients with severe myxoedema kept on a constant replacement dose with 1-thyroxine NA-iopanoate produced similar changes with the exception of the rise of the serum thyroxine. The primary event after Na-iopanoate seems to be a fall of the serum triiodothyronine, which in turn augments thyrotropin and indirectly thyroxine secretion. the marked and sometimes sustained rose of serum thyroxine after cholecystography may lead to the erroneous diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.", "PMID": 1002812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9227", "title": "Binding of progesterone by human uterine cytosol.", "content": "Progesterone binding by 100,000 X g cytosols of human myometria from patients undergoing hysterectomy for various reasons was assayed using equilibrium dialysis or DEAE-cellulose filtration. The estimates of high-affinity porgesterone binding obtained by both techniques showed a significant correlation. Dialysis and filtration assays with cortisol competing with [3H]progesterone for binding indicated that the specific progesterone binding by the cytosols was the result of progesterone interaction with two high-affinity constitutents. Myometrial cytosols from tissues under progestin stimulation (secretory endometrium or pregnancy) had low concentrations of progestin binders. Cytosols from uteri with atrophic endometrium showed consistently high concentrations of progestin binders and those tissues under estrogen stimulation (proliferative endometrium or hyperplasia) and variable binder concentrations. No differences were detected between grouped observtions classified into 10 clinical categories. The DEAE-cellulose filtration is an effective method for evaluating progesterone binding which uses well-established statistical techniques and requires less tissue, less time for incubations, and fewer points for reliable analysis than does equilibrium dialysis.", "contents": "Binding of progesterone by human uterine cytosol. Progesterone binding by 100,000 X g cytosols of human myometria from patients undergoing hysterectomy for various reasons was assayed using equilibrium dialysis or DEAE-cellulose filtration. The estimates of high-affinity porgesterone binding obtained by both techniques showed a significant correlation. Dialysis and filtration assays with cortisol competing with [3H]progesterone for binding indicated that the specific progesterone binding by the cytosols was the result of progesterone interaction with two high-affinity constitutents. Myometrial cytosols from tissues under progestin stimulation (secretory endometrium or pregnancy) had low concentrations of progestin binders. Cytosols from uteri with atrophic endometrium showed consistently high concentrations of progestin binders and those tissues under estrogen stimulation (proliferative endometrium or hyperplasia) and variable binder concentrations. No differences were detected between grouped observtions classified into 10 clinical categories. The DEAE-cellulose filtration is an effective method for evaluating progesterone binding which uses well-established statistical techniques and requires less tissue, less time for incubations, and fewer points for reliable analysis than does equilibrium dialysis.", "PMID": 1002813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9228", "title": "The effects of diethylstilbestrol and medroxyprogesterone acetate on kinetics and production of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in patients with prostatic carcinoma.", "content": "Alterations in the metabolism of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induced by diethylstilbestrol (DES) or medroxprogesterone acetate (MPA) could account for the beneficial therapeutic effect of these agents in prostatic carcinoma. To investigate this possibility we sutdied plasma kinetics of T and DHT in 17 elderly patients with prostatic carcinoma, before and after treatment with DES (1 or 5 mg/d) or MPA (10 or 30 mg/d) for 30 days. Metabolic clearance rates (MCR) were determined with the single injection technique and by use of two compartment model, plasma concentrations (PC) of T and DHT by radioimmunoassay, the per cent of T bound to plasma protein (T-binding) by charcoal adsorption of the unbound steroid. Production rate (PR) and PC of T were lower, PR and PC of DHT were higher in our patients than in normal men. With both DES regimens, PR, PC and MCR of either androgen declined; however, T was suppressed to a much greater extent than DHT. In either instance, the decrease may have been caused by direct suppression of testicular androgen synthesis and/or by decreased gonadotropin stimulation. Enhanced T-binding played an additional role in reducing the free testosterone index. High and low dose of DES were equally effective. The low dose regimen of MPA did not influence androgen metabolism. MPA in the higher dose suppressed PR and PC of T and DHT, possibly due to effects on testicular synthesis or by gonadotropin suppression as suggested for DES. In contrast to DES, MPA failed to cause profound changes in MCR of either androgen or in T-binding. When judged by its influence on the metabolism of T and DHT in prostatic carcinoma, MPA in higher doses is much less effective than either dose regimen of DES.", "contents": "The effects of diethylstilbestrol and medroxyprogesterone acetate on kinetics and production of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in patients with prostatic carcinoma. Alterations in the metabolism of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induced by diethylstilbestrol (DES) or medroxprogesterone acetate (MPA) could account for the beneficial therapeutic effect of these agents in prostatic carcinoma. To investigate this possibility we sutdied plasma kinetics of T and DHT in 17 elderly patients with prostatic carcinoma, before and after treatment with DES (1 or 5 mg/d) or MPA (10 or 30 mg/d) for 30 days. Metabolic clearance rates (MCR) were determined with the single injection technique and by use of two compartment model, plasma concentrations (PC) of T and DHT by radioimmunoassay, the per cent of T bound to plasma protein (T-binding) by charcoal adsorption of the unbound steroid. Production rate (PR) and PC of T were lower, PR and PC of DHT were higher in our patients than in normal men. With both DES regimens, PR, PC and MCR of either androgen declined; however, T was suppressed to a much greater extent than DHT. In either instance, the decrease may have been caused by direct suppression of testicular androgen synthesis and/or by decreased gonadotropin stimulation. Enhanced T-binding played an additional role in reducing the free testosterone index. High and low dose of DES were equally effective. The low dose regimen of MPA did not influence androgen metabolism. MPA in the higher dose suppressed PR and PC of T and DHT, possibly due to effects on testicular synthesis or by gonadotropin suppression as suggested for DES. In contrast to DES, MPA failed to cause profound changes in MCR of either androgen or in T-binding. When judged by its influence on the metabolism of T and DHT in prostatic carcinoma, MPA in higher doses is much less effective than either dose regimen of DES.", "PMID": 1002814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9229", "title": "Cerebrospinal fluid prolactin: a reflection of abnormal prolactin secretion in patients with pituitary tumors.", "content": "Cerebrospinal fluid prolactin levels were determined in 33 patients with pituitary disease, 3 pregnant women at term and 30 control subjects. Prolactin which was immunologically similar to the human prolactin standard was detected by radioimmunoassay in the CSF of most of these subjects. Elevated serum and CSF PRL concentrations were found in three pregnant subjects and in twelve patients with putuitary tumors. Ten patients with pituitary tumors had serum PRL concentrations greater than their corresponding CSF PRL levels. A significant correlation was noted between the elevated serum and CSF prolactin levels in the twelve hyperprolactinemic patients which suggested that the CSF prolactin concentration was influenced by the serum PRL level. Two patients with pituitary tumor however, had CSF prolactin concentrations higher than their serum levels, which suggested that direct secretion of prolactin from the tumor to the CSF can also occur. Three patients with chromophobe adenomas had normal serum PRL concentrations and elevated CSF prolactin levels which differentiated them from fifteen patients with the primary empty sella syndrome who had normal serum and CSF prolactin levels. The finding of normal CSF prolactin levels in the primary empty sella patients argues against the postulate that the diaphragma sellae significantly influences CSF pituitary peptide concentrations.", "contents": "Cerebrospinal fluid prolactin: a reflection of abnormal prolactin secretion in patients with pituitary tumors. Cerebrospinal fluid prolactin levels were determined in 33 patients with pituitary disease, 3 pregnant women at term and 30 control subjects. Prolactin which was immunologically similar to the human prolactin standard was detected by radioimmunoassay in the CSF of most of these subjects. Elevated serum and CSF PRL concentrations were found in three pregnant subjects and in twelve patients with putuitary tumors. Ten patients with pituitary tumors had serum PRL concentrations greater than their corresponding CSF PRL levels. A significant correlation was noted between the elevated serum and CSF prolactin levels in the twelve hyperprolactinemic patients which suggested that the CSF prolactin concentration was influenced by the serum PRL level. Two patients with pituitary tumor however, had CSF prolactin concentrations higher than their serum levels, which suggested that direct secretion of prolactin from the tumor to the CSF can also occur. Three patients with chromophobe adenomas had normal serum PRL concentrations and elevated CSF prolactin levels which differentiated them from fifteen patients with the primary empty sella syndrome who had normal serum and CSF prolactin levels. The finding of normal CSF prolactin levels in the primary empty sella patients argues against the postulate that the diaphragma sellae significantly influences CSF pituitary peptide concentrations.", "PMID": 1002815} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9230", "title": "The circadian rhythm of renin.", "content": "The circadian rhythm of plasma renin activity during continuous recumbency was determined fifty-one times in thirty subjects who either slept at night or remained awake for 24 h. Both groups had maximum values between 2400 and 0800 h, despite absence of the expected early morning fall in blood pressure, pulse, and glomerular filtration rate in the awake subjects. Infusion of normal saline between 2300 and 0300 h initially suppressed renin, but did not prevent its subsequent rise regardless of the amount of sodium appearing in the urine. Of thirteen patients tested two to five times, twelve had recurrence of the zenith within a single 4 h period on retesting, despite differences in sodium intake, basal blood pressure, and mean plasma renin activity. Peaks of lesser magnitude were also frequently noted, most commonly at 1000 h and 1800-2000 h. Minimum PRA values were not restricted to a particular time of day and did not generally recur at the same time upon retesting. The mean ratio of maximum to minimum PRA in each study was 246% +/- 18.3% (+/- 1 SEM). The circadian rhythm of renin appears to be independent of known renal mechanisms responsible for regulating renin release. It is possible that this rhythm is controlled by the central nervous system.", "contents": "The circadian rhythm of renin. The circadian rhythm of plasma renin activity during continuous recumbency was determined fifty-one times in thirty subjects who either slept at night or remained awake for 24 h. Both groups had maximum values between 2400 and 0800 h, despite absence of the expected early morning fall in blood pressure, pulse, and glomerular filtration rate in the awake subjects. Infusion of normal saline between 2300 and 0300 h initially suppressed renin, but did not prevent its subsequent rise regardless of the amount of sodium appearing in the urine. Of thirteen patients tested two to five times, twelve had recurrence of the zenith within a single 4 h period on retesting, despite differences in sodium intake, basal blood pressure, and mean plasma renin activity. Peaks of lesser magnitude were also frequently noted, most commonly at 1000 h and 1800-2000 h. Minimum PRA values were not restricted to a particular time of day and did not generally recur at the same time upon retesting. The mean ratio of maximum to minimum PRA in each study was 246% +/- 18.3% (+/- 1 SEM). The circadian rhythm of renin appears to be independent of known renal mechanisms responsible for regulating renin release. It is possible that this rhythm is controlled by the central nervous system.", "PMID": 1002816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9231", "title": "Studies on phenolic studies in human subjects. XX. In vivo conjugation and metabolism of estradiol-17beta in the human kidney.", "content": "Labeled estradiol-17beta (E2) was injected into one of the renal arteries of two human subjects. At the same time, an equimolar amount of differently labeled E2 was injected into a peripheral vein. The urinary metabolites were analyzed by DEAE-Sephadex A-25 column chromatography, countercurrent distribution (CCD) and enzyme hydrolyses. Identification was made by statistical analysis of data from CCD, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and co-crystallization upon admixture with authentic compounds. The major urinary metabolites were E2-17glucosiduronate (E2-17G), E2-3G and estriol-16G (E3-16G). The E2-17G was excreted immediately following injection of 14C-E2 into the renal artery of subject no. 1, at a rate which decreased gradually with time; whereas 3H-E2-17G did not appear in the urine until 5 min after injection of 3H-E2 into a peripheral vein. The excretion of 14C-E2-17G was very prominent as opposed to that of 3H-E2-17G; however, the excretion of both 14C- and 3H-E2-17G terminated within 30 min. 14C-E2-3G was excreted immediately following injection, whereas 3H-E2-3G did not appear until 5 min after the injection. Also, the excretion of 14C-E2-3G was more prominent as opposed to that of 3H-E2-3G. The excretion of these compounds was rapid in the initial 15 min after injection and then continued slowly for 1 h. On the other hand, 14C- and 3H-E2-16G appeared at 30 min after injection and the 3H/14C ratio was almost the same as that of the injected compounds. When subject no.2 was injected with the labeles reversed, the results were very similar to those described above. The results indicate that E2 is conjugated directly in the human kidney to form the 17G and 3G and excreted into the urine, whereas the conversion of E2 to E3 occurs systematically rather than in the kidney. In contrast of E3, the kidney appears to play a minor role (no more than 10% of the total E2 is involved) in the conjugation and/or metabolism of E2 in the human.", "contents": "Studies on phenolic studies in human subjects. XX. In vivo conjugation and metabolism of estradiol-17beta in the human kidney. Labeled estradiol-17beta (E2) was injected into one of the renal arteries of two human subjects. At the same time, an equimolar amount of differently labeled E2 was injected into a peripheral vein. The urinary metabolites were analyzed by DEAE-Sephadex A-25 column chromatography, countercurrent distribution (CCD) and enzyme hydrolyses. Identification was made by statistical analysis of data from CCD, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and co-crystallization upon admixture with authentic compounds. The major urinary metabolites were E2-17glucosiduronate (E2-17G), E2-3G and estriol-16G (E3-16G). The E2-17G was excreted immediately following injection of 14C-E2 into the renal artery of subject no. 1, at a rate which decreased gradually with time; whereas 3H-E2-17G did not appear in the urine until 5 min after injection of 3H-E2 into a peripheral vein. The excretion of 14C-E2-17G was very prominent as opposed to that of 3H-E2-17G; however, the excretion of both 14C- and 3H-E2-17G terminated within 30 min. 14C-E2-3G was excreted immediately following injection, whereas 3H-E2-3G did not appear until 5 min after the injection. Also, the excretion of 14C-E2-3G was more prominent as opposed to that of 3H-E2-3G. The excretion of these compounds was rapid in the initial 15 min after injection and then continued slowly for 1 h. On the other hand, 14C- and 3H-E2-16G appeared at 30 min after injection and the 3H/14C ratio was almost the same as that of the injected compounds. When subject no.2 was injected with the labeles reversed, the results were very similar to those described above. The results indicate that E2 is conjugated directly in the human kidney to form the 17G and 3G and excreted into the urine, whereas the conversion of E2 to E3 occurs systematically rather than in the kidney. In contrast of E3, the kidney appears to play a minor role (no more than 10% of the total E2 is involved) in the conjugation and/or metabolism of E2 in the human.", "PMID": 1002817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9232", "title": "Plasma prostaglandin E in patients with cancer with and without hypercalcemia.", "content": "Circulating levels of immunoreactive (i) PGE, calcium and parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were examined in 21 patients with neoplasia and 3 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Plasma iPGE was elevated in 4 of 11 hypercalcemic cancer patients; all extracts of liver metastases obtained from 3 of these 4 patients had elevated iPGE levels (metastases = 19.43 +/- 3.43, n = 11; normal liver = 2.04 +/- 0.23; ng/g tissue, x +/- SE, P less than .001). In contrast, only one of 10 normocalcemic cancer patients and none of 3 hyperparathyroid patients had elevated plasma iPGE. There were no apparent relationships between the presence of metastases and either hypercalcemia or elevations of plasma iPGE. Serum iPTH levels were undetectable or below the mean of the normal range in 19 of 21 cancer patients; only the three hyperparathyroid patients had elevated levels. Seven hypercalcemic patients were treated with indomethacin; plasma iPGE decreased in 6 (-34 +/- 10% decrement, n = 6, P less than .01). Decreases in serum calcium occurred only in those patients (2 of 6) who had abnormally elevated plasma iPGE prior to the therapy. It is concluded that plasma iPGE elevations are found in some cancer patients, especially those with hypercalcemia, and that this marker may identify those patients who will respond to indomethacin treatment.", "contents": "Plasma prostaglandin E in patients with cancer with and without hypercalcemia. Circulating levels of immunoreactive (i) PGE, calcium and parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were examined in 21 patients with neoplasia and 3 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Plasma iPGE was elevated in 4 of 11 hypercalcemic cancer patients; all extracts of liver metastases obtained from 3 of these 4 patients had elevated iPGE levels (metastases = 19.43 +/- 3.43, n = 11; normal liver = 2.04 +/- 0.23; ng/g tissue, x +/- SE, P less than .001). In contrast, only one of 10 normocalcemic cancer patients and none of 3 hyperparathyroid patients had elevated plasma iPGE. There were no apparent relationships between the presence of metastases and either hypercalcemia or elevations of plasma iPGE. Serum iPTH levels were undetectable or below the mean of the normal range in 19 of 21 cancer patients; only the three hyperparathyroid patients had elevated levels. Seven hypercalcemic patients were treated with indomethacin; plasma iPGE decreased in 6 (-34 +/- 10% decrement, n = 6, P less than .01). Decreases in serum calcium occurred only in those patients (2 of 6) who had abnormally elevated plasma iPGE prior to the therapy. It is concluded that plasma iPGE elevations are found in some cancer patients, especially those with hypercalcemia, and that this marker may identify those patients who will respond to indomethacin treatment.", "PMID": 1002818} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9233", "title": "Regulation of renin release by calcium and ammonium ions in normal man.", "content": "The effect of infusing calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sodium lactate, and ammonium chloride on renin secretion was compared to equimolar infusions of hypotonic and normal saline in sodium-deplete normal subjects. The infusion of 75 mEq of ammonium chloride for 60 min in 6 normal, sodium-deplete subjects suppressed plasma renin activity significantly (P less than 0.01) from 4.4 +/- 0.8 to 2.1 +/- 0.2 ng/ml/h, an effect comparable to that produced by normal saline. Sodium lactate (75 mEq sodium/hr) also significantly reduced renin levels at 20-30 min (P less than 0.01). The infusion of 1/3 normal saline (25 mEq sodium/h for 2 h) produced a significant reduction (P less than 0.01) in plasma renin activity (from control levels of 5.2 +/- 0.8 to 3.1 +/- 0.6 ng/ml/h at 90 min). On the other hand, comparable infusions of 50 mEq of magnesium sulfate over 2 h had no effect on renin release (4.6 +/- 0.8 to 4.6 +/- 0.9 ng/ml/h at 2 h), while the infusion of calcium chloride produced an intermediate reduction (5.2 +/- 1.2 to 3.7 +/- 0.8 ng/ml/h at 2 h (P less than 0.05). The observed effects of the hydrogen and calcium ions on suppressing renin release may be secondary to their known actions on renal sodium excretion. Since the infusions of calcium and hydrogen ions both result in an increased delivery of sodium to the distal segment of the nephron, the results may reflect the regulation of renin by the macula densa, a sensitive intrarenal sensor of renal tubular sodium.", "contents": "Regulation of renin release by calcium and ammonium ions in normal man. The effect of infusing calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sodium lactate, and ammonium chloride on renin secretion was compared to equimolar infusions of hypotonic and normal saline in sodium-deplete normal subjects. The infusion of 75 mEq of ammonium chloride for 60 min in 6 normal, sodium-deplete subjects suppressed plasma renin activity significantly (P less than 0.01) from 4.4 +/- 0.8 to 2.1 +/- 0.2 ng/ml/h, an effect comparable to that produced by normal saline. Sodium lactate (75 mEq sodium/hr) also significantly reduced renin levels at 20-30 min (P less than 0.01). The infusion of 1/3 normal saline (25 mEq sodium/h for 2 h) produced a significant reduction (P less than 0.01) in plasma renin activity (from control levels of 5.2 +/- 0.8 to 3.1 +/- 0.6 ng/ml/h at 90 min). On the other hand, comparable infusions of 50 mEq of magnesium sulfate over 2 h had no effect on renin release (4.6 +/- 0.8 to 4.6 +/- 0.9 ng/ml/h at 2 h), while the infusion of calcium chloride produced an intermediate reduction (5.2 +/- 1.2 to 3.7 +/- 0.8 ng/ml/h at 2 h (P less than 0.05). The observed effects of the hydrogen and calcium ions on suppressing renin release may be secondary to their known actions on renal sodium excretion. Since the infusions of calcium and hydrogen ions both result in an increased delivery of sodium to the distal segment of the nephron, the results may reflect the regulation of renin by the macula densa, a sensitive intrarenal sensor of renal tubular sodium.", "PMID": 1002819} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9234", "title": "Restoration of plasma testosterone levels in uremic men with clomiphene citrate.", "content": "Five men with chronic renal failure and symptoms suggestive to androgen deficiency were treated with clomiphene citrate (Clomid) at a dose of 100 mg/day for a period of 5 to 12 months. The treatment resulted uniformly in increased libido, sexual potency, and a general sense of well-being. Circulating testosterone rose from mean basal value of 223 +/- 164 to 879 +/- 171 ng/dl (SD), representing a mean increment of 290%. Mean serum lutenizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) values before treatment were 76 +/- 40 and 143 +/- 85 ng/ml (SD). During treatment, both LH and FSH increased dramatically to 518 +/- 302 and 787 +/- 291 ng/ml (SD), respectively. Both serum gonadotropin values are expressed as ng/ml of LER 907. The effect of clomiphene on spermatogenesis in these subjects was inconclusive as either improvement or deterioration occured. In these five patients, serum prolactin was not related in any way to testicular function as its values were consistently in the normal range throughout the entire study period. Serum total estrogen, however, was elevated in all; the significance of this high circulating estrogen in relation to gonadal dysfunction in uremia is not clear at the present time. However, we found that normalization of circulating androgen was beneficial to our patients and that long-term clomiphene treatment achieved this goal by increasing pituitary gonadotropin secretion and secondarily stimulating testicular hormonogenesis.", "contents": "Restoration of plasma testosterone levels in uremic men with clomiphene citrate. Five men with chronic renal failure and symptoms suggestive to androgen deficiency were treated with clomiphene citrate (Clomid) at a dose of 100 mg/day for a period of 5 to 12 months. The treatment resulted uniformly in increased libido, sexual potency, and a general sense of well-being. Circulating testosterone rose from mean basal value of 223 +/- 164 to 879 +/- 171 ng/dl (SD), representing a mean increment of 290%. Mean serum lutenizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) values before treatment were 76 +/- 40 and 143 +/- 85 ng/ml (SD). During treatment, both LH and FSH increased dramatically to 518 +/- 302 and 787 +/- 291 ng/ml (SD), respectively. Both serum gonadotropin values are expressed as ng/ml of LER 907. The effect of clomiphene on spermatogenesis in these subjects was inconclusive as either improvement or deterioration occured. In these five patients, serum prolactin was not related in any way to testicular function as its values were consistently in the normal range throughout the entire study period. Serum total estrogen, however, was elevated in all; the significance of this high circulating estrogen in relation to gonadal dysfunction in uremia is not clear at the present time. However, we found that normalization of circulating androgen was beneficial to our patients and that long-term clomiphene treatment achieved this goal by increasing pituitary gonadotropin secretion and secondarily stimulating testicular hormonogenesis.", "PMID": 1002820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9235", "title": "Growth hormone and prolactin release in acromegalic patients following metergoline administration.", "content": "In six acromegalite patients oral administration of 4 mg of metergoline, an antiserotonin agent, produced a fall in plasma growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) concentrations. In the same patients this inhibitory effect was observed after administration of dopaminergic drugs, L-Dopa and 2-Br-alpha-ergocryptine. Both GH and PRL levels remained suppressed during a 6 day course of treatmnt with metergoline. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the inhibitory effect of netergoline on GH and PRL release is determined by inactivation of serotonin receptors in the hypothalamus or at the pituitary.", "contents": "Growth hormone and prolactin release in acromegalic patients following metergoline administration. In six acromegalite patients oral administration of 4 mg of metergoline, an antiserotonin agent, produced a fall in plasma growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) concentrations. In the same patients this inhibitory effect was observed after administration of dopaminergic drugs, L-Dopa and 2-Br-alpha-ergocryptine. Both GH and PRL levels remained suppressed during a 6 day course of treatmnt with metergoline. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the inhibitory effect of netergoline on GH and PRL release is determined by inactivation of serotonin receptors in the hypothalamus or at the pituitary.", "PMID": 1002821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9236", "title": "Spironolactone stimulation of gonadotropin secretion in boys with delayed adolescence.", "content": "Spironolactone (Aldactone) acts as an antiandrogen by blocking testosterone synthesis and competing with testosterone for the androgen receptor. These properties of the mineralcorticoid antagonist were used in an attempt to interrupt the gonadal-pituitary-hypothalamic negative feedback axis and thereby stimulate LH and FSH in 7 boys with delayed puberty. Following administration of aldactone (5 mg/kg) daily for one week, there was a significant (P less than .01) mean increase in serum LH of 60%. In all 7 boys an absolute rise in LH was observed, but these changes were statistically significant in only 5 individuals. While mean FSH levels increased by 60% in this group of boys, the individual responses were variable. No rise in gonadotropin levels occurred in 2 patients with Kallmann's syndrome, who also received 5 mg/kg of spironolactone daily for 1 week. Large doses of the drug appeared necessary to stimulate gonadotropin secretion since a dose of 3 mg/kg per day did not cause LH or FSH increments in 2 additional patients with delayed puberty. Progesterone and 17alpha-hydeoxyprogesterone levels increased to a greater extent than LH and FSH in response to spironolactone, reflecting either adrenal or testicular enzyme inhibition. Spiornolactone is the first drug shown to be capable of stimulating gonadotropin secretion by interrupting negative feedback inhibition in boys with delayed puberty.", "contents": "Spironolactone stimulation of gonadotropin secretion in boys with delayed adolescence. Spironolactone (Aldactone) acts as an antiandrogen by blocking testosterone synthesis and competing with testosterone for the androgen receptor. These properties of the mineralcorticoid antagonist were used in an attempt to interrupt the gonadal-pituitary-hypothalamic negative feedback axis and thereby stimulate LH and FSH in 7 boys with delayed puberty. Following administration of aldactone (5 mg/kg) daily for one week, there was a significant (P less than .01) mean increase in serum LH of 60%. In all 7 boys an absolute rise in LH was observed, but these changes were statistically significant in only 5 individuals. While mean FSH levels increased by 60% in this group of boys, the individual responses were variable. No rise in gonadotropin levels occurred in 2 patients with Kallmann's syndrome, who also received 5 mg/kg of spironolactone daily for 1 week. Large doses of the drug appeared necessary to stimulate gonadotropin secretion since a dose of 3 mg/kg per day did not cause LH or FSH increments in 2 additional patients with delayed puberty. Progesterone and 17alpha-hydeoxyprogesterone levels increased to a greater extent than LH and FSH in response to spironolactone, reflecting either adrenal or testicular enzyme inhibition. Spiornolactone is the first drug shown to be capable of stimulating gonadotropin secretion by interrupting negative feedback inhibition in boys with delayed puberty.", "PMID": 1002822} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9237", "title": "Overnight follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) excretion in normal males.", "content": "FSH and LH in acetone precipitates of timed overnight urine collections were measured by radioimmunoassay. FSH and LH urinary excretion extrapolated to 24 h was determined in 147 boys 3-16 years and 20 normal men. FSH and LH (2nd IRP-HMG) progressively increased with age from 1.8 +/- 1.1 (FSH) and 2.1 +/- 1.2 (LH) IU/24 h for the 3-4 year age group to 8.6 +/- 3.2 (FSH) and 18.8 +/- 9.0 (LH) IU/24 h for the 15-16 year age group. FSH and LH excretion increased progressively with stage of sexual development. The integration of several hours of FSH and LH secretion and the accuracy, simplicity and convenience of collecting a single urine sample are advantages of the timed overnight urine collection which should make this technique extremely useful in the evaluation of gonadotropin function.", "contents": "Overnight follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) excretion in normal males. FSH and LH in acetone precipitates of timed overnight urine collections were measured by radioimmunoassay. FSH and LH urinary excretion extrapolated to 24 h was determined in 147 boys 3-16 years and 20 normal men. FSH and LH (2nd IRP-HMG) progressively increased with age from 1.8 +/- 1.1 (FSH) and 2.1 +/- 1.2 (LH) IU/24 h for the 3-4 year age group to 8.6 +/- 3.2 (FSH) and 18.8 +/- 9.0 (LH) IU/24 h for the 15-16 year age group. FSH and LH excretion increased progressively with stage of sexual development. The integration of several hours of FSH and LH secretion and the accuracy, simplicity and convenience of collecting a single urine sample are advantages of the timed overnight urine collection which should make this technique extremely useful in the evaluation of gonadotropin function.", "PMID": 1002823} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9238", "title": "Urinary progesterone as an index of ovulation and corpus luteal function.", "content": "Urinary excretions of progesterone (P) during normal menstrual cycle have been measured by radioimmunoassay. The excretion pattern mimics that of plasma P. Measurements of P in a single voided urine may be a reliable substitute for plasma analyses in the evaluation of ovulation and corpus luteal function.", "contents": "Urinary progesterone as an index of ovulation and corpus luteal function. Urinary excretions of progesterone (P) during normal menstrual cycle have been measured by radioimmunoassay. The excretion pattern mimics that of plasma P. Measurements of P in a single voided urine may be a reliable substitute for plasma analyses in the evaluation of ovulation and corpus luteal function.", "PMID": 1002824} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9239", "title": "Human puberty: 24-hour estradiol in pubertal girls.", "content": "Plasma luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol were measured at 20-minute intervals for 24-hours in seven pubertal premenarchal girls whose sleep was monitored polygraphically. A circadian variation in plasma estradiol was demonstrated with the highest values occurring during the day (1400-1600 hours) and lowest values during sleep, a time when gonadotropin secretion was augmented.", "contents": "Human puberty: 24-hour estradiol in pubertal girls. Plasma luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol were measured at 20-minute intervals for 24-hours in seven pubertal premenarchal girls whose sleep was monitored polygraphically. A circadian variation in plasma estradiol was demonstrated with the highest values occurring during the day (1400-1600 hours) and lowest values during sleep, a time when gonadotropin secretion was augmented.", "PMID": 1002825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9240", "title": "Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody in white and black patients with diabetes mellitus.", "content": "The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBSAg) and antibody (anti-HBS) was determined in 531 white and 519 black diabetic outpatients and in appropriate white and black control populations. There was no difference between the prevalence of either HBSAg or anti-HBS in either the white or black diabetics and that in the white and black controls. These findings make it unlikely that the vast majority of patients with diabetes mellitus have either an increased susceptibility to infection by the hepatitis B virus or an impaired ability to clear the virus once they are infected.", "contents": "Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody in white and black patients with diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBSAg) and antibody (anti-HBS) was determined in 531 white and 519 black diabetic outpatients and in appropriate white and black control populations. There was no difference between the prevalence of either HBSAg or anti-HBS in either the white or black diabetics and that in the white and black controls. These findings make it unlikely that the vast majority of patients with diabetes mellitus have either an increased susceptibility to infection by the hepatitis B virus or an impaired ability to clear the virus once they are infected.", "PMID": 1002826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9241", "title": "Quantitation of Friend spleen focus-forming virus by a nine-day 59Fe assay.", "content": "A previously described 3-day 59Fe assay for quantitation of Friend spleen focus-forming virus has been modified to produce a 200-fold more sensitive 9-day 59Fe assay. A characterization of this assay is reported here. Male BALB/c mice received intravenous injections of appropriately diluted Friend polycythemia virus (FVP); control mice received virus diluent. All mice were allowed food and water ad libitum for 6 days, and on day 6 after virus injection were fasted by removal of food but not water. On day 3 of the fast (the 9th day after virus injection) each mouse received an intraperitoneal injection of 1 muCi of 59Fe. Six hours later the mice were sacrificed and the splenic radioactivity was determined. The percent splenic incorporation of 59Fe was directly related to the logarithm of spleen focus-forming units (SFFU) of FVP injected in a range of approximately 25 to 1,000 SFFU. Using a standard FVP preparation in a dose range of 25 to 1,000 SFFU, it was possible to determine the SFFU titers of unknown samples by extrapolation of the percent splenic 59Fe incorporation to the logarithm of SFFU. SFFU titers obtained by the 9-day 59Fe assay were similar to those obtained by the enumerative-response assay. Advantages of the 9-day 59Fe assay over the enumerative-response assay include a 50-fold greater virus dose range, an easier and a more objective counting procedure, and a reduced coefficient of variation.", "contents": "Quantitation of Friend spleen focus-forming virus by a nine-day 59Fe assay. A previously described 3-day 59Fe assay for quantitation of Friend spleen focus-forming virus has been modified to produce a 200-fold more sensitive 9-day 59Fe assay. A characterization of this assay is reported here. Male BALB/c mice received intravenous injections of appropriately diluted Friend polycythemia virus (FVP); control mice received virus diluent. All mice were allowed food and water ad libitum for 6 days, and on day 6 after virus injection were fasted by removal of food but not water. On day 3 of the fast (the 9th day after virus injection) each mouse received an intraperitoneal injection of 1 muCi of 59Fe. Six hours later the mice were sacrificed and the splenic radioactivity was determined. The percent splenic incorporation of 59Fe was directly related to the logarithm of spleen focus-forming units (SFFU) of FVP injected in a range of approximately 25 to 1,000 SFFU. Using a standard FVP preparation in a dose range of 25 to 1,000 SFFU, it was possible to determine the SFFU titers of unknown samples by extrapolation of the percent splenic 59Fe incorporation to the logarithm of SFFU. SFFU titers obtained by the 9-day 59Fe assay were similar to those obtained by the enumerative-response assay. Advantages of the 9-day 59Fe assay over the enumerative-response assay include a 50-fold greater virus dose range, an easier and a more objective counting procedure, and a reduced coefficient of variation.", "PMID": 1002827} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9242", "title": "Cellular fatty acids and metabolic products of Pseudomonas species obtained from clinical specimens.", "content": "The cellular fatty acid composition of 112 reference strains and clinical isolates of Pseudomonas species was determined by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The presence and relative amounts of cyclopropane, hydroxy, and branched-chain fatty acids were distinguishing features of these strains. Determination of short-chain fatty acids extracted from spent growth media provided an additional means for identifying some strains. Our results show that clinical isolates of pseudomonads can be divided into eight distinct GLC groups. The procedures were especially useful for distinguishing glucose-nonoxidizing pseudomonads, which are difficult to identify by conventional criteria. Since the GLC procedures are simple, rapid, and highly reproducible, they are useful in diagnostic laboratories that process large numbers of cultures. Coupled with selected conventional tests, the analysis of short-chain and cellular fatty acids can be very useful for rapid screening of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas species.", "contents": "Cellular fatty acids and metabolic products of Pseudomonas species obtained from clinical specimens. The cellular fatty acid composition of 112 reference strains and clinical isolates of Pseudomonas species was determined by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The presence and relative amounts of cyclopropane, hydroxy, and branched-chain fatty acids were distinguishing features of these strains. Determination of short-chain fatty acids extracted from spent growth media provided an additional means for identifying some strains. Our results show that clinical isolates of pseudomonads can be divided into eight distinct GLC groups. The procedures were especially useful for distinguishing glucose-nonoxidizing pseudomonads, which are difficult to identify by conventional criteria. Since the GLC procedures are simple, rapid, and highly reproducible, they are useful in diagnostic laboratories that process large numbers of cultures. Coupled with selected conventional tests, the analysis of short-chain and cellular fatty acids can be very useful for rapid screening of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas species.", "PMID": 1002828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9243", "title": "Serum dilution neutralization test for California group virus identification and serology.", "content": "The serum dilution neutralization test was evaluated for serological diagnosis of California group arbovirus infections and identification of virus isolates. The technical advantages and the degree of subtype specificity of the serum dilution neutralization test over the hemagglutination inhibition test and the complement fixation test were demonstrated with paired specimens from human cases, single human survey sera, and sentinel rabbit sera. Twenty-one virus isolates from various geographical areas of the United States were also used to evaluate the efficacy of the serum dilution neutralization test for specific virus identification.", "contents": "Serum dilution neutralization test for California group virus identification and serology. The serum dilution neutralization test was evaluated for serological diagnosis of California group arbovirus infections and identification of virus isolates. The technical advantages and the degree of subtype specificity of the serum dilution neutralization test over the hemagglutination inhibition test and the complement fixation test were demonstrated with paired specimens from human cases, single human survey sera, and sentinel rabbit sera. Twenty-one virus isolates from various geographical areas of the United States were also used to evaluate the efficacy of the serum dilution neutralization test for specific virus identification.", "PMID": 1002829} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9244", "title": "Long-chain fatty acids of peptococci and peptostreptococci.", "content": "The long-chain fatty acids extracted from the whole cells of 12 clinically significant species of peptococci and peptostreptococci were characterized by gas-liquid chromatography. The resulting methylated fatty acid profiles (and some unidentified compounds) of 82 strains allowed the 12 species to be separated into four groups. Fifteen strains of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius were placed in group I because they had a unique, prominent compound that occurred in the area where a C8 to C10 fatty acid would be expected. Group II, consisting of Peptostreptococcus intermedius, Peptostreptococcus micros, Peptostreptococcus parvulus, Peptococcus morbillorum, and Peptococcus constellatus, produced C14, C16:1, C18:1, and C18 fatty acids. Peptococcus prevotii, Peptococcus variabilus, Peptococcus magnus, Peptococcus asaccharolyticus, and Peptostreptococcus productus were placed in group III because they contained three to six additional, unidentified compounds that strikingly differentiated them from group II. Peptococcus saccharolyticus was the single species assigned to group IV because it yielded C14, C16, C18:1, C18, and C20 fatty acids and a prominent unidentified peak that occurred between C14 and C16 fatty acids. This study indicated that cellular long-chain fatty acids may be an important tool in clarifying the taxonomy of the peptococci and peptostreptococci.", "contents": "Long-chain fatty acids of peptococci and peptostreptococci. The long-chain fatty acids extracted from the whole cells of 12 clinically significant species of peptococci and peptostreptococci were characterized by gas-liquid chromatography. The resulting methylated fatty acid profiles (and some unidentified compounds) of 82 strains allowed the 12 species to be separated into four groups. Fifteen strains of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius were placed in group I because they had a unique, prominent compound that occurred in the area where a C8 to C10 fatty acid would be expected. Group II, consisting of Peptostreptococcus intermedius, Peptostreptococcus micros, Peptostreptococcus parvulus, Peptococcus morbillorum, and Peptococcus constellatus, produced C14, C16:1, C18:1, and C18 fatty acids. Peptococcus prevotii, Peptococcus variabilus, Peptococcus magnus, Peptococcus asaccharolyticus, and Peptostreptococcus productus were placed in group III because they contained three to six additional, unidentified compounds that strikingly differentiated them from group II. Peptococcus saccharolyticus was the single species assigned to group IV because it yielded C14, C16, C18:1, C18, and C20 fatty acids and a prominent unidentified peak that occurred between C14 and C16 fatty acids. This study indicated that cellular long-chain fatty acids may be an important tool in clarifying the taxonomy of the peptococci and peptostreptococci.", "PMID": 1002830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9245", "title": "Abnormal responses to rubella infection.", "content": "Two cases of rubella are described which caused initial problems in laboratory diagnosis due to abnormal features in the immune response. One patient presented with thrombocytopenic purpura and associated circulating immune complexes. The other patient, who was in early pregnancy, had an unusually prolonged rash and a delayed humoral immune response. The possible reasons for the difficulties in serological confirmation are discussed.", "contents": "Abnormal responses to rubella infection. Two cases of rubella are described which caused initial problems in laboratory diagnosis due to abnormal features in the immune response. One patient presented with thrombocytopenic purpura and associated circulating immune complexes. The other patient, who was in early pregnancy, had an unusually prolonged rash and a delayed humoral immune response. The possible reasons for the difficulties in serological confirmation are discussed.", "PMID": 1002831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9246", "title": "Characteristics of a strain of Clostridium carnis causing septicaemia in a young infant.", "content": "Clostridium carnis is a species which is only rarely isolated from man or animals and is occasionally found in the soil. This paper is an account of a single isolate found in blood cultures obtained from an 8-week-old boy who was suffering from gastroenteritis.", "contents": "Characteristics of a strain of Clostridium carnis causing septicaemia in a young infant. Clostridium carnis is a species which is only rarely isolated from man or animals and is occasionally found in the soil. This paper is an account of a single isolate found in blood cultures obtained from an 8-week-old boy who was suffering from gastroenteritis.", "PMID": 1002832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9247", "title": "Marine vibrios associated with superficial septic lesions.", "content": "Three cases are reported in which a marine vibrio, Vibrio alginolyticus, was isolated from superficial septic lesions. All cases had been exposed to sea-water. The possible significane of these findings and the need for further investigations are discussed.", "contents": "Marine vibrios associated with superficial septic lesions. Three cases are reported in which a marine vibrio, Vibrio alginolyticus, was isolated from superficial septic lesions. All cases had been exposed to sea-water. The possible significane of these findings and the need for further investigations are discussed.", "PMID": 1002833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9248", "title": "Adenosquamous carcinoma of the endometrium.", "content": "An adenosquamous carcinoma of the endometrium is one which contains both malignant glandular and malignant squamous components; such tumours are considered rare in Britain but are thought to account for nearly one-third of all endometrial neoplasms in the United States. A survey of 675 cases of endometrial cancer seen during the period 1956-75 showed that the incidence of adenosquamous carcinoma was 5%, an incidence that remained static during this 20-year period. The principal difficulties encountered in the diagnosis of these neoplasms are in identifying the squamous component as such and in differentiating it from benign metaplastic squamous epithelium. The prognosis for patients with an endometrial adenosquamous carcinoma is very much worse than for women with a pure adenocarcinoma, and because these neoplasms are often wrongly identified it is possible that the currently accepted prognoses for both pure adenocarcinoma and adenoacanthoma of the endometrium may have to be revised. There appears to be a true variation in the incidence of this neoplasm between Britain and the United States.", "contents": "Adenosquamous carcinoma of the endometrium. An adenosquamous carcinoma of the endometrium is one which contains both malignant glandular and malignant squamous components; such tumours are considered rare in Britain but are thought to account for nearly one-third of all endometrial neoplasms in the United States. A survey of 675 cases of endometrial cancer seen during the period 1956-75 showed that the incidence of adenosquamous carcinoma was 5%, an incidence that remained static during this 20-year period. The principal difficulties encountered in the diagnosis of these neoplasms are in identifying the squamous component as such and in differentiating it from benign metaplastic squamous epithelium. The prognosis for patients with an endometrial adenosquamous carcinoma is very much worse than for women with a pure adenocarcinoma, and because these neoplasms are often wrongly identified it is possible that the currently accepted prognoses for both pure adenocarcinoma and adenoacanthoma of the endometrium may have to be revised. There appears to be a true variation in the incidence of this neoplasm between Britain and the United States.", "PMID": 1002838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9249", "title": "A case of primary lymphoma of the liver.", "content": "A case of primary malignant lymphoma of the liver is described. Presenting with epistaxis, he died in hepatic encephalopathy with an intractable bleeding post-bulbar duodenal ulcer.", "contents": "A case of primary lymphoma of the liver. A case of primary malignant lymphoma of the liver is described. Presenting with epistaxis, he died in hepatic encephalopathy with an intractable bleeding post-bulbar duodenal ulcer.", "PMID": 1002839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9250", "title": "Factor VII as a marker of hepatocellular synthetic function in liver disease.", "content": "Factor VII levels have been measured in 100 patients with liver disease following parenteral vitamin K1 therapy. There was good agreement between specific factor VII measurements and the one-stage prothrombin time apart from six patients with compensated cirrhosis in whom the prothrombin time was prolonged despite the presence of normal factor VII levels. A mean activity of 58% was found in patients with cirrhosis. Cirrhotic patients with features of hepatic decompensation had a significantly lower mean level of activity (40%) than the \"contrast\" patients with surgical obstruction of the major bile ducts (93%). Patients with chronic active liver disease had moderate depression of factor VII levels and those with non-cirrhotic liver damage had mean activities similar to the contrast group. Factor VII levels could not be correlated with BSP retention but there was a correlation with serum albumin concentration. It is concluded that the prothrombin time using Quick test with a standardized thromboplastin showing good sensitivity to factor VII, eg, the Manchester reagent (BCT), provides a reliable index of coagulability in chronic liver disease, and specific factor VII assays are not indicated.", "contents": "Factor VII as a marker of hepatocellular synthetic function in liver disease. Factor VII levels have been measured in 100 patients with liver disease following parenteral vitamin K1 therapy. There was good agreement between specific factor VII measurements and the one-stage prothrombin time apart from six patients with compensated cirrhosis in whom the prothrombin time was prolonged despite the presence of normal factor VII levels. A mean activity of 58% was found in patients with cirrhosis. Cirrhotic patients with features of hepatic decompensation had a significantly lower mean level of activity (40%) than the \"contrast\" patients with surgical obstruction of the major bile ducts (93%). Patients with chronic active liver disease had moderate depression of factor VII levels and those with non-cirrhotic liver damage had mean activities similar to the contrast group. Factor VII levels could not be correlated with BSP retention but there was a correlation with serum albumin concentration. It is concluded that the prothrombin time using Quick test with a standardized thromboplastin showing good sensitivity to factor VII, eg, the Manchester reagent (BCT), provides a reliable index of coagulability in chronic liver disease, and specific factor VII assays are not indicated.", "PMID": 1002840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9251", "title": "An interpretation of the serum alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme patterns in patients with obstructive liver disease.", "content": "Earlier studies have identified two main isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase in the sera of patients with obstructive liver disease. This paper reports on a study of these isoenzymes in specific types of liver disease where the pathology in relation to bile duct obstruction is known. The results have been used to support the theory that in biliary obstruction the increase in serum alkaline phosphatase is in part due to regurgitation of the biliary isoenzymes.", "contents": "An interpretation of the serum alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme patterns in patients with obstructive liver disease. Earlier studies have identified two main isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase in the sera of patients with obstructive liver disease. This paper reports on a study of these isoenzymes in specific types of liver disease where the pathology in relation to bile duct obstruction is known. The results have been used to support the theory that in biliary obstruction the increase in serum alkaline phosphatase is in part due to regurgitation of the biliary isoenzymes.", "PMID": 1002841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9252", "title": "Biochemical indices of osteomalacia in pregnant Asian immigrants in Britain.", "content": "Serum calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase, and urinary calcium excretion were examined during the second trimester of uncomplicated normal pregnancy in Asian immigrants to Britain and in local Caucasians. The mean serum calcium was significantly lower in Asians than in Caucasians, and the mean serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in Asians. The geometric mean of the urinary calcium excretion was highly significantly lower in Asians than in Caucasians. The variances of the serum calcium, serum alkaline phosphatase, and urine calcium excretion did not differ significantly in the two populations. This indicates that there is a shift in values of immigrant Asians as a group compared with Caucasians. A comparison with figures obtained on normal nonpregnant persons of both suggests that the shift is not an inherent feature of the Asian population.", "contents": "Biochemical indices of osteomalacia in pregnant Asian immigrants in Britain. Serum calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase, and urinary calcium excretion were examined during the second trimester of uncomplicated normal pregnancy in Asian immigrants to Britain and in local Caucasians. The mean serum calcium was significantly lower in Asians than in Caucasians, and the mean serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in Asians. The geometric mean of the urinary calcium excretion was highly significantly lower in Asians than in Caucasians. The variances of the serum calcium, serum alkaline phosphatase, and urine calcium excretion did not differ significantly in the two populations. This indicates that there is a shift in values of immigrant Asians as a group compared with Caucasians. A comparison with figures obtained on normal nonpregnant persons of both suggests that the shift is not an inherent feature of the Asian population.", "PMID": 1002842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9253", "title": "Clinical and immunochemical study of the serum IgG fraction not precipitated in a zinc-sodium salicylate reagent.", "content": "A reagent made of zinc sulphate (0-08 M) in a 0-4 M sodium salicylate solution at pH 7-3 precipitated most of the IgG when a small volume of human serum was added. Sera with normal IgG levels or polyclonal hyperglobulinaemia showed a close correlation between total IgG and zinc-precipitated IgG (r = + 0-95). In clinical material, not including IgG myeloma, zinc-soluble IgG varied between 0 and 6 mg/ml and was independent of the IgG serum concentration. In 31 normal subjects the average IgG concentration, as determined by the Technicon immunonephelometric method, was 10-2 +/- 1-7 mg/ml for total IgG and 2-2 +/- 1-0 mg/ml for the soluble fraction. Among 173 sera, including 24 from cord blood, 16 from pregnant women, and 133 from patients with miscellaneous diseases, no pathological conditions except three cases of IgG myeloma were found with a zinc-soluble IgG definitely above the normal values; zinc-soluble IgG levels were often low in patients with hyperglobulinaemia, and the difference was highly significant in liver disease. kappa and gamma light chains as well as the four IgG-Hp chain subclasses were found in both zinc-soluble fractions of normal IgG. A study of myeloma monoclonal IgG showed that globulins of classes 1, 3, and 4 could be either soluble or insoluble in the zinc reagent. One, G2, was mainly insoluble. Hexose and antistreptolysin contents per milligram normal IgG were not significantly different in either fraction. It is suggested that zinc-soluble IgG consists of the recently synthesized molecules, the zinc-solubility of which has not yet been decreased by protein association, lipid interaction, antigen binding, or enzymatic denaturation. Within this hypothesis, a low level of soluble IgG would mean either an increased precatabolic protein or a decreased synthesis.", "contents": "Clinical and immunochemical study of the serum IgG fraction not precipitated in a zinc-sodium salicylate reagent. A reagent made of zinc sulphate (0-08 M) in a 0-4 M sodium salicylate solution at pH 7-3 precipitated most of the IgG when a small volume of human serum was added. Sera with normal IgG levels or polyclonal hyperglobulinaemia showed a close correlation between total IgG and zinc-precipitated IgG (r = + 0-95). In clinical material, not including IgG myeloma, zinc-soluble IgG varied between 0 and 6 mg/ml and was independent of the IgG serum concentration. In 31 normal subjects the average IgG concentration, as determined by the Technicon immunonephelometric method, was 10-2 +/- 1-7 mg/ml for total IgG and 2-2 +/- 1-0 mg/ml for the soluble fraction. Among 173 sera, including 24 from cord blood, 16 from pregnant women, and 133 from patients with miscellaneous diseases, no pathological conditions except three cases of IgG myeloma were found with a zinc-soluble IgG definitely above the normal values; zinc-soluble IgG levels were often low in patients with hyperglobulinaemia, and the difference was highly significant in liver disease. kappa and gamma light chains as well as the four IgG-Hp chain subclasses were found in both zinc-soluble fractions of normal IgG. A study of myeloma monoclonal IgG showed that globulins of classes 1, 3, and 4 could be either soluble or insoluble in the zinc reagent. One, G2, was mainly insoluble. Hexose and antistreptolysin contents per milligram normal IgG were not significantly different in either fraction. It is suggested that zinc-soluble IgG consists of the recently synthesized molecules, the zinc-solubility of which has not yet been decreased by protein association, lipid interaction, antigen binding, or enzymatic denaturation. Within this hypothesis, a low level of soluble IgG would mean either an increased precatabolic protein or a decreased synthesis.", "PMID": 1002843} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9254", "title": "Improved antibody detection by the use of range expansion and longer filter wavelength in a low ionic strength-protamine sulphate Auto-Analyzer system.", "content": "Range expansion, achieved by insertion of a variable resistance between the colorimeter and the recorder together with the use of 550 nm colorimeter filters, has resulted in markedly improved sensitivity for antibody detection, and improved sample identification, in a low ionic strength-protamine sulphate (LISPS) system. Range expansion also permits a lower concentration of red cells to be used, thus economizing on fully typed cells. Glycerol stored frozen cells were found to be only slightly less sensitive than fresh cells in this system.", "contents": "Improved antibody detection by the use of range expansion and longer filter wavelength in a low ionic strength-protamine sulphate Auto-Analyzer system. Range expansion, achieved by insertion of a variable resistance between the colorimeter and the recorder together with the use of 550 nm colorimeter filters, has resulted in markedly improved sensitivity for antibody detection, and improved sample identification, in a low ionic strength-protamine sulphate (LISPS) system. Range expansion also permits a lower concentration of red cells to be used, thus economizing on fully typed cells. Glycerol stored frozen cells were found to be only slightly less sensitive than fresh cells in this system.", "PMID": 1002844} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9255", "title": "Removal of non-specific serum inhibitors of haemagglutination of rubella virus by treatment with dodecylamine-gel.", "content": "The suitability of using dodecylamine-gel for removing the serum non-antibody-like inhibitors of haemagglutination by rubella was studied. Compared with kaolin and MnCl2/heparin treatment this new procedure appears to have a higher specificity since it removes the non-antibody-like inhibitors from serum without affecting the immunoglobulin level significantly. The potential application of this procedure in routine serological analysis for rubella virus infection is discussed.", "contents": "Removal of non-specific serum inhibitors of haemagglutination of rubella virus by treatment with dodecylamine-gel. The suitability of using dodecylamine-gel for removing the serum non-antibody-like inhibitors of haemagglutination by rubella was studied. Compared with kaolin and MnCl2/heparin treatment this new procedure appears to have a higher specificity since it removes the non-antibody-like inhibitors from serum without affecting the immunoglobulin level significantly. The potential application of this procedure in routine serological analysis for rubella virus infection is discussed.", "PMID": 1002845} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9256", "title": "Staphylococcal protein A; its preparation and an application to rubella serology.", "content": "Good yields of staphylococcal protein A are obtained by growing the staphylococcus Cowan type 1 on cellophane agar. The activity of these preparations in removing immunoglobulin G (IgG) from human serum can be readily measured by the Mancini radial-diffusion technique and the correct in-use dilution determined. Treatment with protein A of sera from women with a history of rubella may help in the identification of those having specific antibody in the IgM and IgA fractions. This relatively simple procedure may have worthwhile application in the diagnosis of rubella.", "contents": "Staphylococcal protein A; its preparation and an application to rubella serology. Good yields of staphylococcal protein A are obtained by growing the staphylococcus Cowan type 1 on cellophane agar. The activity of these preparations in removing immunoglobulin G (IgG) from human serum can be readily measured by the Mancini radial-diffusion technique and the correct in-use dilution determined. Treatment with protein A of sera from women with a history of rubella may help in the identification of those having specific antibody in the IgM and IgA fractions. This relatively simple procedure may have worthwhile application in the diagnosis of rubella.", "PMID": 1002846} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9257", "title": "The use of time-expanded speech as an aid in the diagnosis of articulation disorders.", "content": "The recordings of 20 speech defective speakers' readings of a standard prose passage were presented to 36 student speech clinicians under three listening conditions: (1) unaltered; (2) time expanded to 150% of the original recording time; and (3) time-expanded to 200% of the original recording time. Results of their evaluations indicate that the expanded versions of the recordings elicited more accurate evaluations by the student clinicians. Implications of these findings concerning the possible usefulness of time-expanded speech as an aid in the training of listening skills in student speech clinicians are discussed.", "contents": "The use of time-expanded speech as an aid in the diagnosis of articulation disorders. The recordings of 20 speech defective speakers' readings of a standard prose passage were presented to 36 student speech clinicians under three listening conditions: (1) unaltered; (2) time expanded to 150% of the original recording time; and (3) time-expanded to 200% of the original recording time. Results of their evaluations indicate that the expanded versions of the recordings elicited more accurate evaluations by the student clinicians. Implications of these findings concerning the possible usefulness of time-expanded speech as an aid in the training of listening skills in student speech clinicians are discussed.", "PMID": 1002850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9258", "title": "Perceptions of auditory components of stuttered speech.", "content": "Two student groups, one of speech pathology majors and one a class of mixed background fulfilling a humanities requirement, listened to the same set of sentences spoken first in nonstuttered and then in stuttered form. Subjects rated each replication along a set of 114 semantic differential-type adjectives but on 10-point unipolar scales. These scales had previously been factor analyzed and represented 31 positive and 29 negative perceptual factors. The results indicate that all college students react favorably to stuttered speech. However, six factor differences significant at the 0.05 level or above emerged between the two groups when evaluating the stuttered version. These results suggest that pathology students do not perceive stuttered speech as do nonpathology students; they are more favorably disposed on every dimemsion.", "contents": "Perceptions of auditory components of stuttered speech. Two student groups, one of speech pathology majors and one a class of mixed background fulfilling a humanities requirement, listened to the same set of sentences spoken first in nonstuttered and then in stuttered form. Subjects rated each replication along a set of 114 semantic differential-type adjectives but on 10-point unipolar scales. These scales had previously been factor analyzed and represented 31 positive and 29 negative perceptual factors. The results indicate that all college students react favorably to stuttered speech. However, six factor differences significant at the 0.05 level or above emerged between the two groups when evaluating the stuttered version. These results suggest that pathology students do not perceive stuttered speech as do nonpathology students; they are more favorably disposed on every dimemsion.", "PMID": 1002851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9259", "title": "Therapist habituation and purported client progress in articulation therapy.", "content": "Ten graduate student clinicians, in their final year of training, evaluated the tape recorded pretherapy performances of 10 /s/-defective children on the 68 /s/ items of the McDonald Deep Test of Articulation (1964). Five of the 10 clinicians were randomly selected and assigned one of these /s/-defective children as part of their regular case load. The children were seen for 1 hr per week for a 5-week period. The clinicians were not informed as to the nature of the study or that the composition of their case load was in any way connected with the tapes that they had previously evaluated. The five remaining clinicians and children did not participate in therapy during this 5-week period. Immediately following this 5-week period, an additional tape recording was made of all 10 children's responses to the /s/ items of the McDonald Deep Test (1964). Both pre- and posttreatment tapes were then evaluated by all 10 clinicians in independent listening sessions. Significant between-tape differences, indicative of both habituation and sensitization to client errors within the in-therapy clinicians only, are discussed in terms of their clinical applications.", "contents": "Therapist habituation and purported client progress in articulation therapy. Ten graduate student clinicians, in their final year of training, evaluated the tape recorded pretherapy performances of 10 /s/-defective children on the 68 /s/ items of the McDonald Deep Test of Articulation (1964). Five of the 10 clinicians were randomly selected and assigned one of these /s/-defective children as part of their regular case load. The children were seen for 1 hr per week for a 5-week period. The clinicians were not informed as to the nature of the study or that the composition of their case load was in any way connected with the tapes that they had previously evaluated. The five remaining clinicians and children did not participate in therapy during this 5-week period. Immediately following this 5-week period, an additional tape recording was made of all 10 children's responses to the /s/ items of the McDonald Deep Test (1964). Both pre- and posttreatment tapes were then evaluated by all 10 clinicians in independent listening sessions. Significant between-tape differences, indicative of both habituation and sensitization to client errors within the in-therapy clinicians only, are discussed in terms of their clinical applications.", "PMID": 1002852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9260", "title": "Perseveration in brain-injured adults.", "content": "Despite the acceptance of perseveration as a characteristic sign of disturbed CNS functioning, objective data relative to its nature and occurrence are noticeably lacking. Data obtained in this study, not unexpectedly, indicate that perseverative responses occur more often in brain-injured than in normal subjects. The brain-injured subject most likely to evidence perseveration appeared to be one who (1) had suffered a CVA (2) less than 6 months ago that (3) resulted in aphasia. Two types of perseveration, repetitious and continuous, were noted in the responses of the brain-injured with higher incidences of the repetitious type occurring. It was felt that the behavioral definitions used to differentiate between repetitious and continuous perseveration allowed for reliable judgments between observers.", "contents": "Perseveration in brain-injured adults. Despite the acceptance of perseveration as a characteristic sign of disturbed CNS functioning, objective data relative to its nature and occurrence are noticeably lacking. Data obtained in this study, not unexpectedly, indicate that perseverative responses occur more often in brain-injured than in normal subjects. The brain-injured subject most likely to evidence perseveration appeared to be one who (1) had suffered a CVA (2) less than 6 months ago that (3) resulted in aphasia. Two types of perseveration, repetitious and continuous, were noted in the responses of the brain-injured with higher incidences of the repetitious type occurring. It was felt that the behavioral definitions used to differentiate between repetitious and continuous perseveration allowed for reliable judgments between observers.", "PMID": 1002854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9261", "title": "The recovery process of a bilingual aphasic.", "content": "The recovery process during the first year poststroke in an English-Japanese bilingual aphasic is analyzed with special emphasis on the effect of language therapy. The patient initially manifested equally severe impairment in both English and Japanese involving all language modalities with moderate impairment of reading and auditory comprehension and severe impairment of oral production and writing. Language therapy was conducted in English in a community where Japanese was the only language in the environment. In the course of language therapy, auditory and reading comprehension improved almost simultaneously in both English and Japanese. In contrast, oral language production and writing abilities improved markedly only for the treated language (English). The results are discussed in terms of their implication for the effect of language therapy on aphasia.", "contents": "The recovery process of a bilingual aphasic. The recovery process during the first year poststroke in an English-Japanese bilingual aphasic is analyzed with special emphasis on the effect of language therapy. The patient initially manifested equally severe impairment in both English and Japanese involving all language modalities with moderate impairment of reading and auditory comprehension and severe impairment of oral production and writing. Language therapy was conducted in English in a community where Japanese was the only language in the environment. In the course of language therapy, auditory and reading comprehension improved almost simultaneously in both English and Japanese. In contrast, oral language production and writing abilities improved markedly only for the treated language (English). The results are discussed in terms of their implication for the effect of language therapy on aphasia.", "PMID": 1002855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9262", "title": "Effects of task difficulty on sentence comprehension performance of aphasic subjects.", "content": "Twenty aphasic subjects participated in an auditory comprehension task in which they were asked to point to pictures named by the examiner. The spoken commands delivered to each subject were either \"easy\" or \"difficult,\" as determined by the subject's performance in a preexperimental session. Difficulty was determined by the number of items that the subject was asked to point to in sequence. Each subject performed in two conditions. In the Low Error Condition, a small number of difficult commands (as determined in the preexperimental session) was interspersed in a larger number of easy commands (as determined in the preexperimental session). In the High Error Condition, a small number of easy commands was interspersed in a larger number of difficult commands. Analysis of the results indicated that presentation of a series of difficult commands interfered with subject's subsequent performance to commands that would ordinarily be very easy.", "contents": "Effects of task difficulty on sentence comprehension performance of aphasic subjects. Twenty aphasic subjects participated in an auditory comprehension task in which they were asked to point to pictures named by the examiner. The spoken commands delivered to each subject were either \"easy\" or \"difficult,\" as determined by the subject's performance in a preexperimental session. Difficulty was determined by the number of items that the subject was asked to point to in sequence. Each subject performed in two conditions. In the Low Error Condition, a small number of difficult commands (as determined in the preexperimental session) was interspersed in a larger number of easy commands (as determined in the preexperimental session). In the High Error Condition, a small number of easy commands was interspersed in a larger number of difficult commands. Analysis of the results indicated that presentation of a series of difficult commands interfered with subject's subsequent performance to commands that would ordinarily be very easy.", "PMID": 1002856} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9263", "title": "Concurrent modification of incorrect responses and off-task behaviors occurring during articulation instruction.", "content": "Incorrect articulation responses and inappropriate off-task behaviors occurring during programmed articulation instruction were concurrently modified by the presentation of an identical punishing stimulus for both groups of behaviors or by the presentation of different punishing stimuli for each group of behaviors. Results indicated that both procedures were equally effective in reducing both groups of undesirable behaviors. The nature of the relationship between articulation responses and off-task behaviors is discussed in detail, especially in terms of behavioral covariation.", "contents": "Concurrent modification of incorrect responses and off-task behaviors occurring during articulation instruction. Incorrect articulation responses and inappropriate off-task behaviors occurring during programmed articulation instruction were concurrently modified by the presentation of an identical punishing stimulus for both groups of behaviors or by the presentation of different punishing stimuli for each group of behaviors. Results indicated that both procedures were equally effective in reducing both groups of undesirable behaviors. The nature of the relationship between articulation responses and off-task behaviors is discussed in detail, especially in terms of behavioral covariation.", "PMID": 1002857} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9264", "title": "The influence of task presentation and information load on the adaptation effect in stutterers and normal speakers.", "content": "Fourteen stutterers and 14 normal speakers read two passages differing in information value under two different conditions. Condition I provided subjects with a priori knowledge regarding the experimental limits and requirements. Condition II withheld such knowledge. Results indicate that adaptation curves for both stutterers and normal speakers were influenced by the information value of the reading passage. Less adaptation was observed with the high information than with the low information passage. The task presentation variable differentiated stutterers from normal speakers. When a priori instructions were provided to stutterers, the adaptation curve assumed a smooth, decelerating course. When a priori instructions were withheld, the curve deviated from the expected course. For normal speakers, identical adaptation trends were observed whether or not a priori instructions were provided. Stuttering adaptation is a function of both linguistic and situational variables; normal nonfluency adaptation is primarily a function of linguistic variables. Theoretical, experimental, and clinical implications are offered.", "contents": "The influence of task presentation and information load on the adaptation effect in stutterers and normal speakers. Fourteen stutterers and 14 normal speakers read two passages differing in information value under two different conditions. Condition I provided subjects with a priori knowledge regarding the experimental limits and requirements. Condition II withheld such knowledge. Results indicate that adaptation curves for both stutterers and normal speakers were influenced by the information value of the reading passage. Less adaptation was observed with the high information than with the low information passage. The task presentation variable differentiated stutterers from normal speakers. When a priori instructions were provided to stutterers, the adaptation curve assumed a smooth, decelerating course. When a priori instructions were withheld, the curve deviated from the expected course. For normal speakers, identical adaptation trends were observed whether or not a priori instructions were provided. Stuttering adaptation is a function of both linguistic and situational variables; normal nonfluency adaptation is primarily a function of linguistic variables. Theoretical, experimental, and clinical implications are offered.", "PMID": 1002858} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9265", "title": "Access to usual source of care by race and income in ten urban areas.", "content": "In terms of less access to private sources of care (as distinguished from hospital-public clinics) and longer travel time to usual source of care, poverty areas are at a disadvantage. Within the ten areas studied, the poor have less access than the nonpoor, with access differences even greater between the races than between income groups. Blacks generally have less than whites when income differences are taken into account. Both the type of usual source of care and travel time appear to be related to differential utilizations of ambulatory care resources: persons reporting private sources of care and persons with shorter travel time to their usual source of care tend to make more physician visits in a year. Mechanisms for public financing of health care will not likely alleviate the problems of inaccessibility presented by poverty areas. It is in these areas of low access that public responsibility to organize and locate facilities will continue even after the advent of a fairly comprehensive payment mechanism for health care among the poor.", "contents": "Access to usual source of care by race and income in ten urban areas. In terms of less access to private sources of care (as distinguished from hospital-public clinics) and longer travel time to usual source of care, poverty areas are at a disadvantage. Within the ten areas studied, the poor have less access than the nonpoor, with access differences even greater between the races than between income groups. Blacks generally have less than whites when income differences are taken into account. Both the type of usual source of care and travel time appear to be related to differential utilizations of ambulatory care resources: persons reporting private sources of care and persons with shorter travel time to their usual source of care tend to make more physician visits in a year. Mechanisms for public financing of health care will not likely alleviate the problems of inaccessibility presented by poverty areas. It is in these areas of low access that public responsibility to organize and locate facilities will continue even after the advent of a fairly comprehensive payment mechanism for health care among the poor.", "PMID": 1002860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9266", "title": "Health services, health status, and work loss.", "content": "The numbers of workdays lost because of illness, coupled with records of health service utilization patterns, were studied to establish possible links between health status and different forms of prepayment coverage. The records of industrial workers at four branches of the same company were analyzed. Records of employees with broad-benefit coverage were compared with those who had less-comprehensive indemnity coverage. A free choice of providers was available to the study population. Data for workers covered by the broader plans revealed fewer medical admissions to hospitals, more surgical admissions, and more outpatient physician visits. As hypothesized, their number of days absent from work were lower. Because few of these results were statistically significant, caution is necessary in their interpretation. Some aspects of the project warranting further consideration are discussed. Data suggest a positive correlation between breadth of health plan coverage and health status, with possible economic benefits to be derived from such coverage. The data also indicate the desirability of additional investigations to be based on employers' and health plan records, that involve other types of populations and other benefit options.", "contents": "Health services, health status, and work loss. The numbers of workdays lost because of illness, coupled with records of health service utilization patterns, were studied to establish possible links between health status and different forms of prepayment coverage. The records of industrial workers at four branches of the same company were analyzed. Records of employees with broad-benefit coverage were compared with those who had less-comprehensive indemnity coverage. A free choice of providers was available to the study population. Data for workers covered by the broader plans revealed fewer medical admissions to hospitals, more surgical admissions, and more outpatient physician visits. As hypothesized, their number of days absent from work were lower. Because few of these results were statistically significant, caution is necessary in their interpretation. Some aspects of the project warranting further consideration are discussed. Data suggest a positive correlation between breadth of health plan coverage and health status, with possible economic benefits to be derived from such coverage. The data also indicate the desirability of additional investigations to be based on employers' and health plan records, that involve other types of populations and other benefit options.", "PMID": 1002861} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9267", "title": "Interpreting legislative voting patterns on health issues: a method and rationale.", "content": "Crucial decisions affecting the health field are increasingly being made in the political arena. To interpret and effectively influence these political events, the health specialist must become acquainted with the political decision maker's perspective on health issues. This report presents a method for analyzing legislative voting patterns to determine the issue structure within which health-related legislative decisions are made. Once this issue structure has been determined for a given legislative body, relevant strategies for influencing the decision-making process can be designed.", "contents": "Interpreting legislative voting patterns on health issues: a method and rationale. Crucial decisions affecting the health field are increasingly being made in the political arena. To interpret and effectively influence these political events, the health specialist must become acquainted with the political decision maker's perspective on health issues. This report presents a method for analyzing legislative voting patterns to determine the issue structure within which health-related legislative decisions are made. Once this issue structure has been determined for a given legislative body, relevant strategies for influencing the decision-making process can be designed.", "PMID": 1002862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9268", "title": "Bridging the gaps between departments on community and family medicine: the Calgary experience.", "content": "Current emphasis on innovation in primary care has revealed conflicts between generalist clinicians and professionals in community medicine. Several problems are now evident in the combination of community medicine and family medicine. Three elements of a planned institutional approach to overcome problems in primary health care education at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine, are discussed: the introduction of an integrated curriculum, de-emphasis of departments, and a center for ambulatory care.", "contents": "Bridging the gaps between departments on community and family medicine: the Calgary experience. Current emphasis on innovation in primary care has revealed conflicts between generalist clinicians and professionals in community medicine. Several problems are now evident in the combination of community medicine and family medicine. Three elements of a planned institutional approach to overcome problems in primary health care education at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine, are discussed: the introduction of an integrated curriculum, de-emphasis of departments, and a center for ambulatory care.", "PMID": 1002863} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9269", "title": "Screening high-risk populations: a challenge to primary medical care.", "content": "The organizational, educational, and policy implications of screening high-risk populations are considered for five selected conditions: (a) the role of pregnancy-risk indices for the identification of high-risk women as it relates to the efficient use of perinatal and neonatal intensive care centers; (b) screening school-age children for conductive hearing loss, with emphasis on the role of complete otologic examination, threshold testing, and tympanometry in children with a history of recent or recurrent middle ear disease; (c) the efficacy of Pap smears in reducing mortality from cervical cancer; (d) the current status of clinical examination and mammography for detecting breast cancer; and (e) the problems inherent in diagnosing and treating hypertension. Because of the increasing costs of new technology that have not yet been adequately tested, health professionals bear an increasing obligation to require scientific evidence of the efficacy of the screening procedures before instituting large-scale programs.", "contents": "Screening high-risk populations: a challenge to primary medical care. The organizational, educational, and policy implications of screening high-risk populations are considered for five selected conditions: (a) the role of pregnancy-risk indices for the identification of high-risk women as it relates to the efficient use of perinatal and neonatal intensive care centers; (b) screening school-age children for conductive hearing loss, with emphasis on the role of complete otologic examination, threshold testing, and tympanometry in children with a history of recent or recurrent middle ear disease; (c) the efficacy of Pap smears in reducing mortality from cervical cancer; (d) the current status of clinical examination and mammography for detecting breast cancer; and (e) the problems inherent in diagnosing and treating hypertension. Because of the increasing costs of new technology that have not yet been adequately tested, health professionals bear an increasing obligation to require scientific evidence of the efficacy of the screening procedures before instituting large-scale programs.", "PMID": 1002864} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9270", "title": "Central projections of the chorda tympani nerve in the mallard, Anas platyrhynchos L.", "content": "The central projections of the chorda tympani nerve in the duck were studied by means of the Fink-Heimer technique. Following section of the VIIth nerve proximal to the geniculate ganglion terminal projections of the CT are found in the sensory nucleus N VII (sVIId) on the dorsum of the descending trigeminal root, the n. presulcalis anterior solitarii, the n. sulcalis anterior solitarii p. dorsalis and p. ventralis, and the n. ventrolateralis anterior solitarii (Vla). Small quantities of terminal degeneration are also found in the n. intermedius anterior and the lateral substantia gelatinosa of the solitary complex. A number of fibers decussate to terminate contralaterally in corresponding portions of the opposite solitary complex. Comparison with data of the pigeon reveals a limited overlap of projections of the chorda tympani nerve and of the nodose ganglion, respectively, in the dorsal and ventral parts of the n. sulcalis anterior. We suggest that the regions sVIId and Vla alone may convey gustatory information.", "contents": "Central projections of the chorda tympani nerve in the mallard, Anas platyrhynchos L. The central projections of the chorda tympani nerve in the duck were studied by means of the Fink-Heimer technique. Following section of the VIIth nerve proximal to the geniculate ganglion terminal projections of the CT are found in the sensory nucleus N VII (sVIId) on the dorsum of the descending trigeminal root, the n. presulcalis anterior solitarii, the n. sulcalis anterior solitarii p. dorsalis and p. ventralis, and the n. ventrolateralis anterior solitarii (Vla). Small quantities of terminal degeneration are also found in the n. intermedius anterior and the lateral substantia gelatinosa of the solitary complex. A number of fibers decussate to terminate contralaterally in corresponding portions of the opposite solitary complex. Comparison with data of the pigeon reveals a limited overlap of projections of the chorda tympani nerve and of the nodose ganglion, respectively, in the dorsal and ventral parts of the n. sulcalis anterior. We suggest that the regions sVIId and Vla alone may convey gustatory information.", "PMID": 1002866} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9271", "title": "Growth of lobster giant axons: correlation between conduction velocity and axon diameter.", "content": "The conduction velocity and axon diameter of medial and lateral giant axons in lobsters was followed during growth from early juvenile (13 mm) to adult (250 mm) forms. In both axons, conduction velocity increased more than 4-fold in the growth period examined. Correlated with the increase in conduction velocity is an increase in axon diameter and the relationship between these two parameters is expressed by the equation CV = krX, where X equals 0.5 for the lateral and 0.7 for the medial giant axons. The sheath surrounding the giant axons also increases in size during growth with that of the medial giant axon being considerably thicker than that of the lateral giant axon. The significance of the increase in axon diameters is to increase conduction velocity and thereby reduce the latency of the escape response mediated by these giant axons.", "contents": "Growth of lobster giant axons: correlation between conduction velocity and axon diameter. The conduction velocity and axon diameter of medial and lateral giant axons in lobsters was followed during growth from early juvenile (13 mm) to adult (250 mm) forms. In both axons, conduction velocity increased more than 4-fold in the growth period examined. Correlated with the increase in conduction velocity is an increase in axon diameter and the relationship between these two parameters is expressed by the equation CV = krX, where X equals 0.5 for the lateral and 0.7 for the medial giant axons. The sheath surrounding the giant axons also increases in size during growth with that of the medial giant axon being considerably thicker than that of the lateral giant axon. The significance of the increase in axon diameters is to increase conduction velocity and thereby reduce the latency of the escape response mediated by these giant axons.", "PMID": 1002867} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9272", "title": "Patterns of cell and fiber distribution in the neocortex of the reeler mutant mouse.", "content": "In the neocortex of the reeler mutant mouse, there is inversion in the normal relative positions of polymorphic and pyramidal cells and of large with respect to medium-sized and small pyramidal cells. Granule cells are concentrated at a near-normal mid-cortical level in the mutant. As in the normal animal, and despite cell malposition in reeler, the principal tangential fiber system lies in the zone of polymorphic cells. Large fiber fascicles, known from experimental studies to be principally thalamo-cortical afferents, enter the tangential fiber system in the polymorphic cell zone of both reeler and normal neocortex. In the mutant these fascicles must traverse the full width of the cortex to reach this fiber system in its superficial location. In both normal and mutant animals single fibers, again principally thalamo-cortical afferents, pass from the principal tangertial fiber system to ramify in a fiber feltwork in the zone of granule cells. In the mutant these descend whereas in the normal animal they ascend. Also, as in the normal mouse, single fibers pass radially between all levels of the mutant cortex and the central white matter. Regional variations in the character, the pattern of distribution and the relative prominence of homologous cell and fiber elements are closely parallel in reeler and normal. This suggests that cell differentiation and the tangenital organization of reeler neocortex are normal despite cell malposition in the mutant.", "contents": "Patterns of cell and fiber distribution in the neocortex of the reeler mutant mouse. In the neocortex of the reeler mutant mouse, there is inversion in the normal relative positions of polymorphic and pyramidal cells and of large with respect to medium-sized and small pyramidal cells. Granule cells are concentrated at a near-normal mid-cortical level in the mutant. As in the normal animal, and despite cell malposition in reeler, the principal tangential fiber system lies in the zone of polymorphic cells. Large fiber fascicles, known from experimental studies to be principally thalamo-cortical afferents, enter the tangential fiber system in the polymorphic cell zone of both reeler and normal neocortex. In the mutant these fascicles must traverse the full width of the cortex to reach this fiber system in its superficial location. In both normal and mutant animals single fibers, again principally thalamo-cortical afferents, pass from the principal tangertial fiber system to ramify in a fiber feltwork in the zone of granule cells. In the mutant these descend whereas in the normal animal they ascend. Also, as in the normal mouse, single fibers pass radially between all levels of the mutant cortex and the central white matter. Regional variations in the character, the pattern of distribution and the relative prominence of homologous cell and fiber elements are closely parallel in reeler and normal. This suggests that cell differentiation and the tangenital organization of reeler neocortex are normal despite cell malposition in the mutant.", "PMID": 1002868} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9273", "title": "Electron microscopic observations of nodes of Ranvier in the external cuneate nucleus.", "content": "During the course of an investigation of the synaptic organization of the external cuneate nucleus (ECN) in the Sprague-Dawley albino rat, the ultrastructural morphology of nodes of Ranvier in the neuropil has been studied. The majority of nodes observed have the basic morphological features of conventional central nodes but there is individual variation with regard to length, surface area and cytoplasmic organelles. In addition, nodes with multiple myelinated branches are observed. Some nodes of Ranvier were observed to form specialized synaptic boutons. Two types of nodal synaptic boutons were present; a simple type and a complex type. Simple nodal boutons were observed more frequently. These nodes usually synapse upon a single dendritic element; the portion of the node opposite the presynaptic area has a morphology similar to conventional nodes. Complex nodal boutons are of greater dimension than simple nodal boutons and are usually in contact with several neuronal elements. They may be presynaptic to dendritic shafts or spines and are occasionally observed to be postsynaptic to small axonic profiles, a synaptic relationship which, until this report, has not been demonstrated in the central nervous system (CNS). The possible functional significance of these observations is discussed.", "contents": "Electron microscopic observations of nodes of Ranvier in the external cuneate nucleus. During the course of an investigation of the synaptic organization of the external cuneate nucleus (ECN) in the Sprague-Dawley albino rat, the ultrastructural morphology of nodes of Ranvier in the neuropil has been studied. The majority of nodes observed have the basic morphological features of conventional central nodes but there is individual variation with regard to length, surface area and cytoplasmic organelles. In addition, nodes with multiple myelinated branches are observed. Some nodes of Ranvier were observed to form specialized synaptic boutons. Two types of nodal synaptic boutons were present; a simple type and a complex type. Simple nodal boutons were observed more frequently. These nodes usually synapse upon a single dendritic element; the portion of the node opposite the presynaptic area has a morphology similar to conventional nodes. Complex nodal boutons are of greater dimension than simple nodal boutons and are usually in contact with several neuronal elements. They may be presynaptic to dendritic shafts or spines and are occasionally observed to be postsynaptic to small axonic profiles, a synaptic relationship which, until this report, has not been demonstrated in the central nervous system (CNS). The possible functional significance of these observations is discussed.", "PMID": 1002869} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9274", "title": "An anatomical study of some somesthetic afferents to the intercollicular terminal zone of the midbrain of the opossum.", "content": "Following lesions of the dorsal column nuclei, spinal cord and sensorimotor cortex, anterograde degeneration was traced to a common target in the central midbrain; the intercollicular terminal zone. Although not all the midbrain projections of the three pathways are contained within this zone, it receives overlapping projections from each of the three body-related somesthetic pathways studied. The intercollicular terminal zone covers the entirety of the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus and the intercollicular nucleus of Mehler, spilling over into adjacent parts of the central gray and deep layers of the superior colliculus. Little evidence of somatotopy in the somesthetic projections was disclosed, and bilateral input was found in each experimental case, regardless of the type of lesion. Golgi-stained material was examined to explore the basis of the extensiveness of the terminal zone. These materials showed that the dendritic spread of neurons in the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus and the intercollicular nucleus, taken together, covers the entirety of the intercollicular terminal zone. That is, the dendrites invade the same portions of the central gray and deep layers of the superior colliculus which are covered by the terminal field. We conclude that a tripartite division of the sensory midbrain may be justified: with the somesthetic modality being represented anatomically in a fashion at least roughly analogous to that of vision and audition.", "contents": "An anatomical study of some somesthetic afferents to the intercollicular terminal zone of the midbrain of the opossum. Following lesions of the dorsal column nuclei, spinal cord and sensorimotor cortex, anterograde degeneration was traced to a common target in the central midbrain; the intercollicular terminal zone. Although not all the midbrain projections of the three pathways are contained within this zone, it receives overlapping projections from each of the three body-related somesthetic pathways studied. The intercollicular terminal zone covers the entirety of the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus and the intercollicular nucleus of Mehler, spilling over into adjacent parts of the central gray and deep layers of the superior colliculus. Little evidence of somatotopy in the somesthetic projections was disclosed, and bilateral input was found in each experimental case, regardless of the type of lesion. Golgi-stained material was examined to explore the basis of the extensiveness of the terminal zone. These materials showed that the dendritic spread of neurons in the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus and the intercollicular nucleus, taken together, covers the entirety of the intercollicular terminal zone. That is, the dendrites invade the same portions of the central gray and deep layers of the superior colliculus which are covered by the terminal field. We conclude that a tripartite division of the sensory midbrain may be justified: with the somesthetic modality being represented anatomically in a fashion at least roughly analogous to that of vision and audition.", "PMID": 1002870} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9275", "title": "Cutaneous nerve lesions in prurigo nodularis. Electron microscopic study of two patients.", "content": "Skin biopsies from two patients with pruirgo nodularis were studied with the electron microscope. Lesions were found in the cutaneous myelinated and unmyelinated nerves. Schwann-cell cytoplasm showed large, irregular, membrane-bound, electron-lucent vacuoles. Umyelinated axons were distended and devoid of neurotubules and neurofilaments. Myelinated nerves showed various degrees of demyelination. Onion-bulb formations with a centrally located myelinated fibre were also observed and numerous mast cells were found in the cellular infiltrate. All these findings indicate the presence of a chronic peripheral neuropathy, the etiology of which remains to be determined.", "contents": "Cutaneous nerve lesions in prurigo nodularis. Electron microscopic study of two patients. Skin biopsies from two patients with pruirgo nodularis were studied with the electron microscope. Lesions were found in the cutaneous myelinated and unmyelinated nerves. Schwann-cell cytoplasm showed large, irregular, membrane-bound, electron-lucent vacuoles. Umyelinated axons were distended and devoid of neurotubules and neurofilaments. Myelinated nerves showed various degrees of demyelination. Onion-bulb formations with a centrally located myelinated fibre were also observed and numerous mast cells were found in the cellular infiltrate. All these findings indicate the presence of a chronic peripheral neuropathy, the etiology of which remains to be determined.", "PMID": 1002871} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9276", "title": "Cell renewal in discoid lupus erythematosus.", "content": "Cell proliferation has been evaluated in four patients with discoid lupus erythematosus after in vivo incorporation of tritiated thymidine. Numerous epidermal cells are in S phase or in mitosis. The acceleration of cell renewal is paralleled by a shortening of the transit time of completely differentiating keratinocytes. Remodellings of the vascular belt are evidenced by the labeling of many endothelial cells. There is no sign of lymphoblastic transformation in the dermis since the mononuclear infiltrate remains unlabeled.", "contents": "Cell renewal in discoid lupus erythematosus. Cell proliferation has been evaluated in four patients with discoid lupus erythematosus after in vivo incorporation of tritiated thymidine. Numerous epidermal cells are in S phase or in mitosis. The acceleration of cell renewal is paralleled by a shortening of the transit time of completely differentiating keratinocytes. Remodellings of the vascular belt are evidenced by the labeling of many endothelial cells. There is no sign of lymphoblastic transformation in the dermis since the mononuclear infiltrate remains unlabeled.", "PMID": 1002874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9277", "title": "Lobomycosis. Report of the eighth Colombian case and review of the literature.", "content": "The eighth Colombian case of lobomycosis and the one hundredth in the world literature is reported here. The patient was a 38-year-old female who showed a bilobed mass on the left forearm which had appeared at the site from where a similar lesion had been excised 19 years previously. She had always lived in a rural area, located in the humid subtropical forest. The tissue reactions to the fungus as well as the fruitless attempts to culture it are described. An analysis of the relevant literature is made and suggestions for experimental animal models are given in the text.", "contents": "Lobomycosis. Report of the eighth Colombian case and review of the literature. The eighth Colombian case of lobomycosis and the one hundredth in the world literature is reported here. The patient was a 38-year-old female who showed a bilobed mass on the left forearm which had appeared at the site from where a similar lesion had been excised 19 years previously. She had always lived in a rural area, located in the humid subtropical forest. The tissue reactions to the fungus as well as the fruitless attempts to culture it are described. An analysis of the relevant literature is made and suggestions for experimental animal models are given in the text.", "PMID": 1002875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9278", "title": "The epidermal component of melanocytic naevi.", "content": "Two hundred moles were examined histologically and the degree and type of epidermal change was recorded and correlated with the arrangement, density and type of naevus cells present and with the clinical presentation. Resemblances to the epidermal architecture of seborrhoeic warts were noted in 49% of the moles studied (this type of change was mainly seen in younger patients). In these there was a predominance of epithelioid cells, mainly in the junctional and upper dermal zones. Thirty-five per cent of moles possessed an epidermis with an overall appearance of being stretched, beneath which was a relatively clear zone followed by a uniform distribution of predominantly \"lymphocytoid\" naevus cells and large numbers of naevus cells of the giant type. These were found mainly in the older age groups. A third group (11%) was characterized by the presence of bulbous epidermal rete ridges and many junctional nests of naevus cells. This group was found mainly in younger age groups and there was often a history of recent change in the mole. It is concluded that the epidermal component of moles might itself be a naevoid disorder or result from the dermal disturbance induced by the mole cells.", "contents": "The epidermal component of melanocytic naevi. Two hundred moles were examined histologically and the degree and type of epidermal change was recorded and correlated with the arrangement, density and type of naevus cells present and with the clinical presentation. Resemblances to the epidermal architecture of seborrhoeic warts were noted in 49% of the moles studied (this type of change was mainly seen in younger patients). In these there was a predominance of epithelioid cells, mainly in the junctional and upper dermal zones. Thirty-five per cent of moles possessed an epidermis with an overall appearance of being stretched, beneath which was a relatively clear zone followed by a uniform distribution of predominantly \"lymphocytoid\" naevus cells and large numbers of naevus cells of the giant type. These were found mainly in the older age groups. A third group (11%) was characterized by the presence of bulbous epidermal rete ridges and many junctional nests of naevus cells. This group was found mainly in younger age groups and there was often a history of recent change in the mole. It is concluded that the epidermal component of moles might itself be a naevoid disorder or result from the dermal disturbance induced by the mole cells.", "PMID": 1002876} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9279", "title": "Solitary keratoacanthoma of the nipple in a male. Case report.", "content": "A heretofore undescribed localization for solitary keratoacanthoma, namely the skin of the nipple, is reported. The tumor developed in a 69-year-old man who had suffered a trauma in the thorax near the left nipple 5 months before. A possible origin in mammary ducts, considering the breast as a modified sweat gland, is discussed.", "contents": "Solitary keratoacanthoma of the nipple in a male. Case report. A heretofore undescribed localization for solitary keratoacanthoma, namely the skin of the nipple, is reported. The tumor developed in a 69-year-old man who had suffered a trauma in the thorax near the left nipple 5 months before. A possible origin in mammary ducts, considering the breast as a modified sweat gland, is discussed.", "PMID": 1002877} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9280", "title": "Dermal vessels in acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans.", "content": "An ultrastructural investigation of two patients suffering from acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans revealed in the small dermal vessels swelling of the endothelial cells, material of probably plasmatic origin accumulated in the subendothelial area, and sleeves of basement membrane-like material on a concentric perivascular layout.", "contents": "Dermal vessels in acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans. An ultrastructural investigation of two patients suffering from acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans revealed in the small dermal vessels swelling of the endothelial cells, material of probably plasmatic origin accumulated in the subendothelial area, and sleeves of basement membrane-like material on a concentric perivascular layout.", "PMID": 1002878} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9281", "title": "Effects of positive and negative feedback on behavior control in hyperactive and normal boys.", "content": "The hypothesis that hyperactive boys have relatively less response to negative feedback than to positive feedback was studied. Sixteen hyperactive boys and 16 controls were compared on two tasks under different feedback conditions. Feedback conditions were no feedback, positive feedback, and negative feedback. Tasks were symbol encoding and correcting spelling words. Hyperactives and controls were compared in amount of time on-task and amount of work correctly completed. Hyperactives were on-task significantly more under conditions of negative feedback than under positive feedback, but negative feedback significantly increased errors on the spelling correction task. Controls were equally responsive to positive, negative, or no feedback. Hyperactives accomplished significantly less than controls on the coding task, but performed as well as controls on the spelling correction task, which was administered to each boy at his own level of spelling ability. The results imply that while consistent negative feedback can reduce off-task behavior for hyperactives, it can also decrease the accuracy of the work they are doing.", "contents": "Effects of positive and negative feedback on behavior control in hyperactive and normal boys. The hypothesis that hyperactive boys have relatively less response to negative feedback than to positive feedback was studied. Sixteen hyperactive boys and 16 controls were compared on two tasks under different feedback conditions. Feedback conditions were no feedback, positive feedback, and negative feedback. Tasks were symbol encoding and correcting spelling words. Hyperactives and controls were compared in amount of time on-task and amount of work correctly completed. Hyperactives were on-task significantly more under conditions of negative feedback than under positive feedback, but negative feedback significantly increased errors on the spelling correction task. Controls were equally responsive to positive, negative, or no feedback. Hyperactives accomplished significantly less than controls on the coding task, but performed as well as controls on the spelling correction task, which was administered to each boy at his own level of spelling ability. The results imply that while consistent negative feedback can reduce off-task behavior for hyperactives, it can also decrease the accuracy of the work they are doing.", "PMID": 1002946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9282", "title": "A component analysis of attentional problems of educationally handicapped boys.", "content": "Seventy-three educationally handicapped (EH) and 78 regular class, normally achieving (NA) boys grades 3-8 were tested with a series of measures selected to test three components of attention: coming to attention, decision making, and maintaining attention over time. EH and NA samples were subdivided into three gropus by grade level (grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8). Based on a teacher-completed behavioral check list, the EH group was further subdivided according to pupils perceived by teachers as hyperactive or nonhyperactive. With the exception of the youngest group, EH and NA samples did not differ from each other on CA, but regular class boys had slightly higher IQs and better reading scores than did their EH peers; EH hyperactives and EH nonhyperactives differed significantly on reading scores, the difference favoring the nonhyperactives. All pupils were individually administered the Children's Embedded Figures Test (CEFT), the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT), and the Children's Checking Task (CCT), the last designed specifically to assess ability to maintain attention over time. EH pupils did not function as efficiently or as accurately on the attentional tasks as did their normally achieving age peers. Significant differences between EH and NA samples were found for CEFT and MFFT errors, as well as for CCT errors of omission and commission. Analyses of the EH group according to hyperactive--nonhyperactive status were for the most part nonsignificant. Correlational analyses yielded low but statistically significant relationships among the attentional measures, but nonsignificant relationships between IQ and the attentional test scores. Findings were consistent with the interpretation that the three hypothesized components of attention are partially independent and thus may have differential influence on pupils performance in school.", "contents": "A component analysis of attentional problems of educationally handicapped boys. Seventy-three educationally handicapped (EH) and 78 regular class, normally achieving (NA) boys grades 3-8 were tested with a series of measures selected to test three components of attention: coming to attention, decision making, and maintaining attention over time. EH and NA samples were subdivided into three gropus by grade level (grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8). Based on a teacher-completed behavioral check list, the EH group was further subdivided according to pupils perceived by teachers as hyperactive or nonhyperactive. With the exception of the youngest group, EH and NA samples did not differ from each other on CA, but regular class boys had slightly higher IQs and better reading scores than did their EH peers; EH hyperactives and EH nonhyperactives differed significantly on reading scores, the difference favoring the nonhyperactives. All pupils were individually administered the Children's Embedded Figures Test (CEFT), the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT), and the Children's Checking Task (CCT), the last designed specifically to assess ability to maintain attention over time. EH pupils did not function as efficiently or as accurately on the attentional tasks as did their normally achieving age peers. Significant differences between EH and NA samples were found for CEFT and MFFT errors, as well as for CCT errors of omission and commission. Analyses of the EH group according to hyperactive--nonhyperactive status were for the most part nonsignificant. Correlational analyses yielded low but statistically significant relationships among the attentional measures, but nonsignificant relationships between IQ and the attentional test scores. Findings were consistent with the interpretation that the three hypothesized components of attention are partially independent and thus may have differential influence on pupils performance in school.", "PMID": 1002947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9283", "title": "Attention and distractibility during reading in hyperactive boys.", "content": "Nonhyperactive and clinically defined hyperactive boys were administered reading tasks under \"quiet\" and \"distracting\" conditions. Hyperactive boys were less attentive to task relevant stimuli and more attentive to task irrelevant stimuli than their controls. Our results demonstrate that the previous findings of inattentiveness among hyperactive boys on laboratory tasks can be generalized to more typical school activities such as reading.", "contents": "Attention and distractibility during reading in hyperactive boys. Nonhyperactive and clinically defined hyperactive boys were administered reading tasks under \"quiet\" and \"distracting\" conditions. Hyperactive boys were less attentive to task relevant stimuli and more attentive to task irrelevant stimuli than their controls. Our results demonstrate that the previous findings of inattentiveness among hyperactive boys on laboratory tasks can be generalized to more typical school activities such as reading.", "PMID": 1002949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9284", "title": "Relative efficacy of methylphenidate and behavior modification in hyperkinetic children: an interim report.", "content": "Children reported to be hyperactive in school and with behavior difficulties at home were randomly assigned to methylphenidate, behavior therapy and placebo, or behavior therapy with methylphenidate for an 8-week period. Rating scales were obtained from teachers and parents. Independent blind observers rated childrens' classroom bheavior on a weekly basis. A behavior therapy program was implemented in the home and at school. Methylphenidate dosage was individualized. Ratings of behavior deviance were significantly reduced by all treatments. However, a significant advantage for the groups receiving methylphenidate was found over the group receiving behavior therapy and placebo. No significant differences between methylphenidate alone and methylphenidate combined with behavior therapy were obtained. Global ratings of improvement done by teachers favored the combined treatment of behavior therapy and methylphenidate over behavior therapy and placebo. No differences among treatments were found in the mothers' global ratings of improvement. The results indicate that though all three treatments were effective, methylphenidate was significantly superior to behavior therapy alone.", "contents": "Relative efficacy of methylphenidate and behavior modification in hyperkinetic children: an interim report. Children reported to be hyperactive in school and with behavior difficulties at home were randomly assigned to methylphenidate, behavior therapy and placebo, or behavior therapy with methylphenidate for an 8-week period. Rating scales were obtained from teachers and parents. Independent blind observers rated childrens' classroom bheavior on a weekly basis. A behavior therapy program was implemented in the home and at school. Methylphenidate dosage was individualized. Ratings of behavior deviance were significantly reduced by all treatments. However, a significant advantage for the groups receiving methylphenidate was found over the group receiving behavior therapy and placebo. No significant differences between methylphenidate alone and methylphenidate combined with behavior therapy were obtained. Global ratings of improvement done by teachers favored the combined treatment of behavior therapy and methylphenidate over behavior therapy and placebo. No differences among treatments were found in the mothers' global ratings of improvement. The results indicate that though all three treatments were effective, methylphenidate was significantly superior to behavior therapy alone.", "PMID": 1002948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9285", "title": "Curvularin from penicillium baradicum Baghdadi NRRL 3754, and biological effects.", "content": "Curvularin, a fungal metabolite similar in chemical structure to zearalenone, a potent estrogen, was tested for its estrogenic effects to gilts. No estrogenicity was observed to 60 kg gilts after feeding curvularin per os at a rate of 10 mg per day for 5 days. Curvularin was also nontoxic to mice and chick embryo.", "contents": "Curvularin from penicillium baradicum Baghdadi NRRL 3754, and biological effects. Curvularin, a fungal metabolite similar in chemical structure to zearalenone, a potent estrogen, was tested for its estrogenic effects to gilts. No estrogenicity was observed to 60 kg gilts after feeding curvularin per os at a rate of 10 mg per day for 5 days. Curvularin was also nontoxic to mice and chick embryo.", "PMID": 1002951} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9286", "title": "Assessment of a cognitive training program for hyperactive children.", "content": "Modeling, self-verbalization, and self-reinforcement techniques were used to train hyperactive children in more effective and less impulsive strategies for approaching cognitive tasks, academic problems, and social situations. Eighteen hyperactive children took part in the training program. The control group, which received no training, consisted of 11 children, matched with the experimental group on age, IQ, and measures of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Several tests and measures, some of which have been shown to differentiate between hyperactive and normal children, were administered prior to training at the end of the 3-month training period, and after a further 3-month period in which no training took place. The trained group showed significantly greater improvement on several of the measures, both at the time of posttesting and on the follow-up evaluation.", "contents": "Assessment of a cognitive training program for hyperactive children. Modeling, self-verbalization, and self-reinforcement techniques were used to train hyperactive children in more effective and less impulsive strategies for approaching cognitive tasks, academic problems, and social situations. Eighteen hyperactive children took part in the training program. The control group, which received no training, consisted of 11 children, matched with the experimental group on age, IQ, and measures of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Several tests and measures, some of which have been shown to differentiate between hyperactive and normal children, were administered prior to training at the end of the 3-month training period, and after a further 3-month period in which no training took place. The trained group showed significantly greater improvement on several of the measures, both at the time of posttesting and on the follow-up evaluation.", "PMID": 1002950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9287", "title": "14C-Labeled aflatoxin B1 prepared with yeastlike cultures of Aspergillus parasiticus.", "content": "A simple method was developed to produce 14C-labeled aflatoxin B1 by using the yeastlike phase of Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999. Yeastlike cultures resulted from absence of manganese in a synthetic medium. Sodium acetate-1-14C had a 0.22% average incorporation; sodium acetate-1,2-14C, 0.70%. The average yield of labeled B1 was 10 mg/500 ml medium with an average specific activity of either 63.3 mCi/mole (C-1 label) or 194.3 mCi/mole (C-1, 2 label).", "contents": "14C-Labeled aflatoxin B1 prepared with yeastlike cultures of Aspergillus parasiticus. A simple method was developed to produce 14C-labeled aflatoxin B1 by using the yeastlike phase of Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999. Yeastlike cultures resulted from absence of manganese in a synthetic medium. Sodium acetate-1-14C had a 0.22% average incorporation; sodium acetate-1,2-14C, 0.70%. The average yield of labeled B1 was 10 mg/500 ml medium with an average specific activity of either 63.3 mCi/mole (C-1 label) or 194.3 mCi/mole (C-1, 2 label).", "PMID": 1002952} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9288", "title": "Residues of 2, 4-D in air samples from Saskatchewan: 1966-1975.", "content": "Residues of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) in air samples from several sampling sites in central and southern Saskatchewan during the spraying seasons in the 1966-68 and 1970-75 periods were determined by gas-liquid chromatographic techniques. Initially, individual esters of 2,4-D were characterized by retention times and confirmed further by co-injection and dual column procedures. Since 1973, however, only total 2,4-D acid levels in air samples have been determined after esterification to the methyl ester and confirmed by gc/ms techniques whenever possible. Up to 50% of the daily samples collected during the spraying season at any of the locations and during any given year contained 2,4-D, with butyl esters being found most frequently. The daily 24-hr mean atmospheric concentrations of 2,4-D ranged from 0.01 to 1.22 mug/m3, 0.01 to 13.50 mug/m3, and 0.05 to 0.59 mug/m3 for the iso-propyl, mixed butyl and iso-octyl esters, respectively. Even when the samples were analysed for the total 2,4-D content, i.e. from 1973 onwards, the maximum level of the total acid reached only 23.14 mug/m3. In any given year and at any of the sampling sites, about 30% of the samples contained less than 0.01 mug/m3 of 2,4-D. In another 40% of the samples, the levels of 2,4-D ranged from 0.01 to 0.099 mug/m3. Only about 30% of the samples contained 2,4-D concentrations higher than 0.1 mug/m3, with only 10% or less exceeding 1 mug/m3. None of the samples, obtained with the high volume particulate sampler, showed any detectable levels of 2,4-D, indicating little or no transport of 2,4-D adsorbed on dust particles or as crystals of amine salts.", "contents": "Residues of 2, 4-D in air samples from Saskatchewan: 1966-1975. Residues of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) in air samples from several sampling sites in central and southern Saskatchewan during the spraying seasons in the 1966-68 and 1970-75 periods were determined by gas-liquid chromatographic techniques. Initially, individual esters of 2,4-D were characterized by retention times and confirmed further by co-injection and dual column procedures. Since 1973, however, only total 2,4-D acid levels in air samples have been determined after esterification to the methyl ester and confirmed by gc/ms techniques whenever possible. Up to 50% of the daily samples collected during the spraying season at any of the locations and during any given year contained 2,4-D, with butyl esters being found most frequently. The daily 24-hr mean atmospheric concentrations of 2,4-D ranged from 0.01 to 1.22 mug/m3, 0.01 to 13.50 mug/m3, and 0.05 to 0.59 mug/m3 for the iso-propyl, mixed butyl and iso-octyl esters, respectively. Even when the samples were analysed for the total 2,4-D content, i.e. from 1973 onwards, the maximum level of the total acid reached only 23.14 mug/m3. In any given year and at any of the sampling sites, about 30% of the samples contained less than 0.01 mug/m3 of 2,4-D. In another 40% of the samples, the levels of 2,4-D ranged from 0.01 to 0.099 mug/m3. Only about 30% of the samples contained 2,4-D concentrations higher than 0.1 mug/m3, with only 10% or less exceeding 1 mug/m3. None of the samples, obtained with the high volume particulate sampler, showed any detectable levels of 2,4-D, indicating little or no transport of 2,4-D adsorbed on dust particles or as crystals of amine salts.", "PMID": 1002953} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9289", "title": "[Length of gestation and parameters of the menstrual cycle].", "content": "In studying the BBT curves of 433 conceptional cycles, no evidence was found of any correlation between duration of gestation counted from \"zero\" day, the last day of the hypothermic phase, and various parameters measuring durations or temperatures evaluated from the curves. There is, in particular, no positive correlation with the duration of the hypothermic phase; and the authors were able, by taking into account the error made in replacing ovulation by \"zero\" day, to deduce that the \"true\" duration of gestation is not correlated with the \"true\" length of the preovulatory phase or indeed with the length of the cycle.", "contents": "[Length of gestation and parameters of the menstrual cycle]. In studying the BBT curves of 433 conceptional cycles, no evidence was found of any correlation between duration of gestation counted from \"zero\" day, the last day of the hypothermic phase, and various parameters measuring durations or temperatures evaluated from the curves. There is, in particular, no positive correlation with the duration of the hypothermic phase; and the authors were able, by taking into account the error made in replacing ovulation by \"zero\" day, to deduce that the \"true\" duration of gestation is not correlated with the \"true\" length of the preovulatory phase or indeed with the length of the cycle.", "PMID": 1002954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9290", "title": "[The action of the polypeptide placental hormones HCG and HCS on the blastic changes of lymphocytes in mixed cultures].", "content": "The present work studies the effect of the placental hormones HCG and HCS on cellular immunity in vitro. These two hormones used in identical or greater concentrations than found in circulating blood inhibit lymphoblastic changes in mixed cultures of lymphocytes. It is possible that HCG and HCS have the same inhibiting effect in vivo on immunity by cellular mediation in the pregnant woman. This inhibition could be of the greatest importance at the surface of the trophoblast where their concentration is probably raised, and where contact between fetal antigens and maternal blood also takes place.", "contents": "[The action of the polypeptide placental hormones HCG and HCS on the blastic changes of lymphocytes in mixed cultures]. The present work studies the effect of the placental hormones HCG and HCS on cellular immunity in vitro. These two hormones used in identical or greater concentrations than found in circulating blood inhibit lymphoblastic changes in mixed cultures of lymphocytes. It is possible that HCG and HCS have the same inhibiting effect in vivo on immunity by cellular mediation in the pregnant woman. This inhibition could be of the greatest importance at the surface of the trophoblast where their concentration is probably raised, and where contact between fetal antigens and maternal blood also takes place.", "PMID": 1002955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9291", "title": "[Histometric study of 55 cases of carcinoma in situ and microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix. Histogenetic deductions].", "content": "The authors present the results of a quantitative study of carcinoma-in-situ and occult invasive cancers of the cervix. 40 separate carcinomata in-situ were measured and the limits of their topography precisely defined with reference to the external os on the one hand and the \"last gland\" on the other. It is known that this gland is situated at the site of the original junction between the cylindrical and pavement epithelia. It confirms that carcinoma-in-situ always (with few exceptions) develops upwards from the area of the original junction between the cylindrical and pavement epithelia, and its topography is higher than that of dysplasia especially when the two types of lesion are associated.", "contents": "[Histometric study of 55 cases of carcinoma in situ and microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix. Histogenetic deductions]. The authors present the results of a quantitative study of carcinoma-in-situ and occult invasive cancers of the cervix. 40 separate carcinomata in-situ were measured and the limits of their topography precisely defined with reference to the external os on the one hand and the \"last gland\" on the other. It is known that this gland is situated at the site of the original junction between the cylindrical and pavement epithelia. It confirms that carcinoma-in-situ always (with few exceptions) develops upwards from the area of the original junction between the cylindrical and pavement epithelia, and its topography is higher than that of dysplasia especially when the two types of lesion are associated.", "PMID": 1002956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9292", "title": "[Thermography of the testicle. Preliminary study].", "content": "The preliminary study is concerned with 25 cases that have been examined using thermography in planes to check the conditions of temperature of the testes in normal and pathological states. Normal testicular thermography is characterised by a symmetrical and constant thermographic picture, the temperature staying between 32.5 and 34.5 degrees. In the pathological states of oligoasthenospermia plate thermography shows up a particular thermic picture associated with a varicocoele whether this is clinical or subclinical. The picture is one of hyperthermia and lack of symmetry in the case of a unilateral lesion. In these cases tyeing off the spermatic vein shows a rapid return to a normal thermographic picture. These positive results have led to a more extensive and deep study which is at present in progress.", "contents": "[Thermography of the testicle. Preliminary study]. The preliminary study is concerned with 25 cases that have been examined using thermography in planes to check the conditions of temperature of the testes in normal and pathological states. Normal testicular thermography is characterised by a symmetrical and constant thermographic picture, the temperature staying between 32.5 and 34.5 degrees. In the pathological states of oligoasthenospermia plate thermography shows up a particular thermic picture associated with a varicocoele whether this is clinical or subclinical. The picture is one of hyperthermia and lack of symmetry in the case of a unilateral lesion. In these cases tyeing off the spermatic vein shows a rapid return to a normal thermographic picture. These positive results have led to a more extensive and deep study which is at present in progress.", "PMID": 1002957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9293", "title": "[Occipito-posterior deliveries].", "content": "The occipito-posterior position has been thought to be a presentation leading to dystocia as a result of faulty positioning of the head. Closer observation of the facts lead one to think that this kind of position is really the result of better accommodation of the fetal head to the shapes of pelvis to which one has not become used but which are normal: this means those where the antero-posterior diameters are greater. By itself the occipito-posterior position cannot give rise to true complications. It only needs a particular mechanism. In deliveries in the occipito-posterior position progress and prognosis depend less on the presentation than on the conditions, especially the anatomical conditions, which have given rise to or made more likely the position and which go with it. It is therefore these conditions that have to be recognized each time and taken note of in order to carry out the best possible treatment.", "contents": "[Occipito-posterior deliveries]. The occipito-posterior position has been thought to be a presentation leading to dystocia as a result of faulty positioning of the head. Closer observation of the facts lead one to think that this kind of position is really the result of better accommodation of the fetal head to the shapes of pelvis to which one has not become used but which are normal: this means those where the antero-posterior diameters are greater. By itself the occipito-posterior position cannot give rise to true complications. It only needs a particular mechanism. In deliveries in the occipito-posterior position progress and prognosis depend less on the presentation than on the conditions, especially the anatomical conditions, which have given rise to or made more likely the position and which go with it. It is therefore these conditions that have to be recognized each time and taken note of in order to carry out the best possible treatment.", "PMID": 1002958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9294", "title": "[The ovary after ovariotexy].", "content": "After reviewing the technique of the operation the authors report on the results of 25 cases of ovariotexy. This procedure of surrounding and placing the ovary extraperitoneally has been practised with the idea of performing a reversible sterilisation. Only 2 pregnancies resulted. 18 cases were reviewed after a certain interval of time (a mean of 2 1/2 years). 5 cases of dysmenorrhoea and 2 cases of cystic changes in the ovaries occured. 6 patients who before ovariotexy had regular cycles and were free of all symptoms and of all neuro-psychiatric treatment retained their regular cycles, controlled biologically. 6 further patients who had regular cycles but had a neuro-psychiatric history were seen of whom 4 kept to more or less regular cycles. The 6 patients who had irregular cycles did not change their cycles, but one only, who was 39 years of age, clinically and biologically produced the menopausal syndrome. The reversibility of the procedure has not been tested. Ovariotexy is not without risks, but these seem to be lessened when the operation is carried out on ovaries that are anatomically and functionally normal.", "contents": "[The ovary after ovariotexy]. After reviewing the technique of the operation the authors report on the results of 25 cases of ovariotexy. This procedure of surrounding and placing the ovary extraperitoneally has been practised with the idea of performing a reversible sterilisation. Only 2 pregnancies resulted. 18 cases were reviewed after a certain interval of time (a mean of 2 1/2 years). 5 cases of dysmenorrhoea and 2 cases of cystic changes in the ovaries occured. 6 patients who before ovariotexy had regular cycles and were free of all symptoms and of all neuro-psychiatric treatment retained their regular cycles, controlled biologically. 6 further patients who had regular cycles but had a neuro-psychiatric history were seen of whom 4 kept to more or less regular cycles. The 6 patients who had irregular cycles did not change their cycles, but one only, who was 39 years of age, clinically and biologically produced the menopausal syndrome. The reversibility of the procedure has not been tested. Ovariotexy is not without risks, but these seem to be lessened when the operation is carried out on ovaries that are anatomically and functionally normal.", "PMID": 1002959} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9295", "title": "[Copper T 200 intrauterine device. Clinical study of 486 cases].", "content": "In this study on 486 T-Cu 200 placed in situ for an average of 12 months, analysis of results show that this Copper-I.U.D. has a complete efficacy and a very high continuation rate. The author establishes a relationship between these results and the selection of patients by hysterometry.", "contents": "[Copper T 200 intrauterine device. Clinical study of 486 cases]. In this study on 486 T-Cu 200 placed in situ for an average of 12 months, analysis of results show that this Copper-I.U.D. has a complete efficacy and a very high continuation rate. The author establishes a relationship between these results and the selection of patients by hysterometry.", "PMID": 1002960} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9296", "title": "Localization of catecholamines in the eyes and other tissues of Aplysia.", "content": "A green fluorescence indicative of catecholamines (CA) was localized in the secondary cells (nonreceptor neurons), neuropile and optic nerve of the eye and other tissues in Aplysia by using the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence method for the demonstration of biogenic amines. The specificity of the induced fluorescence was confirmed by its absence in tissue not exposed to formaldehyde vapor, relatively rapid decay upon exposure to UV light and its chemical reduction by sodium borohydride. The fluorescence was greatly reduced in eyes treated with reserpine (depletes serotonin and catecholamines). Furhter confirmation that the green fluorescence in the eye was due to a CA and not to serotonin was obtained by showing that it was decreased or eliminated by alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (an inhibitor of catecholamine synthesis), increased by incubation in dopamine and exhibited a peak emission (470 nm) characteristic of CA fluroescence. CA fluorescence was also observed in the neuropiles of the cerebral, pedal, pleural and parieto-visceral ganglia and in cells in the pedal ganglion, statocyst, mantle, anterior tentacles and siphon. The finding of CA in secondary neurons of the eye was unusual since CA-containing cells have not been observed in other gastropod eyes. The distribution of CA in Aplysia, in tissue other than the eye, is similar to that of other gastropod molluscs.", "contents": "Localization of catecholamines in the eyes and other tissues of Aplysia. A green fluorescence indicative of catecholamines (CA) was localized in the secondary cells (nonreceptor neurons), neuropile and optic nerve of the eye and other tissues in Aplysia by using the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence method for the demonstration of biogenic amines. The specificity of the induced fluorescence was confirmed by its absence in tissue not exposed to formaldehyde vapor, relatively rapid decay upon exposure to UV light and its chemical reduction by sodium borohydride. The fluorescence was greatly reduced in eyes treated with reserpine (depletes serotonin and catecholamines). Furhter confirmation that the green fluorescence in the eye was due to a CA and not to serotonin was obtained by showing that it was decreased or eliminated by alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (an inhibitor of catecholamine synthesis), increased by incubation in dopamine and exhibited a peak emission (470 nm) characteristic of CA fluroescence. CA fluorescence was also observed in the neuropiles of the cerebral, pedal, pleural and parieto-visceral ganglia and in cells in the pedal ganglion, statocyst, mantle, anterior tentacles and siphon. The finding of CA in secondary neurons of the eye was unusual since CA-containing cells have not been observed in other gastropod eyes. The distribution of CA in Aplysia, in tissue other than the eye, is similar to that of other gastropod molluscs.", "PMID": 1002971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9297", "title": "Cytochemical localization of glycoconjugate in mitochondria.", "content": "Complex carbohydrates and cations have been localized by cytochemical methods in mitochondria of mammalian leukocytes, hepatocytes and oyster gill epithelium. Glycoconjugate of acidic nature was visualized with the dialyzed iron method in or on the outer membrane and inner boundary membrane and in the outer intermembrane space but not on the membranes of cristae or in the intracristate space, or matrix. Sulfated glycoconjugate was demonstrated with the high iron diamine method in a similar distribution and in, on, or between, membranes of cristae as well. Intermittent aggregates of dialyzed iron and high iron diamine stained material were often found in the outer intermembrane space. The periphery of isolated rat liver mitochondria also stained with a Concanavalin A horseradish peroxidase technique, indicating the presence of macromolecules, presumably glycoproteins containing mannose or glucose. The distribution of antimonate reactive cation in mitochondria of leukocytes resembled that of the acidic glycoconjugate, indicating binding of cations to anionic groups of the latter. The complex carbohydrates and cations demonstrated cytochemically in mitochondria are considered in relation to previous biochemical studies.", "contents": "Cytochemical localization of glycoconjugate in mitochondria. Complex carbohydrates and cations have been localized by cytochemical methods in mitochondria of mammalian leukocytes, hepatocytes and oyster gill epithelium. Glycoconjugate of acidic nature was visualized with the dialyzed iron method in or on the outer membrane and inner boundary membrane and in the outer intermembrane space but not on the membranes of cristae or in the intracristate space, or matrix. Sulfated glycoconjugate was demonstrated with the high iron diamine method in a similar distribution and in, on, or between, membranes of cristae as well. Intermittent aggregates of dialyzed iron and high iron diamine stained material were often found in the outer intermembrane space. The periphery of isolated rat liver mitochondria also stained with a Concanavalin A horseradish peroxidase technique, indicating the presence of macromolecules, presumably glycoproteins containing mannose or glucose. The distribution of antimonate reactive cation in mitochondria of leukocytes resembled that of the acidic glycoconjugate, indicating binding of cations to anionic groups of the latter. The complex carbohydrates and cations demonstrated cytochemically in mitochondria are considered in relation to previous biochemical studies.", "PMID": 1002972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9298", "title": "The use of ferricyanide for the electron microscopic demonstration of dehydrogenases in human steroidogenic cells.", "content": "The ultrastructural localization of 3 beta hydroxysteroid ferricyanide reductase, glucose-6-phosphate ferricyanide reductase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and reduced form-ferricyanide reductase was investigated in some human steroidogenic tissues (corpus luteum of pregnancy, fetal adrenal gland and testis, adult testis and placenta) using ferricyanide as an electron acceptor. Copper ferrocyanide deposits were readily observed in the mitochondria, in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum profiles and in the cytoplasm. The sites of the various dehydrogenase activities could be visualized by using appropriate incubating media. The precise localization of various reactions in different electron transfer chains was determined by using different ferricyanide concentrations and intermediate electron-carriers such as menadione or exogenous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and reduced form-diaphorase. The use of respiratory chain inhibitors such as rotenone or antimycine A confirmed these data.", "contents": "The use of ferricyanide for the electron microscopic demonstration of dehydrogenases in human steroidogenic cells. The ultrastructural localization of 3 beta hydroxysteroid ferricyanide reductase, glucose-6-phosphate ferricyanide reductase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and reduced form-ferricyanide reductase was investigated in some human steroidogenic tissues (corpus luteum of pregnancy, fetal adrenal gland and testis, adult testis and placenta) using ferricyanide as an electron acceptor. Copper ferrocyanide deposits were readily observed in the mitochondria, in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum profiles and in the cytoplasm. The sites of the various dehydrogenase activities could be visualized by using appropriate incubating media. The precise localization of various reactions in different electron transfer chains was determined by using different ferricyanide concentrations and intermediate electron-carriers such as menadione or exogenous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and reduced form-diaphorase. The use of respiratory chain inhibitors such as rotenone or antimycine A confirmed these data.", "PMID": 1002973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9299", "title": "Arterial hypotension induced by horseradish peroxidase in various rat strains.", "content": "The influence of various commercial preparations of horseradish peroxidase upon the arterial pressure has been investigated using direct intra-arterial pressure recordings in Nembutal anesthetized rats of different strains. A marked hypotension was noted in Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats when sufficiently high doses (5-10 mg/100 g body weight) were injected intravenously. This effect was observed with both highly purified (Sigma type VI, Boehringer Reinheitsgrad I) as well as less pure preparations (Sigma type II, Boehringer Reinheitsgrad II). Prior injection of promethazin, an antihistamine, prevented the drop in arterial pressure. Wistar/Furth rats appeared almost resistant to the hypotensive effect of Sigma preparations but developed moderate to marked hypotension with both types of Boehringer horseradish peroxidase. When instead of Nembutal, ether anesthesia was used only a transient mild hypotension developed and the animals recovered within 7-10 min. No effect was noted in Syrian hamsters receiving injections with the same doses of horseradish peroxidase. Electrophoresis revealed marked variations in the isozyme composition of different horseradish peroxidase preparations. Since the exact nature of the hypotensive agent remains unknown, it is suggested that the arterial pressure be monitored before extensive systematic application of this tracer in vascular permeability studies in rats.", "contents": "Arterial hypotension induced by horseradish peroxidase in various rat strains. The influence of various commercial preparations of horseradish peroxidase upon the arterial pressure has been investigated using direct intra-arterial pressure recordings in Nembutal anesthetized rats of different strains. A marked hypotension was noted in Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats when sufficiently high doses (5-10 mg/100 g body weight) were injected intravenously. This effect was observed with both highly purified (Sigma type VI, Boehringer Reinheitsgrad I) as well as less pure preparations (Sigma type II, Boehringer Reinheitsgrad II). Prior injection of promethazin, an antihistamine, prevented the drop in arterial pressure. Wistar/Furth rats appeared almost resistant to the hypotensive effect of Sigma preparations but developed moderate to marked hypotension with both types of Boehringer horseradish peroxidase. When instead of Nembutal, ether anesthesia was used only a transient mild hypotension developed and the animals recovered within 7-10 min. No effect was noted in Syrian hamsters receiving injections with the same doses of horseradish peroxidase. Electrophoresis revealed marked variations in the isozyme composition of different horseradish peroxidase preparations. Since the exact nature of the hypotensive agent remains unknown, it is suggested that the arterial pressure be monitored before extensive systematic application of this tracer in vascular permeability studies in rats.", "PMID": 1002975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9300", "title": "Peroxisome development in the regenerating pars recta (P3 segment) of proximal tubules of the rat kidney.", "content": "The development of peroxisomes, lysosomes and endocytic vacuoles in regenerating cells of the pars recta (P3 segment) of proximal tubules, in rats given a single interperitoneal injection of d-serine (80 mg/100 g.b.wt), was studied by light and electron microscopy using cytochemical methods. Rapid proliferation of cells occurred between 2 and 5 days after d-serine induced tubular necrosis; by day 6 almost all injured tubules were re-epithelialized with flat or low cuboidal cells. Peroxisomes and lysosomes were not observed during the period of rapid cell multiplication i.e., between 2 and 6 days after d-serine injection. Restitution of mitochondrial population preceded the development of peroxisomes in the newly regenerated cells of P3 tubules. Maximum development of peroxisomes occurred between 9 and 14 days after d-serine injection. The formation of peroxisomes appeared to correlate closely with the differentiation of apical endocytic vacuoles and the brush border. Lysosomes in the regenerated cells of P3 tubules were the last to develop.", "contents": "Peroxisome development in the regenerating pars recta (P3 segment) of proximal tubules of the rat kidney. The development of peroxisomes, lysosomes and endocytic vacuoles in regenerating cells of the pars recta (P3 segment) of proximal tubules, in rats given a single interperitoneal injection of d-serine (80 mg/100 g.b.wt), was studied by light and electron microscopy using cytochemical methods. Rapid proliferation of cells occurred between 2 and 5 days after d-serine induced tubular necrosis; by day 6 almost all injured tubules were re-epithelialized with flat or low cuboidal cells. Peroxisomes and lysosomes were not observed during the period of rapid cell multiplication i.e., between 2 and 6 days after d-serine injection. Restitution of mitochondrial population preceded the development of peroxisomes in the newly regenerated cells of P3 tubules. Maximum development of peroxisomes occurred between 9 and 14 days after d-serine injection. The formation of peroxisomes appeared to correlate closely with the differentiation of apical endocytic vacuoles and the brush border. Lysosomes in the regenerated cells of P3 tubules were the last to develop.", "PMID": 1002976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9301", "title": "[Quantitative studies on the dendritic spine distribution on the lamina-5 pyramidal cells in the anterior gyrus cinguli of the rat].", "content": "At three months old male rats the spine-distribution of the main dendrite and of the apical and basal dendrites of 36 lamina V-pyramidal cells of the regio cingularis (anterior cingulate cortex) was analyzed (from every subregion -- neocortex, mesoneocortex, mesoarchicortex -- 12 neurons). 1. The limbic pyramidal neurons show the same spine-distribution at their main dendrite as neocortical neurons of other brain regions and other mammal-species do: after an initial segment with poor spines only there follows an rapid increase of the spine-values with an amount at a range of 150 mum from the perikaryon, thereafter spine-values decrease continuously and slowly up the branching into the terminal bundle. 2. Basal and apical lateral dendrites however show another spine-distribution: basally there is an increase of the spine-values from the 1st up to the 3rd order, followed by a decrease at subsequent orders. Apically spine-density decreases from the 1st up to the 4th order. 3. The spine-distribution at the parts of the dendritic tree is discussed as a general biological sign of pyramidal cells. 4. The total number of spines of lamina V-pyramidal cells in the regio cingularis (anterior cingulate cortex) is less than those in the sensomotoric cortex and in the hippocampus, which corresponds with the lower differentiation of the limbic cortex. 5. By means of a variance-analysis the pyramidal spine-values of the three subregions were compared: concerning the total number of spines of a pyramidal neuron there are significant differences between the three subregions; the values are in the ratio of 3 to 2 to 1 (Regio praecentralis agranularis, 2461; mesoneocortex, 1664; mesoarchicortex, 800). The significantly least spine-density of all parts of the dendritic tree you can find in lamina V-pyramidal cells of the mesoarchicortex. 6. The equality of the basal and apical spine-values in the mesoneocortex is due to less specialization of these neurons. 7. The spine-values for a single dendritic field (EDF) show the differences between the limbic subregions clearly: there are significant differences between the three subregions concerning not only the number of spines but also the spine-densities apically and basally.", "contents": "[Quantitative studies on the dendritic spine distribution on the lamina-5 pyramidal cells in the anterior gyrus cinguli of the rat]. At three months old male rats the spine-distribution of the main dendrite and of the apical and basal dendrites of 36 lamina V-pyramidal cells of the regio cingularis (anterior cingulate cortex) was analyzed (from every subregion -- neocortex, mesoneocortex, mesoarchicortex -- 12 neurons). 1. The limbic pyramidal neurons show the same spine-distribution at their main dendrite as neocortical neurons of other brain regions and other mammal-species do: after an initial segment with poor spines only there follows an rapid increase of the spine-values with an amount at a range of 150 mum from the perikaryon, thereafter spine-values decrease continuously and slowly up the branching into the terminal bundle. 2. Basal and apical lateral dendrites however show another spine-distribution: basally there is an increase of the spine-values from the 1st up to the 3rd order, followed by a decrease at subsequent orders. Apically spine-density decreases from the 1st up to the 4th order. 3. The spine-distribution at the parts of the dendritic tree is discussed as a general biological sign of pyramidal cells. 4. The total number of spines of lamina V-pyramidal cells in the regio cingularis (anterior cingulate cortex) is less than those in the sensomotoric cortex and in the hippocampus, which corresponds with the lower differentiation of the limbic cortex. 5. By means of a variance-analysis the pyramidal spine-values of the three subregions were compared: concerning the total number of spines of a pyramidal neuron there are significant differences between the three subregions; the values are in the ratio of 3 to 2 to 1 (Regio praecentralis agranularis, 2461; mesoneocortex, 1664; mesoarchicortex, 800). The significantly least spine-density of all parts of the dendritic tree you can find in lamina V-pyramidal cells of the mesoarchicortex. 6. The equality of the basal and apical spine-values in the mesoneocortex is due to less specialization of these neurons. 7. The spine-values for a single dendritic field (EDF) show the differences between the limbic subregions clearly: there are significant differences between the three subregions concerning not only the number of spines but also the spine-densities apically and basally.", "PMID": 1002979} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9302", "title": "[Development of the isocortex of the human brain during the embryonic and fetal periods up to the 24th week of gestation].", "content": "From 98 specimens (Pr YAKOVLEV's Collection) we have been able to define the cytoarchitectonic criteria of the different stages of the development of the human Isocortex, and to stress some important features of the organogenesis of the human brain. Most of those findings are in agreement with G.I. POLIAKOV's publications on the cerebral development. Schematically it is possible to individualise three periods made of several stages: - The first one, from the 4th to the 6th week of Gestation during which the primitive neural epithelium, with its four layers (layers of His), is built up. - The second period, from the 7th to the 14th week, includes the two main tides of neuronal migration, separated by a period of recession. So, 4 cytoarchitectonic types of cortical plate may be described: type A. B. C. and D. - Thr third period is that of the stratification of the homogeneous Cortical Plate of type D, leading it through the patterns E I, II, III, IV to the stage of a six-layered Isocortex (24w). Beside this analytical description of the stages of development, the cytoarchitectonic criteria are able to give an ontogenetic evidence of the fundamental difference, already established by P. I. YAKOVLEV on neuropathological and neuroanatomical grounds, between the frontal, epipyriform Isocortex, and the caudal, epihippocampal Isocortex. During each of the stages described above, it is possible indeed to analyse specific features of one or the other part of the hemispheric wall and to determine a borderline between these two parts. Furthermore the temporal sequence of the events occurring inside the Isocortical Plate is slightly different in both parts, increasing the cytoarchitectonic contrast between them. In summary, such a study gives not only a precise definition of the ontogenetic stages of development of the Isocortex but also a better understanding of the organogenesis of the human brain, and by this way, it may be helpful in the analysis of the malformations of the Nervous System.", "contents": "[Development of the isocortex of the human brain during the embryonic and fetal periods up to the 24th week of gestation]. From 98 specimens (Pr YAKOVLEV's Collection) we have been able to define the cytoarchitectonic criteria of the different stages of the development of the human Isocortex, and to stress some important features of the organogenesis of the human brain. Most of those findings are in agreement with G.I. POLIAKOV's publications on the cerebral development. Schematically it is possible to individualise three periods made of several stages: - The first one, from the 4th to the 6th week of Gestation during which the primitive neural epithelium, with its four layers (layers of His), is built up. - The second period, from the 7th to the 14th week, includes the two main tides of neuronal migration, separated by a period of recession. So, 4 cytoarchitectonic types of cortical plate may be described: type A. B. C. and D. - Thr third period is that of the stratification of the homogeneous Cortical Plate of type D, leading it through the patterns E I, II, III, IV to the stage of a six-layered Isocortex (24w). Beside this analytical description of the stages of development, the cytoarchitectonic criteria are able to give an ontogenetic evidence of the fundamental difference, already established by P. I. YAKOVLEV on neuropathological and neuroanatomical grounds, between the frontal, epipyriform Isocortex, and the caudal, epihippocampal Isocortex. During each of the stages described above, it is possible indeed to analyse specific features of one or the other part of the hemispheric wall and to determine a borderline between these two parts. Furthermore the temporal sequence of the events occurring inside the Isocortical Plate is slightly different in both parts, increasing the cytoarchitectonic contrast between them. In summary, such a study gives not only a precise definition of the ontogenetic stages of development of the Isocortex but also a better understanding of the organogenesis of the human brain, and by this way, it may be helpful in the analysis of the malformations of the Nervous System.", "PMID": 1002980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9303", "title": "[Development of the neuronal structure of the hippocampus during pre- and post-natal ontogenesis in the albino rat. I. Neurohistological demonstration of the development of lung-axonal neurons in the CA3 and CA4 regions].", "content": "In this paper qualitative investigations by means of light microscopy (Golgi impregnation) considering the ontogenesis of efferent neurons of the CA3, CA4a, CA4b regions in the rat hippocampus are presented following the already described development of CA1 pyramids (MINKWITZ and HOLZ 1975). After the migration of neuroblasts the types of projective neurons can be distinguished in the mentioned regions at the end of the prenatal period. During the first postnatal time particularly the basal dendritic tree develops expressing more distinctly the typical forms of pyramids (CA3, CA4a) and the of the multipolare neurons of CA4b. No distinct qualitative jumps at the transition of the regions in contrast to the CA3--CA1 boundary can be observed. Temporal retardations in the appearance of postsynaptic structures (microdendrites, excrescenses, spines) at pyramidal neurons from CA4 to CA3 and CA1 are regarded as signs of earlier development of the phylogenetic older pool of cells. During the early postnatal developmental period (until stage P10) proceedings of the growth are predominant. Later on, during the late postnatal period, the maturation of the neurons takes place with a considerable multiplication of spines distributed in similar ways as known from other pyramids. At stage P20 neurons of all hippocampal regions cannot be distinguished from adult ones without using morphometric procedures. The development of parts of the intrahippocampal network including mossy fibre system and SCHAFFER collaterals is discussed with regard to in this way appearing boundaries between fascia dentata and regio inferior CA4, CA3) and regio superior (CA1). These fibre systems establish by their stepwise construction one of the basic elements to hippocampal functioning.", "contents": "[Development of the neuronal structure of the hippocampus during pre- and post-natal ontogenesis in the albino rat. I. Neurohistological demonstration of the development of lung-axonal neurons in the CA3 and CA4 regions]. In this paper qualitative investigations by means of light microscopy (Golgi impregnation) considering the ontogenesis of efferent neurons of the CA3, CA4a, CA4b regions in the rat hippocampus are presented following the already described development of CA1 pyramids (MINKWITZ and HOLZ 1975). After the migration of neuroblasts the types of projective neurons can be distinguished in the mentioned regions at the end of the prenatal period. During the first postnatal time particularly the basal dendritic tree develops expressing more distinctly the typical forms of pyramids (CA3, CA4a) and the of the multipolare neurons of CA4b. No distinct qualitative jumps at the transition of the regions in contrast to the CA3--CA1 boundary can be observed. Temporal retardations in the appearance of postsynaptic structures (microdendrites, excrescenses, spines) at pyramidal neurons from CA4 to CA3 and CA1 are regarded as signs of earlier development of the phylogenetic older pool of cells. During the early postnatal developmental period (until stage P10) proceedings of the growth are predominant. Later on, during the late postnatal period, the maturation of the neurons takes place with a considerable multiplication of spines distributed in similar ways as known from other pyramids. At stage P20 neurons of all hippocampal regions cannot be distinguished from adult ones without using morphometric procedures. The development of parts of the intrahippocampal network including mossy fibre system and SCHAFFER collaterals is discussed with regard to in this way appearing boundaries between fascia dentata and regio inferior CA4, CA3) and regio superior (CA1). These fibre systems establish by their stepwise construction one of the basic elements to hippocampal functioning.", "PMID": 1002981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9304", "title": "[Development of neuronal structure in the hippocampus during pre- and post-natal ontogenesis in the albino rat. II. Neurohistological demonstration of the development of interneurons and of the relationship between long- and short-axonal neurons].", "content": "In this paper qualitative results are presented from GOLGI preparations by light microscopic evaluation about the appearance and the ontogenetic changes on GOLGI-II-type neurons of the rat hippocampus from 15 stages of age between the 20th embryonic and the 20th postnatal day. Interneurons are already detectable in all the hippocampal regions in the prenatal period. Their postnatal growth expresses above all in lengthening rather than in multiplication of the amount of dendrites. Cells predetermined for developing spines show already early in the postnatal period a rather large amount of spines. The further multiplication of the spine density remains minimal that never values of adult pyramids will be reached. The form of the dendritic and axonic fields of neurons with short axons is very variable. Nevertheless three main categories of GOLGI-II-type neurons can be distinguished: 1. neurons, the axonic and dendritic ramifications of which strongly remain within the layer (do not exist within the stratum pyramidale), 2. neurons, which are able to contact afferent fibres in other layers by means of ascending and/or descending dendrites, 3. basket cells, the axons of which have direct influence on the perikarya of pyramidal neurons. Within the region CA4b interneurons of the 2nd group could be found, dendrites of which penetrate into layers of the fascia dentata. Such a fact does not exist at the multipolare, efferent neurons of the same region and could never be seen at any axonic ramification. In the presented paper aspects of influencing the maturation of pyramides by interneurons are discussed. Also has been tried to summarize the results about the neuronal structure of the rat hippocampus by schemes of frontal sections from four selected stages of age.", "contents": "[Development of neuronal structure in the hippocampus during pre- and post-natal ontogenesis in the albino rat. II. Neurohistological demonstration of the development of interneurons and of the relationship between long- and short-axonal neurons]. In this paper qualitative results are presented from GOLGI preparations by light microscopic evaluation about the appearance and the ontogenetic changes on GOLGI-II-type neurons of the rat hippocampus from 15 stages of age between the 20th embryonic and the 20th postnatal day. Interneurons are already detectable in all the hippocampal regions in the prenatal period. Their postnatal growth expresses above all in lengthening rather than in multiplication of the amount of dendrites. Cells predetermined for developing spines show already early in the postnatal period a rather large amount of spines. The further multiplication of the spine density remains minimal that never values of adult pyramids will be reached. The form of the dendritic and axonic fields of neurons with short axons is very variable. Nevertheless three main categories of GOLGI-II-type neurons can be distinguished: 1. neurons, the axonic and dendritic ramifications of which strongly remain within the layer (do not exist within the stratum pyramidale), 2. neurons, which are able to contact afferent fibres in other layers by means of ascending and/or descending dendrites, 3. basket cells, the axons of which have direct influence on the perikarya of pyramidal neurons. Within the region CA4b interneurons of the 2nd group could be found, dendrites of which penetrate into layers of the fascia dentata. Such a fact does not exist at the multipolare, efferent neurons of the same region and could never be seen at any axonic ramification. In the presented paper aspects of influencing the maturation of pyramides by interneurons are discussed. Also has been tried to summarize the results about the neuronal structure of the rat hippocampus by schemes of frontal sections from four selected stages of age.", "PMID": 1002982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9305", "title": "[Development of neuronal structure in the hippocampus during pre- and post-natal ontogenesis in the albino rat. III. Morphometric determination of ontogenetic changes in dendrite structure and spine distribution on pyramidal neurons (CA1) of the hippocampus].", "content": "Following GOLGI impregnation pyramidal neurons of the rat hippocampus (CA1) from four stages of age (E21, P5, P10, P20) were investigated by morphometric methods with regard to their dendritic structure and amount and distribution of spines. The daesults show, that during the ontogenesis until reaching adult values the determined parameters are strongly following in their expression the sequence: degree of ramification, length of dendrites, amount of spines, and in the development of the certain dendritic parts of the pyramid the sequence: main apical dendrite with end ramifications, basal dendrites, apical lateral dendrites. Along the main apical dendrite the pattern of spine distribution develops proceeding from the form of a reverse nearly plain parabola (P5, P10) to the curve known from other adult pyramides (P20) with a spine poor initial segment, then the rapid increase in the number of spines (maximum of spine density in the middle of the whole distance), followed by a subsequent slow decrease in the number of spines. The apical end ramifications are mostly developed in the degree of ramification and length of dendrites during the prenatal period and show postnatal only significant changes in the spine density without reaching the values of the other dendritic fields. At basal dendrites no further increase in the number of dendrites can be found after P10. In dendritic length and spine density they are reaching adult level about the 20th postnatal day. In comparison with that, apical lateral dendrites show at P20 their definitive amount and a further increase of the spine density must be expected. The single dendritic fields of apical lateral dendrites are in length and total amount of spines sometimes smaller than those of basal dendrites, but more abundant. In both cases the spine densities increase until the stage P20 but they are not differing. Caused by the further development of apical lateral dendrites to adultness a predominance of the spine density of this part of the neuron is known. The total length of the dendrites of one pyramidal neuron (CA1) increases from 1000 mum (E21) to 5600 mum (P20), while the total amount of visible spines and the spine density increase from 20 to 3000 spines resp. from 0,02 to 0,55 spines/mum. It is important that the portion of the apical lateral dendrites grows from 2 to 40%, the portion of basal dendrites only from 20 to 33%, while the importance of the apical end ramifications decreases from 60 to 20%. In the presented paper the comparisons of developmental stages of the most pyramidalized hippocampal neurons (CA1) with adult pyramids of this region and with cortical pyramidal neurons of different phylogenetic ages are discussed.", "contents": "[Development of neuronal structure in the hippocampus during pre- and post-natal ontogenesis in the albino rat. III. Morphometric determination of ontogenetic changes in dendrite structure and spine distribution on pyramidal neurons (CA1) of the hippocampus]. Following GOLGI impregnation pyramidal neurons of the rat hippocampus (CA1) from four stages of age (E21, P5, P10, P20) were investigated by morphometric methods with regard to their dendritic structure and amount and distribution of spines. The daesults show, that during the ontogenesis until reaching adult values the determined parameters are strongly following in their expression the sequence: degree of ramification, length of dendrites, amount of spines, and in the development of the certain dendritic parts of the pyramid the sequence: main apical dendrite with end ramifications, basal dendrites, apical lateral dendrites. Along the main apical dendrite the pattern of spine distribution develops proceeding from the form of a reverse nearly plain parabola (P5, P10) to the curve known from other adult pyramides (P20) with a spine poor initial segment, then the rapid increase in the number of spines (maximum of spine density in the middle of the whole distance), followed by a subsequent slow decrease in the number of spines. The apical end ramifications are mostly developed in the degree of ramification and length of dendrites during the prenatal period and show postnatal only significant changes in the spine density without reaching the values of the other dendritic fields. At basal dendrites no further increase in the number of dendrites can be found after P10. In dendritic length and spine density they are reaching adult level about the 20th postnatal day. In comparison with that, apical lateral dendrites show at P20 their definitive amount and a further increase of the spine density must be expected. The single dendritic fields of apical lateral dendrites are in length and total amount of spines sometimes smaller than those of basal dendrites, but more abundant. In both cases the spine densities increase until the stage P20 but they are not differing. Caused by the further development of apical lateral dendrites to adultness a predominance of the spine density of this part of the neuron is known. The total length of the dendrites of one pyramidal neuron (CA1) increases from 1000 mum (E21) to 5600 mum (P20), while the total amount of visible spines and the spine density increase from 20 to 3000 spines resp. from 0,02 to 0,55 spines/mum. It is important that the portion of the apical lateral dendrites grows from 2 to 40%, the portion of basal dendrites only from 20 to 33%, while the importance of the apical end ramifications decreases from 60 to 20%. In the presented paper the comparisons of developmental stages of the most pyramidalized hippocampal neurons (CA1) with adult pyramids of this region and with cortical pyramidal neurons of different phylogenetic ages are discussed.", "PMID": 1002983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9306", "title": "The ultrastructure of astroglia of the corpus callosum during ontogenesis.", "content": "An Ultrastructural study of morphological events occurring in the astroglia of the corpus callosum during postembryonal ontogenesis has been undertaken. The results of investigation have shown that in the rat corpus callosum, as early as 1 day postnatal, there may be distinguished two different types of glial cells, which during further maturation develop into protoplasmatic and fibrillar astrocytes. From the observations made it would appear that maturation of the astroglia is a continuous process and no sharp morphological borderlines can be drawn between the astrocytoblast and the astrocyte. However, it has been found that maturation of astrocytes in the rat corpus callosum is completed at the age of between 28 and 40 days postnatal.", "contents": "The ultrastructure of astroglia of the corpus callosum during ontogenesis. An Ultrastructural study of morphological events occurring in the astroglia of the corpus callosum during postembryonal ontogenesis has been undertaken. The results of investigation have shown that in the rat corpus callosum, as early as 1 day postnatal, there may be distinguished two different types of glial cells, which during further maturation develop into protoplasmatic and fibrillar astrocytes. From the observations made it would appear that maturation of the astroglia is a continuous process and no sharp morphological borderlines can be drawn between the astrocytoblast and the astrocyte. However, it has been found that maturation of astrocytes in the rat corpus callosum is completed at the age of between 28 and 40 days postnatal.", "PMID": 1002984} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9307", "title": "Activation of the complement attack mechanism in the fluid phase and its control by C567-INH: lysis of normal erythrocytes initiated by zymosan, endotoxin, and immune complexes.", "content": "Addition of zymosan-serum complexes to guinea pig erythrocytes in guinea pig complement-EDTA was found to result in substantial lysis of the bystander cells in the presence of polycations such as poly-L-lysine of 178,000 daltons. Involvement of the alternative C pathway was shown, and the optimum time, temperature, and eruthrocyte and polycation concentrations were defined; a surprising efficiency was observed at low temperature and high cell concentrations. Several lines of evidence indicated that this hemolysis was mediated via the C567 complex of the C system and modulated by serum inhibitors of C567 (C567-INH): lysis was observed only with zymosan-serum complexes possessing C-consuming activity; it was not observed in C5-depleted guinea pig serum but was restored upon addition of purified C5; the addition of partially purified C567-INH insubstantially depressed hemolysis; and poly-L-lysine which is known to neutralize C567-INH in solution resulted in substantial enhancement of hemolysis. We also sought to determine whether the addition of complement activators directly to erythrocyte-serum mixtures could result in the hemolysis of bystander erythrocytes. It was found that zymosan, endotoxin, antigen-antibody complexes, and aggregated human gamma-globulin each could initiate such bystander lysis under appropriate conditions. Lysis again was favored by increased erythrocyte concentrations, low temperatures, and the presence of polycations such as poly-L-lysine, and was found to be mediated via the C system. C567-INH blocked cytolysis whereas poly-L-lysine potentiated hemolysis by neutralization of C567-INH. These experiments emphasize the propensity for C567 formation and lysis of bystander erythrocytes during C activation generally, the role of C567-INH in the control of this lysis, and the susceptibility of these interactions to modulation by highly charged macromolecules.", "contents": "Activation of the complement attack mechanism in the fluid phase and its control by C567-INH: lysis of normal erythrocytes initiated by zymosan, endotoxin, and immune complexes. Addition of zymosan-serum complexes to guinea pig erythrocytes in guinea pig complement-EDTA was found to result in substantial lysis of the bystander cells in the presence of polycations such as poly-L-lysine of 178,000 daltons. Involvement of the alternative C pathway was shown, and the optimum time, temperature, and eruthrocyte and polycation concentrations were defined; a surprising efficiency was observed at low temperature and high cell concentrations. Several lines of evidence indicated that this hemolysis was mediated via the C567 complex of the C system and modulated by serum inhibitors of C567 (C567-INH): lysis was observed only with zymosan-serum complexes possessing C-consuming activity; it was not observed in C5-depleted guinea pig serum but was restored upon addition of purified C5; the addition of partially purified C567-INH insubstantially depressed hemolysis; and poly-L-lysine which is known to neutralize C567-INH in solution resulted in substantial enhancement of hemolysis. We also sought to determine whether the addition of complement activators directly to erythrocyte-serum mixtures could result in the hemolysis of bystander erythrocytes. It was found that zymosan, endotoxin, antigen-antibody complexes, and aggregated human gamma-globulin each could initiate such bystander lysis under appropriate conditions. Lysis again was favored by increased erythrocyte concentrations, low temperatures, and the presence of polycations such as poly-L-lysine, and was found to be mediated via the C system. C567-INH blocked cytolysis whereas poly-L-lysine potentiated hemolysis by neutralization of C567-INH. These experiments emphasize the propensity for C567 formation and lysis of bystander erythrocytes during C activation generally, the role of C567-INH in the control of this lysis, and the susceptibility of these interactions to modulation by highly charged macromolecules.", "PMID": 1002985} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9308", "title": "Interaction of K lymphocytes with myeloma proteins of different IgG subclasses.", "content": "Human myeloma proteins of the four IgG subclasses and their Fc, F(ab)2, and Fab fragments were tested for their ability to inhibit antibody-dependent human K lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity to chicken erythrocytes (CRBC) sensitized with specific rabbit antibodies. In addition, the adsorption of K cells onto glass bead columns coated with myeloma proteins was investigated. Myeloma proteins and their Fc fragments of all four subclasses inhibited K cell activity. However, there were wide variations within a given subclass and IgG2 and IgG4 proteins usually inhibited less than IgG1 and IgG3 proteins. Aggregation of the weakly inhibitory proteins with bis-diazotized benzidine increased their inhibitory effect. An IgG1 half-molecule with a deletion in the Cgamma3 domain was weakly inhibitory. Passage of lymphocytes through glass bead columns coated with IgG1 and IgG3 proteins removed K cell activity. In contrast, columns coated with IgG2 and IgG4 proteins, even when aggregated with BDB, failed to absorb K cells but removed significant numbers of SIg positive B lymphocytes. An enhancement of the antibody-dependent cytotoxicity was observed in 34% of the inhibition experiments in the presence of low concentrations of the weakly inhibitory proteins, usually IgG2 and IgG4. This enhancement occurred more frequently (53% of the experiments) with Fc fragments independent of the subclass. Moreover, addition of IgG2 and IgG4 but not IgG1 and IgC3 fragments induced a dose-dependent cytotoxicity to CRBC in the absence of anti-CRBC antibodies. These data indicate that IgG2 and IgG4 proteins have a lower affinity to K cells than IgG1 and IgG3 proteins and are compatible with an earlier hypothesis that proposes that more than one site on the Fc fragment can react with Fc receptors. The present results suggest in addition that there may be functionally different sites, one having a triggering function in K lymphocyte lysis that may be localized on the second constant domain and one being responsible for high affinity binding of IgG to cell receptors that is probably localized on the third constant domain.", "contents": "Interaction of K lymphocytes with myeloma proteins of different IgG subclasses. Human myeloma proteins of the four IgG subclasses and their Fc, F(ab)2, and Fab fragments were tested for their ability to inhibit antibody-dependent human K lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity to chicken erythrocytes (CRBC) sensitized with specific rabbit antibodies. In addition, the adsorption of K cells onto glass bead columns coated with myeloma proteins was investigated. Myeloma proteins and their Fc fragments of all four subclasses inhibited K cell activity. However, there were wide variations within a given subclass and IgG2 and IgG4 proteins usually inhibited less than IgG1 and IgG3 proteins. Aggregation of the weakly inhibitory proteins with bis-diazotized benzidine increased their inhibitory effect. An IgG1 half-molecule with a deletion in the Cgamma3 domain was weakly inhibitory. Passage of lymphocytes through glass bead columns coated with IgG1 and IgG3 proteins removed K cell activity. In contrast, columns coated with IgG2 and IgG4 proteins, even when aggregated with BDB, failed to absorb K cells but removed significant numbers of SIg positive B lymphocytes. An enhancement of the antibody-dependent cytotoxicity was observed in 34% of the inhibition experiments in the presence of low concentrations of the weakly inhibitory proteins, usually IgG2 and IgG4. This enhancement occurred more frequently (53% of the experiments) with Fc fragments independent of the subclass. Moreover, addition of IgG2 and IgG4 but not IgG1 and IgC3 fragments induced a dose-dependent cytotoxicity to CRBC in the absence of anti-CRBC antibodies. These data indicate that IgG2 and IgG4 proteins have a lower affinity to K cells than IgG1 and IgG3 proteins and are compatible with an earlier hypothesis that proposes that more than one site on the Fc fragment can react with Fc receptors. The present results suggest in addition that there may be functionally different sites, one having a triggering function in K lymphocyte lysis that may be localized on the second constant domain and one being responsible for high affinity binding of IgG to cell receptors that is probably localized on the third constant domain.", "PMID": 1002986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9309", "title": "Investigations of the complement-fixing sites of immunoglobulins.", "content": "Indirect evidence for the complement-fixing site of human IgG1 has been found by using chemical modification of the immunoglobulin. These results implicate the amino acid residues, tryptophan, tyrosine, and arginine. Furthermore, by the use of synthetic peptides it has been shown that the area surrounding the tryptophan and tyrosine at positions 277 and 278 probably constitutes the locus of the complement-fixing site of human IgG1. By analogy, the tryptophan at position 488 of human IgM is implicated in the complement-fixing site of this immunoglobulin. Evidence for this is presented by a peptide which mimics the sequence 487-491 of human IgM and possesses the ability to consume complement. The relative complement-fixing ability of this peptide is 200 times less effective than human IgG1.", "contents": "Investigations of the complement-fixing sites of immunoglobulins. Indirect evidence for the complement-fixing site of human IgG1 has been found by using chemical modification of the immunoglobulin. These results implicate the amino acid residues, tryptophan, tyrosine, and arginine. Furthermore, by the use of synthetic peptides it has been shown that the area surrounding the tryptophan and tyrosine at positions 277 and 278 probably constitutes the locus of the complement-fixing site of human IgG1. By analogy, the tryptophan at position 488 of human IgM is implicated in the complement-fixing site of this immunoglobulin. Evidence for this is presented by a peptide which mimics the sequence 487-491 of human IgM and possesses the ability to consume complement. The relative complement-fixing ability of this peptide is 200 times less effective than human IgG1.", "PMID": 1002987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9310", "title": "Serotonin-induced production of a monocyte chemotactic factor by human peripheral blood leukocytes.", "content": "Serotonin and histamine are released during the early phase of inflammatory reactions. To determine if these vasoactive amines might play a role in the cell-mediated phase of inflammation, studies were undertaken to assess their influence on some immunologic functions of human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL). PBL were cultured with serotonin or histamine, and assayed for a proliferative response and their cell-free supernatants were assayed for the presence of a mediator with chemotactic activity for monocytes. Neither serotonin nor histamine were directly chemotactic for monocytes. When serotonin was cultured with PBL factors chemotactic for monocytes as well as polymorphonuclear leukocytes were produced in the absence of a proliferative response. Production of the factor chemotactic for monocytes was specifically blocked by methysergide, a serotonin antagonist and nonspecifically blocked by cycloheximide which interferes with leukocyte protein synthesis. Some dearboxylated precursors of serotonin also induced the monocyte chemotactic factor. This serotonin-induced chemotactic factor was demonstrated to be a product of mononuclear cells, and the majority of chemotactic activity was physiochemically similar to the previously characterized lymphocyte-derived chemotactic factor, suggesting that this factor is a lymphocyte product. In contrast to serotonin, histamine did not stimulate the production of monocyte chemotactic factor, nor did it induce proliferation. However, when 10(-5) M histamine was added to a substimulatory concentration of serotonin (10(-5) M), chemotactic activity comparable to or greater than the peak activity of serotonin alone was measured. This synergistic effect between serotonin and histamine suggests that the combination of these two amines may contribute to the induction of monocyte exudation in inflammatory reactions.", "contents": "Serotonin-induced production of a monocyte chemotactic factor by human peripheral blood leukocytes. Serotonin and histamine are released during the early phase of inflammatory reactions. To determine if these vasoactive amines might play a role in the cell-mediated phase of inflammation, studies were undertaken to assess their influence on some immunologic functions of human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL). PBL were cultured with serotonin or histamine, and assayed for a proliferative response and their cell-free supernatants were assayed for the presence of a mediator with chemotactic activity for monocytes. Neither serotonin nor histamine were directly chemotactic for monocytes. When serotonin was cultured with PBL factors chemotactic for monocytes as well as polymorphonuclear leukocytes were produced in the absence of a proliferative response. Production of the factor chemotactic for monocytes was specifically blocked by methysergide, a serotonin antagonist and nonspecifically blocked by cycloheximide which interferes with leukocyte protein synthesis. Some dearboxylated precursors of serotonin also induced the monocyte chemotactic factor. This serotonin-induced chemotactic factor was demonstrated to be a product of mononuclear cells, and the majority of chemotactic activity was physiochemically similar to the previously characterized lymphocyte-derived chemotactic factor, suggesting that this factor is a lymphocyte product. In contrast to serotonin, histamine did not stimulate the production of monocyte chemotactic factor, nor did it induce proliferation. However, when 10(-5) M histamine was added to a substimulatory concentration of serotonin (10(-5) M), chemotactic activity comparable to or greater than the peak activity of serotonin alone was measured. This synergistic effect between serotonin and histamine suggests that the combination of these two amines may contribute to the induction of monocyte exudation in inflammatory reactions.", "PMID": 1002988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9311", "title": "Disparity of IgE binding between normal and tumor mouse mast cells.", "content": "The binding constants of rat and mouse IgE to normal and neoplastic rat and mouse mast cells have been measured. None of the cells distinguishes between rat and mouse IgE. Rat normal and neoplastic mast cells and mouse mastocytoma cells show very similar binding properties: k1 approximately 10(5), k-1 approximately 10(-5) and, therefore, KA approximately 10(10). Normal mouse mast cells also show a forward rate constant, k1, of 10(5) but the dissociation rate constant, k-1, is 50 times higher (5 X 10(-4)). The detergent-solubilized receptors reflect the properties of the cell-bound receptors. The discrepancy in binding by normal and neoplastic mouse mast cells remains unexplained but appears to be a reproducible finding for the cells from three strains of normal mice and three different mastocytomas studied.", "contents": "Disparity of IgE binding between normal and tumor mouse mast cells. The binding constants of rat and mouse IgE to normal and neoplastic rat and mouse mast cells have been measured. None of the cells distinguishes between rat and mouse IgE. Rat normal and neoplastic mast cells and mouse mastocytoma cells show very similar binding properties: k1 approximately 10(5), k-1 approximately 10(-5) and, therefore, KA approximately 10(10). Normal mouse mast cells also show a forward rate constant, k1, of 10(5) but the dissociation rate constant, k-1, is 50 times higher (5 X 10(-4)). The detergent-solubilized receptors reflect the properties of the cell-bound receptors. The discrepancy in binding by normal and neoplastic mouse mast cells remains unexplained but appears to be a reproducible finding for the cells from three strains of normal mice and three different mastocytomas studied.", "PMID": 1002989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9312", "title": "Relationship of functional levels of early components of complement to the H-2 complex of mice.", "content": "The relationship between the H-2 complex and the complement system was studied by performing functional assays for whole complement and individual complement components on sera from congenic mice of B10 and C3H backgrounds. Levels of whole complement activity were seen to be influenced by S region genes, confirming the work of others. Levels of C3 through C9, however, were independent of the H-I genotypes suggesting that the differences in whole complement activities were due to variation in levels of C1, C4 or C2. Titrations of these three earliest acting classical complement components were performed on sera from mice of nine strains of the B10 background and four strains of the C3H background. It was shown that functional levels of C1, C4, and C2 were all under control of genes within or very closely linked to the S region.", "contents": "Relationship of functional levels of early components of complement to the H-2 complex of mice. The relationship between the H-2 complex and the complement system was studied by performing functional assays for whole complement and individual complement components on sera from congenic mice of B10 and C3H backgrounds. Levels of whole complement activity were seen to be influenced by S region genes, confirming the work of others. Levels of C3 through C9, however, were independent of the H-I genotypes suggesting that the differences in whole complement activities were due to variation in levels of C1, C4 or C2. Titrations of these three earliest acting classical complement components were performed on sera from mice of nine strains of the B10 background and four strains of the C3H background. It was shown that functional levels of C1, C4, and C2 were all under control of genes within or very closely linked to the S region.", "PMID": 1002990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9313", "title": "Analysis of the cross-reactive immune suppression induced by the random copolymers L-glutamic acid50-L-tyrosine50 (GT), L-glutamic acid60-L-alanine40 and L-glutamic acid60-L-alanine30-L-tyrosine10 (GAT).", "content": "Cross-reactivity in the induction of immune suppression by the structurally related polymers of L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, and/or L-tyrosine (GAT, GA, GT) was studied. SJL (H-2S) and DBA/1 (H-2q) mice are nonresponders to GAT and GT, whereas SJL, but not DBA/1 responds to GA. Both strains respond to these polymers when complexed to the immunogenic carrier methylated bovine serum albumin (MBSA). Preimmunization with GA suppresses GA-MBSA as well as GAT-MBSA and GT-MBSA plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses in DBA/1 mice. Likewise, GAT suppresses GAT-MBSA and GA (SJL) and GA-MBSA (DBA/1) PFC responses in both strains while being totally ineffective on GT-MBSA responses. GT preimmunization suppressed GA, GAT-MBSA, and GT-MBSA PFC responses in SJL but not DBA/1 responses. This study demonstrates that cross-reactive immune suppression does not follow predictable patterns based upon cross-reactivity of specific antibodies and that cross-suppression is not reciprocal.", "contents": "Analysis of the cross-reactive immune suppression induced by the random copolymers L-glutamic acid50-L-tyrosine50 (GT), L-glutamic acid60-L-alanine40 and L-glutamic acid60-L-alanine30-L-tyrosine10 (GAT). Cross-reactivity in the induction of immune suppression by the structurally related polymers of L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, and/or L-tyrosine (GAT, GA, GT) was studied. SJL (H-2S) and DBA/1 (H-2q) mice are nonresponders to GAT and GT, whereas SJL, but not DBA/1 responds to GA. Both strains respond to these polymers when complexed to the immunogenic carrier methylated bovine serum albumin (MBSA). Preimmunization with GA suppresses GA-MBSA as well as GAT-MBSA and GT-MBSA plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses in DBA/1 mice. Likewise, GAT suppresses GAT-MBSA and GA (SJL) and GA-MBSA (DBA/1) PFC responses in both strains while being totally ineffective on GT-MBSA responses. GT preimmunization suppressed GA, GAT-MBSA, and GT-MBSA PFC responses in SJL but not DBA/1 responses. This study demonstrates that cross-reactive immune suppression does not follow predictable patterns based upon cross-reactivity of specific antibodies and that cross-suppression is not reciprocal.", "PMID": 1002991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9314", "title": "REgulation of the primary immune response in vivo by parathyroid hormone.", "content": "Injection of sheep red blood cells into rats stimulates splenic DNA synthesis, then increases the proportion of plaque-forming cells, and finally raises the circulating antibody level. Removal of the parathyroid glands, which causes hypocalcemia, 24 hr before antigen injection impairs all of these responses, but is without effect after antigen injection. It is suggested that parathyroid hormone and calcium control the immune response, probably by affecting the proliferative phase of this response.", "contents": "REgulation of the primary immune response in vivo by parathyroid hormone. Injection of sheep red blood cells into rats stimulates splenic DNA synthesis, then increases the proportion of plaque-forming cells, and finally raises the circulating antibody level. Removal of the parathyroid glands, which causes hypocalcemia, 24 hr before antigen injection impairs all of these responses, but is without effect after antigen injection. It is suggested that parathyroid hormone and calcium control the immune response, probably by affecting the proliferative phase of this response.", "PMID": 1002992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9315", "title": "Synergism between immune complexes and serum from tumor-bearing mice in the suppression of mitogen responses.", "content": "Immune complexes either adhering to the cells, or added to cultures, synergized with an inhibitor present in serum to suppress the proliferative response of lymphocytes to specific antigens or to B cell or T cell mitogens. The suppressive effect was dependent on the concentration of both the complex and the serum and was substantially higher when the serum was taken from tumor-bearing, rather than normal mice. Immune complexes alone were not suppressive, but appeared to activate or increase the effectiveness of an inhibitor present in serum. Complexes of syngeneic mouse serum or specifically purified rabbit or sheep antibody, as well as heat aggregated mouse or rabbit Ig, were all effective, whereas heat-aggregated F(ab')2 fragments of rabbit Ig were not, suggesting that any aggregate hearing exposed Fc fragments could mediate synergy. Purified T lymphocytes were equally as sensitive to inhibition as the whole spleen cell population, implying that the suppression acted directly on responding cells rather than via an accessory cell.", "contents": "Synergism between immune complexes and serum from tumor-bearing mice in the suppression of mitogen responses. Immune complexes either adhering to the cells, or added to cultures, synergized with an inhibitor present in serum to suppress the proliferative response of lymphocytes to specific antigens or to B cell or T cell mitogens. The suppressive effect was dependent on the concentration of both the complex and the serum and was substantially higher when the serum was taken from tumor-bearing, rather than normal mice. Immune complexes alone were not suppressive, but appeared to activate or increase the effectiveness of an inhibitor present in serum. Complexes of syngeneic mouse serum or specifically purified rabbit or sheep antibody, as well as heat aggregated mouse or rabbit Ig, were all effective, whereas heat-aggregated F(ab')2 fragments of rabbit Ig were not, suggesting that any aggregate hearing exposed Fc fragments could mediate synergy. Purified T lymphocytes were equally as sensitive to inhibition as the whole spleen cell population, implying that the suppression acted directly on responding cells rather than via an accessory cell.", "PMID": 1002993} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9316", "title": "Immunogenicity of FaB fragment of protein-315 for BALB/cmice.", "content": "Immunogenicity of Protein-315 and its Fab fragment (Fab-315) for isologous and heterologous strains of mice was investigated by comparing the characteristics of the anti-idiotypic response produced in BALB/c and A/J mice. The ability of these anti-idiotypic antisera to compete with DNP-lys for the ligand-binding site of Protein-315 were analyzed by comparing their hapten inhibition curves. The anti-idiotypic responses of BALB/c mice to Protein-315 and to Fab-315 were similar to one another with regard to antibody specificity and sensitivity to inhibition by hapten, suggesting that both forms were equally immunogenic in inbred BALB/c mice. This observation indicates that the Fc portion of Protein-315 is not essential for the induction of anti-idiotypic response. Both BALB/c and A/J mice recognized the same antigenic determinants on Fab-315 since the anti-idiotypic antibodies produced by these animals were indistinguishable with regard to their interaction with Protein-315, Fv-315, and sensitivity to hapten inhibition. On the other hand, the response of A/J mice to Protein-315 was remarkably different from that of BALB/c mice since it was found that Protein-315 seemed to be more immunogenic in A/J mice than in BALB/c mice. The data also indicated that Protein-315 was more immunogenic than Fab-315 in stimulating the anti-idiotypic response in A/J mice. A/J antiserum to Protein-315 was found to have antibodies specific for the ligand-binding site as well as those specific for other antigenic determinations on the Fc portion. These findings suggest that the Fc portion of Protein-315 may either act as a haptenic determinatant to provoke directly the antibody response or as a carrier determinant to enhance the anti-Fab response in A/J mice.", "contents": "Immunogenicity of FaB fragment of protein-315 for BALB/cmice. Immunogenicity of Protein-315 and its Fab fragment (Fab-315) for isologous and heterologous strains of mice was investigated by comparing the characteristics of the anti-idiotypic response produced in BALB/c and A/J mice. The ability of these anti-idiotypic antisera to compete with DNP-lys for the ligand-binding site of Protein-315 were analyzed by comparing their hapten inhibition curves. The anti-idiotypic responses of BALB/c mice to Protein-315 and to Fab-315 were similar to one another with regard to antibody specificity and sensitivity to inhibition by hapten, suggesting that both forms were equally immunogenic in inbred BALB/c mice. This observation indicates that the Fc portion of Protein-315 is not essential for the induction of anti-idiotypic response. Both BALB/c and A/J mice recognized the same antigenic determinants on Fab-315 since the anti-idiotypic antibodies produced by these animals were indistinguishable with regard to their interaction with Protein-315, Fv-315, and sensitivity to hapten inhibition. On the other hand, the response of A/J mice to Protein-315 was remarkably different from that of BALB/c mice since it was found that Protein-315 seemed to be more immunogenic in A/J mice than in BALB/c mice. The data also indicated that Protein-315 was more immunogenic than Fab-315 in stimulating the anti-idiotypic response in A/J mice. A/J antiserum to Protein-315 was found to have antibodies specific for the ligand-binding site as well as those specific for other antigenic determinations on the Fc portion. These findings suggest that the Fc portion of Protein-315 may either act as a haptenic determinatant to provoke directly the antibody response or as a carrier determinant to enhance the anti-Fab response in A/J mice.", "PMID": 1002994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9317", "title": "Chemotaxis of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils under agarose: morphologic changes associated with the chemotactic response.", "content": "Studies of morphologic changes of leukocytes responding to a chemotaxin gradient have been limited due, in part, to difficulties encountered with detailed electron microscopic analysis of cells migrating through membrane filters or on glass slides. The recently developed migration under agarose method provides a new opportunity to view and compare morphologies of cells migrating spontaneously and in response to a chemotaxin gradient. The present report describes the morphologic features we have observed by scanning electron microscopy of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes both spreading on a cover slip and migrating under agarose. We demonstrate that cells migrating under agarose exhibit a morphology that differs distinctly from that of cells spreading on a cover slip and, further, that the cytoplasmic periphery of cells responding to a chemotactic gradient under agarose becomes very irregular due to the formation of blebs or small pseudopodium-like structures.", "contents": "Chemotaxis of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils under agarose: morphologic changes associated with the chemotactic response. Studies of morphologic changes of leukocytes responding to a chemotaxin gradient have been limited due, in part, to difficulties encountered with detailed electron microscopic analysis of cells migrating through membrane filters or on glass slides. The recently developed migration under agarose method provides a new opportunity to view and compare morphologies of cells migrating spontaneously and in response to a chemotaxin gradient. The present report describes the morphologic features we have observed by scanning electron microscopy of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes both spreading on a cover slip and migrating under agarose. We demonstrate that cells migrating under agarose exhibit a morphology that differs distinctly from that of cells spreading on a cover slip and, further, that the cytoplasmic periphery of cells responding to a chemotactic gradient under agarose becomes very irregular due to the formation of blebs or small pseudopodium-like structures.", "PMID": 1002995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9318", "title": "Partial characterization of human C5a anaphylatoxin. I. Chemical description of the carbohydrate and polypeptide prtions of human C5a.", "content": "Human C5a was isolated from complement-activated serum and was characterized for protein and carbohydrate content. The purified C5a was judged to be homogeneous by both polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunologic techniques. The polypeptide moiety of C5a contains 73 amino acid residues which represent a m.w. of 8,200. Analysis of the carbohydrate moiety in C5a indicated 4 moles of glucosamine, 3 to 4 moles os sialic acid, 4 moles of mannose and 2 moles of galactose. The total carbohydrate content in C5a, therefore, amounts to approximately 25% of the apparent m.w. of the anaphylatoxin molecule. The protein and carbohydrate portions of C5a together equal a m.w. of approximately 11,000 which is considerably less than the 15 to 16,000 indicated by physical measurements. Human C5a contains a COOH-terminal arginine which is essential for anaphylatoxin activity and a sequence of Gln-Leu-Gly-Arg-COOH at the COOH-terminus which compares favorably with that of human C3a (Gly-Leu-Ala-Arg-COOH). Additional similarities between the C3a and C5a molecules include length of the polypeptide chain, number of disulfide bonds and an absence of tryptophan residues. A major chemical difference does exist between these two human anaphylatoxins, namely that carbohydrate is associated with C5a but is absent in the C3a molecule. The partial NH2-terminal sequence of C5a was determined as NH2-Thr-Leu-Glx-Lys-Ile-Glx-Glx-Ile-Ala- and direct comparison with the known sequence of human C3a shows little homology.", "contents": "Partial characterization of human C5a anaphylatoxin. I. Chemical description of the carbohydrate and polypeptide prtions of human C5a. Human C5a was isolated from complement-activated serum and was characterized for protein and carbohydrate content. The purified C5a was judged to be homogeneous by both polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunologic techniques. The polypeptide moiety of C5a contains 73 amino acid residues which represent a m.w. of 8,200. Analysis of the carbohydrate moiety in C5a indicated 4 moles of glucosamine, 3 to 4 moles os sialic acid, 4 moles of mannose and 2 moles of galactose. The total carbohydrate content in C5a, therefore, amounts to approximately 25% of the apparent m.w. of the anaphylatoxin molecule. The protein and carbohydrate portions of C5a together equal a m.w. of approximately 11,000 which is considerably less than the 15 to 16,000 indicated by physical measurements. Human C5a contains a COOH-terminal arginine which is essential for anaphylatoxin activity and a sequence of Gln-Leu-Gly-Arg-COOH at the COOH-terminus which compares favorably with that of human C3a (Gly-Leu-Ala-Arg-COOH). Additional similarities between the C3a and C5a molecules include length of the polypeptide chain, number of disulfide bonds and an absence of tryptophan residues. A major chemical difference does exist between these two human anaphylatoxins, namely that carbohydrate is associated with C5a but is absent in the C3a molecule. The partial NH2-terminal sequence of C5a was determined as NH2-Thr-Leu-Glx-Lys-Ile-Glx-Glx-Ile-Ala- and direct comparison with the known sequence of human C3a shows little homology.", "PMID": 1002996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9319", "title": "Hapten-sandwich labeling. III. Bifunctional reagents for immunospecific labeling of cell surface antigens.", "content": "Bifunctional reagents have been prepared which permit extensive coupling of haptens to antibodies with retention of antibody-binding capacity. This modification procedure increases the sensitivity with which cell-surface antigens can be labeled for fluorescent or electron microscopy by the hapten-sandwich method to a level comparable to or greater than may usually be achieved by conventional indirect techniques. With two different haptens, and amplifying with anti-hapten antibodies bearing fluorescent or other markers, different antigens can be distinguished readily on a single cell or on separate cells. Mouse alloantigens detected only with difficulty by conventional fluorescence can be discerned clearly and with high specificity. The reagent, either methyl hydroxybenzimidate (HB) or methyl 3,5-dihydroxybenzimidate (DHB), is first reacted with a diazonium phenyl hapten. Since the resulting azo-derivative retains the imido ester function, the reaction solution can be used directly to amidinate antibodies. Both HB and DHB are easily prepared and may be stored for use as needed. With these reagents, the hapten-sandwich procedure may be applied to proteins other than immunoglobulins, e.g., hormones and mitogens. In addition to labeling antigens for fluorescent or electron microscopy, haptenamidinated antibodies or other ligands may be used in conjunction with appropriately modified antihapten amplifiers for a variety of purposes in cell biology, such as radioisotope studies, selective cell killing or suppression, and isolation of membrane antigens.", "contents": "Hapten-sandwich labeling. III. Bifunctional reagents for immunospecific labeling of cell surface antigens. Bifunctional reagents have been prepared which permit extensive coupling of haptens to antibodies with retention of antibody-binding capacity. This modification procedure increases the sensitivity with which cell-surface antigens can be labeled for fluorescent or electron microscopy by the hapten-sandwich method to a level comparable to or greater than may usually be achieved by conventional indirect techniques. With two different haptens, and amplifying with anti-hapten antibodies bearing fluorescent or other markers, different antigens can be distinguished readily on a single cell or on separate cells. Mouse alloantigens detected only with difficulty by conventional fluorescence can be discerned clearly and with high specificity. The reagent, either methyl hydroxybenzimidate (HB) or methyl 3,5-dihydroxybenzimidate (DHB), is first reacted with a diazonium phenyl hapten. Since the resulting azo-derivative retains the imido ester function, the reaction solution can be used directly to amidinate antibodies. Both HB and DHB are easily prepared and may be stored for use as needed. With these reagents, the hapten-sandwich procedure may be applied to proteins other than immunoglobulins, e.g., hormones and mitogens. In addition to labeling antigens for fluorescent or electron microscopy, haptenamidinated antibodies or other ligands may be used in conjunction with appropriately modified antihapten amplifiers for a variety of purposes in cell biology, such as radioisotope studies, selective cell killing or suppression, and isolation of membrane antigens.", "PMID": 1002997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9320", "title": "The inhibition of initial steps of lymphocyte transformation by cytochalasin B1.", "content": "CB was shown to inhibit the PHA-induced activation of rabbit lymph node lymphocytes as assessed by the incorporation of 3H-uridine into RNA or 3H-thymidine into DNA. This suppression was dose dependent with an optimum of 10 mug CB/ml (20, 8 muM). Mitogen-activated lymphocytes escaped the inhibitory effect of the drug when CB was added later than 1 hr after the addition of PHA. CB also suppressed the activation of membrane phospholipid metabolism which occurs among the earliest detectable changes in activated lymphocytes. Thus the incorporation of 14C-choline, 14C-acetate, or 14C-oleate into lecithin in the presence of PHA and CB was the same as the level of their incorporation in unstimulated lymphocytes. The increased incorporation of 14C-oleate into lecithin of the plasma membrane of activated lymphocytes was similarly prevented in the presence of CB. In contrast, CB exhibited no or only a marginal effect on the phospholipid turnover of unstimulated lymphocytes. Our results point to plasma membrane phospholipid metabolism as the possible site of CB interference with the lymphocyte activation.", "contents": "The inhibition of initial steps of lymphocyte transformation by cytochalasin B1. CB was shown to inhibit the PHA-induced activation of rabbit lymph node lymphocytes as assessed by the incorporation of 3H-uridine into RNA or 3H-thymidine into DNA. This suppression was dose dependent with an optimum of 10 mug CB/ml (20, 8 muM). Mitogen-activated lymphocytes escaped the inhibitory effect of the drug when CB was added later than 1 hr after the addition of PHA. CB also suppressed the activation of membrane phospholipid metabolism which occurs among the earliest detectable changes in activated lymphocytes. Thus the incorporation of 14C-choline, 14C-acetate, or 14C-oleate into lecithin in the presence of PHA and CB was the same as the level of their incorporation in unstimulated lymphocytes. The increased incorporation of 14C-oleate into lecithin of the plasma membrane of activated lymphocytes was similarly prevented in the presence of CB. In contrast, CB exhibited no or only a marginal effect on the phospholipid turnover of unstimulated lymphocytes. Our results point to plasma membrane phospholipid metabolism as the possible site of CB interference with the lymphocyte activation.", "PMID": 1002998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9321", "title": "Carrier-dependent selectin of antibody clones and classes during the immune response.", "content": "The selection of antibody clones and antibody classes during the immune response to the hapten oligo-D-alanine was found to be carrier dependent. When the hapten was coupled to a T-independent antigen (streptococci) a restricted immune response of IgM and IgG antibodies was induced. When the hapten was coupled to a T-dependent antigen (ovalbumin) a heterogenous response of only IgG antibodies was found. The carrier had an effect on the affinity of IgG but not of IgM antibodies. Clonal pattern and class distribution were fixed early in the immune response. Second and third immunizations with a heterologous carrier elicited the same clonal pattern and class distribution in the secondary response as that found with the original carrier.", "contents": "Carrier-dependent selectin of antibody clones and classes during the immune response. The selection of antibody clones and antibody classes during the immune response to the hapten oligo-D-alanine was found to be carrier dependent. When the hapten was coupled to a T-independent antigen (streptococci) a restricted immune response of IgM and IgG antibodies was induced. When the hapten was coupled to a T-dependent antigen (ovalbumin) a heterogenous response of only IgG antibodies was found. The carrier had an effect on the affinity of IgG but not of IgM antibodies. Clonal pattern and class distribution were fixed early in the immune response. Second and third immunizations with a heterologous carrier elicited the same clonal pattern and class distribution in the secondary response as that found with the original carrier.", "PMID": 1002999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9322", "title": "Automated complement fixation test for the detection of antibodies against the core of hepatitis B virus (HBc).", "content": "The automated complement fixation system presented in this paper differs from those described by Studievic et al. (1971) and Vargues and Henley (1974). In the one developed here only one sampler is used with a wheel presenting a double row of cups. This system can assay 60 samples per h and can be modified to double this number. Our unit requires an incubation period of 15 min at 37 degrees C and we have nerver observed any contamination of the samples during the assay run.", "contents": "Automated complement fixation test for the detection of antibodies against the core of hepatitis B virus (HBc). The automated complement fixation system presented in this paper differs from those described by Studievic et al. (1971) and Vargues and Henley (1974). In the one developed here only one sampler is used with a wheel presenting a double row of cups. This system can assay 60 samples per h and can be modified to double this number. Our unit requires an incubation period of 15 min at 37 degrees C and we have nerver observed any contamination of the samples during the assay run.", "PMID": 1003000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9323", "title": "A bioassay employing polyethylene glycol for measuring neutralization of interferon by specific antibodies.", "content": "A bioassay employing polyethylene glycol (PEG) for measuring the level of interferon-neutralizing antibodies is described. The method is based on incubating a concentrated preparation of interferon with an appropriately diluted anti-interferon serum or globulin for 1 h at 37 degrees C, precipitating the antigen-antibody complexes as well as some free serum protein with sterile PEG at a final concentration of 10% for 18 h at 4 degrees C, separating the sediment by centrifugation, and titrating the residual interferon in the supernate. It is not necessary to remove PEG from the samples since it is not toxic for tissue culture at a final concentration of less than 1%.", "contents": "A bioassay employing polyethylene glycol for measuring neutralization of interferon by specific antibodies. A bioassay employing polyethylene glycol (PEG) for measuring the level of interferon-neutralizing antibodies is described. The method is based on incubating a concentrated preparation of interferon with an appropriately diluted anti-interferon serum or globulin for 1 h at 37 degrees C, precipitating the antigen-antibody complexes as well as some free serum protein with sterile PEG at a final concentration of 10% for 18 h at 4 degrees C, separating the sediment by centrifugation, and titrating the residual interferon in the supernate. It is not necessary to remove PEG from the samples since it is not toxic for tissue culture at a final concentration of less than 1%.", "PMID": 1003002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9324", "title": "The detection of cytoplasmic immunoglobulins by immunofluorescence: improvements in techniques and standardization procedures.", "content": "Iprovements in the technique of cytoplasmic immunofluorescence on cytocentrifuge slides obtained from cells in suspension are described. Refinement and standardization of the technique enabled us to obtain representative samples from the tissues under study and to determine the relative distribution of cells containing different heavy and light chain Ig determinants, as well as the absolute numbers of Ig-containing cells. The reproducibility of the results was highly satisfactory.", "contents": "The detection of cytoplasmic immunoglobulins by immunofluorescence: improvements in techniques and standardization procedures. Iprovements in the technique of cytoplasmic immunofluorescence on cytocentrifuge slides obtained from cells in suspension are described. Refinement and standardization of the technique enabled us to obtain representative samples from the tissues under study and to determine the relative distribution of cells containing different heavy and light chain Ig determinants, as well as the absolute numbers of Ig-containing cells. The reproducibility of the results was highly satisfactory.", "PMID": 1003003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9325", "title": "Effect of sulfones on complement deposition in dermatitis herpetiformis and on complement-mediated guinea-pig reactions.", "content": "The role of complement and the mechanism of sulfone action in dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) have not yet been established; prior studies have presented conflicting data regarding the effect of sulfones on complement activation and deposition. Thirty-eight DH patients were studied. Twenty-four of 25 perilesional skin biopsies and 50 of 67 normal-appearing skin biopsies showed the third component of complement (C3) deposited in areas corresponding to those of IgA deposition. Nine of 10 patients with bound C3 in normal-appearing and perilesional skin during periods of active disease continued to have C3 in normal-appearing skin when treatment with sulfones kept them completely free of lesions for 2 to 8 weeks. When either Hartley-strain or C4-deficient guinea pigs were given up to 150 mg/kg sulfoxone (a water-soluble sulfone) intraperitoneally for 8 days before elicitation of active Arthus, reverse passive Arthrus reactions, or Forssman shock, there was no difference in time course, character, or intensity of reactions when compared to saline-treated control animals. We were therefore unable to demonstrate any effect of sulfones on complement deposition in DH skin or on complement activation in classical or alternate complement pathway-mediated guinea-pig reactions.", "contents": "Effect of sulfones on complement deposition in dermatitis herpetiformis and on complement-mediated guinea-pig reactions. The role of complement and the mechanism of sulfone action in dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) have not yet been established; prior studies have presented conflicting data regarding the effect of sulfones on complement activation and deposition. Thirty-eight DH patients were studied. Twenty-four of 25 perilesional skin biopsies and 50 of 67 normal-appearing skin biopsies showed the third component of complement (C3) deposited in areas corresponding to those of IgA deposition. Nine of 10 patients with bound C3 in normal-appearing and perilesional skin during periods of active disease continued to have C3 in normal-appearing skin when treatment with sulfones kept them completely free of lesions for 2 to 8 weeks. When either Hartley-strain or C4-deficient guinea pigs were given up to 150 mg/kg sulfoxone (a water-soluble sulfone) intraperitoneally for 8 days before elicitation of active Arthus, reverse passive Arthrus reactions, or Forssman shock, there was no difference in time course, character, or intensity of reactions when compared to saline-treated control animals. We were therefore unable to demonstrate any effect of sulfones on complement deposition in DH skin or on complement activation in classical or alternate complement pathway-mediated guinea-pig reactions.", "PMID": 1003006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9326", "title": "In vitro anaphylaxis in guinea-pig skin: amplification by burimamide.", "content": "The effects of burimamide, an H2-antihistamine, on the anaphylactic reaction in the skin of ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs were studied in vitro. Burimamide enhanced the concentration of histamine in the supernatant fraction of antigen-challenged sensitized guinea-pig skin in a dose-related way, but did not alter the concentration of residual histamine in the skin after antigen challenge. The enhanced histamine concentration in the supernatant was not due to increased histamine synthesis by the target cells during the reaction because the increase was not inhibited by a histidine decarboxylase inhibitor, Brocresine. In further experiments it was shown that guinea-pig skin possesses potent histamine degrading enzyme activity which is inhibited by burimamide. We suggest that inhibition of these degrading enzymes leads to the increase in histamine concentration in the presence of burimamide.", "contents": "In vitro anaphylaxis in guinea-pig skin: amplification by burimamide. The effects of burimamide, an H2-antihistamine, on the anaphylactic reaction in the skin of ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs were studied in vitro. Burimamide enhanced the concentration of histamine in the supernatant fraction of antigen-challenged sensitized guinea-pig skin in a dose-related way, but did not alter the concentration of residual histamine in the skin after antigen challenge. The enhanced histamine concentration in the supernatant was not due to increased histamine synthesis by the target cells during the reaction because the increase was not inhibited by a histidine decarboxylase inhibitor, Brocresine. In further experiments it was shown that guinea-pig skin possesses potent histamine degrading enzyme activity which is inhibited by burimamide. We suggest that inhibition of these degrading enzymes leads to the increase in histamine concentration in the presence of burimamide.", "PMID": 1003007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9327", "title": "A quantitative dermatophyte infection model in the guinea pig--a parallel to the quantitated human infection model.", "content": "A method is described for inducing quantitative dermatophyte infections in guinea pigs. This model is unique in that the epidermis in the infection site is not traumatized nor is it epilated. One hundred spore-inocula of Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. granulosum ATCC number 18748 induced infections in 85% of tested guinea pigs. The course of these infections in guinea pigs that had not had a previous infection (inexperienced) and those that had (experienced) paralleled that seen in experimental infections of human volunteers.", "contents": "A quantitative dermatophyte infection model in the guinea pig--a parallel to the quantitated human infection model. A method is described for inducing quantitative dermatophyte infections in guinea pigs. This model is unique in that the epidermis in the infection site is not traumatized nor is it epilated. One hundred spore-inocula of Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. granulosum ATCC number 18748 induced infections in 85% of tested guinea pigs. The course of these infections in guinea pigs that had not had a previous infection (inexperienced) and those that had (experienced) paralleled that seen in experimental infections of human volunteers.", "PMID": 1003008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9328", "title": "Unbalanced RNA accumulation in regenerating mouse epidermis following abrasion.", "content": "Following removal of the epidermis from the backs of CD-1 female mice, the epidermis is regenerated from the underlying resting hair follicles. The epidermis, which is normally 2 cell layers in thickness, reaches 7 cell layers by 5 days after abrasion and maintains this thickness throughout the rest of the 7-day experimental period. DNA and protein accumulate coordinately with the increase in epidermal wet weight as the regenerating epidermis thickens, reaching 3 to 4X normal levels by day 5. In contrast, RNA accumulates disproportionately, reaching levels over 12X that of normal by day 5. The unbalanced accumulation of RNA is also seen per cell since there is a 3- to 4-fold increase in the RNA/DNA ratio as well as approximately comparable increase in RNA/protein. Protein/DNA does not increase markedly during regeneration, although at days 6 and 7 it does increase slightly.", "contents": "Unbalanced RNA accumulation in regenerating mouse epidermis following abrasion. Following removal of the epidermis from the backs of CD-1 female mice, the epidermis is regenerated from the underlying resting hair follicles. The epidermis, which is normally 2 cell layers in thickness, reaches 7 cell layers by 5 days after abrasion and maintains this thickness throughout the rest of the 7-day experimental period. DNA and protein accumulate coordinately with the increase in epidermal wet weight as the regenerating epidermis thickens, reaching 3 to 4X normal levels by day 5. In contrast, RNA accumulates disproportionately, reaching levels over 12X that of normal by day 5. The unbalanced accumulation of RNA is also seen per cell since there is a 3- to 4-fold increase in the RNA/DNA ratio as well as approximately comparable increase in RNA/protein. Protein/DNA does not increase markedly during regeneration, although at days 6 and 7 it does increase slightly.", "PMID": 1003009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9329", "title": "Black light induction of skin tumors in mice.", "content": "Albino inbred mice (A/J strain exposed to 40-w black light fluorescent lamps (BLB) for 12 hr a day for up to a year developed inflammatory and hyperplastic responses on hairless ear and tail skin, but not on back skin covered by hair. After 1 year of such exposure, many individuals developed papillomas, carcinomas, and sarcomas on their ears and tails. It may be concluded that black light is a skin carcinogen for A/J mice.", "contents": "Black light induction of skin tumors in mice. Albino inbred mice (A/J strain exposed to 40-w black light fluorescent lamps (BLB) for 12 hr a day for up to a year developed inflammatory and hyperplastic responses on hairless ear and tail skin, but not on back skin covered by hair. After 1 year of such exposure, many individuals developed papillomas, carcinomas, and sarcomas on their ears and tails. It may be concluded that black light is a skin carcinogen for A/J mice.", "PMID": 1003010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9330", "title": "51Chromium-release microassay technique for cell-mediated immunity to mumps virus: correlation with humoral and delayed-type skin hypersensitivity responses.", "content": "Lymphocyte-mediated immune responsiveness to mumps virus was studied with use of a 51chromium (51Cr)-release microassay of lymphocytotoxicity to target cells persistently infected with mumps virus. The release of 51Cr from immune cells was found to be virus-specific and reproducible and correlated well with the presence of antibody but not with the magnitude of antibody levels. Delayed-type skin hypersensitivity and specific immune release of 51Cr did not correlate well, which suggests that the two events may be mediated by different populations of cells.", "contents": "51Chromium-release microassay technique for cell-mediated immunity to mumps virus: correlation with humoral and delayed-type skin hypersensitivity responses. Lymphocyte-mediated immune responsiveness to mumps virus was studied with use of a 51chromium (51Cr)-release microassay of lymphocytotoxicity to target cells persistently infected with mumps virus. The release of 51Cr from immune cells was found to be virus-specific and reproducible and correlated well with the presence of antibody but not with the magnitude of antibody levels. Delayed-type skin hypersensitivity and specific immune release of 51Cr did not correlate well, which suggests that the two events may be mediated by different populations of cells.", "PMID": 1003011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9331", "title": "Transmission of hepatitis B associated with hemodialysis: role of malfunction (blood leaks) in dialysis machines.", "content": "In the first 10 months of 1974, 26 of 60 susceptible patients in a commercial hemodialysis unit developed asymptomatic infection with hepatitis B virus; 17 (65%) of the 26 cases occurred in 14 weeks from July to October. In a case-control study, 15 of 16 cases for whom records were available were found to be associated with malfunctions of dialysis machines (primarily leaks or ruptures in dialysis membranes) that had occurred before patients converted to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) positivity. In comparison, 17 of 34 controls were associated with machine malfunctions (P less than 0.01). In addition, the mean number of malfunctions in machines per patient was significantly greater for cases of infection (2.25 +/- 1.34) than for controls (1.06 +/- 1.39) (P less than 0.01). Furthermore, a direct correlation was demonstrated between an increase in blood leaks in machines used with susceptible patients and subsequent increases in cases of hepatitis for the various beds in the unit (r=0.994, P less than 0.0001). The mean period from the last blood leak to HBs Ag seroconversion was 67 days. Six of the 36 blood leaks associated with cases of infection occurred less than 6 hr after leaks in the contaminated area, whereas only one of 36 leaks associated with controls demonstrated this relationship (P less than 0.05). These data suggest that the conversion to HBs Ag positivity was linked to the occurrence of machine malfunctions (blood leaks) and that events which occurred during these episodes caused the spread of infection.", "contents": "Transmission of hepatitis B associated with hemodialysis: role of malfunction (blood leaks) in dialysis machines. In the first 10 months of 1974, 26 of 60 susceptible patients in a commercial hemodialysis unit developed asymptomatic infection with hepatitis B virus; 17 (65%) of the 26 cases occurred in 14 weeks from July to October. In a case-control study, 15 of 16 cases for whom records were available were found to be associated with malfunctions of dialysis machines (primarily leaks or ruptures in dialysis membranes) that had occurred before patients converted to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) positivity. In comparison, 17 of 34 controls were associated with machine malfunctions (P less than 0.01). In addition, the mean number of malfunctions in machines per patient was significantly greater for cases of infection (2.25 +/- 1.34) than for controls (1.06 +/- 1.39) (P less than 0.01). Furthermore, a direct correlation was demonstrated between an increase in blood leaks in machines used with susceptible patients and subsequent increases in cases of hepatitis for the various beds in the unit (r=0.994, P less than 0.0001). The mean period from the last blood leak to HBs Ag seroconversion was 67 days. Six of the 36 blood leaks associated with cases of infection occurred less than 6 hr after leaks in the contaminated area, whereas only one of 36 leaks associated with controls demonstrated this relationship (P less than 0.05). These data suggest that the conversion to HBs Ag positivity was linked to the occurrence of machine malfunctions (blood leaks) and that events which occurred during these episodes caused the spread of infection.", "PMID": 1003012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9332", "title": "Temperature-sensitive mutants of influenza A virus. XI. Transfer of ts lesions in the Hong Kong/68-ts-1 [a] virus to the influenza A/Udorn/72 wild type.", "content": "The presence of the temperature-sensitive (ts) lesions of complementation-recombination groups 1 and 5 in the Hong Kong/68-ts-1[A] virus was confirmed by genetic analysis of ts recombinants of the Hong Kong/68-ts-1[A] virus and a Udorn/72 wild-type virus. Three classes of Udorn/72-ts recombinants were found. One class possessed both ts genes of the Hong Kong/68-ts-1[A] parent, a second class possessed the ts lesion characteristic of group 1, and a third class possessed the ts lesion of group 5. The Hong Kong/68-ts-1[A] parent and the Udorn/72-ts recombinants exhibited a 10,000-fold or greater restriction of replication in the lungs of hamsters than did the homologous wild-type virus. All isolates from the lungs and nasal turbinates of recipients of two of the four Udorn/72-ts-1[A] recombinants contained only ts virus. These two properties, restricted replication and genetic stability after replication in vivo, suggest that the Udorn/72-ts-1[A] recombinants should be considered for evaluation as vaccines for use in humans.", "contents": "Temperature-sensitive mutants of influenza A virus. XI. Transfer of ts lesions in the Hong Kong/68-ts-1 [a] virus to the influenza A/Udorn/72 wild type. The presence of the temperature-sensitive (ts) lesions of complementation-recombination groups 1 and 5 in the Hong Kong/68-ts-1[A] virus was confirmed by genetic analysis of ts recombinants of the Hong Kong/68-ts-1[A] virus and a Udorn/72 wild-type virus. Three classes of Udorn/72-ts recombinants were found. One class possessed both ts genes of the Hong Kong/68-ts-1[A] parent, a second class possessed the ts lesion characteristic of group 1, and a third class possessed the ts lesion of group 5. The Hong Kong/68-ts-1[A] parent and the Udorn/72-ts recombinants exhibited a 10,000-fold or greater restriction of replication in the lungs of hamsters than did the homologous wild-type virus. All isolates from the lungs and nasal turbinates of recipients of two of the four Udorn/72-ts-1[A] recombinants contained only ts virus. These two properties, restricted replication and genetic stability after replication in vivo, suggest that the Udorn/72-ts-1[A] recombinants should be considered for evaluation as vaccines for use in humans.", "PMID": 1003013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9333", "title": "Temperature-sensitive mutants of influenza A virus. XII. Safety, antigenicity, transmissibility, and efficacy of influenza A/Udorn/72-ts-1[E] recombinant viruses in human adults.", "content": "The influenza A/Hong Kong/68-ts-1[E] virus (shutoff temperature, 38 C), which possesses many characteristics desirable in a vaccine virus, was used as a donor of its two temperature-sensitive (ts) lesions to the antigenically divergent influenza A/Udorn/72 wild-type virus. Two subsets of Udorn/72-ts-1[E] recombinant viruses were evaluated in seronegative volunteers (serum titer of hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody, less than or equal 1:8). The first subset, represented by clone 13, possessed a shutoff temperature of 39 C and only one of the two ts lesions; this virus was insufficiently attenuated for use in humans. The other subset, represented by clones 16 and 24, possessed both ts lesions and a shutoff temperature of 38 C, like that of its Hong Kong/68-ts-1[E] parent. This subset, also like its ts-1[E] parent, was adequately attenuated, nontransmissible, and protective against intranasal challenge with wild-type Udorn/72 virus. The attenuation manifested by the ts mutants was not a result of their cloning in bovine kidney tissue or replication in eggs. The results suggest that the Hong Kong/68-ts-1[E] virus can be considered for use as a master strain for donation of ts lesions and thus could bring about predictable attenuation of new wild-type influenza A viruses.", "contents": "Temperature-sensitive mutants of influenza A virus. XII. Safety, antigenicity, transmissibility, and efficacy of influenza A/Udorn/72-ts-1[E] recombinant viruses in human adults. The influenza A/Hong Kong/68-ts-1[E] virus (shutoff temperature, 38 C), which possesses many characteristics desirable in a vaccine virus, was used as a donor of its two temperature-sensitive (ts) lesions to the antigenically divergent influenza A/Udorn/72 wild-type virus. Two subsets of Udorn/72-ts-1[E] recombinant viruses were evaluated in seronegative volunteers (serum titer of hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody, less than or equal 1:8). The first subset, represented by clone 13, possessed a shutoff temperature of 39 C and only one of the two ts lesions; this virus was insufficiently attenuated for use in humans. The other subset, represented by clones 16 and 24, possessed both ts lesions and a shutoff temperature of 38 C, like that of its Hong Kong/68-ts-1[E] parent. This subset, also like its ts-1[E] parent, was adequately attenuated, nontransmissible, and protective against intranasal challenge with wild-type Udorn/72 virus. The attenuation manifested by the ts mutants was not a result of their cloning in bovine kidney tissue or replication in eggs. The results suggest that the Hong Kong/68-ts-1[E] virus can be considered for use as a master strain for donation of ts lesions and thus could bring about predictable attenuation of new wild-type influenza A viruses.", "PMID": 1003014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9334", "title": "Effect of cyclophosphamide on in vitro phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus.", "content": "An increase in susceptibility to infection in an untoward effect common to nearly all immunosuppressive agents. The present investigation was designed to examine potential causes of this decreased resistance to disease. Rats were treated with low dosages of cyclophosphamide, and the effect of such therapy on the in vitro phagocytic capabilities of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was examined. Intracellular destruction of phagocytized bacteria was not significantly altered as a result of treatment. However, the ingestion of Staphylococcus aureus was significantly impaired in the presence of serum from treated animals. Enzymatic analyses for various hydrolytic enzymes associated with reticuloendothelial tissue were also undertaken. Decreased levels of acid phosphatase within alveolar tissue was the only significant change noted as a result of treatment. The reduced phagocytic powers and enzyme levels observed in this investigation offer a partial explanation for the increased susceptibility to disease after treatment with cyclophosphamide.", "contents": "Effect of cyclophosphamide on in vitro phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus. An increase in susceptibility to infection in an untoward effect common to nearly all immunosuppressive agents. The present investigation was designed to examine potential causes of this decreased resistance to disease. Rats were treated with low dosages of cyclophosphamide, and the effect of such therapy on the in vitro phagocytic capabilities of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was examined. Intracellular destruction of phagocytized bacteria was not significantly altered as a result of treatment. However, the ingestion of Staphylococcus aureus was significantly impaired in the presence of serum from treated animals. Enzymatic analyses for various hydrolytic enzymes associated with reticuloendothelial tissue were also undertaken. Decreased levels of acid phosphatase within alveolar tissue was the only significant change noted as a result of treatment. The reduced phagocytic powers and enzyme levels observed in this investigation offer a partial explanation for the increased susceptibility to disease after treatment with cyclophosphamide.", "PMID": 1003015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9335", "title": "Age-related susceptibility to infection with canine distemper virus in gnotobiotic dogs.", "content": "The influence of age on the susceptibility of gnotobiotic dogs to infection with virulent canine distemper virus (R252-CDV) was studied. Of the dogs infected at less than one week of age, 85% died of acute encephalitis two to five weeks after infection. In contrast, only 28.5% of infected weanling and 33.3% of infected adult dogs died after receiving inoculations of R252-CDV. Furthermore, about one-half of the fatally infected weanling dogs developed chronic encephalitis characterized by infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells in areas where demyelination of the central nervous system had occurred. Age-related susceptibility correlated with in vitro responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes to phytomitogens. The results of this study suggest that physiological immaturity of the immune system of neonatal dogs may account for their increased susceptibility to infection with CDV.", "contents": "Age-related susceptibility to infection with canine distemper virus in gnotobiotic dogs. The influence of age on the susceptibility of gnotobiotic dogs to infection with virulent canine distemper virus (R252-CDV) was studied. Of the dogs infected at less than one week of age, 85% died of acute encephalitis two to five weeks after infection. In contrast, only 28.5% of infected weanling and 33.3% of infected adult dogs died after receiving inoculations of R252-CDV. Furthermore, about one-half of the fatally infected weanling dogs developed chronic encephalitis characterized by infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells in areas where demyelination of the central nervous system had occurred. Age-related susceptibility correlated with in vitro responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes to phytomitogens. The results of this study suggest that physiological immaturity of the immune system of neonatal dogs may account for their increased susceptibility to infection with CDV.", "PMID": 1003016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9336", "title": "Olfactory esthesioneuroblastoma.", "content": "Esthesioneuroblastomas are malignant tumours, usually of slow, invasive growth and low metastatic rate. Skeletal destruction must be assumed to be common, but is often demonstrable only by tomographic sections. Clinically these tumours do not differ from others of the same site, so that the diagnosis has to be based upon the histological appearances. In the light microscope the presence of neurofibrils is considered a specific differential diagnostic factor against other small-cell malignant tumours in this region. There seems to be no basis for a morphological classification into previously described sub-groups, neither according to histogenetic, light, nor ultra-microscopic findings. The general degree of differentiation and the number of mitoses appear to be the main factors of prognostic significance. Combined irradiation and surgical excision is considered the best treatment.", "contents": "Olfactory esthesioneuroblastoma. Esthesioneuroblastomas are malignant tumours, usually of slow, invasive growth and low metastatic rate. Skeletal destruction must be assumed to be common, but is often demonstrable only by tomographic sections. Clinically these tumours do not differ from others of the same site, so that the diagnosis has to be based upon the histological appearances. In the light microscope the presence of neurofibrils is considered a specific differential diagnostic factor against other small-cell malignant tumours in this region. There seems to be no basis for a morphological classification into previously described sub-groups, neither according to histogenetic, light, nor ultra-microscopic findings. The general degree of differentiation and the number of mitoses appear to be the main factors of prognostic significance. Combined irradiation and surgical excision is considered the best treatment.", "PMID": 1003025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9337", "title": "Cinefluorography in the diagnosis of pharyngeal palsies.", "content": "(1) The aetiology of dysphagia may be difficult to diagnose when it presents without clinical signs or an associated clinical syndrome. (2) Pharyngeal palsies present in acute and chronic forms. (3) Cinefluorographic techniques are helpful in making an objective diagnosis of pharyngeal palsy. (4) Advice may be given to the patient on head and neck positions during swallowing that is based on the findings of the cinefluorographic examination, in order to alleviate symptoms. (5) Good fluoroscopy, preferably with video-tape recording facilities may be perfectly adequate provided that the diagnosis is considered at that time.", "contents": "Cinefluorography in the diagnosis of pharyngeal palsies. (1) The aetiology of dysphagia may be difficult to diagnose when it presents without clinical signs or an associated clinical syndrome. (2) Pharyngeal palsies present in acute and chronic forms. (3) Cinefluorographic techniques are helpful in making an objective diagnosis of pharyngeal palsy. (4) Advice may be given to the patient on head and neck positions during swallowing that is based on the findings of the cinefluorographic examination, in order to alleviate symptoms. (5) Good fluoroscopy, preferably with video-tape recording facilities may be perfectly adequate provided that the diagnosis is considered at that time.", "PMID": 1003026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9338", "title": "Globus hystericus-a psychosomatic disease?", "content": "Twenty patients with a chief complaint of a lump in the throat, were examined otolacyngologically, radiographically, and psychiatrically with special attention directed to psychosomatic aspects. The control material consisted of matched sample persons of the general population, and of the total patient material treated at a general hospital.", "contents": "Globus hystericus-a psychosomatic disease? Twenty patients with a chief complaint of a lump in the throat, were examined otolacyngologically, radiographically, and psychiatrically with special attention directed to psychosomatic aspects. The control material consisted of matched sample persons of the general population, and of the total patient material treated at a general hospital.", "PMID": 1003027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9339", "title": "A single average crossed acoustic response.", "content": "Although the Crossed Acoustic Response is the simplest objective test of hearing acuity, as it can be used without an anaesthetic in the mobile child, a serious obstacle to its wide use has been cost. This was because two averagers have been necessary. This paper describes a modification of the equipment which is not only cheap but which can be used to adapt any existing electrocochleograph or cortical evoked response recorder.", "contents": "A single average crossed acoustic response. Although the Crossed Acoustic Response is the simplest objective test of hearing acuity, as it can be used without an anaesthetic in the mobile child, a serious obstacle to its wide use has been cost. This was because two averagers have been necessary. This paper describes a modification of the equipment which is not only cheap but which can be used to adapt any existing electrocochleograph or cortical evoked response recorder.", "PMID": 1003028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9340", "title": "Immunoelectrophoretic study of proteins in middle ear effusion. A study of secretory otitis media in children.", "content": "An immunoelectrophoretic study of the proteins of middle ear effusions in children with secretory otitis media is described. The findings support the view that the effusion is an exudate as a result of mucosal reaction. The protein content of the fluid appears to decrease as the condition becomes more chronic, and this seems to be enhanced by antibiotic treatment. In cases of bilateral disease, the ears may be in a quite different pathological phase, thus each ear should be treated independently.", "contents": "Immunoelectrophoretic study of proteins in middle ear effusion. A study of secretory otitis media in children. An immunoelectrophoretic study of the proteins of middle ear effusions in children with secretory otitis media is described. The findings support the view that the effusion is an exudate as a result of mucosal reaction. The protein content of the fluid appears to decrease as the condition becomes more chronic, and this seems to be enhanced by antibiotic treatment. In cases of bilateral disease, the ears may be in a quite different pathological phase, thus each ear should be treated independently.", "PMID": 1003029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9341", "title": "Rhabdomyoma of the hypopharynx and larynx. Report of two cases and a review of the literature.", "content": "Two cases of extracardiac rhabdomyoma are reported in a 54-year-old man with unexplained difficulty in breathing and in a 39-year-old man with a prolonged history of hoarseness. Attention is drawn to the necessity of doing hypopharyngo-and laryngoscopy in such cases. One tumour was found in the left vallecula in the hypopharynx and the other on the left vocal cord. The literature and the histological findings in 53 cases are reviewed. It appears that this rare tumour is most frequently found in muscles derived from the pharyngeal arches. A total of 40 cases have been diagnosed during the last decade, and this increase is likely to continue in the future. It may turn out that extra-cardiac rhabdomyoma is not so rare as was first presumed.", "contents": "Rhabdomyoma of the hypopharynx and larynx. Report of two cases and a review of the literature. Two cases of extracardiac rhabdomyoma are reported in a 54-year-old man with unexplained difficulty in breathing and in a 39-year-old man with a prolonged history of hoarseness. Attention is drawn to the necessity of doing hypopharyngo-and laryngoscopy in such cases. One tumour was found in the left vallecula in the hypopharynx and the other on the left vocal cord. The literature and the histological findings in 53 cases are reviewed. It appears that this rare tumour is most frequently found in muscles derived from the pharyngeal arches. A total of 40 cases have been diagnosed during the last decade, and this increase is likely to continue in the future. It may turn out that extra-cardiac rhabdomyoma is not so rare as was first presumed.", "PMID": 1003030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9342", "title": "Primary anaplastic giant cell adenocarcinoma of the larynx.", "content": "Anaplastic giant cell adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare tumour arising in the bronchial mucosa. This report describes an example--the first to be reported--of such a tumour evidenced in the subglottic region in a 64-year-old man. Histologically, the tumour resembles that arising in the lung and its morphological characteristics justify a distinction of anaplastic giant cell adenocarcinoma from other types of laryngeal malignant epithelial tumours. As to its histogenesis, the neoplasm is most probably of glandular origin and should be considered as a dedifferentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient, who had undergone total laryngectomy followed by X-ray treatment, is alive one year after surgery.", "contents": "Primary anaplastic giant cell adenocarcinoma of the larynx. Anaplastic giant cell adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare tumour arising in the bronchial mucosa. This report describes an example--the first to be reported--of such a tumour evidenced in the subglottic region in a 64-year-old man. Histologically, the tumour resembles that arising in the lung and its morphological characteristics justify a distinction of anaplastic giant cell adenocarcinoma from other types of laryngeal malignant epithelial tumours. As to its histogenesis, the neoplasm is most probably of glandular origin and should be considered as a dedifferentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient, who had undergone total laryngectomy followed by X-ray treatment, is alive one year after surgery.", "PMID": 1003031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9343", "title": "Sudden deafness. A histopathological study.", "content": "Histopathological studies were performed in the temporal bones from a 77-year-old woman who had bilateral sudden deafness 31 years before her death. The common findings in both cochleas were atrophy of the organ of Corti and stria vascularis, and degeneration of the tectorial membrane. Pathology of the tectorial membrane consisted of atrophy and droplet formation of the middle and marginal zones. In one area, an atrophied tectorial membrane was lifted up by a mass on the limbus. The saccular wall in the left temporal bone was ruptured. There was no pathology in the vascular system in the labyrinths except for moderate degeneration of sensory epithelium. The pathogenesis of sudden deafness was discussed in the light of the present findings. Alteration of the tectorial membrane seemed to be the main factor as a possible cause of sudden deafness. Histopathological findings were reviewed from the literature.", "contents": "Sudden deafness. A histopathological study. Histopathological studies were performed in the temporal bones from a 77-year-old woman who had bilateral sudden deafness 31 years before her death. The common findings in both cochleas were atrophy of the organ of Corti and stria vascularis, and degeneration of the tectorial membrane. Pathology of the tectorial membrane consisted of atrophy and droplet formation of the middle and marginal zones. In one area, an atrophied tectorial membrane was lifted up by a mass on the limbus. The saccular wall in the left temporal bone was ruptured. There was no pathology in the vascular system in the labyrinths except for moderate degeneration of sensory epithelium. The pathogenesis of sudden deafness was discussed in the light of the present findings. Alteration of the tectorial membrane seemed to be the main factor as a possible cause of sudden deafness. Histopathological findings were reviewed from the literature.", "PMID": 1003039} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9344", "title": "Acoustic trauma from the bone cutting burr.", "content": "The amplitudes of the stapes footplate movements were determined in human temporal bones when the ossicular chain was drilled with a cutting and a diamond burr. High movements result in comparison to physiological data. The frequency distribution resembles the dB (A) curve. The intensity compared to sound pressure levels on the ear drum is higher than I30 dB. The pressure is constant over the period of contact between the burr and the ossicle. Most likely these unphysiologic movements of the stapes footplate can cause inner ear damage as we had to admit in a case of facial nerve decompression.", "contents": "Acoustic trauma from the bone cutting burr. The amplitudes of the stapes footplate movements were determined in human temporal bones when the ossicular chain was drilled with a cutting and a diamond burr. High movements result in comparison to physiological data. The frequency distribution resembles the dB (A) curve. The intensity compared to sound pressure levels on the ear drum is higher than I30 dB. The pressure is constant over the period of contact between the burr and the ossicle. Most likely these unphysiologic movements of the stapes footplate can cause inner ear damage as we had to admit in a case of facial nerve decompression.", "PMID": 1003040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9345", "title": "Congenital cholesteatoma causing meningitis and death.", "content": "A case of fatal congenital cholesteatoma in a 71-year-old patient is reported. The presenting symptom was facial paralysis, which was treated symptomatically by a general practitioner and ophthalmologists. Ear discharge, convulsion and coma appeared as final events. It is emphasized that all cases of idiopathic facial paralysis should be referred to the otologist for an evaluation in depth.", "contents": "Congenital cholesteatoma causing meningitis and death. A case of fatal congenital cholesteatoma in a 71-year-old patient is reported. The presenting symptom was facial paralysis, which was treated symptomatically by a general practitioner and ophthalmologists. Ear discharge, convulsion and coma appeared as final events. It is emphasized that all cases of idiopathic facial paralysis should be referred to the otologist for an evaluation in depth.", "PMID": 1003041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9346", "title": "Intratympanic keratoma following grommet insertion.", "content": "An intratympanic keratoma following myringotomy and multiple Shepard's grommet insertions is presented.", "contents": "Intratympanic keratoma following grommet insertion. An intratympanic keratoma following myringotomy and multiple Shepard's grommet insertions is presented.", "PMID": 1003042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9347", "title": "Effect of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and testosterone on cutaneous and modified sebaceous glands in the rat.", "content": "The effects of alpha-MSH and testosterone propionate on sebum secretion, sebaceous gland volume, dermal lipogenesis, and preputial gland weight and lipogenesis were examined in hypophysectomized rats. Hypophysectomy reduced sebum secretion, sebaceous and preputial gland size, and dermal and preputial gland lipogenesis. The greatest effects were seen on the biosynthesis of wax esters and squalene. Testosterone propionate (TP) increased sebum secretion, sebaceous gland volume and preputial gland weight and lipogenic activity, but had no significant effect on the pattern of lipid labelling. alpha-MSH had no effect on sebaceous or preputial gland size, but increased sebum secretion and dermal lipogenesis, especially wax ester biosynthesis. When given together TP and alpha-MSH had a synergistic effect on sebum secretion and on dermal and preputial gland lipogenesis, and the pattern of lipid labelling was shifted towards normal. TP and alpha-MSH also showed synergism in increasing preputial gland weight, but together they had no greater effect on sebaceous gland volume than that achieved with TP alone. These results suggest that TP and alpha-MSH have different actions on the sebaceous glands with alpha-MSH acting predominantly on lipogenesis and TP on cellualr proliferation and turnover leading to an increase in gland size. Preputial glands differ from cutaneous sebaceous glands in their response to alpha-MSH and androgen which could be a reflection of their more specilized function.", "contents": "Effect of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and testosterone on cutaneous and modified sebaceous glands in the rat. The effects of alpha-MSH and testosterone propionate on sebum secretion, sebaceous gland volume, dermal lipogenesis, and preputial gland weight and lipogenesis were examined in hypophysectomized rats. Hypophysectomy reduced sebum secretion, sebaceous and preputial gland size, and dermal and preputial gland lipogenesis. The greatest effects were seen on the biosynthesis of wax esters and squalene. Testosterone propionate (TP) increased sebum secretion, sebaceous gland volume and preputial gland weight and lipogenic activity, but had no significant effect on the pattern of lipid labelling. alpha-MSH had no effect on sebaceous or preputial gland size, but increased sebum secretion and dermal lipogenesis, especially wax ester biosynthesis. When given together TP and alpha-MSH had a synergistic effect on sebum secretion and on dermal and preputial gland lipogenesis, and the pattern of lipid labelling was shifted towards normal. TP and alpha-MSH also showed synergism in increasing preputial gland weight, but together they had no greater effect on sebaceous gland volume than that achieved with TP alone. These results suggest that TP and alpha-MSH have different actions on the sebaceous glands with alpha-MSH acting predominantly on lipogenesis and TP on cellualr proliferation and turnover leading to an increase in gland size. Preputial glands differ from cutaneous sebaceous glands in their response to alpha-MSH and androgen which could be a reflection of their more specilized function.", "PMID": 1003058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9348", "title": "Production of male pseudohermaphroditism in rats by two new inhibitors of steroid 17alpha-hydroxylase and C 17-20 lyase.", "content": "Two new synthetic steroid analogues, (I) 16beta-bromo-3beta,17alpha-dihydroxy-5alpha-pregnane-11,20-dione and (II) 17beta-ureido-1,4-androstadien-3-one have been shown to give kinetic patterns consistent with active-site-directed irreversible inhibition of adult rat testicular microsomal steroid 17alpha-hydroxylase and C17-20 lyase in vitro. Administration of both analogues to adult male rats for 24 h produced potent inhibition of these testicular enzymes in vivo. Given to pregnant rats during the critical period of male organogenesis they produced hypospadias: a characteristic of the syndrome in man in which these enzymes are defective genetically. Given to male rat pups during the first 9 days of life, inhibitor II produced significantly smaller prostates and seminal vesicles in adulthood, indicating the usefulness of this inhibitor in studies on the role of testosterone in neonatal programming of target organ size in adulthood. Thus, two new enzyme inhibitors have been shown to block testosterone production in the foetal and neonatal rat selectively at the site of the hydroxylase without other apparent hormonal effects or influence on adrenal size.", "contents": "Production of male pseudohermaphroditism in rats by two new inhibitors of steroid 17alpha-hydroxylase and C 17-20 lyase. Two new synthetic steroid analogues, (I) 16beta-bromo-3beta,17alpha-dihydroxy-5alpha-pregnane-11,20-dione and (II) 17beta-ureido-1,4-androstadien-3-one have been shown to give kinetic patterns consistent with active-site-directed irreversible inhibition of adult rat testicular microsomal steroid 17alpha-hydroxylase and C17-20 lyase in vitro. Administration of both analogues to adult male rats for 24 h produced potent inhibition of these testicular enzymes in vivo. Given to pregnant rats during the critical period of male organogenesis they produced hypospadias: a characteristic of the syndrome in man in which these enzymes are defective genetically. Given to male rat pups during the first 9 days of life, inhibitor II produced significantly smaller prostates and seminal vesicles in adulthood, indicating the usefulness of this inhibitor in studies on the role of testosterone in neonatal programming of target organ size in adulthood. Thus, two new enzyme inhibitors have been shown to block testosterone production in the foetal and neonatal rat selectively at the site of the hydroxylase without other apparent hormonal effects or influence on adrenal size.", "PMID": 1003059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9349", "title": "Androstanediol sulphates in peripheral blood of immature rats and some of their biological effects.", "content": "The conjugation of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol (3alpha-A) and its 3beta epimer (3beta-A) was determined in the peripheral blood of immature female rats. About two thirds of these steroids were present in blood as sulphates and one third as glucuronides; no free steroids were detected. Administration of 3beta-A sulphate (25mug/100 g body weight/day) and of 3alpha-A sulphate (50 mug/100 g/day) from day 21 of life until the day of vaginal opening, advanced the day of the first ovulation. Administration of the 3beta-A sulphate did not induce precocious vaginal opening whereas the free alcohol was active in this respect. Implantation of 3beta-A sulphate, but not of the 3alpha epimer, into the basal medial hypothalamus resulted in the dealth of all animals within 24 h.", "contents": "Androstanediol sulphates in peripheral blood of immature rats and some of their biological effects. The conjugation of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol (3alpha-A) and its 3beta epimer (3beta-A) was determined in the peripheral blood of immature female rats. About two thirds of these steroids were present in blood as sulphates and one third as glucuronides; no free steroids were detected. Administration of 3beta-A sulphate (25mug/100 g body weight/day) and of 3alpha-A sulphate (50 mug/100 g/day) from day 21 of life until the day of vaginal opening, advanced the day of the first ovulation. Administration of the 3beta-A sulphate did not induce precocious vaginal opening whereas the free alcohol was active in this respect. Implantation of 3beta-A sulphate, but not of the 3alpha epimer, into the basal medial hypothalamus resulted in the dealth of all animals within 24 h.", "PMID": 1003060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9350", "title": "Interactions of oestradiol-17beta and tamoxifen in the uterus of the pregnant rat.", "content": "Measurement of the uptake and retention of a radioactive post-coital antifertility agent tamioxifen, by reproductive tissues of the rat have shown that the ovary retained more radioactivity than did any other reproductive organ. Studies have also been made of the uptake and distribution of [3H]tamoxifen and [3H]oestradiol-17beta in the uterus of the pregnant rat on days 2-6 post coitum. Twenty-four hours after administration of tamoxifen, either i.v. or orally, 40-50% of the radioactivity was in the high speed pellet, 10-20% in the nuclear fraction, and 15-30% in the cytosol. An equivalent dose of [3H]oestradiol-17beta yielded distributions of 5%, 5% and 82% respectively. Fractionation of uteri from animals given 0-2 mg tamoxifen/kg on Day 2 of pregnancy followed by [3H]oestradiol 60 min before death showed little difference in total uptake of oestradiol or distribution in the subcellular fraction on Days 4,5 and 6. Although uptake of oestradiol by uterine nuclei was reduced on Day 3 by previous administration of tamoxifen on Day 2, appreciable quantities were still bound to the nuclear receptors. Treatment of ovariectomized animals with tamoxifen at doses up to 40 mug/rat (i.e. 0-2 mg/kg) led to the accumulation of oestrogen-receptor complex in the nucleus. It is concluded that the antifertility properties of tamoxifen (under the conditions of these experiments) cannot be ascribed to the suppression of uptake and binding of oestradiol by the uterus.", "contents": "Interactions of oestradiol-17beta and tamoxifen in the uterus of the pregnant rat. Measurement of the uptake and retention of a radioactive post-coital antifertility agent tamioxifen, by reproductive tissues of the rat have shown that the ovary retained more radioactivity than did any other reproductive organ. Studies have also been made of the uptake and distribution of [3H]tamoxifen and [3H]oestradiol-17beta in the uterus of the pregnant rat on days 2-6 post coitum. Twenty-four hours after administration of tamoxifen, either i.v. or orally, 40-50% of the radioactivity was in the high speed pellet, 10-20% in the nuclear fraction, and 15-30% in the cytosol. An equivalent dose of [3H]oestradiol-17beta yielded distributions of 5%, 5% and 82% respectively. Fractionation of uteri from animals given 0-2 mg tamoxifen/kg on Day 2 of pregnancy followed by [3H]oestradiol 60 min before death showed little difference in total uptake of oestradiol or distribution in the subcellular fraction on Days 4,5 and 6. Although uptake of oestradiol by uterine nuclei was reduced on Day 3 by previous administration of tamoxifen on Day 2, appreciable quantities were still bound to the nuclear receptors. Treatment of ovariectomized animals with tamoxifen at doses up to 40 mug/rat (i.e. 0-2 mg/kg) led to the accumulation of oestrogen-receptor complex in the nucleus. It is concluded that the antifertility properties of tamoxifen (under the conditions of these experiments) cannot be ascribed to the suppression of uptake and binding of oestradiol by the uterus.", "PMID": 1003061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9351", "title": "Vasopressin release during ventriculo-cisternal perfusion with prostaglandin E2 in the dog.", "content": "In an attempt to determine whether prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can act centrally to affect the release of vasopressin (ADH), the ventriculo-cisternal system of anaesthetized dogs was perfused with PGE2. When PGE2 was perfused at a rate of 76-4 ng/min (0-19 ml/min), the plasma ADH concentration was unchanged. However, perfusion of PGE2 at a rate of 152-8 ng/min (0-19 ml/min) resulted in a significant increase in the plasma ADH concentration from the control value of 9-0 +/- 2-2 (S.E.M.) to 18-8 +/- 3-9 muu./ml at 10 min and to 41-0 +/- 16-7 muu./ml at 30 min after the start of the perfusion. There were no changes in arterial blood pressure, rectal temperature, plasma osmolality, and the plasma concentrations of sodium and potassium. In additional experiments, i.v. injection of indomethacin (2 or 20 mg/kg) decreased the plasma ADH concentration by approximately 50%. Although this finding is consistent with a role of PGE2 in the control of ADH release, it could also have been due to the observed increases in arterial blood pressure and effective left atrial pressure. Plasma renin activity was unchanged in the indomethacin experiments. It is concluded that PGE2 can act in the central nervous system to stimulate ADH release.", "contents": "Vasopressin release during ventriculo-cisternal perfusion with prostaglandin E2 in the dog. In an attempt to determine whether prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can act centrally to affect the release of vasopressin (ADH), the ventriculo-cisternal system of anaesthetized dogs was perfused with PGE2. When PGE2 was perfused at a rate of 76-4 ng/min (0-19 ml/min), the plasma ADH concentration was unchanged. However, perfusion of PGE2 at a rate of 152-8 ng/min (0-19 ml/min) resulted in a significant increase in the plasma ADH concentration from the control value of 9-0 +/- 2-2 (S.E.M.) to 18-8 +/- 3-9 muu./ml at 10 min and to 41-0 +/- 16-7 muu./ml at 30 min after the start of the perfusion. There were no changes in arterial blood pressure, rectal temperature, plasma osmolality, and the plasma concentrations of sodium and potassium. In additional experiments, i.v. injection of indomethacin (2 or 20 mg/kg) decreased the plasma ADH concentration by approximately 50%. Although this finding is consistent with a role of PGE2 in the control of ADH release, it could also have been due to the observed increases in arterial blood pressure and effective left atrial pressure. Plasma renin activity was unchanged in the indomethacin experiments. It is concluded that PGE2 can act in the central nervous system to stimulate ADH release.", "PMID": 1003062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9352", "title": "Changes in brain, pituitary and uterine cytoplasmic oestrogen receptors induced by oestradiol-17beta in the ovariectomized rat.", "content": "The oestrogen specific, high-affinity cytosol receptor receptor (HAR) from amygdala, anterior, middle and posterior hypothalamus, pituitary and uterus was studied in the ovariectomized rat. A single in-vivo injection of oestradiol-17beta produced significant changes in both the tissue HAR concentrations and the apparent dissociation constants (Kd) determined in vitro. Four hours after oestradiol-17beta treatment (20 mug/kg), the HAR concentration was depleted in all tissues except the posterior hypothalamus. A lower dose of oestradiol-17beta (4 mug/kg) produced similar changes in HAR concentration with the exception of those in the amygdala and posterior hypothalamus. Twenty-four hours after oestradiol-17beta, HAR concentrations had returned to pre-injection levels in all tissues except the uterus. The uterine HAR concentrations were raised after both doses of oestradiol-17beta. The apparent tissue cytosol Kd values were decreased by both doses of oestradiol-17beta. The results suggest that brain, pituitary and uterine oestrogen cytosol HARs react to plasma oestrogen in a manner predictable by the steroid receptor hypothesis. The oestradiol-17beta-induced differential effects upon the tissue cytosol concentration may contribute to the overall spectrum of action of oestrogen in the central and peripheral reproductive processes.", "contents": "Changes in brain, pituitary and uterine cytoplasmic oestrogen receptors induced by oestradiol-17beta in the ovariectomized rat. The oestrogen specific, high-affinity cytosol receptor receptor (HAR) from amygdala, anterior, middle and posterior hypothalamus, pituitary and uterus was studied in the ovariectomized rat. A single in-vivo injection of oestradiol-17beta produced significant changes in both the tissue HAR concentrations and the apparent dissociation constants (Kd) determined in vitro. Four hours after oestradiol-17beta treatment (20 mug/kg), the HAR concentration was depleted in all tissues except the posterior hypothalamus. A lower dose of oestradiol-17beta (4 mug/kg) produced similar changes in HAR concentration with the exception of those in the amygdala and posterior hypothalamus. Twenty-four hours after oestradiol-17beta, HAR concentrations had returned to pre-injection levels in all tissues except the uterus. The uterine HAR concentrations were raised after both doses of oestradiol-17beta. The apparent tissue cytosol Kd values were decreased by both doses of oestradiol-17beta. The results suggest that brain, pituitary and uterine oestrogen cytosol HARs react to plasma oestrogen in a manner predictable by the steroid receptor hypothesis. The oestradiol-17beta-induced differential effects upon the tissue cytosol concentration may contribute to the overall spectrum of action of oestrogen in the central and peripheral reproductive processes.", "PMID": 1003063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9353", "title": "Control of glycolytic enzymes by androgens in the rat epididymis.", "content": "The influcnce of steroids on the specific activities of glycolytic enzymes was studied in the caput and cauda epididymidis of the rat. In castrated animals, increases in enzyme activities were induced by the administration of androgenic steroids whilst oestradiol and progesterone were without effect. On the other hand, the \"antiandrogenic\" steroid, cyproterone acetate (16 mg/kg per day for 2 weeks) did not cause a decrease in enzyme activities when administered to animals with ligated efferent ducts. Not all glycolytic enzymes responded to androgens, but more enzymes responded in the caput than in the cauda epididymidis. Administration of testosterone propionate to castrated animals demonstrated that maximum enzyme activity was produced at a dose of 0-1 mg/kg per day whilst higher doses were required to achieve maximum weight of the epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate. Following castration of animals with ligated efferent ducts, no changes in enzyme activities were observed for approximately 2 days, but then activities declined over the next 2 weeks. When testosterone propionate was administered to castrated animals, a similar lag of approximately 2 days occurred before enzyme activities began to increase.", "contents": "Control of glycolytic enzymes by androgens in the rat epididymis. The influcnce of steroids on the specific activities of glycolytic enzymes was studied in the caput and cauda epididymidis of the rat. In castrated animals, increases in enzyme activities were induced by the administration of androgenic steroids whilst oestradiol and progesterone were without effect. On the other hand, the \"antiandrogenic\" steroid, cyproterone acetate (16 mg/kg per day for 2 weeks) did not cause a decrease in enzyme activities when administered to animals with ligated efferent ducts. Not all glycolytic enzymes responded to androgens, but more enzymes responded in the caput than in the cauda epididymidis. Administration of testosterone propionate to castrated animals demonstrated that maximum enzyme activity was produced at a dose of 0-1 mg/kg per day whilst higher doses were required to achieve maximum weight of the epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate. Following castration of animals with ligated efferent ducts, no changes in enzyme activities were observed for approximately 2 days, but then activities declined over the next 2 weeks. When testosterone propionate was administered to castrated animals, a similar lag of approximately 2 days occurred before enzyme activities began to increase.", "PMID": 1003064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9354", "title": "Effects of propranolol on changes in heart rate, heart weight, kidney weight, urinary hydroxyproline and weight gain induced by large doses of thyroxine in the rat.", "content": "The effects of the beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, DL-propranolol, and of the antithyroid drug, carbimazole, upon some manifestations of thyroxine (T4)-induced changes in peripheral metabolism were studied in rats. Propranolol lowered the heart rate, but did not alter the following changes induced by T4: increment in heart rate, increase in heart or kidney weight, increase in urinary hydroxyproline, decrease in body weight gain or increase in serum T4. Carbimazole administration lowered serum T4 and reduced weight gain, but had no effect upon heart rate or hydroxyproline excretion.", "contents": "Effects of propranolol on changes in heart rate, heart weight, kidney weight, urinary hydroxyproline and weight gain induced by large doses of thyroxine in the rat. The effects of the beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, DL-propranolol, and of the antithyroid drug, carbimazole, upon some manifestations of thyroxine (T4)-induced changes in peripheral metabolism were studied in rats. Propranolol lowered the heart rate, but did not alter the following changes induced by T4: increment in heart rate, increase in heart or kidney weight, increase in urinary hydroxyproline, decrease in body weight gain or increase in serum T4. Carbimazole administration lowered serum T4 and reduced weight gain, but had no effect upon heart rate or hydroxyproline excretion.", "PMID": 1003065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9355", "title": "Effects of promazine, chlorpromazine, d-amphetamine, and pentobarbital on treadle pressing by pigeons under a signalled shock-postponement schedule.", "content": "The effects of promazine on treadle pressing to postpone the presentation of electric shock were studied in three pigeons. The effects of chlorpromazine, d-amphetamine, and pentobarbital were studied in two of these pigeons. Each treadle press postponed electric shock for 20 sec and presentation of a preshock stimulus for 14 sec. Selected doses of both promazine and chlorpromazine increased the rates of treadle pressing in all birds. The response-rate increases produced by promazine and chlorpromazine were due to increased conditional probabilities of treadle pressing both before and during the preshock stimulus. d-Amphetamine (1 and 3 mg/kg) slightly increased responding in one of the birds, but not to the extent that promazine or chlorpromazine did. In the other bird, the 10 mg/kg dose of d-amphetamine increased shock rate but did not change response rate. Some doses of d-amphetamine increased the conditional probabilities of responding both in the absence of the preshock signal and during the preshock signal in both birds. Pentobarbital only decreased response rates and increased shock rates.", "contents": "Effects of promazine, chlorpromazine, d-amphetamine, and pentobarbital on treadle pressing by pigeons under a signalled shock-postponement schedule. The effects of promazine on treadle pressing to postpone the presentation of electric shock were studied in three pigeons. The effects of chlorpromazine, d-amphetamine, and pentobarbital were studied in two of these pigeons. Each treadle press postponed electric shock for 20 sec and presentation of a preshock stimulus for 14 sec. Selected doses of both promazine and chlorpromazine increased the rates of treadle pressing in all birds. The response-rate increases produced by promazine and chlorpromazine were due to increased conditional probabilities of treadle pressing both before and during the preshock stimulus. d-Amphetamine (1 and 3 mg/kg) slightly increased responding in one of the birds, but not to the extent that promazine or chlorpromazine did. In the other bird, the 10 mg/kg dose of d-amphetamine increased shock rate but did not change response rate. Some doses of d-amphetamine increased the conditional probabilities of responding both in the absence of the preshock signal and during the preshock signal in both birds. Pentobarbital only decreased response rates and increased shock rates.", "PMID": 1003071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9356", "title": "The effects of d-amphetamine on the temporal control of operant responding in rats during a preshock stimulus.", "content": "The operant behavior of six rats was maintained by a random-interval schedule of reinforcement. Three-minute periods of noise were superimposed on this behavior, each period ending with the delivery of an unavoidable shock. Overall rates of responding were generally lower during the periods of noise than in its absence (conditioned suppression). These suppressed response rates also exhibited temporal patterning, with responding becoming less frequent as each noise period progressed. The effects of d-amphetamine on this behavioral baseline were then assessed. In four animals the relative response rates during the noise and in its absence suggested that the drug produced a dose-related decrease in the amount of conditioned suppression. However, this effect was often due to a decrease in the rates of responding in the absence of the preshock stimulus, rather than to an increase in response rates during the stimulus. Temporal patterning in response rates during the preshock stimulus was abolished, an effect that was interpreted in terms of rate-dependent effect of d-amphetamine. This study thus extends rate-dependent analyses of the effects of amphetamines to the patterns of operant behavior that occur during a preshock stimulus, and which have been discussed in terms of the disrupting effects of anxiety on operant behavior.", "contents": "The effects of d-amphetamine on the temporal control of operant responding in rats during a preshock stimulus. The operant behavior of six rats was maintained by a random-interval schedule of reinforcement. Three-minute periods of noise were superimposed on this behavior, each period ending with the delivery of an unavoidable shock. Overall rates of responding were generally lower during the periods of noise than in its absence (conditioned suppression). These suppressed response rates also exhibited temporal patterning, with responding becoming less frequent as each noise period progressed. The effects of d-amphetamine on this behavioral baseline were then assessed. In four animals the relative response rates during the noise and in its absence suggested that the drug produced a dose-related decrease in the amount of conditioned suppression. However, this effect was often due to a decrease in the rates of responding in the absence of the preshock stimulus, rather than to an increase in response rates during the stimulus. Temporal patterning in response rates during the preshock stimulus was abolished, an effect that was interpreted in terms of rate-dependent effect of d-amphetamine. This study thus extends rate-dependent analyses of the effects of amphetamines to the patterns of operant behavior that occur during a preshock stimulus, and which have been discussed in terms of the disrupting effects of anxiety on operant behavior.", "PMID": 1003072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9357", "title": "On the determination of the dorso-ventral polarity in the amphibian embryo: suppression by lactate of the formation of Ruffini's flask-cells.", "content": "Cells isolated from the vegetal hemisphere of the blastula of Ambystoma mexicanum differentiate spontaneously into fibroblast-like cells. Similar cells may be formed from animal cells, provided they are induced either by vegetal cells or by Li+. We have found that lactate and various inhibitors of RNA synthesis suppress the spontaneous cell differentiation. The effect of lactate differs from that of the other agents in so far as lactate must be present before the second day of culture to suppress the outgrowth of fibroblasts on the third day; the other inhibitors are active also when added on the second day. An explanation of this difference may possibly be found in the fact that lactate suppresses incorporation of RNA but only by 40%. The effect on the differentiation of various substances supposed to interfere with the metabolism of lactate was established. The results obtained were suggestive, but not conclusive. It is concluded that the effect of anaerobiosis may be explained as a lactate inhibition. The amounts of lactate under aerobic conditions are so slight that it is unlikely, but not impossible, that lactate is directly involved in the control of differentiation.", "contents": "On the determination of the dorso-ventral polarity in the amphibian embryo: suppression by lactate of the formation of Ruffini's flask-cells. Cells isolated from the vegetal hemisphere of the blastula of Ambystoma mexicanum differentiate spontaneously into fibroblast-like cells. Similar cells may be formed from animal cells, provided they are induced either by vegetal cells or by Li+. We have found that lactate and various inhibitors of RNA synthesis suppress the spontaneous cell differentiation. The effect of lactate differs from that of the other agents in so far as lactate must be present before the second day of culture to suppress the outgrowth of fibroblasts on the third day; the other inhibitors are active also when added on the second day. An explanation of this difference may possibly be found in the fact that lactate suppresses incorporation of RNA but only by 40%. The effect on the differentiation of various substances supposed to interfere with the metabolism of lactate was established. The results obtained were suggestive, but not conclusive. It is concluded that the effect of anaerobiosis may be explained as a lactate inhibition. The amounts of lactate under aerobic conditions are so slight that it is unlikely, but not impossible, that lactate is directly involved in the control of differentiation.", "PMID": 1003073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9358", "title": "Biochemical and cytochemical studies on adenylate cyclase activity in the developing rat submandibular gland: differentiation of of the acinar secretory compartment.", "content": "To investigate membrane changes in development of the exocrine cells of the rat submandibular gland (SMG), biochemical and cytochemical studies of adenylate cyclase activity were performed on prenatal and postnatal glands. SMG rudiments and glands were studied from 15 days of gestation op to birth and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 24 weeks after birth. Glands were chemically assayed for adenylate cyclase activity using the procedures of Salomon and coworkers and cytochemically studied using a procedure which was verified biochemically. At 15-16 days of gestation basal adenylate cyclase activity was low and no staining could be observed. Adenylate cyclase activity rose six-fold from the 16th to the 18th day of gestation. Adenylate cyclase staining became evident along the surface of most of the cells of the rudiment at this time. Basal adenylate cyclase activity remained relatively constant from the 18th day of gestation up to 24 weeks of age. However, sequential changes were seen in the cytochemical localization, especially in relation to the apical plasma membrane of the developing secretory cells.", "contents": "Biochemical and cytochemical studies on adenylate cyclase activity in the developing rat submandibular gland: differentiation of of the acinar secretory compartment. To investigate membrane changes in development of the exocrine cells of the rat submandibular gland (SMG), biochemical and cytochemical studies of adenylate cyclase activity were performed on prenatal and postnatal glands. SMG rudiments and glands were studied from 15 days of gestation op to birth and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 24 weeks after birth. Glands were chemically assayed for adenylate cyclase activity using the procedures of Salomon and coworkers and cytochemically studied using a procedure which was verified biochemically. At 15-16 days of gestation basal adenylate cyclase activity was low and no staining could be observed. Adenylate cyclase activity rose six-fold from the 16th to the 18th day of gestation. Adenylate cyclase staining became evident along the surface of most of the cells of the rudiment at this time. Basal adenylate cyclase activity remained relatively constant from the 18th day of gestation up to 24 weeks of age. However, sequential changes were seen in the cytochemical localization, especially in relation to the apical plasma membrane of the developing secretory cells.", "PMID": 1003074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9359", "title": "The use of variable lactate/malic dehydrogenase ratios to distinguish between progenitor cells of cartilage and bone in the embryonic chick.", "content": "The activities of LDH and MDH have been studied, both in differentiated cartilage and bone from the embryonic chick, and in the pool of mixed osteogenic and chondrogenic stem cells found on the quadratojugal, a membrane bone. In confirmation of the model proposed by Reddi & Huggins (1971) we found that the LDH/MDH ratio was greater than 1 in cartilage and less than 1 in bone. Furthermore we established, for the first time, that ratios occurred in the chondrogenic and osteogenic stem cells, similar to the ratios in their differentiated counterparts. Alteration in LDH/MDH resulted from variations in the level of LDH/mug protein. MDH/mug protein remained constant, even when LDH/MDH was changing. We interpret these results in terms of adaptation of chondrogenic progenitor cells for anaerobic metabolism and anticipate that our model will be applicable to other skeletal systems where stem cells are being studied.", "contents": "The use of variable lactate/malic dehydrogenase ratios to distinguish between progenitor cells of cartilage and bone in the embryonic chick. The activities of LDH and MDH have been studied, both in differentiated cartilage and bone from the embryonic chick, and in the pool of mixed osteogenic and chondrogenic stem cells found on the quadratojugal, a membrane bone. In confirmation of the model proposed by Reddi & Huggins (1971) we found that the LDH/MDH ratio was greater than 1 in cartilage and less than 1 in bone. Furthermore we established, for the first time, that ratios occurred in the chondrogenic and osteogenic stem cells, similar to the ratios in their differentiated counterparts. Alteration in LDH/MDH resulted from variations in the level of LDH/mug protein. MDH/mug protein remained constant, even when LDH/MDH was changing. We interpret these results in terms of adaptation of chondrogenic progenitor cells for anaerobic metabolism and anticipate that our model will be applicable to other skeletal systems where stem cells are being studied.", "PMID": 1003075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9360", "title": "Fish swimbladder: an excellent mesodermal inductor in primary embryonic induction.", "content": "Swimbladder of the crucian carp, Carassius auratus, was found to be better as a vegatalizing tissue than other tissues, such as guinea-pig bone marrow, when presumptive ectoderm of Triturus gastrulae was used as reacting tissue. Swimbladder usually induced assemblies of highly organized mesodermal tissues, such as notochord, somites and pronephric tubules, some of which were covered by mesodermal epithelium without any epidermal covering. A special character of the effect of swimbladder was the rather frequent induction of solid balls of undifferentiated cells, which were identified as mesodermal or mesodermal and probably endodermal. These findings show that swimbladder has a strong and fast spreading vegetalizing effect on the responding presumptive ectoderm.", "contents": "Fish swimbladder: an excellent mesodermal inductor in primary embryonic induction. Swimbladder of the crucian carp, Carassius auratus, was found to be better as a vegatalizing tissue than other tissues, such as guinea-pig bone marrow, when presumptive ectoderm of Triturus gastrulae was used as reacting tissue. Swimbladder usually induced assemblies of highly organized mesodermal tissues, such as notochord, somites and pronephric tubules, some of which were covered by mesodermal epithelium without any epidermal covering. A special character of the effect of swimbladder was the rather frequent induction of solid balls of undifferentiated cells, which were identified as mesodermal or mesodermal and probably endodermal. These findings show that swimbladder has a strong and fast spreading vegetalizing effect on the responding presumptive ectoderm.", "PMID": 1003076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9361", "title": "Embryological study of a T/t locus mutation (tw73) affecting trophectoderm development.", "content": "Mouse embryos homozygous for the recessive lethal mutation tw73 show specific defects in trophectoderm shortly after implantation. The trophectoderm and ectoplacental cone fail to form the usual close association with the uterine decidua, and proliferation is markedly reduced. The embryo proper ceases to develop beyond the two-layered stage and degenerates and dies within 5 days of implantation.", "contents": "Embryological study of a T/t locus mutation (tw73) affecting trophectoderm development. Mouse embryos homozygous for the recessive lethal mutation tw73 show specific defects in trophectoderm shortly after implantation. The trophectoderm and ectoplacental cone fail to form the usual close association with the uterine decidua, and proliferation is markedly reduced. The embryo proper ceases to develop beyond the two-layered stage and degenerates and dies within 5 days of implantation.", "PMID": 1003077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9362", "title": "The development of Drosophila embryos after partial u.v. irradiation.", "content": "U.v. irradiation of the anterior pole of nuclear multiplication stage Drosophila eggs produces embryos with defective anterior structures. At a low frequency embryos resembling some phenotypes of the bicaudal syndrome of Drosophila were observed. These embryos had no head or thorax and the eight abdominal segments were spread to the anterior of the embryo. Sometimes spiracles, characteristic of the most posterior embryonic segment were observed at the anterior of the embryo. The development of these embryos was followed, and abnormalities occurred as early as blastoderm formation. The extent of the blastoderm defects correlated well with the final abnormality in the embryo.", "contents": "The development of Drosophila embryos after partial u.v. irradiation. U.v. irradiation of the anterior pole of nuclear multiplication stage Drosophila eggs produces embryos with defective anterior structures. At a low frequency embryos resembling some phenotypes of the bicaudal syndrome of Drosophila were observed. These embryos had no head or thorax and the eight abdominal segments were spread to the anterior of the embryo. Sometimes spiracles, characteristic of the most posterior embryonic segment were observed at the anterior of the embryo. The development of these embryos was followed, and abnormalities occurred as early as blastoderm formation. The extent of the blastoderm defects correlated well with the final abnormality in the embryo.", "PMID": 1003078} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9363", "title": "Cell junctions in the developing compound eye of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria.", "content": "Intercellular junctions in the developing retina of the locust Schistocerca gregaria have been examined by electron microscopy. Different types of junction appear in a well defined sequence during development. Five stages of ommatidial development are described. Close junctions and punctate junctions are present throughout development. Gap junctions appear transiently amongst the undifferentiated cells, before clearly defined preommatidia can be distinguished. The subsequent disappearance of gap junctions may be correlated with cell determination. Lanthanum studies confirm these findings. The later sequential appearance of adhesive junction types is described. These include septate desmosomes and two types of desmosomes. In the fully differentiated ommatidium only two types of junction remain, these are: desmosomes and rhabdomeric junctions.", "contents": "Cell junctions in the developing compound eye of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria. Intercellular junctions in the developing retina of the locust Schistocerca gregaria have been examined by electron microscopy. Different types of junction appear in a well defined sequence during development. Five stages of ommatidial development are described. Close junctions and punctate junctions are present throughout development. Gap junctions appear transiently amongst the undifferentiated cells, before clearly defined preommatidia can be distinguished. The subsequent disappearance of gap junctions may be correlated with cell determination. Lanthanum studies confirm these findings. The later sequential appearance of adhesive junction types is described. These include septate desmosomes and two types of desmosomes. In the fully differentiated ommatidium only two types of junction remain, these are: desmosomes and rhabdomeric junctions.", "PMID": 1003079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9364", "title": "Comparative analysis of cell distribution in the pigment epithelium and the visual cell layer of chimaeric mice.", "content": "In chimaeras of both rdrdCC in equilibrium ++ cc and rdrdcc in equilibrium ++CC combinations two types of distribution were observed. In a majority of the chimaeras both retinal layers were chimaeric; whereas in a few cases the pigment epithelium was chimaeric but the visual cell layer was made of ++ cells only. No spatial relation was observed in the distribution of the cells in the two layers. The two eyes of the individuals were nearly always identical with regard to occurrence of chimaerism in the two layers. The findings are discussed in the light of the possible site and mode of expression of the rd gene.", "contents": "Comparative analysis of cell distribution in the pigment epithelium and the visual cell layer of chimaeric mice. In chimaeras of both rdrdCC in equilibrium ++ cc and rdrdcc in equilibrium ++CC combinations two types of distribution were observed. In a majority of the chimaeras both retinal layers were chimaeric; whereas in a few cases the pigment epithelium was chimaeric but the visual cell layer was made of ++ cells only. No spatial relation was observed in the distribution of the cells in the two layers. The two eyes of the individuals were nearly always identical with regard to occurrence of chimaerism in the two layers. The findings are discussed in the light of the possible site and mode of expression of the rd gene.", "PMID": 1003080} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9365", "title": "The effects of a t-allele (tAE5) in the mouse on the lymphoid system and reproduction.", "content": "Mice homozygous for tAE5, a recessive allele at the complex T-locus, are characterized by their unique short-tailed phenotype as well as by runting and low fertility. Histological and histochemical studies of the lymphoid and reproductive systems disclosed structural changes in the mutant spleen resembling those found in autoimmune conditions. Involution of the mutant thymus was greatly accelerated compared to normal. Necrotic changes occurred during spermiogenesis whereas ovarian structure was normal in mutants. The possible mechanisms of the mutant effects are discussed in the framework of other similar syndromes and the mode of action of alleles at the complex T-locus.", "contents": "The effects of a t-allele (tAE5) in the mouse on the lymphoid system and reproduction. Mice homozygous for tAE5, a recessive allele at the complex T-locus, are characterized by their unique short-tailed phenotype as well as by runting and low fertility. Histological and histochemical studies of the lymphoid and reproductive systems disclosed structural changes in the mutant spleen resembling those found in autoimmune conditions. Involution of the mutant thymus was greatly accelerated compared to normal. Necrotic changes occurred during spermiogenesis whereas ovarian structure was normal in mutants. The possible mechanisms of the mutant effects are discussed in the framework of other similar syndromes and the mode of action of alleles at the complex T-locus.", "PMID": 1003081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9366", "title": "The neuronal basis of a sensory analyser, the acridid movement detector system. I. Effects of simple incremental and decremental stimuli in light and dark adapted animals.", "content": "1. The response of the movement detector (MD) system to proportionally constant incremental and decremental stimuli has been studied at various degrees of light and dark adaptation. Action potentials in the descending contralateral movement detector neurone were taken as the indicator of response. 2. Over a range of at least six log10 units of adapting luminance, the MD system behaves as an ON/OFF unit, giving responses to both incremental and decremental changes in the illumination of a 5 degrees target. 3. With increasing amplitudes of stimuli, both the ON and OFF responses saturate rapidly. Saturation is reached sooner at higher levels of light adaptation. At all levels of light adaptation, the OFF response is greater than the ON. The ratio for saturating stimuli is approximately constant at around 3:2. 4. At the brightest adapting luminances used (20 000 cd/m2) the ON response is reduced but not lost. At the lowest (0-004 cd/m2) the OFF response to a 5 degrees disc fails, but can be regained by increasing the test area to 10 degrees. 5. From what is known of the retina of locusts and other insects, it is thought that light and dark adaptation in the MD system can be adequately explained by events at the retinula cell.", "contents": "The neuronal basis of a sensory analyser, the acridid movement detector system. I. Effects of simple incremental and decremental stimuli in light and dark adapted animals. 1. The response of the movement detector (MD) system to proportionally constant incremental and decremental stimuli has been studied at various degrees of light and dark adaptation. Action potentials in the descending contralateral movement detector neurone were taken as the indicator of response. 2. Over a range of at least six log10 units of adapting luminance, the MD system behaves as an ON/OFF unit, giving responses to both incremental and decremental changes in the illumination of a 5 degrees target. 3. With increasing amplitudes of stimuli, both the ON and OFF responses saturate rapidly. Saturation is reached sooner at higher levels of light adaptation. At all levels of light adaptation, the OFF response is greater than the ON. The ratio for saturating stimuli is approximately constant at around 3:2. 4. At the brightest adapting luminances used (20 000 cd/m2) the ON response is reduced but not lost. At the lowest (0-004 cd/m2) the OFF response to a 5 degrees disc fails, but can be regained by increasing the test area to 10 degrees. 5. From what is known of the retina of locusts and other insects, it is thought that light and dark adaptation in the MD system can be adequately explained by events at the retinula cell.", "PMID": 1003082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9367", "title": "The respiratory responses of Carcinus maenas to declining oxygen tension.", "content": "The degree of respiratory independence shown by Carcinus under conditions of declining oxygen tension is dependent on the animal's level of activity. Inactive Carcinus are capable of maintaining respiratory independence down to a Po2 of 60-80 mmHg. This is achieved primarily by an increase in ventilation volume such that the amount of oxygen made available at the respiratory surfaces remains constant over a wide range of oxygen tension. The Po2 at which this can no longer be maintained corresponds closely to the Po2 at which respiratory independence is lost. Under normoxic conditions the Po2 of the post- and prebranchial blood was 97 and 18 mmHg respectively. At the high oxygen tensions prevailing in the postbranchial blood the respiratory pigment is fully saturated. Under conditions of declining oxygen tension the heart rate remains more or less constant until the Po2 reaches 60-80 mmHg, the onset of bradycardia coinciding with the loss of saturation of the haemocyanin. Although cardiac output falls during hypoxia, the capacity rate ratio remains approximately constant, which enables the effectiveness of oxygen uptake by the blood to remain at a high level.", "contents": "The respiratory responses of Carcinus maenas to declining oxygen tension. The degree of respiratory independence shown by Carcinus under conditions of declining oxygen tension is dependent on the animal's level of activity. Inactive Carcinus are capable of maintaining respiratory independence down to a Po2 of 60-80 mmHg. This is achieved primarily by an increase in ventilation volume such that the amount of oxygen made available at the respiratory surfaces remains constant over a wide range of oxygen tension. The Po2 at which this can no longer be maintained corresponds closely to the Po2 at which respiratory independence is lost. Under normoxic conditions the Po2 of the post- and prebranchial blood was 97 and 18 mmHg respectively. At the high oxygen tensions prevailing in the postbranchial blood the respiratory pigment is fully saturated. Under conditions of declining oxygen tension the heart rate remains more or less constant until the Po2 reaches 60-80 mmHg, the onset of bradycardia coinciding with the loss of saturation of the haemocyanin. Although cardiac output falls during hypoxia, the capacity rate ratio remains approximately constant, which enables the effectiveness of oxygen uptake by the blood to remain at a high level.", "PMID": 1003083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9368", "title": "Fluid secretion by the malpighian tubules of the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans: the effects of ouabain, ethacrynic acid and amiloride.", "content": "The effects of three inhibitors of sodium transport on the secretion of fluid by the Malpighian tubules of Glossina morsitans have been observed. The cardiac glycoside, ouabain, affects neither the rate of secretion nor the sodium concentration of the fluid secreted when isolated tubules are bathed by solutions containing a range of sodium and potassium concentrations. Secretion is inhibited, however, by ethacrynic acid and amiloride. The results confirm that fluid secretion by the Malpighian tubules of this insect is dependent on the active transport of sodium ions and show that Na+/k+ exchange pumps are not involved in this process.", "contents": "Fluid secretion by the malpighian tubules of the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans: the effects of ouabain, ethacrynic acid and amiloride. The effects of three inhibitors of sodium transport on the secretion of fluid by the Malpighian tubules of Glossina morsitans have been observed. The cardiac glycoside, ouabain, affects neither the rate of secretion nor the sodium concentration of the fluid secreted when isolated tubules are bathed by solutions containing a range of sodium and potassium concentrations. Secretion is inhibited, however, by ethacrynic acid and amiloride. The results confirm that fluid secretion by the Malpighian tubules of this insect is dependent on the active transport of sodium ions and show that Na+/k+ exchange pumps are not involved in this process.", "PMID": 1003084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9369", "title": "Active transport of calcium across the isolated midgut of Hyalophora cecropia.", "content": "1. The net flux of 45Ca from lumen to blood side across the isolated and short-circuited Cecropia midgut was 1-9 +/- 0-2 muequiv. cm-2h-1 in 8 mM Ca and the flux ratio was as high as 56 to 1. 2. The calcium influx was depressed by anoxia; 73% after 30 min. 3. The kinetics of Ca transport were anomalous; the apparent Km varied with Ca concentration from less than 0-2 to greater than 5-6 mM Ca and the apparent Vmax varied from less than 1-3 to greater than 3-3 muequiv. cm-2h-1. 4. The calcium influx showed a delay before the tracer steady state was attained, indicating the existence in the transport route of a calcium pool equivalent to 5-7 muequiv/g. wet weight of midgut tissue. 5 High calcium (16 mM) depressed the short-circuit current and potassium transport from blood to lumen side across the midgut. 6. Calcium depressed magnesium transport, from lumen to blood side across the midgut, and magnesium depressed the calcium transport. 7. Ca transport by the midgut does not regulate the Ca level in the haemolymph in vivo; it merely aids the diffusion of calcium down its electrochemical gradient. However, Ca transport may assist the uptake of the nutrients from the midgut contents.", "contents": "Active transport of calcium across the isolated midgut of Hyalophora cecropia. 1. The net flux of 45Ca from lumen to blood side across the isolated and short-circuited Cecropia midgut was 1-9 +/- 0-2 muequiv. cm-2h-1 in 8 mM Ca and the flux ratio was as high as 56 to 1. 2. The calcium influx was depressed by anoxia; 73% after 30 min. 3. The kinetics of Ca transport were anomalous; the apparent Km varied with Ca concentration from less than 0-2 to greater than 5-6 mM Ca and the apparent Vmax varied from less than 1-3 to greater than 3-3 muequiv. cm-2h-1. 4. The calcium influx showed a delay before the tracer steady state was attained, indicating the existence in the transport route of a calcium pool equivalent to 5-7 muequiv/g. wet weight of midgut tissue. 5 High calcium (16 mM) depressed the short-circuit current and potassium transport from blood to lumen side across the midgut. 6. Calcium depressed magnesium transport, from lumen to blood side across the midgut, and magnesium depressed the calcium transport. 7. Ca transport by the midgut does not regulate the Ca level in the haemolymph in vivo; it merely aids the diffusion of calcium down its electrochemical gradient. However, Ca transport may assist the uptake of the nutrients from the midgut contents.", "PMID": 1003085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9370", "title": "Importance of air and water breathing in relation to size of the African lungfish Protopterus amphibius Peters.", "content": "1. Oxygen uptakes from air and water have been measured in relation to weight of the African lungfish Protopterus amphibius Peters. 2. Combined O2 uptake from air and water ranged from 60 ml O2 kg-1 h-1 STPD, in a 3-7 g specimen, to 30 ml O2kg-1 h-1, in a 255 g specimen. 3. While the combined O2 uptake changed by a factor of 2, within the weight range under study, the aquatic O2 uptake changed 8-fold within the same range. The smaller fish satisfy 70% of their O2 requirement by aquatic breathing compared to 10-15% in the grown specimens. 4. The pattern of bimodal breathing in P. amphibius is discussed in relation to the natural habitat of the species.", "contents": "Importance of air and water breathing in relation to size of the African lungfish Protopterus amphibius Peters. 1. Oxygen uptakes from air and water have been measured in relation to weight of the African lungfish Protopterus amphibius Peters. 2. Combined O2 uptake from air and water ranged from 60 ml O2 kg-1 h-1 STPD, in a 3-7 g specimen, to 30 ml O2kg-1 h-1, in a 255 g specimen. 3. While the combined O2 uptake changed by a factor of 2, within the weight range under study, the aquatic O2 uptake changed 8-fold within the same range. The smaller fish satisfy 70% of their O2 requirement by aquatic breathing compared to 10-15% in the grown specimens. 4. The pattern of bimodal breathing in P. amphibius is discussed in relation to the natural habitat of the species.", "PMID": 1003086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9371", "title": "Mechanical stimulation of starfish sperm flagella.", "content": "1. The responses of starfish sperm flagella to mechanical stimulation with a microneedle were analysed. Flagellar movement was recorded by high-speed microcinematography and by stroboscopic observation. 2. The amplitude of the bending wave of a flagellum was restricted over its entire length when the microneedle was brought near to the flagellum at its proximal region. Beyond the restricted part, the amplitude of the wave, and the bend angle, became smaller than those of a normally beating flagellum, while the curvature was practically unchanged. 3. When the tip of the microneedle was in contact with the flagellum, propagation of the bending wave beyond the microneedle was inhibited. The part of the flagellum between the base and the microneedle continued beating in some cases and stopped beating in other cases. The flagellum beyond the arrested part stopped beating and remained straight. When the microneedle was removed, the bending wave which existed in the part of the flagellum proximal to the microneedle, or the wave which was passively formed de novo at the time of the removal of the microneedle, propagated over the arrested part towards the tip. 4. A flagellum amputated by a microneedle in a medium containing ATP continued beating with a small amplitude, small curvature, small bend angle and low frequency. When the amputated flagellum was passively bent by a microneedle at the region near the point of amputation, this bend propagated towards the tip with a constant bend angle. 5. The beating frequency of the flagellum could be modulated by the application of a rhythmic external force generated by vibrating a microneedle near the flagellum. The beating was completely synchronized with vibration of the microneedle in the frequency range from 23 Hz to 43 Hz.", "contents": "Mechanical stimulation of starfish sperm flagella. 1. The responses of starfish sperm flagella to mechanical stimulation with a microneedle were analysed. Flagellar movement was recorded by high-speed microcinematography and by stroboscopic observation. 2. The amplitude of the bending wave of a flagellum was restricted over its entire length when the microneedle was brought near to the flagellum at its proximal region. Beyond the restricted part, the amplitude of the wave, and the bend angle, became smaller than those of a normally beating flagellum, while the curvature was practically unchanged. 3. When the tip of the microneedle was in contact with the flagellum, propagation of the bending wave beyond the microneedle was inhibited. The part of the flagellum between the base and the microneedle continued beating in some cases and stopped beating in other cases. The flagellum beyond the arrested part stopped beating and remained straight. When the microneedle was removed, the bending wave which existed in the part of the flagellum proximal to the microneedle, or the wave which was passively formed de novo at the time of the removal of the microneedle, propagated over the arrested part towards the tip. 4. A flagellum amputated by a microneedle in a medium containing ATP continued beating with a small amplitude, small curvature, small bend angle and low frequency. When the amputated flagellum was passively bent by a microneedle at the region near the point of amputation, this bend propagated towards the tip with a constant bend angle. 5. The beating frequency of the flagellum could be modulated by the application of a rhythmic external force generated by vibrating a microneedle near the flagellum. The beating was completely synchronized with vibration of the microneedle in the frequency range from 23 Hz to 43 Hz.", "PMID": 1003087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9372", "title": "Interactions of membrane potential and cations in regulation of ciliary activity in Paramecium.", "content": "Ciliary activity in Paramecium was investigated in different external solutions using techniques of voltage clamp and high frequency cinematography. An increase in the external concentration of K, Ca or Mg ions decreased the resting potential. It had no effect on ciliary activity. When the membrane potential was fixed, an increase in external Ca or Mg and, to a lesser extent, an increase in K concentration, raised the frequency of normal beating or decreased the frequency of reversed beating of the cilia. Similar effects resulted from membrane hyperpolarization with constant ionic conditions. Increase in concentration of Ca, but not of Mg or K, enhanced hyperpolarization-induced augmentation of ciliary frequency. Increase in Ca concentration also specifically augmented the delayed increase in inward current during rapid hyperpolarizing clamp. The results support the view that [Ca]i regulates the frequency and direction of ciliary beating. It is suggested that the insensitivity of the ciliary motor system to elevations of the external concentrations of ions results from compensation of their effects on [Ca]i. Depolarization itself appears to increase [Ca]i while elevation of the external ion concentrations at a fixed membrane potential appears to decrease [Ca]i.", "contents": "Interactions of membrane potential and cations in regulation of ciliary activity in Paramecium. Ciliary activity in Paramecium was investigated in different external solutions using techniques of voltage clamp and high frequency cinematography. An increase in the external concentration of K, Ca or Mg ions decreased the resting potential. It had no effect on ciliary activity. When the membrane potential was fixed, an increase in external Ca or Mg and, to a lesser extent, an increase in K concentration, raised the frequency of normal beating or decreased the frequency of reversed beating of the cilia. Similar effects resulted from membrane hyperpolarization with constant ionic conditions. Increase in concentration of Ca, but not of Mg or K, enhanced hyperpolarization-induced augmentation of ciliary frequency. Increase in Ca concentration also specifically augmented the delayed increase in inward current during rapid hyperpolarizing clamp. The results support the view that [Ca]i regulates the frequency and direction of ciliary beating. It is suggested that the insensitivity of the ciliary motor system to elevations of the external concentrations of ions results from compensation of their effects on [Ca]i. Depolarization itself appears to increase [Ca]i while elevation of the external ion concentrations at a fixed membrane potential appears to decrease [Ca]i.", "PMID": 1003088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9373", "title": "Aerodynamics of hovering flight in the long-eared bat Plecotus auritus.", "content": "Steady-state aerodynamic and momentum theories were used for calculations of the lift and drag coefficients of Plecotus auritus in hovering flight. The lift coefficient obtained varies between 3-1 and 6-4, and the drag coefficient between --5-0 and 10-5, for the possible assumptions regarding the effective angles of attack during the upstroke. This demonstrates that hovering flight in Plecotus auritus can not be explained by quasi-steady-state aerodynamics. Thus, non-steady-state aerodynamics must prevail.", "contents": "Aerodynamics of hovering flight in the long-eared bat Plecotus auritus. Steady-state aerodynamic and momentum theories were used for calculations of the lift and drag coefficients of Plecotus auritus in hovering flight. The lift coefficient obtained varies between 3-1 and 6-4, and the drag coefficient between --5-0 and 10-5, for the possible assumptions regarding the effective angles of attack during the upstroke. This demonstrates that hovering flight in Plecotus auritus can not be explained by quasi-steady-state aerodynamics. Thus, non-steady-state aerodynamics must prevail.", "PMID": 1003089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9374", "title": "Temperature regulation and heat dissipation during flight in birds.", "content": "Core and skin temperature were measured by radiotelemetry in starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) during 30 min flights in a wind tunnel. Core temperature was independent of ambient temperature from 0 to 28 degrees C. The temporal mean of the monitored core temperature during flight was 42-7 degrees C in one bird and 44-0 degrees C in another. These temperatures are 2-4 degrees C higher than the resting temperature in starlings, and are among the highest steady-state temperatures observed in any animal. Skin temperature on the breast was within a few degrees of core temperature. In some locations skin temperature was higher at low ambient temperatures than at intermediate ambient temperatures. An analysis of the data shows that a high core temperature does not function as an aid to head dissipation. On the contrary, insulation is adjusted to maintain a high temperature, presumably because it is necessary for flight. The increase in skin temperature at low ambient temperatures is believed to be a result of a decrease in heat flow through the breast feathers brought about by feather adjustments, to compensate for an unavoidable increase in heat flow in unfeathered or poorly feathered parts of the body.", "contents": "Temperature regulation and heat dissipation during flight in birds. Core and skin temperature were measured by radiotelemetry in starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) during 30 min flights in a wind tunnel. Core temperature was independent of ambient temperature from 0 to 28 degrees C. The temporal mean of the monitored core temperature during flight was 42-7 degrees C in one bird and 44-0 degrees C in another. These temperatures are 2-4 degrees C higher than the resting temperature in starlings, and are among the highest steady-state temperatures observed in any animal. Skin temperature on the breast was within a few degrees of core temperature. In some locations skin temperature was higher at low ambient temperatures than at intermediate ambient temperatures. An analysis of the data shows that a high core temperature does not function as an aid to head dissipation. On the contrary, insulation is adjusted to maintain a high temperature, presumably because it is necessary for flight. The increase in skin temperature at low ambient temperatures is believed to be a result of a decrease in heat flow through the breast feathers brought about by feather adjustments, to compensate for an unavoidable increase in heat flow in unfeathered or poorly feathered parts of the body.", "PMID": 1003090} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9375", "title": "Structural determinants of the eosinophil: chemotactic activity of the acidic tetrapeptides of eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis.", "content": "The acidic tetrapeptides of ECF-A, Ala/Val-Gly-Ser-Glu, exhibit peak in vitro chemotactic activity for human eosinophils at concentrations of 3 X 10(-8) M to 10(-6) M, and rapidly deactivate eosinophils to homologous and other stimuli at concentrations as low as 10(-10) M. The analogue Leu-Gly-Ser-Glu reaches peak activity at 10(-8)M-10(-7)M, while Phe-Gly-Ser-Glu requires 10(-4)M to elicit a peak response. Although inversion of the order of glycine and serine does not alter the eosinophil chemotactic activity of the tetrapeptides, deletion of glycine increases by 10-fold the concentration required for peak chemotactic activity, indicating the critical nature of the spacing between NH2- and COOH-terminal residues. The substituent COOH-terminal tripeptide, which is only marginally chemotactic, irreversibly suppresses eosinophil chemotactic responsiveness at a concentration 10,000-fold higher than concentrations necessary for deactivation by the intact tetrapeptide. The high concentration of tripeptide required for this cell directed effect, which is assumed to be analogous to deactivation, is attributed to the absence of the NH2-terminal residue which would facilitate effective interaction with the eosinophil. A substituent NH2-terminal tripeptide and amides of the NH2-terminal amino acids, which are devoid of chemotactic and deactivating activities, reversibly inhibit the tetrapeptide stimulus in a dose-response fashion. The additional finding that the NH2-terminal tripeptide protects the eosinophil from deactivation by the intact tetrapeptide confirms that the competitive interaction is stimulus specific.", "contents": "Structural determinants of the eosinophil: chemotactic activity of the acidic tetrapeptides of eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis. The acidic tetrapeptides of ECF-A, Ala/Val-Gly-Ser-Glu, exhibit peak in vitro chemotactic activity for human eosinophils at concentrations of 3 X 10(-8) M to 10(-6) M, and rapidly deactivate eosinophils to homologous and other stimuli at concentrations as low as 10(-10) M. The analogue Leu-Gly-Ser-Glu reaches peak activity at 10(-8)M-10(-7)M, while Phe-Gly-Ser-Glu requires 10(-4)M to elicit a peak response. Although inversion of the order of glycine and serine does not alter the eosinophil chemotactic activity of the tetrapeptides, deletion of glycine increases by 10-fold the concentration required for peak chemotactic activity, indicating the critical nature of the spacing between NH2- and COOH-terminal residues. The substituent COOH-terminal tripeptide, which is only marginally chemotactic, irreversibly suppresses eosinophil chemotactic responsiveness at a concentration 10,000-fold higher than concentrations necessary for deactivation by the intact tetrapeptide. The high concentration of tripeptide required for this cell directed effect, which is assumed to be analogous to deactivation, is attributed to the absence of the NH2-terminal residue which would facilitate effective interaction with the eosinophil. A substituent NH2-terminal tripeptide and amides of the NH2-terminal amino acids, which are devoid of chemotactic and deactivating activities, reversibly inhibit the tetrapeptide stimulus in a dose-response fashion. The additional finding that the NH2-terminal tripeptide protects the eosinophil from deactivation by the intact tetrapeptide confirms that the competitive interaction is stimulus specific.", "PMID": 1003098} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9376", "title": "2-Deoxyglucose selectively inhibits Fc and complement receptor-mediated phagocytosis in mouse peritoneal macrophages II. Dissociation of the inhibitory effects of 2-deoxyglucose on phagocytosis and ATP generation.", "content": "Macrophages incubated in 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-dG)-containing medium showed a marked decrease in cellular ATP content, and were unable to ingest IgG- and complement-coated erythrocytes via the corresponding membrane receptors for these ligands. However, the inhibitory effects of 2-dG on Fc- and C3 receptor-mediated phagocytosis were not a consequence of lowered macrophage ATP levels since addition of glucose or mannose to the culture medium restored the capacity of the macrophages to ingest IgG- and C3-coated particles without increasing ATP levels. These results indicate that Fc- and C3 receptor-mediated phagocytosis (opsonin dependent) differs qualitatively from the ingestion of latex and zymosan particles (opsonin independent); they suggest that the same regulatory molecules govern the responses of phagocytic cells to signals initiated by both the Fc and C3 receptors. The possibility that these molecules are regulated by glycosylation is discussed.", "contents": "2-Deoxyglucose selectively inhibits Fc and complement receptor-mediated phagocytosis in mouse peritoneal macrophages II. Dissociation of the inhibitory effects of 2-deoxyglucose on phagocytosis and ATP generation. Macrophages incubated in 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-dG)-containing medium showed a marked decrease in cellular ATP content, and were unable to ingest IgG- and complement-coated erythrocytes via the corresponding membrane receptors for these ligands. However, the inhibitory effects of 2-dG on Fc- and C3 receptor-mediated phagocytosis were not a consequence of lowered macrophage ATP levels since addition of glucose or mannose to the culture medium restored the capacity of the macrophages to ingest IgG- and C3-coated particles without increasing ATP levels. These results indicate that Fc- and C3 receptor-mediated phagocytosis (opsonin dependent) differs qualitatively from the ingestion of latex and zymosan particles (opsonin independent); they suggest that the same regulatory molecules govern the responses of phagocytic cells to signals initiated by both the Fc and C3 receptors. The possibility that these molecules are regulated by glycosylation is discussed.", "PMID": 1003099} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9377", "title": "Analysis of the stimulation-inhibition paradox exhibited by lymphocytes exposed to concanavalin A.", "content": "High doses of Concanavalin A (Con A), which normally inhibit T-lymphocyte stimulation as measured by increases in DNA synthesis, cause these lymphocytes to become committed to mitogenesis while also generating a dominant but reversible negative growth signal. The observed response to the stimulatory signal as measured by the rate of commitment to enter the S phase (i.e., the rate at which the stimulation becomes lectin independent) increases with lectin concentration even in the inhibitory range. The generation of this positive signal is prevented by treating the cells with colchicine. Cells that have become committed but are also simultaneously blocked from entering the S phase by the high doses of Con A can begin synthesizing DNA if the lectin is released by adding a competitive inhibitor of binding. Experiments done in agarose cultures in which lymphocytes are kept from contact with each other suggest that the reversible inhibitory signal is mediated by structures in the individual cells rather than as a result of agglutination. Continuously dividing cells of the lymphoid line P388 are also individually and reversibly inhibited by Con A. These findings are considered in terms of the relation of the inhibitory signal to the microtubular components of cell surface modulating assemblies made up of submembranous arrays of microtubules, microfilaments, and associated proteins.", "contents": "Analysis of the stimulation-inhibition paradox exhibited by lymphocytes exposed to concanavalin A. High doses of Concanavalin A (Con A), which normally inhibit T-lymphocyte stimulation as measured by increases in DNA synthesis, cause these lymphocytes to become committed to mitogenesis while also generating a dominant but reversible negative growth signal. The observed response to the stimulatory signal as measured by the rate of commitment to enter the S phase (i.e., the rate at which the stimulation becomes lectin independent) increases with lectin concentration even in the inhibitory range. The generation of this positive signal is prevented by treating the cells with colchicine. Cells that have become committed but are also simultaneously blocked from entering the S phase by the high doses of Con A can begin synthesizing DNA if the lectin is released by adding a competitive inhibitor of binding. Experiments done in agarose cultures in which lymphocytes are kept from contact with each other suggest that the reversible inhibitory signal is mediated by structures in the individual cells rather than as a result of agglutination. Continuously dividing cells of the lymphoid line P388 are also individually and reversibly inhibited by Con A. These findings are considered in terms of the relation of the inhibitory signal to the microtubular components of cell surface modulating assemblies made up of submembranous arrays of microtubules, microfilaments, and associated proteins.", "PMID": 1003100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9378", "title": "Identification of a subpopulation of lymphocytes in human peripheral blood cytotoxic to autologous fibroblasts.", "content": "A naturally occurring subpopulation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes is cytotoxic to autologous and/or allogeneic fibroblasts. The autocytotoxic lymphocytes have a receptor for the third component of complement and for aggregated gamma globulin, do not form rosettes with sheep red blood cells, and are not removed by passage through nylon. The autocytotoxic subpopulation is not present in the thymus and tonsils of normal children or in the peripheral blood of individuals with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Fibroblast absorption experiments demonstrate that the autocytotoxic cells are \"sensitized\" to antigens expressed on allogeneic fibroblasts in addition to the antigens expressed on autologous cells. Some normal individuals have a second subpopulation of lymphocytes that may \"regulate\" the autocytotoxic cells. The relevance of these observations to the murine autocytotoxic cells is discussed.", "contents": "Identification of a subpopulation of lymphocytes in human peripheral blood cytotoxic to autologous fibroblasts. A naturally occurring subpopulation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes is cytotoxic to autologous and/or allogeneic fibroblasts. The autocytotoxic lymphocytes have a receptor for the third component of complement and for aggregated gamma globulin, do not form rosettes with sheep red blood cells, and are not removed by passage through nylon. The autocytotoxic subpopulation is not present in the thymus and tonsils of normal children or in the peripheral blood of individuals with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Fibroblast absorption experiments demonstrate that the autocytotoxic cells are \"sensitized\" to antigens expressed on allogeneic fibroblasts in addition to the antigens expressed on autologous cells. Some normal individuals have a second subpopulation of lymphocytes that may \"regulate\" the autocytotoxic cells. The relevance of these observations to the murine autocytotoxic cells is discussed.", "PMID": 1003101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9379", "title": "The induction of macrophage spreading: role of coagulation factors and the complement system.", "content": "Unstimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages, attached to either glass or plastic substrates, responded to factors generated in serum and plasma by spreading and increasing their apparent surface area up to eightfold. Two distinct and dissociable systems were involved. The first appears related to the distinct and dissociable systems were involved. The first appears related to the contact phase of blood coagulation. It is activated by glass and not plastic surfaces, depleted by kaolin adsorption, and inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor. In contrast, a separate complement-dependent system can be generated in kaolin-adsorbed plasma. Activation of the complement system can occur either by the alternate or classical pathways and generates a relatively small effector molecule which is dialyzable. These factors presumably influencing the surface membrane and underlying structures may explain the rapid spreading of activated macrophages observed after both infections and chemical peritoneal inflammatory agents.", "contents": "The induction of macrophage spreading: role of coagulation factors and the complement system. Unstimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages, attached to either glass or plastic substrates, responded to factors generated in serum and plasma by spreading and increasing their apparent surface area up to eightfold. Two distinct and dissociable systems were involved. The first appears related to the distinct and dissociable systems were involved. The first appears related to the contact phase of blood coagulation. It is activated by glass and not plastic surfaces, depleted by kaolin adsorption, and inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor. In contrast, a separate complement-dependent system can be generated in kaolin-adsorbed plasma. Activation of the complement system can occur either by the alternate or classical pathways and generates a relatively small effector molecule which is dialyzable. These factors presumably influencing the surface membrane and underlying structures may explain the rapid spreading of activated macrophages observed after both infections and chemical peritoneal inflammatory agents.", "PMID": 1003102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9380", "title": "The requirement of an adherent cell substratum for the growth of developing plasmacytoma cells in vivo.", "content": "The intraperitoneal injection of pristane (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane) produces an environment conductive to primary plasmacytoma growth in as few as 3 days. After pristane injection, the total free peritoneal cell population increases from a normal value of 1.55 X 10(6) to 5.28 X 10(6) and remains at this elevated level for at least 50 days. The adherent peritoneal cell population, composed of both mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, is the primary source of this increase. In the pristane-conditioned peritoneum, these cells rapidly form a chronic granuloma on the peritoneal connective tissues. Daily subcutaneous treatment of mice with 0.5 mg of hydrocortisone beginning simultaneously with pristane injection prevents the increase in the peritoneal cell population, granuloma formation, d the production of a conditoned environment. In mice treated with hydrocortisone beginning 3 days after pristane injection, however, neither the peritoneal cell increase nor the production of a conditioned environment is prevented. The intraperitoneal injection of thioglycolate medium at 4-day intervals produces an elevation of the free adherent peritoneal cell population similar to pristane, but does not produce a granuloma or a conditioned environment. The intraperitoneal transfer of thioglycolate-induced adherent peritonel cells to mice treated with pristane and hydrocortisone simultaneously restores the production of a conditioned environment. These findings indicate that the adherent peritoneal cell population is responsible for the conditioning effect, and that the establishment of a resident population of these cells is necessary to produce conditioning.", "contents": "The requirement of an adherent cell substratum for the growth of developing plasmacytoma cells in vivo. The intraperitoneal injection of pristane (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane) produces an environment conductive to primary plasmacytoma growth in as few as 3 days. After pristane injection, the total free peritoneal cell population increases from a normal value of 1.55 X 10(6) to 5.28 X 10(6) and remains at this elevated level for at least 50 days. The adherent peritoneal cell population, composed of both mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, is the primary source of this increase. In the pristane-conditioned peritoneum, these cells rapidly form a chronic granuloma on the peritoneal connective tissues. Daily subcutaneous treatment of mice with 0.5 mg of hydrocortisone beginning simultaneously with pristane injection prevents the increase in the peritoneal cell population, granuloma formation, d the production of a conditoned environment. In mice treated with hydrocortisone beginning 3 days after pristane injection, however, neither the peritoneal cell increase nor the production of a conditioned environment is prevented. The intraperitoneal injection of thioglycolate medium at 4-day intervals produces an elevation of the free adherent peritoneal cell population similar to pristane, but does not produce a granuloma or a conditioned environment. The intraperitoneal transfer of thioglycolate-induced adherent peritonel cells to mice treated with pristane and hydrocortisone simultaneously restores the production of a conditioned environment. These findings indicate that the adherent peritoneal cell population is responsible for the conditioning effect, and that the establishment of a resident population of these cells is necessary to produce conditioning.", "PMID": 1003103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9381", "title": "The binding of human lactoferrin to mouse peritoneal cells.", "content": "Human iron-saturated Lf (FeLf), which was labeled with 125I or 50Fe, was found to combine with the membrane of mouse peritoneal cells (MPC) which consisted of 70% macrophages. The following experimental data suggested the involvement of a specific receptor. (a) The binding of FeLf to MPC reached a saturation point. (b) The binding of radioactive FeLf was inhibited by preincubating the cells with cold FeLf but not with human Tf, human aggregated and nonaggregated IgG, or beef heart cytochrome c (c) Succinylation and carbamylation of FeLf resulted in a loss of its inhibiting activity on the binding of radioactive FeLf. Removal of neuraminic acid from FeLf increased its inhibitory activity. (d) The ability of apoLf to inhibit the binding of FeLf to MPC was significantly lower than that of FeLf. The existence of a Lf receptor capable of concentrating Lf released from neutrophils on the membrane of macrophages could explain the apparent blockade of the release of iron from the reticuloendothelial system, which accounts for the hyposideremia of inflammation. A receptor for FeLf was also found on mouse peritoneal lymphocytes. The affinity constant of FeLf for both lymphocytes and macrophages was 0.9 X 12(6) liter/mol. Howerver, macrophages bound three times more FeLf molecules (20 X 10(6)) per cell than did lymphocytes (7 X 10(6)).", "contents": "The binding of human lactoferrin to mouse peritoneal cells. Human iron-saturated Lf (FeLf), which was labeled with 125I or 50Fe, was found to combine with the membrane of mouse peritoneal cells (MPC) which consisted of 70% macrophages. The following experimental data suggested the involvement of a specific receptor. (a) The binding of FeLf to MPC reached a saturation point. (b) The binding of radioactive FeLf was inhibited by preincubating the cells with cold FeLf but not with human Tf, human aggregated and nonaggregated IgG, or beef heart cytochrome c (c) Succinylation and carbamylation of FeLf resulted in a loss of its inhibiting activity on the binding of radioactive FeLf. Removal of neuraminic acid from FeLf increased its inhibitory activity. (d) The ability of apoLf to inhibit the binding of FeLf to MPC was significantly lower than that of FeLf. The existence of a Lf receptor capable of concentrating Lf released from neutrophils on the membrane of macrophages could explain the apparent blockade of the release of iron from the reticuloendothelial system, which accounts for the hyposideremia of inflammation. A receptor for FeLf was also found on mouse peritoneal lymphocytes. The affinity constant of FeLf for both lymphocytes and macrophages was 0.9 X 12(6) liter/mol. Howerver, macrophages bound three times more FeLf molecules (20 X 10(6)) per cell than did lymphocytes (7 X 10(6)).", "PMID": 1003104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9382", "title": "5'-Nucleotidase activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages. I. Synthesis and degradation in resident and inflammatory populations.", "content": "Mouse resident peritoneal macrophages display sufficient 5'-nucleotidase activity to hydrolyze 58 nm AMP/min per cell protein. This activity increases approximately 163 nm AMP/min per mg after 72 h in culture. The enzyme is renewed in unstimulated cells with a half-time of 13.9 h. The activity is not reduced by treatment of intact cells with a variety of proteolytic enzymes, including trypsin, pronase, urokinase, and plasmin. Cells obtained from an inflammatory exudate have diminished or absent levels of enzyme activity. Endotoxin-elicited cells display enzyme activitiy of 20.9 nm AMP/min per mg, while thioglycollate-stimulated macrophages have no detectable activity. The reduced level of activity in endotoxin-stimulated cells is due to their elevated rate of enzyme degradation, with a half-time of 6.9 h. Their rate of enzyme synthesis is essentially normal. No evidence for latent enzyme activity could be obtained in thioglycollate-stimulated cells, nor do these cells produce any inhibition of normal cell enzyme activity. Serum deprivation reduces the enzyme activity of resident cells to about 45% of control activity. These conditions do not significantly affect the rate of enzyme synthesis, but again are explainable by an increase in the rate of enzyme degradation. Pinocytic rate is elevated in endotoxin-stimulated cells which show a more rapid rate of enzyme degradation than unstimulated cells do. However, in serum-free conditions, the rate of enzyme degradation is doubled with no change in the pinocytic rate of the cells.", "contents": "5'-Nucleotidase activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages. I. Synthesis and degradation in resident and inflammatory populations. Mouse resident peritoneal macrophages display sufficient 5'-nucleotidase activity to hydrolyze 58 nm AMP/min per cell protein. This activity increases approximately 163 nm AMP/min per mg after 72 h in culture. The enzyme is renewed in unstimulated cells with a half-time of 13.9 h. The activity is not reduced by treatment of intact cells with a variety of proteolytic enzymes, including trypsin, pronase, urokinase, and plasmin. Cells obtained from an inflammatory exudate have diminished or absent levels of enzyme activity. Endotoxin-elicited cells display enzyme activitiy of 20.9 nm AMP/min per mg, while thioglycollate-stimulated macrophages have no detectable activity. The reduced level of activity in endotoxin-stimulated cells is due to their elevated rate of enzyme degradation, with a half-time of 6.9 h. Their rate of enzyme synthesis is essentially normal. No evidence for latent enzyme activity could be obtained in thioglycollate-stimulated cells, nor do these cells produce any inhibition of normal cell enzyme activity. Serum deprivation reduces the enzyme activity of resident cells to about 45% of control activity. These conditions do not significantly affect the rate of enzyme synthesis, but again are explainable by an increase in the rate of enzyme degradation. Pinocytic rate is elevated in endotoxin-stimulated cells which show a more rapid rate of enzyme degradation than unstimulated cells do. However, in serum-free conditions, the rate of enzyme degradation is doubled with no change in the pinocytic rate of the cells.", "PMID": 1003105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9383", "title": "5'-Nucleotidase activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages. II. Cellular distribution and effects of endocytosis.", "content": "The diazonium salt of sulfanilic acid (DASA) can inactivate about 80% of the total 5'-nucleotidase of viable macrophages. The remaining 20% can be inactivated if the cells are first lysed in detergent, and presumably represents an intracellular pool of 5'-nucleotidase. The bulk of this pool may represent cytoplasmic vesicles derived from plasma membrane by endocytosis. This internal compartment is expanded up to threefold immediately after the cells have ingested a large latex load. This is consistent with previous observations on the internalization of 5'-nucleotidase in latex phagosomes. In latex-filled cells this intracellular pool of enzyme is inactivated over a few hours, and the cells then slowly increase their enzyme activity to nearly normal levels. However, 24 h after latex ingestion the metabolism of 5'-nucleotidase in these recovered cells is abnormal, as the rate of enzyme degradation is about twice the normal rate, and the DASA-insensitive enzyme pool in these cells is strikingly diminished. This may reflect effects of the accumulated indigestible particles on the fate of incoming pinocytic vesicles or on newly synthesized plasma membrane precursor. Another endocytic stimulus, concanavalin A, also reduces the total cell 5'-nucleotidase activity. This effect, which is time and temperature dependent, can be prevented by the competitive sugar alpha-methyl mannose. The concanavalin A inhibition can be reversed in the absence of new protein synthesis or in cells cultivated in serum-free conditions. It is not known whether the effect of concanavalin A on 5'-nucleotidase depends upon the interiorizaiton of plasma membrane or is strictly associated with events at the cell surface.", "contents": "5'-Nucleotidase activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages. II. Cellular distribution and effects of endocytosis. The diazonium salt of sulfanilic acid (DASA) can inactivate about 80% of the total 5'-nucleotidase of viable macrophages. The remaining 20% can be inactivated if the cells are first lysed in detergent, and presumably represents an intracellular pool of 5'-nucleotidase. The bulk of this pool may represent cytoplasmic vesicles derived from plasma membrane by endocytosis. This internal compartment is expanded up to threefold immediately after the cells have ingested a large latex load. This is consistent with previous observations on the internalization of 5'-nucleotidase in latex phagosomes. In latex-filled cells this intracellular pool of enzyme is inactivated over a few hours, and the cells then slowly increase their enzyme activity to nearly normal levels. However, 24 h after latex ingestion the metabolism of 5'-nucleotidase in these recovered cells is abnormal, as the rate of enzyme degradation is about twice the normal rate, and the DASA-insensitive enzyme pool in these cells is strikingly diminished. This may reflect effects of the accumulated indigestible particles on the fate of incoming pinocytic vesicles or on newly synthesized plasma membrane precursor. Another endocytic stimulus, concanavalin A, also reduces the total cell 5'-nucleotidase activity. This effect, which is time and temperature dependent, can be prevented by the competitive sugar alpha-methyl mannose. The concanavalin A inhibition can be reversed in the absence of new protein synthesis or in cells cultivated in serum-free conditions. It is not known whether the effect of concanavalin A on 5'-nucleotidase depends upon the interiorizaiton of plasma membrane or is strictly associated with events at the cell surface.", "PMID": 1003106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9384", "title": "Activation of stimulus-specific serine esterases (proteases) in the initiation of platelet secretion. I. Demonstration with organophosphorus inhibitors.", "content": "The effect of organophosphorus inhibitors of serine esterases (proteases) on secretion from washed rabbit platelets was examined. Five noncytotoxic stimuli were employed: collagen, thrombin, heterologous anti-platelet antibody (in the absence of complement), rabbit C3 bound to zymosan, and platelet activating factor derived from antigen-stimulated, IgE-sensitized rabbit basophils. Diisoprophyl phosphofluoridate, three series of p-nitrophenyl ethyl phosphonates, and a series of cyclohexyl phenylalkylphosphonofluridates were all found to be inhibitory to the platelet secretion. These are irreversible inhibitors of serine proteases but in this system were only inhibitory if added to the platelets concurrently with the stimuli. Pretreatment of either the platelets or the stimuli with the inhibitors followed by washing, was without effect on the subsequent reaction. This suggested the involvement of stimulus-activatable serine proteases in the secretory process. The concept was supported by finding that nonphosphorylating phosphonates or hydrolyzed phosphonates or phosphonofluoridates were without inhibitory action. The effect of a series of phosphonates or phosphonoflouridates in inhibiting each stimulus exhibited a unique activity-structure profile. The demonstration of such unique profiles with four series of inhibitors for each of the five stimuli was interpreted as demonstrating that a specific activatable serine protease was involved in the platelet secretory response to each stimulus.", "contents": "Activation of stimulus-specific serine esterases (proteases) in the initiation of platelet secretion. I. Demonstration with organophosphorus inhibitors. The effect of organophosphorus inhibitors of serine esterases (proteases) on secretion from washed rabbit platelets was examined. Five noncytotoxic stimuli were employed: collagen, thrombin, heterologous anti-platelet antibody (in the absence of complement), rabbit C3 bound to zymosan, and platelet activating factor derived from antigen-stimulated, IgE-sensitized rabbit basophils. Diisoprophyl phosphofluoridate, three series of p-nitrophenyl ethyl phosphonates, and a series of cyclohexyl phenylalkylphosphonofluridates were all found to be inhibitory to the platelet secretion. These are irreversible inhibitors of serine proteases but in this system were only inhibitory if added to the platelets concurrently with the stimuli. Pretreatment of either the platelets or the stimuli with the inhibitors followed by washing, was without effect on the subsequent reaction. This suggested the involvement of stimulus-activatable serine proteases in the secretory process. The concept was supported by finding that nonphosphorylating phosphonates or hydrolyzed phosphonates or phosphonofluoridates were without inhibitory action. The effect of a series of phosphonates or phosphonoflouridates in inhibiting each stimulus exhibited a unique activity-structure profile. The demonstration of such unique profiles with four series of inhibitors for each of the five stimuli was interpreted as demonstrating that a specific activatable serine protease was involved in the platelet secretory response to each stimulus.", "PMID": 1003107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9385", "title": "Effect of sodium butyrate on lymphocyte activation.", "content": "Butyrate, in relatively low concentrations, has been shown to induce synthesis of enzymes, cause changes in cell morphology, and inhibit growth of a variety of mammalian cells in tissue culture (reviewed in [1]). In this communication, we report our observations on the effect of butyrate on lymphocyte activation. Butyrate completely and reversibly inhibits mitogen-induced blast formation. We present evidence that it does not interfere with the binding of mitogens, that it does not inhibit a number of the \"early\" reactions involved in activation, and that it does not affect ongoing DNA synthesis for an extended period of time. However, butyrate rapidly inhibits any increase in the rate of DNA synthesis.", "contents": "Effect of sodium butyrate on lymphocyte activation. Butyrate, in relatively low concentrations, has been shown to induce synthesis of enzymes, cause changes in cell morphology, and inhibit growth of a variety of mammalian cells in tissue culture (reviewed in [1]). In this communication, we report our observations on the effect of butyrate on lymphocyte activation. Butyrate completely and reversibly inhibits mitogen-induced blast formation. We present evidence that it does not interfere with the binding of mitogens, that it does not inhibit a number of the \"early\" reactions involved in activation, and that it does not affect ongoing DNA synthesis for an extended period of time. However, butyrate rapidly inhibits any increase in the rate of DNA synthesis.", "PMID": 1003108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9386", "title": "Macrophage plasminogen activator: induction by asbestos is blocked by anti-inflammatory steroids.", "content": "Intraperitoneal injection of asbestos fibres into mice induces the formation of exudates containing macrophages that produce plasminogen activator. Like-wise, in vitro addition of asbestos to macrophage cultures stimulates plasminogen activator secretion; the synthesis and secretion of lysozyme and lysosomal enzymes are not changed under these conditions. The enhanced secretion of plasminogen activator by macrophages exposed to asbestos is suppressed by low concentrations of anti-inflammatory steroids.", "contents": "Macrophage plasminogen activator: induction by asbestos is blocked by anti-inflammatory steroids. Intraperitoneal injection of asbestos fibres into mice induces the formation of exudates containing macrophages that produce plasminogen activator. Like-wise, in vitro addition of asbestos to macrophage cultures stimulates plasminogen activator secretion; the synthesis and secretion of lysozyme and lysosomal enzymes are not changed under these conditions. The enhanced secretion of plasminogen activator by macrophages exposed to asbestos is suppressed by low concentrations of anti-inflammatory steroids.", "PMID": 1003109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9387", "title": "Concanavalin A-mediated binding and sphering of human red blood cells by homologous monocytes.", "content": "Human red blood cells sensitized with concanavalin A became bound to homologous peripheral blood monocytes. Binding occured at a concentration of 10(5) molecules of tetrameric Con A per red blood cell (RBC) and increased with additional Con A. RBC binding began within 5 min and was maximal at 90 min. Phagocytosis of sensitized RBCs was minimal. RBC attachment was prevented by 0.01 M alpha-methyl-D-mannopyranoside, and, once the RBC-monocyte rosette was established, bound RBCs were largely removed with this specific saccharide inhibitor of Con A. RBCs attached to monocytes became spherocytic and osmotically fragile. The recognition of concanavalin A (Con A)-coated RBCs was not mediated through the monocyte IgG-Fc receptor. These studies demonstrate that, like IgG and C3b, Con A is capable of mediating the binding of human RBCs to human monocytes. Red cells so bound are damaged at the monocyte surface.", "contents": "Concanavalin A-mediated binding and sphering of human red blood cells by homologous monocytes. Human red blood cells sensitized with concanavalin A became bound to homologous peripheral blood monocytes. Binding occured at a concentration of 10(5) molecules of tetrameric Con A per red blood cell (RBC) and increased with additional Con A. RBC binding began within 5 min and was maximal at 90 min. Phagocytosis of sensitized RBCs was minimal. RBC attachment was prevented by 0.01 M alpha-methyl-D-mannopyranoside, and, once the RBC-monocyte rosette was established, bound RBCs were largely removed with this specific saccharide inhibitor of Con A. RBCs attached to monocytes became spherocytic and osmotically fragile. The recognition of concanavalin A (Con A)-coated RBCs was not mediated through the monocyte IgG-Fc receptor. These studies demonstrate that, like IgG and C3b, Con A is capable of mediating the binding of human RBCs to human monocytes. Red cells so bound are damaged at the monocyte surface.", "PMID": 1003110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9388", "title": "Identification and partial characterization of specific oestrogen-binding components in human kidney.", "content": "In normal human kidney from adult males cytoplasmic components which bound 17beta-estradiol specifically and with high affinity were demonstrated by dextran-coated charcoal assay, sucrose gradient centrifugation and agar gel electrophoresis. The dissociation constant of the oestradiol-binder complex amounted to 2.2 +/- 0.1 x 10(-9) mol/l. The binding capacity was limited to 34.0 +/- 9.7 fmol/mg of cytosol protein. Sedimentation in sucrose gradient revealed the bulk of these components to be in the 4S region. The binding entities could be clearly separated from sex hormone-binding globulin by agar gel electrophoresis. The ligand specificity for binding to these components indicated a requirement for oestrogens. The fact that an excess of aldosterone had no competitive effect on oestradiol binding suggests that the oestrogen-binding sites are independent of mineralocorticoid receptors. It is concluded that the specific binding components in human kidney have the properties of oestrogen receptors.", "contents": "Identification and partial characterization of specific oestrogen-binding components in human kidney. In normal human kidney from adult males cytoplasmic components which bound 17beta-estradiol specifically and with high affinity were demonstrated by dextran-coated charcoal assay, sucrose gradient centrifugation and agar gel electrophoresis. The dissociation constant of the oestradiol-binder complex amounted to 2.2 +/- 0.1 x 10(-9) mol/l. The binding capacity was limited to 34.0 +/- 9.7 fmol/mg of cytosol protein. Sedimentation in sucrose gradient revealed the bulk of these components to be in the 4S region. The binding entities could be clearly separated from sex hormone-binding globulin by agar gel electrophoresis. The ligand specificity for binding to these components indicated a requirement for oestrogens. The fact that an excess of aldosterone had no competitive effect on oestradiol binding suggests that the oestrogen-binding sites are independent of mineralocorticoid receptors. It is concluded that the specific binding components in human kidney have the properties of oestrogen receptors.", "PMID": 1003111} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9389", "title": "Oestrogen-binding components in human renal cell carcinoma.", "content": "Specific binding of [3H]oestradiol-17beta by the cytosol fraction of human renal cell carcinoma was studied. The binding reaction displayed marked ligand specificity and high affinity of binding. Unlabelled oestradiol, oestriol and oestrone inhibited the binding of [3H]oestradiol-17beta to the cytosol binding sites, wehereas all other steroids tested turned out to be only weak or insignificant competitors for the oestrogen binding sites. Scatchard analyses suggested the existence of a single class of binding sites. The dissociation constant of the oestradiol-binding complex was found to be 2.51 +/\u00bf.75 x 10(-9) mol/l. The number of binding sites was limited (17.5 +/- 3.8 fmoles per mg of cytosol protein). Sucrose gradient centrifugation revealed these binding components to be macromolecules either displaying a complex sedimentation pattern (peaks at 3.5 S, 4S, 5.7S and, in addition, high molecular weight aggregates) or sedimenting in the 4S region alone. By agar gel electrophoresis it could be demonstrated that the oestradiol-inding components migrated into the receptor region of the gel. Binding of [3H]oestradiol-17beta to these entities was markedly reduced, when the cytosol was heated (60 min at 45 degrees C) prior to the reaction with the labelled hormone. Since the specific binding components exhibit properties of oestradiol receptors in target tissues, a direct effect of oestradiol on human renal cell carcinoma is suggested.", "contents": "Oestrogen-binding components in human renal cell carcinoma. Specific binding of [3H]oestradiol-17beta by the cytosol fraction of human renal cell carcinoma was studied. The binding reaction displayed marked ligand specificity and high affinity of binding. Unlabelled oestradiol, oestriol and oestrone inhibited the binding of [3H]oestradiol-17beta to the cytosol binding sites, wehereas all other steroids tested turned out to be only weak or insignificant competitors for the oestrogen binding sites. Scatchard analyses suggested the existence of a single class of binding sites. The dissociation constant of the oestradiol-binding complex was found to be 2.51 +/\u00bf.75 x 10(-9) mol/l. The number of binding sites was limited (17.5 +/- 3.8 fmoles per mg of cytosol protein). Sucrose gradient centrifugation revealed these binding components to be macromolecules either displaying a complex sedimentation pattern (peaks at 3.5 S, 4S, 5.7S and, in addition, high molecular weight aggregates) or sedimenting in the 4S region alone. By agar gel electrophoresis it could be demonstrated that the oestradiol-inding components migrated into the receptor region of the gel. Binding of [3H]oestradiol-17beta to these entities was markedly reduced, when the cytosol was heated (60 min at 45 degrees C) prior to the reaction with the labelled hormone. Since the specific binding components exhibit properties of oestradiol receptors in target tissues, a direct effect of oestradiol on human renal cell carcinoma is suggested.", "PMID": 1003112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9390", "title": "Preparation of parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells from adult human liver--morphological and biochemical characteristics.", "content": "By perfusion of the isolated human liver with collagenase and hyaluronidase a mixed suspension of various cell types was obtained. Pure parenchymal cells were prepared by differential centrifugation, pure non-parenchymal cells by the use of pronase and subsequent isopycnic centrifugation on metrizamide gradients (50-300 g/l). About 90% of the parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells were viable as judged by trypan blue staining. Non-parenchymal cells were not capable fo gluconeogenesis but at high rates. Parenchymal cells retained their ability to form glucose and to accumulate glycogen from fructose greater than lactate/pyruvate greater than alanine. Studies on binding of 125I-labelled insulin by isolated parenchymal cells were performed at 30 degrees C. The binding data may fit with a minimum of two classes of binding sites: (a) high affinity--low capacity sties (Kd approximately 6.6 nmol/l, capacity approximately 16 000 insulin molecules per cell) and (b) low affinity-high capacity sites (Kd approsimately 0.37 mumol/l, capacity approximately 646 000 molecules per cell).", "contents": "Preparation of parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells from adult human liver--morphological and biochemical characteristics. By perfusion of the isolated human liver with collagenase and hyaluronidase a mixed suspension of various cell types was obtained. Pure parenchymal cells were prepared by differential centrifugation, pure non-parenchymal cells by the use of pronase and subsequent isopycnic centrifugation on metrizamide gradients (50-300 g/l). About 90% of the parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells were viable as judged by trypan blue staining. Non-parenchymal cells were not capable fo gluconeogenesis but at high rates. Parenchymal cells retained their ability to form glucose and to accumulate glycogen from fructose greater than lactate/pyruvate greater than alanine. Studies on binding of 125I-labelled insulin by isolated parenchymal cells were performed at 30 degrees C. The binding data may fit with a minimum of two classes of binding sites: (a) high affinity--low capacity sties (Kd approximately 6.6 nmol/l, capacity approximately 16 000 insulin molecules per cell) and (b) low affinity-high capacity sites (Kd approsimately 0.37 mumol/l, capacity approximately 646 000 molecules per cell).", "PMID": 1003113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9391", "title": "Separation of arginase isoenzymes from human tissues by agar gel electrophoresis.", "content": "Arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) from human liver. kidney, mammary gland, and erythrocytes, was separated by agar-gel electrophoresis using barbital buffer pH 8.6. Three isoenzymes were separated. Two of these, A2 and A3, occur in liver and erythrocytes. The same two isoenzymes were found in the kidney, but in reversed proportions. In addition to the A3 isoenzyme, the mammary gland contains a fast anodically moving A1 isoenzyme. The three isoenzymes differ in their degree of sensitivity to ornithine.", "contents": "Separation of arginase isoenzymes from human tissues by agar gel electrophoresis. Arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) from human liver. kidney, mammary gland, and erythrocytes, was separated by agar-gel electrophoresis using barbital buffer pH 8.6. Three isoenzymes were separated. Two of these, A2 and A3, occur in liver and erythrocytes. The same two isoenzymes were found in the kidney, but in reversed proportions. In addition to the A3 isoenzyme, the mammary gland contains a fast anodically moving A1 isoenzyme. The three isoenzymes differ in their degree of sensitivity to ornithine.", "PMID": 1003114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9392", "title": "[Comparative experiments on erythropoietin concentrations in ultrafiltered urine (Diaflo-process) and urine dialysis with higher osmolar substances (Carbowax( (author's transl)].", "content": "The Diaflo-ultrafiltration process with polyion membranes, UM 10, PM 10, and PM 30 for the determination of erythropoietin concentration in urine is compared with the method of urine dialysis in Visking tubes against Carbowax. The aberage regain of animal erythropoietin in human urine by ultrafiltration with the UM 10-membrane is 84%, with the PM 10-membrane 62%,with the PM 30-membrane 17% and with urine dialysis 71%. Mice show a lower toleration for the UM 10 concentrates than for the concentrates prepared by urine dialysis. The concentrates of kidney patients also cause a higher mortality in the animals. The concentrates are tolerated when equal amounts of urine components are incorporated in a three times larger volume and this is divided into three separate injections. Mice with polyglobulia tolerate urine concentrates when not more than 6% of a whole contrate of a 24-hours-urine per mouse is injected in the peritoneum. There is a low iron incorporation rate in the mice that show a strongly toxic reaction.", "contents": "[Comparative experiments on erythropoietin concentrations in ultrafiltered urine (Diaflo-process) and urine dialysis with higher osmolar substances (Carbowax( (author's transl)]. The Diaflo-ultrafiltration process with polyion membranes, UM 10, PM 10, and PM 30 for the determination of erythropoietin concentration in urine is compared with the method of urine dialysis in Visking tubes against Carbowax. The aberage regain of animal erythropoietin in human urine by ultrafiltration with the UM 10-membrane is 84%, with the PM 10-membrane 62%,with the PM 30-membrane 17% and with urine dialysis 71%. Mice show a lower toleration for the UM 10 concentrates than for the concentrates prepared by urine dialysis. The concentrates of kidney patients also cause a higher mortality in the animals. The concentrates are tolerated when equal amounts of urine components are incorporated in a three times larger volume and this is divided into three separate injections. Mice with polyglobulia tolerate urine concentrates when not more than 6% of a whole contrate of a 24-hours-urine per mouse is injected in the peritoneum. There is a low iron incorporation rate in the mice that show a strongly toxic reaction.", "PMID": 1003115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9393", "title": "[Urinary excretion of 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine, 3-O-methyldopa, dopamine and homovanillic acid in man. Effects of an inhibitor of decarboxylase of aromatic amino acids (Benserazide) (author's transl)].", "content": "After administration of a single and small (125 mg) dose of benserazide, 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine and 3-O-methyldopa are excreted in urine. Uturbancies last for at least 48 hours.", "contents": "[Urinary excretion of 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine, 3-O-methyldopa, dopamine and homovanillic acid in man. Effects of an inhibitor of decarboxylase of aromatic amino acids (Benserazide) (author's transl)]. After administration of a single and small (125 mg) dose of benserazide, 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine and 3-O-methyldopa are excreted in urine. Uturbancies last for at least 48 hours.", "PMID": 1003116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9394", "title": "Residual fear of the conditioned stimulus as a function of response prevention after avoidance or classical defensive conditioning in the rat.", "content": "Studies employing response prevention (RP) are reviewed. Considering assessment difficulties and conflicting findings, it is questionable whether RP actually reduces fear to a conditioned stimulus (CS). This study measured fear after RP via a conditioned emotional response (CER) paradigm. Hypotheses were that fear of an auditory CS (conditioned in an avoidance paradigm) is reduced during RP, and that fear conditioning would occur to aspects of the conditioning environment per se. Also evaluated was the effectiveness of RP when fear had been learned under two different conditions: (a) avoidance or (b) classical defensive conditioning. Seven groups of 10 experimentally naive female rats were run. Animals were initially trained to bar press for food pellets on a variable interval (VI) 2 schedule. Three groups were then avoidance trained in a two-way shuttle box to a criterion of 10 successive avoidances. Immediately following acquisition, one group received RP (blocking) in the shuttle box (Condition A-B). This consisted of placing a door between the two sides of the box and presenting the 85 dB (A) white noise CS for 15 20-sec periods with a variable 1-min interstimulus interval. One group did not receive RP (nonblocked) and was instead immediately returned to its home cage (Condition A-NBHC). The third group was treated as was A-B except the CS was not presented (Condition A-NBSB). Two other groups were trained in a classical defensive paradigm. These animals were matched to A-B animals in terms of number, order, and duration of CSs and USs. Following conditioning, one group received the same treatment as A-B (Condition CD-B), and the other received the same treatment as A-NBHC (Condition CD-NBHC). Two groups served as controls. A backward control (Condition BC-NBHC) was matched to A-NBHC in terms of number, order, and duration of CSs and USs. A sensitization control (Condition SC-NBHC) was matched to A-NBHC in terms of number, order, and duration of CS presentations. Immediately following conditioning trials, control animals received the same treatment as A-NBHC animals. After differential treatments all animals were immediately returned to the lever box in which they had learned to bar press, a VI 2 schedule was reinstated, and the CER was measured. A-B showed significant suppression initially but significantly less than A-NBHC, suggesting that although RP was effective in reducing fear to the CS, some fear remained. Controls showed essentially no suppression and did not differ. A-B did not differ from A-NBSB, suggesting that conditioning of fear did occur to the environment and that this fear was subsequently reduced in A-NBSB. A-B suppressed significantly more than CD-B, suggesting that RP was more effective when fear was learned in a classical as compared to an avoidance paradigm. Theoretical implications and generalizations to implosive therapy are discussed.", "contents": "Residual fear of the conditioned stimulus as a function of response prevention after avoidance or classical defensive conditioning in the rat. Studies employing response prevention (RP) are reviewed. Considering assessment difficulties and conflicting findings, it is questionable whether RP actually reduces fear to a conditioned stimulus (CS). This study measured fear after RP via a conditioned emotional response (CER) paradigm. Hypotheses were that fear of an auditory CS (conditioned in an avoidance paradigm) is reduced during RP, and that fear conditioning would occur to aspects of the conditioning environment per se. Also evaluated was the effectiveness of RP when fear had been learned under two different conditions: (a) avoidance or (b) classical defensive conditioning. Seven groups of 10 experimentally naive female rats were run. Animals were initially trained to bar press for food pellets on a variable interval (VI) 2 schedule. Three groups were then avoidance trained in a two-way shuttle box to a criterion of 10 successive avoidances. Immediately following acquisition, one group received RP (blocking) in the shuttle box (Condition A-B). This consisted of placing a door between the two sides of the box and presenting the 85 dB (A) white noise CS for 15 20-sec periods with a variable 1-min interstimulus interval. One group did not receive RP (nonblocked) and was instead immediately returned to its home cage (Condition A-NBHC). The third group was treated as was A-B except the CS was not presented (Condition A-NBSB). Two other groups were trained in a classical defensive paradigm. These animals were matched to A-B animals in terms of number, order, and duration of CSs and USs. Following conditioning, one group received the same treatment as A-B (Condition CD-B), and the other received the same treatment as A-NBHC (Condition CD-NBHC). Two groups served as controls. A backward control (Condition BC-NBHC) was matched to A-NBHC in terms of number, order, and duration of CSs and USs. A sensitization control (Condition SC-NBHC) was matched to A-NBHC in terms of number, order, and duration of CS presentations. Immediately following conditioning trials, control animals received the same treatment as A-NBHC animals. After differential treatments all animals were immediately returned to the lever box in which they had learned to bar press, a VI 2 schedule was reinstated, and the CER was measured. A-B showed significant suppression initially but significantly less than A-NBHC, suggesting that although RP was effective in reducing fear to the CS, some fear remained. Controls showed essentially no suppression and did not differ. A-B did not differ from A-NBSB, suggesting that conditioning of fear did occur to the environment and that this fear was subsequently reduced in A-NBSB. A-B suppressed significantly more than CD-B, suggesting that RP was more effective when fear was learned in a classical as compared to an avoidance paradigm. Theoretical implications and generalizations to implosive therapy are discussed.", "PMID": 1003117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9395", "title": "Encoding the levels of information in pictures and words.", "content": "From a levels-of -processing framework (e.g., Craik & Lockhart, 1972), we derive the idea that the levels of information implicit in a stimulus, such as its physical configuration, its name, and the category to which it belongs, may become available for subsequent processing at different times after stimulus onset. In particular, tasks which allow the use of physical codes should be performed more rapidly than those which require \"deeper\" information. There are two important implications here: The first is that the ability to use a code does not mean that that code has been \"matched to\" a representation in memory. The second is that \"depth\" effects (i.e., physical less than name less than conceptual) should be demonstrable within both pictorial and verbal materials. The approach as a whole may be contrasted with current dual-coding approaches (e.g., Paivio, Note 1), which, while they allow for different levels of meaning in both verbal and imaginal symbolic systems, seem forced to assume that certain types of cenceptual information are more easily accommodated within the verbal system. This leads to the prediction that some kinds of conceptual information will not be directly available from pictures, but must instead become available to the subject via an interaction between the symbolic systems. We tested these assumptions with a speeded-inference task (Van Rijn, 1973), which has properties that allow for unambiguous interpretation of reaction time differences across stimulus materials which require processing to the same explicit depth. Briefly, we found that pictures yield faster inferences than do words when the same semantic information is required for performance (Experiments 1 and 2), and that physical information is available sooner than conceptual information for both pictures (Experiment 4) and words (Experiment 5). Moreover, some types of pictorial materials (e.g., representations of proper nouns) function symbolically to the extent that they do not have an advantage in discriminability over words (Experiments 6 and 7), unless physical features are added to them which are redundant with the conceptual information the subject needs to perform (Experiment 8). The results are best interpreted within a levels-of-processing framework, in which multiple codes or representations do not exist to be activated by the appropriate stimuli, but rather the stimuli themselves embody levels of information which are encoded and used as needed.", "contents": "Encoding the levels of information in pictures and words. From a levels-of -processing framework (e.g., Craik & Lockhart, 1972), we derive the idea that the levels of information implicit in a stimulus, such as its physical configuration, its name, and the category to which it belongs, may become available for subsequent processing at different times after stimulus onset. In particular, tasks which allow the use of physical codes should be performed more rapidly than those which require \"deeper\" information. There are two important implications here: The first is that the ability to use a code does not mean that that code has been \"matched to\" a representation in memory. The second is that \"depth\" effects (i.e., physical less than name less than conceptual) should be demonstrable within both pictorial and verbal materials. The approach as a whole may be contrasted with current dual-coding approaches (e.g., Paivio, Note 1), which, while they allow for different levels of meaning in both verbal and imaginal symbolic systems, seem forced to assume that certain types of cenceptual information are more easily accommodated within the verbal system. This leads to the prediction that some kinds of conceptual information will not be directly available from pictures, but must instead become available to the subject via an interaction between the symbolic systems. We tested these assumptions with a speeded-inference task (Van Rijn, 1973), which has properties that allow for unambiguous interpretation of reaction time differences across stimulus materials which require processing to the same explicit depth. Briefly, we found that pictures yield faster inferences than do words when the same semantic information is required for performance (Experiments 1 and 2), and that physical information is available sooner than conceptual information for both pictures (Experiment 4) and words (Experiment 5). Moreover, some types of pictorial materials (e.g., representations of proper nouns) function symbolically to the extent that they do not have an advantage in discriminability over words (Experiments 6 and 7), unless physical features are added to them which are redundant with the conceptual information the subject needs to perform (Experiment 8). The results are best interpreted within a levels-of-processing framework, in which multiple codes or representations do not exist to be activated by the appropriate stimuli, but rather the stimuli themselves embody levels of information which are encoded and used as needed.", "PMID": 1003119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9396", "title": "The premise of equipotentiality in human classical conditioning: conditioned electrodermal responses to potentially phobic stimuli.", "content": "The premise of equipotentiality, which has been widely adhered to among learning theorists, states that the laws of learning should not vary with the use of particular stimuli, responses, or reinforcements. This premise has recently been challenged by some data originating within the learning tradition itself, for example, studies on the effects of verbal stimuli in eye-lid conditioning. More importantly, however, the premise of equipotentiality is incompatible with data from experiments carried out within a biological-ethological framework. The results of such studies indicate that a given species is prepared to associate certain stimuli, responses, and reinforcers but not others. In an attempt to examine the validity of this premise in human classical conditioning, we investigated the effect of pictures of potentially phobic objects as conditioned stimuli (CSs) for electrodermal responses, since it has been suggested that phobias may be instances of biologically prepared learning. Three experiments are reported, all of them involving a long interstimulus interval differential conditioning paradigm with different pictures as CSs and electric shock as the unconditioned stimulus (UCS). In Experiment 1 we established that different pictures are differentially effective as CSs. A groupconditioned to potentially phobic stimuli, snakes or spiders, showed greater resistance to extinction than a group conditioned to fear-irrelevant pictorial stimuli, that is, flowers or mushrooms. A third group conditioned to \"representative laboratory stimuli,\" circles or triangles, fell in between thses two groups. Experuce similar effects to those observed with phobic and fear-irrelevant stimuli in Experiment 1. In Experiment 3 superior resistance to extinction for phobic stimuli was demonstrated when the UCS was an electric shock, but not when it was a tone to which the subject produced reaction times. Thus, the effect appears specific for aversive UCSs, and CS-UCS \"belongingness\" has been demonstrated. It was concluded that our data do challenge the premise of equipotentiality in human conditioning. There are several learning-theory accounts that could accommodate at least some aspects of the data, but they seem to be best explained in terms of biologically orsiented constructs, such as preparedness.", "contents": "The premise of equipotentiality in human classical conditioning: conditioned electrodermal responses to potentially phobic stimuli. The premise of equipotentiality, which has been widely adhered to among learning theorists, states that the laws of learning should not vary with the use of particular stimuli, responses, or reinforcements. This premise has recently been challenged by some data originating within the learning tradition itself, for example, studies on the effects of verbal stimuli in eye-lid conditioning. More importantly, however, the premise of equipotentiality is incompatible with data from experiments carried out within a biological-ethological framework. The results of such studies indicate that a given species is prepared to associate certain stimuli, responses, and reinforcers but not others. In an attempt to examine the validity of this premise in human classical conditioning, we investigated the effect of pictures of potentially phobic objects as conditioned stimuli (CSs) for electrodermal responses, since it has been suggested that phobias may be instances of biologically prepared learning. Three experiments are reported, all of them involving a long interstimulus interval differential conditioning paradigm with different pictures as CSs and electric shock as the unconditioned stimulus (UCS). In Experiment 1 we established that different pictures are differentially effective as CSs. A groupconditioned to potentially phobic stimuli, snakes or spiders, showed greater resistance to extinction than a group conditioned to fear-irrelevant pictorial stimuli, that is, flowers or mushrooms. A third group conditioned to \"representative laboratory stimuli,\" circles or triangles, fell in between thses two groups. Experuce similar effects to those observed with phobic and fear-irrelevant stimuli in Experiment 1. In Experiment 3 superior resistance to extinction for phobic stimuli was demonstrated when the UCS was an electric shock, but not when it was a tone to which the subject produced reaction times. Thus, the effect appears specific for aversive UCSs, and CS-UCS \"belongingness\" has been demonstrated. It was concluded that our data do challenge the premise of equipotentiality in human conditioning. There are several learning-theory accounts that could accommodate at least some aspects of the data, but they seem to be best explained in terms of biologically orsiented constructs, such as preparedness.", "PMID": 1003120} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9397", "title": "Visual processing of nonlinguistic strings: redundancy effects and reading ability.", "content": "Visual redundancy effects were investigated in two experiments using nonalphabetic material. Experiment 1 had adult subjects search for the presence or absence of a predetermined target symbol through single six-symbol linear arrays. Reaction times were significantly faster in both a distributional redundancy and a spatial redundancy condition than in a no-redundancy condition. Experiment 2 had good and poor sixth-grade readers serve in the no-redundancy and spatial redundancy conditions of Experment 1. Poor readers were equivalent to good readers in the no-redundancy condition but were significantly slower in the spatial redundancy condition. Thus, spatial redundancy was shown to be operative in single symbol search time in a paradigm that avoided confounding by higher order linguistic variables. The present experiments, in conjunction with prior findings that good and poor readers differ in letter search time by their ability to use spatial redundancy, suggest that processes involved in the component skill of letter identification cannot be considered trivial to the reading process.", "contents": "Visual processing of nonlinguistic strings: redundancy effects and reading ability. Visual redundancy effects were investigated in two experiments using nonalphabetic material. Experiment 1 had adult subjects search for the presence or absence of a predetermined target symbol through single six-symbol linear arrays. Reaction times were significantly faster in both a distributional redundancy and a spatial redundancy condition than in a no-redundancy condition. Experiment 2 had good and poor sixth-grade readers serve in the no-redundancy and spatial redundancy conditions of Experment 1. Poor readers were equivalent to good readers in the no-redundancy condition but were significantly slower in the spatial redundancy condition. Thus, spatial redundancy was shown to be operative in single symbol search time in a paradigm that avoided confounding by higher order linguistic variables. The present experiments, in conjunction with prior findings that good and poor readers differ in letter search time by their ability to use spatial redundancy, suggest that processes involved in the component skill of letter identification cannot be considered trivial to the reading process.", "PMID": 1003121} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9398", "title": "Some considerations of two alleged kinds of selective attention.", "content": "The present article deals with selective attention phenomena and elaborates on a stimulus material classification, \"stimulus set\" versus \"response set,\" proposed by Broadbent (1970, 1971)9 Stimulus set is defined by some distinct and conspicuous physical properties that are inherent in the stimulus. Response set is characterized by the meaning it conveys, and thus its properties are determined by cognitive processing on the part of the organism. Broadbent's framework is related to Neisser's (1967) distinction between two perceptual-cognitive processes, namely, preattentive control and focal attention. Three experiments are reported. A before-after paradigm was employed in Experiment 1, together with a sptial arrangement manipulation of relevant versus irrelevant stimuli (being grouped or mixed). The results indicated that before-after instruction had a stronger effect under stimulus set than under response set conditions. Spatial arrangement, on the other hand, affected performances under response set but not under stimulus set conditions. These results were interpreted as supporting the idea that stimulus set material, which is handled by preattentive mechanisms, may be processed in parallel, while response set material requires focal attention that is probably serial in nature. Experiment 2 used a search task with different levels of noise elements. Although subjects were not able to avoid completely the processing of noise elements, they had much more control under stimulus set than under response set conditions. Experiment 3 dealt with memory functions and suggests differential levels of perceptual processing depending on the nature of the stimulus material. This extends the memory framework suggested by Craik and Lockhart (1972). The results of these experiments, together with evidence from other behavioral and physiological studies, lend strong support to the proposed theory. At the theoretical level, it is suggested that the distinction between stimulus and response set, and the corresponding one between preattentive mechanisms and focal attention, are on a continuum rather than being an all-or-none classification. Thus, it permits greater congnitive flexibility on the part of the organism, which is reflected through the assumption that both preattentive mechanisms and focal attention may operate simultaneously and differ only in the salience of their functioning. From a methodological point of view, the distinction between stimulus material and organismic processes is emphasized. It is argued that researchers have not given sufficient attention to the properties of the stimulus materials that they have used, and as a consequence have reached unwarranted conclusions, as exemplified by a few studies that are briefly discussed.", "contents": "Some considerations of two alleged kinds of selective attention. The present article deals with selective attention phenomena and elaborates on a stimulus material classification, \"stimulus set\" versus \"response set,\" proposed by Broadbent (1970, 1971)9 Stimulus set is defined by some distinct and conspicuous physical properties that are inherent in the stimulus. Response set is characterized by the meaning it conveys, and thus its properties are determined by cognitive processing on the part of the organism. Broadbent's framework is related to Neisser's (1967) distinction between two perceptual-cognitive processes, namely, preattentive control and focal attention. Three experiments are reported. A before-after paradigm was employed in Experiment 1, together with a sptial arrangement manipulation of relevant versus irrelevant stimuli (being grouped or mixed). The results indicated that before-after instruction had a stronger effect under stimulus set than under response set conditions. Spatial arrangement, on the other hand, affected performances under response set but not under stimulus set conditions. These results were interpreted as supporting the idea that stimulus set material, which is handled by preattentive mechanisms, may be processed in parallel, while response set material requires focal attention that is probably serial in nature. Experiment 2 used a search task with different levels of noise elements. Although subjects were not able to avoid completely the processing of noise elements, they had much more control under stimulus set than under response set conditions. Experiment 3 dealt with memory functions and suggests differential levels of perceptual processing depending on the nature of the stimulus material. This extends the memory framework suggested by Craik and Lockhart (1972). The results of these experiments, together with evidence from other behavioral and physiological studies, lend strong support to the proposed theory. At the theoretical level, it is suggested that the distinction between stimulus and response set, and the corresponding one between preattentive mechanisms and focal attention, are on a continuum rather than being an all-or-none classification. Thus, it permits greater congnitive flexibility on the part of the organism, which is reflected through the assumption that both preattentive mechanisms and focal attention may operate simultaneously and differ only in the salience of their functioning. From a methodological point of view, the distinction between stimulus material and organismic processes is emphasized. It is argued that researchers have not given sufficient attention to the properties of the stimulus materials that they have used, and as a consequence have reached unwarranted conclusions, as exemplified by a few studies that are briefly discussed.", "PMID": 1003122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9399", "title": "Short-term conceptual memory for pictures.", "content": "Three converving procedures were used to determine whether pictures presented in a rapid sequence at rates comparable to eye fixations are understood and then quickly forgotten. In two experiments, sequences of 16 color photographs were presented at rates of 113, 167, or 333 msec per picture. In one group, subjects were given an immediate test of recognition memory for the pictures and in other groups they searched for a target picture. Even when the target had only been specified by a title (e.g., a boat) detection of a target was strikingly superior to recognition memory. Detection was slightly but significantly better for pictured than named targets. In a third experiment pictures were presented for 50, 70, 90 or 120 msec preceded and followed by a visual mask; at 120 msec recognition memory was as accurate as detection had been. The results, taken together with those in 1969 of Potter and Levy for slower rates of sequential presentation, suggest that on the average a scene is understood and so becomes immune to ordinary visual masking within about 100 msec but requires about 300 msec of further processing before the memory representation is resistant to conceptual masking from a following picture. Possible functions of a short-term conceptual memory, such as the control of eye fixations, are discussed.", "contents": "Short-term conceptual memory for pictures. Three converving procedures were used to determine whether pictures presented in a rapid sequence at rates comparable to eye fixations are understood and then quickly forgotten. In two experiments, sequences of 16 color photographs were presented at rates of 113, 167, or 333 msec per picture. In one group, subjects were given an immediate test of recognition memory for the pictures and in other groups they searched for a target picture. Even when the target had only been specified by a title (e.g., a boat) detection of a target was strikingly superior to recognition memory. Detection was slightly but significantly better for pictured than named targets. In a third experiment pictures were presented for 50, 70, 90 or 120 msec preceded and followed by a visual mask; at 120 msec recognition memory was as accurate as detection had been. The results, taken together with those in 1969 of Potter and Levy for slower rates of sequential presentation, suggest that on the average a scene is understood and so becomes immune to ordinary visual masking within about 100 msec but requires about 300 msec of further processing before the memory representation is resistant to conceptual masking from a following picture. Possible functions of a short-term conceptual memory, such as the control of eye fixations, are discussed.", "PMID": 1003124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9400", "title": "Pictorial superiority effect.", "content": "Pictures generally show superior recognition relative to their verbal labels. This experiment was designed to link this pictorial superiority effect to sensory or meaning codes associated with the two types of symbols. Paired-associate stimuli consisted of simple pictures or of their labels, with list items selected either from the same conceptual category or from different conceptual categories. In addition, schematic or visual similarity among the pictures was either high or low. At two rates of presentation equal amounts of conceptual interference were produced for pictures and their labels. High schematic similarity eliminated the pictorial superiority effects at the slow rate and completely reversed it at the fast rate. These results suggest that the meaning representations for simple pictures and their labels may be identical, and that the pictorial superiority effect is related to the qualitative superiority of the sensory codes for pictures.", "contents": "Pictorial superiority effect. Pictures generally show superior recognition relative to their verbal labels. This experiment was designed to link this pictorial superiority effect to sensory or meaning codes associated with the two types of symbols. Paired-associate stimuli consisted of simple pictures or of their labels, with list items selected either from the same conceptual category or from different conceptual categories. In addition, schematic or visual similarity among the pictures was either high or low. At two rates of presentation equal amounts of conceptual interference were produced for pictures and their labels. High schematic similarity eliminated the pictorial superiority effects at the slow rate and completely reversed it at the fast rate. These results suggest that the meaning representations for simple pictures and their labels may be identical, and that the pictorial superiority effect is related to the qualitative superiority of the sensory codes for pictures.", "PMID": 1003125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9401", "title": "Some of the thousand words a picture is worth.", "content": "The effects of real-world schemata on recognition of complex pictures were studied. Two kinds of pictures were used: pictures of objects forming real-world scenes and unorganized collections of the same objects. The recognition test employed distractors that varied four types of information: inventory, spatial location, descriptive and spatial composition. Results emphasized the selective nature of schemata since superior recognition of one kind of information was offset by loss of another. Spatial location information was better recognized in real-world scenes and spatial composition information was better recognized in unorganized scenes. Organized and unorganized pictures did not differ with respect of inventory and descriptive information. The longer the pictures were studied, the longer subjects took to recognize them. Reaction time for hits, misses, and false alarms increased dramatically as presentation time increased from 5 to 60 sec. It was suggested that detection of a difference in a distractor terminated search, but that when no difference was detected, an exhaustive search of the available information took place.", "contents": "Some of the thousand words a picture is worth. The effects of real-world schemata on recognition of complex pictures were studied. Two kinds of pictures were used: pictures of objects forming real-world scenes and unorganized collections of the same objects. The recognition test employed distractors that varied four types of information: inventory, spatial location, descriptive and spatial composition. Results emphasized the selective nature of schemata since superior recognition of one kind of information was offset by loss of another. Spatial location information was better recognized in real-world scenes and spatial composition information was better recognized in unorganized scenes. Organized and unorganized pictures did not differ with respect of inventory and descriptive information. The longer the pictures were studied, the longer subjects took to recognize them. Reaction time for hits, misses, and false alarms increased dramatically as presentation time increased from 5 to 60 sec. It was suggested that detection of a difference in a distractor terminated search, but that when no difference was detected, an exhaustive search of the available information took place.", "PMID": 1003126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9402", "title": "Differential distraction effects in short-term and long-term retention of pictures and words.", "content": "Picture and word triads were followed by single visual and acoustic distraction tasks and by both tasks in sequence. Short-term retention between and within modalities differed as a function of type of distraction. Individual subject-recall probabilities for each single distraction condition failed to predict performance in the sequential dual-distraction conditions, underestimating performance for words and overestimating performance for pictures. A final delayed recall showed a reversal among distraction conditions within each modality, such that the best short-term retention condition (visual distraction) was poorest in long-term retention. However, long-term retentions of pictures was superior to that of words across all distraction conditions and irrespective of level of short-term retention. The results were interpreted in terms of separate acoustic and visual processing systems and the level of individual item processing within each system as a function of the type of interference originally expected.", "contents": "Differential distraction effects in short-term and long-term retention of pictures and words. Picture and word triads were followed by single visual and acoustic distraction tasks and by both tasks in sequence. Short-term retention between and within modalities differed as a function of type of distraction. Individual subject-recall probabilities for each single distraction condition failed to predict performance in the sequential dual-distraction conditions, underestimating performance for words and overestimating performance for pictures. A final delayed recall showed a reversal among distraction conditions within each modality, such that the best short-term retention condition (visual distraction) was poorest in long-term retention. However, long-term retentions of pictures was superior to that of words across all distraction conditions and irrespective of level of short-term retention. The results were interpreted in terms of separate acoustic and visual processing systems and the level of individual item processing within each system as a function of the type of interference originally expected.", "PMID": 1003127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9403", "title": "Quality assurance for health supervision of the ambulatory child.", "content": "The Joint Committee on Quality Assurance (JCQA) was established in 1970 by the American Academy of Pediatrics and includes members from eight organizations concerned with primary care for children. The Committee developed criteria for assessing (1) health supervision of children, and (2) the management of three common diseases of children: tonsillopharyngitis, urinary tract infection, and bronchial asthma. These criteria were then validated by 452 academic and practitioner experts. A representative sample of primary care physicians further evaluated these criteria. The last phase of the study consisted of an audit of charts in the offices of pediatricians, family physicians, and general practitioners to determine the applicability of these criteria to medical records. Good agreement on health supervision criteria was found between academic and practitioner experts. Recording practices of pediatricians and other physicians were quite similar in the representative sample, although pediatricians recorded more complete health supervision information than did family physicians and general practitioners in the office audit. Present chart systems and recording practices do not allow meaningful peer review by chart audits in most office settings.", "contents": "Quality assurance for health supervision of the ambulatory child. The Joint Committee on Quality Assurance (JCQA) was established in 1970 by the American Academy of Pediatrics and includes members from eight organizations concerned with primary care for children. The Committee developed criteria for assessing (1) health supervision of children, and (2) the management of three common diseases of children: tonsillopharyngitis, urinary tract infection, and bronchial asthma. These criteria were then validated by 452 academic and practitioner experts. A representative sample of primary care physicians further evaluated these criteria. The last phase of the study consisted of an audit of charts in the offices of pediatricians, family physicians, and general practitioners to determine the applicability of these criteria to medical records. Good agreement on health supervision criteria was found between academic and practitioner experts. Recording practices of pediatricians and other physicians were quite similar in the representative sample, although pediatricians recorded more complete health supervision information than did family physicians and general practitioners in the office audit. Present chart systems and recording practices do not allow meaningful peer review by chart audits in most office settings.", "PMID": 1003130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9404", "title": "Management of the psychotic patient by the family physician.", "content": "The management of psychotic illness has taken some new directions since 1950. One of the effects of these changes is increased responsibility for care of psychotic patients within their own community. Family physicians are expected to play a significant part in the pre-hospitalization and after-care for these patients and their families. A training program to equip the family physician to give such care should provide the physician with: (1) skills to detect incipient psychotic illness and the ability to intervene at this stage; (2) a working knowledge of the psychoactive drugs; (3) awareness of the available community resources and the ability to mobilize them to provide a network of support for the psychotic patient and his family; and (4) an understanding of family dynamics and behavior. A training program which encompasses these essential elements will allow the family physician to provide the type of care that his patients/families and his community expect of him.", "contents": "Management of the psychotic patient by the family physician. The management of psychotic illness has taken some new directions since 1950. One of the effects of these changes is increased responsibility for care of psychotic patients within their own community. Family physicians are expected to play a significant part in the pre-hospitalization and after-care for these patients and their families. A training program to equip the family physician to give such care should provide the physician with: (1) skills to detect incipient psychotic illness and the ability to intervene at this stage; (2) a working knowledge of the psychoactive drugs; (3) awareness of the available community resources and the ability to mobilize them to provide a network of support for the psychotic patient and his family; and (4) an understanding of family dynamics and behavior. A training program which encompasses these essential elements will allow the family physician to provide the type of care that his patients/families and his community expect of him.", "PMID": 1003131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9405", "title": "Current status of polio immunization, with recent legal implications.", "content": "The administration of live trivalent oral polio vaccine (TOPV) is a daily occurrence in the average family practice. Although the incidence of paralytic poliomyelitis has sharply decreased following the use of the Salk and Sabin vaccines, serious medical and legal problems remain. Physicians should be aware that even the children who have received three doses of TOPV may not be protected against all three types of polio virus. Certain patients have altered immunity and should not be given a live vaccine. Paralytic poliomyelitis can occur in these individuals if another member of their family is given a TOPV, since the live virus is shed in the stool for weeks. Although the incidence of paralytic poliomyelitis associated with the vaccine is extremely low, health-care providers and vaccine manufacturers are currently liable for such untoward side effects in some states. Improved legislation is clearly necessary.", "contents": "Current status of polio immunization, with recent legal implications. The administration of live trivalent oral polio vaccine (TOPV) is a daily occurrence in the average family practice. Although the incidence of paralytic poliomyelitis has sharply decreased following the use of the Salk and Sabin vaccines, serious medical and legal problems remain. Physicians should be aware that even the children who have received three doses of TOPV may not be protected against all three types of polio virus. Certain patients have altered immunity and should not be given a live vaccine. Paralytic poliomyelitis can occur in these individuals if another member of their family is given a TOPV, since the live virus is shed in the stool for weeks. Although the incidence of paralytic poliomyelitis associated with the vaccine is extremely low, health-care providers and vaccine manufacturers are currently liable for such untoward side effects in some states. Improved legislation is clearly necessary.", "PMID": 1003132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9406", "title": "Family-interactional therapy in the management of cardiac-related high-risk behaviors.", "content": "This exploratory study examined the role of family interaction in structuring and maintaining high-risk behaviors in difficult-to-manage patients with heart disease and the use of time-limited, social systems-oriented therapy to modify such behaviors. The study was based on the assumption that \"difficult to manage\" patients with heart disease, ie, those who failed to modify their high-risk behavior patterns following a cardiac event--and their families, in their attempts to deal with the threat of heart attack, would interact with one another in a manner which would maintain, however unintentionally, the patient's high-risk behavior pattern. Nine such \"difficult heart families\" were referred to the project. In each case the patient's wife was seen individually for a maximum of five clinical interviews for the purpose of modifying her method of dealing with, and presumably maintaining, her husband's high-risk behaviors. Contact with the patient with heart disease was minimal and used for information-gathering only. In each case, when the wife made the prescribed changes in dealing with her husband, a desirable change in one or more of his high-risk behaviors followed.", "contents": "Family-interactional therapy in the management of cardiac-related high-risk behaviors. This exploratory study examined the role of family interaction in structuring and maintaining high-risk behaviors in difficult-to-manage patients with heart disease and the use of time-limited, social systems-oriented therapy to modify such behaviors. The study was based on the assumption that \"difficult to manage\" patients with heart disease, ie, those who failed to modify their high-risk behavior patterns following a cardiac event--and their families, in their attempts to deal with the threat of heart attack, would interact with one another in a manner which would maintain, however unintentionally, the patient's high-risk behavior pattern. Nine such \"difficult heart families\" were referred to the project. In each case the patient's wife was seen individually for a maximum of five clinical interviews for the purpose of modifying her method of dealing with, and presumably maintaining, her husband's high-risk behaviors. Contact with the patient with heart disease was minimal and used for information-gathering only. In each case, when the wife made the prescribed changes in dealing with her husband, a desirable change in one or more of his high-risk behaviors followed.", "PMID": 1003133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9407", "title": "A network model for decentralized family practice residency training.", "content": "The organization of departments and divisions of family practice in a majority of medical schools in the United States has facilitated a recent trend toward increasing numbers of university affiliations with family practice residency programs in community hospitals. Many difficult issues arise when such affiliations are explored and developed. To date, the literature is meager on this important subject. This paper describes the elements of a network model for decentralized family practice residency training which has been in operation at the University of California Davis for over four years. Common issues are outlined, together with the various advantages of affiliation to the community hospital and the university. An active partnership between the medical school and community through a network of affiliated residency programs can effectively contribute to the quality of medical education and patient care on a regional basis and at the same time directly address the problem of physician maldistribution.", "contents": "A network model for decentralized family practice residency training. The organization of departments and divisions of family practice in a majority of medical schools in the United States has facilitated a recent trend toward increasing numbers of university affiliations with family practice residency programs in community hospitals. Many difficult issues arise when such affiliations are explored and developed. To date, the literature is meager on this important subject. This paper describes the elements of a network model for decentralized family practice residency training which has been in operation at the University of California Davis for over four years. Common issues are outlined, together with the various advantages of affiliation to the community hospital and the university. An active partnership between the medical school and community through a network of affiliated residency programs can effectively contribute to the quality of medical education and patient care on a regional basis and at the same time directly address the problem of physician maldistribution.", "PMID": 1003134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9408", "title": "An information system for family practice. Part 3: gathering encounter data.", "content": "This paper describes the development of a system for recording encounter data in family practice. The system has been developed by the Department of Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario, and came about as a natural addition to a previously reported method for describing and defining a practice population. The system gathers information on each encounter and includes data concerning the patient, the provider, the location, and certain other details concerning the encounter, including all problems dealt with on that occasion. The storage and analysis of these data are carried out by a computer. The uses of such data are many, and some of them will be dealt with in the fourth and last paper in this series.", "contents": "An information system for family practice. Part 3: gathering encounter data. This paper describes the development of a system for recording encounter data in family practice. The system has been developed by the Department of Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario, and came about as a natural addition to a previously reported method for describing and defining a practice population. The system gathers information on each encounter and includes data concerning the patient, the provider, the location, and certain other details concerning the encounter, including all problems dealt with on that occasion. The storage and analysis of these data are carried out by a computer. The uses of such data are many, and some of them will be dealt with in the fourth and last paper in this series.", "PMID": 1003135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9409", "title": "An information system for family practice. Part 4: encounter data and their uses.", "content": "This paper describes the ways in which encounter data from the family practice teaching units of the Department of Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario, have been used for teaching, service, and research. The fact that family physicians may deal with several problems at one visit is emphasized, as is the need to report morbidity in terms of the population at risk, so that comparisons can be made with other work. The value of encounter data in studies of patient utilization and resident experience is noted. The validity of the data has been examined and the extent of underrecording assessed. The system has helped to encourage the spirit of inquiry in its users.", "contents": "An information system for family practice. Part 4: encounter data and their uses. This paper describes the ways in which encounter data from the family practice teaching units of the Department of Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario, have been used for teaching, service, and research. The fact that family physicians may deal with several problems at one visit is emphasized, as is the need to report morbidity in terms of the population at risk, so that comparisons can be made with other work. The value of encounter data in studies of patient utilization and resident experience is noted. The validity of the data has been examined and the extent of underrecording assessed. The system has helped to encourage the spirit of inquiry in its users.", "PMID": 1003136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9410", "title": "Failure to thrive: a case study in comprehensive care.", "content": "Infants who fail to grow normally may occasionally have a serious organic disease; the majority, however, are suffering from inadequate caloric intake because of a disturbance of the infant-mother relationship. Diagnostic evaluation can usually be brief and institution of therapy often leads to dramatic improvement. This Grand Rounds illustrates the contribution each member of the health-care team can make in solving the immediate problem of failure to thrive and helping provide a wholesome environment for the child's future.", "contents": "Failure to thrive: a case study in comprehensive care. Infants who fail to grow normally may occasionally have a serious organic disease; the majority, however, are suffering from inadequate caloric intake because of a disturbance of the infant-mother relationship. Diagnostic evaluation can usually be brief and institution of therapy often leads to dramatic improvement. This Grand Rounds illustrates the contribution each member of the health-care team can make in solving the immediate problem of failure to thrive and helping provide a wholesome environment for the child's future.", "PMID": 1003139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9411", "title": "Renewal of normal and degenerating photoreceptor outer segments in the Ozark cave salamander.", "content": "To determine whether photoreceptor degeneration in the Ozark cave salamander is associated with cessation or changes in the kinetics of outer segment (OS) renewal, an autoradiographic study of 3H-leucine incorporation in photoreceptors was carried out. Six days after isotope injection rods and cones showed labeling in both inner and outer segments. Cone OS were diffusely labeled whereas rods contained a band of radioactivity at the base of the OS. At 13 and 21 days the radioactive band in rods was located progressively nearer the distal tip of the OS. The rate of rod OS renewal ranged from 0.30 to 0.38 mu of OS length per day at 18 degrees C. L-thyroxin induced metamorphosis and light increased the renewal rate compared to larvae in darkness, and adults with photoreceptors in an early stage of degeneration had a slightly higher renewal rate than larvae. Light and electron microscope autoradiographs of degenerate photoreceptors revealed that even in the final stages of degeneration when OS are reduced to small, irregular whorls of membrane, 3H-leucine labeling was present in inner segments and OS membranes. These observations demonstrate that OS renewal occurs in both larvae and adults, and suggest that photoreceptor degeneration may be due to disruption of some aspect of the OS disposal process.", "contents": "Renewal of normal and degenerating photoreceptor outer segments in the Ozark cave salamander. To determine whether photoreceptor degeneration in the Ozark cave salamander is associated with cessation or changes in the kinetics of outer segment (OS) renewal, an autoradiographic study of 3H-leucine incorporation in photoreceptors was carried out. Six days after isotope injection rods and cones showed labeling in both inner and outer segments. Cone OS were diffusely labeled whereas rods contained a band of radioactivity at the base of the OS. At 13 and 21 days the radioactive band in rods was located progressively nearer the distal tip of the OS. The rate of rod OS renewal ranged from 0.30 to 0.38 mu of OS length per day at 18 degrees C. L-thyroxin induced metamorphosis and light increased the renewal rate compared to larvae in darkness, and adults with photoreceptors in an early stage of degeneration had a slightly higher renewal rate than larvae. Light and electron microscope autoradiographs of degenerate photoreceptors revealed that even in the final stages of degeneration when OS are reduced to small, irregular whorls of membrane, 3H-leucine labeling was present in inner segments and OS membranes. These observations demonstrate that OS renewal occurs in both larvae and adults, and suggest that photoreceptor degeneration may be due to disruption of some aspect of the OS disposal process.", "PMID": 1003144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9412", "title": "Failure of XX cells containing the sex reversed gene to produce gametes in allophenic mice.", "content": "Allophenic mice have been produced by combining embryos from normal albino mice with embryos of normally pigmented mice carrying the autosomal dominent gene for sex reversed (Sxr) in order to determine the ability of XXSxr cells to differentiate either into sperm or eggs. Sixteen male and six female allophenes have thus far produced more than 1,200 offspring, none of which arose from an XXSxr primordial germ cell. Two allophenic mice were sterile hermaphrodites, and 13 others have yet to be tested. These results indicated that an XX cell is incapable of spermatogenesis even when supplied with the male determining Sxr gene, and that this gene also prevents XX cells from undergoing oogenesis. The latter result contrasts with a previous report of a functional sex reversed oocyte in the mouse.", "contents": "Failure of XX cells containing the sex reversed gene to produce gametes in allophenic mice. Allophenic mice have been produced by combining embryos from normal albino mice with embryos of normally pigmented mice carrying the autosomal dominent gene for sex reversed (Sxr) in order to determine the ability of XXSxr cells to differentiate either into sperm or eggs. Sixteen male and six female allophenes have thus far produced more than 1,200 offspring, none of which arose from an XXSxr primordial germ cell. Two allophenic mice were sterile hermaphrodites, and 13 others have yet to be tested. These results indicated that an XX cell is incapable of spermatogenesis even when supplied with the male determining Sxr gene, and that this gene also prevents XX cells from undergoing oogenesis. The latter result contrasts with a previous report of a functional sex reversed oocyte in the mouse.", "PMID": 1003145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9413", "title": "Analysis of mouse oogenesis in vitro. Oocyte isolation and the utilization of exogenous energy sources by growing oocytes.", "content": "A method is described for the dissociation of mouse ovaries and the isolation of oocytes free of somatic cells by agitating pieces of ovary in collagenase and deoxyribonuclease in a calcium and magnesium free salt solution. This method yielded about 50% of the growing oocytes from immature mice. The utilization of exogenously administered 14C-labelled energy sources by oocytes in various growth stages was determined by measurement of evolved 14CO2. Little or no evolution of 14CO2 was detected from oocytes of any size incubated in 14C-glucose, lactate or succinate. The production of 14CO2 from 14C-pyruvate increased logarithmically when plotted against increasing oocyte volume with a plateau occurring after occytes reached a volume of 65,500 mum3 (50 mum diameter). Thus, the pattern of energy metabolism for oocyte maturation and early egg cleavage, wherein glucose and lactate are not utilized as efficiently as pyruvate, has been established by the earliest stages of oocyte growth.", "contents": "Analysis of mouse oogenesis in vitro. Oocyte isolation and the utilization of exogenous energy sources by growing oocytes. A method is described for the dissociation of mouse ovaries and the isolation of oocytes free of somatic cells by agitating pieces of ovary in collagenase and deoxyribonuclease in a calcium and magnesium free salt solution. This method yielded about 50% of the growing oocytes from immature mice. The utilization of exogenously administered 14C-labelled energy sources by oocytes in various growth stages was determined by measurement of evolved 14CO2. Little or no evolution of 14CO2 was detected from oocytes of any size incubated in 14C-glucose, lactate or succinate. The production of 14CO2 from 14C-pyruvate increased logarithmically when plotted against increasing oocyte volume with a plateau occurring after occytes reached a volume of 65,500 mum3 (50 mum diameter). Thus, the pattern of energy metabolism for oocyte maturation and early egg cleavage, wherein glucose and lactate are not utilized as efficiently as pyruvate, has been established by the earliest stages of oocyte growth.", "PMID": 1003146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9414", "title": "Preparation of tissue-specific cell-aggregating factors from embryonic neural tissues.", "content": "Tissue-specific cell-aggregating factors were previously obtained from the supernatant media of embryonic cell cultures. We describe here that such factors can be extracted from cell-membrane preparations derived directly from embryonic tissues: neural retina, cerebrum, and spinal cord of chick embryos.", "contents": "Preparation of tissue-specific cell-aggregating factors from embryonic neural tissues. Tissue-specific cell-aggregating factors were previously obtained from the supernatant media of embryonic cell cultures. We describe here that such factors can be extracted from cell-membrane preparations derived directly from embryonic tissues: neural retina, cerebrum, and spinal cord of chick embryos.", "PMID": 1003147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9415", "title": "Electrophysiological responses of chemosensitive sensilla in the wolf spider.", "content": "Electrophysiological recordings from single, open-pored sensilla on the pedipalps of intact wolf spiders confirm the presence of numerous chemosensory neural units in the sensilla. The presence of one or two mechanosensory neurons in these sensilla is also confirmed.", "contents": "Electrophysiological responses of chemosensitive sensilla in the wolf spider. Electrophysiological recordings from single, open-pored sensilla on the pedipalps of intact wolf spiders confirm the presence of numerous chemosensory neural units in the sensilla. The presence of one or two mechanosensory neurons in these sensilla is also confirmed.", "PMID": 1003148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9416", "title": "Inhibition of Echovirus-12 multiplication by N-carbobenzoxy-D-glucosamine.", "content": "The glucosamine derivative, N-carbobenzoxy-D-glucosamine (NCBZG) inhibits the multiplication of Echovirus-12 and the synthesis of both virus RNA and protein at a stage in the virus growth cycle after attachment and penetration. However, the compound does not inhibit virus multiplication after the appearance of progeny virus nor after virus RNA has accumulated. Incorporation of radioactive glucosamine and choline into infected and uninfected cultures is inhibited by NCBZG as is the virus-induced increase in choline incorporation. The compound also prevents the appearance of radioactive choline in isolated membranous structures. The compound did not alter significantly the cellular RNA or protein synthesis, plating efficiency of the cells, their growth over a period of several days, nor the virus-directed inhibition of cellular RNA and protein. These findings suggest that the compound inhibits virus multiplication by its effect on the initiation of biosynthesis which appears to require membrane synthesis.", "contents": "Inhibition of Echovirus-12 multiplication by N-carbobenzoxy-D-glucosamine. The glucosamine derivative, N-carbobenzoxy-D-glucosamine (NCBZG) inhibits the multiplication of Echovirus-12 and the synthesis of both virus RNA and protein at a stage in the virus growth cycle after attachment and penetration. However, the compound does not inhibit virus multiplication after the appearance of progeny virus nor after virus RNA has accumulated. Incorporation of radioactive glucosamine and choline into infected and uninfected cultures is inhibited by NCBZG as is the virus-induced increase in choline incorporation. The compound also prevents the appearance of radioactive choline in isolated membranous structures. The compound did not alter significantly the cellular RNA or protein synthesis, plating efficiency of the cells, their growth over a period of several days, nor the virus-directed inhibition of cellular RNA and protein. These findings suggest that the compound inhibits virus multiplication by its effect on the initiation of biosynthesis which appears to require membrane synthesis.", "PMID": 1003167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9417", "title": "Inhibition of Pichinde virus replication by actinomycin D.", "content": "The yields of Pichinde virus, a member of the arenavirus group, were markedly inhibited when infected BHK 21 cells were incubated in the presence of 0.4 to 4 mug/ml of actinomycin D. Maximal inhibition was observed when actinomycin D was added after the adsorption of virus to cultures; however, addition of drug as late as 12 h after infection reduced the 24 h yield by 50%. Virus antigen synthesis, as measured by complement fixation and immunodiffusion, was not dramatically reduced by actinomycin D. The expression of virus antigens on the surface of infected cells was greater on cells treated with actinomycin D than on untreated cells. Putative defective particles with a density of Pichinde virus were not detected in fluids of cultures incubated with actinomycin D and 3H-amino acids. Actinomycin D appears to inhibit Pichinde virus late in the replicative cycle. The observations raise the possibility that the drug inhibits the synthesis of proteins of the host cell membrane which are required for virus maturation.", "contents": "Inhibition of Pichinde virus replication by actinomycin D. The yields of Pichinde virus, a member of the arenavirus group, were markedly inhibited when infected BHK 21 cells were incubated in the presence of 0.4 to 4 mug/ml of actinomycin D. Maximal inhibition was observed when actinomycin D was added after the adsorption of virus to cultures; however, addition of drug as late as 12 h after infection reduced the 24 h yield by 50%. Virus antigen synthesis, as measured by complement fixation and immunodiffusion, was not dramatically reduced by actinomycin D. The expression of virus antigens on the surface of infected cells was greater on cells treated with actinomycin D than on untreated cells. Putative defective particles with a density of Pichinde virus were not detected in fluids of cultures incubated with actinomycin D and 3H-amino acids. Actinomycin D appears to inhibit Pichinde virus late in the replicative cycle. The observations raise the possibility that the drug inhibits the synthesis of proteins of the host cell membrane which are required for virus maturation.", "PMID": 1003168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9418", "title": "Synthesis of bacteriophage phi6 double-stranded ribonucleic acid.", "content": "Uracil was incorporated into all three bacteriophage phi6 dsRNA segments throughout the infection cycle; the rates of incorporation into each of the three segments were approx. constant for the first 15 to 20 min and then increased rapidly until 50 min after infection. The medium and small dsRNA segments were produced in greater amounts than the large dsRNA segment at all times in the infection cycle. Inhibition of host RNA and protein synthesis with rifampin and chloramphenicol revealed that virus dsRNA synthesis immediately after infection was independent of either host function.", "contents": "Synthesis of bacteriophage phi6 double-stranded ribonucleic acid. Uracil was incorporated into all three bacteriophage phi6 dsRNA segments throughout the infection cycle; the rates of incorporation into each of the three segments were approx. constant for the first 15 to 20 min and then increased rapidly until 50 min after infection. The medium and small dsRNA segments were produced in greater amounts than the large dsRNA segment at all times in the infection cycle. Inhibition of host RNA and protein synthesis with rifampin and chloramphenicol revealed that virus dsRNA synthesis immediately after infection was independent of either host function.", "PMID": 1003169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9419", "title": "Propagation of Semliki Forest virus in various human lymphoblastoid cell lines.", "content": "Semliki Forest virus (SFV) propagation was studied in one marmoset and eight human lymphoblastoid cell lines. In eight of these cell lines SFV propagated well. Only in the Daudi (human) cell line virus replication was suppressed. This suppression takes place after virus adsorption but before virus inhibitory effects on cell functions.", "contents": "Propagation of Semliki Forest virus in various human lymphoblastoid cell lines. Semliki Forest virus (SFV) propagation was studied in one marmoset and eight human lymphoblastoid cell lines. In eight of these cell lines SFV propagated well. Only in the Daudi (human) cell line virus replication was suppressed. This suppression takes place after virus adsorption but before virus inhibitory effects on cell functions.", "PMID": 1003170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9420", "title": "Cri du chat syndrome and translocation t(5p--;18p+).", "content": "Two new cases of \"cri du chat\" syndrome are reported in sisters aged 2 years and one month, respectively. These cases allowed us to detect a translocation t(5p--;18p+) in the mother and to study the familial segregation of this structural chromosome anomaly. At the same time, results from the dermatoglyphic analysis of the propositi as well as those of the carriers of the translocation are also reported.", "contents": "Cri du chat syndrome and translocation t(5p--;18p+). Two new cases of \"cri du chat\" syndrome are reported in sisters aged 2 years and one month, respectively. These cases allowed us to detect a translocation t(5p--;18p+) in the mother and to study the familial segregation of this structural chromosome anomaly. At the same time, results from the dermatoglyphic analysis of the propositi as well as those of the carriers of the translocation are also reported.", "PMID": 1003171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9421", "title": "[Hereditary optic atrophies].", "content": "Congenital or infantile autosomal recessive optic atrophy is rare. The autosomal recessive syndrome of optic atrophy associated with diabetes is less rare. Dominant juvenile optic atrophy occurs frequently. Behr's heredo-familial optic atrophy, with its neurological mainfestations and its recessive autosomal inheritance, is rare. Sex-linked optic atrophy is exceptional. Leber's optic neuritis occurs frequently. Its heredity is apparently sex-linked, but no classical mode of transmission can be applied. Cytoplasmic heredity is the most probable.", "contents": "[Hereditary optic atrophies]. Congenital or infantile autosomal recessive optic atrophy is rare. The autosomal recessive syndrome of optic atrophy associated with diabetes is less rare. Dominant juvenile optic atrophy occurs frequently. Behr's heredo-familial optic atrophy, with its neurological mainfestations and its recessive autosomal inheritance, is rare. Sex-linked optic atrophy is exceptional. Leber's optic neuritis occurs frequently. Its heredity is apparently sex-linked, but no classical mode of transmission can be applied. Cytoplasmic heredity is the most probable.", "PMID": 1003172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9422", "title": "[The fingerprint diagnosis of Poland's syndrome without syndactylia. A study of four cases].", "content": "The author studied the fingerprints of four children (three girls and one boy) aged from five months to eleven years who were suffering from Poland's syndrome without syndactylia. He recorded the following peculiarities: a distal triradius in t\" (in one case out of four), a frequency of loops in the hypothenar eminence, a raised digital count, an increase in the number of whorls on the fourth finger.", "contents": "[The fingerprint diagnosis of Poland's syndrome without syndactylia. A study of four cases]. The author studied the fingerprints of four children (three girls and one boy) aged from five months to eleven years who were suffering from Poland's syndrome without syndactylia. He recorded the following peculiarities: a distal triradius in t\" (in one case out of four), a frequency of loops in the hypothenar eminence, a raised digital count, an increase in the number of whorls on the fourth finger.", "PMID": 1003173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9423", "title": "Numerical X-chromosome anomalies at the maternity hospital of Lima.", "content": "Screening nuclear sex in buccal mucosa cells in 2,213 apparently normal newborns up to 24 hours from the Maternity Hospital of Lima showed that 3 newborn males out of 1,124, had chromatin-positive cells (2.66 per thousand). X-chromosome anomalies were not detected in 1,089 females examined.", "contents": "Numerical X-chromosome anomalies at the maternity hospital of Lima. Screening nuclear sex in buccal mucosa cells in 2,213 apparently normal newborns up to 24 hours from the Maternity Hospital of Lima showed that 3 newborn males out of 1,124, had chromatin-positive cells (2.66 per thousand). X-chromosome anomalies were not detected in 1,089 females examined.", "PMID": 1003174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9424", "title": "[The importance of biomicroscopic examination of the lens in the detection of heterozygotes for certain hereditary diseases, in particular, myotonic dystrophy].", "content": "Slit-lamp examination of the lens of 80 normal controls aged between 17 and 36 years has shown that the opacities are very common (91.5%). The total opacities count (TOC) varies between 0 and 109, with a mean value of 14.65 and a standard deviation of 18.43. The study of 10 families of myotonic dystrophy supports the value of such a test in early diagnosis of this condition. The value of the TOC in carrier detection of Lowe's syndrome and in the diagnosis of \"formes frustes\" of hereditary cataract is discussed. The possible application of this test in genetic counselling is stressed.", "contents": "[The importance of biomicroscopic examination of the lens in the detection of heterozygotes for certain hereditary diseases, in particular, myotonic dystrophy]. Slit-lamp examination of the lens of 80 normal controls aged between 17 and 36 years has shown that the opacities are very common (91.5%). The total opacities count (TOC) varies between 0 and 109, with a mean value of 14.65 and a standard deviation of 18.43. The study of 10 families of myotonic dystrophy supports the value of such a test in early diagnosis of this condition. The value of the TOC in carrier detection of Lowe's syndrome and in the diagnosis of \"formes frustes\" of hereditary cataract is discussed. The possible application of this test in genetic counselling is stressed.", "PMID": 1003175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9425", "title": "[Familial amytrophic lateral sclerosis. A study of a family suffering from this disease for three generations].", "content": "The authors describe nine cases of amytrophic lateral sclerosis running through the same family for three successive generations. The transmission is autosomal dominant with complete penetrance. The clinical picture comprises specific characteristics, amongst which the age of onset and the absence of Achilles reflexes. The course of the disease is fatal before long.", "contents": "[Familial amytrophic lateral sclerosis. A study of a family suffering from this disease for three generations]. The authors describe nine cases of amytrophic lateral sclerosis running through the same family for three successive generations. The transmission is autosomal dominant with complete penetrance. The clinical picture comprises specific characteristics, amongst which the age of onset and the absence of Achilles reflexes. The course of the disease is fatal before long.", "PMID": 1003176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9426", "title": "Personality characteristics of gifted Israeli children.", "content": "Two groups of Israeli boys and girls in Grades 4-8, one intellectually gifted with a mean WISC IQ of (N = 182) and one nongifted (N = 310), were compared on several indices of personal-social adjustment. As predicted, the gifted group showed more positive self-concept, more internal locus of control, a lower level of general anxiety, and a still lower level of test anxiety. The few results on self-concept, unfavorable to the older gifted children, were attributed to a shift in the attitudes of gifted and nongifted children toward each other as they enter adolescence and their abilities and interest patterns diverge. Gifted girls were as well adjusted as gifted boys and better adjusted than nongifted girls.", "contents": "Personality characteristics of gifted Israeli children. Two groups of Israeli boys and girls in Grades 4-8, one intellectually gifted with a mean WISC IQ of (N = 182) and one nongifted (N = 310), were compared on several indices of personal-social adjustment. As predicted, the gifted group showed more positive self-concept, more internal locus of control, a lower level of general anxiety, and a still lower level of test anxiety. The few results on self-concept, unfavorable to the older gifted children, were attributed to a shift in the attitudes of gifted and nongifted children toward each other as they enter adolescence and their abilities and interest patterns diverge. Gifted girls were as well adjusted as gifted boys and better adjusted than nongifted girls.", "PMID": 1003177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9427", "title": "Nocturnal orgasm in college women: its relation to dreams and anxiety associated with sexual factors.", "content": "Ss (N = 774 female undergraduates) were administered a structured questionnaire and an anxiety scale. It was found that women do experience nocturnal orgasms during sleep. Chi-square analysis revealed that a differential exists between academic levels with senior experiencing states of sexual excitement more than freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Sexual excitement during sleeping hours and a high degree of anxiety were positively related.", "contents": "Nocturnal orgasm in college women: its relation to dreams and anxiety associated with sexual factors. Ss (N = 774 female undergraduates) were administered a structured questionnaire and an anxiety scale. It was found that women do experience nocturnal orgasms during sleep. Chi-square analysis revealed that a differential exists between academic levels with senior experiencing states of sexual excitement more than freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Sexual excitement during sleeping hours and a high degree of anxiety were positively related.", "PMID": 1003178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9428", "title": "Hysteria in India: clinical aspects.", "content": "Two hundred fifteen cases (38 males, 177 females) of hysteria were studied, while the investigators kept in view the cultural factors affecting clinical presentations and influencing etiological aspects of emotional disorders. India hysterics of either sex presented with multiple symptoms, usually combinations of physical and psychogenic manifestations. There was no significant difference between clinical presentations as observed in the two sexes. Sensory disturbances, paraplegias, monoplegias were in low frequency. Although a wide range of premorbid personality patterns could be identified in the present study, the most frequently occurring personality in females was hysterical and in males antisocial. Family history and parental deprivation did not appear to offer any relationship towards the occurrence of hysteria.", "contents": "Hysteria in India: clinical aspects. Two hundred fifteen cases (38 males, 177 females) of hysteria were studied, while the investigators kept in view the cultural factors affecting clinical presentations and influencing etiological aspects of emotional disorders. India hysterics of either sex presented with multiple symptoms, usually combinations of physical and psychogenic manifestations. There was no significant difference between clinical presentations as observed in the two sexes. Sensory disturbances, paraplegias, monoplegias were in low frequency. Although a wide range of premorbid personality patterns could be identified in the present study, the most frequently occurring personality in females was hysterical and in males antisocial. Family history and parental deprivation did not appear to offer any relationship towards the occurrence of hysteria.", "PMID": 1003179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9429", "title": "Within-subject control designs and voluntary bidirectional control of cardiac rate: methodological comparison between pre-experiment and pretrial baselines.", "content": "The purpose of this study was to compare two methods of analyzing the effects of exteroceptive feedback training on the voluntary bidirectional control of human cardiac rate with the use of a within-subject control design. In this design heart rate (HR) during an experimental period (increase or decrease) is compared with that recorded during some other control period, generally a baseline \"rest\" period. Ten male undergraduates were instructed to control HR and given visual feedback of heart activity. Trials on which Ss were to raise and to lower HR were both given in a single training session. The data were analyzed in two ways: (a) cardiac rate during HR control periods was compared to an initial pre-experimetn baseline; (b) cardiac rate during HR control periods was compared to a running pretrial baseline. The results support the argument that the former procedure fails to take account of habituating levels of cardiac rate and favors finding large magnitude decreases in HR but small increases, whereas the latter procedure favors finding large magnitude increases but small decreases. It is suggested that magnitude of directional control will be artifactual when initial values are used to assess change. Contaminating influences on the running pretrial baseline were also discussed.", "contents": "Within-subject control designs and voluntary bidirectional control of cardiac rate: methodological comparison between pre-experiment and pretrial baselines. The purpose of this study was to compare two methods of analyzing the effects of exteroceptive feedback training on the voluntary bidirectional control of human cardiac rate with the use of a within-subject control design. In this design heart rate (HR) during an experimental period (increase or decrease) is compared with that recorded during some other control period, generally a baseline \"rest\" period. Ten male undergraduates were instructed to control HR and given visual feedback of heart activity. Trials on which Ss were to raise and to lower HR were both given in a single training session. The data were analyzed in two ways: (a) cardiac rate during HR control periods was compared to an initial pre-experimetn baseline; (b) cardiac rate during HR control periods was compared to a running pretrial baseline. The results support the argument that the former procedure fails to take account of habituating levels of cardiac rate and favors finding large magnitude decreases in HR but small increases, whereas the latter procedure favors finding large magnitude increases but small decreases. It is suggested that magnitude of directional control will be artifactual when initial values are used to assess change. Contaminating influences on the running pretrial baseline were also discussed.", "PMID": 1003182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9430", "title": "Attenuation of response inhibition deficits in the mentally retarded by providing an external cue.", "content": "An experiment was performed to assess the effects of mental age (MA) and external cues on response inhibition in the mentally retarded. Twelve Ss were presented with an experimental task which required that they withhold responding for five or more seconds before pressing a key to obtain reinforecemnt. For half the Ss the key was lighted (cued) during the waiting interval, while it was unlighted (uncued) for the other half. The results indicate that (a) response inhibition with MA and (b) MA differences might have been due to an inability to mediate the delay interval. The results were interpreted in terms of possible mediating mechanisms and implications for training inhibitory performance in the mentally retarded.", "contents": "Attenuation of response inhibition deficits in the mentally retarded by providing an external cue. An experiment was performed to assess the effects of mental age (MA) and external cues on response inhibition in the mentally retarded. Twelve Ss were presented with an experimental task which required that they withhold responding for five or more seconds before pressing a key to obtain reinforecemnt. For half the Ss the key was lighted (cued) during the waiting interval, while it was unlighted (uncued) for the other half. The results indicate that (a) response inhibition with MA and (b) MA differences might have been due to an inability to mediate the delay interval. The results were interpreted in terms of possible mediating mechanisms and implications for training inhibitory performance in the mentally retarded.", "PMID": 1003183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9431", "title": "Modification of self-disclosing behaviours through modeling and vicarious reinforcement.", "content": "Modeling techniques were used to model moderate disclosure to high and low disclosers. Eighty female undergraduates (40 low disclosers and 40 high disclosers) listened to a model select items that were rated as moderate disclosures for discussion. Two modeling conditions were employed; in one condition the model was reinforced by the E (vicarious reinforcement), in the second condition the model was not reinforced. Two control conditions, one with the model present, the other with the model absent were also included. The results of two separate 2 X 4 X 2 repeated measures, hierarchical analyses of variance on the subject distance from modeled intimacy, and the number of moderate items selected on pre- and posttests, indicated that both modeling conditions were successful in producing moderation of self-disclosure.", "contents": "Modification of self-disclosing behaviours through modeling and vicarious reinforcement. Modeling techniques were used to model moderate disclosure to high and low disclosers. Eighty female undergraduates (40 low disclosers and 40 high disclosers) listened to a model select items that were rated as moderate disclosures for discussion. Two modeling conditions were employed; in one condition the model was reinforced by the E (vicarious reinforcement), in the second condition the model was not reinforced. Two control conditions, one with the model present, the other with the model absent were also included. The results of two separate 2 X 4 X 2 repeated measures, hierarchical analyses of variance on the subject distance from modeled intimacy, and the number of moderate items selected on pre- and posttests, indicated that both modeling conditions were successful in producing moderation of self-disclosure.", "PMID": 1003184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9432", "title": "Eidetic imagery in two subjects after 46 years.", "content": "Two quantitative experiments involving eidetic imagery, performed in 1928-29 on two girls, ages 11 and 15 years, respectively, were repeated in every detail in 1974 on the same two persons. It was found that minor changes (perhaps unreliable) had occurred in the precision of eidetic projection, and that both Ss retained their ability to project a seen circle onto a target square and compare the two for \"goodness of fit.\"", "contents": "Eidetic imagery in two subjects after 46 years. Two quantitative experiments involving eidetic imagery, performed in 1928-29 on two girls, ages 11 and 15 years, respectively, were repeated in every detail in 1974 on the same two persons. It was found that minor changes (perhaps unreliable) had occurred in the precision of eidetic projection, and that both Ss retained their ability to project a seen circle onto a target square and compare the two for \"goodness of fit.\"", "PMID": 1003185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9433", "title": "Acquired drive strength as a joint function of UCS intensity and number of CS-UCS pairings: the effect of masses and distributed CS-UCS pairings.", "content": "The empirical law relating acquired drive strength, as measured by the latency of a hurdle-jump response, to UCS intensity and number of CS-UCS pairings was investigated. The effect on acquired drive strength of varying the intervals between successive CS-UCS pairings was also investigated. Ss were 150 male albino rats, 125-160 days old. The apparatus was the classically conditioned fear apparatus. Acquired drive strength was found to be curvillinearly related to UCS intensity and number of CS-UCS pairings when a 10 minute intertrial interval was used. The relationships were monotonic and hegatively accelerated. The effect of UCS intensity on acquired drive strength varied with the length of the intertrial interval. The findings of diverging functions relating UCS intensity to test trials support Spence's notion of multiplicative relationship between habit strength (sHr) and drive (d) in the determination of performance in aversive conditioning.", "contents": "Acquired drive strength as a joint function of UCS intensity and number of CS-UCS pairings: the effect of masses and distributed CS-UCS pairings. The empirical law relating acquired drive strength, as measured by the latency of a hurdle-jump response, to UCS intensity and number of CS-UCS pairings was investigated. The effect on acquired drive strength of varying the intervals between successive CS-UCS pairings was also investigated. Ss were 150 male albino rats, 125-160 days old. The apparatus was the classically conditioned fear apparatus. Acquired drive strength was found to be curvillinearly related to UCS intensity and number of CS-UCS pairings when a 10 minute intertrial interval was used. The relationships were monotonic and hegatively accelerated. The effect of UCS intensity on acquired drive strength varied with the length of the intertrial interval. The findings of diverging functions relating UCS intensity to test trials support Spence's notion of multiplicative relationship between habit strength (sHr) and drive (d) in the determination of performance in aversive conditioning.", "PMID": 1003186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9434", "title": "Verbal discrimination learning as a function of brain damage, aging, and institutionalization.", "content": "The relationship between young non-brain-damaged nonpatients, elderly non-brain-damaged patients and elderly brain-damaged patients and the acquisition and extinction of verbal discrimination conditioned responses were investigated in this study. Four groups of 10 Ss each were used: one group of elderly brain-damaged patients with no speech impairment; one group of elderly non-brain-damaged patients; and one group of young nonpatient Ss used as a comparison group. The three elderly, brain-damaged and non-brain-damaged groups were unable to make a simple verbal discrimination, while the younger nonpatient group had a nearly perfect record of discrimination responses. No significant differences were obtained between the three elderly patient groups.", "contents": "Verbal discrimination learning as a function of brain damage, aging, and institutionalization. The relationship between young non-brain-damaged nonpatients, elderly non-brain-damaged patients and elderly brain-damaged patients and the acquisition and extinction of verbal discrimination conditioned responses were investigated in this study. Four groups of 10 Ss each were used: one group of elderly brain-damaged patients with no speech impairment; one group of elderly non-brain-damaged patients; and one group of young nonpatient Ss used as a comparison group. The three elderly, brain-damaged and non-brain-damaged groups were unable to make a simple verbal discrimination, while the younger nonpatient group had a nearly perfect record of discrimination responses. No significant differences were obtained between the three elderly patient groups.", "PMID": 1003187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9435", "title": "Inadequate saline selection by Mongolian gerbils fed a cation exchange resin in the diet.", "content": "Mongolian gerbils (42 male, 42 female) were tested for presence of a special hunger for minerals. Three groups were fed a mineral-free mash which contained a cation exchange resin and chelator. Three additional groups received the same mash but with a nonnutritive fiber in place of the resin and chelator. For 15 days, one group in each dietary plan was given ad libitum choice between a mineral solution and distilled water (DW). A second group in each arrangement drank only DW, and the third received just the mineral solution. All gerbils fed the fiber, as well as the animals given only the mineral solution while fed the exchanger, survived the period and showed nil or mild weight losses. In contrast, the two groups given either fluid choice or DW alone while receiving the exchanger survived the period in 43 percent and 29 percent of the cases, respectively; and the survivors exhibited marked decrements in body weight.", "contents": "Inadequate saline selection by Mongolian gerbils fed a cation exchange resin in the diet. Mongolian gerbils (42 male, 42 female) were tested for presence of a special hunger for minerals. Three groups were fed a mineral-free mash which contained a cation exchange resin and chelator. Three additional groups received the same mash but with a nonnutritive fiber in place of the resin and chelator. For 15 days, one group in each dietary plan was given ad libitum choice between a mineral solution and distilled water (DW). A second group in each arrangement drank only DW, and the third received just the mineral solution. All gerbils fed the fiber, as well as the animals given only the mineral solution while fed the exchanger, survived the period and showed nil or mild weight losses. In contrast, the two groups given either fluid choice or DW alone while receiving the exchanger survived the period in 43 percent and 29 percent of the cases, respectively; and the survivors exhibited marked decrements in body weight.", "PMID": 1003188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9436", "title": "Daydream styles and sleep disturbance.", "content": "This study investigates the relationship between individuals' styles of day-dreaming and the occurrence of two types of sleep disturbance: insomnia and nightmares. Ninety-nine college undergraduates responded to a questionnaire consisting of subscales from the Singer-Antrobus Imaginal Processes Inventory and scales measuring extent of sleep disturbance; measures of response bias and samples of volitional waking fantasy were also obtained. Correlational and factor analytic treatment of the data indicated significant direct relationships between reports of sleep disturbance and the Guilty-Dysphoric and Anxious-Distractible daydream styles; sleep disturbance was unrelated to the Positive-Vivid daydream style. A response bias interpretation appeared insufficient to explain the findings. Aspects of the daydream styles also were found in the samples of volitional waking fantasy. Broader fantasy styles emerged which extend the daydream styles into the areas of volitional fantasy, sleep disturbance, dream recall, and mood.", "contents": "Daydream styles and sleep disturbance. This study investigates the relationship between individuals' styles of day-dreaming and the occurrence of two types of sleep disturbance: insomnia and nightmares. Ninety-nine college undergraduates responded to a questionnaire consisting of subscales from the Singer-Antrobus Imaginal Processes Inventory and scales measuring extent of sleep disturbance; measures of response bias and samples of volitional waking fantasy were also obtained. Correlational and factor analytic treatment of the data indicated significant direct relationships between reports of sleep disturbance and the Guilty-Dysphoric and Anxious-Distractible daydream styles; sleep disturbance was unrelated to the Positive-Vivid daydream style. A response bias interpretation appeared insufficient to explain the findings. Aspects of the daydream styles also were found in the samples of volitional waking fantasy. Broader fantasy styles emerged which extend the daydream styles into the areas of volitional fantasy, sleep disturbance, dream recall, and mood.", "PMID": 1003189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9437", "title": "Schizophrenic patterns of dichotic shadowing performance.", "content": "This study sought to utilize dichotic shadowing tasks in the investigation of differences between schizophrenics and controls and, secondarily, between paranoid and nonparanoid schizophrenics. Sixteen subjects from each of four diagnostic groups--paranoid schizophrenics, nonparanoid schizophrenics, psychiatric controls, and normal controls--were tested in dichotic shadowing under one of two instructional conditions (\"ignore the left ear\" or \"listen to both ears\"). Schizophrenics made more errors with distraction, showed poorer ?recall of target material than did controls, and were abnormally insensitive to task instructions. This was interpreted as supporting previous reports that schizophrenics are lacking in selective attentional ability, deficient in retrieval of information, and inefficient in the sense of being unable to adapt to task instructions. In addition, recall and recognition results indicated that distraction affected paranoid and nonparanoid schizophrenics somewhat differently, resulting in overinclusion for paranoids but general response disruption or overexclusion for nonparanoids.", "contents": "Schizophrenic patterns of dichotic shadowing performance. This study sought to utilize dichotic shadowing tasks in the investigation of differences between schizophrenics and controls and, secondarily, between paranoid and nonparanoid schizophrenics. Sixteen subjects from each of four diagnostic groups--paranoid schizophrenics, nonparanoid schizophrenics, psychiatric controls, and normal controls--were tested in dichotic shadowing under one of two instructional conditions (\"ignore the left ear\" or \"listen to both ears\"). Schizophrenics made more errors with distraction, showed poorer ?recall of target material than did controls, and were abnormally insensitive to task instructions. This was interpreted as supporting previous reports that schizophrenics are lacking in selective attentional ability, deficient in retrieval of information, and inefficient in the sense of being unable to adapt to task instructions. In addition, recall and recognition results indicated that distraction affected paranoid and nonparanoid schizophrenics somewhat differently, resulting in overinclusion for paranoids but general response disruption or overexclusion for nonparanoids.", "PMID": 1003190} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9438", "title": "Behavioral observations before, during, and after brief isolation (time-out).", "content": "Four adult, chronic psychotic inpatients were observed before, during and after the contingent application of time-out. Time-out was a part of their individual treatment programs, and consisted of placement in a furnitureless room for 15 minutes. Observations were made of 16 behaviors grouped into seven categories; these categories included both consequated and nonconsequated behaviors. Observation sessions lasted for 15 minutes with interval recording of each behavior for the first 10 seconds of every 30-second block. Results for each subject were analyzed by means of three-way factorial ANOVAs, and indicated the following: a) three subjects exhibited significant differences in response frequency before, during, and after time-out that were consistent across all instances of their being placed in time-out; b) the particular behaviors that reliably varied with the observation conditions for one subject were not the same as those which reliably varied for another subject; c) two subjects significantly increased the frequency of their consequated responses during time-out in spite of the fact that time-out was effective as measured by a significantly lower emission rate after time-out compared to before time-out.", "contents": "Behavioral observations before, during, and after brief isolation (time-out). Four adult, chronic psychotic inpatients were observed before, during and after the contingent application of time-out. Time-out was a part of their individual treatment programs, and consisted of placement in a furnitureless room for 15 minutes. Observations were made of 16 behaviors grouped into seven categories; these categories included both consequated and nonconsequated behaviors. Observation sessions lasted for 15 minutes with interval recording of each behavior for the first 10 seconds of every 30-second block. Results for each subject were analyzed by means of three-way factorial ANOVAs, and indicated the following: a) three subjects exhibited significant differences in response frequency before, during, and after time-out that were consistent across all instances of their being placed in time-out; b) the particular behaviors that reliably varied with the observation conditions for one subject were not the same as those which reliably varied for another subject; c) two subjects significantly increased the frequency of their consequated responses during time-out in spite of the fact that time-out was effective as measured by a significantly lower emission rate after time-out compared to before time-out.", "PMID": 1003191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9439", "title": "Ward polity and therapeutic outcome. I. Review of patients' records.", "content": "The hypothesis that coercive-restrictive features of the contemporary hospital milieux are necessary to the therapeutic and safety task of the hospital was tested by comparing three ward situations in varying degrees of coercion-restrictiveness. The situations were equivalent in other important respects. Review of patients' records indicated that the therapeutic, satisfaction, and safety outcomes of these three situations were similar. We conclude that a relatively high degree of coercion-restrictiveness may not be justifiable on therapeutic or safety grounds.", "contents": "Ward polity and therapeutic outcome. I. Review of patients' records. The hypothesis that coercive-restrictive features of the contemporary hospital milieux are necessary to the therapeutic and safety task of the hospital was tested by comparing three ward situations in varying degrees of coercion-restrictiveness. The situations were equivalent in other important respects. Review of patients' records indicated that the therapeutic, satisfaction, and safety outcomes of these three situations were similar. We conclude that a relatively high degree of coercion-restrictiveness may not be justifiable on therapeutic or safety grounds.", "PMID": 1003192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9440", "title": "Transvestite fiction.", "content": "Nonscientific literature concerning transvestism is briefly reviewed. Fiction published since its inception by the Australian transvestite journal Feminique is analyzed. Many stories have remarkably similar themes. The fictional themes contrast sharply with the reality of transvestite experiences. Fictional themes in transvestite literature analyzed by previous workers are reported. These are compared with the themes in the material of the present study.", "contents": "Transvestite fiction. Nonscientific literature concerning transvestism is briefly reviewed. Fiction published since its inception by the Australian transvestite journal Feminique is analyzed. Many stories have remarkably similar themes. The fictional themes contrast sharply with the reality of transvestite experiences. Fictional themes in transvestite literature analyzed by previous workers are reported. These are compared with the themes in the material of the present study.", "PMID": 1003193} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9441", "title": "Cannibalism for cargo.", "content": "The human eating of human beings is not confined to exotic peoples. It is part of the human condition. It occurs as a preferred form of protein consumption or as the result of extreme necessity, to absorb the virtues of others, to facilitate conception, for magicoreligious reasons, in warfare, famine, revenge, filial piety, and justice. Unique is the case of cannibalism for cargo reported here in which the eater suffered an overt psychosis before, during, and after the consumption, and whose goal was the acquisition of real and symbolic cargo as exemplified in the Melanesian cargo cult.", "contents": "Cannibalism for cargo. The human eating of human beings is not confined to exotic peoples. It is part of the human condition. It occurs as a preferred form of protein consumption or as the result of extreme necessity, to absorb the virtues of others, to facilitate conception, for magicoreligious reasons, in warfare, famine, revenge, filial piety, and justice. Unique is the case of cannibalism for cargo reported here in which the eater suffered an overt psychosis before, during, and after the consumption, and whose goal was the acquisition of real and symbolic cargo as exemplified in the Melanesian cargo cult.", "PMID": 1003194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9442", "title": "A female fire-setter: a case report.", "content": "A case of a 12 1/2-year-old female fire-setter is presented. The symptom was the result of long term developmental problems precipitated by the onset of puberty. Psychoanalytically oriented individual psychotherapy combined with marital and family therapy were the modes of treatment. The continuous struggle to establish a therapeutic alliance with an early adolescent is discussed. A patient whose main mechanisms of defense are repression, suppression, denial, and projection presents a challenge for the therapist.", "contents": "A female fire-setter: a case report. A case of a 12 1/2-year-old female fire-setter is presented. The symptom was the result of long term developmental problems precipitated by the onset of puberty. Psychoanalytically oriented individual psychotherapy combined with marital and family therapy were the modes of treatment. The continuous struggle to establish a therapeutic alliance with an early adolescent is discussed. A patient whose main mechanisms of defense are repression, suppression, denial, and projection presents a challenge for the therapist.", "PMID": 1003195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9443", "title": "A central inhibitory action of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the leech.", "content": "Previous studies indicated that 5-HT reduced the number of spontaneous excitatory junctional potentials (ejp's) that occurred in leech body wall muscle cells. The present study confirms these findings and shows that the ejp's arise from impulses in motoneuron L. This study further shows that 5-HT acts by hyperpolarizing and reducing the membrane resistance of neuron L, thus inhibiting the motoneuron and reducing the frequency of spontaneous ejp's on body wall muscle cells. These effects of 5-HT are not seen when the ganglion is bathed in a high magnesium solution, a finding that suggests that 5-HT does not act directly on the membrane of motoneuron L. This study demonstrates that 5-HT can have a central inhibitory effect on body wall muscle contractions. Previous studies provide evidence that 5-HT may act as a direct neuromuscular inhibitory transmitter and may also take part in peripheral presynaptic inhibition. Thus, if further studies confirm these suggestions, the well-known inhibitory effect of 5-HT on leech body wall muscle is a more complex process than was previously thought.", "contents": "A central inhibitory action of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the leech. Previous studies indicated that 5-HT reduced the number of spontaneous excitatory junctional potentials (ejp's) that occurred in leech body wall muscle cells. The present study confirms these findings and shows that the ejp's arise from impulses in motoneuron L. This study further shows that 5-HT acts by hyperpolarizing and reducing the membrane resistance of neuron L, thus inhibiting the motoneuron and reducing the frequency of spontaneous ejp's on body wall muscle cells. These effects of 5-HT are not seen when the ganglion is bathed in a high magnesium solution, a finding that suggests that 5-HT does not act directly on the membrane of motoneuron L. This study demonstrates that 5-HT can have a central inhibitory effect on body wall muscle contractions. Previous studies provide evidence that 5-HT may act as a direct neuromuscular inhibitory transmitter and may also take part in peripheral presynaptic inhibition. Thus, if further studies confirm these suggestions, the well-known inhibitory effect of 5-HT on leech body wall muscle is a more complex process than was previously thought.", "PMID": 1003196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9444", "title": "Characterization of the postnatal development of superior laryngeal nerve fibers in the postnatal kitten.", "content": "A combined electron microscopic and electrophysiological study of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) was undertaken in postnatal kittens ranging in age from 1-63 days. The superior laryngeal nerve is predominantly a sensory nerve innervating the upper respiratory tract, and could play a potential role in the modulation of respiration, particularly in the infant animal. Distribution of fibers in the developing SLN indicates that within the first postnatal month, 75% of the fibers are unmyelinated, and by 42 days, the myelinated fibers increase in number to approximately 50%. Of the myelinated fibers present in the one day old kitten, 3-4% of those exceeded 4 mum in total diameter, which is the minimum diameter for normal conduction velocity of action potentials. The distribution of the diameter sizes of the myelinated fibers is bell-shaped within the first 45 days after which the curve becomes skewed to the right (43-61 days; mean 2.6 mum, range 0.5-8.0 mum) to resemble the adult distribution of myelinated fibers (mean 4.2 mum, range 1.6-13.0 mum). Two variable plots of myelin width to axon diameter suggest a steeper slope for developing fibers as compared to that of the adult fibers. Electrical stimulation of the sectioned SLN indicates that evoked potentials could be recorded from the recurrent laryngeal nerve innervating the laryngeal intrinsic muscles and from the hypoglossal nerve to the tongue musculature in the youngest kittens tested (i.e., age 9 days). Stimulation at selected frequencies of 3 and 30/sec readily evoked apnea in the youngest kitten studied (i.e., age 5 days), while swallowing was more readily evoked at 28-30 days when using electrical stimulation.", "contents": "Characterization of the postnatal development of superior laryngeal nerve fibers in the postnatal kitten. A combined electron microscopic and electrophysiological study of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) was undertaken in postnatal kittens ranging in age from 1-63 days. The superior laryngeal nerve is predominantly a sensory nerve innervating the upper respiratory tract, and could play a potential role in the modulation of respiration, particularly in the infant animal. Distribution of fibers in the developing SLN indicates that within the first postnatal month, 75% of the fibers are unmyelinated, and by 42 days, the myelinated fibers increase in number to approximately 50%. Of the myelinated fibers present in the one day old kitten, 3-4% of those exceeded 4 mum in total diameter, which is the minimum diameter for normal conduction velocity of action potentials. The distribution of the diameter sizes of the myelinated fibers is bell-shaped within the first 45 days after which the curve becomes skewed to the right (43-61 days; mean 2.6 mum, range 0.5-8.0 mum) to resemble the adult distribution of myelinated fibers (mean 4.2 mum, range 1.6-13.0 mum). Two variable plots of myelin width to axon diameter suggest a steeper slope for developing fibers as compared to that of the adult fibers. Electrical stimulation of the sectioned SLN indicates that evoked potentials could be recorded from the recurrent laryngeal nerve innervating the laryngeal intrinsic muscles and from the hypoglossal nerve to the tongue musculature in the youngest kittens tested (i.e., age 9 days). Stimulation at selected frequencies of 3 and 30/sec readily evoked apnea in the youngest kitten studied (i.e., age 5 days), while swallowing was more readily evoked at 28-30 days when using electrical stimulation.", "PMID": 1003197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9445", "title": "Muscle insensitivity to tetrodotoxin: induction by alpha-bungarotoxin and removal by submechanical threshold stimulation.", "content": "Intramuscular injection of alpha-bungarotoxin (alphaBGT) into rat extensor digitorum longus muscles produced pharmacological blockade of neuromuscular transmission and resulted in denervation-like changes (Berg, D. and Hall, Z. (1975), J. Physiol. (London) 244:659-676). More than 80% of fibers from alphaBGT-injected muscles produced action potentials (ap's) in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 X 10(-6) M). Chronic electrical stimulation of these muscles, below the level necessary to elicit a contraction, resulted in a marked return toward normal of sarcolemmal sensitivity to TTX. After 4 days of submechanical threshold stimulation, less than 45% of alphaBGT-injected fibers produced ap's in the presence of TTX, whereas more than 80% of unstimulated fibers from contralateral control muscles exhibited resistance to TTX. These findings indicate that in addition to sarcolemmal sensitivity to acetylcholine, sensitivity of the sodium conductance mechanism to TTX is also directly influenced by muscle activity independent of contraction.", "contents": "Muscle insensitivity to tetrodotoxin: induction by alpha-bungarotoxin and removal by submechanical threshold stimulation. Intramuscular injection of alpha-bungarotoxin (alphaBGT) into rat extensor digitorum longus muscles produced pharmacological blockade of neuromuscular transmission and resulted in denervation-like changes (Berg, D. and Hall, Z. (1975), J. Physiol. (London) 244:659-676). More than 80% of fibers from alphaBGT-injected muscles produced action potentials (ap's) in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 X 10(-6) M). Chronic electrical stimulation of these muscles, below the level necessary to elicit a contraction, resulted in a marked return toward normal of sarcolemmal sensitivity to TTX. After 4 days of submechanical threshold stimulation, less than 45% of alphaBGT-injected fibers produced ap's in the presence of TTX, whereas more than 80% of unstimulated fibers from contralateral control muscles exhibited resistance to TTX. These findings indicate that in addition to sarcolemmal sensitivity to acetylcholine, sensitivity of the sodium conductance mechanism to TTX is also directly influenced by muscle activity independent of contraction.", "PMID": 1003198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9446", "title": "Electrophysiological studies of fetal mouse olifactory bulb explants during development of synaptic functions in culture.", "content": "Explants of 18- or 19-day fetal mouse olfactory bulb have been maintained in culture for periods up to 5 weeks. Compound action potentials can be evoked in the bulb explants by 1 day in vitro, and by 3-4 days, synaptically mediated slow wave discharges can be domonstrated in bicuculline (10(-5) m). The capability of the bulb explants to generate these slow-wave discharges has also been revealed by the introduction of picrotoxin (10(-5)m, d-tubocurarine (10(-4)m) and chloride-free medium, but not of strychnine (up to 3 X 10(-5)M. The data indicate early functional development of inhibitory, as well as excitatory, synaptic systems. In addition, the selective and reversible depression of these slow wave potentials by GABA (1-5 X 10(-4)M), but not by glycine (up to 3 X 10(-3)M), indicates a GABA-ergic component in the inhibitory network. Single unit extracellular recordings have been obtained from the presumptive mitral cells which, in culture, are spontaneously active even as early as 1-2 days after explantation. Correlative Bodian silver-impregnations demonstrate the presence of neurons in these explants which resemble typical mitral cells. Studies of mitral cells using paired stimuli suggest the development in vitro of an inhibitory system analogous to that known to suppress the excitability of their in situ counterparts following orthodromic or antidromic activation. These data, as well as the pharmacological sensitivities of the mitral cells in culture to GABA (5 X 10(-4)M) and bicuculline (10(-5)M), indicate that granule-to-mitral synapses may develop characteristic functions in olfactory bulb explants.", "contents": "Electrophysiological studies of fetal mouse olifactory bulb explants during development of synaptic functions in culture. Explants of 18- or 19-day fetal mouse olfactory bulb have been maintained in culture for periods up to 5 weeks. Compound action potentials can be evoked in the bulb explants by 1 day in vitro, and by 3-4 days, synaptically mediated slow wave discharges can be domonstrated in bicuculline (10(-5) m). The capability of the bulb explants to generate these slow-wave discharges has also been revealed by the introduction of picrotoxin (10(-5)m, d-tubocurarine (10(-4)m) and chloride-free medium, but not of strychnine (up to 3 X 10(-5)M. The data indicate early functional development of inhibitory, as well as excitatory, synaptic systems. In addition, the selective and reversible depression of these slow wave potentials by GABA (1-5 X 10(-4)M), but not by glycine (up to 3 X 10(-3)M), indicates a GABA-ergic component in the inhibitory network. Single unit extracellular recordings have been obtained from the presumptive mitral cells which, in culture, are spontaneously active even as early as 1-2 days after explantation. Correlative Bodian silver-impregnations demonstrate the presence of neurons in these explants which resemble typical mitral cells. Studies of mitral cells using paired stimuli suggest the development in vitro of an inhibitory system analogous to that known to suppress the excitability of their in situ counterparts following orthodromic or antidromic activation. These data, as well as the pharmacological sensitivities of the mitral cells in culture to GABA (5 X 10(-4)M) and bicuculline (10(-5)M), indicate that granule-to-mitral synapses may develop characteristic functions in olfactory bulb explants.", "PMID": 1003199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9447", "title": "Genetic and physiological evidence concerning the development of chemically sensitive voltage-dependent inophores in L6 cells.", "content": "The electrophysiological properties of a tissue culture muscle line, L6, and a K+ resistant mutant (MK1) derived from L6 were determined to elucidate certain aspects of membrane differentiation and function. MK1 was selected as a clone of myoblasts resistant to the toxic effects of 55 mM K+. The resting potentials of L6 and MK1 myoblasts and myotubes were K+ dependent and equal. The amplitudes of the action potentials were equal in normal medium, but 27.7 mM K+ interfered with or eliminated the ability of L6 myotubes to produce action potentials. MK1 myotubes produced nearly normal action potentials under these conditions. Thus, the K+ resistant myoblasts differentiate into myotubes which have an action potential generating mechanism much less sensitive to K+ than the normal mechanism. Also, both d-tubocurarine and alpha-bungarotoxin enhance the amplitude of the action potentials produced by L6 myotubes in the presence of 27.7 mM K+; these compounds do not enhance the amplitude of the action potentials produced by MK1 myotubes under the same conditions. It is proposed that as a consequence of differentiation a type of ionophore present in myoblasts becomes a voltage-dependent inophore in myotubes. Furthermore, these voltage-dependent ionophores can be chemically sensitive.", "contents": "Genetic and physiological evidence concerning the development of chemically sensitive voltage-dependent inophores in L6 cells. The electrophysiological properties of a tissue culture muscle line, L6, and a K+ resistant mutant (MK1) derived from L6 were determined to elucidate certain aspects of membrane differentiation and function. MK1 was selected as a clone of myoblasts resistant to the toxic effects of 55 mM K+. The resting potentials of L6 and MK1 myoblasts and myotubes were K+ dependent and equal. The amplitudes of the action potentials were equal in normal medium, but 27.7 mM K+ interfered with or eliminated the ability of L6 myotubes to produce action potentials. MK1 myotubes produced nearly normal action potentials under these conditions. Thus, the K+ resistant myoblasts differentiate into myotubes which have an action potential generating mechanism much less sensitive to K+ than the normal mechanism. Also, both d-tubocurarine and alpha-bungarotoxin enhance the amplitude of the action potentials produced by L6 myotubes in the presence of 27.7 mM K+; these compounds do not enhance the amplitude of the action potentials produced by MK1 myotubes under the same conditions. It is proposed that as a consequence of differentiation a type of ionophore present in myoblasts becomes a voltage-dependent inophore in myotubes. Furthermore, these voltage-dependent ionophores can be chemically sensitive.", "PMID": 1003200} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9448", "title": "A comparative statistical study of hippocampal neuronal spontaneous spike activity in situ and in vitro.", "content": "The statistical characteristics of the spontaneous spike activity of rat hippocampal neurons in fields CA1-2 were compared in situ and in tissue culture. Statistical analyses have shown strong similarities in estimators of basic numerical characteristics of interspike interval (SIS) distributions. These similarities may serve as evidence of maintenance of normal functional properties and an \"organotypic arrangement\" of neurons in tissue culture, and they are also indicative of an intrahippocampal origin of the spontaneous impulse activity in the hippocampus. On the other hand, some differences are noted in the tests of firing patterns. Interpretation of these results leads to some assumptions about mechanisms of the phenomenon under study.", "contents": "A comparative statistical study of hippocampal neuronal spontaneous spike activity in situ and in vitro. The statistical characteristics of the spontaneous spike activity of rat hippocampal neurons in fields CA1-2 were compared in situ and in tissue culture. Statistical analyses have shown strong similarities in estimators of basic numerical characteristics of interspike interval (SIS) distributions. These similarities may serve as evidence of maintenance of normal functional properties and an \"organotypic arrangement\" of neurons in tissue culture, and they are also indicative of an intrahippocampal origin of the spontaneous impulse activity in the hippocampus. On the other hand, some differences are noted in the tests of firing patterns. Interpretation of these results leads to some assumptions about mechanisms of the phenomenon under study.", "PMID": 1003201} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9449", "title": "Evidence for a multiple innervation of Purkinje cells by climbing fibers in the immature rat cerebellum.", "content": "Climbing fiber (CF)-Purkinje cell (PC) relationship were studied electrophysiologically on the cerebellum of 8 to 15 day old rats. Some animals were rendered agranular by x-irradiation from birth; some others were treated with 3-acetyl pyridine 3 days before study to selectively destroy the CF. Unitary extracellular recordings in 8-9 day old normal rats revealed that more than 50% of the PC units each exhibited either two types of all-or-none climbing fiber responses (CFR) or stepwise graded CFRs. The other PC units only presented one type of all-or-none CFR. These activities were entirely mediated via CF since they persisted at the same age in x-irradiated rats, but were absent in animals treated with 3-acetyl pyridine. Interaction experiments were performed between juxtafastigial and Inferior Olive stimulations on 49 PC units in 8-9 day old normal rats. Collisions between impulses set up in CFs were disclosed in 21 out of the 24 PCs which exhibited only one type of CFR. In the three others and in each of the 25 PCs that displayed two types of all-or-none CFRs, or CFRs graded by steps, no collision was detected. Moreover intracellular recordings of epsp's mediated via CFs in PCs of 8-9 day old normal rats revealed that they frequently fluctuated in stepwise fashion. These results demonstrate that in the immature rat more than 50% of PCs are each innervated by at least two distinct CFs; later on, the disappearance of the supernumerary synapses between CF and PC leads, as early as day 15, to the one-to-one relationship between CF and PC.", "contents": "Evidence for a multiple innervation of Purkinje cells by climbing fibers in the immature rat cerebellum. Climbing fiber (CF)-Purkinje cell (PC) relationship were studied electrophysiologically on the cerebellum of 8 to 15 day old rats. Some animals were rendered agranular by x-irradiation from birth; some others were treated with 3-acetyl pyridine 3 days before study to selectively destroy the CF. Unitary extracellular recordings in 8-9 day old normal rats revealed that more than 50% of the PC units each exhibited either two types of all-or-none climbing fiber responses (CFR) or stepwise graded CFRs. The other PC units only presented one type of all-or-none CFR. These activities were entirely mediated via CF since they persisted at the same age in x-irradiated rats, but were absent in animals treated with 3-acetyl pyridine. Interaction experiments were performed between juxtafastigial and Inferior Olive stimulations on 49 PC units in 8-9 day old normal rats. Collisions between impulses set up in CFs were disclosed in 21 out of the 24 PCs which exhibited only one type of CFR. In the three others and in each of the 25 PCs that displayed two types of all-or-none CFRs, or CFRs graded by steps, no collision was detected. Moreover intracellular recordings of epsp's mediated via CFs in PCs of 8-9 day old normal rats revealed that they frequently fluctuated in stepwise fashion. These results demonstrate that in the immature rat more than 50% of PCs are each innervated by at least two distinct CFs; later on, the disappearance of the supernumerary synapses between CF and PC leads, as early as day 15, to the one-to-one relationship between CF and PC.", "PMID": 1003202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9450", "title": "Cognitive recovery after severe head injury. 3. WAIS verbal and performance IQs as a function of post-traumatic amnesia duration and time from injury.", "content": "Two studies are reported are reported in which severely head-injured patients were followed up and Verbal (VIQ) and Performance (PIQ) IQs obtained on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at four intervals after injury. In the first study 51 patients were systematically followed, and results were based upon serial testing. In the second study results were based on the earliest data available from an additional 98 patients who had not been followed so systematically, in order to introduce a control for the effects of practice. Patients in both studies were categorised into four groups of the severity of head injury based upon duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). In both studies, VIQ level was found to be related to PTA duration at three months after injury, while PIQ was related to PTA duration at both three and six months. No such relationships were found at 12 and 30 months after injury. Results are discussed in the context of previous studies relating the outcome of head injury to the duration of PTA.", "contents": "Cognitive recovery after severe head injury. 3. WAIS verbal and performance IQs as a function of post-traumatic amnesia duration and time from injury. Two studies are reported are reported in which severely head-injured patients were followed up and Verbal (VIQ) and Performance (PIQ) IQs obtained on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at four intervals after injury. In the first study 51 patients were systematically followed, and results were based upon serial testing. In the second study results were based on the earliest data available from an additional 98 patients who had not been followed so systematically, in order to introduce a control for the effects of practice. Patients in both studies were categorised into four groups of the severity of head injury based upon duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). In both studies, VIQ level was found to be related to PTA duration at three months after injury, while PIQ was related to PTA duration at both three and six months. No such relationships were found at 12 and 30 months after injury. Results are discussed in the context of previous studies relating the outcome of head injury to the duration of PTA.", "PMID": 1003236} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9451", "title": "Mental change as an early feature of multiple sclerosis.", "content": "Five patients with mental change as a prominent and early feature of an illness which appeared to be multiple sclerosis are reported. All the patients had in addition clinical signs of predominant brain stem involvement and the cerebrospinal fluid findings were similar. It is emphasised that mental change may be an early feature of multiple sclerosis even in those patients in whom the onset of the disease is insidious.", "contents": "Mental change as an early feature of multiple sclerosis. Five patients with mental change as a prominent and early feature of an illness which appeared to be multiple sclerosis are reported. All the patients had in addition clinical signs of predominant brain stem involvement and the cerebrospinal fluid findings were similar. It is emphasised that mental change may be an early feature of multiple sclerosis even in those patients in whom the onset of the disease is insidious.", "PMID": 1003237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9452", "title": "Unilateral cataplexy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.", "content": "A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed attacks of unilateral cataplexy precipitated by laughter. Unilateral cataplexy has not been described previously in detail and its association with SLE is unique. The clinical details, investigations, and diagnostic criteria are discussed and a causal relationship between cataplexy and SLE is suggested.", "contents": "Unilateral cataplexy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed attacks of unilateral cataplexy precipitated by laughter. Unilateral cataplexy has not been described previously in detail and its association with SLE is unique. The clinical details, investigations, and diagnostic criteria are discussed and a causal relationship between cataplexy and SLE is suggested.", "PMID": 1003238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9453", "title": "Intracranial arteriovenous malformations. Observations after experience with computerised tomography.", "content": "Thirty-six patients with angiographically confirmed intracranial arteriovenous malformations have had computerised tomographic scans performed as part of their investigation. This study demonstrates the incidence of haematoma formation after haemorrhage, the frequency of calcification not visible on plain radiographs, and describes the possible causes for a complicating hydrocephalus. Further information has been gained from the intravenous injection of sodium iothalamate (Conray 420), with comparison of the scans taken before and after the injection.", "contents": "Intracranial arteriovenous malformations. Observations after experience with computerised tomography. Thirty-six patients with angiographically confirmed intracranial arteriovenous malformations have had computerised tomographic scans performed as part of their investigation. This study demonstrates the incidence of haematoma formation after haemorrhage, the frequency of calcification not visible on plain radiographs, and describes the possible causes for a complicating hydrocephalus. Further information has been gained from the intravenous injection of sodium iothalamate (Conray 420), with comparison of the scans taken before and after the injection.", "PMID": 1003239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9454", "title": "Dopamine correlates of neurological and psychological status in untreated Parkinsonism.", "content": "Thirty-seven untreated Parkinsonism patients showed significant positive correlations among decreased excretion of free dopamine, MMPI scores indicative of schizophrenic-like looseness of thinking, and the severity of all Parkinsonism signs except tremor. The data could indicate that abnormalities of dopamine metabolism may underlie both the motor and mental abnormalities of Parkinsonism.", "contents": "Dopamine correlates of neurological and psychological status in untreated Parkinsonism. Thirty-seven untreated Parkinsonism patients showed significant positive correlations among decreased excretion of free dopamine, MMPI scores indicative of schizophrenic-like looseness of thinking, and the severity of all Parkinsonism signs except tremor. The data could indicate that abnormalities of dopamine metabolism may underlie both the motor and mental abnormalities of Parkinsonism.", "PMID": 1003240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9455", "title": "2,3 diphosphoglycerate in Parkinson's disease.", "content": "The red cell 2,3 DPG, the most important factor for oxygen delivery in the tissues, was found to be increased in Parkinsonism patients compared with controls. The aging process seems not to be a factor in the increased 2,3 DPG concentration. Other factors relevant to raised 2,3 DPG level such as physical activity, increased oxygen requirements, and metabolic changes are discussed.", "contents": "2,3 diphosphoglycerate in Parkinson's disease. The red cell 2,3 DPG, the most important factor for oxygen delivery in the tissues, was found to be increased in Parkinsonism patients compared with controls. The aging process seems not to be a factor in the increased 2,3 DPG concentration. Other factors relevant to raised 2,3 DPG level such as physical activity, increased oxygen requirements, and metabolic changes are discussed.", "PMID": 1003241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9456", "title": "Multiple point electrical stimulation of ulnar and median nerves.", "content": "A computer-assisted method of isolating single motor units (MUs) by multiple point stimulation (MPS) of peripheral nerves is described. MPS was used to isolate 10-30 single MUs from thenar and hypothenar muscles of normal subjects and patients with entrapment neuropathies, with the original purpose of obtaining a more representative mean motor unit potential for estimating the number of MUs in a muscle. The two important results that evolved from MPS however, were: (1) in the absence of 'alternation' MUs were recruited in an orderly pattern from small to large, and from longer to shorter latencies by graded electrical stimulation in both normal and pathological cases, (2) a comparison of the sizes of MUs recruited by stimulation proximal and distal to the elbow suggested that axonal branching can occur in the forearm 200 mm or more proximal to the motor point in intrinsic hand muscles.", "contents": "Multiple point electrical stimulation of ulnar and median nerves. A computer-assisted method of isolating single motor units (MUs) by multiple point stimulation (MPS) of peripheral nerves is described. MPS was used to isolate 10-30 single MUs from thenar and hypothenar muscles of normal subjects and patients with entrapment neuropathies, with the original purpose of obtaining a more representative mean motor unit potential for estimating the number of MUs in a muscle. The two important results that evolved from MPS however, were: (1) in the absence of 'alternation' MUs were recruited in an orderly pattern from small to large, and from longer to shorter latencies by graded electrical stimulation in both normal and pathological cases, (2) a comparison of the sizes of MUs recruited by stimulation proximal and distal to the elbow suggested that axonal branching can occur in the forearm 200 mm or more proximal to the motor point in intrinsic hand muscles.", "PMID": 1003242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9457", "title": "Computerised tomography and intellectual impairment in the elderly.", "content": "Sixty-six elderly subjects (mean age 77 years) whose mental state was assessed clinically and by simple psychometric tests have been studied by computerised tomography. The mean maximum ventricular area in the 17 mentally normal subjects was above the upper limit of normal for younger subjects, and there was a broad relationship between increasing ventricular dilatation and increasing intellectual impairment. No such clear relationship was demonstrable for measures of cortical atrophy.", "contents": "Computerised tomography and intellectual impairment in the elderly. Sixty-six elderly subjects (mean age 77 years) whose mental state was assessed clinically and by simple psychometric tests have been studied by computerised tomography. The mean maximum ventricular area in the 17 mentally normal subjects was above the upper limit of normal for younger subjects, and there was a broad relationship between increasing ventricular dilatation and increasing intellectual impairment. No such clear relationship was demonstrable for measures of cortical atrophy.", "PMID": 1003243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9458", "title": "Computerised axial tomography in patients with severe migraine: a preliminary report.", "content": "Patients suffering from severe migraine, usually for many years, have been examined by the EMI scanner between attacks. Judged by criteria validated originally by comparison with pneumoencephalography, about half of the patients showed evidence of cerebral atrophy. Perhaps of more significance than generalised atrophy was the frequency of areas of focal atrophy and of evidence of infarction.", "contents": "Computerised axial tomography in patients with severe migraine: a preliminary report. Patients suffering from severe migraine, usually for many years, have been examined by the EMI scanner between attacks. Judged by criteria validated originally by comparison with pneumoencephalography, about half of the patients showed evidence of cerebral atrophy. Perhaps of more significance than generalised atrophy was the frequency of areas of focal atrophy and of evidence of infarction.", "PMID": 1003244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9459", "title": "Acute conduction velocity changes in guinea-pigs after administration of diphenylhydantoin.", "content": "Motor nerve conduction velocity was measured after dosing guinea-pigs with 200-400 \u03bcmol/kg diphenylhydantoin (DPH) daily for three to four days. Conduction velocity fell by a mean value of 13% in animals that achieved plasma DPH levels over 200 \u03bcmol/l. There was no change in velocity with DPH levels below this value.", "contents": "Acute conduction velocity changes in guinea-pigs after administration of diphenylhydantoin. Motor nerve conduction velocity was measured after dosing guinea-pigs with 200-400 \u03bcmol/kg diphenylhydantoin (DPH) daily for three to four days. Conduction velocity fell by a mean value of 13% in animals that achieved plasma DPH levels over 200 \u03bcmol/l. There was no change in velocity with DPH levels below this value.", "PMID": 1003245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9460", "title": "Quantitative assessment of cutaneous sensory function in subjects with neurologic disease.", "content": "Based upon techniques devised for the behavioral study of cutaneous sensation in monkeys, a method has been developed which studies quantitatively cutaneous sensation in man. The techniques is analogous to the von B\u00e9k\u00e9sy method of audiometry and employs a subject-operated stimulus and signalling divice. In tests utilizing electrical stimulation of the skin surfaces the subject serves as his own control for comparison of one cutaneous zone with another and from one trial session to another. A permanent, written record of stimulus and nonverbal perceptual response is produced in this instrumental method which permits statistical analysis of responses. The analysis includes determination of cutaneous sensory thresholds, limits of stimulus intensity during detection, duration of perception, detection cycle rates, and persistence indices. This instrumental method of cutaneous sensory assessment is quantifiable, free of verbal bias, and repeatable in terms of defined stimulus strengths. In applied clinical studies, patients with peripheral nerve lesions show elevations of perceptual thresholds, reduced numbers of detection-disappearance cycles per unit time, prolonged, contorted decay slopes, and occasionally persistence of perception in the absence of stimulation. Patients with central lesions have variable threshold abnormalities, but little slowing of cycle rate or perceptual persistence. These quantitative sensation parameters can be evaluated longitudinally during the course of an illness and its treatment. The method has potential use in the investigation of basic aspects of sensation and its interactions with behavior.", "contents": "Quantitative assessment of cutaneous sensory function in subjects with neurologic disease. Based upon techniques devised for the behavioral study of cutaneous sensation in monkeys, a method has been developed which studies quantitatively cutaneous sensation in man. The techniques is analogous to the von B\u00e9k\u00e9sy method of audiometry and employs a subject-operated stimulus and signalling divice. In tests utilizing electrical stimulation of the skin surfaces the subject serves as his own control for comparison of one cutaneous zone with another and from one trial session to another. A permanent, written record of stimulus and nonverbal perceptual response is produced in this instrumental method which permits statistical analysis of responses. The analysis includes determination of cutaneous sensory thresholds, limits of stimulus intensity during detection, duration of perception, detection cycle rates, and persistence indices. This instrumental method of cutaneous sensory assessment is quantifiable, free of verbal bias, and repeatable in terms of defined stimulus strengths. In applied clinical studies, patients with peripheral nerve lesions show elevations of perceptual thresholds, reduced numbers of detection-disappearance cycles per unit time, prolonged, contorted decay slopes, and occasionally persistence of perception in the absence of stimulation. Patients with central lesions have variable threshold abnormalities, but little slowing of cycle rate or perceptual persistence. These quantitative sensation parameters can be evaluated longitudinally during the course of an illness and its treatment. The method has potential use in the investigation of basic aspects of sensation and its interactions with behavior.", "PMID": 1003246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9461", "title": "Action of chloroquine on in vivo RNA and protein biosynthesis in the retina and the optic pathway of the rabbit.", "content": "The in vivo action of chloroquine on RNA and protein metabolism in the optic pathway of the albino or pigmented rabbit was examined. To study the acute effects, chloroquine in a dose of 500 mug was injected into the vitreous body of one eye. The following day the animals were injected into both eyes with [3H]uridine or [3H]leucine. At various time intervals following the isotope injections the retinal synthesis and the axonal transport of labelled RNA or protein was studied. The results showed no significant difference between the drug-treated and the control side with respect to synthesis and axonal transport of RNA or protein. Nor was any selective effect noticed on the synthesis of different RNA fractions from the retina. In long-term experiments chloroqune (100 mg/kg body weight) was administered via their drinking water 3 days a week for a period of 6 or 8 months. Following an intraocular injection of [3H]leucine no significant change in rapid axonal transport could be found in those chronically treated rabbits.", "contents": "Action of chloroquine on in vivo RNA and protein biosynthesis in the retina and the optic pathway of the rabbit. The in vivo action of chloroquine on RNA and protein metabolism in the optic pathway of the albino or pigmented rabbit was examined. To study the acute effects, chloroquine in a dose of 500 mug was injected into the vitreous body of one eye. The following day the animals were injected into both eyes with [3H]uridine or [3H]leucine. At various time intervals following the isotope injections the retinal synthesis and the axonal transport of labelled RNA or protein was studied. The results showed no significant difference between the drug-treated and the control side with respect to synthesis and axonal transport of RNA or protein. Nor was any selective effect noticed on the synthesis of different RNA fractions from the retina. In long-term experiments chloroqune (100 mg/kg body weight) was administered via their drinking water 3 days a week for a period of 6 or 8 months. Following an intraocular injection of [3H]leucine no significant change in rapid axonal transport could be found in those chronically treated rabbits.", "PMID": 1003247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9462", "title": "Nodal changes during the early stages of Wallerian degeneration of central nerve fibres.", "content": "The nodal changes in central nerve fibres undergoing Wallerian degeneration have been studied during the first 48 hr after section of the dorsal columns of the rat by single fibre teasing and by conventional light and electron microscopic techniques. The earliest changes found at 24 hr consisted of an accumulation of mitochondria, other organelles and lamellar bodies in the nodal axoplasm. Attenuation of the myelin sheath on one side of the node due to detachment of terminal myelin loops and slipping of the outer myelin lamellae was found in some fibres, and varying degrees of nodal widening in others at 24 hr. The functional significance of these early changes in the nodal region is uncertain.", "contents": "Nodal changes during the early stages of Wallerian degeneration of central nerve fibres. The nodal changes in central nerve fibres undergoing Wallerian degeneration have been studied during the first 48 hr after section of the dorsal columns of the rat by single fibre teasing and by conventional light and electron microscopic techniques. The earliest changes found at 24 hr consisted of an accumulation of mitochondria, other organelles and lamellar bodies in the nodal axoplasm. Attenuation of the myelin sheath on one side of the node due to detachment of terminal myelin loops and slipping of the outer myelin lamellae was found in some fibres, and varying degrees of nodal widening in others at 24 hr. The functional significance of these early changes in the nodal region is uncertain.", "PMID": 1003248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9463", "title": "Reduced density of intramembrane particles in erythrocytes of dystrophic chickens.", "content": "The intramembrane particles in erythrocytes of chickens with hereditary muscular dystrophy and normal controls were compared by the freeze-fracture technique. Reduction of particles in both fracture faces and greater clustering of them was found in dystrophic samples. The concept of a generalized membrane abnormality in dystrophic chickens is supported.", "contents": "Reduced density of intramembrane particles in erythrocytes of dystrophic chickens. The intramembrane particles in erythrocytes of chickens with hereditary muscular dystrophy and normal controls were compared by the freeze-fracture technique. Reduction of particles in both fracture faces and greater clustering of them was found in dystrophic samples. The concept of a generalized membrane abnormality in dystrophic chickens is supported.", "PMID": 1003249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9464", "title": "The lack of deep reflexes in myotonic dystrophy.", "content": "Clinical and electrophysiological observations have been carried out on 12 patients with myotonic dystrophy. Neurological examination showed that the tendon reflexes were absent or weak in almost all cases, whereas the cutaneous reflexes were normal. Examination of both deep and superficial sensibility gave normal results. Electromyography confirmed widespread \"myopathic\" activity and myotonic discharges were recorded on insertion of the needle electrode and at rest. Motor and sensory conduction velocity in the ulnar nerve and motor conduction in the peroneal nerve proved to be normal. Repetitive supramaximal nerve stimulation showed in 10 cases a decrease in potential amplitude, more evident at higher frequencies of stimulation. In the 2 other cases, by contrast, an increase in amplitude was observed, and this was suggestive of a partial presynaptic block. The jaw reflex was absent in 5 cases and reduced in amplitude in the 7 other cases. The results of blink reflex investigations were normal, with the exception of 2 cases where no early response was elicited. Spinal monosynaptic reflexes were absent in 7 cases after both electrical (H reflex) and mechanical stimulation (T reflex), whereas the response to direct stimulation of nerve motor fibres (the M response) was always present, even though reduced in amplitude. Such data lead one to reject the hypothesis that the absence of deep reflexes is due to pathological change in the muscle spindles. It seems more likely that the selective atrophy of Type 1 muscle fibres, known to be involved in deep reflex responses, is responsible for the early disappearance of the tendon reflexes.", "contents": "The lack of deep reflexes in myotonic dystrophy. Clinical and electrophysiological observations have been carried out on 12 patients with myotonic dystrophy. Neurological examination showed that the tendon reflexes were absent or weak in almost all cases, whereas the cutaneous reflexes were normal. Examination of both deep and superficial sensibility gave normal results. Electromyography confirmed widespread \"myopathic\" activity and myotonic discharges were recorded on insertion of the needle electrode and at rest. Motor and sensory conduction velocity in the ulnar nerve and motor conduction in the peroneal nerve proved to be normal. Repetitive supramaximal nerve stimulation showed in 10 cases a decrease in potential amplitude, more evident at higher frequencies of stimulation. In the 2 other cases, by contrast, an increase in amplitude was observed, and this was suggestive of a partial presynaptic block. The jaw reflex was absent in 5 cases and reduced in amplitude in the 7 other cases. The results of blink reflex investigations were normal, with the exception of 2 cases where no early response was elicited. Spinal monosynaptic reflexes were absent in 7 cases after both electrical (H reflex) and mechanical stimulation (T reflex), whereas the response to direct stimulation of nerve motor fibres (the M response) was always present, even though reduced in amplitude. Such data lead one to reject the hypothesis that the absence of deep reflexes is due to pathological change in the muscle spindles. It seems more likely that the selective atrophy of Type 1 muscle fibres, known to be involved in deep reflex responses, is responsible for the early disappearance of the tendon reflexes.", "PMID": 1003250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9465", "title": "Cell-mediated immunity to human myelin basic protein in schizophrenic patients.", "content": "Cell-mediated immune response to myelin human basic protein was studied by the macrophage migration inhibition test in patients suffering from schizophrenia. Eighteen out of 32 patients with chronic schizophrenia demonstrated human basic protein-induced inhibition of the migration index, while 4 out of 41 acute schizophrenics showed an inhibition of macrophage migration.", "contents": "Cell-mediated immunity to human myelin basic protein in schizophrenic patients. Cell-mediated immune response to myelin human basic protein was studied by the macrophage migration inhibition test in patients suffering from schizophrenia. Eighteen out of 32 patients with chronic schizophrenia demonstrated human basic protein-induced inhibition of the migration index, while 4 out of 41 acute schizophrenics showed an inhibition of macrophage migration.", "PMID": 1003251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9466", "title": "International collaborative study of the spinal muscular atrophies. Part 2. Analysis of genetic data.", "content": "Most of the cases in the present study are of the juvenile onset, proximal form of spinal muscular atrophy. The results of the study indicate that the majority of these cases are due to one or more autosomal recessive genes, with very few being inherited as a dominant trait. Affected individuals very widely in the severity of the disease. When 2 or more sibs are affected, they tend to be similar as regards severity, but there are a substantial number of sibships in which this is not so. The data are consistent with either a single gene, with a wide range of expressivity due to the effects of other genes and/or environmental influences, or 2 or more genes, but with considerable overlap in their expression.", "contents": "International collaborative study of the spinal muscular atrophies. Part 2. Analysis of genetic data. Most of the cases in the present study are of the juvenile onset, proximal form of spinal muscular atrophy. The results of the study indicate that the majority of these cases are due to one or more autosomal recessive genes, with very few being inherited as a dominant trait. Affected individuals very widely in the severity of the disease. When 2 or more sibs are affected, they tend to be similar as regards severity, but there are a substantial number of sibships in which this is not so. The data are consistent with either a single gene, with a wide range of expressivity due to the effects of other genes and/or environmental influences, or 2 or more genes, but with considerable overlap in their expression.", "PMID": 1003252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9467", "title": "Cerebrovasculature permeability changes following experimental cerebral angiography. A light- and electron-microscopic study.", "content": "Morphological alterations of the cerebral vasculature as related to the permeability of plasma proteins and angiographic contrast media following unilateral cerebral angiography were studied. Both Evans blue albumin and horseradish peroxidase were employed as protein tracers for light and electron microscopy investigation respectively. Grey matter regions of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum corpus striatum, hippocampus and midbrain showed the most extensive and consistent leakage of these protein tracers. The most extensive penetration of EBA was noted at 1 hr following cerebral angiography as compared to the 5 or 30 min sample times. Permeability changes were noted in small venules and arterioles as well as capillaries. The extent of permeability, however, was appreciably greater in the capillaires as evidences by rapid extravasation of HRP into the surrounding neuropil extracellular spaces. The glial basement membrane surrounding the perivascular spaces of small venules and arterioles precluded rapid penetration of HRP into the neuropil interstitium. Opening of the tight junctions between the endothelial cells was primarily responsible for the extravasation of HRP in all vessel types. Furthermore, it is out opinion that the hyperosmolar nature of the contrast medium is responsible for opening of these tight junctions.", "contents": "Cerebrovasculature permeability changes following experimental cerebral angiography. A light- and electron-microscopic study. Morphological alterations of the cerebral vasculature as related to the permeability of plasma proteins and angiographic contrast media following unilateral cerebral angiography were studied. Both Evans blue albumin and horseradish peroxidase were employed as protein tracers for light and electron microscopy investigation respectively. Grey matter regions of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum corpus striatum, hippocampus and midbrain showed the most extensive and consistent leakage of these protein tracers. The most extensive penetration of EBA was noted at 1 hr following cerebral angiography as compared to the 5 or 30 min sample times. Permeability changes were noted in small venules and arterioles as well as capillaries. The extent of permeability, however, was appreciably greater in the capillaires as evidences by rapid extravasation of HRP into the surrounding neuropil extracellular spaces. The glial basement membrane surrounding the perivascular spaces of small venules and arterioles precluded rapid penetration of HRP into the neuropil interstitium. Opening of the tight junctions between the endothelial cells was primarily responsible for the extravasation of HRP in all vessel types. Furthermore, it is out opinion that the hyperosmolar nature of the contrast medium is responsible for opening of these tight junctions.", "PMID": 1003253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9468", "title": "Spinal muscle in scoliosis. Comparison of normal and scoliotic rabbits.", "content": "Spinal muscle biopsies from 7 rabbits with experimentally-produced scoliosis and from 4 normal control rabbits, were examined histologically and histochemically. One scoliotic rabbit showed selective Type 2 fibre atrophy in its muscles, but in general there was no difference between the normal and the scoliotic rabbits. The percentage area of muscle occupied by Type 1 and Type 2 fibres was determined using a computer controlled microscope. There was no asymmetry in the muscles of either the normal or the scoliotic rabbits on the two sides of the spine. These results suggest that the abnormalities and asymmetry of fibre type proportions reported in human scoliotic muscles are not a consequence of the scoliosis. Within the limits of the study, it is suggested that the abnormalities reported in the muscles of human scoliotic patients are at least an important factor in the causation of \"idiopathic\" scoliosis.", "contents": "Spinal muscle in scoliosis. Comparison of normal and scoliotic rabbits. Spinal muscle biopsies from 7 rabbits with experimentally-produced scoliosis and from 4 normal control rabbits, were examined histologically and histochemically. One scoliotic rabbit showed selective Type 2 fibre atrophy in its muscles, but in general there was no difference between the normal and the scoliotic rabbits. The percentage area of muscle occupied by Type 1 and Type 2 fibres was determined using a computer controlled microscope. There was no asymmetry in the muscles of either the normal or the scoliotic rabbits on the two sides of the spine. These results suggest that the abnormalities and asymmetry of fibre type proportions reported in human scoliotic muscles are not a consequence of the scoliosis. Within the limits of the study, it is suggested that the abnormalities reported in the muscles of human scoliotic patients are at least an important factor in the causation of \"idiopathic\" scoliosis.", "PMID": 1003254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9469", "title": "Penetration of protein tracers into the epiretinal portion of the optic nerve in the rabbit nerve.", "content": "Horseradish peroxidase and fluorescein-labelled globulin were injected into the vitreous of adult and 11- to 13-day-old New Zealand albino rabbits. Both tracers diffused rapidly into the myelinated nerve fibre layer (the \"medullary rays\"), which extends over a long distance within the retina in these animals. The tracers penetrated also for some distance into the optic nerve beyond the lamina cribosa, where they were incorporated into a large number of cells in the nerve. This finding of a rapid diffusion of macromolecules into the medullary rays after intravitreal injection makes this experimental model suitable for the study of factors interfering with myelin or myelination.", "contents": "Penetration of protein tracers into the epiretinal portion of the optic nerve in the rabbit nerve. Horseradish peroxidase and fluorescein-labelled globulin were injected into the vitreous of adult and 11- to 13-day-old New Zealand albino rabbits. Both tracers diffused rapidly into the myelinated nerve fibre layer (the \"medullary rays\"), which extends over a long distance within the retina in these animals. The tracers penetrated also for some distance into the optic nerve beyond the lamina cribosa, where they were incorporated into a large number of cells in the nerve. This finding of a rapid diffusion of macromolecules into the medullary rays after intravitreal injection makes this experimental model suitable for the study of factors interfering with myelin or myelination.", "PMID": 1003255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9470", "title": "HLA antigen frequencies in paralytic dementia.", "content": "HLA typing was performed on 75 caucasian and 58 black patients with paralytic dementia hospitalized at 2 state mental institutions in New York. Serological testing was performed to confirm previous infection with T. pallidum. The caucasian patients showed an increase in B18(18.7% vs. 9.6% in controls). The black patients showed an increase in A2 (48.3% vs. 28.7% in controls) and an increase in B7 (27.6% vs. 15.7% in controls.", "contents": "HLA antigen frequencies in paralytic dementia. HLA typing was performed on 75 caucasian and 58 black patients with paralytic dementia hospitalized at 2 state mental institutions in New York. Serological testing was performed to confirm previous infection with T. pallidum. The caucasian patients showed an increase in B18(18.7% vs. 9.6% in controls). The black patients showed an increase in A2 (48.3% vs. 28.7% in controls) and an increase in B7 (27.6% vs. 15.7% in controls.", "PMID": 1003256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9471", "title": "The ultrastructure of the sheath around chronically implanted electrodes in brain.", "content": "Insulated, bipolar stainless steel electrodes were chronically implanted in various regions of the cat brain and the long-term structural changes in the tissue surrounding the electrodes were studied by light and electron microscopy. A sheath surrounded and separated the electrode from normal grey or white matter. A layer of foreign body giant cells of variable thickness was formed adjacent to the electrode. This layer was attenuated in some places so that it was unrecognizable by light microscopy. The bulk of the sheath structure consisted of collagen fibrils, leptomeningeal cells and hypertrophied astrocytes. Areas consisting of modified leptomeningeal cells with long thin processes we designated as spongy areas. These have not been previously reported using the electron microscope. Glycogen bodies were seen in leptomeningeal cells. Astrocytes became greatly enlarged and were more numerous in and around the sheath. Oligodendrocytes contained lamellar bodies, and direct continuity was shown between a lamellar body and an adjacent myelin sheath. Myelin was seen in abnormal sites (around oligodendrocytes and neurons) and in unusual configurations. Neuronal changes near the sheath included whorls and stacks of modified endoplasmic reticulum and the presence of cytoplasmic nucleolus-like bodies. Reactive, regenerative and degenerative axons were observed. Blood vessels were more numerous in the sheath and surrounding tissue than normal. Perivascular spaces were prominent even around capillaries and often plasma cells and monocytes were in these spaces. As compared to normal tissue the extracellular space is noticeably increased. Electrodes passing through ventricles were surrounded with a sheath covered with ependymal cells. This sheath was comparable in structure to the sheath present around the electrode in other locations.", "contents": "The ultrastructure of the sheath around chronically implanted electrodes in brain. Insulated, bipolar stainless steel electrodes were chronically implanted in various regions of the cat brain and the long-term structural changes in the tissue surrounding the electrodes were studied by light and electron microscopy. A sheath surrounded and separated the electrode from normal grey or white matter. A layer of foreign body giant cells of variable thickness was formed adjacent to the electrode. This layer was attenuated in some places so that it was unrecognizable by light microscopy. The bulk of the sheath structure consisted of collagen fibrils, leptomeningeal cells and hypertrophied astrocytes. Areas consisting of modified leptomeningeal cells with long thin processes we designated as spongy areas. These have not been previously reported using the electron microscope. Glycogen bodies were seen in leptomeningeal cells. Astrocytes became greatly enlarged and were more numerous in and around the sheath. Oligodendrocytes contained lamellar bodies, and direct continuity was shown between a lamellar body and an adjacent myelin sheath. Myelin was seen in abnormal sites (around oligodendrocytes and neurons) and in unusual configurations. Neuronal changes near the sheath included whorls and stacks of modified endoplasmic reticulum and the presence of cytoplasmic nucleolus-like bodies. Reactive, regenerative and degenerative axons were observed. Blood vessels were more numerous in the sheath and surrounding tissue than normal. Perivascular spaces were prominent even around capillaries and often plasma cells and monocytes were in these spaces. As compared to normal tissue the extracellular space is noticeably increased. Electrodes passing through ventricles were surrounded with a sheath covered with ependymal cells. This sheath was comparable in structure to the sheath present around the electrode in other locations.", "PMID": 1003257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9472", "title": "Electron microscopic observations of the mesencephalic nucleus of the fifth nerve in the Selachian brain.", "content": "The mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve (mes V) in the brain of the skate (Raja oscellata) was studied by electron microscopy. Mes V neurons are large (40-80 mum diameter) and are located in the periventricular grey matter. Their perikaryal cytoplasm is rich in Golgi apparatus, small mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, polysomes and bundles of neurofilaments. A striking feature is the presence of masses of glycogen granules, at times surrounded by membrane wrappings and lysosomal bodies. Two types of conventional synaptic contacts were made onto mes V perikarya and dendrites. One had round, agranular vesicles and usually also contained dense-cored vesicles, the other had flattened, pleomorphic, agranular vesicles and usually lacked dense-cored vesicles. Additional membrane complexes consisting of a region of gap junction flanked by sites of desmosomal attachment were observed to link neighbouring mes V neurons. Somato-somatic, dendro-somatic, axo-somatic, and dendro-dendritic junctions were noted. Except for the somato-somatic union, one or more chemical synapses were located close to the sites of gap junctions.", "contents": "Electron microscopic observations of the mesencephalic nucleus of the fifth nerve in the Selachian brain. The mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve (mes V) in the brain of the skate (Raja oscellata) was studied by electron microscopy. Mes V neurons are large (40-80 mum diameter) and are located in the periventricular grey matter. Their perikaryal cytoplasm is rich in Golgi apparatus, small mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, polysomes and bundles of neurofilaments. A striking feature is the presence of masses of glycogen granules, at times surrounded by membrane wrappings and lysosomal bodies. Two types of conventional synaptic contacts were made onto mes V perikarya and dendrites. One had round, agranular vesicles and usually also contained dense-cored vesicles, the other had flattened, pleomorphic, agranular vesicles and usually lacked dense-cored vesicles. Additional membrane complexes consisting of a region of gap junction flanked by sites of desmosomal attachment were observed to link neighbouring mes V neurons. Somato-somatic, dendro-somatic, axo-somatic, and dendro-dendritic junctions were noted. Except for the somato-somatic union, one or more chemical synapses were located close to the sites of gap junctions.", "PMID": 1003258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9473", "title": "Prenatal development of Bergmann glial fibres in rodent cerebellum.", "content": "The external granular and molecular layers in the foetal cerebellar cortex of mice and rats were examined by electron microscopy for the presence of Bergmann glial fibres. Morphologically distinct Bergmann fibres were observed at embryonic day E 15 in the mouse and at E 17 in the rat. Even at prenatal stages of development these fibres have a considerable degree of cytological differentiation which permits their identification as glial elements. The glial fibres contain numerous microfilaments, some smooth endoplasmic reticulum, a few mitochondria and scant free ribosomes. They penetrate the molecular and external granular layers radially and terminate with endfeet at the cerebellar surface. The proliferative cells of the external granular layer possess cytoplasmic processes which are oriented randomly, do not have endfeet, and are morphologically distinct from the Bergmann fibres with which they intermingle. In conclusion, immature Bergmann glial cells are present well before birth in the rodent cerebellum.", "contents": "Prenatal development of Bergmann glial fibres in rodent cerebellum. The external granular and molecular layers in the foetal cerebellar cortex of mice and rats were examined by electron microscopy for the presence of Bergmann glial fibres. Morphologically distinct Bergmann fibres were observed at embryonic day E 15 in the mouse and at E 17 in the rat. Even at prenatal stages of development these fibres have a considerable degree of cytological differentiation which permits their identification as glial elements. The glial fibres contain numerous microfilaments, some smooth endoplasmic reticulum, a few mitochondria and scant free ribosomes. They penetrate the molecular and external granular layers radially and terminate with endfeet at the cerebellar surface. The proliferative cells of the external granular layer possess cytoplasmic processes which are oriented randomly, do not have endfeet, and are morphologically distinct from the Bergmann fibres with which they intermingle. In conclusion, immature Bergmann glial cells are present well before birth in the rodent cerebellum.", "PMID": 1003259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9474", "title": "Ultrastructrual effects of chemical sympathectomy on brown adipose tissue.", "content": "Adult rats maintained at 20-22 degrees C, were exposed to 4 degrees C for 30-60 min and injected with 50 or 100 mg/kg 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in an attempt to achieve a similar degree of chemical sympathectomy of nerves terminating among the adipocytes and the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels in the interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT). After 1, 4 or 10 days the pads of BAT were removed and small sections from each pad prepared for electron microscopy; the remaining tissue was used for noradrenaline (NA) analysis for fluorescence histochemistry. Ultrastructural observations showed that 24 h after the 6-OHDA injection virtually all noradrenergic nerve terminals were distorted and contained aggregates of degenerated cell organelles. The destruction could be correlated with a disappearance of fluorescent varicosities and a reduction of measurable NA to 8-12% of the control value. There was no differential toxic effect of 6-OHDA on the terminals among the adipocytes compared to those associated with blood vessels. Thus, treatment with 6-OHDA is more effective than previous attempts using immunological or surgical methods to produce sympathectomy, because both of the latter methods only eliminate the innervation of the blood vessels and spare the nerve terminals of the adipocytes. 4 days after 6-OHDA injection there was no improvement in the morphology of the terminals but after 10 days there was an increase in the number of terminals and axons with a normal appearance and this was paralleled by an increase in extractable NA to 50% of the control value. Because of the relatively rapid recovery of NA content and reappearance of terminals of normal appearance within 10 days after 6-OHDA injection, these animals should be injected weekly when a more permanent sympathectomy of adipocytes and blood vessels is desired.", "contents": "Ultrastructrual effects of chemical sympathectomy on brown adipose tissue. Adult rats maintained at 20-22 degrees C, were exposed to 4 degrees C for 30-60 min and injected with 50 or 100 mg/kg 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in an attempt to achieve a similar degree of chemical sympathectomy of nerves terminating among the adipocytes and the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels in the interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT). After 1, 4 or 10 days the pads of BAT were removed and small sections from each pad prepared for electron microscopy; the remaining tissue was used for noradrenaline (NA) analysis for fluorescence histochemistry. Ultrastructural observations showed that 24 h after the 6-OHDA injection virtually all noradrenergic nerve terminals were distorted and contained aggregates of degenerated cell organelles. The destruction could be correlated with a disappearance of fluorescent varicosities and a reduction of measurable NA to 8-12% of the control value. There was no differential toxic effect of 6-OHDA on the terminals among the adipocytes compared to those associated with blood vessels. Thus, treatment with 6-OHDA is more effective than previous attempts using immunological or surgical methods to produce sympathectomy, because both of the latter methods only eliminate the innervation of the blood vessels and spare the nerve terminals of the adipocytes. 4 days after 6-OHDA injection there was no improvement in the morphology of the terminals but after 10 days there was an increase in the number of terminals and axons with a normal appearance and this was paralleled by an increase in extractable NA to 50% of the control value. Because of the relatively rapid recovery of NA content and reappearance of terminals of normal appearance within 10 days after 6-OHDA injection, these animals should be injected weekly when a more permanent sympathectomy of adipocytes and blood vessels is desired.", "PMID": 1003260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9475", "title": "Analgesic-induced renal papillary necrosis in the Gunn rat: the comparative nephrotoxicity of aspirin and phenacetin.", "content": "Homozygous Gunn rats, mutant Wistars genetically lacking glucuronyl transferase, develop renal papillary necrosis after single oral doses of aspirin and of phenacetin. The lesion appears significantly more frequently with aspirin than phenacetin, and at lower doses. The model is a convenient one with which to study analgesic nephrotoxicity.", "contents": "Analgesic-induced renal papillary necrosis in the Gunn rat: the comparative nephrotoxicity of aspirin and phenacetin. Homozygous Gunn rats, mutant Wistars genetically lacking glucuronyl transferase, develop renal papillary necrosis after single oral doses of aspirin and of phenacetin. The lesion appears significantly more frequently with aspirin than phenacetin, and at lower doses. The model is a convenient one with which to study analgesic nephrotoxicity.", "PMID": 1003266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9476", "title": "Epignathus, double pituitary and agenesis of corpus callosum.", "content": "Two infants from unrelated families died on the 1st day of life with epignathus, duplication of the entire pituitary, infundibulum and sella, and widening or separation of midline structures of the head including absent corpus callosum. We suggest that some infants surviving surgery for large epignathi may have relatively symptomless absent corpus callosum or double pituitary.", "contents": "Epignathus, double pituitary and agenesis of corpus callosum. Two infants from unrelated families died on the 1st day of life with epignathus, duplication of the entire pituitary, infundibulum and sella, and widening or separation of midline structures of the head including absent corpus callosum. We suggest that some infants surviving surgery for large epignathi may have relatively symptomless absent corpus callosum or double pituitary.", "PMID": 1003267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9477", "title": "Bilirubin-associated renal papillary necrosis in the homozygous Gunn rat: light-and electron-microscopic observations.", "content": "Homozygous members of the mutant Gunn strain of Wistar rats suffer an inherited autosomal recessive deficiency of glucuronyl transferase resulting in unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia and jaundice. Unconjugated bilirubin visibly accumulated in the interstitium of the renal papillary tip. The deposit is followed by necrosis, first of intersitital cells, loops of Henle and vasa recta and later of collecting ducts. The necrotic, acellular papillary tip eventually separates. Cortical scars correlate with established papillary necrosis. The bilirubin occurs in two ultrastructural forms, crystalline and fibrillar. The deposit is found initially in the interstitium and around but not within basement-membranes. It is accompanied by cytoplasmic adaptive or degenerative changes and loss of cells by desquamation and coagulative necrosis. The lesion can be regarded as a chronic, progressive papillary necrosis similar in its evolution to the papillary necrosis of analgesic nephropathy.", "contents": "Bilirubin-associated renal papillary necrosis in the homozygous Gunn rat: light-and electron-microscopic observations. Homozygous members of the mutant Gunn strain of Wistar rats suffer an inherited autosomal recessive deficiency of glucuronyl transferase resulting in unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia and jaundice. Unconjugated bilirubin visibly accumulated in the interstitium of the renal papillary tip. The deposit is followed by necrosis, first of intersitital cells, loops of Henle and vasa recta and later of collecting ducts. The necrotic, acellular papillary tip eventually separates. Cortical scars correlate with established papillary necrosis. The bilirubin occurs in two ultrastructural forms, crystalline and fibrillar. The deposit is found initially in the interstitium and around but not within basement-membranes. It is accompanied by cytoplasmic adaptive or degenerative changes and loss of cells by desquamation and coagulative necrosis. The lesion can be regarded as a chronic, progressive papillary necrosis similar in its evolution to the papillary necrosis of analgesic nephropathy.", "PMID": 1003268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9478", "title": "The histopathology of zinc deficiency in ducks.", "content": "Ducks maintained from hatching on zinc-deficient diets were retarded in growth and had severe lesions of the pedal epidermis, epithelia of the base of the tongue, oral surface of the larynx and nasal sinuses. Similar but milder changes affected the roof of the mouth, the crop and the oesophagus of a few cases. There was derangement of the architecture of the rete mucosum with loss of distinction between the cells of the stratum basale and stratum spinosum. Enlargement of the nuclei and nucleoli of these cells, widening of the intercellular space and dyskeratosis and degeneration, particularly of the prickle cells, were seen. Although epithelial atrophy occurred in early examples of the condition, acanthosis, hyperkeratosis and heterophil infiltration of the epithelial layers were characteristic of most cases. Erosion of the epithelium with the formation of purulent crusts ocntaining secondary bacterial foci was present and in these cases inflammatory phenomena occurred in the dermis. A small proportion of the nuclei of the pancreatic exocrine cells were enlarged and irregular in shape.", "contents": "The histopathology of zinc deficiency in ducks. Ducks maintained from hatching on zinc-deficient diets were retarded in growth and had severe lesions of the pedal epidermis, epithelia of the base of the tongue, oral surface of the larynx and nasal sinuses. Similar but milder changes affected the roof of the mouth, the crop and the oesophagus of a few cases. There was derangement of the architecture of the rete mucosum with loss of distinction between the cells of the stratum basale and stratum spinosum. Enlargement of the nuclei and nucleoli of these cells, widening of the intercellular space and dyskeratosis and degeneration, particularly of the prickle cells, were seen. Although epithelial atrophy occurred in early examples of the condition, acanthosis, hyperkeratosis and heterophil infiltration of the epithelial layers were characteristic of most cases. Erosion of the epithelium with the formation of purulent crusts ocntaining secondary bacterial foci was present and in these cases inflammatory phenomena occurred in the dermis. A small proportion of the nuclei of the pancreatic exocrine cells were enlarged and irregular in shape.", "PMID": 1003269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9479", "title": "A review of the South American flea subgenus Ectinorus Jordan 1942, with descriptions of two new species and a key (Siphonaptera: Rhopalopsyllidae).", "content": "Ectinorus (E.) chilensis sp. n. from Abracoma bennetti and E. (E.) matini sp. n. from Aconaemys fuscus are described from collections from Chile. A diagnosis for the genus Ectinorus is given and differences between the nominate subgenus and the subgenus and the subgenus Dysmicus are briefly discussed. A key to the presently recognized species of the subgenus Ectinorus is included.", "contents": "A review of the South American flea subgenus Ectinorus Jordan 1942, with descriptions of two new species and a key (Siphonaptera: Rhopalopsyllidae). Ectinorus (E.) chilensis sp. n. from Abracoma bennetti and E. (E.) matini sp. n. from Aconaemys fuscus are described from collections from Chile. A diagnosis for the genus Ectinorus is given and differences between the nominate subgenus and the subgenus and the subgenus Dysmicus are briefly discussed. A key to the presently recognized species of the subgenus Ectinorus is included.", "PMID": 1003270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9480", "title": "Habitat and reproductive behavior of Trichinella spiralis.", "content": "The normal niche of Trichinella spiralis adults was found to be in the epithelial layer of the mucosa of the small intestine of its host. Most worms were found in the epithelium at the base of the villi and in the glandular crypts. Copulation and insemination occurred between 30 and 32 hr postinfection, all although these acts were never observed, it was concluded that copulation and insemination took place in the epithelial layer of the mucosa. A majority of the adults were found to be completely embedded in the epithelium during the deposition of the motile larvae. Motile larvae were deposited in this location and from there migrated through the stroma to venules and lymphatic vessels. Male T. spiralis were found to be capable of inseminating at least 4 females.", "contents": "Habitat and reproductive behavior of Trichinella spiralis. The normal niche of Trichinella spiralis adults was found to be in the epithelial layer of the mucosa of the small intestine of its host. Most worms were found in the epithelium at the base of the villi and in the glandular crypts. Copulation and insemination occurred between 30 and 32 hr postinfection, all although these acts were never observed, it was concluded that copulation and insemination took place in the epithelial layer of the mucosa. A majority of the adults were found to be completely embedded in the epithelium during the deposition of the motile larvae. Motile larvae were deposited in this location and from there migrated through the stroma to venules and lymphatic vessels. Male T. spiralis were found to be capable of inseminating at least 4 females.", "PMID": 1003275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9481", "title": "Response of ovine prolactin-treated mice to initial infection with Trichinella spiralis.", "content": "The effects of ovine prolactin on the expulsion of adult Trichinella spiralis were studied in adult virgin female mice. The results showed that ovine prolactin-treated mice had an altered pattern of worm expulsion; i.e., more adult worms were recovered from prolactin-treated mice than from normal control mice, 18 days after infection.", "contents": "Response of ovine prolactin-treated mice to initial infection with Trichinella spiralis. The effects of ovine prolactin on the expulsion of adult Trichinella spiralis were studied in adult virgin female mice. The results showed that ovine prolactin-treated mice had an altered pattern of worm expulsion; i.e., more adult worms were recovered from prolactin-treated mice than from normal control mice, 18 days after infection.", "PMID": 1003276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9482", "title": "The effects of mebendazole and fenbendazole on Trichinella spiralis in mice.", "content": "Oral administration of either Mebendazole or Fenbendazole at 50 mg/kg body weight was effective in killing a 7-hr Trichinella spiralis infection in mice. Adult worms, 72 hr postingection, were unaffected by the same dose of Fenbendazole, while Mebendazole showed partial activity. Both Mebendazole and Fenbendazole were active against developing muscle larvae. Mebendazole was effective against encysted muscle larvae while 50 mg of Fenbendazole per kg per day for 7 days from 28 days postinfection failed to have any effect on this stage of the life-cycle.", "contents": "The effects of mebendazole and fenbendazole on Trichinella spiralis in mice. Oral administration of either Mebendazole or Fenbendazole at 50 mg/kg body weight was effective in killing a 7-hr Trichinella spiralis infection in mice. Adult worms, 72 hr postingection, were unaffected by the same dose of Fenbendazole, while Mebendazole showed partial activity. Both Mebendazole and Fenbendazole were active against developing muscle larvae. Mebendazole was effective against encysted muscle larvae while 50 mg of Fenbendazole per kg per day for 7 days from 28 days postinfection failed to have any effect on this stage of the life-cycle.", "PMID": 1003277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9483", "title": "Fate of Litomosoides carinii adults transplanted into the pleural or peritoneal cavity of infected and naive multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis).", "content": "In each of 4 experiments, 58 multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis) were subdivided into 5 groups. Thirty-four rats were infected with Litomosoides carinii and infections were allowed to become patent. Ten days after patency adult worms were surgically transferred from donor rats to each of 1 group of infected rats and 1 group of naive rats. Groups of infected and naive rats served as controls. Transfers were made either intrapleurally or intraperitoneally. Samples of blood and tissues were taken from each of 2 animals necropsied from each group at intervals to 31 days. At necropsy, the transferred worms and the original population (if any) were examined and samples were fixed. Infected rats accepted new worms with a minimum of reaction while naive rats rejected worms beginning at day 10 (intrapleural) of 17 (intraperitoneal). Rejections were complete leaving a white fibrous mass by day 24 or 31, respectively. Hemagglutination antibody titers fell into 2 groups: infected and naive. IHA titers of naive recipient rats increased into the infected range by day 3 (intrapleural) or day 10 (intraperitoneal). Microfilaria counts presented a more varied pattern but a similar lag in the intraperitoneal recipient group was observed. It was concluded that a preparation period is necessary for successful residence of adult worms, and that this preparation is not restricted to the pleural cavity.", "contents": "Fate of Litomosoides carinii adults transplanted into the pleural or peritoneal cavity of infected and naive multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis). In each of 4 experiments, 58 multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis) were subdivided into 5 groups. Thirty-four rats were infected with Litomosoides carinii and infections were allowed to become patent. Ten days after patency adult worms were surgically transferred from donor rats to each of 1 group of infected rats and 1 group of naive rats. Groups of infected and naive rats served as controls. Transfers were made either intrapleurally or intraperitoneally. Samples of blood and tissues were taken from each of 2 animals necropsied from each group at intervals to 31 days. At necropsy, the transferred worms and the original population (if any) were examined and samples were fixed. Infected rats accepted new worms with a minimum of reaction while naive rats rejected worms beginning at day 10 (intrapleural) of 17 (intraperitoneal). Rejections were complete leaving a white fibrous mass by day 24 or 31, respectively. Hemagglutination antibody titers fell into 2 groups: infected and naive. IHA titers of naive recipient rats increased into the infected range by day 3 (intrapleural) or day 10 (intraperitoneal). Microfilaria counts presented a more varied pattern but a similar lag in the intraperitoneal recipient group was observed. It was concluded that a preparation period is necessary for successful residence of adult worms, and that this preparation is not restricted to the pleural cavity.", "PMID": 1003278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9484", "title": "The life history of Nezpercella lewisi Schell 1974 (Trematoda: Opecoelidae), a parasite of the northern squawfish, and the smallmouth bass.", "content": "Nezpercella lewisi is an intestinal parasite of Ptychocheilus oregonensis and Micropterus dolomieui in Idaho. The miracidium develops and hatches within 12 to 14 days at 22 to 26 C or within 50 to 60 days at 12 to 15 C. Cotylomicrocercous cercariae develop in daughter sporocysts in Lithoglyphys virens and encyst in fry of Richardsonius balteatus, Rhinichthys cataractae, R. osculus, Ptychocheilus oregonensis, Cottus rhotheus, and Salmo gairdneri. Natural infections with metacercariae were found in all of the above fishes except speckled dace and trout. Squawfish were fed fry of experimentally infected redside shiner and squawfish and partially developed specimens of N. lewisi recovered 8 weeks later. The larval stages are like those of trematodes in the family Ppecoelidae to which the species is transferred.", "contents": "The life history of Nezpercella lewisi Schell 1974 (Trematoda: Opecoelidae), a parasite of the northern squawfish, and the smallmouth bass. Nezpercella lewisi is an intestinal parasite of Ptychocheilus oregonensis and Micropterus dolomieui in Idaho. The miracidium develops and hatches within 12 to 14 days at 22 to 26 C or within 50 to 60 days at 12 to 15 C. Cotylomicrocercous cercariae develop in daughter sporocysts in Lithoglyphys virens and encyst in fry of Richardsonius balteatus, Rhinichthys cataractae, R. osculus, Ptychocheilus oregonensis, Cottus rhotheus, and Salmo gairdneri. Natural infections with metacercariae were found in all of the above fishes except speckled dace and trout. Squawfish were fed fry of experimentally infected redside shiner and squawfish and partially developed specimens of N. lewisi recovered 8 weeks later. The larval stages are like those of trematodes in the family Ppecoelidae to which the species is transferred.", "PMID": 1003279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9485", "title": "Activity of tubercidin against immature Fasciola hepatica in mice.", "content": "HaM/ICR females mice (20 to 25 g), infected with from 3 to 5 Fasciola hepatica metacercariae per os, were treated with a single dose of thepurine nucleoside analog tubercidin (7-deaza-adenosine; Tu) 7, 14, 21, and 28 days postexposure.Tu was administered either by direct intravenous injection or intraerythrocytically. Most of the flukes were killed and host survival rates were markedly increased if treatment was started within 3 weeks postexposure. The minimal single intravenous dose of Tu that was maximally effective was between 10 and 20 mg/kg.", "contents": "Activity of tubercidin against immature Fasciola hepatica in mice. HaM/ICR females mice (20 to 25 g), infected with from 3 to 5 Fasciola hepatica metacercariae per os, were treated with a single dose of thepurine nucleoside analog tubercidin (7-deaza-adenosine; Tu) 7, 14, 21, and 28 days postexposure.Tu was administered either by direct intravenous injection or intraerythrocytically. Most of the flukes were killed and host survival rates were markedly increased if treatment was started within 3 weeks postexposure. The minimal single intravenous dose of Tu that was maximally effective was between 10 and 20 mg/kg.", "PMID": 1003280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9486", "title": "Schistosoma mansoni: topochemical features of intrasporocyst cercariae.", "content": "The carbohydrate rich filamentous coat investing the mature Schistosoma manosini cercaria affects important physiological and antigenic properties of the larval body surface. The origin of the filamentous coat and intrinsic topochemical properties of ccrcariae were investigated by fine structural and cytochemical examination of intrasporocyst larvae of various developmental stages. Staining results achieved with concanavalin A-peroxidase, bismuth subnitrate, silver protein, cationic colloidal iron, and polycationic ferritin indicate the presence of both neutral and acidic glycans at the external surface of the trilaminar tegumental plasmalemma, the latter saccharide moieties conferring upon this surface a superficial electronegative charge. The filamentous coat, apparent only on relatively well-developed larvae, is rich in neutral glycans, but fails to stain with cationic cytochemical reagents. Appearance of the surface coat occurs coincident with the differentiation of tegumentary cytons, the elaboration of carbohydrate-containing vesicles by Golgi complexes within these cell bodies, and the translocation of vesicles from sites of formation to the tegumental syncytium. It is likely that those saccharides, glycoproteins, and/or glycolipids present within the neutral filamentous coat, and those which constitute the acidic layer immediately superticial to the larval body surface, are intrinsic molecular constituents of the cercarial tegumental plasmalemma. Both the neutral filamentous coat and subjacent acidic layer may be regarded as distinct functional elements of the larval body surface glycocalyx. The molecular architecture of this membrane complex apparently reflects the specializations necessary for survival in fresh water followed by rapid adaptation to the serum environment of the mammalian host.", "contents": "Schistosoma mansoni: topochemical features of intrasporocyst cercariae. The carbohydrate rich filamentous coat investing the mature Schistosoma manosini cercaria affects important physiological and antigenic properties of the larval body surface. The origin of the filamentous coat and intrinsic topochemical properties of ccrcariae were investigated by fine structural and cytochemical examination of intrasporocyst larvae of various developmental stages. Staining results achieved with concanavalin A-peroxidase, bismuth subnitrate, silver protein, cationic colloidal iron, and polycationic ferritin indicate the presence of both neutral and acidic glycans at the external surface of the trilaminar tegumental plasmalemma, the latter saccharide moieties conferring upon this surface a superficial electronegative charge. The filamentous coat, apparent only on relatively well-developed larvae, is rich in neutral glycans, but fails to stain with cationic cytochemical reagents. Appearance of the surface coat occurs coincident with the differentiation of tegumentary cytons, the elaboration of carbohydrate-containing vesicles by Golgi complexes within these cell bodies, and the translocation of vesicles from sites of formation to the tegumental syncytium. It is likely that those saccharides, glycoproteins, and/or glycolipids present within the neutral filamentous coat, and those which constitute the acidic layer immediately superticial to the larval body surface, are intrinsic molecular constituents of the cercarial tegumental plasmalemma. Both the neutral filamentous coat and subjacent acidic layer may be regarded as distinct functional elements of the larval body surface glycocalyx. The molecular architecture of this membrane complex apparently reflects the specializations necessary for survival in fresh water followed by rapid adaptation to the serum environment of the mammalian host.", "PMID": 1003281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9487", "title": "Helminth parasites of Rhinobatos planiceps Garman 1880, including two new species of cestodes, with comments on host specificity of the genus Rhinebothrium Linton 1890.", "content": "Rhinebothrium rhinobati sp. n. and Prochristianella heteracantha sp. n. are described from the skate, Rhinobatos planiceps Garman 1880 from Chile. New host records and locations are reported for Acanthobothrium olseni Daliley and Mudry 1969, Parachristianella monomegacantha Kruse 1959, and Proleptus acutus Dujardin 1845. The genus Rhinebothrium is reported from the host family Rhinobatidae for the first time and the host specificity of the genus Rhinebothrium to the Myliobatidae is discussed.", "contents": "Helminth parasites of Rhinobatos planiceps Garman 1880, including two new species of cestodes, with comments on host specificity of the genus Rhinebothrium Linton 1890. Rhinebothrium rhinobati sp. n. and Prochristianella heteracantha sp. n. are described from the skate, Rhinobatos planiceps Garman 1880 from Chile. New host records and locations are reported for Acanthobothrium olseni Daliley and Mudry 1969, Parachristianella monomegacantha Kruse 1959, and Proleptus acutus Dujardin 1845. The genus Rhinebothrium is reported from the host family Rhinobatidae for the first time and the host specificity of the genus Rhinebothrium to the Myliobatidae is discussed.", "PMID": 1003282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9488", "title": "Two tetraphylidean cestodes from the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon magdalenae Dumeril 1852 (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygonidae) from Colombia.", "content": "Two new tetraphyllidean cestodes are described from the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon magdalenae from Colombia. The new genus Potamotrygonocestus is proposed for P. magdalenensis, which differs from Pedibothrium by having a bilobed rather than X-shaped ovary, and simple rather than bifid hooks. It further differs from Pachybothrium hutsoni by having bothridial hooks inserted immediately posterior to an accessory sucker rather than inserted in the middle of a thick muscular pad. Potamotrygonocestus magdalenensis is unique among known tetraphyllideans by possessing vitellaria which are compact, cylindrical bands in the lateral portions of the middle of the proglottid. The second new species, Rhinebothrium moralarai, resembles R. scorzai by having its genital pore and terminal genitalia at the ovarian level, greatly reduced poral ovarian lobes, and by parasitizing a freshwater stingray. It differs from R. scorzai in number of bothridial loculi, testes per proglottid, and proglottids per strobila; by having quadrate rather than canoe-shaped bothridia; and by parasitizing Potamotrygon magdalenae rather than P. hystrix.", "contents": "Two tetraphylidean cestodes from the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon magdalenae Dumeril 1852 (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygonidae) from Colombia. Two new tetraphyllidean cestodes are described from the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon magdalenae from Colombia. The new genus Potamotrygonocestus is proposed for P. magdalenensis, which differs from Pedibothrium by having a bilobed rather than X-shaped ovary, and simple rather than bifid hooks. It further differs from Pachybothrium hutsoni by having bothridial hooks inserted immediately posterior to an accessory sucker rather than inserted in the middle of a thick muscular pad. Potamotrygonocestus magdalenensis is unique among known tetraphyllideans by possessing vitellaria which are compact, cylindrical bands in the lateral portions of the middle of the proglottid. The second new species, Rhinebothrium moralarai, resembles R. scorzai by having its genital pore and terminal genitalia at the ovarian level, greatly reduced poral ovarian lobes, and by parasitizing a freshwater stingray. It differs from R. scorzai in number of bothridial loculi, testes per proglottid, and proglottids per strobila; by having quadrate rather than canoe-shaped bothridia; and by parasitizing Potamotrygon magdalenae rather than P. hystrix.", "PMID": 1003283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9489", "title": "Isolation and identification of a cobamide coenzyme from the tapeworm Spirometra mansonoides.", "content": "A light-sensitive vitamin B12 derivative has been extracted from the adult cestode, Spirometra mansonoides. This corrinoid was identified as the cobamide coenzyme, adenosylcobalamin, by its chromatographic, chemical, and spectral properties.", "contents": "Isolation and identification of a cobamide coenzyme from the tapeworm Spirometra mansonoides. A light-sensitive vitamin B12 derivative has been extracted from the adult cestode, Spirometra mansonoides. This corrinoid was identified as the cobamide coenzyme, adenosylcobalamin, by its chromatographic, chemical, and spectral properties.", "PMID": 1003284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9490", "title": "Synergistic growth promoting action of L-cysteine and nitrogen upon Hymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids in vitro.", "content": "Development in vitro of cysticercoids of the cestode Hymenolepis diminuta in the presence of L-cysteine proceeded twice as rapidly under 100% nitrogen as it did with air as the gas phase. No growth was obtained with the following: D-cysteine, L-cysteine methyl ester, S-aminoethyl cysteine, L-cystine, glutathione (reduced), L-methionine, D-pantothenic acid, taurine, or thioglycolic acid; limited growth only was obtained with ascorbic acid and dithiothreitol. Homocysteine or coenzyme A was as effective as L-cysteine in stimulating the complete development of oncospheres to cysticercoids. Experiments with 14C-L-cysteine indicated that L-cysteine was perhaps incorporated into the organisms.", "contents": "Synergistic growth promoting action of L-cysteine and nitrogen upon Hymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids in vitro. Development in vitro of cysticercoids of the cestode Hymenolepis diminuta in the presence of L-cysteine proceeded twice as rapidly under 100% nitrogen as it did with air as the gas phase. No growth was obtained with the following: D-cysteine, L-cysteine methyl ester, S-aminoethyl cysteine, L-cystine, glutathione (reduced), L-methionine, D-pantothenic acid, taurine, or thioglycolic acid; limited growth only was obtained with ascorbic acid and dithiothreitol. Homocysteine or coenzyme A was as effective as L-cysteine in stimulating the complete development of oncospheres to cysticercoids. Experiments with 14C-L-cysteine indicated that L-cysteine was perhaps incorporated into the organisms.", "PMID": 1003285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9491", "title": "A new species of Leptorhynchoides Kostyler 1924 (Acanthocephala) from the pirate perch, Aphredoderus sayanus (Gilliams).", "content": "Leptorhynchoides aphredoderi sp. n. is described from specimens recovered from pirate perch, Aphredoderus sayanus, collected in southeastern Louisiana. The new species is distinguished by having more longitudinal rows of proboscis hooks (15 to 18) than any other species of Leptorhynchoides. It differs additionally from L. thecatus and L. plagicephalus in having a shorter trunk, proboscis, proboscis receptacle, and proboscis hooks. Eggs of the new species are much larger than those of L. thecatus. L. aphredoderi differs further from L. plagicephalus in having fewer proboscis hooks in each longitudinal row and wider eggs. L. aphredoderi differs additionally from L. campbelli in having more proboscis hooks in each longitudinal row and much longer eggs.", "contents": "A new species of Leptorhynchoides Kostyler 1924 (Acanthocephala) from the pirate perch, Aphredoderus sayanus (Gilliams). Leptorhynchoides aphredoderi sp. n. is described from specimens recovered from pirate perch, Aphredoderus sayanus, collected in southeastern Louisiana. The new species is distinguished by having more longitudinal rows of proboscis hooks (15 to 18) than any other species of Leptorhynchoides. It differs additionally from L. thecatus and L. plagicephalus in having a shorter trunk, proboscis, proboscis receptacle, and proboscis hooks. Eggs of the new species are much larger than those of L. thecatus. L. aphredoderi differs further from L. plagicephalus in having fewer proboscis hooks in each longitudinal row and wider eggs. L. aphredoderi differs additionally from L. campbelli in having more proboscis hooks in each longitudinal row and much longer eggs.", "PMID": 1003286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9492", "title": "Ultrastructure of interlamellar Henneguya exilis in the channel catfish.", "content": "Ultrastructural aspects of interlamellar Henneguya exilis infections in channel catfish are reported. The plasmodium wall of this form differs from that of other species in that it is composed of two outer unit membranes which give rise to a zone of numerous pinocytic canals. Single-membraned canals appeared to be a stable feature of the wall while double-membraned canals are interpreted as those actively carrying out pinocytosis. Evidence suggests that host cellular cytoplasm as well as interstitial material is taken in by plasmodia. Plasmodium wall integrity, aggregation of parasite ectoplasmic components, numbers of pinocytic canals, and number of mitochondria proximal to the wall vary among different plasmodium profiles and may be related to plasmodium maturity. The parasite causes extensive hyperplasia of basal cells, which in turn replaces most other cell types found in noninfected gill filaments. Cytoarchitectural differences between basal cells of noninfected filaments and basal cells adjacent to plasmodia include significantly shorter microfilament bundles in the latter.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of interlamellar Henneguya exilis in the channel catfish. Ultrastructural aspects of interlamellar Henneguya exilis infections in channel catfish are reported. The plasmodium wall of this form differs from that of other species in that it is composed of two outer unit membranes which give rise to a zone of numerous pinocytic canals. Single-membraned canals appeared to be a stable feature of the wall while double-membraned canals are interpreted as those actively carrying out pinocytosis. Evidence suggests that host cellular cytoplasm as well as interstitial material is taken in by plasmodia. Plasmodium wall integrity, aggregation of parasite ectoplasmic components, numbers of pinocytic canals, and number of mitochondria proximal to the wall vary among different plasmodium profiles and may be related to plasmodium maturity. The parasite causes extensive hyperplasia of basal cells, which in turn replaces most other cell types found in noninfected gill filaments. Cytoarchitectural differences between basal cells of noninfected filaments and basal cells adjacent to plasmodia include significantly shorter microfilament bundles in the latter.", "PMID": 1003287} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9493", "title": "Davisia reginae sp. n. (Protozoa: Myxosporida) from four California marine fishes.", "content": "Davisia reginae sp. n. was found in the urinary bladders of the oliver rockfish, Sebastes serranoides; quillback rockfish, S. maliger; striped surfperch, Embiotoca lateralis; and pile surfperch, Damalichthys vacca. This new Davisia belongs to the group whose lateral appendages are \"solid.\"", "contents": "Davisia reginae sp. n. (Protozoa: Myxosporida) from four California marine fishes. Davisia reginae sp. n. was found in the urinary bladders of the oliver rockfish, Sebastes serranoides; quillback rockfish, S. maliger; striped surfperch, Embiotoca lateralis; and pile surfperch, Damalichthys vacca. This new Davisia belongs to the group whose lateral appendages are \"solid.\"", "PMID": 1003288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9494", "title": "Possible secretory function of the rhoptries of Eimeria magna during penetration of cultured cells.", "content": "Ultrastructure of the penetration of Eimeria magna sporozoites into embryonic bovine trachea cells demonstrated that the host cell membrane was not broken during entry of the parasite. This membrane did, however, undergo alterations characterized by blebbing of vesicles, thickening, and eventual disorganization once penetration was completed. Concurrent with the entrance of the parasite into the cell, and the subsequent membrane alterations, was the appearance of empty membrane saccules, probably rhoptries, in the apical region of the sporozoite. It was proposed that rhoptry secretions aided penetration by changing cell surface characteristics which produced an eventual breakdown of the invaginated protion of the host cell membrane.", "contents": "Possible secretory function of the rhoptries of Eimeria magna during penetration of cultured cells. Ultrastructure of the penetration of Eimeria magna sporozoites into embryonic bovine trachea cells demonstrated that the host cell membrane was not broken during entry of the parasite. This membrane did, however, undergo alterations characterized by blebbing of vesicles, thickening, and eventual disorganization once penetration was completed. Concurrent with the entrance of the parasite into the cell, and the subsequent membrane alterations, was the appearance of empty membrane saccules, probably rhoptries, in the apical region of the sporozoite. It was proposed that rhoptry secretions aided penetration by changing cell surface characteristics which produced an eventual breakdown of the invaginated protion of the host cell membrane.", "PMID": 1003289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9495", "title": "Arabinosyl nucleosides inhibit Toxoplasma gondii and allow the selection of resistant mutants.", "content": "Adenine arabinoside, which inhibits the synthesis of DNA by intracellular Toxoplasma gondii, is more inhibitory to the parasite than it is to cultured human fibroblast host cells. A single-step mutant of T. gondii that is 50-fold more resistant to adenine arabinoside was isolated after mutagenesis with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Cytosine arabinoside is notably more inhibitory to cultured human cells than it is to T. gondii. Thus in infected cells treated with cytosine arabinoside and labeled with 3H-deoxyuridine nearly all of the label is specifically incorporated into the intracellular T. gondii.", "contents": "Arabinosyl nucleosides inhibit Toxoplasma gondii and allow the selection of resistant mutants. Adenine arabinoside, which inhibits the synthesis of DNA by intracellular Toxoplasma gondii, is more inhibitory to the parasite than it is to cultured human fibroblast host cells. A single-step mutant of T. gondii that is 50-fold more resistant to adenine arabinoside was isolated after mutagenesis with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Cytosine arabinoside is notably more inhibitory to cultured human cells than it is to T. gondii. Thus in infected cells treated with cytosine arabinoside and labeled with 3H-deoxyuridine nearly all of the label is specifically incorporated into the intracellular T. gondii.", "PMID": 1003290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9496", "title": "Distal neonatal intestinal obstruction: the choice of contrast material.", "content": "The use of barium sulfate as the contrast agent of choice in the radiographic evaluation of distal neonatal intestinal obstruction is advocated. The advantages of Gastrografin or other water-soluble contrast materials are far outweighed by their disadvantages, which include the hazards of hypertonic dehydration and the danger of missing the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease. Five patients are presented, all of whom had the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease missed in the neonatal period with one use of Gastrografin enemas. All five were subsequently admitted to the Surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, critically ill with enterocolitis of Hirschsprung's disease.", "contents": "Distal neonatal intestinal obstruction: the choice of contrast material. The use of barium sulfate as the contrast agent of choice in the radiographic evaluation of distal neonatal intestinal obstruction is advocated. The advantages of Gastrografin or other water-soluble contrast materials are far outweighed by their disadvantages, which include the hazards of hypertonic dehydration and the danger of missing the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease. Five patients are presented, all of whom had the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease missed in the neonatal period with one use of Gastrografin enemas. All five were subsequently admitted to the Surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, critically ill with enterocolitis of Hirschsprung's disease.", "PMID": 1003293} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9497", "title": "Congenital laryngotracheosophageal cleft.", "content": "Two infants with complete laryngotracheoesophageal cleft are presented. One infant had hypoplasia of the left bronchus and lung and the other had a cystic dysplastic right kidney. The literature is reviewed and a scheme for managing infants with this severe and as yet lethal anomaly is presented.", "contents": "Congenital laryngotracheosophageal cleft. Two infants with complete laryngotracheoesophageal cleft are presented. One infant had hypoplasia of the left bronchus and lung and the other had a cystic dysplastic right kidney. The literature is reviewed and a scheme for managing infants with this severe and as yet lethal anomaly is presented.", "PMID": 1003304} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9498", "title": "Long-term follow-up of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.", "content": "A long-term follow-up was carried out on 30 patients who had congenital diaphragmatic hernias operated on over a 21-yr period. The review took the form of clinical examination, chest x-rays, pulmonary function tests, and lung scans. Lungs that were hypoplastic at birth remained underdeveloped as judged by pulmonary function tests and hypoperfusion on lung scan; however, children who survived birth6 and operative repair went on to live normal lives through the period studied. There was some suggestion from pulmonary function tests and lung scans that in the older group a preemphysematous state may exist but this was asymptomatic. There was no evidence of increased susceptibility to respiratory infection in the group. Ten per cent of the children were mentally retarded, evidently from hypoxia after birth.", "contents": "Long-term follow-up of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. A long-term follow-up was carried out on 30 patients who had congenital diaphragmatic hernias operated on over a 21-yr period. The review took the form of clinical examination, chest x-rays, pulmonary function tests, and lung scans. Lungs that were hypoplastic at birth remained underdeveloped as judged by pulmonary function tests and hypoperfusion on lung scan; however, children who survived birth6 and operative repair went on to live normal lives through the period studied. There was some suggestion from pulmonary function tests and lung scans that in the older group a preemphysematous state may exist but this was asymptomatic. There was no evidence of increased susceptibility to respiratory infection in the group. Ten per cent of the children were mentally retarded, evidently from hypoxia after birth.", "PMID": 1003305} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9499", "title": "Use of clindamycin and gentamicin in pediatric colonic surgery.", "content": "The combination of clindamycin and gentamicin was used to treat 25 pediatric surgical patients. In 9 of the 11 patients with perforated appendicitis, B. fragilis was isolated from the peritoneal cavity. There was a rapid clinical response to treatment in all cases. No side effects were observed. Clindamycin and gentamicin seem to be the antibiotics of choice for such infections.", "contents": "Use of clindamycin and gentamicin in pediatric colonic surgery. The combination of clindamycin and gentamicin was used to treat 25 pediatric surgical patients. In 9 of the 11 patients with perforated appendicitis, B. fragilis was isolated from the peritoneal cavity. There was a rapid clinical response to treatment in all cases. No side effects were observed. Clindamycin and gentamicin seem to be the antibiotics of choice for such infections.", "PMID": 1003306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9500", "title": "Development of the lung in fetal rabbits with experimental diaphragmatic hernia.", "content": "Congenital diaphragmatic hernias were successfully produced in fetal rabbits. The lungs of these animals remained small and hypoplastic on gross examination, although histologically they have matured significantly from the original pseudoglandular stage. It is our impression that the so-called hypoplastic lung in diaphragmatic hernias is small in size but potentially functioning when relieved of compression.", "contents": "Development of the lung in fetal rabbits with experimental diaphragmatic hernia. Congenital diaphragmatic hernias were successfully produced in fetal rabbits. The lungs of these animals remained small and hypoplastic on gross examination, although histologically they have matured significantly from the original pseudoglandular stage. It is our impression that the so-called hypoplastic lung in diaphragmatic hernias is small in size but potentially functioning when relieved of compression.", "PMID": 1003307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9501", "title": "Carcinoma of the colon in children: a report of six new cases and a review of the literature.", "content": "Of six children with carcinoma of the colon, none had ulcerative colitis or a family history of carcinoma of the colon or colonic polyposis. In 75 cases traced in the literature, a common early symptom of carcinoma of the colon in children is acute, crampy abdominal pain. At laparotomy for suspected appendictis, the possibility of the acute pain being due to carcinoma of the colon should be borne in mind. Otherwise the symptoms of carcinoma of the colon in children do not differ substantially from those in adults. The prognosis is unfavorable; in only 2.5% of the cases on record did the children survive 5 yr after the operation.", "contents": "Carcinoma of the colon in children: a report of six new cases and a review of the literature. Of six children with carcinoma of the colon, none had ulcerative colitis or a family history of carcinoma of the colon or colonic polyposis. In 75 cases traced in the literature, a common early symptom of carcinoma of the colon in children is acute, crampy abdominal pain. At laparotomy for suspected appendictis, the possibility of the acute pain being due to carcinoma of the colon should be borne in mind. Otherwise the symptoms of carcinoma of the colon in children do not differ substantially from those in adults. The prognosis is unfavorable; in only 2.5% of the cases on record did the children survive 5 yr after the operation.", "PMID": 1003308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9502", "title": "Peritoneal lavage in children with blunt abdominal trauma.", "content": "Quantitative peritoneal lavage was performed in 52 children with blunt abdominal trauma to determine the presence of intraabdominal injuries. A strongly positive lavage was 100% accurate in diagnosing an intraabdominal injury requiring operation. A negative lavage demonstrated absence of a significant intraperitoneal injury with 100% accuracy. A weakly positive lavage was not diagnostic and required additional evaluation including intravenous pyelography echography, and arteriography. Diagnosis and treatment was prompt, and in 20 of 21 cases, operation was performed within 4 hr. Peritoneal lavage was found to be safe and much more accurate than physical examination in diagnosing significant intraabdominal injury.", "contents": "Peritoneal lavage in children with blunt abdominal trauma. Quantitative peritoneal lavage was performed in 52 children with blunt abdominal trauma to determine the presence of intraabdominal injuries. A strongly positive lavage was 100% accurate in diagnosing an intraabdominal injury requiring operation. A negative lavage demonstrated absence of a significant intraperitoneal injury with 100% accuracy. A weakly positive lavage was not diagnostic and required additional evaluation including intravenous pyelography echography, and arteriography. Diagnosis and treatment was prompt, and in 20 of 21 cases, operation was performed within 4 hr. Peritoneal lavage was found to be safe and much more accurate than physical examination in diagnosing significant intraabdominal injury.", "PMID": 1003309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9503", "title": "An in vivo mass spectrometer system for the continuous monitoring of Po2 and Pco2.", "content": "A mass spectrometer blood gas catheter system for the continuous in vivo analysis of Po2 and Pco2 has been presented. This system has been experimentally evaluated and demonstrated to be reliable and reproducible over a period of 30 hr following insertion of the catheter in the abdominal aorta. Although the present catheter design does not allow insertion through an existing umbilical arterial line in neonates, a clinical evaluation will be undertaken when a more flexible catheter becomes available.", "contents": "An in vivo mass spectrometer system for the continuous monitoring of Po2 and Pco2. A mass spectrometer blood gas catheter system for the continuous in vivo analysis of Po2 and Pco2 has been presented. This system has been experimentally evaluated and demonstrated to be reliable and reproducible over a period of 30 hr following insertion of the catheter in the abdominal aorta. Although the present catheter design does not allow insertion through an existing umbilical arterial line in neonates, a clinical evaluation will be undertaken when a more flexible catheter becomes available.", "PMID": 1003310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9504", "title": "Lymphoid hyperplasia of the bowel and its surgical significance in children.", "content": "Twelve children with abdominal complaints had lymphoid hyperplasia of the bowel presenting in an acute or chronic form. The etiology is obscure. An infectious process is thought to precipitate the acute form of the disease. Parasites were identified in two patients with the chronic disease. The acute form, with involvement of the appendix or terminal ileum, presents commonly as acute appendicitis. Because of its self-limiting nature, appendectomy with perservation of the terminal ileum is appropriate. When intussusception is present, resection of the ileum is advisable. The chronic form, which is also common in the terminal ileum, produces disabling symptoms, recurrent intussusception, chronic anemia, and weight loss and is, therefore, amenable to surgical resection.", "contents": "Lymphoid hyperplasia of the bowel and its surgical significance in children. Twelve children with abdominal complaints had lymphoid hyperplasia of the bowel presenting in an acute or chronic form. The etiology is obscure. An infectious process is thought to precipitate the acute form of the disease. Parasites were identified in two patients with the chronic disease. The acute form, with involvement of the appendix or terminal ileum, presents commonly as acute appendicitis. Because of its self-limiting nature, appendectomy with perservation of the terminal ileum is appropriate. When intussusception is present, resection of the ileum is advisable. The chronic form, which is also common in the terminal ileum, produces disabling symptoms, recurrent intussusception, chronic anemia, and weight loss and is, therefore, amenable to surgical resection.", "PMID": 1003312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9505", "title": "The predictive efficacy of three MMPI short forms.", "content": "In order to investigate the predictive efficacy of three MMPI short forms, the standard form answer sheets of 50 inmate volunteers and 44 clinic outpatients were scored separately for Faschingbauer's, Hugo's and Mini-Mult scales. T-score correlations and t tests between the standard form and each short form, as well as comparisons using Lacks' criteria were reported. Results indicated that the Faschingbauer form was superior to the other two forms. Results were discussed in terms of the populations tested and in reference to the different methodologies used in developing each of the short forms.", "contents": "The predictive efficacy of three MMPI short forms. In order to investigate the predictive efficacy of three MMPI short forms, the standard form answer sheets of 50 inmate volunteers and 44 clinic outpatients were scored separately for Faschingbauer's, Hugo's and Mini-Mult scales. T-score correlations and t tests between the standard form and each short form, as well as comparisons using Lacks' criteria were reported. Results indicated that the Faschingbauer form was superior to the other two forms. Results were discussed in terms of the populations tested and in reference to the different methodologies used in developing each of the short forms.", "PMID": 1003313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9506", "title": "A Jungian approach to the Rorschach: an exploration of differing patterns of aggression.", "content": "Rorschach responses of institutionalized adolescent males exhibiting different patterns of aggressive behavior were analyzed from the perspective of Jung's archetypal psychology. Distinct differences in the individual's relationship to archetypal processes were found and were consistent with the behavioral expression of aggression. The study supports McCully's view that Rorschach plates have a potential capacity to stimulate the archetypal structure of the psyche with the resulting archetypal energies influencing the perceptual experience of the observer in lawful and ordered ways. The relationship to archetypal influence is an important but often neglected factor in the adolescent's task of becoming a separate and individual personality. A rich commentary on each individual's protocol by Professor McCully is included to more fully illustrate the archetypal approach to Rorschach symbolism.", "contents": "A Jungian approach to the Rorschach: an exploration of differing patterns of aggression. Rorschach responses of institutionalized adolescent males exhibiting different patterns of aggressive behavior were analyzed from the perspective of Jung's archetypal psychology. Distinct differences in the individual's relationship to archetypal processes were found and were consistent with the behavioral expression of aggression. The study supports McCully's view that Rorschach plates have a potential capacity to stimulate the archetypal structure of the psyche with the resulting archetypal energies influencing the perceptual experience of the observer in lawful and ordered ways. The relationship to archetypal influence is an important but often neglected factor in the adolescent's task of becoming a separate and individual personality. A rich commentary on each individual's protocol by Professor McCully is included to more fully illustrate the archetypal approach to Rorschach symbolism.", "PMID": 1003314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9507", "title": "Interpretive accuracy of abbreviated MMPIs.", "content": "The interpretive accuracy of the standard MMPI and three abbreviated forms was assessed and compared with a sample of psychiatric inpatients. Psychiatric teams evaluated the accuracy of the interpretation of one abbreviated form and the standard form for their patients. Only the MMPI-168 obtained comparable ratings to the standard form.", "contents": "Interpretive accuracy of abbreviated MMPIs. The interpretive accuracy of the standard MMPI and three abbreviated forms was assessed and compared with a sample of psychiatric inpatients. Psychiatric teams evaluated the accuracy of the interpretation of one abbreviated form and the standard form for their patients. Only the MMPI-168 obtained comparable ratings to the standard form.", "PMID": 1003315} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9508", "title": "Gender roles and human sexuality.", "content": "Personality differences among three self-ascribed render-role types (predominantly masculine, predominantly feminine, or no predominant orientation) were investigated within a group of 128 male and female homosexuals. The results, utilizing the Adjective Check List (ACL) and a specially designed questionnaire placed all groups within +/- one standard deviation of the mean on all ACL scales except abasement. A multiple discriminant analysis demonstrated that 10 of the ACL scales significantly discriminated between self-ascribed gender-role types. It was suggested that homosexuality may be appropriately conceived of as an alternate life style rather than a noslogical entity, and that gender-role may, in some instances, be more important than biological sex as regards one's self perceived personality characteristics.", "contents": "Gender roles and human sexuality. Personality differences among three self-ascribed render-role types (predominantly masculine, predominantly feminine, or no predominant orientation) were investigated within a group of 128 male and female homosexuals. The results, utilizing the Adjective Check List (ACL) and a specially designed questionnaire placed all groups within +/- one standard deviation of the mean on all ACL scales except abasement. A multiple discriminant analysis demonstrated that 10 of the ACL scales significantly discriminated between self-ascribed gender-role types. It was suggested that homosexuality may be appropriately conceived of as an alternate life style rather than a noslogical entity, and that gender-role may, in some instances, be more important than biological sex as regards one's self perceived personality characteristics.", "PMID": 1003316} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9509", "title": "Test-retest reliability of the Rorschach on neurologically impaired subjects.", "content": "Pairs of Rorschach protocols for each of 25 neurologically impaired patients were obtained from two different testings spanning an average of three years apart to study the Rorschach's test-retest reliability under specific conditions. Significant correlations were obtained for all but a few major summary scores. An additional analysis revealed no strong relationship between the varying test-retest interval lengths and the stability of various Rorschach scores.", "contents": "Test-retest reliability of the Rorschach on neurologically impaired subjects. Pairs of Rorschach protocols for each of 25 neurologically impaired patients were obtained from two different testings spanning an average of three years apart to study the Rorschach's test-retest reliability under specific conditions. Significant correlations were obtained for all but a few major summary scores. An additional analysis revealed no strong relationship between the varying test-retest interval lengths and the stability of various Rorschach scores.", "PMID": 1003317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9510", "title": "The effects of marijauna on verbalization and thought processes.", "content": "The verbal output of subjects in response to 10 cards of the TAT was obtained on two occasions and under placebo, marijauna low and high conditions. The themes were independently rated on 13 variables reflecting thought processes, emotional tone, control aggression, and sexual content by two judges. Significant differential dosage differences were obtained in terms of disruption of cognitive processes, and emotional tone. Moreover, a multivariate analysis yielded a significant discrimination among the three experimental conditions.", "contents": "The effects of marijauna on verbalization and thought processes. The verbal output of subjects in response to 10 cards of the TAT was obtained on two occasions and under placebo, marijauna low and high conditions. The themes were independently rated on 13 variables reflecting thought processes, emotional tone, control aggression, and sexual content by two judges. Significant differential dosage differences were obtained in terms of disruption of cognitive processes, and emotional tone. Moreover, a multivariate analysis yielded a significant discrimination among the three experimental conditions.", "PMID": 1003318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9511", "title": "Responses of adolescent, middle-aged, and aged females on the Gerontological and Thematic Apperception Tests.", "content": "The Gerontological and Thematic Apperception Tests were administered to adolescent, middle-aged, and aged non-institutionalized females with 30 subjects in each age group. Content of themes elicited did not differ between age groups for each test nor was the GAT found superior to the TAT in eliciting themes reflecting problems of the aged as claimed by authors of the GAT.", "contents": "Responses of adolescent, middle-aged, and aged females on the Gerontological and Thematic Apperception Tests. The Gerontological and Thematic Apperception Tests were administered to adolescent, middle-aged, and aged non-institutionalized females with 30 subjects in each age group. Content of themes elicited did not differ between age groups for each test nor was the GAT found superior to the TAT in eliciting themes reflecting problems of the aged as claimed by authors of the GAT.", "PMID": 1003319} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9512", "title": "Trait and type differences among male and female assaultive and nonassaultive offenders.", "content": "Trait and type differences, defined by MMPI scale scores and profiles, of offenders arrested for misdemeanor assaultive and nonassaultive offenses were investigated. The subjects were male and female offenders who were found guilty by the courts and sent to a clinic for a dispositional evalution. Only the Ma Scale showed a significant difference between assaultive and nonassaultive male offenders. Assaultive female offenders were lower than nonassaultive females on the Hy and Mf Scales. In addition, the 4-3 MMPI profile had the smallest percentage of assaultive offenses while the 4-8 profile had the largest. The results do not support the existence of a single, clearly defined set of traits or profile type that is involvedin an assaultive offense.", "contents": "Trait and type differences among male and female assaultive and nonassaultive offenders. Trait and type differences, defined by MMPI scale scores and profiles, of offenders arrested for misdemeanor assaultive and nonassaultive offenses were investigated. The subjects were male and female offenders who were found guilty by the courts and sent to a clinic for a dispositional evalution. Only the Ma Scale showed a significant difference between assaultive and nonassaultive male offenders. Assaultive female offenders were lower than nonassaultive females on the Hy and Mf Scales. In addition, the 4-3 MMPI profile had the smallest percentage of assaultive offenses while the 4-8 profile had the largest. The results do not support the existence of a single, clearly defined set of traits or profile type that is involvedin an assaultive offense.", "PMID": 1003320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9513", "title": "Length of male and female friendship and perceived intelligence in self and friend.", "content": "The Self-Rating Scale of Intelligence (SRSI) and the Otis intelligence test were administered to -20 pairs each of same-sex long-acquaintance males and females and 12 pairs each of same-sex short-acquaintance males and females. The SRSI provided subjects with the opportunity to make intelligence attributions to self, friend, and ideal friend and to provide the expected rating of self by the friend and people-in-general. Significant positive correlations were obtained from relating the within-person perceptions, while nonsignificant correlations were obtained from the relation of perceptions and objectively measured intelligence between friends. Self-concept support from the friend and from people-in-general were the more significant relationships identified across groups.", "contents": "Length of male and female friendship and perceived intelligence in self and friend. The Self-Rating Scale of Intelligence (SRSI) and the Otis intelligence test were administered to -20 pairs each of same-sex long-acquaintance males and females and 12 pairs each of same-sex short-acquaintance males and females. The SRSI provided subjects with the opportunity to make intelligence attributions to self, friend, and ideal friend and to provide the expected rating of self by the friend and people-in-general. Significant positive correlations were obtained from relating the within-person perceptions, while nonsignificant correlations were obtained from the relation of perceptions and objectively measured intelligence between friends. Self-concept support from the friend and from people-in-general were the more significant relationships identified across groups.", "PMID": 1003321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9514", "title": "Social influence processes and the outcome of sensitivity training.", "content": "Prediction were tested as to the persistence of change after sensitivity training. Using concepts derived from kelman, it was predicted that internalizers will show most durable benefit from training, whereas externalizers (compliants and identifiers) will show less. Questionnaire measures were used based on sociometric rankings of influence sources during training. The subjects were 199 professionals of mixed sex and age attending 5-day sensitivity training programs in England. As predicted, at the close of training internalizers did not differ from externalizers on ratings of benefit by self or by other trainees. Trainers rated internalizers higher (p less than .05). Five months later, internalizers were rated higher than externalizers on benefit by self (p less than .01), and there was a trend in the same direction for ratings by others. Between the two testings of externalizers' benefit there were significant decreases for self-benefit rating (p less than .01) and other-benefit rating (p less than .01), whereas internalizers showed no significant decrease. The findings support typological approaches to the study of social influence and underline the need for caution in selecting the criterion measures to be used immediately after sensitivity training.", "contents": "Social influence processes and the outcome of sensitivity training. Prediction were tested as to the persistence of change after sensitivity training. Using concepts derived from kelman, it was predicted that internalizers will show most durable benefit from training, whereas externalizers (compliants and identifiers) will show less. Questionnaire measures were used based on sociometric rankings of influence sources during training. The subjects were 199 professionals of mixed sex and age attending 5-day sensitivity training programs in England. As predicted, at the close of training internalizers did not differ from externalizers on ratings of benefit by self or by other trainees. Trainers rated internalizers higher (p less than .05). Five months later, internalizers were rated higher than externalizers on benefit by self (p less than .01), and there was a trend in the same direction for ratings by others. Between the two testings of externalizers' benefit there were significant decreases for self-benefit rating (p less than .01) and other-benefit rating (p less than .01), whereas internalizers showed no significant decrease. The findings support typological approaches to the study of social influence and underline the need for caution in selecting the criterion measures to be used immediately after sensitivity training.", "PMID": 1003322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9515", "title": "Bystander reactions to a violent theft: crime in Jerusalem.", "content": "Seventy-two male Israeli students were exposed to a violent crime in the course of a bogus discussion. Their awareness of other bystanders' lack of reaction to the emergency (social influence) and others' awareness of their actions (evaluation apprehension) were crossed in a 2 X 2 factorial design. An \"alone\" condition in which the subject was the only bystander controlled for the effects of others' mere presence (diffusion of responsibility). Helping was reduced by diffusion of responsibility and slowed by negative social influence but was increased by evaluation apprehension. Differences traceable to social influence appeared prior to those from the other processes. Implications of these findings for the measurement of helping and the interpretation of bystander decision making are discussed.", "contents": "Bystander reactions to a violent theft: crime in Jerusalem. Seventy-two male Israeli students were exposed to a violent crime in the course of a bogus discussion. Their awareness of other bystanders' lack of reaction to the emergency (social influence) and others' awareness of their actions (evaluation apprehension) were crossed in a 2 X 2 factorial design. An \"alone\" condition in which the subject was the only bystander controlled for the effects of others' mere presence (diffusion of responsibility). Helping was reduced by diffusion of responsibility and slowed by negative social influence but was increased by evaluation apprehension. Differences traceable to social influence appeared prior to those from the other processes. Implications of these findings for the measurement of helping and the interpretation of bystander decision making are discussed.", "PMID": 1003323} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9516", "title": "Effects of being observed on expressive, subjective, and physiological responses to painful stimuli.", "content": "Two experiments explored the effects of observation by another on responses to painful stimuli. It was anticipated that the intensity of pain-related non-verbal expressivity decreases under observation, while indices of arousal (skin conductance and self-report) increase. In Experiment 1, subjects' expressive responses to shock were attenuated when subjects were observed as compared to when they were alone, but the anticipated augmentation of arousal did not occur. Rather, the attenuation of expressive behavior was accompanied by a general decrease in subjective and autonomic responses to the painful stimuli. A second experiment replicated the results of the first study and, in addition, found no evidence for a differential impact of sex of observer on the three measures of arousal. An interpretation is discussed for the effect of observation on expressive behavior and for the relationships observed among expressive, autonomic, and subjective indices of pain.", "contents": "Effects of being observed on expressive, subjective, and physiological responses to painful stimuli. Two experiments explored the effects of observation by another on responses to painful stimuli. It was anticipated that the intensity of pain-related non-verbal expressivity decreases under observation, while indices of arousal (skin conductance and self-report) increase. In Experiment 1, subjects' expressive responses to shock were attenuated when subjects were observed as compared to when they were alone, but the anticipated augmentation of arousal did not occur. Rather, the attenuation of expressive behavior was accompanied by a general decrease in subjective and autonomic responses to the painful stimuli. A second experiment replicated the results of the first study and, in addition, found no evidence for a differential impact of sex of observer on the three measures of arousal. An interpretation is discussed for the effect of observation on expressive behavior and for the relationships observed among expressive, autonomic, and subjective indices of pain.", "PMID": 1003324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9517", "title": "Targets of gazing and eye contact during interviews: effect on Japanese nonverbal behavior.", "content": "The gaze direction of both the subject and his interviewer were varied independently, such that either looked at the other's eyes or at the other's knees in a 2 X 2 design. A repeated measures design was used with nonverbal vehaviors of Japanese manes as dependent variables. When the interviewers gazed at the subjects' eyes, the response latencies of the subjects were shortened and their torso movements were reduced. Results from other studies of Japanese nonverbal behavior suggest that this pattern of response indicated greater subject invlovement in the interaction. The magnitude of these effects was unchanged whether the subject was reciprocating the interviewer's gaze and making eye contact or looking at the interviewer's knees. It was thus reasoned that effects produced by eye contact in other research may have resulted from subjects' knowledge that they were being gazed at and not from the unique properties of eye contact. When the subjects gazed at the interviewer's eyes, the hand self-manipulations of the subjects increased, reflecting the upsetting effects of monitoring the interviewer's face during interaction. The consequences of gazing at another's eyes thus appear to be different from having one's eyes gazed at by another.", "contents": "Targets of gazing and eye contact during interviews: effect on Japanese nonverbal behavior. The gaze direction of both the subject and his interviewer were varied independently, such that either looked at the other's eyes or at the other's knees in a 2 X 2 design. A repeated measures design was used with nonverbal vehaviors of Japanese manes as dependent variables. When the interviewers gazed at the subjects' eyes, the response latencies of the subjects were shortened and their torso movements were reduced. Results from other studies of Japanese nonverbal behavior suggest that this pattern of response indicated greater subject invlovement in the interaction. The magnitude of these effects was unchanged whether the subject was reciprocating the interviewer's gaze and making eye contact or looking at the interviewer's knees. It was thus reasoned that effects produced by eye contact in other research may have resulted from subjects' knowledge that they were being gazed at and not from the unique properties of eye contact. When the subjects gazed at the interviewer's eyes, the hand self-manipulations of the subjects increased, reflecting the upsetting effects of monitoring the interviewer's face during interaction. The consequences of gazing at another's eyes thus appear to be different from having one's eyes gazed at by another.", "PMID": 1003325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9518", "title": "Psychological factors and clinical observations in acupuncture analgesia and pain abatement.", "content": "The present study attempted to (a) replicate findings on acupuncture reported in the Chinese literature; (b) investigate the effects of acupuncture in achieving analgesia and pain abatement; and (c) isolate the relevant psychological and/or physiological variables involved. Fifty volunteer men and women between 18 and 30 years of age were administered the acupuncture phase of this study for induction of analgesia and relief of pain in the oral cavity. A comparable group of 30 additional Ss were included in the study for comparison with the acupuncture group on several objective psychological measures. Forty of the acupuncture Ss were classified as totally successful. No significant differences between the acupuncture group and the comparable control group were obtained on the objective psychological measures, including measures of personality, suggestibility, anxiety, and attitudes. The results appear to indicate that psychological factors are minimally involved in obtaining analgesia and pain abatement with acupuncture techniques. Several interesting clinical observations were noted during the acupuncture procedure, including absence of discernable signs of analgesia, consistency of results, contralateral analgesic effect related to the location of acupuncture needles, etc. These results were discussed in terms of the possible role of physiological and psychological factors in acupuncture. Possible areas of future research were also discussed.", "contents": "Psychological factors and clinical observations in acupuncture analgesia and pain abatement. The present study attempted to (a) replicate findings on acupuncture reported in the Chinese literature; (b) investigate the effects of acupuncture in achieving analgesia and pain abatement; and (c) isolate the relevant psychological and/or physiological variables involved. Fifty volunteer men and women between 18 and 30 years of age were administered the acupuncture phase of this study for induction of analgesia and relief of pain in the oral cavity. A comparable group of 30 additional Ss were included in the study for comparison with the acupuncture group on several objective psychological measures. Forty of the acupuncture Ss were classified as totally successful. No significant differences between the acupuncture group and the comparable control group were obtained on the objective psychological measures, including measures of personality, suggestibility, anxiety, and attitudes. The results appear to indicate that psychological factors are minimally involved in obtaining analgesia and pain abatement with acupuncture techniques. Several interesting clinical observations were noted during the acupuncture procedure, including absence of discernable signs of analgesia, consistency of results, contralateral analgesic effect related to the location of acupuncture needles, etc. These results were discussed in terms of the possible role of physiological and psychological factors in acupuncture. Possible areas of future research were also discussed.", "PMID": 1003330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9519", "title": "The consequences of positive and negative perceptual identification.", "content": "This study tested the consequences of positive and negative perceptual identification under conditions where the other person (C) represented an ideal or threatening aspect of the Ss' identity. One hundred male students (17 to 25 years of age) participated in the experiment, which followed a 2 X 2 X 2 factorial design. The C was presented as either similar or dissimilar to the Ss and as successful or unsuccessful in an important exam that they were about to take. The other variable was presentation of the C as a co-worker or unrelated other. Attitudes towards the C and imitation of his choices in a person perception task were the dependent variables. As predicted, positive perceptual identification with the C led to further identification and positive feelings toward him. The hypothesis that negative perceptual identification would be followed by behavioral differentiation was not confirmed, although there was some evidence to suggest that Ss tended to deny similarity with the C in this situation.", "contents": "The consequences of positive and negative perceptual identification. This study tested the consequences of positive and negative perceptual identification under conditions where the other person (C) represented an ideal or threatening aspect of the Ss' identity. One hundred male students (17 to 25 years of age) participated in the experiment, which followed a 2 X 2 X 2 factorial design. The C was presented as either similar or dissimilar to the Ss and as successful or unsuccessful in an important exam that they were about to take. The other variable was presentation of the C as a co-worker or unrelated other. Attitudes towards the C and imitation of his choices in a person perception task were the dependent variables. As predicted, positive perceptual identification with the C led to further identification and positive feelings toward him. The hypothesis that negative perceptual identification would be followed by behavioral differentiation was not confirmed, although there was some evidence to suggest that Ss tended to deny similarity with the C in this situation.", "PMID": 1003331} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9520", "title": "Further observations on the psychometric properties of the Psychological Effectiveness Scale.", "content": "Previous work by Poe and by the present writer have shown that the Psychological Effectiveness Scale (PES) has sufficiently high validity and reliability to justify continued research on the instrument. In an attempt to study further the psychometric attributes of the PES, 54 American men and women volunteer methadone clinic patients were assigned a wider range of rating tasks than had hitherto been used. The Ss rated themselves under six different instructions. Internal consistency reliability, measured by coefficient alpha, was in the .90s in all ratings. The differences between the means of some of the ratings were significant at the .01 level. Average item-correlation (total minus item) was also high. These findings, consistent with the results of earlier work, confirm the reliability and construct validity of the PES.", "contents": "Further observations on the psychometric properties of the Psychological Effectiveness Scale. Previous work by Poe and by the present writer have shown that the Psychological Effectiveness Scale (PES) has sufficiently high validity and reliability to justify continued research on the instrument. In an attempt to study further the psychometric attributes of the PES, 54 American men and women volunteer methadone clinic patients were assigned a wider range of rating tasks than had hitherto been used. The Ss rated themselves under six different instructions. Internal consistency reliability, measured by coefficient alpha, was in the .90s in all ratings. The differences between the means of some of the ratings were significant at the .01 level. Average item-correlation (total minus item) was also high. These findings, consistent with the results of earlier work, confirm the reliability and construct validity of the PES.", "PMID": 1003332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9521", "title": "The relationship of extraversion and neuroticism to two measures of assertive behavior.", "content": "One hundred forty-four college students completed the Eysenck Personality Inventory and the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) and wrote their behavioral reactions to five scenarios in which an assertive behavior was an appropriate response. Extraversion showed a significant positive correlation with the RAS in both males and females. Neuroticism was negatively correlated with RAS in both sexes. Extraversion and RAS correlated significantly with rated Assertiveness in the scenarios only in the male sample. The RAS predicted variance in Assertiveness beyond that predicted by Extraversion. Overall low correlations of the measures with rated Assertiveness were discussed in terms of the low internal consistency reliability of that scale.", "contents": "The relationship of extraversion and neuroticism to two measures of assertive behavior. One hundred forty-four college students completed the Eysenck Personality Inventory and the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) and wrote their behavioral reactions to five scenarios in which an assertive behavior was an appropriate response. Extraversion showed a significant positive correlation with the RAS in both males and females. Neuroticism was negatively correlated with RAS in both sexes. Extraversion and RAS correlated significantly with rated Assertiveness in the scenarios only in the male sample. The RAS predicted variance in Assertiveness beyond that predicted by Extraversion. Overall low correlations of the measures with rated Assertiveness were discussed in terms of the low internal consistency reliability of that scale.", "PMID": 1003333} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9522", "title": "Psychometric properties of the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS).", "content": "While there are data supporting the content and construct validity of the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the evidence regarding its reliability is not conclusive. For the purpose of exploring the psychometric properties of the SDS, two studies were done using Ss from two markedly different socio-cultural settings: 213 male and female drug addicts in New York City and 206 male and female undergraduates in Nigeria. Findings included high coefficient alphas and large average item-correlations (total minus item) in both studies. It was concluded that the SDS rates well in terms of internal consistency reliability and construct validity.", "contents": "Psychometric properties of the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). While there are data supporting the content and construct validity of the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the evidence regarding its reliability is not conclusive. For the purpose of exploring the psychometric properties of the SDS, two studies were done using Ss from two markedly different socio-cultural settings: 213 male and female drug addicts in New York City and 206 male and female undergraduates in Nigeria. Findings included high coefficient alphas and large average item-correlations (total minus item) in both studies. It was concluded that the SDS rates well in terms of internal consistency reliability and construct validity.", "PMID": 1003334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9523", "title": "Inference of word meaning from syntax structure by normal children and retarded adolescents.", "content": "Children from five to 12 years of age (N = 136 boys and girls) and institutionalized retarded adolescents (N = 30 boys and girls) were given a task developed by Brown to test ability to infer nonsense word meanings from syntactic clues. Response accuracy for the normal children was consistently low from five years up to eight years of age, after which it increased steeply with increasing age. However, accuracy levels were markedly below those reported by Brown and raise questions concerning his original finding that young children are largely successful in using the grammatical context of new words to guess their meaning. Performance of the retarded adolescents did not parallel that of the nonretarded children, and on two of the three parts of speech their performance fell below mental age expectations, a result attributed to their deficient generalization ability.", "contents": "Inference of word meaning from syntax structure by normal children and retarded adolescents. Children from five to 12 years of age (N = 136 boys and girls) and institutionalized retarded adolescents (N = 30 boys and girls) were given a task developed by Brown to test ability to infer nonsense word meanings from syntactic clues. Response accuracy for the normal children was consistently low from five years up to eight years of age, after which it increased steeply with increasing age. However, accuracy levels were markedly below those reported by Brown and raise questions concerning his original finding that young children are largely successful in using the grammatical context of new words to guess their meaning. Performance of the retarded adolescents did not parallel that of the nonretarded children, and on two of the three parts of speech their performance fell below mental age expectations, a result attributed to their deficient generalization ability.", "PMID": 1003335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9524", "title": "Success, failure, and self-other orientations.", "content": "The experiment investigated the effects of success and failure experiences on Ss' subsequent ratings in a symbols task measure designed to examine perceptions of self-other orientations. Sixty male and female adolescents were assigned to success, failure, or control experiences on three achievement tasks ostensibly testing intellectual ability. Posttest minus pretest changes were assessed on variables of self-esteem, social interest, egocentricity, power, and individuation as measured in the symbols tasks, and analyses of variance results were examined for differences among Ss in the success, failure, and control conditions. As hypothesized, Ss in the success condition made significantly more positive changes in self-perceptions of esteem, social interest, and power relative to failure and control Ss. Implications of the findings were discussed for social psychologists and clinicians interested in personality assessment and social functioning.", "contents": "Success, failure, and self-other orientations. The experiment investigated the effects of success and failure experiences on Ss' subsequent ratings in a symbols task measure designed to examine perceptions of self-other orientations. Sixty male and female adolescents were assigned to success, failure, or control experiences on three achievement tasks ostensibly testing intellectual ability. Posttest minus pretest changes were assessed on variables of self-esteem, social interest, egocentricity, power, and individuation as measured in the symbols tasks, and analyses of variance results were examined for differences among Ss in the success, failure, and control conditions. As hypothesized, Ss in the success condition made significantly more positive changes in self-perceptions of esteem, social interest, and power relative to failure and control Ss. Implications of the findings were discussed for social psychologists and clinicians interested in personality assessment and social functioning.", "PMID": 1003336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9525", "title": "Sex and race as factors affecting the attribution of insanity in a murder trial.", "content": "Two hundred and eight white male and female college students read a summary of a case of a violent murder in which an insanity plea was entered. The sex and race (black or white) of the hypothetical defendant was varied in a 2 X 2 factorial design with 52 Ss per cell. Measurements included verdict (guilty or insane), length of recommended sentence, and ratings of certain defendant characteristics. Major results were as follows: (a) harsher treatment of males as indicated by longer sentences, (b) longer sentences for white as opposed to black males among defendants found guilty, and (c) a trend toward a higher proportion of guilty verdicts for black males.", "contents": "Sex and race as factors affecting the attribution of insanity in a murder trial. Two hundred and eight white male and female college students read a summary of a case of a violent murder in which an insanity plea was entered. The sex and race (black or white) of the hypothetical defendant was varied in a 2 X 2 factorial design with 52 Ss per cell. Measurements included verdict (guilty or insane), length of recommended sentence, and ratings of certain defendant characteristics. Major results were as follows: (a) harsher treatment of males as indicated by longer sentences, (b) longer sentences for white as opposed to black males among defendants found guilty, and (c) a trend toward a higher proportion of guilty verdicts for black males.", "PMID": 1003337} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9526", "title": "Eimeria tenggilingi sp. n. from the scaly anteater Manis javanica Desmarest in Malaysia.", "content": "Eimeria tenggilingi is described from the pangolin or scaly anteater, Manis javanica, in Malaysia. The spheroid to subspheroid oocysts average 18.9 X 17.8 mum. The oocyst wall is composed of 3 layers, each approximately 0.6 mum thick. The 2 outer layers are striated and yellowish green. The inner layer is dark brown. One or 2 polar granules are present, but an oocyst residuum is absent. Ellipsoid sporocysts average 12.4 X 6.2 mum. A sporocyst residuum is present. This is the first Eimeria species reported from a host in the order Pholidota.", "contents": "Eimeria tenggilingi sp. n. from the scaly anteater Manis javanica Desmarest in Malaysia. Eimeria tenggilingi is described from the pangolin or scaly anteater, Manis javanica, in Malaysia. The spheroid to subspheroid oocysts average 18.9 X 17.8 mum. The oocyst wall is composed of 3 layers, each approximately 0.6 mum thick. The 2 outer layers are striated and yellowish green. The inner layer is dark brown. One or 2 polar granules are present, but an oocyst residuum is absent. Ellipsoid sporocysts average 12.4 X 6.2 mum. A sporocyst residuum is present. This is the first Eimeria species reported from a host in the order Pholidota.", "PMID": 1003338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9527", "title": "The genus Leptotheca (Protozoa: Myxosporida) in macrourid fishes and sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria.", "content": "Five species of Leptotheca, one new, were found in the macrourid fishes and the sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria. Those species which were geographically widespread in numerous host species showed little variation. Two Leptotheca species were found both in the gall bladder and urinary bladder/kidney.", "contents": "The genus Leptotheca (Protozoa: Myxosporida) in macrourid fishes and sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria. Five species of Leptotheca, one new, were found in the macrourid fishes and the sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria. Those species which were geographically widespread in numerous host species showed little variation. Two Leptotheca species were found both in the gall bladder and urinary bladder/kidney.", "PMID": 1003339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9528", "title": "Quantitative ultrastructural investigations of mitochondrial development in Leishmania donovani during transformation.", "content": "The ultrastructure of the mitochondrion during transformation of Leishmania donovani from amastigote to promastigote stages was studied by morphometric analysis. There was a slight but significant decrease in relative mitochondrial volume (Vvmi) during transformation. This decrease was linear with time for at least 27 hr. No change in relative lipid inclusion volume (Vvli) was observed during transformation. The ratio of inner to outer mitochondrial surface membrane densities (Svmii:Svmio) also remained unchanged. Although the relative number of cristae remains unchanged after transformation, there is an increase in cristae number in the portion of the kinetoplast opposite the flagellum.", "contents": "Quantitative ultrastructural investigations of mitochondrial development in Leishmania donovani during transformation. The ultrastructure of the mitochondrion during transformation of Leishmania donovani from amastigote to promastigote stages was studied by morphometric analysis. There was a slight but significant decrease in relative mitochondrial volume (Vvmi) during transformation. This decrease was linear with time for at least 27 hr. No change in relative lipid inclusion volume (Vvli) was observed during transformation. The ratio of inner to outer mitochondrial surface membrane densities (Svmii:Svmio) also remained unchanged. Although the relative number of cristae remains unchanged after transformation, there is an increase in cristae number in the portion of the kinetoplast opposite the flagellum.", "PMID": 1003340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9529", "title": "Comparative in vitro development of precocious and normal strains of Eimeria tenella (Coccidia).", "content": "Eimeria tenella strain Wis-F is known to develop in chickens with a significantly shortened prepatent period and its pathogenicity is virtually completely attenuated. In vitro development of this strain paralleled development of the control (Wisconsin) strain through the first asexual generation. Instead of entering 2nd generation schizogony, however, most of the Wis-F merozoites developed into microgamonts or macrogamonts. Wall-forming bodies were prominent in developing macrogametes at 80-88 hr and began coalescing into the oocyst wall by 88 hr. Microgamete development paralleled that of macrogametes, with the appearance of multinucleate, immature forms at 72-80 hr and with recognizable, spermlike microgametes being prominent at 88-96 hr. Pathogenicity attenuation and reduction of the length of the prepatent period clearly resulted from omission of a portion of the life cycle (2nd generation schizogony).", "contents": "Comparative in vitro development of precocious and normal strains of Eimeria tenella (Coccidia). Eimeria tenella strain Wis-F is known to develop in chickens with a significantly shortened prepatent period and its pathogenicity is virtually completely attenuated. In vitro development of this strain paralleled development of the control (Wisconsin) strain through the first asexual generation. Instead of entering 2nd generation schizogony, however, most of the Wis-F merozoites developed into microgamonts or macrogamonts. Wall-forming bodies were prominent in developing macrogametes at 80-88 hr and began coalescing into the oocyst wall by 88 hr. Microgamete development paralleled that of macrogametes, with the appearance of multinucleate, immature forms at 72-80 hr and with recognizable, spermlike microgametes being prominent at 88-96 hr. Pathogenicity attenuation and reduction of the length of the prepatent period clearly resulted from omission of a portion of the life cycle (2nd generation schizogony).", "PMID": 1003341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9530", "title": "Feline toxoplasmosis from acutely infected mice and the development of Toxoplasma cysts.", "content": "The development of Toxoplasma cysts was studied in mice inoculated with tachyzoites by several routes. After 1-30 days of infection, murine tissues were examined microscopically and portions or whole carcasses were fed to mice and cats. The feces of the cats were examined for oocyst shedding. Cyst-like structures containing distinct PAS-positive granules were first seen after 3 days of infection with tachyzoites, and became numerous by 6 days. Argyrophilic walls were first seen after 6 days, and became numerous by 16 days of infection with tachyzoites. Prepatent periods to oocyst shedding (PPO) were either \"short\" (3-10 days) or \"long\" (19-48 days). The \"short\" PPO was found only in cats that had ingested mice infected for 3 days or longer, and was related to the development of PAS-positive granules in T. gondii, and to high, 60-100%, oral infectivity rates for cats. The \"long\" PPO followed the ingestion of mice infected for only 1-2 days, and was related to tachyzoites without distinct PAS-positive granules and low, 32% or less, infectivity for cats. The \"long\" PPO followed also the ingestion of oocysts and the parenteral inoculation of tachyzoites, bradyzoites, or sporozoites. Using the \"short\" PPO as a criterion for detecting cysts in tissues, it was shown that (a) numerous cysts developed in mice 5 days after inoculation with tachyzoites, 7-9 days after inoculation with cysts, and 9-10 days after inoculation with oocysts, and (b) cysts developed faster and more frequently in the brain and muscle than in lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys of mice inoculated with tachyzoites.", "contents": "Feline toxoplasmosis from acutely infected mice and the development of Toxoplasma cysts. The development of Toxoplasma cysts was studied in mice inoculated with tachyzoites by several routes. After 1-30 days of infection, murine tissues were examined microscopically and portions or whole carcasses were fed to mice and cats. The feces of the cats were examined for oocyst shedding. Cyst-like structures containing distinct PAS-positive granules were first seen after 3 days of infection with tachyzoites, and became numerous by 6 days. Argyrophilic walls were first seen after 6 days, and became numerous by 16 days of infection with tachyzoites. Prepatent periods to oocyst shedding (PPO) were either \"short\" (3-10 days) or \"long\" (19-48 days). The \"short\" PPO was found only in cats that had ingested mice infected for 3 days or longer, and was related to the development of PAS-positive granules in T. gondii, and to high, 60-100%, oral infectivity rates for cats. The \"long\" PPO followed the ingestion of mice infected for only 1-2 days, and was related to tachyzoites without distinct PAS-positive granules and low, 32% or less, infectivity for cats. The \"long\" PPO followed also the ingestion of oocysts and the parenteral inoculation of tachyzoites, bradyzoites, or sporozoites. Using the \"short\" PPO as a criterion for detecting cysts in tissues, it was shown that (a) numerous cysts developed in mice 5 days after inoculation with tachyzoites, 7-9 days after inoculation with cysts, and 9-10 days after inoculation with oocysts, and (b) cysts developed faster and more frequently in the brain and muscle than in lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys of mice inoculated with tachyzoites.", "PMID": 1003342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9531", "title": "Prevalence and morphology of Eimeria gadi (Fiebiger, 1913) in the haddock.", "content": "The coccidian parasite Eimeria gadi was found in the haddock, Melanogrammus aeglefinus, taken from the Nova Scotian fishing banks. The haddock infection rates ranged from a high of 58% on Emerald Bank to a low of 4% on Georges Bank, the average being 32%. There was no relationship between sex and degree or prevalence of infection. Although the probability of an occurrence of infection increased with size, small fish with heavy infections were observed. The degree of infection had no apparent effect on the condition factor (length/weight) of the fish. The infection rate reached a maximum in the fall of the year while the heaviest infections were observed in the spring. It is evident from the data that the infection is fatal. The parasite mass, appearing as a creamy viscous to a yellow semisolid material in the swimbladder, consisting of various parasite stages, fibrous and cellular debris, and lipid material. Some aspects of the sporocyst stage are described. No other gadoids from the Nova Scotian banks were found to be infected; however, a single specimen of the fourbeard rockling, Enchelyopus cimbrius, from St. John's, Newfoundland, was found to be heavily infected with E. gadi.", "contents": "Prevalence and morphology of Eimeria gadi (Fiebiger, 1913) in the haddock. The coccidian parasite Eimeria gadi was found in the haddock, Melanogrammus aeglefinus, taken from the Nova Scotian fishing banks. The haddock infection rates ranged from a high of 58% on Emerald Bank to a low of 4% on Georges Bank, the average being 32%. There was no relationship between sex and degree or prevalence of infection. Although the probability of an occurrence of infection increased with size, small fish with heavy infections were observed. The degree of infection had no apparent effect on the condition factor (length/weight) of the fish. The infection rate reached a maximum in the fall of the year while the heaviest infections were observed in the spring. It is evident from the data that the infection is fatal. The parasite mass, appearing as a creamy viscous to a yellow semisolid material in the swimbladder, consisting of various parasite stages, fibrous and cellular debris, and lipid material. Some aspects of the sporocyst stage are described. No other gadoids from the Nova Scotian banks were found to be infected; however, a single specimen of the fourbeard rockling, Enchelyopus cimbrius, from St. John's, Newfoundland, was found to be heavily infected with E. gadi.", "PMID": 1003343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9532", "title": "Pulse-labeling of kinetoplast DNA: localization of 2 sites of synthesis within the networks and kinetics of labeling of closed minicircles.", "content": "Short pulse-labeling of log phase Crithidia fasciculata cells with [3H]thymidine allowed the autoradiographic visualization of 2 sites of replication of kinetoplast DNA situated at the periphery of the networks and separated by 180 degrees. Longer pulse-labeling led to the previously reported total peripheral labeling pattern. Pulse-labeled networks possess an intermediate density in ethidium bromide-CsCl equilibrium gradients between the densities characteristic of closed networks and open or linear DNA. Removal of ethidium bromide by several methods and treatment of intermediate band networks with RNase and pronase had no effect on the equilibrium rebanding pattern. Closed minicircles of Leishmania tarentolae are not labeled by a short pulse of intact cells with [3H]thymidine. A chase of approximately 3-4 hr is required for the appearance of radioactivity in closed minicircles, a time delay which implies the existence of intermediate events between replication and eventual covalent closure of the minicircles.", "contents": "Pulse-labeling of kinetoplast DNA: localization of 2 sites of synthesis within the networks and kinetics of labeling of closed minicircles. Short pulse-labeling of log phase Crithidia fasciculata cells with [3H]thymidine allowed the autoradiographic visualization of 2 sites of replication of kinetoplast DNA situated at the periphery of the networks and separated by 180 degrees. Longer pulse-labeling led to the previously reported total peripheral labeling pattern. Pulse-labeled networks possess an intermediate density in ethidium bromide-CsCl equilibrium gradients between the densities characteristic of closed networks and open or linear DNA. Removal of ethidium bromide by several methods and treatment of intermediate band networks with RNase and pronase had no effect on the equilibrium rebanding pattern. Closed minicircles of Leishmania tarentolae are not labeled by a short pulse of intact cells with [3H]thymidine. A chase of approximately 3-4 hr is required for the appearance of radioactivity in closed minicircles, a time delay which implies the existence of intermediate events between replication and eventual covalent closure of the minicircles.", "PMID": 1003344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9533", "title": "Cessation of nuclear DNA synthesis in differentiating Naegleria.", "content": "DNA synthesis during growth and differentiation in Naegleria gruberi strain NEG populations has been studied. Autoradiography of cells labeled with [3H]thymidine revealed that grains are concentrated over the nuclei in logarithmically growing populations of cells, whereas in differentiating cells, grains are scattered over the cytoplasm; i.e. no significant nuclear labeling is detectable. It was established by MAK chromatographic analysis that [3H]thymidine is incorporated into double-stranded DNA in Naegleria and that the actual amount of incorporation in the logarithmically growing populations of cells is 20 times greater than that in differentiating cells. These results suggest that nuclear DNA synthesis is reduced markedly soon after the initiation of differentiation, while cytoplasmic DNA synthesis continues. It was established from cell cycle analysis that the approximate intervals of G1, S, G2, and M phases were 180, 183, 90, and 28 min, respectively. Hence, the reduction in the nuclear DNA synthesis in differentiating cells is not due to the inhibition of initiation of DNA replication, but rather to the termination of the DNA replicating process. Thus DNA synthesis is curtailed in the presence of RNA and protein synthesis which are required for differentiation.", "contents": "Cessation of nuclear DNA synthesis in differentiating Naegleria. DNA synthesis during growth and differentiation in Naegleria gruberi strain NEG populations has been studied. Autoradiography of cells labeled with [3H]thymidine revealed that grains are concentrated over the nuclei in logarithmically growing populations of cells, whereas in differentiating cells, grains are scattered over the cytoplasm; i.e. no significant nuclear labeling is detectable. It was established by MAK chromatographic analysis that [3H]thymidine is incorporated into double-stranded DNA in Naegleria and that the actual amount of incorporation in the logarithmically growing populations of cells is 20 times greater than that in differentiating cells. These results suggest that nuclear DNA synthesis is reduced markedly soon after the initiation of differentiation, while cytoplasmic DNA synthesis continues. It was established from cell cycle analysis that the approximate intervals of G1, S, G2, and M phases were 180, 183, 90, and 28 min, respectively. Hence, the reduction in the nuclear DNA synthesis in differentiating cells is not due to the inhibition of initiation of DNA replication, but rather to the termination of the DNA replicating process. Thus DNA synthesis is curtailed in the presence of RNA and protein synthesis which are required for differentiation.", "PMID": 1003345} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9534", "title": "Enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in four human species of Leishmania: a comparative survey.", "content": "The occurrence and levels of activity of various enzymes of carbohydrate catabolism in culture forms (promastigotes) of 4 human species of Leishmania (L. brasiliensis, L. donovani, L. mexicana, and L. tropica) were compared. These organisms possess enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway but lack lactate dehydrogenase. No evidence could be found for the production of lactic acid by growing cultures and lactic acid could not be detected either in cell-free preparations or after incubation of cell-free extracts with pyruvate and NADH under appropriate conditions. All 4 species possess alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and alpha-glycerophosphate phosphatase which together could regenerate NAD, thus compensating for the absence of lactate dehydrogenase. The oxidative and nonoxidative reactions of the hexose monophosphate pathway are present in all 4 species. Cell-free extracts have pyruvate dehydrogenase activity which allows the entry of pyruvate into and its subsequent oxidation through the tricarboxylic acid cycle. All enzymes of this cycle, including a thiamine pyrophosphate dependent alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, are present. Both NAD and NADP-linked malate dehydrogenase activities are present. The isocitrate dehydrogenase is NADP specific. There is an active glutamate dehydrogenase which could compete with alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase for the common substrate (alpha-ketoglutarate). Replenishment of C4 acids is accomplished by heterotrophic CO2 fixation catalyzed by pyruvate carboxylase. All 4 species have high levels of NADH oxidase activity. Several enzymes thus far not found in any species of Leishmania have been demonstrated. These are: phosphoglucose isomerase, triose phosphate isomerase, fructose-1, 6-diphosphatase, 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, enolase, alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, alpha-glycerophosphate phosphatase, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, citrate synthase, aconitase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and NADH oxidase.", "contents": "Enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in four human species of Leishmania: a comparative survey. The occurrence and levels of activity of various enzymes of carbohydrate catabolism in culture forms (promastigotes) of 4 human species of Leishmania (L. brasiliensis, L. donovani, L. mexicana, and L. tropica) were compared. These organisms possess enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway but lack lactate dehydrogenase. No evidence could be found for the production of lactic acid by growing cultures and lactic acid could not be detected either in cell-free preparations or after incubation of cell-free extracts with pyruvate and NADH under appropriate conditions. All 4 species possess alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and alpha-glycerophosphate phosphatase which together could regenerate NAD, thus compensating for the absence of lactate dehydrogenase. The oxidative and nonoxidative reactions of the hexose monophosphate pathway are present in all 4 species. Cell-free extracts have pyruvate dehydrogenase activity which allows the entry of pyruvate into and its subsequent oxidation through the tricarboxylic acid cycle. All enzymes of this cycle, including a thiamine pyrophosphate dependent alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, are present. Both NAD and NADP-linked malate dehydrogenase activities are present. The isocitrate dehydrogenase is NADP specific. There is an active glutamate dehydrogenase which could compete with alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase for the common substrate (alpha-ketoglutarate). Replenishment of C4 acids is accomplished by heterotrophic CO2 fixation catalyzed by pyruvate carboxylase. All 4 species have high levels of NADH oxidase activity. Several enzymes thus far not found in any species of Leishmania have been demonstrated. These are: phosphoglucose isomerase, triose phosphate isomerase, fructose-1, 6-diphosphatase, 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, enolase, alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, alpha-glycerophosphate phosphatase, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, citrate synthase, aconitase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and NADH oxidase.", "PMID": 1003346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9535", "title": "Black children's perceptions of black english.", "content": "In studying the perception of differences between Black English and Standard English by 48 first-grade, urban, Black children, BE and SE were partitioned into content, i.e., syntax and lexicon, and style, i.e., suprasegmentals or prosodic features of phonology. A discrimination task was designed to test whether the subjects could perceive differences in terms of style or content or both. Accurate discriminations were related to language variety preference and school and home-street register maintenance. The results indicated BE style to be as significantly related to BE preference and register maintenance as BE content when the two were separated.", "contents": "Black children's perceptions of black english. In studying the perception of differences between Black English and Standard English by 48 first-grade, urban, Black children, BE and SE were partitioned into content, i.e., syntax and lexicon, and style, i.e., suprasegmentals or prosodic features of phonology. A discrimination task was designed to test whether the subjects could perceive differences in terms of style or content or both. Accurate discriminations were related to language variety preference and school and home-street register maintenance. The results indicated BE style to be as significantly related to BE preference and register maintenance as BE content when the two were separated.", "PMID": 1003347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9536", "title": "[The value of double contrast radiological exploration in the study of pathological appearances of the greater curvature of the stomach (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors indicate the special points relative to effective double contrast radiological exploration of the greater curvature of the stomach (high titre barium suspension, with high covering power; maximal insufflation of the gastric cavity; decubitus films always complemented by filling images in procubitus and in a vertical position. They then present the principal features which may be encountered using the method: -addition images in relation with ulcerated lesions; -lacunae indicative of localised parietal proliferation; - \"double contour\" appearances corresponding to infiltrating tumors with a broad surface; - \"thick folds\" of the greater curvature which, apart from the classical causes, should first suggest an inflammatory or tumoural process in the underlying pancreas; - extrinsic imprints, the topographical location and appearances of which may indicate their origin.", "contents": "[The value of double contrast radiological exploration in the study of pathological appearances of the greater curvature of the stomach (author's transl)]. The authors indicate the special points relative to effective double contrast radiological exploration of the greater curvature of the stomach (high titre barium suspension, with high covering power; maximal insufflation of the gastric cavity; decubitus films always complemented by filling images in procubitus and in a vertical position. They then present the principal features which may be encountered using the method: -addition images in relation with ulcerated lesions; -lacunae indicative of localised parietal proliferation; - \"double contour\" appearances corresponding to infiltrating tumors with a broad surface; - \"thick folds\" of the greater curvature which, apart from the classical causes, should first suggest an inflammatory or tumoural process in the underlying pancreas; - extrinsic imprints, the topographical location and appearances of which may indicate their origin.", "PMID": 1003374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9537", "title": "[Double contrast exploration of the stomach after surgery (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors describe the application of double contrast radiological exploration in the stomach after surgery. They show normal and pathological results after the principal types of gastric surgery: excisions, conservative procedures, hiatal hernia surgery. Apart from the post-operative period, the technique may be used without major difficulties. The precise images obtained render it the technique of choice for the detection of the organic complications of gastroduodenal surgery.", "contents": "[Double contrast exploration of the stomach after surgery (author's transl)]. The authors describe the application of double contrast radiological exploration in the stomach after surgery. They show normal and pathological results after the principal types of gastric surgery: excisions, conservative procedures, hiatal hernia surgery. Apart from the post-operative period, the technique may be used without major difficulties. The precise images obtained render it the technique of choice for the detection of the organic complications of gastroduodenal surgery.", "PMID": 1003375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9538", "title": "[Angiographic aspects of portal hypertension in children (author's transl)].", "content": "Arterial portography is an easy and safe method for the study of children presenting signs of portal hypertension. This method permits the exact localisation of the site of obstruction, the demonstration of the degree and extent of the collateral vessels as well as an appreciation of the intrahepatic arterial bed. A more adequate therapeutic attitude can thus be defined.", "contents": "[Angiographic aspects of portal hypertension in children (author's transl)]. Arterial portography is an easy and safe method for the study of children presenting signs of portal hypertension. This method permits the exact localisation of the site of obstruction, the demonstration of the degree and extent of the collateral vessels as well as an appreciation of the intrahepatic arterial bed. A more adequate therapeutic attitude can thus be defined.", "PMID": 1003376} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9539", "title": "[Radiological implications of iatrogenic complications in neo-natal surgery (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors report 17 cases of iatrogenic complications occurring during the neonatal period over an interval of 5 years in a surgical service. Such complications concern the radiologist, either in their cause or their discovery. These cases are taken together with findings reported in the literature and lead the authors to draw conclusions with regard to the practical management of certain examinations in the neonatal period and the radiological surveillance of the newborn in a surgical department.", "contents": "[Radiological implications of iatrogenic complications in neo-natal surgery (author's transl)]. The authors report 17 cases of iatrogenic complications occurring during the neonatal period over an interval of 5 years in a surgical service. Such complications concern the radiologist, either in their cause or their discovery. These cases are taken together with findings reported in the literature and lead the authors to draw conclusions with regard to the practical management of certain examinations in the neonatal period and the radiological surveillance of the newborn in a surgical department.", "PMID": 1003377} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9540", "title": "[Angiographic signs of the small intestine (two cases) (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors describe 2 cases of ileal carcinoid. They evaluate the advantages of selective angiography over the traditional radiologic methods, considering their cases and the 39 found in the literature. The angiographic signs of the lesions localized to the bowel wall are rather scarse and non-specific. The signs of mesenteric infiltration, which is precocious and conspicuous in this type of tumour, are more significant. Liver metastases, which are very frequent, are hypervascularized. The angiographic pattern may be similar to that found in some inflammatory diseases, but can be differentiated from that of other neoplasms of the small intestine.", "contents": "[Angiographic signs of the small intestine (two cases) (author's transl)]. The authors describe 2 cases of ileal carcinoid. They evaluate the advantages of selective angiography over the traditional radiologic methods, considering their cases and the 39 found in the literature. The angiographic signs of the lesions localized to the bowel wall are rather scarse and non-specific. The signs of mesenteric infiltration, which is precocious and conspicuous in this type of tumour, are more significant. Liver metastases, which are very frequent, are hypervascularized. The angiographic pattern may be similar to that found in some inflammatory diseases, but can be differentiated from that of other neoplasms of the small intestine.", "PMID": 1003378} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9541", "title": "[Atypical angiographic appearances of aneurisms of the abdominal aorta (author's transl)].", "content": "On the basis of 72 radio-surgical cases of abdominal aortic aneurism, the authors stress the value of atypical angiographic findings, which are ten in number. The presence of clot within the aneurism itself may explain a disparity between radiological and surgical findings. Failure to recognize these atypical signs is very serious, when the diagnosis of aneurism is not suspected clinically. Antero-posterior and, above all, lateral abdominal aortography is essential in the angiographic study of aneurisms of the abdominal aorta. Careful search for these 10 atypical signs should make it possible to avoid missing latent aneurisms. Lateral abdominal aortography is essential in order to determine the state of the abdominal collaterals of the aorta and, in particular, the superior mesenteric artery.", "contents": "[Atypical angiographic appearances of aneurisms of the abdominal aorta (author's transl)]. On the basis of 72 radio-surgical cases of abdominal aortic aneurism, the authors stress the value of atypical angiographic findings, which are ten in number. The presence of clot within the aneurism itself may explain a disparity between radiological and surgical findings. Failure to recognize these atypical signs is very serious, when the diagnosis of aneurism is not suspected clinically. Antero-posterior and, above all, lateral abdominal aortography is essential in the angiographic study of aneurisms of the abdominal aorta. Careful search for these 10 atypical signs should make it possible to avoid missing latent aneurisms. Lateral abdominal aortography is essential in order to determine the state of the abdominal collaterals of the aorta and, in particular, the superior mesenteric artery.", "PMID": 1003379} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9542", "title": "[Spontaneous sub-capsular haematoma of the liver compressing the hepatic veins. Angiographic diagnosis (author's transl)].", "content": "Apart from special types encountered in neonates and during pregnancy, spontaneous sub-capsular haematoma (SCH) of the liver is a rare condition which is usually not recognized before operation. The diagnostic value of arteriography is emphasized by this case of SCH in a 29 year old man which presented spontaneously with the appearance of a large mass in the right hypochondrium with fever and pain. Angiographic changes identical to those seen with a traumatic SCH were found and, in this case, were accompanied by a local reversal in intra-hepatic portal flow related to a tumoural Budd-Chiari phenomenon (compression of the hepatic veins by the haematoma). Despite histological study of the liver, no tumoural, vascular, infective or parasitic aetiology could be found to explain this apparently idiopathic spontaneous SCH.", "contents": "[Spontaneous sub-capsular haematoma of the liver compressing the hepatic veins. Angiographic diagnosis (author's transl)]. Apart from special types encountered in neonates and during pregnancy, spontaneous sub-capsular haematoma (SCH) of the liver is a rare condition which is usually not recognized before operation. The diagnostic value of arteriography is emphasized by this case of SCH in a 29 year old man which presented spontaneously with the appearance of a large mass in the right hypochondrium with fever and pain. Angiographic changes identical to those seen with a traumatic SCH were found and, in this case, were accompanied by a local reversal in intra-hepatic portal flow related to a tumoural Budd-Chiari phenomenon (compression of the hepatic veins by the haematoma). Despite histological study of the liver, no tumoural, vascular, infective or parasitic aetiology could be found to explain this apparently idiopathic spontaneous SCH.", "PMID": 1003380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9543", "title": "Following advice in general practice.", "content": "A random sample of 521 patients to whom prescriptions had been issued in an urban general practice were investigated to see how well they followed advice about taking medicines.Most factors that have been previously reported as affecting this did not appear to do so. A very high degree of compliance was achieved and it is suggested that the key factor in this is the relationship between doctor and patient.", "contents": "Following advice in general practice. A random sample of 521 patients to whom prescriptions had been issued in an urban general practice were investigated to see how well they followed advice about taking medicines.Most factors that have been previously reported as affecting this did not appear to do so. A very high degree of compliance was achieved and it is suggested that the key factor in this is the relationship between doctor and patient.", "PMID": 1003381} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9544", "title": "An audit of the care of diabetics in a group practice.", "content": "The diabetics in a general practice of 20,175 patients were identified during one year and 119 were found-a prevalence of 5.9 per thousand.The age and sex distribution, method of treatment, criteria of diabetic control, complications, and present method of care were analysed from the medical records to examine the process of medical care of a chronic disease in general practice.", "contents": "An audit of the care of diabetics in a group practice. The diabetics in a general practice of 20,175 patients were identified during one year and 119 were found-a prevalence of 5.9 per thousand.The age and sex distribution, method of treatment, criteria of diabetic control, complications, and present method of care were analysed from the medical records to examine the process of medical care of a chronic disease in general practice.", "PMID": 1003384} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9545", "title": "Army families and the general practitioner.", "content": "The military component of a rural general practice is described with details of increased workload and morbidity for conditions associated with emotional stress.", "contents": "Army families and the general practitioner. The military component of a rural general practice is described with details of increased workload and morbidity for conditions associated with emotional stress.", "PMID": 1003387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9546", "title": "Developmental and paediatric care of the pre-school child.", "content": "Through an Upjohn Travelling Fellowship I visited 27 experts in childcare and sought their opinions on the privileges, possibilities, and problems in organising developmental and paediatric care for pre-school children in the United Kingdom.The role of the general practitioner was seen by many of the experts clearly. How he is to play it is shrouded in uncertainty. Research is urgently needed both on the tools of surveillance and on the different methods of arranging care.", "contents": "Developmental and paediatric care of the pre-school child. Through an Upjohn Travelling Fellowship I visited 27 experts in childcare and sought their opinions on the privileges, possibilities, and problems in organising developmental and paediatric care for pre-school children in the United Kingdom.The role of the general practitioner was seen by many of the experts clearly. How he is to play it is shrouded in uncertainty. Research is urgently needed both on the tools of surveillance and on the different methods of arranging care.", "PMID": 1003388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9547", "title": "Rubella immunisation and contraception--a case for re-examining the policy of the Department of Health and Social Security.", "content": "Now that immunisation against rubella is available, it would at first sight seem reasonable to identify all potential mothers susceptible to this disease and immunise them. Preliminary screening, however, carried out in order to restrict vaccination to seronegative subjects, not only serves no useful purpose, but is counter-productive.", "contents": "Rubella immunisation and contraception--a case for re-examining the policy of the Department of Health and Social Security. Now that immunisation against rubella is available, it would at first sight seem reasonable to identify all potential mothers susceptible to this disease and immunise them. Preliminary screening, however, carried out in order to restrict vaccination to seronegative subjects, not only serves no useful purpose, but is counter-productive.", "PMID": 1003390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9548", "title": "The cost of a general practitioner in the national health service.", "content": "This paper estimates the cost to the National Health Service of decisions made by a trainee general practitioner during two consecutive weeks. By extrapolation of the cost of these actions (issuing prescriptions, issuing National Insurance certificates, requesting investigations, and initiating hospital referrals), the annual cost of a general practitioner in the National Health Service is at least pound43,000.", "contents": "The cost of a general practitioner in the national health service. This paper estimates the cost to the National Health Service of decisions made by a trainee general practitioner during two consecutive weeks. By extrapolation of the cost of these actions (issuing prescriptions, issuing National Insurance certificates, requesting investigations, and initiating hospital referrals), the annual cost of a general practitioner in the National Health Service is at least pound43,000.", "PMID": 1003391} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9549", "title": "General practice in Croatia, Yugoslavia.", "content": "The position and importance of general practice in the Yugoslavian Health Service is being reviewed in a study of the working conditions, the composition and relationship of the primary health care team, the workload, and the opinions of the patients in Croatia, Yugoslavia.We found that many practices had barely half the recommended equipment, that the average workload was 40 patients a day, and that many general practitioners expected others to improve their organisation rather than undertaking it themselves.Those general-practitioner teams which we rated highly were also the most popular with patients. The job satisfaction of nurses varied and was highest when the doctors in the team did not have a high need for status for themselves.We consider general practice to be of crucial importance in the total system of health care in our country and believe that general practitioners should have the same status as specialists.", "contents": "General practice in Croatia, Yugoslavia. The position and importance of general practice in the Yugoslavian Health Service is being reviewed in a study of the working conditions, the composition and relationship of the primary health care team, the workload, and the opinions of the patients in Croatia, Yugoslavia.We found that many practices had barely half the recommended equipment, that the average workload was 40 patients a day, and that many general practitioners expected others to improve their organisation rather than undertaking it themselves.Those general-practitioner teams which we rated highly were also the most popular with patients. The job satisfaction of nurses varied and was highest when the doctors in the team did not have a high need for status for themselves.We consider general practice to be of crucial importance in the total system of health care in our country and believe that general practitioners should have the same status as specialists.", "PMID": 1003392} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9550", "title": "Current concepts of defibrination in the pregnant woman.", "content": "The possible predisposing causes of difibrination in the pregnant woman are discussed. Coagulation profiles and qualitative and quantitative assessment of fibrinolytic activity during labor, delivery and the early puerperium in normal pregnancies are presented. These factors were also studied in patients with abruptio placentae and prolonged intrauterine fetal death and in women whose pregnancies were terminated with intraamniotic infusion of hypertonic saline or prostaglandin F2alpha. The findings suggest that a minor degree of physiologic defibrination develops during normal labor that is qualitatively similar to, but of much lesser magnitude than, the pathologic defibrination syndrome commonly associated with abruptio placentae or prolonged intrauterine fetal death. Some degree of defibrination occurs in women undergoing saline abortion, similar to that of women during normal parturition, but does not usually reach clinically significant levels. The coagulation changes seen during prostaglandin abortion suggest that a minor degree of defibrination occurs that is substantially less than that seen during saline abortion. The findings presented form a basis for the rational management of defibrination in the pregnant woman.", "contents": "Current concepts of defibrination in the pregnant woman. The possible predisposing causes of difibrination in the pregnant woman are discussed. Coagulation profiles and qualitative and quantitative assessment of fibrinolytic activity during labor, delivery and the early puerperium in normal pregnancies are presented. These factors were also studied in patients with abruptio placentae and prolonged intrauterine fetal death and in women whose pregnancies were terminated with intraamniotic infusion of hypertonic saline or prostaglandin F2alpha. The findings suggest that a minor degree of physiologic defibrination develops during normal labor that is qualitatively similar to, but of much lesser magnitude than, the pathologic defibrination syndrome commonly associated with abruptio placentae or prolonged intrauterine fetal death. Some degree of defibrination occurs in women undergoing saline abortion, similar to that of women during normal parturition, but does not usually reach clinically significant levels. The coagulation changes seen during prostaglandin abortion suggest that a minor degree of defibrination occurs that is substantially less than that seen during saline abortion. The findings presented form a basis for the rational management of defibrination in the pregnant woman.", "PMID": 1003395} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9551", "title": "Rape: the gynecologist's role.", "content": "The rape victim is a product of both a sexual and violent crime; the patient, in becoming the gynecologist's responsibility, must be received in a manner uniquely adapted to fit this situation. The physician must maintain his or her role as a healer and has no place acting as a lawyer or law enforcement officer. However, by obtaining the necessary, basic knowledge of the community's law, the physician can enable the patient to avoid unnecessary personnel, who tend to interview her at the most traumatic moment. It is best to do the minimum needed so that the patient realizes she is being treated as a troubled individual and not as a part of a future medicolegal case. In addition, the physician can practice good preventive medicine by alerting patients to clues about how to avoid rapists' attacks and yet do all they can to prevent the injuries which, although not primary, are part of many rapes. Our patients need a friend, a physician and a counselor all in one. The gynecologist should be all three.", "contents": "Rape: the gynecologist's role. The rape victim is a product of both a sexual and violent crime; the patient, in becoming the gynecologist's responsibility, must be received in a manner uniquely adapted to fit this situation. The physician must maintain his or her role as a healer and has no place acting as a lawyer or law enforcement officer. However, by obtaining the necessary, basic knowledge of the community's law, the physician can enable the patient to avoid unnecessary personnel, who tend to interview her at the most traumatic moment. It is best to do the minimum needed so that the patient realizes she is being treated as a troubled individual and not as a part of a future medicolegal case. In addition, the physician can practice good preventive medicine by alerting patients to clues about how to avoid rapists' attacks and yet do all they can to prevent the injuries which, although not primary, are part of many rapes. Our patients need a friend, a physician and a counselor all in one. The gynecologist should be all three.", "PMID": 1003397} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9552", "title": "Colposcopic evaluation of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.", "content": "Colposcopic examination and directed biopsies were performed on 70 patients with abnormal cerivcal cytology. The correlation of the histology of the directed biopsies with the colposcopic appearance was 80%; it was 86% with the original Papanicolaou smear. In no case was the histology of a subsequent cone biopsy or hysterectomy specimen more advanced than that of the directed biopsy. Conization was avoided in 52 of the 70 patients and could have been avoided in seven others.", "contents": "Colposcopic evaluation of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Colposcopic examination and directed biopsies were performed on 70 patients with abnormal cerivcal cytology. The correlation of the histology of the directed biopsies with the colposcopic appearance was 80%; it was 86% with the original Papanicolaou smear. In no case was the histology of a subsequent cone biopsy or hysterectomy specimen more advanced than that of the directed biopsy. Conization was avoided in 52 of the 70 patients and could have been avoided in seven others.", "PMID": 1003398} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9553", "title": "Perforation of the large bowel by a Dalkon Shield intrauterine device.", "content": "Since the introduction of the Dalkon Shield, there have been many reports on serious complications of this intrauterine divice (IUD). After the publication by Christian, the manufacturer voluntarily suspended manufacture of the Dalkon Shield. Nevertheless, many women are still using this IUD for contraception. This paper represents one of the firsts reports in the literature on the perforation of the sigmoid colon by a Dalkon Shield.", "contents": "Perforation of the large bowel by a Dalkon Shield intrauterine device. Since the introduction of the Dalkon Shield, there have been many reports on serious complications of this intrauterine divice (IUD). After the publication by Christian, the manufacturer voluntarily suspended manufacture of the Dalkon Shield. Nevertheless, many women are still using this IUD for contraception. This paper represents one of the firsts reports in the literature on the perforation of the sigmoid colon by a Dalkon Shield.", "PMID": 1003399} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9554", "title": "Coexistance of tubal ectopic pregnancy and adenomatoid tumor.", "content": "The first case is presented of coexistance of an ectopic pregnancy and an adenomatoid tumor in the same fallopian tube. The ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed clinically, but the tumor was only detected microscopically as a result of extensive sampling of the salpingectomy specimen.", "contents": "Coexistance of tubal ectopic pregnancy and adenomatoid tumor. The first case is presented of coexistance of an ectopic pregnancy and an adenomatoid tumor in the same fallopian tube. The ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed clinically, but the tumor was only detected microscopically as a result of extensive sampling of the salpingectomy specimen.", "PMID": 1003400} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9555", "title": "Active-site-directed alkylation of chymotrypsin by reagents utilizing various departing groups.", "content": "Affinity-labeling reagents are useful for the inactivation of proteases in vivo but are apparently limited in application by the possibility of side reactions. In addition, increased specificity would be desirable. Substrate-derived chloromethyl ketones, one class of protease inhibitors, have been examined with the hope that replacement of the departing group halogen by other substituents might lead to improved inhibitor characteristics. Analogues of Z-Phe-Ch2X were synthesized in which X is a sulfonate or carboxylate substituent and examined as inactivators of chymotrypsin. The sulfonate esters were found to be more reactive than the previously studied halogen derivatives.", "contents": "Active-site-directed alkylation of chymotrypsin by reagents utilizing various departing groups. Affinity-labeling reagents are useful for the inactivation of proteases in vivo but are apparently limited in application by the possibility of side reactions. In addition, increased specificity would be desirable. Substrate-derived chloromethyl ketones, one class of protease inhibitors, have been examined with the hope that replacement of the departing group halogen by other substituents might lead to improved inhibitor characteristics. Analogues of Z-Phe-Ch2X were synthesized in which X is a sulfonate or carboxylate substituent and examined as inactivators of chymotrypsin. The sulfonate esters were found to be more reactive than the previously studied halogen derivatives.", "PMID": 1003404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9556", "title": "Synthesis of biologically active retroenantiomers of angiotensin peptides.", "content": "The effect of the reversal of the direction of amide bonds in the peptide chain of angiotensin was determined by the synthesis and study of retroenantiomers of the following peptides: 1 [Val5]angiotensin II (angiotensin); 2, [Suc1]angiotensin (desamino-angiotensin); 3, [Ala7]desamino-angiotensin; 4, [beta-Ala7]desamino-angiotensin. In all of these retroenantiomers, the N-terminal Phe residue was replaced by a benzylmalonyl moiety in order to maintain the topological features of angiotensin's C terminus which are important for biological activity. The separation of the diasteromeric peptides containing D- or L-benzylmalonyl residues was possible in the cases of the retroenantiomers of 1 and 2 but not in those of 3 and 4. The retroenantiomers of 1 and 2 were devoid of smooth muscle contracting activities, while those of 3 and 4 contracted the isolated guinea-pig ileum and rat uterus with activities ranging from 8 to 24%, when compared with the respective parent compounds. The results indicate that (a) the sense of the peptide bonds in angiotensin's backbone is not essential for activity, and (b) the Pro7 residue in angiotensin is important for maintaining an \"active\" conformation of the molecule. The compounds reported in this paper are the first retroenantiomers of linear peptide hormones that have been shown to retain the biological activities of the parent compounds.", "contents": "Synthesis of biologically active retroenantiomers of angiotensin peptides. The effect of the reversal of the direction of amide bonds in the peptide chain of angiotensin was determined by the synthesis and study of retroenantiomers of the following peptides: 1 [Val5]angiotensin II (angiotensin); 2, [Suc1]angiotensin (desamino-angiotensin); 3, [Ala7]desamino-angiotensin; 4, [beta-Ala7]desamino-angiotensin. In all of these retroenantiomers, the N-terminal Phe residue was replaced by a benzylmalonyl moiety in order to maintain the topological features of angiotensin's C terminus which are important for biological activity. The separation of the diasteromeric peptides containing D- or L-benzylmalonyl residues was possible in the cases of the retroenantiomers of 1 and 2 but not in those of 3 and 4. The retroenantiomers of 1 and 2 were devoid of smooth muscle contracting activities, while those of 3 and 4 contracted the isolated guinea-pig ileum and rat uterus with activities ranging from 8 to 24%, when compared with the respective parent compounds. The results indicate that (a) the sense of the peptide bonds in angiotensin's backbone is not essential for activity, and (b) the Pro7 residue in angiotensin is important for maintaining an \"active\" conformation of the molecule. The compounds reported in this paper are the first retroenantiomers of linear peptide hormones that have been shown to retain the biological activities of the parent compounds.", "PMID": 1003405} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9557", "title": "Use of cluster analysis in the development of structure-activity relations for antitumor triazenes.", "content": "A series of antitumor triazenes in which the members of the series are physicochemically distinct was designed using the cluster analysis approach as proposed by Hansch and his co-workers. The series that resulted was tested against Sarcoma 180 in the mouse and the antitumor activities were analyzed using regression techniques. The structure-activity relations that resulted are discussed in terms of proposed mechanisms of action.", "contents": "Use of cluster analysis in the development of structure-activity relations for antitumor triazenes. A series of antitumor triazenes in which the members of the series are physicochemically distinct was designed using the cluster analysis approach as proposed by Hansch and his co-workers. The series that resulted was tested against Sarcoma 180 in the mouse and the antitumor activities were analyzed using regression techniques. The structure-activity relations that resulted are discussed in terms of proposed mechanisms of action.", "PMID": 1003406} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9558", "title": "Potential central nervous system antitumor agents. Aziridinylbenzoquinones.", "content": "A series of 15 2,5-diaziridinyl-3,6-bis(alkylamino)-1,4-benzoquinone derivatives was synthesized and evaluated as central nervous system antitumor agents in the murine intracerebral L1210 and ependymoblastoma brain tumor systems. Intraperitoneal activity was evaluted in the leukemia L1210, P388, and B16 melanocarcinoma tumor models. The more hydrophilic hydroxyalkylamino compounds were the most effective in the intraperitoneal ascites systems (L1210, P388) with the dihydroxypropylamino (18) and hydroxyethylamino (17) analogues producing long-term survivors. The simple, more lipophilic mono- and dialkylamino derivatives were most effective in the intracerebral systems. Multiple long-term survivors were obtained with the methyl (13), ethyl (14), and dimethylamino (20) compounds in the ependymoblastoma brain tumor system. The parent amino analogue 12 was very active in several tumor models. The relationship between structure, activity, and water solubility are discussed.", "contents": "Potential central nervous system antitumor agents. Aziridinylbenzoquinones. A series of 15 2,5-diaziridinyl-3,6-bis(alkylamino)-1,4-benzoquinone derivatives was synthesized and evaluated as central nervous system antitumor agents in the murine intracerebral L1210 and ependymoblastoma brain tumor systems. Intraperitoneal activity was evaluted in the leukemia L1210, P388, and B16 melanocarcinoma tumor models. The more hydrophilic hydroxyalkylamino compounds were the most effective in the intraperitoneal ascites systems (L1210, P388) with the dihydroxypropylamino (18) and hydroxyethylamino (17) analogues producing long-term survivors. The simple, more lipophilic mono- and dialkylamino derivatives were most effective in the intracerebral systems. Multiple long-term survivors were obtained with the methyl (13), ethyl (14), and dimethylamino (20) compounds in the ependymoblastoma brain tumor system. The parent amino analogue 12 was very active in several tumor models. The relationship between structure, activity, and water solubility are discussed.", "PMID": 1003407} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9559", "title": "Stereochemical studies on medicinal agents. 21. Investigation of the role of conformational factors in the action of diphenylpropylamines. Synthesis and analgetic potency of 5-methylmethadone diastereomers.", "content": "The synthesis of racemic threo- and erythro-5-methylmethadone (3a and 3b, respectively) was carried out and the solution conformation of each isomer was investigated through pKa and NMR studies. The data indicate that 3a-HCl exists exclusively in an internally hydrogen-bonded conformation while the erythro isomer 3b-HCl is present as a mixture of conformations. The erythro racemate 3b was found to possess 5.4 times the analgetic potency of (+/-)-methadone in contrast to the threo racemate 3a which was inactive and devoid of antagonist activity. The fact that the inactive racemate 3a contains the 5S,6R stereoisomer, which combines the configurations found in the more active enantiomers of methadone and isomethadone, suggests that the chiral centers do not behave as independent units and that conformational factors are playing an important role in governing stereoselectivity. These results, when analyzed together with earlier reports, suggest that one of the pharmacophoric conformations of the diphenylpropylamine analgetics possesses an antiperiplanar-like disposition of the Ph2CCOEt and +NHMe2 groups.", "contents": "Stereochemical studies on medicinal agents. 21. Investigation of the role of conformational factors in the action of diphenylpropylamines. Synthesis and analgetic potency of 5-methylmethadone diastereomers. The synthesis of racemic threo- and erythro-5-methylmethadone (3a and 3b, respectively) was carried out and the solution conformation of each isomer was investigated through pKa and NMR studies. The data indicate that 3a-HCl exists exclusively in an internally hydrogen-bonded conformation while the erythro isomer 3b-HCl is present as a mixture of conformations. The erythro racemate 3b was found to possess 5.4 times the analgetic potency of (+/-)-methadone in contrast to the threo racemate 3a which was inactive and devoid of antagonist activity. The fact that the inactive racemate 3a contains the 5S,6R stereoisomer, which combines the configurations found in the more active enantiomers of methadone and isomethadone, suggests that the chiral centers do not behave as independent units and that conformational factors are playing an important role in governing stereoselectivity. These results, when analyzed together with earlier reports, suggest that one of the pharmacophoric conformations of the diphenylpropylamine analgetics possesses an antiperiplanar-like disposition of the Ph2CCOEt and +NHMe2 groups.", "PMID": 1003408} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9560", "title": "Synthesis of spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4'-piperidines] as potential central nervous system agents.", "content": "Synthesis of 1'-methyl-3-phenylspiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4'-piperidine] (7a, HP 365) and the demethyl analogue 9a (HP 505) was prompted by recognition of an aminoalkyl(aryl)isobenzofuran moiety common to the antidepressants talopram (Lu 3-010) and trans-10,11-dihydro-5,10-epoxy-5-[3-(methylamino)propyl]-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-11-ol (MK-940). Convenient laboratory synthesis of 7a was provided by lithiation of 2-bromobenzhydryl methyl ether, followed by addition of 1-methyl-4-piperidone and acid-catalyzed cyclization. N-Dealkylation by standard methods afforded 9a. Synthesis of analogues was stimulated by discovery of marked inhibition of tetrabenazine-induced ptosis for lead compounds 7a and 9a. Optimal antitetrabenazine activity is associated with the 3-phenylspiro-[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4'-piperidine] moiety where nitrogen is basic. Modification of this moiety by introduction of large nitrogen substituents or a C-3 substituent greater than H significantly reduced antitetrabenazine activity. A series of analogues with aromatic substituents was investigated; however, few of these compounds were significantly more active than 7a and 9a. Compound 9a was selected for additional studies.", "contents": "Synthesis of spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4'-piperidines] as potential central nervous system agents. Synthesis of 1'-methyl-3-phenylspiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4'-piperidine] (7a, HP 365) and the demethyl analogue 9a (HP 505) was prompted by recognition of an aminoalkyl(aryl)isobenzofuran moiety common to the antidepressants talopram (Lu 3-010) and trans-10,11-dihydro-5,10-epoxy-5-[3-(methylamino)propyl]-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-11-ol (MK-940). Convenient laboratory synthesis of 7a was provided by lithiation of 2-bromobenzhydryl methyl ether, followed by addition of 1-methyl-4-piperidone and acid-catalyzed cyclization. N-Dealkylation by standard methods afforded 9a. Synthesis of analogues was stimulated by discovery of marked inhibition of tetrabenazine-induced ptosis for lead compounds 7a and 9a. Optimal antitetrabenazine activity is associated with the 3-phenylspiro-[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4'-piperidine] moiety where nitrogen is basic. Modification of this moiety by introduction of large nitrogen substituents or a C-3 substituent greater than H significantly reduced antitetrabenazine activity. A series of analogues with aromatic substituents was investigated; however, few of these compounds were significantly more active than 7a and 9a. Compound 9a was selected for additional studies.", "PMID": 1003409} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9561", "title": "Lipid solubility and affinity for N-demethylation of dansylamides in isolated rat hepatocytes.", "content": "Isolated hepatocytes carry out the N-demethylation of dansylamide at near linear rates for up to 8 h. This reaction was measured by following the release of tritium into water on hydroxylation of 3H-labeled methyl groups. The competitive inhibition of dansylamide by dansylated amino acids was studied in this system as an example of competing drug metabolism in a series of compounds which are identical around the site of metabolism and different remote to that site. A correlation between lipid solubility and the Ki was not found over the entire range of substrate analogues. While most of the high Km inhibitors seem to correlate with lipid solubility, the highly lipophilic derivatives of the leucines and phenylalanine are in a separate group. Lipid solubilities of the dansylated amino acids were little affected by changes in pH and thus behaved as \"essential nonelectrolytes\".", "contents": "Lipid solubility and affinity for N-demethylation of dansylamides in isolated rat hepatocytes. Isolated hepatocytes carry out the N-demethylation of dansylamide at near linear rates for up to 8 h. This reaction was measured by following the release of tritium into water on hydroxylation of 3H-labeled methyl groups. The competitive inhibition of dansylamide by dansylated amino acids was studied in this system as an example of competing drug metabolism in a series of compounds which are identical around the site of metabolism and different remote to that site. A correlation between lipid solubility and the Ki was not found over the entire range of substrate analogues. While most of the high Km inhibitors seem to correlate with lipid solubility, the highly lipophilic derivatives of the leucines and phenylalanine are in a separate group. Lipid solubilities of the dansylated amino acids were little affected by changes in pH and thus behaved as \"essential nonelectrolytes\".", "PMID": 1003410} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9562", "title": "Hashish. Unsaturated side-chain analogues of delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol with potent biological activity.", "content": "Two delta8-THC derivatives, 4a and 4b, with functionalized side chains were synthesized. Treatment of (+)-trans-p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol with the resorcinal 2b followed by removal of the dithiol group with HgO--BF3-Et2O gave the aldehyde 3b. A Wittig reaction of dimethyl (2-oxoheptyl)phosphate with 3b furnished 4a, which was reduced to 4b. Compounds 4a and 4b showed potent cannabinoid-like activity in mice.", "contents": "Hashish. Unsaturated side-chain analogues of delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol with potent biological activity. Two delta8-THC derivatives, 4a and 4b, with functionalized side chains were synthesized. Treatment of (+)-trans-p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol with the resorcinal 2b followed by removal of the dithiol group with HgO--BF3-Et2O gave the aldehyde 3b. A Wittig reaction of dimethyl (2-oxoheptyl)phosphate with 3b furnished 4a, which was reduced to 4b. Compounds 4a and 4b showed potent cannabinoid-like activity in mice.", "PMID": 1003411} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9563", "title": "Potential bioreductive alkylating agents. 7. Antitumor effects of phenyl-substituted 2-chloromethyl-3-phenyl-1,4-naphthoquinones.", "content": "Functional groups such as nitro, chloro, bromo, and methoxy were introduced in the meta and para positions of the phenyl ring of the antineoplastic agent 2-chloromethyl-3-phenyl-1,4-naphthoquinone. Tests for tumor-inhibitory potency of these derivatives against Sarcoma 180 ascites cells in mice indicated that the para-substituted methoxyphenyl, chlorophenyl, and bromophenyl derivatives possessed antitumor activity comparable to that of the parent compound 2-chloromethyl-3-phenyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, whereas meta-substituted nitro and bromo derivatives were either inactive or only weakly active anticancer agents in this system.", "contents": "Potential bioreductive alkylating agents. 7. Antitumor effects of phenyl-substituted 2-chloromethyl-3-phenyl-1,4-naphthoquinones. Functional groups such as nitro, chloro, bromo, and methoxy were introduced in the meta and para positions of the phenyl ring of the antineoplastic agent 2-chloromethyl-3-phenyl-1,4-naphthoquinone. Tests for tumor-inhibitory potency of these derivatives against Sarcoma 180 ascites cells in mice indicated that the para-substituted methoxyphenyl, chlorophenyl, and bromophenyl derivatives possessed antitumor activity comparable to that of the parent compound 2-chloromethyl-3-phenyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, whereas meta-substituted nitro and bromo derivatives were either inactive or only weakly active anticancer agents in this system.", "PMID": 1003413} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9564", "title": "Preparation and antitumor activities of some derivatives of 5-methoxysterigmatocystin.", "content": "A series of derivatives of 5-methoxysterigmatocystin (3a,12c-dihydro-8-hydroxy-6,11-dimethoxy-7H-furol[3',2':4,5]furo[2,3-c]xanthen-7-one) has been prepared and evaluated for antitumor activity. The potency of the parent compound has been associated with the intact bisfurano ring system and with the double bond in the terminal furan ring. It has been shown that new substituents can be introduced in the xanthone portion of the molecule and that the antitumor activity is in some cases preserved.", "contents": "Preparation and antitumor activities of some derivatives of 5-methoxysterigmatocystin. A series of derivatives of 5-methoxysterigmatocystin (3a,12c-dihydro-8-hydroxy-6,11-dimethoxy-7H-furol[3',2':4,5]furo[2,3-c]xanthen-7-one) has been prepared and evaluated for antitumor activity. The potency of the parent compound has been associated with the intact bisfurano ring system and with the double bond in the terminal furan ring. It has been shown that new substituents can be introduced in the xanthone portion of the molecule and that the antitumor activity is in some cases preserved.", "PMID": 1003414} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9565", "title": "Synthesis and biological activity of 3,5-dinitro-4- and -2-(1H-purin-6-ylthio)benzoates, prodrugs of 6-mercaptopurine.", "content": "A series fo prodrug modifications of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) containing dinitrobenzoate ester moieties with varying chain length has been prepared. These compounds were shown to be cytotoxic in several cell culture screens and also exhibited significant activity against L1210 lymphoid leukemia in vivo. The possibility exists that the transport and distribution of these compounds in vivo will be determined, in part, by increased lipophilic character, with a consequent selective localization in lymphatic and CNS tissue.", "contents": "Synthesis and biological activity of 3,5-dinitro-4- and -2-(1H-purin-6-ylthio)benzoates, prodrugs of 6-mercaptopurine. A series fo prodrug modifications of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) containing dinitrobenzoate ester moieties with varying chain length has been prepared. These compounds were shown to be cytotoxic in several cell culture screens and also exhibited significant activity against L1210 lymphoid leukemia in vivo. The possibility exists that the transport and distribution of these compounds in vivo will be determined, in part, by increased lipophilic character, with a consequent selective localization in lymphatic and CNS tissue.", "PMID": 1003415} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9566", "title": "Synthesis and antihypertensive activity of some imidazoindole derivatives.", "content": "The synthesis of pyridino[1,2-a]imidazo[5,4-b]indole (1) and thiazolo[3,2-a-a]imidazo[5,4-b-a]indole (2) has been achieved by phosphite reduction of 3-nitroso-6-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and 5-nitroso-6-phenylimidazo[2,1-bb]thiazole. Compound 1 has shown strong antihypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats while compound 2 showed similar bioactivity both in spontaneously hypertensive rats and in normotensive dogs. A tricyclic amino derivative, 3-amino-2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, which has structural resemblance to compound 1, showed no hypotensive activity.", "contents": "Synthesis and antihypertensive activity of some imidazoindole derivatives. The synthesis of pyridino[1,2-a]imidazo[5,4-b]indole (1) and thiazolo[3,2-a-a]imidazo[5,4-b-a]indole (2) has been achieved by phosphite reduction of 3-nitroso-6-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and 5-nitroso-6-phenylimidazo[2,1-bb]thiazole. Compound 1 has shown strong antihypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats while compound 2 showed similar bioactivity both in spontaneously hypertensive rats and in normotensive dogs. A tricyclic amino derivative, 3-amino-2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, which has structural resemblance to compound 1, showed no hypotensive activity.", "PMID": 1003417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9567", "title": "Studies in the design of x-ray contrast agents. Synthesis, hydrophobicity, and solubility of some iodoresorcyl bis(beta-glucosides).", "content": "Two diiodo- and two triiodoresorcyl bis(beta-glucosides) were prepared and their hydrophobicity (log P octano) and water solubility were compared to a triiodophenyl beta-glucoside and several experimental nonionic, water-soluble, x-ray contrast agents. The data indicate steric overlap of the halogen substituents by the bulky hydrophilic O-beta-glucosyl substituents; high water solubility is attained only at observed log P octanol approximately 1.5 or lower. Of the new compounds, only 2,4,-6-triiodo-5-N-methylcarboxamidorescorcy bis(beta-glucoside) (6) was highly water soluble. At the physiological pHin dog's plasmia in vitro, compound 6 rapidly hydrolyzed. Poorly water-soluble but more stable compounds of this series were not appreciably absorbed from dog's duodenum.", "contents": "Studies in the design of x-ray contrast agents. Synthesis, hydrophobicity, and solubility of some iodoresorcyl bis(beta-glucosides). Two diiodo- and two triiodoresorcyl bis(beta-glucosides) were prepared and their hydrophobicity (log P octano) and water solubility were compared to a triiodophenyl beta-glucoside and several experimental nonionic, water-soluble, x-ray contrast agents. The data indicate steric overlap of the halogen substituents by the bulky hydrophilic O-beta-glucosyl substituents; high water solubility is attained only at observed log P octanol approximately 1.5 or lower. Of the new compounds, only 2,4,-6-triiodo-5-N-methylcarboxamidorescorcy bis(beta-glucoside) (6) was highly water soluble. At the physiological pHin dog's plasmia in vitro, compound 6 rapidly hydrolyzed. Poorly water-soluble but more stable compounds of this series were not appreciably absorbed from dog's duodenum.", "PMID": 1003419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9568", "title": "Iodine-containing organic carbonates as investigative radiopaque compounds.", "content": "Carbonates containing an iodinated aromatic ring on one side of the carbonate linkage and an alkyl group on the other were prepared. The aromatic side consisted of p-iodophenyl, p-iodobenzyl, m-iodobenzyl, 3,5-diiodobenzyl, m-amino-2,4,6-triiodobenzyl, m-acetamido-2,4,6-triiodobenzyl, p-iodophenethyl, p-iodo-sec-phenethyl, 3-(p-iodophenyl)propyl, 3-(p-iodophenyl)butyl, 2-(p-iodobenzyl)butyl, and 2-(iodobenzyl)hexyl groups. The alkyl portion of the carbonates was derived from alkyl alcohols containing from two to ten carbon atoms. The approximate lethal dose of intraperitoneal injections ranged from less than 1 ml/kg to more than 15 ml/kg. An investigation into the use of these compounds as radiopaques for myelography, lymphography, bronchography, and salpingography is underway.", "contents": "Iodine-containing organic carbonates as investigative radiopaque compounds. Carbonates containing an iodinated aromatic ring on one side of the carbonate linkage and an alkyl group on the other were prepared. The aromatic side consisted of p-iodophenyl, p-iodobenzyl, m-iodobenzyl, 3,5-diiodobenzyl, m-amino-2,4,6-triiodobenzyl, m-acetamido-2,4,6-triiodobenzyl, p-iodophenethyl, p-iodo-sec-phenethyl, 3-(p-iodophenyl)propyl, 3-(p-iodophenyl)butyl, 2-(p-iodobenzyl)butyl, and 2-(iodobenzyl)hexyl groups. The alkyl portion of the carbonates was derived from alkyl alcohols containing from two to ten carbon atoms. The approximate lethal dose of intraperitoneal injections ranged from less than 1 ml/kg to more than 15 ml/kg. An investigation into the use of these compounds as radiopaques for myelography, lymphography, bronchography, and salpingography is underway.", "PMID": 1003420} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9569", "title": "Pyridoxal phosphate. 5. 2-Formylethynylphosphonic acid and 2-formylethylphosphonic acid, potent inhibitors of pyridoxal phosphate binding and probes of enzyme topography.", "content": "The title compounds (17 and 21) were prepared in good yield by synthesis of the phosphonate diester acetals (14 and 19), deesterification with chloro- or bromotrimethylsilane, hydrolysis of the acetal group, and formation of the characterized barium salts. The 3-carbon aldehydrophosphonic acids (17 and 21) were potent inhibitors (Ki = 2 X 10(-6)) of pyridoxal phosphate (PPal) binding to apoaspartate aminotransferase (AAT) and are believed to span between and bind to the enzymic functional groups which bind the aldehyde and phosphate groups of PPal.", "contents": "Pyridoxal phosphate. 5. 2-Formylethynylphosphonic acid and 2-formylethylphosphonic acid, potent inhibitors of pyridoxal phosphate binding and probes of enzyme topography. The title compounds (17 and 21) were prepared in good yield by synthesis of the phosphonate diester acetals (14 and 19), deesterification with chloro- or bromotrimethylsilane, hydrolysis of the acetal group, and formation of the characterized barium salts. The 3-carbon aldehydrophosphonic acids (17 and 21) were potent inhibitors (Ki = 2 X 10(-6)) of pyridoxal phosphate (PPal) binding to apoaspartate aminotransferase (AAT) and are believed to span between and bind to the enzymic functional groups which bind the aldehyde and phosphate groups of PPal.", "PMID": 1003421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9570", "title": "Quinazolines and 1,4-benzodiazepines. 75. 7-Hydroxyaminobenzodiazepines and derivatives.", "content": "7-Nitro-substituted benzodiazepines were reduced with stannous chloride in a buffered system to the corresponding 7-hydroxyamino derivatives. These compounds were alkylated, acylated, and converted to nitroso and azoxy derivatives. The rearrangement of a hydroxyamine to an aminophenol and its oxidation to an aminoquinone are also exemplified. The results of the pharmacological screening for CNS effects are given.", "contents": "Quinazolines and 1,4-benzodiazepines. 75. 7-Hydroxyaminobenzodiazepines and derivatives. 7-Nitro-substituted benzodiazepines were reduced with stannous chloride in a buffered system to the corresponding 7-hydroxyamino derivatives. These compounds were alkylated, acylated, and converted to nitroso and azoxy derivatives. The rearrangement of a hydroxyamine to an aminophenol and its oxidation to an aminoquinone are also exemplified. The results of the pharmacological screening for CNS effects are given.", "PMID": 1003422} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9571", "title": "Trichothecene analogues. 1. 1,5-Dioxaspiro(2.5)octanes.", "content": "Seven 1,5-dioxaspiro[2.5]octanes were synthesized and tested in the mouse P388 lymphocytic leukemia screen and the mouse Ehrlich ascites screen. These compounds possess the \"epoxypyran\" structure which has been believed to be the active portion of the trichothecene class of sesquiterpene tumor inhibitors. Three of the compounds were found to have marginal to moderate activity in the Ehrlich ascites screen (inhibition 74.1-86.3%) and low activity in the P388 screen (T/C = 126-131). A carbocyclic analogue, 1-oxaspiro[2.5]octane (9), was moderately active in both screens (inhibition 78.8%, T/C = 140). In the Ehrlich ascites screen, T-2 toxin (2) was about 25 times more potent than 9. None of the spirooctanes studied caused any skin irritation in 10-mg doses on the skin of rabbits, whereas 2 caused extensive necrosis at 0.1-mg doses.", "contents": "Trichothecene analogues. 1. 1,5-Dioxaspiro(2.5)octanes. Seven 1,5-dioxaspiro[2.5]octanes were synthesized and tested in the mouse P388 lymphocytic leukemia screen and the mouse Ehrlich ascites screen. These compounds possess the \"epoxypyran\" structure which has been believed to be the active portion of the trichothecene class of sesquiterpene tumor inhibitors. Three of the compounds were found to have marginal to moderate activity in the Ehrlich ascites screen (inhibition 74.1-86.3%) and low activity in the P388 screen (T/C = 126-131). A carbocyclic analogue, 1-oxaspiro[2.5]octane (9), was moderately active in both screens (inhibition 78.8%, T/C = 140). In the Ehrlich ascites screen, T-2 toxin (2) was about 25 times more potent than 9. None of the spirooctanes studied caused any skin irritation in 10-mg doses on the skin of rabbits, whereas 2 caused extensive necrosis at 0.1-mg doses.", "PMID": 1003423} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9572", "title": "Potential antitumor agents. 20. Structure-activity-site relationships for the 4'(9-acridinylamino)alkanesulfonanilides.", "content": "A series of 87 L1210 active 4'-(9-acridinylamino)alkanesulfonanilides has been screened against L1210 cells (10(5)) implanted at various sites (ip, sc, ic) employing early ip drug administration for a limited time. With each implantation site a different most active congener was selected. For good activity against tumor implanted remotely from the ip drug administration site, an agent should be more lipophilic than that found optimal for ip implanted tumor. An acridine 4-CH3 group appears to assist drug translocation, possibly by sterically hindering binding to nonproductive sites. An unprotected NH2 group on the acridine ring system is incompatible with activity against sc implanted tumor. Agents in which NH2 is shielded by N-acetylation, N-monomethylation, or ortho substitution with a bulky group can inhibit sc implanted tumor.", "contents": "Potential antitumor agents. 20. Structure-activity-site relationships for the 4'(9-acridinylamino)alkanesulfonanilides. A series of 87 L1210 active 4'-(9-acridinylamino)alkanesulfonanilides has been screened against L1210 cells (10(5)) implanted at various sites (ip, sc, ic) employing early ip drug administration for a limited time. With each implantation site a different most active congener was selected. For good activity against tumor implanted remotely from the ip drug administration site, an agent should be more lipophilic than that found optimal for ip implanted tumor. An acridine 4-CH3 group appears to assist drug translocation, possibly by sterically hindering binding to nonproductive sites. An unprotected NH2 group on the acridine ring system is incompatible with activity against sc implanted tumor. Agents in which NH2 is shielded by N-acetylation, N-monomethylation, or ortho substitution with a bulky group can inhibit sc implanted tumor.", "PMID": 1003426} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9573", "title": "Potential antitumor agents. 18. Bisquaternary ammonium heterocycles.", "content": "It was earlier proposed that a close approach to overall planarity was a structural prerequisite for antileukemic activity (L1210) in bisquaternary ammonium heterocycles. The preparation of L1210 active 3,3'-[bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-dicarbonylbis(mino-p-phenylenecarbonylimino)bis(1-alkylpyridinium) salts, containing a nonplanar bridged ring system, negates this view. A replacement proposal is that a relatively rigid molecular framework in necessary to maintain the spacing and positioning of the quaternary functions, thereby ensuring correct site selection. Replacement of a terephthaloyl drug component by a bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-dicarbonyl residue lowers DNA binding. A terephthaloyl unit confers necessary molecular rigidity, greater DNA binding, and higher L1210 activity.", "contents": "Potential antitumor agents. 18. Bisquaternary ammonium heterocycles. It was earlier proposed that a close approach to overall planarity was a structural prerequisite for antileukemic activity (L1210) in bisquaternary ammonium heterocycles. The preparation of L1210 active 3,3'-[bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-dicarbonylbis(mino-p-phenylenecarbonylimino)bis(1-alkylpyridinium) salts, containing a nonplanar bridged ring system, negates this view. A replacement proposal is that a relatively rigid molecular framework in necessary to maintain the spacing and positioning of the quaternary functions, thereby ensuring correct site selection. Replacement of a terephthaloyl drug component by a bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-dicarbonyl residue lowers DNA binding. A terephthaloyl unit confers necessary molecular rigidity, greater DNA binding, and higher L1210 activity.", "PMID": 1003427} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9574", "title": "Para-substituted N-acetyl-L(S)- and -D(R)-alpha-amino-N-phenylglutarimides. A structure-activity study of substituent effects on steroselective anticonvulsant activity.", "content": "For purposes of carrying out structure-activity studies on a series of pure R and S enantiomorphs of various para-substituted N-acetyl-alpha-amino-N-phenylglutarimides, we synthesized the p-acetyl, iodo, cyano, ethyl, and n-butyl analogues. These compounds complimented previous R and S isomers (unsubstituted and the p-chloro, methyl, nitro, and methoxyl analogues) synthesized in our laboratories from amino acids of known absolute configuration. The neurotoxic doses (TD50's), anticonvulsant potencies [maximal electroshock seizures (MES) and subcutaneous metrazole (sc Met) ED50's], protective indices (PI = TD50/ED50), and effects on minimal seizure threshold (iv Met) were compared with similar values concomitantly determined for clinically employed anticonvulsants. A parallel relationship was shown between neutotoxicity (TD50) and potency (ED50) for the R and S analogues. In most cases R isomers had a more rapid onset of action and possessed greater neurotoxicity and greater anticonvulsant potency.", "contents": "Para-substituted N-acetyl-L(S)- and -D(R)-alpha-amino-N-phenylglutarimides. A structure-activity study of substituent effects on steroselective anticonvulsant activity. For purposes of carrying out structure-activity studies on a series of pure R and S enantiomorphs of various para-substituted N-acetyl-alpha-amino-N-phenylglutarimides, we synthesized the p-acetyl, iodo, cyano, ethyl, and n-butyl analogues. These compounds complimented previous R and S isomers (unsubstituted and the p-chloro, methyl, nitro, and methoxyl analogues) synthesized in our laboratories from amino acids of known absolute configuration. The neurotoxic doses (TD50's), anticonvulsant potencies [maximal electroshock seizures (MES) and subcutaneous metrazole (sc Met) ED50's], protective indices (PI = TD50/ED50), and effects on minimal seizure threshold (iv Met) were compared with similar values concomitantly determined for clinically employed anticonvulsants. A parallel relationship was shown between neutotoxicity (TD50) and potency (ED50) for the R and S analogues. In most cases R isomers had a more rapid onset of action and possessed greater neurotoxicity and greater anticonvulsant potency.", "PMID": 1003428} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9575", "title": "Medical practice: defendants and prisoners.", "content": "It is argued in this paper that a doctor cannot serve two masters. The work of the prison medical officer is examined and it is shown that his dual allegiance to the state and to those individuals who are under his care results in activities which largely favour the former. The World Health Organisation prescribes a system of health ethics which indicates, in qualitative terms, the responsibility of each state for health provisions. In contrast, the World Medical Association acts as both promulgator and guardian of a code of medical ethics which determines the responsibilities of the doctor to his patient. In the historical sense medical practitioners have always emphasized the sanctity of the relationship with their patients and the doctor's role as an expert witness is shown to have centered around this bond. The development of medical services in prisons has focused more on the partnership between doctor and institution. Imprisonment in itself could be seen as prejudicial to health as are disciplinary methods which are more obviously detrimental. The involvement of medical practitioners in such procedures is discussed in the light of their role as the prisoner's personal physician.", "contents": "Medical practice: defendants and prisoners. It is argued in this paper that a doctor cannot serve two masters. The work of the prison medical officer is examined and it is shown that his dual allegiance to the state and to those individuals who are under his care results in activities which largely favour the former. The World Health Organisation prescribes a system of health ethics which indicates, in qualitative terms, the responsibility of each state for health provisions. In contrast, the World Medical Association acts as both promulgator and guardian of a code of medical ethics which determines the responsibilities of the doctor to his patient. In the historical sense medical practitioners have always emphasized the sanctity of the relationship with their patients and the doctor's role as an expert witness is shown to have centered around this bond. The development of medical services in prisons has focused more on the partnership between doctor and institution. Imprisonment in itself could be seen as prejudicial to health as are disciplinary methods which are more obviously detrimental. The involvement of medical practitioners in such procedures is discussed in the light of their role as the prisoner's personal physician.", "PMID": 1003433} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9576", "title": "The place of medicine in the American prison: ethical issues in the treatment of offenders.", "content": "In Britain doctors and others concerned with the treatment of offenders in prison may consult the Butler Report (see Focus, pp 157) and specialist journals, but these sources are concerned with the system in Britain only. In America the situation is different, both in organization and in certain attitudes. Dr Peter L Sissons has therefore provided a companion article to that of Dr Paul Bowden (page 163) describing the various medical issues in prisons. The main difference between the treatment of offenders in prisons in America and in Britain lies in the nature of the federal system which means that each state may operate a different system in a variety of prisons and prison medical services are as various. Nationally, the prison systems are 'structured to treat and cure the offender'. Therefore it follows that the prison medical officer is only one of the professionals concerned with this 'cure' of the offender. This principle also applies to any form of research: medical research in prisons is part of a programme which covers a wide field of social and judicial research. The prison medical officer (where there is one) has of course to look after sick prisoners, and the American idea of 'cure' is also expressed in the need for more corrective surgery where, for example, it is necessary to remove physical impediments to social rehabilitation. But a doctor is only found on the staff of those institutions which are large: in the smaller prisons there may be only first-aid facilities, and no specially appointed doctor in the community. Moreover medicines are often dispensed by medical auxiliaries who are sometimes prisoners themselves. Finally, in America prisoners are regularly invited to volunteer as subjects for medical and social research for which they are paid. In short, although it is hoped to 'cure' a prisoner he is a criminal first and a patient second.", "contents": "The place of medicine in the American prison: ethical issues in the treatment of offenders. In Britain doctors and others concerned with the treatment of offenders in prison may consult the Butler Report (see Focus, pp 157) and specialist journals, but these sources are concerned with the system in Britain only. In America the situation is different, both in organization and in certain attitudes. Dr Peter L Sissons has therefore provided a companion article to that of Dr Paul Bowden (page 163) describing the various medical issues in prisons. The main difference between the treatment of offenders in prisons in America and in Britain lies in the nature of the federal system which means that each state may operate a different system in a variety of prisons and prison medical services are as various. Nationally, the prison systems are 'structured to treat and cure the offender'. Therefore it follows that the prison medical officer is only one of the professionals concerned with this 'cure' of the offender. This principle also applies to any form of research: medical research in prisons is part of a programme which covers a wide field of social and judicial research. The prison medical officer (where there is one) has of course to look after sick prisoners, and the American idea of 'cure' is also expressed in the need for more corrective surgery where, for example, it is necessary to remove physical impediments to social rehabilitation. But a doctor is only found on the staff of those institutions which are large: in the smaller prisons there may be only first-aid facilities, and no specially appointed doctor in the community. Moreover medicines are often dispensed by medical auxiliaries who are sometimes prisoners themselves. Finally, in America prisoners are regularly invited to volunteer as subjects for medical and social research for which they are paid. In short, although it is hoped to 'cure' a prisoner he is a criminal first and a patient second.", "PMID": 1003434} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9577", "title": "Dilemmas of medical ethics in the Canadian Penitentiary Service.", "content": "There is a unique hospital in Canada-and perhaps in the world-because it is built outside prison walls and it exists specifically for the psychiatric treatment of prisoners. It is on the one hand a hospital and on the other a prison. Moreover it has to provide the same quality and standard of care which is expected of a hospital associated with a university. From the time the hospital was established moral dilemmas appeared which were concerned with conflicts between the medical and custodial treatment of prisoners, and also with the attitudes of those having the status of prisoner-patient. Dr Roy describes these dilemmas and attitudes, and in particular a special conference which was convened to discuss them. Not only doctors and prison officials took part in this meeting but also general practitioners, theologians, philosophers, ex-prisoners, judges, lawyers, Members of Parliament and Senators. This must have been a unique occasion and Dr Roy's description may provide the impetus to examine these prison problems in other settings.", "contents": "Dilemmas of medical ethics in the Canadian Penitentiary Service. There is a unique hospital in Canada-and perhaps in the world-because it is built outside prison walls and it exists specifically for the psychiatric treatment of prisoners. It is on the one hand a hospital and on the other a prison. Moreover it has to provide the same quality and standard of care which is expected of a hospital associated with a university. From the time the hospital was established moral dilemmas appeared which were concerned with conflicts between the medical and custodial treatment of prisoners, and also with the attitudes of those having the status of prisoner-patient. Dr Roy describes these dilemmas and attitudes, and in particular a special conference which was convened to discuss them. Not only doctors and prison officials took part in this meeting but also general practitioners, theologians, philosophers, ex-prisoners, judges, lawyers, Members of Parliament and Senators. This must have been a unique occasion and Dr Roy's description may provide the impetus to examine these prison problems in other settings.", "PMID": 1003435} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9578", "title": "The just provision of health care: a reply to Elizabeth Telfer.", "content": "Dr Hillel Steiner in this reply to Elizabeth Telfer takes each of her arguments for different arrangements of a health service and examines them--'four positions which can be located on a linear ideological spectrum'--and adds a fifth which could have the effect of 'turning the alleged linear spectrum into a circle'. Underlying both Elizabeth Telfer's article and Dr Steiner's reply, the base is inescapably a 'political' one, but cannot be abandoned in favour of purely philosophical concepts. Whatever the attitude of mind of the reader of these two papers to the provision of a health service, the stimulus to more careful assessments of our own National Health Service and its problems can only be good.", "contents": "The just provision of health care: a reply to Elizabeth Telfer. Dr Hillel Steiner in this reply to Elizabeth Telfer takes each of her arguments for different arrangements of a health service and examines them--'four positions which can be located on a linear ideological spectrum'--and adds a fifth which could have the effect of 'turning the alleged linear spectrum into a circle'. Underlying both Elizabeth Telfer's article and Dr Steiner's reply, the base is inescapably a 'political' one, but cannot be abandoned in favour of purely philosophical concepts. Whatever the attitude of mind of the reader of these two papers to the provision of a health service, the stimulus to more careful assessments of our own National Health Service and its problems can only be good.", "PMID": 1003436} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9579", "title": "The case for a statutory 'definition of death'.", "content": "Karen Quinlan, the American girl who has lain in deep coma for many months, is still 'alive', that is to say, her heart is still beating and brain death has not occurred. However, several other cases have raised difficult issues about the time of death. Dr Skegg argues that there is a case for a legal definition of death enshrined in statutory form. He suggests that many of the objections to a statutory provision on death are misplaced, and that a statute concerning the occurrence of death could remove all doubts in the minds of both doctors and public as to whether a 'beating heart cadaver' was dead or alive for legal purposes.", "contents": "The case for a statutory 'definition of death'. Karen Quinlan, the American girl who has lain in deep coma for many months, is still 'alive', that is to say, her heart is still beating and brain death has not occurred. However, several other cases have raised difficult issues about the time of death. Dr Skegg argues that there is a case for a legal definition of death enshrined in statutory form. He suggests that many of the objections to a statutory provision on death are misplaced, and that a statute concerning the occurrence of death could remove all doubts in the minds of both doctors and public as to whether a 'beating heart cadaver' was dead or alive for legal purposes.", "PMID": 1003437} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9580", "title": "Genetic polymorphism and interethnic variability of plasma paroxonase activity.", "content": "A method for determining plasma paroxonase activity using an auto-analyser is described. Frequency distributions for British and Indian subjects show bimodality. A study of 40 British families confirms the presence of a genetic polymorphism with regard to plasma paroxonase activity. Two phenotypes can be defined, controlled by two alleles at one autosomal locus. The frequency of the low activity phenotype is less in the Indian population than in the British population. Malay, Chinese, and African subjects fail to show obvious bimodality.", "contents": "Genetic polymorphism and interethnic variability of plasma paroxonase activity. A method for determining plasma paroxonase activity using an auto-analyser is described. Frequency distributions for British and Indian subjects show bimodality. A study of 40 British families confirms the presence of a genetic polymorphism with regard to plasma paroxonase activity. Two phenotypes can be defined, controlled by two alleles at one autosomal locus. The frequency of the low activity phenotype is less in the Indian population than in the British population. Malay, Chinese, and African subjects fail to show obvious bimodality.", "PMID": 1003443} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9581", "title": "An unusual family of benign \"X\" linked muscular dystrophy with cardiac involvement.", "content": "A family of benign X-linked muscular dystrophy is described. Two of the 3 affected members appear quite representative of Becker's dystrophy. A third shows no pseudohypertrophy, only gross atrophy, affecting proximal and distal muscles and also shows early onset contractures and electrocardiographic abnormalities and is in these ways much more representative of the variety described by Emery and Dreifuss (1966). Two of the cases have distinctly abnormal electrocardiograms with extensive and deep Q waves and abnormal R/S ratios and VI. Both these have shown progression of electrocardiographic abnormalities during a 2-year follow-up. The family is reported to document this very unusual occurrence.", "contents": "An unusual family of benign \"X\" linked muscular dystrophy with cardiac involvement. A family of benign X-linked muscular dystrophy is described. Two of the 3 affected members appear quite representative of Becker's dystrophy. A third shows no pseudohypertrophy, only gross atrophy, affecting proximal and distal muscles and also shows early onset contractures and electrocardiographic abnormalities and is in these ways much more representative of the variety described by Emery and Dreifuss (1966). Two of the cases have distinctly abnormal electrocardiograms with extensive and deep Q waves and abnormal R/S ratios and VI. Both these have shown progression of electrocardiographic abnormalities during a 2-year follow-up. The family is reported to document this very unusual occurrence.", "PMID": 1003445} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9582", "title": "Familial essential (\"benign\") chorea.", "content": "A family is described with essential non-progressive chorea occurring in an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern over four generations. A few families with an apparently similar disorder have been reported previously. This condition is characterized by early childhood onset of chorea which is not progressive and is compatible with a long life. It is not associated with dementia, seizures, rigidity, or ataxia. It is a socially embarrassing condition and may, sometimes, be associated with behavioural problems and learning difficulties. For genetic counselling, it is important to distinguish this disorder from Huntington's disease and other hereditary disorders associated with chorea.", "contents": "Familial essential (\"benign\") chorea. A family is described with essential non-progressive chorea occurring in an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern over four generations. A few families with an apparently similar disorder have been reported previously. This condition is characterized by early childhood onset of chorea which is not progressive and is compatible with a long life. It is not associated with dementia, seizures, rigidity, or ataxia. It is a socially embarrassing condition and may, sometimes, be associated with behavioural problems and learning difficulties. For genetic counselling, it is important to distinguish this disorder from Huntington's disease and other hereditary disorders associated with chorea.", "PMID": 1003446} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9583", "title": "Haemoglobin LeporeBoston in a Turkish family.", "content": "Haemoglobin Lepore was demonstrated in four members of a Turkish family. It was found in the heterozygote state and was associated with erythrocyte morphology similar to that observed in the beta thalassaemia trait. The average concentration of haemoglobin Lepore was 8.1% of the total haemoglobin. Structural analysis showed that the Lepore haemoglobin was the LeporeBoston type. This is the first reported instance of the occurrence of haemoglobin Lepore in Turkey.", "contents": "Haemoglobin LeporeBoston in a Turkish family. Haemoglobin Lepore was demonstrated in four members of a Turkish family. It was found in the heterozygote state and was associated with erythrocyte morphology similar to that observed in the beta thalassaemia trait. The average concentration of haemoglobin Lepore was 8.1% of the total haemoglobin. Structural analysis showed that the Lepore haemoglobin was the LeporeBoston type. This is the first reported instance of the occurrence of haemoglobin Lepore in Turkey.", "PMID": 1003447} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9584", "title": "Partial monosomy and partial trisomy 18 in two offspring of carrier of pericentric inversion of chromosome 18.", "content": "A pericentric inversion of chromosome 18 is described in the mother of a patient with clinical diagnosis of 18q--syndrome. The propositus' chromosome complement includes the recombinant 18 with deficiency of the distal one-third of the long arm and duplication of the terminal segment of the short arm. The propositus' sister carrier the recombinant 18 with a duplication of the distal one-third of the long arm and a deficiency of the terminal segment of the short arm. The relative length of the inverted segment represents about 60% of the total chromosome 18 length. The probability of recombinant formation following the occurrence of a chiasma within the inverted segment is predicted to be high.", "contents": "Partial monosomy and partial trisomy 18 in two offspring of carrier of pericentric inversion of chromosome 18. A pericentric inversion of chromosome 18 is described in the mother of a patient with clinical diagnosis of 18q--syndrome. The propositus' chromosome complement includes the recombinant 18 with deficiency of the distal one-third of the long arm and duplication of the terminal segment of the short arm. The propositus' sister carrier the recombinant 18 with a duplication of the distal one-third of the long arm and a deficiency of the terminal segment of the short arm. The relative length of the inverted segment represents about 60% of the total chromosome 18 length. The probability of recombinant formation following the occurrence of a chiasma within the inverted segment is predicted to be high.", "PMID": 1003448} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9585", "title": "Structure and inheritance of some heterozygous Robertsonian translocation in man.", "content": "Banding studies in 25 Robertsonian translocations showed that all could be interpreted as stable dicentrics. The mechanism for their stability is likely to be the proximity of their centromeres but centromeric suppression could also have a role. In many of these dicentric translocations, discontinuous centromeric suppression, as indicated by chromatid separation at one of the centromeric regions, was observed in C-banded preparations. A further observation of undefined relation to the first was that the ratio of the two constitutive centromeric heterochromatin (CCH) regions from the component chromosomes of the translocations was variable in the same translocation type, e.g. t(13;14). It is proposed that this ratio may influence the segregation ratio. Abnormal spermatogenesis is suggested as the likely mechanism for the difference in the proportion of aneuploid offspring in the progeny of maternal and paternal heterozygotes. Neither of the t dic(21;21)s could be interpreted as isochromosomes. It is proposed that Robertsonian fusion translocations be defined as stable, dicentric, whole-arm translocations, with both centromeres in a median position and resulting in the loss of a small acentric fragment during this formation. It is suggested that they occur at high frequency between telocentric or, as in man, certain acrocentric chromosomes because of some intrinsic property of those chromosomes not possessed by metacentric chromosomes and mediated by interphase association of centromeres.", "contents": "Structure and inheritance of some heterozygous Robertsonian translocation in man. Banding studies in 25 Robertsonian translocations showed that all could be interpreted as stable dicentrics. The mechanism for their stability is likely to be the proximity of their centromeres but centromeric suppression could also have a role. In many of these dicentric translocations, discontinuous centromeric suppression, as indicated by chromatid separation at one of the centromeric regions, was observed in C-banded preparations. A further observation of undefined relation to the first was that the ratio of the two constitutive centromeric heterochromatin (CCH) regions from the component chromosomes of the translocations was variable in the same translocation type, e.g. t(13;14). It is proposed that this ratio may influence the segregation ratio. Abnormal spermatogenesis is suggested as the likely mechanism for the difference in the proportion of aneuploid offspring in the progeny of maternal and paternal heterozygotes. Neither of the t dic(21;21)s could be interpreted as isochromosomes. It is proposed that Robertsonian fusion translocations be defined as stable, dicentric, whole-arm translocations, with both centromeres in a median position and resulting in the loss of a small acentric fragment during this formation. It is suggested that they occur at high frequency between telocentric or, as in man, certain acrocentric chromosomes because of some intrinsic property of those chromosomes not possessed by metacentric chromosomes and mediated by interphase association of centromeres.", "PMID": 1003449} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9586", "title": "Family study of inherited syndrome with multiple congenital deformities: symphalangism, carpal and tarsal fusion, brachydactyly, craniosynostosis, strabismus, hip osteochondritis.", "content": "A syndrome of brachydactyly (absence of some middle or distal phalanges), aplastic or hypoplastic nails, symphalangism (ankylois of proximal interphalangeal joints), synostosis of some carpal and tarsal bones, craniosynostosis, and dysplastic hip joints is reported in five members of an Italian family. It may represent a previously undescribed autosomal dominant trait.", "contents": "Family study of inherited syndrome with multiple congenital deformities: symphalangism, carpal and tarsal fusion, brachydactyly, craniosynostosis, strabismus, hip osteochondritis. A syndrome of brachydactyly (absence of some middle or distal phalanges), aplastic or hypoplastic nails, symphalangism (ankylois of proximal interphalangeal joints), synostosis of some carpal and tarsal bones, craniosynostosis, and dysplastic hip joints is reported in five members of an Italian family. It may represent a previously undescribed autosomal dominant trait.", "PMID": 1003450} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9587", "title": "Linkage relations of locus for X-borne type of Charcot-Marie-Tooth muscular atrophy and that for Xg blood groups.", "content": "The locus for the X-borne type of Charcot-Marie-Tooth muscular atrophy is not close to the Xg locus and probably not within direct measurable distance of it.", "contents": "Linkage relations of locus for X-borne type of Charcot-Marie-Tooth muscular atrophy and that for Xg blood groups. The locus for the X-borne type of Charcot-Marie-Tooth muscular atrophy is not close to the Xg locus and probably not within direct measurable distance of it.", "PMID": 1003451} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9588", "title": "Discordance for Cornelia de Lange syndrome in twins.", "content": "A male infant, the first-born of twins, with features of Cornealia de Lange syndrome is described. His normal twin was discordnat for 3 of the 14 blood loci tested. Chromosomes from the affected infant appeared normal. Though the aetiological basis for the Cornealia de Lange syndrome remains obscure, most authorities accept genetic rather than environmental causation. The present findings of discordance for Cornelia de Lange syndrome in twins support this view but do not clarify the mode of inheritance.", "contents": "Discordance for Cornelia de Lange syndrome in twins. A male infant, the first-born of twins, with features of Cornealia de Lange syndrome is described. His normal twin was discordnat for 3 of the 14 blood loci tested. Chromosomes from the affected infant appeared normal. Though the aetiological basis for the Cornealia de Lange syndrome remains obscure, most authorities accept genetic rather than environmental causation. The present findings of discordance for Cornelia de Lange syndrome in twins support this view but do not clarify the mode of inheritance.", "PMID": 1003452} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9589", "title": "Gardner's syndrome and steatocystoma multiplex. Two unusual genetically determined conditions occurring in same patient.", "content": "A 43-year-old man is described who had Gardner's syndrome and steatocystoma multiplex. These two unusual genetically determined conditions were associated because he had inherited the Gardner's syndrome from his father and the steatocystoma multiplex from his mother.", "contents": "Gardner's syndrome and steatocystoma multiplex. Two unusual genetically determined conditions occurring in same patient. A 43-year-old man is described who had Gardner's syndrome and steatocystoma multiplex. These two unusual genetically determined conditions were associated because he had inherited the Gardner's syndrome from his father and the steatocystoma multiplex from his mother.", "PMID": 1003453} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9590", "title": "The influence of a diet rich in wheat fibre on the human faecal flora.", "content": "The effect on the faecal flora of adding wheat fibre to a controlled diet in four healthy volunteers for a 3-week period has been observed. No change in the concentration of the bacteria in the bacterial groups counted was found, although there was a slight increase in total output associated with increased faecal weight. The predominant organisms in all subjects were non-sporing anaerobes, but the dominant species in each subject was different and was unaffected by changing the diet. Similarly, the concentration of faecal beta-glucuronidase detected in two subjects was unaltered and the concentration of clostridia able to dehydrogenate the steroid nucleus found in one subject was unaltered. It is suggested that the faecal microflora is not primarily controlled by the presence of undigested food residues in the large bowel.", "contents": "The influence of a diet rich in wheat fibre on the human faecal flora. The effect on the faecal flora of adding wheat fibre to a controlled diet in four healthy volunteers for a 3-week period has been observed. No change in the concentration of the bacteria in the bacterial groups counted was found, although there was a slight increase in total output associated with increased faecal weight. The predominant organisms in all subjects were non-sporing anaerobes, but the dominant species in each subject was different and was unaffected by changing the diet. Similarly, the concentration of faecal beta-glucuronidase detected in two subjects was unaltered and the concentration of clostridia able to dehydrogenate the steroid nucleus found in one subject was unaltered. It is suggested that the faecal microflora is not primarily controlled by the presence of undigested food residues in the large bowel.", "PMID": 1003454} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9591", "title": "Immunising potency of Leptospira interrogans serotype canicola after heat inactivation at different temperatures.", "content": "The immunogenicity of Leptospira interrogans serotype canicola suspensions inactivated by various degrees of heat exposure was examined in hamsters. No differences between leptospires killed at 50 degrees C and at 98 degrees C were shown. After exposure to 121 degrees C, suspensions retained their ability to protect against lethal infections but lost their ability to prevent leptospiruria. Tests with vaccines inactivated at or below 98 degrees C showed that the doses required for complete protection varied with the interval between vaccination and challenge. Larger doses were required to prevent the development of leptospiruria than to prevent death.", "contents": "Immunising potency of Leptospira interrogans serotype canicola after heat inactivation at different temperatures. The immunogenicity of Leptospira interrogans serotype canicola suspensions inactivated by various degrees of heat exposure was examined in hamsters. No differences between leptospires killed at 50 degrees C and at 98 degrees C were shown. After exposure to 121 degrees C, suspensions retained their ability to protect against lethal infections but lost their ability to prevent leptospiruria. Tests with vaccines inactivated at or below 98 degrees C showed that the doses required for complete protection varied with the interval between vaccination and challenge. Larger doses were required to prevent the development of leptospiruria than to prevent death.", "PMID": 1003455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9592", "title": "Diagnosis of pregnancy in chimpanzees using the nonhuman primate pregnancy test kit.", "content": "The usefulness of The Nonhuman Primate Pregnancy Test kit for diagnosis of pregnancy in chimpanzees was determined. This hemagglutination inhibition test for urinary chorionic gonadotropin accurately indicated conception by positive responses in 151 to 153 specimens collected between 20 and 133 days after the estimated day of fertilization. The rate of false positive responses did not exceed 1%.", "contents": "Diagnosis of pregnancy in chimpanzees using the nonhuman primate pregnancy test kit. The usefulness of The Nonhuman Primate Pregnancy Test kit for diagnosis of pregnancy in chimpanzees was determined. This hemagglutination inhibition test for urinary chorionic gonadotropin accurately indicated conception by positive responses in 151 to 153 specimens collected between 20 and 133 days after the estimated day of fertilization. The rate of false positive responses did not exceed 1%.", "PMID": 1003458} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9593", "title": "Sensory innervation in the rim of the octopus sucker.", "content": "Anatomical components of afferent innervation in the rim of the octopus sucker are described. In the sensory epithelium under the smooth cuticle two associated ciliated receptor cell-types (presumably chemosensitive) occur in clusters. A third ciliated receptor cell-type under the toothed cuticle may be a mechanoreceptor. A non-ciliated receptor cell-type of unknown function, under the toothed culticle, is characterized by a microvillus-lined apical canal containing dense granular material. The axons of the latter two receptors go directly into large nerve tracts which run through the infundibular muscle and on to the ganglion of the sucker. The axons of the first cell-types terminated on interneurons either in the base of the epithelium or below the epithelium. All the interneurons of the basal region of the epithelium migrate centripetally and develop into encapsulated interneurons. Within the epithelium, fine fibers provide collateral contact among cluster receptors. Collateral interaction among basal and encapsulated interneurons occur in the infundibular plexus. The microanatomy of the rim of the sucker suggests that chemosensory cues are funneled into the interneurons where they are concentrated into integrated signals, while other sensory input is probably sent directly to the ganglia of the sucker and/or arm.", "contents": "Sensory innervation in the rim of the octopus sucker. Anatomical components of afferent innervation in the rim of the octopus sucker are described. In the sensory epithelium under the smooth cuticle two associated ciliated receptor cell-types (presumably chemosensitive) occur in clusters. A third ciliated receptor cell-type under the toothed cuticle may be a mechanoreceptor. A non-ciliated receptor cell-type of unknown function, under the toothed culticle, is characterized by a microvillus-lined apical canal containing dense granular material. The axons of the latter two receptors go directly into large nerve tracts which run through the infundibular muscle and on to the ganglion of the sucker. The axons of the first cell-types terminated on interneurons either in the base of the epithelium or below the epithelium. All the interneurons of the basal region of the epithelium migrate centripetally and develop into encapsulated interneurons. Within the epithelium, fine fibers provide collateral contact among cluster receptors. Collateral interaction among basal and encapsulated interneurons occur in the infundibular plexus. The microanatomy of the rim of the sucker suggests that chemosensory cues are funneled into the interneurons where they are concentrated into integrated signals, while other sensory input is probably sent directly to the ganglia of the sucker and/or arm.", "PMID": 1003488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9594", "title": "Observations on the ultrastructure of developing myocardium of rat embryos.", "content": "Timed pregnancies were obtained in Sprague-Dawley rats and early ultrastructural differentiation of myocardium of embryos of 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 days were investigated and compared with that of newborn. Ten-day myocardium is characterized by loosely packed cells; the cytoplasm is typified by a dearth of organelles. Both thick (myosin) and thin (actin) filaments become identifiable for the first time in the 10-day myocardium where the heart is pulsating but circulation is not established. These filaments are not visible in the embryos of 9-day-old myocardium. The formation of these filaments is observed to continue throughout the period covered in this investigation. Concomitant with the appearance of the myofilaments is the synthesis of Z band material. By the eleventh day of gestation and during the subsequent days there is a rapid proliferation and differentiation of most of the organelles. The myofilaments become organized into fully formed striated fibrils. Intercalated discs appear as small wavy lines on the eleventh day and become plicated in later stages and serve as cell boundaries and points of attachment for myofilaments and fibrils. There is a perceptible change in the number and morphology of mitochondria from the tenth to eleventh day and later stages of development when the heart becomes functional. Similarly, there is a rapid proliferation and differentiation of granular endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies. Large quantities of free ribosomes are dispersed in the cytoplasm of 10-day myocardium; however, in later stages there is a progressive reduction in the distribution of these particles. An intimate association of ribosomes and polysomes with the developing myofibrils is discernible. The T-system and sarcoplasmic reticulum begin to appear in 11-day myocardium. The embryonic myocardium displays intense mitotic activity throughout its development and a unique feature of embryonic myocardial cells is the simultaneous occurrence of myofilament synthesis and mitotic activity within the same cells.", "contents": "Observations on the ultrastructure of developing myocardium of rat embryos. Timed pregnancies were obtained in Sprague-Dawley rats and early ultrastructural differentiation of myocardium of embryos of 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 days were investigated and compared with that of newborn. Ten-day myocardium is characterized by loosely packed cells; the cytoplasm is typified by a dearth of organelles. Both thick (myosin) and thin (actin) filaments become identifiable for the first time in the 10-day myocardium where the heart is pulsating but circulation is not established. These filaments are not visible in the embryos of 9-day-old myocardium. The formation of these filaments is observed to continue throughout the period covered in this investigation. Concomitant with the appearance of the myofilaments is the synthesis of Z band material. By the eleventh day of gestation and during the subsequent days there is a rapid proliferation and differentiation of most of the organelles. The myofilaments become organized into fully formed striated fibrils. Intercalated discs appear as small wavy lines on the eleventh day and become plicated in later stages and serve as cell boundaries and points of attachment for myofilaments and fibrils. There is a perceptible change in the number and morphology of mitochondria from the tenth to eleventh day and later stages of development when the heart becomes functional. Similarly, there is a rapid proliferation and differentiation of granular endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies. Large quantities of free ribosomes are dispersed in the cytoplasm of 10-day myocardium; however, in later stages there is a progressive reduction in the distribution of these particles. An intimate association of ribosomes and polysomes with the developing myofibrils is discernible. The T-system and sarcoplasmic reticulum begin to appear in 11-day myocardium. The embryonic myocardium displays intense mitotic activity throughout its development and a unique feature of embryonic myocardial cells is the simultaneous occurrence of myofilament synthesis and mitotic activity within the same cells.", "PMID": 1003489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9595", "title": "Ultrastructure of the blowfly chemoreceptor sensillum (Phormia regina).", "content": "The ultrastructure of a well studied insect chemosensory unit is presented in this report. Two separate lumina are present in this chemosensory unit, the trichogen and sensillar lumina. The fluid within the trichogen lumen exclusively bathes the dendritic terminals, and may be involved with the reception and/or modulation of environmental stimuli. Cytoplasmic extensions of the trichogen cell which line the trichogen lumen may be involved in the production of the cuticular sheath. The sensillar lumen is bordered by the tormogen and a sleeve cell, and is continuous with the unoccupied channel of the setal shaft. Functions for the various cellular components of the blowfly chemoreceptor sensillum are offered.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of the blowfly chemoreceptor sensillum (Phormia regina). The ultrastructure of a well studied insect chemosensory unit is presented in this report. Two separate lumina are present in this chemosensory unit, the trichogen and sensillar lumina. The fluid within the trichogen lumen exclusively bathes the dendritic terminals, and may be involved with the reception and/or modulation of environmental stimuli. Cytoplasmic extensions of the trichogen cell which line the trichogen lumen may be involved in the production of the cuticular sheath. The sensillar lumen is bordered by the tormogen and a sleeve cell, and is continuous with the unoccupied channel of the setal shaft. Functions for the various cellular components of the blowfly chemoreceptor sensillum are offered.", "PMID": 1003490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9596", "title": "Mediation of cytotoxic immune responses against human tumor-associated antigens by allogeneic immune RNA.", "content": "Allogeneic immune RNA (I-RNA), extracted from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients putatively cured of cancer, mediated cytotoxic immune reactions that apparently were directed specifically against human tumor-associated antigens. I-RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with various types of cancer. Patients selected had not been previously sensitized to HL-A or other normal transplantation antigens or to blood group antigens. Normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes were incubated with these allogeneic I-RNA preparations and tested for cytotoxicity against human target cells in vitro. Allogeneic I-RNA mediated cytotoxic immune reactions only against tumor target cells of the same histologic type as the I-RNA donor. I-RNA's extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes of melanoma patients mediated cytotoxic immune reactions only against melanoma cells. Similarly, only I-RNA's extracted from the lymphocytes of patients with colon cancer mediated cytotoxic immune reactions against colon carcinoma cells, and only I-RNA's from the lymphocytes of breast cancer patients mediated immune reactions against breast cancer target cells. Allogeneic I-RNA extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes of cancer patients possibly mediated specific cytotoxic immune reactions that were directed against common tumor-associated antigens shared by human tumors of similar histologic type.", "contents": "Mediation of cytotoxic immune responses against human tumor-associated antigens by allogeneic immune RNA. Allogeneic immune RNA (I-RNA), extracted from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients putatively cured of cancer, mediated cytotoxic immune reactions that apparently were directed specifically against human tumor-associated antigens. I-RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with various types of cancer. Patients selected had not been previously sensitized to HL-A or other normal transplantation antigens or to blood group antigens. Normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes were incubated with these allogeneic I-RNA preparations and tested for cytotoxicity against human target cells in vitro. Allogeneic I-RNA mediated cytotoxic immune reactions only against tumor target cells of the same histologic type as the I-RNA donor. I-RNA's extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes of melanoma patients mediated cytotoxic immune reactions only against melanoma cells. Similarly, only I-RNA's extracted from the lymphocytes of patients with colon cancer mediated cytotoxic immune reactions against colon carcinoma cells, and only I-RNA's from the lymphocytes of breast cancer patients mediated immune reactions against breast cancer target cells. Allogeneic I-RNA extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes of cancer patients possibly mediated specific cytotoxic immune reactions that were directed against common tumor-associated antigens shared by human tumors of similar histologic type.", "PMID": 1003493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9597", "title": "Intratracheal instillation studies with 7H-dibenzo(c,g)carbazole in the Syrian hamster.", "content": "The morphologic effects and the retention and distribution times of single and multiple intratracheal instillations in Syrian hamsters of 7H-dibenzo[c,g]carbazole (DBC) and benzo[a]pyrene (BP) were compared. A single instillation of DBC induced slight changes in the hamster respiratory tract; however, five treatments caused tracheobronchial epithelial proliferation, cell hyperplasia, and occasionally, squamous metaplasia. The particle size of both carcinogens was approximately the same. BP in saline remained longer in the lungs than did DBC in saline. The shortest retention time was recorded when DBC was administered in aqueous solution, whereas multiple doses of DBC in aqueous solution did not markedly affect retention time. DBC passed from the lungs to the intestinal tract and was mainly excreted in the feces.", "contents": "Intratracheal instillation studies with 7H-dibenzo(c,g)carbazole in the Syrian hamster. The morphologic effects and the retention and distribution times of single and multiple intratracheal instillations in Syrian hamsters of 7H-dibenzo[c,g]carbazole (DBC) and benzo[a]pyrene (BP) were compared. A single instillation of DBC induced slight changes in the hamster respiratory tract; however, five treatments caused tracheobronchial epithelial proliferation, cell hyperplasia, and occasionally, squamous metaplasia. The particle size of both carcinogens was approximately the same. BP in saline remained longer in the lungs than did DBC in saline. The shortest retention time was recorded when DBC was administered in aqueous solution, whereas multiple doses of DBC in aqueous solution did not markedly affect retention time. DBC passed from the lungs to the intestinal tract and was mainly excreted in the feces.", "PMID": 1003494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9598", "title": "Alteration by malignant transformation of the calcium requirements for cell proliferation in vitro.", "content": "Cells from the thigh muscles of normal fetal rats proliferated rapidly and indefinitely in a medium containing adult rat \"plasma\" and a normal free-calcium concentration, but they could not proliferate in calcium-deficient plasma medium. As the animals grew older, the cells became increasingly less able to proliferate even in normal (high-calcium) plasma medium, though they retained the potential to proliferate in a more conventional medium containing fetal bovine serum. By contrast, neoplastic adult cells from malignant rhabdomyosarcomas (induced by Ni3S2) proliferated rapidly and indefinitely in both normal and low-calcium plasma medium", "contents": "Alteration by malignant transformation of the calcium requirements for cell proliferation in vitro. Cells from the thigh muscles of normal fetal rats proliferated rapidly and indefinitely in a medium containing adult rat \"plasma\" and a normal free-calcium concentration, but they could not proliferate in calcium-deficient plasma medium. As the animals grew older, the cells became increasingly less able to proliferate even in normal (high-calcium) plasma medium, though they retained the potential to proliferate in a more conventional medium containing fetal bovine serum. By contrast, neoplastic adult cells from malignant rhabdomyosarcomas (induced by Ni3S2) proliferated rapidly and indefinitely in both normal and low-calcium plasma medium", "PMID": 1003495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9599", "title": "Local adoptive transfer of antitumor cellular immunity to xenogeneic animals studied with a rapid radioisotopic footpad assay.", "content": "The antitumor cellular immune response to Gross virus-induced rat tumor cells in F344 rats, as measured by a sensitive radioisotopic footpad assay, was adoptively transferred to syngeneic rats and to xenogeneic irradiated BALB/c mice. Xenogeneic transfer was accomplished by the injection of a mixture of rat tumor cells and syngeneic spleen cells, peritoneal exudate cells, or blood lymphocytes from specific immune rats into the footpads of mice. Peritoneal exudate cells produced the strongest footpad reaction in xenogeneic recipients. Use of the xenogeneic adoptive transfer system in a bioassay for human antitumor immunity appeared feasible.", "contents": "Local adoptive transfer of antitumor cellular immunity to xenogeneic animals studied with a rapid radioisotopic footpad assay. The antitumor cellular immune response to Gross virus-induced rat tumor cells in F344 rats, as measured by a sensitive radioisotopic footpad assay, was adoptively transferred to syngeneic rats and to xenogeneic irradiated BALB/c mice. Xenogeneic transfer was accomplished by the injection of a mixture of rat tumor cells and syngeneic spleen cells, peritoneal exudate cells, or blood lymphocytes from specific immune rats into the footpads of mice. Peritoneal exudate cells produced the strongest footpad reaction in xenogeneic recipients. Use of the xenogeneic adoptive transfer system in a bioassay for human antitumor immunity appeared feasible.", "PMID": 1003496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9600", "title": "Adenocarcinoma of the glandular stomach following 3-methylcholanthrene, N-nitrosodiethylamine, or N-nitrosodimethylamine feeding in carcinogen-susceptible inbred Syrian.", "content": "Invasive adenocarcinoma of the glandular stomach was induced in 3 BIO 87.20 inbred Syrian hamsters by the administration of 1 ppm N-nitrosodiethylamine or N-nitrosodimethylamine in the drinking water, and in 2 BIO 15.16 and 5 BIO 72.29 inbred Syrian hamsters by gavage of 3-methylcholanthrene. In contrast, many other similarly treated inbred Syrian hamster lines did not develop carcinoma of the glandular stomach. The glandular stomachs of rats and mice are resistant to polycyclic hydrocarcon carcinogenesis; however, the glandular stomachs of certain inbred Syrian hamsters develop adenocarcinoma after polycyclic hydrocarbon gavage. This work demonstrated the importance of genetic factors.", "contents": "Adenocarcinoma of the glandular stomach following 3-methylcholanthrene, N-nitrosodiethylamine, or N-nitrosodimethylamine feeding in carcinogen-susceptible inbred Syrian. Invasive adenocarcinoma of the glandular stomach was induced in 3 BIO 87.20 inbred Syrian hamsters by the administration of 1 ppm N-nitrosodiethylamine or N-nitrosodimethylamine in the drinking water, and in 2 BIO 15.16 and 5 BIO 72.29 inbred Syrian hamsters by gavage of 3-methylcholanthrene. In contrast, many other similarly treated inbred Syrian hamster lines did not develop carcinoma of the glandular stomach. The glandular stomachs of rats and mice are resistant to polycyclic hydrocarcon carcinogenesis; however, the glandular stomachs of certain inbred Syrian hamsters develop adenocarcinoma after polycyclic hydrocarbon gavage. This work demonstrated the importance of genetic factors.", "PMID": 1003497} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9601", "title": "Nature of early appearing, carcinogen-induced liver lesions to iron accumulation.", "content": "A technique for induction of iron accumulation in hepatocytes of rats was used to identify early carcinogen-induced lesions by their histochemical absence of iron. Foci of iron-free altered hepatocytes produced by the feeding of N-2-fluorenylacetamide (FAA) for 3 weeks were composed of cells that were replicating when surrounding iron-containing hepatocytes were not, and that responded to a mitotic stimulus when surrounding hepatocytes were inhibited or showed a delayed response. Thus these lesions represented focal hyperplastic overgrowths. The iron-free hyperplastic foci developed into hyperplastic areas that progressed with longer feeding of FAA to form hyperplastic nodules. The lack of iron was a sensitive and reliable marker for hyperplastic lesions, which also permitted their identification in the fresh state. Both early hyperplastic lesions and nodules were often resistant to the necrogenic effects of dimethylnitrosamine, as well as to the antireplicative effect of FAA. The selection of such cells resistant to the toxic effects of carcinogens may be important in the pathogenesis of liver neoplasia.", "contents": "Nature of early appearing, carcinogen-induced liver lesions to iron accumulation. A technique for induction of iron accumulation in hepatocytes of rats was used to identify early carcinogen-induced lesions by their histochemical absence of iron. Foci of iron-free altered hepatocytes produced by the feeding of N-2-fluorenylacetamide (FAA) for 3 weeks were composed of cells that were replicating when surrounding iron-containing hepatocytes were not, and that responded to a mitotic stimulus when surrounding hepatocytes were inhibited or showed a delayed response. Thus these lesions represented focal hyperplastic overgrowths. The iron-free hyperplastic foci developed into hyperplastic areas that progressed with longer feeding of FAA to form hyperplastic nodules. The lack of iron was a sensitive and reliable marker for hyperplastic lesions, which also permitted their identification in the fresh state. Both early hyperplastic lesions and nodules were often resistant to the necrogenic effects of dimethylnitrosamine, as well as to the antireplicative effect of FAA. The selection of such cells resistant to the toxic effects of carcinogens may be important in the pathogenesis of liver neoplasia.", "PMID": 1003498} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9602", "title": "Inhibition of macromolecular binding of benzo(a)pyrene and inhibition of neoplasia by disulfiram in the mouse forestomach.", "content": "Benzo[a]pyrene (BP) administered to female outbred ICR/Ha mice by oral intubation induced neoplasia in the forestomach after 30 weeks in more than 90% of treated animals. However, no tumors occurred at that site if 1% disulfiram was added to the experimental diet. This inhibition of tumor formation was paralleled by a large inhibition of macromolecular binding of [3H]BP and [14C]BP to RNA and protein in the forestomach. The inhibitory effect of specific binding was strongest in the RNA fraction isolated at 8,000 X g for 20 minutes (6 times that of the control) and weakest in the DNA fraction (no significant difference). The highest specific binding was measured in the RNA fraction isolated at 32,000 X g for 120 minutes and the lowest binding in the DNA fraction. The relative distribution of the BP binding was such that greater than 90% of the BP was bound to protein and less than 1% was bound to DNA. Of the total inhibition of BP binding to all the macromolecular species studied, that to protein constituted the largest component (95%). In contrast to the forestomach, no inhibitory effect of BP binding to DNA, RNA, or protein by disulfiram was found in the liver, which remained free of cancer under the experimental conditions employed.", "contents": "Inhibition of macromolecular binding of benzo(a)pyrene and inhibition of neoplasia by disulfiram in the mouse forestomach. Benzo[a]pyrene (BP) administered to female outbred ICR/Ha mice by oral intubation induced neoplasia in the forestomach after 30 weeks in more than 90% of treated animals. However, no tumors occurred at that site if 1% disulfiram was added to the experimental diet. This inhibition of tumor formation was paralleled by a large inhibition of macromolecular binding of [3H]BP and [14C]BP to RNA and protein in the forestomach. The inhibitory effect of specific binding was strongest in the RNA fraction isolated at 8,000 X g for 20 minutes (6 times that of the control) and weakest in the DNA fraction (no significant difference). The highest specific binding was measured in the RNA fraction isolated at 32,000 X g for 120 minutes and the lowest binding in the DNA fraction. The relative distribution of the BP binding was such that greater than 90% of the BP was bound to protein and less than 1% was bound to DNA. Of the total inhibition of BP binding to all the macromolecular species studied, that to protein constituted the largest component (95%). In contrast to the forestomach, no inhibitory effect of BP binding to DNA, RNA, or protein by disulfiram was found in the liver, which remained free of cancer under the experimental conditions employed.", "PMID": 1003499} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9603", "title": "Metabolism of N-nitrosohexamethyleneimine.", "content": "The metabolism of [2-14C]N-nitrosohexamethyleneimine in male MRC-Wistar rats was studied and some of the major urinary metabolites were identified. The extent of total oxidation to 14CO2 was 18.1% in 24 hours and radioactivity incorporation was observed in various tissues; that in the liver was the highest. Analysis of urine after 24 hours showed that 36.7% of the radioactivity administered was excreted by this route, with a minimum of 11 products present. Hexamethyleneimine (HX), epsilon-caprolactam, epsilon-aminocaproic acid, and 6-aminocaprohydroxamic acid were the identified metabolites. Of the remaining products, two appeared to result from HX metabolism and one was a glucuronide conjugate. No parent compound was found.", "contents": "Metabolism of N-nitrosohexamethyleneimine. The metabolism of [2-14C]N-nitrosohexamethyleneimine in male MRC-Wistar rats was studied and some of the major urinary metabolites were identified. The extent of total oxidation to 14CO2 was 18.1% in 24 hours and radioactivity incorporation was observed in various tissues; that in the liver was the highest. Analysis of urine after 24 hours showed that 36.7% of the radioactivity administered was excreted by this route, with a minimum of 11 products present. Hexamethyleneimine (HX), epsilon-caprolactam, epsilon-aminocaproic acid, and 6-aminocaprohydroxamic acid were the identified metabolites. Of the remaining products, two appeared to result from HX metabolism and one was a glucuronide conjugate. No parent compound was found.", "PMID": 1003500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9604", "title": "Ultrastructure of a mammosomatotrophic and a nonfunctional transplantable pituitary tumor induced in rats by 2,4,6-trimethylaniline.", "content": "A pituitary tumor was induced in a female inbred BUF rat on an 18-month diet containing 1.1 mmole 2,4,6-trimethylaniline/kg. In the sixth transfer, this tumor developed into two lines of transplantable tumors with different characteristics. Here these two lines were studied by light and electron microscopy; histologically, both tumors were well-differentiated pituitary carcinomas. In the ultrathin sections, the neoplastic cells were separated by a wide intercellular space and covered by numerous microvilli. In the mammosomatotrophic tumor (7315a) the neoplastic cells contained big, electron-dense, ovoid or globular secretory granules (560-1,700 nm in size) that were similar to the prolactin granules of mammotrophs. However, in these cells were also small, pale, uniform, secretory granules that were along the plasma membrane, measured 160 nm in diameter, and resembled the ACTH-containing granules of corticotrophs. The neoplastic cells in tumor line 7315i possessed secretory granules comparable to the granules of the ACTH-secreting cells. The differentiation of the ergastoplasm was abnormal. The tumor cells contained an endoplasmic reticulum similar to mammotrophs and somatotrophs but dissimilar to ACTH-secreting cells. These investigations suggested that the production of several hormones in transplantable pituitary tumors resulted from the multisecretory differentiation of one neoplastic pituitary cell.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of a mammosomatotrophic and a nonfunctional transplantable pituitary tumor induced in rats by 2,4,6-trimethylaniline. A pituitary tumor was induced in a female inbred BUF rat on an 18-month diet containing 1.1 mmole 2,4,6-trimethylaniline/kg. In the sixth transfer, this tumor developed into two lines of transplantable tumors with different characteristics. Here these two lines were studied by light and electron microscopy; histologically, both tumors were well-differentiated pituitary carcinomas. In the ultrathin sections, the neoplastic cells were separated by a wide intercellular space and covered by numerous microvilli. In the mammosomatotrophic tumor (7315a) the neoplastic cells contained big, electron-dense, ovoid or globular secretory granules (560-1,700 nm in size) that were similar to the prolactin granules of mammotrophs. However, in these cells were also small, pale, uniform, secretory granules that were along the plasma membrane, measured 160 nm in diameter, and resembled the ACTH-containing granules of corticotrophs. The neoplastic cells in tumor line 7315i possessed secretory granules comparable to the granules of the ACTH-secreting cells. The differentiation of the ergastoplasm was abnormal. The tumor cells contained an endoplasmic reticulum similar to mammotrophs and somatotrophs but dissimilar to ACTH-secreting cells. These investigations suggested that the production of several hormones in transplantable pituitary tumors resulted from the multisecretory differentiation of one neoplastic pituitary cell.", "PMID": 1003501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9605", "title": "Immunologic parameters of ultraviolet carcinogenesis.", "content": "Skin tumors induced in mice by UV light are usually immunologically rejected by normal syngeneic recipents. We evaluated the immune status of primary hosts against these highly antigenic tumors immediately after surgical removal of the primary tumor. All primary hosts were susceptible to challenge with their autochthonous tumors, though most of these were rejected by untreated control mice. Primary hosts were also susceptible to challenge with isografts of antigenically dissimilar UV-induced neoplasms. The susceptibility of the primary hosts to tumor challenge was probably induced by chronic exposure to UV light, since UV-irradiated non-tumor-bearing mice were also susceptible to challenge with these tumors. Although UV-treated mice were unalbe to reject these syngeneic tumors, they could reject skin and tumor allografts. Further, UV irradiation did not interfere with the second-set rejection of syngeneic UV-induced tumors in mice that were specifically immunized before UV treatment.", "contents": "Immunologic parameters of ultraviolet carcinogenesis. Skin tumors induced in mice by UV light are usually immunologically rejected by normal syngeneic recipents. We evaluated the immune status of primary hosts against these highly antigenic tumors immediately after surgical removal of the primary tumor. All primary hosts were susceptible to challenge with their autochthonous tumors, though most of these were rejected by untreated control mice. Primary hosts were also susceptible to challenge with isografts of antigenically dissimilar UV-induced neoplasms. The susceptibility of the primary hosts to tumor challenge was probably induced by chronic exposure to UV light, since UV-irradiated non-tumor-bearing mice were also susceptible to challenge with these tumors. Although UV-treated mice were unalbe to reject these syngeneic tumors, they could reject skin and tumor allografts. Further, UV irradiation did not interfere with the second-set rejection of syngeneic UV-induced tumors in mice that were specifically immunized before UV treatment.", "PMID": 1003502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9606", "title": "Serum factor: the inhibition of phytohemagglutinin-induced blastogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocytes.", "content": "A serum factor (SF), isolated from acidified sera of normal donors, inhibited phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation of lymphocytes isolated from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL),but had no effect on those from healthy donors. An SF isolated by an identical procedure from the sera of patients with CLL had essentially no inhibitory effect on DNA synthesis in normal or leukemic lymphocytes. The SF was isolated from sera or plasma by ammonium sulfate precipitation, acidification to pH 1.5, and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. The SF was heat labile and sensitive to digestion by trypsin. Maximum inhibition was obtained when the factor was added within 24 hours after the cells were stimulated with PHA.", "contents": "Serum factor: the inhibition of phytohemagglutinin-induced blastogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocytes. A serum factor (SF), isolated from acidified sera of normal donors, inhibited phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation of lymphocytes isolated from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL),but had no effect on those from healthy donors. An SF isolated by an identical procedure from the sera of patients with CLL had essentially no inhibitory effect on DNA synthesis in normal or leukemic lymphocytes. The SF was isolated from sera or plasma by ammonium sulfate precipitation, acidification to pH 1.5, and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. The SF was heat labile and sensitive to digestion by trypsin. Maximum inhibition was obtained when the factor was added within 24 hours after the cells were stimulated with PHA.", "PMID": 1003503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9607", "title": "Induction of DNA degradation in vivo by adriamycin.", "content": "The anthracycline antibiotic adriamycin (Ad) induced degradation (single-strand breaks) of cell DNA in vivo in murine L1210 leukemia cells. Measurement was made by alkaline sucrose gradient methods. Exposure of isolated DNA to Ad had little effect; the in vivo DNA strand breaks were probably due to the action of nucleases on DNA distorted by bound Ad. Toxicity of Ad to postmitotic cells such as cardiac cells could be mediated by this mechanism, since it could be demonstrated in periods substantially shorter than the cell generation time and thus could be responsible for interphase death.", "contents": "Induction of DNA degradation in vivo by adriamycin. The anthracycline antibiotic adriamycin (Ad) induced degradation (single-strand breaks) of cell DNA in vivo in murine L1210 leukemia cells. Measurement was made by alkaline sucrose gradient methods. Exposure of isolated DNA to Ad had little effect; the in vivo DNA strand breaks were probably due to the action of nucleases on DNA distorted by bound Ad. Toxicity of Ad to postmitotic cells such as cardiac cells could be mediated by this mechanism, since it could be demonstrated in periods substantially shorter than the cell generation time and thus could be responsible for interphase death.", "PMID": 1003504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9608", "title": "Further observations on the inhibition of tumor growth by Corynebacterium parvum with cyclophosphamide. III. Effect of C. parvum on cyclophosphamide metabolism.", "content": "Results of investigations employing [14C]cyclophosphamide (CY) demonstrated that even though total plasma radioactivity was similar in female C3HeB/FeJ mice treated either with CY alone or Corynebacterium parvum and CY, the proportion of total activity due to nonmetabolized CY was greater when C. parvum was used. These findings indicated that the antitumor effect of C. parvum may not have been entirely due to its immunopotentiating properties but may also have been related to its effect on the metabolism of CY.", "contents": "Further observations on the inhibition of tumor growth by Corynebacterium parvum with cyclophosphamide. III. Effect of C. parvum on cyclophosphamide metabolism. Results of investigations employing [14C]cyclophosphamide (CY) demonstrated that even though total plasma radioactivity was similar in female C3HeB/FeJ mice treated either with CY alone or Corynebacterium parvum and CY, the proportion of total activity due to nonmetabolized CY was greater when C. parvum was used. These findings indicated that the antitumor effect of C. parvum may not have been entirely due to its immunopotentiating properties but may also have been related to its effect on the metabolism of CY.", "PMID": 1003505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9609", "title": "Covalent binding to protein of the K-region oxide of benzo(a)pyrene formed by microsome incubation.", "content": "Incubation of 20,000 X g supernatant proteins of rat liver with benzo]a]pyrene (BP) and appropriate cofactors produced metabolites of BP covalently bound at the 4,5- position to protein. After being incubated, protein samples were freed from noncovalently bound metabolites and hydrolyzed chemically or both enzymatically and chemically. All steps were performed under minimum exposure to light and air; benzene extracts were prepared during hydrolysis. Chemical hydrolysis released the K-region metabolite BP-4,5-dihydrodiol (identified by UV and mass spectra) and BP. Hydrolysis with trypsin and pronase gave products with the characteristic UV spectrum of substituted chrysene. Chemical hydrolysis of these products released BP and BP-4,5-dihydrodiol.", "contents": "Covalent binding to protein of the K-region oxide of benzo(a)pyrene formed by microsome incubation. Incubation of 20,000 X g supernatant proteins of rat liver with benzo]a]pyrene (BP) and appropriate cofactors produced metabolites of BP covalently bound at the 4,5- position to protein. After being incubated, protein samples were freed from noncovalently bound metabolites and hydrolyzed chemically or both enzymatically and chemically. All steps were performed under minimum exposure to light and air; benzene extracts were prepared during hydrolysis. Chemical hydrolysis released the K-region metabolite BP-4,5-dihydrodiol (identified by UV and mass spectra) and BP. Hydrolysis with trypsin and pronase gave products with the characteristic UV spectrum of substituted chrysene. Chemical hydrolysis of these products released BP and BP-4,5-dihydrodiol.", "PMID": 1003507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9610", "title": "Light and scanning electron microscopy of exfoliated bladder epithelial cells in rats fed N-(4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl)formamide.", "content": "Urine specimens obtained periodically from weanling male F344 rats fed 0.2% N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide (FANFT) for 25 weeks followed by control diet for an additional 35 weeks, were examined by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). LM revealed red blood cells and atypical transitional cells in the urine at 25 and 43 weeks, when microinvasive transitional cell carcinoma was present. Malignant transitional cells were seen in the urine by LM at 60 weeks, when muscle invasion was present in histologic sections. However, SEM showed pleomorphic microvilli on exfoliated urothelial cells as early as 10 weeks after the beginning of FANFT administration, and the microvilli became increasingly pleomorphic as the bladder lesions progressed to muscle invasion at 60 weeks. Noninvasive tumors were present in histologic sections of rat bladders examined at the end of 10 weeks of FANFT administration. The numerous microvilli on exfoliated bladder tumor cells were in sharp contrast to the peaked microridges of normal exfoliated superficial cells.", "contents": "Light and scanning electron microscopy of exfoliated bladder epithelial cells in rats fed N-(4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl)formamide. Urine specimens obtained periodically from weanling male F344 rats fed 0.2% N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide (FANFT) for 25 weeks followed by control diet for an additional 35 weeks, were examined by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). LM revealed red blood cells and atypical transitional cells in the urine at 25 and 43 weeks, when microinvasive transitional cell carcinoma was present. Malignant transitional cells were seen in the urine by LM at 60 weeks, when muscle invasion was present in histologic sections. However, SEM showed pleomorphic microvilli on exfoliated urothelial cells as early as 10 weeks after the beginning of FANFT administration, and the microvilli became increasingly pleomorphic as the bladder lesions progressed to muscle invasion at 60 weeks. Noninvasive tumors were present in histologic sections of rat bladders examined at the end of 10 weeks of FANFT administration. The numerous microvilli on exfoliated bladder tumor cells were in sharp contrast to the peaked microridges of normal exfoliated superficial cells.", "PMID": 1003508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9611", "title": "Mediation of cytotoxic immune responses against human tumor-associated antigens by xenogeneic immune RNA.", "content": "Xenogeneic immune RNA (I-RNA), extracted from the lymphoid organs of sheep or guinea pigs immunized with human tumor cells, mediated in vitro cytotoxic immune responses that were directed specifically against tumor-associated antigens of human tumor target cells. Normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy donors became markedly more cytotoxic for human tumor target cells after being incubated with I-RNA extracted from the lymphoid organs of animals that had been immunized with that particular tumor. Gastric carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and carcinoma of the breast were studied. Lymphocytes incubated with RNA from animals immunized with only complete Freund's adjuvant evidenced no increased cytotoxic activity. RNA extracted from the lymphoid organs of animals immunized with normal skin fibroblasts that were autologous to the immunizing tumor, when incubated with normal allogeneic lymphocytes, also mediated cytotoxic immune reactions against tumor target cells. These immune responses probably were directed principally against normal transplantation antigens. However, when lymphocytes that were autologous to the immunizing tumor and/or the tumor target cells were incubated with RNA from animals immunized with autologous normal fibroblasts, cytotoxicity did not increase. Only I-RNA extracted from donor animals specifically immunized with tumor cells mediated cytotoxic antitumor immune responses when incubated with autologous lymphocytes.", "contents": "Mediation of cytotoxic immune responses against human tumor-associated antigens by xenogeneic immune RNA. Xenogeneic immune RNA (I-RNA), extracted from the lymphoid organs of sheep or guinea pigs immunized with human tumor cells, mediated in vitro cytotoxic immune responses that were directed specifically against tumor-associated antigens of human tumor target cells. Normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy donors became markedly more cytotoxic for human tumor target cells after being incubated with I-RNA extracted from the lymphoid organs of animals that had been immunized with that particular tumor. Gastric carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and carcinoma of the breast were studied. Lymphocytes incubated with RNA from animals immunized with only complete Freund's adjuvant evidenced no increased cytotoxic activity. RNA extracted from the lymphoid organs of animals immunized with normal skin fibroblasts that were autologous to the immunizing tumor, when incubated with normal allogeneic lymphocytes, also mediated cytotoxic immune reactions against tumor target cells. These immune responses probably were directed principally against normal transplantation antigens. However, when lymphocytes that were autologous to the immunizing tumor and/or the tumor target cells were incubated with RNA from animals immunized with autologous normal fibroblasts, cytotoxicity did not increase. Only I-RNA extracted from donor animals specifically immunized with tumor cells mediated cytotoxic antitumor immune responses when incubated with autologous lymphocytes.", "PMID": 1003510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9612", "title": "Mutation theory of carcinogenesis in retinoblastoma.", "content": "To test Knudson's hypothesis that two successive mutations are involved in retinoblastoma, we studied the data on 899 cases. Some of the findings appeared to differ from those that might be expected if Knudson's hypothesis were correct. Certain criticisms of Knudson's methodology and model were suggested. Alternative explanations proposed were 1) the role of the sequence in which mutations occur, and 2) the possibility of three mutational events.", "contents": "Mutation theory of carcinogenesis in retinoblastoma. To test Knudson's hypothesis that two successive mutations are involved in retinoblastoma, we studied the data on 899 cases. Some of the findings appeared to differ from those that might be expected if Knudson's hypothesis were correct. Certain criticisms of Knudson's methodology and model were suggested. Alternative explanations proposed were 1) the role of the sequence in which mutations occur, and 2) the possibility of three mutational events.", "PMID": 1003511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9613", "title": "Comparative carcinogenicity of 5-nitrothiophenes and 5-nitrofurans in rats.", "content": "We investigated the carcinogenicity of five 5-nitrothiophenes with heterocyclic substituents at the 2-position of the thiophene ring by feeding the chemicals to Sprague-Dawley rats and comparing the type and incidence of lesions with those appearing after exposure to two 5-nitrofurans. Benign and malignant mammary tumors and intestinal tract sarcomas were the most frequent lesions induced by 5-nitrothiophenes. 4-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)quinazoline caused a 100% incidence of mammary adenocarcinomas in 28 female rats at risk; it induced 3 benign and 5 malignant mammary tumors and 13 small intestine sarcomas in 20 male rats. A high incidence of similar lesions was observed in male and female rats fed the corresponding 5-nitrofuran analogue, 4-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-2-(5-nitro-2-furyl)quinazoline. In marked contrast, 4 of 28 female rats receiving 4-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-2-(2-thienyl)quinazoline, which lacks the nitro group at the 5-position on the thiophene ring, had solitary benign mammary tumors (P greater than 0.2). Additional 5-nitrothiophenes demonstrating significant oncogenic activity for female rats were 4-morpholino-2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)quinazoline, 4-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)quinazoline 4-(2,3-dihydroxypropylamino)-2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)quinazoline, and 1,2-dihydro-2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one. Another nitrofuran, 4,6-dimethyl-2-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-pyrimidine, provided the following types of neoplasms in 30 female rats at risk: squamous cell carcinomas of the forestomach (30), sarcomas of the intestine (21), adenocarcinomas of the kidney (2).", "contents": "Comparative carcinogenicity of 5-nitrothiophenes and 5-nitrofurans in rats. We investigated the carcinogenicity of five 5-nitrothiophenes with heterocyclic substituents at the 2-position of the thiophene ring by feeding the chemicals to Sprague-Dawley rats and comparing the type and incidence of lesions with those appearing after exposure to two 5-nitrofurans. Benign and malignant mammary tumors and intestinal tract sarcomas were the most frequent lesions induced by 5-nitrothiophenes. 4-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)quinazoline caused a 100% incidence of mammary adenocarcinomas in 28 female rats at risk; it induced 3 benign and 5 malignant mammary tumors and 13 small intestine sarcomas in 20 male rats. A high incidence of similar lesions was observed in male and female rats fed the corresponding 5-nitrofuran analogue, 4-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-2-(5-nitro-2-furyl)quinazoline. In marked contrast, 4 of 28 female rats receiving 4-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-2-(2-thienyl)quinazoline, which lacks the nitro group at the 5-position on the thiophene ring, had solitary benign mammary tumors (P greater than 0.2). Additional 5-nitrothiophenes demonstrating significant oncogenic activity for female rats were 4-morpholino-2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)quinazoline, 4-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)quinazoline 4-(2,3-dihydroxypropylamino)-2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)quinazoline, and 1,2-dihydro-2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one. Another nitrofuran, 4,6-dimethyl-2-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-pyrimidine, provided the following types of neoplasms in 30 female rats at risk: squamous cell carcinomas of the forestomach (30), sarcomas of the intestine (21), adenocarcinomas of the kidney (2).", "PMID": 1003512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9614", "title": "Incorporation of tritiated uridine into DNA of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.", "content": "Ehrlich ascites tumor cells were labeled with [5,6-3H]uridine in vivo during the exponential growth phase of the tumor in the mouse. Hydroxyapatite column chromatography of the total cell nucleic acid revealed a level of activity in the DNA approaching 50% of the incorporated activity of the RNA after 24 hours. After perchloric acid hydrolysis, the constituent bases of the DNA, separated by paper chromatography, contained more than 90% of the tritium radioactivity in the cytosine and thymine, at a ratio of approximately 2:1. Prior to digestion of the polymer, the level of label in the DNA was not sensitive to RNase, alkaline, or heat denaturation. Equilibrium density gradient centrifugation produced a single peak, coincidental for radioactivity and optical density at 260 nm. Our results indicate that tumor cells under replicative stress incorporated more than one-third of the tritium radioactivity of uridine into the DNA, whereas those at a growth plateau had less than 10% of the label in the DNA. This exogenous uridine radioactivity observed in the DNA represented neither a DNA-RNA hybrid, RNA primer pieces in DNA synthesis, nor any other RNase-sensitive species, but was apparently the consequence of amination and methylation of the tritium-labeled uracil moiety to satisfy the metabolic needs of the replicating cells for cytosine and thymine bases.", "contents": "Incorporation of tritiated uridine into DNA of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Ehrlich ascites tumor cells were labeled with [5,6-3H]uridine in vivo during the exponential growth phase of the tumor in the mouse. Hydroxyapatite column chromatography of the total cell nucleic acid revealed a level of activity in the DNA approaching 50% of the incorporated activity of the RNA after 24 hours. After perchloric acid hydrolysis, the constituent bases of the DNA, separated by paper chromatography, contained more than 90% of the tritium radioactivity in the cytosine and thymine, at a ratio of approximately 2:1. Prior to digestion of the polymer, the level of label in the DNA was not sensitive to RNase, alkaline, or heat denaturation. Equilibrium density gradient centrifugation produced a single peak, coincidental for radioactivity and optical density at 260 nm. Our results indicate that tumor cells under replicative stress incorporated more than one-third of the tritium radioactivity of uridine into the DNA, whereas those at a growth plateau had less than 10% of the label in the DNA. This exogenous uridine radioactivity observed in the DNA represented neither a DNA-RNA hybrid, RNA primer pieces in DNA synthesis, nor any other RNase-sensitive species, but was apparently the consequence of amination and methylation of the tritium-labeled uracil moiety to satisfy the metabolic needs of the replicating cells for cytosine and thymine bases.", "PMID": 1003513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9615", "title": "Further observations on the inhibition of tumor growth by corynebacterium parvum with cyclophosphamide.", "content": "The cytotoxic macrophage was further characterized as an important effector cell in the inhibition of tumor growth. When we administered rifampin (a semisynthetic antibiotic that interferes with macrophage function but not viability) with Corynebacterium parvum and/or cyclophosphamide to tumor-bearing C3HeB/FeJ female mice, the tumor growth-inhibitory effects of the C. parvum were reduced. Moreover, when bone marrow cells from those animals were cultured, we found a marked decrease in the cytotoxicity of macrophages comprising clonies arising from colony-forming cells (CFC) in the bone marrow. Such findings supported our contentions that 1) the cytotoxic property of macrophages originates in ancestral stem cells or CFC in bone marrow, and 2) receptor sites of the CFC (or stem cells) that respond to a stimulus for self-replication probably differ from sites that when activated produce progeny with cytotoxic properties. Although the administration of rifampin resulted in macrophages virtually devoid of cytotoxic properties, both relative and absolute numbers of CFC increased.", "contents": "Further observations on the inhibition of tumor growth by corynebacterium parvum with cyclophosphamide. The cytotoxic macrophage was further characterized as an important effector cell in the inhibition of tumor growth. When we administered rifampin (a semisynthetic antibiotic that interferes with macrophage function but not viability) with Corynebacterium parvum and/or cyclophosphamide to tumor-bearing C3HeB/FeJ female mice, the tumor growth-inhibitory effects of the C. parvum were reduced. Moreover, when bone marrow cells from those animals were cultured, we found a marked decrease in the cytotoxicity of macrophages comprising clonies arising from colony-forming cells (CFC) in the bone marrow. Such findings supported our contentions that 1) the cytotoxic property of macrophages originates in ancestral stem cells or CFC in bone marrow, and 2) receptor sites of the CFC (or stem cells) that respond to a stimulus for self-replication probably differ from sites that when activated produce progeny with cytotoxic properties. Although the administration of rifampin resulted in macrophages virtually devoid of cytotoxic properties, both relative and absolute numbers of CFC increased.", "PMID": 1003514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9616", "title": "Epithelial lesions induced by N-nitrosoheptamethyleneimine in host and transplanted rat tracheas.", "content": "N-Nitrosoheptamethyleneimine (NHMI) was given by gastric intubation, at a dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight twice weekly for 5-20 weeks, to F344 rats bearing subcutaneous tracheal transplants. Groups of 5 rats were killed at 5, 10, 15, and 20 weeks, and 1 group was killed at week 33 of the experiment (13 weeks after the last NHMI dose). Sequential changes in host tracheas consisted of hyperplasia with complete loss of mucociliary epithelium, squamous metaplasia, intense mononuclear infiltration, reestablishment of mucocillary epithelium (during the course of NHMI administration) except for focal areas of hyperkeratotic squamous metaplasia or marked dystrophic changes, and finally, papillomas, polyps, and invasive squamous cell carcinomas. Lesions in tracheal transplants consisted mostly of atrophic and dystrophic changes, with only a few small foci of squamous metaplasia and no neoplastic changes.", "contents": "Epithelial lesions induced by N-nitrosoheptamethyleneimine in host and transplanted rat tracheas. N-Nitrosoheptamethyleneimine (NHMI) was given by gastric intubation, at a dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight twice weekly for 5-20 weeks, to F344 rats bearing subcutaneous tracheal transplants. Groups of 5 rats were killed at 5, 10, 15, and 20 weeks, and 1 group was killed at week 33 of the experiment (13 weeks after the last NHMI dose). Sequential changes in host tracheas consisted of hyperplasia with complete loss of mucociliary epithelium, squamous metaplasia, intense mononuclear infiltration, reestablishment of mucocillary epithelium (during the course of NHMI administration) except for focal areas of hyperkeratotic squamous metaplasia or marked dystrophic changes, and finally, papillomas, polyps, and invasive squamous cell carcinomas. Lesions in tracheal transplants consisted mostly of atrophic and dystrophic changes, with only a few small foci of squamous metaplasia and no neoplastic changes.", "PMID": 1003515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9617", "title": "Role of donor immunocompetent cells in allograft rejection.", "content": "Allotransplantable lines of the BALB/c (H-2d) Leydig cell tumor C4092 were established in DBA/1 (H-2q) mice after maintenance in organ culture. These modified tumors had reduced immunogenicity but were recognized and rejected by previously sensitized DBA/1 mice. The addition of 3.4 X 10(3)-1 X 10(5) peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) from untreated BALB/c mice to cell suspensions of the modified tumor did not restore Immunogenicity when the cell mixture was Inoculated sc Into DBA/1 recipients. However, when equivalent numbers of PEC or spleen cells were inoculated iv into animals receiving the tumor cell suspension sc, the acceptance of the tumors was significantly reduced or prevented. This indicated that the BALB/c lymphoid cells inoculated iv stimulated the immune system of the host, which in turn recognized the tumor cell inoculum. The lack of effect of the BALB/c lymphoid cells when admixed with the tumor did not support the assumption that the loss of passenger lymphoid cells was responsible for the allotransplantability of grafts after organ culture explantation. Additional evidence was presented that supports our view that the reduced immunogenicity was associated with a phenotypic modification of the tumor cells per se.", "contents": "Role of donor immunocompetent cells in allograft rejection. Allotransplantable lines of the BALB/c (H-2d) Leydig cell tumor C4092 were established in DBA/1 (H-2q) mice after maintenance in organ culture. These modified tumors had reduced immunogenicity but were recognized and rejected by previously sensitized DBA/1 mice. The addition of 3.4 X 10(3)-1 X 10(5) peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) from untreated BALB/c mice to cell suspensions of the modified tumor did not restore Immunogenicity when the cell mixture was Inoculated sc Into DBA/1 recipients. However, when equivalent numbers of PEC or spleen cells were inoculated iv into animals receiving the tumor cell suspension sc, the acceptance of the tumors was significantly reduced or prevented. This indicated that the BALB/c lymphoid cells inoculated iv stimulated the immune system of the host, which in turn recognized the tumor cell inoculum. The lack of effect of the BALB/c lymphoid cells when admixed with the tumor did not support the assumption that the loss of passenger lymphoid cells was responsible for the allotransplantability of grafts after organ culture explantation. Additional evidence was presented that supports our view that the reduced immunogenicity was associated with a phenotypic modification of the tumor cells per se.", "PMID": 1003516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9618", "title": "Effect of zinc administration on the growth of L1210 and BW5147 tumors in mice.", "content": "Aqueous zinc acetate injected ip prevented tumor growth in 50-70% of BDF male mice previously inoculated ip with L1210 leukemia cells. However, aqueous zinc acetate injected sc did not prevent tumor growth in AKR/J mice inoculated im with BW5147 lymphatic leukemia cells. In the latter mice, only a small but statistically significant increase in mean survival was noted.", "contents": "Effect of zinc administration on the growth of L1210 and BW5147 tumors in mice. Aqueous zinc acetate injected ip prevented tumor growth in 50-70% of BDF male mice previously inoculated ip with L1210 leukemia cells. However, aqueous zinc acetate injected sc did not prevent tumor growth in AKR/J mice inoculated im with BW5147 lymphatic leukemia cells. In the latter mice, only a small but statistically significant increase in mean survival was noted.", "PMID": 1003517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9619", "title": "The relationship between diet and rat fecal bacterial enzymes implicated in colon cancer.", "content": "We studied the effect of diet on the activities of four enzymes found in the intestinal flora of the male F344 rat. Animals initially fed a diet with high vegetable and grain content were shifted to a diet consisting predominantly of beef. While eating the meat diet, the rats had significantly higher levels of nitroreductase, azoreductase, and beta-glucuronidase in their fecal flora when compared to levels measured during grain feeding. However, beta-glucosidase activity was significantly lower during meat feeding, which probably reflected the lack of beta-glucosidic linkages in this diet. These findings suggested that a high-beef diet, similar in composition to that consumed by humans with a relatively high risk of colon cancer, is associated with elevated levels of specific enzymes in the colon microflora. These enzymes have been implicated in the conversion of procarcinogens into carcinogens.", "contents": "The relationship between diet and rat fecal bacterial enzymes implicated in colon cancer. We studied the effect of diet on the activities of four enzymes found in the intestinal flora of the male F344 rat. Animals initially fed a diet with high vegetable and grain content were shifted to a diet consisting predominantly of beef. While eating the meat diet, the rats had significantly higher levels of nitroreductase, azoreductase, and beta-glucuronidase in their fecal flora when compared to levels measured during grain feeding. However, beta-glucosidase activity was significantly lower during meat feeding, which probably reflected the lack of beta-glucosidic linkages in this diet. These findings suggested that a high-beef diet, similar in composition to that consumed by humans with a relatively high risk of colon cancer, is associated with elevated levels of specific enzymes in the colon microflora. These enzymes have been implicated in the conversion of procarcinogens into carcinogens.", "PMID": 1003518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9620", "title": "Dual-frequency proton spin relaxation measurements on tissues form normal and tumor-bearing mice.", "content": "Measurements of pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation times T1 and T2 were made at 2.7 MHz and 15 MHz on water protons in liver, kidney, spleen, muscle, and brain tissue from normal A.SW mice, and in the same tissues and tumors from A.SW mice developing MSWBS tumors (an ascites sarcoma) following dorsal sc implantation of tumor fragments. The measurement precision obtained from improved spectrometer design made it possible to show that T1 and T2 in all tissues except brain were increased by the presence of the tumor in the animal. The responses exhibited by T1 and T2 in liver and kidney were proportional to the size of the tumor. The smaller responses shown by T1 in spleen (15 MHz) and T1 and T2 in muscle (2.7 MHz) also showed a significant correlation with tumor size. The relaxation times for tumor (T1 at 2.7 MHz, T2 at 2.7 and 15 MHz) showed a significant negative correlation with tumor size: The times decreased as tumor size increased. The results were analyzed by use of the two-phase fast exchange model and were consistent with the effects expected if tissue water content increased and tumor water content decreased as tumor size increased. The analysis indicated that the effects arose primarily through changes in b, the fraction of water bound to fast exchange sites on the protein, with important modifications from changes in the correlation times Tc and Tm;Tr controlled the frequency that must be chosen for specific diagnostic applications.", "contents": "Dual-frequency proton spin relaxation measurements on tissues form normal and tumor-bearing mice. Measurements of pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation times T1 and T2 were made at 2.7 MHz and 15 MHz on water protons in liver, kidney, spleen, muscle, and brain tissue from normal A.SW mice, and in the same tissues and tumors from A.SW mice developing MSWBS tumors (an ascites sarcoma) following dorsal sc implantation of tumor fragments. The measurement precision obtained from improved spectrometer design made it possible to show that T1 and T2 in all tissues except brain were increased by the presence of the tumor in the animal. The responses exhibited by T1 and T2 in liver and kidney were proportional to the size of the tumor. The smaller responses shown by T1 in spleen (15 MHz) and T1 and T2 in muscle (2.7 MHz) also showed a significant correlation with tumor size. The relaxation times for tumor (T1 at 2.7 MHz, T2 at 2.7 and 15 MHz) showed a significant negative correlation with tumor size: The times decreased as tumor size increased. The results were analyzed by use of the two-phase fast exchange model and were consistent with the effects expected if tissue water content increased and tumor water content decreased as tumor size increased. The analysis indicated that the effects arose primarily through changes in b, the fraction of water bound to fast exchange sites on the protein, with important modifications from changes in the correlation times Tc and Tm;Tr controlled the frequency that must be chosen for specific diagnostic applications.", "PMID": 1003519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9621", "title": "Ultrastructure of N-nitorsodibutylamine-induced tumors of the nasal cavity in the European hamster.", "content": "The ultrastructural characteristics of N-nitrosodibutylamine-induced adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas in the nasal cavities of European hamsters suggested that the cells of origin for adenocarcinomas were the goblet cells of the normal epithelial lining, whereas squamous cell carcinomas seemed to originate either from squamous metaplastic epithelium or from adenomatous areas, perhaps even as a later developmental stage of adenocarcinomas.", "contents": "Ultrastructure of N-nitorsodibutylamine-induced tumors of the nasal cavity in the European hamster. The ultrastructural characteristics of N-nitrosodibutylamine-induced adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas in the nasal cavities of European hamsters suggested that the cells of origin for adenocarcinomas were the goblet cells of the normal epithelial lining, whereas squamous cell carcinomas seemed to originate either from squamous metaplastic epithelium or from adenomatous areas, perhaps even as a later developmental stage of adenocarcinomas.", "PMID": 1003520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9622", "title": "Beta-aminoaciduria in patients with Burkitt's lymphoma.", "content": "The massive amounts of beta-aminoisobutyric acid (beta-AIBA) in the urine of Burkitt's lymphoma patients were measured along with other alpha-amino acids and beta-alanine present in normal and decreased levels. The ratios of the amount of beta-AIBA to beta-alanine, in mumoles/kg urine collected in 24 hours, were elevated for all patients. The degree of elevation of beta-AIBA excretion and the ratio of the two beta-amino acids appeared to be related to the amount of tumor mass present. These analyses may have possible value in monitoring patients with Burkitt's lymphoma during their disease course.", "contents": "Beta-aminoaciduria in patients with Burkitt's lymphoma. The massive amounts of beta-aminoisobutyric acid (beta-AIBA) in the urine of Burkitt's lymphoma patients were measured along with other alpha-amino acids and beta-alanine present in normal and decreased levels. The ratios of the amount of beta-AIBA to beta-alanine, in mumoles/kg urine collected in 24 hours, were elevated for all patients. The degree of elevation of beta-AIBA excretion and the ratio of the two beta-amino acids appeared to be related to the amount of tumor mass present. These analyses may have possible value in monitoring patients with Burkitt's lymphoma during their disease course.", "PMID": 1003521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9623", "title": "In vivo distinction between a target cell for Friend virus (FVP) and murine hematopoietic stem cells.", "content": "Busulphan (BU) treatment of DBA/2 mice with hypertransfusion (HT)-induced polycythemia resulted in an ablation of detectable hematopoietic stem cells (CFUS) in pooled marrow from the long bones. Daily injections of erythropoietin (EP) stimulated an EP-responsive population of cells in the absence of detectable CFUS. Mice treated with BU and EP and having HT-induced polycythemia were inoculated with the polycythemia-inducing strain of Friend virus (FVP) and determinations were made for the presence of tumor colony-forming units (tCFU). No change in CFUS/10(6) bone marrow cells was detected as a result of EP treatment. However, tCFU were increased more than 100-fold in HT-BU-EP-treated mice compared with saline-treated controls. The demonstration of tCFU in mice in which CFUS were not detectable indicated that this leukemogenic effect of FVP could occur in the absence of the pluripotent stem cell. Furthermore, the increased numbers of this FVP target cell in the EP-stimulated, BU-treated mice with HT-induced polycythemia supported the model licating the target for this effect in the EP-responsive cell population.", "contents": "In vivo distinction between a target cell for Friend virus (FVP) and murine hematopoietic stem cells. Busulphan (BU) treatment of DBA/2 mice with hypertransfusion (HT)-induced polycythemia resulted in an ablation of detectable hematopoietic stem cells (CFUS) in pooled marrow from the long bones. Daily injections of erythropoietin (EP) stimulated an EP-responsive population of cells in the absence of detectable CFUS. Mice treated with BU and EP and having HT-induced polycythemia were inoculated with the polycythemia-inducing strain of Friend virus (FVP) and determinations were made for the presence of tumor colony-forming units (tCFU). No change in CFUS/10(6) bone marrow cells was detected as a result of EP treatment. However, tCFU were increased more than 100-fold in HT-BU-EP-treated mice compared with saline-treated controls. The demonstration of tCFU in mice in which CFUS were not detectable indicated that this leukemogenic effect of FVP could occur in the absence of the pluripotent stem cell. Furthermore, the increased numbers of this FVP target cell in the EP-stimulated, BU-treated mice with HT-induced polycythemia supported the model licating the target for this effect in the EP-responsive cell population.", "PMID": 1003522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9624", "title": "Afferent and efferent interference of cell-mediated cytotoxic reactions by heparin.", "content": "Heparin influenced the induction (afferent interference) and effector (efferent interference) phases of cell-mediated cytotoxic reactions against FBL-3 cells, a syngeneic Friend virus-induced leukemia in inbred C57BL/6 mice. Heparin was cytotoxic at high concentrations (greater than or equal to 100 U/ml) and inhibitory for cell-mediated cytotoxic response at lower concentrations (less than or equal to 50 U/ml).", "contents": "Afferent and efferent interference of cell-mediated cytotoxic reactions by heparin. Heparin influenced the induction (afferent interference) and effector (efferent interference) phases of cell-mediated cytotoxic reactions against FBL-3 cells, a syngeneic Friend virus-induced leukemia in inbred C57BL/6 mice. Heparin was cytotoxic at high concentrations (greater than or equal to 100 U/ml) and inhibitory for cell-mediated cytotoxic response at lower concentrations (less than or equal to 50 U/ml).", "PMID": 1003523} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9625", "title": "In vitro lymphocyte immunization to cultured human tumor cells: parameters for generation of cytotoxic lymphocytes.", "content": "Conditions for optimal immunization of allogeneic lymphocytes against human tumor cells were studied. Maximal cell-mediated cytotoxic responses were generated usually with 2-4 X 10(4) tumor cells and 1 X 10(6) lymphocytes after a 5-day incubation. A further increase in the number of stimulating cells usually suppressed the immunization of lymphocytes. Viable untreated tumor cells were generally more immunogenic than were the mitomycin C-treated tumor cells. Lymphocytes (1 X )0(6)) sensitized in small volumes (0.5-1 ml) of medium were invariably transformed into cytotoxic effector cells, whereas the same number of lymphocytes sensitized in relatively larger volumes (4 ml) of medium had little or no cytotoxic activity. Occasional shaking of mixed culture during the sensitization provided better immunization than that in similar stationary culture. The replacement of culture fluids with fresh medium during incubation decreased the cytotoxicity level of sensitized cells.", "contents": "In vitro lymphocyte immunization to cultured human tumor cells: parameters for generation of cytotoxic lymphocytes. Conditions for optimal immunization of allogeneic lymphocytes against human tumor cells were studied. Maximal cell-mediated cytotoxic responses were generated usually with 2-4 X 10(4) tumor cells and 1 X 10(6) lymphocytes after a 5-day incubation. A further increase in the number of stimulating cells usually suppressed the immunization of lymphocytes. Viable untreated tumor cells were generally more immunogenic than were the mitomycin C-treated tumor cells. Lymphocytes (1 X )0(6)) sensitized in small volumes (0.5-1 ml) of medium were invariably transformed into cytotoxic effector cells, whereas the same number of lymphocytes sensitized in relatively larger volumes (4 ml) of medium had little or no cytotoxic activity. Occasional shaking of mixed culture during the sensitization provided better immunization than that in similar stationary culture. The replacement of culture fluids with fresh medium during incubation decreased the cytotoxicity level of sensitized cells.", "PMID": 1003525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9626", "title": "Effect of BCG (Tice strain) on primary sensitization to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene and on established delayed hypersensitivity in human malignant melanoma.", "content": "Studies of primary sensitization and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to 2,4-dintrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and recall antigens were conducted in 71 patients with melanoma who were receiving BCG (Tice strain) immunotherapy by scarification. Similar studies were conducted in 32 control patients with melanoma who did not receive BCG. No significant differences were observed, in the various clinical stages, between patients receiving and those not receiving BCG, in terms of the frequency or intensity of primary sensitization to DNCB. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in delayed hypersensitivity to recall antigens between these groups of patients. The apparent discrepancy between the clinical benefit from BCG immunotherapy and its failure to stimulate certain parameters of cellular immunity in patients with melanoma is discussed.", "contents": "Effect of BCG (Tice strain) on primary sensitization to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene and on established delayed hypersensitivity in human malignant melanoma. Studies of primary sensitization and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to 2,4-dintrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and recall antigens were conducted in 71 patients with melanoma who were receiving BCG (Tice strain) immunotherapy by scarification. Similar studies were conducted in 32 control patients with melanoma who did not receive BCG. No significant differences were observed, in the various clinical stages, between patients receiving and those not receiving BCG, in terms of the frequency or intensity of primary sensitization to DNCB. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in delayed hypersensitivity to recall antigens between these groups of patients. The apparent discrepancy between the clinical benefit from BCG immunotherapy and its failure to stimulate certain parameters of cellular immunity in patients with melanoma is discussed.", "PMID": 1003526} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9627", "title": "Relationship of age to incidence of breast cancer in young women.", "content": "The rate of increase with age in the incidence of breast cancer in women was at a maximum at the lowest age that it could reasonably be estimated (in these data, 25 yr). It then declined linearly with age to about 50 years. The rate of increase with age, and its changes with age, were similar in many Western populations and in Japan. The decline with age in the rate of increase in the incidence of breast cancer was arrested at the age of 50 and replaced by rates of change that altered little with age. The premenopausal changes could be reproduced by a breast cancer precursor model with exponential decay of precursor prevalence with time. There was evidence for the existence of such a precursor.", "contents": "Relationship of age to incidence of breast cancer in young women. The rate of increase with age in the incidence of breast cancer in women was at a maximum at the lowest age that it could reasonably be estimated (in these data, 25 yr). It then declined linearly with age to about 50 years. The rate of increase with age, and its changes with age, were similar in many Western populations and in Japan. The decline with age in the rate of increase in the incidence of breast cancer was arrested at the age of 50 and replaced by rates of change that altered little with age. The premenopausal changes could be reproduced by a breast cancer precursor model with exponential decay of precursor prevalence with time. There was evidence for the existence of such a precursor.", "PMID": 1003527} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9628", "title": "Fluoridated drinking water and the occurrence of cancer.", "content": "A recent report by the National Health Federation, a private agency, related cancer mortality patterns in the United States to fluoridation of water supplies, triggering much public health concern and some political response. To clarify the issues raised, we studied cancer mortality and incidence statistics for U.S. counties, 1950-69. No trends could be ascribed to the consumption of water that is artificially or naturally fluoridated.", "contents": "Fluoridated drinking water and the occurrence of cancer. A recent report by the National Health Federation, a private agency, related cancer mortality patterns in the United States to fluoridation of water supplies, triggering much public health concern and some political response. To clarify the issues raised, we studied cancer mortality and incidence statistics for U.S. counties, 1950-69. No trends could be ascribed to the consumption of water that is artificially or naturally fluoridated.", "PMID": 1003528} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9629", "title": "Adenocarcinoma of the kidney. I. Ultrastructure of renal adenocarcinomas induced in rats by N-(4'-fluoro-4-biphenylyl)acetamide.", "content": "The ultrastructure of tumors induced in kidneys of F344 rats by the carcinogen N-(4'-fluoro-4-biphenylyl)acetamide appeared similar in many aspects to that described in humans and other animal models. The neoplastic cells exhibited microvilli resembling brush border and other adaptations of the cell membrane. Tumor lobules were surrounded by basement membrane-like material, which also extended into the tumor mass between individual cells. The ultrastructure appeared to reflect a proximal tubular origin of these lesions.", "contents": "Adenocarcinoma of the kidney. I. Ultrastructure of renal adenocarcinomas induced in rats by N-(4'-fluoro-4-biphenylyl)acetamide. The ultrastructure of tumors induced in kidneys of F344 rats by the carcinogen N-(4'-fluoro-4-biphenylyl)acetamide appeared similar in many aspects to that described in humans and other animal models. The neoplastic cells exhibited microvilli resembling brush border and other adaptations of the cell membrane. Tumor lobules were surrounded by basement membrane-like material, which also extended into the tumor mass between individual cells. The ultrastructure appeared to reflect a proximal tubular origin of these lesions.", "PMID": 1003529} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9630", "title": "Susceptibility of fetal lung to transplacental 1-ethyl-1-nitrosourea: its relation to epithelial proliferation.", "content": "The relationship between the age-dependence of the number of lung adenomas produced by exposure of fetal mouse lung to 1-ethyl-1-nitrosourea (ENU) and changes in the number of epithelial cells within the population that are in the cell cycle on different gestation days was studied. The epithelial cells lining peripheral tubules of growing lung were counted by morphometric methods, and, based on previous studies, their distribution in various phases of the cell cycle was estimated. The curve of multiplicity of adenomas was biphasic, with the maximum number in fetuses exposed on days 16 and 17 and the minimum in those exposed on day 19. The number of epithelial cells in the proliferative cycle followed a similar pattern. A linear regression curve relating the number of cells in the cell cycle to the number of adenomas produced 16 weeks after exposure to ENU showed a correlation coefficient of 0.82. The number of adenomas was more highly correlated with the number of cells in the G1 phase at carcinogen exposure than with the number of cells in either the S phase or the G2 phase and mitosis. The incidence of adenomas per 10(6) cells in cycle was greater when fetuses were exposed to ENU on day 15, and tumors induced on this day grew to a significantly larger size by 16 weeks after birth than did those induced on days 17, 18, or 19. Factors of possible significance in this age-related response may have been the high growth fraction in fetal lung epithelium on day 15, the short cell-cycle time, and the longer period available for cell proliferation between tumor initiation and birth.", "contents": "Susceptibility of fetal lung to transplacental 1-ethyl-1-nitrosourea: its relation to epithelial proliferation. The relationship between the age-dependence of the number of lung adenomas produced by exposure of fetal mouse lung to 1-ethyl-1-nitrosourea (ENU) and changes in the number of epithelial cells within the population that are in the cell cycle on different gestation days was studied. The epithelial cells lining peripheral tubules of growing lung were counted by morphometric methods, and, based on previous studies, their distribution in various phases of the cell cycle was estimated. The curve of multiplicity of adenomas was biphasic, with the maximum number in fetuses exposed on days 16 and 17 and the minimum in those exposed on day 19. The number of epithelial cells in the proliferative cycle followed a similar pattern. A linear regression curve relating the number of cells in the cell cycle to the number of adenomas produced 16 weeks after exposure to ENU showed a correlation coefficient of 0.82. The number of adenomas was more highly correlated with the number of cells in the G1 phase at carcinogen exposure than with the number of cells in either the S phase or the G2 phase and mitosis. The incidence of adenomas per 10(6) cells in cycle was greater when fetuses were exposed to ENU on day 15, and tumors induced on this day grew to a significantly larger size by 16 weeks after birth than did those induced on days 17, 18, or 19. Factors of possible significance in this age-related response may have been the high growth fraction in fetal lung epithelium on day 15, the short cell-cycle time, and the longer period available for cell proliferation between tumor initiation and birth.", "PMID": 1003530} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9631", "title": "Antileukemic properties of organoplatinum complexes.", "content": "The antitumor activity of 46 cis-amineplatinum congeners was evaluated against L1210 leukemia in (C57BL/L X DBA/2)F1 mice. Several compounds in this series significantly prolonged the life-spans of mice with the leukemia. During the selection of the compound that yielded optimal activity [dichloro(1,2-diaminocyclohexane)platinum], the chlorides were substituted with various organic and inorganic anions. The aqueous solubility was greatly increased with retention of significant antileukemic activity. Most of the active compounds were synergistic with cyclophosphamide, and cure rates up to 80% were obtained with certain combinations.", "contents": "Antileukemic properties of organoplatinum complexes. The antitumor activity of 46 cis-amineplatinum congeners was evaluated against L1210 leukemia in (C57BL/L X DBA/2)F1 mice. Several compounds in this series significantly prolonged the life-spans of mice with the leukemia. During the selection of the compound that yielded optimal activity [dichloro(1,2-diaminocyclohexane)platinum], the chlorides were substituted with various organic and inorganic anions. The aqueous solubility was greatly increased with retention of significant antileukemic activity. Most of the active compounds were synergistic with cyclophosphamide, and cure rates up to 80% were obtained with certain combinations.", "PMID": 1003531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9632", "title": "Depressed chemotactic responses in vitro of peritoneal macrophages from tumor-bearing mice.", "content": "The in vitro chemotactic responses of peritoneal macrophages from mice bearing transplantable syngeneic 3-methylcholanthrene-induced tumors in their footpads were depressed to about 50% of normal levels. This chemotactic defect to both lymphocyte- and complement-derived stimuli was evident before the appearance of palpable tumor (within 1 week of tumor injection) and persisted until the death of the animal by 6-8 weeks. Chemotactic depression was not observed with macrophages from mice treated with tissue culture medium, fetal calf serum, incomplete Freund's adjuvant, or syngeneic spleen cells.", "contents": "Depressed chemotactic responses in vitro of peritoneal macrophages from tumor-bearing mice. The in vitro chemotactic responses of peritoneal macrophages from mice bearing transplantable syngeneic 3-methylcholanthrene-induced tumors in their footpads were depressed to about 50% of normal levels. This chemotactic defect to both lymphocyte- and complement-derived stimuli was evident before the appearance of palpable tumor (within 1 week of tumor injection) and persisted until the death of the animal by 6-8 weeks. Chemotactic depression was not observed with macrophages from mice treated with tissue culture medium, fetal calf serum, incomplete Freund's adjuvant, or syngeneic spleen cells.", "PMID": 1003532} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9633", "title": "Tumorigenic effect of 3-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazole on rat thyroid.", "content": "Six groups of female outbred Wistar rats were subjected to the following treatments: 2,500 ppm 3-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazole (amitrole) administered in the drinking water (group I); partial thyroidectomy and administration of amitrole in the drinking water (group II); partial thyroidectomy plus autoimplantation of resected thyroid tissue plus administration of amitrole in the drinking water (group III); no treatment (control of group I) (group IV); partial thyroidectomy without amitrole administration (control of group II) (group V); or partial thyroidectomy plus autoimplantation of resected thyroid tissue without amitrole administration (control of group III) (group VI). Goiters developed in all rats given amitrole (groups I-III). Invasive growth of the proliferating follicular tissue through the capsule into adjacent fatty tissue and of pericapsular blood vessels was frequent in these groups (P less than 0.001); invasive lesions were more frequent in the lobectomized thyroid glands of rats (groups II and III). Seven papillary adenomas composed of atypical cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and many mitoses were found in the thyroid glands and grafts in amitrole-treated groups I-II. No invasive growth or adenomas appeared in the control rats of groups IV-VI. Cholangiofibrosis developed in 5 of 100 rats in groups I-III.", "contents": "Tumorigenic effect of 3-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazole on rat thyroid. Six groups of female outbred Wistar rats were subjected to the following treatments: 2,500 ppm 3-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazole (amitrole) administered in the drinking water (group I); partial thyroidectomy and administration of amitrole in the drinking water (group II); partial thyroidectomy plus autoimplantation of resected thyroid tissue plus administration of amitrole in the drinking water (group III); no treatment (control of group I) (group IV); partial thyroidectomy without amitrole administration (control of group II) (group V); or partial thyroidectomy plus autoimplantation of resected thyroid tissue without amitrole administration (control of group III) (group VI). Goiters developed in all rats given amitrole (groups I-III). Invasive growth of the proliferating follicular tissue through the capsule into adjacent fatty tissue and of pericapsular blood vessels was frequent in these groups (P less than 0.001); invasive lesions were more frequent in the lobectomized thyroid glands of rats (groups II and III). Seven papillary adenomas composed of atypical cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and many mitoses were found in the thyroid glands and grafts in amitrole-treated groups I-II. No invasive growth or adenomas appeared in the control rats of groups IV-VI. Cholangiofibrosis developed in 5 of 100 rats in groups I-III.", "PMID": 1003533} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9634", "title": "Effect of diet high in beef fat on the composition of fecal bile acids during intestinal carcinogenesis in the rat.", "content": "Two groups of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats each were given sc 8 mg azoxymethane/kg body weight and fed a normal diet or one high in beef fat. Control groups were not given azoxymethane. Fat-control animals did not excrete more total bile acids than did the normal-control group but did excrete more deoxycholic acid as the result of increased cholic acid degradation. Azoxymethane itself caused an increase in fecal bile acid concentratation but tended to reduce the level of cholic acid degradation. Fatty acid content in the feces increased in the animals on the fat diet but was not affected by azoxymethane. A fat-diet-dependent increase was apparent in total fecal neutral steroids and a carcinogen-dependent increase in cholesterol degradation. Dietary fat and bile steroids altered by gut microflora were important interrelated factors in the intestinal carcinogenic process of this animal model.", "contents": "Effect of diet high in beef fat on the composition of fecal bile acids during intestinal carcinogenesis in the rat. Two groups of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats each were given sc 8 mg azoxymethane/kg body weight and fed a normal diet or one high in beef fat. Control groups were not given azoxymethane. Fat-control animals did not excrete more total bile acids than did the normal-control group but did excrete more deoxycholic acid as the result of increased cholic acid degradation. Azoxymethane itself caused an increase in fecal bile acid concentratation but tended to reduce the level of cholic acid degradation. Fatty acid content in the feces increased in the animals on the fat diet but was not affected by azoxymethane. A fat-diet-dependent increase was apparent in total fecal neutral steroids and a carcinogen-dependent increase in cholesterol degradation. Dietary fat and bile steroids altered by gut microflora were important interrelated factors in the intestinal carcinogenic process of this animal model.", "PMID": 1003534} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9635", "title": "Development of teratomas from the ectoderm of mouse egg cylinders.", "content": "We studied the developmental capacities of the primary ectoderm and endoderm of 6-day embryos of hybrids between strains 129/Sv-SIJ C P and A/He mice by grafting these germ layers into the testes of adult mice for 30 days. Grafts of embryonic ectoderm gave rise to teratocarcinomas composed of undifferentiated embryonal cells and derivatives of all three germ layers including respiratory and alimentary epithelium. Grafts of extraembryonic ectoderm gave rise to invasive trophoblastic giant cells. Grafts of endoderm did not develop.", "contents": "Development of teratomas from the ectoderm of mouse egg cylinders. We studied the developmental capacities of the primary ectoderm and endoderm of 6-day embryos of hybrids between strains 129/Sv-SIJ C P and A/He mice by grafting these germ layers into the testes of adult mice for 30 days. Grafts of embryonic ectoderm gave rise to teratocarcinomas composed of undifferentiated embryonal cells and derivatives of all three germ layers including respiratory and alimentary epithelium. Grafts of extraembryonic ectoderm gave rise to invasive trophoblastic giant cells. Grafts of endoderm did not develop.", "PMID": 1003535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9636", "title": "Deuterium isotope effect in the microsomal metabolism of dimethylnitrosamine.", "content": "The rates of N-demethylation of dimethylnitrosamine and dimethylnitrosamine-d6 by rat liver microsomes were studied by monitoring formaldehyde production. Deuterium isotope effects of 1.6 and 3.8 were found for the Michaelis constant and the maximum velocity, respectively.", "contents": "Deuterium isotope effect in the microsomal metabolism of dimethylnitrosamine. The rates of N-demethylation of dimethylnitrosamine and dimethylnitrosamine-d6 by rat liver microsomes were studied by monitoring formaldehyde production. Deuterium isotope effects of 1.6 and 3.8 were found for the Michaelis constant and the maximum velocity, respectively.", "PMID": 1003536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9637", "title": "Gastric cancer in Colombia. I. Cancer risk and suspect environmental agents.", "content": "A case control study of patients discharged from hospitals revealed fourfold differences in geographic variation in stomach cancer risk within the Department of Narino (Colombia). Data from gastroscopic surveys of population groups, samples of water supplies, and urine and saliva in Narino also indicated a generally positive correlation among the following parameters: 1) gastric cancer risk, 2) prevalence of chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, 3) nitrate content of well waters, and 4) nitrate excretion by the population. Urinary excretion reflected the ingestion of nitrates, and this implied a higher average intake of nitrates in the populations at high risk for stomach cancer. The Narino data could be construed as presumptive epidemiologic evidence for the role of nitrate availability in the etiology of stomach cancer.", "contents": "Gastric cancer in Colombia. I. Cancer risk and suspect environmental agents. A case control study of patients discharged from hospitals revealed fourfold differences in geographic variation in stomach cancer risk within the Department of Narino (Colombia). Data from gastroscopic surveys of population groups, samples of water supplies, and urine and saliva in Narino also indicated a generally positive correlation among the following parameters: 1) gastric cancer risk, 2) prevalence of chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, 3) nitrate content of well waters, and 4) nitrate excretion by the population. Urinary excretion reflected the ingestion of nitrates, and this implied a higher average intake of nitrates in the populations at high risk for stomach cancer. The Narino data could be construed as presumptive epidemiologic evidence for the role of nitrate availability in the etiology of stomach cancer.", "PMID": 1003537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9638", "title": "Gastric cancer in Colombia. II. Case-control epidemiologic study of precursor lesions.", "content": "Endoscopic surveys in the Department of Narino (Colombia) showed that natives of areas of very high risks for stomach cancer have a higher prevalence of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia than do persons born in other parts of Narino. In these surveys, diets were compared between individuals with and without evidence of these suspect precursor lesions of stomach cancer and between individuals born in the areas designated as high and low risk for stomach cancer. The composite evidence from the comparisons indicated lettuce to be negatively associated with stomach cancer and raised the possibility to a positive association for corn. The relationship of these findings to other epidemiologic evidence and the implications for applying the epidemiology of stomach cancer to the epidemiology of precursor lesions were examined.", "contents": "Gastric cancer in Colombia. II. Case-control epidemiologic study of precursor lesions. Endoscopic surveys in the Department of Narino (Colombia) showed that natives of areas of very high risks for stomach cancer have a higher prevalence of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia than do persons born in other parts of Narino. In these surveys, diets were compared between individuals with and without evidence of these suspect precursor lesions of stomach cancer and between individuals born in the areas designated as high and low risk for stomach cancer. The composite evidence from the comparisons indicated lettuce to be negatively associated with stomach cancer and raised the possibility to a positive association for corn. The relationship of these findings to other epidemiologic evidence and the implications for applying the epidemiology of stomach cancer to the epidemiology of precursor lesions were examined.", "PMID": 1003538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9639", "title": "Gastric cancer in Colombia. III. Natural history of precursor lesions.", "content": "The premalignant process in the gastric mucosa was studied by gastroscopic surveys of Colombian populations, and the prevalence of superficial gastritis, chronic atrophic gastritis, and intestinal metaplasia was calculated for population samples having a very high gastric cancer risk (Nari\u00f1o), very low risk (Cartagena), and intermediate risk (Cali). The prevalence of individuals with normal mucosa in successive age groups was used to estimate \"depletion\" curves, which were taken as indicators of the dynamics of the premalignant process in each community. Differences corresponding to the geographic variation in stomach cancer risk were found: In the high-risk areas of Nari\u00f1o, around 75% of the population developed some type of gastritis by 45 years of age, whereas in the low- and intermediate-risk population of Cartagena and Cali, the proportion of such lesions did not exceed 50% at age 45 or thereafter. The effect of environmental factors in early life seemed to be important in determining the prevalence of lesions in each population.", "contents": "Gastric cancer in Colombia. III. Natural history of precursor lesions. The premalignant process in the gastric mucosa was studied by gastroscopic surveys of Colombian populations, and the prevalence of superficial gastritis, chronic atrophic gastritis, and intestinal metaplasia was calculated for population samples having a very high gastric cancer risk (Nari\u00f1o), very low risk (Cartagena), and intermediate risk (Cali). The prevalence of individuals with normal mucosa in successive age groups was used to estimate \"depletion\" curves, which were taken as indicators of the dynamics of the premalignant process in each community. Differences corresponding to the geographic variation in stomach cancer risk were found: In the high-risk areas of Nari\u00f1o, around 75% of the population developed some type of gastritis by 45 years of age, whereas in the low- and intermediate-risk population of Cartagena and Cali, the proportion of such lesions did not exceed 50% at age 45 or thereafter. The effect of environmental factors in early life seemed to be important in determining the prevalence of lesions in each population.", "PMID": 1003539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9640", "title": "Uterine cervical carcinoma in Connecticut, 1935-1973: evidence for two classes of invasive disease.", "content": "The Connecticut Tumor Registry recorded 5,781 women with carcinoma in situ (CIS) and 7,614 with invasive cervical cancer from 1935 to 1973. True incidence rates for invasive disease were calculated. CIS rates indicated newly diagnosed cases, but true CIS incidence is unknown. Starting in 1945-49, the incidence of invasive cervical declined about 20% in Connecticut before CIS screening could have influenced the disease to that extent. Continuing declines in invasive disease rates after 1955 in Connecticut were probably attributable largely to screening. The persistent occurrence of invasive disease in screened populations and the rapid progression of cancer, with early death among some women with apparently localized disease at diagnosis, suggested that a second class of invasive cervical cancer may exist. Cancers in this class may develop and progress rapidly without a practical possibility of detection in the premalignant stage by cytologic methods. Other screening methods, e.g., metabolic, hormonal, immunologic, or virologic, may be required to control this disease.", "contents": "Uterine cervical carcinoma in Connecticut, 1935-1973: evidence for two classes of invasive disease. The Connecticut Tumor Registry recorded 5,781 women with carcinoma in situ (CIS) and 7,614 with invasive cervical cancer from 1935 to 1973. True incidence rates for invasive disease were calculated. CIS rates indicated newly diagnosed cases, but true CIS incidence is unknown. Starting in 1945-49, the incidence of invasive cervical declined about 20% in Connecticut before CIS screening could have influenced the disease to that extent. Continuing declines in invasive disease rates after 1955 in Connecticut were probably attributable largely to screening. The persistent occurrence of invasive disease in screened populations and the rapid progression of cancer, with early death among some women with apparently localized disease at diagnosis, suggested that a second class of invasive cervical cancer may exist. Cancers in this class may develop and progress rapidly without a practical possibility of detection in the premalignant stage by cytologic methods. Other screening methods, e.g., metabolic, hormonal, immunologic, or virologic, may be required to control this disease.", "PMID": 1003540} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9641", "title": "Leukocyte migration inhibition by soluble extracts of MCF-7 tissue culture cell line derived from breast carcinoma.", "content": "Studies were conducted to determine whether MCF-7, a tissue culture cell line derived from a pleural effusion of a patient with breast carcinoma, could be used as a source of tumor-associated antigen for direct leukocyte migration-inhibition (LMI) assays. Of 32 patients with breast carcinoma, 27 (84.4%) gave positive migration-inhibition results on their initial tests with a 25-mug protein/ml concentration of a 3 M KCl extract of MCF-7; 1 of 24 (4.5%) normal donors reacted with MCF-7. An intermediate incidence of reactivity (7/16) was observed with the extract when leukocytes of patients with melanoma, lung carcinoma, and Ewing's sarcoma were used. In further specificity studies, leukocytes of patients with breast carcinoma gave a lower incidence of LMl reactivity than did those of patients with Ewing's sarcoma and lung carcinoma with KCl extracts of the appropriate histologic type of tumor. The results indicated that the MCF-7 cells possessed a tumor-associated antigen to which many patients with breast carcinoma are sensitized.", "contents": "Leukocyte migration inhibition by soluble extracts of MCF-7 tissue culture cell line derived from breast carcinoma. Studies were conducted to determine whether MCF-7, a tissue culture cell line derived from a pleural effusion of a patient with breast carcinoma, could be used as a source of tumor-associated antigen for direct leukocyte migration-inhibition (LMI) assays. Of 32 patients with breast carcinoma, 27 (84.4%) gave positive migration-inhibition results on their initial tests with a 25-mug protein/ml concentration of a 3 M KCl extract of MCF-7; 1 of 24 (4.5%) normal donors reacted with MCF-7. An intermediate incidence of reactivity (7/16) was observed with the extract when leukocytes of patients with melanoma, lung carcinoma, and Ewing's sarcoma were used. In further specificity studies, leukocytes of patients with breast carcinoma gave a lower incidence of LMl reactivity than did those of patients with Ewing's sarcoma and lung carcinoma with KCl extracts of the appropriate histologic type of tumor. The results indicated that the MCF-7 cells possessed a tumor-associated antigen to which many patients with breast carcinoma are sensitized.", "PMID": 1003541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9642", "title": "Cytotoxic effects of hyperthermia and adriamycin on Chinese hamster cells.", "content": "Chinese hamster cells, exposed to simultaneous hyperthermia (43 degrees C) and adriamycin (ADM), were intially sensitized to the cytotoxic activity of ADM. If the duration of the combined treatment exceeded about 30 minutes, however, the cells became refractory to additional killing by ADM. If heat was applied before ADM exposure, the cells also could be rendered insensitive; this state persisted so that 24 hours after a 50-minute exposure to 43 degrees C, the cells still showed considerable resistance to ADM. The most reasonable explanation for the findings was that cell membrane permeability to ADM was initially increased by hyperthermia, but prolonged (greater than 30 min) heat exposure reversed this situation and inhibited additional ADM from penetrating to sensitive sites. However, the data yield no hints as to the precise mechanisms involved nor are they sufficiently precise to exclude other explanations. The results do point to precautions that must be observed if the combination of ADM and hyperthermia is to be used clinically.", "contents": "Cytotoxic effects of hyperthermia and adriamycin on Chinese hamster cells. Chinese hamster cells, exposed to simultaneous hyperthermia (43 degrees C) and adriamycin (ADM), were intially sensitized to the cytotoxic activity of ADM. If the duration of the combined treatment exceeded about 30 minutes, however, the cells became refractory to additional killing by ADM. If heat was applied before ADM exposure, the cells also could be rendered insensitive; this state persisted so that 24 hours after a 50-minute exposure to 43 degrees C, the cells still showed considerable resistance to ADM. The most reasonable explanation for the findings was that cell membrane permeability to ADM was initially increased by hyperthermia, but prolonged (greater than 30 min) heat exposure reversed this situation and inhibited additional ADM from penetrating to sensitive sites. However, the data yield no hints as to the precise mechanisms involved nor are they sufficiently precise to exclude other explanations. The results do point to precautions that must be observed if the combination of ADM and hyperthermia is to be used clinically.", "PMID": 1003542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9643", "title": "Effects of murine tumors on delayed hypersensitivity to dinitrochlorobenzene. I. Description of anergy caused by transplanted tumors.", "content": "In the murine model presented for tumor-associated immune suppression, normal BALB/c mice displayed significant foodpad swelling when sensitized on the flank with 2 mg dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and challenged in a footpad with 0.05 mg DNCB 10 days later. This reaction in challenged footpads seemed to be a classic delayed hypersensitivity reaction, since it took 24 hours to develop and included an extensive mononuclear infiltrate. The reaction was transmissible from sensitized to normal mice by the transfer of lymphoid cells but not to serum. When sensitized 10 days after tumor inoculation, mice bearing either an allogeneic melanoma or a syngeneic lymphoma or fibrosarcoma did not demonstrate delayed hypersensitivity to DNCB.", "contents": "Effects of murine tumors on delayed hypersensitivity to dinitrochlorobenzene. I. Description of anergy caused by transplanted tumors. In the murine model presented for tumor-associated immune suppression, normal BALB/c mice displayed significant foodpad swelling when sensitized on the flank with 2 mg dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and challenged in a footpad with 0.05 mg DNCB 10 days later. This reaction in challenged footpads seemed to be a classic delayed hypersensitivity reaction, since it took 24 hours to develop and included an extensive mononuclear infiltrate. The reaction was transmissible from sensitized to normal mice by the transfer of lymphoid cells but not to serum. When sensitized 10 days after tumor inoculation, mice bearing either an allogeneic melanoma or a syngeneic lymphoma or fibrosarcoma did not demonstrate delayed hypersensitivity to DNCB.", "PMID": 1003543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9644", "title": "Function of myocardial mitochondria in the adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy of rabbits.", "content": "Ultrastructural examination of the myocardia of New Zealand White rabbits showed a progressive cardiomyopathy with prominent mitochondrial lesions after 56 days of increased doses of adriamycin. During all phases of study, similar respiratory control rates and ADP:O ratios were found in myocardial mitochondria isolated from adriamycin-treated and control rabbits.", "contents": "Function of myocardial mitochondria in the adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy of rabbits. Ultrastructural examination of the myocardia of New Zealand White rabbits showed a progressive cardiomyopathy with prominent mitochondrial lesions after 56 days of increased doses of adriamycin. During all phases of study, similar respiratory control rates and ADP:O ratios were found in myocardial mitochondria isolated from adriamycin-treated and control rabbits.", "PMID": 1003544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9645", "title": "Characteristics of Gross virus-induced leukemia cell clones. I. In vivo and in vitro properties.", "content": "Clones of four Gross virus-induced murine lymphoblast lines, established in culture from C3H mice, were selected for detailed study of the relationships among in vitro growth parameters, oncogenicity, and agglutination with concanavalin A. The four clones were intially divided into two groups on the basis of their in vitro growth properties. Two strains, N-811 and H-111, had low saturation densities, low cloning efficiencies, and slower doubling times; the other two strains, L-274 and L-258, had higher saturation densities, higher cloning efficiencies, and faster doubling times. The ability of the strains to produce tumors in mice correlated with their in vitro growth properties: L-274 and L-258, with their high saturation densities and high cloning efficiencies, were more tumorigenic in mice than were N-811 and H-111 cells with their lower saturation densities and lower cloning efficiencies. All strains were agglutinable with concanavalin A; however, the agglutination response did not correlate with saturation density or oncongenicity.", "contents": "Characteristics of Gross virus-induced leukemia cell clones. I. In vivo and in vitro properties. Clones of four Gross virus-induced murine lymphoblast lines, established in culture from C3H mice, were selected for detailed study of the relationships among in vitro growth parameters, oncogenicity, and agglutination with concanavalin A. The four clones were intially divided into two groups on the basis of their in vitro growth properties. Two strains, N-811 and H-111, had low saturation densities, low cloning efficiencies, and slower doubling times; the other two strains, L-274 and L-258, had higher saturation densities, higher cloning efficiencies, and faster doubling times. The ability of the strains to produce tumors in mice correlated with their in vitro growth properties: L-274 and L-258, with their high saturation densities and high cloning efficiencies, were more tumorigenic in mice than were N-811 and H-111 cells with their lower saturation densities and lower cloning efficiencies. All strains were agglutinable with concanavalin A; however, the agglutination response did not correlate with saturation density or oncongenicity.", "PMID": 1003545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9646", "title": "Characteristics of Gross virus-induced leukemia cell clones. II. Oncornavirus production.", "content": "Oncornavirus production differed quantitatively among four Gross virus-induced murine leukemia clones. To determine the proportion of cells in each clone that were producing virus particles, the cells were stained by indirect immunofluorescence with antiserum to Gross antigen. All four clones had the same percentage of cells positive for the presence of Gross antigens irrespective of their ability to produce virus particles. A direct correlation was observed between the amount of RNA tumor virus attached to the plasma membrane and agglutination by concanavalin A. The leukemia strain that produced the most virus also had the greatest degree of agglutination. Oncornavirus production was indirectly related to oncogenicity of the cells in vivo: The clones that produced the most virus were the least malignant. The interaction of the host and virus-producing cells was monitored during animal passage, and virus production decreased during animal passage whereas transplantability increased.", "contents": "Characteristics of Gross virus-induced leukemia cell clones. II. Oncornavirus production. Oncornavirus production differed quantitatively among four Gross virus-induced murine leukemia clones. To determine the proportion of cells in each clone that were producing virus particles, the cells were stained by indirect immunofluorescence with antiserum to Gross antigen. All four clones had the same percentage of cells positive for the presence of Gross antigens irrespective of their ability to produce virus particles. A direct correlation was observed between the amount of RNA tumor virus attached to the plasma membrane and agglutination by concanavalin A. The leukemia strain that produced the most virus also had the greatest degree of agglutination. Oncornavirus production was indirectly related to oncogenicity of the cells in vivo: The clones that produced the most virus were the least malignant. The interaction of the host and virus-producing cells was monitored during animal passage, and virus production decreased during animal passage whereas transplantability increased.", "PMID": 1003546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9647", "title": "Metabolism of the pancreatic carcinogens N-nitroso-bis(2-oxopropyl)amine and N-nitroso-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine in the Syrian hamster.", "content": "Metabolisms of the potent pancreatic carcinogens N-nitroso-bis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) and N-nitroso-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP) were studied in male Syrian hamsters. BHP and a new metabolite, N-nitroso-(2-hydroxypropyl)(2-oxopropyl)amine (HPOP), were detected in the urine of hamsters administered BOP and BHP. The rates of HPOP formation from BOP and BHP were determined by the measurement of blood and urine levels at various times after each compound was administered: HPOP was formed readily from BOP, but slowly from BHP. This may explain the different organotropic spectra and carcinogenic potencies of BOP and BHP.", "contents": "Metabolism of the pancreatic carcinogens N-nitroso-bis(2-oxopropyl)amine and N-nitroso-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine in the Syrian hamster. Metabolisms of the potent pancreatic carcinogens N-nitroso-bis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) and N-nitroso-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP) were studied in male Syrian hamsters. BHP and a new metabolite, N-nitroso-(2-hydroxypropyl)(2-oxopropyl)amine (HPOP), were detected in the urine of hamsters administered BOP and BHP. The rates of HPOP formation from BOP and BHP were determined by the measurement of blood and urine levels at various times after each compound was administered: HPOP was formed readily from BOP, but slowly from BHP. This may explain the different organotropic spectra and carcinogenic potencies of BOP and BHP.", "PMID": 1003547} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9648", "title": "Teratomas in the Igbos of Nigeria.", "content": "A study was made of the site of 86 teratomas occurring in approximately 7,500 surgical specimens received at a central laboratory serving government, mission, and private physicians working among the lgbos of Nigeria. Most teratomas [74 cases (86%] arose in the ovaries. Testicular teratoma was not seen in the series that included three testicular and 37 ovarian primary cancers. Accordingly, gonadal tumors are as uncommon in Igbo males as in other Nigroes.", "contents": "Teratomas in the Igbos of Nigeria. A study was made of the site of 86 teratomas occurring in approximately 7,500 surgical specimens received at a central laboratory serving government, mission, and private physicians working among the lgbos of Nigeria. Most teratomas [74 cases (86%] arose in the ovaries. Testicular teratoma was not seen in the series that included three testicular and 37 ovarian primary cancers. Accordingly, gonadal tumors are as uncommon in Igbo males as in other Nigroes.", "PMID": 1003548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9649", "title": "Occupation and Hodgkin's disease.", "content": "An incidence survey of Hodgkin's disease (HD) was conducted in the Boston Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area for 1959-73. Information on affected persons, 20 to 64 years old, was related to the 1960 and 1970 U.S. decennial censuses to evaluate the rates of HD in several occupational groups of special interest. No excess HD risk was found for two groups with high exposure to persons with the disease: Physicians had a relative risk (RR) of 1.2(0.4-2.6, 95% confidence interval) and nurses had an RR of 0.9 (0.4-1.8). Teachers, a group suggested to be at high risk due to exposure to \"carriers\" or contacts, had an RR of 1.1 (0.7-1.6). A high sex ratio, 1.9:1, at 35-64 years of age suggested that occupational exposures might increase disease risk. However, no difference in HD incidence was seen between employed and unemployed women in this age group. As in previous studies, woodworkers had an excess risk of HD [RR=1.6(0.9-2.6-a)], but the reason for this is obscure.", "contents": "Occupation and Hodgkin's disease. An incidence survey of Hodgkin's disease (HD) was conducted in the Boston Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area for 1959-73. Information on affected persons, 20 to 64 years old, was related to the 1960 and 1970 U.S. decennial censuses to evaluate the rates of HD in several occupational groups of special interest. No excess HD risk was found for two groups with high exposure to persons with the disease: Physicians had a relative risk (RR) of 1.2(0.4-2.6, 95% confidence interval) and nurses had an RR of 0.9 (0.4-1.8). Teachers, a group suggested to be at high risk due to exposure to \"carriers\" or contacts, had an RR of 1.1 (0.7-1.6). A high sex ratio, 1.9:1, at 35-64 years of age suggested that occupational exposures might increase disease risk. However, no difference in HD incidence was seen between employed and unemployed women in this age group. As in previous studies, woodworkers had an excess risk of HD [RR=1.6(0.9-2.6-a)], but the reason for this is obscure.", "PMID": 1003549} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9650", "title": "Endrocrine factors and the growth and spread of B16 melanoma.", "content": "B16 melanomas grew more slowly in female than in male syngeneic C57BL/6J mice. After oophorectomy, the growth rate was similar to that in normal and castrated male mice and was not altered in pregnant mice. The growth in vitro was similar in the presence of serum from normal and castrated male and female mice.", "contents": "Endrocrine factors and the growth and spread of B16 melanoma. B16 melanomas grew more slowly in female than in male syngeneic C57BL/6J mice. After oophorectomy, the growth rate was similar to that in normal and castrated male mice and was not altered in pregnant mice. The growth in vitro was similar in the presence of serum from normal and castrated male and female mice.", "PMID": 1003550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9651", "title": "Organ selectivity for implantation survival and growth of B16 melanoma variant tumor lines.", "content": "The fate of bloodborne malignant melanoma cells selected for their enhanced ability to form lung colonies was examined to determine how specific tumor cells are arrested in certain organs during the experimental metastasis process. After murine B16 melanoma variant tumor cell lines with low (B16-F1) or high (B16-F10) survival and growth potential in vivo were admisistered by iv or intracardiac injections into syngeneic C57BL/6 mice, the quantitative distribution of [125l]5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (125IUDR)-labeled cells in the organs and subsequent formation of metastatic lung colonies were assessed. The initial distribution of viable tumor cells was dependent on the route of injection: Soon after iv injection, more 125IUDR-labeled B16 cells were localized in the lungs and fewer in the blood and other organs than after intracardiac injection. However, 1 day after the injection, the number of viable tumor cells in the lungs was independent of the route of injection, and at 14 days the quantity of resulting lung tumor colonies was similar. Variant line B16-F10 cells were better arrested and formed more tumors per input cell than B16-F1, regardless of the injection route. B16-F10 yielded only lung tumor colonies, whereas B16-F1 formed some extrapulmonary tumor growths. The results suggested that the ultimate fate of circulating tumor cells was not determined solely by nonspecific arrest in the capillary bed of the first organ encountered, and that in vivo selection could produce tumor line variants with organs preferences.", "contents": "Organ selectivity for implantation survival and growth of B16 melanoma variant tumor lines. The fate of bloodborne malignant melanoma cells selected for their enhanced ability to form lung colonies was examined to determine how specific tumor cells are arrested in certain organs during the experimental metastasis process. After murine B16 melanoma variant tumor cell lines with low (B16-F1) or high (B16-F10) survival and growth potential in vivo were admisistered by iv or intracardiac injections into syngeneic C57BL/6 mice, the quantitative distribution of [125l]5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (125IUDR)-labeled cells in the organs and subsequent formation of metastatic lung colonies were assessed. The initial distribution of viable tumor cells was dependent on the route of injection: Soon after iv injection, more 125IUDR-labeled B16 cells were localized in the lungs and fewer in the blood and other organs than after intracardiac injection. However, 1 day after the injection, the number of viable tumor cells in the lungs was independent of the route of injection, and at 14 days the quantity of resulting lung tumor colonies was similar. Variant line B16-F10 cells were better arrested and formed more tumors per input cell than B16-F1, regardless of the injection route. B16-F10 yielded only lung tumor colonies, whereas B16-F1 formed some extrapulmonary tumor growths. The results suggested that the ultimate fate of circulating tumor cells was not determined solely by nonspecific arrest in the capillary bed of the first organ encountered, and that in vivo selection could produce tumor line variants with organs preferences.", "PMID": 1003551} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9652", "title": "Immunogenetic aspects of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. IV. Increased risk in Chinese of nasopharyngeal carcinoma associated with a Chinese-related HLA profile (A2, Singapore 2).", "content": "The results of this study of 110 Singapore Chinese with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and 91 controls confirmed the association between the occurrence of HLA antigen Singapore 2 (Sin2) and NPC in the Chinese population, and indicated that their increased risk for NPC was confined to the joint occurrence of Sin 2 and A2 antigens. These findings suggested that the genotype of importance in susceptibility to NPC is the A2-Sin 2 haplotype.", "contents": "Immunogenetic aspects of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. IV. Increased risk in Chinese of nasopharyngeal carcinoma associated with a Chinese-related HLA profile (A2, Singapore 2). The results of this study of 110 Singapore Chinese with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and 91 controls confirmed the association between the occurrence of HLA antigen Singapore 2 (Sin2) and NPC in the Chinese population, and indicated that their increased risk for NPC was confined to the joint occurrence of Sin 2 and A2 antigens. These findings suggested that the genotype of importance in susceptibility to NPC is the A2-Sin 2 haplotype.", "PMID": 1003552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9653", "title": "Effects of tissue culture environment on growth patterns and ultrastructure of poorly differentiated human cervical carcinomas.", "content": "Growth patterns and ultrastructure were compared between biopsy specimens and primary cultures of poorly differentiated carcinomas of the human uterine cervix. Though not obvious histologically, all carcinomas in vivo retained ultrastructural traits of squamous, glandular, or basal cell differentiation. Carcinomas with squamous traits grew as compact masses in vivo and formed cohesive colonies in vitro; tumors with basal and glandular traits infiltrated host tissues in a dispersed fashion, but their growth patterns in vitro were variable and unpredictable. The growth patterns of mixed carcinomas, in which squamous and glandular characteristics were evident in the same cells, generally resembled those of tumors with squamous traits. The levels of differentiation in vitro exceeded those found in vivo: Tonofilaments, desmosomes, and glycogen aggregations (squamous traits) as well as secretory vesicles, endoplasmic reticulum, and cilia (grandular traits) became more numerous and complex in culture. The direction of differentiation, expressed in vivo, usually persisted in vitro, through squamous traits appeared de novo or became more prominent when some of the tumors were explanted. The enhancement of differentiation by the culture environment indicated that the cervical carcinomas did not express their full potential to differentiate when growing in the natural host. The coexistence of squamous and glandular traits in the same cells and the capacity of tumors to shift from a glandular to a squamous differentiative pathway upon explantation support the concept that cervical carcinomas originate in bipotential cells, i.e, either reserve cells or metaplastic basal cells derived from the glandular epithelium.", "contents": "Effects of tissue culture environment on growth patterns and ultrastructure of poorly differentiated human cervical carcinomas. Growth patterns and ultrastructure were compared between biopsy specimens and primary cultures of poorly differentiated carcinomas of the human uterine cervix. Though not obvious histologically, all carcinomas in vivo retained ultrastructural traits of squamous, glandular, or basal cell differentiation. Carcinomas with squamous traits grew as compact masses in vivo and formed cohesive colonies in vitro; tumors with basal and glandular traits infiltrated host tissues in a dispersed fashion, but their growth patterns in vitro were variable and unpredictable. The growth patterns of mixed carcinomas, in which squamous and glandular characteristics were evident in the same cells, generally resembled those of tumors with squamous traits. The levels of differentiation in vitro exceeded those found in vivo: Tonofilaments, desmosomes, and glycogen aggregations (squamous traits) as well as secretory vesicles, endoplasmic reticulum, and cilia (grandular traits) became more numerous and complex in culture. The direction of differentiation, expressed in vivo, usually persisted in vitro, through squamous traits appeared de novo or became more prominent when some of the tumors were explanted. The enhancement of differentiation by the culture environment indicated that the cervical carcinomas did not express their full potential to differentiate when growing in the natural host. The coexistence of squamous and glandular traits in the same cells and the capacity of tumors to shift from a glandular to a squamous differentiative pathway upon explantation support the concept that cervical carcinomas originate in bipotential cells, i.e, either reserve cells or metaplastic basal cells derived from the glandular epithelium.", "PMID": 1003553} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9654", "title": "Characterization of mammotrophs separated from the human pituitary gland.", "content": "Human pituitary tissues from 27 patients and 7 persons post mortem were dissociated into single cell suspensions. On the average, 23% of the cells were mammotrophs. The concentration of prolactin in these suspensions averaged 3.8 ng/1,000 cells. After cell separation by velocity sedimentation at unit gravity, mammotrophs and other cell types were enriched twofold to threefold. The separated mammotrophs retained structural integrity at light and electron microscopic levels. In eight separation experiments, cells recovered from different gradient regions were assayed for intracellular prolactin levels. In cells from \"normal\" subjects, 8.5% of the prolactin recovered from the gradient was associated with large mammotrophs, whereas in patients with breast cancer, 28% of the hormone was associated with large mammotrophs. The number of mammotrophs recovered from this gradient region (beyond fraction 6) was doubled in breast cancer (2 expts). These mammotrophs showed areas of hypertrophied Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum. Culture of the separated cells from 1 patients with diabetes and 2 patients with breast cancer for 21 days showed that mammotrophs in the upper gradient fractions (diabetic) secreted seven times more hormone than those in the lower regions, whereas those mammotrophs from patients with breast cancer that fell to the lower gradient regions secreted 15 times more prolactin than did those in the upper regions. These data suggest that pituitaries of patients with breast cancer contain a small pool (10-20%) of hypertrophied mammotrophs that have the potential for significant secretory activity in vitro.", "contents": "Characterization of mammotrophs separated from the human pituitary gland. Human pituitary tissues from 27 patients and 7 persons post mortem were dissociated into single cell suspensions. On the average, 23% of the cells were mammotrophs. The concentration of prolactin in these suspensions averaged 3.8 ng/1,000 cells. After cell separation by velocity sedimentation at unit gravity, mammotrophs and other cell types were enriched twofold to threefold. The separated mammotrophs retained structural integrity at light and electron microscopic levels. In eight separation experiments, cells recovered from different gradient regions were assayed for intracellular prolactin levels. In cells from \"normal\" subjects, 8.5% of the prolactin recovered from the gradient was associated with large mammotrophs, whereas in patients with breast cancer, 28% of the hormone was associated with large mammotrophs. The number of mammotrophs recovered from this gradient region (beyond fraction 6) was doubled in breast cancer (2 expts). These mammotrophs showed areas of hypertrophied Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum. Culture of the separated cells from 1 patients with diabetes and 2 patients with breast cancer for 21 days showed that mammotrophs in the upper gradient fractions (diabetic) secreted seven times more hormone than those in the lower regions, whereas those mammotrophs from patients with breast cancer that fell to the lower gradient regions secreted 15 times more prolactin than did those in the upper regions. These data suggest that pituitaries of patients with breast cancer contain a small pool (10-20%) of hypertrophied mammotrophs that have the potential for significant secretory activity in vitro.", "PMID": 1003554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9655", "title": "Geographic patterns of large bowel cancer in the United States.", "content": "Age-adjusted rates of mortality from colon and rectal cancer during 1950-69 were correlated by sex and race (white and nonwhite) with demographic data for the 3,056 counties of the contiguous United States. Mortality was consistently elevated in counties with large populations, higher income and education levels, and high percentages of residents of Irish, German, or Czechoslovak descent. The urban, socioeconomic, and, ethnic factors were each linked to large bowel cancer, but they only partly explained the predominance of this tumor in the Northern United States. A survey was made of the limited data available on dietary habits by region and on alcohol sales by county, but the concomitant variation with bowel cancer mortality rates was not impressive.", "contents": "Geographic patterns of large bowel cancer in the United States. Age-adjusted rates of mortality from colon and rectal cancer during 1950-69 were correlated by sex and race (white and nonwhite) with demographic data for the 3,056 counties of the contiguous United States. Mortality was consistently elevated in counties with large populations, higher income and education levels, and high percentages of residents of Irish, German, or Czechoslovak descent. The urban, socioeconomic, and, ethnic factors were each linked to large bowel cancer, but they only partly explained the predominance of this tumor in the Northern United States. A survey was made of the limited data available on dietary habits by region and on alcohol sales by county, but the concomitant variation with bowel cancer mortality rates was not impressive.", "PMID": 1003556} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9656", "title": "Rapidly acquired cytotoxicity of lymphoid cells from ice inoculated with allogeneic spleen cells.", "content": "Spleen cells from C57BL/6J or CBA mice inoculated iv with spleen cells from BALB/c mice produced a strong nonspecific cytotoxic effect on target cells (mouse L-cells). Lymph node cells from CBA or C57BL/6J mice inoculated sc with BALB/c spleen cells also destroyed L-cells. Lymph node cells from mice inoculated with syngeneic spleen cells were not cytotoxic. The cytotoxic effect was observed ion of allogeneic but not syngeneic spleen cells. This effect was considerably reduced or completely suppressed after partial or total removal of plastic-adherent cells.", "contents": "Rapidly acquired cytotoxicity of lymphoid cells from ice inoculated with allogeneic spleen cells. Spleen cells from C57BL/6J or CBA mice inoculated iv with spleen cells from BALB/c mice produced a strong nonspecific cytotoxic effect on target cells (mouse L-cells). Lymph node cells from CBA or C57BL/6J mice inoculated sc with BALB/c spleen cells also destroyed L-cells. Lymph node cells from mice inoculated with syngeneic spleen cells were not cytotoxic. The cytotoxic effect was observed ion of allogeneic but not syngeneic spleen cells. This effect was considerably reduced or completely suppressed after partial or total removal of plastic-adherent cells.", "PMID": 1003557} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9657", "title": "Screening of cytotoxic drugs for residual bone marrow damage.", "content": "Several cytotoxic drugs were tested for their ability to produce permanent residual damage to the bone marrow. A short course of the drug was given to BALB/c female mice, and the numbers of various types of bone marrow cells were determined at least two months later. Evidence of residual damage was found after administration of busulfan and 1,3-bis(chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, but not after administration of cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, or vinblastine.", "contents": "Screening of cytotoxic drugs for residual bone marrow damage. Several cytotoxic drugs were tested for their ability to produce permanent residual damage to the bone marrow. A short course of the drug was given to BALB/c female mice, and the numbers of various types of bone marrow cells were determined at least two months later. Evidence of residual damage was found after administration of busulfan and 1,3-bis(chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, but not after administration of cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, or vinblastine.", "PMID": 1003558} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9658", "title": "Carcinogenicity of N'-nitrosonornicotine in Sprague-Dawley rats.", "content": "N'-Nitrosonornicotine was added to the drinking water of outbred Sprague-Dawley rats. Adenocarcinomas of the olfactory epithelium occurred in all 15 rats, squamous papillomas o- the esophagus in 1, squamous papillomas of the nonglandular stomach in 1, and a hepatacellular tumor in 1. The possible ingestion and subsequent in vivo nitrosation of nicotine and/or nornicotine could create a serious carcinogenic hazard to cigarette smokers.", "contents": "Carcinogenicity of N'-nitrosonornicotine in Sprague-Dawley rats. N'-Nitrosonornicotine was added to the drinking water of outbred Sprague-Dawley rats. Adenocarcinomas of the olfactory epithelium occurred in all 15 rats, squamous papillomas o- the esophagus in 1, squamous papillomas of the nonglandular stomach in 1, and a hepatacellular tumor in 1. The possible ingestion and subsequent in vivo nitrosation of nicotine and/or nornicotine could create a serious carcinogenic hazard to cigarette smokers.", "PMID": 1003559} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9659", "title": "Nature of 3,6-bis(5-chloro-2-piperidinyl)-2,5-piperazinedione-induced cytotoxicity in Chinese hamster ovary cells.", "content": "We sutdied the effect of 3,6-bis(5-chloro-2-piperidinyl)-2,5-piperazinedione (BCP) on various parameters of the replication cycle and cell grwoth on monolayer cultures of Chinese hamster ovary cells. The results indicated that BCP had no effect on the G-S transition or the passage of cells from metaphase to G. However, BCP prolonged S- and G-phases because of its retarding effect on DNA synthetis. BCP was more toxic to S-phase cells than to G or mitotic cells. As with other alkylating agents, chromosome damage due to BCP could be seen only in cells that had undergone DNA replication after exposure to the drug.", "contents": "Nature of 3,6-bis(5-chloro-2-piperidinyl)-2,5-piperazinedione-induced cytotoxicity in Chinese hamster ovary cells. We sutdied the effect of 3,6-bis(5-chloro-2-piperidinyl)-2,5-piperazinedione (BCP) on various parameters of the replication cycle and cell grwoth on monolayer cultures of Chinese hamster ovary cells. The results indicated that BCP had no effect on the G-S transition or the passage of cells from metaphase to G. However, BCP prolonged S- and G-phases because of its retarding effect on DNA synthetis. BCP was more toxic to S-phase cells than to G or mitotic cells. As with other alkylating agents, chromosome damage due to BCP could be seen only in cells that had undergone DNA replication after exposure to the drug.", "PMID": 1003560} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9660", "title": "Cell interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal components in primary sheets of fetal rat lung cells, and the effects of 3-methylcholanthrene treatment.", "content": "Cell rearrangement of epithelial and mesenchymal components was analyzed in primary cell sheets derived from whole lungs from fetal rats and maintained in tissue culture for 3-175 days without being subcultured. A limited reconstruction of original lung tissue from the dissociated cells was observed in these primary cell sheets. From the initial monlayer spread, ciliated columnar epithelial coverage appeared on fibroblast sheets after appoximately 2 weeks' maintence. Cystic formation also developed within the fibroblast layers. Histotypic collagen fibril formation eventually appeared in the fibroblast layers and resulted in the development of multilayered collagenous connective tissue in vitro. Epithelial elements survived as a form of surface coverage during maintenance of the sheets and as cystic structures in the collagenous layers. Treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene induced severe proliferation of epithelial elements in the cell sheets. These proliferative changes included rapid extension of epithelial surface coverage, stratification of immature cells, and squamous cell mataplasia.", "contents": "Cell interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal components in primary sheets of fetal rat lung cells, and the effects of 3-methylcholanthrene treatment. Cell rearrangement of epithelial and mesenchymal components was analyzed in primary cell sheets derived from whole lungs from fetal rats and maintained in tissue culture for 3-175 days without being subcultured. A limited reconstruction of original lung tissue from the dissociated cells was observed in these primary cell sheets. From the initial monlayer spread, ciliated columnar epithelial coverage appeared on fibroblast sheets after appoximately 2 weeks' maintence. Cystic formation also developed within the fibroblast layers. Histotypic collagen fibril formation eventually appeared in the fibroblast layers and resulted in the development of multilayered collagenous connective tissue in vitro. Epithelial elements survived as a form of surface coverage during maintenance of the sheets and as cystic structures in the collagenous layers. Treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene induced severe proliferation of epithelial elements in the cell sheets. These proliferative changes included rapid extension of epithelial surface coverage, stratification of immature cells, and squamous cell mataplasia.", "PMID": 1003561} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9661", "title": "Spontaneous tumors and atypical proliferation of pancreatic acinar cells in Mastomys (Praomys) natalensis.", "content": "In 17 of 90 untreated 2-year-old Mastomys (Praomys) natalensis, an acinar cell tumor was observed, and atypical acinar proliferation was noted in 30. The lesions, either neoplastic or proliferative, consisted of large polygonal cells with prominent nucleili in the enlarged hyperchromatic nuclei. The cytopalsms of these cells were polychromatic and were characterized by a central eosinophilic granular area and a peripheral basophilic fibrillar zone around an eccentric nucleus. The differntiated cells retained acinar organization with occasional fromation of small luminal spaces, but the less-differentiated cells, particularly in the anaplastic tumor nodules, lacked polarity and lost lamost completely the normal acinar architecture. Eelctron microscopy of 1 tumor nodule revealed numerous zymogen granules of various sizes and an abundance of often dilated, rought endoplasmic reticulum. No defnite ductlike structure was found within the lesions, and metastic spread was not evident in any of the organs examined. Isntead, normal pancreatic tissues of Mastomys frequently contained small foci of degenerated acini in which thin psuedoducts proliferated.", "contents": "Spontaneous tumors and atypical proliferation of pancreatic acinar cells in Mastomys (Praomys) natalensis. In 17 of 90 untreated 2-year-old Mastomys (Praomys) natalensis, an acinar cell tumor was observed, and atypical acinar proliferation was noted in 30. The lesions, either neoplastic or proliferative, consisted of large polygonal cells with prominent nucleili in the enlarged hyperchromatic nuclei. The cytopalsms of these cells were polychromatic and were characterized by a central eosinophilic granular area and a peripheral basophilic fibrillar zone around an eccentric nucleus. The differntiated cells retained acinar organization with occasional fromation of small luminal spaces, but the less-differentiated cells, particularly in the anaplastic tumor nodules, lacked polarity and lost lamost completely the normal acinar architecture. Eelctron microscopy of 1 tumor nodule revealed numerous zymogen granules of various sizes and an abundance of often dilated, rought endoplasmic reticulum. No defnite ductlike structure was found within the lesions, and metastic spread was not evident in any of the organs examined. Isntead, normal pancreatic tissues of Mastomys frequently contained small foci of degenerated acini in which thin psuedoducts proliferated.", "PMID": 1003562} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9662", "title": "Chemotactic response of leukocytes to cord factor (trehalose-6,6'-dimycolate).", "content": "Cord factor (trehalose-6,6'-dimycolate), a glycolipid extractable from myocobacteria, was chemotactic for peritoneal cells of mice at concentrations from 5 to 25 mug/ml medium, as well as for peripheral white blood cells of mice and humans. At higher concentrations, presumably only macrophages were attracted.", "contents": "Chemotactic response of leukocytes to cord factor (trehalose-6,6'-dimycolate). Cord factor (trehalose-6,6'-dimycolate), a glycolipid extractable from myocobacteria, was chemotactic for peritoneal cells of mice at concentrations from 5 to 25 mug/ml medium, as well as for peripheral white blood cells of mice and humans. At higher concentrations, presumably only macrophages were attracted.", "PMID": 1003563} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9663", "title": "Cilia formation in cultures of human lung cancer cells treated with dimethyl sulfoxide.", "content": "Cells from cultures of the ChaGo line of human lung cancer were examined periodically by electron microscopy for 4 years and no cilia were observed. However, when cells were grown in medium containing 2% dimethyl sulfoxide, as many as 50% of the cells had cilia with a 9+0 microtubular pattern.", "contents": "Cilia formation in cultures of human lung cancer cells treated with dimethyl sulfoxide. Cells from cultures of the ChaGo line of human lung cancer were examined periodically by electron microscopy for 4 years and no cilia were observed. However, when cells were grown in medium containing 2% dimethyl sulfoxide, as many as 50% of the cells had cilia with a 9+0 microtubular pattern.", "PMID": 1003564} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9664", "title": "Expansion of interstitial fluid is required for full restitution of blood volume after hemorrhage.", "content": "Dogs with splenectomy and intact adrenals and adrenalectomized-splenectomized dogs infused with cortisol at a physiologically increased rate restored plasma volume and protein and demonstrated early extracellular hyperosmolality. In contrast, adrenalectomized-splenectomized dogs infused with cortisol at a basal rate did not restore volume or protein after a transient initial phase and did not demonstrate extracellular hyperosmolality. From the foregoing evidence, it is postulated that the second state of restitution of blood volume following hemorrhage proceeds as follows: 1) Hemorrhage and the subsequent increase in plasma cortisol concentration lead to an increase in extracellular osmolality. An osmotic shift of intracellular fluid to the interstitium ensues. 2) The small increase in interstitial fluid volume results in a relatively large increase in interstitial hydrostatic pressure (because of the low compliance of the interstitium), thus accelerating lymphatic movement of interstitial protein to the vascular system. This movement results in a reequilibration of extracellular fluid toward the plasma. 3) The osmotically active agents mobilized by cortisol and hemorrhage do not appear to be glucose, sodium, or potassium. 4) There may be an adrenal factor other than cortisol that is necessary for full restitution of blood volume with 24 hours after hemorrhage.", "contents": "Expansion of interstitial fluid is required for full restitution of blood volume after hemorrhage. Dogs with splenectomy and intact adrenals and adrenalectomized-splenectomized dogs infused with cortisol at a physiologically increased rate restored plasma volume and protein and demonstrated early extracellular hyperosmolality. In contrast, adrenalectomized-splenectomized dogs infused with cortisol at a basal rate did not restore volume or protein after a transient initial phase and did not demonstrate extracellular hyperosmolality. From the foregoing evidence, it is postulated that the second state of restitution of blood volume following hemorrhage proceeds as follows: 1) Hemorrhage and the subsequent increase in plasma cortisol concentration lead to an increase in extracellular osmolality. An osmotic shift of intracellular fluid to the interstitium ensues. 2) The small increase in interstitial fluid volume results in a relatively large increase in interstitial hydrostatic pressure (because of the low compliance of the interstitium), thus accelerating lymphatic movement of interstitial protein to the vascular system. This movement results in a reequilibration of extracellular fluid toward the plasma. 3) The osmotically active agents mobilized by cortisol and hemorrhage do not appear to be glucose, sodium, or potassium. 4) There may be an adrenal factor other than cortisol that is necessary for full restitution of blood volume with 24 hours after hemorrhage.", "PMID": 1003584} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9665", "title": "The management of renal injuries.", "content": "Of 161 traumatic renal injuries analyzed for the period 1962-1975, 154 were due to blunt trauma and seven to penetrating wounds (5 gunshot wounds and 2 stab wounds). All the latter were treated by surgical exploration. Fifty-five patients had moderate injuries and 20 had severe injuries from nonpenetrating wounds and were managed without operation except for 10 cases that required surgical intervention. Of the patients with blunt trauma, 5% required nephrectomy, which is similar to the results reported with immediate operation. The other 79 patients (51%) with nonpenetrating injuries had only a renal contusion and were treated by bedrest and early ambulation. Conservative treatment is thus recommended for the more severe renal injuries; operative intervention is reserved for specific indications. The results of this approach are equal to those achieved by early surgical repair without subjecting a significant number of patients to an unnecessary operation.", "contents": "The management of renal injuries. Of 161 traumatic renal injuries analyzed for the period 1962-1975, 154 were due to blunt trauma and seven to penetrating wounds (5 gunshot wounds and 2 stab wounds). All the latter were treated by surgical exploration. Fifty-five patients had moderate injuries and 20 had severe injuries from nonpenetrating wounds and were managed without operation except for 10 cases that required surgical intervention. Of the patients with blunt trauma, 5% required nephrectomy, which is similar to the results reported with immediate operation. The other 79 patients (51%) with nonpenetrating injuries had only a renal contusion and were treated by bedrest and early ambulation. Conservative treatment is thus recommended for the more severe renal injuries; operative intervention is reserved for specific indications. The results of this approach are equal to those achieved by early surgical repair without subjecting a significant number of patients to an unnecessary operation.", "PMID": 1003585} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9666", "title": "Diabetes insipidus caused by craniofacial trauma.", "content": "A patient is presented with diabetes insipidus secondary to craniofacial trauma. Diabetes insipidus can occur in any patient within ten days of craniofacial trauma. Even the masked disease in the unconscious patient can be diagnosed by observation of intake and output, urinary specific gravities, and appropriate chemical studies. The disease can recur following operative reduction of facial fractures. Diabetes insipidus can be successfully treated by intramuscular Pitressin and appropriate fluid intake.", "contents": "Diabetes insipidus caused by craniofacial trauma. A patient is presented with diabetes insipidus secondary to craniofacial trauma. Diabetes insipidus can occur in any patient within ten days of craniofacial trauma. Even the masked disease in the unconscious patient can be diagnosed by observation of intake and output, urinary specific gravities, and appropriate chemical studies. The disease can recur following operative reduction of facial fractures. Diabetes insipidus can be successfully treated by intramuscular Pitressin and appropriate fluid intake.", "PMID": 1003587} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9667", "title": "Suppressed in vitro chemotaxis of burn neutrophils.", "content": "A comparison of the chemotactic response of peripheral blood neutrophils between burn patients and control individuals was performed. Beginning approximately 5 days postburn a decreased chemotactic response of neutrophils from burned patients was noted. The most severely reduced chemotaxis was noted in the burn patients who died. No evidence of a burn serum factor which inhibited the chemotactic response of control neutrophils was found in this study.", "contents": "Suppressed in vitro chemotaxis of burn neutrophils. A comparison of the chemotactic response of peripheral blood neutrophils between burn patients and control individuals was performed. Beginning approximately 5 days postburn a decreased chemotactic response of neutrophils from burned patients was noted. The most severely reduced chemotaxis was noted in the burn patients who died. No evidence of a burn serum factor which inhibited the chemotactic response of control neutrophils was found in this study.", "PMID": 1003588} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9668", "title": "Assessment of bone viability by scintiscanning in frostbite injuries.", "content": "Radionuclide bone imaging with a radiotechnetium-labeled phosphate (99mTc-methylene diphosphonate) has been employed to study the extremities injured by frostbite. The degree of accretion of the radiopharmaceutical in bone is dependent on the integrity of the vascular supply. This property has been used successfully to distinguish viable and nonviable bone.", "contents": "Assessment of bone viability by scintiscanning in frostbite injuries. Radionuclide bone imaging with a radiotechnetium-labeled phosphate (99mTc-methylene diphosphonate) has been employed to study the extremities injured by frostbite. The degree of accretion of the radiopharmaceutical in bone is dependent on the integrity of the vascular supply. This property has been used successfully to distinguish viable and nonviable bone.", "PMID": 1003589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9669", "title": "[Para-sphincteric infiltrations (authors transl)].", "content": "The aut horsdescribe the technique and the first results of para-sphincteric anaesthetic infiltrations of the striate sphincter of the urethra in paraplegics. These infiltrations may decrease, or even cause to disappear altogether, dysuria as long as the striate sphincter is alone responsible and that the straite sphincter muscle is not the process of fibrosis. In certain special cases, this simple technique may have a durable effect which makes it possible to avoid definitive procedures such as endoscopic or surgical section.", "contents": "[Para-sphincteric infiltrations (authors transl)]. The aut horsdescribe the technique and the first results of para-sphincteric anaesthetic infiltrations of the striate sphincter of the urethra in paraplegics. These infiltrations may decrease, or even cause to disappear altogether, dysuria as long as the striate sphincter is alone responsible and that the straite sphincter muscle is not the process of fibrosis. In certain special cases, this simple technique may have a durable effect which makes it possible to avoid definitive procedures such as endoscopic or surgical section.", "PMID": 1003597} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9670", "title": "[Reflections on ureterocystomeostomy using a tubular vesical flap].", "content": "Authors cite 25 uretero-noecystostomy cases, carried out with the Boari flap technique, as well as their respective results several time after the operation. Authors underline both advantages and disadvantages, of presently most followed technics, i.e. Boari-K\u00fcss and Boari-Gil Vernet; furthermore, their experience suggests that vesico-ureteral reflux has never caused injuries to the upper urinary tract; the event a surgeon should be particularly afraid of, is stenosis of the uretero-vesical anastomosis. In order to have an easier anastomosis in case of dilated ureters, they also propose the Boari-K\u00fcss technique. while for normal-caliber ureters Boari-Gil Vernet technic is suggested.", "contents": "[Reflections on ureterocystomeostomy using a tubular vesical flap]. Authors cite 25 uretero-noecystostomy cases, carried out with the Boari flap technique, as well as their respective results several time after the operation. Authors underline both advantages and disadvantages, of presently most followed technics, i.e. Boari-K\u00fcss and Boari-Gil Vernet; furthermore, their experience suggests that vesico-ureteral reflux has never caused injuries to the upper urinary tract; the event a surgeon should be particularly afraid of, is stenosis of the uretero-vesical anastomosis. In order to have an easier anastomosis in case of dilated ureters, they also propose the Boari-K\u00fcss technique. while for normal-caliber ureters Boari-Gil Vernet technic is suggested.", "PMID": 1003598} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9671", "title": "[The treatment of impotence of vascular origin. Revascularisation of the corpora cavernosa].", "content": "Importence in young subjects is often vascular in origin. This concept is recent. Selective arteriography shows isolated lesions of arterial occlusion. Revascularisation of the corpora cavernosa makes it possible to cure impotence of this type.", "contents": "[The treatment of impotence of vascular origin. Revascularisation of the corpora cavernosa]. Importence in young subjects is often vascular in origin. This concept is recent. Selective arteriography shows isolated lesions of arterial occlusion. Revascularisation of the corpora cavernosa makes it possible to cure impotence of this type.", "PMID": 1003600} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9672", "title": "[The psoic bladder or Boari's knell. 4 cases (author's transl)].", "content": "Repairing a pelvic ureter is always an ideal when the kidney above it is still functional. But this operation imposes technical artifices when direct urtero-vesical implantation is not possible. Referring to four cases, the authors show the value of the psoic bladder and compare it with the tubulate vesical strip and vesical bipartition.", "contents": "[The psoic bladder or Boari's knell. 4 cases (author's transl)]. Repairing a pelvic ureter is always an ideal when the kidney above it is still functional. But this operation imposes technical artifices when direct urtero-vesical implantation is not possible. Referring to four cases, the authors show the value of the psoic bladder and compare it with the tubulate vesical strip and vesical bipartition.", "PMID": 1003599} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9673", "title": "[Anterior urethral valve in a five year old boy (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors report the case of a valve of the anterior urethra in a five year old boy, which was carefully explored from a radiological, endoscopic and urodynamic standpoint. The lesion was successfully treated by transurethral resection. The features of this type of obstructive problem are discussed in the light of the case, together with the diagnostic value of urodynamic studies and endoscopic photography and, finally, the possibilities of treatment, emphasising the simplicity and effectiveness of transurethral resection.", "contents": "[Anterior urethral valve in a five year old boy (author's transl)]. The authors report the case of a valve of the anterior urethra in a five year old boy, which was carefully explored from a radiological, endoscopic and urodynamic standpoint. The lesion was successfully treated by transurethral resection. The features of this type of obstructive problem are discussed in the light of the case, together with the diagnostic value of urodynamic studies and endoscopic photography and, finally, the possibilities of treatment, emphasising the simplicity and effectiveness of transurethral resection.", "PMID": 1003609} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9674", "title": "[Hypospadias. The treatment of associated lesions and ectopic meatus (author's transl)].", "content": "A study of stenosis of the meatus, torsion, deviation of the penis, embedding and transposition is made, with emphasis on anatomical lesions and in particular the skin folds of the covering of the penis, relevant to incisions and surgical technique.", "contents": "[Hypospadias. The treatment of associated lesions and ectopic meatus (author's transl)]. A study of stenosis of the meatus, torsion, deviation of the penis, embedding and transposition is made, with emphasis on anatomical lesions and in particular the skin folds of the covering of the penis, relevant to incisions and surgical technique.", "PMID": 1003608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9675", "title": "[The treatment of organic impotence by implantation of plastic prosthesis. Reflections on 50 cases (author's transl)].", "content": "The treatment of impotence by implantation of a semi-rigid silastic prosthesis is suitable only for the patient with persistent libido and who has a short or weak erection. Patients in whom libido is absent; or in whom there is absolutely no erection are not improved by operation. Use of a semi-rigid silastic prosthesis which may be introduced unto a canal formed between the tunica albuginea and the corpora cavernosa is, in our experience, the simplest and most rapid method, as well as being associated with the least complications. The semi-rigidity of the penis did not pose any problems in any of our patients and none reported any complaints by the partner.", "contents": "[The treatment of organic impotence by implantation of plastic prosthesis. Reflections on 50 cases (author's transl)]. The treatment of impotence by implantation of a semi-rigid silastic prosthesis is suitable only for the patient with persistent libido and who has a short or weak erection. Patients in whom libido is absent; or in whom there is absolutely no erection are not improved by operation. Use of a semi-rigid silastic prosthesis which may be introduced unto a canal formed between the tunica albuginea and the corpora cavernosa is, in our experience, the simplest and most rapid method, as well as being associated with the least complications. The semi-rigidity of the penis did not pose any problems in any of our patients and none reported any complaints by the partner.", "PMID": 1003610} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9676", "title": "Calcium oxalate stone disease: congenital defect of metabolism?", "content": "Kidney tissue enzyme patterns from patients with calcium oxalate stone disease were compared to enzyme patterns from healthy and inflamed human kidneys. In the case of oxalate stone disease there was a significantly decreased activity of the glycolytic enzyme aldolase, resulting in a cumulation of oxaloacetate and of oxalic acid. This decrease of the aldolase activity does not completely reveal the cause of calcium oxalate stones but provides a new aspect to the disease.", "contents": "Calcium oxalate stone disease: congenital defect of metabolism? Kidney tissue enzyme patterns from patients with calcium oxalate stone disease were compared to enzyme patterns from healthy and inflamed human kidneys. In the case of oxalate stone disease there was a significantly decreased activity of the glycolytic enzyme aldolase, resulting in a cumulation of oxaloacetate and of oxalic acid. This decrease of the aldolase activity does not completely reveal the cause of calcium oxalate stones but provides a new aspect to the disease.", "PMID": 1003630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9677", "title": "A case of uric acid renal stone with hypouricemia caused by tubular reabsorptive defect of uric acid.", "content": "A 60-year-old man had a uric acid stone in the kidney and laboratory findings of hypouricemia (1.1 mg. per 100 ml.) and increased uric acid clearance (43 ml. per minute per 1.73 m.2). Clearance of uric acid exceeded the endogenous creatinine clearance after administration of pyrazinamide, an inhibitor of renal tubular secretion of uric acid. It was suggested that our patient had a complete defective mechanism for uric acid reabsorption, resulting in hyperuricuria and the formation of the uric acid stone.", "contents": "A case of uric acid renal stone with hypouricemia caused by tubular reabsorptive defect of uric acid. A 60-year-old man had a uric acid stone in the kidney and laboratory findings of hypouricemia (1.1 mg. per 100 ml.) and increased uric acid clearance (43 ml. per minute per 1.73 m.2). Clearance of uric acid exceeded the endogenous creatinine clearance after administration of pyrazinamide, an inhibitor of renal tubular secretion of uric acid. It was suggested that our patient had a complete defective mechanism for uric acid reabsorption, resulting in hyperuricuria and the formation of the uric acid stone.", "PMID": 1003631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9678", "title": "Use of hemiacidrin in management of infection stones.", "content": "Unless all fragments are removed at the time of surgery for struvite stones a high incidence of recurrent infection and stone formation is likely. To reduce the recurrence rate of such stones the renal pelvis is irrigated postoperatively with 10 per cent hemiacidrin solution for at least 48 hours or until all fragments have been dissolved. We have managed successfully 35 patients (36 kidneys) without enxountering any complications. Included in our most recent series are 2 patients with solitary kidneys who had successful dissolution of stone fragments. Absolute contraindications to the use of hemiacidrin are infected urine, fever or flank discomfort. Although we have found hemiacidrin dissolution of renal stones to be safe and effective it is essential that the clinician be aware of the proper technique and its possible complications.", "contents": "Use of hemiacidrin in management of infection stones. Unless all fragments are removed at the time of surgery for struvite stones a high incidence of recurrent infection and stone formation is likely. To reduce the recurrence rate of such stones the renal pelvis is irrigated postoperatively with 10 per cent hemiacidrin solution for at least 48 hours or until all fragments have been dissolved. We have managed successfully 35 patients (36 kidneys) without enxountering any complications. Included in our most recent series are 2 patients with solitary kidneys who had successful dissolution of stone fragments. Absolute contraindications to the use of hemiacidrin are infected urine, fever or flank discomfort. Although we have found hemiacidrin dissolution of renal stones to be safe and effective it is essential that the clinician be aware of the proper technique and its possible complications.", "PMID": 1003632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9679", "title": "The ileal ureter in recurrent urolithiasis.", "content": "An ileal segment was interposed between the renal collecting system and bladder in 4 cases. The surgical technique is outlined, with emphasis on the pyelo-infundibulocalico-ileal anastomosis and other technical aspects. The ileal ureter is recommended in selected cases of recurrent renal calculi and nephrocalcinosis with associated nephrolithiasis.", "contents": "The ileal ureter in recurrent urolithiasis. An ileal segment was interposed between the renal collecting system and bladder in 4 cases. The surgical technique is outlined, with emphasis on the pyelo-infundibulocalico-ileal anastomosis and other technical aspects. The ileal ureter is recommended in selected cases of recurrent renal calculi and nephrocalcinosis with associated nephrolithiasis.", "PMID": 1003634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9680", "title": "The role of hemiacidrin in the management of renal stones in spinal cord injury patients.", "content": "Hemiacidrin is known solvent of renal calculi. Our report concerns its use in 5 cases as the sole medical agent for dissolving pelvic stones and in 6 others to supplement an operation and dissolve postoperative residual concretions. No serious complications were noted in either group. An accurate and safe technique for its use is described. The results of the method are presented.", "contents": "The role of hemiacidrin in the management of renal stones in spinal cord injury patients. Hemiacidrin is known solvent of renal calculi. Our report concerns its use in 5 cases as the sole medical agent for dissolving pelvic stones and in 6 others to supplement an operation and dissolve postoperative residual concretions. No serious complications were noted in either group. An accurate and safe technique for its use is described. The results of the method are presented.", "PMID": 1003633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9681", "title": "Renal phlebography: an aid in the diagnosis of the absent or non-functioning kidney.", "content": "There are clinical situations that may preclude the use of retrograde pyelography and renal arteriography in the differential diagnosis of the absent, dysgenetic and non-functioning kidney. At times these procedures are non-diagnostic. We present 8 cases to demonstrate the efficacy of selective renal phlebography as an aid in the diagnosis of these entities.", "contents": "Renal phlebography: an aid in the diagnosis of the absent or non-functioning kidney. There are clinical situations that may preclude the use of retrograde pyelography and renal arteriography in the differential diagnosis of the absent, dysgenetic and non-functioning kidney. At times these procedures are non-diagnostic. We present 8 cases to demonstrate the efficacy of selective renal phlebography as an aid in the diagnosis of these entities.", "PMID": 1003635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9682", "title": "Solitary renal cyst, hypertension and renin.", "content": "Solitary renal cysts may cause renin hypersecretion with associated hypertension by compressing surrounding tissue and by distortion of renal vessels. Selective measurements of plasma renin activity in the renal veins can predict the antihypertensive effect of decompression. An illustrative case is presented and its significance is discussed.", "contents": "Solitary renal cyst, hypertension and renin. Solitary renal cysts may cause renin hypersecretion with associated hypertension by compressing surrounding tissue and by distortion of renal vessels. Selective measurements of plasma renin activity in the renal veins can predict the antihypertensive effect of decompression. An illustrative case is presented and its significance is discussed.", "PMID": 1003636} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9683", "title": "Angiomyolipoma: diagnosis and treatment.", "content": "Four cases of renal angiomyolipoma are presented, 3 of which were diagnosed in non-tuberous sclerosis patients. In 1 case diagnosis was made preoperatively and in another case it was made intraoperatively, allowing for preservation of functioning renal parenchyma. The second successful kidney transplant in a patient with tuberous sclerosis and renal failure is reported. One cannot always differentiate renal angiomyolipomas from adenocarcinoma. However, if the classical angiographic findings of sacculated pseduo-aneurysms supplied by the interlobular and interlobar arteries are present non-operative observation or limited surgery with preservation of renal tissue is possible. Also, knowledge of the gross pathologic appearance and the syndrome of tuberous sclerosis will allow one to make a preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis with confidence.", "contents": "Angiomyolipoma: diagnosis and treatment. Four cases of renal angiomyolipoma are presented, 3 of which were diagnosed in non-tuberous sclerosis patients. In 1 case diagnosis was made preoperatively and in another case it was made intraoperatively, allowing for preservation of functioning renal parenchyma. The second successful kidney transplant in a patient with tuberous sclerosis and renal failure is reported. One cannot always differentiate renal angiomyolipomas from adenocarcinoma. However, if the classical angiographic findings of sacculated pseduo-aneurysms supplied by the interlobular and interlobar arteries are present non-operative observation or limited surgery with preservation of renal tissue is possible. Also, knowledge of the gross pathologic appearance and the syndrome of tuberous sclerosis will allow one to make a preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis with confidence.", "PMID": 1003637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9684", "title": "Benign renal angiomyolipoma with regional lymph node involvement.", "content": "The 2 cases reported herein involve benign renal angiomyolipomas, showing the same angiomyolipoma changes in the regional lymph nodes. It is concluded that these lymph node changes are caused by a multicentric origin of the angiomyolipoma rather than true metastasis. A plea is made not to over treat these tumors since all evidence points to the fact that they are indeed benign.", "contents": "Benign renal angiomyolipoma with regional lymph node involvement. The 2 cases reported herein involve benign renal angiomyolipomas, showing the same angiomyolipoma changes in the regional lymph nodes. It is concluded that these lymph node changes are caused by a multicentric origin of the angiomyolipoma rather than true metastasis. A plea is made not to over treat these tumors since all evidence points to the fact that they are indeed benign.", "PMID": 1003638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9685", "title": "Ureteral structure and ultrastructure. Part I. The normal human ureter.", "content": "Twenty-eight normal human ureters were examined under the light and electron microscope. Three uretero-trigonal units were microdissected. The ureter is a non-layered muscular tube wherein the anatomical unit is muscle bundles that contain heterogeneously oriented muscle cells. Functional continuity of muscle cells is provided through the nexus, which are clearly defined structures. A group of morphologically distinct muscle cells are identified and these may represent the ureteral pacemaker cells. The functional status of muscle cells causes certain morphologic changes and, thus, the cells fixed in contraction differ from those fixed in relaxation and in vitro testing of muscle cell contractility is feasible. The ultrastructure of the normal urothelium and the adrenergic and cholinergic components of ureteral nerves are presented briefly.", "contents": "Ureteral structure and ultrastructure. Part I. The normal human ureter. Twenty-eight normal human ureters were examined under the light and electron microscope. Three uretero-trigonal units were microdissected. The ureter is a non-layered muscular tube wherein the anatomical unit is muscle bundles that contain heterogeneously oriented muscle cells. Functional continuity of muscle cells is provided through the nexus, which are clearly defined structures. A group of morphologically distinct muscle cells are identified and these may represent the ureteral pacemaker cells. The functional status of muscle cells causes certain morphologic changes and, thus, the cells fixed in contraction differ from those fixed in relaxation and in vitro testing of muscle cell contractility is feasible. The ultrastructure of the normal urothelium and the adrenergic and cholinergic components of ureteral nerves are presented briefly.", "PMID": 1003639} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9686", "title": "Ureteral structure and ultrastructure. Part II. Congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction and primary obstructive megaureter.", "content": "The structure and ultrastructure were studied of 48 specimens from cases of congenital ureteroplevic junction obstructions and primary obstructive megaureters. Under light microscopy a spectrum of findings occurs, extending from the nearly normal to the clearly abnormal obstructive segments. However, under electron microscopy there were consistent abnormalities: 1) excessive collagen fibers between and around the muscle cells and 2) a group of compromised muscle cells proximal to the collagenous segment. These findings are responsible for functional discontinuity via the nexus and indistensibility of the pathologic areas. The high resolution of the electron microscope allows clearer definition of these obstructions and the impact of these findings on surgical remodeling is discussed.", "contents": "Ureteral structure and ultrastructure. Part II. Congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction and primary obstructive megaureter. The structure and ultrastructure were studied of 48 specimens from cases of congenital ureteroplevic junction obstructions and primary obstructive megaureters. Under light microscopy a spectrum of findings occurs, extending from the nearly normal to the clearly abnormal obstructive segments. However, under electron microscopy there were consistent abnormalities: 1) excessive collagen fibers between and around the muscle cells and 2) a group of compromised muscle cells proximal to the collagenous segment. These findings are responsible for functional discontinuity via the nexus and indistensibility of the pathologic areas. The high resolution of the electron microscope allows clearer definition of these obstructions and the impact of these findings on surgical remodeling is discussed.", "PMID": 1003640} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9687", "title": "Phenoxybenzamine in the management of neurogenic vesical dysfunction.", "content": "The clinical effect of phenoxybenzamine, an alpha blocking agent, was studied in a series of 37 patients with varying degrees of neurogenic vesical dysfunction. An over-all 78 per cent success rate was achieved, with an 86 per cent success rate in patients with reflex neurogenic bladder. Phenoxybenzamine demonstrates excellent results in patients with neurovesical dysnfunction who are unable to empty their bladders by other means. The drug demonstrated effectiveness regardless of the level of the lesion, cystometric findings or duration of neurogenic vesical disease.", "contents": "Phenoxybenzamine in the management of neurogenic vesical dysfunction. The clinical effect of phenoxybenzamine, an alpha blocking agent, was studied in a series of 37 patients with varying degrees of neurogenic vesical dysfunction. An over-all 78 per cent success rate was achieved, with an 86 per cent success rate in patients with reflex neurogenic bladder. Phenoxybenzamine demonstrates excellent results in patients with neurovesical dysnfunction who are unable to empty their bladders by other means. The drug demonstrated effectiveness regardless of the level of the lesion, cystometric findings or duration of neurogenic vesical disease.", "PMID": 1003641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9688", "title": "Management of urinary incontinence with electronic stimulation: observations and results.", "content": "The evolution in the management of urinary incontinence with electronic stimulation of the pelvic floor is reviewed. The effect of stimulation is analyzed. Our methods of candidate screening and the contraindications to treatment are discussed. Forty patients were treated for 2 to 15 months. Sixteen patients were post-prostatectomy, 4 had stress incontinence, 4 had upper motor neuron lesions, 1 was incontinent after repair of a rectovesical fistula and 15 were post-bladder exstrophy closure. The success rate in the first group was 45.4 per cent, in the second group 100 per cent, in the third group 50 per cent, in the fourth group 100 per cent and in the fifth group 27.2 per cent. In view of the method having been tried on cases resistant to other forms of treatment the results were encouraging. The most satisfying results were in the post-exstrophy group in which no response was expected.", "contents": "Management of urinary incontinence with electronic stimulation: observations and results. The evolution in the management of urinary incontinence with electronic stimulation of the pelvic floor is reviewed. The effect of stimulation is analyzed. Our methods of candidate screening and the contraindications to treatment are discussed. Forty patients were treated for 2 to 15 months. Sixteen patients were post-prostatectomy, 4 had stress incontinence, 4 had upper motor neuron lesions, 1 was incontinent after repair of a rectovesical fistula and 15 were post-bladder exstrophy closure. The success rate in the first group was 45.4 per cent, in the second group 100 per cent, in the third group 50 per cent, in the fourth group 100 per cent and in the fifth group 27.2 per cent. In view of the method having been tried on cases resistant to other forms of treatment the results were encouraging. The most satisfying results were in the post-exstrophy group in which no response was expected.", "PMID": 1003642} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9689", "title": "Priapism: treatment with corpus cavernosum to dorsal vein of penis shunts.", "content": "Deep and superficial dorsal vein to corpus cavernosum shunts successfully relieved priapism lasting 6 and 3 1/2 days in 2 patients. Since the procedures are anatomically sound, require a small surgical field, do not require saphenous vein mobilization and cannot result in a urethrocutaneous fistula further, clinical trials are warranted. If this brief procedure is unsuccessful in relieving priapism corpus cavernosum to saphenous vein or corpus cavernosum to corpus spongiosum shunts can be accomplished without again preparing or positioning the patient.", "contents": "Priapism: treatment with corpus cavernosum to dorsal vein of penis shunts. Deep and superficial dorsal vein to corpus cavernosum shunts successfully relieved priapism lasting 6 and 3 1/2 days in 2 patients. Since the procedures are anatomically sound, require a small surgical field, do not require saphenous vein mobilization and cannot result in a urethrocutaneous fistula further, clinical trials are warranted. If this brief procedure is unsuccessful in relieving priapism corpus cavernosum to saphenous vein or corpus cavernosum to corpus spongiosum shunts can be accomplished without again preparing or positioning the patient.", "PMID": 1003643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9690", "title": "Forty years of transurethral prostatic resections.", "content": "The 4 consecutive series of transurethral prostatic resections compared were done by the senior authors during a period of nearly 40 years: 420 cases in 1937 to 1938, 520 cases in 1940 to 1945, 480 cases in 1950 to 1955 and 270 cases in 1972 to 1973. The most notable improvements in the recent series are the fewer patients with temperatures more than 100 degrees (69 virsus 29 per cent) and the improved mortality rate (5.5 verus 0.7 per cent). In our opinion these improvements are owing to antibacterial medication, improved instruments, more skillful performance of the operation, the use of isotonic irrigating fluid and improved postoperative care.", "contents": "Forty years of transurethral prostatic resections. The 4 consecutive series of transurethral prostatic resections compared were done by the senior authors during a period of nearly 40 years: 420 cases in 1937 to 1938, 520 cases in 1940 to 1945, 480 cases in 1950 to 1955 and 270 cases in 1972 to 1973. The most notable improvements in the recent series are the fewer patients with temperatures more than 100 degrees (69 virsus 29 per cent) and the improved mortality rate (5.5 verus 0.7 per cent). In our opinion these improvements are owing to antibacterial medication, improved instruments, more skillful performance of the operation, the use of isotonic irrigating fluid and improved postoperative care.", "PMID": 1003644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9691", "title": "The role of repeat transurethral biopsy in stage A carcinoma of the prostate.", "content": "There is a significant difference in survival of patients, with stages A1 and A2 prostatic adenocarcinoma. Therefore, it is important to distinguish focal occult adenocarcinoma from diffuse occult adenocarcinoma. However, that may be impossible from a single transurethral resection of the prostate. This study was designed to determine if repeat transurethral biopsy would be helpful in defining the extent of stage A disease. Between January 1970 and January 1976, 27 of 6) patients with stage A adenocarcinoma of the prostate were selected for repeat transurethral biopsy of the prostate 3 months after the initial diagnosis. All 27 patients had a focus or focal adenocarcinoma of the prostate at the initial resection. Seven patients (26 per cent) were found to have significant residual tumor at repeat resection and were reclassified as stage A2. Three patients were found to, have a single focus of adenocarcinoma on repeat biopsy. Thus, 37 per cent of the study group of patients had residual carcinoma after initial diagnosis by transurethral resection. Repeat transurethral biopsy is helpful in defining the extent of stage A disease and formulating a rational plan of therapy.", "contents": "The role of repeat transurethral biopsy in stage A carcinoma of the prostate. There is a significant difference in survival of patients, with stages A1 and A2 prostatic adenocarcinoma. Therefore, it is important to distinguish focal occult adenocarcinoma from diffuse occult adenocarcinoma. However, that may be impossible from a single transurethral resection of the prostate. This study was designed to determine if repeat transurethral biopsy would be helpful in defining the extent of stage A disease. Between January 1970 and January 1976, 27 of 6) patients with stage A adenocarcinoma of the prostate were selected for repeat transurethral biopsy of the prostate 3 months after the initial diagnosis. All 27 patients had a focus or focal adenocarcinoma of the prostate at the initial resection. Seven patients (26 per cent) were found to have significant residual tumor at repeat resection and were reclassified as stage A2. Three patients were found to, have a single focus of adenocarcinoma on repeat biopsy. Thus, 37 per cent of the study group of patients had residual carcinoma after initial diagnosis by transurethral resection. Repeat transurethral biopsy is helpful in defining the extent of stage A disease and formulating a rational plan of therapy.", "PMID": 1003645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9692", "title": "Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate.", "content": "The symptoms and physical findings in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate were similar to those in patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma. Usually the neoplasm was poorly differentiated and advanced when the diagnosis was first established. Osseous metastases were commonly osteolytic. Frequently, elevations of serum alkaline or acid phosphatase levels were associated with metastasis. Tartrate-inhibited fractions of the serum acid phosphatase were not elevated. The best form of treatment is radical ablation of the prostate and radiation therapy is next best. Because these neoplasms are not hormonally dependent, hormonal manipulation is not indicated. Prognosis for patients with this malignancy is guarded.", "contents": "Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate. The symptoms and physical findings in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate were similar to those in patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma. Usually the neoplasm was poorly differentiated and advanced when the diagnosis was first established. Osseous metastases were commonly osteolytic. Frequently, elevations of serum alkaline or acid phosphatase levels were associated with metastasis. Tartrate-inhibited fractions of the serum acid phosphatase were not elevated. The best form of treatment is radical ablation of the prostate and radiation therapy is next best. Because these neoplasms are not hormonally dependent, hormonal manipulation is not indicated. Prognosis for patients with this malignancy is guarded.", "PMID": 1003646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9693", "title": "Results of 89strontium therapy in patients with carcinoma of the prostate and incurable pain from bone metastases: a preliminary report.", "content": "The therapeutic application of 89strontium for the relief of pain in 11 cases of carcinoma of the prostate with skeletal metastases is reported. A significant clinical improvement could be observed in 8 of the 11 patients with generalized osseous metastases of prostatic carcinoma after the application of 30 muCi. 89strontium per kg. The effect was long lasting. At the same time an increase of alkaline phosphatase was observed, which was interpreted as an indication of the reactivation of osteoblasts and osteoid peripheral zones owing to beta-emission of the radioisotope in the affected areas. The indications for such therapy are discussed.", "contents": "Results of 89strontium therapy in patients with carcinoma of the prostate and incurable pain from bone metastases: a preliminary report. The therapeutic application of 89strontium for the relief of pain in 11 cases of carcinoma of the prostate with skeletal metastases is reported. A significant clinical improvement could be observed in 8 of the 11 patients with generalized osseous metastases of prostatic carcinoma after the application of 30 muCi. 89strontium per kg. The effect was long lasting. At the same time an increase of alkaline phosphatase was observed, which was interpreted as an indication of the reactivation of osteoblasts and osteoid peripheral zones owing to beta-emission of the radioisotope in the affected areas. The indications for such therapy are discussed.", "PMID": 1003647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9694", "title": "New approach to myelodysplasia.", "content": "Data from 60 patients with myelodysplasia are presented. Electromyography of the periurethral striated muscle in conjunction with simultaneous cystometry allows prediction of those patients at risk from urinary tract infection in 100 per cent of the cases. Intermittent self-catheterization is an effective form of therapy for bladder dysfunction in patients with myelodysplasia. An orderly approach to the evaluation and management of bladder dysfunction is outlined.", "contents": "New approach to myelodysplasia. Data from 60 patients with myelodysplasia are presented. Electromyography of the periurethral striated muscle in conjunction with simultaneous cystometry allows prediction of those patients at risk from urinary tract infection in 100 per cent of the cases. Intermittent self-catheterization is an effective form of therapy for bladder dysfunction in patients with myelodysplasia. An orderly approach to the evaluation and management of bladder dysfunction is outlined.", "PMID": 1003648} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9695", "title": "The controversy of treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in non-pregnant women--resolved.", "content": "Data derived from longitudinal studies demonstrate that asymptomatic bacteriuria in non-pregnant women without stones or obstructive uropathy is a benign pathological condition. Evidence has accumulated that untreated asymptomatic bacteriuria in otherwise healthy women does not result in hypertension and/or a decline in renal function, and that this condition required neither detection nor antimicrobial therapy.", "contents": "The controversy of treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in non-pregnant women--resolved. Data derived from longitudinal studies demonstrate that asymptomatic bacteriuria in non-pregnant women without stones or obstructive uropathy is a benign pathological condition. Evidence has accumulated that untreated asymptomatic bacteriuria in otherwise healthy women does not result in hypertension and/or a decline in renal function, and that this condition required neither detection nor antimicrobial therapy.", "PMID": 1003649} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9696", "title": "Genitourinary candidiasis: diagnosis and treatment.", "content": "Candida in the urine or surgical wound is a potentially lethal pathogen. Management of 82 patients has provided a rationale for the treatment of these infections. Urine colony counts, serologic findings and clinical observations determine therapy. Amphotericin B irrigants are effective for local infections. Disseminated infections require flucytosine and/or intravenous amphotericin B.", "contents": "Genitourinary candidiasis: diagnosis and treatment. Candida in the urine or surgical wound is a potentially lethal pathogen. Management of 82 patients has provided a rationale for the treatment of these infections. Urine colony counts, serologic findings and clinical observations determine therapy. Amphotericin B irrigants are effective for local infections. Disseminated infections require flucytosine and/or intravenous amphotericin B.", "PMID": 1003650} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9697", "title": "Significance of urinary cytology in the early detection of transitional cell cancer of the upper urinary tract.", "content": "Cytologic study of urine from 100 patients with transitional cell cancer of the upper urinary tract revealed that findings on the voided and catheterized specimens correlated well with grade and stage of the tumor. However, there was a significantly greater positive yield with urine specimens obtained by ureteral catheterization than by voiding. Consequently, because concomitant bladder tumors, diagnosed or not, can give questionable positive results ureteral catheterization specimens should be used for cytologic study.", "contents": "Significance of urinary cytology in the early detection of transitional cell cancer of the upper urinary tract. Cytologic study of urine from 100 patients with transitional cell cancer of the upper urinary tract revealed that findings on the voided and catheterized specimens correlated well with grade and stage of the tumor. However, there was a significantly greater positive yield with urine specimens obtained by ureteral catheterization than by voiding. Consequently, because concomitant bladder tumors, diagnosed or not, can give questionable positive results ureteral catheterization specimens should be used for cytologic study.", "PMID": 1003651} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9698", "title": "Unilateral renal agenesis presenting as anuria.", "content": "The most common cause of sudden and total cessation of urine output is obstructive uropathy, usually at the bladder outlet. Bilateral ureteral obstruction is a much less common cause of anuria. In additioh, unilateral obstruction in the presence of a solitary kidney must be considered in the differential diagnosis. Primary renal parenchymal disorders and pre-renal azotemia occasionally may be anuric but more commonly are oliguric. A case of unilateral renal agenesis presenting as anuria and obstruction of the solitary kidney is described.", "contents": "Unilateral renal agenesis presenting as anuria. The most common cause of sudden and total cessation of urine output is obstructive uropathy, usually at the bladder outlet. Bilateral ureteral obstruction is a much less common cause of anuria. In additioh, unilateral obstruction in the presence of a solitary kidney must be considered in the differential diagnosis. Primary renal parenchymal disorders and pre-renal azotemia occasionally may be anuric but more commonly are oliguric. A case of unilateral renal agenesis presenting as anuria and obstruction of the solitary kidney is described.", "PMID": 1003653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9699", "title": "Cred\u00e9 expression of the bladder: a sometimes useful maneuver.", "content": "Two children with neurovesical dysfunction are described. The upper tract changes were resolved following the initiation of the Cred\u00e9 expressions of the bladder. It is suggested that the Cred\u00e9 maneuver has a place in the management of selected children with neurovesical dysfunction, particularly when temporization is needed.", "contents": "Cred\u00e9 expression of the bladder: a sometimes useful maneuver. Two children with neurovesical dysfunction are described. The upper tract changes were resolved following the initiation of the Cred\u00e9 expressions of the bladder. It is suggested that the Cred\u00e9 maneuver has a place in the management of selected children with neurovesical dysfunction, particularly when temporization is needed.", "PMID": 1003654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9700", "title": "Linear straited vascular pattern: its implication on a renal angiogram clinical importance and pathologic verification.", "content": "A case of hypernephroma with neoplastic extension to the renal vein showing a characteristic linear striated vascular pattern on a renal angiogram is presented. A nephrectomy specimen was examined pathologically and angiographic correlation subsequently was inferred. Implication of this unusual pattern on the renal angiogram is emphasized through our experience and review of relevant literature in order to predict the prognosis and to prepare for radical treatment.", "contents": "Linear straited vascular pattern: its implication on a renal angiogram clinical importance and pathologic verification. A case of hypernephroma with neoplastic extension to the renal vein showing a characteristic linear striated vascular pattern on a renal angiogram is presented. A nephrectomy specimen was examined pathologically and angiographic correlation subsequently was inferred. Implication of this unusual pattern on the renal angiogram is emphasized through our experience and review of relevant literature in order to predict the prognosis and to prepare for radical treatment.", "PMID": 1003655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9701", "title": "Polycystic horseshoe kidney.", "content": "It is not uncommon for urologists to be involved in the care of patients with either adult polycystic kidney disease or horseshoe kidney. Personal clinical experience indicates that it is most unusual to have these 2 congenital disorders simultaneously in the same patient. The first known report of such a situation describing removal of a kidney so involved in preparation of renal transplantation is presented.", "contents": "Polycystic horseshoe kidney. It is not uncommon for urologists to be involved in the care of patients with either adult polycystic kidney disease or horseshoe kidney. Personal clinical experience indicates that it is most unusual to have these 2 congenital disorders simultaneously in the same patient. The first known report of such a situation describing removal of a kidney so involved in preparation of renal transplantation is presented.", "PMID": 1003656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9702", "title": "Spontaneous remission of solitary bony metastasis after removal of the primary kidney adenocarcinoma.", "content": "The second case of spontaneous remission of a biopsy-proved osseous metastasis from a renal carcinoma is reported. The unusual feature of the patient presenting with a right varicocele and no hematuria is extremely rare.", "contents": "Spontaneous remission of solitary bony metastasis after removal of the primary kidney adenocarcinoma. The second case of spontaneous remission of a biopsy-proved osseous metastasis from a renal carcinoma is reported. The unusual feature of the patient presenting with a right varicocele and no hematuria is extremely rare.", "PMID": 1003657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9703", "title": "Priapism caused by glucose phosphate isomerase deficiency.", "content": "A case of congenital non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia of unknown etiology is described. The patient had priapism and further hematologic evaluation revealed a glucose phosphate isomerase deficiency. This is the first report of priapism secondary to a defect of erythrocyte metabolism.", "contents": "Priapism caused by glucose phosphate isomerase deficiency. A case of congenital non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia of unknown etiology is described. The patient had priapism and further hematologic evaluation revealed a glucose phosphate isomerase deficiency. This is the first report of priapism secondary to a defect of erythrocyte metabolism.", "PMID": 1003664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9704", "title": "Primary carcinoid of testis.", "content": "A patient with primary solid carcinoid of the testis is described and 8 previous cases are reviewed. Ultrastructural study of our case disclosed pleomorphic granules, typical of the insular type carcinoid of the intestine of midgut derivation. Primary solid testicular carcinoid appears to behave as a benign neoplasms. None of these patients had evidence of metastases or the carcinoid syndrome for periods ranging from 20 months to 25 years.", "contents": "Primary carcinoid of testis. A patient with primary solid carcinoid of the testis is described and 8 previous cases are reviewed. Ultrastructural study of our case disclosed pleomorphic granules, typical of the insular type carcinoid of the intestine of midgut derivation. Primary solid testicular carcinoid appears to behave as a benign neoplasms. None of these patients had evidence of metastases or the carcinoid syndrome for periods ranging from 20 months to 25 years.", "PMID": 1003665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9705", "title": "Mixed testicular tumor in immunosuppressed patient: case report.", "content": "A 30-year-old man who was maintained on immunosuppressants following renal transplantation had seminoma with teratoma of the right testis 3 months postoperatively. The temporal relationship in the development of the tumor in the presence of immunosuppressants strongly suggests the importance of the immunodefense mechanism in the control, development or growth of the neoplasm.", "contents": "Mixed testicular tumor in immunosuppressed patient: case report. A 30-year-old man who was maintained on immunosuppressants following renal transplantation had seminoma with teratoma of the right testis 3 months postoperatively. The temporal relationship in the development of the tumor in the presence of immunosuppressants strongly suggests the importance of the immunodefense mechanism in the control, development or growth of the neoplasm.", "PMID": 1003666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9706", "title": "Bilateral fat necrosis of the scrotum.", "content": "The typical patient with fat necrosis of the scrotum is a prepuberal heavy set male subject who has extratesticular scrotal masses, usually bilateral, with mild to moderate pain but no systemic complaints or symptons related to voiding. The masses are firm, tender and do not transmit light. With a firm diagnosis expectant treatment will allow spontaneous resolution of the lesions. If doubt exists appropriate surgical intervention is advocated. Hypothermic injury, such as swimming in frigid water, is the most probable etiologic agent.", "contents": "Bilateral fat necrosis of the scrotum. The typical patient with fat necrosis of the scrotum is a prepuberal heavy set male subject who has extratesticular scrotal masses, usually bilateral, with mild to moderate pain but no systemic complaints or symptons related to voiding. The masses are firm, tender and do not transmit light. With a firm diagnosis expectant treatment will allow spontaneous resolution of the lesions. If doubt exists appropriate surgical intervention is advocated. Hypothermic injury, such as swimming in frigid water, is the most probable etiologic agent.", "PMID": 1003667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9707", "title": "Appendicitis simulating torsion of the spermatic cord: a case report.", "content": "A case of acute non-perforated appendicitis presenting as acute scrotal swelling and erythema is reported. A communicating hydrocele containing serous cloudy fluid was encountered on examination, suggesting the intra-abdominal pathology.", "contents": "Appendicitis simulating torsion of the spermatic cord: a case report. A case of acute non-perforated appendicitis presenting as acute scrotal swelling and erythema is reported. A communicating hydrocele containing serous cloudy fluid was encountered on examination, suggesting the intra-abdominal pathology.", "PMID": 1003668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9708", "title": "Malacoplakia of the prostate confused with clear cell carcinoma.", "content": "Primary malacoplakia of the prostate is a rare benign disease, which is frequently mistaken for carcinoma and granulomatous prostatis. The surgical and clinical course of a patient with obstructive hypertrophy of the prostate is reviewed after an initial incorrect diagnosis of clear cell carcinoma. Experience in defining the lesion during the transurethral resection is presented. The pathogenesis, morphological structure and unique microscopic appearance of malacoplakia, characterized by large mononuclear cells associated with small laminated concretions, are described and illustrated.", "contents": "Malacoplakia of the prostate confused with clear cell carcinoma. Primary malacoplakia of the prostate is a rare benign disease, which is frequently mistaken for carcinoma and granulomatous prostatis. The surgical and clinical course of a patient with obstructive hypertrophy of the prostate is reviewed after an initial incorrect diagnosis of clear cell carcinoma. Experience in defining the lesion during the transurethral resection is presented. The pathogenesis, morphological structure and unique microscopic appearance of malacoplakia, characterized by large mononuclear cells associated with small laminated concretions, are described and illustrated.", "PMID": 1003669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9709", "title": "Cyst of seminal vesicle with ipsilateral renal agenesis and ectopic ureter: case report.", "content": "A 24-year-old man had a cyst of the seminal vesicle and ipsilateral renal agenesis with an ectopic ureter. Nineteen other patients with similar anomalies are reviewed. The usual age at the onset of symptoms is between 20 and 28 years, during the time of maximal reproductive activity. Usually, diagnosis is established by history, the finding of a mass in the area of the seminal vesicle and an excretory urogram. Treatment consists of excision, aspiration or transurethral unroofing of the cyst.", "contents": "Cyst of seminal vesicle with ipsilateral renal agenesis and ectopic ureter: case report. A 24-year-old man had a cyst of the seminal vesicle and ipsilateral renal agenesis with an ectopic ureter. Nineteen other patients with similar anomalies are reviewed. The usual age at the onset of symptoms is between 20 and 28 years, during the time of maximal reproductive activity. Usually, diagnosis is established by history, the finding of a mass in the area of the seminal vesicle and an excretory urogram. Treatment consists of excision, aspiration or transurethral unroofing of the cyst.", "PMID": 1003670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9710", "title": "Klinefelter's syndrome and bladder cancer.", "content": "A patient with Klinefelter's syndrome is described who also had transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. His mother and maternal grandfather died of neoplasms. It is suggested that neoplasm and aneuploidy in the same family could have been caused by an inherited chromosomal instability rather than coincidence.", "contents": "Klinefelter's syndrome and bladder cancer. A patient with Klinefelter's syndrome is described who also had transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. His mother and maternal grandfather died of neoplasms. It is suggested that neoplasm and aneuploidy in the same family could have been caused by an inherited chromosomal instability rather than coincidence.", "PMID": 1003671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9711", "title": "Antitrichophyton activity and dermal tissue concentration of pyrrolnitrin.", "content": "Though pyrrolnitrin is surpassed by clotrimazole in in vitro antitrichophyton activity against Trichophyton sp., the therapeutic effect of pyrrolnitrin against experimental trichophytosis in guinea pigs was more potent than that of clotrimazole. The detection of antifungal activity from topically treated guinea pigs suggests that pyrrolnitrin obtains higher concentrations than clotrimazole in dermal tissue.", "contents": "Antitrichophyton activity and dermal tissue concentration of pyrrolnitrin. Though pyrrolnitrin is surpassed by clotrimazole in in vitro antitrichophyton activity against Trichophyton sp., the therapeutic effect of pyrrolnitrin against experimental trichophytosis in guinea pigs was more potent than that of clotrimazole. The detection of antifungal activity from topically treated guinea pigs suggests that pyrrolnitrin obtains higher concentrations than clotrimazole in dermal tissue.", "PMID": 1003677} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9712", "title": "[Administration of cephradine to dermatoses by injection (author's transl)].", "content": "Ten cases of various kinds of dermatoses underwent cephradine by injection. Two cases injected cephradine intramuscularly resulted in severe pain. Three of 4 cases with pyogenic skin infection revealed excellent results. Three cases were prevented from secondary infection. Adverse effects such as vertigo were avoided by lowering the speed of intravenous injection. No abnormal findings of serum GOT and GPT levels after the completion of the treatment was noted in 7 of 8 cases, but one case which was administrated large dosis of corticosteroid concomitantly revealed elevated level in this finding.", "contents": "[Administration of cephradine to dermatoses by injection (author's transl)]. Ten cases of various kinds of dermatoses underwent cephradine by injection. Two cases injected cephradine intramuscularly resulted in severe pain. Three of 4 cases with pyogenic skin infection revealed excellent results. Three cases were prevented from secondary infection. Adverse effects such as vertigo were avoided by lowering the speed of intravenous injection. No abnormal findings of serum GOT and GPT levels after the completion of the treatment was noted in 7 of 8 cases, but one case which was administrated large dosis of corticosteroid concomitantly revealed elevated level in this finding.", "PMID": 1003678} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9713", "title": "[Ophthalmic application of intravenous cephradine (author's transl)].", "content": "Basic and clinical experiments were performed on intravenous cephradine (CED) in ophthalmological field. The results are summarized as follows. 1. Serum concentration: After intravenous injection of 1.0 g CED, in a single dose, to a healthy adult, the peak of serum level (34.0 mug/ml) was attained at 15 minutes, then decreased quickly to 2.3 mug/ml by 6 hours. 2. Ocular penetration in rabbit eye: (1) Aqueous humor concentrations: The peak level of aqueous humor (13.45 mug/ml) was obtained at 30 minutes after intravenous injection of 50 mg/kg, in a single dose. Aqueous/Serum ratio was 38.07%. After instillation of 5 mg/ml solution of CED, 5 times every 5 minutes, the aqueous level was recognized 30 minutes and 1 hour, and no detectable 4 hours. After 50 mg/0.5 ml CED subconjunctival injection, in a single dose, the high aqueous levels were observed at 30 minutes and 1 hour, and still detectable 4 hours later. (2) Ocular tissue concentrations: The ocular tissue concentrations at 30 minutes after intravenous injection of 50 mg/kg CED were high in both outer and inner parts of the eye. After 4 hours, the tissue levels remained relatively high concentrations. (3) CLINICAL RESULTS: Intravenous administration of 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 g CED 1 or 2 times daily revealed excellent or good effects in 8 of 12 cases, such as external hordeolum, internal hordeolum, lid abscess, chronic dacryocystitis, orbital abscess and corneal ulcer. (4) Side effects: Three cases out of 12 complained burning sensation by intravenous injection of CED, but in neither case was it found necessary to withdraw the drugs. No severe side effects such as allergic reactions were observed. No abnormal findings in hepatic and renal function tests were observed.", "contents": "[Ophthalmic application of intravenous cephradine (author's transl)]. Basic and clinical experiments were performed on intravenous cephradine (CED) in ophthalmological field. The results are summarized as follows. 1. Serum concentration: After intravenous injection of 1.0 g CED, in a single dose, to a healthy adult, the peak of serum level (34.0 mug/ml) was attained at 15 minutes, then decreased quickly to 2.3 mug/ml by 6 hours. 2. Ocular penetration in rabbit eye: (1) Aqueous humor concentrations: The peak level of aqueous humor (13.45 mug/ml) was obtained at 30 minutes after intravenous injection of 50 mg/kg, in a single dose. Aqueous/Serum ratio was 38.07%. After instillation of 5 mg/ml solution of CED, 5 times every 5 minutes, the aqueous level was recognized 30 minutes and 1 hour, and no detectable 4 hours. After 50 mg/0.5 ml CED subconjunctival injection, in a single dose, the high aqueous levels were observed at 30 minutes and 1 hour, and still detectable 4 hours later. (2) Ocular tissue concentrations: The ocular tissue concentrations at 30 minutes after intravenous injection of 50 mg/kg CED were high in both outer and inner parts of the eye. After 4 hours, the tissue levels remained relatively high concentrations. (3) CLINICAL RESULTS: Intravenous administration of 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 g CED 1 or 2 times daily revealed excellent or good effects in 8 of 12 cases, such as external hordeolum, internal hordeolum, lid abscess, chronic dacryocystitis, orbital abscess and corneal ulcer. (4) Side effects: Three cases out of 12 complained burning sensation by intravenous injection of CED, but in neither case was it found necessary to withdraw the drugs. No severe side effects such as allergic reactions were observed. No abnormal findings in hepatic and renal function tests were observed.", "PMID": 1003679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9714", "title": "[Studies on cephradine for intravenous injection (author's transl)].", "content": "1) The half-life of serum concentration of cephradine (CED) in patients with normal renal function, was 30 minutes and it prolonged to 83 minutes when combined with probenecid. 2) In the patients with severely impaired renal function, mean serum concentration of CED was 33 mcg/ml 24 hours after 1 g intravenous injection. 3) In clinical observations of 17 cases with infections of lung, urinary tract, and bile duct, the treatment with CED showed excellent results in 5 cases, good in 6, undetermined in 1. No remarkable side effect was observed.", "contents": "[Studies on cephradine for intravenous injection (author's transl)]. 1) The half-life of serum concentration of cephradine (CED) in patients with normal renal function, was 30 minutes and it prolonged to 83 minutes when combined with probenecid. 2) In the patients with severely impaired renal function, mean serum concentration of CED was 33 mcg/ml 24 hours after 1 g intravenous injection. 3) In clinical observations of 17 cases with infections of lung, urinary tract, and bile duct, the treatment with CED showed excellent results in 5 cases, good in 6, undetermined in 1. No remarkable side effect was observed.", "PMID": 1003681} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9715", "title": "[Application of parenteral cephradine in urinary tract infections (author's transl)].", "content": "A new antibiotic cephradine was administered intravenously for 3 approximately 7 days at daily doses of 1.0 approximately 2.0 g to 56 patients, including 39 cases of acute urinary tract infections, 13 of chronic urinary tract infections and 4 for postoperative prophylaxis. Of 39 cases with acute urinary infections, definite response was seen in 35 cases and no definite response in 4 cases. Of 13 cases with chronic urinary tract infections, definite response was seen in 7 cases and no definite response in 6 cases. Good results were obtained clinically in 4 cases for prophylaxis of postoperative infections. No side effect was observed with cephradine with cephradine throughout the experiment.", "contents": "[Application of parenteral cephradine in urinary tract infections (author's transl)]. A new antibiotic cephradine was administered intravenously for 3 approximately 7 days at daily doses of 1.0 approximately 2.0 g to 56 patients, including 39 cases of acute urinary tract infections, 13 of chronic urinary tract infections and 4 for postoperative prophylaxis. Of 39 cases with acute urinary infections, definite response was seen in 35 cases and no definite response in 4 cases. Of 13 cases with chronic urinary tract infections, definite response was seen in 7 cases and no definite response in 6 cases. Good results were obtained clinically in 4 cases for prophylaxis of postoperative infections. No side effect was observed with cephradine with cephradine throughout the experiment.", "PMID": 1003682} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9716", "title": "[Clinical studies on cephradine (CED) (author's transl)].", "content": "Cephradine (CED) was administered intravenously to the patients with respiratory infection or urinary tract infection with the dosage of 1.0 approximately 4.0 g daily and their clinical effects were investigated. Good clinical effects of CED were obtained in 5 of 8 cases with respiratory infections and in 2 of 5 cases with urinary tract infections. Side effects were noted in 2 cases, but they improved rapidly by the cessation of the drug administration. One case developed skin eruption and the other case complained general burning, palpitation after intravenous injection and slight insomnia. CED is seemed to be effective antibiotic for the respiratory as well as urinary tract infections clinically. However it was advisable that careful attention should be paid when CED is administered to the patient having drug allergy or nephropathy.", "contents": "[Clinical studies on cephradine (CED) (author's transl)]. Cephradine (CED) was administered intravenously to the patients with respiratory infection or urinary tract infection with the dosage of 1.0 approximately 4.0 g daily and their clinical effects were investigated. Good clinical effects of CED were obtained in 5 of 8 cases with respiratory infections and in 2 of 5 cases with urinary tract infections. Side effects were noted in 2 cases, but they improved rapidly by the cessation of the drug administration. One case developed skin eruption and the other case complained general burning, palpitation after intravenous injection and slight insomnia. CED is seemed to be effective antibiotic for the respiratory as well as urinary tract infections clinically. However it was advisable that careful attention should be paid when CED is administered to the patient having drug allergy or nephropathy.", "PMID": 1003684} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9717", "title": "Studies on physiological responses of residents in Okinawa to a hot environment.", "content": "In an attempt to reconfirm Kuno's observation that changes in sweating reaction during long-term heat acclimatization differ from those during short-term heat acclimatization, Ohara's sweating test was performed in summer in Okinawa on 37 male subjects, including 19 residents born and raised in Okinawa (group O) and 18 residents born and raised on one of the main Japanese islands (group M). Seasonal variation of adaptability to heat was also studied in some subjects of both groups. Group O showed significantly less sweat loss, lower Na concentration in sweat and a longer latent period for onset of sweating than group M. Group O showed no seasonal variation in sweat loss, while group M showed considerably greater sweat loss in summer than in winter. In both groups, lower Na concentration in sweat, lower rise in rectal temperature and lesser increase in heart rate in summer than in winter were observed. Seasonal difference in physiological responses of group O to heat exposure was less than that of group M. In conclusion, it was assumed that acclimatization to heat of group O had advanced further than that of group M and this was the reason for longer latent period of sweating and lesser sweat loss in group O in spite of the same rise in rectal temperature in both groups. Discussions were carried out to explain how the sweating pattern and mechanism of acclimatization in group O were different from those in group M.", "contents": "Studies on physiological responses of residents in Okinawa to a hot environment. In an attempt to reconfirm Kuno's observation that changes in sweating reaction during long-term heat acclimatization differ from those during short-term heat acclimatization, Ohara's sweating test was performed in summer in Okinawa on 37 male subjects, including 19 residents born and raised in Okinawa (group O) and 18 residents born and raised on one of the main Japanese islands (group M). Seasonal variation of adaptability to heat was also studied in some subjects of both groups. Group O showed significantly less sweat loss, lower Na concentration in sweat and a longer latent period for onset of sweating than group M. Group O showed no seasonal variation in sweat loss, while group M showed considerably greater sweat loss in summer than in winter. In both groups, lower Na concentration in sweat, lower rise in rectal temperature and lesser increase in heart rate in summer than in winter were observed. Seasonal difference in physiological responses of group O to heat exposure was less than that of group M. In conclusion, it was assumed that acclimatization to heat of group O had advanced further than that of group M and this was the reason for longer latent period of sweating and lesser sweat loss in group O in spite of the same rise in rectal temperature in both groups. Discussions were carried out to explain how the sweating pattern and mechanism of acclimatization in group O were different from those in group M.", "PMID": 1003689} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9718", "title": "Ventilatory responses to CO2 rebreathing at rest and during exercise in untrained subjects and athletes.", "content": "Ventilatory responses to CO2 during rest and exercise were studied in 10 marathon runners and 14 untrained subjects by the rebreathing method. The average responses of the untrained subjects and athletes at rest as meausred by the slope of VE-PACO2 curves were 1.86 and 1.12 liters/min-mmHg, the difference being statistically significant (p less than 0.05). During exercise the slope of VE-PACO2 decreased from 1.86 to 0.62 in the controls, and from 1.12 to 0.62 in the athletes (p less than 0.01). The mean slope obtained in the athletes, at rest and during exercise, was about 50-60% of that in untrained subjects (p less than 0.05). The difference in the VE-PACO2 curves between the athlete and the untrained group may be due to a reduced exitability of the respiratory center and/or by a reduced input signal.", "contents": "Ventilatory responses to CO2 rebreathing at rest and during exercise in untrained subjects and athletes. Ventilatory responses to CO2 during rest and exercise were studied in 10 marathon runners and 14 untrained subjects by the rebreathing method. The average responses of the untrained subjects and athletes at rest as meausred by the slope of VE-PACO2 curves were 1.86 and 1.12 liters/min-mmHg, the difference being statistically significant (p less than 0.05). During exercise the slope of VE-PACO2 decreased from 1.86 to 0.62 in the controls, and from 1.12 to 0.62 in the athletes (p less than 0.01). The mean slope obtained in the athletes, at rest and during exercise, was about 50-60% of that in untrained subjects (p less than 0.05). The difference in the VE-PACO2 curves between the athlete and the untrained group may be due to a reduced exitability of the respiratory center and/or by a reduced input signal.", "PMID": 1003690} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9719", "title": "Frequency-dependency of pulmonary compliance and its relation to airway conductance.", "content": "Dynamic compliance was determined in patients with 6 chronic obstructive lung diseases, 2 sarcoidosis and in 4 control healthy subjects at several breathing frequencies ranging between 0.2 and 1.3 Hz. The compliance exhibited an apparent fall with the increase in frequency of the patients, while it remained unaltered in the controls. A significant correlation was found between the frequency-dependency of compliance and the airway conductance determined plethysmographically. A similar relationship was also found in previous data appearing in the literature. Mathematical simulation based on the time constant theory revealed that the above correlation might be expected when airway obstruction occurred inhomogeneously in the peripheral region, of the lungs leaving the central airways intact.", "contents": "Frequency-dependency of pulmonary compliance and its relation to airway conductance. Dynamic compliance was determined in patients with 6 chronic obstructive lung diseases, 2 sarcoidosis and in 4 control healthy subjects at several breathing frequencies ranging between 0.2 and 1.3 Hz. The compliance exhibited an apparent fall with the increase in frequency of the patients, while it remained unaltered in the controls. A significant correlation was found between the frequency-dependency of compliance and the airway conductance determined plethysmographically. A similar relationship was also found in previous data appearing in the literature. Mathematical simulation based on the time constant theory revealed that the above correlation might be expected when airway obstruction occurred inhomogeneously in the peripheral region, of the lungs leaving the central airways intact.", "PMID": 1003691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9720", "title": "Effects of noradrenaline injected into the brainstem on reflex vasodilatation in the pinna of rabbits.", "content": "Reflex vasodilation in one ear of a rabbit following radiant heating of the opposite ear was observed by measuring the heat loss by a change in the heat flux when either noradrenaline or porcaine hydrochloride was administered locally into various diencephalic or mesencephalic loci in the brain. Hypothalamic cooling resulted in less reflex vasodilatation, while no vasodilatatory effect was observed immediately after an intravenous administration of atropin sulphate (0.5 mg). Five mug of noradrenaline injected intrahypothalamically either eliminated or reduced the development of reflex vasodilatation to the same extent as did an injection of procaine hydrochloride (0.5 mg). On the other hand, the magnitude of the reflex vasodilatation increased markedly with an injection of either procaine hydrochloride (1.5 mg) or noradrenaline (10 mug) into the reticular formation of the midbrain. Increased reflex vasodilatation was also obtained with a localized administration of procaine hydrochloride into the medial forebrain bundle of the hypothalamus. The results suggest that the noradrenaline in the preoptic/anterior hypothalamic (PO/AH) area and the midbrain reticular formation exerted an inhibitory effect on the action of the neural structure in connection with the heat dissipation system.", "contents": "Effects of noradrenaline injected into the brainstem on reflex vasodilatation in the pinna of rabbits. Reflex vasodilation in one ear of a rabbit following radiant heating of the opposite ear was observed by measuring the heat loss by a change in the heat flux when either noradrenaline or porcaine hydrochloride was administered locally into various diencephalic or mesencephalic loci in the brain. Hypothalamic cooling resulted in less reflex vasodilatation, while no vasodilatatory effect was observed immediately after an intravenous administration of atropin sulphate (0.5 mg). Five mug of noradrenaline injected intrahypothalamically either eliminated or reduced the development of reflex vasodilatation to the same extent as did an injection of procaine hydrochloride (0.5 mg). On the other hand, the magnitude of the reflex vasodilatation increased markedly with an injection of either procaine hydrochloride (1.5 mg) or noradrenaline (10 mug) into the reticular formation of the midbrain. Increased reflex vasodilatation was also obtained with a localized administration of procaine hydrochloride into the medial forebrain bundle of the hypothalamus. The results suggest that the noradrenaline in the preoptic/anterior hypothalamic (PO/AH) area and the midbrain reticular formation exerted an inhibitory effect on the action of the neural structure in connection with the heat dissipation system.", "PMID": 1003692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9721", "title": "Mechanism of thyroid-induced creatinuria in rat, with special reference to creatine synthesis in liver and creatine loss from skeletal muscle.", "content": "Mechanism of thyroid-induced creatinuria was investigated in rats. The rats were injected with triiodothyronine (T3) (100 mug/100g, sc) at 9.00 hr. Oxygen consumption increased 12 hr after T3 injection, reaching peak value 48 hr after the injection and decreasing to the pre-injection level at 96 hr. Urinary creatine excretion also increased during the first 10 hr after the injection, approaching maximal value 34-48 hr after the injection, and decreasing to the pre-injection level 72-82 hr after the injection. Throughout the experimental period, urinary creatinine decreased with time after the injection, although the difference between the groups was not significant. A decreased creatine tolerance was also observed after T3 injection. Beta-Guanidinopropionic acid (beta-GPA), a competitive inhibitor of creatine transport into skeletal muscle, as well as partial hepatectomy, caasing inhibition of creatine synthesis, were without effect on the difference in urinary creatine excretion between T3-treated and control animals. T3 increased the plasma creatine level both in bilateral nephrectomized and in bilateral nephrectomized plus beta-GPA administrated groups. These results suggest that increased creatine loss from skeletal muscle in addition to decreased creatine uptake of skeletal muscle rather than increased hepatic synthesis of creatine play an important role in T3-induced creatinuria.", "contents": "Mechanism of thyroid-induced creatinuria in rat, with special reference to creatine synthesis in liver and creatine loss from skeletal muscle. Mechanism of thyroid-induced creatinuria was investigated in rats. The rats were injected with triiodothyronine (T3) (100 mug/100g, sc) at 9.00 hr. Oxygen consumption increased 12 hr after T3 injection, reaching peak value 48 hr after the injection and decreasing to the pre-injection level at 96 hr. Urinary creatine excretion also increased during the first 10 hr after the injection, approaching maximal value 34-48 hr after the injection, and decreasing to the pre-injection level 72-82 hr after the injection. Throughout the experimental period, urinary creatinine decreased with time after the injection, although the difference between the groups was not significant. A decreased creatine tolerance was also observed after T3 injection. Beta-Guanidinopropionic acid (beta-GPA), a competitive inhibitor of creatine transport into skeletal muscle, as well as partial hepatectomy, caasing inhibition of creatine synthesis, were without effect on the difference in urinary creatine excretion between T3-treated and control animals. T3 increased the plasma creatine level both in bilateral nephrectomized and in bilateral nephrectomized plus beta-GPA administrated groups. These results suggest that increased creatine loss from skeletal muscle in addition to decreased creatine uptake of skeletal muscle rather than increased hepatic synthesis of creatine play an important role in T3-induced creatinuria.", "PMID": 1003693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9722", "title": "Innervation and properties of the smooth muscle of the dog trachea.", "content": "The membrane potential of dog tracheal muscle was stable at -59.2 mV. The length constant of the muscle tissue was 3.2 mm and the time constant of the membrane was 449 msec. Outward current pulses could not evoke a spike and showed marked rectification of the membrane. Tetraethylammonium, TEA, depolarized the membrane, suppressed the rectification of the membrane, and increased the membrane resistance, and in the presence of TEA outward current pulses could evoke a spike. Acetylcholine and histamine depolarized the membrane but could not evoke a spike. Mechanical response could be evoked by field stimulation via either nerve stimulation or direct muscle stimulation. The mechanical response induced by nerve stimulation was markedly suppressed by atropine. Phentolamine suppressed the contraction which was produced in the presence of atropine, and propranolol suppressed the relaxation. It is unlikely that nonadrenergic-non-cholinergic inhibitory nerves played an important role in the mechanical response. It is concluded regarding the neural actions to the dog trachea that a constriction is induced by cholinergic and adrenergic alpha-action and a dilation is induced by adrenergic beta-action. The relationship between the membrane potential and tension was measured in various [K]o. The mechanical response was triggered by only 5 mV depolarization. The physiological evidence and histological finding were compared in relation to nerve activity on the tracheal muscle activity.", "contents": "Innervation and properties of the smooth muscle of the dog trachea. The membrane potential of dog tracheal muscle was stable at -59.2 mV. The length constant of the muscle tissue was 3.2 mm and the time constant of the membrane was 449 msec. Outward current pulses could not evoke a spike and showed marked rectification of the membrane. Tetraethylammonium, TEA, depolarized the membrane, suppressed the rectification of the membrane, and increased the membrane resistance, and in the presence of TEA outward current pulses could evoke a spike. Acetylcholine and histamine depolarized the membrane but could not evoke a spike. Mechanical response could be evoked by field stimulation via either nerve stimulation or direct muscle stimulation. The mechanical response induced by nerve stimulation was markedly suppressed by atropine. Phentolamine suppressed the contraction which was produced in the presence of atropine, and propranolol suppressed the relaxation. It is unlikely that nonadrenergic-non-cholinergic inhibitory nerves played an important role in the mechanical response. It is concluded regarding the neural actions to the dog trachea that a constriction is induced by cholinergic and adrenergic alpha-action and a dilation is induced by adrenergic beta-action. The relationship between the membrane potential and tension was measured in various [K]o. The mechanical response was triggered by only 5 mV depolarization. The physiological evidence and histological finding were compared in relation to nerve activity on the tracheal muscle activity.", "PMID": 1003694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9723", "title": "Uptake of sodium into rat isolated seminiferous tubules in vitro.", "content": "The rate of 22Na uptake into isolated rat seminiferous tubules has been studied in vitro. The intracellular sodium exchanged rapidly with the outside sodium and within 26 min exposure to radiosodium, isotopic equilibrium was reached. The relationship between sodium influx at 2 min and external sodium concentrations was found to be linear suggesting that the entry of sodium into the seminiferous tubules is by simple diffusion. The intracellular Na+ concentration as measured by the 22Na taken up into the tubules at equilibrium condition was elevated in the absence of peritubular K+ and Ca2+ ions and treatment of the tubules with ouabain. No effects of amiloride and acetazolamide on the intracellular Na+ concentration were found. The significance of the 22Na uptake in relation to fluid secretion in the isolated seminiferous tubules was discussed.", "contents": "Uptake of sodium into rat isolated seminiferous tubules in vitro. The rate of 22Na uptake into isolated rat seminiferous tubules has been studied in vitro. The intracellular sodium exchanged rapidly with the outside sodium and within 26 min exposure to radiosodium, isotopic equilibrium was reached. The relationship between sodium influx at 2 min and external sodium concentrations was found to be linear suggesting that the entry of sodium into the seminiferous tubules is by simple diffusion. The intracellular Na+ concentration as measured by the 22Na taken up into the tubules at equilibrium condition was elevated in the absence of peritubular K+ and Ca2+ ions and treatment of the tubules with ouabain. No effects of amiloride and acetazolamide on the intracellular Na+ concentration were found. The significance of the 22Na uptake in relation to fluid secretion in the isolated seminiferous tubules was discussed.", "PMID": 1003695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9724", "title": "Depolarization and contraction of skeletal muscle induced by intracellular stimulation -role of T-tubules in electro-chemical coupling.", "content": "Response of skeletal muscle fibers upon intracellular stimulation was investigated to elucidate the role of the T-system in the electro-chemical coupling process. Upon stimulation, the fiber generates twitch and tonic tension which is independent of the excitation of the membrane (not inhibited by TTX). The fiber placed in low Ca2+ medium (10(-7) M, controlled by EGTA-Ca) for more than ten minutes, exhibited explosive contraction; this phenonomenon was not observed in Na-free choline Ringer or glycerol-treated (T-tubule disrupted) fibers. Injection of a small amount of Mn2+ into the muscle cells produced strong, long lasting contraction without excitation of the membrane. Glycerol-treated fibers failed to respond to the stimulus using a Mn2+ electrode. These facts suggest that Ca2+ release or entry which probably caused by depolarization of T-tubule membrane in the presence of Na+, may be essential for the initiation of Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum.", "contents": "Depolarization and contraction of skeletal muscle induced by intracellular stimulation -role of T-tubules in electro-chemical coupling. Response of skeletal muscle fibers upon intracellular stimulation was investigated to elucidate the role of the T-system in the electro-chemical coupling process. Upon stimulation, the fiber generates twitch and tonic tension which is independent of the excitation of the membrane (not inhibited by TTX). The fiber placed in low Ca2+ medium (10(-7) M, controlled by EGTA-Ca) for more than ten minutes, exhibited explosive contraction; this phenonomenon was not observed in Na-free choline Ringer or glycerol-treated (T-tubule disrupted) fibers. Injection of a small amount of Mn2+ into the muscle cells produced strong, long lasting contraction without excitation of the membrane. Glycerol-treated fibers failed to respond to the stimulus using a Mn2+ electrode. These facts suggest that Ca2+ release or entry which probably caused by depolarization of T-tubule membrane in the presence of Na+, may be essential for the initiation of Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum.", "PMID": 1003696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9725", "title": "Influence of a new antiulcer agent, ammonium 7-oxobicyclo (2, 2, 1) hept-5-ene-3-carbamoyl-2-carboxylate (KF-392) on gastric lesions and gastric mucosal barrier in rats.", "content": "Antiulcer effects of KF-392 were studied in several experimental gastric ulcer models in rats. It was found that KF-392 given orally at 1.0 to 5.0 mg/kg had a marked suppression on the developments of Shay ulcer as well as the aspirin-, stress-, and reserpine-induced gastric lesions. The influence of KF-392 on gastric mucosal barrier was also studied. A back diffusion of H+ into the gastric mucosa and a fall of transmucosal potential difference were induced with KF-392 given orally at the above mentioned doses. KF-392 given s.c. at 5.0 mg/kg showed no inhibition of Shay ulcer and no induction of back diffusion of H+ into the gastric mucosa.", "contents": "Influence of a new antiulcer agent, ammonium 7-oxobicyclo (2, 2, 1) hept-5-ene-3-carbamoyl-2-carboxylate (KF-392) on gastric lesions and gastric mucosal barrier in rats. Antiulcer effects of KF-392 were studied in several experimental gastric ulcer models in rats. It was found that KF-392 given orally at 1.0 to 5.0 mg/kg had a marked suppression on the developments of Shay ulcer as well as the aspirin-, stress-, and reserpine-induced gastric lesions. The influence of KF-392 on gastric mucosal barrier was also studied. A back diffusion of H+ into the gastric mucosa and a fall of transmucosal potential difference were induced with KF-392 given orally at the above mentioned doses. KF-392 given s.c. at 5.0 mg/kg showed no inhibition of Shay ulcer and no induction of back diffusion of H+ into the gastric mucosa.", "PMID": 1003697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9726", "title": "Effects of chronic administration of kanamycin on conditioned suppression to auditory stimulus in rats.", "content": "The conditioned suppression technique was employed to study the ototoxic effects of chronic administration of the antibiotic, kanamycin. Lever pressing behavior for food reinforcement of rats was suppressed in the presence of an auditory stimulus (sound) or visual stimulus (light) that had been previously paired with electric shocks. Repeated administration of kanamycin at the dose of 400 mg/kg/day for more than 50 days significantly attenuated the conditioned suppression to auditory stimulus but did not attenuate the conditioned suppression to visual stimulus. This finding suggests that the attenuating effect of chronic administration of kanamycin on conditioned suppression to auditory stimulus can be interpreted in terms of the selective action of the drug on the auditory system.", "contents": "Effects of chronic administration of kanamycin on conditioned suppression to auditory stimulus in rats. The conditioned suppression technique was employed to study the ototoxic effects of chronic administration of the antibiotic, kanamycin. Lever pressing behavior for food reinforcement of rats was suppressed in the presence of an auditory stimulus (sound) or visual stimulus (light) that had been previously paired with electric shocks. Repeated administration of kanamycin at the dose of 400 mg/kg/day for more than 50 days significantly attenuated the conditioned suppression to auditory stimulus but did not attenuate the conditioned suppression to visual stimulus. This finding suggests that the attenuating effect of chronic administration of kanamycin on conditioned suppression to auditory stimulus can be interpreted in terms of the selective action of the drug on the auditory system.", "PMID": 1003698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9727", "title": "Simultaneous assessment of effects of coronary vasodilators on the coronary blood flow and the myocardial contractility by using the blood-perfused canine papillary muscle.", "content": "Effects of 6 coronary vasodilators on the coronary blood flow and the contractile force of the ventricular muscle were examined simultaneously by injecting these drugs to the arterially blood-perfused canine papillary muscle preparation. All compounds produced a dose-dependent increase in blood flow rate, and relative potencies determined on the basis of doses producing a 100% increase in blood flow rate, ED100, were in the descending order : nifedipine greater than verapamil greater than diltiazem greater than dilazep greater than dipyridamole greater than carbochromen, and approximately 1 : 1/12 : 1/26 : 1/100 : 1/300 : 1/500. All drugs except for dipyridamole caused a dose-dependent decrease in the developed tension of the papillary muscle, although nifedipine and diltiazem in low doses produced a slight increase. Relative potencies determined on the basis of doses producing a 50% decrease in developed tension, ID50, were as follows: nifedipine (1), verapamil (1/13), diltiazem (1/40), dilazep (1/100), and carbochromen (1/270). Ratios of the ID50 to ED100 were as follows: diltiazem (5.2), nifedipine (3.5), verapamil (3.5), dilazep (2.5), and carbochromen (1.8). The higher the value the more predominant on the coronary vascular bed or the less depressant on the myocardial contractility were their actions.", "contents": "Simultaneous assessment of effects of coronary vasodilators on the coronary blood flow and the myocardial contractility by using the blood-perfused canine papillary muscle. Effects of 6 coronary vasodilators on the coronary blood flow and the contractile force of the ventricular muscle were examined simultaneously by injecting these drugs to the arterially blood-perfused canine papillary muscle preparation. All compounds produced a dose-dependent increase in blood flow rate, and relative potencies determined on the basis of doses producing a 100% increase in blood flow rate, ED100, were in the descending order : nifedipine greater than verapamil greater than diltiazem greater than dilazep greater than dipyridamole greater than carbochromen, and approximately 1 : 1/12 : 1/26 : 1/100 : 1/300 : 1/500. All drugs except for dipyridamole caused a dose-dependent decrease in the developed tension of the papillary muscle, although nifedipine and diltiazem in low doses produced a slight increase. Relative potencies determined on the basis of doses producing a 50% decrease in developed tension, ID50, were as follows: nifedipine (1), verapamil (1/13), diltiazem (1/40), dilazep (1/100), and carbochromen (1/270). Ratios of the ID50 to ED100 were as follows: diltiazem (5.2), nifedipine (3.5), verapamil (3.5), dilazep (2.5), and carbochromen (1.8). The higher the value the more predominant on the coronary vascular bed or the less depressant on the myocardial contractility were their actions.", "PMID": 1003699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9728", "title": "Comparison of local anesthetic activities between optical isomers of cis-1-benzoyloxy-2-dimethylamino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene.", "content": "The optical isomers of cis-1-benzoyloxy-2-dimethylamino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (YAU-17) were compared for their local anesthetic activity, acute toxicity, spasmolytic activity, and partition coefficient between chloroform and phosphate buffer. 1-YAU-17 was more active than d-YAU-17 in blocking the conduction of action potentials in isolated frog sciatic nerves. The difference in local anesthetic activities between the optical isomers was further substantiated by in vivo tests for corneal anesthesia, intracutaneous anesthesia and sciatic nerve block in quinea-pigs. Similarly, the i.v. injection to mice revealed a higher toxicity for 1-YAU-17 as compared to its d-isomer. In these tests, the potency ratios of the enantiomers ranged from 2 to 4, and the racemate had an intermediate potency. On the contrary, no difference among the compounds was found in their liposolubility, partition coefficient, and spasmolytic activity examined with isolated guinea-pig ileum. These results indicate that the steric factors play an important role in the production of different local anesthetic activities between the optical isomers of YAU-17, and their local anesthetic potency tends to be correlated to their intravenous acute toxicity but not to their spasmolytic activity.", "contents": "Comparison of local anesthetic activities between optical isomers of cis-1-benzoyloxy-2-dimethylamino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene. The optical isomers of cis-1-benzoyloxy-2-dimethylamino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (YAU-17) were compared for their local anesthetic activity, acute toxicity, spasmolytic activity, and partition coefficient between chloroform and phosphate buffer. 1-YAU-17 was more active than d-YAU-17 in blocking the conduction of action potentials in isolated frog sciatic nerves. The difference in local anesthetic activities between the optical isomers was further substantiated by in vivo tests for corneal anesthesia, intracutaneous anesthesia and sciatic nerve block in quinea-pigs. Similarly, the i.v. injection to mice revealed a higher toxicity for 1-YAU-17 as compared to its d-isomer. In these tests, the potency ratios of the enantiomers ranged from 2 to 4, and the racemate had an intermediate potency. On the contrary, no difference among the compounds was found in their liposolubility, partition coefficient, and spasmolytic activity examined with isolated guinea-pig ileum. These results indicate that the steric factors play an important role in the production of different local anesthetic activities between the optical isomers of YAU-17, and their local anesthetic potency tends to be correlated to their intravenous acute toxicity but not to their spasmolytic activity.", "PMID": 1003700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9729", "title": "Antitumor agents. I. Effect of 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide on liver microsomes and thymus of rat.", "content": "Effects of antitumor agents on rat liver microsomal drug-metabolizing enzyme activities and thymus lymphocytes were studied in male Wistar rats. High doses of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cyclophosphamide (CP) given parenterally for 6 days caused a partial decrease in whole body weight and the microsomal enzyme content such as cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome b5. Aniline p-hydroxylase and aminopyrine N-demethylase activities also decreased in rats dosed for 5 days decreased compared with the control. Both compounds in the high concentrations produced spectral change of \"modified type II\". However, the magnitude of the spectral changes observed was independent of the the concentration of substrate added. The addition of NADPH to the microsomes-substrate mixture modified the spectral change. Both drugs caused a considerable decrease in thymus weight and the number of thymus lymphocytes, while the alkaline phosphatase activity was enhanced in 5-FU groups, indicating that the agents cause a significant involution of the thymus. Decrease in the total number of the lymphocytes was greater than that in the blood leucocytes.", "contents": "Antitumor agents. I. Effect of 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide on liver microsomes and thymus of rat. Effects of antitumor agents on rat liver microsomal drug-metabolizing enzyme activities and thymus lymphocytes were studied in male Wistar rats. High doses of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cyclophosphamide (CP) given parenterally for 6 days caused a partial decrease in whole body weight and the microsomal enzyme content such as cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome b5. Aniline p-hydroxylase and aminopyrine N-demethylase activities also decreased in rats dosed for 5 days decreased compared with the control. Both compounds in the high concentrations produced spectral change of \"modified type II\". However, the magnitude of the spectral changes observed was independent of the the concentration of substrate added. The addition of NADPH to the microsomes-substrate mixture modified the spectral change. Both drugs caused a considerable decrease in thymus weight and the number of thymus lymphocytes, while the alkaline phosphatase activity was enhanced in 5-FU groups, indicating that the agents cause a significant involution of the thymus. Decrease in the total number of the lymphocytes was greater than that in the blood leucocytes.", "PMID": 1003701} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9730", "title": "Pharmacological studies on root bark of mulberry tree (Morus alba L.)", "content": "Pharmacological studies were done on the root bark of mulberry tree and pharmacological effects were compared with the clinical effects of \"Sohakuhi\" in Chinese medicine. n-Butanol- and water-soluble fractions of mulberry root had similar effects except for those on the cadiovascular system. Both fractions showed cathartic, analgesic, diuretic, antitussive, antiedema, sedative, anticonvulsant, and hypotensive actions in mice, rats, guinea pigs and dogs. There appears to be a correlation between the experimental pharmacological results and the clinical applications of mulberry root found in the literature on Chinese medicine.", "contents": "Pharmacological studies on root bark of mulberry tree (Morus alba L.). Pharmacological studies were done on the root bark of mulberry tree and pharmacological effects were compared with the clinical effects of \"Sohakuhi\" in Chinese medicine. n-Butanol- and water-soluble fractions of mulberry root had similar effects except for those on the cadiovascular system. Both fractions showed cathartic, analgesic, diuretic, antitussive, antiedema, sedative, anticonvulsant, and hypotensive actions in mice, rats, guinea pigs and dogs. There appears to be a correlation between the experimental pharmacological results and the clinical applications of mulberry root found in the literature on Chinese medicine.", "PMID": 1003702} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9731", "title": "Anti-ulcer effects of 4'-(2-carboxyetyl) phenyl trans-4-aminomethyl cyclohexanecarboxylate hydrochloride (cetraxate) on various experimental gastric ulcers in rats.", "content": "Anti-ulcer effects of cetraxate, a new compound possessing anti-plasmin, anti-casein and anti-trypsin actions were investigated by using experimental gastric ulcer models in rats. Cetraxate, 300 mg/kg p.o. showed significant inhibitory effects of 65.3%, 70.0%, 30.2%, and 67.1% against aucte types of ulcers producing by aspirin, phenylbutazone, indomethacin, and pyloric ligature (Shay's ulcer), respectively. These effects were greater than those obtained by gefarnate and aluminum sucrose sulfate may be mainly attributed to the protecting action of this drug on gastric mucosa. Ctraxate further revealed remarkable inhibitory effects on chronic types of ulcers produced by acetic acid, clamping, and clamping-cortisone. In acetic acid ulcer in particular, cetraxate was found to have a dose-dependent inhibitory effect at doses over 50 mg/kg. Of test drugs including L-glutamine and methylmethionine sulfonium chloride, cetraxate showed the most remarkable inhibitory effect on beta-glucuronidase activity in ulcer tissue of these three types of ulcers. These findings suggest that cetraxate may prevent the connective tissue in the ulcer location from decomposition due to lysosomal enzymes such as beta-glucuronidase, thereby accelerating the recovery from ulcer.", "contents": "Anti-ulcer effects of 4'-(2-carboxyetyl) phenyl trans-4-aminomethyl cyclohexanecarboxylate hydrochloride (cetraxate) on various experimental gastric ulcers in rats. Anti-ulcer effects of cetraxate, a new compound possessing anti-plasmin, anti-casein and anti-trypsin actions were investigated by using experimental gastric ulcer models in rats. Cetraxate, 300 mg/kg p.o. showed significant inhibitory effects of 65.3%, 70.0%, 30.2%, and 67.1% against aucte types of ulcers producing by aspirin, phenylbutazone, indomethacin, and pyloric ligature (Shay's ulcer), respectively. These effects were greater than those obtained by gefarnate and aluminum sucrose sulfate may be mainly attributed to the protecting action of this drug on gastric mucosa. Ctraxate further revealed remarkable inhibitory effects on chronic types of ulcers produced by acetic acid, clamping, and clamping-cortisone. In acetic acid ulcer in particular, cetraxate was found to have a dose-dependent inhibitory effect at doses over 50 mg/kg. Of test drugs including L-glutamine and methylmethionine sulfonium chloride, cetraxate showed the most remarkable inhibitory effect on beta-glucuronidase activity in ulcer tissue of these three types of ulcers. These findings suggest that cetraxate may prevent the connective tissue in the ulcer location from decomposition due to lysosomal enzymes such as beta-glucuronidase, thereby accelerating the recovery from ulcer.", "PMID": 1003703} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9732", "title": "A possible mode of cardiovascular actions of dopamine in dogs.", "content": "A possible mode of cardiovascular actions of dopamine was studied using ephedrine. In the dog pretreated with repeated administrations of ephedrine (total dose, 40 or 80 mg/kg, i.v.) or with combined administrations of ephedrine (total dose, 90 mg/kg, s.c. and i.v.) and reserpine (2 mg/kg, s.c., 24 hr previously), pressor responses to dopamine were eliminated and reversed to depressor responses whereas depressor responses to dopamine were potentiated. Positive chronotropic effects of dopamine were almost eliminated. Pressor and positive chronotropic effects of tyramine were almost abolished. Sympathomimetic effect of noradrenaline and adrenaline were potentiated while those of isoprenaline were inhibited. In the heart-lung preparation of ephedrine-treated dogs (total dose, 40 mg/kg, i.v.), cardiac stimulating effects of dopamine and tyramine were strongly depressed, and those of noradrenaline, adrenaline and isoprenaline were reduced to some extent. In the open-chest dogs, after pretreatment of cocaine (4 mg/kg, i.v.), pressor, positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of noradrenaline were potentiated, whilst those of tyramine were inhibited. Those of dopamine were not visibly altered, but depressor, negative chronotropic and inotropic effects of dopamine appeared at small doses. In the ephedrine-pretreated dogs, these sympathomimetic effects of dopamine and tyramine after cocaine were strongly depressed and those of noradrenaline were inhibited to a certain degree. The results obtained with ephedrine suggest that dopamine differs from other catecholamines and tyramine in the mode of cardiovascular actions.", "contents": "A possible mode of cardiovascular actions of dopamine in dogs. A possible mode of cardiovascular actions of dopamine was studied using ephedrine. In the dog pretreated with repeated administrations of ephedrine (total dose, 40 or 80 mg/kg, i.v.) or with combined administrations of ephedrine (total dose, 90 mg/kg, s.c. and i.v.) and reserpine (2 mg/kg, s.c., 24 hr previously), pressor responses to dopamine were eliminated and reversed to depressor responses whereas depressor responses to dopamine were potentiated. Positive chronotropic effects of dopamine were almost eliminated. Pressor and positive chronotropic effects of tyramine were almost abolished. Sympathomimetic effect of noradrenaline and adrenaline were potentiated while those of isoprenaline were inhibited. In the heart-lung preparation of ephedrine-treated dogs (total dose, 40 mg/kg, i.v.), cardiac stimulating effects of dopamine and tyramine were strongly depressed, and those of noradrenaline, adrenaline and isoprenaline were reduced to some extent. In the open-chest dogs, after pretreatment of cocaine (4 mg/kg, i.v.), pressor, positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of noradrenaline were potentiated, whilst those of tyramine were inhibited. Those of dopamine were not visibly altered, but depressor, negative chronotropic and inotropic effects of dopamine appeared at small doses. In the ephedrine-pretreated dogs, these sympathomimetic effects of dopamine and tyramine after cocaine were strongly depressed and those of noradrenaline were inhibited to a certain degree. The results obtained with ephedrine suggest that dopamine differs from other catecholamines and tyramine in the mode of cardiovascular actions.", "PMID": 1003704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9733", "title": "Effect of psychotropic drugs on caudate spindle in cats.", "content": "To ascertain whether neuroleptics act on the caudate nucleus itself, the effects of these compounds as well as other centrally acting drugs were examined in relation to caudate spindle and EEG arousal responses (sciatic nerve stimulation) in gallamine-immobilized cats. Haloperidol and chlorpromazine enhanced the caudate spindle at a dose which had no effect on the EEG arousal response. On the other hand, clozapine and a higher dose of chlorpromazine enhanced the caudate spindle, but depressed the arousal response. High frequency stimulation of the sciatic nerve suppressed the caudate spindle. Pentobarbital, biperiden and diazepam, while depressing the arousal response, caused an enhancement of the caudate spindle. Imipramine at a low dose had no effect on either response, whereas at a high dose this drug enhanced the caudate spindle with concomitant depression of the arousal response. From these results, it may be concluded that the enhancing action on the caudate spindle induced by haloperidol and a low dose of chlorpromazine is due to an increase in susceptibility of the caudate nucleus itself. In addition, it is suggested that depression of the activating system is involved in an appearance of the caudate spindle.", "contents": "Effect of psychotropic drugs on caudate spindle in cats. To ascertain whether neuroleptics act on the caudate nucleus itself, the effects of these compounds as well as other centrally acting drugs were examined in relation to caudate spindle and EEG arousal responses (sciatic nerve stimulation) in gallamine-immobilized cats. Haloperidol and chlorpromazine enhanced the caudate spindle at a dose which had no effect on the EEG arousal response. On the other hand, clozapine and a higher dose of chlorpromazine enhanced the caudate spindle, but depressed the arousal response. High frequency stimulation of the sciatic nerve suppressed the caudate spindle. Pentobarbital, biperiden and diazepam, while depressing the arousal response, caused an enhancement of the caudate spindle. Imipramine at a low dose had no effect on either response, whereas at a high dose this drug enhanced the caudate spindle with concomitant depression of the arousal response. From these results, it may be concluded that the enhancing action on the caudate spindle induced by haloperidol and a low dose of chlorpromazine is due to an increase in susceptibility of the caudate nucleus itself. In addition, it is suggested that depression of the activating system is involved in an appearance of the caudate spindle.", "PMID": 1003708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9734", "title": "Bound forms of Ca taken up by the synaptic plasma membrane.", "content": "Temperature dependent Ca-binding by the synaptic plasma membrane was increased in the presence of ATP and Mg++. Apparent Km for ATP was about 2.8 X 10(-5) M and optimal concentration of Mg++ was 2 mM in the presence of 2 mM ATP. After preincubation with nonradioactive Ca++, ATP and Mg++ to attain a steady state, addition of 45Ca resulted in remarkable labelling of the membrane, indicating rapid turnover of most of the membrane bound Ca. The presence of oxalate (60 mM) greatly increased Ca up-take on prolonged incubation. The Ca uptake in presence and absence of oxalate had similar substrate specificity and was similarly influenced by various monovalent cations. Furthermore, activities for Ca-uptake in the presence and absence of oxalate could not be separated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation of the synaptic plasma membrane fraction. Accordingly, it was considered that Ca++ in the medium was taken up by surface of the membrane, ATP- and temperature-dependently and then transferred into a cavity where the Ca-oxalate complex is formed.", "contents": "Bound forms of Ca taken up by the synaptic plasma membrane. Temperature dependent Ca-binding by the synaptic plasma membrane was increased in the presence of ATP and Mg++. Apparent Km for ATP was about 2.8 X 10(-5) M and optimal concentration of Mg++ was 2 mM in the presence of 2 mM ATP. After preincubation with nonradioactive Ca++, ATP and Mg++ to attain a steady state, addition of 45Ca resulted in remarkable labelling of the membrane, indicating rapid turnover of most of the membrane bound Ca. The presence of oxalate (60 mM) greatly increased Ca up-take on prolonged incubation. The Ca uptake in presence and absence of oxalate had similar substrate specificity and was similarly influenced by various monovalent cations. Furthermore, activities for Ca-uptake in the presence and absence of oxalate could not be separated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation of the synaptic plasma membrane fraction. Accordingly, it was considered that Ca++ in the medium was taken up by surface of the membrane, ATP- and temperature-dependently and then transferred into a cavity where the Ca-oxalate complex is formed.", "PMID": 1003709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9735", "title": "Electrical and mechanical responses to diltiazem in potassium depolarized myocardium of the guinea pig.", "content": "Effects of diltiazem on the electrical and mechanical activities of guinea pig papillary muscle were investigated in K-rich Tyrode's solution (Kc1 12.7 mM). The electrical properties of cell membrane in K-rich solution were also examined in the ventricular muscle fibers. It was found that the overshoot as well as the maximum rate of rise (Vmax) of the action potential were highly sensitive to the extracellular concentration of CaC12 in K-rich solution. Vmax was also affected by NaC1. Diltiazem at a lower concentration (1.1 X 10(-7) M) caused a reduction in the contractile force of K-depolarized papillary muscle without producing significant changes in the resting and action potentials. In the presence of a higher concentration of diltiazem (1.1 X 10(-5) M), the contractile force decreased concurrently with the change in the action potential. Addition of CaC12 restored the original strength of contraction in parallel to the recovery of the action potential, especially in its overshoot and Vmax. From these results, it is inferred that diltiazem may decrease the contractile force of guinea pig papillary muscle either by interfering with the intrasmembrane calcium influx or by intracellularly reducing the free calcium ion concentration in the myoplasm.", "contents": "Electrical and mechanical responses to diltiazem in potassium depolarized myocardium of the guinea pig. Effects of diltiazem on the electrical and mechanical activities of guinea pig papillary muscle were investigated in K-rich Tyrode's solution (Kc1 12.7 mM). The electrical properties of cell membrane in K-rich solution were also examined in the ventricular muscle fibers. It was found that the overshoot as well as the maximum rate of rise (Vmax) of the action potential were highly sensitive to the extracellular concentration of CaC12 in K-rich solution. Vmax was also affected by NaC1. Diltiazem at a lower concentration (1.1 X 10(-7) M) caused a reduction in the contractile force of K-depolarized papillary muscle without producing significant changes in the resting and action potentials. In the presence of a higher concentration of diltiazem (1.1 X 10(-5) M), the contractile force decreased concurrently with the change in the action potential. Addition of CaC12 restored the original strength of contraction in parallel to the recovery of the action potential, especially in its overshoot and Vmax. From these results, it is inferred that diltiazem may decrease the contractile force of guinea pig papillary muscle either by interfering with the intrasmembrane calcium influx or by intracellularly reducing the free calcium ion concentration in the myoplasm.", "PMID": 1003710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9736", "title": "Pharmacodynamic actions of (S)-2-[4,5-dihydro-5-propyl-2-(3H)-furylidene]-1,3-cyclopentanedione (oudenone).", "content": "The pharmacodynamic actions of (S)-2-[4,5-dihydro-5-propyl-2(3H)-furylidene]-1,3-cyclopentanedione (oudenone) were studied in both anesthetized animals and isolated organs. Oudenone (10--40 mg/kg i.v.) induced an initial rise in blood pressure followed by a prolonged hypotension in the anesthetized rats. In unanesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), oudenone (5--200 mg/kg p.o.) caused a dose-related decrease in the systolic blood pressure. The initial pressor effect was diminished by pretreatments with phentolamine, guanethidine, hexamethonium and was abolished in the pithed rats. In addition, intracisternal administrations of oudenone (100--600 mug/kg) showed a marked increase in blood pressure in the anesthetized rats, suggesting that the pressor effect may be due to centrally mediated actions. Oudenone, given intra-arterially into the femoral artery (400--800 mug/kg), caused a long-lasting vasodilation in anesthetized dogs. At a relatively high dose (40 mg/kg i.v.), oudenone antagonized all pressor responses to autonomic agents and central vagus nerve stimulation in anesthetized rats and dogs, however, oudenone showed no anti-cholinergic,-histaminergic, beta-adrenergic and adrenergic neuron blocking properties.", "contents": "Pharmacodynamic actions of (S)-2-[4,5-dihydro-5-propyl-2-(3H)-furylidene]-1,3-cyclopentanedione (oudenone). The pharmacodynamic actions of (S)-2-[4,5-dihydro-5-propyl-2(3H)-furylidene]-1,3-cyclopentanedione (oudenone) were studied in both anesthetized animals and isolated organs. Oudenone (10--40 mg/kg i.v.) induced an initial rise in blood pressure followed by a prolonged hypotension in the anesthetized rats. In unanesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), oudenone (5--200 mg/kg p.o.) caused a dose-related decrease in the systolic blood pressure. The initial pressor effect was diminished by pretreatments with phentolamine, guanethidine, hexamethonium and was abolished in the pithed rats. In addition, intracisternal administrations of oudenone (100--600 mug/kg) showed a marked increase in blood pressure in the anesthetized rats, suggesting that the pressor effect may be due to centrally mediated actions. Oudenone, given intra-arterially into the femoral artery (400--800 mug/kg), caused a long-lasting vasodilation in anesthetized dogs. At a relatively high dose (40 mg/kg i.v.), oudenone antagonized all pressor responses to autonomic agents and central vagus nerve stimulation in anesthetized rats and dogs, however, oudenone showed no anti-cholinergic,-histaminergic, beta-adrenergic and adrenergic neuron blocking properties.", "PMID": 1003711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9737", "title": "Mechanisms of fluid absorption during proximal tubule development.", "content": "Passive permeation characteristics and paracellular pathway ultrastructure were studied in vitro by perfusion of rabbit isolated proximal convoluted tubules during postnatal ontogenesis. The influence upon net volume flow (Jv) of transepithelial hydrostatic and protein osmotic pressure was significantly higher during early postnatal maturation than in the mature tubule. Hydraulic hydrostatic conductance (X10(-3) ml - cm-2 - min-1 - cm H2O-1) was 0.0367 +/- 0.0048 during early postnatal maturation (N = 99) and 0.0052 +/- 0.002 at maturity (N = 78). Hyperoncotic serum (12.7 +/- 0.4 g/100 ml) in the bath increased Jv by 67.5 +/- 21.1% from 0.31 +/- 0.06 to 0.52 +/- 0.08 nl-mm-1-min-1 in the neonatal proximal tubule, whereas an increase of only 25.7 +/- 20.4% from 1.08 +/- 0.15 to 1.32 +/- 0.18 nl-mm-1-min-1 was noted in the mature proximal tubule during this elevated bath protein-osmotic pressure. Electron microscopic observations showed that microperoxidase passed from tubule lumen through the basement membrane via intercellular spaces in immature tubules perfused at an increased transtubular pressure gradient. This suggests that a transepithelial shunt pathway may participate in changes of conductance during ontogenesis, although length and ultrastructural configuration of tight junctions did not vary with these variables. 1) Hydrostatic and oncotic water conductance of the rabbit proximal tubule changes with postnatal development. 2) Ultrastructural tracer studies suggest that the change in conductance is due to alteration of the paracellular pathway. 3) Isotonic absorption of the neonatal proximal tubule may depend more on transepithelial pressure gradients than in the mature tubule.", "contents": "Mechanisms of fluid absorption during proximal tubule development. Passive permeation characteristics and paracellular pathway ultrastructure were studied in vitro by perfusion of rabbit isolated proximal convoluted tubules during postnatal ontogenesis. The influence upon net volume flow (Jv) of transepithelial hydrostatic and protein osmotic pressure was significantly higher during early postnatal maturation than in the mature tubule. Hydraulic hydrostatic conductance (X10(-3) ml - cm-2 - min-1 - cm H2O-1) was 0.0367 +/- 0.0048 during early postnatal maturation (N = 99) and 0.0052 +/- 0.002 at maturity (N = 78). Hyperoncotic serum (12.7 +/- 0.4 g/100 ml) in the bath increased Jv by 67.5 +/- 21.1% from 0.31 +/- 0.06 to 0.52 +/- 0.08 nl-mm-1-min-1 in the neonatal proximal tubule, whereas an increase of only 25.7 +/- 20.4% from 1.08 +/- 0.15 to 1.32 +/- 0.18 nl-mm-1-min-1 was noted in the mature proximal tubule during this elevated bath protein-osmotic pressure. Electron microscopic observations showed that microperoxidase passed from tubule lumen through the basement membrane via intercellular spaces in immature tubules perfused at an increased transtubular pressure gradient. This suggests that a transepithelial shunt pathway may participate in changes of conductance during ontogenesis, although length and ultrastructural configuration of tight junctions did not vary with these variables. 1) Hydrostatic and oncotic water conductance of the rabbit proximal tubule changes with postnatal development. 2) Ultrastructural tracer studies suggest that the change in conductance is due to alteration of the paracellular pathway. 3) Isotonic absorption of the neonatal proximal tubule may depend more on transepithelial pressure gradients than in the mature tubule.", "PMID": 1003726} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9738", "title": "Enhanced end-organ responsiveness of the uremic kidney to the natriuretic factor.", "content": "In chronic renal disease, the addition of a fixed quantity of Na to the extracellular fluid (ECF) will evoke a natriuretic response per nephron which is inversely proportional to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). One factor that could contribute to this \"magnification\" phenomenon is an increased sensitivity of residual nephrons to physiologic natriuretic forces. The present studies were designed to examine this possibility. Natriuretic urine fractions from uremic patients, infused into one renal artery of normal rats, produced a small but significant unilateral natriuresis. Infusion of the same fractions in identical amount into remnant kidneys of stage II nonuremic rats (i.e., rats with a contralateral normal kidney in situ) produced a natriuresis in the remnant kidney only which was equivalent to that observed in the normal kidneys. The i.v. infusion of natriuretic fractions into stage II rats produced comparable increments in the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) bilaterally. However, when the natriuretic fractions were infused into remnant kidneys of stage III rats (no contralateral kidney), deltaFENa was significantly greater than in the foregoing groups. Because stage III rats have increased control values for FENa, baseline FENa was increased to an equivalent level in normal rats by unilateral renal denervation. Natriuretic factor was administered into the ipsilateral renal artery. Although the natriuretic response was increased, it was significantly less than in the stage III remnant kidneys. The data support the view that the uremic state per se is associated with an enhanced responsiveness of the residual nephrons to the natriuretic factor found in the urine (and blood) of uremic patients.", "contents": "Enhanced end-organ responsiveness of the uremic kidney to the natriuretic factor. In chronic renal disease, the addition of a fixed quantity of Na to the extracellular fluid (ECF) will evoke a natriuretic response per nephron which is inversely proportional to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). One factor that could contribute to this \"magnification\" phenomenon is an increased sensitivity of residual nephrons to physiologic natriuretic forces. The present studies were designed to examine this possibility. Natriuretic urine fractions from uremic patients, infused into one renal artery of normal rats, produced a small but significant unilateral natriuresis. Infusion of the same fractions in identical amount into remnant kidneys of stage II nonuremic rats (i.e., rats with a contralateral normal kidney in situ) produced a natriuresis in the remnant kidney only which was equivalent to that observed in the normal kidneys. The i.v. infusion of natriuretic fractions into stage II rats produced comparable increments in the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) bilaterally. However, when the natriuretic fractions were infused into remnant kidneys of stage III rats (no contralateral kidney), deltaFENa was significantly greater than in the foregoing groups. Because stage III rats have increased control values for FENa, baseline FENa was increased to an equivalent level in normal rats by unilateral renal denervation. Natriuretic factor was administered into the ipsilateral renal artery. Although the natriuretic response was increased, it was significantly less than in the stage III remnant kidneys. The data support the view that the uremic state per se is associated with an enhanced responsiveness of the residual nephrons to the natriuretic factor found in the urine (and blood) of uremic patients.", "PMID": 1003727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9739", "title": "Influence of bicarbonate on parathyroid hormone-induced changes in fluid absorption by the proximal tubule.", "content": "Segments of the proximal tubule of the rabbit kidney were perfused in vitro in order to examine the influence of bicarbonate on the reduction in fluid absorption that occurs following the acute administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Studies were performed using either normal ultrafiltrate as perfusion fluid and normal rabbit serum as bath or low bicarbonate ultrafiltrate as perfusion fluid and low bicarbonate rabbit serum as bath. Low bicarbonate fluids were prepared by replacement of bicarbonate with chloride. In the presence of normal concentrations of bicarbonate, the addition of PTH to the bath (1 U/ml) resulted in a decrease in the fluid absorption rate (Jv) from 1.13 +/- 0.08 to 0.60 +/- 0.04 nl/mm X min (p is less than 0.001) in 23 convoluted segments and from 0.64 +/- 0.05 to 0.46 +/- 0.05 nl/mm - mm (P less than 0.01) in ten straight portions. Simultaneous with the PTH-induced reduction in Jv, the chloride concentration in the collected fluid changed from 119.0 +/- 2.0 to 113.4 +/- 1.1 mEq/liter (P less than 0.01) in the pars convoluta and from 117.7 +/- 0.6 to 114.0 +/- 1.9 mEq/liter (P less than 0.01) in the pars recta. However, there was no change in the net flux of chloride which averaged 42.58 +/- 5.00 pEq/mm - min during the control periods. Additional studies were performed in eight convoluted segments during perfusion on a randomized basis with low bicarbonate fluids as well as during perfusion with fluids having normal levels of bicarbonate. As before, in the presence of normal levels of bicarbonate, PTH reduced Jv from 1.16 +/- 0.15 to 0.68 +/- 0.07 nl/mm - min (P less than 0.001) and the chloride concentration in the collected fluid ([Cl]o) from 118.6 +/- 2.9 to 111.6 +/- 1.3 mEq/liter (P less than 0.005). Substitution of low bicarbonate fluids for normal bicarbonate fluids resulted in a decrease in Jv from 1.16 +/- 0.15 to 0.74 +/- 0.10 nl/mm - min (P less than 0.001). In the presence of low bicarbonate fluids, the addition of PTH resulted in no further decrease in Jv (0.74 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.72 +/- 0.10 nl/mm - min). These data indicate that in the proximal tubule the PTH-induced reduction in fluid absorption may be mediated by changes in bicarbonate absorption.", "contents": "Influence of bicarbonate on parathyroid hormone-induced changes in fluid absorption by the proximal tubule. Segments of the proximal tubule of the rabbit kidney were perfused in vitro in order to examine the influence of bicarbonate on the reduction in fluid absorption that occurs following the acute administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Studies were performed using either normal ultrafiltrate as perfusion fluid and normal rabbit serum as bath or low bicarbonate ultrafiltrate as perfusion fluid and low bicarbonate rabbit serum as bath. Low bicarbonate fluids were prepared by replacement of bicarbonate with chloride. In the presence of normal concentrations of bicarbonate, the addition of PTH to the bath (1 U/ml) resulted in a decrease in the fluid absorption rate (Jv) from 1.13 +/- 0.08 to 0.60 +/- 0.04 nl/mm X min (p is less than 0.001) in 23 convoluted segments and from 0.64 +/- 0.05 to 0.46 +/- 0.05 nl/mm - mm (P less than 0.01) in ten straight portions. Simultaneous with the PTH-induced reduction in Jv, the chloride concentration in the collected fluid changed from 119.0 +/- 2.0 to 113.4 +/- 1.1 mEq/liter (P less than 0.01) in the pars convoluta and from 117.7 +/- 0.6 to 114.0 +/- 1.9 mEq/liter (P less than 0.01) in the pars recta. However, there was no change in the net flux of chloride which averaged 42.58 +/- 5.00 pEq/mm - min during the control periods. Additional studies were performed in eight convoluted segments during perfusion on a randomized basis with low bicarbonate fluids as well as during perfusion with fluids having normal levels of bicarbonate. As before, in the presence of normal levels of bicarbonate, PTH reduced Jv from 1.16 +/- 0.15 to 0.68 +/- 0.07 nl/mm - min (P less than 0.001) and the chloride concentration in the collected fluid ([Cl]o) from 118.6 +/- 2.9 to 111.6 +/- 1.3 mEq/liter (P less than 0.005). Substitution of low bicarbonate fluids for normal bicarbonate fluids resulted in a decrease in Jv from 1.16 +/- 0.15 to 0.74 +/- 0.10 nl/mm - min (P less than 0.001). In the presence of low bicarbonate fluids, the addition of PTH resulted in no further decrease in Jv (0.74 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.72 +/- 0.10 nl/mm - min). These data indicate that in the proximal tubule the PTH-induced reduction in fluid absorption may be mediated by changes in bicarbonate absorption.", "PMID": 1003728} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9740", "title": "Two natriuretic substances in extracts of urine from normal man when salt-depleted and salt-loaded.", "content": "When the extra-cellular fluid volume is expanded, the subsequent rise in urinary sodium excretion that occurs is due in part to a change in the concentration of some circulating natriuretic substance. Two natriuretic substances with different characteristics on Sephadex chromatography have been previously been identified separately by different workers. Extracts prepared from the urine of 31 normal subjects were tested for these two natriuretic materials in the normal conscious water-loaded rat. Two natriuretic fractions were found. The larger of the two was prepared on G50 Sephadex, and the smaller on G25 Sephadex. The natriuresis produced by the larger material was slow to develop and persisted for two hours. The natriuresis produced by the smaller material was maximal in the first 20 min, declined rapidly within the next 40 min, and tended to rise again during the subsequent 60 min. The amount of natriuretic activity that could be extracted from the freeze-dried urine was diminished by high concentrations of sodium chloride. The natriuretic activity of both materials was greater in the urine of the subjects when they were salt-loaded than when they were salt-depleted. The urine of salt-depleted subjects contained significant amounts of natriuretic material.", "contents": "Two natriuretic substances in extracts of urine from normal man when salt-depleted and salt-loaded. When the extra-cellular fluid volume is expanded, the subsequent rise in urinary sodium excretion that occurs is due in part to a change in the concentration of some circulating natriuretic substance. Two natriuretic substances with different characteristics on Sephadex chromatography have been previously been identified separately by different workers. Extracts prepared from the urine of 31 normal subjects were tested for these two natriuretic materials in the normal conscious water-loaded rat. Two natriuretic fractions were found. The larger of the two was prepared on G50 Sephadex, and the smaller on G25 Sephadex. The natriuresis produced by the larger material was slow to develop and persisted for two hours. The natriuresis produced by the smaller material was maximal in the first 20 min, declined rapidly within the next 40 min, and tended to rise again during the subsequent 60 min. The amount of natriuretic activity that could be extracted from the freeze-dried urine was diminished by high concentrations of sodium chloride. The natriuretic activity of both materials was greater in the urine of the subjects when they were salt-loaded than when they were salt-depleted. The urine of salt-depleted subjects contained significant amounts of natriuretic material.", "PMID": 1003729} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9741", "title": "Factors in the dialysis regimen which contribute to alterations in the abnormalities of uremia.", "content": "While hemodialysis therapy in its present form is capable of sustaining life, dialysis patients are not metabolically normal and we are unable to say what technical factors contribute adequate therapy. Recent efforts to resolve these problems have led to the assumption that substances in the molecular weight range of 800 to 3000 daltons may be pathogenic in uremia and these may not be effectively removed by dialysis. Accordingly, four groups of patients (ten each) underwent changes in their routine which were theoretically designed to alter independently the concentration of small (urea) and \"middle\" molecules in the blood. In two groups, the concentration of urea was theoretically increased or decreased while the concentration of so-called middle molecules was maintained unchanged. In the remaining two groups, middle molecule concentration was theoretically increased or decreased while small molecule concentration was unchanged. Patients were evaluated prior to and after completing altered dialysis therapy. The results suggest three related conclusions. First, the uremic syndrome may be viewed as a constellation of abnormalities which can be subgrouped by association so that azotemia may be correlated with neuropathic disease and hypertension with weight gain or body size, for example. Second, those physiologic variables which changed after altered dialysis tended to deteriorate with increasing concentration of small molecules in the blood and remained independent of theoretical changes in middle molecules. Finally, when patients are relatively under-dialyzed, they may spontaneously modulate the reduced removal of metabolites such as urea by decreasing the dietary intake of nutrients.", "contents": "Factors in the dialysis regimen which contribute to alterations in the abnormalities of uremia. While hemodialysis therapy in its present form is capable of sustaining life, dialysis patients are not metabolically normal and we are unable to say what technical factors contribute adequate therapy. Recent efforts to resolve these problems have led to the assumption that substances in the molecular weight range of 800 to 3000 daltons may be pathogenic in uremia and these may not be effectively removed by dialysis. Accordingly, four groups of patients (ten each) underwent changes in their routine which were theoretically designed to alter independently the concentration of small (urea) and \"middle\" molecules in the blood. In two groups, the concentration of urea was theoretically increased or decreased while the concentration of so-called middle molecules was maintained unchanged. In the remaining two groups, middle molecule concentration was theoretically increased or decreased while small molecule concentration was unchanged. Patients were evaluated prior to and after completing altered dialysis therapy. The results suggest three related conclusions. First, the uremic syndrome may be viewed as a constellation of abnormalities which can be subgrouped by association so that azotemia may be correlated with neuropathic disease and hypertension with weight gain or body size, for example. Second, those physiologic variables which changed after altered dialysis tended to deteriorate with increasing concentration of small molecules in the blood and remained independent of theoretical changes in middle molecules. Finally, when patients are relatively under-dialyzed, they may spontaneously modulate the reduced removal of metabolites such as urea by decreasing the dietary intake of nutrients.", "PMID": 1003730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9742", "title": "[Visual properties of unilateral aphakics corrected with spectacles (author's transl)].", "content": "A study of visual habits consisting of a questionaire and an examination was carried out on 70 unilaterally aphakic patients. These patients wore correcting glasses and had better vision in the cataract operated eye. It was observed that the patients, aided by senile convergence weakness on one side and senile divergence weakness on the other, were able to develop a form of monocular vision without complications and in particular without double vision. These patients who wore glasses developed a type of \"multiple choice\" vision, which was dependent on the intelligence and the determination of the individual.", "contents": "[Visual properties of unilateral aphakics corrected with spectacles (author's transl)]. A study of visual habits consisting of a questionaire and an examination was carried out on 70 unilaterally aphakic patients. These patients wore correcting glasses and had better vision in the cataract operated eye. It was observed that the patients, aided by senile convergence weakness on one side and senile divergence weakness on the other, were able to develop a form of monocular vision without complications and in particular without double vision. These patients who wore glasses developed a type of \"multiple choice\" vision, which was dependent on the intelligence and the determination of the individual.", "PMID": 1003818} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9743", "title": "[Biometrics and aphakia (author's transl)].", "content": "The combination of long axis measurement (ultrasonic) and corneal measurement is well adapted to determination of refraction in aphakia. In a group of 35 persons the results of this method were compared with subjective refraction measurement and skiascopy. \"Ultrasonic\" refraction was less than one dioptre different from subjective refraction in 62% of cases. We found that ultrasonic-determined axis length was consistently 0.4 mm shorter than the axis length calculated from subjective refraction measurements. The clinical application and accuracy of the method are described. With the help of a nomogram one can read off the refraction, when axis length and corneal curvature are known.", "contents": "[Biometrics and aphakia (author's transl)]. The combination of long axis measurement (ultrasonic) and corneal measurement is well adapted to determination of refraction in aphakia. In a group of 35 persons the results of this method were compared with subjective refraction measurement and skiascopy. \"Ultrasonic\" refraction was less than one dioptre different from subjective refraction in 62% of cases. We found that ultrasonic-determined axis length was consistently 0.4 mm shorter than the axis length calculated from subjective refraction measurements. The clinical application and accuracy of the method are described. With the help of a nomogram one can read off the refraction, when axis length and corneal curvature are known.", "PMID": 1003819} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9744", "title": "[Contact lenses in the treatment of badly injured eyes (author's transl)].", "content": "Serious eye injuries occur mostly in the spheres of traffic, work and play. There is an inverse relationship between the length of the wound and the visual acuity. Various authors' groupings according to the type of injury, and the relationship between severity and acuity obtained are given and comprehensively described. With respect to the type of injury an approximate division can be made as regards the choice of corneal or scleral lens. If, due to pronounced deformation, it is not possible by measurement to obtain a corneal profile, then a special impression technique must be used. A lens with the necessary optical data, corresponding to the impression is made. With the aid of individually fitted scleral lenses, a better tolerance is achieved in the majority of cases. Generally an acuity improvement of several lines is attained.", "contents": "[Contact lenses in the treatment of badly injured eyes (author's transl)]. Serious eye injuries occur mostly in the spheres of traffic, work and play. There is an inverse relationship between the length of the wound and the visual acuity. Various authors' groupings according to the type of injury, and the relationship between severity and acuity obtained are given and comprehensively described. With respect to the type of injury an approximate division can be made as regards the choice of corneal or scleral lens. If, due to pronounced deformation, it is not possible by measurement to obtain a corneal profile, then a special impression technique must be used. A lens with the necessary optical data, corresponding to the impression is made. With the aid of individually fitted scleral lenses, a better tolerance is achieved in the majority of cases. Generally an acuity improvement of several lines is attained.", "PMID": 1003820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9745", "title": "[Phenylephrine as an adjuvant in the treatment of glaucoma (author's transl)].", "content": "Due to the fact that pilocarpin, which is predominantly used as a local therapeutic in glaucoma, is not satisfactory in all cases and has certain well-known disadvantages such as miosis, ciliaryspasm etc., great hope was set on adrenaline. Besides tachyphylaxis, its sensitivity to light and oxygen, and the danger of angle block glaucoma in eyes with a narrow iridocorneal angle the therapy was limited. Combinations of both substances would theoretically reduce the rate of adverse reactions and at the same time increase the therapeutic effect; however again stability is often a problem. Pilocarpin was therefore combined in a galenic form with phenylephrine, which, as well as possessing an effect of long duration, also confers an improved stability on the eyedrops. The substances were combined in 6 different ratios and tested clinically. With one exception a significant reduction in i.o. pressure could still be shown 8 and 24 hours after a single application. It has been demonstrated that more patients can be sufficiently controlled using the combination than with pilocarpin alone, and that concomitantly the therapeutic safety appears to be better than with the previously well-known bivalent combination-substances.", "contents": "[Phenylephrine as an adjuvant in the treatment of glaucoma (author's transl)]. Due to the fact that pilocarpin, which is predominantly used as a local therapeutic in glaucoma, is not satisfactory in all cases and has certain well-known disadvantages such as miosis, ciliaryspasm etc., great hope was set on adrenaline. Besides tachyphylaxis, its sensitivity to light and oxygen, and the danger of angle block glaucoma in eyes with a narrow iridocorneal angle the therapy was limited. Combinations of both substances would theoretically reduce the rate of adverse reactions and at the same time increase the therapeutic effect; however again stability is often a problem. Pilocarpin was therefore combined in a galenic form with phenylephrine, which, as well as possessing an effect of long duration, also confers an improved stability on the eyedrops. The substances were combined in 6 different ratios and tested clinically. With one exception a significant reduction in i.o. pressure could still be shown 8 and 24 hours after a single application. It has been demonstrated that more patients can be sufficiently controlled using the combination than with pilocarpin alone, and that concomitantly the therapeutic safety appears to be better than with the previously well-known bivalent combination-substances.", "PMID": 1003821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9746", "title": "[Herpes therapy and prophylaxis. I. A critical review (author's transl)].", "content": "This critical review is based upon controlled experimental and clinical data. Dendritic keratitis initially should be treated by debridement of the diseased epithelium followed by antiviral medication. The advantages and disadvantages of different debridement techniques and different synthetic antivirals are discussed. Rational treatment of other forms of herpetic eye disease with antivirals, steroids, therapeutic soft lenses, collagenase inhibitors etc. necessitates first of all an exact diagnosis (disciform edema, interstitial herpetic keratitis, herpetic (kerato-)uveitis, metaherpetic erosion, metaherpetic ulcer). Therapeutic or prophylactic measures which as yet have found no valid experimental or clinical basis are discussed as well as further developments. Special interest is laid upon the application of human interferon.", "contents": "[Herpes therapy and prophylaxis. I. A critical review (author's transl)]. This critical review is based upon controlled experimental and clinical data. Dendritic keratitis initially should be treated by debridement of the diseased epithelium followed by antiviral medication. The advantages and disadvantages of different debridement techniques and different synthetic antivirals are discussed. Rational treatment of other forms of herpetic eye disease with antivirals, steroids, therapeutic soft lenses, collagenase inhibitors etc. necessitates first of all an exact diagnosis (disciform edema, interstitial herpetic keratitis, herpetic (kerato-)uveitis, metaherpetic erosion, metaherpetic ulcer). Therapeutic or prophylactic measures which as yet have found no valid experimental or clinical basis are discussed as well as further developments. Special interest is laid upon the application of human interferon.", "PMID": 1003822} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9747", "title": "[Electro-ophthalmological observations on the course of unilateral tapetoretinal degenerations (author's transl)].", "content": "A 32-year-old female patient suffering from a unilateral tapetoretinal degeneration for at least 7 years was investigated. The affected eye exhibits a typical fundus, concentric reduction of visual field, and a monophasic course of dark adaptation. The electroretinogram of the affected eye is extinguished; the electrooculogram does not show a light peak. The visual evoked cortical potential of both eyes shows a normal amplitude-stimulus intensity function. However, the first negative deflection exhibits a small difference of implicit time between the normal and affected eye. The normal eye does not show any pathological alteration.", "contents": "[Electro-ophthalmological observations on the course of unilateral tapetoretinal degenerations (author's transl)]. A 32-year-old female patient suffering from a unilateral tapetoretinal degeneration for at least 7 years was investigated. The affected eye exhibits a typical fundus, concentric reduction of visual field, and a monophasic course of dark adaptation. The electroretinogram of the affected eye is extinguished; the electrooculogram does not show a light peak. The visual evoked cortical potential of both eyes shows a normal amplitude-stimulus intensity function. However, the first negative deflection exhibits a small difference of implicit time between the normal and affected eye. The normal eye does not show any pathological alteration.", "PMID": 1003823} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9748", "title": "[On the appearance of the eye fundus in polycythaemia vera (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors discuss the ophthalmological and physical symptoms of polycythaemia vera. They established that the severity of the changes in the fundus depend in the same way on the red cell count and the duration of the illness. In an attempt to find the cause of the complications communicated in the literature in arterial spasm and venous stasis, the authors compared statistically the less severe cases and those cases with arterial stenosis which can also be found in uncomplicated cases, and the cases with venous stasis. In the group with arterial stenosis they showed that its occurrence was not associated with the hypertension often found in polycythaemia vera.", "contents": "[On the appearance of the eye fundus in polycythaemia vera (author's transl)]. The authors discuss the ophthalmological and physical symptoms of polycythaemia vera. They established that the severity of the changes in the fundus depend in the same way on the red cell count and the duration of the illness. In an attempt to find the cause of the complications communicated in the literature in arterial spasm and venous stasis, the authors compared statistically the less severe cases and those cases with arterial stenosis which can also be found in uncomplicated cases, and the cases with venous stasis. In the group with arterial stenosis they showed that its occurrence was not associated with the hypertension often found in polycythaemia vera.", "PMID": 1003824} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9749", "title": "[Vision against the light as an aid to indication for cataract operation (author's transl)].", "content": "The examination of visual acuity against the light may help the decision, whether or not a senile cataract should be operated on. We examined 84 eyes with different lens opacities, the visual acuity was analysed in relation to the axial, cortical and capsular cataract. We found in all cases a marked reduction of the visual acuity against the light. This has been general ophthalmological experience especially in the capsular cataract. This additional examination, we propose, is easily performed, and was given helpful information for all kinds of cataracts, where the indication for surgery was not clearcut.", "contents": "[Vision against the light as an aid to indication for cataract operation (author's transl)]. The examination of visual acuity against the light may help the decision, whether or not a senile cataract should be operated on. We examined 84 eyes with different lens opacities, the visual acuity was analysed in relation to the axial, cortical and capsular cataract. We found in all cases a marked reduction of the visual acuity against the light. This has been general ophthalmological experience especially in the capsular cataract. This additional examination, we propose, is easily performed, and was given helpful information for all kinds of cataracts, where the indication for surgery was not clearcut.", "PMID": 1003825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9750", "title": "[Malignant chorioidal melanoma of the \"Knapp R\u00f8nne\" type (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of malignant melanoma of the choroid, type \"Knapp-R\u00f8nne\", is presented. Typical clinical features of this tumor are its situation close to the papilla and its tendency to early penetration of Bruch's membrane and the retina. Histopathologically numerous dilated vascular and avascular cavities, probably caused by disturbances in the blood circulation due to the strangulating effect of Bruch's membrane, constitute the distinguishing features. Clinical and histological details are discussed.", "contents": "[Malignant chorioidal melanoma of the \"Knapp R\u00f8nne\" type (author's transl)]. A case of malignant melanoma of the choroid, type \"Knapp-R\u00f8nne\", is presented. Typical clinical features of this tumor are its situation close to the papilla and its tendency to early penetration of Bruch's membrane and the retina. Histopathologically numerous dilated vascular and avascular cavities, probably caused by disturbances in the blood circulation due to the strangulating effect of Bruch's membrane, constitute the distinguishing features. Clinical and histological details are discussed.", "PMID": 1003826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9751", "title": "[Luxation and evulsion of the eyeball by car accidents (author's transl)].", "content": "The following unusual lesions have been seen, caused by splintered motor-car windscreens: 1. complete evulsion of the globe in combination with a visual field defect of the upper temporal quadrant of the other eye, 2. luxation of the globe, where an alleged lost big portion of the upper lid was dislocated deep into the orbit by glass splinters.", "contents": "[Luxation and evulsion of the eyeball by car accidents (author's transl)]. The following unusual lesions have been seen, caused by splintered motor-car windscreens: 1. complete evulsion of the globe in combination with a visual field defect of the upper temporal quadrant of the other eye, 2. luxation of the globe, where an alleged lost big portion of the upper lid was dislocated deep into the orbit by glass splinters.", "PMID": 1003827} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9752", "title": "[Occlusion by means of soft contact lenses for the treatment of amblyopia (author's transl)].", "content": "A particular soft contact lens with a central black spot of 4 to 6 mm diameter is proposed as occlusion for the treatment of amblyopia. This method is particularly suited for adults who refuse a conventional occlusion.", "contents": "[Occlusion by means of soft contact lenses for the treatment of amblyopia (author's transl)]. A particular soft contact lens with a central black spot of 4 to 6 mm diameter is proposed as occlusion for the treatment of amblyopia. This method is particularly suited for adults who refuse a conventional occlusion.", "PMID": 1003828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9753", "title": "[Ektomia of the anterior lens capsule in extra-capsular cataract operations (author's transl)].", "content": "A technic is described to show how to excise the anterior part of the capsule of the lens without defluction of the aqueous humor, in order to make possible a complete irrigation and aspiration of the equatorial lens material by extracapsular cataractsurgery especially by Lens Aspiration and by Kelman Phakoemulsifikation (KPE). By this the resorption of possible lens remains is revealed. Later turbidity of the posterial capsule by remains of the anterior capsule, coming into contact with the posterior capsule are prevented. This excision of the anterior capsule makes easier dislocation of the nucleus of the lens into the anterior chamber which is necessary for KPE.", "contents": "[Ektomia of the anterior lens capsule in extra-capsular cataract operations (author's transl)]. A technic is described to show how to excise the anterior part of the capsule of the lens without defluction of the aqueous humor, in order to make possible a complete irrigation and aspiration of the equatorial lens material by extracapsular cataractsurgery especially by Lens Aspiration and by Kelman Phakoemulsifikation (KPE). By this the resorption of possible lens remains is revealed. Later turbidity of the posterial capsule by remains of the anterior capsule, coming into contact with the posterior capsule are prevented. This excision of the anterior capsule makes easier dislocation of the nucleus of the lens into the anterior chamber which is necessary for KPE.", "PMID": 1003829} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9754", "title": "[Nyktometric examinations on eye function in diabetic retinopathy (author's transl)].", "content": "By means of nyctometry we examinated in a group of normal persons and in a group of juvenile diabetics if the adaptability of the adaptation system in possible under various conditions of initial adaptation. It appears, that nondiabetics possess a sufficiently reactive functional system, while in diabetics, we found a defective functional reaction of the adaptation system because of beginning retinopathy.", "contents": "[Nyktometric examinations on eye function in diabetic retinopathy (author's transl)]. By means of nyctometry we examinated in a group of normal persons and in a group of juvenile diabetics if the adaptability of the adaptation system in possible under various conditions of initial adaptation. It appears, that nondiabetics possess a sufficiently reactive functional system, while in diabetics, we found a defective functional reaction of the adaptation system because of beginning retinopathy.", "PMID": 1003830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9755", "title": "[The clinical picture and histology of Marfan's syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "In two tall, mentally subnormal patients (brother and sister) with long extremities and fingers, fine fair hair and subluxation or luxation of lenses Marfan syndrome was suspected originally. The male patient died aged 13 after an ophthalmic operation of thrombosis of cerbral sinuses. The correct diagnosis of homocystinuria was assumed subsequently and verified. Characteristic histologic changes of the vessel walls were found in the deceased male patient's histologic specimens won 13 years ago: fibrosis of intima, fragmantation of elastic fibres, accumulation of intercellular matter in media and defects in membrana elastic interna.", "contents": "[The clinical picture and histology of Marfan's syndrome (author's transl)]. In two tall, mentally subnormal patients (brother and sister) with long extremities and fingers, fine fair hair and subluxation or luxation of lenses Marfan syndrome was suspected originally. The male patient died aged 13 after an ophthalmic operation of thrombosis of cerbral sinuses. The correct diagnosis of homocystinuria was assumed subsequently and verified. Characteristic histologic changes of the vessel walls were found in the deceased male patient's histologic specimens won 13 years ago: fibrosis of intima, fragmantation of elastic fibres, accumulation of intercellular matter in media and defects in membrana elastic interna.", "PMID": 1003831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9756", "title": "[A test-instrument for routine diagnosis in visual schools (author's transl)].", "content": "A report is given on a test-instrument which enables us to check the following functions: 1. Visual acuity (Line-E-acuity), 2. Binocular vision by Worth-4-dot-test, 3. Optical correction by Red-Green-test. 4. Stereoacuity by Polaroid-test.", "contents": "[A test-instrument for routine diagnosis in visual schools (author's transl)]. A report is given on a test-instrument which enables us to check the following functions: 1. Visual acuity (Line-E-acuity), 2. Binocular vision by Worth-4-dot-test, 3. Optical correction by Red-Green-test. 4. Stereoacuity by Polaroid-test.", "PMID": 1003832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9757", "title": "[Some remarks on the early treatment of infantile squint (author's transl)].", "content": "It is generally accepted that there is also another factor necessary besides hypermetropia to cause squint. This is called by Quere \"facteur tropigene causale\", this being fully right, if the conception \"tropie\" comprises all tropic factors, including orthotropia. This factor is the mechanism of binocular vision, which informs us reliably also in case some abnormalities would occur in the receptor organs. The rule of early treatment that biretinal function is not to be allowed as long as there is squint present, cannot be approved by the author. According to him, the correct causal early treatment cannot be anything else than immediately given spectacles. He describes his method, by which this can be attained in the first and second years of life. The advantages as well as the drawbacks of some other methods (supercorrection, occlusion, penalisation, early and postponed operation) are discussed from the viewpoint of the causality and instantaneous acting.", "contents": "[Some remarks on the early treatment of infantile squint (author's transl)]. It is generally accepted that there is also another factor necessary besides hypermetropia to cause squint. This is called by Quere \"facteur tropigene causale\", this being fully right, if the conception \"tropie\" comprises all tropic factors, including orthotropia. This factor is the mechanism of binocular vision, which informs us reliably also in case some abnormalities would occur in the receptor organs. The rule of early treatment that biretinal function is not to be allowed as long as there is squint present, cannot be approved by the author. According to him, the correct causal early treatment cannot be anything else than immediately given spectacles. He describes his method, by which this can be attained in the first and second years of life. The advantages as well as the drawbacks of some other methods (supercorrection, occlusion, penalisation, early and postponed operation) are discussed from the viewpoint of the causality and instantaneous acting.", "PMID": 1003833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9758", "title": "[Problems in treatment of ocular and cerebral vascular disturbances (author's transl)].", "content": "With regard to a paper of Leydhecker the basic principles of a combined treatment of ocular and cerebral vascular disturbances with Strophanthin, resp. Digitalis, Vasodilatators, and Hydrocortisone medicaments are again discussed. The influence of hypoxia in vasodilatation, the confirmation of alterations in visual field, as well as the effect of decreased blood viscosity on the circulation are discussed. The most important item, cardiotherapy, is emphasized once again. The peripheral effects of Strophanthin, especially on the brain, are confirmed by communications of other authors. The prognosis of this polypragmatic therapy in long-term observations is also limited.", "contents": "[Problems in treatment of ocular and cerebral vascular disturbances (author's transl)]. With regard to a paper of Leydhecker the basic principles of a combined treatment of ocular and cerebral vascular disturbances with Strophanthin, resp. Digitalis, Vasodilatators, and Hydrocortisone medicaments are again discussed. The influence of hypoxia in vasodilatation, the confirmation of alterations in visual field, as well as the effect of decreased blood viscosity on the circulation are discussed. The most important item, cardiotherapy, is emphasized once again. The peripheral effects of Strophanthin, especially on the brain, are confirmed by communications of other authors. The prognosis of this polypragmatic therapy in long-term observations is also limited.", "PMID": 1003834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9759", "title": "[A method of closing fistulae from drainage blebs to the out-side after glaucoma operations (author's transl)].", "content": "A method for closing fistulae in drainage blebs after anti-glaucoma surgical procedures is described. Its aim is to line internally and support the wall of the bleb, including the fistula, with subconjunctival tissue. The decisive factor in achieving this is the firm anchoring of the subconjunctival tissue pulled down between the corneo-scleral opening and the thin conjunctival tissue layer.", "contents": "[A method of closing fistulae from drainage blebs to the out-side after glaucoma operations (author's transl)]. A method for closing fistulae in drainage blebs after anti-glaucoma surgical procedures is described. Its aim is to line internally and support the wall of the bleb, including the fistula, with subconjunctival tissue. The decisive factor in achieving this is the firm anchoring of the subconjunctival tissue pulled down between the corneo-scleral opening and the thin conjunctival tissue layer.", "PMID": 1003835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9760", "title": "[Preventive surgery in the treatment of severely injured eyes: late results, complications, postoperative care (author's transl)].", "content": "Definitive reconstruction of the eye is the main objective of surgery in severe trauma. Therefore the damaged lens and vitreous have to be primarily removed in combined injuries to the anterior and posterior segments. 81 cases, treated according to this, have been followed-up from 6 months to 6.2 years. 43 have a VA of 0.1 or better, 18 at least a useful visual field. Main causes of blindness in 20 eyes are retinal detachment in 10, hemosiderosis in 4, phthisis in 3 eyes. 8 of the eyes lost through retinal detachment had a massive intraocular hemorrhage during the post-traumatic period. This hemorrhage is discussed as a main factor in development of retinal detachment with a poor prognosis. In 9 other cases of severely injured eyes with a massive posttraumatic intraocular hemorrhage the blood was removed from the vitreous cavity by intraocular irrigations with Ringer's solution. In 4 of these cases visual function could be retained.", "contents": "[Preventive surgery in the treatment of severely injured eyes: late results, complications, postoperative care (author's transl)]. Definitive reconstruction of the eye is the main objective of surgery in severe trauma. Therefore the damaged lens and vitreous have to be primarily removed in combined injuries to the anterior and posterior segments. 81 cases, treated according to this, have been followed-up from 6 months to 6.2 years. 43 have a VA of 0.1 or better, 18 at least a useful visual field. Main causes of blindness in 20 eyes are retinal detachment in 10, hemosiderosis in 4, phthisis in 3 eyes. 8 of the eyes lost through retinal detachment had a massive intraocular hemorrhage during the post-traumatic period. This hemorrhage is discussed as a main factor in development of retinal detachment with a poor prognosis. In 9 other cases of severely injured eyes with a massive posttraumatic intraocular hemorrhage the blood was removed from the vitreous cavity by intraocular irrigations with Ringer's solution. In 4 of these cases visual function could be retained.", "PMID": 1003836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9761", "title": "[First communication: normal values of horizontal breadth fusion for distance vision (author's transl)].", "content": "Binocular fusion at 33 cm needs a fusion force of about 18 pdpt (delta) in convergence. In serial investigations on more than 2500 patients with normal binocular vision the fusion force is found to be limited to: in convergence max. 15.8 +/- 7.4 delta, in spontaneous convergence +18.8 +/- 5.3 delta, in divergence-5.6 +/- 2.3 delta. That seems to demonstrate, that in normal binocular vision with normal fusion force and without any subjective trouble the visual point must not be exactly in the foveolae of both eyes.", "contents": "[First communication: normal values of horizontal breadth fusion for distance vision (author's transl)]. Binocular fusion at 33 cm needs a fusion force of about 18 pdpt (delta) in convergence. In serial investigations on more than 2500 patients with normal binocular vision the fusion force is found to be limited to: in convergence max. 15.8 +/- 7.4 delta, in spontaneous convergence +18.8 +/- 5.3 delta, in divergence-5.6 +/- 2.3 delta. That seems to demonstrate, that in normal binocular vision with normal fusion force and without any subjective trouble the visual point must not be exactly in the foveolae of both eyes.", "PMID": 1003837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9762", "title": "[Results of a-scan echography investigating intraocular tumors (author's transl)].", "content": "63 patients suspicious of having intraocular tumors underwent ultrasonic investigations. An A-Scan Unit 7200 MA (Kretztechnik, Zipf/Austria) was used, standardized by the citrated-blood method recommended by Ossoinig. Out of the 63 eyes investigated 45 were enucleated and studied histologically. Here ultrasonic diagnosis of uveal melanoma could be prouved histologically in 14 cases. In 31 cases the ultrasonic method failed to give detailed information about type of tumorous tissue. Here histology revealed 22 melanomas of the uveal tract, 4 retinal dysplasias, 4 retinoblastomas and one case of Coats disease.", "contents": "[Results of a-scan echography investigating intraocular tumors (author's transl)]. 63 patients suspicious of having intraocular tumors underwent ultrasonic investigations. An A-Scan Unit 7200 MA (Kretztechnik, Zipf/Austria) was used, standardized by the citrated-blood method recommended by Ossoinig. Out of the 63 eyes investigated 45 were enucleated and studied histologically. Here ultrasonic diagnosis of uveal melanoma could be prouved histologically in 14 cases. In 31 cases the ultrasonic method failed to give detailed information about type of tumorous tissue. Here histology revealed 22 melanomas of the uveal tract, 4 retinal dysplasias, 4 retinoblastomas and one case of Coats disease.", "PMID": 1003838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9763", "title": "[Histological examination of resected eye muscles in concomitant squint (author's transl)].", "content": "The changes of muscle tissue are found as well in convergent as in divergent squint, especially in insufficiency of convergence. The histological changes are more pronounced in monocular strabism but they can also be found in alternating squint. They are observed in early occuring strabismus, but especially frequently in patients with a large angle of squint, in cases of severe amblyopia and defective binocular vision. The errors of refraction make no influence. All histological changes, described in this paper, have been already found in eye muscles of little children.", "contents": "[Histological examination of resected eye muscles in concomitant squint (author's transl)]. The changes of muscle tissue are found as well in convergent as in divergent squint, especially in insufficiency of convergence. The histological changes are more pronounced in monocular strabism but they can also be found in alternating squint. They are observed in early occuring strabismus, but especially frequently in patients with a large angle of squint, in cases of severe amblyopia and defective binocular vision. The errors of refraction make no influence. All histological changes, described in this paper, have been already found in eye muscles of little children.", "PMID": 1003839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9764", "title": "[Spontaneous regression of diabetic retinopathy (author's transl)].", "content": "A report is given on seventeen cases of spontaneous regression of diabetic retinopathy. The diabetes became manifest, without exception, at an early age, particularly in childhood. Regression came on slowly and inconspicuously, retinopathy disappearing completely in two thirds of the cases. Of the other forms of diabetic angiopathy only arterial hypertension was found. No case of specific nephropathy, but frequently chronic infections of the urinary tract, and intermittent proteinuria were observed.", "contents": "[Spontaneous regression of diabetic retinopathy (author's transl)]. A report is given on seventeen cases of spontaneous regression of diabetic retinopathy. The diabetes became manifest, without exception, at an early age, particularly in childhood. Regression came on slowly and inconspicuously, retinopathy disappearing completely in two thirds of the cases. Of the other forms of diabetic angiopathy only arterial hypertension was found. No case of specific nephropathy, but frequently chronic infections of the urinary tract, and intermittent proteinuria were observed.", "PMID": 1003840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9765", "title": "[Macular coloboma. Casuistic contribution (author's transl)].", "content": "A case report is given of a 37-year-old women. In her left macula there was an outlined whitish defect about. 1.0 of disc diameter. There is no indication of intrauterine or infantile inflammation, birth haemorrhage or other possibilities.", "contents": "[Macular coloboma. Casuistic contribution (author's transl)]. A case report is given of a 37-year-old women. In her left macula there was an outlined whitish defect about. 1.0 of disc diameter. There is no indication of intrauterine or infantile inflammation, birth haemorrhage or other possibilities.", "PMID": 1003841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9766", "title": "[Serous choroidal detachment - a rare complication following light coagulation in diabetic retinopathy (author's transl)].", "content": "A 42-year-old male with beginning proliferative diabetic retinopathy developed a serous choroidal detachment as a complication following excessive light coagulation (retinal ablation); under conservative antiphlogistic treatment the choroidal detachment disappeared within one week.", "contents": "[Serous choroidal detachment - a rare complication following light coagulation in diabetic retinopathy (author's transl)]. A 42-year-old male with beginning proliferative diabetic retinopathy developed a serous choroidal detachment as a complication following excessive light coagulation (retinal ablation); under conservative antiphlogistic treatment the choroidal detachment disappeared within one week.", "PMID": 1003842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9767", "title": "[Symmetrical carotid aneurysm on both sides (author's transl)].", "content": "The case of a 44-year-old female patient with angiographically established symmetrical aneurysm of the internal carotid artery on both sides near the origin of the arteria ophthalmica is reported. The right ophthalmic artery is not perceptible for a distance of 2 mm in its early upper portion. The left ophthalmic artery is well filled. The visual capacity of the right eye is reduced to 1/24, the left eye has one of 1.0. The lower half of the visual field including the fixation point fails. The left visual field is characterized by a pronounced irregular concentrical narrowing with preserved fixation point. The different filling of the ophthalmic arteries is responsible for the difference in the visual capacity and in the visual fields of both eyes. Because, neurosurgically, only a resection of both aneurysms comes into question, one desists from this proceeding because of the extraordinary high risk of such an operation.", "contents": "[Symmetrical carotid aneurysm on both sides (author's transl)]. The case of a 44-year-old female patient with angiographically established symmetrical aneurysm of the internal carotid artery on both sides near the origin of the arteria ophthalmica is reported. The right ophthalmic artery is not perceptible for a distance of 2 mm in its early upper portion. The left ophthalmic artery is well filled. The visual capacity of the right eye is reduced to 1/24, the left eye has one of 1.0. The lower half of the visual field including the fixation point fails. The left visual field is characterized by a pronounced irregular concentrical narrowing with preserved fixation point. The different filling of the ophthalmic arteries is responsible for the difference in the visual capacity and in the visual fields of both eyes. Because, neurosurgically, only a resection of both aneurysms comes into question, one desists from this proceeding because of the extraordinary high risk of such an operation.", "PMID": 1003843} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9768", "title": "[An attempt at surgical management of haemorrhagic glaucoma (author's transl)].", "content": "A surgical method for the treatment of haemorrhagic glaucoma is discussed here. The operation implies Scheie's procedure without peripheral iridectomy, and the insertion of a silicon catheter. Prior to intraocular surgery cyclocryotherapy is employed in order to improve the basic condition. The long term mode of action of this surgical technique may be due to creating a favorable outset for the formation of secondary aqueous veins.", "contents": "[An attempt at surgical management of haemorrhagic glaucoma (author's transl)]. A surgical method for the treatment of haemorrhagic glaucoma is discussed here. The operation implies Scheie's procedure without peripheral iridectomy, and the insertion of a silicon catheter. Prior to intraocular surgery cyclocryotherapy is employed in order to improve the basic condition. The long term mode of action of this surgical technique may be due to creating a favorable outset for the formation of secondary aqueous veins.", "PMID": 1003844} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9769", "title": "[Chronic lupus erythematodes of the eye lids and conjunctiva. A case report (author's transl)].", "content": "A report is given on a 33-year-old female with periorbital changes of the skin; based upon histological and immunofluorescence-optical examinations, the diagnosis of a chronic lupus erythematodes could be made. Following direct infiltration with a crystalline suspension of corticosteroids prompt improvement of the lesions was observed.", "contents": "[Chronic lupus erythematodes of the eye lids and conjunctiva. A case report (author's transl)]. A report is given on a 33-year-old female with periorbital changes of the skin; based upon histological and immunofluorescence-optical examinations, the diagnosis of a chronic lupus erythematodes could be made. Following direct infiltration with a crystalline suspension of corticosteroids prompt improvement of the lesions was observed.", "PMID": 1003845} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9770", "title": "[Occurrence and frequency of orbital tumors in ethiopia (author's transl)].", "content": "Orbital tumors are more frequent in Africa than in Europe. Children are more often affected than adults. The most frequently observed tumors are the epithelioma of the conjunctiva in adults, and the retinoblastoma and Burkitt's lymphoma in children. Melanoblastomas and lid basal cell carcinomas are fairly rare. Findings from Ethiopia are demonstrated.", "contents": "[Occurrence and frequency of orbital tumors in ethiopia (author's transl)]. Orbital tumors are more frequent in Africa than in Europe. Children are more often affected than adults. The most frequently observed tumors are the epithelioma of the conjunctiva in adults, and the retinoblastoma and Burkitt's lymphoma in children. Melanoblastomas and lid basal cell carcinomas are fairly rare. Findings from Ethiopia are demonstrated.", "PMID": 1003846} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9771", "title": "[The application of the redfilter by amblyopia to avoid a temporal fixation (author's transl)].", "content": "The treatment of amblyopia with the redfilter ought to be applied when there is a risk that the fixation will deviate to the temporal side. The better eye is occluded and the redfilter is given before the amblyopic eye so that only the fovea will be stimulated. Discussion of the own results.", "contents": "[The application of the redfilter by amblyopia to avoid a temporal fixation (author's transl)]. The treatment of amblyopia with the redfilter ought to be applied when there is a risk that the fixation will deviate to the temporal side. The better eye is occluded and the redfilter is given before the amblyopic eye so that only the fovea will be stimulated. Discussion of the own results.", "PMID": 1003847} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9772", "title": "[Orbitotomy by means of ultrasound-instruments (author's transl)].", "content": "A surgical ultrasound-instrument was tested experimentally as well as clinically in the operative treatment of 48 patients with various orbital tumours. The transducer was shaped either as a scalpel or as a saw. The device worked on a frequency of 44,000 cps, the transducer-amplitude was 15 to 30 microns. This tool facilitates cutting of bony tissue and the incision of soft parts, it stops also bleeding of smaller and middle-sized vessels.", "contents": "[Orbitotomy by means of ultrasound-instruments (author's transl)]. A surgical ultrasound-instrument was tested experimentally as well as clinically in the operative treatment of 48 patients with various orbital tumours. The transducer was shaped either as a scalpel or as a saw. The device worked on a frequency of 44,000 cps, the transducer-amplitude was 15 to 30 microns. This tool facilitates cutting of bony tissue and the incision of soft parts, it stops also bleeding of smaller and middle-sized vessels.", "PMID": 1003848} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9773", "title": "[Chloramphenicol in ophthalmic practice (author's transl)].", "content": "The use of chloramphenicol is the cause of much controversy. In general medical practice this antibiotic is considered toxic and dangerous therefore its indications are very narrow and limited. In ophthalmic practice chloramphenicol is used very often and with considerable beneficial effect. Its main advantages are a broad spectrum and a very high intraocular concentration. A series of 34 acute conjunctivitides were treated with chloramphenicol solution with succes. The causative organisms were Pneumcoccus and Staphylococcus aurels.", "contents": "[Chloramphenicol in ophthalmic practice (author's transl)]. The use of chloramphenicol is the cause of much controversy. In general medical practice this antibiotic is considered toxic and dangerous therefore its indications are very narrow and limited. In ophthalmic practice chloramphenicol is used very often and with considerable beneficial effect. Its main advantages are a broad spectrum and a very high intraocular concentration. A series of 34 acute conjunctivitides were treated with chloramphenicol solution with succes. The causative organisms were Pneumcoccus and Staphylococcus aurels.", "PMID": 1003849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9774", "title": "[Perimetric diagnosis of chiasmal injury after contusion of skull and brain (author's transl)].", "content": "After a discussion of the pathomechanism of skull trauma by a blow leading to chiasmal lesion, frontobasal injuries of the skull are considered; it is shown that typical defects of the visual field resulting from chiasmal damage can be revealed not only in cases of serious industrial or traffic accidents with brain concussion and skull base fracture, but also following minor injuries without unconsciousness and radiologically visible bone fractures.", "contents": "[Perimetric diagnosis of chiasmal injury after contusion of skull and brain (author's transl)]. After a discussion of the pathomechanism of skull trauma by a blow leading to chiasmal lesion, frontobasal injuries of the skull are considered; it is shown that typical defects of the visual field resulting from chiasmal damage can be revealed not only in cases of serious industrial or traffic accidents with brain concussion and skull base fracture, but also following minor injuries without unconsciousness and radiologically visible bone fractures.", "PMID": 1003850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9775", "title": "[Assessment of eye damage in private accident insurance (author's transl)].", "content": "In the private accident insurance practice eye damage has to be judged on specifications in the insurance policy. To explain this specifications important for an experts opinion are shown below.", "contents": "[Assessment of eye damage in private accident insurance (author's transl)]. In the private accident insurance practice eye damage has to be judged on specifications in the insurance policy. To explain this specifications important for an experts opinion are shown below.", "PMID": 1003851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9776", "title": "[A new magnifying visual instrument for ophthalmic surgery (author's transl)].", "content": "A binocular loupe on the principle of the prismatic telescope, small in size and light in weight, and which can be firmly by straps to the head of the doctor, has been developed for use in operative ophthalmology, for the clinical visit, consultation and in the office. Its optic properties greatest possible distance from the work which can be varied with additional lenses, variable magnification even into the region of the smallest biomicroscopes with a relatively large angle of vision, good mobility with regard to the object of vision with unchanged adjustment, simultaneous possibility of using semispectacles for presbyopia and easy swinging of the instrument out of and into the line of vision with one hand movement make this instrument very appropriate for the reasons for which it was developed and makes possible also - especially in the surgery of injured eyes, exact observation and assessment of the eye and performance of operations where no operating microscope is present with much greater magnification as that obtained with a customary loupe. This instrument occupies the spare between the possibilities of use of the loupe and the biomicroscope and can in addition be used in the boundary areas of use of the other instruments with great advantage.", "contents": "[A new magnifying visual instrument for ophthalmic surgery (author's transl)]. A binocular loupe on the principle of the prismatic telescope, small in size and light in weight, and which can be firmly by straps to the head of the doctor, has been developed for use in operative ophthalmology, for the clinical visit, consultation and in the office. Its optic properties greatest possible distance from the work which can be varied with additional lenses, variable magnification even into the region of the smallest biomicroscopes with a relatively large angle of vision, good mobility with regard to the object of vision with unchanged adjustment, simultaneous possibility of using semispectacles for presbyopia and easy swinging of the instrument out of and into the line of vision with one hand movement make this instrument very appropriate for the reasons for which it was developed and makes possible also - especially in the surgery of injured eyes, exact observation and assessment of the eye and performance of operations where no operating microscope is present with much greater magnification as that obtained with a customary loupe. This instrument occupies the spare between the possibilities of use of the loupe and the biomicroscope and can in addition be used in the boundary areas of use of the other instruments with great advantage.", "PMID": 1003852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9777", "title": "[Stereoscopic microscope-spectacles for use in eye operations (author's transl)].", "content": "A magnification system newly developed by Zeiss on the basis of a Keplerian telescope permits, in connection with a direct-vision erecting prism, the design of stereoscopic surgical spectacles and thus a break into the microsurgical range. The magnification of 8.3X is just about the limit up to which muscular movement of the head is not disturbing, but on the other hand routine microsurgery, especially cataract and glaucoma surgery, is rendered possible.", "contents": "[Stereoscopic microscope-spectacles for use in eye operations (author's transl)]. A magnification system newly developed by Zeiss on the basis of a Keplerian telescope permits, in connection with a direct-vision erecting prism, the design of stereoscopic surgical spectacles and thus a break into the microsurgical range. The magnification of 8.3X is just about the limit up to which muscular movement of the head is not disturbing, but on the other hand routine microsurgery, especially cataract and glaucoma surgery, is rendered possible.", "PMID": 1003853} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9778", "title": "[The significance of histologic assessment of the bone marrow in Hodgkin's disease].", "content": "The spreading of Hodgkin's disease in the bone marrow is of primary diagnostic significance in respect of its quantity as well as its quality, and therefore has to be taken into account from the initial staging procedure. The iliac crest is the most suitable site of the biopsy, the diagnostic significance of which depends on the adequate size of the specimen and on the technical standard of the histologic embedding with methacrylate, affording perfect semithin sections without decalcification. The prognostic value of the statement of Hodgkin's disease spreading in the marrow deserves further careful evaluation. A nonspecific reaction of the marrow against extramedullary lymphogranulomatosis closely resembling to the so-called tumor myeopathy has to be distinguished from the localized marrow changes due to the tumor itself. The former is depending primarily of the progress of the disease, the latter of its type as well. The well-known histologic classification covers the changes of the bone marrow due to Hodgkin's disease also. The different histologic types however exhibit a varying tendency of expansion within the bone. Generally the marrow involvement is accompanied with more severe clinical and hematological symptoms. The bone is altered mostly in the very region of the infiltration. This is not the consequence of direct tumorous destruction but of stimulation of environmental mesenchymal activities. Parenchymal and mesenchymal changes of the bone marrow, either directly or indirectly connected with the lymphogranulomatosis, are considered primarily as sequelae of the basic disease. The very close structural relationship between the original lymphogranulomatosus growth and these changes is one of the characteristics of Hodgkin's disease. As yet, there is no unequivocal pointer to structural characteristics whose appearance can exert an obstructive or stimulating effect on the lymphogranuloma tissue, apart from the number of lymphocytes and normal histiocytes in the specific infiltrate itself. Our observations of a special role of megakaryocytes in this connection deserve further attention.", "contents": "[The significance of histologic assessment of the bone marrow in Hodgkin's disease]. The spreading of Hodgkin's disease in the bone marrow is of primary diagnostic significance in respect of its quantity as well as its quality, and therefore has to be taken into account from the initial staging procedure. The iliac crest is the most suitable site of the biopsy, the diagnostic significance of which depends on the adequate size of the specimen and on the technical standard of the histologic embedding with methacrylate, affording perfect semithin sections without decalcification. The prognostic value of the statement of Hodgkin's disease spreading in the marrow deserves further careful evaluation. A nonspecific reaction of the marrow against extramedullary lymphogranulomatosis closely resembling to the so-called tumor myeopathy has to be distinguished from the localized marrow changes due to the tumor itself. The former is depending primarily of the progress of the disease, the latter of its type as well. The well-known histologic classification covers the changes of the bone marrow due to Hodgkin's disease also. The different histologic types however exhibit a varying tendency of expansion within the bone. Generally the marrow involvement is accompanied with more severe clinical and hematological symptoms. The bone is altered mostly in the very region of the infiltration. This is not the consequence of direct tumorous destruction but of stimulation of environmental mesenchymal activities. Parenchymal and mesenchymal changes of the bone marrow, either directly or indirectly connected with the lymphogranulomatosis, are considered primarily as sequelae of the basic disease. The very close structural relationship between the original lymphogranulomatosus growth and these changes is one of the characteristics of Hodgkin's disease. As yet, there is no unequivocal pointer to structural characteristics whose appearance can exert an obstructive or stimulating effect on the lymphogranuloma tissue, apart from the number of lymphocytes and normal histiocytes in the specific infiltrate itself. Our observations of a special role of megakaryocytes in this connection deserve further attention.", "PMID": 1003865} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9779", "title": "[Effect of the beta-receptor-blocker prindolol on renal hypertension (author's transl)].", "content": "Under standardised conditions Prindolol-therapy (3 X 5 mg/die) was carried out in patients with renal hypertension in addition to the preexisting anti-hypertensive treatment during a period of 8 weeks. After administration of Prindolol for 4 and 8 weeks a significant (p less than 0.05) reduction of blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) was observed. 3 weeks after discontinuing the Prindolol-therapy blood pressure rose again, but it clearly remained below pretreatment level. Peak values of blood pressure during the day were markedly lowered. Antihypertensive efficacy was age-related. Lowering of blood pressure occurred in 70% of our patients. There existed no relation between plasma-renin-level and reactivity of the patients to the antihypertensive effect of Prindolol. Renal function (creatine-clearance) did not alter significantly by Prindolol-treatment.", "contents": "[Effect of the beta-receptor-blocker prindolol on renal hypertension (author's transl)]. Under standardised conditions Prindolol-therapy (3 X 5 mg/die) was carried out in patients with renal hypertension in addition to the preexisting anti-hypertensive treatment during a period of 8 weeks. After administration of Prindolol for 4 and 8 weeks a significant (p less than 0.05) reduction of blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) was observed. 3 weeks after discontinuing the Prindolol-therapy blood pressure rose again, but it clearly remained below pretreatment level. Peak values of blood pressure during the day were markedly lowered. Antihypertensive efficacy was age-related. Lowering of blood pressure occurred in 70% of our patients. There existed no relation between plasma-renin-level and reactivity of the patients to the antihypertensive effect of Prindolol. Renal function (creatine-clearance) did not alter significantly by Prindolol-treatment.", "PMID": 1003866} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9780", "title": "Decrease in plasma noradrenaline levels following long-term treatment with prindolol in patients with essential hypertension.", "content": "15 patients (4 females, 11 males, 21 to 55-year old) with mild to moderate essential hypertension (EH) were treated with placebo for two weeks and thereafter with increasing doses of prindolol (15 to 38 mg/day in the mean) and kept on a mean maintenance dosage of 32 mg/day for an average of 16 weeks in all. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate und plasma noradrenaline (PNA) concentrations were measured under standardized conditions (supine, standing, walking) at the end of two weeks on placebo and after the experimental treatment period. The results were compared to those of a group of 15 normotensive untreated control subjects (NS): after an average of 16 weeks on prindolol BP fell from 163/113 mm Hg to 129/91 mm Hg in the mean. PNA levels in EH before prindolol were significantly higher than in NS (supine: 272 +/- 22.0 ng/l (mean +/- SEM) vs. 135 +/- 15.1 ng/l, standing: 448 +/- 31.9 ng/l vs. 359 +/- 18.4 ng/l, walking: 388 +/- 22.5 ng/l vs. 234 +/- 22.1 ng/l). In EH chronic administration of prindolol led to a significant decrease in PNA concentrations under all the three test conditions to levels which did not differ significantly any more from those derived from NS. The adrenergic response to upright posture reflected in the percentage increase in PNA was significantly less in EH before prindolol when compared to the percentage increase in NS. On prindolol the adrenergic response was not abolidhed, yet it tended to approach the values found in NS. Before prindolol under resting conditions diastolic BP correlated closely with the corresponding PNA levels (p less than 0.01, r = 0.66, n = 15). This correlation could not be reestablished after prindolol treatment. The decrease in PNA after long-term treatment with prindolol was not correlated to the fall in blood pressure. The decrease in PNA indicates a lower activity of the sympathetic nervous system which may contribute to the antihypertensive effect of prindolol.", "contents": "Decrease in plasma noradrenaline levels following long-term treatment with prindolol in patients with essential hypertension. 15 patients (4 females, 11 males, 21 to 55-year old) with mild to moderate essential hypertension (EH) were treated with placebo for two weeks and thereafter with increasing doses of prindolol (15 to 38 mg/day in the mean) and kept on a mean maintenance dosage of 32 mg/day for an average of 16 weeks in all. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate und plasma noradrenaline (PNA) concentrations were measured under standardized conditions (supine, standing, walking) at the end of two weeks on placebo and after the experimental treatment period. The results were compared to those of a group of 15 normotensive untreated control subjects (NS): after an average of 16 weeks on prindolol BP fell from 163/113 mm Hg to 129/91 mm Hg in the mean. PNA levels in EH before prindolol were significantly higher than in NS (supine: 272 +/- 22.0 ng/l (mean +/- SEM) vs. 135 +/- 15.1 ng/l, standing: 448 +/- 31.9 ng/l vs. 359 +/- 18.4 ng/l, walking: 388 +/- 22.5 ng/l vs. 234 +/- 22.1 ng/l). In EH chronic administration of prindolol led to a significant decrease in PNA concentrations under all the three test conditions to levels which did not differ significantly any more from those derived from NS. The adrenergic response to upright posture reflected in the percentage increase in PNA was significantly less in EH before prindolol when compared to the percentage increase in NS. On prindolol the adrenergic response was not abolidhed, yet it tended to approach the values found in NS. Before prindolol under resting conditions diastolic BP correlated closely with the corresponding PNA levels (p less than 0.01, r = 0.66, n = 15). This correlation could not be reestablished after prindolol treatment. The decrease in PNA after long-term treatment with prindolol was not correlated to the fall in blood pressure. The decrease in PNA indicates a lower activity of the sympathetic nervous system which may contribute to the antihypertensive effect of prindolol.", "PMID": 1003867} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9781", "title": "[Mitochondrial morphology and metabolism in extrahepatic obstruction (author's transl)].", "content": "Corresponding to the increased activity of mitochondrial Glutamate-Dehydrogenase (GLDH) in serum in extrahepatic cholestasis a swelling of hepatic mitochondria could be shown on ultrastructural morphometric analysis. The morphometric alterations parallel the serochemical findings. A significant correlation could be calculated between the swelling of mitochondria and the activity of GLDH in serum.", "contents": "[Mitochondrial morphology and metabolism in extrahepatic obstruction (author's transl)]. Corresponding to the increased activity of mitochondrial Glutamate-Dehydrogenase (GLDH) in serum in extrahepatic cholestasis a swelling of hepatic mitochondria could be shown on ultrastructural morphometric analysis. The morphometric alterations parallel the serochemical findings. A significant correlation could be calculated between the swelling of mitochondria and the activity of GLDH in serum.", "PMID": 1003868} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9782", "title": "[Alterations of bile acid metabolism during treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid. Studies of the role of the appearance of ursodeoxycholic acid in the dissolution of gallstones (author's transl)].", "content": "Nine patients with radiolucent stones in the gallbladder were investigated before and during treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDC). During treatment the biliary composition of bile acids changed considerably. Before the ingestion of CDC,bile acids consisted predominantly of cholic acid, deoxycholic acid and CDC; lithocholic acid was present in small amounts only. In the course of treatment CDC or this bile acid together with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC) became the major biliary bile acid. The content of CDC increased from 47.5 +/- 4.21 to 79.2 +/- 6.37 SEM %, whereas that of UDC increased from 2.7 +/- 1.15 to 13.4 +/- 6.4%. The unsulfated lithocholic acid increased slightly from 0.7 +/- 0.22 to 2.7 +/- 0.41%. The bile acid pool expanded by an average of 130%. The degree of expansion of the pool varied considerably among the different patients. The largest increase in the pool size, however, occurred in the patients with the largest content of UDC in bile. Gallstone dissolution was observed in five patients. Among these five were those patients with the highest content of UDC, Corresponding 8.6, to 29.4 and 51.7%, respectively. These findings suggest that, in addition to CDC, UDC has a cholelitholytic effect in vivo. Of interest also was the observation that the patients in whom the size of the bile acid pool increased only very little showed no dissolution of gallstones. Both the stool weight and the fecal excretion of the isotopes, after the administration of radioactively labeled bile acids, increased only slightly during the treatment with CDC. The cholelitholytically efficacious dose of 20 mg/kg/day of CDC applied in this study appears to be useful in that 94% of it was abosrbed.", "contents": "[Alterations of bile acid metabolism during treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid. Studies of the role of the appearance of ursodeoxycholic acid in the dissolution of gallstones (author's transl)]. Nine patients with radiolucent stones in the gallbladder were investigated before and during treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDC). During treatment the biliary composition of bile acids changed considerably. Before the ingestion of CDC,bile acids consisted predominantly of cholic acid, deoxycholic acid and CDC; lithocholic acid was present in small amounts only. In the course of treatment CDC or this bile acid together with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC) became the major biliary bile acid. The content of CDC increased from 47.5 +/- 4.21 to 79.2 +/- 6.37 SEM %, whereas that of UDC increased from 2.7 +/- 1.15 to 13.4 +/- 6.4%. The unsulfated lithocholic acid increased slightly from 0.7 +/- 0.22 to 2.7 +/- 0.41%. The bile acid pool expanded by an average of 130%. The degree of expansion of the pool varied considerably among the different patients. The largest increase in the pool size, however, occurred in the patients with the largest content of UDC in bile. Gallstone dissolution was observed in five patients. Among these five were those patients with the highest content of UDC, Corresponding 8.6, to 29.4 and 51.7%, respectively. These findings suggest that, in addition to CDC, UDC has a cholelitholytic effect in vivo. Of interest also was the observation that the patients in whom the size of the bile acid pool increased only very little showed no dissolution of gallstones. Both the stool weight and the fecal excretion of the isotopes, after the administration of radioactively labeled bile acids, increased only slightly during the treatment with CDC. The cholelitholytically efficacious dose of 20 mg/kg/day of CDC applied in this study appears to be useful in that 94% of it was abosrbed.", "PMID": 1003870} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9783", "title": "[Adenosine deaminase deficiency in primary immunodeficiencies (author's transl)].", "content": "The occurrence of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) with adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency in erythrocytes has been reported in 14 patients. Enzyme deficiency may result in early depression of the lymphatic system. ADA is detectable in different tissues by photometric and electrophoretic methods. The gene locus for ADA has been localised on chromosome 20. Studies on the enzyme defect in different forms of primary immunodeficiencies led to the description of a well defined nosological entity. New aspects can be expected in the fields of pathogenesis, prenatal diagnosis, genetic councelling, and possibly therapeutic trials.", "contents": "[Adenosine deaminase deficiency in primary immunodeficiencies (author's transl)]. The occurrence of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) with adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency in erythrocytes has been reported in 14 patients. Enzyme deficiency may result in early depression of the lymphatic system. ADA is detectable in different tissues by photometric and electrophoretic methods. The gene locus for ADA has been localised on chromosome 20. Studies on the enzyme defect in different forms of primary immunodeficiencies led to the description of a well defined nosological entity. New aspects can be expected in the fields of pathogenesis, prenatal diagnosis, genetic councelling, and possibly therapeutic trials.", "PMID": 1003869} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9784", "title": "[Prospective study in posttransfusion hepatitis in patients with open heart surgery (author's transl)].", "content": "In a prospective study in posttransfusion hepatitis 54 patients with open heart surgery received 220 blood units which were negative for HBS Ag by radioimmunoassay. 15 of these units contained anti-HBS and were given to 13 antibody negative patients. In a half year follow up period neither clinical nor biochemical (SGOT, SGPT, gamma-GT) signs of hepatitis could be found in these patients and neither HBS Ag nor anti-HBS developed. At the same time a screening for HBS Ag of hospital staff in contact with these patients revealed no carrier of the antigen. Therefore, the lack of any hepatitis in our relatively small study group may be attributable to two facts: the relative safety of blood screened by highly sensitive methods for the detection of HBS Ag and the noninfectious environment of these patients in the hospital during the observation period.", "contents": "[Prospective study in posttransfusion hepatitis in patients with open heart surgery (author's transl)]. In a prospective study in posttransfusion hepatitis 54 patients with open heart surgery received 220 blood units which were negative for HBS Ag by radioimmunoassay. 15 of these units contained anti-HBS and were given to 13 antibody negative patients. In a half year follow up period neither clinical nor biochemical (SGOT, SGPT, gamma-GT) signs of hepatitis could be found in these patients and neither HBS Ag nor anti-HBS developed. At the same time a screening for HBS Ag of hospital staff in contact with these patients revealed no carrier of the antigen. Therefore, the lack of any hepatitis in our relatively small study group may be attributable to two facts: the relative safety of blood screened by highly sensitive methods for the detection of HBS Ag and the noninfectious environment of these patients in the hospital during the observation period.", "PMID": 1003871} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9785", "title": "[The influence of insulin, glucose and other monosaccharides on the platelet functions (author's transl)].", "content": "In vitro investigations were carried out on the action of insulin, glucose, xylose, galactose, fructose and sorbitol on the platelet aggregation test according to Breddin, on the ADP- and collagen-inducced aggregation and the release of platelet factor 4 as well as on the retraction. When incubating platelet-rich plasma with insulin and glucose simultaneously, a marked inhibition of the ADP- or collagen-induced platelet aggregation and release reaction results. Insulin as well as glucose impaired the platelet function only at high concentrations, this inhibition however did not reach that of a combination of both. Fructose, xylose and sorbitol exerted no significant inhibitory effects. In contrast to the prevented aggregation, the retraction was enhanced. As the causal mechanism for the inhibition of the platelet function the Crabtree effect is discussed.", "contents": "[The influence of insulin, glucose and other monosaccharides on the platelet functions (author's transl)]. In vitro investigations were carried out on the action of insulin, glucose, xylose, galactose, fructose and sorbitol on the platelet aggregation test according to Breddin, on the ADP- and collagen-inducced aggregation and the release of platelet factor 4 as well as on the retraction. When incubating platelet-rich plasma with insulin and glucose simultaneously, a marked inhibition of the ADP- or collagen-induced platelet aggregation and release reaction results. Insulin as well as glucose impaired the platelet function only at high concentrations, this inhibition however did not reach that of a combination of both. Fructose, xylose and sorbitol exerted no significant inhibitory effects. In contrast to the prevented aggregation, the retraction was enhanced. As the causal mechanism for the inhibition of the platelet function the Crabtree effect is discussed.", "PMID": 1003872} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9786", "title": "Bias in counting procedures for white blood cells.", "content": "To increase the precision of low white blood counts with traditional counting procedures often an initial count is performed in 0.1 cu. mm. Only if this pilot count is low, additional zones of 0.1 cu. mm. are counted and the results of the pilot count and the additional count then averaged. This counting procedure should be avoided as it gives biased estimates of the white blood count. The bias is avoided if the result of the initial count is discarded and an independent count is performed in a larger volume. In analogous counting situation-such as radioactivity counts - bias can arise and be prevented in analogous ways.", "contents": "Bias in counting procedures for white blood cells. To increase the precision of low white blood counts with traditional counting procedures often an initial count is performed in 0.1 cu. mm. Only if this pilot count is low, additional zones of 0.1 cu. mm. are counted and the results of the pilot count and the additional count then averaged. This counting procedure should be avoided as it gives biased estimates of the white blood count. The bias is avoided if the result of the initial count is discarded and an independent count is performed in a larger volume. In analogous counting situation-such as radioactivity counts - bias can arise and be prevented in analogous ways.", "PMID": 1003873} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9787", "title": "[NBT reduction capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in cord blood and in blood of parturients (author's transl)].", "content": "Polymorphonuclear leukocytes in cord blood and in blood of women at delivery and six weeks after delivery were examined by means of a modified NBT-test. The results were compared with those of healthy controls. It is shown that the increased NBT-positivity of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes of the examined groups is due to increased ingestion capacity, while NBT reduction capacity of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes is not increased.", "contents": "[NBT reduction capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in cord blood and in blood of parturients (author's transl)]. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes in cord blood and in blood of women at delivery and six weeks after delivery were examined by means of a modified NBT-test. The results were compared with those of healthy controls. It is shown that the increased NBT-positivity of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes of the examined groups is due to increased ingestion capacity, while NBT reduction capacity of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes is not increased.", "PMID": 1003874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9788", "title": "[Preventive screening in two factories. I. Methods and results (author's transl)].", "content": "A screening study for coronary disease, chronical bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral circulatory disturbance and overweight is described. 2429 persons aged over 40 years and working in two factories were studied. Typical laboratory tests, a short standardised examination by a physician and a questionnaire were used. In a 10 per cent sample the questionnaire was repeated by an interview and the serum was sent to the laboratory not only by mail, but also by a special car transport in a cooled transport box. The results of the laboratory tests are presend according to age, sex and factory. The family doctor had to be informed in nearly 70 per cent of the men and about 60 per cent of the women because of at least one suspicious symptom or sign. There was a pathological value of glucose in the urine in 14.7 per cent, a rise of glucose in the blood (above 113 mg per cent) in 5.7 per cent, of triglicerides (above 181 mg per cent) in 12.6 per cent, of cholesterol (above 264 mg per cent) in 15.4 per cent, of uric acid (male above 7.7 mg per cent, female above 7.1 mg per cent) in 6.8 per cent, of creatinine (above 1.3 mg per cent) in 6.4 per cent and the presence of albumin in urine in 2.2 per cent of the cases.", "contents": "[Preventive screening in two factories. I. Methods and results (author's transl)]. A screening study for coronary disease, chronical bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral circulatory disturbance and overweight is described. 2429 persons aged over 40 years and working in two factories were studied. Typical laboratory tests, a short standardised examination by a physician and a questionnaire were used. In a 10 per cent sample the questionnaire was repeated by an interview and the serum was sent to the laboratory not only by mail, but also by a special car transport in a cooled transport box. The results of the laboratory tests are presend according to age, sex and factory. The family doctor had to be informed in nearly 70 per cent of the men and about 60 per cent of the women because of at least one suspicious symptom or sign. There was a pathological value of glucose in the urine in 14.7 per cent, a rise of glucose in the blood (above 113 mg per cent) in 5.7 per cent, of triglicerides (above 181 mg per cent) in 12.6 per cent, of cholesterol (above 264 mg per cent) in 15.4 per cent, of uric acid (male above 7.7 mg per cent, female above 7.1 mg per cent) in 6.8 per cent, of creatinine (above 1.3 mg per cent) in 6.4 per cent and the presence of albumin in urine in 2.2 per cent of the cases.", "PMID": 1003875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9789", "title": "[Preventive screening in two factories. II. Exactitude of laboratory tests and questionnaire (author's transl)].", "content": "The exactitude of some widely used laboratory tests (triglycerids, cholesterol, glucose, uric acid, creatinine) is examined in a situation relevant for practising physicians. Different statistical methods for reporting errors are compared. Accuracy and precision are useful measures for the quality of analytic procedures. They are not sufficient for medical judgement for a single patient, since sampling procedures, type of sample or transport and storage of sample are not considered in accuracy and precision. Such sources of error can largely devaluate the quality of accuracy and precision and of the analytic procedures. Error coefficients are proposed as a new method of reporting laboratory errors. The mathematical model starts with an analysis of variance and total error, technical error and transport error are defined. The study shows that the error introduced by transporting serum via postal service compared to that conveyed in a cooled transport box by a special car is considerable. It is nearly impossible for a physican to use single laboratory value for a rational decision \"normal-not normal\" if the values are based on samples which are sent by postal service and if the values lie in the broad borderline between the normal and pathological area. This is especially true for creatinine (transport error 47.0 per cent) and uric acid (transport error 38.7 per cent), but not so much for cholesterol (22.9 per cent), triglicerids (14.3 per cent) and glucose (13.3 per cent). Variables with high transport error like creatinine should not be used in screening programs, as long as the transport is made by postal service and the method is not improved. The agreements between the answers of a questionnaire and of an interview are analysed with the same patients (n=235). These agreements lie between 98.7 per cent and 61.7 per cent depending on the single question. The exactitude of medical questionnaires is in the same size order as the exactitude of laboratory tests-at least when the sample is sent by postal service.", "contents": "[Preventive screening in two factories. II. Exactitude of laboratory tests and questionnaire (author's transl)]. The exactitude of some widely used laboratory tests (triglycerids, cholesterol, glucose, uric acid, creatinine) is examined in a situation relevant for practising physicians. Different statistical methods for reporting errors are compared. Accuracy and precision are useful measures for the quality of analytic procedures. They are not sufficient for medical judgement for a single patient, since sampling procedures, type of sample or transport and storage of sample are not considered in accuracy and precision. Such sources of error can largely devaluate the quality of accuracy and precision and of the analytic procedures. Error coefficients are proposed as a new method of reporting laboratory errors. The mathematical model starts with an analysis of variance and total error, technical error and transport error are defined. The study shows that the error introduced by transporting serum via postal service compared to that conveyed in a cooled transport box by a special car is considerable. It is nearly impossible for a physican to use single laboratory value for a rational decision \"normal-not normal\" if the values are based on samples which are sent by postal service and if the values lie in the broad borderline between the normal and pathological area. This is especially true for creatinine (transport error 47.0 per cent) and uric acid (transport error 38.7 per cent), but not so much for cholesterol (22.9 per cent), triglicerids (14.3 per cent) and glucose (13.3 per cent). Variables with high transport error like creatinine should not be used in screening programs, as long as the transport is made by postal service and the method is not improved. The agreements between the answers of a questionnaire and of an interview are analysed with the same patients (n=235). These agreements lie between 98.7 per cent and 61.7 per cent depending on the single question. The exactitude of medical questionnaires is in the same size order as the exactitude of laboratory tests-at least when the sample is sent by postal service.", "PMID": 1003876} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9790", "title": "[Preventive screening in two factories. III. Relations between quantitative variables and questionnaire-items (author's transl)].", "content": "In the preceding articles a preventive screening model in two factories was described, the results were given and the exactitude of laboratory tests presented. In this paper the relations are studied between all the observed variables. Contingency-tables and the x2-statistic are used. For the 57 observed variables-(laboratory variables, e.g. triglicerides, cholesterol, glucose, uric acid, creatinine and questionnaire-items designed to screen for angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, claudicatio intermittens and bronchitis)-all possible contingency tables between two variables were calculated (1596 tables). The significant connections are reported in form of a hypothesis-matrix. There exists no statistical correlation between laboratory tests and questionnaire-items. The anamnestic questionnaire cannot be replaced by laboratory tests and vice versa. Nearly all items of the questionnaire are correlated. There are some correlations between laboratory tests, blood pressure and smoking habits.", "contents": "[Preventive screening in two factories. III. Relations between quantitative variables and questionnaire-items (author's transl)]. In the preceding articles a preventive screening model in two factories was described, the results were given and the exactitude of laboratory tests presented. In this paper the relations are studied between all the observed variables. Contingency-tables and the x2-statistic are used. For the 57 observed variables-(laboratory variables, e.g. triglicerides, cholesterol, glucose, uric acid, creatinine and questionnaire-items designed to screen for angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, claudicatio intermittens and bronchitis)-all possible contingency tables between two variables were calculated (1596 tables). The significant connections are reported in form of a hypothesis-matrix. There exists no statistical correlation between laboratory tests and questionnaire-items. The anamnestic questionnaire cannot be replaced by laboratory tests and vice versa. Nearly all items of the questionnaire are correlated. There are some correlations between laboratory tests, blood pressure and smoking habits.", "PMID": 1003877} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9791", "title": "Psychometric functions for loudness discomfort and most comfortable loudness levels.", "content": "Adaptive procedures were used to determine psychometric functions for loudness discomfort level (LDL) and most comfortable loudness (MCL) for pure tones and speech using normal and hearing-impaired listeners. For the LDL, both groups demonstrated steeply rising functions with the 50% point at approximately 100 dB SPL. The MCL data resulted in two functions, one (Function A) differentiating MCL from less intense stimulus levels and the second (Function B) differentiating between MCL and more intense levels. Function A may be considered a lower bound and Function B an upper bound for MCL. For the normal listeners, the difference between the functions at 50% response ranged from 9.9 to 19.9 dB depending upon the experimental condition. For the hearing-impaired subjects, this range was restricted to approximately 4.5 dB, primarily as a result of a shift in Function A toward higher sound pressure levels.", "contents": "Psychometric functions for loudness discomfort and most comfortable loudness levels. Adaptive procedures were used to determine psychometric functions for loudness discomfort level (LDL) and most comfortable loudness (MCL) for pure tones and speech using normal and hearing-impaired listeners. For the LDL, both groups demonstrated steeply rising functions with the 50% point at approximately 100 dB SPL. The MCL data resulted in two functions, one (Function A) differentiating MCL from less intense stimulus levels and the second (Function B) differentiating between MCL and more intense levels. Function A may be considered a lower bound and Function B an upper bound for MCL. For the normal listeners, the difference between the functions at 50% response ranged from 9.9 to 19.9 dB depending upon the experimental condition. For the hearing-impaired subjects, this range was restricted to approximately 4.5 dB, primarily as a result of a shift in Function A toward higher sound pressure levels.", "PMID": 1003944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9792", "title": "Information processing of visually presented picture and word stimuli by young hearing-impaired and normal-hearing children.", "content": "Eleven hearing-impaired children and 11 normal-hearing children (mean = four years 11 months) were visually presented familiar items in either picture or word form. Subjects were asked to recognize the stimuli they had seen from cue cards consisting of pictures or words. They were then asked to recall the sequence of stimuli by arranging the cue cards selected. The hearing-impaired group and normal-hearing subjects performed differently with the picture/picture (P/P) and word/word (W/W) modes in the recognition phase. The hearing impaired performed equally well with both modes (P/P and W/W), while the normal hearing did significantly better on the P/P mode. Furthermore, the normal-hearing group showed no difference in processing like modes (P/P and W/W) when compared to unlike modes (W/P and P/W). In contrast, the hearing-impaired subjects did better on like modes. The results were interpreted, in part, as supporting the position that young normal-hearing children dual code their visual information better than hearing-impaired children.", "contents": "Information processing of visually presented picture and word stimuli by young hearing-impaired and normal-hearing children. Eleven hearing-impaired children and 11 normal-hearing children (mean = four years 11 months) were visually presented familiar items in either picture or word form. Subjects were asked to recognize the stimuli they had seen from cue cards consisting of pictures or words. They were then asked to recall the sequence of stimuli by arranging the cue cards selected. The hearing-impaired group and normal-hearing subjects performed differently with the picture/picture (P/P) and word/word (W/W) modes in the recognition phase. The hearing impaired performed equally well with both modes (P/P and W/W), while the normal hearing did significantly better on the P/P mode. Furthermore, the normal-hearing group showed no difference in processing like modes (P/P and W/W) when compared to unlike modes (W/P and P/W). In contrast, the hearing-impaired subjects did better on like modes. The results were interpreted, in part, as supporting the position that young normal-hearing children dual code their visual information better than hearing-impaired children.", "PMID": 1003945} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9793", "title": "Stuttering and sentence length.", "content": "The purpose of this study was to determine whether sentence length influences the frequency of stuttering. Fourteen stutterers read, in random order, 20 long and 20 short sentences. The long sentences were constructed by means of additions to the short ones: for example, She learned to swim and She learned to swim in the clear water of the lake. Only the words that the pairs of sentences had in common were compared for occurrence of stuttering. Significantly more stuttering was found on the same words when they served as the initial segments of long sentences than when they stood alone as short sentences. The results seem to give evidence of the role of motor planning, or anticipated motor complexity in stuttering.", "contents": "Stuttering and sentence length. The purpose of this study was to determine whether sentence length influences the frequency of stuttering. Fourteen stutterers read, in random order, 20 long and 20 short sentences. The long sentences were constructed by means of additions to the short ones: for example, She learned to swim and She learned to swim in the clear water of the lake. Only the words that the pairs of sentences had in common were compared for occurrence of stuttering. Significantly more stuttering was found on the same words when they served as the initial segments of long sentences than when they stood alone as short sentences. The results seem to give evidence of the role of motor planning, or anticipated motor complexity in stuttering.", "PMID": 1003946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9794", "title": "Imitative modeling as a theoretical base for instructing language-disordered children.", "content": "A modification of Bandura's social learning theory (imitative modeling) was employed as a theoretical base for language instruction. This approach was experimentally compared to an alternative technique which required the subject to literally match each stimulus statement made by che clinician (mimicry). The results support the prediction that modeling is more effective in teaching the subject the appropriate grammatical rule, which he or she initially lacked. Moreover, subjects in the modeling condition exhibited both greater retention of the rule and a more successful generalization of it to novel contexts. The results are explained in terms of an \"interference hypothesis,\" which suggests that a client's overt verbalization may interfere with the cognitive processing necessary to learn an abstract language rule.", "contents": "Imitative modeling as a theoretical base for instructing language-disordered children. A modification of Bandura's social learning theory (imitative modeling) was employed as a theoretical base for language instruction. This approach was experimentally compared to an alternative technique which required the subject to literally match each stimulus statement made by che clinician (mimicry). The results support the prediction that modeling is more effective in teaching the subject the appropriate grammatical rule, which he or she initially lacked. Moreover, subjects in the modeling condition exhibited both greater retention of the rule and a more successful generalization of it to novel contexts. The results are explained in terms of an \"interference hypothesis,\" which suggests that a client's overt verbalization may interfere with the cognitive processing necessary to learn an abstract language rule.", "PMID": 1003947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9795", "title": "Divergent semantic behavior in aphasia.", "content": "The purpose of the present study was to examine the divergent semantic behaviors of 30 persons with aphasia in comparison to these same behaviors in a group of 30 normal individuals. Specifically, this study examined fluency or the number of ideas produced, flexibility or the variety of ideas produced, and communality within each subject group and between the two groups. Results support the existence of the divergent mental operation and indicate that persons with aphasia are impaired in their ability to generate semantic responses under this operation. Therefore, speech pathologists may wish to include divergent tasks in their evaluation procedures and plan therapy directed toward the retrieval of divergent responses.", "contents": "Divergent semantic behavior in aphasia. The purpose of the present study was to examine the divergent semantic behaviors of 30 persons with aphasia in comparison to these same behaviors in a group of 30 normal individuals. Specifically, this study examined fluency or the number of ideas produced, flexibility or the variety of ideas produced, and communality within each subject group and between the two groups. Results support the existence of the divergent mental operation and indicate that persons with aphasia are impaired in their ability to generate semantic responses under this operation. Therefore, speech pathologists may wish to include divergent tasks in their evaluation procedures and plan therapy directed toward the retrieval of divergent responses.", "PMID": 1003948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9796", "title": "Vowel duration characteristics of esophageal speech.", "content": "The duration of a large number of representative vowels produced by 10 esophageal and nine normal speakers were measured. Overall vowel durations of esophageal speakers were consistently longer than those of normal speakers, indicating that esophageal speakers do not compensate for their striking diminution in air supply for speech by decreasing vowel duration. The differences in the vowel duration characteristics between normal and esophageal speakers were observed to vary systematically as a function of the voicing features of their consonant environments. Specifically, the durations of vowels of esophageal speakers spoken within voiceless consonant environments were consistently longer than those spoken in similar contexts by normal speakers. There were no significant differences between the average durations of vowels spoken by normal and exophageal speakers within voiced consonant speakers differed significantly as a function of the voicing features of their consonant context was interpreted to support the belief that inherent, rule-governed durational features of English are retained following laryngeal amputation.", "contents": "Vowel duration characteristics of esophageal speech. The duration of a large number of representative vowels produced by 10 esophageal and nine normal speakers were measured. Overall vowel durations of esophageal speakers were consistently longer than those of normal speakers, indicating that esophageal speakers do not compensate for their striking diminution in air supply for speech by decreasing vowel duration. The differences in the vowel duration characteristics between normal and esophageal speakers were observed to vary systematically as a function of the voicing features of their consonant environments. Specifically, the durations of vowels of esophageal speakers spoken within voiceless consonant environments were consistently longer than those spoken in similar contexts by normal speakers. There were no significant differences between the average durations of vowels spoken by normal and exophageal speakers within voiced consonant speakers differed significantly as a function of the voicing features of their consonant context was interpreted to support the belief that inherent, rule-governed durational features of English are retained following laryngeal amputation.", "PMID": 1003949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9797", "title": "Recognition of verbal labels of pictured objects and events by 17- to 30-month-old infants.", "content": "A technique for efficiently presenting a large number of vocabulary items was developed for the testing of vocabulary comprehension in children younger than two years. The technique, incorporating slides of real objects, had the advantages of maintaining the child's attention, motivating task continuation, and overcoming the extraneous contextual cues of test materials. The subjects were 106 children aged 17 to 30 months from a wide range of social status groups, and from both English and Spanish language families. Results indicated significant stability over time as well as a significant relationship to maternal report. Analysis of errors suggested that comprehension develops similarly to production, in that simple nouns were the easiest items, verbs were more difficult, and modifiers and locatives were the most difficult. There were no significant main effects of sex or social status. However, specific environmental variables such as parental attitudes and playmate patterns were significantly correlated with test performance. More flexible family control systems and more interaction with peers were both associated with better vocabulary comprehension in first born children.", "contents": "Recognition of verbal labels of pictured objects and events by 17- to 30-month-old infants. A technique for efficiently presenting a large number of vocabulary items was developed for the testing of vocabulary comprehension in children younger than two years. The technique, incorporating slides of real objects, had the advantages of maintaining the child's attention, motivating task continuation, and overcoming the extraneous contextual cues of test materials. The subjects were 106 children aged 17 to 30 months from a wide range of social status groups, and from both English and Spanish language families. Results indicated significant stability over time as well as a significant relationship to maternal report. Analysis of errors suggested that comprehension develops similarly to production, in that simple nouns were the easiest items, verbs were more difficult, and modifiers and locatives were the most difficult. There were no significant main effects of sex or social status. However, specific environmental variables such as parental attitudes and playmate patterns were significantly correlated with test performance. More flexible family control systems and more interaction with peers were both associated with better vocabulary comprehension in first born children.", "PMID": 1003950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9798", "title": "The function of imitation in child language.", "content": "The use and function of imitation were examined for seven children in the early syntactic period of language acquisition. The use of imitation was determined by the percent of syntactic imitation out of total syntactic output. Based on this measure, the children were divided according to whether they used imitations minimally, moderately, or extensively. The function of imitative repertoires was investigated by examining the lexical, syntactic, semantic, and communicative-interactional aspects of language as they were reflected in imitation. The analyses revealed that degree of imitation interacted with function of imitation in the acquisition process. Management implications are discussed.", "contents": "The function of imitation in child language. The use and function of imitation were examined for seven children in the early syntactic period of language acquisition. The use of imitation was determined by the percent of syntactic imitation out of total syntactic output. Based on this measure, the children were divided according to whether they used imitations minimally, moderately, or extensively. The function of imitative repertoires was investigated by examining the lexical, syntactic, semantic, and communicative-interactional aspects of language as they were reflected in imitation. The analyses revealed that degree of imitation interacted with function of imitation in the acquisition process. Management implications are discussed.", "PMID": 1003951} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9799", "title": "Consonant confusions in patients with sensorineural hearing loss.", "content": "Consonant confusion matrices were obtained from 22 outpatient listeners with sensorineural hearing loss for four sets of CV and VC nonsense syllables, presented monaurally at SRT + 40 DB. Testing was typically conducted for six hours on each of two separate days. Overall performance and patterns of confusions were stable over time. Analysis of the matrices in terms of phonological features indicated that the patterns of consonant confusions varied both with degree and configuration of the subject's loss. Scaling of intersubject similarity using a pairwise multidimensional scaling analysis resulted in consistent classification of subjects according to audiometric configuration into three groups-essentially normal hearing, flat or rising audiograms, and high-frequency hearing losses.", "contents": "Consonant confusions in patients with sensorineural hearing loss. Consonant confusion matrices were obtained from 22 outpatient listeners with sensorineural hearing loss for four sets of CV and VC nonsense syllables, presented monaurally at SRT + 40 DB. Testing was typically conducted for six hours on each of two separate days. Overall performance and patterns of confusions were stable over time. Analysis of the matrices in terms of phonological features indicated that the patterns of consonant confusions varied both with degree and configuration of the subject's loss. Scaling of intersubject similarity using a pairwise multidimensional scaling analysis resulted in consistent classification of subjects according to audiometric configuration into three groups-essentially normal hearing, flat or rising audiograms, and high-frequency hearing losses.", "PMID": 1003952} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9800", "title": "Time-intensity trade for speech: a temporal speech-Stenger effect.", "content": "Time-intensity trade for selected spondaically stressed words was investigated using a centering method for interaural time delays of 0.00, 1.00, 2.00, 2.25, 2.50, and 2.75 msec at five levels of presentation: 0-, 25-, 40-, 55-, AND 70-DB HL (ANSI, 1969). Lateralization effects increased with level of presentation, with a maximum lateralization effect of between 22 and 30 dB occuring with an interaural time delay of 2.25 msec. Multiple images were perceived by all subjects with an interaural time delay of 2.75 msec and by some subjects with an interaural time delay of 2.50 msec at high levels of presentation. No \"ear effect\" was observed for any of the listeners. A potential clinical application is discussed for this temporal speech-Stenger effect.", "contents": "Time-intensity trade for speech: a temporal speech-Stenger effect. Time-intensity trade for selected spondaically stressed words was investigated using a centering method for interaural time delays of 0.00, 1.00, 2.00, 2.25, 2.50, and 2.75 msec at five levels of presentation: 0-, 25-, 40-, 55-, AND 70-DB HL (ANSI, 1969). Lateralization effects increased with level of presentation, with a maximum lateralization effect of between 22 and 30 dB occuring with an interaural time delay of 2.25 msec. Multiple images were perceived by all subjects with an interaural time delay of 2.75 msec and by some subjects with an interaural time delay of 2.50 msec at high levels of presentation. No \"ear effect\" was observed for any of the listeners. A potential clinical application is discussed for this temporal speech-Stenger effect.", "PMID": 1003953} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9801", "title": "Normal and retarded children's understanding of semantic relations in different verbal contexts.", "content": "The effect of different semantic relations presented in different verbal contexts to language retarded and normal children at the one-and two-word stage of development was studied. No significant difference was found between the performance of mentally retarded language-disordered and normal children on the verbal comprehension task. Both groups of children performed best on the possessive, next on the agent-object, then actor-action, and poorest on the locative relations. Finally, nonsense, telegraphic, and expanded contexts did make a difference in the children's understandings with expanded being the best, telegraphic next, and nonsense contexts poorest. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.", "contents": "Normal and retarded children's understanding of semantic relations in different verbal contexts. The effect of different semantic relations presented in different verbal contexts to language retarded and normal children at the one-and two-word stage of development was studied. No significant difference was found between the performance of mentally retarded language-disordered and normal children on the verbal comprehension task. Both groups of children performed best on the possessive, next on the agent-object, then actor-action, and poorest on the locative relations. Finally, nonsense, telegraphic, and expanded contexts did make a difference in the children's understandings with expanded being the best, telegraphic next, and nonsense contexts poorest. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.", "PMID": 1003954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9802", "title": "Auditory assembly abilities of stuttering and nonstuttering children.", "content": "The auditory assembly abilities of 30 stuttering and 30 nonstuttering children were investigated. Subjects were first- through fourth-grade children matched for age, grade level, sex, and misarticulations. They were individually presented four tape-recorded lists of both meaningful and nonmeaningful CVC syllables with one of four silent interphonemic intervals (100, 200, 300, or 400 msec) spliced between the phonemes of each syllable. There was no significant overall difference between the performance of the stuttering and the nonstuttering children. The results failed to support the findings of previous investigations which have suggested that stutterers are less adept than nonstutterers in the performance of auditory processing tasks.", "contents": "Auditory assembly abilities of stuttering and nonstuttering children. The auditory assembly abilities of 30 stuttering and 30 nonstuttering children were investigated. Subjects were first- through fourth-grade children matched for age, grade level, sex, and misarticulations. They were individually presented four tape-recorded lists of both meaningful and nonmeaningful CVC syllables with one of four silent interphonemic intervals (100, 200, 300, or 400 msec) spliced between the phonemes of each syllable. There was no significant overall difference between the performance of the stuttering and the nonstuttering children. The results failed to support the findings of previous investigations which have suggested that stutterers are less adept than nonstutterers in the performance of auditory processing tasks.", "PMID": 1003955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9803", "title": "Semantic relations used by normal and language-impaired children at stage I.", "content": "Two-word utterances of four language-impaired children at Brown's Stage I level of linguistic development were compared with two-word utterances of four young normal children at the same linguistic level to determine any differences between the two groups in the use of a set of 10 basic semantic relations. Type-token ratios for each semantic relation were used to compare use of semantic relations between groups. A significant difference was obtained for only one relation, with the language-impaired group demonstrating greater diversity in the use of the introducer + entity relation than the normal group. The findings indicated that at Stage I level of linguistic development, the language-impaired children demonstrated a linguistic system no different than the system of normal Stage I children. The findings are discussed relative to possible cognitive and linguistic strategies involved in language acquisition. It is suggested that some language-impaired children rather than being deficient in their ability to understand and code the basic semantic relations demonstrate a deficit in the higher, more complex aspects of the linguistic coding system.", "contents": "Semantic relations used by normal and language-impaired children at stage I. Two-word utterances of four language-impaired children at Brown's Stage I level of linguistic development were compared with two-word utterances of four young normal children at the same linguistic level to determine any differences between the two groups in the use of a set of 10 basic semantic relations. Type-token ratios for each semantic relation were used to compare use of semantic relations between groups. A significant difference was obtained for only one relation, with the language-impaired group demonstrating greater diversity in the use of the introducer + entity relation than the normal group. The findings indicated that at Stage I level of linguistic development, the language-impaired children demonstrated a linguistic system no different than the system of normal Stage I children. The findings are discussed relative to possible cognitive and linguistic strategies involved in language acquisition. It is suggested that some language-impaired children rather than being deficient in their ability to understand and code the basic semantic relations demonstrate a deficit in the higher, more complex aspects of the linguistic coding system.", "PMID": 1003956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9804", "title": "Perceptual dimensions underlying vowellipreading performance.", "content": "This study was concerned with the extraction, description, and verification of visual perceptual features underlying vowel lipreading performance. Ten viewers with normal hearing rated the visual similarity of pairs of 15 vowels and diphthongs presented in an /h-g/ context by four speakers. Multidimensional scaling techniques were used to extract potential perceptual features which were then labeled by the experimenters. The resulting perceptual dimensions were correlated with physical measurements of lip shape to evaluate the adequacy of the feature labels. The results indicated that the traditional extended-rounded vowel feature and a vertical lip separation feature were the characteristics most prominent in judging ths stimuli. In addition, a feature related to overall area of maximum lip opening and two features unique to diphthong perception were tentatively identified.", "contents": "Perceptual dimensions underlying vowellipreading performance. This study was concerned with the extraction, description, and verification of visual perceptual features underlying vowel lipreading performance. Ten viewers with normal hearing rated the visual similarity of pairs of 15 vowels and diphthongs presented in an /h-g/ context by four speakers. Multidimensional scaling techniques were used to extract potential perceptual features which were then labeled by the experimenters. The resulting perceptual dimensions were correlated with physical measurements of lip shape to evaluate the adequacy of the feature labels. The results indicated that the traditional extended-rounded vowel feature and a vertical lip separation feature were the characteristics most prominent in judging ths stimuli. In addition, a feature related to overall area of maximum lip opening and two features unique to diphthong perception were tentatively identified.", "PMID": 1003957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9805", "title": "Word frequency and stuttering: the relationship to sentence structure.", "content": "This experiment was designed to determine the relationship between word-frequency level and stuttering within the context of three selected sentence types: simple-active-affirmative-declarative, negative, and passive. Sixteen adult stutterers, rated into three groups of mild, moderate, and severe, read aloud 36 test sentences which were controlled for other linguistic factors known to affect stuttering. The results indicated that when the group rating was severe and the sentence type was either simple-active-affirmative-declarative or negative, stuttering increased significantly as word-frequency level decreased; no relationship was discerned between stuttering and word-frequency level within the passive sentence structure. It is suggested that stuttering in relation to word-frequency level is a differential response that is subject to variables of sentence type and severity rating of stuttering.", "contents": "Word frequency and stuttering: the relationship to sentence structure. This experiment was designed to determine the relationship between word-frequency level and stuttering within the context of three selected sentence types: simple-active-affirmative-declarative, negative, and passive. Sixteen adult stutterers, rated into three groups of mild, moderate, and severe, read aloud 36 test sentences which were controlled for other linguistic factors known to affect stuttering. The results indicated that when the group rating was severe and the sentence type was either simple-active-affirmative-declarative or negative, stuttering increased significantly as word-frequency level decreased; no relationship was discerned between stuttering and word-frequency level within the passive sentence structure. It is suggested that stuttering in relation to word-frequency level is a differential response that is subject to variables of sentence type and severity rating of stuttering.", "PMID": 1003958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9806", "title": "Trapping at low temperature of oriented chloroplasts: application to the study of antenna pigments and of the trap of photosystem-1.", "content": "A technique is described for the preparation of oriented samples from spinach chloroplasts whose linear dichroism is then studied by (flash) absorption spectroscopy. The chloroplasts are suspended in a glycerol-containing medium, oriented in a magnetic field, and slowly cooled in the magnet until the medium is rigid enough to avoid disorientation effects. The absorption spectra in polarized light have been measured at -50 degrees and -170 degrees C. They allow the orientation of chlorophyll b to be resolved, and the red transition moment is found to be tilted out of the membrane plane. A study of the flash-induced absorption changes linked to Photosystem-1 activity reveals a progressive evolution of the difference spectra and of the linear dichroism with decreasing temperatures. At -170 degrees C, the difference spectrum of P700 in the red is well resolved. All transition moments are found to be largely parallel to the membrane plane. The potential use of the technique for other experiments by differential absorption spectroscopy and by EPR techniques is discussed.", "contents": "Trapping at low temperature of oriented chloroplasts: application to the study of antenna pigments and of the trap of photosystem-1. A technique is described for the preparation of oriented samples from spinach chloroplasts whose linear dichroism is then studied by (flash) absorption spectroscopy. The chloroplasts are suspended in a glycerol-containing medium, oriented in a magnetic field, and slowly cooled in the magnet until the medium is rigid enough to avoid disorientation effects. The absorption spectra in polarized light have been measured at -50 degrees and -170 degrees C. They allow the orientation of chlorophyll b to be resolved, and the red transition moment is found to be tilted out of the membrane plane. A study of the flash-induced absorption changes linked to Photosystem-1 activity reveals a progressive evolution of the difference spectra and of the linear dichroism with decreasing temperatures. At -170 degrees C, the difference spectrum of P700 in the red is well resolved. All transition moments are found to be largely parallel to the membrane plane. The potential use of the technique for other experiments by differential absorption spectroscopy and by EPR techniques is discussed.", "PMID": 1003967} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9807", "title": "Sarcomas routinely produced from putatively nontumorigenic Balb/3T3 and C3H/10T1/2 cells by subcutaneous inoculation attached to plastic platelets.", "content": "The Balb/3T3 and C3H/10T1/2 lines, noted for their marked postconfluence inhibition of proliferation and anchorage dependence, and frequently studied as non-tumorigenic lines that are compared with tumorigenic sublines transformed with various agents, produced tumors within two to four months at low-cell dosage (3 X 10(4) cells) when implanted subcutaneously attached to 1 X 5 X 10 mm polycarbonate platelets. Platelets alone did not produce tumors. The cultured Balb/3T3 tumor cells showed loss of both postconfluence inhibition of proliferation and anchorage dependence. Tumors arising from attached Balb/3T3 cells in (BALB/c X C57B1/6)F1 hybrids were shown to be transplantable to BALB/c but not to C57B1/6 mice, proving that the tumors were derived from Balb/3T3 and not from host cells. The tumors exhibited unique transplantation rejection antigens that did not cross-react with each other. Scanning electronmicroscopy of Balb/3T3 cells and derived tumor cells on Teflon substrates (on which only the tumor cells and not the parent Balb/3T3 cells could grow) revealed that the two cell types were remarkably similar in appearance, except that the tumor cells were larger and showed many more microvilli that tended to concentrate over the nucleus. We conclude that Balb/3T3 cells and C3H/10T1/2 cells are preneoplastic and give rise to spontaneously transformed clones when implanted in vivo attached to a solid substrate.", "contents": "Sarcomas routinely produced from putatively nontumorigenic Balb/3T3 and C3H/10T1/2 cells by subcutaneous inoculation attached to plastic platelets. The Balb/3T3 and C3H/10T1/2 lines, noted for their marked postconfluence inhibition of proliferation and anchorage dependence, and frequently studied as non-tumorigenic lines that are compared with tumorigenic sublines transformed with various agents, produced tumors within two to four months at low-cell dosage (3 X 10(4) cells) when implanted subcutaneously attached to 1 X 5 X 10 mm polycarbonate platelets. Platelets alone did not produce tumors. The cultured Balb/3T3 tumor cells showed loss of both postconfluence inhibition of proliferation and anchorage dependence. Tumors arising from attached Balb/3T3 cells in (BALB/c X C57B1/6)F1 hybrids were shown to be transplantable to BALB/c but not to C57B1/6 mice, proving that the tumors were derived from Balb/3T3 and not from host cells. The tumors exhibited unique transplantation rejection antigens that did not cross-react with each other. Scanning electronmicroscopy of Balb/3T3 cells and derived tumor cells on Teflon substrates (on which only the tumor cells and not the parent Balb/3T3 cells could grow) revealed that the two cell types were remarkably similar in appearance, except that the tumor cells were larger and showed many more microvilli that tended to concentrate over the nucleus. We conclude that Balb/3T3 cells and C3H/10T1/2 cells are preneoplastic and give rise to spontaneously transformed clones when implanted in vivo attached to a solid substrate.", "PMID": 1003968} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9808", "title": "Fine structural localization of Concanavalin A binding sites on hamster spermatozoa.", "content": "The plasma membrane of epididymal spermatozoa of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) exhibits morphological differences over various parts of the head and tail as detected by air-dried replicas and freeze-etching techniques. In an attempt to ascertain whether any topographical differences exist in the number or distribution of carbohydrate moieties associated with the cell surface, cells were labeled with Concanavalin A and marked with hemocyanin. It was found that while the plasma membrane over the acrosomal region differed from that of the postacrosomal region in membrane components revealed by freeze fracturing, there was no apparent difference in the distribution or density of Con A binding sites detectable by hemocyanin localization. The tail regions exhibited differences in both fracture face appearance and the distribution of detectable carbohydrate moieties. It was also found that binding sites for Concanavalin A exist on the inner and outer acrosomal membranes in addition to those on the plasma membrane.", "contents": "Fine structural localization of Concanavalin A binding sites on hamster spermatozoa. The plasma membrane of epididymal spermatozoa of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) exhibits morphological differences over various parts of the head and tail as detected by air-dried replicas and freeze-etching techniques. In an attempt to ascertain whether any topographical differences exist in the number or distribution of carbohydrate moieties associated with the cell surface, cells were labeled with Concanavalin A and marked with hemocyanin. It was found that while the plasma membrane over the acrosomal region differed from that of the postacrosomal region in membrane components revealed by freeze fracturing, there was no apparent difference in the distribution or density of Con A binding sites detectable by hemocyanin localization. The tail regions exhibited differences in both fracture face appearance and the distribution of detectable carbohydrate moieties. It was also found that binding sites for Concanavalin A exist on the inner and outer acrosomal membranes in addition to those on the plasma membrane.", "PMID": 1003969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9809", "title": "Molecular composition and origin of substrate-attached material from normal and virus-transformed cells.", "content": "The proteins and polysaccharides which are left adherent to the tissue culture substrate after EGTA-mediated removal of normal, virus-transformed, and revertant mouse cells (so-called SAM, or substrate-attached material), and which have been implicated in the cell-substrate adhesion process, have been characterized by SDS-PAGE and other types of analyses under various conditions of cell growth and attachment. The following components have been identified in SAM: 3 size classes of hyaluronate proteoglycans; glycoprotein Co (the LETS glycoprotein); protein Ca (a myosin-like protein); protein Cb(MW 85,000); protein C1 (MW 56,000, which is apparently not tubulin); protein C2 (actin); proteins C3-C5 (histones) which are artifactually bound to the substrate as a result of EGTA-mediated leaching from the cell; and proteins Cc, Cd, Ce, and Cf. The LETS glycoprotein (Co) and Cd appear in newly-synthesized SAM (which is probably enriched in \"footpad\" material--\"footpads\" being focal areas of subsurface membraneous contact with the substrate in greater relative quantities than in the SAM accumulated over a long period of time (which is probably enriched in \"footprint\" material--remnants of footpads left behind as cells move across the substrate). CO and Cd turn over very rapidly following short radiolabeling periods during chase analysis. The SAM's deposited during a wide variety of cellular attachment and growth conditions contained the same components in similar relative proportions. This may indicate well-controlled and coordinate deposition of a cell \"surface\" complex involving the hyaluronate proteoglycans, the LETS glycoprotein, actin-containing microfilaments with associated proteins, and a limited number of additional proteins in the substrate adhesion site. Evidence indicates that SAM is the remnant of \"footpad\" vesicles by which the cell adheres to the substrate and that EGTA treatment weakens the subsurface cytoskeleton, allowing these footpad vesicles to be pinched off from the rest of the cell. Three different models of cell-substrate adhesion are presented and discussed.", "contents": "Molecular composition and origin of substrate-attached material from normal and virus-transformed cells. The proteins and polysaccharides which are left adherent to the tissue culture substrate after EGTA-mediated removal of normal, virus-transformed, and revertant mouse cells (so-called SAM, or substrate-attached material), and which have been implicated in the cell-substrate adhesion process, have been characterized by SDS-PAGE and other types of analyses under various conditions of cell growth and attachment. The following components have been identified in SAM: 3 size classes of hyaluronate proteoglycans; glycoprotein Co (the LETS glycoprotein); protein Ca (a myosin-like protein); protein Cb(MW 85,000); protein C1 (MW 56,000, which is apparently not tubulin); protein C2 (actin); proteins C3-C5 (histones) which are artifactually bound to the substrate as a result of EGTA-mediated leaching from the cell; and proteins Cc, Cd, Ce, and Cf. The LETS glycoprotein (Co) and Cd appear in newly-synthesized SAM (which is probably enriched in \"footpad\" material--\"footpads\" being focal areas of subsurface membraneous contact with the substrate in greater relative quantities than in the SAM accumulated over a long period of time (which is probably enriched in \"footprint\" material--remnants of footpads left behind as cells move across the substrate). CO and Cd turn over very rapidly following short radiolabeling periods during chase analysis. The SAM's deposited during a wide variety of cellular attachment and growth conditions contained the same components in similar relative proportions. This may indicate well-controlled and coordinate deposition of a cell \"surface\" complex involving the hyaluronate proteoglycans, the LETS glycoprotein, actin-containing microfilaments with associated proteins, and a limited number of additional proteins in the substrate adhesion site. Evidence indicates that SAM is the remnant of \"footpad\" vesicles by which the cell adheres to the substrate and that EGTA treatment weakens the subsurface cytoskeleton, allowing these footpad vesicles to be pinched off from the rest of the cell. Three different models of cell-substrate adhesion are presented and discussed.", "PMID": 1003970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9810", "title": "Drinking patterns of pigtailed macaques.", "content": "Three factors contributed to the drinking patterns of pigtailed macaques: sex, dominance position and propensity to drink liquids.", "contents": "Drinking patterns of pigtailed macaques. Three factors contributed to the drinking patterns of pigtailed macaques: sex, dominance position and propensity to drink liquids.", "PMID": 1003971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9811", "title": "Audiogenic seizures in mice whose parents drank alcohol.", "content": "C57 and DBA mice whose parents had been fed alcohol were more susceptible to audiogenic seizures and had a shorter latency to seizure than either pair-fed or normally fed controls.", "contents": "Audiogenic seizures in mice whose parents drank alcohol. C57 and DBA mice whose parents had been fed alcohol were more susceptible to audiogenic seizures and had a shorter latency to seizure than either pair-fed or normally fed controls.", "PMID": 1003972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9812", "title": "Coding and vigilance under alcohol.", "content": "Over four alcohol test sessions, social drinkers' performance on a coding task gradually improved, but vigilance remained unchanged.", "contents": "Coding and vigilance under alcohol. Over four alcohol test sessions, social drinkers' performance on a coding task gradually improved, but vigilance remained unchanged.", "PMID": 1003973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9813", "title": "Perceptual compensations for the effects of alcohol.", "content": "When confronted with conflicting spatial information from their visual-auditory systems, subjects compensated for the effects of alcohol by attenuating visual information when locating the source of a sound.", "contents": "Perceptual compensations for the effects of alcohol. When confronted with conflicting spatial information from their visual-auditory systems, subjects compensated for the effects of alcohol by attenuating visual information when locating the source of a sound.", "PMID": 1003974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9814", "title": "Psychological disturbances in spouses of alcoholics. An empirical assessment.", "content": "The spouses of hospitalized alcoholics scored within the normal range on Lanyon's Psychological Screening Inventory; on two of three scales their scores were not significantly different from those of a normative sample.", "contents": "Psychological disturbances in spouses of alcoholics. An empirical assessment. The spouses of hospitalized alcoholics scored within the normal range on Lanyon's Psychological Screening Inventory; on two of three scales their scores were not significantly different from those of a normative sample.", "PMID": 1003975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9815", "title": "The MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale as a general measure of substance misuse.", "content": "On the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale alcoholics, heroin addicts and polydrug users obtained similar scores which were significantly higher than those of matched control groups of psychiatric patients.", "contents": "The MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale as a general measure of substance misuse. On the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale alcoholics, heroin addicts and polydrug users obtained similar scores which were significantly higher than those of matched control groups of psychiatric patients.", "PMID": 1003976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9816", "title": "Verbal and nonverbal marital interaction patterns of alcoholics and nonalcoholics.", "content": "In a study of the interaction of hospitalized alcoholic and nonalcoholic husbands and their wives, husbands tended to speak more during alcohol-related conversations, while wives spoke more when discussing other topics. Wives in both groups looked at their spouses more than their husbands did during alcohol-focused periods.", "contents": "Verbal and nonverbal marital interaction patterns of alcoholics and nonalcoholics. In a study of the interaction of hospitalized alcoholic and nonalcoholic husbands and their wives, husbands tended to speak more during alcohol-related conversations, while wives spoke more when discussing other topics. Wives in both groups looked at their spouses more than their husbands did during alcohol-focused periods.", "PMID": 1003977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9817", "title": "Alcoholics' perception of leisure.", "content": "The attitudes of alcoholics and a norm group toward leisure were compared. The alcoholics differed from the norm consistently in seeing themselves as having more leisure than they wanted, in being more work-oriented, in preferring highly structured free time, and in viewing leisure negatively.", "contents": "Alcoholics' perception of leisure. The attitudes of alcoholics and a norm group toward leisure were compared. The alcoholics differed from the norm consistently in seeing themselves as having more leisure than they wanted, in being more work-oriented, in preferring highly structured free time, and in viewing leisure negatively.", "PMID": 1003978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9818", "title": "Alcoholism and the Rorschach test.", "content": "A review of studies in which the Rorschach Test was administered to alcoholics, and of studies of the effects of experimental intoxication upon Rorschach performances, reveals recurrent attempts to elucidate alcoholic \"signs\" and characteristic alcoholic perceptual style.", "contents": "Alcoholism and the Rorschach test. A review of studies in which the Rorschach Test was administered to alcoholics, and of studies of the effects of experimental intoxication upon Rorschach performances, reveals recurrent attempts to elucidate alcoholic \"signs\" and characteristic alcoholic perceptual style.", "PMID": 1003979} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9819", "title": "Differences between alcoholics who complete or withdraw from treatment.", "content": "Significant differences on the Lie scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale and the number of favorable attitudes toward drinking were found between alcoholics who completed or withdrew from a hospital treatment program.", "contents": "Differences between alcoholics who complete or withdraw from treatment. Significant differences on the Lie scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale and the number of favorable attitudes toward drinking were found between alcoholics who completed or withdrew from a hospital treatment program.", "PMID": 1003980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9820", "title": "Alcohol intoxication and drug use among teen-agers.", "content": "A survey of 1715 junior and senior high-school students found that students who reported being intoxicated during the school year were more likely to report using marihuana, amphetamines, lysergide and other drugs than those who did not report being intoxicated.", "contents": "Alcohol intoxication and drug use among teen-agers. A survey of 1715 junior and senior high-school students found that students who reported being intoxicated during the school year were more likely to report using marihuana, amphetamines, lysergide and other drugs than those who did not report being intoxicated.", "PMID": 1003981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9821", "title": "Family history as a predictor of alcoholism in U.S. navy personnel.", "content": "Alcohol consumption, drinking patterns, alcohol-related problems and family histories were compared among Navy men upon reenlistment. Nonalcoholics with family histories of alcohol problems resembled alcoholics on a number of factors including high rates of minor alcohol problems.", "contents": "Family history as a predictor of alcoholism in U.S. navy personnel. Alcohol consumption, drinking patterns, alcohol-related problems and family histories were compared among Navy men upon reenlistment. Nonalcoholics with family histories of alcohol problems resembled alcoholics on a number of factors including high rates of minor alcohol problems.", "PMID": 1003982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9822", "title": "Physicians and alcoholics. Modifying behavior and attitudes of family-practice residents.", "content": "On completion of an alcoholism education course, family-practice residents exhibited significant cognitive and affective learning as evidenced by increases in factual knowledge about alcoholism and improved attitudes toward alcoholic patients. Diagnostic patterns were also improved.", "contents": "Physicians and alcoholics. Modifying behavior and attitudes of family-practice residents. On completion of an alcoholism education course, family-practice residents exhibited significant cognitive and affective learning as evidenced by increases in factual knowledge about alcoholism and improved attitudes toward alcoholic patients. Diagnostic patterns were also improved.", "PMID": 1003983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9823", "title": "Evaluation of driving-while-intoxicated programs; some methodological considerations.", "content": "Some methodological problems encountered in evaluating the effectiveness of driving-while-intoxicated programs are discussed.", "contents": "Evaluation of driving-while-intoxicated programs; some methodological considerations. Some methodological problems encountered in evaluating the effectiveness of driving-while-intoxicated programs are discussed.", "PMID": 1003984} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9824", "title": "[Influence of the kind of anesthesia and length of hospitalization on the frequency of early complications of abortion].", "content": "A case-control study of the safety of early vacuum aspiration, when performed as an outpatient/inpatient procedure in local/general anaesthesia was undertaken in Ljubljana. Three thousand and four healthy women were observed. General anaesthesia was applied to 1509 women and local to 1495 women. The inpatient procedure required at least overnight stay, the outpatient one only five hours. No differences in complication rates of any clinical importance between the different types of services and anaesthesia were observed. The overnight stay resulted in no decrease in complications but in an even greater bed occupancy beyond that expected.", "contents": "[Influence of the kind of anesthesia and length of hospitalization on the frequency of early complications of abortion]. A case-control study of the safety of early vacuum aspiration, when performed as an outpatient/inpatient procedure in local/general anaesthesia was undertaken in Ljubljana. Three thousand and four healthy women were observed. General anaesthesia was applied to 1509 women and local to 1495 women. The inpatient procedure required at least overnight stay, the outpatient one only five hours. No differences in complication rates of any clinical importance between the different types of services and anaesthesia were observed. The overnight stay resulted in no decrease in complications but in an even greater bed occupancy beyond that expected.", "PMID": 1004001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9825", "title": "[Results of an inquiry on stress urinary incontinence in women].", "content": "The authors present the results of an inquiry into urinary stress incontinence in 415 women chosen at random, in whom the genital prolapse or stress incontinence were not complaints for hospitalization. The analysis also excluded all states of pregnancy or puerperium. As in other statistics, the frequency of urinary stress incontinence proved very high (39.2%). It is particularly interesting that 52.8% of the women questioned considered it as a completely normal event. A progressive increase in the frequency of stress incontinence related to aging. Stress incontinence was also twice as frequent in manual workers and housewives as in office workers, school girls, and students. In relation to obstetric traumatism, the disease is more frequent in parous women, showing a progressive increase with parity and the delivery of higher-weight newborns, whereas, quite unexpectedly, it proved rare in women with deliveries in intervals shorter than three years. A high incidence was recorded of stress incontinence having appeared in pregnancy for the first time (23.9%); in 59.0% of these women it persisted also after childbirth, which is very significant. Although the trouble is more frequent in menopausal patients, the effect of this period can hardly be separated from the effects related to senile involution. Besides emphasizing the role of the gynecologist, urologist, and general practitioner in the diagnosis of urinary stress incontinence in women, the data obtained raise the question of the revision of the existing views on the physiology of this disorder.", "contents": "[Results of an inquiry on stress urinary incontinence in women]. The authors present the results of an inquiry into urinary stress incontinence in 415 women chosen at random, in whom the genital prolapse or stress incontinence were not complaints for hospitalization. The analysis also excluded all states of pregnancy or puerperium. As in other statistics, the frequency of urinary stress incontinence proved very high (39.2%). It is particularly interesting that 52.8% of the women questioned considered it as a completely normal event. A progressive increase in the frequency of stress incontinence related to aging. Stress incontinence was also twice as frequent in manual workers and housewives as in office workers, school girls, and students. In relation to obstetric traumatism, the disease is more frequent in parous women, showing a progressive increase with parity and the delivery of higher-weight newborns, whereas, quite unexpectedly, it proved rare in women with deliveries in intervals shorter than three years. A high incidence was recorded of stress incontinence having appeared in pregnancy for the first time (23.9%); in 59.0% of these women it persisted also after childbirth, which is very significant. Although the trouble is more frequent in menopausal patients, the effect of this period can hardly be separated from the effects related to senile involution. Besides emphasizing the role of the gynecologist, urologist, and general practitioner in the diagnosis of urinary stress incontinence in women, the data obtained raise the question of the revision of the existing views on the physiology of this disorder.", "PMID": 1004002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9826", "title": "[Evaluation of diagnostic methods in anatomic urinary incontinence in gynecology].", "content": "The present study was undertaken with the aim of verifying the value of diagnostic methods in female stress incontinence. In their diagnostic work the authors used urethrocystography, measuring of the urethral length and resistance. Displacement of the internal urinary meatus related to the interior border of the symphysis was also observed. In demonstrable incontinence the average posterior urethrovesical angle was 140 degrees, and in the absence of incontinence 120 degrees. It was also found that the difference between the pressure of the internal urinary meatus in straining and non-straining women with incontinence was +0,7 mm Hg and in those without incontinence +4,5 mm Hg. It has been observed, furthermore, that the relation between the vertical displacement of the internal urinary meatus in rest and stress was less than 5 in women with incontinence. In women without incontinence it was more than 5. There was no difference in the range of the urethral length in women either with or without stress incontinence.", "contents": "[Evaluation of diagnostic methods in anatomic urinary incontinence in gynecology]. The present study was undertaken with the aim of verifying the value of diagnostic methods in female stress incontinence. In their diagnostic work the authors used urethrocystography, measuring of the urethral length and resistance. Displacement of the internal urinary meatus related to the interior border of the symphysis was also observed. In demonstrable incontinence the average posterior urethrovesical angle was 140 degrees, and in the absence of incontinence 120 degrees. It was also found that the difference between the pressure of the internal urinary meatus in straining and non-straining women with incontinence was +0,7 mm Hg and in those without incontinence +4,5 mm Hg. It has been observed, furthermore, that the relation between the vertical displacement of the internal urinary meatus in rest and stress was less than 5 in women with incontinence. In women without incontinence it was more than 5. There was no difference in the range of the urethral length in women either with or without stress incontinence.", "PMID": 1004003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9827", "title": "[Human milk - variations in lactose, potassium, sodium and total lipid concentrations and in fatty acids composition of lactating women in early puerperium].", "content": "Some biochemical components were studied in the milk of 16 lactating women during the first six postpartum days. A gradual increase in the lactose and potassium concentration and a decrease in the sodium concentration were observed, as well as an increase in the total lipids concentration and a significant shifting in the fatty acids composition where the biosynthesis of the fatty acids with a lower number of C atoms (C 10:0, C12:0, C 14:0) at the expence of the fatty acids with higher C atoms number was intensified.", "contents": "[Human milk - variations in lactose, potassium, sodium and total lipid concentrations and in fatty acids composition of lactating women in early puerperium]. Some biochemical components were studied in the milk of 16 lactating women during the first six postpartum days. A gradual increase in the lactose and potassium concentration and a decrease in the sodium concentration were observed, as well as an increase in the total lipids concentration and a significant shifting in the fatty acids composition where the biosynthesis of the fatty acids with a lower number of C atoms (C 10:0, C12:0, C 14:0) at the expence of the fatty acids with higher C atoms number was intensified.", "PMID": 1004004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9828", "title": "[Vaginal hysterectomy following previous abdominal and gynecologic surgery].", "content": "The authors analyse 125 cases of vaginal histerectomy (V.H.) preceded by vaginal and abdominal operations (15.3% of a total of 817 V.H.) There were 95 cases of previous abdominal operations and 30 cases of previous gynecological operations (19 vaginal and 11 abdominal). The most frequent previously performed vaginal operation was anterior and posterior colporrhaphy. The authors have come to the conclusion that neither previous abdominal nor previous gynecological surgical interventions make the carrying out of vaginal histerectomy more difficult. Only Doleris's operation, among abdominal ones, may represent a relative contraindication for V.H. In one case the authors had to complete the already started histerectomy abdominally owing to some technical difficulties. The authors maintain that it would be good to use vaginal histerectomy more frequently after previously applied gynecological, vaginal, and abdominal operations.", "contents": "[Vaginal hysterectomy following previous abdominal and gynecologic surgery]. The authors analyse 125 cases of vaginal histerectomy (V.H.) preceded by vaginal and abdominal operations (15.3% of a total of 817 V.H.) There were 95 cases of previous abdominal operations and 30 cases of previous gynecological operations (19 vaginal and 11 abdominal). The most frequent previously performed vaginal operation was anterior and posterior colporrhaphy. The authors have come to the conclusion that neither previous abdominal nor previous gynecological surgical interventions make the carrying out of vaginal histerectomy more difficult. Only Doleris's operation, among abdominal ones, may represent a relative contraindication for V.H. In one case the authors had to complete the already started histerectomy abdominally owing to some technical difficulties. The authors maintain that it would be good to use vaginal histerectomy more frequently after previously applied gynecological, vaginal, and abdominal operations.", "PMID": 1004005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9829", "title": "[Morcellement in vaginal hysterectomy].", "content": "From 1968 to 1975 the authors performed 632 vaginal histerectomies; morcellement was applied in 81 patients (12.81%). The largest uterus subjected to morcellement weighed 700 g; most of them weighed about 250 g. In all cases morcellement was applied due to the enlarged uterus. In the authors opinion, the uterus can be extirpated vaginally until it reaches the size corresponding to pregnancy up to 12 weeks. The postoperative morbidity rate in patients with vaginal histerectomy and morcellement proved to be 30.56%. Morcellement doest not increase the occurrence of intraoperative injuries of the neighbouring organs or early postoperative morbidity.", "contents": "[Morcellement in vaginal hysterectomy]. From 1968 to 1975 the authors performed 632 vaginal histerectomies; morcellement was applied in 81 patients (12.81%). The largest uterus subjected to morcellement weighed 700 g; most of them weighed about 250 g. In all cases morcellement was applied due to the enlarged uterus. In the authors opinion, the uterus can be extirpated vaginally until it reaches the size corresponding to pregnancy up to 12 weeks. The postoperative morbidity rate in patients with vaginal histerectomy and morcellement proved to be 30.56%. Morcellement doest not increase the occurrence of intraoperative injuries of the neighbouring organs or early postoperative morbidity.", "PMID": 1004006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9830", "title": "Regional blood flow to the lymph node during the immune response.", "content": "In 62 New Zealand white rabbits the regional blood flow to the popliteal lymph node was determined using the microsphere distribution and the Rb86C1 indicator methods. In 20 animals local immune response was induced with typhoid O antigen and in 7 with bovine serum albumin. The regional blood flow of the popliteal lymph node was 0.57 ml/gm/min. During the immune response the blood flow and weight changes were strictly proportional. The lymph node has the capacity to maintain its blood flow, even following significant enlargement.", "contents": "Regional blood flow to the lymph node during the immune response. In 62 New Zealand white rabbits the regional blood flow to the popliteal lymph node was determined using the microsphere distribution and the Rb86C1 indicator methods. In 20 animals local immune response was induced with typhoid O antigen and in 7 with bovine serum albumin. The regional blood flow of the popliteal lymph node was 0.57 ml/gm/min. During the immune response the blood flow and weight changes were strictly proportional. The lymph node has the capacity to maintain its blood flow, even following significant enlargement.", "PMID": 1004013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9831", "title": "Analysis of the radiographically visualized deep hepatic lymph drainage in the dog.", "content": "The deep hepatic lymph drainage of 9 cholecystectomized dogs was analyzed after radiographic visualization with retrograde biliary infusion of Ethiodol. No drainage from the deep to the superficial lymph system of the liver was found with the described method. Primary stations of the deep hepatic lymph drainage are the hepatic, left gastric and splenic lymph nodes although the latter two were not always opacified. On the average 9 (6-11) hepatic lymph nodes were opacified which is a significantly higher number than previously reported. Retrograde contrast material filling of splenic, mesenteric, aortic, iliac and some intrathoracic lymph nodes occurred with various frequencies but the opacification of these nodes was usually incomplete.", "contents": "Analysis of the radiographically visualized deep hepatic lymph drainage in the dog. The deep hepatic lymph drainage of 9 cholecystectomized dogs was analyzed after radiographic visualization with retrograde biliary infusion of Ethiodol. No drainage from the deep to the superficial lymph system of the liver was found with the described method. Primary stations of the deep hepatic lymph drainage are the hepatic, left gastric and splenic lymph nodes although the latter two were not always opacified. On the average 9 (6-11) hepatic lymph nodes were opacified which is a significantly higher number than previously reported. Retrograde contrast material filling of splenic, mesenteric, aortic, iliac and some intrathoracic lymph nodes occurred with various frequencies but the opacification of these nodes was usually incomplete.", "PMID": 1004014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9832", "title": "[Lung metastases of uterine malignoma].", "content": "A retrospective analysis was made of a 10-year clinical material concerning uterine malignant tumours. Out of 502 patients treated in that period, 9 (1.79%) developed clinically diagnosed lung metastases. The occurrence of lung metastases from cervical carcinoma proved to be 1.35% (295 patients) and from endometrial carcinoma 2.33% (171 patients). Out of 36 patients with uterine sarcoma, one developed lung metastases (2.77%). The diagnosis of lung mestastases was made by X-ray and scintigraphy, and in their theraphy cytostatics were used with paliative results.", "contents": "[Lung metastases of uterine malignoma]. A retrospective analysis was made of a 10-year clinical material concerning uterine malignant tumours. Out of 502 patients treated in that period, 9 (1.79%) developed clinically diagnosed lung metastases. The occurrence of lung metastases from cervical carcinoma proved to be 1.35% (295 patients) and from endometrial carcinoma 2.33% (171 patients). Out of 36 patients with uterine sarcoma, one developed lung metastases (2.77%). The diagnosis of lung mestastases was made by X-ray and scintigraphy, and in their theraphy cytostatics were used with paliative results.", "PMID": 1004007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9833", "title": "[Myoma uteri permagnum, adenocarcinoma endometrii et hematometra].", "content": "The author presents a case of isthmocervical myoma coupled with endometrial adenocarcinoma and hematometra in a 70-year-old patient. The correct diagnosis was established on the material obtained at surgery. The operation was technically complicated and carried out in an atypical manner. The causal relationship between estrogen and the appearance of endometrial adenocarcinoma and uterine myoma is discussed.", "contents": "[Myoma uteri permagnum, adenocarcinoma endometrii et hematometra]. The author presents a case of isthmocervical myoma coupled with endometrial adenocarcinoma and hematometra in a 70-year-old patient. The correct diagnosis was established on the material obtained at surgery. The operation was technically complicated and carried out in an atypical manner. The causal relationship between estrogen and the appearance of endometrial adenocarcinoma and uterine myoma is discussed.", "PMID": 1004008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9834", "title": "Red blood cell catabolism in lymph nodes of the sheep and rat: quantitation.", "content": "Estimates have been made of the number of red blood cells catabolised in the lymph nodes of the sheep and the rat. These estimates were based on observations on the output of bilirubin in intestinal lymph of the sheep and on bilirubin output in thoracic duct lymph of the rat. It was calculated that some 2 to 15 X 10(9) red blood cells were catabolised in a 24 hour period by the lymph nodes of the intestinal region of the sheep, representing approximately 3% of all the red cells destroyed in this period. Similarly, 0.9 to 4.6 X 10(8) red blood cells were estimated to be catabolised every 24 hours in the lymph nodes of those areas drained by the thoracic duct of the rat, representing approximately 6% of all the red cells destroyed in a 24 hour period. Calculations extending these results to include all areas of the body in both species indicated that the lymph nodes may account for some 6-7% of the total number of red blood cells catabolised in the animal.", "contents": "Red blood cell catabolism in lymph nodes of the sheep and rat: quantitation. Estimates have been made of the number of red blood cells catabolised in the lymph nodes of the sheep and the rat. These estimates were based on observations on the output of bilirubin in intestinal lymph of the sheep and on bilirubin output in thoracic duct lymph of the rat. It was calculated that some 2 to 15 X 10(9) red blood cells were catabolised in a 24 hour period by the lymph nodes of the intestinal region of the sheep, representing approximately 3% of all the red cells destroyed in this period. Similarly, 0.9 to 4.6 X 10(8) red blood cells were estimated to be catabolised every 24 hours in the lymph nodes of those areas drained by the thoracic duct of the rat, representing approximately 6% of all the red cells destroyed in a 24 hour period. Calculations extending these results to include all areas of the body in both species indicated that the lymph nodes may account for some 6-7% of the total number of red blood cells catabolised in the animal.", "PMID": 1004015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9835", "title": "[Pseudomyxoma peritonei].", "content": "The clinical course of 8 patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei developed from ovariah tumors and 3 from mucocoele appendicis is presented. Except in two instances, all tumors were originally benign, one of them with metastases of kystoma mucinosum to inguinal lymphnods. The treatment was basically surgical and consisted of the removal of sree and organised mucus and, naturally, of the ovarian tumor or muccocoele where possible. Supplementary local chemotherapy with 5 -- fluorouracyl were of some benefit. In one instance, where multiple small pappillomas were found in the visceral and parietal peritoneum, all metastases disppeared after the intra abdominal application of 150 mC of Au.", "contents": "[Pseudomyxoma peritonei]. The clinical course of 8 patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei developed from ovariah tumors and 3 from mucocoele appendicis is presented. Except in two instances, all tumors were originally benign, one of them with metastases of kystoma mucinosum to inguinal lymphnods. The treatment was basically surgical and consisted of the removal of sree and organised mucus and, naturally, of the ovarian tumor or muccocoele where possible. Supplementary local chemotherapy with 5 -- fluorouracyl were of some benefit. In one instance, where multiple small pappillomas were found in the visceral and parietal peritoneum, all metastases disppeared after the intra abdominal application of 150 mC of Au.", "PMID": 1004009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9836", "title": "[Significance of cardiotocography and amnioscopy in establishing indications for cesarean section].", "content": "In the period of 2 years (1974-1975), out of 11,672 deliveries, 398 (3.41%) were induced by cesarean section. An important role in inducing labour surgically was played by cardiotocography and amnioscopy (in addition to other methods), i.e. in 84.22% (366 cases). At present it appears necessary to use cardiotocography and aminiscopy both in the last trimester and during the labour itself, so as to facilitate the estimation of the degree of a possible danger for the foetus.", "contents": "[Significance of cardiotocography and amnioscopy in establishing indications for cesarean section]. In the period of 2 years (1974-1975), out of 11,672 deliveries, 398 (3.41%) were induced by cesarean section. An important role in inducing labour surgically was played by cardiotocography and amnioscopy (in addition to other methods), i.e. in 84.22% (366 cases). At present it appears necessary to use cardiotocography and aminiscopy both in the last trimester and during the labour itself, so as to facilitate the estimation of the degree of a possible danger for the foetus.", "PMID": 1004010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9837", "title": "[Analysis of 290 breech presentations].", "content": "By analysing all breech presentations handled in the last three years (290 cases), the authors have found that perinatal mortality in such cases was much higher (8%) than the general perinatal mortality (1.8%) in the last years and that this increase mainly related to the perinatal mortality of children weighing less than 2500 g, owing to complications and diseases typical of that kind of children. Out of the children delivered with breech presentation, 40% were either premature babies (22%) or small-for-date babies (18%). The condition of children delivered with breech presentation is 5-6 times worse than in premature babies delivered with full or partial extraction. The authors could not establish if the condition of children with cesarean section was better. The results were obtained when the delivery was induced by using the maniotomy and Syntocinon. The authors point out that the problem of breech presentation lies in prematurity, that an excessive application of cesarean section does not solve the problem, that extractions should be avoided, and that all such deliveries should be managed on the principle of active management of labour.", "contents": "[Analysis of 290 breech presentations]. By analysing all breech presentations handled in the last three years (290 cases), the authors have found that perinatal mortality in such cases was much higher (8%) than the general perinatal mortality (1.8%) in the last years and that this increase mainly related to the perinatal mortality of children weighing less than 2500 g, owing to complications and diseases typical of that kind of children. Out of the children delivered with breech presentation, 40% were either premature babies (22%) or small-for-date babies (18%). The condition of children delivered with breech presentation is 5-6 times worse than in premature babies delivered with full or partial extraction. The authors could not establish if the condition of children with cesarean section was better. The results were obtained when the delivery was induced by using the maniotomy and Syntocinon. The authors point out that the problem of breech presentation lies in prematurity, that an excessive application of cesarean section does not solve the problem, that extractions should be avoided, and that all such deliveries should be managed on the principle of active management of labour.", "PMID": 1004012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9838", "title": "[Morphological study of 2 cases of congenital toxoplasmosis].", "content": "A morphological study of two cases of acute generalized congenital toxoplasmosis has shown that in one case the most heavily involved organ was the heart (focal necrotic myocarditis), in addition to some changes in the central nervous system (leptomeningitis), and in the other case, the most affected organ was the cerebrum (focal necrotic encephalitis). In both cases, in almost all organs, there were degenerative and reactive changes. Toxoplasma was found in necrotic foci of the myocardium and the brain. Some basic views concerning a special vulnerability of the central nervous system in toxoplasmosis are put forward. The basic fact is that the explanation for the infection of exposed fetuses lies in the condition of the immune system (in the degree of its development and activity), especially regarding certain localizations of changes in the organs with a less developed activity of the local immune system.", "contents": "[Morphological study of 2 cases of congenital toxoplasmosis]. A morphological study of two cases of acute generalized congenital toxoplasmosis has shown that in one case the most heavily involved organ was the heart (focal necrotic myocarditis), in addition to some changes in the central nervous system (leptomeningitis), and in the other case, the most affected organ was the cerebrum (focal necrotic encephalitis). In both cases, in almost all organs, there were degenerative and reactive changes. Toxoplasma was found in necrotic foci of the myocardium and the brain. Some basic views concerning a special vulnerability of the central nervous system in toxoplasmosis are put forward. The basic fact is that the explanation for the infection of exposed fetuses lies in the condition of the immune system (in the degree of its development and activity), especially regarding certain localizations of changes in the organs with a less developed activity of the local immune system.", "PMID": 1004011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9839", "title": "On the transport of various endogenous plasma proteins from blood to peripheral lymph in man.", "content": "A method to prepare peripheral lymph out of the foot of clinically healthy patients with respect to their blood capillaries and lymph vessels is presented. Following electrophoresis in molecular sieving polyacrylamide gel the lymph/plasma quotients of precentages of identical protein fractions in both body fluids as well as of their concentrations were graphically displayed dependent on their migration velocity within the gel. As the high or low lymph-plasma-relations are necessarily to be interpreted in the sense of a relatively high or low blood-lymph permeation the findings are speaking against an exclusive effect of the molecular sieving principle at the blood-tissue-barrier. An explanation for special lymph-plasma-relations would be provided by the assumption of a gel-filtration effect in the extravascular circuit of plasma-proteins. The results affirm the findings of former experiments on animals in an analogue model. The method as well as simplified variants might be useful for the investigation of peripheral nutritive disorders as well as of clinicopharmacological questionings.", "contents": "On the transport of various endogenous plasma proteins from blood to peripheral lymph in man. A method to prepare peripheral lymph out of the foot of clinically healthy patients with respect to their blood capillaries and lymph vessels is presented. Following electrophoresis in molecular sieving polyacrylamide gel the lymph/plasma quotients of precentages of identical protein fractions in both body fluids as well as of their concentrations were graphically displayed dependent on their migration velocity within the gel. As the high or low lymph-plasma-relations are necessarily to be interpreted in the sense of a relatively high or low blood-lymph permeation the findings are speaking against an exclusive effect of the molecular sieving principle at the blood-tissue-barrier. An explanation for special lymph-plasma-relations would be provided by the assumption of a gel-filtration effect in the extravascular circuit of plasma-proteins. The results affirm the findings of former experiments on animals in an analogue model. The method as well as simplified variants might be useful for the investigation of peripheral nutritive disorders as well as of clinicopharmacological questionings.", "PMID": 1004016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9840", "title": "Medium- and long-range interaction parameters between amino acids for predicting three-dimensional structures of proteins.", "content": "In a previous paper, a hypothesis for protein folding was proposed in which the native structure is formed by a three-step mechanism: (A) formation of ordered backbone structures by short-range interactions, (B) formation of small contact regions by medium-range interactions, and (C) association of the small contact regions into the native structure by long-range interactions. In this paper the empirical interaction parameters, used as a measure of the medium- and long-range interactions (the standard free energy, deltaGdegrees k,l, of formation of a contact between amino acids of species k and l) that include the role of the solvent (water) and determine the conformation of a protein in steps B and C, are evaluated from the frequency of contacts in the x-ray structures of native proteins. The numerical values of deltaG degrees k,l for all possible pairs of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids are presented. Contacts between highly nonpolar side chains of amino acids such as Ile, Phe, Trp, and Leu are shown quantitatively to be stable. On the contrary, contacts involving polar side chains of amino acids such as Ser, Asp, Lys, and Glu are significantly less stable. While this implies, in a quantitative manner, that it is generally more favorable for nonpolar groups to lie in the interior of the protein molecule and for the polar side chains to be exposed to the solvent (water) rather than to form contacts with other amino acids, many exceptions to this generalization are observed.", "contents": "Medium- and long-range interaction parameters between amino acids for predicting three-dimensional structures of proteins. In a previous paper, a hypothesis for protein folding was proposed in which the native structure is formed by a three-step mechanism: (A) formation of ordered backbone structures by short-range interactions, (B) formation of small contact regions by medium-range interactions, and (C) association of the small contact regions into the native structure by long-range interactions. In this paper the empirical interaction parameters, used as a measure of the medium- and long-range interactions (the standard free energy, deltaGdegrees k,l, of formation of a contact between amino acids of species k and l) that include the role of the solvent (water) and determine the conformation of a protein in steps B and C, are evaluated from the frequency of contacts in the x-ray structures of native proteins. The numerical values of deltaG degrees k,l for all possible pairs of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids are presented. Contacts between highly nonpolar side chains of amino acids such as Ile, Phe, Trp, and Leu are shown quantitatively to be stable. On the contrary, contacts involving polar side chains of amino acids such as Ser, Asp, Lys, and Glu are significantly less stable. While this implies, in a quantitative manner, that it is generally more favorable for nonpolar groups to lie in the interior of the protein molecule and for the polar side chains to be exposed to the solvent (water) rather than to form contacts with other amino acids, many exceptions to this generalization are observed.", "PMID": 1004017} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9841", "title": "Resistance of central phenylethanolamine-n-methyl transferase containing neurons to 6-hydroxydopamine.", "content": "The effects of the catecholamine neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine on phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (PNMT) in rat brain has been investigated by biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis. 6-Hydroxydopamine was administerered either intracisternally to adult rats or systemically to newborn rats, treatments known to affect markedly central noradrenaline neurons. None of these treatments had any significant effect on the PNMT activity in the hypothalamus, pons-medulla and the spinal cord, as measured in vitro using a radiometric assay. The neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine treatment, which produced an almost complete noradrenaline denervation in the spinal cord, had no notable effect on the specific PNMT immunofluorescence localized in nerve terminals in the spinal cord. Transection of the spinal cord led to an almost complete disappearance of the PNMT activity and the specific immunofluorescence below the transection, pointing to the existence of a descending PNMT containing pathyway in the spinal cord. The present results show that the PNMT neurons are resistant to the neurotoxic action of 6-hydroxydopamine, possibly due to lack of catecholamine uptake mechanism or due to these neurons having an uptake mechanism with a low affinity for 6-OH-DA. Furthermore, the data support the view that the noradrenaline and PNMT containing neurons constitute separate neuron systems.", "contents": "Resistance of central phenylethanolamine-n-methyl transferase containing neurons to 6-hydroxydopamine. The effects of the catecholamine neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine on phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (PNMT) in rat brain has been investigated by biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis. 6-Hydroxydopamine was administerered either intracisternally to adult rats or systemically to newborn rats, treatments known to affect markedly central noradrenaline neurons. None of these treatments had any significant effect on the PNMT activity in the hypothalamus, pons-medulla and the spinal cord, as measured in vitro using a radiometric assay. The neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine treatment, which produced an almost complete noradrenaline denervation in the spinal cord, had no notable effect on the specific PNMT immunofluorescence localized in nerve terminals in the spinal cord. Transection of the spinal cord led to an almost complete disappearance of the PNMT activity and the specific immunofluorescence below the transection, pointing to the existence of a descending PNMT containing pathyway in the spinal cord. The present results show that the PNMT neurons are resistant to the neurotoxic action of 6-hydroxydopamine, possibly due to lack of catecholamine uptake mechanism or due to these neurons having an uptake mechanism with a low affinity for 6-OH-DA. Furthermore, the data support the view that the noradrenaline and PNMT containing neurons constitute separate neuron systems.", "PMID": 1004027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9842", "title": "Differences in liver weight, mortality in cerium-treated mice and 144Ce levels in blood, liver, urine and faeces at various intervals after treatment with nafenopin and pregnenolone 16-alpha-carbonitrile (PCN).", "content": "Pretreatment with nafenopin and pregnenolone-16-alpha-carbonitrile (PCN) decreased the acute lethal toxicity in mice induced by cerium chloride (12 mg/kg resp. 15 mg/kg). Treatment with nafenopin and PCN increased the relative liver weight. More cerium accumulated in the liver of nafenopin- and PCN-treated animals than in controls during the first hours after injection. After 14 days the amount of cerium in the livers of nafenopin-treated animals was significantly higher. The concentration of cerium as a percentage of the injected dose calculated per mg liver was lower during the first day in the nafenopin group and higher in the PCN group than in the control group. After 6 days cerium concentration decreased significantly less in the livers of the nafenopin group. Cerium concentration in the blood was significantly lower in the nafenopin group during the first day. Only small amounts of the injected cerium were excreted in the urine, and no difference between treated and untreated animals was found. The amount of cerium excreted in faeces was somewhat smaller in the nafenopin-treated animals during the whole experiment.", "contents": "Differences in liver weight, mortality in cerium-treated mice and 144Ce levels in blood, liver, urine and faeces at various intervals after treatment with nafenopin and pregnenolone 16-alpha-carbonitrile (PCN). Pretreatment with nafenopin and pregnenolone-16-alpha-carbonitrile (PCN) decreased the acute lethal toxicity in mice induced by cerium chloride (12 mg/kg resp. 15 mg/kg). Treatment with nafenopin and PCN increased the relative liver weight. More cerium accumulated in the liver of nafenopin- and PCN-treated animals than in controls during the first hours after injection. After 14 days the amount of cerium in the livers of nafenopin-treated animals was significantly higher. The concentration of cerium as a percentage of the injected dose calculated per mg liver was lower during the first day in the nafenopin group and higher in the PCN group than in the control group. After 6 days cerium concentration decreased significantly less in the livers of the nafenopin group. Cerium concentration in the blood was significantly lower in the nafenopin group during the first day. Only small amounts of the injected cerium were excreted in the urine, and no difference between treated and untreated animals was found. The amount of cerium excreted in faeces was somewhat smaller in the nafenopin-treated animals during the whole experiment.", "PMID": 1004028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9843", "title": "Defining and treating \"problem patients\" in a hospital emergency room.", "content": "Emergency ward doctors and nurses define patients whose illnesses require prolonged and comprehensive care as threats to the mission of the ward. Data were collected by means of direct observation and interviewing of emergency ward doctors and nurses in a 600-bed hospital in the Midwestern United States. In 1973, a total of 270 hours of observational data was collected as part of a larger study of emergency ward social organization. In a setting specializing in emergency treatment of the acutely ill and injured, the presence of the alcoholic, the emotionally disturbed, and the mentally ill patient represent an exercise in futility for emergency ward doctors and nurses. Since these patients often present behavior problems on the ward, one way for medical staff to cope with such patients is to define these patients as management problems rather than as medical cases to be diagnosed and treated. Success or failure with management problems is no longer based on medical criteria, but upon the outcome of management activities. The most successful outcomes are those where the amount of patient's disruptive behavior and the amount of staff time and resources devoted to the patient are held to a minimum.", "contents": "Defining and treating \"problem patients\" in a hospital emergency room. Emergency ward doctors and nurses define patients whose illnesses require prolonged and comprehensive care as threats to the mission of the ward. Data were collected by means of direct observation and interviewing of emergency ward doctors and nurses in a 600-bed hospital in the Midwestern United States. In 1973, a total of 270 hours of observational data was collected as part of a larger study of emergency ward social organization. In a setting specializing in emergency treatment of the acutely ill and injured, the presence of the alcoholic, the emotionally disturbed, and the mentally ill patient represent an exercise in futility for emergency ward doctors and nurses. Since these patients often present behavior problems on the ward, one way for medical staff to cope with such patients is to define these patients as management problems rather than as medical cases to be diagnosed and treated. Success or failure with management problems is no longer based on medical criteria, but upon the outcome of management activities. The most successful outcomes are those where the amount of patient's disruptive behavior and the amount of staff time and resources devoted to the patient are held to a minimum.", "PMID": 1004034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9844", "title": "Who's using nonprescribed medicines?", "content": "A household survey investigated the nonprescribed medicine use of 3,481 persons in the Baltimore SMSA in 1968-69. Of respondents, 30 per cent used a nonprescribed morbidity-related medicine in two days. Rates of use are higher for adults, females and whites in all economic classes, and do not increase with increasing severity of morbidity in any economic class. A hypothesis that nonprescribed substitute for prescribed medicines is supported: ill nonprescribed medicine users are less likely to use prescribed medicines or to have visited a physician than nonusers; rates of nonprescribed medicine use are lower for those with a physician visit, and use of both prescribed and nonprescribed medicines for the same purpose is negligible. Lower out-of-pocket costs for visits and prescribed medicines do not lower rates of use. Nonprescribed medicine use is high among healthy and ill suggesting that physicians should inquire into patients' use when evaluating symptoms and before prescribing.", "contents": "Who's using nonprescribed medicines? A household survey investigated the nonprescribed medicine use of 3,481 persons in the Baltimore SMSA in 1968-69. Of respondents, 30 per cent used a nonprescribed morbidity-related medicine in two days. Rates of use are higher for adults, females and whites in all economic classes, and do not increase with increasing severity of morbidity in any economic class. A hypothesis that nonprescribed substitute for prescribed medicines is supported: ill nonprescribed medicine users are less likely to use prescribed medicines or to have visited a physician than nonusers; rates of nonprescribed medicine use are lower for those with a physician visit, and use of both prescribed and nonprescribed medicines for the same purpose is negligible. Lower out-of-pocket costs for visits and prescribed medicines do not lower rates of use. Nonprescribed medicine use is high among healthy and ill suggesting that physicians should inquire into patients' use when evaluating symptoms and before prescribing.", "PMID": 1004035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9845", "title": "The effect of duration of membership in a prepaid group health plan on the utilization of services.", "content": "This study concerns the changes in the use of medical care services as the duration of membership in a prepaid group plan increases. For each of ten cohorts of members of the prepaid group practice in Columbia, Maryland, the use of provider visits (for both \"well\" care and \"problem-oriented\" care), of inpatient hospital services, and of prescribed drugs were determined, and time trends for each type of service were developed. The rate of total provider visits (TPV's per member) and the proportion of \"well\" care visits declined during the first year of membership and were followed by stabilization during the second year in the Plan. Because of large variations in hospital days, but only a small total number of hospital days, no association between hospital use and duration of membership could be shown. The rate of new prescriptions filled (NPF's) also decreased as length of time in the Plan increased.", "contents": "The effect of duration of membership in a prepaid group health plan on the utilization of services. This study concerns the changes in the use of medical care services as the duration of membership in a prepaid group plan increases. For each of ten cohorts of members of the prepaid group practice in Columbia, Maryland, the use of provider visits (for both \"well\" care and \"problem-oriented\" care), of inpatient hospital services, and of prescribed drugs were determined, and time trends for each type of service were developed. The rate of total provider visits (TPV's per member) and the proportion of \"well\" care visits declined during the first year of membership and were followed by stabilization during the second year in the Plan. Because of large variations in hospital days, but only a small total number of hospital days, no association between hospital use and duration of membership could be shown. The rate of new prescriptions filled (NPF's) also decreased as length of time in the Plan increased.", "PMID": 1004036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9846", "title": "Black physicians and minority group health care--the impact of NMF.", "content": "This paper is part of a study conducted in 1973-1974 to assess the programs of National Medical Fellowships, Inc. (NMF). NMF is a private organization founded in 1946 to improve medical services to black communities and, later, to all minority groups. The approach of NMF was to provide aid for training of black physicians. Data from questionnaire returns from NMF grant recipients and from \"other\" black physicians, as well as records of the organization, indicate that NMF was successful in increasing the number of black physicians who have specialty board certification, who have faculty appointments at predominantly white medical schools, and who have staff appointments at predominantly white hospitals. NMF recipients also were active in breaking down racial barriers. However, the data we collected do not indicate that these developments have improved the medical services to lower class minority communities.", "contents": "Black physicians and minority group health care--the impact of NMF. This paper is part of a study conducted in 1973-1974 to assess the programs of National Medical Fellowships, Inc. (NMF). NMF is a private organization founded in 1946 to improve medical services to black communities and, later, to all minority groups. The approach of NMF was to provide aid for training of black physicians. Data from questionnaire returns from NMF grant recipients and from \"other\" black physicians, as well as records of the organization, indicate that NMF was successful in increasing the number of black physicians who have specialty board certification, who have faculty appointments at predominantly white medical schools, and who have staff appointments at predominantly white hospitals. NMF recipients also were active in breaking down racial barriers. However, the data we collected do not indicate that these developments have improved the medical services to lower class minority communities.", "PMID": 1004037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9847", "title": "Access to health care in a southern rural community.", "content": "This case study of utilization of health care services in a rural southern community is the first of a series of reports dealing with access to care in this community. The most striking findings were the low utilization of physician and dental services compared with national standards (particularly by the black population) and the infrequent use of private physicians by blacks. Possible explanations for these findings are the short time interval since integration of services after Medicare and Medicaid legislation, the short supply of primary care physicians, especially black, in this community, and the reluctance of white physicians to accept Medicaid patients. We postulate that while employment and social mobility have improved greatly for blacks, established methods of medical and dental practice have changed slowly.", "contents": "Access to health care in a southern rural community. This case study of utilization of health care services in a rural southern community is the first of a series of reports dealing with access to care in this community. The most striking findings were the low utilization of physician and dental services compared with national standards (particularly by the black population) and the infrequent use of private physicians by blacks. Possible explanations for these findings are the short time interval since integration of services after Medicare and Medicaid legislation, the short supply of primary care physicians, especially black, in this community, and the reluctance of white physicians to accept Medicaid patients. We postulate that while employment and social mobility have improved greatly for blacks, established methods of medical and dental practice have changed slowly.", "PMID": 1004038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9848", "title": "[The natural history of alcohol-induced pancreatitis (authors transl)].", "content": "Alcohol-induced pancreatitis (AIP), although essentially a chronic pathological disorder, covers a wide spectrum of clinical syndromes ranging from fulminating to more chronic and even painless varieties. The clinical features, complications and treatment of AIP are presented with special reference to differences between the clinically acute and chronic forms of the disease.", "contents": "[The natural history of alcohol-induced pancreatitis (authors transl)]. Alcohol-induced pancreatitis (AIP), although essentially a chronic pathological disorder, covers a wide spectrum of clinical syndromes ranging from fulminating to more chronic and even painless varieties. The clinical features, complications and treatment of AIP are presented with special reference to differences between the clinically acute and chronic forms of the disease.", "PMID": 1004084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9849", "title": "[Chronic calcifying pancreatitis in Brazil: analysis of 92 cases (authors transl)].", "content": "The analysis of 92 proved cases of chronic calcifying pancreatitis showed that 82 were males and 10 were females. Seventy-five out of the 92 patients were chronic alcoholics with a mean age of 38.2 years at the onset of symptoms and with a predominance of males over females (72:3). For the 17 non-alcoholic patients the mean age at the onset was 26.4 years, with almost the same number of males and females (10:7). The differences in age and sex suggest that different factors are responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease. Clinical, surgical and anatomical features of chronic calcifying pancreatitis are discussed. The incidence of pancreatic carcinoma in our patients is higher than in the general population.", "contents": "[Chronic calcifying pancreatitis in Brazil: analysis of 92 cases (authors transl)]. The analysis of 92 proved cases of chronic calcifying pancreatitis showed that 82 were males and 10 were females. Seventy-five out of the 92 patients were chronic alcoholics with a mean age of 38.2 years at the onset of symptoms and with a predominance of males over females (72:3). For the 17 non-alcoholic patients the mean age at the onset was 26.4 years, with almost the same number of males and females (10:7). The differences in age and sex suggest that different factors are responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease. Clinical, surgical and anatomical features of chronic calcifying pancreatitis are discussed. The incidence of pancreatic carcinoma in our patients is higher than in the general population.", "PMID": 1004085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9850", "title": "[Clinic and therapy of acute pancreatitis (author's transl)].", "content": "A review of acute pancreatitis is given including epidemiology, etiology, clinical symptomatology, laboratory and X-ray procedures, clinical course, complications and prognosis of this disease. Therapy is discussed in extent; all therapeutical approaches are reviewed with special emphasis on effectiveness as evidenced by experimental and controlled or uncontrolled clinical studies of the therapeutic measure in question. An account is also given of the results of surgery in cases of hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis. The following conclusions are drawn: Treatment of pain and early intensive treatment of complications are effective and essential in acute pancreatitis. Clinical experience does show in addition, that fasting acts upon the clinical course favorably. All other therapeutic approaches recommended up to now have not yet been proven to be effective.", "contents": "[Clinic and therapy of acute pancreatitis (author's transl)]. A review of acute pancreatitis is given including epidemiology, etiology, clinical symptomatology, laboratory and X-ray procedures, clinical course, complications and prognosis of this disease. Therapy is discussed in extent; all therapeutical approaches are reviewed with special emphasis on effectiveness as evidenced by experimental and controlled or uncontrolled clinical studies of the therapeutic measure in question. An account is also given of the results of surgery in cases of hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis. The following conclusions are drawn: Treatment of pain and early intensive treatment of complications are effective and essential in acute pancreatitis. Clinical experience does show in addition, that fasting acts upon the clinical course favorably. All other therapeutic approaches recommended up to now have not yet been proven to be effective.", "PMID": 1004086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9851", "title": "[Medical and surgical management of chronic pancreatitis (author's transl)].", "content": "Chronic pancreatitis has to be treated in the first line by medical means. Dietary procedures, absolute abstinence from alcohol, compensation of malabsorption and treatment of diabetes will do in most cases. Surgery is indicated in cases resistent to this form of therapy of when complications arise (cysts, persistent jaundice, portal hypertension). The patient has to be given high caloric parenteral nutrition preoperatively. Pancreato-jejunostomy with an Y shaped loop and surgical removal of various amounts of pancreatic tissue are the only efficient surgical procedures. In cases of dilatation of the pancreatic duct drainage has to be performed. Results of surgery are satisfactory in 2/3 of cases.", "contents": "[Medical and surgical management of chronic pancreatitis (author's transl)]. Chronic pancreatitis has to be treated in the first line by medical means. Dietary procedures, absolute abstinence from alcohol, compensation of malabsorption and treatment of diabetes will do in most cases. Surgery is indicated in cases resistent to this form of therapy of when complications arise (cysts, persistent jaundice, portal hypertension). The patient has to be given high caloric parenteral nutrition preoperatively. Pancreato-jejunostomy with an Y shaped loop and surgical removal of various amounts of pancreatic tissue are the only efficient surgical procedures. In cases of dilatation of the pancreatic duct drainage has to be performed. Results of surgery are satisfactory in 2/3 of cases.", "PMID": 1004087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9852", "title": "[Recurrent acute pancreatitis, a complication of brunneromas (authors transl)].", "content": "A case report is given of a patient with a recurrent acute pancreatitis due to an adenoma of Brunner's glands in the duodenum (brunneroma); such adenomas are benign; complications are obstruction, hemorrhage, and recurrent acute pancreatitis as in the case presented. Etiology of recurrent acute pancreatitis and differential diagnosis of duodenal polyps are discussed in context with the case presented.", "contents": "[Recurrent acute pancreatitis, a complication of brunneromas (authors transl)]. A case report is given of a patient with a recurrent acute pancreatitis due to an adenoma of Brunner's glands in the duodenum (brunneroma); such adenomas are benign; complications are obstruction, hemorrhage, and recurrent acute pancreatitis as in the case presented. Etiology of recurrent acute pancreatitis and differential diagnosis of duodenal polyps are discussed in context with the case presented.", "PMID": 1004088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9853", "title": "Endocrine influences on peritoneal fluid cellular content.", "content": "Since the cellular composition of peritoneal fluid is altered by sex, species, pregnancy, ovulation and the estrous as well as menstrual cycles we believe that the cellular content of peritoneal fluid is affected in a characteristic manner by the administration of hormones. Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, chorionic gonadotropin, cortisone as well as various physiologic model situations were considered.", "contents": "Endocrine influences on peritoneal fluid cellular content. Since the cellular composition of peritoneal fluid is altered by sex, species, pregnancy, ovulation and the estrous as well as menstrual cycles we believe that the cellular content of peritoneal fluid is affected in a characteristic manner by the administration of hormones. Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, chorionic gonadotropin, cortisone as well as various physiologic model situations were considered.", "PMID": 1004235} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9854", "title": "A computerised microscope focusing technique.", "content": "An automatic focusing technique for a computer-controlled optical microscope is described, which is based on an algorithm originally proposed by Mendelsohn and Mayall. The procedure is capable of attaining a focusing accuracy of less than 1/20 micron in the slide-objective distance. The dependence of focusing accuracy and time to focus on the scanner signal-to-noise ratio, and the change in the focus position with time, are discussed.", "contents": "A computerised microscope focusing technique. An automatic focusing technique for a computer-controlled optical microscope is described, which is based on an algorithm originally proposed by Mendelsohn and Mayall. The procedure is capable of attaining a focusing accuracy of less than 1/20 micron in the slide-objective distance. The dependence of focusing accuracy and time to focus on the scanner signal-to-noise ratio, and the change in the focus position with time, are discussed.", "PMID": 1004236} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9855", "title": "[Localization of ubiquinone-9 in electron transport chain of Candida guilliermondii].", "content": "The activity of ubiquinone-dependent enzyme systems was studied in mitochondrial fractions of the yeast Candida guilliermondii cultivated on the medium containing carbohydrates of hydrocarbons as a source of carbon. The activity of NADH2-oxidase and succinate-CoQ-reductase was higher in systems with mitochondrial fractions from the cells grown on the medium with n-paraffins than in mitochondrial fractions from the cells cultivated on the medium with glucose. About 30% of intracellular ubiquinone is located in the mitochondrial fraction of hydrocarbon oxidizing yeast cells; however, the activity of enzymes was stimulated upon introduction of exogeneous ubiquinones into the systems. Therefore, exogeneous ubiquinones may be involved in the electron transport chain during oxidation of reduced substrates. Both ubiquinone-dependent enzyme systems are resistant to storage.", "contents": "[Localization of ubiquinone-9 in electron transport chain of Candida guilliermondii]. The activity of ubiquinone-dependent enzyme systems was studied in mitochondrial fractions of the yeast Candida guilliermondii cultivated on the medium containing carbohydrates of hydrocarbons as a source of carbon. The activity of NADH2-oxidase and succinate-CoQ-reductase was higher in systems with mitochondrial fractions from the cells grown on the medium with n-paraffins than in mitochondrial fractions from the cells cultivated on the medium with glucose. About 30% of intracellular ubiquinone is located in the mitochondrial fraction of hydrocarbon oxidizing yeast cells; however, the activity of enzymes was stimulated upon introduction of exogeneous ubiquinones into the systems. Therefore, exogeneous ubiquinones may be involved in the electron transport chain during oxidation of reduced substrates. Both ubiquinone-dependent enzyme systems are resistant to storage.", "PMID": 1004242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9856", "title": "[Ability of various lactic bacteria to transform aspartate and glutamate].", "content": "Transformation of labelled glutamic and aspartic acids (5-14C, 4-14C) was studied in growth media of various strains of Streptococcus acetonicus. These strains which participate in production of cheese with excellent organoleptic properties are active in synthesis of di- and tricarboxylic acids, and also keto acids. Such a relationship was not found in the case of 5-14C-glutamic acid.", "contents": "[Ability of various lactic bacteria to transform aspartate and glutamate]. Transformation of labelled glutamic and aspartic acids (5-14C, 4-14C) was studied in growth media of various strains of Streptococcus acetonicus. These strains which participate in production of cheese with excellent organoleptic properties are active in synthesis of di- and tricarboxylic acids, and also keto acids. Such a relationship was not found in the case of 5-14C-glutamic acid.", "PMID": 1004243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9857", "title": "[Effect of carbon source and cultivation temperature on growth limitation of Candida tropicalis by biotin].", "content": "The effect of biotin on the specific growth rate of Candida tropicalis was studied on media with various sources of carbon nutrition at temperatures of 29 and 39degreesC. The yeast was found to require 3--5 times less biotin on the medium with paraffin than on the medium with glucose and hexodecane, and 3--4 times more biotin on the same substrate with an increase in temperature. The growth rate increased by 36--40% on liquid paraffins containing 0.5 mcg/litre of biotin at 29degreesC and 1.5--2.0 mcg/litre of biotin at 39degreesC. The saturation constant of biotin increased from 0.033 to 0.063 mcg/litre on the medium with paraffin, and more by an order on the medium with glucose and hexadecane, at a rise of growth temperature from 29 to 39degreesC.", "contents": "[Effect of carbon source and cultivation temperature on growth limitation of Candida tropicalis by biotin]. The effect of biotin on the specific growth rate of Candida tropicalis was studied on media with various sources of carbon nutrition at temperatures of 29 and 39degreesC. The yeast was found to require 3--5 times less biotin on the medium with paraffin than on the medium with glucose and hexodecane, and 3--4 times more biotin on the same substrate with an increase in temperature. The growth rate increased by 36--40% on liquid paraffins containing 0.5 mcg/litre of biotin at 29degreesC and 1.5--2.0 mcg/litre of biotin at 39degreesC. The saturation constant of biotin increased from 0.033 to 0.063 mcg/litre on the medium with paraffin, and more by an order on the medium with glucose and hexadecane, at a rise of growth temperature from 29 to 39degreesC.", "PMID": 1004244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9858", "title": "[Photochromogeneity of actinomycetes producing heliomycin].", "content": "Irradiation with solar rays of actinomycetes producing heliomycin changed the colour and UV-induced luminescence of the growth medium. This was caused by formation of a luminescent pigment, hydroxyquinone. The aerial mycelium reduced in spore formation acquired a pink colour.", "contents": "[Photochromogeneity of actinomycetes producing heliomycin]. Irradiation with solar rays of actinomycetes producing heliomycin changed the colour and UV-induced luminescence of the growth medium. This was caused by formation of a luminescent pigment, hydroxyquinone. The aerial mycelium reduced in spore formation acquired a pink colour.", "PMID": 1004245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9859", "title": "[Enzyme activity of citrate, glyoxylate and pentosephosphate cycles during synthesis of citric acids by Candida lipolytica].", "content": "The activity of key enzymes of the citrate and glyoxylate cycles was compared in yeast cells during intensive synthesis of citric acids and in its absence in the course of growth of Candida lipolytica on glucose (\"glucose\" yeast cells) and on hexadecane (\"hexadecane\" yeast cells). Citrate and isocitrate were found to be formed by the yeast in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The ability of the yeast for \"overproduction\" of citrate and isocitrate during its growth on glucose and hexadecane depends on the high activity of the key enzyme of cycle, citrate synthase, as compared with the activity of other enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Citrate predominated among excreted acids during growth on glucose in conditions of nitrogen deficiency while isocitrate prevailed during growth on hexadecane. The predominating synthesis of citrate in the first case seems to be related to a lower activity of aconitase in the \"glucose\" cells as compared with the \"hexadecane\" cells.", "contents": "[Enzyme activity of citrate, glyoxylate and pentosephosphate cycles during synthesis of citric acids by Candida lipolytica]. The activity of key enzymes of the citrate and glyoxylate cycles was compared in yeast cells during intensive synthesis of citric acids and in its absence in the course of growth of Candida lipolytica on glucose (\"glucose\" yeast cells) and on hexadecane (\"hexadecane\" yeast cells). Citrate and isocitrate were found to be formed by the yeast in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The ability of the yeast for \"overproduction\" of citrate and isocitrate during its growth on glucose and hexadecane depends on the high activity of the key enzyme of cycle, citrate synthase, as compared with the activity of other enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Citrate predominated among excreted acids during growth on glucose in conditions of nitrogen deficiency while isocitrate prevailed during growth on hexadecane. The predominating synthesis of citrate in the first case seems to be related to a lower activity of aconitase in the \"glucose\" cells as compared with the \"hexadecane\" cells.", "PMID": 1004246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9860", "title": "[Production of protease during continuous cultivation of the thermophilic bacterium Bacillus brevis].", "content": "Conditions for continuous cultivation of the thermophilic strain of Bacillus brevis prodlcing protease are substantiated. The culture was cultivated in order to obtain proteolytic enzymes taking into consideration data concerning kinetics of the bacterial growth and enzyme synthesis, as well as results of studying accumulation of the pool of mRNA specific of protease synthesis, The rates of dilution and flow (approximately 0.4 hr-1) have been found which provide a high specific productivity of the culture.", "contents": "[Production of protease during continuous cultivation of the thermophilic bacterium Bacillus brevis]. Conditions for continuous cultivation of the thermophilic strain of Bacillus brevis prodlcing protease are substantiated. The culture was cultivated in order to obtain proteolytic enzymes taking into consideration data concerning kinetics of the bacterial growth and enzyme synthesis, as well as results of studying accumulation of the pool of mRNA specific of protease synthesis, The rates of dilution and flow (approximately 0.4 hr-1) have been found which provide a high specific productivity of the culture.", "PMID": 1004247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9861", "title": "[Lipids and lipases of various yeasts].", "content": "Optimal conditions for accumulation of lipids and glycogen, and for biosynthesis of lipase, were found to be similar in Candida, Rhodotorula, Lipomyces, and Cryptococcus yeast cultures. Fractional composition of their lipids and prevailing fatty acids were also similar. However, in cultures of the Candida genus, contrary to cultures of other genera, acids with the number of carbon atoms below 14 and above 20 have not been identified. Maxima in the dynamics of biosynthesis of lipids and lipase by Candida cultures did not coincide. Lipids isolated from yeast cells were hydrolysed by lipases of Candida, Rhodotorula, Lipomyces, and Cryptococcus at a higher rate than olive oil.", "contents": "[Lipids and lipases of various yeasts]. Optimal conditions for accumulation of lipids and glycogen, and for biosynthesis of lipase, were found to be similar in Candida, Rhodotorula, Lipomyces, and Cryptococcus yeast cultures. Fractional composition of their lipids and prevailing fatty acids were also similar. However, in cultures of the Candida genus, contrary to cultures of other genera, acids with the number of carbon atoms below 14 and above 20 have not been identified. Maxima in the dynamics of biosynthesis of lipids and lipase by Candida cultures did not coincide. Lipids isolated from yeast cells were hydrolysed by lipases of Candida, Rhodotorula, Lipomyces, and Cryptococcus at a higher rate than olive oil.", "PMID": 1004248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9862", "title": "[Biotypes of methanosarcina].", "content": "Methanosarcina, a microorganism capable of producing methane from methanol, acetate, methylamine, and a mixture of carbon dioxide with hydrogen, was studied during growth in enrichment, binary and pure cultures in order to find differences in morphology caused by various conditions of growth. Methanosarcina forms stable morphotypes which correspond to species of this organism described in literature.", "contents": "[Biotypes of methanosarcina]. Methanosarcina, a microorganism capable of producing methane from methanol, acetate, methylamine, and a mixture of carbon dioxide with hydrogen, was studied during growth in enrichment, binary and pure cultures in order to find differences in morphology caused by various conditions of growth. Methanosarcina forms stable morphotypes which correspond to species of this organism described in literature.", "PMID": 1004249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9863", "title": "[Fine structure of Nocardia corallina oxidizing phenol].", "content": "Intracellular structures were detected in Nocardia corallina, strain 4, on a medium containing phenol as a sole source of carbon but not on a conventional growth medium (MPA). The structures are light vacuoles containing granular and fibrillar electron-dense substance. The structures specific of this medium may be regions of phenol oxidation.", "contents": "[Fine structure of Nocardia corallina oxidizing phenol]. Intracellular structures were detected in Nocardia corallina, strain 4, on a medium containing phenol as a sole source of carbon but not on a conventional growth medium (MPA). The structures are light vacuoles containing granular and fibrillar electron-dense substance. The structures specific of this medium may be regions of phenol oxidation.", "PMID": 1004250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9864", "title": "[Mechanism of microbiological dissolution of gold].", "content": "The paper presents new data concerning the mechanism of microbiological dissolution of gold. The sign of charges on gold-protein complexes was determined by paper electrophoresis. Anion complexes were found to prevail. Free amino groups participate in formation of complexes between gold and amino acids in alkaline medium, and functional groups of amino acid residues in polypeptide groups are involved in formation of complexes with proteins. Formation of complexes between gold and these compounds seems to be due to the Au--N bond.", "contents": "[Mechanism of microbiological dissolution of gold]. The paper presents new data concerning the mechanism of microbiological dissolution of gold. The sign of charges on gold-protein complexes was determined by paper electrophoresis. Anion complexes were found to prevail. Free amino groups participate in formation of complexes between gold and amino acids in alkaline medium, and functional groups of amino acid residues in polypeptide groups are involved in formation of complexes with proteins. Formation of complexes between gold and these compounds seems to be due to the Au--N bond.", "PMID": 1004253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9865", "title": "[Microbiological processes in the mromictic lake Vae de San Juan in Cuba].", "content": "The lake was studied in April and July of 1973. Gleothece prevailed in mixolimnion and green sulphur bacterium Pelodyction phaeum in the layer of pink water down to 10 m. The production of photosynthetic suphlur bacteria comprises 3% of the production of algae. Sulphate reduction takes place mainly in water beyond the layer of sulphur bacteria. The content of hydrogen sulphide in monimolimnion is 104 mg/litre. Bacteria utilize, at the account of photosynthesis, 40% of produced hydrogen sulphide. Three maxima in the bacterial content in water have been registered: (a) at a depth of 7 m; (b) in the layer of pink water, at a depth of 10 m; (c) at the bottom. Total mineralization and electroconductance of water at the bottom are higher by a factor of 6 than those at the surface. Destruction of organic substance is higher than its production a little.", "contents": "[Microbiological processes in the mromictic lake Vae de San Juan in Cuba]. The lake was studied in April and July of 1973. Gleothece prevailed in mixolimnion and green sulphur bacterium Pelodyction phaeum in the layer of pink water down to 10 m. The production of photosynthetic suphlur bacteria comprises 3% of the production of algae. Sulphate reduction takes place mainly in water beyond the layer of sulphur bacteria. The content of hydrogen sulphide in monimolimnion is 104 mg/litre. Bacteria utilize, at the account of photosynthesis, 40% of produced hydrogen sulphide. Three maxima in the bacterial content in water have been registered: (a) at a depth of 7 m; (b) in the layer of pink water, at a depth of 10 m; (c) at the bottom. Total mineralization and electroconductance of water at the bottom are higher by a factor of 6 than those at the surface. Destruction of organic substance is higher than its production a little.", "PMID": 1004254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9866", "title": "[Electron microscopic study of the Rybinsk water reservoir microflora].", "content": "Microflora of the Rybinsk water reservoir was studied by electron microscopy throughout the year. Common and rare bacterial forms were revealed which had not been detected before by light microscopy. The following forms prevailed: rod-like, coccoid, and bacteria of the vibrion type. Rare species were confined to certain places of the reservoir and related to seasonal changes in it. Bacteria belonging to the Planktomyces genus were registered in the central part of the reservoir in July--August. Swamp waters always contained bacteria belonging to the Hyphomicrobium genus. Spirillar bacterial forms were constantly present in coastal waters.", "contents": "[Electron microscopic study of the Rybinsk water reservoir microflora]. Microflora of the Rybinsk water reservoir was studied by electron microscopy throughout the year. Common and rare bacterial forms were revealed which had not been detected before by light microscopy. The following forms prevailed: rod-like, coccoid, and bacteria of the vibrion type. Rare species were confined to certain places of the reservoir and related to seasonal changes in it. Bacteria belonging to the Planktomyces genus were registered in the central part of the reservoir in July--August. Swamp waters always contained bacteria belonging to the Hyphomicrobium genus. Spirillar bacterial forms were constantly present in coastal waters.", "PMID": 1004255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9867", "title": "[Utilization of nitrogen compounds by phototrophic bacteria].", "content": "Phototrophic purple and green bacteria differ by their ability to assimilate nitrogen compounds. Thiocapsa roseopersicina utilizes not only ammonium and nitrates, as a source of nitrogen, but also urea, azoguanine, cytosine and some amino acids. The non-sulphur bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris grows at the account of amine nitrogen of a larger number of amino acids than the sulphur bacterium. Chlorobium limicola 1. thiosulfatophilum grows only on media containing urea and methylamines. Formation of amino acids by the studied phototrophic bacterial cultures is related to amination of alpha-ketoglutarate. Purple bacteria possess also the activity of aspartate dehydrogenase.", "contents": "[Utilization of nitrogen compounds by phototrophic bacteria]. Phototrophic purple and green bacteria differ by their ability to assimilate nitrogen compounds. Thiocapsa roseopersicina utilizes not only ammonium and nitrates, as a source of nitrogen, but also urea, azoguanine, cytosine and some amino acids. The non-sulphur bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris grows at the account of amine nitrogen of a larger number of amino acids than the sulphur bacterium. Chlorobium limicola 1. thiosulfatophilum grows only on media containing urea and methylamines. Formation of amino acids by the studied phototrophic bacterial cultures is related to amination of alpha-ketoglutarate. Purple bacteria possess also the activity of aspartate dehydrogenase.", "PMID": 1004251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9868", "title": "[Lipid composition of Acholeplasma laidlawii cells].", "content": "Lipid composition of the cells of Acholeplasma laidlawii was studied by column and thin layer chromatography. Lipids of the cells contain phospholipids (41.3%), glycolipids (28%) and neutral lipids. Phospholipids are represented by monoacylglycerophosphoryldiglucosyldiglyceride, glycerophosphoryldiglucosyldiglyceride, phosphatidylglycerine and phosphatidic acid. Glycolipids contained diglucosyldiglyceride and monoglucosyldiglyceride. The content of cholesterine was low (1.3%) while the content of carotenoids was A442X1000/mg lipids -- 150. Lipid components of Acholeplasma laidlawii and related strains of A. laidlawii A and B are compared.", "contents": "[Lipid composition of Acholeplasma laidlawii cells]. Lipid composition of the cells of Acholeplasma laidlawii was studied by column and thin layer chromatography. Lipids of the cells contain phospholipids (41.3%), glycolipids (28%) and neutral lipids. Phospholipids are represented by monoacylglycerophosphoryldiglucosyldiglyceride, glycerophosphoryldiglucosyldiglyceride, phosphatidylglycerine and phosphatidic acid. Glycolipids contained diglucosyldiglyceride and monoglucosyldiglyceride. The content of cholesterine was low (1.3%) while the content of carotenoids was A442X1000/mg lipids -- 150. Lipid components of Acholeplasma laidlawii and related strains of A. laidlawii A and B are compared.", "PMID": 1004257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9869", "title": "[Intracellular growth of actinophage in Actinomyces lividans culture lysogenic heat-induced mutant].", "content": "Intracellular growth of a thermoinduced prophage was caused by the action of elevated temperature on the lysogenic culture of Actinomyces lividans 66 (phiC31 ct22). The growth took place in the nucleoid where loose, oval or round, particles consisting of twisted NA threads were formed. Later, electron-dense phage heads, covered with a sheath, appeared, and still later--phage tails. Thermoinduction was terminated by lysis of the mycelium of the actinomycete when mature particles of the actinophage were liberated into a surrounding medium.", "contents": "[Intracellular growth of actinophage in Actinomyces lividans culture lysogenic heat-induced mutant]. Intracellular growth of a thermoinduced prophage was caused by the action of elevated temperature on the lysogenic culture of Actinomyces lividans 66 (phiC31 ct22). The growth took place in the nucleoid where loose, oval or round, particles consisting of twisted NA threads were formed. Later, electron-dense phage heads, covered with a sheath, appeared, and still later--phage tails. Thermoinduction was terminated by lysis of the mycelium of the actinomycete when mature particles of the actinophage were liberated into a surrounding medium.", "PMID": 1004252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9870", "title": "[Assimilation of carbon dioxide by Stibiobacter senarmontii].", "content": "Early products of 14CO2 assimilation by a new microorganism Stibiobacter senarmontii are phosphoglyceric acid, phosphorous esters of sugars and aspartic acid, as was shown by chromatography and radioautography. Extracts of the cells displayed the activity of ribulosediphosphate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (1 mU and 0.24 mU per 1 mg of protein in the extract, respectively). Therefore, the microorganism is capable of autotrophic nutrition involving mechanisms of the reductive pentosephosphate cycle. The latter seems to operate even in conditions of deficiency of the energy substrate which is caused by low solubility of antimony trioxide.", "contents": "[Assimilation of carbon dioxide by Stibiobacter senarmontii]. Early products of 14CO2 assimilation by a new microorganism Stibiobacter senarmontii are phosphoglyceric acid, phosphorous esters of sugars and aspartic acid, as was shown by chromatography and radioautography. Extracts of the cells displayed the activity of ribulosediphosphate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (1 mU and 0.24 mU per 1 mg of protein in the extract, respectively). Therefore, the microorganism is capable of autotrophic nutrition involving mechanisms of the reductive pentosephosphate cycle. The latter seems to operate even in conditions of deficiency of the energy substrate which is caused by low solubility of antimony trioxide.", "PMID": 1004256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9871", "title": "[Reparation of viability of arthrospores subjected to boiling in Actinomyces streptomycini].", "content": "Endospores of Streptomyces streptomycini B-16 are considerably more thermostable (by 40degreesC) than it was generally accepted. The bulk of populations of the spores (up to 55%) can be subjected to 100degreesC during 10 min but does not germinate under usual conditions as a result of heat damage which may be repaired at a relative humidity of 100% or in water suspensions at temperatures optimal for growth of the actinomycete. The rate of reparation increase upon washing of the heated spores with stirring, centrifuging and especially after treating the spores with ultrasound. The treatment is supposed to eliminate from the spores growth inhibitors which were formed as a result of heat damage. Characteristics of the process are discussed, which make it different from other reparation systems described elsewhere, in particular its endogenous character.", "contents": "[Reparation of viability of arthrospores subjected to boiling in Actinomyces streptomycini]. Endospores of Streptomyces streptomycini B-16 are considerably more thermostable (by 40degreesC) than it was generally accepted. The bulk of populations of the spores (up to 55%) can be subjected to 100degreesC during 10 min but does not germinate under usual conditions as a result of heat damage which may be repaired at a relative humidity of 100% or in water suspensions at temperatures optimal for growth of the actinomycete. The rate of reparation increase upon washing of the heated spores with stirring, centrifuging and especially after treating the spores with ultrasound. The treatment is supposed to eliminate from the spores growth inhibitors which were formed as a result of heat damage. Characteristics of the process are discussed, which make it different from other reparation systems described elsewhere, in particular its endogenous character.", "PMID": 1004259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9872", "title": "[Effect of vitamin A on the biosynthesis of carotene by Blakeslea trispora].", "content": "Retinol stimulates carotene synthesis in the microscopic fungus Blakeslea trispora; the stimulating effect of vitamin A is not manifested in the presence of cycloheximide. Vitamin A and beta-ionone are presumed to affect carotene synthesis in Blakeslea trispora by imitating the action of natural compounds stimulating isoprenoid synthesis--trisporic acids.", "contents": "[Effect of vitamin A on the biosynthesis of carotene by Blakeslea trispora]. Retinol stimulates carotene synthesis in the microscopic fungus Blakeslea trispora; the stimulating effect of vitamin A is not manifested in the presence of cycloheximide. Vitamin A and beta-ionone are presumed to affect carotene synthesis in Blakeslea trispora by imitating the action of natural compounds stimulating isoprenoid synthesis--trisporic acids.", "PMID": 1004258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9873", "title": "[The presence of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in lucerne root nodules].", "content": "Agrobacterium tumefaciens does not penetrate into nodules on the roots of lucerne with the active strain of nodule bacterium as was established with the aid of genetic markers and plant selection. A nodule, whose shape was not typical and which did not fix nitrogen, was formed on the root of lucerne inoculated with the culture of Agrobacterium tumefaciens treated with UV. A bacterial strain isolated from the nodule was identical to A. tumefaciens according to its resistance to streptomycin and several cultural properties. Upon repeated inoculation with the isolated strain, nodules were formed in 50% cases.", "contents": "[The presence of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in lucerne root nodules]. Agrobacterium tumefaciens does not penetrate into nodules on the roots of lucerne with the active strain of nodule bacterium as was established with the aid of genetic markers and plant selection. A nodule, whose shape was not typical and which did not fix nitrogen, was formed on the root of lucerne inoculated with the culture of Agrobacterium tumefaciens treated with UV. A bacterial strain isolated from the nodule was identical to A. tumefaciens according to its resistance to streptomycin and several cultural properties. Upon repeated inoculation with the isolated strain, nodules were formed in 50% cases.", "PMID": 1004260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9874", "title": "[Effect of various carbon sources on cholinesterase formation by Arthrobacter simplex var. cholinesterasus].", "content": "The effect of carbohydrates, aromatic alcohols, choline and acetylcholine on the biomass production and biosynthesis of choline esterase was studied with Arthrobacter simplex var. cholinesterasus. Fructose was found to be the best carbon source for the biomass accumulation and synthesis of choline esterase. Almost the same amount of the enzyme was produced on media with glucose and maltose as on the medium with fructose though the biomass yield was much lower. On the contrary, the biomass production was higher on media with acetylcholine and ethanol, but synthesis of the enzyme was inhibited. Choline was not assimilated by the culture. Differences in assimilation of glucose and fructose by the culture were found to depend on their concentration and the presence, or absence, of the inductor (acetylcholine) in the medium. Fructose was assimilated by the culture almost completely irrespective of its concentration and the presence of the inductor in the medium. Glucose was assimilated partly, best of all at a concentration of 0.5%. An increase of the concentration to 1% inhibited assimilation of glucose by the organism though had no effect on the biomass production and synthesis of the enzyme. The inductor stimulated assimilation of glucose by a factor of 1.5. Synthesis of choline esterase on the medium with acetylcholine at a concentration of 1% was increased more than twofold upon addition of glucose at a concentration of 0.1%. Biosynthesis of the enzyme rised with glucose concentration though accumulation of the biomass was inhibited. Inhibition of choline esterase synthesis on the medium with acetylcholine as a sole carbon source is due to a lack of energy and the absence of synthesis of carbon compounds which are acceptors of acetyl and methyl groups.", "contents": "[Effect of various carbon sources on cholinesterase formation by Arthrobacter simplex var. cholinesterasus]. The effect of carbohydrates, aromatic alcohols, choline and acetylcholine on the biomass production and biosynthesis of choline esterase was studied with Arthrobacter simplex var. cholinesterasus. Fructose was found to be the best carbon source for the biomass accumulation and synthesis of choline esterase. Almost the same amount of the enzyme was produced on media with glucose and maltose as on the medium with fructose though the biomass yield was much lower. On the contrary, the biomass production was higher on media with acetylcholine and ethanol, but synthesis of the enzyme was inhibited. Choline was not assimilated by the culture. Differences in assimilation of glucose and fructose by the culture were found to depend on their concentration and the presence, or absence, of the inductor (acetylcholine) in the medium. Fructose was assimilated by the culture almost completely irrespective of its concentration and the presence of the inductor in the medium. Glucose was assimilated partly, best of all at a concentration of 0.5%. An increase of the concentration to 1% inhibited assimilation of glucose by the organism though had no effect on the biomass production and synthesis of the enzyme. The inductor stimulated assimilation of glucose by a factor of 1.5. Synthesis of choline esterase on the medium with acetylcholine at a concentration of 1% was increased more than twofold upon addition of glucose at a concentration of 0.1%. Biosynthesis of the enzyme rised with glucose concentration though accumulation of the biomass was inhibited. Inhibition of choline esterase synthesis on the medium with acetylcholine as a sole carbon source is due to a lack of energy and the absence of synthesis of carbon compounds which are acceptors of acetyl and methyl groups.", "PMID": 1004262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9875", "title": "[Optimization of the culture medium and role of its components in the biosynthesis of exopolysaccharides by Mycobacterium lacticolum].", "content": "A medium has been selected for providing the maximum synthesis (7-8 g/litre) of a free exocellular polysaccharide by Mycobacterium lacticolum 121. The following concentrations of the components are optimal for the biosynthesis: hexadecane, 5.0-6.5% (by volume); NaNO3, 2.0-4.0 g/litre; Na2HPO4-12H2O, 1.0-1.5 g/litre; KCl, 1.0-1.5 g/litre. An increase in the concentration of sodium nitrate and phosphate over 4.0 and 1.5 g/litre, respectively, favours growth of the cells but inhibits biosynthesis of the polysaccharide. Concentrations of hexadecane and potassium chloride over 6.5% and 1.5 g/litre, respectively, have no effect of the culture and yield of the polysaccharide.", "contents": "[Optimization of the culture medium and role of its components in the biosynthesis of exopolysaccharides by Mycobacterium lacticolum]. A medium has been selected for providing the maximum synthesis (7-8 g/litre) of a free exocellular polysaccharide by Mycobacterium lacticolum 121. The following concentrations of the components are optimal for the biosynthesis: hexadecane, 5.0-6.5% (by volume); NaNO3, 2.0-4.0 g/litre; Na2HPO4-12H2O, 1.0-1.5 g/litre; KCl, 1.0-1.5 g/litre. An increase in the concentration of sodium nitrate and phosphate over 4.0 and 1.5 g/litre, respectively, favours growth of the cells but inhibits biosynthesis of the polysaccharide. Concentrations of hexadecane and potassium chloride over 6.5% and 1.5 g/litre, respectively, have no effect of the culture and yield of the polysaccharide.", "PMID": 1004265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9876", "title": "[Production of biologically active compounds by S, R and M forms of Mycobacterium lacticolum on a medium with n-hexadecane].", "content": "The rate of growth and production of exopolysaccharides, vitamin B2 and cetyl alcohol by different clones of S, R and M variants of Mycobacterium lacticolum 104 was studied on a medium containing n-hexadecane. A constant correlation was found to exist between the shape of the colony and the physiologo-biochemical characteristics of the bacterium. The cells of R variant had the highest growth rate, the cells of M variant, the lowest. The cell suspension of M form accumulated 0.1 mg of cetyl alcohol per 1 mg of protein during four hours; S and R forms accumulated 1.5 times less of this substance during the same time. The highest amount of flavins (2.4 mg/litre) was synthesized by the clones of S variant, the lowest amount of flavins was produced by the clones of M form. The cells of M form synthesized 4 g/litre of polysaccharides, the cells of S and R forms produced by 70 and 170% less, respectively.", "contents": "[Production of biologically active compounds by S, R and M forms of Mycobacterium lacticolum on a medium with n-hexadecane]. The rate of growth and production of exopolysaccharides, vitamin B2 and cetyl alcohol by different clones of S, R and M variants of Mycobacterium lacticolum 104 was studied on a medium containing n-hexadecane. A constant correlation was found to exist between the shape of the colony and the physiologo-biochemical characteristics of the bacterium. The cells of R variant had the highest growth rate, the cells of M variant, the lowest. The cell suspension of M form accumulated 0.1 mg of cetyl alcohol per 1 mg of protein during four hours; S and R forms accumulated 1.5 times less of this substance during the same time. The highest amount of flavins (2.4 mg/litre) was synthesized by the clones of S variant, the lowest amount of flavins was produced by the clones of M form. The cells of M form synthesized 4 g/litre of polysaccharides, the cells of S and R forms produced by 70 and 170% less, respectively.", "PMID": 1004267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9877", "title": "[Fractionation of sulfur isotopes by phototrophic sulfur bacterium Ectothiorhodospira shaposhnikovii].", "content": "Two processes of sulphur isotope fractionation have been found in experiments with the sulphur purple bacterium Ectothiorhodospira shaposhnikovii. As a result, a light isotope, 32S, is concentrated in residual hydrogen sulphide, and a heavy isotope, 34S, in elementary suphur which is deposited outside the cell. The sulphate produced is lighter than elementary sulphur. Fractionation of sulphur isotopes is observed in natural conditions and is confined to places of mass growth of photosynthetic sulphur bacteria.", "contents": "[Fractionation of sulfur isotopes by phototrophic sulfur bacterium Ectothiorhodospira shaposhnikovii]. Two processes of sulphur isotope fractionation have been found in experiments with the sulphur purple bacterium Ectothiorhodospira shaposhnikovii. As a result, a light isotope, 32S, is concentrated in residual hydrogen sulphide, and a heavy isotope, 34S, in elementary suphur which is deposited outside the cell. The sulphate produced is lighter than elementary sulphur. Fractionation of sulphur isotopes is observed in natural conditions and is confined to places of mass growth of photosynthetic sulphur bacteria.", "PMID": 1004261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9878", "title": "[Localization of cellulase in the Aspergillus terreus mycelial cells].", "content": "Localization of cellulase was studied in the cells of Aspergillus terreus 17P, a thermotolerant fungus. The activity of Cx-enzyme was found in the supernatant and to be of a protein nature, as was established by means of differential centrifugation of a homogenate of the mycelium cells. Ultrathin sections of the mycelium were fixed according to Somogi and studied by electron microscopy. The cellulase was found to be located on the surface of the cell wall to which it was bound but not very firmly, and was therefore detected in the supernatant.", "contents": "[Localization of cellulase in the Aspergillus terreus mycelial cells]. Localization of cellulase was studied in the cells of Aspergillus terreus 17P, a thermotolerant fungus. The activity of Cx-enzyme was found in the supernatant and to be of a protein nature, as was established by means of differential centrifugation of a homogenate of the mycelium cells. Ultrathin sections of the mycelium were fixed according to Somogi and studied by electron microscopy. The cellulase was found to be located on the surface of the cell wall to which it was bound but not very firmly, and was therefore detected in the supernatant.", "PMID": 1004263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9879", "title": "[Growth substance requirements in heterothallic yeast cultures].", "content": "Vitamin heterotrophy was studied among the following new yeast genera: Leucosporidium, Rhodosporidium and Filobasidium. The requirement in growth factors of various crossing types was compared among these genera and ascomycetens yeast cultures Saccharomycopsis lipolytica and Metschnikowia pulcherrima. Various crossing types of Filobasidium capsuligenum were found to differ in their requirement in growth factors. Various crossing types of Rhodosporidium and Saccharomycopsis lipolytica were stimulated by different growth substances. These characteristics can be used as markers while selecting the types of crossing.", "contents": "[Growth substance requirements in heterothallic yeast cultures]. Vitamin heterotrophy was studied among the following new yeast genera: Leucosporidium, Rhodosporidium and Filobasidium. The requirement in growth factors of various crossing types was compared among these genera and ascomycetens yeast cultures Saccharomycopsis lipolytica and Metschnikowia pulcherrima. Various crossing types of Filobasidium capsuligenum were found to differ in their requirement in growth factors. Various crossing types of Rhodosporidium and Saccharomycopsis lipolytica were stimulated by different growth substances. These characteristics can be used as markers while selecting the types of crossing.", "PMID": 1004264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9880", "title": "[Morphology and growth cycle of Hyphomicrobium with a screw-like prostheca].", "content": "Hyphomicrobium with a screw-like prostheca was isolated from a mixed culture of soil bacteria. Its morphology and growth cycle were studied by electron microscopy. The adult organisms are 1.6-1.8 mcm long and 0.8 mcm thick. The diameter of the prostheca is 0.2-0.3 mcm and sometimes up to 10-12 mcm. It has a peculiar screw-like structure of the cell wall surface and forms branches at whose ends daughter organisms develop. The bacterium multiplies not only by vegetative growth but also by conjugation.", "contents": "[Morphology and growth cycle of Hyphomicrobium with a screw-like prostheca]. Hyphomicrobium with a screw-like prostheca was isolated from a mixed culture of soil bacteria. Its morphology and growth cycle were studied by electron microscopy. The adult organisms are 1.6-1.8 mcm long and 0.8 mcm thick. The diameter of the prostheca is 0.2-0.3 mcm and sometimes up to 10-12 mcm. It has a peculiar screw-like structure of the cell wall surface and forms branches at whose ends daughter organisms develop. The bacterium multiplies not only by vegetative growth but also by conjugation.", "PMID": 1004266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9881", "title": "[Morphological differentiation in non-sulfur purple bacteria].", "content": "Cell differentiation in non-sulphur purple bacteria is complicated, as compared to binary fission, during bud formation with production of hyphae and special resting cells of the exospore type, and can be demonstrated in the folowing series of microorganisms: Rhodopseudomonas sulfidophila leads to Rh. capsulata leads to Rh. acidophila leads to Rh. viridis and Rh. palustris leads to Rh. sulfoviridis leads to Rhodom. vannielii. Contrary to phototrophic bacteria multiplying by division, a distinct sequence in appearance of various morphological forms was found in bud-forming bacteria. Formation of specialized cells is regulated by the substrate concentration, accumulation of metabolites, and the population density. Mobile cells are not formed at all or partly, resting cells are formed sometimes at a higher rate, and vegetative cells contain reserve substances in all bud-forming phototrophic bacteria if conditions of the environment are not optimal.", "contents": "[Morphological differentiation in non-sulfur purple bacteria]. Cell differentiation in non-sulphur purple bacteria is complicated, as compared to binary fission, during bud formation with production of hyphae and special resting cells of the exospore type, and can be demonstrated in the folowing series of microorganisms: Rhodopseudomonas sulfidophila leads to Rh. capsulata leads to Rh. acidophila leads to Rh. viridis and Rh. palustris leads to Rh. sulfoviridis leads to Rhodom. vannielii. Contrary to phototrophic bacteria multiplying by division, a distinct sequence in appearance of various morphological forms was found in bud-forming bacteria. Formation of specialized cells is regulated by the substrate concentration, accumulation of metabolites, and the population density. Mobile cells are not formed at all or partly, resting cells are formed sometimes at a higher rate, and vegetative cells contain reserve substances in all bud-forming phototrophic bacteria if conditions of the environment are not optimal.", "PMID": 1004269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9882", "title": "[Formation and structure of oval aggregates of Erwinia herbicola cells].", "content": "Formation and structure of oval aggregates were studied by electron and light microscopy of the cells of Erwinia herbicola. Some cells in these cultures were found to synthesize extracellular slime which caused the formation of the aggregates. As has been established by cytochemical techniques, the slime consists mainly of polysaccharides. The aggregates are compact groups of cells submerged into the slime whose bulk is located at the periphery. Formation of slime synthesizing cells in the cultures of Erwinia herbicola presumably does not depend on the composition of growth media and the age of the culture.", "contents": "[Formation and structure of oval aggregates of Erwinia herbicola cells]. Formation and structure of oval aggregates were studied by electron and light microscopy of the cells of Erwinia herbicola. Some cells in these cultures were found to synthesize extracellular slime which caused the formation of the aggregates. As has been established by cytochemical techniques, the slime consists mainly of polysaccharides. The aggregates are compact groups of cells submerged into the slime whose bulk is located at the periphery. Formation of slime synthesizing cells in the cultures of Erwinia herbicola presumably does not depend on the composition of growth media and the age of the culture.", "PMID": 1004271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9883", "title": "[A new triangular bacterium].", "content": "A new bacterium has been isolated; its cells are of a triangle shape and have a radial symmetry. The organism was compared with two other bacteria of a triangle shape described earlier: it differs from them by morphology and physiology.", "contents": "[A new triangular bacterium]. A new bacterium has been isolated; its cells are of a triangle shape and have a radial symmetry. The organism was compared with two other bacteria of a triangle shape described earlier: it differs from them by morphology and physiology.", "PMID": 1004268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9884", "title": "[Production of protoplasts and membranes in Actinomyces hygroscopus].", "content": "Protoplasts of Actinomyces hygroscopicus were obtained in a hypertonic medium containing 10.3% sucrose. Lysozyme was employed as a lysing agent at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. The cells were subjected to lysis during 3-4 hours at 37 degree C, the concentration of biomass being 0.05 g of dry mycelium per 1 ml of hypertonic solution. Production of protoplasts was controlled by phase-contrast microscopy; the amount of the protoplast was determined by optical density at lambda=530 nm. The highest amount of the protoplasts was obtained during growth of the culture on a medium containing 0.5% glycine. The membrane fraction was isolated after lysis of the protoplasts in a hypotonic medium, treatment with DNase and RNase, and centrifugation at 22,000 g in the cold. Production of the membranes was controlled by electron microscopy. The yield of the membranes was 17-19% of the dry mycelium weight. They contained about 35% of lipids, 50% of protein, and 5% of RNA.", "contents": "[Production of protoplasts and membranes in Actinomyces hygroscopus]. Protoplasts of Actinomyces hygroscopicus were obtained in a hypertonic medium containing 10.3% sucrose. Lysozyme was employed as a lysing agent at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. The cells were subjected to lysis during 3-4 hours at 37 degree C, the concentration of biomass being 0.05 g of dry mycelium per 1 ml of hypertonic solution. Production of protoplasts was controlled by phase-contrast microscopy; the amount of the protoplast was determined by optical density at lambda=530 nm. The highest amount of the protoplasts was obtained during growth of the culture on a medium containing 0.5% glycine. The membrane fraction was isolated after lysis of the protoplasts in a hypotonic medium, treatment with DNase and RNase, and centrifugation at 22,000 g in the cold. Production of the membranes was controlled by electron microscopy. The yield of the membranes was 17-19% of the dry mycelium weight. They contained about 35% of lipids, 50% of protein, and 5% of RNA.", "PMID": 1004273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9885", "title": "[Mesophilic rod-like nonsporeforming bacterium reducing sulfates].", "content": "A pure culture of a new organism, strain X, reducing sulphates is described. According to its morphological, physiological and biochemical properties, the organism is classed as a new species. Desulfovibrio baculatus nov. sp. The cells have the shape of short rods, 1.3X0.6 mcm, with a polar flagellum 0.021 mcm thick. It is an obligate anaerobic culture growing on media only in the presence of sulphates at the account of sodium salts of lactic, pyruvic and malic acids and also in the presence of yeast autolysate at the account of formate and hydrogen. Sulphate, sulphite and thiosulphate can serve as acceptors of electrons during growth on lactate. The organism grows at 2 to 41 degree C in the presence of up to 6% NaCl in the medium and does not require NaCl for its growth. The cells do not contain desulphoviridine as was proved by fluorescence. Hemes of cytochromes b and c were found in the cells. The content of G+C base pairs in DNA is 56.8+/-0.4 mole %. The culture was isolated from dumps of manganese ore.", "contents": "[Mesophilic rod-like nonsporeforming bacterium reducing sulfates]. A pure culture of a new organism, strain X, reducing sulphates is described. According to its morphological, physiological and biochemical properties, the organism is classed as a new species. Desulfovibrio baculatus nov. sp. The cells have the shape of short rods, 1.3X0.6 mcm, with a polar flagellum 0.021 mcm thick. It is an obligate anaerobic culture growing on media only in the presence of sulphates at the account of sodium salts of lactic, pyruvic and malic acids and also in the presence of yeast autolysate at the account of formate and hydrogen. Sulphate, sulphite and thiosulphate can serve as acceptors of electrons during growth on lactate. The organism grows at 2 to 41 degree C in the presence of up to 6% NaCl in the medium and does not require NaCl for its growth. The cells do not contain desulphoviridine as was proved by fluorescence. Hemes of cytochromes b and c were found in the cells. The content of G+C base pairs in DNA is 56.8+/-0.4 mole %. The culture was isolated from dumps of manganese ore.", "PMID": 1004270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9886", "title": "[Degradation of herbicide Alvison-8 by microorganisms].", "content": "Microbial degradation of a new herbicide, Alvison-8, was studied. No strains capable of growth at the account of this compound as a source of carbon have been found among microorganisms isolated from soil treated with the herbicide and among collection cultures. Some strains can degrade Alvison-8 at a concentration of 100-300 mg/litre in cooxidative conditions. Effective cosubstrates are such compounds which are actively metabolized by microorganisms but cannot maintain intensive growth. In some cases, the cultures grew at the account of cosubstrates and the process consisted of two stages, i. e. degradation occured at the beginning prior to the phase of active growth.", "contents": "[Degradation of herbicide Alvison-8 by microorganisms]. Microbial degradation of a new herbicide, Alvison-8, was studied. No strains capable of growth at the account of this compound as a source of carbon have been found among microorganisms isolated from soil treated with the herbicide and among collection cultures. Some strains can degrade Alvison-8 at a concentration of 100-300 mg/litre in cooxidative conditions. Effective cosubstrates are such compounds which are actively metabolized by microorganisms but cannot maintain intensive growth. In some cases, the cultures grew at the account of cosubstrates and the process consisted of two stages, i. e. degradation occured at the beginning prior to the phase of active growth.", "PMID": 1004275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9887", "title": "[Isolation of vacuoles from Candida tropicalis].", "content": "Intact vacuoles were isolated from the homogenate of the Candida tropicalis protoplasts by flotation in a stepwise gradient of phycoll density. New parameters of protoplast decomposition in hypotonic and isotonic conditions yielding intact vacuoles have been found, as well parameters of density gradient and conditions of centrifugation which differ essentially from parameters used by other authors for isolating the vacuoles from the Saccharomyces cells. The purity of the vacuole preparations was confirmed by using enzymes, light and electron microscopy. The specific content of the carbon of protein, lipids, and free amino acids in the vacuoles and protoplasts of the yeast cells cultivated on 14C-labelled glucose was determined by the radioindicator technique.", "contents": "[Isolation of vacuoles from Candida tropicalis]. Intact vacuoles were isolated from the homogenate of the Candida tropicalis protoplasts by flotation in a stepwise gradient of phycoll density. New parameters of protoplast decomposition in hypotonic and isotonic conditions yielding intact vacuoles have been found, as well parameters of density gradient and conditions of centrifugation which differ essentially from parameters used by other authors for isolating the vacuoles from the Saccharomyces cells. The purity of the vacuole preparations was confirmed by using enzymes, light and electron microscopy. The specific content of the carbon of protein, lipids, and free amino acids in the vacuoles and protoplasts of the yeast cells cultivated on 14C-labelled glucose was determined by the radioindicator technique.", "PMID": 1004272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9888", "title": "[Transformation as a method for increasing the activity of lucerne nodule bacteria].", "content": "Transformation of lucerne nodule bacteria was tried as a method for increasing their activity. About 100 strains resistant to 1000 units/ml of streptomycin have been obtained by transformation; 34 strains were tested for the activity of nitrogen fixation in conditions of a microvegetative experiment according to the scheme: strain-donor, strain-recipient, transformed strains. The activity varied within a wide range: +/-30--40% cf. the activity of the parent strains. The transformed strains were passaged through plants and those with a still higher activity were selected. This evidence confirms the conception of Natman concerning genetic compatibility of plants and nodule bacteria when those bacterial forms whose genome corresponds to the plant genome are selected by the macrosymbiont.", "contents": "[Transformation as a method for increasing the activity of lucerne nodule bacteria]. Transformation of lucerne nodule bacteria was tried as a method for increasing their activity. About 100 strains resistant to 1000 units/ml of streptomycin have been obtained by transformation; 34 strains were tested for the activity of nitrogen fixation in conditions of a microvegetative experiment according to the scheme: strain-donor, strain-recipient, transformed strains. The activity varied within a wide range: +/-30--40% cf. the activity of the parent strains. The transformed strains were passaged through plants and those with a still higher activity were selected. This evidence confirms the conception of Natman concerning genetic compatibility of plants and nodule bacteria when those bacterial forms whose genome corresponds to the plant genome are selected by the macrosymbiont.", "PMID": 1004274} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9889", "title": "[Survival of epiphytic microorganisms following sublimation dehydration and storage].", "content": "Epiphytic microorganisms belonging to the genera Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium, Achromobacter, Flavobacterium, Mycobacterium, Mycococcus, Nocardia, Corynebacterium, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, and Microbacterium were dehydrated by sublimation employing two suspension media, and were stored at 3-5 degrees C during 1-2.5 years. Survival of epiphytic microorganisms upon dehydration by sublimation and storage was found to depend on their taxonomy (genus, species, strain) and the composition of the suspension medium. The cultures can be stored after dehydration during 2-2.5 years.", "contents": "[Survival of epiphytic microorganisms following sublimation dehydration and storage]. Epiphytic microorganisms belonging to the genera Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium, Achromobacter, Flavobacterium, Mycobacterium, Mycococcus, Nocardia, Corynebacterium, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, and Microbacterium were dehydrated by sublimation employing two suspension media, and were stored at 3-5 degrees C during 1-2.5 years. Survival of epiphytic microorganisms upon dehydration by sublimation and storage was found to depend on their taxonomy (genus, species, strain) and the composition of the suspension medium. The cultures can be stored after dehydration during 2-2.5 years.", "PMID": 1004279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9890", "title": "[Dynamics of short term changes in the number of bacteria in the surface ooze layer and bottom water].", "content": "Statistically reliable short-term periodic changes in the number of bacteria were found in the surface ooze layer and, to a less extent, in the bottom water layer. The time of doubling of the bacterial number can be calculated approximately by counting bacterial cells in the ooze layer every day. An inverse correlation was established between the bacterial number in the surface ooze layer and in the bottom water layer.", "contents": "[Dynamics of short term changes in the number of bacteria in the surface ooze layer and bottom water]. Statistically reliable short-term periodic changes in the number of bacteria were found in the surface ooze layer and, to a less extent, in the bottom water layer. The time of doubling of the bacterial number can be calculated approximately by counting bacterial cells in the ooze layer every day. An inverse correlation was established between the bacterial number in the surface ooze layer and in the bottom water layer.", "PMID": 1004277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9891", "title": "[Electron microscopic study of intracellular growth of phage specific for Bacillus thuringiensis var. galleriae].", "content": "Ultrathin sections of Bacillus thuringiensis var. galleriae infected by a specific phage were studied by electron microscopy. Stages of the phage reproduction within the cell, from adsorption of phage particles to liberation of the phage from the cell, have been revealed. Growth of the phage follows that of DNA-containing phages. The yield of the phage is very high.", "contents": "[Electron microscopic study of intracellular growth of phage specific for Bacillus thuringiensis var. galleriae]. Ultrathin sections of Bacillus thuringiensis var. galleriae infected by a specific phage were studied by electron microscopy. Stages of the phage reproduction within the cell, from adsorption of phage particles to liberation of the phage from the cell, have been revealed. Growth of the phage follows that of DNA-containing phages. The yield of the phage is very high.", "PMID": 1004276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9892", "title": "[Electroretention of microorganisms].", "content": "Water is liberated from microbial cells in the course of flow of microbial suspensions through dielectrics and conductors of the second kind in electric field. Microorganisms are retained by electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis, polarization of the cells and particles, electrostatic, dipole-dipole interaction between them. When the current is switched off, the cells are liberated and washed out with small volumes of water, and the regenerated material may be used several times for separating microbial cells from fluids. Effectiveness of retainment of microorganisms increases with an increase in voltage and a decrease in the flow rate.", "contents": "[Electroretention of microorganisms]. Water is liberated from microbial cells in the course of flow of microbial suspensions through dielectrics and conductors of the second kind in electric field. Microorganisms are retained by electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis, polarization of the cells and particles, electrostatic, dipole-dipole interaction between them. When the current is switched off, the cells are liberated and washed out with small volumes of water, and the regenerated material may be used several times for separating microbial cells from fluids. Effectiveness of retainment of microorganisms increases with an increase in voltage and a decrease in the flow rate.", "PMID": 1004278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9893", "title": "[Connection of thylakoids with plasmalemma in the Synechococcus cyanobacterium].", "content": "The edges of the thylakoids are connected with the plasmalemma in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp., strain 715, this leading to partial compartmentalization of the cytoplasm in the cell.", "contents": "[Connection of thylakoids with plasmalemma in the Synechococcus cyanobacterium]. The edges of the thylakoids are connected with the plasmalemma in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp., strain 715, this leading to partial compartmentalization of the cytoplasm in the cell.", "PMID": 1004281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9894", "title": "[Lysogeny of the Streptomyces hygroscopicus culture reducing the antibiotic turimycin and some characteristics of its temperate phage].", "content": "The culture of Streptomyces hygroscopicus JA 6599 producing antibiotic turimycin was found to be lysogenic. Four variants produced from this culture by the inducing with acridine orange did not synthesize the antibiotic but were also lysogenic. Temperate phages isolated from the parent culture and from its four variants were identical by their main biological properties. Therefore, production of turimycin is not controlled by the isolated temperate phage.", "contents": "[Lysogeny of the Streptomyces hygroscopicus culture reducing the antibiotic turimycin and some characteristics of its temperate phage]. The culture of Streptomyces hygroscopicus JA 6599 producing antibiotic turimycin was found to be lysogenic. Four variants produced from this culture by the inducing with acridine orange did not synthesize the antibiotic but were also lysogenic. Temperate phages isolated from the parent culture and from its four variants were identical by their main biological properties. Therefore, production of turimycin is not controlled by the isolated temperate phage.", "PMID": 1004282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9895", "title": "[Formation of ribuloso-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase by Thiocapsa roseopersicina under different growth conditions].", "content": "Contrary to other photosynthetic and some chemoautotrophic bacteria, formation of ribuloso-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase by the cells of Thiocapsa roseopersicina, strain BBS, is not inhibited by oxygen which is present in the medium. The intensity of light and the presence of organic substances in the medium produce only a minor effect on synthesis of the enzyme by the microorganism.", "contents": "[Formation of ribuloso-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase by Thiocapsa roseopersicina under different growth conditions]. Contrary to other photosynthetic and some chemoautotrophic bacteria, formation of ribuloso-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase by the cells of Thiocapsa roseopersicina, strain BBS, is not inhibited by oxygen which is present in the medium. The intensity of light and the presence of organic substances in the medium produce only a minor effect on synthesis of the enzyme by the microorganism.", "PMID": 1004280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9896", "title": "A study of women students at King's College Hospital Medical School.", "content": "The admission statistics between 1967 and 1975 were studied and it was found that of the students applying a higher proportion of women than men have been admitted to King's College Hospital Medical School and that the percentage has also risen during the period for 20% in 1967 to 38% in 1975. The performance of 206 students was examined and it was found that in the A-level examinations the women studentss had significantly higher score in Zoology/Biology than the men, higher score but not significantly so in Chemistry and lower scores in Physics. It was found that the women students had higher scores than the men in the multiple choice examinations in medicine and surgery at the end of the first clinical year but that these differences were not statistically significant. In their firm reports during the first clinical year the women students had higher scores than the men in both ability and effort, but only significantly so in the case of the score for effort. In the Final London MB BS examinations in Medicine and Surgery the women had significantly higher marks than the men in both subjects. This superior academic performance and motivation at undergraduate level is discussed in the light of the lower work record of women medical graduates, and the government's policy of equal opportunity for men and women.", "contents": "A study of women students at King's College Hospital Medical School. The admission statistics between 1967 and 1975 were studied and it was found that of the students applying a higher proportion of women than men have been admitted to King's College Hospital Medical School and that the percentage has also risen during the period for 20% in 1967 to 38% in 1975. The performance of 206 students was examined and it was found that in the A-level examinations the women studentss had significantly higher score in Zoology/Biology than the men, higher score but not significantly so in Chemistry and lower scores in Physics. It was found that the women students had higher scores than the men in the multiple choice examinations in medicine and surgery at the end of the first clinical year but that these differences were not statistically significant. In their firm reports during the first clinical year the women students had higher scores than the men in both ability and effort, but only significantly so in the case of the score for effort. In the Final London MB BS examinations in Medicine and Surgery the women had significantly higher marks than the men in both subjects. This superior academic performance and motivation at undergraduate level is discussed in the light of the lower work record of women medical graduates, and the government's policy of equal opportunity for men and women.", "PMID": 1004293} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9897", "title": "Comparison of employment stutus of women medical graduates and women science graduates, University of Sheffield, 1960-65.", "content": "It appears from this survey that the employment prospects of women in medicine are not as gloomy as might be imagined. However, they may be employed in posts underusing their talents and should be encouraged at medical school to consider medicine as a meaningful career. Women science graduates appear to fare badly in the employment field compared to women doctors and are employed, very of ten, in jobs unconnected with their qualifications. An advisory service for women science students is recommended.", "contents": "Comparison of employment stutus of women medical graduates and women science graduates, University of Sheffield, 1960-65. It appears from this survey that the employment prospects of women in medicine are not as gloomy as might be imagined. However, they may be employed in posts underusing their talents and should be encouraged at medical school to consider medicine as a meaningful career. Women science graduates appear to fare badly in the employment field compared to women doctors and are employed, very of ten, in jobs unconnected with their qualifications. An advisory service for women science students is recommended.", "PMID": 1004294} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9898", "title": "Doctors' career choice: previous research and its relevance for policy-making.", "content": "During the last 10 years, a good deal of interest has been shown by both researchers and policy-makers in the factors which determine doctors' choice of specialty. In this sense 'specialty' includes not only the hospital specialties but general practice and occupational and community health. This interest has arisen in part from the problems of geographical and inter-specialty maldistribution which have persisted since the inception of the Health Service. As plans for increasing the total numbers of British doctors begin to be put into effect, the attention of medical manpower planners may well be more sharply focused on ways of ensuring that this increased supply is used in the best possible way.", "contents": "Doctors' career choice: previous research and its relevance for policy-making. During the last 10 years, a good deal of interest has been shown by both researchers and policy-makers in the factors which determine doctors' choice of specialty. In this sense 'specialty' includes not only the hospital specialties but general practice and occupational and community health. This interest has arisen in part from the problems of geographical and inter-specialty maldistribution which have persisted since the inception of the Health Service. As plans for increasing the total numbers of British doctors begin to be put into effect, the attention of medical manpower planners may well be more sharply focused on ways of ensuring that this increased supply is used in the best possible way.", "PMID": 1004295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9899", "title": "Pre-registration house appointments: a computer aided allocation scheme.", "content": "The number of pre-registration house posts allocated by the London Hospital rapidly increased in 1973. This made solution by hand of the allocation problem time consuming and complex. The Operational Research Unit was approahced and a computer aided scheme was designed which was subsequently adopted. Various alternative allocation methods are discussed and examples given. The results of the first five allocations are presented. The percentage of applicants obtaining one of their first three choices varied from 61 to 70%. Of consultants who expressed a choice, the percentage obtaining one of their first three choices was in the range of 72-94%. The allocation scheme has two principal advantages over methods used elsewhere. It is extremely flexible, allowing various weights to be given to either applicant or consultant. It also produces a complete solution which is optimal in terms of the numerical criteria specified. Details of the assignment algorithm are given in the Appendix.", "contents": "Pre-registration house appointments: a computer aided allocation scheme. The number of pre-registration house posts allocated by the London Hospital rapidly increased in 1973. This made solution by hand of the allocation problem time consuming and complex. The Operational Research Unit was approahced and a computer aided scheme was designed which was subsequently adopted. Various alternative allocation methods are discussed and examples given. The results of the first five allocations are presented. The percentage of applicants obtaining one of their first three choices varied from 61 to 70%. Of consultants who expressed a choice, the percentage obtaining one of their first three choices was in the range of 72-94%. The allocation scheme has two principal advantages over methods used elsewhere. It is extremely flexible, allowing various weights to be given to either applicant or consultant. It also produces a complete solution which is optimal in terms of the numerical criteria specified. Details of the assignment algorithm are given in the Appendix.", "PMID": 1004296} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9900", "title": "A follow-up of career preferences.", "content": "Of 146 pre-registration house officers in 1972 who answered an enquiry about career preferences, 111 were written to again in 1974. The enquiry yielded 101 comparisons, out of which 65 doctors retained their original first choice of career, 15 opted for their previous second or third choice and 21 gave a completely new first choice. Reappraisal of abilities, additional experience of the new choice of career and additional knowledge of promotion prospects were the commonest reasons given for change of career choice.", "contents": "A follow-up of career preferences. Of 146 pre-registration house officers in 1972 who answered an enquiry about career preferences, 111 were written to again in 1974. The enquiry yielded 101 comparisons, out of which 65 doctors retained their original first choice of career, 15 opted for their previous second or third choice and 21 gave a completely new first choice. Reappraisal of abilities, additional experience of the new choice of career and additional knowledge of promotion prospects were the commonest reasons given for change of career choice.", "PMID": 1004297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9901", "title": "An evaluation of the use of continlous assessment in the teaching of pharmacology.", "content": "A statistical evaluation has been made of the use of continuous assessment (CA) in the teaching of pharmacology in Medical, Ordinary (Second) BSc and Honours BSc courses. There is significant correlation (usually at P less than 0-001) between mean scores obtained in final degree examinations and CA, and between overall CA scores and the scores obtained in the individual components of CA. Scores for assessment of practical work are consistently high, while those for SAQ tests in the Medical course are consistently low. MCQ tests in both Medical and Second BSc courses show considerable year-to-year fluctuation. Degree examination and combined degree examination/CA scores show remarkable consistency from year to year. In the Medical and Second BSc groups, but not in the Honours BSc groups, the effect of introducing a CA component is to increase the mean final score by 1-2%. This up-grading of the final score by the CA component is greater (3-8%) in the less able students with scores below the mean level. In the Honours BSc group there is an opposite trend, in that inclusion of CA tends to reduce the final score, though this is not significant. It is concluded that (a) inclusion of CA scores in the final assessment does not alter the ranking order of student performance, (b) in the Medical and Second BSc groups, inclusion of CA in the final assessment benefits the student, especially those of below-average ability, and (c) inclusion of CA in the final assessment has no significant effect in the Honours BSc group; in fact, in those below average, it tends to reduce the final assessment score.", "contents": "An evaluation of the use of continlous assessment in the teaching of pharmacology. A statistical evaluation has been made of the use of continuous assessment (CA) in the teaching of pharmacology in Medical, Ordinary (Second) BSc and Honours BSc courses. There is significant correlation (usually at P less than 0-001) between mean scores obtained in final degree examinations and CA, and between overall CA scores and the scores obtained in the individual components of CA. Scores for assessment of practical work are consistently high, while those for SAQ tests in the Medical course are consistently low. MCQ tests in both Medical and Second BSc courses show considerable year-to-year fluctuation. Degree examination and combined degree examination/CA scores show remarkable consistency from year to year. In the Medical and Second BSc groups, but not in the Honours BSc groups, the effect of introducing a CA component is to increase the mean final score by 1-2%. This up-grading of the final score by the CA component is greater (3-8%) in the less able students with scores below the mean level. In the Honours BSc group there is an opposite trend, in that inclusion of CA tends to reduce the final score, though this is not significant. It is concluded that (a) inclusion of CA scores in the final assessment does not alter the ranking order of student performance, (b) in the Medical and Second BSc groups, inclusion of CA in the final assessment benefits the student, especially those of below-average ability, and (c) inclusion of CA in the final assessment has no significant effect in the Honours BSc group; in fact, in those below average, it tends to reduce the final assessment score.", "PMID": 1004298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9902", "title": "Assessment of insight change in medical student doing psychiatry.", "content": "The development of 'insight' in medical students is considered a fundamental component of psychiatric undergraduate education. The use of an insight test at the beginning and end of a 6 week teaching programme in clinical psychiatry showed a significant increase in insight as measured by this test. There was also a significant correlation between the final insight score and the results of a traditional oral examination.", "contents": "Assessment of insight change in medical student doing psychiatry. The development of 'insight' in medical students is considered a fundamental component of psychiatric undergraduate education. The use of an insight test at the beginning and end of a 6 week teaching programme in clinical psychiatry showed a significant increase in insight as measured by this test. There was also a significant correlation between the final insight score and the results of a traditional oral examination.", "PMID": 1004299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9903", "title": "Evaluation of an instruction programme on diabetes diet by means of a teaching machine.", "content": "In 119 patients with diabetes, student nurses, social workers, dietitians and medical students a pretest was carried out with multiple-choice questions on the subject of diabetes diet. The group was then exposed to programmed diet instruction with a teaching machine. There was a significant learning effect as measured by the score differences with identical and analogue post-tests. Programmed self-teaching with feed back by multiple-choice questions seems to be an efficient method of instruction of basic facts of nutrition for diabetics thus enabling the physician to spend more time on the patient's personal problems.", "contents": "Evaluation of an instruction programme on diabetes diet by means of a teaching machine. In 119 patients with diabetes, student nurses, social workers, dietitians and medical students a pretest was carried out with multiple-choice questions on the subject of diabetes diet. The group was then exposed to programmed diet instruction with a teaching machine. There was a significant learning effect as measured by the score differences with identical and analogue post-tests. Programmed self-teaching with feed back by multiple-choice questions seems to be an efficient method of instruction of basic facts of nutrition for diabetics thus enabling the physician to spend more time on the patient's personal problems.", "PMID": 1004300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9904", "title": "Traumatic hyphaema: a general hospital experience.", "content": "A series of fifty consecutive patients admitted to the Alfred Hospital with a primary diagnosis of traumatic hyphaema is analysed with respect to causation, size of bleed at admission, treatment, complications and ultimate visual result. The need to examine carefully the eyes of all patients presenting with a history of motor vehible accident is stressed.", "contents": "Traumatic hyphaema: a general hospital experience. A series of fifty consecutive patients admitted to the Alfred Hospital with a primary diagnosis of traumatic hyphaema is analysed with respect to causation, size of bleed at admission, treatment, complications and ultimate visual result. The need to examine carefully the eyes of all patients presenting with a history of motor vehible accident is stressed.", "PMID": 1004306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9905", "title": "Hepatitis B infections in expatriate doctors in Papua New Guinea.", "content": "The frequency of hepatitis B infection in European doctors and non-medical expatriates working in Papua New Guinea has been investigated. There was a higher rate of clinical hepatitis in doctors as compared with non-medical personnel and serological evidence suggested that most of the infections were hepatitis B. Subclinical infections with hepatitis B in doctors were also common, and the frequency of hepatitis B antibody increased with length of stay in Papua New Guinea. The implications of these findings are discussed.", "contents": "Hepatitis B infections in expatriate doctors in Papua New Guinea. The frequency of hepatitis B infection in European doctors and non-medical expatriates working in Papua New Guinea has been investigated. There was a higher rate of clinical hepatitis in doctors as compared with non-medical personnel and serological evidence suggested that most of the infections were hepatitis B. Subclinical infections with hepatitis B in doctors were also common, and the frequency of hepatitis B antibody increased with length of stay in Papua New Guinea. The implications of these findings are discussed.", "PMID": 1004307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9906", "title": "Schizophrenia: a postulated animal model.", "content": "Studies dealing with psychiatric concomitants of epilepsy and penetrating brain injury suggest that phenomena seen may be based on the side of injury. A separate, growing literature has begun to relate shizophrenia directly to problems of inter-hemispheric relation. Experimental work on animal rotation also deals with aspects of cerebral asymmetry. The chemical and anatomic systems manipulated in the animal work are the same as those postulated to be central to a biological understanding of schizophrenia. How these seemingly disparate subject matters may merge and point to a plausible animal model for the schizophrenias is the hypothesis presented in this paper.", "contents": "Schizophrenia: a postulated animal model. Studies dealing with psychiatric concomitants of epilepsy and penetrating brain injury suggest that phenomena seen may be based on the side of injury. A separate, growing literature has begun to relate shizophrenia directly to problems of inter-hemispheric relation. Experimental work on animal rotation also deals with aspects of cerebral asymmetry. The chemical and anatomic systems manipulated in the animal work are the same as those postulated to be central to a biological understanding of schizophrenia. How these seemingly disparate subject matters may merge and point to a plausible animal model for the schizophrenias is the hypothesis presented in this paper.", "PMID": 1004302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9907", "title": "The role of viruses in the evolution of antibody diversity.", "content": "We propose an alternate concept for the creation of antibody diversity involving the role of viruses as mediators of genetic exchange. We suggest that both species specificity and the diversity of the immune response arose as a consequence of virus co-evolution with host organisms. Processes such as viral transformation, transduction, and integration provide mechanisms of nucleotide exchange with the host leading to antibody diversity. In this model the genes coding for antibodies are stabilized through a process of antigenic and natural selection. Stabilization of genes ensures vertical transmission of appropriate nucleotide sequences.", "contents": "The role of viruses in the evolution of antibody diversity. We propose an alternate concept for the creation of antibody diversity involving the role of viruses as mediators of genetic exchange. We suggest that both species specificity and the diversity of the immune response arose as a consequence of virus co-evolution with host organisms. Processes such as viral transformation, transduction, and integration provide mechanisms of nucleotide exchange with the host leading to antibody diversity. In this model the genes coding for antibodies are stabilized through a process of antigenic and natural selection. Stabilization of genes ensures vertical transmission of appropriate nucleotide sequences.", "PMID": 1004303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9908", "title": "Smallpox vaccination and eczema.", "content": "Smallpox has disappeared from all countries except Ethiopia and the possibility of its eradication appears within reach. The need for vaccination of eczema patients against smallpox appears to be ending. Eczema vaccinatum is a rare but sometimes fatal complication of smallpox vaccination in atopic aczema and its incidence is discussed. Precautions in vaccinating atopic eczema patients include suitable treatment of the eczema, injection of vaccinial immunoglobulin and testing the competence of humoral and cellular immunity.", "contents": "Smallpox vaccination and eczema. Smallpox has disappeared from all countries except Ethiopia and the possibility of its eradication appears within reach. The need for vaccination of eczema patients against smallpox appears to be ending. Eczema vaccinatum is a rare but sometimes fatal complication of smallpox vaccination in atopic aczema and its incidence is discussed. Precautions in vaccinating atopic eczema patients include suitable treatment of the eczema, injection of vaccinial immunoglobulin and testing the competence of humoral and cellular immunity.", "PMID": 1004311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9909", "title": "Medical aspects of surfcraft usage.", "content": "A prospective study of one year's duration on surfcraft-associated injuries recorded 399 injuries. The incidence and pattern observed was significantly different from results gathered in the same area five years earlier. The frequency of injury was found not to have increased as much as would have been expected from the increased popularity of board riding. The pattern of injury was also shown to have altered. It is concluded that, while occasional severe injuries occur, the use of surfcraft, particularly surfboards, constitutes a relatively risk-free sport.", "contents": "Medical aspects of surfcraft usage. A prospective study of one year's duration on surfcraft-associated injuries recorded 399 injuries. The incidence and pattern observed was significantly different from results gathered in the same area five years earlier. The frequency of injury was found not to have increased as much as would have been expected from the increased popularity of board riding. The pattern of injury was also shown to have altered. It is concluded that, while occasional severe injuries occur, the use of surfcraft, particularly surfboards, constitutes a relatively risk-free sport.", "PMID": 1004316} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9910", "title": "Infection with Pseudomonas maltophilia hospital outbreak due to contaminated disinfectant.", "content": "Between August, 1973, and May, 1974, Pseudomonas maltophilia was isolated from 63 patients in the King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Subiaco, Western Australia. Primary cultures were obtained mainly from specimens of urine from adults, and from intraarterial catheter tips and umbilical swabs from neonates. In most cases the organism appeared to be a contaminant, but in seven it was responsible for infection. The source of the organism was deionized water used for diluting Savlon concentrate (chlorhexidine, 1-5%; cetrimide, 15%). In the 17 months since the method of preparation and distribution of Savlon to the wards was altered, Ps. maltophilia has not been isolated from either clinical specimens or hospital disinfectants.", "contents": "Infection with Pseudomonas maltophilia hospital outbreak due to contaminated disinfectant. Between August, 1973, and May, 1974, Pseudomonas maltophilia was isolated from 63 patients in the King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Subiaco, Western Australia. Primary cultures were obtained mainly from specimens of urine from adults, and from intraarterial catheter tips and umbilical swabs from neonates. In most cases the organism appeared to be a contaminant, but in seven it was responsible for infection. The source of the organism was deionized water used for diluting Savlon concentrate (chlorhexidine, 1-5%; cetrimide, 15%). In the 17 months since the method of preparation and distribution of Savlon to the wards was altered, Ps. maltophilia has not been isolated from either clinical specimens or hospital disinfectants.", "PMID": 1004317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9911", "title": "Current management of coarctation of the aorta.", "content": "A series of 55 surgically treated cases of coarctation of the thoracic aorta is presented with an operative mortality of 5-4%. The problems encountered in infants are discussed and postoperative complications in adults and children detailed. The advantages of patch graft aortoplasty over resection and end-to-end anastomosis are described.", "contents": "Current management of coarctation of the aorta. A series of 55 surgically treated cases of coarctation of the thoracic aorta is presented with an operative mortality of 5-4%. The problems encountered in infants are discussed and postoperative complications in adults and children detailed. The advantages of patch graft aortoplasty over resection and end-to-end anastomosis are described.", "PMID": 1004318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9912", "title": "Malpositioned central venous cannulae and the internal jugular vein.", "content": "The internal jugular vein is a common site for the malpositioned central venous cannula tip. This undesirable situation can be recognized clinically as well as radiologically, and can be remedied without further venepuncture.", "contents": "Malpositioned central venous cannulae and the internal jugular vein. The internal jugular vein is a common site for the malpositioned central venous cannula tip. This undesirable situation can be recognized clinically as well as radiologically, and can be remedied without further venepuncture.", "PMID": 1004319} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9913", "title": "Iatrogenic hypernatraemia after oral electrolyte solution.", "content": "A seven-week-old infant was found to be hypernatraemic after oral administration of an electrolyte solution. It is recommended that such solutions are not used in the outpatient treatment of children.", "contents": "Iatrogenic hypernatraemia after oral electrolyte solution. A seven-week-old infant was found to be hypernatraemic after oral administration of an electrolyte solution. It is recommended that such solutions are not used in the outpatient treatment of children.", "PMID": 1004320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9914", "title": "The aetiology of non-exertional angina pectoris.", "content": "The occurrence of angina pectoris while at rest, although long recognized, has not been satisfactorily explained. In the non-exertional attacks studied there was an increase in heart load, as estimated by the product of heart rate and systolic pressure. Angina occurred when the load exceeded a critical level. Recumbency was associated with 94% of non-exertional attacks; 58% followed a meal; in 54% both factors were present. It is suggested that recumbency causes an increase in heart load because of expansion of blood volume by transfer of fluid from interstitial spaces, and that a meal does so because of digestive activity.", "contents": "The aetiology of non-exertional angina pectoris. The occurrence of angina pectoris while at rest, although long recognized, has not been satisfactorily explained. In the non-exertional attacks studied there was an increase in heart load, as estimated by the product of heart rate and systolic pressure. Angina occurred when the load exceeded a critical level. Recumbency was associated with 94% of non-exertional attacks; 58% followed a meal; in 54% both factors were present. It is suggested that recumbency causes an increase in heart load because of expansion of blood volume by transfer of fluid from interstitial spaces, and that a meal does so because of digestive activity.", "PMID": 1004323} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9915", "title": "Medical problems in refugee children evacuated from South Vietnam.", "content": "One hundred and fourteen refugee children from South Vietnam showed similar disease prevalences to refugee children from Bangladesh. Common diseases were malnutrition, gastroenteritis, pneumonia and bronchitis, scabies and furunculosis. Seven children died, five from pneumonia complicated by malnutrition. Increased awareness of the high incidence of Pneumocystis pneumonia and more careful assessment of nutritional status may reduce mortality in future groups of refugee children evacuated to Australia.", "contents": "Medical problems in refugee children evacuated from South Vietnam. One hundred and fourteen refugee children from South Vietnam showed similar disease prevalences to refugee children from Bangladesh. Common diseases were malnutrition, gastroenteritis, pneumonia and bronchitis, scabies and furunculosis. Seven children died, five from pneumonia complicated by malnutrition. Increased awareness of the high incidence of Pneumocystis pneumonia and more careful assessment of nutritional status may reduce mortality in future groups of refugee children evacuated to Australia.", "PMID": 1004330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9916", "title": "Bran, hypertriglyceridaemia and urate clearance.", "content": "Eight subjects having raised triglyceride levels associated with conditions such as diabetes, hyperuricaemia, obesity and hypothyroidism were given 50 g of bran per day to determine the effect of increasing dietary fibre on triglyceride and purine metabolism. The study was continued for two months. No significant effect was noted on the serum cholesterol or triglyceride level. There was a significant (p less than 0-0125) increase in the urate clearance during the initial two weeks of bran treatment, but serum uric acid levels did not alter.", "contents": "Bran, hypertriglyceridaemia and urate clearance. Eight subjects having raised triglyceride levels associated with conditions such as diabetes, hyperuricaemia, obesity and hypothyroidism were given 50 g of bran per day to determine the effect of increasing dietary fibre on triglyceride and purine metabolism. The study was continued for two months. No significant effect was noted on the serum cholesterol or triglyceride level. There was a significant (p less than 0-0125) increase in the urate clearance during the initial two weeks of bran treatment, but serum uric acid levels did not alter.", "PMID": 1004331} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9917", "title": "Crutch design for a high-level amputee.", "content": "A case is reported of a high-level left-leg amputee, aged 61 years, the amputation being performed 33 years ago. No satisfactory artificial limb has been available and severe hip and foot problems have resulted, through continued use of unsatisfactory crutch design. From the study of gait films, an excessive lateral movement at the pelvis was clear. An analysis of lateral stability showed that the crutch support on the ground needed to be shifted medially by about 5 cm. The patient's condition is greatly improved with the new crutch design.", "contents": "Crutch design for a high-level amputee. A case is reported of a high-level left-leg amputee, aged 61 years, the amputation being performed 33 years ago. No satisfactory artificial limb has been available and severe hip and foot problems have resulted, through continued use of unsatisfactory crutch design. From the study of gait films, an excessive lateral movement at the pelvis was clear. An analysis of lateral stability showed that the crutch support on the ground needed to be shifted medially by about 5 cm. The patient's condition is greatly improved with the new crutch design.", "PMID": 1004332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9918", "title": "Communicable disease in the South Pacific Islands, 1.", "content": "An outline is given of the pattern of communicable disease in the South Pacific, as far as it is known. Surveillance and research are imcomplete and the World Health Organization is assisting in carrying these out. Reporting and laboratory diagnosis of communicable disease are inadequate and sometimes inaccurate. This is being improved. Medical checks for intending migrants from the South Pacific are, in a number of cases, inadequately performed in the country of origin and this situation should be altered. The risks to surrounding developed countries from migrants, temporary workers and returning travellers are not tremendous but they cannot be neglected and vigilance has to be maintained. Tuberculosis importation does present risks, as does that of typhoid. Malaria importation carries risks for Northern Australia. Leprosy poses little real risk to Australia or New Zealand and neither does filariasis. Cholera would have to be watched for closely should there ever be a South Pacific outbreak, but the developed countries around the South Pacific which are cholera-non-receptive can control occasional cases. Other than malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid and possibly dengue, problems are thus mainly in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals.", "contents": "Communicable disease in the South Pacific Islands, 1. An outline is given of the pattern of communicable disease in the South Pacific, as far as it is known. Surveillance and research are imcomplete and the World Health Organization is assisting in carrying these out. Reporting and laboratory diagnosis of communicable disease are inadequate and sometimes inaccurate. This is being improved. Medical checks for intending migrants from the South Pacific are, in a number of cases, inadequately performed in the country of origin and this situation should be altered. The risks to surrounding developed countries from migrants, temporary workers and returning travellers are not tremendous but they cannot be neglected and vigilance has to be maintained. Tuberculosis importation does present risks, as does that of typhoid. Malaria importation carries risks for Northern Australia. Leprosy poses little real risk to Australia or New Zealand and neither does filariasis. Cholera would have to be watched for closely should there ever be a South Pacific outbreak, but the developed countries around the South Pacific which are cholera-non-receptive can control occasional cases. Other than malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid and possibly dengue, problems are thus mainly in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals.", "PMID": 1004333} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9919", "title": "Klinefelter's syndrome: experiences with 24 patients.", "content": "Twenty-four karotypically proven patients with Klinefelter's syndrome were studied. The majority suffered from disorders of personality and social adjustment. All were poorly educated. Two-thirds showed gynaecomastia and all had small testes. Eunuchoid body proportions were seen in the majority of patients. Half the patients had plasma androgen levels in the low normal range; in the rest the levels were subnormal. The serum LH level was elevated in 80% and could not be adequately suppressed by exogenous androgens in seven out of nine patients. Abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism were demonstrated in seven patients. Bilateral mastectomy was a valuable form of therapy, but androgens were withheld for phychosocial reasons.", "contents": "Klinefelter's syndrome: experiences with 24 patients. Twenty-four karotypically proven patients with Klinefelter's syndrome were studied. The majority suffered from disorders of personality and social adjustment. All were poorly educated. Two-thirds showed gynaecomastia and all had small testes. Eunuchoid body proportions were seen in the majority of patients. Half the patients had plasma androgen levels in the low normal range; in the rest the levels were subnormal. The serum LH level was elevated in 80% and could not be adequately suppressed by exogenous androgens in seven out of nine patients. Abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism were demonstrated in seven patients. Bilateral mastectomy was a valuable form of therapy, but androgens were withheld for phychosocial reasons.", "PMID": 1004339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9920", "title": "Drinking and drug taking patterns of 8,516 adults in Sydney.", "content": "Data on the drinking and drug taking patterns of 8,516 adults who had been through a Medicheck screening were analysed. This is the largest sample studied in Australia to date. The alcohol intake pattern of at least 29% of males and 9% of females puts them \"at risk\" of physical and/or psychosocial complications; 11% of males and 2% of females were considered to be at high risk. Very few heavy drinkers considered themselves to have a drinking problem and even fewer had been told by their doctor that they were problem drinkers. One-quarter of all the women took either psychotropic drugs or analgesics regularly; 19% of females, compared with 7% of males, took one or more of the psychotropic drugs (mainly tranquillizers) regularly, and 9% of females compared with 3% of males took analgesics regularly. Approximately one-third of both males and females were current smokers, but more males than females had given up smoking. The important role to be played by general practioners in the prevention and early treatment of drug dependence is highlighted by these findings.", "contents": "Drinking and drug taking patterns of 8,516 adults in Sydney. Data on the drinking and drug taking patterns of 8,516 adults who had been through a Medicheck screening were analysed. This is the largest sample studied in Australia to date. The alcohol intake pattern of at least 29% of males and 9% of females puts them \"at risk\" of physical and/or psychosocial complications; 11% of males and 2% of females were considered to be at high risk. Very few heavy drinkers considered themselves to have a drinking problem and even fewer had been told by their doctor that they were problem drinkers. One-quarter of all the women took either psychotropic drugs or analgesics regularly; 19% of females, compared with 7% of males, took one or more of the psychotropic drugs (mainly tranquillizers) regularly, and 9% of females compared with 3% of males took analgesics regularly. Approximately one-third of both males and females were current smokers, but more males than females had given up smoking. The important role to be played by general practioners in the prevention and early treatment of drug dependence is highlighted by these findings.", "PMID": 1004340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9921", "title": "Colostomy irrigation: its role in improving the colostomate's quality of life.", "content": "The wider use of the irrigation technique for the management of the permanent colostomy has previously been advocated. The results of its use in a group of 10 colostomates followed more than two years is discussed. As more than half of these colostomates have been able to resume a normal life after beginning colostomy irrigation, a further plea is made for a better understanding of the technique and the advantages that it offers.", "contents": "Colostomy irrigation: its role in improving the colostomate's quality of life. The wider use of the irrigation technique for the management of the permanent colostomy has previously been advocated. The results of its use in a group of 10 colostomates followed more than two years is discussed. As more than half of these colostomates have been able to resume a normal life after beginning colostomy irrigation, a further plea is made for a better understanding of the technique and the advantages that it offers.", "PMID": 1004341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9922", "title": "Pneumonia in a city hospital.", "content": "Of 222 patients with pneumonia in St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, in 1972, more were affected by bronchopneumonia (53%) than lobar pneumonia (46%). Two-thirds of the patients were males and 86% were aged 40 years or more. Only 59% had any bacteriological studies performed. It was unusual to isolate pathogens from persons who had received antibiotics before cultures were taken, but of cultures taken from persons not receiving antibiotics, 65% yielded pneumococci. Infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas and enterobacteria were uncommon. Haemophilus influenzae appeared to be a co-pathogen in bronchopneumonia more than in lobar pneumonia. The mortality in lobar pneumonia was acceptably low (4%), but was generally high in bronchopneumonia, being 32% when the condition occurred after surgical operations and 35% when this form of pneumonia complicated other normally non-terminal medical diseases. The mortality was 17% in primary bronchopneumonia.", "contents": "Pneumonia in a city hospital. Of 222 patients with pneumonia in St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, in 1972, more were affected by bronchopneumonia (53%) than lobar pneumonia (46%). Two-thirds of the patients were males and 86% were aged 40 years or more. Only 59% had any bacteriological studies performed. It was unusual to isolate pathogens from persons who had received antibiotics before cultures were taken, but of cultures taken from persons not receiving antibiotics, 65% yielded pneumococci. Infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas and enterobacteria were uncommon. Haemophilus influenzae appeared to be a co-pathogen in bronchopneumonia more than in lobar pneumonia. The mortality in lobar pneumonia was acceptably low (4%), but was generally high in bronchopneumonia, being 32% when the condition occurred after surgical operations and 35% when this form of pneumonia complicated other normally non-terminal medical diseases. The mortality was 17% in primary bronchopneumonia.", "PMID": 1004342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9923", "title": "A decade of medical practice: profile of a class.", "content": "The careers which the graduates of one class from the Faculty of Medicine in The University of Sydney (\"Class of '62\") had chosen for themselves by the tenth anniversary of their graduation have been compiled and compared with data from other parts of Australia.", "contents": "A decade of medical practice: profile of a class. The careers which the graduates of one class from the Faculty of Medicine in The University of Sydney (\"Class of '62\") had chosen for themselves by the tenth anniversary of their graduation have been compiled and compared with data from other parts of Australia.", "PMID": 1004343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9924", "title": "Two complications of diagnostic colonoscopy.", "content": "Two complications of diagnostic colonoscopy are reported. One patient had a perforation which was recognized immediately, and the other had a serosal tear discovered fortuitously at elective surgery. Previous reports of colonoscopic complications are reviewed, and factors predisposing to such complications are discussed.", "contents": "Two complications of diagnostic colonoscopy. Two complications of diagnostic colonoscopy are reported. One patient had a perforation which was recognized immediately, and the other had a serosal tear discovered fortuitously at elective surgery. Previous reports of colonoscopic complications are reviewed, and factors predisposing to such complications are discussed.", "PMID": 1004344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9925", "title": "Coercion and compulsory hospitalization: some patients' attitudes.", "content": "Patients' attitudes upon admission to a psychiatric hospital were elicited. Negative feelings were expressed significantly more often by those who felt coerced into hospital and those admitted compulsorily. Reasons given for these negative feelings are discussed together with suggestions as to how admission procedures could be improved", "contents": "Coercion and compulsory hospitalization: some patients' attitudes. Patients' attitudes upon admission to a psychiatric hospital were elicited. Negative feelings were expressed significantly more often by those who felt coerced into hospital and those admitted compulsorily. Reasons given for these negative feelings are discussed together with suggestions as to how admission procedures could be improved", "PMID": 1004346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9926", "title": "Arterial counterpulsation: review of the first 100 patients.", "content": "One hundred patients were treated with arterial counterpulsation over a 52-month period, indications being acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock or refractory cardiac failure, or elective cardiac surgery complicated by continued dependence on cardiopulmonary bypass. Virtually all patients showed initial improvement and 45 were hospital survivors. Serious complications of treatment were relatively infrequent. Long-term results were good, particularly in patients treated early, and in those with infarction who suffered mechanical complications that could be corrected surgically results suggest an important role of arterial counterpulsation in acute coronary artery disease.", "contents": "Arterial counterpulsation: review of the first 100 patients. One hundred patients were treated with arterial counterpulsation over a 52-month period, indications being acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock or refractory cardiac failure, or elective cardiac surgery complicated by continued dependence on cardiopulmonary bypass. Virtually all patients showed initial improvement and 45 were hospital survivors. Serious complications of treatment were relatively infrequent. Long-term results were good, particularly in patients treated early, and in those with infarction who suffered mechanical complications that could be corrected surgically results suggest an important role of arterial counterpulsation in acute coronary artery disease.", "PMID": 1004349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9927", "title": "[Influence of digoxin upon the exercise ECG of healthy men (author's transl)].", "content": "Cardiac glycosides may cause in the exercise ECG of healthy persons S-T segment depressions, which imitate a coronary insufficiency. If this method of examination is to be carried out in diagnosing coronary heart disease, it is - therefore - recommended in many cases to discontinue, at all events, an eventual digitals therapy before the examination in order to avoid falsely positive results. 23 healthy men (average age 30.2 years) were applied digoxin of medially quick saturation over seven days. Exertion electrocardiograms at the bicycle ergometer were registered before and after digoxin application. In five further cases, plasma glycoside concentrations were evaluated by 86Rb erythrocyte assay; upon the degree of saturation used, these concentrations - on the sixth and seventh day - amounted to x = 1.03 ng/ml. The following items manifested after digoxin administration, under stress and after resting: Retardation of heart rate, declination of T amplitude, and individually to a very different extent - depression of the S-T segment. After application of digoxin, only 8 of the 23 test persons demonstrated S-T depressions that would have corresponded entirely to the conditions of a \"coronary insufficiency\". Thus, it appears to be justified to carry out - first of all and in order to exclude the possibility of a coronary insufficiency - an exertion electrocardiogram, without interruption of the glycoside therapy, also in patients who are undergoing a digitalis therapy. The reason for this measure is the fact that in healthy persons only one third of the cases must be expected to show a falsely positive result. If, however, significant S-T depressions occur, the examination has to be repeated after a sufficiently long-lasting glycoside-free interval.", "contents": "[Influence of digoxin upon the exercise ECG of healthy men (author's transl)]. Cardiac glycosides may cause in the exercise ECG of healthy persons S-T segment depressions, which imitate a coronary insufficiency. If this method of examination is to be carried out in diagnosing coronary heart disease, it is - therefore - recommended in many cases to discontinue, at all events, an eventual digitals therapy before the examination in order to avoid falsely positive results. 23 healthy men (average age 30.2 years) were applied digoxin of medially quick saturation over seven days. Exertion electrocardiograms at the bicycle ergometer were registered before and after digoxin application. In five further cases, plasma glycoside concentrations were evaluated by 86Rb erythrocyte assay; upon the degree of saturation used, these concentrations - on the sixth and seventh day - amounted to x = 1.03 ng/ml. The following items manifested after digoxin administration, under stress and after resting: Retardation of heart rate, declination of T amplitude, and individually to a very different extent - depression of the S-T segment. After application of digoxin, only 8 of the 23 test persons demonstrated S-T depressions that would have corresponded entirely to the conditions of a \"coronary insufficiency\". Thus, it appears to be justified to carry out - first of all and in order to exclude the possibility of a coronary insufficiency - an exertion electrocardiogram, without interruption of the glycoside therapy, also in patients who are undergoing a digitalis therapy. The reason for this measure is the fact that in healthy persons only one third of the cases must be expected to show a falsely positive result. If, however, significant S-T depressions occur, the examination has to be repeated after a sufficiently long-lasting glycoside-free interval.", "PMID": 1004353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9928", "title": "[Glycoside induced intestinal ischemia. Therapeutic possibilities (author's transl)].", "content": "Intestinal infarction in the absence of organic vascular occlusion received increasing attention in recent years. There is strong evidence from experimental work and clinical observations that cardiac glycosides may play an important role in the pathophysiology of this disorder. Our experiments using the so called mechanical ventricular massage confirm this theory. We could demonstrate that the decrease in mesenteric arterial perfusion following the i.v. administration of ouabain is caused by extracardiac effects of the glycoside on vascular smooth muscle. The Ca++ -antagonistic compound (Verapamil) blocks and reverses the Ca++-synergistic action of the glycoside independent of the time of injection.", "contents": "[Glycoside induced intestinal ischemia. Therapeutic possibilities (author's transl)]. Intestinal infarction in the absence of organic vascular occlusion received increasing attention in recent years. There is strong evidence from experimental work and clinical observations that cardiac glycosides may play an important role in the pathophysiology of this disorder. Our experiments using the so called mechanical ventricular massage confirm this theory. We could demonstrate that the decrease in mesenteric arterial perfusion following the i.v. administration of ouabain is caused by extracardiac effects of the glycoside on vascular smooth muscle. The Ca++ -antagonistic compound (Verapamil) blocks and reverses the Ca++-synergistic action of the glycoside independent of the time of injection.", "PMID": 1004354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9929", "title": "[Studies on the influence of Molsidomin on coronary heart disease (author's transl)].", "content": "A new agent, Molsidomine, with anti-anginal effect was investigated in 43 patients with coronary heart disease by means of 121 exercise tolerance studies. A good effect was observed 1 hour after sublingual or enteral absorption of 2 mg, which was comparable to 20 mg of Isosorbiddinitrate administered sublingually. Recorded and evaluated were the depression of ST-segment in the ECG, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as subjective parameters. In comparison to the controls there was a highly significant reduction of anginal pain and ST-depression equivalent to that obtained 1 hour after Isosorbiddinitrate. The effect of Molsidomine could be established already 10 min after sublingual administration and sustained 5 to 6 hours afterwards with a highly statistic significance after sublingual as well as after enteral absorption. Side effects were noticed in 3 out of 43 patients, 2 of them with headache. The remarkable advantages of the drug are to be seen in its simple dosage and administration, its good tolerability, and its intrinsic retard-effect. A combination with beta-blocking agents seems to be possible in the same way as with Isosorbiddinitrate.", "contents": "[Studies on the influence of Molsidomin on coronary heart disease (author's transl)]. A new agent, Molsidomine, with anti-anginal effect was investigated in 43 patients with coronary heart disease by means of 121 exercise tolerance studies. A good effect was observed 1 hour after sublingual or enteral absorption of 2 mg, which was comparable to 20 mg of Isosorbiddinitrate administered sublingually. Recorded and evaluated were the depression of ST-segment in the ECG, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as subjective parameters. In comparison to the controls there was a highly significant reduction of anginal pain and ST-depression equivalent to that obtained 1 hour after Isosorbiddinitrate. The effect of Molsidomine could be established already 10 min after sublingual administration and sustained 5 to 6 hours afterwards with a highly statistic significance after sublingual as well as after enteral absorption. Side effects were noticed in 3 out of 43 patients, 2 of them with headache. The remarkable advantages of the drug are to be seen in its simple dosage and administration, its good tolerability, and its intrinsic retard-effect. A combination with beta-blocking agents seems to be possible in the same way as with Isosorbiddinitrate.", "PMID": 1004355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9930", "title": "[Protracted anaphylactic shock after methyl-glucamine iodipamide (author's transl)].", "content": "A 73 year old patient with a chronic cholangitis developed protracted anaphylactic shock after intravenous injection of methylglucamine iodipamide. The post-mortem examinations showed no evidence for septicemia. Although endotoxin-shock cannot be completely excluded, the most likely cause of death was an allergic reaction.", "contents": "[Protracted anaphylactic shock after methyl-glucamine iodipamide (author's transl)]. A 73 year old patient with a chronic cholangitis developed protracted anaphylactic shock after intravenous injection of methylglucamine iodipamide. The post-mortem examinations showed no evidence for septicemia. Although endotoxin-shock cannot be completely excluded, the most likely cause of death was an allergic reaction.", "PMID": 1004356} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9931", "title": "[Determination of splenic size by ultrasonic scanning (author's transl)].", "content": "Two dimensional B-Scans make it possible to examine and measure the spleen. In 62 patients the size of the spleen was evaluated by ultrasound; the results were compared with the size of the organ after extirpation: In 58 of 62 cases there were correct results. Therefore, the ultrasonic determination of the splenic size is a reliable method for clinical questions.", "contents": "[Determination of splenic size by ultrasonic scanning (author's transl)]. Two dimensional B-Scans make it possible to examine and measure the spleen. In 62 patients the size of the spleen was evaluated by ultrasound; the results were compared with the size of the organ after extirpation: In 58 of 62 cases there were correct results. Therefore, the ultrasonic determination of the splenic size is a reliable method for clinical questions.", "PMID": 1004359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9932", "title": "[Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II. Another case report].", "content": "Hematologic evaluation of a 29-year old man with jaundice since childhood demonstrated the characteristic findings of congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA) type II. This type is characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis, multinuclearity of erythroblasts, electron-microscopic abnormalities of the red cell membrane, and abnormal serological reactions. Because of severe anemia repeated transfusions were necessary. After splenectomy thrombosis of the portal vein occurred. The patient died from hemorrhage due to ruptured esophageal varices.", "contents": "[Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II. Another case report]. Hematologic evaluation of a 29-year old man with jaundice since childhood demonstrated the characteristic findings of congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA) type II. This type is characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis, multinuclearity of erythroblasts, electron-microscopic abnormalities of the red cell membrane, and abnormal serological reactions. Because of severe anemia repeated transfusions were necessary. After splenectomy thrombosis of the portal vein occurred. The patient died from hemorrhage due to ruptured esophageal varices.", "PMID": 1004360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9933", "title": "[Familial occurrence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: report of three siblings (author's transl)].", "content": "Chronic lymphocytic leukemia was diagnosed in three siblings. Familiar occurrence speaks in favor of a predisposition in this disorder of unknown etiology. According to the present status of knowledge endogenous - genetically determined - factors combined with exogenous factors (viruses, radiation exposure, toxic substances) participate in the etiopathogenesis of the different forms of leukemia.", "contents": "[Familial occurrence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: report of three siblings (author's transl)]. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia was diagnosed in three siblings. Familiar occurrence speaks in favor of a predisposition in this disorder of unknown etiology. According to the present status of knowledge endogenous - genetically determined - factors combined with exogenous factors (viruses, radiation exposure, toxic substances) participate in the etiopathogenesis of the different forms of leukemia.", "PMID": 1004361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9934", "title": "[Refractory anemia with hypercellular bone marrow and preleukemia (author's transl)].", "content": "In refractory anemia with hypercellular bone marrow and in preleukemia the primary cellular defect probably is located at the level of the morphologically not definable stem cell. This defect causes reduced proliferative activity and ineffectivity of the morphologically definable stem cell and consequently is accompanied by peripheral cytopenia. The disarrangement of cellular metabolism first of all manifests itself in morphological anomalies of bone marrow hemopoietic cells. Using 17 own observations and in reference to previous literature the manifold manifestations of this disturbance are described.", "contents": "[Refractory anemia with hypercellular bone marrow and preleukemia (author's transl)]. In refractory anemia with hypercellular bone marrow and in preleukemia the primary cellular defect probably is located at the level of the morphologically not definable stem cell. This defect causes reduced proliferative activity and ineffectivity of the morphologically definable stem cell and consequently is accompanied by peripheral cytopenia. The disarrangement of cellular metabolism first of all manifests itself in morphological anomalies of bone marrow hemopoietic cells. Using 17 own observations and in reference to previous literature the manifold manifestations of this disturbance are described.", "PMID": 1004362} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9935", "title": "[The occurence of multiple diseases in high-aged patients (author's transl)].", "content": "Analysis of 1385 autopsies of 80-102 year-old patients was performed to investigate the frequency of simultaneous occurence of the following functionally pertinent diseases in one organism (polypathia): Severe aortic, coronary and cerebral arteriosclerosis, chronic pulmonary emphysema, contracted kidneys, fractures of the femur and malignant tumors. 80% of all patients of both sexes suffered from 2-4 of the above diseases. Even in the highest age group, however, 5 and more of the above diseases were very rarely developed. Patients with none of the above diagnoses were almost never encountered. The \"polypathia\" was stated also in patients who died by suicide or accident.", "contents": "[The occurence of multiple diseases in high-aged patients (author's transl)]. Analysis of 1385 autopsies of 80-102 year-old patients was performed to investigate the frequency of simultaneous occurence of the following functionally pertinent diseases in one organism (polypathia): Severe aortic, coronary and cerebral arteriosclerosis, chronic pulmonary emphysema, contracted kidneys, fractures of the femur and malignant tumors. 80% of all patients of both sexes suffered from 2-4 of the above diseases. Even in the highest age group, however, 5 and more of the above diseases were very rarely developed. Patients with none of the above diagnoses were almost never encountered. The \"polypathia\" was stated also in patients who died by suicide or accident.", "PMID": 1004366} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9936", "title": "On the structure of the carbohydrate chains of different strains of the influenza virus.", "content": "Structural features of the glycosyl chains of the influenca virus have been determined. It was found that fucose was solely terminal, whereas mannose and galactose were present at the terminal as well as subterminal and core positions. Mannose and glucose molecules were shown to be branching points in the glycosyl chains. Furthermore, linkage positions of carbohydrates within the chains were characterized.", "contents": "On the structure of the carbohydrate chains of different strains of the influenza virus. Structural features of the glycosyl chains of the influenca virus have been determined. It was found that fucose was solely terminal, whereas mannose and galactose were present at the terminal as well as subterminal and core positions. Mannose and glucose molecules were shown to be branching points in the glycosyl chains. Furthermore, linkage positions of carbohydrates within the chains were characterized.", "PMID": 1004374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9937", "title": "The hamster as an experimental animal for the study of influenza. I. The role of antibody in protection.", "content": "Hamsters were used to examine the role of serum antibody in protection against influenza virus infection. Following intranasal instillation, influenza viruses replicated well in these animals, and high, reproducible amounts of virus could be subsequently recovered from nasal washings and lung suspensions. A specific serum antibody response to the infecting virus was also observed; but no local antibody production was detected. The passive transfer of serum antibody gave some measurable protection, against homologous influenza virus challenge, to recipient hamsters. However, evidence that protection can occur in the absence of detectable serum antibody in individual hamsters, is also presented.", "contents": "The hamster as an experimental animal for the study of influenza. I. The role of antibody in protection. Hamsters were used to examine the role of serum antibody in protection against influenza virus infection. Following intranasal instillation, influenza viruses replicated well in these animals, and high, reproducible amounts of virus could be subsequently recovered from nasal washings and lung suspensions. A specific serum antibody response to the infecting virus was also observed; but no local antibody production was detected. The passive transfer of serum antibody gave some measurable protection, against homologous influenza virus challenge, to recipient hamsters. However, evidence that protection can occur in the absence of detectable serum antibody in individual hamsters, is also presented.", "PMID": 1004375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9938", "title": "The hamster as an experimental animal for the study of influenza. II. The role of spleen cells in protection.", "content": "Hamsters previously infected by influenza viruses, have been shown to have a cell-mediated immune response, as measured by the macrophage migration inhibition test. The participation of spleen cells in the protection of recipients against homologous influenza virus infection was also demonstrated using adoptive transfer experiments. However, the protection achieved by spleen cell transfer was marginal and not observed in every animal. The time at which the spleen cells were transferred following infection, and their number, affected the outcome. Evidence suggesting that transferred spleen cells protected recipient hamsters through specific antibody is presented.", "contents": "The hamster as an experimental animal for the study of influenza. II. The role of spleen cells in protection. Hamsters previously infected by influenza viruses, have been shown to have a cell-mediated immune response, as measured by the macrophage migration inhibition test. The participation of spleen cells in the protection of recipients against homologous influenza virus infection was also demonstrated using adoptive transfer experiments. However, the protection achieved by spleen cell transfer was marginal and not observed in every animal. The time at which the spleen cells were transferred following infection, and their number, affected the outcome. Evidence suggesting that transferred spleen cells protected recipient hamsters through specific antibody is presented.", "PMID": 1004376} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9939", "title": "[Distribution of species of Moraxella and moraxella-like organisms in the nasopharynx of healthy human adults (author's transl].", "content": "By means of a lincomycin containing selective medium, gram-negative, oxidase-positive, non-motile, non-saccharolytic, penicillin-sensitive rods have been isolated from 24 of 165 healthy adults (13,9%). Three strains were lost, 7 strains were Moraxella osloensis (4,2%), 12 strains were Neisseria elongata (7,3%) and 2 strains were considered to be a subspecies of N. elongata (1.2%). By agglutination and immunodiffusion could be demonstrated that N. elongata is a serologically heterogenous species. The nasopharynx seems to represent the natural habitat of M. osloensis and N. elongata.", "contents": "[Distribution of species of Moraxella and moraxella-like organisms in the nasopharynx of healthy human adults (author's transl]. By means of a lincomycin containing selective medium, gram-negative, oxidase-positive, non-motile, non-saccharolytic, penicillin-sensitive rods have been isolated from 24 of 165 healthy adults (13,9%). Three strains were lost, 7 strains were Moraxella osloensis (4,2%), 12 strains were Neisseria elongata (7,3%) and 2 strains were considered to be a subspecies of N. elongata (1.2%). By agglutination and immunodiffusion could be demonstrated that N. elongata is a serologically heterogenous species. The nasopharynx seems to represent the natural habitat of M. osloensis and N. elongata.", "PMID": 1004377} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9940", "title": "A comparison of the evolution of transmitted IgG immunoglobulin and diphtheria antitoxin titers in the newborn.", "content": "The evolution of the titers of transmitted IgG and diphtheria antitoxin was studied in 20 neonates during the first 2 months of life (6 serum samples for each). A rapid fall of the passive IgG titer was observed during the first weeks: as a rule the higher the initial titer the greater the fall. After the 15th day the rate of decline slows down. The evolution of the titer of transmitted maternal diphtheria antitoxin depends also on the initial level, and if it is low it can remain more or less constant for a long time. The initial level of passive IgG does not influence the drop in diphtheria antitoxin titre and vice versa. Therefore, the evolution of total IgG and diphtheria antitoxin levels appear not to be interdependent.", "contents": "A comparison of the evolution of transmitted IgG immunoglobulin and diphtheria antitoxin titers in the newborn. The evolution of the titers of transmitted IgG and diphtheria antitoxin was studied in 20 neonates during the first 2 months of life (6 serum samples for each). A rapid fall of the passive IgG titer was observed during the first weeks: as a rule the higher the initial titer the greater the fall. After the 15th day the rate of decline slows down. The evolution of the titer of transmitted maternal diphtheria antitoxin depends also on the initial level, and if it is low it can remain more or less constant for a long time. The initial level of passive IgG does not influence the drop in diphtheria antitoxin titre and vice versa. Therefore, the evolution of total IgG and diphtheria antitoxin levels appear not to be interdependent.", "PMID": 1004378} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9941", "title": "Comparison of the clinical course of Hodgkin's disease in children and adolescents.", "content": "In this study the clinical features and response to therapy of 34 children, 4--10 years of age, and 54 adolescents, 11--20 years of age, were compared. The therapeutic response in patients in this series entered on a formal protocol was compared with nonstudy patients. The 2 age groups had similar sex ratios, characterized by male predominance, and age was not a determining factor in the extent of disease at diagnosis. By contrast, the distribution of histopathology varied between children and adolescents: mixed cellularity was most prevalent in the 4--10-year group (14/34), while nodular sclerosis predominated the older patients (23/55). Remission induction and duration were not age dependent, but remission duration did differ between study and nonstudy patients. Forty-five of 57 patients in the former group remain in continuous complete remission compared to 7 of 31 in the latter group. From these results we conclude that the clinical course of Hodgkin's disease is similar in children and adolescents and that the agressive therapy combined with careful staging used so successfully in adults should be adhered to in younger patients.", "contents": "Comparison of the clinical course of Hodgkin's disease in children and adolescents. In this study the clinical features and response to therapy of 34 children, 4--10 years of age, and 54 adolescents, 11--20 years of age, were compared. The therapeutic response in patients in this series entered on a formal protocol was compared with nonstudy patients. The 2 age groups had similar sex ratios, characterized by male predominance, and age was not a determining factor in the extent of disease at diagnosis. By contrast, the distribution of histopathology varied between children and adolescents: mixed cellularity was most prevalent in the 4--10-year group (14/34), while nodular sclerosis predominated the older patients (23/55). Remission induction and duration were not age dependent, but remission duration did differ between study and nonstudy patients. Forty-five of 57 patients in the former group remain in continuous complete remission compared to 7 of 31 in the latter group. From these results we conclude that the clinical course of Hodgkin's disease is similar in children and adolescents and that the agressive therapy combined with careful staging used so successfully in adults should be adhered to in younger patients.", "PMID": 1004379} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9942", "title": "Improved prognosis in disseminated histiocytosis.", "content": "The prognosis for children with disseminated histiocytosis, previously considered poor, has improved dramatically with the application of modern principles of chemotherapy. Fourteen children with histiocytosis were staged clinically as follows: those without organ dysfunction, stage I; those with organ dysfunction, stage II; and histologically (B, benign and M, malignant). They were treated with either oral chlorambucil or combination chemotherapy with vinblastine and other agents. Clinical staging was of value in predicting response to treatment and prognosis, while histologic staging was of less value. Thirteen of the 14 children responded to treatment and are alive 4 to 67 months (median 12 months) after diagnosis. Two of these relapsed on treatment, and they have responded to a change in therapy. Two children relapsed after stopping treatment and were reinduced with reintroduction of similar therapy. Initial response to treatment suggests a favourable outcome, for children who initially responded to treatment but relapsed subsequently responded to either reintroduction of the same treatment or a change in treatment.", "contents": "Improved prognosis in disseminated histiocytosis. The prognosis for children with disseminated histiocytosis, previously considered poor, has improved dramatically with the application of modern principles of chemotherapy. Fourteen children with histiocytosis were staged clinically as follows: those without organ dysfunction, stage I; those with organ dysfunction, stage II; and histologically (B, benign and M, malignant). They were treated with either oral chlorambucil or combination chemotherapy with vinblastine and other agents. Clinical staging was of value in predicting response to treatment and prognosis, while histologic staging was of less value. Thirteen of the 14 children responded to treatment and are alive 4 to 67 months (median 12 months) after diagnosis. Two of these relapsed on treatment, and they have responded to a change in therapy. Two children relapsed after stopping treatment and were reinduced with reintroduction of similar therapy. Initial response to treatment suggests a favourable outcome, for children who initially responded to treatment but relapsed subsequently responded to either reintroduction of the same treatment or a change in treatment.", "PMID": 1004380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9943", "title": "Sporadic bilateral retinoblastoma and 13q- chromosomal deletion.", "content": "Unilateral retinoblastoma (Rb) is usually a sporadic occurrence while bilateral (multifocal) cases are often familial. Sporadic bilateral Rb associated with a long-arm deletion of a D-group chromosome has been reported in 8 children. We have studied a 6-year-old female with bilateral sporadic retinoblastoma, treated during infancy by enucleation and radiotherapy. Chromosome banding studies on peripheral lymphocytes revealed an interstitial deletion from the long arm of a chromosome 13: del(13) (q12q14). Three additional patients reported in the literature had interstitial 13q- deletions, involving slightly different though overlapping regions. The only chromosomal region consistently missing in all of these 4 cases appears to be part of the lightly staining band 13q14. We, therefore, propose this site as the precise location of a gene (or genes) involved in retinal development. Our patient lacked features of the classic 13q- or 13-ring syndrome, which involves deletion of a more distal portion of the 13 long arm. When compared to reported patients with Rb and 13q-, it became apparent that there may be a separate recognizable syndrome consisting of moderate growth and developmental delay, characteristic facies and external ears, and bilateral sporadic Rb, which is associated with an interstitial 13q- deletion.", "contents": "Sporadic bilateral retinoblastoma and 13q- chromosomal deletion. Unilateral retinoblastoma (Rb) is usually a sporadic occurrence while bilateral (multifocal) cases are often familial. Sporadic bilateral Rb associated with a long-arm deletion of a D-group chromosome has been reported in 8 children. We have studied a 6-year-old female with bilateral sporadic retinoblastoma, treated during infancy by enucleation and radiotherapy. Chromosome banding studies on peripheral lymphocytes revealed an interstitial deletion from the long arm of a chromosome 13: del(13) (q12q14). Three additional patients reported in the literature had interstitial 13q- deletions, involving slightly different though overlapping regions. The only chromosomal region consistently missing in all of these 4 cases appears to be part of the lightly staining band 13q14. We, therefore, propose this site as the precise location of a gene (or genes) involved in retinal development. Our patient lacked features of the classic 13q- or 13-ring syndrome, which involves deletion of a more distal portion of the 13 long arm. When compared to reported patients with Rb and 13q-, it became apparent that there may be a separate recognizable syndrome consisting of moderate growth and developmental delay, characteristic facies and external ears, and bilateral sporadic Rb, which is associated with an interstitial 13q- deletion.", "PMID": 1004381} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9944", "title": "Evaluation of dose and schedule of L-asparaginase in multidrug therapy of childhood leukemia.", "content": "Six regimens utilizing L-asparaginase in doses of 6,000 IU/M2, 2,000 IU/M2, and 500 IU/M2 in two separate schedules (consecutive and intermittent) along with vincristine and prednisone yielded remarkably similar response rates, approximating 70%, in 306 previously treated children with acute leukemia in relapse. The addition of daunorubicin to one regimen did not alter the response rate. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 5% and hyperglycemia in 7%. Lower doses of L-asparaginase significantly reduced the hypersensitivity rate but no such pattern was noted for hyperglycemia. A history of prior resistance to prednisone and vincristine significantly reduced the response rate.", "contents": "Evaluation of dose and schedule of L-asparaginase in multidrug therapy of childhood leukemia. Six regimens utilizing L-asparaginase in doses of 6,000 IU/M2, 2,000 IU/M2, and 500 IU/M2 in two separate schedules (consecutive and intermittent) along with vincristine and prednisone yielded remarkably similar response rates, approximating 70%, in 306 previously treated children with acute leukemia in relapse. The addition of daunorubicin to one regimen did not alter the response rate. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 5% and hyperglycemia in 7%. Lower doses of L-asparaginase significantly reduced the hypersensitivity rate but no such pattern was noted for hyperglycemia. A history of prior resistance to prednisone and vincristine significantly reduced the response rate.", "PMID": 1004382} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9945", "title": "Closed-system ionography for diagnostic radiology.", "content": "Three methods are described whereby radiographic electrostatic images are transferred from inside of a liquid ionography chamber to the outside. One of these methods is implemented showing that multiple-charge images can be transferred from a single original without significant degradation of image quality and each copy may be developed with a different amount of edge contrast. This new method of imaging was applied to a radiograph of a test pattern and a hand phanton. An exposure of about 6 mR to the imaging chamber is needed to produce a useful image with a resolution of about 8 1p/mm.", "contents": "Closed-system ionography for diagnostic radiology. Three methods are described whereby radiographic electrostatic images are transferred from inside of a liquid ionography chamber to the outside. One of these methods is implemented showing that multiple-charge images can be transferred from a single original without significant degradation of image quality and each copy may be developed with a different amount of edge contrast. This new method of imaging was applied to a radiograph of a test pattern and a hand phanton. An exposure of about 6 mR to the imaging chamber is needed to produce a useful image with a resolution of about 8 1p/mm.", "PMID": 1004396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9946", "title": "Saturation curve in gases of high atomic number at pressures up to 8 atm. Part II: Freon 13-B1, and mixtures of Freon with xenon and krypton.", "content": "The saturation curve has been studied in Freon 13-B1 (CF3Br) and in mixtures of Freon with xenon and krypton up to a pressure of 8 atm. The enhanced initial recombination due to the electron affinity of Freon has been evaluated and an empirical formula constructed that describes the fraction of current which escapes initial recombination over a wide range of voltages, pressures, and electrode spacings. After correction for this initial recombination, the general saturation curve for Freon and for mixtures of this gas with krypton and xenon has been derived and, again, convenient empirical formulae established which allow the current collection efficiency to be calculated for any given parameters within the range investigated. These formulae are of practical value in the design of image-forming ionization chambers.", "contents": "Saturation curve in gases of high atomic number at pressures up to 8 atm. Part II: Freon 13-B1, and mixtures of Freon with xenon and krypton. The saturation curve has been studied in Freon 13-B1 (CF3Br) and in mixtures of Freon with xenon and krypton up to a pressure of 8 atm. The enhanced initial recombination due to the electron affinity of Freon has been evaluated and an empirical formula constructed that describes the fraction of current which escapes initial recombination over a wide range of voltages, pressures, and electrode spacings. After correction for this initial recombination, the general saturation curve for Freon and for mixtures of this gas with krypton and xenon has been derived and, again, convenient empirical formulae established which allow the current collection efficiency to be calculated for any given parameters within the range investigated. These formulae are of practical value in the design of image-forming ionization chambers.", "PMID": 1004397} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9947", "title": "On the application of a liquid-dielectric ionization chamber to 252 Cf dosimetry.", "content": "Our investigations of an iso-octane-filled liquid-dielectric ionization chamber indicate that this dosimeter is well suited for the measurement of dose distributions at distances close to 252Cf interstitial implant sources. Initial research has shown that such an instrument provides good discrimination between the radiation components of a mixed field and possesses excellent sensitivity. Calculations indicate that iso-octane will yield a neutron and gamma-ray dose response independent of energy over a major part of the 252Cf spectral range, while transmission measurements have demonstrated that the liquid causes little perturbation of the radiation field.", "contents": "On the application of a liquid-dielectric ionization chamber to 252 Cf dosimetry. Our investigations of an iso-octane-filled liquid-dielectric ionization chamber indicate that this dosimeter is well suited for the measurement of dose distributions at distances close to 252Cf interstitial implant sources. Initial research has shown that such an instrument provides good discrimination between the radiation components of a mixed field and possesses excellent sensitivity. Calculations indicate that iso-octane will yield a neutron and gamma-ray dose response independent of energy over a major part of the 252Cf spectral range, while transmission measurements have demonstrated that the liquid causes little perturbation of the radiation field.", "PMID": 1004398} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9948", "title": "NMR relaxation behavior in living and ischemically damaged tissue.", "content": "A study by pulsed NMR techniques in living liver tissue has led to the discovery that the observed longitudinal relaxation decay behavior is strongly multicomponent. After death of the experimental animal, the relaxation decay curves evolve toward a single-component behavior. These changes can also be observed within a few minutes after the liver is excised and placed in a test tube, and they involve a high degree of quantitative and qualitative regularity and reproducibility. An excellent description of all observed NMR behavior is obtained from a dynamic two-compartment model. Rapidly relaxing volumes exchange water molecules with slowly relaxing volumes; associating only an increasing water molecule exchange rate with increasing ischemia accounts in quantitative detail for all observed changes. The exchange-rate values and their variation with tissue deterioration are in good agreement with that estimated for intra- to extracellular water exchange as limited by cell-membrane osmotic permeabilities. Possible applications of these results in different biomedical areas are discussed.", "contents": "NMR relaxation behavior in living and ischemically damaged tissue. A study by pulsed NMR techniques in living liver tissue has led to the discovery that the observed longitudinal relaxation decay behavior is strongly multicomponent. After death of the experimental animal, the relaxation decay curves evolve toward a single-component behavior. These changes can also be observed within a few minutes after the liver is excised and placed in a test tube, and they involve a high degree of quantitative and qualitative regularity and reproducibility. An excellent description of all observed NMR behavior is obtained from a dynamic two-compartment model. Rapidly relaxing volumes exchange water molecules with slowly relaxing volumes; associating only an increasing water molecule exchange rate with increasing ischemia accounts in quantitative detail for all observed changes. The exchange-rate values and their variation with tissue deterioration are in good agreement with that estimated for intra- to extracellular water exchange as limited by cell-membrane osmotic permeabilities. Possible applications of these results in different biomedical areas are discussed.", "PMID": 1004399} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9949", "title": "Nuclide parameters and S factors for 201Tl dosimetry estimates.", "content": "The mean numbers per disintegration, n, and equilibrium-dose constants delta for the various emissions of 201Tl were computed. The sums of the penetrating and nonpenetrating equilibrium-dose constants are 0.1931 and 0.0874 g rad/muCi h, respectively. The S factor, the value of that portion of the MIRD dose equation which is independent of biological distribution, was calculated for various combinations of target and source organs.", "contents": "Nuclide parameters and S factors for 201Tl dosimetry estimates. The mean numbers per disintegration, n, and equilibrium-dose constants delta for the various emissions of 201Tl were computed. The sums of the penetrating and nonpenetrating equilibrium-dose constants are 0.1931 and 0.0874 g rad/muCi h, respectively. The S factor, the value of that portion of the MIRD dose equation which is independent of biological distribution, was calculated for various combinations of target and source organs.", "PMID": 1004401} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9950", "title": "Direct-response ultraviolet thermoluminescent dosimeter.", "content": "An integrating solid-state dosimeter has been developed to detect ultraviolet radiation using the process of \"direct\" ultraviolet stimulation. This process yields a thermoluminescent signal after an exposure to ultraviolet radiation, without prior exposure to ionizing radiation. Magnesium oxide crystals were found to show a directly stimulated thermoluminescent glow peak at 145 degrees C which can be utilized as a linear, energy-independent ultraviolet dosimeter.", "contents": "Direct-response ultraviolet thermoluminescent dosimeter. An integrating solid-state dosimeter has been developed to detect ultraviolet radiation using the process of \"direct\" ultraviolet stimulation. This process yields a thermoluminescent signal after an exposure to ultraviolet radiation, without prior exposure to ionizing radiation. Magnesium oxide crystals were found to show a directly stimulated thermoluminescent glow peak at 145 degrees C which can be utilized as a linear, energy-independent ultraviolet dosimeter.", "PMID": 1004400} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9951", "title": "LambdacI mutants: intragenic complementation and complementation with a cI promoter mutant.", "content": "Complementation for the maintenance of lysogeny was studied by superinfecting lambdacIts lysogens at 34 degrees C. and then heating to 43 degrees C. With certain exceptions, ts mutants with defects in the left half of the repressor complemented ts mutants with defects in the right half to produce a less heat-labile repressor (Fig. 3). All cI amber mutants failed to complement cIts mutants. The cI mutant c50 complements all ts mutants. Mutations in Pre (cy) or genes cII and cIII do not significantly affect the expression of cI by a superinfecting lambda genome in an immune lysogen. Mutants with very heat-labile repressors failed to complement lambdacy42 for the establishment of lysogeny at elevated temperatures, while those with less heat-sensitive repressors apparently did complement cy. According to a suggested model, the left side of the cI product is concerned primarily with subunit aggregation, while operator binding is the function of the right side of the oligomer.", "contents": "LambdacI mutants: intragenic complementation and complementation with a cI promoter mutant. Complementation for the maintenance of lysogeny was studied by superinfecting lambdacIts lysogens at 34 degrees C. and then heating to 43 degrees C. With certain exceptions, ts mutants with defects in the left half of the repressor complemented ts mutants with defects in the right half to produce a less heat-labile repressor (Fig. 3). All cI amber mutants failed to complement cIts mutants. The cI mutant c50 complements all ts mutants. Mutations in Pre (cy) or genes cII and cIII do not significantly affect the expression of cI by a superinfecting lambda genome in an immune lysogen. Mutants with very heat-labile repressors failed to complement lambdacy42 for the establishment of lysogeny at elevated temperatures, while those with less heat-sensitive repressors apparently did complement cy. According to a suggested model, the left side of the cI product is concerned primarily with subunit aggregation, while operator binding is the function of the right side of the oligomer.", "PMID": 1004486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9952", "title": "Heat-sensitive DNA-binding activity of the cI product of bacteriophage lambda.", "content": "The binding of lambda gene cI product to lambda DNA was studied at temperatures from 0 degrees C to 46 degrees C. Binding activity of the products of cIts mutants was higher at 22 degrees C than at 0 degrees C, 26 degrees C or 30 degrees C. Both cI+ and cIts products lost DNA-binding activity at 46 degrees C, but after subsequent cooling to 22 degrees C, they regained 50-100% of their activity.", "contents": "Heat-sensitive DNA-binding activity of the cI product of bacteriophage lambda. The binding of lambda gene cI product to lambda DNA was studied at temperatures from 0 degrees C to 46 degrees C. Binding activity of the products of cIts mutants was higher at 22 degrees C than at 0 degrees C, 26 degrees C or 30 degrees C. Both cI+ and cIts products lost DNA-binding activity at 46 degrees C, but after subsequent cooling to 22 degrees C, they regained 50-100% of their activity.", "PMID": 1004487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9953", "title": "Interconversion phenomena between two kinetic forms of class a pyruvate kinase from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.", "content": "1. The regulatory properties of two interconvertible kinetic forms of class A pyruvate kinase from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells have been studied with a partially purified enzyme preparation free of interfering enzymatic activities. 2. The hyperbolic form shows Michaelis-Menten kinetics for P-pyruvate, with high affinity for this substrate and low affinity for the inhibitory amino acids alanine and phenylalanine. The sigmoidal form displays positive cooperativity respect to P-pyruvate (n=1.4), with lower affinity for this substrate and higher affinity for the inhibitory amino acids. 3. The equilibrium between the hyperbolic and the sigmoidal forms of the enzyme is affected by substraetes and effectors. P-pyruvate, ADP and Fru-P2 shift the equilibrium to the hyperbolic form while ATP, alanine and phenylalanine stabilize the sigmoidal form. 4. Effector metabolites affect the molecular weight of the protein, acting on an equilibrium between dimers and tetramers. P-pyruvate and ADP associate the enzyme to a tetramer while ATP, alanine and phenylalanine favor the occurrence as a dimer. The positive modifier Fru-P2 did not associate the enzyme to the tetramer, even at 1 mM concentration. 5. A tentative molecular model for pyruvate kinase A on the basis of the kinetic and aggregation interconversion is proposed.", "contents": "Interconversion phenomena between two kinetic forms of class a pyruvate kinase from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. 1. The regulatory properties of two interconvertible kinetic forms of class A pyruvate kinase from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells have been studied with a partially purified enzyme preparation free of interfering enzymatic activities. 2. The hyperbolic form shows Michaelis-Menten kinetics for P-pyruvate, with high affinity for this substrate and low affinity for the inhibitory amino acids alanine and phenylalanine. The sigmoidal form displays positive cooperativity respect to P-pyruvate (n=1.4), with lower affinity for this substrate and higher affinity for the inhibitory amino acids. 3. The equilibrium between the hyperbolic and the sigmoidal forms of the enzyme is affected by substraetes and effectors. P-pyruvate, ADP and Fru-P2 shift the equilibrium to the hyperbolic form while ATP, alanine and phenylalanine stabilize the sigmoidal form. 4. Effector metabolites affect the molecular weight of the protein, acting on an equilibrium between dimers and tetramers. P-pyruvate and ADP associate the enzyme to a tetramer while ATP, alanine and phenylalanine favor the occurrence as a dimer. The positive modifier Fru-P2 did not associate the enzyme to the tetramer, even at 1 mM concentration. 5. A tentative molecular model for pyruvate kinase A on the basis of the kinetic and aggregation interconversion is proposed.", "PMID": 1004494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9954", "title": "Cell recognition among blood leukocytes: a new theory for cell recognition.", "content": "Blood leukocytes exhibit specific cell type recognition. Neutrophils adhere to neutrophils, eosinophils to eosinophils, basophils to basophils and monocytes to monocytes. Rather large homotypic aggregates are formed. These are almost abolished by prior treatment of the cells with trypsin. It is assumed that a protein is involved in this type of cell recognition. Protein monomer-monomer interaction could provide the specificity required in homotypic aggregate formation.", "contents": "Cell recognition among blood leukocytes: a new theory for cell recognition. Blood leukocytes exhibit specific cell type recognition. Neutrophils adhere to neutrophils, eosinophils to eosinophils, basophils to basophils and monocytes to monocytes. Rather large homotypic aggregates are formed. These are almost abolished by prior treatment of the cells with trypsin. It is assumed that a protein is involved in this type of cell recognition. Protein monomer-monomer interaction could provide the specificity required in homotypic aggregate formation.", "PMID": 1004495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9955", "title": "Glycolytic metabolism in cultured cells of the nervous system. IV. The effects of thiamine deficiency on thiamine levels, metabolites and thiamine-dependent enzymes on the C-6 glioma and C-1300 neuroblastoma cell lines.", "content": "C-6 glioma and C-1300 neuroblastoma cells were cultured in thiamine deficient and control media. Thiamine levels, transketolase and pyruvate decarboxylase activities, and high energy phosphate metabolites were all measured in deficient and control cells. Thiamine levels in the deficient cells were found to be below the level of detectability. Pyruvate decarboxylase activity was more susceptible to thiamine deficiency in both cell lines than transketolase. In spite of the large decrease in pyruvate decarboxylase activity, high energy phosphate metabolites were not decreased in either cell line. These data indicate that C-6 glioma and C-1300 neuroblastoma cells have the capacity to maintain normal energy metabolites in the presence of large changes in thiamine levels and thiamine dependent enzyme activity.", "contents": "Glycolytic metabolism in cultured cells of the nervous system. IV. The effects of thiamine deficiency on thiamine levels, metabolites and thiamine-dependent enzymes on the C-6 glioma and C-1300 neuroblastoma cell lines. C-6 glioma and C-1300 neuroblastoma cells were cultured in thiamine deficient and control media. Thiamine levels, transketolase and pyruvate decarboxylase activities, and high energy phosphate metabolites were all measured in deficient and control cells. Thiamine levels in the deficient cells were found to be below the level of detectability. Pyruvate decarboxylase activity was more susceptible to thiamine deficiency in both cell lines than transketolase. In spite of the large decrease in pyruvate decarboxylase activity, high energy phosphate metabolites were not decreased in either cell line. These data indicate that C-6 glioma and C-1300 neuroblastoma cells have the capacity to maintain normal energy metabolites in the presence of large changes in thiamine levels and thiamine dependent enzyme activity.", "PMID": 1004496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9956", "title": "Studies on iron uptake and micelle formation in ferritin and apoferritin.", "content": "Iron uptake and micelle formation in ferritin and apoferritin have been followed both spectrophotometrically and by means of sedimentation velocity experiments. Information was thus obtained on the molecular weight distribution of the reconstitution product. To achieve incorporation 'native' ferritin (whole ferritin as purified from horse spleen), 'native' apoferritin (apoferritin prepared by fractionation of ferritin preparations) and 'reduced' apoferritin (apoferritin prepared by reduction of ferritin by dithionite or ascorbic acid) have been incubated with ferrous salts in the presence of oxidizing agents under different experimental conditions. Although some iron is incorporated in 'native' ferritin, full saturation is not achieved and the molecular weight distribution of the incubated products remains heterogeneous. 'Native' and 'reduced' apoferritin show a similar iron incorporation, but the reconstitution products markedly differ in terms of their iron distribution. Ferritin reconstituted from 'native' apoferritin has a broad molecular weight distribution, while that reconstituted from 'reduced' apoferritin is characterized by a narrow, homogeneous molecular weight distribution. However treatment of apoferrition with reducing or oxidizing agents prior to the incubation alters the characteristics of the iron distribution without changing the iron incorporation properties. These results point to a role of the protein moiety not only in iron oxidation, but also in micelle formation.", "contents": "Studies on iron uptake and micelle formation in ferritin and apoferritin. Iron uptake and micelle formation in ferritin and apoferritin have been followed both spectrophotometrically and by means of sedimentation velocity experiments. Information was thus obtained on the molecular weight distribution of the reconstitution product. To achieve incorporation 'native' ferritin (whole ferritin as purified from horse spleen), 'native' apoferritin (apoferritin prepared by fractionation of ferritin preparations) and 'reduced' apoferritin (apoferritin prepared by reduction of ferritin by dithionite or ascorbic acid) have been incubated with ferrous salts in the presence of oxidizing agents under different experimental conditions. Although some iron is incorporated in 'native' ferritin, full saturation is not achieved and the molecular weight distribution of the incubated products remains heterogeneous. 'Native' and 'reduced' apoferritin show a similar iron incorporation, but the reconstitution products markedly differ in terms of their iron distribution. Ferritin reconstituted from 'native' apoferritin has a broad molecular weight distribution, while that reconstituted from 'reduced' apoferritin is characterized by a narrow, homogeneous molecular weight distribution. However treatment of apoferrition with reducing or oxidizing agents prior to the incubation alters the characteristics of the iron distribution without changing the iron incorporation properties. These results point to a role of the protein moiety not only in iron oxidation, but also in micelle formation.", "PMID": 1004497} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9957", "title": "Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies of proteins containing deuterated tryptophan residues.", "content": "The deuteration of the tryptophan residues of hen egg white lysozyme, bovine alpha-lactalbumin and bovine beta-lactoglobulin in d-TFA has been studied by PMR spectroscopy. It is found that short times of exposure to d-TFA allow selective deuteration at the C-2 position with only a small amount of deuteration at the C-5 position, as expected from studies on model peptides described in the previous paper. The proteins studied essentially regained their native structures after the treatment, except for broadening and shifting of the histidine resonances in the case of alpha-lactalbumin. Selective deuteration at the tryptophan C-2 position was readily observed by difference spectroscopy of the denatured protein, but PMR difference spectra of the same proteins in benign solvents did not contain resonances from all of the exchanged protons. Some resonances would not be observed because of line broadening, which causes the resonances to fall below the limit of sensitivity of detection at 100 MHz. Deuteration by brief exposure to d-TFA should be useful for the identification of tryptophan resonances in the PMR spectra of native proteins. The deuteration of all the aromatic protons of tryptophan residues in proteins by immersion in d-TFA for 4 hours at room temperature was studied. This technique is unlikely to be of general use for the simplification of the aromatic region of the PMR spectra of native proteins because of the degradation of tryptophan residues which results from the acid treatment.", "contents": "Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies of proteins containing deuterated tryptophan residues. The deuteration of the tryptophan residues of hen egg white lysozyme, bovine alpha-lactalbumin and bovine beta-lactoglobulin in d-TFA has been studied by PMR spectroscopy. It is found that short times of exposure to d-TFA allow selective deuteration at the C-2 position with only a small amount of deuteration at the C-5 position, as expected from studies on model peptides described in the previous paper. The proteins studied essentially regained their native structures after the treatment, except for broadening and shifting of the histidine resonances in the case of alpha-lactalbumin. Selective deuteration at the tryptophan C-2 position was readily observed by difference spectroscopy of the denatured protein, but PMR difference spectra of the same proteins in benign solvents did not contain resonances from all of the exchanged protons. Some resonances would not be observed because of line broadening, which causes the resonances to fall below the limit of sensitivity of detection at 100 MHz. Deuteration by brief exposure to d-TFA should be useful for the identification of tryptophan resonances in the PMR spectra of native proteins. The deuteration of all the aromatic protons of tryptophan residues in proteins by immersion in d-TFA for 4 hours at room temperature was studied. This technique is unlikely to be of general use for the simplification of the aromatic region of the PMR spectra of native proteins because of the degradation of tryptophan residues which results from the acid treatment.", "PMID": 1004498} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9958", "title": "Phosphorylation of casein by mitochondrial protein kinase(s).", "content": "At least two protein kinase activities are bound to the rat liver mitochondrial membranes. Both activities are found to phosphorylate, besides endogenous proteins tightly bound to the membrane structures, also exogenous phosphoproteins such as casein and phosvitin. However one is able to phosphorylate both casein-bound serine and threonine residues, while the other is phosphorylating almost only serine residues.", "contents": "Phosphorylation of casein by mitochondrial protein kinase(s). At least two protein kinase activities are bound to the rat liver mitochondrial membranes. Both activities are found to phosphorylate, besides endogenous proteins tightly bound to the membrane structures, also exogenous phosphoproteins such as casein and phosvitin. However one is able to phosphorylate both casein-bound serine and threonine residues, while the other is phosphorylating almost only serine residues.", "PMID": 1004499} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9959", "title": "Pyruvate kinase activity and gluconeogenesis in rat liver after glycogen depletion with nicotinic acid.", "content": "Nicotinic acid administration, which depletes liver glycogen, leads to an increase of both pyruvate kinase L and phosphoenolypyruvate carboxykinase in liver by a factor of nearly two. The former is not prevented by either cycloheximide or actinomycin D. L-Cysteine, an allosteric inhibitor of pyruvate kinase L, favors gluconeogenesis from lactate in both nicotinic acid treated and starved animals.", "contents": "Pyruvate kinase activity and gluconeogenesis in rat liver after glycogen depletion with nicotinic acid. Nicotinic acid administration, which depletes liver glycogen, leads to an increase of both pyruvate kinase L and phosphoenolypyruvate carboxykinase in liver by a factor of nearly two. The former is not prevented by either cycloheximide or actinomycin D. L-Cysteine, an allosteric inhibitor of pyruvate kinase L, favors gluconeogenesis from lactate in both nicotinic acid treated and starved animals.", "PMID": 1004500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9960", "title": "Some properties of rat liver mitochondrial RNA polymerase.", "content": "A rapid method suitable for purifying large amounts of mitochondria from rat liver using isopycnic zonal centrifugation is described. The RNA polymerase isolated from the purified mitochrondria was found associated with one peak when resolved by DEAE Sephadex chromatography. The enzyme was next fractionated on a phosphocellulose column followed by glycerol gradient centrifugation. A 600-fold purification was achieved when the enzyme was finally filtered through agarose gel. This final enzyme fraction consisted of one polypeptide chain as shown by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiles. The enzyme has a greater preference for poly [d(A-T)] templates than for rat liver mitochondrial DNA. Inhibition of the enzyme activity required high concentrations of the inhibitors. The resistance of the enzyme to alpha-amanitin indicated that there was no contamination from nuclear RNA polymerase II. The conclusion is drawn that the mitochondrial RAN polymerase activity is associated with a single polypeptide.", "contents": "Some properties of rat liver mitochondrial RNA polymerase. A rapid method suitable for purifying large amounts of mitochondria from rat liver using isopycnic zonal centrifugation is described. The RNA polymerase isolated from the purified mitochrondria was found associated with one peak when resolved by DEAE Sephadex chromatography. The enzyme was next fractionated on a phosphocellulose column followed by glycerol gradient centrifugation. A 600-fold purification was achieved when the enzyme was finally filtered through agarose gel. This final enzyme fraction consisted of one polypeptide chain as shown by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiles. The enzyme has a greater preference for poly [d(A-T)] templates than for rat liver mitochondrial DNA. Inhibition of the enzyme activity required high concentrations of the inhibitors. The resistance of the enzyme to alpha-amanitin indicated that there was no contamination from nuclear RNA polymerase II. The conclusion is drawn that the mitochondrial RAN polymerase activity is associated with a single polypeptide.", "PMID": 1004501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9961", "title": "Biochemical characteristics and biological significance of the genetically-distinct collagens.", "content": "In recent years it has become evident that genetic polymorphism is dramatically expressed in the structural protein, collagen. Current information on the biochemical properties, biosynthesis, and tissue distribution of Type I, II, and III collagens is summarized with special reference to possible unique functional roles fulfilled by each of these collagens.", "contents": "Biochemical characteristics and biological significance of the genetically-distinct collagens. In recent years it has become evident that genetic polymorphism is dramatically expressed in the structural protein, collagen. Current information on the biochemical properties, biosynthesis, and tissue distribution of Type I, II, and III collagens is summarized with special reference to possible unique functional roles fulfilled by each of these collagens.", "PMID": 1004502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9962", "title": "A study of histone-histone interactions by affinity chromatography.", "content": "Homologous whole histone from calf thymus was adsorbed on Sepharose 4B columns with covalently coupled histone fractions H2a, H2b, H3 or H4 in 0.01 M phosphate buffer, pH 6.7 - 1 M NaCl. The adsorbed histones were eluted from the columns with 5 M urea in the same buffer. Electrophoretic analysis has shown that the different columns exhibit selective affinity to the histone fractions: the H2b column to histone H2b and H2a (with only weak affinity to histones H3 and H4), the H2a column to histones H2b and H3 (moderate affinity to histone H2b), and the H4 column to histone H3, H4 and H2b (weak affinity to histone H2a). Histone H1 displayed no fixation by either of the columns tested.", "contents": "A study of histone-histone interactions by affinity chromatography. Homologous whole histone from calf thymus was adsorbed on Sepharose 4B columns with covalently coupled histone fractions H2a, H2b, H3 or H4 in 0.01 M phosphate buffer, pH 6.7 - 1 M NaCl. The adsorbed histones were eluted from the columns with 5 M urea in the same buffer. Electrophoretic analysis has shown that the different columns exhibit selective affinity to the histone fractions: the H2b column to histone H2b and H2a (with only weak affinity to histones H3 and H4), the H2a column to histones H2b and H3 (moderate affinity to histone H2b), and the H4 column to histone H3, H4 and H2b (weak affinity to histone H2a). Histone H1 displayed no fixation by either of the columns tested.", "PMID": 1004503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9963", "title": "Free DNA stretches in histone H1-depleted chromatin and their possible relation to chromomere structure.", "content": "Oligomers of chromatin subunits (oligonucleosomes) were prepared by a mild digestion of chromatin with staphylococcal nuclease followed by a purification of a high molecular weight material (hexanucleosomes and larger DNP particles) by gel chromatography. The main finding is that a mild removal of histone H1 from the oligonucleosome preparation by treatment with tRNA in the absence of any significant hydrodynamic shearing leads to the formation of free DNA molecules which constitute 5-6% of the total oligonucleosomal DNA. The size of nucleosome-free DNA stretches in H1-depleted hydrodynamically sheared chromatin is about 6000 base pairs and their content is apparently 10-12% of the total DNA. These and related findings are discussed in terms of the previously proposed \"asymmetric hairpin\" model of DNA packing in chromatin [1-4]. Different kinds of the asymmetric hairpin are considered and ambiguities in interpretations of experimental data are pointed out.", "contents": "Free DNA stretches in histone H1-depleted chromatin and their possible relation to chromomere structure. Oligomers of chromatin subunits (oligonucleosomes) were prepared by a mild digestion of chromatin with staphylococcal nuclease followed by a purification of a high molecular weight material (hexanucleosomes and larger DNP particles) by gel chromatography. The main finding is that a mild removal of histone H1 from the oligonucleosome preparation by treatment with tRNA in the absence of any significant hydrodynamic shearing leads to the formation of free DNA molecules which constitute 5-6% of the total oligonucleosomal DNA. The size of nucleosome-free DNA stretches in H1-depleted hydrodynamically sheared chromatin is about 6000 base pairs and their content is apparently 10-12% of the total DNA. These and related findings are discussed in terms of the previously proposed \"asymmetric hairpin\" model of DNA packing in chromatin [1-4]. Different kinds of the asymmetric hairpin are considered and ambiguities in interpretations of experimental data are pointed out.", "PMID": 1004504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9964", "title": "Processing of RNA by cytoplasmic extract. Synthesis and processing of RNA by isolated HeLa cell nuclei incubated with cytoplasmic extract.", "content": "Nuclei are isolated from HeLa cells by a low speed centrifugation procedure. These nuclei can carry out RNA synthesis at 30 degrees. The effect of cytoplasmic extract on the transport and processing of RNA is measured. In the presence of cytoplasmic extract the precursor to 4S RNA is processed to 4S RNA and an RNA species OF 7-9S is transported outside the nuclei.", "contents": "Processing of RNA by cytoplasmic extract. Synthesis and processing of RNA by isolated HeLa cell nuclei incubated with cytoplasmic extract. Nuclei are isolated from HeLa cells by a low speed centrifugation procedure. These nuclei can carry out RNA synthesis at 30 degrees. The effect of cytoplasmic extract on the transport and processing of RNA is measured. In the presence of cytoplasmic extract the precursor to 4S RNA is processed to 4S RNA and an RNA species OF 7-9S is transported outside the nuclei.", "PMID": 1004505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9965", "title": "Crystallization of DNA fragments from water-salt solutions, containing 2-methylpentane-2,3-diol.", "content": "Fragments of calf thymus DNA have been crystallized by precipitation from water-salt solutions, containing 2-methylpentane-2,3-diol (MPD). DNA crystals usually take the form either of spherulites up to 100 mu in diameter or of needles with the length up to 50 mu. No irreversible denaturation of DNA occurs during the crystallization process. X-ray diffraction from dense slurries of DNA crystals yields crystalline powder patterns.", "contents": "Crystallization of DNA fragments from water-salt solutions, containing 2-methylpentane-2,3-diol. Fragments of calf thymus DNA have been crystallized by precipitation from water-salt solutions, containing 2-methylpentane-2,3-diol (MPD). DNA crystals usually take the form either of spherulites up to 100 mu in diameter or of needles with the length up to 50 mu. No irreversible denaturation of DNA occurs during the crystallization process. X-ray diffraction from dense slurries of DNA crystals yields crystalline powder patterns.", "PMID": 1004506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9966", "title": "Sedimentation studies on membrane vesicles.", "content": "Analytical centrifugation was used in order to investigate the size distribution of vesicles in various membrane preparations. Under certain conditions depending among others on the speed of rotation and the temperature, a sedimentation profile was observed that was characteristic for membraneous material. Since the membrane vesicles exhibited a discontinuous distribution of sedimentation coefficients it was concluded that membrane vesicles only occur in a few size classes.", "contents": "Sedimentation studies on membrane vesicles. Analytical centrifugation was used in order to investigate the size distribution of vesicles in various membrane preparations. Under certain conditions depending among others on the speed of rotation and the temperature, a sedimentation profile was observed that was characteristic for membraneous material. Since the membrane vesicles exhibited a discontinuous distribution of sedimentation coefficients it was concluded that membrane vesicles only occur in a few size classes.", "PMID": 1004507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9967", "title": "[ Polyclonal gammopathy in children with infectious mononucleosis (author's transl)].", "content": "Serum proteins and immunoglobulins were investigated in children with infectious mononucleosis. The results were as follows: 1. Most striking changes in serum protein patterns were increased levels of immunoglobulins. The resulting gammopathies are of symmetric and/or asymmetric type with a beta-gamma bridge.--2. Increased levels of immunoglobulins included all principal immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM and IgA.--3. Polyclonal gammopathy in infectious mononucleosis did neither reflect the intensity of hepatic involvement nor was a sign for persisting or progressive hepatitis.--4. The type of gammopathies found seems to justify those clinicians, who did not consider to be usefull the application of gammaglobulin in the course of infectious mononucleosis. 5. Suggestion. If it is correct to assume according to Benyeschel-Melnick et al., that the raised production of antibodies in infectious monucleosis limits the further course of the disease, and is the defense against the development of leukemia, it would be necessary to reevaluate the application of corticoid therapy in infectious mononucleosis. This therapy should be reserved for life threatening complciations only.", "contents": "[ Polyclonal gammopathy in children with infectious mononucleosis (author's transl)]. Serum proteins and immunoglobulins were investigated in children with infectious mononucleosis. The results were as follows: 1. Most striking changes in serum protein patterns were increased levels of immunoglobulins. The resulting gammopathies are of symmetric and/or asymmetric type with a beta-gamma bridge.--2. Increased levels of immunoglobulins included all principal immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM and IgA.--3. Polyclonal gammopathy in infectious mononucleosis did neither reflect the intensity of hepatic involvement nor was a sign for persisting or progressive hepatitis.--4. The type of gammopathies found seems to justify those clinicians, who did not consider to be usefull the application of gammaglobulin in the course of infectious mononucleosis. 5. Suggestion. If it is correct to assume according to Benyeschel-Melnick et al., that the raised production of antibodies in infectious monucleosis limits the further course of the disease, and is the defense against the development of leukemia, it would be necessary to reevaluate the application of corticoid therapy in infectious mononucleosis. This therapy should be reserved for life threatening complciations only.", "PMID": 1004509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9968", "title": "[Acute renal failure in childhood (author's transl)].", "content": "From 1960 until 1975 we treated 88 children with acute renal failure. The majority of these patients were infants and children up to three years. In this report the etiology, symptomatology and prognosis of acute renal failure in childhood are discussed. During the last years the cases observed were more severe, especially when associated with the haemolyticuraemic syndrome. The overall mortality was 27%, and did not change since the introduction of dialysis. Important prognostic factors are discussed.", "contents": "[Acute renal failure in childhood (author's transl)]. From 1960 until 1975 we treated 88 children with acute renal failure. The majority of these patients were infants and children up to three years. In this report the etiology, symptomatology and prognosis of acute renal failure in childhood are discussed. During the last years the cases observed were more severe, especially when associated with the haemolyticuraemic syndrome. The overall mortality was 27%, and did not change since the introduction of dialysis. Important prognostic factors are discussed.", "PMID": 1004510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9969", "title": "[Surgery in Diagnosis and therapy of infant rheumatoid arthritis (author's transl)].", "content": "In our hospital, diagnostic surgery is applied in as follows: confirmatory incisions of joints, excision of rheumatic nodulis, tissue excision of skin and muscles (dermatomyositis?), excision of mucosa of the rectum (amyloid?) and open biopsy of the kidney (amyloid?). Therapeutic measures are: total synovectomy of the knee joints or other joints, teno-synovectomy at the hands; treatment of contractions of the hip by myotenotomies and of the knee-joint by elongation of tendons and treatment of knock-knee by incision of the tractus ilio-tibialis and elongation of the tendon of the bicipital muscle.", "contents": "[Surgery in Diagnosis and therapy of infant rheumatoid arthritis (author's transl)]. In our hospital, diagnostic surgery is applied in as follows: confirmatory incisions of joints, excision of rheumatic nodulis, tissue excision of skin and muscles (dermatomyositis?), excision of mucosa of the rectum (amyloid?) and open biopsy of the kidney (amyloid?). Therapeutic measures are: total synovectomy of the knee joints or other joints, teno-synovectomy at the hands; treatment of contractions of the hip by myotenotomies and of the knee-joint by elongation of tendons and treatment of knock-knee by incision of the tractus ilio-tibialis and elongation of the tendon of the bicipital muscle.", "PMID": 1004511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9970", "title": "Failure of X-rays to mutate class II histocompatibility loci in Balb/c mouse spermatogonia.", "content": "Adult Balb/c Kh male mice were irradiated (pelvic region, 250 kVcp X-rays, 60 rad per min) and three months later were mated to untreated C57BL/6 Kh females. Their B6C F1 progeny were screened for mutations at the Class II histocompatibility loci, i.e. those that carry similar alleles in the parental lines and are therefore homozygous in the F1 progeny. The treatment groups were: single doses of 0, 350, 500, 650 and 800 rad; split doses 1 day apart, totalling 500, 650 and 800 rad; split doses averaging 52 days apart, totalling 650 and 800 rad. Thirty-six mutants were identified in 13,614 progeny. Twelve of them occurred in five clusters of two or three, presumably owing to five gonadal mosaics among 940 parents. Irradiation did not increase the spermatogonial mutation rate. The only effect of exposure appeared to be a decrease in the mutation rate of the 1-day split dose-groups compared to those with the same total doses in a single exposure or in two fractions, 52 days apart.", "contents": "Failure of X-rays to mutate class II histocompatibility loci in Balb/c mouse spermatogonia. Adult Balb/c Kh male mice were irradiated (pelvic region, 250 kVcp X-rays, 60 rad per min) and three months later were mated to untreated C57BL/6 Kh females. Their B6C F1 progeny were screened for mutations at the Class II histocompatibility loci, i.e. those that carry similar alleles in the parental lines and are therefore homozygous in the F1 progeny. The treatment groups were: single doses of 0, 350, 500, 650 and 800 rad; split doses 1 day apart, totalling 500, 650 and 800 rad; split doses averaging 52 days apart, totalling 650 and 800 rad. Thirty-six mutants were identified in 13,614 progeny. Twelve of them occurred in five clusters of two or three, presumably owing to five gonadal mosaics among 940 parents. Irradiation did not increase the spermatogonial mutation rate. The only effect of exposure appeared to be a decrease in the mutation rate of the 1-day split dose-groups compared to those with the same total doses in a single exposure or in two fractions, 52 days apart.", "PMID": 1004514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9971", "title": "The effect of sodium fluoride on DNA synthesis, mitotic indices and chromosomal aberrations in human leukocytes treated with trenimon in vitro.", "content": "Human leukocyte cultures were set up with Ham's F-10 medium and stimulated with PHA-M. Treatment of the cells in G1 from 15-20 h with 0.5 X 10(-6) M Trenimon resulted in a considerable cell cycle delay, as measured by [3H]-TdR autoradiography and determination of mitotic indices. Under these conditions only few cells incorporated the tracer at the same time as most cells did in untreated cultures. However, this did not lead to a mitotic activity at the same time as obtained in controls. Most of the treated cells started their DNA synthesis and mitotic activities with a delay of around 20 h, as compared with the controls. Continuous treatment of the cells with 10(-3) M NaF had no effect on [3H]TdR labelling or mitotic indices in otherwise untreated cultures, but led to an impressive effect on DNA synthesis in Trenimon-treated cultures, without a considerable effect on the mitotic indices. This finding could be explained as due to a lower alkylation in cellular DNA in the presence of NaF. More cells can start with their DNA synthesis, although they are, like Trenimon-treated cultures, incapable of completing it normally. Analysis of the effect of NaF on chromosome aberrations induced by Trenimon revealed that pre-, simultaneous and post-treatments significantly enhanced the frequency of undamaged mitoses. Continuous fluoride treatment also protected the cells from Trenimon-induced damage, but the effect was not significant, possibly because of heavily damaged mitoses which appeared under these conditions. We interpret our findings as an indication of a real anti-mutagenic activity of NaF.", "contents": "The effect of sodium fluoride on DNA synthesis, mitotic indices and chromosomal aberrations in human leukocytes treated with trenimon in vitro. Human leukocyte cultures were set up with Ham's F-10 medium and stimulated with PHA-M. Treatment of the cells in G1 from 15-20 h with 0.5 X 10(-6) M Trenimon resulted in a considerable cell cycle delay, as measured by [3H]-TdR autoradiography and determination of mitotic indices. Under these conditions only few cells incorporated the tracer at the same time as most cells did in untreated cultures. However, this did not lead to a mitotic activity at the same time as obtained in controls. Most of the treated cells started their DNA synthesis and mitotic activities with a delay of around 20 h, as compared with the controls. Continuous treatment of the cells with 10(-3) M NaF had no effect on [3H]TdR labelling or mitotic indices in otherwise untreated cultures, but led to an impressive effect on DNA synthesis in Trenimon-treated cultures, without a considerable effect on the mitotic indices. This finding could be explained as due to a lower alkylation in cellular DNA in the presence of NaF. More cells can start with their DNA synthesis, although they are, like Trenimon-treated cultures, incapable of completing it normally. Analysis of the effect of NaF on chromosome aberrations induced by Trenimon revealed that pre-, simultaneous and post-treatments significantly enhanced the frequency of undamaged mitoses. Continuous fluoride treatment also protected the cells from Trenimon-induced damage, but the effect was not significant, possibly because of heavily damaged mitoses which appeared under these conditions. We interpret our findings as an indication of a real anti-mutagenic activity of NaF.", "PMID": 1004515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9972", "title": "A correlative study on the genetic damage induced by chemical mutagens in bone marrow and spermatogonia of mice. I. CNU-ethanol.", "content": "Cytogenetic damage induced by a wide range of concentrations of CNU-ethanol in mice was evaluated by determining the frequencies of (a) micro-nuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes of the bone marrow, (b) chromatid aberrations in bone marrow, (c) chromatid aberrations in spermatogonia, and (d) reciprocal translocations induced in spermatogonia and scored in spermatocytes. For CNU-ethanol the following order of sensitivity was found between the tests performed: micronuclei greater than aberrations in bone marrow greaer than aberrations in spermatogonia greater than translocations in spermatocytes. Correlation coefficients were calculated for the first three parameters. Positive correlations existed (a) between micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes and chromatid aberrations in bone marrow on the first day after treatment, and (b) between chromatid aberrations in bone marrow and spermatogonia at the first day after treatment. Three reciprocal translocations were induced in spermatogonia and recorded in primary spermatocytes; all were of a rare type, namely between an X chromosome and an autosome.", "contents": "A correlative study on the genetic damage induced by chemical mutagens in bone marrow and spermatogonia of mice. I. CNU-ethanol. Cytogenetic damage induced by a wide range of concentrations of CNU-ethanol in mice was evaluated by determining the frequencies of (a) micro-nuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes of the bone marrow, (b) chromatid aberrations in bone marrow, (c) chromatid aberrations in spermatogonia, and (d) reciprocal translocations induced in spermatogonia and scored in spermatocytes. For CNU-ethanol the following order of sensitivity was found between the tests performed: micronuclei greater than aberrations in bone marrow greaer than aberrations in spermatogonia greater than translocations in spermatocytes. Correlation coefficients were calculated for the first three parameters. Positive correlations existed (a) between micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes and chromatid aberrations in bone marrow on the first day after treatment, and (b) between chromatid aberrations in bone marrow and spermatogonia at the first day after treatment. Three reciprocal translocations were induced in spermatogonia and recorded in primary spermatocytes; all were of a rare type, namely between an X chromosome and an autosome.", "PMID": 1004516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9973", "title": "Normal DNA strand rejoining and absence of DNA crosslinking in progeroid and aging human cells.", "content": "We have measured by alkaline elution and alkaline sedimentation the rate of rejoining of X-ray induced DNA single-strand breaks in terminally senescent cultured WI-38 cells. Using the alkaline elution method, we have also measured the rate of ligation in cultured progeroid cells. In both cells and by both methods of measurement the rates of strand rejoining were normal. Alkaline elution failed to disclose any DNA crosslinking in these cells.", "contents": "Normal DNA strand rejoining and absence of DNA crosslinking in progeroid and aging human cells. We have measured by alkaline elution and alkaline sedimentation the rate of rejoining of X-ray induced DNA single-strand breaks in terminally senescent cultured WI-38 cells. Using the alkaline elution method, we have also measured the rate of ligation in cultured progeroid cells. In both cells and by both methods of measurement the rates of strand rejoining were normal. Alkaline elution failed to disclose any DNA crosslinking in these cells.", "PMID": 1004517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9974", "title": "X-ray diffraction studies of circular superhelical DNA at 300-10,000-A resolution.", "content": "X-ray diffraction studies on circular superhelical DNA from bacteriophage PM2 at a very low scattering angle show that it is possible to measure the superhelical scattering function of the molecule. The results suggest that in addition to the primary supercoil, a higher order of supercoiling of the DNA is present, an effect which can be interpreted with a simple analogue.", "contents": "X-ray diffraction studies of circular superhelical DNA at 300-10,000-A resolution. X-ray diffraction studies on circular superhelical DNA from bacteriophage PM2 at a very low scattering angle show that it is possible to measure the superhelical scattering function of the molecule. The results suggest that in addition to the primary supercoil, a higher order of supercoiling of the DNA is present, an effect which can be interpreted with a simple analogue.", "PMID": 1004545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9975", "title": "All oxygens in nucleic acids react with carcinogenic ethylating agents.", "content": "Over 80% of ethylnitrosourea and ethylnitrosoguanidine modification of nucleic acids is on oxygens. The reactivity of oxygens (other than ribose and phosphate) in single-stranded RNA is: O2 of C greater than O2 of U greater than O6 of G greater than O4 of U. In double-stranded DNA the order is: O2 of T equals O6 of G greater than O4 of T greater than O2 of C. Oxygen reactivity of single-stranded DNA resembles RNA. The glycosidic bond of O2-alkylpyrimidines is labilised.", "contents": "All oxygens in nucleic acids react with carcinogenic ethylating agents. Over 80% of ethylnitrosourea and ethylnitrosoguanidine modification of nucleic acids is on oxygens. The reactivity of oxygens (other than ribose and phosphate) in single-stranded RNA is: O2 of C greater than O2 of U greater than O6 of G greater than O4 of U. In double-stranded DNA the order is: O2 of T equals O6 of G greater than O4 of T greater than O2 of C. Oxygen reactivity of single-stranded DNA resembles RNA. The glycosidic bond of O2-alkylpyrimidines is labilised.", "PMID": 1004554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9976", "title": "Cell surface distribution of lectin receptors determined by resonance energy transfer.", "content": "The surface topography of concanavalin A (con A) bound to normal and transformed murine fibroblasts has been studied by a new technique involving fluorescence resonance energy transfer (RET), RET can provide a high resolution \"map\" of the distances separating con A-receptor complexes in single living cells. The distribution of con A is non-random in both normal and transformed cells, but sites are more closely approximated in the transformed. Approximation is induced by the con A but occurs at extremely slow rates indicating that the topography is not primarily determined by simple diffusion of complexes.", "contents": "Cell surface distribution of lectin receptors determined by resonance energy transfer. The surface topography of concanavalin A (con A) bound to normal and transformed murine fibroblasts has been studied by a new technique involving fluorescence resonance energy transfer (RET), RET can provide a high resolution \"map\" of the distances separating con A-receptor complexes in single living cells. The distribution of con A is non-random in both normal and transformed cells, but sites are more closely approximated in the transformed. Approximation is induced by the con A but occurs at extremely slow rates indicating that the topography is not primarily determined by simple diffusion of complexes.", "PMID": 1004566} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9977", "title": "Crystallographic structure studies of an IgG molecule and an Fc fragment.", "content": "The crystal structures of a human IgG antibody molecule Kol and a human Fc fragment have been determined at 4-A and 3.4-A resolution respectively, by isomorphous replacement. The electron-density maps were interpreted in terms of immunoglobulin domains based on the Rei and McPC 603 models (Kol) and by model-building (Fc). The Fab parts of Kol have a different quaternary structure from that observed in isolated crystalline Fab fragments, there being no longitudinal V-C contact in Kol. The Fc part C terminal to the hinge is disordered in the Kol crystals. It is suggested that the Kol molecule is flexible in solution, whereas fragments are rigid. In the Fc fragment both CH3 and CH2 show the immunoglobulin fold. The CH3 dimer aggregates as CH1-CL while CH2 are widely separated from each other. The carbohydrate bound to Fc is in fixed position. From these structures a hypothetical liganded antibody molecule has been constructed, which is assumed to be rigid.", "contents": "Crystallographic structure studies of an IgG molecule and an Fc fragment. The crystal structures of a human IgG antibody molecule Kol and a human Fc fragment have been determined at 4-A and 3.4-A resolution respectively, by isomorphous replacement. The electron-density maps were interpreted in terms of immunoglobulin domains based on the Rei and McPC 603 models (Kol) and by model-building (Fc). The Fab parts of Kol have a different quaternary structure from that observed in isolated crystalline Fab fragments, there being no longitudinal V-C contact in Kol. The Fc part C terminal to the hinge is disordered in the Kol crystals. It is suggested that the Kol molecule is flexible in solution, whereas fragments are rigid. In the Fc fragment both CH3 and CH2 show the immunoglobulin fold. The CH3 dimer aggregates as CH1-CL while CH2 are widely separated from each other. The carbohydrate bound to Fc is in fixed position. From these structures a hypothetical liganded antibody molecule has been constructed, which is assumed to be rigid.", "PMID": 1004567} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9978", "title": "Nuclease cleavage of chromatin at 100-nucleotide pair intervals.", "content": "Digestion of mouse liver nuclei with DNase II leads to a novel cleavage pattern with a 100-nucleotide pair periodicity. From chromatin, this pattern or the standard 200-nucleotide pair repeat can be produced depending on the ionic conditions. The results are interpreted by assuming different conformational states of the nuclear material, including condensed and extended forms.", "contents": "Nuclease cleavage of chromatin at 100-nucleotide pair intervals. Digestion of mouse liver nuclei with DNase II leads to a novel cleavage pattern with a 100-nucleotide pair periodicity. From chromatin, this pattern or the standard 200-nucleotide pair repeat can be produced depending on the ionic conditions. The results are interpreted by assuming different conformational states of the nuclear material, including condensed and extended forms.", "PMID": 1004586} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9979", "title": "Significant journals of science.", "content": "In 1974 the Science Citation Index (SCI) covered about 401,000 articles and communications in 2,443 scientific and technical journals. They cited about 3.2 million different publications an average of 1.8 times each. In this article some results of an analysis of more than 5 million citations in the references of journal articles indexed for the SCI in 1974 are presented and an attempt is made to interpret of those results in the light of an earlier study of 1969 citations.", "contents": "Significant journals of science. In 1974 the Science Citation Index (SCI) covered about 401,000 articles and communications in 2,443 scientific and technical journals. They cited about 3.2 million different publications an average of 1.8 times each. In this article some results of an analysis of more than 5 million citations in the references of journal articles indexed for the SCI in 1974 are presented and an attempt is made to interpret of those results in the light of an earlier study of 1969 citations.", "PMID": 1004603} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9980", "title": "Spectral sensitivities and photopigments in adaptation of fly visual receptors.", "content": "Chromatic adaptation and receptor-deficient mutants have been used to systematically eliminate specific receptor function to provide the first complete spectral sensitivity and photopigment characteristic data of all three receptor types (R1-6, R7 and R8) in Drosophila compound eyes. Different fly genera have different adaptation responses which allow characterization of photopigment spectra. Drosophila mutants with anomalous excitation also reveal mechanisms coupling photopigment activation with receptor excitation.", "contents": "Spectral sensitivities and photopigments in adaptation of fly visual receptors. Chromatic adaptation and receptor-deficient mutants have been used to systematically eliminate specific receptor function to provide the first complete spectral sensitivity and photopigment characteristic data of all three receptor types (R1-6, R7 and R8) in Drosophila compound eyes. Different fly genera have different adaptation responses which allow characterization of photopigment spectra. Drosophila mutants with anomalous excitation also reveal mechanisms coupling photopigment activation with receptor excitation.", "PMID": 1004616} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9981", "title": "[Corrective steps in amino acid activation for protein biosynthesis].", "content": "Activation of aminoacids for proteinbiosynthesis is not absolutely specific. With tRNA modified at the 3' end we were able to show, that valine misactivated by isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase is transferred to tRNA(I1e). Val-tRNA(I1e) is then hydrolyzed by the enzyme prior to release of the wrong product. For this hydrolysis the nonaccepting 3'OH of the 3'-terminal ribose is essential. The role of the 3'OH is to activate a water molecule which, in the case of valine, is inserted into the place normally occupied by the methyl group of isoleucine. Hence hydrolysis is specific for misactivated valine while the correct substrate, isoleucine, is protected by its additional methyl group.", "contents": "[Corrective steps in amino acid activation for protein biosynthesis]. Activation of aminoacids for proteinbiosynthesis is not absolutely specific. With tRNA modified at the 3' end we were able to show, that valine misactivated by isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase is transferred to tRNA(I1e). Val-tRNA(I1e) is then hydrolyzed by the enzyme prior to release of the wrong product. For this hydrolysis the nonaccepting 3'OH of the 3'-terminal ribose is essential. The role of the 3'OH is to activate a water molecule which, in the case of valine, is inserted into the place normally occupied by the methyl group of isoleucine. Hence hydrolysis is specific for misactivated valine while the correct substrate, isoleucine, is protected by its additional methyl group.", "PMID": 1004617} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9982", "title": "[Glomus caroticum. A model to understand chemoreception].", "content": "To understand the chemoreceptive process of the carotid body we have investigated under which conditions the chemoreceptor is stimulated and which part is taken over by its different cell elements in this process. In this way it was possible to open the \"black box\" as Torrance called the carotid body to prove all the hypotheses and models about the chemoreception in the carotid body.", "contents": "[Glomus caroticum. A model to understand chemoreception]. To understand the chemoreceptive process of the carotid body we have investigated under which conditions the chemoreceptor is stimulated and which part is taken over by its different cell elements in this process. In this way it was possible to open the \"black box\" as Torrance called the carotid body to prove all the hypotheses and models about the chemoreception in the carotid body.", "PMID": 1004618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9983", "title": "[Biochemical and clinical aspects of alcoholic liver damage].", "content": "Alcoholism is the most common form of drug abuse and alcoholic liver disease is a major health problem which in terms of increasing incidence is only rivaled by viral hepatitis. Cirrhosis of the liver, most of which is probably alcoholic, is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality between the ages of 25 to 65 in Western countries. Alcoholic liver disease includes adaptive and toxic ultrastructural alterations, alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis, later accompanied by hepatoma.", "contents": "[Biochemical and clinical aspects of alcoholic liver damage]. Alcoholism is the most common form of drug abuse and alcoholic liver disease is a major health problem which in terms of increasing incidence is only rivaled by viral hepatitis. Cirrhosis of the liver, most of which is probably alcoholic, is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality between the ages of 25 to 65 in Western countries. Alcoholic liver disease includes adaptive and toxic ultrastructural alterations, alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis, later accompanied by hepatoma.", "PMID": 1004621} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9984", "title": "Effect of tetraethylammonium and barium on the release of noradrenaline from the perfused cat spleen by nerve stimulation and potassium.", "content": "The effect of tetraethylammonium (TEA) and barium on release of noradrenaline (NA) from the cat spleen by nerve stimulation or potassium was investigated. 2. In spleens perfused with normal Krebs solution, the NA output at 5 Hz was barely detectable, and the output at 30 Hz was about 5-fold greater than the output at 5 Hz. 3. TEA (1 mM) or barium (2.5 mM) increased NA output at 5 Hz by 5-fold, but did not enhance it at 30 Hz. A maximal effect of TEA was obtained at about 1-3 mM. Enhancement of NA release by TEA was readily reversible. Output of NA induced by high potassium was not affected by TEA or barium. 4. The effect of TEA on release was related to the external calcium concentration. Insignificant outputs obtained at 5 Hz in 0.1 and 0.5 mM calcium-Krebs solutions were markedly increased by TEA, and were 2- and 5-fold greater than the control output at 5 Hz in normal Krebs solution containing 2.5 mM calcium. TEA enhanced release at all calcium concentrations up to 5 mM, but maximum output was still obtained at 2.5 mM. 5. Increasing the potassium concentrations of normal Krebs solution to 10, 15 and 20 mM depressed NA outputs at 5 Hz by 50, 55 and 75% respectively, TEA (1 mM) partially antagonized the inhibitory effect of potassium on release, and in zero potassium-Krebs solution it increased output by about 50% over that obtained in normal Krebs solution. 6. The ratio of NA outputs at 30 and 5 Hz during perfusion with Krebs solution containing TEA was about 0.6, and it approached the normal value as the calcium concentration of the perfusion medium was reduced. TEA facilitated release even at 30 Hz in low-calcium solutions. 7. It is suggested that the enhancement of NA release by TEA and barium is due to the greater influx of calcium ions into the sympathetic nerves during the course of an action potential.", "contents": "Effect of tetraethylammonium and barium on the release of noradrenaline from the perfused cat spleen by nerve stimulation and potassium. The effect of tetraethylammonium (TEA) and barium on release of noradrenaline (NA) from the cat spleen by nerve stimulation or potassium was investigated. 2. In spleens perfused with normal Krebs solution, the NA output at 5 Hz was barely detectable, and the output at 30 Hz was about 5-fold greater than the output at 5 Hz. 3. TEA (1 mM) or barium (2.5 mM) increased NA output at 5 Hz by 5-fold, but did not enhance it at 30 Hz. A maximal effect of TEA was obtained at about 1-3 mM. Enhancement of NA release by TEA was readily reversible. Output of NA induced by high potassium was not affected by TEA or barium. 4. The effect of TEA on release was related to the external calcium concentration. Insignificant outputs obtained at 5 Hz in 0.1 and 0.5 mM calcium-Krebs solutions were markedly increased by TEA, and were 2- and 5-fold greater than the control output at 5 Hz in normal Krebs solution containing 2.5 mM calcium. TEA enhanced release at all calcium concentrations up to 5 mM, but maximum output was still obtained at 2.5 mM. 5. Increasing the potassium concentrations of normal Krebs solution to 10, 15 and 20 mM depressed NA outputs at 5 Hz by 50, 55 and 75% respectively, TEA (1 mM) partially antagonized the inhibitory effect of potassium on release, and in zero potassium-Krebs solution it increased output by about 50% over that obtained in normal Krebs solution. 6. The ratio of NA outputs at 30 and 5 Hz during perfusion with Krebs solution containing TEA was about 0.6, and it approached the normal value as the calcium concentration of the perfusion medium was reduced. TEA facilitated release even at 30 Hz in low-calcium solutions. 7. It is suggested that the enhancement of NA release by TEA and barium is due to the greater influx of calcium ions into the sympathetic nerves during the course of an action potential.", "PMID": 1004627} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9985", "title": "Release of noradrenaline proposed as a mechanisms for the positive inotropic action of dipyridamole.", "content": "In the arterially blood-perfused canine papillary muscle, i.a. injections of dipyridamole (10-300 mug) produced a dose-dependent increase in developed tension amounting to about 45% of the basal developed tension at 300 mug. The positive inotropic response to dipyridamole was greatly reduced by a prior i.a. injection of propranolol (10 mug) or by pretreatment with reserpine (0.2 mg/kg s.c. for 3 consecutive days) but not affected by a prior i.a. injection of tetrodotoxin (1 mug) or desmethylimipramine (3-10 mug). The positive inotropic response to dipyridamole reduced by pretreatment with reserpine was restored by i.a. infusion of noradrenaline (0.03 mug/min). Dipyridamole did not modify the positive inotropic responses to noradrenaline and tyramine. These results suggest that the positive inotropic response to dipyridamole is largely due to noradrenaline released from adrenergic nerve endings by a mechanism that differs from those operative in the action of tyramine or in liberation of noradrenaline upon excitation.", "contents": "Release of noradrenaline proposed as a mechanisms for the positive inotropic action of dipyridamole. In the arterially blood-perfused canine papillary muscle, i.a. injections of dipyridamole (10-300 mug) produced a dose-dependent increase in developed tension amounting to about 45% of the basal developed tension at 300 mug. The positive inotropic response to dipyridamole was greatly reduced by a prior i.a. injection of propranolol (10 mug) or by pretreatment with reserpine (0.2 mg/kg s.c. for 3 consecutive days) but not affected by a prior i.a. injection of tetrodotoxin (1 mug) or desmethylimipramine (3-10 mug). The positive inotropic response to dipyridamole reduced by pretreatment with reserpine was restored by i.a. infusion of noradrenaline (0.03 mug/min). Dipyridamole did not modify the positive inotropic responses to noradrenaline and tyramine. These results suggest that the positive inotropic response to dipyridamole is largely due to noradrenaline released from adrenergic nerve endings by a mechanism that differs from those operative in the action of tyramine or in liberation of noradrenaline upon excitation.", "PMID": 1004628} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9986", "title": "The peristaltic reflex: an analysis of the nerve pathways and their pharmacology.", "content": "The enteric reflexes in isolated segments of the distal colon and rectum of the guinea-pig were studied by applying localized distensions and recording the consequent changes in circular muscle activity, and by recording tension changes in the circular muscle during the propulsion of a bolus in vitro. Lesions of the wall of the colon were made to locate nerve pathways involved in the reflexes and pharmacological tests were applied to investigate the natures of transmitters released and the types of receptors involved. Distension produced a transient contraction of the circular muscle on the oral side and sustained relaxation on the anal side. Both reflexes were nerve-mediated. They were elicited in segments deprived of mucosa and submucosa. Interruption of Auerbach's plexus, but not interruption of the submucosal plexus, prevented their conduction. The ascending excitatory reflex was partly blocked by hyoscine and was also partly blocked by methysergide or by making the preparation tachyphylactic to the excitatory action of 5-hydroxytryptamine. The ascending excitatory pathways apparently involve neurons releasing a 5-HT-like transmitter as well as cholinergic neurons. The descending inhibitory reflex was not antagonized by hyoscine, guanethidine, methysergide or mepyramine. It is assumed that the inhibitory neurons activated in this reflex are identical with the non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic, enteric inhibitory neurons found throughout the intestine. If both the ascending excitatory and descending inhibitory reflexes acted simultaneously on the same area of circular muscle, the inhibitory response tended to dominate. Pellets of faeces, covered by a thin layer of resin, were introduced into the oral ends of isolated segments of colon. They were propelled analwards at speeds of 0.5-1.6 mm/s. Tension records showed that the pellets were preceded by relaxation and followed by a ring of contraction. The propulsion was blocked by both hyoscine and methysergide. Descending waves of contraction were also observed in empty segments of colon. These occurred spontaneously or were initiated by stretch. They did not occur in the presence of hyoscine or tetrodotoxin. It is postulated that three factors may contribute to propulsion in the guinea-pig distal colon: ascending excitatory reflexes which evoke contractions above a bolus; descending inhibitory reflexes which cause relaxations below; and contractions which, once set up in the circular muscle, travel in an anal direction.", "contents": "The peristaltic reflex: an analysis of the nerve pathways and their pharmacology. The enteric reflexes in isolated segments of the distal colon and rectum of the guinea-pig were studied by applying localized distensions and recording the consequent changes in circular muscle activity, and by recording tension changes in the circular muscle during the propulsion of a bolus in vitro. Lesions of the wall of the colon were made to locate nerve pathways involved in the reflexes and pharmacological tests were applied to investigate the natures of transmitters released and the types of receptors involved. Distension produced a transient contraction of the circular muscle on the oral side and sustained relaxation on the anal side. Both reflexes were nerve-mediated. They were elicited in segments deprived of mucosa and submucosa. Interruption of Auerbach's plexus, but not interruption of the submucosal plexus, prevented their conduction. The ascending excitatory reflex was partly blocked by hyoscine and was also partly blocked by methysergide or by making the preparation tachyphylactic to the excitatory action of 5-hydroxytryptamine. The ascending excitatory pathways apparently involve neurons releasing a 5-HT-like transmitter as well as cholinergic neurons. The descending inhibitory reflex was not antagonized by hyoscine, guanethidine, methysergide or mepyramine. It is assumed that the inhibitory neurons activated in this reflex are identical with the non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic, enteric inhibitory neurons found throughout the intestine. If both the ascending excitatory and descending inhibitory reflexes acted simultaneously on the same area of circular muscle, the inhibitory response tended to dominate. Pellets of faeces, covered by a thin layer of resin, were introduced into the oral ends of isolated segments of colon. They were propelled analwards at speeds of 0.5-1.6 mm/s. Tension records showed that the pellets were preceded by relaxation and followed by a ring of contraction. The propulsion was blocked by both hyoscine and methysergide. Descending waves of contraction were also observed in empty segments of colon. These occurred spontaneously or were initiated by stretch. They did not occur in the presence of hyoscine or tetrodotoxin. It is postulated that three factors may contribute to propulsion in the guinea-pig distal colon: ascending excitatory reflexes which evoke contractions above a bolus; descending inhibitory reflexes which cause relaxations below; and contractions which, once set up in the circular muscle, travel in an anal direction.", "PMID": 1004629} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9987", "title": "Release of prostaglandins by bradykinin as an intrinsic mechanism of its algesic effect.", "content": "1. The release of PGs from the isolated perfused rabbit ear was measured by means of a radioimmunoassay. 2. Bradykinin in dose dependent amounts released mainly PGE (presumably PGE1) and in much smaller amounts also PGF. 3. Bradykinin released similar amounts of PGE in innervated and chronically denervated ears. 4. Indomethacin completely prevented the PGE release by bradykinin. 5. ACh showed a much lower efficacy than bradykinin in releasing PGE and PGF. Synthetic substance P was devoid of any PGE releasing action. 6. It is concluded that bradykinin increases its own algesic action by a concomitant rapid stimulation of the PGE synthesis, thus providing a mechanism for the facilitation of its own algesic action.", "contents": "Release of prostaglandins by bradykinin as an intrinsic mechanism of its algesic effect. 1. The release of PGs from the isolated perfused rabbit ear was measured by means of a radioimmunoassay. 2. Bradykinin in dose dependent amounts released mainly PGE (presumably PGE1) and in much smaller amounts also PGF. 3. Bradykinin released similar amounts of PGE in innervated and chronically denervated ears. 4. Indomethacin completely prevented the PGE release by bradykinin. 5. ACh showed a much lower efficacy than bradykinin in releasing PGE and PGF. Synthetic substance P was devoid of any PGE releasing action. 6. It is concluded that bradykinin increases its own algesic action by a concomitant rapid stimulation of the PGE synthesis, thus providing a mechanism for the facilitation of its own algesic action.", "PMID": 1004630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9988", "title": "The role of neuronal uptake at alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor sites in subcutaneous adipose tissue.", "content": "Intravascular noradrenaline infusion may cause vasodilatation or vasoconstriction in subcutaneous adipose tissue, whereas sympathetic nerve activity causes vasoconstriction only. This discrepancy may be due to a differential distribution of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors in relation to adrenergic nerve terminals in the adipose tissue vessels. In order to test this hypothesis the extent of prejunctional supersensitivity to noradrenaline was studied after blockade the neuronal uptake of noradrenaline with cocaine. In the autoperfused, isolated inguinal canine adipose tissue pretreatment with coacine (200-600 mug close i.a.) increased lipolysis following sympathetic nerve stimulation or close i.a. injection of noradrenaline. Cocaine also potentiated the vasoconstriction induced by nerve stimulation (1-3 Hz) or intraarterial noradrenaline (0.2-2 nmoles) as well as the vasodilatation induced by sympathetic nerve stimulation (1-3 Hz) after alpha-receptor blockade. However, the vasodilatation following close i.a. injection of noradrenaline after alpha-receptor blockade was not changed by cocaine. The results indicate that the functionally important vascular alpha-adrenoceptors in adipose tissue are in close contact with adrenergic nerve terminals, whereas most vascular beta-adrenoceptors seem to be unrelated to the nerve terminals. Thus, the alpha-adrenoceptors in the adipose tissue vessels may be classified as innervated receptors, in contrast to the vascular beta-adrenoceptors which may be more acessible to circulating catecholamines and may be classified as humoral receptors. Furthermore at least some of the beta-receptors on the adipocytes seem to be located close to sympathetic nerve terminals.", "contents": "The role of neuronal uptake at alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor sites in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Intravascular noradrenaline infusion may cause vasodilatation or vasoconstriction in subcutaneous adipose tissue, whereas sympathetic nerve activity causes vasoconstriction only. This discrepancy may be due to a differential distribution of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors in relation to adrenergic nerve terminals in the adipose tissue vessels. In order to test this hypothesis the extent of prejunctional supersensitivity to noradrenaline was studied after blockade the neuronal uptake of noradrenaline with cocaine. In the autoperfused, isolated inguinal canine adipose tissue pretreatment with coacine (200-600 mug close i.a.) increased lipolysis following sympathetic nerve stimulation or close i.a. injection of noradrenaline. Cocaine also potentiated the vasoconstriction induced by nerve stimulation (1-3 Hz) or intraarterial noradrenaline (0.2-2 nmoles) as well as the vasodilatation induced by sympathetic nerve stimulation (1-3 Hz) after alpha-receptor blockade. However, the vasodilatation following close i.a. injection of noradrenaline after alpha-receptor blockade was not changed by cocaine. The results indicate that the functionally important vascular alpha-adrenoceptors in adipose tissue are in close contact with adrenergic nerve terminals, whereas most vascular beta-adrenoceptors seem to be unrelated to the nerve terminals. Thus, the alpha-adrenoceptors in the adipose tissue vessels may be classified as innervated receptors, in contrast to the vascular beta-adrenoceptors which may be more acessible to circulating catecholamines and may be classified as humoral receptors. Furthermore at least some of the beta-receptors on the adipocytes seem to be located close to sympathetic nerve terminals.", "PMID": 1004631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9989", "title": "The effects of quipazine on 5-HT metabolism in the rat brain.", "content": "Since quipazine is a potent 5-HT agonist in peripheral organs, its possible stimulatory effects on serotoninergic receptors in the rat brain were investigated. Quipazine administration (10 mg/kg, i.p.) induced a significant decrease in the synthesis and turnover rates of serotonin in the brain stem as well as in the forebrain. It is not likely that these changes were mediated by a negative feed-back mechanism triggered by a direct action of quipazine on central 5-HT postsynaptic receptors. Indeed, in contrast to LSD and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, this compound failed to activate the 5-HT sensitive adenylate cyclase in colliculi homogenates of newborn rats. However, quipazine exerted direct effects on serotoninergic terminals. It inhibited competitively the reuptake process in synaptosomes (Ki=1.38 X 10(-7) M) and stimulated the K+ evoked release of newly synthesized 3H-5-HT in slices of the brain stem. Injected in vivo in a dose which affected 5-HT uptake and release, quipazine did not modify MAO activity. However, this activity was non-competitively inhibited by high concentratin of the drug in vitro (Ki=3.0 X 10(-5) M). These actions are very likely indirectly responsible for the stimulation of central 5-HT receptors.", "contents": "The effects of quipazine on 5-HT metabolism in the rat brain. Since quipazine is a potent 5-HT agonist in peripheral organs, its possible stimulatory effects on serotoninergic receptors in the rat brain were investigated. Quipazine administration (10 mg/kg, i.p.) induced a significant decrease in the synthesis and turnover rates of serotonin in the brain stem as well as in the forebrain. It is not likely that these changes were mediated by a negative feed-back mechanism triggered by a direct action of quipazine on central 5-HT postsynaptic receptors. Indeed, in contrast to LSD and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, this compound failed to activate the 5-HT sensitive adenylate cyclase in colliculi homogenates of newborn rats. However, quipazine exerted direct effects on serotoninergic terminals. It inhibited competitively the reuptake process in synaptosomes (Ki=1.38 X 10(-7) M) and stimulated the K+ evoked release of newly synthesized 3H-5-HT in slices of the brain stem. Injected in vivo in a dose which affected 5-HT uptake and release, quipazine did not modify MAO activity. However, this activity was non-competitively inhibited by high concentratin of the drug in vitro (Ki=3.0 X 10(-5) M). These actions are very likely indirectly responsible for the stimulation of central 5-HT receptors.", "PMID": 1004632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9990", "title": "Influence of the flavonoid (+)-catechin on the permeability of Ehrlich mouse ascites tumour cell membranes.", "content": "The effect of the flavonoid (+)-catechin and its hydrophilic derivative epicatechinsulphonate on the permeability of Ehrlich mouse ascites tumour cells (EMAT) was investigated. As a sensitive assay, the transmembrane fluxes of two different solutes were measured, the inwardly directed free diffusion of 14C-thiourea, and the carrier-mediated efflux of intracellularly accumulated 12C-1-aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid. (+)-Catechn was found to reduce the permeability of EMAT membranes for both solutes. The primary target of the drug appears to be the membrane itself. The effectiveness of the drug was dependent on its concentration. Inhibition of fluxes was observed at 0.86 mM; the inhibition gradually increased as the concentration was increased. In contrast to (+)-catechin, epicatechinsulphonate was rather ineffective, even at a concentration as large as 10 mM. The effect of (+)-catechin was seen within a few minutes after its addition. However, it was considerably intensified as the incubation was prolonged. The effectivity of (+)-catechin decreased with increasing cell density. Thus, the drug appears to be absorbed by the cells. From the various data and the observation that incorporation of a strong lipophobic sulphonate residue into the moderately lipophilic catechin molecule markedly lowers the effectivity of the flavonoid, it is concluded that (+)-catechin, as a membrane stabilizing drug, interacts directly with certain constituents of the cell envelope, presumably membrane lipids.", "contents": "Influence of the flavonoid (+)-catechin on the permeability of Ehrlich mouse ascites tumour cell membranes. The effect of the flavonoid (+)-catechin and its hydrophilic derivative epicatechinsulphonate on the permeability of Ehrlich mouse ascites tumour cells (EMAT) was investigated. As a sensitive assay, the transmembrane fluxes of two different solutes were measured, the inwardly directed free diffusion of 14C-thiourea, and the carrier-mediated efflux of intracellularly accumulated 12C-1-aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid. (+)-Catechn was found to reduce the permeability of EMAT membranes for both solutes. The primary target of the drug appears to be the membrane itself. The effectiveness of the drug was dependent on its concentration. Inhibition of fluxes was observed at 0.86 mM; the inhibition gradually increased as the concentration was increased. In contrast to (+)-catechin, epicatechinsulphonate was rather ineffective, even at a concentration as large as 10 mM. The effect of (+)-catechin was seen within a few minutes after its addition. However, it was considerably intensified as the incubation was prolonged. The effectivity of (+)-catechin decreased with increasing cell density. Thus, the drug appears to be absorbed by the cells. From the various data and the observation that incorporation of a strong lipophobic sulphonate residue into the moderately lipophilic catechin molecule markedly lowers the effectivity of the flavonoid, it is concluded that (+)-catechin, as a membrane stabilizing drug, interacts directly with certain constituents of the cell envelope, presumably membrane lipids.", "PMID": 1004633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9991", "title": "Relaxation of splenic strips during wash out with amine-free solution after an exposure to noradrenaline.", "content": "1. Strips were prepared from the spleens of normal or of reserpine-pretreated cats or rabbits. The strips were first exposed to (-)noradrenaline and then washed out with amine-free solution. 2. After inhibition of monoamine oxidase by pargyline \"secondary sensitization\" was prominent during the incubation with noradrenaline, and the early phase of quick relaxation was followed by a late phase of slow relaxation. The latter was cocaine-sensitive and has to be attributed to a slowly declining efflux of noradrenaline from adrenergic nerve endings. 3. Inhibition of catechol-O-methyl transferase by U-0521 or inhibition of extraneuronal uptake by hydrocortisone (cat) or corticosterone (rabbit) failed to alter relaxation. Apparently, an efflux of noradrenaline from extraneuronal stores plays little or no role in the relaxation of splenic strips. 4. During prolonged exposure to noradrenaline strips become desensitized to noradrenaline; on wash out of the amine, sensitivity is restored. As a consequence of this temporary desensitization the response to noradrenaline is not well maintained during prolonged exposure to this amine (when MAO is intact), and the relaxation curve is distorted (whenever a late phase of slow relaxation is prominent). 5. Indometacin enhances the sensitivity of rabbit (but not of cat) splenic strips to noradrenaline but fails to substantially alter relaxation curves. 6. When the distribution of noradrenaline is restricted to the extracellular space and when the concentration of the amine is varied over a wide range, essentially parallel relaxation curves are obtained on wash out, provided the initial contraction does not exceed 80% of maximum. For higher initial contractions relaxation is slowed during the first minute of wash out, probably because of the sigmoid shape of the dose-response curve.", "contents": "Relaxation of splenic strips during wash out with amine-free solution after an exposure to noradrenaline. 1. Strips were prepared from the spleens of normal or of reserpine-pretreated cats or rabbits. The strips were first exposed to (-)noradrenaline and then washed out with amine-free solution. 2. After inhibition of monoamine oxidase by pargyline \"secondary sensitization\" was prominent during the incubation with noradrenaline, and the early phase of quick relaxation was followed by a late phase of slow relaxation. The latter was cocaine-sensitive and has to be attributed to a slowly declining efflux of noradrenaline from adrenergic nerve endings. 3. Inhibition of catechol-O-methyl transferase by U-0521 or inhibition of extraneuronal uptake by hydrocortisone (cat) or corticosterone (rabbit) failed to alter relaxation. Apparently, an efflux of noradrenaline from extraneuronal stores plays little or no role in the relaxation of splenic strips. 4. During prolonged exposure to noradrenaline strips become desensitized to noradrenaline; on wash out of the amine, sensitivity is restored. As a consequence of this temporary desensitization the response to noradrenaline is not well maintained during prolonged exposure to this amine (when MAO is intact), and the relaxation curve is distorted (whenever a late phase of slow relaxation is prominent). 5. Indometacin enhances the sensitivity of rabbit (but not of cat) splenic strips to noradrenaline but fails to substantially alter relaxation curves. 6. When the distribution of noradrenaline is restricted to the extracellular space and when the concentration of the amine is varied over a wide range, essentially parallel relaxation curves are obtained on wash out, provided the initial contraction does not exceed 80% of maximum. For higher initial contractions relaxation is slowed during the first minute of wash out, probably because of the sigmoid shape of the dose-response curve.", "PMID": 1004634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9992", "title": "Inhibition of catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla by halothane. Site and mechanism of action.", "content": "In isolated bovine adrenals perfused with Locke solution in a retrograde fashion we investigated the effects of halothane on the catecholamine release evoked by various secretagogues. 1. The catecholamine release induced by activation of the nicotinic receptors on the chromaffin cells with 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium was almost completely inhibited (by about 90%) by 1.4 X 10(-3) M halothane. 2. It was shown by means of cumulative concentration-response curves of acetylcholine for its stimulating effect on catecholamine release (pD2 = 4.04) that halothane was a non-competitive antagonist (pD'2 = 3.17). 3. Halothane (1.4 X 10(-3) and 4.3 X 10(-3) M) did not decrease the catecholamine secretion in response to pilocarpine or histamine. 4. The 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced catecholamine release was not impaired by 1.4 X 10(-3) M halothane, but was significantly inhibited (by 44%) by 4.3 X 10(-3) M halothane. 5. At 1.4 X 10(-3) M halothane the catecholamine release induced by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was inhibited by 40%. 4.3 X 10(-3) M halothane completely blocked the secretion induced by GABA. 6. The catecholamine secretion in response to 56 mM KCl or to introduction of CaCl2 after perfusion with Locke solution deficient in CaCl2 was not reduced by halothane (1.4 X 10(-3) and 1.4 X 10(-2) M). 7. Halothane (1.4 X 10(-3) M) did not inhibit the catecholamine release evoked by acetaldehyde or tyramine from glands perfused with Ca2+ -free Locke solution throughout the experiments. It is concluded that the site of action of halothane is the cell membrane of the chromaffin cell. The anaesthetic does not impair the permeability of the membrane to calcium ions. Halothane may cause a conformational change of membrane proteins, particularly of the nicotinic receptor (and at higher concentrations of GABA and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors); thus, stimulation may be prevented by an inhibition of agonist-receptor interaction.", "contents": "Inhibition of catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla by halothane. Site and mechanism of action. In isolated bovine adrenals perfused with Locke solution in a retrograde fashion we investigated the effects of halothane on the catecholamine release evoked by various secretagogues. 1. The catecholamine release induced by activation of the nicotinic receptors on the chromaffin cells with 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium was almost completely inhibited (by about 90%) by 1.4 X 10(-3) M halothane. 2. It was shown by means of cumulative concentration-response curves of acetylcholine for its stimulating effect on catecholamine release (pD2 = 4.04) that halothane was a non-competitive antagonist (pD'2 = 3.17). 3. Halothane (1.4 X 10(-3) and 4.3 X 10(-3) M) did not decrease the catecholamine secretion in response to pilocarpine or histamine. 4. The 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced catecholamine release was not impaired by 1.4 X 10(-3) M halothane, but was significantly inhibited (by 44%) by 4.3 X 10(-3) M halothane. 5. At 1.4 X 10(-3) M halothane the catecholamine release induced by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was inhibited by 40%. 4.3 X 10(-3) M halothane completely blocked the secretion induced by GABA. 6. The catecholamine secretion in response to 56 mM KCl or to introduction of CaCl2 after perfusion with Locke solution deficient in CaCl2 was not reduced by halothane (1.4 X 10(-3) and 1.4 X 10(-2) M). 7. Halothane (1.4 X 10(-3) M) did not inhibit the catecholamine release evoked by acetaldehyde or tyramine from glands perfused with Ca2+ -free Locke solution throughout the experiments. It is concluded that the site of action of halothane is the cell membrane of the chromaffin cell. The anaesthetic does not impair the permeability of the membrane to calcium ions. Halothane may cause a conformational change of membrane proteins, particularly of the nicotinic receptor (and at higher concentrations of GABA and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors); thus, stimulation may be prevented by an inhibition of agonist-receptor interaction.", "PMID": 1004635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9993", "title": "Regional changes in the rate of turnover of acetylcholine in rat brain following diazepam or muscimol.", "content": "Muscimol (8.8 mumol/kg i.v.) and diazepam (7.04 mumol/kg i.p.) decreased the rate of turnover of acetylcholine in midbrain and cortex of rat brain but failed to change acetylcholine turnover in striatum and hippocampus. The similarity in the profile of the action of diazepam and muscimol on acetylcholine turnover in various brain structures adds support to the view that GABA participates in mediating the actions of diazepam. Since the striatum contains an abundance of GABA neurones and intrinsic cholinergic neurones, it is inferred that the metabolism of acetylcholine, and presumably the activity of striatal cholinergic neurones are not regulated by the activation of GABA receptors. Similar considerations apply to the cholinergic pathway projecting from the septum to the hippocampus.", "contents": "Regional changes in the rate of turnover of acetylcholine in rat brain following diazepam or muscimol. Muscimol (8.8 mumol/kg i.v.) and diazepam (7.04 mumol/kg i.p.) decreased the rate of turnover of acetylcholine in midbrain and cortex of rat brain but failed to change acetylcholine turnover in striatum and hippocampus. The similarity in the profile of the action of diazepam and muscimol on acetylcholine turnover in various brain structures adds support to the view that GABA participates in mediating the actions of diazepam. Since the striatum contains an abundance of GABA neurones and intrinsic cholinergic neurones, it is inferred that the metabolism of acetylcholine, and presumably the activity of striatal cholinergic neurones are not regulated by the activation of GABA receptors. Similar considerations apply to the cholinergic pathway projecting from the septum to the hippocampus.", "PMID": 1004636} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9994", "title": "Sensitization of the smooth muscle by prostaglandin E1 contributes to reversal of drug-induced inhibition of the guinea-pig ileum.", "content": "Prostaglandin (PG)E1 reverses drug-induced inhibition of the electrically stimulated guinea-pig ileum. The effect of PGE1 is in part related to a sensitizing action on the smooth muscle and in part to an increased acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus.", "contents": "Sensitization of the smooth muscle by prostaglandin E1 contributes to reversal of drug-induced inhibition of the guinea-pig ileum. Prostaglandin (PG)E1 reverses drug-induced inhibition of the electrically stimulated guinea-pig ileum. The effect of PGE1 is in part related to a sensitizing action on the smooth muscle and in part to an increased acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus.", "PMID": 1004637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9995", "title": "The cardiodynamic and metabolic effects of glucagon.", "content": "The cardiac effects of a continuous infusion of glucagon at the rate of 10 mug/min were studied in the Starling heart-lung preparation, modified to measure coronary flow and myocardial oxygen consumption. A maximal increase in myocardial contractility, as reflected by maximal rate of rise of left ventricular pressure, dp/dt, of 31% was observed at a total dose of glucagon of 50 mug and was accompanied by an increase in heart rate and in myocardial oxygen consumption of 59% and 57%, respectively. At a total dose of glucagon of 100 mug, there was an additional and comparable increase only in heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption of 11.2% and 6.4% respectively. Similarly, at a total dose of glucagon of 150 mug, only heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption increased additionally by increments of 2.6% and 2.9% respectively. These effects occurred at constant aortic pressure and left ventricular volume. Further infusion of glucagon led to an additional increase only in myocardial oxygen consumption of 4.2%. When the increase in heart rate was largely prevented by prior treatment with veratramine, an increase in dp/dt, not significantly different from the maximal increase obtained with glucagon alone, was accompanied by much lower and closely comparable increases in heart rate and in myocardial oxygen consumption of 15% and 19%, respectively. Coronary flow increased more markedly when glucagon was administered alone and it paralleled the increase in myocardial oxygen consumption. It may be concluded from this study that, in the isolated dog heart preparation, glucagon increases contractility, heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption and that the increase in myocardial oxygen consumption is related more closely to the increase in heart rate than to the increase in contractility, but a minor increment is referable to a calorigenic action. The increase in coronary flow is of a secondary nature, resulting from the increase in myocardial metabolic demands.", "contents": "The cardiodynamic and metabolic effects of glucagon. The cardiac effects of a continuous infusion of glucagon at the rate of 10 mug/min were studied in the Starling heart-lung preparation, modified to measure coronary flow and myocardial oxygen consumption. A maximal increase in myocardial contractility, as reflected by maximal rate of rise of left ventricular pressure, dp/dt, of 31% was observed at a total dose of glucagon of 50 mug and was accompanied by an increase in heart rate and in myocardial oxygen consumption of 59% and 57%, respectively. At a total dose of glucagon of 100 mug, there was an additional and comparable increase only in heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption of 11.2% and 6.4% respectively. Similarly, at a total dose of glucagon of 150 mug, only heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption increased additionally by increments of 2.6% and 2.9% respectively. These effects occurred at constant aortic pressure and left ventricular volume. Further infusion of glucagon led to an additional increase only in myocardial oxygen consumption of 4.2%. When the increase in heart rate was largely prevented by prior treatment with veratramine, an increase in dp/dt, not significantly different from the maximal increase obtained with glucagon alone, was accompanied by much lower and closely comparable increases in heart rate and in myocardial oxygen consumption of 15% and 19%, respectively. Coronary flow increased more markedly when glucagon was administered alone and it paralleled the increase in myocardial oxygen consumption. It may be concluded from this study that, in the isolated dog heart preparation, glucagon increases contractility, heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption and that the increase in myocardial oxygen consumption is related more closely to the increase in heart rate than to the increase in contractility, but a minor increment is referable to a calorigenic action. The increase in coronary flow is of a secondary nature, resulting from the increase in myocardial metabolic demands.", "PMID": 1004638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9996", "title": "Relationship of antiarrhythmic to inotropic activity and antiarrhythmic qualities of the optical isomers of verapamil.", "content": "1. The relationship of antiarrhythmic to inotropic activity of the optical isomers of verapamil was studied by comparing their effects on functional refractory period and force of contraction in the isolated left atrium of the guinea pig and on maximum follow frequency and contractility in the dog heart. To evaluate the antiarrhythmic profile of the optical isomers of verapamil the relationship between threshold voltage and impulse duration in the left atrium of the guinea pig and the antagonistic action against ventricular arrhythmias in the rat were studied. 2. (-)Verapamil is nearly 10 times more effective than (+)verapamil in prolonging the functional refractory period in the isolated left atrium of the guinea pig. 3. In the dog heart (-)verapamil is about 8 times more active in reducing a maximum follow frequency at atrial pacing, as well as spontaneous heart rate and in prolonging PQ-duration. 4. In the guinea pig atrium (+)verapamil shows less negative inotropic activity than its enantiomorph. With (+)verapamil the concentration producing a 25% decrease in contractility is 3.7 times higher than that causing a 25% increase in refractory period. With (-)verapamil these concentrations are identical. 5. In the dog i.v. infusion of the isomers, at a dosage inducing identical reduction of maximum follow frequency, is accompanied by a decrease in left ventricular dp/dtmax with (-)verapamil, whereas with the (+)isomer a significant increase of dp/dtmax is observed at a certain dose level. 6. Because of the higher antiarrhythmic activity of (-)verapamil, the antiarrhythmic profile and the inotropic pattern of the racemic compound are mainly due to this isomer. 7. (+)Verapamil shifts the voltage duration curve of the isolated left atrium of the guinea pig to the right and leads to a significant increase in the chronaxie value. (-)Verapamil has no comparable effects on the excitability of the atrial myocardium. 8. In the intact animal (+)verapamil shows additional antiarrhythmic qualities. Like procainamide, but with higher activity, it antagonizes ventricular arrhythmias (ectopic beats, automaticity and flutter or fibrillation) which can be provoked in the rat by i.v. infusion of aconitine. (-)Verapamil and the racemic compound are ineffective against these ventricular rhythm disorders.", "contents": "Relationship of antiarrhythmic to inotropic activity and antiarrhythmic qualities of the optical isomers of verapamil. 1. The relationship of antiarrhythmic to inotropic activity of the optical isomers of verapamil was studied by comparing their effects on functional refractory period and force of contraction in the isolated left atrium of the guinea pig and on maximum follow frequency and contractility in the dog heart. To evaluate the antiarrhythmic profile of the optical isomers of verapamil the relationship between threshold voltage and impulse duration in the left atrium of the guinea pig and the antagonistic action against ventricular arrhythmias in the rat were studied. 2. (-)Verapamil is nearly 10 times more effective than (+)verapamil in prolonging the functional refractory period in the isolated left atrium of the guinea pig. 3. In the dog heart (-)verapamil is about 8 times more active in reducing a maximum follow frequency at atrial pacing, as well as spontaneous heart rate and in prolonging PQ-duration. 4. In the guinea pig atrium (+)verapamil shows less negative inotropic activity than its enantiomorph. With (+)verapamil the concentration producing a 25% decrease in contractility is 3.7 times higher than that causing a 25% increase in refractory period. With (-)verapamil these concentrations are identical. 5. In the dog i.v. infusion of the isomers, at a dosage inducing identical reduction of maximum follow frequency, is accompanied by a decrease in left ventricular dp/dtmax with (-)verapamil, whereas with the (+)isomer a significant increase of dp/dtmax is observed at a certain dose level. 6. Because of the higher antiarrhythmic activity of (-)verapamil, the antiarrhythmic profile and the inotropic pattern of the racemic compound are mainly due to this isomer. 7. (+)Verapamil shifts the voltage duration curve of the isolated left atrium of the guinea pig to the right and leads to a significant increase in the chronaxie value. (-)Verapamil has no comparable effects on the excitability of the atrial myocardium. 8. In the intact animal (+)verapamil shows additional antiarrhythmic qualities. Like procainamide, but with higher activity, it antagonizes ventricular arrhythmias (ectopic beats, automaticity and flutter or fibrillation) which can be provoked in the rat by i.v. infusion of aconitine. (-)Verapamil and the racemic compound are ineffective against these ventricular rhythm disorders.", "PMID": 1004639} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9997", "title": "Catabolism of vasoactive polypeptides by perfused rat liver.", "content": "Exsanguinated rat liver preparations perfused in situ with oxygenated saline solutions inactivated recirculating bradykinin (BK) at rates of 2.3 to 9.1 and isoleucyl5 angiotensin II (AII) at rates of 2.8 to 15.0 nmoles X min-1 X g-1 of liver, depending on the initial concentration of the peptides in the perfusion fluid (3.1 to 18.9 X 10(-6) M for BK and 8.5 to 17.0 X 10(-6) M for AII). On the other hand, at similar concentrations, recirculation of isoleucyl5 Angiotensin I (AI) for 8 min did not lead to decrease of its biological activity when assayed on the isolated rat uterus. Following a single passage through liver, picomole amounts of both BK and AII were inactivated by about 90% as revealed by assays on a superfused rat uterus. The potency ratio AI:AII, assayed on a superfused rat uterus was 1:22 and changed to 1:5 following a single passage of both peptides through liver. This finding and the separation of 4.9% of AII on carboxymethylcellulose columns following recirculation of AI through rat liver indicate a conversion of AI into AII. The dipeptides Phe-Arg, Ser-Pro and Gly-Phe were identified among the hydrolysis products of perfused BK. A peptidyldipeptide hydrolase (EC 3.4.15) may be responsible for both the BK inactivation and AI conversion. The inactivation of AII cannot be attributed to the same enzyme.", "contents": "Catabolism of vasoactive polypeptides by perfused rat liver. Exsanguinated rat liver preparations perfused in situ with oxygenated saline solutions inactivated recirculating bradykinin (BK) at rates of 2.3 to 9.1 and isoleucyl5 angiotensin II (AII) at rates of 2.8 to 15.0 nmoles X min-1 X g-1 of liver, depending on the initial concentration of the peptides in the perfusion fluid (3.1 to 18.9 X 10(-6) M for BK and 8.5 to 17.0 X 10(-6) M for AII). On the other hand, at similar concentrations, recirculation of isoleucyl5 Angiotensin I (AI) for 8 min did not lead to decrease of its biological activity when assayed on the isolated rat uterus. Following a single passage through liver, picomole amounts of both BK and AII were inactivated by about 90% as revealed by assays on a superfused rat uterus. The potency ratio AI:AII, assayed on a superfused rat uterus was 1:22 and changed to 1:5 following a single passage of both peptides through liver. This finding and the separation of 4.9% of AII on carboxymethylcellulose columns following recirculation of AI through rat liver indicate a conversion of AI into AII. The dipeptides Phe-Arg, Ser-Pro and Gly-Phe were identified among the hydrolysis products of perfused BK. A peptidyldipeptide hydrolase (EC 3.4.15) may be responsible for both the BK inactivation and AI conversion. The inactivation of AII cannot be attributed to the same enzyme.", "PMID": 1004640} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9998", "title": "Evidence for stimulation of 5-HT receptors in canine saphenous arteries by ergotamine.", "content": "Changes in tension of spiral strips from dog saphenous arteries were monitored isometrically. Dose-response curves for noradrenaline, 5-HT and ergotamine were established without and after a 30 min incubation with phentolamine or pizotifen. Phentolamine was about 15 times more potent in antagonizing responses to noradrenaline (pA2 value=7.4) than those to 5-HT (pA2 value=6.2) but it was nearly equipotent in antagonizing responses to ergotamine (pA2 value=6.5) and those to 5-HT. Pizotifen was about 500 times less potent in antagonizing noradrenaline effects than 5-HT but again nearly equipotent when tested against ergotamine and 5-HT. It is suggested that in canine saphenous arteries the stimulant activity of ergotamine is mediated mainly through 5-HT receptors.", "contents": "Evidence for stimulation of 5-HT receptors in canine saphenous arteries by ergotamine. Changes in tension of spiral strips from dog saphenous arteries were monitored isometrically. Dose-response curves for noradrenaline, 5-HT and ergotamine were established without and after a 30 min incubation with phentolamine or pizotifen. Phentolamine was about 15 times more potent in antagonizing responses to noradrenaline (pA2 value=7.4) than those to 5-HT (pA2 value=6.2) but it was nearly equipotent in antagonizing responses to ergotamine (pA2 value=6.5) and those to 5-HT. Pizotifen was about 500 times less potent in antagonizing noradrenaline effects than 5-HT but again nearly equipotent when tested against ergotamine and 5-HT. It is suggested that in canine saphenous arteries the stimulant activity of ergotamine is mediated mainly through 5-HT receptors.", "PMID": 1004641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_9999", "title": "The effect of corticosterone on the fluxes of 3H-normetanephrine into and out of the extraneuronal compartments of the perfused rat heart.", "content": "1. Hearts were obtained from pargyline-pretreated rats and perfused with 40 nM 3H-normethanephrine for 21 min. 87 muM corticosterone reduced the accumulation of 3H-normethanephrine in the heart. 2. When the initial perfusion with 3H-normetanephrine was followed by perfusion of the hearts with amine-free solution for 90 min, efflux of radioactivity was determined. Analysis of efflux curves showed that, apart from its distribution into extracellular space and fluid content of cardiac cavities, radioactivity distributed mainly into one corticosterone-sensitive, extra-neuronal compartment (compartment III, half time for efflux about 6 min). 3. When corticosterone was added to the wash out solution only, it failed to affect the efflux of radioactivity. 4. Although monoamine oxidase was inhibited, some deaminated metabolites of normetanephrine were detected in the efflux. Efflux of 3H-metabolites was monophasic in about half the hearts (short half time corresponding to that of compartment III) and biphasic in the other half. The early phase of efflux (short half time) seemed to represent efflux of newly formed metabolite(s), while the late phase (if present) appeared to be due to efflux of metabolites formed early in the experiment. 5. While corticosterone is known to inhibit the extraneuronal influx and efflux of catecholamines, it appears to impair the influx of normetanephrine without affecting the efflux.", "contents": "The effect of corticosterone on the fluxes of 3H-normetanephrine into and out of the extraneuronal compartments of the perfused rat heart. 1. Hearts were obtained from pargyline-pretreated rats and perfused with 40 nM 3H-normethanephrine for 21 min. 87 muM corticosterone reduced the accumulation of 3H-normethanephrine in the heart. 2. When the initial perfusion with 3H-normetanephrine was followed by perfusion of the hearts with amine-free solution for 90 min, efflux of radioactivity was determined. Analysis of efflux curves showed that, apart from its distribution into extracellular space and fluid content of cardiac cavities, radioactivity distributed mainly into one corticosterone-sensitive, extra-neuronal compartment (compartment III, half time for efflux about 6 min). 3. When corticosterone was added to the wash out solution only, it failed to affect the efflux of radioactivity. 4. Although monoamine oxidase was inhibited, some deaminated metabolites of normetanephrine were detected in the efflux. Efflux of 3H-metabolites was monophasic in about half the hearts (short half time corresponding to that of compartment III) and biphasic in the other half. The early phase of efflux (short half time) seemed to represent efflux of newly formed metabolite(s), while the late phase (if present) appeared to be due to efflux of metabolites formed early in the experiment. 5. While corticosterone is known to inhibit the extraneuronal influx and efflux of catecholamines, it appears to impair the influx of normetanephrine without affecting the efflux.", "PMID": 1004642} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10000", "title": "Blood flow in intact and constricted coronary arteries under the influence of ouabain.", "content": "The effects of ouabain on intact and experimentally constricted coronary arteries were investigated in anaesthetized, thoracotomized dogs. Ouabain decreased the blood flow in the intact artery without changing the flow per beat values and increased flow in the constricted artery. Since ouabain decreased left ventricular enddiastolic pressure, it is proposed that the drug-induced augmentation of flow in the constricted artery is related to an elevation of driving pressure to the endocardial layers of the myocardium which are supplied by the constricted artery.", "contents": "Blood flow in intact and constricted coronary arteries under the influence of ouabain. The effects of ouabain on intact and experimentally constricted coronary arteries were investigated in anaesthetized, thoracotomized dogs. Ouabain decreased the blood flow in the intact artery without changing the flow per beat values and increased flow in the constricted artery. Since ouabain decreased left ventricular enddiastolic pressure, it is proposed that the drug-induced augmentation of flow in the constricted artery is related to an elevation of driving pressure to the endocardial layers of the myocardium which are supplied by the constricted artery.", "PMID": 1004643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10001", "title": "Induction of platelet aggregation by the complement-derived peptides C3a and C5a.", "content": "The effect of two complement-derived peptides, hog serum C3a and C5a, on platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma and suspensions in Tyrode solution was investigated. 1. Guinea-pig platelets were aggregated by both C3a and C5a; the spasmogenically inactive product of C3a, C3ai, also induced aggregation. Threshold concentrations were in the range of 10(-6)--10(-9) M depending on the peptide and platelet preparation. 2. Cat platelets were aggregated by C5a (threshold concentrations 10(-7)--10(-8) M) but not by C3a. 3. Platelets from pig, rabbit and man were not aggregated by either of the two peptides in concentrations of up to 5 X 10(-6) M. 4. When C5a was administered repeatedly in subthreshold doses guinea-pig platelets became tachyphylactic to C5a but were still aggregable by C3a or ADP. Conversely, platelets desensitized to C3a still reacted to C5a or ADP. Tachyphylaxis towards C5a developed also when platelets were incubated with C5a in the absence of free Ca2+ under which condition they do not react. The tachyphylaxis in this case became evident after recalcification of the medium. The lack of cross-desensitization indicates that C3a and C5a react via different receptors. 5. C3a and C5a were injected i.v. into guinea pigs. Histological examination of the lungs revealed that some of the smaller vessels (20-30 mu in diameter) were occluded by platelet aggregates. In addition signs of severe acute emphysema were seen in animals treated with C5a, but only slight emphysema in C3a-treated animals. Intravenous injections of C3a into guinea pigs caused but weak respiratory distress and drowsiness and never killed an animal (at doses of up to 20 mg per kg body weight), whereas C5a caused the well-known severe respiratory failure and death already at doses of 0.03 mg/kg body weight.", "contents": "Induction of platelet aggregation by the complement-derived peptides C3a and C5a. The effect of two complement-derived peptides, hog serum C3a and C5a, on platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma and suspensions in Tyrode solution was investigated. 1. Guinea-pig platelets were aggregated by both C3a and C5a; the spasmogenically inactive product of C3a, C3ai, also induced aggregation. Threshold concentrations were in the range of 10(-6)--10(-9) M depending on the peptide and platelet preparation. 2. Cat platelets were aggregated by C5a (threshold concentrations 10(-7)--10(-8) M) but not by C3a. 3. Platelets from pig, rabbit and man were not aggregated by either of the two peptides in concentrations of up to 5 X 10(-6) M. 4. When C5a was administered repeatedly in subthreshold doses guinea-pig platelets became tachyphylactic to C5a but were still aggregable by C3a or ADP. Conversely, platelets desensitized to C3a still reacted to C5a or ADP. Tachyphylaxis towards C5a developed also when platelets were incubated with C5a in the absence of free Ca2+ under which condition they do not react. The tachyphylaxis in this case became evident after recalcification of the medium. The lack of cross-desensitization indicates that C3a and C5a react via different receptors. 5. C3a and C5a were injected i.v. into guinea pigs. Histological examination of the lungs revealed that some of the smaller vessels (20-30 mu in diameter) were occluded by platelet aggregates. In addition signs of severe acute emphysema were seen in animals treated with C5a, but only slight emphysema in C3a-treated animals. Intravenous injections of C3a into guinea pigs caused but weak respiratory distress and drowsiness and never killed an animal (at doses of up to 20 mg per kg body weight), whereas C5a caused the well-known severe respiratory failure and death already at doses of 0.03 mg/kg body weight.", "PMID": 1004644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10002", "title": "Effect of anesthetic doses of gamma-hydroxybutyrate on the acetylcholine content of rat brain.", "content": "Gamma-hydroxybutyrate administered in anesthetic doses produces a time dependent increase in the levels of rat barin acetylcholine. A maximal increase in whole brain and subcortical levels of acetylcholine is observed about 15 min after administration of the lactone form of the drug. A similar GHB-induced increase in acetylcholine is observed in the striatum and a 75% increase in the hippocampus 15 min after administration of the drug. A good temporal correlation was not obtained between the increase in acetylcholine and the depth of anesthesia produced by the drug. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate did not cause a significant change in the striatal or hippocampal levels of choline. Possible mechanisms involved in the production of this increase in acetylcholine are discussed.", "contents": "Effect of anesthetic doses of gamma-hydroxybutyrate on the acetylcholine content of rat brain. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate administered in anesthetic doses produces a time dependent increase in the levels of rat barin acetylcholine. A maximal increase in whole brain and subcortical levels of acetylcholine is observed about 15 min after administration of the lactone form of the drug. A similar GHB-induced increase in acetylcholine is observed in the striatum and a 75% increase in the hippocampus 15 min after administration of the drug. A good temporal correlation was not obtained between the increase in acetylcholine and the depth of anesthesia produced by the drug. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate did not cause a significant change in the striatal or hippocampal levels of choline. Possible mechanisms involved in the production of this increase in acetylcholine are discussed.", "PMID": 1004645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10003", "title": "Muscle relaxation induced in the rabbit by intracerebroventricular taurine injection: a supraspinal effect.", "content": "Taurine, given intracerebroventricularly to the consciou unrestrained rabbit, causes hypothermia and a reduction in skeletal muscle tone. Evidence has been produced that the latter effect is of a central, supraspinal origin.", "contents": "Muscle relaxation induced in the rabbit by intracerebroventricular taurine injection: a supraspinal effect. Taurine, given intracerebroventricularly to the consciou unrestrained rabbit, causes hypothermia and a reduction in skeletal muscle tone. Evidence has been produced that the latter effect is of a central, supraspinal origin.", "PMID": 1004646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10004", "title": "Influence of viability on bromosulfophthalein uptake by isolated hepatocytes.", "content": "The initial rates of BSP uptake by isolated hepatocytes were compared in cells of good and poor viability. Cells with impaired viability were obtained by ageing or by accident also in fresh preparations. Viability was judged by trypan blue stainability, membrane potential and respiratory parameters indicative for energy state, substrate supply and plasma membrane permeability changes. It was found that concomitant with impaired viability there was a decline of uptake rates at low and an increase at high BSP concentrations with a crossover point at 10 muM as manifest in an increase of Km and V. Simultaneously, the affinity and size of the membrane bound fraction decreases. The results give kinetic support to the supposition that it is the decreased uptake from plasma to liver that is responsible for the prolonged plasma retention times in the liver function test of patients with impaired hepatobiliary function.", "contents": "Influence of viability on bromosulfophthalein uptake by isolated hepatocytes. The initial rates of BSP uptake by isolated hepatocytes were compared in cells of good and poor viability. Cells with impaired viability were obtained by ageing or by accident also in fresh preparations. Viability was judged by trypan blue stainability, membrane potential and respiratory parameters indicative for energy state, substrate supply and plasma membrane permeability changes. It was found that concomitant with impaired viability there was a decline of uptake rates at low and an increase at high BSP concentrations with a crossover point at 10 muM as manifest in an increase of Km and V. Simultaneously, the affinity and size of the membrane bound fraction decreases. The results give kinetic support to the supposition that it is the decreased uptake from plasma to liver that is responsible for the prolonged plasma retention times in the liver function test of patients with impaired hepatobiliary function.", "PMID": 1004647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10005", "title": "Contribution to the mechanism of Stilbostat action.", "content": "The hormone-cytostatic drug Stilbostat does not influence the estradiol binding capacity of the rat uterus tissue and tissues of human and experimentally induced mammary tumors. It exhibits an alkylating potency similar to that of other cytostatic drugs used in the therapy of neoplasia. An in vitro splitting of Stillbostat into diethylstilbestrol by tissue slices could not be detected. It was impossible to demonstrate an excretion of splitting products of Stilbostat by rat urine.", "contents": "Contribution to the mechanism of Stilbostat action. The hormone-cytostatic drug Stilbostat does not influence the estradiol binding capacity of the rat uterus tissue and tissues of human and experimentally induced mammary tumors. It exhibits an alkylating potency similar to that of other cytostatic drugs used in the therapy of neoplasia. An in vitro splitting of Stillbostat into diethylstilbestrol by tissue slices could not be detected. It was impossible to demonstrate an excretion of splitting products of Stilbostat by rat urine.", "PMID": 1004653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10006", "title": "Preliminary experience with Mitolactol in advanced tumors of the orofacial region and the larynx.", "content": "Mitolactol (Dibromodulcitol \"DBD\"; RlobromolR) an alkylating agent was applied in a clinical series of twenty advanced or relapsing cases of malignant tumors of the orofacial region and the larynx. It was administered orally in a mean total dose of 127 mg/kg/30 days. In 45% of the patients the treatment resulted in a diminution of tumors by more than 50%, with remission lasting 1-4 months. 30% of the patients responded by a retreat of the tumor volume smaller than 50%, while no therapeutic effect was noted in 25% of the patients, or the objective finding proved to be worse. Subsequent radiotherapy improved the results, and remissions which followed combined chemo-radiotherapy were prolonged up to 9 months. The effect of DBD treatment proved better in orofacial than in laryngeal carcinoma.", "contents": "Preliminary experience with Mitolactol in advanced tumors of the orofacial region and the larynx. Mitolactol (Dibromodulcitol \"DBD\"; RlobromolR) an alkylating agent was applied in a clinical series of twenty advanced or relapsing cases of malignant tumors of the orofacial region and the larynx. It was administered orally in a mean total dose of 127 mg/kg/30 days. In 45% of the patients the treatment resulted in a diminution of tumors by more than 50%, with remission lasting 1-4 months. 30% of the patients responded by a retreat of the tumor volume smaller than 50%, while no therapeutic effect was noted in 25% of the patients, or the objective finding proved to be worse. Subsequent radiotherapy improved the results, and remissions which followed combined chemo-radiotherapy were prolonged up to 9 months. The effect of DBD treatment proved better in orofacial than in laryngeal carcinoma.", "PMID": 1004654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10007", "title": "On surgical treatment of malignant melanoma.", "content": "An early and adequate surgical intervention may have a favorable effect on the course of malignant melanoma (m.m.). Despite the focused publicity given to problems relating to m.m., faulty nonradical excisions of suspected pigmented lesions are still performed rather frequently in surgical outpatient departments. One of the reasons may be the rather difficult clinical diagnosis due to pleiomorphism of m.m., but a lack of experience of certain physicians is also responsible. The authors indicate what effective course to pursue in these patients. On the evidence of their set of 48 patients operated upon, they have shown a radical reexcision of the scar with its wide vicinity, following a nonradical intervention, to be justified. In certain cases, it may affect an eventful dissemination of tumorous cases, it may affect an eventual dissemination of tumorous cells in the close vicinity of the scar after an inadequate excision. In addition, they have delimitated indications valid for a radical reexcision.", "contents": "On surgical treatment of malignant melanoma. An early and adequate surgical intervention may have a favorable effect on the course of malignant melanoma (m.m.). Despite the focused publicity given to problems relating to m.m., faulty nonradical excisions of suspected pigmented lesions are still performed rather frequently in surgical outpatient departments. One of the reasons may be the rather difficult clinical diagnosis due to pleiomorphism of m.m., but a lack of experience of certain physicians is also responsible. The authors indicate what effective course to pursue in these patients. On the evidence of their set of 48 patients operated upon, they have shown a radical reexcision of the scar with its wide vicinity, following a nonradical intervention, to be justified. In certain cases, it may affect an eventful dissemination of tumorous cases, it may affect an eventual dissemination of tumorous cells in the close vicinity of the scar after an inadequate excision. In addition, they have delimitated indications valid for a radical reexcision.", "PMID": 1004655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10008", "title": "Classification and survival rate of patients with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovaries.", "content": "The comparative evaluation of two stage classifications including USSR Ministry of Health stage classification and TNM system was performed on the base of studies of the end results of 419 patients with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovaries. It has been established that TNM system is of a greater importance in establishing more accurate prognosis than the stage classification of the Ministry of Health. In TNM system four variants of the degree of extension correspond to each stage that allows to evaluate not only the extent of the primary tumor that also of the metastatic spread. The achieved results point to the superiority of the TNM system and serve as a base for transition to the TNM system in the classification of ovarian carcinoma.", "contents": "Classification and survival rate of patients with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovaries. The comparative evaluation of two stage classifications including USSR Ministry of Health stage classification and TNM system was performed on the base of studies of the end results of 419 patients with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovaries. It has been established that TNM system is of a greater importance in establishing more accurate prognosis than the stage classification of the Ministry of Health. In TNM system four variants of the degree of extension correspond to each stage that allows to evaluate not only the extent of the primary tumor that also of the metastatic spread. The achieved results point to the superiority of the TNM system and serve as a base for transition to the TNM system in the classification of ovarian carcinoma.", "PMID": 1004656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10009", "title": "Human neoplastic cells in tissue culture: two established cell lines derived from giant cell tumor and fibrosarcoma.", "content": "The establishment and cultivation of two human neoplastic cell lines is described. The cell line B-5GT was derived from bone giant cell tumor and B-6FS from poorly differentiated fibrosarcoma. In comparison to the normal skin fibroblasts both cell lines have a potential for \"indefinite\" multiplication in vitro and they exhibit growth properties which are associated with malignant transformation. The parameters investigated included cell morphology, chromosome characteristics, terminal cell density, growth pattern, residual DNA synthesis and growth in soft agar. Both cell lines exhibited human karyotype with aneuploidy and differed in their karyotype from each other.", "contents": "Human neoplastic cells in tissue culture: two established cell lines derived from giant cell tumor and fibrosarcoma. The establishment and cultivation of two human neoplastic cell lines is described. The cell line B-5GT was derived from bone giant cell tumor and B-6FS from poorly differentiated fibrosarcoma. In comparison to the normal skin fibroblasts both cell lines have a potential for \"indefinite\" multiplication in vitro and they exhibit growth properties which are associated with malignant transformation. The parameters investigated included cell morphology, chromosome characteristics, terminal cell density, growth pattern, residual DNA synthesis and growth in soft agar. Both cell lines exhibited human karyotype with aneuploidy and differed in their karyotype from each other.", "PMID": 1004657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10010", "title": "Electrochemical properties of polycyclic compounds studied by the polarographic method in anhydrous systems. III. Polarographic reduction potentials of carcinogenic nitrogen compounds in dimethylsulfoxide.", "content": "The polarographic reduction of a series carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic polycyclic nitrogen compounds in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide containing tetrabuthylammonium perchlorate as supporting electrolyte has been studied. The obtained results were compared with the number or with the position of nitrogen atoms in the molecules and with their carcinogenic activity. The values of half-waves potentials generally confirmed the mechanism proposed for the reduction of aromatic polycyclic carcinogenic hydrocarbons based on the polarographic experiments in dimethylsulfoxide. Agreement of the obtained results with the data reported by polarographic study in anhydrous dimethylformamide indicates, that the polarographic behavior of polycyclic nitrogen compounds in dimethylsulfoxide is very similar.", "contents": "Electrochemical properties of polycyclic compounds studied by the polarographic method in anhydrous systems. III. Polarographic reduction potentials of carcinogenic nitrogen compounds in dimethylsulfoxide. The polarographic reduction of a series carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic polycyclic nitrogen compounds in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide containing tetrabuthylammonium perchlorate as supporting electrolyte has been studied. The obtained results were compared with the number or with the position of nitrogen atoms in the molecules and with their carcinogenic activity. The values of half-waves potentials generally confirmed the mechanism proposed for the reduction of aromatic polycyclic carcinogenic hydrocarbons based on the polarographic experiments in dimethylsulfoxide. Agreement of the obtained results with the data reported by polarographic study in anhydrous dimethylformamide indicates, that the polarographic behavior of polycyclic nitrogen compounds in dimethylsulfoxide is very similar.", "PMID": 1004658} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10011", "title": "Contribution to the study of excision repair following UV irradiation in mammalian cells cultivated in vitro.", "content": "The absence of pyrimidine dimer excision after UV irradiation in rat cell line was confirmed. The possibility of excision repair system depression by acidification of medium with H3PO4 in HeLa cells has been proved. The results obtained by two different methods of deproteinization and DNA isolation are in good conformity.", "contents": "Contribution to the study of excision repair following UV irradiation in mammalian cells cultivated in vitro. The absence of pyrimidine dimer excision after UV irradiation in rat cell line was confirmed. The possibility of excision repair system depression by acidification of medium with H3PO4 in HeLa cells has been proved. The results obtained by two different methods of deproteinization and DNA isolation are in good conformity.", "PMID": 1004659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10012", "title": "The effect of repeated dose of x-irradiation on the progress of HeLa cells through the cell cycle.", "content": "In contradistinction to the increased fraction of HeLa S 3 cells in S phase after irradiation by a single dose in a range of 25--200 R, cultures irradiated by a second dose at time of morphologic restitution of mitotic activity exhibited decreased fraction of cells in S phase. The interpretation is that passage from G1 to S was reduced due to disturbances in subsystems which have not been fully repaired.", "contents": "The effect of repeated dose of x-irradiation on the progress of HeLa cells through the cell cycle. In contradistinction to the increased fraction of HeLa S 3 cells in S phase after irradiation by a single dose in a range of 25--200 R, cultures irradiated by a second dose at time of morphologic restitution of mitotic activity exhibited decreased fraction of cells in S phase. The interpretation is that passage from G1 to S was reduced due to disturbances in subsystems which have not been fully repaired.", "PMID": 1004660} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10013", "title": "Deoxypyrimidineuria in the course of chemotherapy in M. Hodgkin.", "content": "In patients with Hodgkin's disease the excretion of pyrimidine deoxyribonucleosides in urine was followed up within the course of 92 chemotherapeutical series with cytostatics of COOP group. In 14-day chemotherapy series, the excretion of deoxycytidine, deoxyuridine, thymidine, and their sum was significantly increased. In this paper the results are analyzed and a possibility of utilization of this finding for the judgment in the clinical course of the disease is considered.", "contents": "Deoxypyrimidineuria in the course of chemotherapy in M. Hodgkin. In patients with Hodgkin's disease the excretion of pyrimidine deoxyribonucleosides in urine was followed up within the course of 92 chemotherapeutical series with cytostatics of COOP group. In 14-day chemotherapy series, the excretion of deoxycytidine, deoxyuridine, thymidine, and their sum was significantly increased. In this paper the results are analyzed and a possibility of utilization of this finding for the judgment in the clinical course of the disease is considered.", "PMID": 1004661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10014", "title": "Trends in morbidity on the basis of newly-reported cases of malignant skin melanoma (172 ICD) and other skin neoplasms (173 ICD) in Czechoslovakia during the period 1961--1972.", "content": "According to newly-reported cases of all malignant neoplasms of the skin (172 + 173 ICD) morbidity rate for the period 1961--1972 showed a rising trend of statistical significance only in Bohemia; while in Slovakia it persisted at a practically steady level throughout the period followed. Malignant skin melanomas (172 ICD) were on the increase in both regions, the rate being of statistical significance only in men in Bohemia. Morbidity from other malignant skin neoplasms (173 ICD) during the same period showed a stable pattern in Slovakia while it rose steadily in a significant degree in both, males and females in Bohemia. The causes for these varying trends must be further analyzed.", "contents": "Trends in morbidity on the basis of newly-reported cases of malignant skin melanoma (172 ICD) and other skin neoplasms (173 ICD) in Czechoslovakia during the period 1961--1972. According to newly-reported cases of all malignant neoplasms of the skin (172 + 173 ICD) morbidity rate for the period 1961--1972 showed a rising trend of statistical significance only in Bohemia; while in Slovakia it persisted at a practically steady level throughout the period followed. Malignant skin melanomas (172 ICD) were on the increase in both regions, the rate being of statistical significance only in men in Bohemia. Morbidity from other malignant skin neoplasms (173 ICD) during the same period showed a stable pattern in Slovakia while it rose steadily in a significant degree in both, males and females in Bohemia. The causes for these varying trends must be further analyzed.", "PMID": 1004662} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10015", "title": "Trends in mortality rate from malignant skin melanoma and other malignant skin neoplasms in Czechoslovakia during the period 1921--1970.", "content": "Mortality from malignant skin melanoma (172 ICD) has an ascending trend in Czechoslovakia (CSSR) the rate being higher after the year 1960 in Bohemia (CSR) than the Slovakia (SSR). Mortality from other malignant neoplasms of the skin (173 ICD) declines; this decline for the whole of Czechoslovakia has been statistically influenced mainly by the lower death rate from this cause in Bohemia, for in Slovakia this mortality rate has risen, although significantly only in women. The proportion of deaths from malignant skin melanoma (172 ICD) out of the total number of deaths from malignant skin neoplasms (172 + + 173 ICD) is relatively low in Czechoslovakia--lower in Slovakia than in Bohemia.", "contents": "Trends in mortality rate from malignant skin melanoma and other malignant skin neoplasms in Czechoslovakia during the period 1921--1970. Mortality from malignant skin melanoma (172 ICD) has an ascending trend in Czechoslovakia (CSSR) the rate being higher after the year 1960 in Bohemia (CSR) than the Slovakia (SSR). Mortality from other malignant neoplasms of the skin (173 ICD) declines; this decline for the whole of Czechoslovakia has been statistically influenced mainly by the lower death rate from this cause in Bohemia, for in Slovakia this mortality rate has risen, although significantly only in women. The proportion of deaths from malignant skin melanoma (172 ICD) out of the total number of deaths from malignant skin neoplasms (172 + + 173 ICD) is relatively low in Czechoslovakia--lower in Slovakia than in Bohemia.", "PMID": 1004663} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10016", "title": "Angiographic findings in basal tumours of the anterior and middle cranial fossa.", "content": "Angiographic findings in tumours located near the skull base in the anterior and middle cranial fossa are described. It is possible to distinguish local and general changes, but in general these will indicate the localisation of the tumour rather than its type.", "contents": "Angiographic findings in basal tumours of the anterior and middle cranial fossa. Angiographic findings in tumours located near the skull base in the anterior and middle cranial fossa are described. It is possible to distinguish local and general changes, but in general these will indicate the localisation of the tumour rather than its type.", "PMID": 1004673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10017", "title": "[Microsurgery in pre-pontine tumours (author's transl)].", "content": "On the basis of some selected examples, the problems of micro-surgical operations on parasellar and pre-pontine tumours are discussed. The tumours are divided into five types, according to their localisation. The particular anatomical aspects are discussed in detail.", "contents": "[Microsurgery in pre-pontine tumours (author's transl)]. On the basis of some selected examples, the problems of micro-surgical operations on parasellar and pre-pontine tumours are discussed. The tumours are divided into five types, according to their localisation. The particular anatomical aspects are discussed in detail.", "PMID": 1004674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10018", "title": "[Observation of the course of craniopharyngioma].", "content": "A case of craniopharyngioma with an unusually long history is reported. The patient developed his first symptoms 44 years ago. After 2 to 3 years the patient became completely blind in both eyes. Now the tumour is calcified and as big as \"a fist\". Recessive processes seem to be the explanation for cessation of growth in the tumour.", "contents": "[Observation of the course of craniopharyngioma]. A case of craniopharyngioma with an unusually long history is reported. The patient developed his first symptoms 44 years ago. After 2 to 3 years the patient became completely blind in both eyes. Now the tumour is calcified and as big as \"a fist\". Recessive processes seem to be the explanation for cessation of growth in the tumour.", "PMID": 1004675} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10019", "title": "Increased intracranial pressure associated with spinal cord tumours.", "content": "Two cases of spinal cord tumour associated with increased intracranial pressure are reported and the 44 cases described in the literature are reviewed. The different hypotheses produced to explain the pathogenic mechanism of this syndrome are discussed. We think that several factors working together, rather than an isolated mechanism, take part in the production of this syndrome.", "contents": "Increased intracranial pressure associated with spinal cord tumours. Two cases of spinal cord tumour associated with increased intracranial pressure are reported and the 44 cases described in the literature are reviewed. The different hypotheses produced to explain the pathogenic mechanism of this syndrome are discussed. We think that several factors working together, rather than an isolated mechanism, take part in the production of this syndrome.", "PMID": 1004676} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10020", "title": "[Amitriptyline in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia anal as a tranquilizer].", "content": "Thirty out patients were selected in a psychiatric hospital among those presenting insomnia, anxiety, psychomotor retardation, loss of drive and anxiety with somatic manifestations. Amytryptyline was administered in 25 mg tablets, one to four times a day, for twelve weeks. Results were satisfactory as observed from the second week; side effects were minimal. We can conclude that amytryptyline is of great effectiveness in the treatment of the neurotic illnesses most commonly observed in clinical practice.", "contents": "[Amitriptyline in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia anal as a tranquilizer]. Thirty out patients were selected in a psychiatric hospital among those presenting insomnia, anxiety, psychomotor retardation, loss of drive and anxiety with somatic manifestations. Amytryptyline was administered in 25 mg tablets, one to four times a day, for twelve weeks. Results were satisfactory as observed from the second week; side effects were minimal. We can conclude that amytryptyline is of great effectiveness in the treatment of the neurotic illnesses most commonly observed in clinical practice.", "PMID": 1004677} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10021", "title": "[Clinical evaluation of amitryptyline hydrochloride in the treatment of depression].", "content": "Thirty subjects between 18 and 66 years of age with overt symptoms of depression were followed during treatment with amytryptiline. Daily dose was 75 mg in three parts for a period of three months. Thirteen subjects showed total remission from the tenth week; 15 showed significant improvement from the third week; 2 showed no change. Side effects were mild and required no medical intervention.", "contents": "[Clinical evaluation of amitryptyline hydrochloride in the treatment of depression]. Thirty subjects between 18 and 66 years of age with overt symptoms of depression were followed during treatment with amytryptiline. Daily dose was 75 mg in three parts for a period of three months. Thirteen subjects showed total remission from the tenth week; 15 showed significant improvement from the third week; 2 showed no change. Side effects were mild and required no medical intervention.", "PMID": 1004678} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10022", "title": "[Effects of amitryptyline in the development of depression].", "content": "Considering depression as a condition that damages physical, mental and social wellbeing, in the individual as well as in the community, research was made in the evolution of symptoms of depressive syndromes of 33 subjects, when treated with amytryptiline compounds. Treatment was begun with 25 mg daily and increased to 150 mg; doses were divided to avoid somnolence, and maintained for 8 to 14 weeks. Depressive syndromes showed improvement in 100% of cases, with resolution of clinical depression in 80%.", "contents": "[Effects of amitryptyline in the development of depression]. Considering depression as a condition that damages physical, mental and social wellbeing, in the individual as well as in the community, research was made in the evolution of symptoms of depressive syndromes of 33 subjects, when treated with amytryptiline compounds. Treatment was begun with 25 mg daily and increased to 150 mg; doses were divided to avoid somnolence, and maintained for 8 to 14 weeks. Depressive syndromes showed improvement in 100% of cases, with resolution of clinical depression in 80%.", "PMID": 1004679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10023", "title": "[Clinical evaluation of amitriptyline in the treatment of psychogenic disorders].", "content": "Clinical evaluation of amytyptiline in the treatment of psychogenic disorders was performed, using one or more 25 mg doses daily per os. Of the patients, 19 were male and 11 female; ages were between 18 and 55. Treatment for each lasted 12 weeks, and clinical improvement was observed from the second to the fifth week, with mild side effects that did not require treatment. Psychotherapy was instituted during treatment. ;inal results were: 23 good improvement, 4 some improvement and 3, no change.", "contents": "[Clinical evaluation of amitriptyline in the treatment of psychogenic disorders]. Clinical evaluation of amytyptiline in the treatment of psychogenic disorders was performed, using one or more 25 mg doses daily per os. Of the patients, 19 were male and 11 female; ages were between 18 and 55. Treatment for each lasted 12 weeks, and clinical improvement was observed from the second to the fifth week, with mild side effects that did not require treatment. Psychotherapy was instituted during treatment. ;inal results were: 23 good improvement, 4 some improvement and 3, no change.", "PMID": 1004680} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10024", "title": "[Amitriptyline in the treatment of depression].", "content": "Oral tryptyline was evaluated clinically in the treatment of 14 male and 16 female patients; ages were 17 to 52 years the males and 32 to 59 years the females. Four had had no prior antidepressive treatment and the rest had had medication with poor to no results. The study ran for 12 weeks, with 15 patients showing improvement by the fourth week, 8 by the fifth week, 1 by the sixth; 5 showed no change. Side effects disappeared adjusting the dosage. Seventeen patients showed total improvement, 8 moderate improvement and 5 showed no change.", "contents": "[Amitriptyline in the treatment of depression]. Oral tryptyline was evaluated clinically in the treatment of 14 male and 16 female patients; ages were 17 to 52 years the males and 32 to 59 years the females. Four had had no prior antidepressive treatment and the rest had had medication with poor to no results. The study ran for 12 weeks, with 15 patients showing improvement by the fourth week, 8 by the fifth week, 1 by the sixth; 5 showed no change. Side effects disappeared adjusting the dosage. Seventeen patients showed total improvement, 8 moderate improvement and 5 showed no change.", "PMID": 1004681} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10025", "title": "[Amitriptyline hydrochloride in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia and as a tranquilizer].", "content": "An open, non-comparative study with weekly clinical evaluations was made in 30 patients of both sexes aged between 16 and 70 years. The only medication used to treat anxiety was Amytryptiline HCl. 23 patients completed 12 weeks of treatment and 7 abandoned it before completion. Dosages varied between 25 and 100 mg daily, with median dose being 50 mg. Twenty-three patients showed mild side effects that disappeared without specific treatment. Improvement began the first or second week; at the end of 12 weeks, 17 patients were considered cured, 16 improved and 7 with no change.", "contents": "[Amitriptyline hydrochloride in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia and as a tranquilizer]. An open, non-comparative study with weekly clinical evaluations was made in 30 patients of both sexes aged between 16 and 70 years. The only medication used to treat anxiety was Amytryptiline HCl. 23 patients completed 12 weeks of treatment and 7 abandoned it before completion. Dosages varied between 25 and 100 mg daily, with median dose being 50 mg. Twenty-three patients showed mild side effects that disappeared without specific treatment. Improvement began the first or second week; at the end of 12 weeks, 17 patients were considered cured, 16 improved and 7 with no change.", "PMID": 1004682} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10026", "title": "[Structural therapy. Global therapeutic model of the psychotic child].", "content": "The authors report the means to manage the psychotic child throughout the out patients consult approaching directly the modalities of interpersonal relationships between the child and his family. The therapeutic plan includes an educational and formative program designed especifically, taking into consideration the needs and potencialties of each child and acting psychotherapeutically through a modality of individual psycotherapy directed to estimulate the psychological functions which are responsible of the development of the mental autorepresentation (ego boundaries). The treatment program is an adaptation of the one utilized for the management of autistic children in an institution for psychotic children. The type of individual psychotherapy is a modification of Des Lauriers' therapy, developed by him for the management of schizophrenic adolescents and adapted by Ward in 1969 to be applied to the psychotic child in the mentioned institution. The authors present the application and obtained results with the use of this therapy in the treatment of a psychotic girl.", "contents": "[Structural therapy. Global therapeutic model of the psychotic child]. The authors report the means to manage the psychotic child throughout the out patients consult approaching directly the modalities of interpersonal relationships between the child and his family. The therapeutic plan includes an educational and formative program designed especifically, taking into consideration the needs and potencialties of each child and acting psychotherapeutically through a modality of individual psycotherapy directed to estimulate the psychological functions which are responsible of the development of the mental autorepresentation (ego boundaries). The treatment program is an adaptation of the one utilized for the management of autistic children in an institution for psychotic children. The type of individual psychotherapy is a modification of Des Lauriers' therapy, developed by him for the management of schizophrenic adolescents and adapted by Ward in 1969 to be applied to the psychotic child in the mentioned institution. The authors present the application and obtained results with the use of this therapy in the treatment of a psychotic girl.", "PMID": 1004683} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10027", "title": "[Psychosocial deliberations over the present man].", "content": "The first fact mentioned is the need which every society has had of forming directors or leaders, whether able or not, whom to hold responsible; and at the end, whom to blame for all the failures of said society. The seriousness which implies the wrong choosing of a leader is reviewed, and at the same time, both, the cautiousness that should be practiced and the characteristics which he should bear. The harmfulness that can be released by the mass-media means of communication in the election of leaders has been mentioned. At present, a vital importance has been given to success interpreted as power and wealth, without taking into consideration the moral and material crushing which comes along with it. The reason for a \"generation gap\" is considered as the lack of understanding between parents and children, although sometimes the money gifts and the material comforts are over and above; in any case, youth must modify the reason for the breaking up without having to take trips into artificial paradises, but instead mending those errors: this is their great commitment. The present tendency to consider the psychiatrists as a panacea and, therefore, able to solve all the problems of today's man is discussed. Although this is not true, the psychiatrist is able to remedy many maladies if and when he acquires, beforehand, absolute maturity and is able to pass over said maturity to the rest of the people.", "contents": "[Psychosocial deliberations over the present man]. The first fact mentioned is the need which every society has had of forming directors or leaders, whether able or not, whom to hold responsible; and at the end, whom to blame for all the failures of said society. The seriousness which implies the wrong choosing of a leader is reviewed, and at the same time, both, the cautiousness that should be practiced and the characteristics which he should bear. The harmfulness that can be released by the mass-media means of communication in the election of leaders has been mentioned. At present, a vital importance has been given to success interpreted as power and wealth, without taking into consideration the moral and material crushing which comes along with it. The reason for a \"generation gap\" is considered as the lack of understanding between parents and children, although sometimes the money gifts and the material comforts are over and above; in any case, youth must modify the reason for the breaking up without having to take trips into artificial paradises, but instead mending those errors: this is their great commitment. The present tendency to consider the psychiatrists as a panacea and, therefore, able to solve all the problems of today's man is discussed. Although this is not true, the psychiatrist is able to remedy many maladies if and when he acquires, beforehand, absolute maturity and is able to pass over said maturity to the rest of the people.", "PMID": 1004684} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10028", "title": "Ergot alkaloid inhibition of melanophore stimulating hormone secretion.", "content": "Ergonovine maleate inhibits melanophore stimulating hormone (MSH) secretion from the incubated frog, rat, and mouse pituitary gland. This ergot alkaloid is partially effective at a concentration as low as 10(-8)M. The inhibitory effect on hormone release is irreversible under the experimental conditions studied. Ergonovine inhibition of MSH secretion is blocked by Dibenamine and chlorpromazine as is dopamine inhibition of MSH secretion. At higher concentrations chlorpromazine as is dopamine inhibition of MSH secretion. Similarities between the cellular mechanisms controlling MSH and prolactin secretion will be discussed.", "contents": "Ergot alkaloid inhibition of melanophore stimulating hormone secretion. Ergonovine maleate inhibits melanophore stimulating hormone (MSH) secretion from the incubated frog, rat, and mouse pituitary gland. This ergot alkaloid is partially effective at a concentration as low as 10(-8)M. The inhibitory effect on hormone release is irreversible under the experimental conditions studied. Ergonovine inhibition of MSH secretion is blocked by Dibenamine and chlorpromazine as is dopamine inhibition of MSH secretion. At higher concentrations chlorpromazine as is dopamine inhibition of MSH secretion. Similarities between the cellular mechanisms controlling MSH and prolactin secretion will be discussed.", "PMID": 1004685} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10029", "title": "Dopaminergic control of adenohypophysial weight and serum ceruloplasmin level in rats.", "content": "Twice a week male rats were given injections of 1 mg estradiol benzoate as an aqueous microcrystalline suspension; they were also given 0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 mg Pimozide (a dopamine receptor blocker) daily in their food. Only the maximum Pimozide dose potentiated the effect of estradiol on adenohypophysial weight and on the binding capacity of adenohypophysial proteins for thyroxine in vitro. The estrogen-induced increase in the serum ceruloplasmin level, however, was potentiated significantly by all 3 Pimozide doses.", "contents": "Dopaminergic control of adenohypophysial weight and serum ceruloplasmin level in rats. Twice a week male rats were given injections of 1 mg estradiol benzoate as an aqueous microcrystalline suspension; they were also given 0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 mg Pimozide (a dopamine receptor blocker) daily in their food. Only the maximum Pimozide dose potentiated the effect of estradiol on adenohypophysial weight and on the binding capacity of adenohypophysial proteins for thyroxine in vitro. The estrogen-induced increase in the serum ceruloplasmin level, however, was potentiated significantly by all 3 Pimozide doses.", "PMID": 1004686} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10030", "title": "Modifications of striatal dopamine levels by steroid contraceptive drugs in mice and rats.", "content": "The effect of steroid contraceptive drugs (SCDs) on the concentration of dopamine (DA) in the striatum was studied in mice and rats. Mestranol was combined with each one of the three progestins, lynestrenol, norethindrone and norethynodrel. Treatments were given daily for 1, 4 or 30 days; animals were sacrificed 1 or 18 h after the last administration. In all groups, with the exception of the animals sacrificed 1 h after an acute treatment, striatal DA was significantly lower than in controls.", "contents": "Modifications of striatal dopamine levels by steroid contraceptive drugs in mice and rats. The effect of steroid contraceptive drugs (SCDs) on the concentration of dopamine (DA) in the striatum was studied in mice and rats. Mestranol was combined with each one of the three progestins, lynestrenol, norethindrone and norethynodrel. Treatments were given daily for 1, 4 or 30 days; animals were sacrificed 1 or 18 h after the last administration. In all groups, with the exception of the animals sacrificed 1 h after an acute treatment, striatal DA was significantly lower than in controls.", "PMID": 1004687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10031", "title": "The effects of neurally active amino acids on pituitary gonadotropin secretion.", "content": "Several neurally excitant amino acids were injected into the third ventricle of anesthetized male rats, and plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured. LH levels increased following injections of 2.0 mum glutamate, lysine, or beta-alanine. Glycine (2.0 mum), alpha-alanine (2.0 mum), and 0.9% saline were ineffective in altering LH levels. None of the amino acids tested significantly altered FSH levels. Of the 3 amino acids which raised blood LH levels following an intraventricular injection, i.e., glutamate, beta-alanine, and lysine, only lysine caused a significant increase in LH levels following injection into the pituitary. The present study provides evidence for a possible role for certain neurally excitant amino acids in the neuronal control of LH secretion.", "contents": "The effects of neurally active amino acids on pituitary gonadotropin secretion. Several neurally excitant amino acids were injected into the third ventricle of anesthetized male rats, and plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured. LH levels increased following injections of 2.0 mum glutamate, lysine, or beta-alanine. Glycine (2.0 mum), alpha-alanine (2.0 mum), and 0.9% saline were ineffective in altering LH levels. None of the amino acids tested significantly altered FSH levels. Of the 3 amino acids which raised blood LH levels following an intraventricular injection, i.e., glutamate, beta-alanine, and lysine, only lysine caused a significant increase in LH levels following injection into the pituitary. The present study provides evidence for a possible role for certain neurally excitant amino acids in the neuronal control of LH secretion.", "PMID": 1004688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10032", "title": "Neurophysiological measures related to levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, homovanillic acid and tryptophan in cerebrospinal fluid of psychiatric patients.", "content": "In 26 patients with psychiatric disorders, EEG, and visual averaged evoked responses (VAER) were recorded. In the analysis of the EEG, the mean integrated amplitude (MIA), its within patient variance (WPV), and the coefficient of variation CV=(square root of WPV/MIA) X 100 were calculated. Patients were grouped as augmenters on reducers according to their tendency in the VAER recording to augment or to reduce the intensity of incoming signals with increasing stimulus intensity. The content of monoamine metabolites, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, 5-HIAA, and homovanillic acid (HVA), and --for 17 patients-- tryptophan, in the cerebrospinal fluid was determined. In the analysis of the results, WPV in the alpha-band was found to be significantly correlated to HVA (r=0.45, p less than 0.02) and to 5-HIAA (r=0.34, p less than 0.05). In a multiple regression analysis, the correlation between WPV and HVA was found to be the most important. CV was found to be signfiicantly correlated to tryptophan (r=0.68, p less than 0.01). In the analysis of the results of the VAER, reducers were found to have higher levels of 5-HIAA and tryptophan and significantly higher values of HVA. The results are discussed in relation to earlier neurophysiological and biochemical theories about psychiatric patients.", "contents": "Neurophysiological measures related to levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, homovanillic acid and tryptophan in cerebrospinal fluid of psychiatric patients. In 26 patients with psychiatric disorders, EEG, and visual averaged evoked responses (VAER) were recorded. In the analysis of the EEG, the mean integrated amplitude (MIA), its within patient variance (WPV), and the coefficient of variation CV=(square root of WPV/MIA) X 100 were calculated. Patients were grouped as augmenters on reducers according to their tendency in the VAER recording to augment or to reduce the intensity of incoming signals with increasing stimulus intensity. The content of monoamine metabolites, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, 5-HIAA, and homovanillic acid (HVA), and --for 17 patients-- tryptophan, in the cerebrospinal fluid was determined. In the analysis of the results, WPV in the alpha-band was found to be significantly correlated to HVA (r=0.45, p less than 0.02) and to 5-HIAA (r=0.34, p less than 0.05). In a multiple regression analysis, the correlation between WPV and HVA was found to be the most important. CV was found to be signfiicantly correlated to tryptophan (r=0.68, p less than 0.01). In the analysis of the results of the VAER, reducers were found to have higher levels of 5-HIAA and tryptophan and significantly higher values of HVA. The results are discussed in relation to earlier neurophysiological and biochemical theories about psychiatric patients.", "PMID": 1004696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10033", "title": "Genetics of affective disorders. I. Familial incidence study of bipolar, unipolar and schizo-affective illnesses.", "content": "47 affectively ill psychiatric patients and their first-, second- and third-degree relatives were investigated by means of an interview and pedigree analysis to determine the incidence of psychiatric illness in their families. The percentage of psychiatric illness appeared greatest in families of bipolar and schizo-affective probands and least in families of unipolar depressives. In addition, we observed that often within a particular family constellation, more than one type of psychiatric illness (i.e., bipolar manic-depression, schizophrenia, alcoholism, etc.) was present. Morbidity risks varied from one affected family to another, indicating that the genetic risk components for some families are greater than for others. These findings are suggestive of multifactorial genetic disease but other genetic models are considered.", "contents": "Genetics of affective disorders. I. Familial incidence study of bipolar, unipolar and schizo-affective illnesses. 47 affectively ill psychiatric patients and their first-, second- and third-degree relatives were investigated by means of an interview and pedigree analysis to determine the incidence of psychiatric illness in their families. The percentage of psychiatric illness appeared greatest in families of bipolar and schizo-affective probands and least in families of unipolar depressives. In addition, we observed that often within a particular family constellation, more than one type of psychiatric illness (i.e., bipolar manic-depression, schizophrenia, alcoholism, etc.) was present. Morbidity risks varied from one affected family to another, indicating that the genetic risk components for some families are greater than for others. These findings are suggestive of multifactorial genetic disease but other genetic models are considered.", "PMID": 1004697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10034", "title": "Genetics of affective disorders. II. Morbidity risk and genetic transmission.", "content": "Morbidity risk and genetic transmission data on a small population of bipolar, unipolar and schizo-affective outpatients suggest a possible genetic overlap between bipolar and schizo-affective patients. There is a conspicuous absence of a homologous illness in the relatives of schizo-affective probands, although the incidence of schizophrenia was higher in these relatives as compared to the relatives of either bipolar or unipolar probands. The data, although tentative because of the relatively small numbers involved, suggest a multifactorial mode of transmission in some affective illnesses. These disease entities appear familial rather than 'genetically transmitted'. There are select families who show the heritable genetic penetrance previously recorded for these mental disorders.", "contents": "Genetics of affective disorders. II. Morbidity risk and genetic transmission. Morbidity risk and genetic transmission data on a small population of bipolar, unipolar and schizo-affective outpatients suggest a possible genetic overlap between bipolar and schizo-affective patients. There is a conspicuous absence of a homologous illness in the relatives of schizo-affective probands, although the incidence of schizophrenia was higher in these relatives as compared to the relatives of either bipolar or unipolar probands. The data, although tentative because of the relatively small numbers involved, suggest a multifactorial mode of transmission in some affective illnesses. These disease entities appear familial rather than 'genetically transmitted'. There are select families who show the heritable genetic penetrance previously recorded for these mental disorders.", "PMID": 1004698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10035", "title": "Susceptibility to motion sickness and field dependence-independence as measured with the rod and frame test.", "content": "This paper reports an experiment investigating the relationship between field dependence-independence and susceptibility to motion sickness in a normal volunteer and in a psychiatric patient population. Both variables have previously been related to psychiatric diagnosis and possible differential interaction between the cerebral hemispheres. Anticipated differences in field dependence according to degrees of motion sickness were not found; however, significant male-female and patient-control differences were observed and these occurred primarily in the non-motion sick and intermediate motion sick groups, suggesting that fundamental differences in field attitude do exist across in apparent spectrum of motion sickness.", "contents": "Susceptibility to motion sickness and field dependence-independence as measured with the rod and frame test. This paper reports an experiment investigating the relationship between field dependence-independence and susceptibility to motion sickness in a normal volunteer and in a psychiatric patient population. Both variables have previously been related to psychiatric diagnosis and possible differential interaction between the cerebral hemispheres. Anticipated differences in field dependence according to degrees of motion sickness were not found; however, significant male-female and patient-control differences were observed and these occurred primarily in the non-motion sick and intermediate motion sick groups, suggesting that fundamental differences in field attitude do exist across in apparent spectrum of motion sickness.", "PMID": 1004699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10036", "title": "The use of computed axial tomography (CAT) for the diagnosis and management of intracranial angiomas.", "content": "The manifestations of angiomas on computed axial tomography (CAT) are described. Diagnostic changes were present in 66% and a focal abnormality, which was frequently suggestive of the diagnosis, in a further 27.5% of a consecutive series of 41 patients. It failed to show some focal abnormality in only two cases in which intravenous contrast was not given and in one case with a dural angiomatous malformation. The value of CAT in elucidating the nature of the complications of arteriovenous malformations is emphasized.", "contents": "The use of computed axial tomography (CAT) for the diagnosis and management of intracranial angiomas. The manifestations of angiomas on computed axial tomography (CAT) are described. Diagnostic changes were present in 66% and a focal abnormality, which was frequently suggestive of the diagnosis, in a further 27.5% of a consecutive series of 41 patients. It failed to show some focal abnormality in only two cases in which intravenous contrast was not given and in one case with a dural angiomatous malformation. The value of CAT in elucidating the nature of the complications of arteriovenous malformations is emphasized.", "PMID": 1004700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10037", "title": "Intracerebral pneumatocele: an unusual complication following intraventricular drainage in case of benign intracranial hypertension.", "content": "The development of an intracerebral pneumatocele following ventricular catheterization for benign intracranial hypertension is described. The importance of skull radiography in the diagnosis of this previously unreported complication ist emphasized. This case demonstrates that air can accumulate without the need to implicate increased pharyngeal pressure, and despite raised intracranial pressure.", "contents": "Intracerebral pneumatocele: an unusual complication following intraventricular drainage in case of benign intracranial hypertension. The development of an intracerebral pneumatocele following ventricular catheterization for benign intracranial hypertension is described. The importance of skull radiography in the diagnosis of this previously unreported complication ist emphasized. This case demonstrates that air can accumulate without the need to implicate increased pharyngeal pressure, and despite raised intracranial pressure.", "PMID": 1004701} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10038", "title": "Transverse anastomoses of the veins at the base of the brain.", "content": "Venous anastomoses at the base of the brain are represented by the anterior and posterior communicating veins. The anterior communicating vein anastomoses with the anterior communicating vein anastomoses with the anterior cerebral veins. The posterior communicating veins join the basal veins through the interpenduncular veins. The functional value of these venous anastomoses is less important than that of the arterial polygon of Willis. This anastomotic function depends on anatomical constancy and on the calibre of these transverse veins. Under certain pathological conditions the variations of intracranial pressure result in contralateral venous drainage through these anterior and posterior anastomotic veins.", "contents": "Transverse anastomoses of the veins at the base of the brain. Venous anastomoses at the base of the brain are represented by the anterior and posterior communicating veins. The anterior communicating vein anastomoses with the anterior communicating vein anastomoses with the anterior cerebral veins. The posterior communicating veins join the basal veins through the interpenduncular veins. The functional value of these venous anastomoses is less important than that of the arterial polygon of Willis. This anastomotic function depends on anatomical constancy and on the calibre of these transverse veins. Under certain pathological conditions the variations of intracranial pressure result in contralateral venous drainage through these anterior and posterior anastomotic veins.", "PMID": 1004702} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10039", "title": "Changes in carotid flow velocity during catheterization of the aortic arch and common carotid artery.", "content": "Quantitative percutaneous flow velocity measurements are possible in carotid arteries by means of a directional Doppler flow velocity device and registration on a polygraph. Carotid flow velocity changes were recorded during catheterization of the ascending aorta and common carotid artery and after infusion of 20 cc contrast medium in the ascending aorta. The results indicate an increase in the flow velocity in the right common carotid artery after infusion of the contrast medium in the ascending aorta, which is thought to be attributed to a diffuse vasodilatation, at least in the cerebral circulation. The catheterization of the ascending aorta and common carotid artery seems to interfere with the common carotid flow velocity.", "contents": "Changes in carotid flow velocity during catheterization of the aortic arch and common carotid artery. Quantitative percutaneous flow velocity measurements are possible in carotid arteries by means of a directional Doppler flow velocity device and registration on a polygraph. Carotid flow velocity changes were recorded during catheterization of the ascending aorta and common carotid artery and after infusion of 20 cc contrast medium in the ascending aorta. The results indicate an increase in the flow velocity in the right common carotid artery after infusion of the contrast medium in the ascending aorta, which is thought to be attributed to a diffuse vasodilatation, at least in the cerebral circulation. The catheterization of the ascending aorta and common carotid artery seems to interfere with the common carotid flow velocity.", "PMID": 1004703} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10040", "title": "Arachnoid cyst of the middle fossa with paradoxical changes of the bony structures.", "content": "Two patients with an arachnoid cyst of the middle fossa showed paradoxical changes of the adjoining bony structures of the skull. There was a diminution of the middle fossa and hyperplasia of the sphenoid sinus (pneumosinus dilatans) as well as a marked bulging of the squamous part of the temporal bone. In one case in which scinticisternography was performed, communication between the cyst and the subarachnoidal space was proven as well as an extremely slow cerebrospinal fluid circulation in the cyst. The pathogenesis of the cyst is discussed, based upon the structural changes of the skull, the angiographic findings and the locally disturbed cerebrospinal fluid circulation. The primary disturbance seems to be a temporal lobe agenesis.", "contents": "Arachnoid cyst of the middle fossa with paradoxical changes of the bony structures. Two patients with an arachnoid cyst of the middle fossa showed paradoxical changes of the adjoining bony structures of the skull. There was a diminution of the middle fossa and hyperplasia of the sphenoid sinus (pneumosinus dilatans) as well as a marked bulging of the squamous part of the temporal bone. In one case in which scinticisternography was performed, communication between the cyst and the subarachnoidal space was proven as well as an extremely slow cerebrospinal fluid circulation in the cyst. The pathogenesis of the cyst is discussed, based upon the structural changes of the skull, the angiographic findings and the locally disturbed cerebrospinal fluid circulation. The primary disturbance seems to be a temporal lobe agenesis.", "PMID": 1004704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10041", "title": "Comprehensive care revisited.", "content": "Although the term comprehensive care has gone out of fashion in medical education, the concept has had a resurgence in attempts to teach primary care and family practice. Review of the early experiments in the teaching of comprehensive care in the 1950s reveals that much that was learned then is not being applied today. Surveys of medical school teaching and graduate training in primary care make it seem likely that there will be insufficient practitioners in the foreseeable future to meet the public need for personal physicians. Restructuring of both medical curricula and the delivery systems for personal health services may be necessary to apply effectively what has long been known about the teaching and practice of comprehensive primary care.", "contents": "Comprehensive care revisited. Although the term comprehensive care has gone out of fashion in medical education, the concept has had a resurgence in attempts to teach primary care and family practice. Review of the early experiments in the teaching of comprehensive care in the 1950s reveals that much that was learned then is not being applied today. Surveys of medical school teaching and graduate training in primary care make it seem likely that there will be insufficient practitioners in the foreseeable future to meet the public need for personal physicians. Restructuring of both medical curricula and the delivery systems for personal health services may be necessary to apply effectively what has long been known about the teaching and practice of comprehensive primary care.", "PMID": 1004719} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10042", "title": "A normative approach to the definition of primary health care.", "content": "Primary care is the subject of many pronouncements and many recommendations for change in the literature on health care organization and delivery. Heretofore, there has been no attempt to assess the degree of agreement on the meaning of the term. This paper reports on a normative process used to construct 92 statements about important elements of primary care, and to rank these statements according to their relative degrees of importance in primary care. Three panels--nationally recognized \"experts\" on primary care, consumers, and public health nurses and social workers--participated in the development as well as the ranking of the statements. The rankings of the national experts are discussed in detail, and brief comparisons are made with the rankings of the consumer and public health worker panels. Experts gave a high ranking to the statements concerned directly with medical services and their linkages. All gave attention to equality and patient dignity. Consumers stressed the need to improve access to primary care services. Public health workers emphasized improvement in both access and the quality of the relationship between patients and providers. The overall findings suggest that increasing the base of participation in primary care planning may bring greater attention to patient defined needs, and that broadening of medical care objectives from medical care to a more inclusive health care is not imminent.", "contents": "A normative approach to the definition of primary health care. Primary care is the subject of many pronouncements and many recommendations for change in the literature on health care organization and delivery. Heretofore, there has been no attempt to assess the degree of agreement on the meaning of the term. This paper reports on a normative process used to construct 92 statements about important elements of primary care, and to rank these statements according to their relative degrees of importance in primary care. Three panels--nationally recognized \"experts\" on primary care, consumers, and public health nurses and social workers--participated in the development as well as the ranking of the statements. The rankings of the national experts are discussed in detail, and brief comparisons are made with the rankings of the consumer and public health worker panels. Experts gave a high ranking to the statements concerned directly with medical services and their linkages. All gave attention to equality and patient dignity. Consumers stressed the need to improve access to primary care services. Public health workers emphasized improvement in both access and the quality of the relationship between patients and providers. The overall findings suggest that increasing the base of participation in primary care planning may bring greater attention to patient defined needs, and that broadening of medical care objectives from medical care to a more inclusive health care is not imminent.", "PMID": 1004720} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10043", "title": "Societal responsibility for malpractice.", "content": "The purposes of providing just compensation to victims of medical injury and assuring high quality medical care are not served by the tort system. The tinkering with the tort system following the 1975 malpractice crisis will not ease the constantly increasing cost burden on the health care delivery system. Costs will double every three to four years. The only answer is a social insurance approach. The costs of a compensation system for medical injury regardless of fault could be met by eliminating the friction costs of the tort system, and would be helped by establishing national health insurance. The system could be initiated gradually and would be accompanied by quality assurance measures.", "contents": "Societal responsibility for malpractice. The purposes of providing just compensation to victims of medical injury and assuring high quality medical care are not served by the tort system. The tinkering with the tort system following the 1975 malpractice crisis will not ease the constantly increasing cost burden on the health care delivery system. Costs will double every three to four years. The only answer is a social insurance approach. The costs of a compensation system for medical injury regardless of fault could be met by eliminating the friction costs of the tort system, and would be helped by establishing national health insurance. The system could be initiated gradually and would be accompanied by quality assurance measures.", "PMID": 1004721} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10044", "title": "[Our experience with reparative and derivative operations for non-cancerous lesions in the extrahepatic bile ducts].", "content": "17 reparative operations on the bile ducts, 7 of which were immediate (5 for peroperative lesions and 2 for \"spontaneous\" lesions) and 10 reoperations to deal with sclero-cicatricial lesions, were studied. 7 reconstructive operations (plastic or end-to-end anastomosis) and 10 derivative operations with a preference for hepato- or choledocho-jejunostomy on defunctionalized loop were carried out. The former were reserved for lesions without or with minimum loss of substance, the latter for extensive lesions. Operative mortality is high and higher still in immediate interventions. Long term results were good in all cases but one.", "contents": "[Our experience with reparative and derivative operations for non-cancerous lesions in the extrahepatic bile ducts]. 17 reparative operations on the bile ducts, 7 of which were immediate (5 for peroperative lesions and 2 for \"spontaneous\" lesions) and 10 reoperations to deal with sclero-cicatricial lesions, were studied. 7 reconstructive operations (plastic or end-to-end anastomosis) and 10 derivative operations with a preference for hepato- or choledocho-jejunostomy on defunctionalized loop were carried out. The former were reserved for lesions without or with minimum loss of substance, the latter for extensive lesions. Operative mortality is high and higher still in immediate interventions. Long term results were good in all cases but one.", "PMID": 1004737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10045", "title": "[Case of isolated surgical lesion of the right hepatic duct].", "content": "A case of isolated surgical wound of the right hepatic duct is presented. Some considerations regarding all the pathogenetic, diagnostic and therapeutic problems are made. It is felt that, in this instance, surgical management was facilitated by the unusual length of the right hepatic duct, which terminated in the infundibulum of the gall bladder, due to a prior anatomical abnormality.", "contents": "[Case of isolated surgical lesion of the right hepatic duct]. A case of isolated surgical wound of the right hepatic duct is presented. Some considerations regarding all the pathogenetic, diagnostic and therapeutic problems are made. It is felt that, in this instance, surgical management was facilitated by the unusual length of the right hepatic duct, which terminated in the infundibulum of the gall bladder, due to a prior anatomical abnormality.", "PMID": 1004738} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10046", "title": "[Our experience in the surgery of bile ducts].", "content": "After a brief review of modern techniques for correct diagnosis and therapy of bile duct pathology, a personal series of 955 operations (between 1-XI-1972 and 30-X-1975) is presented. The need for routine peroperative control of VBP and the usefulness of respecting the papilla where it is anatomo-functionally undamaged are stressed. Personal experience shows that the most rational methodology is after papillotomy the application of a prepapillary Kehr incision through a choledochotomy because this presents fewer complications than the transpapillary Kehr incision in calculosis or stenosis of the VBP where bile duct suture is not advisable. With regard to bilio-digestive anastomosis, indications and limitations are discussed and it is suggested that where the patient's general and local states permit, choledochojejunal anastomosis should permit, choledochojejunal anastomosis should be used, with choledocho-duodenostomy only in special cases. Cholecysto-gastro and cholecystoduodenostomy should be reserved for patients in very serious conditions.", "contents": "[Our experience in the surgery of bile ducts]. After a brief review of modern techniques for correct diagnosis and therapy of bile duct pathology, a personal series of 955 operations (between 1-XI-1972 and 30-X-1975) is presented. The need for routine peroperative control of VBP and the usefulness of respecting the papilla where it is anatomo-functionally undamaged are stressed. Personal experience shows that the most rational methodology is after papillotomy the application of a prepapillary Kehr incision through a choledochotomy because this presents fewer complications than the transpapillary Kehr incision in calculosis or stenosis of the VBP where bile duct suture is not advisable. With regard to bilio-digestive anastomosis, indications and limitations are discussed and it is suggested that where the patient's general and local states permit, choledochojejunal anastomosis should permit, choledochojejunal anastomosis should be used, with choledocho-duodenostomy only in special cases. Cholecysto-gastro and cholecystoduodenostomy should be reserved for patients in very serious conditions.", "PMID": 1004739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10047", "title": "[Leiomyoma of the oesophagus].", "content": "Successful resection of a leiomyoma of the epicardial segment of the oesophagus in a personal cases is reported.", "contents": "[Leiomyoma of the oesophagus]. Successful resection of a leiomyoma of the epicardial segment of the oesophagus in a personal cases is reported.", "PMID": 1004740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10048", "title": "[Findings on the pathology of mesotheliomas and their morphological diagnosis].", "content": "The data arising out of an extensive series of necropsies and operations on cases of mesothelioma observed between 1960 and 1974 in Genoa, a town where the incidence of this type of cancer is high, are reported. Macro- and microscopic and traditional histochemical diagnostic criteria are discussed and judgest to be largely insecure for a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In doubtful cases only the use of the electronic microscope is considered valid for diagnostic purposes. Particular attention is paid to the finding of endocytoplasmatic microfilaments of actomyosin type in mesotheliomatous cells and of microvill on free surfaces and at cell interfaces. For comparative purposes, ultrastructural findings in tumours which often involve pleural metastasis and are able to simulate a mesothelioma, are reported.", "contents": "[Findings on the pathology of mesotheliomas and their morphological diagnosis]. The data arising out of an extensive series of necropsies and operations on cases of mesothelioma observed between 1960 and 1974 in Genoa, a town where the incidence of this type of cancer is high, are reported. Macro- and microscopic and traditional histochemical diagnostic criteria are discussed and judgest to be largely insecure for a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In doubtful cases only the use of the electronic microscope is considered valid for diagnostic purposes. Particular attention is paid to the finding of endocytoplasmatic microfilaments of actomyosin type in mesotheliomatous cells and of microvill on free surfaces and at cell interfaces. For comparative purposes, ultrastructural findings in tumours which often involve pleural metastasis and are able to simulate a mesothelioma, are reported.", "PMID": 1004741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10049", "title": "[Anatomo-clinical calssification of primary tumors of the pleura and possibility of their surgical treatment].", "content": "A distinction is drawn between first category includes peduncolates, giant seslocal and diffuse primary tumours of the pleura on anatomopathological grounds. The first category includes peduncolated, giant sessile, and \"deceptive\" forms; the latter those in which the lung is surrounded by a \"pleural\" and \"serous\" mantle. Treatment is discussed and the soundness of surgical management is stressed.", "contents": "[Anatomo-clinical calssification of primary tumors of the pleura and possibility of their surgical treatment]. A distinction is drawn between first category includes peduncolates, giant seslocal and diffuse primary tumours of the pleura on anatomopathological grounds. The first category includes peduncolated, giant sessile, and \"deceptive\" forms; the latter those in which the lung is surrounded by a \"pleural\" and \"serous\" mantle. Treatment is discussed and the soundness of surgical management is stressed.", "PMID": 1004742} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10050", "title": "[Anatomo-pathological diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma].", "content": "The problems of the anatomo-pathological diagnosis of pleural mesotheliomas are analysed on the basis of macro- and microscopic findings. It is emphasized that histological diagnosis rests above all on the structural polymorphism of the mesothelioma and presents considerable difficulty. It is considered that systematic examinations with the electroni microscope should pave the way to more accurate diagnoses of this tumour.", "contents": "[Anatomo-pathological diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma]. The problems of the anatomo-pathological diagnosis of pleural mesotheliomas are analysed on the basis of macro- and microscopic findings. It is emphasized that histological diagnosis rests above all on the structural polymorphism of the mesothelioma and presents considerable difficulty. It is considered that systematic examinations with the electroni microscope should pave the way to more accurate diagnoses of this tumour.", "PMID": 1004743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10051", "title": "[Primary malignant tumors of the pleura. Pleural Mesothelioma (P.M.)].", "content": "The clinical overture, symptomatology and morphoradiological picture of a personal series of primary pleural tumours (70 mesothelioma and 1 fibrosarcoma) are described. Conventional and more recent instrumental, cytohistological and bioptic methods of diagnosis are explained, with particular reference to pioneering experience gained with fibropleuroscopy in the Genoa Clinical Department. While dependable diagnosis can now be virtually assured, surgical and pneumological management holds out few prospects of success.", "contents": "[Primary malignant tumors of the pleura. Pleural Mesothelioma (P.M.)]. The clinical overture, symptomatology and morphoradiological picture of a personal series of primary pleural tumours (70 mesothelioma and 1 fibrosarcoma) are described. Conventional and more recent instrumental, cytohistological and bioptic methods of diagnosis are explained, with particular reference to pioneering experience gained with fibropleuroscopy in the Genoa Clinical Department. While dependable diagnosis can now be virtually assured, surgical and pneumological management holds out few prospects of success.", "PMID": 1004744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10052", "title": "[Our experience in the surgical treatment of pleural mesothelioma].", "content": "Surgery is of decisive importance in two situations: diagnosis insofar as thoracotomy offers, with very little risk, the opportunity to perform sufficiently ample biopsy; therapeutic because, lacking any other indicated approach, palliative intervention is recommended to stop effusion. 18 decortications (i.e. 40%) and 2 pleuropneumonectomies are reported. Results were good.", "contents": "[Our experience in the surgical treatment of pleural mesothelioma]. Surgery is of decisive importance in two situations: diagnosis insofar as thoracotomy offers, with very little risk, the opportunity to perform sufficiently ample biopsy; therapeutic because, lacking any other indicated approach, palliative intervention is recommended to stop effusion. 18 decortications (i.e. 40%) and 2 pleuropneumonectomies are reported. Results were good.", "PMID": 1004746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10053", "title": "[Clinical contribution to the study of congenital pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas].", "content": "Three cases of congenital a-v fistulas of the lung encountered in some 10,000 patients examined are reported. Emphasis is laid on the possibility that the disease may be misinterpreted for a long time and treated wrongly. It is considered that the most significant examination for diagnostic purposes is angiocardiopneumography because even in the rare cases in which it does not reveal the fistula, it shows up its existence by the early visualization of the left heart.", "contents": "[Clinical contribution to the study of congenital pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas]. Three cases of congenital a-v fistulas of the lung encountered in some 10,000 patients examined are reported. Emphasis is laid on the possibility that the disease may be misinterpreted for a long time and treated wrongly. It is considered that the most significant examination for diagnostic purposes is angiocardiopneumography because even in the rare cases in which it does not reveal the fistula, it shows up its existence by the early visualization of the left heart.", "PMID": 1004747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10054", "title": "[A case of severe obesity treated jejunoileal bypass. 1-year clinical course].", "content": "A 40 + 5 cm jejunoileal bypass was created as a means of treating a case of morbid obesity. Clinical, functional and morphological examinations were carried out prior to surgery and at various times for the following year. An initially rapid loss of weight was followed by an early halt around the 7th month and a subsequently steady state. While metabolic and cardiorespiratory benefits were obtained, considerable and progressive hyperchlorhydria and lithiasic cholecystitis were noted, along with minor, reversible complications.", "contents": "[A case of severe obesity treated jejunoileal bypass. 1-year clinical course]. A 40 + 5 cm jejunoileal bypass was created as a means of treating a case of morbid obesity. Clinical, functional and morphological examinations were carried out prior to surgery and at various times for the following year. An initially rapid loss of weight was followed by an early halt around the 7th month and a subsequently steady state. While metabolic and cardiorespiratory benefits were obtained, considerable and progressive hyperchlorhydria and lithiasic cholecystitis were noted, along with minor, reversible complications.", "PMID": 1004748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10055", "title": "[Case of neurinoma of the cervical vagus nerve in the intertracheoesophageal region].", "content": "A case of neurinoma of the vagus nerve localized in the cervical, intertracheo-oesophageal region is described. After a survey of the literature on the subject, the differential diagnosis and operative technique are discussed.", "contents": "[Case of neurinoma of the cervical vagus nerve in the intertracheoesophageal region]. A case of neurinoma of the vagus nerve localized in the cervical, intertracheo-oesophageal region is described. After a survey of the literature on the subject, the differential diagnosis and operative technique are discussed.", "PMID": 1004749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10056", "title": "[Mesenteric cysts. Clinical case].", "content": "A case of multiple mesentery cysts is presented and the etiopathogenesis, anatomopathology, symptomatology and therapy of this disease discussed.", "contents": "[Mesenteric cysts. Clinical case]. A case of multiple mesentery cysts is presented and the etiopathogenesis, anatomopathology, symptomatology and therapy of this disease discussed.", "PMID": 1004750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10057", "title": "[Rehabilitation of patients with colostomy].", "content": "The psychological and physical problems associated with colostomy are discussed. Techniques with colostomy are discussed. Techniques designed to prevent faecal incontinence and permit intestinal performance in accordance with desired rhythms are indicated. Application of such methods at the Colostomy Rehabilitation Centre, Milan Tumour Institute, has been attended by success on both the physical and the social plance. The importance of forming trained staffs and patient associations for the exchange of experience and assistance in an extra-hospital milieu is stressed.", "contents": "[Rehabilitation of patients with colostomy]. The psychological and physical problems associated with colostomy are discussed. Techniques with colostomy are discussed. Techniques designed to prevent faecal incontinence and permit intestinal performance in accordance with desired rhythms are indicated. Application of such methods at the Colostomy Rehabilitation Centre, Milan Tumour Institute, has been attended by success on both the physical and the social plance. The importance of forming trained staffs and patient associations for the exchange of experience and assistance in an extra-hospital milieu is stressed.", "PMID": 1004751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10058", "title": "[Acupuncture analgesia in experimental animals].", "content": "Main experimental works on acupuncture analgesia (A.A.) have been examinated and a technique to perform A.A. in rabbits has been described. Furthermore an anatomic study of acupuncture loci used has been given. It is suggested that several mechanisms are involved in A.A., not only limited to stimuli on the posterior horns, but extending to higher levels.", "contents": "[Acupuncture analgesia in experimental animals]. Main experimental works on acupuncture analgesia (A.A.) have been examinated and a technique to perform A.A. in rabbits has been described. Furthermore an anatomic study of acupuncture loci used has been given. It is suggested that several mechanisms are involved in A.A., not only limited to stimuli on the posterior horns, but extending to higher levels.", "PMID": 1004761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10059", "title": "[Acupuncture in daily practice. Headache].", "content": "The aetiopathogenesis of headache is explained in a general review of this subject. Attention is directed the various forms of reflexotherapy that can be cmployed in its treatment. Acupuncture is examined in some detail, from both the general and the symptomatic standpoint. Stress is laid on the different picture presented by headache in different patients.", "contents": "[Acupuncture in daily practice. Headache]. The aetiopathogenesis of headache is explained in a general review of this subject. Attention is directed the various forms of reflexotherapy that can be cmployed in its treatment. Acupuncture is examined in some detail, from both the general and the symptomatic standpoint. Stress is laid on the different picture presented by headache in different patients.", "PMID": 1004762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10060", "title": "[Traditional acupuncture. Meridians. Circulation of energy. Chinese points. Comments].", "content": "A survey of the traditional Chinese terminology for acupuncture lats stress on the fact that, in the light of recent neurophysiological and anatomic studies, certain terms and various interpretations of the acupuncture routes must be rectified to enxure fuller understanding on the part of Western physicians.", "contents": "[Traditional acupuncture. Meridians. Circulation of energy. Chinese points. Comments]. A survey of the traditional Chinese terminology for acupuncture lats stress on the fact that, in the light of recent neurophysiological and anatomic studies, certain terms and various interpretations of the acupuncture routes must be rectified to enxure fuller understanding on the part of Western physicians.", "PMID": 1004763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10061", "title": "[Long-term critical evaluation of hypothyroidism after subtotal thyroidectomy for thyrotoxicosis].", "content": "A retrospective study was made of 66 cases in which subtotal thyroidectomy had been carried for hyperthyroid syndromes, mainly of Basedow type, with a view to establishing a more careful selection of thyrotoxicosis candidates for surgery or other management. The reasons for the different findings and post-operation evaluation of performance are analysed in the light of the time of follow-up, mostly within 5 to 15 yr of surgery. Clinical examination in the light of statistical diagnostic indices was supplemented by evaluation of RIA-T3, TSH and T4, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. Four different metabolic states were identified: 1) clinical euthyroidism with normal hormone profile (56.1%); 2) latent hypothyroidism, as shown by high TSH, low T4 and normal RIA-T3 (12.1%); 3) frank hypothyroidism, seen in one case only; 4) high TSH, observed as an isolated finding (30.3%). This last group is fully discussed from the prognostic standpoint. It is not considered as an expression of initial hypothyroidism within the present series and its follow-up range, but as indicative of hypersecretion of an abnormal TSH, or as evidence of an increased hypothalamus-hypophysis axis threshold for the retroactive action of circulating T4 and T3. Attention is drawn to differences between surgical and radio-iodiotherapeutic hypothyroidism. The former, in particular, is less frequent, earlier to appear, and less predictable, whereas the latter displays a gradually increasing pattern.", "contents": "[Long-term critical evaluation of hypothyroidism after subtotal thyroidectomy for thyrotoxicosis]. A retrospective study was made of 66 cases in which subtotal thyroidectomy had been carried for hyperthyroid syndromes, mainly of Basedow type, with a view to establishing a more careful selection of thyrotoxicosis candidates for surgery or other management. The reasons for the different findings and post-operation evaluation of performance are analysed in the light of the time of follow-up, mostly within 5 to 15 yr of surgery. Clinical examination in the light of statistical diagnostic indices was supplemented by evaluation of RIA-T3, TSH and T4, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. Four different metabolic states were identified: 1) clinical euthyroidism with normal hormone profile (56.1%); 2) latent hypothyroidism, as shown by high TSH, low T4 and normal RIA-T3 (12.1%); 3) frank hypothyroidism, seen in one case only; 4) high TSH, observed as an isolated finding (30.3%). This last group is fully discussed from the prognostic standpoint. It is not considered as an expression of initial hypothyroidism within the present series and its follow-up range, but as indicative of hypersecretion of an abnormal TSH, or as evidence of an increased hypothalamus-hypophysis axis threshold for the retroactive action of circulating T4 and T3. Attention is drawn to differences between surgical and radio-iodiotherapeutic hypothyroidism. The former, in particular, is less frequent, earlier to appear, and less predictable, whereas the latter displays a gradually increasing pattern.", "PMID": 1004766} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10062", "title": "[Serum gastrin in various diseases of the digestive system. Clinical experience].", "content": "Fasting and after meals serum gastrin levels were determined in healthy subjects and patients with different gastroenterological diseases (duodenal and gastric ulcer, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux, Billroth II gastric resection, atrophic gastritis, Zollinger-Ellison, M\u00e9n\u00e9trier, chronic calcifying pancreatitis, gastric carcinoma and lymphoma). The results pointed to the usefulness of evaluating both fasting levels and \"gastrin curve\" after meals as an expression of the rapidity of response of hormone-secreting gastric cells. Calculation of the I.G.O. (Integrated Gastrin Output) must also be carried out to provide a parameter from which the overall ability of G cells to secrete in response to feeding can be assessed.", "contents": "[Serum gastrin in various diseases of the digestive system. Clinical experience]. Fasting and after meals serum gastrin levels were determined in healthy subjects and patients with different gastroenterological diseases (duodenal and gastric ulcer, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux, Billroth II gastric resection, atrophic gastritis, Zollinger-Ellison, M\u00e9n\u00e9trier, chronic calcifying pancreatitis, gastric carcinoma and lymphoma). The results pointed to the usefulness of evaluating both fasting levels and \"gastrin curve\" after meals as an expression of the rapidity of response of hormone-secreting gastric cells. Calculation of the I.G.O. (Integrated Gastrin Output) must also be carried out to provide a parameter from which the overall ability of G cells to secrete in response to feeding can be assessed.", "PMID": 1004767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10063", "title": "[Cushing's ulcer. Various physiopathological studies and considerations].", "content": "28 cases of acute Cushing's ulcer observed out of 2670 necropsies at the S. Spirito Hospital of Rome are reported. Special attention is paid to the most recent physiopathological aspects of the condition.", "contents": "[Cushing's ulcer. Various physiopathological studies and considerations]. 28 cases of acute Cushing's ulcer observed out of 2670 necropsies at the S. Spirito Hospital of Rome are reported. Special attention is paid to the most recent physiopathological aspects of the condition.", "PMID": 1004768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10064", "title": "[New apparatus for the treatment and reinfusion of ascitic fluid].", "content": "A new apparatus for the reinfusion of ascitic fluid, offering effective clarifying action as well as the typical concentration of this therapeutic technique is presented.", "contents": "[New apparatus for the treatment and reinfusion of ascitic fluid]. A new apparatus for the reinfusion of ascitic fluid, offering effective clarifying action as well as the typical concentration of this therapeutic technique is presented.", "PMID": 1004769} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10065", "title": "[Studies on the risk factors of arteriosclerosis in a health district region of Lombardy].", "content": "Atherosclerosis risk factor, 8,5% two, 2,7% three and 0,6% four.rs have been investigated in 194 males and 135 female, 25 years old. Elevated lipids were found in 7,3% of the sample; \"labile\" and stable hypertension in 2,7%; diabetes mellitus in 2,7% and overweight in 19%. 19% of the subjects smoked more than 20 cigarettes daily. Prevalence of hyperlipemia and electrocardiographic changes was higher among people in the lower socioeconomic classes. Taking into consideration hyperlipidemia, hypertension, cigarette smoking, overweight and diabetes mellitus as risk factors, 25% exhibited one risk factor, 8.5% two, 2.7% three and 0.6% four.", "contents": "[Studies on the risk factors of arteriosclerosis in a health district region of Lombardy]. Atherosclerosis risk factor, 8,5% two, 2,7% three and 0,6% four.rs have been investigated in 194 males and 135 female, 25 years old. Elevated lipids were found in 7,3% of the sample; \"labile\" and stable hypertension in 2,7%; diabetes mellitus in 2,7% and overweight in 19%. 19% of the subjects smoked more than 20 cigarettes daily. Prevalence of hyperlipemia and electrocardiographic changes was higher among people in the lower socioeconomic classes. Taking into consideration hyperlipidemia, hypertension, cigarette smoking, overweight and diabetes mellitus as risk factors, 25% exhibited one risk factor, 8.5% two, 2.7% three and 0.6% four.", "PMID": 1004770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10066", "title": "[Problems in the use of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics].", "content": "Antibiotics are of the greatest utility for the patient, but are sometimes troubling for the physician. The Author, from a standpoint different from that of the pharmacologist, speak about the many things that should be kept in mind whenever a treatment with such drugs must to be performed. Only so a therapy can be safe and effective.. The Author suggest a syndromic approach to recognize which is the causative agent of the current disease, and of consequence, which is the drug of choice. Antibiotics and chemiotherapeutic agents are briefly examined in their usefulness, limitations and side-effect. The new drugs, not yet available in Italy, are cited.", "contents": "[Problems in the use of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics]. Antibiotics are of the greatest utility for the patient, but are sometimes troubling for the physician. The Author, from a standpoint different from that of the pharmacologist, speak about the many things that should be kept in mind whenever a treatment with such drugs must to be performed. Only so a therapy can be safe and effective.. The Author suggest a syndromic approach to recognize which is the causative agent of the current disease, and of consequence, which is the drug of choice. Antibiotics and chemiotherapeutic agents are briefly examined in their usefulness, limitations and side-effect. The new drugs, not yet available in Italy, are cited.", "PMID": 1004775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10067", "title": "[Results of surgery for mitral valve stenosis].", "content": "Long-term follow-up of 1806 patients si subjected to mitral commisurotomy and 122 fitted with a prosthesis for stenosis is described. Of those operated by means of the closed technique, 70% were in functional stage I or II after 10 yr (55% after 15 yr). It would seem from these results that surgery has an important effect on the natural history of mitral stenosis when treated solely medically.", "contents": "[Results of surgery for mitral valve stenosis]. Long-term follow-up of 1806 patients si subjected to mitral commisurotomy and 122 fitted with a prosthesis for stenosis is described. Of those operated by means of the closed technique, 70% were in functional stage I or II after 10 yr (55% after 15 yr). It would seem from these results that surgery has an important effect on the natural history of mitral stenosis when treated solely medically.", "PMID": 1004778} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10068", "title": "Basal cell carcinoma of the eyelids: a review of patients treated by surgical excision.", "content": "A study of 107 cases of basal cell carcinoma involving the eyelids in 106 patients all treated by surgical excision was undertaken. The lesions were found predominantly in Caucasians, showed no sex predilection (except for the fact that all five cases under age 40 occurred in females), and were most prevalent in the 7th decade of life. The most common presenting symptom was a mass or growth, while the duration of symptoms of any kind referable to the tumor was 20 months. The lower lid was the most common site of involvement, followed in order of frequency by the upper lid, medial canthus, and lateral canthus. Excised lesions that show marginal involvement histopathologically will not necessarily clinically recur, although this study did show that incomplete excision will more likely show a clinical recurrence in previously treated rather than primary lesions. If basal cell carcinomas of the eyelid are fully surgically excised as a first procedure, the patient will have about a 99% cure rate. Lesions requiring orbital exenteration are rare.", "contents": "Basal cell carcinoma of the eyelids: a review of patients treated by surgical excision. A study of 107 cases of basal cell carcinoma involving the eyelids in 106 patients all treated by surgical excision was undertaken. The lesions were found predominantly in Caucasians, showed no sex predilection (except for the fact that all five cases under age 40 occurred in females), and were most prevalent in the 7th decade of life. The most common presenting symptom was a mass or growth, while the duration of symptoms of any kind referable to the tumor was 20 months. The lower lid was the most common site of involvement, followed in order of frequency by the upper lid, medial canthus, and lateral canthus. Excised lesions that show marginal involvement histopathologically will not necessarily clinically recur, although this study did show that incomplete excision will more likely show a clinical recurrence in previously treated rather than primary lesions. If basal cell carcinomas of the eyelid are fully surgically excised as a first procedure, the patient will have about a 99% cure rate. Lesions requiring orbital exenteration are rare.", "PMID": 1004805} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10069", "title": "Self-curing methyl methacrylate: Is it safe?", "content": "Self-curing methyl methacrylate has been recently abandoned by some ophthalmic surgeons because of more than 20 deaths associated with its use in orthopedic surgery. The mechanism of cardiovascular collapse noted in orthopedic cases appears to relate to the surgical procedure as well as a direct vasodilation caused by free monomer. There are no reported cardiovascular complications with the facial uses of self-curing methyl methacrylate. Toxicities to this substance are noted. Ophthalmologists should be aware of these problems and their management. Careful preoperative cardiovascular evaluation, intraoperative patient monitoring, and a well-ventilated operating room are recommended with its use. The review finds no evidence to condemn the ophthalmic uses of self-curing methyl methacrylate because of cardiovascular complications. The search for more inert synthetic compounds should continue.", "contents": "Self-curing methyl methacrylate: Is it safe? Self-curing methyl methacrylate has been recently abandoned by some ophthalmic surgeons because of more than 20 deaths associated with its use in orthopedic surgery. The mechanism of cardiovascular collapse noted in orthopedic cases appears to relate to the surgical procedure as well as a direct vasodilation caused by free monomer. There are no reported cardiovascular complications with the facial uses of self-curing methyl methacrylate. Toxicities to this substance are noted. Ophthalmologists should be aware of these problems and their management. Careful preoperative cardiovascular evaluation, intraoperative patient monitoring, and a well-ventilated operating room are recommended with its use. The review finds no evidence to condemn the ophthalmic uses of self-curing methyl methacrylate because of cardiovascular complications. The search for more inert synthetic compounds should continue.", "PMID": 1004806} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10070", "title": "The racquet conjunctival flap.", "content": "In situations requiring a conjunctival flap to cover a corneal defect, the racquet flap technique is a simple relatively noninvasive method. Less conjunctiva is sacrificed and yet the flap is fully maintained by the one pedicle. The bulbar conjunctiva is maintained in an essentially normal state.", "contents": "The racquet conjunctival flap. In situations requiring a conjunctival flap to cover a corneal defect, the racquet flap technique is a simple relatively noninvasive method. Less conjunctiva is sacrificed and yet the flap is fully maintained by the one pedicle. The bulbar conjunctiva is maintained in an essentially normal state.", "PMID": 1004807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10071", "title": "Pathophysiology and treatment of corneal hydrops.", "content": "The new application of thermokeratoplasty as a treatment of both acute and chronic hydrops is presented as a possible alternative to present treatment regimens. The histopathology of keratoconus and hydrops is reviewed relating to thermokeratoplasty effect. Clinical success was achieved in the elimination of pain from advanced chronic hydrops. With the closure of the breaks in Descement's membrane central corneal clearing occurred. In cases of total hydrops although complete resolution of the edema was not always found sufficient, clearing of the corneal periphery allowed for successful penetrating keratoplasty.", "contents": "Pathophysiology and treatment of corneal hydrops. The new application of thermokeratoplasty as a treatment of both acute and chronic hydrops is presented as a possible alternative to present treatment regimens. The histopathology of keratoconus and hydrops is reviewed relating to thermokeratoplasty effect. Clinical success was achieved in the elimination of pain from advanced chronic hydrops. With the closure of the breaks in Descement's membrane central corneal clearing occurred. In cases of total hydrops although complete resolution of the edema was not always found sufficient, clearing of the corneal periphery allowed for successful penetrating keratoplasty.", "PMID": 1004808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10072", "title": "Rotoextractor evacuation of total hyphema.", "content": "Hyphema was created in ten albino rabbits and removed within an hour by the Douvas Rotoextractor. All the blood was gone from each eye within 48 hours and there was no evidence of damage to iris, cornea or lens after six weeks. One patient underwent Douvas Rotoextractor removal of a hyphema that was causing increased intraocular pressure and corneal staining. Three months postoperatively, vision was 6/7.5 and intraocular pressure was controlled.", "contents": "Rotoextractor evacuation of total hyphema. Hyphema was created in ten albino rabbits and removed within an hour by the Douvas Rotoextractor. All the blood was gone from each eye within 48 hours and there was no evidence of damage to iris, cornea or lens after six weeks. One patient underwent Douvas Rotoextractor removal of a hyphema that was causing increased intraocular pressure and corneal staining. Three months postoperatively, vision was 6/7.5 and intraocular pressure was controlled.", "PMID": 1004809} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10073", "title": "Glaucoma surgery in Nigerian eyes: a five-year study.", "content": "A five-year study of 419 sclerectomies and 612 trabeculectomies has been reported. Early and late postoperative complications have been discussed and the relative effectiveness of the operations in controlling intraocular pressure in chronic simple and chronic angle closure glaucoma compared.", "contents": "Glaucoma surgery in Nigerian eyes: a five-year study. A five-year study of 419 sclerectomies and 612 trabeculectomies has been reported. Early and late postoperative complications have been discussed and the relative effectiveness of the operations in controlling intraocular pressure in chronic simple and chronic angle closure glaucoma compared.", "PMID": 1004810} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10074", "title": "Subconjunctival gentamicin prophylaxis against postoperative endophthalmitis in the rabbit.", "content": "An experimental aphakic rabbit model was employed in order to evaluate the correlation of the clinical course of postoperative endophthalmitis and the ability to recover microorganisms in the postoperative time period, the ocular antibiotic penetration of gentamicin, and the value of antibiotic prophylaxis. 2. Staphylococcus aureus is far more pathogenic organism than Staphylococcus epidermidis. A concentration of 5,000 organisms resulted in an 88% infection rate whereas 50,000 organisms and greater resulted in 100% infection rate after extracapsular cataract extraction. 3. Staphylococcus aureus could be isolated from the eyes demonstrating infection following cataract extraction for 2 days (3 days in one case) and then could no longer be recovered despite the persistance of intraocular inflammation. 4. The infection which appeared in animals receiving 5,000 organisms of Staphylococcus aureus after peripheral iridectomy was significantly milder than that which occurred following cataract extraction. In addition, the microorganisms could only be isolated on the first postoperative day. 5. When 20 mg of gentamicin sulfate was administered subconjunctivally following the post-cataract extraction or post-iridectomy administration of the 5,000 organisms of Staphylococcus aureus, none of the eyes developed clinical signs of endophthalmitis nor could bacteria be recovered. 6. Subconjunctivally administered gentamicin sulfate rapidly penetrated into the aphakic rabbit eye; 75-100 mug/ml appears in the aqueous humor at 1 hour and persists in bactericidal concentrations for at least 4 hours in both the treated and contralateral eyes. 7. Antimicrobial (subconjlnctival gentamicin sulfate 20 mg/prophylaxis at the time of surgery in the experimental animal significantly reduced the incidence of experimental postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis.", "contents": "Subconjunctival gentamicin prophylaxis against postoperative endophthalmitis in the rabbit. An experimental aphakic rabbit model was employed in order to evaluate the correlation of the clinical course of postoperative endophthalmitis and the ability to recover microorganisms in the postoperative time period, the ocular antibiotic penetration of gentamicin, and the value of antibiotic prophylaxis. 2. Staphylococcus aureus is far more pathogenic organism than Staphylococcus epidermidis. A concentration of 5,000 organisms resulted in an 88% infection rate whereas 50,000 organisms and greater resulted in 100% infection rate after extracapsular cataract extraction. 3. Staphylococcus aureus could be isolated from the eyes demonstrating infection following cataract extraction for 2 days (3 days in one case) and then could no longer be recovered despite the persistance of intraocular inflammation. 4. The infection which appeared in animals receiving 5,000 organisms of Staphylococcus aureus after peripheral iridectomy was significantly milder than that which occurred following cataract extraction. In addition, the microorganisms could only be isolated on the first postoperative day. 5. When 20 mg of gentamicin sulfate was administered subconjunctivally following the post-cataract extraction or post-iridectomy administration of the 5,000 organisms of Staphylococcus aureus, none of the eyes developed clinical signs of endophthalmitis nor could bacteria be recovered. 6. Subconjunctivally administered gentamicin sulfate rapidly penetrated into the aphakic rabbit eye; 75-100 mug/ml appears in the aqueous humor at 1 hour and persists in bactericidal concentrations for at least 4 hours in both the treated and contralateral eyes. 7. Antimicrobial (subconjlnctival gentamicin sulfate 20 mg/prophylaxis at the time of surgery in the experimental animal significantly reduced the incidence of experimental postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis.", "PMID": 1004811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10075", "title": "Intraocular lenses: visual results and complications. A comparative study.", "content": "The visual results, and the complications, in 100 consecutive Copeland lens implantations combined with intracapsular cataract extraction, are compared with 100 age matched intracapsular cataract extractions without intraocular lens implantations. The visual results are not significantly different (Tables I and II). Patient satisfaction was excellent. The complications, likewise, are not significantly different (Tables III and IV). There were only two dislocations and one implant corneal touch that can definitely be attributed to the presence of an intraocular lens. The dislocations, although a nuisance, left no residual damage. Cystoid macular edema was no more frequent than without implantation. There were no retrolental membranes causing impairment of vision, no late anterior chamber hemorrhages from lens iris chafing or pressure and no lens related glaucoma. Iritis was insignificant and easily controlled with steroids in the few cases observed.", "contents": "Intraocular lenses: visual results and complications. A comparative study. The visual results, and the complications, in 100 consecutive Copeland lens implantations combined with intracapsular cataract extraction, are compared with 100 age matched intracapsular cataract extractions without intraocular lens implantations. The visual results are not significantly different (Tables I and II). Patient satisfaction was excellent. The complications, likewise, are not significantly different (Tables III and IV). There were only two dislocations and one implant corneal touch that can definitely be attributed to the presence of an intraocular lens. The dislocations, although a nuisance, left no residual damage. Cystoid macular edema was no more frequent than without implantation. There were no retrolental membranes causing impairment of vision, no late anterior chamber hemorrhages from lens iris chafing or pressure and no lens related glaucoma. Iritis was insignificant and easily controlled with steroids in the few cases observed.", "PMID": 1004812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10076", "title": "The circular loop intraocular lens.", "content": "A large series of cases of intracapsular cataract extractions with implantation of the recently introduced Medallion circular loop lens is reviewed. Case selection surgical technique, postoperative management, complications and results are presented in detail. Surgical and visual results have been excellent ahd compare favorably with intracapsular cataract surgery performed without artificial lens implantation. The transiridectomy clip of the posterior supporting circular loop provides an excellent system of lens fixation and eliminates the need for an iris suture with the potential long-term complications of possible iris suture absorption. The lens is essentially unluxatable. A particularly low incidence of cystoid macular edema, as well as other long-term postoperative complications, has been encouraging. The surgical technical requirements for implantation of this particular implant are very exacting. Further refinements in design and construction of this artificial lens based on the experiences developed in this series of cases are proposed.", "contents": "The circular loop intraocular lens. A large series of cases of intracapsular cataract extractions with implantation of the recently introduced Medallion circular loop lens is reviewed. Case selection surgical technique, postoperative management, complications and results are presented in detail. Surgical and visual results have been excellent ahd compare favorably with intracapsular cataract surgery performed without artificial lens implantation. The transiridectomy clip of the posterior supporting circular loop provides an excellent system of lens fixation and eliminates the need for an iris suture with the potential long-term complications of possible iris suture absorption. The lens is essentially unluxatable. A particularly low incidence of cystoid macular edema, as well as other long-term postoperative complications, has been encouraging. The surgical technical requirements for implantation of this particular implant are very exacting. Further refinements in design and construction of this artificial lens based on the experiences developed in this series of cases are proposed.", "PMID": 1004813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10077", "title": "Vitrectomy in sickling retinopathy: report of five cases.", "content": "The unique problems encountered in sickle patients include the need to remove peripheral vitreous if perfusing sea fans-which can bleed after vitrectomy-are present at the time of surgery. However, peripheral vitrectomy is riskier than central vitrectomy alone. If visualization of the sea fans is sufficient, it is safer to close the sea fans prior to vitrectomy in order to obviate the need for peripheral vitrectomy; then, only central vitrectomy is performed. When sea fans cannot be closed prior to vitrectomy, peripheral vitreous is removed to allow early photocoagulation of the sea fans before they bleed again. Four case presentations illustrate these principles. Vitrectomy relieved severe vitreous traction that complicated retinal detachment in the fifth patient, thereby eliminating the need for a tight encircling structure, which can be poorly tolerated in patients with SC hemoglobin.", "contents": "Vitrectomy in sickling retinopathy: report of five cases. The unique problems encountered in sickle patients include the need to remove peripheral vitreous if perfusing sea fans-which can bleed after vitrectomy-are present at the time of surgery. However, peripheral vitrectomy is riskier than central vitrectomy alone. If visualization of the sea fans is sufficient, it is safer to close the sea fans prior to vitrectomy in order to obviate the need for peripheral vitrectomy; then, only central vitrectomy is performed. When sea fans cannot be closed prior to vitrectomy, peripheral vitreous is removed to allow early photocoagulation of the sea fans before they bleed again. Four case presentations illustrate these principles. Vitrectomy relieved severe vitreous traction that complicated retinal detachment in the fifth patient, thereby eliminating the need for a tight encircling structure, which can be poorly tolerated in patients with SC hemoglobin.", "PMID": 1004814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10078", "title": "Survival rate of patients with choroidal melanoma.", "content": "A follow-up examination of 214 patients suffering from choroidal melanoma is reported. The frequency of this tumor turns out to be higher in males than in females. There is an increase of relative frequency with age in both female and male patients. The death rate from proven metastases was 34.2% within 5 years. Spindle cell melanomas yield an 85% chance of 5-year survival. Only about 53% of all patients with epithelioid cell melanoma will survive for 5 years. 71% of all patients who died had metastic tumors mainly in liver, bones, and lungs. Most of them had had an epithelioid cell melanoma.", "contents": "Survival rate of patients with choroidal melanoma. A follow-up examination of 214 patients suffering from choroidal melanoma is reported. The frequency of this tumor turns out to be higher in males than in females. There is an increase of relative frequency with age in both female and male patients. The death rate from proven metastases was 34.2% within 5 years. Spindle cell melanomas yield an 85% chance of 5-year survival. Only about 53% of all patients with epithelioid cell melanoma will survive for 5 years. 71% of all patients who died had metastic tumors mainly in liver, bones, and lungs. Most of them had had an epithelioid cell melanoma.", "PMID": 1004815} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10079", "title": "[Classification of retrocorneal membranes].", "content": "Retrocorneal membranes can be composed from one layer only -- endothelium, or two layers: endothelium and Descemet, or three layers: endothelium, Descemet membrane and corneal stroma. Besides those corneal membranes which may occur after keratoplasty there are also other forms of inflammatory, degenerative, traumatic or genetic origin. Because diminished corneal transparency often occurs in those cases the precise diagnosis may be difficult on clinical investigation, often only after histological examination the membrane structure may be established.", "contents": "[Classification of retrocorneal membranes]. Retrocorneal membranes can be composed from one layer only -- endothelium, or two layers: endothelium and Descemet, or three layers: endothelium, Descemet membrane and corneal stroma. Besides those corneal membranes which may occur after keratoplasty there are also other forms of inflammatory, degenerative, traumatic or genetic origin. Because diminished corneal transparency often occurs in those cases the precise diagnosis may be difficult on clinical investigation, often only after histological examination the membrane structure may be established.", "PMID": 1004816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10080", "title": "Free amino acids in the normal and cataractous bovine and human lens capsule and lens.", "content": "With circular chromatography on paper, we have tested the content of the free amino acids in the normal and cataractous bovine and human lens capsule and lens. The interpretation of the data shows that the normal bovine lens without capsule presents a greater quantity of free amino acids in relation to the bovine cataractous lens without capsule; the lens capsule of normal bovine lens presents a lesser quantity of free amino acids in relation to the lens capsule of the bovine cataractous lens; the normal human lens without capsule presents a relative increase in quantity of free amino acids in relation to the cataractous human lens without capsule (cortical and nuclear cataract); the lens capsule of the normal human lens presents a decrease in the quantity of free amino acids in relation to the lens capsule of the cataractous human lens (cortical and nuclear cataract); the human cataractous lens in \"cataracta nigra\" presents a marked decrease in quantity of free amino acids in relation to cataractous human lens without capsule (nuclear and cortical cataract), while the lens capsule of \"cataracta nigra\", presents a marked increase in quantity of free amino acids in relation to the normal human lens capsule, and decrease in relation to the lens capsule of the cataractous human lens (cortical and nuclear cataract).", "contents": "Free amino acids in the normal and cataractous bovine and human lens capsule and lens. With circular chromatography on paper, we have tested the content of the free amino acids in the normal and cataractous bovine and human lens capsule and lens. The interpretation of the data shows that the normal bovine lens without capsule presents a greater quantity of free amino acids in relation to the bovine cataractous lens without capsule; the lens capsule of normal bovine lens presents a lesser quantity of free amino acids in relation to the lens capsule of the bovine cataractous lens; the normal human lens without capsule presents a relative increase in quantity of free amino acids in relation to the cataractous human lens without capsule (cortical and nuclear cataract); the lens capsule of the normal human lens presents a decrease in the quantity of free amino acids in relation to the lens capsule of the cataractous human lens (cortical and nuclear cataract); the human cataractous lens in \"cataracta nigra\" presents a marked decrease in quantity of free amino acids in relation to cataractous human lens without capsule (nuclear and cortical cataract), while the lens capsule of \"cataracta nigra\", presents a marked increase in quantity of free amino acids in relation to the normal human lens capsule, and decrease in relation to the lens capsule of the cataractous human lens (cortical and nuclear cataract).", "PMID": 1004817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10081", "title": "Hydrodynamic events in the vitreous space accompanying eye movements. Significance for the pathogenesis of retinal detachment.", "content": "The powers elicited in the vitreous body by eye movements have hardly been subjected to examinations, and the same goes for currents in the vitreous. Model experiments have demonstrated that intra-ocular currents are not elicited by translatory, but so much more by rotatory movements. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a thin perforated membrane fitted on the inside of the wall of a glass cylinder filled with water, will detach, with rotatory movements. Even minimal rotational movements cause a flow through the hole. It is discussed whether these findings apply to the eye in vivo.", "contents": "Hydrodynamic events in the vitreous space accompanying eye movements. Significance for the pathogenesis of retinal detachment. The powers elicited in the vitreous body by eye movements have hardly been subjected to examinations, and the same goes for currents in the vitreous. Model experiments have demonstrated that intra-ocular currents are not elicited by translatory, but so much more by rotatory movements. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a thin perforated membrane fitted on the inside of the wall of a glass cylinder filled with water, will detach, with rotatory movements. Even minimal rotational movements cause a flow through the hole. It is discussed whether these findings apply to the eye in vivo.", "PMID": 1004818} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10082", "title": "Chemical evolution of photosynthesis.", "content": "The principles of biological evolution of photosynthesis are established, but the ways of chemical evolution are unclear yet. The model systems will help to elucidate the problem. Every type of photosynthesis requires photoreceptor absorbing solar radiation. We studied as photoreceptors inorganic components of Earth crust, some coenzymes and porphyrins of abiogenic and biogenic origin. By the aid of inorganic photosensitizers (TiO2, ZnO) the models of photosystems I and II were constructed. Photochemical activation of some coenzymes may serve as an intermediate step from heterotrophic 'dark' to 'light' metabolism. The further evolution led to the separation of catalytic and photosensitizing functions. Porphin, chlorin and bacteriochlorin were formed by abiogenic synthesis. Magnesium complexes of porphyrins are active being excited by light. They are capable to reversible acceptance or donation of an electron to partner molecule. Excited Mg-complexes of porphyrins (P) are capable to transfer an electron from electron-donor (D) to electron-acceptor (A) accompanied by conversion of light quanta energy into potential chemical energy. The primary electron transfer unit (D-P-A) was incorporated into primary membrane. The transition from random to anisotropic arrangement of (D-P-A) in the membrane was plausable as a step of evolution; charge translocation appeared. (D-P-A) units created in the period of chemical evolution were probably used in the course of biological evolution. The (D-P-A) units were coupled with noncyclic and cyclic electron transfer resulting in ATP formation; coupling of two (D-P-A) units led to H2O oxidation and NADP reduction in photosynthetic organisms. The improvement of pigments biosynthesis created the phenomenon of excitation energy migration from the bulk of the pigment to (D-P-A) unit, being reactive center. The models described points the plausible steps of chemical evolution; the real sequence of events will be probably disclosed in the studies of precambrian rocks and space exploration.", "contents": "Chemical evolution of photosynthesis. The principles of biological evolution of photosynthesis are established, but the ways of chemical evolution are unclear yet. The model systems will help to elucidate the problem. Every type of photosynthesis requires photoreceptor absorbing solar radiation. We studied as photoreceptors inorganic components of Earth crust, some coenzymes and porphyrins of abiogenic and biogenic origin. By the aid of inorganic photosensitizers (TiO2, ZnO) the models of photosystems I and II were constructed. Photochemical activation of some coenzymes may serve as an intermediate step from heterotrophic 'dark' to 'light' metabolism. The further evolution led to the separation of catalytic and photosensitizing functions. Porphin, chlorin and bacteriochlorin were formed by abiogenic synthesis. Magnesium complexes of porphyrins are active being excited by light. They are capable to reversible acceptance or donation of an electron to partner molecule. Excited Mg-complexes of porphyrins (P) are capable to transfer an electron from electron-donor (D) to electron-acceptor (A) accompanied by conversion of light quanta energy into potential chemical energy. The primary electron transfer unit (D-P-A) was incorporated into primary membrane. The transition from random to anisotropic arrangement of (D-P-A) in the membrane was plausable as a step of evolution; charge translocation appeared. (D-P-A) units created in the period of chemical evolution were probably used in the course of biological evolution. The (D-P-A) units were coupled with noncyclic and cyclic electron transfer resulting in ATP formation; coupling of two (D-P-A) units led to H2O oxidation and NADP reduction in photosynthetic organisms. The improvement of pigments biosynthesis created the phenomenon of excitation energy migration from the bulk of the pigment to (D-P-A) unit, being reactive center. The models described points the plausible steps of chemical evolution; the real sequence of events will be probably disclosed in the studies of precambrian rocks and space exploration.", "PMID": 1004864} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10083", "title": "The status of tuberculin skin testing at the Pahlavi University Medical Centre.", "content": "Thirty-four patients with tuberculosis were skin tested with 5 tuberculin units (TU) of purified protein derivative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (PPD). PPD supplied by Park Davis and Co., Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. (PPD-PD) as well as PPD obtained from The Razi Institute, Hessarak, Teheran (PPD-RI) were both used for skin testing in each patient. The results indicate that 74-79% of patients with active tuberculosis have positive tuberculin reactions, that PPD-RI is a potent source of tuberculin for skin testing and that a substantial proportion of our tuberculous patients (21-26%) have negative tuberculin skin reactions.", "contents": "The status of tuberculin skin testing at the Pahlavi University Medical Centre. Thirty-four patients with tuberculosis were skin tested with 5 tuberculin units (TU) of purified protein derivative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (PPD). PPD supplied by Park Davis and Co., Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. (PPD-PD) as well as PPD obtained from The Razi Institute, Hessarak, Teheran (PPD-RI) were both used for skin testing in each patient. The results indicate that 74-79% of patients with active tuberculosis have positive tuberculin reactions, that PPD-RI is a potent source of tuberculin for skin testing and that a substantial proportion of our tuberculous patients (21-26%) have negative tuberculin skin reactions.", "PMID": 1004930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10084", "title": "Normal conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine in a subject with iodotyrosine-dehalogenase deficiency.", "content": "BMR, t1/2 of serum T4, and the conversion of T4 to T3 were normal in a patient with iodotyrosine-dehalogenase deficiency who had undergone total surgical thyroidectomy and had been maintained on 200 mug of oral T4 daily. It is concluded that the enzyme system for monodeiodination and conversion of T4 to T3 is different than iodotyrosine-dehalogenase.", "contents": "Normal conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine in a subject with iodotyrosine-dehalogenase deficiency. BMR, t1/2 of serum T4, and the conversion of T4 to T3 were normal in a patient with iodotyrosine-dehalogenase deficiency who had undergone total surgical thyroidectomy and had been maintained on 200 mug of oral T4 daily. It is concluded that the enzyme system for monodeiodination and conversion of T4 to T3 is different than iodotyrosine-dehalogenase.", "PMID": 1004933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10085", "title": "An epidemiological approach to the study of Echinococcosis in North-East region of Iran (Khorassan).", "content": "We have collected all the reported cases of Echinococcus cysts recovered in every surgical ward in Mashhad since their establishment. At the same time we searched corpses of livestock which had been slaughtered in Khorassan's slaughter houses in different days since 1969 for evidence of cysts, and also dogs, 2 wolves, 4 jackals and 11 foxes which had been killed with strychnine, for adult worms. Occurrence of hydatid cyst infestation was found in 478 reports of surgical operations amongst 43,196 cases operated for various diagnosis including hydatidosis. The number of hydatid cyst infestation amongst 15,691 corpses is as follows: 881 out of 12,311 sheep and goats, 378 out of 3380 cattle and camels. The dogs' infestation was rather high as we found adult Echinococcus worms in 50 out of the examined 266, which gives a percentage of 18.79. But no worms could be found in the 2 wolves, 4 jackals and 11 foxes which were examined. All the adult worms examined were Echinococcus granulosus.", "contents": "An epidemiological approach to the study of Echinococcosis in North-East region of Iran (Khorassan). We have collected all the reported cases of Echinococcus cysts recovered in every surgical ward in Mashhad since their establishment. At the same time we searched corpses of livestock which had been slaughtered in Khorassan's slaughter houses in different days since 1969 for evidence of cysts, and also dogs, 2 wolves, 4 jackals and 11 foxes which had been killed with strychnine, for adult worms. Occurrence of hydatid cyst infestation was found in 478 reports of surgical operations amongst 43,196 cases operated for various diagnosis including hydatidosis. The number of hydatid cyst infestation amongst 15,691 corpses is as follows: 881 out of 12,311 sheep and goats, 378 out of 3380 cattle and camels. The dogs' infestation was rather high as we found adult Echinococcus worms in 50 out of the examined 266, which gives a percentage of 18.79. But no worms could be found in the 2 wolves, 4 jackals and 11 foxes which were examined. All the adult worms examined were Echinococcus granulosus.", "PMID": 1004935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10086", "title": "Factors related to drug abuse among Iranian university students.", "content": "Questions related to the use of narcotics were administered to 607 students attending four Iranian universities: Pahlavi University, the University of Tehran, Isfahan University, and Aryamehr University. Twenty-four percent of the students reported that they have used drugs at some time, although only 11% of the students have used drugs more than three times in their lives. Hashish was the most frequently used drug, having been used by 54% of the students who have used narcotics. Ninty percent of the students prefer to ingest the drugs by smoking them. A majority of the students (59%) said that they use drugs for pleasure or to increase sociability. Use of drugs was found to be significantly related to sex, age, number of years of university attended, and father's education. Although proportionately more males than females use drugs, they do not appear to differ significantly from the females in the type of drugs used or the frequency of use. Drug use was not significantly related to the parents' socio-economic status or parents' use of drugs. Exposure to drug use in the university seems to be more closely related to drug use than does parental influence.", "contents": "Factors related to drug abuse among Iranian university students. Questions related to the use of narcotics were administered to 607 students attending four Iranian universities: Pahlavi University, the University of Tehran, Isfahan University, and Aryamehr University. Twenty-four percent of the students reported that they have used drugs at some time, although only 11% of the students have used drugs more than three times in their lives. Hashish was the most frequently used drug, having been used by 54% of the students who have used narcotics. Ninty percent of the students prefer to ingest the drugs by smoking them. A majority of the students (59%) said that they use drugs for pleasure or to increase sociability. Use of drugs was found to be significantly related to sex, age, number of years of university attended, and father's education. Although proportionately more males than females use drugs, they do not appear to differ significantly from the females in the type of drugs used or the frequency of use. Drug use was not significantly related to the parents' socio-economic status or parents' use of drugs. Exposure to drug use in the university seems to be more closely related to drug use than does parental influence.", "PMID": 1004936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10087", "title": "Curriculum for the new college of health sciences: A departure from the traditional medical education.", "content": "As an outgrowth of the Report of the Imperial Commission on the Study of Health and Medical Problems, The College of Health Sciences was established as the basic educational unit to provide comprehensive health care education within the framework of a team approach to Iranian national health care. The programs are to nonrestrictive, thereby demonstrating the principles of the concept and practice. Because of this, the College is a multidiscipline institution, and will expand to include programs of study in all health care specialties. The program of study for the equivalent of the baccalaureate degree in the College is based on functional analysis of the tasks to be performed by the primary care workers called behdars. The curriculum is task oriented and is made up to two sections, each of 33 months instruction. The first year concentrates on basic functional science and medicine in an academic setting, and the following two years are spent in clinical training in geographically diverse dispensaries and health care facilities. The second stage of the academic program will be available to graduate behdars who have successfully completed two or more years of work in the health care network and who display academic and professional excellence. Through a unit system approach these candidates for doctor of medicine will complete eleven months or more of comprehensive instruction in functional basic sciences, and this will be followed by two years in comprehensive hospital internship.", "contents": "Curriculum for the new college of health sciences: A departure from the traditional medical education. As an outgrowth of the Report of the Imperial Commission on the Study of Health and Medical Problems, The College of Health Sciences was established as the basic educational unit to provide comprehensive health care education within the framework of a team approach to Iranian national health care. The programs are to nonrestrictive, thereby demonstrating the principles of the concept and practice. Because of this, the College is a multidiscipline institution, and will expand to include programs of study in all health care specialties. The program of study for the equivalent of the baccalaureate degree in the College is based on functional analysis of the tasks to be performed by the primary care workers called behdars. The curriculum is task oriented and is made up to two sections, each of 33 months instruction. The first year concentrates on basic functional science and medicine in an academic setting, and the following two years are spent in clinical training in geographically diverse dispensaries and health care facilities. The second stage of the academic program will be available to graduate behdars who have successfully completed two or more years of work in the health care network and who display academic and professional excellence. Through a unit system approach these candidates for doctor of medicine will complete eleven months or more of comprehensive instruction in functional basic sciences, and this will be followed by two years in comprehensive hospital internship.", "PMID": 1004937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10088", "title": "An experiment in integrated teaching of anatomical sciences.", "content": "With the phenomenal expansion of knowledge in both basic and clinical sciences, it is absolutely essential to provide a sound foundation of anatomical sciences for the clinical teaching within the limited time available. Problems like shortage of qualified teachers in anatomy, isolation of anatomical sciences from the rest of the basic and clinical departments and multicentricity of sections of anatomical sciences urged us to apply an integrated system as tailored to our needs and limitations. By interdepartmental integration of gross anatomy, histology and embryology a more coordinated teaching has been achieved. Joint clinicoanatomical presentations by participation of anatomists in clinical teaching and clinicians in teaching of anatomy have not only upgraded the teaching but have also significantly reduced the problem of teachers shortage. These presentations are essentially directed towards illustrating the living anatomy, diagnostic anatomy, operative anatomy, applied embryology and microanatomy or the selected regions, with bearings on physical examination, pattern of the diseases, diagnostic and surgical procedures, genesis and treatment of congenital defects and neuroanatomical localisation of lesions. Fundamental basis of developmental and genetic defects are dealt with by a team of pediatrician, pediatric surgeon and the anatomists, with additional emphasis in the genesis of these defects and resultant disorders of function.", "contents": "An experiment in integrated teaching of anatomical sciences. With the phenomenal expansion of knowledge in both basic and clinical sciences, it is absolutely essential to provide a sound foundation of anatomical sciences for the clinical teaching within the limited time available. Problems like shortage of qualified teachers in anatomy, isolation of anatomical sciences from the rest of the basic and clinical departments and multicentricity of sections of anatomical sciences urged us to apply an integrated system as tailored to our needs and limitations. By interdepartmental integration of gross anatomy, histology and embryology a more coordinated teaching has been achieved. Joint clinicoanatomical presentations by participation of anatomists in clinical teaching and clinicians in teaching of anatomy have not only upgraded the teaching but have also significantly reduced the problem of teachers shortage. These presentations are essentially directed towards illustrating the living anatomy, diagnostic anatomy, operative anatomy, applied embryology and microanatomy or the selected regions, with bearings on physical examination, pattern of the diseases, diagnostic and surgical procedures, genesis and treatment of congenital defects and neuroanatomical localisation of lesions. Fundamental basis of developmental and genetic defects are dealt with by a team of pediatrician, pediatric surgeon and the anatomists, with additional emphasis in the genesis of these defects and resultant disorders of function.", "PMID": 1004938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10089", "title": "Malignant struma ovarii.", "content": "A rare case of malignant struma ovarii is presented. The tumor was excised together with the ovary and interpreted as a papillary strumal adenocarcinoma arising in a cystic teratoma with predominant thyroid elements. Prior to surgery the patient did not show any symptoms of thyroid hyperfunction. The thyroid function tests performed subsequent to surgery were within normal limits. Periodic examinations of the patient over a period of three years did not reveal any abnormalities. Statistically, this type of malignancy carries a good prognosis with a high \"cure\" rate.", "contents": "Malignant struma ovarii. A rare case of malignant struma ovarii is presented. The tumor was excised together with the ovary and interpreted as a papillary strumal adenocarcinoma arising in a cystic teratoma with predominant thyroid elements. Prior to surgery the patient did not show any symptoms of thyroid hyperfunction. The thyroid function tests performed subsequent to surgery were within normal limits. Periodic examinations of the patient over a period of three years did not reveal any abnormalities. Statistically, this type of malignancy carries a good prognosis with a high \"cure\" rate.", "PMID": 1004942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10090", "title": "Studies on the modification of renal lesions due to aspirin and oxyphenbutazone in the rat and the effects on the kidney of 2:4 dinitrophenol.", "content": "Cortical tubular necrosis induced by either aspirin (300 mg/kg) or oxyphenbutazone (444 mg/kg) was reduced if probenecid (300 mg/kg) was administered at the same time. The prior administration of aspirin (600 mg/kg) reduced the tubular necrosis that follows administration of oxyphenbutazone (444 mg/kg) alone, thus demonstrating that some degree of cross-tolerance between the two drugs occurs. Phenacetin pretreatment (597 mg/kg) was less effective, while paracetamol (503 mg/kg) was without effect in this regard. Those substances that reduced the oxyphenbutazone-induced cortical lesion also ameliorated the focal degenerative change in the lower nephron attributed to this drug. Oral administration of 2:4 dinitrophenol (20 mg/kg) led to only minor cortical tubular necrosis in a few animals.", "contents": "Studies on the modification of renal lesions due to aspirin and oxyphenbutazone in the rat and the effects on the kidney of 2:4 dinitrophenol. Cortical tubular necrosis induced by either aspirin (300 mg/kg) or oxyphenbutazone (444 mg/kg) was reduced if probenecid (300 mg/kg) was administered at the same time. The prior administration of aspirin (600 mg/kg) reduced the tubular necrosis that follows administration of oxyphenbutazone (444 mg/kg) alone, thus demonstrating that some degree of cross-tolerance between the two drugs occurs. Phenacetin pretreatment (597 mg/kg) was less effective, while paracetamol (503 mg/kg) was without effect in this regard. Those substances that reduced the oxyphenbutazone-induced cortical lesion also ameliorated the focal degenerative change in the lower nephron attributed to this drug. Oral administration of 2:4 dinitrophenol (20 mg/kg) led to only minor cortical tubular necrosis in a few animals.", "PMID": 1004943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10091", "title": "Pulmonary skin embolism: a case report.", "content": "The incidental autopsy finding of an embolic fragment of skin partially occluding a pulmonary artery is described. It is suggested that the \"graft\" resulted from one of many needle punctures.", "contents": "Pulmonary skin embolism: a case report. The incidental autopsy finding of an embolic fragment of skin partially occluding a pulmonary artery is described. It is suggested that the \"graft\" resulted from one of many needle punctures.", "PMID": 1004944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10092", "title": "Terminal ileitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis and appendicitis due to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis type VA: case report.", "content": "A case of terminal ileitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis and appendicitis is reported. Serological studies indicated infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis type VA. The patient's illness ran a chronic course necessitating resection of the terminal ileum. Histological examination of the appendix and a mesenteric lymph node in the acute stage revealed granulomas with central necrosis. This is the first human case in which the subtype VA has been identified.", "contents": "Terminal ileitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis and appendicitis due to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis type VA: case report. A case of terminal ileitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis and appendicitis is reported. Serological studies indicated infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis type VA. The patient's illness ran a chronic course necessitating resection of the terminal ileum. Histological examination of the appendix and a mesenteric lymph node in the acute stage revealed granulomas with central necrosis. This is the first human case in which the subtype VA has been identified.", "PMID": 1004946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10093", "title": "Changing clinical, morphological and immunological patterns in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.", "content": "Two cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are presented in which, in the terminal phase of the disease, a population of abnormal lymphocytes similar to those seen in lymphosarcoma cell leukaemia replaced the morphologically normal small lymphocytes observed previously. Immunologically, this change coincided with a striking alteration in the pattern of surface immunoglobulin markers. In both cases, most cells initially carried IgM and in both cases these were replaced by cells carrying IgG as the number of abnormal lymphocytes increased. In addition, the use of anti-delta antiserum in the second case revealed the coexistence of large numbers of IgD-bearing lymphocytes as well. Calculations showed that more than half the cells present at that time must have been carrying both IgD and IgG surface markers.", "contents": "Changing clinical, morphological and immunological patterns in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Two cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are presented in which, in the terminal phase of the disease, a population of abnormal lymphocytes similar to those seen in lymphosarcoma cell leukaemia replaced the morphologically normal small lymphocytes observed previously. Immunologically, this change coincided with a striking alteration in the pattern of surface immunoglobulin markers. In both cases, most cells initially carried IgM and in both cases these were replaced by cells carrying IgG as the number of abnormal lymphocytes increased. In addition, the use of anti-delta antiserum in the second case revealed the coexistence of large numbers of IgD-bearing lymphocytes as well. Calculations showed that more than half the cells present at that time must have been carrying both IgD and IgG surface markers.", "PMID": 1004947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10094", "title": "Catecholamine, indolealkylamine and calcium levels of human pineal glands in various clinical conditions.", "content": "One hundred and forty-four human pineal glands obtained at necropsy were analysed for their content of catecholamines, indolealkylamines and calcium and the findings related to sex, age, terminal illness and medication. A preliminary study of 45 pineal organs revealed no significant differences in amine pattern in glands removed 6-48 hours post mortem. A statistically significant difference of pineal weight, calcium and amine content could not be detected in glands of age-matched groups of male and female patients who died suddenly without apparent clinical illness. A highly significant correlation between pineal weight and calcium content was established in patients older than 60 years. Considerable variability of amine levels existed in all groups of patients. Adrenaline as well as noradrenaline were detected in most glands. This finding was corroborated by the formation of radioactively labelled adrenaline from noradrenaline and 14C-S-adenosylmethionine by extracts from human pineals. Dopamine was most abundant in glands from patients dying of malignant tumours. The content of the indolealkylamines (5-hydroxytryptamine and melatonine) varied between a few nanograms to 21 mug/g tissue. The highest mean calcium content was detected in glands of patients who died of renal disease associated with hypertension.", "contents": "Catecholamine, indolealkylamine and calcium levels of human pineal glands in various clinical conditions. One hundred and forty-four human pineal glands obtained at necropsy were analysed for their content of catecholamines, indolealkylamines and calcium and the findings related to sex, age, terminal illness and medication. A preliminary study of 45 pineal organs revealed no significant differences in amine pattern in glands removed 6-48 hours post mortem. A statistically significant difference of pineal weight, calcium and amine content could not be detected in glands of age-matched groups of male and female patients who died suddenly without apparent clinical illness. A highly significant correlation between pineal weight and calcium content was established in patients older than 60 years. Considerable variability of amine levels existed in all groups of patients. Adrenaline as well as noradrenaline were detected in most glands. This finding was corroborated by the formation of radioactively labelled adrenaline from noradrenaline and 14C-S-adenosylmethionine by extracts from human pineals. Dopamine was most abundant in glands from patients dying of malignant tumours. The content of the indolealkylamines (5-hydroxytryptamine and melatonine) varied between a few nanograms to 21 mug/g tissue. The highest mean calcium content was detected in glands of patients who died of renal disease associated with hypertension.", "PMID": 1004948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10095", "title": "The effects and morphology of atheroembolism in limb arteries: an experimental study.", "content": "Eroded atheromatous plaques which have released atheromatous material into the circulation are commonly found at autopsy in the abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries in man. In an attempt to study this phenomenon quantitatively, human atheromatous material in suspension was injected intothe femoral and common iliac arteries in rabbits. The weight of atheromatous material injected was varied. There was a critical load for the common iliac artery beyond which there was progressive ascending thrombosis and death of the animal. In rabbits weighing 3 to 5 kg, up to 0.2 g of atheromatous material could be injected intra-arterially with survival of the animal and without producing observable effects. As the amount was increased there was a narrow zone in which survival of the animal with a limp occurred. Beyond 0.2 g, death resulted from ascending thrombosis of the peripheral limb arteries. This eventually reached the bifurcation of the oarta and obstructed the opposite common iliac artery. A thrombus rapidly formed around the atheromatous material. Examination of the atherothrombus by light, transmission electron and scanning electron microscopy showed that it contained cholesterol crystals, lipid material, many platelets, leucocytes and red cells bound together within a fibrin net. The atheromatous material was for the most part in the core of the thrombus.", "contents": "The effects and morphology of atheroembolism in limb arteries: an experimental study. Eroded atheromatous plaques which have released atheromatous material into the circulation are commonly found at autopsy in the abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries in man. In an attempt to study this phenomenon quantitatively, human atheromatous material in suspension was injected intothe femoral and common iliac arteries in rabbits. The weight of atheromatous material injected was varied. There was a critical load for the common iliac artery beyond which there was progressive ascending thrombosis and death of the animal. In rabbits weighing 3 to 5 kg, up to 0.2 g of atheromatous material could be injected intra-arterially with survival of the animal and without producing observable effects. As the amount was increased there was a narrow zone in which survival of the animal with a limp occurred. Beyond 0.2 g, death resulted from ascending thrombosis of the peripheral limb arteries. This eventually reached the bifurcation of the oarta and obstructed the opposite common iliac artery. A thrombus rapidly formed around the atheromatous material. Examination of the atherothrombus by light, transmission electron and scanning electron microscopy showed that it contained cholesterol crystals, lipid material, many platelets, leucocytes and red cells bound together within a fibrin net. The atheromatous material was for the most part in the core of the thrombus.", "PMID": 1004949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10096", "title": "Necropsy findings in childhood leukaemia, emphasizing neutropenic enterocolitis and cerebral calcification.", "content": "In 50 necropsies on leukaemic children, the major cause of death was infection. In patients dying during therapy for induction or reinduction of remission, the most frequent infection was a distinctive neutropenic enterocolitis or typhlitis. This was seen in 46% of the whole series and was a major factor in the death in 38%. Other infections were predominantly bacterial pneumonia in patients in relapse, and viral disease, e.g. measles pneumonia, in those in remission. One patient treated for meningeal leukaemia showed an unusual linear calcification of the cortical grey matter.", "contents": "Necropsy findings in childhood leukaemia, emphasizing neutropenic enterocolitis and cerebral calcification. In 50 necropsies on leukaemic children, the major cause of death was infection. In patients dying during therapy for induction or reinduction of remission, the most frequent infection was a distinctive neutropenic enterocolitis or typhlitis. This was seen in 46% of the whole series and was a major factor in the death in 38%. Other infections were predominantly bacterial pneumonia in patients in relapse, and viral disease, e.g. measles pneumonia, in those in remission. One patient treated for meningeal leukaemia showed an unusual linear calcification of the cortical grey matter.", "PMID": 1004950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10097", "title": "Necrotizing and giant cell granulomatous phlebitis of caecum and ascending colon.", "content": "A distinctive form of necrotizing and granulomatous phlebitis of a segment of large intestine is described in a previously healthy 36-year-old woman who presented with sudden severe abdominal pain and diarrhoea. At operation the caecum and ascending colon were oedematous and inflamed and right hemicolectomy was performed. Microscopically there was striking involvement of veins in all coats of the bowel ranging from recent fibrinoid necrosis of the whole vessel wall in the case of the caecum, to more chronic giant cell granulomas in parts of the vessel wall with partial or complete occlusion of the lumen in ascending colon. Arteries and lymphatics were entirely spared of these changes. The aitiology of this condition has not been elucidated but the histological appearances and site of involvement suggest an immunological reaction to material absorbed from the bowel. No evidence of food or other allergies or of infection has been obtained. The patient remains symptom free after 18 months. This form of phlebitis does not appear to have been previously described.", "contents": "Necrotizing and giant cell granulomatous phlebitis of caecum and ascending colon. A distinctive form of necrotizing and granulomatous phlebitis of a segment of large intestine is described in a previously healthy 36-year-old woman who presented with sudden severe abdominal pain and diarrhoea. At operation the caecum and ascending colon were oedematous and inflamed and right hemicolectomy was performed. Microscopically there was striking involvement of veins in all coats of the bowel ranging from recent fibrinoid necrosis of the whole vessel wall in the case of the caecum, to more chronic giant cell granulomas in parts of the vessel wall with partial or complete occlusion of the lumen in ascending colon. Arteries and lymphatics were entirely spared of these changes. The aitiology of this condition has not been elucidated but the histological appearances and site of involvement suggest an immunological reaction to material absorbed from the bowel. No evidence of food or other allergies or of infection has been obtained. The patient remains symptom free after 18 months. This form of phlebitis does not appear to have been previously described.", "PMID": 1004951} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10098", "title": "A figure-density hypothesis and illusory contour brightness.", "content": "Perceived figures tend to have surface colour and to be comparatively dense in texture and saturated. These figure characteristics are found in many of the illusory contour figures examined heretofore but new figures presented here do not conform to these characteristics. Consequently, rather than explain subjective brightness effects as offshoots of figural processes, it may be better to begin with concepts of local brightness effects induced by the display, which are made perceptually effective when grouped by the eye.", "contents": "A figure-density hypothesis and illusory contour brightness. Perceived figures tend to have surface colour and to be comparatively dense in texture and saturated. These figure characteristics are found in many of the illusory contour figures examined heretofore but new figures presented here do not conform to these characteristics. Consequently, rather than explain subjective brightness effects as offshoots of figural processes, it may be better to begin with concepts of local brightness effects induced by the display, which are made perceptually effective when grouped by the eye.", "PMID": 1005016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10099", "title": "How good a bet is good form?", "content": "'Good form' theories of perception leave some latitude concerning how casually or cautiously order is imposed on the stimulus. Exploring this issue, the present experiment introduced a series of figures admitting up to three alternative 'good' readings. Eight college students estimated two angles in each of fifty-six pictured spatial forms. Theory predicted that geometrical regularities of rectangularity and symmetry would dominate their estimates. But a regularity would rarely appear when inconsistent with projective geometry and the given figure. The accuracy of subjects' estimates was also assessed. The results confirmed the hypotheses at high significance levels, arguing that such figures are interpreted through an order-imposing process restrained by projective geometry, and that subjects could make roughly accurate estimates based on the imposed order. Parallels with computer scene analysis are discussed. It is concluded that perceptual presumption of certain 'good forms' runs little risk of misinterpreting the stimulus.", "contents": "How good a bet is good form? 'Good form' theories of perception leave some latitude concerning how casually or cautiously order is imposed on the stimulus. Exploring this issue, the present experiment introduced a series of figures admitting up to three alternative 'good' readings. Eight college students estimated two angles in each of fifty-six pictured spatial forms. Theory predicted that geometrical regularities of rectangularity and symmetry would dominate their estimates. But a regularity would rarely appear when inconsistent with projective geometry and the given figure. The accuracy of subjects' estimates was also assessed. The results confirmed the hypotheses at high significance levels, arguing that such figures are interpreted through an order-imposing process restrained by projective geometry, and that subjects could make roughly accurate estimates based on the imposed order. Parallels with computer scene analysis are discussed. It is concluded that perceptual presumption of certain 'good forms' runs little risk of misinterpreting the stimulus.", "PMID": 1005017} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10100", "title": "Levels of feature analysis in processing visual patterns.", "content": "In this paper, a revised Pandemonium-like model of visual-feature processing is formulated and a preliminary test of its feasibility is reported. The model differentiates visual-feature processing into a series of hierarchical stages organized by increasing complexity, with the output of each stage going both to the next higher stage, and directly to a more central processor. In the experiment, subjects sorted decks of cards into piles according to the presence or absence of a target stimulus which differed from nontargets in a variety of different features; detection of a feature was sufficient for detection of a target. The data generally supported the revised Pandemonium model, in that targets which differed from nontargets in features thought to be low in the hierarchy were processed faster than targets whose difference was in a high level feature. An extension of the revised model did somewhat less well in predicting the results of sorting for targets in which detection of any one of several features was sufficient for target detection.", "contents": "Levels of feature analysis in processing visual patterns. In this paper, a revised Pandemonium-like model of visual-feature processing is formulated and a preliminary test of its feasibility is reported. The model differentiates visual-feature processing into a series of hierarchical stages organized by increasing complexity, with the output of each stage going both to the next higher stage, and directly to a more central processor. In the experiment, subjects sorted decks of cards into piles according to the presence or absence of a target stimulus which differed from nontargets in a variety of different features; detection of a feature was sufficient for detection of a target. The data generally supported the revised Pandemonium model, in that targets which differed from nontargets in features thought to be low in the hierarchy were processed faster than targets whose difference was in a high level feature. An extension of the revised model did somewhat less well in predicting the results of sorting for targets in which detection of any one of several features was sufficient for target detection.", "PMID": 1005018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10101", "title": "On the structure of texture.", "content": "This paper examines the structure underlying textural patterns. To this end, aspects of a model for texture are developed on the basis of both perceptual processes of the observer and structural properteries of the patterns. Local constructs called primitives serve as generators for globally perfect, but unobservable, ideal textures. Study of the graph representation of these ideal textures reveals the basic regularity underlying visual textures. These perfect patterns are then transformed into observable textures by transformations which must not violate psychophysically based restrictions. Interpretively ambiguous textural patterns are used to demonstrate the influence that local primitives have on the formation of global pattern organizations.", "contents": "On the structure of texture. This paper examines the structure underlying textural patterns. To this end, aspects of a model for texture are developed on the basis of both perceptual processes of the observer and structural properteries of the patterns. Local constructs called primitives serve as generators for globally perfect, but unobservable, ideal textures. Study of the graph representation of these ideal textures reveals the basic regularity underlying visual textures. These perfect patterns are then transformed into observable textures by transformations which must not violate psychophysically based restrictions. Interpretively ambiguous textural patterns are used to demonstrate the influence that local primitives have on the formation of global pattern organizations.", "PMID": 1005019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10102", "title": "A theory of visual control of braking based on information about time-to-collision.", "content": "A theory is presented of how a driver might visually control his braking. A mathematical analysis of the changing optic array at the driver's eye indicates that the simplest type of visual information, which would be sufficient for controlling braking and would also be likely to be easily picked up by the driver, is information about time-to-collision, rather than information about distance, speed, or acceleration/deceleration. It is shown how the driver could, in principle, use visual information about time-to-collision in registering when he is on a collision course, in judging when to start braking, and in controlling his ongoing braking. Implications of the theory for safe speeds and safe following distances are discussed, taking into account visual angular velocity detection thresholds, and some suggestions are made as to how safety on the roads might be improved.", "contents": "A theory of visual control of braking based on information about time-to-collision. A theory is presented of how a driver might visually control his braking. A mathematical analysis of the changing optic array at the driver's eye indicates that the simplest type of visual information, which would be sufficient for controlling braking and would also be likely to be easily picked up by the driver, is information about time-to-collision, rather than information about distance, speed, or acceleration/deceleration. It is shown how the driver could, in principle, use visual information about time-to-collision in registering when he is on a collision course, in judging when to start braking, and in controlling his ongoing braking. Implications of the theory for safe speeds and safe following distances are discussed, taking into account visual angular velocity detection thresholds, and some suggestions are made as to how safety on the roads might be improved.", "PMID": 1005020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10103", "title": "Facilitation of stereopsis from a large disparity random-dot stereogram by various monocular features: further findings (a short note).", "content": "This experiment examined the effects of adding five different kinds of prominent monocular features to a large-disparity random-dot stereogram. It was found that features which enclosed the disparate area produced the shortest initial perception times for fusion. The longer initial perception times for stimuli containing features without this enclosing property are explained in terms of less-helpful guidance of saccadic eye movements prior to the establishment of fusion. Subsequent reductions in perception times for these latter stimuli could be due to perceptual learning within the eye movement control system.", "contents": "Facilitation of stereopsis from a large disparity random-dot stereogram by various monocular features: further findings (a short note). This experiment examined the effects of adding five different kinds of prominent monocular features to a large-disparity random-dot stereogram. It was found that features which enclosed the disparate area produced the shortest initial perception times for fusion. The longer initial perception times for stimuli containing features without this enclosing property are explained in terms of less-helpful guidance of saccadic eye movements prior to the establishment of fusion. Subsequent reductions in perception times for these latter stimuli could be due to perceptual learning within the eye movement control system.", "PMID": 1005021} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10104", "title": "Sensory interaction: vision is modulated by hearing.", "content": "An irrelevant noise was turned on at various points during a visual reaction-time task. Latencies were reliably smaller than on quiet trials, provided the noise was turned on when a subject was looking at a relevant visual stimulus. This effect occurred regardless of whether the distribution of interstimulus intervals was constant or varied during a session, as well as independently of a subject's base rate of response and level of practice in the task. But it disappeared if reaction times in completely noisy sessions were compared to performances in quiet stimulated by a test form, but not with the particular ear stimulated by a noise. A model is suggested for these and related results in which the arousal elicited by a loud sound in the central nervous system either activates associative memories of form, inhibits early components of striate cortical unit response to the intensive properties of a visual stimulus, or both.", "contents": "Sensory interaction: vision is modulated by hearing. An irrelevant noise was turned on at various points during a visual reaction-time task. Latencies were reliably smaller than on quiet trials, provided the noise was turned on when a subject was looking at a relevant visual stimulus. This effect occurred regardless of whether the distribution of interstimulus intervals was constant or varied during a session, as well as independently of a subject's base rate of response and level of practice in the task. But it disappeared if reaction times in completely noisy sessions were compared to performances in quiet stimulated by a test form, but not with the particular ear stimulated by a noise. A model is suggested for these and related results in which the arousal elicited by a loud sound in the central nervous system either activates associative memories of form, inhibits early components of striate cortical unit response to the intensive properties of a visual stimulus, or both.", "PMID": 1005022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10105", "title": "Sun figure: an illusory diffuse contour resulting from an arrangement of dots.", "content": "A set of black dots grouped on a white background to create an impression of radiating lines which fade towards the centre makes possible a percept of a central glow.", "contents": "Sun figure: an illusory diffuse contour resulting from an arrangement of dots. A set of black dots grouped on a white background to create an impression of radiating lines which fade towards the centre makes possible a percept of a central glow.", "PMID": 1005023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10106", "title": "Heparin treatment in severe preeclampsia and glomerulonephritis in pregnancy.", "content": "Thirty patients have been treated with heparin during pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. Twenty had severe preclamptic toxemia. Five presented before 30 weeks and in addition had low estriol levels and high blood ureas. The chance of a successful pregnancy in such patients is very low indeed; however 3 of these 5 patients had living babies. Even in patients presenting after 30 weeks of gestation, if severe preeclampsia is accompanied by low estriol levels and high blood urea levels, the anticipated fetal survival is poor. However, all 5 patients in this group were treated with heparin and had living babies. In the small group of patients with glomerulonephritis, there was a suggestion that heparin treatment may have been of value. Biopsy studies suggested that heparin may help to prevent lesions in arteries and arterioles which have been noted to develop in association with preeclamptic toxemia. In four patients treated in the postpartum period, there was possible benefit in terms of renal function, intravascular coagulation, vessel lesions, and subsequent successful pregnancies.", "contents": "Heparin treatment in severe preeclampsia and glomerulonephritis in pregnancy. Thirty patients have been treated with heparin during pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. Twenty had severe preclamptic toxemia. Five presented before 30 weeks and in addition had low estriol levels and high blood ureas. The chance of a successful pregnancy in such patients is very low indeed; however 3 of these 5 patients had living babies. Even in patients presenting after 30 weeks of gestation, if severe preeclampsia is accompanied by low estriol levels and high blood urea levels, the anticipated fetal survival is poor. However, all 5 patients in this group were treated with heparin and had living babies. In the small group of patients with glomerulonephritis, there was a suggestion that heparin treatment may have been of value. Biopsy studies suggested that heparin may help to prevent lesions in arteries and arterioles which have been noted to develop in association with preeclamptic toxemia. In four patients treated in the postpartum period, there was possible benefit in terms of renal function, intravascular coagulation, vessel lesions, and subsequent successful pregnancies.", "PMID": 1005029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10107", "title": "Maternal uterine vascular lesions in the hypertensive complications of pregnancy.", "content": "To establich hemochorial placentation, the nonvillous trophoblast breaches the spiral arteries in the basal decidua and later migrates down the arteries as far as the parent radial arteries in the myometrium. Interactions between the endovascular trophoblast and the tissues of the maternal vessel wall (physiological changes) adapt these arteries to the uteroplacental arteries, and these large caliber vessels empty into the intervillous space. Loss of reactive musculoelastic vascular tissue results in a lowering of peripheral resistance, permitting a greatly increased blood flow into the intervillous space. In preeclamptic pregnancies, there is inhibition of the secondary endovascular trophoblast migration in the second trimester, so that the myometrial segments of the uteroplacental arteries remain as responseive musculoelastic arteries. With the onset of clinical preeclampsia, acute atherosis, a necrotizing arteriopathy, affects small muscular arteries in the placental bed and arterioles in the decidua vera. When essential hypertension is complicated by preeclampsia, the placental bed arteries show a combination of hyperplastic arteriosclerosis and acute atherosis. There is evidence that the establishment of hemochorial placentation requires controlled immunological reactions between fetal and maternal tissues and that an inappropriate immune response may be involved in the pathogenesis of the arteriopathy of preeclampsia.", "contents": "Maternal uterine vascular lesions in the hypertensive complications of pregnancy. To establich hemochorial placentation, the nonvillous trophoblast breaches the spiral arteries in the basal decidua and later migrates down the arteries as far as the parent radial arteries in the myometrium. Interactions between the endovascular trophoblast and the tissues of the maternal vessel wall (physiological changes) adapt these arteries to the uteroplacental arteries, and these large caliber vessels empty into the intervillous space. Loss of reactive musculoelastic vascular tissue results in a lowering of peripheral resistance, permitting a greatly increased blood flow into the intervillous space. In preeclamptic pregnancies, there is inhibition of the secondary endovascular trophoblast migration in the second trimester, so that the myometrial segments of the uteroplacental arteries remain as responseive musculoelastic arteries. With the onset of clinical preeclampsia, acute atherosis, a necrotizing arteriopathy, affects small muscular arteries in the placental bed and arterioles in the decidua vera. When essential hypertension is complicated by preeclampsia, the placental bed arteries show a combination of hyperplastic arteriosclerosis and acute atherosis. There is evidence that the establishment of hemochorial placentation requires controlled immunological reactions between fetal and maternal tissues and that an inappropriate immune response may be involved in the pathogenesis of the arteriopathy of preeclampsia.", "PMID": 1005030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10108", "title": "Pregnancy, outcome as related to hypertension, edema, and proteinuria.", "content": "Clinical variables of blood pressure, proteinuria, edema, and maternal weight have been studied extensively, with particular reference to associated adverse fetal and infant outcomes. The levels of these variables, as well as their relative patterns of change with advancing pregnancy, were investigated by several analytic methods. It was determined that diastolic blood pressure and proteinuria, alone and in combination, profect on fetal and infant outcomes to enable us to create an empirical classification of gravidas whose fetuses were probably at risk. The results must be considered preliminary in view of the fact that the work is still in progress.", "contents": "Pregnancy, outcome as related to hypertension, edema, and proteinuria. Clinical variables of blood pressure, proteinuria, edema, and maternal weight have been studied extensively, with particular reference to associated adverse fetal and infant outcomes. The levels of these variables, as well as their relative patterns of change with advancing pregnancy, were investigated by several analytic methods. It was determined that diastolic blood pressure and proteinuria, alone and in combination, profect on fetal and infant outcomes to enable us to create an empirical classification of gravidas whose fetuses were probably at risk. The results must be considered preliminary in view of the fact that the work is still in progress.", "PMID": 1005031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10109", "title": "The differential diagnosis between preeclamptic toxemia and glomerulonephritis in patients with proteinuria during pregnancy.", "content": "The renal biopsies from 123 patients who presented with proteinuria during pregnancy have been reviewed. Forty-seven showed glomerulonephritis that could be diagnosed on morphological grounds or on a clear-cut history of urine abnormalities before pregnancy. Fifty of the remaining 76 had been followed after pregnancy. In these 50 patients, a retrospective diagnosis of glomerulonephritis or preeclamptic toxemia was based on the persistence or disappearance of proteinuria and/or hematuria three or more months after pregnancy. Among 22 in whom a biopsy diagnosis of \"pure\" preeclamptic toxemia had been made, 19 showed disappearance of urine abnormalities after pregnancy, thus confirming the biopsy diagnosis. A retrospective analysis showed focal and segmental glomeris group but none in the preeclamptic toxemia group. Other differences could not be defined without quantitative evaluation; however, the glomeruli appeared to be more cellular in the glomerulonephritis group. The presence of IgA, IgG, IgM, Complement, and fibrin was not of value in distinguishing glomerulonephritis from preeclamptic toxemia.", "contents": "The differential diagnosis between preeclamptic toxemia and glomerulonephritis in patients with proteinuria during pregnancy. The renal biopsies from 123 patients who presented with proteinuria during pregnancy have been reviewed. Forty-seven showed glomerulonephritis that could be diagnosed on morphological grounds or on a clear-cut history of urine abnormalities before pregnancy. Fifty of the remaining 76 had been followed after pregnancy. In these 50 patients, a retrospective diagnosis of glomerulonephritis or preeclamptic toxemia was based on the persistence or disappearance of proteinuria and/or hematuria three or more months after pregnancy. Among 22 in whom a biopsy diagnosis of \"pure\" preeclamptic toxemia had been made, 19 showed disappearance of urine abnormalities after pregnancy, thus confirming the biopsy diagnosis. A retrospective analysis showed focal and segmental glomeris group but none in the preeclamptic toxemia group. Other differences could not be defined without quantitative evaluation; however, the glomeruli appeared to be more cellular in the glomerulonephritis group. The presence of IgA, IgG, IgM, Complement, and fibrin was not of value in distinguishing glomerulonephritis from preeclamptic toxemia.", "PMID": 1005033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10110", "title": "Soidum requirement of the rat during pregnancy.", "content": "The sodium requirement for the pregnant rat was established on the basis of a series of studies in which the following parameters were investigated on varying levels of soidum intake: sodium retention, plasma and tissue sodium concentrations, hematocrit, juxtaglomerular index (JGI), zona glomerulosa (ZG) width, ultrastructure of the ZG cell, and aldosterone-producing capacity of the ZG cell. The recommended level of 26 mEq sodium/100 g diet was identified as the level of intake that permitted the pregnant rat to achieve the homeostatic adjustment to sodium need with as little apparent stress on the JGI and ZG as in nonpregnant rats; as a criterion, we used thepoint in the continuum of physiological adjustment where the first recognizable changes in cellular morphology could be identified. These data, along with addtional data on blood pressure and renal medullary lipid concentration, indicate that during pregnancy a chronology of events occurs which suggests a working model for the maintenance of sodium homeostasis and blood pressure regulation.", "contents": "Soidum requirement of the rat during pregnancy. The sodium requirement for the pregnant rat was established on the basis of a series of studies in which the following parameters were investigated on varying levels of soidum intake: sodium retention, plasma and tissue sodium concentrations, hematocrit, juxtaglomerular index (JGI), zona glomerulosa (ZG) width, ultrastructure of the ZG cell, and aldosterone-producing capacity of the ZG cell. The recommended level of 26 mEq sodium/100 g diet was identified as the level of intake that permitted the pregnant rat to achieve the homeostatic adjustment to sodium need with as little apparent stress on the JGI and ZG as in nonpregnant rats; as a criterion, we used thepoint in the continuum of physiological adjustment where the first recognizable changes in cellular morphology could be identified. These data, along with addtional data on blood pressure and renal medullary lipid concentration, indicate that during pregnancy a chronology of events occurs which suggests a working model for the maintenance of sodium homeostasis and blood pressure regulation.", "PMID": 1005035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10111", "title": "The effect of estrogens on renal sodium excretion in the dog.", "content": "The effects of estrogens on electrolyte balances were studied in dogs. In doses of 1 mg or 250 mug/day, 17 beta-estradiol produced moderate sodium retention, whereas 100 mug/day produced only slight sodium retention. Estriol produced about the same degree of sodium retention as did estradiol. The administration of estradiol during the injection of large doses of DOCA produced the same degree of sodium retention as estradiol administered alone. Also, the injection of DOCA to estrogen-treated dogs resulted in a transitory sodium retention, followed by a sodium escape and a return to the previous balance level. Estradiol given to dogs with an arteriovenous shunt that had failed previously to show sodium escape during treatment with DOCA produced the same degree of sodium retention as that observed during estradiol administration to normal dogs. Five adrenalectomized dogs maintained on cortisone and DOCA had normal sodium balances during the control period but showed a retention of sodium during the administration of estradiol; administration. Four adrenalectomized dogs maintained only on cortisone were in negative sodium balance during the control period, but during estradiol treatment they showed a retention of sodium. These studies provide evidence that estrogens promote sodium retention in dogs by mechanisms other than by decreasing the glomerular filtration rate, increasing the secretion rates of adrenal steroids, or affecting the sodium escape mechanism. It is suggested that estrogens might act directly on the renal tubules at receptors other than those for the adrenal mineralocorticoids to produce sodium retention.", "contents": "The effect of estrogens on renal sodium excretion in the dog. The effects of estrogens on electrolyte balances were studied in dogs. In doses of 1 mg or 250 mug/day, 17 beta-estradiol produced moderate sodium retention, whereas 100 mug/day produced only slight sodium retention. Estriol produced about the same degree of sodium retention as did estradiol. The administration of estradiol during the injection of large doses of DOCA produced the same degree of sodium retention as estradiol administered alone. Also, the injection of DOCA to estrogen-treated dogs resulted in a transitory sodium retention, followed by a sodium escape and a return to the previous balance level. Estradiol given to dogs with an arteriovenous shunt that had failed previously to show sodium escape during treatment with DOCA produced the same degree of sodium retention as that observed during estradiol administration to normal dogs. Five adrenalectomized dogs maintained on cortisone and DOCA had normal sodium balances during the control period but showed a retention of sodium during the administration of estradiol; administration. Four adrenalectomized dogs maintained only on cortisone were in negative sodium balance during the control period, but during estradiol treatment they showed a retention of sodium. These studies provide evidence that estrogens promote sodium retention in dogs by mechanisms other than by decreasing the glomerular filtration rate, increasing the secretion rates of adrenal steroids, or affecting the sodium escape mechanism. It is suggested that estrogens might act directly on the renal tubules at receptors other than those for the adrenal mineralocorticoids to produce sodium retention.", "PMID": 1005038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10112", "title": "Studies of the renin-angiotension-aldosterone system, cortisol, DOC, and ADH in normal and hypertensive pregnancy.", "content": "Compared with a group of normal pregnant women, matched for age, parity, posture, and length of gestation, women with hypertension and proteinuria in the last trimester had significantly lower plasma concentrations of renin, renin substrate and angiotensin II. Plasma aldosterone and DOC concentrations were also lower in the hypertensive group. The plasma levels of cortisol, corticosterone, and ADH showed no significant difference. Plasma renin concentration was raised throughout normal pregnancy, and part of this increase appeared to be due to the presence of an inactive form of renin. Plasma concentrations of renin substrate, angiotensin II, and aldosterone were also raised in normal pregnant women, but concurrent measurement of these substances showed no significant relationship between them, renin, and plasma electrolytes in mid- or late gestation. A study of five women in the weeks immediately after conception showed increases in plasma angiotensin II and aldosterone concentrations, which were significantly related at this very early stage of pregnancy. Total 24-hour urinary sodium increased gradually from about two weeks after gestation to the end of the study five weeks later. This increase was due mainly to a rise in overnight sodium excretion, with a fall in the day/night ratio. No relationship was found between plasma angiotension II or aldosterone concentrations and day, night, or total 24 hour sodium excretion.", "contents": "Studies of the renin-angiotension-aldosterone system, cortisol, DOC, and ADH in normal and hypertensive pregnancy. Compared with a group of normal pregnant women, matched for age, parity, posture, and length of gestation, women with hypertension and proteinuria in the last trimester had significantly lower plasma concentrations of renin, renin substrate and angiotensin II. Plasma aldosterone and DOC concentrations were also lower in the hypertensive group. The plasma levels of cortisol, corticosterone, and ADH showed no significant difference. Plasma renin concentration was raised throughout normal pregnancy, and part of this increase appeared to be due to the presence of an inactive form of renin. Plasma concentrations of renin substrate, angiotensin II, and aldosterone were also raised in normal pregnant women, but concurrent measurement of these substances showed no significant relationship between them, renin, and plasma electrolytes in mid- or late gestation. A study of five women in the weeks immediately after conception showed increases in plasma angiotensin II and aldosterone concentrations, which were significantly related at this very early stage of pregnancy. Total 24-hour urinary sodium increased gradually from about two weeks after gestation to the end of the study five weeks later. This increase was due mainly to a rise in overnight sodium excretion, with a fall in the day/night ratio. No relationship was found between plasma angiotension II or aldosterone concentrations and day, night, or total 24 hour sodium excretion.", "PMID": 1005039} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10113", "title": "Sequential changes in the renin--angiotensin--aldosterone systems and plasma progesterone concentration in normal and abnormal human pregnancy.", "content": "To investigate the role of components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and plasma progesterone concentrations in the pathophysiology of hypertension in pregnancy, sequential measurements were made throughout pregnancy in 45 normotensive subjects, 41 other pregnant patients in whom hypertension became manifest only during pregnancy and 26 patients with chronic hypertension antedating pregnancy. Among the normotensive subjects plasma renin activity and substrate, plasma aldosterone and progesterone concentrations were elevated as early as the sixth week of gestation. While consistent, progressive, further increases were noted in renin substrate, aldosterone and pregesterone concentrations during pregnancy, plasma renin activity did not continue to rise. In both hypertensive groups, plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration were significantly suppressed during the last trimester despite levels of renin substrate and progesterone that were not significantly different than those observed in normotensive pregnancy. These observations confirm earlier studies reporting suppression near term of plasma renin activity in toxemia and indicate from these prospective observations that they are secondary effects. These studies, in addition, demonstrate parallel suppression of plasma aldosterone concentration in toxemia. The current report also indicates that this suppression is not due to a decrease in renin substrate concentration and that a hypothesized deficiency of plasma progesterone, which was not observed in the hypertensive subjects, does not play a permissive role in the development of hypertension.", "contents": "Sequential changes in the renin--angiotensin--aldosterone systems and plasma progesterone concentration in normal and abnormal human pregnancy. To investigate the role of components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and plasma progesterone concentrations in the pathophysiology of hypertension in pregnancy, sequential measurements were made throughout pregnancy in 45 normotensive subjects, 41 other pregnant patients in whom hypertension became manifest only during pregnancy and 26 patients with chronic hypertension antedating pregnancy. Among the normotensive subjects plasma renin activity and substrate, plasma aldosterone and progesterone concentrations were elevated as early as the sixth week of gestation. While consistent, progressive, further increases were noted in renin substrate, aldosterone and pregesterone concentrations during pregnancy, plasma renin activity did not continue to rise. In both hypertensive groups, plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration were significantly suppressed during the last trimester despite levels of renin substrate and progesterone that were not significantly different than those observed in normotensive pregnancy. These observations confirm earlier studies reporting suppression near term of plasma renin activity in toxemia and indicate from these prospective observations that they are secondary effects. These studies, in addition, demonstrate parallel suppression of plasma aldosterone concentration in toxemia. The current report also indicates that this suppression is not due to a decrease in renin substrate concentration and that a hypothesized deficiency of plasma progesterone, which was not observed in the hypertensive subjects, does not play a permissive role in the development of hypertension.", "PMID": 1005040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10114", "title": "Remote prognosis after eclampsia.", "content": "Of 270 women who survived eclampsia in the period 1931 through 1951, all but three were traced in 1974. In white women having eclampsia as primiparas, neither the remote mortality nor the prevalence of hypertension is increased over that in unselected women matched for age. Both are increased significantly in white women having eclampsia as multiparas and in the 24 black women in the study. The excess of remote deaths among the multiparous eclamptic women is accounted for by the lethal consequences of hypertensive disease. Repeated hypertensive pregnancies after eclampsia are often a sign of latent essential hypertension and may precipitate prematurely a chronic hypertension that is in the making. The prevalence of diabetes of late onset is increased over the expected rate in both primiparous and multiparous eclamptic women. It is concluded that eclampsia is neither a sign of latent hypertensive nor of renal disease, and it does not cause chronic hypertension, whatever the duration of the acute hypertensive phase.", "contents": "Remote prognosis after eclampsia. Of 270 women who survived eclampsia in the period 1931 through 1951, all but three were traced in 1974. In white women having eclampsia as primiparas, neither the remote mortality nor the prevalence of hypertension is increased over that in unselected women matched for age. Both are increased significantly in white women having eclampsia as multiparas and in the 24 black women in the study. The excess of remote deaths among the multiparous eclamptic women is accounted for by the lethal consequences of hypertensive disease. Repeated hypertensive pregnancies after eclampsia are often a sign of latent essential hypertension and may precipitate prematurely a chronic hypertension that is in the making. The prevalence of diabetes of late onset is increased over the expected rate in both primiparous and multiparous eclamptic women. It is concluded that eclampsia is neither a sign of latent hypertensive nor of renal disease, and it does not cause chronic hypertension, whatever the duration of the acute hypertensive phase.", "PMID": 1005044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10115", "title": "Urinary kallikrein in normal and hypertensive pregnancies.", "content": "Urinary kallikrein was measured in normal pregnant women stages of gestation and in women who developed hypertension in late pregnancy. Mean urinary kallikrein was highest in the first trimester and fell significantly in the third trimester to nonpregnosterone system. A negative correlation was observed between urinary kallikrein and the length of gestation in normal pregnancy. Urinary kallikrein fell significantly below nonpregnant levels in patients with hypertension while the renal excretion of sodium and water was not different from that in normal pregnancy of the same dy is discussed in the light of factors known to increase kallikrein excretion. It is considered unlikely that this elevation is due to the escape from the sodium-retaining effect of the high aldosterone of pregnancy. It may be due in part to the stimulating effect of raised angiotensin II levels but it is considered most likely to be the effect of a circulating renal vasodilator. The reduced kallikrein in hypertension of pregnancy may play a part in the development of the hypertension and resembles the reduced kallikrein excretion in essential hypertension.", "contents": "Urinary kallikrein in normal and hypertensive pregnancies. Urinary kallikrein was measured in normal pregnant women stages of gestation and in women who developed hypertension in late pregnancy. Mean urinary kallikrein was highest in the first trimester and fell significantly in the third trimester to nonpregnosterone system. A negative correlation was observed between urinary kallikrein and the length of gestation in normal pregnancy. Urinary kallikrein fell significantly below nonpregnant levels in patients with hypertension while the renal excretion of sodium and water was not different from that in normal pregnancy of the same dy is discussed in the light of factors known to increase kallikrein excretion. It is considered unlikely that this elevation is due to the escape from the sodium-retaining effect of the high aldosterone of pregnancy. It may be due in part to the stimulating effect of raised angiotensin II levels but it is considered most likely to be the effect of a circulating renal vasodilator. The reduced kallikrein in hypertension of pregnancy may play a part in the development of the hypertension and resembles the reduced kallikrein excretion in essential hypertension.", "PMID": 1005045} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10116", "title": "Uteroplacental hemodynamic response to antihypertensive drugs in hypertensive pregnant sheep.", "content": "The production of renal hypertension by single renal artery constriction in pregnant sheep decreases uteroplacental blood flow. This decrease in uteroplacental perfusion persits for 7-10 days and then returns to normal control levels despite the persistence of hypertension. During hypertension the uteroplacental vascular bed is dependent upon the elevated arterial pressure for perfusion. Therefore, a pharmacologic lowering of this perfusion pressure may reduce uteroplacental blood flow. Antihypertensive agents whose major effect is the lower vascular resistance will tend to reduce uteroplacental blood flow, while those agents which increase cardiac output in addition to lowering the vascular resistance, will tend to maintain or increase uterine blood flow. Of the specific agents tested, hydralazine, which has a positive inotropic and chronotropic effect on the heart, was the only one that consistently increased uteroplacental blood flow. Blockade of these beta-mimetic effects resulted in a fall in uterine blood flow as the perfusion pressure was reduced.", "contents": "Uteroplacental hemodynamic response to antihypertensive drugs in hypertensive pregnant sheep. The production of renal hypertension by single renal artery constriction in pregnant sheep decreases uteroplacental blood flow. This decrease in uteroplacental perfusion persits for 7-10 days and then returns to normal control levels despite the persistence of hypertension. During hypertension the uteroplacental vascular bed is dependent upon the elevated arterial pressure for perfusion. Therefore, a pharmacologic lowering of this perfusion pressure may reduce uteroplacental blood flow. Antihypertensive agents whose major effect is the lower vascular resistance will tend to reduce uteroplacental blood flow, while those agents which increase cardiac output in addition to lowering the vascular resistance, will tend to maintain or increase uterine blood flow. Of the specific agents tested, hydralazine, which has a positive inotropic and chronotropic effect on the heart, was the only one that consistently increased uteroplacental blood flow. Blockade of these beta-mimetic effects resulted in a fall in uterine blood flow as the perfusion pressure was reduced.", "PMID": 1005048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10117", "title": "Disseminated intravascular coagulation and experimental disease models in pregnancy.", "content": "The feeding of a diet containing oxidized lipids and low in vitamin E to pregnant rats induced the generalized Shwartzman reaction. The etiologic factor or factors can be concentrated by molecular distillation of the oxidized lipid. The addition of large amounts of tocopherol prevents the appearance of the disease. Oral administration of antibotics reduces the incidence of the disease by a factor of four. Pathological changes in the placenta consist of degeneration of the trophoblast, thrombosis and fibrin deposition in maternal vascular spaces, congestion of maternal blood spaces, hemorrhage into the uterine cavity, placental separation, intrauterin fetal death, decidual or uterine vein thrombosis, placentitis (10% of the cases), and fetal resorption.", "contents": "Disseminated intravascular coagulation and experimental disease models in pregnancy. The feeding of a diet containing oxidized lipids and low in vitamin E to pregnant rats induced the generalized Shwartzman reaction. The etiologic factor or factors can be concentrated by molecular distillation of the oxidized lipid. The addition of large amounts of tocopherol prevents the appearance of the disease. Oral administration of antibotics reduces the incidence of the disease by a factor of four. Pathological changes in the placenta consist of degeneration of the trophoblast, thrombosis and fibrin deposition in maternal vascular spaces, congestion of maternal blood spaces, hemorrhage into the uterine cavity, placental separation, intrauterin fetal death, decidual or uterine vein thrombosis, placentitis (10% of the cases), and fetal resorption.", "PMID": 1005050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10118", "title": "Factors that influence maternal mortality in eclampsia.", "content": "Three hundred sixty-five cases of eclampsia, including 49 women who died, were analyzed in order to determine factors which led to death. The age of the patient was clearly the most important factor. Older women tended to have coexisting renal and vascular disease and also manifested more hematologic abnormalities, in particular, disseminated intravascular coagulation. Other important factors leading to death were twin pregnancies, delay in hospitalization, failure to terminate the pregnancy, and the physician's unawareness of the severity of the mother's disease. The mortality after cesarean section was the same as in women delivered vaginally.", "contents": "Factors that influence maternal mortality in eclampsia. Three hundred sixty-five cases of eclampsia, including 49 women who died, were analyzed in order to determine factors which led to death. The age of the patient was clearly the most important factor. Older women tended to have coexisting renal and vascular disease and also manifested more hematologic abnormalities, in particular, disseminated intravascular coagulation. Other important factors leading to death were twin pregnancies, delay in hospitalization, failure to terminate the pregnancy, and the physician's unawareness of the severity of the mother's disease. The mortality after cesarean section was the same as in women delivered vaginally.", "PMID": 1005051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10119", "title": "The rat as a model for preeclampsia.", "content": "Several methods were used in an attempt to produce preeclampsia in the pregnant rat. Desoxycorticosterone acetate plus increased NaCl intake produced hypertension, proteinuria, rapid weight gain, convulsions, decreased litter size, decreased offspring weight, increased fetal and maternal mortality, and renal lesions similar to those seen in human preeclampsia. Injection of placenta in Freund's adjuvant produced mild blood pressure elevation and proteinuria in the pregnant rat. Rabbit antirat placenta serum produced hypertension in the pregnant rat but not in the nonpregnant rat. Liver congestion and renal glomerular congestion were observed in both pregnant and non-pregnant rats. Pregnancy in the rat reduced hypertension produced by applying a Goldblatt clamp prior to breeding. Uterine ischemia produced by wrapping the uterus in cellophane produced mild blood pressure elevation and proteinuria. A vitamin-E-deficient diet that contained substantial amounts of partially perioxidized, polyunsaturated fatty acids produced morphological lesions in the pregnant rat similar to those seen in human preeclampsia, but hypertension, edema, and proteinuria were absent. None of the maneuvers was effective in producing a complete model of human preeclampsia, but they do provide material for study that could answer somebasic questions about preeclampsia.", "contents": "The rat as a model for preeclampsia. Several methods were used in an attempt to produce preeclampsia in the pregnant rat. Desoxycorticosterone acetate plus increased NaCl intake produced hypertension, proteinuria, rapid weight gain, convulsions, decreased litter size, decreased offspring weight, increased fetal and maternal mortality, and renal lesions similar to those seen in human preeclampsia. Injection of placenta in Freund's adjuvant produced mild blood pressure elevation and proteinuria in the pregnant rat. Rabbit antirat placenta serum produced hypertension in the pregnant rat but not in the nonpregnant rat. Liver congestion and renal glomerular congestion were observed in both pregnant and non-pregnant rats. Pregnancy in the rat reduced hypertension produced by applying a Goldblatt clamp prior to breeding. Uterine ischemia produced by wrapping the uterus in cellophane produced mild blood pressure elevation and proteinuria. A vitamin-E-deficient diet that contained substantial amounts of partially perioxidized, polyunsaturated fatty acids produced morphological lesions in the pregnant rat similar to those seen in human preeclampsia, but hypertension, edema, and proteinuria were absent. None of the maneuvers was effective in producing a complete model of human preeclampsia, but they do provide material for study that could answer somebasic questions about preeclampsia.", "PMID": 1005052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10120", "title": "Nonhuman primate models of toxemia of pregnancy.", "content": "Hypertension in the nonpregnant and pregnant nonhuman primate is not found frequently by research investigators. Its incidence is probably infrequent. No well-defined clinical syndrome analogous to toxemia of human pregnancy has been described. The experimental induction of the disease in pregnant nonhuman primates has been difficult. Although there would be an important role for such an animal model, its discovery does not appear imminent.", "contents": "Nonhuman primate models of toxemia of pregnancy. Hypertension in the nonpregnant and pregnant nonhuman primate is not found frequently by research investigators. Its incidence is probably infrequent. No well-defined clinical syndrome analogous to toxemia of human pregnancy has been described. The experimental induction of the disease in pregnant nonhuman primates has been difficult. Although there would be an important role for such an animal model, its discovery does not appear imminent.", "PMID": 1005053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10121", "title": "Proteinuria and the renal lesion in preeclampsia and abruptio placentae.", "content": "The defect in glomerular permeability that leads to proteinuria can be assessed by determining the relative clearance of macromolecules of known but different dimensions, that is, glomerular selectivity. Such estimates can be made using naturally occurring plasma proteins and dextran or polyvinylpyrrolidone injected into the circulation. In preeclampsia, protein and dextran selectivities show good concordance. The proteinuria is intermediate in its selectivity. These findings confirm that proteinuria is glomerular in origin and that the glomerular abnormality is uniform throughout the majority of functioning glomeruli. In abruptio, protein selectivity is very low and dextran selectivity is high. This pattern is seen also in acute ischemic renal failure and suggests that the true glomerular functional defect is actually less severe than in preeclampsia and that much of the protein in the urine in abruptio is postglomerular in origin. The structural lesion in preeclampsia is \"characteristic\" only in the sense that a number of individual components of glomerular injury, which are themselves commonly seen in other glomerular disorders, occur in a particular balance, and not because of any single unique or specific feature. The important components--that is, endothelial swelling, mesangial cytoplasmic activity, subendothelial deposits, and occational thrombosis of the afferent arterioles--all occur, albeit to a lesser degree, in abruptio placentae, as well as in other glomerular disorders in which intravascular coagulation is a primary cause or plays a major role.", "contents": "Proteinuria and the renal lesion in preeclampsia and abruptio placentae. The defect in glomerular permeability that leads to proteinuria can be assessed by determining the relative clearance of macromolecules of known but different dimensions, that is, glomerular selectivity. Such estimates can be made using naturally occurring plasma proteins and dextran or polyvinylpyrrolidone injected into the circulation. In preeclampsia, protein and dextran selectivities show good concordance. The proteinuria is intermediate in its selectivity. These findings confirm that proteinuria is glomerular in origin and that the glomerular abnormality is uniform throughout the majority of functioning glomeruli. In abruptio, protein selectivity is very low and dextran selectivity is high. This pattern is seen also in acute ischemic renal failure and suggests that the true glomerular functional defect is actually less severe than in preeclampsia and that much of the protein in the urine in abruptio is postglomerular in origin. The structural lesion in preeclampsia is \"characteristic\" only in the sense that a number of individual components of glomerular injury, which are themselves commonly seen in other glomerular disorders, occur in a particular balance, and not because of any single unique or specific feature. The important components--that is, endothelial swelling, mesangial cytoplasmic activity, subendothelial deposits, and occational thrombosis of the afferent arterioles--all occur, albeit to a lesser degree, in abruptio placentae, as well as in other glomerular disorders in which intravascular coagulation is a primary cause or plays a major role.", "PMID": 1005054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10122", "title": "Selectivity of proteinuria during pregnancy assessed by different methods.", "content": "Relative protein clearance measurements have gone a long way toward characterizing the nature of pregnancy proteinuria but have failed to distinguish between preeclampsia and primary renal disease. The prognostic significance of different degrees of selectivity has been a source of disagreement in past studies. The polymer clearance studies reported here, using tracer doses of labeled PVP, have demonstrated two forms of proteinuria: a benign form due to a vasoconstrictor effect where fetal outlook is good (\"vasoactive\"), and a form associated with intravascular coagulation which indicates worse fetal prognosis (\"membranous\"). Underlying chronic renal damage of minor degree is identifiable with PVP clearance. Concurrent measurements of protein clearance, using smaller-sized proteins than is customary, gave hope for future development of meaningful clinical tests.", "contents": "Selectivity of proteinuria during pregnancy assessed by different methods. Relative protein clearance measurements have gone a long way toward characterizing the nature of pregnancy proteinuria but have failed to distinguish between preeclampsia and primary renal disease. The prognostic significance of different degrees of selectivity has been a source of disagreement in past studies. The polymer clearance studies reported here, using tracer doses of labeled PVP, have demonstrated two forms of proteinuria: a benign form due to a vasoconstrictor effect where fetal outlook is good (\"vasoactive\"), and a form associated with intravascular coagulation which indicates worse fetal prognosis (\"membranous\"). Underlying chronic renal damage of minor degree is identifiable with PVP clearance. Concurrent measurements of protein clearance, using smaller-sized proteins than is customary, gave hope for future development of meaningful clinical tests.", "PMID": 1005055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10123", "title": "The role of coagulation and fibrinolysis in preeclampsia.", "content": "The coagulation and fibrinolytic systems play a key role in maintaining the integrity and patency of the vascular compartment. Pregnancy induces extensive physiological changes in these systems, thus creating an enhanced capacity to produce fibrin and a diminished ability to remove it. Fibrin deposition localized to the uteroplacental circulation is a feature of normal pregnancy. In women with fatal eclampsia, disseminated intravascular coagulation with fibrin deposition in the renal glomeruli is well documented. The condition of preeclampsia is not well defined. Nonetheless, evidence of intravascular coagulation, as shown by elevated levels of fibrin degradation products and reduced platelet counts, has been found in many women with preeclampsia. Serial studies showed that thrombin generation, as indicated by the ratio of factor VIII-related antigen to factor VIII coagulant activity, is considerably in excess of that which occurs in normal pregnancy, and its appearance coincides with the development of the clinical features of preeclampsia. Heparin therapy has bot been proven of value in established preeclampsia, but this fact does not disprove that role that intravascular coagulation may play in the pathogenesis of the disease. A controlled trial ina high-risk group of low-dose he;arin and an antiplatelet agent from the 16th to the 18th weeks of pregnancy onwards is required to elucidate the role of intravascular coagulation in preeclapmsia and its effect on the fetus.", "contents": "The role of coagulation and fibrinolysis in preeclampsia. The coagulation and fibrinolytic systems play a key role in maintaining the integrity and patency of the vascular compartment. Pregnancy induces extensive physiological changes in these systems, thus creating an enhanced capacity to produce fibrin and a diminished ability to remove it. Fibrin deposition localized to the uteroplacental circulation is a feature of normal pregnancy. In women with fatal eclampsia, disseminated intravascular coagulation with fibrin deposition in the renal glomeruli is well documented. The condition of preeclampsia is not well defined. Nonetheless, evidence of intravascular coagulation, as shown by elevated levels of fibrin degradation products and reduced platelet counts, has been found in many women with preeclampsia. Serial studies showed that thrombin generation, as indicated by the ratio of factor VIII-related antigen to factor VIII coagulant activity, is considerably in excess of that which occurs in normal pregnancy, and its appearance coincides with the development of the clinical features of preeclampsia. Heparin therapy has bot been proven of value in established preeclampsia, but this fact does not disprove that role that intravascular coagulation may play in the pathogenesis of the disease. A controlled trial ina high-risk group of low-dose he;arin and an antiplatelet agent from the 16th to the 18th weeks of pregnancy onwards is required to elucidate the role of intravascular coagulation in preeclapmsia and its effect on the fetus.", "PMID": 1005056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10124", "title": "Does coagulation have a causative role in eclampsia?", "content": "Alternations in the coagulation mechanism were looked for in a population of eclamptic women, most of when were young, nulliparous, and without evidence of chronic vascular disease, and all of whom survived. Thrombocytopenia was identified in 29% of these women. A prolonged plasma thrombin time was demonstrated in 51% yet elevated fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products in serum were uncommon, as was fibrin monomer in plasma. Overt microangiopathic hemolysis was rare. It is concluded that disseminated intravascular coagulation, when it does occur in eclampsia, is the consequence of the disease rather than the cause. Moreover, endothelial damage, rather contents, probably initiates the thrombocytopenia and other coagulation changes.", "contents": "Does coagulation have a causative role in eclampsia? Alternations in the coagulation mechanism were looked for in a population of eclamptic women, most of when were young, nulliparous, and without evidence of chronic vascular disease, and all of whom survived. Thrombocytopenia was identified in 29% of these women. A prolonged plasma thrombin time was demonstrated in 51% yet elevated fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products in serum were uncommon, as was fibrin monomer in plasma. Overt microangiopathic hemolysis was rare. It is concluded that disseminated intravascular coagulation, when it does occur in eclampsia, is the consequence of the disease rather than the cause. Moreover, endothelial damage, rather contents, probably initiates the thrombocytopenia and other coagulation changes.", "PMID": 1005057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10125", "title": "Organochlorine insectide residues in vegetables of the Kitakyushu District, Japan--1971-74.", "content": "The residue levels of organochlorine insecticides BHC, DDT, endrin, and dieldrin in the Kitakyushu District, Japan, were monitored from 1971 to 1974. Agricultural uses of these insecticides were banned in 1970. BHC isomers, alpha, beta, gamma, and delta-BHC were detected in all vegetable samples taken; beta-BHC residue appeared in the highest levels. The proportions of each BHC isomer in total BHC residues were much different from those in the technical product. Average residue levels of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta-BHC, dieldrin, endrin, and DDTR (p,p'-DDE+p,p'-TDE+o,p'-DDT) in 1971 were 0.007, 0.042, 0.010, 0.008, 0.021, 0.010, and 0.041 ppm in radishes, and 0.004, 0.007, 0.009, 0.003, 0.087, 0.031, and 0.009 ppm in cucumbers. Levels found in 1974 were 0.002, 0.003, less than 0.001, less than 0.001, 0.005, 0.006, and less than 0.001 ppm in radishes, and less than 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, less than 0.001, 0.008, 0.009, and undetectable in cucumbers. These residues were translocated form the insecticide-contaminated field soils to the vegetables through therir roots. Residue levels of dieldrin and endrin frequently exceeded the pesticide tolerance limits of Japan, but DDTR residues were only slightly above the specified levels.", "contents": "Organochlorine insectide residues in vegetables of the Kitakyushu District, Japan--1971-74. The residue levels of organochlorine insecticides BHC, DDT, endrin, and dieldrin in the Kitakyushu District, Japan, were monitored from 1971 to 1974. Agricultural uses of these insecticides were banned in 1970. BHC isomers, alpha, beta, gamma, and delta-BHC were detected in all vegetable samples taken; beta-BHC residue appeared in the highest levels. The proportions of each BHC isomer in total BHC residues were much different from those in the technical product. Average residue levels of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta-BHC, dieldrin, endrin, and DDTR (p,p'-DDE+p,p'-TDE+o,p'-DDT) in 1971 were 0.007, 0.042, 0.010, 0.008, 0.021, 0.010, and 0.041 ppm in radishes, and 0.004, 0.007, 0.009, 0.003, 0.087, 0.031, and 0.009 ppm in cucumbers. Levels found in 1974 were 0.002, 0.003, less than 0.001, less than 0.001, 0.005, 0.006, and less than 0.001 ppm in radishes, and less than 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, less than 0.001, 0.008, 0.009, and undetectable in cucumbers. These residues were translocated form the insecticide-contaminated field soils to the vegetables through therir roots. Residue levels of dieldrin and endrin frequently exceeded the pesticide tolerance limits of Japan, but DDTR residues were only slightly above the specified levels.", "PMID": 1005058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10126", "title": "Organochlorine pesticide residues in sugarbeet pulps and molasses from 16 states, 1971.", "content": "Sugarbeet pulp and molasses from 57 processing plants in 16 States were sampled for pesticide residues. No molasses samples contained detectable pesticide residues, but about 15 percent of the pulp samples contained low levels of dieldrin, toxaphene, or DDT and its degradation products. Sugarbeet pulp, when used as animal feed, can be a source of pesticidal contamination of human food.", "contents": "Organochlorine pesticide residues in sugarbeet pulps and molasses from 16 states, 1971. Sugarbeet pulp and molasses from 57 processing plants in 16 States were sampled for pesticide residues. No molasses samples contained detectable pesticide residues, but about 15 percent of the pulp samples contained low levels of dieldrin, toxaphene, or DDT and its degradation products. Sugarbeet pulp, when used as animal feed, can be a source of pesticidal contamination of human food.", "PMID": 1005059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10127", "title": "Pesticide residues in urban soils from 14 United States cities, 1970.", "content": "Soil in 14 cities was sampled and analyzed for arsenic and chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide residues. Heavy loads of chlorinated hydrocarbon residues were detected in the soil. In addition to DDT and its metabolites, chlordane, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and toxaphene were detected. District variation appeared in some residue levels among cities. Pesticide residue levels in urban soils were generally higher than the residue levels detected in cropland soils of the same States.", "contents": "Pesticide residues in urban soils from 14 United States cities, 1970. Soil in 14 cities was sampled and analyzed for arsenic and chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide residues. Heavy loads of chlorinated hydrocarbon residues were detected in the soil. In addition to DDT and its metabolites, chlordane, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and toxaphene were detected. District variation appeared in some residue levels among cities. Pesticide residue levels in urban soils were generally higher than the residue levels detected in cropland soils of the same States.", "PMID": 1005060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10128", "title": "Residues of quintozene, its contaminants and metabolites in soil, lettuce, and witloof-chicory, Belgium--1969-74.", "content": "Authors studied contamination of soils used to raise lettuce in greenhouses and witloof-chicory (French endive) in forcing beds. The crops had been treated with the fungicide quintozene; residues detected included quintozene, its technical impurities and metabolites hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorobenzene, pentachloroaniline, and pentachlorothioanisole. Analyses of 72 soil samples indicated that soils remain contaminated with these chemicals one or more years after application. This is attributed to the high persistence of quintozene, its impurities and metabolites, and the almost annual application of the fungicide. Analyses of the crops show that quintozene, hexachlorobenzene, and pentachloroaniline are taken up from contaminated soils, especially by lettuce. Pentachlorothioanisole, although present in the soils, was not detected in the crops.", "contents": "Residues of quintozene, its contaminants and metabolites in soil, lettuce, and witloof-chicory, Belgium--1969-74. Authors studied contamination of soils used to raise lettuce in greenhouses and witloof-chicory (French endive) in forcing beds. The crops had been treated with the fungicide quintozene; residues detected included quintozene, its technical impurities and metabolites hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorobenzene, pentachloroaniline, and pentachlorothioanisole. Analyses of 72 soil samples indicated that soils remain contaminated with these chemicals one or more years after application. This is attributed to the high persistence of quintozene, its impurities and metabolites, and the almost annual application of the fungicide. Analyses of the crops show that quintozene, hexachlorobenzene, and pentachloroaniline are taken up from contaminated soils, especially by lettuce. Pentachlorothioanisole, although present in the soils, was not detected in the crops.", "PMID": 1005061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10129", "title": "Occurrence of pesticide residues in four streams draining different land-use areas in Pennsylvania, 1969-71.", "content": "Samples of water, streambed material, fish, and soil were collected in four small drainage basins in Pennsylvania in 1969-71 and analyzed to determine the concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides. Water samples were also analyzed for phenoxy-acid herbicides. Each basin studied represents a predominant land use: forest, general farms, residential areas, and orchards. All water and fish samples showed pesticide concentrations less than the maximum level recommended by the Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. However, no fish were found in the orchard stream. DDT or one of its metabolites was the most frequently occurring insecticide and was detected in all media sampled except the forest soil. The highest combined concentration of DDT and its metabolites in storm-runoff samples was 11.4 mug/liter in a sample collected from the residential area stream, but the median was higher (0.12 mug/liter) in the orchard than in the residential area (0.02 mug/liter). A sample of the top 0.5 inch (13 mm) of orchard soil contained 40,000 mug/kg DDT and its metabolites, even though DDT had not been used in the orchards for several years prior to this study. Maximum concentrations detected in other orchard media are 330 mug/kg in streambed material and 3.45 mug/kg in storm runoff. Dieldrin was the second most frequently occurring insecticide. Other insecticides detected were chlordane, heptachlor epoxide, lindane, and a trace of aldrin in one fish sample. Each stream contained at least one of the following herbicides: 2,4-D, silvex, or 2,4,5-T.", "contents": "Occurrence of pesticide residues in four streams draining different land-use areas in Pennsylvania, 1969-71. Samples of water, streambed material, fish, and soil were collected in four small drainage basins in Pennsylvania in 1969-71 and analyzed to determine the concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides. Water samples were also analyzed for phenoxy-acid herbicides. Each basin studied represents a predominant land use: forest, general farms, residential areas, and orchards. All water and fish samples showed pesticide concentrations less than the maximum level recommended by the Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. However, no fish were found in the orchard stream. DDT or one of its metabolites was the most frequently occurring insecticide and was detected in all media sampled except the forest soil. The highest combined concentration of DDT and its metabolites in storm-runoff samples was 11.4 mug/liter in a sample collected from the residential area stream, but the median was higher (0.12 mug/liter) in the orchard than in the residential area (0.02 mug/liter). A sample of the top 0.5 inch (13 mm) of orchard soil contained 40,000 mug/kg DDT and its metabolites, even though DDT had not been used in the orchards for several years prior to this study. Maximum concentrations detected in other orchard media are 330 mug/kg in streambed material and 3.45 mug/kg in storm runoff. Dieldrin was the second most frequently occurring insecticide. Other insecticides detected were chlordane, heptachlor epoxide, lindane, and a trace of aldrin in one fish sample. Each stream contained at least one of the following herbicides: 2,4-D, silvex, or 2,4,5-T.", "PMID": 1005062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10130", "title": "Mercury and 2,4-D levels in wheat and soils from sixteen states, 1969.", "content": "Mercury and 2,4-D levels were determined for soil and wheat from 16 States. Mercury was detected in all samples; 2,4-D was found in eight percent of the soil samples and six percent of the wheat samples analyzed.", "contents": "Mercury and 2,4-D levels in wheat and soils from sixteen states, 1969. Mercury and 2,4-D levels were determined for soil and wheat from 16 States. Mercury was detected in all samples; 2,4-D was found in eight percent of the soil samples and six percent of the wheat samples analyzed.", "PMID": 1005063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10131", "title": "Pesticide levels in hay and soils from nine states, 1971.", "content": "In 1971 hay and soil samples were collected in 9 States to determine the incidence and levels of pesticide residues in hayfields. Residues were detected in 8 percent of the soil samples and 29 percent of the hay samples. DDT and its metabolites, DDE and TDE, were contained in 2 soil samples and 21 hay samples. Heptachlor epoxide and chlordane were detected in 1 soil sample, dieldrin in 5 soil samples, and diazinon in 4 hay samples.", "contents": "Pesticide levels in hay and soils from nine states, 1971. In 1971 hay and soil samples were collected in 9 States to determine the incidence and levels of pesticide residues in hayfields. Residues were detected in 8 percent of the soil samples and 29 percent of the hay samples. DDT and its metabolites, DDE and TDE, were contained in 2 soil samples and 21 hay samples. Heptachlor epoxide and chlordane were detected in 1 soil sample, dieldrin in 5 soil samples, and diazinon in 4 hay samples.", "PMID": 1005064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10132", "title": "Organochlorine pesticide residues in plain Chachalacas from South Texas, 1971-72.", "content": "Plain chachalacas (Ortalis vetula) from the intensively cultivated and sprayed Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas were analyzed for pesticide residues during 1971 and 1972. Residues of eight organochlorine pesticides and a polychlorinated biphenyl were identified in fat tissues of specimens collected from four study areas. Chemicals detected in all 24 birds and average residue levels (+/- SD) in ppm wet weight were: DDT (1.52 +/- 4.12), DDE (2.48 +/- 2.09), dieldrin (0.23 +/- 0.59), endrin (0.13 +/- 0,52), and Aroclor 1248 (0.17 +/- 0.20). Residue levels varied considerably, but the majority of the fat tissues contained significantly less than 1 ppm of these chemicals. Because birds of this species feed primarily on unsprayed native fruits rather than on sprayed crops, they adsorb very few pesticides through their diet. Although birds from exposed areas near cultivated field had generally higher residues than had birds from less exposed areas, these herbivores generally had much lower residues than would most birds living near heavily treated lands. During the present study there was no evidence that plain chachalacas died as a direct result of exposure to agricultural chemicals, nor was there evidence that eggshells of this species have thinned significantly since 1900.", "contents": "Organochlorine pesticide residues in plain Chachalacas from South Texas, 1971-72. Plain chachalacas (Ortalis vetula) from the intensively cultivated and sprayed Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas were analyzed for pesticide residues during 1971 and 1972. Residues of eight organochlorine pesticides and a polychlorinated biphenyl were identified in fat tissues of specimens collected from four study areas. Chemicals detected in all 24 birds and average residue levels (+/- SD) in ppm wet weight were: DDT (1.52 +/- 4.12), DDE (2.48 +/- 2.09), dieldrin (0.23 +/- 0.59), endrin (0.13 +/- 0,52), and Aroclor 1248 (0.17 +/- 0.20). Residue levels varied considerably, but the majority of the fat tissues contained significantly less than 1 ppm of these chemicals. Because birds of this species feed primarily on unsprayed native fruits rather than on sprayed crops, they adsorb very few pesticides through their diet. Although birds from exposed areas near cultivated field had generally higher residues than had birds from less exposed areas, these herbivores generally had much lower residues than would most birds living near heavily treated lands. During the present study there was no evidence that plain chachalacas died as a direct result of exposure to agricultural chemicals, nor was there evidence that eggshells of this species have thinned significantly since 1900.", "PMID": 1005065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10133", "title": "Insecticide residues on stream sediments in Ontario, Canada.", "content": "Insecticide residues on suspended and bottom sediments of streams of Ontario, Canada, have been studied in a tobacco-growing and a vegetable muck area. The proportion of TDE to DDT was less than 1 in water and greater than 1 in bottom sediments. The ratio of TDE to DDT in bottom material increased linearly from the contamination point at stream source to the mouth of Big Creek in Norfolk County, Ontario. Bed load samples contained three to six times greater concentrations of insecticides than bottom material. Adsorption of insecticides on suspended sediment decreased in order DDT greater than TDE greater than dieldrin greater than diazinon, which is consistent with the water solubility of these compounds.", "contents": "Insecticide residues on stream sediments in Ontario, Canada. Insecticide residues on suspended and bottom sediments of streams of Ontario, Canada, have been studied in a tobacco-growing and a vegetable muck area. The proportion of TDE to DDT was less than 1 in water and greater than 1 in bottom sediments. The ratio of TDE to DDT in bottom material increased linearly from the contamination point at stream source to the mouth of Big Creek in Norfolk County, Ontario. Bed load samples contained three to six times greater concentrations of insecticides than bottom material. Adsorption of insecticides on suspended sediment decreased in order DDT greater than TDE greater than dieldrin greater than diazinon, which is consistent with the water solubility of these compounds.", "PMID": 1005066} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10134", "title": "Preliminary study of the occurrence and distribution of DDT residues in the Jordan watershed, 1971.", "content": "Data obtained from the Jordan watershed in 1971 revealed the presence of DDT and its metabolites at various levels along the food chain. Detectable levels of sigmaDDT in water of the Jordan River and two fish ponds ranged from 0.019 to 0.500 ppb, which is 1/10 to 1/500 the maximum level permitted in water by the U.S. Government. Mean residue in phytoplankton was 0.906 mug/g; in zooplankton the mean was 6.49 mug/g. SigmaDDT residue in fish of the Jordan watershed averaged 0.37 mg/kg in carp, 2.59 mg/kg in benith, and 3.34 mg/kg in sardines.", "contents": "Preliminary study of the occurrence and distribution of DDT residues in the Jordan watershed, 1971. Data obtained from the Jordan watershed in 1971 revealed the presence of DDT and its metabolites at various levels along the food chain. Detectable levels of sigmaDDT in water of the Jordan River and two fish ponds ranged from 0.019 to 0.500 ppb, which is 1/10 to 1/500 the maximum level permitted in water by the U.S. Government. Mean residue in phytoplankton was 0.906 mug/g; in zooplankton the mean was 6.49 mug/g. SigmaDDT residue in fish of the Jordan watershed averaged 0.37 mg/kg in carp, 2.59 mg/kg in benith, and 3.34 mg/kg in sardines.", "PMID": 1005067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10135", "title": "[First aid at medical congresses].", "content": "The sixth International Congress of Pharmacology in Helsinki, July 1975, was held on a campus area 5 km from the nearest hospital. The congress was attended by 2 600 active participants and one thousand social members, traveling from 54 countries. The equipment at the Congress first aid station allowed for all kinds of emergency treatments, ranging from the care of minor complaints to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A mobile intensive care unit was kept outside the station throughout the day and was also available at the major social events in the evening. The great majority of the symptoms necessitating a visit to the station were minor complaints. Most participants received their medication direct from the first aid station, the most common drugs being mild analgesics, anticholinergics and antibiotics. According to our experience, at a congress with 3 500 participants it is sufficient to have one physician present at the first aid station, or at least on call, and one to three additional first aid assistants. In general, it is of utmost importance to make adequate plans for the provision of medical as well as dental care at large congresses.", "contents": "[First aid at medical congresses]. The sixth International Congress of Pharmacology in Helsinki, July 1975, was held on a campus area 5 km from the nearest hospital. The congress was attended by 2 600 active participants and one thousand social members, traveling from 54 countries. The equipment at the Congress first aid station allowed for all kinds of emergency treatments, ranging from the care of minor complaints to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A mobile intensive care unit was kept outside the station throughout the day and was also available at the major social events in the evening. The great majority of the symptoms necessitating a visit to the station were minor complaints. Most participants received their medication direct from the first aid station, the most common drugs being mild analgesics, anticholinergics and antibiotics. According to our experience, at a congress with 3 500 participants it is sufficient to have one physician present at the first aid station, or at least on call, and one to three additional first aid assistants. In general, it is of utmost importance to make adequate plans for the provision of medical as well as dental care at large congresses.", "PMID": 1005075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10136", "title": "[Multisite cervico-mediastinal venous samples for radioimmunologic determination of parathormone in primary hyperparathyroidism. Results in 24 surgically confirmed cases].", "content": "Multisite cervico-mediastinal venous blood samples were collected fort the estimation of parathormone before operation in twenty four patients subsequently confirmed at surgery to have primary hyperparathyroidism. The examination made it possible to lateralise a single (single adenoma: 18 cases) or predominant lesion (multiple adenomas or hyperplasia: 6 cases), in 15 of them (62%). In patients with a single adenoma, exact lateralisation was obtained in 12 out of 18 cases (9 had selective samples with 7 accurate lateralisations). This lengthy and costly examination is essentially of value in localisation and should be used essentially in patients with virtually definite primary hyperparathyroidism and in whom the responsible lesion has not been discovered at exploratory operation.", "contents": "[Multisite cervico-mediastinal venous samples for radioimmunologic determination of parathormone in primary hyperparathyroidism. Results in 24 surgically confirmed cases]. Multisite cervico-mediastinal venous blood samples were collected fort the estimation of parathormone before operation in twenty four patients subsequently confirmed at surgery to have primary hyperparathyroidism. The examination made it possible to lateralise a single (single adenoma: 18 cases) or predominant lesion (multiple adenomas or hyperplasia: 6 cases), in 15 of them (62%). In patients with a single adenoma, exact lateralisation was obtained in 12 out of 18 cases (9 had selective samples with 7 accurate lateralisations). This lengthy and costly examination is essentially of value in localisation and should be used essentially in patients with virtually definite primary hyperparathyroidism and in whom the responsible lesion has not been discovered at exploratory operation.", "PMID": 1005076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10137", "title": "[Difficulties in the detection and the diagnosis of carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix in the presence of associated dysplasia].", "content": "Ninety nine cases of carcinoma in situ of the cervix are reported. In all cases, the definitive diagnosis was established after study of an operative specimen (cone biopsy or hysterectomy) examined by serial section. Pre-operative cytology was falsely negative (or suggestive of simple dysplasia) in 35,4 per cent of cases and pre-operative biopsy falsely negative in 40 per cent. These errors were approximately twice as common in cases in which dysplasia was present in association with the caricinoma (40 cases) than in those cases in which the malignancy alone was present (59 cases). The practical conclusions which may be drawn from these findings in relation to detection and diagnosis are discussed.", "contents": "[Difficulties in the detection and the diagnosis of carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix in the presence of associated dysplasia]. Ninety nine cases of carcinoma in situ of the cervix are reported. In all cases, the definitive diagnosis was established after study of an operative specimen (cone biopsy or hysterectomy) examined by serial section. Pre-operative cytology was falsely negative (or suggestive of simple dysplasia) in 35,4 per cent of cases and pre-operative biopsy falsely negative in 40 per cent. These errors were approximately twice as common in cases in which dysplasia was present in association with the caricinoma (40 cases) than in those cases in which the malignancy alone was present (59 cases). The practical conclusions which may be drawn from these findings in relation to detection and diagnosis are discussed.", "PMID": 1005084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10138", "title": "[Mammotomography, a new technic of breast examination].", "content": "The authors present the first results of a new technique of breast examination: tomo-mammography. This new method allows a complete study of the whole gland without any compression and any modification of histological and anatomical structures, and an analysis of the center of breast lesions in which are rassembled the most reliable radiological signs. These first results enable to hope a large increase of possibilities of diagnosis of breast lesions in the most difficult anatomical and clinical cases.", "contents": "[Mammotomography, a new technic of breast examination]. The authors present the first results of a new technique of breast examination: tomo-mammography. This new method allows a complete study of the whole gland without any compression and any modification of histological and anatomical structures, and an analysis of the center of breast lesions in which are rassembled the most reliable radiological signs. These first results enable to hope a large increase of possibilities of diagnosis of breast lesions in the most difficult anatomical and clinical cases.", "PMID": 1005093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10139", "title": "The preleukemic syndrome: clinical and laboratory features, natural course, and management.", "content": "The clinical and laboratory features of the stages in the evolution of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia are reviewed. Based on a retrospective analysis of 34 patients who died with an acute myelomonoblastic leukemia, the \"preleukemic syndrome\" has been shown to display a clinical picture sufficiently specific to permit its recognition prospectively (i.e., before the development of overt leukemia). The results to date of a variety of prospective studies are reviewed, and the approach(es) to the management of these cases is considered.", "contents": "The preleukemic syndrome: clinical and laboratory features, natural course, and management. The clinical and laboratory features of the stages in the evolution of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia are reviewed. Based on a retrospective analysis of 34 patients who died with an acute myelomonoblastic leukemia, the \"preleukemic syndrome\" has been shown to display a clinical picture sufficiently specific to permit its recognition prospectively (i.e., before the development of overt leukemia). The results to date of a variety of prospective studies are reviewed, and the approach(es) to the management of these cases is considered.", "PMID": 1005097} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10140", "title": "The use of the Robinson in vitro agar culture assay in adult acute leukemia.", "content": "Previous in vitro classification of adult acute leukemia incorporating morphology has been complex and difficult to understand. We have devised a simplified classification based solely on leukemic proliferation in vitro. Forty-four patients with adult acute leukemia previously untreated were included in this study and received identical chemotherapy. Three in vitro groups were recognized. The complete remission rate (CR) was 77% in the 13 patients with no leukemic growth in vitro (Group 1), 81% in 16 patients with leukemic cell growth but aggregated of 20 cells or less (Group 2) and only 27% in the 15 patients with aggregates of greater than 20 (Group 3). There was a highly significant difference in complete remission rates between Group 3 and the other 2 groups (p less than 0.01). Linear logistic regression analysis demonstrated the independence of the in vitro growth from other prognostic variables. The cause of death in failures suggested that this system detects resistance to the chemotherapy. Similar multifactorial analysis including in vitro agar culture may help to predict for chemotherapy response in preleukemia and leukemia with a low blast cell infiltrate when cytotoxic therapy is clinically indicated.", "contents": "The use of the Robinson in vitro agar culture assay in adult acute leukemia. Previous in vitro classification of adult acute leukemia incorporating morphology has been complex and difficult to understand. We have devised a simplified classification based solely on leukemic proliferation in vitro. Forty-four patients with adult acute leukemia previously untreated were included in this study and received identical chemotherapy. Three in vitro groups were recognized. The complete remission rate (CR) was 77% in the 13 patients with no leukemic growth in vitro (Group 1), 81% in 16 patients with leukemic cell growth but aggregated of 20 cells or less (Group 2) and only 27% in the 15 patients with aggregates of greater than 20 (Group 3). There was a highly significant difference in complete remission rates between Group 3 and the other 2 groups (p less than 0.01). Linear logistic regression analysis demonstrated the independence of the in vitro growth from other prognostic variables. The cause of death in failures suggested that this system detects resistance to the chemotherapy. Similar multifactorial analysis including in vitro agar culture may help to predict for chemotherapy response in preleukemia and leukemia with a low blast cell infiltrate when cytotoxic therapy is clinically indicated.", "PMID": 1005098} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10141", "title": "An approach to human preleukemia using cell culture studies.", "content": "Cell culture methods applied to the study of acute leukemia have indicated the presence of many abnormalities. Utilizing this knowledge, we have applied cell culture techniques to the evaluation of a patient population with a recognized risk of developing leukemia. We demonstrate that cultural abnormalities present in some patients with sideroblastic anemia are similar to those seen in acute leukemia, and that these perturbations may be shown before leukemia develops. This study suggests that cell culture abnormalities may reflect mechanisms operative in vivo, and preceding the development of overt leukemia.", "contents": "An approach to human preleukemia using cell culture studies. Cell culture methods applied to the study of acute leukemia have indicated the presence of many abnormalities. Utilizing this knowledge, we have applied cell culture techniques to the evaluation of a patient population with a recognized risk of developing leukemia. We demonstrate that cultural abnormalities present in some patients with sideroblastic anemia are similar to those seen in acute leukemia, and that these perturbations may be shown before leukemia develops. This study suggests that cell culture abnormalities may reflect mechanisms operative in vivo, and preceding the development of overt leukemia.", "PMID": 1005099} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10142", "title": "The cellular distribution of erythrocyte and normoblast A1 and A antigens in normal and preleukemic states. An immunoelectron microscopy study.", "content": "A1 and A alloantigens were visualized on human erythrocytes and normoblasts by immunoelectron microscopy using peroxidase-coupled antibodies. Specimens were obtained from patients with preleukemia and associated antigen weakening, and from individuals with normal antigen values. Cells were fixed by glutaraldehyde and subsequently reacted with antibodies.", "contents": "The cellular distribution of erythrocyte and normoblast A1 and A antigens in normal and preleukemic states. An immunoelectron microscopy study. A1 and A alloantigens were visualized on human erythrocytes and normoblasts by immunoelectron microscopy using peroxidase-coupled antibodies. Specimens were obtained from patients with preleukemia and associated antigen weakening, and from individuals with normal antigen values. Cells were fixed by glutaraldehyde and subsequently reacted with antibodies.", "PMID": 1005101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10143", "title": "Cell membrane antigens associated with human adult acute leukemia.", "content": "Cell membrane antigens associated with the blast phase of human acute leukemia are separable from inhibitory proteins and from histocompatibility antigens also present in the membranes. Since these antigens are not detectable in remission or normal white blood cells, they provide a useful marker for identification of cells undergoing carcinomatous changes. Blast antigens from acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL) are also present on early human fetal thymus cells; antigens from both sources produce cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses and are structurally similar. Blast antigens from acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) are not associated with fetal antigens and do not cross react with ALL antigens. ALL cells possess a larger quantity of CMI inhibitory protein than AML cells. The isolation, purification and idenfication of these blast antigens is a step toward their use in studying cultured and cloned subpopulations of cells thought to be associated with pre-leukemia.", "contents": "Cell membrane antigens associated with human adult acute leukemia. Cell membrane antigens associated with the blast phase of human acute leukemia are separable from inhibitory proteins and from histocompatibility antigens also present in the membranes. Since these antigens are not detectable in remission or normal white blood cells, they provide a useful marker for identification of cells undergoing carcinomatous changes. Blast antigens from acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL) are also present on early human fetal thymus cells; antigens from both sources produce cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses and are structurally similar. Blast antigens from acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) are not associated with fetal antigens and do not cross react with ALL antigens. ALL cells possess a larger quantity of CMI inhibitory protein than AML cells. The isolation, purification and idenfication of these blast antigens is a step toward their use in studying cultured and cloned subpopulations of cells thought to be associated with pre-leukemia.", "PMID": 1005102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10144", "title": "Notions about human stem cells.", "content": "From an analysis of the known red cell and granulocytic cell turnover rates in the peripheral blood, absolute bone marrow cellularity of man, mitotic index of human marrow, tritiated thymidine labeling index of human marrow, the proportional distribution of the different cell types in the bone marrow of man and the measured DNA synthesis time of differentiated cell lines in human bone marrow, the flux of stem cells into the differentiated compartment has been calculated. By assuming that the same fraction of committed stem cells of man and mouse are in DNA synthesis, the number of cells in DNA synthesis and the size of the stem cell compartments have been calculated. The calculation gives an abundance of stem cells in human marrow that is much larger than that estimated by in vitro culture techniques. On the basis of the calculations, it is hypothesized that the pool of cells preceding the cytologically differentiated pools may consist of self replicating committed stem cells and differentiated cells undergoing amplification that have not developed cytologic markers characteristics of differentiated cells.", "contents": "Notions about human stem cells. From an analysis of the known red cell and granulocytic cell turnover rates in the peripheral blood, absolute bone marrow cellularity of man, mitotic index of human marrow, tritiated thymidine labeling index of human marrow, the proportional distribution of the different cell types in the bone marrow of man and the measured DNA synthesis time of differentiated cell lines in human bone marrow, the flux of stem cells into the differentiated compartment has been calculated. By assuming that the same fraction of committed stem cells of man and mouse are in DNA synthesis, the number of cells in DNA synthesis and the size of the stem cell compartments have been calculated. The calculation gives an abundance of stem cells in human marrow that is much larger than that estimated by in vitro culture techniques. On the basis of the calculations, it is hypothesized that the pool of cells preceding the cytologically differentiated pools may consist of self replicating committed stem cells and differentiated cells undergoing amplification that have not developed cytologic markers characteristics of differentiated cells.", "PMID": 1005103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10145", "title": "Preleukemic states in the light of the leukemia cytokinetics.", "content": "On the basis of clonal development of leukemias, the beginning of the true preleukemias should antedate the overt leukemia by at least 37 doubling times (e.g., at least 4 years in the chronic granulocytic leukemia).", "contents": "Preleukemic states in the light of the leukemia cytokinetics. On the basis of clonal development of leukemias, the beginning of the true preleukemias should antedate the overt leukemia by at least 37 doubling times (e.g., at least 4 years in the chronic granulocytic leukemia).", "PMID": 1005104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10146", "title": "The role of lymphoid and haematopoietic target cells in viral lymphomagenesis of C57BL/Ka mice. I. Susceptibility to viral replication.", "content": "The influence of several parameters on the capacity of C57BL/Ka mouse haematopoietic cells to support replication of the radiation leukemia virus (RadLV) has been examined. Although replication of the virus is strongly thymotropic, the bone marrow and spleen are also susceptible when infection is initiated at birth rather than in adult life. Irradiation transiently restores the susceptibility of adults almost to the neonatal level. Neonatal thymectomy does not diminish the capacity of marrow cells to support virus replication, indicating that the migration of infected thymus cells back to the marrow is not responsible for the observed effect. Bone marrow cells in which viral antigens are no longer detectable yield infectious virus after intrathymic inoculation, suggesting the existence of a cryptic state of virus infection.", "contents": "The role of lymphoid and haematopoietic target cells in viral lymphomagenesis of C57BL/Ka mice. I. Susceptibility to viral replication. The influence of several parameters on the capacity of C57BL/Ka mouse haematopoietic cells to support replication of the radiation leukemia virus (RadLV) has been examined. Although replication of the virus is strongly thymotropic, the bone marrow and spleen are also susceptible when infection is initiated at birth rather than in adult life. Irradiation transiently restores the susceptibility of adults almost to the neonatal level. Neonatal thymectomy does not diminish the capacity of marrow cells to support virus replication, indicating that the migration of infected thymus cells back to the marrow is not responsible for the observed effect. Bone marrow cells in which viral antigens are no longer detectable yield infectious virus after intrathymic inoculation, suggesting the existence of a cryptic state of virus infection.", "PMID": 1005105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10147", "title": "Preleukemic states. I. Definition and classification. II. Refractory anemia with an excess of myeloblasts in the bone marrow (smoldering acute leukemia).", "content": "Approaches to the diagnosis and classification of preleukemic states involving chronic cytopenias are presented and discussed. Diagnosis of these states is facilitated by the identification of anomalies in all the myeloid cell lines (i.e., those derived from the bone marrow). These cellular anomalies may be morphologic, biochemical, or functional in nature or may affect the quantity of cell in each line in the bone marrow and the peripheral blood. Such anomalies may occur alone or may be associated. A tentative classifiction is proposed which is based on one or several of these anomalies. Among the quantitative criteria of classification is a moderate and static excess of myeloblasts and promyelocytes in the bone marrow. Refractory anemia with an excess of myeloblasts (RAEM) in the most frequent of these states. Its main clinical and hematologic features are described. The disease course is quite typical, the mean survival being 20 months; some patients survive for more than 30 months. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was the cause of death in less than 28% of cases. Infection in the absence of severe neutropenia was frequent. The relationship between RAEM and AML is disc,ssed, and the individual characteristics of RAEM are emphasized.", "contents": "Preleukemic states. I. Definition and classification. II. Refractory anemia with an excess of myeloblasts in the bone marrow (smoldering acute leukemia). Approaches to the diagnosis and classification of preleukemic states involving chronic cytopenias are presented and discussed. Diagnosis of these states is facilitated by the identification of anomalies in all the myeloid cell lines (i.e., those derived from the bone marrow). These cellular anomalies may be morphologic, biochemical, or functional in nature or may affect the quantity of cell in each line in the bone marrow and the peripheral blood. Such anomalies may occur alone or may be associated. A tentative classifiction is proposed which is based on one or several of these anomalies. Among the quantitative criteria of classification is a moderate and static excess of myeloblasts and promyelocytes in the bone marrow. Refractory anemia with an excess of myeloblasts (RAEM) in the most frequent of these states. Its main clinical and hematologic features are described. The disease course is quite typical, the mean survival being 20 months; some patients survive for more than 30 months. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was the cause of death in less than 28% of cases. Infection in the absence of severe neutropenia was frequent. The relationship between RAEM and AML is disc,ssed, and the individual characteristics of RAEM are emphasized.", "PMID": 1005106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10148", "title": "Preleukemic states in atomic bomb survivors in Japan.", "content": "Cytologic and cytogenetic studies were performed on the bone marrow cells in atomic bomb-exposed patients who had prolonged periods of blood disorders with termination of acute leukemia (group I, 6 cases) and without the termination (group II, 6 cases), and survivors who were in apparent good health (group III, 85 cases). All but one patient in group I, who were examined at the preleukemic state, had abnormal clones. In 4 out of 6 of group I patients, morphologic abnormalities of bone marrow cells taken 3-10 years before leukemic development were found, such as giant neutrophils or basophils, binucleated granulocytes or megakaryocytes, and bridge formation of chromatid in metaphases. All patients in group II had stable types of chromosome aberrations. The types of cytologic abnormalities were similar to those in group I, but the frequencies were a little less than those in group I. In group III, 14 persons were found to have stable types of chromosome aberrations, of which 11 persons had apparent but transient clone formations. Cytologic and clinical abnormalities were not observed in the group. The persistent and high percentages of cytologic and cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with prolonged periods of blood disorders, regardless of history of radiation exposure, would suggest a preleukemic state, and also give some clue to the problems of leukemogenesis.", "contents": "Preleukemic states in atomic bomb survivors in Japan. Cytologic and cytogenetic studies were performed on the bone marrow cells in atomic bomb-exposed patients who had prolonged periods of blood disorders with termination of acute leukemia (group I, 6 cases) and without the termination (group II, 6 cases), and survivors who were in apparent good health (group III, 85 cases). All but one patient in group I, who were examined at the preleukemic state, had abnormal clones. In 4 out of 6 of group I patients, morphologic abnormalities of bone marrow cells taken 3-10 years before leukemic development were found, such as giant neutrophils or basophils, binucleated granulocytes or megakaryocytes, and bridge formation of chromatid in metaphases. All patients in group II had stable types of chromosome aberrations. The types of cytologic abnormalities were similar to those in group I, but the frequencies were a little less than those in group I. In group III, 14 persons were found to have stable types of chromosome aberrations, of which 11 persons had apparent but transient clone formations. Cytologic and clinical abnormalities were not observed in the group. The persistent and high percentages of cytologic and cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with prolonged periods of blood disorders, regardless of history of radiation exposure, would suggest a preleukemic state, and also give some clue to the problems of leukemogenesis.", "PMID": 1005107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10149", "title": "Conformational state of DNA in chromatin subunits. Circular dichroism, melting, and ethidium bromide binding analysis.", "content": "This study compares some physical properties of DNA in native chromatin and mono-, di-, trinucleosomes obtained after mild micrococcal nuclease digestion. Melting curves and derivatives are shown to be very similar from one sample to another although a shift from 79 to 82 degrees C is observed between the mainly monophasic peak of multimers and chromatin. Careful analysis of the positive band of the circular dichroism spectra shows the appearance of a shoulder at 275nm, the intensity of which increases from the mono- to the di- and trinucleosome. This shoulder is maximum for native chromatin. At the same time binding isotherms of ethidium - bromide are characterized by two highly fluorescent binding sites for all the samples but the product KN of the apparent binding constant of the higher affinity binding sites by the apparent number of those sites increases from the mono- to the di- and trinucleosome. There again the valus is maximum for native chromatin. Such results strongly suggest that the native state of chromatin requires something more than the indefinite repeat of an elementary subunit.", "contents": "Conformational state of DNA in chromatin subunits. Circular dichroism, melting, and ethidium bromide binding analysis. This study compares some physical properties of DNA in native chromatin and mono-, di-, trinucleosomes obtained after mild micrococcal nuclease digestion. Melting curves and derivatives are shown to be very similar from one sample to another although a shift from 79 to 82 degrees C is observed between the mainly monophasic peak of multimers and chromatin. Careful analysis of the positive band of the circular dichroism spectra shows the appearance of a shoulder at 275nm, the intensity of which increases from the mono- to the di- and trinucleosome. This shoulder is maximum for native chromatin. At the same time binding isotherms of ethidium - bromide are characterized by two highly fluorescent binding sites for all the samples but the product KN of the apparent binding constant of the higher affinity binding sites by the apparent number of those sites increases from the mono- to the di- and trinucleosome. There again the valus is maximum for native chromatin. Such results strongly suggest that the native state of chromatin requires something more than the indefinite repeat of an elementary subunit.", "PMID": 1005108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10150", "title": "An improved separation procedure for nucleoside monophosphates on polyethyleneimine-(PEI-)cellulose thin layers.", "content": "A procedure is described for the two-dimensional separation of the 4 major and 16 modified nucleoside-(5') monophosphates on anion-exchange thin layers of polyethyleneimine- (PEI-)cellulose. The method, which is simple and less time-consuming than existing partition chromatographic methods, may be used for the identification of 5'-termini of RNA and RNA fragments.", "contents": "An improved separation procedure for nucleoside monophosphates on polyethyleneimine-(PEI-)cellulose thin layers. A procedure is described for the two-dimensional separation of the 4 major and 16 modified nucleoside-(5') monophosphates on anion-exchange thin layers of polyethyleneimine- (PEI-)cellulose. The method, which is simple and less time-consuming than existing partition chromatographic methods, may be used for the identification of 5'-termini of RNA and RNA fragments.", "PMID": 1005109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10151", "title": "Detection and identification of minor nucleotides in intact deoxyribonucleic acids by mass spectrometry.", "content": "A mass spectral method is described for the detection and identification of unusual nucleotide residues present in DNAs. Analysis by this method of intact, underivatized DNA from salmon sperm, calf thymus, mouse L-cells, wheat germ, M. lysodeikticus, E. Coli, and the bacteriophages 0X-174, fd, and lamda, yields diagnostic ions for the four common components of DNA as well as characteristic ions for 5-methyldeoxycytidine residues. The spectrum from T2 DNA contains ions indicative of 5-hydroxymethyldeoxycytidine and 5-methyldoxycytidine components but no ions corresponding to deoxycytidine residues. The DNAs of phages fd and 0X-174 also display ion products indicative of N6-methyldeoxyadenosine residues. Additional series of ions in the spectra of all four bacteriophage DNAs suggest the presence of 5-substituted deoxyuridine residues. The detection method exhibits considerable sensitivity in that amounts of DNA as low as 0.01 A260nm units can be used in the analysis, and thus, the procedure should prove of some value in the detection and location of modified components in specific regions of the various genomes by analysis of the appropriate endonuclease restriction fragments.", "contents": "Detection and identification of minor nucleotides in intact deoxyribonucleic acids by mass spectrometry. A mass spectral method is described for the detection and identification of unusual nucleotide residues present in DNAs. Analysis by this method of intact, underivatized DNA from salmon sperm, calf thymus, mouse L-cells, wheat germ, M. lysodeikticus, E. Coli, and the bacteriophages 0X-174, fd, and lamda, yields diagnostic ions for the four common components of DNA as well as characteristic ions for 5-methyldeoxycytidine residues. The spectrum from T2 DNA contains ions indicative of 5-hydroxymethyldeoxycytidine and 5-methyldoxycytidine components but no ions corresponding to deoxycytidine residues. The DNAs of phages fd and 0X-174 also display ion products indicative of N6-methyldeoxyadenosine residues. Additional series of ions in the spectra of all four bacteriophage DNAs suggest the presence of 5-substituted deoxyuridine residues. The detection method exhibits considerable sensitivity in that amounts of DNA as low as 0.01 A260nm units can be used in the analysis, and thus, the procedure should prove of some value in the detection and location of modified components in specific regions of the various genomes by analysis of the appropriate endonuclease restriction fragments.", "PMID": 1005110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10152", "title": "Model studies of chromatin structure based on X-ray diffraction data.", "content": "Model calculations are presented in order to interpret the X-ray diffraction diagrams given by chromatin gels. It is shown that by taking into account the hydration of chromatin subunits, the problem of calculating the interference function in concentrated gels is greatly simplified. In this way it is spossible to fully interpret the influence of concentration on the position and intensity of the various rings present in the X-ray diffraction patterns. The possibilities and limitations of models based on spherical symmetry are also discussed. It is concluded that each chromatin subunit most likely contains three turns of DNA in each 200 base pairs segment surrounding a central protein core. With the method presented here it is possible to test if other models of chromatin based on different kinds of evidence are compatible with the X-ray diffraction data.", "contents": "Model studies of chromatin structure based on X-ray diffraction data. Model calculations are presented in order to interpret the X-ray diffraction diagrams given by chromatin gels. It is shown that by taking into account the hydration of chromatin subunits, the problem of calculating the interference function in concentrated gels is greatly simplified. In this way it is spossible to fully interpret the influence of concentration on the position and intensity of the various rings present in the X-ray diffraction patterns. The possibilities and limitations of models based on spherical symmetry are also discussed. It is concluded that each chromatin subunit most likely contains three turns of DNA in each 200 base pairs segment surrounding a central protein core. With the method presented here it is possible to test if other models of chromatin based on different kinds of evidence are compatible with the X-ray diffraction data.", "PMID": 1005111} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10153", "title": "Physical and functional heterogeneity in TYMV RNA: evidence for the existence of an independent messenger coding for coat protein.", "content": "Turnip yellow mosaic virus RNA can be separated into two distinct components of 2 times 10(6) and 300 000 daltons molecular weight after moderate heat treatment in the presence of SDS or EDTA. The two species cannot have arisen by accidental in vitro degradation of a larger RNA, as they both possess capped 5' ends. Analysis of the newly synthesized proteins resulting from translation of each RNA by a wheat germ extract shows that the 300 000 molecular weight RNA can be translated very efficiently into coat protein. When translated in vitro the longer RNA gave a series of high molecular weight polypeptides but only very small amounts of a polypeptide having about the same mass as the coat protein. Thus our results suggest that the small RNA is the functional messenger for coat protein synthesis in infected cells.", "contents": "Physical and functional heterogeneity in TYMV RNA: evidence for the existence of an independent messenger coding for coat protein. Turnip yellow mosaic virus RNA can be separated into two distinct components of 2 times 10(6) and 300 000 daltons molecular weight after moderate heat treatment in the presence of SDS or EDTA. The two species cannot have arisen by accidental in vitro degradation of a larger RNA, as they both possess capped 5' ends. Analysis of the newly synthesized proteins resulting from translation of each RNA by a wheat germ extract shows that the 300 000 molecular weight RNA can be translated very efficiently into coat protein. When translated in vitro the longer RNA gave a series of high molecular weight polypeptides but only very small amounts of a polypeptide having about the same mass as the coat protein. Thus our results suggest that the small RNA is the functional messenger for coat protein synthesis in infected cells.", "PMID": 1005112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10154", "title": "Bone marrow ribonucleic acid polymerase. Effect of testosterone on nucleotide incorporation into nuclear RNA.", "content": "The incorporation of 3H-UTP into RNA by isolated rat bone marrow nuclei is stimulated by testosterone. This effect is hormone and tissue specific. Using alpha-amanitine and different ionic strength conditions it was found that testosterone enhances preferentially RNA polymerase I activity. The sedimentation pattern of RNA isolated from bone marrow nuclei shows that the synthesis of RNA species within the 14-30 S range is mainly stimulated by the hormone.", "contents": "Bone marrow ribonucleic acid polymerase. Effect of testosterone on nucleotide incorporation into nuclear RNA. The incorporation of 3H-UTP into RNA by isolated rat bone marrow nuclei is stimulated by testosterone. This effect is hormone and tissue specific. Using alpha-amanitine and different ionic strength conditions it was found that testosterone enhances preferentially RNA polymerase I activity. The sedimentation pattern of RNA isolated from bone marrow nuclei shows that the synthesis of RNA species within the 14-30 S range is mainly stimulated by the hormone.", "PMID": 1005113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10155", "title": "The use of terminal blocking groups for the specific joining of oligonucleotides in RNA ligase reactions containing equimolar concentrations of acceptor and donor molecules.", "content": "Under the conditions that RNA ligase converts the tetranucleotide, pA-A2-A, to larger polynucleotides, no such polymerization can be detected with the derivative, pA-A2-A(MeOEt), that possesses a terminal 2'-0-(alpha-methoxyethyl) group. The protection against self condensation offered by the methoxyethyl group in this system allows the specific joining of donor and acceptor oligonucleotides in reaction mixtures containing equimolar concentrations of the two species. Thus, the enzyme, together with ATP, converts equimolar quantities of A-A2-A and pA-A2-A(MeOEt) to A-A6-A(MeOEt) in 55% yield, while a similar reaction with A-A2-A and pU-U2-U(MeOEt) results in a 40% yield of A-A3-U3-U(MeOEt). The intermediate in these ligations is a disubstituted pyrophosphate composed of the donor molecule and the adenylate moiety deriving from ATP. In the case of the intermediate arising from the blocked adenosine tetranucleotide, the assigned structure, A5'pp5'A-A2-A(MeOEt), has been confirmed by chemical synthesis. The pyrophosphate derivative is able to participate in joining reactions in the absence of ATP. These observations constitute an efficient approach to the synthesis of larger polynucleotides from a specific series of oligonucleotide blocks since (i), the methoxyethyl group can be easily introduced into each oligonucleotide using the single addition reaction catalyzed by polynucleotide phosphorylase in the presence of a 2'-0-(alpha-methoxyethyl)nucleoside 5'-diphosphate, and (ii), the blocking group may be readily removed under mild conditions after each successive ligation reaction. Two other octanucleotides, I-I2-A-U3-U and U-U2-C-I3-A, have also been synthesized by this method, and these molecules correspond (with I substituting for G) to sequences appearing near the 3' terminus of the 6S RNA transcribed from phage lambda DNA. The terminal 3'-phosphate group serves equally well as a blocking group for specific ligation reactions in that the ligase converts equimolar amounts of A-A2-A and pA-A2-Ap to A-A6-Ap in 50% yield.", "contents": "The use of terminal blocking groups for the specific joining of oligonucleotides in RNA ligase reactions containing equimolar concentrations of acceptor and donor molecules. Under the conditions that RNA ligase converts the tetranucleotide, pA-A2-A, to larger polynucleotides, no such polymerization can be detected with the derivative, pA-A2-A(MeOEt), that possesses a terminal 2'-0-(alpha-methoxyethyl) group. The protection against self condensation offered by the methoxyethyl group in this system allows the specific joining of donor and acceptor oligonucleotides in reaction mixtures containing equimolar concentrations of the two species. Thus, the enzyme, together with ATP, converts equimolar quantities of A-A2-A and pA-A2-A(MeOEt) to A-A6-A(MeOEt) in 55% yield, while a similar reaction with A-A2-A and pU-U2-U(MeOEt) results in a 40% yield of A-A3-U3-U(MeOEt). The intermediate in these ligations is a disubstituted pyrophosphate composed of the donor molecule and the adenylate moiety deriving from ATP. In the case of the intermediate arising from the blocked adenosine tetranucleotide, the assigned structure, A5'pp5'A-A2-A(MeOEt), has been confirmed by chemical synthesis. The pyrophosphate derivative is able to participate in joining reactions in the absence of ATP. These observations constitute an efficient approach to the synthesis of larger polynucleotides from a specific series of oligonucleotide blocks since (i), the methoxyethyl group can be easily introduced into each oligonucleotide using the single addition reaction catalyzed by polynucleotide phosphorylase in the presence of a 2'-0-(alpha-methoxyethyl)nucleoside 5'-diphosphate, and (ii), the blocking group may be readily removed under mild conditions after each successive ligation reaction. Two other octanucleotides, I-I2-A-U3-U and U-U2-C-I3-A, have also been synthesized by this method, and these molecules correspond (with I substituting for G) to sequences appearing near the 3' terminus of the 6S RNA transcribed from phage lambda DNA. The terminal 3'-phosphate group serves equally well as a blocking group for specific ligation reactions in that the ligase converts equimolar amounts of A-A2-A and pA-A2-Ap to A-A6-Ap in 50% yield.", "PMID": 1005114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10156", "title": "A restriction endonuclease from Staphylococcus aureus.", "content": "A specific endonuclease, Sau 3AI, has been partially purified from Staphylococcus aureus strain 3A by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The enzyme cleaves adenovirus type 5 DNA many times, SV40 DNA eight times but does not cleave double-stranded phi X174 DNA. It recognizes the sequence (see article) and cleaves as indicated by the arrows. Evidence is presented that this enzyme plays a role in the biological restriction-modification system of Staphylococcus aureus strain 3A.", "contents": "A restriction endonuclease from Staphylococcus aureus. A specific endonuclease, Sau 3AI, has been partially purified from Staphylococcus aureus strain 3A by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The enzyme cleaves adenovirus type 5 DNA many times, SV40 DNA eight times but does not cleave double-stranded phi X174 DNA. It recognizes the sequence (see article) and cleaves as indicated by the arrows. Evidence is presented that this enzyme plays a role in the biological restriction-modification system of Staphylococcus aureus strain 3A.", "PMID": 1005115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10157", "title": "Polynucleotides. XLII1. Limited addition of 2'O-onitrobenzyl nucleotides to the 3'-end of ribooligonucleotide with polynucleotide phosphorylase.", "content": "2'-O-o-Nitrobenzyluridine, -cytidine and -adenosine were phosphorylated with phosphoryl chloride to the corresponding 5'-phosphates and led to 5'-diphosphates by the method of Moffatt and Khorana. These 2'-O-oNB-nucleoside 5'-diphosphates were incubated with a primer CpApA and polynucleotide phosphorylase in the presence of Mn2+. Tetranucleotides CpApApU, CpApApC and CpApApA were obtained after photosensitive removal of oNB groups in yields of 54-70%.", "contents": "Polynucleotides. XLII1. Limited addition of 2'O-onitrobenzyl nucleotides to the 3'-end of ribooligonucleotide with polynucleotide phosphorylase. 2'-O-o-Nitrobenzyluridine, -cytidine and -adenosine were phosphorylated with phosphoryl chloride to the corresponding 5'-phosphates and led to 5'-diphosphates by the method of Moffatt and Khorana. These 2'-O-oNB-nucleoside 5'-diphosphates were incubated with a primer CpApA and polynucleotide phosphorylase in the presence of Mn2+. Tetranucleotides CpApApU, CpApApC and CpApApA were obtained after photosensitive removal of oNB groups in yields of 54-70%.", "PMID": 1005116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10158", "title": "Chromatin nu bodies: isolation, subfractionation and physical characterization.", "content": "Monomer chromatin subunit particles (nu1) have been isolated in gram quantities by large-scale zonal centrifugation of micrococcal nuclease digests of chicken erythrocyte nuclei. nu1 can be stored, apparently indefinitely, frozen in 0.2 mM EDTA (pH 7.0) at less than or equal to 25 degrees C. Aliquots of the stored monomers have been subfractionated by dialysis against 0.1 M KCl buffers into a soluble fraction containing equimolar amounts of H4, H3, H2A, H2B associated with a DNA fragment of approximately 130-140 nucleotide pairs, and a precipitated fraction containing all of the histones including H5 and H1 associated with DNA fragments. The total nu1 and the KCl-soluble fraction of nu1 have been examined by sedimentation, diffusion, sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugation, low-angle X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. Physical parameters from all of these techniques are presented and correlated in this study.", "contents": "Chromatin nu bodies: isolation, subfractionation and physical characterization. Monomer chromatin subunit particles (nu1) have been isolated in gram quantities by large-scale zonal centrifugation of micrococcal nuclease digests of chicken erythrocyte nuclei. nu1 can be stored, apparently indefinitely, frozen in 0.2 mM EDTA (pH 7.0) at less than or equal to 25 degrees C. Aliquots of the stored monomers have been subfractionated by dialysis against 0.1 M KCl buffers into a soluble fraction containing equimolar amounts of H4, H3, H2A, H2B associated with a DNA fragment of approximately 130-140 nucleotide pairs, and a precipitated fraction containing all of the histones including H5 and H1 associated with DNA fragments. The total nu1 and the KCl-soluble fraction of nu1 have been examined by sedimentation, diffusion, sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugation, low-angle X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. Physical parameters from all of these techniques are presented and correlated in this study.", "PMID": 1005117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10159", "title": "Chromatin structure: a property of the higher structures of chromatin and in the time course of its formation during chromatin replication.", "content": "The action of a number of enzymes and metals on one nuclear preparation were interpreted in terms of the existence of a fragile but highly DNAase-I resistant feature of chromatin superstructure. The generation of this DNAase-I resistance feature of chromatin was then followed during normal DNA synthesis in the regenerating rat liver by following the disappearance of a transitory DNAase-I susceptible state. This transitory, DNAase-I susceptible state appears to be extremely similar to the post-synthetic, DNAase-I susceptible state that has been described in He La32.", "contents": "Chromatin structure: a property of the higher structures of chromatin and in the time course of its formation during chromatin replication. The action of a number of enzymes and metals on one nuclear preparation were interpreted in terms of the existence of a fragile but highly DNAase-I resistant feature of chromatin superstructure. The generation of this DNAase-I resistance feature of chromatin was then followed during normal DNA synthesis in the regenerating rat liver by following the disappearance of a transitory DNAase-I susceptible state. This transitory, DNAase-I susceptible state appears to be extremely similar to the post-synthetic, DNAase-I susceptible state that has been described in He La32.", "PMID": 1005118} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10160", "title": "Infrared dichroism of the DNA-caffeine complex. A new method for determination of the ligand orientation.", "content": "Infrared linear dichroism (LD) measurements on films of the DNA-caffeine complex in terms of the relative humidity (r.h.) show two main effects. Firstly, there is an insertion of caffeine molecules into the DNA double helix (B form), as evidenced by a very strong parallel LD behaviour of the 745 cm-1 band due to the C-H out-of-plane deformation vibration of caffeine. Furthermore, a high r.h. values a modified B form occurs in the complex similar to the B form recently reported by BRAHMS and coworkers for DNA-polypeptide complexes. The reversible B-A transition of the DNA in dependence of the r.h. is not affected in general in the presence of caffeine.", "contents": "Infrared dichroism of the DNA-caffeine complex. A new method for determination of the ligand orientation. Infrared linear dichroism (LD) measurements on films of the DNA-caffeine complex in terms of the relative humidity (r.h.) show two main effects. Firstly, there is an insertion of caffeine molecules into the DNA double helix (B form), as evidenced by a very strong parallel LD behaviour of the 745 cm-1 band due to the C-H out-of-plane deformation vibration of caffeine. Furthermore, a high r.h. values a modified B form occurs in the complex similar to the B form recently reported by BRAHMS and coworkers for DNA-polypeptide complexes. The reversible B-A transition of the DNA in dependence of the r.h. is not affected in general in the presence of caffeine.", "PMID": 1005119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10161", "title": "Recognition of polynucleotides by antibodies to poly(I), poly(C).", "content": "The binding of anti poly(I). poly (C) Fab fragments to double or triple stranded polynucletides has been studied by fluorescence. Association constants were deduced from competition experiments. The comparison of the association constants leads to the conclusion that several atoms of the base residues do not interact with the amino acid residues of the binding site of Fab fragment while the hydroxyl groups of furanose rings interact. These results suggest that the Fab fragments do not bind to the major groove of the double stranded polynucleotides. An interaction between the C(2)O group of pyrimidine residues and Fab fragments cannot be excluded. Circular dichroism of poly(I). poly(C) or poly(I). poly(br5C)-Fab fragments complexes are very different from the circular dichroism of free polynucleotides which suggests a deformation of the polynucleotides bound to the Fab fragments.", "contents": "Recognition of polynucleotides by antibodies to poly(I), poly(C). The binding of anti poly(I). poly (C) Fab fragments to double or triple stranded polynucletides has been studied by fluorescence. Association constants were deduced from competition experiments. The comparison of the association constants leads to the conclusion that several atoms of the base residues do not interact with the amino acid residues of the binding site of Fab fragment while the hydroxyl groups of furanose rings interact. These results suggest that the Fab fragments do not bind to the major groove of the double stranded polynucleotides. An interaction between the C(2)O group of pyrimidine residues and Fab fragments cannot be excluded. Circular dichroism of poly(I). poly(C) or poly(I). poly(br5C)-Fab fragments complexes are very different from the circular dichroism of free polynucleotides which suggests a deformation of the polynucleotides bound to the Fab fragments.", "PMID": 1005120} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10162", "title": "A new synthesis of 5'-deoxy-8,5'-cyclo-adenosine and -inosine: conformationally-fixed purine nucleosides (nucleosides and nucleotides. XVI).", "content": "A versatile method for the synthesis of 5'-deoxy-8,5'-cycloadenosine, a conformationally-fixed \"anti\" type of adenosine, was presented. Irradiation of 2', 3'-O-isopropylidene-5'-deoxy-5'-phenylthioadenosine with 60W Hg vapor lamp afforded 2',3'-O-isopropylidene-5'-deoxy-8,5'-cycloadenosine in high yield. The use of other 5'-alkylthio derivatives also gave the cycloadenosine, though the yields were rather poor. Deacetonation of the cyclocompound with 0.1N HCl gave 5'-deoxy-8,5'-cycloadenosine. The cycloinosine derivative was similarly prepared. The nmr, mass and CD spectra of 5'-deoxy-8,5'-cycloadenosine were given and discussed with the previously reported results.", "contents": "A new synthesis of 5'-deoxy-8,5'-cyclo-adenosine and -inosine: conformationally-fixed purine nucleosides (nucleosides and nucleotides. XVI). A versatile method for the synthesis of 5'-deoxy-8,5'-cycloadenosine, a conformationally-fixed \"anti\" type of adenosine, was presented. Irradiation of 2', 3'-O-isopropylidene-5'-deoxy-5'-phenylthioadenosine with 60W Hg vapor lamp afforded 2',3'-O-isopropylidene-5'-deoxy-8,5'-cycloadenosine in high yield. The use of other 5'-alkylthio derivatives also gave the cycloadenosine, though the yields were rather poor. Deacetonation of the cyclocompound with 0.1N HCl gave 5'-deoxy-8,5'-cycloadenosine. The cycloinosine derivative was similarly prepared. The nmr, mass and CD spectra of 5'-deoxy-8,5'-cycloadenosine were given and discussed with the previously reported results.", "PMID": 1005121} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10163", "title": "End group of naturally terminated and UV lesion terminated T7 in vitro RNA.", "content": "The 3' terminal nucleosides of RNA transcribed in vitro by E. coli RNA polymerase from T7 DNA and UV irradiated TN DNA were determined. The 3' terminal nucleoside of naturally terminated (t1 termination site) RNA cytidine. In the case of RNA terminated at UV lesions, it is cytidine in 0 per cent of the molecules and adenosine in the remaining 30 per cent. Cytidine trialcohols are labile in high concentrations of KOH and at high temperature and appear to convert to uridine.", "contents": "End group of naturally terminated and UV lesion terminated T7 in vitro RNA. The 3' terminal nucleosides of RNA transcribed in vitro by E. coli RNA polymerase from T7 DNA and UV irradiated TN DNA were determined. The 3' terminal nucleoside of naturally terminated (t1 termination site) RNA cytidine. In the case of RNA terminated at UV lesions, it is cytidine in 0 per cent of the molecules and adenosine in the remaining 30 per cent. Cytidine trialcohols are labile in high concentrations of KOH and at high temperature and appear to convert to uridine.", "PMID": 1005122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10164", "title": "On the character of the thermodynamic properties distribution in DNA molecules inside the melting interval.", "content": "The variances of the distributions of DNA molecules over the degree of helicity and over the number of unwound regions inside the melting interval are calculated. The variance over the degree of helicity is expessed in terms of the values directly available from the experimental data. For the variance over the number of unwound regions a simple interpolation formula based on the machine calculations is proposed. Possible applications of the results obtained to interpolaation of the electron microscopic denaturation maps of DNA are discussed.", "contents": "On the character of the thermodynamic properties distribution in DNA molecules inside the melting interval. The variances of the distributions of DNA molecules over the degree of helicity and over the number of unwound regions inside the melting interval are calculated. The variance over the degree of helicity is expessed in terms of the values directly available from the experimental data. For the variance over the number of unwound regions a simple interpolation formula based on the machine calculations is proposed. Possible applications of the results obtained to interpolaation of the electron microscopic denaturation maps of DNA are discussed.", "PMID": 1005123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10165", "title": "Nucleoside-3'-phosphotriesters as key intermediates for the oligoribonucleotide synthesis. III. An improved preparation of nucleoside 3'-phosphotriesters, their 1H NMR characterization and new conditions for removal of 2-cyanoethyl group.", "content": "An improved procedure for the transformation of 5'-O-monomethoxytrityl-2'-O-acetyl-3'-phosphates of uridine la, inosine ib and 6-N-benzoyladenosine lc into corresponding 3'/2,2,2-trichloroethyl, 2-cyanoethyl/-phosphates iiaic is reported. H NMR characterization of nucleoside 3'-phosphotriesters is presented. New conditions i.e. anhydrous triethylamine-pyridine treatment have been found for the selective removal of 2-cyanoethyl group from nucleoside 3'-phosphotriesters in the presence of neighbouring 2'-O-acetyl one.", "contents": "Nucleoside-3'-phosphotriesters as key intermediates for the oligoribonucleotide synthesis. III. An improved preparation of nucleoside 3'-phosphotriesters, their 1H NMR characterization and new conditions for removal of 2-cyanoethyl group. An improved procedure for the transformation of 5'-O-monomethoxytrityl-2'-O-acetyl-3'-phosphates of uridine la, inosine ib and 6-N-benzoyladenosine lc into corresponding 3'/2,2,2-trichloroethyl, 2-cyanoethyl/-phosphates iiaic is reported. H NMR characterization of nucleoside 3'-phosphotriesters is presented. New conditions i.e. anhydrous triethylamine-pyridine treatment have been found for the selective removal of 2-cyanoethyl group from nucleoside 3'-phosphotriesters in the presence of neighbouring 2'-O-acetyl one.", "PMID": 1005124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10166", "title": "A acid-stable analogue of the 3-beta-D-ribofuranoside of Y-base.", "content": "A cyclonucleoside analogue of Y(TU) riboside has been prepared and shown to be relatively stable in M-hydrochloric acid solution at room temperature.", "contents": "A acid-stable analogue of the 3-beta-D-ribofuranoside of Y-base. A cyclonucleoside analogue of Y(TU) riboside has been prepared and shown to be relatively stable in M-hydrochloric acid solution at room temperature.", "PMID": 1005125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10167", "title": "Efficiency of in vivo labeling of red blood cells with 99mTc.", "content": "The effectiveness of three commercial bone scintigraphic agents and freshly made stannous chloride in labeling erythrocytes with 99mTc was compared. Our results indicate that tin pyrophosphate is the agent of choice and that it is most effective when injected at least 15 minutes before the 99mTc-pertechnetate is administered. This technique of labeling red blood cells in vivo could be applied in performing blood pool studies.", "contents": "Efficiency of in vivo labeling of red blood cells with 99mTc. The effectiveness of three commercial bone scintigraphic agents and freshly made stannous chloride in labeling erythrocytes with 99mTc was compared. Our results indicate that tin pyrophosphate is the agent of choice and that it is most effective when injected at least 15 minutes before the 99mTc-pertechnetate is administered. This technique of labeling red blood cells in vivo could be applied in performing blood pool studies.", "PMID": 1005126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10168", "title": "[Determination of capillary permeability with labeled human albumin].", "content": "We propose a new test for measuring the \"capillary permeability\" with labeled albumin, with simpler methods, satisfactory results and good discrimination between normal subjects and pathological patients. In normal subjects, after the removal of the tourniquet, the radioactivity returns to former values (under 10% of this figure). In pathological patients, even after the 3 min following the removal of the tourniquet, there is no return to the former value (the retention of labeled albumin is always over 10%). It is in cyclic oedema that the test provides the most interesting results.", "contents": "[Determination of capillary permeability with labeled human albumin]. We propose a new test for measuring the \"capillary permeability\" with labeled albumin, with simpler methods, satisfactory results and good discrimination between normal subjects and pathological patients. In normal subjects, after the removal of the tourniquet, the radioactivity returns to former values (under 10% of this figure). In pathological patients, even after the 3 min following the removal of the tourniquet, there is no return to the former value (the retention of labeled albumin is always over 10%). It is in cyclic oedema that the test provides the most interesting results.", "PMID": 1005127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10169", "title": "[Asymmetric brain perfusion in the aged?].", "content": "Between 1971 and 1975 we performed 1580 dynamic perfusion studies in 1411 patients. The patients were admitted to the nuclear medicine department for brain scanning from the medical, neurological and neurosurgical departments as well as directly by private family physicians. For dynamic brain studies we used the scintillation camera (Searle Radiographics) and a bolus of 99mTc-pertechnetate intravenously injected. The polaroid frames were exposed at 4 second intervals The results of the dynamic brain study were divided into five categories: normal, moderately diminished perfusion of one hemisphere, severe perfusion defect of one hemisphere, focal or multifocal hypervascular areas (\"hot areas\") and stenosis or occlusion of the carotid artery. In 1009 cases we found a normal perfusion of the tracer material without any side difference between the brain hemispheres. In 68 patients with motoric hemisyndrome of the right side and in 89 patients with hemisyndrome of the left side we were able to demonstrate a diminished perfusion of the contralateral hemisphere. In 65 patients with confirmed primary or metastatic brain tumors we observed a perfusion deficiency in 39 cases and focal \"hot\" areas in 26 cases. In 24 epileptic patients we found asymmetrical perfusion of the brain. In 109 patients without any neurological signs or symptoms we registered a \"false positive\" dynamic perfusion study with an asymmetrical initial transition of the injected tracer material. The left hemisphere showed a diminished perfusion in 86 cases, the right in 23 cases. The asymmetrical brain perfusion was not observed in patients under the age of twenty years. The incidence of \"false positive\" dynamic brain studies was found to be dependent on the age of the investigeted patients with a maximum of asymmetrical brain perfusion scans in the age group between 61 and 70 years. At present time we are not able to explain the reason of the \"false positive\" results. Because of this reason the investigation will be continued together with the neurologists and radiologists to find out a possible correlation between our study, the EEG-curves and results of the morphological brain investigations such as pneumoencephalography or ACT-scans.", "contents": "[Asymmetric brain perfusion in the aged?]. Between 1971 and 1975 we performed 1580 dynamic perfusion studies in 1411 patients. The patients were admitted to the nuclear medicine department for brain scanning from the medical, neurological and neurosurgical departments as well as directly by private family physicians. For dynamic brain studies we used the scintillation camera (Searle Radiographics) and a bolus of 99mTc-pertechnetate intravenously injected. The polaroid frames were exposed at 4 second intervals The results of the dynamic brain study were divided into five categories: normal, moderately diminished perfusion of one hemisphere, severe perfusion defect of one hemisphere, focal or multifocal hypervascular areas (\"hot areas\") and stenosis or occlusion of the carotid artery. In 1009 cases we found a normal perfusion of the tracer material without any side difference between the brain hemispheres. In 68 patients with motoric hemisyndrome of the right side and in 89 patients with hemisyndrome of the left side we were able to demonstrate a diminished perfusion of the contralateral hemisphere. In 65 patients with confirmed primary or metastatic brain tumors we observed a perfusion deficiency in 39 cases and focal \"hot\" areas in 26 cases. In 24 epileptic patients we found asymmetrical perfusion of the brain. In 109 patients without any neurological signs or symptoms we registered a \"false positive\" dynamic perfusion study with an asymmetrical initial transition of the injected tracer material. The left hemisphere showed a diminished perfusion in 86 cases, the right in 23 cases. The asymmetrical brain perfusion was not observed in patients under the age of twenty years. The incidence of \"false positive\" dynamic brain studies was found to be dependent on the age of the investigeted patients with a maximum of asymmetrical brain perfusion scans in the age group between 61 and 70 years. At present time we are not able to explain the reason of the \"false positive\" results. Because of this reason the investigation will be continued together with the neurologists and radiologists to find out a possible correlation between our study, the EEG-curves and results of the morphological brain investigations such as pneumoencephalography or ACT-scans.", "PMID": 1005128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10170", "title": "[Is a dosage calculation for radio-iodine therapy possible?].", "content": "When trying a single-dose 131I therapy in thyrotoxic patients a dose calculation must be done to avoid an overtreatment raising the risk of posttherapeutic hypothyroidism. The calculation is based on the diagnostic 131I uptake, the thyroid weight, and the effective intrathyroidal halflife of the diagnostic 131I dose. In 46 thyrotoxic patients the radiation dose was calculated with 7000 R for small and 10 000 R for large (50--100 g) glands using the formula of Billion. Iodine-131 was given in a single dose. Therapeutic dose uptake was measured every day and the effective T 1/2 calculated using a least squares computer fitting to an monoexponential decrease. The radiation dose was then recalculated using the same formula. Small glands received 10 700 +/- 4300 R (SEM 1008 R) instead of calculated 7000 R; large glands 8600 +/- 4100 R (SEM 860) instead of 10 000 R. There was a significant correlation: the smaller the gland the higher the radiation dose. The smallest glands received 12 000 to 16 000 R. There might be such a great difference between calculated and received radiation dose than an individual prediction will be impossible. In our patients a careful calculation for the single-dose treatment was done; nevertheless in some cases an overtreatment of more than 100% was seen. A comparison of responding or overresponding to therapy with the radiation dose is only reliable using individual dosimetry with the therapeutic 131I dose.", "contents": "[Is a dosage calculation for radio-iodine therapy possible?]. When trying a single-dose 131I therapy in thyrotoxic patients a dose calculation must be done to avoid an overtreatment raising the risk of posttherapeutic hypothyroidism. The calculation is based on the diagnostic 131I uptake, the thyroid weight, and the effective intrathyroidal halflife of the diagnostic 131I dose. In 46 thyrotoxic patients the radiation dose was calculated with 7000 R for small and 10 000 R for large (50--100 g) glands using the formula of Billion. Iodine-131 was given in a single dose. Therapeutic dose uptake was measured every day and the effective T 1/2 calculated using a least squares computer fitting to an monoexponential decrease. The radiation dose was then recalculated using the same formula. Small glands received 10 700 +/- 4300 R (SEM 1008 R) instead of calculated 7000 R; large glands 8600 +/- 4100 R (SEM 860) instead of 10 000 R. There was a significant correlation: the smaller the gland the higher the radiation dose. The smallest glands received 12 000 to 16 000 R. There might be such a great difference between calculated and received radiation dose than an individual prediction will be impossible. In our patients a careful calculation for the single-dose treatment was done; nevertheless in some cases an overtreatment of more than 100% was seen. A comparison of responding or overresponding to therapy with the radiation dose is only reliable using individual dosimetry with the therapeutic 131I dose.", "PMID": 1005129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10171", "title": "Plasma and erythrocyte magnesium levels in patients with chronic renal failure.", "content": "In 62 patients with chronic renal failure the concentration of total and ultrafiltrable magnesium in plasma water was significantly raised and showed a weak but significant correlation with the degree of renal failure expressed by serum creatinine concentration. Erythrocyte magnesium concentration increased significantly showing a more significant correlation with the degree of renal failure than the plasma magnesium level. The fluid used for dialysis contained 1.5 mEq/l of magnesium and this failed to prevent the rise of concentration of this electrolyte in the plasma and erythrocytes. A statistically significant positive correlation was demonstrated between the concentrations of magnesium and ultrafiltrable calcium in patients with creatinine concentration below 4 mg/100 ml.", "contents": "Plasma and erythrocyte magnesium levels in patients with chronic renal failure. In 62 patients with chronic renal failure the concentration of total and ultrafiltrable magnesium in plasma water was significantly raised and showed a weak but significant correlation with the degree of renal failure expressed by serum creatinine concentration. Erythrocyte magnesium concentration increased significantly showing a more significant correlation with the degree of renal failure than the plasma magnesium level. The fluid used for dialysis contained 1.5 mEq/l of magnesium and this failed to prevent the rise of concentration of this electrolyte in the plasma and erythrocytes. A statistically significant positive correlation was demonstrated between the concentrations of magnesium and ultrafiltrable calcium in patients with creatinine concentration below 4 mg/100 ml.", "PMID": 1005219} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10172", "title": "Renal excretion of magnesium in chronic renal failure.", "content": "In 42 patients with chronic renal insufficiency the 24-hour magnesium excretion decreased with the progress of renal failure and was independent of the total and intrafiltrable magnesium concentration in the plasma. At the same time the fractional excretion of this ion increased progressively probably as a result of increased osmotic load acting on individual nephrons and/or the action of the natriuretic factor. The high correlation between fractional excretion of magnesium and sodium, and magnesium and calcium may suggest an interrelationship between the transport mechanisms of these ions in the nephron.", "contents": "Renal excretion of magnesium in chronic renal failure. In 42 patients with chronic renal insufficiency the 24-hour magnesium excretion decreased with the progress of renal failure and was independent of the total and intrafiltrable magnesium concentration in the plasma. At the same time the fractional excretion of this ion increased progressively probably as a result of increased osmotic load acting on individual nephrons and/or the action of the natriuretic factor. The high correlation between fractional excretion of magnesium and sodium, and magnesium and calcium may suggest an interrelationship between the transport mechanisms of these ions in the nephron.", "PMID": 1005220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10173", "title": "Metabolic response to two-stage adrenalectomy ih patients with Cushing's disease.", "content": "In 5 patients with Cushing's disease the balance of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and chlorides was determined during 5 days before, and 10 days after bilateral two-stage adrenalectomy. The patients received substitute treatment with hydrocortisone in mean doses of 112 mg/24 hours after the first stage and 203 mg/24 hours after the second stage. After removal of the first adrenal the metabolic response of the cell mass and extracellular space was within the normal range of moderately intense responses. After the second adrenalectomy the cumulative balance of the components of the cell mass was slightly negative and retention of sodium and chlorides was more pronounced than after the first operation.", "contents": "Metabolic response to two-stage adrenalectomy ih patients with Cushing's disease. In 5 patients with Cushing's disease the balance of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and chlorides was determined during 5 days before, and 10 days after bilateral two-stage adrenalectomy. The patients received substitute treatment with hydrocortisone in mean doses of 112 mg/24 hours after the first stage and 203 mg/24 hours after the second stage. After removal of the first adrenal the metabolic response of the cell mass and extracellular space was within the normal range of moderately intense responses. After the second adrenalectomy the cumulative balance of the components of the cell mass was slightly negative and retention of sodium and chlorides was more pronounced than after the first operation.", "PMID": 1005221} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10174", "title": "Clinical value of urinary sodium and potassium content determinations in severely burned patients.", "content": "In 15 severely burned patients the concentrations of sodium and potassium were determined in 605 urine samples. Concentrations of both electrolytes were reduced. A decrease in urinary sodium concentration below 10 mEq/l, persisting during several days, was an unfavorable prognostic sign. Low urinary potassium concentrations (below 10-20 mEq/24 hrs) were interpreted as an evidence of cellular potassium depletion.", "contents": "Clinical value of urinary sodium and potassium content determinations in severely burned patients. In 15 severely burned patients the concentrations of sodium and potassium were determined in 605 urine samples. Concentrations of both electrolytes were reduced. A decrease in urinary sodium concentration below 10 mEq/l, persisting during several days, was an unfavorable prognostic sign. Low urinary potassium concentrations (below 10-20 mEq/24 hrs) were interpreted as an evidence of cellular potassium depletion.", "PMID": 1005223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10175", "title": "Lymphonodular form of toxoplasmosis.", "content": "On the basis of 3 cases of lymphoglandular toxoplasmosis recognized after biopsy of lymph nodes the authors established the clinical and morphological syndrome of this disease entity. Attention is called to the possibility of erroneous histological evaluation of the examined lymph nodes owing to the similarity of glandular toxoplasmosis to other diseases of the lymphatic system.", "contents": "Lymphonodular form of toxoplasmosis. On the basis of 3 cases of lymphoglandular toxoplasmosis recognized after biopsy of lymph nodes the authors established the clinical and morphological syndrome of this disease entity. Attention is called to the possibility of erroneous histological evaluation of the examined lymph nodes owing to the similarity of glandular toxoplasmosis to other diseases of the lymphatic system.", "PMID": 1005224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10176", "title": "Observations on behavior of platelet adhesiveness at the late stage of burn disease.", "content": "Results of investigations on platelet adhesiveness in burned patients after the stage of shock were presented. In all cases studied (17 patients) the values of platelet adhesiveness were lower than in healthy subjects. Further investigations are required to explain this finding.", "contents": "Observations on behavior of platelet adhesiveness at the late stage of burn disease. Results of investigations on platelet adhesiveness in burned patients after the stage of shock were presented. In all cases studied (17 patients) the values of platelet adhesiveness were lower than in healthy subjects. Further investigations are required to explain this finding.", "PMID": 1005222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10177", "title": "[Silicones for augmentation of soft tissues. Their properties following implantation].", "content": "The authors describe the results of 6-years' application of compositions based on liquid silicone rubber SKTN for cosmetic correction of pectus excavatum in 24 patients. The results of investigation of physico-mechanical properties of original allomaterials based on SKTN compared with the properties of soft tissues of living organism are shown. The effects of ageing of these allomaterials in the environment of the living tissues are presented.", "contents": "[Silicones for augmentation of soft tissues. Their properties following implantation]. The authors describe the results of 6-years' application of compositions based on liquid silicone rubber SKTN for cosmetic correction of pectus excavatum in 24 patients. The results of investigation of physico-mechanical properties of original allomaterials based on SKTN compared with the properties of soft tissues of living organism are shown. The effects of ageing of these allomaterials in the environment of the living tissues are presented.", "PMID": 1005254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10178", "title": "[New polymers for transfusiology].", "content": "The Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the BSSR Academy of Sciences and the Byelorussian Research Institute of Blood Transfusion have developed and used in hospital practice a fundamentally new method of blood stabilization which does not require addition of alliens. Some part of calcium from blood plasma is extracted by filtrating the blood through layers of specially developed highly effective and biologically compatible fibrous sorbents of derivatives of cellulose (natural highpolymer). The blood may the used in all cases of homotransfusion and most expediently in extremely complicated cases, when direct blood transfusions are difficult. Stabilized blood may also be effectively used when large-quantity or exchange blood transfusions have to be quickly performed, to resuscitate patients from clinical death, to stop haemorrhage caused by disturbances in blood coagulation, to treat anaemia of different etiology, including radiation illness, and in case of sensitiveness to citrate solutions (serious affections of kidneys, liver and heart).", "contents": "[New polymers for transfusiology]. The Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the BSSR Academy of Sciences and the Byelorussian Research Institute of Blood Transfusion have developed and used in hospital practice a fundamentally new method of blood stabilization which does not require addition of alliens. Some part of calcium from blood plasma is extracted by filtrating the blood through layers of specially developed highly effective and biologically compatible fibrous sorbents of derivatives of cellulose (natural highpolymer). The blood may the used in all cases of homotransfusion and most expediently in extremely complicated cases, when direct blood transfusions are difficult. Stabilized blood may also be effectively used when large-quantity or exchange blood transfusions have to be quickly performed, to resuscitate patients from clinical death, to stop haemorrhage caused by disturbances in blood coagulation, to treat anaemia of different etiology, including radiation illness, and in case of sensitiveness to citrate solutions (serious affections of kidneys, liver and heart).", "PMID": 1005255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10179", "title": "[Detection of pentachlorophenol in natural rubber latex].", "content": "The method of detection of pentachlorophenol in natural rubber latex is proposed. Pentachlorophenol is isolated from other nonrubber-like substances by thin-layer chromatography and identified by spectroscopic method in UV-light. Isolation of pentachlorophenol is carried out from water extracts obtained from the dry caoutchouc films, so the same method can be used for examination of the rubber articles designed for the medicinetoo.", "contents": "[Detection of pentachlorophenol in natural rubber latex]. The method of detection of pentachlorophenol in natural rubber latex is proposed. Pentachlorophenol is isolated from other nonrubber-like substances by thin-layer chromatography and identified by spectroscopic method in UV-light. Isolation of pentachlorophenol is carried out from water extracts obtained from the dry caoutchouc films, so the same method can be used for examination of the rubber articles designed for the medicinetoo.", "PMID": 1005256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10180", "title": "Biological tolerance of copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-vinylpyridine.", "content": "The healing-in of implants of terpolymer gels having different chemical composition was studied in animals. Histological analysis showed that all polymers under investigation are healed-in in a similar way by encapsulation with collagen fibrous tissue. Neither cancerogenic effect nor calcification were observed within the interval studied.", "contents": "Biological tolerance of copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-vinylpyridine. The healing-in of implants of terpolymer gels having different chemical composition was studied in animals. Histological analysis showed that all polymers under investigation are healed-in in a similar way by encapsulation with collagen fibrous tissue. Neither cancerogenic effect nor calcification were observed within the interval studied.", "PMID": 1005257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10181", "title": "[Respiratory function in chronic obstructions of the large pulmonary arteries (study of 30 cases].", "content": "If diagnosis of chronic thromboses of pulmonary arteries is usually easy at the stage of confirmed chronic pulmonary heart, it is not so when dysponea is the only symptom of the disease. The authors report 30 cases of chronic thrombosis and remark that if respiratory alkalosis is very frequent, hipoxemia is often missing. On the other hand they observe 27 times out of 28 an increase of CO2 alveoloarterial difference; measuring the CO2 difference appears a safe and reliable test for detecting chronic thrombosis. It should take place in every systematic complete examination of unexplained dyspnoea.", "contents": "[Respiratory function in chronic obstructions of the large pulmonary arteries (study of 30 cases]. If diagnosis of chronic thromboses of pulmonary arteries is usually easy at the stage of confirmed chronic pulmonary heart, it is not so when dysponea is the only symptom of the disease. The authors report 30 cases of chronic thrombosis and remark that if respiratory alkalosis is very frequent, hipoxemia is often missing. On the other hand they observe 27 times out of 28 an increase of CO2 alveoloarterial difference; measuring the CO2 difference appears a safe and reliable test for detecting chronic thrombosis. It should take place in every systematic complete examination of unexplained dyspnoea.", "PMID": 1005261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10182", "title": "[Asthma and propranolol].", "content": "The authors report the results of a study of propranolol perfused intravenously at a dose of 1 mcg/kg/mn during 30 mn to 50 asthmatic patients. The VC decreased by 8.3 and by 10.9% in the middle and at the end of the perfusion. The FEV1 decreased by 18.3 and 23% concomitantly. Classifying patients in 4 groups according to the clinical severeness of the asthma showed that the response to propranolol increased with that severenesse. Exploration of obstructive bronchopneumopathies by propranolol provided valuable data or the differential diagnosis of asthma and chronic bronchitis.", "contents": "[Asthma and propranolol]. The authors report the results of a study of propranolol perfused intravenously at a dose of 1 mcg/kg/mn during 30 mn to 50 asthmatic patients. The VC decreased by 8.3 and by 10.9% in the middle and at the end of the perfusion. The FEV1 decreased by 18.3 and 23% concomitantly. Classifying patients in 4 groups according to the clinical severeness of the asthma showed that the response to propranolol increased with that severenesse. Exploration of obstructive bronchopneumopathies by propranolol provided valuable data or the differential diagnosis of asthma and chronic bronchitis.", "PMID": 1005262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10183", "title": "[Comparative study of the ventilatory function during normal and whispered pronounciation of certain syllabes].", "content": "The study was done on 4 french speaking subjects: 2 men and 2 women. The pulmonary flow and volumes, aesophageal pressure and electromyography by needle of an internal intercostal were simultaneously recorded during normal and whispered pronounciation of 48 syllables These were made up of an occlusive consonant in a first position or not, followed by the vowel \"A\". The pneumotachographic tracing is reproducible both in normal and whispered voice, differing according to the mode of pronounciation. The aesophageal pressure and the electromyography of the internal intercostal are equally different. The comparative study of the ventilatory function in normal and whispered voices enabled the dissociation on pneumotachographic tracing of the variation of flow due to movements of the naso-bucco-pharyngeal articulations from those coming from movements of the vocal cords.", "contents": "[Comparative study of the ventilatory function during normal and whispered pronounciation of certain syllabes]. The study was done on 4 french speaking subjects: 2 men and 2 women. The pulmonary flow and volumes, aesophageal pressure and electromyography by needle of an internal intercostal were simultaneously recorded during normal and whispered pronounciation of 48 syllables These were made up of an occlusive consonant in a first position or not, followed by the vowel \"A\". The pneumotachographic tracing is reproducible both in normal and whispered voice, differing according to the mode of pronounciation. The aesophageal pressure and the electromyography of the internal intercostal are equally different. The comparative study of the ventilatory function in normal and whispered voices enabled the dissociation on pneumotachographic tracing of the variation of flow due to movements of the naso-bucco-pharyngeal articulations from those coming from movements of the vocal cords.", "PMID": 1005263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10184", "title": "[Evaluation of functional repercussions of pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae. Apropos of 112 cases].", "content": "In a retrospective study of 112 observations, the authors studied the sequelae on respiratory function in pulmonary tuberculosis bacteriologically cured. With the help of a standardized clinical enquiry they defined three groups of patients: groupe I, 31 patients with parenchymatous sequelae but free of bronchopathy and parietal sequelae; groupe II, 45 patients presenting besides parenchymatous sequelae signs of chronic bronchopathy; group III, 36 patients with parietal sequelae. Complementary examinations confirmed the frequency and degree of functional respiratory alterations: --ventilatory handicap in 87% of cases; --scintigraphic lacunae much wider than the radiological images, in more than half of the cases; --hematosis disorders in 65% of the 73 patients tested; --pulmonary arterial hypertension, at least in effort, in 62% of the 58 patients examined by microcatheter. The study by groups showed the particular severeness of an association of tuberculosis sequelae with chronic bronchitis. The existence of parietal sequelae is an additional feature of severeness. The presence of functional deficiences, all the more serious that they are evaluated late; suggests a progressive worsening of these patients' respiratory condition.", "contents": "[Evaluation of functional repercussions of pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae. Apropos of 112 cases]. In a retrospective study of 112 observations, the authors studied the sequelae on respiratory function in pulmonary tuberculosis bacteriologically cured. With the help of a standardized clinical enquiry they defined three groups of patients: groupe I, 31 patients with parenchymatous sequelae but free of bronchopathy and parietal sequelae; groupe II, 45 patients presenting besides parenchymatous sequelae signs of chronic bronchopathy; group III, 36 patients with parietal sequelae. Complementary examinations confirmed the frequency and degree of functional respiratory alterations: --ventilatory handicap in 87% of cases; --scintigraphic lacunae much wider than the radiological images, in more than half of the cases; --hematosis disorders in 65% of the 73 patients tested; --pulmonary arterial hypertension, at least in effort, in 62% of the 58 patients examined by microcatheter. The study by groups showed the particular severeness of an association of tuberculosis sequelae with chronic bronchitis. The existence of parietal sequelae is an additional feature of severeness. The presence of functional deficiences, all the more serious that they are evaluated late; suggests a progressive worsening of these patients' respiratory condition.", "PMID": 1005264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10185", "title": "[Epidemiologic study of chronic bronchitis in shipyard workers (selection of the most discriminating respiratory functional parameters)].", "content": "Out of 1106 subjects working in shipyards, either building or repairing, an epidemiological survey showed that 7.8% had chronic bronchitis. The ratio varied according to the age groups (4.1% to 9.4% from 35 to 55 years) and smoking habit (1.2% in non smokers against 13.6% in heavy smokers). The study of ventilatory parameters in 169 subjects taken at random showed that various tests (VC, FEV1, FEV1/VC, MMFR, RV, RV/TLC, V at 60% TLC, Raw, TCO) did not have a specific value. In an epidemiological study simple measures (VC, FEV1, FEV1/VC, MMFR) taken by strong plain apparatus would be enough.", "contents": "[Epidemiologic study of chronic bronchitis in shipyard workers (selection of the most discriminating respiratory functional parameters)]. Out of 1106 subjects working in shipyards, either building or repairing, an epidemiological survey showed that 7.8% had chronic bronchitis. The ratio varied according to the age groups (4.1% to 9.4% from 35 to 55 years) and smoking habit (1.2% in non smokers against 13.6% in heavy smokers). The study of ventilatory parameters in 169 subjects taken at random showed that various tests (VC, FEV1, FEV1/VC, MMFR, RV, RV/TLC, V at 60% TLC, Raw, TCO) did not have a specific value. In an epidemiological study simple measures (VC, FEV1, FEV1/VC, MMFR) taken by strong plain apparatus would be enough.", "PMID": 1005265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10186", "title": "[First cases of surgical pulmonary cryptococcosis in Vietnam].", "content": "Two cases of tumoral isolated pulmonary cryptococcosis are reported. The rarity of the facts explains that diagnosis is usually surgical, the inflammatory and necrotic pseudo-tumour swarming with yeast-like micro-organisms, easily recognizable by their thick gelatinous capsules.", "contents": "[First cases of surgical pulmonary cryptococcosis in Vietnam]. Two cases of tumoral isolated pulmonary cryptococcosis are reported. The rarity of the facts explains that diagnosis is usually surgical, the inflammatory and necrotic pseudo-tumour swarming with yeast-like micro-organisms, easily recognizable by their thick gelatinous capsules.", "PMID": 1005266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10187", "title": "[Myocardiopathy of progressive muscular dystrophy].", "content": "The authors have effected a clinical, radiological, electrocardiographic and apexocardiographic survey in 13 patients with progressive muscular distrophy (PMD) and in 6 healthy subjects belonging to families affected by the disease, in parallel with a group of 11 patients with severe myasthenia and 23 healthy subjects. Comparing the results with those found in the literature lead to the following results: 1) The ECG modifications and above all the abnormalities of the ventricular complex develop precociously in the PMD and express the pleiotropism of the myopathic gene. 2) The myocardial dyssynergia represents a link in the physiopathological chain of the cardiac distress. 3) The precociousness of electro and apexocardiographic modifications and their presence in healthy parents recommend these investigations in the genetic enquiry. 4) Clinical, histological and haemodynamic data individualize the myocardial distress as a true myocardiopathy.", "contents": "[Myocardiopathy of progressive muscular dystrophy]. The authors have effected a clinical, radiological, electrocardiographic and apexocardiographic survey in 13 patients with progressive muscular distrophy (PMD) and in 6 healthy subjects belonging to families affected by the disease, in parallel with a group of 11 patients with severe myasthenia and 23 healthy subjects. Comparing the results with those found in the literature lead to the following results: 1) The ECG modifications and above all the abnormalities of the ventricular complex develop precociously in the PMD and express the pleiotropism of the myopathic gene. 2) The myocardial dyssynergia represents a link in the physiopathological chain of the cardiac distress. 3) The precociousness of electro and apexocardiographic modifications and their presence in healthy parents recommend these investigations in the genetic enquiry. 4) Clinical, histological and haemodynamic data individualize the myocardial distress as a true myocardiopathy.", "PMID": 1005267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10188", "title": "[Primary interstitial pneumopathies].", "content": "Primitive interstitial pneumopathies are only a temporary classification. They seem to be due to an evolution for the worse of a \"diffuse alveolar damage\" of unknown origin. Evolution towards pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory insufficiency is their common risk. Etiopathogenic hypotheses would favour the immunological etiology. A diagnosis of primitive interstitial pneumopathy is reached by elmination when no known cause can be found. Liebow's classification remains valuable for pathology but is debatable where anatomo-clinical correlations, etiological hypotheses and the eventual effect of treatment are concerned. Today these primitive forms still represent 40% of the interstitial lung diseases, the causes of which are progressively discovered.", "contents": "[Primary interstitial pneumopathies]. Primitive interstitial pneumopathies are only a temporary classification. They seem to be due to an evolution for the worse of a \"diffuse alveolar damage\" of unknown origin. Evolution towards pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory insufficiency is their common risk. Etiopathogenic hypotheses would favour the immunological etiology. A diagnosis of primitive interstitial pneumopathy is reached by elmination when no known cause can be found. Liebow's classification remains valuable for pathology but is debatable where anatomo-clinical correlations, etiological hypotheses and the eventual effect of treatment are concerned. Today these primitive forms still represent 40% of the interstitial lung diseases, the causes of which are progressively discovered.", "PMID": 1005268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10189", "title": "[Chronic mediastinitis].", "content": "Although unfrequent, chronic mediastinites are not exceptional. Their clinical polymorphism results from diversity of the mediastinal content. The superior vena cava syndrome is the most frequent clinical sign. The essential examination is the angiopneumography. Mediastinitis can be associated to other fibrinogenous processes, particularly the retroperitoneal ones. Infectious processes (tuberculosis, various bacteria), parasitic or medicinal (methysergide), are found in the etiology of this affection. Very often the etiological research is negative: recurring lymphotropic respiratory infections appear responsible for these cryptogenetic chronic mediastinites. Surgery is debatable in case of a superior vena cava syndrome. Anti-tuberculous treatment is efficient against related affections.", "contents": "[Chronic mediastinitis]. Although unfrequent, chronic mediastinites are not exceptional. Their clinical polymorphism results from diversity of the mediastinal content. The superior vena cava syndrome is the most frequent clinical sign. The essential examination is the angiopneumography. Mediastinitis can be associated to other fibrinogenous processes, particularly the retroperitoneal ones. Infectious processes (tuberculosis, various bacteria), parasitic or medicinal (methysergide), are found in the etiology of this affection. Very often the etiological research is negative: recurring lymphotropic respiratory infections appear responsible for these cryptogenetic chronic mediastinites. Surgery is debatable in case of a superior vena cava syndrome. Anti-tuberculous treatment is efficient against related affections.", "PMID": 1005269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10190", "title": "[Clinical, functional and hemodynamic course in patients with chronic bronchitis at the stage of chronic cor pulmonale].", "content": "Twenty seven patients, almost all chronic bronchitic, and with a \"chronic cor pulmonale\" according to the E. C. G., were followed clinically, radiologically and for E. C. G. and pulmonary functions, and also for the hemodynamics, during a minimum of 3 years, the average length of observation period being about 5 years. Twelve patients died during this observation time. Periods of right heart failure (R. H. F.) were frequent : 3.6 +/- 3.0 in average, slightly more frequent in the deceased patients than in the others. The average delay between the onset R. H. F. and death was of 49.3 +/- 30.8 months ; the survivors on average lived another 54.6 +/- 30.8 months after their first R. H. F. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) was quite stable, going from 27.5 +/- 7.0 to 31.2 +/- 9.6 torr (an unsignificicant difference); in only 9 cases did the PAP increase of more than 5 torr during the observation period (acute attacks excepted). The PAP evolution was not significantly different in the deceased and the survivors. PAP worsening by steps after a fit of R. H. F. was observed in only 4 cases. Chronological variations of PAP were well correlated with those of Pao2 during the same period : r = -- 0.68, P less than 0.001. The hemodynamic evolution (PAP), that of the E. C. G. and the volume of the heart were reasonably parallel to the overall clinical evolution ; the E. C. G. evolution had the closest match with the overall clinical evolution (78% of cases). The E. C. G. enables only a late diagnosis of CCP but its evolution is very valuable for prognosis. Hemodynamic tests have a double value initially for diagnosis and later for the evolution.", "contents": "[Clinical, functional and hemodynamic course in patients with chronic bronchitis at the stage of chronic cor pulmonale]. Twenty seven patients, almost all chronic bronchitic, and with a \"chronic cor pulmonale\" according to the E. C. G., were followed clinically, radiologically and for E. C. G. and pulmonary functions, and also for the hemodynamics, during a minimum of 3 years, the average length of observation period being about 5 years. Twelve patients died during this observation time. Periods of right heart failure (R. H. F.) were frequent : 3.6 +/- 3.0 in average, slightly more frequent in the deceased patients than in the others. The average delay between the onset R. H. F. and death was of 49.3 +/- 30.8 months ; the survivors on average lived another 54.6 +/- 30.8 months after their first R. H. F. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) was quite stable, going from 27.5 +/- 7.0 to 31.2 +/- 9.6 torr (an unsignificicant difference); in only 9 cases did the PAP increase of more than 5 torr during the observation period (acute attacks excepted). The PAP evolution was not significantly different in the deceased and the survivors. PAP worsening by steps after a fit of R. H. F. was observed in only 4 cases. Chronological variations of PAP were well correlated with those of Pao2 during the same period : r = -- 0.68, P less than 0.001. The hemodynamic evolution (PAP), that of the E. C. G. and the volume of the heart were reasonably parallel to the overall clinical evolution ; the E. C. G. evolution had the closest match with the overall clinical evolution (78% of cases). The E. C. G. enables only a late diagnosis of CCP but its evolution is very valuable for prognosis. Hemodynamic tests have a double value initially for diagnosis and later for the evolution.", "PMID": 1005271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10191", "title": "[Therapeutic survival beyond 5 years in medically treated primary bronchial cancer. Apropos of 9 cases].", "content": "The authors report 9 observations of bronchial carcinoma with a surviving time of 5 years or more. They insist on the various factors on which depends the surviving time: --histology: a differentiated epidermoid epithelioma has better results; --localization of the tumour: cancers of the apex or the trachea have a slow evolution but a very bad prognosis; --therapeutical methods: high energy radiotherapy at curative doses is the best medical treatment of bronchial cancer and chemotherapy is only its complement; --prolonged and regular check ups are a major point in this fighting of cancer. Beyond keeping watch on the general health, it enables early detection and treatment of any evolutive recurrence. Seven of their patients benefited from such repeated treatment.", "contents": "[Therapeutic survival beyond 5 years in medically treated primary bronchial cancer. Apropos of 9 cases]. The authors report 9 observations of bronchial carcinoma with a surviving time of 5 years or more. They insist on the various factors on which depends the surviving time: --histology: a differentiated epidermoid epithelioma has better results; --localization of the tumour: cancers of the apex or the trachea have a slow evolution but a very bad prognosis; --therapeutical methods: high energy radiotherapy at curative doses is the best medical treatment of bronchial cancer and chemotherapy is only its complement; --prolonged and regular check ups are a major point in this fighting of cancer. Beyond keeping watch on the general health, it enables early detection and treatment of any evolutive recurrence. Seven of their patients benefited from such repeated treatment.", "PMID": 1005272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10192", "title": "[Mediastinal lymph node calcifications and Hodgkin's disease].", "content": "If mediastinal lymph-node calcifications are frequent, the \"hodgkinian\" origin of these calcified adenopathies is unusual; less than 30 cases are reported in the literature. A new observation is described here. These lymph-node calcifications occur most often after radiotherapy; exceptionally \"hodgkinian\" adenopathies can appear ready-calcified.", "contents": "[Mediastinal lymph node calcifications and Hodgkin's disease]. If mediastinal lymph-node calcifications are frequent, the \"hodgkinian\" origin of these calcified adenopathies is unusual; less than 30 cases are reported in the literature. A new observation is described here. These lymph-node calcifications occur most often after radiotherapy; exceptionally \"hodgkinian\" adenopathies can appear ready-calcified.", "PMID": 1005273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10193", "title": "[Respiratory function tests in epidermoid cancers of the bronchi].", "content": "The results of functional tests are analyzed in 50 cases of epidermoid bronchial cancers. Severe disorders take place in almost every patient. In one patient out of two, there is an old distension already existing prior to the cancer; in other patients gas exchange disorders can be improved by the intervention. Moreover, from some results a spreading of cancer towards the mediastinum is to be feared.", "contents": "[Respiratory function tests in epidermoid cancers of the bronchi]. The results of functional tests are analyzed in 50 cases of epidermoid bronchial cancers. Severe disorders take place in almost every patient. In one patient out of two, there is an old distension already existing prior to the cancer; in other patients gas exchange disorders can be improved by the intervention. Moreover, from some results a spreading of cancer towards the mediastinum is to be feared.", "PMID": 1005274} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10194", "title": "High resolution polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis.", "content": "A method was developed for high resolution electrophoresis of proteins in linear gradient (3 to 30%) polyacrylamide gel rods in a neutral phosphate buffer containing 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate. Well-defined protein zones were observed and improved resolution was attained especially for low molecular weight proteins in preparations containing a variety of polypeptides, e.g. viruses that are often separated by continuous gel methods. Electropherograms of continuous (8%) and gradient (3 to 30%) gels were made of purified vesicular stomatitis virus, variola virus, Rickettsia rickettsii, and alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin in order to demonstrate the resolution of the gradient system.", "contents": "High resolution polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. A method was developed for high resolution electrophoresis of proteins in linear gradient (3 to 30%) polyacrylamide gel rods in a neutral phosphate buffer containing 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate. Well-defined protein zones were observed and improved resolution was attained especially for low molecular weight proteins in preparations containing a variety of polypeptides, e.g. viruses that are often separated by continuous gel methods. Electropherograms of continuous (8%) and gradient (3 to 30%) gels were made of purified vesicular stomatitis virus, variola virus, Rickettsia rickettsii, and alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin in order to demonstrate the resolution of the gradient system.", "PMID": 1005359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10195", "title": "A procedure for the bulk preparation of brain microsomes with low speed centrifugation.", "content": "A method is described for the rapid isolation of microsomes from brains of various species. The method depends on the interaction of calcium with microsomes. The procedure is limited because calcium inhibits certain microsomal enzymes. Magnesium and manganese may be substituted for calcium. However, the substitutions decrease the reliability and efficiency of the procedure.", "contents": "A procedure for the bulk preparation of brain microsomes with low speed centrifugation. A method is described for the rapid isolation of microsomes from brains of various species. The method depends on the interaction of calcium with microsomes. The procedure is limited because calcium inhibits certain microsomal enzymes. Magnesium and manganese may be substituted for calcium. However, the substitutions decrease the reliability and efficiency of the procedure.", "PMID": 1005360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10196", "title": "[Stimulating effect of vitamin A on the absorption and metabolism of zinc in chicks].", "content": "Zinc metabolism and absorption were examined in chicks of two groups that differed in vitamin A supply. Five week chicks that were given a diet without an addition of vitamin A showed overt symptoms of A-avitaminosis. The condition was followed by marked changes in the zinc metabolism and absorption in the intestine and by insignificant changes in the calcium metabolism. Vitamin A was administered per os at a dose of 24,000 i. u. (in oil) and 72 hours later zinc absorption in the ileum increased noticeably and zinc balance in the body became positive.", "contents": "[Stimulating effect of vitamin A on the absorption and metabolism of zinc in chicks]. Zinc metabolism and absorption were examined in chicks of two groups that differed in vitamin A supply. Five week chicks that were given a diet without an addition of vitamin A showed overt symptoms of A-avitaminosis. The condition was followed by marked changes in the zinc metabolism and absorption in the intestine and by insignificant changes in the calcium metabolism. Vitamin A was administered per os at a dose of 24,000 i. u. (in oil) and 72 hours later zinc absorption in the ileum increased noticeably and zinc balance in the body became positive.", "PMID": 1005361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10197", "title": "[In vitro biosynthesis of cholesterol and its precursors in the osseous tissue of rats].", "content": "By thin-layer chromatography compounds of sterol origin were isolated from the nonsaponified fraction of bone tissue of rats. The occurrence of squalene, lanosterol, cholesterol and incompletely identified Cdelta2427-sterol in the organic matrix of the bone was demonstrated by means of UV- and IR-spectrometry. Bone tissue incubation with 1,2-C14-aceticacid yielded C14-labeled lanosterol, C28, 29-sterols, cholesterol and squalene. The rate of cholesterol synthesis in the bone tissue was lower than that in the liver and intestine of rats.", "contents": "[In vitro biosynthesis of cholesterol and its precursors in the osseous tissue of rats]. By thin-layer chromatography compounds of sterol origin were isolated from the nonsaponified fraction of bone tissue of rats. The occurrence of squalene, lanosterol, cholesterol and incompletely identified Cdelta2427-sterol in the organic matrix of the bone was demonstrated by means of UV- and IR-spectrometry. Bone tissue incubation with 1,2-C14-aceticacid yielded C14-labeled lanosterol, C28, 29-sterols, cholesterol and squalene. The rate of cholesterol synthesis in the bone tissue was lower than that in the liver and intestine of rats.", "PMID": 1005362} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10198", "title": "[Obtaining complexes of thiamine with proteins].", "content": "The formation of thiamin complexes with different proteins--gluten, gliadin, edestin, albumin and casein--was studied. The reaction took place at pH varying from 1 to 10. The amount of protein--bound thiamin was measured by the thiochromic method. It was found that thiamin was complexed with proteins due to the reaction between sulphydryl groups of the thiol form of thiamin and disulphide groups of oxidized proteins. The optimum pH value for the formation of thiamin-protein complexes was 9. Calculation of the kinetic parameters of the process suggested that it was endothermic.", "contents": "[Obtaining complexes of thiamine with proteins]. The formation of thiamin complexes with different proteins--gluten, gliadin, edestin, albumin and casein--was studied. The reaction took place at pH varying from 1 to 10. The amount of protein--bound thiamin was measured by the thiochromic method. It was found that thiamin was complexed with proteins due to the reaction between sulphydryl groups of the thiol form of thiamin and disulphide groups of oxidized proteins. The optimum pH value for the formation of thiamin-protein complexes was 9. Calculation of the kinetic parameters of the process suggested that it was endothermic.", "PMID": 1005363} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10199", "title": "[Physico-chemical and structural changes gliadin and glutenin components of different qualities of gluten].", "content": "By gel-chromatography on Sephadex and electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel the structure and composition of gliadin and glutenin compounds of gluten from the strong and weak varieties of Saratovskaya 29 and Akmolinskaya 1 wheats were investigated. It was shown that similar protein fractions of strong and week gluten differed in the content of certain amino acids, number of disulphide bonds, electrophoretic mobility, ratio of components made of one and several polypeptide chains, molecular weight of individual components and subunits, and the content of high molecular weight proteins.", "contents": "[Physico-chemical and structural changes gliadin and glutenin components of different qualities of gluten]. By gel-chromatography on Sephadex and electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel the structure and composition of gliadin and glutenin compounds of gluten from the strong and weak varieties of Saratovskaya 29 and Akmolinskaya 1 wheats were investigated. It was shown that similar protein fractions of strong and week gluten differed in the content of certain amino acids, number of disulphide bonds, electrophoretic mobility, ratio of components made of one and several polypeptide chains, molecular weight of individual components and subunits, and the content of high molecular weight proteins.", "PMID": 1005364} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10200", "title": "[Amino acid composition of rice grain proteins].", "content": "The composition of the major reserve proteins of rice grain--globulins, prolamines and glutelins--was examined in four rice varieties (Dubovsky 129, Kuban 3, Alakul, Ushtobinsky). Globulins proved to be most heterogeneous whereas glutelins appeared to be least heterogeneous. In regards to the ratio of components globulins showed high variability and glutelins displayed high stability.", "contents": "[Amino acid composition of rice grain proteins]. The composition of the major reserve proteins of rice grain--globulins, prolamines and glutelins--was examined in four rice varieties (Dubovsky 129, Kuban 3, Alakul, Ushtobinsky). Globulins proved to be most heterogeneous whereas glutelins appeared to be least heterogeneous. In regards to the ratio of components globulins showed high variability and glutelins displayed high stability.", "PMID": 1005365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10201", "title": "[Permeability of acetylcellulose ultrafiltration membranes with regard to biologically active substances].", "content": "The permeability of standard Soviet ultrafiltration membranes prepared from cellulose acetates was investigated with respect to biologically active substances (hemoglobin, trypsin, ribonuclease, vitamin B12, hydroxytetracycline) and inorganic salt (KH2PO4). The arrest of a substance by a membrane of a certain structure depended primarily on the size of the substance macromolecule in the solution. The filtration rate was related to the membrane type, pressure gradient and composition of the filtered solution. Potential use of the tested membranes is described.", "contents": "[Permeability of acetylcellulose ultrafiltration membranes with regard to biologically active substances]. The permeability of standard Soviet ultrafiltration membranes prepared from cellulose acetates was investigated with respect to biologically active substances (hemoglobin, trypsin, ribonuclease, vitamin B12, hydroxytetracycline) and inorganic salt (KH2PO4). The arrest of a substance by a membrane of a certain structure depended primarily on the size of the substance macromolecule in the solution. The filtration rate was related to the membrane type, pressure gradient and composition of the filtered solution. Potential use of the tested membranes is described.", "PMID": 1005367} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10202", "title": "[Pigment and antibiotic substance contained in the spores of Actinomyces streptomycini B-6].", "content": "The antibiotic activity and fractional composition of the supernatant of the homogenate of Actinomyces streptomycini B-6 spores were investigated. The homogenate supernatant was of yellow colour and showed antibiotic activity when used as the test-organism of the culture St. aureus 209. The antibiotic activity was associated not with the homogenate pigment but with the colourless substance referring to streptomycins which was contained in spores.", "contents": "[Pigment and antibiotic substance contained in the spores of Actinomyces streptomycini B-6]. The antibiotic activity and fractional composition of the supernatant of the homogenate of Actinomyces streptomycini B-6 spores were investigated. The homogenate supernatant was of yellow colour and showed antibiotic activity when used as the test-organism of the culture St. aureus 209. The antibiotic activity was associated not with the homogenate pigment but with the colourless substance referring to streptomycins which was contained in spores.", "PMID": 1005368} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10203", "title": "Variation in subglottic size in children.", "content": "The incidence of variation in the subglottic size was investigated in 3304 infants and children. A mild degree of congenital subglottic stenosis was found in 0.91% and a moderate degree of stenosis in 0.06% of the patients. A mild degree of congenital subglottic enlargement was noted in 0.7% and moderate enlargement in 0.06% of the patients.", "contents": "Variation in subglottic size in children. The incidence of variation in the subglottic size was investigated in 3304 infants and children. A mild degree of congenital subglottic stenosis was found in 0.91% and a moderate degree of stenosis in 0.06% of the patients. A mild degree of congenital subglottic enlargement was noted in 0.7% and moderate enlargement in 0.06% of the patients.", "PMID": 1005455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10204", "title": "Locomotor activity and plasma, red blood cell and cerebral cortex lithium concentration in inbred mice given lithium carbonate.", "content": "Inbred male C57 BALB, C3H and DBA mice received lithium carbonate in their food for 3 weeks. Their locomotor activity was measured by photocells and the concentration of lithium in their plasma, red blood cells and cerebral cortex was determined. The susceptibility of the inbred strains of mice to the activity-suppressant effect of lithium was C3H greater than DBA greater than BALB = C57. The concentration of lithium in plasma varied between 0.85-1.02 mEq 1. No relationship was found between lithium's pharmacokinetics and its effects on activity. The findings are consistent with the notion that genetic factors can influence the effects of lithium on behavior, but they do not support the hypothesis that genetic determination of lithium's uptake into cells is responsible for these effects.", "contents": "Locomotor activity and plasma, red blood cell and cerebral cortex lithium concentration in inbred mice given lithium carbonate. Inbred male C57 BALB, C3H and DBA mice received lithium carbonate in their food for 3 weeks. Their locomotor activity was measured by photocells and the concentration of lithium in their plasma, red blood cells and cerebral cortex was determined. The susceptibility of the inbred strains of mice to the activity-suppressant effect of lithium was C3H greater than DBA greater than BALB = C57. The concentration of lithium in plasma varied between 0.85-1.02 mEq 1. No relationship was found between lithium's pharmacokinetics and its effects on activity. The findings are consistent with the notion that genetic factors can influence the effects of lithium on behavior, but they do not support the hypothesis that genetic determination of lithium's uptake into cells is responsible for these effects.", "PMID": 1005485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10205", "title": "The tryptolines: effect of intraventricular administration on spontaneous motor activity of rats.", "content": "The pharmacologic properties of the tryptolines, hindered analogues of the tryptamines, were studied behaviorally in rats. Following intraventricular injections, it was found that spontaneous motor activity decreased markedly during the initial 25 mins when compared with saline. Since both the tryptolines and tryptamines have been shown to be inhibitors of 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake, it may be possible that these compounds are acting indirectly throught an effect on the serotonergic system.", "contents": "The tryptolines: effect of intraventricular administration on spontaneous motor activity of rats. The pharmacologic properties of the tryptolines, hindered analogues of the tryptamines, were studied behaviorally in rats. Following intraventricular injections, it was found that spontaneous motor activity decreased markedly during the initial 25 mins when compared with saline. Since both the tryptolines and tryptamines have been shown to be inhibitors of 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake, it may be possible that these compounds are acting indirectly throught an effect on the serotonergic system.", "PMID": 1005486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10206", "title": "Effect of tetraethyl lead on food and water intake in the rat.", "content": "The effect of tetraethyl lead (TEL) on food and water intake in adult male albino rats was studied. Animals received 1, 4, 7, 10, or 13 mg/kg body weight of TELin peanut oil, or a peanut oil placebo, via either intragastric (IG) intubation or intraperitoneal (IP) injection. For food intake, route of administration was a significant factor and, compared to baseline levels, food intake was significantly depressed at dosage levels of 7, 10, and 13 mg/kg for both IP and IG administration. Further, the time course of food intake differed significantly across route of administration. Water intake was also significantly depressed at 7, 10, and 13 mg/kg, but route of administration was not a critical factor. Results were discussed in relation to clinical and experimental data on lead intoxication, and were viewed as severely limiting the utility of employing food and/or water as motivational variables in assessment of behavioral effects linked to TEL poisoning.", "contents": "Effect of tetraethyl lead on food and water intake in the rat. The effect of tetraethyl lead (TEL) on food and water intake in adult male albino rats was studied. Animals received 1, 4, 7, 10, or 13 mg/kg body weight of TELin peanut oil, or a peanut oil placebo, via either intragastric (IG) intubation or intraperitoneal (IP) injection. For food intake, route of administration was a significant factor and, compared to baseline levels, food intake was significantly depressed at dosage levels of 7, 10, and 13 mg/kg for both IP and IG administration. Further, the time course of food intake differed significantly across route of administration. Water intake was also significantly depressed at 7, 10, and 13 mg/kg, but route of administration was not a critical factor. Results were discussed in relation to clinical and experimental data on lead intoxication, and were viewed as severely limiting the utility of employing food and/or water as motivational variables in assessment of behavioral effects linked to TEL poisoning.", "PMID": 1005487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10207", "title": "Secondary reinforcement property of a stimulus paired with morphine administration in the rat.", "content": "Rats learned to run to the correct arm of a Y-maze. Correct responses were reinforced with morphine injection paired with a conditional tone stimulus. After the maze response was well established, extinction trials were run. During extinction half of the animals received neither morphine nor tone as a consequence of a correct response, while the other half received the tone but no morphine. Rats receiving the tone during extinction required significantly more trials to reach the extinction criteria than rats not receiving tone presentations. Extinction with the tone also facilitated relearning of the maze response. The results support the view that morphone is a potent reinforcer, and that stimuli paired with morphine administration acquire the properties of a secondary reinforcer.", "contents": "Secondary reinforcement property of a stimulus paired with morphine administration in the rat. Rats learned to run to the correct arm of a Y-maze. Correct responses were reinforced with morphine injection paired with a conditional tone stimulus. After the maze response was well established, extinction trials were run. During extinction half of the animals received neither morphine nor tone as a consequence of a correct response, while the other half received the tone but no morphine. Rats receiving the tone during extinction required significantly more trials to reach the extinction criteria than rats not receiving tone presentations. Extinction with the tone also facilitated relearning of the maze response. The results support the view that morphone is a potent reinforcer, and that stimuli paired with morphine administration acquire the properties of a secondary reinforcer.", "PMID": 1005488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10208", "title": "Ethanol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: mechanism for cross-tolerance in mice.", "content": "The pharmacological interaction between equipotent doses of ethanol (1.35 g/kg) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 17 mg/kg) was evaluated in mice using rotarod performance as a measure of drug action. Tolerance ot the effects of ethanol and THC as well as a symmetrical cross-tolerance between these two drugs was demonstrated. Ethanol elimination was not altered by previous treatment with either ethnaol or THC as determined by measuring blood ethanol concentrations with an enzymatic assay. THC metabolite ratios in blood, brain and liver tissues determined after a dose of 3H-THC demonstrated that THC treatment had no effect upon THC metabolism or disposition. Ethanol treatment altered the distribution of THC and also altered hepatic THC metabolism as evidence by the occurrence of increased proportions of polar THC metabolites. No treatment regimens produced lower whole brain levels of subsequent ethanol or THC suggesting that tolerance to ethanol or THC and cross-tolerance between these two drugs does not develop due to lower brain concentrations. A vehicle effect was shown when treatment with a mixture of propylene glycol and Tween-80 altered the metabolic and behavioral effects of subsequently administered THC.", "contents": "Ethanol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: mechanism for cross-tolerance in mice. The pharmacological interaction between equipotent doses of ethanol (1.35 g/kg) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 17 mg/kg) was evaluated in mice using rotarod performance as a measure of drug action. Tolerance ot the effects of ethanol and THC as well as a symmetrical cross-tolerance between these two drugs was demonstrated. Ethanol elimination was not altered by previous treatment with either ethnaol or THC as determined by measuring blood ethanol concentrations with an enzymatic assay. THC metabolite ratios in blood, brain and liver tissues determined after a dose of 3H-THC demonstrated that THC treatment had no effect upon THC metabolism or disposition. Ethanol treatment altered the distribution of THC and also altered hepatic THC metabolism as evidence by the occurrence of increased proportions of polar THC metabolites. No treatment regimens produced lower whole brain levels of subsequent ethanol or THC suggesting that tolerance to ethanol or THC and cross-tolerance between these two drugs does not develop due to lower brain concentrations. A vehicle effect was shown when treatment with a mixture of propylene glycol and Tween-80 altered the metabolic and behavioral effects of subsequently administered THC.", "PMID": 1005489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10209", "title": "Metrazol potentiated after-discharges: dose-response relationships and effects of selective lesions.", "content": "In Experiment 1 the dose-response effects of pentylentetrazol (Metrazol) on photically evoked after-discharge (PhAD) parameters were examined. Metrazol potentiated PhAD activity by affecting all measured parameters - PhAD frequency, amplitude, burst duration and spindle composition - in particular PhAD burt duration and spindle composition. A mimimum effective dose of 10 mg/Kg of Metrazol was required for some statistically reliable potentiation. Metrazol dosage levels of 20 and 25 mg/Kg induced lengthy bouts of EEG spindling and spiking as well as near maximized PhAD component augmentation. In Experiment 2 stereotaxically oriented knife-cuts isolated the thalamus from cortical and/or midbrain and brainstem input. Such lesions did not block the capacity of Metrazol to potentiate PhADs, although the lesions altered evoked activity. These findings are discussed in terms of the current thought of Metrazol action and thalamic mechanisms in the control of after-discharge activity.", "contents": "Metrazol potentiated after-discharges: dose-response relationships and effects of selective lesions. In Experiment 1 the dose-response effects of pentylentetrazol (Metrazol) on photically evoked after-discharge (PhAD) parameters were examined. Metrazol potentiated PhAD activity by affecting all measured parameters - PhAD frequency, amplitude, burst duration and spindle composition - in particular PhAD burt duration and spindle composition. A mimimum effective dose of 10 mg/Kg of Metrazol was required for some statistically reliable potentiation. Metrazol dosage levels of 20 and 25 mg/Kg induced lengthy bouts of EEG spindling and spiking as well as near maximized PhAD component augmentation. In Experiment 2 stereotaxically oriented knife-cuts isolated the thalamus from cortical and/or midbrain and brainstem input. Such lesions did not block the capacity of Metrazol to potentiate PhADs, although the lesions altered evoked activity. These findings are discussed in terms of the current thought of Metrazol action and thalamic mechanisms in the control of after-discharge activity.", "PMID": 1005490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10210", "title": "Noradrenaline synthesis from L-DOPA in rodents and its relationship to motor activity.", "content": "Evidence has been obtained for an increase in noradrenaline (NA) turnover after administration of L0DOPA to rodents. Normal mice, and those pre-treated with either reserpine or alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) were given L-DOPA (200 mg/kg) plus MK 486 (alpha-methyldopahydrazine; 25 mg/kg). In all cases L-DOPA produced a rise in cerebral dopamine (DA) levels. Cerebral NA levels were increased by L-DOPA in reserpinised and AMPT-treated mice. The same dose of L-DOPA produced no change in NA in normal mice, although pre-treatment with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pargyline (200 mg/kg) resulted in a greater rise in NA 1 hr after L-DOPA compared to animals receiving pargyline alone. This evidence suggests that NA is synthesized from- L-DOPA in all these situations. But whole brain 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglocol sulphate (MOPEG-SO4), a major metabolite of NA, measured after administration of the same dose of L-DOPA plus MK 486, was unaltered in normal and AMPT-treated rats, and was significantly decreased in reserpinised rats. However, an elevation of whole brain MOPEG-SO4 was found in reserpinised and AMPT-treated rats after a lower dose of L-DOPA (50 mg/kg). This discrepancy may be explained by high doses of L-DOPA causing inhibiton of catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), which is suggested by the observation that the forebrain homovanillic acid (HVA): 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) ratio was significantly lower after the high dose of L-DOPA than in untreated mice. Such an inhibition would prevent formation of MOPEG-SO4. Pretreatment with dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitor FLA (63(bis-(1-methyl-4-monopiperazinyl-thiocarbonyl)disulphide) prevented the increase in NA And MOPEG-SO4 formation observed following L-DOPA induced motor activity in these groups of animals suggesting the involvement of NA in the production of such behaviour.", "contents": "Noradrenaline synthesis from L-DOPA in rodents and its relationship to motor activity. Evidence has been obtained for an increase in noradrenaline (NA) turnover after administration of L0DOPA to rodents. Normal mice, and those pre-treated with either reserpine or alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) were given L-DOPA (200 mg/kg) plus MK 486 (alpha-methyldopahydrazine; 25 mg/kg). In all cases L-DOPA produced a rise in cerebral dopamine (DA) levels. Cerebral NA levels were increased by L-DOPA in reserpinised and AMPT-treated mice. The same dose of L-DOPA produced no change in NA in normal mice, although pre-treatment with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pargyline (200 mg/kg) resulted in a greater rise in NA 1 hr after L-DOPA compared to animals receiving pargyline alone. This evidence suggests that NA is synthesized from- L-DOPA in all these situations. But whole brain 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglocol sulphate (MOPEG-SO4), a major metabolite of NA, measured after administration of the same dose of L-DOPA plus MK 486, was unaltered in normal and AMPT-treated rats, and was significantly decreased in reserpinised rats. However, an elevation of whole brain MOPEG-SO4 was found in reserpinised and AMPT-treated rats after a lower dose of L-DOPA (50 mg/kg). This discrepancy may be explained by high doses of L-DOPA causing inhibiton of catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), which is suggested by the observation that the forebrain homovanillic acid (HVA): 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) ratio was significantly lower after the high dose of L-DOPA than in untreated mice. Such an inhibition would prevent formation of MOPEG-SO4. Pretreatment with dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitor FLA (63(bis-(1-methyl-4-monopiperazinyl-thiocarbonyl)disulphide) prevented the increase in NA And MOPEG-SO4 formation observed following L-DOPA induced motor activity in these groups of animals suggesting the involvement of NA in the production of such behaviour.", "PMID": 1005491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10211", "title": "Isolation and identification of two learning-induced brain peptides.", "content": "Goldfish were trained either to avoid the blue compartment of a tank and swim into the green compartment or, conversely, to avoid green and prefer blue. Preliminary experiments indicated that acquisition of the avoidance behavior was associated with the presence in the brain of two peptides, one found in blue avoiding (BA), another in green avoiding (GA) fish. With the help of behavioral bioassays, the peptides were isolated and purified, and their structure was determined by ultrasmicroanalytical techniques. The sequence of the BA peptide, pglu-ile-gly-ala-val-phe-pro-leu-lys-tyr-gly-ser-lys-OH was reproduced by synthesis. Sequential analysis of the GA peptide gave two alternative structures, NAc-lys-gly-gln-ile-ala-val-phe-pro-leu-lys-tyr-gly-ser-OH or NAc-lys-gly-ala-val-gln-ile-phe-pro-lys-tyr-gly-ser-OH, both of which are being synthetized to be compared with the natural compound. Overlapping sequences between the BA and GA peptides suggest the existence of a family of peptides associated with behavior based on color discrimination.", "contents": "Isolation and identification of two learning-induced brain peptides. Goldfish were trained either to avoid the blue compartment of a tank and swim into the green compartment or, conversely, to avoid green and prefer blue. Preliminary experiments indicated that acquisition of the avoidance behavior was associated with the presence in the brain of two peptides, one found in blue avoiding (BA), another in green avoiding (GA) fish. With the help of behavioral bioassays, the peptides were isolated and purified, and their structure was determined by ultrasmicroanalytical techniques. The sequence of the BA peptide, pglu-ile-gly-ala-val-phe-pro-leu-lys-tyr-gly-ser-lys-OH was reproduced by synthesis. Sequential analysis of the GA peptide gave two alternative structures, NAc-lys-gly-gln-ile-ala-val-phe-pro-leu-lys-tyr-gly-ser-OH or NAc-lys-gly-ala-val-gln-ile-phe-pro-lys-tyr-gly-ser-OH, both of which are being synthetized to be compared with the natural compound. Overlapping sequences between the BA and GA peptides suggest the existence of a family of peptides associated with behavior based on color discrimination.", "PMID": 1005492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10212", "title": "Development of cholinergic inhibitory capacities in the hyperthyroid mouse.", "content": "The ontogeny of behavioral arousal and inhibition, as measured by spontaneous locomotor activity, was compared in four experiments for controls and mice injected with thyroxine as neonates. Mice treated with thyroxine at 1-3 days of age had higher activity levels at 10-15 days of age than controls, suggesting potentiation of arousal systems by the hormone treatment. Although thyroxine-accelerated development had no reliable effect upon the age at which peak activity occurred, scopolamine injections increased activity as early as 15 days of age in thyroxine-treated mice, whereas saline-treated or unhandled controls did not show a similar increase until 16-17 days of age. The findings were interpreted as indicating both a potentiation of arousal and a compensatory acceleration of cholinergic inhibitory capacities as a result of the neonatal hyperthyroidism. In addition, the importance of the behaviorally suppressive effects of a novel injection experience in the neonatal mouse was demonstrated.", "contents": "Development of cholinergic inhibitory capacities in the hyperthyroid mouse. The ontogeny of behavioral arousal and inhibition, as measured by spontaneous locomotor activity, was compared in four experiments for controls and mice injected with thyroxine as neonates. Mice treated with thyroxine at 1-3 days of age had higher activity levels at 10-15 days of age than controls, suggesting potentiation of arousal systems by the hormone treatment. Although thyroxine-accelerated development had no reliable effect upon the age at which peak activity occurred, scopolamine injections increased activity as early as 15 days of age in thyroxine-treated mice, whereas saline-treated or unhandled controls did not show a similar increase until 16-17 days of age. The findings were interpreted as indicating both a potentiation of arousal and a compensatory acceleration of cholinergic inhibitory capacities as a result of the neonatal hyperthyroidism. In addition, the importance of the behaviorally suppressive effects of a novel injection experience in the neonatal mouse was demonstrated.", "PMID": 1005493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10213", "title": "Effect of subcutaneous vs intraperitoneal administration of an anti-estrogen, CI-628, estradiol-and estradiol benzoate-stimulated lordosis in the ovariectomized rat.", "content": "The anti-estrogen CI-628 (3 mg) inhibited estradiol (E, 150 mug, SC in oil)-stimulated lordosis in ovariectomized rats, when the anti-estrogen was given intraperitoneally (IP) at the time of E injection (Hr 0). No lordosis inhibition occurred after similar treatment, if the CI-628 was given subcutaneously. For estradiol benzoate (EB, 2 mug, SC in oil)-stimulated lordosis, CI-628 (Hr 0) had a substantial inhibitory effect whether it was given IP or SC, the greater percentage inhibition occurring after SC CI-628 (Experiment 1). All animals received sequential injections of estrogen and progesterone (500 = s,g, SC in oil) and were then tested to 10 mounts by an intact male. These results suggested that, after E injection, neural tissues mediating lordosis have a shorter period of sensitivity to the behavioral effects of CI-628 than after EB injection. Thus, inhibition of E-stimulated lordosis apparently required the more rapid onset of intracellular estrogen retention inhibition resulting from CI-628 given IP rather than SC. This was not the case for EB-stimulated lordosis, where a longer period of sensitivity to CI-628 seeemed likely. This hypothesis was supported by the data of Experiment 2, in which CI-628 (3 mg, IP) was first given 3 hr after E or EB treatment. In this paradigm, CI-628 no longer inhibited E-stimulated lordosis. In contrast, the anti-estrogen's effect on EB-stimulated lordosis was at least equal to the inhibition occurring after CI-628 (IP) given at Hr 0.", "contents": "Effect of subcutaneous vs intraperitoneal administration of an anti-estrogen, CI-628, estradiol-and estradiol benzoate-stimulated lordosis in the ovariectomized rat. The anti-estrogen CI-628 (3 mg) inhibited estradiol (E, 150 mug, SC in oil)-stimulated lordosis in ovariectomized rats, when the anti-estrogen was given intraperitoneally (IP) at the time of E injection (Hr 0). No lordosis inhibition occurred after similar treatment, if the CI-628 was given subcutaneously. For estradiol benzoate (EB, 2 mug, SC in oil)-stimulated lordosis, CI-628 (Hr 0) had a substantial inhibitory effect whether it was given IP or SC, the greater percentage inhibition occurring after SC CI-628 (Experiment 1). All animals received sequential injections of estrogen and progesterone (500 = s,g, SC in oil) and were then tested to 10 mounts by an intact male. These results suggested that, after E injection, neural tissues mediating lordosis have a shorter period of sensitivity to the behavioral effects of CI-628 than after EB injection. Thus, inhibition of E-stimulated lordosis apparently required the more rapid onset of intracellular estrogen retention inhibition resulting from CI-628 given IP rather than SC. This was not the case for EB-stimulated lordosis, where a longer period of sensitivity to CI-628 seeemed likely. This hypothesis was supported by the data of Experiment 2, in which CI-628 (3 mg, IP) was first given 3 hr after E or EB treatment. In this paradigm, CI-628 no longer inhibited E-stimulated lordosis. In contrast, the anti-estrogen's effect on EB-stimulated lordosis was at least equal to the inhibition occurring after CI-628 (IP) given at Hr 0.", "PMID": 1005494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10214", "title": "Role of noradrenergic and dopaminergic processes in amphetamine self-administration.", "content": "Dogs were trained to intravenously self-administered d-amphetamine (0.05 mg/kg/infusion) until a stable intake per 4 hr daily session was achieved. When the dogs were given noncontingent infusions of d-amphetamine in varying amounts o% to 100% of the baseline intake) immediately prior to the session, they decreased their self-administration response rate appropriately so that total drug intake remained constant. However, there were not changes in subsequent responding for d-amphetamine following pretreatment with either the noradrenergic agonist methoxamine (0.5-2.0 mg/kg) or the noradrenergic antagonist phenoxybenzamine (1-8 mg/kg). Additionally, responding was not maintained when methoxamine (0.05 mg/kg/infusion) was substituted for d-amphetamine. In contrast, pretreatment with either the dopaminergic antagonist pimozide (5-40 mug/kg) or chlorpromazine (0.25-2.0 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent increases in the number of self-administered d-amphetemine infustions. These data suggest that noradrenergic neurotransmission is not responsible for d-amphetamine self-administration, but an intact dopaminergic system does appear to be important.", "contents": "Role of noradrenergic and dopaminergic processes in amphetamine self-administration. Dogs were trained to intravenously self-administered d-amphetamine (0.05 mg/kg/infusion) until a stable intake per 4 hr daily session was achieved. When the dogs were given noncontingent infusions of d-amphetamine in varying amounts o% to 100% of the baseline intake) immediately prior to the session, they decreased their self-administration response rate appropriately so that total drug intake remained constant. However, there were not changes in subsequent responding for d-amphetamine following pretreatment with either the noradrenergic agonist methoxamine (0.5-2.0 mg/kg) or the noradrenergic antagonist phenoxybenzamine (1-8 mg/kg). Additionally, responding was not maintained when methoxamine (0.05 mg/kg/infusion) was substituted for d-amphetamine. In contrast, pretreatment with either the dopaminergic antagonist pimozide (5-40 mug/kg) or chlorpromazine (0.25-2.0 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent increases in the number of self-administered d-amphetemine infustions. These data suggest that noradrenergic neurotransmission is not responsible for d-amphetamine self-administration, but an intact dopaminergic system does appear to be important.", "PMID": 1005495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10215", "title": "Stimulation of food intake in horses by diazepam and promazine.", "content": "In two adult horses doses of 0.02-0.03 mg/kg diazepam, intravenously, increased 1 hr intake 54-75% above control levels. Intake was stimulated when the diet was a high grain, calorically dense one and also when the diet was a high fiber, calorically dilute one. Two young rapidly growing weanling horses showed an even more pronounced stimulation of intake. Following diazepam 1 hr intake was increased 105-240% above control lelvels. Promazine at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg also stimulated intake in adult horses, but not as markedly as did diazepam. A transquilizer and a neuroleptic appear to have a stimulatory eff upon short-term intake in horses.", "contents": "Stimulation of food intake in horses by diazepam and promazine. In two adult horses doses of 0.02-0.03 mg/kg diazepam, intravenously, increased 1 hr intake 54-75% above control levels. Intake was stimulated when the diet was a high grain, calorically dense one and also when the diet was a high fiber, calorically dilute one. Two young rapidly growing weanling horses showed an even more pronounced stimulation of intake. Following diazepam 1 hr intake was increased 105-240% above control lelvels. Promazine at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg also stimulated intake in adult horses, but not as markedly as did diazepam. A transquilizer and a neuroleptic appear to have a stimulatory eff upon short-term intake in horses.", "PMID": 1005496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10216", "title": "[Giant ulcers with rupture of the anterior tibial artery in a patient with calcinosis and hypercalcemia].", "content": "The authors report one case of giant varicose ulcer in a woman aged 85 years, who suffered from diffuse subcutaneous calcinosis, in which, after a period of shooting pain, spontaneous rupture of the anterior tibial artery occurred. Suture of this artery at the base of the ulcer did not hinder healing.", "contents": "[Giant ulcers with rupture of the anterior tibial artery in a patient with calcinosis and hypercalcemia]. The authors report one case of giant varicose ulcer in a woman aged 85 years, who suffered from diffuse subcutaneous calcinosis, in which, after a period of shooting pain, spontaneous rupture of the anterior tibial artery occurred. Suture of this artery at the base of the ulcer did not hinder healing.", "PMID": 1005497} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10217", "title": "[The physiology of microcirculation].", "content": "Since the work of Harvey and Malpighi, there have been more questions than answers in the physiology of the microcirculation. The microvessels and the interstitial connective tissue form a true functional and structural unit in which the capillary is only a passive feature. It is subject to the constraint of the connective tissue that surrounds it, is only a reflection of the hydraulic conditions above and below it and is a luxury metabolic pathway compared with the importance of the derivative or shortcircuit arteriovenous pathway in which the metarteriole is of major importance. Continual renewal, apparent vasomotor character, and extreme permeability sum up the physiology of the microcirculation. The cybernetics is dominated by the arteriolo-venular functioning and by chain rections. Stasis, the opening of arterio-venous anastomoses, and sludge are the main pathological features. Investigation of capillary function remains difficult under clinical conditions, since different methods give a global picture, that of the vascular-tissue unit.", "contents": "[The physiology of microcirculation]. Since the work of Harvey and Malpighi, there have been more questions than answers in the physiology of the microcirculation. The microvessels and the interstitial connective tissue form a true functional and structural unit in which the capillary is only a passive feature. It is subject to the constraint of the connective tissue that surrounds it, is only a reflection of the hydraulic conditions above and below it and is a luxury metabolic pathway compared with the importance of the derivative or shortcircuit arteriovenous pathway in which the metarteriole is of major importance. Continual renewal, apparent vasomotor character, and extreme permeability sum up the physiology of the microcirculation. The cybernetics is dominated by the arteriolo-venular functioning and by chain rections. Stasis, the opening of arterio-venous anastomoses, and sludge are the main pathological features. Investigation of capillary function remains difficult under clinical conditions, since different methods give a global picture, that of the vascular-tissue unit.", "PMID": 1005508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10218", "title": "[Scleroses of the junction of the internal and external saphenous veins. New approach].", "content": "Sclerotherapy of sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions has been accepted for many years. However, the author points out the present tendency to refer more and more of those cases to surgery on account of the inherent dangers of such injections and of the difficulty to achieve a solid and long lasting sclerosis. He describes present variations in technic of injection, explains how he discovered a more efficient method: introducing the needle some six cm below the junction and injecting while an assistant (or a free finger) compresses the junction. He describes its applications and enumerates short and long term advantages of this technical refinement.", "contents": "[Scleroses of the junction of the internal and external saphenous veins. New approach]. Sclerotherapy of sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions has been accepted for many years. However, the author points out the present tendency to refer more and more of those cases to surgery on account of the inherent dangers of such injections and of the difficulty to achieve a solid and long lasting sclerosis. He describes present variations in technic of injection, explains how he discovered a more efficient method: introducing the needle some six cm below the junction and injecting while an assistant (or a free finger) compresses the junction. He describes its applications and enumerates short and long term advantages of this technical refinement.", "PMID": 1005507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10219", "title": "[The planter neuroma (Morton's disease)].", "content": "This a metartarsalgia that is most often found in adult women. The diagnosis is based essentially on questioning the subject who complains of a painful episode: sudden pain, often very intense, occurring while walking, at any time of the day. The evolution takes the form of further episodes that occur at shorter and shorter intervals. Examination shows the pain to be located in an intermetatarsal space, typically the third sometimes the second, with radiation to the two adjacent toes. This syndrome must not be confused with rounded metatarsals where the pain is of a mechanical type and occurs in the heads of the metatarsals. Medical treatment (injections, special soles) is mainly a matter of diagnosis. Treatment of this benign lesion of the interosseous nerve is surgical: excision of the neuroma.", "contents": "[The planter neuroma (Morton's disease)]. This a metartarsalgia that is most often found in adult women. The diagnosis is based essentially on questioning the subject who complains of a painful episode: sudden pain, often very intense, occurring while walking, at any time of the day. The evolution takes the form of further episodes that occur at shorter and shorter intervals. Examination shows the pain to be located in an intermetatarsal space, typically the third sometimes the second, with radiation to the two adjacent toes. This syndrome must not be confused with rounded metatarsals where the pain is of a mechanical type and occurs in the heads of the metatarsals. Medical treatment (injections, special soles) is mainly a matter of diagnosis. Treatment of this benign lesion of the interosseous nerve is surgical: excision of the neuroma.", "PMID": 1005509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10220", "title": "[Retrograde iliocavographie].", "content": "The authors describe a technique for retrograde phlebography of the lower limbs that involves introducing a Cournand catheter into the superior system via one pf the basilic veins so that it reaches the inferior vena cava, passing through the right atrium. The new feature of this method, which has been previously used by Dow and Gillot, is that the catheter may be passed fairly low into the iliac or femoral veins. Thus with a single catheter it is possible to carry out cavography, bilateral phlebography of the external iliac veins or even the internal iliacs, or bilateral femoral phlebography. The most suitable indications for the this technique include (1) the search for a residual cross after stripping, (2) the assessment of recent iliac thrombosis when there is an indication for surgery, (3) the assessment of a \"swollen leg\" when there is a doubt in diagnosis between lymphoedema and phleboedema, and (4) the study of deep repermeabilization in cases of post-phlebitic syndrome (before eventual surgery of the saphenous veins). This examination, which should be carried out in a vascular radiology unit; makes it possible to obtain films of good quality that are easy to interpret and that provide a very complete phlebographic assessment.", "contents": "[Retrograde iliocavographie]. The authors describe a technique for retrograde phlebography of the lower limbs that involves introducing a Cournand catheter into the superior system via one pf the basilic veins so that it reaches the inferior vena cava, passing through the right atrium. The new feature of this method, which has been previously used by Dow and Gillot, is that the catheter may be passed fairly low into the iliac or femoral veins. Thus with a single catheter it is possible to carry out cavography, bilateral phlebography of the external iliac veins or even the internal iliacs, or bilateral femoral phlebography. The most suitable indications for the this technique include (1) the search for a residual cross after stripping, (2) the assessment of recent iliac thrombosis when there is an indication for surgery, (3) the assessment of a \"swollen leg\" when there is a doubt in diagnosis between lymphoedema and phleboedema, and (4) the study of deep repermeabilization in cases of post-phlebitic syndrome (before eventual surgery of the saphenous veins). This examination, which should be carried out in a vascular radiology unit; makes it possible to obtain films of good quality that are easy to interpret and that provide a very complete phlebographic assessment.", "PMID": 1005510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10221", "title": "[Pulmonary embolism as seen by the phlebologist and the cardiologist].", "content": "In this article the author follows the fate of a clot from its venous origin, as is the rule--the domaine of the phlebologist--prevention of the different factors of thrombo-embolic disease, the fight against stasis, phlebological care, treatment to prevent platelet aggregation and anticoagulant treatment. The author also considers the point of view of the cardiologist, the diagnosis and treatment of the \"pulmonary embolism heart\". The phlebologist has the most important role which is preventive; when a cardiologist intervenes in cases of pulmonary heart, although his role may be curative, it is sometimes still disappointing from both the diagnostic and prognostic points of view.", "contents": "[Pulmonary embolism as seen by the phlebologist and the cardiologist]. In this article the author follows the fate of a clot from its venous origin, as is the rule--the domaine of the phlebologist--prevention of the different factors of thrombo-embolic disease, the fight against stasis, phlebological care, treatment to prevent platelet aggregation and anticoagulant treatment. The author also considers the point of view of the cardiologist, the diagnosis and treatment of the \"pulmonary embolism heart\". The phlebologist has the most important role which is preventive; when a cardiologist intervenes in cases of pulmonary heart, although his role may be curative, it is sometimes still disappointing from both the diagnostic and prognostic points of view.", "PMID": 1005511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10222", "title": "[Quantitative research into vascular function in the lower limbs when these are affected by chronic venous insufficiency or lymphoedema].", "content": "Plethysmographic measurements of calf blood flow and venous muscle pump functions have been carried out in two groups of patients. In the first group of patients with chronic venous insufficiency the post ischaemic reactive hyperaemia decreased with the degree of clinical severity. In the other group of patients with primary lymphoedema no hyperfunctionning of the arterial system could be found. In this group the venous pump function was markedly reduced.", "contents": "[Quantitative research into vascular function in the lower limbs when these are affected by chronic venous insufficiency or lymphoedema]. Plethysmographic measurements of calf blood flow and venous muscle pump functions have been carried out in two groups of patients. In the first group of patients with chronic venous insufficiency the post ischaemic reactive hyperaemia decreased with the degree of clinical severity. In the other group of patients with primary lymphoedema no hyperfunctionning of the arterial system could be found. In this group the venous pump function was markedly reduced.", "PMID": 1005512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10223", "title": "[Differential diagnosis of cerebral convulsive seizures in the tetanic syndrome].", "content": "An analysis of the types of attacks occurring in tetanus patients shows that epileptic attacks are a relatively frequent occurrence in such patients. In patients under anti-epileptic therapy it is readily possible for the clinical picture to be concealed, and this may then result in irreversible damage due to the disturbance of metabolism remaining uninfluenced. It is recommended that the treatment of patients with cerebral attacks should include measures aimed at preventing the occurrence in them of convulsions resulting from the particular metabolic situation in the case of tetanus. What is also pointed out by the authors in their present paper is that tetanus patients treated with anticonvulsives and particularly disposed sufferers from epilepsy may show a deterioration of the metabolic situation and a loss of stability of the vitamin D metabolism, respectively. Accordingly, it is advisable that regular clinical and paraclinical checks be made in the case of the two syndromes referred to above.", "contents": "[Differential diagnosis of cerebral convulsive seizures in the tetanic syndrome]. An analysis of the types of attacks occurring in tetanus patients shows that epileptic attacks are a relatively frequent occurrence in such patients. In patients under anti-epileptic therapy it is readily possible for the clinical picture to be concealed, and this may then result in irreversible damage due to the disturbance of metabolism remaining uninfluenced. It is recommended that the treatment of patients with cerebral attacks should include measures aimed at preventing the occurrence in them of convulsions resulting from the particular metabolic situation in the case of tetanus. What is also pointed out by the authors in their present paper is that tetanus patients treated with anticonvulsives and particularly disposed sufferers from epilepsy may show a deterioration of the metabolic situation and a loss of stability of the vitamin D metabolism, respectively. Accordingly, it is advisable that regular clinical and paraclinical checks be made in the case of the two syndromes referred to above.", "PMID": 1005543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10224", "title": "[Position of the delayed-action neuroleptic penfluridol (Longperidol/Janssen) in psychiatric therapy].", "content": "Longoperidol/Janssen, an orally administered neuroleptic with a five- to seven-day duration of effects, was clinically tested in six mental hospitals in the G.D.R. where the agent was administered to subjects of chronic to subacute schizophrenia. It was not possible for fully consistent results to be obtained in these tests. Workers at mental hospitals in Leipzig and M\u00fchlhausen recommended that the drug should be imported, whereas those at the four other centers (Dresden, Halle, Jena, and Schwerin) did not consider the medication to be indispensable, although they were also able to observe the good effects of the agent.", "contents": "[Position of the delayed-action neuroleptic penfluridol (Longperidol/Janssen) in psychiatric therapy]. Longoperidol/Janssen, an orally administered neuroleptic with a five- to seven-day duration of effects, was clinically tested in six mental hospitals in the G.D.R. where the agent was administered to subjects of chronic to subacute schizophrenia. It was not possible for fully consistent results to be obtained in these tests. Workers at mental hospitals in Leipzig and M\u00fchlhausen recommended that the drug should be imported, whereas those at the four other centers (Dresden, Halle, Jena, and Schwerin) did not consider the medication to be indispensable, although they were also able to observe the good effects of the agent.", "PMID": 1005544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10225", "title": "[Definition and classification of neuroses].", "content": "The content of the concept of neurosis has been subject to repeated change in the course of scientific development, the collective term being still used to describe etiopathogenetically different disease pictures. Leading G.D.R. psychotherapists, in the interest of mutual understanding, have decided to narrow down the term \"neurosis\" and use it only to describe biographically derivable and psychoreactively produced and sustained disorders of the person-environment relation, thus acting in conformity with the present state of knowledge and following a recent international trend. Neuroses may, in principle, be classified according to different aspects. For the classification of individual forms of neurosis the author and his associates decided to select, as primary criteria, the main etiological factors believed to be chiefly responsible for the actual disease picture, and this was done under etiopathogenetic and at the same time diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. Accordingly, a distinction is drawn between the following four forms, of which two are in group 1 and two in group 2. 1. Neurotic reactions in the two subforms; affective reactions producing enduring effects; functionally fixed reactions; and 2. Neurotic developments in the form of primary and secondary maldevelopments. The above four forms of neurosis were exactly defined operationally, and they are, in general, easily distinguishable diagnostically, differ to a large extent in both course and prognosis, and require different therapeutic approaches.", "contents": "[Definition and classification of neuroses]. The content of the concept of neurosis has been subject to repeated change in the course of scientific development, the collective term being still used to describe etiopathogenetically different disease pictures. Leading G.D.R. psychotherapists, in the interest of mutual understanding, have decided to narrow down the term \"neurosis\" and use it only to describe biographically derivable and psychoreactively produced and sustained disorders of the person-environment relation, thus acting in conformity with the present state of knowledge and following a recent international trend. Neuroses may, in principle, be classified according to different aspects. For the classification of individual forms of neurosis the author and his associates decided to select, as primary criteria, the main etiological factors believed to be chiefly responsible for the actual disease picture, and this was done under etiopathogenetic and at the same time diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. Accordingly, a distinction is drawn between the following four forms, of which two are in group 1 and two in group 2. 1. Neurotic reactions in the two subforms; affective reactions producing enduring effects; functionally fixed reactions; and 2. Neurotic developments in the form of primary and secondary maldevelopments. The above four forms of neurosis were exactly defined operationally, and they are, in general, easily distinguishable diagnostically, differ to a large extent in both course and prognosis, and require different therapeutic approaches.", "PMID": 1005546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10226", "title": "[Influencing the lack of concentration in hyperkinetic school children with Aponeuron].", "content": "The authors, after typologically defining three etiopathogenetically different forms of lack of concentration power, report the therapeutic effects produced by Aponeuron administered to 38 eight- to thirteen-year-old hyperkinetic children lacking adequate concentration power but being of normal intelligence. The results reported in this paper are based upon comparative psychometric tests, valuation scales used by parents and teachers, and the grades received before and after a three- to six-month treatment. They provide statistical evidence of an increase in concentration power and a decrease in both fatigability and motor unrest. Obviously, objections frequently made to the treatment of encephalopathic children with centrally stimulating drugs are not justified providing indication is furnished expertly.", "contents": "[Influencing the lack of concentration in hyperkinetic school children with Aponeuron]. The authors, after typologically defining three etiopathogenetically different forms of lack of concentration power, report the therapeutic effects produced by Aponeuron administered to 38 eight- to thirteen-year-old hyperkinetic children lacking adequate concentration power but being of normal intelligence. The results reported in this paper are based upon comparative psychometric tests, valuation scales used by parents and teachers, and the grades received before and after a three- to six-month treatment. They provide statistical evidence of an increase in concentration power and a decrease in both fatigability and motor unrest. Obviously, objections frequently made to the treatment of encephalopathic children with centrally stimulating drugs are not justified providing indication is furnished expertly.", "PMID": 1005547} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10227", "title": "[Cyclothymic depression and performance. Comparison of the efficiency of agitated and non-agitated cyclothymic depression patients on a brief test of severe depression].", "content": "Agitated and non-agitated cyclothym depressive patients were compared relative to their results in a short achievement test for measuring degree of depression; the agitated patients worked significantly less slowly in two of the five subtests. These differences may exist premorbidly and can be explained by a theoretical concept of arousal. We propose to control the subject's activational states which -- besides the control of age and intelligence -- might possibly precise the test results relative to the depth of depression.", "contents": "[Cyclothymic depression and performance. Comparison of the efficiency of agitated and non-agitated cyclothymic depression patients on a brief test of severe depression]. Agitated and non-agitated cyclothym depressive patients were compared relative to their results in a short achievement test for measuring degree of depression; the agitated patients worked significantly less slowly in two of the five subtests. These differences may exist premorbidly and can be explained by a theoretical concept of arousal. We propose to control the subject's activational states which -- besides the control of age and intelligence -- might possibly precise the test results relative to the depth of depression.", "PMID": 1005548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10228", "title": "[Drug abuse and dependence of the amphetamine type with special regard to Amphetaminil (Aponeuron(R))].", "content": "In 1974 amphetaminil was included in the class of addictives or habit-forming drugs, although prescription of the drug is not requiring adherence to strict requirements. Whereas reports of abuse of, and addiction to, amphetaminil have been published in foreign countries since 1967, it was not considered a habit-forming drug in the G.D.R. Observations made by the author and his associates show that this may not be true; abuse of, and addiction to, this particular drug are possible in this country, too. The concern of this paper is to call the reader's attention to possible addiction to amphetamine type drugs. Prescription of amphetamines should always be with caution in order to prevent abuse. It is recommended that careful consideration be given to the question of limiting the amount of amphetaminil to be prescribed.", "contents": "[Drug abuse and dependence of the amphetamine type with special regard to Amphetaminil (Aponeuron(R))]. In 1974 amphetaminil was included in the class of addictives or habit-forming drugs, although prescription of the drug is not requiring adherence to strict requirements. Whereas reports of abuse of, and addiction to, amphetaminil have been published in foreign countries since 1967, it was not considered a habit-forming drug in the G.D.R. Observations made by the author and his associates show that this may not be true; abuse of, and addiction to, this particular drug are possible in this country, too. The concern of this paper is to call the reader's attention to possible addiction to amphetamine type drugs. Prescription of amphetamines should always be with caution in order to prevent abuse. It is recommended that careful consideration be given to the question of limiting the amount of amphetaminil to be prescribed.", "PMID": 1005549} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10229", "title": "[Psychiatry and EDP. First experience with specialty-specific additional documentation-psychiatry with computer epicrisis].", "content": "A supplementary documentation on psychiatry, of which the purpose is to systematically collect certain predetermined patient data, was prepared as part of the electronic data processing project \"Basic processes of patient-related information processing\" which has been mapped out by workers at the Dresden Medical Academy. A psychiatric \"computer-based epicrisis\" has been formulated and introduced into daily psychiatric practice. A brief description of documents serving as vouchers is followed by a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of such a method as well as the basic possibilities of development.", "contents": "[Psychiatry and EDP. First experience with specialty-specific additional documentation-psychiatry with computer epicrisis]. A supplementary documentation on psychiatry, of which the purpose is to systematically collect certain predetermined patient data, was prepared as part of the electronic data processing project \"Basic processes of patient-related information processing\" which has been mapped out by workers at the Dresden Medical Academy. A psychiatric \"computer-based epicrisis\" has been formulated and introduced into daily psychiatric practice. A brief description of documents serving as vouchers is followed by a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of such a method as well as the basic possibilities of development.", "PMID": 1005550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10230", "title": "[Treatment of occlusive hydrocephalus with Torkilksen's drainage].", "content": "Seventy-three Torkildsen drainages are reported, of which 61 and 12 were performed on tumor patients and in the case of benign aqueduct occlusions due to congenital malformations or chronic inflammations, respectively. The results are quite satisfactory providing due consideration is given to both the basic ailment and the preoperative condition. The Torkildsen drain has proven extremely useful in the therapy of selected cases of occlusive hydrocephalus.", "contents": "[Treatment of occlusive hydrocephalus with Torkilksen's drainage]. Seventy-three Torkildsen drainages are reported, of which 61 and 12 were performed on tumor patients and in the case of benign aqueduct occlusions due to congenital malformations or chronic inflammations, respectively. The results are quite satisfactory providing due consideration is given to both the basic ailment and the preoperative condition. The Torkildsen drain has proven extremely useful in the therapy of selected cases of occlusive hydrocephalus.", "PMID": 1005551} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10231", "title": "[Dissolutive and non-dissolutive elements in the phonetic disorders of aphasia patients].", "content": "The authors, by proceeding on the view that only part of the pathological phenomena may be satisfactorily explained by Jackson's theory of dissolution, have made an analysis of phonetic disorders (sound exchanges) for ten patients with sensory aphasia and mixed aphasia which is a mixture of motor and sensory aphasia. The results of preliminary studies of the ontogenetic occurrence of Bulgarian sounds in the development of the child's language were taken as a base for distinguishing dissolutive from non-dissolutive sound exchanges. It has been found that 36% and 64% of the sound exchanges were dissolutive and nondissolutive, respectively.", "contents": "[Dissolutive and non-dissolutive elements in the phonetic disorders of aphasia patients]. The authors, by proceeding on the view that only part of the pathological phenomena may be satisfactorily explained by Jackson's theory of dissolution, have made an analysis of phonetic disorders (sound exchanges) for ten patients with sensory aphasia and mixed aphasia which is a mixture of motor and sensory aphasia. The results of preliminary studies of the ontogenetic occurrence of Bulgarian sounds in the development of the child's language were taken as a base for distinguishing dissolutive from non-dissolutive sound exchanges. It has been found that 36% and 64% of the sound exchanges were dissolutive and nondissolutive, respectively.", "PMID": 1005552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10232", "title": "[Musical-rhythmic discrimination ability and recall in children with reading and spelling disorders].", "content": "Thirty 9- to 11-year-old children of normal intelligence, who are poor readers and spellers, were tested using shortened series of problems of the Seashore test of musical talents as well as Colured Progressive Matrices. Also, the children had to write from dictation using Kossakowski's table of words. All of the problems, with the exception of writing from dictation, were also presented to, and solved by, a correspondingly composed reference group of thirty normal schoolchildren. There were found considerable statistically significant group differences especially in respect of the ability to absorb successions of tones and distinguish between different tone colors and intensities of sound. The importance of these results to the development of methods of early diagnosis is discussed in detail.", "contents": "[Musical-rhythmic discrimination ability and recall in children with reading and spelling disorders]. Thirty 9- to 11-year-old children of normal intelligence, who are poor readers and spellers, were tested using shortened series of problems of the Seashore test of musical talents as well as Colured Progressive Matrices. Also, the children had to write from dictation using Kossakowski's table of words. All of the problems, with the exception of writing from dictation, were also presented to, and solved by, a correspondingly composed reference group of thirty normal schoolchildren. There were found considerable statistically significant group differences especially in respect of the ability to absorb successions of tones and distinguish between different tone colors and intensities of sound. The importance of these results to the development of methods of early diagnosis is discussed in detail.", "PMID": 1005553} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10233", "title": "[Etiology and pathogenesis of somnambulism].", "content": "The problem of somnambulism is discussed in this paper by reference to the present state of research in this field. A complex of conditions is assumed to underly sleep-walking and be triggered by various factors. Psychic or organic moments may trigger somnambulance if there exists a readiness for this form of reaction. The corpus striatum is assumed to control the overall coordination of stereotypic motor movements, which is made an independently functioning subsystem by certain states of tension in the central nervous system.", "contents": "[Etiology and pathogenesis of somnambulism]. The problem of somnambulism is discussed in this paper by reference to the present state of research in this field. A complex of conditions is assumed to underly sleep-walking and be triggered by various factors. Psychic or organic moments may trigger somnambulance if there exists a readiness for this form of reaction. The corpus striatum is assumed to control the overall coordination of stereotypic motor movements, which is made an independently functioning subsystem by certain states of tension in the central nervous system.", "PMID": 1005554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10234", "title": "[Recurrent alternating cranial nerve paralysis as an unusual type of polyneuropathy predilection].", "content": "A case is described where relapsing alternating cerebral nerve pareses were frequently observed in the course of twelve years. The neurogenic character of the pareses could be demonstrated by electromyography. The extremities examined also showed signs of subclinical changes of the peripheral nervous system. The results of examinations suggest that the patient has an idiopathic form of polyneuropathy, the clinical manifestation of which is restricted to the cerebral nervous system. The literature on relapsing cerebral nerve pareses is discussed briefly.", "contents": "[Recurrent alternating cranial nerve paralysis as an unusual type of polyneuropathy predilection]. A case is described where relapsing alternating cerebral nerve pareses were frequently observed in the course of twelve years. The neurogenic character of the pareses could be demonstrated by electromyography. The extremities examined also showed signs of subclinical changes of the peripheral nervous system. The results of examinations suggest that the patient has an idiopathic form of polyneuropathy, the clinical manifestation of which is restricted to the cerebral nervous system. The literature on relapsing cerebral nerve pareses is discussed briefly.", "PMID": 1005555} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10235", "title": "Issues in the development of statistical and epidemiological data for mental health services research.", "content": "The planning of health services consists of a process that generally involves the following steps: (a) situational analysis, or the description, definition and statement of the problem, its characteristics and dimensions in relation to population and time; (b) the formulation of alternative tactical approaches to the handling and solution of the problem; (c) decision analysis or the selection of a plan; (d) discussion and implementation of the plan selected; (e) evaluation of the results achieved in relation to the problem, situations or populations concerned. This paper discusses the content of a programme of mental health services research for collecting and analysing the information needed to apply these processes to the planning of mental health services, monitoring the manner in which the plan is being implemented, and assessing its effectiveness in achieving short-term and intermediate objectives and long-term goals. Statistical and epidemiological information play an important role in these processes, particularly in the situational analysis and the evaluation processes. Illustrations have been provided of types of data that are produced in the national mental health statistics programme in the United States. Difficulties in using such data to answer questions concerning the needs for mental health services, and manpower requirements for delivering services to meet these needs are discussed. In many instances, currently available data are quite inadequate for answering key issues such as these, plus others related to living arrangements of the population, the effect of services on the persons who receive them, their families and the communities in which they live. Thus, much still remains to be done to develop systematic, comparative morbidity statistics on the incidence, duration and prevalence of mental disorders in the general population, on the needs for mental health services, and on the effectiveness of our efforts to prevent disorders that can be prevented, and to reduce the amount of disability and distress caused by those that cannot be prevented or terminated. A series of problems have been identified, the solutions to which would assist materially in providing data that would narrow gaps between available knowledge and that which is needed. The importance of establishing well-staffed research units at the catchment area level with stable funding to accomplish this is underscored. It is a matter of the greatest urgency that adequate resources--financial, manpower, scientific and administrative--be made available to solve these problems. If this is not done, then effordts to document quantitatively the effectiveness of programmes to prevent and control mental disorders will continue to suffer from many of the same shortcomings that have impeded our past and continue to impede current efforts to accomplish this.", "contents": "Issues in the development of statistical and epidemiological data for mental health services research. The planning of health services consists of a process that generally involves the following steps: (a) situational analysis, or the description, definition and statement of the problem, its characteristics and dimensions in relation to population and time; (b) the formulation of alternative tactical approaches to the handling and solution of the problem; (c) decision analysis or the selection of a plan; (d) discussion and implementation of the plan selected; (e) evaluation of the results achieved in relation to the problem, situations or populations concerned. This paper discusses the content of a programme of mental health services research for collecting and analysing the information needed to apply these processes to the planning of mental health services, monitoring the manner in which the plan is being implemented, and assessing its effectiveness in achieving short-term and intermediate objectives and long-term goals. Statistical and epidemiological information play an important role in these processes, particularly in the situational analysis and the evaluation processes. Illustrations have been provided of types of data that are produced in the national mental health statistics programme in the United States. Difficulties in using such data to answer questions concerning the needs for mental health services, and manpower requirements for delivering services to meet these needs are discussed. In many instances, currently available data are quite inadequate for answering key issues such as these, plus others related to living arrangements of the population, the effect of services on the persons who receive them, their families and the communities in which they live. Thus, much still remains to be done to develop systematic, comparative morbidity statistics on the incidence, duration and prevalence of mental disorders in the general population, on the needs for mental health services, and on the effectiveness of our efforts to prevent disorders that can be prevented, and to reduce the amount of disability and distress caused by those that cannot be prevented or terminated. A series of problems have been identified, the solutions to which would assist materially in providing data that would narrow gaps between available knowledge and that which is needed. The importance of establishing well-staffed research units at the catchment area level with stable funding to accomplish this is underscored. It is a matter of the greatest urgency that adequate resources--financial, manpower, scientific and administrative--be made available to solve these problems. If this is not done, then effordts to document quantitatively the effectiveness of programmes to prevent and control mental disorders will continue to suffer from many of the same shortcomings that have impeded our past and continue to impede current efforts to accomplish this.", "PMID": 1005562} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10236", "title": "The coincidence of schizophrenia and Parkinsonism: some neurochemical implications.", "content": "The hypothesis has recently been advanced that increased activity of central dopaminergic mechanisms underlies the symptomatology of the schizophrenias. The evidence that dopaminergic transmission in the corpus striatum is impaired in Parkinson's disease suggests that observations on the relationship between Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia may illuminate the patholophysiology of the latter disease. Four cases are reported in which an illness with schizophrenic features developed in the setting of longstanding Parkinson's disease; attention is drawn to earlier reports of schizophrenic illnesses occurring as postencephalitic sequelae in the presence of a parkinsonian syndrome. These observations appear to conflict with the view that increased dopamine release in the striatum is necessary for the expression of schizophrenic psychopathology, but do not exclude the possibility that increased transmission may occur at other dopaminergic sites in the brain, for example the nucleus accumbens, tuberculum olfactorium or cerebral cortex. Similarly the dopamine receptor blockade hypothesis of the therapeutic effects of neuroleptic drugs cannot be maintained with respect to an action in the striatum in view of the differences between the actions of thioridazine and chlorpromazine in this structure, but may be tenable for actions at extra-straital sites.", "contents": "The coincidence of schizophrenia and Parkinsonism: some neurochemical implications. The hypothesis has recently been advanced that increased activity of central dopaminergic mechanisms underlies the symptomatology of the schizophrenias. The evidence that dopaminergic transmission in the corpus striatum is impaired in Parkinson's disease suggests that observations on the relationship between Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia may illuminate the patholophysiology of the latter disease. Four cases are reported in which an illness with schizophrenic features developed in the setting of longstanding Parkinson's disease; attention is drawn to earlier reports of schizophrenic illnesses occurring as postencephalitic sequelae in the presence of a parkinsonian syndrome. These observations appear to conflict with the view that increased dopamine release in the striatum is necessary for the expression of schizophrenic psychopathology, but do not exclude the possibility that increased transmission may occur at other dopaminergic sites in the brain, for example the nucleus accumbens, tuberculum olfactorium or cerebral cortex. Similarly the dopamine receptor blockade hypothesis of the therapeutic effects of neuroleptic drugs cannot be maintained with respect to an action in the striatum in view of the differences between the actions of thioridazine and chlorpromazine in this structure, but may be tenable for actions at extra-straital sites.", "PMID": 1005563} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10237", "title": "Cerebrospinal fluid and plasma free cortisol concentrations in depression.", "content": "Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cortisol levels were examined in a total group of 65 patients. Those who were not depressed (ND), and those suffering from depressive neuroses (DN) had marginally elevated values. Patients with unipolar depression (UD) and bipolar depression (BD) had levels twice as high as the ND and DN patients. Psychotic UD and BD patients had the highest values, three to four times as high as the ND and DN subjects. A significant reduction of CSF cortisol levels was observed following treatment and recovery. Manic patients had moderately elevated CSF cortisol values. The CSF results were in good agreement with plasma total cortisol levels and with urinary free cortisol excretion. Age and sex effects were not responsible for the observed differences; similar results were found in patient subgroups studied in Australia and in the United States. Preliminary equilibrium dialysis data are presented for plasma and CSF cortisol binding. CSF cortisol was 20% bound and 80% free. Plasma free cortisol levels were in good agreement with CSF free cortisol values. Depressed patients have increased tissue and central nervous system (CNS) exposure to free, physiologically active glucocorticoids. The appearance of severe depressive symptoms which manifest a diurnal rhythm may be determined in part by excesssve CNS exposure to glucocorticoids.", "contents": "Cerebrospinal fluid and plasma free cortisol concentrations in depression. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cortisol levels were examined in a total group of 65 patients. Those who were not depressed (ND), and those suffering from depressive neuroses (DN) had marginally elevated values. Patients with unipolar depression (UD) and bipolar depression (BD) had levels twice as high as the ND and DN patients. Psychotic UD and BD patients had the highest values, three to four times as high as the ND and DN subjects. A significant reduction of CSF cortisol levels was observed following treatment and recovery. Manic patients had moderately elevated CSF cortisol values. The CSF results were in good agreement with plasma total cortisol levels and with urinary free cortisol excretion. Age and sex effects were not responsible for the observed differences; similar results were found in patient subgroups studied in Australia and in the United States. Preliminary equilibrium dialysis data are presented for plasma and CSF cortisol binding. CSF cortisol was 20% bound and 80% free. Plasma free cortisol levels were in good agreement with CSF free cortisol values. Depressed patients have increased tissue and central nervous system (CNS) exposure to free, physiologically active glucocorticoids. The appearance of severe depressive symptoms which manifest a diurnal rhythm may be determined in part by excesssve CNS exposure to glucocorticoids.", "PMID": 1005564} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10238", "title": "The influence of childbirth on psychiatric morbidity.", "content": "The Camberwell Psychiatric Register was searched for contacts by the 2257 women resident in the register catchment area who were known to have had a child in 1970. Of these, 99 women (and 39 of their husbands) were found to have had a 'new episode' of psychiatric illness in the two years before or the two years after the birth of their child. The distribution of these 'new episodes' relative to the time of childbirth was then studied. In the women, both functional psychoses and depressive illnesses showed a sharp rise in the new episode rate in the three months immediately after delivery. There was also a suggestion of a secondary rise, less dramatic but more sustained, from the 10th to the 24th month after delivery. There was no comparable rise in the husbands. Women whose children were illegitimate had high new episode rates throughout the four-year study period, but not particularly so in the puerperium itself.", "contents": "The influence of childbirth on psychiatric morbidity. The Camberwell Psychiatric Register was searched for contacts by the 2257 women resident in the register catchment area who were known to have had a child in 1970. Of these, 99 women (and 39 of their husbands) were found to have had a 'new episode' of psychiatric illness in the two years before or the two years after the birth of their child. The distribution of these 'new episodes' relative to the time of childbirth was then studied. In the women, both functional psychoses and depressive illnesses showed a sharp rise in the new episode rate in the three months immediately after delivery. There was also a suggestion of a secondary rise, less dramatic but more sustained, from the 10th to the 24th month after delivery. There was no comparable rise in the husbands. Women whose children were illegitimate had high new episode rates throughout the four-year study period, but not particularly so in the puerperium itself.", "PMID": 1005565} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10239", "title": "Cerebral function and the EEG in psychiatric disorder: a hypothesis.", "content": "Independent studies which showed a difference between the EEG frequency spectra of test and control groups have been compared. Some of the test groups included schizophrenic patients, others comprised groups with dyslexia, reading disability and left preference. The EEG differences between the test and control groups are shown to be similar across the studies. It is suggested that the common attribute of the test groups relates to the functional organisation of the brain and that investigation of EEG correlates of this phenomenon may be of value to research into the biological basis of psychiatric illness.", "contents": "Cerebral function and the EEG in psychiatric disorder: a hypothesis. Independent studies which showed a difference between the EEG frequency spectra of test and control groups have been compared. Some of the test groups included schizophrenic patients, others comprised groups with dyslexia, reading disability and left preference. The EEG differences between the test and control groups are shown to be similar across the studies. It is suggested that the common attribute of the test groups relates to the functional organisation of the brain and that investigation of EEG correlates of this phenomenon may be of value to research into the biological basis of psychiatric illness.", "PMID": 1005567} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10240", "title": "The aetiology of childhood autism: a criticism of the Tinbergen's ethological theory.", "content": "Kanner's descriptions of the children showing the abnormal behaviour pattern he observed and named \"early infantile autism\" are summarized. E.A. and N. Tinbergen's ethological theory of the aetiology of this syndrome is outlined and criticized. The major problem in evaluating this theory, apart from the absence of any evidence in its favour, is the lack of precision with which the Tinbergens use the terms \"autism\" and \"Kanner's syndrome\".", "contents": "The aetiology of childhood autism: a criticism of the Tinbergen's ethological theory. Kanner's descriptions of the children showing the abnormal behaviour pattern he observed and named \"early infantile autism\" are summarized. E.A. and N. Tinbergen's ethological theory of the aetiology of this syndrome is outlined and criticized. The major problem in evaluating this theory, apart from the absence of any evidence in its favour, is the lack of precision with which the Tinbergens use the terms \"autism\" and \"Kanner's syndrome\".", "PMID": 1005569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10241", "title": "Symptoms of depression in two communities.", "content": "Histories of depression-related symptoms were obtained from 3845 randomly selected adult residents of Kansas City, Missouri, and Washington County, Maryland. Depressed persons were slightly more common in Kansas City than in Washington County but within the latter area no urban-rural differences were observed. More depressed persons were found among blacks than among whites. Slightly more white females than males were depressed; no significant differences were found between black females and males. After adjustment for the effects of other independent variables, the probability of having symptoms of depression was highest among persons who were young adults, unmarried, not employed outside the home, poorly paid, and not well educated.", "contents": "Symptoms of depression in two communities. Histories of depression-related symptoms were obtained from 3845 randomly selected adult residents of Kansas City, Missouri, and Washington County, Maryland. Depressed persons were slightly more common in Kansas City than in Washington County but within the latter area no urban-rural differences were observed. More depressed persons were found among blacks than among whites. Slightly more white females than males were depressed; no significant differences were found between black females and males. After adjustment for the effects of other independent variables, the probability of having symptoms of depression was highest among persons who were young adults, unmarried, not employed outside the home, poorly paid, and not well educated.", "PMID": 1005571} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10242", "title": "Psychiatric morbidity in general practice and the community.", "content": "The \"General Health Questionnaire\" was used to assess the psychiatric morbidity among 365 consecutive attenders at a general practice and to compare this with a systematic random sample of 213 patients drawn from the lists of the same practice. Those attending a general practitioner are shown to be more psychiatrically disturbed than a random sample of the practice population, and this difference remains when those attending for psychological symptoms are discounted. Various social and demographic characteristics which distinguish between those who do and those who do not attend a doctor with a given set of psychological symptoms are described.", "contents": "Psychiatric morbidity in general practice and the community. The \"General Health Questionnaire\" was used to assess the psychiatric morbidity among 365 consecutive attenders at a general practice and to compare this with a systematic random sample of 213 patients drawn from the lists of the same practice. Those attending a general practitioner are shown to be more psychiatrically disturbed than a random sample of the practice population, and this difference remains when those attending for psychological symptoms are discounted. Various social and demographic characteristics which distinguish between those who do and those who do not attend a doctor with a given set of psychological symptoms are described.", "PMID": 1005572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10243", "title": "General practice aspects of self-poisoning and self-injury.", "content": "A sample of individuals who had carried out acts of self-poisoning or self-injury were interviewed and information was also obtained from their general practitioners. More of both the men and the women had visited their general practitioners in the year before the acts than would have been predicted from national statistics, although this was not found to the same extent for persons aged 16-24. Thirty-six per cent of the sample had contacted their general practitioners during the week before the act and over 60% in the month beforehand. Sixty-three per cent had visited them for a variety of psychiatric and social reasons during the preceding year and had nearly all been prescribed psychotropic drugs, usually tranquillizers or sedatives. These were commonly the drugs taken in acts of self-poisoning. Methods of prevention are discussed.", "contents": "General practice aspects of self-poisoning and self-injury. A sample of individuals who had carried out acts of self-poisoning or self-injury were interviewed and information was also obtained from their general practitioners. More of both the men and the women had visited their general practitioners in the year before the acts than would have been predicted from national statistics, although this was not found to the same extent for persons aged 16-24. Thirty-six per cent of the sample had contacted their general practitioners during the week before the act and over 60% in the month beforehand. Sixty-three per cent had visited them for a variety of psychiatric and social reasons during the preceding year and had nearly all been prescribed psychotropic drugs, usually tranquillizers or sedatives. These were commonly the drugs taken in acts of self-poisoning. Methods of prevention are discussed.", "PMID": 1005573} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10244", "title": "An evaluation of an interview assessment of marriage.", "content": "An interview assessment of marriage relationships is described. It is shown to have good inter-rater reliability, high consistency across the accounts of both marriage partners and to be resistant to methodologic bias. A four-year follow-up study demonstrated high predictive validity to later marriage breakdown. The marriage measure also showed a strong association with behavioural deviance in the children. The intercorrelations between individual measures of various aspects of the marriage and the summary are given. A shortened version of the interview is described and preliminary findings are given on its validity.", "contents": "An evaluation of an interview assessment of marriage. An interview assessment of marriage relationships is described. It is shown to have good inter-rater reliability, high consistency across the accounts of both marriage partners and to be resistant to methodologic bias. A four-year follow-up study demonstrated high predictive validity to later marriage breakdown. The marriage measure also showed a strong association with behavioural deviance in the children. The intercorrelations between individual measures of various aspects of the marriage and the summary are given. A shortened version of the interview is described and preliminary findings are given on its validity.", "PMID": 1005574} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10245", "title": "Observer variation and depressive phenomenology.", "content": "An investigation into observer variation and depressive phenomenology is described. A group of 6 clinicians independently completed a 43-item sheet for 20 depressed patients at the same clinical interview. The coefficient of agreements on the items are given. Patient variables and observer variables did not have any influence on the degree of agreement. There was also an agreement in the subtyping of depression.", "contents": "Observer variation and depressive phenomenology. An investigation into observer variation and depressive phenomenology is described. A group of 6 clinicians independently completed a 43-item sheet for 20 depressed patients at the same clinical interview. The coefficient of agreements on the items are given. Patient variables and observer variables did not have any influence on the degree of agreement. There was also an agreement in the subtyping of depression.", "PMID": 1005575} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10246", "title": "Systematic self-assessment by P.Q.R.S.T. (Personal Questionnaire Rapid Scaling Technique).", "content": "This paper presents a Personal Questionnaire which is sufficiently simple for use in most clinical settings. Following a brief description of Personal Questionnaires, their origin and background are discussed and some subsequent developments delineated. The method involves the use of a general set of adjectives which can be used to qualify the symptoms experienced by any given patient. Successive measurements of the symptoms can be made so that changes in their subjective intensity can be monitored. The internal consistency of ratings of each symptom on each occasion is used as a measure of reliability. As with all previous Personal Questionnaires the symptoms which are measured are unique to the individual, but unlike other methods the format of this Questionnaire is predetermined, which ensures its simplicity and ease of use.", "contents": "Systematic self-assessment by P.Q.R.S.T. (Personal Questionnaire Rapid Scaling Technique). This paper presents a Personal Questionnaire which is sufficiently simple for use in most clinical settings. Following a brief description of Personal Questionnaires, their origin and background are discussed and some subsequent developments delineated. The method involves the use of a general set of adjectives which can be used to qualify the symptoms experienced by any given patient. Successive measurements of the symptoms can be made so that changes in their subjective intensity can be monitored. The internal consistency of ratings of each symptom on each occasion is used as a measure of reliability. As with all previous Personal Questionnaires the symptoms which are measured are unique to the individual, but unlike other methods the format of this Questionnaire is predetermined, which ensures its simplicity and ease of use.", "PMID": 1005576} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10247", "title": "A method for decreasing patients' medication errors.", "content": "Eighty anxious and eighty depressed patients were assigned randomly to receiving one of three versions of an information leaflet about their medication, or to receiving no leaflet at all. Mean medication errors were reduced from 15 to 4% by provision of suitably constructed leaflets. The results show the practical importance of informing patients about their medication and of paying attention to the difficulty level of any leaflets issued.", "contents": "A method for decreasing patients' medication errors. Eighty anxious and eighty depressed patients were assigned randomly to receiving one of three versions of an information leaflet about their medication, or to receiving no leaflet at all. Mean medication errors were reduced from 15 to 4% by provision of suitably constructed leaflets. The results show the practical importance of informing patients about their medication and of paying attention to the difficulty level of any leaflets issued.", "PMID": 1005577} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10248", "title": "\"Dieters\" and \"vomiters and purgers\" in anorexia nervosa.", "content": "Thirty-one females with primary anorexia nervosa were studied by means of a retrospective analysis of hospital notes. The patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group consisted of subjects who had become emaciated solely because of dieting, food refusal and excessive exercising (\"dieters\"); the second of those who had used additional means to bring about weight loss such, as habitual vomiting and the abuse of purgatives (\"vomiters and purgers\"). Most \"dieters\" were intense, introverted, socially withdrawan individuals whose anorexia behaviour had started in response to psychological stress. They had become completely preoccupied with thoughts of food, eating and losing weight. Several did well in treatment, and recovered fully from their anorexic symptoms. \"Vomiters and purgers\", on the other hand, were more outgoing in respect to personality. Most had previously been obese and, as they had been unable to keep themselves thin by simply abstaining from food, they had learnt to use other means to control their weight. These latter patients did less well in treatment. They continued to experience difficulty in controlling their weight, and the majority persisted with their abnormal behaviour.", "contents": "\"Dieters\" and \"vomiters and purgers\" in anorexia nervosa. Thirty-one females with primary anorexia nervosa were studied by means of a retrospective analysis of hospital notes. The patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group consisted of subjects who had become emaciated solely because of dieting, food refusal and excessive exercising (\"dieters\"); the second of those who had used additional means to bring about weight loss such, as habitual vomiting and the abuse of purgatives (\"vomiters and purgers\"). Most \"dieters\" were intense, introverted, socially withdrawan individuals whose anorexia behaviour had started in response to psychological stress. They had become completely preoccupied with thoughts of food, eating and losing weight. Several did well in treatment, and recovered fully from their anorexic symptoms. \"Vomiters and purgers\", on the other hand, were more outgoing in respect to personality. Most had previously been obese and, as they had been unable to keep themselves thin by simply abstaining from food, they had learnt to use other means to control their weight. These latter patients did less well in treatment. They continued to experience difficulty in controlling their weight, and the majority persisted with their abnormal behaviour.", "PMID": 1005578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10249", "title": "Psychopathic personality: a conceptual problem.", "content": "The concept of psychopathic personality is currently being called into question. Grendon prison has been established for the treatment of psychopaths. A recent study of Grendon prisoners enabled an examination of some characteristics commonly attributed to psychopaths to be carried out. It proved difficult to obtain good agreement in rating such phenomena as \"conscientiousness\", \"sexual deviation\", \"impulsiveness\". Of ten reliable variables including \"personal relationships\", \"lying\", \"alcohol problem\", only five bore a significant relationship one to another. It was concluded that whilst the term \"psychopathic disorder\" may be appropriate for a small handful of individuals the term is probably now used too widely and too loosely.", "contents": "Psychopathic personality: a conceptual problem. The concept of psychopathic personality is currently being called into question. Grendon prison has been established for the treatment of psychopaths. A recent study of Grendon prisoners enabled an examination of some characteristics commonly attributed to psychopaths to be carried out. It proved difficult to obtain good agreement in rating such phenomena as \"conscientiousness\", \"sexual deviation\", \"impulsiveness\". Of ten reliable variables including \"personal relationships\", \"lying\", \"alcohol problem\", only five bore a significant relationship one to another. It was concluded that whilst the term \"psychopathic disorder\" may be appropriate for a small handful of individuals the term is probably now used too widely and too loosely.", "PMID": 1005579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10250", "title": "The learning of motor movements: a neurostatistical approach.", "content": "From a factor analysis of data from a learning experiment evidence is presented which appears to support the Blomfield-Marr thesis that in the learning of motor actions the cerebellum operates by the turning off of incorrect movements rather than by the turning on of correct ones. The factor model employed is that due to Godfrey Thomson which gives a neurostatistical explanation of the origin of mental factors.", "contents": "The learning of motor movements: a neurostatistical approach. From a factor analysis of data from a learning experiment evidence is presented which appears to support the Blomfield-Marr thesis that in the learning of motor actions the cerebellum operates by the turning off of incorrect movements rather than by the turning on of correct ones. The factor model employed is that due to Godfrey Thomson which gives a neurostatistical explanation of the origin of mental factors.", "PMID": 1005580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10251", "title": "A technique for studying psychiatric morbidity in in-patient and out-patient series and in general population samples.", "content": "Many surveys of general populations have suggested a high untreated psychiatric morbidity, vairously referred to as mental illness, pre-clinical neurosis, minor neurosis, untreated depression, etc. An Index of Definition psychiatric disorders is described which incorporates cut-off points on the basis of symptoms rated in the Present State Examination. Eight degrees of definition are specified. At the \"borderline disorder\" level and above, disorders are sufficiently well defined to apply the CATEGO program of clinical classification. This procedure enables in-patients, out-patients and samples of the general population to be compared. Data from surveys in south-east London are presented in order to illustrate the technique. The main conclusion at this stage is that it is possible to identify, by strictly defined and repeatable procedures, a substantial proportion of people in the general population who have \"borderline disorders\" that can be tentatively classified in terms of the ICD. Whether it is clinically useful to do so requires further investigation. It is also suggested that techniques of this kind can be scientifically useful in comparing the level of morbidity in various populations, both referred and non-referred, and in testing theories concerned with the causes and treatment of various types of psychiatric disorders.", "contents": "A technique for studying psychiatric morbidity in in-patient and out-patient series and in general population samples. Many surveys of general populations have suggested a high untreated psychiatric morbidity, vairously referred to as mental illness, pre-clinical neurosis, minor neurosis, untreated depression, etc. An Index of Definition psychiatric disorders is described which incorporates cut-off points on the basis of symptoms rated in the Present State Examination. Eight degrees of definition are specified. At the \"borderline disorder\" level and above, disorders are sufficiently well defined to apply the CATEGO program of clinical classification. This procedure enables in-patients, out-patients and samples of the general population to be compared. Data from surveys in south-east London are presented in order to illustrate the technique. The main conclusion at this stage is that it is possible to identify, by strictly defined and repeatable procedures, a substantial proportion of people in the general population who have \"borderline disorders\" that can be tentatively classified in terms of the ICD. Whether it is clinically useful to do so requires further investigation. It is also suggested that techniques of this kind can be scientifically useful in comparing the level of morbidity in various populations, both referred and non-referred, and in testing theories concerned with the causes and treatment of various types of psychiatric disorders.", "PMID": 1005581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10252", "title": "The communication of affection between cancer patients and their spouses.", "content": "Thirty-eight patients receiving chemotherapy for advanced cancer and 37 of their spouses were studied to assess changes since illness in the desire for affection (sexual, physical, and verbal) and changes in actual affectional behavior. Each participant in the study was interviewed and then completed the Beck Depression Inventory and an Affectional Needs and Behavior Scale. Results indicated that patients and spouses of both sexes experienced simultaneously an increase in the desire for physical closeness and a decrease in the desire for sexual intercourse. Women patients and their husbands were in greater agreement regarding the changes assessed than were men patients and their wives. In addition, women patients reported the highest level of depression, but were more likely than the other groups to have their affectional needs met. Interpretations of these findings and implications for the management of patients in advanced stages of life-threatening illness are discussed.", "contents": "The communication of affection between cancer patients and their spouses. Thirty-eight patients receiving chemotherapy for advanced cancer and 37 of their spouses were studied to assess changes since illness in the desire for affection (sexual, physical, and verbal) and changes in actual affectional behavior. Each participant in the study was interviewed and then completed the Beck Depression Inventory and an Affectional Needs and Behavior Scale. Results indicated that patients and spouses of both sexes experienced simultaneously an increase in the desire for physical closeness and a decrease in the desire for sexual intercourse. Women patients and their husbands were in greater agreement regarding the changes assessed than were men patients and their wives. In addition, women patients reported the highest level of depression, but were more likely than the other groups to have their affectional needs met. Interpretations of these findings and implications for the management of patients in advanced stages of life-threatening illness are discussed.", "PMID": 1005631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10253", "title": "Newborn heart rate and blood pressure: relation to race and to socioeconomic class.", "content": "The effect of race and of socioeconomic class upon heart rate and systolic blood pressure distributions was examined in 247 full-term, appropriate birth weight newborns. For each newborn, heart rate and blood pressure measurements obtained during all of the non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) periods of sleep in a single test session were each averaged. Heart rate was significantly faster in black newborns than in white newborns, and this racial difference in heart rate was similar in upper socioeconomic class subjects as in lower socioeconomic class subjects. Newborn systolic blood pressure did not vary as a function of race or of socioeconomic class. Systolic blood pressure correlated positively with the number of feedings from birth, the total fluid intake from birth, and the total sodium ingested from birth.", "contents": "Newborn heart rate and blood pressure: relation to race and to socioeconomic class. The effect of race and of socioeconomic class upon heart rate and systolic blood pressure distributions was examined in 247 full-term, appropriate birth weight newborns. For each newborn, heart rate and blood pressure measurements obtained during all of the non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) periods of sleep in a single test session were each averaged. Heart rate was significantly faster in black newborns than in white newborns, and this racial difference in heart rate was similar in upper socioeconomic class subjects as in lower socioeconomic class subjects. Newborn systolic blood pressure did not vary as a function of race or of socioeconomic class. Systolic blood pressure correlated positively with the number of feedings from birth, the total fluid intake from birth, and the total sodium ingested from birth.", "PMID": 1005632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10254", "title": "Sexual life and sexual frigidity among women developing acute myocardial infarction.", "content": "The various aspects of the sexual life of 100 female patients aged 40-60 with acute myocardial infarction were compared with those of a control group of 100 female patients of the same age, hospitalized for other diseases. Sexual frigidity and dissatisfaction were found among 65% of the coronary patients as compared with 24% of the controls. The commonest cause for sexual dissatisfaction was premature ejaculation or impotence in the husband. The incidence of premarital sexual relations was greater among the frigid patients when compared with those who achieved orgasm. The coronary patients had an earlier menopausal age than the controls. The number of coronary patients who underwent artificial abortions in the past was lower than in the control group. All these findings were statistically significant at a level of P less than 0.05. No connection was found between extramarital relations and sexual frigidity. There was no relation found between sexual frigidity and diabetes, essential hypertension, marital status, pathological gynecological findings, or localization of the infarction. Until now, sexual frigidity and dissatisfaction appear to have been a neglected aspect in the female coronary patient.", "contents": "Sexual life and sexual frigidity among women developing acute myocardial infarction. The various aspects of the sexual life of 100 female patients aged 40-60 with acute myocardial infarction were compared with those of a control group of 100 female patients of the same age, hospitalized for other diseases. Sexual frigidity and dissatisfaction were found among 65% of the coronary patients as compared with 24% of the controls. The commonest cause for sexual dissatisfaction was premature ejaculation or impotence in the husband. The incidence of premarital sexual relations was greater among the frigid patients when compared with those who achieved orgasm. The coronary patients had an earlier menopausal age than the controls. The number of coronary patients who underwent artificial abortions in the past was lower than in the control group. All these findings were statistically significant at a level of P less than 0.05. No connection was found between extramarital relations and sexual frigidity. There was no relation found between sexual frigidity and diabetes, essential hypertension, marital status, pathological gynecological findings, or localization of the infarction. Until now, sexual frigidity and dissatisfaction appear to have been a neglected aspect in the female coronary patient.", "PMID": 1005633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10255", "title": "Estimating one's own systolic blood pressure: effects of feedback training.", "content": "This study was aimed at discovering the ability of subjects to estimate absolute levels of systolic blood pressure after feedback of daily blood pressure information. Twenty-one subjects were studied who had shown a variation of at least +/- 20 mm Hg in systolic pressure during 8 days of base-line measurements. Subjects' estimates were found to be moderately accurate even before any specific blood pressure information feedback was given (mean error was +/- 12.4 mm Hg). Then during 15 days of information feedback, subjects' accuracy improved, e.g., for 10 subjects who were given correct information feedback the mean error was +/- 7.4 mm Hg, a highly significant improvement. This is a high degree of accuracy-especially in comparison with the mean variation of +/- 5.8 mm Hg from 1 min to the next in their systolic blood pressure. The learning of one's range of blood pressures appeared to be the principal component of the improvement. Range information had been provided by giving the subject his range of fluctuation for the 8-day base-line period, and by daily blood pressure information feedback immediately after each estimate. Two types of estimators were distinguished: Those who were relatively accurate versus those who were inaccurate in estimating at their own extremes of blood pressure. Those who were inaccurate at their own extremes (1) paid less attention to the feedback of information they were provided with as well as to the internal cues from their own blood pressure and (2) were more field independent.", "contents": "Estimating one's own systolic blood pressure: effects of feedback training. This study was aimed at discovering the ability of subjects to estimate absolute levels of systolic blood pressure after feedback of daily blood pressure information. Twenty-one subjects were studied who had shown a variation of at least +/- 20 mm Hg in systolic pressure during 8 days of base-line measurements. Subjects' estimates were found to be moderately accurate even before any specific blood pressure information feedback was given (mean error was +/- 12.4 mm Hg). Then during 15 days of information feedback, subjects' accuracy improved, e.g., for 10 subjects who were given correct information feedback the mean error was +/- 7.4 mm Hg, a highly significant improvement. This is a high degree of accuracy-especially in comparison with the mean variation of +/- 5.8 mm Hg from 1 min to the next in their systolic blood pressure. The learning of one's range of blood pressures appeared to be the principal component of the improvement. Range information had been provided by giving the subject his range of fluctuation for the 8-day base-line period, and by daily blood pressure information feedback immediately after each estimate. Two types of estimators were distinguished: Those who were relatively accurate versus those who were inaccurate in estimating at their own extremes of blood pressure. Those who were inaccurate at their own extremes (1) paid less attention to the feedback of information they were provided with as well as to the internal cues from their own blood pressure and (2) were more field independent.", "PMID": 1005634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10256", "title": "Clinical, biological and pathogenic features of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. A review of 26 cases with marked hyponatraemia.", "content": "Twenty-six patients with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone were reviewed. The underlying diseases were bronchogenic carcinoma (12 cases); myxoedema (five cases); diseases of the nervous system (five cases); bronchopneumonia, carcinoma of the oesophagus, acute intermittent porphria and chlorpropamide therapy (each one case). Serum sodium levels ranged between 104 and 125 mEq per litre. Eighteen patients presented neurological manifestations, which in 14 were considered to be due to hyponatraemia. Neurological signs included disorders of consciousness (stage I and II coma), extrapyramidal signs, asterixis and epileptic seizures. An hyponatraemic coma was the first manifestation of the syndrome in five cases. In all cases where the EEG was recorded it showed non-specific signs of metabolic coma. The fundi never showed signs of intracranial hypertension. Blood urea and creatinine levels were invariably low in the euthyroid patients; these values were normal or elevated in patients with myxoedema and hyponatraemia. Hypokalaemia was frequent, and hypocalcaemia constant. In eleven cases an excess of water intake revealed the clinical syndrome: six patients were excessive beer drinkers and five had received extensive intravenous infusions. In one case the deleterious effect of diuretics was evident, and in another, the syndrome became evident during radiotherapy of an oesophageal tumour. Treatment of the syndrome was successful in all cases. A review of the literature concerning the various pathogenic mechanisms corresponding to the different underlying diseases is presented. The concept of aberrant hormonal production by a tumour is illustrated by an electron microscopic study.", "contents": "Clinical, biological and pathogenic features of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. A review of 26 cases with marked hyponatraemia. Twenty-six patients with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone were reviewed. The underlying diseases were bronchogenic carcinoma (12 cases); myxoedema (five cases); diseases of the nervous system (five cases); bronchopneumonia, carcinoma of the oesophagus, acute intermittent porphria and chlorpropamide therapy (each one case). Serum sodium levels ranged between 104 and 125 mEq per litre. Eighteen patients presented neurological manifestations, which in 14 were considered to be due to hyponatraemia. Neurological signs included disorders of consciousness (stage I and II coma), extrapyramidal signs, asterixis and epileptic seizures. An hyponatraemic coma was the first manifestation of the syndrome in five cases. In all cases where the EEG was recorded it showed non-specific signs of metabolic coma. The fundi never showed signs of intracranial hypertension. Blood urea and creatinine levels were invariably low in the euthyroid patients; these values were normal or elevated in patients with myxoedema and hyponatraemia. Hypokalaemia was frequent, and hypocalcaemia constant. In eleven cases an excess of water intake revealed the clinical syndrome: six patients were excessive beer drinkers and five had received extensive intravenous infusions. In one case the deleterious effect of diuretics was evident, and in another, the syndrome became evident during radiotherapy of an oesophageal tumour. Treatment of the syndrome was successful in all cases. A review of the literature concerning the various pathogenic mechanisms corresponding to the different underlying diseases is presented. The concept of aberrant hormonal production by a tumour is illustrated by an electron microscopic study.", "PMID": 1005653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10257", "title": "Paraquat poisoning: new aspects of therapy.", "content": "Clinical, laboratory, and pulmonary physiologic features of three fatal cases of paraquat poisoning are presented. Experimental investigations and clinical experience would suggest several possible means of modifying paraquat toxicity. The following specific therapeutic interventions, several of which had previously been applied only in experimental circumstances, were used: (1) inhibition of absorption of paraquat with Fuller's Earth and catharsis by magnesium sulfate, (2) elimination of absorbed paraquat by hemodialysis with ultrafiltration and forced diuresis, (3) competition by d-propranolol for tissue binding sites, (4) modification of direct pulmonary tissue effects of paraquat by hypoxic breathing mixtures, superoxide dismutase, and corticosteroids. Treatment was unsuccessful. However, our clinical experience and data concerning paraquat concentration in body and dialysis fluids suggest a therapeutic approach aimed at preventing early and progressive tissue damage. A combination of Fuller's Earth and magnesium sulphate should be used immediately and in frequently repeated doses to prevent absorption. Diuresis and haemodialysis should be instituted as soon as possible to increase excretion. Hypoxic atomspheres should be created urgently to produce a PaO2 of 40-45 mmHg, and the use of superoxide dismutase be further investigated. It is hoped that the high mortality of paraquat poisoning will be modified by this combined approach of early and intensive treatment.", "contents": "Paraquat poisoning: new aspects of therapy. Clinical, laboratory, and pulmonary physiologic features of three fatal cases of paraquat poisoning are presented. Experimental investigations and clinical experience would suggest several possible means of modifying paraquat toxicity. The following specific therapeutic interventions, several of which had previously been applied only in experimental circumstances, were used: (1) inhibition of absorption of paraquat with Fuller's Earth and catharsis by magnesium sulfate, (2) elimination of absorbed paraquat by hemodialysis with ultrafiltration and forced diuresis, (3) competition by d-propranolol for tissue binding sites, (4) modification of direct pulmonary tissue effects of paraquat by hypoxic breathing mixtures, superoxide dismutase, and corticosteroids. Treatment was unsuccessful. However, our clinical experience and data concerning paraquat concentration in body and dialysis fluids suggest a therapeutic approach aimed at preventing early and progressive tissue damage. A combination of Fuller's Earth and magnesium sulphate should be used immediately and in frequently repeated doses to prevent absorption. Diuresis and haemodialysis should be instituted as soon as possible to increase excretion. Hypoxic atomspheres should be created urgently to produce a PaO2 of 40-45 mmHg, and the use of superoxide dismutase be further investigated. It is hoped that the high mortality of paraquat poisoning will be modified by this combined approach of early and intensive treatment.", "PMID": 1005654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10258", "title": "Familial aspects of coeliac disease.", "content": "The incidence of coeliac disease amongst first-degree relatives of 115 patients with coeliac disease aged between nine and 75 years has been studied. Of 689 relatives 526 were living of whom 324 were willing to be investigated. One hundred and eighty-two relatives underwent jujunal biopsy. Forty-one were considered to have coeliac disease, 22 per cent of those biopsied, or 11-2 per cent of the available relatives. One-third of the relatives discovered to have coeliac disease were asymptomatic but all had at least one abnormal result amongst the laboratory indices used. Twenty-two per cent of the relatives with haemoglobin less than 13-0 g, 43 per cent with serum folate less than 3-0 pg/ml, 24 per cent with serum albumin less than 4-0 g/100 ml, with serum iron less than 60 mug/100 ml or with serum alkaline phosphatase above 13 K.A. units had coeliac disease. Less than 5 per cent of relatives with H.L.A. antigens other than H.L.A. 8 had coeliac disease compared with one in four of those with H.L.A. 8. The high percentage of relatives with H.L.A. 8 antigens or with anticonnective tissue antibodies, amongst those with non-specific biopsy appearances suggests that these groups also contain a number of relatives with varying degrees of gluten intolerance.", "contents": "Familial aspects of coeliac disease. The incidence of coeliac disease amongst first-degree relatives of 115 patients with coeliac disease aged between nine and 75 years has been studied. Of 689 relatives 526 were living of whom 324 were willing to be investigated. One hundred and eighty-two relatives underwent jujunal biopsy. Forty-one were considered to have coeliac disease, 22 per cent of those biopsied, or 11-2 per cent of the available relatives. One-third of the relatives discovered to have coeliac disease were asymptomatic but all had at least one abnormal result amongst the laboratory indices used. Twenty-two per cent of the relatives with haemoglobin less than 13-0 g, 43 per cent with serum folate less than 3-0 pg/ml, 24 per cent with serum albumin less than 4-0 g/100 ml, with serum iron less than 60 mug/100 ml or with serum alkaline phosphatase above 13 K.A. units had coeliac disease. Less than 5 per cent of relatives with H.L.A. antigens other than H.L.A. 8 had coeliac disease compared with one in four of those with H.L.A. 8. The high percentage of relatives with H.L.A. 8 antigens or with anticonnective tissue antibodies, amongst those with non-specific biopsy appearances suggests that these groups also contain a number of relatives with varying degrees of gluten intolerance.", "PMID": 1005655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10259", "title": "Pneumococcal meningitis: a clinical and laboratory study.", "content": "Forty-two patients who were admitted consecutively with pneumococcal meningitis during an 18-month period were studied in Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria. The disease was seen most frequently in older children and young adults. A predisposing condition was found in only four patients. Counter-current immunoelectrophoresis was found to be a rapid and effective method of diagnosis: pneumococcal polysaccharide antigen was found in the initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample from all but one of the patients. Detailed physiological studies carried out in two patients showed profound disturbances of cerebral carbohydrate metabolism and an increase in cerebral vascular resistance. Twenty patients died (48 per cent) in spite of treatment with large doses of penicillin. A fatal outcome was associated with impairment of consciousness on admission, a low CSF white cell count and a high CSF antigen titre. It is suggested that marked changes in cerebral carbohydrate metabolism, and perhaps vascular damage, play important roles in producing severe brain damage in patients with pneumococcal meningitis and that defective CSF polymorphoneutrophil leukocyte function may contribute to the failure of the infection to respond satisfactorily to antibiotic therapy.", "contents": "Pneumococcal meningitis: a clinical and laboratory study. Forty-two patients who were admitted consecutively with pneumococcal meningitis during an 18-month period were studied in Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria. The disease was seen most frequently in older children and young adults. A predisposing condition was found in only four patients. Counter-current immunoelectrophoresis was found to be a rapid and effective method of diagnosis: pneumococcal polysaccharide antigen was found in the initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample from all but one of the patients. Detailed physiological studies carried out in two patients showed profound disturbances of cerebral carbohydrate metabolism and an increase in cerebral vascular resistance. Twenty patients died (48 per cent) in spite of treatment with large doses of penicillin. A fatal outcome was associated with impairment of consciousness on admission, a low CSF white cell count and a high CSF antigen titre. It is suggested that marked changes in cerebral carbohydrate metabolism, and perhaps vascular damage, play important roles in producing severe brain damage in patients with pneumococcal meningitis and that defective CSF polymorphoneutrophil leukocyte function may contribute to the failure of the infection to respond satisfactorily to antibiotic therapy.", "PMID": 1005656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10260", "title": "Upper airway obstruction--a report on sixteen patients.", "content": "In sixteen patients with upper airway obstruction, breathlessness was a symptom in all with maximum mid vital capacity flow rates in inspiration or expiration of 1-7 litres per second or less. With one exception, all these patients had stridor. The stridor was inspiratory in nine, expiratory in one and both inspiratory and expiratory in two. There was no diagnostic difficulty in the twelve patients with extrathoracic airway obstruction and in this group tests of inspiratory flow (forced inspired volume in one second, peak inspiratory flow or maximum mid inspiratory flow) were of most value in following the progression of the disease and the response to treatment. Flow volume loops were particularly useful where extrathoracic obstruction and diffuse intrapulmonary airway obstruction co-existed. The two patients with intrathoracic upper airway obstruction caused considerable difficulty with diagnosis and both were initially thought to have, and treated unsuccessfully for, asthma. In each patient flow volume loops showed a low flow expiratory plateau, diagnostic of severe intrathoracic airway obstruction but recorded in the absence of any clinical or radiographic features of emphysema. An obstructing lesion of the intrathoracic trachea was therefore suspected and this was confirmed by tracheal tomography. In one patient serial expiratory flow volume curves demonstrated the combination of intrathoracic upper and lower airway obstruction. Two patients had tracheal stenosis in the region of the suprasternal notch. Each showed a characteristic twin humped expiratory flow volume curve and in one patient the stenosis was demonstrated both physiologically and radiologically to move in and out of the thorax. The importance of a standard posture during serial measurements is emphasized. The ratio of forced expired volume in one second measured in millilitres, to the peak expiratory flow measured in litres per minute, was of limited value if differentiating upper from lower airway obstruction in these patients. It is concluded that upper airway obstruction is likely to become more common and that respiratory function tests, in particular the flow volume loop, play an essential part in the recognition and management of this problem.", "contents": "Upper airway obstruction--a report on sixteen patients. In sixteen patients with upper airway obstruction, breathlessness was a symptom in all with maximum mid vital capacity flow rates in inspiration or expiration of 1-7 litres per second or less. With one exception, all these patients had stridor. The stridor was inspiratory in nine, expiratory in one and both inspiratory and expiratory in two. There was no diagnostic difficulty in the twelve patients with extrathoracic airway obstruction and in this group tests of inspiratory flow (forced inspired volume in one second, peak inspiratory flow or maximum mid inspiratory flow) were of most value in following the progression of the disease and the response to treatment. Flow volume loops were particularly useful where extrathoracic obstruction and diffuse intrapulmonary airway obstruction co-existed. The two patients with intrathoracic upper airway obstruction caused considerable difficulty with diagnosis and both were initially thought to have, and treated unsuccessfully for, asthma. In each patient flow volume loops showed a low flow expiratory plateau, diagnostic of severe intrathoracic airway obstruction but recorded in the absence of any clinical or radiographic features of emphysema. An obstructing lesion of the intrathoracic trachea was therefore suspected and this was confirmed by tracheal tomography. In one patient serial expiratory flow volume curves demonstrated the combination of intrathoracic upper and lower airway obstruction. Two patients had tracheal stenosis in the region of the suprasternal notch. Each showed a characteristic twin humped expiratory flow volume curve and in one patient the stenosis was demonstrated both physiologically and radiologically to move in and out of the thorax. The importance of a standard posture during serial measurements is emphasized. The ratio of forced expired volume in one second measured in millilitres, to the peak expiratory flow measured in litres per minute, was of limited value if differentiating upper from lower airway obstruction in these patients. It is concluded that upper airway obstruction is likely to become more common and that respiratory function tests, in particular the flow volume loop, play an essential part in the recognition and management of this problem.", "PMID": 1005657} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10261", "title": "Penicillamine nephropathy in rheumatoid arthritis. A clinical, pathological and immunological study.", "content": "Fourteen patients who developed persistent proteinuria while on penicillamine for rheumatoid arthritis, were collected over a period of one year. Eleven patients had a frank nephrotic syndrome and three had a lesser degree of proteinuria but no oedema. The patients had received penicillamine (mean daily dose 1015 mg) for less than one year (mean 7-5 months) when the nephropathy was detected. Clinical investigations have been correlated with renal biopsy material. Light microscopy detected no abnormalities except for minimal hypercellularity in a few patients. In markde contrast, the electron-microscope revealed numerous electron-dense deposits (EED's) in the outer layer of the basement membrane. Immunofluorescence showed the presence of IgG and complement in the basement membrane, the intensity of which correlated with the number of EED's. The pathological picture was essentially the same in those patients with the nephrotic syndrome and those with proteinuria. In this series, we found no evidence that penicillamine induced renal damage by any other mechanism except immune complex deposition. Serological tests revealed little evidence for complement activation or consumption and platelet aggregation was the only positive direct test for circulating immune complexes. Renal biopsies were performed at differing intervals after the cessation of penicillamine therapy, which allowed assessment of the natural history of the pathological lesion and revealed a striking persistence of EDD's in some patients. Two patients showed an almost identical picture initially and at re-biopsy one year later. Persistent proteinuria was also a feature of the group as a whole. The pathological picture has similarities with that of idiopathic membranous glomerulopathy. This study suggests that the use of penicillamine in rheumatoid arthritis may induce persistent renal damage.", "contents": "Penicillamine nephropathy in rheumatoid arthritis. A clinical, pathological and immunological study. Fourteen patients who developed persistent proteinuria while on penicillamine for rheumatoid arthritis, were collected over a period of one year. Eleven patients had a frank nephrotic syndrome and three had a lesser degree of proteinuria but no oedema. The patients had received penicillamine (mean daily dose 1015 mg) for less than one year (mean 7-5 months) when the nephropathy was detected. Clinical investigations have been correlated with renal biopsy material. Light microscopy detected no abnormalities except for minimal hypercellularity in a few patients. In markde contrast, the electron-microscope revealed numerous electron-dense deposits (EED's) in the outer layer of the basement membrane. Immunofluorescence showed the presence of IgG and complement in the basement membrane, the intensity of which correlated with the number of EED's. The pathological picture was essentially the same in those patients with the nephrotic syndrome and those with proteinuria. In this series, we found no evidence that penicillamine induced renal damage by any other mechanism except immune complex deposition. Serological tests revealed little evidence for complement activation or consumption and platelet aggregation was the only positive direct test for circulating immune complexes. Renal biopsies were performed at differing intervals after the cessation of penicillamine therapy, which allowed assessment of the natural history of the pathological lesion and revealed a striking persistence of EDD's in some patients. Two patients showed an almost identical picture initially and at re-biopsy one year later. Persistent proteinuria was also a feature of the group as a whole. The pathological picture has similarities with that of idiopathic membranous glomerulopathy. This study suggests that the use of penicillamine in rheumatoid arthritis may induce persistent renal damage.", "PMID": 1005658} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10262", "title": "Assessment of urinary tract obstruction using a perfusion technique.", "content": "A perfusion technique is described which enables differentiation in a dilated upper urinary tract between one which is obstructed and one which is not. It has been found invaluable in the assessment of patients prior to surgical intervention and has saved many patients from an operation.", "contents": "Assessment of urinary tract obstruction using a perfusion technique. A perfusion technique is described which enables differentiation in a dilated upper urinary tract between one which is obstructed and one which is not. It has been found invaluable in the assessment of patients prior to surgical intervention and has saved many patients from an operation.", "PMID": 1005670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10263", "title": "Anatomy and radiologic diagnosis of perihepatic abscesses.", "content": "The radiologic diagnosis of perihepatic abscess is one of the most important diagnoses the radiologist is called upon to make. The author defines, simply and accurately, the spaces around the liver, and simplifies the radiologic diagnosis of abscesses within these spaces. He establishes a radiologic routine which aids in this task.", "contents": "Anatomy and radiologic diagnosis of perihepatic abscesses. The radiologic diagnosis of perihepatic abscess is one of the most important diagnoses the radiologist is called upon to make. The author defines, simply and accurately, the spaces around the liver, and simplifies the radiologic diagnosis of abscesses within these spaces. He establishes a radiologic routine which aids in this task.", "PMID": 1005687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10264", "title": "Radiologic diagnosis of disordered esophageal motility: a unified physiologic approach.", "content": "Fluoroscopy and cineradiography of the esophagus with swallowed contrast media are indispensable in the study of normal and abnormal contractions of the esophagus, and when performed by experienced radiologists they are believed to be superior and easier on patients than motility studies with pressure recordings.", "contents": "Radiologic diagnosis of disordered esophageal motility: a unified physiologic approach. Fluoroscopy and cineradiography of the esophagus with swallowed contrast media are indispensable in the study of normal and abnormal contractions of the esophagus, and when performed by experienced radiologists they are believed to be superior and easier on patients than motility studies with pressure recordings.", "PMID": 1005688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10265", "title": "Normal and abnormal motility of the stomach.", "content": "The analysis of gastric motility makes possible the distinction between purely anatomic changes and those of a functional nature with or without associated morphologic alterations. Hence, through evaluation of gastric and duodenal motor function contributes significantly to the radiographic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract.", "contents": "Normal and abnormal motility of the stomach. The analysis of gastric motility makes possible the distinction between purely anatomic changes and those of a functional nature with or without associated morphologic alterations. Hence, through evaluation of gastric and duodenal motor function contributes significantly to the radiographic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract.", "PMID": 1005689} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10266", "title": "Radiographic changes after small bowel bypass for morbid obesity.", "content": "The presence of multiple intestinal air-fluid levels and the distention of jejunum and colon are common and expected sequelae of small bowel bypass procedures for morbid obesity. The radiologist must be familiar with these findings in order to avoid the misdiagnosis of bowel obstruction.", "contents": "Radiographic changes after small bowel bypass for morbid obesity. The presence of multiple intestinal air-fluid levels and the distention of jejunum and colon are common and expected sequelae of small bowel bypass procedures for morbid obesity. The radiologist must be familiar with these findings in order to avoid the misdiagnosis of bowel obstruction.", "PMID": 1005690} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10267", "title": "Transhepatic percutaneous cholangiography.", "content": "Transhepatic percutaneous cholangiography continues to be a significant tool in the diagnosis of jaundice. It allows direct, easily achieved graphic delineation of the biliary system. Although specific diagnosis may not be possible, the site and extent of obstruction and the differentiation from intrahepatic parenchymal disease may be determined with a high degree of success.", "contents": "Transhepatic percutaneous cholangiography. Transhepatic percutaneous cholangiography continues to be a significant tool in the diagnosis of jaundice. It allows direct, easily achieved graphic delineation of the biliary system. Although specific diagnosis may not be possible, the site and extent of obstruction and the differentiation from intrahepatic parenchymal disease may be determined with a high degree of success.", "PMID": 1005691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10268", "title": "Radiology of the pancreas, 1976: sonography and ductography.", "content": "In recent years ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have assumed pre-eminent roles in the radiographic evaluation of patients with pancreatic disease. This article survays the present status of these techniques based on clinical experience at the Massachusetts General Hospital and a review of the literature.", "contents": "Radiology of the pancreas, 1976: sonography and ductography. In recent years ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have assumed pre-eminent roles in the radiographic evaluation of patients with pancreatic disease. This article survays the present status of these techniques based on clinical experience at the Massachusetts General Hospital and a review of the literature.", "PMID": 1005692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10269", "title": "[Radiological methods in diagnosis of colitis (author's transl)].", "content": "Short reference is made to the problem of preparing the colon for x-ray examination when colitis is suspected. The optimal roentgenologic examination technique of the colon is demonstrated. This technique requires: multiple large survey films (35 by 43 cm) of the colon - filled with barium and post evacuation; the focal film distance should be at least 150 cm; in addition, double contrast studies with air as well as spot films of the entire rectal and sigmoid area to prevent overlapping of bowel loops. The diagnostic and technical failures of colonoscopy are pointed out but its value as a supplementary examination is emphasized and recognized.", "contents": "[Radiological methods in diagnosis of colitis (author's transl)]. Short reference is made to the problem of preparing the colon for x-ray examination when colitis is suspected. The optimal roentgenologic examination technique of the colon is demonstrated. This technique requires: multiple large survey films (35 by 43 cm) of the colon - filled with barium and post evacuation; the focal film distance should be at least 150 cm; in addition, double contrast studies with air as well as spot films of the entire rectal and sigmoid area to prevent overlapping of bowel loops. The diagnostic and technical failures of colonoscopy are pointed out but its value as a supplementary examination is emphasized and recognized.", "PMID": 1005706} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10270", "title": "[Radiographic signs of colitis with consideration of angiographic findings (author's transl)].", "content": "Description of radiographic lesions in the various stages of ulcerative colitis as well as the deviating alterations of granulomatous colitis are represented. Radiographic signs are discussed with regard to their diagnostical importance. The value of angiography for the differential diagnosis of colitis is pointed out.", "contents": "[Radiographic signs of colitis with consideration of angiographic findings (author's transl)]. Description of radiographic lesions in the various stages of ulcerative colitis as well as the deviating alterations of granulomatous colitis are represented. Radiographic signs are discussed with regard to their diagnostical importance. The value of angiography for the differential diagnosis of colitis is pointed out.", "PMID": 1005707} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10271", "title": "Immobilization in pediatric radiography.", "content": "A new pediatric chair immobilizer has been designed to provide positive immobilization that is easy to work with and apply. It can be used for subjects of various sizes, and can be rotated 360 degrees for easy positioning. It provides safe restraints, saves valuable time and helps the technologist to obtain better radiographs.", "contents": "Immobilization in pediatric radiography. A new pediatric chair immobilizer has been designed to provide positive immobilization that is easy to work with and apply. It can be used for subjects of various sizes, and can be rotated 360 degrees for easy positioning. It provides safe restraints, saves valuable time and helps the technologist to obtain better radiographs.", "PMID": 1005701} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10272", "title": "[Surgical treatment of colitis (author's transl)].", "content": "The main reason for poor results in treatment of ulcerative colitis may be found in the well-meant hesitation of the clinician to ask for surgical intervention. 233 cases are discussed, particularly the absolute and relative indications for surgery. For complicated cases of colitis, as well as for the so-called \"colitic invalid\" only operative treatment with an ileostomy offers optimal results. The high mortality of toxic megacolon as a consequence of the acute form of ulcerative colitis is discussed. The high post-operative mortality as a result of toxic mega-colon was significantly reduced by Turnbull's substitution of a multi-stage operation for the formerly used one-stage technique.", "contents": "[Surgical treatment of colitis (author's transl)]. The main reason for poor results in treatment of ulcerative colitis may be found in the well-meant hesitation of the clinician to ask for surgical intervention. 233 cases are discussed, particularly the absolute and relative indications for surgery. For complicated cases of colitis, as well as for the so-called \"colitic invalid\" only operative treatment with an ileostomy offers optimal results. The high mortality of toxic megacolon as a consequence of the acute form of ulcerative colitis is discussed. The high post-operative mortality as a result of toxic mega-colon was significantly reduced by Turnbull's substitution of a multi-stage operation for the formerly used one-stage technique.", "PMID": 1005708} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10273", "title": "[Clinical and roentgenological aspects of toxic megacolon (author's transl)].", "content": "Ulcerative colitis may occur on several forms. Toxic megacolon is roentgenologically characterized by dilatation usually in the area of transverse colon and toxic symptoms. At the first appearance of these symptoms the patient should be treated or operated upon. Under normal circumstances the roentgenological diagnosis may be obtained only by a full erect or a left lateral decubitus film of the abdomen. A barium enema could lead to performation of the colon, peritonitis or provocation of toxic megacolon. In doubtful cases the examination should be performed with water-solubel contrast media (i. e. Gastrografin, Propyliodon etc.) The therapeutical internal and surgical possibilities are discussed.", "contents": "[Clinical and roentgenological aspects of toxic megacolon (author's transl)]. Ulcerative colitis may occur on several forms. Toxic megacolon is roentgenologically characterized by dilatation usually in the area of transverse colon and toxic symptoms. At the first appearance of these symptoms the patient should be treated or operated upon. Under normal circumstances the roentgenological diagnosis may be obtained only by a full erect or a left lateral decubitus film of the abdomen. A barium enema could lead to performation of the colon, peritonitis or provocation of toxic megacolon. In doubtful cases the examination should be performed with water-solubel contrast media (i. e. Gastrografin, Propyliodon etc.) The therapeutical internal and surgical possibilities are discussed.", "PMID": 1005709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10274", "title": "Highlights from a socioeconomic survey of radiologic technologists in North Carolina.", "content": "A survey of radiologic technologists in North Carolina shows that, in general, technologists fare better economically when working in hospitals than in radiologists' offices. It is not surprising to note that salaries increase with an increase in job responsibilities and for those who participate in continuing education. At the time of the survey in early 1975, only 35 per cent of those responding were involved in some form of continuing education program. Further studies are needed to better define some of the implications noted in the survey.", "contents": "Highlights from a socioeconomic survey of radiologic technologists in North Carolina. A survey of radiologic technologists in North Carolina shows that, in general, technologists fare better economically when working in hospitals than in radiologists' offices. It is not surprising to note that salaries increase with an increase in job responsibilities and for those who participate in continuing education. At the time of the survey in early 1975, only 35 per cent of those responding were involved in some form of continuing education program. Further studies are needed to better define some of the implications noted in the survey.", "PMID": 1005702} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10275", "title": "Radiation therapy technolgoy manpower survey.", "content": "A survey of 270 radiation therapy facilities in the United States in 1975 was made by the University of Vermont to identify needs in terms of curriculum, new or expanded programs and radiation therapy technology manpower. From the 64 per cent return there is evidence to support the current \"Essentials,\" and to increase educational opportunities for potential radiation therapy technologists to satisfy the demand for more certified technologists as expressed by those who responded.", "contents": "Radiation therapy technolgoy manpower survey. A survey of 270 radiation therapy facilities in the United States in 1975 was made by the University of Vermont to identify needs in terms of curriculum, new or expanded programs and radiation therapy technology manpower. From the 64 per cent return there is evidence to support the current \"Essentials,\" and to increase educational opportunities for potential radiation therapy technologists to satisfy the demand for more certified technologists as expressed by those who responded.", "PMID": 1005703} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10276", "title": "[Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon from the radiological point of view (author's transl)].", "content": "Diverticulosis is one of the most common diseases of the colon. Its importance arises from complications. In countries of the Western hemisphere the incidence is 10-20% beyond the age of 50. Among the natives of Africa and South-Eastern Asia it is practically unknown. It is suggested that the disease is caused by low residue diet, modern living conditions. and constitutional disorders. 500 barium enemas revealed 13,4% patients with diverticula including a 5-year-old child and a 32-year-old woman. The incidence of diverticulosis among patients over 40 years of age is 19,6%. The sex distribution is 1 : 1,9 male to female. The complications are demonstrated by case histories: Diverticulitis with ileus, foreign body trap, sub-acute perforation, sigmoid-vaginal fistula, sigmoid-bladder fistula, sigmoid-uterus fistula in a 5-year-old girl.", "contents": "[Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon from the radiological point of view (author's transl)]. Diverticulosis is one of the most common diseases of the colon. Its importance arises from complications. In countries of the Western hemisphere the incidence is 10-20% beyond the age of 50. Among the natives of Africa and South-Eastern Asia it is practically unknown. It is suggested that the disease is caused by low residue diet, modern living conditions. and constitutional disorders. 500 barium enemas revealed 13,4% patients with diverticula including a 5-year-old child and a 32-year-old woman. The incidence of diverticulosis among patients over 40 years of age is 19,6%. The sex distribution is 1 : 1,9 male to female. The complications are demonstrated by case histories: Diverticulitis with ileus, foreign body trap, sub-acute perforation, sigmoid-vaginal fistula, sigmoid-bladder fistula, sigmoid-uterus fistula in a 5-year-old girl.", "PMID": 1005710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10277", "title": "[Diverticulosis - Diverticulitis from the surgical point of view (author's transl)].", "content": "Diverticulosis from surgical point of view means treatment of complications. Treatment of primarily acute and chronic diverticulitis without complications should be conservative in the beginning. Primarily or secondarily complicated cases should undergo proper surgical resection. In these cases a step-by-step procedure has to be considered. Suspicion of simultaneous diverticulosis with carcinoma demands operative clarification.", "contents": "[Diverticulosis - Diverticulitis from the surgical point of view (author's transl)]. Diverticulosis from surgical point of view means treatment of complications. Treatment of primarily acute and chronic diverticulitis without complications should be conservative in the beginning. Primarily or secondarily complicated cases should undergo proper surgical resection. In these cases a step-by-step procedure has to be considered. Suspicion of simultaneous diverticulosis with carcinoma demands operative clarification.", "PMID": 1005711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10278", "title": "Radiographic duplication: simple method of minimizing radiation dosage to the patient.", "content": "It is practical and inexpensive to have a simple duplicating station in every radiological department. An attempt should be made to salvage every overexposed film rather than to re-examine the patient. Duplication with intensified light is 33 1/3 per cent faster than with any other method reported thus far.", "contents": "Radiographic duplication: simple method of minimizing radiation dosage to the patient. It is practical and inexpensive to have a simple duplicating station in every radiological department. An attempt should be made to salvage every overexposed film rather than to re-examine the patient. Duplication with intensified light is 33 1/3 per cent faster than with any other method reported thus far.", "PMID": 1005704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10279", "title": "[Particularities of sigmoiditis with regard to pharmaco-radiography (author's transl)].", "content": "The sigmoid colon differs from the remaining colon anatomically, functionally and by increased incidence of disease. Occasionally it may be very difficult to differentiate diverticulitis of the sigma from a malignant tumor. It is felt that hypotonic sigmoidography improves the diagnostic accuracy. Selective angiography of the inferior mesenteric artery may be of further diagnostic help. Pharmaco-angiographic examinations with Eupaverin yielded no better results.", "contents": "[Particularities of sigmoiditis with regard to pharmaco-radiography (author's transl)]. The sigmoid colon differs from the remaining colon anatomically, functionally and by increased incidence of disease. Occasionally it may be very difficult to differentiate diverticulitis of the sigma from a malignant tumor. It is felt that hypotonic sigmoidography improves the diagnostic accuracy. Selective angiography of the inferior mesenteric artery may be of further diagnostic help. Pharmaco-angiographic examinations with Eupaverin yielded no better results.", "PMID": 1005712} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10280", "title": "[Clinical aspects of inflammatory diseases of the large bowel with reference to coloscopy (author's transl)].", "content": "Ulcerative colitis and regional colitis Crohn are the most frequent inflammatory diseases of the large bowel in Europe. Clinical differentiation of these disorders are difficult. Diarrhoe with bloody stools are predominant. In cases with Morbus Crohn anorectal fistulas and involvement of the terminal ileum are frequently found. In cases with ulcerative colitis anorectal fistulas are more rare but in this disease a carcinoma of the colon often develops, especially when the course is severe and the involvement of the colon is extended. Clinical symptoms, courses and complications of both diseases are described. In differential diagnoses endoscopic procedures especially coloscopy play an important role. In cases of ulcerative colitis about 90% the rectum is involved. Spontaneous haemorrhage of the colonic mucosa with edema and pseudopolyps are typical endoscopic findings. Most cases with Crohn's disease show flat and irregular ulcers within a normal mucosa. In later stage a \"cobble stone\" relief is demonstrable. Endoscopy and guided biopsy are not only important for differential diagnosis but also for treatment and prognosis.", "contents": "[Clinical aspects of inflammatory diseases of the large bowel with reference to coloscopy (author's transl)]. Ulcerative colitis and regional colitis Crohn are the most frequent inflammatory diseases of the large bowel in Europe. Clinical differentiation of these disorders are difficult. Diarrhoe with bloody stools are predominant. In cases with Morbus Crohn anorectal fistulas and involvement of the terminal ileum are frequently found. In cases with ulcerative colitis anorectal fistulas are more rare but in this disease a carcinoma of the colon often develops, especially when the course is severe and the involvement of the colon is extended. Clinical symptoms, courses and complications of both diseases are described. In differential diagnoses endoscopic procedures especially coloscopy play an important role. In cases of ulcerative colitis about 90% the rectum is involved. Spontaneous haemorrhage of the colonic mucosa with edema and pseudopolyps are typical endoscopic findings. Most cases with Crohn's disease show flat and irregular ulcers within a normal mucosa. In later stage a \"cobble stone\" relief is demonstrable. Endoscopy and guided biopsy are not only important for differential diagnosis but also for treatment and prognosis.", "PMID": 1005713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10281", "title": "Roentgenology of the colon in Crohn's disease. Air contrast studies of the lesions and their development.", "content": "201 patients with Crohn's disease underwent air contrast examination of the colon. The Diagnosis was histologically confirmed in each case. Most of the pathological changes of Crohn's disease of the colon are manifested as alterations of the mucosal surface. These changes are excellently demonstrated by the air contrast technique. The roentgenologic findings in colonic Crohn's disease are being discussed as well as cecal deformities and rectal changes. Some conditions that may mimic colonic Crohn's disease are summarized. Finally the advantages and disadvantages with the air contrast technique are given.", "contents": "Roentgenology of the colon in Crohn's disease. Air contrast studies of the lesions and their development. 201 patients with Crohn's disease underwent air contrast examination of the colon. The Diagnosis was histologically confirmed in each case. Most of the pathological changes of Crohn's disease of the colon are manifested as alterations of the mucosal surface. These changes are excellently demonstrated by the air contrast technique. The roentgenologic findings in colonic Crohn's disease are being discussed as well as cecal deformities and rectal changes. Some conditions that may mimic colonic Crohn's disease are summarized. Finally the advantages and disadvantages with the air contrast technique are given.", "PMID": 1005714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10282", "title": "Failure of indomethacin to reduce hypercalcemia in patients with breast cancer.", "content": "Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors have, in the past, been shown to inhibit osteolysis caused by breast carcinoma tissue in vitro. We therefore assessed the effect of Indomethacin and aspirin on some parameters of calcium metabolism in patients with breast cancer. Neither drug reduced the serum calcium in pateints with hypercalcemia, nor reduced skeletal destruction as measured by the urinary hydroxy proline: creatinine ratio and urinary calcium in normocalcemic or hypercalcemic patients with osteolytic metastases. A possible reason for the discrepancy between results obtained in vitro and in vivo is that there are two phases of bone destruction in breast cancer; the early phase dependent and the late phase independent of prostaglandin synthesis.", "contents": "Failure of indomethacin to reduce hypercalcemia in patients with breast cancer. Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors have, in the past, been shown to inhibit osteolysis caused by breast carcinoma tissue in vitro. We therefore assessed the effect of Indomethacin and aspirin on some parameters of calcium metabolism in patients with breast cancer. Neither drug reduced the serum calcium in pateints with hypercalcemia, nor reduced skeletal destruction as measured by the urinary hydroxy proline: creatinine ratio and urinary calcium in normocalcemic or hypercalcemic patients with osteolytic metastases. A possible reason for the discrepancy between results obtained in vitro and in vivo is that there are two phases of bone destruction in breast cancer; the early phase dependent and the late phase independent of prostaglandin synthesis.", "PMID": 1005735} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10283", "title": "In vivo suppression of prostaglandin biosynthesis by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.", "content": "In vivo effects of orally administered inhibitors on prostaglandin and F levels were determined in seven organs of the rat. Ibuprofen showed suppression in most tissues three hours after dosing with a return to control values by twenty-four hours. Flurbiprofen and indomethacin showed potent suppression at both three and twenty-four hours after dosing. 3-Acetonitrile, 4,5-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenyl-pyrrole showed moderate suppression only in the stomach and duodenum at three hours after dosing with a return to control values by twenty-four hours. Acetaminophen incorporated as a control showed statistically significant suppression only in the liver after twenty-four hours.", "contents": "In vivo suppression of prostaglandin biosynthesis by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. In vivo effects of orally administered inhibitors on prostaglandin and F levels were determined in seven organs of the rat. Ibuprofen showed suppression in most tissues three hours after dosing with a return to control values by twenty-four hours. Flurbiprofen and indomethacin showed potent suppression at both three and twenty-four hours after dosing. 3-Acetonitrile, 4,5-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenyl-pyrrole showed moderate suppression only in the stomach and duodenum at three hours after dosing with a return to control values by twenty-four hours. Acetaminophen incorporated as a control showed statistically significant suppression only in the liver after twenty-four hours.", "PMID": 1005736} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10284", "title": "The possible mode of action of phostaglandins. XII. Differential effects of phostaglandin F2alpha in inducing premature evacuation of conceptos in the intact and castrated pregnant rat.", "content": "A single injection of 2.0 mg/kg prostaglandin F2alpha(PGF2alpha) on day 18 of pregnancy was consistent in inducing premature labor by 72 h following the injection. Conversely, castration before PGF2alpha on day 18 of pregnancy made the animals almost inert to PGF2alpha and only 20% of the treated animals showed premature evacuation of the conceptus. Injection of 10mug of estradiol cyclopentylpropionate (ECP) on day 18 was, however, found to be effective in emptying the gravid uteri of 100% castrated pregnants by 72 h. Indomethacin, a consistent inhibitor of prostaglandin biosynthesis and release, along with ECP in an identical experimental situation was found to be ineffective in reversing the ECP-induced premature parturition in castrated pregnants. The importance of intact ovary for the action of PGF2alpha concerning premature labor in rats has been discussed.", "contents": "The possible mode of action of phostaglandins. XII. Differential effects of phostaglandin F2alpha in inducing premature evacuation of conceptos in the intact and castrated pregnant rat. A single injection of 2.0 mg/kg prostaglandin F2alpha(PGF2alpha) on day 18 of pregnancy was consistent in inducing premature labor by 72 h following the injection. Conversely, castration before PGF2alpha on day 18 of pregnancy made the animals almost inert to PGF2alpha and only 20% of the treated animals showed premature evacuation of the conceptus. Injection of 10mug of estradiol cyclopentylpropionate (ECP) on day 18 was, however, found to be effective in emptying the gravid uteri of 100% castrated pregnants by 72 h. Indomethacin, a consistent inhibitor of prostaglandin biosynthesis and release, along with ECP in an identical experimental situation was found to be ineffective in reversing the ECP-induced premature parturition in castrated pregnants. The importance of intact ovary for the action of PGF2alpha concerning premature labor in rats has been discussed.", "PMID": 1005737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10285", "title": "Effects of analogues of prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha on uterine luminal fluid accumulation in the estrogen-treated ovariectomized rat: an indirect measure of cervical tone.", "content": "Experiments were performed to determine if prostaglandins were able to reduce cervical tone in the rat. Cervical tone was assessed indirectly by measuring uterine luminal fluid accumulation in ovariectomized rats implanted subcutaneously with Silastic capsules containing crystalline estradiol-17beta. When given subcutaneously in separate experiments, 16,16-dimethyl-prostaglandin E2, methyl ester, and 15(S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F2alpha, analogues of prostaglandins E2, AND F2alpha, respectively, caused the loss of uterine luminal fluid. Fluid accumulation in uterine horns ligated at the cervical end did not differ in control and treated rats, whereas in non-ligated horns the prostaglandin analogues reduced fluid accumulation, suggesting the cervix as their site of action. For both prostaglandin analogues, the effects on uterine luminal fluid accumulation were seen within 45 min of administration and were related to the dose administered. The effects of submaximal doses of the analogues were additive. These results suggest that prostaglandins are able to reduce cervical tone in the estrogen-treated rat.", "contents": "Effects of analogues of prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha on uterine luminal fluid accumulation in the estrogen-treated ovariectomized rat: an indirect measure of cervical tone. Experiments were performed to determine if prostaglandins were able to reduce cervical tone in the rat. Cervical tone was assessed indirectly by measuring uterine luminal fluid accumulation in ovariectomized rats implanted subcutaneously with Silastic capsules containing crystalline estradiol-17beta. When given subcutaneously in separate experiments, 16,16-dimethyl-prostaglandin E2, methyl ester, and 15(S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F2alpha, analogues of prostaglandins E2, AND F2alpha, respectively, caused the loss of uterine luminal fluid. Fluid accumulation in uterine horns ligated at the cervical end did not differ in control and treated rats, whereas in non-ligated horns the prostaglandin analogues reduced fluid accumulation, suggesting the cervix as their site of action. For both prostaglandin analogues, the effects on uterine luminal fluid accumulation were seen within 45 min of administration and were related to the dose administered. The effects of submaximal doses of the analogues were additive. These results suggest that prostaglandins are able to reduce cervical tone in the estrogen-treated rat.", "PMID": 1005738} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10286", "title": "The effect of reported prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors on estradiol-stimulated uterine prostaglandin biosynthesis in vivo in the ovariectomized rat.", "content": "Aspirin, indomethacin and naproxen have been shown to inhibit the release of prostaglandins E and F (PGE and PGF) from the estradiol-stimulated uterus of progesterone-pretreated ovariectomized rats. Under the present experimental conditions indomethacin (1 mg/rat) was found to be a potent inhibitor of PGF and E biosynthesis, but the duration of action was less than 24 hours, after which a rebound above control levles was observed.The compounds were without effect on estradiol-stimulated increases in uterine wet weight. delta'THC did not inhibit estradiol-stimulated PG biosynthesis but produced a significant rise (P less than 0.01) in PGE levels in uterine venous blood. A hypothesis is suggested to explain some of the pharmacological effects of delta'THC.", "contents": "The effect of reported prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors on estradiol-stimulated uterine prostaglandin biosynthesis in vivo in the ovariectomized rat. Aspirin, indomethacin and naproxen have been shown to inhibit the release of prostaglandins E and F (PGE and PGF) from the estradiol-stimulated uterus of progesterone-pretreated ovariectomized rats. Under the present experimental conditions indomethacin (1 mg/rat) was found to be a potent inhibitor of PGF and E biosynthesis, but the duration of action was less than 24 hours, after which a rebound above control levles was observed.The compounds were without effect on estradiol-stimulated increases in uterine wet weight. delta'THC did not inhibit estradiol-stimulated PG biosynthesis but produced a significant rise (P less than 0.01) in PGE levels in uterine venous blood. A hypothesis is suggested to explain some of the pharmacological effects of delta'THC.", "PMID": 1005739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10287", "title": "Release of prostaglandin F, regression of corpora lutea and induction of premature parturition in goats treated with estradiol-17beta.", "content": "Premature parturition was induced in five pregnant goats infused intravenously with 4.65-8.4 mg estradiol-17beta but not in one treated with 5.85 mg estradiol-17alpha. A single intramuscular injection of 12 mg estradiol benzoate (8.8 mg estradiol-17beta equivalents) was also effective. These doses were estimated to provide plasma concentrations of estradiol-17beta in the physiological range for animals at sponteneous parturition. Circulating plasma concentrations of progesterone decreased and lactogenesis occurred before all instances of induced parturition but no such changes resulted from infusion of estradiol-17alpha. Placental delivery was normal in all animals but neonates of more than 10 days prematurity were non-viable.", "contents": "Release of prostaglandin F, regression of corpora lutea and induction of premature parturition in goats treated with estradiol-17beta. Premature parturition was induced in five pregnant goats infused intravenously with 4.65-8.4 mg estradiol-17beta but not in one treated with 5.85 mg estradiol-17alpha. A single intramuscular injection of 12 mg estradiol benzoate (8.8 mg estradiol-17beta equivalents) was also effective. These doses were estimated to provide plasma concentrations of estradiol-17beta in the physiological range for animals at sponteneous parturition. Circulating plasma concentrations of progesterone decreased and lactogenesis occurred before all instances of induced parturition but no such changes resulted from infusion of estradiol-17alpha. Placental delivery was normal in all animals but neonates of more than 10 days prematurity were non-viable.", "PMID": 1005740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10288", "title": "Arterial walls generate from prostaglandin endoperoxides a substance (prostaglandin X) which relaxes strips of mesenteric and coeliac ateries and inhibits platelet aggregation.", "content": "Fresh arterial tissue generates an unstable substance (prostablandin X) which relaxes vascular smooth muscle and potently inhibits platelet aggregation. The release of prostaglandin (PG) X can be stimulated by incubation with arachidonic acid or prostaglandin endoperoxides PGG2 or PGH2. The basal release of PGX or the release stimulated with arachidonic acid can be inhibited by previous treatment with indomethacin or by washing the tissue with a solution containing indomethacin. The formation of PGX from prostaglandin endoperoxides PGG2 or PGH2 is not inhibited by indomethacin. 15-hydroperoxy arachidonic acid (15-HPAA) inhibits the basal release of PGX as well as the release stimulated by arachidonic acid or prostaglandin endoperoxides (PGG2 or PGH2). Fresh arterial tissue obtained from control or indomethacin treated rabbits, when incubated with platelet rich plasma (PRP) generates PGX. This generation is inhibited by treating the tissue with 15-HPAA. A biochemical interaction between platelets and vessel wall is postulated by which platelets feed the vessel wall with prostaglandin endoperoxides which are utilized to form PGX. Formation of PGX could be the underlying mechanism which actively prevents, under normal conditions, the accumulation of platelets on the vessel wall.", "contents": "Arterial walls generate from prostaglandin endoperoxides a substance (prostaglandin X) which relaxes strips of mesenteric and coeliac ateries and inhibits platelet aggregation. Fresh arterial tissue generates an unstable substance (prostablandin X) which relaxes vascular smooth muscle and potently inhibits platelet aggregation. The release of prostaglandin (PG) X can be stimulated by incubation with arachidonic acid or prostaglandin endoperoxides PGG2 or PGH2. The basal release of PGX or the release stimulated with arachidonic acid can be inhibited by previous treatment with indomethacin or by washing the tissue with a solution containing indomethacin. The formation of PGX from prostaglandin endoperoxides PGG2 or PGH2 is not inhibited by indomethacin. 15-hydroperoxy arachidonic acid (15-HPAA) inhibits the basal release of PGX as well as the release stimulated by arachidonic acid or prostaglandin endoperoxides (PGG2 or PGH2). Fresh arterial tissue obtained from control or indomethacin treated rabbits, when incubated with platelet rich plasma (PRP) generates PGX. This generation is inhibited by treating the tissue with 15-HPAA. A biochemical interaction between platelets and vessel wall is postulated by which platelets feed the vessel wall with prostaglandin endoperoxides which are utilized to form PGX. Formation of PGX could be the underlying mechanism which actively prevents, under normal conditions, the accumulation of platelets on the vessel wall.", "PMID": 1005741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10289", "title": "A method for measuring the unstable thromboxane A2: radioimmunoassay of the derived mono-O-methyl-thromboxane B2.", "content": "A radioimmunoassay was developed for a mono-O-methyl derivative of thromboxane B2. The antibodies showed high specificity for this compound and cross reacted only 1.2% with thromboxane B2 and less than 0.1% with prostaglandins and prostaglandin metabolites. The method had a sensitivity of 7 picog. The radioimmunoassay was employed in studies where thromboxane A2 was generated in human platelets and immediately converted into mono-O-methyl thromboxane B2 by treatment of the sample with a large volume of methanol. In some of the experiments, thromboxane B2 was simultaneously measured by a separate radioimmunoassay. Using these two assays it was demonstrated that thromboxane A2 could be detected only during the earlier stages of the platelet aggregation, whereas thromboxane B2 rapidly reached a constant level. In a separate experiment, the half-life of thromboxane A2 in buffer was found to be 32.5 + 2.5 (S.D.) sec at 37 degrees C; the compound was more stable at lower temperatures. The t1/2 for thromboxane A2 was also considerably longer in plasma.", "contents": "A method for measuring the unstable thromboxane A2: radioimmunoassay of the derived mono-O-methyl-thromboxane B2. A radioimmunoassay was developed for a mono-O-methyl derivative of thromboxane B2. The antibodies showed high specificity for this compound and cross reacted only 1.2% with thromboxane B2 and less than 0.1% with prostaglandins and prostaglandin metabolites. The method had a sensitivity of 7 picog. The radioimmunoassay was employed in studies where thromboxane A2 was generated in human platelets and immediately converted into mono-O-methyl thromboxane B2 by treatment of the sample with a large volume of methanol. In some of the experiments, thromboxane B2 was simultaneously measured by a separate radioimmunoassay. Using these two assays it was demonstrated that thromboxane A2 could be detected only during the earlier stages of the platelet aggregation, whereas thromboxane B2 rapidly reached a constant level. In a separate experiment, the half-life of thromboxane A2 in buffer was found to be 32.5 + 2.5 (S.D.) sec at 37 degrees C; the compound was more stable at lower temperatures. The t1/2 for thromboxane A2 was also considerably longer in plasma.", "PMID": 1005742} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10290", "title": "Thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin H2: potent stimulators of the swine coronary artery.", "content": "Thromboxane A2 was generated by incubation of arachidonic acid with a suspension of human platelets. The filtrate contained 266 +/- 46 ng/ml (n=10) of thromboxane A2 and 25 ng/ml or less of prostaglandin endoperoxides (prostaglandins G2+H2). Thromboxane A2 was 2-10 times more potent than prostaglandin H2 and 9-102 times and 26-308 times more potent than prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha, respectively, in causing contractions of the superfused swine coronary artery.", "contents": "Thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin H2: potent stimulators of the swine coronary artery. Thromboxane A2 was generated by incubation of arachidonic acid with a suspension of human platelets. The filtrate contained 266 +/- 46 ng/ml (n=10) of thromboxane A2 and 25 ng/ml or less of prostaglandin endoperoxides (prostaglandins G2+H2). Thromboxane A2 was 2-10 times more potent than prostaglandin H2 and 9-102 times and 26-308 times more potent than prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha, respectively, in causing contractions of the superfused swine coronary artery.", "PMID": 1005743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10291", "title": "Biphasic effects of phospholipase A2 on platelet aggregation. Effect of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors and essential fatty acid deficiency.", "content": "Phospholipase A2 has a biphasic action upon the aggregation of rat platelets. In the first phase, occurring after shorter incubation periods with the enzyme, aggregation is enhanced. Longer incubation periods lead to an inhibition of the aggregation. The first phase disappears after the addition of indomethacin whereas the second phase persists. Incubation of platelets with phospholipase A2 leads to serotonin release. Prostaglandins are formed without platelet aggregation. Whereas the same effects occurred at the high dose of phospholipase A2 when platelets of essential fatty acid deficient rats were used, a difference was seen at the lower dose. It is concluded that in the first phase, arachidonic acid is liberated and transformed into aggregation inducing intermediates which are formed in the prostaglandin synthesis. In the second phase, changes may occur in the outer membrane which lead to diminished sensitivity to aggregating agents.", "contents": "Biphasic effects of phospholipase A2 on platelet aggregation. Effect of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors and essential fatty acid deficiency. Phospholipase A2 has a biphasic action upon the aggregation of rat platelets. In the first phase, occurring after shorter incubation periods with the enzyme, aggregation is enhanced. Longer incubation periods lead to an inhibition of the aggregation. The first phase disappears after the addition of indomethacin whereas the second phase persists. Incubation of platelets with phospholipase A2 leads to serotonin release. Prostaglandins are formed without platelet aggregation. Whereas the same effects occurred at the high dose of phospholipase A2 when platelets of essential fatty acid deficient rats were used, a difference was seen at the lower dose. It is concluded that in the first phase, arachidonic acid is liberated and transformed into aggregation inducing intermediates which are formed in the prostaglandin synthesis. In the second phase, changes may occur in the outer membrane which lead to diminished sensitivity to aggregating agents.", "PMID": 1005744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10292", "title": "Separation of prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha from their pulmonary metabolites by thin-layer chromatography.", "content": "A simple thin-layer chromatographic system has been developed separate PGE2 and PGF2alpha from 13, 14-dihydro-PGF2alpha, and other pulmonary metabolites of prostaglandins. The separation is achieved on Kieselgel-60 F-254 plates impregnated with both silver nitrate and boric acid. The system should be of use in the purification and tentative identification of primary prostaglandin.", "contents": "Separation of prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha from their pulmonary metabolites by thin-layer chromatography. A simple thin-layer chromatographic system has been developed separate PGE2 and PGF2alpha from 13, 14-dihydro-PGF2alpha, and other pulmonary metabolites of prostaglandins. The separation is achieved on Kieselgel-60 F-254 plates impregnated with both silver nitrate and boric acid. The system should be of use in the purification and tentative identification of primary prostaglandin.", "PMID": 1005745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10293", "title": "Cardiovascular actions of prostaglanding F2alpha; 15-me-F2alpha; F1alpha; F2beta and F1beta in the cat.", "content": "Prostaglandin F2alpha (5mug/kg, i.v.) causes an increase in pulmonary arterial pressure, decrease in systemic arterial pressure, and reflex bradycardia in the anesthetized cat. The same dose of the 15-methyl analogue of PGF2alpha produces the same triad of effects but of greater magnitude and duration. Although prostaglandins F1alpha, F2beta and F1beta also cause the same cardiovascular effects as F2alpha, there is a decrease in potency for all parameters measured, with PGF2alpha greater than PGF1alpha greater than PGF2beta greater than PGF 1beta. When compared to the actions of PGF2alpha in producing an increase in pulmonary arterial pressure, PGs F1alpha, F2beta and F1beta were less potent by approximately 10, 100, and 1000 fold respectively.", "contents": "Cardiovascular actions of prostaglanding F2alpha; 15-me-F2alpha; F1alpha; F2beta and F1beta in the cat. Prostaglandin F2alpha (5mug/kg, i.v.) causes an increase in pulmonary arterial pressure, decrease in systemic arterial pressure, and reflex bradycardia in the anesthetized cat. The same dose of the 15-methyl analogue of PGF2alpha produces the same triad of effects but of greater magnitude and duration. Although prostaglandins F1alpha, F2beta and F1beta also cause the same cardiovascular effects as F2alpha, there is a decrease in potency for all parameters measured, with PGF2alpha greater than PGF1alpha greater than PGF2beta greater than PGF 1beta. When compared to the actions of PGF2alpha in producing an increase in pulmonary arterial pressure, PGs F1alpha, F2beta and F1beta were less potent by approximately 10, 100, and 1000 fold respectively.", "PMID": 1005746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10294", "title": "[The late effects of radiotherapy for enlargement of the thymus in early infancy (author's transl)].", "content": "In a survey of 380 subjects irradiated over 20 years earlier for enlargement of the thymus, no increase in mortality for malignant tumours were noted. There was a high incidence (3.75%) of benign thyroid diseases, though this could not be attributed to irradiation with any degree of certainty. There were no significant karyotype differences between 36 subjects and 32 controls.", "contents": "[The late effects of radiotherapy for enlargement of the thymus in early infancy (author's transl)]. In a survey of 380 subjects irradiated over 20 years earlier for enlargement of the thymus, no increase in mortality for malignant tumours were noted. There was a high incidence (3.75%) of benign thyroid diseases, though this could not be attributed to irradiation with any degree of certainty. There were no significant karyotype differences between 36 subjects and 32 controls.", "PMID": 1005786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10295", "title": "[Thanatophoric dwarfism (author's transl)].", "content": "Two cases of thanatophoric dwarfism, one associated with cloverleaf skull diagnosed in the uterus and complete with histological findings are reported. Differential diagnosis with respect to similar forms of dwarfism and the genetic problem are discussed.", "contents": "[Thanatophoric dwarfism (author's transl)]. Two cases of thanatophoric dwarfism, one associated with cloverleaf skull diagnosed in the uterus and complete with histological findings are reported. Differential diagnosis with respect to similar forms of dwarfism and the genetic problem are discussed.", "PMID": 1005787} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10296", "title": "[A case of metatropic dwarfism (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of metatropic dwarfism is presented. Particular reference is made to the differential diagnosis of this form.", "contents": "[A case of metatropic dwarfism (author's transl)]. A case of metatropic dwarfism is presented. Particular reference is made to the differential diagnosis of this form.", "PMID": 1005788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10297", "title": "[Difference between dental plaque formation by Lactobacillus Sp. and Strep. mutans].", "content": "Human teeth were suspended in a basal medium with sucrose 10%; they were incudated for formation of dental plaques \"in vitro\". The microorganisms used were: Strep. mutans, Lactobacillus salivarius var. salivarius and a mixture of them. The following aspects were stablishad by scanning electron microscopy: 1) The teeth inoculated with Strep. mutans had coccoid forms, lying on an organic film with spheric spaces in some sectors, and irreguar forms in others (Fig. 1). 2) The teeth inoculated with Lactobacillus salivarius had rod forms attached to the adamantine surface (Fig. 2, 3). 3) Teeth incubated with the mixutre had rod forms over a granular film (Fig. 4). 4) The control teath did not have plaque (Fig. 5). This experience shows that the extracellular polisacharide, reticulated or granular (mutano) appeared only in teeth incubated with Strep. mutans alone (Fig. 1) or mixed with Lactobacillus (Fig. 4). On the other hand Lactobacillus appeared attached on the enamel surfaces, perhaps due to cohesive adhesive forces (Fig. 2). Two different interpretation or the formation of dental plaques that take place on the enamel free surfaces of teeth are presented.", "contents": "[Difference between dental plaque formation by Lactobacillus Sp. and Strep. mutans]. Human teeth were suspended in a basal medium with sucrose 10%; they were incudated for formation of dental plaques \"in vitro\". The microorganisms used were: Strep. mutans, Lactobacillus salivarius var. salivarius and a mixture of them. The following aspects were stablishad by scanning electron microscopy: 1) The teeth inoculated with Strep. mutans had coccoid forms, lying on an organic film with spheric spaces in some sectors, and irreguar forms in others (Fig. 1). 2) The teeth inoculated with Lactobacillus salivarius had rod forms attached to the adamantine surface (Fig. 2, 3). 3) Teeth incubated with the mixutre had rod forms over a granular film (Fig. 4). 4) The control teath did not have plaque (Fig. 5). This experience shows that the extracellular polisacharide, reticulated or granular (mutano) appeared only in teeth incubated with Strep. mutans alone (Fig. 1) or mixed with Lactobacillus (Fig. 4). On the other hand Lactobacillus appeared attached on the enamel surfaces, perhaps due to cohesive adhesive forces (Fig. 2). Two different interpretation or the formation of dental plaques that take place on the enamel free surfaces of teeth are presented.", "PMID": 1005789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10298", "title": "[The concept of risk in influenza (author's transl)].", "content": "The evaluation of morbidity risk is difficult in influenza because of a lack of accurate quantitative information and of a high variability of the virus. The level of specific herd immunity towards epidemic strains is an important factor of prevision. As far as mortality is concerned, there is a net and regular increase of risk up from the age of 45. In addition to elderly, other high risk categories are known such as patients suffering of a number of organic deficiences or chronical conditions, pregnant women and children. The best evaluation of efficacy of vaccines is the study of incidence reduction in a vaccinated group in comparison to unvaccinated controls. Present vaccines are really efficient to reduce the risk of getting the disease, except in the case of an antigenic shift, which means the activity of a new antigenic component. These advantages are to be weighted to the small risk of vaccine reactions, which are not frequent and usually benign. Several vaccination strategies can be used. In France, it has been decided to recommand vaccine to priority groups: people over 65 and deficient patients. This policy is eqlivalent in many western countries (West Europe, USA); it is not efficient in preventing or delaying epidemics.", "contents": "[The concept of risk in influenza (author's transl)]. The evaluation of morbidity risk is difficult in influenza because of a lack of accurate quantitative information and of a high variability of the virus. The level of specific herd immunity towards epidemic strains is an important factor of prevision. As far as mortality is concerned, there is a net and regular increase of risk up from the age of 45. In addition to elderly, other high risk categories are known such as patients suffering of a number of organic deficiences or chronical conditions, pregnant women and children. The best evaluation of efficacy of vaccines is the study of incidence reduction in a vaccinated group in comparison to unvaccinated controls. Present vaccines are really efficient to reduce the risk of getting the disease, except in the case of an antigenic shift, which means the activity of a new antigenic component. These advantages are to be weighted to the small risk of vaccine reactions, which are not frequent and usually benign. Several vaccination strategies can be used. In France, it has been decided to recommand vaccine to priority groups: people over 65 and deficient patients. This policy is eqlivalent in many western countries (West Europe, USA); it is not efficient in preventing or delaying epidemics.", "PMID": 1005853} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10299", "title": "[The concept of risk in perinatology. Results of epidemiologic surveys (author's transl)].", "content": "A national survey of pregnancy and childbirth was conducted in 1972 in France from which for the first time risk factors for all pregnancies and practical consequences for prevention were obtained. Risk factors were determined by multivariate analysis for stillbirth, prematury, and low birth weight infants. Two groups of women were found to be at higher than average risk. The first included those under 18 or over 40 years old, or having a history of previous stillbirth or infant with birth weight less than 2 500 g. The 13% of all pregnant women in this group had double the overall population rate of stillbirth, prematurity and low birth weight infants. The second group, 7% of all pregnant women, included widowed, divorced, and separated women, as well as immigrant workers or wives of immigrant workers. These two groups of women, as well as those with pathological findings during pregnancy should be more closely followed during pregnancy as specified by law. However, the survey showed that the surveillance of high risk pregnancies is on the whole inferior to that of the overall population. Several solutions have been proposed to remedy this situation: -- to double the number of obligatory prenatal examinations, to 10 per woman, for all pregnancies, which would double the present total number of prenatal examinations from 4 000 000 to 8 000 000; -- to apply the legislation to women with high risk pregnancies by increasing either the inducements (educating these women and their doctors, more reembursements of costs), or constraints (requiring more medical appointments, home visits, or financial sanctions).", "contents": "[The concept of risk in perinatology. Results of epidemiologic surveys (author's transl)]. A national survey of pregnancy and childbirth was conducted in 1972 in France from which for the first time risk factors for all pregnancies and practical consequences for prevention were obtained. Risk factors were determined by multivariate analysis for stillbirth, prematury, and low birth weight infants. Two groups of women were found to be at higher than average risk. The first included those under 18 or over 40 years old, or having a history of previous stillbirth or infant with birth weight less than 2 500 g. The 13% of all pregnant women in this group had double the overall population rate of stillbirth, prematurity and low birth weight infants. The second group, 7% of all pregnant women, included widowed, divorced, and separated women, as well as immigrant workers or wives of immigrant workers. These two groups of women, as well as those with pathological findings during pregnancy should be more closely followed during pregnancy as specified by law. However, the survey showed that the surveillance of high risk pregnancies is on the whole inferior to that of the overall population. Several solutions have been proposed to remedy this situation: -- to double the number of obligatory prenatal examinations, to 10 per woman, for all pregnancies, which would double the present total number of prenatal examinations from 4 000 000 to 8 000 000; -- to apply the legislation to women with high risk pregnancies by increasing either the inducements (educating these women and their doctors, more reembursements of costs), or constraints (requiring more medical appointments, home visits, or financial sanctions).", "PMID": 1005854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10300", "title": "[The concept of risk in the field of youth suicide (author's transl)].", "content": "From personal works on suicide attempted by teenagers and recent literature review, the authors try to define risk factors for suicide. They discuss factors which may lead to primary prevention interventions and those which are predictive of repeated suicide.", "contents": "[The concept of risk in the field of youth suicide (author's transl)]. From personal works on suicide attempted by teenagers and recent literature review, the authors try to define risk factors for suicide. They discuss factors which may lead to primary prevention interventions and those which are predictive of repeated suicide.", "PMID": 1005855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10301", "title": "[Use of the risk factor concept in cardiovascular diseases (author's transl)].", "content": "The essential implication of the notion of risk factor is that preventive action should be undertaken if certain factors, predisposing to cardiovascular diseases are present in an individual or in a group. Risk factors are thus categorized from the pragmatic point of view, according to the relative ease and practicability of prophylactic intervention -- and their justification. A brief review of the risk factors of the major cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, hypertension, chronic pulmonary heart disease, stroke, rheumatic heart disease and congenital malformations) shows that the risk factor concept is the basis of preventive cardiology.", "contents": "[Use of the risk factor concept in cardiovascular diseases (author's transl)]. The essential implication of the notion of risk factor is that preventive action should be undertaken if certain factors, predisposing to cardiovascular diseases are present in an individual or in a group. Risk factors are thus categorized from the pragmatic point of view, according to the relative ease and practicability of prophylactic intervention -- and their justification. A brief review of the risk factors of the major cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, hypertension, chronic pulmonary heart disease, stroke, rheumatic heart disease and congenital malformations) shows that the risk factor concept is the basis of preventive cardiology.", "PMID": 1005856} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10302", "title": "Hyperglycaemia; a risk factor for hypertension.", "content": "The epidemiological evidence for an association between diabetes mellitus and ischaemic heart disease is reviewed briefly. The relationship between blood sugar after challenge and blood pressure is described, with particular reference to studies in populations of U.S. and Jamaican adults and Dutch children.", "contents": "Hyperglycaemia; a risk factor for hypertension. The epidemiological evidence for an association between diabetes mellitus and ischaemic heart disease is reviewed briefly. The relationship between blood sugar after challenge and blood pressure is described, with particular reference to studies in populations of U.S. and Jamaican adults and Dutch children.", "PMID": 1005857} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10303", "title": "[Carcinogenic risks and prevention of cancer (author's transl)].", "content": "Epidemiologic studies supported by experimental research have made it possible to draw up an epidemiological outline of the different types of cancer. From the standpoint of prevention, carcinogenic factors can be investigated according as they apply to collective or individual life, according to their relative etiological importance, and to the incidence rate and gravity of cancers involved. The most efficient procedures concerning about more than 50% of human cancers appear to be the campaigns against tobacco and alcohol consumption, systematic screening and treatment of precancerous lesions of uterine cervix and changes in the nutritional habits.", "contents": "[Carcinogenic risks and prevention of cancer (author's transl)]. Epidemiologic studies supported by experimental research have made it possible to draw up an epidemiological outline of the different types of cancer. From the standpoint of prevention, carcinogenic factors can be investigated according as they apply to collective or individual life, according to their relative etiological importance, and to the incidence rate and gravity of cancers involved. The most efficient procedures concerning about more than 50% of human cancers appear to be the campaigns against tobacco and alcohol consumption, systematic screening and treatment of precancerous lesions of uterine cervix and changes in the nutritional habits.", "PMID": 1005859} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10304", "title": "[Some considerations concerning the concept of risk in public health (author's transl)].", "content": "The use of risk in Public Health consists schematically of two steps: the calculation of risk, and then action intended to reduce it. The calculation, taking into account the largest possible number of risk factors, can produce a risk value adjusted to the individual. Action was, in past, directly oriented by risk factors which caused the risk. But, now, that the approach to risk has become more indirect by taking into consideration predictive factors without a causative role, their use in action to reduce risk requires discussion. Thus it has seemed necessary to examine the situation in several pathological fields; substantial differences in uses of risk values were found according to the field taken into consideration. The point in common remains the attempt of an ideal approach guided by an overall assessement of cost and effectiveness, involving the cost of determining the risk and the advantages and costs of the resulting action.", "contents": "[Some considerations concerning the concept of risk in public health (author's transl)]. The use of risk in Public Health consists schematically of two steps: the calculation of risk, and then action intended to reduce it. The calculation, taking into account the largest possible number of risk factors, can produce a risk value adjusted to the individual. Action was, in past, directly oriented by risk factors which caused the risk. But, now, that the approach to risk has become more indirect by taking into consideration predictive factors without a causative role, their use in action to reduce risk requires discussion. Thus it has seemed necessary to examine the situation in several pathological fields; substantial differences in uses of risk values were found according to the field taken into consideration. The point in common remains the attempt of an ideal approach guided by an overall assessement of cost and effectiveness, involving the cost of determining the risk and the advantages and costs of the resulting action.", "PMID": 1005860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10305", "title": "[The concept of risk in epidemiology. Point of view of a public health officer (author's transl)].", "content": "The author stresses the importance of epidemiological investigation in Public Health, particularly in Public Health planning. He underlines the multiple contraints (economic, political, etc...) which epidemiologists may encounter and which may cause disappointments. Nevertheless he concludes that epidemiology will play a decisive role for years to come.", "contents": "[The concept of risk in epidemiology. Point of view of a public health officer (author's transl)]. The author stresses the importance of epidemiological investigation in Public Health, particularly in Public Health planning. He underlines the multiple contraints (economic, political, etc...) which epidemiologists may encounter and which may cause disappointments. Nevertheless he concludes that epidemiology will play a decisive role for years to come.", "PMID": 1005861} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10306", "title": "[Chronic obstructive bronchitis: definitions, risk factors and prevention (author's transl)].", "content": "Chronic obstructive bronchitis is defined as persistent diffuse airways obstruction frequently associated with chronic expectoration. This disease is particularly disabling and its medico-social burden implies that measures be taken. Risk factors of chronic obstructive bronchitis can be classified according to their presently known importance: tobacco, professional exposure, air pollution, viral and bacterial respiratory infections, poor socio-economic and cultural conditions, upper and lower airways infections during childhood, other environmental factors, genetic factors. Prevention needs that research be developed, in particular for factors, as hereditary ones, relations between childhood and adult respiratory diseases and characteristics of the \"susceptible smokers\". Knowledge of risk factors previously quoted allows to propose public-health actions. Firstly, true preventive action of general nature: fight against tobacco consumption, reduce atmospheric pollution, improve work and life conditions. Secondly, in order to prevent the disabling state of chronic bronchitis, it would be necessary to take care of patients at the initial state. A control trial is proposed to determine the level of symptoms and of reduction of ventilatory values at which an action is needed and the best \"preventive therapeutical\" protocol to be applied to these patients.", "contents": "[Chronic obstructive bronchitis: definitions, risk factors and prevention (author's transl)]. Chronic obstructive bronchitis is defined as persistent diffuse airways obstruction frequently associated with chronic expectoration. This disease is particularly disabling and its medico-social burden implies that measures be taken. Risk factors of chronic obstructive bronchitis can be classified according to their presently known importance: tobacco, professional exposure, air pollution, viral and bacterial respiratory infections, poor socio-economic and cultural conditions, upper and lower airways infections during childhood, other environmental factors, genetic factors. Prevention needs that research be developed, in particular for factors, as hereditary ones, relations between childhood and adult respiratory diseases and characteristics of the \"susceptible smokers\". Knowledge of risk factors previously quoted allows to propose public-health actions. Firstly, true preventive action of general nature: fight against tobacco consumption, reduce atmospheric pollution, improve work and life conditions. Secondly, in order to prevent the disabling state of chronic bronchitis, it would be necessary to take care of patients at the initial state. A control trial is proposed to determine the level of symptoms and of reduction of ventilatory values at which an action is needed and the best \"preventive therapeutical\" protocol to be applied to these patients.", "PMID": 1005858} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10307", "title": "[Platelet anti-aggregating activity of furosemide (author's transl)].", "content": "The effect of furosemide on platelet aggregation, factor 3 availability, and response to hypotonic stress has been studied. Furosemide greatly inhibits platelet aggregation, with ADP, epinephrine, collagen, ristocetin, thrombin and serotonin. The use of heparin as anticoagulant does not alter this effect. Furosemide action is not conducted through calcium chelation. Platelet factor 3 availability is not modified by furosemide. There is a direct correlation between furosemide concentration and inhibition in the second phase of platelet response to hypotonic stress. The possibility of a disorder furosemide induced on the platelet metabolism, is suggested.", "contents": "[Platelet anti-aggregating activity of furosemide (author's transl)]. The effect of furosemide on platelet aggregation, factor 3 availability, and response to hypotonic stress has been studied. Furosemide greatly inhibits platelet aggregation, with ADP, epinephrine, collagen, ristocetin, thrombin and serotonin. The use of heparin as anticoagulant does not alter this effect. Furosemide action is not conducted through calcium chelation. Platelet factor 3 availability is not modified by furosemide. There is a direct correlation between furosemide concentration and inhibition in the second phase of platelet response to hypotonic stress. The possibility of a disorder furosemide induced on the platelet metabolism, is suggested.", "PMID": 1005885} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10308", "title": "Action of the antipsychotic drugs thiotixene and thioridazine on isolated mitochondria.", "content": "Thiotixene and thioridazine antipsychotic drugs produce a stimulation of mitochondrial respiration in state 3 and state 4 resulting in a complete respiratory control loss, only accompanied by slight alterations of oxidative phosphorylation. This effect may be of biological significance in the action mechanism of the drugs.", "contents": "Action of the antipsychotic drugs thiotixene and thioridazine on isolated mitochondria. Thiotixene and thioridazine antipsychotic drugs produce a stimulation of mitochondrial respiration in state 3 and state 4 resulting in a complete respiratory control loss, only accompanied by slight alterations of oxidative phosphorylation. This effect may be of biological significance in the action mechanism of the drugs.", "PMID": 1005886} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10309", "title": "Measurement of enzymatic activities in turbid suspensions by double beam spectrophotometry.", "content": "A method for the determination of enzyme activities in turbid suspension is described, based on the use of a double beam or double wavelength spectrophotometer in one or two cell mode. It measures the disappearance of NADH, coupled to the activity of the enzyme, at a 340 wavelength or at a 340 minus 374 mmu wavelength pair. The method has been applied to the determination of pyruvate kinase activity, in the presence of isolated mitochondria, and other possible applications are discussed.", "contents": "Measurement of enzymatic activities in turbid suspensions by double beam spectrophotometry. A method for the determination of enzyme activities in turbid suspension is described, based on the use of a double beam or double wavelength spectrophotometer in one or two cell mode. It measures the disappearance of NADH, coupled to the activity of the enzyme, at a 340 wavelength or at a 340 minus 374 mmu wavelength pair. The method has been applied to the determination of pyruvate kinase activity, in the presence of isolated mitochondria, and other possible applications are discussed.", "PMID": 1005887} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10310", "title": "Action of heparin on lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in normal subjects.", "content": "The triglyceride decrease and free fatty acid increase by lipoproteinlipase post-heparin effect does not modify the Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase activity in vitro, using homologous substrate, in normal subjects. These findings agree with the unmodified proportion of esterified cholesterol and relative proportion of phospholipids on thin layer chromatographic fractioning after heparin. The conclusion is reached that heparin has no action on Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase activity in normal subjects.", "contents": "Action of heparin on lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in normal subjects. The triglyceride decrease and free fatty acid increase by lipoproteinlipase post-heparin effect does not modify the Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase activity in vitro, using homologous substrate, in normal subjects. These findings agree with the unmodified proportion of esterified cholesterol and relative proportion of phospholipids on thin layer chromatographic fractioning after heparin. The conclusion is reached that heparin has no action on Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase activity in normal subjects.", "PMID": 1005888} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10311", "title": "Effects of glycerol and glucose on the kinetics of glycerol utilization by adipose tissue in the rat.", "content": "To study the kinetics of glycerol utilization by adipose tissue in vitro as function of the concentrations of both glycerol and glucose in the incubation media, pieces of epididymal fat pad from fed rats were incubated for different times in Krebs Ringer bicarbonate supplemented with 1-14C-glycerol and purified albumin. An increase in the concentration of glycerol in the medium produces a decrease in the formation of 14CO2 and 14C-lipids from 1-14C-glycerol. When the decrease in the specific activity of the tracer is considered to calculate the respective velocities, it turns out that glycerol actually enhances the rate of synthesis of both CO2 and glyceride glycerol. Glucose enhances the rate of synthesis of CO2 and fatty acids from glycerol but decreases the rate of glyceride glycerol synthesis from the same substrate. While the Km of the glycerol effect is much lower that the physiological concentrations of glycerol the Ka and Ki of the glucose effects are above or close to its concentration in blood. The results are discussed in terms of the competitive effects of glucose and glycerol for the synthesis of alpha-glycerophosphate and the necessity of glucose for lipogenesis from glycerol in adipose tissue.", "contents": "Effects of glycerol and glucose on the kinetics of glycerol utilization by adipose tissue in the rat. To study the kinetics of glycerol utilization by adipose tissue in vitro as function of the concentrations of both glycerol and glucose in the incubation media, pieces of epididymal fat pad from fed rats were incubated for different times in Krebs Ringer bicarbonate supplemented with 1-14C-glycerol and purified albumin. An increase in the concentration of glycerol in the medium produces a decrease in the formation of 14CO2 and 14C-lipids from 1-14C-glycerol. When the decrease in the specific activity of the tracer is considered to calculate the respective velocities, it turns out that glycerol actually enhances the rate of synthesis of both CO2 and glyceride glycerol. Glucose enhances the rate of synthesis of CO2 and fatty acids from glycerol but decreases the rate of glyceride glycerol synthesis from the same substrate. While the Km of the glycerol effect is much lower that the physiological concentrations of glycerol the Ka and Ki of the glucose effects are above or close to its concentration in blood. The results are discussed in terms of the competitive effects of glucose and glycerol for the synthesis of alpha-glycerophosphate and the necessity of glucose for lipogenesis from glycerol in adipose tissue.", "PMID": 1005889} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10312", "title": "Hemolymph iron in Crustacea decapoda during the intermolt cycle.", "content": "A study on the iron content in the hemolymph of Austropotamobius pallipes and Carcinus maenas has been made. The hemolymph iron content and the total iron binding capacity were investigated in males and females of both species. The values obtained for hemolymph iron content in the males were between 154 and 430 mug/100/ml and in the females between 134 and 431 mug/100/ml. The total iron binding capacity for the males was between 472 and 762 mug/100/ml and for the females between 390 and 698 mug/100/ml. The variations occurring in both parameters during different stages of the intermolt were also studied. The first increase in hemolymph iron coincides with the postmolt stage. During the intermolt, the need for iron decreases as the rate of tissue synthesis becomes lower. Finally an enormous increase in the hemolymph iron content was observed during the molt.", "contents": "Hemolymph iron in Crustacea decapoda during the intermolt cycle. A study on the iron content in the hemolymph of Austropotamobius pallipes and Carcinus maenas has been made. The hemolymph iron content and the total iron binding capacity were investigated in males and females of both species. The values obtained for hemolymph iron content in the males were between 154 and 430 mug/100/ml and in the females between 134 and 431 mug/100/ml. The total iron binding capacity for the males was between 472 and 762 mug/100/ml and for the females between 390 and 698 mug/100/ml. The variations occurring in both parameters during different stages of the intermolt were also studied. The first increase in hemolymph iron coincides with the postmolt stage. During the intermolt, the need for iron decreases as the rate of tissue synthesis becomes lower. Finally an enormous increase in the hemolymph iron content was observed during the molt.", "PMID": 1005890} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10313", "title": "[Diet effect on fatty acids composition in trout (salmo gairdnerii). rev. esp. fisiol., (author's transl)].", "content": "The effect of diets with different fatty acids composition on muscular and hepatic fatty acids of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii) was studied. The effect was higher on muscular fatty acids than on hepatic ones. The lack of correlation between dietary and liver fatty acids in diets with a high level of linoleic acid, showed a better utilization of this acid by the liver. The change in muscular fatty acids pattern was observed within a week of diet change, showing a significant tendency to approach the new dietary fatty acids pattern.", "contents": "[Diet effect on fatty acids composition in trout (salmo gairdnerii). rev. esp. fisiol., (author's transl)]. The effect of diets with different fatty acids composition on muscular and hepatic fatty acids of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii) was studied. The effect was higher on muscular fatty acids than on hepatic ones. The lack of correlation between dietary and liver fatty acids in diets with a high level of linoleic acid, showed a better utilization of this acid by the liver. The change in muscular fatty acids pattern was observed within a week of diet change, showing a significant tendency to approach the new dietary fatty acids pattern.", "PMID": 1005891} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10314", "title": "Effect of inhibitors on the intestinal active transport of glucose in tortoise.", "content": "Glucose intestine active transport in tortoise Testudo hermanni robertmertensi Wermuth has been studied in vitro in the presence of known sugar active transport inhibiting substances. The final Serosal/Mucosal gradient is practically the same in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. A 10(-4) M concentration of DNP inhibits active transport of glucose and increases O2 uptake; a 10(-3) M concentration reinforces transport inhibition and lowers O2 uptake to normal values. Nullification of glucose active transport was not achieved by any of the DNP essayed concentrations. NaF greatly inhibits both glucose active transport and O2 uptake, whereas phlorizin inhibits transport and does not affect respiration. Tortoise intestine is able to obtain the required energy for its glucose active transport through both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. Besides its oxidative phosphorylation uncoupling action, DNP also appears to affect glycolysis. Glycolysis inhibition and intestinal epithelial alteration may be responsible for the strong inhibition caused by NaF. Phlorizin seems to inhibit sugar transport by competence on the sugar carrier, at membrane level, without disturbing cellular metabolism.", "contents": "Effect of inhibitors on the intestinal active transport of glucose in tortoise. Glucose intestine active transport in tortoise Testudo hermanni robertmertensi Wermuth has been studied in vitro in the presence of known sugar active transport inhibiting substances. The final Serosal/Mucosal gradient is practically the same in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. A 10(-4) M concentration of DNP inhibits active transport of glucose and increases O2 uptake; a 10(-3) M concentration reinforces transport inhibition and lowers O2 uptake to normal values. Nullification of glucose active transport was not achieved by any of the DNP essayed concentrations. NaF greatly inhibits both glucose active transport and O2 uptake, whereas phlorizin inhibits transport and does not affect respiration. Tortoise intestine is able to obtain the required energy for its glucose active transport through both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. Besides its oxidative phosphorylation uncoupling action, DNP also appears to affect glycolysis. Glycolysis inhibition and intestinal epithelial alteration may be responsible for the strong inhibition caused by NaF. Phlorizin seems to inhibit sugar transport by competence on the sugar carrier, at membrane level, without disturbing cellular metabolism.", "PMID": 1005892} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10315", "title": "Morphological and ultrastructural aspects of the innervation of rat ureter.", "content": "The fine innervation of rat ureter has been studied by means of hystological and electron microscopic technique. Different thickness of the different layers of the ureter have been observed. Nerve filaments with minor proportion of myelinic fibres are found in the adventitious layer. Amyelinic fibres, with very fine collaterals whose terminal portion could not be seen, exist in the muscular layer between the external longitudinal fibres and the internal circular ones. Nerve fibres are rarely observed in the centre of the internal circular layer, although it is possible to see terminal buttons, with neural tubules and vesicular formation. These buttons have been observed in some cases beside the muscular membranes, given rise to the hypothetical existence of a synaptic relationship between both membranes. The presence of fine amyelinic filaments, underneath the basal membranes, have also been shown. No ganglionic structure has been observed in the various layers of the ureter, or nerve elements in mucosa.", "contents": "Morphological and ultrastructural aspects of the innervation of rat ureter. The fine innervation of rat ureter has been studied by means of hystological and electron microscopic technique. Different thickness of the different layers of the ureter have been observed. Nerve filaments with minor proportion of myelinic fibres are found in the adventitious layer. Amyelinic fibres, with very fine collaterals whose terminal portion could not be seen, exist in the muscular layer between the external longitudinal fibres and the internal circular ones. Nerve fibres are rarely observed in the centre of the internal circular layer, although it is possible to see terminal buttons, with neural tubules and vesicular formation. These buttons have been observed in some cases beside the muscular membranes, given rise to the hypothetical existence of a synaptic relationship between both membranes. The presence of fine amyelinic filaments, underneath the basal membranes, have also been shown. No ganglionic structure has been observed in the various layers of the ureter, or nerve elements in mucosa.", "PMID": 1005893} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10316", "title": "[Determinatives of the understanding and judging of the speech-impaired's language on the part of speech-functioning people.-An empirical study (author's transl)].", "content": "The purpose of the study was to find out the individual and social factors influencing the understanding and judging of the speech-defective's language by speech-functioning persons. In contrast to prevailing opinions, it was proven that the evaluation is not controlled by \"adopted\" prejudices, but by the real understanding of linguistic and paralinguistic components of language. Within this context, the level of understanding and the significance of these two components in view of the evaluation depends on the sociolinguistic milieu to which the speech-functioning individual belongs.", "contents": "[Determinatives of the understanding and judging of the speech-impaired's language on the part of speech-functioning people.-An empirical study (author's transl)]. The purpose of the study was to find out the individual and social factors influencing the understanding and judging of the speech-defective's language by speech-functioning persons. In contrast to prevailing opinions, it was proven that the evaluation is not controlled by \"adopted\" prejudices, but by the real understanding of linguistic and paralinguistic components of language. Within this context, the level of understanding and the significance of these two components in view of the evaluation depends on the sociolinguistic milieu to which the speech-functioning individual belongs.", "PMID": 1005899} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10317", "title": "Chemical structure and aldosterone receptor affinity of canrenoate-potassium metabolites in rabbits.", "content": "Two new major metabolites of canrenoate-potassium (III) were isolated from rabbit livers, in addition to the known metabolite canrenone (II). One metabolite (MA) contains two additional oxygen atoms of unknown location. The second metabolite (MB), which was previously shown to interfere with a plasma aldosterone radioimmunoassay, is identified as 20-hydroxy canrenone. Canrenone (II) and metabolite MB showed significant affinity to rat kidney cytosol aldosterone receptors and might both contribute to the pharmacological effects of canrenoate-K (III).", "contents": "Chemical structure and aldosterone receptor affinity of canrenoate-potassium metabolites in rabbits. Two new major metabolites of canrenoate-potassium (III) were isolated from rabbit livers, in addition to the known metabolite canrenone (II). One metabolite (MA) contains two additional oxygen atoms of unknown location. The second metabolite (MB), which was previously shown to interfere with a plasma aldosterone radioimmunoassay, is identified as 20-hydroxy canrenone. Canrenone (II) and metabolite MB showed significant affinity to rat kidney cytosol aldosterone receptors and might both contribute to the pharmacological effects of canrenoate-K (III).", "PMID": 1005910} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10318", "title": "Heavy metal enhancement of airway sulfate absorption in the perfused rat lung.", "content": "The effect of heavy metal cations in enhancing the absorption of sulfate ions from the airways of the isolated, ventilated and perfused rat lung (IVPL) into the lung vasculature was studied. The cations investigated included Cd++, Co++, Hg+++, Ni++, Fe+++, Mn++ and Zn++. The cations increased the sulfate ion absorption from the rat IVPL 199-264% as compared to absorption in the presence of Na+ ions. An exception was Mn++, in which absorption did not differ significantly from the Na+ control. The uptake of sulfate ions from the vasculature of the IVPL could not be demonstrated.", "contents": "Heavy metal enhancement of airway sulfate absorption in the perfused rat lung. The effect of heavy metal cations in enhancing the absorption of sulfate ions from the airways of the isolated, ventilated and perfused rat lung (IVPL) into the lung vasculature was studied. The cations investigated included Cd++, Co++, Hg+++, Ni++, Fe+++, Mn++ and Zn++. The cations increased the sulfate ion absorption from the rat IVPL 199-264% as compared to absorption in the presence of Na+ ions. An exception was Mn++, in which absorption did not differ significantly from the Na+ control. The uptake of sulfate ions from the vasculature of the IVPL could not be demonstrated.", "PMID": 1005911} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10319", "title": "Tissue distribution of bovine 125I-superoxide dismutase in mice.", "content": "Intravenously injected 125I-bovine superoxide dismutase in mice is essentially cleared from organs in 24 h. The 125I activity per g of tissue at 1 h varies among organs with the brain and kidneys showing the lowest and highest levels, respectively. Within tissues, degradation occurs so that, at 1 h after administration, 5-74% of the 125I activity remains associated with the enzyme, depending on the tissue. A small amount of the labelled enzyme is found in washed cells of thymus, lung, spleen, liver and brain.", "contents": "Tissue distribution of bovine 125I-superoxide dismutase in mice. Intravenously injected 125I-bovine superoxide dismutase in mice is essentially cleared from organs in 24 h. The 125I activity per g of tissue at 1 h varies among organs with the brain and kidneys showing the lowest and highest levels, respectively. Within tissues, degradation occurs so that, at 1 h after administration, 5-74% of the 125I activity remains associated with the enzyme, depending on the tissue. A small amount of the labelled enzyme is found in washed cells of thymus, lung, spleen, liver and brain.", "PMID": 1005912} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10320", "title": "In vitro alteration of the subcellular distribution of 3H-reserpine in the rat forebrain by delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol.", "content": "delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) has been reported to attenuate both reserpine-induced serotonin depletion and reserpine-induced hypothermia. We have observed that delta 9-THC preincubation led to a dose-responsive increase in the amount of 3H-reserpine bound to a crude mitochondrial fraction of rat forebrain. The experiments reported here further characterize this phenomenon. Preincubation with delta 9-THC produced a shift in the localization of 3H-reserpine from the incubation medium and the microsomal supernatant (decrease of 66%) to the crude mitochondrial (CM) pellet (increase of 154%). The CM pellet was subfractionated both by differential centrifugation after osmotic shock and by layering on a five-step discontinuous sucrose gradient and centrifuging at 80,000 x g. Osmotic shock with 0.032 M sucrose and centrifugation revealed that the delta 9-THC-induced increase in 3H-reserpine was contained in both the synaptic vesicle fraction (247%) and the fraction containing myelin, ruptured synaptosomes and mitochondria (324%). Separating the CM fraction into five component parts showed that delta 9-THC increased the 3H-reserpine bound by about 275% in the three fractions containing myelin, membrane fragments or mitochondria. Even more dramatic increases (greater than 1000%) were observed in the two fractions containing cholinergic and non-cholinergic nerve endings. In addition, we have determined that many other drugs which are believed to have membrane mediated mechanisms have no effect on the amount of 3H-reserpine bound to the crude mitochondrial fraction. Although other possibilities exist, these data support the hypothesis that delta 9-THC retards the action of reserpine by altering the normal distribution of reserpine in various membrane components of the rat brain.", "contents": "In vitro alteration of the subcellular distribution of 3H-reserpine in the rat forebrain by delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) has been reported to attenuate both reserpine-induced serotonin depletion and reserpine-induced hypothermia. We have observed that delta 9-THC preincubation led to a dose-responsive increase in the amount of 3H-reserpine bound to a crude mitochondrial fraction of rat forebrain. The experiments reported here further characterize this phenomenon. Preincubation with delta 9-THC produced a shift in the localization of 3H-reserpine from the incubation medium and the microsomal supernatant (decrease of 66%) to the crude mitochondrial (CM) pellet (increase of 154%). The CM pellet was subfractionated both by differential centrifugation after osmotic shock and by layering on a five-step discontinuous sucrose gradient and centrifuging at 80,000 x g. Osmotic shock with 0.032 M sucrose and centrifugation revealed that the delta 9-THC-induced increase in 3H-reserpine was contained in both the synaptic vesicle fraction (247%) and the fraction containing myelin, ruptured synaptosomes and mitochondria (324%). Separating the CM fraction into five component parts showed that delta 9-THC increased the 3H-reserpine bound by about 275% in the three fractions containing myelin, membrane fragments or mitochondria. Even more dramatic increases (greater than 1000%) were observed in the two fractions containing cholinergic and non-cholinergic nerve endings. In addition, we have determined that many other drugs which are believed to have membrane mediated mechanisms have no effect on the amount of 3H-reserpine bound to the crude mitochondrial fraction. Although other possibilities exist, these data support the hypothesis that delta 9-THC retards the action of reserpine by altering the normal distribution of reserpine in various membrane components of the rat brain.", "PMID": 1005913} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10321", "title": "Thromboxane - synthesizing activity in guinea pig lung microsomes.", "content": "The microsomal fraction of guinea pig lung contains the enzymatic activity that converts arachidonic acid to thromboxane B2. The properties of guinea pig lung enzyme are generally similar to the human platelet enzyme, except the lung enzyme is unstable at 37 degrees C. No difference in total enzymatic activity is observed in the normal and sensitized guinea pig lungs.", "contents": "Thromboxane - synthesizing activity in guinea pig lung microsomes. The microsomal fraction of guinea pig lung contains the enzymatic activity that converts arachidonic acid to thromboxane B2. The properties of guinea pig lung enzyme are generally similar to the human platelet enzyme, except the lung enzyme is unstable at 37 degrees C. No difference in total enzymatic activity is observed in the normal and sensitized guinea pig lungs.", "PMID": 1005914} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10322", "title": "VI. Separation of cannabinoids by sequential thin layer chromatography.", "content": "Using a series of solvent systems, one neutral and non-polar, another basic and a third acidic, in a sequential thin layer chromatography (TLC) scheme we developed, cannabinoids can be resolved by their major functional groups into natural neutral, hydroxylated or alcoholic neutrals and acidics.", "contents": "VI. Separation of cannabinoids by sequential thin layer chromatography. Using a series of solvent systems, one neutral and non-polar, another basic and a third acidic, in a sequential thin layer chromatography (TLC) scheme we developed, cannabinoids can be resolved by their major functional groups into natural neutral, hydroxylated or alcoholic neutrals and acidics.", "PMID": 1005915} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10323", "title": "Alcohol-membrane interaction in the brain: norepinephrine release.", "content": "The nerve endings of mouse brain were loaded with 3H-norepinephrine (3H-NE) by intraventricular injection of 3H-NE. After dissection of brain, the synaptosomal particles were isolated and used for NE-release studies. The NE release process was stimulated by K+ and Ca++ but was antagonized by Na+. Acetylcholine at low concentration also decreased the release of 3H-NE. Ethanol at low concentrations (0.1-0.5%) decreased the amount of synaptosomal NE release whereas at higher ethanol concentrations (1-4%) the NE release was increased. This biphasic response of NE release in the presence of ethanol could be the effect of ethanol on related active cation transport systems such as Ca++-transport.", "contents": "Alcohol-membrane interaction in the brain: norepinephrine release. The nerve endings of mouse brain were loaded with 3H-norepinephrine (3H-NE) by intraventricular injection of 3H-NE. After dissection of brain, the synaptosomal particles were isolated and used for NE-release studies. The NE release process was stimulated by K+ and Ca++ but was antagonized by Na+. Acetylcholine at low concentration also decreased the release of 3H-NE. Ethanol at low concentrations (0.1-0.5%) decreased the amount of synaptosomal NE release whereas at higher ethanol concentrations (1-4%) the NE release was increased. This biphasic response of NE release in the presence of ethanol could be the effect of ethanol on related active cation transport systems such as Ca++-transport.", "PMID": 1005916} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10324", "title": "Increased urinary excretion of D-glucaric acid in alcoholism.", "content": "Alcoholic patients were found to have increased urinary excretion of D-glucaric acid while drinking. The excretion of D-glucaric acid returned to normal after discontinuation of ethanol intake, and the increase in the excretion could be reproduced by the administration of ethanol. Determination of the urinary excretion of D-glucaric acid may be useful in detecting the ingestion of ethanol or drugs when this information is not available by other means.", "contents": "Increased urinary excretion of D-glucaric acid in alcoholism. Alcoholic patients were found to have increased urinary excretion of D-glucaric acid while drinking. The excretion of D-glucaric acid returned to normal after discontinuation of ethanol intake, and the increase in the excretion could be reproduced by the administration of ethanol. Determination of the urinary excretion of D-glucaric acid may be useful in detecting the ingestion of ethanol or drugs when this information is not available by other means.", "PMID": 1005917} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10325", "title": "Prostaglandin E2 production by renomedullary tissue of DOCA, Goldblatt and spontaneously hypertensive rats.", "content": "The realtionship between in vitro prostaglandin production by renal medullary tissue and hypertension was investigated in three models of hypertensive rat, i.e., DOCA, Goldblatt and SHR. Medullary minces were incubated for 30 minutes. Following incubation tissue PGE2 concentration was quantified using mass fragmentography. Media PGE2 concentrations were quantified using radioimmunoassay. Concentrations of PGE2 in tissue from Goldblatts and SHRs were significantly less than normotensive controls. The concentration of PGE2 in media after incubating SHR tissue was significantly less than normotensives. The data suggest that alterations in PGE2 metabolism are similar in Goldblatt and SHR hypertension.", "contents": "Prostaglandin E2 production by renomedullary tissue of DOCA, Goldblatt and spontaneously hypertensive rats. The realtionship between in vitro prostaglandin production by renal medullary tissue and hypertension was investigated in three models of hypertensive rat, i.e., DOCA, Goldblatt and SHR. Medullary minces were incubated for 30 minutes. Following incubation tissue PGE2 concentration was quantified using mass fragmentography. Media PGE2 concentrations were quantified using radioimmunoassay. Concentrations of PGE2 in tissue from Goldblatts and SHRs were significantly less than normotensive controls. The concentration of PGE2 in media after incubating SHR tissue was significantly less than normotensives. The data suggest that alterations in PGE2 metabolism are similar in Goldblatt and SHR hypertension.", "PMID": 1005918} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10326", "title": "Monocyclic peroxides as inhibitors of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin endoperoxide analog initiated aggregation of human platelets.", "content": "Arachidonic acid initiates the irreveresible aggregation of human platelets on conversion to the bicyclic prostaglandin endoperoxides, PGG2 and PGH2. An enzyme in arterial walls catalyzes the conversion of PGG2 and PGH2 to PGX, which inhibits human platelet aggregation. Preincubation with monocyclic peroxides (3-(alpha-hydroxyethyl)-1,2-dioxane, 3-(alpha-hydroxypropyl)-1,2-dioxolane or 3-methyl-3-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-dioxolane) completely inhibited arachidonic acid initiated aggregation. Similarly, two analogs of PGH2, (15S)-hydroxy-9 alpha, 11 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z, 13E-dienoic and (15S)-hydroxy-11 alpha, 9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z, 13E-dienoic acids, initiated irreversible aggregation of platelets. but were completely blocked by the monocyclic peroxides. Aggregation initiated by ADP or epinephrine was also completely inhibited by the cyclic peroxides. Aggregation of human platelets appears initiated through an endoperoxide receptor which can combine with either the natural bicyclic prostaglandin peroxides or the synthetic monocyclic peroxides. Natural inhibitors, such as PGX, may well be monocyclic endoperoxides similar to the compounds studied here.", "contents": "Monocyclic peroxides as inhibitors of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin endoperoxide analog initiated aggregation of human platelets. Arachidonic acid initiates the irreveresible aggregation of human platelets on conversion to the bicyclic prostaglandin endoperoxides, PGG2 and PGH2. An enzyme in arterial walls catalyzes the conversion of PGG2 and PGH2 to PGX, which inhibits human platelet aggregation. Preincubation with monocyclic peroxides (3-(alpha-hydroxyethyl)-1,2-dioxane, 3-(alpha-hydroxypropyl)-1,2-dioxolane or 3-methyl-3-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-dioxolane) completely inhibited arachidonic acid initiated aggregation. Similarly, two analogs of PGH2, (15S)-hydroxy-9 alpha, 11 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z, 13E-dienoic and (15S)-hydroxy-11 alpha, 9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z, 13E-dienoic acids, initiated irreversible aggregation of platelets. but were completely blocked by the monocyclic peroxides. Aggregation initiated by ADP or epinephrine was also completely inhibited by the cyclic peroxides. Aggregation of human platelets appears initiated through an endoperoxide receptor which can combine with either the natural bicyclic prostaglandin peroxides or the synthetic monocyclic peroxides. Natural inhibitors, such as PGX, may well be monocyclic endoperoxides similar to the compounds studied here.", "PMID": 1005919} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10327", "title": "Effect of adriamycin on the activity of the succinate dehydrogenase-coenzyme Q10 reductase of the rabbit myocardium.", "content": "Rabbits were injected with adriamycin 3 days/week/7 weeks. Heart tissues of treated rabbits showed myocardial degeneration, but the tissues of controls were normal. The deficiency in the activity of the succinate dehydrogenase-coenzyme Q10 reductase in the heart tissues of the rabbits treated with adriamycin was higher (0.001 less than P less than 0.01) than that for control tissues. These data indicate a correlation of at least a part of the cardiotoxicity of adriamycin in cancer patients to inhibition of CoQ10-enzymes, since coenzyme Q10 is indispensable to bioenergetics in the myocardium of both humans and rabbit.", "contents": "Effect of adriamycin on the activity of the succinate dehydrogenase-coenzyme Q10 reductase of the rabbit myocardium. Rabbits were injected with adriamycin 3 days/week/7 weeks. Heart tissues of treated rabbits showed myocardial degeneration, but the tissues of controls were normal. The deficiency in the activity of the succinate dehydrogenase-coenzyme Q10 reductase in the heart tissues of the rabbits treated with adriamycin was higher (0.001 less than P less than 0.01) than that for control tissues. These data indicate a correlation of at least a part of the cardiotoxicity of adriamycin in cancer patients to inhibition of CoQ10-enzymes, since coenzyme Q10 is indispensable to bioenergetics in the myocardium of both humans and rabbit.", "PMID": 1005920} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10328", "title": "Effect of ethanol on impulse activity in isolated cerebellum.", "content": "We tested the question of whether ethanol's known action on the cerebellum is direct or indirect, via neural pathways. The cerebellum of rats was denervated by large electrolytic lesions of the peduncles. Ethanol (1 gm/kg, intraperitoneally injected) generally depressed impulse activity of neuronal populations in the cerebellar cortex, whereas such activity increased in saline-injected controls.", "contents": "Effect of ethanol on impulse activity in isolated cerebellum. We tested the question of whether ethanol's known action on the cerebellum is direct or indirect, via neural pathways. The cerebellum of rats was denervated by large electrolytic lesions of the peduncles. Ethanol (1 gm/kg, intraperitoneally injected) generally depressed impulse activity of neuronal populations in the cerebellar cortex, whereas such activity increased in saline-injected controls.", "PMID": 1005921} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10329", "title": "Effect of short- and long-term treatment with cocaine on rat brain tryptophan hydroxylase.", "content": "Short-term (5 days) treatment with cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited the soluble tryptophan hydroxylase while the particulate enzyme was essentially unchanged. In contrast, long-term (45 days) treatment resulted in an increased activity of the particulate enzyme and a return to normal of the soluble enzyme activity.", "contents": "Effect of short- and long-term treatment with cocaine on rat brain tryptophan hydroxylase. Short-term (5 days) treatment with cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited the soluble tryptophan hydroxylase while the particulate enzyme was essentially unchanged. In contrast, long-term (45 days) treatment resulted in an increased activity of the particulate enzyme and a return to normal of the soluble enzyme activity.", "PMID": 1005922} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10330", "title": "The effect of the occlusion of liver lymphatics on hepatic blood flow.", "content": "In the dog after the ligation of the thoracic duct and of the lymphatics of liver hilum hepatic blood flow decreased in 2hrs by 30.6 per cent. The flow reduction is due to the increase of arterial and venous inflow resistances and of the prehepatic splanchnic arteriolar resistance. The vascular reaction in lymph stasis differs insofar from the reaction seen during biliary duct obstruction that in the latter condition hepatic artery flow is increased. A preexistent lymph stasis does not abolish the increase in the hepatic artery flow produced by raised biliary tract pressure. The differences between the flow reactions observed in bile stasis and in lymph stasis are explained by the accumulation in the latter condition of a protein rich fluid in the liver tissue.", "contents": "The effect of the occlusion of liver lymphatics on hepatic blood flow. In the dog after the ligation of the thoracic duct and of the lymphatics of liver hilum hepatic blood flow decreased in 2hrs by 30.6 per cent. The flow reduction is due to the increase of arterial and venous inflow resistances and of the prehepatic splanchnic arteriolar resistance. The vascular reaction in lymph stasis differs insofar from the reaction seen during biliary duct obstruction that in the latter condition hepatic artery flow is increased. A preexistent lymph stasis does not abolish the increase in the hepatic artery flow produced by raised biliary tract pressure. The differences between the flow reactions observed in bile stasis and in lymph stasis are explained by the accumulation in the latter condition of a protein rich fluid in the liver tissue.", "PMID": 1005923} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10331", "title": "[Conditions affecting the renal excretion of manganese by humans (author's transl)].", "content": "The renal excretion of manganese is investigated for different urine flow rates in adults of both sexes with normal and disturbed kidney function. Mn is determined by emission spectral analysis. During antidiuresis with a mean urine flow rate of 0,97 +/- 0,66 ml/min (SD) the average excretion of Mn is 11,4 +/- 19,4 ng/min for 1,73 m2 body surface area. With an indifferent urine flow (4,43 +/- 2,11 ml/min) the average Mn excretion is 13,5 +/- 19,3 ng/min. For this type of diuresis Mn excretion and urine flow rate are slightly positively correlated. A further increase in urinary excretion of Mn is observed during osmotic diuresis. In this case 160,6 +/- 180,5 ng Mn/min are eliminated for an urine production of 22,2 +/- 6,8 ml/min. The difference of the mean excretion values is highly significant (P less than 0,01) between indifferent urine flow and osmotic diuresis, insignificant between antidiuresis and indifferent urine flow, and significant (P less than 0,01) between antidiuresis and osmotic diuresis. Down to a clearance value for inulin of less than 30 ml/min and for PAH of less than 200 ml/min and 1,73 m2 body surface area, the Mn excretion is largely independent of the renal hemodynamics.", "contents": "[Conditions affecting the renal excretion of manganese by humans (author's transl)]. The renal excretion of manganese is investigated for different urine flow rates in adults of both sexes with normal and disturbed kidney function. Mn is determined by emission spectral analysis. During antidiuresis with a mean urine flow rate of 0,97 +/- 0,66 ml/min (SD) the average excretion of Mn is 11,4 +/- 19,4 ng/min for 1,73 m2 body surface area. With an indifferent urine flow (4,43 +/- 2,11 ml/min) the average Mn excretion is 13,5 +/- 19,3 ng/min. For this type of diuresis Mn excretion and urine flow rate are slightly positively correlated. A further increase in urinary excretion of Mn is observed during osmotic diuresis. In this case 160,6 +/- 180,5 ng Mn/min are eliminated for an urine production of 22,2 +/- 6,8 ml/min. The difference of the mean excretion values is highly significant (P less than 0,01) between indifferent urine flow and osmotic diuresis, insignificant between antidiuresis and indifferent urine flow, and significant (P less than 0,01) between antidiuresis and osmotic diuresis. Down to a clearance value for inulin of less than 30 ml/min and for PAH of less than 200 ml/min and 1,73 m2 body surface area, the Mn excretion is largely independent of the renal hemodynamics.", "PMID": 1005924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10332", "title": "The effect of coumarin on the liver weight of thermally injured rats.", "content": "Coumarin (a benzo-pyrone) has been shown to significantly increase liver weights 2 days after its injection. It is believed that coumarin belongs to a group of reticulo-endothelial system stimulants which increase the numbers of phagocytosing sites by increasing the number of phagocytic cells.", "contents": "The effect of coumarin on the liver weight of thermally injured rats. Coumarin (a benzo-pyrone) has been shown to significantly increase liver weights 2 days after its injection. It is believed that coumarin belongs to a group of reticulo-endothelial system stimulants which increase the numbers of phagocytosing sites by increasing the number of phagocytic cells.", "PMID": 1005925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10333", "title": "[Induction of tumors of the stomach in mini-pigs by methylnitrosourea administration (author's transl)].", "content": "The oncogenic effect of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea was studied in Hanford miniature-pig. The compound - dissolved in 0,9% NaC1 (pH 6,1 - 6,2) and supplemented with 1% NaH2PO4 - was administered per os to the animals in intervals of two weeks during 4,5 years. Finally the animals, which had behaved clinically inapparent during the whole run of the experiment, were sacrificed and autopsied. All animals of the experimental group had developed stomach tumours, whereas control animals showed normal conditions of gastric mucosa. Except one, all tumours were grouped macroscopically as multiple, exophytic, papillary, cauliflower-like neoplasms of the mucosa, located predominantly within cardia- and fundus-regions. Histologically they are to be classified generally aal characteristics of an early malign dedifferentiation. One - above excepted - tumour proably belongs to the class of malign neurinomas. The results of the experiment demonstrate in general that the obvious organotropic properties of certain oncogenic nitrosamides might be in a way also species-depending ones. This perception seems to be important in view of morphogenesis as well as of etiopathogenesis of stomach tumours.", "contents": "[Induction of tumors of the stomach in mini-pigs by methylnitrosourea administration (author's transl)]. The oncogenic effect of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea was studied in Hanford miniature-pig. The compound - dissolved in 0,9% NaC1 (pH 6,1 - 6,2) and supplemented with 1% NaH2PO4 - was administered per os to the animals in intervals of two weeks during 4,5 years. Finally the animals, which had behaved clinically inapparent during the whole run of the experiment, were sacrificed and autopsied. All animals of the experimental group had developed stomach tumours, whereas control animals showed normal conditions of gastric mucosa. Except one, all tumours were grouped macroscopically as multiple, exophytic, papillary, cauliflower-like neoplasms of the mucosa, located predominantly within cardia- and fundus-regions. Histologically they are to be classified generally aal characteristics of an early malign dedifferentiation. One - above excepted - tumour proably belongs to the class of malign neurinomas. The results of the experiment demonstrate in general that the obvious organotropic properties of certain oncogenic nitrosamides might be in a way also species-depending ones. This perception seems to be important in view of morphogenesis as well as of etiopathogenesis of stomach tumours.", "PMID": 1005926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10334", "title": "[Investigations in streaming blood of the alert animal and man. II. Investigations on the mechanism of water resorption from the gut into the portal vein blood in the rat (author's transl)].", "content": "Arteriovenous differences (AVD) of electrolyte concentration in the gut are followed by continuous conductometry of ultrafiltrates of portal venous and aortic blood. Intraduodenal application of tap water amounting to 0.5, 1,0 or 2,0% body weight lead to extremely variable reactions both in time course and dimension of AVD. Whereas large and fast changes can be described by a single exponential term, small and slow changes show saturation effects. Evidence is presented, that these differences correspond to permeability changes, both for water in the direction: lumen to blood and for electrolytes in the direction: blood to lumen. Thirst has an enhancing effect on AVD. A dual resorptive pathway is proposed to fit the data.", "contents": "[Investigations in streaming blood of the alert animal and man. II. Investigations on the mechanism of water resorption from the gut into the portal vein blood in the rat (author's transl)]. Arteriovenous differences (AVD) of electrolyte concentration in the gut are followed by continuous conductometry of ultrafiltrates of portal venous and aortic blood. Intraduodenal application of tap water amounting to 0.5, 1,0 or 2,0% body weight lead to extremely variable reactions both in time course and dimension of AVD. Whereas large and fast changes can be described by a single exponential term, small and slow changes show saturation effects. Evidence is presented, that these differences correspond to permeability changes, both for water in the direction: lumen to blood and for electrolytes in the direction: blood to lumen. Thirst has an enhancing effect on AVD. A dual resorptive pathway is proposed to fit the data.", "PMID": 1005927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10335", "title": "[Combined ultrastructural morphometric and biochemical investigations on the rat liver after ligation of the bile duct (author's transl)].", "content": "In the present study an ultrastructural morphometric analysis of the rat liver 1, 3 and 7 days after bile duct ligation was performed. Corresponding biochemical investigations included the determination of the cytochrom P 450 contents in the microsomal fraction. In the serum of the rats the activities of GOT and GPT were determined. The quantitative results have shown that the decreased P 450 contents of the microsomal fraction coincided with a considerable increasement of the surface of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum was significantly increased from 1.83 m2/cm3 hepatocytes to 3.49 m2/cm3 hepatocytes after 3 days and remained on this level after 7 days. These results may be considered as quantitative evidence for the term hyperplastic, hypoactive endoplasmic reticulum. - As a second important result our quantitative investigations have shown that the increasement of GLDH activity in the serum especially 1 day after ligation of the bile duct coincided with a signficantly increased mitochondrial volume at this time.", "contents": "[Combined ultrastructural morphometric and biochemical investigations on the rat liver after ligation of the bile duct (author's transl)]. In the present study an ultrastructural morphometric analysis of the rat liver 1, 3 and 7 days after bile duct ligation was performed. Corresponding biochemical investigations included the determination of the cytochrom P 450 contents in the microsomal fraction. In the serum of the rats the activities of GOT and GPT were determined. The quantitative results have shown that the decreased P 450 contents of the microsomal fraction coincided with a considerable increasement of the surface of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum was significantly increased from 1.83 m2/cm3 hepatocytes to 3.49 m2/cm3 hepatocytes after 3 days and remained on this level after 7 days. These results may be considered as quantitative evidence for the term hyperplastic, hypoactive endoplasmic reticulum. - As a second important result our quantitative investigations have shown that the increasement of GLDH activity in the serum especially 1 day after ligation of the bile duct coincided with a signficantly increased mitochondrial volume at this time.", "PMID": 1005928} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10336", "title": "A muscular dystrophy-like condition in rabbits.", "content": "During the examination of 69 male and 18 female rabbits a hitherto unknown muscular condition was found in one female and 19 male animals, otherwise healthy. The aetiology of the condition is unknown, but is is assumed that it is a sex-linked, hereditary anomaly. The histopathological changes are mostly restricted to the distal end of the quadriceps femoris muscle and resemble muscular dystrophy of man.", "contents": "A muscular dystrophy-like condition in rabbits. During the examination of 69 male and 18 female rabbits a hitherto unknown muscular condition was found in one female and 19 male animals, otherwise healthy. The aetiology of the condition is unknown, but is is assumed that it is a sex-linked, hereditary anomaly. The histopathological changes are mostly restricted to the distal end of the quadriceps femoris muscle and resemble muscular dystrophy of man.", "PMID": 1005929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10337", "title": "Different response of hepatic energy change and adenine nucleotide concentrations to hemorrhagic shock.", "content": "The adenine nucleotide and mitochondrial metabolisms of the liver were studied in hemorrhagic shock of rats. In reversible shock, the energy charge (ATP+1/2ADP/ATP+ADP+AMP) levels fell more rapidly than the total adenine nucleotide concentrations and decreased to 64% of controls 2 hours after shock. However, the oxidative phosphorylation of isolated mitochondira was only slightly inhibited. The energy charge levels were restored to normal values immediately when the shed blood was reinfused, while the concentrations of adenine nucleotides increased gradually and reached normal at 2 hours later. In irreversible shock which took up 70% or more of the withdrawn blood to maintain pressure of 40mm. Hg, the energy charge, adenine nucleotide concentrations and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation decreased considerably and were not restored by the reinfusion of the remainder of shed blood. It is suggested that the energy charge can respond rapidly to changes in an available oxygen and the adenine nucleotide concentrations and that an impairment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation plays an important role in leading to irreversible hemorrhagic shock.", "contents": "Different response of hepatic energy change and adenine nucleotide concentrations to hemorrhagic shock. The adenine nucleotide and mitochondrial metabolisms of the liver were studied in hemorrhagic shock of rats. In reversible shock, the energy charge (ATP+1/2ADP/ATP+ADP+AMP) levels fell more rapidly than the total adenine nucleotide concentrations and decreased to 64% of controls 2 hours after shock. However, the oxidative phosphorylation of isolated mitochondira was only slightly inhibited. The energy charge levels were restored to normal values immediately when the shed blood was reinfused, while the concentrations of adenine nucleotides increased gradually and reached normal at 2 hours later. In irreversible shock which took up 70% or more of the withdrawn blood to maintain pressure of 40mm. Hg, the energy charge, adenine nucleotide concentrations and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation decreased considerably and were not restored by the reinfusion of the remainder of shed blood. It is suggested that the energy charge can respond rapidly to changes in an available oxygen and the adenine nucleotide concentrations and that an impairment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation plays an important role in leading to irreversible hemorrhagic shock.", "PMID": 1005930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10338", "title": "[Morphological findings in tourniquet-shock (author's transl)].", "content": "Studies on 15 adult rabbits revealed that after removing a 3 hours lasting tourniquet of the left hind limb, the average survival time is 3,6 hours, whereas after a tourniquet lasting 4 hours animals die on the average within 22,8 hours in tourniquet shock. The maximum of interstitial edema and myolysis - estimated by light microscopy - was reached in the ischemic muscles of the hind leg after a 3-6 hours period of recirculation. Extraordinary strong muscle lesions regulary were found in the adductor. In all animals shock lungs could be demonstrated in which hyaline membranes were absent however. 54% of all animals partly showed extensive necroses of liver epithelial cells. Necrosis of cardiac muscle fibres were found in one animal only. In the kidneys merely slight degenerative lesions were identified in the thick descending and ascending limb of Henle's loops, kidneys of longer surviving animals contained many casts.", "contents": "[Morphological findings in tourniquet-shock (author's transl)]. Studies on 15 adult rabbits revealed that after removing a 3 hours lasting tourniquet of the left hind limb, the average survival time is 3,6 hours, whereas after a tourniquet lasting 4 hours animals die on the average within 22,8 hours in tourniquet shock. The maximum of interstitial edema and myolysis - estimated by light microscopy - was reached in the ischemic muscles of the hind leg after a 3-6 hours period of recirculation. Extraordinary strong muscle lesions regulary were found in the adductor. In all animals shock lungs could be demonstrated in which hyaline membranes were absent however. 54% of all animals partly showed extensive necroses of liver epithelial cells. Necrosis of cardiac muscle fibres were found in one animal only. In the kidneys merely slight degenerative lesions were identified in the thick descending and ascending limb of Henle's loops, kidneys of longer surviving animals contained many casts.", "PMID": 1005931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10339", "title": "Preliminary studies on a rat kidney phospholipase A2 activating a renin preinhibitor.", "content": "A phospholipase A2 activating a phospholipid renin preinhibitor into a lysophospholipid renin inhibitor has been isolated from rat kideny and partially characterized.", "contents": "Preliminary studies on a rat kidney phospholipase A2 activating a renin preinhibitor. A phospholipase A2 activating a phospholipid renin preinhibitor into a lysophospholipid renin inhibitor has been isolated from rat kideny and partially characterized.", "PMID": 1005932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10340", "title": "Circadian rhythm of colonic motility in the cat.", "content": "Since circadian patterns of colonic motility are largely unknown the electrical activity of the colon musculature was recorded in 6 unanesthetized cats during day and night. All parts of the colon exhibited 6 patterns of electrical activity: spikes, oscillations, omnipresent regular slow waves, and three composite patterns, i.e. a minute-rhythmic activity, activity complexes of 1 to 18 minute duration and a nyctohemeral pattern. The circadian rhythm was different between the proximal and distal colon resulting in activity gradients. These were directed in an aborad direction from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 9 p.m. to midnight. Most of the defecations of the 6 cats occured in the late evening until 1 a.m. Spike activity of the distal colon predominated from 3 to 4 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is concluded that a circadian rhythm exists in the motility of the cat colon. Differences in the activity between the proximal and the distal colon and resulting activity gradients may offer an explanation for the influences of the time of day on the timing of defecations.", "contents": "Circadian rhythm of colonic motility in the cat. Since circadian patterns of colonic motility are largely unknown the electrical activity of the colon musculature was recorded in 6 unanesthetized cats during day and night. All parts of the colon exhibited 6 patterns of electrical activity: spikes, oscillations, omnipresent regular slow waves, and three composite patterns, i.e. a minute-rhythmic activity, activity complexes of 1 to 18 minute duration and a nyctohemeral pattern. The circadian rhythm was different between the proximal and distal colon resulting in activity gradients. These were directed in an aborad direction from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 9 p.m. to midnight. Most of the defecations of the 6 cats occured in the late evening until 1 a.m. Spike activity of the distal colon predominated from 3 to 4 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is concluded that a circadian rhythm exists in the motility of the cat colon. Differences in the activity between the proximal and the distal colon and resulting activity gradients may offer an explanation for the influences of the time of day on the timing of defecations.", "PMID": 1005933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10341", "title": "[Connective device for continuous recording of myoelectric changes of the gastrointestinal tract (author's transl)].", "content": "A new connecting-device is described, which was developed in order to record electrical activities of the gastrointestinaltract in animal experiments (24 dogs). The device is implanted in to the abdominal wall and connected to the indwelling bipolar electrodes. Measurements were carried out up to 30 days after operation without any complications.", "contents": "[Connective device for continuous recording of myoelectric changes of the gastrointestinal tract (author's transl)]. A new connecting-device is described, which was developed in order to record electrical activities of the gastrointestinaltract in animal experiments (24 dogs). The device is implanted in to the abdominal wall and connected to the indwelling bipolar electrodes. Measurements were carried out up to 30 days after operation without any complications.", "PMID": 1005934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10342", "title": "Correlations between lung-transfer factor, ventilation, and cardiac output during exercise.", "content": "In nine healthy and young subject of either sex, undergoing three or four rounds of muscular exercise of increasing severity on a bicycle ergometer, the authors investigated the behavior of the lung transfer factor (Dlco), pulmonary ventilation (V), alveolar ventilation (Va), and cardiac output (Q). In all instances they found a positive linear correlation between DLCO and oxygen consumption (VO2), at least up to 70% of maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2max) (r=0.935;p less than 0.001). Dlco was found to increase linearly as a function of increasing V (R=0.898;P LESS THAN 0.001) AND EVEN MORE SO OF INCREASING Va (r=0.919; p less than 0.001). Also the relationship between Dlco and Q appeared linear in all subjects (r=0.926; p less than 0.001). On the other hand, individual Dlco values showed considerable scatter at equal Vo2, V, Va, and Q values. Among the factors responsible for the increase of Dlco during muscular exercise, in addition to increased ventilation and cardiac output, the authors suggest the possible role of the greater desaturation of mixed venous blood and variations of hemoglobin affinity for CO.", "contents": "Correlations between lung-transfer factor, ventilation, and cardiac output during exercise. In nine healthy and young subject of either sex, undergoing three or four rounds of muscular exercise of increasing severity on a bicycle ergometer, the authors investigated the behavior of the lung transfer factor (Dlco), pulmonary ventilation (V), alveolar ventilation (Va), and cardiac output (Q). In all instances they found a positive linear correlation between DLCO and oxygen consumption (VO2), at least up to 70% of maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2max) (r=0.935;p less than 0.001). Dlco was found to increase linearly as a function of increasing V (R=0.898;P LESS THAN 0.001) AND EVEN MORE SO OF INCREASING Va (r=0.919; p less than 0.001). Also the relationship between Dlco and Q appeared linear in all subjects (r=0.926; p less than 0.001). On the other hand, individual Dlco values showed considerable scatter at equal Vo2, V, Va, and Q values. Among the factors responsible for the increase of Dlco during muscular exercise, in addition to increased ventilation and cardiac output, the authors suggest the possible role of the greater desaturation of mixed venous blood and variations of hemoglobin affinity for CO.", "PMID": 1005935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10343", "title": "Reliability in pneumotachographic measurements.", "content": "The warming-up of room air in the pneumotachograph during inspiration phase and the different components of gas and water vapour in the expired air compared to the inspired air are the most important influences on the measured flow volume in routine pneumotachographic measurements. In a physical and mathematical analysis these influences were calculated in order to estimate whether there is an important or negligible difference between the inspired and expired flow volumes. (1) During inspiration the temperature effect of the heated pneumotachograph on volume extension is compensated close to 50% by the temperature effect on gas viscosity. (2) During expiration the effect of body temperature on the total viscosity (in comparison to viscosity at room temperature) is mostly compensated by the different O2 and CO2 compositions of the expired air including the effect of the water vapour. Comparing the corrected flow equation for the inspiration and the expiration phases, the actual difference between the inspired and expired flow volumes will be of 1.2% in routine measurements. This result matched very well that of BARRES and GAUGE [1961] obtained with a lung model.", "contents": "Reliability in pneumotachographic measurements. The warming-up of room air in the pneumotachograph during inspiration phase and the different components of gas and water vapour in the expired air compared to the inspired air are the most important influences on the measured flow volume in routine pneumotachographic measurements. In a physical and mathematical analysis these influences were calculated in order to estimate whether there is an important or negligible difference between the inspired and expired flow volumes. (1) During inspiration the temperature effect of the heated pneumotachograph on volume extension is compensated close to 50% by the temperature effect on gas viscosity. (2) During expiration the effect of body temperature on the total viscosity (in comparison to viscosity at room temperature) is mostly compensated by the different O2 and CO2 compositions of the expired air including the effect of the water vapour. Comparing the corrected flow equation for the inspiration and the expiration phases, the actual difference between the inspired and expired flow volumes will be of 1.2% in routine measurements. This result matched very well that of BARRES and GAUGE [1961] obtained with a lung model.", "PMID": 1005936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10344", "title": "[Analysis of flow-volume curves in asthmatic patients and their application in pharmacodynamic tests (author's transl)].", "content": "Study of the influence of some parameters upon flow-volume curves and pressure-type body plethysmography during inhalation tests (acetylcholine; metaproterenol) in 10 asthmatic patients (5 males and 5 females). Although the specific conductance decreased when bronchoconstriction was induced and returned to values superior to those measured before provocation when a bronchodilator was administered, changes in specific conductance did not always parallel those of flow-volume curves (V/V), maximum expiratory volume/sec (VEMS) and mid-miximum expiratory flow rate (MMEFR). All the parameters of V/V used here are well correlated with VEMS and MMEFR but not so with the specific conductance. The inverse correlation between the time constants of V/V and residual/total pulmonary capacity (VR/CT) before provocation and the significant decrease after provocation, indicate that V 60 (or 70%) CT and V 75% vital capacity (CV) are most valuable for the evaluation of physiopathological ventilatory changes occurring in bronchoconstriction.", "contents": "[Analysis of flow-volume curves in asthmatic patients and their application in pharmacodynamic tests (author's transl)]. Study of the influence of some parameters upon flow-volume curves and pressure-type body plethysmography during inhalation tests (acetylcholine; metaproterenol) in 10 asthmatic patients (5 males and 5 females). Although the specific conductance decreased when bronchoconstriction was induced and returned to values superior to those measured before provocation when a bronchodilator was administered, changes in specific conductance did not always parallel those of flow-volume curves (V/V), maximum expiratory volume/sec (VEMS) and mid-miximum expiratory flow rate (MMEFR). All the parameters of V/V used here are well correlated with VEMS and MMEFR but not so with the specific conductance. The inverse correlation between the time constants of V/V and residual/total pulmonary capacity (VR/CT) before provocation and the significant decrease after provocation, indicate that V 60 (or 70%) CT and V 75% vital capacity (CV) are most valuable for the evaluation of physiopathological ventilatory changes occurring in bronchoconstriction.", "PMID": 1005937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10345", "title": "Surface properties of amniotic fluid and fetal lung maturity.", "content": "Surface activity of 75 amniotic fluid samples from pregnancies which ended before term or at term with small-for-date newborns was measured in the surface balance. The results were correlated with the clinical symptomatology and the birth weight of the newborn. The surface properties of the lungs of those infants who had died were assessed by the buble stability method (Pattle), by recording of pressure-volume diagram and by measurements of surface activity of lung extracts. The results indicate that gamma-min is the essential parameter in determining the degree of fetal lung maturity. In cases with gamma-min values of amniotic fluid above 27 dyn/cm, a 100% respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) incidence is to be expected; values between 23 and 27 dyn/cm have a 70% values between 17 and 23 dyn/cm have a 30% incidence of RDS and in all cases with values below 17 dyn/cm, RDS may be rules out. When induced delivery before term is considered, this method of determining the degree of fetal lung maturity is, therefore, of significant prognostic reliability.", "contents": "Surface properties of amniotic fluid and fetal lung maturity. Surface activity of 75 amniotic fluid samples from pregnancies which ended before term or at term with small-for-date newborns was measured in the surface balance. The results were correlated with the clinical symptomatology and the birth weight of the newborn. The surface properties of the lungs of those infants who had died were assessed by the buble stability method (Pattle), by recording of pressure-volume diagram and by measurements of surface activity of lung extracts. The results indicate that gamma-min is the essential parameter in determining the degree of fetal lung maturity. In cases with gamma-min values of amniotic fluid above 27 dyn/cm, a 100% respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) incidence is to be expected; values between 23 and 27 dyn/cm have a 70% values between 17 and 23 dyn/cm have a 30% incidence of RDS and in all cases with values below 17 dyn/cm, RDS may be rules out. When induced delivery before term is considered, this method of determining the degree of fetal lung maturity is, therefore, of significant prognostic reliability.", "PMID": 1005938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10346", "title": "[A method of estimating alveolo-arterial gradient and arterial pressure of CO2, without analysis of blood].", "content": "In 31 normal and 378 patients suffering from various bronchopulmonary diseases, a relation was established experimentally between TCO and the alveolo-arterial gradient of CO2. From TCO and CO2 output, this relation allows to obtain a reproducible estimation of the alveolo-arterial gradient and of the arterial pressure of CO2 by a non-bloody method with sufficient clinical accuracy. Moreover, this methods permits to interpret TCO steady state more easily and especially so under unusual ventilatory conditions.", "contents": "[A method of estimating alveolo-arterial gradient and arterial pressure of CO2, without analysis of blood]. In 31 normal and 378 patients suffering from various bronchopulmonary diseases, a relation was established experimentally between TCO and the alveolo-arterial gradient of CO2. From TCO and CO2 output, this relation allows to obtain a reproducible estimation of the alveolo-arterial gradient and of the arterial pressure of CO2 by a non-bloody method with sufficient clinical accuracy. Moreover, this methods permits to interpret TCO steady state more easily and especially so under unusual ventilatory conditions.", "PMID": 1005939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10347", "title": "Primary pulmonary sporotrichosis.", "content": "A case of pulmonary sporotrichosis is described with secondary involvement of the rectum which was misdiagnosed as tuberculosis for a number of years. The authors suggest that every nondiagnosed chronic cavitary disease in the lung should include appropriate tests for sporotrichosis.", "contents": "Primary pulmonary sporotrichosis. A case of pulmonary sporotrichosis is described with secondary involvement of the rectum which was misdiagnosed as tuberculosis for a number of years. The authors suggest that every nondiagnosed chronic cavitary disease in the lung should include appropriate tests for sporotrichosis.", "PMID": 1005940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10348", "title": "Severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.", "content": "Four cases of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection are reported which were treated in a single hospital over the course of 4 years. The difficulties in the diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infections are eminently demonstrated by these cases. Because of the fact that it generally takes 2-o weeks to make this diagnosis, the physician must utilize clues of limited reliability. If gram stains and culture of sputum fail to demonstrate any bacterial pathogen and the patient has a chest X-ray compatible with this diagnosis as well as a white blood count less than 15,000/mm3, M. pneumoniae infection may be present. A good antimicrobial choice in such a situation is erythromycin.", "contents": "Severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Four cases of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection are reported which were treated in a single hospital over the course of 4 years. The difficulties in the diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infections are eminently demonstrated by these cases. Because of the fact that it generally takes 2-o weeks to make this diagnosis, the physician must utilize clues of limited reliability. If gram stains and culture of sputum fail to demonstrate any bacterial pathogen and the patient has a chest X-ray compatible with this diagnosis as well as a white blood count less than 15,000/mm3, M. pneumoniae infection may be present. A good antimicrobial choice in such a situation is erythromycin.", "PMID": 1005941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10349", "title": "[Amnesiac aphasia. Study of 25 cases].", "content": "Twenty-five patients with \"amnesic aphasia\" were studied. The language difficulty is not related either to intellectual deficit, generalised memory disturbance or visual impairment but is a specific verbal memory defect. Amnesic aphasia also involves lack of perception of linguistic units which is caused by impairment of comprehension and erasure of the acoustico-mnesic traces of words. The responsible lesions are in the left temporal region. The authors maintain that, from the physio-pathological point of view, these lesions do not destroy the cortex and sub-cortex, as in focal necrosis, but cause cortical dysfunction selectively affecting the mnesic traces of words.", "contents": "[Amnesiac aphasia. Study of 25 cases]. Twenty-five patients with \"amnesic aphasia\" were studied. The language difficulty is not related either to intellectual deficit, generalised memory disturbance or visual impairment but is a specific verbal memory defect. Amnesic aphasia also involves lack of perception of linguistic units which is caused by impairment of comprehension and erasure of the acoustico-mnesic traces of words. The responsible lesions are in the left temporal region. The authors maintain that, from the physio-pathological point of view, these lesions do not destroy the cortex and sub-cortex, as in focal necrosis, but cause cortical dysfunction selectively affecting the mnesic traces of words.", "PMID": 1006009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10350", "title": "[Multiple sclerosis with reduced and with normal levels of complement in the blood. Clinical and genetic correlation].", "content": "The authors describe the results of immunological assay of complement factors C3, C4 (the usual path of activation of complement) and of B factor (the alternate path of activation) in 61 multiple sclerosis patients not receiving corticoids, 52 normal controls and 217 patients with other neurological disorders. Hypocomplementaemia (fall in factor C3 related to a fall in total haemolytic activity) was found in 29.5 p. 100 of the patients not on corticotherapy at the first assay, and in 36 p. 100 of the patients when repeated assays were carried out. Hypocomplementaemia is significantly more frequent in multiple sclerosis than in the normal population (0 p. 100) and in neurological patients (9.6 p. 100). In 13.1 p. 100 of the multiple sclerosis patients there was a decrease in B factor: 50.3 p. 100 of the multiple sclerosis patients exhibited no quantitative abnormality of the main factors of complement (normocomplementary multiple sclerosis). The group of multiple sclerosis patients with hypocomplementaemia was characterized by the incidence of other abnormalities in the complement system: cleavage of the C3 factor and a fall in B factor in 60 p. 100 of the cases. A more frequent increase in IgE and measles antibodies was found also while the normocomplementary multiple sclerosis patients more frequently had higher levels of IgA. Genetically, the group with hypocomplementaemia is related to a significant increase in the incidence of the HL-A W18 group while the normocomplementary multiple sclerosis patients appear closely related to the HL-A7 group. Familial investigations show that hypocomplementaemia is usually present in the ascendents and collaterals and that it seems to be transmitted with the HL-A haplotypes. Four families gave evidence of transmission with the W18 group. This transmission sometimes occurs together with transmission of an increase in IgE and/or of measles antibodies. In two pedigrees, one of the ascendents carried in his serum an activator of the alternate path of complement. There does not appear to be any prognostic difference between the two groups. In multiple sclerosis with hypocomplementaemia, the facts suggest a complex immunological abnormality, transmitted genetically to the subject and existing prior to the illness, comprising both elements of deficient and excessive immune response. The recognized presence of a gene of immunological reactivity and of genes of synthesis of complement on the 6th chromosome, in proximity with genes of histocompatability (HL-A and M.L.C.) provides a theoretical basis for this supposition.", "contents": "[Multiple sclerosis with reduced and with normal levels of complement in the blood. Clinical and genetic correlation]. The authors describe the results of immunological assay of complement factors C3, C4 (the usual path of activation of complement) and of B factor (the alternate path of activation) in 61 multiple sclerosis patients not receiving corticoids, 52 normal controls and 217 patients with other neurological disorders. Hypocomplementaemia (fall in factor C3 related to a fall in total haemolytic activity) was found in 29.5 p. 100 of the patients not on corticotherapy at the first assay, and in 36 p. 100 of the patients when repeated assays were carried out. Hypocomplementaemia is significantly more frequent in multiple sclerosis than in the normal population (0 p. 100) and in neurological patients (9.6 p. 100). In 13.1 p. 100 of the multiple sclerosis patients there was a decrease in B factor: 50.3 p. 100 of the multiple sclerosis patients exhibited no quantitative abnormality of the main factors of complement (normocomplementary multiple sclerosis). The group of multiple sclerosis patients with hypocomplementaemia was characterized by the incidence of other abnormalities in the complement system: cleavage of the C3 factor and a fall in B factor in 60 p. 100 of the cases. A more frequent increase in IgE and measles antibodies was found also while the normocomplementary multiple sclerosis patients more frequently had higher levels of IgA. Genetically, the group with hypocomplementaemia is related to a significant increase in the incidence of the HL-A W18 group while the normocomplementary multiple sclerosis patients appear closely related to the HL-A7 group. Familial investigations show that hypocomplementaemia is usually present in the ascendents and collaterals and that it seems to be transmitted with the HL-A haplotypes. Four families gave evidence of transmission with the W18 group. This transmission sometimes occurs together with transmission of an increase in IgE and/or of measles antibodies. In two pedigrees, one of the ascendents carried in his serum an activator of the alternate path of complement. There does not appear to be any prognostic difference between the two groups. In multiple sclerosis with hypocomplementaemia, the facts suggest a complex immunological abnormality, transmitted genetically to the subject and existing prior to the illness, comprising both elements of deficient and excessive immune response. The recognized presence of a gene of immunological reactivity and of genes of synthesis of complement on the 6th chromosome, in proximity with genes of histocompatability (HL-A and M.L.C.) provides a theoretical basis for this supposition.", "PMID": 1006010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10351", "title": "[Behavioral manifestations induced by electric stimulation of the anterior cingulate gyrus in man].", "content": "The electrical stimulation of a restricted part of area 24 in awake man elicits important behavioral changes. The present study is dealing with 83 epileptic patients whose brain activity was recorded in SEEG conditions, with a view to possible neurosurgery. In order to determine how seizures originate and propagate, 116 multileads electrodes (65 right, 51 left) were stereotaxically inserted in the anterior part of the cingular gyrus. 521 stimulations were performed. In 362 cases, this stimulation induced a particular behaviour which was characterized by an arousal, motor activities (involving fingers and hand, mouth, legs, eyes, associated movements of hand mouth, highly integrated movements), thymic modifications and hallucinatory manifestations. Topographical organization of the effective area in the cingular gyrus and the relation between the electrical responses and stimulation parameters are studied.", "contents": "[Behavioral manifestations induced by electric stimulation of the anterior cingulate gyrus in man]. The electrical stimulation of a restricted part of area 24 in awake man elicits important behavioral changes. The present study is dealing with 83 epileptic patients whose brain activity was recorded in SEEG conditions, with a view to possible neurosurgery. In order to determine how seizures originate and propagate, 116 multileads electrodes (65 right, 51 left) were stereotaxically inserted in the anterior part of the cingular gyrus. 521 stimulations were performed. In 362 cases, this stimulation induced a particular behaviour which was characterized by an arousal, motor activities (involving fingers and hand, mouth, legs, eyes, associated movements of hand mouth, highly integrated movements), thymic modifications and hallucinatory manifestations. Topographical organization of the effective area in the cingular gyrus and the relation between the electrical responses and stimulation parameters are studied.", "PMID": 1006011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10352", "title": "[Recurrent polyneuropathy with a 19-year course, associated with a benign IgG monoclonal gammapathy].", "content": "A case of recurrent polyradiculoneuritis in a 54-year-old man is described. It is exceptional because of its lengthy development over a period of 19 years and by its association with a paraprotein of the IgE type without anyother anomal. Corticotherapy had a favourable effect on the clinical symptoms but did not affect the amount of monoclonal immunoglobulin in the serum. The nosological position of this neuropathy and the type of gammapathy are discussed. An immune mechanism seems likely, but no proof of a link between the neuropathy and the gammapathy could be found.", "contents": "[Recurrent polyneuropathy with a 19-year course, associated with a benign IgG monoclonal gammapathy]. A case of recurrent polyradiculoneuritis in a 54-year-old man is described. It is exceptional because of its lengthy development over a period of 19 years and by its association with a paraprotein of the IgE type without anyother anomal. Corticotherapy had a favourable effect on the clinical symptoms but did not affect the amount of monoclonal immunoglobulin in the serum. The nosological position of this neuropathy and the type of gammapathy are discussed. An immune mechanism seems likely, but no proof of a link between the neuropathy and the gammapathy could be found.", "PMID": 1006012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10353", "title": "[Prolonged traumatic and vascular coma: prognostic and therapeutic indications based on hemodynamic and metabolic studies].", "content": "From haemodynamic and metabolic investigation of 65 comatose subjects following cranial traumatism or cerebral vascular accident, the following prognostic and therapeutic indications emerged: The isolated increase in oxygen pressure in the jugular vein to above 50 mm Hg, the simultaneous decrease in circulation of the brain to below of 30 ml/100g/min., and of the brain consumption of oxygen to below 1.5 ml/100g/min., combined with a loss of autoregulation and a decrease in carbon dioxide reactivity indicate that prognosis is very poor. Induced arterial hypertension, associated with hyperventilation, partially corrects brain hypoperfusion in coma from bulbo-pontine lesions. Sodium penthiobarbital and sodium gamma hydroxybutyrate and have the effect of reducing oxygen metabolism which might have some therapeutic value during the acute phase of coma. Clomipramine which has a stimulating effect on oxygen metabolism should be kept in reserve for the chronic phase of prolonged coma.", "contents": "[Prolonged traumatic and vascular coma: prognostic and therapeutic indications based on hemodynamic and metabolic studies]. From haemodynamic and metabolic investigation of 65 comatose subjects following cranial traumatism or cerebral vascular accident, the following prognostic and therapeutic indications emerged: The isolated increase in oxygen pressure in the jugular vein to above 50 mm Hg, the simultaneous decrease in circulation of the brain to below of 30 ml/100g/min., and of the brain consumption of oxygen to below 1.5 ml/100g/min., combined with a loss of autoregulation and a decrease in carbon dioxide reactivity indicate that prognosis is very poor. Induced arterial hypertension, associated with hyperventilation, partially corrects brain hypoperfusion in coma from bulbo-pontine lesions. Sodium penthiobarbital and sodium gamma hydroxybutyrate and have the effect of reducing oxygen metabolism which might have some therapeutic value during the acute phase of coma. Clomipramine which has a stimulating effect on oxygen metabolism should be kept in reserve for the chronic phase of prolonged coma.", "PMID": 1006013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10354", "title": "[Diagnosis of cerebrovascular disorders using stannous technetium pyrophosphate].", "content": "A total of 122 cases of various neurological diagnoses (among which 72 cerebral infarcts, 7 intracerebral hematomas and 38 intracranial tumors) had two separate brain scans, performed within 48 hours of each other after the administration of pertechnetate and technetium stannous pyrophosphate. The comparison of the resulting seans indicates that, in addition of an osseous accumulation, the pyrophosphate localizes greatly in ischemic cerebral lesions, especially those observed during the second week of evolution. It seems that the uptake of pyrophosphate reflects the area of anaerobic changes whereas the accumulation of pertechnetate depends on the disruption of the blood brain barrier. The scintigraphic diagnostic of cerebral infarctions is greatly improved.", "contents": "[Diagnosis of cerebrovascular disorders using stannous technetium pyrophosphate]. A total of 122 cases of various neurological diagnoses (among which 72 cerebral infarcts, 7 intracerebral hematomas and 38 intracranial tumors) had two separate brain scans, performed within 48 hours of each other after the administration of pertechnetate and technetium stannous pyrophosphate. The comparison of the resulting seans indicates that, in addition of an osseous accumulation, the pyrophosphate localizes greatly in ischemic cerebral lesions, especially those observed during the second week of evolution. It seems that the uptake of pyrophosphate reflects the area of anaerobic changes whereas the accumulation of pertechnetate depends on the disruption of the blood brain barrier. The scintigraphic diagnostic of cerebral infarctions is greatly improved.", "PMID": 1006014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10355", "title": "[Total removal through the ventricle in 2 cases of pallidocaudal arteriovenous abnormalities under deep hypotension].", "content": "Two cases of A.V.M. situated in the pallido-caudal area and directly nourrished by the anterior perforated space arteries have been investigated using three angiographic techniques: selective internal carotid angiography, angiotomography including pneumoencephalography and angiography under deep hypotension at 30 mm Hg (mean pressure) induced by sodium nitroprusside. These investigations led to the conclusion that the A.V.M. could be removed through the lateral ventricle. Both were radically removed using the retrograde technique under deep hypotension and the operative microscope. Both patients are alive without additional neurological deficit.", "contents": "[Total removal through the ventricle in 2 cases of pallidocaudal arteriovenous abnormalities under deep hypotension]. Two cases of A.V.M. situated in the pallido-caudal area and directly nourrished by the anterior perforated space arteries have been investigated using three angiographic techniques: selective internal carotid angiography, angiotomography including pneumoencephalography and angiography under deep hypotension at 30 mm Hg (mean pressure) induced by sodium nitroprusside. These investigations led to the conclusion that the A.V.M. could be removed through the lateral ventricle. Both were radically removed using the retrograde technique under deep hypotension and the operative microscope. Both patients are alive without additional neurological deficit.", "PMID": 1006015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10356", "title": "[Comparative study of A, B, and H substances in stromas with and without lipid removal. Studies of the erythrocyte membrane].", "content": "Human erythrocyte membranes were prepared by hypotonic hemolysis and extracted with water pH 7, EDTA and mercapto-ethanol solutions pH 8. The complex residue which contains lipids, proteins and the A, B, H antigens was dissolved in SDS and analysed by preparative acrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of SDS. Each fraction was assayed for A, B or H blood-group activity by hemagglutination inhibition tests. Two experiments were done for each blood-group A, B, O. One with entire ghosts, another after extraction of the ghosts residue with a mixture of chloroform-methanol. The comparison of results showed that the distribution of proteins and blood-group antigen activity among the different fractions is not modified and that, in the two experiments, the elution of H substance is delayed by comparison with elution of A and B substances. The blood-group A, B and H antigens are known to be glycosphingolipids and are not entirely eliminated by treatment of the ghosts with cloroform and methanol. It has recently been reported [7] that these antigens are complex glycosphingolipids with hydrophilic character and remain in the aqueous phase after extraction of the erythrocyte membrane with organic solvents.", "contents": "[Comparative study of A, B, and H substances in stromas with and without lipid removal. Studies of the erythrocyte membrane]. Human erythrocyte membranes were prepared by hypotonic hemolysis and extracted with water pH 7, EDTA and mercapto-ethanol solutions pH 8. The complex residue which contains lipids, proteins and the A, B, H antigens was dissolved in SDS and analysed by preparative acrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of SDS. Each fraction was assayed for A, B or H blood-group activity by hemagglutination inhibition tests. Two experiments were done for each blood-group A, B, O. One with entire ghosts, another after extraction of the ghosts residue with a mixture of chloroform-methanol. The comparison of results showed that the distribution of proteins and blood-group antigen activity among the different fractions is not modified and that, in the two experiments, the elution of H substance is delayed by comparison with elution of A and B substances. The blood-group A, B and H antigens are known to be glycosphingolipids and are not entirely eliminated by treatment of the ghosts with cloroform and methanol. It has recently been reported [7] that these antigens are complex glycosphingolipids with hydrophilic character and remain in the aqueous phase after extraction of the erythrocyte membrane with organic solvents.", "PMID": 1006050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10357", "title": "[Cad antigen in the French population].", "content": "An investigation of Cad phenotypes in the French population had been carried out in 1973, in four Blood Transfusion Centers (Mulhouse, Nancy, Paris, Versailles), B and O red cells were tested with the Dolichos Biflorus lectin. Out of 78.528 donors, 56 were found to have the Cad antigen on their red cells. The mean frequency was 0,07%. Nevertheless, this frequency varied among the four above mentioned Blood Transfusion Centers: the observed differences were probably due to the preparation procedure of the Dolichos biflorus extract. The family investigation permitted the analysis of four families with at least three Cad individuals. The independence of the Cad system and of Auberger, Gc, Hp, C'3, PGM, Pac and ADA was demonstrated. A quantitative agglutination study on these Cad samples using the Dolichos biflorus lectin,and a selected AB serum showed a high variability of the erythrocyte Cad Strength, even within one family. Most Cad samples were found polyagglutinable when a sensitive technique and selected AB sera were used. All adult sera contained an anti-Cad1 antibody, except Cad1 individuals. Although strong Sda reactivity was always found in Cad red cells, the anti-Cad and anti Sda specificities were not identical: this was demonstrated by the absorption and inhibition tests of anti-Cad and anti-Sda reagents absorption and inhibition tests of anti-Cad and anti-Sda reagents with Sda material. From thf Cad red cells, there was no evidence of the existence of separable anti-A1 and anti-Cad agglutinins in the Dolichos biflorus lectin.", "contents": "[Cad antigen in the French population]. An investigation of Cad phenotypes in the French population had been carried out in 1973, in four Blood Transfusion Centers (Mulhouse, Nancy, Paris, Versailles), B and O red cells were tested with the Dolichos Biflorus lectin. Out of 78.528 donors, 56 were found to have the Cad antigen on their red cells. The mean frequency was 0,07%. Nevertheless, this frequency varied among the four above mentioned Blood Transfusion Centers: the observed differences were probably due to the preparation procedure of the Dolichos biflorus extract. The family investigation permitted the analysis of four families with at least three Cad individuals. The independence of the Cad system and of Auberger, Gc, Hp, C'3, PGM, Pac and ADA was demonstrated. A quantitative agglutination study on these Cad samples using the Dolichos biflorus lectin,and a selected AB serum showed a high variability of the erythrocyte Cad Strength, even within one family. Most Cad samples were found polyagglutinable when a sensitive technique and selected AB sera were used. All adult sera contained an anti-Cad1 antibody, except Cad1 individuals. Although strong Sda reactivity was always found in Cad red cells, the anti-Cad and anti Sda specificities were not identical: this was demonstrated by the absorption and inhibition tests of anti-Cad and anti-Sda reagents absorption and inhibition tests of anti-Cad and anti-Sda reagents with Sda material. From thf Cad red cells, there was no evidence of the existence of separable anti-A1 and anti-Cad agglutinins in the Dolichos biflorus lectin.", "PMID": 1006051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10358", "title": "[Typing and detection of antibodies in the PLA system (platelet). Application to the study of neonatal thrombopenia by feto-maternal PLA allo-immunisation].", "content": "A platelet indirect radio-active Coombs test has been described. The technique for purification and labelling the antiglobulin has been precised. This test allows the typing of platelets in the PLA system and the study of sera from mothers of thrombocytopenic child. As examples, four families of neonatal thrombocytopenia are reported, with PLA1 negative mother. In the serum of three of these mothers, we could demonstrate anti-PLA antibodies in spite of a negative platelet complement fixation. This test has many advantages compared to other tests such as platelet complement fixation, assay for blocking antibodies or antiglobulin consumption: it gives objective and quantitative results and is highly reproducible, anticomplementary serum may be tested. It has enabled us to select PLA1 negative donors for exsanguino-transfusions of thrombocytopenic children born from PLA1 negative mothers.", "contents": "[Typing and detection of antibodies in the PLA system (platelet). Application to the study of neonatal thrombopenia by feto-maternal PLA allo-immunisation]. A platelet indirect radio-active Coombs test has been described. The technique for purification and labelling the antiglobulin has been precised. This test allows the typing of platelets in the PLA system and the study of sera from mothers of thrombocytopenic child. As examples, four families of neonatal thrombocytopenia are reported, with PLA1 negative mother. In the serum of three of these mothers, we could demonstrate anti-PLA antibodies in spite of a negative platelet complement fixation. This test has many advantages compared to other tests such as platelet complement fixation, assay for blocking antibodies or antiglobulin consumption: it gives objective and quantitative results and is highly reproducible, anticomplementary serum may be tested. It has enabled us to select PLA1 negative donors for exsanguino-transfusions of thrombocytopenic children born from PLA1 negative mothers.", "PMID": 1006052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10359", "title": "[Frequency of hepatitis after extra-corporeal circulation].", "content": "In cardio-vascular surgery the risk that the hepatitis-B (H.B.) virus be transmitted was measured in 3 groups of patients (Professor Ch. Dubost), before and since systematic screening for HBS antigen in donors' blood. The same questionnaire was sent to each patient in each group 6 months after extra-corporeal-circulation (ECC), in order to determine the efficiency of HB virus screening tests. The present study gives the following results: --in the first group (no screening for HBS antigen in donors' blood), the frequency of icteric hepatitis was 6.7% (26 cases of jaundice, probably due to hepatitis viruses, out of 386 ECC); --in the second group (screening for HBS antigen in donors' blood by immuno-diffusion (often made after transfusion of fresh blood) the frequency of icteric hepatitis after transfusion of HBS antigen positive blood); --in the third groups, icteric hepatitis was less frequent (4.6%) since systematic screening for HBS antigen by counter-electrophoresis and complement fixation was performed (29 cas out of 629 ECC). Additionally, viral hepatitis appeared more frequently in men than in women, and among older patients than younger ones. Recovery was generally complete in 2 months; however, the evolution of the disease was severe in 3 cases and fatal in one case. In sum, after ECC, hepatitis still remains a frequent side-effect, compelling blood centers to use th most sensitive screening tests now available for HBS screening: radio-immuno-assay and reverse passive haemagglutination tests. As a consequence of the present study, these 2 techniques are being applied on a daily basis in our laboratory for HBS antigen screening tests are ineffective in preventing the transmission of other strains of viral hepatitis by blood transfusion.", "contents": "[Frequency of hepatitis after extra-corporeal circulation]. In cardio-vascular surgery the risk that the hepatitis-B (H.B.) virus be transmitted was measured in 3 groups of patients (Professor Ch. Dubost), before and since systematic screening for HBS antigen in donors' blood. The same questionnaire was sent to each patient in each group 6 months after extra-corporeal-circulation (ECC), in order to determine the efficiency of HB virus screening tests. The present study gives the following results: --in the first group (no screening for HBS antigen in donors' blood), the frequency of icteric hepatitis was 6.7% (26 cases of jaundice, probably due to hepatitis viruses, out of 386 ECC); --in the second group (screening for HBS antigen in donors' blood by immuno-diffusion (often made after transfusion of fresh blood) the frequency of icteric hepatitis after transfusion of HBS antigen positive blood); --in the third groups, icteric hepatitis was less frequent (4.6%) since systematic screening for HBS antigen by counter-electrophoresis and complement fixation was performed (29 cas out of 629 ECC). Additionally, viral hepatitis appeared more frequently in men than in women, and among older patients than younger ones. Recovery was generally complete in 2 months; however, the evolution of the disease was severe in 3 cases and fatal in one case. In sum, after ECC, hepatitis still remains a frequent side-effect, compelling blood centers to use th most sensitive screening tests now available for HBS screening: radio-immuno-assay and reverse passive haemagglutination tests. As a consequence of the present study, these 2 techniques are being applied on a daily basis in our laboratory for HBS antigen screening tests are ineffective in preventing the transmission of other strains of viral hepatitis by blood transfusion.", "PMID": 1006053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10360", "title": "[Comparative study of technics of screening of carriers of HBs antigen].", "content": "The purpose of this study was to compare the results of 3 reverse passive haemagglutination techniques currently used by blood centers for the HBS antigen screening in donors' blood. A comparison was also made with 3 other techniques: Radio-immuno-assay (RIA), Counter-electrophoresis (CEP), Complement fixation (CF). The sera from 2.028 blood donors were screened by all those techniques, as well as 105 known sera, used as references (87 HBS antigen positive sera with different titers, 18 HBS antigen negative sera) and coming from 4 origins: NIH-Bethesda, Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine, Paris; H\u00f4pital de la Piti\u00e9-Salp\u00eatri\u00e8re, Paris; H\u00f4pital Broussais, Paris. The reverse passive haemagglutination techniques were shown to be slightly less sensitive than RIA and definitely more sensitive than CEP and CF, since 18 sera were HBS antigen positive with RIA (0.88%), 10 or 12 with haemagglutination (0.40-0.59%), 8 with CF (0.39%) and 7 with CEP (0.34%). The frequency of false positive results changed with the haemagglutination technique used (0.84% for WH.HBS, to 2.3% for Hepanosticon) and involved confirmatory tests (absorption and/or neutralisation). In sum, the sensitivity, specificity and practicability of the 3 haemagglutination techniques were shown to be nearly identical, with a slight but sure advantage for the WH.HBS in our experiment. Thus reverse passive haemagglutination techniques seem, at the present time, to be the best ones for HBS antigen screening when RIA cannot be applied.", "contents": "[Comparative study of technics of screening of carriers of HBs antigen]. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of 3 reverse passive haemagglutination techniques currently used by blood centers for the HBS antigen screening in donors' blood. A comparison was also made with 3 other techniques: Radio-immuno-assay (RIA), Counter-electrophoresis (CEP), Complement fixation (CF). The sera from 2.028 blood donors were screened by all those techniques, as well as 105 known sera, used as references (87 HBS antigen positive sera with different titers, 18 HBS antigen negative sera) and coming from 4 origins: NIH-Bethesda, Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine, Paris; H\u00f4pital de la Piti\u00e9-Salp\u00eatri\u00e8re, Paris; H\u00f4pital Broussais, Paris. The reverse passive haemagglutination techniques were shown to be slightly less sensitive than RIA and definitely more sensitive than CEP and CF, since 18 sera were HBS antigen positive with RIA (0.88%), 10 or 12 with haemagglutination (0.40-0.59%), 8 with CF (0.39%) and 7 with CEP (0.34%). The frequency of false positive results changed with the haemagglutination technique used (0.84% for WH.HBS, to 2.3% for Hepanosticon) and involved confirmatory tests (absorption and/or neutralisation). In sum, the sensitivity, specificity and practicability of the 3 haemagglutination techniques were shown to be nearly identical, with a slight but sure advantage for the WH.HBS in our experiment. Thus reverse passive haemagglutination techniques seem, at the present time, to be the best ones for HBS antigen screening when RIA cannot be applied.", "PMID": 1006054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10361", "title": "[Polymorphism of factor B of the properdin system (C3PA, GBG, and Bf) and histocompatibility-complement linkage].", "content": "Several recent studies have shown that the genetic polymorphism of factor B of the Properdin system (GBG or Bf) is closely linked to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The genetic polymorphism of Bf, a component of the alternate pathway of complement activation, is revealed by \"immunofixation\" technique after prolonged high voltage agarose electrophoresis. In this report, we describe technique for the Bf grouping and give the results in two families showing the linkage between HL-A and Bf loci. The study of a family with a recombinant between the second HL-A locus (SD-2) and the major MLC locus (LD-1) provides evidence that the Bf locus is not located outside the MLC's because the Bf allele remains linked to the SD-2 allele. In this family, a crossover occurs between Bf and LD-1, and since crossovers between Bf and SD-2 have already been discovered, it is now possible to locate the Bf locus between SD-2 and LD-1. The Bf phenotypes were determined in the serum of 247 normal unrelated caucasian individuals from the area of Strasbourg. The calculated allele frequencies in this population are: BfS=0.757, BfF=0.219, BfS1=0.014, BfF1=0.010. These allele frequencies are intermediary between those found by ALPER and RITTNER. The linkage between MHC and the complement system is now even more evident after the discovery that genes involved in the synthesis of the second and fourth complement components also belong to the MHC on the chromosome 6. These linkages were demonstrated by the study of several families with hereditary C2 deficiency in the U.S.A., and one family with C4 deficiency discovered in Strasbourg. C2 deficiency was found to be associated with three kinds of HL-A haplotypes (HL-A 10, W18; HL-A 2, W18 and HL-A2, 4A2) and the LD-7a specificity. In the family with C4 deficiency, the C4 deficient gene is associated with the HL-A haplotype 2, T3, W10 and a new hitherto unknown MLC type \"Re\". The linkage between C4 and MHC has been demonstrated recently also in the mouse (the Ss protein in the complement C4 fraction in the mouse) and in the guinea pig. The significance of the genetic linkage between some important components of the complement system and MHC is still unknown. It appears necessary to study all the genetic markers located within or in the vicinity of the MHC region on the chromosome 6 in investigations of the relationship between \"pathologic states and HL-A antigens\".", "contents": "[Polymorphism of factor B of the properdin system (C3PA, GBG, and Bf) and histocompatibility-complement linkage]. Several recent studies have shown that the genetic polymorphism of factor B of the Properdin system (GBG or Bf) is closely linked to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The genetic polymorphism of Bf, a component of the alternate pathway of complement activation, is revealed by \"immunofixation\" technique after prolonged high voltage agarose electrophoresis. In this report, we describe technique for the Bf grouping and give the results in two families showing the linkage between HL-A and Bf loci. The study of a family with a recombinant between the second HL-A locus (SD-2) and the major MLC locus (LD-1) provides evidence that the Bf locus is not located outside the MLC's because the Bf allele remains linked to the SD-2 allele. In this family, a crossover occurs between Bf and LD-1, and since crossovers between Bf and SD-2 have already been discovered, it is now possible to locate the Bf locus between SD-2 and LD-1. The Bf phenotypes were determined in the serum of 247 normal unrelated caucasian individuals from the area of Strasbourg. The calculated allele frequencies in this population are: BfS=0.757, BfF=0.219, BfS1=0.014, BfF1=0.010. These allele frequencies are intermediary between those found by ALPER and RITTNER. The linkage between MHC and the complement system is now even more evident after the discovery that genes involved in the synthesis of the second and fourth complement components also belong to the MHC on the chromosome 6. These linkages were demonstrated by the study of several families with hereditary C2 deficiency in the U.S.A., and one family with C4 deficiency discovered in Strasbourg. C2 deficiency was found to be associated with three kinds of HL-A haplotypes (HL-A 10, W18; HL-A 2, W18 and HL-A2, 4A2) and the LD-7a specificity. In the family with C4 deficiency, the C4 deficient gene is associated with the HL-A haplotype 2, T3, W10 and a new hitherto unknown MLC type \"Re\". The linkage between C4 and MHC has been demonstrated recently also in the mouse (the Ss protein in the complement C4 fraction in the mouse) and in the guinea pig. The significance of the genetic linkage between some important components of the complement system and MHC is still unknown. It appears necessary to study all the genetic markers located within or in the vicinity of the MHC region on the chromosome 6 in investigations of the relationship between \"pathologic states and HL-A antigens\".", "PMID": 1006055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10362", "title": "Corticosteroid therapy in rhinoplasty.", "content": "3 years experience in corticoid treatment of more than 796 cases of rhinoplasty is reported. A remarkable reduction of oedema after surgery was observed. The application of 40 mg Corticoid crystalline suspension on each side of the nose following surgical procedure is recommended.", "contents": "Corticosteroid therapy in rhinoplasty. 3 years experience in corticoid treatment of more than 796 cases of rhinoplasty is reported. A remarkable reduction of oedema after surgery was observed. The application of 40 mg Corticoid crystalline suspension on each side of the nose following surgical procedure is recommended.", "PMID": 1006069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10363", "title": "Nasal ventilation measured in forced respiratory flow.", "content": "First results of measurements of a forced respiratory flow for the evaluation of nasal ventilation performance are provided. The obtained data indicate that the chronometric registration of the flow-volume-curve provides a clearer indication as to the dynamism of nasal respiration than the measurement of statistical nasal resistance or, in other words, the respiration flow with a specific resistance.", "contents": "Nasal ventilation measured in forced respiratory flow. First results of measurements of a forced respiratory flow for the evaluation of nasal ventilation performance are provided. The obtained data indicate that the chronometric registration of the flow-volume-curve provides a clearer indication as to the dynamism of nasal respiration than the measurement of statistical nasal resistance or, in other words, the respiration flow with a specific resistance.", "PMID": 1006070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10364", "title": "Nasal challenge.", "content": "Seven years' experience of nasal challenge is presented. On the basis of a material of 1492 controlled provocation tests performed on 715 patients, practical problems concerning the performance period of the provocation, application methods, allergen preparations, interpretation of the results as well as the relevance and correlation of different investigation methods of allergic rhinitis are discussed.", "contents": "Nasal challenge. Seven years' experience of nasal challenge is presented. On the basis of a material of 1492 controlled provocation tests performed on 715 patients, practical problems concerning the performance period of the provocation, application methods, allergen preparations, interpretation of the results as well as the relevance and correlation of different investigation methods of allergic rhinitis are discussed.", "PMID": 1006072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10365", "title": "[Endemic goiter in the province of Castell\u00f3n de la Plana, incidence in 1958 and 1974].", "content": "The authors report the dramatic regression in endemic goiter that has taken place in the Spanish provice of Castell\u00f3n de la Plana, comparing data obtained in 1958 and 1974 with present-day data. They stress the fact that the plenomenon has occurred without a previous prophylaxis program.", "contents": "[Endemic goiter in the province of Castell\u00f3n de la Plana, incidence in 1958 and 1974]. The authors report the dramatic regression in endemic goiter that has taken place in the Spanish provice of Castell\u00f3n de la Plana, comparing data obtained in 1958 and 1974 with present-day data. They stress the fact that the plenomenon has occurred without a previous prophylaxis program.", "PMID": 1006059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10366", "title": "[The problem of acalculia: a study of a case].", "content": "1)The Authors describe a case of acalculia and emphasize some peculiar aspects, the study of which was facilitated by being the patient a mathematics teacher. 2) The patient was unable to perform arithmetic operations (addition and subtraction) but was able to carry our more complex and algebric operations. The acalculia was associated with constructional apraxia. 3) These findings are discussed and the hypothesis is suggested that simple mental arithmetic calculations need spatial operations which are not required for more complex mathematical reasoning and that the ability for calculation may decline by the very same progression, one level after the other, as the language.", "contents": "[The problem of acalculia: a study of a case]. 1)The Authors describe a case of acalculia and emphasize some peculiar aspects, the study of which was facilitated by being the patient a mathematics teacher. 2) The patient was unable to perform arithmetic operations (addition and subtraction) but was able to carry our more complex and algebric operations. The acalculia was associated with constructional apraxia. 3) These findings are discussed and the hypothesis is suggested that simple mental arithmetic calculations need spatial operations which are not required for more complex mathematical reasoning and that the ability for calculation may decline by the very same progression, one level after the other, as the language.", "PMID": 1006073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10367", "title": "[Experimental comparative study on the antiepileptic effect of clonazepam, sodium dintoine and phenobarbital administered parenterally].", "content": "A comparative study of the antiepileptic action of Clonazepam, phenythoin-natrium and phenobarbital has been performed in acute experiments in rabbits. The effort of the three drugs, administered intravenously, was studied on a) the epileptic activity induced by electrical stimulation of the amygdala, b) the interictal and c) ictal epileptic activity of an amygdaloid chemical focus (penicillin in gel). Clonazepam has a definite higher capacity, than the other drugs examined to prevent or to reduce the phenomenon of generalization of epilepsy. However, its effect has a shorter duration.", "contents": "[Experimental comparative study on the antiepileptic effect of clonazepam, sodium dintoine and phenobarbital administered parenterally]. A comparative study of the antiepileptic action of Clonazepam, phenythoin-natrium and phenobarbital has been performed in acute experiments in rabbits. The effort of the three drugs, administered intravenously, was studied on a) the epileptic activity induced by electrical stimulation of the amygdala, b) the interictal and c) ictal epileptic activity of an amygdaloid chemical focus (penicillin in gel). Clonazepam has a definite higher capacity, than the other drugs examined to prevent or to reduce the phenomenon of generalization of epilepsy. However, its effect has a shorter duration.", "PMID": 1006074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10368", "title": "[Acquired aphasia with convulsion anomalies in the developmental age: clinical neuropsychological and electroencephalographic study of a case].", "content": "A four year old boy presented three epileptic seizures of psychomotor type; immediately after he began to show a progressive and rapid dissolution of speech, until he became completely aphasic after few weeks. Since then, repeated EEG examinations have always shown anomalies of epileptic type, located on the left hemisphere, at times on the right, at times bilaterally asynchronous. The neurological, psychic, audiological, chemical-biological and neuro-radiological (bi-lateral carotidogram and penumoencephalogram) exams did not show any other anomalies. After an observation period three years, the AA. underline the following evolutive aspects of the case: 1) The aphasic syndrome is on the way to slow improvement both in its expressive component and in its perceptive component. The recovery of speech seems to follow, with a slower rhythm, the stages of acquisition of the speech in the normal subject. 2) Diversely from other cases of the literature, no positive correlation exists between the gravity of the aphasic syndrome and that of the EEG anomaly: they have worsened while the disturbance of the speech have partially regressed.", "contents": "[Acquired aphasia with convulsion anomalies in the developmental age: clinical neuropsychological and electroencephalographic study of a case]. A four year old boy presented three epileptic seizures of psychomotor type; immediately after he began to show a progressive and rapid dissolution of speech, until he became completely aphasic after few weeks. Since then, repeated EEG examinations have always shown anomalies of epileptic type, located on the left hemisphere, at times on the right, at times bilaterally asynchronous. The neurological, psychic, audiological, chemical-biological and neuro-radiological (bi-lateral carotidogram and penumoencephalogram) exams did not show any other anomalies. After an observation period three years, the AA. underline the following evolutive aspects of the case: 1) The aphasic syndrome is on the way to slow improvement both in its expressive component and in its perceptive component. The recovery of speech seems to follow, with a slower rhythm, the stages of acquisition of the speech in the normal subject. 2) Diversely from other cases of the literature, no positive correlation exists between the gravity of the aphasic syndrome and that of the EEG anomaly: they have worsened while the disturbance of the speech have partially regressed.", "PMID": 1006075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10369", "title": "[Nosography of the Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome].", "content": "The Author presents two cases of Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome, characterized from a rare psychopathologic symptom consisting in a state of delirium (first case); by lack of obesity and oligophrenia (first case), and of familiarity (second case).", "contents": "[Nosography of the Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome]. The Author presents two cases of Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome, characterized from a rare psychopathologic symptom consisting in a state of delirium (first case); by lack of obesity and oligophrenia (first case), and of familiarity (second case).", "PMID": 1006077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10370", "title": "[Rheumatoid arthritis and trauma. 5 cases].", "content": "The authors report 5 cases of post-traumatic rheumatoid polyarthritis. After the traumatism had initiated the first stages of ordinary inflammation, chain reactions, perhaps by means of an \"immune\" field, intervened to transform it into a self-maintained rheumatoid inflammation. In fact, the etiopathogenic problems of post-traumatic rheumatoid polyarthritis have not yet been elucidated and it cannot be said either that the question of legal compensation for it is any nearer solution. The growing importance of traumatisms in everyday life and of compensation for them, and the gravity of the condition and its disabling sequelae require that great caution should be exercised in the search for criteria for attributing the disease to the traumatism: the almost indefinite evolution of the disease with time makes the choice of the consolidation date arbitrary.", "contents": "[Rheumatoid arthritis and trauma. 5 cases]. The authors report 5 cases of post-traumatic rheumatoid polyarthritis. After the traumatism had initiated the first stages of ordinary inflammation, chain reactions, perhaps by means of an \"immune\" field, intervened to transform it into a self-maintained rheumatoid inflammation. In fact, the etiopathogenic problems of post-traumatic rheumatoid polyarthritis have not yet been elucidated and it cannot be said either that the question of legal compensation for it is any nearer solution. The growing importance of traumatisms in everyday life and of compensation for them, and the gravity of the condition and its disabling sequelae require that great caution should be exercised in the search for criteria for attributing the disease to the traumatism: the almost indefinite evolution of the disease with time makes the choice of the consolidation date arbitrary.", "PMID": 1006120} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10371", "title": "[Fatigue fractures of the femoral neck and pubic rami. Analytical and critical study apropos of 97 case reports from the literature and 5 personal cases].", "content": "This investigation involved a study of fatigue fractures of the neck of the femur and of the pubic branches based on the one hand on 97 cases from the literature, which were diagnosed mainly on radio-clinical criteria, and on the other hand on 5 personal cases for which a quantitative histological analysis was undertaken by needle biopsy of the bone of the iliac wing. After describing these fatigue fractures in an unusual site, the authors undertake a critical study taking account of the histological information that was available. They show that only a histological study makes it possible to differentiate clearly fatigue fractures from insufficiency fractures, particularly when the later occur concurrently with a clinically and radiologically latent osteoporosis.", "contents": "[Fatigue fractures of the femoral neck and pubic rami. Analytical and critical study apropos of 97 case reports from the literature and 5 personal cases]. This investigation involved a study of fatigue fractures of the neck of the femur and of the pubic branches based on the one hand on 97 cases from the literature, which were diagnosed mainly on radio-clinical criteria, and on the other hand on 5 personal cases for which a quantitative histological analysis was undertaken by needle biopsy of the bone of the iliac wing. After describing these fatigue fractures in an unusual site, the authors undertake a critical study taking account of the histological information that was available. They show that only a histological study makes it possible to differentiate clearly fatigue fractures from insufficiency fractures, particularly when the later occur concurrently with a clinically and radiologically latent osteoporosis.", "PMID": 1006121} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10372", "title": "[Latent bone lesions in divers. Comparison of results in a survey of 105 divers and 105 control subjects].", "content": "The results of a systematic radiological study of the shoulders and hips of 105 naval divers are reported and compared with those of recorded during a comparative study carried out in non-diver control subjects of a similar age. Almost half the divers had small bone lesions such as dense islets or bordered geodes. These appeared more frequently in divers than in the controls. Their precise natur remains hypothetical, in the absence of histological criteria, but it is possible at least for the bordered geodes, that they represent tiny centres of osteonecrosis.", "contents": "[Latent bone lesions in divers. Comparison of results in a survey of 105 divers and 105 control subjects]. The results of a systematic radiological study of the shoulders and hips of 105 naval divers are reported and compared with those of recorded during a comparative study carried out in non-diver control subjects of a similar age. Almost half the divers had small bone lesions such as dense islets or bordered geodes. These appeared more frequently in divers than in the controls. Their precise natur remains hypothetical, in the absence of histological criteria, but it is possible at least for the bordered geodes, that they represent tiny centres of osteonecrosis.", "PMID": 1006122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10373", "title": "[Insight into Crohn's disease].", "content": "After noting that Cohn's disease has a long history behind it, the authors show a real increase in the frequency of the disease, apparently more marked in the Anglo-Saxon countries than in France. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is completely unknown. It seems that subjects suffering from Crohn's disease present an exacerbated xenic reaction. There are strong arguments in favour of a genetic contribution. The association with ankylosing spondylarthritis and thus the HLA system is particularly interesting. Following a breif review of the clinical signs and of the complications of the disease, the authors emphasize the diagnostic value of a scoring system. The evolution is very variable: quiescence which does not mean cure, progressive and continuous aggravation, alternation of outbreaks and remissions. Symptomatic, medical therapy is certainly effective but is efficacy is limited. Medical therapy aimed at the etiopathogenic factors is without foundation. Surgical intervention, sometimes immediately beneficial, is accompanied by a 50% frequency of recurrences in a ten-year period. Crohn's disease, fatal in 5% of cases, sometimes handicapping severely the development of the individual, is worthy of further rheumatological study.", "contents": "[Insight into Crohn's disease]. After noting that Cohn's disease has a long history behind it, the authors show a real increase in the frequency of the disease, apparently more marked in the Anglo-Saxon countries than in France. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is completely unknown. It seems that subjects suffering from Crohn's disease present an exacerbated xenic reaction. There are strong arguments in favour of a genetic contribution. The association with ankylosing spondylarthritis and thus the HLA system is particularly interesting. Following a breif review of the clinical signs and of the complications of the disease, the authors emphasize the diagnostic value of a scoring system. The evolution is very variable: quiescence which does not mean cure, progressive and continuous aggravation, alternation of outbreaks and remissions. Symptomatic, medical therapy is certainly effective but is efficacy is limited. Medical therapy aimed at the etiopathogenic factors is without foundation. Surgical intervention, sometimes immediately beneficial, is accompanied by a 50% frequency of recurrences in a ten-year period. Crohn's disease, fatal in 5% of cases, sometimes handicapping severely the development of the individual, is worthy of further rheumatological study.", "PMID": 1006123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10374", "title": "[A special form of lupus disease. Deep cutaneous lupus. Apropos of 2 cases].", "content": "Deep cutaneous lupus is a clinical form of lupus disease for which a very old description has recently been brought up to date. Two new cases are reported here and a review of the literature makes it possible to analyse the clinical, biochemical, histological, and immunological features of this panniculitis. Different from the Weber-Christian syndrome, it is characterized by repeated eruptions of nodules and/or subcutaneous plaques, and histologically by vasculitis, lymphocyte infiltration, and sometimes te presence of immunoglobulins on the basal dermal membrane and around the vessels.", "contents": "[A special form of lupus disease. Deep cutaneous lupus. Apropos of 2 cases]. Deep cutaneous lupus is a clinical form of lupus disease for which a very old description has recently been brought up to date. Two new cases are reported here and a review of the literature makes it possible to analyse the clinical, biochemical, histological, and immunological features of this panniculitis. Different from the Weber-Christian syndrome, it is characterized by repeated eruptions of nodules and/or subcutaneous plaques, and histologically by vasculitis, lymphocyte infiltration, and sometimes te presence of immunoglobulins on the basal dermal membrane and around the vessels.", "PMID": 1006125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10375", "title": "[Current aspects of the Fiessinger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome seen at the initial stage in a military setting].", "content": "The authors report a series of 40 recent personal cases of the Fiessinger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome seen at the initial stage in military personnel, in which post-diarrhoeal forms were combined with post-urethritis forms. They emphasize the special features of the articular lesions which alone orient the diagnosis towards this syndrome which is confirmed by the evolution and the paraclinical examinations. They also emphasize the value for diagnosis of the disease of testing for HLA B27 and also its importance with regard to the prognosis, but they show that this antigen is sometimes absent particularly subjected to numerous hostile factors related to poor hygienic conditions. The authors conclude that the presence of the HLA B27 antigen must not lead to a refusal to recognize the relation of this disease to service in patients who have been subjected to the hostile factors that have a role in the genesis of the Fiessinger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome, as this is frequent in military personnel.", "contents": "[Current aspects of the Fiessinger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome seen at the initial stage in a military setting]. The authors report a series of 40 recent personal cases of the Fiessinger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome seen at the initial stage in military personnel, in which post-diarrhoeal forms were combined with post-urethritis forms. They emphasize the special features of the articular lesions which alone orient the diagnosis towards this syndrome which is confirmed by the evolution and the paraclinical examinations. They also emphasize the value for diagnosis of the disease of testing for HLA B27 and also its importance with regard to the prognosis, but they show that this antigen is sometimes absent particularly subjected to numerous hostile factors related to poor hygienic conditions. The authors conclude that the presence of the HLA B27 antigen must not lead to a refusal to recognize the relation of this disease to service in patients who have been subjected to the hostile factors that have a role in the genesis of the Fiessinger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome, as this is frequent in military personnel.", "PMID": 1006126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10376", "title": "[Fatigue fractures of the metatarsal bones].", "content": "The authors report 145 cases of fatigue fractures including 125 of the metartarsals. They compare this distribution that reported by others, in particular in German work. After study of the different types of clinical picture the authors emphasize the importance of repeated and high quality radiological examinations. They describe the four stages of radiological evolution. Each of the images taken out of its context is misleading. They may lead to the diagnosis being missed and thus should be well known.", "contents": "[Fatigue fractures of the metatarsal bones]. The authors report 145 cases of fatigue fractures including 125 of the metartarsals. They compare this distribution that reported by others, in particular in German work. After study of the different types of clinical picture the authors emphasize the importance of repeated and high quality radiological examinations. They describe the four stages of radiological evolution. Each of the images taken out of its context is misleading. They may lead to the diagnosis being missed and thus should be well known.", "PMID": 1006127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10377", "title": "[Diagnostic value of localized hypofixations in the radioisotope scanning of bones].", "content": "The scintigraphic appearances of all localized, evolutive bone lesions, whatever their nature, is usually a \"hot spot\", that is a zone of hyperfixation of the radioactive material. False negatively scintigraphs are, however, noted: the scintigraphic image appears normal, without a zone of hyperfixation, although radiographs of the skeleton are pathological. The 8 cases presented in this article demonstrate that certain bone lesions (aseptic osteonecrosis and malignant destruction of bone) may sometimes be represented as real zones of hypofixation, as veritable \"cold spots\". These areas of hypofixation result from either a local interruption in the vascularization, which prevents the isotope from reaching the bony structures, or from a quantitative insufficiency of the bony tissue, this being replaced by neoplastic tissue which, in the cases studied, fixed labelled Bleomycin or iodine-131. These areas of hypofixation and any absences of fixation really are the scintigraphic images of areas of osteolysis or of aseptic osteonecrosis but they are generally masked by hyperfixation around the lesion that results in reactional osteogenesis and hypervascularization.", "contents": "[Diagnostic value of localized hypofixations in the radioisotope scanning of bones]. The scintigraphic appearances of all localized, evolutive bone lesions, whatever their nature, is usually a \"hot spot\", that is a zone of hyperfixation of the radioactive material. False negatively scintigraphs are, however, noted: the scintigraphic image appears normal, without a zone of hyperfixation, although radiographs of the skeleton are pathological. The 8 cases presented in this article demonstrate that certain bone lesions (aseptic osteonecrosis and malignant destruction of bone) may sometimes be represented as real zones of hypofixation, as veritable \"cold spots\". These areas of hypofixation result from either a local interruption in the vascularization, which prevents the isotope from reaching the bony structures, or from a quantitative insufficiency of the bony tissue, this being replaced by neoplastic tissue which, in the cases studied, fixed labelled Bleomycin or iodine-131. These areas of hypofixation and any absences of fixation really are the scintigraphic images of areas of osteolysis or of aseptic osteonecrosis but they are generally masked by hyperfixation around the lesion that results in reactional osteogenesis and hypervascularization.", "PMID": 1006128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10378", "title": "[Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Apropos of 15 \"pure\" cases and 100 cases \"combined\" with leprosy or diabetes mellitus].", "content": "The authors have observed 15 cases of the tarsal canal syndrome: the 14 cases operated on showed compression of the nerve by bone fragments resulting from trauma by local varices, by a muscular anomaly, or as a result of enclosure by post-trauma fibrosis. Surgery resulted in 10 cures and considerable improvement in 2 other cases. In addition to these 15 \"pure\" cases the authors report their experience of neurolysis of the posterior tibial nerve and of the plantar nerves of the tarsal canal in the treatment of perforating plantar lesions in leprosy (88 cases) and diabetes (12 cases). The good results in these cases indicate the value of extending this therapy to the treatment of perforating plantar lesions in cases of large nerve neuritis.", "contents": "[Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Apropos of 15 \"pure\" cases and 100 cases \"combined\" with leprosy or diabetes mellitus]. The authors have observed 15 cases of the tarsal canal syndrome: the 14 cases operated on showed compression of the nerve by bone fragments resulting from trauma by local varices, by a muscular anomaly, or as a result of enclosure by post-trauma fibrosis. Surgery resulted in 10 cures and considerable improvement in 2 other cases. In addition to these 15 \"pure\" cases the authors report their experience of neurolysis of the posterior tibial nerve and of the plantar nerves of the tarsal canal in the treatment of perforating plantar lesions in leprosy (88 cases) and diabetes (12 cases). The good results in these cases indicate the value of extending this therapy to the treatment of perforating plantar lesions in cases of large nerve neuritis.", "PMID": 1006129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10379", "title": "Experience of computer-assisted ECG recording in 242 exercise tests.", "content": "242 computer-assisted exercise tests were studied. The computer performs simultaneous averaging of a 6- or 12-lead ECG, keeps track of the work load and time and labels all ECG records. Less than 1 per cent of atrial and ventricular extrasystoles were included in the computer average together with ordinary beats, while 80 per cent of all beats were averaged. Averaging reduced the peak-to-nadir QRS amplitude by 3-4 per cent at a sampling rate of 400/s and by 8-9 per cent at 200/s. Q waves with small beat-to-beat variation were usually well preserved after averaging while more variable QRS details often decreased in width or amplitude. The averaging program performed adequately on most kinds of arrhythmia. Averaging should not be used on pacemaker ECGs. Caution must be exercised in the presence of very frequent ventricular extrasystoles.", "contents": "Experience of computer-assisted ECG recording in 242 exercise tests. 242 computer-assisted exercise tests were studied. The computer performs simultaneous averaging of a 6- or 12-lead ECG, keeps track of the work load and time and labels all ECG records. Less than 1 per cent of atrial and ventricular extrasystoles were included in the computer average together with ordinary beats, while 80 per cent of all beats were averaged. Averaging reduced the peak-to-nadir QRS amplitude by 3-4 per cent at a sampling rate of 400/s and by 8-9 per cent at 200/s. Q waves with small beat-to-beat variation were usually well preserved after averaging while more variable QRS details often decreased in width or amplitude. The averaging program performed adequately on most kinds of arrhythmia. Averaging should not be used on pacemaker ECGs. Caution must be exercised in the presence of very frequent ventricular extrasystoles.", "PMID": 1006138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10380", "title": "Computer classification of ST and T in averaged ECGs at rest and exercise.", "content": "A computer program for ST and T classification at rest and exercise is described. The automatic ST classification was based on the modification of the Minnesota code suggested by Punsar et al. The T wave classification was based on the Minnesota code of 1968. Recordings at rest, during and after exercise from 217 exercise tests were visually classified by two observers, and their result was compared to the computer's. Computer-observer comparisons yielded no more disagreements than between-observer comparisons. There were computer-observer disagreements caused by computer errors in 3% of the records. The repeatability of the computer's ST classification on records taken during exercise was better than that of one visual observer. Within-computer and within-observer repeatability appeared to be negatively affected by remaining noise in the average.", "contents": "Computer classification of ST and T in averaged ECGs at rest and exercise. A computer program for ST and T classification at rest and exercise is described. The automatic ST classification was based on the modification of the Minnesota code suggested by Punsar et al. The T wave classification was based on the Minnesota code of 1968. Recordings at rest, during and after exercise from 217 exercise tests were visually classified by two observers, and their result was compared to the computer's. Computer-observer comparisons yielded no more disagreements than between-observer comparisons. There were computer-observer disagreements caused by computer errors in 3% of the records. The repeatability of the computer's ST classification on records taken during exercise was better than that of one visual observer. Within-computer and within-observer repeatability appeared to be negatively affected by remaining noise in the average.", "PMID": 1006139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10381", "title": "A system for computer-assisted ECG recording at rest and exercise.", "content": "Great investments have been made in computerized ECG interpretation but little attention has been paid to rationalization of such costly activities as recording, labelling and mounting ECGs, and still less to the presentation of ECGs. A system for such tasks is described. It includes a PDP8/E computer and modified ink jet ECG recorders, which write alphanumeric text and function as analogue input- and output-devices for the computer. On-line computer service is given independently to two laboratories for ECG at rest, VCG or exercise ECG. After averaging the ECG signal, the computer writes out a properly labelled ECG in an easily surveyable form. The visual interpretation of the ECG is entered and is then written on a new sheet together with the averaged 12-lead ECG and a rhythm strip. In exercise testing, the computer records and processes the ECG at predetermined intervals. The processing includes an automatic ST classification. A summarized presentationof the ECG before, during and after exercise allows easy visual identification of ECG changes. Experience of the system has mainly been obtained from 2 years of routine exercise ECG recording and to a limited extent from ECG and VCG recording at rest.", "contents": "A system for computer-assisted ECG recording at rest and exercise. Great investments have been made in computerized ECG interpretation but little attention has been paid to rationalization of such costly activities as recording, labelling and mounting ECGs, and still less to the presentation of ECGs. A system for such tasks is described. It includes a PDP8/E computer and modified ink jet ECG recorders, which write alphanumeric text and function as analogue input- and output-devices for the computer. On-line computer service is given independently to two laboratories for ECG at rest, VCG or exercise ECG. After averaging the ECG signal, the computer writes out a properly labelled ECG in an easily surveyable form. The visual interpretation of the ECG is entered and is then written on a new sheet together with the averaged 12-lead ECG and a rhythm strip. In exercise testing, the computer records and processes the ECG at predetermined intervals. The processing includes an automatic ST classification. A summarized presentationof the ECG before, during and after exercise allows easy visual identification of ECG changes. Experience of the system has mainly been obtained from 2 years of routine exercise ECG recording and to a limited extent from ECG and VCG recording at rest.", "PMID": 1006140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10382", "title": "Immunoreactive insulin (IRI) dynamics in GH-deficient patients following intravenous glycine loading.", "content": "In hypopituitary short-statured patients glycine intravenous injection (250 mg/kg of body weight) provokes a mild and inconstant stimulation of IRI release followed by a significant fall down. Though insiginificant (P 0.064), the prevalence of IRI responsive individuals to glycine in the patients group of idiopathic etiology could be of pathophysiological importance.", "contents": "Immunoreactive insulin (IRI) dynamics in GH-deficient patients following intravenous glycine loading. In hypopituitary short-statured patients glycine intravenous injection (250 mg/kg of body weight) provokes a mild and inconstant stimulation of IRI release followed by a significant fall down. Though insiginificant (P 0.064), the prevalence of IRI responsive individuals to glycine in the patients group of idiopathic etiology could be of pathophysiological importance.", "PMID": 1006134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10383", "title": "Quantitative study of extrathyroid enzymatic conversion of T4 to T3 in man.", "content": "The authors present a quantitative study of the extrathyroid conversion process of T4 to T3 in 3 athyroid patients, on the basis of an original biochemical model and a rigorous mathematical treatment, utilizing the kinetic isotope method. The values of thor the constant of the reaction rate of conversion of T4 to T3 and of the T4 fraction that undergoes this process--serum concentrations of T4 and T2--were determined in two completely different ways: 1) the radiochromatographic method, and 2) radioimmunoassay of T3 and competitive protein binding of T4. The results thus obtained supported each other and revealed that more than 1/3 of the body total thyroxine is turned into triiodothyronine by the extrathyroid conversion process. The maximum concentration of the triiodothyronine thus formed is reached after 5-6 days, if the reference level of this hormone is zero. However, the higher the T3 reference concentration in the body, up to the normal physiologic level, the shorter the time interval for reaching the T3 maximum concentration following a single moderate dose of T4.", "contents": "Quantitative study of extrathyroid enzymatic conversion of T4 to T3 in man. The authors present a quantitative study of the extrathyroid conversion process of T4 to T3 in 3 athyroid patients, on the basis of an original biochemical model and a rigorous mathematical treatment, utilizing the kinetic isotope method. The values of thor the constant of the reaction rate of conversion of T4 to T3 and of the T4 fraction that undergoes this process--serum concentrations of T4 and T2--were determined in two completely different ways: 1) the radiochromatographic method, and 2) radioimmunoassay of T3 and competitive protein binding of T4. The results thus obtained supported each other and revealed that more than 1/3 of the body total thyroxine is turned into triiodothyronine by the extrathyroid conversion process. The maximum concentration of the triiodothyronine thus formed is reached after 5-6 days, if the reference level of this hormone is zero. However, the higher the T3 reference concentration in the body, up to the normal physiologic level, the shorter the time interval for reaching the T3 maximum concentration following a single moderate dose of T4.", "PMID": 1006135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10384", "title": "Glycogen phosphorylase activity in biopsy samples and single muscle fibres of musculus quadriceps femoris of man at rest.", "content": "Glycogen phosphorylase activity in biopsy samples of the quadriceps muscle of man taken at rest was measured in the direction of glycogen breakdown. The conditions of assay used were pH 6.8 and 35 degrees C. Mean phosphorylase activity per kg fresh muscle in 8 male volunteers was: phosphorylase a - 259 U, and total phosphorylase - 627 U, where 1 U is the production of 1 mumol glucose-1-phosphate/s under the conditions of assay. The mean value of total activity, transposed to the in vivo condition, is sufficient to support a maximum rate of glycogen degradation calculated as glucosyl units utilized per kg fresh muscle, of 627 mumol/s. This is approximately the rate at which glycolysis occurs during a maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The mean ratio of phosphorylase a activity to total activity at rest was 0.40. Estimates of the mean total phosphorylase activity in type I ('slow') muscle fibres isolated from the quadriceps of 9 volunteers ranged from 210-385 U/kg fresh muscle, and in type II ('fast') muscle fibres from 493-934 U/kg fresh muscle. The average ratio of activity in type II fibres compared with that in type I fibres was 2.5.", "contents": "Glycogen phosphorylase activity in biopsy samples and single muscle fibres of musculus quadriceps femoris of man at rest. Glycogen phosphorylase activity in biopsy samples of the quadriceps muscle of man taken at rest was measured in the direction of glycogen breakdown. The conditions of assay used were pH 6.8 and 35 degrees C. Mean phosphorylase activity per kg fresh muscle in 8 male volunteers was: phosphorylase a - 259 U, and total phosphorylase - 627 U, where 1 U is the production of 1 mumol glucose-1-phosphate/s under the conditions of assay. The mean value of total activity, transposed to the in vivo condition, is sufficient to support a maximum rate of glycogen degradation calculated as glucosyl units utilized per kg fresh muscle, of 627 mumol/s. This is approximately the rate at which glycolysis occurs during a maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The mean ratio of phosphorylase a activity to total activity at rest was 0.40. Estimates of the mean total phosphorylase activity in type I ('slow') muscle fibres isolated from the quadriceps of 9 volunteers ranged from 210-385 U/kg fresh muscle, and in type II ('fast') muscle fibres from 493-934 U/kg fresh muscle. The average ratio of activity in type II fibres compared with that in type I fibres was 2.5.", "PMID": 1006142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10385", "title": "Parenteral administration of phospholipase C in the rat. Distribution, elimination, and lethal doses.", "content": "Infusions of tissue thromboplastin induce intravascular coagulation in animals. Phospholipase C (PLC) (EC 3.1.4.3) from Bacillus cereus has a marked protective effect against such infusions and might be of value in the therapy of certain types of intravascular coagulation. We have therefore studied the toxicity, half-life, and effect on lipolysis of purified PLC in rats, using parenteral administration of 14C-labelled enzyme. Following intravenous injection, the plasma half-life was 5.2-5.4 min, and LD50 was approximately 1.6-1.7 mg/kg. The effect of PLC on lipolysis was moderate. The enzyme does not appear to be bound to any plasma macromolecules, and there was no accumulation of labelled enzyme in tissues other than kidney.", "contents": "Parenteral administration of phospholipase C in the rat. Distribution, elimination, and lethal doses. Infusions of tissue thromboplastin induce intravascular coagulation in animals. Phospholipase C (PLC) (EC 3.1.4.3) from Bacillus cereus has a marked protective effect against such infusions and might be of value in the therapy of certain types of intravascular coagulation. We have therefore studied the toxicity, half-life, and effect on lipolysis of purified PLC in rats, using parenteral administration of 14C-labelled enzyme. Following intravenous injection, the plasma half-life was 5.2-5.4 min, and LD50 was approximately 1.6-1.7 mg/kg. The effect of PLC on lipolysis was moderate. The enzyme does not appear to be bound to any plasma macromolecules, and there was no accumulation of labelled enzyme in tissues other than kidney.", "PMID": 1006144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10386", "title": "Microcalorimetric measurements of heat production in human erythrocytes. IV. Comparison between different calorimetric techniques, suspension media, and preparation methods.", "content": "Heat production in human erythrocytes from healthy subjects has been measured under different experimental conditions. Simultaneous measurements were made on the same samples using different types of microcalorimeters: a static ampoule calorimeter, an air perfusion calorimeter, and a flow calorimeter. Obtained heat effect values for specified standard conditions, P degrees, were within uncertainty limits the same for the different calorimeters. Cells were suspended either in autologous plasma or in a phosphate buffer. P degrees values for buffer suspensions were significantly higher than those for plasma suspensions. Erythrocyte samples prepared by the column adsorption technique gave higher P degrees values than those obtained by a conventional centrifugation procedure.", "contents": "Microcalorimetric measurements of heat production in human erythrocytes. IV. Comparison between different calorimetric techniques, suspension media, and preparation methods. Heat production in human erythrocytes from healthy subjects has been measured under different experimental conditions. Simultaneous measurements were made on the same samples using different types of microcalorimeters: a static ampoule calorimeter, an air perfusion calorimeter, and a flow calorimeter. Obtained heat effect values for specified standard conditions, P degrees, were within uncertainty limits the same for the different calorimeters. Cells were suspended either in autologous plasma or in a phosphate buffer. P degrees values for buffer suspensions were significantly higher than those for plasma suspensions. Erythrocyte samples prepared by the column adsorption technique gave higher P degrees values than those obtained by a conventional centrifugation procedure.", "PMID": 1006145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10387", "title": "Effect of the thymus storage factor (TSF) on the blood sugar and insulin level.", "content": "The rat thymus extract prepared with physiological NaCl solution causes--by its TSF component--an increase of the blood sugar level. After sugar loading in TSF-treated animals, the blood sugar level becomes gradually higher and the insulin secretion diminishes as compared to the control animals. Thymectomy moderates but does not inhibit the TSF decreasing effect on the insulin level. Consequently, TSF primarily causes a decrease of the blood insulin level which correlates with a rise of the blood sugar level.", "contents": "Effect of the thymus storage factor (TSF) on the blood sugar and insulin level. The rat thymus extract prepared with physiological NaCl solution causes--by its TSF component--an increase of the blood sugar level. After sugar loading in TSF-treated animals, the blood sugar level becomes gradually higher and the insulin secretion diminishes as compared to the control animals. Thymectomy moderates but does not inhibit the TSF decreasing effect on the insulin level. Consequently, TSF primarily causes a decrease of the blood insulin level which correlates with a rise of the blood sugar level.", "PMID": 1006133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10388", "title": "Impaired anticoagulant effect of heparin in the artificial kidney. An experimental study.", "content": "Dialysis of blood and plasma was performed in vitro, in a 'mini-Kill' dialyser as well as in dialysis bags. A marked shortening of the thrombin-clotting time was observed, indicating fall in heparin anticoagulant effect. The concentration of heparin, however, as measured by polybrene titration, was substantially less reduced. Fibrin formation, as evidenced by the ethanol gelation test, occurred more often in the dialysed than in the control plasma. In conclusion, the discrepancy between concentration and anticoagulant effect of heparin could be partly explained by influx from the dialysate of calcium, magnesium, and acetate ions. The fibrin-polymerizing effect of these ions was confirmed by a shortening of the clotting time with Reptilase, a proteolytic enzyme not influenced by thrombin inhibitors such as heparin. In addition, liberation of platelet factor 4 may be responsible for some reduction in antithrombin activity of heparin. No evidence of heparin being dialysed or adhering to the dialysis membrane was found.", "contents": "Impaired anticoagulant effect of heparin in the artificial kidney. An experimental study. Dialysis of blood and plasma was performed in vitro, in a 'mini-Kill' dialyser as well as in dialysis bags. A marked shortening of the thrombin-clotting time was observed, indicating fall in heparin anticoagulant effect. The concentration of heparin, however, as measured by polybrene titration, was substantially less reduced. Fibrin formation, as evidenced by the ethanol gelation test, occurred more often in the dialysed than in the control plasma. In conclusion, the discrepancy between concentration and anticoagulant effect of heparin could be partly explained by influx from the dialysate of calcium, magnesium, and acetate ions. The fibrin-polymerizing effect of these ions was confirmed by a shortening of the clotting time with Reptilase, a proteolytic enzyme not influenced by thrombin inhibitors such as heparin. In addition, liberation of platelet factor 4 may be responsible for some reduction in antithrombin activity of heparin. No evidence of heparin being dialysed or adhering to the dialysis membrane was found.", "PMID": 1006146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10389", "title": "The effect of standing and exercise on plasma catecholamines, serum insulin, and serum gastrin.", "content": "Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was measured in six normal subjects in the resting supine position, during standing, and during a period of moderate exercise in the supine position. Plasma noradrenaline averaged 0.26 ng/ml in the supine, resting position and rose to 0.57 and 0.61 ng/ml at the end of the standing experiment and the exercise period, respectively. Plasma adrenaline was unchanged in the standing position but rose threefold during exercise (to 0.09 ng/ml). Serum gastrin tended to decrease in all three experiments after the injection of glucose. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was the same during the first 10 min after the injection of glucose in the three experiments. It is concluded that a moderate increase in adrenergic activity has no influence on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.", "contents": "The effect of standing and exercise on plasma catecholamines, serum insulin, and serum gastrin. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was measured in six normal subjects in the resting supine position, during standing, and during a period of moderate exercise in the supine position. Plasma noradrenaline averaged 0.26 ng/ml in the supine, resting position and rose to 0.57 and 0.61 ng/ml at the end of the standing experiment and the exercise period, respectively. Plasma adrenaline was unchanged in the standing position but rose threefold during exercise (to 0.09 ng/ml). Serum gastrin tended to decrease in all three experiments after the injection of glucose. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was the same during the first 10 min after the injection of glucose in the three experiments. It is concluded that a moderate increase in adrenergic activity has no influence on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.", "PMID": 1006147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10390", "title": "Quantitation of active pancreatic endopeptidases in the intestinal contents of germfree and conventional rats.", "content": "Trypsin, chymotrypsin, and elastase were measured in the intestinal contents of germfree and conventional laboratory rats. Active trypsin was highest in the lower part of the small intestine and fell abruptly in the cecum. Trypsin was present in the feces of germfree rats but not of conventional laboratory rats. Electrophoresis of supernatant fluids from intestinal contents, and functional assays with specific synthetic substrates confirmed these results. The concentrations of active elastase were very high in the upper small intestine but low elsewhere. Active elastase was present in contents from the large intestine of germfree, but not conventional laboratory rats. These results suggest that normal microbiological inhabitants of the intestinal tract of rats play a role in the inactivation of pancreatic enzymes.", "contents": "Quantitation of active pancreatic endopeptidases in the intestinal contents of germfree and conventional rats. Trypsin, chymotrypsin, and elastase were measured in the intestinal contents of germfree and conventional laboratory rats. Active trypsin was highest in the lower part of the small intestine and fell abruptly in the cecum. Trypsin was present in the feces of germfree rats but not of conventional laboratory rats. Electrophoresis of supernatant fluids from intestinal contents, and functional assays with specific synthetic substrates confirmed these results. The concentrations of active elastase were very high in the upper small intestine but low elsewhere. Active elastase was present in contents from the large intestine of germfree, but not conventional laboratory rats. These results suggest that normal microbiological inhabitants of the intestinal tract of rats play a role in the inactivation of pancreatic enzymes.", "PMID": 1006149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10391", "title": "Bile acid metabolism and vitamin B12 absorption in ulcerative colitis.", "content": "Bile acid and vitamin B12 malabsorption were evaluated in 34 cases of ulcerative colitis. Twenty-four patients were non-operated and 10 patients were colectomized. The postprandial duodenal bile acid concentration was abnormally low in 13 of 24 non-operated cases and found to be correlated to the activity of the disease. Two of six patients subjected to colectomy had a reduced bile acid concentration. Bile acid absorption was assessed by the cholyl-glycine-1-14C breath test combined with faecal analysis. The 14C-excretion in breath was abnormally elevated in only one of the patients in the total material. The faecal 14C-output was related to the disease activity in the non-operated group. Patients colectomized for ulcerative colitis had an extremely high excretion of isotope in the ileal effluent, from 15 to 81 per cent of the dose given. The faecal 14C-output was correlated with the duration of the ileostomy and the mass of ileal discharge. Vitamin B12 malabsorption was only present in five patients. It is concluded that patients with ulcerative colitis during the active phase of the disease have bile acid malabsorption, and patients colectomized for ulcerative colitis have an abnormal high bile acid deconjugation in the ileal effluent.", "contents": "Bile acid metabolism and vitamin B12 absorption in ulcerative colitis. Bile acid and vitamin B12 malabsorption were evaluated in 34 cases of ulcerative colitis. Twenty-four patients were non-operated and 10 patients were colectomized. The postprandial duodenal bile acid concentration was abnormally low in 13 of 24 non-operated cases and found to be correlated to the activity of the disease. Two of six patients subjected to colectomy had a reduced bile acid concentration. Bile acid absorption was assessed by the cholyl-glycine-1-14C breath test combined with faecal analysis. The 14C-excretion in breath was abnormally elevated in only one of the patients in the total material. The faecal 14C-output was related to the disease activity in the non-operated group. Patients colectomized for ulcerative colitis had an extremely high excretion of isotope in the ileal effluent, from 15 to 81 per cent of the dose given. The faecal 14C-output was correlated with the duration of the ileostomy and the mass of ileal discharge. Vitamin B12 malabsorption was only present in five patients. It is concluded that patients with ulcerative colitis during the active phase of the disease have bile acid malabsorption, and patients colectomized for ulcerative colitis have an abnormal high bile acid deconjugation in the ileal effluent.", "PMID": 1006150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10392", "title": "Ileostomy in ulcerative colitis. Results in 149 patients.", "content": "The operative mortality among 144 patients treated with proctocolectomy and ileostomy for ulcerative colitis was 7.6%. Half the patients had fulminating colitis. Only 4 patients died during the follow-up period. Intestinal obstruction needing laparatomy occurred in 8.6%. Ileostomy revisions have been carried out in 13%, and significantly more often in females than males owing to a higher frequency of stoma retraction. Other ileostomy problems (leakage, skin soreness, excoriation) were experienced by nearly half the patients. These problems were episodic in the majority and could usually be remedied by instruction and new devices. Less than 7% used colostomy bags. In the remainder the changing interval appeared to be a measure of ileostomy success. The average length of the ileostomy spout was significantly longer in males without ileostomy problems (5.8 cm) than in males having leakage (3.7 cm). This difference was not apparent in females. Working and sexual impairment was rare. The success of an ileostomy depends on proper management, i.e., access to expert advice, instruction, training, follow-up, and adequate supplies of appliances. A stoma therapist on the staff is therefore extremely valuable.", "contents": "Ileostomy in ulcerative colitis. Results in 149 patients. The operative mortality among 144 patients treated with proctocolectomy and ileostomy for ulcerative colitis was 7.6%. Half the patients had fulminating colitis. Only 4 patients died during the follow-up period. Intestinal obstruction needing laparatomy occurred in 8.6%. Ileostomy revisions have been carried out in 13%, and significantly more often in females than males owing to a higher frequency of stoma retraction. Other ileostomy problems (leakage, skin soreness, excoriation) were experienced by nearly half the patients. These problems were episodic in the majority and could usually be remedied by instruction and new devices. Less than 7% used colostomy bags. In the remainder the changing interval appeared to be a measure of ileostomy success. The average length of the ileostomy spout was significantly longer in males without ileostomy problems (5.8 cm) than in males having leakage (3.7 cm). This difference was not apparent in females. Working and sexual impairment was rare. The success of an ileostomy depends on proper management, i.e., access to expert advice, instruction, training, follow-up, and adequate supplies of appliances. A stoma therapist on the staff is therefore extremely valuable.", "PMID": 1006151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10393", "title": "Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the pancreas.", "content": "Fine needle aspiration biopsy from the pancreas was carried out peroperatively in 60 patients. A suspicion of malignancy due to a palpaple mass in the pancreas was raised in 45 cases and confirmed by cytology in 27 cases. Of the remaining 18 cases in which malignancy was suspected, the majority were caused by penetrating gastroduodenal ulcers or pancreatitis. There was only one false negative cytological report among the 37 patients with available histological control. There were no complications due to the aspiration biopsy.", "contents": "Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the pancreas. Fine needle aspiration biopsy from the pancreas was carried out peroperatively in 60 patients. A suspicion of malignancy due to a palpaple mass in the pancreas was raised in 45 cases and confirmed by cytology in 27 cases. Of the remaining 18 cases in which malignancy was suspected, the majority were caused by penetrating gastroduodenal ulcers or pancreatitis. There was only one false negative cytological report among the 37 patients with available histological control. There were no complications due to the aspiration biopsy.", "PMID": 1006152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10394", "title": "Morphological and functional changes of the liver following small intestinal bypass for obesity.", "content": "Liver biopsies of 6 patients were obtained at time of jejuno-ileal bypass and compared with liver biopsies obtained at 6, 12, and 18 months after the operation. The extent of fatty changes, cellular infiltration, connective tissue infiltration, and parenchymal cell damage was recorded. In biopsies taken 6 and 12 months postoperatively a considerable increase was observed in steatosis and cell damage, biopsies obtained at 18 months after the operation showing reduction or clearing of fat. Transient increase in periportal cell infiltration was observed, and in one patient a manifest cirrhosis developed, necessitating partial reversal of the shunt. An attempt was made to correlate the histological changes with alterations in standard liver function tests. The tests were of limited value in predicting the histological changes unless the morphological changes were very serious and the liver in a state of insufficiency. The importance of liver biopsies in the follow-up of bypass patients is stressed.", "contents": "Morphological and functional changes of the liver following small intestinal bypass for obesity. Liver biopsies of 6 patients were obtained at time of jejuno-ileal bypass and compared with liver biopsies obtained at 6, 12, and 18 months after the operation. The extent of fatty changes, cellular infiltration, connective tissue infiltration, and parenchymal cell damage was recorded. In biopsies taken 6 and 12 months postoperatively a considerable increase was observed in steatosis and cell damage, biopsies obtained at 18 months after the operation showing reduction or clearing of fat. Transient increase in periportal cell infiltration was observed, and in one patient a manifest cirrhosis developed, necessitating partial reversal of the shunt. An attempt was made to correlate the histological changes with alterations in standard liver function tests. The tests were of limited value in predicting the histological changes unless the morphological changes were very serious and the liver in a state of insufficiency. The importance of liver biopsies in the follow-up of bypass patients is stressed.", "PMID": 1006153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10395", "title": "Demonstration of a vitamin B12 binder in pancreatic juice. Effect on the intestinal uptake of vitamin B12.", "content": "Determination of vitamin-B12-binding capacity and gel filtration of human pancreatic juice (HPJ) and rat pancreatic juice (RPJ) demonstrated a vitamin B12 binder different from gastric intrinsic factor (IF). The results also indicated the presence of the pancreatic B12 binding in human duodenal juice. The binder in RPJ had no significant effect on the uptake of 57CoB12 and 57CoB12 bound to rat IF by perfused rat intestinal segments (p greater than 0.5; p greater than 0.1). The binder in HPJ had no effect on the uptake of unbound 57CoB12 or 57CoB12 bound to human IF by guinea pig intestinal brush borders (p greater than 0.05; p greater than 0.1). The results indicate that the pancreatic vitamin B12 binder does not influence the intestinal uptake of vitamin B12.", "contents": "Demonstration of a vitamin B12 binder in pancreatic juice. Effect on the intestinal uptake of vitamin B12. Determination of vitamin-B12-binding capacity and gel filtration of human pancreatic juice (HPJ) and rat pancreatic juice (RPJ) demonstrated a vitamin B12 binder different from gastric intrinsic factor (IF). The results also indicated the presence of the pancreatic B12 binding in human duodenal juice. The binder in RPJ had no significant effect on the uptake of 57CoB12 and 57CoB12 bound to rat IF by perfused rat intestinal segments (p greater than 0.5; p greater than 0.1). The binder in HPJ had no effect on the uptake of unbound 57CoB12 or 57CoB12 bound to human IF by guinea pig intestinal brush borders (p greater than 0.05; p greater than 0.1). The results indicate that the pancreatic vitamin B12 binder does not influence the intestinal uptake of vitamin B12.", "PMID": 1006154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10396", "title": "Selective loss of parietal cells in the gastric remnant following antral resection.", "content": "The mucosa of the gastric remnant of 41 subjects who had been operated upon 17-18 years earlier for peptic ulcer was studied histologically. The histological changes were classified as follows: 1) normal mucosa, 1; 2) simple gastritis, superficial or atrophic, 27; and 3) \"selective loss of parietal cells\", 13 subjects. The latter type was characterized by marked loss of parietal cells without corresponding loss of other epithelial elements and without an inflammatory reaction. These changes were thought to reflect a lack of a trophic action on parietal cells exerted by gastrointestinal hormones, as e.g. gastrins.", "contents": "Selective loss of parietal cells in the gastric remnant following antral resection. The mucosa of the gastric remnant of 41 subjects who had been operated upon 17-18 years earlier for peptic ulcer was studied histologically. The histological changes were classified as follows: 1) normal mucosa, 1; 2) simple gastritis, superficial or atrophic, 27; and 3) \"selective loss of parietal cells\", 13 subjects. The latter type was characterized by marked loss of parietal cells without corresponding loss of other epithelial elements and without an inflammatory reaction. These changes were thought to reflect a lack of a trophic action on parietal cells exerted by gastrointestinal hormones, as e.g. gastrins.", "PMID": 1006155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10397", "title": "Prevalence of antral and fundic gastritis in a randomly selected group of an Estonian rural population.", "content": "The state of the gastric antral and the fundic mucosa was examined by gastroscopic biopsy in randomly selected 16-69-year-old subjects of a rural medical district. Fundic gastritis was found in 45% of the series, being superficial in 25% and atrophic in 20%. Antral gastritis occurred in 68%, being superficial in 39% and atrophic in 29%. The occurrence of antral gastritis was more frequent (XZ=15.25; df=1; p less than 0.001) than that of fundic gastritis. Antral gastritis and normal fundic mucosa were found in 32% and isolated fundic gastritis in 10% of the series. In the cases in which gastritis had affected both gastric regions, the changes quite often reflected different stages of the disease. The fundic and antral mucosae were normal only in 22% of the subjects examined.", "contents": "Prevalence of antral and fundic gastritis in a randomly selected group of an Estonian rural population. The state of the gastric antral and the fundic mucosa was examined by gastroscopic biopsy in randomly selected 16-69-year-old subjects of a rural medical district. Fundic gastritis was found in 45% of the series, being superficial in 25% and atrophic in 20%. Antral gastritis occurred in 68%, being superficial in 39% and atrophic in 29%. The occurrence of antral gastritis was more frequent (XZ=15.25; df=1; p less than 0.001) than that of fundic gastritis. Antral gastritis and normal fundic mucosa were found in 32% and isolated fundic gastritis in 10% of the series. In the cases in which gastritis had affected both gastric regions, the changes quite often reflected different stages of the disease. The fundic and antral mucosae were normal only in 22% of the subjects examined.", "PMID": 1006156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10398", "title": "Pressure-responses to cholecystokinin in the fundus and antrum of isolated guinea-pig stomachs.", "content": "Cholecystokinin produced dose-dependent increases in motor activity in antral and fundal pouches of isolated guinea-pig stomachs. The response was immediate; the motor activity increased to a peak within 2 min, then decreased somewhat, but stabilized within 5 min at a value that was higher than before addition of cholecystokinin. In the antral pouches the response consisted of an increase in the amplitude of the rhythmic contractins; in the fundal pouch it was seen as an increase in basal pressure. The antral response was significantly greater in pouches distended to an initial basal pressure of 15-25 cm H2O than in undistended pouches. The fundal reponse was not enhanced by distension.", "contents": "Pressure-responses to cholecystokinin in the fundus and antrum of isolated guinea-pig stomachs. Cholecystokinin produced dose-dependent increases in motor activity in antral and fundal pouches of isolated guinea-pig stomachs. The response was immediate; the motor activity increased to a peak within 2 min, then decreased somewhat, but stabilized within 5 min at a value that was higher than before addition of cholecystokinin. In the antral pouches the response consisted of an increase in the amplitude of the rhythmic contractins; in the fundal pouch it was seen as an increase in basal pressure. The antral response was significantly greater in pouches distended to an initial basal pressure of 15-25 cm H2O than in undistended pouches. The fundal reponse was not enhanced by distension.", "PMID": 1006157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10399", "title": "Effect of highly selective vagotomy on gastric emptying.", "content": "Our objective was to study the gastric motility after highly selective vagotomy (HSV) by determining the gastric emptying rates of isotonic saline and glucose. In 15 controls and 15 patients after HSV, 750 ml of saline and glucose respectively were introduced into the stomach with an interval of two hours. Twenty minutes after each infusion had been started the content of the stomach were aspirated. Phenol red was added as a marker in order to obtain information about the amount of gastric secretion plus possible duodenal regurgitation. In the controls the mean volume of gastric contents recovered was 208 ml after saline and 539 ml after glucose. The corresponding mean volume of test meal remaining was 158 ml after saline and 465 ml after glucose. In patients after HSV the figures for gastric contents were 81 ml after saline and 303 ml after glucose and for meals remaining 59 ml after saline and 259 ml after glucose. The data indicate that HSV speeds the gastric emptying of liquids, while liquids of different compositons are still emptied at different rates, indicating the preservation of a control of the gastric emptying.", "contents": "Effect of highly selective vagotomy on gastric emptying. Our objective was to study the gastric motility after highly selective vagotomy (HSV) by determining the gastric emptying rates of isotonic saline and glucose. In 15 controls and 15 patients after HSV, 750 ml of saline and glucose respectively were introduced into the stomach with an interval of two hours. Twenty minutes after each infusion had been started the content of the stomach were aspirated. Phenol red was added as a marker in order to obtain information about the amount of gastric secretion plus possible duodenal regurgitation. In the controls the mean volume of gastric contents recovered was 208 ml after saline and 539 ml after glucose. The corresponding mean volume of test meal remaining was 158 ml after saline and 465 ml after glucose. In patients after HSV the figures for gastric contents were 81 ml after saline and 303 ml after glucose and for meals remaining 59 ml after saline and 259 ml after glucose. The data indicate that HSV speeds the gastric emptying of liquids, while liquids of different compositons are still emptied at different rates, indicating the preservation of a control of the gastric emptying.", "PMID": 1006158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10400", "title": "Bile acid metabolism after jejunoileal bypass operation for obesity.", "content": "Bile acid metabolism and duodenal bacterial flora were studied in 12 obese patients before and 1-2 months after jejunoileal bypass operation, either including 37.5 cm jejunum and 12.5 cm ileum (Type I) or 12.5 cm jejunum and 37.5 cm ileum (Type III). The cholic acid pool size was unchanged after type I, but decreased after type III, bypass. The daily fractional turn-over of cholic acid increased about five times after both types of operation. The synthesis rate of cholic acid increased after both types of bypass, but more after type I than after type III. In duodenal bile the ratios of cholic to taurine conjugates increased after type I, but were unchanged after type III bypass, whereas the ratio of cholic to chenodeoxycholic acid was unchanged after both types of bypass. The bacterial flora and the occurrence of free bile acids in the fasting duodenal contents did not change after either of the two types of bypass operation. It is concluded that jejunoileal bypass results in marked disturbances in the bile acid metabolism. Surprisingly, these are most severe after bypass including the longest ileum, possibly because of insufficient stimulation of the bile acid synthesis in this type of operation.", "contents": "Bile acid metabolism after jejunoileal bypass operation for obesity. Bile acid metabolism and duodenal bacterial flora were studied in 12 obese patients before and 1-2 months after jejunoileal bypass operation, either including 37.5 cm jejunum and 12.5 cm ileum (Type I) or 12.5 cm jejunum and 37.5 cm ileum (Type III). The cholic acid pool size was unchanged after type I, but decreased after type III, bypass. The daily fractional turn-over of cholic acid increased about five times after both types of operation. The synthesis rate of cholic acid increased after both types of bypass, but more after type I than after type III. In duodenal bile the ratios of cholic to taurine conjugates increased after type I, but were unchanged after type III bypass, whereas the ratio of cholic to chenodeoxycholic acid was unchanged after both types of bypass. The bacterial flora and the occurrence of free bile acids in the fasting duodenal contents did not change after either of the two types of bypass operation. It is concluded that jejunoileal bypass results in marked disturbances in the bile acid metabolism. Surprisingly, these are most severe after bypass including the longest ileum, possibly because of insufficient stimulation of the bile acid synthesis in this type of operation.", "PMID": 1006159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10401", "title": "The incidence and result of radiological examination of the stomach using a barium meal.", "content": "In 1964 1.6-1.8% of the population in Copenhagen County - with a population of approx. 500,000 - were referred for a radiological examination of the stomach. The incidence, the same in both sexes, increased with increasing age, being 1% at the age of 20 years and 3-4% at the age of 70 years. The probability of demonstrating an ulcer was twice as high in men (32%) as in women (17%), reaching a total of approx. 25%. The incidence of a \"negative\" result was thus highest in women. In this \"non-ulcer\" group the sex ratio male:female was correspondingly 0.6:1. Patients with a new ulcer constituted over a certain age a surprisingly constant fraction of those examined -- in men approx. 15%, in women approx. 9%. The total incidence of new and relapse cases of peptic ulcer was 2.6-3.6 per 1000 inhabitants, with a ratio male:female of 1.6:1. The age incidence was constant for women after the age of 50 years and maximal for men in the 70-year age group. The probability of demonstrating changes that within an observational period of 6 years were found to be caused by cancer of the stomach was 1%, corresponding with an incidence of 0.2 per 1000 inhabitants.", "contents": "The incidence and result of radiological examination of the stomach using a barium meal. In 1964 1.6-1.8% of the population in Copenhagen County - with a population of approx. 500,000 - were referred for a radiological examination of the stomach. The incidence, the same in both sexes, increased with increasing age, being 1% at the age of 20 years and 3-4% at the age of 70 years. The probability of demonstrating an ulcer was twice as high in men (32%) as in women (17%), reaching a total of approx. 25%. The incidence of a \"negative\" result was thus highest in women. In this \"non-ulcer\" group the sex ratio male:female was correspondingly 0.6:1. Patients with a new ulcer constituted over a certain age a surprisingly constant fraction of those examined -- in men approx. 15%, in women approx. 9%. The total incidence of new and relapse cases of peptic ulcer was 2.6-3.6 per 1000 inhabitants, with a ratio male:female of 1.6:1. The age incidence was constant for women after the age of 50 years and maximal for men in the 70-year age group. The probability of demonstrating changes that within an observational period of 6 years were found to be caused by cancer of the stomach was 1%, corresponding with an incidence of 0.2 per 1000 inhabitants.", "PMID": 1006160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10402", "title": "Effect of high cholesterol, olive oil diet on the lipids and connective tissue in rat liver. A biochemical study.", "content": "Rats were fed a high cholesterol, olive oil diet for one or seven weeks. The resulting hypertrophic fatty livers were analyzed for lipids, nucleic acids, and connective tissue components. The cholesterol and neutral glyceride contents of liver increased approximately 30-fold during the first week while phospholipids remained almost unchanged. After seven weeks the accumulation of cholesterol was further increased and the content of phospholipids enhanced. The total amounts of DNA and RNA rose with increasing weight of fatty liver. In seven weeks the diet caused a marked increase in hepatic collagen and glycosaminoglycans. The synthesis of collagen was increased in fatty liver slices after both one and seven weeks of the experiment. Fatty liver produced by this lipid diet is suggested as a suitable model for studying the mechanism by which lipids stimulate hepatic fibroblasts.", "contents": "Effect of high cholesterol, olive oil diet on the lipids and connective tissue in rat liver. A biochemical study. Rats were fed a high cholesterol, olive oil diet for one or seven weeks. The resulting hypertrophic fatty livers were analyzed for lipids, nucleic acids, and connective tissue components. The cholesterol and neutral glyceride contents of liver increased approximately 30-fold during the first week while phospholipids remained almost unchanged. After seven weeks the accumulation of cholesterol was further increased and the content of phospholipids enhanced. The total amounts of DNA and RNA rose with increasing weight of fatty liver. In seven weeks the diet caused a marked increase in hepatic collagen and glycosaminoglycans. The synthesis of collagen was increased in fatty liver slices after both one and seven weeks of the experiment. Fatty liver produced by this lipid diet is suggested as a suitable model for studying the mechanism by which lipids stimulate hepatic fibroblasts.", "PMID": 1006161} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10403", "title": "Response of uraemic bone marrow cells to erythropoietin in vitro.", "content": "In vitro culture technique of bone marrow cells has been applied to study the cause of anemia in uraemic patients on maintenance haemodialysis. Incorporation of 59Fe into haem in bone marrow cells of the patients in the presence of erythropoietin, as well as the inhibitory effect of their plasma on the response of normal bone marrow cells to erythropoietin, was examined. Increase in haem synthesis rate by erythropoietin in the bone marrow cells of uraemic patients (n 14; 7.9 +/- 1.4) wasnot significantly different from that in normal bone marrow cells (n 9; 5.9 +/- 1.4,p greater than 0.05), thus indicating the presence of erythroid precursor cells with normal responsiveness to erythropoetin in uraemic patients. All the plasma from uraemic patients inhibited, in dose-dependent way, the response of normal bone marrow cells to erythropoietin. Levels of erythropoietin in the plasma samples of uraemic patients were much lower than those of the patients with iron deficiency anaemia with comparable Hb concentrations. On the basis of these results, the humoral inhibitory factor appears to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of renal anaemia, in addition to the low level of circulating erythropoietin.", "contents": "Response of uraemic bone marrow cells to erythropoietin in vitro. In vitro culture technique of bone marrow cells has been applied to study the cause of anemia in uraemic patients on maintenance haemodialysis. Incorporation of 59Fe into haem in bone marrow cells of the patients in the presence of erythropoietin, as well as the inhibitory effect of their plasma on the response of normal bone marrow cells to erythropoietin, was examined. Increase in haem synthesis rate by erythropoietin in the bone marrow cells of uraemic patients (n 14; 7.9 +/- 1.4) wasnot significantly different from that in normal bone marrow cells (n 9; 5.9 +/- 1.4,p greater than 0.05), thus indicating the presence of erythroid precursor cells with normal responsiveness to erythropoetin in uraemic patients. All the plasma from uraemic patients inhibited, in dose-dependent way, the response of normal bone marrow cells to erythropoietin. Levels of erythropoietin in the plasma samples of uraemic patients were much lower than those of the patients with iron deficiency anaemia with comparable Hb concentrations. On the basis of these results, the humoral inhibitory factor appears to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of renal anaemia, in addition to the low level of circulating erythropoietin.", "PMID": 1006162} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10404", "title": "Deaths from severe megaloblastic anaemia in hospitalised patients.", "content": "In a series of 128 consecutive patients dying from severe megaloblastic anaemia, over half the deaths occurred within one week of hospitalisation and one third were sudden and unexpected. Congestive cardiac failure was extremely common in these patients and was often associated with pleural effusions. Just over half the patients were examined at autopsy and of these 42% had pleural effusions and 15% had pericardial effusions. The cause of the latter is unclear as is their clinical significance, nevertheless this condition has not previously been reported in the megaloblastic anaemias and may well play a part in the fatal outcome in such patients. Blood transfusion was administered to over half the patients, usually in the form of whole blood. It is recommended that transfusions be used sparingly, and consist of cells or preferably exchange transfusion, the latter being of particular value in the elderly or in those with pre-existing cardiac failure.", "contents": "Deaths from severe megaloblastic anaemia in hospitalised patients. In a series of 128 consecutive patients dying from severe megaloblastic anaemia, over half the deaths occurred within one week of hospitalisation and one third were sudden and unexpected. Congestive cardiac failure was extremely common in these patients and was often associated with pleural effusions. Just over half the patients were examined at autopsy and of these 42% had pleural effusions and 15% had pericardial effusions. The cause of the latter is unclear as is their clinical significance, nevertheless this condition has not previously been reported in the megaloblastic anaemias and may well play a part in the fatal outcome in such patients. Blood transfusion was administered to over half the patients, usually in the form of whole blood. It is recommended that transfusions be used sparingly, and consist of cells or preferably exchange transfusion, the latter being of particular value in the elderly or in those with pre-existing cardiac failure.", "PMID": 1006163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10405", "title": "Control of the immune response: role of macrophages in regulation of antibody-and cell-mediated immune responses.", "content": "The ability of peritoneal macrophage subpopulations, separated into different classes according to their size, to reconstitute antibody or cellular immune responses in macrophage-depleted spleen cells has been investigated. Data are presented to show that whether reconstitution is by \"normal\" or \"activated\" macrophages, be they syngeneic or allogeneic to the lymphocyte source, different populations reconstitute antibody and cellular immunity. Reconstitution is in general by two classes of macrophages, small and large. The former seem to reconstitute only if syngeneic to the responding lymphocyte pool, whereas large macrophages reconstitute immune responses from allogeneic lymphocytes as well as syngeneic lymphocytes. Evidence is also presented to show that syngeneic large macrophages can determine the type of immune response reconstituted; that is, with greater numbers of large cells only cytotoxic responses (and not T-dependent antibody formation) were reconstituted and vice versa.", "contents": "Control of the immune response: role of macrophages in regulation of antibody-and cell-mediated immune responses. The ability of peritoneal macrophage subpopulations, separated into different classes according to their size, to reconstitute antibody or cellular immune responses in macrophage-depleted spleen cells has been investigated. Data are presented to show that whether reconstitution is by \"normal\" or \"activated\" macrophages, be they syngeneic or allogeneic to the lymphocyte source, different populations reconstitute antibody and cellular immunity. Reconstitution is in general by two classes of macrophages, small and large. The former seem to reconstitute only if syngeneic to the responding lymphocyte pool, whereas large macrophages reconstitute immune responses from allogeneic lymphocytes as well as syngeneic lymphocytes. Evidence is also presented to show that syngeneic large macrophages can determine the type of immune response reconstituted; that is, with greater numbers of large cells only cytotoxic responses (and not T-dependent antibody formation) were reconstituted and vice versa.", "PMID": 1006166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10406", "title": "The serine protease nature of the C3 and C5 convertases of the classical and alternative complement pathways.", "content": "Activated Factor B, incorporated into the cobra venom factor (CVF)-dependent C3/C5 convertase, was inactivated by diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). Inactivation was time- and dose-dependent and was enhanced by the presence of substrate. Treatment of the zymogen of Factor B with DFP effected significant inactivation. Incorporation of [3H]diisopropylphosphate into the zymogen and into the activated form of Factor B was demonstrated after [3H]DFP treatment and subsequent electrophoresis of the proteins on polyacrylamide gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate. Inactivation of activated C2 incorporated into the classical C5 convertase was observed on DFP treatment of the enzyme. DFP also reduced the activity of the C2 zymogen. The description of their serine proteinase nature further emphasizes the close structural and functional relationship of C2 and Factor B.", "contents": "The serine protease nature of the C3 and C5 convertases of the classical and alternative complement pathways. Activated Factor B, incorporated into the cobra venom factor (CVF)-dependent C3/C5 convertase, was inactivated by diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). Inactivation was time- and dose-dependent and was enhanced by the presence of substrate. Treatment of the zymogen of Factor B with DFP effected significant inactivation. Incorporation of [3H]diisopropylphosphate into the zymogen and into the activated form of Factor B was demonstrated after [3H]DFP treatment and subsequent electrophoresis of the proteins on polyacrylamide gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate. Inactivation of activated C2 incorporated into the classical C5 convertase was observed on DFP treatment of the enzyme. DFP also reduced the activity of the C2 zymogen. The description of their serine proteinase nature further emphasizes the close structural and functional relationship of C2 and Factor B.", "PMID": 1006167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10407", "title": "Antigen and unspecific mitogen stimulation of lymphocytes eluted from rheumatoid inflammatory tissue.", "content": "Lymphocytes were eluted from synovial tissues of 17 patients with classical rheumatoid arthritis, using a procedure previously reported. Stimulation was obtained with the unspecific mitogens phytohemagglutinin (PHA), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and concanavalin A (Con A) as well as with purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) and mitoycin-C-treated allogeneic lymphocytes, whereas candida antigen usually gave a low response. The pattern of reactivity to unspecific mitogens was similar to that obtained with lymphocytes from peripheral blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Two different PPD preparations usually gave transformation of the same magnitude as seen with PHA. This was in contrast to the reactivity of the peripheral blood lymphocytes. It could be demonstrated that the elution procedure initiated some degree of lymphocyte transformation, mainly potentiating the responses to PHA and Con A.", "contents": "Antigen and unspecific mitogen stimulation of lymphocytes eluted from rheumatoid inflammatory tissue. Lymphocytes were eluted from synovial tissues of 17 patients with classical rheumatoid arthritis, using a procedure previously reported. Stimulation was obtained with the unspecific mitogens phytohemagglutinin (PHA), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and concanavalin A (Con A) as well as with purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) and mitoycin-C-treated allogeneic lymphocytes, whereas candida antigen usually gave a low response. The pattern of reactivity to unspecific mitogens was similar to that obtained with lymphocytes from peripheral blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Two different PPD preparations usually gave transformation of the same magnitude as seen with PHA. This was in contrast to the reactivity of the peripheral blood lymphocytes. It could be demonstrated that the elution procedure initiated some degree of lymphocyte transformation, mainly potentiating the responses to PHA and Con A.", "PMID": 1006168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10408", "title": "Blocking effect of rheumatoid factor on the in vitro cytotoxicity of lymphoid cells from carcinoma patients.", "content": "Human cryo-IgM rheumatoid factor (RF) preparations blocked the tumor-specific in vitro cytotoxicity of ovarian or bladder carcinoma patients' lymphoid cells in microcytotoxicity assays. The effect was mediated by pretreatment of the effector cells. Cryo-IgM RF free of detectable IgG blocked in a dilution-dependent manner, and immunosorbent purification of contaminating IgG from another preparation did not abrogate the blocking effect. Control IgM preparations lacking RF activity did not block the cytotoxicity, and normal human serum preincubation of the RF preparations rendered them inactive, indicating that the blocking effect was due to the anti-IgG activity of the RF.", "contents": "Blocking effect of rheumatoid factor on the in vitro cytotoxicity of lymphoid cells from carcinoma patients. Human cryo-IgM rheumatoid factor (RF) preparations blocked the tumor-specific in vitro cytotoxicity of ovarian or bladder carcinoma patients' lymphoid cells in microcytotoxicity assays. The effect was mediated by pretreatment of the effector cells. Cryo-IgM RF free of detectable IgG blocked in a dilution-dependent manner, and immunosorbent purification of contaminating IgG from another preparation did not abrogate the blocking effect. Control IgM preparations lacking RF activity did not block the cytotoxicity, and normal human serum preincubation of the RF preparations rendered them inactive, indicating that the blocking effect was due to the anti-IgG activity of the RF.", "PMID": 1006169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10409", "title": "Antibody suppression and antiallotype antibodies. I. Failure of antibody to suppress antibody formation in rabbits possessing antiallotype anantibodies.", "content": "Antibody formation in rabbits against sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) was suppressed after injection of anti-SRBC IgG. Suppression did not occur, however, if the injected IgG had an allotypic marker to which the rabbits possessed circulating antibody.", "contents": "Antibody suppression and antiallotype antibodies. I. Failure of antibody to suppress antibody formation in rabbits possessing antiallotype anantibodies. Antibody formation in rabbits against sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) was suppressed after injection of anti-SRBC IgG. Suppression did not occur, however, if the injected IgG had an allotypic marker to which the rabbits possessed circulating antibody.", "PMID": 1006170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10410", "title": "e-Antigen in patients with transient and chronic carriership of hepatitis B antigen.", "content": "Serum samples from 39 patients with hepatitis B antigen (HBSAg) were studied for presence of e-antigen. 21 patients had HBSAg transiently and 18 were carriers of HBSAg for 14 months or more. All serum samples from the 18 carriers reacted in the e-antigen system; 16 individuals had e-antigen and 2 had anti-e. In contrast, only 3 of the 21 patients with transient HBS-antigenemia were found to have e-antigen. The clinical course of 31 of the 39 patients was followed from the acute stage. All of the 18 patients who did not develop e-antigen became free from symptoms within 13 weeks. In the remaining 13 patients e-antigen was found and 10 became chronic HBSAg-carriers; 4 with biopsy-verified chronic hepatitis and 6 with biochemical findings consistent with this diagnosis.", "contents": "e-Antigen in patients with transient and chronic carriership of hepatitis B antigen. Serum samples from 39 patients with hepatitis B antigen (HBSAg) were studied for presence of e-antigen. 21 patients had HBSAg transiently and 18 were carriers of HBSAg for 14 months or more. All serum samples from the 18 carriers reacted in the e-antigen system; 16 individuals had e-antigen and 2 had anti-e. In contrast, only 3 of the 21 patients with transient HBS-antigenemia were found to have e-antigen. The clinical course of 31 of the 39 patients was followed from the acute stage. All of the 18 patients who did not develop e-antigen became free from symptoms within 13 weeks. In the remaining 13 patients e-antigen was found and 10 became chronic HBSAg-carriers; 4 with biopsy-verified chronic hepatitis and 6 with biochemical findings consistent with this diagnosis.", "PMID": 1006171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10411", "title": "Infections in splenectomized patients. A study of 131 patients.", "content": "A retrospective study on infections was done on 131 patients (predominately adults) undergoing splenectomy with a median follow-up to 11 months. 43 patients died, and 23 of them were infected. Three succumbed primarily from their infection; in 9 the infection was a contributing factor; and 11 died primarily from their underlying disease with an associated infection. 64 patients had lymphoreticular malignancies, 53 had a nonmalignant condition and 14 had carcinomas. Infection rates were 42%, 42%, and 21% respectively. Bacteremia rates (all in adults) were were 5%, 4%, and 7% respectively. Over four-fifths of the infections were hospital acquired. 12 of 14 community onset infections occurred in patients with lymphoreticular malignancies.", "contents": "Infections in splenectomized patients. A study of 131 patients. A retrospective study on infections was done on 131 patients (predominately adults) undergoing splenectomy with a median follow-up to 11 months. 43 patients died, and 23 of them were infected. Three succumbed primarily from their infection; in 9 the infection was a contributing factor; and 11 died primarily from their underlying disease with an associated infection. 64 patients had lymphoreticular malignancies, 53 had a nonmalignant condition and 14 had carcinomas. Infection rates were 42%, 42%, and 21% respectively. Bacteremia rates (all in adults) were were 5%, 4%, and 7% respectively. Over four-fifths of the infections were hospital acquired. 12 of 14 community onset infections occurred in patients with lymphoreticular malignancies.", "PMID": 1006172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10412", "title": "A comparison of angiography and scintigraphy as diagnostic methods for amebic liver abscess.", "content": "A comparison has been made between scintigraphy with radioactive gold and selective angiography as methods of diagnosing amebic liver abscess in a small series begun in 1965. In 5 cases with a positive scintigraphy, the diagnosis of a liver abscess was supported by angiography in 3.", "contents": "A comparison of angiography and scintigraphy as diagnostic methods for amebic liver abscess. A comparison has been made between scintigraphy with radioactive gold and selective angiography as methods of diagnosing amebic liver abscess in a small series begun in 1965. In 5 cases with a positive scintigraphy, the diagnosis of a liver abscess was supported by angiography in 3.", "PMID": 1006173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10413", "title": "Evaluation of chlorine compounds for surface disinfection by laboratory and in-use testing.", "content": "The disinfecting properties of chloramine and compounds containing chlorinated trisodium phosphate and potassium bromide or sodium dichlorisocyanurate and detergents were studied by laboratory and in-use tests and compared with a phenolic disinfectant containing detergents. In a modified Kelsey test all the preparations were effective in the recommended dilutions in clean conditions. The effectiveness of the chlorine-bromine disinfectant substantially decreased in the presence of organic material. The in-use testing was performed in infectious disease and intensive care wards. Chloramine was so disliked that the in-use test could not be carried out. In the infectious disease ward the total bacterial colony counts of the floors (disinfected once a day) were twice as high as those of the intensive care ward (disinfected 3 times a day) during the use of the phenolic and chlorine-bromine disinfectants. The frequent cleaning routine seemed thus to have an effect on the microbial contamination of the floors. The same difference was found in the contamination of the other non-vertical surfaces although they were disinfected only once a day in both wards. In both wards the total bacterial colony counts of all non-vertical surfaces were lower during the use of halogen compounds than during the use of the phenolic disinfectant. The staff, however, complained of the irritation of the skin and the mucous membranes when using chlorine disinfectants.", "contents": "Evaluation of chlorine compounds for surface disinfection by laboratory and in-use testing. The disinfecting properties of chloramine and compounds containing chlorinated trisodium phosphate and potassium bromide or sodium dichlorisocyanurate and detergents were studied by laboratory and in-use tests and compared with a phenolic disinfectant containing detergents. In a modified Kelsey test all the preparations were effective in the recommended dilutions in clean conditions. The effectiveness of the chlorine-bromine disinfectant substantially decreased in the presence of organic material. The in-use testing was performed in infectious disease and intensive care wards. Chloramine was so disliked that the in-use test could not be carried out. In the infectious disease ward the total bacterial colony counts of the floors (disinfected once a day) were twice as high as those of the intensive care ward (disinfected 3 times a day) during the use of the phenolic and chlorine-bromine disinfectants. The frequent cleaning routine seemed thus to have an effect on the microbial contamination of the floors. The same difference was found in the contamination of the other non-vertical surfaces although they were disinfected only once a day in both wards. In both wards the total bacterial colony counts of all non-vertical surfaces were lower during the use of halogen compounds than during the use of the phenolic disinfectant. The staff, however, complained of the irritation of the skin and the mucous membranes when using chlorine disinfectants.", "PMID": 1006174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10414", "title": "Endocarditis caused by Actinomyces viscosus.", "content": "A case of severe endocarditis caused by Actinomyces viscosus is described in a previously healthy 70-year-old man. The isolated strain has been characterized by biochemical tests, gas-liquid chromatography and serology. The pathogenic significance of the organism is discussed and the difficulty in reaching a correct diagnosis due to the similarity to species of Corynebacterium is pointed out.", "contents": "Endocarditis caused by Actinomyces viscosus. A case of severe endocarditis caused by Actinomyces viscosus is described in a previously healthy 70-year-old man. The isolated strain has been characterized by biochemical tests, gas-liquid chromatography and serology. The pathogenic significance of the organism is discussed and the difficulty in reaching a correct diagnosis due to the similarity to species of Corynebacterium is pointed out.", "PMID": 1006175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10415", "title": "Recurrent toxoplasmosis.", "content": "A case of recurrent toxoplasmosis in a previously healthy 34-year-old woman is reported. Although she was treated 3 times with co-trimoxazole, which in our experience has been efficient in the treatment of toxoplasmosis, and responded to treatment clinically and serologically, she relapsed with clinical symptoms and rise of anti-toxoplasma titres. Hypothetically, toxoplasmosis is a latent infection which can be activated by other diseases and by immunodepression.", "contents": "Recurrent toxoplasmosis. A case of recurrent toxoplasmosis in a previously healthy 34-year-old woman is reported. Although she was treated 3 times with co-trimoxazole, which in our experience has been efficient in the treatment of toxoplasmosis, and responded to treatment clinically and serologically, she relapsed with clinical symptoms and rise of anti-toxoplasma titres. Hypothetically, toxoplasmosis is a latent infection which can be activated by other diseases and by immunodepression.", "PMID": 1006176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10416", "title": "Survival of bacteria in four different transportation systems.", "content": "The survival of various bacteria in pure cultures and in mixed suspensions in two Stuart (SBL and Bifok) and one Amies (Securline) transportation systems were compared with the conventional agar slope. Considerable differences were found. Stuart Bifok and Stuart SBL were superior to the other two.", "contents": "Survival of bacteria in four different transportation systems. The survival of various bacteria in pure cultures and in mixed suspensions in two Stuart (SBL and Bifok) and one Amies (Securline) transportation systems were compared with the conventional agar slope. Considerable differences were found. Stuart Bifok and Stuart SBL were superior to the other two.", "PMID": 1006177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10417", "title": "The adrenergic innervation and adrenergic receptor activity of the feline urinary bladder and urethra in the normal state and after hypogastric and/or parasympathetic denervation.", "content": "After long-term parasymphatetic denervation, detrusor muscle hypertrophy was found regardless of whether the hypogastric nerves had been sectioned simultaneously or not. After hypogastric denervation only, there was no difference in gross appearance from normal bladders. Adrenergic innervation was studied by means of a histochemical fluorescence technique. After hypogastric denervation, there was usually a slight increase in the detrusor innervation, and a clear decrease in the trigone and urethral adrenergic innervation. After parasympathetic denervation, the detrusor showed an increase in adrenergic innervation, while the innervation of the trigone and the urethra was unchanged. After simultaneous parasympathetic and hypogastric denervation, the adrenergic innervation of the detrusor was similar to that of the bladders subjected to parasympathetic denervation only. The adrenergic innervation of the trigone and urethra was similar to that found after hypogastric denervation only. Adrenergic receptor functions were studied by a method in which changes in the isometric tension of muscle strips were recorded following different pharmacological treatments. In the normal state, noradrenalin and phenylephrine caused contraction and isoprenaline relaxation of the trigone-urethra. In the detrusor, noradrenalin caused relaxation of strips contracted by carbacholine. Relaxed detrusor muscle strips were usually not contracted by noradenalin. In 2 out of 8 normal cats, however, a contraction was observed after very large doses of noradrenalin. After hypogastric denervation, the adrenoreceptor functions were consistent with those of the normal state. After parasympathetic denervation, the trigone-urethral receptor functions were unchanged compared with the normal receptor functions. In the detrusor, isoprenaline caused relaxation and noradrenalin and phenylephrine contraction. After simultaneous parasympathetic and hypogastric denervation, the results were consistent with those obtained after parasympathetic denervation only. Thus, the present study showed an increased adrenergic detrusor innervation and alpha-receptor activity after parasympathetic denervation regardless of whether the hypogastric nerves had been sectioned simultaneously or not. Although alpha-receptors might exist in the normal detrusor, beta-receptors dominate strongly. After parasympathetic denervation, there seems to be a change in the relation between alpha- and beta-receptors in favour of alpha-receptors.", "contents": "The adrenergic innervation and adrenergic receptor activity of the feline urinary bladder and urethra in the normal state and after hypogastric and/or parasympathetic denervation. After long-term parasymphatetic denervation, detrusor muscle hypertrophy was found regardless of whether the hypogastric nerves had been sectioned simultaneously or not. After hypogastric denervation only, there was no difference in gross appearance from normal bladders. Adrenergic innervation was studied by means of a histochemical fluorescence technique. After hypogastric denervation, there was usually a slight increase in the detrusor innervation, and a clear decrease in the trigone and urethral adrenergic innervation. After parasympathetic denervation, the detrusor showed an increase in adrenergic innervation, while the innervation of the trigone and the urethra was unchanged. After simultaneous parasympathetic and hypogastric denervation, the adrenergic innervation of the detrusor was similar to that of the bladders subjected to parasympathetic denervation only. The adrenergic innervation of the trigone and urethra was similar to that found after hypogastric denervation only. Adrenergic receptor functions were studied by a method in which changes in the isometric tension of muscle strips were recorded following different pharmacological treatments. In the normal state, noradrenalin and phenylephrine caused contraction and isoprenaline relaxation of the trigone-urethra. In the detrusor, noradrenalin caused relaxation of strips contracted by carbacholine. Relaxed detrusor muscle strips were usually not contracted by noradenalin. In 2 out of 8 normal cats, however, a contraction was observed after very large doses of noradrenalin. After hypogastric denervation, the adrenoreceptor functions were consistent with those of the normal state. After parasympathetic denervation, the trigone-urethral receptor functions were unchanged compared with the normal receptor functions. In the detrusor, isoprenaline caused relaxation and noradrenalin and phenylephrine contraction. After simultaneous parasympathetic and hypogastric denervation, the results were consistent with those obtained after parasympathetic denervation only. Thus, the present study showed an increased adrenergic detrusor innervation and alpha-receptor activity after parasympathetic denervation regardless of whether the hypogastric nerves had been sectioned simultaneously or not. Although alpha-receptors might exist in the normal detrusor, beta-receptors dominate strongly. After parasympathetic denervation, there seems to be a change in the relation between alpha- and beta-receptors in favour of alpha-receptors.", "PMID": 1006178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10418", "title": "The urethral electromyographic and gas pressure profile. Technique and patterns.", "content": "A new technique for recording of the urethral pressure profile is described. The technique consists of a combined electromyographic and gas urethral pressure profile recording. Normal and pathological patterns are described. The method provides information of the correlation between intra-urethral pressure and activity in the periurethral striated musculature, and has proved useful in the assessment of neurological dysfunction of the urethra.", "contents": "The urethral electromyographic and gas pressure profile. Technique and patterns. A new technique for recording of the urethral pressure profile is described. The technique consists of a combined electromyographic and gas urethral pressure profile recording. Normal and pathological patterns are described. The method provides information of the correlation between intra-urethral pressure and activity in the periurethral striated musculature, and has proved useful in the assessment of neurological dysfunction of the urethra.", "PMID": 1006179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10419", "title": "An urodynamic study of emepronium bromide in bladder dysfunction.", "content": "The effect of emepronium bromide in 13 patients, most of whom had uninhibited bladders, has been studied urodynamically. Under the influence of this drug, the detrusor pressure and the urinary flow was reduced, and abdominal straining during during micturition was commonly recorded. The bladder capacity increased considerably, but all subjects developed residual urine. The effect of emepronium bromide on the bladder capacity seemed to last for a longer period than the effect on the detrusor pressure.", "contents": "An urodynamic study of emepronium bromide in bladder dysfunction. The effect of emepronium bromide in 13 patients, most of whom had uninhibited bladders, has been studied urodynamically. Under the influence of this drug, the detrusor pressure and the urinary flow was reduced, and abdominal straining during during micturition was commonly recorded. The bladder capacity increased considerably, but all subjects developed residual urine. The effect of emepronium bromide on the bladder capacity seemed to last for a longer period than the effect on the detrusor pressure.", "PMID": 1006180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10420", "title": "Selection of patients for surgical correction of urinary incontinence after prostatic surgery.", "content": "It has been suggested that patients with urinary incontinence after prostatic surgery should be accepted for operative correction only if there is no urethral stricture, no urinary infection, and a normal cystometrogram. To study the frequency of these contra-indications, 37 patients suffering from incontinence after suprapubic enucleation of benign prostatic adenomas were examined. Urethral strictures were found in 16 patients, recurrent urinary infection in 16, and an abnormal cystometrogram in 9. Only 13 patients were found to fulfill all three criteria for operative correction. The validity of the criteria is discussed on the basis of our experience from 13 patients operated upon with a free fascial sling. Ten of them were cured or improved. Three patients remained incontinent; these 3 patients were the only ones in the operated series who did not fulfull the suggested criteria for correction. Thus, so far, the criteria seem to be justifiable.", "contents": "Selection of patients for surgical correction of urinary incontinence after prostatic surgery. It has been suggested that patients with urinary incontinence after prostatic surgery should be accepted for operative correction only if there is no urethral stricture, no urinary infection, and a normal cystometrogram. To study the frequency of these contra-indications, 37 patients suffering from incontinence after suprapubic enucleation of benign prostatic adenomas were examined. Urethral strictures were found in 16 patients, recurrent urinary infection in 16, and an abnormal cystometrogram in 9. Only 13 patients were found to fulfill all three criteria for operative correction. The validity of the criteria is discussed on the basis of our experience from 13 patients operated upon with a free fascial sling. Ten of them were cured or improved. Three patients remained incontinent; these 3 patients were the only ones in the operated series who did not fulfull the suggested criteria for correction. Thus, so far, the criteria seem to be justifiable.", "PMID": 1006181} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10421", "title": "Hydrostatic pressure treatment for carcinoma of the bladder. A clinical and urodynamic evaluation of the effect on bladder hemorrhage and fibrosis in irradiated patients.", "content": "Hydrostatic pressure treatment as described by Helmstein was given to 12 patients with hematuria secondary at irradiation for carcinoma of the bladder. The bladder function was evaluated on the basis of urodynamic examinations before and after the treatment. The study includes examination of the effect on the renal function. In 6 patients, hemostasis was obtained for a period averaging 10 months. No serious complications occurred. Following irradiation, the patients showed a characteristic micturition pattern with a small bladder capacity and a marked increase in pressure during the filling phase. The micturition took place partly by use of the abdominal musculature; the detrusor pressure was falling during the whole voiding time. The voiding was almost complete, and the flow values were slightly reduced. The hydrostatic pressure treatment resulted in no demonstrable changes in this micturition pattern. Evaluated from the creatinine clearance, the renal function was unchanged after the treatment, and neither polyuria nor an increased excretion of sodium was demonstrated during the first hours after the treatment. We conclude that before major surgery is decided on, hydrostatic pressure treatment should be given to patients with hemorrhage following irradiation for carcinoma of the bladder. No improvement can be expected in patients where the often pronounced pollakiuria is due to fibrosis of the bladder secondary to irradiation.", "contents": "Hydrostatic pressure treatment for carcinoma of the bladder. A clinical and urodynamic evaluation of the effect on bladder hemorrhage and fibrosis in irradiated patients. Hydrostatic pressure treatment as described by Helmstein was given to 12 patients with hematuria secondary at irradiation for carcinoma of the bladder. The bladder function was evaluated on the basis of urodynamic examinations before and after the treatment. The study includes examination of the effect on the renal function. In 6 patients, hemostasis was obtained for a period averaging 10 months. No serious complications occurred. Following irradiation, the patients showed a characteristic micturition pattern with a small bladder capacity and a marked increase in pressure during the filling phase. The micturition took place partly by use of the abdominal musculature; the detrusor pressure was falling during the whole voiding time. The voiding was almost complete, and the flow values were slightly reduced. The hydrostatic pressure treatment resulted in no demonstrable changes in this micturition pattern. Evaluated from the creatinine clearance, the renal function was unchanged after the treatment, and neither polyuria nor an increased excretion of sodium was demonstrated during the first hours after the treatment. We conclude that before major surgery is decided on, hydrostatic pressure treatment should be given to patients with hemorrhage following irradiation for carcinoma of the bladder. No improvement can be expected in patients where the often pronounced pollakiuria is due to fibrosis of the bladder secondary to irradiation.", "PMID": 1006182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10422", "title": "Renal revascularization after splenic artery implantation into the kidney of dogs. Studies on renal function and blood flow.", "content": "Renal vascularization by splenic artery implantation into the kidney was studied in 11 dogs. Renal function and blood flow were evaluated after creation of stenosis of the ipsilateral renal artery. It was concluded that the method can be used to revascularize an ischemic kidney resulting in a sufficient renal blood flow with an adequate distribution of blood and maintenance of a reasonably good renal function after contralateral nephrectomy and division of the ipsilateral renal artery.", "contents": "Renal revascularization after splenic artery implantation into the kidney of dogs. Studies on renal function and blood flow. Renal vascularization by splenic artery implantation into the kidney was studied in 11 dogs. Renal function and blood flow were evaluated after creation of stenosis of the ipsilateral renal artery. It was concluded that the method can be used to revascularize an ischemic kidney resulting in a sufficient renal blood flow with an adequate distribution of blood and maintenance of a reasonably good renal function after contralateral nephrectomy and division of the ipsilateral renal artery.", "PMID": 1006183} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10423", "title": "effect of kidney resection on blood pressure and plasma renin activity. Case report and clinical study.", "content": "Acute transient hypertension following kidney trauma occurred in a 17-year-old youth due to increased activity of the renin/angiotensin system. The systemic blood pressure and plasma renin activity was also studied following elective kidney resection. In one group of patients the operation was performed with clamping of the renal vessels; in the other no clamping was performed. Only minimal changes in blood pressure and plasma renin activity was found in both groups.", "contents": "effect of kidney resection on blood pressure and plasma renin activity. Case report and clinical study. Acute transient hypertension following kidney trauma occurred in a 17-year-old youth due to increased activity of the renin/angiotensin system. The systemic blood pressure and plasma renin activity was also studied following elective kidney resection. In one group of patients the operation was performed with clamping of the renal vessels; in the other no clamping was performed. Only minimal changes in blood pressure and plasma renin activity was found in both groups.", "PMID": 1006184} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10424", "title": "Roentgenologic aspects of haematuria.", "content": "In the roentgenologic investigation of haematuria, urography is the main diagnostic tool, other examinations being only of supplementary value. The main importance of other roentgen examinations is the possibility of excluding certain types of suspected disease as the cause of haematuria, and to demonstrate certain vascular malformations in the kidneys with renal angiography. Urography and cystoscopy should be performed in all patients with haematuria, and the possibility of pathologic conditions in both upper and lower urinary tract must be kept in mind. A large number of overlooked calculi and the finding of unsuspected malignant renal tumors in cases where the urography was performed on an emergency basis, underlines the important fact that \"emergency\" in these cases only indicates that the patient is an acute distress, not that the examination should be hasty and incomplete, or if so, should be supplemented by a repeat examination under normal conditions.", "contents": "Roentgenologic aspects of haematuria. In the roentgenologic investigation of haematuria, urography is the main diagnostic tool, other examinations being only of supplementary value. The main importance of other roentgen examinations is the possibility of excluding certain types of suspected disease as the cause of haematuria, and to demonstrate certain vascular malformations in the kidneys with renal angiography. Urography and cystoscopy should be performed in all patients with haematuria, and the possibility of pathologic conditions in both upper and lower urinary tract must be kept in mind. A large number of overlooked calculi and the finding of unsuspected malignant renal tumors in cases where the urography was performed on an emergency basis, underlines the important fact that \"emergency\" in these cases only indicates that the patient is an acute distress, not that the examination should be hasty and incomplete, or if so, should be supplemented by a repeat examination under normal conditions.", "PMID": 1006185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10425", "title": "Hydronephrosis. Assessment of late results after treatment of pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction.", "content": "Hydronephrosis is probably caused by a muscular anomaly at the pelvi-ureteric junction. A pyeloplasty technique involving the resection of this anomalous portion has been generally recommended. However, this study shows that procedures which preserve the anatomical continuity might also lead to excellent late results. The immediate postoperative complications were few and minor, and the low incidence of complications was partly the result of the splinting technique, which is therefore recommended. A scheme for evaluation of late results is suggested.", "contents": "Hydronephrosis. Assessment of late results after treatment of pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction. Hydronephrosis is probably caused by a muscular anomaly at the pelvi-ureteric junction. A pyeloplasty technique involving the resection of this anomalous portion has been generally recommended. However, this study shows that procedures which preserve the anatomical continuity might also lead to excellent late results. The immediate postoperative complications were few and minor, and the low incidence of complications was partly the result of the splinting technique, which is therefore recommended. A scheme for evaluation of late results is suggested.", "PMID": 1006186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10426", "title": "Uroliathiasis with primary hyperparathyroidism. A one-year screening.", "content": "A one-year material of 290 patients with clinically verified urolithiasis was screened for primary hyperparthyroidism, by X-ray examination, analysis of calculi, plasma calcium and phosphate, plasma parathyroid hormone and a clinical history examination. Primary hyperparathyroidism was found in 10 patients, 8 with adenomas and 2 with hyperplasia. The results suggest that with the present policy of investigation, there is a considerable underdiagnosis of parathyroid changes in patients with urolithiasis. An interesting finding was the distribution of plasma calcium concentrations in this material, which indicates that patients with urolithiasis have a generally higher lever of plasma calcium than others.", "contents": "Uroliathiasis with primary hyperparathyroidism. A one-year screening. A one-year material of 290 patients with clinically verified urolithiasis was screened for primary hyperparthyroidism, by X-ray examination, analysis of calculi, plasma calcium and phosphate, plasma parathyroid hormone and a clinical history examination. Primary hyperparathyroidism was found in 10 patients, 8 with adenomas and 2 with hyperplasia. The results suggest that with the present policy of investigation, there is a considerable underdiagnosis of parathyroid changes in patients with urolithiasis. An interesting finding was the distribution of plasma calcium concentrations in this material, which indicates that patients with urolithiasis have a generally higher lever of plasma calcium than others.", "PMID": 1006187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10427", "title": "Kidney function during hydropenia nad water diuresis in patients with idiopathic recurring nephrolithiasis.", "content": "The kidney function of 41 patients with idiopathic recurring kidney stones was investigated by inulin- and PAH-clearances and by measuring the excretion of electrolytes during hydropenia and water diuresis. All patients had normal inulin- and PAH-clearances and normal concentrating capacity as indicated by free water reabsorption (Tc H2O). Seven patients, all of whom had previously been found to have low excretion of magnesium in urine, were unable to dilute their urine. During water diuresis these patients also had lower osmolar clearance and lower excretion of sodium than the other patients. A defective dilution capacity may be of pathogenetic significance for stone formation; the causes of the defect, however, are not clear.", "contents": "Kidney function during hydropenia nad water diuresis in patients with idiopathic recurring nephrolithiasis. The kidney function of 41 patients with idiopathic recurring kidney stones was investigated by inulin- and PAH-clearances and by measuring the excretion of electrolytes during hydropenia and water diuresis. All patients had normal inulin- and PAH-clearances and normal concentrating capacity as indicated by free water reabsorption (Tc H2O). Seven patients, all of whom had previously been found to have low excretion of magnesium in urine, were unable to dilute their urine. During water diuresis these patients also had lower osmolar clearance and lower excretion of sodium than the other patients. A defective dilution capacity may be of pathogenetic significance for stone formation; the causes of the defect, however, are not clear.", "PMID": 1006188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10428", "title": "131I-hippuran renography for control of patients with ureterolithiasis.", "content": "The value of the 131I-Hippuran renography for control of patients with ureteroliathiasis was investigated in a consecutive series of 58 patients with radiologically verified unilateral ureteroliathiasis. Intravenous pyelography (IVP) and renography (RNG) were performed on admittance and 4-5 weeks later, the interval between the IVP and the RNG being 0-4 days. From 80 comparisons of the results of IVP and RNG (prevalence of abnormal IVP 73%), the predictive value of an abnormal RNG in the control situation was found to be 88% with a 95% confidence interval of 75-93%. The predictive value of a normal RNG was 88% (62-98%). If renography was combined with an X-ray of the abdomen at the control examination, the predictive value of an abnormal RNG was unchanged and the predictive value of a normal RNG increased to 100% (77-100%). On the basis of these high predictive values, a new examination protocol for control of patients with unilateral ureterolithiasis is put forward.", "contents": "131I-hippuran renography for control of patients with ureterolithiasis. The value of the 131I-Hippuran renography for control of patients with ureteroliathiasis was investigated in a consecutive series of 58 patients with radiologically verified unilateral ureteroliathiasis. Intravenous pyelography (IVP) and renography (RNG) were performed on admittance and 4-5 weeks later, the interval between the IVP and the RNG being 0-4 days. From 80 comparisons of the results of IVP and RNG (prevalence of abnormal IVP 73%), the predictive value of an abnormal RNG in the control situation was found to be 88% with a 95% confidence interval of 75-93%. The predictive value of a normal RNG was 88% (62-98%). If renography was combined with an X-ray of the abdomen at the control examination, the predictive value of an abnormal RNG was unchanged and the predictive value of a normal RNG increased to 100% (77-100%). On the basis of these high predictive values, a new examination protocol for control of patients with unilateral ureterolithiasis is put forward.", "PMID": 1006189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10429", "title": "Percutaneous pyelolithotomy. A new extraction technique.", "content": "Recurrent renal calculous disease is often troublesome to treat because of technical difficulties associated with reoperation. Attempts to dissolve the stones by irrigation with various solutions has not had much success. A new extraction technique has therefore been devised whereby the stones can be removed through a percutaneous nephrostomy umder radiological control. Three cases are described.", "contents": "Percutaneous pyelolithotomy. A new extraction technique. Recurrent renal calculous disease is often troublesome to treat because of technical difficulties associated with reoperation. Attempts to dissolve the stones by irrigation with various solutions has not had much success. A new extraction technique has therefore been devised whereby the stones can be removed through a percutaneous nephrostomy umder radiological control. Three cases are described.", "PMID": 1006190} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10430", "title": "Fine needle biopsy of metastases at retrograde pyelography, directed by fluoroscopy. Report of a case with malignant teratoma of the testis.", "content": "Percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed at retrograde pyelography in order to differentiate between metastatic and scarry involvement of a strictured ureter in a patient earlier operated upon because of malignant teratoma. The method is recommended in patients with malignant diseases where the differential diagnosis is impossible to establish at retrograde pyelography or urography.", "contents": "Fine needle biopsy of metastases at retrograde pyelography, directed by fluoroscopy. Report of a case with malignant teratoma of the testis. Percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed at retrograde pyelography in order to differentiate between metastatic and scarry involvement of a strictured ureter in a patient earlier operated upon because of malignant teratoma. The method is recommended in patients with malignant diseases where the differential diagnosis is impossible to establish at retrograde pyelography or urography.", "PMID": 1006191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10431", "title": "[Education in psychiatry].", "content": "In order to give young doctors a specialist training in psychiatry and psychotherapy and to have the necessary number of available posts, the concept of training presently practised should urgently be revided. To justify this demand, the author points to new developments within psychiatry itself as well as to external circumstances. He mentions firstly the extension of the knowledge itself, the pluralism in therapy, the growing specialization within the specialty, the diffusion of the roles as well as the identity crisis and secondly the disproportion to be expected between the number of young graduated doctors and the number of available posts. So that the readermay for his own opinion, the author refers to the relevant literature. The author's personal opinion and his proposals are discussed.", "contents": "[Education in psychiatry]. In order to give young doctors a specialist training in psychiatry and psychotherapy and to have the necessary number of available posts, the concept of training presently practised should urgently be revided. To justify this demand, the author points to new developments within psychiatry itself as well as to external circumstances. He mentions firstly the extension of the knowledge itself, the pluralism in therapy, the growing specialization within the specialty, the diffusion of the roles as well as the identity crisis and secondly the disproportion to be expected between the number of young graduated doctors and the number of available posts. So that the readermay for his own opinion, the author refers to the relevant literature. The author's personal opinion and his proposals are discussed.", "PMID": 1006197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10432", "title": "[Open letter to a student in the training for child and adolescent psychiatry].", "content": "Summary of an imaginary letter to a junior doctor who would like to get a training child and adolescent psychiatry. The author tries to give his young colleague particulars about the official aspect his training regulated by the FMH in paedopsychiatry, as well as on the cultural and personal aspects of a training course in psychotherapy.", "contents": "[Open letter to a student in the training for child and adolescent psychiatry]. Summary of an imaginary letter to a junior doctor who would like to get a training child and adolescent psychiatry. The author tries to give his young colleague particulars about the official aspect his training regulated by the FMH in paedopsychiatry, as well as on the cultural and personal aspects of a training course in psychotherapy.", "PMID": 1006199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10433", "title": "[Choice in psychiatry].", "content": "After a general review of the subject discussed, the author deals with it in detail, from the point of view of the various motivations involved, the roles and purposes envisaged, and this in traditional psychiatry as well as in the so-called anti-psychiatry, and he concludes that in each case it is the patient himself, with his own special problems, who should determine the orientations in psychiatry.", "contents": "[Choice in psychiatry]. After a general review of the subject discussed, the author deals with it in detail, from the point of view of the various motivations involved, the roles and purposes envisaged, and this in traditional psychiatry as well as in the so-called anti-psychiatry, and he concludes that in each case it is the patient himself, with his own special problems, who should determine the orientations in psychiatry.", "PMID": 1006200} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10434", "title": "[Residual dimension and defect].", "content": "We approached the current problem of the residual dimension of psychoses, a problem of significance from both the psychopathological and social-psychiatric viewpoint by studying two well-matched groups of patients suffering from cycloid (schizo-affective) psychosis and hebephrenia. On the basis of the short-term course of the psychosis, we reached the following conclusions: 1. The residual dimension is not uniform, not homogenous and is not nosologically neutral, but is complex, multifold and nosospecific to a significant extent. 2. Assessment of the residual syndrome on \"vorgestalt\" level is indispensable for analysis of the residual dimension in cycloid psychotics and is also value in the case of heberphrenics (within the group of systematic schizophrenics). 3. We speak of a clinical defect in the case of a stable link between manifest symptoms which point more towards a disorder in the life functions and symptoms of resocialization more related to the life history; detectable defect is used in referring to a stable link between symptoms which are detectable (by test psychology methods) and disorders in resocialization. It must be stressed that the assessment of the psychiatric defect is a doubly resignated way of knowledge as compared to defects which can be evaluated on the anthropological level; however the empirical value derives precisely from the consciously accepted limitation. 4. We found clinical defects only in the heberphrenics. A cognitive defect was detected in the cycloids and a personally defect in the heberphrenics.", "contents": "[Residual dimension and defect]. We approached the current problem of the residual dimension of psychoses, a problem of significance from both the psychopathological and social-psychiatric viewpoint by studying two well-matched groups of patients suffering from cycloid (schizo-affective) psychosis and hebephrenia. On the basis of the short-term course of the psychosis, we reached the following conclusions: 1. The residual dimension is not uniform, not homogenous and is not nosologically neutral, but is complex, multifold and nosospecific to a significant extent. 2. Assessment of the residual syndrome on \"vorgestalt\" level is indispensable for analysis of the residual dimension in cycloid psychotics and is also value in the case of heberphrenics (within the group of systematic schizophrenics). 3. We speak of a clinical defect in the case of a stable link between manifest symptoms which point more towards a disorder in the life functions and symptoms of resocialization more related to the life history; detectable defect is used in referring to a stable link between symptoms which are detectable (by test psychology methods) and disorders in resocialization. It must be stressed that the assessment of the psychiatric defect is a doubly resignated way of knowledge as compared to defects which can be evaluated on the anthropological level; however the empirical value derives precisely from the consciously accepted limitation. 4. We found clinical defects only in the heberphrenics. A cognitive defect was detected in the cycloids and a personally defect in the heberphrenics.", "PMID": 1006202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10435", "title": "[Significance of cranial hyperostoses for the neurologic-psychiatric practice].", "content": "The present paper attempts to comment on the relation between diffuse concentric hyperostoses of the cranial vault and neurologic and psychiatric symptoms in a male aged 42 and a woman aged 23 when death occurred. In the past, similar discussions mainly concerned the hyperostosis frontalis interna (Hfi), although the demonstration of a true relation is difficult in the Hfi because of its late occurrence at an advanced age (60-70 years), in which mental disturbances due to other pathological circumstances are frequent as well. The diffuse concentric hyperostosis in young individuals has comparatively seldom been regarded, although in young individuals the age factor in the consideration of mental disturbances can be excluded. The 42 year old male had an 18 years history of mental disturbances such as a mental change and severe episodic psychiatric symptoms, which repeatedly required clinical treatment. Since 18 years he had also suffered from headaches which caused an abusus of phenacetinum. A diffuse concentric hyperostosis of the neurocranium with a long developmental course, as could be derived from microscopical examination, was considered likely to be the reason for the longstanding headaches and the mental change. The 23 year old female was a prostitute suffering from serious headaches and neurodystonia until she died suddenly and unexpectedly, without sufficient autopsy findings. The cranial vault displayed a severe concentric hyperostosis besides other striking changes.", "contents": "[Significance of cranial hyperostoses for the neurologic-psychiatric practice]. The present paper attempts to comment on the relation between diffuse concentric hyperostoses of the cranial vault and neurologic and psychiatric symptoms in a male aged 42 and a woman aged 23 when death occurred. In the past, similar discussions mainly concerned the hyperostosis frontalis interna (Hfi), although the demonstration of a true relation is difficult in the Hfi because of its late occurrence at an advanced age (60-70 years), in which mental disturbances due to other pathological circumstances are frequent as well. The diffuse concentric hyperostosis in young individuals has comparatively seldom been regarded, although in young individuals the age factor in the consideration of mental disturbances can be excluded. The 42 year old male had an 18 years history of mental disturbances such as a mental change and severe episodic psychiatric symptoms, which repeatedly required clinical treatment. Since 18 years he had also suffered from headaches which caused an abusus of phenacetinum. A diffuse concentric hyperostosis of the neurocranium with a long developmental course, as could be derived from microscopical examination, was considered likely to be the reason for the longstanding headaches and the mental change. The 23 year old female was a prostitute suffering from serious headaches and neurodystonia until she died suddenly and unexpectedly, without sufficient autopsy findings. The cranial vault displayed a severe concentric hyperostosis besides other striking changes.", "PMID": 1006203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10436", "title": "Supratentorial dissemination of medulloblastomas.", "content": "The present paper reports on 13 cases of medulloblastoma with supratentorial dissemination. With reference of these cases the authors discuss the pathogenetic probabilities of the dissemination of brain tumors, their evidence and treatment, emphasizing the importance of cerebral scintigraphy formed periodically in all patients previously operated of medulloblastoma. When dissemination is detected radiotherapy may give good results. If the symptomatology is very accentuated the secondary supratentorial tumour has to be removed.", "contents": "Supratentorial dissemination of medulloblastomas. The present paper reports on 13 cases of medulloblastoma with supratentorial dissemination. With reference of these cases the authors discuss the pathogenetic probabilities of the dissemination of brain tumors, their evidence and treatment, emphasizing the importance of cerebral scintigraphy formed periodically in all patients previously operated of medulloblastoma. When dissemination is detected radiotherapy may give good results. If the symptomatology is very accentuated the secondary supratentorial tumour has to be removed.", "PMID": 1006204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10437", "title": "[Voice discrimination in patients with cerebral cortical lesions].", "content": "A study of voice discrimination by unilateral brain-damaged patients is presented. Performance of this task is a very sensitive index of the presence of a cerebral lesion. The worst results are observed when there is a lesion of the right hemisphere and particularly when the right temporal lobe is involved.", "contents": "[Voice discrimination in patients with cerebral cortical lesions]. A study of voice discrimination by unilateral brain-damaged patients is presented. Performance of this task is a very sensitive index of the presence of a cerebral lesion. The worst results are observed when there is a lesion of the right hemisphere and particularly when the right temporal lobe is involved.", "PMID": 1006205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10438", "title": "[Intracerebral measurement of electric tensions following peripheral electric injury].", "content": "The present research has originated from observing a 25-year-old man who - after an electrotrauma-- showed a hydrocephalus internus in the pneumoencephalogram. The review of the literature available at that time resulted in obtaining only one information concerning this nexus of related problems; thus the search of patients suffering from this trauma began, but as well experiments on animals. Most of the cats being injured by A.C. actually showed a dilatation of the lateral ventricles. Further experiments on dogs have shown that not only in case of transcerebral but also of peripheral injuries by electric currents of certain strength, distinct states of paling on the brain surface could be observed occurring in consequences of the extreme vasosoconstriction of the meningeal vessels. By a further series of experiments on dogs, there was finally demonstrated that also after peripheral electric irritations resp. injuries of different variations, electric tensions in the brain can be measured by intracerebrally installed electrodes at varying irritatnt voltages; up to now, this possibility has been in contest. Neuropathological investigations showed intracerebral and subarachnoid haemorrhages of different size in all injured animals.", "contents": "[Intracerebral measurement of electric tensions following peripheral electric injury]. The present research has originated from observing a 25-year-old man who - after an electrotrauma-- showed a hydrocephalus internus in the pneumoencephalogram. The review of the literature available at that time resulted in obtaining only one information concerning this nexus of related problems; thus the search of patients suffering from this trauma began, but as well experiments on animals. Most of the cats being injured by A.C. actually showed a dilatation of the lateral ventricles. Further experiments on dogs have shown that not only in case of transcerebral but also of peripheral injuries by electric currents of certain strength, distinct states of paling on the brain surface could be observed occurring in consequences of the extreme vasosoconstriction of the meningeal vessels. By a further series of experiments on dogs, there was finally demonstrated that also after peripheral electric irritations resp. injuries of different variations, electric tensions in the brain can be measured by intracerebrally installed electrodes at varying irritatnt voltages; up to now, this possibility has been in contest. Neuropathological investigations showed intracerebral and subarachnoid haemorrhages of different size in all injured animals.", "PMID": 1006206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10439", "title": "[Ruptures and thromboses of the vertebral artery following closed mechanical injuries].", "content": "Five cases of occlusion of the vertebral artery in context with mechanical stress - from endogene reasons in one case - and lesions of the vessel walls (in three cases) are recorded. The inferior posterior cerebellar artery was involved in all cases. Variable ischemic lesions resulted in the medulla oblongata and in the cerebellum, which were survived up to four weeks in one case. In the others death occurred within few hours or suddenly and unexpectedly. Related neurological symptoms were absent in one case only. A chiropractic manipulation of the neck was the reason for the arterial insult in two cases.", "contents": "[Ruptures and thromboses of the vertebral artery following closed mechanical injuries]. Five cases of occlusion of the vertebral artery in context with mechanical stress - from endogene reasons in one case - and lesions of the vessel walls (in three cases) are recorded. The inferior posterior cerebellar artery was involved in all cases. Variable ischemic lesions resulted in the medulla oblongata and in the cerebellum, which were survived up to four weeks in one case. In the others death occurred within few hours or suddenly and unexpectedly. Related neurological symptoms were absent in one case only. A chiropractic manipulation of the neck was the reason for the arterial insult in two cases.", "PMID": 1006207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10440", "title": "The inhibitory effect of IgM RF on the release of lysosomal substances.", "content": "Isolated IgM RF inhibited the IgG-induced release of lysosomal substances, measured as 'large molecular size vitamin B12-binding protein' (LBP) and beta-glucronidase, from separated human granulocytes. The effect was most marked when cytochalasin B was added to the experimental system. The results indicate that the RFs interact with the granulocyte binding region of IgG.", "contents": "The inhibitory effect of IgM RF on the release of lysosomal substances. Isolated IgM RF inhibited the IgG-induced release of lysosomal substances, measured as 'large molecular size vitamin B12-binding protein' (LBP) and beta-glucronidase, from separated human granulocytes. The effect was most marked when cytochalasin B was added to the experimental system. The results indicate that the RFs interact with the granulocyte binding region of IgG.", "PMID": 1006208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10441", "title": "Liver involvement in polymyalgia rheumatica.", "content": "The incidence of abnormal results in liver function tests was determined in 37 of 51 patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) or temporal arteritis. Fine-needle biopsies fo the liver were performed on 6 of these patients and the bile canalicular network and liver cytology were studied in the aspirate by enzyme-cytochemical methods. Of the 37 patients in whom it was measured, 23 (62%) had elevated concentrations of serum alkaline phosphatases (AP), mainly of hepatic origin. The concentrations of other serum enzymes associated with hepatic function were normal in all 37 patients. BSP retention was studied in 13 patients and was abnormal in 6 (46%). Three of the 4 patients for whom smears were stained for AP activity had an increase in this activity in their bile canaliculi that corresponded to a rise in the serum concentration of AP. In one of these 3 patients, smears stained for naphthylamidase showed that bile canaliculi had a calibre wider than normal and had granular walls. A second biopsy performed 10 days showed a partial reversal of these changes. Mild fatty infiltration of the liver cells was seen in 2 patients; one patient whose serum concentration of AP was normal also had normal liver cells and bile canaliculi. The structural changes in the bile canaliculi detected in one patient may be evidence of a subclinical hepatic disease associated with PMR. The cholestatic hepatic dysfunction, common in PMR and manifested in over half of our patients by elevated serum AP levels, can easily be confirmed with special staining methods for visualizing the bile canaliculi in cytological liver specimens.", "contents": "Liver involvement in polymyalgia rheumatica. The incidence of abnormal results in liver function tests was determined in 37 of 51 patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) or temporal arteritis. Fine-needle biopsies fo the liver were performed on 6 of these patients and the bile canalicular network and liver cytology were studied in the aspirate by enzyme-cytochemical methods. Of the 37 patients in whom it was measured, 23 (62%) had elevated concentrations of serum alkaline phosphatases (AP), mainly of hepatic origin. The concentrations of other serum enzymes associated with hepatic function were normal in all 37 patients. BSP retention was studied in 13 patients and was abnormal in 6 (46%). Three of the 4 patients for whom smears were stained for AP activity had an increase in this activity in their bile canaliculi that corresponded to a rise in the serum concentration of AP. In one of these 3 patients, smears stained for naphthylamidase showed that bile canaliculi had a calibre wider than normal and had granular walls. A second biopsy performed 10 days showed a partial reversal of these changes. Mild fatty infiltration of the liver cells was seen in 2 patients; one patient whose serum concentration of AP was normal also had normal liver cells and bile canaliculi. The structural changes in the bile canaliculi detected in one patient may be evidence of a subclinical hepatic disease associated with PMR. The cholestatic hepatic dysfunction, common in PMR and manifested in over half of our patients by elevated serum AP levels, can easily be confirmed with special staining methods for visualizing the bile canaliculi in cytological liver specimens.", "PMID": 1006209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10442", "title": "A comparison of the content of iron in normal and rheumatoid striated muscle.", "content": "An investigation has been carried out on the presence of iron in striated muscle from normal individuals and from patients with rheumatoid disease. The methods used for the estimation of iron required a neutron activation analysis of total iron and extraction of hemoglobin in cyanide buffer. The results disclosed that there was a higher deposition of iron in rheumatoid muscle as compared with normals. Iron has a destructive effect on lysosomes and mast cells, the effect of which is an inflammatory reaction which may in part cause \"metabolic myopathy\" in rheumatoid disease. It is tentatively suggested that this \"metabolic myopathy\" may cause muscular pain and weakness in rheumatoid disease.", "contents": "A comparison of the content of iron in normal and rheumatoid striated muscle. An investigation has been carried out on the presence of iron in striated muscle from normal individuals and from patients with rheumatoid disease. The methods used for the estimation of iron required a neutron activation analysis of total iron and extraction of hemoglobin in cyanide buffer. The results disclosed that there was a higher deposition of iron in rheumatoid muscle as compared with normals. Iron has a destructive effect on lysosomes and mast cells, the effect of which is an inflammatory reaction which may in part cause \"metabolic myopathy\" in rheumatoid disease. It is tentatively suggested that this \"metabolic myopathy\" may cause muscular pain and weakness in rheumatoid disease.", "PMID": 1006210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10443", "title": "Effect of enzyme treatment of Chrithidia luciliae on the reactivity of its kinetoplast with anti-DNA sera.", "content": "The reactions of sera from patients with connective tissue disease with Chrithidia lucillae kinetoplasts were examined with the indirect immunofluorescence technique on untreated smears and smears pretreated with DNAse, RNAse or trypsin. Of 28 completely examined reacting sera, 20 had their reactions inactivated by DNAse alone, two by DNAse and trypsin, and 6 by DNAse and RNAse. This suggests that although the Chrithidia test is probably at present the method of choice for the diagnostic demonstration of DNA antibodies, its results are not completely unambigous. The kinetoplast DNA is probably conjugated to a non-histone protein and antibodies to the conjugate may occur in some instances. In other instances, antibodies may be directed against DNA-RNA complexes. If the Chrithidia kinetoplasts contain a protein moiety, the latter is apparently not identical with the protein contained in the Chrithidian cell nuclei.", "contents": "Effect of enzyme treatment of Chrithidia luciliae on the reactivity of its kinetoplast with anti-DNA sera. The reactions of sera from patients with connective tissue disease with Chrithidia lucillae kinetoplasts were examined with the indirect immunofluorescence technique on untreated smears and smears pretreated with DNAse, RNAse or trypsin. Of 28 completely examined reacting sera, 20 had their reactions inactivated by DNAse alone, two by DNAse and trypsin, and 6 by DNAse and RNAse. This suggests that although the Chrithidia test is probably at present the method of choice for the diagnostic demonstration of DNA antibodies, its results are not completely unambigous. The kinetoplast DNA is probably conjugated to a non-histone protein and antibodies to the conjugate may occur in some instances. In other instances, antibodies may be directed against DNA-RNA complexes. If the Chrithidia kinetoplasts contain a protein moiety, the latter is apparently not identical with the protein contained in the Chrithidian cell nuclei.", "PMID": 1006211} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10444", "title": "Changes in muscle fibre size and physical performance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after 7 months physical training.", "content": "Ten patients with rheumatoid arthritis of moderate severity were given 7 months' physical training. During the investigation period the patiens improved their physical performance capacity as well as they lowered their rate of perceived exertion during submaximum exercise. There was a small increase in muscle fibre size and a correlation was found between muscle strength and type II fibre size. Clinical examination and X-ray studies did not reveal any further joint destruction during the investigation period.", "contents": "Changes in muscle fibre size and physical performance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after 7 months physical training. Ten patients with rheumatoid arthritis of moderate severity were given 7 months' physical training. During the investigation period the patiens improved their physical performance capacity as well as they lowered their rate of perceived exertion during submaximum exercise. There was a small increase in muscle fibre size and a correlation was found between muscle strength and type II fibre size. Clinical examination and X-ray studies did not reveal any further joint destruction during the investigation period.", "PMID": 1006212} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10445", "title": "Causes of death in autopsied RA patients.", "content": "Among 3115 autopsied patients, rheumatoid arthritis was registered in 41 patients (1.3%). The causes of death of these were correlated with the causes of death of 310 non-rheumatoid autopsied patients. Of the RA patients, 32% died from cardiovascular disease, 24% from infection, 27% from renal failure and 7% from malignant disease. Of the control patients, 42% died from cardiovascular disease, 9% from infection, 3% from renal failure, and 23% from malignant disease. The low frequency of malignant disease as a cause of death in RA patients may be due to a continuous immunological stimulation or due to a missed diagnosis of RA in patients who died from malignant disease.", "contents": "Causes of death in autopsied RA patients. Among 3115 autopsied patients, rheumatoid arthritis was registered in 41 patients (1.3%). The causes of death of these were correlated with the causes of death of 310 non-rheumatoid autopsied patients. Of the RA patients, 32% died from cardiovascular disease, 24% from infection, 27% from renal failure and 7% from malignant disease. Of the control patients, 42% died from cardiovascular disease, 9% from infection, 3% from renal failure, and 23% from malignant disease. The low frequency of malignant disease as a cause of death in RA patients may be due to a continuous immunological stimulation or due to a missed diagnosis of RA in patients who died from malignant disease.", "PMID": 1006213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10446", "title": "Combined mitral and aortic valve replacement with the B\u00f6rk-Shiley prosthesis.", "content": "Combined mitral and aortic valve replacement with the BJORK-Shiley tilting-disc valve prosthesis was performed in 42 patients. Hospital and late mortality rates were both at the 9.5% level. No correlation was seen between mortality and combination of concomitant valve lesions. Morbidity was elevated. No episodes of embolism were observed after surgery, although one patient died of severe haemorrhage. Only one patient showed valvular dysfunction (grade 2/4 leakage), but did not require reoperation. Postoperatively, 75.7% of the patients were asymptomatic for a mean follow-up period of 21.1 months. The Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley prosthesis offers a small gradient associated with a low profile, which constitute important advantages in multiple valve replacement.", "contents": "Combined mitral and aortic valve replacement with the B\u00f6rk-Shiley prosthesis. Combined mitral and aortic valve replacement with the BJORK-Shiley tilting-disc valve prosthesis was performed in 42 patients. Hospital and late mortality rates were both at the 9.5% level. No correlation was seen between mortality and combination of concomitant valve lesions. Morbidity was elevated. No episodes of embolism were observed after surgery, although one patient died of severe haemorrhage. Only one patient showed valvular dysfunction (grade 2/4 leakage), but did not require reoperation. Postoperatively, 75.7% of the patients were asymptomatic for a mean follow-up period of 21.1 months. The Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley prosthesis offers a small gradient associated with a low profile, which constitute important advantages in multiple valve replacement.", "PMID": 1006216} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10447", "title": "Computer visualization of flow patterns for prosthetic heart valves.", "content": "Flow patterns for commonly used aortic valve prostheses were formed with the aid of fluid dynamics equations, numerical analysis techniques and computer graphics. Simulations of velocities, vorticity, pressure and certain stress values were developed by a computer and displayed for man-machine interaction. The ball, disc and tilting-disc occluders were of interest. The displays comprised both contour and perspective patterns; the latter permitting semi-quantitative evaluation of particular parameters. Comparisons between the computer simulations and those flow visualizations formed by Bj\u00f6rk and co-workers were assessed. Although the methodology was of prime concern for presentation, the capability of the tilting-disc prosthesis for presenting a more natural flow regime was shown. Thoughts of future studies were entertained.", "contents": "Computer visualization of flow patterns for prosthetic heart valves. Flow patterns for commonly used aortic valve prostheses were formed with the aid of fluid dynamics equations, numerical analysis techniques and computer graphics. Simulations of velocities, vorticity, pressure and certain stress values were developed by a computer and displayed for man-machine interaction. The ball, disc and tilting-disc occluders were of interest. The displays comprised both contour and perspective patterns; the latter permitting semi-quantitative evaluation of particular parameters. Comparisons between the computer simulations and those flow visualizations formed by Bj\u00f6rk and co-workers were assessed. Although the methodology was of prime concern for presentation, the capability of the tilting-disc prosthesis for presenting a more natural flow regime was shown. Thoughts of future studies were entertained.", "PMID": 1006217} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10448", "title": "Haemopericardium as a late complication in anticoagulant therapy following mitral valve replacement.", "content": "Two patients, who suffered from pericardial tamponade in the course of prophylactic anticoagulant treatment, are reported. The mitral valve had been replaced by a prosthesis in both cases. The diagnosis was suspected clinically and radiologically and proven by pericardiocentesis. One of the patients was treated by a percutaneously inserted small polyethylene tube for continous drainage and the other by thoracotomy and partial pericardiectomy. Both patients recovered and are at present asymptomatic. Th mechanism of bleeding patients receiving anticoagulant therapy is briefly discussed.", "contents": "Haemopericardium as a late complication in anticoagulant therapy following mitral valve replacement. Two patients, who suffered from pericardial tamponade in the course of prophylactic anticoagulant treatment, are reported. The mitral valve had been replaced by a prosthesis in both cases. The diagnosis was suspected clinically and radiologically and proven by pericardiocentesis. One of the patients was treated by a percutaneously inserted small polyethylene tube for continous drainage and the other by thoracotomy and partial pericardiectomy. Both patients recovered and are at present asymptomatic. Th mechanism of bleeding patients receiving anticoagulant therapy is briefly discussed.", "PMID": 1006218} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10449", "title": "Successful correction of double-outlet right ventricle with a ventricular D-l-malposition of the great arteries, bilateral conus, pulmonary stenosis and subaortic ventricular septal defect.", "content": "The authors present the case of a fifteen-year old girl with double outlet right ventricle with ventricular d-loop and l-malposition of the great arteries, bilateral conus, pulmonary stenosis and subaortic ventricular septal defect, who was operated on successfully. This is the fourth case of double outlet right ventricle with l-position of the aorta that has been surgically corrected. The subaortic position of the interventricular defect favours the creation of the tunnel connecting the left ventricle with the aorta without obstructing the right ventricular outflow tract. The patient was doing well 11 months postoperatively.", "contents": "Successful correction of double-outlet right ventricle with a ventricular D-l-malposition of the great arteries, bilateral conus, pulmonary stenosis and subaortic ventricular septal defect. The authors present the case of a fifteen-year old girl with double outlet right ventricle with ventricular d-loop and l-malposition of the great arteries, bilateral conus, pulmonary stenosis and subaortic ventricular septal defect, who was operated on successfully. This is the fourth case of double outlet right ventricle with l-position of the aorta that has been surgically corrected. The subaortic position of the interventricular defect favours the creation of the tunnel connecting the left ventricle with the aorta without obstructing the right ventricular outflow tract. The patient was doing well 11 months postoperatively.", "PMID": 1006219} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10450", "title": "Changes in mental functions after open-heart operations. Methodolgical aspects.", "content": "The authors present an attempt to develop methodological points of view on studies of changes in mental functions after various forms of anaesthesia and operation, e.g. open-heart operations. The value of results from unoperated control patients examined with the same methods and at the same intervals, is pointed out. Intraindividual changes in scores from pretest to post-tests seem to be the best measure of postoperative mental functions. For a more accurate appraisal of the results in a material of this kind, it is also recommended to make only a limited number of basic tests of specified hypotheses. For many investigations in this field para metric methods are unsuitable and nonparametric statics should therefore be preferred.", "contents": "Changes in mental functions after open-heart operations. Methodolgical aspects. The authors present an attempt to develop methodological points of view on studies of changes in mental functions after various forms of anaesthesia and operation, e.g. open-heart operations. The value of results from unoperated control patients examined with the same methods and at the same intervals, is pointed out. Intraindividual changes in scores from pretest to post-tests seem to be the best measure of postoperative mental functions. For a more accurate appraisal of the results in a material of this kind, it is also recommended to make only a limited number of basic tests of specified hypotheses. For many investigations in this field para metric methods are unsuitable and nonparametric statics should therefore be preferred.", "PMID": 1006220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10451", "title": "Anticoagulation with defibrase during prolonged extracorporeal circulation in the dog.", "content": "Def\u0129brase was used for anticoagulation in dogs during extracorporeal perfusion up to 6 hours with a Travenol membrane oxygenator or a Pall filter. The anticoagulation effect was adequate. The already low fibrinogen concentration became unmeasurable, the platelet count decreased, and the fibrin(ogen) degradation products increased during the perfusion. Histological examination showed platelets and white blood cells on the membranes. Perfusion pressure and blood flow were stable during the experiments, and no bleeding, thromboembolism or other adverse side-effects were noted. Defibrase might be an alternative to heparin for anticoagulation during extra-corporeal circulation.", "contents": "Anticoagulation with defibrase during prolonged extracorporeal circulation in the dog. Def\u0129brase was used for anticoagulation in dogs during extracorporeal perfusion up to 6 hours with a Travenol membrane oxygenator or a Pall filter. The anticoagulation effect was adequate. The already low fibrinogen concentration became unmeasurable, the platelet count decreased, and the fibrin(ogen) degradation products increased during the perfusion. Histological examination showed platelets and white blood cells on the membranes. Perfusion pressure and blood flow were stable during the experiments, and no bleeding, thromboembolism or other adverse side-effects were noted. Defibrase might be an alternative to heparin for anticoagulation during extra-corporeal circulation.", "PMID": 1006222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10452", "title": "Intra-aortic balloon pumping in the treatment of cardiogenic shock following open-heart surgery.", "content": "Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) was used in the treatment of 29 patients in cardiogenic shock refractory to pressor drugs subsequent to open-heart surgery. Nineteen patients recovered from the shock primarily, but four died later in hospital. The remaining 15 were discharged alive. Peroperative electromagnetic flow measurements in one patient showed a 23% increase in aortic flow and a 26% increase in aortocoronary bypass flow when pumping was started.", "contents": "Intra-aortic balloon pumping in the treatment of cardiogenic shock following open-heart surgery. Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) was used in the treatment of 29 patients in cardiogenic shock refractory to pressor drugs subsequent to open-heart surgery. Nineteen patients recovered from the shock primarily, but four died later in hospital. The remaining 15 were discharged alive. Peroperative electromagnetic flow measurements in one patient showed a 23% increase in aortic flow and a 26% increase in aortocoronary bypass flow when pumping was started.", "PMID": 1006223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10453", "title": "Electrical induction of ventricular fibrillation in the human heart. A study of excitability levels with alternating current of different frequencies.", "content": "An experimental study was made on induction thresholds for ventricular fibrillation with alternating currents at frequencies ranging between 6 and 1 600 c/s. The tests were performed on experimental dogs and on patients in association with open-heart surgery. The most vulnerable range was found to be between 12 and 60 c/s. A close similarity was demonstrated between canine and human hearts. The induction of ventricular fibrillation during open-heart surgery is discussed. Ventricular fibrillation, caused by electricity, is either accidental or deliberately induced for medical purposes. The myocardial threshold of excitability towards alternating currents is dependent on two parameters, current and frequency. The vulnerability of the heart towards current has been thoroughly investigated by several authors (Walter, 1969; Dalziel & Lee, 1969; Nickel & Spang, 1965; Kugelberg, 1975). A frequency of 50-60 c/s was utilized in all these determinations, as this is the one of choice in networks for distribution of electric power all over the world. Thus, accidental ventricular fibrillation is most likely to occur with currents of this frequency, and inductions for medical purposes, i.e. during open-heart operations, are achieved in the easiest way with simple transformers delivering the same frequency.", "contents": "Electrical induction of ventricular fibrillation in the human heart. A study of excitability levels with alternating current of different frequencies. An experimental study was made on induction thresholds for ventricular fibrillation with alternating currents at frequencies ranging between 6 and 1 600 c/s. The tests were performed on experimental dogs and on patients in association with open-heart surgery. The most vulnerable range was found to be between 12 and 60 c/s. A close similarity was demonstrated between canine and human hearts. The induction of ventricular fibrillation during open-heart surgery is discussed. Ventricular fibrillation, caused by electricity, is either accidental or deliberately induced for medical purposes. The myocardial threshold of excitability towards alternating currents is dependent on two parameters, current and frequency. The vulnerability of the heart towards current has been thoroughly investigated by several authors (Walter, 1969; Dalziel & Lee, 1969; Nickel & Spang, 1965; Kugelberg, 1975). A frequency of 50-60 c/s was utilized in all these determinations, as this is the one of choice in networks for distribution of electric power all over the world. Thus, accidental ventricular fibrillation is most likely to occur with currents of this frequency, and inductions for medical purposes, i.e. during open-heart operations, are achieved in the easiest way with simple transformers delivering the same frequency.", "PMID": 1006224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10454", "title": "Emergency resection of distal tracheal stenosis. A case report.", "content": "A case of tracheal stenosis secondary to tracheostomy and respirator treatment is presented. The stenosis caused acute respiratory failure, which made immediate surgical intervention mandatory. It is stressed that usually the tracheal lumen is severely reduced when the stenosis causes alarming symptoms. Rational treatment, which must be instituted immediately, consists of resection of the stenotic area and end-to-end anastomosis.", "contents": "Emergency resection of distal tracheal stenosis. A case report. A case of tracheal stenosis secondary to tracheostomy and respirator treatment is presented. The stenosis caused acute respiratory failure, which made immediate surgical intervention mandatory. It is stressed that usually the tracheal lumen is severely reduced when the stenosis causes alarming symptoms. Rational treatment, which must be instituted immediately, consists of resection of the stenotic area and end-to-end anastomosis.", "PMID": 1006225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10455", "title": "Parenchymal gas tensions in canine lung.", "content": "Lung parenchymal oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions were measured in dogs by using chronically implanted Silastic tubes. The effects of pulmonary arterial ligation and bronchial occlusion on lung tissue gases were recorded. Prevention of venous return to the lung increased parenchymal oxygen tension markedly. Obstruction of airways and bronchial arteries resulted in a profound decrease in parenchymal oxygenation.", "contents": "Parenchymal gas tensions in canine lung. Lung parenchymal oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions were measured in dogs by using chronically implanted Silastic tubes. The effects of pulmonary arterial ligation and bronchial occlusion on lung tissue gases were recorded. Prevention of venous return to the lung increased parenchymal oxygen tension markedly. Obstruction of airways and bronchial arteries resulted in a profound decrease in parenchymal oxygenation.", "PMID": 1006226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10456", "title": "Working capacity and cardiopulmonary function after extensive lung resections.", "content": "Twelve patients were investigated 7-168 months after pneumonectomy. Two of them had also undergone resection of a segment of the remaining lung. The follow-up included studies of working capacity, static and dynamic lung volumes, alveolar gas exchange, diffusing capacity, blood gases and central haemodynamics with right heart catheterization. The working capacity was markedly reduced, limited by dyspnoea in 10/12 patients. The dyspnoea was related to reduced static and dynamic lung volumes (50% of normal). The diffusing capacity of the remaining lung was half of that predicted for two lungs from total haemoglobin and age and the transfer capacity of the lungs for oxygen was loaded to its maximum even at submaximal loads, resulting in a decrease in arterial oxygen tension and saturation and an increase in the alveolo-arterial oxygen tension difference. The central circulation was hypokinetic at submaximal loads and the stroke volume was small. The reduction in working capacity was caused by a number of coacting factors, inactivity, reduced lung function and small stroke volume. It was not possible from the present investigation to single out any of these factors as the main cause of dyspnoea during exercise and thereby the reduced working capacity.", "contents": "Working capacity and cardiopulmonary function after extensive lung resections. Twelve patients were investigated 7-168 months after pneumonectomy. Two of them had also undergone resection of a segment of the remaining lung. The follow-up included studies of working capacity, static and dynamic lung volumes, alveolar gas exchange, diffusing capacity, blood gases and central haemodynamics with right heart catheterization. The working capacity was markedly reduced, limited by dyspnoea in 10/12 patients. The dyspnoea was related to reduced static and dynamic lung volumes (50% of normal). The diffusing capacity of the remaining lung was half of that predicted for two lungs from total haemoglobin and age and the transfer capacity of the lungs for oxygen was loaded to its maximum even at submaximal loads, resulting in a decrease in arterial oxygen tension and saturation and an increase in the alveolo-arterial oxygen tension difference. The central circulation was hypokinetic at submaximal loads and the stroke volume was small. The reduction in working capacity was caused by a number of coacting factors, inactivity, reduced lung function and small stroke volume. It was not possible from the present investigation to single out any of these factors as the main cause of dyspnoea during exercise and thereby the reduced working capacity.", "PMID": 1006227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10457", "title": "Postoperative evaluation after correction of oesophageal hiatus hernia.", "content": "This is mainly a postoperative study of 33 male and female patients operated on for oesophageal hiatus hernia with the same technique, at the same hospital, by four different surgeons over a 5-year period. All the patients were followed up for a mean period of 2.8 years (range 11 months to 4 years 11 months). The patients were personally interviewed about the clinical (subjective) results of the operation and the outcome is compared with pre-operative symptoms. All underwent postoperative radiological examination with barium meal and the results are given. Further investigations on all available patients, who still had symptoms postoperatively, were carried out by oesophagogastroscopy, pH oesophageal reflux and acid perfusion tests. The result of these investigations are presented, evaluated and compared with clinical symptoms.", "contents": "Postoperative evaluation after correction of oesophageal hiatus hernia. This is mainly a postoperative study of 33 male and female patients operated on for oesophageal hiatus hernia with the same technique, at the same hospital, by four different surgeons over a 5-year period. All the patients were followed up for a mean period of 2.8 years (range 11 months to 4 years 11 months). The patients were personally interviewed about the clinical (subjective) results of the operation and the outcome is compared with pre-operative symptoms. All underwent postoperative radiological examination with barium meal and the results are given. Further investigations on all available patients, who still had symptoms postoperatively, were carried out by oesophagogastroscopy, pH oesophageal reflux and acid perfusion tests. The result of these investigations are presented, evaluated and compared with clinical symptoms.", "PMID": 1006228} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10458", "title": "Oesophageal clamp anastomosis and stricture formation. An experimental study in the piglet.", "content": "End-to-end oesophageal anastomoses were performed with a metal clamp in 8 piglets. A transanastomotic catheter was kept in position for 5 weeks following release of the clamp. The results were evaluated by contrast radiography after a further 2 weeks. All the animals survived the operation and the pre-determined observation period. All the anastomoses healed without signs of leakage. They showed strictures of varying degrees, as assessed by radiography of the specimens. The dissected specimens showed scarred changes in the anastomoses where the thin mucosa was regenerated. The results are explained by the fact that the method of clamp anastomosis per se leads to a mucosal defect at the site of anastomosis with ensuing secondary wound healing. The intraluminal tube therby prevents wound contraction with luminal obliteration by giving the mucosa time to regenerate.", "contents": "Oesophageal clamp anastomosis and stricture formation. An experimental study in the piglet. End-to-end oesophageal anastomoses were performed with a metal clamp in 8 piglets. A transanastomotic catheter was kept in position for 5 weeks following release of the clamp. The results were evaluated by contrast radiography after a further 2 weeks. All the animals survived the operation and the pre-determined observation period. All the anastomoses healed without signs of leakage. They showed strictures of varying degrees, as assessed by radiography of the specimens. The dissected specimens showed scarred changes in the anastomoses where the thin mucosa was regenerated. The results are explained by the fact that the method of clamp anastomosis per se leads to a mucosal defect at the site of anastomosis with ensuing secondary wound healing. The intraluminal tube therby prevents wound contraction with luminal obliteration by giving the mucosa time to regenerate.", "PMID": 1006229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10459", "title": "[Local treatment of chronic arthritis with radionuclides].", "content": "Radiosynoviorthesis plays an important role in local treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Depending on the size of the joint, radionuclides are used at different depths of penetration. Data from the literature and our own results with 396 treated joints indicate that in 2/3 of cases good therapeutic effects are achieved, e.g. the effect on the local inflammatory process is comparable with surgical synovectomy. This is in agreement with the results of our longterm follow-up of 141 joints after radiosynoviorthesis. As with surgical synovectomy, early synoviorthesis was most successful; however, longterm observations revealed a slight increase in local recurrences. These and primary non-responder cases show a good response to secondary injection of radionuclides. The effect of intraarticular injection of isotopes is possibly due to irradiative action on the inflamed cells, with subsequent fibrosis of the synovium. Side effects of radiosynoviorthesis are rare and generally avoidable. Since late complications cannot be excluded, careful consideration should be given to the indication for radiosynoviorthesis. Radiosynoviorthesis represents an alternative treatment to surgical synovectomy in patients over 40 years of age.", "contents": "[Local treatment of chronic arthritis with radionuclides]. Radiosynoviorthesis plays an important role in local treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Depending on the size of the joint, radionuclides are used at different depths of penetration. Data from the literature and our own results with 396 treated joints indicate that in 2/3 of cases good therapeutic effects are achieved, e.g. the effect on the local inflammatory process is comparable with surgical synovectomy. This is in agreement with the results of our longterm follow-up of 141 joints after radiosynoviorthesis. As with surgical synovectomy, early synoviorthesis was most successful; however, longterm observations revealed a slight increase in local recurrences. These and primary non-responder cases show a good response to secondary injection of radionuclides. The effect of intraarticular injection of isotopes is possibly due to irradiative action on the inflamed cells, with subsequent fibrosis of the synovium. Side effects of radiosynoviorthesis are rare and generally avoidable. Since late complications cannot be excluded, careful consideration should be given to the indication for radiosynoviorthesis. Radiosynoviorthesis represents an alternative treatment to surgical synovectomy in patients over 40 years of age.", "PMID": 1006230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10460", "title": "[Abstinence behavior and plasma concentration of disulfiram in alcoholics after esperal implantation].", "content": "Abstinence behaviour after disulfiram implantation has been investigated in 21 chronic alcoholics. The blood levels of disulfiram and its metabolites, carbon disulfide (CS2) and reduced disulfiram (diethyldithiocarbamate) were determined and the blood levels of patients with implants were compared with those of patients receiving disulfiram orally. The blood levels in the implanted patients were significantly lower than those of the group taking disulfiram orally. No metabolites were detectable after 3 months, despite the sensitive method employed. Nevertheless, 14 of the 21 chronic alcoholics remained abstinent for 6 months after implantation. This result is probably due in the main to psychotherapeutic guidance.", "contents": "[Abstinence behavior and plasma concentration of disulfiram in alcoholics after esperal implantation]. Abstinence behaviour after disulfiram implantation has been investigated in 21 chronic alcoholics. The blood levels of disulfiram and its metabolites, carbon disulfide (CS2) and reduced disulfiram (diethyldithiocarbamate) were determined and the blood levels of patients with implants were compared with those of patients receiving disulfiram orally. The blood levels in the implanted patients were significantly lower than those of the group taking disulfiram orally. No metabolites were detectable after 3 months, despite the sensitive method employed. Nevertheless, 14 of the 21 chronic alcoholics remained abstinent for 6 months after implantation. This result is probably due in the main to psychotherapeutic guidance.", "PMID": 1006231} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10461", "title": "[The prognostic value of continuously measured pulmonary artery pressure in recent myocardial infarct].", "content": "Enddiastolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAEDP) was measured continuously in 100 patients with acute transmural myocardial infarction, beginning on admission to the CCU and lasting till the 3rd, 4th or 5th day. The PAEDPs of the first day were averaged and on this basis the patients were divided into three groups. Mortality in Group I (41 patients with PAEDP below 12 mm Hg) was 4.9%, in Group II (43 patients with PAEDP of 12-20 mm Hg) 16.3%, and in Group III (16 patients with PAEDP above 20 mm Hg) 43.8%. Use of additional hemodynamic parameters such as cardiac output, cardiac index, and cardiac work index increased prognostic precision for patients in the acute stage. However, they did not improve prognostic precision on fatal outcome in the post-acute stage. Bicycle exercise stress tests carried out several months later with simultaneous evaluation of hemodynamics (PAEDP) showed a good suitability for rehabilitation in Group I and in 58% of the patients in Group II. The other 42% had a significant rise in pulmonary artery pressure, could not undergo stress, and, in our view, are suitable for rehabilitation only in exceptional cases.", "contents": "[The prognostic value of continuously measured pulmonary artery pressure in recent myocardial infarct]. Enddiastolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAEDP) was measured continuously in 100 patients with acute transmural myocardial infarction, beginning on admission to the CCU and lasting till the 3rd, 4th or 5th day. The PAEDPs of the first day were averaged and on this basis the patients were divided into three groups. Mortality in Group I (41 patients with PAEDP below 12 mm Hg) was 4.9%, in Group II (43 patients with PAEDP of 12-20 mm Hg) 16.3%, and in Group III (16 patients with PAEDP above 20 mm Hg) 43.8%. Use of additional hemodynamic parameters such as cardiac output, cardiac index, and cardiac work index increased prognostic precision for patients in the acute stage. However, they did not improve prognostic precision on fatal outcome in the post-acute stage. Bicycle exercise stress tests carried out several months later with simultaneous evaluation of hemodynamics (PAEDP) showed a good suitability for rehabilitation in Group I and in 58% of the patients in Group II. The other 42% had a significant rise in pulmonary artery pressure, could not undergo stress, and, in our view, are suitable for rehabilitation only in exceptional cases.", "PMID": 1006232} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10462", "title": "[Chorea and the use of contraceptives].", "content": "A 20-year-old nullipara without previous history of chorea or rheumatic fever developed unilateral chorea 11 months after first taking oral contraceptives. All laboratory findings were normal except for considerable elevation of the triglycerides. Complete remission of the extrapyramidal disorder occurred within 4 months of discontinuing the contraceptive preparation. It is suggested that the contraceptive steroids may influence some metabolic events which produce vascular changes.", "contents": "[Chorea and the use of contraceptives]. A 20-year-old nullipara without previous history of chorea or rheumatic fever developed unilateral chorea 11 months after first taking oral contraceptives. All laboratory findings were normal except for considerable elevation of the triglycerides. Complete remission of the extrapyramidal disorder occurred within 4 months of discontinuing the contraceptive preparation. It is suggested that the contraceptive steroids may influence some metabolic events which produce vascular changes.", "PMID": 1006233} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10463", "title": "[Cortinarius orellanus: a poisonous mushroom causing late acute renal insufficiency].", "content": "Three cases of intoxication due to ingestion of Cortinarius orellanus are presented. The hallmark of the clinical picture is acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis appearing about 10 days after ingestion of the mushrooms. This time lag is specific for intoxication by Cortinarius orellanus. In all the three cases, acute gastroenteritic disorders and hepatocellular damage were observed initially and disappeared spontaneously. Histological examination reveals acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. Experimental data are discussed in regard to the clinical observations.", "contents": "[Cortinarius orellanus: a poisonous mushroom causing late acute renal insufficiency]. Three cases of intoxication due to ingestion of Cortinarius orellanus are presented. The hallmark of the clinical picture is acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis appearing about 10 days after ingestion of the mushrooms. This time lag is specific for intoxication by Cortinarius orellanus. In all the three cases, acute gastroenteritic disorders and hepatocellular damage were observed initially and disappeared spontaneously. Histological examination reveals acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. Experimental data are discussed in regard to the clinical observations.", "PMID": 1006234} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10464", "title": "[Peritoneal dialysis, ultrafiltration and hyperosmolarity].", "content": "Observation of a patient who developed serious hypernatremia during peritoneal dialysis with a dialysis fluid containing 135 mval Na+/1 prompted investigation of net water, sodium, potassium and chloride transport during 45 peritoneal fluid exchanges with standard dialysis solutions containing 1.5 and 4.5 g% glucose. With both solutions and an equilibration time of 0 min, net ultrafiltration was observed (89 ml and 230 ml per exchange respectively). In both groups the calculated sodium concentration of the ultrafiltrate was considerably lower than plasma sodium concentrations (27.0 mval/1 and 36.9 mval/1 respectively, resulting in a new sieving coefficient of 0.20 and 0.27 respectively. Therefore, the free water deficit resulting from peritoneal ultrafiltration is directly responsible for the hypernatremia observed during peritoneal dislysis. While the potassium and chloride transport observed in these studies can be explained by diffusion processes along a given concentration gradient, sodium transport and sodium concentrations raise the question of more complex mechanisms. The data are discussed with reference to the relative significance of diffusion processes versus bulk flow and solvent drag.", "contents": "[Peritoneal dialysis, ultrafiltration and hyperosmolarity]. Observation of a patient who developed serious hypernatremia during peritoneal dialysis with a dialysis fluid containing 135 mval Na+/1 prompted investigation of net water, sodium, potassium and chloride transport during 45 peritoneal fluid exchanges with standard dialysis solutions containing 1.5 and 4.5 g% glucose. With both solutions and an equilibration time of 0 min, net ultrafiltration was observed (89 ml and 230 ml per exchange respectively). In both groups the calculated sodium concentration of the ultrafiltrate was considerably lower than plasma sodium concentrations (27.0 mval/1 and 36.9 mval/1 respectively, resulting in a new sieving coefficient of 0.20 and 0.27 respectively. Therefore, the free water deficit resulting from peritoneal ultrafiltration is directly responsible for the hypernatremia observed during peritoneal dislysis. While the potassium and chloride transport observed in these studies can be explained by diffusion processes along a given concentration gradient, sodium transport and sodium concentrations raise the question of more complex mechanisms. The data are discussed with reference to the relative significance of diffusion processes versus bulk flow and solvent drag.", "PMID": 1006235} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10465", "title": "[Correlations between metric, cyto and histomorphological factors and thermographic findings in breast neoplasms].", "content": "Correlations between metric, cyto- and histomorphological characteristics and thermographical results of 119 carcinomas of the breast have been studied by statistical methods. For the purpose of semi-quantitative evaluation the chi2 of 14 characteristics were calculated from foursquare tables and summarized in a correlation matrix. The study revealed a significant increase of thermographically suspect pictures with increasing size, but this was independent of the depth (i.e. the distance from skin surface) of the tumors. The proportion of uncertain but not clearly suspect results was 35% with the infrared telethermovision method, in contrast to 8% with liquid crystal plate thermography. Thermographically non-suspect carcinomas (especially the negative cases with liquid crystal plate thermography) were rich in connective tissue or stroma in most cases. On the other hand, carcinomas with numerous mitoses, large cell nuclei, increased N/C-ratio and large and strongly stained nucleoli predominantly exhibited definitely suspect pictures. The significant correlation between number of mitoses, size and staining of nucleoli and the thermographic results emphasizes that, besides vascularization and altered thermo-regulatory functions, the metabolism of the tumor itself contributes to the temperature differences. The type of growth and histological grading indicate that tumors with unfavourable prognosis preferentially exhibit thermographically suspect results. The use of thermography as a screening method is restricted because of possible false negative results. On the other hand, its additional use is justified in view of the gain in information about the biological situation of suspect alterations of the breast.", "contents": "[Correlations between metric, cyto and histomorphological factors and thermographic findings in breast neoplasms]. Correlations between metric, cyto- and histomorphological characteristics and thermographical results of 119 carcinomas of the breast have been studied by statistical methods. For the purpose of semi-quantitative evaluation the chi2 of 14 characteristics were calculated from foursquare tables and summarized in a correlation matrix. The study revealed a significant increase of thermographically suspect pictures with increasing size, but this was independent of the depth (i.e. the distance from skin surface) of the tumors. The proportion of uncertain but not clearly suspect results was 35% with the infrared telethermovision method, in contrast to 8% with liquid crystal plate thermography. Thermographically non-suspect carcinomas (especially the negative cases with liquid crystal plate thermography) were rich in connective tissue or stroma in most cases. On the other hand, carcinomas with numerous mitoses, large cell nuclei, increased N/C-ratio and large and strongly stained nucleoli predominantly exhibited definitely suspect pictures. The significant correlation between number of mitoses, size and staining of nucleoli and the thermographic results emphasizes that, besides vascularization and altered thermo-regulatory functions, the metabolism of the tumor itself contributes to the temperature differences. The type of growth and histological grading indicate that tumors with unfavourable prognosis preferentially exhibit thermographically suspect results. The use of thermography as a screening method is restricted because of possible false negative results. On the other hand, its additional use is justified in view of the gain in information about the biological situation of suspect alterations of the breast.", "PMID": 1006236} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10466", "title": "[Endocrinology and arterial hypertension].", "content": "A close relationship exists between the endocrine system and hypertension. A brief survey is conducted of the endocrine diseases most frequently associated with high blood pressure. The available means for preoperative differentiation of an aldosterone-producing adenoma from idiopathic aldosteronism with bilateral hyperplasia are considered. For cases where high blood pressure is the principal presenting sign in a patient without overt endocrinopathy, the diagnostic resources for the detection of a hormonal cause--particularly renin--are critically examined.", "contents": "[Endocrinology and arterial hypertension]. A close relationship exists between the endocrine system and hypertension. A brief survey is conducted of the endocrine diseases most frequently associated with high blood pressure. The available means for preoperative differentiation of an aldosterone-producing adenoma from idiopathic aldosteronism with bilateral hyperplasia are considered. For cases where high blood pressure is the principal presenting sign in a patient without overt endocrinopathy, the diagnostic resources for the detection of a hormonal cause--particularly renin--are critically examined.", "PMID": 1006237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10467", "title": "[Amenorrhea].", "content": "Some aspects of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of amenorrhea are presented. Careful clinical examination is still of great importance. Hormone analysis and sophisticated functional tests, although they permit precise localization of the dysfunction, are usually dispensable for practical purposes. Major progress has been achieved in therapy, though induction of ovulation, particularly by human menopausal gonadotropins, still requires experience and frequent hormonal monitoring.", "contents": "[Amenorrhea]. Some aspects of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of amenorrhea are presented. Careful clinical examination is still of great importance. Hormone analysis and sophisticated functional tests, although they permit precise localization of the dysfunction, are usually dispensable for practical purposes. Major progress has been achieved in therapy, though induction of ovulation, particularly by human menopausal gonadotropins, still requires experience and frequent hormonal monitoring.", "PMID": 1006238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10468", "title": "[Lung neoplasms in the Berne region. Epidemiology and smoking habit, compared to histology].", "content": "223 lung cancer patients were observed from June 1974 to April 1976. The diagnosis was by histology (after biopsy, operation or autopsy). There were 125 (56%) squamous cell carcinomas (sqcc), 42 (19%) small cell carcinomas (smcc), 27 (12%) large cell carcinomas (lacc) and 29 (13%) adenocarcinomas (adec). There were only 6 women (2.7%) in the series (3adec, 2 smcc and 1 lacc). Heavy and very heavy smokers were common in each group; smoking habits--even of patients with adec - differed markedly (p less than 0.0005) from those of an age and sex matched control group of 90 asthmatic patients with atopy. Sqcc patients were evenly distributed over the rural and urban zones of our region. But smcc, lacc and adec were more often seen coming from urban zones (p less than 0.0025). The whole lung cancer group was divided into a small group of 6 non-smokers (2.7%), into a 6.7% group of 15 pipe smokers, into a large group of 69 cigar smokers (30.9%) and into a final group of 133 (59.6%) cigarette smokers. The cigar smokers usually had sqcc (p less than 0.0005). The cancer of cigar smokers is more often a central lesion than a peripheral one (p less than 0.025). A history of repeated airway infections on the one hand, and severe airway infection at the beginning of lung cancer history on the other, are a more frequent association in cigar smokers than in cigarette smokers (p less than 0.01). Therefore, the lung cancer of cigar smokers is especially difficult to recognize. Cigar smoking appears to be just as important a link in the chain of causative factors leading to lung cancer as cigarette smoking.", "contents": "[Lung neoplasms in the Berne region. Epidemiology and smoking habit, compared to histology]. 223 lung cancer patients were observed from June 1974 to April 1976. The diagnosis was by histology (after biopsy, operation or autopsy). There were 125 (56%) squamous cell carcinomas (sqcc), 42 (19%) small cell carcinomas (smcc), 27 (12%) large cell carcinomas (lacc) and 29 (13%) adenocarcinomas (adec). There were only 6 women (2.7%) in the series (3adec, 2 smcc and 1 lacc). Heavy and very heavy smokers were common in each group; smoking habits--even of patients with adec - differed markedly (p less than 0.0005) from those of an age and sex matched control group of 90 asthmatic patients with atopy. Sqcc patients were evenly distributed over the rural and urban zones of our region. But smcc, lacc and adec were more often seen coming from urban zones (p less than 0.0025). The whole lung cancer group was divided into a small group of 6 non-smokers (2.7%), into a 6.7% group of 15 pipe smokers, into a large group of 69 cigar smokers (30.9%) and into a final group of 133 (59.6%) cigarette smokers. The cigar smokers usually had sqcc (p less than 0.0005). The cancer of cigar smokers is more often a central lesion than a peripheral one (p less than 0.025). A history of repeated airway infections on the one hand, and severe airway infection at the beginning of lung cancer history on the other, are a more frequent association in cigar smokers than in cigarette smokers (p less than 0.01). Therefore, the lung cancer of cigar smokers is especially difficult to recognize. Cigar smoking appears to be just as important a link in the chain of causative factors leading to lung cancer as cigarette smoking.", "PMID": 1006240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10469", "title": "[Diagnosis and pathophysiology of renal concentration disorders].", "content": "Basic physiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of renal concentrating ability and its defects are discussed. Normal urinary concentration depends on the concerted action of a variety of factors. Consequently, many different causes may underly the symptom of polyuria. Clinical tests of concentrating ability (water deprivation, pitressin test) are of diagnostic importance in diabetes insipidus and polydipsia, but have little practical value in the work-up for chronic renal disease. A critical analysis of maximal concentrating capacity (TcH2O) during induced osmotic diuresis is conducted. It is inferred that the height and shape of the normal TcH2O curve results basically from two physiological processes: It is raised by increasing NaCL transport out of the medullary parts of the ascending limbs of Henle's loops and lowered by influx of hypotonic tubular urine into the collecting ducts. Preponderance of hypotonic influx may result in hypotonic final urine in the absence of tubular functional abnormalitiy. It is not appropriate, therefore, to classify renal concentrating defects according to the shape and height of the TcH2O curve. A synopsis and short description of the known renal concentrating defects is given. They are classified into hereditary, metabolic, diuretic-induced, and toxic disturbances, as well as those seen in renal disease of various etiology. Each defect is discussed in terms of the underlying pathophysiological mechanism as far as currently understood. The most important mechanisms are either disturbed NaCL transport in the ascending limb of Henle's loop, or antidiuretic hormone (ADH) dependent or ADH independent decrease in water permeability of the enddistal convolutions and collecting ducts, or osmotic diuresis.", "contents": "[Diagnosis and pathophysiology of renal concentration disorders]. Basic physiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of renal concentrating ability and its defects are discussed. Normal urinary concentration depends on the concerted action of a variety of factors. Consequently, many different causes may underly the symptom of polyuria. Clinical tests of concentrating ability (water deprivation, pitressin test) are of diagnostic importance in diabetes insipidus and polydipsia, but have little practical value in the work-up for chronic renal disease. A critical analysis of maximal concentrating capacity (TcH2O) during induced osmotic diuresis is conducted. It is inferred that the height and shape of the normal TcH2O curve results basically from two physiological processes: It is raised by increasing NaCL transport out of the medullary parts of the ascending limbs of Henle's loops and lowered by influx of hypotonic tubular urine into the collecting ducts. Preponderance of hypotonic influx may result in hypotonic final urine in the absence of tubular functional abnormalitiy. It is not appropriate, therefore, to classify renal concentrating defects according to the shape and height of the TcH2O curve. A synopsis and short description of the known renal concentrating defects is given. They are classified into hereditary, metabolic, diuretic-induced, and toxic disturbances, as well as those seen in renal disease of various etiology. Each defect is discussed in terms of the underlying pathophysiological mechanism as far as currently understood. The most important mechanisms are either disturbed NaCL transport in the ascending limb of Henle's loop, or antidiuretic hormone (ADH) dependent or ADH independent decrease in water permeability of the enddistal convolutions and collecting ducts, or osmotic diuresis.", "PMID": 1006242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10470", "title": "[Colonic stenosis after pancreatitis].", "content": "In 5 out of 35 patients with acute, acute relapsing and chronic pancreatitis, barium enema revealed partial colonic stenosis at the splenic flexure. In 3 patients laparotomy disclosed colonic perforation with abscess, adhesions between colon and pancreas or a marked pancreatic edema. In two patients barium enema follow-up 3-6 months later showed spontaneous resolution of the stenosis. Comparison with 35 cases in the literature shows that colonic stenosis after pancreatitis is usually incomplete, located at the splenic flexure and due to adhesions between the colon and the pancreas. Spasmodic pains in the upper abdomen, increasing constipation and often rectal bleeding or positive guaiac test of the stool may indicate colonic stenosis. Spontaneous resolution is possible, but if operation is indicated the adhesions should be carefully dissected in order to obviate resections of the colon or the pancreas.", "contents": "[Colonic stenosis after pancreatitis]. In 5 out of 35 patients with acute, acute relapsing and chronic pancreatitis, barium enema revealed partial colonic stenosis at the splenic flexure. In 3 patients laparotomy disclosed colonic perforation with abscess, adhesions between colon and pancreas or a marked pancreatic edema. In two patients barium enema follow-up 3-6 months later showed spontaneous resolution of the stenosis. Comparison with 35 cases in the literature shows that colonic stenosis after pancreatitis is usually incomplete, located at the splenic flexure and due to adhesions between the colon and the pancreas. Spasmodic pains in the upper abdomen, increasing constipation and often rectal bleeding or positive guaiac test of the stool may indicate colonic stenosis. Spontaneous resolution is possible, but if operation is indicated the adhesions should be carefully dissected in order to obviate resections of the colon or the pancreas.", "PMID": 1006243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10471", "title": "[Differential diagnosis of juvenile torticollis].", "content": "Torticollis in childhood may be a presenting symptom of many different disorders. The various etiologies of head tilt are briefly reviewed. Further investigations will depend on the patient's history as well as the local and neurological findings. Therapeutic problems are not discussed.", "contents": "[Differential diagnosis of juvenile torticollis]. Torticollis in childhood may be a presenting symptom of many different disorders. The various etiologies of head tilt are briefly reviewed. Further investigations will depend on the patient's history as well as the local and neurological findings. Therapeutic problems are not discussed.", "PMID": 1006245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10472", "title": "[Value of intermittent pneumatic compression of the calves for the prevention of postoperative thrombosis of the deep veins].", "content": "Six prospective, randomized studies using intermittent pneumatic compression of the calf for prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis are available and have been analyzed. In 4 studies a significant reduction in the incidence of deep vein thrombosis could be demonstrated. Compared to controls, the reduction in the deep vein thrombosis rate by intermittent compression is about 60%. The frequency of deep vein thrombosis is lower if the patients are treated not only intraoperatively but also for 24-28 h postoperatively. The difference in deep vein thrombosis rate between these two schedules is statistically probable significant. No definite statement can be made regarding the efficacy of deep vein thrombosis prevention in patients with malignant disease, since here the results are controversial. No studies are available on the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression of the leg on the incidence of fatal postoperative pulmonary emboli. This method must therefore be regarded as an interesting alternative in clinical investigation.", "contents": "[Value of intermittent pneumatic compression of the calves for the prevention of postoperative thrombosis of the deep veins]. Six prospective, randomized studies using intermittent pneumatic compression of the calf for prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis are available and have been analyzed. In 4 studies a significant reduction in the incidence of deep vein thrombosis could be demonstrated. Compared to controls, the reduction in the deep vein thrombosis rate by intermittent compression is about 60%. The frequency of deep vein thrombosis is lower if the patients are treated not only intraoperatively but also for 24-28 h postoperatively. The difference in deep vein thrombosis rate between these two schedules is statistically probable significant. No definite statement can be made regarding the efficacy of deep vein thrombosis prevention in patients with malignant disease, since here the results are controversial. No studies are available on the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression of the leg on the incidence of fatal postoperative pulmonary emboli. This method must therefore be regarded as an interesting alternative in clinical investigation.", "PMID": 1006246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10473", "title": "[Normogram study: representative data on the state of health of male industrial workers in northern Switzerland. 1. Report: anamnesis and health behavior].", "content": "To obtain representative data about the health of industrial workers in nothern Switzerland, 1260 men from 44 plants have been examined. At the time of our study, 21% were under treatemnt by a doctor and 52% had so been 1-3 times during the previous year. 44% hat at some time in the past been patients in a surgical department, 13% in a department for internal medicine and 29% in a department for special diseases. During the previous year 39% reported loss of working days through illness. In 13%, working days had been lost through accidents. 48% were smokers, 38% had never smoked, and 14% had stopped smoking. Alcohol was consumed daily by 37%, three times a week by 30% and once a week by 18%; 11% drank rarely and 4% never, 16% took medicines often, 40% rarely and 44% never. The results of the study are classified by 5-year-age groups and compared.", "contents": "[Normogram study: representative data on the state of health of male industrial workers in northern Switzerland. 1. Report: anamnesis and health behavior]. To obtain representative data about the health of industrial workers in nothern Switzerland, 1260 men from 44 plants have been examined. At the time of our study, 21% were under treatemnt by a doctor and 52% had so been 1-3 times during the previous year. 44% hat at some time in the past been patients in a surgical department, 13% in a department for internal medicine and 29% in a department for special diseases. During the previous year 39% reported loss of working days through illness. In 13%, working days had been lost through accidents. 48% were smokers, 38% had never smoked, and 14% had stopped smoking. Alcohol was consumed daily by 37%, three times a week by 30% and once a week by 18%; 11% drank rarely and 4% never, 16% took medicines often, 40% rarely and 44% never. The results of the study are classified by 5-year-age groups and compared.", "PMID": 1006247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10474", "title": "[Studies on the heredity and pathogenesis of familial combined hyperlipidemia (\"multiple lipoprotein type\" hyperlipidemia)].", "content": "A family with familial combined hyperlipidemia (multiple-lipoprotein type hyperlipidemia) was investigated with regard to mode of inheritance, phenotypic expression, presence of genetic markers, and biochemical parameters related to lipid metabolism. The family of 22 subjects (13 males, 9 females) was composed of 5 type IIa, 8 type IIb, 1 type IV hyperlipoproteinemias and 5 normolipidemics. The distribution of serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride concentration was bimodal. No relationship was observed between hyperlipidemia and blood groups or histocompatibility antigens. Subjects with high HLA 8 or W 15 had, on the average, higher lipid levels than others. However, these antigens were observed in normolipidemics too. The response to therapy with alufibrate (2g/day) was not uniform. Subjects with marked triglyceride lowering exhibited only moderate cholesterol lowering, and marked cholesterol lowering was associated with poor triglyceride lowering. The reduction in serum lipids was observed in unaffected family members as well. It is therefore concluded that alufibrate does not exert an effect on the defect in familial combined hyperlipidemia but on some unspecific sites probably on lipoprotein lipase. The familial combined hyperlipidemia appears to be transmitted in an autosomal dominant mode and very probably determined by more than one gene.", "contents": "[Studies on the heredity and pathogenesis of familial combined hyperlipidemia (\"multiple lipoprotein type\" hyperlipidemia)]. A family with familial combined hyperlipidemia (multiple-lipoprotein type hyperlipidemia) was investigated with regard to mode of inheritance, phenotypic expression, presence of genetic markers, and biochemical parameters related to lipid metabolism. The family of 22 subjects (13 males, 9 females) was composed of 5 type IIa, 8 type IIb, 1 type IV hyperlipoproteinemias and 5 normolipidemics. The distribution of serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride concentration was bimodal. No relationship was observed between hyperlipidemia and blood groups or histocompatibility antigens. Subjects with high HLA 8 or W 15 had, on the average, higher lipid levels than others. However, these antigens were observed in normolipidemics too. The response to therapy with alufibrate (2g/day) was not uniform. Subjects with marked triglyceride lowering exhibited only moderate cholesterol lowering, and marked cholesterol lowering was associated with poor triglyceride lowering. The reduction in serum lipids was observed in unaffected family members as well. It is therefore concluded that alufibrate does not exert an effect on the defect in familial combined hyperlipidemia but on some unspecific sites probably on lipoprotein lipase. The familial combined hyperlipidemia appears to be transmitted in an autosomal dominant mode and very probably determined by more than one gene.", "PMID": 1006248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10475", "title": "[Experiences with the ISOP (bubble or integral confinement) in surgery of the motor apparatus in Lausanne].", "content": "Use of the Celster ISOP integral enclosure method in over 200 bone and joint operations prompts the following conclusions: With ISOP contamination of the surgical field is significantly reduced and the number of discharging wounds after surgery is lower. Delicate operations such as internal fixation of the fractured acetabulum or reinsertion of the cruciate ligament pose few problems under ISOP. The use of ISOP during bone and joint surgery is an advance in the prevention of postsurgical infection.", "contents": "[Experiences with the ISOP (bubble or integral confinement) in surgery of the motor apparatus in Lausanne]. Use of the Celster ISOP integral enclosure method in over 200 bone and joint operations prompts the following conclusions: With ISOP contamination of the surgical field is significantly reduced and the number of discharging wounds after surgery is lower. Delicate operations such as internal fixation of the fractured acetabulum or reinsertion of the cruciate ligament pose few problems under ISOP. The use of ISOP during bone and joint surgery is an advance in the prevention of postsurgical infection.", "PMID": 1006249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10476", "title": "[Immunological damage to erythrocytes].", "content": "The mechanisms by which red cells are destroyed under the influence of antibodies with different immunochemical and biological characteristics are described. It is shown that the interaction of antibody with the red cell per se does not lead to a disturbance of red cell function. Activation of the whole complement system leads to direct lysis of the erythrocyte (complement hemolysis). The fixation of red cells coated with activated C3:C3 receptors on phagocytic cells is another mechanism which leads to red cell destruction. The hypothesis that adherence to the Fc-receptors of phagocytic cells is essential for the destruction of red cells under the influence of noncomplement-binding antibodies is discussed. Arguments in favour of this theory are correlation between the subclass of IgG red cell autoantibodies and the absence or presence of increased hemolysis in the patient and a correlation between the degree to which red cells of patients with this kind of antibody adhere to monocytes in vitro and the degree of hemolysis in the patient. It is shown by in vitro experiments how this adherence process can take place in vivo in the presence of normal plasma IgG although the latter completely inhibits the adherence phenomenon in vitro.", "contents": "[Immunological damage to erythrocytes]. The mechanisms by which red cells are destroyed under the influence of antibodies with different immunochemical and biological characteristics are described. It is shown that the interaction of antibody with the red cell per se does not lead to a disturbance of red cell function. Activation of the whole complement system leads to direct lysis of the erythrocyte (complement hemolysis). The fixation of red cells coated with activated C3:C3 receptors on phagocytic cells is another mechanism which leads to red cell destruction. The hypothesis that adherence to the Fc-receptors of phagocytic cells is essential for the destruction of red cells under the influence of noncomplement-binding antibodies is discussed. Arguments in favour of this theory are correlation between the subclass of IgG red cell autoantibodies and the absence or presence of increased hemolysis in the patient and a correlation between the degree to which red cells of patients with this kind of antibody adhere to monocytes in vitro and the degree of hemolysis in the patient. It is shown by in vitro experiments how this adherence process can take place in vivo in the presence of normal plasma IgG although the latter completely inhibits the adherence phenomenon in vitro.", "PMID": 1006250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10477", "title": "Macrophages and tumours.", "content": "The interplay between the reticuloendothelial system and the growth of tumours is complex. Tumours stimulate the output of monocytes from the bone-marrow leading in some instances to a marked monocytosis. While tumours contain varying numbers of normal macrophages, and in some rat sarcomata they may constitute up to 60% of the total cells of the tumour, the monocytes in tumour bearers are abnormal in so far as they fail to enter sites of inflammation probably because they have bound immune complexes. There is an inverse correlation between the macrophage content of animal tumours and their capacity to metastasize and this may be related to the capacity of macrophages to kill tumour cells as a result of cell-to-cell contact. Macrophage cytotoxicity can be immunologically specific and this, co-operation with T-lymphocytes is required. In addition, macrophages can also be induced to express an immunologically non-specific anti-tumour cell activity.", "contents": "Macrophages and tumours. The interplay between the reticuloendothelial system and the growth of tumours is complex. Tumours stimulate the output of monocytes from the bone-marrow leading in some instances to a marked monocytosis. While tumours contain varying numbers of normal macrophages, and in some rat sarcomata they may constitute up to 60% of the total cells of the tumour, the monocytes in tumour bearers are abnormal in so far as they fail to enter sites of inflammation probably because they have bound immune complexes. There is an inverse correlation between the macrophage content of animal tumours and their capacity to metastasize and this may be related to the capacity of macrophages to kill tumour cells as a result of cell-to-cell contact. Macrophage cytotoxicity can be immunologically specific and this, co-operation with T-lymphocytes is required. In addition, macrophages can also be induced to express an immunologically non-specific anti-tumour cell activity.", "PMID": 1006251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10478", "title": "[Quantitative Coombs' test in autoimmune hemolytic anemia].", "content": "The detection of iso- and autoantibodies to red cells and complement on the surface of erythrocytes has been studied in a continuous flow system using a single channel autoanalyzer. A macromolecule, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, is added to the washed cells in order to increase their aggregability. With this system it is possible to establish a direct relationship between the quantity of antibodies present on the surface of the cells and the red cells agglutinated by an antiglobulin serum. By this method it is possible to evaluate the degree of autoantibody coating of erythrocytes in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and to adjust therapy accordingly.", "contents": "[Quantitative Coombs' test in autoimmune hemolytic anemia]. The detection of iso- and autoantibodies to red cells and complement on the surface of erythrocytes has been studied in a continuous flow system using a single channel autoanalyzer. A macromolecule, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, is added to the washed cells in order to increase their aggregability. With this system it is possible to establish a direct relationship between the quantity of antibodies present on the surface of the cells and the red cells agglutinated by an antiglobulin serum. By this method it is possible to evaluate the degree of autoantibody coating of erythrocytes in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and to adjust therapy accordingly.", "PMID": 1006252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10479", "title": "[Substitution ofpolysensitized patients with platelets from HL-A typed single donors].", "content": "80 platelet transfusions from 38 different \"full-house\" HLA-typed single donors (10 siblings, 28 unrelated persons) were given to 14 thrombocytopenic patients refractory to platelets from random donors. The transfusions resulted in increased platelet increments, provided that the donor had no additional HLA-specificities whatsoever. In 14 out of 19 situations of not-identity between donor and recipient and with poor posttransfusion platelet increments, lymphocytotoxicity tests (incubation of 180 min at room temperature) were positive. This test therefore appears to be a useful tool in predicting the outcome of the transfusions. Granulocytotoxicity tests were positive in 4 HLA-identical donor-recipient pairs. Although severe transfusion reactions were observed, no detrimental influence on platelet increments could be found.", "contents": "[Substitution ofpolysensitized patients with platelets from HL-A typed single donors]. 80 platelet transfusions from 38 different \"full-house\" HLA-typed single donors (10 siblings, 28 unrelated persons) were given to 14 thrombocytopenic patients refractory to platelets from random donors. The transfusions resulted in increased platelet increments, provided that the donor had no additional HLA-specificities whatsoever. In 14 out of 19 situations of not-identity between donor and recipient and with poor posttransfusion platelet increments, lymphocytotoxicity tests (incubation of 180 min at room temperature) were positive. This test therefore appears to be a useful tool in predicting the outcome of the transfusions. Granulocytotoxicity tests were positive in 4 HLA-identical donor-recipient pairs. Although severe transfusion reactions were observed, no detrimental influence on platelet increments could be found.", "PMID": 1006253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10480", "title": "[The immunologic status during pulmonry tubercuolsis].", "content": "The cellular and humoral immunity of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis has been evaluated prospectively in 22 PPD-positive and 10 PPD-negative patients by intradermoreaction (IDR), blast transformation (SL) and MIF production in response to PPD, Candida and varidase, peripheral lymphocyte count, and quantitative evaluation of immunoglobulins. There is a very good correlation between the different tests, and anergy is frequently found in elderly patients. Negative results (IDR, SL, MIF) are significantly observed in the presence of a negative PPD-IDR, lymphopenia (less than 1,000/mm3), impaired blast transformation in response to PHA (less than 21,000 cpm), and a cavitary form of tuberculosis. These findings suggest a defect of cellular immunity in these patients.", "contents": "[The immunologic status during pulmonry tubercuolsis]. The cellular and humoral immunity of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis has been evaluated prospectively in 22 PPD-positive and 10 PPD-negative patients by intradermoreaction (IDR), blast transformation (SL) and MIF production in response to PPD, Candida and varidase, peripheral lymphocyte count, and quantitative evaluation of immunoglobulins. There is a very good correlation between the different tests, and anergy is frequently found in elderly patients. Negative results (IDR, SL, MIF) are significantly observed in the presence of a negative PPD-IDR, lymphopenia (less than 1,000/mm3), impaired blast transformation in response to PHA (less than 21,000 cpm), and a cavitary form of tuberculosis. These findings suggest a defect of cellular immunity in these patients.", "PMID": 1006254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10481", "title": "[Methodological contribution to the controlled measurement of platelet aggregation].", "content": "Collagen-induced platelet aggregation was investigated in healthy volunteers under well defined experimental conditions. The Born aggregometer was used and the two parameters studied were the maximum amount and velocity of aggregation. Under these experimental conditions no significant differences in measurements on 3 consecutive days were found. In addition, identical results were obtained in the same volunteers 4 and 8 weeks following the first experimental period. This experimental procedure was therefore used to test a new nonsteroid anti-inflammatory agent, RU 43-715, for its effect on platelet aggregation. Furthermore, a controlled crossover study using 3 different substances was performed. In the light of the results in the present study, controlled studies on platelet aggregation can be performed even over on even longer period of time under the experimental conditions described.", "contents": "[Methodological contribution to the controlled measurement of platelet aggregation]. Collagen-induced platelet aggregation was investigated in healthy volunteers under well defined experimental conditions. The Born aggregometer was used and the two parameters studied were the maximum amount and velocity of aggregation. Under these experimental conditions no significant differences in measurements on 3 consecutive days were found. In addition, identical results were obtained in the same volunteers 4 and 8 weeks following the first experimental period. This experimental procedure was therefore used to test a new nonsteroid anti-inflammatory agent, RU 43-715, for its effect on platelet aggregation. Furthermore, a controlled crossover study using 3 different substances was performed. In the light of the results in the present study, controlled studies on platelet aggregation can be performed even over on even longer period of time under the experimental conditions described.", "PMID": 1006255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10482", "title": "Effects of anticoagulation on the interaction of human platelets with subendothelium in flowing blood.", "content": "The subendothelial surface of rabbit aorta was exposed to a laminar stream of native human blood using a perfusion chamber. The blood was drawn at a constant flow rate and 37 degrees C from a cubital vein through the annular space of the chamber by means of a roller pump. Platelet interaction with subendothelium and fibrin deposition were measured morphometrically. Native blood and blood anticoagulated with 15 mM citrate obtained from the same donor was investigated at arterial blood flow conditions. Platelet adhesion was significantly increased by the anticoagulation. In contrast, platelet spreading and adhesion-induced aggregation were significantly inhibited by citrate. The extent of fibrin deposition varied greatly from one donor to another and did not correlate with platelet adhesion. It is concluded that initially, the two hemostatic systems platelet adhesion-aggregation and coagulation function independently.", "contents": "Effects of anticoagulation on the interaction of human platelets with subendothelium in flowing blood. The subendothelial surface of rabbit aorta was exposed to a laminar stream of native human blood using a perfusion chamber. The blood was drawn at a constant flow rate and 37 degrees C from a cubital vein through the annular space of the chamber by means of a roller pump. Platelet interaction with subendothelium and fibrin deposition were measured morphometrically. Native blood and blood anticoagulated with 15 mM citrate obtained from the same donor was investigated at arterial blood flow conditions. Platelet adhesion was significantly increased by the anticoagulation. In contrast, platelet spreading and adhesion-induced aggregation were significantly inhibited by citrate. The extent of fibrin deposition varied greatly from one donor to another and did not correlate with platelet adhesion. It is concluded that initially, the two hemostatic systems platelet adhesion-aggregation and coagulation function independently.", "PMID": 1006256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10483", "title": "[Granulocyte transfusions. Technical data, granulocyte function and results].", "content": "A new method called \"repetitive filtration leukopheresis\" is described for granulocyte transfusion therapy. 23 patients received a total of 91 transfusions. All patients presented neutropenia of less than 300/mm3 and various kinds of infection resistant to antibiotic therapy. A favorable result was observed in 18 cases following these transfusions, which did not produce the secondary effects noted by others (chills, rash, fever, dyspnea). It was felt that this remarkable tolerance was a result of the collection procedure (elution at pH 7.4 ommission of centrifugation, thus securing the functional integrity of the cells). This impression was confirmed by the results of a battery of tests performed on the collected granulocytes, which included evaluation of their phagocytic and bacteriolytic functions and of their ability to break down a phagocytized antigen, together with measurements of lysosomial enzymes released in the supernatant.", "contents": "[Granulocyte transfusions. Technical data, granulocyte function and results]. A new method called \"repetitive filtration leukopheresis\" is described for granulocyte transfusion therapy. 23 patients received a total of 91 transfusions. All patients presented neutropenia of less than 300/mm3 and various kinds of infection resistant to antibiotic therapy. A favorable result was observed in 18 cases following these transfusions, which did not produce the secondary effects noted by others (chills, rash, fever, dyspnea). It was felt that this remarkable tolerance was a result of the collection procedure (elution at pH 7.4 ommission of centrifugation, thus securing the functional integrity of the cells). This impression was confirmed by the results of a battery of tests performed on the collected granulocytes, which included evaluation of their phagocytic and bacteriolytic functions and of their ability to break down a phagocytized antigen, together with measurements of lysosomial enzymes released in the supernatant.", "PMID": 1006257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10484", "title": "Erythrocyte-granulocyte rosette. An immune cellular interaction in some cases of autoimmune haemolytic anaemias.", "content": "The erythrocyte-granulocyte rosette in some cases of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia is described. Its pathogenesis is ascribed to complement activation up to the C3b stage in vivo.", "contents": "Erythrocyte-granulocyte rosette. An immune cellular interaction in some cases of autoimmune haemolytic anaemias. The erythrocyte-granulocyte rosette in some cases of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia is described. Its pathogenesis is ascribed to complement activation up to the C3b stage in vivo.", "PMID": 1006259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10485", "title": "Ricin- and concanavalin A-binding sites on the surface of polymorphonuclear leukocytes have no receptor function in phagocytosis.", "content": "Human and rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were incubated at 0 degrees C with ferritin conjugates of ricin or concanavalin A,and subsequently brought to 37 degrees C in order to induce the formation of lectin caps. The PMN were then alllowed to phagocytose yeast cells or staphylococci for 15 min and were subsequently processed for electron microscopy. The micrographs were evaluated by morphometry. It was found that lectin-treated PMN phagocytose as efficiently as untreated cells. Capped cells always engulfed the particles with a lectin-free portion of their plasma membrane. This indicates that ricin- and concanavalin A-binding sites on the PMN surface are not involved in particle recognition and uptake. The virtual absence of lectin on the membrane of the phagocytic vacuoles suggests that capped PMN is functionally polarized and only able to phagocytose at the pole opposite the cap.", "contents": "Ricin- and concanavalin A-binding sites on the surface of polymorphonuclear leukocytes have no receptor function in phagocytosis. Human and rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were incubated at 0 degrees C with ferritin conjugates of ricin or concanavalin A,and subsequently brought to 37 degrees C in order to induce the formation of lectin caps. The PMN were then alllowed to phagocytose yeast cells or staphylococci for 15 min and were subsequently processed for electron microscopy. The micrographs were evaluated by morphometry. It was found that lectin-treated PMN phagocytose as efficiently as untreated cells. Capped cells always engulfed the particles with a lectin-free portion of their plasma membrane. This indicates that ricin- and concanavalin A-binding sites on the PMN surface are not involved in particle recognition and uptake. The virtual absence of lectin on the membrane of the phagocytic vacuoles suggests that capped PMN is functionally polarized and only able to phagocytose at the pole opposite the cap.", "PMID": 1006258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10486", "title": "[Structural model of factor VIII complex].", "content": "Gel filtration patterns on Sepharose CL-2B of functional subunits (procoagulant, ristocetin cofactor, antigen) derived from highly purified human factor VIII indicate that the native, intact complex is reproducibly eluted in the void volume. The complex is, however, degraded by proteolytic (and possibly other) enzymes contaminating the purified material during dialysis at room temperature. Resulting degradation products were fractionated by gel filtration and characterized by SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Our results suggest that factor VIII consists of identical subunits (mol. wt. about 500 000) which might be linked together by hydrophobic bonds. Only native high molecular weight aggregates posses ristocetin cofactor activity.", "contents": "[Structural model of factor VIII complex]. Gel filtration patterns on Sepharose CL-2B of functional subunits (procoagulant, ristocetin cofactor, antigen) derived from highly purified human factor VIII indicate that the native, intact complex is reproducibly eluted in the void volume. The complex is, however, degraded by proteolytic (and possibly other) enzymes contaminating the purified material during dialysis at room temperature. Resulting degradation products were fractionated by gel filtration and characterized by SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Our results suggest that factor VIII consists of identical subunits (mol. wt. about 500 000) which might be linked together by hydrophobic bonds. Only native high molecular weight aggregates posses ristocetin cofactor activity.", "PMID": 1006260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10487", "title": "[Resolution of Bbeta and gamma chains from normal human fibrinogen Z\u00fcrich II into 2 variants with each differing sialic acid content].", "content": "The gamma- and Bbeta-polypeptide chains of purified human fibrinogen (both pooled and single donor) have each been resolved into 2 major components: gammaL and gammaR, and BbetaL and BbetaR. They are similar in molecular weight (SDS-PAGE), but differ in sialic acid content, which approximates 2 and 1 residues per molecular of polypeptide in the L- and R-components respectively. Tryptic peptide maps of the L-and R- forms of the gamma chain showed differences within the small group of peptides containing the sialic acid residues. No differences between the peptide maps of BbetaL- and BbetaR-chains were found . A larger ratio of L:R in the gamma- and Bbeta-chains of dysfibrinogenemia fibrinogen \"Z\u00fcrich II\" explains the higher content of sialic acid measured in the unmodified Z\u00fcrich II fibrinogen molecule.", "contents": "[Resolution of Bbeta and gamma chains from normal human fibrinogen Z\u00fcrich II into 2 variants with each differing sialic acid content]. The gamma- and Bbeta-polypeptide chains of purified human fibrinogen (both pooled and single donor) have each been resolved into 2 major components: gammaL and gammaR, and BbetaL and BbetaR. They are similar in molecular weight (SDS-PAGE), but differ in sialic acid content, which approximates 2 and 1 residues per molecular of polypeptide in the L- and R-components respectively. Tryptic peptide maps of the L-and R- forms of the gamma chain showed differences within the small group of peptides containing the sialic acid residues. No differences between the peptide maps of BbetaL- and BbetaR-chains were found . A larger ratio of L:R in the gamma- and Bbeta-chains of dysfibrinogenemia fibrinogen \"Z\u00fcrich II\" explains the higher content of sialic acid measured in the unmodified Z\u00fcrich II fibrinogen molecule.", "PMID": 1006261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10488", "title": "[Conformation of the fibrinogen molecule in solution: dynamic light scattering spectroscopy].", "content": "Human fibrinogen solutions were prepared either by filtration of ultracentrifugation. The sedimentation coefficient was S20,W = 7,9 S. The translational and the rotational diffusion coefficient DT and DR and the fraction of oligomers were determined using light beating spectroscopy. DT20,W was (2.03 +/- 1%) 10(-7)-cm2-sec-1, DR120,W = 40 000 +/- 10%-sec-1. The sedimentation coefficient and DT were strongly dependent on concentration. For pH values between 6.5 and 9.0, the diffusion coefficient DT at ionic strength greater than 0.2 was constant. The diffusion coefficient as measured by nanosecond fluorescence depolarization was DR//20,W = 1.6 x 10(6) sec-1. At a fibrinogen concentration of 2 mg/ml, these hydrodynamic data are compatible with an elongated molecule of 450 A length and an axial ratio of about 1:7.", "contents": "[Conformation of the fibrinogen molecule in solution: dynamic light scattering spectroscopy]. Human fibrinogen solutions were prepared either by filtration of ultracentrifugation. The sedimentation coefficient was S20,W = 7,9 S. The translational and the rotational diffusion coefficient DT and DR and the fraction of oligomers were determined using light beating spectroscopy. DT20,W was (2.03 +/- 1%) 10(-7)-cm2-sec-1, DR120,W = 40 000 +/- 10%-sec-1. The sedimentation coefficient and DT were strongly dependent on concentration. For pH values between 6.5 and 9.0, the diffusion coefficient DT at ionic strength greater than 0.2 was constant. The diffusion coefficient as measured by nanosecond fluorescence depolarization was DR//20,W = 1.6 x 10(6) sec-1. At a fibrinogen concentration of 2 mg/ml, these hydrodynamic data are compatible with an elongated molecule of 450 A length and an axial ratio of about 1:7.", "PMID": 1006262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10489", "title": "[Rise in neutrophils after hydrocortisone seen as bone marrow reserve mass. Dependency on spleen size].", "content": "In 25 patients with a wide range of postmitotic marrow neutrophil mass a linear relationship was observed between the number of postmitotic marrow neutrophils and the rise of blood neutrophils after intravenous injection of 3 mg hydrocortisone/kg. Related to marrow neutrophil cellularity, the response curve was significantly higher in 10 splenectomized patients but greatly depressed in 10 patients with splenomegaly.", "contents": "[Rise in neutrophils after hydrocortisone seen as bone marrow reserve mass. Dependency on spleen size]. In 25 patients with a wide range of postmitotic marrow neutrophil mass a linear relationship was observed between the number of postmitotic marrow neutrophils and the rise of blood neutrophils after intravenous injection of 3 mg hydrocortisone/kg. Related to marrow neutrophil cellularity, the response curve was significantly higher in 10 splenectomized patients but greatly depressed in 10 patients with splenomegaly.", "PMID": 1006263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10490", "title": "[Cell division, cytolysis and regeneration after cyclophosphamide].", "content": "Cytokinetic effects of 5 or 20 mg cyclophosphamide/kg body weight on thoracic duct lymph and blood cells of calves were analyzed. The larger dose caused a temporary cessation of lymphoid cell division, reduced the output of nondividing small lymphoid cells and impaired proliferation of neutrophil precursors. Feedback mechanisms acting on GO/G1 cells controlled the proliferation of lymphoid cells.", "contents": "[Cell division, cytolysis and regeneration after cyclophosphamide]. Cytokinetic effects of 5 or 20 mg cyclophosphamide/kg body weight on thoracic duct lymph and blood cells of calves were analyzed. The larger dose caused a temporary cessation of lymphoid cell division, reduced the output of nondividing small lymphoid cells and impaired proliferation of neutrophil precursors. Feedback mechanisms acting on GO/G1 cells controlled the proliferation of lymphoid cells.", "PMID": 1006264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10491", "title": "[Human monocyte function in normal subjects and in certain states of immunologic deficiency].", "content": "The functions of peripheral blood monocytes (phagocytosis, bacteriolysis, the metabolism, and catabolism of a protein antigen) have been studied in 12 normal subjects and in 23 patients suffering from either primary or secondary immune deficiency. Phagocytosis and bacteriolysis were altered in 1/3-2/3 of patients with either Hodgkin's disease, sarcoidosis or pulmonary tuberculosis, whereas catabolism of the protein antigen were found to be abnormal in practically all cases of agammaglobulinemia. These results show that monocytes may have intrinsic functional abnormalities in some conditions.", "contents": "[Human monocyte function in normal subjects and in certain states of immunologic deficiency]. The functions of peripheral blood monocytes (phagocytosis, bacteriolysis, the metabolism, and catabolism of a protein antigen) have been studied in 12 normal subjects and in 23 patients suffering from either primary or secondary immune deficiency. Phagocytosis and bacteriolysis were altered in 1/3-2/3 of patients with either Hodgkin's disease, sarcoidosis or pulmonary tuberculosis, whereas catabolism of the protein antigen were found to be abnormal in practically all cases of agammaglobulinemia. These results show that monocytes may have intrinsic functional abnormalities in some conditions.", "PMID": 1006265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10492", "title": "[Congenital liver cysts. Case report and review of the literature].", "content": "A study is presented of four female patients with congenital solitary liver cyst. The largest cyst had a volume of 4 liters. One of the patients studied had a neoplasm which was possibly the result of secondary malignant degeneration of the cyst. Congenital cystic degeneration may develop in the entire biliary tract. The clinical symptoms depend on the size, localization and number of cysts. Characteristic signs and symptoms caused by displacement of the intestinal organs begin to appear as a rule in late adulthood. The cysts rarely impair liver function. Hemorrhage into the cysts, rupture of the cystic wall, infection or secondary malignant degeneration of the cysts, torsion and strangulation are infrequent. Solitary cysts of the liver are not accompanied by cysts in other organs as is the case in polycystic liver disease. Diagnostic procedures, differential, diagnosis and therapeutic measures are discussed, and reference is made to non-congenital cystic formations in the liver.", "contents": "[Congenital liver cysts. Case report and review of the literature]. A study is presented of four female patients with congenital solitary liver cyst. The largest cyst had a volume of 4 liters. One of the patients studied had a neoplasm which was possibly the result of secondary malignant degeneration of the cyst. Congenital cystic degeneration may develop in the entire biliary tract. The clinical symptoms depend on the size, localization and number of cysts. Characteristic signs and symptoms caused by displacement of the intestinal organs begin to appear as a rule in late adulthood. The cysts rarely impair liver function. Hemorrhage into the cysts, rupture of the cystic wall, infection or secondary malignant degeneration of the cysts, torsion and strangulation are infrequent. Solitary cysts of the liver are not accompanied by cysts in other organs as is the case in polycystic liver disease. Diagnostic procedures, differential, diagnosis and therapeutic measures are discussed, and reference is made to non-congenital cystic formations in the liver.", "PMID": 1006266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10493", "title": "[The effect of the collateral circulation on the total and regional myocardial function in coronary disease].", "content": "The cinecoronarograms, ventriculograms and electrocardiograms of 164 consecutive patients (32 patients without heart disease and 132 patients with coronary artery disease) have been analyzed. Total left ventricular function was assessed by the ejection fraction. Regional myocardial function was determined by a system of hemiaxes. 89 patients with complete obstruction of the right coronary artery (RC) and/or the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery (LAD) were divided into subgroups with good, poor and no coronary collaterals. Total and regional left ventricular function was normal in patients with well collateralized coronary occlusions. Patients with poorly collateralized or non-collateralized occlusions had impaired left ventricular function. Patients with poorly collateralized coronary occlusions showed no difference in left ventricular function when compared to patients with coronary occlusions without collaterals. Combined occlusions of the RC + LAD without collaterals were not found. Good coronary collaterals have a protective effect on total and regional myocardial function, thus improving the prognosis in complete coronary artery obstruction.", "contents": "[The effect of the collateral circulation on the total and regional myocardial function in coronary disease]. The cinecoronarograms, ventriculograms and electrocardiograms of 164 consecutive patients (32 patients without heart disease and 132 patients with coronary artery disease) have been analyzed. Total left ventricular function was assessed by the ejection fraction. Regional myocardial function was determined by a system of hemiaxes. 89 patients with complete obstruction of the right coronary artery (RC) and/or the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery (LAD) were divided into subgroups with good, poor and no coronary collaterals. Total and regional left ventricular function was normal in patients with well collateralized coronary occlusions. Patients with poorly collateralized or non-collateralized occlusions had impaired left ventricular function. Patients with poorly collateralized coronary occlusions showed no difference in left ventricular function when compared to patients with coronary occlusions without collaterals. Combined occlusions of the RC + LAD without collaterals were not found. Good coronary collaterals have a protective effect on total and regional myocardial function, thus improving the prognosis in complete coronary artery obstruction.", "PMID": 1006267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10494", "title": "[Normogram study: representative data on the state of health of male industrial workers in northern Switerland. III. Physiological and biochemical findings].", "content": "To obtain normative data on the health of men aged 20 to 65 years working in the industry of northern Switzerland, a representative study was conducted in 1260 men from 44 plants. The average pulse rate was 75/min and there was no age-related differences. The average blood pressure was 125/73 mm Hg in the 20-25 age group and 148/84 mmHg at age 60-65. An ergometric test (2 watt/kg/6 min) showed that forced vital capacity decreases significantly from 5561 +/- 782 ml in subjects aged 20-24 to 3809 +/- 757 ml in those aged 60-65. Cholesterol levels were 198 +/- 50 mg% (age 20-24), 240 +/- 42 mg% (age 50-54) and 235 +/- 47 mg% (age 60-65). Urine tests showed albumin in 15% and glucose in 4% of samples.", "contents": "[Normogram study: representative data on the state of health of male industrial workers in northern Switerland. III. Physiological and biochemical findings]. To obtain normative data on the health of men aged 20 to 65 years working in the industry of northern Switzerland, a representative study was conducted in 1260 men from 44 plants. The average pulse rate was 75/min and there was no age-related differences. The average blood pressure was 125/73 mm Hg in the 20-25 age group and 148/84 mmHg at age 60-65. An ergometric test (2 watt/kg/6 min) showed that forced vital capacity decreases significantly from 5561 +/- 782 ml in subjects aged 20-24 to 3809 +/- 757 ml in those aged 60-65. Cholesterol levels were 198 +/- 50 mg% (age 20-24), 240 +/- 42 mg% (age 50-54) and 235 +/- 47 mg% (age 60-65). Urine tests showed albumin in 15% and glucose in 4% of samples.", "PMID": 1006268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10495", "title": "[Considerations on psychotherapy and sociotherapy in the aged].", "content": "Psychotherapy of the elderly has assumed increasing importance in recent years. W. Schulte, G. BENEDETTI, BEREZIN and others have expressed the view that the indication and methodology of such therapy must take into consideration the limitations imposed by age-related factors such as rigidity, concentration difficulties and a tendency to negate the proximity of death. Insight into the finiteness of life, brought about by the approach of death, is seen by the author as a basic problem in any psychotherapy of the elderly. However, the therapist should beware of unwarranted optimism. The practical procedure occasionally resembles that of \"symbolic realization\". Sociotherapy, however useful it may be, also involves the danger of camouflaging the problems surrounding the end of life. sabove all, the author sees a need to improve geriatric institutions and criticizes the lack of human warmth frequently observed in the treatment of the inmates of old people's homes.", "contents": "[Considerations on psychotherapy and sociotherapy in the aged]. Psychotherapy of the elderly has assumed increasing importance in recent years. W. Schulte, G. BENEDETTI, BEREZIN and others have expressed the view that the indication and methodology of such therapy must take into consideration the limitations imposed by age-related factors such as rigidity, concentration difficulties and a tendency to negate the proximity of death. Insight into the finiteness of life, brought about by the approach of death, is seen by the author as a basic problem in any psychotherapy of the elderly. However, the therapist should beware of unwarranted optimism. The practical procedure occasionally resembles that of \"symbolic realization\". Sociotherapy, however useful it may be, also involves the danger of camouflaging the problems surrounding the end of life. sabove all, the author sees a need to improve geriatric institutions and criticizes the lack of human warmth frequently observed in the treatment of the inmates of old people's homes.", "PMID": 1006269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10496", "title": "[The dyspnea syndrome of the newborn in Switzerland. Results of a cooperative study within the framework of the Swiss Neonatology Group].", "content": "The Swiss Neonatology Group was founded in 1972 to strengthen cooperation between obstetricians and pediatricians in this country. To this end a collaborative study was made of the incidence of respiratory distress syndrom in Switzerland during 1974. Almost every neonatal unit of the country participated, and the study thus covered the problem cases taken from approximately 90% of all Swiss newborns. 30% of the newborns hospitalized in neonatal units (or 2% of all Swiss newborns) developed a respiratory distress syndrome. 16% of these died. One third of all the cases of respiratory distress and two thirds of the deaths were due to hyaline membrane disease, which mainly occurred in prematures. The other cases of respiratory distress were divided between aspiration, transient respiratory distress and other pulmonary disorders. 31% of the newborns with respiratory distress syndrome underwent mechanical ventilation, more than half of these having hyaline membrane disease. The success already achieved by modern perinatology looks hopeful for the future.", "contents": "[The dyspnea syndrome of the newborn in Switzerland. Results of a cooperative study within the framework of the Swiss Neonatology Group]. The Swiss Neonatology Group was founded in 1972 to strengthen cooperation between obstetricians and pediatricians in this country. To this end a collaborative study was made of the incidence of respiratory distress syndrom in Switzerland during 1974. Almost every neonatal unit of the country participated, and the study thus covered the problem cases taken from approximately 90% of all Swiss newborns. 30% of the newborns hospitalized in neonatal units (or 2% of all Swiss newborns) developed a respiratory distress syndrome. 16% of these died. One third of all the cases of respiratory distress and two thirds of the deaths were due to hyaline membrane disease, which mainly occurred in prematures. The other cases of respiratory distress were divided between aspiration, transient respiratory distress and other pulmonary disorders. 31% of the newborns with respiratory distress syndrome underwent mechanical ventilation, more than half of these having hyaline membrane disease. The success already achieved by modern perinatology looks hopeful for the future.", "PMID": 1006270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10497", "title": "[Sinus node syndrome].", "content": "The sick sinus syndrome is caused by dysfunction of the sinus node and includes various forms of arrhythmia. In its chronic form the underlying disease may affect not only the sinus node but also the atrial, junctional and intraventricular conduction tissue. The most important clinical symptoms are, in decreasing order, dizziness, syncope, palpitations, cardiac failure, systemic embolism, and cerebrovascular insult. The main diseases causing dysfunction of the sinus node are coronary heart disease, myocarditis, and rheumatic fever. The diagnosis is based on history, clinical findings, ECG, specific provocative tests and, if necessary, long-term ECG monitoring. The sick sinus syndrome is most frequently seen in patients aged over 50 years. Treatment with drugs alone, such as atropin, catecholamines, digitalis or antiarrhythmic drugs is often difficult becuase of the frequent changes between bradycardic and tachycardic arrhythmia. In chronic and progressive cases, the best treatment is implantation of a cardiac pacemaker.", "contents": "[Sinus node syndrome]. The sick sinus syndrome is caused by dysfunction of the sinus node and includes various forms of arrhythmia. In its chronic form the underlying disease may affect not only the sinus node but also the atrial, junctional and intraventricular conduction tissue. The most important clinical symptoms are, in decreasing order, dizziness, syncope, palpitations, cardiac failure, systemic embolism, and cerebrovascular insult. The main diseases causing dysfunction of the sinus node are coronary heart disease, myocarditis, and rheumatic fever. The diagnosis is based on history, clinical findings, ECG, specific provocative tests and, if necessary, long-term ECG monitoring. The sick sinus syndrome is most frequently seen in patients aged over 50 years. Treatment with drugs alone, such as atropin, catecholamines, digitalis or antiarrhythmic drugs is often difficult becuase of the frequent changes between bradycardic and tachycardic arrhythmia. In chronic and progressive cases, the best treatment is implantation of a cardiac pacemaker.", "PMID": 1006272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10498", "title": "[Radiological, biochemical and clinical aspects of uremic osteopathy in patients with long term dialysis].", "content": "The clinical, biochemical and radiological signs of uremic osteopathy in 25 patients dialyzed at the dialyzing unit of the Medical Policlinic of the University of Berne are described. Comparison, mainly of radiologic signs, with the published experience of other centers shows a relatively high frequency of nonsymptomatic osteopenia and metastatic and vascular calcifications in our patients, even though their serum calcium and phosphorous concentrations were kept relatively normal. The frequencies of radiologic alterations in other dialyzing units reported in the literature differ widely from one center to another; this may be due to different technology, but even more to varying evaluation of the findings by different radiologists.", "contents": "[Radiological, biochemical and clinical aspects of uremic osteopathy in patients with long term dialysis]. The clinical, biochemical and radiological signs of uremic osteopathy in 25 patients dialyzed at the dialyzing unit of the Medical Policlinic of the University of Berne are described. Comparison, mainly of radiologic signs, with the published experience of other centers shows a relatively high frequency of nonsymptomatic osteopenia and metastatic and vascular calcifications in our patients, even though their serum calcium and phosphorous concentrations were kept relatively normal. The frequencies of radiologic alterations in other dialyzing units reported in the literature differ widely from one center to another; this may be due to different technology, but even more to varying evaluation of the findings by different radiologists.", "PMID": 1006271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10499", "title": "[Schistosomiasis. Apropos of 5 cases of Swiss citizens having traveled in endemic countries].", "content": "Among a series of 35 cases of schistosomiasis diagnosed in Geneva between 1961 and 1975 on biopsies (bladder, rectum and liver), the cases of 5 Swiss citizens who had lived in endemic countries are reported. Since the clinical manifestations are often misleading or hardly typical, the diagnosis rests above all on biopsy. After recall of the epidemiologic and pathologic features, the diagnostic steps are reviewed. The object of this study is to call the practiontitioner's attention to the increasing incidence of imported schistosomiasis among the inhabitants of temperate countries.", "contents": "[Schistosomiasis. Apropos of 5 cases of Swiss citizens having traveled in endemic countries]. Among a series of 35 cases of schistosomiasis diagnosed in Geneva between 1961 and 1975 on biopsies (bladder, rectum and liver), the cases of 5 Swiss citizens who had lived in endemic countries are reported. Since the clinical manifestations are often misleading or hardly typical, the diagnosis rests above all on biopsy. After recall of the epidemiologic and pathologic features, the diagnostic steps are reviewed. The object of this study is to call the practiontitioner's attention to the increasing incidence of imported schistosomiasis among the inhabitants of temperate countries.", "PMID": 1006273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10500", "title": "[Evaluation and significance of cholesterol containing abdominal fluid].", "content": "In 2 female patients with clinical suspicion of malignant abdominal tumor \"ascitic\" fluid obtained by abdominal paracentesis, was found to contain an abundant amount of cholesterol. Laparotomy revealed huge, benign ovarian mucinous cystadenomas. The cytological diagnosis of cholesterol-containing cystic fluid is discussed. Cholesterol-containing cystic fluid is discussed. Cholesterol-containing cystic fluids can be differentiated cytologocally from serous and chylous effusions, and also from cholesterol pleurisy and cholesterol peritonitis.", "contents": "[Evaluation and significance of cholesterol containing abdominal fluid]. In 2 female patients with clinical suspicion of malignant abdominal tumor \"ascitic\" fluid obtained by abdominal paracentesis, was found to contain an abundant amount of cholesterol. Laparotomy revealed huge, benign ovarian mucinous cystadenomas. The cytological diagnosis of cholesterol-containing cystic fluid is discussed. Cholesterol-containing cystic fluid is discussed. Cholesterol-containing cystic fluids can be differentiated cytologocally from serous and chylous effusions, and also from cholesterol pleurisy and cholesterol peritonitis.", "PMID": 1006274} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10501", "title": "[Creatinine in erythrocytes. Possible effect on plasma creatinine].", "content": "Creatinine is present in red cells of healthy individuals in about the same concentration as in plasma. Therefore, hemolysis per se is not a major interference factor in the determination of plasma creatinine, unless the method used is influenced by hemoglobin. Some more important possible influences are discussed.", "contents": "[Creatinine in erythrocytes. Possible effect on plasma creatinine]. Creatinine is present in red cells of healthy individuals in about the same concentration as in plasma. Therefore, hemolysis per se is not a major interference factor in the determination of plasma creatinine, unless the method used is influenced by hemoglobin. Some more important possible influences are discussed.", "PMID": 1006275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10502", "title": "[Contribution to the effect of tri and tetracyclic antidepressive agents on the heart and blood circulation].", "content": "In 47 patients ECG tracings were recorded and cardiovascular values determined before therapy, during treatment with antidepressive agents after it had been in progress for at least 3 weeks, and 4 weeks after withdrawal of therapy. In a further 19 patients in whom antidepressive therapy could not be withdrawn, the same test battery was repeated after an average period of 13 months. No serious disturbances of cardiac rhythm were detected and certain changes in ECG criteria (prolongation of PR interval, widening of QRS complex, prolongation of QTc time and T-wave flattening) proved to be reversible. There was no difference between tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressive agents. We are nevertheless of the opinion that ECG and cardiac function should be carefully monitored in elderly patients and in those on prolonged therapy with high doses of antidepressives. The results of this study are discussed and compared with previously published findings.", "contents": "[Contribution to the effect of tri and tetracyclic antidepressive agents on the heart and blood circulation]. In 47 patients ECG tracings were recorded and cardiovascular values determined before therapy, during treatment with antidepressive agents after it had been in progress for at least 3 weeks, and 4 weeks after withdrawal of therapy. In a further 19 patients in whom antidepressive therapy could not be withdrawn, the same test battery was repeated after an average period of 13 months. No serious disturbances of cardiac rhythm were detected and certain changes in ECG criteria (prolongation of PR interval, widening of QRS complex, prolongation of QTc time and T-wave flattening) proved to be reversible. There was no difference between tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressive agents. We are nevertheless of the opinion that ECG and cardiac function should be carefully monitored in elderly patients and in those on prolonged therapy with high doses of antidepressives. The results of this study are discussed and compared with previously published findings.", "PMID": 1006276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10503", "title": "[Clinical indications for abdominal sonography].", "content": "The clinical indications for ultrasonography in diseases of the abdominal organs are systematically presented and discussed. The use of the gray-scale technique leads to an appreciable improvement in diagnostic potential, due in particular to the demonstration of small vascular structures. Consistency of tissue structures, the topographic-anatomical relationship between organs, and localization of space-occupying lesions are readily determined by sonography with a minimum of discomfort and stress for the patient.", "contents": "[Clinical indications for abdominal sonography]. The clinical indications for ultrasonography in diseases of the abdominal organs are systematically presented and discussed. The use of the gray-scale technique leads to an appreciable improvement in diagnostic potential, due in particular to the demonstration of small vascular structures. Consistency of tissue structures, the topographic-anatomical relationship between organs, and localization of space-occupying lesions are readily determined by sonography with a minimum of discomfort and stress for the patient.", "PMID": 1006277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10504", "title": "HLA antigens and corticosteroid response.", "content": "Compared with normal individuals, patients with primary open-angle glaucoma have increased prevalences of HLA-B12 and B7 antigens and are more responsive to glucocorticoids. Lymphocytes from both ocular normotensive and glaucomatous individuals with the HLA-B12 antigen require significantly (P less than .02) lower concentrations of prednisolone to inhibit phytohemagglutinin-induced transformation.", "contents": "HLA antigens and corticosteroid response. Compared with normal individuals, patients with primary open-angle glaucoma have increased prevalences of HLA-B12 and B7 antigens and are more responsive to glucocorticoids. Lymphocytes from both ocular normotensive and glaucomatous individuals with the HLA-B12 antigen require significantly (P less than .02) lower concentrations of prednisolone to inhibit phytohemagglutinin-induced transformation.", "PMID": 1006308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10505", "title": "Field focusing nuclear magnetic resonance (FONAR): visualization of a tumor in a live animal.", "content": "A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) image of a tumor in a live animal is reported. The field focusing NMR method or FONAR process that now achieves the tumor outline is described.", "contents": "Field focusing nuclear magnetic resonance (FONAR): visualization of a tumor in a live animal. A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) image of a tumor in a live animal is reported. The field focusing NMR method or FONAR process that now achieves the tumor outline is described.", "PMID": 1006309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10506", "title": "Infidelity of DNA synthesis in vitro: screening for potential metal mutagens or carcinogens.", "content": "Thirty-one metal salts have been tested for their ability to affect the accuracy of DNA synthesis in vitro. All ten salts of metal carcinogens decreased the fidelity of DNA synthesis. Of the three metals which beforehand were considered to be possible mutagens or carcinogens, only one decreased fidelity. In contrast, 17 noncarcinogenic metal salts did not affect fidelity even when present at concentrations that were clearly inhibitory.", "contents": "Infidelity of DNA synthesis in vitro: screening for potential metal mutagens or carcinogens. Thirty-one metal salts have been tested for their ability to affect the accuracy of DNA synthesis in vitro. All ten salts of metal carcinogens decreased the fidelity of DNA synthesis. Of the three metals which beforehand were considered to be possible mutagens or carcinogens, only one decreased fidelity. In contrast, 17 noncarcinogenic metal salts did not affect fidelity even when present at concentrations that were clearly inhibitory.", "PMID": 1006310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10507", "title": "Melatonin: effects on the circadian locomotor rhythm of sparrows.", "content": "The continuous administration of low levels of melatonin via intraperitoneally placed Silastic capsules either (i) shortened the free-running period of activity or (ii) induced continuous activity in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) maintained in constant darkness. After the melatonin-filled capsules were removed, the period of the circadian rhythm of activity lengthened in rhythmic birds and normal rhythmicity was restored in continuously active birds. The results suggest that melatonin is involved in the physiological control of circadian rhythmicity in sparrows.", "contents": "Melatonin: effects on the circadian locomotor rhythm of sparrows. The continuous administration of low levels of melatonin via intraperitoneally placed Silastic capsules either (i) shortened the free-running period of activity or (ii) induced continuous activity in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) maintained in constant darkness. After the melatonin-filled capsules were removed, the period of the circadian rhythm of activity lengthened in rhythmic birds and normal rhythmicity was restored in continuously active birds. The results suggest that melatonin is involved in the physiological control of circadian rhythmicity in sparrows.", "PMID": 1006311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10508", "title": "Coombs--negative immune hemolytic anemia.", "content": "An immune hemolytic anemia occurs in a few patients in whom the concentration of antibody on the red cell is below the level for detection by the usual antiglobulin test. Clinically, these patients are identical to patients with warm type Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia, except for the quantity of antibody on the cell. The course of the hemolytic disease is highly variable. It is postulated that the properties of the antibody in conjunction with the sensitivity of the reticuloendothelial system for antibody-coated cells account for hemolytic anemia occurring with such low concentrations of antibody. The response to steroid therapy and splenectomy, when indicated, is usually favorable.", "contents": "Coombs--negative immune hemolytic anemia. An immune hemolytic anemia occurs in a few patients in whom the concentration of antibody on the red cell is below the level for detection by the usual antiglobulin test. Clinically, these patients are identical to patients with warm type Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia, except for the quantity of antibody on the cell. The course of the hemolytic disease is highly variable. It is postulated that the properties of the antibody in conjunction with the sensitivity of the reticuloendothelial system for antibody-coated cells account for hemolytic anemia occurring with such low concentrations of antibody. The response to steroid therapy and splenectomy, when indicated, is usually favorable.", "PMID": 1006330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10509", "title": "Transfusion therapy for autoimmune hemolytic anemia.", "content": "Transfusion therapy for patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia poses major problems to both the blood bank that is charged with providing blood and the clinician who must manage the patient successfully. Profitable discussions between the clinician and the blood bank are necessary before the patient can receive the most beneficial form of treatment. These problems are summarized in Table 1. Although not all of these problems apply to all patients, there are quite enough problems that are generated by every patient. The blood bank and the clinician are usually confronted by different aspects of problems posed by the same patient, but all aspects are related, and a meaningful dialogue between the blood bank and the clinician is absolutely essential to achieve optimal patient management.", "contents": "Transfusion therapy for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Transfusion therapy for patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia poses major problems to both the blood bank that is charged with providing blood and the clinician who must manage the patient successfully. Profitable discussions between the clinician and the blood bank are necessary before the patient can receive the most beneficial form of treatment. These problems are summarized in Table 1. Although not all of these problems apply to all patients, there are quite enough problems that are generated by every patient. The blood bank and the clinician are usually confronted by different aspects of problems posed by the same patient, but all aspects are related, and a meaningful dialogue between the blood bank and the clinician is absolutely essential to achieve optimal patient management.", "PMID": 1006332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10510", "title": "The role of the spleen and splenectomy in autoimmune hemolytic disease.", "content": "The relationship of the spleen to the red cell in AHDW is determined by the characteristics of the surface protein coating of the red cell, rather than by a pathologic change in the reactivity of the spleen. The behavior of the spleen is essentially a passive response to red cells with abnormal properties. The critical properties are incompletely defined, but probably include cell shape, and perhaps more importantly, the intrinsic properties of the cell membrane. The effects produced by the spleen are mediated partly by the filtration mechanism of the splenic sinus walls, and partly by the more specific effects of cell-to-cell adhesion between the pulp macrophages and the red cells. The outcome is more complex than former concepts of red cell destruction encompassed: delay in cell passage produces cell pooling in the unfavorable environment of the splenic pulp, and there is microfragmentation, cell sphering, and partial phagocytosis, in addition to cell destruction with erythrophagocytosis in situ. Prediction of the degree of dependence of hemolysis on the spleen prior to splenectomy remains an area of uncertainty. Commonly, the decision for splenectomy is determined circumstantially, but current concepts would anticipate that the most relevant data would relate to the dimensions of splenic pooling, and the quantity and class of immunoglobulin present on the cells.", "contents": "The role of the spleen and splenectomy in autoimmune hemolytic disease. The relationship of the spleen to the red cell in AHDW is determined by the characteristics of the surface protein coating of the red cell, rather than by a pathologic change in the reactivity of the spleen. The behavior of the spleen is essentially a passive response to red cells with abnormal properties. The critical properties are incompletely defined, but probably include cell shape, and perhaps more importantly, the intrinsic properties of the cell membrane. The effects produced by the spleen are mediated partly by the filtration mechanism of the splenic sinus walls, and partly by the more specific effects of cell-to-cell adhesion between the pulp macrophages and the red cells. The outcome is more complex than former concepts of red cell destruction encompassed: delay in cell passage produces cell pooling in the unfavorable environment of the splenic pulp, and there is microfragmentation, cell sphering, and partial phagocytosis, in addition to cell destruction with erythrophagocytosis in situ. Prediction of the degree of dependence of hemolysis on the spleen prior to splenectomy remains an area of uncertainty. Commonly, the decision for splenectomy is determined circumstantially, but current concepts would anticipate that the most relevant data would relate to the dimensions of splenic pooling, and the quantity and class of immunoglobulin present on the cells.", "PMID": 1006334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10511", "title": "Animal models of autoimmune hemolytic disease.", "content": "The dog is the principal known animal that develops spontaneous AIHA in the same confusing way as does man. All other occurrences of AIHA in animals are secondary to a variety of immune complex disorders. A recent review has more than adequately covered those conditions. The truly interesting point is that in all the animals studied except the dog, a viral etiology has been found in those conditions in which AIHA is expressed. Lastly, an area that has not been adequately exploited, and may well be an experimental direction to follow in the future, is the observation that graft-versus-host models could well provide significant new knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the recognition of self and subsequent cell destruction.", "contents": "Animal models of autoimmune hemolytic disease. The dog is the principal known animal that develops spontaneous AIHA in the same confusing way as does man. All other occurrences of AIHA in animals are secondary to a variety of immune complex disorders. A recent review has more than adequately covered those conditions. The truly interesting point is that in all the animals studied except the dog, a viral etiology has been found in those conditions in which AIHA is expressed. Lastly, an area that has not been adequately exploited, and may well be an experimental direction to follow in the future, is the observation that graft-versus-host models could well provide significant new knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the recognition of self and subsequent cell destruction.", "PMID": 1006335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10512", "title": "Management of urethral valve obstruction in male neonates.", "content": "Over the past 6 years, 18 neonates with a posterior urethral valve obstruction have been treated. The mortality has been markedly reduced by meticulous investigation, better medical management of renal failure, greater use of catheter drainage and simpler methods of valve ablation and reduction in the use of nephrostomy and ureterostomy. Mortality was 33%, but ther has been no mortality in the last 7 patients.", "contents": "Management of urethral valve obstruction in male neonates. Over the past 6 years, 18 neonates with a posterior urethral valve obstruction have been treated. The mortality has been markedly reduced by meticulous investigation, better medical management of renal failure, greater use of catheter drainage and simpler methods of valve ablation and reduction in the use of nephrostomy and ureterostomy. Mortality was 33%, but ther has been no mortality in the last 7 patients.", "PMID": 1006453} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10513", "title": "Winter diarrhoea and rotaviruses in Rhodesia.", "content": "In the winter fewer bacterial pathogens are isolated from patients with gastro-enteritis than in the summer. The incidence of rotavirus infection is, however, at its greatest during the winter months and the virus is rarely found in cases of gastro-enteritis which occur during the warm season. The clinical pattern in winter diarrhoea is characteristically severe and acute but there has been no mortality or cross-infection.", "contents": "Winter diarrhoea and rotaviruses in Rhodesia. In the winter fewer bacterial pathogens are isolated from patients with gastro-enteritis than in the summer. The incidence of rotavirus infection is, however, at its greatest during the winter months and the virus is rarely found in cases of gastro-enteritis which occur during the warm season. The clinical pattern in winter diarrhoea is characteristically severe and acute but there has been no mortality or cross-infection.", "PMID": 1006454} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10514", "title": "Paget's disease of bone in South African Blacks.", "content": "Although Padget's disease of bone is considered to be an extremely rare condition in people on non-Caucasian extraction, we have encountered 9 cases among South African Blacks. The features of Paget's disease in our patients correspond in every way with the typical features seen in Whites with advanced Paget's disease. All 9 patients were considered to be racially pure South African Blacks by virtue of physical appearance, family history and gene marker studies. The striking racial distribution of this condition would tend to indicate a genetic predisposition rather than environmental factors as the cause of this condition.", "contents": "Paget's disease of bone in South African Blacks. Although Padget's disease of bone is considered to be an extremely rare condition in people on non-Caucasian extraction, we have encountered 9 cases among South African Blacks. The features of Paget's disease in our patients correspond in every way with the typical features seen in Whites with advanced Paget's disease. All 9 patients were considered to be racially pure South African Blacks by virtue of physical appearance, family history and gene marker studies. The striking racial distribution of this condition would tend to indicate a genetic predisposition rather than environmental factors as the cause of this condition.", "PMID": 1006455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10515", "title": "Villous tumour of the duodenum.", "content": "The occurrence of a villous tumour of the duodenum in an 18-year-old female patient is reported. This is the youngest patient who has been recorded as having this type of tumour. Fibre-optic endoscopy with biopsy of the tumour permitted a pre-operative diagnosis to be made.", "contents": "Villous tumour of the duodenum. The occurrence of a villous tumour of the duodenum in an 18-year-old female patient is reported. This is the youngest patient who has been recorded as having this type of tumour. Fibre-optic endoscopy with biopsy of the tumour permitted a pre-operative diagnosis to be made.", "PMID": 1006456} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10516", "title": "Music, noise and hearing damage.", "content": "This article sets out the issues involved in the consideration of noise-induced hearing damage. Exposure to noise can lead to a shift in the hearing threshold, resulting in loss of hearing. This shift may be either temporary or permanent. When it is permanent it is usually irreversible and not all persons can be helped by hearing aids. Permanent shifting of the hearing threshold may be caused by exposure to high sound levels. Ratios between lengths of exposure and frequency levels are given. The measurement of sound levels and assessment of acoustic hazards are presently related to non-fluctuating sounds. Music fluctuates too much to be measured in these terms. Means have now been worked out to correlate the pressure of fluctuating sound (like music) with that of nonfluctuating sound (like industrial noise) and thus to equate statistics governing noise as an acoustic hazard with the hazard constituted by music. Table I shows the ambient sound levels which should be considered as unsafe per number of hours' exposure. I plead for better acoustic design in environmental planning and stress that people exposed to loud noise or music should undergo hearing tests regularly as the main preventive measure.", "contents": "Music, noise and hearing damage. This article sets out the issues involved in the consideration of noise-induced hearing damage. Exposure to noise can lead to a shift in the hearing threshold, resulting in loss of hearing. This shift may be either temporary or permanent. When it is permanent it is usually irreversible and not all persons can be helped by hearing aids. Permanent shifting of the hearing threshold may be caused by exposure to high sound levels. Ratios between lengths of exposure and frequency levels are given. The measurement of sound levels and assessment of acoustic hazards are presently related to non-fluctuating sounds. Music fluctuates too much to be measured in these terms. Means have now been worked out to correlate the pressure of fluctuating sound (like music) with that of nonfluctuating sound (like industrial noise) and thus to equate statistics governing noise as an acoustic hazard with the hazard constituted by music. Table I shows the ambient sound levels which should be considered as unsafe per number of hours' exposure. I plead for better acoustic design in environmental planning and stress that people exposed to loud noise or music should undergo hearing tests regularly as the main preventive measure.", "PMID": 1006458} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10517", "title": "A simplified method of electrocardiogram interpretation.", "content": "A modified step test is described, suitable for office use with the performance of the effort electrocardiogram. The results of haemodynamic changes are briefly presented and the results of measurement of 104 ECGs are tabulated and graphed. It is shown that by using ECGs taken 6 minutes after effort with lead V6 and by measuring the slope angle of the S-T segment, all abnormal subjects can be distinguished from at least 95% of normal subjects. The presence of a plane segment plus an S-T slope angle of less than 6,5 degrees will totally separate normal subjects from those with myocardial ischaemia. The patient's history will usually be found to accord with the above.", "contents": "A simplified method of electrocardiogram interpretation. A modified step test is described, suitable for office use with the performance of the effort electrocardiogram. The results of haemodynamic changes are briefly presented and the results of measurement of 104 ECGs are tabulated and graphed. It is shown that by using ECGs taken 6 minutes after effort with lead V6 and by measuring the slope angle of the S-T segment, all abnormal subjects can be distinguished from at least 95% of normal subjects. The presence of a plane segment plus an S-T slope angle of less than 6,5 degrees will totally separate normal subjects from those with myocardial ischaemia. The patient's history will usually be found to accord with the above.", "PMID": 1006460} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10518", "title": "A study of the value of closed bone marrow biopsy.", "content": "Percutaneous microtrephine bone marrow biopsy by the Jamshidi-Swaim method was employed in the investigation of selected patients during a 1-year period. Data obtained from the study confirm the importance of this procedure as a method of diagnosing bone marrow lesions characterised by altered architecture or malignant infiltration. Common examples of such lesions are aplastic anaemia, myelofibrosis, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and carcinomatosis. Bone marrow aspiration is frequently not helpful in the diagnosis of these diseases, but it is important that both aspirated and biopsy material be examined together, since the two methods are often complementary.", "contents": "A study of the value of closed bone marrow biopsy. Percutaneous microtrephine bone marrow biopsy by the Jamshidi-Swaim method was employed in the investigation of selected patients during a 1-year period. Data obtained from the study confirm the importance of this procedure as a method of diagnosing bone marrow lesions characterised by altered architecture or malignant infiltration. Common examples of such lesions are aplastic anaemia, myelofibrosis, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and carcinomatosis. Bone marrow aspiration is frequently not helpful in the diagnosis of these diseases, but it is important that both aspirated and biopsy material be examined together, since the two methods are often complementary.", "PMID": 1006461} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10519", "title": "A comparative study of ovarian tumours in black and Indian patients.", "content": "An analysis of 426 primary ovarian tumours in Black and Indian patients in Natal shows a disparity in the incidence of cystomas and teratomas in the two groups. Cystomas comprise 29% of all ovarian tumours in Blacks compared with 67% in Indians. Germ cell tumours, however, predominate in Blacks, comprising 52%, as opposed to 19% in Indians. The Indian distribution is similar to that of American and European groups.", "contents": "A comparative study of ovarian tumours in black and Indian patients. An analysis of 426 primary ovarian tumours in Black and Indian patients in Natal shows a disparity in the incidence of cystomas and teratomas in the two groups. Cystomas comprise 29% of all ovarian tumours in Blacks compared with 67% in Indians. Germ cell tumours, however, predominate in Blacks, comprising 52%, as opposed to 19% in Indians. The Indian distribution is similar to that of American and European groups.", "PMID": 1006462} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10520", "title": "Ileal metastasis in cervical carcinoma: a case report.", "content": "A patient with adenosquamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix, who presented with partial intestinal obstruction and a macroscopically normal cervix, is reported. The literature is reviewed.", "contents": "Ileal metastasis in cervical carcinoma: a case report. A patient with adenosquamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix, who presented with partial intestinal obstruction and a macroscopically normal cervix, is reported. The literature is reviewed.", "PMID": 1006463} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10521", "title": "[Successful control of the population increase in Paarl].", "content": "This article reports on the successful acceptance of voluntary sterilisation in Paarl. Emphasis has been put on postpartum sterilisation with increasing acceptance by women with 3 or 4 children. Average parity at time of sterilisation has diminished from 7,52 in 1971 to 5,70 in 1974. The grand multipara has virtually been eliminated--reduction of grand multiparas should be a top priority in any comprehensive family planning scheme.", "contents": "[Successful control of the population increase in Paarl]. This article reports on the successful acceptance of voluntary sterilisation in Paarl. Emphasis has been put on postpartum sterilisation with increasing acceptance by women with 3 or 4 children. Average parity at time of sterilisation has diminished from 7,52 in 1971 to 5,70 in 1974. The grand multipara has virtually been eliminated--reduction of grand multiparas should be a top priority in any comprehensive family planning scheme.", "PMID": 1006464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10522", "title": "Bone infarction complicated by sarcomatous change: a case report.", "content": "A patient with a sarcoma of the tibia associated with multiple bone infarcts and a history of alcoholism, is presented. This is a rare association. The possible aetiological role of bone infarcts in relation to the development of a sarcoma is discussed.", "contents": "Bone infarction complicated by sarcomatous change: a case report. A patient with a sarcoma of the tibia associated with multiple bone infarcts and a history of alcoholism, is presented. This is a rare association. The possible aetiological role of bone infarcts in relation to the development of a sarcoma is discussed.", "PMID": 1006465} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10523", "title": "Medical aid at the roadside.", "content": "Aid given to patients at the roadside may be divided into three categories, namely first aid, ambulance aid and medical aid. The type of assistance actually rendered by the doctor will depend on how well he is equipped. The main situations with which a doctor may be faced, are dealt with under these three headings.", "contents": "Medical aid at the roadside. Aid given to patients at the roadside may be divided into three categories, namely first aid, ambulance aid and medical aid. The type of assistance actually rendered by the doctor will depend on how well he is equipped. The main situations with which a doctor may be faced, are dealt with under these three headings.", "PMID": 1006466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10524", "title": "A human brain thromboplastin standard for distribution in South Africa.", "content": "As part of an international co-operative study of the International Committee for Standardisation in Haematology, human brain thromboplastins prepared by the acetone-extracted and phenol-saline extraction techniques have been compared as to the yield, the proportion of reagent discarded and wasted, and the sensitivity related to an international standard, the British Comparative Thromboplastin standard (BCT). The phenol-saline extract showed greatly improved sensitivity with greatly reduced batch-to-batch variation as compared with the acetone-dried preparation. In addition, the sensitivity of this reagent conformed to that of the BCT. The implications of the use of such a standardised reagent to the therapeutic management of oral anticoagulant therapy are: (i) standardised, reproducible results; (ii) results comparable with those carried out by other laboratories using a similarly standardised reagent; and (iii) stable therapeutic range.", "contents": "A human brain thromboplastin standard for distribution in South Africa. As part of an international co-operative study of the International Committee for Standardisation in Haematology, human brain thromboplastins prepared by the acetone-extracted and phenol-saline extraction techniques have been compared as to the yield, the proportion of reagent discarded and wasted, and the sensitivity related to an international standard, the British Comparative Thromboplastin standard (BCT). The phenol-saline extract showed greatly improved sensitivity with greatly reduced batch-to-batch variation as compared with the acetone-dried preparation. In addition, the sensitivity of this reagent conformed to that of the BCT. The implications of the use of such a standardised reagent to the therapeutic management of oral anticoagulant therapy are: (i) standardised, reproducible results; (ii) results comparable with those carried out by other laboratories using a similarly standardised reagent; and (iii) stable therapeutic range.", "PMID": 1006469} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10525", "title": "Vertebral osteomyelitis in insulin-dependent diabetics.", "content": "Vertebral osteomyelitis continues to be a diagnostically and therapeutically challenging disease with a relatively high incidence in diabetics. The clinical features, investigations and treatment of 7 insulin-dependent diabetics with vertebral osteomyelitis are presented and possible aetiological factors in this group are discussed.", "contents": "Vertebral osteomyelitis in insulin-dependent diabetics. Vertebral osteomyelitis continues to be a diagnostically and therapeutically challenging disease with a relatively high incidence in diabetics. The clinical features, investigations and treatment of 7 insulin-dependent diabetics with vertebral osteomyelitis are presented and possible aetiological factors in this group are discussed.", "PMID": 1006470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10526", "title": "Acute arterial spasm of the lower extremities after methysergide therapy.", "content": "A case of acute arterial spasm of the lower extremities, after the ingestion of methysergide, is presented. Arterial spasm was documented by arteriography, and return to normality followed discontinuation of the drug.", "contents": "Acute arterial spasm of the lower extremities after methysergide therapy. A case of acute arterial spasm of the lower extremities, after the ingestion of methysergide, is presented. Arterial spasm was documented by arteriography, and return to normality followed discontinuation of the drug.", "PMID": 1006471} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10527", "title": "Henoch-Sch\u00f6nlein purpura: a case report.", "content": "A case of Henoch-Sch\u00f6nlein purpura with the rare complications of facial and scalp oedema, followed by neurological complications manifesting as focal convulsions with transient conjugate eye deviation and cortical blindness, is described.", "contents": "Henoch-Sch\u00f6nlein purpura: a case report. A case of Henoch-Sch\u00f6nlein purpura with the rare complications of facial and scalp oedema, followed by neurological complications manifesting as focal convulsions with transient conjugate eye deviation and cortical blindness, is described.", "PMID": 1006473} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10528", "title": "A clinical and radiological trial of meglumine loglycamate, a new intravenous cholangiographic contrast medium.", "content": "The efficacy of meglumine ioglycamate was assessed in 100 unselected patients who underwent cholangiography for various reasons. Good to excellent opacification was achieved in 69% of all patients. A total of 17% of all patients showed side-effects, the majority of which were transient and of a minor nature. Blood pressure and liver function were apparently not affected, but SGOT levels increased transiently within 24 hours in 21% of patients. Renal excretion of the contrast medium occurred in 48% of patients, but in only 2 did it interfere with visualisation of the duct.", "contents": "A clinical and radiological trial of meglumine loglycamate, a new intravenous cholangiographic contrast medium. The efficacy of meglumine ioglycamate was assessed in 100 unselected patients who underwent cholangiography for various reasons. Good to excellent opacification was achieved in 69% of all patients. A total of 17% of all patients showed side-effects, the majority of which were transient and of a minor nature. Blood pressure and liver function were apparently not affected, but SGOT levels increased transiently within 24 hours in 21% of patients. Renal excretion of the contrast medium occurred in 48% of patients, but in only 2 did it interfere with visualisation of the duct.", "PMID": 1006474} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10529", "title": "Histoplasmosis treated with a sulphonamide. A case report.", "content": "Disseminated histoplasmosis involving the reticuloendothelial system in a Black boy, successfully treated with a sulphonamide, is reported. The importance of this rare disease in South Africa is discussed.", "contents": "Histoplasmosis treated with a sulphonamide. A case report. Disseminated histoplasmosis involving the reticuloendothelial system in a Black boy, successfully treated with a sulphonamide, is reported. The importance of this rare disease in South Africa is discussed.", "PMID": 1006475} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10530", "title": "Trauma of the spinal cord in children.", "content": "The clinical and radiological features in 16 children with trauma of the spinal cord are presented. The extremely low incidence of traumatic paraplegia in children relative to the incidence in adults is noted. In 70% of the paraplegic children no abnormality of the vertebral column was detected by X-ray examination. The value of tomography and myelography in localisation of the site of injury in this group is considered. The pathogenesis of trauma to the spinal cord in children is briefly discussed.", "contents": "Trauma of the spinal cord in children. The clinical and radiological features in 16 children with trauma of the spinal cord are presented. The extremely low incidence of traumatic paraplegia in children relative to the incidence in adults is noted. In 70% of the paraplegic children no abnormality of the vertebral column was detected by X-ray examination. The value of tomography and myelography in localisation of the site of injury in this group is considered. The pathogenesis of trauma to the spinal cord in children is briefly discussed.", "PMID": 1006480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10531", "title": "Fat embolism in kwashiorkor.", "content": "Fat embolism from the grossly fatty liver of an infant with kwashiorkor is described. Globules of fat were seen at necropsy in the hepatic veins, in the right atrium and ventricle of the heart and in the pulmonary artery. Sections of the lung showed fat emboli in numerous branches of the pulmonary artery. Examination of lung sections taken at necropsy from 40 patients who had severe kwashiorkor failed to show similar fat embolism.", "contents": "Fat embolism in kwashiorkor. Fat embolism from the grossly fatty liver of an infant with kwashiorkor is described. Globules of fat were seen at necropsy in the hepatic veins, in the right atrium and ventricle of the heart and in the pulmonary artery. Sections of the lung showed fat emboli in numerous branches of the pulmonary artery. Examination of lung sections taken at necropsy from 40 patients who had severe kwashiorkor failed to show similar fat embolism.", "PMID": 1006481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10532", "title": "An accelerated diagnostic approach to surgical jaundice.", "content": "A clear distinction between obstructive and hepatocellular jaundice is difficult in many patients. Biochemical and clinical findings may cause confusion and result in long delays in diagnosis and treatment. Ultrasonography is a major advance in the positive identification of patients with dilated intrahepatic ducts, whether or not the gall bladder is dilated. Isotopic imaging also may be useful in identifying obstructive jaundice. If percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) is performed soon after, the site and nature of the obstruction will become evident. Another advance is the introduction of a sheathless narrow needle for PTC. This reduces the possibility of complications and has the advantage of being able to puncture a normal, undilated biliary tree in as many as 60% of cases, ruling out an obstructive cause. The use of these newer radiological investigations will appreciably shorten the period between the onset of jaundice and the ascertainment of its cause.", "contents": "An accelerated diagnostic approach to surgical jaundice. A clear distinction between obstructive and hepatocellular jaundice is difficult in many patients. Biochemical and clinical findings may cause confusion and result in long delays in diagnosis and treatment. Ultrasonography is a major advance in the positive identification of patients with dilated intrahepatic ducts, whether or not the gall bladder is dilated. Isotopic imaging also may be useful in identifying obstructive jaundice. If percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) is performed soon after, the site and nature of the obstruction will become evident. Another advance is the introduction of a sheathless narrow needle for PTC. This reduces the possibility of complications and has the advantage of being able to puncture a normal, undilated biliary tree in as many as 60% of cases, ruling out an obstructive cause. The use of these newer radiological investigations will appreciably shorten the period between the onset of jaundice and the ascertainment of its cause.", "PMID": 1006482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10533", "title": "Chronic proximal muscular weakness in alcoholics.", "content": "In spite of the fact that peripheral neuropathy is very common in alcoholics, the chronic proximal muscular weakness and wasting found in alcoholics have been ascribed to myopathy. A clinical, biochemical, and histological study of 13 patients provided evidence for neuropathy. Enzymic histochemistry of muscle demonstrated selective type 2 neurogenic atrophy with evidence of reinnervation.", "contents": "Chronic proximal muscular weakness in alcoholics. In spite of the fact that peripheral neuropathy is very common in alcoholics, the chronic proximal muscular weakness and wasting found in alcoholics have been ascribed to myopathy. A clinical, biochemical, and histological study of 13 patients provided evidence for neuropathy. Enzymic histochemistry of muscle demonstrated selective type 2 neurogenic atrophy with evidence of reinnervation.", "PMID": 1006485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10534", "title": "Incidence of renomedullary interstitial cell tumours and correlation with hypertension.", "content": "In a study of 223 consecutive autopsies of subjects older tumours were found in 36 cases (16%) (25/130 males and 11/93 females). Only eight kidneys showed multiple lesions. Renomedullary interstitial cell tumours were correlated with the presence or absence of hypertension and no statistically significant correlation could be demonstrated. The incidence of renomedullary interstitial cell tumours increases with age.", "contents": "Incidence of renomedullary interstitial cell tumours and correlation with hypertension. In a study of 223 consecutive autopsies of subjects older tumours were found in 36 cases (16%) (25/130 males and 11/93 females). Only eight kidneys showed multiple lesions. Renomedullary interstitial cell tumours were correlated with the presence or absence of hypertension and no statistically significant correlation could be demonstrated. The incidence of renomedullary interstitial cell tumours increases with age.", "PMID": 1006486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10535", "title": "Implementation of research in the homelands.", "content": "The influence of urbanisation and a Western way of life is discussed in relation to the establishment of physiological norms and the epidemiology of disease in the homelands. The importance of continued research in these areas as a means of continuous assessment of the basic health state of the community is stressed. Once the basic health state has been established priority for health needs can be determined against the background of total appreciation of community resources. Attention is drawn to the 'implementation gap' which has thus far largely inhibited effective disease control and health promotion in the homelands, in spite of the wealth of research data available on the prevalence of illness in these communities.", "contents": "Implementation of research in the homelands. The influence of urbanisation and a Western way of life is discussed in relation to the establishment of physiological norms and the epidemiology of disease in the homelands. The importance of continued research in these areas as a means of continuous assessment of the basic health state of the community is stressed. Once the basic health state has been established priority for health needs can be determined against the background of total appreciation of community resources. Attention is drawn to the 'implementation gap' which has thus far largely inhibited effective disease control and health promotion in the homelands, in spite of the wealth of research data available on the prevalence of illness in these communities.", "PMID": 1006488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10536", "title": "Hereditary dysrhythmic congestive cardiomyopathy.", "content": "A patient with hereditary congestive cardiomyopathy, who presented with recurrent episodes of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias most often precipitated by exercise, is described. The condition is marked by either a progressive course, in which case congestive cardiac failure may set in towards the end, or by unexpected sudden death. The family tree could be traced for 10 generations. The information about the tenth generation firmly established that 4 members, 2 of whom had died, were affected. Other evidence suggests that the condition was the cause of death in 3 members of the eighth generation.", "contents": "Hereditary dysrhythmic congestive cardiomyopathy. A patient with hereditary congestive cardiomyopathy, who presented with recurrent episodes of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias most often precipitated by exercise, is described. The condition is marked by either a progressive course, in which case congestive cardiac failure may set in towards the end, or by unexpected sudden death. The family tree could be traced for 10 generations. The information about the tenth generation firmly established that 4 members, 2 of whom had died, were affected. Other evidence suggests that the condition was the cause of death in 3 members of the eighth generation.", "PMID": 1006490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10537", "title": "The frequency of uterine contractions in abruptio placentae.", "content": "The frequency of uterine contractions was studied in 37 patients with severe abruptio placentae. They ranged from 3 to 16 per 10 minutes, with a mean of 7,86. When frequency of contraction was correlated with haematological and clinical data, a slight negative correlation was found between the frequency and haemoglobin and haematocrit values. In patients with intra-uterine fetal death, the mean frequency was 8,85 as opposed to 5,55 when the infant was born alive. This difference is statistically significant. The possible role of these abnormal contractions is causing intra-uterine death is discussed.", "contents": "The frequency of uterine contractions in abruptio placentae. The frequency of uterine contractions was studied in 37 patients with severe abruptio placentae. They ranged from 3 to 16 per 10 minutes, with a mean of 7,86. When frequency of contraction was correlated with haematological and clinical data, a slight negative correlation was found between the frequency and haemoglobin and haematocrit values. In patients with intra-uterine fetal death, the mean frequency was 8,85 as opposed to 5,55 when the infant was born alive. This difference is statistically significant. The possible role of these abnormal contractions is causing intra-uterine death is discussed.", "PMID": 1006491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10538", "title": "Cytology and mammography in the diagnosis of breast cancer.", "content": "The results of an analysis of the accuracy of two diagnostic tests in a series of 714 patients with breast masses are presented. Fine needle aspiration cytology and mammography each had a false negative rate of 5,3%. Use of a combination of both techniques reduced the number of carcinomas missed to 2,3%. The need for histological examination of dominant discrete breast masses is emphasised.", "contents": "Cytology and mammography in the diagnosis of breast cancer. The results of an analysis of the accuracy of two diagnostic tests in a series of 714 patients with breast masses are presented. Fine needle aspiration cytology and mammography each had a false negative rate of 5,3%. Use of a combination of both techniques reduced the number of carcinomas missed to 2,3%. The need for histological examination of dominant discrete breast masses is emphasised.", "PMID": 1006492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10539", "title": "A serological investigation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection on the Witwatersrand.", "content": "Sera from patients with respiratory disease were examined for antibody to Mycoplasma pneumoniae by complement fixation test. During the study period of about 6 years, a 3-year cycle of infection was observed, which coincided with some epidemics in the UK and USA, suggesting the possibility of an approximately simultaneous world-wide spread. The epidemics lasted about 18 months each, during which the incidence of infection was over 10 times that of the interepidemic periods.", "contents": "A serological investigation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection on the Witwatersrand. Sera from patients with respiratory disease were examined for antibody to Mycoplasma pneumoniae by complement fixation test. During the study period of about 6 years, a 3-year cycle of infection was observed, which coincided with some epidemics in the UK and USA, suggesting the possibility of an approximately simultaneous world-wide spread. The epidemics lasted about 18 months each, during which the incidence of infection was over 10 times that of the interepidemic periods.", "PMID": 1006493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10540", "title": "Saint's triad: confirmation and explanation.", "content": "A quarter of a century ago Professor C. F. M. Saint of the University of Cape Town noted the occasional association of diverticular disease, hiatus hernia, and gallstones in a patient. The occurrences of these diseases, and the significance of their associations, are discussed. The suggestion is made that the diseases are casually related to the consumption of fibre-depleted diets.", "contents": "Saint's triad: confirmation and explanation. A quarter of a century ago Professor C. F. M. Saint of the University of Cape Town noted the occasional association of diverticular disease, hiatus hernia, and gallstones in a patient. The occurrences of these diseases, and the significance of their associations, are discussed. The suggestion is made that the diseases are casually related to the consumption of fibre-depleted diets.", "PMID": 1006494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10541", "title": "Aneurysms of the petrous portion of the internal carotid artery.", "content": "Aneurysms of the petrous portion of the internal carotid artery are rare lesions. One case is reported here and 18 others have been found in the literature. These lesions usually arise in young men who present with auditory dysfunction. The aneurysm is usually discovered as a pulsating purple mass in the middle ear and mistaken for a glomus jugulare tumor. A definitive diagnosis can be made by carotid angiography. Subtraction techniques are very helpful. Carotid ligation or trapping is the treatment of choice.", "contents": "Aneurysms of the petrous portion of the internal carotid artery. Aneurysms of the petrous portion of the internal carotid artery are rare lesions. One case is reported here and 18 others have been found in the literature. These lesions usually arise in young men who present with auditory dysfunction. The aneurysm is usually discovered as a pulsating purple mass in the middle ear and mistaken for a glomus jugulare tumor. A definitive diagnosis can be made by carotid angiography. Subtraction techniques are very helpful. Carotid ligation or trapping is the treatment of choice.", "PMID": 1006503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10542", "title": "Post-meningitic hydrocephalus and syringomyelia treated with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.", "content": "Following cryptococcal meningitis, symptoms of cervical syringomyelia developed in a young heroin addict. Myelography confirmed syringomyelia and angiography demonstrated severe hydrocephalus. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting resulted in complete resolution of signs and symptoms of both hydrocephalus and syringomyelia.", "contents": "Post-meningitic hydrocephalus and syringomyelia treated with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Following cryptococcal meningitis, symptoms of cervical syringomyelia developed in a young heroin addict. Myelography confirmed syringomyelia and angiography demonstrated severe hydrocephalus. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting resulted in complete resolution of signs and symptoms of both hydrocephalus and syringomyelia.", "PMID": 1006504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10543", "title": "Testing cerebrospinal fluid shunt capacity and adequacy by the lumbar route in adults.", "content": "The pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid with the patient in a lateral position, the level of zero pressure in sitting position, and the infusion cisternography were evaluated as a test for determining shunt function. The lumbar infusion test gave information about shunt capacity, while the opening pressure in lateral and sitting position reflected shunt adequacy. A reduction in shunt capacity preceded the rise of the opening pressures when the shunt capacity preceded the rise of the opening pressures when the shunts became inadequate. Cisternography was relatively reliable in determining shunt adequacy when shunt capacity was near its high or low extreme, but unreliable in the middle ranges. In non-communicating hydrocephalus, the lumbar infusion test resulted in a correct conclusion as to shunt capacity provided the subarachnoid space was patent and the test was terminated before the ventricular system was empty.", "contents": "Testing cerebrospinal fluid shunt capacity and adequacy by the lumbar route in adults. The pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid with the patient in a lateral position, the level of zero pressure in sitting position, and the infusion cisternography were evaluated as a test for determining shunt function. The lumbar infusion test gave information about shunt capacity, while the opening pressure in lateral and sitting position reflected shunt adequacy. A reduction in shunt capacity preceded the rise of the opening pressures when the shunt capacity preceded the rise of the opening pressures when the shunts became inadequate. Cisternography was relatively reliable in determining shunt adequacy when shunt capacity was near its high or low extreme, but unreliable in the middle ranges. In non-communicating hydrocephalus, the lumbar infusion test resulted in a correct conclusion as to shunt capacity provided the subarachnoid space was patent and the test was terminated before the ventricular system was empty.", "PMID": 1006505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10544", "title": "Cavernous haemangioma in the pineal region.", "content": "The authors report a case of a cavernous haemangioma in the pineal region which presented as a progressively enlarging mass lesion. Clinical, radiographic and pathologic features are briefly described. Total removal was achieved using the supracerebellar, infratentorial approach.", "contents": "Cavernous haemangioma in the pineal region. The authors report a case of a cavernous haemangioma in the pineal region which presented as a progressively enlarging mass lesion. Clinical, radiographic and pathologic features are briefly described. Total removal was achieved using the supracerebellar, infratentorial approach.", "PMID": 1006508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10545", "title": "Papilledema associated with a sacral intraspinal cyst.", "content": "A rare case of papilledema associated with a large sacral intraspinal cyst is described in a 34-year-old male. Symptoms were aggravated by heavy work and consisted of low back pain, headache, dizziness and episodic vomiting. Papilledema was observed on ophthalmological examination. A valvular mechanism was found to exist between the normal spinal sac and the huge sacral cyst. Division of the valvular fistula combined with a dural plastic operation brought complete relief of all symptoms.", "contents": "Papilledema associated with a sacral intraspinal cyst. A rare case of papilledema associated with a large sacral intraspinal cyst is described in a 34-year-old male. Symptoms were aggravated by heavy work and consisted of low back pain, headache, dizziness and episodic vomiting. Papilledema was observed on ophthalmological examination. A valvular mechanism was found to exist between the normal spinal sac and the huge sacral cyst. Division of the valvular fistula combined with a dural plastic operation brought complete relief of all symptoms.", "PMID": 1006510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10546", "title": "Spinal cord injury in a fetus.", "content": "In her eighth month of pregnancy a woman was stabbed in the abdomen with a barbecue fork. Upon delivery one week later, the child was noted to have two scars in the thoracic region on the back. The legs were flaccid. Surgical exploration at the age of seven months revealed marked, dense scarring of spinal cord and arachnoid membrane. No similar case was found in the literature.", "contents": "Spinal cord injury in a fetus. In her eighth month of pregnancy a woman was stabbed in the abdomen with a barbecue fork. Upon delivery one week later, the child was noted to have two scars in the thoracic region on the back. The legs were flaccid. Surgical exploration at the age of seven months revealed marked, dense scarring of spinal cord and arachnoid membrane. No similar case was found in the literature.", "PMID": 1006511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10547", "title": "Combined steroid and hypothermia treatment of experimental spinal cord injury.", "content": "Canine spinal cords were compressed at T-13 by an epidural balloon maintained at 160 mm Hg for one hour. After seven weeks, mean motor ratings of dogs treated with either parenteral dexamenthasone or non-irrigative local hypothermia (on the dorsal dura mater at 6 degrees C for four hours) indicated ability to walk well, whereas untreated dogs could not walk. A third treatment group received both dexamethasone and delayed local hypothermia; this group performed poorly in early weeks, but eventually surpassed the other groups and became the only group to attain a final mean motor rating which was superior to that of controls at a significance level of p less than .01. Hypothermia was induced by means of a miniature epidural heat exchanger which eliminated tissue irrigation as a possible experimental variable. The possible mechanisms of action of hypothermia are reviewed.", "contents": "Combined steroid and hypothermia treatment of experimental spinal cord injury. Canine spinal cords were compressed at T-13 by an epidural balloon maintained at 160 mm Hg for one hour. After seven weeks, mean motor ratings of dogs treated with either parenteral dexamenthasone or non-irrigative local hypothermia (on the dorsal dura mater at 6 degrees C for four hours) indicated ability to walk well, whereas untreated dogs could not walk. A third treatment group received both dexamethasone and delayed local hypothermia; this group performed poorly in early weeks, but eventually surpassed the other groups and became the only group to attain a final mean motor rating which was superior to that of controls at a significance level of p less than .01. Hypothermia was induced by means of a miniature epidural heat exchanger which eliminated tissue irrigation as a possible experimental variable. The possible mechanisms of action of hypothermia are reviewed.", "PMID": 1006512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10548", "title": "Transatrial repair of tetralogy of Fallot.", "content": "In 12 months since March, 1975, 25 of 27 patients with tetralogy of Fallot have had corrective operations without ventriculotomy. Infundibular obstructions were excised and ventricular septal defects were closed through a right artiotomy with retraction of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve. Pulmonary valve stenosis was relieved through a pulmonary arteriotomy. In five patients the pulmonary annulus was patched 0.5 to 1.5 cm. into the right ventricle. Immediately after repair peak right ventricular-pulmonary arterial systolic pressure difference averaged 17 mm. Hg and ranged between zero and 40 mm. Hg. Cardiac indices averaged 2.85 L. per square meter per minute 4 hours after operation. All but two patients developed right bundle branch block. One patient with severe pulmonary hypertension died. Fourteen patients have been recatheterized. Right ventricular-pulmonary peak systolic pressure differences ranged between zero and 45 mm. Hg (mean, 22). Cineangiograms show contraction of the free right ventricular wall during systole. Transatrial repair of tetralogy of Fallot is feasible technically in many patients, avoids muscle necrosis and coronary arterial injury, and improves cardiac output in the immediate postoperative period.", "contents": "Transatrial repair of tetralogy of Fallot. In 12 months since March, 1975, 25 of 27 patients with tetralogy of Fallot have had corrective operations without ventriculotomy. Infundibular obstructions were excised and ventricular septal defects were closed through a right artiotomy with retraction of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve. Pulmonary valve stenosis was relieved through a pulmonary arteriotomy. In five patients the pulmonary annulus was patched 0.5 to 1.5 cm. into the right ventricle. Immediately after repair peak right ventricular-pulmonary arterial systolic pressure difference averaged 17 mm. Hg and ranged between zero and 40 mm. Hg. Cardiac indices averaged 2.85 L. per square meter per minute 4 hours after operation. All but two patients developed right bundle branch block. One patient with severe pulmonary hypertension died. Fourteen patients have been recatheterized. Right ventricular-pulmonary peak systolic pressure differences ranged between zero and 45 mm. Hg (mean, 22). Cineangiograms show contraction of the free right ventricular wall during systole. Transatrial repair of tetralogy of Fallot is feasible technically in many patients, avoids muscle necrosis and coronary arterial injury, and improves cardiac output in the immediate postoperative period.", "PMID": 1006513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10549", "title": "The indications for pericardiectomy in the uremic pericardial effusion.", "content": "Uremic pericarditis developed in 37 of 295 patients (8 percent) admitted to the chronic hemodialysis program at our institution. Sixteen patients (43%) underwent limited pericardiectomy through a left anterior thoracotomy approach with no operative deaths and minimal morbidity (19%). Twenty-one patients (57%) were treated successfully with intensive hemodialysis. The use of pericardiocentesis did not avert cardiac tamponade in any patient in our series. The procedure was associated with two life-threatening complications and its use, therefore, has been limited in the therapy of uremic pericarditis. We recommend surgical intervention in all patients with hemodynamic instability and echocardiographic evidence of enlarging effusions or an effusion unchanged in size following 10 days of intensive hemodialysis.", "contents": "The indications for pericardiectomy in the uremic pericardial effusion. Uremic pericarditis developed in 37 of 295 patients (8 percent) admitted to the chronic hemodialysis program at our institution. Sixteen patients (43%) underwent limited pericardiectomy through a left anterior thoracotomy approach with no operative deaths and minimal morbidity (19%). Twenty-one patients (57%) were treated successfully with intensive hemodialysis. The use of pericardiocentesis did not avert cardiac tamponade in any patient in our series. The procedure was associated with two life-threatening complications and its use, therefore, has been limited in the therapy of uremic pericarditis. We recommend surgical intervention in all patients with hemodynamic instability and echocardiographic evidence of enlarging effusions or an effusion unchanged in size following 10 days of intensive hemodialysis.", "PMID": 1006514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10550", "title": "Unoperated, asymptomatic significant internal carotid artery stenosis: a review of 182 instances.", "content": "One hundred and sixty-eight asymptomatic patients with a carotid artery stenosis of more than 50% were observed over a period of up to 12 years. During this time, 136 patients remained asymptomatic, two patients developed atypical neurologic symptoms that spontaneously disappeared, 26 patients developed transient ischemic attacks and successfully underwent carotid endarterectomy, three patients developed transient ischemic attacks that were ignored and they subsequently suffered a completed stroke, and one patient suffered a completed stroke without a warning transient attack. These data suggest that surgery is not required in the patient with an asymptomatic carotid stenosis until a transient ischemic attack occurs.", "contents": "Unoperated, asymptomatic significant internal carotid artery stenosis: a review of 182 instances. One hundred and sixty-eight asymptomatic patients with a carotid artery stenosis of more than 50% were observed over a period of up to 12 years. During this time, 136 patients remained asymptomatic, two patients developed atypical neurologic symptoms that spontaneously disappeared, 26 patients developed transient ischemic attacks and successfully underwent carotid endarterectomy, three patients developed transient ischemic attacks that were ignored and they subsequently suffered a completed stroke, and one patient suffered a completed stroke without a warning transient attack. These data suggest that surgery is not required in the patient with an asymptomatic carotid stenosis until a transient ischemic attack occurs.", "PMID": 1006515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10551", "title": "The improvement of cognition and personality after carotid endarterectomy.", "content": "Seventeen patients with at least 50% carotid artery stenosis were given intelligence and personality tests just prior to and 6 weeks after carotid endarterectomy. When compared with nine control patients, the endarterectomy patients showed increases in verbal-comprehension I.Q., perceptual-organization I.Q., decreases in time to complete perceptual motor tasks, decrease in asphasic signs, and significant reductions in anxiety, suspicion, confusion, disorientation, and other personality symptoms generally associated with senility. Statistical evaluation showed these results to be valid.", "contents": "The improvement of cognition and personality after carotid endarterectomy. Seventeen patients with at least 50% carotid artery stenosis were given intelligence and personality tests just prior to and 6 weeks after carotid endarterectomy. When compared with nine control patients, the endarterectomy patients showed increases in verbal-comprehension I.Q., perceptual-organization I.Q., decreases in time to complete perceptual motor tasks, decrease in asphasic signs, and significant reductions in anxiety, suspicion, confusion, disorientation, and other personality symptoms generally associated with senility. Statistical evaluation showed these results to be valid.", "PMID": 1006516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10552", "title": "Recurrent carotid stenosis.", "content": "Twenty-nine patients developed recurrent stenosis of the carotid artery 5 months to 13 years following carotid endarterectomy. Thirty-two recurrent lesions were repaired. Recurrent atherosclerosis was present in 19 patients, intimal fibrosis occcurred in nine patients, and one patient had external stricture. All recurrent atheromas developed more than 2 years following original operation (mean, 5 years) and intinal fibrosis was seen in the first postoperative year in all but one patient (mean, 9 months). Reconstructive techniques included endarterectomy for atherosclerosis and patch angioplasty and resection and anastomosis for intimal fibrosis.", "contents": "Recurrent carotid stenosis. Twenty-nine patients developed recurrent stenosis of the carotid artery 5 months to 13 years following carotid endarterectomy. Thirty-two recurrent lesions were repaired. Recurrent atherosclerosis was present in 19 patients, intimal fibrosis occcurred in nine patients, and one patient had external stricture. All recurrent atheromas developed more than 2 years following original operation (mean, 5 years) and intinal fibrosis was seen in the first postoperative year in all but one patient (mean, 9 months). Reconstructive techniques included endarterectomy for atherosclerosis and patch angioplasty and resection and anastomosis for intimal fibrosis.", "PMID": 1006517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10553", "title": "Further experiences with bovine arterial grafts.", "content": "Following favorable laboratory experience with the chemically modified bovine arterial graft (reported previously), we have used it for arterial reconstruction of the lower extremity in 84 operations upon 79 patients. The over-all patency rate was 42%. There were 7% infections, which usually occurred in secondary and tertiary procedures. Five percent of the grafts became aneurysmal. These results, published reports, and the results of a questionnaire mailed to vascular surgeons indicates similarity of experience. The disadvantages of frequent early thrombosis of undetermined cause, aneurysmal degeneration in approximately 4%, the considerable cost, and the nonavailability of the graft in different dimensions have resulted in our discontinuation of use for arterial reconstructions.", "contents": "Further experiences with bovine arterial grafts. Following favorable laboratory experience with the chemically modified bovine arterial graft (reported previously), we have used it for arterial reconstruction of the lower extremity in 84 operations upon 79 patients. The over-all patency rate was 42%. There were 7% infections, which usually occurred in secondary and tertiary procedures. Five percent of the grafts became aneurysmal. These results, published reports, and the results of a questionnaire mailed to vascular surgeons indicates similarity of experience. The disadvantages of frequent early thrombosis of undetermined cause, aneurysmal degeneration in approximately 4%, the considerable cost, and the nonavailability of the graft in different dimensions have resulted in our discontinuation of use for arterial reconstructions.", "PMID": 1006518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10554", "title": "Multiple sequential femoral tibial grafting for severe ischemia.", "content": "For the past decade a common procedure used to salvage severely ischemic limbs has been autogenous vein bypass grafting to the distal popliteal artery or, if the popliteal trifurcation is occluded, to one of the tibial-peroneal branches. Reported limb salvage rate and long-term graft function varies considerably but in most series is low. To increase graft flow and to decrease resistance in femoral-poplitical-tibial grafts and thereby to perfuse the ischemic foot more effectively, we have employed multiple sequential anastomoses of a single vein graft to distal branches--a technique similar to that used occasionally in aortocoronary bypass grafting. The autogenous vein graft alone, or in combination with bovine heterograft, has been used in six patients with gangrenous toes or far advanced ischemia and in one patient with severe claudication. Multiple anastomoses below the knee were carried out in each patient. Anastomosis has been to a blind popliteal segment, then to a tibial or peroneal in four patients, to both tibials in another two patients, and to both tibials and the peroneal in one patient. Flow rates measured on the operating table clearly demonstrated a significant increase in flow through the graft with each additional anastomosis. There has been a greater response to surgery with return of pulses, warmth of the foot, and rapid healing as compared with previous patients having single femoral-tibial anastomoses. One failure occurred acutely from a technical problem early in the series; one failed at 3 months in a patient with pancreatic cancer and another patient died 2 weeks after operation of a myocardial infarct.", "contents": "Multiple sequential femoral tibial grafting for severe ischemia. For the past decade a common procedure used to salvage severely ischemic limbs has been autogenous vein bypass grafting to the distal popliteal artery or, if the popliteal trifurcation is occluded, to one of the tibial-peroneal branches. Reported limb salvage rate and long-term graft function varies considerably but in most series is low. To increase graft flow and to decrease resistance in femoral-poplitical-tibial grafts and thereby to perfuse the ischemic foot more effectively, we have employed multiple sequential anastomoses of a single vein graft to distal branches--a technique similar to that used occasionally in aortocoronary bypass grafting. The autogenous vein graft alone, or in combination with bovine heterograft, has been used in six patients with gangrenous toes or far advanced ischemia and in one patient with severe claudication. Multiple anastomoses below the knee were carried out in each patient. Anastomosis has been to a blind popliteal segment, then to a tibial or peroneal in four patients, to both tibials in another two patients, and to both tibials and the peroneal in one patient. Flow rates measured on the operating table clearly demonstrated a significant increase in flow through the graft with each additional anastomosis. There has been a greater response to surgery with return of pulses, warmth of the foot, and rapid healing as compared with previous patients having single femoral-tibial anastomoses. One failure occurred acutely from a technical problem early in the series; one failed at 3 months in a patient with pancreatic cancer and another patient died 2 weeks after operation of a myocardial infarct.", "PMID": 1006519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10555", "title": "Forefoot perfusion pressure and minor amputation for gangrene.", "content": "In many cases of digital gangrene, limited amputation to preserve the majority of the foot is possible. In the absence of invasive infection, forefoot perfusion pressure is the single most important factor in determining outcome of minor amputation. At ankle pressures of less than 35 mm. Hg, salvage of the foot appears to be futile. The presence or absence of diabetes mellitus has no noticeable effect on the result of amputation. Ankle systolic pressure measurement cannot supplant but should supplement clinical judgement in selecting surgical treatment for gangrene.", "contents": "Forefoot perfusion pressure and minor amputation for gangrene. In many cases of digital gangrene, limited amputation to preserve the majority of the foot is possible. In the absence of invasive infection, forefoot perfusion pressure is the single most important factor in determining outcome of minor amputation. At ankle pressures of less than 35 mm. Hg, salvage of the foot appears to be futile. The presence or absence of diabetes mellitus has no noticeable effect on the result of amputation. Ankle systolic pressure measurement cannot supplant but should supplement clinical judgement in selecting surgical treatment for gangrene.", "PMID": 1006520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10556", "title": "Importance of calf vein thrombophlebitis.", "content": "Fifty-four patients with phlebogram-proven deep vein thrombophlebitis limited to the tibial and popliteal veins were studied for evidence of pulmonary embolism, both symptomatic and silent. All but two patients were symptomatic of either phlebitis or embolism. Pulmonary embolism, as judged by lung scan defects with V-Q imbalance, changing serial scans, or positive pulmonary angiograms were found in 50%. Popliteal thrombi had an embolism incidence of 66%, whereas tibial thrombi had a 33% incidence. Emboli from the popliteal veins were more extensive than were tibial emboli. Forty-five percent of all emboli were silent. Bilateral phlebitis was accompanied by a 75% incidence of pulmonary embolism. Emboli from tibial veins were minor in five of nine instances, but three instances involved 20% or more of total lung volume and one involved over 40% of total lung volume. These results support the belief that popliteal thrombophlebitis merits anticoagulant therapy. They also suggest caution in the management of tibial vein phlebitis. Objective tests are recommended to monitor for pulmonary embolism and for propagation of the thrombus before deciding to withhold anticoagulants in tibial thrombophlebitis.", "contents": "Importance of calf vein thrombophlebitis. Fifty-four patients with phlebogram-proven deep vein thrombophlebitis limited to the tibial and popliteal veins were studied for evidence of pulmonary embolism, both symptomatic and silent. All but two patients were symptomatic of either phlebitis or embolism. Pulmonary embolism, as judged by lung scan defects with V-Q imbalance, changing serial scans, or positive pulmonary angiograms were found in 50%. Popliteal thrombi had an embolism incidence of 66%, whereas tibial thrombi had a 33% incidence. Emboli from the popliteal veins were more extensive than were tibial emboli. Forty-five percent of all emboli were silent. Bilateral phlebitis was accompanied by a 75% incidence of pulmonary embolism. Emboli from tibial veins were minor in five of nine instances, but three instances involved 20% or more of total lung volume and one involved over 40% of total lung volume. These results support the belief that popliteal thrombophlebitis merits anticoagulant therapy. They also suggest caution in the management of tibial vein phlebitis. Objective tests are recommended to monitor for pulmonary embolism and for propagation of the thrombus before deciding to withhold anticoagulants in tibial thrombophlebitis.", "PMID": 1006521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10557", "title": "Simplified technique for the management of refractory varicose ulcers.", "content": "A technique of accurately visualizing incompetent perforating veins with the use of intraosseous venography following muscle stimulation is described. The procedure was employed in 55 patients with recurrent stasis ulcers who had had previous operations. Surgical management incorporating our venographic technique yielded extremely satisfactory results in this selected group.", "contents": "Simplified technique for the management of refractory varicose ulcers. A technique of accurately visualizing incompetent perforating veins with the use of intraosseous venography following muscle stimulation is described. The procedure was employed in 55 patients with recurrent stasis ulcers who had had previous operations. Surgical management incorporating our venographic technique yielded extremely satisfactory results in this selected group.", "PMID": 1006522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10558", "title": "Lymphangioplasty: a ten year evaluation.", "content": "Sixteen patients with refractory primary and secondary lymphedema have had multifilament Teflon wick lymphangioplasties during the past 10 years. There were no operative deaths or operative complications. All patients experienced an early reduction of their edema, with objective improvement lasting 6 months to 5 years. The average duration of benefit was 13 months. Subjective improvement has lasted to 7 years. Lymphangioplasty is simple, virtually free of complications, and offers periods of control of edema and cellulitis that compare favorably with those obtained by other operative procedures. It should be considered for the management of patients with incapacitating lymphedema, especially those patients with a limited life expectancy.", "contents": "Lymphangioplasty: a ten year evaluation. Sixteen patients with refractory primary and secondary lymphedema have had multifilament Teflon wick lymphangioplasties during the past 10 years. There were no operative deaths or operative complications. All patients experienced an early reduction of their edema, with objective improvement lasting 6 months to 5 years. The average duration of benefit was 13 months. Subjective improvement has lasted to 7 years. Lymphangioplasty is simple, virtually free of complications, and offers periods of control of edema and cellulitis that compare favorably with those obtained by other operative procedures. It should be considered for the management of patients with incapacitating lymphedema, especially those patients with a limited life expectancy.", "PMID": 1006523} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10559", "title": "The clinical significance of Raynaud's syndrome.", "content": "This study was performed to determine the frequency of occurrence of associated autoimmune disease in a group of patients presenting with Raynaud's symptoms. A consecutive group of 100 patients presenting with Raynaud's syndrome underwent detailed prospective clinical and immunologic evaluation. Magnificantion hand arteriography was performed in certain patients. Based on current diagnostic criteria, the following autoimmune diseases were diagnosed or were suspected strongly: Raynaud's syndrome with scleroderma or CRST--28 patients; Raynaud's syndrome with lupus erythematosus--ten patients; Raynaud's syndrome with miscellaneous autoimmune disease--43 patients: Raynaud's syndrome without diagnosable autoimmune disease--19 patients. Fourteen of the 19 patients in the latter group had isolated serologic abnormalities. Arteriography showed combined organic arterial obstruction and vasospasm of the palmar and digital arteries in all patients. Patients with severe Raynaud's symptoms had more extensive arterial obstruction than did patients with mild or moderate Raynaud's symptoms. These results suggest that all patients with Raynaud's syndrome should be regarded as at high risk for having an associated autoimmune disease.", "contents": "The clinical significance of Raynaud's syndrome. This study was performed to determine the frequency of occurrence of associated autoimmune disease in a group of patients presenting with Raynaud's symptoms. A consecutive group of 100 patients presenting with Raynaud's syndrome underwent detailed prospective clinical and immunologic evaluation. Magnificantion hand arteriography was performed in certain patients. Based on current diagnostic criteria, the following autoimmune diseases were diagnosed or were suspected strongly: Raynaud's syndrome with scleroderma or CRST--28 patients; Raynaud's syndrome with lupus erythematosus--ten patients; Raynaud's syndrome with miscellaneous autoimmune disease--43 patients: Raynaud's syndrome without diagnosable autoimmune disease--19 patients. Fourteen of the 19 patients in the latter group had isolated serologic abnormalities. Arteriography showed combined organic arterial obstruction and vasospasm of the palmar and digital arteries in all patients. Patients with severe Raynaud's symptoms had more extensive arterial obstruction than did patients with mild or moderate Raynaud's symptoms. These results suggest that all patients with Raynaud's syndrome should be regarded as at high risk for having an associated autoimmune disease.", "PMID": 1006524} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10560", "title": "Growth rates of small abdominal aortic aneurysms.", "content": "A policy of utilizing B-mode ultrasound scan measurements of abdominal aortic aneurysms to help determine operability in poor-risk patients with small asymptomatic aneurysms has been pursued for the past 6 years. Indications for surgery in such patients have included enlargement to 6 cm. in any transverse diameter, the development of symptoms, or evidence of leak or rupture. In addition, patients treated nonoperatively have been followed by serial B-mode echo scans, permitting the accumulation of aneurysm growth rate data. Such data indicate that small aneurysms grow an average of 0.4 cm. per year, but that dramatic increases in aneurysm size may occur unexpectedly in asymptomatic patients. These data appear to have value in both individual decision making and as a baseline for weighting the various risk factors in the poor-risk patient with a small asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm.", "contents": "Growth rates of small abdominal aortic aneurysms. A policy of utilizing B-mode ultrasound scan measurements of abdominal aortic aneurysms to help determine operability in poor-risk patients with small asymptomatic aneurysms has been pursued for the past 6 years. Indications for surgery in such patients have included enlargement to 6 cm. in any transverse diameter, the development of symptoms, or evidence of leak or rupture. In addition, patients treated nonoperatively have been followed by serial B-mode echo scans, permitting the accumulation of aneurysm growth rate data. Such data indicate that small aneurysms grow an average of 0.4 cm. per year, but that dramatic increases in aneurysm size may occur unexpectedly in asymptomatic patients. These data appear to have value in both individual decision making and as a baseline for weighting the various risk factors in the poor-risk patient with a small asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm.", "PMID": 1006525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10561", "title": "The value of Doppler blood velocity tracings in the detection of aortoiliac disease in patients with intermittent claudication.", "content": "Velocity tracings obtained with a Doppler ultrasound probe located over the common femoral artery have been evaluated as to their ability to predict the state of the proximal aortoiliac segment. Aortography was used as the assessor of the extent of aortoiliac disease. Five parameters of the tracings sensitive only to aortoiliac disease were submitted to miltivariate analysis. The probability of the aortoiliac segment having greater or less than 10% stenosis was calculated. In 86% of limbs, a high probability of diagnostic value and practical use resulted.", "contents": "The value of Doppler blood velocity tracings in the detection of aortoiliac disease in patients with intermittent claudication. Velocity tracings obtained with a Doppler ultrasound probe located over the common femoral artery have been evaluated as to their ability to predict the state of the proximal aortoiliac segment. Aortography was used as the assessor of the extent of aortoiliac disease. Five parameters of the tracings sensitive only to aortoiliac disease were submitted to miltivariate analysis. The probability of the aortoiliac segment having greater or less than 10% stenosis was calculated. In 86% of limbs, a high probability of diagnostic value and practical use resulted.", "PMID": 1006526} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10562", "title": "[The Laboratory Animal Act (author's transl)].", "content": "The Laboratory Animal Act which was passed by the Second Chamber of Partiament in the Netherlands on June 1, 1976, is regarded as a Landmark in the care and management of laboratory animals, in previous years achieved on a voluntary basis. In addition to direct regulations for the protection of laboratory animals, the act includes standards to expert knowledge and skill, which have to be complied with by those taking part in experimental studies on animals, such as animal technicians, scientists who use the results of these experiments and specialists in laboratory animal science.", "contents": "[The Laboratory Animal Act (author's transl)]. The Laboratory Animal Act which was passed by the Second Chamber of Partiament in the Netherlands on June 1, 1976, is regarded as a Landmark in the care and management of laboratory animals, in previous years achieved on a voluntary basis. In addition to direct regulations for the protection of laboratory animals, the act includes standards to expert knowledge and skill, which have to be complied with by those taking part in experimental studies on animals, such as animal technicians, scientists who use the results of these experiments and specialists in laboratory animal science.", "PMID": 1006637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10563", "title": "[Pig health programmes and zootechnics (author's transl)].", "content": "The task of the veterinarian in modern pig keeping developments is stressed. The relationship between zootechnics and pig health programmes is illustrated in eight examples in the fields of breeding. nutrition, housing and management. By comparing data on herds at regular intervals, \"probleem-herds\" may be traced and special attention can be paid to these herds. This approach was practised by several years in the province of North-Brabant.", "contents": "[Pig health programmes and zootechnics (author's transl)]. The task of the veterinarian in modern pig keeping developments is stressed. The relationship between zootechnics and pig health programmes is illustrated in eight examples in the fields of breeding. nutrition, housing and management. By comparing data on herds at regular intervals, \"probleem-herds\" may be traced and special attention can be paid to these herds. This approach was practised by several years in the province of North-Brabant.", "PMID": 1006640} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10564", "title": "[Some aspects of hereditary perceptive deafness and leukism (author's transl)].", "content": "A discussion of certain aspects of leukism and deafness as well as the possible relationship between the two, based on a study of the literature on cats, dogs, mink, mice and man. This is followed by some preliminary communications on personal studies in Dalmatians, Bull Terriers and Rottweilers. The paper concludes with some notions on genetic aspects.", "contents": "[Some aspects of hereditary perceptive deafness and leukism (author's transl)]. A discussion of certain aspects of leukism and deafness as well as the possible relationship between the two, based on a study of the literature on cats, dogs, mink, mice and man. This is followed by some preliminary communications on personal studies in Dalmatians, Bull Terriers and Rottweilers. The paper concludes with some notions on genetic aspects.", "PMID": 1006641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10565", "title": "A blade guide for hand trimming resin blocks for ultramicrotomy.", "content": "A simple razor blade guide is described for trimming resin blocks for ultramicrotomy. Slices of unwanted resin (with or without tissues) may be removed at controlled thickness from the sides or tops of blocks leaving smaller blocks with smooth, flat surfaces. Either flat-embedded or dowel-mounted specimens may be trimmed.", "contents": "A blade guide for hand trimming resin blocks for ultramicrotomy. A simple razor blade guide is described for trimming resin blocks for ultramicrotomy. Slices of unwanted resin (with or without tissues) may be removed at controlled thickness from the sides or tops of blocks leaving smaller blocks with smooth, flat surfaces. Either flat-embedded or dowel-mounted specimens may be trimmed.", "PMID": 1006678} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10566", "title": "[Therapy planning and prognosis evaluation in malignant kidney neoplasms. A lymphographic study of 50 malignant kidney neoplasms].", "content": "Of fifty patients with malignant renal tumors who underwent lymphographic examination, 15 (30%) had lymph node metastases. Two years from the beginning of therapy, 13 of these patients were deceased in spite of surgical and radiological treatment. The enhancement of the five-year survival rate following radiation therapy for malignant renal tumors is quoted between 7 and 26%. This success is probably due to the destruction of micrometastases, not being representable lymphographically. Radiation therapy of malignant renal tumors, therefore, can only be effective including the para-aortic lymphatic chains.", "contents": "[Therapy planning and prognosis evaluation in malignant kidney neoplasms. A lymphographic study of 50 malignant kidney neoplasms]. Of fifty patients with malignant renal tumors who underwent lymphographic examination, 15 (30%) had lymph node metastases. Two years from the beginning of therapy, 13 of these patients were deceased in spite of surgical and radiological treatment. The enhancement of the five-year survival rate following radiation therapy for malignant renal tumors is quoted between 7 and 26%. This success is probably due to the destruction of micrometastases, not being representable lymphographically. Radiation therapy of malignant renal tumors, therefore, can only be effective including the para-aortic lymphatic chains.", "PMID": 1006710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10567", "title": "[Therapy simulator for radiotherapy planning].", "content": "The ideas prevailing so far with regard to therapy simulators are represented and the type of the simulator used is described; after that, the range of problems a simulator is applied to, is being analysed more detailedly. The use of the simulator is necessary within two phases of irradiation planning: Firstly, to trace that cross-sectional view of the body which is best adapted to dosage planning along with a preliminary adjustment informing upon the beam directions and the field sizes needed. Secondly, to accomplish the final fixation of the needed beam directions and field sizes inclusively the marking of cutaneous fields, a definitive schedule of doses having been laid down before. The requirements, therapy simulators have to meet according to these considerations, are discussed.", "contents": "[Therapy simulator for radiotherapy planning]. The ideas prevailing so far with regard to therapy simulators are represented and the type of the simulator used is described; after that, the range of problems a simulator is applied to, is being analysed more detailedly. The use of the simulator is necessary within two phases of irradiation planning: Firstly, to trace that cross-sectional view of the body which is best adapted to dosage planning along with a preliminary adjustment informing upon the beam directions and the field sizes needed. Secondly, to accomplish the final fixation of the needed beam directions and field sizes inclusively the marking of cutaneous fields, a definitive schedule of doses having been laid down before. The requirements, therapy simulators have to meet according to these considerations, are discussed.", "PMID": 1006711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10568", "title": "[Calculation of dose distribution of fast electrons within and behind tissue inhomogeneities of any width].", "content": "A new algorithm allowing for the effects of tissue inhomogeneities on dose distributions of high-energy electrons is presented for the purposes of treatment planning computations. Starting from the electron dose distribution for homogeneous tissue the doses contributed by the partial beam hitting the tissue inhomogeneity are substituted by those arising from a partial beam which was alterated by stopping, scattering and changed distances in the inhomogeneity. Since actual data for partial beams of limited cross-section are used and the scatter contributions from the rest of the total beam into and behind the inhomogeneity remain unchanged, good approximation compared to measured values is achieved.", "contents": "[Calculation of dose distribution of fast electrons within and behind tissue inhomogeneities of any width]. A new algorithm allowing for the effects of tissue inhomogeneities on dose distributions of high-energy electrons is presented for the purposes of treatment planning computations. Starting from the electron dose distribution for homogeneous tissue the doses contributed by the partial beam hitting the tissue inhomogeneity are substituted by those arising from a partial beam which was alterated by stopping, scattering and changed distances in the inhomogeneity. Since actual data for partial beams of limited cross-section are used and the scatter contributions from the rest of the total beam into and behind the inhomogeneity remain unchanged, good approximation compared to measured values is achieved.", "PMID": 1006712} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10569", "title": "[A parallel-plate small volume chamber for dosimetry of fast electrons and its use].", "content": "The ionization chamber described is designed for dosimetry of electron radiation above ca. 100 keV. It is used for the measurement of the cavity ion dose and of the absorbed dose within solid or water phantoms. Its construction corresponds to a flat chamber in accordance with DIN 6800. The cylindric main body is made of plexiglass (diameter 30 mm, height 14 mm) and encompasses the measuring volume being flush with the surface (diameter 5 mm, height 2 mm; chamber window 2.3 mg/cm2; build up cap for measurements in water 236 mg/cm2). The chamber is constructed with regard to its independency on energy and direction of the incidence as well as to the minimization of the remaining influence quantities, thus answering for the accuracy class \"reference-class instrument\" (+/- 0.5%). The polarity effect and field perturbation effect are to be neglected, the displacement comes to 0.1 mm, the statistical inaccuracy of measurement to 0.1%. The calibration for the chamber was obtained with a 15 MeV electron beam. The calibration factor for the cavity ion dose is constant, not being related to energy, at least in the range of performance from 2 to 15 MeV according to the primary standard used for calibration (graphic double extrapolation chamber). The overall uncertainty of the calibration factor amounts to +/- 1.5% for the cavity ion dose and to +/- 1.8% for the energy dose. Numerical values of all characteristic quantities and influence quantities which correspond to DIN 6817 and also measurement results for the determination of dose and energy are reported.", "contents": "[A parallel-plate small volume chamber for dosimetry of fast electrons and its use]. The ionization chamber described is designed for dosimetry of electron radiation above ca. 100 keV. It is used for the measurement of the cavity ion dose and of the absorbed dose within solid or water phantoms. Its construction corresponds to a flat chamber in accordance with DIN 6800. The cylindric main body is made of plexiglass (diameter 30 mm, height 14 mm) and encompasses the measuring volume being flush with the surface (diameter 5 mm, height 2 mm; chamber window 2.3 mg/cm2; build up cap for measurements in water 236 mg/cm2). The chamber is constructed with regard to its independency on energy and direction of the incidence as well as to the minimization of the remaining influence quantities, thus answering for the accuracy class \"reference-class instrument\" (+/- 0.5%). The polarity effect and field perturbation effect are to be neglected, the displacement comes to 0.1 mm, the statistical inaccuracy of measurement to 0.1%. The calibration for the chamber was obtained with a 15 MeV electron beam. The calibration factor for the cavity ion dose is constant, not being related to energy, at least in the range of performance from 2 to 15 MeV according to the primary standard used for calibration (graphic double extrapolation chamber). The overall uncertainty of the calibration factor amounts to +/- 1.5% for the cavity ion dose and to +/- 1.8% for the energy dose. Numerical values of all characteristic quantities and influence quantities which correspond to DIN 6817 and also measurement results for the determination of dose and energy are reported.", "PMID": 1006713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10570", "title": "Xeroradiography of the breast with an improved technique.", "content": "Xeromammograms taken by the technique described by Wolfe and Lutterbeck are time consuming as compared to filmmammography. As there is no automatic exposure setting, about 20% of our xeroradiographs had to be repeated on account of wrong exposures. That's why we developed a new attachment ensuring a good compression of the breast and equipped with an automatic exposure timing. We use this since October 1974. All xeromammograms are taken with the patients within a short time. Usually there is no need to repeat a xeromammogram because of wrong exposure.", "contents": "Xeroradiography of the breast with an improved technique. Xeromammograms taken by the technique described by Wolfe and Lutterbeck are time consuming as compared to filmmammography. As there is no automatic exposure setting, about 20% of our xeroradiographs had to be repeated on account of wrong exposures. That's why we developed a new attachment ensuring a good compression of the breast and equipped with an automatic exposure timing. We use this since October 1974. All xeromammograms are taken with the patients within a short time. Usually there is no need to repeat a xeromammogram because of wrong exposure.", "PMID": 1006714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10571", "title": "[Tumor hyperthermia using high frequency for increase of oncolysis by clostridium butyricum (M 55)].", "content": "In solid experimental tumors hypoxic cells preferably are inactivated by means of a short-termed radio-frequency treatment with eddy-current fields. Hence follows an increase of the necro-biotic areas. The presence of anoxic-necrobiotic areas is indispensable for the termination of certain anaerobic spores such as Clostridium butyricum s. oncolyticum (M 55). Local tumor hyperthermy is tested as a technique in altogether 861 mice bearing neck tumors, in order to enhance the germination of oncolytic Clostridia in tumors differing by their mode of formation and rate of growth. In all the three test systems used (Ehrlich solid carcinoma, Harding-Pasey-melanoma, fibrosarcoma induced by methylcholanthrene), the oncolysis being brought about by Clostridia can be intensified significantly by means of a short-termed warming of the tumor up to temperatures of 42 to 44 degress C using radio-frequency.", "contents": "[Tumor hyperthermia using high frequency for increase of oncolysis by clostridium butyricum (M 55)]. In solid experimental tumors hypoxic cells preferably are inactivated by means of a short-termed radio-frequency treatment with eddy-current fields. Hence follows an increase of the necro-biotic areas. The presence of anoxic-necrobiotic areas is indispensable for the termination of certain anaerobic spores such as Clostridium butyricum s. oncolyticum (M 55). Local tumor hyperthermy is tested as a technique in altogether 861 mice bearing neck tumors, in order to enhance the germination of oncolytic Clostridia in tumors differing by their mode of formation and rate of growth. In all the three test systems used (Ehrlich solid carcinoma, Harding-Pasey-melanoma, fibrosarcoma induced by methylcholanthrene), the oncolysis being brought about by Clostridia can be intensified significantly by means of a short-termed warming of the tumor up to temperatures of 42 to 44 degress C using radio-frequency.", "PMID": 1006715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10572", "title": "Growth retardation in normal and malignant tissues.", "content": "A similiarity is found in the regression and regrowth curves of normal and malignant tissues after radiation treatments. The similarity implies that even in malignant tissues there is the practical, at least, limitation of tumor growth as in a normal organ, which is due to growth rate retardation. The retardation is considered to be the result from homologous inhibition of tumor cells. A tumor has its own growth rate which varies according to its total cell number and its environment. Approximately six months old skin metastases from breast carcinoma are still growing but are very close to the asymptote size which appears to be about 1000 cubic millimeters.", "contents": "Growth retardation in normal and malignant tissues. A similiarity is found in the regression and regrowth curves of normal and malignant tissues after radiation treatments. The similarity implies that even in malignant tissues there is the practical, at least, limitation of tumor growth as in a normal organ, which is due to growth rate retardation. The retardation is considered to be the result from homologous inhibition of tumor cells. A tumor has its own growth rate which varies according to its total cell number and its environment. Approximately six months old skin metastases from breast carcinoma are still growing but are very close to the asymptote size which appears to be about 1000 cubic millimeters.", "PMID": 1006716} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10573", "title": "[Periodic compensation reactions in the course of postnatal growth of mouse liver following fractionated roentgen radiation during embryogenesis. 1].", "content": "Following daily fractionated X-irradiation in utero, a postnatal study of the mouse liver was made with regard to compensatory growth responses depending on the radiation dose and on the age of the germ while irradiated. Exposure to doses between 10 R/d and 60 R/d was performed during blastogenesis (1st to 5th day p.c.), organogenesis (6th to 13th day p.c.), fetogenesis (14th to 18th day p.c.), as well as during the early (6th to 10th day p.c.) and the late embryogenesis (11th to 15th day p.c.). Besides deviations of the increase in weight and of the nucleic acid content, the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA was measured by means of scintilation counts and radioautographs. As compared with controls, all irradiated experimental groups exhibit a periodical increase of the proliferative hepatic growth especially towards the end of the first and of the second post-natal week. The possibility of inducing compensatory responses decreases, however, with increasing age of the germs, a gradation thus appearing from overcompensation effects after exposures during blastogenesis down to poor proliferation responses after irradiations in the course of fetogenesis. The dose dependence of proliferation responses after irradiations during organogenesis is characterized by an overstrain of the capacity for recovery following 60 R/d, by maximum compensatory growth after 40 R/d, and by a slight stimulation of growth following 10 R/d, in the otherwise apparently normal animals. Late proliferative responses of the developing liver are regarded as a self-stabilisation towards the predetermined norm of growth. Essential differences in comparison with a stress - or a strain - stimulated growth (as in the adult regenerating liver) are suggested by the observation that (a) cytogenesis in the functionally independent populations of blood cells and of parenchymal cells is stimulated partly at the same time and to a similar extent, (b), that stimulation effects reach a peak always within equal stages of development independent of the X-ray doses and the age at irradiation and (c) that an acceleration of growth is possible with a normal or even augmented ratio of organ-weight to body-weight.", "contents": "[Periodic compensation reactions in the course of postnatal growth of mouse liver following fractionated roentgen radiation during embryogenesis. 1]. Following daily fractionated X-irradiation in utero, a postnatal study of the mouse liver was made with regard to compensatory growth responses depending on the radiation dose and on the age of the germ while irradiated. Exposure to doses between 10 R/d and 60 R/d was performed during blastogenesis (1st to 5th day p.c.), organogenesis (6th to 13th day p.c.), fetogenesis (14th to 18th day p.c.), as well as during the early (6th to 10th day p.c.) and the late embryogenesis (11th to 15th day p.c.). Besides deviations of the increase in weight and of the nucleic acid content, the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA was measured by means of scintilation counts and radioautographs. As compared with controls, all irradiated experimental groups exhibit a periodical increase of the proliferative hepatic growth especially towards the end of the first and of the second post-natal week. The possibility of inducing compensatory responses decreases, however, with increasing age of the germs, a gradation thus appearing from overcompensation effects after exposures during blastogenesis down to poor proliferation responses after irradiations in the course of fetogenesis. The dose dependence of proliferation responses after irradiations during organogenesis is characterized by an overstrain of the capacity for recovery following 60 R/d, by maximum compensatory growth after 40 R/d, and by a slight stimulation of growth following 10 R/d, in the otherwise apparently normal animals. Late proliferative responses of the developing liver are regarded as a self-stabilisation towards the predetermined norm of growth. Essential differences in comparison with a stress - or a strain - stimulated growth (as in the adult regenerating liver) are suggested by the observation that (a) cytogenesis in the functionally independent populations of blood cells and of parenchymal cells is stimulated partly at the same time and to a similar extent, (b), that stimulation effects reach a peak always within equal stages of development independent of the X-ray doses and the age at irradiation and (c) that an acceleration of growth is possible with a normal or even augmented ratio of organ-weight to body-weight.", "PMID": 1006717} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10574", "title": "Synthesis of fluorinated 3beta-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one derivatives.", "content": "Treatment of the unstable 3beta-hydroxy-20, 20-dimethoxypregn-5-ene 3-acetate with acetic anhydride at reflux temperature gave a mixture of 3beta-hydroxy-20-methoxypregna-5, 17(20)-diene and 3beta-hydroxy-20-methoxypregna-5, 20-diene 3-acetates. Fluorination of this mixture with perchloryl fluoride afforded after fractionated crystallization 3beta-hydroxy-17-fluoro-20-methoxypregna-5, 20-diene 3-acetate. Acid hydrolysis of the reaction mixture and subsequent chromatographic separation led to 3beta-hydroxy-17-fluoropregn-5-en-20-one 3-acetate and 3beta-hydroxy-21-fluoropregn-5-en-20-one 3-acetate. 3beta-Hydroxy-17-fluoro-20-methoxy-pregna-5, 20-diene 3-acetate did not react further with perchloryl fluoride even under forcing conditions. Fluorination of 3beta-hydroxy-20-(N-ethyl benzylamino)-pregna-5, 17(20)-diene gave 3beta-hydroxy-17, 21-difluoro-pregn-5-en-20-one, exclusively.", "contents": "Synthesis of fluorinated 3beta-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one derivatives. Treatment of the unstable 3beta-hydroxy-20, 20-dimethoxypregn-5-ene 3-acetate with acetic anhydride at reflux temperature gave a mixture of 3beta-hydroxy-20-methoxypregna-5, 17(20)-diene and 3beta-hydroxy-20-methoxypregna-5, 20-diene 3-acetates. Fluorination of this mixture with perchloryl fluoride afforded after fractionated crystallization 3beta-hydroxy-17-fluoro-20-methoxypregna-5, 20-diene 3-acetate. Acid hydrolysis of the reaction mixture and subsequent chromatographic separation led to 3beta-hydroxy-17-fluoropregn-5-en-20-one 3-acetate and 3beta-hydroxy-21-fluoropregn-5-en-20-one 3-acetate. 3beta-Hydroxy-17-fluoro-20-methoxy-pregna-5, 20-diene 3-acetate did not react further with perchloryl fluoride even under forcing conditions. Fluorination of 3beta-hydroxy-20-(N-ethyl benzylamino)-pregna-5, 17(20)-diene gave 3beta-hydroxy-17, 21-difluoro-pregn-5-en-20-one, exclusively.", "PMID": 1006718} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10575", "title": "Isolation and identification of a sulfur-containing metabolite of spironolactone from human urine.", "content": "In the urine of normal subjects who were given an oral dose of 500 mg spironolactone (3-(3-oxo-7alpha-acetylthio-17beta-hydroxy-4-androsten-17alpha-yl)-propionic acid gamma-lactone; Aldactone) together with 100uCi H-20, 21 spironolactone, a so far unknown major metabolite has been detected by thin layer chromatography. The metabolite then could be isolated by means of counter-current-distribution. According to masspectral and magnetic resonance data, the metabolite has been assigned the structure of 3-(3-oxo-7alpha-methyl sulfonyl-6beta, 17beta-dihydroxy-4-androsten-17alpha-yl)-propionic acid gamma-lactone. By oxidation of the corresponding methylsulfinyl compound - another already known metabolite of spironolactone - with m-chloroperbenzoic acid, a compound has been isolated which proved to be identical with the new metabolite according to TLC, MS and NMR.", "contents": "Isolation and identification of a sulfur-containing metabolite of spironolactone from human urine. In the urine of normal subjects who were given an oral dose of 500 mg spironolactone (3-(3-oxo-7alpha-acetylthio-17beta-hydroxy-4-androsten-17alpha-yl)-propionic acid gamma-lactone; Aldactone) together with 100uCi H-20, 21 spironolactone, a so far unknown major metabolite has been detected by thin layer chromatography. The metabolite then could be isolated by means of counter-current-distribution. According to masspectral and magnetic resonance data, the metabolite has been assigned the structure of 3-(3-oxo-7alpha-methyl sulfonyl-6beta, 17beta-dihydroxy-4-androsten-17alpha-yl)-propionic acid gamma-lactone. By oxidation of the corresponding methylsulfinyl compound - another already known metabolite of spironolactone - with m-chloroperbenzoic acid, a compound has been isolated which proved to be identical with the new metabolite according to TLC, MS and NMR.", "PMID": 1006719} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10576", "title": "Evidence that the maintenance of early pregnancy in the rabbit requires \"\"blastocyst estrogen''.", "content": "It has been shown by others that treatment with only progesterone is sufficient to induce implantation and maintain pregnancy in ovariectomized-adrenalectomized rabbits. Based on these results, it was deduced that induction of implantation in the rabbit does not require estrogen. In making this deduction, \"\"blastocyst estrogen'' was not taken into account. In the present study, blastocyst development and implantation were prevented by instilling the anti-estrogen CI-628 into the uterine lumina of pregnant, ovariectomized, progesterone-treated rabbits. Our interpretation of these results is that the CI-628 PREVENTED THE ACTION OF \"\"BLASTOCYST ESTROGEN''. However, on the basis of the present results, we cannot determine whether the specific target of \"\"blastocyst estrogen'' is the blastocyst, the uterus, or both.", "contents": "Evidence that the maintenance of early pregnancy in the rabbit requires \"\"blastocyst estrogen''. It has been shown by others that treatment with only progesterone is sufficient to induce implantation and maintain pregnancy in ovariectomized-adrenalectomized rabbits. Based on these results, it was deduced that induction of implantation in the rabbit does not require estrogen. In making this deduction, \"\"blastocyst estrogen'' was not taken into account. In the present study, blastocyst development and implantation were prevented by instilling the anti-estrogen CI-628 into the uterine lumina of pregnant, ovariectomized, progesterone-treated rabbits. Our interpretation of these results is that the CI-628 PREVENTED THE ACTION OF \"\"BLASTOCYST ESTROGEN''. However, on the basis of the present results, we cannot determine whether the specific target of \"\"blastocyst estrogen'' is the blastocyst, the uterus, or both.", "PMID": 1006720} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10577", "title": "Partial purification of rat liver glucocorticoid binding proteins by affinity chromatography.", "content": "Dexamethasone (9-fluoro-16alpha-methyl-11beta,17,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione) binding proteins from rat liver cytosol were purified approximately 6470 fold by the use of an affinity column in which deoxycorticosterone was linked to CH-Sepharose 4B through a disulfide linkage. The receptor proteins were eluted from the column by washing with beta-mercaptoethanol. A preliminary Sephadex G-200 filtration step of the cytosol was necessary in order to separate the dexamethasone binding proteins from other glucocorticoid receptors.", "contents": "Partial purification of rat liver glucocorticoid binding proteins by affinity chromatography. Dexamethasone (9-fluoro-16alpha-methyl-11beta,17,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione) binding proteins from rat liver cytosol were purified approximately 6470 fold by the use of an affinity column in which deoxycorticosterone was linked to CH-Sepharose 4B through a disulfide linkage. The receptor proteins were eluted from the column by washing with beta-mercaptoethanol. A preliminary Sephadex G-200 filtration step of the cytosol was necessary in order to separate the dexamethasone binding proteins from other glucocorticoid receptors.", "PMID": 1006721} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10578", "title": "The in vivo metabolism of androgens by muscle and adipose tissue of normal men.", "content": "Androstenedione and testosterone labeled with 3H and 14C were fused simultaneously at constant rates into the brachial arm vein of 10 normal men. During the infusions blood samples were obtained from the brachial artery, a deep vein draining primarily muscle and a superficial vein draining primarily adipose tissue of the arm contra-lateral to the infusion. In the 10 men the mean +/- SE value for the fractional metabolism of adrostenedione by muscle is 0.20 +/- 0.30 which is not different from the mean value for the fractional metabolism by androstenedione by adipose tissue, 0.29 +/- 0.04. The mean value for the metabolism of testosterone by muscle, 0.04 +/- *.01, is significantly less than the metabolism by adipose tissue, *.11 +/- 0.01. Interconversion between adrostenedione and testosterone occurs in both tissues. The mean value for pA,T A,M is 0.024 + 0.005 and for pA,T A,AT is 0.024 +/- 0.005. The mean value for pT,A A,M is 0.005 +/- 0.003 and for pT,A A,AT is 0.008 +/- 0.003. The fractional metabolism of these androgens by these tissues is similar to the fractional metabolism of estrone and estradiol by these same tissues. Muscle appears to contribute about 5-12% of the overall metabolism of androstenedione and testosterone and 10-15% to theoverall conversion of androstenedione to testosterone. Adipose tissue contributes about 2-7% of the overall metabolism of these androgens and 5-10% of the overall conversion of androstenedione to testosterone, but less than 2% to the overall conversion of testosterone to androstenedione. In normal men, muscle appears to be more important to the metabolism of androstenedione and testosterone than is adipose tissue.", "contents": "The in vivo metabolism of androgens by muscle and adipose tissue of normal men. Androstenedione and testosterone labeled with 3H and 14C were fused simultaneously at constant rates into the brachial arm vein of 10 normal men. During the infusions blood samples were obtained from the brachial artery, a deep vein draining primarily muscle and a superficial vein draining primarily adipose tissue of the arm contra-lateral to the infusion. In the 10 men the mean +/- SE value for the fractional metabolism of adrostenedione by muscle is 0.20 +/- 0.30 which is not different from the mean value for the fractional metabolism by androstenedione by adipose tissue, 0.29 +/- 0.04. The mean value for the metabolism of testosterone by muscle, 0.04 +/- *.01, is significantly less than the metabolism by adipose tissue, *.11 +/- 0.01. Interconversion between adrostenedione and testosterone occurs in both tissues. The mean value for pA,T A,M is 0.024 + 0.005 and for pA,T A,AT is 0.024 +/- 0.005. The mean value for pT,A A,M is 0.005 +/- 0.003 and for pT,A A,AT is 0.008 +/- 0.003. The fractional metabolism of these androgens by these tissues is similar to the fractional metabolism of estrone and estradiol by these same tissues. Muscle appears to contribute about 5-12% of the overall metabolism of androstenedione and testosterone and 10-15% to theoverall conversion of androstenedione to testosterone. Adipose tissue contributes about 2-7% of the overall metabolism of these androgens and 5-10% of the overall conversion of androstenedione to testosterone, but less than 2% to the overall conversion of testosterone to androstenedione. In normal men, muscle appears to be more important to the metabolism of androstenedione and testosterone than is adipose tissue.", "PMID": 1006722} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10579", "title": "15-Azasteroid blockage of cell permeability and mitochondrial respiration.", "content": "The 15-azasteroid, 1,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-11a-methyl-2H naphth (1,2-g)indol-7-o1, inhibits the growth of the cell culture lines KB and L-M as well as several strains of bacteria. The inhibition of growth is reversed following removal of the steroid from the growth medium. Using in vitro grown L-M cells, the compound inhibited the transport of amino acids and uracil. The action was non-detergent like and at least 100 times more effective in terminating metabolite transport than sodium azide. The azasteroid inhibited the oxidation of glutamate in isolated rat liver mitochondria. The oxidation of succinate was not effected by the azasteroid alone but in the presence of glutamate, the azasteroid uncoupled the oxidation of succinate from the ADP-ATP control. It is suggested that the azasteroid may be acting directly on the electron transport system and/or acting indirectly through membrane perturbations which disrupts the electron transport process.", "contents": "15-Azasteroid blockage of cell permeability and mitochondrial respiration. The 15-azasteroid, 1,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-11a-methyl-2H naphth (1,2-g)indol-7-o1, inhibits the growth of the cell culture lines KB and L-M as well as several strains of bacteria. The inhibition of growth is reversed following removal of the steroid from the growth medium. Using in vitro grown L-M cells, the compound inhibited the transport of amino acids and uracil. The action was non-detergent like and at least 100 times more effective in terminating metabolite transport than sodium azide. The azasteroid inhibited the oxidation of glutamate in isolated rat liver mitochondria. The oxidation of succinate was not effected by the azasteroid alone but in the presence of glutamate, the azasteroid uncoupled the oxidation of succinate from the ADP-ATP control. It is suggested that the azasteroid may be acting directly on the electron transport system and/or acting indirectly through membrane perturbations which disrupts the electron transport process.", "PMID": 1006723} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10580", "title": "Androgen on the estrogen receptor. I - Binding and in vivo nuclear translocation.", "content": "In the immature rat uterus, high concentrations of androgens competed specifically with estradiol on the estrogen receptor (RE). This competition was stereospecific for C19 steroids bearing a 17beta and/or 3 hydroxyl group. Very low affinity ligands, such as testosterone, could not compete with estradiol at equilibrium but decreased the association rate of estradiol on its receptor. High doses (greater than 0.4mg) of 5dihydrotestosterone provoked in vivo as in vitro the nuclear translocation of RE. The nuclear receptor thus formed displayed the same 5.2 S sedimentation constant as that induced by estradiol. We conclude that the weak affinity binding of androgens to the estrogen receptor is sufficient to induce its nuclear translocation in vivo provided androgen concentration is high enough in uterus to occupy the estradiol binding site. Conversely, progesterone which does not bind RE could not provoke its nuclear translocation.", "contents": "Androgen on the estrogen receptor. I - Binding and in vivo nuclear translocation. In the immature rat uterus, high concentrations of androgens competed specifically with estradiol on the estrogen receptor (RE). This competition was stereospecific for C19 steroids bearing a 17beta and/or 3 hydroxyl group. Very low affinity ligands, such as testosterone, could not compete with estradiol at equilibrium but decreased the association rate of estradiol on its receptor. High doses (greater than 0.4mg) of 5dihydrotestosterone provoked in vivo as in vitro the nuclear translocation of RE. The nuclear receptor thus formed displayed the same 5.2 S sedimentation constant as that induced by estradiol. We conclude that the weak affinity binding of androgens to the estrogen receptor is sufficient to induce its nuclear translocation in vivo provided androgen concentration is high enough in uterus to occupy the estradiol binding site. Conversely, progesterone which does not bind RE could not provoke its nuclear translocation.", "PMID": 1006724} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10581", "title": "Bruits, ophthalmodynamometry and rectilinear scanning on transient ischemic attacks.", "content": "One hundred seventeen patients with clinical signs and symptoms of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) were evaluated. All underwent clinical evaluation for bruit, ophthalmodynamometry, rapid sequence scintiphotography with rectilinear scanning and four-vessel cerebral angiography. The results of these tests were compared for reliability in predicting location of lesions causing transient ischemic attacks. Angiography remains the most accurate procedure in evaluating extracranial vascular lesions. When determination of bruits, ophthalmodynamometry and brain scanning are done together, accuracy is greater than when any one of the procedures is done alone.", "contents": "Bruits, ophthalmodynamometry and rectilinear scanning on transient ischemic attacks. One hundred seventeen patients with clinical signs and symptoms of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) were evaluated. All underwent clinical evaluation for bruit, ophthalmodynamometry, rapid sequence scintiphotography with rectilinear scanning and four-vessel cerebral angiography. The results of these tests were compared for reliability in predicting location of lesions causing transient ischemic attacks. Angiography remains the most accurate procedure in evaluating extracranial vascular lesions. When determination of bruits, ophthalmodynamometry and brain scanning are done together, accuracy is greater than when any one of the procedures is done alone.", "PMID": 1006725} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10582", "title": "EEG surveillance as a means of extending operability in high risk carotid endarterectomy.", "content": "Some patients who have transient ischemic attacks are denied operation because severe occlusive lesions in other extra-cranial arteries may be inappropriately interpreted as constituting an unacceptable surgical risk, or because the lesion is so distal as to make its removal hazardous. Failure of endarterectomy is usually due to incomplete removal of the lesion or to thrombosis upon the frayed intima. Such lesions require excellent visualization and meticulous surgical technique -- not always possible with a shunt. Among 130 consecutive carotid endarterectomies performed under general anesthesia, EEG changes consistent with cerebral ischemia appeared in only nine (7%). These patients required a shunt. In 11 patients normal EEG tracings were obtained during endarterectomy despite contralateral carotid occlusion. None of these patients had a neurological deficit. Continuous EEG monitoring is a reliable method of detecting changes in cerebral perfusion, permits a more meticulous endarterectomy in high-lying lesions without a shunt, and extends operability in high risk patients. Angiographical findings may be an unreliable predictor concerning risk of endarterectomy.", "contents": "EEG surveillance as a means of extending operability in high risk carotid endarterectomy. Some patients who have transient ischemic attacks are denied operation because severe occlusive lesions in other extra-cranial arteries may be inappropriately interpreted as constituting an unacceptable surgical risk, or because the lesion is so distal as to make its removal hazardous. Failure of endarterectomy is usually due to incomplete removal of the lesion or to thrombosis upon the frayed intima. Such lesions require excellent visualization and meticulous surgical technique -- not always possible with a shunt. Among 130 consecutive carotid endarterectomies performed under general anesthesia, EEG changes consistent with cerebral ischemia appeared in only nine (7%). These patients required a shunt. In 11 patients normal EEG tracings were obtained during endarterectomy despite contralateral carotid occlusion. None of these patients had a neurological deficit. Continuous EEG monitoring is a reliable method of detecting changes in cerebral perfusion, permits a more meticulous endarterectomy in high-lying lesions without a shunt, and extends operability in high risk patients. Angiographical findings may be an unreliable predictor concerning risk of endarterectomy.", "PMID": 1006727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10583", "title": "Comparison of vascular reactivity in spinal cord and brain.", "content": "The local tissue PO2 in the brain cortex and in the spinal cord of rats was examined with ultramicroelectrodes. In the spinal cord the PO2 was highest in white matter, intermediate in dorsal horn gray matter, and lowest in the ventral horn gray matter. In the gray matter of the cord, as well as in the brain, the PO2 at a fixed locus was found normally to oscillate. CO2 responses were more brisk in the cord than in the brain while the responses to hypoxia were similar. Therefore, it appears that the physiological regulation of blood flow in the spinal cord is qualitatively similar to that of the brain.", "contents": "Comparison of vascular reactivity in spinal cord and brain. The local tissue PO2 in the brain cortex and in the spinal cord of rats was examined with ultramicroelectrodes. In the spinal cord the PO2 was highest in white matter, intermediate in dorsal horn gray matter, and lowest in the ventral horn gray matter. In the gray matter of the cord, as well as in the brain, the PO2 at a fixed locus was found normally to oscillate. CO2 responses were more brisk in the cord than in the brain while the responses to hypoxia were similar. Therefore, it appears that the physiological regulation of blood flow in the spinal cord is qualitatively similar to that of the brain.", "PMID": 1006728} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10584", "title": "Ophthalmodynamometry in internal carotid artery occlusion.", "content": "Retinal artery pressure was measured by ophthalmodynamometry in 15 patients with occlusion of the internal carotid artery in its extracranial part. Nine of the patients had severe neurological deficit whereas the remaining six had slight or intermittent symptoms. Retinal artery pressure was reduced on the side of the internal carotid artery occlusion in all patients studied. Near-zero low diastolic retinal artery pressure on the affected side was a common finding among patients with severe deficit and was also seen in some patients with slight deficit. Its presence strongly suggests occlusion of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery.", "contents": "Ophthalmodynamometry in internal carotid artery occlusion. Retinal artery pressure was measured by ophthalmodynamometry in 15 patients with occlusion of the internal carotid artery in its extracranial part. Nine of the patients had severe neurological deficit whereas the remaining six had slight or intermittent symptoms. Retinal artery pressure was reduced on the side of the internal carotid artery occlusion in all patients studied. Near-zero low diastolic retinal artery pressure on the affected side was a common finding among patients with severe deficit and was also seen in some patients with slight deficit. Its presence strongly suggests occlusion of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery.", "PMID": 1006729} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10585", "title": "Paradoxical dilation of the large cerebral arteries in hypocapnia in man.", "content": "By grouping patients who had carotid angiograms under unusually carefully monitored conditions it has been shown that hypocapnia is associated with vasodilation at low blood pressure but not at high blood pressure. The mechanism is discussed in general terms and it is suggested that the hypocapnic vasodilation may be a response to cerebral hypoxia and may be transmitted via an intracerebral autonomic pathway. Clinical and angiographical diagnoses are given for 50 patients.", "contents": "Paradoxical dilation of the large cerebral arteries in hypocapnia in man. By grouping patients who had carotid angiograms under unusually carefully monitored conditions it has been shown that hypocapnia is associated with vasodilation at low blood pressure but not at high blood pressure. The mechanism is discussed in general terms and it is suggested that the hypocapnic vasodilation may be a response to cerebral hypoxia and may be transmitted via an intracerebral autonomic pathway. Clinical and angiographical diagnoses are given for 50 patients.", "PMID": 1006731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10586", "title": "A new sign of occlusion of the origin of the internal carotid artery.", "content": "When the origin of the internal carotid artery is occluded, the transmission of cardiac sounds along the carotid stops at the site of the occlusion. This is a new neurovascular sign which is being reported.", "contents": "A new sign of occlusion of the origin of the internal carotid artery. When the origin of the internal carotid artery is occluded, the transmission of cardiac sounds along the carotid stops at the site of the occlusion. This is a new neurovascular sign which is being reported.", "PMID": 1006726} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10587", "title": "Effect of intracarotid prostaglandin E1 on regional cerebral blood flow in man.", "content": "The effect of prostaglandin E1 on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was studied with the intra-arterial 133Xe method in ten awake patients under local anesthesia. Measurements were taken from 16 areas of a hemisphere in seven patients, from 35 areas of a hemisphere in two patients and from 256 areas of a hemisphere in one patient. The prostaglandin was dissolved from the crystalline state without the aid of alcohol. It was given intracarotidly as a constant infusion at a rate of 5 ng per kilogram per minute for five minutes before the measurement and continued during the measurement. In every patient a mild increase in blood flow during the prostaglandin infusion was seen. The flow increase took place in all parts of the hemisphere. It averaged 11.2% (p less than 0.01). During the infusion, the skin supplied by the internal carotid artery and the conjunctiva on the infused side became red and sometimes swollen. A slight pressure was noted by most patients, but none had pain. No side effects of the infusion were noted.", "contents": "Effect of intracarotid prostaglandin E1 on regional cerebral blood flow in man. The effect of prostaglandin E1 on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was studied with the intra-arterial 133Xe method in ten awake patients under local anesthesia. Measurements were taken from 16 areas of a hemisphere in seven patients, from 35 areas of a hemisphere in two patients and from 256 areas of a hemisphere in one patient. The prostaglandin was dissolved from the crystalline state without the aid of alcohol. It was given intracarotidly as a constant infusion at a rate of 5 ng per kilogram per minute for five minutes before the measurement and continued during the measurement. In every patient a mild increase in blood flow during the prostaglandin infusion was seen. The flow increase took place in all parts of the hemisphere. It averaged 11.2% (p less than 0.01). During the infusion, the skin supplied by the internal carotid artery and the conjunctiva on the infused side became red and sometimes swollen. A slight pressure was noted by most patients, but none had pain. No side effects of the infusion were noted.", "PMID": 1006730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10588", "title": "Intensive care management of stroke patients.", "content": "Two hundred eighty patients were admitted to an intensive care stroke unit over a one-year period. Subsequent investigation indicated that only 199 of these patients actually had cerebral ischemic or hemorrhagic lesions, 10 had other cerebrovascular lesions, and the remaining 71 patients had unrelated diseases, predominantly seizures. Detailed analysis of 103 stroke patients revealed an overall incidence of 59% hypertension, and 72% had hypertensive, ischemic or valvular heart disease. Fifty percent of the patients had various cardiac arrhythmias, some of which were responsible for the acute cerebrovascular lesion. Fourteen patients died during the acute phase, 11 from apparently irreversible cerebral selling, mainly due to cerebral hemorrhage. Secondary complications such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pressure sores and urinary infection were almost nonexistent, but beneficial effects on the primary cerebral lesions were more difficult to demonstrate.", "contents": "Intensive care management of stroke patients. Two hundred eighty patients were admitted to an intensive care stroke unit over a one-year period. Subsequent investigation indicated that only 199 of these patients actually had cerebral ischemic or hemorrhagic lesions, 10 had other cerebrovascular lesions, and the remaining 71 patients had unrelated diseases, predominantly seizures. Detailed analysis of 103 stroke patients revealed an overall incidence of 59% hypertension, and 72% had hypertensive, ischemic or valvular heart disease. Fifty percent of the patients had various cardiac arrhythmias, some of which were responsible for the acute cerebrovascular lesion. Fourteen patients died during the acute phase, 11 from apparently irreversible cerebral selling, mainly due to cerebral hemorrhage. Secondary complications such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pressure sores and urinary infection were almost nonexistent, but beneficial effects on the primary cerebral lesions were more difficult to demonstrate.", "PMID": 1006732} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10589", "title": "Cerebral atherosclerosis in Japanese. Part 4: relationship between lipid content and macroscopic severity of atherosclerosis.", "content": "In order to evaluate chemically the macroscopic scoring methods for severity of arteriosclerosis in the cerebral arteries, concentrations of total lipids, esterified and free cholesterol and lipid phosphorus were compared to the macroscopic severity of lesions in the cerebral arteries obtained from 376 Japanese persons after unexpected death. An increase of cholesterol content was correlated significantly with an increase of Baker's score and/or Gore's atherosclerotic index. The correlation coefficient between Baker's score and total or esterified cholesterol was the highest among the tested correlations (r = 0.82, n = 376).", "contents": "Cerebral atherosclerosis in Japanese. Part 4: relationship between lipid content and macroscopic severity of atherosclerosis. In order to evaluate chemically the macroscopic scoring methods for severity of arteriosclerosis in the cerebral arteries, concentrations of total lipids, esterified and free cholesterol and lipid phosphorus were compared to the macroscopic severity of lesions in the cerebral arteries obtained from 376 Japanese persons after unexpected death. An increase of cholesterol content was correlated significantly with an increase of Baker's score and/or Gore's atherosclerotic index. The correlation coefficient between Baker's score and total or esterified cholesterol was the highest among the tested correlations (r = 0.82, n = 376).", "PMID": 1006734} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10590", "title": "Cerebral atherosclerosis in Japanese. Part 5: relationship between cholesterol deposition and glycosaminoglycans.", "content": "Concentrations of various lipids and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the intima of the grossly normal and atherosclerotic cerebral arteries were compared with those of the aorta and coronary arteries. The lowest percentage of esterified cholesterol (EC) in total cholesterol, and of chondroitin sulfate-4/6 (CS-4/6) in total glycosaminoglycans and the highest percentage of heparin sulfate (HS) in total GAG are the characteristic features of the normal intima of normal cerebral arteries when compared with those in the aorta and coronary artery. In the cerebral arterial intimas, but not in the aorta or coronary arteries, there was a significant positive correlation between contents of EC and percentage and total content of CS-4/6. Atherogenesis in cerebral arteries is discussed in comparison to that of the aorta and coronary vessels.", "contents": "Cerebral atherosclerosis in Japanese. Part 5: relationship between cholesterol deposition and glycosaminoglycans. Concentrations of various lipids and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the intima of the grossly normal and atherosclerotic cerebral arteries were compared with those of the aorta and coronary arteries. The lowest percentage of esterified cholesterol (EC) in total cholesterol, and of chondroitin sulfate-4/6 (CS-4/6) in total glycosaminoglycans and the highest percentage of heparin sulfate (HS) in total GAG are the characteristic features of the normal intima of normal cerebral arteries when compared with those in the aorta and coronary artery. In the cerebral arterial intimas, but not in the aorta or coronary arteries, there was a significant positive correlation between contents of EC and percentage and total content of CS-4/6. Atherogenesis in cerebral arteries is discussed in comparison to that of the aorta and coronary vessels.", "PMID": 1006735} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10591", "title": "Angiographical extravasation of contrast medium in hemorrhagic infarction. Case report.", "content": "Leakage of the contrast medium was noted on angiograms of a patient whose autopsied brain disclosed typical pathological findings of hemorrhagic infarction. The case was a 63-year old woman with mitral valve failure, who suddenly had loss of consciousness and right-sided hemiplegia. The left carotid angiography performed six hours after onset demonstrated middle cerebral arterial axis occlusion, and the second angiography performed three days after onset displayed recanalization of the initially occluded artery as well as extravasation of the contrast medium. Fourteen days after onset the patient died and an autopsy was performed. The brain demonstrated perivascular punctate hemorrhages in the area supplied by the middle cerebral artery, and neither hematoma nor microaneurysm was disclosed pathologically. A short discussion is given on the possible relationship between recanalization and hemorrhagic infarction. The clinical assessment of hemorrhagic infarction has not been established successfully.", "contents": "Angiographical extravasation of contrast medium in hemorrhagic infarction. Case report. Leakage of the contrast medium was noted on angiograms of a patient whose autopsied brain disclosed typical pathological findings of hemorrhagic infarction. The case was a 63-year old woman with mitral valve failure, who suddenly had loss of consciousness and right-sided hemiplegia. The left carotid angiography performed six hours after onset demonstrated middle cerebral arterial axis occlusion, and the second angiography performed three days after onset displayed recanalization of the initially occluded artery as well as extravasation of the contrast medium. Fourteen days after onset the patient died and an autopsy was performed. The brain demonstrated perivascular punctate hemorrhages in the area supplied by the middle cerebral artery, and neither hematoma nor microaneurysm was disclosed pathologically. A short discussion is given on the possible relationship between recanalization and hemorrhagic infarction. The clinical assessment of hemorrhagic infarction has not been established successfully.", "PMID": 1006738} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10592", "title": "A prospective study of cerebrovascular disease in Japanese rural communities, Akabane and Asahi. Part 1: evaluation of risk factors in the occurrence of cerebral hemorrhage and thrombosis.", "content": "An epidemiological study of cerebrovascular disease in Akabane and Asahi, Japan, was made. (These cities are located near Nagoy, Japan.) The study population included 4,737 men and women aged 40 to 79 at the time of entry into the study. There were 4,186 persons who were examined and, of these, 264 cases of cerebrovascular attacks were observed between 1964 and 1970. The incidence rate of stroke in those persons not responding to the survey was 15.9 times higher than in those persons examined according to person-year observation in Akabane. The risk factors for cerebral hemorrhage and thrombosis were evaluated by age-adjusted and sex-adjusted relative risks. The predisposing factors to cerebral hemorrhage appeared to be high blood pressure, high left R wave, ST depression, T abnormality, capillary fragility counts, previous medical history of stroke and albuminuria. For cerebral thrombosis, the predisposing factors appeared to be high blood pressure, ST depression and funduscopic sclerotic findings, and those factors assumed to be significant were glycosuria and smoking habits. Ocular funduscopic abnormality was the most prominent risk factor for cerebral thrombosis, while high blood pressure and ECG abnormalities were highly related to cerebral hemorrhage. It was suggested that those subjects with a relatively higher blood pressure may have a higher relative risk of cerebral hemorrhage than those with a lower (normal range) blood pressure. A previous or family history of stroke also appeared significantly related to cerebral hemorrhage.", "contents": "A prospective study of cerebrovascular disease in Japanese rural communities, Akabane and Asahi. Part 1: evaluation of risk factors in the occurrence of cerebral hemorrhage and thrombosis. An epidemiological study of cerebrovascular disease in Akabane and Asahi, Japan, was made. (These cities are located near Nagoy, Japan.) The study population included 4,737 men and women aged 40 to 79 at the time of entry into the study. There were 4,186 persons who were examined and, of these, 264 cases of cerebrovascular attacks were observed between 1964 and 1970. The incidence rate of stroke in those persons not responding to the survey was 15.9 times higher than in those persons examined according to person-year observation in Akabane. The risk factors for cerebral hemorrhage and thrombosis were evaluated by age-adjusted and sex-adjusted relative risks. The predisposing factors to cerebral hemorrhage appeared to be high blood pressure, high left R wave, ST depression, T abnormality, capillary fragility counts, previous medical history of stroke and albuminuria. For cerebral thrombosis, the predisposing factors appeared to be high blood pressure, ST depression and funduscopic sclerotic findings, and those factors assumed to be significant were glycosuria and smoking habits. Ocular funduscopic abnormality was the most prominent risk factor for cerebral thrombosis, while high blood pressure and ECG abnormalities were highly related to cerebral hemorrhage. It was suggested that those subjects with a relatively higher blood pressure may have a higher relative risk of cerebral hemorrhage than those with a lower (normal range) blood pressure. A previous or family history of stroke also appeared significantly related to cerebral hemorrhage.", "PMID": 1006736} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10593", "title": "Transient responses of cerebral blood flow and ventilation to changes in PaCO2 in normal subjects and patients with cerebrovascular disease.", "content": "In the present study, the dynamics of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and ventilatory response to hypercapnia was investigated in a group of patients with a cerebrovascular disease and compared to responses measured in a group of normal volunteers. There was a significant correlation between the rapidity of the transient CBF and ventilatory responses and the severity of the cerebrovascular disease. While the steady state CBF response showed no such correlation, the steady state ventilatory response was reduced in patients with severe cerebrovascular disease. Various explanations for the differences in the dynamic responses of CBF and ventilation in patients with mild or severe cerebrovascular disease compared to normal subjects are considered. Measurement of these circulatory and ventilatory responses may be sensitive means for assessing the changing statls of patients with cerebrovascular disease.", "contents": "Transient responses of cerebral blood flow and ventilation to changes in PaCO2 in normal subjects and patients with cerebrovascular disease. In the present study, the dynamics of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and ventilatory response to hypercapnia was investigated in a group of patients with a cerebrovascular disease and compared to responses measured in a group of normal volunteers. There was a significant correlation between the rapidity of the transient CBF and ventilatory responses and the severity of the cerebrovascular disease. While the steady state CBF response showed no such correlation, the steady state ventilatory response was reduced in patients with severe cerebrovascular disease. Various explanations for the differences in the dynamic responses of CBF and ventilation in patients with mild or severe cerebrovascular disease compared to normal subjects are considered. Measurement of these circulatory and ventilatory responses may be sensitive means for assessing the changing statls of patients with cerebrovascular disease.", "PMID": 1006733} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10594", "title": "Subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy (Binswanger's disease). A vascular etiology of dementia.", "content": "A 51-yearold man with moderate intermittent hypertension had a rapidly progressive, profound dementia in the absence of significant localizing neurological signs. Postmortem examination disclosed the vascular alterations and diffuse white matter degeneration which characterize subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy (SAE) or Binswanger's disease. The case underscores the need to consider vascular disease as an etiology of dementia -- even in the absence of focal neurological deficit.", "contents": "Subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy (Binswanger's disease). A vascular etiology of dementia. A 51-yearold man with moderate intermittent hypertension had a rapidly progressive, profound dementia in the absence of significant localizing neurological signs. Postmortem examination disclosed the vascular alterations and diffuse white matter degeneration which characterize subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy (SAE) or Binswanger's disease. The case underscores the need to consider vascular disease as an etiology of dementia -- even in the absence of focal neurological deficit.", "PMID": 1006740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10595", "title": "Primary non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. A municipal emergency hospital viewpoint.", "content": "The devastating natural history of 138 consecutive admissions for non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage to a major emergency care municipal hospital is reviewed. Sixty-four percent of the patients had demonstrable intracranial hematomas while 36% had mainly subarachnoid hemorrhage. Hypertension was a related condition in 43% of the parenchymal hematoma patients, while proved aneurysms accounted for 74% of the subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. There was only a 14% survivorship for patients requiring emergent surgery. All operated hematoma patients survived delayed surgery with improved level of responsiveness. The overall mortality was 74% for intracranial hematoma patients and 58% for aneurysm-caused subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.", "contents": "Primary non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. A municipal emergency hospital viewpoint. The devastating natural history of 138 consecutive admissions for non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage to a major emergency care municipal hospital is reviewed. Sixty-four percent of the patients had demonstrable intracranial hematomas while 36% had mainly subarachnoid hemorrhage. Hypertension was a related condition in 43% of the parenchymal hematoma patients, while proved aneurysms accounted for 74% of the subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. There was only a 14% survivorship for patients requiring emergent surgery. All operated hematoma patients survived delayed surgery with improved level of responsiveness. The overall mortality was 74% for intracranial hematoma patients and 58% for aneurysm-caused subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.", "PMID": 1006737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10596", "title": "Dynamic response of the intracranial system in the conscious dog to papaverine hydrochloride.", "content": "The influence of papaverine on the intracranial system of the dog was studied by measuring the pressure-depth-time response for the intact intracranial system, i.e., for the subarachnoid and subpial compartments. This was accomplished by a measurement system which provided an accurate pressure-depth determination and a uniform rate of transducer insertion. Distinct regions of the intracranial system (subarachnoid, transitional, and subpial) were identified from inflections in the pressure response curve. The test parameter, brain relative stiffness (BRS), was obtained by determining the slope of the pressure response values within the subpial region. This parameter is a measure of the \"stiffness\" or elasticity of bring tissue within the test configuration. A bolus injection of papaverine (1 mg per kilogram, i.v.) caused an increase in the transitional region, a compensatory reduction in the subarachnoid space, and an increase in BRS. It is postulated that at normotensive arterial blood pressure, cerebrovascular expansion caused by papaverine resulted in increased brain tissue elasticity, i.e., an increase in the pressure-depth response for the subpial region. Possible implications for this increase are discussed. Experiments should be conducted in which local blood flow studies are coupled with measurements of brain elastic response.", "contents": "Dynamic response of the intracranial system in the conscious dog to papaverine hydrochloride. The influence of papaverine on the intracranial system of the dog was studied by measuring the pressure-depth-time response for the intact intracranial system, i.e., for the subarachnoid and subpial compartments. This was accomplished by a measurement system which provided an accurate pressure-depth determination and a uniform rate of transducer insertion. Distinct regions of the intracranial system (subarachnoid, transitional, and subpial) were identified from inflections in the pressure response curve. The test parameter, brain relative stiffness (BRS), was obtained by determining the slope of the pressure response values within the subpial region. This parameter is a measure of the \"stiffness\" or elasticity of bring tissue within the test configuration. A bolus injection of papaverine (1 mg per kilogram, i.v.) caused an increase in the transitional region, a compensatory reduction in the subarachnoid space, and an increase in BRS. It is postulated that at normotensive arterial blood pressure, cerebrovascular expansion caused by papaverine resulted in increased brain tissue elasticity, i.e., an increase in the pressure-depth response for the subpial region. Possible implications for this increase are discussed. Experiments should be conducted in which local blood flow studies are coupled with measurements of brain elastic response.", "PMID": 1006739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10597", "title": "Amoebic liver abscess in Rhodesian Africans.", "content": "Eighty-eight African patients with amoebic liver abscess are described. The diagnosis was readily made in pyrexial patients who had right-sided upper abdominal pain, an enlarged, very tender liver and signs at the right base. However, in apyrexial subjects (10%) and where abdominal pain was absent (7%), the diagnosis was considerably delayed. Five children (7%) were seen under the age of five, four of whom died because the diagnosis was not suspected. It is particularly emphasized that there should be a greater awareness of this condition in this age group. Amoebae were found in only a small percentage of stool (14%) and pus specimens (11%), while biopsy of the abscess edge yielded 40%. The relative values of a positive amoebic latex test (82%) and an elevated alkaline phosphatase (71%) are noted. In only half the aspirations was the classical anchovy sauce appearance seen. Metronidazole is the drug of choice with repeated aspirations for large abscesses. Mortality was 13-5%, occurring mainly in the extremes of life.", "contents": "Amoebic liver abscess in Rhodesian Africans. Eighty-eight African patients with amoebic liver abscess are described. The diagnosis was readily made in pyrexial patients who had right-sided upper abdominal pain, an enlarged, very tender liver and signs at the right base. However, in apyrexial subjects (10%) and where abdominal pain was absent (7%), the diagnosis was considerably delayed. Five children (7%) were seen under the age of five, four of whom died because the diagnosis was not suspected. It is particularly emphasized that there should be a greater awareness of this condition in this age group. Amoebae were found in only a small percentage of stool (14%) and pus specimens (11%), while biopsy of the abscess edge yielded 40%. The relative values of a positive amoebic latex test (82%) and an elevated alkaline phosphatase (71%) are noted. In only half the aspirations was the classical anchovy sauce appearance seen. Metronidazole is the drug of choice with repeated aspirations for large abscesses. Mortality was 13-5%, occurring mainly in the extremes of life.", "PMID": 1006758} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10598", "title": "Heavy Trichuris infection and amoebic dysentery in Orang Asli children. A comparison of the two diseases.", "content": "Children with heavy Trichuris infestation were compared with paediatric amoebic dysentery patients and normal children. Heavy Trichuris infestation was diagnosed by visualization of worms on anoscopy. Patients with heavy Trichuris infection had a longer duration of disease, more frequent hospitalization and a higher rate of rectal prolapse than did patients with amoebiasis. Five Trichuris children also had clubbing. Trichuris patients had lower mean haematrocrits (27%) and serum albumin (3-3 gm%) than did patients with amoebiasis (32% and 3-7 gm% respectively). Coinfection with Shigella and Salmonella was significantly increased in patients with heavy Trichuris infection compared to both amoebic and control group children. Trichuris patients were infected with Entamoeba histolytica more frequently (46%) than normal children. Heavy Trichuris infection is the probable cause of symptoms and signs seen in these patients.", "contents": "Heavy Trichuris infection and amoebic dysentery in Orang Asli children. A comparison of the two diseases. Children with heavy Trichuris infestation were compared with paediatric amoebic dysentery patients and normal children. Heavy Trichuris infestation was diagnosed by visualization of worms on anoscopy. Patients with heavy Trichuris infection had a longer duration of disease, more frequent hospitalization and a higher rate of rectal prolapse than did patients with amoebiasis. Five Trichuris children also had clubbing. Trichuris patients had lower mean haematrocrits (27%) and serum albumin (3-3 gm%) than did patients with amoebiasis (32% and 3-7 gm% respectively). Coinfection with Shigella and Salmonella was significantly increased in patients with heavy Trichuris infection compared to both amoebic and control group children. Trichuris patients were infected with Entamoeba histolytica more frequently (46%) than normal children. Heavy Trichuris infection is the probable cause of symptoms and signs seen in these patients.", "PMID": 1006759} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10599", "title": "The association of endemic elephantiasis of the lower legs in East Africa with soil derived from volcanic rocks.", "content": "Endemic elephantiasis of the lower legs in Ethiopia, which reaches a maximum of 86-7 per 1,000 adults in affected areas, is related to the distribution of red clay soil derived from volcanic rocks, particularly basalt. Prevalence falls rapidly on leaving these areas. This observation has been tested in regions of non-filarial elephantiasis reported in Kanya and north-western Tanzania and further investigated in volcanic areas of Rwanda where the disease had not previously been reported. The same relationship is found to occur in these areas. The limitation to the lower legs of the barefooted section of the farming community suggests that the aetiological factor or factors enter by the feet. The occurrence at high altitude (over 1,200 metres) is noted and the predominance of basalt or basalt-like lava in each case is considered significant. The altitude governs rainfall and temperature and thus governs the type of soil produced. The soil produced from these rocks is rich in colloidal iron oxide, alumina and silica, to which a number of metallic ions are adsorbed. This soil is a reddish-brown clay which, when wet, is strongly adherent to the skin. The derived ions are known to be toxic to human tissue and absorption through intact human skin has been shown to occur experimentally. It is suggested that absorption of these irritants through the bare feet is responsible for the irreversible damage to the lymphatic channels. The present studies support the hypothesis that \"high-altitude\" elephantiasis of the lower legs in East Africa is a geochemical disease.", "contents": "The association of endemic elephantiasis of the lower legs in East Africa with soil derived from volcanic rocks. Endemic elephantiasis of the lower legs in Ethiopia, which reaches a maximum of 86-7 per 1,000 adults in affected areas, is related to the distribution of red clay soil derived from volcanic rocks, particularly basalt. Prevalence falls rapidly on leaving these areas. This observation has been tested in regions of non-filarial elephantiasis reported in Kanya and north-western Tanzania and further investigated in volcanic areas of Rwanda where the disease had not previously been reported. The same relationship is found to occur in these areas. The limitation to the lower legs of the barefooted section of the farming community suggests that the aetiological factor or factors enter by the feet. The occurrence at high altitude (over 1,200 metres) is noted and the predominance of basalt or basalt-like lava in each case is considered significant. The altitude governs rainfall and temperature and thus governs the type of soil produced. The soil produced from these rocks is rich in colloidal iron oxide, alumina and silica, to which a number of metallic ions are adsorbed. This soil is a reddish-brown clay which, when wet, is strongly adherent to the skin. The derived ions are known to be toxic to human tissue and absorption through intact human skin has been shown to occur experimentally. It is suggested that absorption of these irritants through the bare feet is responsible for the irreversible damage to the lymphatic channels. The present studies support the hypothesis that \"high-altitude\" elephantiasis of the lower legs in East Africa is a geochemical disease.", "PMID": 1006757} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10600", "title": "Absence of schistosomal glomerulopathy in Schistosoma haematobium infection in man.", "content": "Kidneys were studied by light microscopy in 246 consecutive autopsies in Cairo, Egypt. Glomerulonephritis was not related to the presence or intensity of either S. haematobium or S. mansoni infection, and mesangial thickening and proliferation were also unrelated to schistosome infection. Acute and chronic pyelonephritis were also unrelated to the presence of schistosome infection.", "contents": "Absence of schistosomal glomerulopathy in Schistosoma haematobium infection in man. Kidneys were studied by light microscopy in 246 consecutive autopsies in Cairo, Egypt. Glomerulonephritis was not related to the presence or intensity of either S. haematobium or S. mansoni infection, and mesangial thickening and proliferation were also unrelated to schistosome infection. Acute and chronic pyelonephritis were also unrelated to the presence of schistosome infection.", "PMID": 1006760} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10601", "title": "A study of the symptom patterns of psychiatric referrals in a tropical diseases unit.", "content": "Undoubtedly the commonest psychiatric conditions seen in patients from the tropics are reactive depression and hysterical illness. These may both be seen as responses to stress, often over a prolonged period. Although typical depressive and hysterical syndromes are seen in all races, severe tiredness seems to be the principal hysterical symptom amongst Europeans as opposed to bizarre somatic symptoms in Negroes and Asians. Headaches are an important depressive sign in Negroes and Asians. Diarrhoea and abdominal pains may be linked directly to anxiety and depression or may emerge as an unconscious defence against insoluble problems.", "contents": "A study of the symptom patterns of psychiatric referrals in a tropical diseases unit. Undoubtedly the commonest psychiatric conditions seen in patients from the tropics are reactive depression and hysterical illness. These may both be seen as responses to stress, often over a prolonged period. Although typical depressive and hysterical syndromes are seen in all races, severe tiredness seems to be the principal hysterical symptom amongst Europeans as opposed to bizarre somatic symptoms in Negroes and Asians. Headaches are an important depressive sign in Negroes and Asians. Diarrhoea and abdominal pains may be linked directly to anxiety and depression or may emerge as an unconscious defence against insoluble problems.", "PMID": 1006761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10602", "title": "Kala-azar in Zambia: first report of two cases.", "content": "Two autochthonous cases of kala-azar, the first such report of the disease from Central and Southern Africa, are described. Both patients presented with generalized macules, papules and nodules without ulceration and both also had tuberculosis. Amastigotes were cultured from blood and identified in skin, bone marrow, liver and spleen.", "contents": "Kala-azar in Zambia: first report of two cases. Two autochthonous cases of kala-azar, the first such report of the disease from Central and Southern Africa, are described. Both patients presented with generalized macules, papules and nodules without ulceration and both also had tuberculosis. Amastigotes were cultured from blood and identified in skin, bone marrow, liver and spleen.", "PMID": 1006762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10603", "title": "Laboratory evaluation of a new technique for counting microfilariae in blood.", "content": "The technique involves taking a measured volume of blood (20-40 mm3) from a finger or ear prick on to a conventional 3 X 1 in microscope slide and lysing it with water. Microfilariae could either be counted immediately, whilst still alive, or the smear dried, fixed and stained. A comparison between counts of microfilariae in freshly prepared slides and stained slides showed that few microfilariae were lost in the staining process.", "contents": "Laboratory evaluation of a new technique for counting microfilariae in blood. The technique involves taking a measured volume of blood (20-40 mm3) from a finger or ear prick on to a conventional 3 X 1 in microscope slide and lysing it with water. Microfilariae could either be counted immediately, whilst still alive, or the smear dried, fixed and stained. A comparison between counts of microfilariae in freshly prepared slides and stained slides showed that few microfilariae were lost in the staining process.", "PMID": 1006763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10604", "title": "A retrospective serological suvey of Royal Marines previously exposed to Pseudomonas pseudomallei in South East Asia.", "content": "Following the suggestion that it was possible that cases of melioidosis amongst those who had been exposed abroad in the past, might be escaping notice, 487 Royal Marines were examined by indirect haemagglutination studies. Four hundred and eleven of these subjects had served for variable times in areas where melioidosis has been known to occur in Indonesia and Malaya, between 1960 and 1974, occupied in activities in the jungle and paddy fields during which exposure to the disease was to be expected. No evidence of residual subclinical melioidosis was found and it seems unlikely that recrudescent disease will prove to be a problem in the future for English servicemen who have been in South East Asia.", "contents": "A retrospective serological suvey of Royal Marines previously exposed to Pseudomonas pseudomallei in South East Asia. Following the suggestion that it was possible that cases of melioidosis amongst those who had been exposed abroad in the past, might be escaping notice, 487 Royal Marines were examined by indirect haemagglutination studies. Four hundred and eleven of these subjects had served for variable times in areas where melioidosis has been known to occur in Indonesia and Malaya, between 1960 and 1974, occupied in activities in the jungle and paddy fields during which exposure to the disease was to be expected. No evidence of residual subclinical melioidosis was found and it seems unlikely that recrudescent disease will prove to be a problem in the future for English servicemen who have been in South East Asia.", "PMID": 1006764} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10605", "title": "Metabolism of IgM in the tropical splenomegaly syndrome.", "content": "IgM metabolism was studied in five patients with the tropical splenomegaly syndrome and in five controls. The half-life and turnover time of I125 IgM was similar in the two groups. We conclude that the raised serum IgM levels found in patients with the tropical splenomegaly syndrome are not due to decreased IgM catabolism but are due to increased IgM production.", "contents": "Metabolism of IgM in the tropical splenomegaly syndrome. IgM metabolism was studied in five patients with the tropical splenomegaly syndrome and in five controls. The half-life and turnover time of I125 IgM was similar in the two groups. We conclude that the raised serum IgM levels found in patients with the tropical splenomegaly syndrome are not due to decreased IgM catabolism but are due to increased IgM production.", "PMID": 1006767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10606", "title": "D-xylose absorption and jejunal morphology in African patients with pellagra (niacin tryptophan deficiency).", "content": "D-xylose absorption tests and jejunal morphology have been shown to be unaltered in 12 African patients with pellagra when compared with normal values for Zambian Africa adults; that result is contrary to two previous investigations in India and Egypt respectively. A significant inverse association has been shown, however, between D-xylose absorption and serum immunoglobulin IgG and IgA concentrations; that is consistent with previous studies and probably reflects malabsorption of xylose in the presence of systemic infections. It is concluded that pellagra per se does not alter intestinal structure or monosaccharide absorption.", "contents": "D-xylose absorption and jejunal morphology in African patients with pellagra (niacin tryptophan deficiency). D-xylose absorption tests and jejunal morphology have been shown to be unaltered in 12 African patients with pellagra when compared with normal values for Zambian Africa adults; that result is contrary to two previous investigations in India and Egypt respectively. A significant inverse association has been shown, however, between D-xylose absorption and serum immunoglobulin IgG and IgA concentrations; that is consistent with previous studies and probably reflects malabsorption of xylose in the presence of systemic infections. It is concluded that pellagra per se does not alter intestinal structure or monosaccharide absorption.", "PMID": 1006768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10607", "title": "Reduced transplantability of syngenic mouse tumors superinfected with membrane viruses in nu/nu mice.", "content": "Transplantability of mouse tumors superinfected with various kinds of membrane viruses was investigated in syngeneic hosts. Methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcomas in BALB/c mice, Meth A, and in C57BL/6 mice, BMT-, superinfected with Friend lymphatic leukemia virus in mice given neonatal injection of the virus, grew more slowly than uninfected tumors. The retardation of growths was not observed in mice that had been given injections of the virus at birth. Similarly, Meth A and a hepatoma in C3H/He mice, MH134, superinfected with Moloney murine sarcoma virus in nu/nu mice, had reduced their transplantability in respective syngeneic mice. Further, Meth A and MH134 superinfected with endogenous rat leukemia virus and human measles virus, respectively, in nu/nu mice also showed reduced transplantability, and some of the former were actually rejected by normal syngeneic hosts. On the other hand, the reduced transplantability was not found in irradiated mice, suggesting that the phenomenon was due to immunological events. However, a myelogenous leukemia in C57BL/6 mice, C1498, superinfected with Moloney sarcoma virus in nu/nu mice grew like uninfected tumor and did not show reduced transplantability at all.", "contents": "Reduced transplantability of syngenic mouse tumors superinfected with membrane viruses in nu/nu mice. Transplantability of mouse tumors superinfected with various kinds of membrane viruses was investigated in syngeneic hosts. Methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcomas in BALB/c mice, Meth A, and in C57BL/6 mice, BMT-, superinfected with Friend lymphatic leukemia virus in mice given neonatal injection of the virus, grew more slowly than uninfected tumors. The retardation of growths was not observed in mice that had been given injections of the virus at birth. Similarly, Meth A and a hepatoma in C3H/He mice, MH134, superinfected with Moloney murine sarcoma virus in nu/nu mice, had reduced their transplantability in respective syngeneic mice. Further, Meth A and MH134 superinfected with endogenous rat leukemia virus and human measles virus, respectively, in nu/nu mice also showed reduced transplantability, and some of the former were actually rejected by normal syngeneic hosts. On the other hand, the reduced transplantability was not found in irradiated mice, suggesting that the phenomenon was due to immunological events. However, a myelogenous leukemia in C57BL/6 mice, C1498, superinfected with Moloney sarcoma virus in nu/nu mice grew like uninfected tumor and did not show reduced transplantability at all.", "PMID": 1006777} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10608", "title": "Preservation of granulopoietic precursors in nonfrozen, stored human bone marrow.", "content": "We have examined procedures for maintaining human bone marrow in a viable state for a period of 1 to 3 days. Various fractionation methods and environmental conditions were compared, and these results indicate that unfractionated, washed bone marrow cells stored at 25 C in a CO2-charged incubator gave the highest total recovery of granulopoietic stem cells capable of colony formation in vitro. After 24- and 48-hr incubation, a mean of 93 and 89% were preserved. Room temperature storage of bone marrow may have clinical applicability in autologous marrow infusion after high-dose chemoradiotherapy.", "contents": "Preservation of granulopoietic precursors in nonfrozen, stored human bone marrow. We have examined procedures for maintaining human bone marrow in a viable state for a period of 1 to 3 days. Various fractionation methods and environmental conditions were compared, and these results indicate that unfractionated, washed bone marrow cells stored at 25 C in a CO2-charged incubator gave the highest total recovery of granulopoietic stem cells capable of colony formation in vitro. After 24- and 48-hr incubation, a mean of 93 and 89% were preserved. Room temperature storage of bone marrow may have clinical applicability in autologous marrow infusion after high-dose chemoradiotherapy.", "PMID": 1006778} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10609", "title": "Diabetes in the Nigerian African. I. Review of long-term complications.", "content": "A clinico-pathological review of the \"long term\" complications of diabetes mellitus was carried out on patients who have had the disease for over 10 years and are currently attending the diabetic outpatients' clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan and those who had been autopsied in the same hospital, after having had diabetes mellitus for over 10 years. The findings were discussed with a suggestion for further prospective studies using more sophisticated investigative technique to detect these complications at their earliest stages, during life.", "contents": "Diabetes in the Nigerian African. I. Review of long-term complications. A clinico-pathological review of the \"long term\" complications of diabetes mellitus was carried out on patients who have had the disease for over 10 years and are currently attending the diabetic outpatients' clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan and those who had been autopsied in the same hospital, after having had diabetes mellitus for over 10 years. The findings were discussed with a suggestion for further prospective studies using more sophisticated investigative technique to detect these complications at their earliest stages, during life.", "PMID": 1006779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10610", "title": "Diabetes in the Nigerian African. II. Autopsy studies.", "content": "Studies were carried out on diabetic patients that came to autopsy, over a 15-year period between 1959-1974 at the university college hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. The findings have shed some light on the natural history of diabetic illness in the nigerian african and are sufficiently interesting to warrant a more long term prospective study of similar cases that come to autopsy. They have shown that contrary to an earlier study Greenwood and Taylor (1968), the classical Kimmelstiel-Wilson's lesion of diabetic nephropathy is not as rare as these earlier observers had assumed and that some cases of \"insulin resistance\" may be associated with adrenal cortical adenomata.", "contents": "Diabetes in the Nigerian African. II. Autopsy studies. Studies were carried out on diabetic patients that came to autopsy, over a 15-year period between 1959-1974 at the university college hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. The findings have shed some light on the natural history of diabetic illness in the nigerian african and are sufficiently interesting to warrant a more long term prospective study of similar cases that come to autopsy. They have shown that contrary to an earlier study Greenwood and Taylor (1968), the classical Kimmelstiel-Wilson's lesion of diabetic nephropathy is not as rare as these earlier observers had assumed and that some cases of \"insulin resistance\" may be associated with adrenal cortical adenomata.", "PMID": 1006780} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10611", "title": "Diabetes in the Nigerian African. III. Socioeconomic aspects.", "content": "The socio-economic aspects of diabetes mellitus were studied, on random basis, in a group of 147 patients attending the diabetic out-patients' clinic of the University College hospital, Ibadan. The majority belonged to the low socio-economic class. Ignorance about diabetes mellitus was rife among the patients and their relations. The needs for an intensive public health education as well as more financial assistance to diabetic patients by the government are stressed.", "contents": "Diabetes in the Nigerian African. III. Socioeconomic aspects. The socio-economic aspects of diabetes mellitus were studied, on random basis, in a group of 147 patients attending the diabetic out-patients' clinic of the University College hospital, Ibadan. The majority belonged to the low socio-economic class. Ignorance about diabetes mellitus was rife among the patients and their relations. The needs for an intensive public health education as well as more financial assistance to diabetic patients by the government are stressed.", "PMID": 1006781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10612", "title": "Tuberculous peritonitis in Ethiopian patients.", "content": "The clinical features of tuberculous peritonitis in 48 Ethiopian patients are discussed. Thirty per cent of patients were afebrile, three fourths had ascites, and fifteen per cent had palpable abdominal masses, and therefore several had been wrongly diagnosed initially as cirrhosis of the liver or malignancy. Peritoneal biopsy, usually possible with local anaesthesia only, appears to be the most reliable method of proving the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis.", "contents": "Tuberculous peritonitis in Ethiopian patients. The clinical features of tuberculous peritonitis in 48 Ethiopian patients are discussed. Thirty per cent of patients were afebrile, three fourths had ascites, and fifteen per cent had palpable abdominal masses, and therefore several had been wrongly diagnosed initially as cirrhosis of the liver or malignancy. Peritoneal biopsy, usually possible with local anaesthesia only, appears to be the most reliable method of proving the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis.", "PMID": 1006782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10613", "title": "A review of laboratory tests of intestinal absorption in the tropics.", "content": "The intestinal absorptive capacity for xylose and folic acid has frequently been found to be defective in apparently normal asymptomatic residents of the tropics. This suggests the presence among the natives of the tropics of appreciable, yet asymptomatic jejunal functional incompetence which is not seen in the temperate countries. Further, structural abnormalities in the villi which are non-specific occur in varying degrees of severity in the tropics both in health and in disease. These tropical peculiarities raise obvious doubts as to the diagnostic usefulness of these laboratory tests in the evaluation of disorders of absorption in tropical practice. In this review, experiences from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital had shown that the faecal fat analysis for the detection of steatorrhoea is the most dependable single diagnostic and in studies of overt malabsorption in Niageria.", "contents": "A review of laboratory tests of intestinal absorption in the tropics. The intestinal absorptive capacity for xylose and folic acid has frequently been found to be defective in apparently normal asymptomatic residents of the tropics. This suggests the presence among the natives of the tropics of appreciable, yet asymptomatic jejunal functional incompetence which is not seen in the temperate countries. Further, structural abnormalities in the villi which are non-specific occur in varying degrees of severity in the tropics both in health and in disease. These tropical peculiarities raise obvious doubts as to the diagnostic usefulness of these laboratory tests in the evaluation of disorders of absorption in tropical practice. In this review, experiences from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital had shown that the faecal fat analysis for the detection of steatorrhoea is the most dependable single diagnostic and in studies of overt malabsorption in Niageria.", "PMID": 1006783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10614", "title": "Prognosis of colo-rectal carcinoma in Sudan.", "content": "Forty-two histologically confirmed cases of colo-rectal carcinoma were analysed. Thirty-three per cent were below the age of 30 years. Patients presented at an advanced stage of the disease evidenced by lympth node and/or hepatic involvement, ascites and intestinal obstruction. Nearly half of the patients had low grade tumours. Emergency and multi-staged operations were often necessary. The hospital mortality rate was 38.2 per cent. The problems of diagnosis and management under the conditions prevailing in the Sudan were discussed. It is suggested that a better health education of the people and more awareness of the medical profession are necessary to improve the present results.", "contents": "Prognosis of colo-rectal carcinoma in Sudan. Forty-two histologically confirmed cases of colo-rectal carcinoma were analysed. Thirty-three per cent were below the age of 30 years. Patients presented at an advanced stage of the disease evidenced by lympth node and/or hepatic involvement, ascites and intestinal obstruction. Nearly half of the patients had low grade tumours. Emergency and multi-staged operations were often necessary. The hospital mortality rate was 38.2 per cent. The problems of diagnosis and management under the conditions prevailing in the Sudan were discussed. It is suggested that a better health education of the people and more awareness of the medical profession are necessary to improve the present results.", "PMID": 1006784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10615", "title": "Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in Nigeria.", "content": "Thirty one infants with congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis seen over a five year period (1970-1974) at the University College Hospital Ibadan are reported. Most of the patients presented late. There is a much higher male predominance but a lower prevalence among Nigerian first born infants when compared with Caucasian infants. It is suggested that the condition though uncommon is not rare in African infants, and that environmental rather than genetic or racial factors may be responsible for the apparent lower prevalence.", "contents": "Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in Nigeria. Thirty one infants with congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis seen over a five year period (1970-1974) at the University College Hospital Ibadan are reported. Most of the patients presented late. There is a much higher male predominance but a lower prevalence among Nigerian first born infants when compared with Caucasian infants. It is suggested that the condition though uncommon is not rare in African infants, and that environmental rather than genetic or racial factors may be responsible for the apparent lower prevalence.", "PMID": 1006785} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10616", "title": "Favourable prognosis of prolonged coma associated with large doses of diazepam in severe tetanus.", "content": "A report is made of five tetanus patients who were treated with large repetitive doses of Diazepam and became comatose. The period of impaired consciousness varied from thirteen to twenty-one days. None had significant respiratory depression, and full recovery occurred in all. It is proposed that Diazepam-induced prolonged coma should be regarded as a side-effect rather than a toxic effect and should caution rather than contra-indicate further use of large doses of the drug in the management of tetanus.", "contents": "Favourable prognosis of prolonged coma associated with large doses of diazepam in severe tetanus. A report is made of five tetanus patients who were treated with large repetitive doses of Diazepam and became comatose. The period of impaired consciousness varied from thirteen to twenty-one days. None had significant respiratory depression, and full recovery occurred in all. It is proposed that Diazepam-induced prolonged coma should be regarded as a side-effect rather than a toxic effect and should caution rather than contra-indicate further use of large doses of the drug in the management of tetanus.", "PMID": 1006786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10617", "title": "The variety in endomyocardial fibrosis. A necropsy study.", "content": "In a necropsy series of 75 patients with endomyocardial fibrosis who died during the years 1967 to 1971 in Mulago Hospital, Kampala, the site of the lesions in the heart was studied alongside with the age, clinical history, geographical distribution, heart weight and concurrent diseases. Most frequently involved were the posterior cusp of the mitral valve, the left ventricular wall (upper-mid and/or apical region) and the right ventricular wall wheras othter localisations turned out to be relatively rare. Intracardial thrombi were also often described. Rheumatic heart disease was the most important concurrent cardiac disorder. The range and variety of the lesions is discussed together with relations to age, sex and geographical distribution of the patients. The results give support to Shaper's hypothesis concerning the aetiology of endomyocardial fibrosis; however many unanswered questions about the disease remain.", "contents": "The variety in endomyocardial fibrosis. A necropsy study. In a necropsy series of 75 patients with endomyocardial fibrosis who died during the years 1967 to 1971 in Mulago Hospital, Kampala, the site of the lesions in the heart was studied alongside with the age, clinical history, geographical distribution, heart weight and concurrent diseases. Most frequently involved were the posterior cusp of the mitral valve, the left ventricular wall (upper-mid and/or apical region) and the right ventricular wall wheras othter localisations turned out to be relatively rare. Intracardial thrombi were also often described. Rheumatic heart disease was the most important concurrent cardiac disorder. The range and variety of the lesions is discussed together with relations to age, sex and geographical distribution of the patients. The results give support to Shaper's hypothesis concerning the aetiology of endomyocardial fibrosis; however many unanswered questions about the disease remain.", "PMID": 1006787} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10618", "title": "Vitamin B12 and folate status in pregnancy in Trinidad.", "content": "Vitamin B12 and folate levels were studied in Indian and Negro mothers in Trinidad. Folate levels fell in both groups with increasing gestational age. Indian mothers had significantly lower B12 levels than negroes and it is suggested that this vitamin be supplemented.", "contents": "Vitamin B12 and folate status in pregnancy in Trinidad. Vitamin B12 and folate levels were studied in Indian and Negro mothers in Trinidad. Folate levels fell in both groups with increasing gestational age. Indian mothers had significantly lower B12 levels than negroes and it is suggested that this vitamin be supplemented.", "PMID": 1006788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10619", "title": "Some epidemiological aspects of diphtheria in Malaysia.", "content": "In Malysia, the proportion of children fully immunized againest diphtheria is generally low (20%). On the other hand, the Schick conversion rate rises with age and reaches 90% by 11 years of age. It is noted that asymptomatic carriers are an important epidemiological factor in diphtheria and that carrier rates for school children are high (prevalence of 7.5% while the rate of coloization with C. diphtheriae over a period of one year was 30%). Although immunization protects against clinical diphtheria, it does not prevent the carrier state. Thus, for the control of diphtheria, one should aim for 100% compliance. Some suggestions as to how higher levels of immunity may be achieved are described.", "contents": "Some epidemiological aspects of diphtheria in Malaysia. In Malysia, the proportion of children fully immunized againest diphtheria is generally low (20%). On the other hand, the Schick conversion rate rises with age and reaches 90% by 11 years of age. It is noted that asymptomatic carriers are an important epidemiological factor in diphtheria and that carrier rates for school children are high (prevalence of 7.5% while the rate of coloization with C. diphtheriae over a period of one year was 30%). Although immunization protects against clinical diphtheria, it does not prevent the carrier state. Thus, for the control of diphtheria, one should aim for 100% compliance. Some suggestions as to how higher levels of immunity may be achieved are described.", "PMID": 1006789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10620", "title": "Correlates of low birth weights in two Nigerian communities.", "content": "Data on low birth weight among 1111 singleton and normal livebirths were collected in two Nigerian, urban and rural communities, belonging to the lower socio-economic group. The mothers attended MCH centres. The incidence rates of low birth weights were 9.4% and 9.8% of total live birth deliveries in the urban and rural locations, respectively. Low birth weight was found to correlate significantly with maternal age, height and parity; no significant urban/rural differentiation was detected.", "contents": "Correlates of low birth weights in two Nigerian communities. Data on low birth weight among 1111 singleton and normal livebirths were collected in two Nigerian, urban and rural communities, belonging to the lower socio-economic group. The mothers attended MCH centres. The incidence rates of low birth weights were 9.4% and 9.8% of total live birth deliveries in the urban and rural locations, respectively. Low birth weight was found to correlate significantly with maternal age, height and parity; no significant urban/rural differentiation was detected.", "PMID": 1006790} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10621", "title": "The biting cycle of Anopheles dthali. A. fluviatilis and A. stephensi in southern Iran.", "content": "In southern Iran during the hot season inhabitants sleep outddoors. Therefore the biting cycles of three outdoor resting mosquitoes, Anopheles dthali, fluviatilis and stephensi have been studied. Most of the bites take place between 18-24 h.", "contents": "The biting cycle of Anopheles dthali. A. fluviatilis and A. stephensi in southern Iran. In southern Iran during the hot season inhabitants sleep outddoors. Therefore the biting cycles of three outdoor resting mosquitoes, Anopheles dthali, fluviatilis and stephensi have been studied. Most of the bites take place between 18-24 h.", "PMID": 1006791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10622", "title": "Ecology of Anopheles stephensi Liston in southern Iran.", "content": "Anopheles stephensi mysorensis is an important malaria vector in southern Iran. It is known to be the vector of malaria in Abadan, Bandar Abbas, Kazeroun and Dezful. It readily attacks man. Precipitan tests on specimens from different parts of southern Iran showed that 15.7% were positive for human blood. This species usually rests indoors, but a small proportion of its population has been caught outdoors. Larval habitats vary. This species is resistant to DDT and Dieldrin in most of the areas of the Persian Gulf and Oman sea.", "contents": "Ecology of Anopheles stephensi Liston in southern Iran. Anopheles stephensi mysorensis is an important malaria vector in southern Iran. It is known to be the vector of malaria in Abadan, Bandar Abbas, Kazeroun and Dezful. It readily attacks man. Precipitan tests on specimens from different parts of southern Iran showed that 15.7% were positive for human blood. This species usually rests indoors, but a small proportion of its population has been caught outdoors. Larval habitats vary. This species is resistant to DDT and Dieldrin in most of the areas of the Persian Gulf and Oman sea.", "PMID": 1006792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10623", "title": "Antibodies against arboviruses in Sierra Leone.", "content": "Sera from 180 blood donors in Sierra Leone were examined by combined hemagglutination - inhibition, complement fixation, and neutralization tests for antibodies against 10 arbovirus. The donors were 20 to 40 years old and resident at Panguma, Tongo, Serabu and Segbwema. Thirty sera (16.6%) had antibodies to group B viruses, the majority of which were to yellow fever virus as confirmed by N tests. Nineteen sera had antibodies to Arumowot virus and 4 to Sindbis virus. N antibodies against UgMP 359, a non-group B virus, were demonstrated in 12 of the sera. No antibodies were found against Bwamba and Ilesha viruses.", "contents": "Antibodies against arboviruses in Sierra Leone. Sera from 180 blood donors in Sierra Leone were examined by combined hemagglutination - inhibition, complement fixation, and neutralization tests for antibodies against 10 arbovirus. The donors were 20 to 40 years old and resident at Panguma, Tongo, Serabu and Segbwema. Thirty sera (16.6%) had antibodies to group B viruses, the majority of which were to yellow fever virus as confirmed by N tests. Nineteen sera had antibodies to Arumowot virus and 4 to Sindbis virus. N antibodies against UgMP 359, a non-group B virus, were demonstrated in 12 of the sera. No antibodies were found against Bwamba and Ilesha viruses.", "PMID": 1006793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10624", "title": "Thanatomania in an Asmat community. A report of successful \"western\" treatment.", "content": "Case report from the Asmat-area, West New Guineaof black magic in a 12-year-old boy, confirmed anthropologically and medically. Successful treatment by western medicine was achieved by removing the emotional pressure exerted by the community on the patient through physical and pharmaceutical isoledical help saving a black magic victim. A follow-up of the medicine and anthropology, permitting a discussion of the medical cultural implication.", "contents": "Thanatomania in an Asmat community. A report of successful \"western\" treatment. Case report from the Asmat-area, West New Guineaof black magic in a 12-year-old boy, confirmed anthropologically and medically. Successful treatment by western medicine was achieved by removing the emotional pressure exerted by the community on the patient through physical and pharmaceutical isoledical help saving a black magic victim. A follow-up of the medicine and anthropology, permitting a discussion of the medical cultural implication.", "PMID": 1006794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10625", "title": "An antenatal record for identification of high risk cases by axliliary midwives at rural health centres.", "content": "A prerequiste for effective and efficient medical care to be carried out by auxiliary staff at health centres in rural areas in developing countries is the standardization of the medical, technical and administrative procedures that they have to undertake. A record for antenatal care in rural health centres was designed to facilitate the selection of high risk cases. Several features of this record - which has been successfully used since 1972 in several rural health centres in Kenya - are described.", "contents": "An antenatal record for identification of high risk cases by axliliary midwives at rural health centres. A prerequiste for effective and efficient medical care to be carried out by auxiliary staff at health centres in rural areas in developing countries is the standardization of the medical, technical and administrative procedures that they have to undertake. A record for antenatal care in rural health centres was designed to facilitate the selection of high risk cases. Several features of this record - which has been successfully used since 1972 in several rural health centres in Kenya - are described.", "PMID": 1006796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10626", "title": "[Prevalence of the ticks Dermacentor marginatus (Sulzer, 1776) and Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) and their importance as vectors of diseases in Germany (author's transl)].", "content": "From a systematical study of German ticks resulted the occurrence of two tick species of the genus Dermacentor. D. marginatus is found to be widely spread in Southern Germany. Adults of the tick feed mainly on sheep. D. reticulatus is first described from Germany where the tick occurs endemic in a limited forest area on red deer. The two tick species are known from neighbouring countries of Germany in transmitting virus, rickettsiae, bacteriae and protozoa but are not yet well studied in Germany. Geiographical distribution and seasonal occurrence of D. marginatus indicates the role of the tick in the epidemiology of Q fever in Germany.", "contents": "[Prevalence of the ticks Dermacentor marginatus (Sulzer, 1776) and Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) and their importance as vectors of diseases in Germany (author's transl)]. From a systematical study of German ticks resulted the occurrence of two tick species of the genus Dermacentor. D. marginatus is found to be widely spread in Southern Germany. Adults of the tick feed mainly on sheep. D. reticulatus is first described from Germany where the tick occurs endemic in a limited forest area on red deer. The two tick species are known from neighbouring countries of Germany in transmitting virus, rickettsiae, bacteriae and protozoa but are not yet well studied in Germany. Geiographical distribution and seasonal occurrence of D. marginatus indicates the role of the tick in the epidemiology of Q fever in Germany.", "PMID": 1006797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10627", "title": "[Experimental Trypanosoma infections in Cameroon dwarf goats: histopathological observations (author's transl)].", "content": "14 Cameroon Dwarf goats were experimentally infected with Trypanosoma (Duttonella) vivax, T. (Nannomonas) congolense, and T. (Trypanozoon) brucei. Infection with T. burcei caused death of the animals within 45-201 days. All goats which died following T. brucei-infection showed characteristic mononuclear cell infiltrations in brain and heart, most of them showed infiltrations in skin (eye lids), sceletal muscles, kidneys, fat and connective tissue as well. Infections with T. vivax and T. congolense produced no clinical signs and very little histological alterations. Animals infected with T. congolense or T. brucei for more than 5 months showed amyloid deposits in their livers, spleens and kidneys.", "contents": "[Experimental Trypanosoma infections in Cameroon dwarf goats: histopathological observations (author's transl)]. 14 Cameroon Dwarf goats were experimentally infected with Trypanosoma (Duttonella) vivax, T. (Nannomonas) congolense, and T. (Trypanozoon) brucei. Infection with T. burcei caused death of the animals within 45-201 days. All goats which died following T. brucei-infection showed characteristic mononuclear cell infiltrations in brain and heart, most of them showed infiltrations in skin (eye lids), sceletal muscles, kidneys, fat and connective tissue as well. Infections with T. vivax and T. congolense produced no clinical signs and very little histological alterations. Animals infected with T. congolense or T. brucei for more than 5 months showed amyloid deposits in their livers, spleens and kidneys.", "PMID": 1006798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10628", "title": "The response to Trypanosoma congolense infection in calves. Determination of immunoglobulins igG1, igG2, igM and C3 levels and the complement fixing antibody titres during the course of infection.", "content": "Serum immunoglobulins, IgG1, IgG2, IgM and C3 levels and the complement fixing antibody titres were determined over a period of 15 to 18 weeks in 13 calves infected with Trypanosoma congolense. The mean IgM concentration increased from 2.88 mg/ml prior to infection to 23.75 mg/ml at the 3rd week after infection. This level dropped by the 5th week but elevated values of 13-19 mg/ml were maintained until the end of the experiment. The mean IgG1 level increased from 10.55 mg/ml to a peak of 26.90 mg/ml by 7 weeks. After the 10th week, levels remained in the range of 12-15 mg/ml. There was only slight increase in mean IgG2 after 7 weeks infection with the highest mean value of 17.09 mg/ml as compared to 10.70 mg/ml of control animals occurring at the 13th week. The mean C3 concentration decreased from 3.75 mg/ml to 0.95g/ml by 2 weeks and fluctuating low levels were maintained for the duration of the infection. The appearance of CF antibody, the decrease in C3 at about 1 to 2 weeks post infection and the subsequent drops in the CF titres and C3 at 5-6, 8 and 11 weeks were each coincident with the drops in packed cell volume.", "contents": "The response to Trypanosoma congolense infection in calves. Determination of immunoglobulins igG1, igG2, igM and C3 levels and the complement fixing antibody titres during the course of infection. Serum immunoglobulins, IgG1, IgG2, IgM and C3 levels and the complement fixing antibody titres were determined over a period of 15 to 18 weeks in 13 calves infected with Trypanosoma congolense. The mean IgM concentration increased from 2.88 mg/ml prior to infection to 23.75 mg/ml at the 3rd week after infection. This level dropped by the 5th week but elevated values of 13-19 mg/ml were maintained until the end of the experiment. The mean IgG1 level increased from 10.55 mg/ml to a peak of 26.90 mg/ml by 7 weeks. After the 10th week, levels remained in the range of 12-15 mg/ml. There was only slight increase in mean IgG2 after 7 weeks infection with the highest mean value of 17.09 mg/ml as compared to 10.70 mg/ml of control animals occurring at the 13th week. The mean C3 concentration decreased from 3.75 mg/ml to 0.95g/ml by 2 weeks and fluctuating low levels were maintained for the duration of the infection. The appearance of CF antibody, the decrease in C3 at about 1 to 2 weeks post infection and the subsequent drops in the CF titres and C3 at 5-6, 8 and 11 weeks were each coincident with the drops in packed cell volume.", "PMID": 1006799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10629", "title": "Studies on Theileriidae (Sporozoa) in Tanzania. V. Preliminary experiments on a new method for infecting ticks with Theileria parva and Theileria mutans.", "content": "Bovine blood with a high parasitaemia of Theileria mutans was injected through the cuticle into fully engorged nymphs of Amblyomma variegatum which had recently detached from a rabbit. After moulting, they transmitted this parasite to a susceptible calf. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus transmitted Theileria parva in the same way, but results were negative with A. variegatum and T. parva. This method of infecting ticks appears promising for the isolation of Theileria strains from the field, and might be useful in research on theilerioses.", "contents": "Studies on Theileriidae (Sporozoa) in Tanzania. V. Preliminary experiments on a new method for infecting ticks with Theileria parva and Theileria mutans. Bovine blood with a high parasitaemia of Theileria mutans was injected through the cuticle into fully engorged nymphs of Amblyomma variegatum which had recently detached from a rabbit. After moulting, they transmitted this parasite to a susceptible calf. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus transmitted Theileria parva in the same way, but results were negative with A. variegatum and T. parva. This method of infecting ticks appears promising for the isolation of Theileria strains from the field, and might be useful in research on theilerioses.", "PMID": 1006800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10630", "title": "Immunization against anaplasmosis and babesiosis: Part I. Evaluation of immunization using minimum infective doses under laboratory conditions.", "content": "A method of immunization against anaplasmosis and babesiosis using minimum infective doses was developed under laboratory conditions. Stabilates of Anaplasma marginale stored at -60 degrees C were found infective when diluted 10-fold to 10(-3). Stabilates of Babesia argentina and Babesia bigemina stored under the same conditions were infective when diluted 10-fold to 10(-1). Intact calves inoculated with the above dilutions of stabilates developed moderate parasitemias and recovered from infection without treatment. There was an immune response to vaccination with the formation of specific antibodies to A. marginale, B. bigemina and B. argentina as measured by the complement fixation (CF) test. All calves were found resistant to artificial challenge with lethal doses of the respective parasites.", "contents": "Immunization against anaplasmosis and babesiosis: Part I. Evaluation of immunization using minimum infective doses under laboratory conditions. A method of immunization against anaplasmosis and babesiosis using minimum infective doses was developed under laboratory conditions. Stabilates of Anaplasma marginale stored at -60 degrees C were found infective when diluted 10-fold to 10(-3). Stabilates of Babesia argentina and Babesia bigemina stored under the same conditions were infective when diluted 10-fold to 10(-1). Intact calves inoculated with the above dilutions of stabilates developed moderate parasitemias and recovered from infection without treatment. There was an immune response to vaccination with the formation of specific antibodies to A. marginale, B. bigemina and B. argentina as measured by the complement fixation (CF) test. All calves were found resistant to artificial challenge with lethal doses of the respective parasites.", "PMID": 1006801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10631", "title": "Studies on the attraction of Simulium damnosum s.l. (Diptera: Simuliidae) to its hosts. I. The relative importance of sight, exhaled breath, and smell.", "content": "Four traps used in capturing hunting female S. damnosum s.l. are discribed: the slat trap, the enclosure trap, the fan trap, and the sticky trap. In forest a man hidden inside a trap, but removing his exhaled breath through a long hose, attracted 4 times as many flies as did an unbaited trap. When the man exhaled normally into the trap the number of flies taken rose again by a further factor of 4. Carbon dioxide gas, emitted from inside the trap attracted some two-thirds as many flies as a man exhaling normally inside the trap. In both forest and Sudan-savanna environments the catches of a man stationed on an open stretch of land and fully exposed to view while his exhaled breath was removed through a long hose, were not substantially lower than those of a man in a similar situation who exhaled normally. In forest a motionless man, partly hidden among vegetation, attracted fewer flies than a moving man who was fully exposed to view (a) when both men removed their exhaled breath through long hoses, and (b) when they exhaled normally. In the forest a trap baited with CO2 gas (250 cc per min) caught more flies than a similar, unbaited trap, but the preformance of CO2-baited traps, as compared with that of human collectors, was highly variable. Catches in CO2-baited traps were uniformly low in the Sudan-savanna. In forest, removal of olfactory substances from the human skin, by vigorous washing and application of petroleum jelly, or by wearing impermeable clothing, greatly reduced the numbers of flies attracted. No such reduction was observed in Sudan savanna. In the forest, cloths, worn by men for several days and then used as bait, attracted about 10 times as many flies as did similar, unworn cloths. Addition of CO2 gas produced a 4-fold increase in the attractiveness of worn cloths and an 18-fold increase in that of unworn cloths. No corresponding experiments were done in the savanna. Fan traps could become contaminated by human handling during the assembly and setting-up procedures. They were thus rendered attractive to flies. In the Sudan-savanna, the catches of men positioned in front of warm rock surfaces were lower than those of men stationed on coller, sandy surfaces. This suggests that body heat may be an additional attractant factor. The results suggest that \"forest\" S. damnosum s.l. (presumably S. squamosum) females rely heavily on smell as an attractant and, to a lesser extent, on sight and exhaled breath. Smell appears to be the only obligatory attractant, and it can act by itself. This raises the possibility that a trap might be developed which incorporates only smell stimuli as bait. For \"savanna\" S. damnosum s.l. (presumably S. damnosum s.s.) neither smell nor exhaled breath appear to be important attractants, and some other factor, perhaps sight, appears to be the dominant attractant in this zone.", "contents": "Studies on the attraction of Simulium damnosum s.l. (Diptera: Simuliidae) to its hosts. I. The relative importance of sight, exhaled breath, and smell. Four traps used in capturing hunting female S. damnosum s.l. are discribed: the slat trap, the enclosure trap, the fan trap, and the sticky trap. In forest a man hidden inside a trap, but removing his exhaled breath through a long hose, attracted 4 times as many flies as did an unbaited trap. When the man exhaled normally into the trap the number of flies taken rose again by a further factor of 4. Carbon dioxide gas, emitted from inside the trap attracted some two-thirds as many flies as a man exhaling normally inside the trap. In both forest and Sudan-savanna environments the catches of a man stationed on an open stretch of land and fully exposed to view while his exhaled breath was removed through a long hose, were not substantially lower than those of a man in a similar situation who exhaled normally. In forest a motionless man, partly hidden among vegetation, attracted fewer flies than a moving man who was fully exposed to view (a) when both men removed their exhaled breath through long hoses, and (b) when they exhaled normally. In the forest a trap baited with CO2 gas (250 cc per min) caught more flies than a similar, unbaited trap, but the preformance of CO2-baited traps, as compared with that of human collectors, was highly variable. Catches in CO2-baited traps were uniformly low in the Sudan-savanna. In forest, removal of olfactory substances from the human skin, by vigorous washing and application of petroleum jelly, or by wearing impermeable clothing, greatly reduced the numbers of flies attracted. No such reduction was observed in Sudan savanna. In the forest, cloths, worn by men for several days and then used as bait, attracted about 10 times as many flies as did similar, unworn cloths. Addition of CO2 gas produced a 4-fold increase in the attractiveness of worn cloths and an 18-fold increase in that of unworn cloths. No corresponding experiments were done in the savanna. Fan traps could become contaminated by human handling during the assembly and setting-up procedures. They were thus rendered attractive to flies. In the Sudan-savanna, the catches of men positioned in front of warm rock surfaces were lower than those of men stationed on coller, sandy surfaces. This suggests that body heat may be an additional attractant factor. The results suggest that \"forest\" S. damnosum s.l. (presumably S. squamosum) females rely heavily on smell as an attractant and, to a lesser extent, on sight and exhaled breath. Smell appears to be the only obligatory attractant, and it can act by itself. This raises the possibility that a trap might be developed which incorporates only smell stimuli as bait. For \"savanna\" S. damnosum s.l. (presumably S. damnosum s.s.) neither smell nor exhaled breath appear to be important attractants, and some other factor, perhaps sight, appears to be the dominant attractant in this zone.", "PMID": 1006802} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10632", "title": "[A fourth species of Onchocerca, O. garmsi n.sp. from the European deer (author's transl)].", "content": "Description of O. garmsi n.sp. in the connective subcutaneous tissue of Cervus elaphus; furhter information on the description of O. tubingensis Bain and Schulz-Key, 1974, in subcutaneous nodules of the same host.", "contents": "[A fourth species of Onchocerca, O. garmsi n.sp. from the European deer (author's transl)]. Description of O. garmsi n.sp. in the connective subcutaneous tissue of Cervus elaphus; furhter information on the description of O. tubingensis Bain and Schulz-Key, 1974, in subcutaneous nodules of the same host.", "PMID": 1006803} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10633", "title": "The use of a molluscicide in conjunction with chemotherapy to control Schistosoma haematobium at the Barombi Lake foci in Cameroon. II. Urinary examination methods, the use of niridazole to attack the parasite in man, and the effect on transmission from man to snail.", "content": "The use of niridazole, in conjunction with snail control, in an attempt to control the transmission of Schistosoma haematobium at 2 Cameroon crater-lake villages is described. Quantitative examinations of urines for S. haematobium eggs were made on the whole population before control began, at intervals during the maintenance of control, and again after control ceased. The methods and difficulties are described, and their accuracy is discussed. After each examination all accessible egg-passers were treated or re-treated with niridazole. The drug was well tolerated and effective. Most treated patients ceased to pass live eggs, and most of those who later became positive again were thought to represent reinfections rather than relapses. During the maintenance of snail control, niridazole treatment of the 'whole' community reduced the total load of S. haematobium eggs passed to less than 1 per cent of the pre-control figure; and repeated subsequent treatments maintained a level of the same order. Despite this, there remained at different times 0.6-50.9 per cent of persons passing small quantities of live eggs, and these were an important source of continuing transmission. The possibility that more than one strain of S. haematobium was involved is discussed. An index of transmission from man to snail is proposed and discussed in relation to determining the level of the \"break-point\" in transmission. Although combined niridazole/molluscicide control reduced transmission from man to snail by about 3 log cycles, the \"break-point\", which is thought to lie 4 or more log-cycles lower, was not reached. When control was stopped, transmission built up again, with the prevalence rate in man rising more rapidly than the intensity of infections.", "contents": "The use of a molluscicide in conjunction with chemotherapy to control Schistosoma haematobium at the Barombi Lake foci in Cameroon. II. Urinary examination methods, the use of niridazole to attack the parasite in man, and the effect on transmission from man to snail. The use of niridazole, in conjunction with snail control, in an attempt to control the transmission of Schistosoma haematobium at 2 Cameroon crater-lake villages is described. Quantitative examinations of urines for S. haematobium eggs were made on the whole population before control began, at intervals during the maintenance of control, and again after control ceased. The methods and difficulties are described, and their accuracy is discussed. After each examination all accessible egg-passers were treated or re-treated with niridazole. The drug was well tolerated and effective. Most treated patients ceased to pass live eggs, and most of those who later became positive again were thought to represent reinfections rather than relapses. During the maintenance of snail control, niridazole treatment of the 'whole' community reduced the total load of S. haematobium eggs passed to less than 1 per cent of the pre-control figure; and repeated subsequent treatments maintained a level of the same order. Despite this, there remained at different times 0.6-50.9 per cent of persons passing small quantities of live eggs, and these were an important source of continuing transmission. The possibility that more than one strain of S. haematobium was involved is discussed. An index of transmission from man to snail is proposed and discussed in relation to determining the level of the \"break-point\" in transmission. Although combined niridazole/molluscicide control reduced transmission from man to snail by about 3 log cycles, the \"break-point\", which is thought to lie 4 or more log-cycles lower, was not reached. When control was stopped, transmission built up again, with the prevalence rate in man rising more rapidly than the intensity of infections.", "PMID": 1006804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10634", "title": "The use of a molluscicide in conjunction with chemotherapy to control Schistosoma haematobium at the Barombi Lake foci in Cameroon. III. Conclusions and costs.", "content": "Although Frescon successfully controlled snails on the margins of the Barombi lakes, and although the continuation of niridazole and Frescon control reduced transmission of S. haematobium very considerably, practical difficulties, which are discussed, rendered the twin goals of snail- and parasite-eradication impossible to achieve. The \"break-point\" in transmission of S. haematobium appears to lie so low as to be practically synonymous with total eradication. Control operations would thus have had to be maintained indefinitely in order to avoid a rapid return to the pre-control situation. The cost of the control element in this combined chemotherapeutic and molluscicidal research project, at 2 lacustrine foci of S. haematobium transmission in the United Republic of Cameroon, was 9 to 10 U.S. dollars per year per head of population protected. This sum is about three times the country's total estimated expenditure per head of population on all health and social services for the year 1974-1975. The high cost of such operations is only likely to be acceptable where schistosomiasis causes much ill-health and reduced economic productivity, and where tangible benefits may be expected from a reduction in the intensity of infections, short of eradication.", "contents": "The use of a molluscicide in conjunction with chemotherapy to control Schistosoma haematobium at the Barombi Lake foci in Cameroon. III. Conclusions and costs. Although Frescon successfully controlled snails on the margins of the Barombi lakes, and although the continuation of niridazole and Frescon control reduced transmission of S. haematobium very considerably, practical difficulties, which are discussed, rendered the twin goals of snail- and parasite-eradication impossible to achieve. The \"break-point\" in transmission of S. haematobium appears to lie so low as to be practically synonymous with total eradication. Control operations would thus have had to be maintained indefinitely in order to avoid a rapid return to the pre-control situation. The cost of the control element in this combined chemotherapeutic and molluscicidal research project, at 2 lacustrine foci of S. haematobium transmission in the United Republic of Cameroon, was 9 to 10 U.S. dollars per year per head of population protected. This sum is about three times the country's total estimated expenditure per head of population on all health and social services for the year 1974-1975. The high cost of such operations is only likely to be acceptable where schistosomiasis causes much ill-health and reduced economic productivity, and where tangible benefits may be expected from a reduction in the intensity of infections, short of eradication.", "PMID": 1006805} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10635", "title": "[Treatment with 32P of carcinoma of the prostate (author's transl)].", "content": "Twenty-eight patients affected with disseminated prostate cancer, which proved hormone resistant (after castration and oestrogen administration), have undergone combined treatment with Testosterone (for 13 days) and 32P (for the last 7 days of the Testosterone treatment). During the initial fase of the treatment (Testosterone only), 14 patients experienced pain exacerbation and/or fever and one experienced immediate improvement. The exacerbation quickly disappeared following 32P administration, and 26 of the patients had distinct improvement at some time during or after treatment, with a mean remission duration of 3 months and mean survival rate of 7 months. No lytic or soft part deposit showed improvement; improvement was noticeable only in the mixed type or osteo-sclerotic metastases. This observation suggests that the androgen stimulates uptake of the isotope not inside the tumor cells but in the bone matrix around the tumoral deposit. The patient who showed very early improvement had a subsequent relapse on oestrogens, but later responded to the androgen alone.", "contents": "[Treatment with 32P of carcinoma of the prostate (author's transl)]. Twenty-eight patients affected with disseminated prostate cancer, which proved hormone resistant (after castration and oestrogen administration), have undergone combined treatment with Testosterone (for 13 days) and 32P (for the last 7 days of the Testosterone treatment). During the initial fase of the treatment (Testosterone only), 14 patients experienced pain exacerbation and/or fever and one experienced immediate improvement. The exacerbation quickly disappeared following 32P administration, and 26 of the patients had distinct improvement at some time during or after treatment, with a mean remission duration of 3 months and mean survival rate of 7 months. No lytic or soft part deposit showed improvement; improvement was noticeable only in the mixed type or osteo-sclerotic metastases. This observation suggests that the androgen stimulates uptake of the isotope not inside the tumor cells but in the bone matrix around the tumoral deposit. The patient who showed very early improvement had a subsequent relapse on oestrogens, but later responded to the androgen alone.", "PMID": 1006807} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10636", "title": "[ Correlation between histopathologic and scintigraphic findings (employing 67Ga) in relation to the surgical indication for bronchial carcinoma (author's transl)].", "content": "Following the investigation on the correlation between scintigraphic pictures and histopathologic findings in 66 patients with suspected bronchial carcinoma, 84% of the scannings were positive and the data relative to the so-called \"false negative\" cases was analyzed. The presence of hilar or mediastinal lymph node metastases, histologically ascertained in about one-third of the patients, appeared significant; and a restricted accumulation of the radio-element was evident in 70.5% of the cases. In 10 of the cases with negative scintigraphic findings, pictures of reactive or hyperplastic lymphadenitis (almost all radiologically relievable) were obtained. Therefore, if it cannot be logically concluded that the negative scintigraphic findings at the mediastinal level indicate the absence of metastases in the lymph nodes, thus indicating surgery (or preventive mediastinoscopy), positive finding seem to be synonymous with extrapulmonary diffusion of the neoplastic process, with direct implication in determining the operability of the patient.", "contents": "[ Correlation between histopathologic and scintigraphic findings (employing 67Ga) in relation to the surgical indication for bronchial carcinoma (author's transl)]. Following the investigation on the correlation between scintigraphic pictures and histopathologic findings in 66 patients with suspected bronchial carcinoma, 84% of the scannings were positive and the data relative to the so-called \"false negative\" cases was analyzed. The presence of hilar or mediastinal lymph node metastases, histologically ascertained in about one-third of the patients, appeared significant; and a restricted accumulation of the radio-element was evident in 70.5% of the cases. In 10 of the cases with negative scintigraphic findings, pictures of reactive or hyperplastic lymphadenitis (almost all radiologically relievable) were obtained. Therefore, if it cannot be logically concluded that the negative scintigraphic findings at the mediastinal level indicate the absence of metastases in the lymph nodes, thus indicating surgery (or preventive mediastinoscopy), positive finding seem to be synonymous with extrapulmonary diffusion of the neoplastic process, with direct implication in determining the operability of the patient.", "PMID": 1006808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10637", "title": "Measurement of the elasticity of the male urethral meatus by urinary drop spectrometry.", "content": "The urinary stream breaks up into drops shortly after leaving the external meatus. For normal males the frequency of the drops is related in a characteristic way to the flow rate. From this relation the elastic properties of an elastic constriction near the external meatus are calculated, using a theory of flow through distensible tubes. The elastic constriction behaves as if rigid at low flow rates, but distends elastically at flow rates above a critical value. This theoretical result is verified by observations of the stream emerging from a mechanical model, constructed with similar elastic properties. Functional meatal stenosis is associated with a lack of distensibility at the higher flow rates, which is reflected clinically in a changed relation between drop frequency and flow rate. Measurement of the relation, by the urinary drop spectrometer, offers a quick, non-invasive way of diagnosing this type of urethral obstruction.", "contents": "Measurement of the elasticity of the male urethral meatus by urinary drop spectrometry. The urinary stream breaks up into drops shortly after leaving the external meatus. For normal males the frequency of the drops is related in a characteristic way to the flow rate. From this relation the elastic properties of an elastic constriction near the external meatus are calculated, using a theory of flow through distensible tubes. The elastic constriction behaves as if rigid at low flow rates, but distends elastically at flow rates above a critical value. This theoretical result is verified by observations of the stream emerging from a mechanical model, constructed with similar elastic properties. Functional meatal stenosis is associated with a lack of distensibility at the higher flow rates, which is reflected clinically in a changed relation between drop frequency and flow rate. Measurement of the relation, by the urinary drop spectrometer, offers a quick, non-invasive way of diagnosing this type of urethral obstruction.", "PMID": 1006868} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10638", "title": "The role of urine in the etiology of cancer of the urinary bladder.", "content": "It is shown that the site-frequency distribution of carcinomas relative to the upper and lower hemispheres of the urinary bladder is inhomogeneous. It is pointed out that the contact with urine is the important etiological factor and that other factors, if any, play only a secondary role. It is suggested that prolonged (forced) retention of urine should be avoided. Investigation of urinary carcinogens is needed.", "contents": "The role of urine in the etiology of cancer of the urinary bladder. It is shown that the site-frequency distribution of carcinomas relative to the upper and lower hemispheres of the urinary bladder is inhomogeneous. It is pointed out that the contact with urine is the important etiological factor and that other factors, if any, play only a secondary role. It is suggested that prolonged (forced) retention of urine should be avoided. Investigation of urinary carcinogens is needed.", "PMID": 1006869} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10639", "title": "Angioplasic surgery for renal artery aneurysm in pediatric hypertension.", "content": "Aneurysmectomy and renal angioplasty were performed on a 14-year-old Japanese male and the blood pressure was within normal values 3 years after this surgery. Measurement of renal blood flow was facilitated by using 133Xe washout technique. This incidence is the eighth such case to be reported from Japan.", "contents": "Angioplasic surgery for renal artery aneurysm in pediatric hypertension. Aneurysmectomy and renal angioplasty were performed on a 14-year-old Japanese male and the blood pressure was within normal values 3 years after this surgery. Measurement of renal blood flow was facilitated by using 133Xe washout technique. This incidence is the eighth such case to be reported from Japan.", "PMID": 1006870} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10640", "title": "[Representation of gynaecological fistulas by wick urethrocystocolporectography (author's transl)].", "content": "In connection with gynaecological diseases and/or their therapy, genital fistulas constitute a grave complication. Accurate representation of these fistulas in conjunction with the adjacent hollow organs is of curcial importance for their successful removal. A modified kind of wick urethrocystocolporectography, which is a method that has proved efficient in cases of a dislocation in the female genital tract and also in cases of insufficiency of locking of the urinary bladder, provides these preconditions for an efficient therapy. That is, through the difference in the course of motion during holding and pressing in comparison with rest there are detected not only any valve mechanisms present but also dislocations, if any. Moreover, the method, easy to apply as it is and involving only little strain, provides an advantage which cannot be overlooked.", "contents": "[Representation of gynaecological fistulas by wick urethrocystocolporectography (author's transl)]. In connection with gynaecological diseases and/or their therapy, genital fistulas constitute a grave complication. Accurate representation of these fistulas in conjunction with the adjacent hollow organs is of curcial importance for their successful removal. A modified kind of wick urethrocystocolporectography, which is a method that has proved efficient in cases of a dislocation in the female genital tract and also in cases of insufficiency of locking of the urinary bladder, provides these preconditions for an efficient therapy. That is, through the difference in the course of motion during holding and pressing in comparison with rest there are detected not only any valve mechanisms present but also dislocations, if any. Moreover, the method, easy to apply as it is and involving only little strain, provides an advantage which cannot be overlooked.", "PMID": 1006871} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10641", "title": "Sphincterotomy and micturition parameters: quantitative analysis of sphincterotomy in 24 patients.", "content": "The effect of transurethral external sphincterotomy, performed in 24 patients, was evaluated quantitatively on micturition parameters and blood loss. The total urethral resistance, residual urine, and the maximum and average urinary flow rates were all improved with a statistically significant difference (p less than 0.01). Of 7 patients with indwelling catheter, all but one became catheter free. Erythrocytes and hemoglobin decreased 6% in number and 9% in weight, respectively. Moderate degree of stress incontinence were noted in 15 patients (63%).", "contents": "Sphincterotomy and micturition parameters: quantitative analysis of sphincterotomy in 24 patients. The effect of transurethral external sphincterotomy, performed in 24 patients, was evaluated quantitatively on micturition parameters and blood loss. The total urethral resistance, residual urine, and the maximum and average urinary flow rates were all improved with a statistically significant difference (p less than 0.01). Of 7 patients with indwelling catheter, all but one became catheter free. Erythrocytes and hemoglobin decreased 6% in number and 9% in weight, respectively. Moderate degree of stress incontinence were noted in 15 patients (63%).", "PMID": 1006872} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10642", "title": "Evaluation of cellular immunologic responsiveness in the clinical management of patients with prostatic cancer. III. Inhibition of leucocyte migration.", "content": "Host cellular responsiveness to tumour was evaluted in 37 patients with varying degrees of clinically active and inactive adenocarcinoma of the prostate by direct inhibition of leucocyte migration (ILM) employing saline extracts of pooled allogeneic normal, benign and malignant prostatic tissue as a source of antigen. The majority of these patients had received or were receiving conventional therapy at the time of evaluation. 13 (35%) prostatic cancer patients possessed clinically significant specific reactivity to malignant prostatic tissue, whereas only 1 (8%), of 13 control patients (11 healthy adults and 2 patients with carcinoma other than of the prostate: bladder and penis) possessed comparable reactivity. While the wide range of specific reactivity observed overall, including 'stimulation' of migration, compared with the mean percent ILM was very large, the SD of the mean specific percent ILM in the 13 prostatic cancer patients possessing clinically significant specific reactivity to malignant prostatic tissue, was most respectable. Since all reactions were allogeneic, these results indicated that prostatic cancer patients possessed cell-mediated immunity to presumably common prostatic tumour-associated antigens. Further evaluation disclosed that the incidence of patients possessing clinically significant reactivity to malignant tissue was almost identical regardless of the patient's stage of malignancy, histological grade of tumour, or clinical status. The degree of sensitization of clinically significant reactivity to malignant tissue was, however, greater in patients with localized disease, low grade tumour, and clinically inactive disease, than in patients with advanced disease, high-grade tumour, and clinically active disease. Evaluation of the possible correlation of specific reactivity to malignant prostatic tissue as a prognostic index of subsequent clinical responsiveness revealed a positive correlation with the degree of sensitization in 3 (43%) of 7 patients available for routine follow-up. Correlation in four patients was questionable due to the observations of 'stimulation' of migration rather than inhibition. While providing initial preliminary evidence of the presence of cell-mediated anti-tumour immunity in patients with prostatic cancer and promise of a possible prognostic index, the wide range in the variability of cellular responsiveness and the failure to identify clinically significant reactivity to malignant prostatic tissue in the majority (65%) of the patients evaluated, raises concern as to whether ILM employing saline extracts will provide the necessary in vitro assay of cellular responsivenss for the evaluation of prostatic cancer patients.", "contents": "Evaluation of cellular immunologic responsiveness in the clinical management of patients with prostatic cancer. III. Inhibition of leucocyte migration. Host cellular responsiveness to tumour was evaluted in 37 patients with varying degrees of clinically active and inactive adenocarcinoma of the prostate by direct inhibition of leucocyte migration (ILM) employing saline extracts of pooled allogeneic normal, benign and malignant prostatic tissue as a source of antigen. The majority of these patients had received or were receiving conventional therapy at the time of evaluation. 13 (35%) prostatic cancer patients possessed clinically significant specific reactivity to malignant prostatic tissue, whereas only 1 (8%), of 13 control patients (11 healthy adults and 2 patients with carcinoma other than of the prostate: bladder and penis) possessed comparable reactivity. While the wide range of specific reactivity observed overall, including 'stimulation' of migration, compared with the mean percent ILM was very large, the SD of the mean specific percent ILM in the 13 prostatic cancer patients possessing clinically significant specific reactivity to malignant prostatic tissue, was most respectable. Since all reactions were allogeneic, these results indicated that prostatic cancer patients possessed cell-mediated immunity to presumably common prostatic tumour-associated antigens. Further evaluation disclosed that the incidence of patients possessing clinically significant reactivity to malignant tissue was almost identical regardless of the patient's stage of malignancy, histological grade of tumour, or clinical status. The degree of sensitization of clinically significant reactivity to malignant tissue was, however, greater in patients with localized disease, low grade tumour, and clinically inactive disease, than in patients with advanced disease, high-grade tumour, and clinically active disease. Evaluation of the possible correlation of specific reactivity to malignant prostatic tissue as a prognostic index of subsequent clinical responsiveness revealed a positive correlation with the degree of sensitization in 3 (43%) of 7 patients available for routine follow-up. Correlation in four patients was questionable due to the observations of 'stimulation' of migration rather than inhibition. While providing initial preliminary evidence of the presence of cell-mediated anti-tumour immunity in patients with prostatic cancer and promise of a possible prognostic index, the wide range in the variability of cellular responsiveness and the failure to identify clinically significant reactivity to malignant prostatic tissue in the majority (65%) of the patients evaluated, raises concern as to whether ILM employing saline extracts will provide the necessary in vitro assay of cellular responsivenss for the evaluation of prostatic cancer patients.", "PMID": 1006873} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10643", "title": "Crossed ectopia of solitary kidney. A report of two cases and a review of the literature.", "content": "Two cases of crossed ectopia of solitary kidney found in two boys are present. This rare anomaly has been accompanied by imperforate anus and inguinal hernia in one boy and by imperforate anus, urethrorectal fistula, cryptorchism, and penoscrotal and vertebral anomalies in the other. 21 cases have been collected and the present two patients appear to be the 22nd and 23rd cases reported in the world literature.", "contents": "Crossed ectopia of solitary kidney. A report of two cases and a review of the literature. Two cases of crossed ectopia of solitary kidney found in two boys are present. This rare anomaly has been accompanied by imperforate anus and inguinal hernia in one boy and by imperforate anus, urethrorectal fistula, cryptorchism, and penoscrotal and vertebral anomalies in the other. 21 cases have been collected and the present two patients appear to be the 22nd and 23rd cases reported in the world literature.", "PMID": 1006874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10644", "title": "The incidence of ecotpic peristaltic contractions.", "content": "The continuity of ureteral peristaltic conduction along the ureter of the dog is examined using two pairs of extracellular macroelectrodes. At urine flow rates below 3 ml/min, ureteral contractions initiated by the pacemaker are propagated without interruption along the entire length of the ureter, and at sustained diuretic levels greater than 3-5 ml/min, ectopic peristaltic and retrograde events may be initiated along the length of the ureter. Also, continued maintenance of diuresis results in decremental conduction along the upper third of the ureter with the ultimate possiblity of pacemaker failure.", "contents": "The incidence of ecotpic peristaltic contractions. The continuity of ureteral peristaltic conduction along the ureter of the dog is examined using two pairs of extracellular macroelectrodes. At urine flow rates below 3 ml/min, ureteral contractions initiated by the pacemaker are propagated without interruption along the entire length of the ureter, and at sustained diuretic levels greater than 3-5 ml/min, ectopic peristaltic and retrograde events may be initiated along the length of the ureter. Also, continued maintenance of diuresis results in decremental conduction along the upper third of the ureter with the ultimate possiblity of pacemaker failure.", "PMID": 1006875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10645", "title": "Renal pelivic pacemaker arrhythmias induced by pentothal anesthesia.", "content": "The influence of Pentothal anesthesia in blocking the mechanism intimating ureteral peristalsis in the dog is examined. Pressure measurements of pacemaker rhythmicity were made through renal cortical catheterization of the renal pelvis. Simultaneously, ureteral recordings were made by extracellular electromyography of the ureteral smooth muscle wall. It is shown that Pentothal anesthesia transiently blocks the spontaneous and rhythmic contractions of the renal pelvis and inhibits the generation of ureteral peristaltic contractions. It is demonstrated that repeated or prolonged pacemaker blockade results in an open ureteropelvic junction and aperistalsis. A discussion of the possible implication of these observations is given.", "contents": "Renal pelivic pacemaker arrhythmias induced by pentothal anesthesia. The influence of Pentothal anesthesia in blocking the mechanism intimating ureteral peristalsis in the dog is examined. Pressure measurements of pacemaker rhythmicity were made through renal cortical catheterization of the renal pelvis. Simultaneously, ureteral recordings were made by extracellular electromyography of the ureteral smooth muscle wall. It is shown that Pentothal anesthesia transiently blocks the spontaneous and rhythmic contractions of the renal pelvis and inhibits the generation of ureteral peristaltic contractions. It is demonstrated that repeated or prolonged pacemaker blockade results in an open ureteropelvic junction and aperistalsis. A discussion of the possible implication of these observations is given.", "PMID": 1006876} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10646", "title": "[Results of Johanson's urethroplasty (author's transl)].", "content": "In the period 1951-1974 urethroplasty according to Johanson was carried out in 467 patients. In 391 patients the repair was complete. The authors set forth the pathogenesis and localization of the stenoses and traumas that require plastic correction and point out the various improvements in operative technique that have been developed in recent years. In only 16 of the 391 patients was the Johanson method attended by adverse results; 8 patients had to undergo a further urethral bougienage. Out of 931 interventions in 467 patients, 4 died--none since 1967. Complications were valvular necrosis, suture dehissence hematoma, and abscess formation; such complications were seen in 6% of patients in the early operations. After modification of the surgical procedure this figure was reduced to 3%. Recurrence of stricture occurred in 63 cases. These were controlled after repeating the operation.", "contents": "[Results of Johanson's urethroplasty (author's transl)]. In the period 1951-1974 urethroplasty according to Johanson was carried out in 467 patients. In 391 patients the repair was complete. The authors set forth the pathogenesis and localization of the stenoses and traumas that require plastic correction and point out the various improvements in operative technique that have been developed in recent years. In only 16 of the 391 patients was the Johanson method attended by adverse results; 8 patients had to undergo a further urethral bougienage. Out of 931 interventions in 467 patients, 4 died--none since 1967. Complications were valvular necrosis, suture dehissence hematoma, and abscess formation; such complications were seen in 6% of patients in the early operations. After modification of the surgical procedure this figure was reduced to 3%. Recurrence of stricture occurred in 63 cases. These were controlled after repeating the operation.", "PMID": 1006887} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10647", "title": "[The Small-Carrion penile prosthesis for erectile impotence (author's transl)].", "content": "The insertion of two silicone rods into the penile corpora cavernosa (Small-Carrion penile prosthesis) is a considerable procedure for operative management of erectile impotence. Of 61 treated patients, 55 had a satisfactory anatomical and functional result, most of them regained the same sexual activity as prior to onset of impotence. Their partners were satisfied, too. Preoperative evaluation of causes of impotence is particularly important. Type and number of complications in this operative procedure are reported in detail.", "contents": "[The Small-Carrion penile prosthesis for erectile impotence (author's transl)]. The insertion of two silicone rods into the penile corpora cavernosa (Small-Carrion penile prosthesis) is a considerable procedure for operative management of erectile impotence. Of 61 treated patients, 55 had a satisfactory anatomical and functional result, most of them regained the same sexual activity as prior to onset of impotence. Their partners were satisfied, too. Preoperative evaluation of causes of impotence is particularly important. Type and number of complications in this operative procedure are reported in detail.", "PMID": 1006888} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10648", "title": "[Tomography in excretory urography (author's transl)].", "content": "Urographic diagnosis has been significantly improved by the routine addition of tomography. This simple, effortless and time saving technique has resulted in the salvage of urographic studies that would otherwise have been considered indeterminate. Repeated-examinations are avoided. Tomography has also demonstrated lesions where conventional urograms have been considered normal. Finally renal lesions already demonstrable by conventional urography, can be better interpreted and analyzed.", "contents": "[Tomography in excretory urography (author's transl)]. Urographic diagnosis has been significantly improved by the routine addition of tomography. This simple, effortless and time saving technique has resulted in the salvage of urographic studies that would otherwise have been considered indeterminate. Repeated-examinations are avoided. Tomography has also demonstrated lesions where conventional urograms have been considered normal. Finally renal lesions already demonstrable by conventional urography, can be better interpreted and analyzed.", "PMID": 1006890} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10649", "title": "[Surgical treatment of erectile impotence using the AMS penile prosthesis].", "content": "First experiences with an AMS penile prosthesis which can hydraulically fill and empty is reported. Advantage of this prosthesis: Physiologic imitation of erection and handling this method. The best cosmetic solution of all previous types of penile prosthesis. Disadvantage: A relatively complicated system and thus liable to defects. However, repairing is, in any case, easily done. After 3 years of use, experience is showing that this method turned out to be a cosmetically and functionally satisfying operative procedure.", "contents": "[Surgical treatment of erectile impotence using the AMS penile prosthesis]. First experiences with an AMS penile prosthesis which can hydraulically fill and empty is reported. Advantage of this prosthesis: Physiologic imitation of erection and handling this method. The best cosmetic solution of all previous types of penile prosthesis. Disadvantage: A relatively complicated system and thus liable to defects. However, repairing is, in any case, easily done. After 3 years of use, experience is showing that this method turned out to be a cosmetically and functionally satisfying operative procedure.", "PMID": 1006889} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10650", "title": "[Kidney biopsy: comparative study between open and half-open (lumboscopic) technique (author's transl)].", "content": "In a study of the kidney biopsies from 192 patients, the results, intra- and postoperative complications, and specific advantages and disadvantages of the conventional open biopsy are compared with those of the half-open, lumboscopic technique. Most of the advantages clearly confirm the superiority of the lumboscopic technique, which, thus has the necessary prerequisites for replacing the regular surgical biopsy.", "contents": "[Kidney biopsy: comparative study between open and half-open (lumboscopic) technique (author's transl)]. In a study of the kidney biopsies from 192 patients, the results, intra- and postoperative complications, and specific advantages and disadvantages of the conventional open biopsy are compared with those of the half-open, lumboscopic technique. Most of the advantages clearly confirm the superiority of the lumboscopic technique, which, thus has the necessary prerequisites for replacing the regular surgical biopsy.", "PMID": 1006891} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10651", "title": "[Macrohematuria associated with ruptured abdominal aneurysm (author's transl)].", "content": "Macrohematuria associated with rupture abdominal aneurysm is caused by renal infarction due to renal arterial compression or dissection, by renal congestion due to renal venous perforation, by urinary bladder congestion due to aortocaval fistula, possibly by hydronephrosis due to ureteral obstruction, and by urinary bladder perforation. Also in the case of a simultaneous urologic finding treatment of the aneurysm is urgent.", "contents": "[Macrohematuria associated with ruptured abdominal aneurysm (author's transl)]. Macrohematuria associated with rupture abdominal aneurysm is caused by renal infarction due to renal arterial compression or dissection, by renal congestion due to renal venous perforation, by urinary bladder congestion due to aortocaval fistula, possibly by hydronephrosis due to ureteral obstruction, and by urinary bladder perforation. Also in the case of a simultaneous urologic finding treatment of the aneurysm is urgent.", "PMID": 1006892} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10652", "title": "[Case of a malignant angiolipoleiomyoma of the kidney -- angiographic and pathohistologic findings in hamartomas of the kidney (author's transl)].", "content": "A malignant angiolipoleiomyoma and two benign angiomyolipomas are analyzed. Angiography and pathohistology are opposed. The renovasographic signs of these tumors are not specific for hamartomas and similar to those of hypernephroid carcinoma.", "contents": "[Case of a malignant angiolipoleiomyoma of the kidney -- angiographic and pathohistologic findings in hamartomas of the kidney (author's transl)]. A malignant angiolipoleiomyoma and two benign angiomyolipomas are analyzed. Angiography and pathohistology are opposed. The renovasographic signs of these tumors are not specific for hamartomas and similar to those of hypernephroid carcinoma.", "PMID": 1006893} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10653", "title": "[Plasma and urinary CEA-assay in patients with urological tumours (author's transl)].", "content": "Plasma and urinary carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) assays were performed in 151 patients with urological tumours. CEA measurement is unreliable in renal cell carcinoma and carcinoma of the prostate. However, CEA-assays permit the diagnosis of bladder tumours. The test is particularly useful in the followup and therapeutic control of patients with carcinoma of the bladder.", "contents": "[Plasma and urinary CEA-assay in patients with urological tumours (author's transl)]. Plasma and urinary carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) assays were performed in 151 patients with urological tumours. CEA measurement is unreliable in renal cell carcinoma and carcinoma of the prostate. However, CEA-assays permit the diagnosis of bladder tumours. The test is particularly useful in the followup and therapeutic control of patients with carcinoma of the bladder.", "PMID": 1006894} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10654", "title": "Epithelial thyroid tumors in cows.", "content": "From 1964 to 1973, 370 tumors were collected from cows of unknown age. Ten (2.7%) of these were primary thyroid tumors. Three were malignant. The benign tumors were solitary encapsulated adenomas in the parenchyma with more or less defined trabeculae, tubular, and microfollicular pattern. One of the malignant tumors was a cystic papillary adenocarcinoma, and two were small cell carcinomas consisting of small, sometimes binuclear, pleomorphic cells.", "contents": "Epithelial thyroid tumors in cows. From 1964 to 1973, 370 tumors were collected from cows of unknown age. Ten (2.7%) of these were primary thyroid tumors. Three were malignant. The benign tumors were solitary encapsulated adenomas in the parenchyma with more or less defined trabeculae, tubular, and microfollicular pattern. One of the malignant tumors was a cystic papillary adenocarcinoma, and two were small cell carcinomas consisting of small, sometimes binuclear, pleomorphic cells.", "PMID": 1006951} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10655", "title": "Phycomycotic gastritis in buffalo calves (Bubalis bubalis).", "content": "Mycotic gastritis, primarily caused by Rhizopus sp. was seen in six buffalo calves (7-13 days old) at postmortem examination. The predominant lesions were numerous raised ulcers in which were hyphae of Rhizopus. In three calves, Candida organisms were also present superficially in the ulcers. Other changes in the mucosa were severe congestion, haemorrhage, thrombosis, necrosis, and infiltration by lymphocytes and neutrophils. Both Rhizopus and Candida were highly pathogenic to rabbits when inoculated intravenously. The disease could not be reproduced experimentally by feeding of Rhizopus orally to rabbits and calves.", "contents": "Phycomycotic gastritis in buffalo calves (Bubalis bubalis). Mycotic gastritis, primarily caused by Rhizopus sp. was seen in six buffalo calves (7-13 days old) at postmortem examination. The predominant lesions were numerous raised ulcers in which were hyphae of Rhizopus. In three calves, Candida organisms were also present superficially in the ulcers. Other changes in the mucosa were severe congestion, haemorrhage, thrombosis, necrosis, and infiltration by lymphocytes and neutrophils. Both Rhizopus and Candida were highly pathogenic to rabbits when inoculated intravenously. The disease could not be reproduced experimentally by feeding of Rhizopus orally to rabbits and calves.", "PMID": 1006952} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10656", "title": "Lower motor neuron disease with accumulation of neurofilaments in a cat.", "content": "A young cat had signs of tetraparesis that progressed to tetraplegia within a few weeks. Clinically, there was lower motor neuron disease with areflexia and muscle atrophy in all limbs. Degeneration of the motor neurons in the spinal cord was seen on histological examination. Ultrastructurally, the degeneration of nerve cells was characterized by abnormal proliferation of neurofilaments. These findings were compared to other motor neuron diseases and neurofibrillary accumulations in man and animals.", "contents": "Lower motor neuron disease with accumulation of neurofilaments in a cat. A young cat had signs of tetraparesis that progressed to tetraplegia within a few weeks. Clinically, there was lower motor neuron disease with areflexia and muscle atrophy in all limbs. Degeneration of the motor neurons in the spinal cord was seen on histological examination. Ultrastructurally, the degeneration of nerve cells was characterized by abnormal proliferation of neurofilaments. These findings were compared to other motor neuron diseases and neurofibrillary accumulations in man and animals.", "PMID": 1006954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10657", "title": "A comparative chemical and histochemical study of the chondrodystrophoid and nonchondrodystrophoid canine intervertebral disc.", "content": "The chemical composition of the intervertebral disc of 9-month-old chondrodystrophoid and nonchondrodystrophoid dogs was studied for collagen, noncollagenous protein and glycosaminoglycan. Content of these substances differed significantly between breeds. The differences were most marked in the nucleus pulposus; the noncollagenous protein content of the nonchondrodystrophoid breed was higher than in that of the chondrodystrophoid dogs. The total nitrogen value of the nonchondrodystrophoid nuclei pulposi was less than that of the corresponding chondrodystrophoid discs mainly because of the high collagen content of the latter discs. Histochemically, it was found that the nuclei pulposi of the nonchondrodystrophoid breed contains larger amounts of glycosaminoglycan than in the discs of the chondrodystrophoid breeds.", "contents": "A comparative chemical and histochemical study of the chondrodystrophoid and nonchondrodystrophoid canine intervertebral disc. The chemical composition of the intervertebral disc of 9-month-old chondrodystrophoid and nonchondrodystrophoid dogs was studied for collagen, noncollagenous protein and glycosaminoglycan. Content of these substances differed significantly between breeds. The differences were most marked in the nucleus pulposus; the noncollagenous protein content of the nonchondrodystrophoid breed was higher than in that of the chondrodystrophoid dogs. The total nitrogen value of the nonchondrodystrophoid nuclei pulposi was less than that of the corresponding chondrodystrophoid discs mainly because of the high collagen content of the latter discs. Histochemically, it was found that the nuclei pulposi of the nonchondrodystrophoid breed contains larger amounts of glycosaminoglycan than in the discs of the chondrodystrophoid breeds.", "PMID": 1006953} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10658", "title": "Experimental acid-aspiration pneumonia in the rabbit. A pathologic and morphometric study.", "content": "Four anesthetized rabbits given intratracheal injections of hydrochloric acid, pH 1.5, 2 ml/kg, were killed 4 h later. A fifth rabbit was an untreated control. Each lung had a few red-brown patches of compression atelectasis. Microscopically, treated lungs had a severe exudative necrotizing bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and alveolitis. There was also intra-alveolar hemorrhage and edema. Electron microscopy showed folds, projections and focal swellings of type I cells lining affected alveoli. A morphometric study showed 69% of parenchyma to be normal, 26% edematous and 5% hemorrhagic. In the airways 58% of the epithelium was damaged.", "contents": "Experimental acid-aspiration pneumonia in the rabbit. A pathologic and morphometric study. Four anesthetized rabbits given intratracheal injections of hydrochloric acid, pH 1.5, 2 ml/kg, were killed 4 h later. A fifth rabbit was an untreated control. Each lung had a few red-brown patches of compression atelectasis. Microscopically, treated lungs had a severe exudative necrotizing bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and alveolitis. There was also intra-alveolar hemorrhage and edema. Electron microscopy showed folds, projections and focal swellings of type I cells lining affected alveoli. A morphometric study showed 69% of parenchyma to be normal, 26% edematous and 5% hemorrhagic. In the airways 58% of the epithelium was damaged.", "PMID": 1006955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10659", "title": "Bovine leptospirosis: infection by the Hebdomadis serogroup and abortion-A herd study.", "content": "A possible relationship is demonstrated between infection of cattle by the Hebdomadis serogroup of Leptospira and abortion of undiagnosed aetiology. This association is based on (1) The occurrence of a much higher incidence of antibodies to serotype sejroe in herds with a history of undiagnosed abortion than in other groups of cattle tested. (2) A relationship between the incidence of cows with antibody titres to sejroe and the incidence of abortion of unknown aetiology in 29 herds during an 18 month model period.", "contents": "Bovine leptospirosis: infection by the Hebdomadis serogroup and abortion-A herd study. A possible relationship is demonstrated between infection of cattle by the Hebdomadis serogroup of Leptospira and abortion of undiagnosed aetiology. This association is based on (1) The occurrence of a much higher incidence of antibodies to serotype sejroe in herds with a history of undiagnosed abortion than in other groups of cattle tested. (2) A relationship between the incidence of cows with antibody titres to sejroe and the incidence of abortion of unknown aetiology in 29 herds during an 18 month model period.", "PMID": 1006960} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10660", "title": "The eradication of Arizona 7: 1, 7, 8 from a turkey breeding flock.", "content": "Day old turkey poults (the F generation) were imported from the USA into the UK and in 1968 young turkey poults of one hatch (F1 generation) showed clinical signs and lesions of arizona infection and serotype 7: 1, 7, 8 was isolated from stock of both generations. After the F3 generation, the flock was dispersed to several large breeders but there seems to have been no evidence of arizona infection in the subsequent five generations of progeny.", "contents": "The eradication of Arizona 7: 1, 7, 8 from a turkey breeding flock. Day old turkey poults (the F generation) were imported from the USA into the UK and in 1968 young turkey poults of one hatch (F1 generation) showed clinical signs and lesions of arizona infection and serotype 7: 1, 7, 8 was isolated from stock of both generations. After the F3 generation, the flock was dispersed to several large breeders but there seems to have been no evidence of arizona infection in the subsequent five generations of progeny.", "PMID": 1006961} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10661", "title": "Separation and recombination of Babesia divergens and Ehrlichia phagocytophila from a field case of redwater from Eire.", "content": "A blood sample received from a field case of redwater in Eire caused simultaneous infections of Babesia divergens and Ehrlichia phagocytophila when inoculated into a splenectomised calf. Each disease agent was isolated in a separate splenectomised calf by suppressive drug treatment of the other agent, and blood stabilates were made. The disease agents were inoculated synchronously or asychronously into groups of calves, whose reactions were observed. Infection with B divergens had no effect on the severity of reaction of the calves to E phagocytophila but E phagocytophila infection tended to delay the establishment of B divergens if inoculated simultaneously or one week previously. If the inoculations were simultaneous there was also a tendency for the B divergens infection to be partially or completely suppressed. There was no evidence of recrudescence of one infective agent when the other was inoculated one month later.", "contents": "Separation and recombination of Babesia divergens and Ehrlichia phagocytophila from a field case of redwater from Eire. A blood sample received from a field case of redwater in Eire caused simultaneous infections of Babesia divergens and Ehrlichia phagocytophila when inoculated into a splenectomised calf. Each disease agent was isolated in a separate splenectomised calf by suppressive drug treatment of the other agent, and blood stabilates were made. The disease agents were inoculated synchronously or asychronously into groups of calves, whose reactions were observed. Infection with B divergens had no effect on the severity of reaction of the calves to E phagocytophila but E phagocytophila infection tended to delay the establishment of B divergens if inoculated simultaneously or one week previously. If the inoculations were simultaneous there was also a tendency for the B divergens infection to be partially or completely suppressed. There was no evidence of recrudescence of one infective agent when the other was inoculated one month later.", "PMID": 1006962} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10662", "title": "Apparently healthy HBs antigen carriers: ABO blood group distribution and ay : ad ratio.", "content": "HBs antigen (HBsAg) incidence and subtype ratio were studied in apparently healthy HBsAg carriers and correlated with the ABO blood group of the subjects investigated. The incidence of subjects belonging to blood group AB was higher among the healthy carriers than in the unselected normal population, and the ay : ad ratio was much lower in this blood group than in the other ones.", "contents": "Apparently healthy HBs antigen carriers: ABO blood group distribution and ay : ad ratio. HBs antigen (HBsAg) incidence and subtype ratio were studied in apparently healthy HBsAg carriers and correlated with the ABO blood group of the subjects investigated. The incidence of subjects belonging to blood group AB was higher among the healthy carriers than in the unselected normal population, and the ay : ad ratio was much lower in this blood group than in the other ones.", "PMID": 1006973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10663", "title": "Experimental viral lung fibrosis. Quantitative study of the relationships between cell accumulations and fibrillogenesis.", "content": "The relationships between mesenchymal lung cell accumulations and reticulinic fibrillogenesis were analysed morphologically and quantitatively during the development of a viral infection in the rabbit lung, induced by intranasal administration of influenza A2 virus. Cells and fibrils accumulated in the alveolar walls and in the interlobular areas of the lung were counted during the evolution of the experiment and statistically analysed. A significant statistical correlation between lung cell accumulations and fibrillogenesis could be demonstrated during the development of viral lung fibrosis.", "contents": "Experimental viral lung fibrosis. Quantitative study of the relationships between cell accumulations and fibrillogenesis. The relationships between mesenchymal lung cell accumulations and reticulinic fibrillogenesis were analysed morphologically and quantitatively during the development of a viral infection in the rabbit lung, induced by intranasal administration of influenza A2 virus. Cells and fibrils accumulated in the alveolar walls and in the interlobular areas of the lung were counted during the evolution of the experiment and statistically analysed. A significant statistical correlation between lung cell accumulations and fibrillogenesis could be demonstrated during the development of viral lung fibrosis.", "PMID": 1006974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10664", "title": "Inhibition of passive hemagglutination- a sensitive test for host antigen detection and evaluation of virus purity.", "content": "Inhibition of passive hemagglutination (IPHA) proved to be a very sensitive and specific reaction for immunochemical detection and dosage of host antigens or proteins impurifying various virus suspensions. Thus, IPHA is able to detect bovine serum albumin amounts of 0.05 mug/ml, and chorio-allantoic membrane antigens at a concentration of 0.35 mug/ml. The estimation of the ratio between specific activity (hemagglutinating (HA) titer in the case of influenza A0PR8 virus) and the amount of host proteins (evaluated by IPHA) is recommended as a criterion of virus purity. In the case of highly purified virus suspensions this criterion is more reliable than the presently used ratio between HA titer and total protein amount (estimated by Lowry's reaction).", "contents": "Inhibition of passive hemagglutination- a sensitive test for host antigen detection and evaluation of virus purity. Inhibition of passive hemagglutination (IPHA) proved to be a very sensitive and specific reaction for immunochemical detection and dosage of host antigens or proteins impurifying various virus suspensions. Thus, IPHA is able to detect bovine serum albumin amounts of 0.05 mug/ml, and chorio-allantoic membrane antigens at a concentration of 0.35 mug/ml. The estimation of the ratio between specific activity (hemagglutinating (HA) titer in the case of influenza A0PR8 virus) and the amount of host proteins (evaluated by IPHA) is recommended as a criterion of virus purity. In the case of highly purified virus suspensions this criterion is more reliable than the presently used ratio between HA titer and total protein amount (estimated by Lowry's reaction).", "PMID": 1006975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10665", "title": "Investigations on allergic and serological reactions following inoculation of inactivated smallpox vaccines by cutaneous scarification.", "content": "A number of 154 young adults were given a smallpox vaccine inactivated by UV (103 subjects) or by 4degrees/00 formol (51 subjects). Inoculation induced an early cutaneous reaction in 75.4% of the revaccinated subjects. The incidence of positive HAI reactions in this group increased from 30.2% before vaccination to 63.8% after inoculation, while the geometric mean titer increased from 2.88 to 10.73. This would prove the early reactions to be allergic responses of organisms sensitized against smallpox vaccine, capable of stimulating antibody formation. No cutaneous reaction was recorded in the 7 persons vaccinated for the first time (without pre-existent cutaneous scars). These subjects developed neither cutaneous nor humoral response to the killed virus, as there was no previous sensitization to the respective antigen.", "contents": "Investigations on allergic and serological reactions following inoculation of inactivated smallpox vaccines by cutaneous scarification. A number of 154 young adults were given a smallpox vaccine inactivated by UV (103 subjects) or by 4degrees/00 formol (51 subjects). Inoculation induced an early cutaneous reaction in 75.4% of the revaccinated subjects. The incidence of positive HAI reactions in this group increased from 30.2% before vaccination to 63.8% after inoculation, while the geometric mean titer increased from 2.88 to 10.73. This would prove the early reactions to be allergic responses of organisms sensitized against smallpox vaccine, capable of stimulating antibody formation. No cutaneous reaction was recorded in the 7 persons vaccinated for the first time (without pre-existent cutaneous scars). These subjects developed neither cutaneous nor humoral response to the killed virus, as there was no previous sensitization to the respective antigen.", "PMID": 1006976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10666", "title": "Isolation, purification and characterization of polypeptides of influenza and parainfluenza viruses. Note III. Polypeptides of three influenza virus strains isolated in Romania.", "content": "An analysis is presented of the nature, number and relative molecular mass of the polypeptides of three influenza virus strains-A/Romania 1/73 (H3N2), A/Romania 1/75 (H3N2), and B/Romania 34/74-isolated during different epidemic outbreaks. The results obtained indicate some similarities between the protein subunits of the two influenza A virus strains (as concerns virus surface and nucleocapsid components) and point out the particular properties of the influenza B strain.", "contents": "Isolation, purification and characterization of polypeptides of influenza and parainfluenza viruses. Note III. Polypeptides of three influenza virus strains isolated in Romania. An analysis is presented of the nature, number and relative molecular mass of the polypeptides of three influenza virus strains-A/Romania 1/73 (H3N2), A/Romania 1/75 (H3N2), and B/Romania 34/74-isolated during different epidemic outbreaks. The results obtained indicate some similarities between the protein subunits of the two influenza A virus strains (as concerns virus surface and nucleocapsid components) and point out the particular properties of the influenza B strain.", "PMID": 1006977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10667", "title": "Comparative characterization on the segmented RNA structure of influenza viruses A/Singapore 1/57 and A/Hong Kong 1/68.", "content": "A comparative characterization of the segmented RNA structure of A/Singapore 1/57 and A/Hong Kong 1/68 influenza viruses was done by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The genomes of the viruses studied consist of 6 segment classes, with a total molecular weight of approximately 4 million daltons. The mathematical method suggested allows to define the number of RNA fragments, which is equal to 8-9, with a total molecular weight of about 6 million daltons. Electrophoretic patterns of the viruses investigated have individual features.", "contents": "Comparative characterization on the segmented RNA structure of influenza viruses A/Singapore 1/57 and A/Hong Kong 1/68. A comparative characterization of the segmented RNA structure of A/Singapore 1/57 and A/Hong Kong 1/68 influenza viruses was done by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The genomes of the viruses studied consist of 6 segment classes, with a total molecular weight of approximately 4 million daltons. The mathematical method suggested allows to define the number of RNA fragments, which is equal to 8-9, with a total molecular weight of about 6 million daltons. Electrophoretic patterns of the viruses investigated have individual features.", "PMID": 1006978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10668", "title": "Passive hemagglutination and complement fixation reactions in the early diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.", "content": "Complement fixation (CF) and passive hemagglutination (PHA) tests (the latter with a M. pneumoniae antigen coupled by glutaraldehyde onto red blood cells) were performed in 263 patients with various infectious diseases (mostly in the 1st and 2nd week after onset) and non-infectious ones. CF reaction proved to be inappropriate for the early etiological diagnosis of mycoplasma infections, since the high titers were distributed undifferentially among the various patient groups and many sera (38%) showed anticomplementary activity. A PHA titer of at least 1/128 (preferably of 1/512) points to the presence of a M. pneumoniae infection, especially if clinical, radiological and laboratory data suggest a nonbacterial or mixed pneumonia. The diagnosis is often early enough to orientate the etiological therapy towards macrolides and tetracyclines. The PHA reaction recommended is specific, sensitive, reproducible and easy to perform.", "contents": "Passive hemagglutination and complement fixation reactions in the early diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. Complement fixation (CF) and passive hemagglutination (PHA) tests (the latter with a M. pneumoniae antigen coupled by glutaraldehyde onto red blood cells) were performed in 263 patients with various infectious diseases (mostly in the 1st and 2nd week after onset) and non-infectious ones. CF reaction proved to be inappropriate for the early etiological diagnosis of mycoplasma infections, since the high titers were distributed undifferentially among the various patient groups and many sera (38%) showed anticomplementary activity. A PHA titer of at least 1/128 (preferably of 1/512) points to the presence of a M. pneumoniae infection, especially if clinical, radiological and laboratory data suggest a nonbacterial or mixed pneumonia. The diagnosis is often early enough to orientate the etiological therapy towards macrolides and tetracyclines. The PHA reaction recommended is specific, sensitive, reproducible and easy to perform.", "PMID": 1006981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10669", "title": "Investigations on some antigenic relationships between different human, mammalian and avian Chlamydia strains.", "content": "Serological investigations were performed in order to establish the antigenic relationships between three Chlamydia strains: T44(subgroup A), T13 and Q18 (subgroup B). By using monospecific mouse immune sera a certain degree of antigenical relationships was made evident and the strains could be typed by microagglutination and microimmlnofluorescence reactions. Similar results were obtained by seroneutralization with hyperimmune sera prepared in the rooster. Complement fixation proved to be a group-specific reaction unable to reveal significant differences between the strains studied, not even with monospecific mouse sera. The antigenic relationships established between strains T44 (trachoma) and T13 (psittacosis) suggest the existence features common to subgroup A and B Chlamudia strains. The importance of typing Chlamudia strains with a view to specific prophylaxis is emphasized.", "contents": "Investigations on some antigenic relationships between different human, mammalian and avian Chlamydia strains. Serological investigations were performed in order to establish the antigenic relationships between three Chlamydia strains: T44(subgroup A), T13 and Q18 (subgroup B). By using monospecific mouse immune sera a certain degree of antigenical relationships was made evident and the strains could be typed by microagglutination and microimmlnofluorescence reactions. Similar results were obtained by seroneutralization with hyperimmune sera prepared in the rooster. Complement fixation proved to be a group-specific reaction unable to reveal significant differences between the strains studied, not even with monospecific mouse sera. The antigenic relationships established between strains T44 (trachoma) and T13 (psittacosis) suggest the existence features common to subgroup A and B Chlamudia strains. The importance of typing Chlamudia strains with a view to specific prophylaxis is emphasized.", "PMID": 1006984} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10670", "title": "Epidemic outbreak of Coxsackie virus meningitis. Note I. Clinico-epidemiological features.", "content": "An epidemic outbreak of viral meningitis mainly caused by Coxsackie B3 virus is described. Characteristic of the outbreak was the involvment of a large number of infants under 1 year of age (about 1/4 of the total number of cases) and the elevated incidence of encephalitis symptoms, as compared with the meningitis outbreak caused by echovirus 4 in 1973.", "contents": "Epidemic outbreak of Coxsackie virus meningitis. Note I. Clinico-epidemiological features. An epidemic outbreak of viral meningitis mainly caused by Coxsackie B3 virus is described. Characteristic of the outbreak was the involvment of a large number of infants under 1 year of age (about 1/4 of the total number of cases) and the elevated incidence of encephalitis symptoms, as compared with the meningitis outbreak caused by echovirus 4 in 1973.", "PMID": 1006985} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10671", "title": "Multidimensional statistical data analysis of viral hepatitis report records.", "content": "The internal connections between the variables defined by the data obtained from viral hepatitis (VH) report records completed ih a Romanian county durihg 1973 are analysed. The mathematical model for linear factorial analysis allowed a simultaneous processing of all variables and the distinction of representative factors. The conclusions of the study suggest new possible approaches by the introduction of supplementary questions in the VH report records.", "contents": "Multidimensional statistical data analysis of viral hepatitis report records. The internal connections between the variables defined by the data obtained from viral hepatitis (VH) report records completed ih a Romanian county durihg 1973 are analysed. The mathematical model for linear factorial analysis allowed a simultaneous processing of all variables and the distinction of representative factors. The conclusions of the study suggest new possible approaches by the introduction of supplementary questions in the VH report records.", "PMID": 1006983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10672", "title": "Anti-polymerized albumin antibodies-a test for the evaluation of hepatic function in HBs Ag-positive subjects.", "content": "A number of 681 sera collected from hepatic patients and apparently healthy subjects (recruits and blood donors) were tested by immunodiffusion (ID) and hemagglutination (HA) for the presence of anti-polymerized albumin antibodies (AAA). AAA positivity was compared within the categories of patients and healthy subjects, grouped according to the presence of HBsAg. In most of the hepatic patients and healthy subjects both ID and HA were either positive or negative. However, in certain apparently healthy HGsAg carriers, the absence of AAA in ID was associated with high AAA titers in HA. These data point to the possibility of using AAA in order to differentiate an actually healthy HGsAg carrier from a HBsAg carrier with hepatic lesions.", "contents": "Anti-polymerized albumin antibodies-a test for the evaluation of hepatic function in HBs Ag-positive subjects. A number of 681 sera collected from hepatic patients and apparently healthy subjects (recruits and blood donors) were tested by immunodiffusion (ID) and hemagglutination (HA) for the presence of anti-polymerized albumin antibodies (AAA). AAA positivity was compared within the categories of patients and healthy subjects, grouped according to the presence of HBsAg. In most of the hepatic patients and healthy subjects both ID and HA were either positive or negative. However, in certain apparently healthy HGsAg carriers, the absence of AAA in ID was associated with high AAA titers in HA. These data point to the possibility of using AAA in order to differentiate an actually healthy HGsAg carrier from a HBsAg carrier with hepatic lesions.", "PMID": 1006982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10673", "title": "Epidemic outbreak of Coxsackie virus meningitis. Note II. Virological and serological investigations.", "content": "Virological and serological investigations of the viral meningitis cases recorded in a county of Romania in the summer of 1975 demonstrated that in a certain zone (A) the prevalent etiological agent was Coxsackie B3 virus. This virus could be isolated from the feces, exudate or cerebrospinal fluid of some diseased children. At the same time, the appearance of neutralizing antibodies to Coxsackie B3 virus or significant titer increases were observed in 20 of the 25 children tested serologically in zone A.", "contents": "Epidemic outbreak of Coxsackie virus meningitis. Note II. Virological and serological investigations. Virological and serological investigations of the viral meningitis cases recorded in a county of Romania in the summer of 1975 demonstrated that in a certain zone (A) the prevalent etiological agent was Coxsackie B3 virus. This virus could be isolated from the feces, exudate or cerebrospinal fluid of some diseased children. At the same time, the appearance of neutralizing antibodies to Coxsackie B3 virus or significant titer increases were observed in 20 of the 25 children tested serologically in zone A.", "PMID": 1006986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10674", "title": "[Complications in middle age patients following gastric resection for cancer].", "content": "Postoperative complications in patients, aged over 55 years, with gastric cancer subjected to radical operations were analysed. The number of postoperative complications and mortality are increased with age. The main cause of the postoperative mortality is peritonitis, the second place is occupied by pneumonia, the third--by thrombectomy and acute cardiovascular insufficiency. Aged patients have tolerated gastrectomy and proximal resections but poorly.", "contents": "[Complications in middle age patients following gastric resection for cancer]. Postoperative complications in patients, aged over 55 years, with gastric cancer subjected to radical operations were analysed. The number of postoperative complications and mortality are increased with age. The main cause of the postoperative mortality is peritonitis, the second place is occupied by pneumonia, the third--by thrombectomy and acute cardiovascular insufficiency. Aged patients have tolerated gastrectomy and proximal resections but poorly.", "PMID": 1007135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10675", "title": "[Current problems with the rehabilitation of patients following radical surgery for cancer of the rectum and colon].", "content": "Ninety seven patients radically operated upon for cancer of the rectum and colon were examined, the follow-up being 1-14 years. In 59 cases colostomy was performed. The disability and occupational activity of these patients have been studied as well. The working capacity of patients operated after the Miles technic was retained in 50%, 43%--resumed their former activities. The colostomized patients were found to have the greatest difficulties in gaining rehabilitation. For adequate screening of the colon through a colostome a special device--an anoobtlrator was developed.", "contents": "[Current problems with the rehabilitation of patients following radical surgery for cancer of the rectum and colon]. Ninety seven patients radically operated upon for cancer of the rectum and colon were examined, the follow-up being 1-14 years. In 59 cases colostomy was performed. The disability and occupational activity of these patients have been studied as well. The working capacity of patients operated after the Miles technic was retained in 50%, 43%--resumed their former activities. The colostomized patients were found to have the greatest difficulties in gaining rehabilitation. For adequate screening of the colon through a colostome a special device--an anoobtlrator was developed.", "PMID": 1007137} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10676", "title": "[Value of several morphologic tumor characteristics for prognosis of cancer of the uterine body].", "content": "Histological structure of endometrial cancer reflecting the degree of morphological differentiation is of great prognostic value. In tumors of I-II degree of differentiation 5-year results of treatment (86.8%) are considerably better than in tumors of III degree of differentiation (57.5%). A diminished degree of morphological differentiation results in greater frequency of deep myometrial invasion and metastases in pelvic lymph nodes. The secretory activity in high-differentiated and differentiated tumors is a positive prognostic sign (89.3% of 5-year cure versus 68.3% in the absence of secretion).", "contents": "[Value of several morphologic tumor characteristics for prognosis of cancer of the uterine body]. Histological structure of endometrial cancer reflecting the degree of morphological differentiation is of great prognostic value. In tumors of I-II degree of differentiation 5-year results of treatment (86.8%) are considerably better than in tumors of III degree of differentiation (57.5%). A diminished degree of morphological differentiation results in greater frequency of deep myometrial invasion and metastases in pelvic lymph nodes. The secretory activity in high-differentiated and differentiated tumors is a positive prognostic sign (89.3% of 5-year cure versus 68.3% in the absence of secretion).", "PMID": 1007139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10677", "title": "[Oxygen tension in the tissues of animals during the process of malignant tumor growth].", "content": "It has been shown polarographically that the oxygen supply and consumption in transplantable Heren carcinoma and normal tissues of the tumor organism are reduced as compared with such indices in intact animals. As the tumor grows, oxygen tension in normal tissues is gradually lowered both under normal conditions and oxygen ventilation, while the time of its consumption by tissues is longer. Such changes in tissues pO2 are not observed in subcutaneous transplantation of muscle tissue suspension in animals and also in transplantable tumor resorption.", "contents": "[Oxygen tension in the tissues of animals during the process of malignant tumor growth]. It has been shown polarographically that the oxygen supply and consumption in transplantable Heren carcinoma and normal tissues of the tumor organism are reduced as compared with such indices in intact animals. As the tumor grows, oxygen tension in normal tissues is gradually lowered both under normal conditions and oxygen ventilation, while the time of its consumption by tissues is longer. Such changes in tissues pO2 are not observed in subcutaneous transplantation of muscle tissue suspension in animals and also in transplantable tumor resorption.", "PMID": 1007140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10678", "title": "[Carcinogenicity of fuchsin derivatives].", "content": "White noninbred rats and linear mice were injected leucoparafuchsine and leucofuchsine isomers subcutaneously and received perorally during the whole life period, while in the experiments on mice--also by means of cutaneous application. The injection of leucoparafuchsine in rats and mice CC57Br resulted in the increased development of hemopoietic system tumors. Leucofuchsine isomers injected in rats and mice C3HA gave rise to the appearance of renal tumors in these animals and caused more frequent development of hepatic and pulmonary neoplasms in mice. In leucoparafuchsine injections the rate of tumors incidence was 35% in rats and in mice--20%, in the experiments with leucofuchsine isomers--33% and 40% accordingly. The results of the experiments evidence an insignificant blastomogenic effect of the compounds under study.", "contents": "[Carcinogenicity of fuchsin derivatives]. White noninbred rats and linear mice were injected leucoparafuchsine and leucofuchsine isomers subcutaneously and received perorally during the whole life period, while in the experiments on mice--also by means of cutaneous application. The injection of leucoparafuchsine in rats and mice CC57Br resulted in the increased development of hemopoietic system tumors. Leucofuchsine isomers injected in rats and mice C3HA gave rise to the appearance of renal tumors in these animals and caused more frequent development of hepatic and pulmonary neoplasms in mice. In leucoparafuchsine injections the rate of tumors incidence was 35% in rats and in mice--20%, in the experiments with leucofuchsine isomers--33% and 40% accordingly. The results of the experiments evidence an insignificant blastomogenic effect of the compounds under study.", "PMID": 1007142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10679", "title": "[Influence of fish smoking technology on nitrosamine concentration in them].", "content": "Under study was the content of total nitrosoamines in chiloed and bloated cod prepared by three ways: 1) by common bloating with fire-wood smoke; 2) by sawdust cold smoke (produced by means of a smoke generator) in thermal treatment with gas combustion products; 3) by the smoking fluid \"Vakhtol\" also in thermal treatment with gas combustion products. The common bloating resulted in the appearance of large amounts of total nitrosoamines in the foodstuff (from 200 to 900 mKg/Kg). Fish treatment with sawdust smoke would cause an insignificant increase in the content of these agents only in some cases. Whereas an application of the smoking fluid fails to produce any increase in nitrosoamines content. The use of wood-fire smoke for bloating Trachurus did not change its nitrosoamines content at all. The content of nitrosoamines was found to depend also on the duration of cod preservation in a frozen state.", "contents": "[Influence of fish smoking technology on nitrosamine concentration in them]. Under study was the content of total nitrosoamines in chiloed and bloated cod prepared by three ways: 1) by common bloating with fire-wood smoke; 2) by sawdust cold smoke (produced by means of a smoke generator) in thermal treatment with gas combustion products; 3) by the smoking fluid \"Vakhtol\" also in thermal treatment with gas combustion products. The common bloating resulted in the appearance of large amounts of total nitrosoamines in the foodstuff (from 200 to 900 mKg/Kg). Fish treatment with sawdust smoke would cause an insignificant increase in the content of these agents only in some cases. Whereas an application of the smoking fluid fails to produce any increase in nitrosoamines content. The use of wood-fire smoke for bloating Trachurus did not change its nitrosoamines content at all. The content of nitrosoamines was found to depend also on the duration of cod preservation in a frozen state.", "PMID": 1007143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10680", "title": "Increased whole blood viscosity on cooling in a patient with cold hemoagglutinin disease.", "content": "The whole blood and plasma viscosities have been evaluated in a patient with cold hemoagglutinin disease at different temperatures and at different shear rates. At 37 and 42 degrees C, whole blood viscosity values, regardless of the shear rate applied, resulted to be correspondent to the hematocrit value (31%). The values observed were similar to those noted in a patient with chronic bleeding anemia and an approximately equivalent hematocrit (33%). The same was true for plasma viscosity. At 32 degrees C, whole blood viscosity, regardless of the shear rate, resulted to be higher than expected. The values observed were similar to those noted in a normal subject with a clearly higher hematocrit value (44%) and definitely higher than those noted in the chronic anemia patient. On the contrary, plasma viscosity remained unchanged. These studies indicate that in cold hemoagglutinin disease, red cell aggregation and piling are capable of increasing blood viscosity.", "contents": "Increased whole blood viscosity on cooling in a patient with cold hemoagglutinin disease. The whole blood and plasma viscosities have been evaluated in a patient with cold hemoagglutinin disease at different temperatures and at different shear rates. At 37 and 42 degrees C, whole blood viscosity values, regardless of the shear rate applied, resulted to be correspondent to the hematocrit value (31%). The values observed were similar to those noted in a patient with chronic bleeding anemia and an approximately equivalent hematocrit (33%). The same was true for plasma viscosity. At 32 degrees C, whole blood viscosity, regardless of the shear rate, resulted to be higher than expected. The values observed were similar to those noted in a normal subject with a clearly higher hematocrit value (44%) and definitely higher than those noted in the chronic anemia patient. On the contrary, plasma viscosity remained unchanged. These studies indicate that in cold hemoagglutinin disease, red cell aggregation and piling are capable of increasing blood viscosity.", "PMID": 1007147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10681", "title": "Reevaluation of the polyvinylpyrrolidone sedimentation test in the diagnosis of ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn.", "content": "The rate of cord erythrocytes sedimentation in 1.5% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution was investigated. Of 70 infants showing accelerated sedimentation rate, 49 had signs of hemolytic disease. Rh incompatibility did not affect the sedimentation rate. Infectious diseases might cause a slight increase in the rate of sedimentation. The test was found to be very sensitive. It could detect ABO incompatibilities even in absence of marked bilirubinemia. Furthermore, positive identification of incompatibilities were obtained in ABO-HDN cases where both direct and indirect Coombs tests were negative. High correlation was noted between anti A and B titer of maternal sera and the accelerated sedimentation of newborn red blood cells. The erythrocytes sedimentation test in PVP (PVP-ESR test) is recommended for the early detection of cases in which the red cells are affected by IgG anti-A or anit-B.", "contents": "Reevaluation of the polyvinylpyrrolidone sedimentation test in the diagnosis of ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn. The rate of cord erythrocytes sedimentation in 1.5% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution was investigated. Of 70 infants showing accelerated sedimentation rate, 49 had signs of hemolytic disease. Rh incompatibility did not affect the sedimentation rate. Infectious diseases might cause a slight increase in the rate of sedimentation. The test was found to be very sensitive. It could detect ABO incompatibilities even in absence of marked bilirubinemia. Furthermore, positive identification of incompatibilities were obtained in ABO-HDN cases where both direct and indirect Coombs tests were negative. High correlation was noted between anti A and B titer of maternal sera and the accelerated sedimentation of newborn red blood cells. The erythrocytes sedimentation test in PVP (PVP-ESR test) is recommended for the early detection of cases in which the red cells are affected by IgG anti-A or anit-B.", "PMID": 1007148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10682", "title": "Collection of peritoneal exudate cells from small laboratory animals.", "content": "A simple method for the collection of peritoneal cells from small laboratory animals is described. Peritoneal exudates were induced by either caseinate or glycogen, and the cells were retrieved through a closed system. The technique permitted repeated studies on individual animals and yielded consistently sterile cell suspensions.", "contents": "Collection of peritoneal exudate cells from small laboratory animals. A simple method for the collection of peritoneal cells from small laboratory animals is described. Peritoneal exudates were induced by either caseinate or glycogen, and the cells were retrieved through a closed system. The technique permitted repeated studies on individual animals and yielded consistently sterile cell suspensions.", "PMID": 1007149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10683", "title": "A Swiss family showing independent segregation of the Lutheran and Swann genes.", "content": "A family is reported in which the parents' mating is of the 'double back-cross' type with respect to the Sw, Lu and Se genes. The inheritance of these genes in the children shows, with reference to a possible linkage between Sw and the two other loci, four non-recombinants and three recombinants (or vice versa). The inheritance of the Lu and Se genes shows the well-known linkage between these two loci, with no instance of recombination. It is concluded that there is no evidence for close linkage between Sw and Lu-Se, and that the suggestion of a Sw-Lu linkage found in a family studied previously was due to chance.", "contents": "A Swiss family showing independent segregation of the Lutheran and Swann genes. A family is reported in which the parents' mating is of the 'double back-cross' type with respect to the Sw, Lu and Se genes. The inheritance of these genes in the children shows, with reference to a possible linkage between Sw and the two other loci, four non-recombinants and three recombinants (or vice versa). The inheritance of the Lu and Se genes shows the well-known linkage between these two loci, with no instance of recombination. It is concluded that there is no evidence for close linkage between Sw and Lu-Se, and that the suggestion of a Sw-Lu linkage found in a family studied previously was due to chance.", "PMID": 1007150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10684", "title": "Observations on the antiglobulin tests. II. C4 components on erythrocytes.", "content": "This paper describes anti-C4b(ii) antisera shich agglutinate cells from cases of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, cold-acquired haemolytic anaemia, and certain test cells, using the antiglobulin test. It is suggested that these particular antisera possess activity against C4d absorbed on to erythrocytes. Methods of preparing test cells coated with C3d and C4d are given, together with methods for producing antisera in rabbits active against these components. The significance of these findings is discussed.", "contents": "Observations on the antiglobulin tests. II. C4 components on erythrocytes. This paper describes anti-C4b(ii) antisera shich agglutinate cells from cases of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, cold-acquired haemolytic anaemia, and certain test cells, using the antiglobulin test. It is suggested that these particular antisera possess activity against C4d absorbed on to erythrocytes. Methods of preparing test cells coated with C3d and C4d are given, together with methods for producing antisera in rabbits active against these components. The significance of these findings is discussed.", "PMID": 1007151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10685", "title": "The efficacy of vaccinial immune globulin. A 15-year study.", "content": "This survey reports on the use of vaccinial immune globulin in Australia over the last 15 years. Evidence is produced that vaccinial immune globulin has proven efficacious in the prophylaxis and therapy of complications following smallpox vaccination. An indication of the type and frequency of complications following vaccination is provided.", "contents": "The efficacy of vaccinial immune globulin. A 15-year study. This survey reports on the use of vaccinial immune globulin in Australia over the last 15 years. Evidence is produced that vaccinial immune globulin has proven efficacious in the prophylaxis and therapy of complications following smallpox vaccination. An indication of the type and frequency of complications following vaccination is provided.", "PMID": 1007152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10686", "title": "The C\u00f4t\u00e9 serum (anti-K11), an antibody defining a new variant in the Kell system.", "content": "The serum from a 50-year-old woman, Mrs. C\u00f4t\u00e9, was found to agglutinate all cell samples except her own, those of two siblings, and Ko erythrocytes. Her Kell phenotype is a common: K-k+, Kp(a-b+), Js(a-b+), Ul(a-), K:12, K:13, K:14, K:18. Anti-K11 present in her serum defines a high-frequency red cell antig", "contents": "The C\u00f4t\u00e9 serum (anti-K11), an antibody defining a new variant in the Kell system. The serum from a 50-year-old woman, Mrs. C\u00f4t\u00e9, was found to agglutinate all cell samples except her own, those of two siblings, and Ko erythrocytes. Her Kell phenotype is a common: K-k+, Kp(a-b+), Js(a-b+), Ul(a-), K:12, K:13, K:14, K:18. Anti-K11 present in her serum defines a high-frequency red cell antig", "PMID": 1007153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10687", "title": "Electron microscopic observations on the H antigen sites of human erythrocytes using ferritin antibody conjugates.", "content": "Using immunoelectron microscopy, the distribution of the H antigen sites on human erythrocytes was observed in 40 samples of adult, newborn and fetal blood of different ABO phenotypes. The attached ferritin particles indicating the H antigen sites conspicuously varied in number from cell to cell in every specimen. The number of H antigen sites per single red cell was estimated on an average for each sample as follows: O, 3 X 10(5); B, 2 X 10(5); A1, 1.5 X 10(5); A1B, 10(5); A2B, 1.5 X 10(5); Ax, 2.5 X 10(5); AxB, 10(5); Bm, 4 X 10(5); Bw(leukemia), 4 X 10(5); O(newborn), 2.5 X 10(5); B(newborn), 3 X 10(5); A1(newborn), 1.5 X 10(5); A1B(newborn), 2 X 10(5); A1B(fetus), 10(5). The cells in each sample were divided into six cell-populatons according to the number of H antigen sites present. The ratios of distribution of such cell populations are compared for all samples.", "contents": "Electron microscopic observations on the H antigen sites of human erythrocytes using ferritin antibody conjugates. Using immunoelectron microscopy, the distribution of the H antigen sites on human erythrocytes was observed in 40 samples of adult, newborn and fetal blood of different ABO phenotypes. The attached ferritin particles indicating the H antigen sites conspicuously varied in number from cell to cell in every specimen. The number of H antigen sites per single red cell was estimated on an average for each sample as follows: O, 3 X 10(5); B, 2 X 10(5); A1, 1.5 X 10(5); A1B, 10(5); A2B, 1.5 X 10(5); Ax, 2.5 X 10(5); AxB, 10(5); Bm, 4 X 10(5); Bw(leukemia), 4 X 10(5); O(newborn), 2.5 X 10(5); B(newborn), 3 X 10(5); A1(newborn), 1.5 X 10(5); A1B(newborn), 2 X 10(5); A1B(fetus), 10(5). The cells in each sample were divided into six cell-populatons according to the number of H antigen sites present. The ratios of distribution of such cell populations are compared for all samples.", "PMID": 1007154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10688", "title": "Detection of an antigen in albumin subjected to repeated heating.", "content": "Stabilized 5 and 25% normal serum albumin (human) derived from plasma, placentas and plasma-placental blends was subjected to repeated heating at 56 degrees C for 120 h, interspersed with storage at 4 degrees C for 48 h. Immunoelectrophoretic analyses showed that after the ninth heating, 5% plasma albumin developed a component which migrated in the alpha-globulin region and gave a reaction of nonidentity with albumin. This antigen, which was not detected in the other albumin samples, reacted with antiserum prepared against control 5% plasma albumin, indicating that it was present in the latter at an undetectably low concentration.", "contents": "Detection of an antigen in albumin subjected to repeated heating. Stabilized 5 and 25% normal serum albumin (human) derived from plasma, placentas and plasma-placental blends was subjected to repeated heating at 56 degrees C for 120 h, interspersed with storage at 4 degrees C for 48 h. Immunoelectrophoretic analyses showed that after the ninth heating, 5% plasma albumin developed a component which migrated in the alpha-globulin region and gave a reaction of nonidentity with albumin. This antigen, which was not detected in the other albumin samples, reacted with antiserum prepared against control 5% plasma albumin, indicating that it was present in the latter at an undetectably low concentration.", "PMID": 1007155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10689", "title": "The rare blood group antigen, Wu.", "content": "The inheritance of the Wu antigen in three families is described. The observations suggest that the antigen is inherited as a Mendelian dominant character. Wu segregates independently of sex and of the ABO, MNSs, Rh, Lutheran, Duffy and Kidd blood group systems. Independence of Kell is also quite likely. Wu is a very rare antigen. The corresponding antibody is not as infrequent. Anti-Wu occurs as a 'naturally occurring' antibody, often together with antibodies against other rare antigens.", "contents": "The rare blood group antigen, Wu. The inheritance of the Wu antigen in three families is described. The observations suggest that the antigen is inherited as a Mendelian dominant character. Wu segregates independently of sex and of the ABO, MNSs, Rh, Lutheran, Duffy and Kidd blood group systems. Independence of Kell is also quite likely. Wu is a very rare antigen. The corresponding antibody is not as infrequent. Anti-Wu occurs as a 'naturally occurring' antibody, often together with antibodies against other rare antigens.", "PMID": 1007156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10690", "title": "The Vel blood group in northern Sweden.", "content": "Using the potent anti-Vel, Paul., a detailed study of the Vel blood group has been made in the Northern region of Sweden. Family studies have shown Vel to be independent of P1, though some association with P groups was detected since P2 was more frequent amongst Vel(-) than expected. The frequency of Vel(-) was 0.0006.", "contents": "The Vel blood group in northern Sweden. Using the potent anti-Vel, Paul., a detailed study of the Vel blood group has been made in the Northern region of Sweden. Family studies have shown Vel to be independent of P1, though some association with P groups was detected since P2 was more frequent amongst Vel(-) than expected. The frequency of Vel(-) was 0.0006.", "PMID": 1007157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10691", "title": "Kx antigen, the McLeod phenotype, and chronic granulomatous disease: further studies.", "content": "Leukocytes of nine unrelated boys with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease lack Kx antigen. In three of these cases, the red cells also lack Kx and have the McLeod phenotype and abnormal morphology. X-linked chronic granulomatous disease CGD can thus be separated into two types. Type I cases have an antigenic deficiency that is restricted to the phagocytic leukocytes while in type II, the deficiency involves both leukocytes and red cells. Red cells of type II CGD patients have enhanced i antigen activity suggesting that they are under hemopoietic stress. Normal Kx synthesis is directed by an X-linked gene named X1k. Three variants, X2k, X3k, and X4k order the different permutations of leukocyte and red cell Kx antigen production that have been recognized.", "contents": "Kx antigen, the McLeod phenotype, and chronic granulomatous disease: further studies. Leukocytes of nine unrelated boys with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease lack Kx antigen. In three of these cases, the red cells also lack Kx and have the McLeod phenotype and abnormal morphology. X-linked chronic granulomatous disease CGD can thus be separated into two types. Type I cases have an antigenic deficiency that is restricted to the phagocytic leukocytes while in type II, the deficiency involves both leukocytes and red cells. Red cells of type II CGD patients have enhanced i antigen activity suggesting that they are under hemopoietic stress. Normal Kx synthesis is directed by an X-linked gene named X1k. Three variants, X2k, X3k, and X4k order the different permutations of leukocyte and red cell Kx antigen production that have been recognized.", "PMID": 1007158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10692", "title": "Km (1) [Inv (1)] typing of saliva and semen.", "content": "Km(1) [formerly called Inv(1)] typing of 115 matched serum and saliva samples and of 31 matched serum and semen samples is reported. The use of freezing and thawing to reduce the viscosity of the saliva, which would otherwise cause non-specific aggregation of the red cells used in the test, is described. Problems of antiserum selection and of semen and saliva samples which do not respond to the freezing and thawing treatment are discussed.", "contents": "Km (1) [Inv (1)] typing of saliva and semen. Km(1) [formerly called Inv(1)] typing of 115 matched serum and saliva samples and of 31 matched serum and semen samples is reported. The use of freezing and thawing to reduce the viscosity of the saliva, which would otherwise cause non-specific aggregation of the red cells used in the test, is described. Problems of antiserum selection and of semen and saliva samples which do not respond to the freezing and thawing treatment are discussed.", "PMID": 1007159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10693", "title": "Application of a high sensitivity aggregate-haemagglutination test for the diagnosis of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia with a negative direct antiglobulin test.", "content": "An aggregate-haemagglutination test has been used for determining antierythrocyte autoantibodies. The first antiglobulin variant of the test allows us to establish the presence of antibodies in 33 cases with a negative direct Coombs' test. The test II (antiantiglobulin variant) proved to be positive in 88 cases of auto-immune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) that showed a negative direct Coombs' test and a negative antiglobulin variant. Immunoglobulin G has been revealed in the majority of AIHA patients. IgM has been determined in 1 case of a symptomatic form associated with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. IgA has been recorded in 3 cases with an idiopathic AIHA form and in 6 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Both types of light chains were found on the surface of erythrocytes in all cases of AIHA.", "contents": "Application of a high sensitivity aggregate-haemagglutination test for the diagnosis of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia with a negative direct antiglobulin test. An aggregate-haemagglutination test has been used for determining antierythrocyte autoantibodies. The first antiglobulin variant of the test allows us to establish the presence of antibodies in 33 cases with a negative direct Coombs' test. The test II (antiantiglobulin variant) proved to be positive in 88 cases of auto-immune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) that showed a negative direct Coombs' test and a negative antiglobulin variant. Immunoglobulin G has been revealed in the majority of AIHA patients. IgM has been determined in 1 case of a symptomatic form associated with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. IgA has been recorded in 3 cases with an idiopathic AIHA form and in 6 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Both types of light chains were found on the surface of erythrocytes in all cases of AIHA.", "PMID": 1007164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10694", "title": "Specificity and possible origin of anti-N antibodies developed by patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis.", "content": "Studies were performed on two anti-N sera from patients who had formed anti-N antibodies during their period of haemodialysis. No specific inhibition of these antibodies was obtained by extracts prepared from a new and a used dialysis unit, and it was concluded that there was no evidence of a compound in the units which would stimulate production of the anti-N. The specificity of the anti-N's was shown to be against a precursor of MN antigens, since all activity in the sera could be removed by neuraminidase-treated M cells, which expressed MN precursor. Since the anti-N's would react with untreated N cells only at 4 degrees C, but with formaldehyde-treated cells at 4, 25 and 37 degrees C, it was concluded that the specificity of the anti-N's was directed against an antigen developed by red cells after formaldehyde treatment. It is proposed that the production of the anti-N antibodies is stimulated by formaldehyde-treated red cells passing into the patient during re-use of a dialysis unit sterilized with formaldehyde.", "contents": "Specificity and possible origin of anti-N antibodies developed by patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis. Studies were performed on two anti-N sera from patients who had formed anti-N antibodies during their period of haemodialysis. No specific inhibition of these antibodies was obtained by extracts prepared from a new and a used dialysis unit, and it was concluded that there was no evidence of a compound in the units which would stimulate production of the anti-N. The specificity of the anti-N's was shown to be against a precursor of MN antigens, since all activity in the sera could be removed by neuraminidase-treated M cells, which expressed MN precursor. Since the anti-N's would react with untreated N cells only at 4 degrees C, but with formaldehyde-treated cells at 4, 25 and 37 degrees C, it was concluded that the specificity of the anti-N's was directed against an antigen developed by red cells after formaldehyde treatment. It is proposed that the production of the anti-N antibodies is stimulated by formaldehyde-treated red cells passing into the patient during re-use of a dialysis unit sterilized with formaldehyde.", "PMID": 1007165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10695", "title": "Subtypes of hepatitis B surface antigen in native-born and immigrant Israelis.", "content": "A survey of HBsAg among Jerusalem blood donors revealed a prevalence of 0.89% and a predominance of subtype ay (85%) compared with ad (15%). A simultaneous survey of patients with HBsAg-positive viral hepatitis revealed a similar predominance of ay (85%) compared with ad (15%). The uniform distribution of the dominant ay subtype among both carriers and patients, representing a diversity of ethnic and national origins, supports the premise that ad and ay subtypes are preferentially correlated with regional epidermiologic, rather than host or disease-related factors.", "contents": "Subtypes of hepatitis B surface antigen in native-born and immigrant Israelis. A survey of HBsAg among Jerusalem blood donors revealed a prevalence of 0.89% and a predominance of subtype ay (85%) compared with ad (15%). A simultaneous survey of patients with HBsAg-positive viral hepatitis revealed a similar predominance of ay (85%) compared with ad (15%). The uniform distribution of the dominant ay subtype among both carriers and patients, representing a diversity of ethnic and national origins, supports the premise that ad and ay subtypes are preferentially correlated with regional epidermiologic, rather than host or disease-related factors.", "PMID": 1007166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10696", "title": "Automated irregular antibody screening on a modified 15-channel blood-grouping machine.", "content": "The addition of a 15-channel blood-grouping machine of two single-channel antibody screening systems, based on the principles described by Marsh and Lalezari has produced a modified machine capable for detecting most clinically significant irregular body group antibodies with a sensitivity equal to normal manual screening tests.", "contents": "Automated irregular antibody screening on a modified 15-channel blood-grouping machine. The addition of a 15-channel blood-grouping machine of two single-channel antibody screening systems, based on the principles described by Marsh and Lalezari has produced a modified machine capable for detecting most clinically significant irregular body group antibodies with a sensitivity equal to normal manual screening tests.", "PMID": 1007167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10697", "title": "Collection of lymphocytes on a continuous-flow blood cell separator.", "content": "Lymphocytes have been collected by continuous flow leukapheresis from cancer patients (pre-treatment) and stored at -190 degrees C in liquid nitrogen as immunological support for intensive chemotherapy. Described here are methods for obtaining maximum yield and viability. Assessments are made of cell count, both during and after leukapheresis, and of viability just prior to storage.", "contents": "Collection of lymphocytes on a continuous-flow blood cell separator. Lymphocytes have been collected by continuous flow leukapheresis from cancer patients (pre-treatment) and stored at -190 degrees C in liquid nitrogen as immunological support for intensive chemotherapy. Described here are methods for obtaining maximum yield and viability. Assessments are made of cell count, both during and after leukapheresis, and of viability just prior to storage.", "PMID": 1007168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10698", "title": "[Chronic encephalomyelitis in white rats and guinea pigs].", "content": "During a 2-year observation of white rats and guinea pigs infected with human acute encephalomyelitis virus a typical picture of the disease was observed with exacerbations and remissions quite characteristic of chronic forms of multiple encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis of man. The presence of the virus in animals and marked pathomorphological lesions in the central nervous system were shown not to prevent remissions. The evidence of association of chronic infection with long-term viremia is also important.", "contents": "[Chronic encephalomyelitis in white rats and guinea pigs]. During a 2-year observation of white rats and guinea pigs infected with human acute encephalomyelitis virus a typical picture of the disease was observed with exacerbations and remissions quite characteristic of chronic forms of multiple encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis of man. The presence of the virus in animals and marked pathomorphological lesions in the central nervous system were shown not to prevent remissions. The evidence of association of chronic infection with long-term viremia is also important.", "PMID": 1007217} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10699", "title": "[Pathology and immune lysis of cells infected with measles virus isolated from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis].", "content": "The Si strain isolated from a patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis like reference measles virus strains was shown to induce in cell cultures formation of symplasts and spindle-shaped cells, cytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions, pathology of mitosis, appearance of intracellular and surface virus-induced antigens. The presence of the latter caused cell cytolysis under the effect of measles immune sera and complement.", "contents": "[Pathology and immune lysis of cells infected with measles virus isolated from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis]. The Si strain isolated from a patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis like reference measles virus strains was shown to induce in cell cultures formation of symplasts and spindle-shaped cells, cytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions, pathology of mitosis, appearance of intracellular and surface virus-induced antigens. The presence of the latter caused cell cytolysis under the effect of measles immune sera and complement.", "PMID": 1007218} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10700", "title": "[Various biological properties of Aedes cantans irides iridescent virus].", "content": "The sedimentation coefficient, molecular weight and the type of nucleic acid of Aedes cantans iridescence virus were determined, and its proteins were analysed in a dissociating system by electrophoresis in polyacylamide gel. Ultrathin sections of affected larvae were examined.", "contents": "[Various biological properties of Aedes cantans irides iridescent virus]. The sedimentation coefficient, molecular weight and the type of nucleic acid of Aedes cantans iridescence virus were determined, and its proteins were analysed in a dissociating system by electrophoresis in polyacylamide gel. Ultrathin sections of affected larvae were examined.", "PMID": 1007219} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10701", "title": "[Experimental morphological study of the vaccination process following aerosol application of lyophilized live influenza A2/Hong Kong and B/USSR vaccines].", "content": "A comparative study of immunologic, immunomorphological and morphological responses of the viscera of white rats immunized by aerosol intranasally with lyophilized influenza A2/Hong Kong and B/USSR vaccines with an adjuvant (typhoid antigen) and without it was carried out. Also lung tissues were examined for intracellular inclusions considered to be a morphological indication of influenza virus implantation. No pathological lesions were found in the organs of the immunized animals. It is concluded that the intensity of immunologic and immuno-morphological responses depends upon the method of vaccine application and upon vaccine type but not upon the adjuvant.", "contents": "[Experimental morphological study of the vaccination process following aerosol application of lyophilized live influenza A2/Hong Kong and B/USSR vaccines]. A comparative study of immunologic, immunomorphological and morphological responses of the viscera of white rats immunized by aerosol intranasally with lyophilized influenza A2/Hong Kong and B/USSR vaccines with an adjuvant (typhoid antigen) and without it was carried out. Also lung tissues were examined for intracellular inclusions considered to be a morphological indication of influenza virus implantation. No pathological lesions were found in the organs of the immunized animals. It is concluded that the intensity of immunologic and immuno-morphological responses depends upon the method of vaccine application and upon vaccine type but not upon the adjuvant.", "PMID": 1007220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10702", "title": "[The immunobiological role of alloantigens of host tissue compatibility in the structure of oncornaviruses].", "content": "H-2 antigens of mouse cells were shown to be incorporated into the Rauscher virus virion structure. Alloantibody to these antigens neutralized the infectious activity of the virus. Active immunization of mice with H-2 alloantigens reduces susceptibility of the animals to the virus. The experimental results suggest that alloantigens of host tissue compatibility incorporated into the virion membrane determine important immuno-biological properties of Rauscher virus.", "contents": "[The immunobiological role of alloantigens of host tissue compatibility in the structure of oncornaviruses]. H-2 antigens of mouse cells were shown to be incorporated into the Rauscher virus virion structure. Alloantibody to these antigens neutralized the infectious activity of the virus. Active immunization of mice with H-2 alloantigens reduces susceptibility of the animals to the virus. The experimental results suggest that alloantigens of host tissue compatibility incorporated into the virion membrane determine important immuno-biological properties of Rauscher virus.", "PMID": 1007221} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10703", "title": "[A new experimental model of vaccinia infection].", "content": "The pathogenic, infectious, and immunogenic properties of vaccinia virus were studied in various species of small laboratory animals (mice of different ages, Syrian hamsters, guinea pigs, white and cotton rats, rabbits). Cotton rats were found to be most susceptible to the infection. Vaccinia virus in this species causes an acute, frequently lethal infection. The inoculated virus intensively accumulated in parenchymatous organs, and this was accompanied by a marked rise of hemagglutinating and virus-neutralizing antibody levels.", "contents": "[A new experimental model of vaccinia infection]. The pathogenic, infectious, and immunogenic properties of vaccinia virus were studied in various species of small laboratory animals (mice of different ages, Syrian hamsters, guinea pigs, white and cotton rats, rabbits). Cotton rats were found to be most susceptible to the infection. Vaccinia virus in this species causes an acute, frequently lethal infection. The inoculated virus intensively accumulated in parenchymatous organs, and this was accompanied by a marked rise of hemagglutinating and virus-neutralizing antibody levels.", "PMID": 1007222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10704", "title": "[Electron microscopic studies of cell cultures of various origins].", "content": "Thirty-four cell cultures of various origins were examined in the electron microscope. Mycoplasma were found in 31 cultures, A, C and D particles of oncornaviruses in 27 cultures, adenovirus in one culture and paramyxovirus in 8 cultures. Two cultures were found to be virus- and mycoplasma-free. A stringent control of cell cultures for the presence of viruses, mycoplasma or other microbiological agents is recommended.", "contents": "[Electron microscopic studies of cell cultures of various origins]. Thirty-four cell cultures of various origins were examined in the electron microscope. Mycoplasma were found in 31 cultures, A, C and D particles of oncornaviruses in 27 cultures, adenovirus in one culture and paramyxovirus in 8 cultures. Two cultures were found to be virus- and mycoplasma-free. A stringent control of cell cultures for the presence of viruses, mycoplasma or other microbiological agents is recommended.", "PMID": 1007223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10705", "title": "[Effect of viral vaccines on animal bone marrow cell chromosomes].", "content": "A comparative study on the effect of a number of viral vaccines (live and inactivated vaccinia, poliovirus type II, measles, rabies vaccines) on chromosomes of mouse bone marrow cells was carried out. Most vaccines were found to impair the process of first divisions of these cells after vaccination. Live vaccinia vaccine and live fixed rabies virus cause an increase in the rate of structural chromosome aberrations at later intervals, 30-90 days after immunization. The main type of chromosome disorders is chromatid break. Some of the live vaccines studied (poliovaccine type II, measles vaccine) and inactivated vaccines caused no increase in the rate of cromosome structure disorders as compared to the control. Live fixed rabies virus exerts a stronger impairing effect on division of mouse bone marrow cells than a rabies vaccine with residual virulence. A rabies vaccine completely inactivated by UV-irradiation had no impairing effect on chromosomes of immunized animals. Thus, some live vaccines, unlike inactivated ones, cause chromosome disorders in bone marrow cells of mice late after immunization and, apparently, subsequent death of some cells with the most important distrubances.", "contents": "[Effect of viral vaccines on animal bone marrow cell chromosomes]. A comparative study on the effect of a number of viral vaccines (live and inactivated vaccinia, poliovirus type II, measles, rabies vaccines) on chromosomes of mouse bone marrow cells was carried out. Most vaccines were found to impair the process of first divisions of these cells after vaccination. Live vaccinia vaccine and live fixed rabies virus cause an increase in the rate of structural chromosome aberrations at later intervals, 30-90 days after immunization. The main type of chromosome disorders is chromatid break. Some of the live vaccines studied (poliovaccine type II, measles vaccine) and inactivated vaccines caused no increase in the rate of cromosome structure disorders as compared to the control. Live fixed rabies virus exerts a stronger impairing effect on division of mouse bone marrow cells than a rabies vaccine with residual virulence. A rabies vaccine completely inactivated by UV-irradiation had no impairing effect on chromosomes of immunized animals. Thus, some live vaccines, unlike inactivated ones, cause chromosome disorders in bone marrow cells of mice late after immunization and, apparently, subsequent death of some cells with the most important distrubances.", "PMID": 1007225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10706", "title": "[Utilization of poly U-cellulose and poly U-sepharose for the study of virus-specific RNA of Newcastle disease virus].", "content": "Comparative characteristics of poly(U)-cellulose and poly(U)-sepharose used for the study of virus-specific 18S RNA of Newcastle disease virus are presented. Upon chromatography of 18S NDV RNA on any of these columns, approximately 60-70% RNA was adsorbed. The sorbing RNA contained in poly(A) 10-12% of the total amount of adenosine, in contrast to RNA not adsorbed on the column in which poly(A) contained 1-2% of the total amount of adenosine in RNA molecule. The analysis in sucrose density gradient and polyacryl amide gel of the RNAs eluated from the columns showed RNA chromatography under the conditions used not to cause its degradation. The advantages and short-comings of the sorbents used in studies of virus-specific RNA are discussed.", "contents": "[Utilization of poly U-cellulose and poly U-sepharose for the study of virus-specific RNA of Newcastle disease virus]. Comparative characteristics of poly(U)-cellulose and poly(U)-sepharose used for the study of virus-specific 18S RNA of Newcastle disease virus are presented. Upon chromatography of 18S NDV RNA on any of these columns, approximately 60-70% RNA was adsorbed. The sorbing RNA contained in poly(A) 10-12% of the total amount of adenosine, in contrast to RNA not adsorbed on the column in which poly(A) contained 1-2% of the total amount of adenosine in RNA molecule. The analysis in sucrose density gradient and polyacryl amide gel of the RNAs eluated from the columns showed RNA chromatography under the conditions used not to cause its degradation. The advantages and short-comings of the sorbents used in studies of virus-specific RNA are discussed.", "PMID": 1007226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10707", "title": "[Several \"risk factors\" in patients with ischemic heart disease and hypertension].", "content": "The observation covers 123 patients (30 males and 43 females). Serum cholesterin and triglycerides of the patients were investigates. All the patients have been put stereotype questions about the preferred kind of main food, body weight changes and nutritional rhythm especially at an early age. The smokers and alcohol consumers were registered. The patients were subdivided into four groups according to their answers: I-without manifested preference to a special type of main food; II - with preference to protein food; III - to carbohydrate and IV - to fats. The formed groups were also characterized by the indices: changes in body weight, nutritional rhythm, body weight above the norm, smoking and alcohol consumption. The results obtained, confirmed the fact that the patients without preference to certain food, are in the habit of rational feeding, comparatively lower lipid indices in serum and the incidence of coronary symptomatics is the lowest in the same group. The scheme according to which the observation was carried out is proposed as a model of epidemiological investigations.", "contents": "[Several \"risk factors\" in patients with ischemic heart disease and hypertension]. The observation covers 123 patients (30 males and 43 females). Serum cholesterin and triglycerides of the patients were investigates. All the patients have been put stereotype questions about the preferred kind of main food, body weight changes and nutritional rhythm especially at an early age. The smokers and alcohol consumers were registered. The patients were subdivided into four groups according to their answers: I-without manifested preference to a special type of main food; II - with preference to protein food; III - to carbohydrate and IV - to fats. The formed groups were also characterized by the indices: changes in body weight, nutritional rhythm, body weight above the norm, smoking and alcohol consumption. The results obtained, confirmed the fact that the patients without preference to certain food, are in the habit of rational feeding, comparatively lower lipid indices in serum and the incidence of coronary symptomatics is the lowest in the same group. The scheme according to which the observation was carried out is proposed as a model of epidemiological investigations.", "PMID": 1007233} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10708", "title": "[Effect of furanthril on several hemodynamic indices during the acute stage of myocardial infarction].", "content": "Pulmonary arterial pressure, heart rate and peripheral arterial pressure were followed up by the 15th, 45th and 105th minute post intravenous introduction of 40 mg furanthril in patients with myocardial infarction in acute stage (in 42 cases of 12 patients with left cardiac insufficiency and in 14 cases--of 8 patients without cardiac insufficiency). Furanthril induced clearly manifested pressure decrease in the pulmonary artery in patients with left cardiac insufficiency, developing between the 15th and 45th minute and continuing till the end of the second hour and a negligible elevation of peripheral arterial pressure by the 15th minute, followed by a slight decrease of the latter under the initial value by the 45th and 105th minute. Similar tendency, but less manifested, exists and in patients without cardiac insufficiency. Heart rate is kept unchanged. Furanthril does not induce undesirable hypotonic states when applied in those doses in patients who, as a rule, arenot hyptonics.", "contents": "[Effect of furanthril on several hemodynamic indices during the acute stage of myocardial infarction]. Pulmonary arterial pressure, heart rate and peripheral arterial pressure were followed up by the 15th, 45th and 105th minute post intravenous introduction of 40 mg furanthril in patients with myocardial infarction in acute stage (in 42 cases of 12 patients with left cardiac insufficiency and in 14 cases--of 8 patients without cardiac insufficiency). Furanthril induced clearly manifested pressure decrease in the pulmonary artery in patients with left cardiac insufficiency, developing between the 15th and 45th minute and continuing till the end of the second hour and a negligible elevation of peripheral arterial pressure by the 15th minute, followed by a slight decrease of the latter under the initial value by the 45th and 105th minute. Similar tendency, but less manifested, exists and in patients without cardiac insufficiency. Heart rate is kept unchanged. Furanthril does not induce undesirable hypotonic states when applied in those doses in patients who, as a rule, arenot hyptonics.", "PMID": 1007234} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10709", "title": "[Experimental study of rabies virus (Vnukovo-32 strain) persistence in white mice].", "content": "The duration of detection of the specific antigen in the cells of the central nervous system (CNS) of mice extraneurally infected with 450, 560 and 4380 LD50 of rabies virus, the Vnukovo-32 strain was studied. The antigen in the CNS cells was detected by the fluorescent antibody technique from the 11th until the 52nd day postinoculation, at 16-34 days being found in 50 to 100% of the experimental animals. In parallel, virus-neutralizing antibody was determined in the blood serum of the infected mice, and their brains were examined for the presence of rabies virus by bioassays. In most cases, serological results correlated with the antigen detection in the brain tissue. At 18, 29 and 34 days rabies virus was isolated from clinically normal mice inoculated subcutaneously, which by all the tests used did not differ from the other experimental animals. The results of the experiments attest to the possibility of rabies virus, the Vnukovo-32 strain, persistence in mice.", "contents": "[Experimental study of rabies virus (Vnukovo-32 strain) persistence in white mice]. The duration of detection of the specific antigen in the cells of the central nervous system (CNS) of mice extraneurally infected with 450, 560 and 4380 LD50 of rabies virus, the Vnukovo-32 strain was studied. The antigen in the CNS cells was detected by the fluorescent antibody technique from the 11th until the 52nd day postinoculation, at 16-34 days being found in 50 to 100% of the experimental animals. In parallel, virus-neutralizing antibody was determined in the blood serum of the infected mice, and their brains were examined for the presence of rabies virus by bioassays. In most cases, serological results correlated with the antigen detection in the brain tissue. At 18, 29 and 34 days rabies virus was isolated from clinically normal mice inoculated subcutaneously, which by all the tests used did not differ from the other experimental animals. The results of the experiments attest to the possibility of rabies virus, the Vnukovo-32 strain, persistence in mice.", "PMID": 1007228} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10710", "title": "[Indications for temporary and permanent cardiac electrostimulation].", "content": "The author suggests a classification of the indications for cardiac eletrostimulations based on the analysis of his own clinical observations upon a series of 308 patients, treated by different cardiac electrostimulation methods and upon literature date. The results of his observations are illustrated in four tables, after a brief review of the methods most frequently applied, taking in consideration their positive and negative aspects from a point of view of his observations in comparison to those found in the literature. At the end, practical conclusions are drawn for the proper application of that treatment in everyday clinical practice with a view to raising the problem of founding a department or centre for cardiac electrostimulation, due to the constant number increase of those patients and because this problem is not solved in our country so far.", "contents": "[Indications for temporary and permanent cardiac electrostimulation]. The author suggests a classification of the indications for cardiac eletrostimulations based on the analysis of his own clinical observations upon a series of 308 patients, treated by different cardiac electrostimulation methods and upon literature date. The results of his observations are illustrated in four tables, after a brief review of the methods most frequently applied, taking in consideration their positive and negative aspects from a point of view of his observations in comparison to those found in the literature. At the end, practical conclusions are drawn for the proper application of that treatment in everyday clinical practice with a view to raising the problem of founding a department or centre for cardiac electrostimulation, due to the constant number increase of those patients and because this problem is not solved in our country so far.", "PMID": 1007235} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10711", "title": "[Measles antibody in patients with multiple sclerosis at different stages of the disease].", "content": "Sixty-nine patients with multiple sclerosis from 12 to 53 years of age were examined. The titre of measles antibody in the blood serum (geometric mean) was 9.0 log2 in the patients and 5.1 log2 in normal subjects of the control group. The antibody titre was found to depend upon the stage of the disease: the sera collected in the period of remission had a titre of 7.3 log2, and those collected in the exacerbation stage 10.7 log2. Nineteen patients were examined both during remission and at the time of exacerbation: their antibody titres were 6.8 and 10.7 log2, respectively. The antibody titre did not depend upon duration of the disease, sex or age of the patients. Antibody in the cerebrospinal fluid was detected in 3 out of 8 patients in the stage of remission and in 6 out of 9 patients in the stage of exacerbation. In 4 out of 11 patients, measles immunoglobulins of the M class were found by means of serum fractionation in sucrose density gradient.", "contents": "[Measles antibody in patients with multiple sclerosis at different stages of the disease]. Sixty-nine patients with multiple sclerosis from 12 to 53 years of age were examined. The titre of measles antibody in the blood serum (geometric mean) was 9.0 log2 in the patients and 5.1 log2 in normal subjects of the control group. The antibody titre was found to depend upon the stage of the disease: the sera collected in the period of remission had a titre of 7.3 log2, and those collected in the exacerbation stage 10.7 log2. Nineteen patients were examined both during remission and at the time of exacerbation: their antibody titres were 6.8 and 10.7 log2, respectively. The antibody titre did not depend upon duration of the disease, sex or age of the patients. Antibody in the cerebrospinal fluid was detected in 3 out of 8 patients in the stage of remission and in 6 out of 9 patients in the stage of exacerbation. In 4 out of 11 patients, measles immunoglobulins of the M class were found by means of serum fractionation in sucrose density gradient.", "PMID": 1007227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10712", "title": "[Stimulation of the inhibiting effect of interferon on the growth of ascitic carcinoma in relation to host responsiveness and cells].", "content": "When Krebs-2 ascitic carcinoma is transplanted to mice, administration of interferon may produce either a stimulating or an inhibiting effect on replication of carcinoma cells in the peritoneal cavity depending on the responsiveness of mice (intact or vaccinated with Newcastle disease virus) and the state of the transplanted cells (\"common\" or \"tolerant\"). Parallelism was observed in changes of the intensity of cell multiplications and indices of their enzymatic activity under the influence of exogenic interferon.", "contents": "[Stimulation of the inhibiting effect of interferon on the growth of ascitic carcinoma in relation to host responsiveness and cells]. When Krebs-2 ascitic carcinoma is transplanted to mice, administration of interferon may produce either a stimulating or an inhibiting effect on replication of carcinoma cells in the peritoneal cavity depending on the responsiveness of mice (intact or vaccinated with Newcastle disease virus) and the state of the transplanted cells (\"common\" or \"tolerant\"). Parallelism was observed in changes of the intensity of cell multiplications and indices of their enzymatic activity under the influence of exogenic interferon.", "PMID": 1007229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10713", "title": "[Several factors leading to absolute arrythmia in acquired valve defects (preliminary report)].", "content": "Some of the most important factors leading to arrhythmia perpetua in acquired valvular diseases are discussed in the paper, with the analysis of the material from 96 patients (68 females and 28 males). A group of 98 patients (73 males and 25 females) with degenerative cardiovascular diseases was parallelly studied. The importance of the time of the onset of the first rheumatic attack is stressed upon as well as upon the number of recidivations upon the valvular defect type and upon the additional degenerative myocardial changes in the evolution of the valvular cardiopathy.", "contents": "[Several factors leading to absolute arrythmia in acquired valve defects (preliminary report)]. Some of the most important factors leading to arrhythmia perpetua in acquired valvular diseases are discussed in the paper, with the analysis of the material from 96 patients (68 females and 28 males). A group of 98 patients (73 males and 25 females) with degenerative cardiovascular diseases was parallelly studied. The importance of the time of the onset of the first rheumatic attack is stressed upon as well as upon the number of recidivations upon the valvular defect type and upon the additional degenerative myocardial changes in the evolution of the valvular cardiopathy.", "PMID": 1007236} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10714", "title": "[Cytopathology of cell cultures infected with adenovirus and with a biologically active preparation of its DNA].", "content": "Comparative characteristics of cytopathic changes in the cell cultures infected with adenovirus and with a biologically active preparation of adenovirus DNA are presented. The pathological process in the cells infected with the infectious DNA differs from that after virus infection by a shortened time of DNA penetration into the cell and a shortened latent period of infection development. The development of the pathological process in the cell cultures was accompanied by a complex of cytological changes with predominant affection of the nuclei and formation of intranuclear inclusions staining green with acridine orange. The distinctive feature of these changes was the time of their appearance: in cultures infected with the virus inclusions were formed within 12-48 hours, in those infected with DNA within 9-18 hours. The fluorescent antibdoy procedure revealed a virus antigen in these cultures induced by DNA preparationand by the virus, at different stages of its accumulation. The nucleoplasm was the site of specific antigens synthesis. The distribution of the virus antigen in the infected cells corresponds to the morphological pictures of intranuclear inclusions at later stages of infection which confirms the viral nature of the latter. The dynamics of the development of cytological changes and intranuclear inclusions in the infected cells as well as synthesis of a specific antigen in them are directly related to the quantitative accumulation of the virus.", "contents": "[Cytopathology of cell cultures infected with adenovirus and with a biologically active preparation of its DNA]. Comparative characteristics of cytopathic changes in the cell cultures infected with adenovirus and with a biologically active preparation of adenovirus DNA are presented. The pathological process in the cells infected with the infectious DNA differs from that after virus infection by a shortened time of DNA penetration into the cell and a shortened latent period of infection development. The development of the pathological process in the cell cultures was accompanied by a complex of cytological changes with predominant affection of the nuclei and formation of intranuclear inclusions staining green with acridine orange. The distinctive feature of these changes was the time of their appearance: in cultures infected with the virus inclusions were formed within 12-48 hours, in those infected with DNA within 9-18 hours. The fluorescent antibdoy procedure revealed a virus antigen in these cultures induced by DNA preparationand by the virus, at different stages of its accumulation. The nucleoplasm was the site of specific antigens synthesis. The distribution of the virus antigen in the infected cells corresponds to the morphological pictures of intranuclear inclusions at later stages of infection which confirms the viral nature of the latter. The dynamics of the development of cytological changes and intranuclear inclusions in the infected cells as well as synthesis of a specific antigen in them are directly related to the quantitative accumulation of the virus.", "PMID": 1007231} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10715", "title": "[Effect of the properties of tick-borne encephalitis virus strains ciruclating in nature on the immunity of the Priamurian population].", "content": "Strains of tick-borne encephalitis virus isolated from I. persulcatus ticks collected in various landscape zones of Priamurie differ in their invasiveness and hemagglutinating activity. A relationship between these properties of tick-borne encephalitis virus strains and the percentage of immune subjects in the population has been established. The coefficient of the epidemic danger of a landscape zone is described which includes the index of probability of infection and characteristics of the index of strain invasiveness and permits prognosis of the nature of the epidemic process in the area.", "contents": "[Effect of the properties of tick-borne encephalitis virus strains ciruclating in nature on the immunity of the Priamurian population]. Strains of tick-borne encephalitis virus isolated from I. persulcatus ticks collected in various landscape zones of Priamurie differ in their invasiveness and hemagglutinating activity. A relationship between these properties of tick-borne encephalitis virus strains and the percentage of immune subjects in the population has been established. The coefficient of the epidemic danger of a landscape zone is described which includes the index of probability of infection and characteristics of the index of strain invasiveness and permits prognosis of the nature of the epidemic process in the area.", "PMID": 1007230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10716", "title": "[Juvenile struma and development].", "content": "Different aspects of the juvenile struma development in children are studied. The object of the investigations were puplis: 260 with juvenile struma and 240--without, aged from 8 to 17. The following indices were used: 1. physical growth--height, bodyweight, growth rate, annual mark in gymnastics; 2. mental development--mean annual marks at school; 3. sexual development--menarche rhythm and duration of menses in girls. All data were processed statistically by rank, non-parametric, variation and despersion analysis. The author thinks that the juvenile struma does not influence the normal progress of growth but is significantly more frequent among rapidly growing-up girls. He concludes that faster parapuberal growth might be the cause of juvenile struma origination.", "contents": "[Juvenile struma and development]. Different aspects of the juvenile struma development in children are studied. The object of the investigations were puplis: 260 with juvenile struma and 240--without, aged from 8 to 17. The following indices were used: 1. physical growth--height, bodyweight, growth rate, annual mark in gymnastics; 2. mental development--mean annual marks at school; 3. sexual development--menarche rhythm and duration of menses in girls. All data were processed statistically by rank, non-parametric, variation and despersion analysis. The author thinks that the juvenile struma does not influence the normal progress of growth but is significantly more frequent among rapidly growing-up girls. He concludes that faster parapuberal growth might be the cause of juvenile struma origination.", "PMID": 1007237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10717", "title": "[Indications and contraindications for oxygen therapy of respiratory insufficiency].", "content": "After a critical review of the different opinions, the author differentiates the indications for oxygen treatment of respiratory insufficiency to subjective and objective based on his own experience following a clinical observation of 100 patients with exacerbated chronic respiratory insufficiency, subjected to dosed, controlled and continuous oxygen therapy. The most essential objective indication for oxygen treatment is the manifestation of hypoxemia degree without or with CO2 retention. According to hypoxemia manifestation, determined by PaO2 level, the indications are absolute (with PaO2 under 40 mm Hg), urgent (with PaO2 under 30 mm Hg) and relative (with PaO2 over 50 mm Hg). The application of oxygen treatment with PaO2 over 700 mm Hg as well as the so called \"preventive\" O2 treatment (with no hypoxemia) is improper with a view to possible harmful side effects of oxygen. Oxygen treatment is contraindicated in all patients with unfavourable ventilation response to oxygen treatment. In case of non-effective O2 treatment (unfavourable ventilation response resp.) mechanical ventilation must be turned to as well as in all cases with patients in respiratory coma.", "contents": "[Indications and contraindications for oxygen therapy of respiratory insufficiency]. After a critical review of the different opinions, the author differentiates the indications for oxygen treatment of respiratory insufficiency to subjective and objective based on his own experience following a clinical observation of 100 patients with exacerbated chronic respiratory insufficiency, subjected to dosed, controlled and continuous oxygen therapy. The most essential objective indication for oxygen treatment is the manifestation of hypoxemia degree without or with CO2 retention. According to hypoxemia manifestation, determined by PaO2 level, the indications are absolute (with PaO2 under 40 mm Hg), urgent (with PaO2 under 30 mm Hg) and relative (with PaO2 over 50 mm Hg). The application of oxygen treatment with PaO2 over 700 mm Hg as well as the so called \"preventive\" O2 treatment (with no hypoxemia) is improper with a view to possible harmful side effects of oxygen. Oxygen treatment is contraindicated in all patients with unfavourable ventilation response to oxygen treatment. In case of non-effective O2 treatment (unfavourable ventilation response resp.) mechanical ventilation must be turned to as well as in all cases with patients in respiratory coma.", "PMID": 1007238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10718", "title": "[Clinical characteristics of the anemic syndrome in chronic renal diseases].", "content": "The results from the study of the anemia syndrome in 1100 patients are reported (881 with chronic pyelonephritis, 147 with chronic glomerulonephritis and 72 with endemic nephropathy). Out of them 663 were with preserved renal function, 160 - with compensated and 274 - with decompensated nitrogen retention. Anemia was found in 98.7 per cent of the patients with endemic nephropathy, in 59.2 per cent of the patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and in 56.8 per cent of the patients with chronic pyelonephritis. Anemia precedes the manifestations of renal insufficiency in endemic nephropathy. In 36 per cent of the patients with endemic nephropathy it is severe or very severe. Light anemia was found in 44,6 per cent of the patients with chronic pyelonephritis and in those with preserved renal function. Only in the patients with chronic pyelonephritis the values of serum iron are under the normal. The administration of iron preparations in those patients is with good results. In the stage of decompensated renal insufficeincy effect was obtained by often blood transfusions.", "contents": "[Clinical characteristics of the anemic syndrome in chronic renal diseases]. The results from the study of the anemia syndrome in 1100 patients are reported (881 with chronic pyelonephritis, 147 with chronic glomerulonephritis and 72 with endemic nephropathy). Out of them 663 were with preserved renal function, 160 - with compensated and 274 - with decompensated nitrogen retention. Anemia was found in 98.7 per cent of the patients with endemic nephropathy, in 59.2 per cent of the patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and in 56.8 per cent of the patients with chronic pyelonephritis. Anemia precedes the manifestations of renal insufficiency in endemic nephropathy. In 36 per cent of the patients with endemic nephropathy it is severe or very severe. Light anemia was found in 44,6 per cent of the patients with chronic pyelonephritis and in those with preserved renal function. Only in the patients with chronic pyelonephritis the values of serum iron are under the normal. The administration of iron preparations in those patients is with good results. In the stage of decompensated renal insufficeincy effect was obtained by often blood transfusions.", "PMID": 1007239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10719", "title": "[Results of treatment of chronic exacerbated pyelonephritis with unroantiseptics under clinical conditions].", "content": "The results are reported from the carried out 701 shortterm therapeutic courses in 527 patients with exacerbated chronic pyelonephritis. The results are considered as \"very good\" in realization of a full clinical remission (normalization of temperature and ESR), disappearance of leucocyturia and bacteriuria), \"good\" - in normalization of three of those indices and \"withfut effect\". Co-trimoxazol (88.3 per cent of the patients), gentamycin (61.7%), ampicillin (58.8%), nelidix acid (57.4%), nitrfuran (55.0%) and choloramphenicol (53.1%) have manifested the highest effectiveness (very good and good effect). In a small number of the treated patients with cephalosporins effect was obtained in 50.0 per cent, with urovalidin - 44.4 per cent and with carbenicillin - 62.5 per cent. According to the authors' opinion the therapeutic schemes for a long-term treatment must include chlorampheniacal, nelidix acid, co-trimoxazol and nitrofuran sometives -amplicillin. Gentamycin, ampicillin and cephalosporins and with indications - some other uroantiseptics must be used in the coping with severe exacerbation of the disease. The authors recommend the chronic intermittent uroantiseptic treatment.", "contents": "[Results of treatment of chronic exacerbated pyelonephritis with unroantiseptics under clinical conditions]. The results are reported from the carried out 701 shortterm therapeutic courses in 527 patients with exacerbated chronic pyelonephritis. The results are considered as \"very good\" in realization of a full clinical remission (normalization of temperature and ESR), disappearance of leucocyturia and bacteriuria), \"good\" - in normalization of three of those indices and \"withfut effect\". Co-trimoxazol (88.3 per cent of the patients), gentamycin (61.7%), ampicillin (58.8%), nelidix acid (57.4%), nitrfuran (55.0%) and choloramphenicol (53.1%) have manifested the highest effectiveness (very good and good effect). In a small number of the treated patients with cephalosporins effect was obtained in 50.0 per cent, with urovalidin - 44.4 per cent and with carbenicillin - 62.5 per cent. According to the authors' opinion the therapeutic schemes for a long-term treatment must include chlorampheniacal, nelidix acid, co-trimoxazol and nitrofuran sometives -amplicillin. Gentamycin, ampicillin and cephalosporins and with indications - some other uroantiseptics must be used in the coping with severe exacerbation of the disease. The authors recommend the chronic intermittent uroantiseptic treatment.", "PMID": 1007240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10720", "title": "[Isoenzyme characteristics of glucose-6-phosphage dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase of continuous cells from the collection of the Sverdlovsk Research Institute of Virus Infections].", "content": "An analysis of isoenzymes of glucose-6-phosphage dehydrogenase (G-6-P-DH) and lactage dehydrogenase (LDH) of continuous cells from the collection of Sverdlovsk Research Institute of Virus Infections was carried out. Seventeen continous human and animal cell lines were examined by electrophoresis in a vertical block of 7% polyacrylamide gel followed by histochemical detection of the enzymes. The HEp-2, HEp-2 clone No. 23, KB, RH, and FL cells were shown to have the electrophoretic motility of G-6-PDG characteristic of HeLa cell line. LEP and SOC cell lines were contaminated with mouse cells. A culture of rat fibroblasts had isoenzymes of G-6-PDG and LDG characteristic of HeLa cell line. The remaining cell lines had the isoenzymatic characteristics corresponding to their species appurtenance.", "contents": "[Isoenzyme characteristics of glucose-6-phosphage dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase of continuous cells from the collection of the Sverdlovsk Research Institute of Virus Infections]. An analysis of isoenzymes of glucose-6-phosphage dehydrogenase (G-6-P-DH) and lactage dehydrogenase (LDH) of continuous cells from the collection of Sverdlovsk Research Institute of Virus Infections was carried out. Seventeen continous human and animal cell lines were examined by electrophoresis in a vertical block of 7% polyacrylamide gel followed by histochemical detection of the enzymes. The HEp-2, HEp-2 clone No. 23, KB, RH, and FL cells were shown to have the electrophoretic motility of G-6-PDG characteristic of HeLa cell line. LEP and SOC cell lines were contaminated with mouse cells. A culture of rat fibroblasts had isoenzymes of G-6-PDG and LDG characteristic of HeLa cell line. The remaining cell lines had the isoenzymatic characteristics corresponding to their species appurtenance.", "PMID": 1007232} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10721", "title": "[Effect of climatic exposure and physical activity on plasma cortisol levels and urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion in patients with hypertension].", "content": "Decrease in arterial pressure, mainly manifested in the first 5-10 days, was established in 111 patients with hypertension disease in functional and initial organic stage in the conditions of moderately high mountain (1870 m above sea level) after 25/20 days of complex climatic treatment including: active motor regimen, sun-air exposure and Pevzner diet No 10. Simultaneously the excretion of 17-hydroxicorticosteroids was increased in daily urine. Suprarenal cortex stimulation is best manifested after the first week and is kept till the end of the treatment. Cortisol plasma level was elevated in 42.7 per cent of the patients with hypertension disease with initial values under 15 mkg/100 ml plasma after three hours moderately severe physical activity, carried out in physiological thermal conditions and was decreased with 25.9 per cent with initial levels over 20 mkg/100 ml plasma. Parallely, 17-hydroxicoricosteroids secretion in urine was decreased as well as the systolic and diastolic arterial pressure.", "contents": "[Effect of climatic exposure and physical activity on plasma cortisol levels and urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion in patients with hypertension]. Decrease in arterial pressure, mainly manifested in the first 5-10 days, was established in 111 patients with hypertension disease in functional and initial organic stage in the conditions of moderately high mountain (1870 m above sea level) after 25/20 days of complex climatic treatment including: active motor regimen, sun-air exposure and Pevzner diet No 10. Simultaneously the excretion of 17-hydroxicorticosteroids was increased in daily urine. Suprarenal cortex stimulation is best manifested after the first week and is kept till the end of the treatment. Cortisol plasma level was elevated in 42.7 per cent of the patients with hypertension disease with initial values under 15 mkg/100 ml plasma after three hours moderately severe physical activity, carried out in physiological thermal conditions and was decreased with 25.9 per cent with initial levels over 20 mkg/100 ml plasma. Parallely, 17-hydroxicoricosteroids secretion in urine was decreased as well as the systolic and diastolic arterial pressure.", "PMID": 1007241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10722", "title": "[Changes in hemodynamics in acute myocardial infarct following administration of potassium orotate].", "content": "The basic hemodynamic indices prior to and post the treatment with potassium orothate were investigated 25 patients with acute myocardial infarction. The method for quantitative investigation of hemodynamics is used by the dilution of colour indicator and recording of the dilution curves with the ear oximeter. The results obtained are compared with those of a control group of 30 patients with the same disease. The data revealed that in the treatment with potassium orothate a more favourable evolution develops in the values of cardiac output, total peripheral vascular resistance and the volume of the circulating blood. The authors associate the more favourable effect of these indices with a faster recovering of the contractibility of the myocardium.", "contents": "[Changes in hemodynamics in acute myocardial infarct following administration of potassium orotate]. The basic hemodynamic indices prior to and post the treatment with potassium orothate were investigated 25 patients with acute myocardial infarction. The method for quantitative investigation of hemodynamics is used by the dilution of colour indicator and recording of the dilution curves with the ear oximeter. The results obtained are compared with those of a control group of 30 patients with the same disease. The data revealed that in the treatment with potassium orothate a more favourable evolution develops in the values of cardiac output, total peripheral vascular resistance and the volume of the circulating blood. The authors associate the more favourable effect of these indices with a faster recovering of the contractibility of the myocardium.", "PMID": 1007242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10723", "title": "[Treatment of orthostatic hypotension with dihydrated ergotamine derivatives].", "content": "After a brief review on the orthostatic disturbances in the regulation of blood circulation the author stresses upon the treatment of the orthostatic hypotonia with dihydrated ergotamine derivatives (Dihydergot retard). A favourable effect was obtained in 59 patients (84.3%) out of the treated 45 patients with secondary orthostatic hypotonia and 25 patients with primary hypotonia. The treatment of orthostatic hypotonia with dihydrated ergotamine derivatives was emphazised to be pathogenetically grounded, because tones the venous system (system of low pressure) and eliminates the developed contraregulatory sympathicotonia. Its combination with low doses of sympathominetics improves even more the effect.", "contents": "[Treatment of orthostatic hypotension with dihydrated ergotamine derivatives]. After a brief review on the orthostatic disturbances in the regulation of blood circulation the author stresses upon the treatment of the orthostatic hypotonia with dihydrated ergotamine derivatives (Dihydergot retard). A favourable effect was obtained in 59 patients (84.3%) out of the treated 45 patients with secondary orthostatic hypotonia and 25 patients with primary hypotonia. The treatment of orthostatic hypotonia with dihydrated ergotamine derivatives was emphazised to be pathogenetically grounded, because tones the venous system (system of low pressure) and eliminates the developed contraregulatory sympathicotonia. Its combination with low doses of sympathominetics improves even more the effect.", "PMID": 1007243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10724", "title": "[Acute myocardial infarct in a patient with multiple sclerosis].", "content": "The authors discuss the progress of acute myocardial infarction in a male subject, aged 39 suffering multiple sclerosis for 11 years. The progress of the infarction is severe but with a favourable outcome. It comes to confirm the literature survey of the existence of a correlation between the neurologic disturbance with the accompanying disturbances in lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, increased blood coagulation ability and the ischemic heart disease. The incidence (10%) of multiple sclerosis among the neurologic diseases of organic nature and the affect of people in their most productive age (20-40) and the mutual relationship with the ischemic heart disease brings for the necessity of a early detection and treatment of the present coronary insufficiency, parallelly with the basic disease, in order to improve the prognosis of those patients.", "contents": "[Acute myocardial infarct in a patient with multiple sclerosis]. The authors discuss the progress of acute myocardial infarction in a male subject, aged 39 suffering multiple sclerosis for 11 years. The progress of the infarction is severe but with a favourable outcome. It comes to confirm the literature survey of the existence of a correlation between the neurologic disturbance with the accompanying disturbances in lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, increased blood coagulation ability and the ischemic heart disease. The incidence (10%) of multiple sclerosis among the neurologic diseases of organic nature and the affect of people in their most productive age (20-40) and the mutual relationship with the ischemic heart disease brings for the necessity of a early detection and treatment of the present coronary insufficiency, parallelly with the basic disease, in order to improve the prognosis of those patients.", "PMID": 1007245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10725", "title": "Gallium-67 scintigraphy and intraabdominal sepsis. Clinical experience in 140 patients with suspected intraabdominal abscess.", "content": "In 140 patients with suspected intraabdominal abscess, studies were made using gallium-67 citrate and technetium-99m labeled radiopharmaceuticals. Gallium-67 scintigrams correctly localized 52 of 56 intraabdominal abscesses confirmed at surgical operation or necropsy. In an additional 20 patients in whom findings on scintigrams were abnormal, there were clinically established infections. Sixty-one patients in whom findings on scintigrams were normal were conservatively managed and discharged from the hospital; none proved to have an abscess. Four false-negative and three false-positive studies were recorded. Gallium-67 scintigraphy is a useful noninvasive diagnostic adjunct that should be employed early in the evaluation of patients with suspected intraabdominal sepsis.", "contents": "Gallium-67 scintigraphy and intraabdominal sepsis. Clinical experience in 140 patients with suspected intraabdominal abscess. In 140 patients with suspected intraabdominal abscess, studies were made using gallium-67 citrate and technetium-99m labeled radiopharmaceuticals. Gallium-67 scintigrams correctly localized 52 of 56 intraabdominal abscesses confirmed at surgical operation or necropsy. In an additional 20 patients in whom findings on scintigrams were abnormal, there were clinically established infections. Sixty-one patients in whom findings on scintigrams were normal were conservatively managed and discharged from the hospital; none proved to have an abscess. Four false-negative and three false-positive studies were recorded. Gallium-67 scintigraphy is a useful noninvasive diagnostic adjunct that should be employed early in the evaluation of patients with suspected intraabdominal sepsis.", "PMID": 1007246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10726", "title": "Varicocele and infertility in men.", "content": "Varicocele is an important cause of infertility in men. The exact mechanism by which varicocele depresses spermatogenesis is unknown but probably the retrograde flow of blood rich in catecholamines into the testes plays a major role. Because subfertile semen qualities are present in a large percentage of men with varicocele and because the response to surgical procedures is very good, high ligation of the left internal spermatic vein is recommended in men with varicocele and infertility.", "contents": "Varicocele and infertility in men. Varicocele is an important cause of infertility in men. The exact mechanism by which varicocele depresses spermatogenesis is unknown but probably the retrograde flow of blood rich in catecholamines into the testes plays a major role. Because subfertile semen qualities are present in a large percentage of men with varicocele and because the response to surgical procedures is very good, high ligation of the left internal spermatic vein is recommended in men with varicocele and infertility.", "PMID": 1007247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10727", "title": "[Prognosis in primary malignant melanoma based on histological assessment (a comparative study between two groups with different length of survival)].", "content": "In this retrospective study, sixty patients with primary malignant melanoma running a highly variable course (long- and short-term survivors) were reviewed histologically. In contrast to reports by other workers, a constant histological reaction pattern was selected, whereas the host reaction was the variable factor studied. In the majority of long-term survivors the tumour was surrounded by a dense lympho-histiocytic infiltrate, which was minimal or even absent in patients with a short-term survival rate. In the patients with long-term survival the peritumour connective tissue was definitely increased, whereas in the group in which the disease ran a short course there was destruction of peritumour connective tissue. The importance of these findings as an additional parameter for histological prognosis is discussed.", "contents": "[Prognosis in primary malignant melanoma based on histological assessment (a comparative study between two groups with different length of survival)]. In this retrospective study, sixty patients with primary malignant melanoma running a highly variable course (long- and short-term survivors) were reviewed histologically. In contrast to reports by other workers, a constant histological reaction pattern was selected, whereas the host reaction was the variable factor studied. In the majority of long-term survivors the tumour was surrounded by a dense lympho-histiocytic infiltrate, which was minimal or even absent in patients with a short-term survival rate. In the patients with long-term survival the peritumour connective tissue was definitely increased, whereas in the group in which the disease ran a short course there was destruction of peritumour connective tissue. The importance of these findings as an additional parameter for histological prognosis is discussed.", "PMID": 1007278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10728", "title": "[Immunotherapy of malignant melanoma (active specific and non-specific immune stimulation) (author's transl)].", "content": "A prospective study was carried out on patients with stage I to III malignant melanoma. Following tumour resection these patients were treated with membrane extracts of autologous tumor tissue and BCG (Pasteur) or BCG alone by intradermal injections weekly for a minimum period of 6 months. They were followed up immunologically by delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions: skin tests with recall antigens, PHA, with autologous tumour membrane extracts and challenge to 2-4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The lymphocytic reactivity was assessed in vitro by means of the direct lymphocytic migration inhibition assay, purified tuberculin and autologous or allogoneic tumour extracts being used as antigens; the lymphocytic blastogenic response to PHA was also investigated. This study, which includes the data of 50 patients, demonstrates that it is possible to increase tumour--specific and general immune reactivity by this form of treatment.", "contents": "[Immunotherapy of malignant melanoma (active specific and non-specific immune stimulation) (author's transl)]. A prospective study was carried out on patients with stage I to III malignant melanoma. Following tumour resection these patients were treated with membrane extracts of autologous tumor tissue and BCG (Pasteur) or BCG alone by intradermal injections weekly for a minimum period of 6 months. They were followed up immunologically by delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions: skin tests with recall antigens, PHA, with autologous tumour membrane extracts and challenge to 2-4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The lymphocytic reactivity was assessed in vitro by means of the direct lymphocytic migration inhibition assay, purified tuberculin and autologous or allogoneic tumour extracts being used as antigens; the lymphocytic blastogenic response to PHA was also investigated. This study, which includes the data of 50 patients, demonstrates that it is possible to increase tumour--specific and general immune reactivity by this form of treatment.", "PMID": 1007279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10729", "title": "[Systemic candidiasis in the severely burned patient (author's transl)].", "content": "As a result of progress in the modern treatment of burns, systemic candidosis (CA), in the sense of \"surviving mycoses\", has become increasingly frequent. The site of entry is not usually the wound, but the intestinal tract, which becomes overgrown by the yeasts as a consequence of the requisite therapy with antibacterial antibiotics in high dosage. Passage of the organism into the circulation occurs by persorption. In view of the bad prognosis of systemic CA, it is essential to recognize its incipient development and counteract by timely prophylactic measures, primarily sterilization of the intestine. In a developed case os systemic CA, the chances of cure improve with rapidity of recognition of the infection and initiation of treatment. Early diagnosis of the infection is achieved by the regular quantitative determination of the organism in the faeces, in urine and blood, as well as in swabs of mucous membranes and the wounds and, above all, by serological examination (movement of titre). The practical problems of the disease are demonstrated and discussed on the basis of 2 cases treated in this department.", "contents": "[Systemic candidiasis in the severely burned patient (author's transl)]. As a result of progress in the modern treatment of burns, systemic candidosis (CA), in the sense of \"surviving mycoses\", has become increasingly frequent. The site of entry is not usually the wound, but the intestinal tract, which becomes overgrown by the yeasts as a consequence of the requisite therapy with antibacterial antibiotics in high dosage. Passage of the organism into the circulation occurs by persorption. In view of the bad prognosis of systemic CA, it is essential to recognize its incipient development and counteract by timely prophylactic measures, primarily sterilization of the intestine. In a developed case os systemic CA, the chances of cure improve with rapidity of recognition of the infection and initiation of treatment. Early diagnosis of the infection is achieved by the regular quantitative determination of the organism in the faeces, in urine and blood, as well as in swabs of mucous membranes and the wounds and, above all, by serological examination (movement of titre). The practical problems of the disease are demonstrated and discussed on the basis of 2 cases treated in this department.", "PMID": 1007280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10730", "title": "[The effect of kallikrein on sperm motility (author's transl)].", "content": "The effect of kallikrein (240 KE/week i.m. or 600 KE/day orally) on the sperm count, sperm motility and morphology was investigated in 27 patients with pathological ejaculate findings. Kallikrein was administered over a period of 9 to 12 weeks. A significant increase in sperm motility was observed in patients with asthenospermia. No influence was noted on the ejaculate findings in patients with oligospermia. Interference between the kallikrein-kinin system and sperm motility is postulated.", "contents": "[The effect of kallikrein on sperm motility (author's transl)]. The effect of kallikrein (240 KE/week i.m. or 600 KE/day orally) on the sperm count, sperm motility and morphology was investigated in 27 patients with pathological ejaculate findings. Kallikrein was administered over a period of 9 to 12 weeks. A significant increase in sperm motility was observed in patients with asthenospermia. No influence was noted on the ejaculate findings in patients with oligospermia. Interference between the kallikrein-kinin system and sperm motility is postulated.", "PMID": 1007281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10731", "title": "[Reactions to tick-borne encephalitis vaccination (authors transl)].", "content": "No serious side effects with resultant permanent disability were encountered amongst 1457 patients receiving tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination. However, generalized and local reactions occurred in a high percentage of cases following the first vaccination. Fever, headache and vomiting were frequently encountered together. Over 50% of the children under 10 reacted with pyrexia of varying degree up to 39 degrees C, but the temperature seldom exceeded this mark. These reactions began immediately (usually in the night) after the vaccination and generally disappeared after one to two days (rarely longer). During this time a decrease in work efficiency must be expected in a high percentage of vaccinated patients. On the other hand, complete inability to work was recorded in a small percentage of cases only. After the second vaccination (four weeks later) side effects such as fever appeared significantly less frequently, but local reactions were more common. Hence, limitation of work ability over a short period must be anticipated in a relatively high percentage of cases receiving their second dose of TBE vaccine.", "contents": "[Reactions to tick-borne encephalitis vaccination (authors transl)]. No serious side effects with resultant permanent disability were encountered amongst 1457 patients receiving tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination. However, generalized and local reactions occurred in a high percentage of cases following the first vaccination. Fever, headache and vomiting were frequently encountered together. Over 50% of the children under 10 reacted with pyrexia of varying degree up to 39 degrees C, but the temperature seldom exceeded this mark. These reactions began immediately (usually in the night) after the vaccination and generally disappeared after one to two days (rarely longer). During this time a decrease in work efficiency must be expected in a high percentage of vaccinated patients. On the other hand, complete inability to work was recorded in a small percentage of cases only. After the second vaccination (four weeks later) side effects such as fever appeared significantly less frequently, but local reactions were more common. Hence, limitation of work ability over a short period must be anticipated in a relatively high percentage of cases receiving their second dose of TBE vaccine.", "PMID": 1007282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10732", "title": "[Functional gastric surgery (author's transl)].", "content": "Twenty years of intensive clinical and experimental research have resulted in the successful development of a modern model of gastric secretory and motility physiology as a basis for further differentiating work in this field. Conventional gastric resection as principal method in the treatment of benign hypersecretory gastroduodenal ulcers seems to be superseded by selective proximal vagotomy with pyloroplasty on the basis of excellent results with this procedure. Selective proximal vagotomy can be carried out in place of the standard Billroth resection procedure in 80% of cases. However, the attainment of technical perfection by a few skilled specialist surgeons at selected centres and the precise evaluation of gastric secretion data both pre- and postoperatively are prerequisites for a successful outcome.", "contents": "[Functional gastric surgery (author's transl)]. Twenty years of intensive clinical and experimental research have resulted in the successful development of a modern model of gastric secretory and motility physiology as a basis for further differentiating work in this field. Conventional gastric resection as principal method in the treatment of benign hypersecretory gastroduodenal ulcers seems to be superseded by selective proximal vagotomy with pyloroplasty on the basis of excellent results with this procedure. Selective proximal vagotomy can be carried out in place of the standard Billroth resection procedure in 80% of cases. However, the attainment of technical perfection by a few skilled specialist surgeons at selected centres and the precise evaluation of gastric secretion data both pre- and postoperatively are prerequisites for a successful outcome.", "PMID": 1007283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10733", "title": "[Surgery at a regional hospital: conditions, scope and results (author's transl)].", "content": "A ten-year survey is presented of the operative procedures carried out in the Department of Surgery at a regional hospital in a rural area. The requirements to be met in this type of hospital necessitate the inclusion of bordering disciplines; obstetrics and gynaecology, for examples, belonged to our domain until 1970. Teamwork by a well-trained staff and small technical modifications of surgical procedures can combine with the favourable psychological background in such a hospital and its more personal atmosphere on account of its relatively small size to enable optimum treatment. Endoscopy is frequently employed and assumes a very important role as diagnostic tool in the absence of more sophisticated appliances. Certain findings of apparent interest, as well as noteworthy complications and the causative factors involved are discussed and compared with the literature.", "contents": "[Surgery at a regional hospital: conditions, scope and results (author's transl)]. A ten-year survey is presented of the operative procedures carried out in the Department of Surgery at a regional hospital in a rural area. The requirements to be met in this type of hospital necessitate the inclusion of bordering disciplines; obstetrics and gynaecology, for examples, belonged to our domain until 1970. Teamwork by a well-trained staff and small technical modifications of surgical procedures can combine with the favourable psychological background in such a hospital and its more personal atmosphere on account of its relatively small size to enable optimum treatment. Endoscopy is frequently employed and assumes a very important role as diagnostic tool in the absence of more sophisticated appliances. Certain findings of apparent interest, as well as noteworthy complications and the causative factors involved are discussed and compared with the literature.", "PMID": 1007284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10734", "title": "[Corrective surgical procedures following partial gastrectomy for gastro-duodenal ulcer (authors transl)].", "content": "Corrective surgical procedures for postgastrectomy syndromes are well-established in abdominal surgery. The indications for early corrective intervention are clearly defined on the basis of the patients' postoperative course. Corrections at a later date should only be considered in presence of major symptoms which did not respond to conservative therapy and following careful morphological and functional assessment of the patient. An analysis of gastric acid secretion should be carried out before and after the operation. The aim of corrective interventions is the restitution, as far as possible, of physiological conditions: prevention of rapid gastric emptying and reduction of gastric hypersecretion. Through postoperative follow-up examination of the patients over many years is essential. The case history, operation technique and outcome is presented in this review of 92 patients treated at the First Department of Surgery, University of Vienna and the findings are discussed.", "contents": "[Corrective surgical procedures following partial gastrectomy for gastro-duodenal ulcer (authors transl)]. Corrective surgical procedures for postgastrectomy syndromes are well-established in abdominal surgery. The indications for early corrective intervention are clearly defined on the basis of the patients' postoperative course. Corrections at a later date should only be considered in presence of major symptoms which did not respond to conservative therapy and following careful morphological and functional assessment of the patient. An analysis of gastric acid secretion should be carried out before and after the operation. The aim of corrective interventions is the restitution, as far as possible, of physiological conditions: prevention of rapid gastric emptying and reduction of gastric hypersecretion. Through postoperative follow-up examination of the patients over many years is essential. The case history, operation technique and outcome is presented in this review of 92 patients treated at the First Department of Surgery, University of Vienna and the findings are discussed.", "PMID": 1007285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10735", "title": "[Diagnosis of duodenal ulcer by endoscopy (authors transl)].", "content": "A description is given of the endoscopic diagnosis of duodenal ulcer in 219 cases and follow-up control examinations in 58 cases. Endoscopic examination possesses distinct advantages over previously-used diagnostic procedures. Diagnosis by endoscopy is not only reliable, but gives, furthermore, exact information on localization and degree of activity of the duodenal ulcer. Moreover, it is possible to draw conclusions with regard to the prognosis on the basis of morphological criteria. This gain in information appears so valuable that nowadays endoscopy should not be omitted in the investigation of cases of duodenal ulcer.", "contents": "[Diagnosis of duodenal ulcer by endoscopy (authors transl)]. A description is given of the endoscopic diagnosis of duodenal ulcer in 219 cases and follow-up control examinations in 58 cases. Endoscopic examination possesses distinct advantages over previously-used diagnostic procedures. Diagnosis by endoscopy is not only reliable, but gives, furthermore, exact information on localization and degree of activity of the duodenal ulcer. Moreover, it is possible to draw conclusions with regard to the prognosis on the basis of morphological criteria. This gain in information appears so valuable that nowadays endoscopy should not be omitted in the investigation of cases of duodenal ulcer.", "PMID": 1007286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10736", "title": "[The diagnostic significance of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography in so-called post-cholecystectomy syndrome (authors transl)].", "content": "A total of 47 patients with symptoms of socalled post-cholecystectomy syndrome was investigated using endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). An organic cause was found in 31 cases; pathological findings were recorded in the biliary tract in 20 cases, in the pancreatic system in 4 cases and in other organs in the remaining 7 cases. ERCP is a very valuable method for pre- and postoperative examination of the patient. When complaints after cholecystectomy exist, organic changes of the biliary and extrabiliary system have to be excluded. In the majority of pancreatic and biliary disorders an optimum diagnostic evaluation is only possible with the aid of ERCP. This method represents a valuable additional tool for preoperative diagnosis in respect to the indications for biliary surgery and the surgical management of the case, especially when re-operation has to be considered.", "contents": "[The diagnostic significance of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography in so-called post-cholecystectomy syndrome (authors transl)]. A total of 47 patients with symptoms of socalled post-cholecystectomy syndrome was investigated using endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). An organic cause was found in 31 cases; pathological findings were recorded in the biliary tract in 20 cases, in the pancreatic system in 4 cases and in other organs in the remaining 7 cases. ERCP is a very valuable method for pre- and postoperative examination of the patient. When complaints after cholecystectomy exist, organic changes of the biliary and extrabiliary system have to be excluded. In the majority of pancreatic and biliary disorders an optimum diagnostic evaluation is only possible with the aid of ERCP. This method represents a valuable additional tool for preoperative diagnosis in respect to the indications for biliary surgery and the surgical management of the case, especially when re-operation has to be considered.", "PMID": 1007287} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10737", "title": "[Giant prepyloric aberrant pancreas with acute gastric haemorrhage (authors transl)].", "content": "A description is given of the clinical symptoms, radiological features and pathological findings in this report of a large, pseudotumorous aberrant pancreas located in the stomach of a 52-year-old male patient. The presenting complication was a gastro-intestinal haemorrhage necessitating gastric resection. Questions pertaining to the clinical diagnosis are extensively discussed.", "contents": "[Giant prepyloric aberrant pancreas with acute gastric haemorrhage (authors transl)]. A description is given of the clinical symptoms, radiological features and pathological findings in this report of a large, pseudotumorous aberrant pancreas located in the stomach of a 52-year-old male patient. The presenting complication was a gastro-intestinal haemorrhage necessitating gastric resection. Questions pertaining to the clinical diagnosis are extensively discussed.", "PMID": 1007288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10738", "title": "[Intestinal metabolism of plasma free fatty acids (authors transl)].", "content": "Since certain reports in the literature suggested utilization of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) by intestinal mucosa, a study was undertaken to investigate the mucosal metabolism of plasma FFA in rats. Two minutes after i.v. injection of 14C-palmitic acid, mucosal radioactivity was 1% of the administered radioactivity. Of mucosal radioactivity 42% was in water-soluble metabolites, 28% in phospholipids and only 16% in triglycerides. The use of dual labelling revealed marked differences in the metabolism of palmitic acid entering the intestinal mucosa simultaneously from the lumen (3H-palmitic acid) and plasms (14C-palmitic acid): whereas limitlasms (14C-palmitic acid): whereas luminal palmitate was chiefly esterified to triglycerides, plasma palmitate was preferentially oxidized and incorporated ino phospholipids. Villi did not differ from crypts in this regard, indicating that the intestinal metabolism of long-chain fatty acids depends on the site of entry into epithelial cells. Glucose administration did not affect the intestinal metabolism of plasma FFA. However, intraduodenal ethanol inhibited mucosal oxidation of plasma FFA by 60% and simultaneously increased incorporation into triglycerides twofold. During fat absorption the uptake of plasma FFA into intestinal mucosa doubled.", "contents": "[Intestinal metabolism of plasma free fatty acids (authors transl)]. Since certain reports in the literature suggested utilization of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) by intestinal mucosa, a study was undertaken to investigate the mucosal metabolism of plasma FFA in rats. Two minutes after i.v. injection of 14C-palmitic acid, mucosal radioactivity was 1% of the administered radioactivity. Of mucosal radioactivity 42% was in water-soluble metabolites, 28% in phospholipids and only 16% in triglycerides. The use of dual labelling revealed marked differences in the metabolism of palmitic acid entering the intestinal mucosa simultaneously from the lumen (3H-palmitic acid) and plasms (14C-palmitic acid): whereas limitlasms (14C-palmitic acid): whereas luminal palmitate was chiefly esterified to triglycerides, plasma palmitate was preferentially oxidized and incorporated ino phospholipids. Villi did not differ from crypts in this regard, indicating that the intestinal metabolism of long-chain fatty acids depends on the site of entry into epithelial cells. Glucose administration did not affect the intestinal metabolism of plasma FFA. However, intraduodenal ethanol inhibited mucosal oxidation of plasma FFA by 60% and simultaneously increased incorporation into triglycerides twofold. During fat absorption the uptake of plasma FFA into intestinal mucosa doubled.", "PMID": 1007289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10739", "title": "Metabolism of 1,4-dihydro-6-trifluoromethylquinoxaline-2,3-dione (Lilly 72525) in rats and cats.", "content": "1. The metabolism of 1,4-dihydro-6-trifluoromethylquinoxaline-2,3-dione (Lilly 72525), a sedative hypnotic drug, was studied in rat and cat. 2. Plasma concentrations of Lilly 72525 were measured fluorometrically after oral and intravenous doses of the compound in rats. A comparison of the area under the two curves suggested that 84% of the oral dose was absorbed. 3. Studies with 14C-labelled material in both species confirmed that the drug was well absorbed after oral administration and revealed that the dione was mainly eliminated unchanged in the urine. Bile duct cannulation experiments suggested that biliary excretion accounted for most or all of the drug present in faeces of rats. 4. Metabolites isolated from urinary extracts by t.l.c. were identified by g.l.c.-mass spectrometry. The only metabolite detected in rat urine or bile extracts was a ring-hydroxylated compound. This metabolite plus two N-hydroxylated metabolites were identified in extracts of cat urine.", "contents": "Metabolism of 1,4-dihydro-6-trifluoromethylquinoxaline-2,3-dione (Lilly 72525) in rats and cats. 1. The metabolism of 1,4-dihydro-6-trifluoromethylquinoxaline-2,3-dione (Lilly 72525), a sedative hypnotic drug, was studied in rat and cat. 2. Plasma concentrations of Lilly 72525 were measured fluorometrically after oral and intravenous doses of the compound in rats. A comparison of the area under the two curves suggested that 84% of the oral dose was absorbed. 3. Studies with 14C-labelled material in both species confirmed that the drug was well absorbed after oral administration and revealed that the dione was mainly eliminated unchanged in the urine. Bile duct cannulation experiments suggested that biliary excretion accounted for most or all of the drug present in faeces of rats. 4. Metabolites isolated from urinary extracts by t.l.c. were identified by g.l.c.-mass spectrometry. The only metabolite detected in rat urine or bile extracts was a ring-hydroxylated compound. This metabolite plus two N-hydroxylated metabolites were identified in extracts of cat urine.", "PMID": 1007317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10740", "title": "The metabolism of biphenyl by isolated viable rat hepatocytes.", "content": "1. The metabolism of biphenyl by isolated viable rat hepatocytes has been studied and a tentative scheme of metabolism proposed which involves initial hydroxylation at the 2- and 4-positions followed by conjugation and/or further hydroxylation of these primary metabolites. 2. Biphenyl was toxic to viable hepatocytes when used at a concentration approaching that used in conventional microsomal assay systems. 3. The production of small amounts of 4-hydroxybiphenyl appears to activate its subsequent conjugation. 4. The data presented in this paper integrate previous results obtained with cell fractions, and demonstrates the importance of the isolated, viable hepatocyte system as a model for total drug metabolism.", "contents": "The metabolism of biphenyl by isolated viable rat hepatocytes. 1. The metabolism of biphenyl by isolated viable rat hepatocytes has been studied and a tentative scheme of metabolism proposed which involves initial hydroxylation at the 2- and 4-positions followed by conjugation and/or further hydroxylation of these primary metabolites. 2. Biphenyl was toxic to viable hepatocytes when used at a concentration approaching that used in conventional microsomal assay systems. 3. The production of small amounts of 4-hydroxybiphenyl appears to activate its subsequent conjugation. 4. The data presented in this paper integrate previous results obtained with cell fractions, and demonstrates the importance of the isolated, viable hepatocyte system as a model for total drug metabolism.", "PMID": 1007318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10741", "title": "Metabolic demethylation of the insecticide dimethylvinphos in rats, in dogs, and in vitro.", "content": "1. The alkenyl phosphate insecticide, dimethylvinphos, is rapidly metabolized and eliminated by rats and dogs. 2. Metabolism proceeds via demethylation followed by the hydrolysis of desmethyl dimethylvinphos to 2,4-dichlorophenacyl chloride which is further metabolized mainly to 2,4-dichloromandelic acid, 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)ethanol (glucuronide) and 2,4-dichlorphenylethanediol (glucuronide). 3. The dechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenacyl chloride to 2,4-dichloroacetophenone proceeds via the spontaneous formation of S-(2,4-dichlorophenacyl) glutathione which is converted to the ketone by an enzyme-catalysed glutathione-dependent reaction. 4. Demethylation of dimethylvinphos occurs in liver fractions via the action of two enzymes: glutathione S-methyl transferase in the cytosol, and microsomal mono-oxygenase. The relatively high activities of both enzymes in dog liver (compared with rat liver) partly account for the observed differences in metabolism and toxicity of dimethylvinphos in the two species. 5. The glutathione transferase is enhanced twofold by pre-treatment of rats with 0-1% phenobarbital in their drinking water. This treatment also induces the microsomal demethylation 45-fold and results in a greater than 13-fold protective effect against the acute toxic effects of dimethylvinphos.", "contents": "Metabolic demethylation of the insecticide dimethylvinphos in rats, in dogs, and in vitro. 1. The alkenyl phosphate insecticide, dimethylvinphos, is rapidly metabolized and eliminated by rats and dogs. 2. Metabolism proceeds via demethylation followed by the hydrolysis of desmethyl dimethylvinphos to 2,4-dichlorophenacyl chloride which is further metabolized mainly to 2,4-dichloromandelic acid, 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)ethanol (glucuronide) and 2,4-dichlorphenylethanediol (glucuronide). 3. The dechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenacyl chloride to 2,4-dichloroacetophenone proceeds via the spontaneous formation of S-(2,4-dichlorophenacyl) glutathione which is converted to the ketone by an enzyme-catalysed glutathione-dependent reaction. 4. Demethylation of dimethylvinphos occurs in liver fractions via the action of two enzymes: glutathione S-methyl transferase in the cytosol, and microsomal mono-oxygenase. The relatively high activities of both enzymes in dog liver (compared with rat liver) partly account for the observed differences in metabolism and toxicity of dimethylvinphos in the two species. 5. The glutathione transferase is enhanced twofold by pre-treatment of rats with 0-1% phenobarbital in their drinking water. This treatment also induces the microsomal demethylation 45-fold and results in a greater than 13-fold protective effect against the acute toxic effects of dimethylvinphos.", "PMID": 1007319} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10742", "title": "The metabolism of chlorpromazine in the neonatal guinea-pig.", "content": "The metabolism of chlorpromazine in the neonatal guinea-pig has been studied. Maximal urinary excretions of sulphoxide occurred at 5 and 14 days, maximum excretion of both conjugated phenols and glucuronides at about 10 and 18 days.", "contents": "The metabolism of chlorpromazine in the neonatal guinea-pig. The metabolism of chlorpromazine in the neonatal guinea-pig has been studied. Maximal urinary excretions of sulphoxide occurred at 5 and 14 days, maximum excretion of both conjugated phenols and glucuronides at about 10 and 18 days.", "PMID": 1007320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10743", "title": "Subcellular localization and some properties of the N-deacetylase of the Cestode Moniezia expansa.", "content": "1. Acetanilide, acetamidophenol, acetanisidide, acetamidobenzoic acid and acetamidobenzaldehyde were hydrolysed by enzyme preparations from Moniezia expansa. Deacetylation occurred in the distal cytoplasm of the proglottids. 2. N-Deacetylase activity was found in the 75 000g supernatant of the tapeworm homogenates. The molecular weight of the enzyme was about 95 000. 3. The optimal pH of deacetylation for all substrates was 7-4. Dithiothreitol enhanced the reaction, but glutathione and cysteine were without effect. 4. Deacetylase activity was inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate, N-ethylmaleimide, Zn++, Cu++ and anthelmintic organophosphates.", "contents": "Subcellular localization and some properties of the N-deacetylase of the Cestode Moniezia expansa. 1. Acetanilide, acetamidophenol, acetanisidide, acetamidobenzoic acid and acetamidobenzaldehyde were hydrolysed by enzyme preparations from Moniezia expansa. Deacetylation occurred in the distal cytoplasm of the proglottids. 2. N-Deacetylase activity was found in the 75 000g supernatant of the tapeworm homogenates. The molecular weight of the enzyme was about 95 000. 3. The optimal pH of deacetylation for all substrates was 7-4. Dithiothreitol enhanced the reaction, but glutathione and cysteine were without effect. 4. Deacetylase activity was inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate, N-ethylmaleimide, Zn++, Cu++ and anthelmintic organophosphates.", "PMID": 1007321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10744", "title": "Multi-hit theory of the origin of life: problems of growth rate of protobionts and of speed of earliest evolution. I.", "content": "The previously proposed theory of biogenesis being a multi-hit process (due to random assemblage, within an aggregate of abiogenic nucleic acids (NAs) and proteins, of a set of functional molecules necessary for primitive life) is developed further taking into account speed of reactions and reproduction of protobionts, random distribution of functional molecules in protocell fission, and speed of earliest evolution. A hypothetical model of a protobiont being possibly ancestral to \"our\" life is designed. Probabilities of a multi-hit origin of such protobionts are estimated accounting not only for inclusion by chance of functional protein and NA molecules but also for exclusion of deleterious enzymes, and respecting the number of possible primitive codes. It is shown that \"fluid organisms\" are impossible and that individuation is a key structure of life. Life based on only NA (genobiosis) in contrast to life with genotype (NA) plus phenotype (protein) being infinitely evolvable (holobiosis), and life based on proteins alone are discussed. It is shown that protein + NA-life is in favour to those other life forms, and that the probability of origin of at least simple types of of holobiotic protobionts might be high enough for repeated biogeneses under early earth conditions. Though protobionts may have had generation times of 10(3) years speed of early evolution as well as stability of functional molecules could have been sufficient for allowing of evolution to reach the level of procaryots within the 10(8) to 10(9) years available.", "contents": "Multi-hit theory of the origin of life: problems of growth rate of protobionts and of speed of earliest evolution. I. The previously proposed theory of biogenesis being a multi-hit process (due to random assemblage, within an aggregate of abiogenic nucleic acids (NAs) and proteins, of a set of functional molecules necessary for primitive life) is developed further taking into account speed of reactions and reproduction of protobionts, random distribution of functional molecules in protocell fission, and speed of earliest evolution. A hypothetical model of a protobiont being possibly ancestral to \"our\" life is designed. Probabilities of a multi-hit origin of such protobionts are estimated accounting not only for inclusion by chance of functional protein and NA molecules but also for exclusion of deleterious enzymes, and respecting the number of possible primitive codes. It is shown that \"fluid organisms\" are impossible and that individuation is a key structure of life. Life based on only NA (genobiosis) in contrast to life with genotype (NA) plus phenotype (protein) being infinitely evolvable (holobiosis), and life based on proteins alone are discussed. It is shown that protein + NA-life is in favour to those other life forms, and that the probability of origin of at least simple types of of holobiotic protobionts might be high enough for repeated biogeneses under early earth conditions. Though protobionts may have had generation times of 10(3) years speed of early evolution as well as stability of functional molecules could have been sufficient for allowing of evolution to reach the level of procaryots within the 10(8) to 10(9) years available.", "PMID": 1007322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10745", "title": "[Objective graded increase of stenosing coronary artery processes using quantitative analysis of pathologico-anatomical data and their relationships. 3. Extension and discussion of the model].", "content": "On the basis of the demonstrated mathematical valuations of pathologo-anatomical influence sizes on the defined myocardial infarction the model is extened by the calculation of total numbers for the purpose of simpler use in medical practice. The statistical influence of the characteristics on the formation of the arithmetical measure medium XI of the group with infarctions for the position of the stenosis times degree of stenosis is determined left-sided with 30.0% and right-sided with 42.3%, the heart mass is determined with 25.9% and the barriers of the ostium as well as the type of supply with 1.8%. For the judgment of the functional capacity of the developed model it is used in 126 intravitally coronarographed patients, in whom no myocardial infarction was to be proved. The false coordination is 4 cases (3.2%). Consequently, the developed model is evident not only for the initial material. It is usable post mortem and intravitally. Apart from the judgment of the severity of the stenosing coronary arteriosclerosis it serves intravitally for the estimation of the endangering by myocardial infarction. Criterion for the estimation of the degree of endangering is the distance from the point of separation TP = 558 (values of the arthmetical measure) and TP = 122 (total number).", "contents": "[Objective graded increase of stenosing coronary artery processes using quantitative analysis of pathologico-anatomical data and their relationships. 3. Extension and discussion of the model]. On the basis of the demonstrated mathematical valuations of pathologo-anatomical influence sizes on the defined myocardial infarction the model is extened by the calculation of total numbers for the purpose of simpler use in medical practice. The statistical influence of the characteristics on the formation of the arithmetical measure medium XI of the group with infarctions for the position of the stenosis times degree of stenosis is determined left-sided with 30.0% and right-sided with 42.3%, the heart mass is determined with 25.9% and the barriers of the ostium as well as the type of supply with 1.8%. For the judgment of the functional capacity of the developed model it is used in 126 intravitally coronarographed patients, in whom no myocardial infarction was to be proved. The false coordination is 4 cases (3.2%). Consequently, the developed model is evident not only for the initial material. It is usable post mortem and intravitally. Apart from the judgment of the severity of the stenosing coronary arteriosclerosis it serves intravitally for the estimation of the endangering by myocardial infarction. Criterion for the estimation of the degree of endangering is the distance from the point of separation TP = 558 (values of the arthmetical measure) and TP = 122 (total number).", "PMID": 1007333} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10746", "title": "[Endocrine disorders in patients with essential hypertension].", "content": "Patients with so-called essential hypertension are heterogenous concerning the behaviour of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. They may display low, normal or high plasma renin activity. In a certain number of patients other hormonal abnormalities can also be deomonstrated. Among these abnormalities the following are to be mentioned: elevated aldosteronaemia, decreased metabolic clearance of aldosterone, lack of suppressibility of aldosteronaemia and plasma renin activity after salt load, elevated plasma level of 18-OH-DOC and progesterone. Only in some patients with essential hypertension disturbances of the metabolism of catecholamines can be stated. This could indicate, that altered activity of the sympathetic nervous system may be a pathogenetic factor in the development of essential hypertension only in some of the patients. The role of prostaglandins in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension is not yet proved.", "contents": "[Endocrine disorders in patients with essential hypertension]. Patients with so-called essential hypertension are heterogenous concerning the behaviour of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. They may display low, normal or high plasma renin activity. In a certain number of patients other hormonal abnormalities can also be deomonstrated. Among these abnormalities the following are to be mentioned: elevated aldosteronaemia, decreased metabolic clearance of aldosterone, lack of suppressibility of aldosteronaemia and plasma renin activity after salt load, elevated plasma level of 18-OH-DOC and progesterone. Only in some patients with essential hypertension disturbances of the metabolism of catecholamines can be stated. This could indicate, that altered activity of the sympathetic nervous system may be a pathogenetic factor in the development of essential hypertension only in some of the patients. The role of prostaglandins in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension is not yet proved.", "PMID": 1007334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10747", "title": "[Significance of spike potentials in the sinus nodes and atrial conduction system during interpretation of bundle-of-his electrography].", "content": "The article deals with the issues of the His bundle electrogram (HBE) analysis, using the spike potentials of the sinus node and the atrial conductive tracts for the interpretation of the HBE. The HBE and the atrium spike potentials have been recorded in 40 dogs and in 307 patients. According to our data the onset of the A-wave on the IcECG begins in some msec earlier than the onset of the P-wave on the standard ECG leads. The spike potentials of the sinus node have been recorded directly at the sinus node area, the onset of which begins in 20-40 msec earlier than the onset of the P-wave. By our data the atrial A-wave recorded from the right atrium on the IcECG consists of the slow wave showing summary effect of the atrium depolarization and the three spikes (A1, A2, A3). They are recorded at the beginning (A1) middle (A2) and the end (A3) of the P-wave and reflect the quick impulse spread through the atrium conductive tracts. The moment of the impulse coming to the AV nodes is reflected by the atrial spike A2. The time of the impulse spread from the sinus node to the AV node shows exactly the interval from the onset of the spike potential of the sinus node till the spike A2. The interval from the spike A2 to the H-potential (A2-H) shows the impulse spread time through the AV node. The recording of the HBE and the atrium spike potentials was performed by means of the microcatheter of own construction (with the unipolar electrodes, external diameter of which does not exceed 1 mm) after our method of the heart microcatheterization through the subclavian vein.", "contents": "[Significance of spike potentials in the sinus nodes and atrial conduction system during interpretation of bundle-of-his electrography]. The article deals with the issues of the His bundle electrogram (HBE) analysis, using the spike potentials of the sinus node and the atrial conductive tracts for the interpretation of the HBE. The HBE and the atrium spike potentials have been recorded in 40 dogs and in 307 patients. According to our data the onset of the A-wave on the IcECG begins in some msec earlier than the onset of the P-wave on the standard ECG leads. The spike potentials of the sinus node have been recorded directly at the sinus node area, the onset of which begins in 20-40 msec earlier than the onset of the P-wave. By our data the atrial A-wave recorded from the right atrium on the IcECG consists of the slow wave showing summary effect of the atrium depolarization and the three spikes (A1, A2, A3). They are recorded at the beginning (A1) middle (A2) and the end (A3) of the P-wave and reflect the quick impulse spread through the atrium conductive tracts. The moment of the impulse coming to the AV nodes is reflected by the atrial spike A2. The time of the impulse spread from the sinus node to the AV node shows exactly the interval from the onset of the spike potential of the sinus node till the spike A2. The interval from the spike A2 to the H-potential (A2-H) shows the impulse spread time through the AV node. The recording of the HBE and the atrium spike potentials was performed by means of the microcatheter of own construction (with the unipolar electrodes, external diameter of which does not exceed 1 mm) after our method of the heart microcatheterization through the subclavian vein.", "PMID": 1007335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10748", "title": "[Doubtfullness of the diagnosis diabetic neuropathy].", "content": "The diabetic neuropathy is sufficiently to be defined neither from the point of view of diabetes nor from neurological findings. There are no diagnostic criteria appliable to the individual case. Therefore, the diagnosis diabetic neuropathy is to be valuated as exclusion diagnosis. It presumes above all a careful clarification of the neurological syndrome present taking into consideration all diseases of muscles, nerves and spinal cord which are of importance in differential diagnosis. Instead of issuing from the alternative diabetogenic or nondiabetogenic, the possibility of pathogenetic combinations should rather be taken into consideration. It seems to be suitable to avoid the name diabetic neuropathy in practice and to speak only of a neuropathy or polyneuropathy (which is possibly to be described more exactly) in diabetes.", "contents": "[Doubtfullness of the diagnosis diabetic neuropathy]. The diabetic neuropathy is sufficiently to be defined neither from the point of view of diabetes nor from neurological findings. There are no diagnostic criteria appliable to the individual case. Therefore, the diagnosis diabetic neuropathy is to be valuated as exclusion diagnosis. It presumes above all a careful clarification of the neurological syndrome present taking into consideration all diseases of muscles, nerves and spinal cord which are of importance in differential diagnosis. Instead of issuing from the alternative diabetogenic or nondiabetogenic, the possibility of pathogenetic combinations should rather be taken into consideration. It seems to be suitable to avoid the name diabetic neuropathy in practice and to speak only of a neuropathy or polyneuropathy (which is possibly to be described more exactly) in diabetes.", "PMID": 1007336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10749", "title": "[Significance of plasma-protein paracoagulation test in the diagnosis of thromboembolic the disease].", "content": "Fibrinogen degradation products were examined by plasma protamine paracoagulation test in 235 cases. The test was positive in about 60% of thrombosis of deep veins, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction cases examined. The test was also positive in 23,4% of women taking oral contraceptives who were free of complaints and symptoms. Because of its easy applicability the test is recommended for screening.", "contents": "[Significance of plasma-protein paracoagulation test in the diagnosis of thromboembolic the disease]. Fibrinogen degradation products were examined by plasma protamine paracoagulation test in 235 cases. The test was positive in about 60% of thrombosis of deep veins, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction cases examined. The test was also positive in 23,4% of women taking oral contraceptives who were free of complaints and symptoms. Because of its easy applicability the test is recommended for screening.", "PMID": 1007337} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10750", "title": "[Modification of the isoprenaline-induced myocardial necrosis using trapidil].", "content": "Trapidil increases the isoprenalin-induced necrosis of the myocardium in the rat. In the paper is referred to the importance of the term of application in relation to the application of the infarcting noxa. Trapidil has a particularly unfavourable effect, if it is given after isoprenalin. The shift of the relation from the oxygen requirement to the oxygen supply by beta-adrenergic stimulation is regarded as an equivalent for the acute ischaemia. The authors see a connection between the phosphodiesterase-inhibiting activity of trapidil and the influence of the size of necrosis after the application of isoprenalin in the rat. These findings have also clinical importance, as the area of indication explicitly includes the application after fresh myocardial infarction and in acute pectanginous attack.", "contents": "[Modification of the isoprenaline-induced myocardial necrosis using trapidil]. Trapidil increases the isoprenalin-induced necrosis of the myocardium in the rat. In the paper is referred to the importance of the term of application in relation to the application of the infarcting noxa. Trapidil has a particularly unfavourable effect, if it is given after isoprenalin. The shift of the relation from the oxygen requirement to the oxygen supply by beta-adrenergic stimulation is regarded as an equivalent for the acute ischaemia. The authors see a connection between the phosphodiesterase-inhibiting activity of trapidil and the influence of the size of necrosis after the application of isoprenalin in the rat. These findings have also clinical importance, as the area of indication explicitly includes the application after fresh myocardial infarction and in acute pectanginous attack.", "PMID": 1007338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10751", "title": "[The function of the hydrokinetic and ekbolic pancreas after acute pancreatitis].", "content": "Thirteen patients were investigated 3-4 weeks (I. examination) and 3-5 months (II. examination) after the ceasing of the signs symptoms of an acute pancreatitis concerning their hydrokinetic and ekbolic pancreas-functions. In addition, the pancreatic ducts were demonstrated by ERCP. Reduction of the secretion were shown in 31% at the I. examination and in 23% at the II. examination. There were significant differences in the outputs of bicarbonate, trypsine and chymotrypsine compared to healthy test persons at the I. examination. At the II. examination, however, no significant differences could be observed compared to healthy test persons. The exocrine function of the pancreas was getting worse during the interval between the I. and II. examination in 2 cases but it became normal in 5 cases. Pathological alterations at the pancreativ-duct-system were not demonstrable shown at all.", "contents": "[The function of the hydrokinetic and ekbolic pancreas after acute pancreatitis]. Thirteen patients were investigated 3-4 weeks (I. examination) and 3-5 months (II. examination) after the ceasing of the signs symptoms of an acute pancreatitis concerning their hydrokinetic and ekbolic pancreas-functions. In addition, the pancreatic ducts were demonstrated by ERCP. Reduction of the secretion were shown in 31% at the I. examination and in 23% at the II. examination. There were significant differences in the outputs of bicarbonate, trypsine and chymotrypsine compared to healthy test persons at the I. examination. At the II. examination, however, no significant differences could be observed compared to healthy test persons. The exocrine function of the pancreas was getting worse during the interval between the I. and II. examination in 2 cases but it became normal in 5 cases. Pathological alterations at the pancreativ-duct-system were not demonstrable shown at all.", "PMID": 1007339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10752", "title": "[Th\u00e9venard ulcero-mutilating acro-osteopathy syndrome].", "content": "A 20-year old female patient with characteristic symptoms of acroosteolysis of the left foot (sensory neuropathy, ulcers and hyperkeratosis on the acra, acroosteolysis and peroneal muscleatrophy) is described. The syndrome manifested in early childhood, heridity could not be found. Correspondence to the familial type of acroosteolysis (of Thevenard) as a new mutation is discussed.", "contents": "[Th\u00e9venard ulcero-mutilating acro-osteopathy syndrome]. A 20-year old female patient with characteristic symptoms of acroosteolysis of the left foot (sensory neuropathy, ulcers and hyperkeratosis on the acra, acroosteolysis and peroneal muscleatrophy) is described. The syndrome manifested in early childhood, heridity could not be found. Correspondence to the familial type of acroosteolysis (of Thevenard) as a new mutation is discussed.", "PMID": 1007358} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10753", "title": "[Primary multiple malignant melanomas of unusually long duration].", "content": "In 1975, 117 patients with malignant melanoma attented the Department of Dermatology at the University of Cologne, and three of these had had a superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) over a long period-one patient most probably for more than 25 years. With these patients another primary malignant melanoma developed, though not a metastasis. It appears that SSM gives no protection against other melanomas of the superficial or nodular type. In comparison, a 70-year-old patient had had a pigmented tumour for about 40 years and this suddenly spread five years ago; however, at least some of the metastases regressed to form vitiligo-like lesions surrounding deposits of melanin in macrophages. In this case the spontaneous regression did not protect the patient against new metastases in the lymph nodes and probably in the liver as well.", "contents": "[Primary multiple malignant melanomas of unusually long duration]. In 1975, 117 patients with malignant melanoma attented the Department of Dermatology at the University of Cologne, and three of these had had a superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) over a long period-one patient most probably for more than 25 years. With these patients another primary malignant melanoma developed, though not a metastasis. It appears that SSM gives no protection against other melanomas of the superficial or nodular type. In comparison, a 70-year-old patient had had a pigmented tumour for about 40 years and this suddenly spread five years ago; however, at least some of the metastases regressed to form vitiligo-like lesions surrounding deposits of melanin in macrophages. In this case the spontaneous regression did not protect the patient against new metastases in the lymph nodes and probably in the liver as well.", "PMID": 1007359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10754", "title": "Cellular and humoral immunity to adrenal antigens in patients with idiopathic Addison's disease.", "content": "Cell-mediated immunity to various adrenal antigen preparations--crude extract, mitochondria and microsomes--has been investigated by means of the migration inhibition of mononuclear cells in 19 patients with established diagnosis of idiopathic Addison's disease (IAD), in 1 patient with suspected Addison's disease and in 20 controls. Adrenal antibodies were determined by immunofluorescence technique. In 13 of the IAD patients significant migration inhibition (MI) could be observed with mitochondria and in 12 patients with crude extract. In addition, MI, although less pronounced, could be detected with microsomes in 12 IAD patients. In one of the controls slight inhibition was observed with all the antigens used and in another stimulation of lymphocyte migration with crude extract could be observed. Adrenal antibodies were detected in 11 of the patients investigated. No correlation could be found between duration of the disease and humoral or cellular immune reactions to adrenal antigens.", "contents": "Cellular and humoral immunity to adrenal antigens in patients with idiopathic Addison's disease. Cell-mediated immunity to various adrenal antigen preparations--crude extract, mitochondria and microsomes--has been investigated by means of the migration inhibition of mononuclear cells in 19 patients with established diagnosis of idiopathic Addison's disease (IAD), in 1 patient with suspected Addison's disease and in 20 controls. Adrenal antibodies were determined by immunofluorescence technique. In 13 of the IAD patients significant migration inhibition (MI) could be observed with mitochondria and in 12 patients with crude extract. In addition, MI, although less pronounced, could be detected with microsomes in 12 IAD patients. In one of the controls slight inhibition was observed with all the antigens used and in another stimulation of lymphocyte migration with crude extract could be observed. Adrenal antibodies were detected in 11 of the patients investigated. No correlation could be found between duration of the disease and humoral or cellular immune reactions to adrenal antigens.", "PMID": 1007373} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10755", "title": "Adjuvant and suppressor activity of the polycation protamine hydrochloride in the primary immune response of mice.", "content": "The effect of protamine hydrochloride (PH), a polycation, on the primary immune response of mice to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was studied. Like other adjuvants, PH enhances or depresses the immune response depending on the time of injection of PH in relation to the antigenic challenge. The suppressive effect of PH correlated with the appearance of \"activated\" macrophages in the peritoneal cavity. A second injection of PH together with antigen abolished this suppressive effect. Transfer of \"activated\" macrophages resulted in an enhanced immune response when antigen was administered at the time of transfer, and in a depressed response when the antigen was given 1 or 2 days after transfer. It is concluded that the duration of the influence of \"activated\" macrophages on T or B cells determines the subsequent immune reactivity. It is discussed that the basic mechanism of action of PH is its ability to release lysosomal enzymes from macrophages. The mechanism by which these enzymes amplify the immune response remains to be clarified.", "contents": "Adjuvant and suppressor activity of the polycation protamine hydrochloride in the primary immune response of mice. The effect of protamine hydrochloride (PH), a polycation, on the primary immune response of mice to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was studied. Like other adjuvants, PH enhances or depresses the immune response depending on the time of injection of PH in relation to the antigenic challenge. The suppressive effect of PH correlated with the appearance of \"activated\" macrophages in the peritoneal cavity. A second injection of PH together with antigen abolished this suppressive effect. Transfer of \"activated\" macrophages resulted in an enhanced immune response when antigen was administered at the time of transfer, and in a depressed response when the antigen was given 1 or 2 days after transfer. It is concluded that the duration of the influence of \"activated\" macrophages on T or B cells determines the subsequent immune reactivity. It is discussed that the basic mechanism of action of PH is its ability to release lysosomal enzymes from macrophages. The mechanism by which these enzymes amplify the immune response remains to be clarified.", "PMID": 1007374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10756", "title": "HLA antigen segregation analysis in multiple sclerosis (MS) families.", "content": "HLA antigen segregation analysis was performed in 38 families with a total of 52 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients including 14 families with 2 affected sibs. HLA-A3 and especially B7 occurred more frequently in familial MS cases (propositi) (A3: 42.9%, B7: 64.3%) than in non-familial cases (A3: 35.8%, B7: 35.3%). As could be expected from the increased phenotype frequencies of A3 and B7, the haplotype A3-B7 showed a disturbed segregation among the MS patients but not among their healthy sibs. A second haplotype, A1-B8, was found more frequently than expected among the MS patients but also among their unaffected sibs. These data may suggest increased MS susceptibility associated with the haplotype A3-B7 and, conversely autoimmune or protective properties associated with A1-B8 in MS patients and their healthy sibs, respectively.", "contents": "HLA antigen segregation analysis in multiple sclerosis (MS) families. HLA antigen segregation analysis was performed in 38 families with a total of 52 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients including 14 families with 2 affected sibs. HLA-A3 and especially B7 occurred more frequently in familial MS cases (propositi) (A3: 42.9%, B7: 64.3%) than in non-familial cases (A3: 35.8%, B7: 35.3%). As could be expected from the increased phenotype frequencies of A3 and B7, the haplotype A3-B7 showed a disturbed segregation among the MS patients but not among their healthy sibs. A second haplotype, A1-B8, was found more frequently than expected among the MS patients but also among their unaffected sibs. These data may suggest increased MS susceptibility associated with the haplotype A3-B7 and, conversely autoimmune or protective properties associated with A1-B8 in MS patients and their healthy sibs, respectively.", "PMID": 1007375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10757", "title": "Algorithm for the computation of plausibilities of paternity in the HLA system.", "content": "An algorithm for the calculation of plausibilities of paternity for the HLA system is presented, which is based on the concept of the game of domino. The algorithm can be used for any system with 2 linked autosomal loci and can be easily reduced or extended to systems with 1 locus or more than 2 linked loci.", "contents": "Algorithm for the computation of plausibilities of paternity in the HLA system. An algorithm for the calculation of plausibilities of paternity for the HLA system is presented, which is based on the concept of the game of domino. The algorithm can be used for any system with 2 linked autosomal loci and can be easily reduced or extended to systems with 1 locus or more than 2 linked loci.", "PMID": 1007376} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10758", "title": "[Improvement of flow properties using Arwin in acute experimental infarct].", "content": "Reduction of blood viscosity by arwin in the acute experimental infarction. The effect of 1 unit/kg arwin on the extent of the ischemic area following ligation of a branch of the left descending coronary artery (LAD) was studied in 13 anesthetized open-chest dogs. 10 min infusion of Arwin veginning simultaneously with coronary occlusion lead to a decrease in plasma fibrinogen concentration by 69% 60 min after the end of the infusion, whereas in the control group (NaCl-infusion, 13 dogs) no equivalent decrease occurred. The average ST-segment elevation (ST) and the number of sites exhibiting ST-segment elevation (NST) in the epicardial Ecg were 9 mV and 5.0 15 min after the end of the infusion (25 min after coronary occlusion) in the Arwin-treated group and 11 mV resp. 5.9 in the control group. In the following 105 min no alteration in the electrocardiographic evidence of infarction occurred in both groups. 15 min reperfusion (after release of coronary ligation) decreased the ischemic injury in both groups significantly: arwin -group ST 4.1 mV, NST 3.0, control 3.9 mV resp. 3.5. During coronary occlusion ST-elevation was significantly less in borderline areas than in the center of the infarction, a reduction of the ischemic injury by arwin in these different zones, however, could also not be established. Hemodynamic alterations were similar in both groups. Systolic, mean and diastolic aortic pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure and heart rate remained nearly constant during 130 min of coronary occlusion, left ventricular dp/dtmax declined by 17%. 25 min after occlusion of the branch coronary flow in the LAD decreased by 38%, after 130 min by 48%. After 15 min reperfusion the reactive hyperemic response had declined to preocclusion levels. A statistically significant difference in the occurence of reperfusion arrhythmias between the arwin -treated group (25%) and control group (39%) could not be evaluated. There was no evidence that a decrease in blood viscosity produced by lowering of fibrinogen concentration concomitantly with coronary occlusion could reduce electrocardiographic assessment of myocardial injury. Conversely, the effects of arwin on impending infarction and severe angina pectoris cannot be predicted from these results. An increase in infarct size, however, which could have occurred after infusion of arwin leading to microembolization by fibrinogen degradation products was never observed.", "contents": "[Improvement of flow properties using Arwin in acute experimental infarct]. Reduction of blood viscosity by arwin in the acute experimental infarction. The effect of 1 unit/kg arwin on the extent of the ischemic area following ligation of a branch of the left descending coronary artery (LAD) was studied in 13 anesthetized open-chest dogs. 10 min infusion of Arwin veginning simultaneously with coronary occlusion lead to a decrease in plasma fibrinogen concentration by 69% 60 min after the end of the infusion, whereas in the control group (NaCl-infusion, 13 dogs) no equivalent decrease occurred. The average ST-segment elevation (ST) and the number of sites exhibiting ST-segment elevation (NST) in the epicardial Ecg were 9 mV and 5.0 15 min after the end of the infusion (25 min after coronary occlusion) in the Arwin-treated group and 11 mV resp. 5.9 in the control group. In the following 105 min no alteration in the electrocardiographic evidence of infarction occurred in both groups. 15 min reperfusion (after release of coronary ligation) decreased the ischemic injury in both groups significantly: arwin -group ST 4.1 mV, NST 3.0, control 3.9 mV resp. 3.5. During coronary occlusion ST-elevation was significantly less in borderline areas than in the center of the infarction, a reduction of the ischemic injury by arwin in these different zones, however, could also not be established. Hemodynamic alterations were similar in both groups. Systolic, mean and diastolic aortic pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure and heart rate remained nearly constant during 130 min of coronary occlusion, left ventricular dp/dtmax declined by 17%. 25 min after occlusion of the branch coronary flow in the LAD decreased by 38%, after 130 min by 48%. After 15 min reperfusion the reactive hyperemic response had declined to preocclusion levels. A statistically significant difference in the occurence of reperfusion arrhythmias between the arwin -treated group (25%) and control group (39%) could not be evaluated. There was no evidence that a decrease in blood viscosity produced by lowering of fibrinogen concentration concomitantly with coronary occlusion could reduce electrocardiographic assessment of myocardial injury. Conversely, the effects of arwin on impending infarction and severe angina pectoris cannot be predicted from these results. An increase in infarct size, however, which could have occurred after infusion of arwin leading to microembolization by fibrinogen degradation products was never observed.", "PMID": 1007385} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10759", "title": "[Congenital defects of the left-sided pericardium].", "content": "Three patients with congenital absence of the left pericardium and one patient with a partial left pericardial defect are described. Congenital absence of the left pericardium is characterized roentgenologically by levoposition of the heart, a prominent pulmonary artery segment and cardiac apex, interposition of lung between the left hemidiaphragm and the base of the heart, and unusual mobility of the heart. The electrocardiogram frequently shows right axis deviation, an incomplete right bundle branch block and leftward displacement of the transition zone in the precordial leeds. The anomaly has often been mistaken for other heart disease. As an isolated anomaly it is benign and does not require any treatment. Patients with a partial defect of the left pericardium can only be diagnosed lcinically if the left atrial appendage herniates through the defect. The herniation produces a protruding shadow along the left heart border and can be demonstrated angiographically and by fluoroscopy. In isolated cases death caused by herniation and strangulation of larger parts of the heart through a partial left pericardial defect has been described.", "contents": "[Congenital defects of the left-sided pericardium]. Three patients with congenital absence of the left pericardium and one patient with a partial left pericardial defect are described. Congenital absence of the left pericardium is characterized roentgenologically by levoposition of the heart, a prominent pulmonary artery segment and cardiac apex, interposition of lung between the left hemidiaphragm and the base of the heart, and unusual mobility of the heart. The electrocardiogram frequently shows right axis deviation, an incomplete right bundle branch block and leftward displacement of the transition zone in the precordial leeds. The anomaly has often been mistaken for other heart disease. As an isolated anomaly it is benign and does not require any treatment. Patients with a partial defect of the left pericardium can only be diagnosed lcinically if the left atrial appendage herniates through the defect. The herniation produces a protruding shadow along the left heart border and can be demonstrated angiographically and by fluoroscopy. In isolated cases death caused by herniation and strangulation of larger parts of the heart through a partial left pericardial defect has been described.", "PMID": 1007386} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10760", "title": "[The natural course of great ventricular septal defect with pulmonary hypertension in childhood].", "content": "The development of pulmonary vascular resistance was studied in 33 children with large ventricular septal defects, whose first heart catheterization had been accomplished during the first year of life and who had been recatheterized at least once before surgery had been performed. In 6 children infundibular stenosis developed, which was already seen during the first investigation in 5 cases. The other 27 patients were divided into 4 groups according to the left to right shunt ( less than 60%' greater than 59%) and to the pulmonary arterial pressure (PPsyst: PSsyst less than 80 : 100; PPsyst: PSsyst greater than 79 : 100). The results show that secondary elevatin of pulmonary vascular resistance after an initial fall is a frequent phenomenon, but that in some cases pulmonary vascular resistance is never low. In some other cases pulmonary vascular resistance does not rise again after the initial fall inspite of a high left to right shunt, sporadically because the defect has become smaller. The results are not in full agreement with the concept of Hoffman and Rudolph, who generally postulate an initial fall of pulmonary vascular resistance and who concede a later elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance only as consequence of a secondary re-increase. The concept of Bloomfield, on the other hand, seems suitable to interprete the different patterns.", "contents": "[The natural course of great ventricular septal defect with pulmonary hypertension in childhood]. The development of pulmonary vascular resistance was studied in 33 children with large ventricular septal defects, whose first heart catheterization had been accomplished during the first year of life and who had been recatheterized at least once before surgery had been performed. In 6 children infundibular stenosis developed, which was already seen during the first investigation in 5 cases. The other 27 patients were divided into 4 groups according to the left to right shunt ( less than 60%' greater than 59%) and to the pulmonary arterial pressure (PPsyst: PSsyst less than 80 : 100; PPsyst: PSsyst greater than 79 : 100). The results show that secondary elevatin of pulmonary vascular resistance after an initial fall is a frequent phenomenon, but that in some cases pulmonary vascular resistance is never low. In some other cases pulmonary vascular resistance does not rise again after the initial fall inspite of a high left to right shunt, sporadically because the defect has become smaller. The results are not in full agreement with the concept of Hoffman and Rudolph, who generally postulate an initial fall of pulmonary vascular resistance and who concede a later elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance only as consequence of a secondary re-increase. The concept of Bloomfield, on the other hand, seems suitable to interprete the different patterns.", "PMID": 1007387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10761", "title": "[Myocardial function of the right ventricle in coronary disease].", "content": "In 19 patients with healed myocardial infraction and normal right ventricular pressures, right and left ventricular volumes (biplane cineangio), ejection fractions and pressures were measured. Twelve of the patients had proximal severe stenosis of the right coronary artery (Group A), which was not diseased in seven patients (Group B). RV mean velocity of diameter shortening (VD) and LV mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening Vcf) were calculated. Group A and B had similar RV systolic pressures (26.3 +/- 1.0 and 24.7 +/- 2.1 mm Hg) and LV hemodynamics (LVP: 127.5 +/- 5.9 and 122.1 +/- mm Hg, LVPED: 13.1 +/- 1.0 and 13.9 +/- 1.0 mm Hg, LVEF: 45.3 +/- 3.8 and 48.4 +/- 4.6%, Vcf: 0.768 +/- 0.114 and 0.861 +/- 0.123 circ/s). Only LVEDV was significantly higher in Group A (135.3 +/- 6.0 and 103.7 +/- 5.4 ml/m2). RVEDV (Group A: 131.4 +/- 4.5 and Group B: 87.9 +/- 4.8 ml/m2), RVEF (48.8 +/- 1.9 and 56.0 +/- 1.0%), RVPED (6.1 +/- 0.8 and 4.0 +/- 0.4 mm Hg) and VD (0.628 +/- 0.049 and 1.073 +/- 0.082 D/s) indicated significantly impaired RV function in Group A. It can be concluded that coronary artery disease of the right coronary causes significant functional impairment of the right ventricular myocardium.", "contents": "[Myocardial function of the right ventricle in coronary disease]. In 19 patients with healed myocardial infraction and normal right ventricular pressures, right and left ventricular volumes (biplane cineangio), ejection fractions and pressures were measured. Twelve of the patients had proximal severe stenosis of the right coronary artery (Group A), which was not diseased in seven patients (Group B). RV mean velocity of diameter shortening (VD) and LV mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening Vcf) were calculated. Group A and B had similar RV systolic pressures (26.3 +/- 1.0 and 24.7 +/- 2.1 mm Hg) and LV hemodynamics (LVP: 127.5 +/- 5.9 and 122.1 +/- mm Hg, LVPED: 13.1 +/- 1.0 and 13.9 +/- 1.0 mm Hg, LVEF: 45.3 +/- 3.8 and 48.4 +/- 4.6%, Vcf: 0.768 +/- 0.114 and 0.861 +/- 0.123 circ/s). Only LVEDV was significantly higher in Group A (135.3 +/- 6.0 and 103.7 +/- 5.4 ml/m2). RVEDV (Group A: 131.4 +/- 4.5 and Group B: 87.9 +/- 4.8 ml/m2), RVEF (48.8 +/- 1.9 and 56.0 +/- 1.0%), RVPED (6.1 +/- 0.8 and 4.0 +/- 0.4 mm Hg) and VD (0.628 +/- 0.049 and 1.073 +/- 0.082 D/s) indicated significantly impaired RV function in Group A. It can be concluded that coronary artery disease of the right coronary causes significant functional impairment of the right ventricular myocardium.", "PMID": 1007388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10762", "title": "[Volume parameters of the right and left ventricles in coronary disease with and without myocardial infarct].", "content": "In 58 patients (pts) with coronary heart disease volume parameters of both ventricles were determined from two angiograms . Four groups of pts were formed according to localization of left ventricular damage: group I (24 PTS) without myocardial infarction, group II (17 pts) with anterior wall infarction (AWI), group III (9pts) with inferior wall infarction (IWI), and group IV (8 pts) with AW and IWI. In group I enddiastolic volume (EDV) of the left ventricle (LV) was 135 +/- 61 ml/1.73 m2, of the right ventricle (RV) 145 +/- 62 ml/1.73 m2, the ejection fraction (EF) 74% (LV) and 66% (RV). In group II EDV of LV increased significantly (194 +/- 88) and EF decreased to 50%, whereas EDV and EF of RV remaine unchanged. In group III EDV (LV 160 +/- 46, RV 172 +/- 95) of both ventricles was increased and EF (LV 57%, RV 58%) decreased, In group IV a more pronounced increase in EDV (LV 218 +1- 58, RV 181 +/- 30) and decrease in EF (LV 46%, RV 48%) was seen. A disturbance in contraction of RV was observed only in cases with IWI of LV. In contrast to LV, a diffuse impairment of RV occured. It was assumed that in RV disturbances in contraction exceeded the extent of scarred areas which might be explained by partially reversible ischemic disturbances of function.", "contents": "[Volume parameters of the right and left ventricles in coronary disease with and without myocardial infarct]. In 58 patients (pts) with coronary heart disease volume parameters of both ventricles were determined from two angiograms . Four groups of pts were formed according to localization of left ventricular damage: group I (24 PTS) without myocardial infarction, group II (17 pts) with anterior wall infarction (AWI), group III (9pts) with inferior wall infarction (IWI), and group IV (8 pts) with AW and IWI. In group I enddiastolic volume (EDV) of the left ventricle (LV) was 135 +/- 61 ml/1.73 m2, of the right ventricle (RV) 145 +/- 62 ml/1.73 m2, the ejection fraction (EF) 74% (LV) and 66% (RV). In group II EDV of LV increased significantly (194 +/- 88) and EF decreased to 50%, whereas EDV and EF of RV remaine unchanged. In group III EDV (LV 160 +/- 46, RV 172 +/- 95) of both ventricles was increased and EF (LV 57%, RV 58%) decreased, In group IV a more pronounced increase in EDV (LV 218 +1- 58, RV 181 +/- 30) and decrease in EF (LV 46%, RV 48%) was seen. A disturbance in contraction of RV was observed only in cases with IWI of LV. In contrast to LV, a diffuse impairment of RV occured. It was assumed that in RV disturbances in contraction exceeded the extent of scarred areas which might be explained by partially reversible ischemic disturbances of function.", "PMID": 1007389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10763", "title": "[Heart diagnostics using M-mode echography. Continuing registration of transverse internal left ventricular diameters. II. Determination in patients with myocardial insufficiency with special reference to ischemic heart disease].", "content": "Relative Cross-sectional area Differences (RCD) and Relative mean Velocity of Contraction (RVC) are easily, quickly and precisely determined by means of impulse-reflected ultrasound. They were recognized to be highly invariant under physiological conditions and thus were considered as sensitively regulated heart-dynamic-parameters. (his paper reports about a total of 395 examinations on patients with myocardial disease and on normal subjects. Various pathogenic factors are included excepting patients with myocardial infarction. In all subgroups there is a decrease of RCD and RVC with increasing degrees of cardiac disease. Correlating the angiocardiographically determined left-ventricular ejection fraction with both parameters, they show a significant linear relationship. Even in clinically latent myocardial disease the echocardiographic parameters are defnitely reduced. Small changes of myocardial function, e.g. under digoxin and in different degrees of uremic heart disease with uremic cardiomyopathy, can be recognized by RCD and RVC under exclusion of extracardiac factors. Physical tests during exercise confirm the observed trends. The typical changes of the echocardiographic parameters in myocardial disease, permitting a sharp discrimination of pathologic values with their small physiological variability, identify RCD and RVC as sensitive parameters of the mechanical function of the myocardium in the range of validity that was examined. The described properties and the lack of discomfort to the patient suggest a number of important indications of this method.", "contents": "[Heart diagnostics using M-mode echography. Continuing registration of transverse internal left ventricular diameters. II. Determination in patients with myocardial insufficiency with special reference to ischemic heart disease]. Relative Cross-sectional area Differences (RCD) and Relative mean Velocity of Contraction (RVC) are easily, quickly and precisely determined by means of impulse-reflected ultrasound. They were recognized to be highly invariant under physiological conditions and thus were considered as sensitively regulated heart-dynamic-parameters. (his paper reports about a total of 395 examinations on patients with myocardial disease and on normal subjects. Various pathogenic factors are included excepting patients with myocardial infarction. In all subgroups there is a decrease of RCD and RVC with increasing degrees of cardiac disease. Correlating the angiocardiographically determined left-ventricular ejection fraction with both parameters, they show a significant linear relationship. Even in clinically latent myocardial disease the echocardiographic parameters are defnitely reduced. Small changes of myocardial function, e.g. under digoxin and in different degrees of uremic heart disease with uremic cardiomyopathy, can be recognized by RCD and RVC under exclusion of extracardiac factors. Physical tests during exercise confirm the observed trends. The typical changes of the echocardiographic parameters in myocardial disease, permitting a sharp discrimination of pathologic values with their small physiological variability, identify RCD and RVC as sensitive parameters of the mechanical function of the myocardium in the range of validity that was examined. The described properties and the lack of discomfort to the patient suggest a number of important indications of this method.", "PMID": 1007390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10764", "title": "[Measurements of the tensile force in the halo-pelvic apparatus and in the halo-Milwaukee brace (author' transl)].", "content": "A measuring device for static and dynamic recordings of the tensile force in the halo-pelvic apparatus and in the halo-Milwaukee brace was developed. The results present a survey of the tensil forces being effective during the preoperative traction in dependence on the extension distance and the duration of the treatment. The considerable variations of the tensile force, especially the high peak values, which were recorded during the normal day-to-day routine of the patients in the ward room, lead to the conclusion, that halo-gravity or halo-femoral traction is to be preferred to traction by the halo-pelvic apparatus or by the halo-Milwaukee-brace.", "contents": "[Measurements of the tensile force in the halo-pelvic apparatus and in the halo-Milwaukee brace (author' transl)]. A measuring device for static and dynamic recordings of the tensile force in the halo-pelvic apparatus and in the halo-Milwaukee brace was developed. The results present a survey of the tensil forces being effective during the preoperative traction in dependence on the extension distance and the duration of the treatment. The considerable variations of the tensile force, especially the high peak values, which were recorded during the normal day-to-day routine of the patients in the ward room, lead to the conclusion, that halo-gravity or halo-femoral traction is to be preferred to traction by the halo-pelvic apparatus or by the halo-Milwaukee-brace.", "PMID": 1007503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10765", "title": "Biographical situation of scoliotic children and their relationship to the social environment(author's transl).", "content": "Studies were conducted to determine whenther or not scoliosis in childhood affects the behavior and experience of the affected children. Two groups of scoliotic and nonscoliotic children were examined with selected psychological tests. No differences could be found in regard to neuroticism, extraversion, manifest fear or the children's self-image. Differences were found in regard to the social environment which scoliotic children experienced as more demanding and supportive. As a result they were more concerned with achievement in a performance situation and more confident of success. The type and extent of the psychological effects of scoliosis is determined by the position accorded to the children by the social environment. Negative consequences can best be dealt with by educating the parents.", "contents": "Biographical situation of scoliotic children and their relationship to the social environment(author's transl). Studies were conducted to determine whenther or not scoliosis in childhood affects the behavior and experience of the affected children. Two groups of scoliotic and nonscoliotic children were examined with selected psychological tests. No differences could be found in regard to neuroticism, extraversion, manifest fear or the children's self-image. Differences were found in regard to the social environment which scoliotic children experienced as more demanding and supportive. As a result they were more concerned with achievement in a performance situation and more confident of success. The type and extent of the psychological effects of scoliosis is determined by the position accorded to the children by the social environment. Negative consequences can best be dealt with by educating the parents.", "PMID": 1007504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10766", "title": "[Morphology and mechanics of rotation of the small joint in the lumbar vertebra (author's transl)].", "content": "Using macerated and nonmacerated lumbar vertebrae and/or whole lumbar vertebral columns as well as x-rays, the attempt was made to contribute to the knowledge of the mechanics of the small joint in the lumbar section of the spinal column on the basis of the shape of the joint surfaces. The joint surfaces of the lumbar vertebral column deviate from the usual demonstration of primarily angular surfaces. Right and left joint surfaces of a locomotor segment do not lie on the same geometrical plane, i.e., there is nothing like a common right and left curvature center. As a result, conclusions can be drawn in regard to the role played by the small joint of the lumbar vertebral column under the various types of strain during movement, particularly during rotation. The relation of the small joint in rotation positions was demonstrated radiographically in isolated preparations of individual locomotor segments.", "contents": "[Morphology and mechanics of rotation of the small joint in the lumbar vertebra (author's transl)]. Using macerated and nonmacerated lumbar vertebrae and/or whole lumbar vertebral columns as well as x-rays, the attempt was made to contribute to the knowledge of the mechanics of the small joint in the lumbar section of the spinal column on the basis of the shape of the joint surfaces. The joint surfaces of the lumbar vertebral column deviate from the usual demonstration of primarily angular surfaces. Right and left joint surfaces of a locomotor segment do not lie on the same geometrical plane, i.e., there is nothing like a common right and left curvature center. As a result, conclusions can be drawn in regard to the role played by the small joint of the lumbar vertebral column under the various types of strain during movement, particularly during rotation. The relation of the small joint in rotation positions was demonstrated radiographically in isolated preparations of individual locomotor segments.", "PMID": 1007505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10767", "title": "[Plastic substitutes for old cruciate ligament ruptures. I. Material, methods, and indications (author's transl)].", "content": "A report was made of 101 old cruciate ligament ruptures which were reconstructed at the Orthopedic Hospital in Munich between 1963 and 1975. On the basis of this material, it was confirmed that the anterior ligament is predominantly affected. Injuries of the knee ligaments and, therefore, the cruciate ligaments were acquired by 67 of the 101 patients during the course of sport activity. Football had a particularly high injury quota. Single, isolated cruciate ligament injury was found in 17 cases. Combination injuries with stress on the medial structures of the knee joint were found in 84 cases. 39 cases came to surgery more than 2 years after the accident. In 29 cases, some type of surgery had been carried out previously. The measures used to restore function of the cruciate ligament in addition to tightening the anterior cruciate ligament were Br\u00fcckner-plasty using the distally flapped medial third of the ligamentum patellae, the free ligamentum-patellae transplant, Augustine-plasty, distally flapped tendoplasty from the pes-anserinus group, Hey-Groves fasciaplasty as well as anterior cruciate ligament-plasty using the ventrally flapped internal meniscus. The necessity of reconstructing additional ligamentous lesions to eliminate complex instabilities was stressed. A plaster fixation is always carried out postoperatively in the lying cast on the thigh. This plaster fixation is completed by restorative measures at the collateral ligaments through a pelvic girdle. Remobilization should begin 6 weeks after the operation. Its length as well as the final result is determined by the condition of the joint before treatment, the technique applied and the postoperative complications.", "contents": "[Plastic substitutes for old cruciate ligament ruptures. I. Material, methods, and indications (author's transl)]. A report was made of 101 old cruciate ligament ruptures which were reconstructed at the Orthopedic Hospital in Munich between 1963 and 1975. On the basis of this material, it was confirmed that the anterior ligament is predominantly affected. Injuries of the knee ligaments and, therefore, the cruciate ligaments were acquired by 67 of the 101 patients during the course of sport activity. Football had a particularly high injury quota. Single, isolated cruciate ligament injury was found in 17 cases. Combination injuries with stress on the medial structures of the knee joint were found in 84 cases. 39 cases came to surgery more than 2 years after the accident. In 29 cases, some type of surgery had been carried out previously. The measures used to restore function of the cruciate ligament in addition to tightening the anterior cruciate ligament were Br\u00fcckner-plasty using the distally flapped medial third of the ligamentum patellae, the free ligamentum-patellae transplant, Augustine-plasty, distally flapped tendoplasty from the pes-anserinus group, Hey-Groves fasciaplasty as well as anterior cruciate ligament-plasty using the ventrally flapped internal meniscus. The necessity of reconstructing additional ligamentous lesions to eliminate complex instabilities was stressed. A plaster fixation is always carried out postoperatively in the lying cast on the thigh. This plaster fixation is completed by restorative measures at the collateral ligaments through a pelvic girdle. Remobilization should begin 6 weeks after the operation. Its length as well as the final result is determined by the condition of the joint before treatment, the technique applied and the postoperative complications.", "PMID": 1007506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10768", "title": "[The plastic replacement of old ruptured cruciate ligaments. II. Late results (author's transl)].", "content": "We discuss the results of postoperative examinations of 66 patients, who were treated at the Orthopaedic Hospital of the University of Munich by different methods of ligament grafts for old ruptures of the cruciate ligaments. Distally attached tendons of the pes anserinus group as replacement material show better results than distally attached medial thirds of the patella tendon. Biomechanical reasons are discussed, which have led to the changing of this method by using the medial one third of the patella ligament as a free graft. Advantages and disadvantages of fascia lata and the meniscus as a cruciate graft are discussed, a final judgement of the long term results is impossible with their small number of cases. In total an agreable subjective result was achieved in two thirds of the cases (60.6 per cent), an objective result from \"very good\" to \"agreable\" in more than three quarters of all cases (86.4 percent) be reparative procedures at the crucitate ligaments. Tightening or grafting of the collateral ligaments are discussed for its influence on the result of the cruciate graft. It is found, that with insufficient lateral stabilisation of the joint an eventually remaining anterior-posterior instability is increased as a rotatory instability. Finally it can be said, that only the repair of the loose posterior capsule in all ligament grafting procedures can lead to a final stabilisation of the knee joint.", "contents": "[The plastic replacement of old ruptured cruciate ligaments. II. Late results (author's transl)]. We discuss the results of postoperative examinations of 66 patients, who were treated at the Orthopaedic Hospital of the University of Munich by different methods of ligament grafts for old ruptures of the cruciate ligaments. Distally attached tendons of the pes anserinus group as replacement material show better results than distally attached medial thirds of the patella tendon. Biomechanical reasons are discussed, which have led to the changing of this method by using the medial one third of the patella ligament as a free graft. Advantages and disadvantages of fascia lata and the meniscus as a cruciate graft are discussed, a final judgement of the long term results is impossible with their small number of cases. In total an agreable subjective result was achieved in two thirds of the cases (60.6 per cent), an objective result from \"very good\" to \"agreable\" in more than three quarters of all cases (86.4 percent) be reparative procedures at the crucitate ligaments. Tightening or grafting of the collateral ligaments are discussed for its influence on the result of the cruciate graft. It is found, that with insufficient lateral stabilisation of the joint an eventually remaining anterior-posterior instability is increased as a rotatory instability. Finally it can be said, that only the repair of the loose posterior capsule in all ligament grafting procedures can lead to a final stabilisation of the knee joint.", "PMID": 1007507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10769", "title": "[Scan microscopic investigation of human industrial fluorosis (author's transl)].", "content": "We examined the bones of 3 people in various stages of industrial fluorosis. Scan microscopic studies were conducted on the periosteal surface and the fracture surfaces of ribs, tibia and vault of the cranium. In the mild form of fluorosis, we found slight swelling and impregnation with globular and crystalline material in the periosteal collagenous fibers. The impregnation and swelling increases and, in severe cases of fluorosis, an irregular orientation of abnormal fine fibers and thick deposits on the bone surfaces occurs. The radiating fibers of muscle and tendon insertions were apparently mineralized first. Atypia of the bone collegan was found which involved the collagenous fibers, the basic substance and their mineralization as well as the ossification process itself. The scan microscopic findings were compared with the normal histology for fluorosis and discussed.", "contents": "[Scan microscopic investigation of human industrial fluorosis (author's transl)]. We examined the bones of 3 people in various stages of industrial fluorosis. Scan microscopic studies were conducted on the periosteal surface and the fracture surfaces of ribs, tibia and vault of the cranium. In the mild form of fluorosis, we found slight swelling and impregnation with globular and crystalline material in the periosteal collagenous fibers. The impregnation and swelling increases and, in severe cases of fluorosis, an irregular orientation of abnormal fine fibers and thick deposits on the bone surfaces occurs. The radiating fibers of muscle and tendon insertions were apparently mineralized first. Atypia of the bone collegan was found which involved the collagenous fibers, the basic substance and their mineralization as well as the ossification process itself. The scan microscopic findings were compared with the normal histology for fluorosis and discussed.", "PMID": 1007508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10770", "title": "[Osteopoikilosos (author's transl)].", "content": "In Rumania, 26 cases of osteopoikilosis (20 males, 6 females) have been discovered. Five of these cases were familial (hereditary). Only 1 patient also had disseminated lenticular dermatofibrosis. All of the cases were discovered accidentally. All of the cases exibited the classic form of osteopoikilosis with stippling. Evaluation of the cases showed that various osteopoikilosis could be found in the same family and that probably the appearance of the condensation zones was related to the type of stress to which the bones are subjected (particularly pressure). Many cases show a tendency toward calcification in other tissues and not just in the bones (costal cartilage, periosteal reactions, lungs). In one case, a biopsy was made and a swelling of the trabeculae of the bone as well as cartilagenous proliferation was established.", "contents": "[Osteopoikilosos (author's transl)]. In Rumania, 26 cases of osteopoikilosis (20 males, 6 females) have been discovered. Five of these cases were familial (hereditary). Only 1 patient also had disseminated lenticular dermatofibrosis. All of the cases were discovered accidentally. All of the cases exibited the classic form of osteopoikilosis with stippling. Evaluation of the cases showed that various osteopoikilosis could be found in the same family and that probably the appearance of the condensation zones was related to the type of stress to which the bones are subjected (particularly pressure). Many cases show a tendency toward calcification in other tissues and not just in the bones (costal cartilage, periosteal reactions, lungs). In one case, a biopsy was made and a swelling of the trabeculae of the bone as well as cartilagenous proliferation was established.", "PMID": 1007509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10771", "title": "[Fracture of the acetabulum in old Charnley prostheses (author's transl)].", "content": "A report was made of 35 Charnley prostheses implanted between 1962 and 1965. The occurring complications were discussed. In an exceptionally high number of these complications, fracture of the acetabulum proved to be the most important factor. Causes and predisposing factors were presented. Finally, reference was made to the significance of some of the experiences acquired on the basis of the long-term results which were published in this form for the first time.", "contents": "[Fracture of the acetabulum in old Charnley prostheses (author's transl)]. A report was made of 35 Charnley prostheses implanted between 1962 and 1965. The occurring complications were discussed. In an exceptionally high number of these complications, fracture of the acetabulum proved to be the most important factor. Causes and predisposing factors were presented. Finally, reference was made to the significance of some of the experiences acquired on the basis of the long-term results which were published in this form for the first time.", "PMID": 1007510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10772", "title": "[Radiologic signs of severe head transformation disorders arising with the treatment of the congenital dislocation of the hip (author's transl)].", "content": "After a general review of the pertinent literature, a classification of the head transformation disorders arising with the dislocation of the hip in degrees of severity (stages of development) is made with the help of the patients of the above-mentioned hospital. The significance of the different head transformation disorders as a warning sign for the development of a later head necrosis is shown in a subdivided form. The condensation, either a partial or a complete one, has the most unfavourable prognosis. The text is illistrated with series of radiographs of own cases.", "contents": "[Radiologic signs of severe head transformation disorders arising with the treatment of the congenital dislocation of the hip (author's transl)]. After a general review of the pertinent literature, a classification of the head transformation disorders arising with the dislocation of the hip in degrees of severity (stages of development) is made with the help of the patients of the above-mentioned hospital. The significance of the different head transformation disorders as a warning sign for the development of a later head necrosis is shown in a subdivided form. The condensation, either a partial or a complete one, has the most unfavourable prognosis. The text is illistrated with series of radiographs of own cases.", "PMID": 1007511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10773", "title": "[Treatment of undesirable results following operations on the proximal end of the femur in children (author's transl)].", "content": "The initial results following operations on the proximal end of the femur in children may not be permanent. They are frequently altered by further growth of the bone. This influence of growth on the operative result cannot always be predicted. The author reports 6 cases with poor results following operations on the proximal end of the femus. In 3 children varus-rotation osteotomies resulted in pseudarthrosis and/or severe angulation. Resection of a solitary bone cyst and operative treatment of fractures of the proximal femur in 2 other cases produced similar complications. Treatment of these undesirable results consisted of osteotomy with correction in all 3 dimensions and medial displacement of the shaft under the neck of the femur. Fixation of the fragments was obtained with traction-bracing according to Pauwels. The early results were good in all cases. The author concludes that an operation on the proximal end of the femur in children is indicated only when absolutely necessary and when it is fairly certain that growth cannot alter the results unfavorably. Only those procedures should be recommended which have been shown to give satisfactory results in an adequate number of cases that remain unaltered throughout the entire growth period.", "contents": "[Treatment of undesirable results following operations on the proximal end of the femur in children (author's transl)]. The initial results following operations on the proximal end of the femur in children may not be permanent. They are frequently altered by further growth of the bone. This influence of growth on the operative result cannot always be predicted. The author reports 6 cases with poor results following operations on the proximal end of the femus. In 3 children varus-rotation osteotomies resulted in pseudarthrosis and/or severe angulation. Resection of a solitary bone cyst and operative treatment of fractures of the proximal femur in 2 other cases produced similar complications. Treatment of these undesirable results consisted of osteotomy with correction in all 3 dimensions and medial displacement of the shaft under the neck of the femur. Fixation of the fragments was obtained with traction-bracing according to Pauwels. The early results were good in all cases. The author concludes that an operation on the proximal end of the femur in children is indicated only when absolutely necessary and when it is fairly certain that growth cannot alter the results unfavorably. Only those procedures should be recommended which have been shown to give satisfactory results in an adequate number of cases that remain unaltered throughout the entire growth period.", "PMID": 1007512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10774", "title": "[Coxa valga in childhood. Does it need treatment? (author's transl)].", "content": "Coxa valga in a child is not necessarily a pathological condition which needs treatment as long as the acetabulum shows adequate development for the patients age and constitution. Varus osteotomy is not indicated in these cases and may even result in poor development of the hip following operation. The author demonstrates a case in which fracture of the femoral neck on one side healed in varus position. Varus osteotomy was subsequently done on the other side to equalize both hips. This resulted in extreme valgus position and narrowing of the joint space of both hips at puberty. The neck-shaft angle of the femur changes constantly during childhool. Valgus position of the femoral neck with good development of the acetabulum occurs frequently and does not lead to secondary osteoarthritis in later life. Prophylactic correction by varus osteotomy should therefore be abandoned unless there is true dysplasia of the hip.", "contents": "[Coxa valga in childhood. Does it need treatment? (author's transl)]. Coxa valga in a child is not necessarily a pathological condition which needs treatment as long as the acetabulum shows adequate development for the patients age and constitution. Varus osteotomy is not indicated in these cases and may even result in poor development of the hip following operation. The author demonstrates a case in which fracture of the femoral neck on one side healed in varus position. Varus osteotomy was subsequently done on the other side to equalize both hips. This resulted in extreme valgus position and narrowing of the joint space of both hips at puberty. The neck-shaft angle of the femur changes constantly during childhool. Valgus position of the femoral neck with good development of the acetabulum occurs frequently and does not lead to secondary osteoarthritis in later life. Prophylactic correction by varus osteotomy should therefore be abandoned unless there is true dysplasia of the hip.", "PMID": 1007513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10775", "title": "[Relationship between calcium salt content in the trunk skeleton and the extremities (calcaneus measurement) (author's transl)].", "content": "No statistically significant correlation could be found in a comparative investigation regarding the mineral salt content of the calcaneus and the first lumbar vertebral body in the same test person. Conclusions based on localized individual measurements of the mineral salt content of the calcaneus for the respective vertebral body are, in our opinion not possible with the desired exactness. For orthopedic surgeons in the private practice, only the interpreation of a x-ray of the vertebral column can be used in addition to clinical and laboratory findings to diagnose the onset of generalized osteoporosis. In order to keep the source of error as low as possible in the attempt to diagnose osteoporosis from an x-ray, constant, reproduceable conditions for taking the x-ray (same film,same lighting, same film development and same x-ray focus on the same part of the skeleton) must be used for observing the course of the disease.", "contents": "[Relationship between calcium salt content in the trunk skeleton and the extremities (calcaneus measurement) (author's transl)]. No statistically significant correlation could be found in a comparative investigation regarding the mineral salt content of the calcaneus and the first lumbar vertebral body in the same test person. Conclusions based on localized individual measurements of the mineral salt content of the calcaneus for the respective vertebral body are, in our opinion not possible with the desired exactness. For orthopedic surgeons in the private practice, only the interpreation of a x-ray of the vertebral column can be used in addition to clinical and laboratory findings to diagnose the onset of generalized osteoporosis. In order to keep the source of error as low as possible in the attempt to diagnose osteoporosis from an x-ray, constant, reproduceable conditions for taking the x-ray (same film,same lighting, same film development and same x-ray focus on the same part of the skeleton) must be used for observing the course of the disease.", "PMID": 1007514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10776", "title": "[Research concerning carriage of school-children (author's transl)].", "content": "By this research the percentage of school-children living in a mainly rural district in Nether Saxony whose carriage is endangered is to be stated and besides that it is to be examined whether and how far orthopedic training, practised by special nurses for physical training, can help to improve their carriage.", "contents": "[Research concerning carriage of school-children (author's transl)]. By this research the percentage of school-children living in a mainly rural district in Nether Saxony whose carriage is endangered is to be stated and besides that it is to be examined whether and how far orthopedic training, practised by special nurses for physical training, can help to improve their carriage.", "PMID": 1007516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10777", "title": "[The anterior instability of the ankle joint in lateral ligament lesions (author's transl)].", "content": "In 50 unbiased ligamentous ruptures of the lateral ankle the anterior and the lateral instability of the ankle was evaluated by x-ray-pictures under strain. With increasing talar tilt the anterior instability also increased. But in some cases an isolated anterior and an isolated lateral instability could be found. The routine use of the x-ray-picture under strain in the sagittal plane is recommended, because the isolated rupture of the anterior fibulotalar ligament can be detected only by this mean.", "contents": "[The anterior instability of the ankle joint in lateral ligament lesions (author's transl)]. In 50 unbiased ligamentous ruptures of the lateral ankle the anterior and the lateral instability of the ankle was evaluated by x-ray-pictures under strain. With increasing talar tilt the anterior instability also increased. But in some cases an isolated anterior and an isolated lateral instability could be found. The routine use of the x-ray-picture under strain in the sagittal plane is recommended, because the isolated rupture of the anterior fibulotalar ligament can be detected only by this mean.", "PMID": 1007517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10778", "title": "Subcutaneous arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis.", "content": "Arteriovenous fistula is now an accepted method of vascular access for hemodialysis in chronic end-stage renal disease. The arteriovenous fistula constructed is based on the status of the forearm vessels. Our results were satisfactory and comparable to other dialysis centers.", "contents": "Subcutaneous arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis. Arteriovenous fistula is now an accepted method of vascular access for hemodialysis in chronic end-stage renal disease. The arteriovenous fistula constructed is based on the status of the forearm vessels. Our results were satisfactory and comparable to other dialysis centers.", "PMID": 1007527} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10779", "title": "[Sialadenosis of the parotid gland. Ultrastructural, clinical and experimental findings in disturbances of secretion (author's transl)].", "content": "Among the secretory disturbances (\"Dyschylien\") of salivary glands the sialadenosis of the parotid gland is a clinic and a morphologic definited entity. The typical clinical symptom is a bilateral, often recurrent, and painless swelling of the parotid gland. The characteristic pathological findings consist in an acinar cell hypertrophy without any inflammatory signs. According to this definition, sialadenosis has to be separated from those diseases of salivary glands, which are primarily altered by inflammation of the salivary tissue with secondary secretory disturbances. From flinical point of view it is possible to distinguish the following kinds of sialadenosis according to the syntropy with various diseases: Endocrine sialadenosis (in diabetes mellitus, dysfunction of gonads, pituitary gland, thyroid gland etc.); dystrophic-metabolic sialadenosis (malnutrition, avitaminosis, alcohilsm, chronic liver diseases etc.), and neurogenic sialadenosis (dysfunction of the vegetative nervous system, drug damages e.g. antihypertensive agents). The question arises, whether all forms of sialadenosis have a common etiology and a coincidental pathogenic factor. The following studies were carried out with the aim to find further details concerning the etiology and pathogenesis of sialadenosis. The study is based on the following material: a) 126 Biopsies of parotid glands from patients with sialadenosis (Register of salivary gland diseases at the Institute of Pathology, University of Hamburg, supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft). This material was collected from 1965 to 1973. b) 80 Biopsies of parotid glands from patients with other diseases (parotitis [4]; acinic cell carcinoma [4]; other parotid and oral tumors [72]; for comparison. c) Experimental studies on the parotid salivary glands of Wistar-rats. The biopsies of the parotid glands were studied histologically, morphometrically, and ultrastructurally. The investigations centered on the ultrastruct of sialadenosis. Before interpreting the ultrastructural findings in view of etiology and pathogenesis of sialadenosis, it was primarily necessary to study the normal ultrastructure of the human parotid gland including the vegetative nervous system. Furthermore it was necessary to elucidate details of a functional morphology of the secretory cycle and to integrade the findings into a concept of general pathology of secretory disturbances. The following results were achieved by our investigations: 1. Normal ultrastructure of human parotid gland: The architecture of the acinar cells is identical with these of other animal species (cytoplasm with a basal standing nucleus, rough endoplasmatic reticulum, Golgi-apparatus, secretory granules etc.). Further identical elements are intercalated and striated ducts, myoepithelial cells, and the vegetative nervous system (postganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic neurites, however no ganglionic cells in the parotid gland)...", "contents": "[Sialadenosis of the parotid gland. Ultrastructural, clinical and experimental findings in disturbances of secretion (author's transl)]. Among the secretory disturbances (\"Dyschylien\") of salivary glands the sialadenosis of the parotid gland is a clinic and a morphologic definited entity. The typical clinical symptom is a bilateral, often recurrent, and painless swelling of the parotid gland. The characteristic pathological findings consist in an acinar cell hypertrophy without any inflammatory signs. According to this definition, sialadenosis has to be separated from those diseases of salivary glands, which are primarily altered by inflammation of the salivary tissue with secondary secretory disturbances. From flinical point of view it is possible to distinguish the following kinds of sialadenosis according to the syntropy with various diseases: Endocrine sialadenosis (in diabetes mellitus, dysfunction of gonads, pituitary gland, thyroid gland etc.); dystrophic-metabolic sialadenosis (malnutrition, avitaminosis, alcohilsm, chronic liver diseases etc.), and neurogenic sialadenosis (dysfunction of the vegetative nervous system, drug damages e.g. antihypertensive agents). The question arises, whether all forms of sialadenosis have a common etiology and a coincidental pathogenic factor. The following studies were carried out with the aim to find further details concerning the etiology and pathogenesis of sialadenosis. The study is based on the following material: a) 126 Biopsies of parotid glands from patients with sialadenosis (Register of salivary gland diseases at the Institute of Pathology, University of Hamburg, supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft). This material was collected from 1965 to 1973. b) 80 Biopsies of parotid glands from patients with other diseases (parotitis [4]; acinic cell carcinoma [4]; other parotid and oral tumors [72]; for comparison. c) Experimental studies on the parotid salivary glands of Wistar-rats. The biopsies of the parotid glands were studied histologically, morphometrically, and ultrastructurally. The investigations centered on the ultrastruct of sialadenosis. Before interpreting the ultrastructural findings in view of etiology and pathogenesis of sialadenosis, it was primarily necessary to study the normal ultrastructure of the human parotid gland including the vegetative nervous system. Furthermore it was necessary to elucidate details of a functional morphology of the secretory cycle and to integrade the findings into a concept of general pathology of secretory disturbances. The following results were achieved by our investigations: 1. Normal ultrastructure of human parotid gland: The architecture of the acinar cells is identical with these of other animal species (cytoplasm with a basal standing nucleus, rough endoplasmatic reticulum, Golgi-apparatus, secretory granules etc.). Further identical elements are intercalated and striated ducts, myoepithelial cells, and the vegetative nervous system (postganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic neurites, however no ganglionic cells in the parotid gland)...", "PMID": 1007613} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10780", "title": "[Influence of temperature and rate of freezing of bovine muscle on the subcellular distribution of some mitochondrial enzyme (author's transl)].", "content": "Samples of bovine muscle were frozen at -5 degrees, -10 degrees, -20 degrees, -40 degrees, -60 degreese, -80 degreese, and -196 degrees C at slow (about 1 degrees/10 min) and high freezing rate (maximum 1 degrres/0.05 min) and subsequently thawed at room temerature. The changes in the extractable activity (\"total activity\") of the enzymes aconitase (AC), fumarase (FU) succine dehydrogenase (SDH), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), the mitochondrial isozyme of the COT (GOTM) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) by freezing and thawing were studied. Neither the temperature nor the rate of freezing influenced the total activity of these enzymes. The subcellular distribution of these enzymes was investigated by determination of the enzyme activities in the muscle press juice. Freezing at -5 degrees C hat only little influence, but between -10 degrees and -40 degrees or -60 degrees C the release of AC, FU, GOTM and GPT from the mitochondria into the sarcoplasma increased with falling temperature, apparently by increasing damage of the mitochondria. The extent of this effect was not significantly influenced by the rat of freezing. Between -60 degrees and -196 degrees C no further rise of this effect was observed. A release of SDH did not occur at all conditions of freezing. It is suggested that the damage of muscle mitochondria by freezing and thawing is mainly due to a dehydration process.", "contents": "[Influence of temperature and rate of freezing of bovine muscle on the subcellular distribution of some mitochondrial enzyme (author's transl)]. Samples of bovine muscle were frozen at -5 degrees, -10 degrees, -20 degrees, -40 degrees, -60 degreese, -80 degreese, and -196 degrees C at slow (about 1 degrees/10 min) and high freezing rate (maximum 1 degrres/0.05 min) and subsequently thawed at room temerature. The changes in the extractable activity (\"total activity\") of the enzymes aconitase (AC), fumarase (FU) succine dehydrogenase (SDH), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), the mitochondrial isozyme of the COT (GOTM) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) by freezing and thawing were studied. Neither the temperature nor the rate of freezing influenced the total activity of these enzymes. The subcellular distribution of these enzymes was investigated by determination of the enzyme activities in the muscle press juice. Freezing at -5 degrees C hat only little influence, but between -10 degrees and -40 degrees or -60 degrees C the release of AC, FU, GOTM and GPT from the mitochondria into the sarcoplasma increased with falling temperature, apparently by increasing damage of the mitochondria. The extent of this effect was not significantly influenced by the rat of freezing. Between -60 degrees and -196 degrees C no further rise of this effect was observed. A release of SDH did not occur at all conditions of freezing. It is suggested that the damage of muscle mitochondria by freezing and thawing is mainly due to a dehydration process.", "PMID": 1007614} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10781", "title": "[Benzo(a)pyrene contents in smoked fish in dependence of smoking procedure (author's transl)].", "content": "A survey of benzo(a)pyrene contents in 32 samples of smoked fish is given, which had been hot or cold smoked in two different types of kilns. Benzo(a)pyrene contents in 14 smoked fish samples from cans also were determined. The analytical method includes extraction, column and thin layer chromatography and measuring of the fluorescence of the eluated benzo(a)-pyrene in solution. Smoked fishes from kilns with external smoke generation contained less than 1 ppb benzo(a)pyrene in their edible parts, whereas much more than 1 ppb has often been found in products from tradional kilns.", "contents": "[Benzo(a)pyrene contents in smoked fish in dependence of smoking procedure (author's transl)]. A survey of benzo(a)pyrene contents in 32 samples of smoked fish is given, which had been hot or cold smoked in two different types of kilns. Benzo(a)pyrene contents in 14 smoked fish samples from cans also were determined. The analytical method includes extraction, column and thin layer chromatography and measuring of the fluorescence of the eluated benzo(a)-pyrene in solution. Smoked fishes from kilns with external smoke generation contained less than 1 ppb benzo(a)pyrene in their edible parts, whereas much more than 1 ppb has often been found in products from tradional kilns.", "PMID": 1007615} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10782", "title": "[Glutathatione-dehydrogenase of wheat flour. Purification and properties (author's transl)].", "content": "Glutathione: dehydroascorbic acid oxidoreductase (EC 1.8.5.1) has been purified to essential homogeneity by precipitation with (NH4)2SO4, and ion-exchange chromatography on CM-Sephadex and DEAE-cellulose. The molecular weight is 24200 Dalton as determined by SDS-PAG-electrophoresis. The amino acid composition was analysed. The esed. The enzyme ist specific for glutathione as H-donor and it reduces the L-threo-diasteromer faster than the L-erythro- and D-erythro-dehydroascorbic acid. The enzyme is inhibited by iode acetic acid and N-ethyl-maleinimide. Zero-order kinetics was only observed for the hydrogen-acceptor but not for glutathione.", "contents": "[Glutathatione-dehydrogenase of wheat flour. Purification and properties (author's transl)]. Glutathione: dehydroascorbic acid oxidoreductase (EC 1.8.5.1) has been purified to essential homogeneity by precipitation with (NH4)2SO4, and ion-exchange chromatography on CM-Sephadex and DEAE-cellulose. The molecular weight is 24200 Dalton as determined by SDS-PAG-electrophoresis. The amino acid composition was analysed. The esed. The enzyme ist specific for glutathione as H-donor and it reduces the L-threo-diasteromer faster than the L-erythro- and D-erythro-dehydroascorbic acid. The enzyme is inhibited by iode acetic acid and N-ethyl-maleinimide. Zero-order kinetics was only observed for the hydrogen-acceptor but not for glutathione.", "PMID": 1007616} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10783", "title": "[Determination of the solanine-chaconine ratio in potato sprouts and tubers (author's transl)].", "content": "Solanidine glycosides isolated from potato sprouts and tubers were split into sugars and aglycone by acid hydrolysis. The silylethers of these sugars were determined by gaschromatography. From the values thus obtained the solanine-chaconine ratio was calculated.", "contents": "[Determination of the solanine-chaconine ratio in potato sprouts and tubers (author's transl)]. Solanidine glycosides isolated from potato sprouts and tubers were split into sugars and aglycone by acid hydrolysis. The silylethers of these sugars were determined by gaschromatography. From the values thus obtained the solanine-chaconine ratio was calculated.", "PMID": 1007617} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10784", "title": "Differences in L-malate determined enzymatically or titrimetrically in Golden Delicious apples.", "content": "In apples, L-malate was significantly less when estimated by titration with NaOH than by spectrophotometry after enzymatic reduction of NAD+ with malate dehydrogenase. The second method would determine L-malate in the form of salts as well as free acid.", "contents": "Differences in L-malate determined enzymatically or titrimetrically in Golden Delicious apples. In apples, L-malate was significantly less when estimated by titration with NaOH than by spectrophotometry after enzymatic reduction of NAD+ with malate dehydrogenase. The second method would determine L-malate in the form of salts as well as free acid.", "PMID": 1007618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10785", "title": "Identification of volatile compounds in hybrids between raspberry (Rubus idaeus, L.) and arctic bramble (Rubus arciticus, L.).", "content": "The present work is concerned with the aroma of hybrids between raspberry (Rubus idaeus, L.) and arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus, L.). Analyses of the volatiles were performed in three stages. The carbonyl compounds were determined as 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones, the volatile acids and the neutral components separately in a combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometer components separately in a combined gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer using glass capillary columns. Over 70 compounds were identified in the aroma concentrates of the hybrids. The major components included acetic and hexanoic acids, trans 3-penten-1-ol, 2-heptanol, 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol, benzyl alcohol and linalool. 2,5-Dimethyl-4-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-3-furanone together with alpha and beta-ionones, characteristic compounds of arctic bramble and raspberry, respectively, were found in the hybrids in much lower concentrations than in the parent berries. Percentage concentrations of the main components in the volatile oils, together with their approximate concentrations in the press juices, were determined. The contents of the corresponding compounds in arctic bramble and in raspberry are also given.", "contents": "Identification of volatile compounds in hybrids between raspberry (Rubus idaeus, L.) and arctic bramble (Rubus arciticus, L.). The present work is concerned with the aroma of hybrids between raspberry (Rubus idaeus, L.) and arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus, L.). Analyses of the volatiles were performed in three stages. The carbonyl compounds were determined as 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones, the volatile acids and the neutral components separately in a combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometer components separately in a combined gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer using glass capillary columns. Over 70 compounds were identified in the aroma concentrates of the hybrids. The major components included acetic and hexanoic acids, trans 3-penten-1-ol, 2-heptanol, 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol, benzyl alcohol and linalool. 2,5-Dimethyl-4-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-3-furanone together with alpha and beta-ionones, characteristic compounds of arctic bramble and raspberry, respectively, were found in the hybrids in much lower concentrations than in the parent berries. Percentage concentrations of the main components in the volatile oils, together with their approximate concentrations in the press juices, were determined. The contents of the corresponding compounds in arctic bramble and in raspberry are also given.", "PMID": 1007619} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10786", "title": "[A rapid method for the determination of quinine in soft drinks and other aqueous solutions (author's transl)].", "content": "Quinine is determined quantitatively with a liquid-chromatographic method in various solutions using silica as a stationary and methanol + 0.5% ammonia as a mobile phase. The approximate concentrations of quinine were found to be between 50.0 to 72.0 mg/1 in the soft-drinks investigated. Beers, which were also investigated do not content quinine. The method presented is also useful for determining quinine in aqueous solutions of various origin.", "contents": "[A rapid method for the determination of quinine in soft drinks and other aqueous solutions (author's transl)]. Quinine is determined quantitatively with a liquid-chromatographic method in various solutions using silica as a stationary and methanol + 0.5% ammonia as a mobile phase. The approximate concentrations of quinine were found to be between 50.0 to 72.0 mg/1 in the soft-drinks investigated. Beers, which were also investigated do not content quinine. The method presented is also useful for determining quinine in aqueous solutions of various origin.", "PMID": 1007620} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10787", "title": "[Investigations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cigarette smoke (author's transl)].", "content": "Polycyclic aromatic hydrobarbons (PAH), which are responsible for most of the carcinogenic activity of cigarette smoke were isolated from smoke condensate by distribution steps and chromatographic methods. The fractions containing substances in the range fluorence to chrysen were investigated by gaschromatography and mass-spectrometry. 150 substances were characterized. Unsubstituted PAH, alkyl-substituted PAH and O-heterocyclic compounds were identified.", "contents": "[Investigations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cigarette smoke (author's transl)]. Polycyclic aromatic hydrobarbons (PAH), which are responsible for most of the carcinogenic activity of cigarette smoke were isolated from smoke condensate by distribution steps and chromatographic methods. The fractions containing substances in the range fluorence to chrysen were investigated by gaschromatography and mass-spectrometry. 150 substances were characterized. Unsubstituted PAH, alkyl-substituted PAH and O-heterocyclic compounds were identified.", "PMID": 1007621} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10788", "title": "[A simple biochemical method for the determination of \"dietary fibre\" in plant foods (author's transl)].", "content": "A simple enzymatic method for the determination of total waterinsoluble unavailable unavailable carbohydrates (dietary fibre) and their components of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin is proposed, which would replace the chemical determination of \"crude fibre\". In this method the sample is treated with amylolytic and proteolytic enzymes. The insoluble residue that remains after the starch and protein have been removed is considered as \"unavailable carbohydrates\" (dietary fibre) and fractionated to three main components (crude hemicellulose, curde cellulose and crude lignin) by applying separate treatments with 5% and 72% H2SO4. The complete separation process is carried out in a single new quartz-centrifugal tube fitted with a G3 quartzfilter. Experiments on a range of samples indicate that the method is simple, fast and reproducible.", "contents": "[A simple biochemical method for the determination of \"dietary fibre\" in plant foods (author's transl)]. A simple enzymatic method for the determination of total waterinsoluble unavailable unavailable carbohydrates (dietary fibre) and their components of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin is proposed, which would replace the chemical determination of \"crude fibre\". In this method the sample is treated with amylolytic and proteolytic enzymes. The insoluble residue that remains after the starch and protein have been removed is considered as \"unavailable carbohydrates\" (dietary fibre) and fractionated to three main components (crude hemicellulose, curde cellulose and crude lignin) by applying separate treatments with 5% and 72% H2SO4. The complete separation process is carried out in a single new quartz-centrifugal tube fitted with a G3 quartzfilter. Experiments on a range of samples indicate that the method is simple, fast and reproducible.", "PMID": 1007622} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10789", "title": "[Comparative studies on the reactive sites against trypsin of some inhibitors from phaseolus coccineus and phaseolus vulgaris (author's transl)].", "content": "Three of the trypsin chymotrypsin inhibitors from the seeds of runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus L.), PCI 3,4(2), and 5, and three of the inhibitors from the seeds of french beans (Phaseolus vulgaris var. nanus), PVI 3, 4, and 5, contain a lysine residue in the reactive site against trypsin. One of the inhibitors from Phaseolus coccineus, PCI 2, contains an arginine residue there. All seven Phaseolus inhibitors investigated are double headed.", "contents": "[Comparative studies on the reactive sites against trypsin of some inhibitors from phaseolus coccineus and phaseolus vulgaris (author's transl)]. Three of the trypsin chymotrypsin inhibitors from the seeds of runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus L.), PCI 3,4(2), and 5, and three of the inhibitors from the seeds of french beans (Phaseolus vulgaris var. nanus), PVI 3, 4, and 5, contain a lysine residue in the reactive site against trypsin. One of the inhibitors from Phaseolus coccineus, PCI 2, contains an arginine residue there. All seven Phaseolus inhibitors investigated are double headed.", "PMID": 1007623} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10790", "title": "[Trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors in leguminosae VII. Partial amino acid sequences of the trypsin chymotrypsin inhibitor PCI 3 from Phaseolus coccineus (author's transl)].", "content": "The sequences of amino acid residues at the amino and carboxyl terminus and around the reactive sites of the trypsin chymotrypsin inhibitor PCI 3 from the seeds of runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus L.) were estimated by aminopeptidase O and carbosypeptidase A degradation before and after enzymatical modification with trypsin or chymotrypsin. Beginning at the amino terminus the sequences are :Ser-Glu-Ala-Gly-Gln-...,...-Ile-Tyr-Lys-Ser-Gln-(Pro)-...with Lys-Ser as reactive site against trypsin, ...-Asp-Val-Ala-Leu-Ser-(Pro)-...with Leu-Ser as reactive site against alpha-chymotrypsin, and ...-Thr-Arg-Ala-Lys-Phe-Leu as C-terminus. The importance of the serine residue in the reactive sites concerning the specificity of inhibitors is discussed.", "contents": "[Trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors in leguminosae VII. Partial amino acid sequences of the trypsin chymotrypsin inhibitor PCI 3 from Phaseolus coccineus (author's transl)]. The sequences of amino acid residues at the amino and carboxyl terminus and around the reactive sites of the trypsin chymotrypsin inhibitor PCI 3 from the seeds of runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus L.) were estimated by aminopeptidase O and carbosypeptidase A degradation before and after enzymatical modification with trypsin or chymotrypsin. Beginning at the amino terminus the sequences are :Ser-Glu-Ala-Gly-Gln-...,...-Ile-Tyr-Lys-Ser-Gln-(Pro)-...with Lys-Ser as reactive site against trypsin, ...-Asp-Val-Ala-Leu-Ser-(Pro)-...with Leu-Ser as reactive site against alpha-chymotrypsin, and ...-Thr-Arg-Ala-Lys-Phe-Leu as C-terminus. The importance of the serine residue in the reactive sites concerning the specificity of inhibitors is discussed.", "PMID": 1007624} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10791", "title": "[Inhibition of cathepsins from trout muscle and from bovine spleen by proteinase inhibitors of potato tubers (author's transl)].", "content": "The cathepsins D from trout muscle and from bovine spleen, as well as cathepsin A from bovine spleen are inhibited by a crude proteinase inhibitor from potato tubers. Cathepsins C and B1 are not inhibited. It was shown by isoelectric focussing that several inhibitors for cathepsin D are present in potatoes. Those with isoelectric points at pH 9.2, 9.1, 9.0, 8.9, 8.5 inhibit cathepsins D both from trout muscle and from bovine spleen. In addition some inhibitors with isoelectric points at pH 6.6, 6.5, and 6.2 were observed, which inhibit cathepsin D from trout muscle only.", "contents": "[Inhibition of cathepsins from trout muscle and from bovine spleen by proteinase inhibitors of potato tubers (author's transl)]. The cathepsins D from trout muscle and from bovine spleen, as well as cathepsin A from bovine spleen are inhibited by a crude proteinase inhibitor from potato tubers. Cathepsins C and B1 are not inhibited. It was shown by isoelectric focussing that several inhibitors for cathepsin D are present in potatoes. Those with isoelectric points at pH 9.2, 9.1, 9.0, 8.9, 8.5 inhibit cathepsins D both from trout muscle and from bovine spleen. In addition some inhibitors with isoelectric points at pH 6.6, 6.5, and 6.2 were observed, which inhibit cathepsin D from trout muscle only.", "PMID": 1007625} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10792", "title": "[Enzymatic separation of raactive dyes from fish tissue (author's transl)].", "content": "A procedure has been described for the isolation of reactive dyes that stick to the fish tissue after accumulation tests. The dyes cannot be determined quantitatively without unspecific and therefore complete destruction of the protein. The separation of the dyes released into solution and their quantitative determination is carried out following methods already published.", "contents": "[Enzymatic separation of raactive dyes from fish tissue (author's transl)]. A procedure has been described for the isolation of reactive dyes that stick to the fish tissue after accumulation tests. The dyes cannot be determined quantitatively without unspecific and therefore complete destruction of the protein. The separation of the dyes released into solution and their quantitative determination is carried out following methods already published.", "PMID": 1007626} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10793", "title": "Sterilization of dehydrated potato granules with propylene oxide.", "content": "Results were provided for propylene oxide \"cold sterilization\" of dehydrated mashed potato granules that contained 7% moisture and 0.044% chloride. Treatment with an optimum concentration of 0.1% w/w sterilant for 6 days at 22 degrees C gave a bacterial count reduction from 3.4 X 10(5) to less than 5 X 10(3), a low glycol residue of 29 ppm, and 12 ppm of chlorohydrin, with the 1-chloro-2-propanol isomer constituting 94% of the total. This indicated that, in spite of the granule pH of 5.62, nucleophilic attack in dehydrated granules involves nonprotonated propylene oxide. Based on NMR analysis, evidence was given that such sterilization does not result in detectable etherification of starch, even though its content of 83% on a dry basis places it as the major potentially reactive constituent.", "contents": "Sterilization of dehydrated potato granules with propylene oxide. Results were provided for propylene oxide \"cold sterilization\" of dehydrated mashed potato granules that contained 7% moisture and 0.044% chloride. Treatment with an optimum concentration of 0.1% w/w sterilant for 6 days at 22 degrees C gave a bacterial count reduction from 3.4 X 10(5) to less than 5 X 10(3), a low glycol residue of 29 ppm, and 12 ppm of chlorohydrin, with the 1-chloro-2-propanol isomer constituting 94% of the total. This indicated that, in spite of the granule pH of 5.62, nucleophilic attack in dehydrated granules involves nonprotonated propylene oxide. Based on NMR analysis, evidence was given that such sterilization does not result in detectable etherification of starch, even though its content of 83% on a dry basis places it as the major potentially reactive constituent.", "PMID": 1007627} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10794", "title": "[Gaschromatographic determination of ingredients in fermentated beverages v. quantitative gaschromatographic determination of anthocyanes and anthocyanides in red wine (author's transl)].", "content": "After special preparation of several red wines, anthocyanidines like pelargonidine, delphinidine, cyanidine, paeonidine, malvidine and petunidine as well as their 3,5-glucosides have been determined quantitatively with high accuracy by gas chromatography.", "contents": "[Gaschromatographic determination of ingredients in fermentated beverages v. quantitative gaschromatographic determination of anthocyanes and anthocyanides in red wine (author's transl)]. After special preparation of several red wines, anthocyanidines like pelargonidine, delphinidine, cyanidine, paeonidine, malvidine and petunidine as well as their 3,5-glucosides have been determined quantitatively with high accuracy by gas chromatography.", "PMID": 1007628} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10795", "title": "[About the evaluation of forensic-toxicological results by mechanical data processing (author's transl)].", "content": "A system for documentation and data processing of forensic-toxicological results in the time between May 1. 1964 and December 31. 1972 is reported. The objective of this system is to have fast access to the stored information. The first part deals with the development of a code system. The second part presents results we have found. The main problem was finding code numbers for substances and their metabolites. This was done successfully.", "contents": "[About the evaluation of forensic-toxicological results by mechanical data processing (author's transl)]. A system for documentation and data processing of forensic-toxicological results in the time between May 1. 1964 and December 31. 1972 is reported. The objective of this system is to have fast access to the stored information. The first part deals with the development of a code system. The second part presents results we have found. The main problem was finding code numbers for substances and their metabolites. This was done successfully.", "PMID": 1007630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10796", "title": "[Fat embolism of the lungs as the cause of death. Etiology, pathogenesis and reasoning (author's transl)].", "content": "A comprehensive survey is given of the most important theories of etiology, pathogenesis and pathophysiology of pulmonary fat embolism. Autopsy and microscopic examinations were performed on 26 corpses with different causes of death. The total contents of fat of the lungs was analyzed by chloroform extraction. Death due to pulmonary fat embolism was diagnosed in three cases. In those with whole fat contents of about 20 g or more the histological degree was equivalent to occlusion of half of all vessels. The histological feature resembled that of shock; hemorrhage and microthrombosis were regular findings. The functional and morphological relationships with shock are discussed. It is concluded that, at least in the initial stage, fat embolism is due to mechanical injury. This mechanism is possibly altered or enhanced by biochemical changes in later phases. Pulmonary fat embolism is a disease which may cause death if mechanical, toxic and shock-inducing effects lead to insufficiency of the cardio-respiratory system. In forensic cases death due to fat embolism should be diagnosed only after exclusion of other lethal factors. Posttraumatic cases often show competition with shock due to hemorrhage. It is important to relate the degree of fat embolism to preexisting diseases.", "contents": "[Fat embolism of the lungs as the cause of death. Etiology, pathogenesis and reasoning (author's transl)]. A comprehensive survey is given of the most important theories of etiology, pathogenesis and pathophysiology of pulmonary fat embolism. Autopsy and microscopic examinations were performed on 26 corpses with different causes of death. The total contents of fat of the lungs was analyzed by chloroform extraction. Death due to pulmonary fat embolism was diagnosed in three cases. In those with whole fat contents of about 20 g or more the histological degree was equivalent to occlusion of half of all vessels. The histological feature resembled that of shock; hemorrhage and microthrombosis were regular findings. The functional and morphological relationships with shock are discussed. It is concluded that, at least in the initial stage, fat embolism is due to mechanical injury. This mechanism is possibly altered or enhanced by biochemical changes in later phases. Pulmonary fat embolism is a disease which may cause death if mechanical, toxic and shock-inducing effects lead to insufficiency of the cardio-respiratory system. In forensic cases death due to fat embolism should be diagnosed only after exclusion of other lethal factors. Posttraumatic cases often show competition with shock due to hemorrhage. It is important to relate the degree of fat embolism to preexisting diseases.", "PMID": 1007629} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10797", "title": "[Propane-diol-(1.3) fatty acid esters as metabolites of postmortal triglyceride catabolism (author's transl)].", "content": "The investigation of 72 samples of human subcutaneous fat tissue stored in closed small bottles at room temperature showed that every third sample decomposed with the formation of unknown metabolites. The presence of these compounds could already be recognized in the crude lipid extracts by characteristic 1H-NMR signals, increasing in intensity with time of storage. After isolation, the unknown metabolites could be identified as di- or mono fatty acid esters of propane-diol-(1.3). Thus, the known scheme of postmortal breakdown of triglycerides is to be supplemented by a further remarkable pathway.", "contents": "[Propane-diol-(1.3) fatty acid esters as metabolites of postmortal triglyceride catabolism (author's transl)]. The investigation of 72 samples of human subcutaneous fat tissue stored in closed small bottles at room temperature showed that every third sample decomposed with the formation of unknown metabolites. The presence of these compounds could already be recognized in the crude lipid extracts by characteristic 1H-NMR signals, increasing in intensity with time of storage. After isolation, the unknown metabolites could be identified as di- or mono fatty acid esters of propane-diol-(1.3). Thus, the known scheme of postmortal breakdown of triglycerides is to be supplemented by a further remarkable pathway.", "PMID": 1007631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10798", "title": "Acute combined effects of HCN and CO, with the use of combustion products from PAN (polyacrylonitrile)--gauze mistures.", "content": "The combustion product from gauze-PAN (Polyacrylonitrile) micture was used as a material for the evaluation of the combined effects of CO and HCN. Rats and mice were exposed for 30 min. to the combustion products. In mice experiments, the time at which animals turned laterally and were killed, was measured. In experiments with rats, blood COHb and cyanide determinations were made, in addition to the observation of the behavior. Exposure room gas concentrations (O2, CO2, CO, HCN) were determined and temperature in the combustion room was measured during heating. Preliminary experiments with PAN, ranging from 2g to 10g, on mice showed that HCN is responsible for the toxicity of the combustion products from this fiber. In mixture experiments all animals died during exposure. In experiments with mice (8g of total weight of mixed sample), animals in groups with larger proportion of PAN turned over and died earlier and this was explained by higher HCN concentration. In rats experiments (10g), this held true for severe impairment, however, as to the death time, this was not the case. There was a long interval between severe impairment and death in groups with larger proportion of PAN. The larger amount of HCN was produced as temperature rises. A linear relation between COHb concentration and CT (concentration-time) product was shown. There was not a linear relation between blood COHb and cyanide levels. Judging from the blood analyses data, it seemed probable that there is neither an additive nor a synergistic action between CO and HCN with respect to lethal effects.", "contents": "Acute combined effects of HCN and CO, with the use of combustion products from PAN (polyacrylonitrile)--gauze mistures. The combustion product from gauze-PAN (Polyacrylonitrile) micture was used as a material for the evaluation of the combined effects of CO and HCN. Rats and mice were exposed for 30 min. to the combustion products. In mice experiments, the time at which animals turned laterally and were killed, was measured. In experiments with rats, blood COHb and cyanide determinations were made, in addition to the observation of the behavior. Exposure room gas concentrations (O2, CO2, CO, HCN) were determined and temperature in the combustion room was measured during heating. Preliminary experiments with PAN, ranging from 2g to 10g, on mice showed that HCN is responsible for the toxicity of the combustion products from this fiber. In mixture experiments all animals died during exposure. In experiments with mice (8g of total weight of mixed sample), animals in groups with larger proportion of PAN turned over and died earlier and this was explained by higher HCN concentration. In rats experiments (10g), this held true for severe impairment, however, as to the death time, this was not the case. There was a long interval between severe impairment and death in groups with larger proportion of PAN. The larger amount of HCN was produced as temperature rises. A linear relation between COHb concentration and CT (concentration-time) product was shown. There was not a linear relation between blood COHb and cyanide levels. Judging from the blood analyses data, it seemed probable that there is neither an additive nor a synergistic action between CO and HCN with respect to lethal effects.", "PMID": 1007632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10799", "title": "[Classifications of causes and circumstances of death (author's transl)].", "content": "Scientific progress and changes in social and legal conditions make it necessary to revise the classification of causes of death from time to time. In the classification I have suggested, both the biological causes of death (tabl. 1) and the social and legal conditons (tabl. 2) under which death occurred have been taken into consideration.", "contents": "[Classifications of causes and circumstances of death (author's transl)]. Scientific progress and changes in social and legal conditions make it necessary to revise the classification of causes of death from time to time. In the classification I have suggested, both the biological causes of death (tabl. 1) and the social and legal conditons (tabl. 2) under which death occurred have been taken into consideration.", "PMID": 1007633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10800", "title": "[Distribution of HBs-(Australia) antigen in progressive systemic scleroderma and other connective tissue disorders].", "content": "Of 173 patients, mostly suffering from collagen diseases and rheumatoid disease, the HBs antigen (HBsAg) was present in 1.73%. This figure is no higher than that observed among blood donors from the same area (Naples and surroundings). One HBsAg positive patient suffered from chronic active hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis; another from chronic active hepatitis and a secondary type of reticuloendotheliosis; the third was one of seven patients with psoriatic arthritis. HBsAg was not found in any of 48 patients with other collagen diseases, including 22 patients with Progressive Systemic Sclerosis. These data do not support the hypothesis based on observations of polyarteritis nodosa that HBsAg plays an ethiopathogenetic role in collagen diseases with serious vasculitis.", "contents": "[Distribution of HBs-(Australia) antigen in progressive systemic scleroderma and other connective tissue disorders]. Of 173 patients, mostly suffering from collagen diseases and rheumatoid disease, the HBs antigen (HBsAg) was present in 1.73%. This figure is no higher than that observed among blood donors from the same area (Naples and surroundings). One HBsAg positive patient suffered from chronic active hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis; another from chronic active hepatitis and a secondary type of reticuloendotheliosis; the third was one of seven patients with psoriatic arthritis. HBsAg was not found in any of 48 patients with other collagen diseases, including 22 patients with Progressive Systemic Sclerosis. These data do not support the hypothesis based on observations of polyarteritis nodosa that HBsAg plays an ethiopathogenetic role in collagen diseases with serious vasculitis.", "PMID": 1007636} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10801", "title": "[Effect of D-penicillamine and prednisolone on the tissue elasticity of the rat lung].", "content": "The elastic properties of the lung-thorax-system were studied in a group of rats treated with prednisolone and D-penicillamine and in a control group, after the surfactant had been washed out. Prednisolone given for 30 days i.p. seemed to make lung parenchyma more stiff-similar to what happens to skin. D-penicillamine has no influence on the lung tissue elasticity (compliance, residual volume, homogenity of inflation) but the elastic retraction after maximal inflation is significantly reduced compared with the control group or the Prednisolone treated group.", "contents": "[Effect of D-penicillamine and prednisolone on the tissue elasticity of the rat lung]. The elastic properties of the lung-thorax-system were studied in a group of rats treated with prednisolone and D-penicillamine and in a control group, after the surfactant had been washed out. Prednisolone given for 30 days i.p. seemed to make lung parenchyma more stiff-similar to what happens to skin. D-penicillamine has no influence on the lung tissue elasticity (compliance, residual volume, homogenity of inflation) but the elastic retraction after maximal inflation is significantly reduced compared with the control group or the Prednisolone treated group.", "PMID": 1007635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10802", "title": "6-Sulfanilamidoindazole arthritis of the rat: complement activity and sulfhydryl group concentration of the serum in three different phases of inflammation.", "content": "In 6-sulfanilamidoindazole (6-SAI) arthritis the total haemolytic complement activity of the serum was significantly increased by 69% in developing arthritis at day 4, and by 42% in fully developed arthritis at day 8. In declining arthritis at day 12, 5 days after the last administration of the prophlogistic agent 6-SAI, no difference of the serum complement activity between arthritic rats and non-arthritic controls could be determined. The serum SH group concentration was significantly decreased by 31% at day 4 and by 54% at day 8, but it was nearly normalized at day 12. There was no close correlation between increase of paw diameter and serum complement activity in 6-SAI-arthritic rats. It is suggested that investigations on the role that complement components might play in 6-SAI arthritis could be interest.", "contents": "6-Sulfanilamidoindazole arthritis of the rat: complement activity and sulfhydryl group concentration of the serum in three different phases of inflammation. In 6-sulfanilamidoindazole (6-SAI) arthritis the total haemolytic complement activity of the serum was significantly increased by 69% in developing arthritis at day 4, and by 42% in fully developed arthritis at day 8. In declining arthritis at day 12, 5 days after the last administration of the prophlogistic agent 6-SAI, no difference of the serum complement activity between arthritic rats and non-arthritic controls could be determined. The serum SH group concentration was significantly decreased by 31% at day 4 and by 54% at day 8, but it was nearly normalized at day 12. There was no close correlation between increase of paw diameter and serum complement activity in 6-SAI-arthritic rats. It is suggested that investigations on the role that complement components might play in 6-SAI arthritis could be interest.", "PMID": 1007637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10803", "title": "[ECG changes in spondylarthritis ankylopoietica in comparison with a healthy control group].", "content": "ECG from 150 patients with clinically and radiologically established ankylosing spondylitis were compared with those from a healthy age and sex matched group. The reported frequency of atrioventricular conduction defects (3-15%) was confirmed (4.6%). These and other pathological ECG changes were also found in the control group. No significant statistical difference in frequency was found. The refore doubt remains whether the pathological changes of the ECG can be attributed to ankylosing spondylitis.", "contents": "[ECG changes in spondylarthritis ankylopoietica in comparison with a healthy control group]. ECG from 150 patients with clinically and radiologically established ankylosing spondylitis were compared with those from a healthy age and sex matched group. The reported frequency of atrioventricular conduction defects (3-15%) was confirmed (4.6%). These and other pathological ECG changes were also found in the control group. No significant statistical difference in frequency was found. The refore doubt remains whether the pathological changes of the ECG can be attributed to ankylosing spondylitis.", "PMID": 1007634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10804", "title": "Amyloid deposits in the periarticular tissue.", "content": "Periarticular and peritendinous tissue was investigated in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome for the appearance of amyloid deposits. In rheumatoid arthritis no amyloid was present. In 7.8% of the cases with osteoarthritis and in 8% of the cases with carpal tunnel syndrome amyloid was present. These amyloid desposits were present essentially in old patients and since no further clinical symptoms of systemic amyloidosis were reported, these deposits are regarded as an age related phenomenon without clinical relevance.", "contents": "Amyloid deposits in the periarticular tissue. Periarticular and peritendinous tissue was investigated in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome for the appearance of amyloid deposits. In rheumatoid arthritis no amyloid was present. In 7.8% of the cases with osteoarthritis and in 8% of the cases with carpal tunnel syndrome amyloid was present. These amyloid desposits were present essentially in old patients and since no further clinical symptoms of systemic amyloidosis were reported, these deposits are regarded as an age related phenomenon without clinical relevance.", "PMID": 1007639} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10805", "title": "A case report of patella cubiti.", "content": "Report of a patella cubiti in a patient with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The genesis of this patella is unknown up to now. The following hypotheses are discussed: 1. Persistent separation of the non fused epiphyseal bone centre with consecutive independent development. 2. Avulsion of the epiphysis due to muscle tension. 3. Epiphysitis as cause of the new formed patella.", "contents": "A case report of patella cubiti. Report of a patella cubiti in a patient with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The genesis of this patella is unknown up to now. The following hypotheses are discussed: 1. Persistent separation of the non fused epiphyseal bone centre with consecutive independent development. 2. Avulsion of the epiphysis due to muscle tension. 3. Epiphysitis as cause of the new formed patella.", "PMID": 1007638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10806", "title": "Chemocommunication among domestic cats, mediated by the olfactory and vomeronasal senses. II. The relation between the function of Jacobson's organ (vomeronasal organ) and Flehmen behaviour).", "content": "The function of Jacobson's (vomeronasal) organ in mammals has intrigued man for more than a century, despite the fact that he does not have this sense organ at his disposal. Two ideas gradually developed about its possible function: the morphology of the organ suggests that it is especially appropriate to receive non-volatile chemical stimuli. Secondly it might have to do with the reception of sexual pheromones. The aim of this study was directed towards both assumptions. Observations of cats show that the way of sniffing at several odours and especially urine, suggests an uptake of dissolved particles. The observations as described in Part I indicated that urine of estrous female female positively influences the frequency of flehmen in tomcats. These results, combined with the effect of experimental blocking of the entrance of Jacobson's organ on this behaviour supported both ideas referred to.", "contents": "Chemocommunication among domestic cats, mediated by the olfactory and vomeronasal senses. II. The relation between the function of Jacobson's organ (vomeronasal organ) and Flehmen behaviour). The function of Jacobson's (vomeronasal) organ in mammals has intrigued man for more than a century, despite the fact that he does not have this sense organ at his disposal. Two ideas gradually developed about its possible function: the morphology of the organ suggests that it is especially appropriate to receive non-volatile chemical stimuli. Secondly it might have to do with the reception of sexual pheromones. The aim of this study was directed towards both assumptions. Observations of cats show that the way of sniffing at several odours and especially urine, suggests an uptake of dissolved particles. The observations as described in Part I indicated that urine of estrous female female positively influences the frequency of flehmen in tomcats. These results, combined with the effect of experimental blocking of the entrance of Jacobson's organ on this behaviour supported both ideas referred to.", "PMID": 1007653} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10807", "title": "Food caching by red foxes and some other carnivores.", "content": "Food caching by the red fox, Vulpes vulpes, may safeguard surplus food for future consumption. Because of practical difficulties involved in observation the extent to which the fox making a cache, or any other fox, can utilise the hoard was not known. This problem is tackled through extended observation, using unfra-red binoculars, on wild foxes (some of which were radio-tagged), together with experiments involving hand-reared tame foxes, either walked on a long leash or free and radio-tagged. The results demonstrate the fox's ability to rediscover its caches and shed light on the adaptive significance of the behaviour, which is then dsicussed in the context of food safeguarding by other carnivores.", "contents": "Food caching by red foxes and some other carnivores. Food caching by the red fox, Vulpes vulpes, may safeguard surplus food for future consumption. Because of practical difficulties involved in observation the extent to which the fox making a cache, or any other fox, can utilise the hoard was not known. This problem is tackled through extended observation, using unfra-red binoculars, on wild foxes (some of which were radio-tagged), together with experiments involving hand-reared tame foxes, either walked on a long leash or free and radio-tagged. The results demonstrate the fox's ability to rediscover its caches and shed light on the adaptive significance of the behaviour, which is then dsicussed in the context of food safeguarding by other carnivores.", "PMID": 1007654} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10808", "title": "Evolution-oriented ethology, kin selection, and altruistic parasites.", "content": "The genetic theory of social behaviour challenges ethology to incorporate the study of invertebrates and lower animals; to search for behaviour mechanisms that contribute to the maximization of \"inclusive fitness\" (rather than to the maintenance of the individual and the species); and to intensify the study of social consequences and interindividual differences in species-specific behaviour.", "contents": "Evolution-oriented ethology, kin selection, and altruistic parasites. The genetic theory of social behaviour challenges ethology to incorporate the study of invertebrates and lower animals; to search for behaviour mechanisms that contribute to the maximization of \"inclusive fitness\" (rather than to the maintenance of the individual and the species); and to intensify the study of social consequences and interindividual differences in species-specific behaviour.", "PMID": 1007655} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10809", "title": "Visual acuity of the vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, and its dependence upon light intensity.", "content": "The visual system of microchiropteran bats is usually considered of minor function, but reliable experimental studies are rare. In this paper the visual acuity of three (1 female, 2 male male) vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) has been investigated in a two-choice training apparatus (striped patterns vs. gray patterns) for light intensities from 0.04 1x to 310 1x. There was a logarithmic dependence between light intensity and visual acuity. The lowest visual angle at 0.04 1x was 2 degrees 31', at 310 1x the minimum resolvable stripe width was 48'.", "contents": "Visual acuity of the vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, and its dependence upon light intensity. The visual system of microchiropteran bats is usually considered of minor function, but reliable experimental studies are rare. In this paper the visual acuity of three (1 female, 2 male male) vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) has been investigated in a two-choice training apparatus (striped patterns vs. gray patterns) for light intensities from 0.04 1x to 310 1x. There was a logarithmic dependence between light intensity and visual acuity. The lowest visual angle at 0.04 1x was 2 degrees 31', at 310 1x the minimum resolvable stripe width was 48'.", "PMID": 1007656} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10810", "title": "[Alterations of abdominal vascularization (especially of the pancreas) after gastric resection (author's transl)].", "content": "Completing former examinations the paper deals with the influence of different methods of gastric operation on abdominal vascularization. Typical alterations found by selective coeliac and mesenteric angiography are demonstrated. They include deficiency of arteries, changes in calibre and in the course of the great vessels, alteration of the vascularization of the head of the pancreas. It becomes evident, that the various effects are subject to preoperative anatomical situation and different operative methods.", "contents": "[Alterations of abdominal vascularization (especially of the pancreas) after gastric resection (author's transl)]. Completing former examinations the paper deals with the influence of different methods of gastric operation on abdominal vascularization. Typical alterations found by selective coeliac and mesenteric angiography are demonstrated. They include deficiency of arteries, changes in calibre and in the course of the great vessels, alteration of the vascularization of the head of the pancreas. It becomes evident, that the various effects are subject to preoperative anatomical situation and different operative methods.", "PMID": 1007668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10811", "title": "[Duration of disablement after general-surgical operations (author's transl)].", "content": "As a result of cooperation existing between Hospital and out-Patient Department the offwork time required before hospitalisation for routine operations can be limited to two days. A necessary preparation of the patients by remedies and physiotherapeutic methods should be done without interrupting their professional duties. The offwork time after the operation will depend on the kind of the surgical intervention, on the age and the condition of the patient and his profession. Data, obtained from a large number of patients treated in the Surgical Department of the Friedrichshain-Hospital in Berlin are discussed.", "contents": "[Duration of disablement after general-surgical operations (author's transl)]. As a result of cooperation existing between Hospital and out-Patient Department the offwork time required before hospitalisation for routine operations can be limited to two days. A necessary preparation of the patients by remedies and physiotherapeutic methods should be done without interrupting their professional duties. The offwork time after the operation will depend on the kind of the surgical intervention, on the age and the condition of the patient and his profession. Data, obtained from a large number of patients treated in the Surgical Department of the Friedrichshain-Hospital in Berlin are discussed.", "PMID": 1007671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10812", "title": "[Surgical treatment in premalignant lesions of the breast (author's transl)].", "content": "Established predisposition to developing of breast cancer is indicative of subcutaneous mastectomy. Subcutaneous mastectomy means a radical biopsy. Histological examination produces the best result by excluding a possible breast cancer in premalignant lesions. When a malignant tumour has been detected the operation can easily be extended to a more radical procedure (Halsted mastectomy). Subcutaneous mastectomy means a radical procedure of treating breast cancer--even with optimal cosmetic results. Early complications are rare, the late results are excellent.", "contents": "[Surgical treatment in premalignant lesions of the breast (author's transl)]. Established predisposition to developing of breast cancer is indicative of subcutaneous mastectomy. Subcutaneous mastectomy means a radical biopsy. Histological examination produces the best result by excluding a possible breast cancer in premalignant lesions. When a malignant tumour has been detected the operation can easily be extended to a more radical procedure (Halsted mastectomy). Subcutaneous mastectomy means a radical procedure of treating breast cancer--even with optimal cosmetic results. Early complications are rare, the late results are excellent.", "PMID": 1007672} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10813", "title": "[Carcinoma as an unexpected histologic diagnosis in gallbladder disease (author's transl)].", "content": "In 32 of 120 patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder the disease was not diagnosed before microscopic examination. These 32 patients were afterwards examined in respect of those factors possibly capable of influencing the prognosis. The diagnosis proved successful in 11 patients in whom the tumour was confined to the mucosa und the submucosa. 3nly 4 of these patients died from a recurrence. From 21 patients with all the layers of the wall of the gallbladder, being involved none survived the operation for more than 2 1/2 years. In cases of carcinoma confined to the mucosa and submucosa surgical treatment should include not only cholecystectomy, but also wedge resection of the liver with a free margin of tissue and adequate nodal dissection as well.", "contents": "[Carcinoma as an unexpected histologic diagnosis in gallbladder disease (author's transl)]. In 32 of 120 patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder the disease was not diagnosed before microscopic examination. These 32 patients were afterwards examined in respect of those factors possibly capable of influencing the prognosis. The diagnosis proved successful in 11 patients in whom the tumour was confined to the mucosa und the submucosa. 3nly 4 of these patients died from a recurrence. From 21 patients with all the layers of the wall of the gallbladder, being involved none survived the operation for more than 2 1/2 years. In cases of carcinoma confined to the mucosa and submucosa surgical treatment should include not only cholecystectomy, but also wedge resection of the liver with a free margin of tissue and adequate nodal dissection as well.", "PMID": 1007673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10814", "title": "[The course of total leukocytes and heparinocytes in the normal puerperium and during weaning under ethinyl estradiol sulfonate].", "content": "The inhibition of lactation by the depot oestrogen aethinyloestradiolsulfonate was accompanied by a delayed drop of the puerperal leukocytosis. Values of heparinocytes and Basophil-Age-Indices (BAI) were not significantly influenced. The reaction of the heparinocytes system is different in increasing classes of age. By depotoestrogens in the puerperium the princip of this reaction is not changed. Results don't support the hypothesis of influence of oestrogens upon puerperal and hormonal contraception risks of thromboembolism.", "contents": "[The course of total leukocytes and heparinocytes in the normal puerperium and during weaning under ethinyl estradiol sulfonate]. The inhibition of lactation by the depot oestrogen aethinyloestradiolsulfonate was accompanied by a delayed drop of the puerperal leukocytosis. Values of heparinocytes and Basophil-Age-Indices (BAI) were not significantly influenced. The reaction of the heparinocytes system is different in increasing classes of age. By depotoestrogens in the puerperium the princip of this reaction is not changed. Results don't support the hypothesis of influence of oestrogens upon puerperal and hormonal contraception risks of thromboembolism.", "PMID": 1007679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10815", "title": "[Interruption before and after March 9, 1972].", "content": "The report covers 1000 interruptions prior to the new legal regulation of the interruption of gravidity of March 9, 1972, and 1000 interruptions after this date. The increasing number of interruptions is associated with a high reduction in the number of abortions and a falling birth rate (1971: birth rate 3956, 1973: birth rate 2806). A comparison is made of the age groups (average age of group 1: 33,4 years; of group 2: 28,5 years), marital status (unmarried women of group 1: 10,8%, of group 2: 23,7%), parity (56,6 per cent of all the women who had an interruption after the new legal regulation had born no child or one child), and rate of early complications (group 1: 4,2%, group 2: 6,3%).", "contents": "[Interruption before and after March 9, 1972]. The report covers 1000 interruptions prior to the new legal regulation of the interruption of gravidity of March 9, 1972, and 1000 interruptions after this date. The increasing number of interruptions is associated with a high reduction in the number of abortions and a falling birth rate (1971: birth rate 3956, 1973: birth rate 2806). A comparison is made of the age groups (average age of group 1: 33,4 years; of group 2: 28,5 years), marital status (unmarried women of group 1: 10,8%, of group 2: 23,7%), parity (56,6 per cent of all the women who had an interruption after the new legal regulation had born no child or one child), and rate of early complications (group 1: 4,2%, group 2: 6,3%).", "PMID": 1007680} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10816", "title": "[Intrauterine extra-amnial administration of prostaglandin F 2 alpha for the induction of abortion in primigravidae and problem cases].", "content": "With 529 patients (4 groups) abortion was induced through intermittend extraamniotic application of PGF2alpha. In 97,9 per cent, the hourly instillation of PGF2alpha led to the desired success: 25 (4,7 per cent) complete abortions, 416 (78,6 per cent) incomplete abortions, 77 (14,6 per cent) \"missed\" abortions with opening of the cervix. In groups I to III (primigravidae betw-en the 6th and 12th weeks of pregnancy), in the mean PGF2alpha dosages there were no significant differences between 6,84 and 6,27 mg. The mean abortion time was between 8 hr 32 min and 7 hr 43 min. In group IV (\"problem cases\" in the first and second trimester of pregnancy), the mean PGF2alpha dosage was 10,68 mg. The mean abortion time 12 hr 04 min. The total complication rate was at 2,2 per cent.", "contents": "[Intrauterine extra-amnial administration of prostaglandin F 2 alpha for the induction of abortion in primigravidae and problem cases]. With 529 patients (4 groups) abortion was induced through intermittend extraamniotic application of PGF2alpha. In 97,9 per cent, the hourly instillation of PGF2alpha led to the desired success: 25 (4,7 per cent) complete abortions, 416 (78,6 per cent) incomplete abortions, 77 (14,6 per cent) \"missed\" abortions with opening of the cervix. In groups I to III (primigravidae betw-en the 6th and 12th weeks of pregnancy), in the mean PGF2alpha dosages there were no significant differences between 6,84 and 6,27 mg. The mean abortion time was between 8 hr 32 min and 7 hr 43 min. In group IV (\"problem cases\" in the first and second trimester of pregnancy), the mean PGF2alpha dosage was 10,68 mg. The mean abortion time 12 hr 04 min. The total complication rate was at 2,2 per cent.", "PMID": 1007681} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10817", "title": "[Induction of labor with prostaglandin F 2 alpha in diabetes mellitus].", "content": "At 15 diabetic patients of the 36. to 40. week of pregnancy labour was induced by Prostaglandin F2alpha-infusion. The sure effect on uterus activity is characterized by prompt dilatation of the cervix. A disadvangeous influence could not be observed on blood circulation and digestive system both of the diabetic patient and fetus respectively newborn.", "contents": "[Induction of labor with prostaglandin F 2 alpha in diabetes mellitus]. At 15 diabetic patients of the 36. to 40. week of pregnancy labour was induced by Prostaglandin F2alpha-infusion. The sure effect on uterus activity is characterized by prompt dilatation of the cervix. A disadvangeous influence could not be observed on blood circulation and digestive system both of the diabetic patient and fetus respectively newborn.", "PMID": 1007682} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10818", "title": "[Clinical use of prostaglandin antagonists in obstetrics].", "content": "The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Institute of Postgraduate Medical School (Budapest) reports on the treatment of 136 gravidities with the medicamentation of Prostaglandin-Antagonist.", "contents": "[Clinical use of prostaglandin antagonists in obstetrics]. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Institute of Postgraduate Medical School (Budapest) reports on the treatment of 136 gravidities with the medicamentation of Prostaglandin-Antagonist.", "PMID": 1007683} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10819", "title": "[Ambulatory tocography].", "content": "The value of the ambulant tocography was tested in 127 cases by ambulant tocograph T 500. The average frequency of uterine contractions was in 66 normal cases 0,5/30 min. This frequency of uterine contraction was higher in a group with anamnestic risk (1,1/30 min) and in patients with tocolytic medication (2,3/30 min). Nearly term all groups tended to higher frequency of uterine contractions. The ambulant tocography is a new method to completed the diagnostic.", "contents": "[Ambulatory tocography]. The value of the ambulant tocography was tested in 127 cases by ambulant tocograph T 500. The average frequency of uterine contractions was in 66 normal cases 0,5/30 min. This frequency of uterine contraction was higher in a group with anamnestic risk (1,1/30 min) and in patients with tocolytic medication (2,3/30 min). Nearly term all groups tended to higher frequency of uterine contractions. The ambulant tocography is a new method to completed the diagnostic.", "PMID": 1007685} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10820", "title": "[Use of discrimination analysis in perinatology].", "content": "From 50 normal births blood of mother and child was examined simultaneously at three different times, meant for determination of 13 biochemical parameters. Evaluation of the measured values was done by the multivariate method of discriminance analysis. Basing on the observed data problems of discriminance analysis are dealt with in an introductive way. The perinatal example is used to demonstrate how in the case of a complex problem connections may be better visible by this method, though detailed informations are lost.", "contents": "[Use of discrimination analysis in perinatology]. From 50 normal births blood of mother and child was examined simultaneously at three different times, meant for determination of 13 biochemical parameters. Evaluation of the measured values was done by the multivariate method of discriminance analysis. Basing on the observed data problems of discriminance analysis are dealt with in an introductive way. The perinatal example is used to demonstrate how in the case of a complex problem connections may be better visible by this method, though detailed informations are lost.", "PMID": 1007686} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10821", "title": "[Oscillation spectrum of the fetal heart rate in diabetic mothers].", "content": "Antepartum monitoring of fetal heart rate throughout the last weeks of diabetic pregnancy revealed a significant restriction of the baseline irregularity towards the end of the antepartum period. The quantitative amount (in % of total recording time/week) of the patterns of reduced irregularity ('silent', 'narrowed undulatory') increased from the 34th to the 40th week of pregnancy whereas the amount of normal ('undulatory') irregularity became smaller. The results were discussed in regard of the disturbed fetoplacental unit in the diabetic pregnancy.", "contents": "[Oscillation spectrum of the fetal heart rate in diabetic mothers]. Antepartum monitoring of fetal heart rate throughout the last weeks of diabetic pregnancy revealed a significant restriction of the baseline irregularity towards the end of the antepartum period. The quantitative amount (in % of total recording time/week) of the patterns of reduced irregularity ('silent', 'narrowed undulatory') increased from the 34th to the 40th week of pregnancy whereas the amount of normal ('undulatory') irregularity became smaller. The results were discussed in regard of the disturbed fetoplacental unit in the diabetic pregnancy.", "PMID": 1007687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10822", "title": "[Configuration of the skull of the newborn infant through the mechanical forces of labor and refiguration].", "content": "The during labor removed head of the newborn (configuration) regular within the following 4 days will become again his normal figure. This procedure we call \"refiguration\". By means of X-ray and hydrocephalometric investigations during the refiguration we conclude on the morphologic alterations during preceded configuration. Though we got the opinion, that by the force of labor the procedure of the configuration leads to a diminution of the volume of the head and to displacements of the cerebral substance. We think, that this are parts of the normal compensatory mechanism of the fetus against pressure under birth.", "contents": "[Configuration of the skull of the newborn infant through the mechanical forces of labor and refiguration]. The during labor removed head of the newborn (configuration) regular within the following 4 days will become again his normal figure. This procedure we call \"refiguration\". By means of X-ray and hydrocephalometric investigations during the refiguration we conclude on the morphologic alterations during preceded configuration. Though we got the opinion, that by the force of labor the procedure of the configuration leads to a diminution of the volume of the head and to displacements of the cerebral substance. We think, that this are parts of the normal compensatory mechanism of the fetus against pressure under birth.", "PMID": 1007688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10823", "title": "[Morphology of the placenta and quality of the metabolic control during pregnancy in diabetes mellitus].", "content": "The quality of metabolic control during diabetic pregnancy and the severity of morphological alterations of the placenta are statistically correlated independent of White's classification. In cases of inadequate metabolic control typical diabetic maturation disturbances of the placenta are to be seen more often and more severe. But there are also severe maturation disturbances of the placenta in well controlled diabetics with normoglycaemic blood glucose levels during last months of pregnancy. In such cases the metabolic regulation in earlier periods of pregnancy was mostly insufficient. On the other hand unimportant maturation disturbances of the placenta in some badly controlled diabetics were seen. Such pregnancies were mostly complicated by toxaemia.", "contents": "[Morphology of the placenta and quality of the metabolic control during pregnancy in diabetes mellitus]. The quality of metabolic control during diabetic pregnancy and the severity of morphological alterations of the placenta are statistically correlated independent of White's classification. In cases of inadequate metabolic control typical diabetic maturation disturbances of the placenta are to be seen more often and more severe. But there are also severe maturation disturbances of the placenta in well controlled diabetics with normoglycaemic blood glucose levels during last months of pregnancy. In such cases the metabolic regulation in earlier periods of pregnancy was mostly insufficient. On the other hand unimportant maturation disturbances of the placenta in some badly controlled diabetics were seen. Such pregnancies were mostly complicated by toxaemia.", "PMID": 1007689} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10824", "title": "[Chronic recurrent pancreatitis in pregnancy with neurologic symptomatology].", "content": "Case report about chronic pancreatitis during pregnancy without changes of specific blood values. Diagnosis was complicated by occurence of neurological secondary symptoms.", "contents": "[Chronic recurrent pancreatitis in pregnancy with neurologic symptomatology]. Case report about chronic pancreatitis during pregnancy without changes of specific blood values. Diagnosis was complicated by occurence of neurological secondary symptoms.", "PMID": 1007690} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10825", "title": "[Studies on the problem of septic thrombocytopenia and reactive thrombocytosis in obstetrical patients].", "content": "During the first 24 hours of septicaemia the platelet count decreases, but in about a week increases again resulting a significant reactive thrombocytose. According to the results of platelet spreading test, the thrombopenia is caused by consumption of young platelets. During the course of increase of platelet count the number of haemostatically most active, newly formed platelets exceeds, and this is why in the periode of reactive thrombocytosis deep-vein thromboses may occure against Heparin or oral anticoagulant treatment.", "contents": "[Studies on the problem of septic thrombocytopenia and reactive thrombocytosis in obstetrical patients]. During the first 24 hours of septicaemia the platelet count decreases, but in about a week increases again resulting a significant reactive thrombocytose. According to the results of platelet spreading test, the thrombopenia is caused by consumption of young platelets. During the course of increase of platelet count the number of haemostatically most active, newly formed platelets exceeds, and this is why in the periode of reactive thrombocytosis deep-vein thromboses may occure against Heparin or oral anticoagulant treatment.", "PMID": 1007691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10826", "title": "[Serum proteins and their spectrum in gynecologic surgery].", "content": "1. The character of postoperative changes of serum proteins and their spectra recorded in patients operated on our clinic on account of benign gynaecological diseases corresponded with data reported in the literature. They involved: a decline of total serum proteins, a reduction of albumin and gamma-globulin levels, a rise of the alpha1, alpha2-globulin and partly also the Beta-globulin fraction. 2. The decline of the serum protein and albumin level in our patients was more prolonged than described by some other authors. 3. Changes of serum proteins were relatively marked also in patients after vaginal plastic operations. To influence in a favourable way the observed undesirable changes we ensured immediately adequate substitution of the peroperative blood loss and an increased nutrient intake during the postoperative period. The findings concerned not only to patients after abdominal operations but also those with vaginal plastic operations.", "contents": "[Serum proteins and their spectrum in gynecologic surgery]. 1. The character of postoperative changes of serum proteins and their spectra recorded in patients operated on our clinic on account of benign gynaecological diseases corresponded with data reported in the literature. They involved: a decline of total serum proteins, a reduction of albumin and gamma-globulin levels, a rise of the alpha1, alpha2-globulin and partly also the Beta-globulin fraction. 2. The decline of the serum protein and albumin level in our patients was more prolonged than described by some other authors. 3. Changes of serum proteins were relatively marked also in patients after vaginal plastic operations. To influence in a favourable way the observed undesirable changes we ensured immediately adequate substitution of the peroperative blood loss and an increased nutrient intake during the postoperative period. The findings concerned not only to patients after abdominal operations but also those with vaginal plastic operations.", "PMID": 1007692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10827", "title": "[Serum glutamate oxalacetate transaminase following gynecologic surgery].", "content": "1. Changes occuring in the activity of SGOT after uncomplicated gynecological operations conducted for benign diseases are not extensive. They manifest themselves in form of a moderate SGOT activity increase which was not statistically significant in the present sample. 2. In about half the number of patients of women operated per laparotomiam there was a fairly marked increase in the activity of SGOT which reached in fairly frequent instances the upper physiological limit. 3. Even a completely smooth and uncomplicated preoperative and postoperative course may be associated in some patients with a tissue lesion and liver function change reaching a level which causes the SGOT activity to increase. The above finding should be taken into account during postoperative treatment in particular in women in whom a change of this might produce exacerbation of an associated disease (liver disease) or lead to the rise of complications.", "contents": "[Serum glutamate oxalacetate transaminase following gynecologic surgery]. 1. Changes occuring in the activity of SGOT after uncomplicated gynecological operations conducted for benign diseases are not extensive. They manifest themselves in form of a moderate SGOT activity increase which was not statistically significant in the present sample. 2. In about half the number of patients of women operated per laparotomiam there was a fairly marked increase in the activity of SGOT which reached in fairly frequent instances the upper physiological limit. 3. Even a completely smooth and uncomplicated preoperative and postoperative course may be associated in some patients with a tissue lesion and liver function change reaching a level which causes the SGOT activity to increase. The above finding should be taken into account during postoperative treatment in particular in women in whom a change of this might produce exacerbation of an associated disease (liver disease) or lead to the rise of complications.", "PMID": 1007693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10828", "title": "[Induction of labor by prostaglandin F 2 alpha in the treatment of hydatidiform mole].", "content": "Labour was induced by intravenous infusion of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) in 12 patients with hydatidiform mole. After a mean infusion time of 15 h 51 min and a mean dosage of 25,1 mg PGF2alpha, the infusion of 5 to 40 mug PGF2alpha/min led to 1 to 3 cm dilatation of the cervix. In this way, it was possible to perform a mild evacuation of the molar tissue with vacuum curette or fixation forceps and curette. Under continued PG-infusion the uterus was contracted in the time of evacuation of hydatidiform mole. At present the preoperative dilatation of the cervix by means of PG-induced labour and vacuum curettage is the method of choice in the management of hydatidiform mole because of its effectiveness and few undesirable side effects.", "contents": "[Induction of labor by prostaglandin F 2 alpha in the treatment of hydatidiform mole]. Labour was induced by intravenous infusion of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) in 12 patients with hydatidiform mole. After a mean infusion time of 15 h 51 min and a mean dosage of 25,1 mg PGF2alpha, the infusion of 5 to 40 mug PGF2alpha/min led to 1 to 3 cm dilatation of the cervix. In this way, it was possible to perform a mild evacuation of the molar tissue with vacuum curette or fixation forceps and curette. Under continued PG-infusion the uterus was contracted in the time of evacuation of hydatidiform mole. At present the preoperative dilatation of the cervix by means of PG-induced labour and vacuum curettage is the method of choice in the management of hydatidiform mole because of its effectiveness and few undesirable side effects.", "PMID": 1007694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10829", "title": "[Cardiovascular effects of prostaglandin F 2 alpha in early pregnancy].", "content": "In 10 normotensive healthy early pregnant women cardiovascular studies were done before, during and after the intravenous administration of prostaglandin F2alpha with the method of quantitative sphygmometry. Arterial blood pressure was measured graphically with an automatic sphygmomanometer unit. Velocity of aortic pulse wave was determined directly on the principle of exact electronic timing. Prostaglandin F2alpha was infused with electric pump in the dosage of 6, 5, 13 and 26 mug per minute for 30 minutes in each case. Arterial blood pressure is nearly constant. Heart rate, the elasticity coefficient of the arteries E' and total peripheral resistance decreases significantly. Stroke volume, cardiac output, work and power of the heart increases significantly. Nevertheless there are no contra-indications on the part of cardiovascular system for using prostaglandin F2alpha for induction of abortion", "contents": "[Cardiovascular effects of prostaglandin F 2 alpha in early pregnancy]. In 10 normotensive healthy early pregnant women cardiovascular studies were done before, during and after the intravenous administration of prostaglandin F2alpha with the method of quantitative sphygmometry. Arterial blood pressure was measured graphically with an automatic sphygmomanometer unit. Velocity of aortic pulse wave was determined directly on the principle of exact electronic timing. Prostaglandin F2alpha was infused with electric pump in the dosage of 6, 5, 13 and 26 mug per minute for 30 minutes in each case. Arterial blood pressure is nearly constant. Heart rate, the elasticity coefficient of the arteries E' and total peripheral resistance decreases significantly. Stroke volume, cardiac output, work and power of the heart increases significantly. Nevertheless there are no contra-indications on the part of cardiovascular system for using prostaglandin F2alpha for induction of abortion", "PMID": 1007695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10830", "title": "[Cardiovascular effect of prostaglandin E 2 in early pregnancy].", "content": "In 10 normotensive healthy women between the 8th and 12th week of pregnancy complete cardiovascular studies were done before, during and after the intravenous administration of Prostaglandin E2 with the method of quantitative sphygmometry, unbloody measuring of the arterial blood pressure and direct electronical timing of the pulse wave velocity in the aorta. Prostaglandin E2 was infused with electric pump in the dosage of 0.65, 1.3 and 2.6 mug per minute for 30 minutes in each case. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate remains constant. Elasticity coefficient E' of the arteries and total peripheral resistance decreases, stroke volume, cardiac output, work and power of the heart increases significantly. These reactions of the cardiovascular system are much more pronounced than using Prostaglandin F2-alpha. Therefore prostaglandin E2 is characterized in relation to prostaglandin F2-alpha not only by a stronger uterine effectiveness, but also at the same time a pronounced influence on the cardiovascular system.", "contents": "[Cardiovascular effect of prostaglandin E 2 in early pregnancy]. In 10 normotensive healthy women between the 8th and 12th week of pregnancy complete cardiovascular studies were done before, during and after the intravenous administration of Prostaglandin E2 with the method of quantitative sphygmometry, unbloody measuring of the arterial blood pressure and direct electronical timing of the pulse wave velocity in the aorta. Prostaglandin E2 was infused with electric pump in the dosage of 0.65, 1.3 and 2.6 mug per minute for 30 minutes in each case. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate remains constant. Elasticity coefficient E' of the arteries and total peripheral resistance decreases, stroke volume, cardiac output, work and power of the heart increases significantly. These reactions of the cardiovascular system are much more pronounced than using Prostaglandin F2-alpha. Therefore prostaglandin E2 is characterized in relation to prostaglandin F2-alpha not only by a stronger uterine effectiveness, but also at the same time a pronounced influence on the cardiovascular system.", "PMID": 1007696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10831", "title": "[Clinical experiences with percutaneous digitoxin therapy in pregnant women with varicose veins].", "content": "It is reported on the clinical recommendations in a cutaneous treatment with \"Digitoxinpasta\" in varicose veins of pregnant women. The patients' arrangement in groups and the valuation of the result of the treatment was done after clinical aspects. The rate of failures (12%) ranges in tolerable limits. Neither a \"Digitoxinbradycardy\" or signs of overdosage were found in the electrocardiogram.", "contents": "[Clinical experiences with percutaneous digitoxin therapy in pregnant women with varicose veins]. It is reported on the clinical recommendations in a cutaneous treatment with \"Digitoxinpasta\" in varicose veins of pregnant women. The patients' arrangement in groups and the valuation of the result of the treatment was done after clinical aspects. The rate of failures (12%) ranges in tolerable limits. Neither a \"Digitoxinbradycardy\" or signs of overdosage were found in the electrocardiogram.", "PMID": 1007697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10832", "title": "[Report on a newly developed formaledhyde-gelatin plug for cervix dilatation].", "content": "Report about the new-development of formaldehyd-gelatine-tents for careful cervical dilatation after the principle of the laminaria tents. Representation of the cause to swell of formaldehyd-gelatine-tents and possibilities of their use.", "contents": "[Report on a newly developed formaledhyde-gelatin plug for cervix dilatation]. Report about the new-development of formaldehyd-gelatine-tents for careful cervical dilatation after the principle of the laminaria tents. Representation of the cause to swell of formaldehyd-gelatine-tents and possibilities of their use.", "PMID": 1007698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10833", "title": "[Can vacuum aspiration cause air embolism?].", "content": "According to the literature data lethal air embolie occured several times at interruptions of pregnancy carried out by vacuum-aspiration. The question was investigated whether complications were brought about by the method itself or were the fatal consequencies of some technical faults. At the vacuum aspiration the triggering mechanism for air-embolie is absent. On the basis of the reports being evaluable at our disposal we found that more than the half of the lethal air-embolies were caused by medical technical errors which could have been avoided with more precaution. In the other cases the medical technical errors could not be proved but adequate explanations for the lethal cases are missing. Carrying out the operations with thoroughful care and taking into consideration more strictly all precautionary measures there is no reason for fearing of lethal air-embolie.", "contents": "[Can vacuum aspiration cause air embolism?]. According to the literature data lethal air embolie occured several times at interruptions of pregnancy carried out by vacuum-aspiration. The question was investigated whether complications were brought about by the method itself or were the fatal consequencies of some technical faults. At the vacuum aspiration the triggering mechanism for air-embolie is absent. On the basis of the reports being evaluable at our disposal we found that more than the half of the lethal air-embolies were caused by medical technical errors which could have been avoided with more precaution. In the other cases the medical technical errors could not be proved but adequate explanations for the lethal cases are missing. Carrying out the operations with thoroughful care and taking into consideration more strictly all precautionary measures there is no reason for fearing of lethal air-embolie.", "PMID": 1007699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10834", "title": "[Premature rupture of fetal membranes and premature labor].", "content": "The portion of early rupture of the membranes among 521 premature births from 1962 to 1971 was 43.4%. The statistically sure effects of the early rupture of the fetal membranes to some irregularities in pregnancy and delivery on 214 premature births are reported, compared with 202 premature births without early rupture of the membranes. Twins are not considered. The therapeutic management of that time in the hospital consisted of staying in bed without tokolytics or antibiotics. After premature rupture of fetal membranes occured very often: irregular obstetrical presentation, hemorrhage and fever during labour, cesarean section and forceps delivery; the perinatal morbidity was increased. From that aspects for prophylaxis and therapy were deduced.", "contents": "[Premature rupture of fetal membranes and premature labor]. The portion of early rupture of the membranes among 521 premature births from 1962 to 1971 was 43.4%. The statistically sure effects of the early rupture of the fetal membranes to some irregularities in pregnancy and delivery on 214 premature births are reported, compared with 202 premature births without early rupture of the membranes. Twins are not considered. The therapeutic management of that time in the hospital consisted of staying in bed without tokolytics or antibiotics. After premature rupture of fetal membranes occured very often: irregular obstetrical presentation, hemorrhage and fever during labour, cesarean section and forceps delivery; the perinatal morbidity was increased. From that aspects for prophylaxis and therapy were deduced.", "PMID": 1007700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10835", "title": "[The problem of sirenoid malformation].", "content": "The pathological-anatomical and radiological findings of the rare sirenoid malformations which have to be assigned to the disturbed developments of the candal vertebral column section are discussed taking a female apodal sirenomelus involving agenesia of a large part of the intestine and the urogenital tract. About 330 cases have been dealt with in international publications. Exogenic factors are in the foreground, mainly hypoxemic conditions during the embryogenesis whereas heritability is apparently not given.", "contents": "[The problem of sirenoid malformation]. The pathological-anatomical and radiological findings of the rare sirenoid malformations which have to be assigned to the disturbed developments of the candal vertebral column section are discussed taking a female apodal sirenomelus involving agenesia of a large part of the intestine and the urogenital tract. About 330 cases have been dealt with in international publications. Exogenic factors are in the foreground, mainly hypoxemic conditions during the embryogenesis whereas heritability is apparently not given.", "PMID": 1007701} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10836", "title": "[Antibrucellosis lactoglobulin and a study of its therapeutic action under experimental conditions].", "content": "Antibrucellosis lactoglobulin obtained by the author had higher specific antibody titres (1 : 81920) than the gamma-globulin batches prepared earlier from the bovine blood serum (1 : 3200). The suggested antibrucellosis lactoglobulin was harmless, of low reactogenicity and produced a definite therapeutic action when administrated to the infected animals. Since lactoglobulin is less expensive than gamma-globulin further work on the improvement of technology of obtaining the former and on the elaboration of the most effective schemes of its use are of expedience.", "contents": "[Antibrucellosis lactoglobulin and a study of its therapeutic action under experimental conditions]. Antibrucellosis lactoglobulin obtained by the author had higher specific antibody titres (1 : 81920) than the gamma-globulin batches prepared earlier from the bovine blood serum (1 : 3200). The suggested antibrucellosis lactoglobulin was harmless, of low reactogenicity and produced a definite therapeutic action when administrated to the infected animals. Since lactoglobulin is less expensive than gamma-globulin further work on the improvement of technology of obtaining the former and on the elaboration of the most effective schemes of its use are of expedience.", "PMID": 1007709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10837", "title": "[Various aspects of current evolution of zoonoses].", "content": "The author analyzes current pecularities attending the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of a number of zoonozes as a mainifestation of the process of their socially conditioned evolution. Possible sequelae of the anthropogenic transformation of the surrounding environment for the dynamics of the nozoareals of the zoonosis infections are considered.", "contents": "[Various aspects of current evolution of zoonoses]. The author analyzes current pecularities attending the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of a number of zoonozes as a mainifestation of the process of their socially conditioned evolution. Possible sequelae of the anthropogenic transformation of the surrounding environment for the dynamics of the nozoareals of the zoonosis infections are considered.", "PMID": 1007710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10838", "title": "[Study of delayed hypersensitivity in experimental tick-borne encephalitis].", "content": "Experiments were conducted on albino mice. With the aid of the test of inhibition of splenocyte migration in the agar medium it was shown that the tick-borne encephalitis virus caused the state of hypersensitivity of delayed type (HDT) expressed from the 3rd day after the infection and persisting up to the appearance of the clinical signs of the disease; in latent infection the HDT state persisted for a period of up to 50 days (observation period). At the same time the experimental animals displayed a weak splenocyte sensitization with the brain tissue chiefly observed in cases of an acute infection and expressed inconstantly in the latten course of tick-borne encephalitis.", "contents": "[Study of delayed hypersensitivity in experimental tick-borne encephalitis]. Experiments were conducted on albino mice. With the aid of the test of inhibition of splenocyte migration in the agar medium it was shown that the tick-borne encephalitis virus caused the state of hypersensitivity of delayed type (HDT) expressed from the 3rd day after the infection and persisting up to the appearance of the clinical signs of the disease; in latent infection the HDT state persisted for a period of up to 50 days (observation period). At the same time the experimental animals displayed a weak splenocyte sensitization with the brain tissue chiefly observed in cases of an acute infection and expressed inconstantly in the latten course of tick-borne encephalitis.", "PMID": 1007711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10839", "title": "[Problems of control of centralized sterilization in the therapeutic-prophylactic institutions].", "content": "The authors analyze their many-year experience in the work of the sanitary-epidemiological station on control of centralized sterilization departments (CSD) in medical institutions. This control system included preventive and current sanitary supervision, assessment of the efficacy and pecularities of the use of special equipment, the checking of the presterilization treatment and sterilization of medical objects. A necessity of improvment of methods of packing the materials and instruments subject to sterilization and of a thorough study of the sanitary-hygienic conditions of the CSD personnel was demonstrated.", "contents": "[Problems of control of centralized sterilization in the therapeutic-prophylactic institutions]. The authors analyze their many-year experience in the work of the sanitary-epidemiological station on control of centralized sterilization departments (CSD) in medical institutions. This control system included preventive and current sanitary supervision, assessment of the efficacy and pecularities of the use of special equipment, the checking of the presterilization treatment and sterilization of medical objects. A necessity of improvment of methods of packing the materials and instruments subject to sterilization and of a thorough study of the sanitary-hygienic conditions of the CSD personnel was demonstrated.", "PMID": 1007712} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10840", "title": "[Bacteria of the Proteus genus in surface waters].", "content": "The authors present the results of quantitative and qualitative detection of bacteria of the Proteus group in the surface waters of various degree of contamination. By the new method of study there was revealed a number of regularities reflecting the ecology of these microbes in water. There proved to be a distinct correlation between the degree of water contamination by salmonellae and Proteus at various seasons of the year (the prevalence in spring and autumn and reduction in summer and winter). Pr. morgani prevailed over the other Proteus species in the water bodies relatively clean by other indices, this pointing to their prolonged survival and possibly reproduction in surface waters. This accounted for the correlation between the quantitative content of salmonellae and Proteus in highly contaminated waters in towns and a discrepancy in these indices lower than the town boundaries, where the processes of water self-purification begin to prevail.", "contents": "[Bacteria of the Proteus genus in surface waters]. The authors present the results of quantitative and qualitative detection of bacteria of the Proteus group in the surface waters of various degree of contamination. By the new method of study there was revealed a number of regularities reflecting the ecology of these microbes in water. There proved to be a distinct correlation between the degree of water contamination by salmonellae and Proteus at various seasons of the year (the prevalence in spring and autumn and reduction in summer and winter). Pr. morgani prevailed over the other Proteus species in the water bodies relatively clean by other indices, this pointing to their prolonged survival and possibly reproduction in surface waters. This accounted for the correlation between the quantitative content of salmonellae and Proteus in highly contaminated waters in towns and a discrepancy in these indices lower than the town boundaries, where the processes of water self-purification begin to prevail.", "PMID": 1007714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10841", "title": "[Scientific-methodological foundations of the study and assessment of vaccine side-effects].", "content": "It is emphasized that against the background of significant changes in the epidemic situation and technical possibilities of mass vaccinations the injurious action of a number of traditionally used vaccines served as the cause of revision of the strategy and tactics of their use. The conept according to which the character of the changes in the organism of individuals inoculated with the liver vaccines should display a principal difference from such in the individuals vaccinated with the preparations of the antigenic level (which also points to the differences in the methodical principles of the study and the assessment of the indices of their damaging action) is discussed. The author believes that the study of the side-effects of the \"candidates for the position\" of the live vaccine should be realized at the pathogenetic level under the motto of the high similarity to the processes developing after their administration or natural infection with wild strains, with consideration to the special organization of investigations for the detection of the frequency and the spectrum of the possible remote sequelae of the immunization (encephalitogenicity, etc.). For the study of the injurious action of the vaccine preparations of the antigenic level the authors recommend a complex of methods giving information on the quantitative characteristics of their pharmacological, pharmacodynamic and toxicological action, and also of the biological tolerance of their different doses on the experimental and clinical levels. It is emphasized that the information collected traditionally on the vaccine reactogenicity parameters is primarily necessary for the elaboration of a system of methods of their production control for the purpose of timely rejection of non-standard batches.", "contents": "[Scientific-methodological foundations of the study and assessment of vaccine side-effects]. It is emphasized that against the background of significant changes in the epidemic situation and technical possibilities of mass vaccinations the injurious action of a number of traditionally used vaccines served as the cause of revision of the strategy and tactics of their use. The conept according to which the character of the changes in the organism of individuals inoculated with the liver vaccines should display a principal difference from such in the individuals vaccinated with the preparations of the antigenic level (which also points to the differences in the methodical principles of the study and the assessment of the indices of their damaging action) is discussed. The author believes that the study of the side-effects of the \"candidates for the position\" of the live vaccine should be realized at the pathogenetic level under the motto of the high similarity to the processes developing after their administration or natural infection with wild strains, with consideration to the special organization of investigations for the detection of the frequency and the spectrum of the possible remote sequelae of the immunization (encephalitogenicity, etc.). For the study of the injurious action of the vaccine preparations of the antigenic level the authors recommend a complex of methods giving information on the quantitative characteristics of their pharmacological, pharmacodynamic and toxicological action, and also of the biological tolerance of their different doses on the experimental and clinical levels. It is emphasized that the information collected traditionally on the vaccine reactogenicity parameters is primarily necessary for the elaboration of a system of methods of their production control for the purpose of timely rejection of non-standard batches.", "PMID": 1007715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10842", "title": "[A study of the avidity of Vi antibodies in typhoid fever patients and chronic carriers].", "content": "Avidity of Vi-antibodies was studied in the patients suffering from typhoid fever and chronic carriers in the indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT) by means of titration with erythrocytic diagnostic agents sensitized with various doses of the Vi-antigen. The minimal sensitizing dose still adequate for detection of the antibodies in the titre of 1 : 20 was accepted as the avidity index. By the avidity sign the antibody heterogeneity index was calculated as the ratio of the optimal sensitizing dose to the minimal sensitizing one. In comparison with the patients suffering from typhoid fever of at the acute period of the disease in chronic carriers Vi-antibodies were more avid, this being conditioned chiefly by the highly avid IgG-antibodies. During the acute period of the disease the avidity of Vi-antibodies elevated only against the antibodies of the IgG-class. An increase of heterogeneity by the same sign was noted with increase of the degree of the serum antibody avidity.", "contents": "[A study of the avidity of Vi antibodies in typhoid fever patients and chronic carriers]. Avidity of Vi-antibodies was studied in the patients suffering from typhoid fever and chronic carriers in the indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT) by means of titration with erythrocytic diagnostic agents sensitized with various doses of the Vi-antigen. The minimal sensitizing dose still adequate for detection of the antibodies in the titre of 1 : 20 was accepted as the avidity index. By the avidity sign the antibody heterogeneity index was calculated as the ratio of the optimal sensitizing dose to the minimal sensitizing one. In comparison with the patients suffering from typhoid fever of at the acute period of the disease in chronic carriers Vi-antibodies were more avid, this being conditioned chiefly by the highly avid IgG-antibodies. During the acute period of the disease the avidity of Vi-antibodies elevated only against the antibodies of the IgG-class. An increase of heterogeneity by the same sign was noted with increase of the degree of the serum antibody avidity.", "PMID": 1007716} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10843", "title": "[Phage types of typhoid cultures of the Orel region in 1964-1973].", "content": "A total of 810 cultures of the causative agents of typhoid fever were isolated at the territory of the Orel region in 1964-1973 in 655 foci; the phage type was established in 63.5% of the cases, 30.2% of the cultures could not be typed by the available phages, and the rest were polylysable or devoid of Vi-antigen (W-form). A total of 16 phage types were revealed; among them there prevailed phage types A (18%), E (15.1%), F1 (7.3%), and N (5.2%); phage types 28, 46, and 40 were less frequent; phage types C1, T and D6 were revealed in individual cases only. There occurred no significant changes in the phage pattern for the observation period.", "contents": "[Phage types of typhoid cultures of the Orel region in 1964-1973]. A total of 810 cultures of the causative agents of typhoid fever were isolated at the territory of the Orel region in 1964-1973 in 655 foci; the phage type was established in 63.5% of the cases, 30.2% of the cultures could not be typed by the available phages, and the rest were polylysable or devoid of Vi-antigen (W-form). A total of 16 phage types were revealed; among them there prevailed phage types A (18%), E (15.1%), F1 (7.3%), and N (5.2%); phage types 28, 46, and 40 were less frequent; phage types C1, T and D6 were revealed in individual cases only. There occurred no significant changes in the phage pattern for the observation period.", "PMID": 1007717} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10844", "title": "[The protective and immunodepressive activity of cell fractions of a cholera-like vibrio].", "content": "A study was made of the protective and immunodepressive activity of the sytoplasmic fractions of a cholera-like vibrio. Ribosomal fraction proved to possess more marked protective and immunodepressive properties than the soluble cytoplasmic fraction.", "contents": "[The protective and immunodepressive activity of cell fractions of a cholera-like vibrio]. A study was made of the protective and immunodepressive activity of the sytoplasmic fractions of a cholera-like vibrio. Ribosomal fraction proved to possess more marked protective and immunodepressive properties than the soluble cytoplasmic fraction.", "PMID": 1007718} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10845", "title": "[A study of immunological efficacy of the oral chemical cholera vaccine on experimental animals].", "content": "Three fractions isolated from the culture fluid of the 569B cholera vibrio strain were studied. The fractions differed by the extent of purification, and the content of the toxid and the O-antigen. In intraintestinal application to rabbits all of them caused formation of antitoxins and vibriocidal antibodies in the blood serum. The immunizing dose of the preparations in intraintestinal administration exceeded the dose required for subcutaneous application. Fraction I should be used for Producing tablet form of cholera vaccine because it was least toxic and provided the greatest yield.", "contents": "[A study of immunological efficacy of the oral chemical cholera vaccine on experimental animals]. Three fractions isolated from the culture fluid of the 569B cholera vibrio strain were studied. The fractions differed by the extent of purification, and the content of the toxid and the O-antigen. In intraintestinal application to rabbits all of them caused formation of antitoxins and vibriocidal antibodies in the blood serum. The immunizing dose of the preparations in intraintestinal administration exceeded the dose required for subcutaneous application. Fraction I should be used for Producing tablet form of cholera vaccine because it was least toxic and provided the greatest yield.", "PMID": 1007720} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10846", "title": "[Immunostimulating action of thiamine when using purine base analogs].", "content": "Experiments were conducted on albino rats; a study was made of the effect of the antigenic stimulation and of the purine base analogues (6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine) on the thiamine content in the spleen, and also of the influence of thiamine load on the antibody biosynthesis induced with the antigen under normal conditions and in administration of immunodepressors. Immunization and administration of the analogues of purine bases caused a reduction of thiamine content in the spleen. An excessive vitamin load compensated this deficiency. Thiamine load stimulated the formation of antibodies and weakened the immunodepressor effect of the purine base analogues significantly.", "contents": "[Immunostimulating action of thiamine when using purine base analogs]. Experiments were conducted on albino rats; a study was made of the effect of the antigenic stimulation and of the purine base analogues (6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine) on the thiamine content in the spleen, and also of the influence of thiamine load on the antibody biosynthesis induced with the antigen under normal conditions and in administration of immunodepressors. Immunization and administration of the analogues of purine bases caused a reduction of thiamine content in the spleen. An excessive vitamin load compensated this deficiency. Thiamine load stimulated the formation of antibodies and weakened the immunodepressor effect of the purine base analogues significantly.", "PMID": 1007721} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10847", "title": "[Immunological indices in the digestive tract secretions in subcutaneous and oral vaccination against typhoid fever].", "content": "Volunteers were vaccinated subcutaneously and orally against typhoid fever; a determination was made of immunological reactions in the digestive tract secretions. Oral vaccination caused a much greater production of the secretory IgA than the subcutaneous one. Immunoglobulins of classes G and M were revealed in the intestinal contents only in a few volunteers. In studying the coprofiltrates obtained before the vaccination there was shown for the first time the presence of normal coproantibodies to typhoid fever, dysentery, tetanus, diphteria, botulism and gas gangrene; in the majority of the cases there was found a correlation between the presence of normal serum and secretory antibodies. Subcutaneous and oral vaccination caused an increase of coproantibodies specific for the vaccines used. Besides, the same vaccines stimulated the nonspecific response expressed in a rise of the level of other species of antibodies. Specificity of coproantibodies in the inhibitary passive hemagglutination reaction was demonstrated in the majority of the coprofiltrates examined.", "contents": "[Immunological indices in the digestive tract secretions in subcutaneous and oral vaccination against typhoid fever]. Volunteers were vaccinated subcutaneously and orally against typhoid fever; a determination was made of immunological reactions in the digestive tract secretions. Oral vaccination caused a much greater production of the secretory IgA than the subcutaneous one. Immunoglobulins of classes G and M were revealed in the intestinal contents only in a few volunteers. In studying the coprofiltrates obtained before the vaccination there was shown for the first time the presence of normal coproantibodies to typhoid fever, dysentery, tetanus, diphteria, botulism and gas gangrene; in the majority of the cases there was found a correlation between the presence of normal serum and secretory antibodies. Subcutaneous and oral vaccination caused an increase of coproantibodies specific for the vaccines used. Besides, the same vaccines stimulated the nonspecific response expressed in a rise of the level of other species of antibodies. Specificity of coproantibodies in the inhibitary passive hemagglutination reaction was demonstrated in the majority of the coprofiltrates examined.", "PMID": 1007722} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10848", "title": "[Use of computers and mathematical methods in epidemiological work. V. Assessment of infection morbidity using standardized indices].", "content": "The paper treats of the method of obtaining special and generalized indices on the computer M-222 to be used for the analysis of infectious morbidity under the automatic control system conditions. Assessment of significance of the differences between the actual number of diseases and the \"usual\" morbidity level characteristic of the given territory and the time of the year lies at the basis of the calculation of the standardized indices. Complex evaluation of the epidemiological condition of the controlled district was carried out according to the data of the official monthly and annual sanitary-epidemiological report forms No. 85.", "contents": "[Use of computers and mathematical methods in epidemiological work. V. Assessment of infection morbidity using standardized indices]. The paper treats of the method of obtaining special and generalized indices on the computer M-222 to be used for the analysis of infectious morbidity under the automatic control system conditions. Assessment of significance of the differences between the actual number of diseases and the \"usual\" morbidity level characteristic of the given territory and the time of the year lies at the basis of the calculation of the standardized indices. Complex evaluation of the epidemiological condition of the controlled district was carried out according to the data of the official monthly and annual sanitary-epidemiological report forms No. 85.", "PMID": 1007723} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10849", "title": "[Analysis of patenting vaccine-serum preparations in the Soviet Union].", "content": "Patenting practice of vaccine-serum preparations in the Soviet Union is not uniform. A compelx maintenance of the object, i.e. patenting of the preparation proper and the method of its production is of interest.", "contents": "[Analysis of patenting vaccine-serum preparations in the Soviet Union]. Patenting practice of vaccine-serum preparations in the Soviet Union is not uniform. A compelx maintenance of the object, i.e. patenting of the preparation proper and the method of its production is of interest.", "PMID": 1007724} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10850", "title": "[Role played by the parenteral infection transmission mechanism in the spread of viral hepatitis].", "content": "The authors present the results of observations carried out for the purpose of ascertaining the role played by the parenteral mechanism of transmission in the growth of viral hepatitis incidence. A number of measures for prevention of parenteral viral hepatitis infection were carried out in the mental hospital; the incidence of viral hepatitis decreased 16.4 times (from 13.1 to 0,8 per 1000 patients) for a period of three years (1966--1969).", "contents": "[Role played by the parenteral infection transmission mechanism in the spread of viral hepatitis]. The authors present the results of observations carried out for the purpose of ascertaining the role played by the parenteral mechanism of transmission in the growth of viral hepatitis incidence. A number of measures for prevention of parenteral viral hepatitis infection were carried out in the mental hospital; the incidence of viral hepatitis decreased 16.4 times (from 13.1 to 0,8 per 1000 patients) for a period of three years (1966--1969).", "PMID": 1007725} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10851", "title": "[Leptospirosis in rodents in the old natural focus of Eastern Slovakia].", "content": "A total of 770 rodents (40 rats, 100 hamsters and 630 rodents) were serologicall examined in the old natural foci in some of the Eastern Slovakia regions; there were 10.6% of positive reactions to Leptospirosis in dilutions ranging from 1 : 100 to 1 : 1600. In rats 17 sers (40%) proved to be positive to leptospira, mostly reacting with the L. icterohaemorrhagiae. A positive reaction with the leptospira antigen was found in 13 sera (15%) of hamsters; the sera reacted with the Leptospira grypposa more frequently than with the L. serjoe. In the group of small rodents the greatest number of positive reactions to leptospirosis was obtained in microtus arvalis (10.7%); the sera reacted most frequently with L. grippotyphosa and L. serjoe. As many as 9 serological types were revealed in the group examined.", "contents": "[Leptospirosis in rodents in the old natural focus of Eastern Slovakia]. A total of 770 rodents (40 rats, 100 hamsters and 630 rodents) were serologicall examined in the old natural foci in some of the Eastern Slovakia regions; there were 10.6% of positive reactions to Leptospirosis in dilutions ranging from 1 : 100 to 1 : 1600. In rats 17 sers (40%) proved to be positive to leptospira, mostly reacting with the L. icterohaemorrhagiae. A positive reaction with the leptospira antigen was found in 13 sera (15%) of hamsters; the sera reacted with the Leptospira grypposa more frequently than with the L. serjoe. In the group of small rodents the greatest number of positive reactions to leptospirosis was obtained in microtus arvalis (10.7%); the sera reacted most frequently with L. grippotyphosa and L. serjoe. As many as 9 serological types were revealed in the group examined.", "PMID": 1007726} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10852", "title": "[A comparative study of ultrastructural organization of the nonagglutinating vibrios and the causative agents of cholera].", "content": "A common plan of ultrastructural organization was revealed in a comparative study of the ultrastructure of the nonagglutinating El Tor and cholera vibrios: the presence of a three-layer cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane, the presence of vesicles on the external layer of the cell wall or between the cell wall and the cytoplasmic membrane; identity of the intracytoplasmic membranous structures; the presence of intracytoplasmic inclusions in the form of granules of various size and electron density; cell division by means of a band with the formation of two cells of equal size or of many bands in one cell, and also by the joining of the cytoplasmic membrane with the formation of rings at the sites of cell division. Identify of the ultrastructure of the vibrios under study can serve as confirmation of the views of the investigators who consider that nonagglutinating vibrios should be referred to a single V. cholerae species.", "contents": "[A comparative study of ultrastructural organization of the nonagglutinating vibrios and the causative agents of cholera]. A common plan of ultrastructural organization was revealed in a comparative study of the ultrastructure of the nonagglutinating El Tor and cholera vibrios: the presence of a three-layer cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane, the presence of vesicles on the external layer of the cell wall or between the cell wall and the cytoplasmic membrane; identity of the intracytoplasmic membranous structures; the presence of intracytoplasmic inclusions in the form of granules of various size and electron density; cell division by means of a band with the formation of two cells of equal size or of many bands in one cell, and also by the joining of the cytoplasmic membrane with the formation of rings at the sites of cell division. Identify of the ultrastructure of the vibrios under study can serve as confirmation of the views of the investigators who consider that nonagglutinating vibrios should be referred to a single V. cholerae species.", "PMID": 1007727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10853", "title": "[Electron microscopic study of dry live plague vaccine EB by the scanning method].", "content": "Dry live plague vaccine EB was examined under microscope; it appeared that in the mentioned preparation the bacterial cells were enclosed in the artificial sucrose-gelatin capsule of the stabilizer which apparently maintained the vital activity of the microorganisms in the state of anabiosis by forming a stable bond with the bacterial body.", "contents": "[Electron microscopic study of dry live plague vaccine EB by the scanning method]. Dry live plague vaccine EB was examined under microscope; it appeared that in the mentioned preparation the bacterial cells were enclosed in the artificial sucrose-gelatin capsule of the stabilizer which apparently maintained the vital activity of the microorganisms in the state of anabiosis by forming a stable bond with the bacterial body.", "PMID": 1007728} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10854", "title": "[Taxonomic subdivision of salmonellae].", "content": "Elaboration of an objective approach to the classification of salmonellae by the biochemical characteristics is of great theoretical and practical interest. The authors carried out a taxonomic analysis of 966 salmonellae and 241 arizonae by 26 biochemical signs. Similarity between all the couples was estimated on the computer M-220; group analysis was carried out by 3 methods with the successive reduction of the group level by 2%. The grouping results are presented on a dendrogram. Analysis of the dendrogram demonstrated that 4 taxons were distinctly traced at the level of 94%, which were united with one another at the level of 93%. The whole group formed at the level of S = 76%, which served as the genus level of the salmonella union. Arizona group was connected with the bond between the II and IV subgenera. A method of numerical taxonomy provied arizona and salmonella to be undoubtfully affiliated, this permitting to regard arizona as the subgenus II of the Salmonella genus.", "contents": "[Taxonomic subdivision of salmonellae]. Elaboration of an objective approach to the classification of salmonellae by the biochemical characteristics is of great theoretical and practical interest. The authors carried out a taxonomic analysis of 966 salmonellae and 241 arizonae by 26 biochemical signs. Similarity between all the couples was estimated on the computer M-220; group analysis was carried out by 3 methods with the successive reduction of the group level by 2%. The grouping results are presented on a dendrogram. Analysis of the dendrogram demonstrated that 4 taxons were distinctly traced at the level of 94%, which were united with one another at the level of 93%. The whole group formed at the level of S = 76%, which served as the genus level of the salmonella union. Arizona group was connected with the bond between the II and IV subgenera. A method of numerical taxonomy provied arizona and salmonella to be undoubtfully affiliated, this permitting to regard arizona as the subgenus II of the Salmonella genus.", "PMID": 1007730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10855", "title": "[Identification of conditionally pathogenic enterobacteria in laboratory practice in the diagnosis of acute intestinal diseases].", "content": "Identification of 361 cultures isolated from patients suffering from various acute intestinal diseasesand from persons who had sustained them, as well as from contacts and persons examined prophylactically with the use of various biochemical tests showed that ty their taxonomic properties the cultures were referred to conditionally-pathogenic representatives of Enterobacteriaceae of the corresponding genera:Citrobacter, Hafnia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Providencia. Serological typing of the strains of bacteria of the Citrobacter pointed to the most frequent circulation of the strains of the serological groups 04, 01, 03, 013, 05, 022, 08; among these groups 04, encountered among all the categories under study, prevailed. At the current stage of identification of conditionally pathogenic enterobacteria in practical laboratories it is of expedience to use in the diagnosis of intestinal diseases the serological typing along with a complex from several additional biochemical tests.", "contents": "[Identification of conditionally pathogenic enterobacteria in laboratory practice in the diagnosis of acute intestinal diseases]. Identification of 361 cultures isolated from patients suffering from various acute intestinal diseasesand from persons who had sustained them, as well as from contacts and persons examined prophylactically with the use of various biochemical tests showed that ty their taxonomic properties the cultures were referred to conditionally-pathogenic representatives of Enterobacteriaceae of the corresponding genera:Citrobacter, Hafnia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Providencia. Serological typing of the strains of bacteria of the Citrobacter pointed to the most frequent circulation of the strains of the serological groups 04, 01, 03, 013, 05, 022, 08; among these groups 04, encountered among all the categories under study, prevailed. At the current stage of identification of conditionally pathogenic enterobacteria in practical laboratories it is of expedience to use in the diagnosis of intestinal diseases the serological typing along with a complex from several additional biochemical tests.", "PMID": 1007731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10856", "title": "[Experimentally induced cholera in guinea pigs. I. Elaboration of the method of infection].", "content": "The method of intrapulmonary infection of guinea pigs was suggested for the assessment of the virulent properties of cholera vibrios. Addition into the diluent of 10% peptone, 10% gelatine and 0.05% agar-agar led to the reduction of LD50 by over 1000 times. A specific infectious process coursing in an acute generalized form with bacteriemia and affection of the small intestine developed in the infected animals. The majority of the animals perished in 1 to 2 days.", "contents": "[Experimentally induced cholera in guinea pigs. I. Elaboration of the method of infection]. The method of intrapulmonary infection of guinea pigs was suggested for the assessment of the virulent properties of cholera vibrios. Addition into the diluent of 10% peptone, 10% gelatine and 0.05% agar-agar led to the reduction of LD50 by over 1000 times. A specific infectious process coursing in an acute generalized form with bacteriemia and affection of the small intestine developed in the infected animals. The majority of the animals perished in 1 to 2 days.", "PMID": 1007732} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10857", "title": "[The effect of Staphylococcus toxin on the electrophoretic mobility and the value of zeta-potential of erythrocytes of the BALB strain mice].", "content": "In experiments in vitro staphylococcus toxin caused a reduction of the electrophoretic mobility and of the zeta potential of the erythrocytes of the BALB line mice; the extent of this reduction depended on the duration of incubation of the erythrocytes with the toxin. The washing of erythrocytes from the toxin after the incubation led to the restoration of the zeta potential and the electrophoretic mobility to 95% of the initial value, this pointing to the sorption interaction of the toxin with the erythrocyte membranes.", "contents": "[The effect of Staphylococcus toxin on the electrophoretic mobility and the value of zeta-potential of erythrocytes of the BALB strain mice]. In experiments in vitro staphylococcus toxin caused a reduction of the electrophoretic mobility and of the zeta potential of the erythrocytes of the BALB line mice; the extent of this reduction depended on the duration of incubation of the erythrocytes with the toxin. The washing of erythrocytes from the toxin after the incubation led to the restoration of the zeta potential and the electrophoretic mobility to 95% of the initial value, this pointing to the sorption interaction of the toxin with the erythrocyte membranes.", "PMID": 1007733} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10858", "title": "[The mechanism of immune alteration of leukocytes].", "content": "The effect of properdin, lysozyme and complementary activity of the blood serum on the degree of immune alteration of leukocytes was revealed on the clinico-experimental material. In the leukocytolysis a neutrophil apparently serves as a mechanical substrate. It is likely that the cytophilic organic antibodies conditioned the indirect variety of leukocytolysis.", "contents": "[The mechanism of immune alteration of leukocytes]. The effect of properdin, lysozyme and complementary activity of the blood serum on the degree of immune alteration of leukocytes was revealed on the clinico-experimental material. In the leukocytolysis a neutrophil apparently serves as a mechanical substrate. It is likely that the cytophilic organic antibodies conditioned the indirect variety of leukocytolysis.", "PMID": 1007734} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10859", "title": "[Experimental study of susceptibility and infectious sensitivity to tularemia of the lemming (Dicrostonyx torquatus Pall].", "content": "Complex study demonstrated high susceptibility and infectious sensitivity of Dicrostonyx torquatus Pall. to the causative agent of tularemia, and its reference to the 1-st group of mammals (according to Olsufiev).", "contents": "[Experimental study of susceptibility and infectious sensitivity to tularemia of the lemming (Dicrostonyx torquatus Pall]. Complex study demonstrated high susceptibility and infectious sensitivity of Dicrostonyx torquatus Pall. to the causative agent of tularemia, and its reference to the 1-st group of mammals (according to Olsufiev).", "PMID": 1007735} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10860", "title": "[Capsule formation in Staphylococcus aureus of hospital origin].", "content": "The authors elaborated suitable conditions for cultivation of freshly isolated Staph. aureus, which offered a possibility of detection among them of a high percentage (75.2) of capsular cultures. It was shown that when grown in serum semifluid agar capsular staphylococci formed diffuse colonies of three different types. No correlation between the presence of the capsule, on the one hand, and the absence of the flocculus-forming factor and resistance to the type bacteriophage, on the other hand, was revealed in the Staph. aureus strains.", "contents": "[Capsule formation in Staphylococcus aureus of hospital origin]. The authors elaborated suitable conditions for cultivation of freshly isolated Staph. aureus, which offered a possibility of detection among them of a high percentage (75.2) of capsular cultures. It was shown that when grown in serum semifluid agar capsular staphylococci formed diffuse colonies of three different types. No correlation between the presence of the capsule, on the one hand, and the absence of the flocculus-forming factor and resistance to the type bacteriophage, on the other hand, was revealed in the Staph. aureus strains.", "PMID": 1007736} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10861", "title": "[Clinical cases of food poisoning caused by NAG-vibrios].", "content": "On the basis of bacteriological and serological studies carried out during two outbreaks of food poisoning it was found that the disease was caused by NAG-vibrios of the I Heiberg group, serotypes 5 and 34 after Sakazaki. The disease was accompanied by isolation of NAG-vibrios from feces and the washings from the stomach, it was characterized by symptoms of acute gastroenteritis and enteritis of mild and moderate severity. The incubation period lasted from 3 to 30 hours. There was an increase in the agglutinin titres to homologous strains of NAG-vibrios. Of the 6 strains tested 4 proved to be enteropathogenic in intraintestinal infection of rabbits in doses of 10(5) microbial cells.", "contents": "[Clinical cases of food poisoning caused by NAG-vibrios]. On the basis of bacteriological and serological studies carried out during two outbreaks of food poisoning it was found that the disease was caused by NAG-vibrios of the I Heiberg group, serotypes 5 and 34 after Sakazaki. The disease was accompanied by isolation of NAG-vibrios from feces and the washings from the stomach, it was characterized by symptoms of acute gastroenteritis and enteritis of mild and moderate severity. The incubation period lasted from 3 to 30 hours. There was an increase in the agglutinin titres to homologous strains of NAG-vibrios. Of the 6 strains tested 4 proved to be enteropathogenic in intraintestinal infection of rabbits in doses of 10(5) microbial cells.", "PMID": 1007737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10862", "title": "[Various aspects of the seventh cholera pandemic].", "content": "Problems on epidemiological surveillance over cholera are elucidated; recommendations elaborated at the meeting in Madrid in 1975 are given. Data on cholera morbidity on different continent in 1961-1975, with indication of the number of countries which sent their reports to the WHO, are presented.", "contents": "[Various aspects of the seventh cholera pandemic]. Problems on epidemiological surveillance over cholera are elucidated; recommendations elaborated at the meeting in Madrid in 1975 are given. Data on cholera morbidity on different continent in 1961-1975, with indication of the number of countries which sent their reports to the WHO, are presented.", "PMID": 1007738} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10863", "title": "[Peculiarities of immunological response to the administration of Vi-antigen in patients suffering from typhoid fever and in experimental animals].", "content": "Vi-antigen parenterally administered into the organism could be revealed on erythrocytes with the aid of inhibition of erythrocyte sedimentation reaction with immune Vi-serum. Patients with typhoid fever displayed positive results in 53.8% of cases. There were differences in the incidence of detection of the Vi-antigen in August and Wistar rats conditioned by theigenotype and due to the different capacity of their erythrocytes to sorb this antigen. Peculiarities of immunological response to the Vi-antigen administration depended on its sorption by erythrocytes in the organism and were the same in patients with typhoid fever and in the linear animals. A decreased capacity of erythrocyte to sorb Vi-antigen induced its more rapid elimination from the organism and caused a weak production of specific antibodies; this should be taken into consideration in immunotherapy of typhoid fever.", "contents": "[Peculiarities of immunological response to the administration of Vi-antigen in patients suffering from typhoid fever and in experimental animals]. Vi-antigen parenterally administered into the organism could be revealed on erythrocytes with the aid of inhibition of erythrocyte sedimentation reaction with immune Vi-serum. Patients with typhoid fever displayed positive results in 53.8% of cases. There were differences in the incidence of detection of the Vi-antigen in August and Wistar rats conditioned by theigenotype and due to the different capacity of their erythrocytes to sorb this antigen. Peculiarities of immunological response to the Vi-antigen administration depended on its sorption by erythrocytes in the organism and were the same in patients with typhoid fever and in the linear animals. A decreased capacity of erythrocyte to sorb Vi-antigen induced its more rapid elimination from the organism and caused a weak production of specific antibodies; this should be taken into consideration in immunotherapy of typhoid fever.", "PMID": 1007739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10864", "title": "[Morphological and histochemical characteristics of the organism's reaction to administration of Cl botulinum toxin. IV. Cytochemical changes in the cells of the mesencephalic nucleus of trigeminal nerve following administration of Cl. botulinum type B toxin].", "content": "After the administration to guinea pigs per os of 1 Dlm of botulin toxin, type B, a change of the RNA synthesis in the nucleoli and DNA depolymerization in the nuclei was observed in some of the cells of the mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve. An increase in the activity of succinic dehydrogenase and of acid phosphatase coursed without any necrotic processes in the cells. Basing upon the changes in the activity of succinic dehydrogenase in the neurons of the mesencephalic nucleus a conclusion was drawn that hypoxia began to develop at the period of appearance of paralyses of the limbs and reached its maximum in myasthenia.", "contents": "[Morphological and histochemical characteristics of the organism's reaction to administration of Cl botulinum toxin. IV. Cytochemical changes in the cells of the mesencephalic nucleus of trigeminal nerve following administration of Cl. botulinum type B toxin]. After the administration to guinea pigs per os of 1 Dlm of botulin toxin, type B, a change of the RNA synthesis in the nucleoli and DNA depolymerization in the nuclei was observed in some of the cells of the mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve. An increase in the activity of succinic dehydrogenase and of acid phosphatase coursed without any necrotic processes in the cells. Basing upon the changes in the activity of succinic dehydrogenase in the neurons of the mesencephalic nucleus a conclusion was drawn that hypoxia began to develop at the period of appearance of paralyses of the limbs and reached its maximum in myasthenia.", "PMID": 1007740} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10865", "title": "[Histological and histochemical changes in the kidneys of rabbits immunized with Cl. botulinum toxoid type B in combination with blood loss].", "content": "Immunization of rabbits with increasing doses of Cl. botulinum toxoid, type B, led to the development in the kidneys of a focal intracapillary productive glomerulonephritis, and also of productive endo- and perivasculites. Blood letting (in the amount of 1% of body weight) aggravated the morphological picture of the affection on account of supervention of the alternative and exudative components. At the same time blood letting led to reduction of the NAD-diaphorase, succinic dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphatase activity in the epithelium of the proximal portions of the nephrons.", "contents": "[Histological and histochemical changes in the kidneys of rabbits immunized with Cl. botulinum toxoid type B in combination with blood loss]. Immunization of rabbits with increasing doses of Cl. botulinum toxoid, type B, led to the development in the kidneys of a focal intracapillary productive glomerulonephritis, and also of productive endo- and perivasculites. Blood letting (in the amount of 1% of body weight) aggravated the morphological picture of the affection on account of supervention of the alternative and exudative components. At the same time blood letting led to reduction of the NAD-diaphorase, succinic dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphatase activity in the epithelium of the proximal portions of the nephrons.", "PMID": 1007741} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10866", "title": "[The spread of parahemolytic vibrios in humans in the Burgass Region (Bulgaria)].", "content": "The presence of parahemolytic vibrios in the water of the Black sea and also in other water bodies, in the hydrobionts, and later in the secondarily contaminated meat products was demonstrated in 1968. In 1973 gastroenteritis caused by parahemolytic vibrios became widespread; 126 cases were confirmed bacteriologically, and 3 cases were found to be carriers. The infected food products were eliminated, and no more cases of the disease were revealed in 1974.", "contents": "[The spread of parahemolytic vibrios in humans in the Burgass Region (Bulgaria)]. The presence of parahemolytic vibrios in the water of the Black sea and also in other water bodies, in the hydrobionts, and later in the secondarily contaminated meat products was demonstrated in 1968. In 1973 gastroenteritis caused by parahemolytic vibrios became widespread; 126 cases were confirmed bacteriologically, and 3 cases were found to be carriers. The infected food products were eliminated, and no more cases of the disease were revealed in 1974.", "PMID": 1007742} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10867", "title": "[Bacteria of the citrobacter genus as one of the possible indeices of dysbacteriosis in intestinal diseases].", "content": "A study of the incidence of detection of bacteria of the Citrobacter genus in chronic intestinal diseases with the clinical and bacteriological manifestations of dysbacteriosis indicated that the mentioned conditioned pathogenic bacteria were revealed with the same frequency as bacteria of the Proteus genus which served as the commonly accepted index of intestinal dysbacteriosis. Comparative analysis of the intestinal microbial flora of the patients led to a supposition that bacteria of the Citrobacter genus could be found not only in the associations with other microbes, but also as a definite individual group of bacteria during the infectious disease and antibiotic therapy in case of disturbance of normal intestinal biocenosis; this could occur even in the absence in these patients of the known bacteriological indices of dysbacteriosis, thus becoming one of its manifestations.", "contents": "[Bacteria of the citrobacter genus as one of the possible indeices of dysbacteriosis in intestinal diseases]. A study of the incidence of detection of bacteria of the Citrobacter genus in chronic intestinal diseases with the clinical and bacteriological manifestations of dysbacteriosis indicated that the mentioned conditioned pathogenic bacteria were revealed with the same frequency as bacteria of the Proteus genus which served as the commonly accepted index of intestinal dysbacteriosis. Comparative analysis of the intestinal microbial flora of the patients led to a supposition that bacteria of the Citrobacter genus could be found not only in the associations with other microbes, but also as a definite individual group of bacteria during the infectious disease and antibiotic therapy in case of disturbance of normal intestinal biocenosis; this could occur even in the absence in these patients of the known bacteriological indices of dysbacteriosis, thus becoming one of its manifestations.", "PMID": 1007743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10868", "title": "[Carrier state of the causative agents of infectious diseases and its significance in the development of the epidemic process].", "content": "Carrier state of the causative agents of the infectious diseases is regarded as a universal phenomenon in infectious pathology. Immunological mechanisms of this phenomenon are discussed. On the basis of analysis of an epidemic process in the streptococcus and staphylococcus infections, and also in influenza and acute respiratory diseases the author formulated the concept on the genotypical and phenotypical nonhomogeneity of the interacting species of the organisms--the parasite and the host. The action mechanism on the epidemic process of the \"mixing factor\" of humans was shown.", "contents": "[Carrier state of the causative agents of infectious diseases and its significance in the development of the epidemic process]. Carrier state of the causative agents of the infectious diseases is regarded as a universal phenomenon in infectious pathology. Immunological mechanisms of this phenomenon are discussed. On the basis of analysis of an epidemic process in the streptococcus and staphylococcus infections, and also in influenza and acute respiratory diseases the author formulated the concept on the genotypical and phenotypical nonhomogeneity of the interacting species of the organisms--the parasite and the host. The action mechanism on the epidemic process of the \"mixing factor\" of humans was shown.", "PMID": 1007745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10869", "title": "[Immunoreactivity to the products of normal microflora. I. Observations on stability of the level of normal human antibodies to common antigens of enterobacteria].", "content": "A four-fold (in the course of one year) examination of the blood sera was carried out in 81 children aged under 11 years with the aid of the indirect hemagglutination reaction permitting to record 7S-antibodies to common intracellular protein antigens of enterobacteria. In 64 cases (79%) the antibody titres remained constant for one year. Variations in the titres were seen in 17 cases and were not over two (14.8%) or four-fold (6.2%) serum dilutions. Results of observations pointed to marked stability of the individual levels of immunoreactivity to the antigenic products of normal automicroflora constantly present in the organism.", "contents": "[Immunoreactivity to the products of normal microflora. I. Observations on stability of the level of normal human antibodies to common antigens of enterobacteria]. A four-fold (in the course of one year) examination of the blood sera was carried out in 81 children aged under 11 years with the aid of the indirect hemagglutination reaction permitting to record 7S-antibodies to common intracellular protein antigens of enterobacteria. In 64 cases (79%) the antibody titres remained constant for one year. Variations in the titres were seen in 17 cases and were not over two (14.8%) or four-fold (6.2%) serum dilutions. Results of observations pointed to marked stability of the individual levels of immunoreactivity to the antigenic products of normal automicroflora constantly present in the organism.", "PMID": 1007744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10870", "title": "[Use of ADT-toxoid with decreased antigen content for the immunization against diphtheria and tetanus of children with contraindications to the inoculation of APDT vaccine. I. Revaccination of children with allergic reactivity].", "content": "A single inculation of ADP-toxoid with diminished antigen content (5 Lf of diphtheria and 5 BU of tetanus components) for diphtheria and tetanus revaccination of children aged from 1 to 11 years with allergic reactivity provided a marked immunological efficacy with an insignificant reactogenicity. The revaccinating effect was also marked in case of a prolonged lapse of time--up to 10 years (observations period) from the last vaccination. Children with allergic reactivity with contraindications to the administration of APDT vaccine and APDT vaccine and ADT-toxoid of conventional composition can be effectively revaccinated with ADT-toxoid with decreased antigen content on condition of careful clinical observation.", "contents": "[Use of ADT-toxoid with decreased antigen content for the immunization against diphtheria and tetanus of children with contraindications to the inoculation of APDT vaccine. I. Revaccination of children with allergic reactivity]. A single inculation of ADP-toxoid with diminished antigen content (5 Lf of diphtheria and 5 BU of tetanus components) for diphtheria and tetanus revaccination of children aged from 1 to 11 years with allergic reactivity provided a marked immunological efficacy with an insignificant reactogenicity. The revaccinating effect was also marked in case of a prolonged lapse of time--up to 10 years (observations period) from the last vaccination. Children with allergic reactivity with contraindications to the administration of APDT vaccine and APDT vaccine and ADT-toxoid of conventional composition can be effectively revaccinated with ADT-toxoid with decreased antigen content on condition of careful clinical observation.", "PMID": 1007746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10871", "title": "[Peculiarities of carbohydrate metabolism in rabbits following prolonged immunization with viral antigens].", "content": "Prolonged, for a period of 5 cycles, immunization of rabbits with tick-borne encephalitis virus, reproduced in the brain of albino mice, caused diabetogenic reaction of the carbohydrate metabolism. It was expressed in hyperglycemia, reduction of hexokinase activity and of glycolysis of hepatic tissue and activation of phosphorylase, glycogenolysis and pentous way of carbohydrate transformation. Metabolic changes were accompanied by a reduction of insulin activity of the immunized rabbit serum. An analogous administration of a more pathogenic virus (of western equine encephalomyelitis) led to changes (equal in value) in the functional condition of the pancreas with much lesser shifts in the biochemical idices of the carbohydrate metabolism.", "contents": "[Peculiarities of carbohydrate metabolism in rabbits following prolonged immunization with viral antigens]. Prolonged, for a period of 5 cycles, immunization of rabbits with tick-borne encephalitis virus, reproduced in the brain of albino mice, caused diabetogenic reaction of the carbohydrate metabolism. It was expressed in hyperglycemia, reduction of hexokinase activity and of glycolysis of hepatic tissue and activation of phosphorylase, glycogenolysis and pentous way of carbohydrate transformation. Metabolic changes were accompanied by a reduction of insulin activity of the immunized rabbit serum. An analogous administration of a more pathogenic virus (of western equine encephalomyelitis) led to changes (equal in value) in the functional condition of the pancreas with much lesser shifts in the biochemical idices of the carbohydrate metabolism.", "PMID": 1007747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10872", "title": "[Methods of assessment of the epidemic process intensity].", "content": "For a more complete and proper assessment of the intensity of the epidemic process in infections with polymorphic clinical picture it is suggested, that, along with morbidity analysis one should calculate the affection level and the ratio of the manifest and inapparent forms (infection carrier forms). For this purpose suitable formulas of calculation are recommended. A possibility of the use of this method for evaluation of the intensity of the infectious process in various groups of persons, depending on age, season, etc., and also for the assessment of the efficacy of antiepidemic measures in dysentery and other infectious diseases was noted.", "contents": "[Methods of assessment of the epidemic process intensity]. For a more complete and proper assessment of the intensity of the epidemic process in infections with polymorphic clinical picture it is suggested, that, along with morbidity analysis one should calculate the affection level and the ratio of the manifest and inapparent forms (infection carrier forms). For this purpose suitable formulas of calculation are recommended. A possibility of the use of this method for evaluation of the intensity of the infectious process in various groups of persons, depending on age, season, etc., and also for the assessment of the efficacy of antiepidemic measures in dysentery and other infectious diseases was noted.", "PMID": 1007748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10873", "title": "Essential fatty acids and prostaglandins.", "content": "Arachidonic acid takes part in a number of complicated enzymic processes in which not only the prostaglandins but also the intermediate products of their biosynthesis have important physiological effects. The prostaglandin-synthesizing system can convert a large number of nonnatural substrates, leading to the formation of substituted prostaglandins, some of which have interesting pharmacological properties. The prostaglandin-synthesizing system is found both in the higher animals and in lower animals such as the corals and mussels. So far there have been no indications that this system occurs in the plant kingdom, even in those plants which are able to produce arachidonic acid. It is attractive to assume that this arachidonic acid-prostaglandin system functions as a regulator of certain membrane functions for which there is no parallel need in the plant.", "contents": "Essential fatty acids and prostaglandins. Arachidonic acid takes part in a number of complicated enzymic processes in which not only the prostaglandins but also the intermediate products of their biosynthesis have important physiological effects. The prostaglandin-synthesizing system can convert a large number of nonnatural substrates, leading to the formation of substituted prostaglandins, some of which have interesting pharmacological properties. The prostaglandin-synthesizing system is found both in the higher animals and in lower animals such as the corals and mussels. So far there have been no indications that this system occurs in the plant kingdom, even in those plants which are able to produce arachidonic acid. It is attractive to assume that this arachidonic acid-prostaglandin system functions as a regulator of certain membrane functions for which there is no parallel need in the plant.", "PMID": 1007749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10874", "title": "Prostaglandin endoperoxides and thromboxanes: role in platelets and in vascular and respiratory smooth muscle.", "content": "1. Two groups of unstable (t 1/2 = 5 min) endoperoxides, PGG and PGH compounds, have been isolated and shown to be precursors of the prostaglandins. 2. A new group of compounds (thromboxanes) derived from the endoperoxides has been discovered. Thromboxanes have so far been found in platelets, leucocytes, lung tissue, spleen, kidney and umbilical artery. In platelets the thromboxane constitute the major products derived from the endoperoxides. 3. A highly unstable (t 1/2 = 30-40 s) intermediate, thromboxane A2, between the endoperoxides and thromboxane B2 has been detected. Structural work indicates that it has a bicyclic oxaneoxetane structure. 4. Thromboxane A2 induces platelet aggregation and causes contraction of the isolated rabbit aorta. Rabbit aorta contracting substance (RCS) discovered by PIPER and VANE consists mainly of thromboxane A2 and to some extent of the endoperoxides PGG2 and PGH2. 5. Endoperoxides and thromboxanes are essential for platelet aggregation. Platelet cyclo-oxygenase deficiency gives rise to a hemostatic defect due to an abnormal release mechanism. 6. The endoperoxides have unique actions on vascular and air-way smooth muscle. The effects are not due to conversion to the stable prostaglandins (PGE, PGF etc). 7. The biologically active compounds formed from polyunsaturated fatty acids via the cyclo-oxygenase catalyzed pathway can be divided into three groups depending on the stability, viz. the stable prostaglandins (PGE etc.), the endoperoxides (PGG and PGH) and the thromboxanes.", "contents": "Prostaglandin endoperoxides and thromboxanes: role in platelets and in vascular and respiratory smooth muscle. 1. Two groups of unstable (t 1/2 = 5 min) endoperoxides, PGG and PGH compounds, have been isolated and shown to be precursors of the prostaglandins. 2. A new group of compounds (thromboxanes) derived from the endoperoxides has been discovered. Thromboxanes have so far been found in platelets, leucocytes, lung tissue, spleen, kidney and umbilical artery. In platelets the thromboxane constitute the major products derived from the endoperoxides. 3. A highly unstable (t 1/2 = 30-40 s) intermediate, thromboxane A2, between the endoperoxides and thromboxane B2 has been detected. Structural work indicates that it has a bicyclic oxaneoxetane structure. 4. Thromboxane A2 induces platelet aggregation and causes contraction of the isolated rabbit aorta. Rabbit aorta contracting substance (RCS) discovered by PIPER and VANE consists mainly of thromboxane A2 and to some extent of the endoperoxides PGG2 and PGH2. 5. Endoperoxides and thromboxanes are essential for platelet aggregation. Platelet cyclo-oxygenase deficiency gives rise to a hemostatic defect due to an abnormal release mechanism. 6. The endoperoxides have unique actions on vascular and air-way smooth muscle. The effects are not due to conversion to the stable prostaglandins (PGE, PGF etc). 7. The biologically active compounds formed from polyunsaturated fatty acids via the cyclo-oxygenase catalyzed pathway can be divided into three groups depending on the stability, viz. the stable prostaglandins (PGE etc.), the endoperoxides (PGG and PGH) and the thromboxanes.", "PMID": 1007751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10875", "title": "The effects of linoleic acid and prostaglandin E1 on arterial thrombosis.", "content": "The effects of dietary linoleic acid on arterial thrombus formation in rats were compared with the inhibitory effect of intravenous or intraaortic administration of PGE1, a potent inhibitor of platelet adhesion and aggregation. The \"rat aorta-loop\" model proved to be a useful method to induce a stable thrombus, obstructing the aortae of standard-fed rats with an obstruction time (OT) of about 96 h. Increasing the amount of dietary linoleic acid from 2.5 cal% to 30 cal% doubled OT to about 200 h. A constant intravenous PGE1 infusion of 10 mug/h increased OT significantly from the control value of 126.6 h to 160.1 h. When the same amount of PGE1 was infused intraarteriallu, the increase in OT was higher and doubled to 255.7 h. Using the \"Filtragometer method\" - in which platelet aggregatibility is measured in flowing human venous blood - a significant decrease in platelet stickiness was found in a group of patients consuming 12 cal% linoleic acid as compared to a similar group of patients with only 4 cal% linoleic acid in the diet. As similar results were obtained in patients with diabetes mellitus and in survivors of a myocardial infarction, increasing the amount of dietary linoleic acid may be of great therapeutic value for patients at risk of arterial thrombotic processes. These data support the hypothesis that part of the excess of dietary linoleic acid can lead to increased PGE1 concentrations.", "contents": "The effects of linoleic acid and prostaglandin E1 on arterial thrombosis. The effects of dietary linoleic acid on arterial thrombus formation in rats were compared with the inhibitory effect of intravenous or intraaortic administration of PGE1, a potent inhibitor of platelet adhesion and aggregation. The \"rat aorta-loop\" model proved to be a useful method to induce a stable thrombus, obstructing the aortae of standard-fed rats with an obstruction time (OT) of about 96 h. Increasing the amount of dietary linoleic acid from 2.5 cal% to 30 cal% doubled OT to about 200 h. A constant intravenous PGE1 infusion of 10 mug/h increased OT significantly from the control value of 126.6 h to 160.1 h. When the same amount of PGE1 was infused intraarteriallu, the increase in OT was higher and doubled to 255.7 h. Using the \"Filtragometer method\" - in which platelet aggregatibility is measured in flowing human venous blood - a significant decrease in platelet stickiness was found in a group of patients consuming 12 cal% linoleic acid as compared to a similar group of patients with only 4 cal% linoleic acid in the diet. As similar results were obtained in patients with diabetes mellitus and in survivors of a myocardial infarction, increasing the amount of dietary linoleic acid may be of great therapeutic value for patients at risk of arterial thrombotic processes. These data support the hypothesis that part of the excess of dietary linoleic acid can lead to increased PGE1 concentrations.", "PMID": 1007752} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10876", "title": "Prostaglandins and polyunsaturated fatty acids in heart muscle.", "content": "1. Dietary lipids modify fatty acid composition of cardiac lipids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids replace less unsaturated fatty acids in phospholipds. 2. Mortality following isoproterenol-stimulation increase with decreasing amount of arachidonic acid in cardiac phospholipds. 3. In normal human heart muscle the ratio of essential, omega-6/nonessential, omega-3 fatty acids diminshes from age 17 to age 50 years. 4. In sudden cardiac death the ratio of prostaglandin substrate, C20:4, to prostaglandin inhibitor, C22:6, is frequently much higher than expected.", "contents": "Prostaglandins and polyunsaturated fatty acids in heart muscle. 1. Dietary lipids modify fatty acid composition of cardiac lipids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids replace less unsaturated fatty acids in phospholipds. 2. Mortality following isoproterenol-stimulation increase with decreasing amount of arachidonic acid in cardiac phospholipds. 3. In normal human heart muscle the ratio of essential, omega-6/nonessential, omega-3 fatty acids diminshes from age 17 to age 50 years. 4. In sudden cardiac death the ratio of prostaglandin substrate, C20:4, to prostaglandin inhibitor, C22:6, is frequently much higher than expected.", "PMID": 1007753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10877", "title": "Comparative effects of prostaglandins E1, E2, A1, F1 alpha and F2 alpha on the resistance of coronary vessels during intracoronary administration.", "content": "The effects of prostaglandins E1, E2, A1, F1 alpha, and F2 alpha on the coronary vascular resistance during intracoronary administration were studied in anaesthetized, open-chest dogs. PGE1 in doses of 0.1 - 3-10 mug/kg in single intracoronary administration produced a potent and comparatively long-lasting direct decrease of the resistance of the coronary vessels and a decrease in the systemic arterial pressure. The PGE2 and PGA1 actions on the coronary vessels were less potent. At variance with PGE1 and PGE2, the hypotensive effect of PGA1 is more expressed than its action on the resistivity of coronary vessels. PGE1 alpah and PGF2 alpha do not show any significant influence on the resistivity of the coronary vessels. The results of the investigations also permit to establish a correlation between the chemical structure and action of prostaglandins on the coronary vessels and to conclude that one of the most important functional groups that determines the prostaglandin action on the coronary vessels most decisively is the keto-group at C-9 of cyclopentane ring. As coronary dilatator agents in anaesthetized dogs, the activity of the prostaglandins ranged in the order E1 greater than E2 greater than A1 greater than F1 alpha greater than F2 alpha.", "contents": "Comparative effects of prostaglandins E1, E2, A1, F1 alpha and F2 alpha on the resistance of coronary vessels during intracoronary administration. The effects of prostaglandins E1, E2, A1, F1 alpha, and F2 alpha on the coronary vascular resistance during intracoronary administration were studied in anaesthetized, open-chest dogs. PGE1 in doses of 0.1 - 3-10 mug/kg in single intracoronary administration produced a potent and comparatively long-lasting direct decrease of the resistance of the coronary vessels and a decrease in the systemic arterial pressure. The PGE2 and PGA1 actions on the coronary vessels were less potent. At variance with PGE1 and PGE2, the hypotensive effect of PGA1 is more expressed than its action on the resistivity of coronary vessels. PGE1 alpah and PGF2 alpha do not show any significant influence on the resistivity of the coronary vessels. The results of the investigations also permit to establish a correlation between the chemical structure and action of prostaglandins on the coronary vessels and to conclude that one of the most important functional groups that determines the prostaglandin action on the coronary vessels most decisively is the keto-group at C-9 of cyclopentane ring. As coronary dilatator agents in anaesthetized dogs, the activity of the prostaglandins ranged in the order E1 greater than E2 greater than A1 greater than F1 alpha greater than F2 alpha.", "PMID": 1007755} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10878", "title": "Action of prostaglandins on heart arrhythmias.", "content": "Depending on the type applied, prostaglandins have different cardiovascular effects both with regard to blood pressure and inotropic action. Results from experiments on animals show that the antiarrhythmic effect seems to be relatively uniform. So far our own clinical investigations have been carried out on 18 patients with disturbances of the heart rhythm predominantly due to organic causes. The response to PGF2 alpha infusions in dosages of 0.5-3.0 mg was not uniform. At constant heart rates, transitory regression of distrubances in the heart rhythm occurred, most pronounced in ventricular extrasytoles. Positive results became particularly evident in patients suffering from myocardial infarction, partially coinciding with the administration of cardiac glycosides. The antiarrhythmic effects cannot be explained by non-specific quinidine-like actions which was also confirmed by the lacking prostaglandin action on the diastolic stimulus threshold.", "contents": "Action of prostaglandins on heart arrhythmias. Depending on the type applied, prostaglandins have different cardiovascular effects both with regard to blood pressure and inotropic action. Results from experiments on animals show that the antiarrhythmic effect seems to be relatively uniform. So far our own clinical investigations have been carried out on 18 patients with disturbances of the heart rhythm predominantly due to organic causes. The response to PGF2 alpha infusions in dosages of 0.5-3.0 mg was not uniform. At constant heart rates, transitory regression of distrubances in the heart rhythm occurred, most pronounced in ventricular extrasytoles. Positive results became particularly evident in patients suffering from myocardial infarction, partially coinciding with the administration of cardiac glycosides. The antiarrhythmic effects cannot be explained by non-specific quinidine-like actions which was also confirmed by the lacking prostaglandin action on the diastolic stimulus threshold.", "PMID": 1007760} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10879", "title": "Cardiac actions of arachidonic acid.", "content": "The cardiac actions of arachidonic acid (AA, C 20:4), the precursor of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) were studied in isolated atria and papillary muscles of guniea-pigs as well as canine Purkinje fibers. In contrast to the cardio-depressant actions of some short and long-chain fatty acids (octanoate, oleate) AA (10(-6)-10(-4) M) increased sinoatrial rate and contractility in guinea-pig atrial preparations. This cardio-stimulant action of AA was accompanied by an increase in the amplitude and maximum rate of rise of the intracellularly recorded atrial action potential. Some increase in the resting membrane potential and a slight prolongation of the action potential duration could also be observed. AA did not induce any pace-maker activity in isolated papillary muscle of guinea pigs or in isolated Purkinje fibers. Similarly to AA, PGE2 and PGF2 alpha (2.1-10(-8)12.1-10(-5) M) were also found to increase atrial rate and contractile force. The stimulating actions of AA were reduced by application of high concentrations of indomethacin (5-10(-5) M).", "contents": "Cardiac actions of arachidonic acid. The cardiac actions of arachidonic acid (AA, C 20:4), the precursor of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) were studied in isolated atria and papillary muscles of guniea-pigs as well as canine Purkinje fibers. In contrast to the cardio-depressant actions of some short and long-chain fatty acids (octanoate, oleate) AA (10(-6)-10(-4) M) increased sinoatrial rate and contractility in guinea-pig atrial preparations. This cardio-stimulant action of AA was accompanied by an increase in the amplitude and maximum rate of rise of the intracellularly recorded atrial action potential. Some increase in the resting membrane potential and a slight prolongation of the action potential duration could also be observed. AA did not induce any pace-maker activity in isolated papillary muscle of guinea pigs or in isolated Purkinje fibers. Similarly to AA, PGE2 and PGF2 alpha (2.1-10(-8)12.1-10(-5) M) were also found to increase atrial rate and contractile force. The stimulating actions of AA were reduced by application of high concentrations of indomethacin (5-10(-5) M).", "PMID": 1007761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10880", "title": "Effects of prostaglandins in canine endotoxin shock.", "content": "Endotoxin shock was produced in healthy, adult mongrel dogs by the intravenous injection of 1.5 mg/kg of E. coli endotoxin. The 24 hour survival of untreated animals was 34% and was not enhanced by volume replacement with low molecular weight dextran. Treatment with dextran and prostaglandin A1 or E1, although effecting significant hemodynamic improvements, did not increase survival.", "contents": "Effects of prostaglandins in canine endotoxin shock. Endotoxin shock was produced in healthy, adult mongrel dogs by the intravenous injection of 1.5 mg/kg of E. coli endotoxin. The 24 hour survival of untreated animals was 34% and was not enhanced by volume replacement with low molecular weight dextran. Treatment with dextran and prostaglandin A1 or E1, although effecting significant hemodynamic improvements, did not increase survival.", "PMID": 1007762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10881", "title": "The etiology and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.", "content": "A series of photomicrographs shows that deposits of cholesterol crystals in the walls of arteries as well as in other tissues have a strong irritative effect on collagen tissue. This process is probably the very cause of the atherosclerotic plaque. Cholesterol deposits are especially abundant in hypercholesterolemia. This may be due to various factors, the most important of which is a faulty diet containing too much saturated fat. Replacement of such fat by polyunsaturated fat will lower the blood cholesterol level. From preventive point of view, it would appear advisable to change the dietary habits of the entire population in countries with a high frequency of atherosclerotic vascular diseases.", "contents": "The etiology and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. A series of photomicrographs shows that deposits of cholesterol crystals in the walls of arteries as well as in other tissues have a strong irritative effect on collagen tissue. This process is probably the very cause of the atherosclerotic plaque. Cholesterol deposits are especially abundant in hypercholesterolemia. This may be due to various factors, the most important of which is a faulty diet containing too much saturated fat. Replacement of such fat by polyunsaturated fat will lower the blood cholesterol level. From preventive point of view, it would appear advisable to change the dietary habits of the entire population in countries with a high frequency of atherosclerotic vascular diseases.", "PMID": 1007763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10882", "title": "Stimulation and inhibition of renal PG biosynthesis: effects on renal blood flow and on plasma renin activity.", "content": "In the present investigation prostaglandins (PGs) were determined in the renal cortex and the functional effects of the renal PGs on renal hemodynamics and on the renin-angiotensin system were evaluated. The levels of PGs, determined by mass fragmentography, were in the medulla: PGE2 4.36 +/- 1.04 mug/g and PGF2 alpha 1.6 +/- 0.50 mug/g and in the cortex: PGE2 0.19 +/- 0.04 mug/g and PGF2 alpha 0.21 +/- 0.07 mug/g. The unequivocal demonstration of PGs in the renal cortex forms a biochemical basis for a role of PGs in the regulation of renal hemodynamics and of the renin-angiotensin system.", "contents": "Stimulation and inhibition of renal PG biosynthesis: effects on renal blood flow and on plasma renin activity. In the present investigation prostaglandins (PGs) were determined in the renal cortex and the functional effects of the renal PGs on renal hemodynamics and on the renin-angiotensin system were evaluated. The levels of PGs, determined by mass fragmentography, were in the medulla: PGE2 4.36 +/- 1.04 mug/g and PGF2 alpha 1.6 +/- 0.50 mug/g and in the cortex: PGE2 0.19 +/- 0.04 mug/g and PGF2 alpha 0.21 +/- 0.07 mug/g. The unequivocal demonstration of PGs in the renal cortex forms a biochemical basis for a role of PGs in the regulation of renal hemodynamics and of the renin-angiotensin system.", "PMID": 1007775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10883", "title": "Clinical application of prostaglandins in obstetrics and gynecology.", "content": "After a short discussion on the development of the prostaglandins, the application especially of F2 alpha and E2 in the field of obstetrics and gynecology were debated. Predominantly clinical data on the induction of abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy as well as the induction of labour at term are reviewed. The individual methods of application are discussed. Additionally, possible future areas of use, such as the regulation of menstruation and new prostaglandin derivates are discussed.", "contents": "Clinical application of prostaglandins in obstetrics and gynecology. After a short discussion on the development of the prostaglandins, the application especially of F2 alpha and E2 in the field of obstetrics and gynecology were debated. Predominantly clinical data on the induction of abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy as well as the induction of labour at term are reviewed. The individual methods of application are discussed. Additionally, possible future areas of use, such as the regulation of menstruation and new prostaglandin derivates are discussed.", "PMID": 1007783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10884", "title": "Postoperative wound infection in 32,000 clean operations.", "content": "The frequencies of postoperative wound infection in clean operations have been registered at a county hospital (Falun, Sweden) during a 15-year period (1958-1972). A total of 64,000 operations were done and about 32,000 of these have been registered as clean operations. In 1968 the wards were transformed from 12-bed rooms to 5-bed rooms and the operating theatres were rebuilt. All premises were equipped with high pressure air ventilation including lock system. Furthermore, a new intensive care unit and a new awakening unit were built. The overall postoperative wound infection (sepsis) rate during this 15-year period was 1.7 percent. The infection rates in the 5-year period before and in the 5-year period after opening of the new buildings were the same: 1.6 percent. After adding postoperative infections (sepsis) and postoperative inflammatory reactions, the total rates were almost the same: 4.1 percent before and 4.2 percent after. A slight rise in staphylococcal infections has been registered. This rise might suggest that the expected positive effects of the new buildings have been counteracted by other exogenous and endogenous factors. Some of these factors have been discussed (rise in mean age etc.). On the basis of this investigation it seems likely that the management (in all respects) of the surgical patients is still of the greatest importance, regardless of fine new buildings.", "contents": "Postoperative wound infection in 32,000 clean operations. The frequencies of postoperative wound infection in clean operations have been registered at a county hospital (Falun, Sweden) during a 15-year period (1958-1972). A total of 64,000 operations were done and about 32,000 of these have been registered as clean operations. In 1968 the wards were transformed from 12-bed rooms to 5-bed rooms and the operating theatres were rebuilt. All premises were equipped with high pressure air ventilation including lock system. Furthermore, a new intensive care unit and a new awakening unit were built. The overall postoperative wound infection (sepsis) rate during this 15-year period was 1.7 percent. The infection rates in the 5-year period before and in the 5-year period after opening of the new buildings were the same: 1.6 percent. After adding postoperative infections (sepsis) and postoperative inflammatory reactions, the total rates were almost the same: 4.1 percent before and 4.2 percent after. A slight rise in staphylococcal infections has been registered. This rise might suggest that the expected positive effects of the new buildings have been counteracted by other exogenous and endogenous factors. Some of these factors have been discussed (rise in mean age etc.). On the basis of this investigation it seems likely that the management (in all respects) of the surgical patients is still of the greatest importance, regardless of fine new buildings.", "PMID": 1007788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10885", "title": "Urinary phosphate excretion after total thyro-parathyroidectomy in thyroid carcinoma.", "content": "It is well established that deficiency of parathyroid hormone causes an increase of the tubular reabsorption of inorganic phosphate. Earlier evaluations, however, are based on animal experiments or in clinical studies where the degree of a postoperative hypoparathyroidism is not clearly defined. Eight patients with thyroid cancer have been operated on with a total thyroparathyroidectomy, biopsy of all identified parathyroids and autotransplantation of these glands. During a postoperative period of 3-5 days there is an arrest of the paraghyroid function before the glands have a new vascular supply. The levels in the serum and urine of calcium, phosphate, sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and creatinine were recorded. The excretion of phosphate diminished to unmeasurable values, indicating a complete tubular reabsorption of phosphate. After 5-6 days, when the autografted parathyroids began to function, phosphate reappeared in the urine together with a slow increase in S-Ca. No substitution with calcium or vitamin D was given in the postoperative period.", "contents": "Urinary phosphate excretion after total thyro-parathyroidectomy in thyroid carcinoma. It is well established that deficiency of parathyroid hormone causes an increase of the tubular reabsorption of inorganic phosphate. Earlier evaluations, however, are based on animal experiments or in clinical studies where the degree of a postoperative hypoparathyroidism is not clearly defined. Eight patients with thyroid cancer have been operated on with a total thyroparathyroidectomy, biopsy of all identified parathyroids and autotransplantation of these glands. During a postoperative period of 3-5 days there is an arrest of the paraghyroid function before the glands have a new vascular supply. The levels in the serum and urine of calcium, phosphate, sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and creatinine were recorded. The excretion of phosphate diminished to unmeasurable values, indicating a complete tubular reabsorption of phosphate. After 5-6 days, when the autografted parathyroids began to function, phosphate reappeared in the urine together with a slow increase in S-Ca. No substitution with calcium or vitamin D was given in the postoperative period.", "PMID": 1007789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10886", "title": "Embolization to the superior mesenteric artery. Arteriography and embolectomy in four cases.", "content": "Four patients were operated upon for embolization to the superior mesenteric artery. Preoperative arteriography was performed in all cases. Two patients who had had symptoms prior to operation for six and eight days respectively died postoperatively. One patient died 2 1/2 months after the operation from her underlying heart disease, while one patient was discharged with intact bowel function. The value of preoperative arteriography and the principles for surgical treatment are discussed.", "contents": "Embolization to the superior mesenteric artery. Arteriography and embolectomy in four cases. Four patients were operated upon for embolization to the superior mesenteric artery. Preoperative arteriography was performed in all cases. Two patients who had had symptoms prior to operation for six and eight days respectively died postoperatively. One patient died 2 1/2 months after the operation from her underlying heart disease, while one patient was discharged with intact bowel function. The value of preoperative arteriography and the principles for surgical treatment are discussed.", "PMID": 1007791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10887", "title": "Thigh neuralgia as a symptom of obturator hernia.", "content": "A material of 8 patients with obturator hernias is presented. In 7 of the patients a neuralgic pain in the thigh was the main symptom and a hyperesthesia in the cutaneous segment of the obturator nerve was also common. A recognition and an early operation of this condition is important, since the mortality is high when an intestinal obstruction has complicated the disease.", "contents": "Thigh neuralgia as a symptom of obturator hernia. A material of 8 patients with obturator hernias is presented. In 7 of the patients a neuralgic pain in the thigh was the main symptom and a hyperesthesia in the cutaneous segment of the obturator nerve was also common. A recognition and an early operation of this condition is important, since the mortality is high when an intestinal obstruction has complicated the disease.", "PMID": 1007792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10888", "title": "Pathophysiology in the acute afferent loop syndrome. A study in rats.", "content": "The afferent loop syndrome, i.e. occlusion of an afferent intestinal loop after a Billroth II partial gastrectomy, was induced in rats. After various time intervals the animals were killed and the haematocrit and serum osmolality were determined. The content of the occluded loop was analysed with respect to volume, bacterial flora and osmolality. In some cases a sample of the content was incubated at 37 degrees C and the osmolality determined at regular intervals. Groups of animals were studied in this way after 30 min or 1, 4, 8 or 12 h of occlusion. The haematocrit rose with time after the occlusion. The osmolality of the plasma and of the content of the occluded loop did not increase. The volume of fluid in the occluded loop increased continuously with time--from an average of 0.5 ml in the control cases to 6.1 ml after 12 h of occlusion. Experiments in vitro showed that the initial osmolality of the content of the loop was 300 mOsm. After incubation of the samples this increased by 43 to 146 percent. The bacterial content of the loop, including Clostridium perfringens, increased significantly. The results indicate that a marked breakdown of substances takes place in such an occluded intestinal loop, which increases the osmolality. As a result fluid is immediately attracted to the loop to keep the osmolality constant. A combination of this fluid increase due to osmosis and contractions of the intestinal wall leads to a pressure in the occluded loop which considerably exceeds the pressure in the common bile duct due to secretions from the pancreas and liver.", "contents": "Pathophysiology in the acute afferent loop syndrome. A study in rats. The afferent loop syndrome, i.e. occlusion of an afferent intestinal loop after a Billroth II partial gastrectomy, was induced in rats. After various time intervals the animals were killed and the haematocrit and serum osmolality were determined. The content of the occluded loop was analysed with respect to volume, bacterial flora and osmolality. In some cases a sample of the content was incubated at 37 degrees C and the osmolality determined at regular intervals. Groups of animals were studied in this way after 30 min or 1, 4, 8 or 12 h of occlusion. The haematocrit rose with time after the occlusion. The osmolality of the plasma and of the content of the occluded loop did not increase. The volume of fluid in the occluded loop increased continuously with time--from an average of 0.5 ml in the control cases to 6.1 ml after 12 h of occlusion. Experiments in vitro showed that the initial osmolality of the content of the loop was 300 mOsm. After incubation of the samples this increased by 43 to 146 percent. The bacterial content of the loop, including Clostridium perfringens, increased significantly. The results indicate that a marked breakdown of substances takes place in such an occluded intestinal loop, which increases the osmolality. As a result fluid is immediately attracted to the loop to keep the osmolality constant. A combination of this fluid increase due to osmosis and contractions of the intestinal wall leads to a pressure in the occluded loop which considerably exceeds the pressure in the common bile duct due to secretions from the pancreas and liver.", "PMID": 1007793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10889", "title": "Surgical treatment of perforations of the sigmoid colon.", "content": "Previous reports show evidence that perforation of the sigmoid colon with diffuse peritonitis, when conventionally treated (i.e. by suture, drainage, and proximal defunctioning colostomy) is associated with a high mortality. Recent investigations, however, indicate that the mortality can be lowered considerably if acute resection or exteriorization of the affected segment of the bowel is performed. Fifteen patients with perforated lesions in the sigmoid colon associated with diffuse peritonitis were treated with drainage and right transverse colostomy during the 10-year period 1963-72 with five deaths. In comparison, during the last years, ten patients with perforation and diffuse peritonitis were treated with acute resection or exteriorization of the affected segment of the bowel without any mortality. Though the two patient series are not completely comparable, the results imply that removal or exteriorization of the affected bowel is to be preferred in the surgical treatment of most perforated lesions in the sigmoid colon, even if the perforation is associated with diffuse peritonitis.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of perforations of the sigmoid colon. Previous reports show evidence that perforation of the sigmoid colon with diffuse peritonitis, when conventionally treated (i.e. by suture, drainage, and proximal defunctioning colostomy) is associated with a high mortality. Recent investigations, however, indicate that the mortality can be lowered considerably if acute resection or exteriorization of the affected segment of the bowel is performed. Fifteen patients with perforated lesions in the sigmoid colon associated with diffuse peritonitis were treated with drainage and right transverse colostomy during the 10-year period 1963-72 with five deaths. In comparison, during the last years, ten patients with perforation and diffuse peritonitis were treated with acute resection or exteriorization of the affected segment of the bowel without any mortality. Though the two patient series are not completely comparable, the results imply that removal or exteriorization of the affected bowel is to be preferred in the surgical treatment of most perforated lesions in the sigmoid colon, even if the perforation is associated with diffuse peritonitis.", "PMID": 1007794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10890", "title": "Transomental strangulation. A rare case of an internal hernia.", "content": "A case report of a transomental herniation of the small intestine is given. Thirty-six cases of this type of intestinal obstruction are reported in the literature. The history was that of an intestinal obstruction and the diagnosis was settled at laparotomy, as in most of the reported cases. The etiology is obscure by (a) abdominal trauma, (b) inflammation, and (c) congenital defects in the omentum appear to be the most likely.", "contents": "Transomental strangulation. A rare case of an internal hernia. A case report of a transomental herniation of the small intestine is given. Thirty-six cases of this type of intestinal obstruction are reported in the literature. The history was that of an intestinal obstruction and the diagnosis was settled at laparotomy, as in most of the reported cases. The etiology is obscure by (a) abdominal trauma, (b) inflammation, and (c) congenital defects in the omentum appear to be the most likely.", "PMID": 1007796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10891", "title": "The spread of viral hepatitis in Italian dialysis units.", "content": "In order to evaluate the spread of viral hepatitis to dialysis patients and staff, 83 out of the 134 dialysis units operating in Italy at present were surveyed. The results were statistically evaluated. Of the 81 Italian centres surveyed, 66 were affected by viral hepatitis. There were 450 cases of infection among patients on regular dialysis treatment (9.7% of all dialysed patients). Of these 450, 163 had icteric viral hepatitis (116 HBsAg positive), 145 has non icteric hepatitis (100 HBsAg positive) and 142 were HBsAg carriers. The mortality rate among the dialysis patients with hepatitis was 9.1% with death occurring most frequently in icteric cases. Of the 133 cases of viral hepatitis observed among medical and nursing staff, 103 of these were HBsAg positive. Moreover, there was a higher risk of hepatitis infection observed in patients on regular dialysis treatment by multi-patient central system plate dialysers, in carriers of exteriorized arteriovenus shunt in patients who were submitted to frequent dialysis sessions and haemotransfusions.", "contents": "The spread of viral hepatitis in Italian dialysis units. In order to evaluate the spread of viral hepatitis to dialysis patients and staff, 83 out of the 134 dialysis units operating in Italy at present were surveyed. The results were statistically evaluated. Of the 81 Italian centres surveyed, 66 were affected by viral hepatitis. There were 450 cases of infection among patients on regular dialysis treatment (9.7% of all dialysed patients). Of these 450, 163 had icteric viral hepatitis (116 HBsAg positive), 145 has non icteric hepatitis (100 HBsAg positive) and 142 were HBsAg carriers. The mortality rate among the dialysis patients with hepatitis was 9.1% with death occurring most frequently in icteric cases. Of the 133 cases of viral hepatitis observed among medical and nursing staff, 103 of these were HBsAg positive. Moreover, there was a higher risk of hepatitis infection observed in patients on regular dialysis treatment by multi-patient central system plate dialysers, in carriers of exteriorized arteriovenus shunt in patients who were submitted to frequent dialysis sessions and haemotransfusions.", "PMID": 1007825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10892", "title": "Stimulation of hepatic RNA synthesis by phenobarbital.", "content": "Administration of phenobarbital in rats is followed by an in vitro stimulation of hepatic ribosomal protein synthesis. The increase of polyribosomes which is also observed is paralleled by a phenobarbital-dependent enhancement of uridine incorporation into ribonucleic acids. Sedimentation of either ribosomes or ribosomal RNA extracted from ribosomal subunits through sucrose gradients reveals stimulation by phenobarbital of 3H-uridine incorporation into messenger RNA as well as into ribosomal RNA. These experiments together with the findings of stimulation of RNA polymerase activity and blockade of the effects of phenobarbital by the administration of Actinomycin D indicate a primary action of phenobarbital on RNA synthesis.", "contents": "Stimulation of hepatic RNA synthesis by phenobarbital. Administration of phenobarbital in rats is followed by an in vitro stimulation of hepatic ribosomal protein synthesis. The increase of polyribosomes which is also observed is paralleled by a phenobarbital-dependent enhancement of uridine incorporation into ribonucleic acids. Sedimentation of either ribosomes or ribosomal RNA extracted from ribosomal subunits through sucrose gradients reveals stimulation by phenobarbital of 3H-uridine incorporation into messenger RNA as well as into ribosomal RNA. These experiments together with the findings of stimulation of RNA polymerase activity and blockade of the effects of phenobarbital by the administration of Actinomycin D indicate a primary action of phenobarbital on RNA synthesis.", "PMID": 1007824} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10893", "title": "Methanol-soluble glycoproteins in human liver and brain.", "content": "After disc electrophoresis on 15% polyacrylamid gels of water-soluble and theta 50% methanol-soluble proteins from human liver or brain we have found two protein bands which have not been described in the literature before. These two protein fractions have been eluated from a Concanavaline A-Sepharose column. In this paper we present data showing that one of the two protein fractions is found in greater amounts in human liver than in human brain.", "contents": "Methanol-soluble glycoproteins in human liver and brain. After disc electrophoresis on 15% polyacrylamid gels of water-soluble and theta 50% methanol-soluble proteins from human liver or brain we have found two protein bands which have not been described in the literature before. These two protein fractions have been eluated from a Concanavaline A-Sepharose column. In this paper we present data showing that one of the two protein fractions is found in greater amounts in human liver than in human brain.", "PMID": 1007826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10894", "title": "Liver blood flow. metabolic heat production and body temperature before, during and after phenobarbitone administration.", "content": "Using an improved apparatus based on Grayson's principle of internal calorimetry, conductivity as a measurement of liver blood flow and metabolic heat production in the liver as a measurement of liver tissue metabolism were recorded in the conscious rat before, during and after phenobarbitone administration. In addition, rectal body temperature was measured under the same experimental conditions using an electronic thermometer. Liver blood flow increased by a mean of about 100% above control values in rats treated with phenobarbitone 30 mg/kg daily for 4 days. In contrast, changes in metabolic heat production showed no clear tendency and remained more or less constant. However, body temperature rose significantly during phenobarbitone administration up to 38.9% C and this temperature changes showed the same time course as liver blood flow and parameters of microsomal enzyme activity. Therefore it is suggested that metabolic heat production is not a very important factor in influencing the increase in liver blood flow following enzyme induction. On the other hand the increase in body temperature observed in the present study might be an important factor in influencing the increase in blood flow to the liver.", "contents": "Liver blood flow. metabolic heat production and body temperature before, during and after phenobarbitone administration. Using an improved apparatus based on Grayson's principle of internal calorimetry, conductivity as a measurement of liver blood flow and metabolic heat production in the liver as a measurement of liver tissue metabolism were recorded in the conscious rat before, during and after phenobarbitone administration. In addition, rectal body temperature was measured under the same experimental conditions using an electronic thermometer. Liver blood flow increased by a mean of about 100% above control values in rats treated with phenobarbitone 30 mg/kg daily for 4 days. In contrast, changes in metabolic heat production showed no clear tendency and remained more or less constant. However, body temperature rose significantly during phenobarbitone administration up to 38.9% C and this temperature changes showed the same time course as liver blood flow and parameters of microsomal enzyme activity. Therefore it is suggested that metabolic heat production is not a very important factor in influencing the increase in liver blood flow following enzyme induction. On the other hand the increase in body temperature observed in the present study might be an important factor in influencing the increase in blood flow to the liver.", "PMID": 1007827} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10895", "title": "Liver fascioliasis, a \"mysterious\" disease. Report of a case.", "content": "A case of human fascioliasis diagnosed during the invasive phase is presented. The disease was suspected clinically and the findings of immunological, laparoscopical and histological examinations confirmed the correct diagnosis.", "contents": "Liver fascioliasis, a \"mysterious\" disease. Report of a case. A case of human fascioliasis diagnosed during the invasive phase is presented. The disease was suspected clinically and the findings of immunological, laparoscopical and histological examinations confirmed the correct diagnosis.", "PMID": 1007828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10896", "title": "The retention of bile constituents in biliary stasis.", "content": "The biliaro-lymphatic reflux of bilirubin and bile salts is present in the dog only in the first 24 hrs of complete biliary obstruction. The reflux has been demonstrated also in rats, but it is absent in dogs with functioning gall bladder, when bile pressure does not attain the \"secretory pressure\". Alkaline phosphatase and GOT do not regurgitate in bile stasis into the lymph. The biliaro-lymphatic reflux of bile pigments and bile salts stops in consequence of the cessation of their secretion into the bile. This is corroborated by the observation that in the rat the excretion of BSP into the bile ceases after a prolonged bile stasis. The uptake by the hepatocytes of BSP and other substances does not stop, however, after several days of complete biliary obstruction. The bile constuents are released in prolonged bile stasis from the liver cells directly into the sinusoidal blood. This is probably the consequence of some damage of the cell function.", "contents": "The retention of bile constituents in biliary stasis. The biliaro-lymphatic reflux of bilirubin and bile salts is present in the dog only in the first 24 hrs of complete biliary obstruction. The reflux has been demonstrated also in rats, but it is absent in dogs with functioning gall bladder, when bile pressure does not attain the \"secretory pressure\". Alkaline phosphatase and GOT do not regurgitate in bile stasis into the lymph. The biliaro-lymphatic reflux of bile pigments and bile salts stops in consequence of the cessation of their secretion into the bile. This is corroborated by the observation that in the rat the excretion of BSP into the bile ceases after a prolonged bile stasis. The uptake by the hepatocytes of BSP and other substances does not stop, however, after several days of complete biliary obstruction. The bile constuents are released in prolonged bile stasis from the liver cells directly into the sinusoidal blood. This is probably the consequence of some damage of the cell function.", "PMID": 1007829} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10897", "title": "[The significance of the veins for transcapillary fluid balance].", "content": "Various results from experimental as well as from theoretical studies challenge the classical concept of the Starling hypothesis of fluid balance between blood and tissue. Although most of these considerations are based on work with animal preparations, the following points appear to be applicable to human physiology: 1. The values of pressure as measured directly in venules, prohibit reabsorption of fluid from the interstitium. In addition, due to the increased permeability of the venular vessel wall to macromolecules, filtration of plasma proteins takes place at the venular end of the capillaries. 2. The overall permeability of the vessel walls to the proteins, is up to 20 times smaller than was previously assumed. Therefore, the total amount of filtered fluid is reduced to the volume range of the lymphatic transport. 3. The total amount of filtered proteins is brought back to the blood circulation via the lymphatic system. Thus, there is unidirectional slow movement of macromolecules with free fluid from the capillaries across the interstitial space toward the terminal lymphatics. However, exchange of small molecular substances such as water, gases, minerals and sugar by diffusion, is practically unlimited by the blood-tissue barrier. 4. As a practical example, the pressure values in the superficial veins of the human leg clearly exceed the limits for reabsorption of fluid from the tissue. The absence of edema in the normal human legs remains unexplained, if the lymphatic transport is not taken into account as an essential part of the system. Thus, the dynamic equilibrium of the fluid exchange is disturbed, either by increased transcapillary filtration (e. g. increase in venous pressure or microvascular permeability), by impaired lymphatic capacity or by a combination of these two factors.", "contents": "[The significance of the veins for transcapillary fluid balance]. Various results from experimental as well as from theoretical studies challenge the classical concept of the Starling hypothesis of fluid balance between blood and tissue. Although most of these considerations are based on work with animal preparations, the following points appear to be applicable to human physiology: 1. The values of pressure as measured directly in venules, prohibit reabsorption of fluid from the interstitium. In addition, due to the increased permeability of the venular vessel wall to macromolecules, filtration of plasma proteins takes place at the venular end of the capillaries. 2. The overall permeability of the vessel walls to the proteins, is up to 20 times smaller than was previously assumed. Therefore, the total amount of filtered fluid is reduced to the volume range of the lymphatic transport. 3. The total amount of filtered proteins is brought back to the blood circulation via the lymphatic system. Thus, there is unidirectional slow movement of macromolecules with free fluid from the capillaries across the interstitial space toward the terminal lymphatics. However, exchange of small molecular substances such as water, gases, minerals and sugar by diffusion, is practically unlimited by the blood-tissue barrier. 4. As a practical example, the pressure values in the superficial veins of the human leg clearly exceed the limits for reabsorption of fluid from the tissue. The absence of edema in the normal human legs remains unexplained, if the lymphatic transport is not taken into account as an essential part of the system. Thus, the dynamic equilibrium of the fluid exchange is disturbed, either by increased transcapillary filtration (e. g. increase in venous pressure or microvascular permeability), by impaired lymphatic capacity or by a combination of these two factors.", "PMID": 1007836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10898", "title": "[Lymphological aspects of the pathophysiological basis of edema formation].", "content": "A merely lymphological analysis of edema, would be as onesided as a merely phlebological, a merely nephrological, or a merely endocrinological analysis. Heart, arteries, veins, microcirculation, lymphatics, and the whole mesenchym, with the connective tissue ground substance and the cells, form an inseparable unity. Only a complex analysis which considers all connections, makes it possible to unterstand the various edemas--in favour of a reasonable therapy.", "contents": "[Lymphological aspects of the pathophysiological basis of edema formation]. A merely lymphological analysis of edema, would be as onesided as a merely phlebological, a merely nephrological, or a merely endocrinological analysis. Heart, arteries, veins, microcirculation, lymphatics, and the whole mesenchym, with the connective tissue ground substance and the cells, form an inseparable unity. Only a complex analysis which considers all connections, makes it possible to unterstand the various edemas--in favour of a reasonable therapy.", "PMID": 1007837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10899", "title": "Stimulation of lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) by cimetidine -- a double-blind study.", "content": "Using the rapid pull-through technique the effect of 400 mg cimetidine perorally on lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was studied in a controlled trial in 14 subjects. Cimetidine caused a significant rise of the integrated basal pressure. The response to 0.6 mug/kg pentagastrin was augmented by cimetidine whereas under atropine sulphate infusion this effect could not be demonstrated. Cimetidine may act on LESP by blocking inhibiting receptors.", "contents": "Stimulation of lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) by cimetidine -- a double-blind study. Using the rapid pull-through technique the effect of 400 mg cimetidine perorally on lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was studied in a controlled trial in 14 subjects. Cimetidine caused a significant rise of the integrated basal pressure. The response to 0.6 mug/kg pentagastrin was augmented by cimetidine whereas under atropine sulphate infusion this effect could not be demonstrated. Cimetidine may act on LESP by blocking inhibiting receptors.", "PMID": 1007830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10900", "title": "Autoradiographic study with 14C-labelled pentagastrin in the rat.", "content": "An autoradiographic light-microscopic study was made to attempt to follow the course of metabolism and elimination of glycine labelled pentagastrin in rat. It was found that even 10 seconds after the intravenous injection of 14C-labelled pentagastrin, activity can be observed in the liver and in connection with the parietal cells of the gastric mucosa; the radioactive grains remain in the hepatocytes for a prolonged period, whereas they disappear very quickly from the stomach. Activity can be detected in the renal tubuli 2 minutes or more after labelled pentagastrin administration.", "contents": "Autoradiographic study with 14C-labelled pentagastrin in the rat. An autoradiographic light-microscopic study was made to attempt to follow the course of metabolism and elimination of glycine labelled pentagastrin in rat. It was found that even 10 seconds after the intravenous injection of 14C-labelled pentagastrin, activity can be observed in the liver and in connection with the parietal cells of the gastric mucosa; the radioactive grains remain in the hepatocytes for a prolonged period, whereas they disappear very quickly from the stomach. Activity can be detected in the renal tubuli 2 minutes or more after labelled pentagastrin administration.", "PMID": 1007831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10901", "title": "[The value of venous capacity measurements in the diagnosis of venous function].", "content": "Phlebography, has been compared with the results of venous capacity measurement taken from 150 patients, 76 women and 74 men. The measurement of the venous capacity is a appropriate screening method to determine any irregularities of the deep venous hemodynamic. It is possible to attain a more exact indication for the phlebography. Maximum expression of the values of venous capacity, is however, contained in the functional periodical controls of the pathologic processes of the deep venous system.", "contents": "[The value of venous capacity measurements in the diagnosis of venous function]. Phlebography, has been compared with the results of venous capacity measurement taken from 150 patients, 76 women and 74 men. The measurement of the venous capacity is a appropriate screening method to determine any irregularities of the deep venous hemodynamic. It is possible to attain a more exact indication for the phlebography. Maximum expression of the values of venous capacity, is however, contained in the functional periodical controls of the pathologic processes of the deep venous system.", "PMID": 1007838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10902", "title": "Vagotomy and experimental duodenal ulcers.", "content": "Truncal vagotomy prevents secretagogue-induced duodenal ulcers in the rat. Without a drainage procedure it results in gastric stasis which predisposes to hypersecretory produced gastric ulcers.", "contents": "Vagotomy and experimental duodenal ulcers. Truncal vagotomy prevents secretagogue-induced duodenal ulcers in the rat. Without a drainage procedure it results in gastric stasis which predisposes to hypersecretory produced gastric ulcers.", "PMID": 1007832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10903", "title": "[The effect of tissue resistance on rheography].", "content": "Herewith a formula for the computation of the relative stroke volume in limbs is derived, taking into account the differences between the electrical resistivity of blood and tissues, respectively. In order to properly estimate the influence of this difference in resistivity, the appropriate variables were measured in 20 different persons. Results from these tests indicated that the value for tissue resistivity, on the average, was about 30% above that of the resistivity of blood. Consequently, computations of the stroke volume in limbs that neglect this essential difference in resistivity, contain a systematical error in measurement, amounting to 30%. It is the purpose of this paper to portray a method of considerably reducing this error, without the necessity--in each specific case--to measure blood resistivity.", "contents": "[The effect of tissue resistance on rheography]. Herewith a formula for the computation of the relative stroke volume in limbs is derived, taking into account the differences between the electrical resistivity of blood and tissues, respectively. In order to properly estimate the influence of this difference in resistivity, the appropriate variables were measured in 20 different persons. Results from these tests indicated that the value for tissue resistivity, on the average, was about 30% above that of the resistivity of blood. Consequently, computations of the stroke volume in limbs that neglect this essential difference in resistivity, contain a systematical error in measurement, amounting to 30%. It is the purpose of this paper to portray a method of considerably reducing this error, without the necessity--in each specific case--to measure blood resistivity.", "PMID": 1007839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10904", "title": "Endoscopic and surgical treatment of the colonic polyps.", "content": "Endoscopic surgery of the gastrointestinal tract has become in the last years one of the most important procedures in the treatment of some digestive diseases. In view of the positive results obtained by means of the diagnostic coloscopy, an extension of this modern method for therapeutic purposes has been considered appropriate. At the Digestive Endoscopy Centre of the 3rd Surgical Clinic of University of Rome, 1337 coloscopies have been carried out, of which, 1236 were routine, 86 urgent and 15 intraoperative cases. Operative coloscopy was carried out in 310 routine and 16 urgent cases. From a technical point of view, operative endoscopy in the colon is particularly difficult and requires considerable experience. It is our opinion that this method can give useful and interesting contributions to the diagnosis and therapy of some lesions of the large intestine, provided suitable surgical conditions are available with all the necessary equipment. Following these criteria, it is possible to avoid complications such as haemorrhage and intestinal perforation. Our experience in this field is undoubtedly positive, since there has not been any complication but it is necessary to perform operative coloscopy under fluoroscopic control. With regard to coloscopic polypectomy it is the opinion of the authors that this procedure has a therapeutic value in benign polyps and when superficial cancerization has not invaded the muscularis mucosae in the head of the polyp.", "contents": "Endoscopic and surgical treatment of the colonic polyps. Endoscopic surgery of the gastrointestinal tract has become in the last years one of the most important procedures in the treatment of some digestive diseases. In view of the positive results obtained by means of the diagnostic coloscopy, an extension of this modern method for therapeutic purposes has been considered appropriate. At the Digestive Endoscopy Centre of the 3rd Surgical Clinic of University of Rome, 1337 coloscopies have been carried out, of which, 1236 were routine, 86 urgent and 15 intraoperative cases. Operative coloscopy was carried out in 310 routine and 16 urgent cases. From a technical point of view, operative endoscopy in the colon is particularly difficult and requires considerable experience. It is our opinion that this method can give useful and interesting contributions to the diagnosis and therapy of some lesions of the large intestine, provided suitable surgical conditions are available with all the necessary equipment. Following these criteria, it is possible to avoid complications such as haemorrhage and intestinal perforation. Our experience in this field is undoubtedly positive, since there has not been any complication but it is necessary to perform operative coloscopy under fluoroscopic control. With regard to coloscopic polypectomy it is the opinion of the authors that this procedure has a therapeutic value in benign polyps and when superficial cancerization has not invaded the muscularis mucosae in the head of the polyp.", "PMID": 1007835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10905", "title": "[Phlebographic diagnosis of leg edemas].", "content": "The most important preliminary examinations are: the visualisation of the valves of the veins by retrograde strain phlebography, determination of the degree of the recanalisation of the deep veins and the outflow of the pump of the calf muscle. Venous edemas: congenital absence of the valves of the veins, intramural thrombosis, postthrombotic edemas, division into four degrees, combined venous-lymphatic edemas.", "contents": "[Phlebographic diagnosis of leg edemas]. The most important preliminary examinations are: the visualisation of the valves of the veins by retrograde strain phlebography, determination of the degree of the recanalisation of the deep veins and the outflow of the pump of the calf muscle. Venous edemas: congenital absence of the valves of the veins, intramural thrombosis, postthrombotic edemas, division into four degrees, combined venous-lymphatic edemas.", "PMID": 1007841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10906", "title": "[Detection of venous occlusions of the leg and pelvis by means of nuclear medicine].", "content": "Based upon experience with 563 patients, the 131 I fibrinogen test has proven a reliable method for the diagnosis of acute leg vein thrombosis. Investigations correlated by means of roentgenological phlebography performed by routine technique in 83 patients showed similar results in 77% of the cases. Analyzing the negative results of 23%, we consider 19% of the discrepancies to be due to faulty phlebographic and 4% to faulty fibrinogen results. Phlebography may reveal false positive results in recurrent thromboses and false negative results in thrombosis of the lower legs. The fibrinogen test may reveal false positive results after trauma, fractures, and in cases of superficial phlebitis and arthritis. Pelvic venous occlusions are detectable by radionuclid venography. This method is non-invasive (injection of 99m Tc albumin particels or microspheres in less than 1 ml, by means of a very thin needle into a dorsal foot vein). A lung scan is obtained in every examination. The results conformed in 89% of 250 patients with those obtained from Doppler ultrasonic investigations. Two thirds of all pelvic vein thromboses were located on the left side. Perfusion defects of the lungs were probably caused by pulmonary embolism (lung scanning) and were found in an average of 54% of all leg and pelvic vein thromboses (in thrombosis of the lower legs in 35%, of the thigh in 57% and of the pelvic vein in 70%). These figures are in good conformity with pathological-anatomical data concerning the frequency of pulmonary emboli and infarctions in leg and pelvic vein thrombosis.", "contents": "[Detection of venous occlusions of the leg and pelvis by means of nuclear medicine]. Based upon experience with 563 patients, the 131 I fibrinogen test has proven a reliable method for the diagnosis of acute leg vein thrombosis. Investigations correlated by means of roentgenological phlebography performed by routine technique in 83 patients showed similar results in 77% of the cases. Analyzing the negative results of 23%, we consider 19% of the discrepancies to be due to faulty phlebographic and 4% to faulty fibrinogen results. Phlebography may reveal false positive results in recurrent thromboses and false negative results in thrombosis of the lower legs. The fibrinogen test may reveal false positive results after trauma, fractures, and in cases of superficial phlebitis and arthritis. Pelvic venous occlusions are detectable by radionuclid venography. This method is non-invasive (injection of 99m Tc albumin particels or microspheres in less than 1 ml, by means of a very thin needle into a dorsal foot vein). A lung scan is obtained in every examination. The results conformed in 89% of 250 patients with those obtained from Doppler ultrasonic investigations. Two thirds of all pelvic vein thromboses were located on the left side. Perfusion defects of the lungs were probably caused by pulmonary embolism (lung scanning) and were found in an average of 54% of all leg and pelvic vein thromboses (in thrombosis of the lower legs in 35%, of the thigh in 57% and of the pelvic vein in 70%). These figures are in good conformity with pathological-anatomical data concerning the frequency of pulmonary emboli and infarctions in leg and pelvic vein thrombosis.", "PMID": 1007840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10907", "title": "The function of the exocrine pancreas after exogenous and endogenous stimulation in Billroth II patients.", "content": "Maldigestion phenomena in patients subjected to a Billroth II (B II) operation are in part attributed to an atrophy of the pancreas due to inactivity. In order to investigate this, a Lagerl\u00f6f tube was introduced under endoscopic control into the afferent loop, and the function of the exocrine pancreas studied after endogenous and exogenous stimulation. During endogenous stimulation of the exocrine pancreas by means of a Lundh test meal, no significant differences in the secretory pattern of the Billroth II patients as compared with healthy test subjects were found. In contrast, during exogenous stimulation, the output of trypsin and chymotrypsin in healthy subjects was significantly greater than in the B II patients. Since, in comparison with maximal stimulation, the endogenous secretin released by the jejunal mucosa in response to the intake of food, effects only approximately 25% of the bicarbonate production and endogenous pancreozymin effects some 50% of the enzyme output, the maldigestion phenomena observed in B II patients are inpart understandable.", "contents": "The function of the exocrine pancreas after exogenous and endogenous stimulation in Billroth II patients. Maldigestion phenomena in patients subjected to a Billroth II (B II) operation are in part attributed to an atrophy of the pancreas due to inactivity. In order to investigate this, a Lagerl\u00f6f tube was introduced under endoscopic control into the afferent loop, and the function of the exocrine pancreas studied after endogenous and exogenous stimulation. During endogenous stimulation of the exocrine pancreas by means of a Lundh test meal, no significant differences in the secretory pattern of the Billroth II patients as compared with healthy test subjects were found. In contrast, during exogenous stimulation, the output of trypsin and chymotrypsin in healthy subjects was significantly greater than in the B II patients. Since, in comparison with maximal stimulation, the endogenous secretin released by the jejunal mucosa in response to the intake of food, effects only approximately 25% of the bicarbonate production and endogenous pancreozymin effects some 50% of the enzyme output, the maldigestion phenomena observed in B II patients are inpart understandable.", "PMID": 1007833} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10908", "title": "The effect of pressure changes inside the antrum on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in man and dog.", "content": "The pressure change inside the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in response to pressure changes inside the antrum was investigated in man and in dogs with antral pouches. In dogs with innervated antral pouches a pressure increase of 20 cm H2O inside the antrum produced an increase in LES pressure of 14 +/- 7 mm Hg, whereas an antral pressure of 80 cm H2O caused a decrease of 26 +/- 12 mm Hg in LES pressure (x +/- SD). Truncal vagotomy abolished LES response to the various antral pressures. In dogs with denervated antral pouches antral pressure changes did not influence LES pressure. In the dogs gastrin levels rose due to antral pressure increase; this was less pronounced in the dogs with denervated antral pouches than in the dogs with innervated antral pouches. In man a short antral pressure increase revealed a decrease in LES pressure. This effect was not seen in patients after selective proximal vagotomy.", "contents": "The effect of pressure changes inside the antrum on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in man and dog. The pressure change inside the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in response to pressure changes inside the antrum was investigated in man and in dogs with antral pouches. In dogs with innervated antral pouches a pressure increase of 20 cm H2O inside the antrum produced an increase in LES pressure of 14 +/- 7 mm Hg, whereas an antral pressure of 80 cm H2O caused a decrease of 26 +/- 12 mm Hg in LES pressure (x +/- SD). Truncal vagotomy abolished LES response to the various antral pressures. In dogs with denervated antral pouches antral pressure changes did not influence LES pressure. In the dogs gastrin levels rose due to antral pressure increase; this was less pronounced in the dogs with denervated antral pouches than in the dogs with innervated antral pouches. In man a short antral pressure increase revealed a decrease in LES pressure. This effect was not seen in patients after selective proximal vagotomy.", "PMID": 1007834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10909", "title": "[Peripheral lymphangiopathies - 15-year follow-up].", "content": "353 patients suffering with peripheral lymphangiopathies were observed. In 276 patients with histological examinations, 201 portrayed obliterative LAP. 85% were females, which indicate a ratio of nearly 1:4. The etiologic factors are unknown. A therapeutic trial with a combination of saluretics and small doses of corticoids, is discussed.", "contents": "[Peripheral lymphangiopathies - 15-year follow-up]. 353 patients suffering with peripheral lymphangiopathies were observed. In 276 patients with histological examinations, 201 portrayed obliterative LAP. 85% were females, which indicate a ratio of nearly 1:4. The etiologic factors are unknown. A therapeutic trial with a combination of saluretics and small doses of corticoids, is discussed.", "PMID": 1007842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10910", "title": "[Isotope diagnosis for the determination of lymphatic flow of the lower extremity].", "content": "A semiquantitative method using radiocolloids is described for the investigation of prefascial and deep lymphflow of the shank. The method indicated is simple. The low radiation dose permits its application in pediatrics. The separate investigation of deep and superficial lymphflow using radiocolloids is a valuable method for the study of impaired lymphflow in chronic lymphedema.", "contents": "[Isotope diagnosis for the determination of lymphatic flow of the lower extremity]. A semiquantitative method using radiocolloids is described for the investigation of prefascial and deep lymphflow of the shank. The method indicated is simple. The low radiation dose permits its application in pediatrics. The separate investigation of deep and superficial lymphflow using radiocolloids is a valuable method for the study of impaired lymphflow in chronic lymphedema.", "PMID": 1007843} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10911", "title": "[Surgical treatment of acute thrombosis of the leg and pelvic veins].", "content": "Indications for thrombectomy in acute thrombosis of the deep veins of the pelvis and lower extremities are: 1. Phlegmasia coerulea dolens with imminent danger of venous gangrene. 2. All cases: a) with contraindications for a therapy with fibrinolysis, b) after therapy-failures with thrombolytic therapy, c) thrombosis of more than 3 days duration. 3. In cases associated with tumours or trauma. If a thrombectomy can only be partially achieved, or in cases with an old thrombosis, a temporary arteriovenous fistula is performed. In cases with phlegmasia alba and the inexistence of danger for an extremity treatment with fibrinolysis, this is preferable in the first three days after onset, if general conditions permit this treatment. Results of venous thrombectomies are particularly astonishingly good in phlegmasia coerulea and it is therefore mandatory to transfer all fresh cases of thrombosis of the deep veins of the peelvis and lower extremities to an angiologic center in order to differentiate cases for fibrinolytic therapy, from those which require surgical intervention.", "contents": "[Surgical treatment of acute thrombosis of the leg and pelvic veins]. Indications for thrombectomy in acute thrombosis of the deep veins of the pelvis and lower extremities are: 1. Phlegmasia coerulea dolens with imminent danger of venous gangrene. 2. All cases: a) with contraindications for a therapy with fibrinolysis, b) after therapy-failures with thrombolytic therapy, c) thrombosis of more than 3 days duration. 3. In cases associated with tumours or trauma. If a thrombectomy can only be partially achieved, or in cases with an old thrombosis, a temporary arteriovenous fistula is performed. In cases with phlegmasia alba and the inexistence of danger for an extremity treatment with fibrinolysis, this is preferable in the first three days after onset, if general conditions permit this treatment. Results of venous thrombectomies are particularly astonishingly good in phlegmasia coerulea and it is therefore mandatory to transfer all fresh cases of thrombosis of the deep veins of the peelvis and lower extremities to an angiologic center in order to differentiate cases for fibrinolytic therapy, from those which require surgical intervention.", "PMID": 1007844} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10912", "title": "[Compression treatment in venous and lymphatic flow disorders of the leg].", "content": "Based on our investigations, the mode of action of compression bandages is discussed ant the physiological and physical principles of this therapy are reviewed. The different basic forms of compression therapy, for example, non-elastic bandages, elastic bandages, use of foam rubber and sponge rubber inserts as well as compression stockings, are mentioned. The side effectes of compression therapy are treated and the indications for compression therapy in superficial and deep thromboses, postthrombotic syndrome and lymphedema are discussed.", "contents": "[Compression treatment in venous and lymphatic flow disorders of the leg]. Based on our investigations, the mode of action of compression bandages is discussed ant the physiological and physical principles of this therapy are reviewed. The different basic forms of compression therapy, for example, non-elastic bandages, elastic bandages, use of foam rubber and sponge rubber inserts as well as compression stockings, are mentioned. The side effectes of compression therapy are treated and the indications for compression therapy in superficial and deep thromboses, postthrombotic syndrome and lymphedema are discussed.", "PMID": 1007845} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10913", "title": "[Therapy of lymphedema].", "content": "The discovery of the role which histiocytes play in the extralymphatic proteolytic mastering of stagnating plasma proteins, renders possible a new, almost causal therapy of lymphoedema as well as of other high-protein oedemas. The effect of this therapy is proven by animal experimental, and has also been clearly demonstrated in secondary lymphoedema of the higher extremities after mastectomy.", "contents": "[Therapy of lymphedema]. The discovery of the role which histiocytes play in the extralymphatic proteolytic mastering of stagnating plasma proteins, renders possible a new, almost causal therapy of lymphoedema as well as of other high-protein oedemas. The effect of this therapy is proven by animal experimental, and has also been clearly demonstrated in secondary lymphoedema of the higher extremities after mastectomy.", "PMID": 1007846} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10914", "title": "Psychophysiological studies of a geographically defined population.", "content": "In the Berlevag project attemps have been made at using psycho-physiological and cognitive measures as indexes of psychiatric morbidity.--With skin conductance response, psychotics and neurotics showed signs of autonomic inhibition compared with conduct disorders and normal controls. All groups except psychotics showed cognitive effects in conditioning. No differences between the groups could be established for stereotype indexes, but the Berlevag sample appeared to have unusual high stereotypy indexes. With word associations the patient groups were markedly different from controls, with most deviations in psychotics and least deviations in conduct disorders.--A comparison of word associations in samples of the Oslo and the Berlevag populations suggested that the associative network was very similar in the two populations. There are differences with regard to verbal fluency, response types and reaction times.--It is unresolved whether these differences measure psychiatric morbidity or reflect a culture-dependent character of the word association test.", "contents": "Psychophysiological studies of a geographically defined population. In the Berlevag project attemps have been made at using psycho-physiological and cognitive measures as indexes of psychiatric morbidity.--With skin conductance response, psychotics and neurotics showed signs of autonomic inhibition compared with conduct disorders and normal controls. All groups except psychotics showed cognitive effects in conditioning. No differences between the groups could be established for stereotype indexes, but the Berlevag sample appeared to have unusual high stereotypy indexes. With word associations the patient groups were markedly different from controls, with most deviations in psychotics and least deviations in conduct disorders.--A comparison of word associations in samples of the Oslo and the Berlevag populations suggested that the associative network was very similar in the two populations. There are differences with regard to verbal fluency, response types and reaction times.--It is unresolved whether these differences measure psychiatric morbidity or reflect a culture-dependent character of the word association test.", "PMID": 1007847} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10915", "title": "New methods for determining suggestibility.", "content": "New method for determining suggestibility is described which elicits anesthesia in the finger tips by verbal suggestion. Suggestion is applied during simultaneous tapping and the effect is evaluated by feelings in the active hand or fingers (besides changes in feeling) and by motor disturbance (inhibition). The first results are reviewed which indicate that though the method has a relatively high threshold it can disclose also some intergroup differences. We believe that this is an objective method, its objectivity is primarily due to the fact that the investigated subject cannot anticipate what kind of result the suggestion is supposed to yield.", "contents": "New methods for determining suggestibility. New method for determining suggestibility is described which elicits anesthesia in the finger tips by verbal suggestion. Suggestion is applied during simultaneous tapping and the effect is evaluated by feelings in the active hand or fingers (besides changes in feeling) and by motor disturbance (inhibition). The first results are reviewed which indicate that though the method has a relatively high threshold it can disclose also some intergroup differences. We believe that this is an objective method, its objectivity is primarily due to the fact that the investigated subject cannot anticipate what kind of result the suggestion is supposed to yield.", "PMID": 1007849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10916", "title": "An attempt to evaluate changes in heart rate in situations induce by symbolic stimuli in children.", "content": "Ninetyfive 10 year-old pupils were shown 4 film scenes about first aid in accidents arousing anxiety about possible injuries and fear about the fate of the protagonists. Simultaneously with showing the film heart rate was recorded in the boys who had been previously divided in three groups with a different level of anxiety, according to their rating in the CMAS questionnaire. HR response was observed during the course of the whole film as well as in the sections related to the critical moments of the event -- the moments of injury. -- The mean HR values during projection of the film had a differently steeply rising tendency according to the groups with a different level of anxiety, however, interindividual HR variability as a whole was not influenced by the film. Mean group HR values around the critical moments of the story did not differ statistically significantly (they decreased moderately from the little anxious to the more anxious group). However, after a sufficiently effective scene the group of more anxious children exhibited a significant increase in interindividual variability.", "contents": "An attempt to evaluate changes in heart rate in situations induce by symbolic stimuli in children. Ninetyfive 10 year-old pupils were shown 4 film scenes about first aid in accidents arousing anxiety about possible injuries and fear about the fate of the protagonists. Simultaneously with showing the film heart rate was recorded in the boys who had been previously divided in three groups with a different level of anxiety, according to their rating in the CMAS questionnaire. HR response was observed during the course of the whole film as well as in the sections related to the critical moments of the event -- the moments of injury. -- The mean HR values during projection of the film had a differently steeply rising tendency according to the groups with a different level of anxiety, however, interindividual HR variability as a whole was not influenced by the film. Mean group HR values around the critical moments of the story did not differ statistically significantly (they decreased moderately from the little anxious to the more anxious group). However, after a sufficiently effective scene the group of more anxious children exhibited a significant increase in interindividual variability.", "PMID": 1007850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10917", "title": "Computer programs suitable for processing behavioral data characterized by alternation of two states.", "content": "A program system is described which is suitable for processing behavioral and psychophysiological data characterized by alternation of two states (the transition between which is instantaneous). It is adapted for a LINC D.E.C. computer and is composed of a control program and several system programs computing different statistics and performing necessary input and output operations with the data.", "contents": "Computer programs suitable for processing behavioral data characterized by alternation of two states. A program system is described which is suitable for processing behavioral and psychophysiological data characterized by alternation of two states (the transition between which is instantaneous). It is adapted for a LINC D.E.C. computer and is composed of a control program and several system programs computing different statistics and performing necessary input and output operations with the data.", "PMID": 1007851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10918", "title": "[Activation-dependent characteristics of the electroencephalogram during visual information--processing: Results of an automatic interval analysis (author's transl)].", "content": "EEG signal from fronto-occipital derivation was recorded in 16 Ss during a mental performance test (modified \"Konzentrations-Leistungs-Test\" including four levels of performance). A balanced changer-over design was used. Interval histograms in four frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta-1 and beta-2 bands) were determined on the basis of peak detection. A total of 44 characteristics were derived and tested (multi-factor analyses of variance, multiple mean comparison and rank tests). Twenty eight of these characteristics were proved to be dependent on activation. In the visual information-processing performances chosen, it could be demonstrated that the intraindividual changes of the spontaneous EEG activity were related predominantly to the perceptual components of the performance. On the other hand, the influence of the performance rate and of the mental-arithmetic itself was of minor relevance. During higher activation an increase in the relative abudance of the theta-band activity was also observed.", "contents": "[Activation-dependent characteristics of the electroencephalogram during visual information--processing: Results of an automatic interval analysis (author's transl)]. EEG signal from fronto-occipital derivation was recorded in 16 Ss during a mental performance test (modified \"Konzentrations-Leistungs-Test\" including four levels of performance). A balanced changer-over design was used. Interval histograms in four frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta-1 and beta-2 bands) were determined on the basis of peak detection. A total of 44 characteristics were derived and tested (multi-factor analyses of variance, multiple mean comparison and rank tests). Twenty eight of these characteristics were proved to be dependent on activation. In the visual information-processing performances chosen, it could be demonstrated that the intraindividual changes of the spontaneous EEG activity were related predominantly to the perceptual components of the performance. On the other hand, the influence of the performance rate and of the mental-arithmetic itself was of minor relevance. During higher activation an increase in the relative abudance of the theta-band activity was also observed.", "PMID": 1007874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10919", "title": "[The orbitotemporal region in the cranium of Chelydra serpentina Linnaeus (Chelonia) and Lacerta sicula Rafinesque (Lacertilia)].", "content": "An analysis of the ontogenesis of the chondrocranium gives the following homologies in the skull of Lacerta and Chelydra: (see article). It is shown that the extracranial position of the cavum epiptericum in Lacerta corresponds to the stage of maximal development of the chondrocranium in Chelydra. But further development brings about a dermal sidewall in the orbitotemporal region, b,ilt up by descending parietal flanges which incorporate the epipterygoid. This not only allows the pila antotica to degenerate but also incorporates the cavum in the cranial cavity.", "contents": "[The orbitotemporal region in the cranium of Chelydra serpentina Linnaeus (Chelonia) and Lacerta sicula Rafinesque (Lacertilia)]. An analysis of the ontogenesis of the chondrocranium gives the following homologies in the skull of Lacerta and Chelydra: (see article). It is shown that the extracranial position of the cavum epiptericum in Lacerta corresponds to the stage of maximal development of the chondrocranium in Chelydra. But further development brings about a dermal sidewall in the orbitotemporal region, b,ilt up by descending parietal flanges which incorporate the epipterygoid. This not only allows the pila antotica to degenerate but also incorporates the cavum in the cranial cavity.", "PMID": 1007875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10920", "title": "Effects of hypophysectomy and short- and long-term propylthiouracil treatment on the rat thyroid.", "content": "The morphology and histology of the post-pharyngeal part of the gastrointestinal tract of the ferret were studied. The oesophagus was a distensible muscular tube. Its mucosa was lined by keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium. The muscle coat was striated throughout except mear the cardia. A cardiac sphincter was present. The stomach was morphologically and histologically very similar to that of man. The duodenum appeared C-shaped and had a mesoduodenum. The bile and pancreatic ducts formed a common duct in the wall of the duodenum. The sphincter of Oddi was present. Brunner's glands were present in the pyloric part of the stomach, and up to the common opening of the bile and pancreatic ducts in the duodenum. The intestine could be differentiated macroscopically and microscopically into small and large intestines. The small intestine distal to the duodenum formed coiled tubes suspended by a mesentery. It was not possible morphologically to differentiate jejunum and ileum. Histologically, however, the distal portion was identifiable as ileum by increasing numbers of goblet cells, and Peyer's patches in the submucosa. Villi were present in the mucosa throughout but there was no spiral or circular fold. The large intestine was a straight dilated tube lying in the left flank and extending from the splenic flexure to the anus in the median plane. It was suspended by a short mesocolon except for the rectal portion in the pelvis. The ileo-colic junction was differentiated morphologically and histologically. There was no caecum, appendix, taeniae coli or appendices epiploicae. The large intestine was not differentiated topographically into ascending, transverse and des", "contents": "Effects of hypophysectomy and short- and long-term propylthiouracil treatment on the rat thyroid. The morphology and histology of the post-pharyngeal part of the gastrointestinal tract of the ferret were studied. The oesophagus was a distensible muscular tube. Its mucosa was lined by keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium. The muscle coat was striated throughout except mear the cardia. A cardiac sphincter was present. The stomach was morphologically and histologically very similar to that of man. The duodenum appeared C-shaped and had a mesoduodenum. The bile and pancreatic ducts formed a common duct in the wall of the duodenum. The sphincter of Oddi was present. Brunner's glands were present in the pyloric part of the stomach, and up to the common opening of the bile and pancreatic ducts in the duodenum. The intestine could be differentiated macroscopically and microscopically into small and large intestines. The small intestine distal to the duodenum formed coiled tubes suspended by a mesentery. It was not possible morphologically to differentiate jejunum and ileum. Histologically, however, the distal portion was identifiable as ileum by increasing numbers of goblet cells, and Peyer's patches in the submucosa. Villi were present in the mucosa throughout but there was no spiral or circular fold. The large intestine was a straight dilated tube lying in the left flank and extending from the splenic flexure to the anus in the median plane. It was suspended by a short mesocolon except for the rectal portion in the pelvis. The ileo-colic junction was differentiated morphologically and histologically. There was no caecum, appendix, taeniae coli or appendices epiploicae. The large intestine was not differentiated topographically into ascending, transverse and des", "PMID": 1007876} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10921", "title": "Effects of hypophysectomy and short- aing electron-microscopic study.", "content": "The follicular architecture of the thyroid gland of the rat following experimentally induced states of hypo- and hyperactivity was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and the findings correlated with both light and transmission electron-microscopic observations. By scanning electron microscopy, the microvilli on the apical surfaces of the follicular cells showed the most striking changes; following hypophysectomy, the cells were flattened and the microvilli had decreased in both size and number, whereas following propylthiouracil (PTU) administration the epithelial cells were enlarged, and marked hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the microvilli was present. Of particular interest is that the changes observed following PTU appeared to be identical in short- and long-term PTU-treated rats. Similarly, the heterogeneity of the follicular cells observed within the follicles was maintained under the various experimental conditions. Although the functional significance of these observations is not quite clear, it appears justifiable to assume that a reduction of luminal surface area of the follicular epithelial cell may hinder, whereas an increase may facilitate transport process across the apical cell membrane.", "contents": "Effects of hypophysectomy and short- aing electron-microscopic study. The follicular architecture of the thyroid gland of the rat following experimentally induced states of hypo- and hyperactivity was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and the findings correlated with both light and transmission electron-microscopic observations. By scanning electron microscopy, the microvilli on the apical surfaces of the follicular cells showed the most striking changes; following hypophysectomy, the cells were flattened and the microvilli had decreased in both size and number, whereas following propylthiouracil (PTU) administration the epithelial cells were enlarged, and marked hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the microvilli was present. Of particular interest is that the changes observed following PTU appeared to be identical in short- and long-term PTU-treated rats. Similarly, the heterogeneity of the follicular cells observed within the follicles was maintained under the various experimental conditions. Although the functional significance of these observations is not quite clear, it appears justifiable to assume that a reduction of luminal surface area of the follicular epithelial cell may hinder, whereas an increase may facilitate transport process across the apical cell membrane.", "PMID": 1007878} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10922", "title": "Development of the squamosomandibular articulation in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus).", "content": "The early development of the squamosomandibular articulation in the Mongolian gerbil was investigated from its inception through the 8th postnatal day. Pregnant gerbils were sacrified beginning on day 18 through day 23 of gestation by chlorofrom inhalation and the fetuses were extirpated and decapitated. Neonatal gerbils, 1-8 days of age, were also sacrificed. The severed heads were frozen in a cryostat and sectioned at 14mum in frontal and transverse planes and stained in 1% aqueous Safranin 0. The anlage of the mandibular joint along with membranous bony deposits lateral to Meckel's cartilage in the vicinity of the presumptive body and ramus first appeared on the 18th gestational day. Condylar chondrogenesis occurred on the 20th prenatal day, and by day 22 of gestation chondrocytic hypertrophy was noted preparatory to osteogenesis. The presumptive articular disc was observed on the 21st gestational day while an upper and lower synovial cavity was discernible on the 22nd prenatal day. The squamosa and zygoma were first noted on the 20th postcoital day. There appeared to be a developmental lag from onset through completion of the gerbil squamosomandibular joint formation in comparison with that reported for the mouse and rat.", "contents": "Development of the squamosomandibular articulation in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). The early development of the squamosomandibular articulation in the Mongolian gerbil was investigated from its inception through the 8th postnatal day. Pregnant gerbils were sacrified beginning on day 18 through day 23 of gestation by chlorofrom inhalation and the fetuses were extirpated and decapitated. Neonatal gerbils, 1-8 days of age, were also sacrificed. The severed heads were frozen in a cryostat and sectioned at 14mum in frontal and transverse planes and stained in 1% aqueous Safranin 0. The anlage of the mandibular joint along with membranous bony deposits lateral to Meckel's cartilage in the vicinity of the presumptive body and ramus first appeared on the 18th gestational day. Condylar chondrogenesis occurred on the 20th prenatal day, and by day 22 of gestation chondrocytic hypertrophy was noted preparatory to osteogenesis. The presumptive articular disc was observed on the 21st gestational day while an upper and lower synovial cavity was discernible on the 22nd prenatal day. The squamosa and zygoma were first noted on the 20th postcoital day. There appeared to be a developmental lag from onset through completion of the gerbil squamosomandibular joint formation in comparison with that reported for the mouse and rat.", "PMID": 1007880} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10923", "title": "Lymph drainage of sinu-atrial node in man and dog.", "content": "THE LYMPHATIC VESSELS OF THE SINU-ATRIAL (SA) node were investigated after injection of Indian ink plus gelatine in 62 canine and 31 human hearts, the latter of subjects aged between 21 and 80. Lymph was found to be chiefly drained from the SA node of the dog by a vessel which collected lymph near the left margin of the SA node and ran between the superior vena cava and the right circumference of the aorta into the left cardiac lymph collector and through it into the left cardiac node. Approximately in two thirds of cases this main lymph drainage was supplemented by smaller lymphatic branches running into the right traceo-bronchial nodes. In man, the main route of lymph drainage from the SA node is represented by one or two vessels which run to the right and upwards along the superior vena cava into the inferior tracheo-bronchial nodes (of the bifurcation), lying near the right bronchus. Little branches draining lymph into the cardiac collector are found rarely. It has become evident from histological sections that the lymphatic vessels run between the cells of the conduction system and the collagenous fibres of connective tissue and are not numerous.", "contents": "Lymph drainage of sinu-atrial node in man and dog. THE LYMPHATIC VESSELS OF THE SINU-ATRIAL (SA) node were investigated after injection of Indian ink plus gelatine in 62 canine and 31 human hearts, the latter of subjects aged between 21 and 80. Lymph was found to be chiefly drained from the SA node of the dog by a vessel which collected lymph near the left margin of the SA node and ran between the superior vena cava and the right circumference of the aorta into the left cardiac lymph collector and through it into the left cardiac node. Approximately in two thirds of cases this main lymph drainage was supplemented by smaller lymphatic branches running into the right traceo-bronchial nodes. In man, the main route of lymph drainage from the SA node is represented by one or two vessels which run to the right and upwards along the superior vena cava into the inferior tracheo-bronchial nodes (of the bifurcation), lying near the right bronchus. Little branches draining lymph into the cardiac collector are found rarely. It has become evident from histological sections that the lymphatic vessels run between the cells of the conduction system and the collagenous fibres of connective tissue and are not numerous.", "PMID": 1007881} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10924", "title": "[Crystallization of fibrils, chondroid and osseous mineralization in desmal osteogenesis and intervertebral disk].", "content": "We reported on similar findings concerning the intercellular substances in the early desmal osteogenesis in cattle fetuses and rats and in the intervertebral disc of cats. In 0oth regions fibrils change their structure. In early desmal osteogenesis the bone fibrils are synthetized by osteoblasts, derived from mesenchymal cells. Later the fibrillar structure is lost and substituted by a homogenous substance. Chondroid starlike mineral deposits which are composed of needles appear in the vicinity of the cells. The chondral needles are longer and smaller than those in the bone. Finally the chondral needles are removed by mineraloclasts. During the next step frbrils reappear. They are accompanied by needles in their longitudinal axis. In adult cat the fibrils of intervertebral disc cross directly in bone. The fibrils of fibrocartilage are partly swollen and escorted by starlike mineral deposits. Between the bone fibrils partly amorphous mineral deposits are found generally needle-like along the fibrils. The nucleation of minerals takes place at random. The crystal growth is correlated to the structure and composition of organic intercellular substances and their morphological shape differs correspondingly, being chondroid in the fashion of stars, amorphsus and osseous when in contact and parallel to the fibrils.", "contents": "[Crystallization of fibrils, chondroid and osseous mineralization in desmal osteogenesis and intervertebral disk]. We reported on similar findings concerning the intercellular substances in the early desmal osteogenesis in cattle fetuses and rats and in the intervertebral disc of cats. In 0oth regions fibrils change their structure. In early desmal osteogenesis the bone fibrils are synthetized by osteoblasts, derived from mesenchymal cells. Later the fibrillar structure is lost and substituted by a homogenous substance. Chondroid starlike mineral deposits which are composed of needles appear in the vicinity of the cells. The chondral needles are longer and smaller than those in the bone. Finally the chondral needles are removed by mineraloclasts. During the next step frbrils reappear. They are accompanied by needles in their longitudinal axis. In adult cat the fibrils of intervertebral disc cross directly in bone. The fibrils of fibrocartilage are partly swollen and escorted by starlike mineral deposits. Between the bone fibrils partly amorphous mineral deposits are found generally needle-like along the fibrils. The nucleation of minerals takes place at random. The crystal growth is correlated to the structure and composition of organic intercellular substances and their morphological shape differs correspondingly, being chondroid in the fashion of stars, amorphsus and osseous when in contact and parallel to the fibrils.", "PMID": 1007882} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10925", "title": "Study of motor units and arrangement of myons of human musculus plantaris.", "content": "It was seen in ten specimens that their plantaris muscle had different sizes of myons, whicnother were found. The number of motor units of the plantaris was counted in five subjects after transverse section of the muscle and nervous fibers of each of them. Considering the number of motor fibers as 60% in each nerve, the average value of muscle fibers per motor unit was 372, which is quit a small number. The fact led us to think that the plantaris muscle has a very refined function.", "contents": "Study of motor units and arrangement of myons of human musculus plantaris. It was seen in ten specimens that their plantaris muscle had different sizes of myons, whicnother were found. The number of motor units of the plantaris was counted in five subjects after transverse section of the muscle and nervous fibers of each of them. Considering the number of motor fibers as 60% in each nerve, the average value of muscle fibers per motor unit was 372, which is quit a small number. The fact led us to think that the plantaris muscle has a very refined function.", "PMID": 1007883} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10926", "title": "Effect of compensating filters on the isodose charts of rat and guinea-pig phantoms irradiated with \"fission-neutrons\".", "content": "Isodose charts were calculated for rat and guinea-pig phantoms exposed to a modified fission spectrum with a most probable energy of 1.3 MeV. Infinite tissue equivalent cylinders (r = 2.5 and 3.3 cm) and a plane source emitting neutrons according to a cosine distribution were assumed and an albedo code was used. Combined effect of (tissue-equivalent or polyethylene) compensating filters (or simply filters) and a bilateral irradiation or rotation was studied. Bilateral irradiation and the use of a filter resulted in a uniform irradiation of a rat phantom (Dmax/Dmin less than 1.15), while a uniform irradiation of a guinea-pig phantom could be obtained by the combined use of filters and rotation. If rotation is possible a Dmax/Dmin less than 1.05 ratio can be achieved. Filters + rotation should be used in all circumstances when geometrical restrictions do not prevent the installation of a rotation equipment. In this case bilateral irradiation + compensating filters are advisable. Unilateral irradiation of small laboratory animals (mouse, rat, guinea-pig) should be avoided.", "contents": "Effect of compensating filters on the isodose charts of rat and guinea-pig phantoms irradiated with \"fission-neutrons\". Isodose charts were calculated for rat and guinea-pig phantoms exposed to a modified fission spectrum with a most probable energy of 1.3 MeV. Infinite tissue equivalent cylinders (r = 2.5 and 3.3 cm) and a plane source emitting neutrons according to a cosine distribution were assumed and an albedo code was used. Combined effect of (tissue-equivalent or polyethylene) compensating filters (or simply filters) and a bilateral irradiation or rotation was studied. Bilateral irradiation and the use of a filter resulted in a uniform irradiation of a rat phantom (Dmax/Dmin less than 1.15), while a uniform irradiation of a guinea-pig phantom could be obtained by the combined use of filters and rotation. If rotation is possible a Dmax/Dmin less than 1.05 ratio can be achieved. Filters + rotation should be used in all circumstances when geometrical restrictions do not prevent the installation of a rotation equipment. In this case bilateral irradiation + compensating filters are advisable. Unilateral irradiation of small laboratory animals (mouse, rat, guinea-pig) should be avoided.", "PMID": 1007885} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10927", "title": "Modified preparation of thiolsubtilisins and their purification on Agarose-mercurial column.", "content": "A common procedure for the preparation of Novo and Carlsberg thiolsubtilisins is described which, particularly in the case of the Novo enzyme, involves modification of previous procedures so that preparations of higher yield and purity can be obtained. The serine enzyme and the protein degradation products, which are still present in the improved preparations and may interfere with some kinetic measurements, are removed by purification on an agarose-mercurial column.", "contents": "Modified preparation of thiolsubtilisins and their purification on Agarose-mercurial column. A common procedure for the preparation of Novo and Carlsberg thiolsubtilisins is described which, particularly in the case of the Novo enzyme, involves modification of previous procedures so that preparations of higher yield and purity can be obtained. The serine enzyme and the protein degradation products, which are still present in the improved preparations and may interfere with some kinetic measurements, are removed by purification on an agarose-mercurial column.", "PMID": 1007887} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10928", "title": "Quantitative determination of methionine in proteins: gas chromatography of methylthiocyanate liberated by cleavage with cyanogen bromide.", "content": "A rapid non hydrolytic method was developed for the estimation of methionine residues in peptides and proteins. The method is based on the gas chromatographic determination of methylthiocyanate liberated in the reaction of cyanogen bromide with the methionine residues. In contrast to the amino acid analyzer technique this method allows selective determination of methionine in the presence of methionine sulphoxide and sulphone. It was tested with both purified proteins and protein-containing crude samples (legume seeds) and was compared with different analyzer techniques.", "contents": "Quantitative determination of methionine in proteins: gas chromatography of methylthiocyanate liberated by cleavage with cyanogen bromide. A rapid non hydrolytic method was developed for the estimation of methionine residues in peptides and proteins. The method is based on the gas chromatographic determination of methylthiocyanate liberated in the reaction of cyanogen bromide with the methionine residues. In contrast to the amino acid analyzer technique this method allows selective determination of methionine in the presence of methionine sulphoxide and sulphone. It was tested with both purified proteins and protein-containing crude samples (legume seeds) and was compared with different analyzer techniques.", "PMID": 1007888} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10929", "title": "Cervical myelopathy in rheumatoid arthritis.", "content": "Preliminary analysis of a follow-up study of one hundred patient with rheumatoid arthritis has lead to the following tentative conclusions: AAS is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis. The incidence of AAS correlates with the duration of the disease. AAS is not necessarily associated with progressive myelopathy. AAS does not significantly affect survival in rheumatoid arthritis. AAS alone is not an indication for surgical operation, but this should be considered when there is intractable pain or progressive myelopathy.", "contents": "Cervical myelopathy in rheumatoid arthritis. Preliminary analysis of a follow-up study of one hundred patient with rheumatoid arthritis has lead to the following tentative conclusions: AAS is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis. The incidence of AAS correlates with the duration of the disease. AAS is not necessarily associated with progressive myelopathy. AAS does not significantly affect survival in rheumatoid arthritis. AAS alone is not an indication for surgical operation, but this should be considered when there is intractable pain or progressive myelopathy.", "PMID": 1007891} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10930", "title": "Cervical myelography with a new resorbable contrast medium: Amipaque.", "content": "Cervical myelography with Amipaque was carried out on 1000 patients using the suboccipital puncture. The quality of the films is excellent and provides detailed informations on the spinal cord pathology and the cervical rootlets as well. Side effects are trivial and no case of epilepsy was observed in our group of patients.", "contents": "Cervical myelography with a new resorbable contrast medium: Amipaque. Cervical myelography with Amipaque was carried out on 1000 patients using the suboccipital puncture. The quality of the films is excellent and provides detailed informations on the spinal cord pathology and the cervical rootlets as well. Side effects are trivial and no case of epilepsy was observed in our group of patients.", "PMID": 1007892} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10931", "title": "Changes in clinical signs after decompressive laminectomy in cervical spondylosis with myelopathy.", "content": "One to seven years after decompressive laminectomy a global improvement of symptoms is observed in ten patients out of 17. The importance of the diagnosis criteria is emphasised. Only the complete clinical form of sensitive and motor disablement has been considered. Attempts were made to quantify the degree of handicap and to follow the modifications of the elementary signs in the postoperative state. The operative results were better when the surgical intervention was performed early in the course of the illness.", "contents": "Changes in clinical signs after decompressive laminectomy in cervical spondylosis with myelopathy. One to seven years after decompressive laminectomy a global improvement of symptoms is observed in ten patients out of 17. The importance of the diagnosis criteria is emphasised. Only the complete clinical form of sensitive and motor disablement has been considered. Attempts were made to quantify the degree of handicap and to follow the modifications of the elementary signs in the postoperative state. The operative results were better when the surgical intervention was performed early in the course of the illness.", "PMID": 1007893} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10932", "title": "Treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and tyramine.", "content": "The clinical response of treatment with a chemical preparation of tyramine and tranylcypromine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, is described in six patients wit neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. Previous therapy with fluorocortisone, ephedrine, elastic garments, postural training and, in one patient, an anti-G suit was unsuccessful. Oral and intravenous tyramine produced no pressor response. However, after treatment with tranylcypromine five of the patients when supine showed a marked rise of blood pressure to intravenous tyramine which was sustained for over two hours when they stood up. Tyramine given orally with tranylcypromine produced a moderate rise of blood pressure in the supine position which was sustained for over 3-4 hours in the erect position enabling patients to walk about without symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. Measurement of circulating adrenaline and noradrenaline during therapy suggested that the pressor response was due to release of noradrenaline. Three patients have had marked improvement for four, fifteen and twenty-four months respectively. In a further patient, therapy has been successful in treating his orthostatic hypotension although his mobility has been restricted due to cerebellar ataxia. One patient developed a confusional state during treatment and the therapy was stopped. The only patient in whom the drugs produced no pressor response had orthostatic hypotension with evidence of adrenergic innervation of blood vessels, but failure of noradrenaline release. It is suggested that the pressor response to a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and tyramine should be examined in patients to a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and tyramine should be examined in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in whom conventional therapy is unsatisfactory and those who respond should receive a trial of this treatment.", "contents": "Treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and tyramine. The clinical response of treatment with a chemical preparation of tyramine and tranylcypromine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, is described in six patients wit neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. Previous therapy with fluorocortisone, ephedrine, elastic garments, postural training and, in one patient, an anti-G suit was unsuccessful. Oral and intravenous tyramine produced no pressor response. However, after treatment with tranylcypromine five of the patients when supine showed a marked rise of blood pressure to intravenous tyramine which was sustained for over two hours when they stood up. Tyramine given orally with tranylcypromine produced a moderate rise of blood pressure in the supine position which was sustained for over 3-4 hours in the erect position enabling patients to walk about without symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. Measurement of circulating adrenaline and noradrenaline during therapy suggested that the pressor response was due to release of noradrenaline. Three patients have had marked improvement for four, fifteen and twenty-four months respectively. In a further patient, therapy has been successful in treating his orthostatic hypotension although his mobility has been restricted due to cerebellar ataxia. One patient developed a confusional state during treatment and the therapy was stopped. The only patient in whom the drugs produced no pressor response had orthostatic hypotension with evidence of adrenergic innervation of blood vessels, but failure of noradrenaline release. It is suggested that the pressor response to a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and tyramine should be examined in patients to a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and tyramine should be examined in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in whom conventional therapy is unsatisfactory and those who respond should receive a trial of this treatment.", "PMID": 1007896} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10933", "title": "Bismuth encephalopathy.", "content": "Bismuth encephalopathy, characterized by the constant association of acute confusion, myoclonus, severe ataxia and dysarthia has reached \"epidemic\" proportion since its first description in 1974. The clinical aspects the pathogenic hypothesis, the diagnostic criteria as well as the report of a typical case are described by the authors, who stress the similarities with encephalopathies induced by other metals.", "contents": "Bismuth encephalopathy. Bismuth encephalopathy, characterized by the constant association of acute confusion, myoclonus, severe ataxia and dysarthia has reached \"epidemic\" proportion since its first description in 1974. The clinical aspects the pathogenic hypothesis, the diagnostic criteria as well as the report of a typical case are described by the authors, who stress the similarities with encephalopathies induced by other metals.", "PMID": 1007897} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10934", "title": "Progressive ponto-bulbar palsy with deafness. A clinico-pathological study.", "content": "Progressive ponto-bulbar palsy with deafness is a rare disease. It seems to be an abiotrophic process with autosomal recessive inheritance in most instances. Only one autopsy case had been briefly described (Lelong et al., 1941). The clinical features and the pathological findings of a new case are reported. The structures primarily involved are the grey matter of the brain stem and the spinal cord, including to some extent the optic tracts and most of the fiber tracts in the brain stem with exception of the pyramidal tracts.", "contents": "Progressive ponto-bulbar palsy with deafness. A clinico-pathological study. Progressive ponto-bulbar palsy with deafness is a rare disease. It seems to be an abiotrophic process with autosomal recessive inheritance in most instances. Only one autopsy case had been briefly described (Lelong et al., 1941). The clinical features and the pathological findings of a new case are reported. The structures primarily involved are the grey matter of the brain stem and the spinal cord, including to some extent the optic tracts and most of the fiber tracts in the brain stem with exception of the pyramidal tracts.", "PMID": 1007898} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10935", "title": "Changes in regional cerebral blood flows produced by dexamethasone in patients with brain metastases.", "content": "Four patients suffering from brain metastases were studied by brain scintigraphy carotid angiography and rCBF measurement, before and after one week of treatment with dexamethasone. It was noted that the neurological signs and the blood perfusion around the tumor were improved but that the volume of the lesion, as judged from the angiogram was unmodified. It is suggested that the corticosteroids reduce tissue pressure before actually diminishing the volume of the brain oedema.", "contents": "Changes in regional cerebral blood flows produced by dexamethasone in patients with brain metastases. Four patients suffering from brain metastases were studied by brain scintigraphy carotid angiography and rCBF measurement, before and after one week of treatment with dexamethasone. It was noted that the neurological signs and the blood perfusion around the tumor were improved but that the volume of the lesion, as judged from the angiogram was unmodified. It is suggested that the corticosteroids reduce tissue pressure before actually diminishing the volume of the brain oedema.", "PMID": 1007901} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10936", "title": "Virus-cell interaction in oligodendroglia, astroglia and phagocyte in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. An electron microscopic study.", "content": "A 46-year-old female, with an 11 year history of malignant lymphoreticular disease, developed a neurological illness clinically manifested by a focal mass lesion in the left frontal lobe. In biopsied tissue, immunofluorescence study revealed the presence of JC antigen in the glial cells. Histologically, the lesion was characteristic of PML consisting of PML consisting of focal necrosis in the subcortical white matter, numerous fat laden macrophages and marked hypertrophy of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. By electron microscopy, hypertrophic astrocytes contained intranuclear viral particles consistent with papova virions and aggregates of intracytoplasmic viral particles consisting of a single to several virions tightly surrounded by a single membrane. The membrane appeared to have been derived from that of the cellular vesicles. Fusion of the virus-associated membrane to the astroglial plasmalemma occurred when the virions appeared to shift towards extracellular space. The virioncontaining astrocytes showed cytoplasmic \"fibrillar hypertrophy\" similar to the characteristic gigantic astroglias of PML. This fact would provide an additional evidence that these gigantic cells, although lacking identifiable viral structures, were the result of anaplastic transformation by JC virus. Many virus-bearing astroglias were noted to be in the early stage of cellular necrosis, of \"edematous degeneration\". This further indicates that the JC virus is capable of inducing both lytic and abortive astroglial infections. Many oligodendroglias were hypertrophic due to the presence of intranuclear viral particles and markedly increased numbers of microtubules and free ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Membrane-bound intracytoplasmic viral particles were also noted in the oligodendroglias. Some fat laden macrophages contained large intracytoplasmic viral bodies, presumably originating from phagocytized virus-bearing cells.", "contents": "Virus-cell interaction in oligodendroglia, astroglia and phagocyte in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. An electron microscopic study. A 46-year-old female, with an 11 year history of malignant lymphoreticular disease, developed a neurological illness clinically manifested by a focal mass lesion in the left frontal lobe. In biopsied tissue, immunofluorescence study revealed the presence of JC antigen in the glial cells. Histologically, the lesion was characteristic of PML consisting of PML consisting of focal necrosis in the subcortical white matter, numerous fat laden macrophages and marked hypertrophy of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. By electron microscopy, hypertrophic astrocytes contained intranuclear viral particles consistent with papova virions and aggregates of intracytoplasmic viral particles consisting of a single to several virions tightly surrounded by a single membrane. The membrane appeared to have been derived from that of the cellular vesicles. Fusion of the virus-associated membrane to the astroglial plasmalemma occurred when the virions appeared to shift towards extracellular space. The virioncontaining astrocytes showed cytoplasmic \"fibrillar hypertrophy\" similar to the characteristic gigantic astroglias of PML. This fact would provide an additional evidence that these gigantic cells, although lacking identifiable viral structures, were the result of anaplastic transformation by JC virus. Many virus-bearing astroglias were noted to be in the early stage of cellular necrosis, of \"edematous degeneration\". This further indicates that the JC virus is capable of inducing both lytic and abortive astroglial infections. Many oligodendroglias were hypertrophic due to the presence of intranuclear viral particles and markedly increased numbers of microtubules and free ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Membrane-bound intracytoplasmic viral particles were also noted in the oligodendroglias. Some fat laden macrophages contained large intracytoplasmic viral bodies, presumably originating from phagocytized virus-bearing cells.", "PMID": 1007902} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10937", "title": "Cerebral lymphomatoid granulomatosis. A report of two cases, with disseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy in one.", "content": "Neuropathologic findings in 2 cases of cerebral lymphomatoid granulomatosis with sequelae are presented. A 30-year old male with macular rash and pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis responded to Prednisone terapy but developed acute intracranial hypertension with coma. A necrotizing hemorrhagic lesion was evident in the left putamen surrounded by diffuse and perivascular atypical lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. An 18-year old girl developed pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis, diplopia, slurred speech and right hemiparesis. Brain scan, angiography and EEG suggested a left fronto-parietal mass assumed to represent lymphomatoid granulomatosis. She responded well to cerebral irradiation, intrathecal methotrexate and cytoxan but relapsed with seizures and increasing respiratory insufficiency. At autopsy, stigmata of cerebral lymphomatoid granulomatosis were absent but a parenchymatous degeneration consistent with disseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy following antileukemic therapy in children, was found.", "contents": "Cerebral lymphomatoid granulomatosis. A report of two cases, with disseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy in one. Neuropathologic findings in 2 cases of cerebral lymphomatoid granulomatosis with sequelae are presented. A 30-year old male with macular rash and pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis responded to Prednisone terapy but developed acute intracranial hypertension with coma. A necrotizing hemorrhagic lesion was evident in the left putamen surrounded by diffuse and perivascular atypical lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. An 18-year old girl developed pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis, diplopia, slurred speech and right hemiparesis. Brain scan, angiography and EEG suggested a left fronto-parietal mass assumed to represent lymphomatoid granulomatosis. She responded well to cerebral irradiation, intrathecal methotrexate and cytoxan but relapsed with seizures and increasing respiratory insufficiency. At autopsy, stigmata of cerebral lymphomatoid granulomatosis were absent but a parenchymatous degeneration consistent with disseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy following antileukemic therapy in children, was found.", "PMID": 1007903} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10938", "title": "Aggregated plasmalemmal vesicles and microvilli in human astrocytoma.", "content": "Plasmalemmal vesicles and microvilli or filopodia in human astrocytoma were examined with thin-section and freeze-fracture techniques. The plasmalemmal vesicles, although sparsely scattered in distribution, were often aggregated in a curvilinear, semicircular, or circular fashion, and the involved plasma membrane was often protruded externally like a mound. Microvilli or filopodia were cross-fractured when fracture travelled within the plasma membrane resulting in a fracture face interrupted by numerous holes of cytoplasms. The microvilli were distributed in a concentrated manner on the free surface of the cell and often closely oriented in a linear, curvilinear, or circular fashion. They varied in size, form, and length. When they were arisen from a common hillock of the plasma membrane, its fracture face was elongated, up to 0.8 mu in length. Fenestrae were occasionally visible in attenuated cytoplasm which surrounded peripheral vacuole in the cell.", "contents": "Aggregated plasmalemmal vesicles and microvilli in human astrocytoma. Plasmalemmal vesicles and microvilli or filopodia in human astrocytoma were examined with thin-section and freeze-fracture techniques. The plasmalemmal vesicles, although sparsely scattered in distribution, were often aggregated in a curvilinear, semicircular, or circular fashion, and the involved plasma membrane was often protruded externally like a mound. Microvilli or filopodia were cross-fractured when fracture travelled within the plasma membrane resulting in a fracture face interrupted by numerous holes of cytoplasms. The microvilli were distributed in a concentrated manner on the free surface of the cell and often closely oriented in a linear, curvilinear, or circular fashion. They varied in size, form, and length. When they were arisen from a common hillock of the plasma membrane, its fracture face was elongated, up to 0.8 mu in length. Fenestrae were occasionally visible in attenuated cytoplasm which surrounded peripheral vacuole in the cell.", "PMID": 1007904} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10939", "title": "Development of onion bulb neuropathy in the Tremebler mouse. Morphometric study.", "content": "The Trembler mouse is a neurological mutant showing dominant inheritance. The periopheral nerves show a delay in myelination, segmental demyelination and the development of an onion bulb neuropathy. Using electron microscopy a comparative morphometric study of nerve fibres in the sciatic nerve in normal and Trembler mice was made. The animals ranged in age from 3 days to adult. The following features were noted: 1. Mean axon diameters of the Trembler mice were smaller than normal at all ages. 2. Myelination was delayed and myelin was thinner than normal in the Trembler mice. 3. The ratio of myelin thickness to axon diameter was reduced in Trembler mice. 4. There were no significant quantitative or qualitative differences observed between middle and distal levels of Trembler nerves. The balance of evidence from these findings and the previous morphological studies is in keeping with the suggestion that the primary lesion resides in the Schwann cell.", "contents": "Development of onion bulb neuropathy in the Tremebler mouse. Morphometric study. The Trembler mouse is a neurological mutant showing dominant inheritance. The periopheral nerves show a delay in myelination, segmental demyelination and the development of an onion bulb neuropathy. Using electron microscopy a comparative morphometric study of nerve fibres in the sciatic nerve in normal and Trembler mice was made. The animals ranged in age from 3 days to adult. The following features were noted: 1. Mean axon diameters of the Trembler mice were smaller than normal at all ages. 2. Myelination was delayed and myelin was thinner than normal in the Trembler mice. 3. The ratio of myelin thickness to axon diameter was reduced in Trembler mice. 4. There were no significant quantitative or qualitative differences observed between middle and distal levels of Trembler nerves. The balance of evidence from these findings and the previous morphological studies is in keeping with the suggestion that the primary lesion resides in the Schwann cell.", "PMID": 1007905} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10940", "title": "Stereology, a complement to experimental neuropathology. I. Introduction into stereology. II. Ultrastructural-morphometric investigations (baseline data, axotomy) on the superior cervical ganglion of the rat.", "content": "This paper first gives a short introduction into the principles of stereology. It shows then its actual application to the assessment of ultrastructural-morphometric data of the normal superior cervical ganglion of the rat (base-line data) and after axotomy. In the early phase after axon transsection the volumetric composition of the superior cervical ganglionic neuron remains constant. Only the volume density of the lysosomal forms is significantly increased from 0.9--3.2%. Ultrastructural morphometric analysis of the rough endoplasmic reticulum does not provide any information on quantitative changes underlying the phenomenon of central chromatolysis.", "contents": "Stereology, a complement to experimental neuropathology. I. Introduction into stereology. II. Ultrastructural-morphometric investigations (baseline data, axotomy) on the superior cervical ganglion of the rat. This paper first gives a short introduction into the principles of stereology. It shows then its actual application to the assessment of ultrastructural-morphometric data of the normal superior cervical ganglion of the rat (base-line data) and after axotomy. In the early phase after axon transsection the volumetric composition of the superior cervical ganglionic neuron remains constant. Only the volume density of the lysosomal forms is significantly increased from 0.9--3.2%. Ultrastructural morphometric analysis of the rough endoplasmic reticulum does not provide any information on quantitative changes underlying the phenomenon of central chromatolysis.", "PMID": 1007906} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10941", "title": "Light and electron microscopic investigations on a transplantable tumour of the rat, induced by transplacental administration of ENU (ethylnitrosourea).", "content": "With a single dose of 80 mg/kg ENU, a tumour originating from the trigeminal nerve was induced transplacentally in the offspring of a Sprague-Dawley rat. The neoplasm diagnosed as a neurinoma, was transplanted over 20 passages to 5 six-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats in each case. During this time, the biological behaviour of the tumour as well as its histological appearance were followed. Ultrastructural observations were made of the 20th passage. The tumour caused multiple metastases in the lung and in the lymph nodes of the neck in 30 animals. Recurrences were formed within a week, metastases of the lung appeared from then on in all cases. During the time of transplantation, the neurinoma dedifferentiated histologically so markedly that it was no longer possible to classify the neoplasm as a neurogenous tomour after 20 passages. Ultrastructurally, poorly differentiated Schwann cells could nevertheless be recognized.", "contents": "Light and electron microscopic investigations on a transplantable tumour of the rat, induced by transplacental administration of ENU (ethylnitrosourea). With a single dose of 80 mg/kg ENU, a tumour originating from the trigeminal nerve was induced transplacentally in the offspring of a Sprague-Dawley rat. The neoplasm diagnosed as a neurinoma, was transplanted over 20 passages to 5 six-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats in each case. During this time, the biological behaviour of the tumour as well as its histological appearance were followed. Ultrastructural observations were made of the 20th passage. The tumour caused multiple metastases in the lung and in the lymph nodes of the neck in 30 animals. Recurrences were formed within a week, metastases of the lung appeared from then on in all cases. During the time of transplantation, the neurinoma dedifferentiated histologically so markedly that it was no longer possible to classify the neoplasm as a neurogenous tomour after 20 passages. Ultrastructurally, poorly differentiated Schwann cells could nevertheless be recognized.", "PMID": 1007907} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10942", "title": "Lysosomes in normal and degenerating neuroblasts of the chick embryo spinal ganglia. A cytochemical and quantitative study by electron microscopy.", "content": "Lysosomes were studied by both cytochemical and quantitative methods in normal and degenerating neuroblasts of the chick embryo spinal ganglia. In normal neuroblasts (primitive and intermediate neuroblasts) both primary lysosomes and autophagic vacuoles were found; these organelles were usually located in the region containing the Golgi complex. In degenerating neuroblasts lysosomes appeared sharply decreased in number with respect to normal neuroblasts. Moreover, lysosomes were always evident as intact organelles surrounded by a membrane and the acid phosphatase activity appeared localized exclusively within these bodies. A diffuse distribution of acid phosphatase activity was only found in a limited number of cases during the terminal stage of the process. Possibly in these cases the enzymatic activity depended on the cells which enveloped the degenerated neuroblast remnants. The present results indicate that lysosomes do not play a primary role in the degenerative process studied.", "contents": "Lysosomes in normal and degenerating neuroblasts of the chick embryo spinal ganglia. A cytochemical and quantitative study by electron microscopy. Lysosomes were studied by both cytochemical and quantitative methods in normal and degenerating neuroblasts of the chick embryo spinal ganglia. In normal neuroblasts (primitive and intermediate neuroblasts) both primary lysosomes and autophagic vacuoles were found; these organelles were usually located in the region containing the Golgi complex. In degenerating neuroblasts lysosomes appeared sharply decreased in number with respect to normal neuroblasts. Moreover, lysosomes were always evident as intact organelles surrounded by a membrane and the acid phosphatase activity appeared localized exclusively within these bodies. A diffuse distribution of acid phosphatase activity was only found in a limited number of cases during the terminal stage of the process. Possibly in these cases the enzymatic activity depended on the cells which enveloped the degenerated neuroblast remnants. The present results indicate that lysosomes do not play a primary role in the degenerative process studied.", "PMID": 1007909} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10943", "title": "High binding of CS2 sulphur in spinal cord axonal fraction.", "content": "The binding of carbon disulphide sulphur was studied in the spinal cord and its axons of four control and four phenobarbitone pretreated adult rats 3 and 6 h after an intraperitoneal injection of 650 mumol of CS2 in olive oil. The binding of CS2 carbon was measured in the same fractions of two adult control rats 4.5 h after a similar administration of 1.3 mumol of the compound for reference. The specific binding of sulphur was highest in the axons of control animals 3 h after the injection while binding was 17.5% smaller in the axons of phenobarbitone treated animals. The uptake of sulphur was higher in the spinal cord homogenate of the pretreated animals in comparison to control rats. Sulphur was removed from the axonal fraction at a rate of 5.1 natoms/mg of protein/h. Phenobarbitone treatment increased the disappearance of sulphur in the control animals while the rate in the treated rats was 4.9 natoms/mg of protein/h. Phenobarbitone treatment increased the disappearance of sulphur in the spinal homogenate from the removal rate of 0.22 natoms/mg of protein/h in control animals to 0.37 natoms/mg of protein/h in treated rats. The binding of CS2 carbon was negligible 4.5 h after the injection in the axonal fraction. The present data indicate that the release and binding of CS2 sulphur may be responsible for the toxic neural manifestations in chronic CS2 poisoning.", "contents": "High binding of CS2 sulphur in spinal cord axonal fraction. The binding of carbon disulphide sulphur was studied in the spinal cord and its axons of four control and four phenobarbitone pretreated adult rats 3 and 6 h after an intraperitoneal injection of 650 mumol of CS2 in olive oil. The binding of CS2 carbon was measured in the same fractions of two adult control rats 4.5 h after a similar administration of 1.3 mumol of the compound for reference. The specific binding of sulphur was highest in the axons of control animals 3 h after the injection while binding was 17.5% smaller in the axons of phenobarbitone treated animals. The uptake of sulphur was higher in the spinal cord homogenate of the pretreated animals in comparison to control rats. Sulphur was removed from the axonal fraction at a rate of 5.1 natoms/mg of protein/h. Phenobarbitone treatment increased the disappearance of sulphur in the control animals while the rate in the treated rats was 4.9 natoms/mg of protein/h. Phenobarbitone treatment increased the disappearance of sulphur in the spinal homogenate from the removal rate of 0.22 natoms/mg of protein/h in control animals to 0.37 natoms/mg of protein/h in treated rats. The binding of CS2 carbon was negligible 4.5 h after the injection in the axonal fraction. The present data indicate that the release and binding of CS2 sulphur may be responsible for the toxic neural manifestations in chronic CS2 poisoning.", "PMID": 1007910} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10944", "title": "Experimental cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils. v. Ultrastructural changes in H3 sector of the hippocampus.", "content": "Mongolian gerbils exposed to relatively short (7 or 15 min) unilateral or bilateral occlusions of the common carotid artery develop, 20 h after release of the clipping, characteristic morphologic changes in the H3 sector of the hippocampus. Ultrastructural study of these changes revealed an eccentric shift of the nuclei associated with chromatolytic perikarya which showed a dense accumulation of lysosomes and mitochondria in their central parts. The Golgi apparatus was recognizable only by clusters of vesicles, and this change was associated with a negative thiamine pyrophosphatase reaction.", "contents": "Experimental cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils. v. Ultrastructural changes in H3 sector of the hippocampus. Mongolian gerbils exposed to relatively short (7 or 15 min) unilateral or bilateral occlusions of the common carotid artery develop, 20 h after release of the clipping, characteristic morphologic changes in the H3 sector of the hippocampus. Ultrastructural study of these changes revealed an eccentric shift of the nuclei associated with chromatolytic perikarya which showed a dense accumulation of lysosomes and mitochondria in their central parts. The Golgi apparatus was recognizable only by clusters of vesicles, and this change was associated with a negative thiamine pyrophosphatase reaction.", "PMID": 1007911} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10945", "title": "A pathologic and clinical study of adenosquamous carcinoma of the larynx. Report of four cases and review of the literature.", "content": "Four cases of adenosquamous carcinoma are described. Emphasis is put on the rarity of this histological type of tumour which was first described in the larynx by Gerughty et al. (1968) who reported three cases. An exhaustive histological documentation of the neoplasm accompanies the discussion of its pathomorphological characteristics, histogenesis, differential diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Stress is laid on the extreme aggressiveness of the neoplasm and on its high biologic malignancy. Elective treatment is radical surgery. The tumour in question is a distinct anatomo-clinical entity with its own connotations and therefore must be distinguished from the most common squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.", "contents": "A pathologic and clinical study of adenosquamous carcinoma of the larynx. Report of four cases and review of the literature. Four cases of adenosquamous carcinoma are described. Emphasis is put on the rarity of this histological type of tumour which was first described in the larynx by Gerughty et al. (1968) who reported three cases. An exhaustive histological documentation of the neoplasm accompanies the discussion of its pathomorphological characteristics, histogenesis, differential diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Stress is laid on the extreme aggressiveness of the neoplasm and on its high biologic malignancy. Elective treatment is radical surgery. The tumour in question is a distinct anatomo-clinical entity with its own connotations and therefore must be distinguished from the most common squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.", "PMID": 1007912} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10946", "title": "Effect of partial lesions of nucleus caudatus on food intake in cats.", "content": "The experiments were performed on 15 cats divided into 3 groups. In the animals from group I with lesions placed in the medial part of the head of caudate nucleus (NC), hyperphagia and hypodipsia developed. In the group II, with lesions in the ventral part of the head of NC, hyperphagia was observed. In the group III, with lesions in the dorsal part of the head of NC, hyperdipsia developed. These data indicate that caudate nucleus (NC) is a part of the system regulating food intake. Differentiation of disturbances following lesions placed in different areas of NC may be due to simultaneous damage of two opposite systems in which NC is included: the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system and the noradrenergic system.", "contents": "Effect of partial lesions of nucleus caudatus on food intake in cats. The experiments were performed on 15 cats divided into 3 groups. In the animals from group I with lesions placed in the medial part of the head of caudate nucleus (NC), hyperphagia and hypodipsia developed. In the group II, with lesions in the ventral part of the head of NC, hyperphagia was observed. In the group III, with lesions in the dorsal part of the head of NC, hyperdipsia developed. These data indicate that caudate nucleus (NC) is a part of the system regulating food intake. Differentiation of disturbances following lesions placed in different areas of NC may be due to simultaneous damage of two opposite systems in which NC is included: the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system and the noradrenergic system.", "PMID": 1007925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10947", "title": "The effect of local acclimatization to cold on the intensity of vasomotor reaction caused by locally applied vibration.", "content": "In two groups of men, acclimatized or non-acclimatized locally to cold, hand skin temperature and the arterial blood pressure were measured during exposure to locally applied vibration of strictly defined parameters. It was found that in acclimatized subjects the intensity of vasomotor response was smaller than in non-acclimatized ones. The results obtained indicate that local acclimatization to cold may be a factor alleviating the action of locally applied vibration on the peripheral vascular system.", "contents": "The effect of local acclimatization to cold on the intensity of vasomotor reaction caused by locally applied vibration. In two groups of men, acclimatized or non-acclimatized locally to cold, hand skin temperature and the arterial blood pressure were measured during exposure to locally applied vibration of strictly defined parameters. It was found that in acclimatized subjects the intensity of vasomotor response was smaller than in non-acclimatized ones. The results obtained indicate that local acclimatization to cold may be a factor alleviating the action of locally applied vibration on the peripheral vascular system.", "PMID": 1007926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10948", "title": "Delusional hyper-identifications of the Fr\u00e9goli type. Organic pathogenetic contributors.", "content": "Seven patients with the Fr\u00e9goli syndrome were described. These patients were studied clinically and by routine laboratory tests, electroencephalograms (standard and sleep recordings, sphenoidal electrodes), echoencephalograms, air-encephalograms, brain scanning, and psychological methods (Wechsler, Rey and Benton tests). The following basic conclusions were drawn: All patients were psychotic and in most cases schizophrenia constituted the nosological setting in which the Fr\u00e9goli syndrome developed. The paranoid element was marked in all cases. All patients were single, young and, with one exception, male. Clinical evidence as well as electroencephalographic, air-ence-phalographic, echoencephalographic, and psychological findings suggest that a strong organic component contributes to the patho-genesis of the Fr\u00e9goli syndrome.", "contents": "Delusional hyper-identifications of the Fr\u00e9goli type. Organic pathogenetic contributors. Seven patients with the Fr\u00e9goli syndrome were described. These patients were studied clinically and by routine laboratory tests, electroencephalograms (standard and sleep recordings, sphenoidal electrodes), echoencephalograms, air-encephalograms, brain scanning, and psychological methods (Wechsler, Rey and Benton tests). The following basic conclusions were drawn: All patients were psychotic and in most cases schizophrenia constituted the nosological setting in which the Fr\u00e9goli syndrome developed. The paranoid element was marked in all cases. All patients were single, young and, with one exception, male. Clinical evidence as well as electroencephalographic, air-ence-phalographic, echoencephalographic, and psychological findings suggest that a strong organic component contributes to the patho-genesis of the Fr\u00e9goli syndrome.", "PMID": 1007933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10949", "title": "Feeding habits and their physiological determinants. Relationships between consumer's preference for sweetness of drinks and certain physiological parameters.", "content": "Investigations determining the preferred saccharose concentration in drinks (CP(S)), gustatory threshold values, blood glucose level, basal metabolism rate and body weight index (im) were carried out with 83 cadets, aged 21--23 years. CP(S) was directly proportional to the gustatory threshold for sweet tastee, blood glucose level and basal metabolism and the correlation found in all three cases was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). The accuracy of CP(S) estimation by cadets was strictly related to their threshold difference for sweet tast depending also on smoking.", "contents": "Feeding habits and their physiological determinants. Relationships between consumer's preference for sweetness of drinks and certain physiological parameters. Investigations determining the preferred saccharose concentration in drinks (CP(S)), gustatory threshold values, blood glucose level, basal metabolism rate and body weight index (im) were carried out with 83 cadets, aged 21--23 years. CP(S) was directly proportional to the gustatory threshold for sweet tastee, blood glucose level and basal metabolism and the correlation found in all three cases was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). The accuracy of CP(S) estimation by cadets was strictly related to their threshold difference for sweet tast depending also on smoking.", "PMID": 1007927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10950", "title": "A study of 49 sterilized females.", "content": "Forty-nine women sterilized for eugenic, medical or socioeconomic reasons were studied in the Outpatients Department of a Women's Hospital. Results indicate that in a considerable proportion of cases, physical as well as mental condition was negatively affected. The most significant factors which influenced the outcome of the operation were the personality of the subjects and the reasons for which they were sterilized. It is emphasized that before this operation is undertaken, a full psychiatric assessment should be performed and a social report obtained.", "contents": "A study of 49 sterilized females. Forty-nine women sterilized for eugenic, medical or socioeconomic reasons were studied in the Outpatients Department of a Women's Hospital. Results indicate that in a considerable proportion of cases, physical as well as mental condition was negatively affected. The most significant factors which influenced the outcome of the operation were the personality of the subjects and the reasons for which they were sterilized. It is emphasized that before this operation is undertaken, a full psychiatric assessment should be performed and a social report obtained.", "PMID": 1007934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10951", "title": "Lithium therapy in Israel.", "content": "Lithium therapy for manic-depressive patients started in Israel in 1967. A questionnaire survey in 1975 had a response frequency of 50%. Of the 314 patients diagnosed as manic-depressives, 239, or 76%, received lithium carbonate treatment.", "contents": "Lithium therapy in Israel. Lithium therapy for manic-depressive patients started in Israel in 1967. A questionnaire survey in 1975 had a response frequency of 50%. Of the 314 patients diagnosed as manic-depressives, 239, or 76%, received lithium carbonate treatment.", "PMID": 1007936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10952", "title": "Abnormalities in the orienting response in senile dementia.", "content": "Forty-five female patients with the diagnosis of senile dementia and subdivided according to degree of mental deterioration were paged over a loudspeaker placed directly to the right or to the left of the patient. In the most demented subgroup, motor and/or verbal orienting responses often failed to appear. A turn towards the loudspeaker used was more often evoked in the least deteriorated subgroups. Turning in inadequate directions is tentatively explained in terms of dysfunctions within the auditory system and with reference to the disorientation of the patients. Twenty of the senile dementia patients were also compared with 20 healthy aged persons concerning habituation of orienting responses when exposed to 15 stimulations with intermittent light. The demented patients did not habituate significantly whereas control subjects did. The defective habituation of the patients is tentatively explained in terms of their memory disturbances and low capacity to interpret sensory data.", "contents": "Abnormalities in the orienting response in senile dementia. Forty-five female patients with the diagnosis of senile dementia and subdivided according to degree of mental deterioration were paged over a loudspeaker placed directly to the right or to the left of the patient. In the most demented subgroup, motor and/or verbal orienting responses often failed to appear. A turn towards the loudspeaker used was more often evoked in the least deteriorated subgroups. Turning in inadequate directions is tentatively explained in terms of dysfunctions within the auditory system and with reference to the disorientation of the patients. Twenty of the senile dementia patients were also compared with 20 healthy aged persons concerning habituation of orienting responses when exposed to 15 stimulations with intermittent light. The demented patients did not habituate significantly whereas control subjects did. The defective habituation of the patients is tentatively explained in terms of their memory disturbances and low capacity to interpret sensory data.", "PMID": 1007935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10953", "title": "Ability to perform prolonged physical exercise in dogs after chronic treatment with thyroxine.", "content": "Treatment of dogs with L-thyroxine (T4) for 7 or 21 days had no influence on their body temperature, blood LA and NA concentrations and muscle glycogen content at rest. Only blood FFA and glucose concentrations were significantly higher than those before T4 administration. During exercise performed by T4-treated dogs considerably higher increases in rectal temperature as well as in blood FFA and LA concentrations were found in comparison with control runs. Plasma NA level at the end of exercise was significantly lower in T4-injected dogs than in controls, and blood glucose and muscle glycogen content were similarly decreased in spite of much shorter time of exercise until exhaustion in T4-treated dogs. As a result of the described metabolic and temperature alterations ability of T4-treated dogs to perform prolonged physical exercise was markedly reduced.", "contents": "Ability to perform prolonged physical exercise in dogs after chronic treatment with thyroxine. Treatment of dogs with L-thyroxine (T4) for 7 or 21 days had no influence on their body temperature, blood LA and NA concentrations and muscle glycogen content at rest. Only blood FFA and glucose concentrations were significantly higher than those before T4 administration. During exercise performed by T4-treated dogs considerably higher increases in rectal temperature as well as in blood FFA and LA concentrations were found in comparison with control runs. Plasma NA level at the end of exercise was significantly lower in T4-injected dogs than in controls, and blood glucose and muscle glycogen content were similarly decreased in spite of much shorter time of exercise until exhaustion in T4-treated dogs. As a result of the described metabolic and temperature alterations ability of T4-treated dogs to perform prolonged physical exercise was markedly reduced.", "PMID": 1007928} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10954", "title": "Discharge pattern of single neuronal units in cortical projection area of vagus nerve during successive episodes of hypoxia.", "content": "For an analysis of discharge pattern of single neuronal units in the cortical projection area of the vagus nerve during successive episodes of hypoxia their action potentials were recorded extracellularly. Changes in the discharge pattern were assessed by means of histograms of interimpulse intervals. It was found that the reaction of neurons to repeated exposure to hypoxia includes: a) increased frequency of discharges, b) decreased activity, or c) habituation, i.e. reduction in the degree of neuronal activity changes during successive exposures to hypoxia.", "contents": "Discharge pattern of single neuronal units in cortical projection area of vagus nerve during successive episodes of hypoxia. For an analysis of discharge pattern of single neuronal units in the cortical projection area of the vagus nerve during successive episodes of hypoxia their action potentials were recorded extracellularly. Changes in the discharge pattern were assessed by means of histograms of interimpulse intervals. It was found that the reaction of neurons to repeated exposure to hypoxia includes: a) increased frequency of discharges, b) decreased activity, or c) habituation, i.e. reduction in the degree of neuronal activity changes during successive exposures to hypoxia.", "PMID": 1007924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10955", "title": "The effects of unilateral brief-interval ECT on memory.", "content": "One hundred and three patients treated for endogenous depression with unilateral, non-dominant ECT, half with two, half with four treatments weekly, were examined to determine the effect of the treatment on memory functions. Th first-mentioned group was studied with double-blind technique in connection with an earlier study while the latter group was investigated under open conditions. Tests were made before the first treatment, after the sixth treatment, and after the final treatment (the Wechsler Memory Scale Forms I and II) and at the same times, ratings were made of the depressive state. No significant differences were found between the results of the two groups either with regard to the total results or the sub-test results in WMS. This was true for changes between and the first and the sixth treatment and between the first and the final treatment. On the whole, both groups showed improved results during the course of treatment; a memory reduction to an equal degree in both groups evident before treatment, and thus due to the depression, was eliminated concurrently with the improvement in the depressive condition. With reference to delayed reproduction a comparison made after the sixth treatment showed that the high-frequency treatment group scored significantly higher than the other group. This can only be ascribed to a better therapeutic effect resulting from accelerated treatment. Likewise these improved therapeutic results in the high-frequency treatment group must be responsible for the fact that this group does not show poorer test results than the group treated at the customary frequency-rate in spite of an expected deteriorating effect of accelerated treatment on memory functions and in spite of a larger number of treatments per series in this group. Neither in the higher nor in the lower frequency treatment group were any age-related variations in memory found.", "contents": "The effects of unilateral brief-interval ECT on memory. One hundred and three patients treated for endogenous depression with unilateral, non-dominant ECT, half with two, half with four treatments weekly, were examined to determine the effect of the treatment on memory functions. Th first-mentioned group was studied with double-blind technique in connection with an earlier study while the latter group was investigated under open conditions. Tests were made before the first treatment, after the sixth treatment, and after the final treatment (the Wechsler Memory Scale Forms I and II) and at the same times, ratings were made of the depressive state. No significant differences were found between the results of the two groups either with regard to the total results or the sub-test results in WMS. This was true for changes between and the first and the sixth treatment and between the first and the final treatment. On the whole, both groups showed improved results during the course of treatment; a memory reduction to an equal degree in both groups evident before treatment, and thus due to the depression, was eliminated concurrently with the improvement in the depressive condition. With reference to delayed reproduction a comparison made after the sixth treatment showed that the high-frequency treatment group scored significantly higher than the other group. This can only be ascribed to a better therapeutic effect resulting from accelerated treatment. Likewise these improved therapeutic results in the high-frequency treatment group must be responsible for the fact that this group does not show poorer test results than the group treated at the customary frequency-rate in spite of an expected deteriorating effect of accelerated treatment on memory functions and in spite of a larger number of treatments per series in this group. Neither in the higher nor in the lower frequency treatment group were any age-related variations in memory found.", "PMID": 1007937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10956", "title": "Lipid composition of plasma obtained from various parts of the vascular system of the rabbit.", "content": "Lipid concentrations were compared in the arterial blood, peripheral venous blood (pinna), and blood from the portal vein, hepatic vein, inferior caval vine and both renal veins (right and left). Greatest differences were found between the arterial blood and venous blood from a peripheral vein and hepatic vein. For assessment of the degree of lipid assimilation by the peripheral tissues simultaneous determination of triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations in arterial blood and peripheral venous blood was found to be most useful. Liver ability of lipid synthesis can be measured on the basis of difference in the concentrations of cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids and phospholipids in the arterial and venous blood leaving the liver. Blood passage through the kidneys had no influence on changes in the lipid concentration.", "contents": "Lipid composition of plasma obtained from various parts of the vascular system of the rabbit. Lipid concentrations were compared in the arterial blood, peripheral venous blood (pinna), and blood from the portal vein, hepatic vein, inferior caval vine and both renal veins (right and left). Greatest differences were found between the arterial blood and venous blood from a peripheral vein and hepatic vein. For assessment of the degree of lipid assimilation by the peripheral tissues simultaneous determination of triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations in arterial blood and peripheral venous blood was found to be most useful. Liver ability of lipid synthesis can be measured on the basis of difference in the concentrations of cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids and phospholipids in the arterial and venous blood leaving the liver. Blood passage through the kidneys had no influence on changes in the lipid concentration.", "PMID": 1007930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10957", "title": "The absorption of epsilon-(gamma-L-glutamyl)-L-lysine in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract in the rat.", "content": "A study was made on the absorption of epsilon-(yamma-L-glutamyl)-L-lysine (GL) from the small intestine and caecum of the rat. Under the experimental condition (incubation at 37 degrees for 60 min), GL was absorbed from the small intestine by an active transport mechanism and from the caecum by passive diffusion. L-lysine had no effect on the rate of absorption of GL which may suggest the existence of independent mechanisms of absorption of these two compounds in the small intestine of the rat.", "contents": "The absorption of epsilon-(gamma-L-glutamyl)-L-lysine in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract in the rat. A study was made on the absorption of epsilon-(yamma-L-glutamyl)-L-lysine (GL) from the small intestine and caecum of the rat. Under the experimental condition (incubation at 37 degrees for 60 min), GL was absorbed from the small intestine by an active transport mechanism and from the caecum by passive diffusion. L-lysine had no effect on the rate of absorption of GL which may suggest the existence of independent mechanisms of absorption of these two compounds in the small intestine of the rat.", "PMID": 1007931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10958", "title": "Self-mutilation in antisocial personality (disorder).", "content": "In the present study, attempts were made to clarify the characteristics and the background information of persons with antisocial personality (disorder) who had resorted to slashings. These were compared with controls with a similar personality disorder who had not resorted to slashings. It appeared that the former had been more often prone to repeated outbursts of rage or fighting, drug abuse, and even other forms of self-destruction as well as tattooing in prison. They had more often had an alcoholic father. Moreover, they were more withdrawn, anxious and had a tendency to blame their environment. They had more often made efforts to get out of the restricted milieu of prison to the prison's psychiatric department and experienced the confined space of the prison as oppressive. They resorted to slashing usually in prisons and it seemed that the restricted environment with an absence of sufficient stimuli was crucial in triggering self-mutilation.", "contents": "Self-mutilation in antisocial personality (disorder). In the present study, attempts were made to clarify the characteristics and the background information of persons with antisocial personality (disorder) who had resorted to slashings. These were compared with controls with a similar personality disorder who had not resorted to slashings. It appeared that the former had been more often prone to repeated outbursts of rage or fighting, drug abuse, and even other forms of self-destruction as well as tattooing in prison. They had more often had an alcoholic father. Moreover, they were more withdrawn, anxious and had a tendency to blame their environment. They had more often made efforts to get out of the restricted milieu of prison to the prison's psychiatric department and experienced the confined space of the prison as oppressive. They resorted to slashing usually in prisons and it seemed that the restricted environment with an absence of sufficient stimuli was crucial in triggering self-mutilation.", "PMID": 1007938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10959", "title": "Changes in blood catecholamine levels in neonatal and growing lambs.", "content": "Changes in the palsma catecholamine (A and NA) and FFA concentrations were followed in 12 lambs from birth to 6 months of age. At birth plasma A, NA and FFA levels were higher than those at 6 months of age. Within first 3 days of life plasma A concentration markedly increased, and that of NA decreased, but on the 10th day of age both catecholamines returned to the levels found after first suckling. At this time significant decline in plasma FFA level occured. Later on up to 100 days blood A did not change, whereas NA stabilized on a relatively high level, which resulted in a marked increase of total catecholamine concentration and in a high NA/A ratio. The weaning stress caused a marked increase in blood total catecholamine and FFA levels. No relationship between plasma catecholamine and FFA levels was found during the whole period of growth considered.", "contents": "Changes in blood catecholamine levels in neonatal and growing lambs. Changes in the palsma catecholamine (A and NA) and FFA concentrations were followed in 12 lambs from birth to 6 months of age. At birth plasma A, NA and FFA levels were higher than those at 6 months of age. Within first 3 days of life plasma A concentration markedly increased, and that of NA decreased, but on the 10th day of age both catecholamines returned to the levels found after first suckling. At this time significant decline in plasma FFA level occured. Later on up to 100 days blood A did not change, whereas NA stabilized on a relatively high level, which resulted in a marked increase of total catecholamine concentration and in a high NA/A ratio. The weaning stress caused a marked increase in blood total catecholamine and FFA levels. No relationship between plasma catecholamine and FFA levels was found during the whole period of growth considered.", "PMID": 1007929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10960", "title": "A method for testing differences in morbidity risk for affective psychoses.", "content": "A modified method for testing differences between two proportions is described and its use for testing differences in the morbidity risk for affective psychoses is discussed. The method is based upon the u test for comparisonof two proportions. An example of the application of the method to study sex differences in morbidity risk for affective psychoses in parents of probands with unipolar depression and manic-depressive psychosis presented.", "contents": "A method for testing differences in morbidity risk for affective psychoses. A modified method for testing differences between two proportions is described and its use for testing differences in the morbidity risk for affective psychoses is discussed. The method is based upon the u test for comparisonof two proportions. An example of the application of the method to study sex differences in morbidity risk for affective psychoses in parents of probands with unipolar depression and manic-depressive psychosis presented.", "PMID": 1007939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10961", "title": "Classification of the MMPI profiles of two alcoholic groups.", "content": "Ninety-two per cent of the MMPI CODES OF 60 ALCOHOLICS IN THE Link Society and institutional groups of the present study were classified according to a mixed typological-dimensional model. The study applied reciprocal two-digit high-point codes and also five different spiked codes and two different codes which include more than two scales in predominant position. Related codes suggesting different diagnostic descriptions were, however, separated from each other. The present study also used new interpretations of some MMPI scales, detailed descriptions of the other scales and applied some critically examined measurements of certain authors. Of special interest is a detailed interpretation of codes opathic deviate) scale as a measurement of hysterical personality. The above methods gave a more exact identification of the MMPI codes than a previous study of the present author and suggest that it is possible to give a more refined description of different personality disorders in particular but also of other psycho-pathological and behavioural characteristics of the alcoholic patients in the Link Society and institutional groups. The different typal dimensions measured by the MMPI high-point codes seem to be of theoretical value but also seem to be useful for a more differentiated and adequate treatment of alcoholics. In further corroborative studies there is a need for more case history descriptions in order to correct for local departures. It is also possible that these descriptions may aid in giving a clearer identification of the codes, including scale 5, not classified in the present study.", "contents": "Classification of the MMPI profiles of two alcoholic groups. Ninety-two per cent of the MMPI CODES OF 60 ALCOHOLICS IN THE Link Society and institutional groups of the present study were classified according to a mixed typological-dimensional model. The study applied reciprocal two-digit high-point codes and also five different spiked codes and two different codes which include more than two scales in predominant position. Related codes suggesting different diagnostic descriptions were, however, separated from each other. The present study also used new interpretations of some MMPI scales, detailed descriptions of the other scales and applied some critically examined measurements of certain authors. Of special interest is a detailed interpretation of codes opathic deviate) scale as a measurement of hysterical personality. The above methods gave a more exact identification of the MMPI codes than a previous study of the present author and suggest that it is possible to give a more refined description of different personality disorders in particular but also of other psycho-pathological and behavioural characteristics of the alcoholic patients in the Link Society and institutional groups. The different typal dimensions measured by the MMPI high-point codes seem to be of theoretical value but also seem to be useful for a more differentiated and adequate treatment of alcoholics. In further corroborative studies there is a need for more case history descriptions in order to correct for local departures. It is also possible that these descriptions may aid in giving a clearer identification of the codes, including scale 5, not classified in the present study.", "PMID": 1007940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10962", "title": "The effect of triiodothyronine (T3) on calorigenic and thermoregulatory responses to noradrenaline in the rabbit.", "content": "Calorigenic action of NA administered to conscious rabbits was potentiated by the prior injection of triiodothyronine (T3). The increased NA-induced heat production in these rabbits, accompanied by higher increases in body temperature in spite of improved heat elimination, can be at least partly attributed to more intensive lipid mobilization and utilization. A considerable hyperglycemic effect of NA was found both in the control-untreated and T3-treated rabbits.", "contents": "The effect of triiodothyronine (T3) on calorigenic and thermoregulatory responses to noradrenaline in the rabbit. Calorigenic action of NA administered to conscious rabbits was potentiated by the prior injection of triiodothyronine (T3). The increased NA-induced heat production in these rabbits, accompanied by higher increases in body temperature in spite of improved heat elimination, can be at least partly attributed to more intensive lipid mobilization and utilization. A considerable hyperglycemic effect of NA was found both in the control-untreated and T3-treated rabbits.", "PMID": 1007932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10963", "title": "Mantle treatment of Hodgkin's disease. Results and side effects.", "content": "Eighty-seven patients were treated with the mantle technique for Hodgkin's disease. Usually 40 Gy in 27 fractions in two series over 71 days were given. A local recurrence was diagnosed in 3 of 87 patients. An analysis of radiation reactions of the lung tissue, heart and pericardium, and spinal cord is reported. It is recommended to give mantle treatment for Hodgkin's disease over a relatively long period of time such as in split-course in two series.", "contents": "Mantle treatment of Hodgkin's disease. Results and side effects. Eighty-seven patients were treated with the mantle technique for Hodgkin's disease. Usually 40 Gy in 27 fractions in two series over 71 days were given. A local recurrence was diagnosed in 3 of 87 patients. An analysis of radiation reactions of the lung tissue, heart and pericardium, and spinal cord is reported. It is recommended to give mantle treatment for Hodgkin's disease over a relatively long period of time such as in split-course in two series.", "PMID": 1007941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10964", "title": "Biopsy of the nasopharynx as a staging procedure in Hodgkin's disease.", "content": "Biopsy of the nasopharynx was perfomred in 45 patients with Hodgkin's disease as part of the pretherapeutic staging. Seven of the 45 (16%) had microscopic abnormalities in the nasopharynx compatible with Hodgkin's disease. Such abnormalities occurred even in the absence of local ENT-symptoms or signs, and they could not be predicted from the microscopic type of lymph node biopsy, stage of disease or general presentation. A generous biopsy of the nasopharynx is recommended to be included in the staging procedures in Hodgkin's disease.", "contents": "Biopsy of the nasopharynx as a staging procedure in Hodgkin's disease. Biopsy of the nasopharynx was perfomred in 45 patients with Hodgkin's disease as part of the pretherapeutic staging. Seven of the 45 (16%) had microscopic abnormalities in the nasopharynx compatible with Hodgkin's disease. Such abnormalities occurred even in the absence of local ENT-symptoms or signs, and they could not be predicted from the microscopic type of lymph node biopsy, stage of disease or general presentation. A generous biopsy of the nasopharynx is recommended to be included in the staging procedures in Hodgkin's disease.", "PMID": 1007942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10965", "title": "Effect of chemical protectors on the response of the intestine to roentgen or fission neutron irradiation.", "content": "The monosodium salt S-1-(2-hydroxy-3-amino) propylphosphorothioic acid (WR-77913) and S-2-amino ethylisothiuronium-Br-HBr (AET) were tested for protective effects against 4 MeV roentgen irradiation and fission neutrons in the mouse intestine. The parameters tested were intestinal crypt survival, lethality and intestinal crypt cellularity. The results showed both compounds to be good protectors in animals. The crypt survival curve for roentgen-irradiated mice treated with AET was parallel to that of the untreated group and was displaced to the right by 4.88 Gy (488 rad). Protection from neutron irradiation was less effective with a displacement of only 0.69 Gy (69 rad). Pretreatment with WR-77913 increased the slope of the crypt survival curve in roentgen-irradiated mice. This was also seen to a much less extent in neutron-irradiated animals. The displacements of the curves (at 50 per cent crypt survival) were found to be 5.15 and 1.02 Gy (515 and 102 rad) for roentgen and neutron irradiation, respectively. The lethality experiments showed a dose modification factor (DMF) of 1.42 for both drug-tested groups of roentgen-irradiated mice. The dose modification factors for fission neutron irradiated mice were 1.48 and 1.2 for WR-77913 and AET-treated mice, respectively. The effect of these protectors of crypt cellularity is also discussed.", "contents": "Effect of chemical protectors on the response of the intestine to roentgen or fission neutron irradiation. The monosodium salt S-1-(2-hydroxy-3-amino) propylphosphorothioic acid (WR-77913) and S-2-amino ethylisothiuronium-Br-HBr (AET) were tested for protective effects against 4 MeV roentgen irradiation and fission neutrons in the mouse intestine. The parameters tested were intestinal crypt survival, lethality and intestinal crypt cellularity. The results showed both compounds to be good protectors in animals. The crypt survival curve for roentgen-irradiated mice treated with AET was parallel to that of the untreated group and was displaced to the right by 4.88 Gy (488 rad). Protection from neutron irradiation was less effective with a displacement of only 0.69 Gy (69 rad). Pretreatment with WR-77913 increased the slope of the crypt survival curve in roentgen-irradiated mice. This was also seen to a much less extent in neutron-irradiated animals. The displacements of the curves (at 50 per cent crypt survival) were found to be 5.15 and 1.02 Gy (515 and 102 rad) for roentgen and neutron irradiation, respectively. The lethality experiments showed a dose modification factor (DMF) of 1.42 for both drug-tested groups of roentgen-irradiated mice. The dose modification factors for fission neutron irradiated mice were 1.48 and 1.2 for WR-77913 and AET-treated mice, respectively. The effect of these protectors of crypt cellularity is also discussed.", "PMID": 1007943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10966", "title": "Build-up effects at air cavities measured with thin thermoluminescent dosimeters.", "content": "The build-up and build-down situation around air cavities of various size in a polystyrene phantom was evaluated by measurements with LiF-Teflon disks with a thickness of about 1.6 X 10(-2) kg/m2. The measurements demonstrate that when irradiating with two opposed beams the surface dose at the cavity (depth 39 mm) is 74% of the maximum dose for 60 Co, 77% for 6 MV and 87% for 42 MV roentgen radiation.", "contents": "Build-up effects at air cavities measured with thin thermoluminescent dosimeters. The build-up and build-down situation around air cavities of various size in a polystyrene phantom was evaluated by measurements with LiF-Teflon disks with a thickness of about 1.6 X 10(-2) kg/m2. The measurements demonstrate that when irradiating with two opposed beams the surface dose at the cavity (depth 39 mm) is 74% of the maximum dose for 60 Co, 77% for 6 MV and 87% for 42 MV roentgen radiation.", "PMID": 1007944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10967", "title": "Late effects on rabbit brain morphology and monoamine metabolites produced by 60C0-irradiation.", "content": "Twenty-three rabbits were exposed with 60Co irradiation over the skull. Nineteen of the animals received 29.6 Gy over the right hemisphere and 4 animals received 20 Gy over both hemispheres. Six months after the exposure the cncentrations of 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in seven different brain regions were assayed. No significant differences in the levels of these monoamine metabolites as compared to nonirradiated control animals were found. In contrast to discrete biochemical changes, a relatively marked parenchymal destruction was demonstrated by means of light microscopy, microangiography and scanning electron microscopy of the vessels, which exhibited telangiectases, fibrinoid necroses and thrombosis due to the late effects of irradiation.", "contents": "Late effects on rabbit brain morphology and monoamine metabolites produced by 60C0-irradiation. Twenty-three rabbits were exposed with 60Co irradiation over the skull. Nineteen of the animals received 29.6 Gy over the right hemisphere and 4 animals received 20 Gy over both hemispheres. Six months after the exposure the cncentrations of 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in seven different brain regions were assayed. No significant differences in the levels of these monoamine metabolites as compared to nonirradiated control animals were found. In contrast to discrete biochemical changes, a relatively marked parenchymal destruction was demonstrated by means of light microscopy, microangiography and scanning electron microscopy of the vessels, which exhibited telangiectases, fibrinoid necroses and thrombosis due to the late effects of irradiation.", "PMID": 1007945} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10968", "title": "Blurring quality in spiral tomography.", "content": "In view of the close relationship which exists between image aberrations and the form of the transfer function, the transfer functions of some different types of spiral tomographic movements have been calculated numerically. The results allow prediction of a type of spiral movement which yields blurring of favourable quality. The validity of this approach has been demonstrated experimentally, by comparing the blurring characteristics of tomographs with single and multiple circular movements. When the radii of the circles in the latter case are chosen with reference to the form of the transfer function, a marked improvement in blurring quality is apparent.", "contents": "Blurring quality in spiral tomography. In view of the close relationship which exists between image aberrations and the form of the transfer function, the transfer functions of some different types of spiral tomographic movements have been calculated numerically. The results allow prediction of a type of spiral movement which yields blurring of favourable quality. The validity of this approach has been demonstrated experimentally, by comparing the blurring characteristics of tomographs with single and multiple circular movements. When the radii of the circles in the latter case are chosen with reference to the form of the transfer function, a marked improvement in blurring quality is apparent.", "PMID": 1007946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10969", "title": "[Morphological and cytokinetic studies of the arterial wall following x-ray irradiation. I. Results with 3000 rad. focal irradiation dose in rabbits].", "content": "The arterial wall (abdominal aorta, splenic artery) has been investigated after irradiation with 3000 rad (3 X 1000 rad within 3 weeks) in rabbits. In addition to light microscopic techniques semi-thin sections, electron microscopic sections, permeability staining and autoradiographic techniques have been applied. These studies revealed typical lesions in the media (elastic degeneration, cellular proliferation of the smooth muscle cells) and lesions of the endothelial cells using ultrastructural techniques especially. The intima showed an increasing permeability in the irradiated area, while autoradiographically a higher mitotic activity in the media was demonstrable. The results are discussed in the light of similar atherosclerotic and X-ray induced lesions of human blood vessels.", "contents": "[Morphological and cytokinetic studies of the arterial wall following x-ray irradiation. I. Results with 3000 rad. focal irradiation dose in rabbits]. The arterial wall (abdominal aorta, splenic artery) has been investigated after irradiation with 3000 rad (3 X 1000 rad within 3 weeks) in rabbits. In addition to light microscopic techniques semi-thin sections, electron microscopic sections, permeability staining and autoradiographic techniques have been applied. These studies revealed typical lesions in the media (elastic degeneration, cellular proliferation of the smooth muscle cells) and lesions of the endothelial cells using ultrastructural techniques especially. The intima showed an increasing permeability in the irradiated area, while autoradiographically a higher mitotic activity in the media was demonstrable. The results are discussed in the light of similar atherosclerotic and X-ray induced lesions of human blood vessels.", "PMID": 1007968} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10970", "title": "The tuberositas tibiae and extension in the knee joint.", "content": "In all 56 tibiae from Lapps and 56 from Norwegians have been studied. These ethnic groups represent different weight bearing situations. Variables dealing with the extension in the knee joint are dealth with. The bone is mainly studied in the AP and the ML planes. The material is analyzed statistically. The distribution form is examined and the deviations from normality are found to be moderate. Chiefly positive skewness occurs. Platykurtosis is found equally often as leptokurtosis. The deviations from a standard normal distribution are not supposed to affect the results significantly. There is a non-systematic pattern of distribution. The variability is generally lower in Lapps than in Norwegians. The variability is about the same in linear and angular variables and in indices. In linear variables females and Lapps show lower mean values than males and Norwegians, respectively. Lapps show the largest indices. In linear variables, contrary to in angular variables and indices, the sex differences exceed the differences between the ethnic groups. As a rule sex differences are largest in Lapps. The variations of the tuberositas tibiae are supposed to be in particular the results of muscular forces in bone remodeling. The relationship between the habitual knee position and extension is discussed.", "contents": "The tuberositas tibiae and extension in the knee joint. In all 56 tibiae from Lapps and 56 from Norwegians have been studied. These ethnic groups represent different weight bearing situations. Variables dealing with the extension in the knee joint are dealth with. The bone is mainly studied in the AP and the ML planes. The material is analyzed statistically. The distribution form is examined and the deviations from normality are found to be moderate. Chiefly positive skewness occurs. Platykurtosis is found equally often as leptokurtosis. The deviations from a standard normal distribution are not supposed to affect the results significantly. There is a non-systematic pattern of distribution. The variability is generally lower in Lapps than in Norwegians. The variability is about the same in linear and angular variables and in indices. In linear variables females and Lapps show lower mean values than males and Norwegians, respectively. Lapps show the largest indices. In linear variables, contrary to in angular variables and indices, the sex differences exceed the differences between the ethnic groups. As a rule sex differences are largest in Lapps. The variations of the tuberositas tibiae are supposed to be in particular the results of muscular forces in bone remodeling. The relationship between the habitual knee position and extension is discussed.", "PMID": 1007969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10971", "title": "Auditory frequency generalization with differing extinction influences in normal and prefrontal dogs trained in instrumental alimentary reflexes.", "content": "Following criterion of 90 percent correct responses to a 1,000-Hz tone on a 50 percent reinforcement schedule, 8 of 12 dogs were subjected to lesions of the medial or lateral prefrontal cortex. Three types of auditory frequency generalization tests followed separated by a period of reacquisition of the instrumental response. A sampling procedure of generalization assessment, wherein a block of test trials was contained within 15 partially reinforced trials and repeated over 16 days, revealed complete generalization in the medials and rapid, but discriminative responding in the laterals. The second generalization test was conducted in complete extinction over 5 days. The medials yielded discriminative performance and least overall resistance to extinction, while the laterals showed a higher amount of frequency control and minimal extinction effects. Go-no go differentiation training preceeded the last generalization test [CS(+) = 1,000 Hz; CS(-) = 600 Hz], resulting in retarded acquisition in the laterals and easiest acquisition in the medials. The last generalization test suggested that all groups were comparable, with some trend toward more rapid extinction in the medial dogs. Collectively, the data indicated that performance was determined by the interacting functions between the specific lesions and the density of reinforcement present in the testing procedure.", "contents": "Auditory frequency generalization with differing extinction influences in normal and prefrontal dogs trained in instrumental alimentary reflexes. Following criterion of 90 percent correct responses to a 1,000-Hz tone on a 50 percent reinforcement schedule, 8 of 12 dogs were subjected to lesions of the medial or lateral prefrontal cortex. Three types of auditory frequency generalization tests followed separated by a period of reacquisition of the instrumental response. A sampling procedure of generalization assessment, wherein a block of test trials was contained within 15 partially reinforced trials and repeated over 16 days, revealed complete generalization in the medials and rapid, but discriminative responding in the laterals. The second generalization test was conducted in complete extinction over 5 days. The medials yielded discriminative performance and least overall resistance to extinction, while the laterals showed a higher amount of frequency control and minimal extinction effects. Go-no go differentiation training preceeded the last generalization test [CS(+) = 1,000 Hz; CS(-) = 600 Hz], resulting in retarded acquisition in the laterals and easiest acquisition in the medials. The last generalization test suggested that all groups were comparable, with some trend toward more rapid extinction in the medial dogs. Collectively, the data indicated that performance was determined by the interacting functions between the specific lesions and the density of reinforcement present in the testing procedure.", "PMID": 1007973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10972", "title": "Hippocampal theta activity in the acute pretrigeminal cat.", "content": "In five cats with a pretrigeminal brainstem transection ocular behavior and cortical and hippocampal EEG activity were recorded. The ECoG desynchronization was usually accompanied by clear hippocampal theta activity. The episodes of ECoG desynchronization and hippocampal theta activity lasted in some cases for several hours. Visual stimuli evoked two types of hippocampal EEG response: (I) increase of regularity and frequency of theta activity (II) EEG desynchronization. The intensity of these responses was positively correlated with the intensity of ocular and ECoG components of the orienting reflex (the most conspicuous phenomenon being their habituation with stimulus repetition). Electrical stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation evoked theta activity of a frequency proportional to stimulus voltage; for maintaining it constant stimulus strength had to be elevated gradually. Depriving the brain of influences from the lower brainstem does not influence qualitatively the function of reticulo-septo-hippocampal system.", "contents": "Hippocampal theta activity in the acute pretrigeminal cat. In five cats with a pretrigeminal brainstem transection ocular behavior and cortical and hippocampal EEG activity were recorded. The ECoG desynchronization was usually accompanied by clear hippocampal theta activity. The episodes of ECoG desynchronization and hippocampal theta activity lasted in some cases for several hours. Visual stimuli evoked two types of hippocampal EEG response: (I) increase of regularity and frequency of theta activity (II) EEG desynchronization. The intensity of these responses was positively correlated with the intensity of ocular and ECoG components of the orienting reflex (the most conspicuous phenomenon being their habituation with stimulus repetition). Electrical stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation evoked theta activity of a frequency proportional to stimulus voltage; for maintaining it constant stimulus strength had to be elevated gradually. Depriving the brain of influences from the lower brainstem does not influence qualitatively the function of reticulo-septo-hippocampal system.", "PMID": 1007974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10973", "title": "Contact with estrus female as a reward for instrumental response in a growing male rat from the 3rd up to the 14th week of life.", "content": "The bar-press response reinforced by the contact with estrus female was investigated in growing male rats. The bar-press latency as well as the subjects' behavior changed distinctly in the course of the study with the increase of experience and maturation of the subjects. Some behavioral items such as, nasogenital contact, climbing on the head, and running around showed gradual increase during succeeding weeks of life, parallelly to the decrease of the sitting under female, and crawling under female. A gradual shortening of the bar-press latencies was observed from the 4th to the 11th week of life succeeded by a prolongation from the 11th to the 14th week. On the basis of the changes in bar-press latencies as well as of the analysis of the subjects' behavior it is suggested that the young male rat between the 4th and 7th week of life comes under an increasing influence of sexual motivation.", "contents": "Contact with estrus female as a reward for instrumental response in a growing male rat from the 3rd up to the 14th week of life. The bar-press response reinforced by the contact with estrus female was investigated in growing male rats. The bar-press latency as well as the subjects' behavior changed distinctly in the course of the study with the increase of experience and maturation of the subjects. Some behavioral items such as, nasogenital contact, climbing on the head, and running around showed gradual increase during succeeding weeks of life, parallelly to the decrease of the sitting under female, and crawling under female. A gradual shortening of the bar-press latencies was observed from the 4th to the 11th week of life succeeded by a prolongation from the 11th to the 14th week. On the basis of the changes in bar-press latencies as well as of the analysis of the subjects' behavior it is suggested that the young male rat between the 4th and 7th week of life comes under an increasing influence of sexual motivation.", "PMID": 1007975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10974", "title": "The foraging behavior of the ant Myrmica laevinodis nyl.", "content": "The foraging territory is not divided among particular foragers, at least in the young, small families of M. laevinodis. The same individuals may be observed repeatedly only at the aphides over a period of several days, which may be explained by a transient memorizing of the source of attractive food. Along with the faculty of these ants to inform their nestmates of the food source, a certain continuity in care of the aphides is ensured. Various forms of behavior among particular foragers coming in contact with the trophy exceeding their strength were noted. The less time the ant hesitates before to the nest, the sooner and more efficiently it recruits helpers and the smaller is its dependence on its own odor trails when moving on the terrain. Since there exist transitory forms between diametrically opposite manifestations of such behavior, possibly the process of individual acquirement of capabilities necessary for fulfilling foraging function occurs.", "contents": "The foraging behavior of the ant Myrmica laevinodis nyl. The foraging territory is not divided among particular foragers, at least in the young, small families of M. laevinodis. The same individuals may be observed repeatedly only at the aphides over a period of several days, which may be explained by a transient memorizing of the source of attractive food. Along with the faculty of these ants to inform their nestmates of the food source, a certain continuity in care of the aphides is ensured. Various forms of behavior among particular foragers coming in contact with the trophy exceeding their strength were noted. The less time the ant hesitates before to the nest, the sooner and more efficiently it recruits helpers and the smaller is its dependence on its own odor trails when moving on the terrain. Since there exist transitory forms between diametrically opposite manifestations of such behavior, possibly the process of individual acquirement of capabilities necessary for fulfilling foraging function occurs.", "PMID": 1007976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10975", "title": "The selection of shelter place by the house cricket.", "content": "The stimuli acting upon the choice of shelter and resting place by the house cricket, Acheta domesticus (L.) were analysed. The places of preference in different types of terraria as well as the choice of tubes of different diameter and of various light conditions were investigated. Acheta domesticus avoids open and illuminated space in its choice of resting place. It prefers dark places, enclosed by walls, like a clefts or boxes. The influence of the conditions of environment configuration at the larval period of the crickets' development upon their subsequent preference as to rest place, has not been stated. Neither was this influence observed on their behavioural reactions as connected with the former. Crickets attain their ethological praeferendum of resting site owing to their innate photo- and thigmo-kinesis which are supplemented by hygrophilia and thermophilia. The influence of the group effect on the cricket's individual rate of development was confirmed.", "contents": "The selection of shelter place by the house cricket. The stimuli acting upon the choice of shelter and resting place by the house cricket, Acheta domesticus (L.) were analysed. The places of preference in different types of terraria as well as the choice of tubes of different diameter and of various light conditions were investigated. Acheta domesticus avoids open and illuminated space in its choice of resting place. It prefers dark places, enclosed by walls, like a clefts or boxes. The influence of the conditions of environment configuration at the larval period of the crickets' development upon their subsequent preference as to rest place, has not been stated. Neither was this influence observed on their behavioural reactions as connected with the former. Crickets attain their ethological praeferendum of resting site owing to their innate photo- and thigmo-kinesis which are supplemented by hygrophilia and thermophilia. The influence of the group effect on the cricket's individual rate of development was confirmed.", "PMID": 1007977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10976", "title": "Frontal lobe system maturational lag in juvenile delinquents shown in narratives test.", "content": "The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that a brief clinical test of frontal lobe system (FLS) maturity levels, designated as Stages I, II, III, IV, can differentiate between three experimental groups (all of age 9-16): normal Ss, Ss with emotional problems, and juvenile delinquents. The stages represent 1) disjointedness of activities; 2) inability to switch the principle of action of an ongoing activity appropriately; 3) planning, and 4) ability to switch the principle of action of an ongoing activity and to re-program it appropriately in accordance with new circumstances. By means of a blindly performed brief form analysis of action patterns expressed through narratives, it was shown that 70% of the normal Ss attained stage IV, but only 47% of the delinquent Ss did so. These findings support the previously proposed new conceptual model about ethical action behavior in general (Pontius, 1972) and in particular with regard to a subgroup of juvenile delinquents who reveal signs of a neuro-physiological dysfunction, probably a maturational lag of the FLS. In the present sample, this appears to be especially revealed in the specific inability to switch in a flexible manner the principle or plan of action of an ongoing activity according to new circumstances, resorting to re-programming. Such specific inability calls for specific classification as such, thereby enabling the formulation of specific remedial efforts, which are discussed.", "contents": "Frontal lobe system maturational lag in juvenile delinquents shown in narratives test. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that a brief clinical test of frontal lobe system (FLS) maturity levels, designated as Stages I, II, III, IV, can differentiate between three experimental groups (all of age 9-16): normal Ss, Ss with emotional problems, and juvenile delinquents. The stages represent 1) disjointedness of activities; 2) inability to switch the principle of action of an ongoing activity appropriately; 3) planning, and 4) ability to switch the principle of action of an ongoing activity and to re-program it appropriately in accordance with new circumstances. By means of a blindly performed brief form analysis of action patterns expressed through narratives, it was shown that 70% of the normal Ss attained stage IV, but only 47% of the delinquent Ss did so. These findings support the previously proposed new conceptual model about ethical action behavior in general (Pontius, 1972) and in particular with regard to a subgroup of juvenile delinquents who reveal signs of a neuro-physiological dysfunction, probably a maturational lag of the FLS. In the present sample, this appears to be especially revealed in the specific inability to switch in a flexible manner the principle or plan of action of an ongoing activity according to new circumstances, resorting to re-programming. Such specific inability calls for specific classification as such, thereby enabling the formulation of specific remedial efforts, which are discussed.", "PMID": 1007995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10977", "title": "Prognosis of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis in childhood: prospective study and review of the literature.", "content": "Serial, clinical, clinicopathologic and histologic studies performed simultaneously following onset of PS-AGN in children for a period of up to 144 months revealed no evidence of progression to chronic glomerulonephritis. Although acute morphologic changes were more severe in renal tissue obtained from patients with AGN following streptococcal upper respiratory infection than following pyoderma, the acute manifestations in both groups subsided 6 to 12 weeks after onset. Cumulative morphologic healing occurred in 20% of patients at 24 months, in 43% at 48 months after onset of PS-AGN; 1 patient who was unhealed at 49 months was lost to follow-up. In 2 patients (6%), acute histologic exacerbations without clinical signs occurred within 24 months after onset. Subsequent healing was documented histologically. Addis counts remained abnormal in a high percentage of patients throughout the 12 years of observation and did not correlate with the histologic findings of renal biopsy tissue. The occasional demonstration of renal vascular disease and/or hypertension may merely reflect the early development of spontaneous essential hypertension although the possibility of a relationship to the previous attack of PS-AGN is intriguing. This question cannot be answered at this time. Renal biopsy studies are more dependable than Addis counts in assessing the course of PS-AGN. The significance of persistence of immunofluorescent and/or electron microscopic changes (subepithelial dense deposits) many years after onset in 58% of 12 patients studied, at a time when a majority of patients (84%) revealed healing by light microscopy, remains to be assessed.", "contents": "Prognosis of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis in childhood: prospective study and review of the literature. Serial, clinical, clinicopathologic and histologic studies performed simultaneously following onset of PS-AGN in children for a period of up to 144 months revealed no evidence of progression to chronic glomerulonephritis. Although acute morphologic changes were more severe in renal tissue obtained from patients with AGN following streptococcal upper respiratory infection than following pyoderma, the acute manifestations in both groups subsided 6 to 12 weeks after onset. Cumulative morphologic healing occurred in 20% of patients at 24 months, in 43% at 48 months after onset of PS-AGN; 1 patient who was unhealed at 49 months was lost to follow-up. In 2 patients (6%), acute histologic exacerbations without clinical signs occurred within 24 months after onset. Subsequent healing was documented histologically. Addis counts remained abnormal in a high percentage of patients throughout the 12 years of observation and did not correlate with the histologic findings of renal biopsy tissue. The occasional demonstration of renal vascular disease and/or hypertension may merely reflect the early development of spontaneous essential hypertension although the possibility of a relationship to the previous attack of PS-AGN is intriguing. This question cannot be answered at this time. Renal biopsy studies are more dependable than Addis counts in assessing the course of PS-AGN. The significance of persistence of immunofluorescent and/or electron microscopic changes (subepithelial dense deposits) many years after onset in 58% of 12 patients studied, at a time when a majority of patients (84%) revealed healing by light microscopy, remains to be assessed.", "PMID": 1008003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10978", "title": "The pregnant adolescent--a group approach.", "content": "This paper has described the groups for pregnant teenagers developed in the Rochester Adolescent Maternity Project. One and one-half year's experience with these groups has allowed the authors time to begin their study of groups and to write a descriptive paper of their evolution. The groups' development goes on while the leaders continue their own theoretical study of groups at this writing. Groups for pregnant adolescents have ranged from group therapy sessions to structured groups where only didactic material is presented. The literature is somewhat limited in its discussion of types of groups and especially in describing group process. This paper differs from others in that both group structure and process, based on the group objectives, are discussed. Information on approaches beneficial to the adolescent have been included. The goals of the group are to help the teenagers work through the developmental tasks of adolescence and pregnancy and to prepare them for the labor, delivery, and initial parenthood experience. Group structure is based on the intent to engage teenagers in resolution of these tasks in order to be prepared at a variety of levels, i.e. cognitive, emotional, etc., for labor, delivery, and parenthood. Co-leadership of the groups and an unstructured format facilitate the movement of the group toward accomplishment of its objectives. Group content issues were explored and techniques developed to handle these issues were suggested. Included were the following: 1. Commitment to the group by the members is assisted by the structure set for the group and the leaders' active outreach to members. 2. Descriptions of emotions and thoughts are made in concrete rather than abstract terms because of the developmental status of the teenagers. 3. Expression of personal feelings, often difficult for teenagers, is aided by the use of a projective technique. 4. Transition from leader-oriented to group-directed discussion is made possible by the group leaders gradually changing their leadership from one of direct interaction to one of facilitating discussion. 5. Polarization of the group in a negative or positive direction is prevented through the use of a neutral group member or active intervention by the group leaders taking on a neltral role. 6. Control, an issue of pregnancy and adolescence, is dealt with on interactional, educational, and emotional levels. 7. Termination is determined by the stage of the group \"work\" and is identified and facilitated by the group leaders. Research questions needed to document the effectiveness of the group approach to the pregnant adolescent were addressed.", "contents": "The pregnant adolescent--a group approach. This paper has described the groups for pregnant teenagers developed in the Rochester Adolescent Maternity Project. One and one-half year's experience with these groups has allowed the authors time to begin their study of groups and to write a descriptive paper of their evolution. The groups' development goes on while the leaders continue their own theoretical study of groups at this writing. Groups for pregnant adolescents have ranged from group therapy sessions to structured groups where only didactic material is presented. The literature is somewhat limited in its discussion of types of groups and especially in describing group process. This paper differs from others in that both group structure and process, based on the group objectives, are discussed. Information on approaches beneficial to the adolescent have been included. The goals of the group are to help the teenagers work through the developmental tasks of adolescence and pregnancy and to prepare them for the labor, delivery, and initial parenthood experience. Group structure is based on the intent to engage teenagers in resolution of these tasks in order to be prepared at a variety of levels, i.e. cognitive, emotional, etc., for labor, delivery, and parenthood. Co-leadership of the groups and an unstructured format facilitate the movement of the group toward accomplishment of its objectives. Group content issues were explored and techniques developed to handle these issues were suggested. Included were the following: 1. Commitment to the group by the members is assisted by the structure set for the group and the leaders' active outreach to members. 2. Descriptions of emotions and thoughts are made in concrete rather than abstract terms because of the developmental status of the teenagers. 3. Expression of personal feelings, often difficult for teenagers, is aided by the use of a projective technique. 4. Transition from leader-oriented to group-directed discussion is made possible by the group leaders gradually changing their leadership from one of direct interaction to one of facilitating discussion. 5. Polarization of the group in a negative or positive direction is prevented through the use of a neutral group member or active intervention by the group leaders taking on a neltral role. 6. Control, an issue of pregnancy and adolescence, is dealt with on interactional, educational, and emotional levels. 7. Termination is determined by the stage of the group \"work\" and is identified and facilitated by the group leaders. Research questions needed to document the effectiveness of the group approach to the pregnant adolescent were addressed.", "PMID": 1007994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10979", "title": "Age and sex differences in self-perception as related to ideal trait selections.", "content": "Self-perception differences of sixth- and twelfth-grade subjects were measured with the Tennessee Self Concept Scale, and the youngsters' choices of an ideal personality trait were studied. Findings indicate that some age and sex differences in self-regard are statistically significant and that both younger and older girls seem to perceive themselves more favorably than do boys of the same ages. Boys as a group tend to select competence, and girls virtue as the traits they most admire, but the choice of an ideal personality characteristic apparently is unrelated to one's level of self-esteem.", "contents": "Age and sex differences in self-perception as related to ideal trait selections. Self-perception differences of sixth- and twelfth-grade subjects were measured with the Tennessee Self Concept Scale, and the youngsters' choices of an ideal personality trait were studied. Findings indicate that some age and sex differences in self-regard are statistically significant and that both younger and older girls seem to perceive themselves more favorably than do boys of the same ages. Boys as a group tend to select competence, and girls virtue as the traits they most admire, but the choice of an ideal personality characteristic apparently is unrelated to one's level of self-esteem.", "PMID": 1008000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10980", "title": "Geriatrics in relation to the social and behavioural sciences.", "content": "Social and behavioural gerontology is the scientific study of how men and women adapt to their environment as they grow older. It is a multidisciplinary area, comprising subjects each of which asserts an existence in its own right, as a scientific enterprise, apart from other subjects in the area, and apart from geriatrics. Social and behavioural gerontology, however, forms part of the total context within which geriatrics gets its meaning and value. Geriatrics, in turn, affects these other adjacent disciplines. Social and behavioural gerontology could help in a general way by putting geriatrics into this wide perspective and thus demonstrating the wider issues that might otherwise be neglected in the busy round of geriatric care. Social and behavioural gerontology could also help in numerous particular ways such as: the collection of normative data; improved conceptual analysis; better methods of observation, experimentation, measurement and data analysis; the integration of social and behavioural case-work with clinical geriatrics for both treatment and training purposes; improved techniques of social and behavioural assessment; improvements in communication; better social attitldes; increased self-help and understanding of the role of the elderly in society; more effective consumer behaviour; and more effective social policies incorporating long-range, broad-spectrum preventive measures.", "contents": "Geriatrics in relation to the social and behavioural sciences. Social and behavioural gerontology is the scientific study of how men and women adapt to their environment as they grow older. It is a multidisciplinary area, comprising subjects each of which asserts an existence in its own right, as a scientific enterprise, apart from other subjects in the area, and apart from geriatrics. Social and behavioural gerontology, however, forms part of the total context within which geriatrics gets its meaning and value. Geriatrics, in turn, affects these other adjacent disciplines. Social and behavioural gerontology could help in a general way by putting geriatrics into this wide perspective and thus demonstrating the wider issues that might otherwise be neglected in the busy round of geriatric care. Social and behavioural gerontology could also help in numerous particular ways such as: the collection of normative data; improved conceptual analysis; better methods of observation, experimentation, measurement and data analysis; the integration of social and behavioural case-work with clinical geriatrics for both treatment and training purposes; improved techniques of social and behavioural assessment; improvements in communication; better social attitldes; increased self-help and understanding of the role of the elderly in society; more effective consumer behaviour; and more effective social policies incorporating long-range, broad-spectrum preventive measures.", "PMID": 1008006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10981", "title": "Steady-state kinetics of digoxin in the elderly.", "content": "Renal clearance of digoxin and creatinine was determined simultaneously on 30 occasions in 28 elderly in-patients on maintenance digoxin therapy. The mean ratio of digoxin to creatinine clearance was 1.04 (+/- S.E.M. 0.08). Multiple 24-hour urinary excretions of digoxin were measured in 10 patients on digoxin on a dose of 0.25 mg/day, four on 0.125 mg/day, and six on 0.0625 mg/day. Mean urinary excretion was 42% of dose per day. Calculated \"net biliary clearance\" averaged 18 ml/min. Knowledge of the magnitude of renal and net biliary clearance, together with assumed values for fractional absorption allows a relationship between serum digoxin levels and creatinine clearance to be calculated for each dose level. There was reasonable agreement between observed and expected serum digoxin levels in 41 elderly patients in whom creatinine clearance was measured, and in 106 in whom glomerular filtration rate was estimated from serum urea and creatinine concentrations. Quantitation of the kinetics of digoxin in the elderly can make maintenance therapy more rational and therefore safer and more effectove.", "contents": "Steady-state kinetics of digoxin in the elderly. Renal clearance of digoxin and creatinine was determined simultaneously on 30 occasions in 28 elderly in-patients on maintenance digoxin therapy. The mean ratio of digoxin to creatinine clearance was 1.04 (+/- S.E.M. 0.08). Multiple 24-hour urinary excretions of digoxin were measured in 10 patients on digoxin on a dose of 0.25 mg/day, four on 0.125 mg/day, and six on 0.0625 mg/day. Mean urinary excretion was 42% of dose per day. Calculated \"net biliary clearance\" averaged 18 ml/min. Knowledge of the magnitude of renal and net biliary clearance, together with assumed values for fractional absorption allows a relationship between serum digoxin levels and creatinine clearance to be calculated for each dose level. There was reasonable agreement between observed and expected serum digoxin levels in 41 elderly patients in whom creatinine clearance was measured, and in 106 in whom glomerular filtration rate was estimated from serum urea and creatinine concentrations. Quantitation of the kinetics of digoxin in the elderly can make maintenance therapy more rational and therefore safer and more effectove.", "PMID": 1008007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10982", "title": "Causes of high free-thyroxine index values in sick euthyroid elderly patients.", "content": "Modest elevation of the free-thyroxine index occurs in many apparently euthyroid elderly in-patients. The present study investigated the possible relevance of drug side-effects to this problem. It appears that such side-effects associated with the use of L-Dopa, digoxin and co-trimoxazole account for a substantial proportion of the observed elevated free-thyroxine index results.", "contents": "Causes of high free-thyroxine index values in sick euthyroid elderly patients. Modest elevation of the free-thyroxine index occurs in many apparently euthyroid elderly in-patients. The present study investigated the possible relevance of drug side-effects to this problem. It appears that such side-effects associated with the use of L-Dopa, digoxin and co-trimoxazole account for a substantial proportion of the observed elevated free-thyroxine index results.", "PMID": 1008008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10983", "title": "Electors not liable for jury service as a sampling frame for the elderly.", "content": "Data from 449 persons aged over 65 who had been respondents to a population-based survey and 96 non-respondents aged over 65 were studied to compare those who had declared their age at electoral registration with those who had not. It was found that only 75% (79% of respondents and 57% of non-respondents) had declared their age. In an analysis of 16 variables among the respondents, a statistically significant difference for social class among males was found in that relatively fewer from Social Classes IV and V had declared their age. As an administrative instrument for estimating the size of the elderly population, the list of those marked as not liable for Jury Service on the electoral roll is clearly inadequate, giving an underestimate of about 25%. This could possibly be improved upon by better design of the electoral return form.", "contents": "Electors not liable for jury service as a sampling frame for the elderly. Data from 449 persons aged over 65 who had been respondents to a population-based survey and 96 non-respondents aged over 65 were studied to compare those who had declared their age at electoral registration with those who had not. It was found that only 75% (79% of respondents and 57% of non-respondents) had declared their age. In an analysis of 16 variables among the respondents, a statistically significant difference for social class among males was found in that relatively fewer from Social Classes IV and V had declared their age. As an administrative instrument for estimating the size of the elderly population, the list of those marked as not liable for Jury Service on the electoral roll is clearly inadequate, giving an underestimate of about 25%. This could possibly be improved upon by better design of the electoral return form.", "PMID": 1008009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10984", "title": "Observer variation in the clinical assessment of stroke.", "content": "Clinical assessments have to be used in epidemiological studies in the absence of more objective means of establishing diagnosis or recording events in the natural history of disease. This requires the standardization of definition, technique and interpretation as a means of reducing observer variability in clinical examination. The methods used to reduce the observer variation in the clinical assessment of stroke patients are described and results are presented which demonstrate the degree to which this was achieved.", "contents": "Observer variation in the clinical assessment of stroke. Clinical assessments have to be used in epidemiological studies in the absence of more objective means of establishing diagnosis or recording events in the natural history of disease. This requires the standardization of definition, technique and interpretation as a means of reducing observer variability in clinical examination. The methods used to reduce the observer variation in the clinical assessment of stroke patients are described and results are presented which demonstrate the degree to which this was achieved.", "PMID": 1008010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10985", "title": "The characteristics of old people receiving and needing domiciliary services: the relevance of psychiatric diagnosis.", "content": "A sample of 447 people aged 65 years and over, randomly selected from electoral rolls, were visited in their homes, independently, by a medical social worker and a psychiatrist. Twelve per cent were receiving domiciliary services from the Local Authority and a further 20% were considered to require them. The types of services received and recommended are described and the medical, social and psychiatric services of those receiving services, in need of them, and the remainder are compared. The high priority for the support of persons with chronic brain syndrome and their relatives is emphasized. Functional psychiatric symptoms were found by the psychiatrist, in a high proportion of those considered by the medical social worker to need services. Psychiatric assessment and treatment which might reduce the need for social services in some cases, would be greatly assisted by the development of a reliable screening device for the use of the primary care team.", "contents": "The characteristics of old people receiving and needing domiciliary services: the relevance of psychiatric diagnosis. A sample of 447 people aged 65 years and over, randomly selected from electoral rolls, were visited in their homes, independently, by a medical social worker and a psychiatrist. Twelve per cent were receiving domiciliary services from the Local Authority and a further 20% were considered to require them. The types of services received and recommended are described and the medical, social and psychiatric services of those receiving services, in need of them, and the remainder are compared. The high priority for the support of persons with chronic brain syndrome and their relatives is emphasized. Functional psychiatric symptoms were found by the psychiatrist, in a high proportion of those considered by the medical social worker to need services. Psychiatric assessment and treatment which might reduce the need for social services in some cases, would be greatly assisted by the development of a reliable screening device for the use of the primary care team.", "PMID": 1008012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10986", "title": "Does the pro-inflammatory factor in lymphocytes (LpIF) explain the role of these cells in acute inflammation?", "content": "Lymphocytes produce a pro-inflammatory factor, which modulates the development of acute inflammation. Injection of lymphocytes or products, obtained from either rats, dogs or rabbits, caused a restoration of inflammatory responses in leukopenic rats which are hyporeactive to various inflammatory stimuli. In vitro incubation of viable lymphocytes with homologous and heterologous anti-lymphocyte sera abolished the ability of the cells to restore the inhibited inflammatory reactions.", "contents": "Does the pro-inflammatory factor in lymphocytes (LpIF) explain the role of these cells in acute inflammation? Lymphocytes produce a pro-inflammatory factor, which modulates the development of acute inflammation. Injection of lymphocytes or products, obtained from either rats, dogs or rabbits, caused a restoration of inflammatory responses in leukopenic rats which are hyporeactive to various inflammatory stimuli. In vitro incubation of viable lymphocytes with homologous and heterologous anti-lymphocyte sera abolished the ability of the cells to restore the inhibited inflammatory reactions.", "PMID": 1008013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10987", "title": "Role of cellular density, in vitro, in anti-tumor activity of CFA-treated and immunized cells.", "content": "Incorporation of tritiated deoxythymidine (3HdT) into DNA was used to measure growth, in vitro, of P815 tumor cells admixed with spleen and peritoneal effector cells. At a high tumor cell density ((1x10(5) cells per dish), using anti-theta and anti-macrophage sera, T-cells and macrophages from the peritoneum of immunized mice could be identified as cells possessing anti-tumor activity. A nonspecific inhibition by normal effector cells, which occurred at the high tumor cell density, did not occur at a lower tumor cell density (1x10(4) cells per dish). Therefore, the effects of immunization and Freund's adjuvant treatment on the anti-tumor activity of effector cells were determined more accurately when normal cells were no longer inhibitory. Thus, experimental variables dealing with cellular density (cells/mm2 of the culture vessel surface) and effector:tumor cell ratios play an important role in the anti-proliferative capacity of effector cells.", "contents": "Role of cellular density, in vitro, in anti-tumor activity of CFA-treated and immunized cells. Incorporation of tritiated deoxythymidine (3HdT) into DNA was used to measure growth, in vitro, of P815 tumor cells admixed with spleen and peritoneal effector cells. At a high tumor cell density ((1x10(5) cells per dish), using anti-theta and anti-macrophage sera, T-cells and macrophages from the peritoneum of immunized mice could be identified as cells possessing anti-tumor activity. A nonspecific inhibition by normal effector cells, which occurred at the high tumor cell density, did not occur at a lower tumor cell density (1x10(4) cells per dish). Therefore, the effects of immunization and Freund's adjuvant treatment on the anti-tumor activity of effector cells were determined more accurately when normal cells were no longer inhibitory. Thus, experimental variables dealing with cellular density (cells/mm2 of the culture vessel surface) and effector:tumor cell ratios play an important role in the anti-proliferative capacity of effector cells.", "PMID": 1008014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10988", "title": "Platelets, prostaglandins and inflammation.", "content": "In exudates of implanted sponges in rats, made thrombocytopenic by the administration of anti-platelet serum, there are significant reductions in the platelet and leucocyte counts and of the content of prostaglandin-like activity. It is concluded that platelets migrate into the developing sponge exudates, are the source of the prostaglandins and interact with complement to cause leucocyte migration. In normal animals the administration of indomethacin and sodium salicylate cause similar effects to thrombocytopenia whereas the injection of human plasma fraction affects only the leucocyte migration. One of the sites of the anti-inflammatory action of conventional non-steroidal drugs may be concerned with the migration of platelets into inflammatory lesions.", "contents": "Platelets, prostaglandins and inflammation. In exudates of implanted sponges in rats, made thrombocytopenic by the administration of anti-platelet serum, there are significant reductions in the platelet and leucocyte counts and of the content of prostaglandin-like activity. It is concluded that platelets migrate into the developing sponge exudates, are the source of the prostaglandins and interact with complement to cause leucocyte migration. In normal animals the administration of indomethacin and sodium salicylate cause similar effects to thrombocytopenia whereas the injection of human plasma fraction affects only the leucocyte migration. One of the sites of the anti-inflammatory action of conventional non-steroidal drugs may be concerned with the migration of platelets into inflammatory lesions.", "PMID": 1008015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10989", "title": "The modulation of enhanced vascular permeability by prostaglandins through alterations in blood flow (hyperemia).", "content": "The enhanced vascular permeability induced by histamine or bradykinin in the skin of the guinea-pig and rabbit was significantly augmented by small amounts of prostaglandins of the E type. When injected alone these prostaglandins had little effect on vascular permeability. Furthermore, E type prostaglandins were found to be more potent at inducing hyperemia than either histamine or bradykinin. Prostaglandin F2alpha did not enhance the vascular permeability induced by histamine or bradykinin nor did it produce hyperemia in the skin. In the rat, prostaglandins alone enhanced vascular permeability but they also increased the effect of histamine, serotonin and bradykinin. Using 85Sr-microspheres to measure blood flow a correlation was found between the degree of hyperemia produced by prostaglandins and the degree to which they augmented enhanced vascular permeability due to histamine, serotonin or bradykinin. Prostaglandins therefore can directly mimic the hyperemia of the inflammatory process and can also modulate the changes in vascular permeability caused by other mediators of inflammation.", "contents": "The modulation of enhanced vascular permeability by prostaglandins through alterations in blood flow (hyperemia). The enhanced vascular permeability induced by histamine or bradykinin in the skin of the guinea-pig and rabbit was significantly augmented by small amounts of prostaglandins of the E type. When injected alone these prostaglandins had little effect on vascular permeability. Furthermore, E type prostaglandins were found to be more potent at inducing hyperemia than either histamine or bradykinin. Prostaglandin F2alpha did not enhance the vascular permeability induced by histamine or bradykinin nor did it produce hyperemia in the skin. In the rat, prostaglandins alone enhanced vascular permeability but they also increased the effect of histamine, serotonin and bradykinin. Using 85Sr-microspheres to measure blood flow a correlation was found between the degree of hyperemia produced by prostaglandins and the degree to which they augmented enhanced vascular permeability due to histamine, serotonin or bradykinin. Prostaglandins therefore can directly mimic the hyperemia of the inflammatory process and can also modulate the changes in vascular permeability caused by other mediators of inflammation.", "PMID": 1008016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10990", "title": "Prostaglandin endoperoxides, serotonin and the superfused rabbit aorta: possible pitfalls in the bio-assay of rabbit aorta contracting substance (RCS).", "content": "The specificity of the isolated rabbit aorta for identification and assay of prostaglandin endoperoxides, formed during aggregation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) from rats, was investigated in the superfused organ cascade. The use of cumulative dose-response curves in this design is quicker than conventional step-wise dosing while delivering identical results. On the rabbit aorta, in contrast to the rat fundus strip, methysergide is too weak an antagonist to rule out responses due to 5-HT. After pretreatment with phenoxybenzamine, in the presence of methysergide, the rabbit aorta retains its sensitivity towards oxygenated fatty acids, while being virtually unreactive towards 5-HT. The prostaglandin endoperoxide PGH2 is more potent than prostaglandin E2 when assayed on the rabbit aorta, while on the rat fundus the situation is reversed. Combining the rabbit aorta and rat fundus strip with pre-filtration on Amberlite XAD-2 columns showed that during collagen induced aggregation rat PRP generated both a labile RCS-most probably a prostaglandin endoperoxide- and a lipophylic prostaglandin-like material, along with 5-HT.", "contents": "Prostaglandin endoperoxides, serotonin and the superfused rabbit aorta: possible pitfalls in the bio-assay of rabbit aorta contracting substance (RCS). The specificity of the isolated rabbit aorta for identification and assay of prostaglandin endoperoxides, formed during aggregation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) from rats, was investigated in the superfused organ cascade. The use of cumulative dose-response curves in this design is quicker than conventional step-wise dosing while delivering identical results. On the rabbit aorta, in contrast to the rat fundus strip, methysergide is too weak an antagonist to rule out responses due to 5-HT. After pretreatment with phenoxybenzamine, in the presence of methysergide, the rabbit aorta retains its sensitivity towards oxygenated fatty acids, while being virtually unreactive towards 5-HT. The prostaglandin endoperoxide PGH2 is more potent than prostaglandin E2 when assayed on the rabbit aorta, while on the rat fundus the situation is reversed. Combining the rabbit aorta and rat fundus strip with pre-filtration on Amberlite XAD-2 columns showed that during collagen induced aggregation rat PRP generated both a labile RCS-most probably a prostaglandin endoperoxide- and a lipophylic prostaglandin-like material, along with 5-HT.", "PMID": 1008017} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10991", "title": "Smooth muscle sensitization induced by vinblastine.", "content": "At the optimal concentration of 10 mg/l, vinblastine increases the submaximal contractions of the isolated guinea-pig ileum induced by the following agonists: acetylcholine, histamine, nicotine, angiotensine, prostaglandins E1 and F2alpha (but not serotonine). It also increases the contractions induced by transmural electrical stimulations of the guinea-pig ileum and reverses the inhibitory effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on these electrically-induced contractions.", "contents": "Smooth muscle sensitization induced by vinblastine. At the optimal concentration of 10 mg/l, vinblastine increases the submaximal contractions of the isolated guinea-pig ileum induced by the following agonists: acetylcholine, histamine, nicotine, angiotensine, prostaglandins E1 and F2alpha (but not serotonine). It also increases the contractions induced by transmural electrical stimulations of the guinea-pig ileum and reverses the inhibitory effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on these electrically-induced contractions.", "PMID": 1008018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10992", "title": "The antiphlogistic, antinociceptive and antipyretic properties of fenclorac.", "content": "Fenclorac (a,m-dichloro-p-cyclohexlphenylacetic acid, diethylammonium salt) is a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent with significant analgesic and antipyretic activity. Fenclorac had an ED50 of 7.9 mg/kg in the carrageenan paw edema assay and had a duration of action of 18-22 hours. Comparative tests in the carrageenan paw edema assay in the rat indicated that the potency of fenclorac was 13 times that of aspirin, 3.4 times phenylbutazone, 3 times ibuprofen and 0.3 times indomethacin. Fenclorac was less potent than indomethacin, but more potent than phenylbutazone or aspirin in treatment of developing or established adjuvant arthritis. The anti-inflammatory effectiveness of fenclorac did not depend upon the integrity of the adrenopituitary axis and was not affected by the route of administration or sex of the test animal. Fenclorac was 77 times more potent than aspirin and more than twice as potent as indomethacin in reducing fever in rats rendered hyperthermic with brewer's yeast. Fenclorac did not affect normal body temperatures. Fenclorac did not interfere with cellular immune mechanisms as measured by its lack of effectiveness in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Antinociceptive testing indicated that fenclorac had peripheral but not central analgesic activity. Fenclorac had an acute oral LD50 in rats and mice of 285 and 430 mg/kg, respectively. The acute gastric lesion UD50 for fenclorac was 7 mg/kg in the fasted rat. Studies using 51Cr-tagged erythrocytes indicated that fenclorac did not produce significant fecal blood loss in the rat at twice the therapeutic ED50 dose for up to 12 days after dosing. Extensive and prolonged fecal blood loss was observed with a corresponding dose of indomethacin for up to nine days after administration. Comparison of the anti-inflammatory pharmacology, Therapeutic Ratio and the data obtained from the 51Cr-fecal blood loss studies indicated that fenclorac was well tolerated after acute or subacute administration to the rat.", "contents": "The antiphlogistic, antinociceptive and antipyretic properties of fenclorac. Fenclorac (a,m-dichloro-p-cyclohexlphenylacetic acid, diethylammonium salt) is a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent with significant analgesic and antipyretic activity. Fenclorac had an ED50 of 7.9 mg/kg in the carrageenan paw edema assay and had a duration of action of 18-22 hours. Comparative tests in the carrageenan paw edema assay in the rat indicated that the potency of fenclorac was 13 times that of aspirin, 3.4 times phenylbutazone, 3 times ibuprofen and 0.3 times indomethacin. Fenclorac was less potent than indomethacin, but more potent than phenylbutazone or aspirin in treatment of developing or established adjuvant arthritis. The anti-inflammatory effectiveness of fenclorac did not depend upon the integrity of the adrenopituitary axis and was not affected by the route of administration or sex of the test animal. Fenclorac was 77 times more potent than aspirin and more than twice as potent as indomethacin in reducing fever in rats rendered hyperthermic with brewer's yeast. Fenclorac did not affect normal body temperatures. Fenclorac did not interfere with cellular immune mechanisms as measured by its lack of effectiveness in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Antinociceptive testing indicated that fenclorac had peripheral but not central analgesic activity. Fenclorac had an acute oral LD50 in rats and mice of 285 and 430 mg/kg, respectively. The acute gastric lesion UD50 for fenclorac was 7 mg/kg in the fasted rat. Studies using 51Cr-tagged erythrocytes indicated that fenclorac did not produce significant fecal blood loss in the rat at twice the therapeutic ED50 dose for up to 12 days after dosing. Extensive and prolonged fecal blood loss was observed with a corresponding dose of indomethacin for up to nine days after administration. Comparison of the anti-inflammatory pharmacology, Therapeutic Ratio and the data obtained from the 51Cr-fecal blood loss studies indicated that fenclorac was well tolerated after acute or subacute administration to the rat.", "PMID": 1008019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10993", "title": "Anti-inflammatory activity of isoxicam in combination with aspirin or D-propoxyphene.", "content": "Unlike several arylacetic acid derivatives (indomethacin, fenoprofen, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen and naproxen), the anti-arthritic activity of isoxicam is not reduced in the adjuvant-induced polyarthritis assay by the concomitant administration of aspirin or D-propoxyphene.", "contents": "Anti-inflammatory activity of isoxicam in combination with aspirin or D-propoxyphene. Unlike several arylacetic acid derivatives (indomethacin, fenoprofen, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen and naproxen), the anti-arthritic activity of isoxicam is not reduced in the adjuvant-induced polyarthritis assay by the concomitant administration of aspirin or D-propoxyphene.", "PMID": 1008020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10994", "title": "Inspiration inhibiting effect of etorphine-derivatives.", "content": "The inspiration inhibiting vagal reflex as elicited in rabbits by tracheal occlusion in inspiratory position, is strongly increased by etorphine and its derivatives, the 19-isoamylderivative benig of outstanding activity.", "contents": "Inspiration inhibiting effect of etorphine-derivatives. The inspiration inhibiting vagal reflex as elicited in rabbits by tracheal occlusion in inspiratory position, is strongly increased by etorphine and its derivatives, the 19-isoamylderivative benig of outstanding activity.", "PMID": 1008021} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10995", "title": "Molybdenum toxicity: interactions between copper, molybdenum and sulphate.", "content": "Molybdenum toxicity and the interactions between copper, molybdenum and sulphate are reviewed. The main signs of molybdenum poisoning are poor growth and anaemia (rat, chick, rabbit, cattle and sheep), anorexia (rat), diarrhoea and achromotrichia (cattle and sheep), joint and bone deformities (rat, rabbit, cattle), central nervous system degeneration and loss of crimp in wool (sheep). The following topics are discussed: (1) The effect of sulphate and sulphur compounds on molybdenum toxicity. (2) The effect of molybdenum on tissue copper levels. (3) The effect of molybdenum on the distribution of copper in plasma. (4) The effect of molybdenum on uptake and excretion of copper. (5) The possible existence of copper(II) molybdate in vivo. (6) The influence of molybdenum on sulphide production by ruminal micro-organisms. (7) Competition between molybdenum and sulphate in intestinal transport. (8) Interaction of sulphur with copper in vivo. (9) The possible involvement of molybdenum in gout and multiple sclerosis in humans.", "contents": "Molybdenum toxicity: interactions between copper, molybdenum and sulphate. Molybdenum toxicity and the interactions between copper, molybdenum and sulphate are reviewed. The main signs of molybdenum poisoning are poor growth and anaemia (rat, chick, rabbit, cattle and sheep), anorexia (rat), diarrhoea and achromotrichia (cattle and sheep), joint and bone deformities (rat, rabbit, cattle), central nervous system degeneration and loss of crimp in wool (sheep). The following topics are discussed: (1) The effect of sulphate and sulphur compounds on molybdenum toxicity. (2) The effect of molybdenum on tissue copper levels. (3) The effect of molybdenum on the distribution of copper in plasma. (4) The effect of molybdenum on uptake and excretion of copper. (5) The possible existence of copper(II) molybdate in vivo. (6) The influence of molybdenum on sulphide production by ruminal micro-organisms. (7) Competition between molybdenum and sulphate in intestinal transport. (8) Interaction of sulphur with copper in vivo. (9) The possible involvement of molybdenum in gout and multiple sclerosis in humans.", "PMID": 1008022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10996", "title": "A preliminary investigation of the organic chemical emissions from green sand pyrolysis.", "content": "Condensable effluents from the thermal decomposition of a typical green sand foundry mold were investigated for the presence of emissions that could present health hazards in a foundry atmosphere. The benzene-soluble fraction extracted from the condensate was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Over 200 compounds were observed on the chromatograms and benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(e)pyrene and perylene were identified. The concentrations of these materials were not determined, but their presence in foundry atmospheres represents in area of potential concern for health welfare.", "contents": "A preliminary investigation of the organic chemical emissions from green sand pyrolysis. Condensable effluents from the thermal decomposition of a typical green sand foundry mold were investigated for the presence of emissions that could present health hazards in a foundry atmosphere. The benzene-soluble fraction extracted from the condensate was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Over 200 compounds were observed on the chromatograms and benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(e)pyrene and perylene were identified. The concentrations of these materials were not determined, but their presence in foundry atmospheres represents in area of potential concern for health welfare.", "PMID": 1008027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10997", "title": "The interpretation and applicati-n of OSHA carcinogen standards for laboratory operations.", "content": "A safety protocol implemented at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory for a project involving 14 chemical carcinogens is described. Specific topics pertaining to facilities, personnel practice, laboratory operations, decontamination and disposal are discussed within the context of regulations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.", "contents": "The interpretation and applicati-n of OSHA carcinogen standards for laboratory operations. A safety protocol implemented at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory for a project involving 14 chemical carcinogens is described. Specific topics pertaining to facilities, personnel practice, laboratory operations, decontamination and disposal are discussed within the context of regulations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.", "PMID": 1008028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10998", "title": "The toxicity of chloroform as determined by single and repeated exposure of laboratory animals.", "content": "The acute and chronic toxicity of chloroform has been studied in laboratory animals. An acute oral LD50 of 2.0 (1.0-3.8) g/kg was determined for male rats. When applied to the skin of rabbits, chloroform produced slight to moderate irritation and delayed healing of abraded sking. Absorption of chloroform through the skin of rabbits was apparent but absorption is not expected to present a practical acute hazard. Liquid chloroform produced slight injury to the eyes of rabbits which took over a week to heal. Repeated 1-hour exposures five days per week for six months to either 85.50 or 25 ppm of the vapor of chloroform resulted in adverse effects in all or some species studied: rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs. The effects at 25 ppm were slight and reversible. Rats exposed to 25 ppm for 4.2 or 1 hour/day for 6 months were not adversely affected. Based on experimental data and published reports on human experience as well as industrial experience with carbon tetrachloride, the authors suggest that when worker's exposures can be expected to be repeated and prolonged, the exposure concentrations be maintained below 25 ppm vapor and that the time weighted average not exceed 10 ppm.", "contents": "The toxicity of chloroform as determined by single and repeated exposure of laboratory animals. The acute and chronic toxicity of chloroform has been studied in laboratory animals. An acute oral LD50 of 2.0 (1.0-3.8) g/kg was determined for male rats. When applied to the skin of rabbits, chloroform produced slight to moderate irritation and delayed healing of abraded sking. Absorption of chloroform through the skin of rabbits was apparent but absorption is not expected to present a practical acute hazard. Liquid chloroform produced slight injury to the eyes of rabbits which took over a week to heal. Repeated 1-hour exposures five days per week for six months to either 85.50 or 25 ppm of the vapor of chloroform resulted in adverse effects in all or some species studied: rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs. The effects at 25 ppm were slight and reversible. Rats exposed to 25 ppm for 4.2 or 1 hour/day for 6 months were not adversely affected. Based on experimental data and published reports on human experience as well as industrial experience with carbon tetrachloride, the authors suggest that when worker's exposures can be expected to be repeated and prolonged, the exposure concentrations be maintained below 25 ppm vapor and that the time weighted average not exceed 10 ppm.", "PMID": 1008029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_10999", "title": "Experimental evaluation of the clearance of 3,4-benzo(a)pyrene in association with talc from hamster lungs.", "content": "B(a)P was administered intratracheally either alone or in association with 3 mg or 9 mg of talc, to Syrian golden hamsters. The clearance rate of the polycyclic hydrocarbon from the lungs was measured at regular intervals. It was found that talc was an effective factor in depressing the clearance of carcinogen from the lung tissue.", "contents": "Experimental evaluation of the clearance of 3,4-benzo(a)pyrene in association with talc from hamster lungs. B(a)P was administered intratracheally either alone or in association with 3 mg or 9 mg of talc, to Syrian golden hamsters. The clearance rate of the polycyclic hydrocarbon from the lungs was measured at regular intervals. It was found that talc was an effective factor in depressing the clearance of carcinogen from the lung tissue.", "PMID": 1008030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11000", "title": "[Allergens of domestic dust. III. Comparison of the cutaneous responses to an extract of total dust, to an extract of D. pteronyssinus and to an extract of dissacharinized dust].", "content": "A study of the coefficient of correlation has been made, based on cutaneous response and by intradermal means, between household dust from Barcelona diluted to a strength of 1/1,000 and an extract of D. Pteronyssinus and its medium of culture, diluted to a strength of 1/1,000,000. This study was effected to a group of thirty-three children with allergic asthma, sensitive to household dust, with a resultant value of r = 0.94 (p less than 0.001). In the same way, thirty-six children with the same characteristics, the correlations between the same extracts and an extract of dust without mites has been studied. Using Spiekma's technic, this dust was obtained through successive sifts gathered in a case under the inferior sifter. Of the mentioned dust, two equal fractions were made, one to confirm the absence of mites (Spiekma's technique) and the other to realize the extract, preparing the dilutions 1/1,000 and 1/1,000,000. With the dilution 1/1,000, the value is r = 1 (p less than 0.001) for the domestic dust and of r = 0.94 (p less than 0.001) for the D. Pteronyssinus. In sixteen of the above mentioned children, the study was repeated with the same extract, using the dilution of 1/1,000,000, and the values obtained were of r for household dust of 0.004 (p less than 0.55) and for D. Pteronyssinus of 0.016 (p less than 0.55). In twenty-one of these children, unmited dust and the extract of the way of cultivation (9 parts of human skin scales and 1 part of Sacharomyces) was compared, both diluted to 1/1,000. The value obtained was of r = 0.89 (p less than 0.001). Taking these results into consideration, it seems that D. Pteronyssinus is the most powerful allergene of dust, but the possible role of fecal pellets, product of mite excretion and of human skin scales should be considered as minor allergenes. The human skin scales emphasize their role in this case, and even though good correlation is obtained, we need to use concentrations a thousand times bigger than the D. Pteronyssinus. One can think of it being the same antigen, but the study made previously between uncultivated mites in human skin scales and these in concentrations of the same potence, has been of 0.31, which leads us to think that it is not the same antigene. Finally we consider that in some conditions, it is possible that other antigenes participate in the genesis of dust allergic (fecal pellets, human skin scales), but the antigenic power is very low.", "contents": "[Allergens of domestic dust. III. Comparison of the cutaneous responses to an extract of total dust, to an extract of D. pteronyssinus and to an extract of dissacharinized dust]. A study of the coefficient of correlation has been made, based on cutaneous response and by intradermal means, between household dust from Barcelona diluted to a strength of 1/1,000 and an extract of D. Pteronyssinus and its medium of culture, diluted to a strength of 1/1,000,000. This study was effected to a group of thirty-three children with allergic asthma, sensitive to household dust, with a resultant value of r = 0.94 (p less than 0.001). In the same way, thirty-six children with the same characteristics, the correlations between the same extracts and an extract of dust without mites has been studied. Using Spiekma's technic, this dust was obtained through successive sifts gathered in a case under the inferior sifter. Of the mentioned dust, two equal fractions were made, one to confirm the absence of mites (Spiekma's technique) and the other to realize the extract, preparing the dilutions 1/1,000 and 1/1,000,000. With the dilution 1/1,000, the value is r = 1 (p less than 0.001) for the domestic dust and of r = 0.94 (p less than 0.001) for the D. Pteronyssinus. In sixteen of the above mentioned children, the study was repeated with the same extract, using the dilution of 1/1,000,000, and the values obtained were of r for household dust of 0.004 (p less than 0.55) and for D. Pteronyssinus of 0.016 (p less than 0.55). In twenty-one of these children, unmited dust and the extract of the way of cultivation (9 parts of human skin scales and 1 part of Sacharomyces) was compared, both diluted to 1/1,000. The value obtained was of r = 0.89 (p less than 0.001). Taking these results into consideration, it seems that D. Pteronyssinus is the most powerful allergene of dust, but the possible role of fecal pellets, product of mite excretion and of human skin scales should be considered as minor allergenes. The human skin scales emphasize their role in this case, and even though good correlation is obtained, we need to use concentrations a thousand times bigger than the D. Pteronyssinus. One can think of it being the same antigen, but the study made previously between uncultivated mites in human skin scales and these in concentrations of the same potence, has been of 0.31, which leads us to think that it is not the same antigene. Finally we consider that in some conditions, it is possible that other antigenes participate in the genesis of dust allergic (fecal pellets, human skin scales), but the antigenic power is very low.", "PMID": 1008024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11001", "title": "Liver cancer deaths in the continental USA from 1930 to 1972.", "content": "Since 1944 the general U.S. population has been absorbing organochlorine pesticides, which have recently been largely banned because of a concern that they would cause or contribute to the production of liver cancer. This survey is related to the quantities of these pesticides used and the incidence of liver cancer deaths in the U.S. from 1930 to 1972.", "contents": "Liver cancer deaths in the continental USA from 1930 to 1972. Since 1944 the general U.S. population has been absorbing organochlorine pesticides, which have recently been largely banned because of a concern that they would cause or contribute to the production of liver cancer. This survey is related to the quantities of these pesticides used and the incidence of liver cancer deaths in the U.S. from 1930 to 1972.", "PMID": 1008032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11002", "title": "Respiratory cartridge efficiency studies: VIII. summary and conclusions.", "content": "The theory of solvent vapor adsorption of activated carbon is reviewed. Calculated and experimental cartridge service life values are compared using various breathing rates, relative humidities, concentrations and solvent vapors. Cartridge service life (the 10% breakthrough time) can be estimated from the emperical expression: t 10% = 2.4 X 10(6) WC (A + BT)/C 2/3 MQ Carbon weight (wc), relative solvent volatility (a, b and t) concentration (C), molecular weight (M) and breathing rate (Q) all play a vital role in cartridge performance predictions.", "contents": "Respiratory cartridge efficiency studies: VIII. summary and conclusions. The theory of solvent vapor adsorption of activated carbon is reviewed. Calculated and experimental cartridge service life values are compared using various breathing rates, relative humidities, concentrations and solvent vapors. Cartridge service life (the 10% breakthrough time) can be estimated from the emperical expression: t 10% = 2.4 X 10(6) WC (A + BT)/C 2/3 MQ Carbon weight (wc), relative solvent volatility (a, b and t) concentration (C), molecular weight (M) and breathing rate (Q) all play a vital role in cartridge performance predictions.", "PMID": 1008034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11003", "title": "Respiratory function and symptoms: an environmental-epidemiological study of rubber workers exposed to a phenolformaldehyde type resin.", "content": "Rubber workers exposed to a hexamethylenetetramine-resorcinol (HR) adhesive system reported an excess of acute symptoms and significant reductions in expiratory flow rates at low lung volumes. Smokers exhibited greater reductions in flow rates than nonsmokers. The greatest reductions in ventilatory capacity were associated with HR exposure. There was a moderate association of reduced flow rates with respirable particulate in the HR exposed workers only.", "contents": "Respiratory function and symptoms: an environmental-epidemiological study of rubber workers exposed to a phenolformaldehyde type resin. Rubber workers exposed to a hexamethylenetetramine-resorcinol (HR) adhesive system reported an excess of acute symptoms and significant reductions in expiratory flow rates at low lung volumes. Smokers exhibited greater reductions in flow rates than nonsmokers. The greatest reductions in ventilatory capacity were associated with HR exposure. There was a moderate association of reduced flow rates with respirable particulate in the HR exposed workers only.", "PMID": 1008033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11004", "title": "Aerosol production by irrigation equipment used for land application of wastewater.", "content": "Aerosol production from sprays of four irrigation systems used for upland application of wastewater was studied over a range of operating and meteorological conditions by sampling particles from evaporated tracer droplets. Most aerosol-forming droplets were less than 100 mum in diameter with median number diameters from 1 to 3 mum and median mass diameters appreciably larger. More than 10(10) respirable sized particles were produced per minute by single nozzles. Actual wastewater sprays were similar. Diffusion calculations indicate decreases in concentration of 1 to 2 orders of magnitude in 1 km.", "contents": "Aerosol production by irrigation equipment used for land application of wastewater. Aerosol production from sprays of four irrigation systems used for upland application of wastewater was studied over a range of operating and meteorological conditions by sampling particles from evaporated tracer droplets. Most aerosol-forming droplets were less than 100 mum in diameter with median number diameters from 1 to 3 mum and median mass diameters appreciably larger. More than 10(10) respirable sized particles were produced per minute by single nozzles. Actual wastewater sprays were similar. Diffusion calculations indicate decreases in concentration of 1 to 2 orders of magnitude in 1 km.", "PMID": 1008035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11005", "title": "Use of a filter disc micro-sampling atomic absorption method for blood lead level screening.", "content": "The filter-paper disc method using capillary blood was compared with the Delves techniques using venous blood. For routine screening, the filter-paper disc method was found to yield rapid and reasonable results and, in addition, to be relatively inexpensive. The method was used to screen the blood lead level of over 1000 children in pediatric hospitals of four major cities in Canada. Results of the survey are discussed with regard to sampling technique, analytical technique, and the statistical analysis.", "contents": "Use of a filter disc micro-sampling atomic absorption method for blood lead level screening. The filter-paper disc method using capillary blood was compared with the Delves techniques using venous blood. For routine screening, the filter-paper disc method was found to yield rapid and reasonable results and, in addition, to be relatively inexpensive. The method was used to screen the blood lead level of over 1000 children in pediatric hospitals of four major cities in Canada. Results of the survey are discussed with regard to sampling technique, analytical technique, and the statistical analysis.", "PMID": 1008036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11006", "title": "Evaluation of hoods for low volume-high velocity exhaust systems.", "content": "Current practice in the design of exhaust hoods for low volume-high velocity exhaust systems is empirical and evaluation of performance is conducted at the completed installation. A procedure is described for laboratory evaluation of prototype hoods using a simulator in conjunction with a tracer aerosol.", "contents": "Evaluation of hoods for low volume-high velocity exhaust systems. Current practice in the design of exhaust hoods for low volume-high velocity exhaust systems is empirical and evaluation of performance is conducted at the completed installation. A procedure is described for laboratory evaluation of prototype hoods using a simulator in conjunction with a tracer aerosol.", "PMID": 1008037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11007", "title": "Polysaccharides in lung alveoli.", "content": "Rat lung alveolar surfaces and contents were studied after using concanavalin A as a bifunctional agent to link exposed sugars to horseradish peroxidase, in accordance with a technique developed by Bernhard and Avrameas ('71). The Graham and Karnovsky ('69) diaminobenzidine procedure then was used to provide and electron-dense reaction product so as to define the distribution of complex carbohydrates in alveoli. A layer of very dense raction product was intimately associated with the outer leaflets of the luminal plasma membranes of type I and II pneumocytes. Masses of generally less dense reaction product extended irregularly into the alveolar coated by reaction product. When highly ordered tubular myelin bodies were seen, the reaction product filled all the \"gutters\" created by the intersentions of the membranes. Reasons are presented for believing that the intrinsic periodicity of the tubular myelin may be created and maintained by the domains ol technique. The distribution of autologous albumin, demonstrated by antibody staining by Bignon et al. ('75), apparently coincides with the carbohydrate pattern, suggesting both may be associated as a glycoprotein. The ultimate relationships between carbohydrate moieties and phospholipid membrane systems proved to be of such complexity that we believe it justifiable to think that they also may be truly complexed together.", "contents": "Polysaccharides in lung alveoli. Rat lung alveolar surfaces and contents were studied after using concanavalin A as a bifunctional agent to link exposed sugars to horseradish peroxidase, in accordance with a technique developed by Bernhard and Avrameas ('71). The Graham and Karnovsky ('69) diaminobenzidine procedure then was used to provide and electron-dense reaction product so as to define the distribution of complex carbohydrates in alveoli. A layer of very dense raction product was intimately associated with the outer leaflets of the luminal plasma membranes of type I and II pneumocytes. Masses of generally less dense reaction product extended irregularly into the alveolar coated by reaction product. When highly ordered tubular myelin bodies were seen, the reaction product filled all the \"gutters\" created by the intersentions of the membranes. Reasons are presented for believing that the intrinsic periodicity of the tubular myelin may be created and maintained by the domains ol technique. The distribution of autologous albumin, demonstrated by antibody staining by Bignon et al. ('75), apparently coincides with the carbohydrate pattern, suggesting both may be associated as a glycoprotein. The ultimate relationships between carbohydrate moieties and phospholipid membrane systems proved to be of such complexity that we believe it justifiable to think that they also may be truly complexed together.", "PMID": 1008038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11008", "title": "The features of sperm maturation in the epididymis of a marsupial, the brushtailed possum Trichosurus vulpecula.", "content": "Possum spermatozoa undergo a distinctive process of maturation in the epididymis, as shown by change in the properties of the sperm surface, by modification of their morphology and by their increasing capacity for progressive motility. Modification of the sperm surface over the head and tail is demonstrated by the different affinities of sperm from successive regions of the epididymis for FITC-conjugated wheat germ agglutinin and concanavalin A, and for cationic ferric oxide colloidal particles. Changes in sperm head morphology are caused by (1) a dramatic reshaping and consolidation of the acrosome in which excess plasma membrane overlying it is sloughed as a cluster of vesicles, (2) a reorientation of the nucleus almost parallel to the axis of the tail and (3) distal movement of the droplet from its initial envelopment of the nucleus to an eccentric position on the anterior segment of the midpiece. Spermatozoa released from the testis and caput epididymidis are essentially immotile or exhibit only lazy uncoordinated movements, whereas many from the corpus and most from the more distal regions of the epididymis display an energetic, progressive motility imparted by a rapid and stiff tail beat of narrow arc. This maturation of the capacity for motility is accompanied by an enhanced stability of the dense fibers and sheath, which became more resistant to the disruptive action of SDS and DTT, and by changes in the ultrastructure of the sperm tail. These include modification of the matrix of the mitochondria and also an unusual differentation of the midpiece into two distinct segments. The anterior segment is defined by profuse peri-mitochondrial stacks of membranes which developed as spermatozoa pass through the epididymis. These membranes, although prominent in mature spermatozoa fixed in situ, appear sparse and disorganised in spermatozoa fixed after 15 to 30 minutes of active motility in physiological medium, suggesting their possible utilisation in motile spermatozoa. The posterior segment is characterised by a thick peri-mitochondrial cytoplasmic sleeve, by spirally arranged parallel fibrous bands immediately beneath the plasma membrane and, subsequently, as spermatozoa pass into the lower corpus epididymidis, by rows of flask-shaped surface invaginations which develop between the spiral bands. Despite broad similarities in the features of sperm maturation in this marsupial and in eutherian mammals, there are distinct differencesin the structural organisation of their spermatozoa, particularly in the pserm head. Until more is known of the details of fertilisation in marsupials the significance of these differences will remain unclear.", "contents": "The features of sperm maturation in the epididymis of a marsupial, the brushtailed possum Trichosurus vulpecula. Possum spermatozoa undergo a distinctive process of maturation in the epididymis, as shown by change in the properties of the sperm surface, by modification of their morphology and by their increasing capacity for progressive motility. Modification of the sperm surface over the head and tail is demonstrated by the different affinities of sperm from successive regions of the epididymis for FITC-conjugated wheat germ agglutinin and concanavalin A, and for cationic ferric oxide colloidal particles. Changes in sperm head morphology are caused by (1) a dramatic reshaping and consolidation of the acrosome in which excess plasma membrane overlying it is sloughed as a cluster of vesicles, (2) a reorientation of the nucleus almost parallel to the axis of the tail and (3) distal movement of the droplet from its initial envelopment of the nucleus to an eccentric position on the anterior segment of the midpiece. Spermatozoa released from the testis and caput epididymidis are essentially immotile or exhibit only lazy uncoordinated movements, whereas many from the corpus and most from the more distal regions of the epididymis display an energetic, progressive motility imparted by a rapid and stiff tail beat of narrow arc. This maturation of the capacity for motility is accompanied by an enhanced stability of the dense fibers and sheath, which became more resistant to the disruptive action of SDS and DTT, and by changes in the ultrastructure of the sperm tail. These include modification of the matrix of the mitochondria and also an unusual differentation of the midpiece into two distinct segments. The anterior segment is defined by profuse peri-mitochondrial stacks of membranes which developed as spermatozoa pass through the epididymis. These membranes, although prominent in mature spermatozoa fixed in situ, appear sparse and disorganised in spermatozoa fixed after 15 to 30 minutes of active motility in physiological medium, suggesting their possible utilisation in motile spermatozoa. The posterior segment is characterised by a thick peri-mitochondrial cytoplasmic sleeve, by spirally arranged parallel fibrous bands immediately beneath the plasma membrane and, subsequently, as spermatozoa pass into the lower corpus epididymidis, by rows of flask-shaped surface invaginations which develop between the spiral bands. Despite broad similarities in the features of sperm maturation in this marsupial and in eutherian mammals, there are distinct differencesin the structural organisation of their spermatozoa, particularly in the pserm head. Until more is known of the details of fertilisation in marsupials the significance of these differences will remain unclear.", "PMID": 1008039} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11009", "title": "Perspectives of clinical students on training in community mental health and community psychology.", "content": "Three hundred eighty-five advanced doctoral students from 102 training programs in clinical, clinical--community, and community psychology participated in as assessment of their training in community psychology/community mental health (CP/CMH). Significant findings included: (a) 66% consider training in CP/CMH as very helpful to their career goals, (b) 54% are very much interested in post-doctoral training in CP/CMH, and (c) 62% consider the training in CP/CMH available in their graduate programs below adequate. Respondents rated the coverage and adequacy of coverage of 30 CP/CMH-related topics. Only four topics were reported by 50% or more of the respondents as having been covered. For the 30 topics, reported adequacy of coverage ranged from 40% to 67%; the percentage of respondents who considered coverage inadequate ranged from 18% to 56%.", "contents": "Perspectives of clinical students on training in community mental health and community psychology. Three hundred eighty-five advanced doctoral students from 102 training programs in clinical, clinical--community, and community psychology participated in as assessment of their training in community psychology/community mental health (CP/CMH). Significant findings included: (a) 66% consider training in CP/CMH as very helpful to their career goals, (b) 54% are very much interested in post-doctoral training in CP/CMH, and (c) 62% consider the training in CP/CMH available in their graduate programs below adequate. Respondents rated the coverage and adequacy of coverage of 30 CP/CMH-related topics. Only four topics were reported by 50% or more of the respondents as having been covered. For the 30 topics, reported adequacy of coverage ranged from 40% to 67%; the percentage of respondents who considered coverage inadequate ranged from 18% to 56%.", "PMID": 1008040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11010", "title": "Community mental health ideology and activity interests.", "content": "Sixty mental health professionals completed two scales: the Community Mental Health Ideology Scale (CMHI), and a scale rating the importance of, and personal interest in, a range of mental health activities. The overall mean CMHI score was comparable to that of clinical psychologists surveyed in the original CMHI study. CMHI scores correlated significantly with subjects' ratings of the importance for the general community to provide a range of services other than direct rehabilitative services. Ratings of the importance for community mental health centers to provide mental health planning and development, and activities directed at general community and social problems, also correlated significantly with CMHI scores. Additionally, CMHI scores were related to personal interest in participating in a broad range of mental health activities. The results contribute to the construct validity of the CMHI and support the notion that community mental health ideology relates to actual mental health activity interest.", "contents": "Community mental health ideology and activity interests. Sixty mental health professionals completed two scales: the Community Mental Health Ideology Scale (CMHI), and a scale rating the importance of, and personal interest in, a range of mental health activities. The overall mean CMHI score was comparable to that of clinical psychologists surveyed in the original CMHI study. CMHI scores correlated significantly with subjects' ratings of the importance for the general community to provide a range of services other than direct rehabilitative services. Ratings of the importance for community mental health centers to provide mental health planning and development, and activities directed at general community and social problems, also correlated significantly with CMHI scores. Additionally, CMHI scores were related to personal interest in participating in a broad range of mental health activities. The results contribute to the construct validity of the CMHI and support the notion that community mental health ideology relates to actual mental health activity interest.", "PMID": 1008041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11011", "title": "Perceptions of community life which distinguish between participants and nonparticipants in a neighborhood self-help organization.", "content": "Questionnaire, Edwards-Kirkpatrick scale, and semantic differential techniques were used to provide converging measures of psychosocial factors affecting participation in a community self-help organization. This group is attempting to maintain the racially mixed residential character of a neighborhood located in a zone of transition between large tracts of project housing and an area of stores, apartment buildings, and offices on the edge of a southern center city. Results indicate that a complexly integrated set of attitudes toward the area as a place to live, one's neighbors as active and potent yet stable people, and the future as a promising and secure time of life seems to determine attitudes toward and participation in the community organization.", "contents": "Perceptions of community life which distinguish between participants and nonparticipants in a neighborhood self-help organization. Questionnaire, Edwards-Kirkpatrick scale, and semantic differential techniques were used to provide converging measures of psychosocial factors affecting participation in a community self-help organization. This group is attempting to maintain the racially mixed residential character of a neighborhood located in a zone of transition between large tracts of project housing and an area of stores, apartment buildings, and offices on the edge of a southern center city. Results indicate that a complexly integrated set of attitudes toward the area as a place to live, one's neighbors as active and potent yet stable people, and the future as a promising and secure time of life seems to determine attitudes toward and participation in the community organization.", "PMID": 1008042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11012", "title": "Effect of secretin, glucagon and duodenal acidification on bombesin-induced hypergastrinemia in man.", "content": "The action of duodenal acidification, of continuous I.V. infusion of secretin and glucagon and of a one bolus I.V. administration of secretin and glucagon at maximal doses on BBS-induced gastrin secretion has been studied in a group of 18 healthy subjects. Continuous infusion of secretin and glucagon and the acidification of the duodenum did not alter significantly the levels of gastrin stimulated by BBS. Secretin and glucagon administered by a single I.V. bolus paritially inhibit the effect of BBS on gastrin levels. On the basis of these results it is not possible to affirm or to exclude the possibility that BBS is a hormone physiologically present in man.", "contents": "Effect of secretin, glucagon and duodenal acidification on bombesin-induced hypergastrinemia in man. The action of duodenal acidification, of continuous I.V. infusion of secretin and glucagon and of a one bolus I.V. administration of secretin and glucagon at maximal doses on BBS-induced gastrin secretion has been studied in a group of 18 healthy subjects. Continuous infusion of secretin and glucagon and the acidification of the duodenum did not alter significantly the levels of gastrin stimulated by BBS. Secretin and glucagon administered by a single I.V. bolus paritially inhibit the effect of BBS on gastrin levels. On the basis of these results it is not possible to affirm or to exclude the possibility that BBS is a hormone physiologically present in man.", "PMID": 1008044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11013", "title": "Canine exocrine pancreatic secretory changes induced by calcium or ethanol plus calcium intraduodenal infusion.", "content": "In dogs provided with chronic gastric and pancreatic fistulas (Thomas cannula), an 80-minute intraduodenal CaCl2 (0.6 mM/kg.) infusion against a background of secretin perfusion (GIH, 1.0 CU/kg./hr.) elicits a complex \"pancreon\" response consisting of both excitatory and inhibitory effects on the protein and alkaline components, respectively, of pancreatic secretion. It is postulated that these pancreatic secretion changes are the result of the interplay of released CCK and calcitonin. The lack of pancreatic secretion modifications when ethanol (0.7 mg./kg.) was added to the intraduodenal CaCl2 infusion suggests that the former counteracts the effects of the latter on the nerves and/or the endocrine cells of the gut. Ca++ concentration and output in pancreatic secretion did not change significantly either with the intraduodenal CaCl2 alone or associated with ethanol. Fasting blood Ca++ levels were not modified either by the secretin perfusion or by the intraduodenal CaCl2 infusion, either given alone or associated with ethanol.", "contents": "Canine exocrine pancreatic secretory changes induced by calcium or ethanol plus calcium intraduodenal infusion. In dogs provided with chronic gastric and pancreatic fistulas (Thomas cannula), an 80-minute intraduodenal CaCl2 (0.6 mM/kg.) infusion against a background of secretin perfusion (GIH, 1.0 CU/kg./hr.) elicits a complex \"pancreon\" response consisting of both excitatory and inhibitory effects on the protein and alkaline components, respectively, of pancreatic secretion. It is postulated that these pancreatic secretion changes are the result of the interplay of released CCK and calcitonin. The lack of pancreatic secretion modifications when ethanol (0.7 mg./kg.) was added to the intraduodenal CaCl2 infusion suggests that the former counteracts the effects of the latter on the nerves and/or the endocrine cells of the gut. Ca++ concentration and output in pancreatic secretion did not change significantly either with the intraduodenal CaCl2 alone or associated with ethanol. Fasting blood Ca++ levels were not modified either by the secretin perfusion or by the intraduodenal CaCl2 infusion, either given alone or associated with ethanol.", "PMID": 1008045} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11014", "title": "Histologic and ultrastructural studies of canine pancreas fed an elemental diet.", "content": "A clinically available elemental diet (Vivonex-100) has been fed to healthy mongrel dogs. Compared to a regular chow diet and regulated so as to maintain a stable weight, no changes were noted on light or electron microscopy and six months' maintenance. Extrapolating, the pancreas shows no evidence of a \"resting state\" according to this data.", "contents": "Histologic and ultrastructural studies of canine pancreas fed an elemental diet. A clinically available elemental diet (Vivonex-100) has been fed to healthy mongrel dogs. Compared to a regular chow diet and regulated so as to maintain a stable weight, no changes were noted on light or electron microscopy and six months' maintenance. Extrapolating, the pancreas shows no evidence of a \"resting state\" according to this data.", "PMID": 1008046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11015", "title": "Possible response of acute psychosis in hepatic encephalopathy to levodopa.", "content": "A favorable response to levodopa in two episodes of hepatic encephalopathy, the latter presenting as acute psychosis, is described in a patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome.", "contents": "Possible response of acute psychosis in hepatic encephalopathy to levodopa. A favorable response to levodopa in two episodes of hepatic encephalopathy, the latter presenting as acute psychosis, is described in a patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome.", "PMID": 1008048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11016", "title": "Superior mesenteric artery syndrome simulating acute pancreatitis: a case report.", "content": "A case of infrapapillary duodenal obstruction secondary to the superior mesenteric artery syndrome is reported. The clinical picture and laboratory data simulated acute pancreatitis but no evidence of pancreatic disease was noted at surgical exploration. A review of the causative factors and treatment of the superior mesenteric artery syndrome is presented along with the differential diagnosis of infrapapillary duodenal obstruction.", "contents": "Superior mesenteric artery syndrome simulating acute pancreatitis: a case report. A case of infrapapillary duodenal obstruction secondary to the superior mesenteric artery syndrome is reported. The clinical picture and laboratory data simulated acute pancreatitis but no evidence of pancreatic disease was noted at surgical exploration. A review of the causative factors and treatment of the superior mesenteric artery syndrome is presented along with the differential diagnosis of infrapapillary duodenal obstruction.", "PMID": 1008049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11017", "title": "An unusual clinical presentation of pancreatic carcinoma: Duodenal obstruction in the absence of jaundice.", "content": "A case of pancreatic carcinoma, presenting with the uncommon initial manifestation of vomiting secondary to duodenal obstruction without jaundice, is reported. A review of 72 consecutive biopsy-proven cases of pancreatic carcinoma admitted to our institution in the past five years revealed an 8.3% incidence of this unusual primary complaint. Although infrequently reported previously, pancreatic carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric outlet obstruction in the absence of jaundice. The classic triad of progressive jaundice, weight loss and abdominal pain suggests carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. Emesis, secondary to high grade duodenal obstruction in the absence of jaundice, is an infrequent clinical presentation. The case described is illustrative of widespread pancreatic carcinoma that remained silent until obstruction developed.", "contents": "An unusual clinical presentation of pancreatic carcinoma: Duodenal obstruction in the absence of jaundice. A case of pancreatic carcinoma, presenting with the uncommon initial manifestation of vomiting secondary to duodenal obstruction without jaundice, is reported. A review of 72 consecutive biopsy-proven cases of pancreatic carcinoma admitted to our institution in the past five years revealed an 8.3% incidence of this unusual primary complaint. Although infrequently reported previously, pancreatic carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric outlet obstruction in the absence of jaundice. The classic triad of progressive jaundice, weight loss and abdominal pain suggests carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. Emesis, secondary to high grade duodenal obstruction in the absence of jaundice, is an infrequent clinical presentation. The case described is illustrative of widespread pancreatic carcinoma that remained silent until obstruction developed.", "PMID": 1008050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11018", "title": "Duodenal tuberculosis as seen by duodenoscopy.", "content": "A case of tuberculous stricture of the third part of the duodenum was detected by duodenoscopy. Endoscopic biopsy, however, failed to reveal the histological diagnosis. The possible role of endoscopic follow-up of tubercular strictures is indicated.", "contents": "Duodenal tuberculosis as seen by duodenoscopy. A case of tuberculous stricture of the third part of the duodenum was detected by duodenoscopy. Endoscopic biopsy, however, failed to reveal the histological diagnosis. The possible role of endoscopic follow-up of tubercular strictures is indicated.", "PMID": 1008051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11019", "title": "The radiology corner: Longitudinal fistulous tract of the colon and a perianal fistula in diverticulitis.", "content": "Diverticular disease may mimic many of the symptoms and signs of Crohn's disease. The presence, however, of perirectal involvement and a longitudinal fistula greater than 10 cm. in the wall of the colon are two unusual features of diverticular disease. Discussed herein is a patient who presented with both of these complications.", "contents": "The radiology corner: Longitudinal fistulous tract of the colon and a perianal fistula in diverticulitis. Diverticular disease may mimic many of the symptoms and signs of Crohn's disease. The presence, however, of perirectal involvement and a longitudinal fistula greater than 10 cm. in the wall of the colon are two unusual features of diverticular disease. Discussed herein is a patient who presented with both of these complications.", "PMID": 1008052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11020", "title": "Inhibition of murine granulopoiesis in vitro by dexamethasone.", "content": "The effect of dexamethasone on mouse bone marrow granulocyte-monocyte precursor cells (CFU-C) was studied in vitro. Dexamethasone inhibited colony formation in the presence of maximally stimulating concentrations of colony-stimulating activity. A mean colony reduction of 55% occurred at 10(-9) M dexamethasone and inhibition was observed at concentrations as low as 10(-12)M. The dexamethasone suppression could be abrogated by progesterone. These studies provide evidence that the committed granulocyte-monocyte stem cell has a glucocorticoid receptor mechanism that when activated results in inhibition of cellular proliferation in vitro.", "contents": "Inhibition of murine granulopoiesis in vitro by dexamethasone. The effect of dexamethasone on mouse bone marrow granulocyte-monocyte precursor cells (CFU-C) was studied in vitro. Dexamethasone inhibited colony formation in the presence of maximally stimulating concentrations of colony-stimulating activity. A mean colony reduction of 55% occurred at 10(-9) M dexamethasone and inhibition was observed at concentrations as low as 10(-12)M. The dexamethasone suppression could be abrogated by progesterone. These studies provide evidence that the committed granulocyte-monocyte stem cell has a glucocorticoid receptor mechanism that when activated results in inhibition of cellular proliferation in vitro.", "PMID": 1008053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11021", "title": "Staging laparotomy and splenectomy: treatment and complications of Hodgkin's disease in children.", "content": "Twenty-five cases of hodgkin's Disease (15 males and 10 females) aged 5 to 17 years were studied from April 1970 to July 1976 (75 month period). Histology revealed that 2 had lymphocytic predominance, 12 had nodular sclerosis, and 11 had mixed cellularity. Pathologic staging revealed that 3 were IA, 1 IB, 5 IIA, 4IIB, 6IIIA, and 6 IIIB. Laparotomy altered the staging in 12 patients (9 were staging up and 3 down). All but 2 patients received extended field radiation, and 5 had recurrence of disease and were treated with combination chemotherapy. Twenty-three are alive without evidence of disease (21-75 months), and the 2 deaths were not due to Hodgkin's Disease but to hemobilia (postliver biopsy) and penumococcal septicemia, purpura fulminans, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (14 months postsplenectomy). Other complications included 2 patients with intestinal obstruction, 1 with postoperative subphrenic abscess, and 1 with streptococcal septicemia and polyarthritis. Nineteen patients received continuous penicillin prophylaxis postoperatively and the 2 with serious infections were amongst the 6 who had not received penicillin or whose penicillin had been discontinued at the time of infection. It is concluded that laparotomy and splenectomy in children is essential for accurate staging but carries significant risk, and continuous penicillin prophylaxis is recommended.", "contents": "Staging laparotomy and splenectomy: treatment and complications of Hodgkin's disease in children. Twenty-five cases of hodgkin's Disease (15 males and 10 females) aged 5 to 17 years were studied from April 1970 to July 1976 (75 month period). Histology revealed that 2 had lymphocytic predominance, 12 had nodular sclerosis, and 11 had mixed cellularity. Pathologic staging revealed that 3 were IA, 1 IB, 5 IIA, 4IIB, 6IIIA, and 6 IIIB. Laparotomy altered the staging in 12 patients (9 were staging up and 3 down). All but 2 patients received extended field radiation, and 5 had recurrence of disease and were treated with combination chemotherapy. Twenty-three are alive without evidence of disease (21-75 months), and the 2 deaths were not due to Hodgkin's Disease but to hemobilia (postliver biopsy) and penumococcal septicemia, purpura fulminans, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (14 months postsplenectomy). Other complications included 2 patients with intestinal obstruction, 1 with postoperative subphrenic abscess, and 1 with streptococcal septicemia and polyarthritis. Nineteen patients received continuous penicillin prophylaxis postoperatively and the 2 with serious infections were amongst the 6 who had not received penicillin or whose penicillin had been discontinued at the time of infection. It is concluded that laparotomy and splenectomy in children is essential for accurate staging but carries significant risk, and continuous penicillin prophylaxis is recommended.", "PMID": 1008054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11022", "title": "Effect of sialidase on the viability of erythrocytes in circulation.", "content": "Sialic acid has been detected on the erythrocyte surface of a number of different species of animals. The objective of this investigation was to determine the physiological significance of these sialyl residues to the viability of erythrocytes in circulation. Methods have been described for the determination of total sialic acid on red blood cells and the conditions under which it may be released with sialidase. Chicken, dog, goat, and rabbit were chosen for these studies because of the differences in the amount (3 X 10(6) - 72 X 10(6) resides per erythrocyte), and type (N-acetyl-or N-glycolyl-neuraminic acids) of sialic acid found on the surface of their erythrocytes. Radioactive tagging with Na251CrO4 was used to monitor the effect of sialidase on the viability of erythrocytes upon autologous transfusion. By the two criteria used to assess the viability of erythrocytes-the percentage of erythrocytes surviving 24 hr after the autologous transfusion, and the half-life of those red blood cells in circulation that survive the first 24 h after the autologous transfusion, and the half-life of those red blood cells in circulation that survive the first 24 hr-it is apparent that the presence of sialic acid on the cell surface is crucial for the survival of nonnucleated mammalian erythrocytes. The loss of viability of dog erythrocytes can be elicited by the removal of approximately 10% of the total sialic acid. In marked contrast to the behavior of mammalian erythrocytes, sialidase-treated chicken erythrocytes appear to retain their viability in circulation.", "contents": "Effect of sialidase on the viability of erythrocytes in circulation. Sialic acid has been detected on the erythrocyte surface of a number of different species of animals. The objective of this investigation was to determine the physiological significance of these sialyl residues to the viability of erythrocytes in circulation. Methods have been described for the determination of total sialic acid on red blood cells and the conditions under which it may be released with sialidase. Chicken, dog, goat, and rabbit were chosen for these studies because of the differences in the amount (3 X 10(6) - 72 X 10(6) resides per erythrocyte), and type (N-acetyl-or N-glycolyl-neuraminic acids) of sialic acid found on the surface of their erythrocytes. Radioactive tagging with Na251CrO4 was used to monitor the effect of sialidase on the viability of erythrocytes upon autologous transfusion. By the two criteria used to assess the viability of erythrocytes-the percentage of erythrocytes surviving 24 hr after the autologous transfusion, and the half-life of those red blood cells in circulation that survive the first 24 h after the autologous transfusion, and the half-life of those red blood cells in circulation that survive the first 24 hr-it is apparent that the presence of sialic acid on the cell surface is crucial for the survival of nonnucleated mammalian erythrocytes. The loss of viability of dog erythrocytes can be elicited by the removal of approximately 10% of the total sialic acid. In marked contrast to the behavior of mammalian erythrocytes, sialidase-treated chicken erythrocytes appear to retain their viability in circulation.", "PMID": 1008055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11023", "title": "Two new glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase variants associated with congenital nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia found in Japan: GD(-) Tokushima and GD(-) Tokyo.", "content": "Two new variants of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency associated with chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia were discovered in Japan. Gd(-) Tokushima was found in a 17-years-old male whose erythrocytes contained 4.4% of normal enzyme activity. Partially purified enzyme revealed a main band of normal electrophoretic mobility with additional two minor bands of different mobility; normal Km G6P, and Km NADP five-to sixfold higher than normal; normal utilization of 2-deoxy-G6P, galactose-6P, and deamino-NADP; marked thermal instability; a normal pH curve; and normal Ki NADPH. The hemolytic anemia was moderate to severe. Gd(-) Tokyo was characterized from a 15-year-old male who had chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia of mild degree. The erythrocytes contained 3% of normal enzyme activity, and partially purified enzyme revealed slow electrophoretic mobility (90% of normal for both a tris-hydrochloride buffer system and a tris-EDTA-borate buffer system, and 70% of normal for a phosphate buffer system); normal Km G6P and Km NADP; normal utilization of 2-deoxy-G6P, galactose-6P, and deamino-NADP; greatly increased thermal instability; a normal pH curve; and normal Ki NADPH. These two variants are clearly different from hitherto described G6PD variants, including the Japanese variants Gd(-) Heian and Gd(-) Kyoto. The mothers of both Gd(-) Tokushima and Gd(-) Tokoyo were found to be heterozygote by an ascorbate-cyanide test.", "contents": "Two new glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase variants associated with congenital nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia found in Japan: GD(-) Tokushima and GD(-) Tokyo. Two new variants of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency associated with chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia were discovered in Japan. Gd(-) Tokushima was found in a 17-years-old male whose erythrocytes contained 4.4% of normal enzyme activity. Partially purified enzyme revealed a main band of normal electrophoretic mobility with additional two minor bands of different mobility; normal Km G6P, and Km NADP five-to sixfold higher than normal; normal utilization of 2-deoxy-G6P, galactose-6P, and deamino-NADP; marked thermal instability; a normal pH curve; and normal Ki NADPH. The hemolytic anemia was moderate to severe. Gd(-) Tokyo was characterized from a 15-year-old male who had chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia of mild degree. The erythrocytes contained 3% of normal enzyme activity, and partially purified enzyme revealed slow electrophoretic mobility (90% of normal for both a tris-hydrochloride buffer system and a tris-EDTA-borate buffer system, and 70% of normal for a phosphate buffer system); normal Km G6P and Km NADP; normal utilization of 2-deoxy-G6P, galactose-6P, and deamino-NADP; greatly increased thermal instability; a normal pH curve; and normal Ki NADPH. These two variants are clearly different from hitherto described G6PD variants, including the Japanese variants Gd(-) Heian and Gd(-) Kyoto. The mothers of both Gd(-) Tokushima and Gd(-) Tokoyo were found to be heterozygote by an ascorbate-cyanide test.", "PMID": 1008056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11024", "title": "Erthropoietic precursors in mice with phenylhydrazine-induced anemia.", "content": "Using a methylcellulose cell culture technique, we studied the serial changes in erythropoietic precursors in the femur, spleen, and blood of mice under erythropoietic stimuli. Phenylhdrazine hydrochloride, in the dosage of 60 mg/kg, was injected into mice subcutaneously on days 0, 1, and 3, and mice were sacrified on days 0, 2, 4, 7, and 10 for assessment of erythropoietic precursors. Significant changes were observed for all hemopoietic organs in the number of erythrocytic burst-forming units (BFU-E) and erythrocytic colony-forming units (CFU-E). Only BFU-E were present in blood, and their maximal increase was noted on day 2. While marrow BFU-E continuously decreased, maximal increase of CFU-E noted on day 4. Splenic BFU-E and CFU-E increased until day 4 and declined subsequently. These observations suggest the presence of significant migration of BFU-E in mice under erythropoietic stimuli and stress the importance of studies on all hemopoietic organs in the assessment of murine hemopoiesis.", "contents": "Erthropoietic precursors in mice with phenylhydrazine-induced anemia. Using a methylcellulose cell culture technique, we studied the serial changes in erythropoietic precursors in the femur, spleen, and blood of mice under erythropoietic stimuli. Phenylhdrazine hydrochloride, in the dosage of 60 mg/kg, was injected into mice subcutaneously on days 0, 1, and 3, and mice were sacrified on days 0, 2, 4, 7, and 10 for assessment of erythropoietic precursors. Significant changes were observed for all hemopoietic organs in the number of erythrocytic burst-forming units (BFU-E) and erythrocytic colony-forming units (CFU-E). Only BFU-E were present in blood, and their maximal increase was noted on day 2. While marrow BFU-E continuously decreased, maximal increase of CFU-E noted on day 4. Splenic BFU-E and CFU-E increased until day 4 and declined subsequently. These observations suggest the presence of significant migration of BFU-E in mice under erythropoietic stimuli and stress the importance of studies on all hemopoietic organs in the assessment of murine hemopoiesis.", "PMID": 1008057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11025", "title": "Specific radioimmunochemical identification and quantitation of hemoglobins A2 and F.", "content": "Hyperimmune antisera to chromatographically purified hemoglobins F and A2 were produced in rabbits and made specific for the immunogen by adsorption with normal human hemoglobin A conjugated to cyanogen bromide-activated agarose. A radioimmunoassay was established that permitted identification and quantitation of each of these two minor hemoglobins in hemolysates containing other hemoglobin components. The quantities of hemoglobins A2 and/or F present in hemolysates of individuals with beta-thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, Hb-C disease, and other hematological disorders were determined immunochemically, and the results were commpared to values obtained by microcolumn chromatography for the measurement of Hb-A2 or with the alkali denaturation technique in quantitating Hb-F. The immunoassay procedure has a greater sensitivity than other commonly employed techniques and can detect as little as 0.05 mug of these hemoglobins.", "contents": "Specific radioimmunochemical identification and quantitation of hemoglobins A2 and F. Hyperimmune antisera to chromatographically purified hemoglobins F and A2 were produced in rabbits and made specific for the immunogen by adsorption with normal human hemoglobin A conjugated to cyanogen bromide-activated agarose. A radioimmunoassay was established that permitted identification and quantitation of each of these two minor hemoglobins in hemolysates containing other hemoglobin components. The quantities of hemoglobins A2 and/or F present in hemolysates of individuals with beta-thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, Hb-C disease, and other hematological disorders were determined immunochemically, and the results were commpared to values obtained by microcolumn chromatography for the measurement of Hb-A2 or with the alkali denaturation technique in quantitating Hb-F. The immunoassay procedure has a greater sensitivity than other commonly employed techniques and can detect as little as 0.05 mug of these hemoglobins.", "PMID": 1008058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11026", "title": "Predictive value of cross-matching for transfusion of platelet concentrates to alloimmunized recipients.", "content": "Compatibility tests in which donor platelets were tested with recipient sera were performed retroactively after 64 transfusions of platelets from 59 unrelated donors to 10 alloimmunized patients. Techniques used were serotonin release, aggregometry, platelet factor 3 release, and lymphocytotoxicity, each of which has been advocated as a means of testing donor-recipient platelet compatibility. Although \"false positive\" reactions were few (positive crossmatch but satisfactory transfusion response), \"false negative\" reactions (negative crossmatch but poor transfusion response) were unacceptably high (43% by lymphocytotoxicity, 60% by serotonin release, 76% by platelet factor 3 release, and 83% by aggregometry). We conclude that current methods of detecting isosensitization to platelet alloantigens are less satisfactory than HLA phenotyping in selecting unrelated platelet donors for an alloimmunized patient population.", "contents": "Predictive value of cross-matching for transfusion of platelet concentrates to alloimmunized recipients. Compatibility tests in which donor platelets were tested with recipient sera were performed retroactively after 64 transfusions of platelets from 59 unrelated donors to 10 alloimmunized patients. Techniques used were serotonin release, aggregometry, platelet factor 3 release, and lymphocytotoxicity, each of which has been advocated as a means of testing donor-recipient platelet compatibility. Although \"false positive\" reactions were few (positive crossmatch but satisfactory transfusion response), \"false negative\" reactions (negative crossmatch but poor transfusion response) were unacceptably high (43% by lymphocytotoxicity, 60% by serotonin release, 76% by platelet factor 3 release, and 83% by aggregometry). We conclude that current methods of detecting isosensitization to platelet alloantigens are less satisfactory than HLA phenotyping in selecting unrelated platelet donors for an alloimmunized patient population.", "PMID": 1008059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11027", "title": "Tay-Sachs screening: motives for participating and knowledge of genetics and probability.", "content": "A highly-educated, socially aware group of persons presented themselves for Tay-Sachs screening having learned about it mainly from friends, newspapers, radio, and television but not from physicians or rabbis. After learning that screening was possible and deciding that it is in principle a good idea, and after discussing it with relatives and friends but not with physicians and rabbis, they presented themselves for the test. Although the participants knew that Tay-Sachs is a serious disease and that Jews are vulnerable, few of them knew much about the genetics of the disease, its frequency, or the incidence of the carrier state. This experience of screening for Tay-Sachs carriers suggests the need for physicians to learn the relation of genetics to preventive medicine, and for the public to learn more about the biology of man.", "contents": "Tay-Sachs screening: motives for participating and knowledge of genetics and probability. A highly-educated, socially aware group of persons presented themselves for Tay-Sachs screening having learned about it mainly from friends, newspapers, radio, and television but not from physicians or rabbis. After learning that screening was possible and deciding that it is in principle a good idea, and after discussing it with relatives and friends but not with physicians and rabbis, they presented themselves for the test. Although the participants knew that Tay-Sachs is a serious disease and that Jews are vulnerable, few of them knew much about the genetics of the disease, its frequency, or the incidence of the carrier state. This experience of screening for Tay-Sachs carriers suggests the need for physicians to learn the relation of genetics to preventive medicine, and for the public to learn more about the biology of man.", "PMID": 1008060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11028", "title": "A study of the genetical structure of the Cuban population: red cell and serum biochemical markers.", "content": "Gene frequencies of several red cell and serum gentic markers were determined in the three main racial groups--whites, mulattoes and Negroes--of the Cuban population. The results were used to estimate the relative contribution of Caucasian and Negro genes to the genetic makeup of these three groups and to calculate the frequencies of these genes in the general Cuban population.", "contents": "A study of the genetical structure of the Cuban population: red cell and serum biochemical markers. Gene frequencies of several red cell and serum gentic markers were determined in the three main racial groups--whites, mulattoes and Negroes--of the Cuban population. The results were used to estimate the relative contribution of Caucasian and Negro genes to the genetic makeup of these three groups and to calculate the frequencies of these genes in the general Cuban population.", "PMID": 1008061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11029", "title": "Distribution of complement C3 variants in individuals with cystic fibrosis.", "content": "The gene frequency for slow and fast electrophoretic variants of complement C3 in Caucasian individuals with cystic fibrosis was similar to the values expected for unaffected controls, thereby ruling out a suspected differential involvement of these phenotypes with the disease. In one family, cystic fibrosis and complement C3 phenotypes segregated independently.", "contents": "Distribution of complement C3 variants in individuals with cystic fibrosis. The gene frequency for slow and fast electrophoretic variants of complement C3 in Caucasian individuals with cystic fibrosis was similar to the values expected for unaffected controls, thereby ruling out a suspected differential involvement of these phenotypes with the disease. In one family, cystic fibrosis and complement C3 phenotypes segregated independently.", "PMID": 1008062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11030", "title": "Third component of complement in cystic fibrosis.", "content": "In a study of C3 levels and phenotypes in 64 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, 92 CF parents, 64 normal siblings, and 126 healthy controls, significant elevations of mean C3 levels were found in CF patients, their parents, and in one genetic sub-group of their siblins (SS females). C3 concentration in CF patients correlated with the degree of clinical impairment as measured by Shwachman-Kulczycki (S-K) score. No significant differences were found in the prevalences of C3 phenotypes or the S and F gene frequencies among the groups studied.", "contents": "Third component of complement in cystic fibrosis. In a study of C3 levels and phenotypes in 64 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, 92 CF parents, 64 normal siblings, and 126 healthy controls, significant elevations of mean C3 levels were found in CF patients, their parents, and in one genetic sub-group of their siblins (SS females). C3 concentration in CF patients correlated with the degree of clinical impairment as measured by Shwachman-Kulczycki (S-K) score. No significant differences were found in the prevalences of C3 phenotypes or the S and F gene frequencies among the groups studied.", "PMID": 1008063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11031", "title": "The Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome.", "content": "Two new cases of Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome are described; they belong to the fourth family from Lebanon in which this disease has been recognized. There is no genealogical linkage between these four families. A particular feature in these cases is a striking rhizomelic shortness of the arms especially in one case. Clinical and radiological findings, progression of the skeletal changes are studied, along with the review of the cases in the literature. Cytological and biochemical data indicate that the DMC syndrome is not a mucopolysaccharidosis.", "contents": "The Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome. Two new cases of Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome are described; they belong to the fourth family from Lebanon in which this disease has been recognized. There is no genealogical linkage between these four families. A particular feature in these cases is a striking rhizomelic shortness of the arms especially in one case. Clinical and radiological findings, progression of the skeletal changes are studied, along with the review of the cases in the literature. Cytological and biochemical data indicate that the DMC syndrome is not a mucopolysaccharidosis.", "PMID": 1008064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11032", "title": "Body fat: its relationship to coronary heart disease, blood pressure, lipids and other risk factors measured in a large male population.", "content": "Obesity is variably considered to be a major contributor to hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and its treatment is recommended in the management of coronary heart disease. Total body fat was measured by tritium dilution in a large male population and its relationship to age, blood pressure, serum lipids, uric acid and the diagnoses of coronary heart disease, hypertension and glucose intolerance was examined. In addition, three commonly used weight: height indices of obesity were correlated with each of these parameters. The correlation of body fat with blood pressure, serum cholesterol and triglycerides, although statistically significant, was of only small magnitude. Mean levels of body fat were not significantly different between patients with coronary disease and control subjects, whereas serum cholesterol and, to a lesser extent, systolic blood pressure were potent risk factors for the disease. It is concluded that obesity is only a minor determinant of blood pressure and lipid level, and that its contribution to coronary heart disease is small or nonexistent.", "contents": "Body fat: its relationship to coronary heart disease, blood pressure, lipids and other risk factors measured in a large male population. Obesity is variably considered to be a major contributor to hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and its treatment is recommended in the management of coronary heart disease. Total body fat was measured by tritium dilution in a large male population and its relationship to age, blood pressure, serum lipids, uric acid and the diagnoses of coronary heart disease, hypertension and glucose intolerance was examined. In addition, three commonly used weight: height indices of obesity were correlated with each of these parameters. The correlation of body fat with blood pressure, serum cholesterol and triglycerides, although statistically significant, was of only small magnitude. Mean levels of body fat were not significantly different between patients with coronary disease and control subjects, whereas serum cholesterol and, to a lesser extent, systolic blood pressure were potent risk factors for the disease. It is concluded that obesity is only a minor determinant of blood pressure and lipid level, and that its contribution to coronary heart disease is small or nonexistent.", "PMID": 1008068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11033", "title": "Plasma arginine vasopressin in the syndrome of antidiuretic hormone excess associated with bronchogenic carcinoma.", "content": "A study of plasma arginine vasopressin in 17 patients with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) associated with bronchogenic carcinoma, revealed that the arginine vasopressin levels were distinctly elevated in most. In 14 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma, but without overt SIADH, plasma levels of arginine vasopressin were significantly higher than in normal subjects (p less than 0.001). This, together with the finding of a lower than normal plasma osmolality in this group, suggests that inappropriate ADH excess might be much more common in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma than previously thought. The normal positive correlation between plasma osmolality and plasma arginine vasopressin was found to be reversed in SIADH. Seven of nine patients with overt SIADH, studied after fluid deprivation, showed an increase in plasma arginine vasopressin coincident with an increase in plasma osmolality (r = +0.8, p less than 0.01); in one patient, plasma arginine vasopressin returned to the original level following rehydration. The possibility that this might imply a degree of physiologic control to what is generally considered an autonomous secretion is discussed. It is, however, considered more likely that other factors, including changes in plasma volume and glomerular filtration, might explain the increase in plasma levels of arginine vasopressin.", "contents": "Plasma arginine vasopressin in the syndrome of antidiuretic hormone excess associated with bronchogenic carcinoma. A study of plasma arginine vasopressin in 17 patients with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) associated with bronchogenic carcinoma, revealed that the arginine vasopressin levels were distinctly elevated in most. In 14 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma, but without overt SIADH, plasma levels of arginine vasopressin were significantly higher than in normal subjects (p less than 0.001). This, together with the finding of a lower than normal plasma osmolality in this group, suggests that inappropriate ADH excess might be much more common in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma than previously thought. The normal positive correlation between plasma osmolality and plasma arginine vasopressin was found to be reversed in SIADH. Seven of nine patients with overt SIADH, studied after fluid deprivation, showed an increase in plasma arginine vasopressin coincident with an increase in plasma osmolality (r = +0.8, p less than 0.01); in one patient, plasma arginine vasopressin returned to the original level following rehydration. The possibility that this might imply a degree of physiologic control to what is generally considered an autonomous secretion is discussed. It is, however, considered more likely that other factors, including changes in plasma volume and glomerular filtration, might explain the increase in plasma levels of arginine vasopressin.", "PMID": 1008069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11034", "title": "Candida peritonitis. Report of 22 cases and review of the English literature.", "content": "Thirty-one patients with Candida isolated from peritoneal fluid were examined. Twenty-two were considered to have Candida peritonitis. The data on these 22 patients, plus 12 additional patients described in the literature, were reviewed. This infection was observed as a complication of peritoneal dialysis, gastrointestinal surgery or perforation of an abdominal viscus. Recent antibiotic administration seemed to be an important predisposing factor. The disease usually remained localized intra-abdominally, although disseminated candidiasis was also noted in three cases. Clinically significant infection could be differentiated from peritoneal contamination with Candida by the presence and persistence of fever, peritoneal signs, peripheral leukocytosis, positive peritoneal cultures for Candida, abnormal films of the abdomen and purulent ascitic fluid. Surgical interventions and removal of infected peritoneal fluid were the cornerstones of therapy. Short-term, low-dose systemic and/or intraperitoneally administered amphotericin B appeared promising in the treatment of unremitting infection. Mortality in treated patients was low and was comparable to that in patients with bacterial peritonitis.", "contents": "Candida peritonitis. Report of 22 cases and review of the English literature. Thirty-one patients with Candida isolated from peritoneal fluid were examined. Twenty-two were considered to have Candida peritonitis. The data on these 22 patients, plus 12 additional patients described in the literature, were reviewed. This infection was observed as a complication of peritoneal dialysis, gastrointestinal surgery or perforation of an abdominal viscus. Recent antibiotic administration seemed to be an important predisposing factor. The disease usually remained localized intra-abdominally, although disseminated candidiasis was also noted in three cases. Clinically significant infection could be differentiated from peritoneal contamination with Candida by the presence and persistence of fever, peritoneal signs, peripheral leukocytosis, positive peritoneal cultures for Candida, abnormal films of the abdomen and purulent ascitic fluid. Surgical interventions and removal of infected peritoneal fluid were the cornerstones of therapy. Short-term, low-dose systemic and/or intraperitoneally administered amphotericin B appeared promising in the treatment of unremitting infection. Mortality in treated patients was low and was comparable to that in patients with bacterial peritonitis.", "PMID": 1008070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11035", "title": "Clinical manifestations of mannosidosis--a longitudinal study.", "content": "Mannosidosis is a partially defined disorder of glycoprotein metabolism; less than 20 cases have been reported in the literature. In this work, a longitudinal study of five new patients is presented in an attempt to delineate the phenotype and clinical course of this unusual storage disease. The data on our patients and those in the literature indicate that people with mannosidosis appear normal at birth and that their typical phenotype develops by two years of age. This is characterized by a distinctive coarse facies and dysostosis multiplex. Although recurrent infections, hearing loss and mental retardation occur, the course in this storage disorder generally is stable and is compatible with adult life. The diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of a deficiency in alpha-D-mannosidase activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts, by the presence of vacuolated lymphocytes in peripheral blood and foam cells in bone marrow, and an increased excretion of mannose-rich oligosaccharides in urine.", "contents": "Clinical manifestations of mannosidosis--a longitudinal study. Mannosidosis is a partially defined disorder of glycoprotein metabolism; less than 20 cases have been reported in the literature. In this work, a longitudinal study of five new patients is presented in an attempt to delineate the phenotype and clinical course of this unusual storage disease. The data on our patients and those in the literature indicate that people with mannosidosis appear normal at birth and that their typical phenotype develops by two years of age. This is characterized by a distinctive coarse facies and dysostosis multiplex. Although recurrent infections, hearing loss and mental retardation occur, the course in this storage disorder generally is stable and is compatible with adult life. The diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of a deficiency in alpha-D-mannosidase activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts, by the presence of vacuolated lymphocytes in peripheral blood and foam cells in bone marrow, and an increased excretion of mannose-rich oligosaccharides in urine.", "PMID": 1008071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11036", "title": "Skin capillary abnormalities as indicators of organ involvement in scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), Raynaud's syndrome and dermatomyositis.", "content": "Forty-four study patients with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) (28 patients), Raynaud's syndrome (13 patients) or dermatomyositis (three patients) were observed for skin capillary abnormalities by widefield microscopy and compared with three control groups of 20 subjects each: (1) patients with other rheumatic disease, (2) hospitalized patients with nonrheumatic conditions, and (3) healthy volunteers. The distinctive microvascular pattern (dilated and distorted capillary loops alternating with avascular areas) previously reported in scleroderma and dermatomyositis was observed almost exclusively in the study patients. The severity of capillary abnormalities varied among the diagnostic subgroups, and a positive correlation was found between the degree and extent of abnormal microvascular patterns and multisystem involvement. On this basis, widefield nailfold capillary observations are proposed as a simple, inexpensive, reproducible technic for making an improved early diagnosis and predicting multisystem involvement in scleroderma, Raynaud's syndrome and dermatomyositis, presently a group of loosely associated and overlapping connective tissue disorders which often defy early and precise diagnosis.", "contents": "Skin capillary abnormalities as indicators of organ involvement in scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), Raynaud's syndrome and dermatomyositis. Forty-four study patients with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) (28 patients), Raynaud's syndrome (13 patients) or dermatomyositis (three patients) were observed for skin capillary abnormalities by widefield microscopy and compared with three control groups of 20 subjects each: (1) patients with other rheumatic disease, (2) hospitalized patients with nonrheumatic conditions, and (3) healthy volunteers. The distinctive microvascular pattern (dilated and distorted capillary loops alternating with avascular areas) previously reported in scleroderma and dermatomyositis was observed almost exclusively in the study patients. The severity of capillary abnormalities varied among the diagnostic subgroups, and a positive correlation was found between the degree and extent of abnormal microvascular patterns and multisystem involvement. On this basis, widefield nailfold capillary observations are proposed as a simple, inexpensive, reproducible technic for making an improved early diagnosis and predicting multisystem involvement in scleroderma, Raynaud's syndrome and dermatomyositis, presently a group of loosely associated and overlapping connective tissue disorders which often defy early and precise diagnosis.", "PMID": 1008072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11037", "title": "Mediastinal irradiation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.", "content": "Thirty-one patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were treated with mediastinal radiation. In none of the patients was complete remission achieved; either partial remission or clinical improvement was achieved in 52 per cent, but the duration of response was short. The response rate was 77 per cent for the patients receiving a total radiation dose greater than 3,000 rads and 45 per cent for those receiving less than 3,000 rads. Severe life-threatening toxicity was noted in 11 patients and seven of these patients died; two patients died with progressive disease. Severe toxicity was manifested by one or more of the following: bone marrow aplasia, pancytopenia, gram-negative sepsis, generalized herpes zoster and severe esophagitis. Neither the total dose of radiation nor the dose per week correlated withe the severity of reaction or death.", "contents": "Mediastinal irradiation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Thirty-one patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were treated with mediastinal radiation. In none of the patients was complete remission achieved; either partial remission or clinical improvement was achieved in 52 per cent, but the duration of response was short. The response rate was 77 per cent for the patients receiving a total radiation dose greater than 3,000 rads and 45 per cent for those receiving less than 3,000 rads. Severe life-threatening toxicity was noted in 11 patients and seven of these patients died; two patients died with progressive disease. Severe toxicity was manifested by one or more of the following: bone marrow aplasia, pancytopenia, gram-negative sepsis, generalized herpes zoster and severe esophagitis. Neither the total dose of radiation nor the dose per week correlated withe the severity of reaction or death.", "PMID": 1008073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11038", "title": "Tuberculous pseudotumors of the liver.", "content": "A 35 year old man presented with fever, weight loss and adenopathy. The clinical presentation, laboratory studies, liver scan and laparotomy all suggested metastatic carcinoma. Bacteriologic and pathologic studies established a diagnosis of macronodular tuberculosis isolated to the liver. Response to antituberculous drug therapy was rapid. Review of the literature revealed this case to be a rare example of tuberculous pseudotumors of the liver.", "contents": "Tuberculous pseudotumors of the liver. A 35 year old man presented with fever, weight loss and adenopathy. The clinical presentation, laboratory studies, liver scan and laparotomy all suggested metastatic carcinoma. Bacteriologic and pathologic studies established a diagnosis of macronodular tuberculosis isolated to the liver. Response to antituberculous drug therapy was rapid. Review of the literature revealed this case to be a rare example of tuberculous pseudotumors of the liver.", "PMID": 1008075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11039", "title": "Coagulation studies of viral hepatitis occurring during pregnancy.", "content": "A study of coagulation disorders due to hepatitis A infection occurring during pregnancy was undertaken to determine if the unique coagulation status produced by pregnancy (elevated clotting factors and decreased fibrinolytic activity) was responsible for the increased severity of hepatitis A infections reported for pregnant women from various parts of the world. Of 49 patients studied, 12 (24%) developed hepatic failure and 9 (18%) died. A prolonged prothrombin time and low fibrinogen level were found to be as frequent as previously reported for nonpregnant patients with and without hepatic failure. Thrombocytopenia was less common and a long thrombin time was more common. Although intravascular coagulation was suggested by a lower mean fibrinogen level than expected in late pregnancy, mean platelet counts were similar to controls. The frequency of a positive protamine sulfate paracoagulation test for intravascular coagulation (DIC) was similar to that reported for uncomplicated pregnancy, and was of no prognostic value when performed on admission. We conclude that the severe clinical course of hepatitis during pregnancy in this epidemic was not attributable to a predisposition for DIC. However, once fulminant hepatitis occurred, DIC may have been a clinically significant factor.", "contents": "Coagulation studies of viral hepatitis occurring during pregnancy. A study of coagulation disorders due to hepatitis A infection occurring during pregnancy was undertaken to determine if the unique coagulation status produced by pregnancy (elevated clotting factors and decreased fibrinolytic activity) was responsible for the increased severity of hepatitis A infections reported for pregnant women from various parts of the world. Of 49 patients studied, 12 (24%) developed hepatic failure and 9 (18%) died. A prolonged prothrombin time and low fibrinogen level were found to be as frequent as previously reported for nonpregnant patients with and without hepatic failure. Thrombocytopenia was less common and a long thrombin time was more common. Although intravascular coagulation was suggested by a lower mean fibrinogen level than expected in late pregnancy, mean platelet counts were similar to controls. The frequency of a positive protamine sulfate paracoagulation test for intravascular coagulation (DIC) was similar to that reported for uncomplicated pregnancy, and was of no prognostic value when performed on admission. We conclude that the severe clinical course of hepatitis during pregnancy in this epidemic was not attributable to a predisposition for DIC. However, once fulminant hepatitis occurred, DIC may have been a clinically significant factor.", "PMID": 1008076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11040", "title": "Lymphocyte response to phytomitogens in iron deficiency.", "content": "The lymphocytes of iron-deficient anemic and nonanemic patients have a decreased response to phytomitogens. Treatment of these patients with iron is followed by restoration of the lymphocyte response to normal. These findings indicate an important nonhemoglobin function of iron. Iron deficiency may be a factor in the production or potentiation of immune deficiency.", "contents": "Lymphocyte response to phytomitogens in iron deficiency. The lymphocytes of iron-deficient anemic and nonanemic patients have a decreased response to phytomitogens. Treatment of these patients with iron is followed by restoration of the lymphocyte response to normal. These findings indicate an important nonhemoglobin function of iron. Iron deficiency may be a factor in the production or potentiation of immune deficiency.", "PMID": 1008077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11041", "title": "Massive pulmonary hemorrhage: a rare complication of heparin therapy.", "content": "A rare complication, massive pulmonary hemorrhage, occurred in two patients who were receiving heparin for pulmonary thromboembolic disease. The site of pulmonary hemorrhage was not found at autopsy. The occurrence of profuse hemoptysis in both patients prior to anticoagulation suggests that this finding may be of value in predicting the risk of pulmonary hemorrhage in a given patient.", "contents": "Massive pulmonary hemorrhage: a rare complication of heparin therapy. A rare complication, massive pulmonary hemorrhage, occurred in two patients who were receiving heparin for pulmonary thromboembolic disease. The site of pulmonary hemorrhage was not found at autopsy. The occurrence of profuse hemoptysis in both patients prior to anticoagulation suggests that this finding may be of value in predicting the risk of pulmonary hemorrhage in a given patient.", "PMID": 1008081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11042", "title": "Variegate porphyria with unusual neurologic manifestations.", "content": "A 62-year-old man with variegate porphyria is reported. This is the first case to be described in Greece. Apart from the common features of the disease this patient exhibited sensory loss of the syringomyelic type. Though variegate prophyria with neurologic manifestations is not uncommon syringomyelic type of sensory loss is most unusual.", "contents": "Variegate porphyria with unusual neurologic manifestations. A 62-year-old man with variegate porphyria is reported. This is the first case to be described in Greece. Apart from the common features of the disease this patient exhibited sensory loss of the syringomyelic type. Though variegate prophyria with neurologic manifestations is not uncommon syringomyelic type of sensory loss is most unusual.", "PMID": 1008082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11043", "title": "Involvement of the heart and pericardium in the malignant lymphomas.", "content": "Seventeen patients with lymphomatous involvement of the heart or pericardium were studied. The series includes eight patients with Hodgkin's disease and nine with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. All 17 had radiologia evidence of pulmonary, or mediastinal involvement. Cardiac or pericardial disease in seven was apparently due to direct extension of other intrathoracic tumor masses. Cardiac involvement was usually a late manifestation of lymphoma with median onset 20 months after initial diagnosis. Fourteen patients had been treated for stage IV disease prior to the onset of cardiac lymphoma. Only seven of the 17 patients with cardiac involvement were diagnosed antemortem. Four of them are alive without evidence of disease 8 to 68 months after diagnosis and treatment. Because cardiac lymphomas may respond to therapy with prolonged survival, it is imperative that clinicians suspect cardiac or pericardial involvement in lymphoma patients who have radiographic evidence of intrathoracic lesions (especially adjacent to cardiac borders), unexplained tachyarrhythmia or conduction disturbance, evidence of outflow obstruction, or signs and symptoms suggesting pericardial effusion or tamponade.", "contents": "Involvement of the heart and pericardium in the malignant lymphomas. Seventeen patients with lymphomatous involvement of the heart or pericardium were studied. The series includes eight patients with Hodgkin's disease and nine with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. All 17 had radiologia evidence of pulmonary, or mediastinal involvement. Cardiac or pericardial disease in seven was apparently due to direct extension of other intrathoracic tumor masses. Cardiac involvement was usually a late manifestation of lymphoma with median onset 20 months after initial diagnosis. Fourteen patients had been treated for stage IV disease prior to the onset of cardiac lymphoma. Only seven of the 17 patients with cardiac involvement were diagnosed antemortem. Four of them are alive without evidence of disease 8 to 68 months after diagnosis and treatment. Because cardiac lymphomas may respond to therapy with prolonged survival, it is imperative that clinicians suspect cardiac or pericardial involvement in lymphoma patients who have radiographic evidence of intrathoracic lesions (especially adjacent to cardiac borders), unexplained tachyarrhythmia or conduction disturbance, evidence of outflow obstruction, or signs and symptoms suggesting pericardial effusion or tamponade.", "PMID": 1008078} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11044", "title": "Altered copper and zinc metabolism in primary hyperparathyroidism.", "content": "Mean 24-hour urinary excretion of copper and zinc was greater than normal in 17 patients with untreated primary hyperparathyroidism. Mean total serum copper concentration in these patients was slightly greater than the normal mean, whereas mean total zinc concentration was normal. After surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism there was a transient further increase in urinary copper and zinc concentrations in the 13 patients so studied, with no consistent change in serum copper or zinc concentrations. Five patients were studied for several days after this postoperative peak had passed. Urinary copper and zinc excretion decreased in three in relation to surgical correction of their hyperparthyroidism and remained elevated in one with persistent hypercalcemia. In the fifth patient urinary zinc excretion increased to slightly above the normal range despite successful surgery. These results suggest that changes in urinary excretion of copper and zinc may be useful indicators in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.", "contents": "Altered copper and zinc metabolism in primary hyperparathyroidism. Mean 24-hour urinary excretion of copper and zinc was greater than normal in 17 patients with untreated primary hyperparathyroidism. Mean total serum copper concentration in these patients was slightly greater than the normal mean, whereas mean total zinc concentration was normal. After surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism there was a transient further increase in urinary copper and zinc concentrations in the 13 patients so studied, with no consistent change in serum copper or zinc concentrations. Five patients were studied for several days after this postoperative peak had passed. Urinary copper and zinc excretion decreased in three in relation to surgical correction of their hyperparthyroidism and remained elevated in one with persistent hypercalcemia. In the fifth patient urinary zinc excretion increased to slightly above the normal range despite successful surgery. These results suggest that changes in urinary excretion of copper and zinc may be useful indicators in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.", "PMID": 1008079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11045", "title": "Infectious mononucleosis and severe thrombocytopenia.", "content": "Two patients with infectious mononucleosis who presented with severe thrombocytopenia at diagnosis are described. Anti-platelet antibody was demonstrated in one patient. Both responded well to a short course of prednisone therapy. These cases are of interest in view of their rarity and illustrate the need for screening patients who present with thrombocytopenia for infectious mononucleosis.", "contents": "Infectious mononucleosis and severe thrombocytopenia. Two patients with infectious mononucleosis who presented with severe thrombocytopenia at diagnosis are described. Anti-platelet antibody was demonstrated in one patient. Both responded well to a short course of prednisone therapy. These cases are of interest in view of their rarity and illustrate the need for screening patients who present with thrombocytopenia for infectious mononucleosis.", "PMID": 1008084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11046", "title": "Oedipus of Thebes: the myth and its other meanings.", "content": "Sigmund Freud used the Oedipus myth to represent a crucial part of sexual development. Careful attention to the details of the myth as related by Sophokles points the way to entirely different and fruitful understandings. Myth is seen as an external representation of man's inner life; omens and the gods are viewed in this context. We can then see Oedipus' suffering as inseparable from loss and growth. In his struggle and ambivalence, Oedipus represents that suffering and transcendence for all of us. The myth tells us of the responsibilty, the pain, and the courage which are necessary ingredients in all human growth.", "contents": "Oedipus of Thebes: the myth and its other meanings. Sigmund Freud used the Oedipus myth to represent a crucial part of sexual development. Careful attention to the details of the myth as related by Sophokles points the way to entirely different and fruitful understandings. Myth is seen as an external representation of man's inner life; omens and the gods are viewed in this context. We can then see Oedipus' suffering as inseparable from loss and growth. In his struggle and ambivalence, Oedipus represents that suffering and transcendence for all of us. The myth tells us of the responsibilty, the pain, and the courage which are necessary ingredients in all human growth.", "PMID": 1008091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11047", "title": "Coexistence of primary endocrine deficiencies: a unique case of male hypergonadism associated with hypoparathyroidism, hypoadrenocorticism, and hypothyroidism.", "content": "The unique combination of male hypogonadism with hypoparathyroidism, hypoadrenalism, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and alopecia totalis has been documented in a male patient who has been followed over the past 28 years. In this patient, first seen at the age of six for hypoparathyroidism alone, repeated clinical and laboratory endocrine evaluation detected the sequential development of the additional endocrine deficiencies. The presence of abnormal serum antibodies is consistent with an atuoimmune pathogenesis of this syndrome.", "contents": "Coexistence of primary endocrine deficiencies: a unique case of male hypergonadism associated with hypoparathyroidism, hypoadrenocorticism, and hypothyroidism. The unique combination of male hypogonadism with hypoparathyroidism, hypoadrenalism, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and alopecia totalis has been documented in a male patient who has been followed over the past 28 years. In this patient, first seen at the age of six for hypoparathyroidism alone, repeated clinical and laboratory endocrine evaluation detected the sequential development of the additional endocrine deficiencies. The presence of abnormal serum antibodies is consistent with an atuoimmune pathogenesis of this syndrome.", "PMID": 1008083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11048", "title": "Lupus anticoagulant in myelofibrosis.", "content": "A patient with myelofibrosis who also demonstrates a lupus anticoagulant is reported. The presence of a circulating anticoagulant adds to the list of potential hemorrhagic diatheses in myelofibrosis and also demonstrates myelofibrosis to involve a system that may be separate from the myeloid elements of the bone marrow.", "contents": "Lupus anticoagulant in myelofibrosis. A patient with myelofibrosis who also demonstrates a lupus anticoagulant is reported. The presence of a circulating anticoagulant adds to the list of potential hemorrhagic diatheses in myelofibrosis and also demonstrates myelofibrosis to involve a system that may be separate from the myeloid elements of the bone marrow.", "PMID": 1008085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11049", "title": "The black slum child and the problem of aggression.", "content": "The exposure to violence and life-threatening aggression from many sources caused black children from socioeconomically deprived areas to respond in certain adaptive ways. These usually are appropriate for the culture in which the child is raised. Although one response is a paranoidlike reaction, aggression is also displayed directly in an attempt at mastery of the overwhelming frustration and life-threatening aspects of the ghetto. The significance of aggression in the psychotherapeutic relationship, particularly between the white therapist and black child, is discussed, and there is a brief review of the psychoanalytic concept of aggression as it applies to the ghetto child. A case is presented exemplifying these points clinically in a typical black slum child.", "contents": "The black slum child and the problem of aggression. The exposure to violence and life-threatening aggression from many sources caused black children from socioeconomically deprived areas to respond in certain adaptive ways. These usually are appropriate for the culture in which the child is raised. Although one response is a paranoidlike reaction, aggression is also displayed directly in an attempt at mastery of the overwhelming frustration and life-threatening aspects of the ghetto. The significance of aggression in the psychotherapeutic relationship, particularly between the white therapist and black child, is discussed, and there is a brief review of the psychoanalytic concept of aggression as it applies to the ghetto child. A case is presented exemplifying these points clinically in a typical black slum child.", "PMID": 1008102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11050", "title": "Psychoanalytic treatment of the obese person. Part III.", "content": "This paper is an attempt to clarify some of the issues which face the psychiatrist in his efforts at treating the obese patient through analytic means. A thoroughgoing bias in Western culture impairs the psychiatric and non-psychiatric medical care of the obese person. Inconclusive evidence concerning the causal relation between obesity and chronic disease does not deter this cultural bias from exaggerating the role that obesity is thought to play in disease process. Whatever contribution it makes to physical illness, obesity remains a substantial social disability that is frequently associated with self-hate and feelings of ineffectiveness. Scientific investigations indicate that adiposity is determined by interactions of genetic and environmental influences acting at different levels of complexity within the organism. Hence, the adipocyte itself may influence existing fatness and retard weight reduction. Constitutional factors affecting the hypothalamus may contribute to obesity in certain individuals. Also, cortical effects determine maladaptive eating behavior and excessive adiposity. Poor eating habits which are associated with emotional conflict seem to strongly affect the development and continuance of obesity in most fat persons. The interaction among adipocyte, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex remains unclear. The various treatments of obesity have been shown to be of little impact in helping overweight persons to sustain weight loss. Diet control, exercise, group psychotherapy, and behavior modification show slight benefit. Recent controlled studies dispute earlier claims that behavior modification is effective in achieving meaningful and lasting weight loss. Claims that intestinal bypass procedures are a useful treatment also require further supporting evidence. Psychoanalytic or intensive sustained psychotherapeutic treatment of the obese person emphasizes exploration of the entire personality. As long-neglected constructive forces are stregthened, weight loss may proceed. Psychoanalytic treatment is not indicated for obesity uncomplicated by neurotic distortions. In the presence of interpersonal problems and personal ineffectiveness, psychoanalysis has real utility. It is not clear that obesity is a major determinant of impaired physical or emotional health. Rather, the medical indictment of obesity seems to stem from the need to justify an intensely negative cultural bias. Casual disregard of this fact and of the complexity involving issues of etiology and treatment may signify inadequate appreciation in the psychoanalyst of the extent to which he participates in this cultural bias. The continuing failure of medical science to devise a means to help fat persons sustain weight loss to any meaningful degree has prevented the development of studies which would show if weight reduction truly does provide uniformly enhanced physical and emotional well-being...", "contents": "Psychoanalytic treatment of the obese person. Part III. This paper is an attempt to clarify some of the issues which face the psychiatrist in his efforts at treating the obese patient through analytic means. A thoroughgoing bias in Western culture impairs the psychiatric and non-psychiatric medical care of the obese person. Inconclusive evidence concerning the causal relation between obesity and chronic disease does not deter this cultural bias from exaggerating the role that obesity is thought to play in disease process. Whatever contribution it makes to physical illness, obesity remains a substantial social disability that is frequently associated with self-hate and feelings of ineffectiveness. Scientific investigations indicate that adiposity is determined by interactions of genetic and environmental influences acting at different levels of complexity within the organism. Hence, the adipocyte itself may influence existing fatness and retard weight reduction. Constitutional factors affecting the hypothalamus may contribute to obesity in certain individuals. Also, cortical effects determine maladaptive eating behavior and excessive adiposity. Poor eating habits which are associated with emotional conflict seem to strongly affect the development and continuance of obesity in most fat persons. The interaction among adipocyte, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex remains unclear. The various treatments of obesity have been shown to be of little impact in helping overweight persons to sustain weight loss. Diet control, exercise, group psychotherapy, and behavior modification show slight benefit. Recent controlled studies dispute earlier claims that behavior modification is effective in achieving meaningful and lasting weight loss. Claims that intestinal bypass procedures are a useful treatment also require further supporting evidence. Psychoanalytic or intensive sustained psychotherapeutic treatment of the obese person emphasizes exploration of the entire personality. As long-neglected constructive forces are stregthened, weight loss may proceed. Psychoanalytic treatment is not indicated for obesity uncomplicated by neurotic distortions. In the presence of interpersonal problems and personal ineffectiveness, psychoanalysis has real utility. It is not clear that obesity is a major determinant of impaired physical or emotional health. Rather, the medical indictment of obesity seems to stem from the need to justify an intensely negative cultural bias. Casual disregard of this fact and of the complexity involving issues of etiology and treatment may signify inadequate appreciation in the psychoanalyst of the extent to which he participates in this cultural bias. The continuing failure of medical science to devise a means to help fat persons sustain weight loss to any meaningful degree has prevented the development of studies which would show if weight reduction truly does provide uniformly enhanced physical and emotional well-being...", "PMID": 1008103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11051", "title": "The relationship of family size and spacing to the growth of preschool Mayan children in Guatemala.", "content": "The height of preschool Mayan children is analyzed with respect to family size and the spacing of their siblings, controlling for parental heights and weights. Data on 643 cases were abstracted from the records of two previous longitudinal studies on the health of children under age five years living in the highlands of Guatemala. Height at age three years is estimated from the linear regression equations fitted for each child to measurements of height repeated at three-month intervals from ages one to four years. Family size is expressed in terms of birth rank, live siblings, and the number of dependent and independent family members. Family spacing is measured as birth intervals, i.e., the number of months between the birth of the index child and his previous and subsequent siblings. Most previous studies have reported that height decreases as family size increases. This study shows that Mayan children from both small and large families are taller than those from middle-sized families. Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that children in large families are relatively tall because their early-born siblings contribute to the family fortunes. Birth intervals are positively correlated with height. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for family planning.", "contents": "The relationship of family size and spacing to the growth of preschool Mayan children in Guatemala. The height of preschool Mayan children is analyzed with respect to family size and the spacing of their siblings, controlling for parental heights and weights. Data on 643 cases were abstracted from the records of two previous longitudinal studies on the health of children under age five years living in the highlands of Guatemala. Height at age three years is estimated from the linear regression equations fitted for each child to measurements of height repeated at three-month intervals from ages one to four years. Family size is expressed in terms of birth rank, live siblings, and the number of dependent and independent family members. Family spacing is measured as birth intervals, i.e., the number of months between the birth of the index child and his previous and subsequent siblings. Most previous studies have reported that height decreases as family size increases. This study shows that Mayan children from both small and large families are taller than those from middle-sized families. Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that children in large families are relatively tall because their early-born siblings contribute to the family fortunes. Birth intervals are positively correlated with height. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for family planning.", "PMID": 1008112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11052", "title": "Physician management in primary care.", "content": "Minimal explicit consensus criteria in the management of patients with four indicator conditions were established by an ad hoc committee of primary care physicians practicing in different locations. These criteria were then applied to the practices of primary care physicians located in a single community by abstracting medical records and obtaining questionnaire data about patients with the indicator conditions. A standardized management score for each physician was used as the dependent variable in stepwise regression analysis with physician/practice and patient/disease characteristics as the candidate independent variables. For all physicians combined, the mean management scores were high, ranging from .78 to .93 for the four conditions. For two of the conditions, care of the normal infant and pregnant woman, the management scores were better for pediatricians and obstetricians respectively than for family physicians. For the other two conditions, adult onset diabetes and congestive heart failure, there were no differences between the management scores of family physicians and internists. Patient/disease characteristics did not contribute significantly to explaining the variation in the standardized management scores.", "contents": "Physician management in primary care. Minimal explicit consensus criteria in the management of patients with four indicator conditions were established by an ad hoc committee of primary care physicians practicing in different locations. These criteria were then applied to the practices of primary care physicians located in a single community by abstracting medical records and obtaining questionnaire data about patients with the indicator conditions. A standardized management score for each physician was used as the dependent variable in stepwise regression analysis with physician/practice and patient/disease characteristics as the candidate independent variables. For all physicians combined, the mean management scores were high, ranging from .78 to .93 for the four conditions. For two of the conditions, care of the normal infant and pregnant woman, the management scores were better for pediatricians and obstetricians respectively than for family physicians. For the other two conditions, adult onset diabetes and congestive heart failure, there were no differences between the management scores of family physicians and internists. Patient/disease characteristics did not contribute significantly to explaining the variation in the standardized management scores.", "PMID": 1008113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11053", "title": "The effect of antibiotics on mortality from infectious diseases in Sweden and Finland.", "content": "A study was carried out to determine whether the preexisting decline in mortality rates from infectious diseases accelerated after the introduction of antibiotic and chemotherapeutic drugs. Linear regression curves showed that in Sweden mortality rates declined faster in septicemia, syphilis, and non-memingococcal meningitis after the introduction of these drugs. By contrast, for the ten other infectious diseases studied, (scarlet fever, erysipelas, acute rheumatic fever, puerperal sepsis, meningococcal infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and acute gastroenteritis) no such accelerated decline in mortality could be detected. The findings suggest that antibiotic and chemotherapeutic drugs have not had the dramatic effect of the mortality of infectious diseases popularly attributed to them.", "contents": "The effect of antibiotics on mortality from infectious diseases in Sweden and Finland. A study was carried out to determine whether the preexisting decline in mortality rates from infectious diseases accelerated after the introduction of antibiotic and chemotherapeutic drugs. Linear regression curves showed that in Sweden mortality rates declined faster in septicemia, syphilis, and non-memingococcal meningitis after the introduction of these drugs. By contrast, for the ten other infectious diseases studied, (scarlet fever, erysipelas, acute rheumatic fever, puerperal sepsis, meningococcal infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and acute gastroenteritis) no such accelerated decline in mortality could be detected. The findings suggest that antibiotic and chemotherapeutic drugs have not had the dramatic effect of the mortality of infectious diseases popularly attributed to them.", "PMID": 1008114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11054", "title": "Human babesiosis on Nantucket Island: transmission by nymphal Ixodes ticks.", "content": "In order to identify potential vectors of human babesiosis (Babesia microli) in southern Massachusetts, I attempted to transmit the infection via nymphal ticks of that species found to be most abundant on reservoir hosts (Peromyscus leucopus) in nature. Mice were collected at frequent intervals throughout a year in a known enzootic focus on Nantucket Island, and ticks were removed by hand. Ticks of only two species were present; larvae and nymphs of Ixodes scapularis were about 10 times as numerous as were those of Dermacentor variabilis. Accordingly, I. scapularis were used in attempts to transmit a strain of Babesia derived from a human infection recently acquired near the study site. Larvae were permitted to feed on an infected hamster and nymphs derived from these larvae were placed on each of 11 non-infected hamsters. All but one hamster became infected. Nymphs reared from larvae that had attached to a non-infected hamster did not transmit babesiosis to other hamsters. These results suggest that I. scapularis serves as a vector of babesios-s on Nantucket hamsters. These results suggest that I. scapularis serves as a vector of babesiosis on Nantucket Island.", "contents": "Human babesiosis on Nantucket Island: transmission by nymphal Ixodes ticks. In order to identify potential vectors of human babesiosis (Babesia microli) in southern Massachusetts, I attempted to transmit the infection via nymphal ticks of that species found to be most abundant on reservoir hosts (Peromyscus leucopus) in nature. Mice were collected at frequent intervals throughout a year in a known enzootic focus on Nantucket Island, and ticks were removed by hand. Ticks of only two species were present; larvae and nymphs of Ixodes scapularis were about 10 times as numerous as were those of Dermacentor variabilis. Accordingly, I. scapularis were used in attempts to transmit a strain of Babesia derived from a human infection recently acquired near the study site. Larvae were permitted to feed on an infected hamster and nymphs derived from these larvae were placed on each of 11 non-infected hamsters. All but one hamster became infected. Nymphs reared from larvae that had attached to a non-infected hamster did not transmit babesiosis to other hamsters. These results suggest that I. scapularis serves as a vector of babesios-s on Nantucket hamsters. These results suggest that I. scapularis serves as a vector of babesiosis on Nantucket Island.", "PMID": 1008124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11055", "title": "Fatal human infection with mesocercariae of the trematode Alaria americana.", "content": "A fatal human infection with mesocercafiae of Alaria americana is described. Several thousand mesocercariae were estimated to be present in the peritoneal cavity, bronchial aspirate, brain, heart, kidney, liver, lungs, lymph nodes, pancreas, retroperitoneal adipose tissue, spinal cord, spleen, and stomach. Nine days from the onset of symptoms death resulted from asphyxiation due to extensive pulmonary hemorrhage probably caused by immun-mediated mechanisms. Circumstances suggest the victim probably ate inadequately cooked frog legs while hiking. Mesocercariae penetrated through the stomach wall and spread to the various organs both directly and via and circulatory system.", "contents": "Fatal human infection with mesocercariae of the trematode Alaria americana. A fatal human infection with mesocercafiae of Alaria americana is described. Several thousand mesocercariae were estimated to be present in the peritoneal cavity, bronchial aspirate, brain, heart, kidney, liver, lungs, lymph nodes, pancreas, retroperitoneal adipose tissue, spinal cord, spleen, and stomach. Nine days from the onset of symptoms death resulted from asphyxiation due to extensive pulmonary hemorrhage probably caused by immun-mediated mechanisms. Circumstances suggest the victim probably ate inadequately cooked frog legs while hiking. Mesocercariae penetrated through the stomach wall and spread to the various organs both directly and via and circulatory system.", "PMID": 1008125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11056", "title": "Morbidity from Schistosoma mansoni infections: an epidemiologic study based on quantitative analysis of egg excretion in two highland Ethiopian villages.", "content": "Although human infection with Schistosoma mansoni is known to be widespread in Highland Ethiopia, no information is available on its public health impact. A sample of the inhabitants of two typical villages in the endemic region north of Lake Tana were studied by clinical and quantitative parasitologic methods. One village had a moderately high prevalence (43.3%), while the second, chosen for comparison, had a very low prevalence (10.7%). No evidence of severe hepatosplenic disease was found in 343 persons examined. Symptons and mild hepatomegaly compatible with S. mansoni infection were common, and in the high prevalence village complaints of abdominal pain and blood in the stool were significantly related to S. mansoni egg counts. However, all signs and symptoms compatible with S. mansoni infection, including hepatomegaly, were of greater or similar frequency in the village with the low prevalence of infection. The findings of minimal morbidity are compatible with the level of intensity of infection found in the area and are consistent with the findings from morbidity studies based on quantitative egg counts in other areas of the world.", "contents": "Morbidity from Schistosoma mansoni infections: an epidemiologic study based on quantitative analysis of egg excretion in two highland Ethiopian villages. Although human infection with Schistosoma mansoni is known to be widespread in Highland Ethiopia, no information is available on its public health impact. A sample of the inhabitants of two typical villages in the endemic region north of Lake Tana were studied by clinical and quantitative parasitologic methods. One village had a moderately high prevalence (43.3%), while the second, chosen for comparison, had a very low prevalence (10.7%). No evidence of severe hepatosplenic disease was found in 343 persons examined. Symptons and mild hepatomegaly compatible with S. mansoni infection were common, and in the high prevalence village complaints of abdominal pain and blood in the stool were significantly related to S. mansoni egg counts. However, all signs and symptoms compatible with S. mansoni infection, including hepatomegaly, were of greater or similar frequency in the village with the low prevalence of infection. The findings of minimal morbidity are compatible with the level of intensity of infection found in the area and are consistent with the findings from morbidity studies based on quantitative egg counts in other areas of the world.", "PMID": 1008126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11057", "title": "A modification of the formol-ether concentration technique for increased sensitivity in detecting Schistosoma mansoni eggs.", "content": "The low Schistosoma mansoni egg counts generally found in Puerto Rico require a sensitive technique for epidemiologic studies. The Ritchie formol-ether concentration technique has been modified to make it more useful for this purpose. The modified technique was compared with the older technique by analyzing fecal specimens from ten individuals with varying levels of infection. It was also compared with the Kato thick-smear technique with specimens from 25 other patients. In both series, three replicates of each technique were done on each stool. Results indicated that the modified technique was more sensitive than the older technique in terms of number of eggs counted, and that the sediment was smaller and clearer and required about 15% less time to examine. In comparison with the Kato technique, it was more successful in detecting light infections, although at higher levels of intensity, when expressed on an eggs-per-gram basis, the thick smear detected relatively more eggs. For the series as a whole, coefficients of variation for the three replicates done on each stool were smaller for the modified concentration technique than for the Kato technique. This is interpreted to reflect satisfactory reproducibility of the concentration technique when compared to the Kato technique. The concentration technique has the additional advantages over the thick smear of detecting other intestinal parasites and allowing for transportation and storage after feces are preserved in formalin.", "contents": "A modification of the formol-ether concentration technique for increased sensitivity in detecting Schistosoma mansoni eggs. The low Schistosoma mansoni egg counts generally found in Puerto Rico require a sensitive technique for epidemiologic studies. The Ritchie formol-ether concentration technique has been modified to make it more useful for this purpose. The modified technique was compared with the older technique by analyzing fecal specimens from ten individuals with varying levels of infection. It was also compared with the Kato thick-smear technique with specimens from 25 other patients. In both series, three replicates of each technique were done on each stool. Results indicated that the modified technique was more sensitive than the older technique in terms of number of eggs counted, and that the sediment was smaller and clearer and required about 15% less time to examine. In comparison with the Kato technique, it was more successful in detecting light infections, although at higher levels of intensity, when expressed on an eggs-per-gram basis, the thick smear detected relatively more eggs. For the series as a whole, coefficients of variation for the three replicates done on each stool were smaller for the modified concentration technique than for the Kato technique. This is interpreted to reflect satisfactory reproducibility of the concentration technique when compared to the Kato technique. The concentration technique has the additional advantages over the thick smear of detecting other intestinal parasites and allowing for transportation and storage after feces are preserved in formalin.", "PMID": 1008127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11058", "title": "Influence of hycanthone on morphology and serotonin uptake of Schistosome mansoni.", "content": "The intrinsic content of serotonin (5HT) and the uptake of 5HT by Schistosoma mansoni taken from mice which were given a single intramuscular therapeutic dose of hycanthone were studied. Drug-exposed worms were found to have intrinsic values of 5HT which were similar or slightly less than controls. Uptake measurements were made on single and on paired worms recovered from mesenteric, portal, or hepatic sites and incubated in 75% horse serum or in Fischer's medium. All groups of treated worms were found to take up, on average, similar or lower amounts of 5HT compared to controls. These findings are in contrast to a recent report of very considerable increases in content or in 5HT acquisition in vitro by hycanthone-exposed parasites. This communication suggests that the mode of action of hycanthone cannot be explained as being due to increased 5HT uptake. Morphological changes in hycanthone-treated worms include loss of body weight and size, loss of hemoglobin pigment from the gut, deterioration of the tegument, and derangement of the vitellaria. The loss of gut contents occurs early after exposure to hycanthone and may indicate that interference with gut physiology and the nutritional state of the worms is one consequence of the drug, although the mechanism of these changes has not yet been elucidated.", "contents": "Influence of hycanthone on morphology and serotonin uptake of Schistosome mansoni. The intrinsic content of serotonin (5HT) and the uptake of 5HT by Schistosoma mansoni taken from mice which were given a single intramuscular therapeutic dose of hycanthone were studied. Drug-exposed worms were found to have intrinsic values of 5HT which were similar or slightly less than controls. Uptake measurements were made on single and on paired worms recovered from mesenteric, portal, or hepatic sites and incubated in 75% horse serum or in Fischer's medium. All groups of treated worms were found to take up, on average, similar or lower amounts of 5HT compared to controls. These findings are in contrast to a recent report of very considerable increases in content or in 5HT acquisition in vitro by hycanthone-exposed parasites. This communication suggests that the mode of action of hycanthone cannot be explained as being due to increased 5HT uptake. Morphological changes in hycanthone-treated worms include loss of body weight and size, loss of hemoglobin pigment from the gut, deterioration of the tegument, and derangement of the vitellaria. The loss of gut contents occurs early after exposure to hycanthone and may indicate that interference with gut physiology and the nutritional state of the worms is one consequence of the drug, although the mechanism of these changes has not yet been elucidated.", "PMID": 1008128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11059", "title": "Hydatid cysts in children and youths.", "content": "In the 15 years from 1960 through 1974, 58 patients (38 male and 20 female) from 3 to 18 years of age were treated. In 24 only the lungs were involved, in 23 only the liver, and in 2 both organs were involved. Various other organs including the orbit, omentum, kidney, uterus, brain, and spinal cord contained cysts in one or more cases. Diagnosis was by X-ray, angiography, and myelography. The Casoni skin test was positive in 36 of 43 (83.7%) trials. All patients were treated surgically and, except for one death from pneumonia, all did well.", "contents": "Hydatid cysts in children and youths. In the 15 years from 1960 through 1974, 58 patients (38 male and 20 female) from 3 to 18 years of age were treated. In 24 only the lungs were involved, in 23 only the liver, and in 2 both organs were involved. Various other organs including the orbit, omentum, kidney, uterus, brain, and spinal cord contained cysts in one or more cases. Diagnosis was by X-ray, angiography, and myelography. The Casoni skin test was positive in 36 of 43 (83.7%) trials. All patients were treated surgically and, except for one death from pneumonia, all did well.", "PMID": 1008129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11060", "title": "Fire on ice.", "content": "Hockey is recognized as being one of the fastest and most demanding sports in the world, with a reputation for roughness and physical risk. The risk factor should be defined as the probability of the participant's sustaining injury. Because of our growing concern for the physical safety of both male and female ice hockey players at all age levels, this study was designed to: (1) examine the incidence of accidental and penalty-related injuries; (2) examine the nature and severity of the injuries; (3) analyze the physical risks; (4) identify the causative factors of risk; (5) recommend changes to enhance the sport's safety.", "contents": "Fire on ice. Hockey is recognized as being one of the fastest and most demanding sports in the world, with a reputation for roughness and physical risk. The risk factor should be defined as the probability of the participant's sustaining injury. Because of our growing concern for the physical safety of both male and female ice hockey players at all age levels, this study was designed to: (1) examine the incidence of accidental and penalty-related injuries; (2) examine the nature and severity of the injuries; (3) analyze the physical risks; (4) identify the causative factors of risk; (5) recommend changes to enhance the sport's safety.", "PMID": 1008123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11061", "title": "Fracture of the tibial tubercle.", "content": "Tibial tubercle fractures are uncommon and rarely occur after closure of the proximal tibial epiphysis. A study of 15 such injuries, all unilateral, showed the age range to be from 12 to 16 years. All injuries were sustained during athletic activities or vigorous play. All of the 15 injuries were treated by open reduction and internal fixation, followed by plaster immobilization for approximately 6 weeks. No early complications occurred, and no later deformities, such as genu recurvatum as reported by Blout, were detected. All patients returned to normal activity including in some cases, varsity athletics.", "contents": "Fracture of the tibial tubercle. Tibial tubercle fractures are uncommon and rarely occur after closure of the proximal tibial epiphysis. A study of 15 such injuries, all unilateral, showed the age range to be from 12 to 16 years. All injuries were sustained during athletic activities or vigorous play. All of the 15 injuries were treated by open reduction and internal fixation, followed by plaster immobilization for approximately 6 weeks. No early complications occurred, and no later deformities, such as genu recurvatum as reported by Blout, were detected. All patients returned to normal activity including in some cases, varsity athletics.", "PMID": 1008122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11062", "title": "Serum and antral gastrin levels in rats infected with intestinal parasites.", "content": "Serum and antral gastrin were measured in rats infected with either Trichinella spiralis or Hymenolepis diminuta as a step in testing the hypothesis that parasites change certain aspects of host physiology by altering gastrointestinal (GI) hormone levels or responses to GI hormones. Parasitism with T. spiralis was associated with inflammatory changes in the small bowel mucosa and with a significant increase in serum gastrin. Neither changes in hormone level nor inflammation were induced in tapeworm-infected rats. These results reveal the capacity of tissue penetrating parasites to alter the level of circulating gastrin. This finding coupled with considerable indirect evidence suggests that some of the pathologic changes induced in hosts by enteric parasites may be due to changes in functions that are regulated by GI hormones.", "contents": "Serum and antral gastrin levels in rats infected with intestinal parasites. Serum and antral gastrin were measured in rats infected with either Trichinella spiralis or Hymenolepis diminuta as a step in testing the hypothesis that parasites change certain aspects of host physiology by altering gastrointestinal (GI) hormone levels or responses to GI hormones. Parasitism with T. spiralis was associated with inflammatory changes in the small bowel mucosa and with a significant increase in serum gastrin. Neither changes in hormone level nor inflammation were induced in tapeworm-infected rats. These results reveal the capacity of tissue penetrating parasites to alter the level of circulating gastrin. This finding coupled with considerable indirect evidence suggests that some of the pathologic changes induced in hosts by enteric parasites may be due to changes in functions that are regulated by GI hormones.", "PMID": 1008130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11063", "title": "Shock syndrome in primary dengue infections.", "content": "During 1974, 114 patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever were studied at the Bankok Children's Hospital. Over 40% of the patients had dengue shock syndrome. Five fatal cases were included in the study. Primary dengue infections were identified by absent or low titered antibodies in acute sera and the sequential development of IgM antibodies followed by IgG antibodies during convalescence. Three patients, aged 4,8, and 12 years, had primary dengue infections with shock. Although no convalescent sera could be tested two other patients, aged 7 to 12 years, with fatal disease also appeared to have primary infections. At the time of shock patients with primary infections had subnormal concentrations of complement factor 3. The data show that in older children dengue shock syndrome associated with complement depression can occur during primary as well as secondary infections.", "contents": "Shock syndrome in primary dengue infections. During 1974, 114 patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever were studied at the Bankok Children's Hospital. Over 40% of the patients had dengue shock syndrome. Five fatal cases were included in the study. Primary dengue infections were identified by absent or low titered antibodies in acute sera and the sequential development of IgM antibodies followed by IgG antibodies during convalescence. Three patients, aged 4,8, and 12 years, had primary dengue infections with shock. Although no convalescent sera could be tested two other patients, aged 7 to 12 years, with fatal disease also appeared to have primary infections. At the time of shock patients with primary infections had subnormal concentrations of complement factor 3. The data show that in older children dengue shock syndrome associated with complement depression can occur during primary as well as secondary infections.", "PMID": 1008131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11064", "title": "A field trial of competitive displacement of Aedes polynesiensis by Aedes albopictus on a Pacific atoll.", "content": "Prior laboratory studies and field observations suggested that it might be possible to reduce the size of the population of, or eliminate, Aedes polynesiensis by the introduction of Aedes albopictus. The former mosquito is the principal vector of nonperiodic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and the latter is a closely related species refractory to the development of human filariae. The practicability of such competitive displacement was studied by a field trial on a remote coral atoll where there was an established population of A. polynesiensis. Three strains of Al albopictus were liberated at separate localities on the atoll and their fate was followed for 4 years. One strain disappeared within 12 months after release and the other two disappeared within 48 months. It was not clear whether A. albopicuts failed to become established because the strains were unsuitable, the general environment was inappropriate, or A. polynesiensis was present in such numbers that A. albopictus rarely succeded in mating with its own species.", "contents": "A field trial of competitive displacement of Aedes polynesiensis by Aedes albopictus on a Pacific atoll. Prior laboratory studies and field observations suggested that it might be possible to reduce the size of the population of, or eliminate, Aedes polynesiensis by the introduction of Aedes albopictus. The former mosquito is the principal vector of nonperiodic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and the latter is a closely related species refractory to the development of human filariae. The practicability of such competitive displacement was studied by a field trial on a remote coral atoll where there was an established population of A. polynesiensis. Three strains of Al albopictus were liberated at separate localities on the atoll and their fate was followed for 4 years. One strain disappeared within 12 months after release and the other two disappeared within 48 months. It was not clear whether A. albopicuts failed to become established because the strains were unsuitable, the general environment was inappropriate, or A. polynesiensis was present in such numbers that A. albopictus rarely succeded in mating with its own species.", "PMID": 1008133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11065", "title": "Experimental infection of North American mammals with epidemic Venezuelan encephalitis virus.", "content": "Eighty-three wild mammals of ten species were inoculated with a first mouse passage level Venezuelan encephalitis (VE) virus isolated from south Texas in 1971 during the VE outbreak. Rodents were highly susceptible to VE infection and circulated VE virus at levels ranging from 10(7.7) to 10(11.5) suckling mouse intracranial lethal doses per ml for 2 to 4 days. These levels of virus could easily infect vector mosquitoes. Mortality was high in all species of rodents except Sigmodon hispidus, adult Neotoma micropus, and adult Peromyscus leucopus. Lagomorphs were susceptible to VE infection but circulated VE virus at or near mosquito threshold levels for 1 day only. Raccoons and opossums were relatively resistant to VE infection or circulated low levels of virus in the blood. Juvenile animals of four species were more susceptible and experienced higher viremias than did adults. In two of the four, mortality was higher in the juveniles than in adults. A consideration of results obtained during this study and those of other investigators led to the conclusion that equines were of major importance, that canines, lagomorphs and rodents were of minor importance, and that other species tested were of no importance as virus amplifiers in VE epizootics.", "contents": "Experimental infection of North American mammals with epidemic Venezuelan encephalitis virus. Eighty-three wild mammals of ten species were inoculated with a first mouse passage level Venezuelan encephalitis (VE) virus isolated from south Texas in 1971 during the VE outbreak. Rodents were highly susceptible to VE infection and circulated VE virus at levels ranging from 10(7.7) to 10(11.5) suckling mouse intracranial lethal doses per ml for 2 to 4 days. These levels of virus could easily infect vector mosquitoes. Mortality was high in all species of rodents except Sigmodon hispidus, adult Neotoma micropus, and adult Peromyscus leucopus. Lagomorphs were susceptible to VE infection but circulated VE virus at or near mosquito threshold levels for 1 day only. Raccoons and opossums were relatively resistant to VE infection or circulated low levels of virus in the blood. Juvenile animals of four species were more susceptible and experienced higher viremias than did adults. In two of the four, mortality was higher in the juveniles than in adults. A consideration of results obtained during this study and those of other investigators led to the conclusion that equines were of major importance, that canines, lagomorphs and rodents were of minor importance, and that other species tested were of no importance as virus amplifiers in VE epizootics.", "PMID": 1008132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11066", "title": "Treatment for trichuriasis with oxantel.", "content": "Single doses of oxantel given to 24 children and 37 adults with light to moderate infections of Trichuris trichiura effected cures in 20 of 26 (77%) trials with 10 mg/kg body weight, in 23 of 25 (92%) with 15 mg/kg, and in 10 of 10 trials with 20 mg/kg. In cases not cured, the egg-counts were reduced 50% to 91%. Side effects were not observed, and no drug-associated changes were detected by biochemical, hematologic, and urine examinations before and after treatment.", "contents": "Treatment for trichuriasis with oxantel. Single doses of oxantel given to 24 children and 37 adults with light to moderate infections of Trichuris trichiura effected cures in 20 of 26 (77%) trials with 10 mg/kg body weight, in 23 of 25 (92%) with 15 mg/kg, and in 10 of 10 trials with 20 mg/kg. In cases not cured, the egg-counts were reduced 50% to 91%. Side effects were not observed, and no drug-associated changes were detected by biochemical, hematologic, and urine examinations before and after treatment.", "PMID": 1008134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11067", "title": "[Cholinesterases--a group of enzymes important to the anaesthesiologist (author's transl)].", "content": "The cholinesterases are two enzymes in the human body which preferably hydrolyze esters of choline. Acetylcholinesterase is structurally bound at the cholinergic synaptic junction being of physiological significance for hydrolyzing the transmitter substance acetylcholine. Pseudocholinesterase is synthesized in the liver and is dissolved in plasma and most body tissues. It has no major physiological function, however, it is of great pharmacological importance since it hydrolyzes suxamethonium. In this paper, the general properties, the mechanism of action, the inhibition by different types of inhibitors and the reactivation of the two enzymes are presented under clinical aspects.", "contents": "[Cholinesterases--a group of enzymes important to the anaesthesiologist (author's transl)]. The cholinesterases are two enzymes in the human body which preferably hydrolyze esters of choline. Acetylcholinesterase is structurally bound at the cholinergic synaptic junction being of physiological significance for hydrolyzing the transmitter substance acetylcholine. Pseudocholinesterase is synthesized in the liver and is dissolved in plasma and most body tissues. It has no major physiological function, however, it is of great pharmacological importance since it hydrolyzes suxamethonium. In this paper, the general properties, the mechanism of action, the inhibition by different types of inhibitors and the reactivation of the two enzymes are presented under clinical aspects.", "PMID": 1008237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11068", "title": "[Ultrastructure of the human lung in shock (author's transl)].", "content": "The material investigated was obtained by lung puncture with the aid of the Hausser needle. The puncture technique as well as the preparation of the biopsy material for electronmicroscopic diagnostics are described. The most outstanding criterion in all biopsies examined is the large number of polymorphonuclear, mainly neutrophile granulocytes in the capillary and precapillary arterioles. In contrast, hardly any platelets were found in pulmonary vessels. Also, our investigation of the material revealed no intravascular fibrin deposits while vessels are partly and sometimes completely occluded by fat droplets of different size. The vascular walls are markedly swollen. Fluid escape from smaller vessels results in an edematous swelling of varying degree in the perivascular space combined with fibrin uptake and partly or totally destroyed cell structures. The type I epithelial cells of the lung tissue are swollen and show poor cellular structures. There is in increase of the type II epithelial cells in the shock lung with their lamellary corpuscles partly transferred into the alveolar lumen. The pathomechanisms leading to these changes are discussed. We would like to point out that fibrin was never found intravascularly but was always seen in regions. These findings could indicate increased fibrinolytic activity in shock. Platelet aggregations in smaller vessels are of secondary significance in the material we examined while fat globules, however, play an important part due to their large surface extension. Our electronmicroscopic investigations prove that the lung biopsy method is of great importance for further information on the pathologenesis of early damages in the shock lung not easily discovered by light microscopy.", "contents": "[Ultrastructure of the human lung in shock (author's transl)]. The material investigated was obtained by lung puncture with the aid of the Hausser needle. The puncture technique as well as the preparation of the biopsy material for electronmicroscopic diagnostics are described. The most outstanding criterion in all biopsies examined is the large number of polymorphonuclear, mainly neutrophile granulocytes in the capillary and precapillary arterioles. In contrast, hardly any platelets were found in pulmonary vessels. Also, our investigation of the material revealed no intravascular fibrin deposits while vessels are partly and sometimes completely occluded by fat droplets of different size. The vascular walls are markedly swollen. Fluid escape from smaller vessels results in an edematous swelling of varying degree in the perivascular space combined with fibrin uptake and partly or totally destroyed cell structures. The type I epithelial cells of the lung tissue are swollen and show poor cellular structures. There is in increase of the type II epithelial cells in the shock lung with their lamellary corpuscles partly transferred into the alveolar lumen. The pathomechanisms leading to these changes are discussed. We would like to point out that fibrin was never found intravascularly but was always seen in regions. These findings could indicate increased fibrinolytic activity in shock. Platelet aggregations in smaller vessels are of secondary significance in the material we examined while fat globules, however, play an important part due to their large surface extension. Our electronmicroscopic investigations prove that the lung biopsy method is of great importance for further information on the pathologenesis of early damages in the shock lung not easily discovered by light microscopy.", "PMID": 1008238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11069", "title": "[Effect of volume substitution with dextran on the haemodynamics under enflurane anaesthesia in geriatric patients (author's transl)].", "content": "The haemodynamic effect of enflurane has been examined in two groups of geriatric patients, one with and the other without preanaesthetic administration of 15 mg/kg of 1,8% dextran in lactated Ringer's solution. All the patients have been immobilized for 2 to 3 days before they were operated for an orthopaedic procedure. The administration of the colloidal solution led only to minor cardiovascular alterations: a rise of central venous pressure by 6 +/- 1 (+/- S.E.M.) cm H2O, an increase of mean arterial pressure by 6 +/- 2%, an increase of cardiac output by 10 +/- 4%. Heart rate decreased by 5 +/- 4% and total peripheral resistance by 12 +/- 5%. The cardiovascular depressant effect of enflurance was markedly attenuated by the preanaesthetic volume administration. Mean arterial pressure decreased during anaesthesia by only 16 +/- 3%, as compared with a decrease of 25 +/- 7% in the control group, cardiac output remained virtually unchanged (-3 +/- 9% vs. -37 +/- 5% in the controls) and total peripheral resistance decreased not significantly by 10 +/- 12%, while it rose in the controls by 20 +/- 8%. These findings support the hypothesis that the particular sensitivity of geriatric patients towards the depressant effects of anaesthetics is at least partially due to a compensated hypovolaemia which occurs as a physiological adaptation to immbolization. Enflurane appears as a suitable anaesthetic for geriatric patients, if proper measures for preanaesthetic volume substitution are taken.", "contents": "[Effect of volume substitution with dextran on the haemodynamics under enflurane anaesthesia in geriatric patients (author's transl)]. The haemodynamic effect of enflurane has been examined in two groups of geriatric patients, one with and the other without preanaesthetic administration of 15 mg/kg of 1,8% dextran in lactated Ringer's solution. All the patients have been immobilized for 2 to 3 days before they were operated for an orthopaedic procedure. The administration of the colloidal solution led only to minor cardiovascular alterations: a rise of central venous pressure by 6 +/- 1 (+/- S.E.M.) cm H2O, an increase of mean arterial pressure by 6 +/- 2%, an increase of cardiac output by 10 +/- 4%. Heart rate decreased by 5 +/- 4% and total peripheral resistance by 12 +/- 5%. The cardiovascular depressant effect of enflurance was markedly attenuated by the preanaesthetic volume administration. Mean arterial pressure decreased during anaesthesia by only 16 +/- 3%, as compared with a decrease of 25 +/- 7% in the control group, cardiac output remained virtually unchanged (-3 +/- 9% vs. -37 +/- 5% in the controls) and total peripheral resistance decreased not significantly by 10 +/- 12%, while it rose in the controls by 20 +/- 8%. These findings support the hypothesis that the particular sensitivity of geriatric patients towards the depressant effects of anaesthetics is at least partially due to a compensated hypovolaemia which occurs as a physiological adaptation to immbolization. Enflurane appears as a suitable anaesthetic for geriatric patients, if proper measures for preanaesthetic volume substitution are taken.", "PMID": 1008239} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11070", "title": "[Arvin anticoagulant for prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (author's transl)].", "content": "Treatment of overwhelming but reversible respiratory failure has broadened to include extracorporeal support with a membrane lung. Until recently, it has been necessary to rely on heparin to prevent clotting in an extracorporeal circuit. During prolonged bypass heparinisation may be attended by bleeding. We investigated the use of arvin for systemic anticoagulation in extracorporeal membrane lung bypass in lambs. Arvin is a purified fraction of the venom of the Malayan pit viper. Effective anticoagulation was obtained for an average of 4 days (range 2 to 12 days) through complete fibrinogen depletion by arvin. These preliminary data suggest that arvin anticoagulation may be suitable for prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.", "contents": "[Arvin anticoagulant for prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (author's transl)]. Treatment of overwhelming but reversible respiratory failure has broadened to include extracorporeal support with a membrane lung. Until recently, it has been necessary to rely on heparin to prevent clotting in an extracorporeal circuit. During prolonged bypass heparinisation may be attended by bleeding. We investigated the use of arvin for systemic anticoagulation in extracorporeal membrane lung bypass in lambs. Arvin is a purified fraction of the venom of the Malayan pit viper. Effective anticoagulation was obtained for an average of 4 days (range 2 to 12 days) through complete fibrinogen depletion by arvin. These preliminary data suggest that arvin anticoagulation may be suitable for prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.", "PMID": 1008240} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11071", "title": "Postoperative apnoea following nivalin administration.", "content": "Four patients developed postoperative apnoea after neuroleptanalgesia, and were given Nivalin whilst in an apnoeic state to reverse residual neuromuscular block. Neuromuscular transmission was monitored by a peripheral nerve stimulator, and recurarization was not observed. Central respiratory depression was the cause of postoperative apnoea. The possible mechanisms and the mode of prevention are stated in this paper.", "contents": "Postoperative apnoea following nivalin administration. Four patients developed postoperative apnoea after neuroleptanalgesia, and were given Nivalin whilst in an apnoeic state to reverse residual neuromuscular block. Neuromuscular transmission was monitored by a peripheral nerve stimulator, and recurarization was not observed. Central respiratory depression was the cause of postoperative apnoea. The possible mechanisms and the mode of prevention are stated in this paper.", "PMID": 1008241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11072", "title": "[Post-anaesthetic palsies of brachial plexus (author's transl)].", "content": "Six cases of post-anaesthetic upper plexus palsy are described, in one case combined with an injury of the accessory nerve. These palsies are commonly due to stretching of the plexus when the arm is in an extreme position, especially when the neck is extended and flexed to the opposite side at the same time. Though mostly reversible, these lesions can incapacitate the patients for a long period and must be avoided. The methods of prevention are discussed in detail.", "contents": "[Post-anaesthetic palsies of brachial plexus (author's transl)]. Six cases of post-anaesthetic upper plexus palsy are described, in one case combined with an injury of the accessory nerve. These palsies are commonly due to stretching of the plexus when the arm is in an extreme position, especially when the neck is extended and flexed to the opposite side at the same time. Though mostly reversible, these lesions can incapacitate the patients for a long period and must be avoided. The methods of prevention are discussed in detail.", "PMID": 1008242} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11073", "title": "[A rare case of tube obstruction (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of obstruction of the orotracheal tube following over-inflation of the cuff is reported and a procedure to obtain just sufficient pressure, is described.", "contents": "[A rare case of tube obstruction (author's transl)]. A case of obstruction of the orotracheal tube following over-inflation of the cuff is reported and a procedure to obtain just sufficient pressure, is described.", "PMID": 1008243} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11074", "title": "[The removal of anaesthetic vapours using t-piece circuits in paediatric anaesthesia (author's transl)].", "content": "In order to remove exhaled vapours from T-piece circuits, a rebreathing bag with an additional outlet (double ended bag) may be used. The narrow end of the bag is connected to a circle closed circuit with a filter incorporated in the expiratory side. So T-piece technique remains convenient. A small increase of expiratory resistance of about 1.5-2.5 ml H2O does not change spontaneous ventilation, compared with commonly used semi-closed breathing circuits in pediatric anaesthesia. Assisted or controlled ventilation may be performed, adjusting the expiratory valve at the circle closed system.", "contents": "[The removal of anaesthetic vapours using t-piece circuits in paediatric anaesthesia (author's transl)]. In order to remove exhaled vapours from T-piece circuits, a rebreathing bag with an additional outlet (double ended bag) may be used. The narrow end of the bag is connected to a circle closed circuit with a filter incorporated in the expiratory side. So T-piece technique remains convenient. A small increase of expiratory resistance of about 1.5-2.5 ml H2O does not change spontaneous ventilation, compared with commonly used semi-closed breathing circuits in pediatric anaesthesia. Assisted or controlled ventilation may be performed, adjusting the expiratory valve at the circle closed system.", "PMID": 1008244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11075", "title": "[Expiratory air diversion during general anesthesia (author's transl)].", "content": "A system for disposing of expiratory air containing volatile anaesthetic gases during anaesthesia is described. It consists of a reservoir bag and an adjustable suction connected to the outlet port of the anaesthesia machine or the nonbreathing valvel. A valve is incorporated which opens to the atmosphere if the reservoir bag should collaps completely, thus creating a slight vacumn in the system. Another valve, opens if the bag should become fully expanded and a slifht positive pressure develop in the system. Halothane concentrations in the \"anaesthetists breathing zone\" were negligible when this system was being used.", "contents": "[Expiratory air diversion during general anesthesia (author's transl)]. A system for disposing of expiratory air containing volatile anaesthetic gases during anaesthesia is described. It consists of a reservoir bag and an adjustable suction connected to the outlet port of the anaesthesia machine or the nonbreathing valvel. A valve is incorporated which opens to the atmosphere if the reservoir bag should collaps completely, thus creating a slight vacumn in the system. Another valve, opens if the bag should become fully expanded and a slifht positive pressure develop in the system. Halothane concentrations in the \"anaesthetists breathing zone\" were negligible when this system was being used.", "PMID": 1008245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11076", "title": "[Blood sugar levels and acid-base balance in babies before, during and after open-heart surgery with hypothermia and extracorporeal circulation (author's transl)].", "content": "New borns and babies with congenital heart disease in poor condition have been shown to have a higher risk of developing hypoglycaemia. Blood sugar levels (BSL), acid-base balance and oxygen saturation have been studies in 10 babies from 7.5 to 15 months of age, weighing less than 9kg, before, during and after open-heart surgery. Preoperative mean BSL in the anaesthetized patient was 76mg per cent. It rose slightly after the onset of surgery and further increased to an average of 205mg per cent during cardio-pulmonary bypass with the temperature stablized at 28-29 degrees C. In the early postoperative phase BSL normalized but slowly, reaching a mean value of 107mg per cent 20-24h after the end of surgery. These results demonstrate that, at least under the usual conditions of extracorporeal circulation and hypothermia at our clinic, hypoglycaemia is not a threat in babies undergoing open-heart surgery for total correction of congenital lesions. The possible mechanisms leading to the observed hyperglycaemia are discussed and the results compared with similar studies in adult patients.", "contents": "[Blood sugar levels and acid-base balance in babies before, during and after open-heart surgery with hypothermia and extracorporeal circulation (author's transl)]. New borns and babies with congenital heart disease in poor condition have been shown to have a higher risk of developing hypoglycaemia. Blood sugar levels (BSL), acid-base balance and oxygen saturation have been studies in 10 babies from 7.5 to 15 months of age, weighing less than 9kg, before, during and after open-heart surgery. Preoperative mean BSL in the anaesthetized patient was 76mg per cent. It rose slightly after the onset of surgery and further increased to an average of 205mg per cent during cardio-pulmonary bypass with the temperature stablized at 28-29 degrees C. In the early postoperative phase BSL normalized but slowly, reaching a mean value of 107mg per cent 20-24h after the end of surgery. These results demonstrate that, at least under the usual conditions of extracorporeal circulation and hypothermia at our clinic, hypoglycaemia is not a threat in babies undergoing open-heart surgery for total correction of congenital lesions. The possible mechanisms leading to the observed hyperglycaemia are discussed and the results compared with similar studies in adult patients.", "PMID": 1008246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11077", "title": "[Electrolyte studies in major abdominal surgery. I. Neuroleptanalgesia and Variations of the infusion scheme (author's transl)].", "content": "In two groups of 30 patients each who had undergone abdominal surgery under NLA (mean anaesthesia time 4h) we found a small but significant reduction in the serum potassium level after 45 min of anaesthesia. Throughout anaesthesia we found a significant reduction of potassium content of red cells, serum sodium and base excess. Potassium balance shows that under anaesthesia and operation potassium moves out of the extracellular space and the red cells into other compartments. At the same time about 75 per cent of infused sodium and water is retained with a positive correlation between the quantities of sodium infused and retained. A modification of the infusion regimen by substituting glucose solution with distilled water and Ringer lactate with normal saline and 5 mval/l KCI only results in a change in blood glucose and serum sodium.", "contents": "[Electrolyte studies in major abdominal surgery. I. Neuroleptanalgesia and Variations of the infusion scheme (author's transl)]. In two groups of 30 patients each who had undergone abdominal surgery under NLA (mean anaesthesia time 4h) we found a small but significant reduction in the serum potassium level after 45 min of anaesthesia. Throughout anaesthesia we found a significant reduction of potassium content of red cells, serum sodium and base excess. Potassium balance shows that under anaesthesia and operation potassium moves out of the extracellular space and the red cells into other compartments. At the same time about 75 per cent of infused sodium and water is retained with a positive correlation between the quantities of sodium infused and retained. A modification of the infusion regimen by substituting glucose solution with distilled water and Ringer lactate with normal saline and 5 mval/l KCI only results in a change in blood glucose and serum sodium.", "PMID": 1008247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11078", "title": "[Elimination of alkyl phosphates by means of haemoperfusion: experimental results and findings from human casuistics (author's transl)].", "content": "We examined the possibility that haemoperfusion with coated activated charcoal might be used in the therapy of alkyl phosphate intoxications. The criterion used was the effect of haemoperfusion on the elimination of alkyl phosphates from the blood. Clearance values for haemoperfusion of nitrostigmine, demeton-S-methyl sulfoxide and dimethoate were determined in vitro. Very good clearance values were ascertained at a blood flow rate of 100ml/min (mitrostigmine 59.20ml/min, demeton-S-methyl sulfoxide 83.70 ml/min, dimethoate 87.84 ml/min). Measurements of the nitrostigmine clearance as a function of various nitrostigmine concentrations in plasma showed that haemoperfusion is effective over a concentration range covering two powers of ten. A 7-h haemoperfusion with coated activated charcoal was performed on a suicide patient with severe nitrostigmine intoxication (Folidol-\u00f6l). Clearance values were obtained which were to be expected on the basis of the in vitro investigations. The nitrostigmine concentrations in the extracorporeal blood plasma fell as a result of haemoperfusion to a mid-value of 55 per cent of the initial level. In the patient the level of nitrostigmine in the blood rose showing that there had been a redistribution of nitrostigmine from the tissue or a subsequent absorption from the gastrointestinal tract into the vessels. The results support the use of haemoperfusion with coated activated charcoal in very severe cases of alkyl phosphate intoxication or where standard therapy fails.", "contents": "[Elimination of alkyl phosphates by means of haemoperfusion: experimental results and findings from human casuistics (author's transl)]. We examined the possibility that haemoperfusion with coated activated charcoal might be used in the therapy of alkyl phosphate intoxications. The criterion used was the effect of haemoperfusion on the elimination of alkyl phosphates from the blood. Clearance values for haemoperfusion of nitrostigmine, demeton-S-methyl sulfoxide and dimethoate were determined in vitro. Very good clearance values were ascertained at a blood flow rate of 100ml/min (mitrostigmine 59.20ml/min, demeton-S-methyl sulfoxide 83.70 ml/min, dimethoate 87.84 ml/min). Measurements of the nitrostigmine clearance as a function of various nitrostigmine concentrations in plasma showed that haemoperfusion is effective over a concentration range covering two powers of ten. A 7-h haemoperfusion with coated activated charcoal was performed on a suicide patient with severe nitrostigmine intoxication (Folidol-\u00f6l). Clearance values were obtained which were to be expected on the basis of the in vitro investigations. The nitrostigmine concentrations in the extracorporeal blood plasma fell as a result of haemoperfusion to a mid-value of 55 per cent of the initial level. In the patient the level of nitrostigmine in the blood rose showing that there had been a redistribution of nitrostigmine from the tissue or a subsequent absorption from the gastrointestinal tract into the vessels. The results support the use of haemoperfusion with coated activated charcoal in very severe cases of alkyl phosphate intoxication or where standard therapy fails.", "PMID": 1008248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11079", "title": "[A simple method to produce defined standard gas samples of volatile anaesthetics (author's transl)].", "content": "A simple procedure enabling defined (standard) gas concentrations of volatile anaesthetics to be prepared for gas chromatographic analyses in a short time is described. Results obtained with this technique, showing excellent reproducibility (coefficients of variation: 1 per cent or less), are presented. Sources of error inherent in the method theoretically (dilution effect of repeated sampling; not taking into account nonideality of gas mixtures) are discussed, these errors, as easily may be proven, being within the limits of accuracy of the analytical method.", "contents": "[A simple method to produce defined standard gas samples of volatile anaesthetics (author's transl)]. A simple procedure enabling defined (standard) gas concentrations of volatile anaesthetics to be prepared for gas chromatographic analyses in a short time is described. Results obtained with this technique, showing excellent reproducibility (coefficients of variation: 1 per cent or less), are presented. Sources of error inherent in the method theoretically (dilution effect of repeated sampling; not taking into account nonideality of gas mixtures) are discussed, these errors, as easily may be proven, being within the limits of accuracy of the analytical method.", "PMID": 1008249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11080", "title": "The nuclear fibrous lamina in human cells: studies on its appearance and distribution.", "content": "The nuclear fibrous lamina, a structure of unknown function, is situated at the nuclear periphery directly apposed to the inner nuclear membrane. Although it has been well described in invertebrate and many non-human vertebrate cells, its occurrence in human tissue has not been emphasized. This survey of a large variety of human cells has documented the lamina to be present, although of varying thickness, in a large number of cell types. It is consistently thickest in mesenchymal or mesenchymally derived cells and its appearance and thickness is not correlated with pathologic alterations.", "contents": "The nuclear fibrous lamina in human cells: studies on its appearance and distribution. The nuclear fibrous lamina, a structure of unknown function, is situated at the nuclear periphery directly apposed to the inner nuclear membrane. Although it has been well described in invertebrate and many non-human vertebrate cells, its occurrence in human tissue has not been emphasized. This survey of a large variety of human cells has documented the lamina to be present, although of varying thickness, in a large number of cell types. It is consistently thickest in mesenchymal or mesenchymally derived cells and its appearance and thickness is not correlated with pathologic alterations.", "PMID": 1008254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11081", "title": "Electron microscopic stldy of the developing lateral-line organ in the embryo of the newt, Triturus pyrrhogaster.", "content": "The morphological sequence of events occurring in the development of the lateral-line organ was investigated in the embryo of the newt, Triturus pyrrhogaster, by means of electron microscopy. Six stages of development have been defined for convenience of description. The primordium of the lateral-line organ migrating from the pre- and post-auditory placodes is segmented into a small cell mass accompanied by a few Schwann cells enveloping nerve fibers. In the clump of cells of the lateral-line primordium, three kinds of cells are already distinguished by different degrees of darkness, i.e., dark, light and slightly dark cells (stage I). Both clump and Schwann cells enter the epidermis together (stage II). The two groups of cells are separated by the inner layer of the epidermis (stage III). The organ-forming cells elongate and the inner layer of the epidermis separates the Schwann cells from the clump (stage IV). The apexes of organ-forming cells are exposed out of the epidermis (stage V). The lateral-line organ is almost matured. The dark cells correspond to type II of the supporting cells, the light cells correspond to type I of the supporting cells and the slightly dark cells correspond to the receptor cells because of the existence of cilia and a cuticular plate. The afferent nerve endings are found on the basal surface of the receptor cell (stage VI).", "contents": "Electron microscopic stldy of the developing lateral-line organ in the embryo of the newt, Triturus pyrrhogaster. The morphological sequence of events occurring in the development of the lateral-line organ was investigated in the embryo of the newt, Triturus pyrrhogaster, by means of electron microscopy. Six stages of development have been defined for convenience of description. The primordium of the lateral-line organ migrating from the pre- and post-auditory placodes is segmented into a small cell mass accompanied by a few Schwann cells enveloping nerve fibers. In the clump of cells of the lateral-line primordium, three kinds of cells are already distinguished by different degrees of darkness, i.e., dark, light and slightly dark cells (stage I). Both clump and Schwann cells enter the epidermis together (stage II). The two groups of cells are separated by the inner layer of the epidermis (stage III). The organ-forming cells elongate and the inner layer of the epidermis separates the Schwann cells from the clump (stage IV). The apexes of organ-forming cells are exposed out of the epidermis (stage V). The lateral-line organ is almost matured. The dark cells correspond to type II of the supporting cells, the light cells correspond to type I of the supporting cells and the slightly dark cells correspond to the receptor cells because of the existence of cilia and a cuticular plate. The afferent nerve endings are found on the basal surface of the receptor cell (stage VI).", "PMID": 1008255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11082", "title": "DNA synthesis in the oocyte of the mature mouse: a radioautographic study.", "content": "Mice were injected three times over an 8-hour period with a total of 48 muci 3H-T/gm of body weight and were sacrificed 1, 3, 5, 9 and 17 days afterwards. Radioautographs of the ovaries showed significantly higher grain counts in oocytes of follicles that are in the antrum formation stage. The radioautographic visualization of DNase digestible 3H-thymidine incorporation into the juxtanucleolar region in oocytes of mature mice occurs in association with ooctye growth in follicles that are in the antrum formation stage. The scheduled disappearance of this juxtanucleolar oocyte DNA and its label during later oocyte growth suggests a degradation or dispersion of this labeled DNA prior to ovulation.", "contents": "DNA synthesis in the oocyte of the mature mouse: a radioautographic study. Mice were injected three times over an 8-hour period with a total of 48 muci 3H-T/gm of body weight and were sacrificed 1, 3, 5, 9 and 17 days afterwards. Radioautographs of the ovaries showed significantly higher grain counts in oocytes of follicles that are in the antrum formation stage. The radioautographic visualization of DNase digestible 3H-thymidine incorporation into the juxtanucleolar region in oocytes of mature mice occurs in association with ooctye growth in follicles that are in the antrum formation stage. The scheduled disappearance of this juxtanucleolar oocyte DNA and its label during later oocyte growth suggests a degradation or dispersion of this labeled DNA prior to ovulation.", "PMID": 1008256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11083", "title": "Metabolism of ATP during anoxia in guinea pig seminal vesicle mucosa.", "content": "The content of adenine nucleotides in guinea pig seminal vesicles was determined enzymatically. Inosine monophosphate (IMP) was isolated from other tissue nucleotides by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography on cellulose PEI plates, eluted, and quantitated spectrophotometrically. The intracellular concentration of IMP increased 10-fold over control values (aerobic tissue) concomitantly with the strong ATP drain caused by anoxia. This contrasts markedly with other tissues in which ATP depletion is usually associated with an increase in AMP. Tissue inorganic phosphate also accumulated in an amount corresponding to the apparent ATP depletion. Uric acid did not accumulate. Our data suggest the possibility of a special role for IMP in metabolic control in this tissue.", "contents": "Metabolism of ATP during anoxia in guinea pig seminal vesicle mucosa. The content of adenine nucleotides in guinea pig seminal vesicles was determined enzymatically. Inosine monophosphate (IMP) was isolated from other tissue nucleotides by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography on cellulose PEI plates, eluted, and quantitated spectrophotometrically. The intracellular concentration of IMP increased 10-fold over control values (aerobic tissue) concomitantly with the strong ATP drain caused by anoxia. This contrasts markedly with other tissues in which ATP depletion is usually associated with an increase in AMP. Tissue inorganic phosphate also accumulated in an amount corresponding to the apparent ATP depletion. Uric acid did not accumulate. Our data suggest the possibility of a special role for IMP in metabolic control in this tissue.", "PMID": 1008257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11084", "title": "Dose-dependent effects of milk lipids on sex hormone and blood lipid levels in male mice.", "content": "Diets containing powdered whole milk caused a dose dependent increase in seminal vesicle weights when fed to 21 day old intact male mice. Blood cholesterol levels increased as the lipids in the diet increased. Triglyceride levels were high and inversely related to lipid intake. Peripheral androgen concentrations decreased as the lipid intake and seminal vesicle weights increased, indicating a possible shift of the hormone to the target organ tissue.", "contents": "Dose-dependent effects of milk lipids on sex hormone and blood lipid levels in male mice. Diets containing powdered whole milk caused a dose dependent increase in seminal vesicle weights when fed to 21 day old intact male mice. Blood cholesterol levels increased as the lipids in the diet increased. Triglyceride levels were high and inversely related to lipid intake. Peripheral androgen concentrations decreased as the lipid intake and seminal vesicle weights increased, indicating a possible shift of the hormone to the target organ tissue.", "PMID": 1008258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11085", "title": "Three cases of low chiasma frequency associated with infertility in man.", "content": "Three new cases of low chiasma frequency in infertile men are described. In the first case, all cells showed abnormal diakineses; in the second, 20% of the diakineses were desynaptic, while the remaining 80% were normal; in the third, all diakineses were desynaptic and showed chromosome fragmentation. The possible mechanisms leading to asynapsis, desynapsis or precocious chiasma terminalization are discussed.", "contents": "Three cases of low chiasma frequency associated with infertility in man. Three new cases of low chiasma frequency in infertile men are described. In the first case, all cells showed abnormal diakineses; in the second, 20% of the diakineses were desynaptic, while the remaining 80% were normal; in the third, all diakineses were desynaptic and showed chromosome fragmentation. The possible mechanisms leading to asynapsis, desynapsis or precocious chiasma terminalization are discussed.", "PMID": 1008260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11086", "title": "Stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in the dog.", "content": "In principle, the spermatogenesis of the dog resembles that of other animals. It consists of 6 consecutive, differentiating spermatogonia generations (A1-A4, Im, B). The number of ensuing spermatogenetic cell generations corresponds to that of other mammals. We divided the spermatogenesis of the dog into 10 stages in order to attain a precise systematization. The cell-divisions of the successive spermatogonia occur in stages II, III, V, VI, VII, and VIII. Stages V a and V c are characterized by the meiotic divisions.", "contents": "Stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in the dog. In principle, the spermatogenesis of the dog resembles that of other animals. It consists of 6 consecutive, differentiating spermatogonia generations (A1-A4, Im, B). The number of ensuing spermatogenetic cell generations corresponds to that of other mammals. We divided the spermatogenesis of the dog into 10 stages in order to attain a precise systematization. The cell-divisions of the successive spermatogonia occur in stages II, III, V, VI, VII, and VIII. Stages V a and V c are characterized by the meiotic divisions.", "PMID": 1008261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11087", "title": "On the brain monoaminergic systems relating to ejaculation. I. Brain dopamine and ejaculation.", "content": "The effects of psychotropic drugs on ejaculation in dogs and on brain monoamines in dogs and rats were investigated. The results obtained in this study indicate that ejaculation is activated by the dopaminergic system in the brain, and that dopamine in the anterior hypothalamus is closely related to the occurrence of ejaculation.", "contents": "On the brain monoaminergic systems relating to ejaculation. I. Brain dopamine and ejaculation. The effects of psychotropic drugs on ejaculation in dogs and on brain monoamines in dogs and rats were investigated. The results obtained in this study indicate that ejaculation is activated by the dopaminergic system in the brain, and that dopamine in the anterior hypothalamus is closely related to the occurrence of ejaculation.", "PMID": 1008262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11088", "title": "Sterility induced in male rats by injection of chemical agents into the vas deferens.", "content": "Changes in the histopathology of the testes with the epididymis were studied 3 months and 6 months after vasocclusion either with ethanol urea mixture or ethanol alone in male rats. A gradual decrease in the fertility of treated animals was observed. The epididymis showed tubules with sperm granuloma and the testis showed empty tubules with Leydig cell hyperplasia in the urea-ethanol treated animals.", "contents": "Sterility induced in male rats by injection of chemical agents into the vas deferens. Changes in the histopathology of the testes with the epididymis were studied 3 months and 6 months after vasocclusion either with ethanol urea mixture or ethanol alone in male rats. A gradual decrease in the fertility of treated animals was observed. The epididymis showed tubules with sperm granuloma and the testis showed empty tubules with Leydig cell hyperplasia in the urea-ethanol treated animals.", "PMID": 1008263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11089", "title": "[Method of localization and evaluation of DNA quantities in bull spermatozoa].", "content": "The author attempted to evaluate the DNA quantities by means of a spectrophotometric method of UV light absorption. In a first publication data have been reported on the RNA quantities obtained by this method. This one concerns the data obtained on DNA. By this method, the manipulations on the spermatozoon are more dimple and sources of error are so discarded. It was so possible to get individual data on each spermatozoon, what is possible with chimical methods which give global quantities for a whole sample of semen. It is moreover possible to delimite the localization of DNA and to measure the amounts in each localization. The scale of the obtained data is large enough for information to several workers. The founded quantities and variations in data will be discussed in a following paper.", "contents": "[Method of localization and evaluation of DNA quantities in bull spermatozoa]. The author attempted to evaluate the DNA quantities by means of a spectrophotometric method of UV light absorption. In a first publication data have been reported on the RNA quantities obtained by this method. This one concerns the data obtained on DNA. By this method, the manipulations on the spermatozoon are more dimple and sources of error are so discarded. It was so possible to get individual data on each spermatozoon, what is possible with chimical methods which give global quantities for a whole sample of semen. It is moreover possible to delimite the localization of DNA and to measure the amounts in each localization. The scale of the obtained data is large enough for information to several workers. The founded quantities and variations in data will be discussed in a following paper.", "PMID": 1008264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11090", "title": "Acid phosphatases of the rat epididymis. I. Fractionation and substrate specificity.", "content": "Three separate acid phosphatases were found in the rat epididymal homogenate after fractionation by DEAE- and CM-cellulose chromatography as well as by electrophoresis. They differed from each other also in substrate specificity. This can possibly be utilized as an aid in their differential quantitation. Some other species including man, dog, rabbit, guinea pig and mouse also had a multiple composition of epididymal acid phosphatases.", "contents": "Acid phosphatases of the rat epididymis. I. Fractionation and substrate specificity. Three separate acid phosphatases were found in the rat epididymal homogenate after fractionation by DEAE- and CM-cellulose chromatography as well as by electrophoresis. They differed from each other also in substrate specificity. This can possibly be utilized as an aid in their differential quantitation. Some other species including man, dog, rabbit, guinea pig and mouse also had a multiple composition of epididymal acid phosphatases.", "PMID": 1008265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11091", "title": "[Studies on the reaction of the rabbit testis after ligation of the arteria and vena testicularis compared with ligation of the vein alone].", "content": "In surgical treatment of Varicocele compete the ligation of the V. testicularis (Ivanissevich/Bernardi) with the ligation of the A. and V. testicularis (Palomo). Because there are doubts against throttling the arterial blood supply of a previous damaged testis, the effect of ligation of A. and V. testicularis on the testis was studied and compared with the ligation of the vein alone. On 18 adult rabbits either the Palomo operation was performed on one side, leaving the contralateral side as control, or on one side only the vein was ligated and on the other side artery and vein were ligated, permitting, so a direct comparison on the same animal. All the testes were examined histometrically. In the control group the diameter of the tubuli increased from 218 mu after 3 months to 253 mu after 10 months. In the Palomo-group the diameter decreased from 153 mu after 3 months to 82 mu after 6 months, and increased again to 153 mu after 10 months. In the Bernardi-group no differences to the normal testes were found.", "contents": "[Studies on the reaction of the rabbit testis after ligation of the arteria and vena testicularis compared with ligation of the vein alone]. In surgical treatment of Varicocele compete the ligation of the V. testicularis (Ivanissevich/Bernardi) with the ligation of the A. and V. testicularis (Palomo). Because there are doubts against throttling the arterial blood supply of a previous damaged testis, the effect of ligation of A. and V. testicularis on the testis was studied and compared with the ligation of the vein alone. On 18 adult rabbits either the Palomo operation was performed on one side, leaving the contralateral side as control, or on one side only the vein was ligated and on the other side artery and vein were ligated, permitting, so a direct comparison on the same animal. All the testes were examined histometrically. In the control group the diameter of the tubuli increased from 218 mu after 3 months to 253 mu after 10 months. In the Palomo-group the diameter decreased from 153 mu after 3 months to 82 mu after 6 months, and increased again to 153 mu after 10 months. In the Bernardi-group no differences to the normal testes were found.", "PMID": 1008266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11092", "title": "Dietetic habits and quality of semen in Indian subjects.", "content": "Dietetic habits revealed significant effect on seminal plasma vitamin B12 levels. The mean values for seminal plasma vitamin B12 activity in lactovegetarians from normozoospermic, oligozoospermic and azoospermic groups are significantly lower than the corresponding mean values observed in the nonvegetarian subjects. The mean vitamin B12 content of seminal plasma in azoospermic group was distinctly lower than the mean values in normozoospermic and oligozoospermic groups. However, seminal plasma vitamin B12 values showed no correlation with the sperm content of the corresponding semen in both normozoospermic and oligozoospermic subjects. Studies on sperm morphology and on biochemical parameters revealed no significant effect of the type of diet on sperm count, sperm motility, percentage abnormal sperms, seminal plasma total proteins, albumin, fructose, citric acid, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in normozoospermic group.", "contents": "Dietetic habits and quality of semen in Indian subjects. Dietetic habits revealed significant effect on seminal plasma vitamin B12 levels. The mean values for seminal plasma vitamin B12 activity in lactovegetarians from normozoospermic, oligozoospermic and azoospermic groups are significantly lower than the corresponding mean values observed in the nonvegetarian subjects. The mean vitamin B12 content of seminal plasma in azoospermic group was distinctly lower than the mean values in normozoospermic and oligozoospermic groups. However, seminal plasma vitamin B12 values showed no correlation with the sperm content of the corresponding semen in both normozoospermic and oligozoospermic subjects. Studies on sperm morphology and on biochemical parameters revealed no significant effect of the type of diet on sperm count, sperm motility, percentage abnormal sperms, seminal plasma total proteins, albumin, fructose, citric acid, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in normozoospermic group.", "PMID": 1008267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11093", "title": "[A defect of the head-flagellum-connection of human spermatozoa].", "content": "A spermatozoa defect with an obligate heat-flagellum-crack which implies infetility is reported. Hereby the connection of the flagellum with the nucleus is loosened. The axis of the flagellum is displaced from the axis of the nucleus up to 160 degrees. The motility of these spermatozoa is not perceptibly disturbed.", "contents": "[A defect of the head-flagellum-connection of human spermatozoa]. A spermatozoa defect with an obligate heat-flagellum-crack which implies infetility is reported. Hereby the connection of the flagellum with the nucleus is loosened. The axis of the flagellum is displaced from the axis of the nucleus up to 160 degrees. The motility of these spermatozoa is not perceptibly disturbed.", "PMID": 1008268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11094", "title": "[Reports of clinical cases of taeniasis and consumption of taeniacides in the GDR district of Leipzig from 1967 to 1970].", "content": "Ascertainments on notifications of cases of taeniarhynchosis and of the consumption of taenial therapeutics in the regions of the district of Leipzig during the period 1967-1970. The factors are discussed which have influence on notifications or on the consumption of taenial therapeutics. From these examinations resulted, that consumption of taenial therapeutics come near to genuine extensity of the population, but it is not equal to this. The causes, at present, for bad notifications must be found and changes must be introduced. The statistics of numbers on consumption of taenial therapeutics must be improved and the sector of veterinarian science must be excluded.", "contents": "[Reports of clinical cases of taeniasis and consumption of taeniacides in the GDR district of Leipzig from 1967 to 1970]. Ascertainments on notifications of cases of taeniarhynchosis and of the consumption of taenial therapeutics in the regions of the district of Leipzig during the period 1967-1970. The factors are discussed which have influence on notifications or on the consumption of taenial therapeutics. From these examinations resulted, that consumption of taenial therapeutics come near to genuine extensity of the population, but it is not equal to this. The causes, at present, for bad notifications must be found and changes must be introduced. The statistics of numbers on consumption of taenial therapeutics must be improved and the sector of veterinarian science must be excluded.", "PMID": 1008291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11095", "title": "[Evaluation of mirex for the control of pharaoh's ants].", "content": "The paper analyses the mode of action of the organic chlorine compound Mirex in laboratory colonies of the pharaoh's ant Monomorium pharaonis under the special view of practical use in control measures in comparison with the related insecticide Chlordecone (Kepone). Similar to Chlordecone the queens are very susceptible towards the action of Mirex. According to the regression lines of the mortality the best concentrations for practical control measures are in the range of 0.1 to 1%, respectively. Under laboratory conditions a reliable eradication is effected by an application of 0.001% Mirex over a period of three weeks. Such a treatment lead to the loss of reproductive capacity of the remaining living queens. These queens do not recover after transmission to normal colonies. The larvae were influenced in the same manner as the adults. At the recommended level of Mirex all of the larvae disappear within the first five days of application of the poison bait. Also a short termed use lead to a long lasting damage of the ant societies. Between different baits no significant difference could be demonstrated even when one bait obviously was better accepted than another. Because of the strong effect on intact colonies Mirex should be recommended for the control of this ant pest.", "contents": "[Evaluation of mirex for the control of pharaoh's ants]. The paper analyses the mode of action of the organic chlorine compound Mirex in laboratory colonies of the pharaoh's ant Monomorium pharaonis under the special view of practical use in control measures in comparison with the related insecticide Chlordecone (Kepone). Similar to Chlordecone the queens are very susceptible towards the action of Mirex. According to the regression lines of the mortality the best concentrations for practical control measures are in the range of 0.1 to 1%, respectively. Under laboratory conditions a reliable eradication is effected by an application of 0.001% Mirex over a period of three weeks. Such a treatment lead to the loss of reproductive capacity of the remaining living queens. These queens do not recover after transmission to normal colonies. The larvae were influenced in the same manner as the adults. At the recommended level of Mirex all of the larvae disappear within the first five days of application of the poison bait. Also a short termed use lead to a long lasting damage of the ant societies. Between different baits no significant difference could be demonstrated even when one bait obviously was better accepted than another. Because of the strong effect on intact colonies Mirex should be recommended for the control of this ant pest.", "PMID": 1008292} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11096", "title": "[Accidents of fulguration].", "content": "Fulguration, first electric accident in which the man was a victim, is to day better known. A clap of thunder is decomposed in two elements: lightning, and thunder. Lightning is caused by an electrical discharge, either within a cloud, or between two clouds, or, above all, between a cloud and the surface of the ground. Experimental equipments owned by the French Electricity Company and by the Atomic Energy Commission, have allowed to photograph lightnings and to measure certain physical characteristics (Intensity variable between 25 to 100 kA, voltage variable between 20 to 1 000 kV). The frequency of storms was learned: the isokeraunic level, in France, is about 20, meaning that thunder is heard twenty days during one year. Man may be stricken by thunder by direct hit, by sudden bursting, by earth current, or through various conductors. The electric charge which reached him may go to the earth directly by contact with the ground or may dissipate in the air through a bony promontory (elbow). The total number of victims, \"wounded\" or deceased, is not now known by statistics. Death comes by insulation breakdown of one of several anatomic cephalic formations: skull, meninx, brain. Many various lesions may happen in survivors: loss of consciousness, more or less long, sensorial or motion deficiencies. All these signs are momentary and generally reversible. Besides one may observe much more intense lesions on the skin: burns and, over all, characteristic aborescence (skin effect by high frequency current). The heart is protected, contrarily to what happens with industrial electrocution. The curative treatment is merely symptomatic : reanimation, surgery for burns or associated traumatic lesions. A prevention is researched to help the lonely man, in the country or in the mountains in the houses (lightning conductor, Faraday cage), in vehicles (aircraft, cars, ships). The mysterious and unforseeable character of lightning still stays, leaving a door opened for numerous investigations.", "contents": "[Accidents of fulguration]. Fulguration, first electric accident in which the man was a victim, is to day better known. A clap of thunder is decomposed in two elements: lightning, and thunder. Lightning is caused by an electrical discharge, either within a cloud, or between two clouds, or, above all, between a cloud and the surface of the ground. Experimental equipments owned by the French Electricity Company and by the Atomic Energy Commission, have allowed to photograph lightnings and to measure certain physical characteristics (Intensity variable between 25 to 100 kA, voltage variable between 20 to 1 000 kV). The frequency of storms was learned: the isokeraunic level, in France, is about 20, meaning that thunder is heard twenty days during one year. Man may be stricken by thunder by direct hit, by sudden bursting, by earth current, or through various conductors. The electric charge which reached him may go to the earth directly by contact with the ground or may dissipate in the air through a bony promontory (elbow). The total number of victims, \"wounded\" or deceased, is not now known by statistics. Death comes by insulation breakdown of one of several anatomic cephalic formations: skull, meninx, brain. Many various lesions may happen in survivors: loss of consciousness, more or less long, sensorial or motion deficiencies. All these signs are momentary and generally reversible. Besides one may observe much more intense lesions on the skin: burns and, over all, characteristic aborescence (skin effect by high frequency current). The heart is protected, contrarily to what happens with industrial electrocution. The curative treatment is merely symptomatic : reanimation, surgery for burns or associated traumatic lesions. A prevention is researched to help the lonely man, in the country or in the mountains in the houses (lightning conductor, Faraday cage), in vehicles (aircraft, cars, ships). The mysterious and unforseeable character of lightning still stays, leaving a door opened for numerous investigations.", "PMID": 1008283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11097", "title": "[European species of Mallophaga genus Pleurinirmus].", "content": "The genus Pleurinirmus ZLOT. has been erected monotypically. In this paper, 4 further species are added. Of these, the following 3 are described as new on the basis of Polish and Finnish material on: P. affectator n. sp. from Sylvia borin, P. phylloscopi n. sp. from Phylloscopus trochilus, and P. rarus n. sp. from Phylloscopus collybita.", "contents": "[European species of Mallophaga genus Pleurinirmus]. The genus Pleurinirmus ZLOT. has been erected monotypically. In this paper, 4 further species are added. Of these, the following 3 are described as new on the basis of Polish and Finnish material on: P. affectator n. sp. from Sylvia borin, P. phylloscopi n. sp. from Phylloscopus trochilus, and P. rarus n. sp. from Phylloscopus collybita.", "PMID": 1008293} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11098", "title": "[Prevention of phenylephrine-induced acute experimental pulmonary edema in the rat using furosemide].", "content": "The intravenous, intraperitoneal or oral administration of furosemide before intravenous infusion of phenylephrin protects rats, the highest doses and the longest the time between administration of the diuretic drug and the beginning of injection, inducing the best protection. The diuretic effects of furosemide do not seem to be the only ones involved because rehydrated animals by isotonic saline solution are still protected. Moreover other diuretic drugs as acetazolamide are useless and on the other hand ethacrynic acid, without any diuretic activity in the Rat, can protect that animal from the edematous effects of phenylephrin.", "contents": "[Prevention of phenylephrine-induced acute experimental pulmonary edema in the rat using furosemide]. The intravenous, intraperitoneal or oral administration of furosemide before intravenous infusion of phenylephrin protects rats, the highest doses and the longest the time between administration of the diuretic drug and the beginning of injection, inducing the best protection. The diuretic effects of furosemide do not seem to be the only ones involved because rehydrated animals by isotonic saline solution are still protected. Moreover other diuretic drugs as acetazolamide are useless and on the other hand ethacrynic acid, without any diuretic activity in the Rat, can protect that animal from the edematous effects of phenylephrin.", "PMID": 1008281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11099", "title": "Haemaglobin and transferrin polymorphism in the Muzaffarnagri breed of sheep and its crosses with Corriedale.", "content": "Allelic frequencies for haemoglobins and transferrins in the Muzaffarnagri breed of sheep have been reported. All the three haemoglobin types were recorded. Seven transferrin phenotypes, TfAB, TfAD, TfBB, TfBC, TfBD, TfBE and TfDD, were observed. The gene frequencies for TfA, TfB, TfC, TfD and TfE were 0.032, 0.330, 0.001, 0.620 and 0.010, respectively.", "contents": "Haemaglobin and transferrin polymorphism in the Muzaffarnagri breed of sheep and its crosses with Corriedale. Allelic frequencies for haemoglobins and transferrins in the Muzaffarnagri breed of sheep have been reported. All the three haemoglobin types were recorded. Seven transferrin phenotypes, TfAB, TfAD, TfBB, TfBC, TfBD, TfBE and TfDD, were observed. The gene frequencies for TfA, TfB, TfC, TfD and TfE were 0.032, 0.330, 0.001, 0.620 and 0.010, respectively.", "PMID": 1008306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11100", "title": "Polymorphism of phosphoglucomutase in a German breed cattle.", "content": "Haemolysates from cattle belonging to the Hochfleckvieh breed (N = 42), were studied for electrophoretic variation of phosphoglucomutase. Three phenotypes were observed which could be explained on the basis of two alleles PGM1A and PGM1B. The PGM1B frequency of 0.7325 is comparatively lower than in other breeds.", "contents": "Polymorphism of phosphoglucomutase in a German breed cattle. Haemolysates from cattle belonging to the Hochfleckvieh breed (N = 42), were studied for electrophoretic variation of phosphoglucomutase. Three phenotypes were observed which could be explained on the basis of two alleles PGM1A and PGM1B. The PGM1B frequency of 0.7325 is comparatively lower than in other breeds.", "PMID": 1008307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11101", "title": "Characterization of chicken plasma alkaline phosphatase isozymes by urea and heat treatments.", "content": "The effects of urea and heat treatments on electrophoretic pattern and activity were investigated in chicken plasma alkaline phosphatase (AP). The B band, which had a slower migrating rate to the F or S band irrespective of isozyme types, was labile to urea (4M) and heat treatments (60 degrees C, 10 min), while the F and S bands were stable to the same treatments. From these results, the genetic control of the three chicken plasma AP isozymes, i.e., F, S and B bands, was discussed. The total AP activity of the F or S type was little affected by urea treatment in spite of the unstableness of the B band. It is considered that the B band inactivated by urea restores the activity when the urea concentration was reduced. The AP activity was reduced by the heat treatment. The reduction may be primarily due to the loss of the activity of the B band.", "contents": "Characterization of chicken plasma alkaline phosphatase isozymes by urea and heat treatments. The effects of urea and heat treatments on electrophoretic pattern and activity were investigated in chicken plasma alkaline phosphatase (AP). The B band, which had a slower migrating rate to the F or S band irrespective of isozyme types, was labile to urea (4M) and heat treatments (60 degrees C, 10 min), while the F and S bands were stable to the same treatments. From these results, the genetic control of the three chicken plasma AP isozymes, i.e., F, S and B bands, was discussed. The total AP activity of the F or S type was little affected by urea treatment in spite of the unstableness of the B band. It is considered that the B band inactivated by urea restores the activity when the urea concentration was reduced. The AP activity was reduced by the heat treatment. The reduction may be primarily due to the loss of the activity of the B band.", "PMID": 1008309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11102", "title": "Sensitivity to odours in the embryo of the domestic fowl.", "content": "Sensitivity to odours in the embryo of the domestic fowl was investigated on the day before hatching. Embryos were tested with four odorants: dichloroethane, cineole, amyl acetate and formic acid. Three odorants (dichloroethane, formic acid and cineole) produced an increase in the heart rate and a rise in the rates of beak-clapping and the first two increased the amount of head-shaking. Odorants had little effect on other types of activity. The response to amyl acetate varied between experiments. Blocking the nostrils with wax abolished the response. Some implications of these results are discussed briefly.", "contents": "Sensitivity to odours in the embryo of the domestic fowl. Sensitivity to odours in the embryo of the domestic fowl was investigated on the day before hatching. Embryos were tested with four odorants: dichloroethane, cineole, amyl acetate and formic acid. Three odorants (dichloroethane, formic acid and cineole) produced an increase in the heart rate and a rise in the rates of beak-clapping and the first two increased the amount of head-shaking. Odorants had little effect on other types of activity. The response to amyl acetate varied between experiments. Blocking the nostrils with wax abolished the response. Some implications of these results are discussed briefly.", "PMID": 1008310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11103", "title": "The social-avoidance behaviour of autistic children.", "content": "Direct observation and previous studies suggest autistic children actively avoid social encounters more than normal children, and concommitantly, act as if threatened by the mere proximity or non-threatening approaches of others. A study is reported which supports this. The 'cognitive-language handicap' theory of autism is criticized in the light of these results.", "contents": "The social-avoidance behaviour of autistic children. Direct observation and previous studies suggest autistic children actively avoid social encounters more than normal children, and concommitantly, act as if threatened by the mere proximity or non-threatening approaches of others. A study is reported which supports this. The 'cognitive-language handicap' theory of autism is criticized in the light of these results.", "PMID": 1008311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11104", "title": "[Paracoccidiodomycosis (South American blastomycosis): general review and report of cases].", "content": "The author presents and comments upon 19 cases of paracoccidiodomycosis (South American Blastomycosis). He sums up the fundamental epidemiologic and parasitologic aspects of the disease. He points out the diversity of its anatomoclinical features, and underlines the role of the pathologic anatomy in the diagnosis of the disease which necessitates of course an immunologic study. Histology also allows the appreciate the effect of specific treatments and to emphasize the formidable sclerogenic tendency of the disease when the patient has not been long enough under treatment.", "contents": "[Paracoccidiodomycosis (South American blastomycosis): general review and report of cases]. The author presents and comments upon 19 cases of paracoccidiodomycosis (South American Blastomycosis). He sums up the fundamental epidemiologic and parasitologic aspects of the disease. He points out the diversity of its anatomoclinical features, and underlines the role of the pathologic anatomy in the diagnosis of the disease which necessitates of course an immunologic study. Histology also allows the appreciate the effect of specific treatments and to emphasize the formidable sclerogenic tendency of the disease when the patient has not been long enough under treatment.", "PMID": 1008312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11105", "title": "[Inflammatory granulomas in the pathology of the nervous system. General remarks].", "content": "The \"gliogenic\" participation in the edification of granulomas may produce peculiar morphological features especially in the central nervous system, and perhaps more than elsewhere, pseudotumoral features. Moreover, the concept of \"granuloma\" is perhaps not as well defined as in the other tissues. There are also some still unsolved problems concerning the histogenesis of the cells of the \"granuloma\". Some examples taken among the different etiologies illustrate these notions.", "contents": "[Inflammatory granulomas in the pathology of the nervous system. General remarks]. The \"gliogenic\" participation in the edification of granulomas may produce peculiar morphological features especially in the central nervous system, and perhaps more than elsewhere, pseudotumoral features. Moreover, the concept of \"granuloma\" is perhaps not as well defined as in the other tissues. There are also some still unsolved problems concerning the histogenesis of the cells of the \"granuloma\". Some examples taken among the different etiologies illustrate these notions.", "PMID": 1008313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11106", "title": "[The different cells forming granulomas: morphologic features, origin, function and development].", "content": "Granulomas consist of an aggregation of lymphocytes and of phagocytes (polynuclear and histiomonocytes) around a tissular lesion. The cells are provided by the blood and/or the lymph. Other cells develop in the focus. Within the granuloma appear other cells which derive from the previous ones, viz immunoblasts, plasmocytes, macrophages, epithelioid and giant cells. These elements cooperate to destroy the invading agent. Mastocytes, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts join in. In the granuloma these latter give rise to scarring.", "contents": "[The different cells forming granulomas: morphologic features, origin, function and development]. Granulomas consist of an aggregation of lymphocytes and of phagocytes (polynuclear and histiomonocytes) around a tissular lesion. The cells are provided by the blood and/or the lymph. Other cells develop in the focus. Within the granuloma appear other cells which derive from the previous ones, viz immunoblasts, plasmocytes, macrophages, epithelioid and giant cells. These elements cooperate to destroy the invading agent. Mastocytes, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts join in. In the granuloma these latter give rise to scarring.", "PMID": 1008315} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11107", "title": "[Resorbing granulomatous process at the contact with the corpuscles of Hassall. Histopathologic aspects].", "content": "A histopathologic study of the thymus in human allowed in 14 cases to give evidence of a granulomatous process with macrophages and multinucleate giant cells. These cells are seen at the contact with the corpuscles of Hassall. They dissociate the structure of the latter and contribute to their disappearance. These resorptive granulomatous phenomena illustrate an ill-known aspect of the dynamism of the corpuscles of Hassall.", "contents": "[Resorbing granulomatous process at the contact with the corpuscles of Hassall. Histopathologic aspects]. A histopathologic study of the thymus in human allowed in 14 cases to give evidence of a granulomatous process with macrophages and multinucleate giant cells. These cells are seen at the contact with the corpuscles of Hassall. They dissociate the structure of the latter and contribute to their disappearance. These resorptive granulomatous phenomena illustrate an ill-known aspect of the dynamism of the corpuscles of Hassall.", "PMID": 1008314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11108", "title": "[Fibroblast and myofibroblast in the granulation tissue].", "content": "Review of the literature shows that numerous authors admit the existence during various inflammatory reactions, and especially in granulation and cicatricial tissues, of peculiar connective tissue cells e.g. modified fibroblast or myofibroblast, with intermediate features between a fibroblast and a smooth muscle cell. Some of the physical and structural characteristics of these tissues would depend on these cells. The ultrastructural features of the cells in human and experimental pathology as well as their connection with the extracellular matrix are recalled.", "contents": "[Fibroblast and myofibroblast in the granulation tissue]. Review of the literature shows that numerous authors admit the existence during various inflammatory reactions, and especially in granulation and cicatricial tissues, of peculiar connective tissue cells e.g. modified fibroblast or myofibroblast, with intermediate features between a fibroblast and a smooth muscle cell. Some of the physical and structural characteristics of these tissues would depend on these cells. The ultrastructural features of the cells in human and experimental pathology as well as their connection with the extracellular matrix are recalled.", "PMID": 1008316} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11109", "title": "[Plasmatic glycoproteins and granulomatous reaction].", "content": "The first evolution phase of the inflammatory granuloma is characterized from biochemical point of view by an overproduction in the liver of some glycoproteins termed glycoproteins of the inflammatory reaction. The author comments the study of these glycoproteins and of the nature of the endogenic factor producing an increase of their plasmatic concentration. He discusses the physiopathologic significance of the overproduction of inflammatory reaction glycoproteins following the development of an experimental granuloma. The lysosomic enzymes of the leukocytes are thought to play an important role.", "contents": "[Plasmatic glycoproteins and granulomatous reaction]. The first evolution phase of the inflammatory granuloma is characterized from biochemical point of view by an overproduction in the liver of some glycoproteins termed glycoproteins of the inflammatory reaction. The author comments the study of these glycoproteins and of the nature of the endogenic factor producing an increase of their plasmatic concentration. He discusses the physiopathologic significance of the overproduction of inflammatory reaction glycoproteins following the development of an experimental granuloma. The lysosomic enzymes of the leukocytes are thought to play an important role.", "PMID": 1008317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11110", "title": "[Total serum iron-binding capacity: problems posed by the use of commercial control sera].", "content": "After recalling the conditions of fixation of iron on human native serum, the authors determined the TIBC on 15 commercial control sera after titration. The transferrin concentration was determined on 13 sera of human origin, by two immunochemical techniques. They were thus able to demonstrate certain sera including a chelator substance other than transferrin, their TIBC depends only on the experimental conditions; such sera are not usable for quality control. Lyophilisation seems to reduce the reactivity of sites of fixation. It is thus necessary to provide a large excess of iron and prolong the duration of contact.", "contents": "[Total serum iron-binding capacity: problems posed by the use of commercial control sera]. After recalling the conditions of fixation of iron on human native serum, the authors determined the TIBC on 15 commercial control sera after titration. The transferrin concentration was determined on 13 sera of human origin, by two immunochemical techniques. They were thus able to demonstrate certain sera including a chelator substance other than transferrin, their TIBC depends only on the experimental conditions; such sera are not usable for quality control. Lyophilisation seems to reduce the reactivity of sites of fixation. It is thus necessary to provide a large excess of iron and prolong the duration of contact.", "PMID": 1008325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11111", "title": "[Familial granulomatous disease: histopathological and histogentic data].", "content": "The lesions seen in chronic familial granulomatosis are variable and seen in varied combinations: granulomas, often disseminated, pseudotuberculous lesions, histiocytes with a high content in lipofuscins seen in the liver, lymph nodes, spleen and lungs in particular. These lesions may be explained at least in part by a congenital defect in leucocytes, which is peculiar to this hereditary disease, and which concernes bactericidal functions.", "contents": "[Familial granulomatous disease: histopathological and histogentic data]. The lesions seen in chronic familial granulomatosis are variable and seen in varied combinations: granulomas, often disseminated, pseudotuberculous lesions, histiocytes with a high content in lipofuscins seen in the liver, lymph nodes, spleen and lungs in particular. These lesions may be explained at least in part by a congenital defect in leucocytes, which is peculiar to this hereditary disease, and which concernes bactericidal functions.", "PMID": 1008319} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11112", "title": "[Continuous flow determination of plasma uric acid by an enzyme method using a sequential autoanalyzer. Combination with glucose determination in the presence of glucose oxidase].", "content": "The simultaneous assays of glucose and uric acid in blood plasma use first a specific oxidase, then a peroxidase and the same chromogenic system. The coupling of the two methods on Autoanalyser SMA 12/60 use five reagents, three of which are identical in the two methods.", "contents": "[Continuous flow determination of plasma uric acid by an enzyme method using a sequential autoanalyzer. Combination with glucose determination in the presence of glucose oxidase]. The simultaneous assays of glucose and uric acid in blood plasma use first a specific oxidase, then a peroxidase and the same chromogenic system. The coupling of the two methods on Autoanalyser SMA 12/60 use five reagents, three of which are identical in the two methods.", "PMID": 1008327} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11113", "title": "[Granulomas caused by animal parasites].", "content": "Numerous animal parasites, protozoan, metazoan and in particular helminths, may cause a varied range of granulomatous lesions in man. Study of two examples, the leishmaniasis granuloma and the schistomiasis granuloma, would appear to indicate that reactions between the host and the parasite at various stages of its development are dependent upon facilitation or rejection phenomena in which both humoral and cellular mechanisms are involved. The appearance of the granuloma thus depends upon the reactional possibilities of the host. The lesions seen in these granulomas may be related to a certain number of basic processes: phenomenon of necrosis, of fibrosis, specific or non-specific reactions and allergic reactions which are processes also seen under other aetiological circumstances. Certain of them, in particular giant cell or epithelio-giant cell reactions and the tissue eosinophilia associated with helminthic infestations, the role of which is not clearly known, are suggestive of a parasitic aetiology but are in no way pathognomonic. Thee demonstration and identification of the parasite, sometimes difficult or even impossible, should take into account the geographical and epidemiological context, as well as the localisation of the lesions, and often require the pathologist to study serial sections, with special stains. The timely aid of the parasitologist or immunologist is often essential to the aetiological diagnosis of the granuloma.", "contents": "[Granulomas caused by animal parasites]. Numerous animal parasites, protozoan, metazoan and in particular helminths, may cause a varied range of granulomatous lesions in man. Study of two examples, the leishmaniasis granuloma and the schistomiasis granuloma, would appear to indicate that reactions between the host and the parasite at various stages of its development are dependent upon facilitation or rejection phenomena in which both humoral and cellular mechanisms are involved. The appearance of the granuloma thus depends upon the reactional possibilities of the host. The lesions seen in these granulomas may be related to a certain number of basic processes: phenomenon of necrosis, of fibrosis, specific or non-specific reactions and allergic reactions which are processes also seen under other aetiological circumstances. Certain of them, in particular giant cell or epithelio-giant cell reactions and the tissue eosinophilia associated with helminthic infestations, the role of which is not clearly known, are suggestive of a parasitic aetiology but are in no way pathognomonic. Thee demonstration and identification of the parasite, sometimes difficult or even impossible, should take into account the geographical and epidemiological context, as well as the localisation of the lesions, and often require the pathologist to study serial sections, with special stains. The timely aid of the parasitologist or immunologist is often essential to the aetiological diagnosis of the granuloma.", "PMID": 1008320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11114", "title": "[Experimental granulomas].", "content": "The various techniques used for obtaining granulomatous lesions are reviewed, account being taken of the type of animal, the organ, the inducing agent and its mode of administration. The different aspects of the granulomatous lesions are then described with respect to the cell population examined and to the dynamic of the macrophagic behaviour within the lesions, the dynamics making it possible to make a classification according to the rate of renewal of the cell population concerned. Some particular cases are examined, in particular with regard to the interactions of the granuloma with other pathological processes such as bacterial infection or immunitary reactions.", "contents": "[Experimental granulomas]. The various techniques used for obtaining granulomatous lesions are reviewed, account being taken of the type of animal, the organ, the inducing agent and its mode of administration. The different aspects of the granulomatous lesions are then described with respect to the cell population examined and to the dynamic of the macrophagic behaviour within the lesions, the dynamics making it possible to make a classification according to the rate of renewal of the cell population concerned. Some particular cases are examined, in particular with regard to the interactions of the granuloma with other pathological processes such as bacterial infection or immunitary reactions.", "PMID": 1008318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11115", "title": "[Automatic determination of urinary mineral phosphate by centrifugation analysis].", "content": "Urinary phosphate with acid vanadate and molybdate induces a yellow coloration. The absorbance is proportional to concentration. Kinetics of the reaction including this maximum are measured on Centrifichem; the material and methods, the criteria of validity are presented and discussed.", "contents": "[Automatic determination of urinary mineral phosphate by centrifugation analysis]. Urinary phosphate with acid vanadate and molybdate induces a yellow coloration. The absorbance is proportional to concentration. Kinetics of the reaction including this maximum are measured on Centrifichem; the material and methods, the criteria of validity are presented and discussed.", "PMID": 1008328} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11116", "title": "[Changes in the bone marrow in cancer patients. 61 bone marrow biopsies].", "content": "The authors studied 61 bone marrow biopsies carried out in cancerous patients, presumably suffering from a bone metastasis and before any treatment. They feel that quantitative and qualitative changes in the bone marrow may be considered to be an indirect diagnostic indication of metastatic spread.", "contents": "[Changes in the bone marrow in cancer patients. 61 bone marrow biopsies]. The authors studied 61 bone marrow biopsies carried out in cancerous patients, presumably suffering from a bone metastasis and before any treatment. They feel that quantitative and qualitative changes in the bone marrow may be considered to be an indirect diagnostic indication of metastatic spread.", "PMID": 1008322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11117", "title": "[Microdetermination to creatinine in biological fluids by kinetic methods. Comparison with continuous flow methods].", "content": "The authors compare the performances of two micromethods of determination of creatinine in biological fluids, based on the measurement of the kinetics of the reaction of Jaffe: one was adapted to an analyser of the rate of reaction LKB 8 600, the other, a rapid analyser by centrifugation, the Centrifichem. Correlations with continuous flow techniques with dialysis are also reported.", "contents": "[Microdetermination to creatinine in biological fluids by kinetic methods. Comparison with continuous flow methods]. The authors compare the performances of two micromethods of determination of creatinine in biological fluids, based on the measurement of the kinetics of the reaction of Jaffe: one was adapted to an analyser of the rate of reaction LKB 8 600, the other, a rapid analyser by centrifugation, the Centrifichem. Correlations with continuous flow techniques with dialysis are also reported.", "PMID": 1008329} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11118", "title": "[Inflammatory granulomas of fungal origin].", "content": "This trial on the histopathology of fungal granulomas was aimed at showing that fungi are good models for examination of variations in cellular participation in the inflammatory reactions which they provoke. Their presence stimulates activity of the entire leucocyte series and their tissular differentiations. They clearly demonstrate the association of capture phenomena with the polynuclears and macrophages as well as the humoral phenomena of immunity with the lympho-plasmocytes. Changes in the histiocytes are particularly remarkable in the mycoses and whilst the epithelioid cell found within tuberculoid structures seems, at least in part, to reflect a cutaneous hypersensitivity, the Virchow state corresponds to inhibition of the usual functions of lysis of pathogenic agents, resulting by contrast in undefined, intracellular multiplication of this agent, when cellular immunity cannot develop or has disappeared.", "contents": "[Inflammatory granulomas of fungal origin]. This trial on the histopathology of fungal granulomas was aimed at showing that fungi are good models for examination of variations in cellular participation in the inflammatory reactions which they provoke. Their presence stimulates activity of the entire leucocyte series and their tissular differentiations. They clearly demonstrate the association of capture phenomena with the polynuclears and macrophages as well as the humoral phenomena of immunity with the lympho-plasmocytes. Changes in the histiocytes are particularly remarkable in the mycoses and whilst the epithelioid cell found within tuberculoid structures seems, at least in part, to reflect a cutaneous hypersensitivity, the Virchow state corresponds to inhibition of the usual functions of lysis of pathogenic agents, resulting by contrast in undefined, intracellular multiplication of this agent, when cellular immunity cannot develop or has disappeared.", "PMID": 1008321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11119", "title": "[Histochemical study of the ground substance in chordoma].", "content": "Using a series of histochemical reactions, the authors studied the intercellular substance of a chordoma and of one of its recurrences, and were able to demonstrate the presence of neutral substance, of acid mucosubstances with carboxyl groups and sulphated groups. The presence in the intercellular matrix of the chordoma of sialic acid was shown, as well as the probable presence of hyaluronic acid.", "contents": "[Histochemical study of the ground substance in chordoma]. Using a series of histochemical reactions, the authors studied the intercellular substance of a chordoma and of one of its recurrences, and were able to demonstrate the presence of neutral substance, of acid mucosubstances with carboxyl groups and sulphated groups. The presence in the intercellular matrix of the chordoma of sialic acid was shown, as well as the probable presence of hyaluronic acid.", "PMID": 1008324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11120", "title": "[Frequency and significance of intravesicular thyroid crystals].", "content": "Using histological examination in polarised light, intravesicular crystals were found in 89 out of 100 thyroids, normal or pathological, removed at autopsy. Crystals were abundant in 44 cases. Pathological changes in the gland result in a irregular and sometimes characteristic distribution of the chrystalline deposits. Intravesicular crystals may reflect local functional variations in the thyroid.", "contents": "[Frequency and significance of intravesicular thyroid crystals]. Using histological examination in polarised light, intravesicular crystals were found in 89 out of 100 thyroids, normal or pathological, removed at autopsy. Crystals were abundant in 44 cases. Pathological changes in the gland result in a irregular and sometimes characteristic distribution of the chrystalline deposits. Intravesicular crystals may reflect local functional variations in the thyroid.", "PMID": 1008323} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11121", "title": "Respiratory effects of live influenza virus vaccine: healthy older subjects and patients with chronic respiratory disease.", "content": "Twenty-one healthy, middle-aged volunteers and 8 patients with chronic lung disease were given live, attenuated influenza virus vaccine by nasal spray. Forced vital capacity, 1-sec forced expiratory volume, ratio of 1-sec forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity, residual volume, ratio of airway conductance to lung volume, maximal expiratory flows after exhalation of 50 and of 75 per cent of the forced vital capacity, closing volume, slope of Phase III, volume of isoflow, single-breath diffusing capacity for CO, and arterial blood gases were measured before and 3, 7, 10, and 21 days after exposure. Vaccination was well tolerated by the healthy volunteers without change in pulmonary function. In contrast, the patients tended to develop increased respiratory symptoms and had a slight decrease in mean forced expiratory volume in 1 sec 3 weeks after vaccination.", "contents": "Respiratory effects of live influenza virus vaccine: healthy older subjects and patients with chronic respiratory disease. Twenty-one healthy, middle-aged volunteers and 8 patients with chronic lung disease were given live, attenuated influenza virus vaccine by nasal spray. Forced vital capacity, 1-sec forced expiratory volume, ratio of 1-sec forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity, residual volume, ratio of airway conductance to lung volume, maximal expiratory flows after exhalation of 50 and of 75 per cent of the forced vital capacity, closing volume, slope of Phase III, volume of isoflow, single-breath diffusing capacity for CO, and arterial blood gases were measured before and 3, 7, 10, and 21 days after exposure. Vaccination was well tolerated by the healthy volunteers without change in pulmonary function. In contrast, the patients tended to develop increased respiratory symptoms and had a slight decrease in mean forced expiratory volume in 1 sec 3 weeks after vaccination.", "PMID": 1008342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11122", "title": "The value of the skin test and complement fixation test in the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis.", "content": "Histoplasmin skin test results in patients with chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis from Missouri and Texas were compared to results in a previous study of U.S. Navy recruits. When consideration was given to geographic areas from which persons from each group were admitted to the study, it was found that the recruits were as likely to have a positive skin test as were those with the disease. In a similar manner, the Texas histoplasmosis patients were compared to groups of patients from that state with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and with pulmonary tuberculosis. Again, no significant differences were found. It was concluded that the histoplasmin skin test is not of value in the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis complement fixation test data from the chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis group were compared to data from the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary tuberculosis groups. The usefulness of the complement fixation test in chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis is limited, as with any test, by false-positive and false-negative reactions. A decision theory method was used to define the limits of usefulness.", "contents": "The value of the skin test and complement fixation test in the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis. Histoplasmin skin test results in patients with chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis from Missouri and Texas were compared to results in a previous study of U.S. Navy recruits. When consideration was given to geographic areas from which persons from each group were admitted to the study, it was found that the recruits were as likely to have a positive skin test as were those with the disease. In a similar manner, the Texas histoplasmosis patients were compared to groups of patients from that state with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and with pulmonary tuberculosis. Again, no significant differences were found. It was concluded that the histoplasmin skin test is not of value in the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis complement fixation test data from the chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis group were compared to data from the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary tuberculosis groups. The usefulness of the complement fixation test in chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis is limited, as with any test, by false-positive and false-negative reactions. A decision theory method was used to define the limits of usefulness.", "PMID": 1008343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11123", "title": "Five- to seven-year course of pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis.", "content": "The pulmonary function records of 132 patients with cystic fibrosis followed for 5 to 7 years were reviewed. Changes in forced vital capacity, 1-sec forced expiratory volume, mean forced expiratory flow during the middle half of the forced vital capacity, and 1-sec forced expiratory volume as a percentage of forced vital capacity were examined. There was considerable variation in the rates of change, but the general pattern was consistent with a theory of exponential decline, mean forced expiratory flow during the middle half of the forced vital capacity showing the earliest and most dramatic changes. The pulmonary function of 33 patients (25 per cent) remained stable or improved throughout follow-up, possibly reflecting mild forms of lung disease or the efficacy of therapy. Twenty of these patients (15 per cent) maintained completely normal pulmonary function. The rate of decline in pulmonary function values, with progress of the disease, was steeper in the female patients.", "contents": "Five- to seven-year course of pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis. The pulmonary function records of 132 patients with cystic fibrosis followed for 5 to 7 years were reviewed. Changes in forced vital capacity, 1-sec forced expiratory volume, mean forced expiratory flow during the middle half of the forced vital capacity, and 1-sec forced expiratory volume as a percentage of forced vital capacity were examined. There was considerable variation in the rates of change, but the general pattern was consistent with a theory of exponential decline, mean forced expiratory flow during the middle half of the forced vital capacity showing the earliest and most dramatic changes. The pulmonary function of 33 patients (25 per cent) remained stable or improved throughout follow-up, possibly reflecting mild forms of lung disease or the efficacy of therapy. Twenty of these patients (15 per cent) maintained completely normal pulmonary function. The rate of decline in pulmonary function values, with progress of the disease, was steeper in the female patients.", "PMID": 1008344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11124", "title": "Inhibition of antigen-induced mediator release from guinea pig lung by alcohols.", "content": "Guinea pig bronchi sensitized to ovalbumin were set up in isolated tissue baths according to the method of Hooker and associates (1,2). In the presence of 10(-6)M atropine, pyrilamine, and indomethacin, concentrations of ovalbumin from 10(-9) to 10(-8) g per ml produced marked contraction of the bronchi. Generally, the antigen-induced contraction could be repeated every 45 to 60 min without tachyphylaxis. Ethanol (1.5 per cent), propanol (0.75 percent), butanol (0.25 per cent), and propylene glycol (1.5 per cent) decreased the contracile response to ovalbumin but either did not influence (ethanol and propylene glycol) or slightly reduced (propanol and butanol) responses of the bronchi to prostaglandin F2alpha. Trachea, bronchi, and parenchyma from sensitized guinea pigs were minced, washed, incubated in Krebs'-bicarbonate solution and challenged with 10(-6) and 10(-4) g per ml ovalbumin. Mediators released into the medium were assayed on unsensitized guinea pig ileum. All the alcohols suppressed mediator release. Circular dichroism demonstrated that the conformational integrity of ovalbumin was not altered by the concentrations of alcohols used in this study. These results show that antigen-induced mediator release is inhibited by alcohols and suggest caution when choosing a solvent for testing the effect of water insoluble anti-asthma compounds.", "contents": "Inhibition of antigen-induced mediator release from guinea pig lung by alcohols. Guinea pig bronchi sensitized to ovalbumin were set up in isolated tissue baths according to the method of Hooker and associates (1,2). In the presence of 10(-6)M atropine, pyrilamine, and indomethacin, concentrations of ovalbumin from 10(-9) to 10(-8) g per ml produced marked contraction of the bronchi. Generally, the antigen-induced contraction could be repeated every 45 to 60 min without tachyphylaxis. Ethanol (1.5 per cent), propanol (0.75 percent), butanol (0.25 per cent), and propylene glycol (1.5 per cent) decreased the contracile response to ovalbumin but either did not influence (ethanol and propylene glycol) or slightly reduced (propanol and butanol) responses of the bronchi to prostaglandin F2alpha. Trachea, bronchi, and parenchyma from sensitized guinea pigs were minced, washed, incubated in Krebs'-bicarbonate solution and challenged with 10(-6) and 10(-4) g per ml ovalbumin. Mediators released into the medium were assayed on unsensitized guinea pig ileum. All the alcohols suppressed mediator release. Circular dichroism demonstrated that the conformational integrity of ovalbumin was not altered by the concentrations of alcohols used in this study. These results show that antigen-induced mediator release is inhibited by alcohols and suggest caution when choosing a solvent for testing the effect of water insoluble anti-asthma compounds.", "PMID": 1008345} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11125", "title": "Effects of shape changes of the chest wall on distribution of inspired gas.", "content": "The configuration of the chest wall was measured with magnetometers applied at various levels of the rib cage and abdomen. Distribution of ventilation was measured in the supine position using a bolus of xenon-133 inspired at a flow rate of 0.1 liter per sec. Measurements were made during spontaneous breathing, during augmented abdominal breathing, after manual lateral compression of the lower part of the rib cage followed by a predominantly abdominal motion, and after similar compression followed only by increase of the lateral basal rib cage diameter. Basal compression gave a decrease in lateral diameter of 5 to 7 per cent. During spontaneous breathing, apical ventilation exceeded basal ventilation. During an inspiration with an increase of the lateral basal rib cage diameter after compression, the ventilation of basal peripheral regions increased somewhat. No other systematic effects of the changes in either chest wall diameter at the start of inspiration or the type of inspiration were found on distribution of inspired boli.", "contents": "Effects of shape changes of the chest wall on distribution of inspired gas. The configuration of the chest wall was measured with magnetometers applied at various levels of the rib cage and abdomen. Distribution of ventilation was measured in the supine position using a bolus of xenon-133 inspired at a flow rate of 0.1 liter per sec. Measurements were made during spontaneous breathing, during augmented abdominal breathing, after manual lateral compression of the lower part of the rib cage followed by a predominantly abdominal motion, and after similar compression followed only by increase of the lateral basal rib cage diameter. Basal compression gave a decrease in lateral diameter of 5 to 7 per cent. During spontaneous breathing, apical ventilation exceeded basal ventilation. During an inspiration with an increase of the lateral basal rib cage diameter after compression, the ventilation of basal peripheral regions increased somewhat. No other systematic effects of the changes in either chest wall diameter at the start of inspiration or the type of inspiration were found on distribution of inspired boli.", "PMID": 1008346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11126", "title": "Mitotic index of the bronchial and alveolar lining of the normal rat lung.", "content": "Cell turnover in the rat airway epithelium has been studied at 5 levels of the bronchial tree after administration of either colchicine or tritiated thymidine, and in male and female rats of 3 age groups. This is the first study to include all these features of the same species. In the young animals the Mitotic Index (number of cells in division per 1,000 nuclei) decreased progressively to the periphry and was higher in the male than in the female, although the rate of weight gain was the same for both. In the oldest animals no difference was observed between the various airway levels or between the sexes. In the intermediate group the proximal to distal decrease was apparent but the difference with sex was not. The concentration of cells per unit length of airway is higher in the trachea and main bronchus than in intrapulmonary airways. (In the intrapulmonary airways virtually no basal cells are present.) This means that a given Mitotic Index represents replacement of a larger area of epithelium in small airways than in large ones.", "contents": "Mitotic index of the bronchial and alveolar lining of the normal rat lung. Cell turnover in the rat airway epithelium has been studied at 5 levels of the bronchial tree after administration of either colchicine or tritiated thymidine, and in male and female rats of 3 age groups. This is the first study to include all these features of the same species. In the young animals the Mitotic Index (number of cells in division per 1,000 nuclei) decreased progressively to the periphry and was higher in the male than in the female, although the rate of weight gain was the same for both. In the oldest animals no difference was observed between the various airway levels or between the sexes. In the intermediate group the proximal to distal decrease was apparent but the difference with sex was not. The concentration of cells per unit length of airway is higher in the trachea and main bronchus than in intrapulmonary airways. (In the intrapulmonary airways virtually no basal cells are present.) This means that a given Mitotic Index represents replacement of a larger area of epithelium in small airways than in large ones.", "PMID": 1008347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11127", "title": "Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents.", "content": "A retrospective analysis of 50 patients who had been observed to aspirate gastric contents was performed to define better the course of patients with this syndrome. The patients invariably had a disturbance of consciousness, most commonly due to sedative drug overdose or general anesthesia. The onset of clinical signs occurred prompty after aspiration and tended to be similar in all patients, irrespective of their subsequent course or outcome. These findings usually included fever, tachypnea, diffuse rales, and serious hypoxemia. Cough, cyanosis, wheezing, and apnea were each seen in approximately one third of the cases. Apena, shock, and early severe hypoxemia were particularly ominous events. Initial roentgenograms revealed diffuse or localized alveolar infiltrates, which progressed during the next 24 to 36 hours. Subsequent clinical courses followed 3 patterns: 12 per cent of the patients died shortly after aspiration; 62 per cent had rapid clinical and radiologic improvement, with clearing, on average, within 4.5 days; 26 per cent demonstrated rapid improvement, but then had clinical and radiographic progression associated with recovery of bacterial pathogens from the sputum and a fatal outcome in more than 60 per cent. Treatment from the outset by adrenocortical steroids or antimicrobial agents had no demonstrable effect on the outcome. The clinical features of aspiration of gastric contents are characteristic and distinguish it from other forms of aspiration-related lung disease.", "contents": "Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. A retrospective analysis of 50 patients who had been observed to aspirate gastric contents was performed to define better the course of patients with this syndrome. The patients invariably had a disturbance of consciousness, most commonly due to sedative drug overdose or general anesthesia. The onset of clinical signs occurred prompty after aspiration and tended to be similar in all patients, irrespective of their subsequent course or outcome. These findings usually included fever, tachypnea, diffuse rales, and serious hypoxemia. Cough, cyanosis, wheezing, and apnea were each seen in approximately one third of the cases. Apena, shock, and early severe hypoxemia were particularly ominous events. Initial roentgenograms revealed diffuse or localized alveolar infiltrates, which progressed during the next 24 to 36 hours. Subsequent clinical courses followed 3 patterns: 12 per cent of the patients died shortly after aspiration; 62 per cent had rapid clinical and radiologic improvement, with clearing, on average, within 4.5 days; 26 per cent demonstrated rapid improvement, but then had clinical and radiographic progression associated with recovery of bacterial pathogens from the sputum and a fatal outcome in more than 60 per cent. Treatment from the outset by adrenocortical steroids or antimicrobial agents had no demonstrable effect on the outcome. The clinical features of aspiration of gastric contents are characteristic and distinguish it from other forms of aspiration-related lung disease.", "PMID": 1008348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11128", "title": "An improved pulmonary angiographic technique using a balloon-tipped catheter.", "content": "Selective pulmonary angiography, using injection of contrast material distal to occlusion of a lobar or segmental vessel with a balloon-tipped catheter, was performed in 33 patients suspected of having pulmonary embolism. Excellent film quality was possible with this method using specialized radiographic techniques allowing exposure of rapid-sequence spot films. Balloon-occlusion angiography contributed to, or improved on, findings on standard angiograms in 28 of 33 patients; the procedures were inconclusive or incomplete in 5 cases owing to unavoidable technical factors. In general, image quality, definition of both large and small vessels, and visualization of emboli were often superior to results obtained by routine angiography. This technique is safe, relatively easy to perform, and capable of serving as a valuable adjunct to established diagnostic procedures for pulmonary embolism.", "contents": "An improved pulmonary angiographic technique using a balloon-tipped catheter. Selective pulmonary angiography, using injection of contrast material distal to occlusion of a lobar or segmental vessel with a balloon-tipped catheter, was performed in 33 patients suspected of having pulmonary embolism. Excellent film quality was possible with this method using specialized radiographic techniques allowing exposure of rapid-sequence spot films. Balloon-occlusion angiography contributed to, or improved on, findings on standard angiograms in 28 of 33 patients; the procedures were inconclusive or incomplete in 5 cases owing to unavoidable technical factors. In general, image quality, definition of both large and small vessels, and visualization of emboli were often superior to results obtained by routine angiography. This technique is safe, relatively easy to perform, and capable of serving as a valuable adjunct to established diagnostic procedures for pulmonary embolism.", "PMID": 1008349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11129", "title": "Case reports: pleural melioidosis.", "content": "We report herein a patient with pulmonary melioidosis, whose initial chest roentgenogram revealed only a pleural mass. The patient had not been in a zone endemic for melioidosis during the previous 15 months. We stress the importance of including melioidosis in the differential diagnosis of pleural lesions, and of considering this diagnosis in any patient who has been in an endemic zone at any time in the past.", "contents": "Case reports: pleural melioidosis. We report herein a patient with pulmonary melioidosis, whose initial chest roentgenogram revealed only a pleural mass. The patient had not been in a zone endemic for melioidosis during the previous 15 months. We stress the importance of including melioidosis in the differential diagnosis of pleural lesions, and of considering this diagnosis in any patient who has been in an endemic zone at any time in the past.", "PMID": 1008351} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11130", "title": "Antibodies against rifampin in patients with tuberculosis after discontinuation of daily treatment.", "content": "The presence of antibodies to rifampin was determined in sera of patients with tuberculosis on daily treatment one day after discontinuation of treatment, one week later, 3 weeks later, and 8 weeks later. The highest number of positive patients was found in the third week.", "contents": "Antibodies against rifampin in patients with tuberculosis after discontinuation of daily treatment. The presence of antibodies to rifampin was determined in sera of patients with tuberculosis on daily treatment one day after discontinuation of treatment, one week later, 3 weeks later, and 8 weeks later. The highest number of positive patients was found in the third week.", "PMID": 1008352} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11131", "title": "A rapid method of disinfecting the bronchofiberscope.", "content": "A method of disinfecting the bronchofiberscope that requires 5 minutes was tested against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, influenza virus, and rhinovirus. The bronchofiberscope was contaminated with either sputum or mucin containing the microorganism. Disinfection was performed by washing the inner channel and the outer sheath with a hexachlorophene detergent followed by a solution containing povidone-iodine, ethanol, and water. A total of 76 specimens was tested; all postdisinfection cultures were sterile with the exception of one containing less than 102 colonies per ml of S. aureus.", "contents": "A rapid method of disinfecting the bronchofiberscope. A method of disinfecting the bronchofiberscope that requires 5 minutes was tested against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, influenza virus, and rhinovirus. The bronchofiberscope was contaminated with either sputum or mucin containing the microorganism. Disinfection was performed by washing the inner channel and the outer sheath with a hexachlorophene detergent followed by a solution containing povidone-iodine, ethanol, and water. A total of 76 specimens was tested; all postdisinfection cultures were sterile with the exception of one containing less than 102 colonies per ml of S. aureus.", "PMID": 1008353} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11132", "title": "A comparison between the three largest and three last of five forced expiratory maneuvers in a population study.", "content": "Five acceptable forced expiratory maneuvers were obtained with a portable spirometer from each person in a population of 1,670 selected from a stratified random sample of a community. The largest 3 of 5 tracings were identifiable as a significantly different subser of the 5 tracings. In 83 per cent of comparisons, the variance of the last 3 was greater than that of the largest 3. Among the largest 3 tracings the highest single value was also identified as significantly different from the other two tracings. For epidemiologic purposes the largest 3 of 5 acceptable tracings is preferable to the last 3 of 5.", "contents": "A comparison between the three largest and three last of five forced expiratory maneuvers in a population study. Five acceptable forced expiratory maneuvers were obtained with a portable spirometer from each person in a population of 1,670 selected from a stratified random sample of a community. The largest 3 of 5 tracings were identifiable as a significantly different subser of the 5 tracings. In 83 per cent of comparisons, the variance of the last 3 was greater than that of the largest 3. Among the largest 3 tracings the highest single value was also identified as significantly different from the other two tracings. For epidemiologic purposes the largest 3 of 5 acceptable tracings is preferable to the last 3 of 5.", "PMID": 1008354} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11133", "title": "[\"Astasia-abasia,\" unilateral left-sided apraxia, and touch disorders in an astrocytoma of the corpus callosum. A clinico-pathological report].", "content": "The authors report the case of a 55 year old woman suffering from an astrocytoma of the corpus callosum, probably originating in the middle part of the commissure and subsequently involving the whole structure, beyond which it extended very little. They describe the symptoms and signs, consisting initially of a progressive isolated astasia-abasia, in the absence of any psychological disturbance, and subsequently consisting of an apraxic disorganisation involving particularly gestural activity of the left upper limb. They discuss the significance of the psychological disturbances and problems of stasis and walking classically described in relation to tumoural pathology of the corpus callosum, generally attributed to an associated pre-frontal involvement. They review the principal features the \"callosal disconnection syndrome\" of which their patient constituted an example.", "contents": "[\"Astasia-abasia,\" unilateral left-sided apraxia, and touch disorders in an astrocytoma of the corpus callosum. A clinico-pathological report]. The authors report the case of a 55 year old woman suffering from an astrocytoma of the corpus callosum, probably originating in the middle part of the commissure and subsequently involving the whole structure, beyond which it extended very little. They describe the symptoms and signs, consisting initially of a progressive isolated astasia-abasia, in the absence of any psychological disturbance, and subsequently consisting of an apraxic disorganisation involving particularly gestural activity of the left upper limb. They discuss the significance of the psychological disturbances and problems of stasis and walking classically described in relation to tumoural pathology of the corpus callosum, generally attributed to an associated pre-frontal involvement. They review the principal features the \"callosal disconnection syndrome\" of which their patient constituted an example.", "PMID": 1008356} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11134", "title": "[Hyperparathyroidism caused by a juxtacardiac adenoma].", "content": "The authors present a case of parathyroid adenoma in the sinus of Theile, and in this connection review the deep mediastinal localisations of these \"secret\" adenomas, inaccessible to the classical pre-operative investigations.", "contents": "[Hyperparathyroidism caused by a juxtacardiac adenoma]. The authors present a case of parathyroid adenoma in the sinus of Theile, and in this connection review the deep mediastinal localisations of these \"secret\" adenomas, inaccessible to the classical pre-operative investigations.", "PMID": 1008357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11135", "title": "[Evaluation of a broncho-pulmonary cancer patient].", "content": "A complete check-up is indispensable in patients suffering from broncho-pulmonary cancer, in order to establish a base-line for the lesions, and necessary in order to pose possible surgical indications. It must make use of the clinical examination and various instrumental exploratory methods which must be used with discrimination depending on the benefits which can be expected of them. Clinical examination is essential; it enables analysis of the symptoms and evaluation of the general condition. Investigation of the progressive potential of the cancer is based on the histological study, evaluation of the subject's state of immunity and the time for the tumor to double in size. Functional respiratory investigation is indispensable for any possible surgical discussion. Its importance equals the assessment of local extension of the tumor, of mediastinal glandular involvement and the result of vascular involvement checks. Finally, the identification of metastases remains essential, although deceptive, inspite of progress in the means of investigation which can be used.", "contents": "[Evaluation of a broncho-pulmonary cancer patient]. A complete check-up is indispensable in patients suffering from broncho-pulmonary cancer, in order to establish a base-line for the lesions, and necessary in order to pose possible surgical indications. It must make use of the clinical examination and various instrumental exploratory methods which must be used with discrimination depending on the benefits which can be expected of them. Clinical examination is essential; it enables analysis of the symptoms and evaluation of the general condition. Investigation of the progressive potential of the cancer is based on the histological study, evaluation of the subject's state of immunity and the time for the tumor to double in size. Functional respiratory investigation is indispensable for any possible surgical discussion. Its importance equals the assessment of local extension of the tumor, of mediastinal glandular involvement and the result of vascular involvement checks. Finally, the identification of metastases remains essential, although deceptive, inspite of progress in the means of investigation which can be used.", "PMID": 1008359} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11136", "title": "[Chemotherapy in primary and metastatic intrathoracic cancer].", "content": "Chemotherapy has procured results which are still modest surely valid in the treatment of inoperable primary bronchial cancer: - prolongation of the mean survival time from 3 1/2 months for the nontreated cases to 8 1/2 months for those patients treated with complex combinations; - more than 15% of very good results with return to normal professional activity for 6 to 18 months; - approximately 30% of considerable subjective improvement with a definite sense of \"well being\"; - considerable reduction in the use of pain-killers. These results amply justify the pursuit of research. 2) The results for the combination hormone-chemotherapy, in the case of thoracic metastases of breast cancer, are definitely better. After leukemia in children, and Hodgking and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, metastases from breast cancer constitute a third group of chemosensitive tumors: - for 64 cases, the percentage of complete or partial remission is 84.3%; - there were 34 complete remissions: mean survival 27 months, at present 11 patients still remain alive: 1 to 16, 1 to 17, 2 to 19, 1 to 23, 31, 35, 38, 43, 68 and 70 months; - 20 partial remissions, mean survival 10 1/2 months, one patient still alive; - 10 failures, mean survival 6 months; - mean duration of complete remission 18 months; - mean duration of partial remission 6 months.", "contents": "[Chemotherapy in primary and metastatic intrathoracic cancer]. Chemotherapy has procured results which are still modest surely valid in the treatment of inoperable primary bronchial cancer: - prolongation of the mean survival time from 3 1/2 months for the nontreated cases to 8 1/2 months for those patients treated with complex combinations; - more than 15% of very good results with return to normal professional activity for 6 to 18 months; - approximately 30% of considerable subjective improvement with a definite sense of \"well being\"; - considerable reduction in the use of pain-killers. These results amply justify the pursuit of research. 2) The results for the combination hormone-chemotherapy, in the case of thoracic metastases of breast cancer, are definitely better. After leukemia in children, and Hodgking and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, metastases from breast cancer constitute a third group of chemosensitive tumors: - for 64 cases, the percentage of complete or partial remission is 84.3%; - there were 34 complete remissions: mean survival 27 months, at present 11 patients still remain alive: 1 to 16, 1 to 17, 2 to 19, 1 to 23, 31, 35, 38, 43, 68 and 70 months; - 20 partial remissions, mean survival 10 1/2 months, one patient still alive; - 10 failures, mean survival 6 months; - mean duration of complete remission 18 months; - mean duration of partial remission 6 months.", "PMID": 1008360} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11137", "title": "[Nondeficiency chronic polyneuropathies in celiac disease in adults (2 cases with inflammatory neuromuscular vascularitis)].", "content": "The neurological and muscular complications seen in coeliac disease in adults are usually attributed to deficiency secondary to malabsorption. Amongst them, however, there exists a very rare cateogory, described by Cooke et al. (1966) taking the form of a chronic myeloneuropathy which cannot be explained in terms of the malabsorption syndrome. Our two cases of gluten intolerance enteropathy, confirmed by biopsy before and after diet, fell into this group of polyneuropathies. The patients, both women, suffered from an essentially sensory ataxic polyneuropathy with accessory motor component with pyramidal and posterior column signs. CSF findings showed a meningeal inflammatory reaction in one of the two cases. These neurological signs, appearing paradoxically during a digestive disease cured by diet, evolve chronically but become stabilised with corticosteroid therapy. Any vitamin deficiency may be excluded in the aetiology of these problems. Neuropathological study of neuromuscular biopsies in very fine serial sections confirmed the mild peripheral nervous involvement but revealed identical inflammatory lesions in the nerve and muscle which were remarkable by virtue of their very highly segmentally selective micro-vasculitis appearance. In these two cases, general, clinical and biological arguments, as well as the type of histological lesion, make it possible to exclude monoclonal gammapathies, malignant haemopathies, amyloidosis and the major collagen diseases. This micro-vasculitis, having transient forms with P.A.N. is no less distinctive, and may be integrated into the provisional group of \"allergic angeitis\", related to physiopathology of circulating immune complexes and very fashionable in theories as to the mechanism of gluten-sensitive enteropathies. The exact nature of the link between the latter and these types of polyneuropathy remains unknown.", "contents": "[Nondeficiency chronic polyneuropathies in celiac disease in adults (2 cases with inflammatory neuromuscular vascularitis)]. The neurological and muscular complications seen in coeliac disease in adults are usually attributed to deficiency secondary to malabsorption. Amongst them, however, there exists a very rare cateogory, described by Cooke et al. (1966) taking the form of a chronic myeloneuropathy which cannot be explained in terms of the malabsorption syndrome. Our two cases of gluten intolerance enteropathy, confirmed by biopsy before and after diet, fell into this group of polyneuropathies. The patients, both women, suffered from an essentially sensory ataxic polyneuropathy with accessory motor component with pyramidal and posterior column signs. CSF findings showed a meningeal inflammatory reaction in one of the two cases. These neurological signs, appearing paradoxically during a digestive disease cured by diet, evolve chronically but become stabilised with corticosteroid therapy. Any vitamin deficiency may be excluded in the aetiology of these problems. Neuropathological study of neuromuscular biopsies in very fine serial sections confirmed the mild peripheral nervous involvement but revealed identical inflammatory lesions in the nerve and muscle which were remarkable by virtue of their very highly segmentally selective micro-vasculitis appearance. In these two cases, general, clinical and biological arguments, as well as the type of histological lesion, make it possible to exclude monoclonal gammapathies, malignant haemopathies, amyloidosis and the major collagen diseases. This micro-vasculitis, having transient forms with P.A.N. is no less distinctive, and may be integrated into the provisional group of \"allergic angeitis\", related to physiopathology of circulating immune complexes and very fashionable in theories as to the mechanism of gluten-sensitive enteropathies. The exact nature of the link between the latter and these types of polyneuropathy remains unknown.", "PMID": 1008365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11138", "title": "[A proposal of a T.N.M. type of classification of the ear. O.P.A.C. classification of chronic surgical otitis].", "content": "With the advent of modern otology, cophosurgeons anxious to compare their results soon became aware of the need for a \"T.N.M\" type of classification for the ear. The classification described here by the authors is, in principle, a classification of the \"T.N.M\" type: that is, a purely descriptive classification without prognostic, pathogenetic or therapeutic pretensions. This \"O.P.A.C.\" classification is based on a description of 4 main characteristics: 1) the existence and characteristics of potential otorrhoea, described under the letter C; 2) the characteristics of potential perforation of the tympanum, described under the letter P; 3) the appearance of the middle ear, excluding the ossicular chain, described under the letter A; 4) the condition of the ossicular chain when the surgeon has completed his exploration of the lesions, described under the letter C. Two years experience seems to have proved the convenience and usefulness of this purely clinical classification, providing otologists with a common language. While they are aware of the objections and criticisms to which it may give rise, the authors hope, on time, to improve in this classification.", "contents": "[A proposal of a T.N.M. type of classification of the ear. O.P.A.C. classification of chronic surgical otitis]. With the advent of modern otology, cophosurgeons anxious to compare their results soon became aware of the need for a \"T.N.M\" type of classification for the ear. The classification described here by the authors is, in principle, a classification of the \"T.N.M\" type: that is, a purely descriptive classification without prognostic, pathogenetic or therapeutic pretensions. This \"O.P.A.C.\" classification is based on a description of 4 main characteristics: 1) the existence and characteristics of potential otorrhoea, described under the letter C; 2) the characteristics of potential perforation of the tympanum, described under the letter P; 3) the appearance of the middle ear, excluding the ossicular chain, described under the letter A; 4) the condition of the ossicular chain when the surgeon has completed his exploration of the lesions, described under the letter C. Two years experience seems to have proved the convenience and usefulness of this purely clinical classification, providing otologists with a common language. While they are aware of the objections and criticisms to which it may give rise, the authors hope, on time, to improve in this classification.", "PMID": 1008413} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11139", "title": "[Phonation following reconstructive laryngectomy].", "content": "The authors describe the results obtained, from the point of view of vocal function in 43 cases of patients who underwent various types of reconstructive laryngectomy: trachio-hyoido-epiglotto-pexy (Arslan and Serafini), crico-hyoido-pexy (Labayle), crico-hyoido-epiglotto-pexy (J.J.Piquet). These operations have as their main aim the preservation of vocal function, for social particularly as it is, increasingly, young people who are affected. The survey was carried out by means of measurement of volume, sonagraph recordings, recordings of movements of the neoglottis by accelerometer and integrating amplification. This method makes it possible to classify voices more objectively. The survey shows the importance of surgical methods and the prime importance of post-operative orthophonic re-education; results have proved very satisfactory three to six months after the operation.", "contents": "[Phonation following reconstructive laryngectomy]. The authors describe the results obtained, from the point of view of vocal function in 43 cases of patients who underwent various types of reconstructive laryngectomy: trachio-hyoido-epiglotto-pexy (Arslan and Serafini), crico-hyoido-pexy (Labayle), crico-hyoido-epiglotto-pexy (J.J.Piquet). These operations have as their main aim the preservation of vocal function, for social particularly as it is, increasingly, young people who are affected. The survey was carried out by means of measurement of volume, sonagraph recordings, recordings of movements of the neoglottis by accelerometer and integrating amplification. This method makes it possible to classify voices more objectively. The survey shows the importance of surgical methods and the prime importance of post-operative orthophonic re-education; results have proved very satisfactory three to six months after the operation.", "PMID": 1008414} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11140", "title": "[Electrocochleography in children in Tunisia].", "content": "After recalling the technique used for auditory function investigation in children by means of electrochocleography, results are given. These are analysed according to the type of response and its relationship to the site of auditory lesion, that is, there is a description of the type of response obtained in transmission deafness, the nature of the response obtained in perceptive deafness, then some comment is made on some of the types of response which seem to be connected with mixed deafness.", "contents": "[Electrocochleography in children in Tunisia]. After recalling the technique used for auditory function investigation in children by means of electrochocleography, results are given. These are analysed according to the type of response and its relationship to the site of auditory lesion, that is, there is a description of the type of response obtained in transmission deafness, the nature of the response obtained in perceptive deafness, then some comment is made on some of the types of response which seem to be connected with mixed deafness.", "PMID": 1008415} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11141", "title": "[Our technique of hetero-lateral facio-facial anastomosis by means of nerve autografting in the treatment of permanent peripheral facial paralysis].", "content": "The authors describe the technique used in 12 surgical cases of heterolateral facio-facial anastomosis by nerve autograft in the treatment of permanent peripheral facial paralyses. Their main contention is that section of 50 p. 100 of the neurones of the peripheral branches of the facial nerve on the unaffected side does not impair motricity to any extent and that it therefore is possible to anastomose the proximal portion of some healthy branches to the corresponding distal portion of the affected side by placing between them a graft from the external saphenous nerve. The principles for fascicular suture as defined by Seddon and later by Millesi are followed. The technique differs from that made popular by Smith and later by Smii inasmuch as: --the bilateral, hidden face-lift incision makes possible a final passive musculotegumentary suspension of the paralysed side immediately improving the patient's appearance while the nerve re-establishes itself; --retrograde interfascicular dissection on the paralysed side allows precious centimetres to be gained; --pinpointing of the nerve suture area is possible by the placing of a silicone-coated ring with a clip some distance away.", "contents": "[Our technique of hetero-lateral facio-facial anastomosis by means of nerve autografting in the treatment of permanent peripheral facial paralysis]. The authors describe the technique used in 12 surgical cases of heterolateral facio-facial anastomosis by nerve autograft in the treatment of permanent peripheral facial paralyses. Their main contention is that section of 50 p. 100 of the neurones of the peripheral branches of the facial nerve on the unaffected side does not impair motricity to any extent and that it therefore is possible to anastomose the proximal portion of some healthy branches to the corresponding distal portion of the affected side by placing between them a graft from the external saphenous nerve. The principles for fascicular suture as defined by Seddon and later by Millesi are followed. The technique differs from that made popular by Smith and later by Smii inasmuch as: --the bilateral, hidden face-lift incision makes possible a final passive musculotegumentary suspension of the paralysed side immediately improving the patient's appearance while the nerve re-establishes itself; --retrograde interfascicular dissection on the paralysed side allows precious centimetres to be gained; --pinpointing of the nerve suture area is possible by the placing of a silicone-coated ring with a clip some distance away.", "PMID": 1008422} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11142", "title": "[Assessment of acuteness of hearing using white noise. A comparison with classical audiometry in 357 cases of deafness].", "content": "From statistics of 357 cases of deafness it would appear that figures for white noise threshold are practically identical with those for global auditory loss of hearing calculated by means of tonal audiograms according to the usual 5 criteria. Measurement of white noise threshold is a quick and simple method of assessing acuteness of hearing. By bringing into play the whole of the auditory field, it is the equivalent of a real functional investigation of the ear. Furthermore, it is comparable to tonal audiometry in its use of complex sounds but without the disadvantage of relying on intelligibility. In conclusion, the authors suggest a mathematical interpretation to confirm these results.", "contents": "[Assessment of acuteness of hearing using white noise. A comparison with classical audiometry in 357 cases of deafness]. From statistics of 357 cases of deafness it would appear that figures for white noise threshold are practically identical with those for global auditory loss of hearing calculated by means of tonal audiograms according to the usual 5 criteria. Measurement of white noise threshold is a quick and simple method of assessing acuteness of hearing. By bringing into play the whole of the auditory field, it is the equivalent of a real functional investigation of the ear. Furthermore, it is comparable to tonal audiometry in its use of complex sounds but without the disadvantage of relying on intelligibility. In conclusion, the authors suggest a mathematical interpretation to confirm these results.", "PMID": 1008423} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11143", "title": "[Velar tics or pseudo-myoclonus of the palate].", "content": "Myoclonus of the palate of neurological origin is now a recognized syndrome. In addition to this permanement neurogenous myoclonus, there are also rhythmical contractions of the velum, usually considered to be psychogenous. A personal case seens to show the existence of a mandibular and tubal factor in the genesis of this false myoclonus. An analysis of cases previously published reveals such factors and these should always be sought as a matter of course. Coorection of them may cause the abnormal movements of the palate, which may constitute a real handicap to disappear.", "contents": "[Velar tics or pseudo-myoclonus of the palate]. Myoclonus of the palate of neurological origin is now a recognized syndrome. In addition to this permanement neurogenous myoclonus, there are also rhythmical contractions of the velum, usually considered to be psychogenous. A personal case seens to show the existence of a mandibular and tubal factor in the genesis of this false myoclonus. An analysis of cases previously published reveals such factors and these should always be sought as a matter of course. Coorection of them may cause the abnormal movements of the palate, which may constitute a real handicap to disappear.", "PMID": 1008421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11144", "title": "[Value of the simplified measurement of impedence in perceptive deafness].", "content": "After recalling the principles of and the results obtained from the measurement of impedance, the authors discuss the value of this method in perceptive deafness and compare it with the usual tests.", "contents": "[Value of the simplified measurement of impedence in perceptive deafness]. After recalling the principles of and the results obtained from the measurement of impedance, the authors discuss the value of this method in perceptive deafness and compare it with the usual tests.", "PMID": 1008424} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11145", "title": "The effect of dextranomer (Debrisan) on hand burns. A preliminary report on a new method in the treatment of hand burns.", "content": "Dextranomer (Debrisan, Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden) is synthetized by cross-linking of dextran chains with epichlorohydrin. It is an insoluble hydrophilic substance which is suitable for topical treatment of secreting wounds, such as burns. Thirteen patients with 17 burned hands were treated. The result of the treatment - decrease in pain, healing time and improved hand function - was registered clinically. No crust was formed. The risk of permanent restriction in range of movements decreased, since the treated hands were soft and mobile throughout the entire period of treatment. All hands treated recovered full mobility. Physiotherapy could be performed daily. No infection appeared because exudate and bacteria were continuously removed from the treated area. Pain rapidly decreased. No side reactions were observed.", "contents": "The effect of dextranomer (Debrisan) on hand burns. A preliminary report on a new method in the treatment of hand burns. Dextranomer (Debrisan, Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden) is synthetized by cross-linking of dextran chains with epichlorohydrin. It is an insoluble hydrophilic substance which is suitable for topical treatment of secreting wounds, such as burns. Thirteen patients with 17 burned hands were treated. The result of the treatment - decrease in pain, healing time and improved hand function - was registered clinically. No crust was formed. The risk of permanent restriction in range of movements decreased, since the treated hands were soft and mobile throughout the entire period of treatment. All hands treated recovered full mobility. Physiotherapy could be performed daily. No infection appeared because exudate and bacteria were continuously removed from the treated area. Pain rapidly decreased. No side reactions were observed.", "PMID": 1008464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11146", "title": "A comparative study of three sprayed dressings in healing skin wounds.", "content": "Three sprayed dressings (Novitas' wound spray, Nobecutan, and Sraycutan) were evaluated as wound covers by using guinea-pigs as experimental animals. There were no statistically significant differences between the closure rates of the wounds covered with the three sprays. All the dressings protected the wounds equally against suppuration, which caused irregular and ugly scars in the non-sprayed control wounds of the same animals. Histologically, the non-treated wounds showed a greater number of leucocytes and oedema than the sprayed ones. This was demonstrable from the 8th to the 16th postoperative hours onwards. There were no histological differences between the variously covered wounds. Histochemically, the most intense enzymatic response to injury was demonstrable in the wounds treated with Novitas' wound spray, followed, in order of decreasing response, by Nobecutan, Spraycutan, and the non-treated wounds. These differences were most marked 4-6 hours after wounding. An intense enzymatic response to injury is considered to be beneficial to the healing process.", "contents": "A comparative study of three sprayed dressings in healing skin wounds. Three sprayed dressings (Novitas' wound spray, Nobecutan, and Sraycutan) were evaluated as wound covers by using guinea-pigs as experimental animals. There were no statistically significant differences between the closure rates of the wounds covered with the three sprays. All the dressings protected the wounds equally against suppuration, which caused irregular and ugly scars in the non-sprayed control wounds of the same animals. Histologically, the non-treated wounds showed a greater number of leucocytes and oedema than the sprayed ones. This was demonstrable from the 8th to the 16th postoperative hours onwards. There were no histological differences between the variously covered wounds. Histochemically, the most intense enzymatic response to injury was demonstrable in the wounds treated with Novitas' wound spray, followed, in order of decreasing response, by Nobecutan, Spraycutan, and the non-treated wounds. These differences were most marked 4-6 hours after wounding. An intense enzymatic response to injury is considered to be beneficial to the healing process.", "PMID": 1008465} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11147", "title": "Combined trypan blue and formaldehyde-induced fluorescence in experimental skin freezing in the rat.", "content": "In order to study the effects of skin freezing in the rat on cutaneous vasculature and adrenergic nerves, a combination of trypan blue and formaldehyde-induced catecholamine fluorescence was used. It was shown that trypan blue clearly demonstrates both hyperaemic and ischaemic areas as well as changes in blood cessel permeability after experimental cold injury. Combination of the two fluorescence methods made it possible to correlate rough changes in blood vessel flow and permeability with changes in adrenergic nerves. Twentyfour hours after freezing of the skin, denervation of the most seriously damaged area was apparent. At the border of the cold injury, signs suggesting accumulation of actecholamines were observed in the subcutaneous nerves.", "contents": "Combined trypan blue and formaldehyde-induced fluorescence in experimental skin freezing in the rat. In order to study the effects of skin freezing in the rat on cutaneous vasculature and adrenergic nerves, a combination of trypan blue and formaldehyde-induced catecholamine fluorescence was used. It was shown that trypan blue clearly demonstrates both hyperaemic and ischaemic areas as well as changes in blood cessel permeability after experimental cold injury. Combination of the two fluorescence methods made it possible to correlate rough changes in blood vessel flow and permeability with changes in adrenergic nerves. Twentyfour hours after freezing of the skin, denervation of the most seriously damaged area was apparent. At the border of the cold injury, signs suggesting accumulation of actecholamines were observed in the subcutaneous nerves.", "PMID": 1008466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11148", "title": "Bone formation with free periosteal grafts in reconstruction of congenital maxillary clefts.", "content": "In a series of 23 patients free grafts of tibial periosteum have been used in the reconstrlction of 26 congenital maxillary clefts. In 23 (88.5%) of these clefts, rapid bone formation occurred at the transplantation site overbridging the bone defect in 20 (77%) of the clefts. The permanent value of these bone bridges has not yet been solved. Nevertheless, this operation has demonstrated the strong osteogenic capacity of free periosteal grafts suggesting their use also in other fields, where bony fusion or reconstruction of other defects is needed.", "contents": "Bone formation with free periosteal grafts in reconstruction of congenital maxillary clefts. In a series of 23 patients free grafts of tibial periosteum have been used in the reconstrlction of 26 congenital maxillary clefts. In 23 (88.5%) of these clefts, rapid bone formation occurred at the transplantation site overbridging the bone defect in 20 (77%) of the clefts. The permanent value of these bone bridges has not yet been solved. Nevertheless, this operation has demonstrated the strong osteogenic capacity of free periosteal grafts suggesting their use also in other fields, where bony fusion or reconstruction of other defects is needed.", "PMID": 1008467} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11149", "title": "Plastic surgery for basal cell carcinoma. A clinical and histopathological study of basal cell carcinomas.", "content": "During the period 1968-1973 70 patients with 79 basal cell carcinomas were admitted to the Division of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital. Many of these tumours were primarily treated elsewhere or sent to plastic surgery at the stage when radical surgery was no longer possible. 31 of these primary tumours developed into 70 recurrent tumours. Twelve tumours had highly destructive features. In order to evaluate the frequency of various histological growth patterns in recurring basal cell carcinoma a retrospective study was performed. It became clear that the histological growth pattern was no guide to the rate of recurrence and prognosis. The histological growth pattern of the sclerosing type was found more often in recurrent tumours, possibly a consequence of previous radiotherapy. The incidence of radiotherapy as an initial method of treatment was higher in the group of patients with primary tumours who developed recurrences. Inadequate excision margins were found more often in the same group.", "contents": "Plastic surgery for basal cell carcinoma. A clinical and histopathological study of basal cell carcinomas. During the period 1968-1973 70 patients with 79 basal cell carcinomas were admitted to the Division of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital. Many of these tumours were primarily treated elsewhere or sent to plastic surgery at the stage when radical surgery was no longer possible. 31 of these primary tumours developed into 70 recurrent tumours. Twelve tumours had highly destructive features. In order to evaluate the frequency of various histological growth patterns in recurring basal cell carcinoma a retrospective study was performed. It became clear that the histological growth pattern was no guide to the rate of recurrence and prognosis. The histological growth pattern of the sclerosing type was found more often in recurrent tumours, possibly a consequence of previous radiotherapy. The incidence of radiotherapy as an initial method of treatment was higher in the group of patients with primary tumours who developed recurrences. Inadequate excision margins were found more often in the same group.", "PMID": 1008468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11150", "title": "Plasma, red cell and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of myoinositol in patients with severe chronic renal failure.", "content": "A study was made of 24 patients with severe chronic renal failure; 14 of them were undergoing regular haemodialysis treatment 3 times weekly. Plasma, red-cell and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of myoinositol were increased in all the patients treated conservatively. The plasma level of myoinositol correlated with the plasma level of creatinine (r = 0.78). The plasma myoinositol level increased more than the CSF and red-cell levels, indicating that the myoinositol in the red cells and the CSF originated mostly in plasma. Dialysis for eight hours produced a fall of about 50% in the level of myoinositol in plasma while the decrease in red-cell myoinositol was negligible. This lead to an osmotic grandient between extra- and intra-cellular myoinositol which was however small in molar terms and did not correlate with symptoms of central neurological disturbances.", "contents": "Plasma, red cell and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of myoinositol in patients with severe chronic renal failure. A study was made of 24 patients with severe chronic renal failure; 14 of them were undergoing regular haemodialysis treatment 3 times weekly. Plasma, red-cell and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of myoinositol were increased in all the patients treated conservatively. The plasma level of myoinositol correlated with the plasma level of creatinine (r = 0.78). The plasma myoinositol level increased more than the CSF and red-cell levels, indicating that the myoinositol in the red cells and the CSF originated mostly in plasma. Dialysis for eight hours produced a fall of about 50% in the level of myoinositol in plasma while the decrease in red-cell myoinositol was negligible. This lead to an osmotic grandient between extra- and intra-cellular myoinositol which was however small in molar terms and did not correlate with symptoms of central neurological disturbances.", "PMID": 1008476} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11151", "title": "Measurement of cancellous bone strength correlations with mineral density, ageing and disease.", "content": "A strain-transducer to measure bone strength is presented. Cancellous bone specimens were taken at autopsy from the iliac crests of 28 women and 66 men. There was a good correlation between bone strength, age and bone mineral density. Females had a lower bone strength than males. The bone strength of patients who died of chronic disease known to cause osteoporosis was lower than that of subjects who suffered sudden death. The equipment is also suitable for in vivo studies of human cancellous bone strength.", "contents": "Measurement of cancellous bone strength correlations with mineral density, ageing and disease. A strain-transducer to measure bone strength is presented. Cancellous bone specimens were taken at autopsy from the iliac crests of 28 women and 66 men. There was a good correlation between bone strength, age and bone mineral density. Females had a lower bone strength than males. The bone strength of patients who died of chronic disease known to cause osteoporosis was lower than that of subjects who suffered sudden death. The equipment is also suitable for in vivo studies of human cancellous bone strength.", "PMID": 1008477} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11152", "title": "Screening for breast cancer in women aged 41--60.", "content": "All women aged 41--60 (20 644) living in the city of Tampere were invited to attend screening for breast cancer during the period April 1974--March 1975. The breasts and the axillary lymph nodes were examined and palpated by specially trained nurses. The women were instructed in self-examination and given a leaflet for study at home. If anything abnormal was revealed at this stage the subject was referred to a physician for further examination. The women who attended totalled 17 261 (84%), 627 (3.6%) of whom were referred for further examination and 615 attended. Surgical biopsy was recommended for 117 (19%) of these 615. Breast cancer was histologically verified in 27 subjects. Ten further cases of breast cancer were detected outside this screening during the same one year screening period, which made the overall detection rate 1.79 per thousand in this age group. As the expected incidence was 1.20 per thousand, the primary detection excess was 0.59 per thousand or 12 cases. A further advantage of screening of this kind is the instruction given to the subjects, which is expected to result in more cases of cancer being revealed at an earlier stage.", "contents": "Screening for breast cancer in women aged 41--60. All women aged 41--60 (20 644) living in the city of Tampere were invited to attend screening for breast cancer during the period April 1974--March 1975. The breasts and the axillary lymph nodes were examined and palpated by specially trained nurses. The women were instructed in self-examination and given a leaflet for study at home. If anything abnormal was revealed at this stage the subject was referred to a physician for further examination. The women who attended totalled 17 261 (84%), 627 (3.6%) of whom were referred for further examination and 615 attended. Surgical biopsy was recommended for 117 (19%) of these 615. Breast cancer was histologically verified in 27 subjects. Ten further cases of breast cancer were detected outside this screening during the same one year screening period, which made the overall detection rate 1.79 per thousand in this age group. As the expected incidence was 1.20 per thousand, the primary detection excess was 0.59 per thousand or 12 cases. A further advantage of screening of this kind is the instruction given to the subjects, which is expected to result in more cases of cancer being revealed at an earlier stage.", "PMID": 1008478} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11153", "title": "Effects of alcohol ingestion on cardiac rhythm in patients with ischaemic heart disease.", "content": "The effect of alcohol on cardiac rhythm was examined in ten male volunteers with a history of acute myocardial infarction. ECG monitoring with a portable ECG recorder was carried out for a period of 48 hours. After a control period of 15-18 hours an exercise test was performed and repeated after a standard dose (0.5 g/kg b.wt.) of alcohol. Then the patients were allowed to drink alcohol freely for two and half hours. The third exercise test was performed on the second morning. Heart rate at rest and sitting on a bicycle was highest in the third test, during the \"hangover\" period (p less than 0.05). With a submaximal work load heart rate, and also the heart rate-blood pressure pressure product, were highest after a standard dose of alcohol in the second test (p less than 0.05 and less than 0.01 respectively). The number of ectopic beats showed no significant difference in repeated exercise tests. On tape recordings, however, five of the ten patients experienced changes in cardiac rhythm after alcohol. In two patients the number of ectopic beats increased, the third patient had three successive ventricular ectopic beats after alcohol ingestion and in the fourth patient multiple sinus arrests occurred. In one patient a higher heart rate after alcohol ingestion abolished the ventricular ectopic focus seen during the control period.", "contents": "Effects of alcohol ingestion on cardiac rhythm in patients with ischaemic heart disease. The effect of alcohol on cardiac rhythm was examined in ten male volunteers with a history of acute myocardial infarction. ECG monitoring with a portable ECG recorder was carried out for a period of 48 hours. After a control period of 15-18 hours an exercise test was performed and repeated after a standard dose (0.5 g/kg b.wt.) of alcohol. Then the patients were allowed to drink alcohol freely for two and half hours. The third exercise test was performed on the second morning. Heart rate at rest and sitting on a bicycle was highest in the third test, during the \"hangover\" period (p less than 0.05). With a submaximal work load heart rate, and also the heart rate-blood pressure pressure product, were highest after a standard dose of alcohol in the second test (p less than 0.05 and less than 0.01 respectively). The number of ectopic beats showed no significant difference in repeated exercise tests. On tape recordings, however, five of the ten patients experienced changes in cardiac rhythm after alcohol. In two patients the number of ectopic beats increased, the third patient had three successive ventricular ectopic beats after alcohol ingestion and in the fourth patient multiple sinus arrests occurred. In one patient a higher heart rate after alcohol ingestion abolished the ventricular ectopic focus seen during the control period.", "PMID": 1008479} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11154", "title": "Some aspects of phlebographic technique.", "content": "When contrast medium is infected into an artery it flows to0wards the branches distally to the injectionsite. If, however, the contrast medium is injected into a vein the flow of the contrast medium usually has several routes to strive toward the right atrium. The flow in the veins may be affected by using e.g. compression, Valsalva manouore or gravity. By taking these aspects in the technique into consideration the diagnostic value of the phlebography can in many cases be improved.", "contents": "Some aspects of phlebographic technique. When contrast medium is infected into an artery it flows to0wards the branches distally to the injectionsite. If, however, the contrast medium is injected into a vein the flow of the contrast medium usually has several routes to strive toward the right atrium. The flow in the veins may be affected by using e.g. compression, Valsalva manouore or gravity. By taking these aspects in the technique into consideration the diagnostic value of the phlebography can in many cases be improved.", "PMID": 1008480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11155", "title": "Hepatic haem metabolism in porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT): enzymatic studies and their relation to liver ultrastructure.", "content": "Hepatic levels of cytochrome P-450 are elevated more than 4-fold in porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) but not in other hepatic porphyrias or in non-porphyrics with alcoholic liver disease. In this study the ability of liver homogenates to metabolise aminopyrine and benzpyrene was correlated with hepatic cytochrome P-450 levels and with liver ultrastructure. The Km and Vmax for aminopyrine-N-demethylation and for benzpyrene hydroxylation exhibited a wide range of values with no significant differences between PCT patients and nonporphyric controls. Proliferation of the hepatic smooth endoplasmic reticulum in PCT was not significantly different from that observed in liver tissue obtained from patients with variegate porphyria or protoporphyria. Kushner reported data suggesting diminished uro'gen-I-decarboxylase activity as the autosomal dominantly inherited metabolic defect in PCT. Red cell uro'gen-I-decarboxylase activity was measured in 5 PCT males and 4 PCT females and activities were compared with 16 sex- and age-matched non-porphyric control patients. There was no significant difference in uro'gen-I-decarboxylase activity in the PCT and non-porphyric patients nor was there any significant difference relating to the sex of the patient. The role of iron in PCT was studied indirectly using the hexachlorobenzene porphyric rat as the rodent model.", "contents": "Hepatic haem metabolism in porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT): enzymatic studies and their relation to liver ultrastructure. Hepatic levels of cytochrome P-450 are elevated more than 4-fold in porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) but not in other hepatic porphyrias or in non-porphyrics with alcoholic liver disease. In this study the ability of liver homogenates to metabolise aminopyrine and benzpyrene was correlated with hepatic cytochrome P-450 levels and with liver ultrastructure. The Km and Vmax for aminopyrine-N-demethylation and for benzpyrene hydroxylation exhibited a wide range of values with no significant differences between PCT patients and nonporphyric controls. Proliferation of the hepatic smooth endoplasmic reticulum in PCT was not significantly different from that observed in liver tissue obtained from patients with variegate porphyria or protoporphyria. Kushner reported data suggesting diminished uro'gen-I-decarboxylase activity as the autosomal dominantly inherited metabolic defect in PCT. Red cell uro'gen-I-decarboxylase activity was measured in 5 PCT males and 4 PCT females and activities were compared with 16 sex- and age-matched non-porphyric control patients. There was no significant difference in uro'gen-I-decarboxylase activity in the PCT and non-porphyric patients nor was there any significant difference relating to the sex of the patient. The role of iron in PCT was studied indirectly using the hexachlorobenzene porphyric rat as the rodent model.", "PMID": 1008481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11156", "title": "The hepatic lesion in protoporphyria (PP): preliminary studies of haem metabolism, liver structure and ultrastructure.", "content": "Five unrelated patients with protoporphyria (PP) had diagnostic liver biopsies performed to assess the degree of liver damage. The porphyrin content of the liver was quantitated and characterized and liver damage was assessed. Ultraviolet (UV) microscopy was performed in each case. Liver structure was assessed by light, polarization and electron microscopy. In 3 patients the liver was visualized directly before biopsy through a peritoneoscope. Liver damage ranged from minimal cell necrosis to portal fibrosis; the latter was observed in a 27-year-old sib of a patient (M.I.) who had died, aged 29, 3 years previously in liver failure from PP-related cirrhosis. Liver tissue from the latter patient which was obtained at the time of autopsy was re-examined by light and polarization microscopy. Hepatic pigment deposits, thought to be lipofuscin, showed birefringence on polarization microscopy in two cases, one of them being patient M.I. with PP-cirrhosis. Liver fluorescence on UV microscopy was centrizonal, punctate, faded rapidly and was easily distinguishable from that seen in porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). The porphyrin content of the liver tissue in biopsied patients was between 5 mug and 80 mug, and in the autopsy case 1600 mug protoporphyrin/g wet weight liver, and on thin layer chromatography only dicarboxylic porphyrins were demonstrable. Hepatic cytochrome P-450 levels in protoporphyria were within normal range. Vmax and Km for aminopyrine-N-demethylation and benzpyrene hydroxylation did not differ significantly from our findings in PCT, variegate porphyria in remission and in non-porphyric controls. However, the activity of hepatic delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) synthetase was significantly enhanced in 2 of the 3 patients in whom this measurement was performed.", "contents": "The hepatic lesion in protoporphyria (PP): preliminary studies of haem metabolism, liver structure and ultrastructure. Five unrelated patients with protoporphyria (PP) had diagnostic liver biopsies performed to assess the degree of liver damage. The porphyrin content of the liver was quantitated and characterized and liver damage was assessed. Ultraviolet (UV) microscopy was performed in each case. Liver structure was assessed by light, polarization and electron microscopy. In 3 patients the liver was visualized directly before biopsy through a peritoneoscope. Liver damage ranged from minimal cell necrosis to portal fibrosis; the latter was observed in a 27-year-old sib of a patient (M.I.) who had died, aged 29, 3 years previously in liver failure from PP-related cirrhosis. Liver tissue from the latter patient which was obtained at the time of autopsy was re-examined by light and polarization microscopy. Hepatic pigment deposits, thought to be lipofuscin, showed birefringence on polarization microscopy in two cases, one of them being patient M.I. with PP-cirrhosis. Liver fluorescence on UV microscopy was centrizonal, punctate, faded rapidly and was easily distinguishable from that seen in porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). The porphyrin content of the liver tissue in biopsied patients was between 5 mug and 80 mug, and in the autopsy case 1600 mug protoporphyrin/g wet weight liver, and on thin layer chromatography only dicarboxylic porphyrins were demonstrable. Hepatic cytochrome P-450 levels in protoporphyria were within normal range. Vmax and Km for aminopyrine-N-demethylation and benzpyrene hydroxylation did not differ significantly from our findings in PCT, variegate porphyria in remission and in non-porphyric controls. However, the activity of hepatic delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) synthetase was significantly enhanced in 2 of the 3 patients in whom this measurement was performed.", "PMID": 1008482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11157", "title": "Red cell uroporphyrinogen I synthetase in acute intermittent porphyria.", "content": "Uroporphyrinogen I synthetase (URO-S) activity in red cells was measured in 49 patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), in their relatives, in 16 patients with variegate porphyria, and in patients with various forms of anaemia. URO-S activity was clearly lower in patients with AIP (mean 30.5 U, SD 9.7) than in controls (mean 49.5 U, SD 6.4) and in patients with variegate porphyria. There was an overlapping of the values of controls and those of AIP patients, seven patients having fully normal values. Out of 63 relatives eight prepubertal children and two adults with normal urine analysis had URO-S activity below normal. Two newborn infants out of the five studied who had a prophyric parent had lowered URO-S activity in cord blood. URO-S activity was usually elevated in anaemias and correlated to the reticulocyte count. It is concluded that measurement of URO-S activity in red cells is a valuable supplementary method in searching for latent cases of AIP. It is the only method that can disclose the disease before puberty and even neonatally. The major limitation is the occurrence of normal values in some patients with AIP.", "contents": "Red cell uroporphyrinogen I synthetase in acute intermittent porphyria. Uroporphyrinogen I synthetase (URO-S) activity in red cells was measured in 49 patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), in their relatives, in 16 patients with variegate porphyria, and in patients with various forms of anaemia. URO-S activity was clearly lower in patients with AIP (mean 30.5 U, SD 9.7) than in controls (mean 49.5 U, SD 6.4) and in patients with variegate porphyria. There was an overlapping of the values of controls and those of AIP patients, seven patients having fully normal values. Out of 63 relatives eight prepubertal children and two adults with normal urine analysis had URO-S activity below normal. Two newborn infants out of the five studied who had a prophyric parent had lowered URO-S activity in cord blood. URO-S activity was usually elevated in anaemias and correlated to the reticulocyte count. It is concluded that measurement of URO-S activity in red cells is a valuable supplementary method in searching for latent cases of AIP. It is the only method that can disclose the disease before puberty and even neonatally. The major limitation is the occurrence of normal values in some patients with AIP.", "PMID": 1008483} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11158", "title": "Metalloporphyrin contaminations in purified porphyrin preparations as demonstrated by mass spectrometry.", "content": "Mass spectrometric studies were performed on selected specimens from my collection of over 700 crystalline porphyrin esters prepared over 20 years as well as on similar preparations from other laboratories. Mass spectrometry was performed by J Moller (Department of Chemistry, Odense University) and Elfinn Larsen (Department of Chemistry, The Experimental Division, Risoe, of the Danish Atomic Energy Commission). Nearly all typical crystalline porphyrins contained Cu- and Ni- and minor amounts of Zn- and Fe2-porphyrins, most often above one molar per cent, sometimes 5--10% and occasionally more, up to 35%. There was no close correlation between the metal content and the melting point. A method is proposed for preparation of metal-free ester preparations: Dissolution of either free or esterified porphyrin in conc. H2SO4; mixing of the solution with 19 volumes of methanol; after at least 12 hours adding of 2 vol. CHCl3 and 2 vol. H2O, and washing the CHCl3, phase with 1/2 vol. distilled water until washwater becomes neutral (8--10 times). Preparations made in this way showed below 0.5% metalloporphyrin contamination. The method does not work with protoporphyrin, which is oxidized by conc. H2SO4. The acid extraction leaves some porphyrin partially esterified, which can be removed by preparative TLC. A TLC-method for detection of metalloporphyrin in porphyrin esters is described.", "contents": "Metalloporphyrin contaminations in purified porphyrin preparations as demonstrated by mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometric studies were performed on selected specimens from my collection of over 700 crystalline porphyrin esters prepared over 20 years as well as on similar preparations from other laboratories. Mass spectrometry was performed by J Moller (Department of Chemistry, Odense University) and Elfinn Larsen (Department of Chemistry, The Experimental Division, Risoe, of the Danish Atomic Energy Commission). Nearly all typical crystalline porphyrins contained Cu- and Ni- and minor amounts of Zn- and Fe2-porphyrins, most often above one molar per cent, sometimes 5--10% and occasionally more, up to 35%. There was no close correlation between the metal content and the melting point. A method is proposed for preparation of metal-free ester preparations: Dissolution of either free or esterified porphyrin in conc. H2SO4; mixing of the solution with 19 volumes of methanol; after at least 12 hours adding of 2 vol. CHCl3 and 2 vol. H2O, and washing the CHCl3, phase with 1/2 vol. distilled water until washwater becomes neutral (8--10 times). Preparations made in this way showed below 0.5% metalloporphyrin contamination. The method does not work with protoporphyrin, which is oxidized by conc. H2SO4. The acid extraction leaves some porphyrin partially esterified, which can be removed by preparative TLC. A TLC-method for detection of metalloporphyrin in porphyrin esters is described.", "PMID": 1008484} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11159", "title": "Classification of microcytic anemia by fluorometric analysis of free erythrocyte porphyrins (FEP).", "content": "Microcytic red blood cells (RBC) occur in iron-deficiency anemia, lead poisoning, and the thalassemia syndromes. Micromeasurement of FEP by acid extraction from RBC was performed on RBC of 64 subjects with RBC mean corpuscular volume less than 78 fl as determined on a Coulter S. FEP was also determined on RBC from 25 nonanemic, normocytic subjects for comparison. The 25 nonanemic subjects, 29 subjects with alpha-thalassemia trait and 16 subjects with beta-thalassemia trait had FEP less than 107 mugm/100 ml RBC. Nineteen microcytic subjects with iron-deficiency anemia had FEP of 185--752 mugm/100 ml RBC. Hemolysates from 8 lead intoxication individuals had FEP values similar to those of iron-deficient patients. The fluorescence emission spectra of lysates with high FEP, which were not extracted, were similar in iron deficiency and lead poisoning. The porphyrin that accumulates in these two conditions appears to be zinc protoporphyrin. Micromeasurement of FEP can be used to initially classify microcytic anemias into either a disturbance of globin synthesis or a disturbance in heme synthesis. Iron-deficiency anemia and lead poisoning cause accumulation of identical prophyrin and cannot be distinguished by fluorometric analysis.", "contents": "Classification of microcytic anemia by fluorometric analysis of free erythrocyte porphyrins (FEP). Microcytic red blood cells (RBC) occur in iron-deficiency anemia, lead poisoning, and the thalassemia syndromes. Micromeasurement of FEP by acid extraction from RBC was performed on RBC of 64 subjects with RBC mean corpuscular volume less than 78 fl as determined on a Coulter S. FEP was also determined on RBC from 25 nonanemic, normocytic subjects for comparison. The 25 nonanemic subjects, 29 subjects with alpha-thalassemia trait and 16 subjects with beta-thalassemia trait had FEP less than 107 mugm/100 ml RBC. Nineteen microcytic subjects with iron-deficiency anemia had FEP of 185--752 mugm/100 ml RBC. Hemolysates from 8 lead intoxication individuals had FEP values similar to those of iron-deficient patients. The fluorescence emission spectra of lysates with high FEP, which were not extracted, were similar in iron deficiency and lead poisoning. The porphyrin that accumulates in these two conditions appears to be zinc protoporphyrin. Micromeasurement of FEP can be used to initially classify microcytic anemias into either a disturbance of globin synthesis or a disturbance in heme synthesis. Iron-deficiency anemia and lead poisoning cause accumulation of identical prophyrin and cannot be distinguished by fluorometric analysis.", "PMID": 1008485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11160", "title": "Direct spectrofluorophotometric determination of porphyrin in diluted urine.", "content": "Direct dilution of freshly passed urine with 19 to 99 volumes of an acid-alcohol solution of chloranil (2, 3, 5, 6-tetrachloro-1, 4-benzoquinone) results in rapid and apparently quantitative conversion of porphyrinogen to fluorescing porphyrin. Dilution must be sufficient to yield an essentially colorless solution. Under these conditions, excitation of fluorescence by 401--405 nm light and fluorescence analysis at 652 nm results in almost complete elimination of quenching and of non-specific fluorescence under the conditions described. Fluorescence intensity is relatively stable for up to several weeks. Alternatively, urine is added to NaHCO3 to permit quantitative conversion of porphyrinogen to porphyrin in 1 to 2 days, and assayed similarly following dilution with the same acid-alcohol diluent (with or without chloranil) or with dilute HCl solution alone. Quantitative results are shown to agree well with those obtained following purification by other, more tedious, procedures. The method has been tested successfully with urines from humans, cows, and rats.", "contents": "Direct spectrofluorophotometric determination of porphyrin in diluted urine. Direct dilution of freshly passed urine with 19 to 99 volumes of an acid-alcohol solution of chloranil (2, 3, 5, 6-tetrachloro-1, 4-benzoquinone) results in rapid and apparently quantitative conversion of porphyrinogen to fluorescing porphyrin. Dilution must be sufficient to yield an essentially colorless solution. Under these conditions, excitation of fluorescence by 401--405 nm light and fluorescence analysis at 652 nm results in almost complete elimination of quenching and of non-specific fluorescence under the conditions described. Fluorescence intensity is relatively stable for up to several weeks. Alternatively, urine is added to NaHCO3 to permit quantitative conversion of porphyrinogen to porphyrin in 1 to 2 days, and assayed similarly following dilution with the same acid-alcohol diluent (with or without chloranil) or with dilute HCl solution alone. Quantitative results are shown to agree well with those obtained following purification by other, more tedious, procedures. The method has been tested successfully with urines from humans, cows, and rats.", "PMID": 1008486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11161", "title": "Pharmacological and biochemical properties of kryptopyrrole and its oxidation products possibly related to acute intermittent porphyria.", "content": "In view of the possible association between clinical symptoms in patients with acute intermittent porphyria and monopyrroles and their oxidation products, a pharmacological investigation was undertaken utilizing mice and rats as the experimental animals to further evaluate this correlation. In mice 4-ethyl-3-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-delta4-pyrrolin-2-one was more toxic, and 4-ethyl-5-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-delta3-pyrrolin-2-one less toxic than kryptopyrrole in the evaluation of behavioural, hypnotic and hypothermic effects. Experiments on the development of tolerance in rats to daily injections of kryptopyrrole have been performed and could serve as a model for the spontaneous recovery occurring in patients with acute porphyria. A new method for the determination of kryptopyrrole in urine is reported. It is based on radiolabelled aldehyde reacting with kryptopyrrole. This method differed from the regular Ehrlich aldehyde reaction, although the results of both methods depend upon dilution of the urine.", "contents": "Pharmacological and biochemical properties of kryptopyrrole and its oxidation products possibly related to acute intermittent porphyria. In view of the possible association between clinical symptoms in patients with acute intermittent porphyria and monopyrroles and their oxidation products, a pharmacological investigation was undertaken utilizing mice and rats as the experimental animals to further evaluate this correlation. In mice 4-ethyl-3-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-delta4-pyrrolin-2-one was more toxic, and 4-ethyl-5-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-delta3-pyrrolin-2-one less toxic than kryptopyrrole in the evaluation of behavioural, hypnotic and hypothermic effects. Experiments on the development of tolerance in rats to daily injections of kryptopyrrole have been performed and could serve as a model for the spontaneous recovery occurring in patients with acute porphyria. A new method for the determination of kryptopyrrole in urine is reported. It is based on radiolabelled aldehyde reacting with kryptopyrrole. This method differed from the regular Ehrlich aldehyde reaction, although the results of both methods depend upon dilution of the urine.", "PMID": 1008487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11162", "title": "Hexachlorobenzene porphyria in rats as a model for human chronic hepatic porphyrias.", "content": "1. Hexachlorobenzene porphyria in the rat provides a suitable experimental model of the stages of development of human chronic hepatic porphyria. Just as in chronic hepatic porphyria in man, the development of experimental HCB porphyria in the rat can be divided into several stages. 2. The findings in this study indicate that porphyrins increase in the urine, liver, kidney, and spleen, and to a lesser degree in the serum, with uroporphyrin and heptacarboxylic porphyrin predominating. 3. In contrast to the distribution of porphyrin accumulation in the various organs, clear evidence of a uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase defect was found only in the liver. Formation of uroporphyrin and heptacarboxylic porphyrin by homogenized HCB kidney tissue did not deviate significantly from that by control kidney. The defect could not be unequivocally evaluated in the spleen because the spleen, like the red cells, normally forms considerable amounts of uroporphyrin from porphobilinogen, which were increased only a few times over in synthesis by the HCB spleen. 4. Isomer studies provide no evidence for an additional uroporphyrinogen cosynthase defect.", "contents": "Hexachlorobenzene porphyria in rats as a model for human chronic hepatic porphyrias. 1. Hexachlorobenzene porphyria in the rat provides a suitable experimental model of the stages of development of human chronic hepatic porphyria. Just as in chronic hepatic porphyria in man, the development of experimental HCB porphyria in the rat can be divided into several stages. 2. The findings in this study indicate that porphyrins increase in the urine, liver, kidney, and spleen, and to a lesser degree in the serum, with uroporphyrin and heptacarboxylic porphyrin predominating. 3. In contrast to the distribution of porphyrin accumulation in the various organs, clear evidence of a uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase defect was found only in the liver. Formation of uroporphyrin and heptacarboxylic porphyrin by homogenized HCB kidney tissue did not deviate significantly from that by control kidney. The defect could not be unequivocally evaluated in the spleen because the spleen, like the red cells, normally forms considerable amounts of uroporphyrin from porphobilinogen, which were increased only a few times over in synthesis by the HCB spleen. 4. Isomer studies provide no evidence for an additional uroporphyrinogen cosynthase defect.", "PMID": 1008488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11163", "title": "The effect of cobaltous chloride on liver haem metabolism in the rat. Evidence for inhibition of haem synthesis and for increased haem degradation.", "content": "After a single dose of cobaltous chloride there was a marked inhibition of liver 5-aminolaevulinate (5-ALA) synthetase (at 1 h) and this was followed in turn by a stimulation of haem oxygenase (at 3 h) and by a return of the synthetase activity to normal or above normal (at 17 h). Bile cannulation experiments were performed 1 and 17 h after administration of CoCl2. At 1 h there was a marked decrease in bile porphyrin content, no change in bile concentration of bilirubin, but a decrease in the conversion of [14C]-5-ALA to bilirubin and to liver haem. At 17 h, an the other hand, the bile excretion of both porphyrins and bilirubin was significantly greater than in controls and more radioactivity (from [14C]-5-ALA) appeared in the bile as bilirubin. It is concluded that the effects of cobalt on liver haem metabolism are complex and time-dependent. There is first inhibition of liver haem synthesis at two different steps of the pathway (synthesis of 5-ALA and conversion of 5-ALA to haem), with diversion of [14C]-5-ALA into a relatively stable liver pool different from haem; and at a later stage there is also an increase in the rate of liver haem degradation.", "contents": "The effect of cobaltous chloride on liver haem metabolism in the rat. Evidence for inhibition of haem synthesis and for increased haem degradation. After a single dose of cobaltous chloride there was a marked inhibition of liver 5-aminolaevulinate (5-ALA) synthetase (at 1 h) and this was followed in turn by a stimulation of haem oxygenase (at 3 h) and by a return of the synthetase activity to normal or above normal (at 17 h). Bile cannulation experiments were performed 1 and 17 h after administration of CoCl2. At 1 h there was a marked decrease in bile porphyrin content, no change in bile concentration of bilirubin, but a decrease in the conversion of [14C]-5-ALA to bilirubin and to liver haem. At 17 h, an the other hand, the bile excretion of both porphyrins and bilirubin was significantly greater than in controls and more radioactivity (from [14C]-5-ALA) appeared in the bile as bilirubin. It is concluded that the effects of cobalt on liver haem metabolism are complex and time-dependent. There is first inhibition of liver haem synthesis at two different steps of the pathway (synthesis of 5-ALA and conversion of 5-ALA to haem), with diversion of [14C]-5-ALA into a relatively stable liver pool different from haem; and at a later stage there is also an increase in the rate of liver haem degradation.", "PMID": 1008489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11164", "title": "Multicompartment analysis of 14C-labelled coproporphyrin and uroporphyrin kinetics in human beings.", "content": "14C-labelled coproporphyrin I and III and uroporphyrin I were injected intravenously into healthy human subjects. Two experiments were performed with each porphyrin. Counting of blood, urine and faeces was made as a function of time. The coproporphyrin data were simulated by means of an analogy computer by using a four-compartment model with a delay pool. The physiological counterparts to the compartments were considered to be liver, blood and gut. From the blood radioactivity disappearance curve of uroporphyrin three exponential components could be worked out. The least square method was used for the solution of the plasma and urine radioactivity curves. A three-compartment model was constructed to illustrate the kinetics of uroporphyrin I. Coproporphyrin I and III behaved essentially similarly, whilst the kinetic behaviour of uroporphyrin I was completely different from that of coproporphyrins. A rapid hepatic uptake, preferential faecal excretion and a significant enterohepatic circulation were features of coproporphyrin kinetics. Over 70 per cent of the tracer activity of uroporphyrin I was found to accumulate to a rather large pool (volume 16--28 times the plasma volume) from where the back flow to plasma was rather slow. Practically all the uroporphyrin was excreted via urine.", "contents": "Multicompartment analysis of 14C-labelled coproporphyrin and uroporphyrin kinetics in human beings. 14C-labelled coproporphyrin I and III and uroporphyrin I were injected intravenously into healthy human subjects. Two experiments were performed with each porphyrin. Counting of blood, urine and faeces was made as a function of time. The coproporphyrin data were simulated by means of an analogy computer by using a four-compartment model with a delay pool. The physiological counterparts to the compartments were considered to be liver, blood and gut. From the blood radioactivity disappearance curve of uroporphyrin three exponential components could be worked out. The least square method was used for the solution of the plasma and urine radioactivity curves. A three-compartment model was constructed to illustrate the kinetics of uroporphyrin I. Coproporphyrin I and III behaved essentially similarly, whilst the kinetic behaviour of uroporphyrin I was completely different from that of coproporphyrins. A rapid hepatic uptake, preferential faecal excretion and a significant enterohepatic circulation were features of coproporphyrin kinetics. Over 70 per cent of the tracer activity of uroporphyrin I was found to accumulate to a rather large pool (volume 16--28 times the plasma volume) from where the back flow to plasma was rather slow. Practically all the uroporphyrin was excreted via urine.", "PMID": 1008490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11165", "title": "The enzymatic conversion of heme to bilirubin in vivo.", "content": "The conversion of hemoglobin to bilirubin IXalpha in vivo probably proceeds via alpha-hydroxyheme to carbon monoxide and biliverdin-iron complex; after hydrolysis, biliverdin IXalpha is liberated from the iron complex and reduced enzymatically to bilirubin IXalpha. For these reactions molecular oxygen, NADPH and a functioning microsomal electron transport system are needed to generate a reaction radical to transform the heme at the alpha-bridge to alpha-hydroxyheme. After that the reaction proceeds spontaneously. During this reaction sequence heme is readily bound to an insoluble and substrate-inducible protein, which behaves as a stereospecific oxidase. The crucial point in all likelihood is the nature of this heme-binding protein. It seems to be a large protein molecule having a molecular weight in excess of 200,000 and located within the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. The conversion of heme to bilirubin has thus some characteristics of nonenzymatic coupled oxidation and, on the other hand, of mixed-function oxidations catalyzed by cytochrome P-450. The exact nature and the regulation of this process, however, appears to be quite different from that manifested with drugs and steroids.", "contents": "The enzymatic conversion of heme to bilirubin in vivo. The conversion of hemoglobin to bilirubin IXalpha in vivo probably proceeds via alpha-hydroxyheme to carbon monoxide and biliverdin-iron complex; after hydrolysis, biliverdin IXalpha is liberated from the iron complex and reduced enzymatically to bilirubin IXalpha. For these reactions molecular oxygen, NADPH and a functioning microsomal electron transport system are needed to generate a reaction radical to transform the heme at the alpha-bridge to alpha-hydroxyheme. After that the reaction proceeds spontaneously. During this reaction sequence heme is readily bound to an insoluble and substrate-inducible protein, which behaves as a stereospecific oxidase. The crucial point in all likelihood is the nature of this heme-binding protein. It seems to be a large protein molecule having a molecular weight in excess of 200,000 and located within the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. The conversion of heme to bilirubin has thus some characteristics of nonenzymatic coupled oxidation and, on the other hand, of mixed-function oxidations catalyzed by cytochrome P-450. The exact nature and the regulation of this process, however, appears to be quite different from that manifested with drugs and steroids.", "PMID": 1008491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11166", "title": "Turnover of erythrocyte protoporphyrin, with special reference to bovine porphyria and iron deficiency anemia.", "content": "Available data from human subjects suggests that most of the pools of free protoporphyrin in circulating erythrocytes have T 1/2 values which range from less than 1 hour to approximately 2 weeks. An exception was observed in 2 cows with erythropoietic (\"congenital\") porphyria. During the several months which followed the simultaneous injection of 14C- and 3H-labelled glycine and ALA, changes in the specific activities of both free- and hemoglobin-protoporphyrin were similar. Since erythropoietic porphyria in the bovine differs from that in the human mainly in the elevated values of free erythrocyte protoporphyrin in the former, it is suggested that this prolonged T 1/2 (equal approximately to the red cell life span) may account for the elevated values seen in the bovine. Variable ratios of red cell/fecal protoporphyrin concentrations reported in other diseases are also believed to be due largely to T 1/2 differences in porphyrin pools. Recorded fluorescence and excitation spectra of blood showed the single fluorescence band of \"free\" porphyrin in bloods of normal and porphyric cows and of patients with erythropoietic porphyria, protoporphyria, and sideroblastic anemia. The 2 band zinc complex spectrum was found, as expected, in blood of subjects with Pb poisoning and Fe deficiency anemia. T 1/2 values of 1 to 2 weeks were calculated for red cell protoporphyrin from previously published data of patients with Fe deficiency anemia who were treated effectively with iron.", "contents": "Turnover of erythrocyte protoporphyrin, with special reference to bovine porphyria and iron deficiency anemia. Available data from human subjects suggests that most of the pools of free protoporphyrin in circulating erythrocytes have T 1/2 values which range from less than 1 hour to approximately 2 weeks. An exception was observed in 2 cows with erythropoietic (\"congenital\") porphyria. During the several months which followed the simultaneous injection of 14C- and 3H-labelled glycine and ALA, changes in the specific activities of both free- and hemoglobin-protoporphyrin were similar. Since erythropoietic porphyria in the bovine differs from that in the human mainly in the elevated values of free erythrocyte protoporphyrin in the former, it is suggested that this prolonged T 1/2 (equal approximately to the red cell life span) may account for the elevated values seen in the bovine. Variable ratios of red cell/fecal protoporphyrin concentrations reported in other diseases are also believed to be due largely to T 1/2 differences in porphyrin pools. Recorded fluorescence and excitation spectra of blood showed the single fluorescence band of \"free\" porphyrin in bloods of normal and porphyric cows and of patients with erythropoietic porphyria, protoporphyria, and sideroblastic anemia. The 2 band zinc complex spectrum was found, as expected, in blood of subjects with Pb poisoning and Fe deficiency anemia. T 1/2 values of 1 to 2 weeks were calculated for red cell protoporphyrin from previously published data of patients with Fe deficiency anemia who were treated effectively with iron.", "PMID": 1008492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11167", "title": "Special clinical, light and electron microscopic aspects of acute intermittent porphyria.", "content": "Clinical symptoms in 26 patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) were correlated with light and electron microscopic findings. Abdominal pain, neuropsychiatric disorders and pathologic urine tests were predominant. Light and electron microscopic pictures of the central nervous system, the liver and the kidney were shown.", "contents": "Special clinical, light and electron microscopic aspects of acute intermittent porphyria. Clinical symptoms in 26 patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) were correlated with light and electron microscopic findings. Abdominal pain, neuropsychiatric disorders and pathologic urine tests were predominant. Light and electron microscopic pictures of the central nervous system, the liver and the kidney were shown.", "PMID": 1008493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11168", "title": "The binding and transport of heme by hemopexin.", "content": "Hemopexin binds proto-, meso-, or deutero-ferriheme with high affinity, forming an equimolar, low-spin complex. The ferroheme-hemopexin complex, which coordinates with CO and readily autoxidizes, is also low-spin. Formation of the ferriheme-hemopexin complex requires essential histidine and tryptophan residues and induces changes in the protein's tertiary structure. These changes may be important for the uptake of the heme-hemopexin complex by hepatocytes. Hemopexin also binds other porphyrins including protoporphyrin IX, and uro- and coproporphyrins I and III in a 1:1 molar ratio, but they are readily displaced by heme and do not produce discernable changes in the protein's conformation. In preliminary experiments, a selective interaction in vitro between heme-hemopexin and isolated rat hepatocytes has been demonstrated. This information is used as the basis for proposed models of the heme-binding site of hemopexin and of the interaction of heme-hemopexin with the parenchymal cells of the liver.", "contents": "The binding and transport of heme by hemopexin. Hemopexin binds proto-, meso-, or deutero-ferriheme with high affinity, forming an equimolar, low-spin complex. The ferroheme-hemopexin complex, which coordinates with CO and readily autoxidizes, is also low-spin. Formation of the ferriheme-hemopexin complex requires essential histidine and tryptophan residues and induces changes in the protein's tertiary structure. These changes may be important for the uptake of the heme-hemopexin complex by hepatocytes. Hemopexin also binds other porphyrins including protoporphyrin IX, and uro- and coproporphyrins I and III in a 1:1 molar ratio, but they are readily displaced by heme and do not produce discernable changes in the protein's conformation. In preliminary experiments, a selective interaction in vitro between heme-hemopexin and isolated rat hepatocytes has been demonstrated. This information is used as the basis for proposed models of the heme-binding site of hemopexin and of the interaction of heme-hemopexin with the parenchymal cells of the liver.", "PMID": 1008494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11169", "title": "Catabolism of homologous and heterologous hemopexin in the rat and uptake of hemopexin by isolated perfused rat liver.", "content": "Iodinated hemopexin (Hx) from three different species, rabbit, human and rat, was injected into rats and its clearance from the plasma measured. Rabbit, human and rat apo-Hx were cleared from the plasma with a T 1/2 of 20--31 h, 31--32 h, and 48--60 h respectively. Heme injection (10 mg/kg) after equilibration of the protein immediately accelerates elimination of the hemopexins of all three species (T 1/2 of 4.5 to 10 h). This indicates that the two heterologous hemopexins maintain their function in heme transport. The T 1/2 of rabbit and human Hx return to pre-heme injection values 16 to 20 hours after the injection of heme. For rat Hx, however, the T 1/2, which was 54 +/- 3.5 h before heme injection, was reduced to 25 +/- 1.3 h 20 hours after heme injection. Administration of 1.2--1.3 mg of protoporphyrin IX or uroporphyrin III, after equilibration of iodinated rat Hx, did not change the T 1/2 of the protein, whereas the same amount of coproporphyrin III significantly reduced its T 1/2 from 54 +/- 3.5 to 37 +/- 0.4 h. In addition, the uptake of rat apo-Hx, heme-Hx and albumin by rat liver tissue was measured in an isolated liver perfusion system using radioiodinated proteins screened in vivo. The uptake of apo-Hx by the liver after 2 h (46.8 ml/100 g) was less than that of heme-Hx (67.3 ml/100 g). The amount of apo-Hx and heme-Hx associated with the liver, relative to that circulating in the perfusate, was greater than that of albumin (12.1 ml/100 g). These results are considered to represent selective uptake of Hx by the liver induced by its interaction with heme.", "contents": "Catabolism of homologous and heterologous hemopexin in the rat and uptake of hemopexin by isolated perfused rat liver. Iodinated hemopexin (Hx) from three different species, rabbit, human and rat, was injected into rats and its clearance from the plasma measured. Rabbit, human and rat apo-Hx were cleared from the plasma with a T 1/2 of 20--31 h, 31--32 h, and 48--60 h respectively. Heme injection (10 mg/kg) after equilibration of the protein immediately accelerates elimination of the hemopexins of all three species (T 1/2 of 4.5 to 10 h). This indicates that the two heterologous hemopexins maintain their function in heme transport. The T 1/2 of rabbit and human Hx return to pre-heme injection values 16 to 20 hours after the injection of heme. For rat Hx, however, the T 1/2, which was 54 +/- 3.5 h before heme injection, was reduced to 25 +/- 1.3 h 20 hours after heme injection. Administration of 1.2--1.3 mg of protoporphyrin IX or uroporphyrin III, after equilibration of iodinated rat Hx, did not change the T 1/2 of the protein, whereas the same amount of coproporphyrin III significantly reduced its T 1/2 from 54 +/- 3.5 to 37 +/- 0.4 h. In addition, the uptake of rat apo-Hx, heme-Hx and albumin by rat liver tissue was measured in an isolated liver perfusion system using radioiodinated proteins screened in vivo. The uptake of apo-Hx by the liver after 2 h (46.8 ml/100 g) was less than that of heme-Hx (67.3 ml/100 g). The amount of apo-Hx and heme-Hx associated with the liver, relative to that circulating in the perfusate, was greater than that of albumin (12.1 ml/100 g). These results are considered to represent selective uptake of Hx by the liver induced by its interaction with heme.", "PMID": 1008495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11170", "title": "Isolation and partial characterization of rat liver porphyrin binding proteins.", "content": "14C-coproporphyrin III was added to hemoglobin-free cytoplasmic rat liver extract. Molecular sieving was performed on Sephadex G-75 column. The protein content of each fraction was measured at 280 nm in double beam spectrophotometer and the radioactivity by means of liquid scintillation counter. In several runs on Sephadex we found four main radioactive peaks which correlate to four porphyrin binding proteins in rat liver cytoplasm. One fraction, which probably is identical with Y protein or ligandin, was further purified and characterized by means of different chromatographic techniques.", "contents": "Isolation and partial characterization of rat liver porphyrin binding proteins. 14C-coproporphyrin III was added to hemoglobin-free cytoplasmic rat liver extract. Molecular sieving was performed on Sephadex G-75 column. The protein content of each fraction was measured at 280 nm in double beam spectrophotometer and the radioactivity by means of liquid scintillation counter. In several runs on Sephadex we found four main radioactive peaks which correlate to four porphyrin binding proteins in rat liver cytoplasm. One fraction, which probably is identical with Y protein or ligandin, was further purified and characterized by means of different chromatographic techniques.", "PMID": 1008496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11171", "title": "The transport of hemin and protoporphyrin across the plasma membrane of chick embryo liver cells in culture.", "content": "Primary monolayer cultures of chick embryo hepatocytes can be cultured in a chemically defined medium (Ham F-12) containing insulin. The absence of serum from the medium permitted a study of the effects of added serum proteins on the transport of hemin and protoporphyrin across the plasma membrane of the hepatocyte. As the criterion of hemin uptake we used its unique and selective activity in repressing the induced synthesis of delta-aminolevulinate synthetase by various chemicals. Movement of hemin into the cells is rapid and does not require added serum proteins. Hemin represses the induced synthesis. The repression by hemin is decreased 50% when the molar ratio of hemin to human serum albumin (6.5 muM) is 1 :2, i.e., where the calculated concentration of dissociated hemin is 10(-8) M. Apparently serum albumin does not enter the cells; it decreases entry of hemin into the cells by virtue of its high affinity for hemin. Compared to human serum albumin, bovine serum albumin and chicken serum albumin, under the same conditions, have a much lower affinity for hemin and scarcely influence the repression effect by hemin. Protoporphyrin can be specifically caused to accumulate in the cytosol, and uroporphyrin in the nucleus of the hepatocytes by the use of different inducers of delta-aminolevulinate synthetase. Protoporphyrin, but not uroporphyrin, is released rapidly from the cells when the moles of human serum albumin added to the medium are 5 times that of porphyrin. This culture system may provide a useful model for studying the mechanism of transport of organic anions across the hepatocyte plasma membrane.", "contents": "The transport of hemin and protoporphyrin across the plasma membrane of chick embryo liver cells in culture. Primary monolayer cultures of chick embryo hepatocytes can be cultured in a chemically defined medium (Ham F-12) containing insulin. The absence of serum from the medium permitted a study of the effects of added serum proteins on the transport of hemin and protoporphyrin across the plasma membrane of the hepatocyte. As the criterion of hemin uptake we used its unique and selective activity in repressing the induced synthesis of delta-aminolevulinate synthetase by various chemicals. Movement of hemin into the cells is rapid and does not require added serum proteins. Hemin represses the induced synthesis. The repression by hemin is decreased 50% when the molar ratio of hemin to human serum albumin (6.5 muM) is 1 :2, i.e., where the calculated concentration of dissociated hemin is 10(-8) M. Apparently serum albumin does not enter the cells; it decreases entry of hemin into the cells by virtue of its high affinity for hemin. Compared to human serum albumin, bovine serum albumin and chicken serum albumin, under the same conditions, have a much lower affinity for hemin and scarcely influence the repression effect by hemin. Protoporphyrin can be specifically caused to accumulate in the cytosol, and uroporphyrin in the nucleus of the hepatocytes by the use of different inducers of delta-aminolevulinate synthetase. Protoporphyrin, but not uroporphyrin, is released rapidly from the cells when the moles of human serum albumin added to the medium are 5 times that of porphyrin. This culture system may provide a useful model for studying the mechanism of transport of organic anions across the hepatocyte plasma membrane.", "PMID": 1008497} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11172", "title": "The induction of heme oxidation in various tissues by trace metals: evidence for the catabolism of endogenous heme by hepatic heme oxygenase.", "content": "Cobalt is a potent inducer of hepatic heme oxygenase and concomitantly decreases microsomal cytochrome P-450 content in liver cells. Studies in which microsomal heme was labelled with 14C-beta-aminolevulinic acid showed that the decline observed in P-450 follows the induction of heme oxygenase indicating that endogenous heme is a substrate for this enzyme. The inducing effect of cobalt on heme oxygenase in liver extended to other organs such as heart, renal cortex and medulla, lungs and intestinal mucosa but not to the spleen and brain. In kidney and heart, cobalt resulted in decreases in microsomal and mitochondrial contents of hemoproteins. In addition ALAS activity of kidney was depressed by the metal. Other metals which chelate with sulfhydryl groups (e.g., Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb) were also shown to induce heart and renal heme oxygenase activities. Covalent binding of cobalt with mercaptans inactivated the metal with respect to its induction of heme oxygenase and degradation of hemoproteins.", "contents": "The induction of heme oxidation in various tissues by trace metals: evidence for the catabolism of endogenous heme by hepatic heme oxygenase. Cobalt is a potent inducer of hepatic heme oxygenase and concomitantly decreases microsomal cytochrome P-450 content in liver cells. Studies in which microsomal heme was labelled with 14C-beta-aminolevulinic acid showed that the decline observed in P-450 follows the induction of heme oxygenase indicating that endogenous heme is a substrate for this enzyme. The inducing effect of cobalt on heme oxygenase in liver extended to other organs such as heart, renal cortex and medulla, lungs and intestinal mucosa but not to the spleen and brain. In kidney and heart, cobalt resulted in decreases in microsomal and mitochondrial contents of hemoproteins. In addition ALAS activity of kidney was depressed by the metal. Other metals which chelate with sulfhydryl groups (e.g., Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb) were also shown to induce heart and renal heme oxygenase activities. Covalent binding of cobalt with mercaptans inactivated the metal with respect to its induction of heme oxygenase and degradation of hemoproteins.", "PMID": 1008498} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11173", "title": "Hepta- and hexa-carboxylic porphyrinogen intermediates in haem biosynthesis.", "content": "In the course of our studies on intermediates in normal and abnormal metabolism of porphyrins we have synthesised a number of porphyrins related to uroporphyrin-III and compared them with materials isolated from natural sources. In the present paper we show that the corresponding porphyrinogens are all metabolised to protoporphyrin-IX by haemolysates of chicken erythrocytes, but at different rates. The results are discussed in relation to our conclusions concerning the preferred pathway of degradation of uro'gen-III to coproporphyrinogen-III, which indicate a clockwise sequence of decarboxylation reactions.", "contents": "Hepta- and hexa-carboxylic porphyrinogen intermediates in haem biosynthesis. In the course of our studies on intermediates in normal and abnormal metabolism of porphyrins we have synthesised a number of porphyrins related to uroporphyrin-III and compared them with materials isolated from natural sources. In the present paper we show that the corresponding porphyrinogens are all metabolised to protoporphyrin-IX by haemolysates of chicken erythrocytes, but at different rates. The results are discussed in relation to our conclusions concerning the preferred pathway of degradation of uro'gen-III to coproporphyrinogen-III, which indicate a clockwise sequence of decarboxylation reactions.", "PMID": 1008499} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11174", "title": "The biosynthesis of delta-aminolevulinic acid from the intact carbon skeleton of glutamic acid in greening barley.", "content": "The formation of delta-aminolevulinic acid in mammals birds, yeast and some bacteria is known to take place by the ALA-synthetase assisted coupling of glycine with succinylCoA. Plants, however, form the bulk of their delta-aminolevulinate in another way. We present evidence here that the intact, 5-carbon chain of glutamate becomes that of delta-aminolevulinate. Greening barley was fed specifically labelled glutamate and levulinate to create a pool of labelled delta-aminolevulinate. Levulinate, a competitive inhibitor of ALA-dehydratase, prevents the metabolism of delta-aminolevulinate. The carbon chain of the labelled delta-aminolevulinate was broken into formaldehyde and succinate by periodate to determine the position of the label. It was found that the C1, carboxyl carbon of glutamate becomes the amino-bearing (C5) carbon of delta-aminolevulinate and forms the formaldehyde on cleavage. delta-Aminolevulinate formed from C3,4-labelled glutamate bears its label in the succinate cleaved fragment. We conclude that during the light induced development of the plastid in barley the carbon chain of delta-aminolevulinate is formed from the intact chain of glutamate. ALA-synthetase catalyzed the formation of delta-aminolevulinate from glycine and succinylCoA cannot play a quantitively important role in the formation of chlorophyll.", "contents": "The biosynthesis of delta-aminolevulinic acid from the intact carbon skeleton of glutamic acid in greening barley. The formation of delta-aminolevulinic acid in mammals birds, yeast and some bacteria is known to take place by the ALA-synthetase assisted coupling of glycine with succinylCoA. Plants, however, form the bulk of their delta-aminolevulinate in another way. We present evidence here that the intact, 5-carbon chain of glutamate becomes that of delta-aminolevulinate. Greening barley was fed specifically labelled glutamate and levulinate to create a pool of labelled delta-aminolevulinate. Levulinate, a competitive inhibitor of ALA-dehydratase, prevents the metabolism of delta-aminolevulinate. The carbon chain of the labelled delta-aminolevulinate was broken into formaldehyde and succinate by periodate to determine the position of the label. It was found that the C1, carboxyl carbon of glutamate becomes the amino-bearing (C5) carbon of delta-aminolevulinate and forms the formaldehyde on cleavage. delta-Aminolevulinate formed from C3,4-labelled glutamate bears its label in the succinate cleaved fragment. We conclude that during the light induced development of the plastid in barley the carbon chain of delta-aminolevulinate is formed from the intact chain of glutamate. ALA-synthetase catalyzed the formation of delta-aminolevulinate from glycine and succinylCoA cannot play a quantitively important role in the formation of chlorophyll.", "PMID": 1008500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11175", "title": "Studies on the conversion of the cytosol delta-aminolevulinate synthetase to the mitochondrial enzyme.", "content": "DELTA-Aminolevulinate (ALA) synthetase was induced in the rat by allylisopropylacetamide, and ALA synthetase in the liver cytosol fraction was partially purified. The cytosol ALA synthetase shows a molecular weight (M.W.) of about 600,000 by gel filtration and about 178,000 by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, whereas the mitochondrial enzyme gives M.W. about 110,000 by either method. In the presence of 0.25 M NaCl, however, the cytosol ALA synthetase showed M.W. 300,000--350,000 by gel filtration and gave M.W. 110,000 or a S value of 6.4 by centrifugation. Treatment of the cytosol ALA synthetase with papain or snake venom also yielded an entity which showed M.W. 110,000 by gel filtration as well as by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. When the 6.4 S enzyme once separated by centrifugation was combined with a fraction exhibiting about 4 S on centrifugation and was subsequently subjected to gel filtration, the ALA synthetase activity was recovered in the fraction corresponding to M.W. about 170,000. When the combination of the 6.4 S enzyme and a fraction of about 8 S was examined by gel filtration, the ALA synthetase activity was eluted showing M.W. about 250,000. The ALA synthetase in the cytosol fraction seems to exist as a complex composed of an ALA synthetase of M.W. 110,000 and a 4 S protein and an 8 S protein to form a larger size of the enzyme (M.W. 300,000) which further aggregates to give M.W. about 600,000. Physiologically, the complex may be subjected to a limited proteolysis so as to lose the capacity to form complex and aggregates, followed by incorporation of smaller sizes of the enzyme into the mitochondria.", "contents": "Studies on the conversion of the cytosol delta-aminolevulinate synthetase to the mitochondrial enzyme. DELTA-Aminolevulinate (ALA) synthetase was induced in the rat by allylisopropylacetamide, and ALA synthetase in the liver cytosol fraction was partially purified. The cytosol ALA synthetase shows a molecular weight (M.W.) of about 600,000 by gel filtration and about 178,000 by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, whereas the mitochondrial enzyme gives M.W. about 110,000 by either method. In the presence of 0.25 M NaCl, however, the cytosol ALA synthetase showed M.W. 300,000--350,000 by gel filtration and gave M.W. 110,000 or a S value of 6.4 by centrifugation. Treatment of the cytosol ALA synthetase with papain or snake venom also yielded an entity which showed M.W. 110,000 by gel filtration as well as by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. When the 6.4 S enzyme once separated by centrifugation was combined with a fraction exhibiting about 4 S on centrifugation and was subsequently subjected to gel filtration, the ALA synthetase activity was recovered in the fraction corresponding to M.W. about 170,000. When the combination of the 6.4 S enzyme and a fraction of about 8 S was examined by gel filtration, the ALA synthetase activity was eluted showing M.W. about 250,000. The ALA synthetase in the cytosol fraction seems to exist as a complex composed of an ALA synthetase of M.W. 110,000 and a 4 S protein and an 8 S protein to form a larger size of the enzyme (M.W. 300,000) which further aggregates to give M.W. about 600,000. Physiologically, the complex may be subjected to a limited proteolysis so as to lose the capacity to form complex and aggregates, followed by incorporation of smaller sizes of the enzyme into the mitochondria.", "PMID": 1008501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11176", "title": "Pentacarboxylic intermediates in haem biosynthesis.", "content": "The incorporation of the four possible type III porphyrinogens into protoporphyrin is described and their various rates or conversion are discussed. The techniques used involved the incubation of the porphyrinogens in chicken red cell haemolysates followed by extraction and characterisation of the end products on HPLC and TLC. Porphyrin 5 b c d was shown to be more slowly incorporated than porphyrins 5 a b d, 5 a c d and 5 a b c. The relevance of these findings to an understanding of the porphyrin excretion pattern in hepato-erythrocitic porphyria is considered.", "contents": "Pentacarboxylic intermediates in haem biosynthesis. The incorporation of the four possible type III porphyrinogens into protoporphyrin is described and their various rates or conversion are discussed. The techniques used involved the incubation of the porphyrinogens in chicken red cell haemolysates followed by extraction and characterisation of the end products on HPLC and TLC. Porphyrin 5 b c d was shown to be more slowly incorporated than porphyrins 5 a b d, 5 a c d and 5 a b c. The relevance of these findings to an understanding of the porphyrin excretion pattern in hepato-erythrocitic porphyria is considered.", "PMID": 1008502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11177", "title": "Porphyrin biosynthesis from ALA and PBG by human erythrocytes in porphyrin disorders. Kinetic studies of the isomer series I and III.", "content": "Porphyrin biosynthesis from exogenous ALA and PBG was observed over a period of from 1 to 8 hours in hemolysates of red blood cells from patients with AIP, PCT, and EPP. In all these conditions all porphyrins in the biosynthetic pathway through to PROTO were formed, with URO as the dominant component. Compared to normals, total porphyrin synthesis was lowered during the entire incubation period in both AIP and EPP, but enhanced in PCT. In hemolysates after 1 hour the second component of the pattern in AIP is COPRO, in PCT HEPTA and in EPP PROTO. Of the isomers, COPRO III predominates in all conditions (greater than 80%), whereas URO contains more isomer I than III. In intact red cells from controls, AIP, and PCT, COPRO is always the main component formed from ALA. Total synthesis is diminished in AIP by about 50%, in analogy to the findings on hemolysates from AIP. In heated hemolysates URO formation is diminished by half in AIP, but nearly double control values in PTC. In this sense URO'gen-I-synthase activity is increased in PCT. These findings reflect the underlying enzymatic defect: Diminished URO'gen-I-synthase activity in AIP, diminished URO'gen decarboxylase activity in PCT, and diminished activity of ferrochelatase in EPP.", "contents": "Porphyrin biosynthesis from ALA and PBG by human erythrocytes in porphyrin disorders. Kinetic studies of the isomer series I and III. Porphyrin biosynthesis from exogenous ALA and PBG was observed over a period of from 1 to 8 hours in hemolysates of red blood cells from patients with AIP, PCT, and EPP. In all these conditions all porphyrins in the biosynthetic pathway through to PROTO were formed, with URO as the dominant component. Compared to normals, total porphyrin synthesis was lowered during the entire incubation period in both AIP and EPP, but enhanced in PCT. In hemolysates after 1 hour the second component of the pattern in AIP is COPRO, in PCT HEPTA and in EPP PROTO. Of the isomers, COPRO III predominates in all conditions (greater than 80%), whereas URO contains more isomer I than III. In intact red cells from controls, AIP, and PCT, COPRO is always the main component formed from ALA. Total synthesis is diminished in AIP by about 50%, in analogy to the findings on hemolysates from AIP. In heated hemolysates URO formation is diminished by half in AIP, but nearly double control values in PTC. In this sense URO'gen-I-synthase activity is increased in PCT. These findings reflect the underlying enzymatic defect: Diminished URO'gen-I-synthase activity in AIP, diminished URO'gen decarboxylase activity in PCT, and diminished activity of ferrochelatase in EPP.", "PMID": 1008503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11178", "title": "[Glucocorticoids receptors in rat testis: their role in Leydig cells specific function and DNA synthesis (author's transl)].", "content": "Rat testicular cytosol binds specificity dexamethasone (KD = 5 X 10(=9)M). After incubation of testicular slices with 3H-dexamethasone, at 30 degrees C for 2 hours most of the intracellular radioactivity is found inthe nuclei. Administration of h CG at pharmacological doses for three days to male rat during puberty increases plasma testosterone levels and 3H-thymidine incorporation into testicular DNA. Simultaneous administration of dexamethasone partially blocks both effects of hCG. These results suggest that interaction of glucocortico\u00efds with specific receptors controls both the specific function and the cells multiplication of rat Leydig cells.", "contents": "[Glucocorticoids receptors in rat testis: their role in Leydig cells specific function and DNA synthesis (author's transl)]. Rat testicular cytosol binds specificity dexamethasone (KD = 5 X 10(=9)M). After incubation of testicular slices with 3H-dexamethasone, at 30 degrees C for 2 hours most of the intracellular radioactivity is found inthe nuclei. Administration of h CG at pharmacological doses for three days to male rat during puberty increases plasma testosterone levels and 3H-thymidine incorporation into testicular DNA. Simultaneous administration of dexamethasone partially blocks both effects of hCG. These results suggest that interaction of glucocortico\u00efds with specific receptors controls both the specific function and the cells multiplication of rat Leydig cells.", "PMID": 1008504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11179", "title": "[Quaternary structure of thyroglobulin (author's transl)].", "content": "Porcine and ovine thyroglobulins were purified from fresh glands by slice extraciton, precipitation with buffered ammonium sulfate and Sepharose 6B gel filtration using 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer pH 7.2 at all steps. In contrast to thyroglobulin obtained from frozen glands, the proteins purified from unfrozen glands only showed the 19 S and 12 S species by electrophoresis in sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gels. After full reduction and S-alkylation, no qualitative changes were observed in e gel electrophoresis patterns as compared to the unmodified proteins. Species of apparent molecular weight corresponding to the native 12 S subunit was the major component strongly suggesting a mol. wt. of about 330 000 for the elementary peptide chains of pig and sheep thyroglobulin. This was confirmed by sedimentation equilibrium analyses in 6 M guanidinium. HCl, 0.1 M sodium phosphate pH 7.2 OF FULLY REDUCED AND S-alkylated thyroglobulins which showed a weight average molecular weight of 310 000 daltons.", "contents": "[Quaternary structure of thyroglobulin (author's transl)]. Porcine and ovine thyroglobulins were purified from fresh glands by slice extraciton, precipitation with buffered ammonium sulfate and Sepharose 6B gel filtration using 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer pH 7.2 at all steps. In contrast to thyroglobulin obtained from frozen glands, the proteins purified from unfrozen glands only showed the 19 S and 12 S species by electrophoresis in sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gels. After full reduction and S-alkylation, no qualitative changes were observed in e gel electrophoresis patterns as compared to the unmodified proteins. Species of apparent molecular weight corresponding to the native 12 S subunit was the major component strongly suggesting a mol. wt. of about 330 000 for the elementary peptide chains of pig and sheep thyroglobulin. This was confirmed by sedimentation equilibrium analyses in 6 M guanidinium. HCl, 0.1 M sodium phosphate pH 7.2 OF FULLY REDUCED AND S-alkylated thyroglobulins which showed a weight average molecular weight of 310 000 daltons.", "PMID": 1008506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11180", "title": "[Hormonal control of prostaglandins biosynthesis during lipolysis in rat adipose tissue (author's transl)].", "content": "Lipolysis in rat fat pads was studied by determination of free fatty acid and glycerol production in various experimental conditions (absence or presence of glucose, adrenaline and insulin). These results were compared to the accumulation of endogenous prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha during lipolysis. In the absence of glucose the prostaglandin production followed the adrenaline-ininduced fluctuations in released free fatty acids both in the presence or absence of insulin. In the presence of glucose and insulin, a drop in prostaglandin accumulation was observed whereas free fatty acid production was strongly stimulated. These results suggest either that free fatty acid composition is modified influencing the acitvity of prostaglandin synthetase, or that there exists a specific mechanism controlling prostaglandin synthesis.", "contents": "[Hormonal control of prostaglandins biosynthesis during lipolysis in rat adipose tissue (author's transl)]. Lipolysis in rat fat pads was studied by determination of free fatty acid and glycerol production in various experimental conditions (absence or presence of glucose, adrenaline and insulin). These results were compared to the accumulation of endogenous prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha during lipolysis. In the absence of glucose the prostaglandin production followed the adrenaline-ininduced fluctuations in released free fatty acids both in the presence or absence of insulin. In the presence of glucose and insulin, a drop in prostaglandin accumulation was observed whereas free fatty acid production was strongly stimulated. These results suggest either that free fatty acid composition is modified influencing the acitvity of prostaglandin synthetase, or that there exists a specific mechanism controlling prostaglandin synthesis.", "PMID": 1008505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11181", "title": "[Comparison of the effect of TSH and fluoride on the adenylate cyclase activity of cold thyroid nodules (author's transl)].", "content": "Using a simple and reliable assay technique in which the actuel amount of cyclic AMP generated during incubation is determined by competitive protein binding assay, adenylate cyclase activity was measured in 7 cold nodules and 3 samples of normal thyroid tissue. Mitochondrial fraction prepared from surgically obtained tissues was used as the source of the enzyme. We observed an increased adenylate cyclase activity in cold nodules as compared to normal. More importantly, this activity was much more responsive to TSH in cold nodules than in normal (maximal stimulation: 1050+/-200% vs 320+/-120%). Also, maximal TSH stimulation was similar to that elucited by fluoride in the cold nodules but only one-third in normal tissue. These results suggest that higher efficiency of TSH in cold nodules may be related to increased TSH binding or coupling of TSH receptors with the caralytic subunit of adenylate cyclase.", "contents": "[Comparison of the effect of TSH and fluoride on the adenylate cyclase activity of cold thyroid nodules (author's transl)]. Using a simple and reliable assay technique in which the actuel amount of cyclic AMP generated during incubation is determined by competitive protein binding assay, adenylate cyclase activity was measured in 7 cold nodules and 3 samples of normal thyroid tissue. Mitochondrial fraction prepared from surgically obtained tissues was used as the source of the enzyme. We observed an increased adenylate cyclase activity in cold nodules as compared to normal. More importantly, this activity was much more responsive to TSH in cold nodules than in normal (maximal stimulation: 1050+/-200% vs 320+/-120%). Also, maximal TSH stimulation was similar to that elucited by fluoride in the cold nodules but only one-third in normal tissue. These results suggest that higher efficiency of TSH in cold nodules may be related to increased TSH binding or coupling of TSH receptors with the caralytic subunit of adenylate cyclase.", "PMID": 1008507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11182", "title": "[Hyperthyroidism by autonomous metastasis of thyroid carcinoma (author's transl)].", "content": "Nine years after surgical ablation of a trabeculo-vesicular carcinoma of the tyroid, a patient developped bone and liver metastasis. She had clinical signs of thyrotoxicosis, clear increase of blood T3 and sligh increase of T4. The TSH secretion was blocked. Exogenous TSH increased iodine uptake in the thyroid and not in the metastasis. After 2 doses of 120 mCi of 131I, she became hypothyroid, the liver was normal and the scan revealed the disappearance of uptake in thyroid and in metastasis. Such a clinical course was previously found in only 10 cases despite the frequent funcitonal differenciation of the metastasis of thyroid carcinomas.", "contents": "[Hyperthyroidism by autonomous metastasis of thyroid carcinoma (author's transl)]. Nine years after surgical ablation of a trabeculo-vesicular carcinoma of the tyroid, a patient developped bone and liver metastasis. She had clinical signs of thyrotoxicosis, clear increase of blood T3 and sligh increase of T4. The TSH secretion was blocked. Exogenous TSH increased iodine uptake in the thyroid and not in the metastasis. After 2 doses of 120 mCi of 131I, she became hypothyroid, the liver was normal and the scan revealed the disappearance of uptake in thyroid and in metastasis. Such a clinical course was previously found in only 10 cases despite the frequent funcitonal differenciation of the metastasis of thyroid carcinomas.", "PMID": 1008508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11183", "title": "[Acquired pseudohypoparathyroidism/(PHP) in adult coeliac disease (MCA)].", "content": "One case of chronic hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, with an adult coeliac disease, hight P.T.H. level, very low rate of cyclic A.M.P. in urine, and normal rate of cyclid A.M.P. in plasma is described. It is the question of the pseudohypoparathyroidism acquirec as a result of an adult coeliac disease, because of after seven months of diet without gluten the clinical and biological improvement was observed with the increase of the cyclic-AMP clearance into the normal level and its great reactivity on the administration of exogenous PTH. We think to bring an additional analysis of the trouble of renal receptivity to parathyroid hormone.", "contents": "[Acquired pseudohypoparathyroidism/(PHP) in adult coeliac disease (MCA)]. One case of chronic hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, with an adult coeliac disease, hight P.T.H. level, very low rate of cyclic A.M.P. in urine, and normal rate of cyclid A.M.P. in plasma is described. It is the question of the pseudohypoparathyroidism acquirec as a result of an adult coeliac disease, because of after seven months of diet without gluten the clinical and biological improvement was observed with the increase of the cyclic-AMP clearance into the normal level and its great reactivity on the administration of exogenous PTH. We think to bring an additional analysis of the trouble of renal receptivity to parathyroid hormone.", "PMID": 1008510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11184", "title": "[The Waardenburg-Klein syndrome].", "content": "A case of Waardenburg-Klein syndrome associated with a Hodgkin's disease is reported in a 29 year old female. Such an association seems to be fortuitous. The authors discuss the dermatological aspects of this rare disease, particularly the disturbances of cutaneous pigmentation. Ultrastructural study of depigmented skin indicates the melanocytes are absent and precise the place of this depigmentation in the group of genetic abnormalities of skin pigmentation.", "contents": "[The Waardenburg-Klein syndrome]. A case of Waardenburg-Klein syndrome associated with a Hodgkin's disease is reported in a 29 year old female. Such an association seems to be fortuitous. The authors discuss the dermatological aspects of this rare disease, particularly the disturbances of cutaneous pigmentation. Ultrastructural study of depigmented skin indicates the melanocytes are absent and precise the place of this depigmentation in the group of genetic abnormalities of skin pigmentation.", "PMID": 1008516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11185", "title": "Churg and Strauss granulomatous angeitis.", "content": "The authors report a new case of Churg and Strauss allergic angeitis, observed during the patients lifetime. Severe asthma preceded the cutaneous lesions by 16 months. There was an eosinophilia of 66 p. 100 of 21,000 white cells. The histological picture was characteristic. A general review of the literature is made in the light of this case.", "contents": "Churg and Strauss granulomatous angeitis. The authors report a new case of Churg and Strauss allergic angeitis, observed during the patients lifetime. Severe asthma preceded the cutaneous lesions by 16 months. There was an eosinophilia of 66 p. 100 of 21,000 white cells. The histological picture was characteristic. A general review of the literature is made in the light of this case.", "PMID": 1008517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11186", "title": "[Oestradiol receptors in foetal compartment (author's transl)].", "content": "Oestradiol concentration in the foetal plasma of guinea pig is 160-200 pg/ml (20-35 days of gestation), 200-300 pg/ml (35-45 days of gestation) and 170-450 pg/ml (45-60 days of gestation). After 3H-oestradiol administration to the foetus, this hormone circulates mainly as non-transformed 3H-oestradiol, 3H-oestrone and 3H-oestrone sulphate. 97-99% of the circulating oestradiol is found in unbound form. In vivo and in vitro studies in the foetus of guinea pig (40-55 days of gestation) show the presence of specific oestradiol receptors in the kidney, brain and Mullerian ducts of the foetus. The affinity constant in the cytosol of the brain is Kd=2 X 10(=9)M; in the cytosol kidney this value is Kd = 2.3 X 10(=10)M. A direct binding of 3H-oestradiol to the chromatin of the kidney was demonstrated with a Kd = 3.3 X 10(=10)M In the cytosol of Mullerian ducts the presence of a specific 3H-oestradiol macromolecule component with a sedimentation coefficient (in sucrose gradient) of 8-8.5S was detected. It is concluded that specific oestradiol receptors are present during foetal development in tissues such as kidney, brain and Mullerian ducts, but not in the liver.", "contents": "[Oestradiol receptors in foetal compartment (author's transl)]. Oestradiol concentration in the foetal plasma of guinea pig is 160-200 pg/ml (20-35 days of gestation), 200-300 pg/ml (35-45 days of gestation) and 170-450 pg/ml (45-60 days of gestation). After 3H-oestradiol administration to the foetus, this hormone circulates mainly as non-transformed 3H-oestradiol, 3H-oestrone and 3H-oestrone sulphate. 97-99% of the circulating oestradiol is found in unbound form. In vivo and in vitro studies in the foetus of guinea pig (40-55 days of gestation) show the presence of specific oestradiol receptors in the kidney, brain and Mullerian ducts of the foetus. The affinity constant in the cytosol of the brain is Kd=2 X 10(=9)M; in the cytosol kidney this value is Kd = 2.3 X 10(=10)M. A direct binding of 3H-oestradiol to the chromatin of the kidney was demonstrated with a Kd = 3.3 X 10(=10)M In the cytosol of Mullerian ducts the presence of a specific 3H-oestradiol macromolecule component with a sedimentation coefficient (in sucrose gradient) of 8-8.5S was detected. It is concluded that specific oestradiol receptors are present during foetal development in tissues such as kidney, brain and Mullerian ducts, but not in the liver.", "PMID": 1008512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11187", "title": "[Eczema herpeticum. Clinical observation and ultrastructural study].", "content": "A child afflicted with atopic dermatitis developed a Kaposi-Juliusberg's syndrome. Virological and ultrastructural investigations proved a widespread herpes virus infection. Maturation of the virus within the nuclei of epidermal cells and its release into the cytoplasm and the intercellular space have been studied at the ultrastructural level and some peculiar data brought up.", "contents": "[Eczema herpeticum. Clinical observation and ultrastructural study]. A child afflicted with atopic dermatitis developed a Kaposi-Juliusberg's syndrome. Virological and ultrastructural investigations proved a widespread herpes virus infection. Maturation of the virus within the nuclei of epidermal cells and its release into the cytoplasm and the intercellular space have been studied at the ultrastructural level and some peculiar data brought up.", "PMID": 1008518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11188", "title": "[Effect of gamma irradiation on the production and degradation system of the second hormonal messenger (author's transl)].", "content": "Gamma irradiation of rat liver plasma membranes leads to a decrease of the adenylcyclase activities stimulated by glucagon and fluoride. The observed inhibition is more important for the activity stimulated with glucagon. The 5'-nucleotisade activity is not changed by irradiation. When the phosphodiesterase system is submitted to gamma irradiation, the radiosensibility of enzymatic complex is more important.", "contents": "[Effect of gamma irradiation on the production and degradation system of the second hormonal messenger (author's transl)]. Gamma irradiation of rat liver plasma membranes leads to a decrease of the adenylcyclase activities stimulated by glucagon and fluoride. The observed inhibition is more important for the activity stimulated with glucagon. The 5'-nucleotisade activity is not changed by irradiation. When the phosphodiesterase system is submitted to gamma irradiation, the radiosensibility of enzymatic complex is more important.", "PMID": 1008509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11189", "title": "[Fibroepithelial tumors of Pinkus with extra-dorsal, lumbar and sacral localizations -31 cases].", "content": "In our series of 70 fibroepithelial tumors of Pinkus, 31 tumors were located outside of the dorsal, lumbar and sacral areas. Moreover, we have noted in the literature 32 ectopic localizations. The clinical and evolutive characteristics are the same as for the dorsal, lumbar and sacral tumors. Thus, the extra-dorsal, lumbar and sacral tumors are much more frequent than usually believed; the clinical diagnosis is however much more difficult since one is deprived of the very important notion of lumbo-sacral localization.", "contents": "[Fibroepithelial tumors of Pinkus with extra-dorsal, lumbar and sacral localizations -31 cases]. In our series of 70 fibroepithelial tumors of Pinkus, 31 tumors were located outside of the dorsal, lumbar and sacral areas. Moreover, we have noted in the literature 32 ectopic localizations. The clinical and evolutive characteristics are the same as for the dorsal, lumbar and sacral tumors. Thus, the extra-dorsal, lumbar and sacral tumors are much more frequent than usually believed; the clinical diagnosis is however much more difficult since one is deprived of the very important notion of lumbo-sacral localization.", "PMID": 1008519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11190", "title": "[Regulation of chick oviduct DNA polymerases by steroid hormones (author's transl)].", "content": "DNA polymerase activity was measured in vitro in soluble cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of chick oviduct, after in vivo hormone stimulation. By twelve hours after a subcutaneous injection of oestradiol, cytosolic and nuclear DNA polymerase activity had increased 2 to 5 fold over control levels ane continued to increase until 24 hours after the injection. Progesterone induced a slight rise in DNA polymerase activity and dihydrotestosterone had no effect. When oestradiol + progesterone were given together, the stimulating effect of oestradiol was cancelled for approximately 14 hours, contrasting with their synergist-c effect on transcription in this system. Various quantities and various sequences of hormone administration were studied, and some of the physico chemical parameters of the enzymes were determined after the different hormone stimulations. The demonstration of a sex steriod dependent regulation of chick oviduct DNA polymerases and the opposite effects of the oestradiol + progesterone combination on replication and on transcription can represent a new approach in the study of the mechanism of action of steroid sex hormones.", "contents": "[Regulation of chick oviduct DNA polymerases by steroid hormones (author's transl)]. DNA polymerase activity was measured in vitro in soluble cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of chick oviduct, after in vivo hormone stimulation. By twelve hours after a subcutaneous injection of oestradiol, cytosolic and nuclear DNA polymerase activity had increased 2 to 5 fold over control levels ane continued to increase until 24 hours after the injection. Progesterone induced a slight rise in DNA polymerase activity and dihydrotestosterone had no effect. When oestradiol + progesterone were given together, the stimulating effect of oestradiol was cancelled for approximately 14 hours, contrasting with their synergist-c effect on transcription in this system. Various quantities and various sequences of hormone administration were studied, and some of the physico chemical parameters of the enzymes were determined after the different hormone stimulations. The demonstration of a sex steriod dependent regulation of chick oviduct DNA polymerases and the opposite effects of the oestradiol + progesterone combination on replication and on transcription can represent a new approach in the study of the mechanism of action of steroid sex hormones.", "PMID": 1008513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11191", "title": "[Decreased number of insulin receptors in obesity: studies in the obese hyperglycemic mouse (author's transl)].", "content": "The insulin-receptor interaction is impaired in liver, adipocyte and myocardium plasma membranes of the obese hyperglycemic (ob/ob) mouse. A decreased numer of receptors rather than an altered affinity for the hormone appears to be responsible for this defect. Some studies were conducted with respect to the specificity and the reversibility of the degect. 1) It involves the insulin receptor predominantly if not exclusively. 2) It is largely reversible. a) Fasting ob/ob mice for 40 hr or longer periods improved insulin binding significantly. b) Steptozotocin treatment of ob/ob mice also improved insulin binding in liver membranes. c) In fasting and in streptozotocin-treated mice, glucagon binding exhibited a shift opposite to that of insulin, i.e., it was decreased. These data suggest the possibility that the hormone may \"down regulate\" its own receptor. Although the mechanism(s) of such regulation, if it is verified, remain(s) to be established, similar observations reported with some other peptide hormones and with catecholamines suggest that this phenomenon may be of general interest in endocrine physiology and patho-physiology.", "contents": "[Decreased number of insulin receptors in obesity: studies in the obese hyperglycemic mouse (author's transl)]. The insulin-receptor interaction is impaired in liver, adipocyte and myocardium plasma membranes of the obese hyperglycemic (ob/ob) mouse. A decreased numer of receptors rather than an altered affinity for the hormone appears to be responsible for this defect. Some studies were conducted with respect to the specificity and the reversibility of the degect. 1) It involves the insulin receptor predominantly if not exclusively. 2) It is largely reversible. a) Fasting ob/ob mice for 40 hr or longer periods improved insulin binding significantly. b) Steptozotocin treatment of ob/ob mice also improved insulin binding in liver membranes. c) In fasting and in streptozotocin-treated mice, glucagon binding exhibited a shift opposite to that of insulin, i.e., it was decreased. These data suggest the possibility that the hormone may \"down regulate\" its own receptor. Although the mechanism(s) of such regulation, if it is verified, remain(s) to be established, similar observations reported with some other peptide hormones and with catecholamines suggest that this phenomenon may be of general interest in endocrine physiology and patho-physiology.", "PMID": 1008511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11192", "title": "[Androgen binding proteins in human prostate (author's transl)].", "content": "Two high affinity saturable binding components were observed in the cytosol of hyperplastic human prostate gland using glyceroltris graident centrifugations having a sedimentation coefficient of 8-10 S and 4-5 S. Binding experiments with different steroids indicate that they correspond to the androgen-receptor protein on one hand and to sex steroid binding plasma protein (SBP) on the other hand. The calculated cytosol receptor concentration was 50 fentomoles/mg protein or 5,000 wites per cell. The SBP concentration, measured by equilibrium dialysis, indicated 8,000 sites per cell which represent 5% of the SBP concentration in the corresponding plasma. Prostate samples were submitted to constant flow organ culture in the presence of 3H-testosterone and increasing amounts of human serum albumin (HSA) and/or SBP. The uptake and metabolism of testosterone were measured and the results suggest that the SBP-testosterone complex could be associated with the prostate cells.", "contents": "[Androgen binding proteins in human prostate (author's transl)]. Two high affinity saturable binding components were observed in the cytosol of hyperplastic human prostate gland using glyceroltris graident centrifugations having a sedimentation coefficient of 8-10 S and 4-5 S. Binding experiments with different steroids indicate that they correspond to the androgen-receptor protein on one hand and to sex steroid binding plasma protein (SBP) on the other hand. The calculated cytosol receptor concentration was 50 fentomoles/mg protein or 5,000 wites per cell. The SBP concentration, measured by equilibrium dialysis, indicated 8,000 sites per cell which represent 5% of the SBP concentration in the corresponding plasma. Prostate samples were submitted to constant flow organ culture in the presence of 3H-testosterone and increasing amounts of human serum albumin (HSA) and/or SBP. The uptake and metabolism of testosterone were measured and the results suggest that the SBP-testosterone complex could be associated with the prostate cells.", "PMID": 1008515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11193", "title": "[Androgen binding proteins in the rat prostate: methodological problems and regulation (author's transl)].", "content": "Protamine sulfate precipitation is used for the selective and quantitative assay of equilibrium binding constants. The association constant of dihydrotestosterone is 1 X 10(9)1/mole and the number of binding sites is 11.500/cell. The affinity of testosterone is slightly lower than that of dihydrotestosterone, whereas some synthetic androgens have a higher affinity in accordance with their biological activity. Estradiol, progesterone and antiandrogens can displace dihydrotestosterone from its receptor. The occupied cytosolic and nuclear binding sites can be measured by radioimmunoassay. After castration, the nuclear hormone-receptor complexes disappear with a half-life of 3 hours. The cytosol receptor decreases steadily between the first and the fourth day after castration, then increases spontaneously. Testosterone seems to inhibit the degradation and also to stimulate the synthesis of its own receptor. Radioautography shows that the receptor is present only in the epithelial cells.", "contents": "[Androgen binding proteins in the rat prostate: methodological problems and regulation (author's transl)]. Protamine sulfate precipitation is used for the selective and quantitative assay of equilibrium binding constants. The association constant of dihydrotestosterone is 1 X 10(9)1/mole and the number of binding sites is 11.500/cell. The affinity of testosterone is slightly lower than that of dihydrotestosterone, whereas some synthetic androgens have a higher affinity in accordance with their biological activity. Estradiol, progesterone and antiandrogens can displace dihydrotestosterone from its receptor. The occupied cytosolic and nuclear binding sites can be measured by radioimmunoassay. After castration, the nuclear hormone-receptor complexes disappear with a half-life of 3 hours. The cytosol receptor decreases steadily between the first and the fourth day after castration, then increases spontaneously. Testosterone seems to inhibit the degradation and also to stimulate the synthesis of its own receptor. Radioautography shows that the receptor is present only in the epithelial cells.", "PMID": 1008514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11194", "title": "Evolution of blood cells.", "content": "The most primitive blood cell may have been a protohemocyte which was first involved in phagocytosis and nutrition. When metazoans (sponges) appeared, their \"blood\" cells, the archeocytes, were phagocytic. In diploblastic cnidarians (e.g. Hydra) blood cells occur in the primitive mesenchyme or mesoglea and are still phagocytic. Although the flatworms and nemertean worms possess a pseudocoelom, a progressive differentiation of several leukocytic types occurred. In coelomate annelids or segmented worms, differentiated cells appeared that distributed food and oxygen, thus erythrocytes evolved in certain marine or polychaete annelids. The Annelida also show differentiation of leukocytes that resemble granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes, and cell-mediated immunity that persists throughout later evolution. The Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata and Tunicata possess essentially the same features as the annelids. The vertebrate blood cells may have evolved from the tunicates via the echinoderm line, the deuterostome invertebrates, although analogous blood cells are present in the annelids, molluscs, and arthropods, the protostomes. The vertebrate plan of blood cell differentiation occurs in two compartments: bone marrow (for both lymphoid and myeloid cells) and lymphoid organs (e.g. thymus, lymph nodes) for lymphocytes.", "contents": "Evolution of blood cells. The most primitive blood cell may have been a protohemocyte which was first involved in phagocytosis and nutrition. When metazoans (sponges) appeared, their \"blood\" cells, the archeocytes, were phagocytic. In diploblastic cnidarians (e.g. Hydra) blood cells occur in the primitive mesenchyme or mesoglea and are still phagocytic. Although the flatworms and nemertean worms possess a pseudocoelom, a progressive differentiation of several leukocytic types occurred. In coelomate annelids or segmented worms, differentiated cells appeared that distributed food and oxygen, thus erythrocytes evolved in certain marine or polychaete annelids. The Annelida also show differentiation of leukocytes that resemble granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes, and cell-mediated immunity that persists throughout later evolution. The Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata and Tunicata possess essentially the same features as the annelids. The vertebrate blood cells may have evolved from the tunicates via the echinoderm line, the deuterostome invertebrates, although analogous blood cells are present in the annelids, molluscs, and arthropods, the protostomes. The vertebrate plan of blood cell differentiation occurs in two compartments: bone marrow (for both lymphoid and myeloid cells) and lymphoid organs (e.g. thymus, lymph nodes) for lymphocytes.", "PMID": 1008528} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11195", "title": "Thymic lymphocyte origin in the newt Pleurodeles waltlii studied by embryonic grafts between diploid and tetraploid embryos.", "content": "Thymic lymphocytes origin in the newt Pleurodeles waltlii was studied by embryonic grafts of the gill area between diploid and tetraploid embryos. By this way, either cell size or chromosome number are used as markers. Heterotopic transplantation of the gill area to the ventral region of a host embryo is followed by differentiation of gills and gill-associated structures including thymus. Analysis of cell size and chromosome number shows that in Pleurodeles, thymocytes do not differentiate in situ but originate from blood-borne stem cells that migrate into the thymus anlage.", "contents": "Thymic lymphocyte origin in the newt Pleurodeles waltlii studied by embryonic grafts between diploid and tetraploid embryos. Thymic lymphocytes origin in the newt Pleurodeles waltlii was studied by embryonic grafts of the gill area between diploid and tetraploid embryos. By this way, either cell size or chromosome number are used as markers. Heterotopic transplantation of the gill area to the ventral region of a host embryo is followed by differentiation of gills and gill-associated structures including thymus. Analysis of cell size and chromosome number shows that in Pleurodeles, thymocytes do not differentiate in situ but originate from blood-borne stem cells that migrate into the thymus anlage.", "PMID": 1008529} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11196", "title": "Ontogeny of the avian thymus and bursa of Fabricius studied in interspecific chimeras.", "content": "Differences in the structure of the interphase nucleus between two species of birds, the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and the chick (Gallus gallus) have been used to distinguish cells from different origins in interspecies combinations. This biological cell marking technique was applied to thymus and bursa of Fabricius histogenesis. Using various combinations between components of quail and chick thymic and bursic rudiments, the respective contribution of endodermal epithelium, mesenchyme and blood-borne extrinsic elements to the histogenesis of thymus and bursa was analyzed. It was demonstrated that the whole lymphoid population in these organs is derived from immigrant blood-borne stem cells. Thymus and bursa become attractive for stem cells at a precise stage of their development. In thymus the attractive period last about 24 hours in the quail and 36 hours in the chick. In the bursa of Fabricius the invasion lasts several days in both quail and chick embryos. The mechanisms which control the onset and the interruption of the stem cells inflow have been investigated.", "contents": "Ontogeny of the avian thymus and bursa of Fabricius studied in interspecific chimeras. Differences in the structure of the interphase nucleus between two species of birds, the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and the chick (Gallus gallus) have been used to distinguish cells from different origins in interspecies combinations. This biological cell marking technique was applied to thymus and bursa of Fabricius histogenesis. Using various combinations between components of quail and chick thymic and bursic rudiments, the respective contribution of endodermal epithelium, mesenchyme and blood-borne extrinsic elements to the histogenesis of thymus and bursa was analyzed. It was demonstrated that the whole lymphoid population in these organs is derived from immigrant blood-borne stem cells. Thymus and bursa become attractive for stem cells at a precise stage of their development. In thymus the attractive period last about 24 hours in the quail and 36 hours in the chick. In the bursa of Fabricius the invasion lasts several days in both quail and chick embryos. The mechanisms which control the onset and the interruption of the stem cells inflow have been investigated.", "PMID": 1008530} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11197", "title": "Glucocorticoids and evolution of haemopoietic tissue in the liver of the rat foetus.", "content": "The number of haematopoietic cells per unit of volume decreases after day 18 and falls rapidly until day 21. On day 21 it is reduced by three quarters as compared to the day 17 value. Maternal laparotomy causes, in the 24 h period following the operation, an anticipated and accelerated decrease. This effect is prevented by previous adrenalectomy. After maternal adrenalectomy, rat foetuses submitted to decapitation in utero, and therefore completely deprived of corticosteroids, do not present in their liver the involution of the haematopoietic tissue normally observed in their intact littermates. Cortisol administration restores the normal involution. These results show the importance of the role played by corticosteroids in the regulation of foetal liver hematopoietic function. The evolutions of proportions and frequencies of the different cellular types composing the haematopoietic tissue studied during normal pregnancy and after either overload or deprivation of corticosteroids, suggest that corticosteroids exert their action essentially at two levels of the maturation process. They decrease the ability of self-maintenance of the precursor cell pool and accelerate the maturation of the polychromatophilic cells, resulting in a progressive exhaustion of the haematopoietic tissue.", "contents": "Glucocorticoids and evolution of haemopoietic tissue in the liver of the rat foetus. The number of haematopoietic cells per unit of volume decreases after day 18 and falls rapidly until day 21. On day 21 it is reduced by three quarters as compared to the day 17 value. Maternal laparotomy causes, in the 24 h period following the operation, an anticipated and accelerated decrease. This effect is prevented by previous adrenalectomy. After maternal adrenalectomy, rat foetuses submitted to decapitation in utero, and therefore completely deprived of corticosteroids, do not present in their liver the involution of the haematopoietic tissue normally observed in their intact littermates. Cortisol administration restores the normal involution. These results show the importance of the role played by corticosteroids in the regulation of foetal liver hematopoietic function. The evolutions of proportions and frequencies of the different cellular types composing the haematopoietic tissue studied during normal pregnancy and after either overload or deprivation of corticosteroids, suggest that corticosteroids exert their action essentially at two levels of the maturation process. They decrease the ability of self-maintenance of the precursor cell pool and accelerate the maturation of the polychromatophilic cells, resulting in a progressive exhaustion of the haematopoietic tissue.", "PMID": 1008531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11198", "title": "Lymphocyte differentiation in the rabbit thymus.", "content": "Density separation of rabbit thymus lymphoid cells on a continuous and linear Ficoll-Metrizoate gradient resulted in the appearance of three subpopulations of lymphoid cells with peak fractions at densities of approx. 1.067, 1.077 and 1.084 g/ml. The subpopulation of the lowest density appeared to consist of cortisone-resistant cells of various size classes, all characterized by a relative low nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio. Glycerol-induced redistribution of particles within the plasma membrane (IMP) of the lymphoid cells, as revealed with the freeze-fracture technique, was present in the subpopulation of lowest density as well as in thymus lymphoid cells of cortisone-treated rabbits in a high percentage of the cells, and present in a very small percentage of the cells of highest density. It is concluded that an increase in the mobility of plasma membrane components may be a significant feature of T-cell education in the rabbit thymus.", "contents": "Lymphocyte differentiation in the rabbit thymus. Density separation of rabbit thymus lymphoid cells on a continuous and linear Ficoll-Metrizoate gradient resulted in the appearance of three subpopulations of lymphoid cells with peak fractions at densities of approx. 1.067, 1.077 and 1.084 g/ml. The subpopulation of the lowest density appeared to consist of cortisone-resistant cells of various size classes, all characterized by a relative low nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio. Glycerol-induced redistribution of particles within the plasma membrane (IMP) of the lymphoid cells, as revealed with the freeze-fracture technique, was present in the subpopulation of lowest density as well as in thymus lymphoid cells of cortisone-treated rabbits in a high percentage of the cells, and present in a very small percentage of the cells of highest density. It is concluded that an increase in the mobility of plasma membrane components may be a significant feature of T-cell education in the rabbit thymus.", "PMID": 1008533} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11199", "title": "[Results of dermatoglyphic studies in the Roussy-L\u00e9vy syndrome].", "content": "Dermatoglyphics performed on the three persons with fully developed RLS as well as on those with partial symptomatology revealed a striking agreement as to their pappilary systems and the characteristic deviation from the norm: irregularities on the pattern of the ridges of the finger and toe prints and on the soles and palms, a much reduced \"total ridge count\" (TRC), predominant bow patterns on the toe prints, grid-and reticularpatterned white lines on the soles and palms, loop proliferation on the soles and special shapes of the transverse palmar crease.", "contents": "[Results of dermatoglyphic studies in the Roussy-L\u00e9vy syndrome]. Dermatoglyphics performed on the three persons with fully developed RLS as well as on those with partial symptomatology revealed a striking agreement as to their pappilary systems and the characteristic deviation from the norm: irregularities on the pattern of the ridges of the finger and toe prints and on the soles and palms, a much reduced \"total ridge count\" (TRC), predominant bow patterns on the toe prints, grid-and reticularpatterned white lines on the soles and palms, loop proliferation on the soles and special shapes of the transverse palmar crease.", "PMID": 1008538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11200", "title": "Effect of cortisol in vitro on haemoglobin synthesis by mouse foetal liver.", "content": "In cultures of foetal mouse liver, collected at various gestational days, the effect of cortisol was investigated on 59Fe uptake into haemoglobin heme and also on the differentiation of the erythroid stem cells or ERC (erythropoietin-responsive cells) into erythroblasts under the action of erythropoietin. Addition of cortisol to the culture medium did not modify in any way the responsiveness of the cell system to erythropoietin but exerted a sustaining action on the rate of haemoglobin synthesis during the second half of the incubation period. This action was restricted to cultures of 15- to 16-day livers and was particularly obvious in erythropoietin-supplemented samples. This selective effect of cortisol likely concerns only the later types of erythroblasts since after 24 h of incubation the polychromatophilic or orthochromatic stages predominate respectively in samples with, or without, erythropoietin. The timing of these results is discussed in the light of previous findings observed in vivo by other authors in the foetal rat.", "contents": "Effect of cortisol in vitro on haemoglobin synthesis by mouse foetal liver. In cultures of foetal mouse liver, collected at various gestational days, the effect of cortisol was investigated on 59Fe uptake into haemoglobin heme and also on the differentiation of the erythroid stem cells or ERC (erythropoietin-responsive cells) into erythroblasts under the action of erythropoietin. Addition of cortisol to the culture medium did not modify in any way the responsiveness of the cell system to erythropoietin but exerted a sustaining action on the rate of haemoglobin synthesis during the second half of the incubation period. This action was restricted to cultures of 15- to 16-day livers and was particularly obvious in erythropoietin-supplemented samples. This selective effect of cortisol likely concerns only the later types of erythroblasts since after 24 h of incubation the polychromatophilic or orthochromatic stages predominate respectively in samples with, or without, erythropoietin. The timing of these results is discussed in the light of previous findings observed in vivo by other authors in the foetal rat.", "PMID": 1008532} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11201", "title": "Effects of antibiotics on metabolism of peptidoglycan, protein, and lipids in Bifidobacterium bifidum subsp. pennsylvanicus.", "content": "The formation of cell envelope components of Bifidobacterium bifidum subsp. pennsylvanicus was studied by measuring the incorporation of [(3)H]glycine, (14)C-labeled fatty acids, and N-benzoyl-[(14)C]glucosamine into the membrane protein, membrane lipids, and cell wall peptidoglycan, respectively. Inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis by antibiotics (penicillin G, vancomycin, d-cycloserine, and bacitracin) and by the omission of glucosamine-containing growth factors caused a marked decrease in glycine incorporation into cellular as well as membrane protein, which was accompanied by a considerable enhancement of fatty acid incorporation. The uncoupling of protein and lipid synthesis led to the release of marked amounts of lipids from the cell under these conditions. Arrestment of protein synthesis by antibiotics (chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and actinomycin D) decreased peptidoglycan and lipid synthesis only partially, but did not lead to lipid release. Mg(2+) deficiency of the medium caused about 60% inhibition of growth and lipid synthesis, but protein synthesis and especially peptidoglycan synthesis were much less inhibited. Staphylococcin 1580 arrested the growth and also the synthesis of protein and peptidoglycan. However, the synthesis and turnover of lipids were considerably increased and a release of large amounts of lipids was observed. Peptidoglycan and cellular protein did not show any turnover either during normal growth or after the inhibition of cell wall and protein synthesis.", "contents": "Effects of antibiotics on metabolism of peptidoglycan, protein, and lipids in Bifidobacterium bifidum subsp. pennsylvanicus. The formation of cell envelope components of Bifidobacterium bifidum subsp. pennsylvanicus was studied by measuring the incorporation of [(3)H]glycine, (14)C-labeled fatty acids, and N-benzoyl-[(14)C]glucosamine into the membrane protein, membrane lipids, and cell wall peptidoglycan, respectively. Inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis by antibiotics (penicillin G, vancomycin, d-cycloserine, and bacitracin) and by the omission of glucosamine-containing growth factors caused a marked decrease in glycine incorporation into cellular as well as membrane protein, which was accompanied by a considerable enhancement of fatty acid incorporation. The uncoupling of protein and lipid synthesis led to the release of marked amounts of lipids from the cell under these conditions. Arrestment of protein synthesis by antibiotics (chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and actinomycin D) decreased peptidoglycan and lipid synthesis only partially, but did not lead to lipid release. Mg(2+) deficiency of the medium caused about 60% inhibition of growth and lipid synthesis, but protein synthesis and especially peptidoglycan synthesis were much less inhibited. Staphylococcin 1580 arrested the growth and also the synthesis of protein and peptidoglycan. However, the synthesis and turnover of lipids were considerably increased and a release of large amounts of lipids was observed. Peptidoglycan and cellular protein did not show any turnover either during normal growth or after the inhibition of cell wall and protein synthesis.", "PMID": 1008539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11202", "title": "Cefamandole: in vitro and clinical pharmacokinetics.", "content": "Cefamandole has a broader spectrum and greater potency than the other cephalosporins. It includes Haemophilus influenzae, most strains of Enterobacter, and many strains of indole-positive Proteus and Bacteroides, with a lower minimal inhibitory concentration for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, etc. Concentrations of drug in the serum after the parenteral injection of cefamandole exceed manyfold the minimal inhibitory concentrations of over 82% of the bacteria studied. Approximately 65 to 85% is excreted in a biologically active form in the urine. This antibiotic offers advantages of antibacterial effectiveness and at the same time retains the safety of penicillin G and cephalothin in animals.", "contents": "Cefamandole: in vitro and clinical pharmacokinetics. Cefamandole has a broader spectrum and greater potency than the other cephalosporins. It includes Haemophilus influenzae, most strains of Enterobacter, and many strains of indole-positive Proteus and Bacteroides, with a lower minimal inhibitory concentration for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, etc. Concentrations of drug in the serum after the parenteral injection of cefamandole exceed manyfold the minimal inhibitory concentrations of over 82% of the bacteria studied. Approximately 65 to 85% is excreted in a biologically active form in the urine. This antibiotic offers advantages of antibacterial effectiveness and at the same time retains the safety of penicillin G and cephalothin in animals.", "PMID": 1008540} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11203", "title": "Biological activity of netilmicin, a broad-spectrum semisynthetic aminoglycoside antibiotic.", "content": "Netilmicin (Sch 20569) is a new broad-spectrum semisynthetic aminoglycoside derived from sisomicin. Netilmicin was compared to gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin in a variety of in vitro test systems as well as in mouse protection tests. Netilmicin was found to be similar in activity to gentamicin against aminoglycoside-susceptible strains in both in vitro and in vivo tests. Netilmicin was also active against many aminoglycoside-resistant strains of gram-negative bacteria, particularly those known to possess adenylating enzymes (ANT 2') or those with a similar resistance pattern. Netilmicin was found to be markedly less toxic than gentamicin in chronic studies in cats, although gentamicin appeared less toxic in acute toxicity tests in mice. The concentrations of netilmicin and gentamicin in serum were compared in dogs after intramuscular dosing, and the pharmacokinetics including peak concentrations in serum were found to be similar.", "contents": "Biological activity of netilmicin, a broad-spectrum semisynthetic aminoglycoside antibiotic. Netilmicin (Sch 20569) is a new broad-spectrum semisynthetic aminoglycoside derived from sisomicin. Netilmicin was compared to gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin in a variety of in vitro test systems as well as in mouse protection tests. Netilmicin was found to be similar in activity to gentamicin against aminoglycoside-susceptible strains in both in vitro and in vivo tests. Netilmicin was also active against many aminoglycoside-resistant strains of gram-negative bacteria, particularly those known to possess adenylating enzymes (ANT 2') or those with a similar resistance pattern. Netilmicin was found to be markedly less toxic than gentamicin in chronic studies in cats, although gentamicin appeared less toxic in acute toxicity tests in mice. The concentrations of netilmicin and gentamicin in serum were compared in dogs after intramuscular dosing, and the pharmacokinetics including peak concentrations in serum were found to be similar.", "PMID": 1008541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11204", "title": "Comparative nephrotoxicities of netilmicin and gentamicin in rats.", "content": "The relative nephrotoxicities of netilmicin (Sch 20569) and gentamicin were compared in rats at doses of 30, 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg per day for 15 days. Both drugs caused proteinuria and a decrease in urine osmolality; however, netilmicin produced significantly less changes at all doses than gentamicin. Whereas gentamicin resulted in a decline in creatinine clearance at all doses, netilmicin failed to cause a decline in creatinine clearance. Renal-cortical concentrations of antibiotic at sacrifice were similar in animals receiving either drug. Light-microscopic changes were less severe with netilmicin than gentamicin. Cytosegresomes with myeloid bodies were identified electron microscopically in the kidneys of animals receiving either netilmicin or gentamicin at all doses. Electron-microscopic manifestations were similar. The data indicate that in the rat, netilmicin is distinctly less nephrotoxic than gentamicin.", "contents": "Comparative nephrotoxicities of netilmicin and gentamicin in rats. The relative nephrotoxicities of netilmicin (Sch 20569) and gentamicin were compared in rats at doses of 30, 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg per day for 15 days. Both drugs caused proteinuria and a decrease in urine osmolality; however, netilmicin produced significantly less changes at all doses than gentamicin. Whereas gentamicin resulted in a decline in creatinine clearance at all doses, netilmicin failed to cause a decline in creatinine clearance. Renal-cortical concentrations of antibiotic at sacrifice were similar in animals receiving either drug. Light-microscopic changes were less severe with netilmicin than gentamicin. Cytosegresomes with myeloid bodies were identified electron microscopically in the kidneys of animals receiving either netilmicin or gentamicin at all doses. Electron-microscopic manifestations were similar. The data indicate that in the rat, netilmicin is distinctly less nephrotoxic than gentamicin.", "PMID": 1008542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11205", "title": "Antibiotic penetrance of ascitic fluid in dogs.", "content": "Antibiotic concentrations in ascitic fluid after parenteral therapy may be important in the treatment of peritonitis. We have created ascites in dogs by partial ligation of the inferior vena cava. Ascitic fluid volume was measured at the time each antibiotic was administered. Nine antibiotics were studied in the same three dogs. Antibiotic concentration in ascitic fluid was found to vary inversely with ascites volume. Percentage of penetration (ratio of ascites peak to serum peak x100) ranged from 5.8 to 65% among the drugs studied. Only metronidazole showed a statistically significant higher percentage of penetration than other antimicrobials. Concentrations in ascitic fluid after single doses of cephalothin (15 mg/kg) and the aminoglycosides (2 mg/kg, gentamicin and tobramycin; 7.5 mg/kg, amikacin and kanamycin) did not exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration of many gram-negative rods and may justify the use of higher than usual initial parenteral doses, or possibly initial intraperitoneal administration in seriously ill patients.", "contents": "Antibiotic penetrance of ascitic fluid in dogs. Antibiotic concentrations in ascitic fluid after parenteral therapy may be important in the treatment of peritonitis. We have created ascites in dogs by partial ligation of the inferior vena cava. Ascitic fluid volume was measured at the time each antibiotic was administered. Nine antibiotics were studied in the same three dogs. Antibiotic concentration in ascitic fluid was found to vary inversely with ascites volume. Percentage of penetration (ratio of ascites peak to serum peak x100) ranged from 5.8 to 65% among the drugs studied. Only metronidazole showed a statistically significant higher percentage of penetration than other antimicrobials. Concentrations in ascitic fluid after single doses of cephalothin (15 mg/kg) and the aminoglycosides (2 mg/kg, gentamicin and tobramycin; 7.5 mg/kg, amikacin and kanamycin) did not exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration of many gram-negative rods and may justify the use of higher than usual initial parenteral doses, or possibly initial intraperitoneal administration in seriously ill patients.", "PMID": 1008543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11206", "title": "Preparation of isolated intestinal villi useful for studying hydrolysis rates of penicillin and cephalosporin esters.", "content": "A method for the preparation of freeze-dried intestinal villi from hamsters and mice is described. The villi, consisting largely of epithelial cells rich in esterase activity, are useful for hydrolysis studies of penicillin and cephalosporin esters.", "contents": "Preparation of isolated intestinal villi useful for studying hydrolysis rates of penicillin and cephalosporin esters. A method for the preparation of freeze-dried intestinal villi from hamsters and mice is described. The villi, consisting largely of epithelial cells rich in esterase activity, are useful for hydrolysis studies of penicillin and cephalosporin esters.", "PMID": 1008544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11207", "title": "Stability of gentamicin in serum.", "content": "Patients' sera were divided into three portions when the initial gentamicin level was determined and were stored at -20, 4, and 25 degrees C in plastic or glass tubes. Gentamicin levels were repeated after 1 and 2 days of storage at the respective temperatures. There was no significant difference in gentamicin levels among portions, except those from a patient in renal failure with high serum concentrations of carbenicillin.", "contents": "Stability of gentamicin in serum. Patients' sera were divided into three portions when the initial gentamicin level was determined and were stored at -20, 4, and 25 degrees C in plastic or glass tubes. Gentamicin levels were repeated after 1 and 2 days of storage at the respective temperatures. There was no significant difference in gentamicin levels among portions, except those from a patient in renal failure with high serum concentrations of carbenicillin.", "PMID": 1008545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11208", "title": "Effect of 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine 5'-monophosphate and 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosylhypoxanthine 5'-monophosphate on experimental herpes simplex keratitis.", "content": "Treatment of established experimental keratitis caused by herpes simplex virus with 9-beta-d-arabinofuranosyladenine 5'-monophosphate (Ara-AMP) or 9-beta-d-arabinofuranosylhypoxanthine 5'-monophosphate (Ara-HxMP) showed that the Ara-AMP, in a concentration of 2 or 20%, had a significant effect on the keratitis but that 0.4% Ara-HxMP showed only minimal activity. Ara-AMP was also effective in the treatment of idoxuridine-resistant keratitis. No local toxicity with a high concentration (20%) of Ara-AMP was seen, but the duration of therapy was brief.", "contents": "Effect of 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine 5'-monophosphate and 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosylhypoxanthine 5'-monophosphate on experimental herpes simplex keratitis. Treatment of established experimental keratitis caused by herpes simplex virus with 9-beta-d-arabinofuranosyladenine 5'-monophosphate (Ara-AMP) or 9-beta-d-arabinofuranosylhypoxanthine 5'-monophosphate (Ara-HxMP) showed that the Ara-AMP, in a concentration of 2 or 20%, had a significant effect on the keratitis but that 0.4% Ara-HxMP showed only minimal activity. Ara-AMP was also effective in the treatment of idoxuridine-resistant keratitis. No local toxicity with a high concentration (20%) of Ara-AMP was seen, but the duration of therapy was brief.", "PMID": 1008546} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11209", "title": "Antibiotic synergy and antagonism against clinical isolates of Klebsiella species.", "content": "Minimal inhibitory concentrations of kanamycin, gentamicin, amikacin, cephalothin, and chloramphenicol were determined in Trypticase soy broth for 70 clinical isolates of Klebsiella species. Gentamicin and amikacin were the most active on a weight basis. Chloramphenicol was more active than kanamycin, and cephalothin was the least active of all. Studies using a microtiter modification of the checkerboard technique were performed to evaluate the comparative activity of the three aminoglycosides in combination with either chloramphenicol or cephalothin. The cephalothin-aminoglycoside combinations demonstrated synergy in >80% of the isolates tested. No antagonism was noted. The chloramphenicol-aminoglycoside combinations showed antagonism in 35 to 45% of the isolates tested. The data suggest that the chloramphenicol-aminoglycoside combinations be used with caution when treating serious infections where Klebsiella is a potential pathogen.", "contents": "Antibiotic synergy and antagonism against clinical isolates of Klebsiella species. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of kanamycin, gentamicin, amikacin, cephalothin, and chloramphenicol were determined in Trypticase soy broth for 70 clinical isolates of Klebsiella species. Gentamicin and amikacin were the most active on a weight basis. Chloramphenicol was more active than kanamycin, and cephalothin was the least active of all. Studies using a microtiter modification of the checkerboard technique were performed to evaluate the comparative activity of the three aminoglycosides in combination with either chloramphenicol or cephalothin. The cephalothin-aminoglycoside combinations demonstrated synergy in >80% of the isolates tested. No antagonism was noted. The chloramphenicol-aminoglycoside combinations showed antagonism in 35 to 45% of the isolates tested. The data suggest that the chloramphenicol-aminoglycoside combinations be used with caution when treating serious infections where Klebsiella is a potential pathogen.", "PMID": 1008547} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11210", "title": "Cephalosporin and aminoglycoside concentrations in peritoneal capsular fluid in rabbits.", "content": "To study the penetration of antibiotics into peritoneal tissue fluid, a subcutaneous tissue capsule model was modified by implanting multiple, perforated spherical capsules in the peritoneal cavity of rabbits. Capsules became vascularized, encased in connective tissue, and filled with fluid having a mean protein concentration of 3.6 g/100 ml. Capsular fluid was obtained by percutaneous needle aspiration and assayed for antibiotic by the disk plate bioassay technique. Cephalosporins were administered intramuscularly at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Mean peak concentrations of cephaloridine and cefazolin were significantly higher than cephalothin and cephapirin in capsular fluids, but the percent penetration (ratio of capsular mean peak to serum mean peak) ranged from 8.7 to 16.9% and was not significantly different among the cephalosporins. At 24 h the capsular concentration of cefazolin was significantly greater than for the other cephalosporins (P < 0.001). Lower rabbit serum protein binding observed at high in vivo concentrations may have enabled cefazolin to penetrate capsular fluid, but in vitro protein binding studies did not confirm a decrease in serum protein binding at high concentrations within the clinical range. Kanamycin and amikacin showed comparable capsular fluid peak concentrations as did gentamicin and tobramycin. The percent penetration ranged from 15.2 to 34.5% for the aminoglycosides. The only statistical difference was that amikacin penetration was significantly higher than that for tobramycin. Mean capsular concentrations of amikacin, cefazolin, and cephaloridine compared most favorably with the minimum inhibitory concentration of gram-negative bacilli at the dosages used in this study.", "contents": "Cephalosporin and aminoglycoside concentrations in peritoneal capsular fluid in rabbits. To study the penetration of antibiotics into peritoneal tissue fluid, a subcutaneous tissue capsule model was modified by implanting multiple, perforated spherical capsules in the peritoneal cavity of rabbits. Capsules became vascularized, encased in connective tissue, and filled with fluid having a mean protein concentration of 3.6 g/100 ml. Capsular fluid was obtained by percutaneous needle aspiration and assayed for antibiotic by the disk plate bioassay technique. Cephalosporins were administered intramuscularly at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Mean peak concentrations of cephaloridine and cefazolin were significantly higher than cephalothin and cephapirin in capsular fluids, but the percent penetration (ratio of capsular mean peak to serum mean peak) ranged from 8.7 to 16.9% and was not significantly different among the cephalosporins. At 24 h the capsular concentration of cefazolin was significantly greater than for the other cephalosporins (P < 0.001). Lower rabbit serum protein binding observed at high in vivo concentrations may have enabled cefazolin to penetrate capsular fluid, but in vitro protein binding studies did not confirm a decrease in serum protein binding at high concentrations within the clinical range. Kanamycin and amikacin showed comparable capsular fluid peak concentrations as did gentamicin and tobramycin. The percent penetration ranged from 15.2 to 34.5% for the aminoglycosides. The only statistical difference was that amikacin penetration was significantly higher than that for tobramycin. Mean capsular concentrations of amikacin, cefazolin, and cephaloridine compared most favorably with the minimum inhibitory concentration of gram-negative bacilli at the dosages used in this study.", "PMID": 1008548} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11211", "title": "Cultivation of Staphylococcus aureus in a synthetic medium of low ultraviolet absorptivity.", "content": "A new synthetic medium having negligible ultraviolet absorbance is described for growing staphylococci in experiments requiring ultraviolet spectrophotometry of cell-free portions of the culture.", "contents": "Cultivation of Staphylococcus aureus in a synthetic medium of low ultraviolet absorptivity. A new synthetic medium having negligible ultraviolet absorbance is described for growing staphylococci in experiments requiring ultraviolet spectrophotometry of cell-free portions of the culture.", "PMID": 1008549} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11212", "title": "Procedure for expediting determinations of antibiotic susceptibility of gram-negative, urinary tract pathogens.", "content": "Standardized direct disk diffusion antibiotic susceptibility testing on monomicrobial urine specimens is compared with the Food and Drug Administration method. The direct procedure yields acceptable data and may conserve 24 h in reporting results.", "contents": "Procedure for expediting determinations of antibiotic susceptibility of gram-negative, urinary tract pathogens. Standardized direct disk diffusion antibiotic susceptibility testing on monomicrobial urine specimens is compared with the Food and Drug Administration method. The direct procedure yields acceptable data and may conserve 24 h in reporting results.", "PMID": 1008550} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11213", "title": "Chemically defined medium for susceptibility testing of antimicrobial agents.", "content": "A defined medium was developed that supports growth of many of the bacterial and fungal pathogens frequently isolated in clinics.", "contents": "Chemically defined medium for susceptibility testing of antimicrobial agents. A defined medium was developed that supports growth of many of the bacterial and fungal pathogens frequently isolated in clinics.", "PMID": 1008551} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11214", "title": "Medium for use in antibiotic susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria.", "content": "A medium is described which was designed for use in testing the minimal inhibitory concentration of antibiotics for anaerobic bacteria by agar dilution. It contains: Trypticase (1%), Gelysate (1%), yeast extract (0.5%), glucose (0.1%), pyruvate (0.1%), arginine (0.1%), NaCl (0.5%), hemin (5 mug/ml), vitamin K(1) (0.5 mug/ml), agar (1.5%). The medium does not require the addition of blood to support growth of most clinical isolates of anaerobic bacteria.", "contents": "Medium for use in antibiotic susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria. A medium is described which was designed for use in testing the minimal inhibitory concentration of antibiotics for anaerobic bacteria by agar dilution. It contains: Trypticase (1%), Gelysate (1%), yeast extract (0.5%), glucose (0.1%), pyruvate (0.1%), arginine (0.1%), NaCl (0.5%), hemin (5 mug/ml), vitamin K(1) (0.5 mug/ml), agar (1.5%). The medium does not require the addition of blood to support growth of most clinical isolates of anaerobic bacteria.", "PMID": 1008552} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11215", "title": "Preparation of labeled staphylococcal enterotoxin A with high specific activity.", "content": "Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) was labeled by the chloramine-T method with 125I to a specific activity of 68 to 300 muCi per mug of SEA and with 131I to specific activity of 8 to 218 muCi per mug of SEA. SEA was partially damaged and aggregated during the labeling and storage. The damage seemed not to be greatly dependent on the specific activity of labeled entertoxin. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis showed two antigenically active and three inactive components in the ascending part of the labeled enterotoxin peak during fractionation by gel chromatography. During storage at 4 degrees C, the antigenic activity of label decreased faster when labeling had been with 131I than when with 125I. The antigenic activity of labeled SEA was lowered remarkably in the ascending part of the protein peak. Greatest release of radioiodine during storage was in the same part of protein peak. According to these results, the most suitable label for radioimmunoassay is obtained from the descending part of protein peak.", "contents": "Preparation of labeled staphylococcal enterotoxin A with high specific activity. Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) was labeled by the chloramine-T method with 125I to a specific activity of 68 to 300 muCi per mug of SEA and with 131I to specific activity of 8 to 218 muCi per mug of SEA. SEA was partially damaged and aggregated during the labeling and storage. The damage seemed not to be greatly dependent on the specific activity of labeled entertoxin. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis showed two antigenically active and three inactive components in the ascending part of the labeled enterotoxin peak during fractionation by gel chromatography. During storage at 4 degrees C, the antigenic activity of label decreased faster when labeling had been with 131I than when with 125I. The antigenic activity of labeled SEA was lowered remarkably in the ascending part of the protein peak. Greatest release of radioiodine during storage was in the same part of protein peak. According to these results, the most suitable label for radioimmunoassay is obtained from the descending part of protein peak.", "PMID": 1008553} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11216", "title": "Effect of zinc on adenine nucleotide pools in relation to aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus parasiticus.", "content": "The adenylic acid systems of Aspergillus parasiticus were studied in zinc-replete and zinc-deficient media. The adenosine 5'-triphosphate levels of the fungus were high during exponential phase and low during stationary phase in zinc-replete cultures. On the other hand, the levels of adenosine 5'-diphosphate and adenosine 5'-monophosphate were low during exponential phase of growth and high during stationary phase. The adenosine 5'-triphosphate levels during exponential phase may indicate higher primary metabolic activity of the fungus. On the other hand, high adenosine 5'-monophosphate levels during stationary phase may inhibit lipid formation and may enhance aflatoxin levels. The inorganic phosphorus content was low in a zinc-replete medium throughout the growth period, thereby favoring aflatoxin biosynthesis. The energy charge during the exponential phase was high but low during the stationary phase. In general the energy charge values were lower because of high adenosine 5'-monophosphate content.", "contents": "Effect of zinc on adenine nucleotide pools in relation to aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus parasiticus. The adenylic acid systems of Aspergillus parasiticus were studied in zinc-replete and zinc-deficient media. The adenosine 5'-triphosphate levels of the fungus were high during exponential phase and low during stationary phase in zinc-replete cultures. On the other hand, the levels of adenosine 5'-diphosphate and adenosine 5'-monophosphate were low during exponential phase of growth and high during stationary phase. The adenosine 5'-triphosphate levels during exponential phase may indicate higher primary metabolic activity of the fungus. On the other hand, high adenosine 5'-monophosphate levels during stationary phase may inhibit lipid formation and may enhance aflatoxin levels. The inorganic phosphorus content was low in a zinc-replete medium throughout the growth period, thereby favoring aflatoxin biosynthesis. The energy charge during the exponential phase was high but low during the stationary phase. In general the energy charge values were lower because of high adenosine 5'-monophosphate content.", "PMID": 1008554} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11217", "title": "Microbial oxidation and assimilation of propylene.", "content": "Hydrocarbon-utilizing microorganisms in our culture collection oxidized propylene but could not utilize it as the sole source of carbon and energy. When propane-grown cells of Mycobacterium convulutum were placed on propylene, acrylate, the terminally oxidized, three-carbon unsaturated acid, accumulated. A mixed culture and an axenic culture (strain PL-1) that utilized propylene as the sole source of carbon and energy were isolated from soil. Respiration rates, enzyme assays, fatty acid profiles, and 14CO2 incorporation experiments suggest that both the mixed culture and strain PL-1 oxidize propylene via attack at the double bond, resulting in a C2+C1 cleavage of the molecule.", "contents": "Microbial oxidation and assimilation of propylene. Hydrocarbon-utilizing microorganisms in our culture collection oxidized propylene but could not utilize it as the sole source of carbon and energy. When propane-grown cells of Mycobacterium convulutum were placed on propylene, acrylate, the terminally oxidized, three-carbon unsaturated acid, accumulated. A mixed culture and an axenic culture (strain PL-1) that utilized propylene as the sole source of carbon and energy were isolated from soil. Respiration rates, enzyme assays, fatty acid profiles, and 14CO2 incorporation experiments suggest that both the mixed culture and strain PL-1 oxidize propylene via attack at the double bond, resulting in a C2+C1 cleavage of the molecule.", "PMID": 1008555} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11218", "title": "Sublethal heat stress of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.", "content": "When Vibrio parahaemolyticsu ATCC 17802 was heated at 41 degrees C for 30 min in 100 mM phosphate-3% NaCl buffer (pH 7.0), the plate counts obtained when using Trypticase soy agar containing 0.25% added NaCl (0.25 TSAS) were nearly 99.9% higher than plate counts using Trypticase soy agar containing 5.5% added NaCl (5.5 TSAS). A similar result was obtained when cells of V. parahaemolyticus were grown in a glucose salts medium (GSM) and heated at 45 degrees C. The injured cells recovered salt tolerance within 3 h when placed in either 2.5 TSBS or GSM at 30 degrees C. The addition of chloramphenicol, actinomycin D, or nalidixic acid to 2.5 TSBS during recovery of cells grown in 2.5 TSBS indicated that recovery was dependent upon protein, ribonucleic acid (RNA, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis. Penicillin did not inhibit the recovery process. Heat-injured, GSM-grown cells required RNA synthesis but not DNA synthesis during recovery in GSM. Chemical analyses showed that total cellular RNA decreased and total cellular DNA remained constant during heat injury. The addition of [6-3H]uracil, L-[U-14C]leucine, and [methyl-3H]thymidine to the recovery media confirmed the results of the antibiotic experiments.", "contents": "Sublethal heat stress of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. When Vibrio parahaemolyticsu ATCC 17802 was heated at 41 degrees C for 30 min in 100 mM phosphate-3% NaCl buffer (pH 7.0), the plate counts obtained when using Trypticase soy agar containing 0.25% added NaCl (0.25 TSAS) were nearly 99.9% higher than plate counts using Trypticase soy agar containing 5.5% added NaCl (5.5 TSAS). A similar result was obtained when cells of V. parahaemolyticus were grown in a glucose salts medium (GSM) and heated at 45 degrees C. The injured cells recovered salt tolerance within 3 h when placed in either 2.5 TSBS or GSM at 30 degrees C. The addition of chloramphenicol, actinomycin D, or nalidixic acid to 2.5 TSBS during recovery of cells grown in 2.5 TSBS indicated that recovery was dependent upon protein, ribonucleic acid (RNA, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis. Penicillin did not inhibit the recovery process. Heat-injured, GSM-grown cells required RNA synthesis but not DNA synthesis during recovery in GSM. Chemical analyses showed that total cellular RNA decreased and total cellular DNA remained constant during heat injury. The addition of [6-3H]uracil, L-[U-14C]leucine, and [methyl-3H]thymidine to the recovery media confirmed the results of the antibiotic experiments.", "PMID": 1008556} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11219", "title": "Nitrate removal in closed-system aquaculture by columnar denitrification.", "content": "The columnar denitrification method of nitrate-nitrogen removal from high-density, closed system, salmonid aquaculture was investigated and found to be feasible. However, adequate chemical monitoring was found to be necessary for the optimization and quality control of this method. When methanol-carbon was not balanced with inlet nitrate-nitrogen, the column effluent became unsatisfactory for closed-system fish culture due to the presence of excess amounts of nitrite, ammonia, sulfide, and dissolved organic carbon. Sulfide production was also influenced by column maturity and residence time. Methane-carbon was found to be unsatisfactory as an exogenous carbon source. Endogenous carbon could not support high removal efficiencies. Freshwater columns adpated readily to an artificial seawater with a salinity of 18% without observable inhibition. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the bacterial flora was mainly rod forms with the Peritricha (protozoa) dominating as the primary consumers. Denitrifying bacteria isolated from freshwater columns were tentatively identified as species of Pseudomonas and Alcaligenes. A pilot plant column was found to behave in a manner similar to the laboratory columns except that nitrite production was never observed.", "contents": "Nitrate removal in closed-system aquaculture by columnar denitrification. The columnar denitrification method of nitrate-nitrogen removal from high-density, closed system, salmonid aquaculture was investigated and found to be feasible. However, adequate chemical monitoring was found to be necessary for the optimization and quality control of this method. When methanol-carbon was not balanced with inlet nitrate-nitrogen, the column effluent became unsatisfactory for closed-system fish culture due to the presence of excess amounts of nitrite, ammonia, sulfide, and dissolved organic carbon. Sulfide production was also influenced by column maturity and residence time. Methane-carbon was found to be unsatisfactory as an exogenous carbon source. Endogenous carbon could not support high removal efficiencies. Freshwater columns adpated readily to an artificial seawater with a salinity of 18% without observable inhibition. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the bacterial flora was mainly rod forms with the Peritricha (protozoa) dominating as the primary consumers. Denitrifying bacteria isolated from freshwater columns were tentatively identified as species of Pseudomonas and Alcaligenes. A pilot plant column was found to behave in a manner similar to the laboratory columns except that nitrite production was never observed.", "PMID": 1008557} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11220", "title": "[Rudimentary stages of the extremities of Scelotes gronovii (Daudin) embryos, a South African Scincidea reptile].", "content": "The development of the limbs has been studied in 15 embryos of Scelotes gronovii, found in 8 ovoviviparous females collected at Saldanha Bay, in South Africa, Cape Province. This study leads to the following constatations: In all the young embryos of this species, their appears anlagen of anterior and of posterior limb-buds. The primordia of forelimb-buds retrogress early and disappear, whereas the primordia of hind limb-buds transform into rudimentary limbs which persist in adult. Histological study of the anlagen of fore limb buds establish that 7 somites (S6 to S12, S1 being the first post-otic somite) send ventral processes in the mesoblast of the anlage. These processes follow a sinuous pathway in the limb-bud, and are bent towards the basal cell layer of the somatopleural mesoderm. On the apical part of the limb-bud lie a wholly rudimentary epiblastic ridge, which disappears early. On the apical part of the hind limb-bud an ectodermic ridge is present, well differentiated which transforms soon in an apical fold; and the anlage of the hind limb produced a short conical appendage with short femur, tibia and fibula and one terminal finger. A comparison was made of the main steps of the development of the limbs in three species of Scelotes with rudimentary limbs. Scelotes inornatus, Scelotes brevipes and Scelotes gronovii. In these three species the ectodermal apical ridge of the fore limb-buds is rudimentary or incompletely differentiated; it never transforms into an ectodermal fold and its retrogresses rapidly; and in these species an early arrest of development and an involution of the primordia of the limb-buds occurs. These fact corroborate the anterior observations made on embryos of Anguis fragilis and of Ophisaurus apodus and they strengthen the interpretation postulating that the spontaneous retrogression of the apical ridge is an essential factor in the morphogenetic events involved in the arrest of development of the limb bud in the snake-like Reptiles.", "contents": "[Rudimentary stages of the extremities of Scelotes gronovii (Daudin) embryos, a South African Scincidea reptile]. The development of the limbs has been studied in 15 embryos of Scelotes gronovii, found in 8 ovoviviparous females collected at Saldanha Bay, in South Africa, Cape Province. This study leads to the following constatations: In all the young embryos of this species, their appears anlagen of anterior and of posterior limb-buds. The primordia of forelimb-buds retrogress early and disappear, whereas the primordia of hind limb-buds transform into rudimentary limbs which persist in adult. Histological study of the anlagen of fore limb buds establish that 7 somites (S6 to S12, S1 being the first post-otic somite) send ventral processes in the mesoblast of the anlage. These processes follow a sinuous pathway in the limb-bud, and are bent towards the basal cell layer of the somatopleural mesoderm. On the apical part of the limb-bud lie a wholly rudimentary epiblastic ridge, which disappears early. On the apical part of the hind limb-bud an ectodermic ridge is present, well differentiated which transforms soon in an apical fold; and the anlage of the hind limb produced a short conical appendage with short femur, tibia and fibula and one terminal finger. A comparison was made of the main steps of the development of the limbs in three species of Scelotes with rudimentary limbs. Scelotes inornatus, Scelotes brevipes and Scelotes gronovii. In these three species the ectodermal apical ridge of the fore limb-buds is rudimentary or incompletely differentiated; it never transforms into an ectodermal fold and its retrogresses rapidly; and in these species an early arrest of development and an involution of the primordia of the limb-buds occurs. These fact corroborate the anterior observations made on embryos of Anguis fragilis and of Ophisaurus apodus and they strengthen the interpretation postulating that the spontaneous retrogression of the apical ridge is an essential factor in the morphogenetic events involved in the arrest of development of the limb bud in the snake-like Reptiles.", "PMID": 1008558} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11221", "title": "[Ultrastructural study of the piriform cells of the ovarian follicle in 5 reptiles].", "content": "In the 5 Lacertilians the cytoplasm of the pyriform cells contains numerous mitochondria, a well developed Golgi apparatus, free ribosomes, glycogen-like particles, annulate lamellae, bundles of microfilaments and microtubules. Both the paracrystalline arrangement of ribosomes in Lacerta muralis and Lacerta viridis and the paracrystalline intramitochondrial inclusions in Anguis fragilis observed during the spring are probably related to hibernation. Each pyriform cell is connected to the oocyte by a cytoplasmic bridge which occurs secondarily between the two types of cells. Therefore the pyriform cells and oocyte constitute a syncytium. It is possible that the cytological similarities between the pyriform cells and the oocyte and the degeneration of the pyriform cells result from this syncytial state. The nucleoi do not have the same ultrastructure in the 5 Lacertilians; differences are noted in the dense fibrillar constituant and the composition of the nucleolus varies. The \"paranucleolar body\" is present in 4 Lacertilians but absent in Lacerta muralis.", "contents": "[Ultrastructural study of the piriform cells of the ovarian follicle in 5 reptiles]. In the 5 Lacertilians the cytoplasm of the pyriform cells contains numerous mitochondria, a well developed Golgi apparatus, free ribosomes, glycogen-like particles, annulate lamellae, bundles of microfilaments and microtubules. Both the paracrystalline arrangement of ribosomes in Lacerta muralis and Lacerta viridis and the paracrystalline intramitochondrial inclusions in Anguis fragilis observed during the spring are probably related to hibernation. Each pyriform cell is connected to the oocyte by a cytoplasmic bridge which occurs secondarily between the two types of cells. Therefore the pyriform cells and oocyte constitute a syncytium. It is possible that the cytological similarities between the pyriform cells and the oocyte and the degeneration of the pyriform cells result from this syncytial state. The nucleoi do not have the same ultrastructure in the 5 Lacertilians; differences are noted in the dense fibrillar constituant and the composition of the nucleolus varies. The \"paranucleolar body\" is present in 4 Lacertilians but absent in Lacerta muralis.", "PMID": 1008559} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11222", "title": "[Stages of development and growth of the thyroid gland and adenohypophysis of the dogfish embryo (Scillium canicula Cuv.), a chondrichthyan fish].", "content": "The thyroid morphology, histology, biometry and its anatomical connections are studied during the whole embryonic life in the small spotted dogfish (Scyllium canicula Cuv.). The first differentiation of the gland appears as a thickening of the pharyngeal floor, containing PAS inclusions, at stage 10 mm. The first follicles are apparent at stage 30 mm. The thyroid volumetric relative growth is studied during the whole development and is compared with the absolute embryonic length growth. Volumetric variations of the hypophysis upper parts and ventral lobe are also studied during the whole embryonic life.", "contents": "[Stages of development and growth of the thyroid gland and adenohypophysis of the dogfish embryo (Scillium canicula Cuv.), a chondrichthyan fish]. The thyroid morphology, histology, biometry and its anatomical connections are studied during the whole embryonic life in the small spotted dogfish (Scyllium canicula Cuv.). The first differentiation of the gland appears as a thickening of the pharyngeal floor, containing PAS inclusions, at stage 10 mm. The first follicles are apparent at stage 30 mm. The thyroid volumetric relative growth is studied during the whole development and is compared with the absolute embryonic length growth. Volumetric variations of the hypophysis upper parts and ventral lobe are also studied during the whole embryonic life.", "PMID": 1008560} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11223", "title": "[Ultrastructural studies of the evolution of the notochord and dorsal embryonic constituents derived from the mesoderm in the chicken and Japanese quail during teratogenic exposures to parathion].", "content": "After experimental expositions to parathion--an organophosphorous insecticide which, in birds, gives rise to elective axial abnormalities--the evolution of the notochord and the different dorsal embryonic tissues issued from the mesoderm was analysed with the chicken and the japanese quail embryos. The abnormalities being settled, the notochord, which has normally developed, exhibited no ultrastructural change. Sclerotomic cells had normally migrated and, at the time when the provertebrae were formed, it was not possible to detect any histological and cytological alterations at their level. At later stages (8-9 days of incubation), the cartilaginous cells of the vertebral body did not show particular sign of an organophosphorous cytotoxicity but their secretory function was weakened, fact that may explain growth retardation. On these observations, it is evident that the tardive cartilaginous injuries cannot determine the axial abnormalities occurring earlier. The main results of this study deal with the cytological alterations of the myotomic elements which appeared to be the earliest and the more important ones. At the beginning (5th day), the myopathic changes were relatively located but they extended to the all cervical area. At 8-9 days, the cervical muscular cells are especially characterised by a lack of myofibrills. In showing only muscular lesions at the first step of teratogenesis, the present investigation set aside a chordal or sclerotomic cells intervention in the teratism induced by parathion. On the other hand, fromthe involvement of the contractile tissue in the formation and in the maintenance of the articulations, it appears that the muscular lesions can offer an embryologic interpretation to the parathion axial abnormalities. The possible effect of parathion in the myopathic evolution by the way of its anticholinesterasic properties is proposed.", "contents": "[Ultrastructural studies of the evolution of the notochord and dorsal embryonic constituents derived from the mesoderm in the chicken and Japanese quail during teratogenic exposures to parathion]. After experimental expositions to parathion--an organophosphorous insecticide which, in birds, gives rise to elective axial abnormalities--the evolution of the notochord and the different dorsal embryonic tissues issued from the mesoderm was analysed with the chicken and the japanese quail embryos. The abnormalities being settled, the notochord, which has normally developed, exhibited no ultrastructural change. Sclerotomic cells had normally migrated and, at the time when the provertebrae were formed, it was not possible to detect any histological and cytological alterations at their level. At later stages (8-9 days of incubation), the cartilaginous cells of the vertebral body did not show particular sign of an organophosphorous cytotoxicity but their secretory function was weakened, fact that may explain growth retardation. On these observations, it is evident that the tardive cartilaginous injuries cannot determine the axial abnormalities occurring earlier. The main results of this study deal with the cytological alterations of the myotomic elements which appeared to be the earliest and the more important ones. At the beginning (5th day), the myopathic changes were relatively located but they extended to the all cervical area. At 8-9 days, the cervical muscular cells are especially characterised by a lack of myofibrills. In showing only muscular lesions at the first step of teratogenesis, the present investigation set aside a chordal or sclerotomic cells intervention in the teratism induced by parathion. On the other hand, fromthe involvement of the contractile tissue in the formation and in the maintenance of the articulations, it appears that the muscular lesions can offer an embryologic interpretation to the parathion axial abnormalities. The possible effect of parathion in the myopathic evolution by the way of its anticholinesterasic properties is proposed.", "PMID": 1008561} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11224", "title": "[Chronology of development of the genital tract of the calf fetus].", "content": "The chronology and the modalities of the differentiation of the genital apparatus were studied in 187 calf fetuses whose insemination age was exactly known (between 32 and 110 days). Male. In the male, the first seminiferous cords form around days 41-42, the interstitial cells appear 2 or 3 days later. From days 60-70 on, the rete testis is made of tubules with an open lumen, which connect the seminiferous cords. The masculinisation of the external genitalia begins as early as day 47 by a rapid increase of the anogenital distance: on day 60, the penis opens under the umbilicus and the scrotum is well differentiated. The regression of the M\u00fcllerian ducts starts at the level of their anterior (tubal) part on day 50, when their diameter decreases. From day 58 on, the oviducts become discontinuous and they are almost completely absent by day 63; the uterine horns and the vagina have dissappeared by day 80. The masculinization of the internal genitalia occurs during two phases: 1) between days 56 and 58: the early buds of the seminal vesicles and of the prostate appear, as well as the first differences at the level of the urogenital connections and of the Cowper's glands; a supra-urethral diverticulum develops at the level of the posterior prostatic urethral flexure; the non sexual urethra remains short. 2) After day 70 take place: the differentiation of the epididymides the branching of the seminal vesicles and the stabilization of the Wolffian ducts (after a transitory diminution of their diameter between days 60 and 80). Female. In the female, sexual organogenesis proceeds later than in males. The M\u00fcllerian ducts (which show a transitory reduction of their diameter at their tubal level between days 50 and 60) develop steadily after day 60 at the level of their uterine horns and of the vagina; simultaneously the non sexual urethra lengthens rapidly. A suburethral diverticulum, which is absent in the male, develops at the level of the urogenital connections, between days 60-70. The regression of the Wolffian ducts takes place after day 70 when the mesonephros disappear; they first become discontinuous in their median part (at the uterine level) between days 77-80, but important remains of these ducts still persist on day 110, in the posterior part of the vagina. The first primordial ovarian follicles form only after day 100 approximately.", "contents": "[Chronology of development of the genital tract of the calf fetus]. The chronology and the modalities of the differentiation of the genital apparatus were studied in 187 calf fetuses whose insemination age was exactly known (between 32 and 110 days). Male. In the male, the first seminiferous cords form around days 41-42, the interstitial cells appear 2 or 3 days later. From days 60-70 on, the rete testis is made of tubules with an open lumen, which connect the seminiferous cords. The masculinisation of the external genitalia begins as early as day 47 by a rapid increase of the anogenital distance: on day 60, the penis opens under the umbilicus and the scrotum is well differentiated. The regression of the M\u00fcllerian ducts starts at the level of their anterior (tubal) part on day 50, when their diameter decreases. From day 58 on, the oviducts become discontinuous and they are almost completely absent by day 63; the uterine horns and the vagina have dissappeared by day 80. The masculinization of the internal genitalia occurs during two phases: 1) between days 56 and 58: the early buds of the seminal vesicles and of the prostate appear, as well as the first differences at the level of the urogenital connections and of the Cowper's glands; a supra-urethral diverticulum develops at the level of the posterior prostatic urethral flexure; the non sexual urethra remains short. 2) After day 70 take place: the differentiation of the epididymides the branching of the seminal vesicles and the stabilization of the Wolffian ducts (after a transitory diminution of their diameter between days 60 and 80). Female. In the female, sexual organogenesis proceeds later than in males. The M\u00fcllerian ducts (which show a transitory reduction of their diameter at their tubal level between days 50 and 60) develop steadily after day 60 at the level of their uterine horns and of the vagina; simultaneously the non sexual urethra lengthens rapidly. A suburethral diverticulum, which is absent in the male, develops at the level of the urogenital connections, between days 60-70. The regression of the Wolffian ducts takes place after day 70 when the mesonephros disappear; they first become discontinuous in their median part (at the uterine level) between days 77-80, but important remains of these ducts still persist on day 110, in the posterior part of the vagina. The first primordial ovarian follicles form only after day 100 approximately.", "PMID": 1008562} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11225", "title": "Cutaneous manifestations of disseminated cryptococcosis.", "content": "Five patients with disseminated cryptococcosis had lesions on the extremities resembling cellulitis, which evolved into areas of blistering and ulceration in three patients. All had underlying disease and were medically immunosuppressed. Disseminated cryptococcosis appears to present with cellulitis or herpes-like vesiculation more commonly than is currently appreciated. India ink preparations of aspirates from areas of cellulitis or Tzanck preparations from blisters may show characteristic organisms, and make possible an immediate diagnosis of cutaneous cryptococcosis. If cutaneous infection is confirmed by performing biopsies and growing cultures, dissemination must be presumed and the patient treated with a full course of systemic antifungal therapy. With increasing awareness of cutaneous involvement, some cases of disseminated cryptococcosis will be diagnosed sooner, leading to earlier therapy and improved prognosis.", "contents": "Cutaneous manifestations of disseminated cryptococcosis. Five patients with disseminated cryptococcosis had lesions on the extremities resembling cellulitis, which evolved into areas of blistering and ulceration in three patients. All had underlying disease and were medically immunosuppressed. Disseminated cryptococcosis appears to present with cellulitis or herpes-like vesiculation more commonly than is currently appreciated. India ink preparations of aspirates from areas of cellulitis or Tzanck preparations from blisters may show characteristic organisms, and make possible an immediate diagnosis of cutaneous cryptococcosis. If cutaneous infection is confirmed by performing biopsies and growing cultures, dissemination must be presumed and the patient treated with a full course of systemic antifungal therapy. With increasing awareness of cutaneous involvement, some cases of disseminated cryptococcosis will be diagnosed sooner, leading to earlier therapy and improved prognosis.", "PMID": 1008564} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11226", "title": "Leukocyte migration inhibition assay (LIF) in nickel contact dermatitis.", "content": "A direct assay using the mixed leukocyte migration inhibition technique for leukocyte inhibition factor (LIF) production has shown that nickel-sensitive subjects can be distinguished from nonallergic controls. The difference between the two groups' migrating indexes was obtained with nickel sulfate in 199 medium at a concentration of 150 mug/ml and without prior coupling to a carrier protein. A concise review of the principal in vitro assays for cell-mediated immunity is included.", "contents": "Leukocyte migration inhibition assay (LIF) in nickel contact dermatitis. A direct assay using the mixed leukocyte migration inhibition technique for leukocyte inhibition factor (LIF) production has shown that nickel-sensitive subjects can be distinguished from nonallergic controls. The difference between the two groups' migrating indexes was obtained with nickel sulfate in 199 medium at a concentration of 150 mug/ml and without prior coupling to a carrier protein. A concise review of the principal in vitro assays for cell-mediated immunity is included.", "PMID": 1008565} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11227", "title": "Delusions of parasitosis. An approach to the problem.", "content": "One of the most frustrating problems in clinical dermatology is the patient with a delusion of parasitosis. Over the years, very little realistic and practical advice has been offered to the perplexed dermatologists. We describe an approach that is based on the thesis that dermatologists can and often should treat such patients. By considering each patient as an individual, and by working to build rapport, the dermatologist is in the best position to offer help. We report two illustrative cases and discuss guidelines to treatment.", "contents": "Delusions of parasitosis. An approach to the problem. One of the most frustrating problems in clinical dermatology is the patient with a delusion of parasitosis. Over the years, very little realistic and practical advice has been offered to the perplexed dermatologists. We describe an approach that is based on the thesis that dermatologists can and often should treat such patients. By considering each patient as an individual, and by working to build rapport, the dermatologist is in the best position to offer help. We report two illustrative cases and discuss guidelines to treatment.", "PMID": 1008566} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11228", "title": "Cutaneous protothecosis. Successful treatment with amphotericin B.", "content": "A patient had cutaneous protothecosis because of the alga-like organism, Prototheca wickerhamii. In vitro sensitivity tests showed that the organism was sensitive to amphotericin B, and was treated successfully with this polyene antibiotic. As with treatment of some fungal infections, a clinical response was achieved when therapy with low doses of amphotericin B was given during a short period of time. The basis of the amphotericin B response may have been due to a combination of its immunostimulatory and antibiotic properties.", "contents": "Cutaneous protothecosis. Successful treatment with amphotericin B. A patient had cutaneous protothecosis because of the alga-like organism, Prototheca wickerhamii. In vitro sensitivity tests showed that the organism was sensitive to amphotericin B, and was treated successfully with this polyene antibiotic. As with treatment of some fungal infections, a clinical response was achieved when therapy with low doses of amphotericin B was given during a short period of time. The basis of the amphotericin B response may have been due to a combination of its immunostimulatory and antibiotic properties.", "PMID": 1008567} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11229", "title": "Herpes zoster. Case report of possible accidental inoculation.", "content": "A 30-year-old healthy male physician developed grouped, papulovesicular lesions along the dermatomes of T1 and T2 of the left side of his body. The onset occurred two days after he accidentally pricked his right index finger with a needle that had been used to aspirate the acute papulovesicular lesion of a patient with severe herpes zoster. The clinical appearance and dermatomal distribution, the subsequent clinical course, the skin biopsy findings, and the substantial increase in complement-fixing antibody titer to the varicella-zoster (V-Z) virus in the convalescent serum samples are strong evidence for herpes zoster. Although it is generally believed that person-to-person transmission of zoster is rare and that herpes zoster results from the reactivation of a latent varicella virus, the present case suggests that zoster can be acquired from exogenous infection with a V-Z virus, at least in certain circumstances.", "contents": "Herpes zoster. Case report of possible accidental inoculation. A 30-year-old healthy male physician developed grouped, papulovesicular lesions along the dermatomes of T1 and T2 of the left side of his body. The onset occurred two days after he accidentally pricked his right index finger with a needle that had been used to aspirate the acute papulovesicular lesion of a patient with severe herpes zoster. The clinical appearance and dermatomal distribution, the subsequent clinical course, the skin biopsy findings, and the substantial increase in complement-fixing antibody titer to the varicella-zoster (V-Z) virus in the convalescent serum samples are strong evidence for herpes zoster. Although it is generally believed that person-to-person transmission of zoster is rare and that herpes zoster results from the reactivation of a latent varicella virus, the present case suggests that zoster can be acquired from exogenous infection with a V-Z virus, at least in certain circumstances.", "PMID": 1008568} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11230", "title": "Thiabendazole-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis.", "content": "Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a syndrome that may develop from a number of different stimuli, including drug administration, staphylococcal infection, vaccine administration, and blood dyscrasias. A 29-year-old woman developed TEN from the systemic administration of thiabendazole. Although various cutandous adverse reactions have been attributed to the administration of this medication, this is the first case to indicate that orally administered thiabendazole may also produce TEN. Although acutely ill at the time of hospitalization, the patient showed a prompt response to treatment with prednisone.", "contents": "Thiabendazole-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis. Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a syndrome that may develop from a number of different stimuli, including drug administration, staphylococcal infection, vaccine administration, and blood dyscrasias. A 29-year-old woman developed TEN from the systemic administration of thiabendazole. Although various cutandous adverse reactions have been attributed to the administration of this medication, this is the first case to indicate that orally administered thiabendazole may also produce TEN. Although acutely ill at the time of hospitalization, the patient showed a prompt response to treatment with prednisone.", "PMID": 1008569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11231", "title": "Thromboatheromatous complications of umbilical arterial catheterization in the newborn period. Clinicopathological study.", "content": "Severe catheter-related thromboatheromatous lesions were found at necropsy in 33 of 56 infants who had umbilical arterial catheters passed during life. In infants dying within 8 days of insertion of the catheter, varying degrees of thrombosis of the aorta and its major branches were seen. With increasing thrombosis and aging of the thrombus, fatty deposits were seen first within the thrombus, and then in the intima and media. In addition there was evidence of proliferation of medial smooth muscle cells and of disruption of the medial architecture below the thrombus, characterized by the presence of abundant mucopolysaccharide. In infants who survived longer, varying degrees of organization of the thrombus could be traced, leading eventually to raised fibrous plaques with lipid and occasionally calcification. The lesions in the older infants were similar in many respects to experimental thromboatheromatous lesions produced in rabbits, and to some lesions of artheroma occurring spontaneously in humans. A wide variety of embolic phenomena were found, with features suggesting asynchrony of embolic episodes. The presence of thrombotic lesions could not be related to birthweight, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, age at catheterization, duration of catheterization, underlying disease process, age at death or the presence of hypothermia, acidosis, or anomalies in coagulation tests. There is a need for less hazardous methods of monitoring arterial oxygen tension.", "contents": "Thromboatheromatous complications of umbilical arterial catheterization in the newborn period. Clinicopathological study. Severe catheter-related thromboatheromatous lesions were found at necropsy in 33 of 56 infants who had umbilical arterial catheters passed during life. In infants dying within 8 days of insertion of the catheter, varying degrees of thrombosis of the aorta and its major branches were seen. With increasing thrombosis and aging of the thrombus, fatty deposits were seen first within the thrombus, and then in the intima and media. In addition there was evidence of proliferation of medial smooth muscle cells and of disruption of the medial architecture below the thrombus, characterized by the presence of abundant mucopolysaccharide. In infants who survived longer, varying degrees of organization of the thrombus could be traced, leading eventually to raised fibrous plaques with lipid and occasionally calcification. The lesions in the older infants were similar in many respects to experimental thromboatheromatous lesions produced in rabbits, and to some lesions of artheroma occurring spontaneously in humans. A wide variety of embolic phenomena were found, with features suggesting asynchrony of embolic episodes. The presence of thrombotic lesions could not be related to birthweight, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, age at catheterization, duration of catheterization, underlying disease process, age at death or the presence of hypothermia, acidosis, or anomalies in coagulation tests. There is a need for less hazardous methods of monitoring arterial oxygen tension.", "PMID": 1008579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11232", "title": "Hyaline membrane disease, alkali, and intraventricular haemorrhage.", "content": "The relation between intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and hyaline membrane disease (HMD) was studied in singletons that came to necropsy at Hammersmith Hospital over the years 1966-73. The incidence of IVH in singleton live births was 3-22/1000 and of HMD 4-44/1000. Although the high figures were partily due to the large number of low birthweight infants born at this hospital, the incidence of IVH in babies weighing 1001-1500 g was three times as great as that reported in the 1658 British Perinatal Mortality Survey. Most IVH deaths were in babies with HMD, but the higher frequency of IVH was not associated with any prolongation of survival time of babies who died with HMD as compared with the 1958 survey. IVH was seen frequently at gestations of up to 36 weeks in babies with HMD but was rare above 30 weeks' gestation in babies without HMD. This indicated that factors associated with HMD must cause most cases of IVH seen at gestations above 30 weeks. Comparison of clinical details in infants with HMD who died with or without IVH (at gestations of 30-37 weeks) showed no significant differences between the groups other than a high incidence of fits and greater use of alkali therapy in the babies with IVH. During the 12 hours when most alkali therapy was given, babies dying with IVD received a mean total alkali dosage of 10-21 mmol/kg and those dying without IVH 6-34 mmol/kg (P less than 0-001). There was no difference in severity of hypoxia or of metabolic acidosis between the 2 groups. Babies who died with HMD and germinal layer haemorrhage (GLH) without IVH had received significantly more alkali than those who died with HMD alone, whereas survivors of severe respiratory distress syndrome had received lower alkali doses than other groups. It is suggested that the greatly increased death rate from IVH in babies with HMD indicates some alteration of management of HMD (since 1958) as a causative factor. Liberal use of hypertonic alkali solutions is the common factor which distinguishes babies dying with GLH and IVH from other groups of babies with HMD. Although the causal nature of this association remains unproved, it seems justifiable to lrge caution in alkali usage.", "contents": "Hyaline membrane disease, alkali, and intraventricular haemorrhage. The relation between intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and hyaline membrane disease (HMD) was studied in singletons that came to necropsy at Hammersmith Hospital over the years 1966-73. The incidence of IVH in singleton live births was 3-22/1000 and of HMD 4-44/1000. Although the high figures were partily due to the large number of low birthweight infants born at this hospital, the incidence of IVH in babies weighing 1001-1500 g was three times as great as that reported in the 1658 British Perinatal Mortality Survey. Most IVH deaths were in babies with HMD, but the higher frequency of IVH was not associated with any prolongation of survival time of babies who died with HMD as compared with the 1958 survey. IVH was seen frequently at gestations of up to 36 weeks in babies with HMD but was rare above 30 weeks' gestation in babies without HMD. This indicated that factors associated with HMD must cause most cases of IVH seen at gestations above 30 weeks. Comparison of clinical details in infants with HMD who died with or without IVH (at gestations of 30-37 weeks) showed no significant differences between the groups other than a high incidence of fits and greater use of alkali therapy in the babies with IVH. During the 12 hours when most alkali therapy was given, babies dying with IVD received a mean total alkali dosage of 10-21 mmol/kg and those dying without IVH 6-34 mmol/kg (P less than 0-001). There was no difference in severity of hypoxia or of metabolic acidosis between the 2 groups. Babies who died with HMD and germinal layer haemorrhage (GLH) without IVH had received significantly more alkali than those who died with HMD alone, whereas survivors of severe respiratory distress syndrome had received lower alkali doses than other groups. It is suggested that the greatly increased death rate from IVH in babies with HMD indicates some alteration of management of HMD (since 1958) as a causative factor. Liberal use of hypertonic alkali solutions is the common factor which distinguishes babies dying with GLH and IVH from other groups of babies with HMD. Although the causal nature of this association remains unproved, it seems justifiable to lrge caution in alkali usage.", "PMID": 1008580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11233", "title": "Biopterin derivatives in normal and phenylketonuric patients after oral loads of L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, and L-tryptophan.", "content": "Plasma biopterin derivatives studied in 10 normal and 21 phenylketonuric children showed a significantly high concentration in the latter group. Biopterin derivatives correlated with plasma phenylalanine concentration, but in normal adults given an oral phenylalanine load the rate of increase with phenylalanine differed from that in phenylketonuric patients. A patient with hyperphenylalaninaemia, not due to phenylketonuria, had an abnormal biopterin derivatives response to phenylalanine distinct from that of patients with classical phenylketonuria. This may be a useful investigation to differentiate some variants of phenylketonuria.", "contents": "Biopterin derivatives in normal and phenylketonuric patients after oral loads of L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, and L-tryptophan. Plasma biopterin derivatives studied in 10 normal and 21 phenylketonuric children showed a significantly high concentration in the latter group. Biopterin derivatives correlated with plasma phenylalanine concentration, but in normal adults given an oral phenylalanine load the rate of increase with phenylalanine differed from that in phenylketonuric patients. A patient with hyperphenylalaninaemia, not due to phenylketonuria, had an abnormal biopterin derivatives response to phenylalanine distinct from that of patients with classical phenylketonuria. This may be a useful investigation to differentiate some variants of phenylketonuria.", "PMID": 1008581} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11234", "title": "Faecal composition after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease.", "content": "Diarrhoea and perianal excoriation occur frequently after the endorectal pull-through operation for Hirschsprung's disease. A new method of faecal analysis was performed on 3-day stool collections in 17 postoperative Hirschsprung patients and in 14 normal children, in order to define the faecal abnormality and to establish the cause of perianal excoriation in these patients. Loose stools in postoperative patients were deficient in dry solid content and contained an excess of extractable faecal water. This also had a raised electrolyte concentration, particularly with respect to sodium. Total daily output of faecal water was normal. Formed stools from postoperative patients were also deficient in drysolids but had a normal extractable water content. Excess extractable faecal water, the main abnormality of loose stools in these patients, is the result of abnormal water absorption from the distal colon. Perianal excoriation in these patients is most closely associated with the concentration of sodium in faecal water.", "contents": "Faecal composition after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease. Diarrhoea and perianal excoriation occur frequently after the endorectal pull-through operation for Hirschsprung's disease. A new method of faecal analysis was performed on 3-day stool collections in 17 postoperative Hirschsprung patients and in 14 normal children, in order to define the faecal abnormality and to establish the cause of perianal excoriation in these patients. Loose stools in postoperative patients were deficient in dry solid content and contained an excess of extractable faecal water. This also had a raised electrolyte concentration, particularly with respect to sodium. Total daily output of faecal water was normal. Formed stools from postoperative patients were also deficient in drysolids but had a normal extractable water content. Excess extractable faecal water, the main abnormality of loose stools in these patients, is the result of abnormal water absorption from the distal colon. Perianal excoriation in these patients is most closely associated with the concentration of sodium in faecal water.", "PMID": 1008582} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11235", "title": "Urinary outputs of oxalate, calcium, and magnesium in children with intestinal disorders. Potential cause of renal calculi.", "content": "24-hour urinary outputs of oxalate, calcium, and magnesium have been determined in a total of 62 children aged 3 months to 17 years who fell into the following groups: (i) 16 normal controls, (ii) 3 with primary hyperoxaluria, (iii) 9 with small and/or large intestinal resections, (iv) 9 with untreated coeliac disease, (v) 5 with pancreatic dysfunction, and (vi) a miscellaneous group of 20 children with a variety of intestinal disorders. Taken as a whole, 58% of patients with intestinal disorders had hyperoxaluria, and of these 7% had urinary outputs of oxalate which fell within the range seen in primary hyperoxaluria. The proportion of children with hyperoxaluria in the different diagnostic groups was as follows: intestinal resections (78%), coeliac disease (67%), pancreatic dysfunction (80%), and miscellaneous (45%). 35% of the patients with hyperoxaluria had hypercalciuria, whereas magnesium excretion was normal in all subjects studied. In 2 patients treatment of the underlying condition was accompanied by a return of oxalate excretion to normal. These results indicate that hyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria are common in children with a variety of intestinal disorders, and that such children may be at risk of developing renal calculi without early diagnosis and treatment.", "contents": "Urinary outputs of oxalate, calcium, and magnesium in children with intestinal disorders. Potential cause of renal calculi. 24-hour urinary outputs of oxalate, calcium, and magnesium have been determined in a total of 62 children aged 3 months to 17 years who fell into the following groups: (i) 16 normal controls, (ii) 3 with primary hyperoxaluria, (iii) 9 with small and/or large intestinal resections, (iv) 9 with untreated coeliac disease, (v) 5 with pancreatic dysfunction, and (vi) a miscellaneous group of 20 children with a variety of intestinal disorders. Taken as a whole, 58% of patients with intestinal disorders had hyperoxaluria, and of these 7% had urinary outputs of oxalate which fell within the range seen in primary hyperoxaluria. The proportion of children with hyperoxaluria in the different diagnostic groups was as follows: intestinal resections (78%), coeliac disease (67%), pancreatic dysfunction (80%), and miscellaneous (45%). 35% of the patients with hyperoxaluria had hypercalciuria, whereas magnesium excretion was normal in all subjects studied. In 2 patients treatment of the underlying condition was accompanied by a return of oxalate excretion to normal. These results indicate that hyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria are common in children with a variety of intestinal disorders, and that such children may be at risk of developing renal calculi without early diagnosis and treatment.", "PMID": 1008583} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11236", "title": "Juvenile nephronophthisis associated with retinal pigmentary dystrophy, cerebellar ataxia, and skeletal abnormalities.", "content": "A boy aged 9 3/4 years with interstitial nephritis, retinal pigmentary dystrophy, cerebellar ataxia, and skeletal abnormalities is described. The association may be due to a new genetic disorder, since 2 similar cases have been reported.", "contents": "Juvenile nephronophthisis associated with retinal pigmentary dystrophy, cerebellar ataxia, and skeletal abnormalities. A boy aged 9 3/4 years with interstitial nephritis, retinal pigmentary dystrophy, cerebellar ataxia, and skeletal abnormalities is described. The association may be due to a new genetic disorder, since 2 similar cases have been reported.", "PMID": 1008585} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11237", "title": "Abnormal renal functions in cyanotic congential heart disease.", "content": "Children with cyanotic congenital heart disease had a decreased glomerular filtration rate (71-8 +/- 18-9 ml/min per 1-73 m2) measured by endogenous creatinine clearances, compared with children who had had complete corrective surgery, children with noncyanotic heart disease, and normal children. There was a significant correlation between low glomerular filtration rate and haematocrit values above 50%. Daily urinary sodium excretion was reduced in the cyanotic patients.", "contents": "Abnormal renal functions in cyanotic congential heart disease. Children with cyanotic congenital heart disease had a decreased glomerular filtration rate (71-8 +/- 18-9 ml/min per 1-73 m2) measured by endogenous creatinine clearances, compared with children who had had complete corrective surgery, children with noncyanotic heart disease, and normal children. There was a significant correlation between low glomerular filtration rate and haematocrit values above 50%. Daily urinary sodium excretion was reduced in the cyanotic patients.", "PMID": 1008586} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11238", "title": "Pulmonary eosinophilic gramuloma in a child.", "content": "The occurrence of pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma in a 3-year-old child is described. She presented with a pneumothorax and typical radiological changes and the diagnosis was confirmed by lung biopsy. There was no objective evidence of improvement after radiotherapy when lung function was assessed by gamma scans. She died suddenly while abroad.", "contents": "Pulmonary eosinophilic gramuloma in a child. The occurrence of pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma in a 3-year-old child is described. She presented with a pneumothorax and typical radiological changes and the diagnosis was confirmed by lung biopsy. There was no objective evidence of improvement after radiotherapy when lung function was assessed by gamma scans. She died suddenly while abroad.", "PMID": 1008587} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11239", "title": "Hormonal changes in thalassaemia major.", "content": "Patients with severe thalassaemia major suffer endocrine and other abnormalities before their eventual death from iron overload due to repeated blood transfusions. The endocrine status of 31 thalassaemic patients aged 2-5 to 23 years was investigated. Exact data were available on the rate and duration of blood transfusion in all of them and in many the liver iron concentration was also known. Although the patients were euthyroid, the mean serum thyroxine level was significantly lower, and the mean thyrotrophic hormone level significantly higher, compared with the values found in normal children. Forty oral glucose tolerance tests with simultaneous insulin levels were performed in 19 children, of whom 5 developed symptomatic diabetes and one had impaired tolerance. Previous tests on all 6 patients were available and some showed raised insulin levels possibly due to insulin resistance. 2 patients had clinical hypoparathyroidism and are described. The parathyroid hormone levels determined by radioimmunoassay in 25 patients were below the mean for the age group in all and outside the reference range in 16. Nonfasting plasma calcium levels were not reduced. Puberty was delayed in some patients. Concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measured in urine from 7 girls and 5 boys showed considerable variation. In the boys there was an overall tendency for FSH and LH excretion to be low with regard to age, but with respect to puberty rating FSH exretions were normal or low and LH normal or raised. The girls showed a tendency for LH but not FSH excretion to be raised in relation to puberty rating. The severity of the endocrine changes was related to the degree of iron loading and is discussed in relation to previous work in which the iron loading has rarely been accurately indicated nor parathyroid status assessed.", "contents": "Hormonal changes in thalassaemia major. Patients with severe thalassaemia major suffer endocrine and other abnormalities before their eventual death from iron overload due to repeated blood transfusions. The endocrine status of 31 thalassaemic patients aged 2-5 to 23 years was investigated. Exact data were available on the rate and duration of blood transfusion in all of them and in many the liver iron concentration was also known. Although the patients were euthyroid, the mean serum thyroxine level was significantly lower, and the mean thyrotrophic hormone level significantly higher, compared with the values found in normal children. Forty oral glucose tolerance tests with simultaneous insulin levels were performed in 19 children, of whom 5 developed symptomatic diabetes and one had impaired tolerance. Previous tests on all 6 patients were available and some showed raised insulin levels possibly due to insulin resistance. 2 patients had clinical hypoparathyroidism and are described. The parathyroid hormone levels determined by radioimmunoassay in 25 patients were below the mean for the age group in all and outside the reference range in 16. Nonfasting plasma calcium levels were not reduced. Puberty was delayed in some patients. Concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measured in urine from 7 girls and 5 boys showed considerable variation. In the boys there was an overall tendency for FSH and LH excretion to be low with regard to age, but with respect to puberty rating FSH exretions were normal or low and LH normal or raised. The girls showed a tendency for LH but not FSH excretion to be raised in relation to puberty rating. The severity of the endocrine changes was related to the degree of iron loading and is discussed in relation to previous work in which the iron loading has rarely been accurately indicated nor parathyroid status assessed.", "PMID": 1008588} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11240", "title": "Functional intestinal obstruction due to deficiency of argyrophil neurones in the myenteric plexus. Familial syndrome presenting with short small bowel, malrotation, and pyloric hypertrophy.", "content": "In 3 infants functional intestinal obstruction, associated with a short small intestine, malrotation, and pyloric hypertrophy, was shown to be due to failure of development of the argyrophil myenteric plexus, with the absence of ongoing peristalsis. 4 infants with similar clinical features have been described previously, and there is evidence for an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance of this syndrome.", "contents": "Functional intestinal obstruction due to deficiency of argyrophil neurones in the myenteric plexus. Familial syndrome presenting with short small bowel, malrotation, and pyloric hypertrophy. In 3 infants functional intestinal obstruction, associated with a short small intestine, malrotation, and pyloric hypertrophy, was shown to be due to failure of development of the argyrophil myenteric plexus, with the absence of ongoing peristalsis. 4 infants with similar clinical features have been described previously, and there is evidence for an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance of this syndrome.", "PMID": 1008589} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11241", "title": "Health needs of preschool children.", "content": "An epidemiological study of disease in a geographically identified population of 250 children is reported. 22% had not seen their general practitioner (GP) at all in the past year, while 20% had seen him four times or more. The vast majority of these visits were because of an infective illness; and developmental and behavioural problems were rarely presented to GPs. 53% of children had not been to hospital since birth, but 11% had been at least four times. Respiratory infections and middle ear disease were the commonest illness reported, and nearly 3% had an infected or discharging ear at the time of examination. 15% of 3 year olds had speech and language problems. 18% of children over 2 years were thought by the examiners to have a behavioural problem, half being assessed as mild, the remainder as moderate or severe.", "contents": "Health needs of preschool children. An epidemiological study of disease in a geographically identified population of 250 children is reported. 22% had not seen their general practitioner (GP) at all in the past year, while 20% had seen him four times or more. The vast majority of these visits were because of an infective illness; and developmental and behavioural problems were rarely presented to GPs. 53% of children had not been to hospital since birth, but 11% had been at least four times. Respiratory infections and middle ear disease were the commonest illness reported, and nearly 3% had an infected or discharging ear at the time of examination. 15% of 3 year olds had speech and language problems. 18% of children over 2 years were thought by the examiners to have a behavioural problem, half being assessed as mild, the remainder as moderate or severe.", "PMID": 1008590} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11242", "title": "Family factors affecting child development.", "content": "In a large, geographically defined population of children a number of family factors in addition to social class, determined by the father's occupation, were recorded by health visitors and school nurses with routine responsibility for these children. The quality of the children in normal schools was assessed in terms of nonverbal IQ and height at the ages of 5 and 10 years, and of behavior as reported by the teacher at the age of 10 years. By analysis of variance the sum of the independent effects of the other family factors greatly outweighed that of occupational social class, except in the case of the IQ at 10 years. The most important of the other family factors was the quality of the mother's care of her child during the first 3 years of life.", "contents": "Family factors affecting child development. In a large, geographically defined population of children a number of family factors in addition to social class, determined by the father's occupation, were recorded by health visitors and school nurses with routine responsibility for these children. The quality of the children in normal schools was assessed in terms of nonverbal IQ and height at the ages of 5 and 10 years, and of behavior as reported by the teacher at the age of 10 years. By analysis of variance the sum of the independent effects of the other family factors greatly outweighed that of occupational social class, except in the case of the IQ at 10 years. The most important of the other family factors was the quality of the mother's care of her child during the first 3 years of life.", "PMID": 1008591} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11243", "title": "Thoracic gas volume in early childhood.", "content": "A total body plethysmograph is descirbed which was used to study thoracic gas volume (TGV) in infants and young children from birth to 2 1/2 years, and was suitable for use even in very sick babies. Normal TGV values were obtained in 42 studies of 35 healthy infants and young children, and 16 children with abnormal lung volume are described. TGV correlated well with length, weight, chest circumference, and age in the healthy infants. A low TGV was found in children with respiratory difficulties after cardiac and thoracic surgery, in respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn, and in association with pulmonary infection and chest cage abnormalities. Abnormally high TGV was most frequently seen in infants with small airways disease.", "contents": "Thoracic gas volume in early childhood. A total body plethysmograph is descirbed which was used to study thoracic gas volume (TGV) in infants and young children from birth to 2 1/2 years, and was suitable for use even in very sick babies. Normal TGV values were obtained in 42 studies of 35 healthy infants and young children, and 16 children with abnormal lung volume are described. TGV correlated well with length, weight, chest circumference, and age in the healthy infants. A low TGV was found in children with respiratory difficulties after cardiac and thoracic surgery, in respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn, and in association with pulmonary infection and chest cage abnormalities. Abnormally high TGV was most frequently seen in infants with small airways disease.", "PMID": 1008592} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11244", "title": "Enterotoxin-producing bacteria and parasites in stools of Ethiopian children with diarrhoeal disease.", "content": "Enterotoxinogenic bacteria were isolated from 131 (37%) of 354 Ethiopian infants and children with acute gastrointestinal symptoms. Only one of these isolates belonged to the classical enteropathogenic serotypes of Esch. coli. Two colonies from each patient were isolated and tested for production of enterotoxin by the rabbit ileal loop test, the rabbit skin test, and an adrenal cell assay. However, only 38% of the isolated enterotoxinogenic strains were Esch. coli; the others belonged to Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Proteus, Citrobacter, Serratia, and Aeromonas. In 18 patients both isolates were toxinogenic and belonged to different species. The incidence of intestinal parasites was 35% with no apparent correlation to the occurrence of toxinogenic bacteria in the stools.", "contents": "Enterotoxin-producing bacteria and parasites in stools of Ethiopian children with diarrhoeal disease. Enterotoxinogenic bacteria were isolated from 131 (37%) of 354 Ethiopian infants and children with acute gastrointestinal symptoms. Only one of these isolates belonged to the classical enteropathogenic serotypes of Esch. coli. Two colonies from each patient were isolated and tested for production of enterotoxin by the rabbit ileal loop test, the rabbit skin test, and an adrenal cell assay. However, only 38% of the isolated enterotoxinogenic strains were Esch. coli; the others belonged to Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Proteus, Citrobacter, Serratia, and Aeromonas. In 18 patients both isolates were toxinogenic and belonged to different species. The incidence of intestinal parasites was 35% with no apparent correlation to the occurrence of toxinogenic bacteria in the stools.", "PMID": 1008593} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11245", "title": "Estimation of glomerular filtration rate from plasma creatinine concentration in children.", "content": "The relation between the true plasma creatinine concentration (Pc) and the glomerular filtration rate corrected for body surface area (GFR/SA) was investigated in 108 individuals, and the following formula was derived: GFR/SA (ml/min per 1-73m2SA) = 0-43 Ht (cm)/Pc (mg/100 ml). This formula was tested in a second group of 83 children, and its accuracy and precision was compared to the 24-hour creatinine clearance. It was found to be superior to the creatinine clearance overall, and was as good, even if all results involving suspect 24-hour-urine collections were eliminated from analysis. The formula in SI usage is: GFR/SA (ml/min per 1-73 m2SA) = 38 Ht (cm)1Pc (mumol/l).", "contents": "Estimation of glomerular filtration rate from plasma creatinine concentration in children. The relation between the true plasma creatinine concentration (Pc) and the glomerular filtration rate corrected for body surface area (GFR/SA) was investigated in 108 individuals, and the following formula was derived: GFR/SA (ml/min per 1-73m2SA) = 0-43 Ht (cm)/Pc (mg/100 ml). This formula was tested in a second group of 83 children, and its accuracy and precision was compared to the 24-hour creatinine clearance. It was found to be superior to the creatinine clearance overall, and was as good, even if all results involving suspect 24-hour-urine collections were eliminated from analysis. The formula in SI usage is: GFR/SA (ml/min per 1-73 m2SA) = 38 Ht (cm)1Pc (mumol/l).", "PMID": 1008594} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11246", "title": "Neuroblastoma metastatic to the liver in infants.", "content": "Four infants are described who presented with rapid enlargement of the liver. This was found to be due to neuroblastoma which had metastasized to the liver; the condition was associated with high levels of urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA). In 3 infants the primary tumour was in the adrenal gland and in one it was not identified. One infant died after laparotomy and 2 infants survive disease free with normal VMA levels, one after adrenalectomy and hepatic irradiation and one after a short course of chemotherapy. The fourth patient responded initially to hepatic irradiation and chemotherapy, but relapsed 2 years later with recurrent disease; at the same time the VMA level which had been normal, again rose. The importance of screening for an abnormal VMA level in any infant with a rapidly enlarging liver in order to obtain an early diagnosis is stressed. Careful follow-up, with serial VMA estimations, is essential to detect recurrent disease. The prognosis for some infants with this distribution of neuroblastoma which has metastasized to the liver, but not to the bones or oribt, is good.", "contents": "Neuroblastoma metastatic to the liver in infants. Four infants are described who presented with rapid enlargement of the liver. This was found to be due to neuroblastoma which had metastasized to the liver; the condition was associated with high levels of urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA). In 3 infants the primary tumour was in the adrenal gland and in one it was not identified. One infant died after laparotomy and 2 infants survive disease free with normal VMA levels, one after adrenalectomy and hepatic irradiation and one after a short course of chemotherapy. The fourth patient responded initially to hepatic irradiation and chemotherapy, but relapsed 2 years later with recurrent disease; at the same time the VMA level which had been normal, again rose. The importance of screening for an abnormal VMA level in any infant with a rapidly enlarging liver in order to obtain an early diagnosis is stressed. Careful follow-up, with serial VMA estimations, is essential to detect recurrent disease. The prognosis for some infants with this distribution of neuroblastoma which has metastasized to the liver, but not to the bones or oribt, is good.", "PMID": 1008595} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11247", "title": "Spontaneous perforation of common bile duct in infants.", "content": "Two infants with spontaneous perforation of the common bile duct are described. One presented with mild jaundice, dark urine, acholic stools, and hydroceles, the other with bilateral inguinal hernia. In both the diagnosis was unsuspected until bile-stained ascites was discovered. Both eventually developed bile-staining of the scrotum. Neither was acutely ill. The 131I-Rose Bengal faecal excretion test showed reduced faecal excretion at 8% and 12% of the injected dose with 16-5 and 17%/dl of the dose being recovered in the ascitic fluid 48 hours after intravenous injection. The ascitic:plasma ratio of isotope at that time was 32:1 and 28:1. Operative cholangiography in both showed a perforation at the junction of the cystic duct and common bile duct with no contrast entering the duodenum. Cholecystenterostomy using a Roux-en-Y loop of jejunum produced a rapid sustained recovery and is suggested as the treatment of choice. This condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice in infancy since early surgical correction is necessary.", "contents": "Spontaneous perforation of common bile duct in infants. Two infants with spontaneous perforation of the common bile duct are described. One presented with mild jaundice, dark urine, acholic stools, and hydroceles, the other with bilateral inguinal hernia. In both the diagnosis was unsuspected until bile-stained ascites was discovered. Both eventually developed bile-staining of the scrotum. Neither was acutely ill. The 131I-Rose Bengal faecal excretion test showed reduced faecal excretion at 8% and 12% of the injected dose with 16-5 and 17%/dl of the dose being recovered in the ascitic fluid 48 hours after intravenous injection. The ascitic:plasma ratio of isotope at that time was 32:1 and 28:1. Operative cholangiography in both showed a perforation at the junction of the cystic duct and common bile duct with no contrast entering the duodenum. Cholecystenterostomy using a Roux-en-Y loop of jejunum produced a rapid sustained recovery and is suggested as the treatment of choice. This condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice in infancy since early surgical correction is necessary.", "PMID": 1008596} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11248", "title": "Altered connective tissue in children with congenital dislocation of the hip.", "content": "The umbilical cord was employed as a source of collagen in 10 children with congenital dislocation of hip. The amount of collagen and its solubility were measured in slices of the cords and in the umbilical veins and compared with the values in normal subjects. Both the amount of collagen and its solubility were decreased in children with congenital dislocation of the hip.", "contents": "Altered connective tissue in children with congenital dislocation of the hip. The umbilical cord was employed as a source of collagen in 10 children with congenital dislocation of hip. The amount of collagen and its solubility were measured in slices of the cords and in the umbilical veins and compared with the values in normal subjects. Both the amount of collagen and its solubility were decreased in children with congenital dislocation of the hip.", "PMID": 1008597} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11249", "title": "Value of cystography in urinary tract infections.", "content": "Fifty-one children with a bacteriologically proven urinary tract infection had both an intravenous urogram (IVU) and a micturating cystogram. The IVU was normal in 35. Only 6 of these children showed reflux in the cystogram, affecting 7 of the 70 ureters at risk. Since reflux on its own does not cause renal damage, which occurs only with super-added infection, detection of reflux is not important providing the urine is kept sterile. We suggest that cystography be deferred providing the IVU is normal until recurrent infections occur while under hospital care, and, with this policy this unpleasant and sometimes hazardous investigation could be avoided in many children with a single urinary tract infection.", "contents": "Value of cystography in urinary tract infections. Fifty-one children with a bacteriologically proven urinary tract infection had both an intravenous urogram (IVU) and a micturating cystogram. The IVU was normal in 35. Only 6 of these children showed reflux in the cystogram, affecting 7 of the 70 ureters at risk. Since reflux on its own does not cause renal damage, which occurs only with super-added infection, detection of reflux is not important providing the urine is kept sterile. We suggest that cystography be deferred providing the IVU is normal until recurrent infections occur while under hospital care, and, with this policy this unpleasant and sometimes hazardous investigation could be avoided in many children with a single urinary tract infection.", "PMID": 1008600} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11250", "title": "Ultrastructural studies in epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria. IV. Recessive dystrophic types with junctional blistering. (Infantile or Herlitz-Pearson type and adult type).", "content": "Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with junctional blisters includes both the classical epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria letalis Herlitz (Herlitz-Pearson type) and a recently separated more benign adult type. Ultrastructural examination was performed of 13 skin specimens from 3 cases of the Herlitz-Pearson-type and one case of the adult type. Principal ultrastructural changes in involved, intact and experimentally frictioned skin regions, common to all patients, are as follows: In nonseparated areas hypoplasia of the hemi-desmosomes and mild decrease of the tonofibrils are found. Hypoplasia of hemi-desmosomes consists of a marked rudimentary structure of the sub-basal dense plaque and the attachment plaque. Focal widening of the lamina lucida suggesting early blistering occurs exclusively in the areas devoid of hemidesmosomes. In separated areas cleavage always occurs in the plane of lamina lucida, viz. the mode of blistering is junctional. Fragments of basal cells are often encountered still remaining attached to the blister floor (\"epidermolytic torn-off phenomenon\"). These torn-off portions of basal cells are characterized by relatively rich distribution of hemidesmosomes. Basal cells forming the blister roof frequently show small gaps of basal plasma membrane and rarefaction of the basal part of the cytoplasm, which are thought to be secondary changes. Among the observed alterations, structural defects of hemidesmosomes are considered to play the most important role in the pathogenesis of junctional blisters.", "contents": "Ultrastructural studies in epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria. IV. Recessive dystrophic types with junctional blistering. (Infantile or Herlitz-Pearson type and adult type). Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with junctional blisters includes both the classical epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria letalis Herlitz (Herlitz-Pearson type) and a recently separated more benign adult type. Ultrastructural examination was performed of 13 skin specimens from 3 cases of the Herlitz-Pearson-type and one case of the adult type. Principal ultrastructural changes in involved, intact and experimentally frictioned skin regions, common to all patients, are as follows: In nonseparated areas hypoplasia of the hemi-desmosomes and mild decrease of the tonofibrils are found. Hypoplasia of hemi-desmosomes consists of a marked rudimentary structure of the sub-basal dense plaque and the attachment plaque. Focal widening of the lamina lucida suggesting early blistering occurs exclusively in the areas devoid of hemidesmosomes. In separated areas cleavage always occurs in the plane of lamina lucida, viz. the mode of blistering is junctional. Fragments of basal cells are often encountered still remaining attached to the blister floor (\"epidermolytic torn-off phenomenon\"). These torn-off portions of basal cells are characterized by relatively rich distribution of hemidesmosomes. Basal cells forming the blister roof frequently show small gaps of basal plasma membrane and rarefaction of the basal part of the cytoplasm, which are thought to be secondary changes. Among the observed alterations, structural defects of hemidesmosomes are considered to play the most important role in the pathogenesis of junctional blisters.", "PMID": 1008602} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11251", "title": "[Skin tests with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). Correlation with other parameters of cell-mediated immunity (author's transl)].", "content": "100 healthy persons were investigated to find out whether there is a correlation between a lymphocyte stimulation (3H-thymidine incorporation in the lymphocyte transformation test) with phytohaemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen and concanavalin A and the in vivo reactivity to intracutaneous phytohaemagglutinin application (measured as medium diameter of infiltrates). Further we searched for an influence of positive or negative reactivity to the specific antigens trichophytin, candidin and streptokinase-streptodornase. 1. There is a good qualitative correlation in normal persons between in vitro lymphocyte stimulation by phytohaemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen and concanavalin A and the medium diameter of infiltrates after intracutaneous application of 2 mug phytohaemagglutinin. Using lower doses of phytohaemagglutinin no such correlation could be found. A quantitative correlation between the medium diameter of infiltrates and lymphocyte transformation by phytohaemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen cannot be demonstrated. For concanavalin A there is a negative correlation significant at the 99% level. 2. In vivo reactivity to phytohaemagglutinin does not differ in persons with negative and positive reactions to the specific antigens. 3. Lymphocyte stimulation by phytohaemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen and concanavalin A of persons with positive reactions to trichophytin, candidin and streptokinase-streptodornase is significantly greater than in those with negative reactivity. 4. The results indicate in vivo phytohaemagglutinin testing as a good screening method to judge cell-mediated immunocompetence. The general applicability for differentiation of immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients is to be further investigated.", "contents": "[Skin tests with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). Correlation with other parameters of cell-mediated immunity (author's transl)]. 100 healthy persons were investigated to find out whether there is a correlation between a lymphocyte stimulation (3H-thymidine incorporation in the lymphocyte transformation test) with phytohaemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen and concanavalin A and the in vivo reactivity to intracutaneous phytohaemagglutinin application (measured as medium diameter of infiltrates). Further we searched for an influence of positive or negative reactivity to the specific antigens trichophytin, candidin and streptokinase-streptodornase. 1. There is a good qualitative correlation in normal persons between in vitro lymphocyte stimulation by phytohaemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen and concanavalin A and the medium diameter of infiltrates after intracutaneous application of 2 mug phytohaemagglutinin. Using lower doses of phytohaemagglutinin no such correlation could be found. A quantitative correlation between the medium diameter of infiltrates and lymphocyte transformation by phytohaemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen cannot be demonstrated. For concanavalin A there is a negative correlation significant at the 99% level. 2. In vivo reactivity to phytohaemagglutinin does not differ in persons with negative and positive reactions to the specific antigens. 3. Lymphocyte stimulation by phytohaemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen and concanavalin A of persons with positive reactions to trichophytin, candidin and streptokinase-streptodornase is significantly greater than in those with negative reactivity. 4. The results indicate in vivo phytohaemagglutinin testing as a good screening method to judge cell-mediated immunocompetence. The general applicability for differentiation of immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients is to be further investigated.", "PMID": 1008603} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11252", "title": "Glutathione content of human skin carcinomas.", "content": "Glutathione has important functions in the process leading to the complete neoplastic transformation of the primary cells in experimental carcinogenesis. This study was made to determine the tissue glutathione levels in the human skin carcinomas. The statistical average of glutathione values were measured by the DTNB method as 0.915 +/- 0.073 mg/g wet weight in test group and 0.126 +/- 0.008 mg/g wet weight in control group.", "contents": "Glutathione content of human skin carcinomas. Glutathione has important functions in the process leading to the complete neoplastic transformation of the primary cells in experimental carcinogenesis. This study was made to determine the tissue glutathione levels in the human skin carcinomas. The statistical average of glutathione values were measured by the DTNB method as 0.915 +/- 0.073 mg/g wet weight in test group and 0.126 +/- 0.008 mg/g wet weight in control group.", "PMID": 1008604} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11253", "title": "A comparative study of nickel hypersensitivity by the lymphocyte transformation test in atopic and non-atopic dermatitis.", "content": "In spite of the non-specific mitogenic effect of nickel salts, 3H-thymidine uptake ration (TUR) of nickel-stimulated lymphocyte cultures in nickel-sensitive atopic dermatitis patients and in non-atopic nickel-sensitive patients was significantly higher at 10 mug per ml concentration of nickel salts than in nickel non sensitive subjects (P less than 0.001). A significant difference was also demonstrated at concentrations of nickel salts of 40 mug per ml. The TUR value of nickel-stimulated cultures in nickel-sensitive atopic dermatitis patients tended to decrease in comparison to non-atopic nickel-sensitive patients. Furthermore, the TUR of phytohemagglutinin-p (PHA) stimulated cultures was also lower in atopic dermatitis patients than in non-atopic subjects.", "contents": "A comparative study of nickel hypersensitivity by the lymphocyte transformation test in atopic and non-atopic dermatitis. In spite of the non-specific mitogenic effect of nickel salts, 3H-thymidine uptake ration (TUR) of nickel-stimulated lymphocyte cultures in nickel-sensitive atopic dermatitis patients and in non-atopic nickel-sensitive patients was significantly higher at 10 mug per ml concentration of nickel salts than in nickel non sensitive subjects (P less than 0.001). A significant difference was also demonstrated at concentrations of nickel salts of 40 mug per ml. The TUR value of nickel-stimulated cultures in nickel-sensitive atopic dermatitis patients tended to decrease in comparison to non-atopic nickel-sensitive patients. Furthermore, the TUR of phytohemagglutinin-p (PHA) stimulated cultures was also lower in atopic dermatitis patients than in non-atopic subjects.", "PMID": 1008605} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11254", "title": "[Ultrastructural investigations on the pathogenesis of hyperplasias and tumors of skin connective tissue (author's transl)].", "content": "Results of an ultrastructural investigation of 4 tumors resp. hyperplasias of skin (endometriom, lymphadenosis cutis benigna B\u00e4fverstedt, mastozytom, oral papillomatosis) show that the substance of granules from mastcells and eosinophilic granulocytes influence the composition and synthesis of the groundsubstance and its fibrous materials. Synthesis of the groundsubstance by fibrocyte like cells can be affected by intracytoplasmic uptake of the granules or by liberated granules which can change the composition of the groundsubstance. Fibrocyte like cells can take up the granules direct from the groundsubstance and (or) possibly by intercytoplasmic bridges (\"Fursome\"). Composition and synthesis of groundsubstance and fibrous elements are related by a feedback system. Therefore an irregular composed groundsubstance cause an irregular synthesis by fibrocyte like cells and vice versa. From that a circulus vitiosus arise that, by our opinion, may contribute to the development of tumors, resp. hyperplasias of skin with essential participation of the connective tissue.", "contents": "[Ultrastructural investigations on the pathogenesis of hyperplasias and tumors of skin connective tissue (author's transl)]. Results of an ultrastructural investigation of 4 tumors resp. hyperplasias of skin (endometriom, lymphadenosis cutis benigna B\u00e4fverstedt, mastozytom, oral papillomatosis) show that the substance of granules from mastcells and eosinophilic granulocytes influence the composition and synthesis of the groundsubstance and its fibrous materials. Synthesis of the groundsubstance by fibrocyte like cells can be affected by intracytoplasmic uptake of the granules or by liberated granules which can change the composition of the groundsubstance. Fibrocyte like cells can take up the granules direct from the groundsubstance and (or) possibly by intercytoplasmic bridges (\"Fursome\"). Composition and synthesis of groundsubstance and fibrous elements are related by a feedback system. Therefore an irregular composed groundsubstance cause an irregular synthesis by fibrocyte like cells and vice versa. From that a circulus vitiosus arise that, by our opinion, may contribute to the development of tumors, resp. hyperplasias of skin with essential participation of the connective tissue.", "PMID": 1008606} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11255", "title": "[The leucocyte-migration-inhibition-test in the diagnostic of sarcoidosis (author's transl)].", "content": "The positive diagnosis of a sarcoidosis is often difficult since reliable laboratory and radiological parameters are not available. It is therefore often necessary to make the diagnosis with invasive methods. The Kveim skin test has many disadvantages, so that there have been many trials to facilitate the diagnosis by in vitro systems. With a modified and easy handable leucocyte migration technique in agarose (Clausen technique), 30 patients with certified sarcoidosis were tested. As controls served healthy volunteers and patients with various diseases such as Hodkins disease, Crohn's disease, tuberculosis etc. As antigene a Kveim suspension typ I was prepared according to Chase and was used in a concentration of 100 mug/ml. It could be shown, that leucocytes from patients with sarcoidosis demonstrated a significant inhibition of their migration in presence of Kveim antigene. Besides patients with Crohn's disease in no other group there was a migration inhibition. Therefore this in vitro system allows diagnostic differentiation and helps to find the diagnose which compares well to the results obtained with the Kveim skin test. Since the test is easy to perform and the results are available after 24 h the test is of diagnostic value for the clinical routine.", "contents": "[The leucocyte-migration-inhibition-test in the diagnostic of sarcoidosis (author's transl)]. The positive diagnosis of a sarcoidosis is often difficult since reliable laboratory and radiological parameters are not available. It is therefore often necessary to make the diagnosis with invasive methods. The Kveim skin test has many disadvantages, so that there have been many trials to facilitate the diagnosis by in vitro systems. With a modified and easy handable leucocyte migration technique in agarose (Clausen technique), 30 patients with certified sarcoidosis were tested. As controls served healthy volunteers and patients with various diseases such as Hodkins disease, Crohn's disease, tuberculosis etc. As antigene a Kveim suspension typ I was prepared according to Chase and was used in a concentration of 100 mug/ml. It could be shown, that leucocytes from patients with sarcoidosis demonstrated a significant inhibition of their migration in presence of Kveim antigene. Besides patients with Crohn's disease in no other group there was a migration inhibition. Therefore this in vitro system allows diagnostic differentiation and helps to find the diagnose which compares well to the results obtained with the Kveim skin test. Since the test is easy to perform and the results are available after 24 h the test is of diagnostic value for the clinical routine.", "PMID": 1008607} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11256", "title": "Method of preparation and application of small quantities of semi-solid topicals.", "content": "Quantifying with accuracy small amounts of semi-solid viscus materials is critical in some situations. A sample dish and loading device for a micropipette is described which permits efficient and accurate loading and dispensing of microliter quantities. This is especially valuable for dealing with small quantities of radiolabelled viscus materials.", "contents": "Method of preparation and application of small quantities of semi-solid topicals. Quantifying with accuracy small amounts of semi-solid viscus materials is critical in some situations. A sample dish and loading device for a micropipette is described which permits efficient and accurate loading and dispensing of microliter quantities. This is especially valuable for dealing with small quantities of radiolabelled viscus materials.", "PMID": 1008608} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11257", "title": "Connective tissue metabolism in culture fibroblasts of a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type I.", "content": "Study on connective tissue metabolism was conducted with a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (E-D) of Type I who visited our institute. The conversion of procollagen into tropocollagen in the medium of cultured fibroblasts was assayed by the chase technique using 3H-proline. The conversion was inhibited in the cultured fibroblasts of the patient. The components of glycosaminoglycans in cultured medium and fibroblasts from E-D were within normal ranges, however, the ratio of glycoprotein to glycosaminoglycans of intra- and extra-cellular fractions of E-D fibroblasts was higher than the normal one. These findings suggest that the insufficient maturation of collagen fiber may be considered fundamental disorders of E-D.", "contents": "Connective tissue metabolism in culture fibroblasts of a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type I. Study on connective tissue metabolism was conducted with a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (E-D) of Type I who visited our institute. The conversion of procollagen into tropocollagen in the medium of cultured fibroblasts was assayed by the chase technique using 3H-proline. The conversion was inhibited in the cultured fibroblasts of the patient. The components of glycosaminoglycans in cultured medium and fibroblasts from E-D were within normal ranges, however, the ratio of glycoprotein to glycosaminoglycans of intra- and extra-cellular fractions of E-D fibroblasts was higher than the normal one. These findings suggest that the insufficient maturation of collagen fiber may be considered fundamental disorders of E-D.", "PMID": 1008609} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11258", "title": "Degranulation of dermal mast cells: effects of fixation and of antidromic nervous impulses on two histochemically identified cell-types.", "content": "Two types of mast cell can be identified histochemically in the dermis of the rat's external ear. One type is recognized by the binding of concanavalin A (con A) to the cytoplasmic granules (con A-positive cells) while in the other type (con A-negative cells), the granules do not bind con A. The granules in both types are stained metachromatically by toluidine blue. Antidromic stimulation of the great auricular nerve for 2 min results in an increased proportion of degranulating mast cells in the auricular dermis and both types of cell are affected to an approximately equal extent. In discussion of this observation, it is argued that both the con A-positive and the con A-negative mast cells are probably involved in the mediation of vasodilatation due to axon reflexes in injured skin. The proportions of degranulating mast cells determined in histological preparations varied with the fixatives (Carnoy and glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde) used, but the increased degranulation due to antidromic nervous stimulation could be detected after either fixation.", "contents": "Degranulation of dermal mast cells: effects of fixation and of antidromic nervous impulses on two histochemically identified cell-types. Two types of mast cell can be identified histochemically in the dermis of the rat's external ear. One type is recognized by the binding of concanavalin A (con A) to the cytoplasmic granules (con A-positive cells) while in the other type (con A-negative cells), the granules do not bind con A. The granules in both types are stained metachromatically by toluidine blue. Antidromic stimulation of the great auricular nerve for 2 min results in an increased proportion of degranulating mast cells in the auricular dermis and both types of cell are affected to an approximately equal extent. In discussion of this observation, it is argued that both the con A-positive and the con A-negative mast cells are probably involved in the mediation of vasodilatation due to axon reflexes in injured skin. The proportions of degranulating mast cells determined in histological preparations varied with the fixatives (Carnoy and glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde) used, but the increased degranulation due to antidromic nervous stimulation could be detected after either fixation.", "PMID": 1008610} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11259", "title": "Biosynthesis of prostaglandins in human allergic contact dermatitis.", "content": "The biosynthesis of prostaglandins by human inflamed skin was studied in 5 patients with allergic contact dermatitis induced by patch tests. Inflamed skin from these patients evidenced an increased ability to synthesize prostaglandins. In the presence of exogenous arachidonic acid in the incubation medium, the activity formed was about 60% greater in inflamed skin than in noninflamed control skin. In prostaglandin E1-equivalents the concentration amounted to 9.19 +/- 2.02 ng/mg protein nitrogen and 5.74 +/- 1.97 ng/mg protein nitrogen, respectively (mean values +/- S.E.). When inflamed skin was incubated without excess of exogenous precursor acids in the incubation medium the activity formed was about 130 times lower and the values were similar to those of non-inflamed skin. Thus, the present results support the view that the prostaglandin system is activated in allergic contact dermatitis, thereby providing a basis for future therapeutic attempts to control this disorder.", "contents": "Biosynthesis of prostaglandins in human allergic contact dermatitis. The biosynthesis of prostaglandins by human inflamed skin was studied in 5 patients with allergic contact dermatitis induced by patch tests. Inflamed skin from these patients evidenced an increased ability to synthesize prostaglandins. In the presence of exogenous arachidonic acid in the incubation medium, the activity formed was about 60% greater in inflamed skin than in noninflamed control skin. In prostaglandin E1-equivalents the concentration amounted to 9.19 +/- 2.02 ng/mg protein nitrogen and 5.74 +/- 1.97 ng/mg protein nitrogen, respectively (mean values +/- S.E.). When inflamed skin was incubated without excess of exogenous precursor acids in the incubation medium the activity formed was about 130 times lower and the values were similar to those of non-inflamed skin. Thus, the present results support the view that the prostaglandin system is activated in allergic contact dermatitis, thereby providing a basis for future therapeutic attempts to control this disorder.", "PMID": 1008611} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11260", "title": "Antibodies to basal epidermal cells in patients with basal or squamous cell carcinoma.", "content": "Circulating antibodies directed against cytoplasmic antigens of basal cells of normal human epidermis have been reported in association with various skin diseases. Since they have been found in patients with malignant melanoma it was proposed to investigate whether these antibodies are associated with other epidermal tumors such as basal or squamous cell carcinoma. With indirect immunofluorescence it was shown that sera from patients with basal (20%) and squamous cell carcinoma (16%) contained these antibodies. They could be demonstrated by cytoplasmic fluorescence of the basal epidermal cell layer. These antibodies occured almost as frequent as in malignant melanoma sera. However they do not seem to be tumorassociated as they were found in sera from patients with various benign dermatoses, with tumors of extraepidermal origin and even sporadically in sera from natural antibodies which were identified by cytoplasmic fluorescence of the outer epidermal cells, suggesting two antigenically different epidermal cell populations.", "contents": "Antibodies to basal epidermal cells in patients with basal or squamous cell carcinoma. Circulating antibodies directed against cytoplasmic antigens of basal cells of normal human epidermis have been reported in association with various skin diseases. Since they have been found in patients with malignant melanoma it was proposed to investigate whether these antibodies are associated with other epidermal tumors such as basal or squamous cell carcinoma. With indirect immunofluorescence it was shown that sera from patients with basal (20%) and squamous cell carcinoma (16%) contained these antibodies. They could be demonstrated by cytoplasmic fluorescence of the basal epidermal cell layer. These antibodies occured almost as frequent as in malignant melanoma sera. However they do not seem to be tumorassociated as they were found in sera from patients with various benign dermatoses, with tumors of extraepidermal origin and even sporadically in sera from natural antibodies which were identified by cytoplasmic fluorescence of the outer epidermal cells, suggesting two antigenically different epidermal cell populations.", "PMID": 1008612} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11261", "title": "Melanin-producing dendritic cells and histogenesis of malignant melanoma.", "content": "In a total of 70 malignant melanomas we searched for dendritic-branched fluorescent pigment cells. Hereby we found that dendritic-branched tumor cells are especially characteristic in cases of lentigo maligna. In the flat parts of these lesions, these cells are the predominant cell type. Dendrites in the pseudonests or nodular parts of lentigo maligna can only seldom be detected. The prevailing cell type in superficial spreading melanoma and in primary nodular melanoma is the round or oval unbranched tumor cell. In some cases of nodular melanoma, cells with short dendrites could be seen. In superficial spreading melanoma, dendritic tumor cells could be observed particularly in such tumor parts, in which the malignant cells were scattered between the keratinocytes. Melanocytes can evidently produce dendrites between cells of the sebaceous gland. In the marginal parts or in parts of regression of some superficial spreading melanomas, a great area of dendritic tumor cells could also be detected in the basal parts of the epidermis. Altogether, however, in superficial spreading melanoma and in nodular melanoma they occur only rarely. Dendritic-branched cells are also visible in lymph-node metastases of SSM and NM. The fact that the dendritic tumor cells can be observed in all 3 types of tumors (according to Clark and coworkers) gives a rise to a new discussion of the dualistic theory of melanoma-histogenesis of Mishima. Although this theory could not be disproved, up to now on the basis of the present results, an unitarian development of all types of mnelanoma from melanocytes seems to be possible.", "contents": "Melanin-producing dendritic cells and histogenesis of malignant melanoma. In a total of 70 malignant melanomas we searched for dendritic-branched fluorescent pigment cells. Hereby we found that dendritic-branched tumor cells are especially characteristic in cases of lentigo maligna. In the flat parts of these lesions, these cells are the predominant cell type. Dendrites in the pseudonests or nodular parts of lentigo maligna can only seldom be detected. The prevailing cell type in superficial spreading melanoma and in primary nodular melanoma is the round or oval unbranched tumor cell. In some cases of nodular melanoma, cells with short dendrites could be seen. In superficial spreading melanoma, dendritic tumor cells could be observed particularly in such tumor parts, in which the malignant cells were scattered between the keratinocytes. Melanocytes can evidently produce dendrites between cells of the sebaceous gland. In the marginal parts or in parts of regression of some superficial spreading melanomas, a great area of dendritic tumor cells could also be detected in the basal parts of the epidermis. Altogether, however, in superficial spreading melanoma and in nodular melanoma they occur only rarely. Dendritic-branched cells are also visible in lymph-node metastases of SSM and NM. The fact that the dendritic tumor cells can be observed in all 3 types of tumors (according to Clark and coworkers) gives a rise to a new discussion of the dualistic theory of melanoma-histogenesis of Mishima. Although this theory could not be disproved, up to now on the basis of the present results, an unitarian development of all types of mnelanoma from melanocytes seems to be possible.", "PMID": 1008613} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11262", "title": "Cutaneous leishmaniasis. Ultrastructural study of 3 cases.", "content": "Ultrastructure study of specimens taken from 3 patients with cutaneous Leishmaniasis showed parasites within macrophages. None were found in extracellular locations. Within the macrophages cytoplasm, parasites were located either lying free in the cytoplasm or inside intracytoplasmic vacuoles. Parasites in various stages of degeneration were found both lying free in the cytoplasm or within vacuoles. The parasite-macrophage relationship and the mechanism by which the host reacts toward the parasite are discussed.", "contents": "Cutaneous leishmaniasis. Ultrastructural study of 3 cases. Ultrastructure study of specimens taken from 3 patients with cutaneous Leishmaniasis showed parasites within macrophages. None were found in extracellular locations. Within the macrophages cytoplasm, parasites were located either lying free in the cytoplasm or inside intracytoplasmic vacuoles. Parasites in various stages of degeneration were found both lying free in the cytoplasm or within vacuoles. The parasite-macrophage relationship and the mechanism by which the host reacts toward the parasite are discussed.", "PMID": 1008614} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11263", "title": "Biochemical and physiological parameters on the healthy skin surface of persons with candidal intertrigo and of persons with tinea cruris.", "content": "Biochemical and physiological tests were carried out on the skin surface of 20 patients with candidal intertrigo and 27 patients with tinea cruris. In all patients the test areas were free of efflorescences. The same tests were performed in 39 and 27 resectively healthy test persons of the same age and sex. The following striking findings came to light: 1. There was a significant decrease in the percentage amount of squalene in the skin surface lipids of the moniliasis group as compared with the control group. 2. There was a significant decrease in the reducing substances in the so called water solubles obtained with the phenol sulfuric acid method in the moniliasis group. The same results were obtained when only those moniliasis patients who were definitely not suffering from diabetes mellitus were taken into account. This is presumably a question of a reduction in the bound carbohydrates. 3. There were significantly more amino acids extractable from the skin surface of the tinea cruris patients than of the control persons. These results point to important predisposing factors for the susceptibility to candidal intertrigo and tinea cruris respectively.", "contents": "Biochemical and physiological parameters on the healthy skin surface of persons with candidal intertrigo and of persons with tinea cruris. Biochemical and physiological tests were carried out on the skin surface of 20 patients with candidal intertrigo and 27 patients with tinea cruris. In all patients the test areas were free of efflorescences. The same tests were performed in 39 and 27 resectively healthy test persons of the same age and sex. The following striking findings came to light: 1. There was a significant decrease in the percentage amount of squalene in the skin surface lipids of the moniliasis group as compared with the control group. 2. There was a significant decrease in the reducing substances in the so called water solubles obtained with the phenol sulfuric acid method in the moniliasis group. The same results were obtained when only those moniliasis patients who were definitely not suffering from diabetes mellitus were taken into account. This is presumably a question of a reduction in the bound carbohydrates. 3. There were significantly more amino acids extractable from the skin surface of the tinea cruris patients than of the control persons. These results point to important predisposing factors for the susceptibility to candidal intertrigo and tinea cruris respectively.", "PMID": 1008615} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11264", "title": "Effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis in aged human articular cartilage.", "content": "The anti-inflammatory drugs, sodium salicylate, indomethacin, hydrocortisone, ibuprofen, and flurbiprofen, were examined for their effects on sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis in aged human cartilage in vitro. Cartilage was obtained from femoral heads removed during surgery and drug effects were found to vary significantly from one head to another. Statistical analysis of the results showed that sodium salicylate exhibits concentration-dependent inhibition of glycosaminoglycan synthesis over the concentration range used. Indomethacin, hydrocortisone, and ibuprofen, at concentrations comparable to those attained in man, caused a statistically significant depression of sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cartilage from some femoral heads but not others, reflecting the variable response of human articular cartilage to anti-inflammatory drugs. Sodium salicylate and indomethacin at higher doses produced significant (Pless than 0-005) inhibition of sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis in all femoral heads studied. The results for flurbiprofen were less conclusive; this compound appears not to inhibit glycosaminoglycan synthesis over the concentration range used.", "contents": "Effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis in aged human articular cartilage. The anti-inflammatory drugs, sodium salicylate, indomethacin, hydrocortisone, ibuprofen, and flurbiprofen, were examined for their effects on sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis in aged human cartilage in vitro. Cartilage was obtained from femoral heads removed during surgery and drug effects were found to vary significantly from one head to another. Statistical analysis of the results showed that sodium salicylate exhibits concentration-dependent inhibition of glycosaminoglycan synthesis over the concentration range used. Indomethacin, hydrocortisone, and ibuprofen, at concentrations comparable to those attained in man, caused a statistically significant depression of sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cartilage from some femoral heads but not others, reflecting the variable response of human articular cartilage to anti-inflammatory drugs. Sodium salicylate and indomethacin at higher doses produced significant (Pless than 0-005) inhibition of sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis in all femoral heads studied. The results for flurbiprofen were less conclusive; this compound appears not to inhibit glycosaminoglycan synthesis over the concentration range used.", "PMID": 1008617} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11265", "title": "Defective responsiveness to ascorbic acid of neutrophil random and chemotactic migration in Felty's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus.", "content": "Polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocytes from 4 patients with untreated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) showed defective random migration (P less than 0-05) and depressed chemotactic responses to C5a and kallikrein (P less than 0-01) compared to PMN leucocytes from normal subjects, or patients with rheumatoid arthritis (4) or Felty's syndrome (4) when examined at a standardized cell concentration with a micropore filter radioassay but not with a conventional Boyden technique. Normal in vitro enhancement of PMN leucocyte random and chemotactic migration by sodium ascorbate was absent in SLE and Felty's syndrome, but sodium ascorbate gave normal stimulation of hexose monophosphate shunt activity in the PMN leucocytes precluding a defect in ascorbate transport.", "contents": "Defective responsiveness to ascorbic acid of neutrophil random and chemotactic migration in Felty's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. Polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocytes from 4 patients with untreated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) showed defective random migration (P less than 0-05) and depressed chemotactic responses to C5a and kallikrein (P less than 0-01) compared to PMN leucocytes from normal subjects, or patients with rheumatoid arthritis (4) or Felty's syndrome (4) when examined at a standardized cell concentration with a micropore filter radioassay but not with a conventional Boyden technique. Normal in vitro enhancement of PMN leucocyte random and chemotactic migration by sodium ascorbate was absent in SLE and Felty's syndrome, but sodium ascorbate gave normal stimulation of hexose monophosphate shunt activity in the PMN leucocytes precluding a defect in ascorbate transport.", "PMID": 1008618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11266", "title": "Distribution of yttrium 90 ferric hydroxide colloid and gold 198 colloid after injection into knee.", "content": "Thirteen knees were injected with yttrium 90(90Y) ferric hydroxide colloid, and 12 with gold 198(198Au) colloid for treatment of persistent synovitis. Retention in the knee and uptake in lymph nodes and liver were measured by a quantitative scanning technique. There was no significant difference in the retention in the knee of the two different colloids. A tendency towards higher lymph node uptake was observed with 198Au compared with 90y. The inflammatory activity of the knee at the time of treatment may have influenced the subsequent lymph node uptake of 198Au, but not that of the 90Y, nor the overall leakage of either from the knee. 90Yferric hydroxide colloid was retained in the treated knee at least as well as other colloids which have been used for this purpose.", "contents": "Distribution of yttrium 90 ferric hydroxide colloid and gold 198 colloid after injection into knee. Thirteen knees were injected with yttrium 90(90Y) ferric hydroxide colloid, and 12 with gold 198(198Au) colloid for treatment of persistent synovitis. Retention in the knee and uptake in lymph nodes and liver were measured by a quantitative scanning technique. There was no significant difference in the retention in the knee of the two different colloids. A tendency towards higher lymph node uptake was observed with 198Au compared with 90y. The inflammatory activity of the knee at the time of treatment may have influenced the subsequent lymph node uptake of 198Au, but not that of the 90Y, nor the overall leakage of either from the knee. 90Yferric hydroxide colloid was retained in the treated knee at least as well as other colloids which have been used for this purpose.", "PMID": 1008619} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11267", "title": "Chondrocalcinosis after parathyroidectomy.", "content": "In this retrospective study of 57 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy, the overall incidence of chondrocalcinosis was 40%. Neither joint symptoms nor chondrocalcinosis regressed after the operation. In several patients the condition appeared to deteriorate both clinically and radiologically after the operation, while in a few both the chondrocalcinosis and the associated symptoms first appeared some time after the operation.", "contents": "Chondrocalcinosis after parathyroidectomy. In this retrospective study of 57 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy, the overall incidence of chondrocalcinosis was 40%. Neither joint symptoms nor chondrocalcinosis regressed after the operation. In several patients the condition appeared to deteriorate both clinically and radiologically after the operation, while in a few both the chondrocalcinosis and the associated symptoms first appeared some time after the operation.", "PMID": 1008620} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11268", "title": "HLA-B27 antigen in diagnosis of atypical seronegative inflammatory arthropathy.", "content": "Eighteen patients with an inflammatory pauciarticular peripheral arthropathy not typical of any known entity showed an asymmetrical pattern of disease, with a predilection for the lower extremities. Destructive joint changes and deformities were absent (mean follow-up 10 years). Although spondylitis and sacroiliitis were absent on x-rays, HLA-B27 antigen was found in 8 patients (44%). This antigen and similar joint symptoms are also found in other forms of arthritis.", "contents": "HLA-B27 antigen in diagnosis of atypical seronegative inflammatory arthropathy. Eighteen patients with an inflammatory pauciarticular peripheral arthropathy not typical of any known entity showed an asymmetrical pattern of disease, with a predilection for the lower extremities. Destructive joint changes and deformities were absent (mean follow-up 10 years). Although spondylitis and sacroiliitis were absent on x-rays, HLA-B27 antigen was found in 8 patients (44%). This antigen and similar joint symptoms are also found in other forms of arthritis.", "PMID": 1008621} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11269", "title": "Sparing effect of hemiplegia on tophaceous gout.", "content": "The sparing effect of hemiplegia on the development of tophaceous gout is described. The useless upper limb had no tophaceous deposits and the partially paralysed lower limb had only limited urate deposits. Disuse was presumably the major contributor to the limited deposition of urates on the paralysed side.", "contents": "Sparing effect of hemiplegia on tophaceous gout. The sparing effect of hemiplegia on the development of tophaceous gout is described. The useless upper limb had no tophaceous deposits and the partially paralysed lower limb had only limited urate deposits. Disuse was presumably the major contributor to the limited deposition of urates on the paralysed side.", "PMID": 1008622} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11270", "title": "[Ripening of Haden and Kent mangos covered with Tag wax in different ripening stages].", "content": "Mangos at different maturity stages were waxed with TAG and allowed to ripe at 23 degrees C and 16 degrees C, with a relative humidity of 60-70%. Unwaxed fruits held under the same conditions were used as controls. Results showed that in both varieties the waxing of the fruits extended their shelf life, improved their appearance and reduced their weight losses. Some internal characteristics like color and pH were also improved in waxed fruits, but TSS tended to be reduced in those treated fruits. It was concluded that maximum shelf life extention and best improvement in the internal qualities were achieved when fruits at the green maturity stage were treated. The significance of these findings and their possible application are discussed.", "contents": "[Ripening of Haden and Kent mangos covered with Tag wax in different ripening stages]. Mangos at different maturity stages were waxed with TAG and allowed to ripe at 23 degrees C and 16 degrees C, with a relative humidity of 60-70%. Unwaxed fruits held under the same conditions were used as controls. Results showed that in both varieties the waxing of the fruits extended their shelf life, improved their appearance and reduced their weight losses. Some internal characteristics like color and pH were also improved in waxed fruits, but TSS tended to be reduced in those treated fruits. It was concluded that maximum shelf life extention and best improvement in the internal qualities were achieved when fruits at the green maturity stage were treated. The significance of these findings and their possible application are discussed.", "PMID": 1008640} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11271", "title": "[Effects of Flavorseal and Tag waxes on the ripening and texture of Kent mangos].", "content": "Mangos KENT at the green maturity stage were waxed with Tag or Flavorseal and were allowed to ripe at 23+/-2 degrees C and 16+/-1 degrees C. The relative humidity was 60-70%. Unwaxed fruits held under the same conditions were used as controls. It was found that both waxes prolonged the shelf life of the mangos. The results also showed that Tag treated fruits developed their internal and external coloration normally, whereas mangos with Falvorseal coating did not develop their external coloration nor their red internal coloration. The content of Total Saluble Solids (T.S.S.) was higher in control fruits than in Tag treated fruits but it was lowest in Flavorseal coated mangos. As evident from the penetration and compression tests, the texture of Tag treated fruits was softer than the texture of the control and Flavorseal treated mangos. However, the texture of the control mangos was also much softer than the texture of the Flavorseal treated mangos. The patterns of the penetration and compression curves were similar in control and TAG treated fruits while in Flavorseal coated mangos the curves were uncharteristic. The significance of the results is discussed and a possible explanation for the differences between the effects of the two waxes is given.", "contents": "[Effects of Flavorseal and Tag waxes on the ripening and texture of Kent mangos]. Mangos KENT at the green maturity stage were waxed with Tag or Flavorseal and were allowed to ripe at 23+/-2 degrees C and 16+/-1 degrees C. The relative humidity was 60-70%. Unwaxed fruits held under the same conditions were used as controls. It was found that both waxes prolonged the shelf life of the mangos. The results also showed that Tag treated fruits developed their internal and external coloration normally, whereas mangos with Falvorseal coating did not develop their external coloration nor their red internal coloration. The content of Total Saluble Solids (T.S.S.) was higher in control fruits than in Tag treated fruits but it was lowest in Flavorseal coated mangos. As evident from the penetration and compression tests, the texture of Tag treated fruits was softer than the texture of the control and Flavorseal treated mangos. However, the texture of the control mangos was also much softer than the texture of the Flavorseal treated mangos. The patterns of the penetration and compression curves were similar in control and TAG treated fruits while in Flavorseal coated mangos the curves were uncharteristic. The significance of the results is discussed and a possible explanation for the differences between the effects of the two waxes is given.", "PMID": 1008641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11272", "title": "[Bromatological study of protein concentrates from Sardinella aurita and Tilapia melanopleura. II. Analysis of minerals].", "content": "The calcium and phosphorus of fish protein concentrates (FPC) prepared from whole sardines or tilapias have high biological availability, but the mineral fraction as a whole did not support the normal growth of young rats. Fluoride absorption and utilization is low; the amount retained in the carcass of rats depends on the amount given in the diet according to the equation: Y=0,0672X + 0,202 Y=mg of fluorine retained X=ppm of fluorine in the diet In case of sub-optimal levels of mineral ingestion, fluoride fixation increased proportionally to the deficiency. Our results demonstrate that does not seem necessary to reduce the amount of fluoride in FPC intended for human consumption, at least for people without mineral deficiency in the diet. Results concerning the Ca, P and F balance in rats are presented.", "contents": "[Bromatological study of protein concentrates from Sardinella aurita and Tilapia melanopleura. II. Analysis of minerals]. The calcium and phosphorus of fish protein concentrates (FPC) prepared from whole sardines or tilapias have high biological availability, but the mineral fraction as a whole did not support the normal growth of young rats. Fluoride absorption and utilization is low; the amount retained in the carcass of rats depends on the amount given in the diet according to the equation: Y=0,0672X + 0,202 Y=mg of fluorine retained X=ppm of fluorine in the diet In case of sub-optimal levels of mineral ingestion, fluoride fixation increased proportionally to the deficiency. Our results demonstrate that does not seem necessary to reduce the amount of fluoride in FPC intended for human consumption, at least for people without mineral deficiency in the diet. Results concerning the Ca, P and F balance in rats are presented.", "PMID": 1008642} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11273", "title": "[Bromatological study of protein concentrates from Sardinella aurita and Tilapia melanopleura. III. Effects of potassium suplementation on the biological value].", "content": "Bromatological study of protein concentrates from Sardinella aurita and Tilapia melanopleura. III. Effect of potassium additions on the biological utilizations. The authors studied in rats, the effect of suplementation of fish protein concentrates with Ca, P, K, or Na. Only the addition of K, but not of Ca, P, or Na resulted a better utilization of protein, showing to be the major deficiency of the mineral fraction of the concentrates.", "contents": "[Bromatological study of protein concentrates from Sardinella aurita and Tilapia melanopleura. III. Effects of potassium suplementation on the biological value]. Bromatological study of protein concentrates from Sardinella aurita and Tilapia melanopleura. III. Effect of potassium additions on the biological utilizations. The authors studied in rats, the effect of suplementation of fish protein concentrates with Ca, P, K, or Na. Only the addition of K, but not of Ca, P, or Na resulted a better utilization of protein, showing to be the major deficiency of the mineral fraction of the concentrates.", "PMID": 1008643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11274", "title": "[Evaluation of the quality of proteins of various vegetable grains used in various biological methods].", "content": "The protein value of different legume foods was studied in weanling rats by determining Net protein Utilization (NPU), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Biological Value (BV), Nitrogen Balance (NB) and digestibility of the protein. NPU was determined by carcass analysis and by nitrogen determination in one of the hind legs of the experimental animals. All samples were evaluated at a 10% protein level in the ration, with and without a methionine suplement. The effect of protein concentration in the diet on the protein quality determinations used was also studied in the black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) sample. Results showed a good correlation among the several values of protein quality evaluation determined by the different methods used, indicating that any of these procedures can differentiate protein quality between samples. Likewise, it was confirmed that NPU can be as accurately calculated by nitrogen carcass analysis as by determining the nitrogen content in the hind leg of the animals. Due to its low cost and the small amount of sample required for the determination, the modified NPU method using the traditional 10-day experimental period could be very useful in determing NPU in programs dealing with the nutritional improvement of food legumes.", "contents": "[Evaluation of the quality of proteins of various vegetable grains used in various biological methods]. The protein value of different legume foods was studied in weanling rats by determining Net protein Utilization (NPU), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Biological Value (BV), Nitrogen Balance (NB) and digestibility of the protein. NPU was determined by carcass analysis and by nitrogen determination in one of the hind legs of the experimental animals. All samples were evaluated at a 10% protein level in the ration, with and without a methionine suplement. The effect of protein concentration in the diet on the protein quality determinations used was also studied in the black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) sample. Results showed a good correlation among the several values of protein quality evaluation determined by the different methods used, indicating that any of these procedures can differentiate protein quality between samples. Likewise, it was confirmed that NPU can be as accurately calculated by nitrogen carcass analysis as by determining the nitrogen content in the hind leg of the animals. Due to its low cost and the small amount of sample required for the determination, the modified NPU method using the traditional 10-day experimental period could be very useful in determing NPU in programs dealing with the nutritional improvement of food legumes.", "PMID": 1008644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11275", "title": "[Consumption of selenium in the city of Caracas in comparison with other cities of the world].", "content": "Ingestion of selenium in Caracas, compared with some other cities. Fourty-two different food products acquired in Caracas were analized for their selenium content and the results compared with those reporte in food from Beltsville, Md. When the selenium level of a normal diet of 2200 cal is calculated, a selenium ingestion of about 220 mcg/d is found for Caracas, compared with several diets from Canada shows that the they contain from 1/3 to 2/3 of the amount of selenium as similar as similar diets in Caracas.", "contents": "[Consumption of selenium in the city of Caracas in comparison with other cities of the world]. Ingestion of selenium in Caracas, compared with some other cities. Fourty-two different food products acquired in Caracas were analized for their selenium content and the results compared with those reporte in food from Beltsville, Md. When the selenium level of a normal diet of 2200 cal is calculated, a selenium ingestion of about 220 mcg/d is found for Caracas, compared with several diets from Canada shows that the they contain from 1/3 to 2/3 of the amount of selenium as similar as similar diets in Caracas.", "PMID": 1008645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11276", "title": "[Self-strangulation?].", "content": "A sixty year old man was found stangled to death with a part-elastic belt. As the ecchymosis, which are typically found above the mark of strangling, were missing, considerable doubt emerged at first as to the cause of death and to a suicide by strangling. Measurements of the elasticity of the instrument of strangulation, of the size of the neck and the head, as well as self-experiments aimed at reconstruction the circumstances had, in pathophysiological respect, the result of a method of self-strangulation similar to a typical hanging. The remaining circumstances also point to a suicide.", "contents": "[Self-strangulation?]. A sixty year old man was found stangled to death with a part-elastic belt. As the ecchymosis, which are typically found above the mark of strangling, were missing, considerable doubt emerged at first as to the cause of death and to a suicide by strangling. Measurements of the elasticity of the instrument of strangulation, of the size of the neck and the head, as well as self-experiments aimed at reconstruction the circumstances had, in pathophysiological respect, the result of a method of self-strangulation similar to a typical hanging. The remaining circumstances also point to a suicide.", "PMID": 1008646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11277", "title": "[Urocytogram and precocious puberty].", "content": "After a review of the technique of urocytogram the authors report the results obtained in 39 children between the ages of 3 and 12 years. Before the appearance of the first signs of puberty, urocytograms are similar in both girls and boys. Differences were seen in seven cases of male or female precocious puberty. Urocytograms are also different in patients with incomplete precocious puberty but less marked than in those with true precocious puberty. The authors consider the possibility of repeat urocytograms during the supervision or treatment of incomplete and complete precocious puberty.", "contents": "[Urocytogram and precocious puberty]. After a review of the technique of urocytogram the authors report the results obtained in 39 children between the ages of 3 and 12 years. Before the appearance of the first signs of puberty, urocytograms are similar in both girls and boys. Differences were seen in seven cases of male or female precocious puberty. Urocytograms are also different in patients with incomplete precocious puberty but less marked than in those with true precocious puberty. The authors consider the possibility of repeat urocytograms during the supervision or treatment of incomplete and complete precocious puberty.", "PMID": 1008659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11278", "title": "[Skinfold thickness measurement in children. The technic and normal values].", "content": "In a group of 3,644 healthy controls aged 0 to 19 years and 273 obese children the reference values for triceps and subscapular skin fold thckness were established. The technique of measurement of skinfold thickness is described. This is simple and may be used in routine practice as a measurement of the adipose cell mass. However, measurement of only the subscapular skin fold thickness of which the values are less scattered than triceps, was sufficient to measure the development of adipose tissue in children up to and including puberty. Those subjects whose skinfold thickness is above the upper limit of normal are considered to be obese.", "contents": "[Skinfold thickness measurement in children. The technic and normal values]. In a group of 3,644 healthy controls aged 0 to 19 years and 273 obese children the reference values for triceps and subscapular skin fold thckness were established. The technique of measurement of skinfold thickness is described. This is simple and may be used in routine practice as a measurement of the adipose cell mass. However, measurement of only the subscapular skin fold thickness of which the values are less scattered than triceps, was sufficient to measure the development of adipose tissue in children up to and including puberty. Those subjects whose skinfold thickness is above the upper limit of normal are considered to be obese.", "PMID": 1008660} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11279", "title": "[Localized hemangioma of the bronchial trunk of the left lung in a 2-month-old infant].", "content": "A 2 month-old infant was admitted because of respiratory distress and thoracic assymetry. X-ray films revealed a distension of the left lung. A pneumo-angiography showed a cardiac silhouette displaced to the right and a normal vascular tree of the left lung. The rapid impairement of the clinical picture led to an exploratory thoracotomy. A tumor at the level of the left hyparterial bronchus was found. The histologic characteristics of the tumor were those of a hemangioma. Within the spectrum of broncheal tumors, hemangioma belong to benign mesenchymatous tumors and have a good prognosis providing that their removal is complete.", "contents": "[Localized hemangioma of the bronchial trunk of the left lung in a 2-month-old infant]. A 2 month-old infant was admitted because of respiratory distress and thoracic assymetry. X-ray films revealed a distension of the left lung. A pneumo-angiography showed a cardiac silhouette displaced to the right and a normal vascular tree of the left lung. The rapid impairement of the clinical picture led to an exploratory thoracotomy. A tumor at the level of the left hyparterial bronchus was found. The histologic characteristics of the tumor were those of a hemangioma. Within the spectrum of broncheal tumors, hemangioma belong to benign mesenchymatous tumors and have a good prognosis providing that their removal is complete.", "PMID": 1008661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11280", "title": "[Pharmacokinetic data on phenobarbital. Study on the influence of gestational age and dysmaturity].", "content": "Blood levels of barbiturate after a single intramuscular injection of 10 mg of phenobarbiitone have been plotted against time in 15 neonates at term of whom five were normal and 10 were dysmature, and 15 pre-term infants between 32 and 34 wesks gestation, of whom 12 had a satisfactory weight and 3 were dysmature. The analysis of the experiments according to a mathematical model gave the following results. Half life of absorption +/- 1 S.D. 9.55 HR +/- 6.97 for the term neonates and 11.12 hr +/- 7.61 for the pre-term infants. The difference is not significant. Half life of elimination +/- 1 S.D. 118.06 hours +/- 64.79 for the neonates of term and 110.49 hr +/- 37.19 for the pre-term infants. The half life of elimination is much shorter in the pre-term dysmature infants 74.10 hrs +/- 40.12. The individual variations are important but the differences between the groups of neonates studied are not great. This permits re-grouping and calculation of a half life of elimination for the whole group of 114.28 hr +/- 28.05. The risk of over dosage and the large individual variation in the metabolism of phenobarbitone in the new born lead us to recommend checking the blood levels when giving repeated doses.", "contents": "[Pharmacokinetic data on phenobarbital. Study on the influence of gestational age and dysmaturity]. Blood levels of barbiturate after a single intramuscular injection of 10 mg of phenobarbiitone have been plotted against time in 15 neonates at term of whom five were normal and 10 were dysmature, and 15 pre-term infants between 32 and 34 wesks gestation, of whom 12 had a satisfactory weight and 3 were dysmature. The analysis of the experiments according to a mathematical model gave the following results. Half life of absorption +/- 1 S.D. 9.55 HR +/- 6.97 for the term neonates and 11.12 hr +/- 7.61 for the pre-term infants. The difference is not significant. Half life of elimination +/- 1 S.D. 118.06 hours +/- 64.79 for the neonates of term and 110.49 hr +/- 37.19 for the pre-term infants. The half life of elimination is much shorter in the pre-term dysmature infants 74.10 hrs +/- 40.12. The individual variations are important but the differences between the groups of neonates studied are not great. This permits re-grouping and calculation of a half life of elimination for the whole group of 114.28 hr +/- 28.05. The risk of over dosage and the large individual variation in the metabolism of phenobarbitone in the new born lead us to recommend checking the blood levels when giving repeated doses.", "PMID": 1008662} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11281", "title": "[Determination of the amino acid spectrum as an aid in the up-dating of skeletal findings].", "content": "Estimation of the age of skeletal remains is usually based on subjective evaluation of the morphological grade of decomposition. This assumes, that the investigator is provided with pertinent experience. Experimentally elaborated physical and chemical methods proposed for objectification of the statements did not yet assest until today due to lacking temporal correlation. Our investigations were stimulated by observations on fossil bones indicating that the collagenbound amino acids diminish very slowly dependent on geological age. Samples of 53 skeletons of five to 2500 years were pulverized and subjected to acid hydrolysis. The amino acids released from bone collagen were separated by means of thin-layer chromatography and detected by isatin and ninhydrin reagents. The dye complexes of alanine, hydroxyproline, proline, tyrosine, and valine were measured densitometrically and quantified through calibration curves. We established, that the concentrations of the amino acids exhibited a time dependent reduction as equivalent of a loss collagen. The temporal correlation is very narrow (r less than -- 0,8) and sufficient for datings within plus/minus ten years of the more recent bones. Environmental conditions during post-mortem decay seem to have little influence on this process.", "contents": "[Determination of the amino acid spectrum as an aid in the up-dating of skeletal findings]. Estimation of the age of skeletal remains is usually based on subjective evaluation of the morphological grade of decomposition. This assumes, that the investigator is provided with pertinent experience. Experimentally elaborated physical and chemical methods proposed for objectification of the statements did not yet assest until today due to lacking temporal correlation. Our investigations were stimulated by observations on fossil bones indicating that the collagenbound amino acids diminish very slowly dependent on geological age. Samples of 53 skeletons of five to 2500 years were pulverized and subjected to acid hydrolysis. The amino acids released from bone collagen were separated by means of thin-layer chromatography and detected by isatin and ninhydrin reagents. The dye complexes of alanine, hydroxyproline, proline, tyrosine, and valine were measured densitometrically and quantified through calibration curves. We established, that the concentrations of the amino acids exhibited a time dependent reduction as equivalent of a loss collagen. The temporal correlation is very narrow (r less than -- 0,8) and sufficient for datings within plus/minus ten years of the more recent bones. Environmental conditions during post-mortem decay seem to have little influence on this process.", "PMID": 1008650} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11282", "title": "[A new case of congenital short small intestine with intestinal malrotation].", "content": "The 11th case of congenital short small intestine malrotation is described. Its clinical features associated diarrheic episodes and subobstructive symptoms. Recovery suggests that the functional adaptation of congenital and surgically-induced short small intestine may have the same quality. Neither anatomical (presence or absence of pyloric hypertrophy) nor clinical variants (obstructive and diarrheic forms) challenge the nosologic unicity of this syndrome, whose genetic character is unquestionable in most cases.", "contents": "[A new case of congenital short small intestine with intestinal malrotation]. The 11th case of congenital short small intestine malrotation is described. Its clinical features associated diarrheic episodes and subobstructive symptoms. Recovery suggests that the functional adaptation of congenital and surgically-induced short small intestine may have the same quality. Neither anatomical (presence or absence of pyloric hypertrophy) nor clinical variants (obstructive and diarrheic forms) challenge the nosologic unicity of this syndrome, whose genetic character is unquestionable in most cases.", "PMID": 1008665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11283", "title": "[The orthographic quotient. Quantitative study of the free text for dyslectics].", "content": "The orthographic quotient (O.Q.) is the rate per cent of correctly spelled words in spontaneous writing of dyslexic children. O.Q. was studied in 31 children. It was found a constant O.Q. in each child and a positive correlation with the reading level (p less than 0.001). O.Q. may be regarded as a new quantitative characteristic of dyslexiadysorthography. Contrary to other tests, O.Q. does not require any standardized material and may be repeated ad libitum. It might be applied to: 1. the diagnosis of dyslexia and the assessment of progress during remedial teching; 2. the early detection of dyslexia in primary schools.", "contents": "[The orthographic quotient. Quantitative study of the free text for dyslectics]. The orthographic quotient (O.Q.) is the rate per cent of correctly spelled words in spontaneous writing of dyslexic children. O.Q. was studied in 31 children. It was found a constant O.Q. in each child and a positive correlation with the reading level (p less than 0.001). O.Q. may be regarded as a new quantitative characteristic of dyslexiadysorthography. Contrary to other tests, O.Q. does not require any standardized material and may be repeated ad libitum. It might be applied to: 1. the diagnosis of dyslexia and the assessment of progress during remedial teching; 2. the early detection of dyslexia in primary schools.", "PMID": 1008666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11284", "title": "[Introduction to perinatal pharmacology].", "content": "Attention has been focused on the specific pharmacokinetics and clinical pharmacology present during the perinatal period following clinical accidents due to high concentrations of oxygen, vitamin K2, sulfonamides, novobiocin, chloramphenicol or drugs of the tetracycline family. The mechanisms of these therapeutic accidents are subject to certain parameters: renal excretion, inactivation systems, binding to plasma albumin, affinity of the tissues for the drugs, intra and extra-vascular compartment distribution, and pharmacogenetics. The special cases of maternal passage of drugs, either during labor or after birth in the milk given to the newborn, are discussed. Lastly, the ethical problem of \"therapeutic trials\" in newborns are analyzed.", "contents": "[Introduction to perinatal pharmacology]. Attention has been focused on the specific pharmacokinetics and clinical pharmacology present during the perinatal period following clinical accidents due to high concentrations of oxygen, vitamin K2, sulfonamides, novobiocin, chloramphenicol or drugs of the tetracycline family. The mechanisms of these therapeutic accidents are subject to certain parameters: renal excretion, inactivation systems, binding to plasma albumin, affinity of the tissues for the drugs, intra and extra-vascular compartment distribution, and pharmacogenetics. The special cases of maternal passage of drugs, either during labor or after birth in the milk given to the newborn, are discussed. Lastly, the ethical problem of \"therapeutic trials\" in newborns are analyzed.", "PMID": 1008667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11285", "title": "[Bilirubin metabolism in the newborn. Recent progress].", "content": "The main stages of bilirubin metabolism and the present state of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia are reviewed. The heterogeneity of substrates for bilirubin synthesis and the regulation of the heme-oxygenase activity are stressed. The importance of albumin for the bilirubin transport and the factors modifying this transport are studied. The detection of free bilirubin and reserve bilirubin binding capacity in neonatal jaundice is discussed as a method to estimate the risk of kernicterus. The induction of bilirubin glucuronyl transferase activity with some drugs and the phototherapy are effective in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia; their values are discussed from the most recent reports.", "contents": "[Bilirubin metabolism in the newborn. Recent progress]. The main stages of bilirubin metabolism and the present state of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia are reviewed. The heterogeneity of substrates for bilirubin synthesis and the regulation of the heme-oxygenase activity are stressed. The importance of albumin for the bilirubin transport and the factors modifying this transport are studied. The detection of free bilirubin and reserve bilirubin binding capacity in neonatal jaundice is discussed as a method to estimate the risk of kernicterus. The induction of bilirubin glucuronyl transferase activity with some drugs and the phototherapy are effective in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia; their values are discussed from the most recent reports.", "PMID": 1008668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11286", "title": "[Experimental results with different fractionation regimes and low-LET irradiation of mice (author's transl)].", "content": "The effect of several fractionation regimes was examined by the model of mammary tumour in C3H-mice. The best results were observed with several fractionations daily. No curative effect was obtained by means of a total dose of 6000 rd achieved with all fractionation regimes. The results of investigations underline the importance of considering cellular proliferation kinetic processes in malignant tumours in order to optimize the temporal distribution of radiation dose.", "contents": "[Experimental results with different fractionation regimes and low-LET irradiation of mice (author's transl)]. The effect of several fractionation regimes was examined by the model of mammary tumour in C3H-mice. The best results were observed with several fractionations daily. No curative effect was obtained by means of a total dose of 6000 rd achieved with all fractionation regimes. The results of investigations underline the importance of considering cellular proliferation kinetic processes in malignant tumours in order to optimize the temporal distribution of radiation dose.", "PMID": 1008669} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11287", "title": "[Syngeneic ascitic mouse sarcomas-test systemt in chemotherapy (author's transl)].", "content": "The establishment of two syngeneic mouse sarcoma lines is described, which were induced with benzo[a]pyrene originally as solid tumours growing in the subcutaneous region, and which subsequently changed to the ascitic form. Successive i.p. transplantations produced progressive increases of malignancy. The same progressive tendencies were found for metastatic trials carried out in parallel with the i.p. transplantations. The use of both ascitic tumour cell lines for standardized chemotherapeutical screening systems is discussed.", "contents": "[Syngeneic ascitic mouse sarcomas-test systemt in chemotherapy (author's transl)]. The establishment of two syngeneic mouse sarcoma lines is described, which were induced with benzo[a]pyrene originally as solid tumours growing in the subcutaneous region, and which subsequently changed to the ascitic form. Successive i.p. transplantations produced progressive increases of malignancy. The same progressive tendencies were found for metastatic trials carried out in parallel with the i.p. transplantations. The use of both ascitic tumour cell lines for standardized chemotherapeutical screening systems is discussed.", "PMID": 1008670} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11288", "title": "[Clinical examination of the conception '86 of \"Canoer Multistep-Therapie\" (CMT) by M. v. Ardene. First communication: the standard, the control-parameters, and the course of therapy (author's transl)].", "content": "It is reported about the clinical testing of the \"Cancer Multistep Therapy\" (CMT) by M. von Ardenne (CMT Concept '74). It was made in 1974/75 on 42 tumour-patients. At first we demonstrate in this publication clinical and paraclinical findings, which may be relevant for the therapy-standard, but the results of the therapy-efficiency will be given later. On the base of findings and observations we verify a program-true employment of the CMT Concept '74 and we demonstrate the pathophysiological reaction-patterns in connection with the longterm-hyperglycemia (glucose-utilization, spontaneous hyperthermy with tachycardia, spontaneous leukocytosis with typical deviations in the hematogram). These reaction-patterns are described particularly as \"general adaptation syndrome\" (Selye). Further we give an assessment of compatibility, tolerableness, and practicability of the CMT.", "contents": "[Clinical examination of the conception '86 of \"Canoer Multistep-Therapie\" (CMT) by M. v. Ardene. First communication: the standard, the control-parameters, and the course of therapy (author's transl)]. It is reported about the clinical testing of the \"Cancer Multistep Therapy\" (CMT) by M. von Ardenne (CMT Concept '74). It was made in 1974/75 on 42 tumour-patients. At first we demonstrate in this publication clinical and paraclinical findings, which may be relevant for the therapy-standard, but the results of the therapy-efficiency will be given later. On the base of findings and observations we verify a program-true employment of the CMT Concept '74 and we demonstrate the pathophysiological reaction-patterns in connection with the longterm-hyperglycemia (glucose-utilization, spontaneous hyperthermy with tachycardia, spontaneous leukocytosis with typical deviations in the hematogram). These reaction-patterns are described particularly as \"general adaptation syndrome\" (Selye). Further we give an assessment of compatibility, tolerableness, and practicability of the CMT.", "PMID": 1008671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11289", "title": "Sexual attitudes and behavior patterns during and following pregnancy.", "content": "Changes in sexual attitudes and behavior patterns that might be associated with pregnancy and childbirth were investigated. The subjects were 216 women seen by a group of obstetricians and gynecologist in office practice. While there was a wide range of individual responses, in general a decline in sexual interest, activity, and satisfaction was reported as pregnancy progressed. The desire for body contact remained at a very high level throughout. Some changes in body zones regarded as most erogenous during the course of pregnancy were indicated. Following childbirth the women's sexuality seems to have returned to a normal level. The degree of liberal vs. conservative attitudes toward sex expressed by these women was not affected by the pregnancy, nor did this dimension relate significantly to other behavioral variables.", "contents": "Sexual attitudes and behavior patterns during and following pregnancy. Changes in sexual attitudes and behavior patterns that might be associated with pregnancy and childbirth were investigated. The subjects were 216 women seen by a group of obstetricians and gynecologist in office practice. While there was a wide range of individual responses, in general a decline in sexual interest, activity, and satisfaction was reported as pregnancy progressed. The desire for body contact remained at a very high level throughout. Some changes in body zones regarded as most erogenous during the course of pregnancy were indicated. Following childbirth the women's sexuality seems to have returned to a normal level. The degree of liberal vs. conservative attitudes toward sex expressed by these women was not affected by the pregnancy, nor did this dimension relate significantly to other behavioral variables.", "PMID": 1008699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11290", "title": "[Morphological studies of gastric arteries in patients with gastro-duodenal ulcer].", "content": "Microscopic lesions of the gastric arteries have been studied in 21 patients subjected to resection for gastroduodenal ulcer. The left gastric artery, particularly in patients with gastric ulcer, presents lesions to the intima and media and these can lead to obliteration of the lumen, classifiable as atherosclerotic disease. The seriousness of the lesions would seem to be independent of sex and age. In some cases gastric artery lesions were compared with those to the arterioles in the vicinity of the ulcer. At least as far as the gastric district is concerned, there would not appear to be any gravity correlation between large and small vessels. Some aspects of the vascular pathogenesis of gastroduodenal ulcer are discussed.", "contents": "[Morphological studies of gastric arteries in patients with gastro-duodenal ulcer]. Microscopic lesions of the gastric arteries have been studied in 21 patients subjected to resection for gastroduodenal ulcer. The left gastric artery, particularly in patients with gastric ulcer, presents lesions to the intima and media and these can lead to obliteration of the lumen, classifiable as atherosclerotic disease. The seriousness of the lesions would seem to be independent of sex and age. In some cases gastric artery lesions were compared with those to the arterioles in the vicinity of the ulcer. At least as far as the gastric district is concerned, there would not appear to be any gravity correlation between large and small vessels. Some aspects of the vascular pathogenesis of gastroduodenal ulcer are discussed.", "PMID": 1008694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11291", "title": "Love, sex, permissiveness, and abortion: a test of alternative models.", "content": "Alternative models of premarital abortion permissiveness (PAP) are tested with a two-state sample of single college women. The first model proposes that number of times in love (Love) leads to coitus (Sex) and that coitus increases premarital sexual permissiveness (PSP), which in turn leads to greater acceptance of abortion (PAP). The second posits a causal path from Love to PSP to Sex to PSP. The data appear to be consistent with a revised third model. The paths between Love and PAP and between Love and PSP are negligible, indicating that the effects of Love on PSP and PAP are mediated by Sex. The revised model suggests that as number of times in love increases so does coital experience and that coitus has both a direct effect on PAP and an indirect effect through PSP.", "contents": "Love, sex, permissiveness, and abortion: a test of alternative models. Alternative models of premarital abortion permissiveness (PAP) are tested with a two-state sample of single college women. The first model proposes that number of times in love (Love) leads to coitus (Sex) and that coitus increases premarital sexual permissiveness (PSP), which in turn leads to greater acceptance of abortion (PAP). The second posits a causal path from Love to PSP to Sex to PSP. The data appear to be consistent with a revised third model. The paths between Love and PAP and between Love and PSP are negligible, indicating that the effects of Love on PSP and PAP are mediated by Sex. The revised model suggests that as number of times in love increases so does coital experience and that coitus has both a direct effect on PAP and an indirect effect through PSP.", "PMID": 1008700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11292", "title": "A typology of transsexualism: gender identity theory and data.", "content": "An analysis of postoperative data obtained from 42 male-to-female transsexuals showed them to fall into three distinct categories: homosexual transsexuals, asexual transsexuals, and heterosexual transsexuals. Additonal data covering the areas of gender vs. sexual dysphoria, surgical details, background characteristics, sexuality-related behaviors, and postoperative adaptation further differentiated these groups and suggest that the categorization is theoretically meaningful and relevant to understanding the causes and course of the transsexual phenomenon. An extensive developmental theory is suggested to account for both differences and commonalities among the different subgroups of transsexuals, as well as among these and related groups, such as effeminate homosexuality and transvestism. The theory is sufficiently specific for making empirical predictions.", "contents": "A typology of transsexualism: gender identity theory and data. An analysis of postoperative data obtained from 42 male-to-female transsexuals showed them to fall into three distinct categories: homosexual transsexuals, asexual transsexuals, and heterosexual transsexuals. Additonal data covering the areas of gender vs. sexual dysphoria, surgical details, background characteristics, sexuality-related behaviors, and postoperative adaptation further differentiated these groups and suggest that the categorization is theoretically meaningful and relevant to understanding the causes and course of the transsexual phenomenon. An extensive developmental theory is suggested to account for both differences and commonalities among the different subgroups of transsexuals, as well as among these and related groups, such as effeminate homosexuality and transvestism. The theory is sufficiently specific for making empirical predictions.", "PMID": 1008701} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11293", "title": "[Etiopathogenesis of juvenile osteochondrosis of the hip. Apropos of 2 cases observed in bicorial twins].", "content": "Two cases of juvenile osteochondrosis of the hip in biovular twins form the basis for bibliographical research into the aetiopathogenesis of the disease. Although pathogenesis is now known to be a more or less severe trophic disturbance of the head of the femur caused by faulty arterial flow through the local circulation, the prime causes of such circulatory arrest remain doubtful. Critical examination of studies carried out on the question would seem to point to a Perthes disease aetiology which would fit most of the more authoritative theories.", "contents": "[Etiopathogenesis of juvenile osteochondrosis of the hip. Apropos of 2 cases observed in bicorial twins]. Two cases of juvenile osteochondrosis of the hip in biovular twins form the basis for bibliographical research into the aetiopathogenesis of the disease. Although pathogenesis is now known to be a more or less severe trophic disturbance of the head of the femur caused by faulty arterial flow through the local circulation, the prime causes of such circulatory arrest remain doubtful. Critical examination of studies carried out on the question would seem to point to a Perthes disease aetiology which would fit most of the more authoritative theories.", "PMID": 1008696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11294", "title": "[The effect of the raw protein supply on the lysine requirements of young pigs of 12-40 kg].", "content": "3 N balance trials were carried out with pigs weighing 12-40 kgs to test values for the lysine requirements of pigs that had been obtained in feeding trials with rations containing varying levels of crude protein. The present trials used rations containing 17%, 15% and 13% crude protein; the corresponding lysine percentages were 0.89, 0,79 and 0.62. The N balances revealed significant differences between the three crude protein levels amounting to 1.50 g, 1.36 g and 1.05 g per kg liveweight 0,67.", "contents": "[The effect of the raw protein supply on the lysine requirements of young pigs of 12-40 kg]. 3 N balance trials were carried out with pigs weighing 12-40 kgs to test values for the lysine requirements of pigs that had been obtained in feeding trials with rations containing varying levels of crude protein. The present trials used rations containing 17%, 15% and 13% crude protein; the corresponding lysine percentages were 0.89, 0,79 and 0.62. The N balances revealed significant differences between the three crude protein levels amounting to 1.50 g, 1.36 g and 1.05 g per kg liveweight 0,67.", "PMID": 1008702} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11295", "title": "[Lysosomal enzymes in the neoplastic pathology of the uterine cervix. Study of acid phosphatase in the diagnostic test of vaginal secretions in patients with pre-invasive and invasive cancer of the uterine cervix. I. Methods and preliminary experiences].", "content": "Gomori's method was used in the detection of positive -- or negative -- phosphatase granulations and their intracellular locations in vaginal secretions from 10 normal women and 20 patients with cervical neoplasia in various stages. Positive-phosphatase granulations were absent in normal subjecta and those with advanced neoplasia, whereas mainly large and medium-sized paranuclear positive granulations were a prominent feature of epithelial cells from patients from state 0-ToNoMo carcinomas. Further details will be given in a second note.", "contents": "[Lysosomal enzymes in the neoplastic pathology of the uterine cervix. Study of acid phosphatase in the diagnostic test of vaginal secretions in patients with pre-invasive and invasive cancer of the uterine cervix. I. Methods and preliminary experiences]. Gomori's method was used in the detection of positive -- or negative -- phosphatase granulations and their intracellular locations in vaginal secretions from 10 normal women and 20 patients with cervical neoplasia in various stages. Positive-phosphatase granulations were absent in normal subjecta and those with advanced neoplasia, whereas mainly large and medium-sized paranuclear positive granulations were a prominent feature of epithelial cells from patients from state 0-ToNoMo carcinomas. Further details will be given in a second note.", "PMID": 1008695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11296", "title": "[Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula within the picture of congenital angiodysplasias. Clinical case].", "content": "The aetiopathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula are examined in the light of a case observed at the Florence University Surgery Clinic in 1970 and marked by multiple truncular fistulae at the middle and inferior lobes of the right lung. The condition is seen as an instance of congenital angiodysplasia with arteriovenous shunt. A clear distinction is drawn between true fistulae, as seen in the reported case, and angioma and aneurysm. Stress is laid on the importance of radical management, though it is conceded that surgery should occasionally be renounced in the absence of symptoms, or where lung hypertension is particularly marked.", "contents": "[Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula within the picture of congenital angiodysplasias. Clinical case]. The aetiopathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula are examined in the light of a case observed at the Florence University Surgery Clinic in 1970 and marked by multiple truncular fistulae at the middle and inferior lobes of the right lung. The condition is seen as an instance of congenital angiodysplasia with arteriovenous shunt. A clear distinction is drawn between true fistulae, as seen in the reported case, and angioma and aneurysm. Stress is laid on the importance of radical management, though it is conceded that surgery should occasionally be renounced in the absence of symptoms, or where lung hypertension is particularly marked.", "PMID": 1008697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11297", "title": "[Lysosomal lesions during a course of acute experimental muscular ischemia. Protective effect of a polypetitide proteinase inhibitor].", "content": "Three groups of rabbits were used: a) with acute ischaemia in a rear limb; b) with acute ischaemia in a rear limb and treated with i.v. 100,000 KIU of a proteinase-inhibitor polypeptide extracted from ox lung; c) normal controls. Acute ischaemia was obtained by ligature of the ipsilateral common iliac, external iliac, inferior epigastric and femoral arteries. Soluble and total activity of 3 lysosomal enzymes (cathepsin, acid phosphatase and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase) were determined in gastrocnemius muscle from all 3 groups. The mean ratio between bound and soluble activity for all 3 enzymes in normal gastrocnemius muscle was higher than in ischaemic muscle, but not significantly different from that in ischemic muscle of animals treated with the polypeptide. Furthermore, this ratio in ischemic muscle was significantly lower than that of ischemic muscle of the rabbits treated with the polypeptide. These data suggest that the polypeptide offers protection against lysosomal lesion in the course of experimental ischaemia of the skeletal muscle.", "contents": "[Lysosomal lesions during a course of acute experimental muscular ischemia. Protective effect of a polypetitide proteinase inhibitor]. Three groups of rabbits were used: a) with acute ischaemia in a rear limb; b) with acute ischaemia in a rear limb and treated with i.v. 100,000 KIU of a proteinase-inhibitor polypeptide extracted from ox lung; c) normal controls. Acute ischaemia was obtained by ligature of the ipsilateral common iliac, external iliac, inferior epigastric and femoral arteries. Soluble and total activity of 3 lysosomal enzymes (cathepsin, acid phosphatase and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase) were determined in gastrocnemius muscle from all 3 groups. The mean ratio between bound and soluble activity for all 3 enzymes in normal gastrocnemius muscle was higher than in ischaemic muscle, but not significantly different from that in ischemic muscle of animals treated with the polypeptide. Furthermore, this ratio in ischemic muscle was significantly lower than that of ischemic muscle of the rabbits treated with the polypeptide. These data suggest that the polypeptide offers protection against lysosomal lesion in the course of experimental ischaemia of the skeletal muscle.", "PMID": 1008698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11298", "title": "[Secretion of radioactively labeled amino acids into the digestive tract. I. Report 14C labeling of the pancreas after subcutaneous injection of 14C-leucine in rats].", "content": "4 different groups of experimental animals (rats) were injected 14C leucine at 4 different levels of specific 14C activity. Groups A and B received a dosis of leucine corresponding to the daily leucine requirements of the animals. The specific 14C activity was high in group A and low in group B. Groups C and D were injected a leucine dosis at a level of 10% from the groups A and B. the specific 14C activity being again high (group C) or low (group D). The results showed that a true evalution of the experiment could lnly be achieved if the values were related to the true rate of labeling (DPM/mg N or specific 14C leucine activity). The \"percentage of the injected dosis\" proved to be unsuitable for the analysis of the experimental results when taken as reference frame. The levels of specific 14leucine activity in free plasma leucine were in the same order as the specific activities of the injected solutions (C greater than A greater than D greater than B) whereas the order of specific 14C leucine activities in the TCE-soluble fraction of the pancreatic gland (TCE-trichloroacetic acid) was found to be A greater than C greater than B greater than D. This was due to the higher rate of 14C-leucine transfer into the protein fraction in the animals of group C and D receiving a normal supply of leucine. In these groups an equilibrium in specific 14C-leucine activity between the TCE-soluble and TCE-precipitable fractions was achieved 20-30 mins after injection. A relatively high degree of labelling of the pancreatic protein was noted as early as about 2 minutes after the injection of 14C-leucine. This indicates that in studies on amino acid absorption the secretion of those amino acids that are first absorbed and then resecreted via the pancreatic gland should always be taken into account.", "contents": "[Secretion of radioactively labeled amino acids into the digestive tract. I. Report 14C labeling of the pancreas after subcutaneous injection of 14C-leucine in rats]. 4 different groups of experimental animals (rats) were injected 14C leucine at 4 different levels of specific 14C activity. Groups A and B received a dosis of leucine corresponding to the daily leucine requirements of the animals. The specific 14C activity was high in group A and low in group B. Groups C and D were injected a leucine dosis at a level of 10% from the groups A and B. the specific 14C activity being again high (group C) or low (group D). The results showed that a true evalution of the experiment could lnly be achieved if the values were related to the true rate of labeling (DPM/mg N or specific 14C leucine activity). The \"percentage of the injected dosis\" proved to be unsuitable for the analysis of the experimental results when taken as reference frame. The levels of specific 14leucine activity in free plasma leucine were in the same order as the specific activities of the injected solutions (C greater than A greater than D greater than B) whereas the order of specific 14C leucine activities in the TCE-soluble fraction of the pancreatic gland (TCE-trichloroacetic acid) was found to be A greater than C greater than B greater than D. This was due to the higher rate of 14C-leucine transfer into the protein fraction in the animals of group C and D receiving a normal supply of leucine. In these groups an equilibrium in specific 14C-leucine activity between the TCE-soluble and TCE-precipitable fractions was achieved 20-30 mins after injection. A relatively high degree of labelling of the pancreatic protein was noted as early as about 2 minutes after the injection of 14C-leucine. This indicates that in studies on amino acid absorption the secretion of those amino acids that are first absorbed and then resecreted via the pancreatic gland should always be taken into account.", "PMID": 1008704} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11299", "title": "[The effect of the raw protein supply on the lysine requirements of young pigs of 12-40 kg. 1. Report. Feeding studies with wheat-peanut extraction residue rations].", "content": "10 feedings trials were carried out with a total of more than 500 pigs weighing 12 to 40 kgs. To investigate the lysine needs of growing pigs, the animals were fed rations of wheat + extracted ground nut meal. Different food mixtures were tested containing 5 levels of crude protein (19%, 17%, 15%, 13% and 11% of the dry feed. Within each crude protein level 6 graded lysine supplements were added to the ration. The trial showed that the lysine requirements of the weaned pigs were in a decisive measure determined by the percentage proportion of crude protein contained in the ration. The crude protein portion may be calculated (for the liveweight range tested) by using the following regression equation: y=0.28+0.075x (y=lysine requirements expressed as % of the air-dried ration; x=percentage proportion of crude protein in the ration). Rations containing only protein sources of vegetable origin, with a minimum protein content of 15%, produced the same daily weight gains (520 g) as a standard diet, if the lysine demands were met through the supplementation of synthetic lysine.", "contents": "[The effect of the raw protein supply on the lysine requirements of young pigs of 12-40 kg. 1. Report. Feeding studies with wheat-peanut extraction residue rations]. 10 feedings trials were carried out with a total of more than 500 pigs weighing 12 to 40 kgs. To investigate the lysine needs of growing pigs, the animals were fed rations of wheat + extracted ground nut meal. Different food mixtures were tested containing 5 levels of crude protein (19%, 17%, 15%, 13% and 11% of the dry feed. Within each crude protein level 6 graded lysine supplements were added to the ration. The trial showed that the lysine requirements of the weaned pigs were in a decisive measure determined by the percentage proportion of crude protein contained in the ration. The crude protein portion may be calculated (for the liveweight range tested) by using the following regression equation: y=0.28+0.075x (y=lysine requirements expressed as % of the air-dried ration; x=percentage proportion of crude protein in the ration). Rations containing only protein sources of vegetable origin, with a minimum protein content of 15%, produced the same daily weight gains (520 g) as a standard diet, if the lysine demands were met through the supplementation of synthetic lysine.", "PMID": 1008705} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11300", "title": "[The porosity of bone cement (author's transl)].", "content": "This paper describes a method of measuring the porosity, shape, distribution and formation of cavities in acrylic cement. We distinguish between big spherical cavities greater than 60 mu and small cavities less than 60 mu which form a variable \"basic porosity\" with a large number, but a minor volume of bubbles. The bubbles are formed in two different ways. The first is through introduction of air bubbles in the mixing phase by stirring the cement before the working time. These bubbles expand little by temperature rise. The second method of formation is through neoformation of bubbles by evaporation of the monomer at about 100 degrees C. This neoformation of porosity expands the cement. The rise of volume through the neoformation and expansion of bubbles is able to compensate the shrinking of cement due to the polymerization. This effect, however, cannot be currently controlled. Cement strength is influenced by the degree of porosity.", "contents": "[The porosity of bone cement (author's transl)]. This paper describes a method of measuring the porosity, shape, distribution and formation of cavities in acrylic cement. We distinguish between big spherical cavities greater than 60 mu and small cavities less than 60 mu which form a variable \"basic porosity\" with a large number, but a minor volume of bubbles. The bubbles are formed in two different ways. The first is through introduction of air bubbles in the mixing phase by stirring the cement before the working time. These bubbles expand little by temperature rise. The second method of formation is through neoformation of bubbles by evaporation of the monomer at about 100 degrees C. This neoformation of porosity expands the cement. The rise of volume through the neoformation and expansion of bubbles is able to compensate the shrinking of cement due to the polymerization. This effect, however, cannot be currently controlled. Cement strength is influenced by the degree of porosity.", "PMID": 1008727} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11301", "title": "[Biological effect of bariumsulfate as contrast material in bone cement. An animal study on rabbit femora (author's transl)].", "content": "The investigations presented in this paper concern the question of toxicity of Bariumsulfate as an ingredient of bone-cement. In 6 rabbits the medullary cavity of the right femur was filled with bone-cement which contained Bariumsulfate as X-ray contrast ingredient and the left one with BaSO4-free bone-cement. 4 1/2 months post operationem the femura were investigated by histological and microradiographic methods. The status of both sides was compared. On the BaSO4-containing side regularly necrotic lamellar bone structures in the zones of osteogenesis and single disseminated necroses are found which are not caused by the primary lesion occuring during the implantation procedure. Additionally the zone of primary lesions which is found on both sides was more extensive at the BaSO4-containing side.", "contents": "[Biological effect of bariumsulfate as contrast material in bone cement. An animal study on rabbit femora (author's transl)]. The investigations presented in this paper concern the question of toxicity of Bariumsulfate as an ingredient of bone-cement. In 6 rabbits the medullary cavity of the right femur was filled with bone-cement which contained Bariumsulfate as X-ray contrast ingredient and the left one with BaSO4-free bone-cement. 4 1/2 months post operationem the femura were investigated by histological and microradiographic methods. The status of both sides was compared. On the BaSO4-containing side regularly necrotic lamellar bone structures in the zones of osteogenesis and single disseminated necroses are found which are not caused by the primary lesion occuring during the implantation procedure. Additionally the zone of primary lesions which is found on both sides was more extensive at the BaSO4-containing side.", "PMID": 1008728} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11302", "title": "[Deformity and arthrosis in slipped upper femoral epiphysis (author's transl)].", "content": "X-rays of 104 slipped upper femoral epiphysis (without reduction of epiphysis and complications) showed pathological datas of the hip joints (ACM-angle, CE-angle, H\u00fcftwert) in one third of the cases in the beginning and 60% until 12 years later. With higher degree of slip the arthrosis increase, but not the pathological datas of the hip joint. There is no dependence between deformity of the hip and arthrosis. Apparently the articular cartilage necrosis partially determine the development of arthrosis.", "contents": "[Deformity and arthrosis in slipped upper femoral epiphysis (author's transl)]. X-rays of 104 slipped upper femoral epiphysis (without reduction of epiphysis and complications) showed pathological datas of the hip joints (ACM-angle, CE-angle, H\u00fcftwert) in one third of the cases in the beginning and 60% until 12 years later. With higher degree of slip the arthrosis increase, but not the pathological datas of the hip joint. There is no dependence between deformity of the hip and arthrosis. Apparently the articular cartilage necrosis partially determine the development of arthrosis.", "PMID": 1008729} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11303", "title": "[Evaluation of loosening of different total hip models and neck lengths (author's transl)].", "content": "The percentage of aseptic loosening of different types of total hip prostheses in 771 cases has been evaluated. The time of follow-up ranged between 1/2 and 6 years. In prostheses of the Charnley-M\u00fcller type of loosening was 7.8% in the Charnley-M\u00fcller-Weller type with a 2-year shorter follow-up it was 2.4%. No loosening was found during the last 2 1/2 years when the prosthesis of Beck was used, which has an increased femoral shaft-neck angle and a longer stem. When a longer neck was used, the loosening averaged 5.6%. In cases of normal neck-length it was 3.6%. From the biomechanical standpoint it seems preferable to use prostheses with an increased shaft-neck angle. Comparing the rates of loosening as reported in the literature it appears that prostheses where the femur is displaced medially (by a small femoral head or increased shaft-neck angle) show a very low rate of loosening. Models with metal sockets (McKee-Farrar and Weber-Huggler) seem to have a higher rate of loosening than models with polyethylene sockets.", "contents": "[Evaluation of loosening of different total hip models and neck lengths (author's transl)]. The percentage of aseptic loosening of different types of total hip prostheses in 771 cases has been evaluated. The time of follow-up ranged between 1/2 and 6 years. In prostheses of the Charnley-M\u00fcller type of loosening was 7.8% in the Charnley-M\u00fcller-Weller type with a 2-year shorter follow-up it was 2.4%. No loosening was found during the last 2 1/2 years when the prosthesis of Beck was used, which has an increased femoral shaft-neck angle and a longer stem. When a longer neck was used, the loosening averaged 5.6%. In cases of normal neck-length it was 3.6%. From the biomechanical standpoint it seems preferable to use prostheses with an increased shaft-neck angle. Comparing the rates of loosening as reported in the literature it appears that prostheses where the femur is displaced medially (by a small femoral head or increased shaft-neck angle) show a very low rate of loosening. Models with metal sockets (McKee-Farrar and Weber-Huggler) seem to have a higher rate of loosening than models with polyethylene sockets.", "PMID": 1008730} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11304", "title": "[On the pressure distribution between femoral head and cup of a total hip joint prosthesis (author's transl)].", "content": "The stresses that occur between femoral head and cup in a total human hip joint prosthesis are especially calculated for the running-in phase when transition takes place between the Hertzian stress distribution and the stress distribution caused by wear. It turns out that the Hertzian stress distribution has already altered considerably after nearly 1 year of wear.", "contents": "[On the pressure distribution between femoral head and cup of a total hip joint prosthesis (author's transl)]. The stresses that occur between femoral head and cup in a total human hip joint prosthesis are especially calculated for the running-in phase when transition takes place between the Hertzian stress distribution and the stress distribution caused by wear. It turns out that the Hertzian stress distribution has already altered considerably after nearly 1 year of wear.", "PMID": 1008731} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11305", "title": "Stress and distress in middle age - The mental health of doctors.", "content": "In considering subject material of \"Stress and distress\" in a symposium devoted to emotional probelms of middle age, who better to consider than the doctor? What effects does the stress of medical practice have on the mental health of the practitioner and his family?", "contents": "Stress and distress in middle age - The mental health of doctors. In considering subject material of \"Stress and distress\" in a symposium devoted to emotional probelms of middle age, who better to consider than the doctor? What effects does the stress of medical practice have on the mental health of the practitioner and his family?", "PMID": 1008733} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11306", "title": "The GP - doctor or middle-man? A study of his paper work.", "content": "The convention of using medical certificates to assess benefit claims has grown over the years to a complex situation. The certificate serves as written testimony of the patient's state of health (be it illness, fitness or a need which is based on those grounds). While the practitioner is presumed to be serving only his patient, this study suggests that he is required to act as arbitrator in many situations that are unnecessarily defined as medical.", "contents": "The GP - doctor or middle-man? A study of his paper work. The convention of using medical certificates to assess benefit claims has grown over the years to a complex situation. The certificate serves as written testimony of the patient's state of health (be it illness, fitness or a need which is based on those grounds). While the practitioner is presumed to be serving only his patient, this study suggests that he is required to act as arbitrator in many situations that are unnecessarily defined as medical.", "PMID": 1008734} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11307", "title": "An analysis of the activities of general practitioners.", "content": "This study has demonstrated that activity sampling is a practical and sensitive method of analysing the general practitioner's task. The data so gathered can be used in planning and devising innovations in practice management, in planning and evaluating the use of allied health professionals for non- diagnostic tasks, for assisting in the definition of objectives for medical education more clearly, and finally, when the appropriate indices have been developed, for evaluating the quality of care provided.", "contents": "An analysis of the activities of general practitioners. This study has demonstrated that activity sampling is a practical and sensitive method of analysing the general practitioner's task. The data so gathered can be used in planning and devising innovations in practice management, in planning and evaluating the use of allied health professionals for non- diagnostic tasks, for assisting in the definition of objectives for medical education more clearly, and finally, when the appropriate indices have been developed, for evaluating the quality of care provided.", "PMID": 1008735} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11308", "title": "A survey of human sexuality teaching in the medical course.", "content": "In recent years, the curriculae of some Australian medical schools have been extensively revised. However, being revisions, as distinct from reconstructions, new subjects were only added if they were thought of at the time; for example, electives. Still more recently, there have been cries for undergraduate medical education to involve itself more with the common problems typically facing the family physician. This has paralleled the wave of verbal opinion by medical students, doctors, and allied health professionals, that the field of \"Human sexuality\" should be included in the medical curriculum as an integrated but distinct entity. The survey presented in this article was carried out to document this opinion on paper, and to obtain information which may be relevant in proposals for establishing such a formal teaching programme.", "contents": "A survey of human sexuality teaching in the medical course. In recent years, the curriculae of some Australian medical schools have been extensively revised. However, being revisions, as distinct from reconstructions, new subjects were only added if they were thought of at the time; for example, electives. Still more recently, there have been cries for undergraduate medical education to involve itself more with the common problems typically facing the family physician. This has paralleled the wave of verbal opinion by medical students, doctors, and allied health professionals, that the field of \"Human sexuality\" should be included in the medical curriculum as an integrated but distinct entity. The survey presented in this article was carried out to document this opinion on paper, and to obtain information which may be relevant in proposals for establishing such a formal teaching programme.", "PMID": 1008737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11309", "title": "Comprehensive management of the hyperkinetic child.", "content": "Family practitioners have been and will continue to be, in all countries, \"front line psychiatrists\" for their communities. This fact is particularly true for child care, since child psychiatrists are so few in number, and they are hardly able to see, still less treat even the tip of the iceburg of troubled children. Parents and schools turn first of all to their family physician. Today, quite commonly, the defined problem is \"he's hyperactive\" -- a term which has appeared in educational, medical, scientific and general literature since the 1950's. A practical and comprehensive approach towards understanding and management of these children is outlined here, with the suggestion that a copy of this paper could productively be shared with parents, teachers and even the affected child, depending upon his or her cognitive level.", "contents": "Comprehensive management of the hyperkinetic child. Family practitioners have been and will continue to be, in all countries, \"front line psychiatrists\" for their communities. This fact is particularly true for child care, since child psychiatrists are so few in number, and they are hardly able to see, still less treat even the tip of the iceburg of troubled children. Parents and schools turn first of all to their family physician. Today, quite commonly, the defined problem is \"he's hyperactive\" -- a term which has appeared in educational, medical, scientific and general literature since the 1950's. A practical and comprehensive approach towards understanding and management of these children is outlined here, with the suggestion that a copy of this paper could productively be shared with parents, teachers and even the affected child, depending upon his or her cognitive level.", "PMID": 1008743} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11310", "title": "Principles of management of juvenile-onset diabetes.", "content": "This paper discusses \"juvenile-onset diabetes\", which is a condition that can begin at any time during the life span. The condition is understood to mean that type of diabetes in which there is absolute insulin deficiency, and where insulin therapy is required.", "contents": "Principles of management of juvenile-onset diabetes. This paper discusses \"juvenile-onset diabetes\", which is a condition that can begin at any time during the life span. The condition is understood to mean that type of diabetes in which there is absolute insulin deficiency, and where insulin therapy is required.", "PMID": 1008744} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11311", "title": "Characterization of cells of the normal aortic endothelium of adult rats and changes due to endotoxin shock. I. Communication: light microscopy, autoradiography, DNA cytophotometry, and enzyme histochemistry.", "content": "Aortic endothelium of normal and endotoxin treated rats was investigated in \"H\u00e4utchen\" preparations by light microscopy, autoradiography, DNA cytophotometry, and enzyme histochemistry. In the endothelium of control rats the following cell populations were found: 1. Endothelial cells (90% of all cells in endothelium), characterized by the alignment of the longitudinal axis of their nuclei, their light microscopic morphology, their DNA content resp. DNA synthesis, and by their enzymatic activity; 2. mononuclear cells (10% of all cells in endothelium), identified as mature blood monocytes, mononuclear phagocytes (macrophages), and as lymphocytes; 3. granulocytes (less than 1% of all cells in endothelium). The presence of mononuclear cells and granulocytes in the normal endothelium appears to be the expression of a physiological repair process in endothelium. After endotoxin application one can observe an endothelial damage and then a repair process. During the repair of endothelium the following processes occurred: An increase of DNA synthesis particularly of endothelial cells, an aggregation of platelets on the endothelial surface, an increase in number of granulocytes and at last an increase in number of activated mononuclear cells. Participation of mononuclear cells in the physiological as well as in the pathological repair process of endothelium was shown by the present investigation. The process of transformation of mononuclear cells into endothelial cells is discussed at the same time.", "contents": "Characterization of cells of the normal aortic endothelium of adult rats and changes due to endotoxin shock. I. Communication: light microscopy, autoradiography, DNA cytophotometry, and enzyme histochemistry. Aortic endothelium of normal and endotoxin treated rats was investigated in \"H\u00e4utchen\" preparations by light microscopy, autoradiography, DNA cytophotometry, and enzyme histochemistry. In the endothelium of control rats the following cell populations were found: 1. Endothelial cells (90% of all cells in endothelium), characterized by the alignment of the longitudinal axis of their nuclei, their light microscopic morphology, their DNA content resp. DNA synthesis, and by their enzymatic activity; 2. mononuclear cells (10% of all cells in endothelium), identified as mature blood monocytes, mononuclear phagocytes (macrophages), and as lymphocytes; 3. granulocytes (less than 1% of all cells in endothelium). The presence of mononuclear cells and granulocytes in the normal endothelium appears to be the expression of a physiological repair process in endothelium. After endotoxin application one can observe an endothelial damage and then a repair process. During the repair of endothelium the following processes occurred: An increase of DNA synthesis particularly of endothelial cells, an aggregation of platelets on the endothelial surface, an increase in number of granulocytes and at last an increase in number of activated mononuclear cells. Participation of mononuclear cells in the physiological as well as in the pathological repair process of endothelium was shown by the present investigation. The process of transformation of mononuclear cells into endothelial cells is discussed at the same time.", "PMID": 1008748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11312", "title": "[The presence of epithelioid glomus structures in the lymph nodes of excised mammary carcinomas (author's transl)].", "content": "A report is presented on the demonstration of epithelioid cell clusters within the axillary lymph node group, which - in the absence of knowledge of their structural peculiarities--could be taken for micrometastases of a solid mammary carcinoma. The lymph node material from 400 extensively excised mammary carcinomas with obligatory lymphonodectomy was available for this study. Microscopic inspection of successive sections at intervals of 100 mu was performed following fixation and optical demonstration of all lymph nodes in a picric acid medium. This procedure led to the discovery of epithelioid cell clusters in 18 out of the 400 cases examined. As regards their appearance, with direct allocation to the local vascular stroma, these clusters must be regarded as glomus-like structures. In no case could metastases of a mammary carcinoma and the epithelioid cell foci mentioned here be demonstrated either next to each other or combined. In appearance they are remarkably similar to the already known glomus structures of other sites. The presence of such structure in lymph nodes is most likely attributable to micromorphous malformation of vessels in the sense of hamartia. From a clinical point of view, their fundamental significance consists in the necessary differentialdiagnostic demarcation against metastase of solid carcinoma in the region of origin of the lymph.", "contents": "[The presence of epithelioid glomus structures in the lymph nodes of excised mammary carcinomas (author's transl)]. A report is presented on the demonstration of epithelioid cell clusters within the axillary lymph node group, which - in the absence of knowledge of their structural peculiarities--could be taken for micrometastases of a solid mammary carcinoma. The lymph node material from 400 extensively excised mammary carcinomas with obligatory lymphonodectomy was available for this study. Microscopic inspection of successive sections at intervals of 100 mu was performed following fixation and optical demonstration of all lymph nodes in a picric acid medium. This procedure led to the discovery of epithelioid cell clusters in 18 out of the 400 cases examined. As regards their appearance, with direct allocation to the local vascular stroma, these clusters must be regarded as glomus-like structures. In no case could metastases of a mammary carcinoma and the epithelioid cell foci mentioned here be demonstrated either next to each other or combined. In appearance they are remarkably similar to the already known glomus structures of other sites. The presence of such structure in lymph nodes is most likely attributable to micromorphous malformation of vessels in the sense of hamartia. From a clinical point of view, their fundamental significance consists in the necessary differentialdiagnostic demarcation against metastase of solid carcinoma in the region of origin of the lymph.", "PMID": 1008749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11313", "title": "Quantitative histological aspects of liver cirrhosis.", "content": "In human liver cirrhosis and other liver diseases relatively large nuclei are found with finely meshed chromatin and large nucleoli which do not occur in liver of individuals without liver disease. The number of tetraploid nuclei near central veins and portal areas in normal livers is not statistically significantly increased in comparison with the surrounding areas. The percentage of diploid nuclei in these livers varies from 80-95 per cent. There are definite differences in the number of adjacent microscopical fields of view with an increased degree of polyploidy when livers of normal individuals are compared with livers from patients with suspected liver disease and patients with liver cirrhosis. The increased degree of polyploidy in the last two groups can be considered as sign of regeneration.", "contents": "Quantitative histological aspects of liver cirrhosis. In human liver cirrhosis and other liver diseases relatively large nuclei are found with finely meshed chromatin and large nucleoli which do not occur in liver of individuals without liver disease. The number of tetraploid nuclei near central veins and portal areas in normal livers is not statistically significantly increased in comparison with the surrounding areas. The percentage of diploid nuclei in these livers varies from 80-95 per cent. There are definite differences in the number of adjacent microscopical fields of view with an increased degree of polyploidy when livers of normal individuals are compared with livers from patients with suspected liver disease and patients with liver cirrhosis. The increased degree of polyploidy in the last two groups can be considered as sign of regeneration.", "PMID": 1008750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11314", "title": "Comparison of the effects of ethidium bromide and of ethidium bromide-deoxyribonucleic acid complex in fibroblasts cultivated in vitro.", "content": "Chick embryo fibroblasts cultivated in vitro were treated with ethidium bromide (E.B.) or with DNA-E.B. complex (DNA-E.B.). E.B. (5 mug/ml) provokes morphological alterations and cell death, inhibits DNA synthesis and mitotic activity. DNA-E.B. (E.B. 5 mug/ml) is less toxic to the fibroblasts as far as cell structure, DNA synthesis and mitotic activity are concerned. DNA alone has no apparent effect on the fibroblasts. As shown by fluorescence microscopy, the lower toxicity of DNA-E.B. seems to be related to its mode of penetration into the cells.", "contents": "Comparison of the effects of ethidium bromide and of ethidium bromide-deoxyribonucleic acid complex in fibroblasts cultivated in vitro. Chick embryo fibroblasts cultivated in vitro were treated with ethidium bromide (E.B.) or with DNA-E.B. complex (DNA-E.B.). E.B. (5 mug/ml) provokes morphological alterations and cell death, inhibits DNA synthesis and mitotic activity. DNA-E.B. (E.B. 5 mug/ml) is less toxic to the fibroblasts as far as cell structure, DNA synthesis and mitotic activity are concerned. DNA alone has no apparent effect on the fibroblasts. As shown by fluorescence microscopy, the lower toxicity of DNA-E.B. seems to be related to its mode of penetration into the cells.", "PMID": 1008751} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11315", "title": "[Serological and clinical aspects of mass transfusion].", "content": "Massive transfusion of cold blood causes hemodinamic disturbances because of its acidity, surplus of potassium and defiency of calcium. Negative influence also results from stronger viscosity of blood, from the change of the active substances of blood coagulation, change of the patient's coagulation system responding to the transfused blood, subclinical troubles in this system according to the degree of the shock, reduced ability of oxygen transport caused by viscous blood, poor microcirculation etcr. Arrythmia, bradycardia, fibrilation of heart ventricles, may occur. Vasoconstrictions, microembolism and other incidents may appear. The quality of preserved blood changes during the conservation is changed, potassium and ATP are the indicators for its quality. At massive transfusions blood has to be warmed, filtered through special filters, to the patient has to be given just the quality of blood he needs etcr. The transfusiologist can help the therapist with useful advices and informations for the patient's sake.", "contents": "[Serological and clinical aspects of mass transfusion]. Massive transfusion of cold blood causes hemodinamic disturbances because of its acidity, surplus of potassium and defiency of calcium. Negative influence also results from stronger viscosity of blood, from the change of the active substances of blood coagulation, change of the patient's coagulation system responding to the transfused blood, subclinical troubles in this system according to the degree of the shock, reduced ability of oxygen transport caused by viscous blood, poor microcirculation etcr. Arrythmia, bradycardia, fibrilation of heart ventricles, may occur. Vasoconstrictions, microembolism and other incidents may appear. The quality of preserved blood changes during the conservation is changed, potassium and ATP are the indicators for its quality. At massive transfusions blood has to be warmed, filtered through special filters, to the patient has to be given just the quality of blood he needs etcr. The transfusiologist can help the therapist with useful advices and informations for the patient's sake.", "PMID": 1008797} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11316", "title": "[Preparation of granulocyte concentrates from healthy donors using a continuous-flow centrifuge (CFC)].", "content": "By means of continous flow centrifuge the authors have obtained suspensions of granulocytes from the blood of healthy donors. Results of granulocytophereses are presented here with the main points in the therapy of granulocytopenic patients with granulocytes rich suspension. The mean volume of the obtained suspension was 418ml. and it contained 9,78 X 10(9) leukocytes. 70 percent of them were granulocytes, the said volume contained 48 ml of red blood cells. All the donors had been premedicated with i.v. dexamethason (4mg./kg body weight). No one of the 51 donors developed anaemia or hypoproteinemia. After the application of the protamin sulphate, however, two donors had face flushing breathlessness and gastric ache. These symptoms disappeared after the administration of corticosteroids. Although they are connected with the administration of protamin sulphate we can not explain them.", "contents": "[Preparation of granulocyte concentrates from healthy donors using a continuous-flow centrifuge (CFC)]. By means of continous flow centrifuge the authors have obtained suspensions of granulocytes from the blood of healthy donors. Results of granulocytophereses are presented here with the main points in the therapy of granulocytopenic patients with granulocytes rich suspension. The mean volume of the obtained suspension was 418ml. and it contained 9,78 X 10(9) leukocytes. 70 percent of them were granulocytes, the said volume contained 48 ml of red blood cells. All the donors had been premedicated with i.v. dexamethason (4mg./kg body weight). No one of the 51 donors developed anaemia or hypoproteinemia. After the application of the protamin sulphate, however, two donors had face flushing breathlessness and gastric ache. These symptoms disappeared after the administration of corticosteroids. Although they are connected with the administration of protamin sulphate we can not explain them.", "PMID": 1008798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11317", "title": "[Concentrated antihemophilic globulin in the treatment of hemorrhagic syndromes].", "content": "The author presented the general informations on the preparation of the Factor VIII and Factor IX concentrates, on their use and side effects. Special attention was paid to the resolutions of the Scientific group on the Inherited Blood Clotting Disorders, in the meeting of the World Health Organization, which was held in Geneva, 1972.", "contents": "[Concentrated antihemophilic globulin in the treatment of hemorrhagic syndromes]. The author presented the general informations on the preparation of the Factor VIII and Factor IX concentrates, on their use and side effects. Special attention was paid to the resolutions of the Scientific group on the Inherited Blood Clotting Disorders, in the meeting of the World Health Organization, which was held in Geneva, 1972.", "PMID": 1008799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11318", "title": "An electrophoretic polymorphism in the serum transferrins of Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis.", "content": "Three serum transferrin phenotypes of Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis, and African rodent having a high incidence of many varieties of spontaneous neoplasms, were detected by electrophoresis and autoradiography. On electrophoresis, transferrin of Trf-K was found to be a protein that migrates slowly toward the cathode, whereas that of Trf-M migrates rapidly. Trf-KM is a heterozygous phenotype of the above two. Progeny testing demonstrated that these three serum transferrin phenotypes in Mastomys are probably controlled by two codominant allelic genes, Trfk and Trfm, at a single autosomal locus. The genotypes of these phenotypes may be Trfk/Trfk, Trfm/Trfm, and Trfk/Trfm.", "contents": "An electrophoretic polymorphism in the serum transferrins of Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis. Three serum transferrin phenotypes of Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis, and African rodent having a high incidence of many varieties of spontaneous neoplasms, were detected by electrophoresis and autoradiography. On electrophoresis, transferrin of Trf-K was found to be a protein that migrates slowly toward the cathode, whereas that of Trf-M migrates rapidly. Trf-KM is a heterozygous phenotype of the above two. Progeny testing demonstrated that these three serum transferrin phenotypes in Mastomys are probably controlled by two codominant allelic genes, Trfk and Trfm, at a single autosomal locus. The genotypes of these phenotypes may be Trfk/Trfk, Trfm/Trfm, and Trfk/Trfm.", "PMID": 1008800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11319", "title": "Genetic study of pancreatic proteinase in mice (Mus musculus): genetic variants of trypsin and chymotrypsin.", "content": "Three to five isozymes of pancreatic proteinase exist in mice, and they have been designated as bands I, II, III, IV, and V. Identification experiments of these isozymes were carried out in this study; bands I, IV, and V are trypsin, and bands II and III are chymotrypsin. Therefore, it is concluded that Prt-1, controlling band V, is a locus for trypsin and Prt-2, controllong bands II and III, is a locus for chymotrypsin. In addition, a new locus, Prt-3, has been found. At this locus the two allelic genes, Prt-3a and Prt-3b, control the low and high tryptic activities of band IV, respectively. Prt-3 is present only in the strain Mol-A. Linkage experimentation has shown that Prt-1 is closely linked to Prt-3.", "contents": "Genetic study of pancreatic proteinase in mice (Mus musculus): genetic variants of trypsin and chymotrypsin. Three to five isozymes of pancreatic proteinase exist in mice, and they have been designated as bands I, II, III, IV, and V. Identification experiments of these isozymes were carried out in this study; bands I, IV, and V are trypsin, and bands II and III are chymotrypsin. Therefore, it is concluded that Prt-1, controlling band V, is a locus for trypsin and Prt-2, controllong bands II and III, is a locus for chymotrypsin. In addition, a new locus, Prt-3, has been found. At this locus the two allelic genes, Prt-3a and Prt-3b, control the low and high tryptic activities of band IV, respectively. Prt-3 is present only in the strain Mol-A. Linkage experimentation has shown that Prt-1 is closely linked to Prt-3.", "PMID": 1008801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11320", "title": "Synchronous allelic expression at the glucosephosphate isomerase A and B loci in interspecific sunfish hybrids.", "content": "Allelic isozymes of glucosephosphate isomerase at the Gpi-A and -B loci were separated by starch gel electrophoresis in the warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) and green sunfish (L. cyanellus). The specific tissue distributions and developmental expressions of the GPI-A2, -AB, and -B2 isozymes were not different between these two species. The synchrony of allelic expression in normal intraspecific sunfish crosses was demonstrated by means of an electrophoretic variant at the Gpi-B locus. In embryos formed from warmouth x green sunfish hybrid crosses, the paternal GPI-A2 isozymes were first expressed at the same time in both reciprocal hybrids, at 21-25 hr after fertilization. The maternal and paternal GPI-B subunits were synchronously expressed in reciprocal hybrids just for prior to hatching. The parental allelic isozymes at both loci shoed codominant expression in all tissues of the mature F1 hybrids. These results are consistent with the absence of allelic asynchrony and inhibition in interspecific hybrids formed from more evolutionarily related species.", "contents": "Synchronous allelic expression at the glucosephosphate isomerase A and B loci in interspecific sunfish hybrids. Allelic isozymes of glucosephosphate isomerase at the Gpi-A and -B loci were separated by starch gel electrophoresis in the warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) and green sunfish (L. cyanellus). The specific tissue distributions and developmental expressions of the GPI-A2, -AB, and -B2 isozymes were not different between these two species. The synchrony of allelic expression in normal intraspecific sunfish crosses was demonstrated by means of an electrophoretic variant at the Gpi-B locus. In embryos formed from warmouth x green sunfish hybrid crosses, the paternal GPI-A2 isozymes were first expressed at the same time in both reciprocal hybrids, at 21-25 hr after fertilization. The maternal and paternal GPI-B subunits were synchronously expressed in reciprocal hybrids just for prior to hatching. The parental allelic isozymes at both loci shoed codominant expression in all tissues of the mature F1 hybrids. These results are consistent with the absence of allelic asynchrony and inhibition in interspecific hybrids formed from more evolutionarily related species.", "PMID": 1008802} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11321", "title": "Mitochondrial proline dehydrogenase deficiency in hyperprolinemic PRO/Re mice: genetic and enzymatic analyses.", "content": "Genetic analyses, involving backcross and F2 matings, demonstrate that the type I hyperprolinemia of PRO/Re mice is caused by an abnormal allelet at a single locus designated pro-1. Mice homozygous for this allele (pro-1b/pro-1b) posses a deficiency in the activity of component 1 of mitochondrial proline dehydrogenase. In liver mitochondria of normal C57BL/6J mice, two proline dehydrogenase activity components are demonstrable by electrophoretic resolution of Triton X-100 solubilized extracts. In mitochondria of PRO/Re mice, the activity of component 1 is not readily detectable. Residual proline dehydrogenase activity in PRO/Re mitochondria appears, therefore, to be due in large measure to activity component 2 which is more stable to incubation at 40 C, exhibits slower electrophoretic mobility, and is less reactive to menadione. Kinetic analyses demonstrate a Km (proline) for the Triton X-100 solubilized enzyme activities of PRO/Re and C57BL/6J liver mitochondria of 0.4 M and 2.9 X 10(-3) M, respectively. C57BL/6J enzyme activity is inhibited by high substrate concentration. The actins of PRO/Re liver obtained by differential centrifugation. Abnormal control of respiratory chain function in PRO/Re mitochondria appears to involve primarily proline oxidation, as indicated by the level of activity of several inner membrane enzymes.", "contents": "Mitochondrial proline dehydrogenase deficiency in hyperprolinemic PRO/Re mice: genetic and enzymatic analyses. Genetic analyses, involving backcross and F2 matings, demonstrate that the type I hyperprolinemia of PRO/Re mice is caused by an abnormal allelet at a single locus designated pro-1. Mice homozygous for this allele (pro-1b/pro-1b) posses a deficiency in the activity of component 1 of mitochondrial proline dehydrogenase. In liver mitochondria of normal C57BL/6J mice, two proline dehydrogenase activity components are demonstrable by electrophoretic resolution of Triton X-100 solubilized extracts. In mitochondria of PRO/Re mice, the activity of component 1 is not readily detectable. Residual proline dehydrogenase activity in PRO/Re mitochondria appears, therefore, to be due in large measure to activity component 2 which is more stable to incubation at 40 C, exhibits slower electrophoretic mobility, and is less reactive to menadione. Kinetic analyses demonstrate a Km (proline) for the Triton X-100 solubilized enzyme activities of PRO/Re and C57BL/6J liver mitochondria of 0.4 M and 2.9 X 10(-3) M, respectively. C57BL/6J enzyme activity is inhibited by high substrate concentration. The actins of PRO/Re liver obtained by differential centrifugation. Abnormal control of respiratory chain function in PRO/Re mitochondria appears to involve primarily proline oxidation, as indicated by the level of activity of several inner membrane enzymes.", "PMID": 1008803} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11322", "title": "Relationship among H-2 type, serum testosterone level, and kidney beta-glucuronidase activity in the mouse.", "content": "C57BL/K1, DBA/2/K1, and backcross male mice have been analyzed for H-2 type, serum testosterone level, and kidney beta-glucuronidase activity. No associations or correlations were found among these three parameters in the backcross material.", "contents": "Relationship among H-2 type, serum testosterone level, and kidney beta-glucuronidase activity in the mouse. C57BL/K1, DBA/2/K1, and backcross male mice have been analyzed for H-2 type, serum testosterone level, and kidney beta-glucuronidase activity. No associations or correlations were found among these three parameters in the backcross material.", "PMID": 1008804} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11323", "title": "Purification and parital characterization of two genetic variants of placental alkaline phosphatase.", "content": "The two most common variants of placental alkaline phosphatase, the F and S variants, were purified to homogeneity and characterized. Their molecular weights were determined by equilibrium ultracentrifugation and sodium dodecylsufate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, which gave almost identical values for the two variants, 118,000 (F) and 119,000 (S). The amino acid compositions of F and S variants presented here are found to be very similar. Differences between the two variants were found in specific activity (160 U/mg for F and 250 U/mg for S), isoelectric point (IP - 4.5 for F and 4.7 for S), sedimentation coefficient (6.5 X 10(-13) sec for F and 6.4 X 10(-13) sec for S). Thus the structural differences observed for these enzyme variants seem to affect both the active site and the protein conformation.", "contents": "Purification and parital characterization of two genetic variants of placental alkaline phosphatase. The two most common variants of placental alkaline phosphatase, the F and S variants, were purified to homogeneity and characterized. Their molecular weights were determined by equilibrium ultracentrifugation and sodium dodecylsufate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, which gave almost identical values for the two variants, 118,000 (F) and 119,000 (S). The amino acid compositions of F and S variants presented here are found to be very similar. Differences between the two variants were found in specific activity (160 U/mg for F and 250 U/mg for S), isoelectric point (IP - 4.5 for F and 4.7 for S), sedimentation coefficient (6.5 X 10(-13) sec for F and 6.4 X 10(-13) sec for S). Thus the structural differences observed for these enzyme variants seem to affect both the active site and the protein conformation.", "PMID": 1008805} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11324", "title": "Genetic divergence of insular populations of deer mice.", "content": "Electrophoretic variants at 28 genetic loci were analyzed in subspecies of Peromyscus maniculatus endemic to the Channel Islands of the California coast. The genetic variability within insular populations was calculated. These deer mice have relatively high levels of polymorphism for insular populations. The mean heterozygosity per individual varies in the populations, being much higher on one of the islands than the others. Nei's measure of genetic distance between groups compared on the basis of electrophoretic variants was used. His estimate of time of divergence of these groups, based on genetic distance, is applicable particularly to closely related groups. The length of time each island population has been isolated from the others was calculated and found to be consistent with the periods of isolation estimated on the basis of geological data.", "contents": "Genetic divergence of insular populations of deer mice. Electrophoretic variants at 28 genetic loci were analyzed in subspecies of Peromyscus maniculatus endemic to the Channel Islands of the California coast. The genetic variability within insular populations was calculated. These deer mice have relatively high levels of polymorphism for insular populations. The mean heterozygosity per individual varies in the populations, being much higher on one of the islands than the others. Nei's measure of genetic distance between groups compared on the basis of electrophoretic variants was used. His estimate of time of divergence of these groups, based on genetic distance, is applicable particularly to closely related groups. The length of time each island population has been isolated from the others was calculated and found to be consistent with the periods of isolation estimated on the basis of geological data.", "PMID": 1008806} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11325", "title": "Genetic effects on male mouse kidney glucuronidase activity.", "content": "Kidney beta-glucuronidase activity in C57BL/K1 and DBA/2/K1 male mice differes about tenfold, C57 giving low and DBA high values. Another C57 subline, C57BL/6J, has slightly higher activity than C57BL/K1. There is an association between the kidney glucuronidase activity and coat color determined by the buff locus, which indicates that part of the variation is due to differences at the Gur locus. The bf allele per se raises the activity of the enzyme. The backcross distributions give evidence that at least one more locus is involved.", "contents": "Genetic effects on male mouse kidney glucuronidase activity. Kidney beta-glucuronidase activity in C57BL/K1 and DBA/2/K1 male mice differes about tenfold, C57 giving low and DBA high values. Another C57 subline, C57BL/6J, has slightly higher activity than C57BL/K1. There is an association between the kidney glucuronidase activity and coat color determined by the buff locus, which indicates that part of the variation is due to differences at the Gur locus. The bf allele per se raises the activity of the enzyme. The backcross distributions give evidence that at least one more locus is involved.", "PMID": 1008808} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11326", "title": "Simplifications of the derivations and forms of steady-state equations for non-equilibrium random substrate-modifier and allosteric enzyme mechanisms.", "content": "The steady-state equations for \"random\" enzymic mechanisms (ones with alternative routes for substrate and enzyme to form enzyme-substrate complexes) are non-Michaelian and very complicated when a quasi-equilibrium approximation cannot be used. General methods for simplifying their forms and derivations are given and applied to several single-substrate mechanisms of general or topical interest. The special simplifications resulting from partial ordering of reaction mechanism, from gross inequalities of rate constants, and from special relationships between catalytic and dissociation rate constants, are considered with reference to allosteric mechanisms. Some equations mentioned, but not given here, and more detailed working out of some of those given, have been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50069 (18 pages) at the British Library Lending Division, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms given in Biochem. J. (1976) 153, 5.", "contents": "Simplifications of the derivations and forms of steady-state equations for non-equilibrium random substrate-modifier and allosteric enzyme mechanisms. The steady-state equations for \"random\" enzymic mechanisms (ones with alternative routes for substrate and enzyme to form enzyme-substrate complexes) are non-Michaelian and very complicated when a quasi-equilibrium approximation cannot be used. General methods for simplifying their forms and derivations are given and applied to several single-substrate mechanisms of general or topical interest. The special simplifications resulting from partial ordering of reaction mechanism, from gross inequalities of rate constants, and from special relationships between catalytic and dissociation rate constants, are considered with reference to allosteric mechanisms. Some equations mentioned, but not given here, and more detailed working out of some of those given, have been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50069 (18 pages) at the British Library Lending Division, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms given in Biochem. J. (1976) 153, 5.", "PMID": 1008809} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11327", "title": "Stable thiobarbituric acid chromophore with dimethyl sulphoxide. Application to sialic acid assay in analytical de-O-acetylation.", "content": "With dimethyl sulphoxide instead of butanol in the thiobarbituric acid assay for sialic acid, a non-fading chromophore with lambdamax. = 549 nm was produced in a homogeneous solution, allowing dilution of the test mixture in case of high colour yield. This test adapted well to studies on alkaline de-O-acetylation. Bovine and rat submaxillary mucins, and rabbit Tamm-Horsfall urinary sialoproteins contain O-acetyl isomers of neuramine acid that are resistant to the thiobarbituric acid assay. Alkaline de-O-acetylation converted resistant O-acetylneuraminic acid into thiobarbituric acid-reactive sialic acid, and such conversion paralleled de-O-acetylation as measured by the ferric hydroxamate method. The colour increment was similar when the alkaline treatment of bovine submaxillary mucin either preceded or followed the acid hydrolysis. Only alkaline preptreatment was effective with rat submaxillary mucin. By selecting optimal conditions for alkaline de-O-acetylation, O-acetyl isomers can be accurately assessed by the thiobarbituric acid assay.", "contents": "Stable thiobarbituric acid chromophore with dimethyl sulphoxide. Application to sialic acid assay in analytical de-O-acetylation. With dimethyl sulphoxide instead of butanol in the thiobarbituric acid assay for sialic acid, a non-fading chromophore with lambdamax. = 549 nm was produced in a homogeneous solution, allowing dilution of the test mixture in case of high colour yield. This test adapted well to studies on alkaline de-O-acetylation. Bovine and rat submaxillary mucins, and rabbit Tamm-Horsfall urinary sialoproteins contain O-acetyl isomers of neuramine acid that are resistant to the thiobarbituric acid assay. Alkaline de-O-acetylation converted resistant O-acetylneuraminic acid into thiobarbituric acid-reactive sialic acid, and such conversion paralleled de-O-acetylation as measured by the ferric hydroxamate method. The colour increment was similar when the alkaline treatment of bovine submaxillary mucin either preceded or followed the acid hydrolysis. Only alkaline preptreatment was effective with rat submaxillary mucin. By selecting optimal conditions for alkaline de-O-acetylation, O-acetyl isomers can be accurately assessed by the thiobarbituric acid assay.", "PMID": 1008810} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11328", "title": "The preparation of protected fragments of lysozyme for semisynthesis.", "content": "This paper reports the development of methods for preparing tryptic fragments of hen's-egg lysozyme in an appropriate state of protection for use in the chemical synthesis of modified polypeptides. 1. We describe the cleavage of the disulphide bridges of the enzyme and the simulatneous protection of the liberated thiol groups by S-sulphonation. Lysozyme resisted the usual conditions for this reaction. We have confirmed the stability of the S-sulphonyl group to the conditions met in peptide synthesis. 2. We describe the reversible protection of the amino groups of the enzyme by reaction with various anhydrides of 1,2-dicarboxylic acids. We conclude that 2-methylmaleic anhydride and exo-cis-3,6-endoxo-delta4-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride are unsuitable for our purpose but that maleic anhydride can, in spite of certain drawbacks, be used. 3. We describe the tryptic cleavage of the thiol- and amino-protected protein and the separation of the fragments. 4. We describe the reversible protection of the carboxylic acid groups (including the specific deprotection of the alpha-carboxyl group), the imidazolyl group and the aloph-amino groups of the fragments. Several alternative groups have been evaluated for most of these purposes. The side-chain amides did not present any serious problem of libility, 5. We describe experiments on the stability of the side chain of tryptophan, both protected by formylation and unprotected, to the acid conditions needed for the deprotection of the other functional groups in the peptide. We conclude that protection of tryptophan is unnecessary. We suggest that most of the methods described are of general application in peptide semisynthesis by fragment condensation. An Appendix is included to which points 6-ll appertain...", "contents": "The preparation of protected fragments of lysozyme for semisynthesis. This paper reports the development of methods for preparing tryptic fragments of hen's-egg lysozyme in an appropriate state of protection for use in the chemical synthesis of modified polypeptides. 1. We describe the cleavage of the disulphide bridges of the enzyme and the simulatneous protection of the liberated thiol groups by S-sulphonation. Lysozyme resisted the usual conditions for this reaction. We have confirmed the stability of the S-sulphonyl group to the conditions met in peptide synthesis. 2. We describe the reversible protection of the amino groups of the enzyme by reaction with various anhydrides of 1,2-dicarboxylic acids. We conclude that 2-methylmaleic anhydride and exo-cis-3,6-endoxo-delta4-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride are unsuitable for our purpose but that maleic anhydride can, in spite of certain drawbacks, be used. 3. We describe the tryptic cleavage of the thiol- and amino-protected protein and the separation of the fragments. 4. We describe the reversible protection of the carboxylic acid groups (including the specific deprotection of the alpha-carboxyl group), the imidazolyl group and the aloph-amino groups of the fragments. Several alternative groups have been evaluated for most of these purposes. The side-chain amides did not present any serious problem of libility, 5. We describe experiments on the stability of the side chain of tryptophan, both protected by formylation and unprotected, to the acid conditions needed for the deprotection of the other functional groups in the peptide. We conclude that protection of tryptophan is unnecessary. We suggest that most of the methods described are of general application in peptide semisynthesis by fragment condensation. An Appendix is included to which points 6-ll appertain...", "PMID": 1008811} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11329", "title": "The semisynthesis of portions of hen's-egg lysozyme by fragment condensation.", "content": "1. We have evaluated several methods for coupling protected tryptic peptides and have selected one that is satisfactory in terms of efficiency and degree of racemization. 2. We report the use of the chosen method (which must be slightly modified for each application in the light of the result of micro-scale pilot experiments) for the preparation of five fragments of hen's-egg lysozyme ranging in length from 31 to 51 residues. 3. We report methods for the complete deprotection of these fragments. They have been characterized by end-group determination, amino acid analysis and tryptic digestion.", "contents": "The semisynthesis of portions of hen's-egg lysozyme by fragment condensation. 1. We have evaluated several methods for coupling protected tryptic peptides and have selected one that is satisfactory in terms of efficiency and degree of racemization. 2. We report the use of the chosen method (which must be slightly modified for each application in the light of the result of micro-scale pilot experiments) for the preparation of five fragments of hen's-egg lysozyme ranging in length from 31 to 51 residues. 3. We report methods for the complete deprotection of these fragments. They have been characterized by end-group determination, amino acid analysis and tryptic digestion.", "PMID": 1008813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11330", "title": "Determination of the number and relative position of tryptophan residues in various albumins.", "content": "A technique is described by which both the numbers of tryptophan residues and their approximate locations in the peptide chain of a protein can be determined by cleavage with N-bromosuccinimide followed by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. The number of new peptide bands appearing in the gel is a function of the number of tryptophan residues, and the relative migration of the bands permits calculation of peptide molecular weights and an estimation of the positions of the tryptophan residues in the peptide chain. The technique uses a sample of about 0.5 mg and is suitable for any protein that contains a small number of tryptophan residues. These are the very specimens that are difficult to assay accurately for tryptophan by spectrophotometric or colorimetric methods. Tryptophan residues which are within about 20 residues of the ends of the peptide chain or of each other would not be detected. The specificity of the cleavage with N-bromosuccinimide was ascertained by utilizing human serum albumin, which is known to have a single tryptophan residue at position 214. The technique was then applied to a comparative study of the numbers and locations of tryptophans in the serum albumins of 16 species, namely 11 mammals, three birds and two amphibians. The number of tryptophan residues were confirmed by an independent colorimetric method. All of the mammalian albumins contained a tryptophan residue near position 213. The three avian albumins examined have no tryptophan. Frog and toad albumins contained two tryptophan residues, which appear to be situated at different positions from those in mammalian albumins.", "contents": "Determination of the number and relative position of tryptophan residues in various albumins. A technique is described by which both the numbers of tryptophan residues and their approximate locations in the peptide chain of a protein can be determined by cleavage with N-bromosuccinimide followed by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. The number of new peptide bands appearing in the gel is a function of the number of tryptophan residues, and the relative migration of the bands permits calculation of peptide molecular weights and an estimation of the positions of the tryptophan residues in the peptide chain. The technique uses a sample of about 0.5 mg and is suitable for any protein that contains a small number of tryptophan residues. These are the very specimens that are difficult to assay accurately for tryptophan by spectrophotometric or colorimetric methods. Tryptophan residues which are within about 20 residues of the ends of the peptide chain or of each other would not be detected. The specificity of the cleavage with N-bromosuccinimide was ascertained by utilizing human serum albumin, which is known to have a single tryptophan residue at position 214. The technique was then applied to a comparative study of the numbers and locations of tryptophans in the serum albumins of 16 species, namely 11 mammals, three birds and two amphibians. The number of tryptophan residues were confirmed by an independent colorimetric method. All of the mammalian albumins contained a tryptophan residue near position 213. The three avian albumins examined have no tryptophan. Frog and toad albumins contained two tryptophan residues, which appear to be situated at different positions from those in mammalian albumins.", "PMID": 1008814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11331", "title": "Purification and chemical characterization of human hexosaminidases A and B.", "content": "N-Acetyl-beta-hexosaminidases A and B were purified to homogeneity from human placenta. In the initial step of purification, the enzymes were adsorbed on concanavalin A-Sepharose 4B and eluted from the column with alpha-methyl D-mannosides. Subsequent purification steps included DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, QAE-Sephadex [diethyl-(2-hydroxypropyl)aminoethyl-Sephadex] column chromatography, Sephadex G-200 gel filtration and preparative disc polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, followed by another QAE-Sephadex chromatography for the hexosaminidase A preparation, and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, calcium phosphate gel chromatography, Sephadex G-200 gel filtration, QAE-Sephadex chromatography and CM-cellulose chromatography for the hexosaminidase B preparation. The purified preparations, particularly hexosaminidase A, had significantly higher specific enzyme activities than previously reported. The preparations moved on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis as single protein bands, which also stained for enzyme activity. Sedimentation-equilibrium centrifugation indicated homogenous dispersion of the enzymes, and the molecular weight was estimated as about 110000 for both enzymes. Complete amino acid and carbohydrate compositions of the two isoenzymes were determined, and, in contrast with previous suggestions, no sialic acid was found in the enzymes.", "contents": "Purification and chemical characterization of human hexosaminidases A and B. N-Acetyl-beta-hexosaminidases A and B were purified to homogeneity from human placenta. In the initial step of purification, the enzymes were adsorbed on concanavalin A-Sepharose 4B and eluted from the column with alpha-methyl D-mannosides. Subsequent purification steps included DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, QAE-Sephadex [diethyl-(2-hydroxypropyl)aminoethyl-Sephadex] column chromatography, Sephadex G-200 gel filtration and preparative disc polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, followed by another QAE-Sephadex chromatography for the hexosaminidase A preparation, and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, calcium phosphate gel chromatography, Sephadex G-200 gel filtration, QAE-Sephadex chromatography and CM-cellulose chromatography for the hexosaminidase B preparation. The purified preparations, particularly hexosaminidase A, had significantly higher specific enzyme activities than previously reported. The preparations moved on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis as single protein bands, which also stained for enzyme activity. Sedimentation-equilibrium centrifugation indicated homogenous dispersion of the enzymes, and the molecular weight was estimated as about 110000 for both enzymes. Complete amino acid and carbohydrate compositions of the two isoenzymes were determined, and, in contrast with previous suggestions, no sialic acid was found in the enzymes.", "PMID": 1008815} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11332", "title": "The subunits of human hexosaminidase A.", "content": "Previous studies of the subunit structure of hexosaminidase gave ambiguous results, but suggested that the enzyme was composed of six equally sized subunits. Dissociation of hexosaminidase A with p-chloromercuribenzoate produces an alkylated fragment with mol.wt. approx. 50000, which is converted into hexosaminidase S by treatment with dithiothreitol. Treatment of native hexosaminidase A with sodium dodecylsulphate results in the formation of a large and a small fragment. However, although the native enzyme has a sedimentation coefficient of 5.8S, dissociation by S-carboxymethylation and maleic anhydride treatment results in subunits exhibiting a single schlieren boundary on analytical ultracentrifugation with a sedimentation coefficient of 2.18S. These results indicate that the enzyme is composed of four subunits, each with molwt. approx. 25000-27000. The mol.wt. of the native enzymes is calculated to be approx. 110000. Our data are consistent with the subunit structures of hexosaminidases A, B and S as being alpha2beta2, beta4 and alpha4 respectively.", "contents": "The subunits of human hexosaminidase A. Previous studies of the subunit structure of hexosaminidase gave ambiguous results, but suggested that the enzyme was composed of six equally sized subunits. Dissociation of hexosaminidase A with p-chloromercuribenzoate produces an alkylated fragment with mol.wt. approx. 50000, which is converted into hexosaminidase S by treatment with dithiothreitol. Treatment of native hexosaminidase A with sodium dodecylsulphate results in the formation of a large and a small fragment. However, although the native enzyme has a sedimentation coefficient of 5.8S, dissociation by S-carboxymethylation and maleic anhydride treatment results in subunits exhibiting a single schlieren boundary on analytical ultracentrifugation with a sedimentation coefficient of 2.18S. These results indicate that the enzyme is composed of four subunits, each with molwt. approx. 25000-27000. The mol.wt. of the native enzymes is calculated to be approx. 110000. Our data are consistent with the subunit structures of hexosaminidases A, B and S as being alpha2beta2, beta4 and alpha4 respectively.", "PMID": 1008816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11333", "title": "Triacylglycerol biosynthesis in rat adipose-tissue homogenates.", "content": "The optimum cofactor requirements for triacylglycerol biosynthesis in rat adipose-tissue homogenates containing mitochondrial, microsomal and cytosolic fractions were investigated. In general the optimum concentrations of cofactors for triacylglycerol biosynthesis were found to differ from those for total fatty acid esterification. The results provided further evidence for the key role of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase in the regulation of triacylglycerol biosynthesis. Albumin was included in the incubation medium to permit the use of concentrations of added fatty acids that would swamp the effects of endogenous fatty acids. The addition of albumin had little effect on the incorporation of palmitic acid and stearic acid into lipids including triacylglycerols. By contrast, a critical concentration of albumin (about 60 muM) was required before incorporation of oleic acid or linoleic acid into triacylglycerols occurred. The system was used to study the incorporation of different 1-14C-labelled fatty acids from a mixture of unesterified fatty acids [palmitic acid 30%; stearic acid 10%; oleic acid 40%; linoleic acid 20% (molar percentages)] separately into the positions 1,2 and 3 of triacyl-sn-glycerols. In general the stereo-specific distribution of the labelled fatty acids incorporated into triacylglycerols paralleled the normal distribution of fatty acids within rat adipose-tissue triacylglycerols, suggesting that the specificities of the relevant acyltrasferases have the major role in determining the positional distribution of fatty acids within triacylglycerols.", "contents": "Triacylglycerol biosynthesis in rat adipose-tissue homogenates. The optimum cofactor requirements for triacylglycerol biosynthesis in rat adipose-tissue homogenates containing mitochondrial, microsomal and cytosolic fractions were investigated. In general the optimum concentrations of cofactors for triacylglycerol biosynthesis were found to differ from those for total fatty acid esterification. The results provided further evidence for the key role of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase in the regulation of triacylglycerol biosynthesis. Albumin was included in the incubation medium to permit the use of concentrations of added fatty acids that would swamp the effects of endogenous fatty acids. The addition of albumin had little effect on the incorporation of palmitic acid and stearic acid into lipids including triacylglycerols. By contrast, a critical concentration of albumin (about 60 muM) was required before incorporation of oleic acid or linoleic acid into triacylglycerols occurred. The system was used to study the incorporation of different 1-14C-labelled fatty acids from a mixture of unesterified fatty acids [palmitic acid 30%; stearic acid 10%; oleic acid 40%; linoleic acid 20% (molar percentages)] separately into the positions 1,2 and 3 of triacyl-sn-glycerols. In general the stereo-specific distribution of the labelled fatty acids incorporated into triacylglycerols paralleled the normal distribution of fatty acids within rat adipose-tissue triacylglycerols, suggesting that the specificities of the relevant acyltrasferases have the major role in determining the positional distribution of fatty acids within triacylglycerols.", "PMID": 1008817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11334", "title": "Arginase from human full-term placenta.", "content": "Arginase was purified about 1800-fold from extracts of human full-term placenta; the enzyme appeared to be homogenous by disc electrophoresis and molecular-sieve chromatography. The mol. wt. determination by gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis yielded a value of 70000 for the most pure and the partially purified enzyme. The human placenta arginase is a metalloenzyme with an optimum pH of 9.1. The Km for L-arginine is 27 mM. L-Ornithine and L-lysine show competitive inhibition with Ki values of 6.3 and 14 mM respectively.", "contents": "Arginase from human full-term placenta. Arginase was purified about 1800-fold from extracts of human full-term placenta; the enzyme appeared to be homogenous by disc electrophoresis and molecular-sieve chromatography. The mol. wt. determination by gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis yielded a value of 70000 for the most pure and the partially purified enzyme. The human placenta arginase is a metalloenzyme with an optimum pH of 9.1. The Km for L-arginine is 27 mM. L-Ornithine and L-lysine show competitive inhibition with Ki values of 6.3 and 14 mM respectively.", "PMID": 1008818} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11335", "title": "The stability, polyadenylic acid content and ribonucleoprotein form of nulcear ribonucleic acid in artichoke.", "content": "A nuclear preparation, containing 60-80% of the total tissue DNA and less than 0.5% of the total rRNA, was used to characterize the nuclear RNA species synthesized in cultured artichoke explants. The half-lives of the nuclear RNA species were estimated from first-order-decay analyses to be: hnRNA (heterogeneous nuclear RNA) containing poly(A), 38 min; hnRNA lacking poly(A), 37 min; 2.5 X 10(6)-mol. wt. precursor rRNA, 24 min; 1.4 X 10(6)-mol.wt. precursor rRNA, 58 min; 1.0 X 10(6)-mol.wt. precursor rRNA, 52 min. The shorter half-lives are probably overestimates, owing to the time required for equilibration of the nucleotide-precursor pools. The pathway of rRNA synthesis is considered in terms of these kinetic measurements. The rate of accumulation of cytoplasmic polydisperse RNA suggested that as much as 40% of the hnRNA may be transported to the cytoplasm. The 14-25% of the hnRNA that contained a poly(A) tract had an average molecular size of 0.7 X 10(6) daltons. The poly(A) segment was 40-200 nucleotides long, consisted of at least 95% AMP and accounted for 8-10% of the [32P]orthophosphate incorporated into the poly(A)-containing hnRNA. Ribonucleoprotein particles released from nuclei by sonication, lysis in EDTA or incubation in buffer were analysed by sedimentation through sucrose gradients and by isopycnic centrifugation in gradients of metrizamide and CsCl. More than 50% of the hnRNA remained bound to the chromatin after each treatment. The hnRNA was always associated with protein but the densities of isolated particles suggested that the ratio of protein to RNA was lower than that reported for mammalian cells, The particles separated from chromatin were not enriched for poly(A)-containing hnRNA.", "contents": "The stability, polyadenylic acid content and ribonucleoprotein form of nulcear ribonucleic acid in artichoke. A nuclear preparation, containing 60-80% of the total tissue DNA and less than 0.5% of the total rRNA, was used to characterize the nuclear RNA species synthesized in cultured artichoke explants. The half-lives of the nuclear RNA species were estimated from first-order-decay analyses to be: hnRNA (heterogeneous nuclear RNA) containing poly(A), 38 min; hnRNA lacking poly(A), 37 min; 2.5 X 10(6)-mol. wt. precursor rRNA, 24 min; 1.4 X 10(6)-mol.wt. precursor rRNA, 58 min; 1.0 X 10(6)-mol.wt. precursor rRNA, 52 min. The shorter half-lives are probably overestimates, owing to the time required for equilibration of the nucleotide-precursor pools. The pathway of rRNA synthesis is considered in terms of these kinetic measurements. The rate of accumulation of cytoplasmic polydisperse RNA suggested that as much as 40% of the hnRNA may be transported to the cytoplasm. The 14-25% of the hnRNA that contained a poly(A) tract had an average molecular size of 0.7 X 10(6) daltons. The poly(A) segment was 40-200 nucleotides long, consisted of at least 95% AMP and accounted for 8-10% of the [32P]orthophosphate incorporated into the poly(A)-containing hnRNA. Ribonucleoprotein particles released from nuclei by sonication, lysis in EDTA or incubation in buffer were analysed by sedimentation through sucrose gradients and by isopycnic centrifugation in gradients of metrizamide and CsCl. More than 50% of the hnRNA remained bound to the chromatin after each treatment. The hnRNA was always associated with protein but the densities of isolated particles suggested that the ratio of protein to RNA was lower than that reported for mammalian cells, The particles separated from chromatin were not enriched for poly(A)-containing hnRNA.", "PMID": 1008819} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11336", "title": "The role of the pseudo-disaccharide neamine as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of neomycin.", "content": "By using wild-type and deoxystreptamine-negative mutants of Streptomyces fradiae grown in media containing [6(-3)H]glucose or [U-14C]glucose, and by subsequent hydrolysis of the labelled neomycin produced, neamines labelled with 3H in both rings I and II, but with 14C in ring I only, were prepared. A mixture of these two forms of neamine was converted by deoxystreptamine-negative Streptomyces rimosus forma paromomycinus into neomycin (not paromomycin) with a 30% yield. The3H: 14C ratio in this neomycin was the same as the measured in neamine produced by hydrolysis of the neomycin, and in unused neamine reisolated from the incubation medium. The 3H:14C ratio in the neomycin was not affected by the presence of unlabelled deoxystreptamine during the incubation. The radioactivity in the neomycin was associated with rings I and II only. It is concluded that the added neamine is incorporated into antibiotic intact, without initial hydrolysis, and that the probable first step in the subunit assembly of neomycin is the formation of neamine.", "contents": "The role of the pseudo-disaccharide neamine as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of neomycin. By using wild-type and deoxystreptamine-negative mutants of Streptomyces fradiae grown in media containing [6(-3)H]glucose or [U-14C]glucose, and by subsequent hydrolysis of the labelled neomycin produced, neamines labelled with 3H in both rings I and II, but with 14C in ring I only, were prepared. A mixture of these two forms of neamine was converted by deoxystreptamine-negative Streptomyces rimosus forma paromomycinus into neomycin (not paromomycin) with a 30% yield. The3H: 14C ratio in this neomycin was the same as the measured in neamine produced by hydrolysis of the neomycin, and in unused neamine reisolated from the incubation medium. The 3H:14C ratio in the neomycin was not affected by the presence of unlabelled deoxystreptamine during the incubation. The radioactivity in the neomycin was associated with rings I and II only. It is concluded that the added neamine is incorporated into antibiotic intact, without initial hydrolysis, and that the probable first step in the subunit assembly of neomycin is the formation of neamine.", "PMID": 1008820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11337", "title": "The effects of deoxyribonucleic acid secondary structure on tertiary structure.", "content": "The secondary structure of supercoiled DNA was varied by changes in ionic strength. For I = 0.075-0.4 the structure remained in the previously established branched form with only minor alterations in molecular dimensions. In 4M-NaCl, which induces linear DNA to change its secondary structure to the C structure and brings about an increase in the superhelix density of the molecule, no extra branches were observed on the molecules. The limiting factors that dictate supercoil structure seem to be the number and position of potential branch points and the proximity with which the two intertwining DNA strands can approach each other on the arms of the branches. This value is close to 10nm under the conditions described, and is 14-15nm at I = 0.2. It is suggested that such values should be borne in mind when models of chromosome structure are being constructed.", "contents": "The effects of deoxyribonucleic acid secondary structure on tertiary structure. The secondary structure of supercoiled DNA was varied by changes in ionic strength. For I = 0.075-0.4 the structure remained in the previously established branched form with only minor alterations in molecular dimensions. In 4M-NaCl, which induces linear DNA to change its secondary structure to the C structure and brings about an increase in the superhelix density of the molecule, no extra branches were observed on the molecules. The limiting factors that dictate supercoil structure seem to be the number and position of potential branch points and the proximity with which the two intertwining DNA strands can approach each other on the arms of the branches. This value is close to 10nm under the conditions described, and is 14-15nm at I = 0.2. It is suggested that such values should be borne in mind when models of chromosome structure are being constructed.", "PMID": 1008821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11338", "title": "The amino acid sequence of rabbit cardiac troponin I.", "content": "The complete amino acid sequence of troponin I from rabbit cardiac muscle was determined by the isolation of four unique CNBr fragments, together with overlapping tryptic peptides containing radioactive methionine residues. Overlap data for residues 35-36, 93-94 and 140-145 are incomplete, the sequence at these positions being based on homology with the sequence of the fast-skeletal-muscle protein. Cardiac troponin I is a single polypeptide chain of 206 residues with mol.wt. 23550 and an extinction coefficient, E 1%,1cm/280, of 4.37. The protein has a net positive charge of 14 and is thus somewhat more basic than troponin I from fast-skeletal muscle. Comparison of the sequences of troponin I from cardiac and fast skeletal muscle show that the cardiac protein has 26 extra residues at the N-terminus which account for the larger size of the protein. In the remainder of sequence there is a considerable degree of homology, this being greater in the C-terminal two-thirds of the molecule. The region in the cardiac protein corresponding to the peptide with inhibitory activity from the fast-skeletal-muscle protein is very similar and it seems unlikely that this is the cause of the difference in inhibitory activity between the two proteins. The region responsible for binding troponin C, however, possesses a lower degree of homology. Detailed evidence on which the sequence is based has been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50072 (20 pages), at the British Library Lending Division, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7QB, U.K., from whom copies may be obtained on the terms given in Biochem. J. (1976) 153, 5.", "contents": "The amino acid sequence of rabbit cardiac troponin I. The complete amino acid sequence of troponin I from rabbit cardiac muscle was determined by the isolation of four unique CNBr fragments, together with overlapping tryptic peptides containing radioactive methionine residues. Overlap data for residues 35-36, 93-94 and 140-145 are incomplete, the sequence at these positions being based on homology with the sequence of the fast-skeletal-muscle protein. Cardiac troponin I is a single polypeptide chain of 206 residues with mol.wt. 23550 and an extinction coefficient, E 1%,1cm/280, of 4.37. The protein has a net positive charge of 14 and is thus somewhat more basic than troponin I from fast-skeletal muscle. Comparison of the sequences of troponin I from cardiac and fast skeletal muscle show that the cardiac protein has 26 extra residues at the N-terminus which account for the larger size of the protein. In the remainder of sequence there is a considerable degree of homology, this being greater in the C-terminal two-thirds of the molecule. The region in the cardiac protein corresponding to the peptide with inhibitory activity from the fast-skeletal-muscle protein is very similar and it seems unlikely that this is the cause of the difference in inhibitory activity between the two proteins. The region responsible for binding troponin C, however, possesses a lower degree of homology. Detailed evidence on which the sequence is based has been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50072 (20 pages), at the British Library Lending Division, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7QB, U.K., from whom copies may be obtained on the terms given in Biochem. J. (1976) 153, 5.", "PMID": 1008822} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11339", "title": "Purification and properties of bovine pituitary follitropin.", "content": "A reproducible procedure was developed for the purification of follitropin from frozen bovine pituitary glands. The method involved precipitation with (NH4)2SO4 and acetone, followed by ion-exchange column chromatography on CM-cellulose and DEAE-cellulose and gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. A specific radioligand-receptor assay for follitropin was used to locate the activity in eluates after column chromatography and gel filtration. The potency of the highly purified bovine follitropin as measured by Steelman-Pohley bioassay was 164 times that of NIH-FSH-S1 standard preparation. They yield of bovine follitropin was 2.9 mg/kg of frozen pituitary glands. Electrophoretically, bovine follitropin was more acidic in nature and migrated further towards the anode than lutropin and thyrotropin. The elution volume of bovine follitropin by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 was very similar to that of bovine lutropin. The amino acid composition of bovine follitropin was similar to that of sheep and human follitropin, being rich in lysine, aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid and half-cystine.", "contents": "Purification and properties of bovine pituitary follitropin. A reproducible procedure was developed for the purification of follitropin from frozen bovine pituitary glands. The method involved precipitation with (NH4)2SO4 and acetone, followed by ion-exchange column chromatography on CM-cellulose and DEAE-cellulose and gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. A specific radioligand-receptor assay for follitropin was used to locate the activity in eluates after column chromatography and gel filtration. The potency of the highly purified bovine follitropin as measured by Steelman-Pohley bioassay was 164 times that of NIH-FSH-S1 standard preparation. They yield of bovine follitropin was 2.9 mg/kg of frozen pituitary glands. Electrophoretically, bovine follitropin was more acidic in nature and migrated further towards the anode than lutropin and thyrotropin. The elution volume of bovine follitropin by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 was very similar to that of bovine lutropin. The amino acid composition of bovine follitropin was similar to that of sheep and human follitropin, being rich in lysine, aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid and half-cystine.", "PMID": 1008823} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11340", "title": "A new method of quantitative affinity chromatography and its application to the study of myosin.", "content": "A new method of quantifying the interactions between two or three components of an interacting system, one of which is insoluble, is described. The method differs from those previously applied to affinity chromatography systems in that it does not require that elution volumes be measured, but is instead dependent on measurements of the quantity of affinity-bound material. Theoretical expressions are derived for systems in which the acceptor is immobilized. Examples presented to illustrate the validity of the theory are of the latter type and are from studies on the myosin-adenosine nucleotide-PPi system. With Sepharose-myosin columns (myosin covalently coupled to CNBr-activated Sepharose) a dissociation constant of 1.8 muM for ATP4- was found. Data were also obtained under conditions that closely approximate to those found in vivo, i.e. on columns packed with a slurry of Sephadex G-50 and precipitated myosin filaments formed at low ionic strength. The binding of MgATP2-, MgADP-, ATP4- and MgPPi2- to \"filamentous\" myosin in both two- (myosin and nucleotide) and three- (myosin, nucleotide and PPi) component systems at different temperatures was studied and the dissociation constants obtained agreed well with previously published values. Except for the binding of ATP4- to filamentous myosin at 4 degrees when 85% of the protein was interacting with the nucleotide, much lower values for the number of available sites occupied by the nucleotides were as a routine found in this system. Although this apparent discrepancy is difficult to explain, it is not an anomaly of the theoretical approach and may reflect the present state of understanding of the myosin system.", "contents": "A new method of quantitative affinity chromatography and its application to the study of myosin. A new method of quantifying the interactions between two or three components of an interacting system, one of which is insoluble, is described. The method differs from those previously applied to affinity chromatography systems in that it does not require that elution volumes be measured, but is instead dependent on measurements of the quantity of affinity-bound material. Theoretical expressions are derived for systems in which the acceptor is immobilized. Examples presented to illustrate the validity of the theory are of the latter type and are from studies on the myosin-adenosine nucleotide-PPi system. With Sepharose-myosin columns (myosin covalently coupled to CNBr-activated Sepharose) a dissociation constant of 1.8 muM for ATP4- was found. Data were also obtained under conditions that closely approximate to those found in vivo, i.e. on columns packed with a slurry of Sephadex G-50 and precipitated myosin filaments formed at low ionic strength. The binding of MgATP2-, MgADP-, ATP4- and MgPPi2- to \"filamentous\" myosin in both two- (myosin and nucleotide) and three- (myosin, nucleotide and PPi) component systems at different temperatures was studied and the dissociation constants obtained agreed well with previously published values. Except for the binding of ATP4- to filamentous myosin at 4 degrees when 85% of the protein was interacting with the nucleotide, much lower values for the number of available sites occupied by the nucleotides were as a routine found in this system. Although this apparent discrepancy is difficult to explain, it is not an anomaly of the theoretical approach and may reflect the present state of understanding of the myosin system.", "PMID": 1008824} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11341", "title": "Characterization of the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in rat liver mitochondria.", "content": "Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in rat liver mitochondria can be released by detergent. The released activity is separated by chromatography into two peaks. One peak has the kinetic behaviour and mobility similar to the soluble sex-linked enzyme, whereas the other peak is similar to the microsomal hexose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase. There is no evidence for the existence of a new glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in rat liver mitochondria.", "contents": "Characterization of the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in rat liver mitochondria. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in rat liver mitochondria can be released by detergent. The released activity is separated by chromatography into two peaks. One peak has the kinetic behaviour and mobility similar to the soluble sex-linked enzyme, whereas the other peak is similar to the microsomal hexose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase. There is no evidence for the existence of a new glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in rat liver mitochondria.", "PMID": 1008825} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11342", "title": "Human liver glycogen phosphorylase. Kinetic properties and assay in biopsy specimens.", "content": "1. The two forms of glycogen phosphorylase were purified from human liver, and some kinetic properties were examined in the direction of glycogen synthesis. The b form has a limited catalytic capacity, resembling that of the rabbit liver enzyme. It is characterized by a low affinity for glucose 1-phosphate, which is unaffected by AMP, and a low V, which becomes equal to that of the a form in the presence of the nucleotide. Lyotropic anions stimulate phosphorylase b and inhibit phosphorylase a by modifying the affinity for glucose 1-phosphate. Both enzyme forms are easily saturated with glycogen. 2. These kinetic properties have allowed us to design a simple assay method for total (a + b) phosphorylase in human liver. It requires only 0.5 mg of tissue, and its average efficiency is 90% when the enzyme is predominantly in the b form. 3. The assay of total phosphorylase allows the unequivocal diagnosis of hepatic glycogen-storage disease caused by phosphorylase deficiency. One patient with a complete deficiency is reported. 4. The assay of human liver phosphorylase a is based on the preferential inhibition of the b form by caffeine. The a form displays the same activity when measured by either of the two assays.", "contents": "Human liver glycogen phosphorylase. Kinetic properties and assay in biopsy specimens. 1. The two forms of glycogen phosphorylase were purified from human liver, and some kinetic properties were examined in the direction of glycogen synthesis. The b form has a limited catalytic capacity, resembling that of the rabbit liver enzyme. It is characterized by a low affinity for glucose 1-phosphate, which is unaffected by AMP, and a low V, which becomes equal to that of the a form in the presence of the nucleotide. Lyotropic anions stimulate phosphorylase b and inhibit phosphorylase a by modifying the affinity for glucose 1-phosphate. Both enzyme forms are easily saturated with glycogen. 2. These kinetic properties have allowed us to design a simple assay method for total (a + b) phosphorylase in human liver. It requires only 0.5 mg of tissue, and its average efficiency is 90% when the enzyme is predominantly in the b form. 3. The assay of total phosphorylase allows the unequivocal diagnosis of hepatic glycogen-storage disease caused by phosphorylase deficiency. One patient with a complete deficiency is reported. 4. The assay of human liver phosphorylase a is based on the preferential inhibition of the b form by caffeine. The a form displays the same activity when measured by either of the two assays.", "PMID": 1008826} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11343", "title": "Human liver alkaline phosphatase purified by affinity chromatography, ultracentrifugation and polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis.", "content": "A method is presented for the preparation of human liver alkaline phosphatase (orthophosphoric monoester phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.1). The method gives a purification factor of 12.5 X 10(3) over the initial aq. butan-1-ol extract, a recovery of 6.0% and a specific activity for the preparation of 1450-1550 units/mg of protein, 1 unit being defined as the amount of enzyme catalysing the hydrolysis of 1mumol of p-nitrophenyl phosphate/min at 35 degrees C in 0.1 M-2-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol/HCl buffer, pH 10.5, containing 10mM-p-nitrophenyl phosphate. Homogeneity was studied by ultracentrifugation, by immunoelectrophoresis and by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. A single contaminating protein was present which was less than 5% of the total. Ultracentrifugation and equilibrium-gradient-pore electrophoresis techniques indicated a mol.wt. of 156000 and 160000 respectively. Equilibrium-gradient-pore electrophoresis indicated that the alkaline phosphatase molecule is possibly a dimer, comprising two subunits of about 80000 mol.wt. Amino acid analysis proved remarkably similar to that for alkaline phosphatase from other sources, regardless of species.", "contents": "Human liver alkaline phosphatase purified by affinity chromatography, ultracentrifugation and polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. A method is presented for the preparation of human liver alkaline phosphatase (orthophosphoric monoester phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.1). The method gives a purification factor of 12.5 X 10(3) over the initial aq. butan-1-ol extract, a recovery of 6.0% and a specific activity for the preparation of 1450-1550 units/mg of protein, 1 unit being defined as the amount of enzyme catalysing the hydrolysis of 1mumol of p-nitrophenyl phosphate/min at 35 degrees C in 0.1 M-2-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol/HCl buffer, pH 10.5, containing 10mM-p-nitrophenyl phosphate. Homogeneity was studied by ultracentrifugation, by immunoelectrophoresis and by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. A single contaminating protein was present which was less than 5% of the total. Ultracentrifugation and equilibrium-gradient-pore electrophoresis techniques indicated a mol.wt. of 156000 and 160000 respectively. Equilibrium-gradient-pore electrophoresis indicated that the alkaline phosphatase molecule is possibly a dimer, comprising two subunits of about 80000 mol.wt. Amino acid analysis proved remarkably similar to that for alkaline phosphatase from other sources, regardless of species.", "PMID": 1008827} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11344", "title": "Purification and properties of an alginate lyase from a marine bacterium.", "content": "An unidentified pseudomonad isolated by enrichment procedures from decomposing seaweed was grown in defined medium containing sodium alginate as the sole carbon source. The alginate lyase recovered from disrupted bacterial cells was purified by a procedure of (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. From sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel-electrophoresis experiments a mol.wt. of about 50 000 was determined. The enzyme was active against both algal and bacterial alginate preparations. Kinetic studies together with analysis of the unsaturated oligouronide products of alginate lyase action indicated the enzyme was specific for guluronic acid-containing regions of the macromolecular substrate. The specificity of the enzyme can be used to give information about the primary composition of alginate samples.", "contents": "Purification and properties of an alginate lyase from a marine bacterium. An unidentified pseudomonad isolated by enrichment procedures from decomposing seaweed was grown in defined medium containing sodium alginate as the sole carbon source. The alginate lyase recovered from disrupted bacterial cells was purified by a procedure of (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. From sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel-electrophoresis experiments a mol.wt. of about 50 000 was determined. The enzyme was active against both algal and bacterial alginate preparations. Kinetic studies together with analysis of the unsaturated oligouronide products of alginate lyase action indicated the enzyme was specific for guluronic acid-containing regions of the macromolecular substrate. The specificity of the enzyme can be used to give information about the primary composition of alginate samples.", "PMID": 1008828} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11345", "title": "Similarities between a dipeptide hydrolase from brush-border and cytosol fractions of guinea-pig intestinal mucosa.", "content": "A dipeptide hydrolase from the brush border of guinea-pig intestinal mucosa was purified. The enzyme resembles another dipeptide hydrolase isolated from the cytosol fraction of intestinal mucosa. Studies on the binding of cytosol peptide hydrolase to brush-border membranes indicate that the enzyme found in the brush border may be a cytoplasmic contaminant.", "contents": "Similarities between a dipeptide hydrolase from brush-border and cytosol fractions of guinea-pig intestinal mucosa. A dipeptide hydrolase from the brush border of guinea-pig intestinal mucosa was purified. The enzyme resembles another dipeptide hydrolase isolated from the cytosol fraction of intestinal mucosa. Studies on the binding of cytosol peptide hydrolase to brush-border membranes indicate that the enzyme found in the brush border may be a cytoplasmic contaminant.", "PMID": 1008829} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11346", "title": "Uptake of iodinated human kidney alpha-D-mannosidase by rat liver- Association with membrane elements and stability in vivo and in vitro.", "content": "1. Human kidney alpha-D-mannosidase (form A) was labelled with 125I to a specific radio-activity of approx. 2250muCi/mg of protein, essentially without loss of enzymic activity. The enzymic activity and radioactivity of the iodinated material also co-migrated in gel filtration and gel electrophoresis. 2. The binding of 125I-labelled mannosidase in vitro to particulate material in liver and kidney homogenates was of the other of 2 pg/mg of particulate material in liver and kidney homogenates was of the order of 2pg/mg of particulate protein withing 16h at 37 degrees C, and essentially zero in intervals of up to 60 min. The degradation in vitro of labelled exogenous mannosidase was of the order of 10-20pg/ 16th per mg of protein in postnuclear supernatant, and it was saturated entirely within 1h at 37 degrees C. 3. The binding of labelled mannosidase in vivo to particulate elements of liver homogenates 60 min after intravenous injection was at least 10 times higher in terms of specific radioactivity than the highest value attainable in vitro. Virtually all exogenous enzyme bound to liver particulate material could be recovered in macromolecular form after disruption of membranes by detergents. 4. The radioactive enzyme bound to liver particulate material could be detached almost completely by shearing, repeated freezing and thawing, and exposure to strong detergents under conditions that do not eliminate rough-endoplasmic-membrane structure. It could bot be released, however, by high salt concentration (0.5M-KC1) or by exposure to weak detergents such as Tween 80. The particle-bound enzyme should thus be associated with plasma membranes and lysosome-like elements. 5. Of the rat tissues studied, only liver could approach, within 60 min after the injection, the concentration of exogenous mannosidase found in the blood serum. The activity per g tissue weight fell progressively from liver (60% of serum value) to kidney (16% of serum value), lung (8% of serum vlaue), spleen (6% of serum value) and brain (0.9% of serum value). Most of the radioactive enzyme found in tissues other than liver appeared to be present in a free form, whereas in liver more than 50% of the labelled enzyme was associated with membrane elements.", "contents": "Uptake of iodinated human kidney alpha-D-mannosidase by rat liver- Association with membrane elements and stability in vivo and in vitro. 1. Human kidney alpha-D-mannosidase (form A) was labelled with 125I to a specific radio-activity of approx. 2250muCi/mg of protein, essentially without loss of enzymic activity. The enzymic activity and radioactivity of the iodinated material also co-migrated in gel filtration and gel electrophoresis. 2. The binding of 125I-labelled mannosidase in vitro to particulate material in liver and kidney homogenates was of the other of 2 pg/mg of particulate material in liver and kidney homogenates was of the order of 2pg/mg of particulate protein withing 16h at 37 degrees C, and essentially zero in intervals of up to 60 min. The degradation in vitro of labelled exogenous mannosidase was of the order of 10-20pg/ 16th per mg of protein in postnuclear supernatant, and it was saturated entirely within 1h at 37 degrees C. 3. The binding of labelled mannosidase in vivo to particulate elements of liver homogenates 60 min after intravenous injection was at least 10 times higher in terms of specific radioactivity than the highest value attainable in vitro. Virtually all exogenous enzyme bound to liver particulate material could be recovered in macromolecular form after disruption of membranes by detergents. 4. The radioactive enzyme bound to liver particulate material could be detached almost completely by shearing, repeated freezing and thawing, and exposure to strong detergents under conditions that do not eliminate rough-endoplasmic-membrane structure. It could bot be released, however, by high salt concentration (0.5M-KC1) or by exposure to weak detergents such as Tween 80. The particle-bound enzyme should thus be associated with plasma membranes and lysosome-like elements. 5. Of the rat tissues studied, only liver could approach, within 60 min after the injection, the concentration of exogenous mannosidase found in the blood serum. The activity per g tissue weight fell progressively from liver (60% of serum value) to kidney (16% of serum value), lung (8% of serum vlaue), spleen (6% of serum value) and brain (0.9% of serum value). Most of the radioactive enzyme found in tissues other than liver appeared to be present in a free form, whereas in liver more than 50% of the labelled enzyme was associated with membrane elements.", "PMID": 1008830} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11347", "title": "An electrophoretic study of the reversible binding of phosphate to ovalbumin.", "content": "An electrophoretic method is described for the measurement of relatively weak interaction of ions with proteins, and illustrated with the ovalbumin-phosphate system in 0.1I buffers, pH6.1. Results indicate that under these conditions the interaction of a single dibasic phosphate ion with ovalbumin is described by an association constant of approx. 250M-1.", "contents": "An electrophoretic study of the reversible binding of phosphate to ovalbumin. An electrophoretic method is described for the measurement of relatively weak interaction of ions with proteins, and illustrated with the ovalbumin-phosphate system in 0.1I buffers, pH6.1. Results indicate that under these conditions the interaction of a single dibasic phosphate ion with ovalbumin is described by an association constant of approx. 250M-1.", "PMID": 1008831} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11348", "title": "The instantaneous monitoring of polyacrylamide gels during electrophoresis.", "content": "The advantages of being able to see protein zones in a gel during electrophoresis (and hence before staining) are pointed out, and a method is described which depends on local increments of refractive index in these zones. The use of local increments of refractive index in polyacrylamide gels for measuring protein concentrations in zones during electrophoresis is briefly considered; it is found that such increments are greater than would be expected from the amount of protein when sodium dodecyl sulphate is present. The enhancement depends on conditions and time of running. This makes quantitative estimates difficult, but the sensitivity of detection of protein zones by observations based on refractive-index changes is greatly increased by this property of sodium dodecyl sulphate. Methods are described for making optically uniform gels (both with uniform and with graded concentrations of polyacrylamide), necessary for observation of small changes in refractive index. A simple dark-field system of observation is described. Examples are given showing protein samples observed with the system during electrophoresis and compared with the same gel stained with Coomassie Blue after completion of the run. Under optimal conditions the optical method is comparable in sensitivity with staining. With the proteins of lower mol.wt. (approx. 15000), the optical method is not so sensitive, becoming less sensitive with longer running time. This loss of sensitivity is greatly decreased by using more concentrated polyacrylamide gels, and graded gels are therefore more suitable for optical observation than are uniform gels. The observation of protein zones during electrophoresis adds nothing to the time needed for making a stained gel and gives much information long before it can be obtained from the stained gel.", "contents": "The instantaneous monitoring of polyacrylamide gels during electrophoresis. The advantages of being able to see protein zones in a gel during electrophoresis (and hence before staining) are pointed out, and a method is described which depends on local increments of refractive index in these zones. The use of local increments of refractive index in polyacrylamide gels for measuring protein concentrations in zones during electrophoresis is briefly considered; it is found that such increments are greater than would be expected from the amount of protein when sodium dodecyl sulphate is present. The enhancement depends on conditions and time of running. This makes quantitative estimates difficult, but the sensitivity of detection of protein zones by observations based on refractive-index changes is greatly increased by this property of sodium dodecyl sulphate. Methods are described for making optically uniform gels (both with uniform and with graded concentrations of polyacrylamide), necessary for observation of small changes in refractive index. A simple dark-field system of observation is described. Examples are given showing protein samples observed with the system during electrophoresis and compared with the same gel stained with Coomassie Blue after completion of the run. Under optimal conditions the optical method is comparable in sensitivity with staining. With the proteins of lower mol.wt. (approx. 15000), the optical method is not so sensitive, becoming less sensitive with longer running time. This loss of sensitivity is greatly decreased by using more concentrated polyacrylamide gels, and graded gels are therefore more suitable for optical observation than are uniform gels. The observation of protein zones during electrophoresis adds nothing to the time needed for making a stained gel and gives much information long before it can be obtained from the stained gel.", "PMID": 1008832} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11349", "title": "The purification and characterization of rabbit placental lactogen.", "content": "Rabbit placental lactogen, a polypeptide hormone functionally related to the growth hormone/prolactin family, was isolated from placenta by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-and CM-cellulose. The hormone was purified to more than 90% homogeneity, as determined by end-group analysis. On disc gel electrophoresis at pH9.0 it migrates as a pair of closely spaced bands with mobilities of 0.489 (minor band) and 0.511 (major band), and its isoelectric point is 6.1. Its mol.wt. is 20600, as determined by sedimentation--equilibrium centrifugation, and 24200, as estimated by gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulphate. Its amino acid composition resembles that of rabbit growth hormone and rat prolactin, except for a lower glutamic acid and leucine content. Like the prolactins, rabbit placental lactogen has two tryptophan and six cysteine residues, and its N-terminus, valine, is identical with that for human placental lactogen. By radioimmunoassay, it does not cross-react with antisera to either rat growth hormone or rat prolactin; in addition, it does not cross-react with antisera to bovine placental lactogen by double immunodiffusion. The similarity of the biochemical characteristics of rabbit placental lactogen to the other non-primate placental lactogens lends further support to the hypothesis that these molecules occupy a more central position in the growth hormone/prolactin \"tree\" than do their primate counterparts.", "contents": "The purification and characterization of rabbit placental lactogen. Rabbit placental lactogen, a polypeptide hormone functionally related to the growth hormone/prolactin family, was isolated from placenta by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-and CM-cellulose. The hormone was purified to more than 90% homogeneity, as determined by end-group analysis. On disc gel electrophoresis at pH9.0 it migrates as a pair of closely spaced bands with mobilities of 0.489 (minor band) and 0.511 (major band), and its isoelectric point is 6.1. Its mol.wt. is 20600, as determined by sedimentation--equilibrium centrifugation, and 24200, as estimated by gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulphate. Its amino acid composition resembles that of rabbit growth hormone and rat prolactin, except for a lower glutamic acid and leucine content. Like the prolactins, rabbit placental lactogen has two tryptophan and six cysteine residues, and its N-terminus, valine, is identical with that for human placental lactogen. By radioimmunoassay, it does not cross-react with antisera to either rat growth hormone or rat prolactin; in addition, it does not cross-react with antisera to bovine placental lactogen by double immunodiffusion. The similarity of the biochemical characteristics of rabbit placental lactogen to the other non-primate placental lactogens lends further support to the hypothesis that these molecules occupy a more central position in the growth hormone/prolactin \"tree\" than do their primate counterparts.", "PMID": 1008834} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11350", "title": "Aldolase binding to actin-containing filaments. Formation of paracrystals.", "content": "Electron-microscopy observation show that when aldolase binds to F-actin or F-actin-tropomyosin, highly ordered paracrystalline structures are formed consisting of tightly packed filament bundles cross-banded at 36 nm intervals. Morphologically different paracrystalline arrays are formed between aldolase and F-actin-tropomyosin-troponin. The filament bundles are far more extensive and are characterized by a prominent cross-striation at 38nm intervals. It is suggested that this reflects an interaction between troponin and aldolase.", "contents": "Aldolase binding to actin-containing filaments. Formation of paracrystals. Electron-microscopy observation show that when aldolase binds to F-actin or F-actin-tropomyosin, highly ordered paracrystalline structures are formed consisting of tightly packed filament bundles cross-banded at 36 nm intervals. Morphologically different paracrystalline arrays are formed between aldolase and F-actin-tropomyosin-troponin. The filament bundles are far more extensive and are characterized by a prominent cross-striation at 38nm intervals. It is suggested that this reflects an interaction between troponin and aldolase.", "PMID": 1008835} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11351", "title": "Chemical synthesis of all-trans-beta-retinoyl phosphat.", "content": "all-trans-beta-Retinoic acid is phosphorylated to retinoyl phosphate by bis(triethylamine) phosphate with yields of 10-15%. The product is soluble in methanol and is eluted from DEAE-cellulose acetate at a concentration of 0.1M-ammonium acetate in 99% (v/v) methanol. Its phosphate/retinoic acid molar ratio is 1. Retinoyl phosphate has an absorption maximum at 360nm in methanol, whereas retinoic acid has a maximum at 350 nm. The compound is hydrolysed at pH2 and pH13 for 20 min at 37 degrees C, but is relatively stable under the same conditions at pH4, 6, 8 and 10. Retinoyl phosphate (RF 0.1) can be separated from retinyl phosphate (RF 0.2) by chromatography on thin layers of silica gel in chloroform/methanol/water (60:25:4, by vol.).", "contents": "Chemical synthesis of all-trans-beta-retinoyl phosphat. all-trans-beta-Retinoic acid is phosphorylated to retinoyl phosphate by bis(triethylamine) phosphate with yields of 10-15%. The product is soluble in methanol and is eluted from DEAE-cellulose acetate at a concentration of 0.1M-ammonium acetate in 99% (v/v) methanol. Its phosphate/retinoic acid molar ratio is 1. Retinoyl phosphate has an absorption maximum at 360nm in methanol, whereas retinoic acid has a maximum at 350 nm. The compound is hydrolysed at pH2 and pH13 for 20 min at 37 degrees C, but is relatively stable under the same conditions at pH4, 6, 8 and 10. Retinoyl phosphate (RF 0.1) can be separated from retinyl phosphate (RF 0.2) by chromatography on thin layers of silica gel in chloroform/methanol/water (60:25:4, by vol.).", "PMID": 1008836} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11352", "title": "Conversion of (+/-)-synephrine into p-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde by Arthrobacter synephrinum. A novel enzymic reaction.", "content": "A partically purified enzyme from Arthrobacter synephrinum was found to catalyse the conversion of (+/-)-synphrine into p-hydroxyphrenylacetaldehyde and methylamine. The enzyme is highly specific for synephrine and is distinctly different from monoamine oxidase.", "contents": "Conversion of (+/-)-synephrine into p-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde by Arthrobacter synephrinum. A novel enzymic reaction. A partically purified enzyme from Arthrobacter synephrinum was found to catalyse the conversion of (+/-)-synphrine into p-hydroxyphrenylacetaldehyde and methylamine. The enzyme is highly specific for synephrine and is distinctly different from monoamine oxidase.", "PMID": 1008837} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11353", "title": "Metabolism of daunorubicin by a barbiturate-sensitive aldehyde reductase from rat liver.", "content": "A barbiturate-sensitive aldehyde reductase was purified to homogeneity from rat liver and shown to metabolize the cancer-chemotherapeutic antibiotic daunorubicin. The aldehyde reductase may have important roles in the metabolism of exogeneous drugs as well as the aldehyde derivatives of the biogenic amines.", "contents": "Metabolism of daunorubicin by a barbiturate-sensitive aldehyde reductase from rat liver. A barbiturate-sensitive aldehyde reductase was purified to homogeneity from rat liver and shown to metabolize the cancer-chemotherapeutic antibiotic daunorubicin. The aldehyde reductase may have important roles in the metabolism of exogeneous drugs as well as the aldehyde derivatives of the biogenic amines.", "PMID": 1008838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11354", "title": "The relationship between adrogen receptors and the hormonally controlled responses of rat ventral prostate.", "content": "1. The administration of dihydrotestosterone to rats orchidectomized 7 days previously stimulated the synthesis of nuclear receptor in prostatic cells several hours in advance of DNA synthesis and mitosis. 2. The synthesis of nuclear receptor is tightly coupled to cell proliferation; consequently, in resting cells, there is no further net synthesis of nuclear receptor above the maximum of approx. 8000 molecules/cell. 3. After orchidectomy a rapid decline in the concentration of free androgen in the nuceus and a slower decline in the concentration of nuclear receptor are observed. 4. Owing to the apparent scarcity of receptor-inactivating factors in the nucleus, and the inverse relationship between amounts of nuclear and cytoplasmic receptors, it is concluded that the nuclear receptor is discharged into the cytoplasm after orchidectomy. 5. The formation of the cytoplasmic receptor is an early event preceding the onset of cellular autolysis. 6. Regressing prostate develops the capacity to eliminate cytoplasmic receptor, and this capacity is retained by the regenerating prostate for at least 14 days. 7. The synthesis of nuclear receptor in early G1 phase may control the entry of cells into the cell cycle and the prolonged retention of receptor in the nucleus may prevent the activation of autophagic processes.", "contents": "The relationship between adrogen receptors and the hormonally controlled responses of rat ventral prostate. 1. The administration of dihydrotestosterone to rats orchidectomized 7 days previously stimulated the synthesis of nuclear receptor in prostatic cells several hours in advance of DNA synthesis and mitosis. 2. The synthesis of nuclear receptor is tightly coupled to cell proliferation; consequently, in resting cells, there is no further net synthesis of nuclear receptor above the maximum of approx. 8000 molecules/cell. 3. After orchidectomy a rapid decline in the concentration of free androgen in the nuceus and a slower decline in the concentration of nuclear receptor are observed. 4. Owing to the apparent scarcity of receptor-inactivating factors in the nucleus, and the inverse relationship between amounts of nuclear and cytoplasmic receptors, it is concluded that the nuclear receptor is discharged into the cytoplasm after orchidectomy. 5. The formation of the cytoplasmic receptor is an early event preceding the onset of cellular autolysis. 6. Regressing prostate develops the capacity to eliminate cytoplasmic receptor, and this capacity is retained by the regenerating prostate for at least 14 days. 7. The synthesis of nuclear receptor in early G1 phase may control the entry of cells into the cell cycle and the prolonged retention of receptor in the nucleus may prevent the activation of autophagic processes.", "PMID": 1008839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11355", "title": "Isolation of pure cholinergic nerve endings from the electric organ of Torpedo marmorata.", "content": "A rapid method for the preparation of highly purified cholinergic nerve endings from the electric organ of Torpedo is described. The endings retain their cytoplasmic components, as shown by biochemical and morphological observations. The homogeneity of these synaptosomes make them a useful tool for further studies.", "contents": "Isolation of pure cholinergic nerve endings from the electric organ of Torpedo marmorata. A rapid method for the preparation of highly purified cholinergic nerve endings from the electric organ of Torpedo is described. The endings retain their cytoplasmic components, as shown by biochemical and morphological observations. The homogeneity of these synaptosomes make them a useful tool for further studies.", "PMID": 1008840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11356", "title": "Collagen synthesis and deposition in cartilage during disrupted proteoglycan production.", "content": "A simple system was developed to investigate in vitro the possible relationship between collagen and proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage. When production of complete proteoglycan molecules was effectively inhibited with 4-methylumbelliferyl beta-D-xyloside collagen synthesis and distribution were virtually unaffected.", "contents": "Collagen synthesis and deposition in cartilage during disrupted proteoglycan production. A simple system was developed to investigate in vitro the possible relationship between collagen and proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage. When production of complete proteoglycan molecules was effectively inhibited with 4-methylumbelliferyl beta-D-xyloside collagen synthesis and distribution were virtually unaffected.", "PMID": 1008841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11357", "title": "Arteriovenous differences for amino acids and lactate across kidneys of normal and acidotic rats.", "content": "1. Arteriovenous differences fro amino acids across kidneys of normal and chronically acidotic rats were measured. Glutamine was the only amino acid extracted in increased amounts in acidosis. There was a considerable production of serine by kidneys from both normal and acidotic rats. 2. The arterial blood concentration of glutamine was significantly decreased in acidotic animals. 3. The glutamine extracted by kidneys of acidotic rats was largely and probably exclusively derived from the plasma. 4. The blood lactate concentration was unchanged in acidosis, as was the uptake of lactate by the kidney.", "contents": "Arteriovenous differences for amino acids and lactate across kidneys of normal and acidotic rats. 1. Arteriovenous differences fro amino acids across kidneys of normal and chronically acidotic rats were measured. Glutamine was the only amino acid extracted in increased amounts in acidosis. There was a considerable production of serine by kidneys from both normal and acidotic rats. 2. The arterial blood concentration of glutamine was significantly decreased in acidotic animals. 3. The glutamine extracted by kidneys of acidotic rats was largely and probably exclusively derived from the plasma. 4. The blood lactate concentration was unchanged in acidosis, as was the uptake of lactate by the kidney.", "PMID": 1008842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11358", "title": "Resistance to hepatic action of vasopressin in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice.", "content": "1. Fatty acid synthesis, measured in the perfused liver of genetically obese (ob/ob) mice with 3H2O or [14C]actate, did not show the inhibition by [8-arginine]vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) that is observed in livers from normal mice. 2. Hepatic glycogen breakdown in obese mice was stimuulated by vasopressin, but not as extensively as in lean mice. 3. If obese mice received a restricted amount of food, then fatty acid synthesis still did not respond to vasopressin, but glycogen breakdown was fully stimulated. 4. Cholesterol synthesis was not inhibited by vasopressin in livers from obese mice. 5. Vasopressin inhibited fatty acid synthesis in intact lean mice, but not in obese animals. 6. These results suggest that genetic obesity could be due to an inborn error within the mechanisms (other than adenylate cyclase) which mediate responses to extracellular effectors.", "contents": "Resistance to hepatic action of vasopressin in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice. 1. Fatty acid synthesis, measured in the perfused liver of genetically obese (ob/ob) mice with 3H2O or [14C]actate, did not show the inhibition by [8-arginine]vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) that is observed in livers from normal mice. 2. Hepatic glycogen breakdown in obese mice was stimuulated by vasopressin, but not as extensively as in lean mice. 3. If obese mice received a restricted amount of food, then fatty acid synthesis still did not respond to vasopressin, but glycogen breakdown was fully stimulated. 4. Cholesterol synthesis was not inhibited by vasopressin in livers from obese mice. 5. Vasopressin inhibited fatty acid synthesis in intact lean mice, but not in obese animals. 6. These results suggest that genetic obesity could be due to an inborn error within the mechanisms (other than adenylate cyclase) which mediate responses to extracellular effectors.", "PMID": 1008843} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11359", "title": "Stimulation of collagen galactosyltransferase and glucosyltransferase activities by lysophosphatidylcholine.", "content": "Lysophosphatidylcholine stimulated the activities of collagen galactosyl- and glucosyl-transferases in chick-embryo extract and its particulate fractions in vitro, whereas essentially no stimulation was noted in the high-speed supernatant, where the enzymes are soluble and membrane-free. The stimulatory effect of lysophosphatidylcholine was masked by 0.1% Triton X-100. In kinetic experiments lysophosphatidylcholine raised the maximum velocities with respect to the substrates and co-substrates, whereas no changes were observed in the apparant Km values. Phospholipase A preincubation of the chick-embryo extract resulted in stimulation of both transferase activities, probably gy generating lysophosphatides from endogenous phospholipids. No stimulation by lysophosphatidylcholine was found when tested with 500-fold-purified glycosyltransferase. The results suggest that collagen glycosyltransferases must be associated with the membrane structures of the cell in order to be stimulated by lysophosphatidylcholine. Lysophosphatidylcholine could have some regulatory significance in vivo, since its concentration in the cell is comparable with that which produced marked stimulation in vitro.", "contents": "Stimulation of collagen galactosyltransferase and glucosyltransferase activities by lysophosphatidylcholine. Lysophosphatidylcholine stimulated the activities of collagen galactosyl- and glucosyl-transferases in chick-embryo extract and its particulate fractions in vitro, whereas essentially no stimulation was noted in the high-speed supernatant, where the enzymes are soluble and membrane-free. The stimulatory effect of lysophosphatidylcholine was masked by 0.1% Triton X-100. In kinetic experiments lysophosphatidylcholine raised the maximum velocities with respect to the substrates and co-substrates, whereas no changes were observed in the apparant Km values. Phospholipase A preincubation of the chick-embryo extract resulted in stimulation of both transferase activities, probably gy generating lysophosphatides from endogenous phospholipids. No stimulation by lysophosphatidylcholine was found when tested with 500-fold-purified glycosyltransferase. The results suggest that collagen glycosyltransferases must be associated with the membrane structures of the cell in order to be stimulated by lysophosphatidylcholine. Lysophosphatidylcholine could have some regulatory significance in vivo, since its concentration in the cell is comparable with that which produced marked stimulation in vitro.", "PMID": 1008844} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11360", "title": "Testosterone control of nucleic acid content and proliferation of epithelium and stroma in rat seminal vesicles.", "content": "Tissue wet weight, nucleic acid content and epithelial and stromal cell numbers were measured in the seminal vesicles of sexually mature male rats. After castration, tissue weight and RNA decreased rapidly and in aprallel to reach, after 14 days, values only 15-20% of those in control (not castrated) animals. During this period, DNA decreased to a much lesser extent (by about 40%), but this change in DNA correlates well with the observed loss of cells from the epithelium. Testosterone in vivo promoted an immediate resynthesis of RNA, the value characteristic of control animals being reached within 80h. Delays occurred in the hormone-induced regain of tissue weight (30h) and DNA (40h), each of which preceded proliferation of the epithelium (40--50h). The cells of the stroma were unaffected by these changes in the androgenic statls of the animal. It is suggested that these proliferative changes in the epithelium cannot account for the previously reported induction by testosterone of basic secretory proteins in this tissue.", "contents": "Testosterone control of nucleic acid content and proliferation of epithelium and stroma in rat seminal vesicles. Tissue wet weight, nucleic acid content and epithelial and stromal cell numbers were measured in the seminal vesicles of sexually mature male rats. After castration, tissue weight and RNA decreased rapidly and in aprallel to reach, after 14 days, values only 15-20% of those in control (not castrated) animals. During this period, DNA decreased to a much lesser extent (by about 40%), but this change in DNA correlates well with the observed loss of cells from the epithelium. Testosterone in vivo promoted an immediate resynthesis of RNA, the value characteristic of control animals being reached within 80h. Delays occurred in the hormone-induced regain of tissue weight (30h) and DNA (40h), each of which preceded proliferation of the epithelium (40--50h). The cells of the stroma were unaffected by these changes in the androgenic statls of the animal. It is suggested that these proliferative changes in the epithelium cannot account for the previously reported induction by testosterone of basic secretory proteins in this tissue.", "PMID": 1008845} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11361", "title": "Guinea-pig milk-protein synthesis. Isolation and characterization of messenger ribonucleic acids from lactating mammary gland and identification of caseins and pre-alpha-lactalbumin as translation products in heterologous cell-free systems.", "content": "1. The major milk proteins synthesized by the lactating mammary gland of the guinea pig were identified and designated as caseins A, B and C and alpha-lactalbumin, with estimated mol.wts. of 28000, 25500, 20500 and 14500 respectively. 2. Antisera to the total casein fraction and to alpha-lactalbumin were prepared from rabbits. The milk proteins were also iodinated with either 131I or 125I. 3. A poly(A)-rich RNA fraction was isolated from lactating guinea-pig mammary glands. Isolation was by affinity chromatography on oligo(dT)-cellulose. 4. Examination of this RNA fraction by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels containing formamide indicated three major species 1, 2 and 3, with estimated wol.wts. of 5.4 X 10(5) and 3.3 X 10(5), and the apparent absence of rRNA species. 5. The poly(A)-rich RNA stimulated protein synthesis in heterologous cell-free systems based on wheat germ, Krebs II ascites-tumour cells, and the latter supplemented with an initiation factor-3 fraction from rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes. 6. Between 80 and 90% of the protein synthesis directed by the mRNA was for milk proteins. 7. Analysis of the proteins immunoprecipitated by the alpha-lactalbumin antiserum showed in the wheat-germ system that the product was a protein with a molecular weight greater than that of alpha-lactalbumin, whereas in the ascites-tumour-cell systems both this protein and alpha-lactalbumin were found. When the larger protein was treated with CNBr and the resulting peptides were examined, it was shown that the extra peptide was at the N-terminus. This and other evidence is adduced for the initial translation product of alpha-lactalbumin being a precursor with an addition of about ten amino acids at the N-terminus. 8. Similar analysis of the casein immlnospecific proteins produced under the direction of mRNA indicated that the products had a molecular weight that was apparently a littel smaller than that of the caseins synthesized in vivo. This was not consistent with higher-molecular weight casein precursors. 9. Possible explanations for the results obtained are discussed, especially in terms of the physiological significance of the pre-alpha-lactalbumin as a secretory protein.", "contents": "Guinea-pig milk-protein synthesis. Isolation and characterization of messenger ribonucleic acids from lactating mammary gland and identification of caseins and pre-alpha-lactalbumin as translation products in heterologous cell-free systems. 1. The major milk proteins synthesized by the lactating mammary gland of the guinea pig were identified and designated as caseins A, B and C and alpha-lactalbumin, with estimated mol.wts. of 28000, 25500, 20500 and 14500 respectively. 2. Antisera to the total casein fraction and to alpha-lactalbumin were prepared from rabbits. The milk proteins were also iodinated with either 131I or 125I. 3. A poly(A)-rich RNA fraction was isolated from lactating guinea-pig mammary glands. Isolation was by affinity chromatography on oligo(dT)-cellulose. 4. Examination of this RNA fraction by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels containing formamide indicated three major species 1, 2 and 3, with estimated wol.wts. of 5.4 X 10(5) and 3.3 X 10(5), and the apparent absence of rRNA species. 5. The poly(A)-rich RNA stimulated protein synthesis in heterologous cell-free systems based on wheat germ, Krebs II ascites-tumour cells, and the latter supplemented with an initiation factor-3 fraction from rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes. 6. Between 80 and 90% of the protein synthesis directed by the mRNA was for milk proteins. 7. Analysis of the proteins immunoprecipitated by the alpha-lactalbumin antiserum showed in the wheat-germ system that the product was a protein with a molecular weight greater than that of alpha-lactalbumin, whereas in the ascites-tumour-cell systems both this protein and alpha-lactalbumin were found. When the larger protein was treated with CNBr and the resulting peptides were examined, it was shown that the extra peptide was at the N-terminus. This and other evidence is adduced for the initial translation product of alpha-lactalbumin being a precursor with an addition of about ten amino acids at the N-terminus. 8. Similar analysis of the casein immlnospecific proteins produced under the direction of mRNA indicated that the products had a molecular weight that was apparently a littel smaller than that of the caseins synthesized in vivo. This was not consistent with higher-molecular weight casein precursors. 9. Possible explanations for the results obtained are discussed, especially in terms of the physiological significance of the pre-alpha-lactalbumin as a secretory protein.", "PMID": 1008846} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11362", "title": "Metabolism of methionine and biosynthesis of caffeine in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.).", "content": "1. Caffeine biosynthesis was studied by following the incorporation of 14C into the products of L-[Me-14C]methionine metabolism in tea shoot tips. 2. After administration of a 'pulse' of L-[Me-14C]methionine, almost all of the L-[Me-14C]methionine supplied disappeared within 1 h, and 14C-labelled caffeine synthesis increased throughout the experimental periods, whereas the radioactivities of an unknown compound and theobromine were highest at 3 h after the uptake of L-[Me-14C]methionine, followed by a steady decrease. There was also slight incorporation of the label into 7-methylxanthine, serine, glutamate and aspartate, disappearing by 36 h after the absorption of L-[Me-14C]methionine. 3. The radioactivities of nucleic acids derived from L-[Me-14C]methionine increased rapidly during the first 12 h incubation period and then decreased steadily. Sedimentation analysis of nucleic acids by sucrose-gradient centrifugation showed that methylation of nucleic acids in tea shoot tips occurred mainly in the tRNA fraction. The main product among the methylated bases in tea shoot tips was identified as 1-methyladenine. 4. The results indicated that the purine ring in caffeine is derived from the purine nucleotides in the nucleotide pool rather than in nucleic acids. A metabolic scheme to show the production of caffeine and related methylxanthines from the nucleotides in tea plants is discussed.", "contents": "Metabolism of methionine and biosynthesis of caffeine in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.). 1. Caffeine biosynthesis was studied by following the incorporation of 14C into the products of L-[Me-14C]methionine metabolism in tea shoot tips. 2. After administration of a 'pulse' of L-[Me-14C]methionine, almost all of the L-[Me-14C]methionine supplied disappeared within 1 h, and 14C-labelled caffeine synthesis increased throughout the experimental periods, whereas the radioactivities of an unknown compound and theobromine were highest at 3 h after the uptake of L-[Me-14C]methionine, followed by a steady decrease. There was also slight incorporation of the label into 7-methylxanthine, serine, glutamate and aspartate, disappearing by 36 h after the absorption of L-[Me-14C]methionine. 3. The radioactivities of nucleic acids derived from L-[Me-14C]methionine increased rapidly during the first 12 h incubation period and then decreased steadily. Sedimentation analysis of nucleic acids by sucrose-gradient centrifugation showed that methylation of nucleic acids in tea shoot tips occurred mainly in the tRNA fraction. The main product among the methylated bases in tea shoot tips was identified as 1-methyladenine. 4. The results indicated that the purine ring in caffeine is derived from the purine nucleotides in the nucleotide pool rather than in nucleic acids. A metabolic scheme to show the production of caffeine and related methylxanthines from the nucleotides in tea plants is discussed.", "PMID": 1008848} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11363", "title": "Effects of calcium-antagonistic drugs on the stimulation by carbamoylcholine and histamine of phosphatidylinositol turnover in longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea-pig ileum.", "content": "A number of drugs classed as calcium antagonists, spasmolytics, non-specific receptor antagonists or receptor antagonists with multiple sites of action were tested to determine whether they prevent the stimulation of phosphatidylinositol turnover caused in various tissues by the activation of receptors which increase cell-surface Ca2+ permeability. The experiments were done with fragments of longitudinal smooth muscle from guinea-pig ileum; these were incubated in vitro with 32Pi and either 100 muM-carbamoylcholine or 100 muM-histamine, in the presence of antagonistic drugs at concentrations at least sufficient to cause complete blockade of smooth-muscle contraction. The phosphatidylinositol response to carbamoylcholine was not changed by cinchocaine, papaverine, nifedipine, dibenamine, amethocaine, cinnarizine, lidoflazine, methoxyverapamil, prenylamine or two antimuscarinic alkane-bis-ammonium compounds, and the response to histamine was unaffected by the first four drugs. In contrast, phenoxybenzamine prevented the increase in phosphatidylinositol labelling caused by either carbamoylcholine or histamine. The insensitivity of the phosphatidylinositol response to most of the drugs provides further experimental support for the conclusion that the receptor-stimulated phosphatidylinositol breakdown which initiates the increase in phosphatidylinositol turnover is not caused by an increase in intracellular Ca2+. The simplest interpretation of the available information appears to be that phosphatidylinositol breakdown plays a role in the coupling between the receptor-agonist interaction and the opening of cell-surface Ca2+ gates [Michell, R. H. (1975) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 415, 81-147]. If this is correct, then phenoxybenzamine must exert its inhibitory effects on phosphatidylinositol breakdown early in this sequence of events, but the drugs must act at a stage later than phosphatidylinositol breakdown. The unexpected difference in the effects of dibenamine and phenoxybenzamine, which are chemically very similar, may provide a useful experimental tool with which to explore the way in which activated receptors provoke the opening of cell-surface Ca2+ gates.", "contents": "Effects of calcium-antagonistic drugs on the stimulation by carbamoylcholine and histamine of phosphatidylinositol turnover in longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea-pig ileum. A number of drugs classed as calcium antagonists, spasmolytics, non-specific receptor antagonists or receptor antagonists with multiple sites of action were tested to determine whether they prevent the stimulation of phosphatidylinositol turnover caused in various tissues by the activation of receptors which increase cell-surface Ca2+ permeability. The experiments were done with fragments of longitudinal smooth muscle from guinea-pig ileum; these were incubated in vitro with 32Pi and either 100 muM-carbamoylcholine or 100 muM-histamine, in the presence of antagonistic drugs at concentrations at least sufficient to cause complete blockade of smooth-muscle contraction. The phosphatidylinositol response to carbamoylcholine was not changed by cinchocaine, papaverine, nifedipine, dibenamine, amethocaine, cinnarizine, lidoflazine, methoxyverapamil, prenylamine or two antimuscarinic alkane-bis-ammonium compounds, and the response to histamine was unaffected by the first four drugs. In contrast, phenoxybenzamine prevented the increase in phosphatidylinositol labelling caused by either carbamoylcholine or histamine. The insensitivity of the phosphatidylinositol response to most of the drugs provides further experimental support for the conclusion that the receptor-stimulated phosphatidylinositol breakdown which initiates the increase in phosphatidylinositol turnover is not caused by an increase in intracellular Ca2+. The simplest interpretation of the available information appears to be that phosphatidylinositol breakdown plays a role in the coupling between the receptor-agonist interaction and the opening of cell-surface Ca2+ gates [Michell, R. H. (1975) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 415, 81-147]. If this is correct, then phenoxybenzamine must exert its inhibitory effects on phosphatidylinositol breakdown early in this sequence of events, but the drugs must act at a stage later than phosphatidylinositol breakdown. The unexpected difference in the effects of dibenamine and phenoxybenzamine, which are chemically very similar, may provide a useful experimental tool with which to explore the way in which activated receptors provoke the opening of cell-surface Ca2+ gates.", "PMID": 1008847} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11364", "title": "Synthesis and turnover of cerebrosides and phosphatidylserine of myelin and microsomal fractions of adult and developing rat brain.", "content": "The synthesis and turnover of cerebrosides and phospholipids was followed in microsomal and myelin fractions of developing and adult rat brains after an intracerebral injection of [U-14C]serine. The kinetics of incorporation of radioactivity into microsomal and myelin cerebrosides indicate the possibility of a precursor-product relationship between cerebrosides of these membranes. The specific radioactivity of myelin cerebrosides was corrected for the deposition of newly formed cerebrosides in myelin. Multiphasic curves were obtained for the decline in specific radioactivity of myelin and microsomal cerebrosides, suggesting different cerebroside pools in these membranes. The half-life of the fast turning-over pool of cerebrosides of myelin was 7 and 22 days for the developing and adult rat brain respectively. The half-life of the slowly turning-over pool of myelin cerebrosides was about 145 days for both groups of animals. The half-life of the rapidly turning-over microsomal cerebrosides was calculated to be 20 and 40 h for the developing and adult animals respectively. The half-life of the intermediate and slowly turning-over microsomal cerebrosides was 11 and 60 days respectively, for both groups of animals. The amount of incorporation of radioactivity into microsomal cerebrosides from L-serine was greatly decreased in the adult animals, and greater amounts of the precursor were directed towards the synthesis of phosphatidylserine. In the developing animals, considerable amounts of cerebrosides were synthesized from L-serine, besides phosphatidylserine. The time-course of incorporation indicated that a precursor-product relationship exists between microsomal and myelin phosphatidylserine. The half-life of microsomal phosphatidylserine was calculated to be about 8 h for the fast turning-over pool in both groups of animals.", "contents": "Synthesis and turnover of cerebrosides and phosphatidylserine of myelin and microsomal fractions of adult and developing rat brain. The synthesis and turnover of cerebrosides and phospholipids was followed in microsomal and myelin fractions of developing and adult rat brains after an intracerebral injection of [U-14C]serine. The kinetics of incorporation of radioactivity into microsomal and myelin cerebrosides indicate the possibility of a precursor-product relationship between cerebrosides of these membranes. The specific radioactivity of myelin cerebrosides was corrected for the deposition of newly formed cerebrosides in myelin. Multiphasic curves were obtained for the decline in specific radioactivity of myelin and microsomal cerebrosides, suggesting different cerebroside pools in these membranes. The half-life of the fast turning-over pool of cerebrosides of myelin was 7 and 22 days for the developing and adult rat brain respectively. The half-life of the slowly turning-over pool of myelin cerebrosides was about 145 days for both groups of animals. The half-life of the rapidly turning-over microsomal cerebrosides was calculated to be 20 and 40 h for the developing and adult animals respectively. The half-life of the intermediate and slowly turning-over microsomal cerebrosides was 11 and 60 days respectively, for both groups of animals. The amount of incorporation of radioactivity into microsomal cerebrosides from L-serine was greatly decreased in the adult animals, and greater amounts of the precursor were directed towards the synthesis of phosphatidylserine. In the developing animals, considerable amounts of cerebrosides were synthesized from L-serine, besides phosphatidylserine. The time-course of incorporation indicated that a precursor-product relationship exists between microsomal and myelin phosphatidylserine. The half-life of microsomal phosphatidylserine was calculated to be about 8 h for the fast turning-over pool in both groups of animals.", "PMID": 1008849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11365", "title": "Effect of ornithine and lactate on urea synthesis in isolated hepatocytes.", "content": "1. In hepatocytes isolated from 24 h-starved rats, urea production from ammonia was stimulated by addition of lactate, in both the presence and the absence of ornithine. The relationship of lactate concentration to the rate of urea synthesis was hyperbolic. 2. Other glucose precursors also stimulated urea production to varying degrees, but none more than lactate. Added oleate and butyrate did not stimulate urea synthesis. 3. Citrulline accumulation was largely dependent on ornithine concentration. As ornithine was increased from 0 to 40 mM, the rate of citrulline accumulation increased hyperbolically, and was half-maximal when ornithine was 8-12 mM. 4. The rate of citrulline accumulation was independent of the presence of lactate, but with pyruvate the rate increased. 5. The rate of urea production continued to increase as ornithine was varied from 0 to 40 mM. 6. It was concluded that intermediates provided by both ornithine and lactate are limiting for urea production from ammonia in isolated liver cells. It was suggested that the stimulatory effect of lactate lies in increased availability of cytosolic aspartate for condensation with citrulline.", "contents": "Effect of ornithine and lactate on urea synthesis in isolated hepatocytes. 1. In hepatocytes isolated from 24 h-starved rats, urea production from ammonia was stimulated by addition of lactate, in both the presence and the absence of ornithine. The relationship of lactate concentration to the rate of urea synthesis was hyperbolic. 2. Other glucose precursors also stimulated urea production to varying degrees, but none more than lactate. Added oleate and butyrate did not stimulate urea synthesis. 3. Citrulline accumulation was largely dependent on ornithine concentration. As ornithine was increased from 0 to 40 mM, the rate of citrulline accumulation increased hyperbolically, and was half-maximal when ornithine was 8-12 mM. 4. The rate of citrulline accumulation was independent of the presence of lactate, but with pyruvate the rate increased. 5. The rate of urea production continued to increase as ornithine was varied from 0 to 40 mM. 6. It was concluded that intermediates provided by both ornithine and lactate are limiting for urea production from ammonia in isolated liver cells. It was suggested that the stimulatory effect of lactate lies in increased availability of cytosolic aspartate for condensation with citrulline.", "PMID": 1008850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11366", "title": "Uridine diphosphate xylosyltransferase activity in cartilage from manganese-deficient chicks.", "content": "The glycosaminoglycan content of cartilage is decreased in manganese deficiency in the chick (perosis). The activity of xylosyltransferase, the first enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of sulphated glycosaminoglycans, was studied in the epiphysial cartilage of 4-week-old chicks which had been maintained since hatching on a manganese-deficient diet. Enzymic activity was measured by the incorporation of [14C]xylose from UDP-[14C]xylose into trichloroacetic acid precipitates. Optimal conditions for the xylosyltransferase assay were established and shown to be the same for both control and manganese-deficient cartilage. Assay of the enzyme by using an exogenous xylose acceptor showed no difference in xylosyltransferase activity between control and manganese-deficient tissue. Further, the extent of xylose incorporation was greater in manganese-deficient than in control cartilage preparations, suggesting an increase in xylose-acceptor sites on the endogenous acceptor protein in the deficient cartilage. 35S turnover in the manganese-deficient cartilage was also increased. The data suggest that the decreased glycosaminoglycan content in manganese-deficient cartilage is due to decreased xylosylation of the acceptor protein plus increased degradation of glycosaminoglycan.", "contents": "Uridine diphosphate xylosyltransferase activity in cartilage from manganese-deficient chicks. The glycosaminoglycan content of cartilage is decreased in manganese deficiency in the chick (perosis). The activity of xylosyltransferase, the first enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of sulphated glycosaminoglycans, was studied in the epiphysial cartilage of 4-week-old chicks which had been maintained since hatching on a manganese-deficient diet. Enzymic activity was measured by the incorporation of [14C]xylose from UDP-[14C]xylose into trichloroacetic acid precipitates. Optimal conditions for the xylosyltransferase assay were established and shown to be the same for both control and manganese-deficient cartilage. Assay of the enzyme by using an exogenous xylose acceptor showed no difference in xylosyltransferase activity between control and manganese-deficient tissue. Further, the extent of xylose incorporation was greater in manganese-deficient than in control cartilage preparations, suggesting an increase in xylose-acceptor sites on the endogenous acceptor protein in the deficient cartilage. 35S turnover in the manganese-deficient cartilage was also increased. The data suggest that the decreased glycosaminoglycan content in manganese-deficient cartilage is due to decreased xylosylation of the acceptor protein plus increased degradation of glycosaminoglycan.", "PMID": 1008851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11367", "title": "Developmental aspects of glutathione S-transferase B (ligandin) in rat liver.", "content": "The postnatal development in male Sprague-Dawley rats of hepatic glutathione S-transferase B (ligandin) in relation to the other glutathione S-transferases is described. The concentration of glutathione S-transferase B in 1-day-old male rats is about one-fifth of that in adult animals. The enzyme reaches adult concentrations 4-5 weeks later. When assessed by substrate specificity or immunologically, the proportion of transferase B relative to the other glutathione S-transferases is high during the first week after birth. At this age, 67.5% of the transferase activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene is immunoprecipitable by anti-(transferase B), compared with about 50% in adults and older pups. Between the second and the fifth postnatal week, the fraction of transferase B increases in parallel fashion with the other transferases in hepatic cytosol. Neither L-thyroxine nor cortisol induce a precocious increase in glutathione S-transferase activity. Phenobarbital did induce transferase activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene in both pups and adults. The extent of induction by phenobarbital was a function of basal activity during development such that the percentage stimulation remained constant from 5 days postnatally to adulthood.", "contents": "Developmental aspects of glutathione S-transferase B (ligandin) in rat liver. The postnatal development in male Sprague-Dawley rats of hepatic glutathione S-transferase B (ligandin) in relation to the other glutathione S-transferases is described. The concentration of glutathione S-transferase B in 1-day-old male rats is about one-fifth of that in adult animals. The enzyme reaches adult concentrations 4-5 weeks later. When assessed by substrate specificity or immunologically, the proportion of transferase B relative to the other glutathione S-transferases is high during the first week after birth. At this age, 67.5% of the transferase activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene is immunoprecipitable by anti-(transferase B), compared with about 50% in adults and older pups. Between the second and the fifth postnatal week, the fraction of transferase B increases in parallel fashion with the other transferases in hepatic cytosol. Neither L-thyroxine nor cortisol induce a precocious increase in glutathione S-transferase activity. Phenobarbital did induce transferase activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene in both pups and adults. The extent of induction by phenobarbital was a function of basal activity during development such that the percentage stimulation remained constant from 5 days postnatally to adulthood.", "PMID": 1008852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11368", "title": "Subcellular localization of oestrogen-induced uterine peroxidase.", "content": "The distribution of oestrogen-induced peroxidase in the resuspended 8000g pellet of rat uterine homogenates was examined by centrifugation in a sucrose density gradient. Within 10h of treatment with oestradiol, peroxidase activity was found in a region devoid of catalase or urate oxidase (peroxisomal markers) which did not overlap the fractions containing succinate dehydrogenase (mitochondrial marker) or acid phosphatase (lysosomal marker). The induced uterine enzyme was localized in reticular membrane-bound vesicles with isopycnic density of 1.28g/ml from which it could be released by treatment with detergent.", "contents": "Subcellular localization of oestrogen-induced uterine peroxidase. The distribution of oestrogen-induced peroxidase in the resuspended 8000g pellet of rat uterine homogenates was examined by centrifugation in a sucrose density gradient. Within 10h of treatment with oestradiol, peroxidase activity was found in a region devoid of catalase or urate oxidase (peroxisomal markers) which did not overlap the fractions containing succinate dehydrogenase (mitochondrial marker) or acid phosphatase (lysosomal marker). The induced uterine enzyme was localized in reticular membrane-bound vesicles with isopycnic density of 1.28g/ml from which it could be released by treatment with detergent.", "PMID": 1008853} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11369", "title": "A new approach to assessing collagen turnover by using a micro-assay. A highly efficient and rapid turnover of collagen in rat periodontal tissues.", "content": "Measurement of [3H]proline incorporation into newly synthesized and mature collagen in connective tissues was used to compare rates and efficiency of collagen turnover. The approach minimizes label-recycling problems. By using a micro-assay to determine hydroxyproline specific radioactivities, a highly efficient and rapid collagen turnover in rat periodontal tissues was demonstrated.", "contents": "A new approach to assessing collagen turnover by using a micro-assay. A highly efficient and rapid turnover of collagen in rat periodontal tissues. Measurement of [3H]proline incorporation into newly synthesized and mature collagen in connective tissues was used to compare rates and efficiency of collagen turnover. The approach minimizes label-recycling problems. By using a micro-assay to determine hydroxyproline specific radioactivities, a highly efficient and rapid collagen turnover in rat periodontal tissues was demonstrated.", "PMID": 1008854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11370", "title": "The synthesis and hydrolysis of long-chain fatty acyl-coenzyme A thioesters by soluble and microsomal fractions from the brain of the developing rat.", "content": "1. The specific activities of long-chain fatty acid-CoA ligase (EC6.2.1.3) and of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA hydrolase (EC3.1.2.2) were measured in soluble and microsomal fractions from rat brain. 2. In the presence of either palmitic acid or stearic acid, the specific activity of the ligase increased during development; the specific activity of this enzyme with arachidic acid or behenic acid was considerably lower. 3. The specific activities of palmitoyl-CoA hydrolase and of stearoyl-CoA hydrolase in the microsomal fraction decreased markedly (75%) between 6 and 20 days after birth; by contrast, the corresponding specific activities in the soluble fraction showed no decline. 4. Stearoyl-CoA hydrolase in the microsomal fraction is inhibited (99%) by bovine serum albumin; this is in contrast with the microsomal fatty acid-chain-elongation system, which is stimulated 3.9-fold by albumin. Inhibition of stearoyl-CoA hydrolase does not stimulate stearoyl-CoA chain elongation. Therefore it does not appear likely that the decline in the specific activity of hydrolase during myelogenesis is responsible for the increased rate of fatty acid chain elongation. 5. It is suggested that the decline in specific activity of the microsomal hydrolase and to a lesser extent the increase in the specific activity of the ligase is directly related to the increased demand for long-chain acyl-CoA esters during myelogenesis as substrates in the biosynthesis of myelin lipids.", "contents": "The synthesis and hydrolysis of long-chain fatty acyl-coenzyme A thioesters by soluble and microsomal fractions from the brain of the developing rat. 1. The specific activities of long-chain fatty acid-CoA ligase (EC6.2.1.3) and of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA hydrolase (EC3.1.2.2) were measured in soluble and microsomal fractions from rat brain. 2. In the presence of either palmitic acid or stearic acid, the specific activity of the ligase increased during development; the specific activity of this enzyme with arachidic acid or behenic acid was considerably lower. 3. The specific activities of palmitoyl-CoA hydrolase and of stearoyl-CoA hydrolase in the microsomal fraction decreased markedly (75%) between 6 and 20 days after birth; by contrast, the corresponding specific activities in the soluble fraction showed no decline. 4. Stearoyl-CoA hydrolase in the microsomal fraction is inhibited (99%) by bovine serum albumin; this is in contrast with the microsomal fatty acid-chain-elongation system, which is stimulated 3.9-fold by albumin. Inhibition of stearoyl-CoA hydrolase does not stimulate stearoyl-CoA chain elongation. Therefore it does not appear likely that the decline in the specific activity of hydrolase during myelogenesis is responsible for the increased rate of fatty acid chain elongation. 5. It is suggested that the decline in specific activity of the microsomal hydrolase and to a lesser extent the increase in the specific activity of the ligase is directly related to the increased demand for long-chain acyl-CoA esters during myelogenesis as substrates in the biosynthesis of myelin lipids.", "PMID": 1008855} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11371", "title": "The selective isolation of the uterine oestradiol-receptor complex by binding to oligo(dT)-cellulose. The mediation of an essential activator in the transformation of cytosol receptor.", "content": "The [3H]oestradiol-receptor complex was selectively isolated from rat uterus cytosol by column chromatography on oligo(dT)-cellulose. Optimal conditions are described for the binding of the complex to oligo(dT)-cellulose, which is shown to be similar to its binding to DNA-cellulose. The cytosol complex has an apparent mol. wt. of 50,000-60,000 in high salt concentrations, as determined by Sephadex G-100 chromatography. This corresponds to the 4S cytoplasmic oestradiol receptor. In binding to oligo(dT)-cellulose the receptor is transformed into a form with an apparent mol.wt. of 100,000-120,000, corresponding to the 5S nuclear receptor complex. This transformation mimics the conversion in vivo of the cytoplasmic oestradiol receptor into the nuclear form. The binding of the complex to oligo(dT)-cellulose as a 5S nuclear form is unequivocally demonstrated to require the mediation of an activating present in the cytosol. The requirement for an activating factor is discussed in relation to reports that nuclear binding of the oestradiol-receptor complex is not dictated solely by the availability of the cytoplasmic oestradiol receptor.", "contents": "The selective isolation of the uterine oestradiol-receptor complex by binding to oligo(dT)-cellulose. The mediation of an essential activator in the transformation of cytosol receptor. The [3H]oestradiol-receptor complex was selectively isolated from rat uterus cytosol by column chromatography on oligo(dT)-cellulose. Optimal conditions are described for the binding of the complex to oligo(dT)-cellulose, which is shown to be similar to its binding to DNA-cellulose. The cytosol complex has an apparent mol. wt. of 50,000-60,000 in high salt concentrations, as determined by Sephadex G-100 chromatography. This corresponds to the 4S cytoplasmic oestradiol receptor. In binding to oligo(dT)-cellulose the receptor is transformed into a form with an apparent mol.wt. of 100,000-120,000, corresponding to the 5S nuclear receptor complex. This transformation mimics the conversion in vivo of the cytoplasmic oestradiol receptor into the nuclear form. The binding of the complex to oligo(dT)-cellulose as a 5S nuclear form is unequivocally demonstrated to require the mediation of an activating present in the cytosol. The requirement for an activating factor is discussed in relation to reports that nuclear binding of the oestradiol-receptor complex is not dictated solely by the availability of the cytoplasmic oestradiol receptor.", "PMID": 1008856} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11372", "title": "Insulin regulation of amino acid transport in mesenchymal cells from avian and mammalian tissues.", "content": "Insulin regulation of amino acid transport across the cell membrane was studied in a variety of mesenchymal cell directly isolated from avian and mammalian tissues or collected from confluent cultures. Transport activity of the principal systems of mediation in the presence and absence of insulin was evaluated by measuring the uptake of representative amino acids under conditions approaching initial entry rates. Insulin enhanced the transport rate of substrate amino acids from the A system(alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, L-proline, glycine, L-alanine and L-serine) in fibroblasts and osteoblasts from chick-embryo tissues, in mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells) from immature rat uterus, in thymic lymphocytes from young rats and in chick-embryo fibroblasts from confluent secondary cultures. In these tissues, the uptake of amino acid substrates of transport systems L and Ly+ (L-leucine, L-phenylalanine, L-lysine) was not affected by the presence of the hormone. No insulin control of amino acid transport was detected in chick-embryo chondroblasts and rat peritoneal macrophages. These observations identify the occurrence of hormonal regulatory patterns of amino acid transport for different mesenchymal cells types and indicate that these properties emerge early during cell differentiation.", "contents": "Insulin regulation of amino acid transport in mesenchymal cells from avian and mammalian tissues. Insulin regulation of amino acid transport across the cell membrane was studied in a variety of mesenchymal cell directly isolated from avian and mammalian tissues or collected from confluent cultures. Transport activity of the principal systems of mediation in the presence and absence of insulin was evaluated by measuring the uptake of representative amino acids under conditions approaching initial entry rates. Insulin enhanced the transport rate of substrate amino acids from the A system(alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, L-proline, glycine, L-alanine and L-serine) in fibroblasts and osteoblasts from chick-embryo tissues, in mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells) from immature rat uterus, in thymic lymphocytes from young rats and in chick-embryo fibroblasts from confluent secondary cultures. In these tissues, the uptake of amino acid substrates of transport systems L and Ly+ (L-leucine, L-phenylalanine, L-lysine) was not affected by the presence of the hormone. No insulin control of amino acid transport was detected in chick-embryo chondroblasts and rat peritoneal macrophages. These observations identify the occurrence of hormonal regulatory patterns of amino acid transport for different mesenchymal cells types and indicate that these properties emerge early during cell differentiation.", "PMID": 1008857} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11373", "title": "A new method for the assay of tissue. S-adenosylhomocysteine and S-adenosylmethione. Effect of pyridoxine deficiency on the metabolism of S-adenosylhomocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine and polyamines in rat liver.", "content": "The hepatic synthesis and accumulation of S-adenosylhomocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine and polyamines were studied in normal and vitamin B-6-deficient male albino rats. A method involving a single chromatography on a phosphocellulose column was developed for the determination of S-adenosylhomocysteine and S-adenosylmethionine from tissue samples. Feeding the rat with pyridoxine-deficient diet for 3 or 6 weeks resulted in a four- to five-fold increase in the concentration of S-adenosylhomocysteine, whereas that of S-adenosylmethionine was only slighly elevated. The concentration of putrescine was decreased to half, that of spermidine was somewhat decreased and that of spermine remained fairly constant. The activities of L-ornithine decarboxylase, S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase, L-methionine adenosyltransferase and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase were moderately increased. S-Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase showed no requirement for pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. The major effect of pyridoxine deficiency of S-adenosylmethionine metabolism seems to be a block in the utilization of S-adenosylhomocysteine, resulting in the accumulation of this metabolite to a concentration that may inhibit biological methylation reactions.", "contents": "A new method for the assay of tissue. S-adenosylhomocysteine and S-adenosylmethione. Effect of pyridoxine deficiency on the metabolism of S-adenosylhomocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine and polyamines in rat liver. The hepatic synthesis and accumulation of S-adenosylhomocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine and polyamines were studied in normal and vitamin B-6-deficient male albino rats. A method involving a single chromatography on a phosphocellulose column was developed for the determination of S-adenosylhomocysteine and S-adenosylmethionine from tissue samples. Feeding the rat with pyridoxine-deficient diet for 3 or 6 weeks resulted in a four- to five-fold increase in the concentration of S-adenosylhomocysteine, whereas that of S-adenosylmethionine was only slighly elevated. The concentration of putrescine was decreased to half, that of spermidine was somewhat decreased and that of spermine remained fairly constant. The activities of L-ornithine decarboxylase, S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase, L-methionine adenosyltransferase and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase were moderately increased. S-Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase showed no requirement for pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. The major effect of pyridoxine deficiency of S-adenosylmethionine metabolism seems to be a block in the utilization of S-adenosylhomocysteine, resulting in the accumulation of this metabolite to a concentration that may inhibit biological methylation reactions.", "PMID": 1008858} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11374", "title": "The role of free serum tryptophan in the biphasic effect of acute ethanol administration on the concentrations of rat brain tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindol-3-ylacetic acid.", "content": "1. Acute administration of ethanol exerts a biphasic effect on the concentrations of rat brain tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindol-3-ylacetic acid. Both effects are associated with corresponding changes in the availability of circulating free tryptophan. 2. The initial increases in the above concentrations are prevented by ergotamine, are unaltered by allopurinol and are potentiated by theophylline, whereas the later decreases are prevented by both ergotamine and allopurinol. 3. It is suggested that the initial enhancement by ethanol of brain tryptophan metabolism is caused by catecholamine-mediated lipolysis followed by displacement of protein-bound serum tryptophan, whereas the activation of liver tryptophaan pyrrolase, which is produced by the same mechanism, leads to the later decreases in the brain concentrations of tryptophan and its metabolites. 4. The initial effects of ethanol can be reproduced by an equicaloric dose of sucrose, and a comparison of the two treatments alone could therefore be misleading. 5. The effects of ethanol on liver and brain tryptophan metabolism have also been examined in mice, and a comparison of the results with those previously reported suggests that the ethanol effects are strain-dependent.", "contents": "The role of free serum tryptophan in the biphasic effect of acute ethanol administration on the concentrations of rat brain tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindol-3-ylacetic acid. 1. Acute administration of ethanol exerts a biphasic effect on the concentrations of rat brain tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindol-3-ylacetic acid. Both effects are associated with corresponding changes in the availability of circulating free tryptophan. 2. The initial increases in the above concentrations are prevented by ergotamine, are unaltered by allopurinol and are potentiated by theophylline, whereas the later decreases are prevented by both ergotamine and allopurinol. 3. It is suggested that the initial enhancement by ethanol of brain tryptophan metabolism is caused by catecholamine-mediated lipolysis followed by displacement of protein-bound serum tryptophan, whereas the activation of liver tryptophaan pyrrolase, which is produced by the same mechanism, leads to the later decreases in the brain concentrations of tryptophan and its metabolites. 4. The initial effects of ethanol can be reproduced by an equicaloric dose of sucrose, and a comparison of the two treatments alone could therefore be misleading. 5. The effects of ethanol on liver and brain tryptophan metabolism have also been examined in mice, and a comparison of the results with those previously reported suggests that the ethanol effects are strain-dependent.", "PMID": 1008859} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11375", "title": "Regeneration of renal proximal tubules after mercuric chloride injury is accompanied by increased binding of aminoacyl-transfer ribonucleic acid.", "content": "Homogenates of rat kidney cortex obtained 1,3 or 14 days after a single injection of HgCl2 were used to prepare the post-microsomal pH5 supernatant fraction. The activity of this fraction for peptide synthesis from [14C]phenylalanyl-tRNA was significantly increased at 1 and 3 days, at which time the proximal tubules are regenerating [Cuppage & Tate (1967) Am. J. Pathol. 51, 405-429]. This increased activity could not be attributed to a decreased inhibitory activity, but was due to an increased aminoacyl-tRNA binding, i.e. elongation-factor-1 activity, in the supernatant fraction.", "contents": "Regeneration of renal proximal tubules after mercuric chloride injury is accompanied by increased binding of aminoacyl-transfer ribonucleic acid. Homogenates of rat kidney cortex obtained 1,3 or 14 days after a single injection of HgCl2 were used to prepare the post-microsomal pH5 supernatant fraction. The activity of this fraction for peptide synthesis from [14C]phenylalanyl-tRNA was significantly increased at 1 and 3 days, at which time the proximal tubules are regenerating [Cuppage & Tate (1967) Am. J. Pathol. 51, 405-429]. This increased activity could not be attributed to a decreased inhibitory activity, but was due to an increased aminoacyl-tRNA binding, i.e. elongation-factor-1 activity, in the supernatant fraction.", "PMID": 1008860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11376", "title": "Lectins as membrane components of mitochondria from Ricinus communis.", "content": "1. Mitochondria were isolated from developing endosperm of Ricinus communis and were fractionated into outer membrane and inner membrane. The relative purity of the two membrane fractions was determined by marker enzymes. The fractions were also examined by negative-stain electron microscopy. 2. Membrane fractions were sequentially extracted in the following way. (a) Suspension in 0.5M-potassium phosphate, pH7.1; (b)suspension in 0.1M-EDTA (disodium salt)/0.05M-potassium phosphate, pH7.1; (c) sonication in 0.05M-potassium phosphate, pH7.1;(d)sonication in aq. Triton X-100 (0.1%). The membranes were pelleted by centrifugation at 100 000g for 15 min, between each step. Agglutination activity in the extracts was investigated by using trypsin-treated rabbit erythrocytes. 3. The addition of lactose to inner mitochondrial membrane resulted in the solubilization of part of the lectin activity, indicating that the protein was attached to the membrane via its carbohydrate-binding site. Pretreatment of the membranes with lactose before tha usual extraction procedure showed that lactose could extract lectins that normally required more harsh treatment of the membrane for solubilization. 4. Lectins extracted from inner membranes were purified by affinity chromatography on agarose gel. Polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis of purified samples in sodium dodecyl sulphate indicated that at least part of the lectin present in inner mitochondrial membrane was identical with the R. communis agglutinin of mol.wt. 120 000.", "contents": "Lectins as membrane components of mitochondria from Ricinus communis. 1. Mitochondria were isolated from developing endosperm of Ricinus communis and were fractionated into outer membrane and inner membrane. The relative purity of the two membrane fractions was determined by marker enzymes. The fractions were also examined by negative-stain electron microscopy. 2. Membrane fractions were sequentially extracted in the following way. (a) Suspension in 0.5M-potassium phosphate, pH7.1; (b)suspension in 0.1M-EDTA (disodium salt)/0.05M-potassium phosphate, pH7.1; (c) sonication in 0.05M-potassium phosphate, pH7.1;(d)sonication in aq. Triton X-100 (0.1%). The membranes were pelleted by centrifugation at 100 000g for 15 min, between each step. Agglutination activity in the extracts was investigated by using trypsin-treated rabbit erythrocytes. 3. The addition of lactose to inner mitochondrial membrane resulted in the solubilization of part of the lectin activity, indicating that the protein was attached to the membrane via its carbohydrate-binding site. Pretreatment of the membranes with lactose before tha usual extraction procedure showed that lactose could extract lectins that normally required more harsh treatment of the membrane for solubilization. 4. Lectins extracted from inner membranes were purified by affinity chromatography on agarose gel. Polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis of purified samples in sodium dodecyl sulphate indicated that at least part of the lectin present in inner mitochondrial membrane was identical with the R. communis agglutinin of mol.wt. 120 000.", "PMID": 1008861} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11377", "title": "Investigation of the relationship between cell-surface calcium-ion gating and phosphatidylinositol turnover by comparison of the effects of elevated extracellular potassium ion concentration on ileium smooth muscle and pancreas.", "content": "Incubation of fragments of guinea-pig ileum smooth muscle in the presence of an elevated extracellular K+ concentration, which causes an increase in cell-surface Ca2+ permeability and thus leads to contraction, caused a marked increase in phosphatidylinositol turnover, as assessed by incorporation of 32Pi. This response was not diminished by atropine or propylbenzilycholine mustard, two muscarinic cholinergic antagonists, and was therefore not caused by the release of endogenous acetylcholine within the tissue. In contrast, exposure of guinea-pig pancreas fragments to high extracellular [K+], which does not increase cell-surface Ca2+ permeability or evoke secretion, did not cause an increase in phosphatidylinositol turnover, even though such an increase was triggered by carbamoylcholine, which is a secretagogue. These observations are consistent with a suggested function for phosphatidylinositol breakdown in the mechanisms of cell-surface Ca2+ gates.", "contents": "Investigation of the relationship between cell-surface calcium-ion gating and phosphatidylinositol turnover by comparison of the effects of elevated extracellular potassium ion concentration on ileium smooth muscle and pancreas. Incubation of fragments of guinea-pig ileum smooth muscle in the presence of an elevated extracellular K+ concentration, which causes an increase in cell-surface Ca2+ permeability and thus leads to contraction, caused a marked increase in phosphatidylinositol turnover, as assessed by incorporation of 32Pi. This response was not diminished by atropine or propylbenzilycholine mustard, two muscarinic cholinergic antagonists, and was therefore not caused by the release of endogenous acetylcholine within the tissue. In contrast, exposure of guinea-pig pancreas fragments to high extracellular [K+], which does not increase cell-surface Ca2+ permeability or evoke secretion, did not cause an increase in phosphatidylinositol turnover, even though such an increase was triggered by carbamoylcholine, which is a secretagogue. These observations are consistent with a suggested function for phosphatidylinositol breakdown in the mechanisms of cell-surface Ca2+ gates.", "PMID": 1008862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11378", "title": "Phospholipid requirement for dimethylnitrosamine demethylation by hamster hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 enzyme system.", "content": "Extraction with butan-1-ol of freeze-dried microsomal fractions from livers of 3-methyl-cholarthrene-pre-treated hamsters removed about 90% of the total lipid content, but the lipid remaining proved sufficient for the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system to retain about 15-40% of its original catalytic activity for dimethylnitrosamine demethylation. Addition of butan-1-ol-extracted total phospholipid or phosphatidylcholine could not restore any activity, whereas the addition of the synthetic phospholipid dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine was able to restore almost complete activity. Synthetic dipalmitoyl or distearoyl phosphatidylcholine was ineffective in restoring the activity in this reconstituted system.", "contents": "Phospholipid requirement for dimethylnitrosamine demethylation by hamster hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 enzyme system. Extraction with butan-1-ol of freeze-dried microsomal fractions from livers of 3-methyl-cholarthrene-pre-treated hamsters removed about 90% of the total lipid content, but the lipid remaining proved sufficient for the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system to retain about 15-40% of its original catalytic activity for dimethylnitrosamine demethylation. Addition of butan-1-ol-extracted total phospholipid or phosphatidylcholine could not restore any activity, whereas the addition of the synthetic phospholipid dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine was able to restore almost complete activity. Synthetic dipalmitoyl or distearoyl phosphatidylcholine was ineffective in restoring the activity in this reconstituted system.", "PMID": 1008863} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11379", "title": "The degradation of semisynthetic tritiated insulin by perfused mouse livers.", "content": "Semisynthetic [3H]insulin was stored under various conditions for up to 180 days and the stability of the insulin under these conditions was assessed. A sample that had been stored for 180 days was repurified and shown to be degraded at the same rate as native insulin by perfused mouse livers, even at low physiological concentrations. After perfusion, intact insulin could be separated from degradation products, and the radioactivity associated with the insulin fraction could be used to determine the percentage degradation. The initial rate of degradation of insulin was a linear function of concentration over the range 360pM-1.9nM.", "contents": "The degradation of semisynthetic tritiated insulin by perfused mouse livers. Semisynthetic [3H]insulin was stored under various conditions for up to 180 days and the stability of the insulin under these conditions was assessed. A sample that had been stored for 180 days was repurified and shown to be degraded at the same rate as native insulin by perfused mouse livers, even at low physiological concentrations. After perfusion, intact insulin could be separated from degradation products, and the radioactivity associated with the insulin fraction could be used to determine the percentage degradation. The initial rate of degradation of insulin was a linear function of concentration over the range 360pM-1.9nM.", "PMID": 1008864} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11380", "title": "Cell proliferation in the atherosclerotic plaques of cholesterol-fed rabbits. Part 3. Histological and radioautographic observations on glucocorticoids-treated rabbits.", "content": "Tritiated thymidine radioautography was employed to study the effect of cortisol and other glucocorticoids on cellular proliferation in the aorta and pulmonary artery of rabbits with cholesterol atherosclerosis. Labelled cell counts showed that glucocorticoids, even after one day and at a relatively low dose, decrease sharply the deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in the intimal plaques. The hormonal influence on [3H]thymidine uptake seems to be a dose-dependent process. The relative potency of these steroids in inhibiting DNA synthesis in the plaques parallels closely their anti-inflammatory effectiveness. Conversely mineralocorticoids, including aldosterone and deoxycorticosterone, increase the rate of DNA synthesis in the plaques. It is concluded that the antiatherogenic effect of glucocorticoids on cholesterol-fed rabbits may be due, at least partly, to the inhibitory effect of these steroids on the DNA synthesis of the cellular components of the intimal plaques.", "contents": "Cell proliferation in the atherosclerotic plaques of cholesterol-fed rabbits. Part 3. Histological and radioautographic observations on glucocorticoids-treated rabbits. Tritiated thymidine radioautography was employed to study the effect of cortisol and other glucocorticoids on cellular proliferation in the aorta and pulmonary artery of rabbits with cholesterol atherosclerosis. Labelled cell counts showed that glucocorticoids, even after one day and at a relatively low dose, decrease sharply the deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in the intimal plaques. The hormonal influence on [3H]thymidine uptake seems to be a dose-dependent process. The relative potency of these steroids in inhibiting DNA synthesis in the plaques parallels closely their anti-inflammatory effectiveness. Conversely mineralocorticoids, including aldosterone and deoxycorticosterone, increase the rate of DNA synthesis in the plaques. It is concluded that the antiatherogenic effect of glucocorticoids on cholesterol-fed rabbits may be due, at least partly, to the inhibitory effect of these steroids on the DNA synthesis of the cellular components of the intimal plaques.", "PMID": 1008903} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11381", "title": "Influence of glycosaminoglycan content of mass transfer behavior of porcine artery wall. Part 1. Diffusive transport of 45Ca2+ and 3HHO.", "content": "The diffusion coefficients of Ca2+ and H2O in in vitro porcine arterial tissue were determined to provide a measure of vascular permeability. The effect of anatomical location and diet on the magnitude of that permeability was evaluated. The diffusion coefficient of calcium was found to vary focally and, in addition, pulmonary artery was much more permeable than thoracic aorta. Four months feeding of a high lipid diet did not affect diffusive transport.", "contents": "Influence of glycosaminoglycan content of mass transfer behavior of porcine artery wall. Part 1. Diffusive transport of 45Ca2+ and 3HHO. The diffusion coefficients of Ca2+ and H2O in in vitro porcine arterial tissue were determined to provide a measure of vascular permeability. The effect of anatomical location and diet on the magnitude of that permeability was evaluated. The diffusion coefficient of calcium was found to vary focally and, in addition, pulmonary artery was much more permeable than thoracic aorta. Four months feeding of a high lipid diet did not affect diffusive transport.", "PMID": 1008904} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11382", "title": "Influence of glycosaminoglycan content on mass transfer behavior of porcine artery wall. Part 2. Differences in mass transfer rates related to variations in glycosaminoglycan content.", "content": "It has been suggested that the glycosaminoglycans (GAG) influence atherogenesis by regulating the permeability of the arterial wall. For this reason, a study has been made of the diffusive transport of Ca2+ and water across the in vitro porcine artery wall, where particular attention was focused on the influence of GAG content and distribution within the wall on the transport properties. The radioisotop-s 45Ca and 3HHO were used to measure the tracer-diffusion flux in a stirred, two chamber diffusion cell. GAG were isolated, fractionated using a cetyl pyridinium chloride-cellulose column procedure, and assayed using a colorimetric carbazole reaction for uronic acid. The biochemical analyses showed that the pulmonary artery contains significantly more hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate than found in two locations in the thoracic aorta. In addition, a significant regression was found for the diffusion coefficient of 45Ca2+ (99% level) and 3HHO (95% level) versus specific GAG fractions. The regression indicated an increase in permeability with increase in the ratio of sulfated: nonsulfated GAG.", "contents": "Influence of glycosaminoglycan content on mass transfer behavior of porcine artery wall. Part 2. Differences in mass transfer rates related to variations in glycosaminoglycan content. It has been suggested that the glycosaminoglycans (GAG) influence atherogenesis by regulating the permeability of the arterial wall. For this reason, a study has been made of the diffusive transport of Ca2+ and water across the in vitro porcine artery wall, where particular attention was focused on the influence of GAG content and distribution within the wall on the transport properties. The radioisotop-s 45Ca and 3HHO were used to measure the tracer-diffusion flux in a stirred, two chamber diffusion cell. GAG were isolated, fractionated using a cetyl pyridinium chloride-cellulose column procedure, and assayed using a colorimetric carbazole reaction for uronic acid. The biochemical analyses showed that the pulmonary artery contains significantly more hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate than found in two locations in the thoracic aorta. In addition, a significant regression was found for the diffusion coefficient of 45Ca2+ (99% level) and 3HHO (95% level) versus specific GAG fractions. The regression indicated an increase in permeability with increase in the ratio of sulfated: nonsulfated GAG.", "PMID": 1008905} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11383", "title": "A comparative study of human tissue and post-heparin plasma triglyceride lipases.", "content": "Human post-heparin plasma contains at least two different triglyceride lipases (TGL). The plasma lipolytic activity has been attributed to extra-hepatic and hepatic origin. Both post-heparin triglyceride lipases were partially purified and characterized. With heparin-Sepharose 4 B affinity chromatography it was possible to partially purify human adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) as well as a lipase from human liver. The effects of NaCl, pre-heparin plasma, pH and temperature on these two tissue lipases and plasma lipases were studied in parallel. Antibodies were produced against plasma hepatic triglyceride lipase (plasma H-TGL) that did not cross react with LPL. TGL activity of human liver was completely inhibited by antibodies against plasma H-TGL. From these results it appears that human post-heparin plasma contains two triglyceride lipase activities which originate from liver and extra-hepatic tissues such as adipose tissue.", "contents": "A comparative study of human tissue and post-heparin plasma triglyceride lipases. Human post-heparin plasma contains at least two different triglyceride lipases (TGL). The plasma lipolytic activity has been attributed to extra-hepatic and hepatic origin. Both post-heparin triglyceride lipases were partially purified and characterized. With heparin-Sepharose 4 B affinity chromatography it was possible to partially purify human adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) as well as a lipase from human liver. The effects of NaCl, pre-heparin plasma, pH and temperature on these two tissue lipases and plasma lipases were studied in parallel. Antibodies were produced against plasma hepatic triglyceride lipase (plasma H-TGL) that did not cross react with LPL. TGL activity of human liver was completely inhibited by antibodies against plasma H-TGL. From these results it appears that human post-heparin plasma contains two triglyceride lipase activities which originate from liver and extra-hepatic tissues such as adipose tissue.", "PMID": 1008906} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11384", "title": "Effects of clofibrate treatment on arginine-induced insulin secretion in endogenous hypertriglyceridemia.", "content": "Arginine-induced insulin secretion was evaluated in 13 patients with endogenous hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson's Type IV) before and after a two-month period of Clofibrate therapy. Clofibrate reduced triglyceride, cholesterol and FFA levels by 68, 28 and 15% respectively and provoked a significant reduction in arginine-induced insulin secretion without modifying glucose response. Arginine-induced insulin secretion was also studied in 11 normal subjects during saline and intralipid infusions. Glucose and insulin basal values, and glucose and insulin response to arginine infusion were not influenced by Intralipid infusion in these controls. These results confirm that clofibrate reduces insulin secretion thereby contributing to decreased serum triglyceride levels.", "contents": "Effects of clofibrate treatment on arginine-induced insulin secretion in endogenous hypertriglyceridemia. Arginine-induced insulin secretion was evaluated in 13 patients with endogenous hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson's Type IV) before and after a two-month period of Clofibrate therapy. Clofibrate reduced triglyceride, cholesterol and FFA levels by 68, 28 and 15% respectively and provoked a significant reduction in arginine-induced insulin secretion without modifying glucose response. Arginine-induced insulin secretion was also studied in 11 normal subjects during saline and intralipid infusions. Glucose and insulin basal values, and glucose and insulin response to arginine infusion were not influenced by Intralipid infusion in these controls. These results confirm that clofibrate reduces insulin secretion thereby contributing to decreased serum triglyceride levels.", "PMID": 1008908} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11385", "title": "Lipid metabolism in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells and comparison with other cell types. Part 2. Reversibility of lipid accumulation caused by hyperlipemic serum.", "content": "The lipid compositions of cultured rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells and skin fibroblasts were determined for cells grown in media containing either normolipemic or hyperlipemic sera. Both cell types accumulated cholesteryl esters and triglycerides after treatment with hyperlipemic serum. Within 4 days of returning cells that had accumulated these neutral lipids to medium containing a low percentage of normolipemic serum, their concentrations in both cell types had returned to levels similar to those found in cells cultured in standard growth medium. Thus the accumulation of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides in smooth muscle cells, as in fibroblasts, may be completely reversed in vitro.", "contents": "Lipid metabolism in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells and comparison with other cell types. Part 2. Reversibility of lipid accumulation caused by hyperlipemic serum. The lipid compositions of cultured rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells and skin fibroblasts were determined for cells grown in media containing either normolipemic or hyperlipemic sera. Both cell types accumulated cholesteryl esters and triglycerides after treatment with hyperlipemic serum. Within 4 days of returning cells that had accumulated these neutral lipids to medium containing a low percentage of normolipemic serum, their concentrations in both cell types had returned to levels similar to those found in cells cultured in standard growth medium. Thus the accumulation of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides in smooth muscle cells, as in fibroblasts, may be completely reversed in vitro.", "PMID": 1008909} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11386", "title": "Effects of methyl prednisolone and colchicine on the development of aortic atherosclerosis in swine.", "content": "The effect of methyl prednisolone and colchicine on the development of both the early proliferative and advanced atherosclerotic lesion in swine aorta was studied. In order to accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, the abdominal aortic endothelium was partially denuded by a balloon before the animals were placed on either a moderate or severe hypercholesterolemic diet. Neither drug in either dietary group inhibited the development of atherosclerosis. Swine receiving methyl prednisolone and severe hypercholesterolemic diet actually had a significantly greater number of the advanced necrotic lesions and more arterial calcification than the group receiving the atherogenic diet alone. In addition, the thoracic aorta of swine receiving the moderate hypercholesterolemic diet and methyl prednisolone showed larger amounts of lipid than did the non-drug fed control group. In swine receiving the moderate hypercholesterolemic diet, methyl prednisolone significantly raised serum cholesterol levels. Colchicine only slightly worsened the atherosclerosis in swine aorta and had no effect on serum cholesterol levels.", "contents": "Effects of methyl prednisolone and colchicine on the development of aortic atherosclerosis in swine. The effect of methyl prednisolone and colchicine on the development of both the early proliferative and advanced atherosclerotic lesion in swine aorta was studied. In order to accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, the abdominal aortic endothelium was partially denuded by a balloon before the animals were placed on either a moderate or severe hypercholesterolemic diet. Neither drug in either dietary group inhibited the development of atherosclerosis. Swine receiving methyl prednisolone and severe hypercholesterolemic diet actually had a significantly greater number of the advanced necrotic lesions and more arterial calcification than the group receiving the atherogenic diet alone. In addition, the thoracic aorta of swine receiving the moderate hypercholesterolemic diet and methyl prednisolone showed larger amounts of lipid than did the non-drug fed control group. In swine receiving the moderate hypercholesterolemic diet, methyl prednisolone significantly raised serum cholesterol levels. Colchicine only slightly worsened the atherosclerosis in swine aorta and had no effect on serum cholesterol levels.", "PMID": 1008910} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11387", "title": "Consideration of atherosclerotic plaques as benign neoplasms.", "content": "The monoclonal nature of atherosclerotic plaques, as well as their altered cell size, proliferation rate and function have led to the hypothesis that plaque tissue is analogous to benign tumors. To test this hypothesis, we have studied rates of DNA release by histologically-normal human arterial wall tissue and by early atherosclerotic plaques during incubation in a maintenance medium. No DNA was detected in media conditioned by normal arterial tissue after a 24 h incubation period, but plaque tissue (like benign tumors) released 10-100 ng DNA/ml during this period. These data offer additional support for the thesis that atherosclerotic plaques are similar to benign tumors.", "contents": "Consideration of atherosclerotic plaques as benign neoplasms. The monoclonal nature of atherosclerotic plaques, as well as their altered cell size, proliferation rate and function have led to the hypothesis that plaque tissue is analogous to benign tumors. To test this hypothesis, we have studied rates of DNA release by histologically-normal human arterial wall tissue and by early atherosclerotic plaques during incubation in a maintenance medium. No DNA was detected in media conditioned by normal arterial tissue after a 24 h incubation period, but plaque tissue (like benign tumors) released 10-100 ng DNA/ml during this period. These data offer additional support for the thesis that atherosclerotic plaques are similar to benign tumors.", "PMID": 1008907} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11388", "title": "The synthesis of lipids from [1-14C]acetate by human venous endothelium in tissue culture.", "content": "Endothelial cells from human umbilical cords were harvested, using a trypsin technique, grown in tissue culture and lipid synthesis studied using [1-14C]acetate as a precursor. Radiosubstrate was incorporated into fatty acids, mono-, di- and triglycerides, cholesterol esters and phospholipids. Radioactivity was also present in the culture medium in the mono-and diglyceride fractions and in the phospholipids running with the solvent front.", "contents": "The synthesis of lipids from [1-14C]acetate by human venous endothelium in tissue culture. Endothelial cells from human umbilical cords were harvested, using a trypsin technique, grown in tissue culture and lipid synthesis studied using [1-14C]acetate as a precursor. Radiosubstrate was incorporated into fatty acids, mono-, di- and triglycerides, cholesterol esters and phospholipids. Radioactivity was also present in the culture medium in the mono-and diglyceride fractions and in the phospholipids running with the solvent front.", "PMID": 1008911} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11389", "title": "Influence of Etofibrate on plasma fibrinogen and plasminogen concentrations in patients with different forms of primary hyperlipoproteinemia.", "content": "The effect of Etofibrate, a chemical compound of the two antihyperlipidemic agents Clofibrate and nicotinic acid, on elevated plasma fibrinogen and plasminogen concentrations was investigated in a 6 months' survey in 25 patients with different types of primary hyperlipidemia. A consistent reduction of fibrinogen levels to normal occurred after 6 months' therapy, whereas the effect on plasminogen concentrations was weaker and not significant. The fibrinogen-lowering effect of Etofibrate was not related to the pretreatment levels but nearly equal in all cases. The possible consequences on the hemostatic system are discussed. On account of the low daily dosage, apart from a slight flush, no side-effects were noted.", "contents": "Influence of Etofibrate on plasma fibrinogen and plasminogen concentrations in patients with different forms of primary hyperlipoproteinemia. The effect of Etofibrate, a chemical compound of the two antihyperlipidemic agents Clofibrate and nicotinic acid, on elevated plasma fibrinogen and plasminogen concentrations was investigated in a 6 months' survey in 25 patients with different types of primary hyperlipidemia. A consistent reduction of fibrinogen levels to normal occurred after 6 months' therapy, whereas the effect on plasminogen concentrations was weaker and not significant. The fibrinogen-lowering effect of Etofibrate was not related to the pretreatment levels but nearly equal in all cases. The possible consequences on the hemostatic system are discussed. On account of the low daily dosage, apart from a slight flush, no side-effects were noted.", "PMID": 1008913} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11390", "title": "ABO blood group and cardiovacular disease: the Framingham study.", "content": "Following determination of ABO blood type at the sixth biennial examination, the Framingham Heart Study cohort was followed for the occurrence of cardiovascular events for a period of 10 years. A significant association was found between blood type and intermittent claudication, with blood group O showing the lowest rates. Slight but non-significant excesses for certain other CHD events were also found in non-O individuals. Serum cholesterol showed marginally significant but consistent elevations in non-O subjects but the increased risk in non-O individuals was found to occur independently of the known intermittent claudication risk factors. Since the observed relationship between blood type and intermittent claudication occurs independently of the usual atherosclerotic risk factors, blood type, possibily through an effect on clotting, should be considered in the pathogenesis of intermittent claudication.", "contents": "ABO blood group and cardiovacular disease: the Framingham study. Following determination of ABO blood type at the sixth biennial examination, the Framingham Heart Study cohort was followed for the occurrence of cardiovascular events for a period of 10 years. A significant association was found between blood type and intermittent claudication, with blood group O showing the lowest rates. Slight but non-significant excesses for certain other CHD events were also found in non-O individuals. Serum cholesterol showed marginally significant but consistent elevations in non-O subjects but the increased risk in non-O individuals was found to occur independently of the known intermittent claudication risk factors. Since the observed relationship between blood type and intermittent claudication occurs independently of the usual atherosclerotic risk factors, blood type, possibily through an effect on clotting, should be considered in the pathogenesis of intermittent claudication.", "PMID": 1008914} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11391", "title": "Influence of oxygen tension of the metabolism of vascular smooth muscle: demonstration of a Pasteur effect.", "content": "The influence of variations of oxygen tension on the metabolism of bovine mesenteric arteries was studied in vitro. Glucose uptake, lactate production, glycogen content, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), creatine phosphate (CrP) and incorporation of [14C]leucine into protein were determined. The mesenteric arteries were suspended in Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer which was aerated with a gas mixture containing 5% CO2,O-95% O2 and N2 to 100%. Reduction of the O2 concentration of the gas phase from 95-20% resulted in little metabolic change. A further reduction from 20-0% O2 increased the lactate production 4-fold, indicating a marked Pasteur effect. At 0% O2 the glucose uptake was moderately increased and the glycogen content was decreased. The tissue level of CrP was reduced at a low oxygen tension and at 0% O2 the ATP content was also lowered. The incorporation of leucine into proteins was reduced at 0% O2.", "contents": "Influence of oxygen tension of the metabolism of vascular smooth muscle: demonstration of a Pasteur effect. The influence of variations of oxygen tension on the metabolism of bovine mesenteric arteries was studied in vitro. Glucose uptake, lactate production, glycogen content, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), creatine phosphate (CrP) and incorporation of [14C]leucine into protein were determined. The mesenteric arteries were suspended in Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer which was aerated with a gas mixture containing 5% CO2,O-95% O2 and N2 to 100%. Reduction of the O2 concentration of the gas phase from 95-20% resulted in little metabolic change. A further reduction from 20-0% O2 increased the lactate production 4-fold, indicating a marked Pasteur effect. At 0% O2 the glucose uptake was moderately increased and the glycogen content was decreased. The tissue level of CrP was reduced at a low oxygen tension and at 0% O2 the ATP content was also lowered. The incorporation of leucine into proteins was reduced at 0% O2.", "PMID": 1008912} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11392", "title": "[Influence of urban air pollution on DDT blood levels in children].", "content": "The blood levels of DDT in two groups of girls from two districts of S\u00e3o Paulo (Brasil) were the same. Both groups were equal in age and nutrition. The difference in air pollution showed no influence on the blood levels of DDT.", "contents": "[Influence of urban air pollution on DDT blood levels in children]. The blood levels of DDT in two groups of girls from two districts of S\u00e3o Paulo (Brasil) were the same. Both groups were equal in age and nutrition. The difference in air pollution showed no influence on the blood levels of DDT.", "PMID": 1008925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11393", "title": "[Perforation of the esophagus. Diagnosis and treatment. Analysis of 20 cases].", "content": "The experience on perforation of the esophagus at the Hospital Infantil de M\u00e9xico is reviewed. Between 1961 and 1975, 20 cases were attended. The most frequent perforation is the iatrogenic subsequent to dilatations or to esophagoscopy. Esophageal perforation is the most serious of the digestive tube perforations and must be considered as a real medicosurgical emergency. The clinical picture is analyzed and the necessity to take chest x-rays and esophagogram as urgent measures is emphasized at the slightest clinical doubt. The different treatment methods are mentioned and it is stressed that the best results are obtained with an urgent thoracotomy, closure of the perforation, full canalization and antibiotic therapy at high doses. According to the literature referred and to the results obtained from the present study, mortality is higher in cases where treatment is delayed. The clinical and radiological pictures are described together with the therapeutic behavior in spontaneous perforation in the newborn. The theories to explain this etiology are set forth. At present, mortality is still high; therefore, in order to bring down this high percentage, it is concluded that an early diagnosis together with an agressive surgical treatment are necessary.", "contents": "[Perforation of the esophagus. Diagnosis and treatment. Analysis of 20 cases]. The experience on perforation of the esophagus at the Hospital Infantil de M\u00e9xico is reviewed. Between 1961 and 1975, 20 cases were attended. The most frequent perforation is the iatrogenic subsequent to dilatations or to esophagoscopy. Esophageal perforation is the most serious of the digestive tube perforations and must be considered as a real medicosurgical emergency. The clinical picture is analyzed and the necessity to take chest x-rays and esophagogram as urgent measures is emphasized at the slightest clinical doubt. The different treatment methods are mentioned and it is stressed that the best results are obtained with an urgent thoracotomy, closure of the perforation, full canalization and antibiotic therapy at high doses. According to the literature referred and to the results obtained from the present study, mortality is higher in cases where treatment is delayed. The clinical and radiological pictures are described together with the therapeutic behavior in spontaneous perforation in the newborn. The theories to explain this etiology are set forth. At present, mortality is still high; therefore, in order to bring down this high percentage, it is concluded that an early diagnosis together with an agressive surgical treatment are necessary.", "PMID": 1008924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11394", "title": "[Ectopic ureter in Gartner's duct. Report of a clinical case].", "content": "Presentation is made of a clinical case of paradojical urinary incontinence due to ectopic ureter in Gartner's duct. Diagnosis was made almost entirely from the patient's history, the child voids normally but she was always damp. Embryological, radiological and pathophysiological considerations are made; the patient showed sudden and positive continence after heminephrectomy.", "contents": "[Ectopic ureter in Gartner's duct. Report of a clinical case]. Presentation is made of a clinical case of paradojical urinary incontinence due to ectopic ureter in Gartner's duct. Diagnosis was made almost entirely from the patient's history, the child voids normally but she was always damp. Embryological, radiological and pathophysiological considerations are made; the patient showed sudden and positive continence after heminephrectomy.", "PMID": 1008926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11395", "title": "[Cervical cryptothyroidism. Report of 2 cases].", "content": "Two cases of abnormality in the normal embrionary migration of the thyroid gland are reported with hyoid and sublingual location. Both cases where misdiagnosed and operated as thyroglossal cysts. The methods of treatment are reviewed and emphasis is placed on the convenience to make gammagraphic studies in patients with a mid-line cervical mass.", "contents": "[Cervical cryptothyroidism. Report of 2 cases]. Two cases of abnormality in the normal embrionary migration of the thyroid gland are reported with hyoid and sublingual location. Both cases where misdiagnosed and operated as thyroglossal cysts. The methods of treatment are reviewed and emphasis is placed on the convenience to make gammagraphic studies in patients with a mid-line cervical mass.", "PMID": 1008927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11396", "title": "[Latin American pediatrics confronting challenge].", "content": "The problems related with health of the mother and child in Latin America are discussed. Due to the fact that the infant mortality rate is still high in many countries, the establishment of rural and peripheral health centers attended by pediatricians, obstetricians and trained nurses are advised; when professional staff is not available, paramedical personnel with a short training on preventive medicine, nutrition and health education may be used. Hospital facilities must be available for more complicated medical services.", "contents": "[Latin American pediatrics confronting challenge]. The problems related with health of the mother and child in Latin America are discussed. Due to the fact that the infant mortality rate is still high in many countries, the establishment of rural and peripheral health centers attended by pediatricians, obstetricians and trained nurses are advised; when professional staff is not available, paramedical personnel with a short training on preventive medicine, nutrition and health education may be used. Hospital facilities must be available for more complicated medical services.", "PMID": 1008929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11397", "title": "[Syndrome of the 1st and 2nd branchial arches. Report of 3 cases].", "content": "Three newborn babies were studied in our hospital with the following associated unilateral deformities: macrostomia, hemignathia and anomalies of the external ear. The main symptom was the inability for suction causing some weight loss. These cases could be logically named \"syndrome of the first and second branchial arches\" because of their common origin. We discuss the pathogenesis and the differences with other diseases including those of hereditary origin. The initial management is discussed.", "contents": "[Syndrome of the 1st and 2nd branchial arches. Report of 3 cases]. Three newborn babies were studied in our hospital with the following associated unilateral deformities: macrostomia, hemignathia and anomalies of the external ear. The main symptom was the inability for suction causing some weight loss. These cases could be logically named \"syndrome of the first and second branchial arches\" because of their common origin. We discuss the pathogenesis and the differences with other diseases including those of hereditary origin. The initial management is discussed.", "PMID": 1008928} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11398", "title": "[Duodenal ulcers in children].", "content": "This paper includes a report of five cases of peptic ulcer in infancy. Emphasis is made between clinical symptoms and signs with adult's disease, and the great difficulty in its diagnosis, during childhood. Pertinent literature is reviewed.", "contents": "[Duodenal ulcers in children]. This paper includes a report of five cases of peptic ulcer in infancy. Emphasis is made between clinical symptoms and signs with adult's disease, and the great difficulty in its diagnosis, during childhood. Pertinent literature is reviewed.", "PMID": 1008930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11399", "title": "[Fatal toxoplasmosis in children].", "content": "Fatal cases of toxoplasmosis seen at the Hospital Infantil de M\u00e9xico between 1943 and 1973, together with postmortem studies are reviewed. There were five postmortem studies where it was possible to identify toxoplasma in histologic lesions. Clinical manifestations were grouped in pictures; thus, the infectious picture, the intracranial hypertensive, the neurological and the meningeal pictures were made up. In all five cases of this small group, toxoplasma was identified within and without parasitized cells and was found specially abundant in the central nervous system. Considering the early initiation of neurological manifestations and the intensity of encephalic lesions, it may be assumed that all five cases of prenatal toxoplasmosis. The reason why an infection so usually light in the mother is able to cause a disease so severe in the fetus seems to have an explanation on the fact that toxoplasma increases in virulence when reaching the product as second-step infection. In all five cases, the intensity of the lesions agrees with the severeness of the clinical picture and with the early manifestations following birth. The parasite was identified in the brain in all cases and in some of them, in the liver and lungs.", "contents": "[Fatal toxoplasmosis in children]. Fatal cases of toxoplasmosis seen at the Hospital Infantil de M\u00e9xico between 1943 and 1973, together with postmortem studies are reviewed. There were five postmortem studies where it was possible to identify toxoplasma in histologic lesions. Clinical manifestations were grouped in pictures; thus, the infectious picture, the intracranial hypertensive, the neurological and the meningeal pictures were made up. In all five cases of this small group, toxoplasma was identified within and without parasitized cells and was found specially abundant in the central nervous system. Considering the early initiation of neurological manifestations and the intensity of encephalic lesions, it may be assumed that all five cases of prenatal toxoplasmosis. The reason why an infection so usually light in the mother is able to cause a disease so severe in the fetus seems to have an explanation on the fact that toxoplasma increases in virulence when reaching the product as second-step infection. In all five cases, the intensity of the lesions agrees with the severeness of the clinical picture and with the early manifestations following birth. The parasite was identified in the brain in all cases and in some of them, in the liver and lungs.", "PMID": 1008933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11400", "title": "[Immunopathological prediction index of frequent relapses in children with lipoid nephrosis].", "content": "Forty-four renal biopsies were performed in the same number of selected patients with the diagnosis of lipoid nephrosis. Immunopathologic studies were carried out in all the biopsies. Positive immunofluorescence to immunoglobulins, complement/or fibrin was found in 21 cases (48%). A correlation was found between immunopathological findings and the number of patients with frequent relapses. More number of patients with frequent relapses were found in the group with positive immunofluorescence (p less than 0.01) than in those with negative results. No explanation was found for this situation; however it is suggested that the glomerular detection of immune proteins with lipoid nephrosis could be a useful parameter to predict frequent relapses in children with lipoid nephrosis.", "contents": "[Immunopathological prediction index of frequent relapses in children with lipoid nephrosis]. Forty-four renal biopsies were performed in the same number of selected patients with the diagnosis of lipoid nephrosis. Immunopathologic studies were carried out in all the biopsies. Positive immunofluorescence to immunoglobulins, complement/or fibrin was found in 21 cases (48%). A correlation was found between immunopathological findings and the number of patients with frequent relapses. More number of patients with frequent relapses were found in the group with positive immunofluorescence (p less than 0.01) than in those with negative results. No explanation was found for this situation; however it is suggested that the glomerular detection of immune proteins with lipoid nephrosis could be a useful parameter to predict frequent relapses in children with lipoid nephrosis.", "PMID": 1008932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11401", "title": "[Diagnostic orientation of principal surgical entities in the newborn infant and generalities on their management].", "content": "The present article describes the main surgical pathology of the newborn, which often requires immediate management. The author(s) mention the essential points of diagnosis and treatment. The principal objective in the article is to emphasize the importance of this surgical pathology in pediatric and general practice.", "contents": "[Diagnostic orientation of principal surgical entities in the newborn infant and generalities on their management]. The present article describes the main surgical pathology of the newborn, which often requires immediate management. The author(s) mention the essential points of diagnosis and treatment. The principal objective in the article is to emphasize the importance of this surgical pathology in pediatric and general practice.", "PMID": 1008931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11402", "title": "[Goldenhar's syndrome].", "content": "We are presenting five cases of Goldenhar's syndrome studied at the Clinical Genetics Unit of the Hospital Infantil of M\u00e9xico. We do not know exactly the type of inheritance of this congenital malforamtion; in one of our cases, it seems to be related to advanced paternal age. We can consider the possibility of autosomal dominant neomutation.", "contents": "[Goldenhar's syndrome]. We are presenting five cases of Goldenhar's syndrome studied at the Clinical Genetics Unit of the Hospital Infantil of M\u00e9xico. We do not know exactly the type of inheritance of this congenital malforamtion; in one of our cases, it seems to be related to advanced paternal age. We can consider the possibility of autosomal dominant neomutation.", "PMID": 1008935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11403", "title": "[Thoracic complications of liver abcess in children].", "content": "The study included 58 cases of liver abscess draining into the thorax, seen at the Hospital Infantil de Mexico from January, 1963 to December, 1973. These 58 complicated cases represent 16.2% from a total of 358 patients with liver abscess seen through the same period of time. The clinical picture, period of evolution, methods of diagnosis, treatment and results are analyzed finding that out of 50 cases draining into pleura or lungs, 44 were admitted with this complication already present, the same as 5 out of the 8 cases to pericardium. From the 58 cases, 24 died and 34 recovered. An early diagnosis of uncomplicated amebic liver abscess and adequate treatment constitute the basis to prevent the high morbilethality subsequent to complications.", "contents": "[Thoracic complications of liver abcess in children]. The study included 58 cases of liver abscess draining into the thorax, seen at the Hospital Infantil de Mexico from January, 1963 to December, 1973. These 58 complicated cases represent 16.2% from a total of 358 patients with liver abscess seen through the same period of time. The clinical picture, period of evolution, methods of diagnosis, treatment and results are analyzed finding that out of 50 cases draining into pleura or lungs, 44 were admitted with this complication already present, the same as 5 out of the 8 cases to pericardium. From the 58 cases, 24 died and 34 recovered. An early diagnosis of uncomplicated amebic liver abscess and adequate treatment constitute the basis to prevent the high morbilethality subsequent to complications.", "PMID": 1008936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11404", "title": "[Shigellosis related with the cause of death in children].", "content": "From a series of 4,147 postmortem studies, there were 2,280 cases of infectious processes as responsibility of death out of which, 647 corresponded to the digestive tract. Within the group of digestive tract infections, 283 were of bacterial nature and within this last group, there were 43 cases of shigellosis. Included in the fatal cases of shigellosis is the description of their description by ages and sexes; the types of enteropathogenic germs identified in the course of disease and at postmortem studies are mentioned and special reference is made to the type and localization of lesions within the digestive tract. Also, the type and localization of extraintestinal lesions, directly or indirectly related with shigellosis are described. Pathological processes considered as immediate cause of death are pointed out and from the group is extraintestinal infections, the germ identified in each as responsible of death is mentioned. Finally, a brief outline is made of the clinicopathological correlation.", "contents": "[Shigellosis related with the cause of death in children]. From a series of 4,147 postmortem studies, there were 2,280 cases of infectious processes as responsibility of death out of which, 647 corresponded to the digestive tract. Within the group of digestive tract infections, 283 were of bacterial nature and within this last group, there were 43 cases of shigellosis. Included in the fatal cases of shigellosis is the description of their description by ages and sexes; the types of enteropathogenic germs identified in the course of disease and at postmortem studies are mentioned and special reference is made to the type and localization of lesions within the digestive tract. Also, the type and localization of extraintestinal lesions, directly or indirectly related with shigellosis are described. Pathological processes considered as immediate cause of death are pointed out and from the group is extraintestinal infections, the germ identified in each as responsible of death is mentioned. Finally, a brief outline is made of the clinicopathological correlation.", "PMID": 1008934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11405", "title": "[Study of visual acuity disorders in school children].", "content": "The results of an analysis of 475 ophthalmologic examinations in children between eight and nine years old with an electric \"Titmus\" apparatus, are presented. The main object of the present communication was the detection of early alterations in visual acuteness. The alterations were: Distant visual acuteness: 57; distant lateral phoria 70.1%; distant vertical phoria: 47.3%; color perception (just males) 15.5%. These results stress the importance of the procedure in detecting alterations of visual acuteness in children.", "contents": "[Study of visual acuity disorders in school children]. The results of an analysis of 475 ophthalmologic examinations in children between eight and nine years old with an electric \"Titmus\" apparatus, are presented. The main object of the present communication was the detection of early alterations in visual acuteness. The alterations were: Distant visual acuteness: 57; distant lateral phoria 70.1%; distant vertical phoria: 47.3%; color perception (just males) 15.5%. These results stress the importance of the procedure in detecting alterations of visual acuteness in children.", "PMID": 1008937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11406", "title": "[Longitudinal study of patients with febrile convulsive crises].", "content": "This longitudinal study included 113 patients seen through a period of 8 years with febrile convulsive crises, especially of the tonoclonic type, with predominance in males and with average age at the onset of the disease of 6 months. Infectious respiratory processes were considered as the main cause of fever and the drug given most often was sodium diphenylhydantoin. The value of EEG in febrile convulsive crises was confirmed since the first graphic traces were abnormal in 95% of cases and that generalized paroxysmal or focal alterations were considered suggestive of epilepsy and or organic damage. The most common grapho-element was of slow wave of high voltage. Alterations in the E.E.G. persisted and was more abnormal in 23% of the cases including specific tracings in 37%. These findings are similar to those reported in other studies carried out in children with febrile convulsions.", "contents": "[Longitudinal study of patients with febrile convulsive crises]. This longitudinal study included 113 patients seen through a period of 8 years with febrile convulsive crises, especially of the tonoclonic type, with predominance in males and with average age at the onset of the disease of 6 months. Infectious respiratory processes were considered as the main cause of fever and the drug given most often was sodium diphenylhydantoin. The value of EEG in febrile convulsive crises was confirmed since the first graphic traces were abnormal in 95% of cases and that generalized paroxysmal or focal alterations were considered suggestive of epilepsy and or organic damage. The most common grapho-element was of slow wave of high voltage. Alterations in the E.E.G. persisted and was more abnormal in 23% of the cases including specific tracings in 37%. These findings are similar to those reported in other studies carried out in children with febrile convulsions.", "PMID": 1008938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11407", "title": "[Osteogenesis imperfecta].", "content": "Our clinical files on osteogenesis imperfecta are brought up-to-date reviewing a total of 33,555 cases admitted between 4/XII/48 and 31/VIII/76. From these, 5 clinical cases were found. The extreme rareness of this regional pathology in our C\u00e1tedra y Sericio de Pediatr\u00eda, which is the largest concentration center in Paraguay had led us to make this publication. From our casuistics, we may single out a three-month-old infant which would be a case of congenital osteogenesis imperfecta. The remaining 4 would correspond to cases of late osteogenesis imperfecta. Generalized osteoporosis was present in 3 patients and all of them showed blue sclera the same as fractures of femur. Fractures of radius, tibia and fibula were seen in 2 cases. The humerus was fractured in one patient and the ulna in another one. Three patients were under one year old, another one was on his second year and the last one was a school ager. An audiologic examination was normal in the nine-year-old patient. In the other 4 cases, it was not possible to carry out such test.", "contents": "[Osteogenesis imperfecta]. Our clinical files on osteogenesis imperfecta are brought up-to-date reviewing a total of 33,555 cases admitted between 4/XII/48 and 31/VIII/76. From these, 5 clinical cases were found. The extreme rareness of this regional pathology in our C\u00e1tedra y Sericio de Pediatr\u00eda, which is the largest concentration center in Paraguay had led us to make this publication. From our casuistics, we may single out a three-month-old infant which would be a case of congenital osteogenesis imperfecta. The remaining 4 would correspond to cases of late osteogenesis imperfecta. Generalized osteoporosis was present in 3 patients and all of them showed blue sclera the same as fractures of femur. Fractures of radius, tibia and fibula were seen in 2 cases. The humerus was fractured in one patient and the ulna in another one. Three patients were under one year old, another one was on his second year and the last one was a school ager. An audiologic examination was normal in the nine-year-old patient. In the other 4 cases, it was not possible to carry out such test.", "PMID": 1008940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11408", "title": "[Description of health problems affecting the maternal and child groups].", "content": "This article is a brief description related to maternal and child health problems in Mexico, with an introduction of Latin-American scope of the problem. The author mentions also the up-to-date systems for the analysis of these health problems, like the indicators based on life-level instead of infant mortality or maternal mortality and others; however the author chooses to use the traditional indicators in his article.", "contents": "[Description of health problems affecting the maternal and child groups]. This article is a brief description related to maternal and child health problems in Mexico, with an introduction of Latin-American scope of the problem. The author mentions also the up-to-date systems for the analysis of these health problems, like the indicators based on life-level instead of infant mortality or maternal mortality and others; however the author chooses to use the traditional indicators in his article.", "PMID": 1008939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11409", "title": "[Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Report of 12 cases].", "content": "This report includes 12 cases of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis seen through a period of 4 years of Unidad de Pediatr\u00eda del Hospital General de M\u00e9xico, S.S.A. An analysis is made on the etiology, prevalence, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, radiology and treatment. The youngest patient was 3 years old and the oldest 14. Three groups were formed on the basis of the mode of onset; 4 patients were included in the systemic group, 7 in de polyarthritis and one in the monoarticular. All patients showed arthralgias and flogosis with joint disability in one or more joints; eleven patients developed joint deformity; 4 patients had fever and rheumatoid rash was detected during the course of the disease. Subcutaneous nodules were detected in one patient. Radiological abnormalities, compatible with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, were found in all patients. Laboratory findings are discussed and a clinical correlation is made in order to emphasize the differences with adult disease. The principles of general treatment are analyzed including, medical, phychologic and rehabilitation programs. Pertinent literature is reviewed.", "contents": "[Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Report of 12 cases]. This report includes 12 cases of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis seen through a period of 4 years of Unidad de Pediatr\u00eda del Hospital General de M\u00e9xico, S.S.A. An analysis is made on the etiology, prevalence, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, radiology and treatment. The youngest patient was 3 years old and the oldest 14. Three groups were formed on the basis of the mode of onset; 4 patients were included in the systemic group, 7 in de polyarthritis and one in the monoarticular. All patients showed arthralgias and flogosis with joint disability in one or more joints; eleven patients developed joint deformity; 4 patients had fever and rheumatoid rash was detected during the course of the disease. Subcutaneous nodules were detected in one patient. Radiological abnormalities, compatible with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, were found in all patients. Laboratory findings are discussed and a clinical correlation is made in order to emphasize the differences with adult disease. The principles of general treatment are analyzed including, medical, phychologic and rehabilitation programs. Pertinent literature is reviewed.", "PMID": 1008941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11410", "title": "Anatomical study of truncus arteriousus communis with embryological and surgical considerations.", "content": "Twelve specimens of truncus arteriosus communis have been studied anatomically, with special reference to the conal anatomy and to the associated cardiac anomalies which can create additional problems if surgical repair is planned. A wide spectrum of conal morphology has been observed, suggesting that differential conal absorption is a developmental characteristic of truncus arteriousus as well as of transposition complexes. The invariable absence of septation of the ventricular infundibula and semilunar valves, in spite of the variable anatomy of the free wall of the conus, indicates that all types of truncus arteriosus, ontogenetically, should be considered as a single undivided conotruncus. Various types of ventircular septal defect were found: (a) ventricular septal defect with absent crista, in which no remnants of conal septum are present; (b) supracristal ventricular septal defect, in which vestigial conal septum is seen in front of the membranous septum; (c) bulloventricular foramen, associated with univentricular origin of the truncus from the right ventricle. Frequent associated anomalies are underdevelopment of the aortic arch, truncal valve malformations, and obstructive ventricular septal defect. The AV conduction system studied in one case showed an arrangement similar to Fallot's tetralogy with the His bundle and the left bundle-branch in a safe position behind the posteroinferior rim of the defect. The postoperative fate of the frequently abnormal truncal valve and the theoretical indications for total repair for Type IV truncus are also discussed.", "contents": "Anatomical study of truncus arteriousus communis with embryological and surgical considerations. Twelve specimens of truncus arteriosus communis have been studied anatomically, with special reference to the conal anatomy and to the associated cardiac anomalies which can create additional problems if surgical repair is planned. A wide spectrum of conal morphology has been observed, suggesting that differential conal absorption is a developmental characteristic of truncus arteriousus as well as of transposition complexes. The invariable absence of septation of the ventricular infundibula and semilunar valves, in spite of the variable anatomy of the free wall of the conus, indicates that all types of truncus arteriosus, ontogenetically, should be considered as a single undivided conotruncus. Various types of ventircular septal defect were found: (a) ventricular septal defect with absent crista, in which no remnants of conal septum are present; (b) supracristal ventricular septal defect, in which vestigial conal septum is seen in front of the membranous septum; (c) bulloventricular foramen, associated with univentricular origin of the truncus from the right ventricle. Frequent associated anomalies are underdevelopment of the aortic arch, truncal valve malformations, and obstructive ventricular septal defect. The AV conduction system studied in one case showed an arrangement similar to Fallot's tetralogy with the His bundle and the left bundle-branch in a safe position behind the posteroinferior rim of the defect. The postoperative fate of the frequently abnormal truncal valve and the theoretical indications for total repair for Type IV truncus are also discussed.", "PMID": 1008953} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11411", "title": "Double outlet right ventricle. Study of 27 cases.", "content": "Out of 1610 children's hearts with congenital malformations there were 27 specimens showing double outlet right ventricle. Cases with dextrocardia, situs inversus, or l-venticular loop were excluded. Anatomical examination was performed with particular reference to the infundibular region, the great vessels, and the ventricular septum. The commonest associated malformations were ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis. Aortic stenosis was the predominant finding in those cases dying in the neonatal period. An aortic conus was associated with pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, and d-transposition, a pulmonary conus with ventricular septal defect and a double conus with stenosis of either great vessel. The anterior vessel always had a muscular conus and the posterior vessel was commonly stenotic.", "contents": "Double outlet right ventricle. Study of 27 cases. Out of 1610 children's hearts with congenital malformations there were 27 specimens showing double outlet right ventricle. Cases with dextrocardia, situs inversus, or l-venticular loop were excluded. Anatomical examination was performed with particular reference to the infundibular region, the great vessels, and the ventricular septum. The commonest associated malformations were ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis. Aortic stenosis was the predominant finding in those cases dying in the neonatal period. An aortic conus was associated with pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, and d-transposition, a pulmonary conus with ventricular septal defect and a double conus with stenosis of either great vessel. The anterior vessel always had a muscular conus and the posterior vessel was commonly stenotic.", "PMID": 1008954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11412", "title": "Pregnancy in patients after valve replacement.", "content": "This report is based on information obtained from a questionnaire sent to major cardiac centres in the United Kingdom. This produced details of 39 pregnancies in 34 patients after valve replacement. The 39 pregnancies gave rise to 30 healthy babies. The small size of the series probably reflects both the increasing rarity of young women with rheumatic heart disease in this country and the cautious attitude of their cardiologists. This makes it likely that these women represented the best end of the spectrum of cardiac function after valve replacement. Twenty-four pregnancies in 20 women who were not given anticoagulants producted 23 healthy babies and 1 spontaneous abortion. This group comprised 6 patients with free aortic homografts, 1 patient with a fascia lata mitral valve, 1 with a Beall tricuspid prosthesis, 1 with a combined mitral homograft and Starr Edwards aortic prosthesis, and 1 with mitral and aortic frame-mounted fascia lata valves. There were no maternal deaths or thromboembolic complications in this group which included 5 patients who were in atrial fibrillation. Fifteen pregnancies in 14 women who received anticoagulants gave rise to 7 healthy babies. The fetal losses were one stillbirth, one intrauterine death at 34 weeks, and 3 spontaneous abortions; one surviving child has hydrocephalus as a result of blood clot and there were 2 maternal deaths. This group included 13 patients with Starr Edwards valves, 11 mitral and 2 aortic. A patient with a Hammersmith mitral valve was the only one to have been treated with heparin and her valve thrombosed. One patient with a mounted mitral homograft had a cerebral embolus. Nine of these patients were in atrial fibrillation. In 3 additional patients the valve replacement was carried out during pregnancy. Two of the patients survived operation. In one of these who was treated with warfarin the pregnancy well, but there is an increased fetal wastage in patients pregnancy gave rise to a congenitally malformed baby who died in the neonatal period. The baby born to the mother who did not receive anticoagulants has a hare-lip and talipes. Women with artificial valves can tolerate the haemodynamic load of pregnancy well, but there is an increased fetal wastage in patients taking oral anticoagulants. This is probably largely attributable to fetal haemorrhage but there is also a risk of malformation caused by a teratogenic effect of warfarin. Experience gained in non-pregnant patients suggests that withholding anticoagulatns in pregnant patients with prosthetic valves would usually be undersirable but warfarin should be avoided. The advantages of biological valves were apparent in this series.", "contents": "Pregnancy in patients after valve replacement. This report is based on information obtained from a questionnaire sent to major cardiac centres in the United Kingdom. This produced details of 39 pregnancies in 34 patients after valve replacement. The 39 pregnancies gave rise to 30 healthy babies. The small size of the series probably reflects both the increasing rarity of young women with rheumatic heart disease in this country and the cautious attitude of their cardiologists. This makes it likely that these women represented the best end of the spectrum of cardiac function after valve replacement. Twenty-four pregnancies in 20 women who were not given anticoagulants producted 23 healthy babies and 1 spontaneous abortion. This group comprised 6 patients with free aortic homografts, 1 patient with a fascia lata mitral valve, 1 with a Beall tricuspid prosthesis, 1 with a combined mitral homograft and Starr Edwards aortic prosthesis, and 1 with mitral and aortic frame-mounted fascia lata valves. There were no maternal deaths or thromboembolic complications in this group which included 5 patients who were in atrial fibrillation. Fifteen pregnancies in 14 women who received anticoagulants gave rise to 7 healthy babies. The fetal losses were one stillbirth, one intrauterine death at 34 weeks, and 3 spontaneous abortions; one surviving child has hydrocephalus as a result of blood clot and there were 2 maternal deaths. This group included 13 patients with Starr Edwards valves, 11 mitral and 2 aortic. A patient with a Hammersmith mitral valve was the only one to have been treated with heparin and her valve thrombosed. One patient with a mounted mitral homograft had a cerebral embolus. Nine of these patients were in atrial fibrillation. In 3 additional patients the valve replacement was carried out during pregnancy. Two of the patients survived operation. In one of these who was treated with warfarin the pregnancy well, but there is an increased fetal wastage in patients pregnancy gave rise to a congenitally malformed baby who died in the neonatal period. The baby born to the mother who did not receive anticoagulants has a hare-lip and talipes. Women with artificial valves can tolerate the haemodynamic load of pregnancy well, but there is an increased fetal wastage in patients taking oral anticoagulants. This is probably largely attributable to fetal haemorrhage but there is also a risk of malformation caused by a teratogenic effect of warfarin. Experience gained in non-pregnant patients suggests that withholding anticoagulatns in pregnant patients with prosthetic valves would usually be undersirable but warfarin should be avoided. The advantages of biological valves were apparent in this series.", "PMID": 1008955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11413", "title": "Malfunction of Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley valve prosthesis in tricuspid position.", "content": "Eight months after triple valve replacement with Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley tilting disc valves a patient developed symptoms and signs suggesting malfunction of the prosthesis in the tricuspid position. This was confirmed by echocardiography and angiocardiography, and at operation thedisc of the prosthesis was found to be stuck half-open by fibrin and clot. A further 11 patients with the same tupe of prosthesis in the triscupid position were then studied by phonocardiography and echocardiography. In one of these the prosthesis was found to be stuck and this was confirmed by angiocardiography and surgery. These 2 cases are reported in detail and the findings in the other 10 are discussed. The implications of this high incidence of malfunction of the Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley prosthesis in the tricuspid position are considered. Echocardiography appears to be essential in the follow-up of such patients.", "contents": "Malfunction of Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley valve prosthesis in tricuspid position. Eight months after triple valve replacement with Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley tilting disc valves a patient developed symptoms and signs suggesting malfunction of the prosthesis in the tricuspid position. This was confirmed by echocardiography and angiocardiography, and at operation thedisc of the prosthesis was found to be stuck half-open by fibrin and clot. A further 11 patients with the same tupe of prosthesis in the triscupid position were then studied by phonocardiography and echocardiography. In one of these the prosthesis was found to be stuck and this was confirmed by angiocardiography and surgery. These 2 cases are reported in detail and the findings in the other 10 are discussed. The implications of this high incidence of malfunction of the Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley prosthesis in the tricuspid position are considered. Echocardiography appears to be essential in the follow-up of such patients.", "PMID": 1008956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11414", "title": "Intraoperative left ventricular perforation with false aneurysm formation.", "content": "Two cases of perforation of the left ventricle during mitral valve replacement are described. In the first case there was perforation at the site of papillary muscle excision and this was recognized and successfully treated. However, a true ventricular aneurysm developed at the repair site. One month after operation rupture of the left ventricle occurred at a second and separate site on the posterior aspect of the atrioventricular ring. This resulted in a false aneurysm which produced a pansystolic murmur mimicking mitral regurgitation. Both the true and the false aneurysm were successfully repaired. In the second case perforation occurred on the posterior aspect of the atrioventricular ring and was successfully repaired. However, a false ventricular aneurysm developed and ruptured into the left atrium producing severe, but silent, mitral regurgitation. This was recognized and successfully repaired. The implications of these cases are discussed.", "contents": "Intraoperative left ventricular perforation with false aneurysm formation. Two cases of perforation of the left ventricle during mitral valve replacement are described. In the first case there was perforation at the site of papillary muscle excision and this was recognized and successfully treated. However, a true ventricular aneurysm developed at the repair site. One month after operation rupture of the left ventricle occurred at a second and separate site on the posterior aspect of the atrioventricular ring. This resulted in a false aneurysm which produced a pansystolic murmur mimicking mitral regurgitation. Both the true and the false aneurysm were successfully repaired. In the second case perforation occurred on the posterior aspect of the atrioventricular ring and was successfully repaired. However, a false ventricular aneurysm developed and ruptured into the left atrium producing severe, but silent, mitral regurgitation. This was recognized and successfully repaired. The implications of these cases are discussed.", "PMID": 1008957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11415", "title": "Short left coronary artery trunk as a risk factor in the development of coronary atherosclerosis. Pathological study.", "content": "The relation between the length of the main left coronary artery and the degree of atherosclerosis in its branches was studied by postmortem examination in 204 subjects aged 20 to 90 years. The findings suggest that in cases with a short main left coronary artery the atherosclerotic lesions in the anterior descending and circumflex branches appear earlier, progress faster at higher levels of severity, and lead more frequently to myocardial infarction, than in cases with a long left coronary artery trunk. In cases over the age of 50 years, where disease is expected to have developed, it was shown that the degree of atherosclerosis in the left anterior descending and circumflex branches was inversely related to the length of the main left coronary artery. The correlation coefficients were -0-527 and -0-428, respectively, and in either case a test for zero correlations was significant (P less than 0-001). The possible changes in the haemodynamic and mechanical conditions associated with the variations of the anatomical pattern of the coronary arteries and their influence in the development of atherosclerosis are discussed. It is suggested that the length of the main left coronary artery is a congenital anatomical and possibly hereditary factor influencing the rate of development of atherosclerosis in the branches of the main left coronary artery.", "contents": "Short left coronary artery trunk as a risk factor in the development of coronary atherosclerosis. Pathological study. The relation between the length of the main left coronary artery and the degree of atherosclerosis in its branches was studied by postmortem examination in 204 subjects aged 20 to 90 years. The findings suggest that in cases with a short main left coronary artery the atherosclerotic lesions in the anterior descending and circumflex branches appear earlier, progress faster at higher levels of severity, and lead more frequently to myocardial infarction, than in cases with a long left coronary artery trunk. In cases over the age of 50 years, where disease is expected to have developed, it was shown that the degree of atherosclerosis in the left anterior descending and circumflex branches was inversely related to the length of the main left coronary artery. The correlation coefficients were -0-527 and -0-428, respectively, and in either case a test for zero correlations was significant (P less than 0-001). The possible changes in the haemodynamic and mechanical conditions associated with the variations of the anatomical pattern of the coronary arteries and their influence in the development of atherosclerosis are discussed. It is suggested that the length of the main left coronary artery is a congenital anatomical and possibly hereditary factor influencing the rate of development of atherosclerosis in the branches of the main left coronary artery.", "PMID": 1008958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11416", "title": "Frequency of arrhythmias and other cardiac abnormalities in fulminant hepatic failure.", "content": "In a series of 106 patients with fulminant hepatic failure and grade 4 encephalopathy, cardiac arrhythmias and other abnormalities occurred in 92 per cent. The most common was sinus tachycardia (75%) and this was the only abnormality in 22 per cent of the patients. Sudden cardiac arrest occurred in 25 per cent, various ectopic beats in 20 per cent, and heart block or bradycardia in 18 per cent. Other electrocardiographic abnormalities, mostly of the T wave and ST segment, were found in 31 per cent. Cardiac and respiratory arrests were usually unrelated to each other and both frequently occurred without warning. Only 7 out of 71 patients with arrhythmias other than sinus tachycardia survived, compared with 15 out of 31 patients without them (P less than 0-005). During the latter part of the series when an arrhythmia computer was used to monitor 38 patients, it was shown that significantly lower arterial oxygen levels occurred in those with arrhythmias, other than sinus tachycardia, than in those without. They were also found to be more acidotic and hyperkalaemic, and a higher number required dialysis and ventilation. Macroscopical cardiac abnormalities including scattered petechial haemorrhages, small pericardial effusions, and fatty, pale, and flabby ventricles, were found at necropsy in 64 per cent of the patients examined. Combinations of these macroscopical abnormalities occurred, particularly in the paracetamol overdose group. Another necropsy finding of possible significance in the pathogenesis of arrhythmias was cerebral oedema, present in 48 per cent of the patients examined, and often associated with coning of the brain stem. However, 7 of the 16 patients who suffered asystolic cardiac arrests had no macroscopical abnormality of either heart or brain. In the management of patients with fulminant hepatic failure continuous cardiac monitoring is essential. Correction of the biochemical and coagulation defects may decrease the frequency of arrhythmias but studies of the mechanism and control of cerebral oedema and its relation to cardiovascular function are urgently needed.", "contents": "Frequency of arrhythmias and other cardiac abnormalities in fulminant hepatic failure. In a series of 106 patients with fulminant hepatic failure and grade 4 encephalopathy, cardiac arrhythmias and other abnormalities occurred in 92 per cent. The most common was sinus tachycardia (75%) and this was the only abnormality in 22 per cent of the patients. Sudden cardiac arrest occurred in 25 per cent, various ectopic beats in 20 per cent, and heart block or bradycardia in 18 per cent. Other electrocardiographic abnormalities, mostly of the T wave and ST segment, were found in 31 per cent. Cardiac and respiratory arrests were usually unrelated to each other and both frequently occurred without warning. Only 7 out of 71 patients with arrhythmias other than sinus tachycardia survived, compared with 15 out of 31 patients without them (P less than 0-005). During the latter part of the series when an arrhythmia computer was used to monitor 38 patients, it was shown that significantly lower arterial oxygen levels occurred in those with arrhythmias, other than sinus tachycardia, than in those without. They were also found to be more acidotic and hyperkalaemic, and a higher number required dialysis and ventilation. Macroscopical cardiac abnormalities including scattered petechial haemorrhages, small pericardial effusions, and fatty, pale, and flabby ventricles, were found at necropsy in 64 per cent of the patients examined. Combinations of these macroscopical abnormalities occurred, particularly in the paracetamol overdose group. Another necropsy finding of possible significance in the pathogenesis of arrhythmias was cerebral oedema, present in 48 per cent of the patients examined, and often associated with coning of the brain stem. However, 7 of the 16 patients who suffered asystolic cardiac arrests had no macroscopical abnormality of either heart or brain. In the management of patients with fulminant hepatic failure continuous cardiac monitoring is essential. Correction of the biochemical and coagulation defects may decrease the frequency of arrhythmias but studies of the mechanism and control of cerebral oedema and its relation to cardiovascular function are urgently needed.", "PMID": 1008959} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11417", "title": "Discriminant function analysis of factors related to myocardial infarction in male patients on antihypertensive therapy.", "content": "Records of 367 male patients who began attending the Dunedin Hospital Hypertension Clinic between 1959 and 1969 were coded up to the end of 1972. Of these patients, 60 had their first myocardial infarction, or sudden cardiac death without previous evidence of myocardial infarction, while they were attending the clinic. This infarct group was compared with a control group of 120 which was chosen from the remaining patients so that the two groups would be comparable with regard to their age and year of first attendance. A stepwise discriminant function analysis showed that the basal systolic and diastolic pressures measured when patients started attending the clinic were the variables with the most significant difference. Further analysis showed that inclusion of the average casual standing systolic pressure when patients were receiving antihypertensive therapy improved the discrimination between the groups. The average casual standing diastolic pressure during antihypertensive therapy also improved the discrimination, but, curiously enough, with a negative sign in the discriminant function. Quetelet's index of obesity similarly improved the discrimination, obese subjects having less risk of infarction or sudden death. Serum cholesterol, however, was not related to prognosis.", "contents": "Discriminant function analysis of factors related to myocardial infarction in male patients on antihypertensive therapy. Records of 367 male patients who began attending the Dunedin Hospital Hypertension Clinic between 1959 and 1969 were coded up to the end of 1972. Of these patients, 60 had their first myocardial infarction, or sudden cardiac death without previous evidence of myocardial infarction, while they were attending the clinic. This infarct group was compared with a control group of 120 which was chosen from the remaining patients so that the two groups would be comparable with regard to their age and year of first attendance. A stepwise discriminant function analysis showed that the basal systolic and diastolic pressures measured when patients started attending the clinic were the variables with the most significant difference. Further analysis showed that inclusion of the average casual standing systolic pressure when patients were receiving antihypertensive therapy improved the discrimination between the groups. The average casual standing diastolic pressure during antihypertensive therapy also improved the discrimination, but, curiously enough, with a negative sign in the discriminant function. Quetelet's index of obesity similarly improved the discrimination, obese subjects having less risk of infarction or sudden death. Serum cholesterol, however, was not related to prognosis.", "PMID": 1008960} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11418", "title": "Coronary angiography Review of 1500 consecutive cases.", "content": "Fifteen hundred coronary angiograms have been performed by the staff of Harefield Hospital since 1970. Only 2 deaths have occurred in the last 1000 consecutive cases though there were 5 in the first 500 cases. This drop in the mortality is ascribed to careful attention to detail and better training of the operators. It is concluded that the Fudkin's method of coronary angiography in trained hands is a safe method of investigation but that because of the very serious potential dangers it is unjustifiable for new units to start unless there is a fully experienced investigator in charge.", "contents": "Coronary angiography Review of 1500 consecutive cases. Fifteen hundred coronary angiograms have been performed by the staff of Harefield Hospital since 1970. Only 2 deaths have occurred in the last 1000 consecutive cases though there were 5 in the first 500 cases. This drop in the mortality is ascribed to careful attention to detail and better training of the operators. It is concluded that the Fudkin's method of coronary angiography in trained hands is a safe method of investigation but that because of the very serious potential dangers it is unjustifiable for new units to start unless there is a fully experienced investigator in charge.", "PMID": 1008961} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11419", "title": "Echocardiographic diagnosis of large fungal verruca attached to mitral valve.", "content": "In a patient with endocarditis due to Candida tropicalis echocardiograms from mitral valve vegetations were found to mimic the typical pattern of a left atrial myxoma. A mass was shown occupying the mitral orifice posterior to the anterior mitral leaflet; densities also appeared in the left atrium. Though these echocardiographic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of a left atrial myxoma, there were other distinctive differential diagnostic features. Other diagnostic possibilities must, therefore, be considered in the interpretation of echocardiograms which suggest left atrial tumour.", "contents": "Echocardiographic diagnosis of large fungal verruca attached to mitral valve. In a patient with endocarditis due to Candida tropicalis echocardiograms from mitral valve vegetations were found to mimic the typical pattern of a left atrial myxoma. A mass was shown occupying the mitral orifice posterior to the anterior mitral leaflet; densities also appeared in the left atrium. Though these echocardiographic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of a left atrial myxoma, there were other distinctive differential diagnostic features. Other diagnostic possibilities must, therefore, be considered in the interpretation of echocardiograms which suggest left atrial tumour.", "PMID": 1008962} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11420", "title": "Left ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit in treatment of transposition of great arteries, restrictive ventricular septal defect, and acquired pulmonary atresia.", "content": "Progressive cyanosis after banding of the pulmonary artery in infancy occurred in a child with transposition of the great arteries and a ventricular septal defect, and a Blalock-Taussig shunt operation had to be performed. At the time of correction a segment of pulmonary artery between the left ventricle and the band was found to be completely occluded so that continuity between the left ventricle and the pulmonary artery could not be restored. A Rastelli type of operation was not feasible as the ventricular septal defect was sited low in the muscular septum. Therefore, in addition to Mustard's operation, a Dacron conduit was inserted from the left ventricle to the main pulmonary artery to relieve the obstruction. Postoperative cardiac catheterization with angiocardiography indicated a satisfactory haemodynamic result. The patient remains well 11 months after the operation. This operation, a left ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit, may be used as an alternative procedure in patients with transposition of the great arteries, intact interventricular septum, and obstruction to the left ventricular outflow, if the obstruction cannot be adequately relieved.", "contents": "Left ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit in treatment of transposition of great arteries, restrictive ventricular septal defect, and acquired pulmonary atresia. Progressive cyanosis after banding of the pulmonary artery in infancy occurred in a child with transposition of the great arteries and a ventricular septal defect, and a Blalock-Taussig shunt operation had to be performed. At the time of correction a segment of pulmonary artery between the left ventricle and the band was found to be completely occluded so that continuity between the left ventricle and the pulmonary artery could not be restored. A Rastelli type of operation was not feasible as the ventricular septal defect was sited low in the muscular septum. Therefore, in addition to Mustard's operation, a Dacron conduit was inserted from the left ventricle to the main pulmonary artery to relieve the obstruction. Postoperative cardiac catheterization with angiocardiography indicated a satisfactory haemodynamic result. The patient remains well 11 months after the operation. This operation, a left ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit, may be used as an alternative procedure in patients with transposition of the great arteries, intact interventricular septum, and obstruction to the left ventricular outflow, if the obstruction cannot be adequately relieved.", "PMID": 1008963} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11421", "title": "Reversion to sinus rhythm 11 years after surgically induced heart block.", "content": "A patient is presented in whom the heart reverted spontaneously to sinus rhythm 11 years after surgical closure of a ventricular septal defect complicated by complete heart block. It seems unlikely that regeneration of fibres in the bundle of His, if these had indeed been destroyed, could account for the restoration of sinus rhythm after so long an interval.", "contents": "Reversion to sinus rhythm 11 years after surgically induced heart block. A patient is presented in whom the heart reverted spontaneously to sinus rhythm 11 years after surgical closure of a ventricular septal defect complicated by complete heart block. It seems unlikely that regeneration of fibres in the bundle of His, if these had indeed been destroyed, could account for the restoration of sinus rhythm after so long an interval.", "PMID": 1008964} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11422", "title": "Left ventricular function in chronic renal failure.", "content": "Left ventricular function was studied in 14 patients with end-stage chronic renal failure using non-invasive methods (echocardiography and systolic time intervals). Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 consisted of 5 patients who were normotensive at the time of study and group 2 of 7 patients who were hypertensive when studied. Group 3 consisted of 2 patients: one was receiving propranolol and the other, studied 302 days after renal transplantation, was receiving digitalis for recurrent episodes of cardiac failure. All except the patient receiving propranolol had normal left ventricular function in systole with normal measurements of fractional fibre shortening (% delta S, EF) and normal measurements relating to the velocity of ventricular contraction (mean Vcf, mean velocity of posterior wall motion). Stroke volume and cardiac output were normal in some patients but were increased in patients with fluid overload. Early diastolic compliance of the left ventricle seemed to be normal except in the patient with recurrent cardiac failure. The study provided no evidence for the existence of a specific uraemic cardiomyopathy.", "contents": "Left ventricular function in chronic renal failure. Left ventricular function was studied in 14 patients with end-stage chronic renal failure using non-invasive methods (echocardiography and systolic time intervals). Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 consisted of 5 patients who were normotensive at the time of study and group 2 of 7 patients who were hypertensive when studied. Group 3 consisted of 2 patients: one was receiving propranolol and the other, studied 302 days after renal transplantation, was receiving digitalis for recurrent episodes of cardiac failure. All except the patient receiving propranolol had normal left ventricular function in systole with normal measurements of fractional fibre shortening (% delta S, EF) and normal measurements relating to the velocity of ventricular contraction (mean Vcf, mean velocity of posterior wall motion). Stroke volume and cardiac output were normal in some patients but were increased in patients with fluid overload. Early diastolic compliance of the left ventricle seemed to be normal except in the patient with recurrent cardiac failure. The study provided no evidence for the existence of a specific uraemic cardiomyopathy.", "PMID": 1008967} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11423", "title": "Haemodynamic adaptation at rest and during exercise to long-term antihypertensive treatment with combination of beta-receptor blocking and vasodilator agent.", "content": "Systemic and pulmonary haemodynamics were studied at rest in the supine and upright position, and during exercise in the sitting position at 75 and 150 Watt, in 13 hypertensive men aged 50-8 +/- 8-7 years before and after 13 months treatment with oral oxprenolol (120 to 160 mg t.i.d.) supplemented by oral hydrallazine (50 to 75 mg t.i.d.) during the last 6 months. Pressures were recorded by means of catheters inserted percutaneously into the pulmonary and brachial artery; cardiac output was determined according to Fick. Treatment resulted in a significant reduction of systemic systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures at rest in the supine position and during exercise, and of systolic pressures in the upright posture. Pulmonary systolic and mean pressures increased slightly at rest in the supine position and during exercise, and no changes occurred at rest in the upright position. The left ventricular filling pressure was unchanged at rest both in the supine and upright position; it increased slightly during exercise. The haemodynamic changes by which systemic pressure was reduced were those typical of beta-adrenergic blockade: reduction of cardiac output resulting from a decrease of both heart rate and stroke volume, while the total systemic vascular resistance was unchanged at rest in the supine position but increased in the upright posture and during exercise. The A-V O2 difference increased remarkably. This long-term observation again suggests that the acute haemodynamic effects of an antihypertensive regimen can be modified during long-term application. It did not give evidence of a readjustment of the vascular resistance occurring, at least not in the upright position and during exercise, as has been suggested for long-term beta-adrenergic blockade.", "contents": "Haemodynamic adaptation at rest and during exercise to long-term antihypertensive treatment with combination of beta-receptor blocking and vasodilator agent. Systemic and pulmonary haemodynamics were studied at rest in the supine and upright position, and during exercise in the sitting position at 75 and 150 Watt, in 13 hypertensive men aged 50-8 +/- 8-7 years before and after 13 months treatment with oral oxprenolol (120 to 160 mg t.i.d.) supplemented by oral hydrallazine (50 to 75 mg t.i.d.) during the last 6 months. Pressures were recorded by means of catheters inserted percutaneously into the pulmonary and brachial artery; cardiac output was determined according to Fick. Treatment resulted in a significant reduction of systemic systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures at rest in the supine position and during exercise, and of systolic pressures in the upright posture. Pulmonary systolic and mean pressures increased slightly at rest in the supine position and during exercise, and no changes occurred at rest in the upright position. The left ventricular filling pressure was unchanged at rest both in the supine and upright position; it increased slightly during exercise. The haemodynamic changes by which systemic pressure was reduced were those typical of beta-adrenergic blockade: reduction of cardiac output resulting from a decrease of both heart rate and stroke volume, while the total systemic vascular resistance was unchanged at rest in the supine position but increased in the upright posture and during exercise. The A-V O2 difference increased remarkably. This long-term observation again suggests that the acute haemodynamic effects of an antihypertensive regimen can be modified during long-term application. It did not give evidence of a readjustment of the vascular resistance occurring, at least not in the upright position and during exercise, as has been suggested for long-term beta-adrenergic blockade.", "PMID": 1008968} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11424", "title": "Electrophysiological effects of mexiletine in man.", "content": "The electrophysiological effects of intravenous mexiletine in a dose of 200 to 250 mg given over 5 minutes, followed by continuous infusion of 60 to 90 mg per hour, were studied in 5 patients with normal conduction and in 20 patients with a variety of disturbances of impulse formation and conduction, by means of His bundle electrography, atrial pacing, and the extrastimulus method. In all but 2 patients the plasma level was above the lower therapeutic limit. Mexiletine had no consistent effects on sinus frequency and atrial refractoriness. The sinoatrial recovery time changed inconsistently in both directions; however, of the 5 patients in whom an increase was evident, 3 had sinus node dysfunction. In most patients mexiletine increased the AV nodal conduction time at paced atrial rates and shifted the Wenckebach point to a lower atrial rate. The effective refractory period of the AV node was not consistently influenced, while the functional refractory period increased in 12 out of 14 patients. The HV intervals increased by a mean of 11 ms in 8 patients and were unchanged in 17. Both the relative and effective refractory period of the His-Purkinje system increased after mexiletine. Non-cardiac side effects occurred in 7 out of 25 patients, and cardiac side effects, including one serious, in 2. The results indicate that mexiletine shares some electrophysiological properties with procainamide and quinidine, when given to patients with conduction defects, and that the drug should not be used in patients with pre-existing impairment of impulse formation or conduction. It has additional effects on AV nodal conduction which may be of value in the treatment of re-entrant tachycardias involving the AV node.", "contents": "Electrophysiological effects of mexiletine in man. The electrophysiological effects of intravenous mexiletine in a dose of 200 to 250 mg given over 5 minutes, followed by continuous infusion of 60 to 90 mg per hour, were studied in 5 patients with normal conduction and in 20 patients with a variety of disturbances of impulse formation and conduction, by means of His bundle electrography, atrial pacing, and the extrastimulus method. In all but 2 patients the plasma level was above the lower therapeutic limit. Mexiletine had no consistent effects on sinus frequency and atrial refractoriness. The sinoatrial recovery time changed inconsistently in both directions; however, of the 5 patients in whom an increase was evident, 3 had sinus node dysfunction. In most patients mexiletine increased the AV nodal conduction time at paced atrial rates and shifted the Wenckebach point to a lower atrial rate. The effective refractory period of the AV node was not consistently influenced, while the functional refractory period increased in 12 out of 14 patients. The HV intervals increased by a mean of 11 ms in 8 patients and were unchanged in 17. Both the relative and effective refractory period of the His-Purkinje system increased after mexiletine. Non-cardiac side effects occurred in 7 out of 25 patients, and cardiac side effects, including one serious, in 2. The results indicate that mexiletine shares some electrophysiological properties with procainamide and quinidine, when given to patients with conduction defects, and that the drug should not be used in patients with pre-existing impairment of impulse formation or conduction. It has additional effects on AV nodal conduction which may be of value in the treatment of re-entrant tachycardias involving the AV node.", "PMID": 1008969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11425", "title": "Angiographic abnormalities associated with alterations in regional myocardial blood flow in coronary artery disease.", "content": "To evaluate the association between alterations in myocardial blood flow and angiographic findings, myocardial blood flow was compared in 26 patients with asymergy, 15 patients with a similar extent of coronary artery disease but without asynergy, and 10 patients without coronary artery disease or obvious myocardial or valvular disease. Myocardial blood flow was measured at rest with an Anger camera and PDP-11/20 computer after the intracoronary injection of 133xenon. In comparison with the normal subjects, whole heart blood flow was significantly reduced in patients with asynergy. In addition, myocardial blood flow in regions of anteroapical asynergy was reduced (85-7 +/- 7-0 ml/min per 100 g3 in controls to 65-4 +/- 4-5, P less than 0-05) and a similar reduction was noted in regions of posterolateral asymergy (91-5 +/- 8-8 in controls to 66-8 +/- 5-0, P less than 0-05). In general, regional myocardial blood flow was reduced distal to left anterior descending or left circumflex stenosis of less than 50 per cent, with a trend toward further reduction distal to less than 75 per cent stenosis. In these same patients, the presence of anteroapical or posterolateral asynergy resulted in a similar trend to even greater reduction of flow. The effect of collaterals was variable: 7 of 8 patients without asynergy but with less than 75 per cent left anterior descending stenosis and collateral circulation to the lower left anterior descending quadrant had minimally reduced flows. However, in the 17 patients with anteroapical asynergy, regional myocardial blood flow was very similar in the 9 patients with collaterals compared with the 8 patients without them. This study suggests that the degree of coronary artery stenosis and presence of asynergy are both important in evaluating alterations in myocardial blood flow in coronary artery disease, while the role of collaterals remains uncertain.", "contents": "Angiographic abnormalities associated with alterations in regional myocardial blood flow in coronary artery disease. To evaluate the association between alterations in myocardial blood flow and angiographic findings, myocardial blood flow was compared in 26 patients with asymergy, 15 patients with a similar extent of coronary artery disease but without asynergy, and 10 patients without coronary artery disease or obvious myocardial or valvular disease. Myocardial blood flow was measured at rest with an Anger camera and PDP-11/20 computer after the intracoronary injection of 133xenon. In comparison with the normal subjects, whole heart blood flow was significantly reduced in patients with asynergy. In addition, myocardial blood flow in regions of anteroapical asynergy was reduced (85-7 +/- 7-0 ml/min per 100 g3 in controls to 65-4 +/- 4-5, P less than 0-05) and a similar reduction was noted in regions of posterolateral asymergy (91-5 +/- 8-8 in controls to 66-8 +/- 5-0, P less than 0-05). In general, regional myocardial blood flow was reduced distal to left anterior descending or left circumflex stenosis of less than 50 per cent, with a trend toward further reduction distal to less than 75 per cent stenosis. In these same patients, the presence of anteroapical or posterolateral asynergy resulted in a similar trend to even greater reduction of flow. The effect of collaterals was variable: 7 of 8 patients without asynergy but with less than 75 per cent left anterior descending stenosis and collateral circulation to the lower left anterior descending quadrant had minimally reduced flows. However, in the 17 patients with anteroapical asynergy, regional myocardial blood flow was very similar in the 9 patients with collaterals compared with the 8 patients without them. This study suggests that the degree of coronary artery stenosis and presence of asynergy are both important in evaluating alterations in myocardial blood flow in coronary artery disease, while the role of collaterals remains uncertain.", "PMID": 1008970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11426", "title": "Longitudinal study of heart size in older people.", "content": "Transverse cardiac diameter and transverse thoracic diameter were measured in a longitudinal study of older men and women at the original examination and after five years. The cardiothoracic ratio overestimated 5-year changes in heart size, because of significant decreases with age in transverse thoracic diameter. A regression equation to predict transverse cardiac diameter from age and weight had been previously computed from the data obtained at the initial examination. This was a satisfactory predictor of recorded 5-year changes except in women of 70 years and over at entry to the study in whom the predicted change was significantly larger than the recorded change. This had resulted from the death during the 5 years of women in that age group with larger transverse cardiac diameters.", "contents": "Longitudinal study of heart size in older people. Transverse cardiac diameter and transverse thoracic diameter were measured in a longitudinal study of older men and women at the original examination and after five years. The cardiothoracic ratio overestimated 5-year changes in heart size, because of significant decreases with age in transverse thoracic diameter. A regression equation to predict transverse cardiac diameter from age and weight had been previously computed from the data obtained at the initial examination. This was a satisfactory predictor of recorded 5-year changes except in women of 70 years and over at entry to the study in whom the predicted change was significantly larger than the recorded change. This had resulted from the death during the 5 years of women in that age group with larger transverse cardiac diameters.", "PMID": 1008971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11427", "title": "Histopathology of conducting system in left anterior hemiblock.", "content": "In 8 cases of left anterior hemiblock, combined with right bundle-branch block in 7, serial sections of the conducting system of the heart were examined histologically. In all cases there were pathological changes in the left bundle-branch but the anterior part of it was predominantly affected in only 2 cases. Acute changes were found in 6 cases of early myocardial infarction, and fibrosis in 2 cases of chronic heart disease. Reversible lesions may have a pathogenetic role in acute hemiblocks. The right bundle-branch was disrupted by fibrosis in 6 of the 7 cases with right bundle-branch block, and minor changes in the AV node were observed in 1. The widespread damage to the left bundle-branch in the majority of the present cases does not seem to be consistent with the limited clinicopathological correlation implied by the terms anterior fascicular block or hemiblock. Other cardiac lesions within the left bundle-branch and outside it may contribute to this electrocardiographic pattern.", "contents": "Histopathology of conducting system in left anterior hemiblock. In 8 cases of left anterior hemiblock, combined with right bundle-branch block in 7, serial sections of the conducting system of the heart were examined histologically. In all cases there were pathological changes in the left bundle-branch but the anterior part of it was predominantly affected in only 2 cases. Acute changes were found in 6 cases of early myocardial infarction, and fibrosis in 2 cases of chronic heart disease. Reversible lesions may have a pathogenetic role in acute hemiblocks. The right bundle-branch was disrupted by fibrosis in 6 of the 7 cases with right bundle-branch block, and minor changes in the AV node were observed in 1. The widespread damage to the left bundle-branch in the majority of the present cases does not seem to be consistent with the limited clinicopathological correlation implied by the terms anterior fascicular block or hemiblock. Other cardiac lesions within the left bundle-branch and outside it may contribute to this electrocardiographic pattern.", "PMID": 1008972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11428", "title": "Histopathological findings in two cases of torsade de pointes with conduction disturbances.", "content": "Histological studies were made of the conducting system and the myocardium in two cases of torsade de pointes with complex disturbances of impulse conduction and formation. A fairly similar clinicopathological pattern was seen, consisting of an unusual association of non-interruptive, widespread damage to the conducting system with the intermittent and variable electrocardiographic disorders. The inherent desynchronization of cardiac action and the bilateral, uneven, and partial disruptions of the bundle-branches have been tentatively correlated, pathophysiologically, with the re-entry circuit, or mechanism, which is held to be responsible for the cyclic fluctuation of QRS axis, peculiar to torsade de pointes.", "contents": "Histopathological findings in two cases of torsade de pointes with conduction disturbances. Histological studies were made of the conducting system and the myocardium in two cases of torsade de pointes with complex disturbances of impulse conduction and formation. A fairly similar clinicopathological pattern was seen, consisting of an unusual association of non-interruptive, widespread damage to the conducting system with the intermittent and variable electrocardiographic disorders. The inherent desynchronization of cardiac action and the bilateral, uneven, and partial disruptions of the bundle-branches have been tentatively correlated, pathophysiologically, with the re-entry circuit, or mechanism, which is held to be responsible for the cyclic fluctuation of QRS axis, peculiar to torsade de pointes.", "PMID": 1008973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11429", "title": "Non-invasive assessment of left ventricular function after correction of severe aortic regurgitation.", "content": "Twenty patients were studied with simultaneous left ventricular cavity echocardiograms and apex cardiograms during the first two weeks after correction of severe aortic regurgitation. Endocardial echoes and apex cardiograms were digitized, so that left ventricular dimensions, their rates of change, and echo dimension-apex cardiogram relations could be studied. After aortic valve replacement, there was an early reduction in end-diastolic dimension, within 2 days, from 7-0 +/- 0-8 cm to 5-7 +/- 1-0 cm (P less than 0-001), while peak normalized shortening rate (peak Vcf) dropped from 1-9 +/- 0-6 to 1-4 +/- 0-6 S-1 (P less than 0-01), and remained unchanged for the remainder of the study. Immediately after operation, striking abnormalities of isovolumic contraction and, to a lesser extent, of early relaxation, could be seen, which regressed over 4 to 7 days, except in 2 patients who developed a low output state. These changes in left ventricular dimension, Vcf, and isovolumic contraction could not have been described by an single \"measure\" of left ventricular function.", "contents": "Non-invasive assessment of left ventricular function after correction of severe aortic regurgitation. Twenty patients were studied with simultaneous left ventricular cavity echocardiograms and apex cardiograms during the first two weeks after correction of severe aortic regurgitation. Endocardial echoes and apex cardiograms were digitized, so that left ventricular dimensions, their rates of change, and echo dimension-apex cardiogram relations could be studied. After aortic valve replacement, there was an early reduction in end-diastolic dimension, within 2 days, from 7-0 +/- 0-8 cm to 5-7 +/- 1-0 cm (P less than 0-001), while peak normalized shortening rate (peak Vcf) dropped from 1-9 +/- 0-6 to 1-4 +/- 0-6 S-1 (P less than 0-01), and remained unchanged for the remainder of the study. Immediately after operation, striking abnormalities of isovolumic contraction and, to a lesser extent, of early relaxation, could be seen, which regressed over 4 to 7 days, except in 2 patients who developed a low output state. These changes in left ventricular dimension, Vcf, and isovolumic contraction could not have been described by an single \"measure\" of left ventricular function.", "PMID": 1008974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11430", "title": "Heart rate--left ventricular ejection time relations. Variations during postural change and cardiovascular challenges.", "content": "Regression equations for heart rate (HR)--ejection time (LVET) relations provide the appropriate factors for predicting or correcting left ventricular ejection time at any HR. We investigated HR-LVET regressions under different conditions common to both physiological and clinical studies of LVET which had been selected because of predictably different physiological responses. Ten normal subjects were studied during both supine and sitting rest and during isometric handgrip (IHG) in both supine and sitting postures and 10 during head-up tilt. Unexpectedly, as compared with pre-exercise rest on a bicycle ergometer, the slope for the resting state on a chair was slightly flatter, and LVET values were uniformly higher throughout the range of HRs measured. Differences among HR-LVET slopes and intercepts appeared to reflect the established behaviour of stroke volume and ejection rate under the conditions studied. Differences observed among intercepts, especially in supine vs. upright postures, are substantial and require that the appropriate intercept be applied in predicting LVET at a given HR. differences among slopes, while not statistically significant, may, under practical conditions, lead to unacceptable error if the appropriate slope factor is not used in correcting LVET for HR.", "contents": "Heart rate--left ventricular ejection time relations. Variations during postural change and cardiovascular challenges. Regression equations for heart rate (HR)--ejection time (LVET) relations provide the appropriate factors for predicting or correcting left ventricular ejection time at any HR. We investigated HR-LVET regressions under different conditions common to both physiological and clinical studies of LVET which had been selected because of predictably different physiological responses. Ten normal subjects were studied during both supine and sitting rest and during isometric handgrip (IHG) in both supine and sitting postures and 10 during head-up tilt. Unexpectedly, as compared with pre-exercise rest on a bicycle ergometer, the slope for the resting state on a chair was slightly flatter, and LVET values were uniformly higher throughout the range of HRs measured. Differences among HR-LVET slopes and intercepts appeared to reflect the established behaviour of stroke volume and ejection rate under the conditions studied. Differences observed among intercepts, especially in supine vs. upright postures, are substantial and require that the appropriate intercept be applied in predicting LVET at a given HR. differences among slopes, while not statistically significant, may, under practical conditions, lead to unacceptable error if the appropriate slope factor is not used in correcting LVET for HR.", "PMID": 1008975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11431", "title": "Plasma zinc in acute myocardial infarction. Diagnostic and prognostic implications.", "content": "Zinc is a metal component of many important enzymes, and its availability controls the rate of synthesis of nucleic acids and protein. Serum zinc levels have been shown to fall after acute tissue injury, including myocardial infarction. The purpose of this clinical study was to examine the value of plasma zinc measurements in a coronary care unit. Studies were made in 188 patients: 88 with unequivocal myocardial infarction, 52 controls, and 48 in a borderline group. Patients with myocardial infarction showed a fall in plasma zinc within the first three days, whereas patients in the other two groups did not. The difference in the mean minimum zinc levels between the groups with and without infarction was highly significant. In patients with myocardial infarction there was good correlation between the minimum plasma zinc level and the peal value of plasma enzymes, and also with some clinical estimators of prognosis. A fall in plasma zinc is a reliable diagnostic test for acute myocardial infarction, and the extent of the fall has prognostic implications.", "contents": "Plasma zinc in acute myocardial infarction. Diagnostic and prognostic implications. Zinc is a metal component of many important enzymes, and its availability controls the rate of synthesis of nucleic acids and protein. Serum zinc levels have been shown to fall after acute tissue injury, including myocardial infarction. The purpose of this clinical study was to examine the value of plasma zinc measurements in a coronary care unit. Studies were made in 188 patients: 88 with unequivocal myocardial infarction, 52 controls, and 48 in a borderline group. Patients with myocardial infarction showed a fall in plasma zinc within the first three days, whereas patients in the other two groups did not. The difference in the mean minimum zinc levels between the groups with and without infarction was highly significant. In patients with myocardial infarction there was good correlation between the minimum plasma zinc level and the peal value of plasma enzymes, and also with some clinical estimators of prognosis. A fall in plasma zinc is a reliable diagnostic test for acute myocardial infarction, and the extent of the fall has prognostic implications.", "PMID": 1008976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11432", "title": "Chronic His bundle block. Clinical, electrocardiographic, electrophysiological, and follow-up studies on 16 patients.", "content": "This report describes 16 patients with block within the His bundle seen over a period of 55 months. Ten were women and 6 men, with an average age of 76 years, range, 42 to 98 years. All patients had His bundle recordings showing split His bundle potentials (H and H) (13 patients) or narrow QRS with block distal to the His bundle potential (3 patients). Of the 16 patients, 10 had complete heart block, 4 second degree AV block (2 patients with Mobitz type II, and 2 with 2:1), and 2 first degree AV block. Ten patients had a narrow QRS in the conducted beats or escape rhythms. Intravenous atropine (1 to 2 mg) had a variable effect on AV conduction and the rate of the escape rhythm. Twelve patients have had a permanent pacemaker implanted. During the follow-up period, 10 patients died 1 to 31 months from the time of initial examination. The remaining 6 patients (5 with pacemaker) are alive 3 to 58 months later.", "contents": "Chronic His bundle block. Clinical, electrocardiographic, electrophysiological, and follow-up studies on 16 patients. This report describes 16 patients with block within the His bundle seen over a period of 55 months. Ten were women and 6 men, with an average age of 76 years, range, 42 to 98 years. All patients had His bundle recordings showing split His bundle potentials (H and H) (13 patients) or narrow QRS with block distal to the His bundle potential (3 patients). Of the 16 patients, 10 had complete heart block, 4 second degree AV block (2 patients with Mobitz type II, and 2 with 2:1), and 2 first degree AV block. Ten patients had a narrow QRS in the conducted beats or escape rhythms. Intravenous atropine (1 to 2 mg) had a variable effect on AV conduction and the rate of the escape rhythm. Twelve patients have had a permanent pacemaker implanted. During the follow-up period, 10 patients died 1 to 31 months from the time of initial examination. The remaining 6 patients (5 with pacemaker) are alive 3 to 58 months later.", "PMID": 1008977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11433", "title": "Monophasic action potentials of right atrium and electrophysiological properties of AV conducting system in patients with hypothyroidism.", "content": "In 12 patients with manifest hypothyroidism right atrial monophasic action potentials showed a significant prolongation in comparison with data from normal or euthyroid patients. Atrial effective refractory periods were also significantly prolonged. After thyroid treatment the monophasic action potential duration and the effective refractory period of the right atrium were within normal ranges. In 6 hypothyroid patients studies of AV conduction with the aid of His bundle electrography and atrial pacing showed a supraHisian conduction delay which was manifest in one case and latent in another two. InfraHisian conduction delay was encountered in 2 cases.", "contents": "Monophasic action potentials of right atrium and electrophysiological properties of AV conducting system in patients with hypothyroidism. In 12 patients with manifest hypothyroidism right atrial monophasic action potentials showed a significant prolongation in comparison with data from normal or euthyroid patients. Atrial effective refractory periods were also significantly prolonged. After thyroid treatment the monophasic action potential duration and the effective refractory period of the right atrium were within normal ranges. In 6 hypothyroid patients studies of AV conduction with the aid of His bundle electrography and atrial pacing showed a supraHisian conduction delay which was manifest in one case and latent in another two. InfraHisian conduction delay was encountered in 2 cases.", "PMID": 1008978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11434", "title": "Fatal outcome arising from use of a sutureless \"corkscrew\" epicardial pacing electrode inserted into apex of left ventricle.", "content": "A 59-year-old man is described in whom the insertion of an epicardial sutureless \"corkscrew\" electrode resulted in fatal ventricular perforation. Fatal myocardial perforation can occur with this electrode and the apex of the left ventricle should never be used as the site of insertion. Necropsy also showed that the transvenous right ventricular electrode, inserted one year previously, had penetrated a tricuspid leaflet. This could have accounted for the ensuing pacing failure.", "contents": "Fatal outcome arising from use of a sutureless \"corkscrew\" epicardial pacing electrode inserted into apex of left ventricle. A 59-year-old man is described in whom the insertion of an epicardial sutureless \"corkscrew\" electrode resulted in fatal ventricular perforation. Fatal myocardial perforation can occur with this electrode and the apex of the left ventricle should never be used as the site of insertion. Necropsy also showed that the transvenous right ventricular electrode, inserted one year previously, had penetrated a tricuspid leaflet. This could have accounted for the ensuing pacing failure.", "PMID": 1008980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11435", "title": "Pseudo second degree atrioventricular block with bradycardia. Successful treatment with quinidine.", "content": "Pseudo second degree atrioventricular block resulting from blocked His premature beats was successfully treated with quinidine. The diagnosis was proved by His bundle electrogam which showed both blocked and conducted His premature beats. The blocked His prematures produced second degree atrioventricular block by making the atrioventricular junction refractory. Quinidine abolished both conducted and blocked His extrasystoles. There has been no recurrence of arrhythmia during a one-year follow-up.", "contents": "Pseudo second degree atrioventricular block with bradycardia. Successful treatment with quinidine. Pseudo second degree atrioventricular block resulting from blocked His premature beats was successfully treated with quinidine. The diagnosis was proved by His bundle electrogam which showed both blocked and conducted His premature beats. The blocked His prematures produced second degree atrioventricular block by making the atrioventricular junction refractory. Quinidine abolished both conducted and blocked His extrasystoles. There has been no recurrence of arrhythmia during a one-year follow-up.", "PMID": 1008981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11436", "title": "Macrophage electrophoretic mobility (MEM) with myelin basic protein.", "content": "Lymphocytes from a total of 161 subjects, including normal controls and patients with malignant and non-malignant conditions, have been investigated for their response to myelin basic protein, using the macrophage electrophoretic mobility (MEM) test. It has been confirmed that there was a high level of association between clinically evident cancer and a positive response. Lymphocytes from 24/25 patients with non-malignant inflammatory and ischaemic diseases also gave positive responses. In 46 patients with breast lumps studied before mastectomy or biopsy, the test was positive in 15/19 cases which proved to be malignant and in 5/27 which proved benign on histological examination. In its present form the test is not sufficiently reliable for the diagnosis of early cancer. Our results suggest that tissue necrosis in malignant and non-malignant conditions may be one of the factors resulting in sensitization to antigenic determinants present in preparations of myelin basic protein. Despite its technical difficulties, the test may provide a means of examing some aspects of immune recall not readily revealed by other test systems.", "contents": "Macrophage electrophoretic mobility (MEM) with myelin basic protein. Lymphocytes from a total of 161 subjects, including normal controls and patients with malignant and non-malignant conditions, have been investigated for their response to myelin basic protein, using the macrophage electrophoretic mobility (MEM) test. It has been confirmed that there was a high level of association between clinically evident cancer and a positive response. Lymphocytes from 24/25 patients with non-malignant inflammatory and ischaemic diseases also gave positive responses. In 46 patients with breast lumps studied before mastectomy or biopsy, the test was positive in 15/19 cases which proved to be malignant and in 5/27 which proved benign on histological examination. In its present form the test is not sufficiently reliable for the diagnosis of early cancer. Our results suggest that tissue necrosis in malignant and non-malignant conditions may be one of the factors resulting in sensitization to antigenic determinants present in preparations of myelin basic protein. Despite its technical difficulties, the test may provide a means of examing some aspects of immune recall not readily revealed by other test systems.", "PMID": 1008988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11437", "title": "Stimulation of autologous blood lymphocytes by malignant lymphoma cells and homogenates.", "content": "The blastogenic response to autologous blood lymphocytes to whole-cell suspensions and to homogenates obtained from malignant lymphoma tissue has been investigated. Spleens were obtained from patients in whom laparotomy was performed for staging of malignant lymphoma. Cell suspensions prepared from tumour nodules were treated with mitomycin C and allowed to react with separated autologous blood lymphocytes for 6 days. Lymphocyte stimulation was measured by liquid scintillation counting after exposure to 3H-TdR. Cultures were also prepared in which autologous lymphocytes were treated with spleen tumour homogenate. Control experiments used spleens from staging procedures in which no tumour deposits were present, and normal spleens removed incidentally during other operations. In the controls, the uptake of TdR was never more than twice that of unstimulated lymphocytes. Greater degrees of lymphocyte stimulation were seen in 6 out of 14 patients, using whole tumour cells, and in 7 out of 16 patients, using tumour homogenates. The results indicate an antigenic difference between tumour and host cells, and suggest that lymphocytes can react to a tumour-associated antigen.", "contents": "Stimulation of autologous blood lymphocytes by malignant lymphoma cells and homogenates. The blastogenic response to autologous blood lymphocytes to whole-cell suspensions and to homogenates obtained from malignant lymphoma tissue has been investigated. Spleens were obtained from patients in whom laparotomy was performed for staging of malignant lymphoma. Cell suspensions prepared from tumour nodules were treated with mitomycin C and allowed to react with separated autologous blood lymphocytes for 6 days. Lymphocyte stimulation was measured by liquid scintillation counting after exposure to 3H-TdR. Cultures were also prepared in which autologous lymphocytes were treated with spleen tumour homogenate. Control experiments used spleens from staging procedures in which no tumour deposits were present, and normal spleens removed incidentally during other operations. In the controls, the uptake of TdR was never more than twice that of unstimulated lymphocytes. Greater degrees of lymphocyte stimulation were seen in 6 out of 14 patients, using whole tumour cells, and in 7 out of 16 patients, using tumour homogenates. The results indicate an antigenic difference between tumour and host cells, and suggest that lymphocytes can react to a tumour-associated antigen.", "PMID": 1008989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11438", "title": "Inhibition of K cell function by human breast cancer sera.", "content": "Sera from breast cancer patients and from female controls were tested for inhibition of lysis of antibody-coated target cells by human leukocytes (K cells). Sera from 39% of breast cancer patients, but from only 8% of controls, inhibited lysis by more than 30%. This inhibition was unrelated to the stage of the disease, the patient's age or whether the patient was pre- or post-operative. Inhibition was apparently not due to anti-HLA antibodies and did not correlate with the IgG level or anti-complementary activity of the serum. On fractionation by gel-filtration, inhibitory activity was found in fractions of higher molecular weight than IgG. As no IgG could be detected in these fractions, inhibition is probably not due to immune complexes containing IgG antibody. The inhibitory factor may well contribute to the immunosuppressed status of a proportion of breast cancer patients.", "contents": "Inhibition of K cell function by human breast cancer sera. Sera from breast cancer patients and from female controls were tested for inhibition of lysis of antibody-coated target cells by human leukocytes (K cells). Sera from 39% of breast cancer patients, but from only 8% of controls, inhibited lysis by more than 30%. This inhibition was unrelated to the stage of the disease, the patient's age or whether the patient was pre- or post-operative. Inhibition was apparently not due to anti-HLA antibodies and did not correlate with the IgG level or anti-complementary activity of the serum. On fractionation by gel-filtration, inhibitory activity was found in fractions of higher molecular weight than IgG. As no IgG could be detected in these fractions, inhibition is probably not due to immune complexes containing IgG antibody. The inhibitory factor may well contribute to the immunosuppressed status of a proportion of breast cancer patients.", "PMID": 1008990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11439", "title": "Prognostic value of peripheral lymphocyte count in hormone therapy of advanced breast cancer.", "content": "Peripheral lymphocyte counts were performed on 41 patients with advanced breast cancer, before starting treatment with oestrogens or androgens. Patients were seen at monthly intervals, and the response to treatment was independently assessed, using the criteria of the British Breast Group. In the patients treated with oestrogens and androgens, the successful responders were found to have significantly higher pre-treatment peripheral lymphocyte counts than the intermediate responders and failures. It is suggested that pre-treatment peripheral lymphocyte counts may have a prognostic value in assessing potential response to hormone therapy in patients with breast cancer.", "contents": "Prognostic value of peripheral lymphocyte count in hormone therapy of advanced breast cancer. Peripheral lymphocyte counts were performed on 41 patients with advanced breast cancer, before starting treatment with oestrogens or androgens. Patients were seen at monthly intervals, and the response to treatment was independently assessed, using the criteria of the British Breast Group. In the patients treated with oestrogens and androgens, the successful responders were found to have significantly higher pre-treatment peripheral lymphocyte counts than the intermediate responders and failures. It is suggested that pre-treatment peripheral lymphocyte counts may have a prognostic value in assessing potential response to hormone therapy in patients with breast cancer.", "PMID": 1008991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11440", "title": "Rat sarcoma model supports both \"soil seed\" and \"mechanical\" theories of metastatic spread.", "content": "Following injection into the portal venous or vena caval systems, tumour cells are held up almost exclusively in the liver or lung respectively, and subsequent outgrowth of tumour only occurs in these organs. Following systemic arterial injection, cells are distributed, and subsequently grow, in a variety of organs. However, the adrenal gland supports tumour growth from much fewer cells than the lung, and this is partly due to the fact the rate of tumour cell loss in the initial 48 h is very high in the latter compared to the former organ.", "contents": "Rat sarcoma model supports both \"soil seed\" and \"mechanical\" theories of metastatic spread. Following injection into the portal venous or vena caval systems, tumour cells are held up almost exclusively in the liver or lung respectively, and subsequent outgrowth of tumour only occurs in these organs. Following systemic arterial injection, cells are distributed, and subsequently grow, in a variety of organs. However, the adrenal gland supports tumour growth from much fewer cells than the lung, and this is partly due to the fact the rate of tumour cell loss in the initial 48 h is very high in the latter compared to the former organ.", "PMID": 1008992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11441", "title": "Selective promoting activity of phorbol myristate acetate in experimental skin carcinogenesis.", "content": "Experiments were undertaken to study the effect of promotion treatment on epidermal tumour induction pattern in precancerous mouse skin. Swiss albino mice were given a single s.c. injection of 0-5 mg 20-methylcholanthrene in the right scapular region. Six weeks later, 1-83 nmol of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was applied biweekly on the reactive skin. Histopathology of the induced tumours showed early appearance of squamous cell carcinomas and rhabdomyosarcomas. Fibrosarcoma, the most common tumour type induced on MCA injection alone, was absent. Trichoepithelioma, a benign tumour, was induced in PMA-treated mice. This gives new evidence of the selective action of PMA, enhancing the induction of epithelial and muscle tumours, with concurrent inhibition of fibroblastic tumours.", "contents": "Selective promoting activity of phorbol myristate acetate in experimental skin carcinogenesis. Experiments were undertaken to study the effect of promotion treatment on epidermal tumour induction pattern in precancerous mouse skin. Swiss albino mice were given a single s.c. injection of 0-5 mg 20-methylcholanthrene in the right scapular region. Six weeks later, 1-83 nmol of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was applied biweekly on the reactive skin. Histopathology of the induced tumours showed early appearance of squamous cell carcinomas and rhabdomyosarcomas. Fibrosarcoma, the most common tumour type induced on MCA injection alone, was absent. Trichoepithelioma, a benign tumour, was induced in PMA-treated mice. This gives new evidence of the selective action of PMA, enhancing the induction of epithelial and muscle tumours, with concurrent inhibition of fibroblastic tumours.", "PMID": 1008993} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11442", "title": "Sex dependence of human intracranial gliomata.", "content": "The age and sex distribution of 1223 cases of intracranial gliomata, diagnosed in the geographical area covered by the Mersey Regional Cancer Registry over the period 1961-70, are analysed. In children and adults, the intracranial gliomata predominates in males, the tumour incidence figures indicating a ratio of 3 : 2. For young adults, the tumour incidence increases with age and is approximately the same in males and females. It is not until the age group 45-49 years is reached that the tumour incidence in males is higher. The peak tumour incidence occurs at the same age in both sexes (60-64 years) and thereafter incidence declines with age. These results are compared with previously published human data, and with the findings of experimental studies in the rat. Factors including naturally occurring changes in the hormone levels are discussed, in an attempt to explain the observed age-related sex differences.", "contents": "Sex dependence of human intracranial gliomata. The age and sex distribution of 1223 cases of intracranial gliomata, diagnosed in the geographical area covered by the Mersey Regional Cancer Registry over the period 1961-70, are analysed. In children and adults, the intracranial gliomata predominates in males, the tumour incidence figures indicating a ratio of 3 : 2. For young adults, the tumour incidence increases with age and is approximately the same in males and females. It is not until the age group 45-49 years is reached that the tumour incidence in males is higher. The peak tumour incidence occurs at the same age in both sexes (60-64 years) and thereafter incidence declines with age. These results are compared with previously published human data, and with the findings of experimental studies in the rat. Factors including naturally occurring changes in the hormone levels are discussed, in an attempt to explain the observed age-related sex differences.", "PMID": 1008994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11443", "title": "Isoprenaline-induced changes in regional myocardial perfusion in the pathogenesis of myocardial necrosis.", "content": "Isoprenaline in a single dose induces impairment in perfusion of the subendocardial myocardium of the rat left ventricle. This defect in perfusion persists for up to 150 min and corresponds in distribution to the myocardial necrosis produced by similar doses of isoprenaline. It is mediated by the beta-receptors as it is prevented by beta-blockade with propranolol. It is considered that isoprenaline-induced myocardial necrosis represents myocardial infarction.", "contents": "Isoprenaline-induced changes in regional myocardial perfusion in the pathogenesis of myocardial necrosis. Isoprenaline in a single dose induces impairment in perfusion of the subendocardial myocardium of the rat left ventricle. This defect in perfusion persists for up to 150 min and corresponds in distribution to the myocardial necrosis produced by similar doses of isoprenaline. It is mediated by the beta-receptors as it is prevented by beta-blockade with propranolol. It is considered that isoprenaline-induced myocardial necrosis represents myocardial infarction.", "PMID": 1008995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11444", "title": "Experimental canine distemper infection as a means of demonstrating latent effects of subacute lead intoxication.", "content": "Observations on the response of the body to experimental infection with distemper virus in dogs previously dosed subacutely with lead have demonstrated a latent effect of lead on several body systems. Effects which indicated a relationship to earlier treatment with lead included evidence for stimulation of haemoglobin synthesis, changes to red blood cells resulting in increased destruction, increased vulnerability of the parenchymatous cells of the liver to damage, reduction in the weight of the skeleton and thyroid, an increase in weight of the thymus and brain and histopathological changes in the thymus.", "contents": "Experimental canine distemper infection as a means of demonstrating latent effects of subacute lead intoxication. Observations on the response of the body to experimental infection with distemper virus in dogs previously dosed subacutely with lead have demonstrated a latent effect of lead on several body systems. Effects which indicated a relationship to earlier treatment with lead included evidence for stimulation of haemoglobin synthesis, changes to red blood cells resulting in increased destruction, increased vulnerability of the parenchymatous cells of the liver to damage, reduction in the weight of the skeleton and thyroid, an increase in weight of the thymus and brain and histopathological changes in the thymus.", "PMID": 1008996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11445", "title": "Comparative effects of cortisone, dianabol and enovid on isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in arteriosclerotic vs nonarteriosclerotic rats.", "content": "Male and female nonarteriosclerotic (virgin) and arteriosclerotic (breeder) Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to acute myocardial infarction with isoprenaline. When myocardial necrosis was most intense, animals were given cortisone (high and low doses), Dianabol, or Enovid. Animals receiving large doses of cortisone manifested the best survival rate during the early stages of myocardial infarction. Although their serum enzyme levels were least elevated and their hearts showed tha least amount of damage, these animals had undergone the most intense body weight loss and began to die suddenly during the later stages of the experiment. These animals also manifested hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, septicaemia, severe disuse atrophy of their adrenal glands, and reduced Cmpd. B production. Animals treated with low doses of cortisone or with the anabolic and androgenic steroid, Dianabol, manifested none of the myocardial pretective effects of the larger dose of cortisone. These animals displayed a high incidence of left ventricular aneurysm formation concomitant with extensive cartilaginous metaplasia within the aneurysmal sites. Treatment with the contraceptive drug, Enovid, caused body weight loss, hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, gonadal atrophy and reduction of Cmpd. B production. Although the high dose of cortisone exercised definite salutary effects during early myocardial infarction, chronic treatment led to adrenal disuse atrophy and hypoadrenocorticism associated with sudden death during the later stages of myocardial repair. These findings indicate that proper adjustment of the dose and chronicity of corticosteroids used for treating the crisis of acute myocardial infarction must be made in order to provide effective protection against untoward pathophysiological conditions, acceleration of myocardial repair, but without suppression of adrenal function.", "contents": "Comparative effects of cortisone, dianabol and enovid on isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in arteriosclerotic vs nonarteriosclerotic rats. Male and female nonarteriosclerotic (virgin) and arteriosclerotic (breeder) Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to acute myocardial infarction with isoprenaline. When myocardial necrosis was most intense, animals were given cortisone (high and low doses), Dianabol, or Enovid. Animals receiving large doses of cortisone manifested the best survival rate during the early stages of myocardial infarction. Although their serum enzyme levels were least elevated and their hearts showed tha least amount of damage, these animals had undergone the most intense body weight loss and began to die suddenly during the later stages of the experiment. These animals also manifested hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, septicaemia, severe disuse atrophy of their adrenal glands, and reduced Cmpd. B production. Animals treated with low doses of cortisone or with the anabolic and androgenic steroid, Dianabol, manifested none of the myocardial pretective effects of the larger dose of cortisone. These animals displayed a high incidence of left ventricular aneurysm formation concomitant with extensive cartilaginous metaplasia within the aneurysmal sites. Treatment with the contraceptive drug, Enovid, caused body weight loss, hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, gonadal atrophy and reduction of Cmpd. B production. Although the high dose of cortisone exercised definite salutary effects during early myocardial infarction, chronic treatment led to adrenal disuse atrophy and hypoadrenocorticism associated with sudden death during the later stages of myocardial repair. These findings indicate that proper adjustment of the dose and chronicity of corticosteroids used for treating the crisis of acute myocardial infarction must be made in order to provide effective protection against untoward pathophysiological conditions, acceleration of myocardial repair, but without suppression of adrenal function.", "PMID": 1008997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11446", "title": "Colchicine inhibition of the first phase of amyloid synthesis in experimental animals.", "content": "Colchicine was found to inhibit the first phase of casein-induced synthesis of murine amyloid. When mice were treated with colchicine during the first 7 days of an amyloid induction regimen or when colchicine was given to the donor mice in a transfer model, the amyloidogenic stimulus of casein was blocked completely. Amyloid synthesis was however, not interrupted by the administration of colchicine during the last 7 days of the casein regimen nor by colchicine treatment of recipient mice in a transfer model.", "contents": "Colchicine inhibition of the first phase of amyloid synthesis in experimental animals. Colchicine was found to inhibit the first phase of casein-induced synthesis of murine amyloid. When mice were treated with colchicine during the first 7 days of an amyloid induction regimen or when colchicine was given to the donor mice in a transfer model, the amyloidogenic stimulus of casein was blocked completely. Amyloid synthesis was however, not interrupted by the administration of colchicine during the last 7 days of the casein regimen nor by colchicine treatment of recipient mice in a transfer model.", "PMID": 1008998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11447", "title": "The role of prostaglandins in chemically induced inflammation.", "content": "Dye leakage in rats, produced by intracutaneous injections of irritants into the abdominal skin, was quantitated using the Evans blue technique of Harada et al. (1971). In control rats and in rats pretreated with indomethacin (an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis) concentration-response lines were obtained for 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, bradykinin and prostaglandin E1, bradykinin in the presence of prostaglandin E1 (10-6 M), adenosine-5'-triphosphate, compound 48/80, capsaicin and silver nitrate. In rats pretreated with indomethacin the dye leakage responses to histamine, prostaglandin E1, adenosine-5'-triphosphate and silver nitrate were significantly reduced, but no significant changes were observed in the responses to the other irritants. It is suggested that part of the action of histamine, adenosine-5'-triphosphate and prostagland in E1 is produced indirectly by releaseor stimulation of the synthesis of prostaglandins or their precursors. These results might have important implications in the understanding of the inflammatory response.", "contents": "The role of prostaglandins in chemically induced inflammation. Dye leakage in rats, produced by intracutaneous injections of irritants into the abdominal skin, was quantitated using the Evans blue technique of Harada et al. (1971). In control rats and in rats pretreated with indomethacin (an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis) concentration-response lines were obtained for 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, bradykinin and prostaglandin E1, bradykinin in the presence of prostaglandin E1 (10-6 M), adenosine-5'-triphosphate, compound 48/80, capsaicin and silver nitrate. In rats pretreated with indomethacin the dye leakage responses to histamine, prostaglandin E1, adenosine-5'-triphosphate and silver nitrate were significantly reduced, but no significant changes were observed in the responses to the other irritants. It is suggested that part of the action of histamine, adenosine-5'-triphosphate and prostagland in E1 is produced indirectly by releaseor stimulation of the synthesis of prostaglandins or their precursors. These results might have important implications in the understanding of the inflammatory response.", "PMID": 1008999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11448", "title": "Skin reaction and antibody responses in guinea-pigs sensitized to human leukaemia cells or their nuclei in combination with Bacillus Calmette-Gu\u00e9rin.", "content": "Guinea-pigs sensitized by subcutaneous injection of chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL) cells combined with Bacillus Calmette-Gu\u00e9rin (BCG) displayed good skin reacitons 24 and 48 h after challenge with CLL cells. Equally good responses were also demonstrated using nuclei from the leukaemic cells in combination with BCG. These reactions were significantly greater than those produced in the same manner but without BCG. Sera form the animals were examined for the presence of antibodies against CLL cells by cytotoxicity and immunofluorescence techniques. Only samples from guinea-pigs innoculated with CLL cells were found to contain significant antibodies. Histological examination showed that whereas leukaemic cells persisted at the sensitizing injection site leukaemic cell nuclei could not be visualized. It is suggested that because leukaemic cell nuclei in combination with BCG are able to induce good skin reactivity without provoking a vigorous humoral antibody response they may have possible advantages over leukaemic cells when used for immunotherapy.", "contents": "Skin reaction and antibody responses in guinea-pigs sensitized to human leukaemia cells or their nuclei in combination with Bacillus Calmette-Gu\u00e9rin. Guinea-pigs sensitized by subcutaneous injection of chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL) cells combined with Bacillus Calmette-Gu\u00e9rin (BCG) displayed good skin reacitons 24 and 48 h after challenge with CLL cells. Equally good responses were also demonstrated using nuclei from the leukaemic cells in combination with BCG. These reactions were significantly greater than those produced in the same manner but without BCG. Sera form the animals were examined for the presence of antibodies against CLL cells by cytotoxicity and immunofluorescence techniques. Only samples from guinea-pigs innoculated with CLL cells were found to contain significant antibodies. Histological examination showed that whereas leukaemic cells persisted at the sensitizing injection site leukaemic cell nuclei could not be visualized. It is suggested that because leukaemic cell nuclei in combination with BCG are able to induce good skin reactivity without provoking a vigorous humoral antibody response they may have possible advantages over leukaemic cells when used for immunotherapy.", "PMID": 1009000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11449", "title": "The action of the benzopyrones on an experimental model of lymphoedema: a contribution to their mode of action.", "content": "A number of preparations containing benzopyrones are used clinically as a therapy for lymphoedema; however, their exact mode of action is not well known. This work presents evidence which indicates that, as in the treatment of thermally induced oedemas, the benzopyrones work by enhancing the lysis of the accumulated proteins. This is evidenced by reduced levels of total protein in the extracellular compartment of the skin, while peptides and amino acids were increased in the serum at 6 and 12 h respectively after the drug's administration. Failure to observe very marked increases in peptides and amino acids at other times in the serum and skin was attributed to the rapid incorporation of these into the large number of maturing phagocytes which enter the lymphoedematous tissues. Likewise, protease activity levels were not elevated as expected. This possibly was the consequence of a number of factors including serum deactivation, inhibition of release and membrane stabilization.", "contents": "The action of the benzopyrones on an experimental model of lymphoedema: a contribution to their mode of action. A number of preparations containing benzopyrones are used clinically as a therapy for lymphoedema; however, their exact mode of action is not well known. This work presents evidence which indicates that, as in the treatment of thermally induced oedemas, the benzopyrones work by enhancing the lysis of the accumulated proteins. This is evidenced by reduced levels of total protein in the extracellular compartment of the skin, while peptides and amino acids were increased in the serum at 6 and 12 h respectively after the drug's administration. Failure to observe very marked increases in peptides and amino acids at other times in the serum and skin was attributed to the rapid incorporation of these into the large number of maturing phagocytes which enter the lymphoedematous tissues. Likewise, protease activity levels were not elevated as expected. This possibly was the consequence of a number of factors including serum deactivation, inhibition of release and membrane stabilization.", "PMID": 1009001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11450", "title": "Thrombosis induced in vivo in the mesenteric artery of rats. An electron microscopic study of the initial phases.", "content": "Local thrombosis was initiated in vivo by applying a weak electric current to the mesenteric artery of rats. The thrombi adhered to areas of arterial wall exhibiting endothelial cell loss and muscle cell damage. They showed no tendency to sustained growth and contained large amounts of vaguely fibrillary substance that enmeshed platelet aggregates and infiltrated the denuded subendothelial layer. The subsequent local administration of dilute ADP led to brisk platelet aggregation and rapid increase in size of the thrombi. The large thrombotic masses disappeared as soon as the administration of ADP was stopped, leaving behind small remnants which, like the initial thrombi, were predominantly composed of enmeshing substance and could be stimulated to renewed growth by resuming the administration of ADP. It appears that the enmeshing substance plays a major role in the stability and cohesion of early thrombi which do not yet contain fibrin. It conceivably is made up of fibrin monomers.", "contents": "Thrombosis induced in vivo in the mesenteric artery of rats. An electron microscopic study of the initial phases. Local thrombosis was initiated in vivo by applying a weak electric current to the mesenteric artery of rats. The thrombi adhered to areas of arterial wall exhibiting endothelial cell loss and muscle cell damage. They showed no tendency to sustained growth and contained large amounts of vaguely fibrillary substance that enmeshed platelet aggregates and infiltrated the denuded subendothelial layer. The subsequent local administration of dilute ADP led to brisk platelet aggregation and rapid increase in size of the thrombi. The large thrombotic masses disappeared as soon as the administration of ADP was stopped, leaving behind small remnants which, like the initial thrombi, were predominantly composed of enmeshing substance and could be stimulated to renewed growth by resuming the administration of ADP. It appears that the enmeshing substance plays a major role in the stability and cohesion of early thrombi which do not yet contain fibrin. It conceivably is made up of fibrin monomers.", "PMID": 1009002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11451", "title": "Decreased vascular reactions to permeability factors in experimental diabetes.", "content": "Light and electron microscopic studies showed that blood vessels of the cremaster muscle of alloxan-diabetic rats under the local influence of histamine or serotonin presented less labelling by colloidal carbon, previously injected i.v., than vessels of normal rats. The hyporeactive state of these vessels was promptly reversed to normal conditions by the administration of insulin. Insulin also potentiated leakage of carbon particles in the vessels of normal animals. These findings add new evidence that insulin might be involved in vascular events following injury and that decreased levels of the hormone, as occurring in diabetes, might result in decreased inflammatory reactions.", "contents": "Decreased vascular reactions to permeability factors in experimental diabetes. Light and electron microscopic studies showed that blood vessels of the cremaster muscle of alloxan-diabetic rats under the local influence of histamine or serotonin presented less labelling by colloidal carbon, previously injected i.v., than vessels of normal rats. The hyporeactive state of these vessels was promptly reversed to normal conditions by the administration of insulin. Insulin also potentiated leakage of carbon particles in the vessels of normal animals. These findings add new evidence that insulin might be involved in vascular events following injury and that decreased levels of the hormone, as occurring in diabetes, might result in decreased inflammatory reactions.", "PMID": 1009003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11452", "title": "The cell cycle in psoriasis: a reappraisal.", "content": "The current belief that the clinical manifestations of psoriasis (excessive scaling) are due to a twelve-fold speeding up or shortening of the cell division cycle time of the germinative cells in psoriatic epidermis (from 457 to 37-5 h) is shown to be incorrect. A new concept is introduced--that the germinative layer in human epidermis is composed of not one, but three separate and distinct populations of epidermal cells. First, there are cycling cells which are actively moving through the cell cycle. Then there are two categories of non-cycling cells (blocked in the G1 or the G2 periods of the cell cycle) which are capable of moving into the proliferative pool upon specific stimulation. Thus, increased epidermal cell proliferation in active lesions of psoriasis would be brought about mainly by a recruitment or a relase of the two categories of non-cycling cells. The idea that germinative epidermal cells are primarily non-cycling, leads to the suggestion of focusing attention on non-cycling cells (rather than on cycling cells) for the control and treatment of psoriasis. It might be worthwhile considering treating psoriatic patients during periods of clinical remission--with factors to keep the germinative cells in the non-cycling state--rather than during psoriatic flare up--with cancer chemotherapy drugs.", "contents": "The cell cycle in psoriasis: a reappraisal. The current belief that the clinical manifestations of psoriasis (excessive scaling) are due to a twelve-fold speeding up or shortening of the cell division cycle time of the germinative cells in psoriatic epidermis (from 457 to 37-5 h) is shown to be incorrect. A new concept is introduced--that the germinative layer in human epidermis is composed of not one, but three separate and distinct populations of epidermal cells. First, there are cycling cells which are actively moving through the cell cycle. Then there are two categories of non-cycling cells (blocked in the G1 or the G2 periods of the cell cycle) which are capable of moving into the proliferative pool upon specific stimulation. Thus, increased epidermal cell proliferation in active lesions of psoriasis would be brought about mainly by a recruitment or a relase of the two categories of non-cycling cells. The idea that germinative epidermal cells are primarily non-cycling, leads to the suggestion of focusing attention on non-cycling cells (rather than on cycling cells) for the control and treatment of psoriasis. It might be worthwhile considering treating psoriatic patients during periods of clinical remission--with factors to keep the germinative cells in the non-cycling state--rather than during psoriatic flare up--with cancer chemotherapy drugs.", "PMID": 1009004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11453", "title": "Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining for glycogen in clinically normal psoriatic and non-psoriatic skin.", "content": "PAS staining was used to assess the glycogen content of clinically normal forearm epidermis in 32 patients with active psoriasis, 30 patients with inactive psoriasis and 40 non-psoriatic subjects. Glycogen accumulation was greater in patients with active than in those with inactive psoriasis. The inactive psoriatics showed significantly less glycogen accumulation than the controls.", "contents": "Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining for glycogen in clinically normal psoriatic and non-psoriatic skin. PAS staining was used to assess the glycogen content of clinically normal forearm epidermis in 32 patients with active psoriasis, 30 patients with inactive psoriasis and 40 non-psoriatic subjects. Glycogen accumulation was greater in patients with active than in those with inactive psoriasis. The inactive psoriatics showed significantly less glycogen accumulation than the controls.", "PMID": 1009005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11454", "title": "Bacterial flora in psoriasis.", "content": "The aerobic bacterial flora of psoriatic plaques, uninvolved skin and the anterior nares of forty psoriatic patients was studied. The incidence od Staphylococcus aureus was 30% in the anterior nares, 20% on the plaques and 13% on the uninvolved skin. S. aureus counts were 3 x 10(2)/cm2 on the plaques and 1-5 x 10/cm2 on the normal skin. The total bacterial counts were also higher on plaques (7-9 x 10(3)/cm2) than on normal skin (3-0 x 10(3)/cm2). The incidence of lipophilic diphtheroids was significantly lower on the plaques (4%) than the normal skin (30%). Eighty percent of the strains of S. aureus isolated from psoriatic patients were resistant to 10 units of penicillin. Because of increased desquamation, psoriatic skin is a public health hazard.", "contents": "Bacterial flora in psoriasis. The aerobic bacterial flora of psoriatic plaques, uninvolved skin and the anterior nares of forty psoriatic patients was studied. The incidence od Staphylococcus aureus was 30% in the anterior nares, 20% on the plaques and 13% on the uninvolved skin. S. aureus counts were 3 x 10(2)/cm2 on the plaques and 1-5 x 10/cm2 on the normal skin. The total bacterial counts were also higher on plaques (7-9 x 10(3)/cm2) than on normal skin (3-0 x 10(3)/cm2). The incidence of lipophilic diphtheroids was significantly lower on the plaques (4%) than the normal skin (30%). Eighty percent of the strains of S. aureus isolated from psoriatic patients were resistant to 10 units of penicillin. Because of increased desquamation, psoriatic skin is a public health hazard.", "PMID": 1009006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11455", "title": "Effects of occlusion upon population dynamics of skin bacteria.", "content": "Quantitative and qualitative changes of the cutaneous aerobic bacterial flora upon 20 sites on the backs of each three healthy subjects were examined before and after one site was occluded, using skin flora maps as a tool. Major local alterations were found to affect the carriage of micro-organisms in distant surrounding areas. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most successful competitor. Furthermmore, some sites appeared to act as retricted reservoirs for specific types of micro-organisms whereas other areas were less limited in their support of flora.", "contents": "Effects of occlusion upon population dynamics of skin bacteria. Quantitative and qualitative changes of the cutaneous aerobic bacterial flora upon 20 sites on the backs of each three healthy subjects were examined before and after one site was occluded, using skin flora maps as a tool. Major local alterations were found to affect the carriage of micro-organisms in distant surrounding areas. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most successful competitor. Furthermmore, some sites appeared to act as retricted reservoirs for specific types of micro-organisms whereas other areas were less limited in their support of flora.", "PMID": 1009007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11456", "title": "Changes in dry weight and projected area of human epidermal cells undergoing keratinization as determined by scanning interference microscopy.", "content": "Cells, obtained from human leg by successive treatments with trypsin, were air dried on microscope slides before mounting in glycerol. Dry weights and projected areas of individual cells were measured using a Vickers M 86 scanning microinterferometer. The dry weights of cells varied from 100 pg for basal cells to 700 pg for large squames. Corresponding projected areas varied from 100 to 1500 mum2.", "contents": "Changes in dry weight and projected area of human epidermal cells undergoing keratinization as determined by scanning interference microscopy. Cells, obtained from human leg by successive treatments with trypsin, were air dried on microscope slides before mounting in glycerol. Dry weights and projected areas of individual cells were measured using a Vickers M 86 scanning microinterferometer. The dry weights of cells varied from 100 pg for basal cells to 700 pg for large squames. Corresponding projected areas varied from 100 to 1500 mum2.", "PMID": 1009008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11457", "title": "Histohogical and direct immunofluorescence study of cutaneous hyperreactivity in Beh\u00e7et's disease.", "content": "The mechanism of skin hyperreactivity (pathergy) in Beh\u00e7et's disease is unknown. It has been suggested that the response is due to an Arthus-like reaction. In 18 patients with active Behcet's disease, pathergy was induced and the skin biopsied after 24 h. The histological reaction was that of mold to intense round cell infiltration. perivascular in type. Direct immunofluorescence failed in all 18 patients to demonstrate the local presence of immunoglobulins and complement at the site of lesion. A marked increase in the number of mast cells was observed at the site of reaction and scattered throughout the dermis, the role of which is to be further investigated. The study failed to demonstrate a humoral mechanism in the production of the cutaneous hyperactivity.", "contents": "Histohogical and direct immunofluorescence study of cutaneous hyperreactivity in Beh\u00e7et's disease. The mechanism of skin hyperreactivity (pathergy) in Beh\u00e7et's disease is unknown. It has been suggested that the response is due to an Arthus-like reaction. In 18 patients with active Behcet's disease, pathergy was induced and the skin biopsied after 24 h. The histological reaction was that of mold to intense round cell infiltration. perivascular in type. Direct immunofluorescence failed in all 18 patients to demonstrate the local presence of immunoglobulins and complement at the site of lesion. A marked increase in the number of mast cells was observed at the site of reaction and scattered throughout the dermis, the role of which is to be further investigated. The study failed to demonstrate a humoral mechanism in the production of the cutaneous hyperactivity.", "PMID": 1009009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11458", "title": "Familial Beh\u00e7et's syndrome.", "content": "Beh\u00e7et's syndrome is reported in a family of which four generations have so far been affected. The index patient also exhibited an unusual schizo-affective disorder. The histocompatibility antigen haplotype 1-17 was common to four with the disease. Genetic transmission may be responsible for the familial nature of the syndrome and the associated schizophrenia.", "contents": "Familial Beh\u00e7et's syndrome. Beh\u00e7et's syndrome is reported in a family of which four generations have so far been affected. The index patient also exhibited an unusual schizo-affective disorder. The histocompatibility antigen haplotype 1-17 was common to four with the disease. Genetic transmission may be responsible for the familial nature of the syndrome and the associated schizophrenia.", "PMID": 1009010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11459", "title": "Epidermal naevus syndrome.", "content": "A case of the epidermal naevus syndrome is presented. Huge enlargement of both lower limbs was the presenting symptoms together with an extensive veavus unius lateris on the trunk.", "contents": "Epidermal naevus syndrome. A case of the epidermal naevus syndrome is presented. Huge enlargement of both lower limbs was the presenting symptoms together with an extensive veavus unius lateris on the trunk.", "PMID": 1009011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11460", "title": "Atrophie blanche lesions closely resembling malignant atrophic papulosis (Degos' disease) in systemic lupus erythematosus.", "content": "Two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are described who in the course of their disease developed small atrophie blanche lesions that closely resembled those found in malignant atrophic papulosis. Preliminary investigation of these two cases indicates that considerable similarities probably exist in the pathogenesis of malignant atrophic papulosis and the atropie blanche lesions of systemic lupus erythematosus. It is concluded that a diagnosis of malignant atrophic papulosis should only be made after systemic lupus erythematosus has been excluded by full investigation.", "contents": "Atrophie blanche lesions closely resembling malignant atrophic papulosis (Degos' disease) in systemic lupus erythematosus. Two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are described who in the course of their disease developed small atrophie blanche lesions that closely resembled those found in malignant atrophic papulosis. Preliminary investigation of these two cases indicates that considerable similarities probably exist in the pathogenesis of malignant atrophic papulosis and the atropie blanche lesions of systemic lupus erythematosus. It is concluded that a diagnosis of malignant atrophic papulosis should only be made after systemic lupus erythematosus has been excluded by full investigation.", "PMID": 1009012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11461", "title": "Adverse skin reaction from vitamin K1.", "content": "Two patients with erythematous, tender, indurated plaques at the site of intramuscular injections of vitamin K1 are described. In one of these, condition was reproduced by the injection of a test dose. In both cases, there was associated liver disease. The red, indurated plaques cleared in 4-14 days. There have been two previous reports in the literature of similar lesions. Altough some of the patients showed sclerodermatous changes at the same site within 2 years of the injections. These unusual reactions have only been seen in patients with liver disease and when a variety of drugs have been administered. It may be that these factors are important in the initiation of the cutaneous response.", "contents": "Adverse skin reaction from vitamin K1. Two patients with erythematous, tender, indurated plaques at the site of intramuscular injections of vitamin K1 are described. In one of these, condition was reproduced by the injection of a test dose. In both cases, there was associated liver disease. The red, indurated plaques cleared in 4-14 days. There have been two previous reports in the literature of similar lesions. Altough some of the patients showed sclerodermatous changes at the same site within 2 years of the injections. These unusual reactions have only been seen in patients with liver disease and when a variety of drugs have been administered. It may be that these factors are important in the initiation of the cutaneous response.", "PMID": 1009013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11462", "title": "Congenital triangular alopecia.", "content": "Three new cases of congenital triangular alopecia are reported and the differential diagnosis of this rare developmental defect is discussed.", "contents": "Congenital triangular alopecia. Three new cases of congenital triangular alopecia are reported and the differential diagnosis of this rare developmental defect is discussed.", "PMID": 1009014} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11463", "title": "Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis. Report of a European case.", "content": "A case of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (Ofuji) is presented. This long-lasting disease of unknown aetiology has hitherto been reported only from Japan. It is characterized by tinea-like slowly growing rings and by blood eosinophilia, The histological changes are epidermal infiltrations and abscesses of predominantly eosinophilic leukocytes, often localized to the follicles.", "contents": "Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis. Report of a European case. A case of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (Ofuji) is presented. This long-lasting disease of unknown aetiology has hitherto been reported only from Japan. It is characterized by tinea-like slowly growing rings and by blood eosinophilia, The histological changes are epidermal infiltrations and abscesses of predominantly eosinophilic leukocytes, often localized to the follicles.", "PMID": 1009015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11464", "title": "Intercellular contacts between erythroid precursors in the bone marrow in dyserythropoiesis.", "content": "The ultrastructure of the cellular interfaces between erythroid precursors has been studied in both congenital and acquired dyserythropoiesis. The types of cell-to-cell contacts found included highly convoluated interdigitating septate-like junctions as well as apparent confluence of the cellular membranes of adjacent erythroid cells. Such findings are not characteristic of the intercellular relationships found in the normal erythroblastic islands. The erythroid plasma membrane modifications are possibly related to the changes in the plasma membranes of erythroid cells known to occur in dyserythropoiesis and their presence may well contribute to the ineffective erythropoiesis with intramedullary cell destruction which characterizes many dyserythropoietic states.", "contents": "Intercellular contacts between erythroid precursors in the bone marrow in dyserythropoiesis. The ultrastructure of the cellular interfaces between erythroid precursors has been studied in both congenital and acquired dyserythropoiesis. The types of cell-to-cell contacts found included highly convoluated interdigitating septate-like junctions as well as apparent confluence of the cellular membranes of adjacent erythroid cells. Such findings are not characteristic of the intercellular relationships found in the normal erythroblastic islands. The erythroid plasma membrane modifications are possibly related to the changes in the plasma membranes of erythroid cells known to occur in dyserythropoiesis and their presence may well contribute to the ineffective erythropoiesis with intramedullary cell destruction which characterizes many dyserythropoietic states.", "PMID": 1009019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11465", "title": "Chelation studies with 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid in patients with beta-thalassaemia major.", "content": "2-3-Dihydroxybenzoic acid was evaluated as a potentially useful, orally effective iron-chelating drug by performing iron balance studies in patients with beta-thalassaemia major. The administration of this substance at 25 mg/kg/d to five patients for 8 d caused an average increase in iron excretion of 4.5 mg/d. When the drug was administered at 25 mg/kg q.i.d. to eight patients for 21 d, iron excretion increased to 6.5 mg/d. Chelation was highly specific for iron with changes in magnesium and calcium excretion being insignificant. The drug was well tolerated with side effects limited to gastrointestinal complaints which ameliorated when the drug was taken with food. These studies provide a rationale for further evaluation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid in patients with iron overload.", "contents": "Chelation studies with 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid in patients with beta-thalassaemia major. 2-3-Dihydroxybenzoic acid was evaluated as a potentially useful, orally effective iron-chelating drug by performing iron balance studies in patients with beta-thalassaemia major. The administration of this substance at 25 mg/kg/d to five patients for 8 d caused an average increase in iron excretion of 4.5 mg/d. When the drug was administered at 25 mg/kg q.i.d. to eight patients for 21 d, iron excretion increased to 6.5 mg/d. Chelation was highly specific for iron with changes in magnesium and calcium excretion being insignificant. The drug was well tolerated with side effects limited to gastrointestinal complaints which ameliorated when the drug was taken with food. These studies provide a rationale for further evaluation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid in patients with iron overload.", "PMID": 1009020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11466", "title": "The use of chang cells cultured in vitro to evaluate potential iron chelating drugs.", "content": "A number of iron chelating agents, consisting largely of hydroxamic acid and benzoic acid derivatives, have been studied in an in vitro Chang cell culture system to determine their effect on cellular iron uptake, ferritin synthesis and the incorporation of iron into ferritin. The results have been compared with those of a previous study in which iron balance was determined in hypertransfused rats. Both techniques appear to be of value in screening new iron chelating agents for potential therapeutic use in patients with iron overload.", "contents": "The use of chang cells cultured in vitro to evaluate potential iron chelating drugs. A number of iron chelating agents, consisting largely of hydroxamic acid and benzoic acid derivatives, have been studied in an in vitro Chang cell culture system to determine their effect on cellular iron uptake, ferritin synthesis and the incorporation of iron into ferritin. The results have been compared with those of a previous study in which iron balance was determined in hypertransfused rats. Both techniques appear to be of value in screening new iron chelating agents for potential therapeutic use in patients with iron overload.", "PMID": 1009021} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11467", "title": "The uptake of ferric iron by rat liver ferritin in vivo and in vitro.", "content": "The incorporation of ferric iron labelled with 59Fe into rat liver ferritin has been studied in whole animals, into liver homogenate and into purified protein. Uptake of Fe3+ into purified rat liver ferritin followed a pattern similar to that with horse spleen ferritin given Fe2+ and an oxidant. The distributions of iron incorporated as a function of molecular iron content obtained in vivo resembled the in vitro patterns for iron contents above 500 Fe atoms/molecule and times after injection of up to 12 h. At larger intervals a maximum label moved to molecules of highest iron content as the molecules accumulated more iron. The apparently reduced uptake of injected 59Fe into molecules of low iron content might be due either to the chase of cold iron through an existing iron pool or the presence of functionally different ferritins at more than one anatomic site within the cell.", "contents": "The uptake of ferric iron by rat liver ferritin in vivo and in vitro. The incorporation of ferric iron labelled with 59Fe into rat liver ferritin has been studied in whole animals, into liver homogenate and into purified protein. Uptake of Fe3+ into purified rat liver ferritin followed a pattern similar to that with horse spleen ferritin given Fe2+ and an oxidant. The distributions of iron incorporated as a function of molecular iron content obtained in vivo resembled the in vitro patterns for iron contents above 500 Fe atoms/molecule and times after injection of up to 12 h. At larger intervals a maximum label moved to molecules of highest iron content as the molecules accumulated more iron. The apparently reduced uptake of injected 59Fe into molecules of low iron content might be due either to the chase of cold iron through an existing iron pool or the presence of functionally different ferritins at more than one anatomic site within the cell.", "PMID": 1009022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11468", "title": "Iron mobilization in the pregnant rat.", "content": "Iron exchange in the pregnant rat was quantitated by repeated determinations of plasma iron turnover (PIT), transferrin iron distribution and measurements of storage iron and food iron utilization employing selective radio-iron probes. Despite a sixfold increase in PIT, intestinal absorption of iron accounted for 40% of the PIT throughout pregnancy, with variations not exceeding +/- 5%. Increased fetal requirements were efficiently compensated for by the mobilization of iron from maternal tissue stores and by increased absorption, and there was no subsequent reduction in iron supply to maternal tissues. Enhancement of iron absorption occurred in the absence of a reduction in serum iron levels or the size of iron stores. In view of the close correlation between PIT and rates of absorption it is postulated that iron absorption in the pregnant rat is regulated by PIT which in turn is determined by the rate of plasma iron clearance by the placenta and the maternal erythroid marrow.", "contents": "Iron mobilization in the pregnant rat. Iron exchange in the pregnant rat was quantitated by repeated determinations of plasma iron turnover (PIT), transferrin iron distribution and measurements of storage iron and food iron utilization employing selective radio-iron probes. Despite a sixfold increase in PIT, intestinal absorption of iron accounted for 40% of the PIT throughout pregnancy, with variations not exceeding +/- 5%. Increased fetal requirements were efficiently compensated for by the mobilization of iron from maternal tissue stores and by increased absorption, and there was no subsequent reduction in iron supply to maternal tissues. Enhancement of iron absorption occurred in the absence of a reduction in serum iron levels or the size of iron stores. In view of the close correlation between PIT and rates of absorption it is postulated that iron absorption in the pregnant rat is regulated by PIT which in turn is determined by the rate of plasma iron clearance by the placenta and the maternal erythroid marrow.", "PMID": 1009023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11469", "title": "Effect of iron deficiency and desferrioxamine on DNA synthesis in human cells.", "content": "Desferrioxamine (10(-3) M) caused a fall in the deoxyadenosine triphosphate level after 4 h incubation in normal phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes. There was a rise in the concentrations of the other three deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (deoxythymidine-,deoxycytidine-and deoxyguanosine-triphosphate). The changes are similar to those caused by hydroxyurea, a known inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase. Desferrioxamine (10(-3 M) was found to inhibit human lymphocyte ribonucleotide reductase to a mean of 11% of control activity after 45 min incubation. Both drugs, desferrioxamine and hydroxyurea, inhibited incorporation of [3H]thymidine DNA into lymphocytes in the presence or absence of deoxyuridine, and inhibited production of lymphocytic thymidine kinase, having opposite effects to methotrexate on both [3H]thymidine incorporation and thymidine kinase activity. Phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes from patients with chronic iron deficiency showed lower levels of all our deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates than normal lymphocytes. It is suggested that this may be due to reduced ribnucleotide reductase activity of the iron-deficient cells.", "contents": "Effect of iron deficiency and desferrioxamine on DNA synthesis in human cells. Desferrioxamine (10(-3) M) caused a fall in the deoxyadenosine triphosphate level after 4 h incubation in normal phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes. There was a rise in the concentrations of the other three deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (deoxythymidine-,deoxycytidine-and deoxyguanosine-triphosphate). The changes are similar to those caused by hydroxyurea, a known inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase. Desferrioxamine (10(-3 M) was found to inhibit human lymphocyte ribonucleotide reductase to a mean of 11% of control activity after 45 min incubation. Both drugs, desferrioxamine and hydroxyurea, inhibited incorporation of [3H]thymidine DNA into lymphocytes in the presence or absence of deoxyuridine, and inhibited production of lymphocytic thymidine kinase, having opposite effects to methotrexate on both [3H]thymidine incorporation and thymidine kinase activity. Phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes from patients with chronic iron deficiency showed lower levels of all our deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates than normal lymphocytes. It is suggested that this may be due to reduced ribnucleotide reductase activity of the iron-deficient cells.", "PMID": 1009024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11470", "title": "Thymidine kinase in megaloblastic anaemia.", "content": "Thymidine kinase has been measured in phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphocytes from 13 normal subjects and eight patients with megaloblastic anaemia. The levels in normal subjects ranged from 0.20 to 2.10 units/mg protein (mean 0.903 units/mg protein) and in megaloblastic anaemia from 2.99 to 9.97 units/mg protein). All the patients showed raised levels of the enzyme which were partly but not completely reduced to normal by addition of folic acid in vitro. Vitamin B12 in vitro had a lowering effect in the five vitamin-B12-deficient patients and two patients with combined deficiencies but not in one 'pure' folate-deficient patient. Thymidine kinase activity was highest in the cells of the least anaemic patients, suggesting that the degree of anaemia in megaloblastic anaemia may be determined in part by the ability of the cells to utilize thymidine by the 'salvage' pathway when the de novo pathway of thymidylate synthesis is failing. The rise in thymidine kinase activity in megaloblastic anaemia is presumably due to induction of the enzyme. Addition of methotrexate or 5-fluorouracil, drugs known to inhibit de novo thymidylate synthesis, caused an increase in thymidine kinase activity in normal PHA-stimulated lymphocytes after 24 h (but not after 1 h) which could be completely blocked by addition of puromycin. Thymidine mono- and di-phosphate kinases were also measured in normal PHA-stimulated lymphocytes. The activities were substantially higher than that of thymidine kinase and their activities were unaffected by methotrexate addition.", "contents": "Thymidine kinase in megaloblastic anaemia. Thymidine kinase has been measured in phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphocytes from 13 normal subjects and eight patients with megaloblastic anaemia. The levels in normal subjects ranged from 0.20 to 2.10 units/mg protein (mean 0.903 units/mg protein) and in megaloblastic anaemia from 2.99 to 9.97 units/mg protein). All the patients showed raised levels of the enzyme which were partly but not completely reduced to normal by addition of folic acid in vitro. Vitamin B12 in vitro had a lowering effect in the five vitamin-B12-deficient patients and two patients with combined deficiencies but not in one 'pure' folate-deficient patient. Thymidine kinase activity was highest in the cells of the least anaemic patients, suggesting that the degree of anaemia in megaloblastic anaemia may be determined in part by the ability of the cells to utilize thymidine by the 'salvage' pathway when the de novo pathway of thymidylate synthesis is failing. The rise in thymidine kinase activity in megaloblastic anaemia is presumably due to induction of the enzyme. Addition of methotrexate or 5-fluorouracil, drugs known to inhibit de novo thymidylate synthesis, caused an increase in thymidine kinase activity in normal PHA-stimulated lymphocytes after 24 h (but not after 1 h) which could be completely blocked by addition of puromycin. Thymidine mono- and di-phosphate kinases were also measured in normal PHA-stimulated lymphocytes. The activities were substantially higher than that of thymidine kinase and their activities were unaffected by methotrexate addition.", "PMID": 1009025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11471", "title": "HL-A groups in pernicious anaemia.", "content": "There is a significant association with HL-A3 type and pernicious anaemia. In addition there is a negative association with HL-A2. There is no association between HL-A type and the presence or absence of immunity to intrinsic factor.", "contents": "HL-A groups in pernicious anaemia. There is a significant association with HL-A3 type and pernicious anaemia. In addition there is a negative association with HL-A2. There is no association between HL-A type and the presence or absence of immunity to intrinsic factor.", "PMID": 1009026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11472", "title": "Factor V in an industrial population.", "content": "Factor-V levels have been measured in a random sample of 626 men and 307 women working in a variety of occupations in North West London. The method is an automated one-stage assay using the same batch of freeze-dried thromboplastin, all results being expressed in terms of the same freeze-dried standard plasma; it has been shown that only one dilution of test plasma is necessary. Factor-V levels are significantly higher when venepuncture is difficult than when it is satisfactory, the mean levels being about 130% and 117% respectively. Factor-V levels are approximately normally distributed; they are similar in men and women and in blacks and whites, and increase significantly with age at the rate of about 0.6% per annum. Factor-V levels are not affected by oral contraceptives or the menopause, and there are no differences according to blood group or secretor status.", "contents": "Factor V in an industrial population. Factor-V levels have been measured in a random sample of 626 men and 307 women working in a variety of occupations in North West London. The method is an automated one-stage assay using the same batch of freeze-dried thromboplastin, all results being expressed in terms of the same freeze-dried standard plasma; it has been shown that only one dilution of test plasma is necessary. Factor-V levels are significantly higher when venepuncture is difficult than when it is satisfactory, the mean levels being about 130% and 117% respectively. Factor-V levels are approximately normally distributed; they are similar in men and women and in blacks and whites, and increase significantly with age at the rate of about 0.6% per annum. Factor-V levels are not affected by oral contraceptives or the menopause, and there are no differences according to blood group or secretor status.", "PMID": 1009027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11473", "title": "Bleeding from self-administration of phenindione: a detailed case study.", "content": "A young woman presented with a 2 year history of a severe bleeding disorder and marked deficiencies in all four vitamin-K-dependent factors. Metabolic studies with tracer doses of tritium-labelled vitamin K1 suggested that the patient might be taking an oral anticoagulant; and subsequently her plasma was found to contain a substance identical to phenindione in its spectrophotometric and chromatographic properties. The half-disappearance times of factors II, IX, X were measured after the administration of a concentrate of these factors and were found to conform with published figures. The concentrate controlled the patient's excessive bruising and prolonged skin and gingival bleeding. It would therefore seem that factor VII may not be essential in reversal of the bleeding disorder induced by anticoagulant overdose.", "contents": "Bleeding from self-administration of phenindione: a detailed case study. A young woman presented with a 2 year history of a severe bleeding disorder and marked deficiencies in all four vitamin-K-dependent factors. Metabolic studies with tracer doses of tritium-labelled vitamin K1 suggested that the patient might be taking an oral anticoagulant; and subsequently her plasma was found to contain a substance identical to phenindione in its spectrophotometric and chromatographic properties. The half-disappearance times of factors II, IX, X were measured after the administration of a concentrate of these factors and were found to conform with published figures. The concentrate controlled the patient's excessive bruising and prolonged skin and gingival bleeding. It would therefore seem that factor VII may not be essential in reversal of the bleeding disorder induced by anticoagulant overdose.", "PMID": 1009028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11474", "title": "Banked blood microfiltration. I. Microfilter composed of five polyurethane foam layers with graded pore size.", "content": "Aggregates of amorphous material which develop with storage of banked blood may be a source of pulmonary microembolism in patients having massive transfusions. In order to remove such debris, blood microfilters have been developed and are in routine clinical use. This paper describes the evaluation of one such filter, the Bentley PF 127 model B, which is composed of five layers of polyurethane foam. The time of filtration as a function of the pressure applied, the number of particles removed, the observed changes in blood cells, and the results of scanning electron microscopy of the filter after filtration of human banked blood, are reported.", "contents": "Banked blood microfiltration. I. Microfilter composed of five polyurethane foam layers with graded pore size. Aggregates of amorphous material which develop with storage of banked blood may be a source of pulmonary microembolism in patients having massive transfusions. In order to remove such debris, blood microfilters have been developed and are in routine clinical use. This paper describes the evaluation of one such filter, the Bentley PF 127 model B, which is composed of five layers of polyurethane foam. The time of filtration as a function of the pressure applied, the number of particles removed, the observed changes in blood cells, and the results of scanning electron microscopy of the filter after filtration of human banked blood, are reported.", "PMID": 1009029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11475", "title": "The establishment of a programme of artificial insemination by donor semen within the National Health Service.", "content": "A human semen bank has been established in Nottingham for artificial insemination using donor semen (AID). Frozen semen has been used for all inseminations. The introduction and organization of such a programme within the National Health Service is described. Six pregnancies have so far been confirmed and two normal infants have been delivered.", "contents": "The establishment of a programme of artificial insemination by donor semen within the National Health Service. A human semen bank has been established in Nottingham for artificial insemination using donor semen (AID). Frozen semen has been used for all inseminations. The introduction and organization of such a programme within the National Health Service is described. Six pregnancies have so far been confirmed and two normal infants have been delivered.", "PMID": 1009030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11476", "title": "Evaluation of different approaches to obstetric care: Part 1.", "content": "The obstetric management and results obtained by two obstetric teams working in the Cardiff Maternity Hospital over a five-year period are compared. One team had a more active approach to induction of labour and antepartum monitoring with urinary oestrogen assay and serial ultrasound cephalometry than the other. After controlling for differences in the attributes of the two groups of patients treated, it was not possible to show any striking advantage or disadvantage of the more active approach.", "contents": "Evaluation of different approaches to obstetric care: Part 1. The obstetric management and results obtained by two obstetric teams working in the Cardiff Maternity Hospital over a five-year period are compared. One team had a more active approach to induction of labour and antepartum monitoring with urinary oestrogen assay and serial ultrasound cephalometry than the other. After controlling for differences in the attributes of the two groups of patients treated, it was not possible to show any striking advantage or disadvantage of the more active approach.", "PMID": 1009031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11477", "title": "Evaluation of different approaches to obstetric care: Part II.", "content": "The obstetric management and outcome of normal patients presenting to two obstetric teams working in the Cardiff Maternity Hospital are compared over a five-year period. One team induced labour with amniotomy and oxytocin infusion three times more frequently than the other. No advantage or disadvantage of this practice was demonstrated using various measures of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The implications of these findings are discussed together with those of two previously reported observational studies. The need for experimental research in perinatal medicine is stressed.", "contents": "Evaluation of different approaches to obstetric care: Part II. The obstetric management and outcome of normal patients presenting to two obstetric teams working in the Cardiff Maternity Hospital are compared over a five-year period. One team induced labour with amniotomy and oxytocin infusion three times more frequently than the other. No advantage or disadvantage of this practice was demonstrated using various measures of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The implications of these findings are discussed together with those of two previously reported observational studies. The need for experimental research in perinatal medicine is stressed.", "PMID": 1009032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11478", "title": "The measurement of uterine activity in induced labour.", "content": "A simple electronic system for quantifying uterine activity in labour has been developed. The basic construction of the system is described. It has been used to confirm the hypothesis of Steer et al (1975) that oxytocin-induced labour has a stable phase during which uterine activity is largely independent of oxytocin infusion rate.", "contents": "The measurement of uterine activity in induced labour. A simple electronic system for quantifying uterine activity in labour has been developed. The basic construction of the system is described. It has been used to confirm the hypothesis of Steer et al (1975) that oxytocin-induced labour has a stable phase during which uterine activity is largely independent of oxytocin infusion rate.", "PMID": 1009033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11479", "title": "The outcome of pregnancy after gonadotrophin therapy.", "content": "One hundred and ten women conceived 143 times following induction of ovulation by gonadotrophins. The abortion rate was 21 per cent. Some bleeding occurred in 38-7 per cent of pregnancies and 54 per cent of them ended in abortion. For the 112 pregnancies reaching 20 weeks, the multiple pregnancy rate was 26-8 per cent (21 twins, 5 triplets, 3 quadruplets and 1 sextuplet). Hypertension was present in 8-9 per cent of patients and in 3-3 per cent of those with multiple pregnancy. The length of gestation was related to the number of fetuses at birth and postmaturity did not occur. The Caesarean section rate was 32-1 per cent. The birth weight of the infants was normal and the male to female sex ratio was 0-64 for singleton births and 0-78 for twins. The fetal loss was 15-9 per cent (7-1 per cent for pregnancies of over 28 weeks). Growth and development of the children were apparently normal. The incidence of all congenital malformations was 7 per cent.", "contents": "The outcome of pregnancy after gonadotrophin therapy. One hundred and ten women conceived 143 times following induction of ovulation by gonadotrophins. The abortion rate was 21 per cent. Some bleeding occurred in 38-7 per cent of pregnancies and 54 per cent of them ended in abortion. For the 112 pregnancies reaching 20 weeks, the multiple pregnancy rate was 26-8 per cent (21 twins, 5 triplets, 3 quadruplets and 1 sextuplet). Hypertension was present in 8-9 per cent of patients and in 3-3 per cent of those with multiple pregnancy. The length of gestation was related to the number of fetuses at birth and postmaturity did not occur. The Caesarean section rate was 32-1 per cent. The birth weight of the infants was normal and the male to female sex ratio was 0-64 for singleton births and 0-78 for twins. The fetal loss was 15-9 per cent (7-1 per cent for pregnancies of over 28 weeks). Growth and development of the children were apparently normal. The incidence of all congenital malformations was 7 per cent.", "PMID": 1009034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11480", "title": "Blood coagulation, fibrinolysis and plasma proteins in women with normal and with excessive menstrual blood loss.", "content": "A group of women with excessive menstrual blood loss (menorrhagia) without any known local or general underlying disease was studied and compared to a group of women with normal menstrual blood loss. Blood coagulation, platelet function and fibrinolysis as well as a variety of plasma proteins were analyzed on six occasions during one menstrual cycle. Women with menorrhagia were found to have a slightly higher concentration of fibrinogen--fibrin degradation products, a higher factor V and VIII activity, higher antithrombin III, alpha 1-antitrypsin concentrations and higher antifibrinolytic activity than the normal women. The concentration of albumin, beta IE-globulin, orosomucoid, ceruloplasmin and IgG were lower in women with memorrhagia than in normals. The capillary fragility did not differ significantly between the groups. The observed differences in clotting factors between the groups could not have caused the differences in blood losses.", "contents": "Blood coagulation, fibrinolysis and plasma proteins in women with normal and with excessive menstrual blood loss. A group of women with excessive menstrual blood loss (menorrhagia) without any known local or general underlying disease was studied and compared to a group of women with normal menstrual blood loss. Blood coagulation, platelet function and fibrinolysis as well as a variety of plasma proteins were analyzed on six occasions during one menstrual cycle. Women with menorrhagia were found to have a slightly higher concentration of fibrinogen--fibrin degradation products, a higher factor V and VIII activity, higher antithrombin III, alpha 1-antitrypsin concentrations and higher antifibrinolytic activity than the normal women. The concentration of albumin, beta IE-globulin, orosomucoid, ceruloplasmin and IgG were lower in women with memorrhagia than in normals. The capillary fragility did not differ significantly between the groups. The observed differences in clotting factors between the groups could not have caused the differences in blood losses.", "PMID": 1009035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11481", "title": "A randomized comparative trial of the performance of the Ayre and the Armovical cervical spatulae.", "content": "The Ayre and the Armovical cervical spatulae were compared in a randomized trial involving 982 women of childbearing age. It was found that the Armovical spatula was slightly less effective than the Ayre spatula in obtaining adequate numbers of squamous cells. The Armovical spatula was, however, far better at providing a sample of endocervical or metaplastic cells and, as a result, yielded a substantially higher proportion of 'satisfactory' smears (54 per cent as against 39 per cent). Red blood cells were more often present in smears taken with the Armovical spatula than with the Ayre spatula. Although the data in the present study were too few to prove that the Armovical spatula is better than the Ayre spatula at detecting cellular abnormalities, it seems likely that this is so.", "contents": "A randomized comparative trial of the performance of the Ayre and the Armovical cervical spatulae. The Ayre and the Armovical cervical spatulae were compared in a randomized trial involving 982 women of childbearing age. It was found that the Armovical spatula was slightly less effective than the Ayre spatula in obtaining adequate numbers of squamous cells. The Armovical spatula was, however, far better at providing a sample of endocervical or metaplastic cells and, as a result, yielded a substantially higher proportion of 'satisfactory' smears (54 per cent as against 39 per cent). Red blood cells were more often present in smears taken with the Armovical spatula than with the Ayre spatula. Although the data in the present study were too few to prove that the Armovical spatula is better than the Ayre spatula at detecting cellular abnormalities, it seems likely that this is so.", "PMID": 1009036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11482", "title": "Congenital duplication of the lens.", "content": "A case of reduplication of the lens with uveal coloboma is described. This is a rare condition and, unlike the two previously reported cases, the other ocular structures and adnexae appeared normal.", "contents": "Congenital duplication of the lens. A case of reduplication of the lens with uveal coloboma is described. This is a rare condition and, unlike the two previously reported cases, the other ocular structures and adnexae appeared normal.", "PMID": 1009038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11483", "title": "Effect of pilocarpine on visual acuity and on the dimensions of the cornea and anterior chamber.", "content": "The effect of pilocarpine on visual acuity and on the dimensions of the cornea, anterior chamber, and lens were studied in two groups of subjects. Significant changes in ocular tension, corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth, and lens anterior radius were found in a group of 55 glaucomatous eyes as a result of pilocarpine treatment, but there was no change in corneal thickness. Out of 102 glaucomatous eyes 78 became relatively myopic, and this appears to be due to changes in the dimensions of the lens of the eye similar to those occurring in accommodation, as a result of the effect of the drug on the ciliary muscle. The effect of pilocarpine on anterior chamber depth, area, and volume was studied in 125 eyes using a photographic method, and a significant reduction in the dimensions of the anterior chamber was observed as a result of the administration of pilocarpine. A significant correlation between depth and volume was also noted and the implications of this are discussed.", "contents": "Effect of pilocarpine on visual acuity and on the dimensions of the cornea and anterior chamber. The effect of pilocarpine on visual acuity and on the dimensions of the cornea, anterior chamber, and lens were studied in two groups of subjects. Significant changes in ocular tension, corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth, and lens anterior radius were found in a group of 55 glaucomatous eyes as a result of pilocarpine treatment, but there was no change in corneal thickness. Out of 102 glaucomatous eyes 78 became relatively myopic, and this appears to be due to changes in the dimensions of the lens of the eye similar to those occurring in accommodation, as a result of the effect of the drug on the ciliary muscle. The effect of pilocarpine on anterior chamber depth, area, and volume was studied in 125 eyes using a photographic method, and a significant reduction in the dimensions of the anterior chamber was observed as a result of the administration of pilocarpine. A significant correlation between depth and volume was also noted and the implications of this are discussed.", "PMID": 1009039} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11484", "title": "Rapid pneumatic and Mackey-Marg applanation tonometry to evaluate the postural effect on intraocular pressure.", "content": "A postural study was conducted in three separate groups of subjects. The first group comprised 20 women volunteers with an average age of 20-75 years. In this group, the study was conducted by the pneumatonograph only. Mean pressure recorded was 15-65 +/- 0-25 mmHg and there was an average rise of 1-4 mmHg in supine posture. Groups 2 and 3 comprised 151 non-glaucomatous and 108 glaucomatous eyes respectively in the age range of 30 to 85 years. In these two groups, the study was conducted using the PTG and the Mackay-Marg tonometer. Clinical evaluation of the Mackay-Marg with the PTG gave significant correlation, with mean Mackay-Marg readings being 1-13 mmHg higher. The intraocular pressure when changing from seated to the supine position increased on average by 2-71 and 4-04 mmHg, respectively in Groups 2 and 3 and by 2-51 and 3-72 mmHg by Vackay-Marg, suggesting a higher change in glaucomatous subjects. Pressure on resumption of sitting was found to be lower than the initial pressure. Postural change also showed some direct relationship with age in non-glaucomatous subjects.", "contents": "Rapid pneumatic and Mackey-Marg applanation tonometry to evaluate the postural effect on intraocular pressure. A postural study was conducted in three separate groups of subjects. The first group comprised 20 women volunteers with an average age of 20-75 years. In this group, the study was conducted by the pneumatonograph only. Mean pressure recorded was 15-65 +/- 0-25 mmHg and there was an average rise of 1-4 mmHg in supine posture. Groups 2 and 3 comprised 151 non-glaucomatous and 108 glaucomatous eyes respectively in the age range of 30 to 85 years. In these two groups, the study was conducted using the PTG and the Mackay-Marg tonometer. Clinical evaluation of the Mackay-Marg with the PTG gave significant correlation, with mean Mackay-Marg readings being 1-13 mmHg higher. The intraocular pressure when changing from seated to the supine position increased on average by 2-71 and 4-04 mmHg, respectively in Groups 2 and 3 and by 2-51 and 3-72 mmHg by Vackay-Marg, suggesting a higher change in glaucomatous subjects. Pressure on resumption of sitting was found to be lower than the initial pressure. Postural change also showed some direct relationship with age in non-glaucomatous subjects.", "PMID": 1009040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11485", "title": "Chronic retinal vein occlusion in glaucoma.", "content": "Asymptomatic chronic retinal vein occlusion that occurs in chronic simple glaucoma is described. The condition is characterized by marked elevation of retinal vein pressure with collateral vessels and vein loops at the optic disc in cases of central vein occlusion, or retinal veno-venous anastomoses along a horizontal line temporal and nasal to the disc in hemisphere vein occlusion. No patient had visible arterial changes, capillary closure, fluorescein leakage, or haemorrhages. The vein occlusion was not limited to \"end stage\" glaucoma. The role of increased intraocular pressure and glaucomatous enlargement of the optic cup with retinal vein distortion in the pathogenesis of the condition was stressed. Follow-up of these patients revealed persistence of the retinal vein occlusion shown by elevated retinal vein pressures. This would reduce effective perfusion of the inner retina and optic disc and may affect the long-term visual prognosis.", "contents": "Chronic retinal vein occlusion in glaucoma. Asymptomatic chronic retinal vein occlusion that occurs in chronic simple glaucoma is described. The condition is characterized by marked elevation of retinal vein pressure with collateral vessels and vein loops at the optic disc in cases of central vein occlusion, or retinal veno-venous anastomoses along a horizontal line temporal and nasal to the disc in hemisphere vein occlusion. No patient had visible arterial changes, capillary closure, fluorescein leakage, or haemorrhages. The vein occlusion was not limited to \"end stage\" glaucoma. The role of increased intraocular pressure and glaucomatous enlargement of the optic cup with retinal vein distortion in the pathogenesis of the condition was stressed. Follow-up of these patients revealed persistence of the retinal vein occlusion shown by elevated retinal vein pressures. This would reduce effective perfusion of the inner retina and optic disc and may affect the long-term visual prognosis.", "PMID": 1009041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11486", "title": "De novo lesions in presumed ocular histoplasmosis-like syndrome.", "content": "Two patients with multifocal choroiditis similar or identical to POHS are presented. Colour photographs and fluorescein angiography document the occurrence of de novo lesions in the originally involved eye. The cases also demonstrate the development of new choroidal lesions within the originally involved eye, the early evolution of the \"basic choroidal lesion\", and the need for fluorescein angiography for visualizing the underlying choroidal lesion.", "contents": "De novo lesions in presumed ocular histoplasmosis-like syndrome. Two patients with multifocal choroiditis similar or identical to POHS are presented. Colour photographs and fluorescein angiography document the occurrence of de novo lesions in the originally involved eye. The cases also demonstrate the development of new choroidal lesions within the originally involved eye, the early evolution of the \"basic choroidal lesion\", and the need for fluorescein angiography for visualizing the underlying choroidal lesion.", "PMID": 1009042} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11487", "title": "Pterygium and its relationship to the dry eye in the Bantu.", "content": "A comparative study was performed on two groups of Bantus in Johannesburg to see if there was any relationship between the \"dry eye\" and pterygia, but no correlation was found.", "contents": "Pterygium and its relationship to the dry eye in the Bantu. A comparative study was performed on two groups of Bantus in Johannesburg to see if there was any relationship between the \"dry eye\" and pterygia, but no correlation was found.", "PMID": 1009043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11488", "title": "Dacryolith formation around an eyelash retained in the lacrimal sac.", "content": "A dacryolith was discovered in the lacrimal sac during a dacryocystorhinostomy for chronic dacryocystitis in which there was mucocele formation. Morphological examination confirmed the presence of an eyelash at the centre of the stone and electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of fungi (Candida sp.) in a matrix which was of markedly vairable morphology. The mechanism by which a hair enters the punctum and passes along the canaliculus may be attributed to the step-like pattern of ridges on the surface of a hair. The directional nature of these ridges dictates preferential movement towards the root end of the hair and prevents movements in the opposite direction.", "contents": "Dacryolith formation around an eyelash retained in the lacrimal sac. A dacryolith was discovered in the lacrimal sac during a dacryocystorhinostomy for chronic dacryocystitis in which there was mucocele formation. Morphological examination confirmed the presence of an eyelash at the centre of the stone and electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of fungi (Candida sp.) in a matrix which was of markedly vairable morphology. The mechanism by which a hair enters the punctum and passes along the canaliculus may be attributed to the step-like pattern of ridges on the surface of a hair. The directional nature of these ridges dictates preferential movement towards the root end of the hair and prevents movements in the opposite direction.", "PMID": 1009044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11489", "title": "Prognosis of perforating eye injury.", "content": "The assessment of visual function in a series of 130 consecutive patients of perforating eye injuries, revealed that visual acuity of 6/12 or better was regained in 63 per cent, between 6/60 and 6/18 in 9-2 per cent, less than 6/60 in 15-3 per cent, and enucleation was necessary in 9-2 per cent. In 3 per cent, the eyes were retained as blind, symptomfree, and cosmetically satisfactory organs. Two eyes were found to develop complete traumatic aniridia. None in the series was found to have sympathetic ophthalmitis.", "contents": "Prognosis of perforating eye injury. The assessment of visual function in a series of 130 consecutive patients of perforating eye injuries, revealed that visual acuity of 6/12 or better was regained in 63 per cent, between 6/60 and 6/18 in 9-2 per cent, less than 6/60 in 15-3 per cent, and enucleation was necessary in 9-2 per cent. In 3 per cent, the eyes were retained as blind, symptomfree, and cosmetically satisfactory organs. Two eyes were found to develop complete traumatic aniridia. None in the series was found to have sympathetic ophthalmitis.", "PMID": 1009049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11490", "title": "Ocular injuries from liquid golf ball cores.", "content": "Tissue removed from nine new cases from 18 hours to 20 weeks after injury by a golf ball contained crystalline and other foreign material to which there was a mild inflammatory reaction followed by macrophagic activity and fibrosis. Optical and electron probe analysis showed that the crystalline material was crushed barytes containing small quantities of muscovite as is typical in natural deposits. The centres of several golf balls were shown to contain essentially identical material. By contrast with previous reports, no zinc sulphide was found. The form and frequent location of the deposits in the conjunctiva as compared with cornea and eyelid is related to the structure of these tissues.", "contents": "Ocular injuries from liquid golf ball cores. Tissue removed from nine new cases from 18 hours to 20 weeks after injury by a golf ball contained crystalline and other foreign material to which there was a mild inflammatory reaction followed by macrophagic activity and fibrosis. Optical and electron probe analysis showed that the crystalline material was crushed barytes containing small quantities of muscovite as is typical in natural deposits. The centres of several golf balls were shown to contain essentially identical material. By contrast with previous reports, no zinc sulphide was found. The form and frequent location of the deposits in the conjunctiva as compared with cornea and eyelid is related to the structure of these tissues.", "PMID": 1009050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11491", "title": "Vitrectomy in 125 eyes with diabetic vitreous haemorrhage.", "content": "A total of 125 consecutive eyes, all registered blind with diabetic vitreous haemorrhage, underwent pars plana vitrectomy with the vitrophage. Sixty-six per cent experienced some improvement in their visual acuity; 24 per cent were unchanged and 10 per cent were worse postoperatively. The major surgical complication was controllable haemorrhage (23 per cent). No retinal dialysis occurred. Significant postoperative complications were transient (71 per cent) and persistent (11 per cent) corneal oedema, early (8 per cent) and late (13 per cent) vitreous haemorrhage, transient (30 per cent) and persistent (6 per cent) rise in intraocular pressure, and rubeosis iridis (5 per cent).", "contents": "Vitrectomy in 125 eyes with diabetic vitreous haemorrhage. A total of 125 consecutive eyes, all registered blind with diabetic vitreous haemorrhage, underwent pars plana vitrectomy with the vitrophage. Sixty-six per cent experienced some improvement in their visual acuity; 24 per cent were unchanged and 10 per cent were worse postoperatively. The major surgical complication was controllable haemorrhage (23 per cent). No retinal dialysis occurred. Significant postoperative complications were transient (71 per cent) and persistent (11 per cent) corneal oedema, early (8 per cent) and late (13 per cent) vitreous haemorrhage, transient (30 per cent) and persistent (6 per cent) rise in intraocular pressure, and rubeosis iridis (5 per cent).", "PMID": 1009052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11492", "title": "Management of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous by pars plana vitrectomy.", "content": "Two children with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) underwent vitrectomy and lensectomy via the pars plana to remove the fibrovascular stalk. Postoperatively the eyes were quiet, only a slight vitreous haze obscured the fundus view in the immediate postoperative period, and the stumps of the stalks retracted. Early surgical treatment of PHPV may prevent later serious complications.", "contents": "Management of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous by pars plana vitrectomy. Two children with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) underwent vitrectomy and lensectomy via the pars plana to remove the fibrovascular stalk. Postoperatively the eyes were quiet, only a slight vitreous haze obscured the fundus view in the immediate postoperative period, and the stumps of the stalks retracted. Early surgical treatment of PHPV may prevent later serious complications.", "PMID": 1009053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11493", "title": "Lens extraction with ultrasound. Experiments in rabbits.", "content": "The extraction of the rabbit lens is described using a 25 G irrigating needle and a 22 G aspirating needle; at the latter's bevelled tip lens fragmentation occurs due to the longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations generated there--an 'acoustic horn' causes the tip to vibrate with large amplitudes. The use of small needles allows considerable manoeuvrability in the anterior chamber and usually eliminates the need for corneal suturing. Push-pull coupled syringes equate the volume of irrigation with that of aspiration. This procedure makes possible lens extraction through an aperture in the anterior capsule of the rabbit's lens and a similar machine is being constructed for trial on human cataract.", "contents": "Lens extraction with ultrasound. Experiments in rabbits. The extraction of the rabbit lens is described using a 25 G irrigating needle and a 22 G aspirating needle; at the latter's bevelled tip lens fragmentation occurs due to the longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations generated there--an 'acoustic horn' causes the tip to vibrate with large amplitudes. The use of small needles allows considerable manoeuvrability in the anterior chamber and usually eliminates the need for corneal suturing. Push-pull coupled syringes equate the volume of irrigation with that of aspiration. This procedure makes possible lens extraction through an aperture in the anterior capsule of the rabbit's lens and a similar machine is being constructed for trial on human cataract.", "PMID": 1009054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11494", "title": "Perifoveal vascular leakage and macular oedema after intracapsular cataract extraction.", "content": "Perifoveal capillary leakage of fluorescein was demonstrated in 60 per cent of 50 eyes when angiography was performed two weeks after cataract extraction. Repeat angiography six weeks postoperatively in 17 eyes demonstrated persistence of already established leakage in 11 of 12 eyes and no new leakage in five eyes previously negative. Cystoid macular oedema with visual acuity of less than 20/40 six weeks postoperatively occurred in five eyes (10 per cent). Eyes of patients with vascular disease and those patients of 60 years or older were found to have altered vascular permeability significantly more frequently. Inflammation was no more severe or prevalent in those patients who demonstrated leakage and no inflammation was clinically apparent in 10 of 11 eyes demonstrating dye leakage six weeks postoperatively. We conclude that the constitutional factors of age and vascular disease are of prime importance in causing altered vascular permeability in the early postoperative period after cataract extraction; factors causing sustained leakage with reduction of visual acuity were not demonstrated.", "contents": "Perifoveal vascular leakage and macular oedema after intracapsular cataract extraction. Perifoveal capillary leakage of fluorescein was demonstrated in 60 per cent of 50 eyes when angiography was performed two weeks after cataract extraction. Repeat angiography six weeks postoperatively in 17 eyes demonstrated persistence of already established leakage in 11 of 12 eyes and no new leakage in five eyes previously negative. Cystoid macular oedema with visual acuity of less than 20/40 six weeks postoperatively occurred in five eyes (10 per cent). Eyes of patients with vascular disease and those patients of 60 years or older were found to have altered vascular permeability significantly more frequently. Inflammation was no more severe or prevalent in those patients who demonstrated leakage and no inflammation was clinically apparent in 10 of 11 eyes demonstrating dye leakage six weeks postoperatively. We conclude that the constitutional factors of age and vascular disease are of prime importance in causing altered vascular permeability in the early postoperative period after cataract extraction; factors causing sustained leakage with reduction of visual acuity were not demonstrated.", "PMID": 1009055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11495", "title": "Copper metabolism in retinitis pigmentosa.", "content": "Clinically and electrophysiologically confirmed cases of primary retinitis pigmentosa have been investigated regarding their copper metabolic state. It is observed that these patients show a normal or near normal serum copper concentration, very low plasma caeruloplasmin concentration, and a very high copper urinary excretion. A similarity between this condition and hepatolenticular degeneration is drawn and it is suggested that retinitis pigmentosa may also be a condition caused by an inborn error of copper metabolism.", "contents": "Copper metabolism in retinitis pigmentosa. Clinically and electrophysiologically confirmed cases of primary retinitis pigmentosa have been investigated regarding their copper metabolic state. It is observed that these patients show a normal or near normal serum copper concentration, very low plasma caeruloplasmin concentration, and a very high copper urinary excretion. A similarity between this condition and hepatolenticular degeneration is drawn and it is suggested that retinitis pigmentosa may also be a condition caused by an inborn error of copper metabolism.", "PMID": 1009056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11496", "title": "The optic disc in glaucoma. I: Classification.", "content": "Five different descriptive types of glaucomatous optic discs are described, based on the examination of X2 magnification stereophotographs of 252 patients from the files of the Glaucoma Service at Wills Eye Hospital. The method of analysis is described in detail. These types include: overpass cupping, cupping without pallor of the neuroretinal rim, cupping with pallor of the neuroretinal rim, focal notching of the neuroretinal rim, and bean-pot cupping. These morphological types may be caused by variations in factors contributing to the pathogenesis of glaucomatous eyes. Recognition of these differing types may help in determining the factors in each case.", "contents": "The optic disc in glaucoma. I: Classification. Five different descriptive types of glaucomatous optic discs are described, based on the examination of X2 magnification stereophotographs of 252 patients from the files of the Glaucoma Service at Wills Eye Hospital. The method of analysis is described in detail. These types include: overpass cupping, cupping without pallor of the neuroretinal rim, cupping with pallor of the neuroretinal rim, focal notching of the neuroretinal rim, and bean-pot cupping. These morphological types may be caused by variations in factors contributing to the pathogenesis of glaucomatous eyes. Recognition of these differing types may help in determining the factors in each case.", "PMID": 1009058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11497", "title": "Plasma cortisol suppression response in the South African black population with glaucoma.", "content": "Plasma cortisol suppression was measured in 25 Black glaucomatous patients and in 19 Black patients of similar age and sex, but without glaucoma, who acted as controls. Initial serum cortisol levels were found to be slightly higher in the glaucomatous group. The response to systemically-administered cortisone was statistically more marked in the glaucomatous patients compared with the control group.", "contents": "Plasma cortisol suppression response in the South African black population with glaucoma. Plasma cortisol suppression was measured in 25 Black glaucomatous patients and in 19 Black patients of similar age and sex, but without glaucoma, who acted as controls. Initial serum cortisol levels were found to be slightly higher in the glaucomatous group. The response to systemically-administered cortisone was statistically more marked in the glaucomatous patients compared with the control group.", "PMID": 1009059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11498", "title": "A prospective study of xenon arc photocoagulation for central retinal vein occlusion.", "content": "Twenty patients with central retinal vein occlusion were randomly divided into two groups in a prospective study to evaluate the effects of xenon are photocoagulation in central retinal vein occlusion. The patients in one group were treated with 360 degrees scatter xenon photocoagulation and the others received no treatment. The average follow-up was 18 months. There were no cases of rubeosis or neovascular glaucoma in the treated group. Two patients in the untreated group developed rubeosis with subsequent neovascular glaucoma. There was no significant difference in the visual prognosis or in fundus neovascularization between the groups.", "contents": "A prospective study of xenon arc photocoagulation for central retinal vein occlusion. Twenty patients with central retinal vein occlusion were randomly divided into two groups in a prospective study to evaluate the effects of xenon are photocoagulation in central retinal vein occlusion. The patients in one group were treated with 360 degrees scatter xenon photocoagulation and the others received no treatment. The average follow-up was 18 months. There were no cases of rubeosis or neovascular glaucoma in the treated group. Two patients in the untreated group developed rubeosis with subsequent neovascular glaucoma. There was no significant difference in the visual prognosis or in fundus neovascularization between the groups.", "PMID": 1009064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11499", "title": "Laser induced phagocytosis in the pigment epithelium of the Hunter dystrophic rat.", "content": "The retinae of 14-day-old Hunter dystrophic rats have been subjected to low-energy irradiation by a pulsed ruby laser. Fifteen days after exposure, pigment epithelial cells had proliferated and repopulated the irradiated areas. In all such areas the subretinal photoreceptor debris had been reduced or lost.", "contents": "Laser induced phagocytosis in the pigment epithelium of the Hunter dystrophic rat. The retinae of 14-day-old Hunter dystrophic rats have been subjected to low-energy irradiation by a pulsed ruby laser. Fifteen days after exposure, pigment epithelial cells had proliferated and repopulated the irradiated areas. In all such areas the subretinal photoreceptor debris had been reduced or lost.", "PMID": 1009065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11500", "title": "Radioactive phosphorus uptake testing of choroidal lesions. A report of two false-negative tests.", "content": "Two false-negative results from 32P testing for histologically verified malignant melanomas of the choroid are reported. In the first case, a haemorrhagic choroidal detachment caused an increase in probe; additionally, the tumour was necrotic. Both factors are likely to have contributed to the false-negative result. A satisfactory explanation for the false-negative result in the second case was not determined, although it may have accurately reflected a period of minimal tumour activity, inasmuch as repeat 32P testing was strongly positive eight months later, when unequivocal evidence of tumour growth was present. An alternative explanation is that the orally administered 32P was incompletely absorbed. Since 32P testing is frequently accompanied by significant manipulation both in the manoeuvre associated with tumour localization and in that associated with the actual radioactive counting, it would seem desirable to perform indicated enucleation immediately after completion of the 32P testing. While the properly performed 32P test remains a valuable diagnostic test for helping to establish the presence or absence of malignancies of the posterior globe, it is important to guard against the tendency to underestimate careful clinical evaluation.", "contents": "Radioactive phosphorus uptake testing of choroidal lesions. A report of two false-negative tests. Two false-negative results from 32P testing for histologically verified malignant melanomas of the choroid are reported. In the first case, a haemorrhagic choroidal detachment caused an increase in probe; additionally, the tumour was necrotic. Both factors are likely to have contributed to the false-negative result. A satisfactory explanation for the false-negative result in the second case was not determined, although it may have accurately reflected a period of minimal tumour activity, inasmuch as repeat 32P testing was strongly positive eight months later, when unequivocal evidence of tumour growth was present. An alternative explanation is that the orally administered 32P was incompletely absorbed. Since 32P testing is frequently accompanied by significant manipulation both in the manoeuvre associated with tumour localization and in that associated with the actual radioactive counting, it would seem desirable to perform indicated enucleation immediately after completion of the 32P testing. While the properly performed 32P test remains a valuable diagnostic test for helping to establish the presence or absence of malignancies of the posterior globe, it is important to guard against the tendency to underestimate careful clinical evaluation.", "PMID": 1009066} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11501", "title": "The utilization of dietary protein by Nigerian men.", "content": "1. The excretion of urinary and faecal nitrogen by young Nigerian men of a low income group was found to vary significantly between subjects, but was not significantly different in the same subject, when they were given a mixed diet composed of rice, vegetables and fish on two separate occasions. At the levels of energy and protein supplied by this diet the men gained or lost small amounts of weight, mean values indicating N equilibrium, the variation around the mean being high. 2. The correlation between the urinary and faecal N of these men was significantly negative at and below the level of N equilibrium, becoming positive 2-3 weeks after they had consumed the above diet supplemented by 400 g of lean beef per day, and had already established considerable rates of gain in body-weight and N retention. The diets were made isoenergetic by adding the beef at the expense of cassava flour and red palm oil. 3. The physiological processes involved in the adaptation, by young Nigerian men of low income, to a highly efficient use of low-protein diets are discussed in relation to the biological value and true digestibility of those diets, and to the 'safe level of protein intake' and protein-energy ratios proposed by FAO/WHO (1973, 1975). 4. It is concluded that the protein requirements of apparently healthy men can only be established in the context of their ecological, socio-economic and nutritional backgrounds.", "contents": "The utilization of dietary protein by Nigerian men. 1. The excretion of urinary and faecal nitrogen by young Nigerian men of a low income group was found to vary significantly between subjects, but was not significantly different in the same subject, when they were given a mixed diet composed of rice, vegetables and fish on two separate occasions. At the levels of energy and protein supplied by this diet the men gained or lost small amounts of weight, mean values indicating N equilibrium, the variation around the mean being high. 2. The correlation between the urinary and faecal N of these men was significantly negative at and below the level of N equilibrium, becoming positive 2-3 weeks after they had consumed the above diet supplemented by 400 g of lean beef per day, and had already established considerable rates of gain in body-weight and N retention. The diets were made isoenergetic by adding the beef at the expense of cassava flour and red palm oil. 3. The physiological processes involved in the adaptation, by young Nigerian men of low income, to a highly efficient use of low-protein diets are discussed in relation to the biological value and true digestibility of those diets, and to the 'safe level of protein intake' and protein-energy ratios proposed by FAO/WHO (1973, 1975). 4. It is concluded that the protein requirements of apparently healthy men can only be established in the context of their ecological, socio-economic and nutritional backgrounds.", "PMID": 1009067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11502", "title": "Determination of nitrogen requirement for microbial growth from the effect of urea supplementation of a low N diet on abomasal N flow and N recycling in wethers and lambs.", "content": "1. Plasma urea entry rate, urinary area excretion and, by difference, urea recycling in the body, together with the flow of non-ammonia N through the abomasum and digestion of dry matter (DM) before the abomasum were determined in both wethers and lambs receiving cereal-starch diets supplemented with urea to give 60-120 g crude protein (N X 6-25)/kg DM. 2. Lambs excreted less urea in urine than wethers given the same diet. 3. Relationships between plasma urea entry rate or urine urea excretion rate and plasma urea concentration were different for lambs compared to wethers suggesting greater conservation of body N by renal control in lambs. 4. Recycling of urea was not related to plasma urea concentration in wethers but was related exponentially in lambs, suggesting recycling is controlled rather than the result of simple diffusion from the blood to the gastro-intestinal tract. 5. Abomasal non-ammonia-N flow was similar for wethers and lambs and increased linearly with urea supplementation. 6. DM digestion prior to the abomasum was not significantly altered, although there was a tendency for decreased digestion of the basal diet given to lambs. 7. Maximum microbial N flow to the abomasum was estimated as 30 g N/kg organic matter (OM) fermented in the rumen. 8. This work and the literature reviewed suggested maximum net microbial production can be obtained when the diet supplies an amount of fermentable N equal to the microbial N output. It is calculated the diet should supply approximately 26 g fermentable N/kg digestible OM or 1-8 g fermentable N/MJ metabolizable energy. This corresponds to a fermentable crude protein supply varying from 65 to 130 g/kg DM as digestible OM content increases from 400 to 800 g/kg DM.", "contents": "Determination of nitrogen requirement for microbial growth from the effect of urea supplementation of a low N diet on abomasal N flow and N recycling in wethers and lambs. 1. Plasma urea entry rate, urinary area excretion and, by difference, urea recycling in the body, together with the flow of non-ammonia N through the abomasum and digestion of dry matter (DM) before the abomasum were determined in both wethers and lambs receiving cereal-starch diets supplemented with urea to give 60-120 g crude protein (N X 6-25)/kg DM. 2. Lambs excreted less urea in urine than wethers given the same diet. 3. Relationships between plasma urea entry rate or urine urea excretion rate and plasma urea concentration were different for lambs compared to wethers suggesting greater conservation of body N by renal control in lambs. 4. Recycling of urea was not related to plasma urea concentration in wethers but was related exponentially in lambs, suggesting recycling is controlled rather than the result of simple diffusion from the blood to the gastro-intestinal tract. 5. Abomasal non-ammonia-N flow was similar for wethers and lambs and increased linearly with urea supplementation. 6. DM digestion prior to the abomasum was not significantly altered, although there was a tendency for decreased digestion of the basal diet given to lambs. 7. Maximum microbial N flow to the abomasum was estimated as 30 g N/kg organic matter (OM) fermented in the rumen. 8. This work and the literature reviewed suggested maximum net microbial production can be obtained when the diet supplies an amount of fermentable N equal to the microbial N output. It is calculated the diet should supply approximately 26 g fermentable N/kg digestible OM or 1-8 g fermentable N/MJ metabolizable energy. This corresponds to a fermentable crude protein supply varying from 65 to 130 g/kg DM as digestible OM content increases from 400 to 800 g/kg DM.", "PMID": 1009068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11503", "title": "Amino acid metabolism in the piglet. 3. Influence of lysine level in the diet on energy metabolism and in vivo oxidation.", "content": "1. Supplementing a lysine-deficient diet (5 g lysine/kg) with five increments of lysine, each of 2 g/kg, resulted in increased in growth rate of Yorkshire piglets, aged between 3 and 7 weeks, up to the highest level of lysine (15 g/kg). 2. The free lysine concentration of plasma tended to increase as the dietary lysine level increased from 13 to 15 g/kg, and plasma threonine concentration decreased significantly as the lysine content of the diet was increased from 11 to 15 g/kg indicating that threonine was the second limiting amino acid in the diet. 3. Oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production of the piglets were not influenced by supplementing the diets with lysine. The heat production was 0-313 kJ/min per kg body-weight in the 6 h experimental period. 4. Supplementation of the diet with lysine had no consistent effect on the recovery of 14C as 14CO2 from a single dose of L-[U-14C]lysine. 5. Adjustment of the determined recoveries of the tracer dose of lysine for the differences in the plasma concentrations of free lysine for the pigs receiving the graded levels of dietary lysine simplified the relationship between recovery and dietary lysine level: it was linear for the first four increments in dietary lysine and then increased sharply for the fifth increment. This indicated that a marked change in the rate of lysine catabolism occurred as the level of dietary lysine was increased from 13 to 15 g/kg. 6. The results of this experiment indicate that the piglets' requirement for lysine is between 13 and 15 g lysine/kg in a diet which contained 181 g crude protein (nitrogen X6-25)/kg.", "contents": "Amino acid metabolism in the piglet. 3. Influence of lysine level in the diet on energy metabolism and in vivo oxidation. 1. Supplementing a lysine-deficient diet (5 g lysine/kg) with five increments of lysine, each of 2 g/kg, resulted in increased in growth rate of Yorkshire piglets, aged between 3 and 7 weeks, up to the highest level of lysine (15 g/kg). 2. The free lysine concentration of plasma tended to increase as the dietary lysine level increased from 13 to 15 g/kg, and plasma threonine concentration decreased significantly as the lysine content of the diet was increased from 11 to 15 g/kg indicating that threonine was the second limiting amino acid in the diet. 3. Oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production of the piglets were not influenced by supplementing the diets with lysine. The heat production was 0-313 kJ/min per kg body-weight in the 6 h experimental period. 4. Supplementation of the diet with lysine had no consistent effect on the recovery of 14C as 14CO2 from a single dose of L-[U-14C]lysine. 5. Adjustment of the determined recoveries of the tracer dose of lysine for the differences in the plasma concentrations of free lysine for the pigs receiving the graded levels of dietary lysine simplified the relationship between recovery and dietary lysine level: it was linear for the first four increments in dietary lysine and then increased sharply for the fifth increment. This indicated that a marked change in the rate of lysine catabolism occurred as the level of dietary lysine was increased from 13 to 15 g/kg. 6. The results of this experiment indicate that the piglets' requirement for lysine is between 13 and 15 g lysine/kg in a diet which contained 181 g crude protein (nitrogen X6-25)/kg.", "PMID": 1009069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11504", "title": "Utilization of dried microbial cells grown on methanol in a semi-purified diet for growing pigs.", "content": "1. Twenty-four pigs (mean body-weight 44 kg) were used to determine the digestibilities of energy, nitrogen and amino acids in dried microbial cells (DMC) grown on methanol and in white fish meal (WFM). N utilization and the excretion of various nitrogenous compounds were also studied. 2. Semi-purified diets containing DMC, WFM or no protein source were offered at the rate of 1 kg fresh food/d. Daily N intakes were 26-5, 24-7 and 0-65 g respectively. 3. Mean metabolic faecal N determined with the protein-free diet was 1-11 g/d (1-26 g/kg dry matter (DM) eaten) for the two experiments. The corresponding endogenous urinary N value was 2-91 g/d. 4. Daily urinary N output of pigs given the diet with WFM was significantly greater than that of pigs given the diet with DMC, with the result that N retention, net protein utilization and biological value were higher for pigs given DMC. 5. Apparent and true digestibility of amino acids were higher for the diet with DMC than for the diet with WFM. 6. N excretion in the form of ammonia, urea, uric acid and allantoin accounted for 81, 91 and 99% of the total N excreted by the groups given the protein-free diet, DMC and WFM respectively. Pigs given DMC excreted greater quantities of allantoin-N and less urea-N than pigs given WFM.", "contents": "Utilization of dried microbial cells grown on methanol in a semi-purified diet for growing pigs. 1. Twenty-four pigs (mean body-weight 44 kg) were used to determine the digestibilities of energy, nitrogen and amino acids in dried microbial cells (DMC) grown on methanol and in white fish meal (WFM). N utilization and the excretion of various nitrogenous compounds were also studied. 2. Semi-purified diets containing DMC, WFM or no protein source were offered at the rate of 1 kg fresh food/d. Daily N intakes were 26-5, 24-7 and 0-65 g respectively. 3. Mean metabolic faecal N determined with the protein-free diet was 1-11 g/d (1-26 g/kg dry matter (DM) eaten) for the two experiments. The corresponding endogenous urinary N value was 2-91 g/d. 4. Daily urinary N output of pigs given the diet with WFM was significantly greater than that of pigs given the diet with DMC, with the result that N retention, net protein utilization and biological value were higher for pigs given DMC. 5. Apparent and true digestibility of amino acids were higher for the diet with DMC than for the diet with WFM. 6. N excretion in the form of ammonia, urea, uric acid and allantoin accounted for 81, 91 and 99% of the total N excreted by the groups given the protein-free diet, DMC and WFM respectively. Pigs given DMC excreted greater quantities of allantoin-N and less urea-N than pigs given WFM.", "PMID": 1009070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11505", "title": "Nutritional evaluation of the protein of dried tomato pomace in the rat.", "content": "1. Nutritional evaluation of dried tomato pomace (DTP-20) as a source of protein was carried out using weanling rats. Comparisons were made with casein (CS), soya-bean meal (SOM-45) and the hydrocarbon-grown yeast Toprina (BP-T). The growth-promoting effects of the diets were evaluated over a period of 28 d of ad lib. feeding. 2. The unsupplemented DPT-20 had a protein efficiency ratio (PER) of 2-18 +/- 0-13 and a net protein utilization (NPU) of 0-55. The addition of DL-methionine (5 g/kg) resulted in a PER of 1-74 +/- 0-15 (t 2-99, P less than 0-01) and a NPU of 0-40, while the addition of an amino acid mixture resulted in a PER of 2-33 +/- 0-08 (t 1-84, P greater than 0-1) and a NPU of 0-70. 3. The reason for the decrease in growth and the reduced PER and NPU values recorded for the methionine-supplemented group of rats is not clear and it is discussed in connexion with an imbalance or a slight toxicity caused by the added amino acid.", "contents": "Nutritional evaluation of the protein of dried tomato pomace in the rat. 1. Nutritional evaluation of dried tomato pomace (DTP-20) as a source of protein was carried out using weanling rats. Comparisons were made with casein (CS), soya-bean meal (SOM-45) and the hydrocarbon-grown yeast Toprina (BP-T). The growth-promoting effects of the diets were evaluated over a period of 28 d of ad lib. feeding. 2. The unsupplemented DPT-20 had a protein efficiency ratio (PER) of 2-18 +/- 0-13 and a net protein utilization (NPU) of 0-55. The addition of DL-methionine (5 g/kg) resulted in a PER of 1-74 +/- 0-15 (t 2-99, P less than 0-01) and a NPU of 0-40, while the addition of an amino acid mixture resulted in a PER of 2-33 +/- 0-08 (t 1-84, P greater than 0-1) and a NPU of 0-70. 3. The reason for the decrease in growth and the reduced PER and NPU values recorded for the methionine-supplemented group of rats is not clear and it is discussed in connexion with an imbalance or a slight toxicity caused by the added amino acid.", "PMID": 1009071} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11506", "title": "Regulation of food intake during growth in fatty and lean female Zucker rats given diets of different protein content.", "content": "1. Food intake, and the rates of protein, lipid and energy deposition during growth were measured for lean and congenitally obese (fatty) female Zucker rats given diets of different protein content ad lib. Six semi-synthetic diets were used, which contained 40, 100, 150, 300, 500 and 700 g casein/kg (diets 40C, 100C, 150C, 300C, 500C and 700C). 2. Dietary treatments began when the rats were 34 or 35 d old. Collections of urine and faeces were analysed for energy content. The total carcasses of all the rats were analysed individually for protein, lipid and energy. 3. In the first experiment, twelve rats of each phenotype were given diets 150C or 300C. Four fatty and four lean rats were killed at 50, 66 and 98 d of age. In the second experiment groups of four fatty and four lean rats were given diets 40C, 100C, 500C and 700C ad lib. until they were killed at 66 d of age. Other groups of fatty rats were pair-fed from 35 to 67 d of age on diets 100C and 500C. Rats were also killed at 24 and 34 d of age to provide initial samples for the comparative slaughter procedure. 4. When given food ad lib., fatty and lean rats had identical rates of protein deposition at all ages and for all diets, but lipid and energy deposition were always much greater in the fatty rats. Food intake was also much greater for the fatty rats (except on diet 40C). Differences in food intake and growth rate attributable to diet were most pronounced for the range of diets 40C-150C. 5. Fatty rats pair-fed to lean rats deposited less protein but about twice as much energy and lipid as lean rats on the same diets. 6. The results are discussed in relation to existing theories of appetite control. It appears that food intake is precisely regulated in the congenitally obese Zucker rat. This regulation is intimately linked with the impetus for protein deposition and the rates of retention of lipid and energy appear to be of no importance in relation to appetite control.", "contents": "Regulation of food intake during growth in fatty and lean female Zucker rats given diets of different protein content. 1. Food intake, and the rates of protein, lipid and energy deposition during growth were measured for lean and congenitally obese (fatty) female Zucker rats given diets of different protein content ad lib. Six semi-synthetic diets were used, which contained 40, 100, 150, 300, 500 and 700 g casein/kg (diets 40C, 100C, 150C, 300C, 500C and 700C). 2. Dietary treatments began when the rats were 34 or 35 d old. Collections of urine and faeces were analysed for energy content. The total carcasses of all the rats were analysed individually for protein, lipid and energy. 3. In the first experiment, twelve rats of each phenotype were given diets 150C or 300C. Four fatty and four lean rats were killed at 50, 66 and 98 d of age. In the second experiment groups of four fatty and four lean rats were given diets 40C, 100C, 500C and 700C ad lib. until they were killed at 66 d of age. Other groups of fatty rats were pair-fed from 35 to 67 d of age on diets 100C and 500C. Rats were also killed at 24 and 34 d of age to provide initial samples for the comparative slaughter procedure. 4. When given food ad lib., fatty and lean rats had identical rates of protein deposition at all ages and for all diets, but lipid and energy deposition were always much greater in the fatty rats. Food intake was also much greater for the fatty rats (except on diet 40C). Differences in food intake and growth rate attributable to diet were most pronounced for the range of diets 40C-150C. 5. Fatty rats pair-fed to lean rats deposited less protein but about twice as much energy and lipid as lean rats on the same diets. 6. The results are discussed in relation to existing theories of appetite control. It appears that food intake is precisely regulated in the congenitally obese Zucker rat. This regulation is intimately linked with the impetus for protein deposition and the rates of retention of lipid and energy appear to be of no importance in relation to appetite control.", "PMID": 1009072} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11507", "title": "The digestion of yeast cell wall polysaccharides in veal calves.", "content": "1. The digestibility of the cell wall polysaccharides of an alkane-grown yeast in different parts of the digestive tract of two veal calves fitted with re-entrant cannulas at the end of the ileum was studied by replacing part of the skim-milk powder of their 'normal', milk-substitute (all-milk-protein) diet by yeast (yeast diet). 2. The lactose and glucose of both the all-milk-protein diet and the yeast diet were almost completely digested before the end of the ileum. During this digestion a small amount of oligosaccharides composed of galactose and glucose was synthesized. These oligosaccharides were digested again in the large intestine. 3. The constituent sugars of the water-soluble fraction of the yeast cell wall carbohydrates were glucose and mannose. The 0-5 M-sulphuric acid-hydrolysate of the water-insoluble fraction contained glucose and mannose and the 12 M-H2SO4-hydrolysate only glucose. 4. Digestibilities measured at the end of the ileum varied considerably between the two animals and averaged only about 0-40. 5. These findings suggest that the cell wall polysaccharides of yeast are digested very little by the normal digestive enzymes of the calf's small intestine, but are used as a substrate by the bacterial flora which are mainly concentrated in the large intestine.", "contents": "The digestion of yeast cell wall polysaccharides in veal calves. 1. The digestibility of the cell wall polysaccharides of an alkane-grown yeast in different parts of the digestive tract of two veal calves fitted with re-entrant cannulas at the end of the ileum was studied by replacing part of the skim-milk powder of their 'normal', milk-substitute (all-milk-protein) diet by yeast (yeast diet). 2. The lactose and glucose of both the all-milk-protein diet and the yeast diet were almost completely digested before the end of the ileum. During this digestion a small amount of oligosaccharides composed of galactose and glucose was synthesized. These oligosaccharides were digested again in the large intestine. 3. The constituent sugars of the water-soluble fraction of the yeast cell wall carbohydrates were glucose and mannose. The 0-5 M-sulphuric acid-hydrolysate of the water-insoluble fraction contained glucose and mannose and the 12 M-H2SO4-hydrolysate only glucose. 4. Digestibilities measured at the end of the ileum varied considerably between the two animals and averaged only about 0-40. 5. These findings suggest that the cell wall polysaccharides of yeast are digested very little by the normal digestive enzymes of the calf's small intestine, but are used as a substrate by the bacterial flora which are mainly concentrated in the large intestine.", "PMID": 1009073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11508", "title": "Studies on the nutrition of marine flatfish. The effect of different dietary fatty acids on the growth and fatty acid composition of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).", "content": "1. Five groups of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) which had been given a diet free of fat for 12 weeks were given diets in which the lipid component (g/kg) was: oleic acid alone 50, oleic acid 40+linoleic acid 10, oleic acid 40+linolenic acid 10, oleic acid40+arachidonic acid 10 or oleic acid 40+cod-liver oil 10. These five experimental diets were given for 16 weeks. 2. Weight gains were highest in the group given the diet containing cod-liver oil and lowest in the groups given diets containing oleic acid alone or oleic acid+linoleic acid. Weight gains in the groups given oleic acid+arachidonic acid or linolenic acid were markedly inferior to those of the group given oleic acid+cod-liver oil. It is concluded that arachidonic acid is inferior to polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega3 series in maintaining growth rate in turbot. 3. Fatty acid analyses of neutral lipids and phospholipids of liver and extrahepatic tissues did not suggest any evidence of desaturation of dietary oleic acid, linoleic acid or linolenic acid by the turbot. These experiments confirm previous isotopic evidence that turbot lack the necessary microsomal desaturases to perform this metabolic transformation.", "contents": "Studies on the nutrition of marine flatfish. The effect of different dietary fatty acids on the growth and fatty acid composition of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). 1. Five groups of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) which had been given a diet free of fat for 12 weeks were given diets in which the lipid component (g/kg) was: oleic acid alone 50, oleic acid 40+linoleic acid 10, oleic acid 40+linolenic acid 10, oleic acid40+arachidonic acid 10 or oleic acid 40+cod-liver oil 10. These five experimental diets were given for 16 weeks. 2. Weight gains were highest in the group given the diet containing cod-liver oil and lowest in the groups given diets containing oleic acid alone or oleic acid+linoleic acid. Weight gains in the groups given oleic acid+arachidonic acid or linolenic acid were markedly inferior to those of the group given oleic acid+cod-liver oil. It is concluded that arachidonic acid is inferior to polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega3 series in maintaining growth rate in turbot. 3. Fatty acid analyses of neutral lipids and phospholipids of liver and extrahepatic tissues did not suggest any evidence of desaturation of dietary oleic acid, linoleic acid or linolenic acid by the turbot. These experiments confirm previous isotopic evidence that turbot lack the necessary microsomal desaturases to perform this metabolic transformation.", "PMID": 1009074} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11509", "title": "Changes in the alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) and inorganic pyrophosphatase (EC 3.6.1.1) activities of rat tissues during magnesium deficiency. The importance of controlling feeding pattern.", "content": "1. The adoption of a meal-eating pattern of feeding by rats altered the alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) activity in serum and liver. It was therefore necessary to regulate the feeding pattern of both magnesium-deficient rats and control animals receiving a Mg-adequate diet in order to study the effect of the deficiency. 2. Mg deficiency decreased the activities of alkaline phosphatase and inorganic pyrophosphatase (EC 3.6.1.1) in serum, kidney and tibia, but increased them in spleen. 3. Addition of a standard concentration of exogenous Mg to tissue extracts usually increased the activity of corresponding enzymes from Mg-deficient and control rats by the same proportion, indicating that the main effect of the deficiency was on the amount of enzyme present rather than on the efficiency of its operation. 4. Certain quantitative differences in the response to exogenous Mg and the activity ratio, alkaline phosphatase:inorganic pyrophosphatase were found between tissues from Mg-deficient and control rats. The significance of these are discussed in relation to the association of the two enzymic activities with the same protein molecule, and the possible occurrence of isoenzymes.", "contents": "Changes in the alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) and inorganic pyrophosphatase (EC 3.6.1.1) activities of rat tissues during magnesium deficiency. The importance of controlling feeding pattern. 1. The adoption of a meal-eating pattern of feeding by rats altered the alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) activity in serum and liver. It was therefore necessary to regulate the feeding pattern of both magnesium-deficient rats and control animals receiving a Mg-adequate diet in order to study the effect of the deficiency. 2. Mg deficiency decreased the activities of alkaline phosphatase and inorganic pyrophosphatase (EC 3.6.1.1) in serum, kidney and tibia, but increased them in spleen. 3. Addition of a standard concentration of exogenous Mg to tissue extracts usually increased the activity of corresponding enzymes from Mg-deficient and control rats by the same proportion, indicating that the main effect of the deficiency was on the amount of enzyme present rather than on the efficiency of its operation. 4. Certain quantitative differences in the response to exogenous Mg and the activity ratio, alkaline phosphatase:inorganic pyrophosphatase were found between tissues from Mg-deficient and control rats. The significance of these are discussed in relation to the association of the two enzymic activities with the same protein molecule, and the possible occurrence of isoenzymes.", "PMID": 1009075} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11510", "title": "Effect of dietary nitrogen source on carbohydrate metabolism in the rumen of the young steer.", "content": "1. Steers, fitted with simple rumen and duodenal cannulas, were given diets of approximately equal parts of flaked maize and hay (A) (containing 16 g nitrogen/kg dry matter (DM) or diets of flaked maize and straw supplemented with decorticated groundnut meal (B), fish meal (C), or heated (D) or unheated (E) soya-bean meal (containing 24 g N/kg DM). Chromic oxide was given as a marker with the feeds, and flows of different combined sugars at the duodenum estimated from the values for sugars:marker at this site. Contributions of bacterial constituents to these flows were estimated from amounts of RNA present. 2. Rumen bacteria from steers receiving diet A contained approximately 110 g alpha-dextran-glucose/kg DM and contributed about 60 g alpha-dextran-glucose/d at the duodenum; bacteria from steers receiving diets B, C, D or E contained 25-40 g alpha-dextran-glucose/kg DM and contributed about 20-30 g alpha-dextran-glucose/d at the duodenum. There were no significant differences between different N supplements. About half the alpha-dextran-glucose, varying amounts of the mannose and galactose, and nearly all the rhamnose and ribose in duodenal digesta were contributed by the bacteria. Almost all the arabinose, xylose and cellulose-glucose was of dietary origin. 3. For steers receiving diet A, mean coefficients of digestibility between mouth and duodenum, corrected where necessary for bacterial contribution, were 0-96, 0-73, 0-58, 0-22 and 0-53 for starch-glucose, galactose, arabinose, xylose and cellulose-glucose respectively. Corresponding mean values when diets B, C, D and E were given, which did not differ significantly amongst themselves, were 0-98, 0-79, 0-81, 0-59 and 0-58. Most values for galactose, arabinose and xylose were significantly higher than the diet A values.", "contents": "Effect of dietary nitrogen source on carbohydrate metabolism in the rumen of the young steer. 1. Steers, fitted with simple rumen and duodenal cannulas, were given diets of approximately equal parts of flaked maize and hay (A) (containing 16 g nitrogen/kg dry matter (DM) or diets of flaked maize and straw supplemented with decorticated groundnut meal (B), fish meal (C), or heated (D) or unheated (E) soya-bean meal (containing 24 g N/kg DM). Chromic oxide was given as a marker with the feeds, and flows of different combined sugars at the duodenum estimated from the values for sugars:marker at this site. Contributions of bacterial constituents to these flows were estimated from amounts of RNA present. 2. Rumen bacteria from steers receiving diet A contained approximately 110 g alpha-dextran-glucose/kg DM and contributed about 60 g alpha-dextran-glucose/d at the duodenum; bacteria from steers receiving diets B, C, D or E contained 25-40 g alpha-dextran-glucose/kg DM and contributed about 20-30 g alpha-dextran-glucose/d at the duodenum. There were no significant differences between different N supplements. About half the alpha-dextran-glucose, varying amounts of the mannose and galactose, and nearly all the rhamnose and ribose in duodenal digesta were contributed by the bacteria. Almost all the arabinose, xylose and cellulose-glucose was of dietary origin. 3. For steers receiving diet A, mean coefficients of digestibility between mouth and duodenum, corrected where necessary for bacterial contribution, were 0-96, 0-73, 0-58, 0-22 and 0-53 for starch-glucose, galactose, arabinose, xylose and cellulose-glucose respectively. Corresponding mean values when diets B, C, D and E were given, which did not differ significantly amongst themselves, were 0-98, 0-79, 0-81, 0-59 and 0-58. Most values for galactose, arabinose and xylose were significantly higher than the diet A values.", "PMID": 1009076} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11511", "title": "Protective effect of zinc supplementation against copper toxicosis in sheep.", "content": "1. A study has been made of the effects of dietary zinc supplementation on the development of copper toxicosis in three groups each of eight 12-week-old lambs. 2. None of the lambs receiving 420 mg Zn/kg diet developed Cu toxicosis in the 24-week experimental period, compared with three in the control group receiving 43 mg Zn/kg and possibly one in the group receiving 220 mg Zn/kg. 3. Liver Cu concentrations were reduced by up to 40% in the Zn-supplemented animals, with concomitant reductions, especially in the early stages of the experiment, in the extent of liver damage, as assessed by measurement of plasma aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1) and arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) activities. 4. Plasma and liver Zn concentrations were increased only slightly in the lambs receiving the Zn-supplemented diets, and the only indication of possible toxic effects of the Zn supplements was the development of a slight anaemia in those animals receiving 420 mg Zn/kg diet. 5. The results suggest that the incidence of Cu toxicosis in sheep may be controlled by increasing their dietary Zn intake.", "contents": "Protective effect of zinc supplementation against copper toxicosis in sheep. 1. A study has been made of the effects of dietary zinc supplementation on the development of copper toxicosis in three groups each of eight 12-week-old lambs. 2. None of the lambs receiving 420 mg Zn/kg diet developed Cu toxicosis in the 24-week experimental period, compared with three in the control group receiving 43 mg Zn/kg and possibly one in the group receiving 220 mg Zn/kg. 3. Liver Cu concentrations were reduced by up to 40% in the Zn-supplemented animals, with concomitant reductions, especially in the early stages of the experiment, in the extent of liver damage, as assessed by measurement of plasma aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1) and arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) activities. 4. Plasma and liver Zn concentrations were increased only slightly in the lambs receiving the Zn-supplemented diets, and the only indication of possible toxic effects of the Zn supplements was the development of a slight anaemia in those animals receiving 420 mg Zn/kg diet. 5. The results suggest that the incidence of Cu toxicosis in sheep may be controlled by increasing their dietary Zn intake.", "PMID": 1009077} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11512", "title": "The biphasic nature of protein metabolism during pregnancy in the rat.", "content": "1. Additional protein given to malnourished rats early in pregnancy was found to increase substantially the weight and cellularity of their foetuses and placentas at term. 2. This observation confirms the hypothesis that protein is stored in early pregnancy for use during the period of rapid foetal growth.", "contents": "The biphasic nature of protein metabolism during pregnancy in the rat. 1. Additional protein given to malnourished rats early in pregnancy was found to increase substantially the weight and cellularity of their foetuses and placentas at term. 2. This observation confirms the hypothesis that protein is stored in early pregnancy for use during the period of rapid foetal growth.", "PMID": 1009078} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11513", "title": "The rapid determination of carcass fat by the Foss-Let specific gravity technique.", "content": "1. Carcass fat was determined by extraction with tetrachloroethylene and measurement of the solvent's change in density. The results were comparable in precision to those of a reference method; the new method extracted storage lipid but little structural lipid. 2. The technique is simple, rapid and appropriate for many nutritional studies.", "contents": "The rapid determination of carcass fat by the Foss-Let specific gravity technique. 1. Carcass fat was determined by extraction with tetrachloroethylene and measurement of the solvent's change in density. The results were comparable in precision to those of a reference method; the new method extracted storage lipid but little structural lipid. 2. The technique is simple, rapid and appropriate for many nutritional studies.", "PMID": 1009079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11514", "title": "Sulphur and cystine incorporation into rumen microbial protein.", "content": "1. In three series of experiments, Na235so4 was infused into the rumen of sheep consuming a variety of diets. The specific activity of the sulphur in the rumen H2S pool, rumen bacteria and of the S in bacterial cystine were determined. 2. The results showed that, depending upon the diet, the proportion of total sulphur and cystine sulphur in rumen bacteria originating in the rumen H2S pool could be as low as 0-557 and 0-280 respectively.", "contents": "Sulphur and cystine incorporation into rumen microbial protein. 1. In three series of experiments, Na235so4 was infused into the rumen of sheep consuming a variety of diets. The specific activity of the sulphur in the rumen H2S pool, rumen bacteria and of the S in bacterial cystine were determined. 2. The results showed that, depending upon the diet, the proportion of total sulphur and cystine sulphur in rumen bacteria originating in the rumen H2S pool could be as low as 0-557 and 0-280 respectively.", "PMID": 1009080} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11515", "title": "Protein turnover in rats treated with trienbolone acetate.", "content": "1. The anabolic agent Trienbolone acetate (3-oxo-17-beta-hydroxy-4,9,11-estratriene acetate) given subccutaneously to female rats increased their growth ratndrogenic activity. 3. The fractional synthetic and fractional degradative rates of the mixed muscle proteins were smaller in the treated rats than in the control rats.", "contents": "Protein turnover in rats treated with trienbolone acetate. 1. The anabolic agent Trienbolone acetate (3-oxo-17-beta-hydroxy-4,9,11-estratriene acetate) given subccutaneously to female rats increased their growth ratndrogenic activity. 3. The fractional synthetic and fractional degradative rates of the mixed muscle proteins were smaller in the treated rats than in the control rats.", "PMID": 1009081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11516", "title": "Evidence for negative cooperativity in the adsorption of phosphorylase b on hydrophobic agaroses.", "content": "The concept of cooperativity appears to be the key to the understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the adsorption of proteins to agaroses substituted with hydrophobic alpha-aminoalkanes. The adsorption of phosphorylase b occurs through the positive cooperative interaction of a critical number of approximately 3-5 butyl and a higher number of methyl residues with ocrresponding sites on the enzyme. The amount of adsorbed phosphorylase b per millileter of packed gel (methyl-, butyl-Sepharose) in the absence and presence of 1.1 M ammonium sulfate at temperatures between 0 and 34 degrees C is a power function of the free solute equilibrium concentration (Freundlich isotherm). In contrast, the adsorption of cyanmyoglobin to phosphocellulose is described by the Langmuir equation. The surface coverage dependent isosteric heats of adsorption for phosphorylase b indicate an endothermic reaction only on the butyl-Sepharose in the presence of high salt concentrations. Scatchard plots of the Freundlich isotherms of phosphorylase b are concave upwards, typical of negative cooperativity. Hill plots of these isotherms (5-70% saturation) yield coefficients between nH = 0.39 and 0.71. At high surface coverages, the Hill coefficients approach unity. Apparent association constants (K0.5) of 4-39 X 10(4) M-1 are calculated for the adsorption of phosphorylase b, as compared to 2-9 X 10(4) M-1 for the adsorption of cyanmyoblobin. In general, negative cooperativity of binding may be explained by changes in the affinity of the ligand for the matrix, due to the sequential multivalent adsorption, and competition of phosphorylase b molecules for the critical number of alkyl residues (nonindependence of binding) on one side and to variations in the configuration of binding and entropy on the other.", "contents": "Evidence for negative cooperativity in the adsorption of phosphorylase b on hydrophobic agaroses. The concept of cooperativity appears to be the key to the understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the adsorption of proteins to agaroses substituted with hydrophobic alpha-aminoalkanes. The adsorption of phosphorylase b occurs through the positive cooperative interaction of a critical number of approximately 3-5 butyl and a higher number of methyl residues with ocrresponding sites on the enzyme. The amount of adsorbed phosphorylase b per millileter of packed gel (methyl-, butyl-Sepharose) in the absence and presence of 1.1 M ammonium sulfate at temperatures between 0 and 34 degrees C is a power function of the free solute equilibrium concentration (Freundlich isotherm). In contrast, the adsorption of cyanmyoglobin to phosphocellulose is described by the Langmuir equation. The surface coverage dependent isosteric heats of adsorption for phosphorylase b indicate an endothermic reaction only on the butyl-Sepharose in the presence of high salt concentrations. Scatchard plots of the Freundlich isotherms of phosphorylase b are concave upwards, typical of negative cooperativity. Hill plots of these isotherms (5-70% saturation) yield coefficients between nH = 0.39 and 0.71. At high surface coverages, the Hill coefficients approach unity. Apparent association constants (K0.5) of 4-39 X 10(4) M-1 are calculated for the adsorption of phosphorylase b, as compared to 2-9 X 10(4) M-1 for the adsorption of cyanmyoblobin. In general, negative cooperativity of binding may be explained by changes in the affinity of the ligand for the matrix, due to the sequential multivalent adsorption, and competition of phosphorylase b molecules for the critical number of alkyl residues (nonindependence of binding) on one side and to variations in the configuration of binding and entropy on the other.", "PMID": 1009082} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11517", "title": "Effects of the aliphatic carboxylate series of salts on the conformation of proteins.", "content": "The effects of the aliphatic acid series of salts, formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, valarate, and caproate, on the conformation of sperm whale myoglobin, human hemoglobin A, and horse heart cytochrome c were investigated by spectral measurements in the Soret region, optical rotation, and intrinsic viscosity measurements. The effectiveness of the aliphatic acid salts as unfolding reagents for proteins is found to increase with increasing hydrocarbon content of the alkyl chains of the salts, which is analogous in behavior to effects of the urea, amide, and alcohol series of protein denaturants. The denaturation midpoints, Sm, as a function of the unfolding reagent were analyzed using the equations of Peller (Peller, L. (1959), J. Phys, Chem- 63, 1199) and Flory (Flory, P.J. (1957), J. Cell. Comp. Physiol. 49, 175) with binding constants based in part on the Scherage-Nemethy theory of hydrophobic bonding or evaluated from free-energy transfer data of nonpolar amino acid side chains from aqueous to nonaqueous solvents. The summation of the polar KP and hydrophobic KHphi contributions of solvent to protein amino acid side chain interactions were found to give best account of the protein denaturation data. Intrinsic viscosity and optical rotation data obtained on hemoglobin and myoglobin at high salt concentrations, above the unfolding transition regions, indicate that the product of denaturation by the aliphatic acid salts is less unfolded than in 6 M guanidine hydrochloride solutions. Residual elements of the helical regions of the proteins seem to either escape unfolding or are reformed at high concentrations of the denaturing salts.", "contents": "Effects of the aliphatic carboxylate series of salts on the conformation of proteins. The effects of the aliphatic acid series of salts, formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, valarate, and caproate, on the conformation of sperm whale myoglobin, human hemoglobin A, and horse heart cytochrome c were investigated by spectral measurements in the Soret region, optical rotation, and intrinsic viscosity measurements. The effectiveness of the aliphatic acid salts as unfolding reagents for proteins is found to increase with increasing hydrocarbon content of the alkyl chains of the salts, which is analogous in behavior to effects of the urea, amide, and alcohol series of protein denaturants. The denaturation midpoints, Sm, as a function of the unfolding reagent were analyzed using the equations of Peller (Peller, L. (1959), J. Phys, Chem- 63, 1199) and Flory (Flory, P.J. (1957), J. Cell. Comp. Physiol. 49, 175) with binding constants based in part on the Scherage-Nemethy theory of hydrophobic bonding or evaluated from free-energy transfer data of nonpolar amino acid side chains from aqueous to nonaqueous solvents. The summation of the polar KP and hydrophobic KHphi contributions of solvent to protein amino acid side chain interactions were found to give best account of the protein denaturation data. Intrinsic viscosity and optical rotation data obtained on hemoglobin and myoglobin at high salt concentrations, above the unfolding transition regions, indicate that the product of denaturation by the aliphatic acid salts is less unfolded than in 6 M guanidine hydrochloride solutions. Residual elements of the helical regions of the proteins seem to either escape unfolding or are reformed at high concentrations of the denaturing salts.", "PMID": 1009083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11518", "title": "Light-scattering investigations of the subunit dissociation of human hemoglobin A. Effects of the aliphatic acid salts.", "content": "The subunit dissociation of human hemoglobin A by the aliphatic acid salts at neutral pH has been investigated by light-scattering molecular-weight measurements at 630 nm. Dissociation of hemoglobin tetramers to alphabeta dimers is observed in essentially all experiments at low to intermediate levels of salt concentrations, below the denaturation transitions, described in the accompanying paper (Ibanez, V.S., and Herskovits, T.T. (1976), Biochemistry 15, preceding paper in this issue). The effectiveness of the salts as subunit dissociating agent, reflected by the slopes, s, of the plots of deltaGDdegrees, the standard free energy of dissociation, vs. [D], the salt concentration, is found to increase with increasing alkyl chain length or hydrocarbon content of the salt. Estimates of the apparent number of amino acid sites at the areas of contact per alphabeta dimer formed, N', based on the slopes of the higher members of the series have been obtained using the equation, deltaGDdegrees = deltaGD,Wdegrees - 2N'RTKB[D]. Independent estimates of the binding constant, KB, required for these calculations were based on free-energy transfer data of hydrophobic amino acid alkyl groups and protein denaturation data. Our estimates of N' denaturation data. Our estimates of N' obtained with the more reliable data of the higher members of salt series are in the ranges of 19 and 27 amino acid groups, shown by the x-ray crystallographic structure of horse and human hemoglobin of Perutz (Perutz, M.F., et al. (1968), Nature (London) 219, 131) and Fermi ((1975) J. Mol. Biol. 97, 237) for the smaller alpha1 beta2 contact areas in the tetrameric structure. The lower estimates than 27 based on our dissociation of human hemoglobin suggest that several of the amino acid residues in the contact areas of the subunits are partially exposed to solvent. The increasing effectiveness of the higher mn imporant source of stabilization of the tetrameric structure of hemoglobin.", "contents": "Light-scattering investigations of the subunit dissociation of human hemoglobin A. Effects of the aliphatic acid salts. The subunit dissociation of human hemoglobin A by the aliphatic acid salts at neutral pH has been investigated by light-scattering molecular-weight measurements at 630 nm. Dissociation of hemoglobin tetramers to alphabeta dimers is observed in essentially all experiments at low to intermediate levels of salt concentrations, below the denaturation transitions, described in the accompanying paper (Ibanez, V.S., and Herskovits, T.T. (1976), Biochemistry 15, preceding paper in this issue). The effectiveness of the salts as subunit dissociating agent, reflected by the slopes, s, of the plots of deltaGDdegrees, the standard free energy of dissociation, vs. [D], the salt concentration, is found to increase with increasing alkyl chain length or hydrocarbon content of the salt. Estimates of the apparent number of amino acid sites at the areas of contact per alphabeta dimer formed, N', based on the slopes of the higher members of the series have been obtained using the equation, deltaGDdegrees = deltaGD,Wdegrees - 2N'RTKB[D]. Independent estimates of the binding constant, KB, required for these calculations were based on free-energy transfer data of hydrophobic amino acid alkyl groups and protein denaturation data. Our estimates of N' denaturation data. Our estimates of N' obtained with the more reliable data of the higher members of salt series are in the ranges of 19 and 27 amino acid groups, shown by the x-ray crystallographic structure of horse and human hemoglobin of Perutz (Perutz, M.F., et al. (1968), Nature (London) 219, 131) and Fermi ((1975) J. Mol. Biol. 97, 237) for the smaller alpha1 beta2 contact areas in the tetrameric structure. The lower estimates than 27 based on our dissociation of human hemoglobin suggest that several of the amino acid residues in the contact areas of the subunits are partially exposed to solvent. The increasing effectiveness of the higher mn imporant source of stabilization of the tetrameric structure of hemoglobin.", "PMID": 1009084} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11519", "title": "Intramolecular 1H nuclear Overhauser effect study of the solution conformation of valinomycin in dimethyl sulfoxide.", "content": "Determination of the mechanism of intramolecular nuclear Overhauser effects (NOE) in peptides and depsipeptides is essential to the use of this technique in conformational analysis of these and related biomolecules. Towards this end, 1H NMR double-resonance studies were conducted on valinomycin in (CD3)2SO at 90 MGZ (FT mode) and 250 MGZ (correlation mode). The NOE's are positive at the lower frequency and negative at the higher frequency. Consideration of the theoretical dependence of the NOE on the proton-proton internuclear correlation time and on the resonance frequency indicates that these results are explained by a predominantly dipolar relaxation mechanism. It is demonstrated that exchange modulation of scalar coupling does not contribute significantly to the NOE. A formalism for the NOE's of loosely coupled spin systems is presented which takes into account the effects of high magnetic-field strengths and long correlation times. An approximate analysis of the NOE data assuming a single correlation time for the entire molecule and ignoring cross-relaxation effects was used to evaluate various models that have been proposed for the conformation of valinomycin. The III-1 model of Patel and Tonelli (Patel, D.J., and Tonelli, A.E. (1973), Biochemistry 12, 486) fits the NOE and peptide NHCalphaH coupling constant data and is probably a preferred orientation in dimethyl sulfoxide. These experiments illustrate how intramolecular NOE data provide a valuable auxiliary method to other techniques for delineating the preferred solution conformation of peptides, depsipeptides, and other biomolecules.", "contents": "Intramolecular 1H nuclear Overhauser effect study of the solution conformation of valinomycin in dimethyl sulfoxide. Determination of the mechanism of intramolecular nuclear Overhauser effects (NOE) in peptides and depsipeptides is essential to the use of this technique in conformational analysis of these and related biomolecules. Towards this end, 1H NMR double-resonance studies were conducted on valinomycin in (CD3)2SO at 90 MGZ (FT mode) and 250 MGZ (correlation mode). The NOE's are positive at the lower frequency and negative at the higher frequency. Consideration of the theoretical dependence of the NOE on the proton-proton internuclear correlation time and on the resonance frequency indicates that these results are explained by a predominantly dipolar relaxation mechanism. It is demonstrated that exchange modulation of scalar coupling does not contribute significantly to the NOE. A formalism for the NOE's of loosely coupled spin systems is presented which takes into account the effects of high magnetic-field strengths and long correlation times. An approximate analysis of the NOE data assuming a single correlation time for the entire molecule and ignoring cross-relaxation effects was used to evaluate various models that have been proposed for the conformation of valinomycin. The III-1 model of Patel and Tonelli (Patel, D.J., and Tonelli, A.E. (1973), Biochemistry 12, 486) fits the NOE and peptide NHCalphaH coupling constant data and is probably a preferred orientation in dimethyl sulfoxide. These experiments illustrate how intramolecular NOE data provide a valuable auxiliary method to other techniques for delineating the preferred solution conformation of peptides, depsipeptides, and other biomolecules.", "PMID": 1009085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11520", "title": "Influence of 5'-terminal m7G and 2'--O-methylated residues on messenger ribonucleic acid binding to ribosomes.", "content": "Removal of 80% of the 5'-terminal 7-methyl-guanosine (m7G) from methylated reovirus mRNA by beta elimination results in a concomitant loss of the ability to bind to wheat germ ribosomes. The mRNA molecules that retain the m7G account for most of the residual binding. Removal of the m7G from all molecules in preparations of methylated reovirus and vesicular stomatitis virus mRNA reduces the extent of binding to wheat germ ribosomes from 80% to 5-7%. In the reticulocyte lysate, however, significant binding (17-34%) of the beta-eliminated viral RNAs occurs. This m7G-independent binding appears to be due to recognition by ribosomes of other structural features of the 5'-proximal sequences. Initiation complexes involving beta-eliminated animal virus mRNAs and rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes appear to be more stable than the more heterologous combination of the same viral mRNAs and wheat germ ribosomes. In addition, evidence is presented to show that the 2'-O-methylated nucleoside of the 5'-terminal cap has a positive influence on the ribosome binding of viral mRNA and of capped synthetic ribopolymers. A model involving recognition of multiple structural features of the 5'-terminal region of mRNA by ribosomes during initiation of protein synthesis is presented.", "contents": "Influence of 5'-terminal m7G and 2'--O-methylated residues on messenger ribonucleic acid binding to ribosomes. Removal of 80% of the 5'-terminal 7-methyl-guanosine (m7G) from methylated reovirus mRNA by beta elimination results in a concomitant loss of the ability to bind to wheat germ ribosomes. The mRNA molecules that retain the m7G account for most of the residual binding. Removal of the m7G from all molecules in preparations of methylated reovirus and vesicular stomatitis virus mRNA reduces the extent of binding to wheat germ ribosomes from 80% to 5-7%. In the reticulocyte lysate, however, significant binding (17-34%) of the beta-eliminated viral RNAs occurs. This m7G-independent binding appears to be due to recognition by ribosomes of other structural features of the 5'-proximal sequences. Initiation complexes involving beta-eliminated animal virus mRNAs and rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes appear to be more stable than the more heterologous combination of the same viral mRNAs and wheat germ ribosomes. In addition, evidence is presented to show that the 2'-O-methylated nucleoside of the 5'-terminal cap has a positive influence on the ribosome binding of viral mRNA and of capped synthetic ribopolymers. A model involving recognition of multiple structural features of the 5'-terminal region of mRNA by ribosomes during initiation of protein synthesis is presented.", "PMID": 1009086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11521", "title": "Natural abundance carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance studies of bovine white matter and myelin.", "content": "Whole bovine white matter yields a poorly resolved natural abundance 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum. The spectrum principally reflects carbon atoms of the constituent membrane lipids: several resonances could be specifically assigned but no resonances attributable to cholesterol are detectable. Except for the methyl group at the terminus of fatty acyl chains, lipid carbons giving rise to the 13C NMR spectrum have values of spin-lattice relaxation time between 140 and 500 ms, indicating significant restrictions on segmental and rotational mibolities but consistent with a generally fluid structural organization. The 13C NMR spectrum of myelin isolated from bovine white matter is similar to that for the whole white matter itself. In both white matter and isolated meylin, the integrated intensities for several carbon atoms are considerably less than those for the same carbon atoms in total lipid extracts. The data for white matter and myelin are consistent with a model in which observed line broadening is due to restrictions in the amplitude of chain flexing rather than to severe restrictions on chain segmental motion. Failure to detect resonances of cholesterol ring system carbon atoms may reflect marked anisotropy of rotational reorientation.", "contents": "Natural abundance carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance studies of bovine white matter and myelin. Whole bovine white matter yields a poorly resolved natural abundance 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum. The spectrum principally reflects carbon atoms of the constituent membrane lipids: several resonances could be specifically assigned but no resonances attributable to cholesterol are detectable. Except for the methyl group at the terminus of fatty acyl chains, lipid carbons giving rise to the 13C NMR spectrum have values of spin-lattice relaxation time between 140 and 500 ms, indicating significant restrictions on segmental and rotational mibolities but consistent with a generally fluid structural organization. The 13C NMR spectrum of myelin isolated from bovine white matter is similar to that for the whole white matter itself. In both white matter and isolated meylin, the integrated intensities for several carbon atoms are considerably less than those for the same carbon atoms in total lipid extracts. The data for white matter and myelin are consistent with a model in which observed line broadening is due to restrictions in the amplitude of chain flexing rather than to severe restrictions on chain segmental motion. Failure to detect resonances of cholesterol ring system carbon atoms may reflect marked anisotropy of rotational reorientation.", "PMID": 1009087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11522", "title": "Utilization of serum lipoprotein lipids by the monoacylglycerol acyltransferase.", "content": "The plasma membrane of rat liver contains an enzyme which is stimulated by heparin and hydrolyzes liposomes composed of phosphoglycerides as well as mono-and diacylglycerol (Waite, M. and Sisson, P (1973) J.Biol, Chem. 248, 7985-7902). Further, in liposomes this enzyme catalyzes a transacylation in which the acyl group is removed from position 1 of an acyl glyceride donor, and combined with the hydroxy group of a variety of acyl acceptors. To investigate the possible role of this enzyme in lipoprotein metabolism, we have incorporated specific labeled glycerides into lipoproteins. The high density, low and very low lipoproteins were then separated by molecular sieving and characterized by their physical and chemical properties. Using the labeled substrates as model lipoproteins, we found the following: 1)The enzyme is capable of hydrolyzing monoacylglycerol, diacylglycerophosphoethanolamine and diacylglycerophosphocholine; monoacylglycerol however is the preferred substrate in all three lipoprotein fractions. 2)Relative to the activity found on liposomes, the transacylation activity is low. 3)The specific radioactivity of the substrates in fraction B (low density lipoprotein) did not change during the reaction, which indicates that the labeled lipid is not a pool separate from the endogenous lipid of the lipoprotein.", "contents": "Utilization of serum lipoprotein lipids by the monoacylglycerol acyltransferase. The plasma membrane of rat liver contains an enzyme which is stimulated by heparin and hydrolyzes liposomes composed of phosphoglycerides as well as mono-and diacylglycerol (Waite, M. and Sisson, P (1973) J.Biol, Chem. 248, 7985-7902). Further, in liposomes this enzyme catalyzes a transacylation in which the acyl group is removed from position 1 of an acyl glyceride donor, and combined with the hydroxy group of a variety of acyl acceptors. To investigate the possible role of this enzyme in lipoprotein metabolism, we have incorporated specific labeled glycerides into lipoproteins. The high density, low and very low lipoproteins were then separated by molecular sieving and characterized by their physical and chemical properties. Using the labeled substrates as model lipoproteins, we found the following: 1)The enzyme is capable of hydrolyzing monoacylglycerol, diacylglycerophosphoethanolamine and diacylglycerophosphocholine; monoacylglycerol however is the preferred substrate in all three lipoprotein fractions. 2)Relative to the activity found on liposomes, the transacylation activity is low. 3)The specific radioactivity of the substrates in fraction B (low density lipoprotein) did not change during the reaction, which indicates that the labeled lipid is not a pool separate from the endogenous lipid of the lipoprotein.", "PMID": 1009088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11523", "title": "Enzymes of phospholipid synthesis in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin induced rabbit alveolar macrophage. Characterization and localization of cytidine diphosphocholine phosphotransferase and monoacylphospholipid acyltransferase.", "content": "The rabbit alveolar macrophage is capable of renewing its plasma membrane by at least two metabolic pathways. It contains (1) a monoacylphospholipid acyltransferase, which catalyzes the synthesis of diacylphospholipids by recycling monoacylphospholipids produced by the action of phospholipases and (2) a cytidine diphosphocholine phosphotransferase (CDPcholine phosphotransferase), which catalyzes the last step in the synthesis de novo of diacylglycerophosphocholine. These activities have been characterized in the cell homogenate with respect to time, protein, pH optimum (for CDPcholine phosphotransferase), substrate specificity (for monoacylphospholipid acyltransferase) and cation requirement ( for CDPcholine phosphotransferase). Monoacylphospholipid acyltransferase activity is localized solely in the endoplasmic reticulum. On the other hand, the CDPcholine phosphotransferase activity can be measured in the endoplasmic reticulum and in the plasma membrane, characterized by both differential and gradient sedimentation techniques. In addition to the normal route of phospholipid synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum, the rabbit alveolar macrophage may thus possess the capacity for in situ synthesis of phospholipids of plasma membrane as a mechanism for membrane renewal following phagocytosis.", "contents": "Enzymes of phospholipid synthesis in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin induced rabbit alveolar macrophage. Characterization and localization of cytidine diphosphocholine phosphotransferase and monoacylphospholipid acyltransferase. The rabbit alveolar macrophage is capable of renewing its plasma membrane by at least two metabolic pathways. It contains (1) a monoacylphospholipid acyltransferase, which catalyzes the synthesis of diacylphospholipids by recycling monoacylphospholipids produced by the action of phospholipases and (2) a cytidine diphosphocholine phosphotransferase (CDPcholine phosphotransferase), which catalyzes the last step in the synthesis de novo of diacylglycerophosphocholine. These activities have been characterized in the cell homogenate with respect to time, protein, pH optimum (for CDPcholine phosphotransferase), substrate specificity (for monoacylphospholipid acyltransferase) and cation requirement ( for CDPcholine phosphotransferase). Monoacylphospholipid acyltransferase activity is localized solely in the endoplasmic reticulum. On the other hand, the CDPcholine phosphotransferase activity can be measured in the endoplasmic reticulum and in the plasma membrane, characterized by both differential and gradient sedimentation techniques. In addition to the normal route of phospholipid synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum, the rabbit alveolar macrophage may thus possess the capacity for in situ synthesis of phospholipids of plasma membrane as a mechanism for membrane renewal following phagocytosis.", "PMID": 1009089} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11524", "title": "Phospholipase A2 activity of the regularly arranged surface protein of Acinetobacter sp.199A.", "content": "The regularly arranged surface protein, the a-protein, of Acinetobacter 199A has been shown to have phospholipase A2 activity. Since half of the a-protein synthesised by Acinetobacter 199A is secreted into the growth medium, the bacteria are producing extracellular phospholipase A2.", "contents": "Phospholipase A2 activity of the regularly arranged surface protein of Acinetobacter sp.199A. The regularly arranged surface protein, the a-protein, of Acinetobacter 199A has been shown to have phospholipase A2 activity. Since half of the a-protein synthesised by Acinetobacter 199A is secreted into the growth medium, the bacteria are producing extracellular phospholipase A2.", "PMID": 1009090} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11525", "title": "Properties of purified bovine milk lipoprotein lipase.", "content": "Lipoprotein lipase has been purified from bovine milk by affinity chromatography on Sepharose containing covalently linked heparin. In addition to an enzyme eluted by salt, further activity could be eluted with detergent. Rechromatography experiments suggested that the two activities were due to the same enzyme. This assumption was further verified by several other criteria as follows: (a) both require a serum activator, (b) their apparent molecular weights (55 000), their amino acid compositions and amino sugar contents were similar and (c) they had identical immunological reactivities. Thus, the enzyme appears to be bound to the heparin-Sepharose matrix by both salt-reversed and detergent-reversed interactions. Sodium deoxycholate stimulated the activity eluted by high salt, but had no effect on the detergent-eluted enzyme.", "contents": "Properties of purified bovine milk lipoprotein lipase. Lipoprotein lipase has been purified from bovine milk by affinity chromatography on Sepharose containing covalently linked heparin. In addition to an enzyme eluted by salt, further activity could be eluted with detergent. Rechromatography experiments suggested that the two activities were due to the same enzyme. This assumption was further verified by several other criteria as follows: (a) both require a serum activator, (b) their apparent molecular weights (55 000), their amino acid compositions and amino sugar contents were similar and (c) they had identical immunological reactivities. Thus, the enzyme appears to be bound to the heparin-Sepharose matrix by both salt-reversed and detergent-reversed interactions. Sodium deoxycholate stimulated the activity eluted by high salt, but had no effect on the detergent-eluted enzyme.", "PMID": 1009091} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11526", "title": "On the binding of bile salt to pancreatic lipase.", "content": "The binding of taurodeoxycholate to pancreatic lipase and a few other proteins has been studied with equilibrium dialysis and in gel filtration experiments. A three compartment dialysis cell has been used; with this cell, complete equilibration is not necessary for calculation of the binding even at bile salt concentrations above the critical micellar concentration. The results indicate that taurodeoxycholate does not bind to lipase below the critical micellar concentration, that the binding starts in the critical micellar concentration range of the bile salt and reaches around 12 mol taurodeoxycholate per mol of lipase at taurodeoxycholate concentrations well above the critical micellar concentration. Previous results indicating a binding of maximally 1-2 mol taurodeoxycholate/mol lipase were too low, depending on the experimental conditions in which complete equilibration was not obtained. The binding isotherm for taurodeoxycholate to lipase is similar to that for co-lipase; colipase and lipase in mixture bind as much taurodeoxycholate as the sum for the single proteins. Taurodeoxycholate binds to ribonuclease and chymotrypsinogen to a similar extent as to lipase.", "contents": "On the binding of bile salt to pancreatic lipase. The binding of taurodeoxycholate to pancreatic lipase and a few other proteins has been studied with equilibrium dialysis and in gel filtration experiments. A three compartment dialysis cell has been used; with this cell, complete equilibration is not necessary for calculation of the binding even at bile salt concentrations above the critical micellar concentration. The results indicate that taurodeoxycholate does not bind to lipase below the critical micellar concentration, that the binding starts in the critical micellar concentration range of the bile salt and reaches around 12 mol taurodeoxycholate per mol of lipase at taurodeoxycholate concentrations well above the critical micellar concentration. Previous results indicating a binding of maximally 1-2 mol taurodeoxycholate/mol lipase were too low, depending on the experimental conditions in which complete equilibration was not obtained. The binding isotherm for taurodeoxycholate to lipase is similar to that for co-lipase; colipase and lipase in mixture bind as much taurodeoxycholate as the sum for the single proteins. Taurodeoxycholate binds to ribonuclease and chymotrypsinogen to a similar extent as to lipase.", "PMID": 1009092} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11527", "title": "Influence of trypsin on lipolysis in human fat cells. Comparison with rat adipocytes.", "content": "1. Trypsin-treated human and rat fat cells were obtained by digestion of adipose tissue with collagenase plus trypsin and their lipolytic response to insulin, catecholamines and dibutyryl cyclic AMP were compared with the lipolytic response of human and rat fat cells isolated with collagenase only. 2. In both human and rat fat cells, no significant modification occurred in the intracellular lactate dehydrogenase content and in the basal release of glycerol after trypsination. 3. In rat fat cells, trypsin abolished the antilipolytic effect of insulin but maintained a normal lipolytic response to epinephrine, norepinephrine and isoproterenol. 4. In human fat cells, on the contrary, trypsin failed to modify the antilipolytic effect of insulin, but markedly potentiated the lipolytic response to epinephrine, norepinephrine and isoproterenol. Trypsin also increased the rate of intracellular 3' :5' cyclic AMP accumulation in response to catecholamines. Under these conditions, however, trypsin-treated human fat cells had a normal reponse to the lipolytic agent dibutyryl cyclin AMP. 5. These data suggest that human fat cells differ from the rat ones by the existence in human adipocyte membranes of a trypsin-sensitive component which inhibits the catecholamine induced lipolytic process and which is different from the alpha receptors.", "contents": "Influence of trypsin on lipolysis in human fat cells. Comparison with rat adipocytes. 1. Trypsin-treated human and rat fat cells were obtained by digestion of adipose tissue with collagenase plus trypsin and their lipolytic response to insulin, catecholamines and dibutyryl cyclic AMP were compared with the lipolytic response of human and rat fat cells isolated with collagenase only. 2. In both human and rat fat cells, no significant modification occurred in the intracellular lactate dehydrogenase content and in the basal release of glycerol after trypsination. 3. In rat fat cells, trypsin abolished the antilipolytic effect of insulin but maintained a normal lipolytic response to epinephrine, norepinephrine and isoproterenol. 4. In human fat cells, on the contrary, trypsin failed to modify the antilipolytic effect of insulin, but markedly potentiated the lipolytic response to epinephrine, norepinephrine and isoproterenol. Trypsin also increased the rate of intracellular 3' :5' cyclic AMP accumulation in response to catecholamines. Under these conditions, however, trypsin-treated human fat cells had a normal reponse to the lipolytic agent dibutyryl cyclin AMP. 5. These data suggest that human fat cells differ from the rat ones by the existence in human adipocyte membranes of a trypsin-sensitive component which inhibits the catecholamine induced lipolytic process and which is different from the alpha receptors.", "PMID": 1009093} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11528", "title": "Deposition and mobilization of cholesterol ester in cultured human skin fibroblasts.", "content": "Human skin fibroblasts in culture served as a model system to study intracellular cholesterol ester deposition in mesenchymal cells. Confluent cultures were exposed to homologous low density lipoprotein alone and together with chloroquine. In the presence of low density lipoprotein alone, even at half circulating serum concentrations, cellular free cholesterol increased no more than 12%, while the increase in cholesterol ester ranged from 13--100% during 48 h of incubation. Addition of chloroquine to the culture medium containing low density lipoprotein resulted in a very marked increase in cholesterol ester and the ratio of cellular esterified cholesterol to free cholesterol rose up to 2.2. In the presence of chloroquine the sum of uptake and degradation of 125I-labeled low density lipoprotein was enhanced and at higher chloroquine concentrations the more pronounced inhibition of degradation resulted in the intracellular retention of undegraded protein. Upon removal of the chloroquine-containing medium, there was a slight fall in the cellular cholesterol after 24 h incubation in a medium containing 10% fetal calf serum. Replacement of the fetal calf serum by lipoprotein-deficient serum and a mixture of high density apolipoprotein and sphingomyelin increased very significantly the loss of total cholesterol from the cells. At the same time the rate of loss of the retained labeled low density lipoprotein was also increased. The present results provide an adequate and reproducible model system for the study of cholesterol accumulation in human mesenchymal cells, which is one of the basic changes in atheromatosis. The availability of cholesterol ester laden cells also provides a good system for the study of agents active in cholesterol removal.", "contents": "Deposition and mobilization of cholesterol ester in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Human skin fibroblasts in culture served as a model system to study intracellular cholesterol ester deposition in mesenchymal cells. Confluent cultures were exposed to homologous low density lipoprotein alone and together with chloroquine. In the presence of low density lipoprotein alone, even at half circulating serum concentrations, cellular free cholesterol increased no more than 12%, while the increase in cholesterol ester ranged from 13--100% during 48 h of incubation. Addition of chloroquine to the culture medium containing low density lipoprotein resulted in a very marked increase in cholesterol ester and the ratio of cellular esterified cholesterol to free cholesterol rose up to 2.2. In the presence of chloroquine the sum of uptake and degradation of 125I-labeled low density lipoprotein was enhanced and at higher chloroquine concentrations the more pronounced inhibition of degradation resulted in the intracellular retention of undegraded protein. Upon removal of the chloroquine-containing medium, there was a slight fall in the cellular cholesterol after 24 h incubation in a medium containing 10% fetal calf serum. Replacement of the fetal calf serum by lipoprotein-deficient serum and a mixture of high density apolipoprotein and sphingomyelin increased very significantly the loss of total cholesterol from the cells. At the same time the rate of loss of the retained labeled low density lipoprotein was also increased. The present results provide an adequate and reproducible model system for the study of cholesterol accumulation in human mesenchymal cells, which is one of the basic changes in atheromatosis. The availability of cholesterol ester laden cells also provides a good system for the study of agents active in cholesterol removal.", "PMID": 1009094} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11529", "title": "The effect of diether phosphatidylcholine on the enterohepatic circulation of biliary sterols.", "content": "The effect of diether phosphatidylcholine on the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts and cholesterol was determined using the bile duct cannulated rat. Animals were infused intraduodenally with a solution containing radioactive bile salts and cholesterol. Phospholipid was also present in the infusate. In control animals it was supplied by pig liver phosphatidylcholine (diester). For experiments, equimolar amounts of diether phosphatidylcholine were used. No difference was observed between control and experimental groups for absorption and subsequent secretion of bile salts into bile. Significantly less cholesterol was absorbed, however, by experimental rats. This was correlated with a decreased secretion of radioactive cholesterol into bile. In controls, almost 14% of the administered dose of cholesterol appeared in bile over the period of infusion while the value for experimentals was 5%. It is concluded that diether phosphatidylcholine inhibits the enterohepatic circulation of cholesterol but not of bile salts.", "contents": "The effect of diether phosphatidylcholine on the enterohepatic circulation of biliary sterols. The effect of diether phosphatidylcholine on the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts and cholesterol was determined using the bile duct cannulated rat. Animals were infused intraduodenally with a solution containing radioactive bile salts and cholesterol. Phospholipid was also present in the infusate. In control animals it was supplied by pig liver phosphatidylcholine (diester). For experiments, equimolar amounts of diether phosphatidylcholine were used. No difference was observed between control and experimental groups for absorption and subsequent secretion of bile salts into bile. Significantly less cholesterol was absorbed, however, by experimental rats. This was correlated with a decreased secretion of radioactive cholesterol into bile. In controls, almost 14% of the administered dose of cholesterol appeared in bile over the period of infusion while the value for experimentals was 5%. It is concluded that diether phosphatidylcholine inhibits the enterohepatic circulation of cholesterol but not of bile salts.", "PMID": 1009095} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11530", "title": "The effects of detergents and phospholipids on a glycolipid galactosyltransferase.", "content": "1. Phospholipids activated the enzyme, lactosylceramide: UDP-galactose alpha-galactosyltransferase in hamster cells (NIL 2E clone 8) when assayed in the presence of neutral detergents. 2. Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol were the most effective phospholipids in activating the enzyme. Other phospholipids were also effective, but sphingomyelin and lysophosphatidylcholine were inhibitory. 3. Considerable enzyme activity was obtained in the absence of any detergent. Most of this activity was due to glycosylation of endogenous acceptors. 4. There was a complex effect of detergents on the enzyme activity. Very low concentrations were sharply inhibitory, but higher concentrations, above the critical micelle concentration for detergent, caused regeneration of activity. 5. The phospholipids, in the absence of a detergent, are required to maintain the lipid substrate, lactosylceramide, in a suitable dispersion where it can be acted upon by the enzyme. In the presence of detergents, it is proposed that the phospholipids also act by affecting the state of the lipid substrate.", "contents": "The effects of detergents and phospholipids on a glycolipid galactosyltransferase. 1. Phospholipids activated the enzyme, lactosylceramide: UDP-galactose alpha-galactosyltransferase in hamster cells (NIL 2E clone 8) when assayed in the presence of neutral detergents. 2. Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol were the most effective phospholipids in activating the enzyme. Other phospholipids were also effective, but sphingomyelin and lysophosphatidylcholine were inhibitory. 3. Considerable enzyme activity was obtained in the absence of any detergent. Most of this activity was due to glycosylation of endogenous acceptors. 4. There was a complex effect of detergents on the enzyme activity. Very low concentrations were sharply inhibitory, but higher concentrations, above the critical micelle concentration for detergent, caused regeneration of activity. 5. The phospholipids, in the absence of a detergent, are required to maintain the lipid substrate, lactosylceramide, in a suitable dispersion where it can be acted upon by the enzyme. In the presence of detergents, it is proposed that the phospholipids also act by affecting the state of the lipid substrate.", "PMID": 1009096} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11531", "title": "The subcellular distribution of carotenoids in Phycomyces blakesleeanus C115 car-42 mad-107 (--).", "content": "1. Subcellular fractions of the C115 car-42 mad-107(--) strain of Phycomyces blakesleeanus, prepared by differential centrifugation, were irreversibly associated with extraneous lipids. Such contamination was avoided by the use of density gradient centrifugation. 2. The two beta-carotene-containing fractions, a particulate fraction and lipid globules, also contained sterol, phospholipid and alkaline p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity. Both fractions revealed close similarities on amino acid analysis.", "contents": "The subcellular distribution of carotenoids in Phycomyces blakesleeanus C115 car-42 mad-107 (--). 1. Subcellular fractions of the C115 car-42 mad-107(--) strain of Phycomyces blakesleeanus, prepared by differential centrifugation, were irreversibly associated with extraneous lipids. Such contamination was avoided by the use of density gradient centrifugation. 2. The two beta-carotene-containing fractions, a particulate fraction and lipid globules, also contained sterol, phospholipid and alkaline p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity. Both fractions revealed close similarities on amino acid analysis.", "PMID": 1009097} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11532", "title": "Formation of [17-2H]androsta-5,16-dien-3beta-ol from [17,21,21,21]pregnenolone by the microsomal fraction of boar testis.", "content": "After incubation of [17,21,21,21-2H4]pregnenolone, which had been synthesized from nonlabeled pregnenolone by base-catalyzed exchange procedure, with the microsomal fraction of boar testis, [17-2H]androsta-5,16-dien-3beta-ol was identified as a metabolite. The identification has been performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the metabolite and of its hydrogenation product. Conclusive evidence on the location of the 2H atom at C-17 has been obtained by transforming the metabolite to androsta-4,16-dien-3-one and then to androst-4-ene-3,17-dione and by proving that the former compound contained a 2H atom while the latter did not. The result indicates that, in boar testis, androsta-5,16-dien-3beta-ol is synthesized from pregnenolone by a pathway in which 17 alpha-hydrogen atom of pregnenolone is retained throughout the reaction, excluding 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone and 3beta-hydroxyandrost-5-en17-one as intermediates.", "contents": "Formation of [17-2H]androsta-5,16-dien-3beta-ol from [17,21,21,21]pregnenolone by the microsomal fraction of boar testis. After incubation of [17,21,21,21-2H4]pregnenolone, which had been synthesized from nonlabeled pregnenolone by base-catalyzed exchange procedure, with the microsomal fraction of boar testis, [17-2H]androsta-5,16-dien-3beta-ol was identified as a metabolite. The identification has been performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the metabolite and of its hydrogenation product. Conclusive evidence on the location of the 2H atom at C-17 has been obtained by transforming the metabolite to androsta-4,16-dien-3-one and then to androst-4-ene-3,17-dione and by proving that the former compound contained a 2H atom while the latter did not. The result indicates that, in boar testis, androsta-5,16-dien-3beta-ol is synthesized from pregnenolone by a pathway in which 17 alpha-hydrogen atom of pregnenolone is retained throughout the reaction, excluding 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone and 3beta-hydroxyandrost-5-en17-one as intermediates.", "PMID": 1009098} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11533", "title": "Conversions of prostaglandin endoperoxides by glutathione-S-transferases and serum albumins.", "content": "Serum albumins of certain animal species (cow, sheep, pig) accelerate the decomposition of prostaglandin endoperoxides, with formation of large amounts of prostaglandin D. The reaction is inhibited by arachidonic acid, which suggests an interaction of the endoperoxide with the fatty acid binding sites of serum albumin. Glutathione-S-transferases, in the presence of glutathione, convert the endoperoxide into a mixture of prostaglandin F2alpha, E2 and D2. The prostaglandin D/E-ratio depends on the transferase used. The known rat liver transferases give mainly prostaglandin F2alpha and E2, but a new transferase in sheep lung was discovered which gives rise to large quantities of prostaglandin F2alpha and D2. The sheep lung transferase was purified to homogeneity. Two iso-enzymes with identical enzymic activity were obtained. The major component (transferase SL 2, an iso-enzyme of glutathione-S-transferase, EC 2.5.1.18) has a molecular weight of 45 000 and consists of two subunits. Its isoelectric point is 9,8-9.9. These properties, as well as the amino acid composition and the substrate specificity for typical transferase substrates, indicate a close resemblance to transferase B (ligandin), a major binding protein of rat liver. Although purified glutathione peroxidase from erythrocytes is very active in catalysing the reduction of the 15-hydroperoxy group of prostaglandins, it does not have any effect on the decomposition of the endoperoxide group.", "contents": "Conversions of prostaglandin endoperoxides by glutathione-S-transferases and serum albumins. Serum albumins of certain animal species (cow, sheep, pig) accelerate the decomposition of prostaglandin endoperoxides, with formation of large amounts of prostaglandin D. The reaction is inhibited by arachidonic acid, which suggests an interaction of the endoperoxide with the fatty acid binding sites of serum albumin. Glutathione-S-transferases, in the presence of glutathione, convert the endoperoxide into a mixture of prostaglandin F2alpha, E2 and D2. The prostaglandin D/E-ratio depends on the transferase used. The known rat liver transferases give mainly prostaglandin F2alpha and E2, but a new transferase in sheep lung was discovered which gives rise to large quantities of prostaglandin F2alpha and D2. The sheep lung transferase was purified to homogeneity. Two iso-enzymes with identical enzymic activity were obtained. The major component (transferase SL 2, an iso-enzyme of glutathione-S-transferase, EC 2.5.1.18) has a molecular weight of 45 000 and consists of two subunits. Its isoelectric point is 9,8-9.9. These properties, as well as the amino acid composition and the substrate specificity for typical transferase substrates, indicate a close resemblance to transferase B (ligandin), a major binding protein of rat liver. Although purified glutathione peroxidase from erythrocytes is very active in catalysing the reduction of the 15-hydroperoxy group of prostaglandins, it does not have any effect on the decomposition of the endoperoxide group.", "PMID": 1009099} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11534", "title": "Stimulation of the microsomal alkylglycerol monooxygenase by catalase.", "content": "Liver cytosol contains a heat-sensitive nondialyzable soluble factor necessary for maximal activity of the alkylglycerol monooxygenase present in rat liver microsomes. In this report, we demonstrate that the stimulatory component in rat liver supernatant is catalase. Catalase functions to protect the enzyme from inactivation by H2O2 in addition to its documented ability to retard the noenzymatic oxidation of the pterin cofactor. The protective effect of catalase on alkylglycerol monooxygenase and on the aromatic amino acid hydroxylase systems indicates that H2O2 sensitivity is a general feature of pterin-dependent hydroxylases.", "contents": "Stimulation of the microsomal alkylglycerol monooxygenase by catalase. Liver cytosol contains a heat-sensitive nondialyzable soluble factor necessary for maximal activity of the alkylglycerol monooxygenase present in rat liver microsomes. In this report, we demonstrate that the stimulatory component in rat liver supernatant is catalase. Catalase functions to protect the enzyme from inactivation by H2O2 in addition to its documented ability to retard the noenzymatic oxidation of the pterin cofactor. The protective effect of catalase on alkylglycerol monooxygenase and on the aromatic amino acid hydroxylase systems indicates that H2O2 sensitivity is a general feature of pterin-dependent hydroxylases.", "PMID": 1009100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11535", "title": "Subcellular distribution of a gonadotropin-induced form of mouse ovarian alkaline phosphatase.", "content": "The subcellular distributions of alkaline phosphates I (the major activity of prepubertal mouse ovaries) and alkaline phosphatase Ib (a kinetically distinct isoenzyme induced in large amounts by injection of human chorionic gonadotropin or luteinizing hormone) were studied by differential rate centrifugation and discontinuous density gradient centrifugation of ovarian homogenates from control and gonadotropin-treated mice. The distributions of the two alkaline phosphatases were alike and were similar to those of nucleotidase, Mg2+ -dependent ATPase and Co2+ -stimulated naphthylamidase activities, suggesting that they were associated with plasma-membrane vesicles.", "contents": "Subcellular distribution of a gonadotropin-induced form of mouse ovarian alkaline phosphatase. The subcellular distributions of alkaline phosphates I (the major activity of prepubertal mouse ovaries) and alkaline phosphatase Ib (a kinetically distinct isoenzyme induced in large amounts by injection of human chorionic gonadotropin or luteinizing hormone) were studied by differential rate centrifugation and discontinuous density gradient centrifugation of ovarian homogenates from control and gonadotropin-treated mice. The distributions of the two alkaline phosphatases were alike and were similar to those of nucleotidase, Mg2+ -dependent ATPase and Co2+ -stimulated naphthylamidase activities, suggesting that they were associated with plasma-membrane vesicles.", "PMID": 1009101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11536", "title": "The isolation and characterisation of hyaluronic acid in egg shell.", "content": "Analysis showed that the organic part of the chicken's egg shell consisted of a series of proteins and polysaccharides, probably present as glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans. A purified preparation of a glycosaminoglycan (minimum mol. wt. 25 000), homogeneous by sedimentation velocity analysis and sedimentation to equilibrium in a density gradient, contained equimolar amounts of N-acetylglucosamine (36.3% s/w) and glucuronic acid 35.6% w/w). Digestion with testicular and streptomyces hyaluronidases and identification of the degradation products showed the glycosaminoglycan to be hyaluronidases and identification of the degradation products showed the glycosaminoglycan to be hyaluronic acid.", "contents": "The isolation and characterisation of hyaluronic acid in egg shell. Analysis showed that the organic part of the chicken's egg shell consisted of a series of proteins and polysaccharides, probably present as glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans. A purified preparation of a glycosaminoglycan (minimum mol. wt. 25 000), homogeneous by sedimentation velocity analysis and sedimentation to equilibrium in a density gradient, contained equimolar amounts of N-acetylglucosamine (36.3% s/w) and glucuronic acid 35.6% w/w). Digestion with testicular and streptomyces hyaluronidases and identification of the degradation products showed the glycosaminoglycan to be hyaluronidases and identification of the degradation products showed the glycosaminoglycan to be hyaluronic acid.", "PMID": 1009103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11537", "title": "Quantitative aspect of the myofibrillar protein turnover in transient state on dietary protein depletion and repletion revealed by urinary excretion of N7-methylhistid;ne.", "content": "The fractional rates of synthesis and breakdown of myosin and actin in skeletal muscle of young adult male rats were measured during 2 weeks of ad libitum feeding of a protein-free diet, and 8 days of refeeding with an adequate protein diet. Daily urinary excretion of NT-methylhistidine (3-methylhistidine) by the NT-methylhistidine pool of the body gave the fractional breakdown rate of the myosin-actin pool. The fractional synthesis rate of the myosin-actin pool was calculated from the fractional breakdown rate and the size of NT-methylhistidine pool in the body. The feeding of the protein-free diet resulted in a decrease in body weight and a decrease in daily urinary excretion of NT-methylhistidine. Refeeding caused an increase in body weight and a progressive increase in daily urinary excretion of NT-methylhistidine. At the start of the experiment, the fractional breakdown rate of the myosin-actin pool was 4% per day and with prolonged protein depletion, the rate decreased to 1.25% per day. The fractional synthesis rate also decreased more rapidly than the breakdown rate. On refeeding for one day with an adequate protein diet, the fractional synthesis rate increased from 0.75 to 5.75% per day. Accumulation of skeletal muscle protein by refeeding was accompanied by a difference between the faster rate of synthesis and slower rate of breakdown even though the fractional breakdown rate increased during the rehabilitation period.", "contents": "Quantitative aspect of the myofibrillar protein turnover in transient state on dietary protein depletion and repletion revealed by urinary excretion of N7-methylhistid;ne. The fractional rates of synthesis and breakdown of myosin and actin in skeletal muscle of young adult male rats were measured during 2 weeks of ad libitum feeding of a protein-free diet, and 8 days of refeeding with an adequate protein diet. Daily urinary excretion of NT-methylhistidine (3-methylhistidine) by the NT-methylhistidine pool of the body gave the fractional breakdown rate of the myosin-actin pool. The fractional synthesis rate of the myosin-actin pool was calculated from the fractional breakdown rate and the size of NT-methylhistidine pool in the body. The feeding of the protein-free diet resulted in a decrease in body weight and a decrease in daily urinary excretion of NT-methylhistidine. Refeeding caused an increase in body weight and a progressive increase in daily urinary excretion of NT-methylhistidine. At the start of the experiment, the fractional breakdown rate of the myosin-actin pool was 4% per day and with prolonged protein depletion, the rate decreased to 1.25% per day. The fractional synthesis rate also decreased more rapidly than the breakdown rate. On refeeding for one day with an adequate protein diet, the fractional synthesis rate increased from 0.75 to 5.75% per day. Accumulation of skeletal muscle protein by refeeding was accompanied by a difference between the faster rate of synthesis and slower rate of breakdown even though the fractional breakdown rate increased during the rehabilitation period.", "PMID": 1009104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11538", "title": "The selective uptake and transmission of proteins to the circulation from the small intestine of the suckling rat.", "content": "The relative concentration of various immunoglobulins attain in the sera of 14-day-old rats have been compared 4 h after their oral and intraluminal administration. The circulatory concentration of these proteins attained higher values when they were administered into the isolated proximal small intestina than when they were administered into the distal small intestine. Selective uptake of proteins was shown to predominate in the proximal small intestine.", "contents": "The selective uptake and transmission of proteins to the circulation from the small intestine of the suckling rat. The relative concentration of various immunoglobulins attain in the sera of 14-day-old rats have been compared 4 h after their oral and intraluminal administration. The circulatory concentration of these proteins attained higher values when they were administered into the isolated proximal small intestina than when they were administered into the distal small intestine. Selective uptake of proteins was shown to predominate in the proximal small intestine.", "PMID": 1009105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11539", "title": "[The fate of alpha and epsilon lysine amino groups in rat liver in vitro (author's transl)].", "content": "The fate of alpha and epsilon lysine amino groups has been explored in rat liver homogenate by means of L-lysine labelled selectively in the two positions. alpha-15NH2 and epsilon-15NH2 are rapidly incorporated into the amino group of glutamic acid and it seems at first that both transaminations occur simultaneously. But the reversible transfer of the amino group between alpha-aminoadipic acid and glutamic acid, determined by means of labelled alpha-aminoadipic acid, proceeds swiftly, and the incorporation of alpha-15NH2 from the corresponding labelled lysine in glutamic acid may be easily explained by epsilon-transamination and saccharopine formation. The direct transamination of the alpha-amino group of L-lysine is most improbable and might be limited to some microorganisms and to epsilon-N-substituted lysine derivatives.", "contents": "[The fate of alpha and epsilon lysine amino groups in rat liver in vitro (author's transl)]. The fate of alpha and epsilon lysine amino groups has been explored in rat liver homogenate by means of L-lysine labelled selectively in the two positions. alpha-15NH2 and epsilon-15NH2 are rapidly incorporated into the amino group of glutamic acid and it seems at first that both transaminations occur simultaneously. But the reversible transfer of the amino group between alpha-aminoadipic acid and glutamic acid, determined by means of labelled alpha-aminoadipic acid, proceeds swiftly, and the incorporation of alpha-15NH2 from the corresponding labelled lysine in glutamic acid may be easily explained by epsilon-transamination and saccharopine formation. The direct transamination of the alpha-amino group of L-lysine is most improbable and might be limited to some microorganisms and to epsilon-N-substituted lysine derivatives.", "PMID": 1009106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11540", "title": "Glycoprotein biosynthesis by organ cultures of hamster trachea.", "content": "Conditions have been developed for maintaining hamster tracheas in organ culture for at least 10 days. Secreted glycoproteins labelled with [14C]glucosamine and [3H]fucose were isolated from the spent medium and digested with papain, and the digest was fractionated on DEAE-Sephadex by stepwise elution with NaCl. The fractions eluted by 0.1 and 0.2 M NaCl and some of the products eluted with 0.4 M NaCl were shown to be derived from epithelial glycoproteins. Glycosaminoglycans were eluted by 0.4 M and by 1.25 M NaCl. Glycopeptides isolated from the epithelium by homogenization, ethanol precipitation and papain digestion, and defined as \"intracellular\", gave a very similar profile on DEAE-Sephadex. The 0.1 M glycopeptide peak was the major fraction of epithelial origin from both secreted and \"intracellular\" material; it labelled extensively with both glucosamine and fucose and had a molecular fraction was purified further by chromatography on Sephadex G-75 and DEAE-Sephadex; its amino acid and carbohydrate compositions were determined.", "contents": "Glycoprotein biosynthesis by organ cultures of hamster trachea. Conditions have been developed for maintaining hamster tracheas in organ culture for at least 10 days. Secreted glycoproteins labelled with [14C]glucosamine and [3H]fucose were isolated from the spent medium and digested with papain, and the digest was fractionated on DEAE-Sephadex by stepwise elution with NaCl. The fractions eluted by 0.1 and 0.2 M NaCl and some of the products eluted with 0.4 M NaCl were shown to be derived from epithelial glycoproteins. Glycosaminoglycans were eluted by 0.4 M and by 1.25 M NaCl. Glycopeptides isolated from the epithelium by homogenization, ethanol precipitation and papain digestion, and defined as \"intracellular\", gave a very similar profile on DEAE-Sephadex. The 0.1 M glycopeptide peak was the major fraction of epithelial origin from both secreted and \"intracellular\" material; it labelled extensively with both glucosamine and fucose and had a molecular fraction was purified further by chromatography on Sephadex G-75 and DEAE-Sephadex; its amino acid and carbohydrate compositions were determined.", "PMID": 1009107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11541", "title": "Glycoprotein synthesis in gastric epithelial cells of the rat. Properties of microsomal glycoprotein glycosyltransferases.", "content": "1. Optimal assay conditions were determined for a microsomal glycoprotein galactosyl- and fucosyltransferase derived from gastric epithelial scrapings with both exogenous and endogenous acceptor glycoprotein. 2. Subcellular fractionation of the homogenate yielded microsomal fractions enriched in glycosyltransferases. 3. The effect of feeding on galactosyltransferase activity per cell was examined. 4. Endogenous acceptor molecules were identified as glycoproteins after labeling by means of UDP-[3H]galactose in the cell-free system.", "contents": "Glycoprotein synthesis in gastric epithelial cells of the rat. Properties of microsomal glycoprotein glycosyltransferases. 1. Optimal assay conditions were determined for a microsomal glycoprotein galactosyl- and fucosyltransferase derived from gastric epithelial scrapings with both exogenous and endogenous acceptor glycoprotein. 2. Subcellular fractionation of the homogenate yielded microsomal fractions enriched in glycosyltransferases. 3. The effect of feeding on galactosyltransferase activity per cell was examined. 4. Endogenous acceptor molecules were identified as glycoproteins after labeling by means of UDP-[3H]galactose in the cell-free system.", "PMID": 1009108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11542", "title": "Chemical synthesis of bilirubin glucuronide conjugates.", "content": "In dimethylformamide, the two carboxyl groups of bilirubin react with the bifunctional coupling agent, carbonyldimidazole, to form bilirubin diimidazole, which was isolated and crystallised. The bilirubin diimidazole, termed \"activated bilirubin\", was shown to react spontaneously with primary alcohols to form diesters of bilirubin. After addition of the tetrabutyl ammonium salt of glucuronic acid, compounds with chromatographic mobilities similar to those of bilirubin mono- and diglucuronides from bile were formed. Bilirubin diglucuronides were isolated by barium precipitation followed by solvent extraction. The bilirubin diglucuronides were considered to be a mixture of alpha and beta glucuronides esterified at positions 1,2,3, or 4 of glucuronic acid because the compound(s) was resistant to hydrolysis with glucuronidase and gave multiple sponts by chromatography after diazotization with ethyl anthranilate. The model compounds lauryl glucuronides were synthesized similarly; the most polar product by chromatography and had identical chromatographic mobility to synthetic lauryl 1-D-glucuronide prepared by reductive debenzylation of lauryl (benzyl (2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl))-D-glucuronide. It is concluded that bilirubin-1-di-beta-D-glucuronide can be synthesized when suitable protecting groups for the 2, 3, and 4 hydroxyl groups of glucuronic acid become available.", "contents": "Chemical synthesis of bilirubin glucuronide conjugates. In dimethylformamide, the two carboxyl groups of bilirubin react with the bifunctional coupling agent, carbonyldimidazole, to form bilirubin diimidazole, which was isolated and crystallised. The bilirubin diimidazole, termed \"activated bilirubin\", was shown to react spontaneously with primary alcohols to form diesters of bilirubin. After addition of the tetrabutyl ammonium salt of glucuronic acid, compounds with chromatographic mobilities similar to those of bilirubin mono- and diglucuronides from bile were formed. Bilirubin diglucuronides were isolated by barium precipitation followed by solvent extraction. The bilirubin diglucuronides were considered to be a mixture of alpha and beta glucuronides esterified at positions 1,2,3, or 4 of glucuronic acid because the compound(s) was resistant to hydrolysis with glucuronidase and gave multiple sponts by chromatography after diazotization with ethyl anthranilate. The model compounds lauryl glucuronides were synthesized similarly; the most polar product by chromatography and had identical chromatographic mobility to synthetic lauryl 1-D-glucuronide prepared by reductive debenzylation of lauryl (benzyl (2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl))-D-glucuronide. It is concluded that bilirubin-1-di-beta-D-glucuronide can be synthesized when suitable protecting groups for the 2, 3, and 4 hydroxyl groups of glucuronic acid become available.", "PMID": 1009109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11543", "title": "[Determination, at equilibrium, of association constants of labelled or unlabelled ligands by a non-graphical method (author's transl)].", "content": "The present work deals with the determination of association constants at equilibrium by a non-graphical method in binding systems containing one specific receptor. Equations have have been derived from that originally described by Lea (Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 322, 68--74), the terms of which are obtained from the data of simple displacement curves of a bound radioactive ligand by unlabelled competitors identical or different in nature. By knowing the function relating the variations of the bound ligand (B) to the affinity constant (Ki) and the quantity (Mi) of competitor for a given system, it is possible to calculate any of these parameters when the two others are measured. Thus, it becomes easy to compare the relative affinities of differents receptors for the same ligand or that of one receptor for various labelled or unlabelled ligands. Furthermore, theoretical displacement curves can be drawn and compared to experimental data, when only knowing the affinity constant of a specific binding system in given conditions. These modes of calculation have been tested in a study of interactions between various steroids and a fraction of human serum proteins precipitated by ammonium sulfate (30-45%) and containing the sex hormone-binding globulin. Association constants thus obtained agree well with those reported in the literature and determined by graphical procedures.", "contents": "[Determination, at equilibrium, of association constants of labelled or unlabelled ligands by a non-graphical method (author's transl)]. The present work deals with the determination of association constants at equilibrium by a non-graphical method in binding systems containing one specific receptor. Equations have have been derived from that originally described by Lea (Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 322, 68--74), the terms of which are obtained from the data of simple displacement curves of a bound radioactive ligand by unlabelled competitors identical or different in nature. By knowing the function relating the variations of the bound ligand (B) to the affinity constant (Ki) and the quantity (Mi) of competitor for a given system, it is possible to calculate any of these parameters when the two others are measured. Thus, it becomes easy to compare the relative affinities of differents receptors for the same ligand or that of one receptor for various labelled or unlabelled ligands. Furthermore, theoretical displacement curves can be drawn and compared to experimental data, when only knowing the affinity constant of a specific binding system in given conditions. These modes of calculation have been tested in a study of interactions between various steroids and a fraction of human serum proteins precipitated by ammonium sulfate (30-45%) and containing the sex hormone-binding globulin. Association constants thus obtained agree well with those reported in the literature and determined by graphical procedures.", "PMID": 1009110} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11544", "title": "A study of the diffusion of compact particles in polymer solutions using quasi-elastic light scattering.", "content": "This paper describes an investigation, using quasi-elastic light scattering, of the diffusion of polystyrene spheres through solutions of dextran. The diffusion coefficient, D, of the spheres is shown to vary inversely with the volume fraction, phi, of dextran according to D = D0/(1 + vphi + kphi2). Changes in the molecular weight of dextran are shown to reflect changes in the macromolecular shape parameter, v, and the interaction parameter, k. This result differs from previous studies which suggested an exp( Bphi1/2) dependence and no molecular weight dependence [8].", "contents": "A study of the diffusion of compact particles in polymer solutions using quasi-elastic light scattering. This paper describes an investigation, using quasi-elastic light scattering, of the diffusion of polystyrene spheres through solutions of dextran. The diffusion coefficient, D, of the spheres is shown to vary inversely with the volume fraction, phi, of dextran according to D = D0/(1 + vphi + kphi2). Changes in the molecular weight of dextran are shown to reflect changes in the macromolecular shape parameter, v, and the interaction parameter, k. This result differs from previous studies which suggested an exp( Bphi1/2) dependence and no molecular weight dependence [8].", "PMID": 1009111} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11545", "title": "Glucocorticoid receptors in corticosensitive and corticoresistant thymocyte subpopulations. I. characterization of glucocorticoid receptors and isolation of a corticoresistant subpopulation.", "content": "1. Separation of mouse thymocytes by centrifugation on a discontinuous bovine serum albumin gradient leads to the isolation of four subpopulations of cells. 2. The study of I13H]uridine incorporation in vitro by these subpopulation in the presence of steroid shows that one of them is corticoresistant. 3. However, the binding capacity of these subpopulations measured by incubation with [3H]dexamethasone is very similar. 4. It is therefore concluded that in mouse thymus, in contrast with lymphoma cells, corticoresistance may not be explained by a defect of cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors.", "contents": "Glucocorticoid receptors in corticosensitive and corticoresistant thymocyte subpopulations. I. characterization of glucocorticoid receptors and isolation of a corticoresistant subpopulation. 1. Separation of mouse thymocytes by centrifugation on a discontinuous bovine serum albumin gradient leads to the isolation of four subpopulations of cells. 2. The study of I13H]uridine incorporation in vitro by these subpopulation in the presence of steroid shows that one of them is corticoresistant. 3. However, the binding capacity of these subpopulations measured by incubation with [3H]dexamethasone is very similar. 4. It is therefore concluded that in mouse thymus, in contrast with lymphoma cells, corticoresistance may not be explained by a defect of cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors.", "PMID": 1009112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11546", "title": "Experiments and calculations concerning a thermal enzyme probe.", "content": "A simple device capable of measuring almost any reactant in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction is created when an enzyme is immobilized onto one thermal sensor of a differential thermometer. Experiments are described in which two thermistors, one bare and one coated with immobilized enzyme, are immersed in a well-stirred solution. The response of this device to increases in glucose-ATP concentration was observed using hexokinase (ATP:D-hexose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.1), and to increases in glucose concentration using glucose oxidase (beta-D-glucose:oxygen 1-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.4). A simple model is presented whose predictions are in reasonable agreement with the experimental results.", "contents": "Experiments and calculations concerning a thermal enzyme probe. A simple device capable of measuring almost any reactant in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction is created when an enzyme is immobilized onto one thermal sensor of a differential thermometer. Experiments are described in which two thermistors, one bare and one coated with immobilized enzyme, are immersed in a well-stirred solution. The response of this device to increases in glucose-ATP concentration was observed using hexokinase (ATP:D-hexose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.1), and to increases in glucose concentration using glucose oxidase (beta-D-glucose:oxygen 1-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.4). A simple model is presented whose predictions are in reasonable agreement with the experimental results.", "PMID": 1009114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11547", "title": "Kinetics of human erythrocyte hexokinase. Influence of temperature, ATP4- and magnesium ions.", "content": "Human erythrocyte hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1) is inhibited competitively with respect to Mg-ATP2- by uncomplexed Mg2+ (Ki = 16--18 mM) and ATP4- (Ki = 1.6 mM). No real activation by low concentrations of Mg2+ could be detected and no allosteric behaviour was observed under the conditions tested. The temperature dependence of the enzyme was studied in relationship to the presence of Mg2+ or ATP4-. At equal concentrations of Mg2+ and ATP4- a break in the Arrhenius plot was observed at 27.5 degrees C, the higher temperature form of the enzyme having the lower activation energy. This break point in the Arrhenius plot was shifted to 36 degrees C in the presence of 5 mM Mg2+. A straight-line relationship was observed in the presence of 2.5 mM ATP4-. The Km for Mg-ATP2- showed a linear increase at temperatures over about 36 degrees C independent of the presence of Mg2+ or ATP4-. The nature of these phenomena is discussed.", "contents": "Kinetics of human erythrocyte hexokinase. Influence of temperature, ATP4- and magnesium ions. Human erythrocyte hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1) is inhibited competitively with respect to Mg-ATP2- by uncomplexed Mg2+ (Ki = 16--18 mM) and ATP4- (Ki = 1.6 mM). No real activation by low concentrations of Mg2+ could be detected and no allosteric behaviour was observed under the conditions tested. The temperature dependence of the enzyme was studied in relationship to the presence of Mg2+ or ATP4-. At equal concentrations of Mg2+ and ATP4- a break in the Arrhenius plot was observed at 27.5 degrees C, the higher temperature form of the enzyme having the lower activation energy. This break point in the Arrhenius plot was shifted to 36 degrees C in the presence of 5 mM Mg2+. A straight-line relationship was observed in the presence of 2.5 mM ATP4-. The Km for Mg-ATP2- showed a linear increase at temperatures over about 36 degrees C independent of the presence of Mg2+ or ATP4-. The nature of these phenomena is discussed.", "PMID": 1009115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11548", "title": "A note on the dual role of glucose in the protection of glucokinase against inactivation.", "content": "Protection against thermal denaturation, urea denaturation and tryptic inactivation of rat liver glucokinase (ATP:D-glucose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2979192) is provided by glucose and to a lesser degree sorbitol. 2. Protection by glucose exhibits two distinct stages, one occurring at the physiological substrate levels, while the other occurring well above that necessary for enzyme saturation. Sorbitol protection increases uniformly with increasing sorbitol concentration. 3. Several other enzymes also are protected against heat inactivation by high concentrations of glucose or sorbitol.", "contents": "A note on the dual role of glucose in the protection of glucokinase against inactivation. Protection against thermal denaturation, urea denaturation and tryptic inactivation of rat liver glucokinase (ATP:D-glucose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2979192) is provided by glucose and to a lesser degree sorbitol. 2. Protection by glucose exhibits two distinct stages, one occurring at the physiological substrate levels, while the other occurring well above that necessary for enzyme saturation. Sorbitol protection increases uniformly with increasing sorbitol concentration. 3. Several other enzymes also are protected against heat inactivation by high concentrations of glucose or sorbitol.", "PMID": 1009116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11549", "title": "Nucleotide specificity of pyruvate kinase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase.", "content": "Various analogues of adenosine 5'-diphosphate with modifications in the heterocyclic base residue were tested as substrates of rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase (ATP:pyruvate 2-O-phosphotransferase, EC. 2.7.1.40) and guinea pig liver mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP:oxaloacetate carboxy-lyase (transphosphorylating), EC 4.1.1.32). The significance of different structural elements for the enzyme-substrate interaction is discussed. While pyruvate kinase shows a rather broad specificity for these analogues, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase has a more stringent requirement for nucleotides, the intact keto and NH groups at C6 and N1 of the pyrimidine ring representing essential sites for the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase substrate interaction. The biological significance of the different substrate specificities of pyruvate kinase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase is discussed as a possible metabolic control factor.", "contents": "Nucleotide specificity of pyruvate kinase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Various analogues of adenosine 5'-diphosphate with modifications in the heterocyclic base residue were tested as substrates of rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase (ATP:pyruvate 2-O-phosphotransferase, EC. 2.7.1.40) and guinea pig liver mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP:oxaloacetate carboxy-lyase (transphosphorylating), EC 4.1.1.32). The significance of different structural elements for the enzyme-substrate interaction is discussed. While pyruvate kinase shows a rather broad specificity for these analogues, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase has a more stringent requirement for nucleotides, the intact keto and NH groups at C6 and N1 of the pyrimidine ring representing essential sites for the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase substrate interaction. The biological significance of the different substrate specificities of pyruvate kinase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase is discussed as a possible metabolic control factor.", "PMID": 1009117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11550", "title": "Inactivation of acetylcholinesterase by propanol and sodium dodecyl sulphate.", "content": "Departure from first-order kinetics was observed for the inactivation of bovine erythrocyte and electric eel acetylcholinesterase (acetylcholine hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7) by n-propanol. This was attributed to the presence of isoenzymes in the commercial preparations, although inactivation via a two-step process cannot be eliminated. The rate of inactivation of bovine erythrocyte enzyme by propanol or sodium dodecyl sulphate was decreased by the presence of added protein and increased by Triton X-100. The presence of a substrate (acetylthiocholine) decreased the rate of inactivation of bovine erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase by sodium dodecyl sulphate, but increased the rate of inactivation by propanol. Re-interpretation of earlier data on the inactivation and reversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by simple aliphatic alcohols indicated that they do not bind to hydrophobic regions of the active site.", "contents": "Inactivation of acetylcholinesterase by propanol and sodium dodecyl sulphate. Departure from first-order kinetics was observed for the inactivation of bovine erythrocyte and electric eel acetylcholinesterase (acetylcholine hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7) by n-propanol. This was attributed to the presence of isoenzymes in the commercial preparations, although inactivation via a two-step process cannot be eliminated. The rate of inactivation of bovine erythrocyte enzyme by propanol or sodium dodecyl sulphate was decreased by the presence of added protein and increased by Triton X-100. The presence of a substrate (acetylthiocholine) decreased the rate of inactivation of bovine erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase by sodium dodecyl sulphate, but increased the rate of inactivation by propanol. Re-interpretation of earlier data on the inactivation and reversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by simple aliphatic alcohols indicated that they do not bind to hydrophobic regions of the active site.", "PMID": 1009118} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11551", "title": "Enzymic activity at interfaces. II. Enzymic activity of microsomal nuclease and bovine pancreatic ribonuclease at the air/water interface.", "content": "The adsorption isotherms and the spreading tendency of microsomal nuclease (nucleate 3'-oligonucleotidohydrolase, EC 3.1.4.7) and bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (ribonucleate 3'-pyrimidino-oligonucleotidohydrolase, EC 3.1.4.22) in the presence of isopropyl alcohol as spreading agent have been determined using enzymes radioactively labelled by acetylation. In parallel, the concentration-surface pressure relations have been established. The enzymic activity of microsomal nuclease spread from isopropyl alcohol containing aqueous solutions was only a few percent of its activity in bulk, while the activity of the adsorbed enzyme was only slightly reduced. Adsorbed monolayers of RNAase were almost inactivated, while the spread monolayers in the presence of isopropyl alcohol became reactivated after exposure to the substrate for several hours. The exposure time for the reactivation decreases with increasing surface concentration.", "contents": "Enzymic activity at interfaces. II. Enzymic activity of microsomal nuclease and bovine pancreatic ribonuclease at the air/water interface. The adsorption isotherms and the spreading tendency of microsomal nuclease (nucleate 3'-oligonucleotidohydrolase, EC 3.1.4.7) and bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (ribonucleate 3'-pyrimidino-oligonucleotidohydrolase, EC 3.1.4.22) in the presence of isopropyl alcohol as spreading agent have been determined using enzymes radioactively labelled by acetylation. In parallel, the concentration-surface pressure relations have been established. The enzymic activity of microsomal nuclease spread from isopropyl alcohol containing aqueous solutions was only a few percent of its activity in bulk, while the activity of the adsorbed enzyme was only slightly reduced. Adsorbed monolayers of RNAase were almost inactivated, while the spread monolayers in the presence of isopropyl alcohol became reactivated after exposure to the substrate for several hours. The exposure time for the reactivation decreases with increasing surface concentration.", "PMID": 1009119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11552", "title": "The sulphatase of ox liver. XX. The preparation of sulphatases B1alpha and B1beta.", "content": "Sulphatases B1alpha and B1beta (EC 3.1.6.1) have been prepared as apparently homogeneous proteins by chromatography on ConA-Sepharose. Both have a mol. wt. of 56 000, and E1%280nm of 17 and a turnover number of 8600 min-1 with nitrocatechol sulphate as substrate. Their amino acid compositions are identical: like sulphatase A, the sulphatases B are rich in proline and yield glucosamine on hydrolysis. They are not altered by treatment with neuraminidase. Both fractions show strong UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulphatase activity, weak iduronate sulphatase activity, but no significant heparan N-sulphatase activity. It is suggested that the physiological activity of sulphatase B is that of the N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulphatase which is lacking in the Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome.", "contents": "The sulphatase of ox liver. XX. The preparation of sulphatases B1alpha and B1beta. Sulphatases B1alpha and B1beta (EC 3.1.6.1) have been prepared as apparently homogeneous proteins by chromatography on ConA-Sepharose. Both have a mol. wt. of 56 000, and E1%280nm of 17 and a turnover number of 8600 min-1 with nitrocatechol sulphate as substrate. Their amino acid compositions are identical: like sulphatase A, the sulphatases B are rich in proline and yield glucosamine on hydrolysis. They are not altered by treatment with neuraminidase. Both fractions show strong UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulphatase activity, weak iduronate sulphatase activity, but no significant heparan N-sulphatase activity. It is suggested that the physiological activity of sulphatase B is that of the N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulphatase which is lacking in the Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome.", "PMID": 1009120} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11553", "title": "Purification and characterisation of polygalacturonases from a commercial Aspergillus niger preparation.", "content": "The polygalacturonase (poly(1,4-alpha-D-galacturonide) glycanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.15) activity of Pectinol is resolved into two fractions (E1 and E2) of about equal total activity on DEAE-cellulose. These fractions are purified from other pectinolytic enzyme activity by Sephadex G-75 chromatography. Both E1 and E2 reduce the viscosity of polygalacturonate by 50% after 7% of the glycosidic bonds are hydrolysed. Their activities are not affected by iodoacetate (1 mM) or EDTA (10 mM). E1 and E2 have different molecular weights (35 000 and 85 000, respectively) and different electrophoretic mobilities on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gels. Their pH (4.1 and 3.8 respectively) and ionic strength optima and specific activities also differ. Both enzymes are inhibited at similar rates by diethyl pyrocarbonate at pH 6 but only E2 is protected from this inhibition by 2% (w/v) polygalacturonate. The rate of change of protein absorbance at 250 nm accompanying this inhibition, and the residues are essential for the activities of both E1 and E2. About 2 molecules of carbethoxyhistidine per subunit of E2 and 0.6 molecules per subunit of E1 are present in the completely inhibited enzymes.20", "contents": "Purification and characterisation of polygalacturonases from a commercial Aspergillus niger preparation. The polygalacturonase (poly(1,4-alpha-D-galacturonide) glycanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.15) activity of Pectinol is resolved into two fractions (E1 and E2) of about equal total activity on DEAE-cellulose. These fractions are purified from other pectinolytic enzyme activity by Sephadex G-75 chromatography. Both E1 and E2 reduce the viscosity of polygalacturonate by 50% after 7% of the glycosidic bonds are hydrolysed. Their activities are not affected by iodoacetate (1 mM) or EDTA (10 mM). E1 and E2 have different molecular weights (35 000 and 85 000, respectively) and different electrophoretic mobilities on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gels. Their pH (4.1 and 3.8 respectively) and ionic strength optima and specific activities also differ. Both enzymes are inhibited at similar rates by diethyl pyrocarbonate at pH 6 but only E2 is protected from this inhibition by 2% (w/v) polygalacturonate. The rate of change of protein absorbance at 250 nm accompanying this inhibition, and the residues are essential for the activities of both E1 and E2. About 2 molecules of carbethoxyhistidine per subunit of E2 and 0.6 molecules per subunit of E1 are present in the completely inhibited enzymes.20", "PMID": 1009121} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11554", "title": "Proteinases of human epidermis; a possible mechanism for polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis.", "content": "Three neutral proteinases (EC 3.4.--.--) and cathepsin D have been identified in human epidermis utilizing a highly sensitive radioactive method. The proteinases were extracted in 1.0 M KC1 and 0.1% Triton X-100 and separated by Sephadex G-75 chromatography. The neutral proteinase peaks were all inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate and thus were serine proteinases. Incubation of the enzyme fractions with [3H] diisopropyl fluorophosphate followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the two larger molecular weight proteinases were enzyme mixtures. The small molecular weight [3H] diisopropyl fluorophosphate proteinase migrated as a single band. Injection of the small molecular weight neutral proteinase into rabbit skin produced a polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration and edema. The reaction was not observed with the diisopropyl fluorophosphate-inhibited enzyme fraction. The release of neutral proteinases may be one of the signal events in the epidermal inflammatory response.", "contents": "Proteinases of human epidermis; a possible mechanism for polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis. Three neutral proteinases (EC 3.4.--.--) and cathepsin D have been identified in human epidermis utilizing a highly sensitive radioactive method. The proteinases were extracted in 1.0 M KC1 and 0.1% Triton X-100 and separated by Sephadex G-75 chromatography. The neutral proteinase peaks were all inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate and thus were serine proteinases. Incubation of the enzyme fractions with [3H] diisopropyl fluorophosphate followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the two larger molecular weight proteinases were enzyme mixtures. The small molecular weight [3H] diisopropyl fluorophosphate proteinase migrated as a single band. Injection of the small molecular weight neutral proteinase into rabbit skin produced a polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration and edema. The reaction was not observed with the diisopropyl fluorophosphate-inhibited enzyme fraction. The release of neutral proteinases may be one of the signal events in the epidermal inflammatory response.", "PMID": 1009122} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11555", "title": "Human carboxypeptidase B. II. Purification of the enzyme from pancreatic tissue and comparison with the enzymes present in pancreatic secretion.", "content": "Carboxypeptidase B (peptidyl-L-lysine (-L-arginine) hydrolase, EC 3.4.12.3) has been isolated and purified to apparent homogeneity from activated extracts of human pancreas tissue. The purified enzyme has been shown to be a single polypeptide of 34 000 daltons. In this respect the enzyme from pancreatic tissue, designated native human carboxypeptidase B, differs from the two forms present in human pancreatic juice (fractions I and II), both of which are composed of two polypeptides of approximately 24 000 and 9000 daltons. In addition, the three forms of human carboxypeptidase B differ in electrophoretic mobility in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and in chromatographic behavior on DEAE-cellulose. Two immunological methods, micro-complement fixation and radioimmunoassay, have shown a high degree of structural similarity between the three forms of human carboxypeptidase B. Micro-complement fixation experiments indicate that the amino acid sequences of the three enzymes differ by less than one percent. In vitro digestion studies have indicated that trypsin alone is sufficient to convert native carboxypeptidase B to carboxypeptidase B II. However, no combination of trypsin, chymotrypsin, and/or elastase was capable of converting native carboxypeptidase B to carboxypeptidase B I in vitro.", "contents": "Human carboxypeptidase B. II. Purification of the enzyme from pancreatic tissue and comparison with the enzymes present in pancreatic secretion. Carboxypeptidase B (peptidyl-L-lysine (-L-arginine) hydrolase, EC 3.4.12.3) has been isolated and purified to apparent homogeneity from activated extracts of human pancreas tissue. The purified enzyme has been shown to be a single polypeptide of 34 000 daltons. In this respect the enzyme from pancreatic tissue, designated native human carboxypeptidase B, differs from the two forms present in human pancreatic juice (fractions I and II), both of which are composed of two polypeptides of approximately 24 000 and 9000 daltons. In addition, the three forms of human carboxypeptidase B differ in electrophoretic mobility in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and in chromatographic behavior on DEAE-cellulose. Two immunological methods, micro-complement fixation and radioimmunoassay, have shown a high degree of structural similarity between the three forms of human carboxypeptidase B. Micro-complement fixation experiments indicate that the amino acid sequences of the three enzymes differ by less than one percent. In vitro digestion studies have indicated that trypsin alone is sufficient to convert native carboxypeptidase B to carboxypeptidase B II. However, no combination of trypsin, chymotrypsin, and/or elastase was capable of converting native carboxypeptidase B to carboxypeptidase B I in vitro.", "PMID": 1009123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11556", "title": "The effect of lanthanide ions on enteropeptidase-catalyzed activation of trypsinogen.", "content": "Rare earths were found to be powerful inhibitors of enteropeptidase-catalyzed (enterokinase, EC 3.4.21.9) activation of trypsinogen. Inhibition was complete at a La3+ concentration of 12.5-10(-6) M in the assay system used and still detectable at a concentration of 1.25-10(-6) M. Inhibition was observed with all lanthanides tested. No significant differences between individual metals could be established under the conditions of the inhibition assay. Increasing ionic strength decreased enzyme activity and progressively diminished the inhibitory effect of rare earth ions suggesting an electrostatic basis for the mechanism of this inhibition. La3+ did not significantly affect enteropeptidase-mediated hydrolysis of N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester. Its inhibitory effect on activation of trypsinogen by enteropeptidase, therefore, must be attributed to interaction with the zymogen rather than the enzyme. Kinetic measurements show that inhibition by rare earths is noncompetitive in nature. Binding of lanthanides to the tetraaspartyl sequence near the aminoterminus of trypsinogen may prevent this group from interacting with a critical specificity subsite on the enzyme.", "contents": "The effect of lanthanide ions on enteropeptidase-catalyzed activation of trypsinogen. Rare earths were found to be powerful inhibitors of enteropeptidase-catalyzed (enterokinase, EC 3.4.21.9) activation of trypsinogen. Inhibition was complete at a La3+ concentration of 12.5-10(-6) M in the assay system used and still detectable at a concentration of 1.25-10(-6) M. Inhibition was observed with all lanthanides tested. No significant differences between individual metals could be established under the conditions of the inhibition assay. Increasing ionic strength decreased enzyme activity and progressively diminished the inhibitory effect of rare earth ions suggesting an electrostatic basis for the mechanism of this inhibition. La3+ did not significantly affect enteropeptidase-mediated hydrolysis of N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester. Its inhibitory effect on activation of trypsinogen by enteropeptidase, therefore, must be attributed to interaction with the zymogen rather than the enzyme. Kinetic measurements show that inhibition by rare earths is noncompetitive in nature. Binding of lanthanides to the tetraaspartyl sequence near the aminoterminus of trypsinogen may prevent this group from interacting with a critical specificity subsite on the enzyme.", "PMID": 1009124} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11557", "title": "Inhibition of papain by isothiocyanates.", "content": "During the tapping of papaya latex for papain (EC 3.4.22.2), benzyl isothiocyanate is enzymatically produced from benzylglucosinolate, a major component of the latex fluid. Benzyl isothiocyanate inhibits papain hydrolysis of alpha-N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester (Bz-Arg-OEt). Since tha availability of the papain sulfhydryl group to 5,5'-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoid acid (Nbs2) is inversely related to the extensiveness of the isothiocyanate inhibition, and treatment by benzyl isothiocyanate reduces the affinity of activated papain to a mercurial-Sepharose column, it is proposed that the papain sulfhydryl reacts with the electrophilic functional group of this inhibitor. Fifteen isothiocyanates were selected and both the chemical reactivity antors are involved in the isothiocyanate-papain inhibition: (1) chemical reactivity of isothiocyanates, (2) presence or absence of an aromatic substitution, and (3) the spatial relationship of the aromatic moiety to the -N = C = S group of isothiocyanates. These data further suggest the presence of an 'aromatic site' near the Cys-25 sulfhydryl group of activated papain. Based on the existing model of papain molecule, the imidazole group of His-159 coincides well with our proposed aromatic site. The prospects of using isothiocyanates as chemical probes for the study of chemical environment of active sites in other enzymes are briefly discussed.", "contents": "Inhibition of papain by isothiocyanates. During the tapping of papaya latex for papain (EC 3.4.22.2), benzyl isothiocyanate is enzymatically produced from benzylglucosinolate, a major component of the latex fluid. Benzyl isothiocyanate inhibits papain hydrolysis of alpha-N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester (Bz-Arg-OEt). Since tha availability of the papain sulfhydryl group to 5,5'-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoid acid (Nbs2) is inversely related to the extensiveness of the isothiocyanate inhibition, and treatment by benzyl isothiocyanate reduces the affinity of activated papain to a mercurial-Sepharose column, it is proposed that the papain sulfhydryl reacts with the electrophilic functional group of this inhibitor. Fifteen isothiocyanates were selected and both the chemical reactivity antors are involved in the isothiocyanate-papain inhibition: (1) chemical reactivity of isothiocyanates, (2) presence or absence of an aromatic substitution, and (3) the spatial relationship of the aromatic moiety to the -N = C = S group of isothiocyanates. These data further suggest the presence of an 'aromatic site' near the Cys-25 sulfhydryl group of activated papain. Based on the existing model of papain molecule, the imidazole group of His-159 coincides well with our proposed aromatic site. The prospects of using isothiocyanates as chemical probes for the study of chemical environment of active sites in other enzymes are briefly discussed.", "PMID": 1009125} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11558", "title": "On the specificity of human renin. Studies with peptide inhibitors.", "content": "The amino acid sequence around the renin substrate site is known to be identical to the N-terminal tetradecapeptide: Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-Ser. Renin (EC 3.4.99.19) from both primates and non-primates cleaves this peptide at the leucylleucine bond. Several analogs of the octapeptide segment: His-Pro-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr of this tetradecapeptide act as competitive inhibitors for human renin with inhibition constants down to 1 muM. The same peptides were shown, however, to have no or only slight affinity for non-primate renin. The substrate site has been preserved throughout evolution whereas the enzyme site for human renin is different from that of non-primate renins. The findings suggest that species-specific peptides must be developed for both studies of renin inhibition and for renin purification.", "contents": "On the specificity of human renin. Studies with peptide inhibitors. The amino acid sequence around the renin substrate site is known to be identical to the N-terminal tetradecapeptide: Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-Ser. Renin (EC 3.4.99.19) from both primates and non-primates cleaves this peptide at the leucylleucine bond. Several analogs of the octapeptide segment: His-Pro-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr of this tetradecapeptide act as competitive inhibitors for human renin with inhibition constants down to 1 muM. The same peptides were shown, however, to have no or only slight affinity for non-primate renin. The substrate site has been preserved throughout evolution whereas the enzyme site for human renin is different from that of non-primate renins. The findings suggest that species-specific peptides must be developed for both studies of renin inhibition and for renin purification.", "PMID": 1009126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11559", "title": "Dihydrodipicolinic acid synthase of Bacillus licheniformis. Quaternary structure, kinetics, and stability in the presence of sodium chloride and substrates.", "content": "Dihydrodipicolinic acid synthase (L-aspartate-beta-semialdehyde hydro-lyase (adding pyruvate and cyclising), EC 4.2.1.52) obtained from Bacillus licheniformis was purified to homogeneity. Its molecular weight was 108 000 to 117 500, depending on the concentration of NaCl and substrates present, and it contained four subunits of identical molecular weight (28000). The Km values for pyruvate and L-aspartic semialdehyde were approximately 5.3 Km values for pyruvate and L-aspartic semialdehyde were approximately 5.3 and 2.6 mM, respectively. It was previously shown that pyruvate and a high sodium chloride concentration contributed to the stability of the enzyme. The effect of these substances and the other substrate, L-aspartic semialdehyde, on molecular weight was determined. None of these three substances significantly affected the apparent molecular weight. The effect of sodium chloride, pyruvate, and L-aspartic semialdehyde on enzyme structure was studied by determining the effect of their presence on inactivation of the enzyme by several chemical denaturants and heat. Pyruvate dramatically protected against inactivation by all of the denaturants. Sodium chloride protected against inactivation by sodium dodecyl sulfate, guanidine-HCl, urea, and heat, but somewhat facilitated inactivation by ethanol. L-Aspartic semialdehyde had no significant effect on inactivation by sodium dodecyl sulfate and ethanol; it rendered the enzyme slightly more sensitive to inactivation by guanidine-HCl and urea. The thermal melting curve obtained for the enzyme in the presence of L-aspartic semialdehyde was biphasic. The activity was reduced approximately 50% by heating for 30 min at temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees C. Only by heating at temperatures above 80 degrees C did the inactivation become complete. The partially inactivated enzyme could be reactivated by heating after removal of the L-aspartic semialdehyde. Pyruvate prevented the partial inactivation and facilitated reactivation. The only difference detected between the native enzyme and the partially inactivated form of the enzyme was that the latter had a reduced V. It is known that in other spore-formers, dihydrodipicolinate synthase increases in activity late in sporulation. This increase may be important for normal sporulation to occur. The possibility is discussed that the intracellular pool sizes of pyruvate and L-aspartic semialdehyde might have an influence on the level of dihydrodipicolinate synthase activity, by controlling the amount of partial inactivation of the enzyme that occurs in vivo.", "contents": "Dihydrodipicolinic acid synthase of Bacillus licheniformis. Quaternary structure, kinetics, and stability in the presence of sodium chloride and substrates. Dihydrodipicolinic acid synthase (L-aspartate-beta-semialdehyde hydro-lyase (adding pyruvate and cyclising), EC 4.2.1.52) obtained from Bacillus licheniformis was purified to homogeneity. Its molecular weight was 108 000 to 117 500, depending on the concentration of NaCl and substrates present, and it contained four subunits of identical molecular weight (28000). The Km values for pyruvate and L-aspartic semialdehyde were approximately 5.3 Km values for pyruvate and L-aspartic semialdehyde were approximately 5.3 and 2.6 mM, respectively. It was previously shown that pyruvate and a high sodium chloride concentration contributed to the stability of the enzyme. The effect of these substances and the other substrate, L-aspartic semialdehyde, on molecular weight was determined. None of these three substances significantly affected the apparent molecular weight. The effect of sodium chloride, pyruvate, and L-aspartic semialdehyde on enzyme structure was studied by determining the effect of their presence on inactivation of the enzyme by several chemical denaturants and heat. Pyruvate dramatically protected against inactivation by all of the denaturants. Sodium chloride protected against inactivation by sodium dodecyl sulfate, guanidine-HCl, urea, and heat, but somewhat facilitated inactivation by ethanol. L-Aspartic semialdehyde had no significant effect on inactivation by sodium dodecyl sulfate and ethanol; it rendered the enzyme slightly more sensitive to inactivation by guanidine-HCl and urea. The thermal melting curve obtained for the enzyme in the presence of L-aspartic semialdehyde was biphasic. The activity was reduced approximately 50% by heating for 30 min at temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees C. Only by heating at temperatures above 80 degrees C did the inactivation become complete. The partially inactivated enzyme could be reactivated by heating after removal of the L-aspartic semialdehyde. Pyruvate prevented the partial inactivation and facilitated reactivation. The only difference detected between the native enzyme and the partially inactivated form of the enzyme was that the latter had a reduced V. It is known that in other spore-formers, dihydrodipicolinate synthase increases in activity late in sporulation. This increase may be important for normal sporulation to occur. The possibility is discussed that the intracellular pool sizes of pyruvate and L-aspartic semialdehyde might have an influence on the level of dihydrodipicolinate synthase activity, by controlling the amount of partial inactivation of the enzyme that occurs in vivo.", "PMID": 1009127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11560", "title": "Resolution and complementation of the labile L-leucine-pyruvate transaminase. An intermediate during enzyme formation under nitrogen starvation in Gluconobacter suboxydans.", "content": "L-Leucine-pyruvate transaminase (mol. wt. 70 000) in Gluconobactersuboxydans synthesized during nitrogen starvation contained a labile form which changed to the stable one later. The labile enzyme (mol. wt. 70 000) dissocated to the two proteinaceous components: a cationic one (mol. wt. 10 000--20 000) and an anionic one (mol. wt. 50 000--60 000), during column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. The enzyme activity was reconstructed when they were mixed. The reconstructed enzyme had almost the same molecular size and enzymatic properties as the labile and the native stable enzymes.", "contents": "Resolution and complementation of the labile L-leucine-pyruvate transaminase. An intermediate during enzyme formation under nitrogen starvation in Gluconobacter suboxydans. L-Leucine-pyruvate transaminase (mol. wt. 70 000) in Gluconobactersuboxydans synthesized during nitrogen starvation contained a labile form which changed to the stable one later. The labile enzyme (mol. wt. 70 000) dissocated to the two proteinaceous components: a cationic one (mol. wt. 10 000--20 000) and an anionic one (mol. wt. 50 000--60 000), during column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. The enzyme activity was reconstructed when they were mixed. The reconstructed enzyme had almost the same molecular size and enzymatic properties as the labile and the native stable enzymes.", "PMID": 1009128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11561", "title": "Microviscosity of lipid domains in human serum lipoproteins.", "content": "Microviscosities for the hydrophobic lipid regions of human serum lipoproteins and for dispersions of lipids extracted from the lipoproteins have been determined using fluorescence polarization measurements with 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene, a rod-like molecule, as the main fluorescent probe. Additional microviscosity measurements were carried out on LP-X, an abnormal human lipoprotein characteristic of cholestasis. Perylene, a disc-shaped fluorescent probe, was used with intact human lipoproteins in order to confirm relative microviscosity values measured with 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene and to estimate the anisotropy of the lipid domains. Logarithmic plots of microviscosity against the inverse of absolute temperature, over the range of 0-40 degrees C, gave no indication of phase transitions and yielded activation energy values for all human lipoproteins and for the isolated lipids. The microviscosity results at 25 degrees C range from a high value of 6.1 +/- 0.9 P for low density lipoprotein down to 1.0 +/- 0.2P for chylomicrons, when 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene is used as the probe. Activation energies vary from 9 kcal per mol to 6 kcal per mol for the intact lipoproteins. In contrast, isolated lipids have microviscosities from 2.4 +/- 0.3P for low density lipoprotein lipids to 1.0 +/- 0.2P for chylomicron lipids, with activation energies around 6 kcal per mol. The absolute microviscosity values indicate fluid yet viscous and anisotropic lipid domains in higher density lipoproteins, and more fluid and disordered states for isolated lipids and chylomicrons. Differences in microviscosities between the intact lipoproteins and isolated lipids can be attributed to the effects of proteins in restricting the mobility of lipids, these effects are strongest for low density lipoproteins, followed by high density lipoproteins, LP-X, very low density lipoproteins, and chylomicrons. Flow activation energies are throught to reflect intermolecular interactions, and are again higher for the higher density lipoproteins than for isolated lipids, or for chylomicrons.", "contents": "Microviscosity of lipid domains in human serum lipoproteins. Microviscosities for the hydrophobic lipid regions of human serum lipoproteins and for dispersions of lipids extracted from the lipoproteins have been determined using fluorescence polarization measurements with 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene, a rod-like molecule, as the main fluorescent probe. Additional microviscosity measurements were carried out on LP-X, an abnormal human lipoprotein characteristic of cholestasis. Perylene, a disc-shaped fluorescent probe, was used with intact human lipoproteins in order to confirm relative microviscosity values measured with 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene and to estimate the anisotropy of the lipid domains. Logarithmic plots of microviscosity against the inverse of absolute temperature, over the range of 0-40 degrees C, gave no indication of phase transitions and yielded activation energy values for all human lipoproteins and for the isolated lipids. The microviscosity results at 25 degrees C range from a high value of 6.1 +/- 0.9 P for low density lipoprotein down to 1.0 +/- 0.2P for chylomicrons, when 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene is used as the probe. Activation energies vary from 9 kcal per mol to 6 kcal per mol for the intact lipoproteins. In contrast, isolated lipids have microviscosities from 2.4 +/- 0.3P for low density lipoprotein lipids to 1.0 +/- 0.2P for chylomicron lipids, with activation energies around 6 kcal per mol. The absolute microviscosity values indicate fluid yet viscous and anisotropic lipid domains in higher density lipoproteins, and more fluid and disordered states for isolated lipids and chylomicrons. Differences in microviscosities between the intact lipoproteins and isolated lipids can be attributed to the effects of proteins in restricting the mobility of lipids, these effects are strongest for low density lipoproteins, followed by high density lipoproteins, LP-X, very low density lipoproteins, and chylomicrons. Flow activation energies are throught to reflect intermolecular interactions, and are again higher for the higher density lipoproteins than for isolated lipids, or for chylomicrons.", "PMID": 1009129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11562", "title": "Progesterone metabolism in vitro by testes from germ cell-free mice of different ages.", "content": "Androgen biosynthesis in vitro by testes from (C57BL X WN)F1-WV/Wn (congenitally germ cell-free) and +/+ (normal) mice of different ages was investigated using [3H]progesterone as substrate. At all ages examined, the seminiferous tubules of the WV/Wn genotype were largely devoid of germ cells. However, the age dependent pattern of progesterone metabolism by germ cell-free testes were similar to that by normal testes. Conversion of progesterone to 5alpha-reduced 17-hydroxy-C21 and C19-steroids such as 3alpha,17alpha-dihydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one, androsterone, 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol and 5alpha-androstane-3beta,17beta-diol was high in testes of 28- and 35-day-old mice of both groups. However, these 5alpha-reduced metabolities were found to be formed in very small amounts or not formed at all in testes of 20-, 120- and 150-day-old mice of both groups, in which conversion of progesterone to 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and testosterone was observed. It appears that in the absence of germinal cells, there is a normal increase and reduction of 5alpha-reductase activity in one or more classes of remaining cells during maturation of the testis.", "contents": "Progesterone metabolism in vitro by testes from germ cell-free mice of different ages. Androgen biosynthesis in vitro by testes from (C57BL X WN)F1-WV/Wn (congenitally germ cell-free) and +/+ (normal) mice of different ages was investigated using [3H]progesterone as substrate. At all ages examined, the seminiferous tubules of the WV/Wn genotype were largely devoid of germ cells. However, the age dependent pattern of progesterone metabolism by germ cell-free testes were similar to that by normal testes. Conversion of progesterone to 5alpha-reduced 17-hydroxy-C21 and C19-steroids such as 3alpha,17alpha-dihydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one, androsterone, 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol and 5alpha-androstane-3beta,17beta-diol was high in testes of 28- and 35-day-old mice of both groups. However, these 5alpha-reduced metabolities were found to be formed in very small amounts or not formed at all in testes of 20-, 120- and 150-day-old mice of both groups, in which conversion of progesterone to 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and testosterone was observed. It appears that in the absence of germinal cells, there is a normal increase and reduction of 5alpha-reductase activity in one or more classes of remaining cells during maturation of the testis.", "PMID": 1009130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11563", "title": "Structure of cerebroside in Aspergillus oryzae.", "content": "Structural studies on cerebroside isolated from Aspergillus oryzae were carried out using mainly gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major component fatty acids were 2-hydroxystearic and 2-hydroxy-trans-octadecenoic acid; branched 17?-methyl nonadecasphingadienine isomers were the predominant long-chain bases. The component sugar was only glucose. The structure of the major cerebrosides was assumed to be N-2'-hydroxystearoyl-1-O-glucosyl-17?-methyl sphingadienine and N-2'-hydroxyoctadecenoyl-1-O-glucosyl-17?-methyl sphingadienine.", "contents": "Structure of cerebroside in Aspergillus oryzae. Structural studies on cerebroside isolated from Aspergillus oryzae were carried out using mainly gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major component fatty acids were 2-hydroxystearic and 2-hydroxy-trans-octadecenoic acid; branched 17?-methyl nonadecasphingadienine isomers were the predominant long-chain bases. The component sugar was only glucose. The structure of the major cerebrosides was assumed to be N-2'-hydroxystearoyl-1-O-glucosyl-17?-methyl sphingadienine and N-2'-hydroxyoctadecenoyl-1-O-glucosyl-17?-methyl sphingadienine.", "PMID": 1009131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11564", "title": "Ceramide aminoethylphosphonate in the fungus Pythium prolatum.", "content": "Ceramide aminoethylphosphonate was characterized from the lower fungus Pythium prolatum. The compound was purified by silicic acid column chromatography, DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, the action of phospholipase D, and two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. Infrared spectra lacked ester bands and suggested the presence of a bonded NH group. The compound was hydrolyzed by strong acid. Sphingosine comprised 98% of the long chain bases. The predominant fatty acids were palmitate, oleate, linoleate, and an unidentified long chain acid. The aqueous portion of the hydrolysis products gave an elemental analysis consistent with 2-aminoethylphosphonate. On paper and thin layer chromatograms, the ammonium salt of the aqueous hydrolysis product chromatographed with 2-aminoethylphosphoate but not 1-aminoethylphosphonate, 2-aminoethanol, serine or alanine. This appears to be the first report of a phosphonolipid from fungi.", "contents": "Ceramide aminoethylphosphonate in the fungus Pythium prolatum. Ceramide aminoethylphosphonate was characterized from the lower fungus Pythium prolatum. The compound was purified by silicic acid column chromatography, DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, the action of phospholipase D, and two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. Infrared spectra lacked ester bands and suggested the presence of a bonded NH group. The compound was hydrolyzed by strong acid. Sphingosine comprised 98% of the long chain bases. The predominant fatty acids were palmitate, oleate, linoleate, and an unidentified long chain acid. The aqueous portion of the hydrolysis products gave an elemental analysis consistent with 2-aminoethylphosphonate. On paper and thin layer chromatograms, the ammonium salt of the aqueous hydrolysis product chromatographed with 2-aminoethylphosphoate but not 1-aminoethylphosphonate, 2-aminoethanol, serine or alanine. This appears to be the first report of a phosphonolipid from fungi.", "PMID": 1009132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11565", "title": "On the chemical structure of menaquinones with the tetrahydrogenated isoprenoid side chain.", "content": "New menaquinones have been isolated from Oerskovia turbata and Brevibacterium lipolyticum in the nocardioform and coryneform groups of bacteria, which have been identified to be a series of menaquinones with a tetrahydrogenated isoprenoid chain, designated as menaquinone-9(H4) and menaquinone-8(H4), respectively, by thin layer chromatography, ultraviolet and infrared spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the quinones have revealed that all the two saturated dolble bonds occur in the internal units of the isoprenoid side chain.", "contents": "On the chemical structure of menaquinones with the tetrahydrogenated isoprenoid side chain. New menaquinones have been isolated from Oerskovia turbata and Brevibacterium lipolyticum in the nocardioform and coryneform groups of bacteria, which have been identified to be a series of menaquinones with a tetrahydrogenated isoprenoid chain, designated as menaquinone-9(H4) and menaquinone-8(H4), respectively, by thin layer chromatography, ultraviolet and infrared spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the quinones have revealed that all the two saturated dolble bonds occur in the internal units of the isoprenoid side chain.", "PMID": 1009133} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11566", "title": "Glycolipids of brevibacterium vitarumen.", "content": "Corynomycolic acids have been identified in the lipids of Brevibacterium vitarumen. The analogy between this strain and typical aerobic Corynebacteria is borne out by these complex lipids, corynomycolic acid being linked as 6,6'-dicorynomycoloyl-trehalose (cord-factor structure) and as 6-monocorynomycoloyl-trehalose.", "contents": "Glycolipids of brevibacterium vitarumen. Corynomycolic acids have been identified in the lipids of Brevibacterium vitarumen. The analogy between this strain and typical aerobic Corynebacteria is borne out by these complex lipids, corynomycolic acid being linked as 6,6'-dicorynomycoloyl-trehalose (cord-factor structure) and as 6-monocorynomycoloyl-trehalose.", "PMID": 1009134} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11567", "title": "Ether lipid content of phosphoglycerides from the retina and brain of chicken and calf.", "content": "Phospholipid contents and compositions were determined for chicken and calf retinas, chicken brain and calf gray matter. Retinal phospholipid compositions differ from brain phospholipid compositions by including a higher percentage of choline phosphoglycerides and lower percentages of ethanolamine and serine phosphoglycerides. The proportion of sphingomyelin is lower in calf retina than in calf brain. Among the ethanolamine phosphoglycerides, the proportions of the alk-1-enylacyl (plasmalogen) type are lower and the proportions of alkylacyl and diacyl types are higher in retina than in brain. The alkyacyl glycerophosphoethanolamines accounted for 7.6% and 8.9% of the ethanolamine phosphoglycerides from chicken and calf retinas respectively. Lower proportions of plasmalogens in the choline phosphoglycerides were found in retina as compared with brain. The alkylacyl glycerylphosphocholines comprised 4.0% of the retinal choline phosphoglycerides. Overall, a smaller proportion of retinal phosphilipids than of brain phospholipids contained alkyl or alk-1-enyl ether groups and the ratio of alkyl groups to alk-1-enyl groups was greater in retina than in brain.", "contents": "Ether lipid content of phosphoglycerides from the retina and brain of chicken and calf. Phospholipid contents and compositions were determined for chicken and calf retinas, chicken brain and calf gray matter. Retinal phospholipid compositions differ from brain phospholipid compositions by including a higher percentage of choline phosphoglycerides and lower percentages of ethanolamine and serine phosphoglycerides. The proportion of sphingomyelin is lower in calf retina than in calf brain. Among the ethanolamine phosphoglycerides, the proportions of the alk-1-enylacyl (plasmalogen) type are lower and the proportions of alkylacyl and diacyl types are higher in retina than in brain. The alkyacyl glycerophosphoethanolamines accounted for 7.6% and 8.9% of the ethanolamine phosphoglycerides from chicken and calf retinas respectively. Lower proportions of plasmalogens in the choline phosphoglycerides were found in retina as compared with brain. The alkylacyl glycerylphosphocholines comprised 4.0% of the retinal choline phosphoglycerides. Overall, a smaller proportion of retinal phosphilipids than of brain phospholipids contained alkyl or alk-1-enyl ether groups and the ratio of alkyl groups to alk-1-enyl groups was greater in retina than in brain.", "PMID": 1009135} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11568", "title": "Diol lipids. Acylated ethyleneglycol glycosides. A new type of natural glycolipid.", "content": "A new type of glycolipid has been detected in ripening corn seeds. The presence of ethyleneglycol, galactose, glucose and fatty acids was shown by degradation studies. The products of alkaline deacylation were identified as galactosyl- and glycosylethyleneglycol by thin-layer chromatography and combined gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The native ethyleneglycol galactolipid was isolated by distribution of the total lipids between heptane and 95% methanol, following silica gel column chromatography of the methanol soluble fraction. Analysis of the alkaline deacylation products of the isolated ethyleneglycol lipid as well as examination of the mass-spectrum of its tetraacetate showed the new lipid to have the structure of 1-acyl-2-(O-beta-D-galacto-pyranosyl)ethyleneglycol with palmitic, oleic and stearic acids as the main fatty acid components. The fragmentation patterns under electron impact of trimethylsilyl ethers of synthetic ethyleneglycol glycopyranosides and of 1-palmitoyl-2-(O-beta-D-tetraacetylgalactopyranosyl)ethyleneglycol are described.", "contents": "Diol lipids. Acylated ethyleneglycol glycosides. A new type of natural glycolipid. A new type of glycolipid has been detected in ripening corn seeds. The presence of ethyleneglycol, galactose, glucose and fatty acids was shown by degradation studies. The products of alkaline deacylation were identified as galactosyl- and glycosylethyleneglycol by thin-layer chromatography and combined gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The native ethyleneglycol galactolipid was isolated by distribution of the total lipids between heptane and 95% methanol, following silica gel column chromatography of the methanol soluble fraction. Analysis of the alkaline deacylation products of the isolated ethyleneglycol lipid as well as examination of the mass-spectrum of its tetraacetate showed the new lipid to have the structure of 1-acyl-2-(O-beta-D-galacto-pyranosyl)ethyleneglycol with palmitic, oleic and stearic acids as the main fatty acid components. The fragmentation patterns under electron impact of trimethylsilyl ethers of synthetic ethyleneglycol glycopyranosides and of 1-palmitoyl-2-(O-beta-D-tetraacetylgalactopyranosyl)ethyleneglycol are described.", "PMID": 1009136} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11569", "title": "The interaction of fatty acid synthetase with cytoplasmic protein in the control of the chain-length of fatty acids synthesised by the lactating rabbit mammary gland.", "content": "1. Fatty acid synthetase from rabbit mammary gland can be separated from the protein which modifies the chain-length at which fatty acids are released from the enzyme complex in the soluble fraction. This can be achieved by ultracentrifugation, precipitation with specific antibody or ammonium sulphate. 2. The chain-length modifying protein in the supernatant fraction from rabbit mammary gland was less active towards cow mammary gland fatty acid synthetase than rabbit mammary gland fatty acid synthetase in the synthesis of medium-chain fatty acids. The fatty acid synthetases from these two tissues are also immunologically non-identical. 3. It is proposed that there is a loose but specific interaction of rabbit mammary gland fatty acid synthetase with the chain-length modifying protein in regulating product chain length which is dependent on the concentration of interacting proteins. 4. The chain-lengthening effect of added malonyl-CoA decreases with increasing concentration of interacting proteins, but differences in the fatty acid chain-length with malonyl-CoA synthesised in situ by acetyl-CoA carboxylase and with added malonyl-CoA indicate that the product chain-length is sensitive to the availability of malonyl-CoA for enlongation in all but the most tightly coupled situations.", "contents": "The interaction of fatty acid synthetase with cytoplasmic protein in the control of the chain-length of fatty acids synthesised by the lactating rabbit mammary gland. 1. Fatty acid synthetase from rabbit mammary gland can be separated from the protein which modifies the chain-length at which fatty acids are released from the enzyme complex in the soluble fraction. This can be achieved by ultracentrifugation, precipitation with specific antibody or ammonium sulphate. 2. The chain-length modifying protein in the supernatant fraction from rabbit mammary gland was less active towards cow mammary gland fatty acid synthetase than rabbit mammary gland fatty acid synthetase in the synthesis of medium-chain fatty acids. The fatty acid synthetases from these two tissues are also immunologically non-identical. 3. It is proposed that there is a loose but specific interaction of rabbit mammary gland fatty acid synthetase with the chain-length modifying protein in regulating product chain length which is dependent on the concentration of interacting proteins. 4. The chain-lengthening effect of added malonyl-CoA decreases with increasing concentration of interacting proteins, but differences in the fatty acid chain-length with malonyl-CoA synthesised in situ by acetyl-CoA carboxylase and with added malonyl-CoA indicate that the product chain-length is sensitive to the availability of malonyl-CoA for enlongation in all but the most tightly coupled situations.", "PMID": 1009137} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11570", "title": "[IR-spectroscopic and radiographic study of the effect of water vapor on the structure and amorphous state-crystal transition of nucleic acid pyrimidine bases].", "content": "Effect of water vapour on sublimated films of nucleic acid pyrimidine bases was studied by IR-spectroscopy and X-ray pattern. It is found that freshly deposited films of uracil present a layered amorphous phase, of isocytosine--an amorphous phase; of cytosine--a crystal one. It is shown that water plays the role of an effective catalyzer providing at room temperature rapid transition of isocytosin from amorphous phase, uracyl from the layered amorphous phase into a crystal one. Under the effect of water sorbed molecules of cytosine changes are observed in the IR-spectrum. The latter are most significant in the region of non-plane deformation variations of NH- and NH2-groups. A mechanism of water effect on structural transformations found by us and the growth of nitrous bases crystals is suggested.", "contents": "[IR-spectroscopic and radiographic study of the effect of water vapor on the structure and amorphous state-crystal transition of nucleic acid pyrimidine bases]. Effect of water vapour on sublimated films of nucleic acid pyrimidine bases was studied by IR-spectroscopy and X-ray pattern. It is found that freshly deposited films of uracil present a layered amorphous phase, of isocytosine--an amorphous phase; of cytosine--a crystal one. It is shown that water plays the role of an effective catalyzer providing at room temperature rapid transition of isocytosin from amorphous phase, uracyl from the layered amorphous phase into a crystal one. Under the effect of water sorbed molecules of cytosine changes are observed in the IR-spectrum. The latter are most significant in the region of non-plane deformation variations of NH- and NH2-groups. A mechanism of water effect on structural transformations found by us and the growth of nitrous bases crystals is suggested.", "PMID": 1009138} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11571", "title": "[Theoretical model of homopolymer chain adsorption on a homogenous surface].", "content": "On the basis of I. M. Lifshitz's theory the adsorption of the homopolymer on the homogenous surface is considered. It is shown that the attraction of monomers to the surface may lead not only to adsorption of the globule or coil but also to the emergence of a new peculiar phase--dislike globule without the fringe, all the monomers of which are stuck to the surface. A two-dimensional phase-diagram is plotted.", "contents": "[Theoretical model of homopolymer chain adsorption on a homogenous surface]. On the basis of I. M. Lifshitz's theory the adsorption of the homopolymer on the homogenous surface is considered. It is shown that the attraction of monomers to the surface may lead not only to adsorption of the globule or coil but also to the emergence of a new peculiar phase--dislike globule without the fringe, all the monomers of which are stuck to the surface. A two-dimensional phase-diagram is plotted.", "PMID": 1009139} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11572", "title": "[Elastic nature of a polymeric globule].", "content": "Relative role of energetical and entropy contributions to the stresses which arise in the globule body after substrate absorption is considered. An integral solution is given for a simple model of the globule. An analysis of the result enables a conclusion that the entropy part is not small (it is large or of the same value) as compared with the energetical one, of only some peculiar globules have no evolutionary advantages.", "contents": "[Elastic nature of a polymeric globule]. Relative role of energetical and entropy contributions to the stresses which arise in the globule body after substrate absorption is considered. An integral solution is given for a simple model of the globule. An analysis of the result enables a conclusion that the entropy part is not small (it is large or of the same value) as compared with the energetical one, of only some peculiar globules have no evolutionary advantages.", "PMID": 1009140} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11573", "title": "[Physical state of crystalline proteins. III. Structure of thermal heating curves].", "content": "By microcalorimetry the processes proceeding in crystals of aspartate-transaminase and catalase during their termal heating have been studied. Decrease of temperature range within which heat is absorbed during a reduction of heating rate shows that the process of the destruction of crystal order is determined by the denaturation of protein molecules. A thin structure of heat absorption curve is found at some heating rates. It is found that during heating no perfection of defect crystallite structures takes place. The protein state in crystal is either equilibrium or quasiequilibrium.", "contents": "[Physical state of crystalline proteins. III. Structure of thermal heating curves]. By microcalorimetry the processes proceeding in crystals of aspartate-transaminase and catalase during their termal heating have been studied. Decrease of temperature range within which heat is absorbed during a reduction of heating rate shows that the process of the destruction of crystal order is determined by the denaturation of protein molecules. A thin structure of heat absorption curve is found at some heating rates. It is found that during heating no perfection of defect crystallite structures takes place. The protein state in crystal is either equilibrium or quasiequilibrium.", "PMID": 1009141} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11574", "title": "[Fluorescent probe study of temperature-dependent conformational transitions in proteins].", "content": "Temperature-dependent conformational features of human serum (SAH) and egg albumins were studied by fluorescent probes such as 3-metoxybenzantron (MBA), dimethylaminocholkon (DMC) and 1-anilononaphtalene-8-sulfonate (ANS) in temperature range of 4--68 degrees C. It was found that these proteins undergo the conformational transitions accompanied by the changes of the quantrum yield and maximum position of fluorescence of MBA, DMA and ANS at 12--16 degrees C, 16--23 degrees C, 40--62 degrees C for SAH and at 5--25 degrees C, 46--64 degrees C for egg albumin.", "contents": "[Fluorescent probe study of temperature-dependent conformational transitions in proteins]. Temperature-dependent conformational features of human serum (SAH) and egg albumins were studied by fluorescent probes such as 3-metoxybenzantron (MBA), dimethylaminocholkon (DMC) and 1-anilononaphtalene-8-sulfonate (ANS) in temperature range of 4--68 degrees C. It was found that these proteins undergo the conformational transitions accompanied by the changes of the quantrum yield and maximum position of fluorescence of MBA, DMA and ANS at 12--16 degrees C, 16--23 degrees C, 40--62 degrees C for SAH and at 5--25 degrees C, 46--64 degrees C for egg albumin.", "PMID": 1009142} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11575", "title": "[Optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism of enzyme- and alkali-dissolved collagen].", "content": "Viscosity, dispersion of optical rotation and circular dichroism of collagen solutions was determined. Collagen solutions were obtained after treating collagen with enzymes--protorizine or prototerrizine, or with the mixture of 2,5 M NaOH--1 M Na2SO4 and acid-soluble collagen from calf skin. Molecules of \"forcedly\" solved collagen have an asymmetric shape with a conformation of a three-helical helix. After being heated the latter undergoes the transformation helix-coil similar to tropocollagen molecules.", "contents": "[Optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism of enzyme- and alkali-dissolved collagen]. Viscosity, dispersion of optical rotation and circular dichroism of collagen solutions was determined. Collagen solutions were obtained after treating collagen with enzymes--protorizine or prototerrizine, or with the mixture of 2,5 M NaOH--1 M Na2SO4 and acid-soluble collagen from calf skin. Molecules of \"forcedly\" solved collagen have an asymmetric shape with a conformation of a three-helical helix. After being heated the latter undergoes the transformation helix-coil similar to tropocollagen molecules.", "PMID": 1009143} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11576", "title": "[Kinetics of the reaction of hemoglobin with carbon monoxide. I. Relaxation measurements during photolytic illumination].", "content": "The relaxation curves in HbCO solutions to steady 1 and equilibrium 2 states were investigated at different temperatures and photolytic illumination intensities I. It was observed that in case of low I they were of identical shape and had more than one relaxation time. Increase of I leads to changes in the \"tails\" of curves 1 and in the initial parts of curves 2; the shape of curves 2 becomes simpler. The latter is interpreted as a result of a slow relaxation of the Hb molecules conformation to an equilibrium ligand-free state just after HbCO photodissociation.", "contents": "[Kinetics of the reaction of hemoglobin with carbon monoxide. I. Relaxation measurements during photolytic illumination]. The relaxation curves in HbCO solutions to steady 1 and equilibrium 2 states were investigated at different temperatures and photolytic illumination intensities I. It was observed that in case of low I they were of identical shape and had more than one relaxation time. Increase of I leads to changes in the \"tails\" of curves 1 and in the initial parts of curves 2; the shape of curves 2 becomes simpler. The latter is interpreted as a result of a slow relaxation of the Hb molecules conformation to an equilibrium ligand-free state just after HbCO photodissociation.", "PMID": 1009144} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11577", "title": "[Comparison of discrete models of charge transfer in thin membranes. II. Nonstationary conditions, small polarizing voltages].", "content": "The multi-step model of charge transfer is used to describe the transient behaviour of the membrane system. Analysis is carried out for the membranes with non-homogenous narrow pores. If the degree of non-homogenity of pores is high, slow relaxation occurs. In general the parameters of this relaxation do not coincide with those derived by one-jump approach to ion transfer through thin membrane.", "contents": "[Comparison of discrete models of charge transfer in thin membranes. II. Nonstationary conditions, small polarizing voltages]. The multi-step model of charge transfer is used to describe the transient behaviour of the membrane system. Analysis is carried out for the membranes with non-homogenous narrow pores. If the degree of non-homogenity of pores is high, slow relaxation occurs. In general the parameters of this relaxation do not coincide with those derived by one-jump approach to ion transfer through thin membrane.", "PMID": 1009146} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11578", "title": "[Cell molecular computer. IX. Coding principles in intracellular information processing].", "content": "Methods of coding the number and search for molecular program in a molecular computer are considered. The limited length of the nucleotide code is (see formula) where Pi -- probability of request of the given program, N -- total number of programs. Energetic expenditures for the synthesis of the code with the length l (in an ideal case without noise) E approximately 10 kT X l. Protein-nucleic recognition allows the work of the cell with almost the same expenditures on the account of Brown search in the presence of noise.", "contents": "[Cell molecular computer. IX. Coding principles in intracellular information processing]. Methods of coding the number and search for molecular program in a molecular computer are considered. The limited length of the nucleotide code is (see formula) where Pi -- probability of request of the given program, N -- total number of programs. Energetic expenditures for the synthesis of the code with the length l (in an ideal case without noise) E approximately 10 kT X l. Protein-nucleic recognition allows the work of the cell with almost the same expenditures on the account of Brown search in the presence of noise.", "PMID": 1009145} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11579", "title": "[Change in the antiradical activity of cell organoid lipids during deep freezing].", "content": "Changes of antiradical activity of cell organell lipids after freezing at --79 degrees and --196 degrees C were studied. It was shown that lipid antiradical activity diminishes after freezing. This effect was more pronounced in the organells freezed directly in tissues.", "contents": "[Change in the antiradical activity of cell organoid lipids during deep freezing]. Changes of antiradical activity of cell organell lipids after freezing at --79 degrees and --196 degrees C were studied. It was shown that lipid antiradical activity diminishes after freezing. This effect was more pronounced in the organells freezed directly in tissues.", "PMID": 1009147} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11580", "title": "[Kinetics of retarded fluorescence of chlorophyll a in vivo in the absence of electron transport on the acceptor side of photosystem 2].", "content": "Kinetics is considered of a change of the intensity (quantum yield) of retardated chlorophyll a fluorescence, entering into the composition of the photosystem 2 in the case when the electron transport on the acceptor side of this photosystem is absent.", "contents": "[Kinetics of retarded fluorescence of chlorophyll a in vivo in the absence of electron transport on the acceptor side of photosystem 2]. Kinetics is considered of a change of the intensity (quantum yield) of retardated chlorophyll a fluorescence, entering into the composition of the photosystem 2 in the case when the electron transport on the acceptor side of this photosystem is absent.", "PMID": 1009149} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11581", "title": "[Electrokinetic properties of formed elements in blood exposed to physical factors].", "content": "Constant magnetic field (300 Oe), sound oscillations (40 Db 50-20000 Hz) and electromagnetic field (3 V/cm, 50--20000 Hz) decrease the electrophoretic mobility of erythrocytes and trombocytes of dogs and human blood red cells in in vitro experiments. Bitemporal effect of alternating electric current (0,05--0,2 mA/cm2) in the same frequency region is accompanied with a similar fall of electrokinetic index of dog formic elements. The greatest effect is recorded in the range of 5000--1000 Hz both for sound oscillations and electromagnetic field. The significance of resonance effects in biological systems in the region of 1000 Hz frequency is discussed.", "contents": "[Electrokinetic properties of formed elements in blood exposed to physical factors]. Constant magnetic field (300 Oe), sound oscillations (40 Db 50-20000 Hz) and electromagnetic field (3 V/cm, 50--20000 Hz) decrease the electrophoretic mobility of erythrocytes and trombocytes of dogs and human blood red cells in in vitro experiments. Bitemporal effect of alternating electric current (0,05--0,2 mA/cm2) in the same frequency region is accompanied with a similar fall of electrokinetic index of dog formic elements. The greatest effect is recorded in the range of 5000--1000 Hz both for sound oscillations and electromagnetic field. The significance of resonance effects in biological systems in the region of 1000 Hz frequency is discussed.", "PMID": 1009151} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11582", "title": "[Membrane potential levels in Acetabularia cells].", "content": "The membrane potential (MP) of A. mediterranea cell is shown to have two stationary levels RP==--170 mv and EP=--80 mV and an unstable one -- level of action potential peaks -- EP=--60 mV. The following transitions between the MP levels are possible: RP leads to EP' equilibrium EP leads to RP. The transition RP leads to EP' always has an exponential region. Values of the MP levels and the time constant of RP leads to EP' transition are equal in spontaneous AP, in AP induced by switching off the light or current pulse, when the cell is treated with 10(-3) M solution of DNP and when a part of cell is amputated. It is suggested that RP leads to EP' transition takes place when the electrogenic Cl-pump is switched off, while EP leads to RP when it is switched on.", "contents": "[Membrane potential levels in Acetabularia cells]. The membrane potential (MP) of A. mediterranea cell is shown to have two stationary levels RP==--170 mv and EP=--80 mV and an unstable one -- level of action potential peaks -- EP=--60 mV. The following transitions between the MP levels are possible: RP leads to EP' equilibrium EP leads to RP. The transition RP leads to EP' always has an exponential region. Values of the MP levels and the time constant of RP leads to EP' transition are equal in spontaneous AP, in AP induced by switching off the light or current pulse, when the cell is treated with 10(-3) M solution of DNP and when a part of cell is amputated. It is suggested that RP leads to EP' transition takes place when the electrogenic Cl-pump is switched off, while EP leads to RP when it is switched on.", "PMID": 1009148} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11583", "title": "[Study of energy migration between native forms of chlorophyll at -196 degrees C by the method of sensitized fluorescence].", "content": "Mathematical decomposition of fluorescence spectra of chloroplasts and cells measured under monochromatic excitation in the regions of absorption maxima of the main native forms allowed the authors to calculate the efficiency of energy migration between forms. It is shown that 80--100% of absorbed quanta flow to the Chl 738/708 form (bean) in photosystem 1, whereas in photosystem 2, the Chl 695/690 and Chl 703/698 forms are terminal energy acceptors. Efficient backward energy transfer between the Chl 680/676 and Chl 686/682 forms and the existence of energy migration pathways passing one or two steps of the energy stairway formed by the energy levels of the chlorophyll forms are found. It is shown that chlorphyll b is not an intermediate link in the process of energy transfer from carotenoids to chlorophyll a. The intrinsic fluoresence quantum yields of the native forms are calculated.", "contents": "[Study of energy migration between native forms of chlorophyll at -196 degrees C by the method of sensitized fluorescence]. Mathematical decomposition of fluorescence spectra of chloroplasts and cells measured under monochromatic excitation in the regions of absorption maxima of the main native forms allowed the authors to calculate the efficiency of energy migration between forms. It is shown that 80--100% of absorbed quanta flow to the Chl 738/708 form (bean) in photosystem 1, whereas in photosystem 2, the Chl 695/690 and Chl 703/698 forms are terminal energy acceptors. Efficient backward energy transfer between the Chl 680/676 and Chl 686/682 forms and the existence of energy migration pathways passing one or two steps of the energy stairway formed by the energy levels of the chlorophyll forms are found. It is shown that chlorphyll b is not an intermediate link in the process of energy transfer from carotenoids to chlorophyll a. The intrinsic fluoresence quantum yields of the native forms are calculated.", "PMID": 1009150} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11584", "title": "[Electric coupling in cells without highly permeable cell contacts].", "content": "A mathematical model of two contacting cells is studied. Simple analytical formula are obtained which connect the transmission coefficient k with the parameters of contact zone (dimension of the contact region, resistence of the contact membrane, specific resistence of the interslit medium, width of intercellular slit) and with geometry of contacting cells. It is shown that in the absence of conductivity increase in the contact zone the values of transmission coefficient. k = 0.2 divided by 0.3. are available. k is evaluated for early embryonic cells. The mechanisms of electric coupling in early embryonic cells and in heart tissue are discussed.", "contents": "[Electric coupling in cells without highly permeable cell contacts]. A mathematical model of two contacting cells is studied. Simple analytical formula are obtained which connect the transmission coefficient k with the parameters of contact zone (dimension of the contact region, resistence of the contact membrane, specific resistence of the interslit medium, width of intercellular slit) and with geometry of contacting cells. It is shown that in the absence of conductivity increase in the contact zone the values of transmission coefficient. k = 0.2 divided by 0.3. are available. k is evaluated for early embryonic cells. The mechanisms of electric coupling in early embryonic cells and in heart tissue are discussed.", "PMID": 1009155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11585", "title": "[Dynamics of competitive sorption of metabolites from blood by carbon sorbents].", "content": "Two models of blood metabolites competitive sorption by carbon sorbents in small-size sorption column were considered: spouting bed model and a model of ideal mixing of solid and liquid phases. When the sorbilities of metabolites are very different the task of dynamics of competitive sorption comes to the system of differential equations with small parameters of different orders about derivatives. The zero degree of approximations of the system solutions was received when considering the sorption isotherm as Langmuir's isotherm. In both models a possibility of selective sorption was shown.", "contents": "[Dynamics of competitive sorption of metabolites from blood by carbon sorbents]. Two models of blood metabolites competitive sorption by carbon sorbents in small-size sorption column were considered: spouting bed model and a model of ideal mixing of solid and liquid phases. When the sorbilities of metabolites are very different the task of dynamics of competitive sorption comes to the system of differential equations with small parameters of different orders about derivatives. The zero degree of approximations of the system solutions was received when considering the sorption isotherm as Langmuir's isotherm. In both models a possibility of selective sorption was shown.", "PMID": 1009152} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11586", "title": "[Ionic nature of repeated responses of myocardial fibers].", "content": "Changing ionic composition of the environment and applying exposures which modify the conductivity of electrogenic membrane, the role of entering and leaving currents is studied in the generation of two zones of repeated responses (RR) of cat papillary muscle fibres. The first RR zone activated at a weak depolarization of the membrane (no higher than 30 mV) seems to be concerned with the functioning of the fast Na system. It was not blocked with inderal (2 divided by 5 mg/l), anor with Mn2+ ions (3mM). The second RR zone appearing at a stronger membrane depolarization (higher than 30 mv) is essentially dependent on the activity of the slow Na-Ca-system. It is activated with adrenaline (0.2 mg/l), ions of Sr2+ (5mM), Ba2+ (0.1 mM), Ca2+ (5 divided by 10 mM); blocked with Mn2+ (3 mM), Co2+ (5mM) ions, verapamile (2 divided by 4 mg/l), inderal (2 divided by 4 mg/l). The second RR zone was essentially affected with potassium ions: the 3-fold increase of Ko+ suppressed the RR of the second zone, a 3-fold decrease of Ko+ strengthened them.", "contents": "[Ionic nature of repeated responses of myocardial fibers]. Changing ionic composition of the environment and applying exposures which modify the conductivity of electrogenic membrane, the role of entering and leaving currents is studied in the generation of two zones of repeated responses (RR) of cat papillary muscle fibres. The first RR zone activated at a weak depolarization of the membrane (no higher than 30 mV) seems to be concerned with the functioning of the fast Na system. It was not blocked with inderal (2 divided by 5 mg/l), anor with Mn2+ ions (3mM). The second RR zone appearing at a stronger membrane depolarization (higher than 30 mv) is essentially dependent on the activity of the slow Na-Ca-system. It is activated with adrenaline (0.2 mg/l), ions of Sr2+ (5mM), Ba2+ (0.1 mM), Ca2+ (5 divided by 10 mM); blocked with Mn2+ (3 mM), Co2+ (5mM) ions, verapamile (2 divided by 4 mg/l), inderal (2 divided by 4 mg/l). The second RR zone was essentially affected with potassium ions: the 3-fold increase of Ko+ suppressed the RR of the second zone, a 3-fold decrease of Ko+ strengthened them.", "PMID": 1009156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11587", "title": "[Integral characteristics of the cardiac electric generator in the repolarization period].", "content": "Integral characteristics (dipole moment, localization of the electrical centre and complexity parameter) of cardiac electrical generator for the normal dog heart during the fast repolarization period (corresponding to the T wave of electrocardiogram) are considered. The characteristics are calculated using electrical field potentials measured on a spherical surface around the heart. It is found that during the repolarization period these characteristics change with time much less and provide more accurate description of the heart electrical state than during the depolarization period (corresponding to the QRS complex of electrocardiogram). It is shown that over all the cardiac cycle the equivalent generator having form of a single dipole localized at the moving electrical centre of the heart provides average error of potential approximation that does not exceed average random error of present electrocardiographic recording technique. In addition this model includes comparatively small number of variables and has explicit physical and physiological interpretation. Thus application of such a model for describing cardiac electrical generator is more reasonable than application of the classical multipole models of high orders.", "contents": "[Integral characteristics of the cardiac electric generator in the repolarization period]. Integral characteristics (dipole moment, localization of the electrical centre and complexity parameter) of cardiac electrical generator for the normal dog heart during the fast repolarization period (corresponding to the T wave of electrocardiogram) are considered. The characteristics are calculated using electrical field potentials measured on a spherical surface around the heart. It is found that during the repolarization period these characteristics change with time much less and provide more accurate description of the heart electrical state than during the depolarization period (corresponding to the QRS complex of electrocardiogram). It is shown that over all the cardiac cycle the equivalent generator having form of a single dipole localized at the moving electrical centre of the heart provides average error of potential approximation that does not exceed average random error of present electrocardiographic recording technique. In addition this model includes comparatively small number of variables and has explicit physical and physiological interpretation. Thus application of such a model for describing cardiac electrical generator is more reasonable than application of the classical multipole models of high orders.", "PMID": 1009157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11588", "title": "[Autooscillatory processes in the thalamocortical nonspecific system].", "content": "Dynamic properties of the thalamo-cortical system, regarded as a self-oscillating system, have been studied in experiments with chronically prepared rabbits. Different types of dynamic behaviour of the system have been revealed in response to stimulation with sine-type amplitude modulation. It is shown that self-oscillation process which develops in the thalamo-cortical non-specific system, is of relaxation type.", "contents": "[Autooscillatory processes in the thalamocortical nonspecific system]. Dynamic properties of the thalamo-cortical system, regarded as a self-oscillating system, have been studied in experiments with chronically prepared rabbits. Different types of dynamic behaviour of the system have been revealed in response to stimulation with sine-type amplitude modulation. It is shown that self-oscillation process which develops in the thalamo-cortical non-specific system, is of relaxation type.", "PMID": 1009158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11589", "title": "[Circadian rhythms of ultraweak chemiluminescence of bean roots].", "content": "Circadian rhythms of ultra-weak chemoluminescence of bean roots were investigated. It was found that under periodical change of light and darkness and without subsequent illumination a periodical change of spontaneous chemoluminescence of bean roots was observed. (The study of antiradical activity of the substances extracted from the root showed the dependence of this activity on illumination conditions.", "contents": "[Circadian rhythms of ultraweak chemiluminescence of bean roots]. Circadian rhythms of ultra-weak chemoluminescence of bean roots were investigated. It was found that under periodical change of light and darkness and without subsequent illumination a periodical change of spontaneous chemoluminescence of bean roots was observed. (The study of antiradical activity of the substances extracted from the root showed the dependence of this activity on illumination conditions.", "PMID": 1009153} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11590", "title": "[Tactile receptor reactions during discontinuous and sinusoidal hair oscillations].", "content": "\"On\"--\"off\" response characteristics of the afferent neurons of the sixth abdominal ganglion of the crayfish are described. They are developed in response to the stepped and sinusoidal oscillations of a receptive hair. A conclusion is made that moments of possible impulse arising in neuron response are defined by the simple input influence. Reaction variability under the action of one and the same stimulus appears due to a change of the impulse arising probability in these moments, but not because of the changes in time moments.", "contents": "[Tactile receptor reactions during discontinuous and sinusoidal hair oscillations]. \"On\"--\"off\" response characteristics of the afferent neurons of the sixth abdominal ganglion of the crayfish are described. They are developed in response to the stepped and sinusoidal oscillations of a receptive hair. A conclusion is made that moments of possible impulse arising in neuron response are defined by the simple input influence. Reaction variability under the action of one and the same stimulus appears due to a change of the impulse arising probability in these moments, but not because of the changes in time moments.", "PMID": 1009159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11591", "title": "[Mechanism of the constant representation of the position of a sound signal source by the cricket cercal system neurons].", "content": "Previously it has been shown that some abdominal giant neurones of the cricket have constant preffered directions of sound stimulation in relation not to the cerci (the organs bearing sound receptors) but to the insect body (fig. 1) [1]. Now it is found that the independence of directional sensitivity of giant neurones on the cerci position disappears after cutting all structures connecting the cerci to the body (except cercal nerves) (fig 2). Therefore the constancy of directional sensitivity of the giant nerones is provided by proprioceptive signals about cerci position.", "contents": "[Mechanism of the constant representation of the position of a sound signal source by the cricket cercal system neurons]. Previously it has been shown that some abdominal giant neurones of the cricket have constant preffered directions of sound stimulation in relation not to the cerci (the organs bearing sound receptors) but to the insect body (fig. 1) [1]. Now it is found that the independence of directional sensitivity of giant neurones on the cerci position disappears after cutting all structures connecting the cerci to the body (except cercal nerves) (fig 2). Therefore the constancy of directional sensitivity of the giant nerones is provided by proprioceptive signals about cerci position.", "PMID": 1009160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11592", "title": "[Non-stationary processes in monomeric excitable media. I. Division of the arrested excitable front].", "content": "Characteristic unstationary processes in a distributed model of the excitable medium concerned with the stopping of the excitation front are considered. Conditions are determined necessary for a periodic division of the front.", "contents": "[Non-stationary processes in monomeric excitable media. I. Division of the arrested excitable front]. Characteristic unstationary processes in a distributed model of the excitable medium concerned with the stopping of the excitation front are considered. Conditions are determined necessary for a periodic division of the front.", "PMID": 1009154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11593", "title": "[Terrain observation by the horseshoe bat Doppler echolocator].", "content": "Results of further studies of physical bases of surroundings observations with Rhinophidae echolocator are presented. The observation is carried out due to the presence of pointed down irradiation diagram petal of its probing impulse. The frequency shift and devation of the signal, reflected from elementary surroundings region, induced by Dopler effect, are calculated. It is shown that the presence in the frequency threshold curve of Rhinophidae auditory system of a narrow-tuned filter in the location frequency region and control of the frequency of eminated impulse during flight provide for a response of the auditory system to the signal reflected from each point of surroundings. The resolution thus obtained is evaluated. A technique is suggested for experimental test of the work of the system for surroundings observation.", "contents": "[Terrain observation by the horseshoe bat Doppler echolocator]. Results of further studies of physical bases of surroundings observations with Rhinophidae echolocator are presented. The observation is carried out due to the presence of pointed down irradiation diagram petal of its probing impulse. The frequency shift and devation of the signal, reflected from elementary surroundings region, induced by Dopler effect, are calculated. It is shown that the presence in the frequency threshold curve of Rhinophidae auditory system of a narrow-tuned filter in the location frequency region and control of the frequency of eminated impulse during flight provide for a response of the auditory system to the signal reflected from each point of surroundings. The resolution thus obtained is evaluated. A technique is suggested for experimental test of the work of the system for surroundings observation.", "PMID": 1009161} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11594", "title": "[Work of the human visual system. IV. Reverse color discrimination and anticolor. 1st series of experiments].", "content": "It is shown that in processing of visual information visual system uses not only normally visible color differences but also the color differences of opposite sign. The term \"opposite color difference\" implies that the sum of any given color difference and of the opposite one is equal to zero difference.", "contents": "[Work of the human visual system. IV. Reverse color discrimination and anticolor. 1st series of experiments]. It is shown that in processing of visual information visual system uses not only normally visible color differences but also the color differences of opposite sign. The term \"opposite color difference\" implies that the sum of any given color difference and of the opposite one is equal to zero difference.", "PMID": 1009162} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11595", "title": "[Calculation of the diameter distribution function of long hollow cylinders from coherent light scattering data].", "content": "A method is developed to find the particle-diameter-distribution of noninteracting long hole cylinders by means of integral transform of light- or X-ray-scattering curve. No assumptions need to be made about the form of distribution function.", "contents": "[Calculation of the diameter distribution function of long hollow cylinders from coherent light scattering data]. A method is developed to find the particle-diameter-distribution of noninteracting long hole cylinders by means of integral transform of light- or X-ray-scattering curve. No assumptions need to be made about the form of distribution function.", "PMID": 1009163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11596", "title": "[Estimation of the enthalpy of B--A transitions in DNA in water-ethanol solutions].", "content": "Enthalpy of reaction of guanidinium chloride with sodium DNA salt was determined microcalorimetrically at 25 degrees C in water-ethanol solutions of various concentrations. At low ethanol contents (up to 25 mole%) reaction is exothermic, its enthalpy being only slightly dependent on ethanol concentration. Above 28 41 mole % of ethanol reaction becomes endothermic. As above 41 mole% of ethanol in the absence of guanidinium ions A-type DNA conformation appears in the solution, which under the influence of guanidinium is converted to the B-type conformation, enthalpy of conformation transition must be included in the measured enthalpy of the reaction. Dependence of the measured enthalpy on ethanol concentration in the B--A transition region testifies to a very small value of the enthalpy change during this transition.", "contents": "[Estimation of the enthalpy of B--A transitions in DNA in water-ethanol solutions]. Enthalpy of reaction of guanidinium chloride with sodium DNA salt was determined microcalorimetrically at 25 degrees C in water-ethanol solutions of various concentrations. At low ethanol contents (up to 25 mole%) reaction is exothermic, its enthalpy being only slightly dependent on ethanol concentration. Above 28 41 mole % of ethanol reaction becomes endothermic. As above 41 mole% of ethanol in the absence of guanidinium ions A-type DNA conformation appears in the solution, which under the influence of guanidinium is converted to the B-type conformation, enthalpy of conformation transition must be included in the measured enthalpy of the reaction. Dependence of the measured enthalpy on ethanol concentration in the B--A transition region testifies to a very small value of the enthalpy change during this transition.", "PMID": 1009164} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11597", "title": "Purification of tRNATrp, tRNAVal, and partial purification of tRNAIle and tRNAMfet from beef liver.", "content": "tRNATrp from beef lever has been purified by classical chromatographical methods. Total tRNA, prepared on a large scale (total aminoacid acceptance 1280 pmol/A260 unit) was submitted to chromatography on benzoylated-DEAE cellulose, then DEAE Sephadex. The major species accepting tryptophan issued from the second chromatography was aminoacylated with [14C] tryptophan and chromatographed on benzoylated-DEAE cellulose. The tRNA carrying the radioactive label was eluted in the ethanolic region. After stripping, the resulting tRNATrp has an acceptance of 1800 pmol/A260 unit. No isoacceptors could be demonstrated by chromatography of the pure species on RCP 5 in 6 M urea. The yield in pure tRNATrp was currently in the range of 25 to 30 percent of the total tryptophan acceptance of the starting curde tRNA.", "contents": "Purification of tRNATrp, tRNAVal, and partial purification of tRNAIle and tRNAMfet from beef liver. tRNATrp from beef lever has been purified by classical chromatographical methods. Total tRNA, prepared on a large scale (total aminoacid acceptance 1280 pmol/A260 unit) was submitted to chromatography on benzoylated-DEAE cellulose, then DEAE Sephadex. The major species accepting tryptophan issued from the second chromatography was aminoacylated with [14C] tryptophan and chromatographed on benzoylated-DEAE cellulose. The tRNA carrying the radioactive label was eluted in the ethanolic region. After stripping, the resulting tRNATrp has an acceptance of 1800 pmol/A260 unit. No isoacceptors could be demonstrated by chromatography of the pure species on RCP 5 in 6 M urea. The yield in pure tRNATrp was currently in the range of 25 to 30 percent of the total tryptophan acceptance of the starting curde tRNA.", "PMID": 1009171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11598", "title": "[Characteristics of relaxation experiments for proteins with \"memory\"].", "content": "Conditions of a linear relaxation experiment have been analysed for the proteins with \"memory\", i.e., the proteins whose stationary and equilibrium kinetic parameter values are changing but slowly after external perturbation. It is shown that to measure the equilibrium kinetic characteristics of these molecules one should decrease the degree of the external perturbation till the coincidence of the shape of the relaxation curves between stationary and equilibrium states after switching on and off the perturbation.", "contents": "[Characteristics of relaxation experiments for proteins with \"memory\"]. Conditions of a linear relaxation experiment have been analysed for the proteins with \"memory\", i.e., the proteins whose stationary and equilibrium kinetic parameter values are changing but slowly after external perturbation. It is shown that to measure the equilibrium kinetic characteristics of these molecules one should decrease the degree of the external perturbation till the coincidence of the shape of the relaxation curves between stationary and equilibrium states after switching on and off the perturbation.", "PMID": 1009165} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11599", "title": "Hemoglobin chains during foetal development in mice.", "content": "Hemoglobin components present in C3H mice during foetal development were investigated. Two major embryonic hemoglobins were found, one composed of alpha and non-alpha globin chains and the other of non-alpha chains only. No foetal hemoglobin different from the adult ane embryonic hemoglobins was detected. The preparation of adult C3H alpha chain is a mixture of two alpha chains: one comprising 70 per cent of the whole amount is identical with the alpha-chain of the C57B1 strain of mice while the other 30 per cent is identical with the alpha chain of NB strain. The synthesis of these two chains is not activated at the same time during foetal development. No C57B1 alpha chain is synthesized by foetal erythrocytes on the 13th day of gestation whereas on the 18th day the synthesis of C57B1 chain is the same in the foetus and in the adult C3H mouse.", "contents": "Hemoglobin chains during foetal development in mice. Hemoglobin components present in C3H mice during foetal development were investigated. Two major embryonic hemoglobins were found, one composed of alpha and non-alpha globin chains and the other of non-alpha chains only. No foetal hemoglobin different from the adult ane embryonic hemoglobins was detected. The preparation of adult C3H alpha chain is a mixture of two alpha chains: one comprising 70 per cent of the whole amount is identical with the alpha-chain of the C57B1 strain of mice while the other 30 per cent is identical with the alpha chain of NB strain. The synthesis of these two chains is not activated at the same time during foetal development. No C57B1 alpha chain is synthesized by foetal erythrocytes on the 13th day of gestation whereas on the 18th day the synthesis of C57B1 chain is the same in the foetus and in the adult C3H mouse.", "PMID": 1009172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11600", "title": "[Photosensitized luminescence of singlet oxygen in solution].", "content": "The Photoinduced afterglow of singlet oxygen was found in air saturated solutions of protoporphyrin and naphtacene in carbon tetrachloride. The excitation spectra coincide with the absorption spectra of the pigments. The lifetime is near to 7 msec, the quantum yield--to 3-10(-5). The emission maximum lies at 1270 nm. The data suggest that the luminescence is generated by oxygen in the 1 delta g state produced by the energy transfer from triplet molecules of the pigments to O2.", "contents": "[Photosensitized luminescence of singlet oxygen in solution]. The Photoinduced afterglow of singlet oxygen was found in air saturated solutions of protoporphyrin and naphtacene in carbon tetrachloride. The excitation spectra coincide with the absorption spectra of the pigments. The lifetime is near to 7 msec, the quantum yield--to 3-10(-5). The emission maximum lies at 1270 nm. The data suggest that the luminescence is generated by oxygen in the 1 delta g state produced by the energy transfer from triplet molecules of the pigments to O2.", "PMID": 1009166} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11601", "title": "[Change in the elastoviscosity of supramolecular DNA of sturgeon spawn after conservation with 4.5-5% NaCl].", "content": "Elastoviscosity of supermolecular DNA of beluga, sevruga and sturgeon pawn 6 months after conservation with 4.5-5% NaCl was studied. It is shown that a positive relation exists between elastoviscosity of SM DNA and its gustatory qualities. Therefore the value of elastoviscosity of SM DNA may be used for testing the changes of sturgeon pawn properties during conservation.", "contents": "[Change in the elastoviscosity of supramolecular DNA of sturgeon spawn after conservation with 4.5-5% NaCl]. Elastoviscosity of supermolecular DNA of beluga, sevruga and sturgeon pawn 6 months after conservation with 4.5-5% NaCl was studied. It is shown that a positive relation exists between elastoviscosity of SM DNA and its gustatory qualities. Therefore the value of elastoviscosity of SM DNA may be used for testing the changes of sturgeon pawn properties during conservation.", "PMID": 1009167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11602", "title": "Detection of a diffusible factor controlling the synthesis of a single hemoglobin chain in mice.", "content": "The synthesis of hemoglobin alpha-chains was investigated in splenic colonies derived from syngenic colony-forming units injected in lethally irradiated C3H mice. Whereas normal adult mice of this strain synthesize two structurally distinct alpha-chains, the \"alphaC57\" and the \"alpha NB\", chains, it was found that erythrocytes from splenic colonies of irradiated recipient mice contained no alpha chain of the C57 type. Daily injection of serum from adult C3H mice into irradiated recipient mice of the same strain stimulates the synthesis of alphaC57 chain, whereas the injection of serum of lethally irradiated mice, drawn 8 days after irradiation, does not. It is concluded that the serum of adult C3H mice contains one or several factors that are responsible for the differential activation of the synthesis of the alphaC57 globin chain. This factor is shown to be associated exclusively with a high molecular weight fraction of serum.", "contents": "Detection of a diffusible factor controlling the synthesis of a single hemoglobin chain in mice. The synthesis of hemoglobin alpha-chains was investigated in splenic colonies derived from syngenic colony-forming units injected in lethally irradiated C3H mice. Whereas normal adult mice of this strain synthesize two structurally distinct alpha-chains, the \"alphaC57\" and the \"alpha NB\", chains, it was found that erythrocytes from splenic colonies of irradiated recipient mice contained no alpha chain of the C57 type. Daily injection of serum from adult C3H mice into irradiated recipient mice of the same strain stimulates the synthesis of alphaC57 chain, whereas the injection of serum of lethally irradiated mice, drawn 8 days after irradiation, does not. It is concluded that the serum of adult C3H mice contains one or several factors that are responsible for the differential activation of the synthesis of the alphaC57 globin chain. This factor is shown to be associated exclusively with a high molecular weight fraction of serum.", "PMID": 1009173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11603", "title": "[Variable fluorescence of native forms of chlorophyll at -196 degrees C].", "content": "The value (f = Ioo/Io) of variable fluorescence (delta I) of individual forms of chlorophyll a are calculated. Absence of delta I in the forms phiCl indicates that there is no energy transfer from phiC2 to phiCL.", "contents": "[Variable fluorescence of native forms of chlorophyll at -196 degrees C]. The value (f = Ioo/Io) of variable fluorescence (delta I) of individual forms of chlorophyll a are calculated. Absence of delta I in the forms phiCl indicates that there is no energy transfer from phiC2 to phiCL.", "PMID": 1009168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11604", "title": "Biosynthesis of mannan and mannolipids from GDP-Man by membrane fractions of sycamore cell cultures.", "content": "Membrane fractions have been prepared from sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) cell suspensions grown in liquid medium. These fractions catalyzed the transfer of mannoxyl-units from GDP-(14C) Man into a polymannoside, a mannolipid and oligosaccharide-lipids. The polymannoside was partially solubilized by proteolytic digestion or maceration in sodium dodecyl sulfate-urea mixtures. However no evidence is available of a covalent linkage between the biosynthesized glycan and peptides. The structural analysis of the (14C)mannan showed that the polysaccharide was a homopolymer of beta-(1 leads to 4) linked mannose with a few branches. During the incubation of the membranes with the substrate, the polymer chains elongated with a large number of sugar units and contained 25 to 40 hexose residues per non-reducing end monomer. GDP-Glc was a competitive inhibitor of the GDP-Man: beta-mannan mannosyl-transferase, whereas GDP-Man activated a GDP-Gle: beta-glucan glucosyl-transferase present in the same membrane preparation. Two kinds of glycolipids were synthesized in the presence of GDP-(14C)Man. The first (I) contained a polar moiety characterized as a mannose-phosphate and was very similar to polyprenyl-phosphate-mannose identified in plants by Alam and Hemming. The other mannolipid (II) was hydrolyzed by mild acid into labeled oligosaccharides of high molecular weight. This material was separated into two oligosaccharide fractions, the first (II A) of MW over 5000, the second (II B) of MW around 1700. II B contained at most two labeled mannose residues per chain, linked to the non-reducing end of unlabeled units which probably contained neutral sugars and N-acetyl-osamine(s) near the reducing end. Oligosaccharide II A seemed to contain one or several II B chains.", "contents": "Biosynthesis of mannan and mannolipids from GDP-Man by membrane fractions of sycamore cell cultures. Membrane fractions have been prepared from sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) cell suspensions grown in liquid medium. These fractions catalyzed the transfer of mannoxyl-units from GDP-(14C) Man into a polymannoside, a mannolipid and oligosaccharide-lipids. The polymannoside was partially solubilized by proteolytic digestion or maceration in sodium dodecyl sulfate-urea mixtures. However no evidence is available of a covalent linkage between the biosynthesized glycan and peptides. The structural analysis of the (14C)mannan showed that the polysaccharide was a homopolymer of beta-(1 leads to 4) linked mannose with a few branches. During the incubation of the membranes with the substrate, the polymer chains elongated with a large number of sugar units and contained 25 to 40 hexose residues per non-reducing end monomer. GDP-Glc was a competitive inhibitor of the GDP-Man: beta-mannan mannosyl-transferase, whereas GDP-Man activated a GDP-Gle: beta-glucan glucosyl-transferase present in the same membrane preparation. Two kinds of glycolipids were synthesized in the presence of GDP-(14C)Man. The first (I) contained a polar moiety characterized as a mannose-phosphate and was very similar to polyprenyl-phosphate-mannose identified in plants by Alam and Hemming. The other mannolipid (II) was hydrolyzed by mild acid into labeled oligosaccharides of high molecular weight. This material was separated into two oligosaccharide fractions, the first (II A) of MW over 5000, the second (II B) of MW around 1700. II B contained at most two labeled mannose residues per chain, linked to the non-reducing end of unlabeled units which probably contained neutral sugars and N-acetyl-osamine(s) near the reducing end. Oligosaccharide II A seemed to contain one or several II B chains.", "PMID": 1009174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11605", "title": "Determination of plasma amino acids in small samples with the use of Dansyl-chloride.", "content": "A radiochemical method based on dansylation of plasma samples with Dansyl-chloride and thin alyer chromatography on polyamide sheets is presented for the quantitative individual determination of plasma amino acids in very small blood samples. The results are first corrected with a norvaline internal standard and secondly with specific recovery factors for each amino acid. The results agree slosely with other methods and with already published plasma normal amino acids values in healthy adult rats.", "contents": "Determination of plasma amino acids in small samples with the use of Dansyl-chloride. A radiochemical method based on dansylation of plasma samples with Dansyl-chloride and thin alyer chromatography on polyamide sheets is presented for the quantitative individual determination of plasma amino acids in very small blood samples. The results are first corrected with a norvaline internal standard and secondly with specific recovery factors for each amino acid. The results agree slosely with other methods and with already published plasma normal amino acids values in healthy adult rats.", "PMID": 1009175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11606", "title": "[Study of the mechanism of action of fasciolocides using bimolecular phospholipid membranes].", "content": "The effects of compounds (see article), where M = -S-, -SO-, -SO2- and of some of their derivatives (18 substances) on electroconductivity of bimolecular lipid membranes (BLM) of different composition in 30 mM tris-HCl (pH 7.5) is studied. The results obtained are compared with literature data concerning fasciolocide and toxic effect of these substances. Certain correlations are found between the action on BLM and biological effects of substances. The analysis of the results allowed a conclusion that the latter are concerned with a discoupling effect of substances on oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria of helmets and their host. BLM may be applied for evaluating the value of fasciolocide and toxic effects of the substances protonophores.", "contents": "[Study of the mechanism of action of fasciolocides using bimolecular phospholipid membranes]. The effects of compounds (see article), where M = -S-, -SO-, -SO2- and of some of their derivatives (18 substances) on electroconductivity of bimolecular lipid membranes (BLM) of different composition in 30 mM tris-HCl (pH 7.5) is studied. The results obtained are compared with literature data concerning fasciolocide and toxic effect of these substances. Certain correlations are found between the action on BLM and biological effects of substances. The analysis of the results allowed a conclusion that the latter are concerned with a discoupling effect of substances on oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria of helmets and their host. BLM may be applied for evaluating the value of fasciolocide and toxic effects of the substances protonophores.", "PMID": 1009169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11607", "title": "A computer simulation of the effect of injected anti-progesterone on progesterone levels of pregnant rats.", "content": "Antibodies to progesterone injected into pregnant rats, provoke abortion if the concentration of the biologically active progesterone is reduced to a critical level. By stimulating the biological experiments in the computer we describe the time dependent changes of this progesterone fraction, as a function of the initial concentration of progesterone and of the anti-progesterone injected. Results obtained can be used to aid interpreting the findings of the biological studies and to calculate the concentration of anti-progesterone required to provoke abortion.", "contents": "A computer simulation of the effect of injected anti-progesterone on progesterone levels of pregnant rats. Antibodies to progesterone injected into pregnant rats, provoke abortion if the concentration of the biologically active progesterone is reduced to a critical level. By stimulating the biological experiments in the computer we describe the time dependent changes of this progesterone fraction, as a function of the initial concentration of progesterone and of the anti-progesterone injected. Results obtained can be used to aid interpreting the findings of the biological studies and to calculate the concentration of anti-progesterone required to provoke abortion.", "PMID": 1009176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11608", "title": "[Nature and fractionation of barley proteins extracted by ethanol, isopropanol and n-propanol in different proportions].", "content": "Barley alcoholsoluble protein extractabilities by aqueous ethanol, isopropanol and n-propanol were measured at room temperature. The quantities extracted by each alsohol strongly depend on the concentration of the alcohol. The most efficient concentration for the three alcohols were by increasing order: 45 per cent ethanol, 40 per cent isopropanol, 35 per cent (w/w) n-propanol. Hrodein preparations extracted by these three alcoholic solutions and by 75 per cent (w/w) ethanol were compared by means of the flour nitrogen percentage they contain and by electrophoresis, amino-acid analysis and Sephadex G 100 gel filtration. The preparations studied do not differ markedly in their amino-acid composition or electrophoretic pattern which shows at least 17 different bands. On the other hand, Sephadex G 100 gel filtration separates two main groups of proteins, The first one is present at the same level in all preparations studied and consists of electrophoretically typical hordeins (already described hordeins). The other group represents a fraction of the preparation, the more abundant as the solvent is more effective. This second group is excluded on Sephadex G 100 chromatography and does not give well defined bands by starch gel electrophoresis. Consequently it is related to some glutelins. Nevertheless its amino-acid composition is very close to the mean hordein composition. Electrophoretic comparison with glutelins extracted by acetic acid and with hordeins, all reduced and alkylated, discloses a great similitude between this fraction, the glutelins and some hordein fast components alpha, beta and gamma.", "contents": "[Nature and fractionation of barley proteins extracted by ethanol, isopropanol and n-propanol in different proportions]. Barley alcoholsoluble protein extractabilities by aqueous ethanol, isopropanol and n-propanol were measured at room temperature. The quantities extracted by each alsohol strongly depend on the concentration of the alcohol. The most efficient concentration for the three alcohols were by increasing order: 45 per cent ethanol, 40 per cent isopropanol, 35 per cent (w/w) n-propanol. Hrodein preparations extracted by these three alcoholic solutions and by 75 per cent (w/w) ethanol were compared by means of the flour nitrogen percentage they contain and by electrophoresis, amino-acid analysis and Sephadex G 100 gel filtration. The preparations studied do not differ markedly in their amino-acid composition or electrophoretic pattern which shows at least 17 different bands. On the other hand, Sephadex G 100 gel filtration separates two main groups of proteins, The first one is present at the same level in all preparations studied and consists of electrophoretically typical hordeins (already described hordeins). The other group represents a fraction of the preparation, the more abundant as the solvent is more effective. This second group is excluded on Sephadex G 100 chromatography and does not give well defined bands by starch gel electrophoresis. Consequently it is related to some glutelins. Nevertheless its amino-acid composition is very close to the mean hordein composition. Electrophoretic comparison with glutelins extracted by acetic acid and with hordeins, all reduced and alkylated, discloses a great similitude between this fraction, the glutelins and some hordein fast components alpha, beta and gamma.", "PMID": 1009177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11609", "title": "An improved method for purification of wheat germ agglutinin (lectin) by affinity chromatography.", "content": "A simple purification of wheat germ agglutinin from commercial wheat germ is described. From defatted ground wheat germ, the lectin was extracted and then purified in a single step by filtration on an ion exchange chromatography column and adsorption on an insolubilized N-acetyl glucosamine derivative. The amount of lectin obtained from 1,000 g of wheat germ was larger than 500 mg. Although the yield was at least twice higher than that obtained with other methods, no impurities could be detected, and molecular characteristics are in good agreement with the protein purified by more sophisticated procedures.", "contents": "An improved method for purification of wheat germ agglutinin (lectin) by affinity chromatography. A simple purification of wheat germ agglutinin from commercial wheat germ is described. From defatted ground wheat germ, the lectin was extracted and then purified in a single step by filtration on an ion exchange chromatography column and adsorption on an insolubilized N-acetyl glucosamine derivative. The amount of lectin obtained from 1,000 g of wheat germ was larger than 500 mg. Although the yield was at least twice higher than that obtained with other methods, no impurities could be detected, and molecular characteristics are in good agreement with the protein purified by more sophisticated procedures.", "PMID": 1009178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11610", "title": "Phenolic metabolism in petunia tissues. IV. - Properties of p-coumarate : coenzyme A ligase isoenzymes.", "content": "Three p-coumarate: CoA ligases were separated from Petunia leaves. There was no interconversion from one form to another. The isoenzymes had a number of common properties: optimum pH, instability in the absence of polyols, action on p-coumaric acid as the common substrate. These enzymes differed significantly with respect to: --their substrate specificity towards the other C6-C3 units of Petunia. Form Ia (caffeate: CoA ligase) acted on caffeic acid, form Ib (sinapate: CoA ligase) on sinapic acid form II (ferulate: CoA ligase) on ferulic acid. --their thermal stability. --their sensitivity to phenolics: (a) caffeate: CoA ligase was inhibited by p-coumaroyl and caffeoyl quinic esters. It was insensitive to p-coumaroyl-glucose, on one hand and to a number of flavonoids on the other. (b) ferulate: CoA ligase was specifically inhibited by naringenin. (c) sinapate: CoA ligase was not inhibited by the selected compounds. In all cases, the inhibition was of the non competitive type and the enzymes were desensized to the modifier action by thermal treatment independently from the enzyme activity. These results suggest the occurrence of distinct sites of reception for the substrate and the inhibitor on the enzyme molecule. All these data are consistent with the hypothesis of the possible participation of each individual form in a limited number of pathways. This would be of physiological interest since the metabolic fate of the different cinnamic acids could be independently controlled at the p-coumarate: CoA ligase level.", "contents": "Phenolic metabolism in petunia tissues. IV. - Properties of p-coumarate : coenzyme A ligase isoenzymes. Three p-coumarate: CoA ligases were separated from Petunia leaves. There was no interconversion from one form to another. The isoenzymes had a number of common properties: optimum pH, instability in the absence of polyols, action on p-coumaric acid as the common substrate. These enzymes differed significantly with respect to: --their substrate specificity towards the other C6-C3 units of Petunia. Form Ia (caffeate: CoA ligase) acted on caffeic acid, form Ib (sinapate: CoA ligase) on sinapic acid form II (ferulate: CoA ligase) on ferulic acid. --their thermal stability. --their sensitivity to phenolics: (a) caffeate: CoA ligase was inhibited by p-coumaroyl and caffeoyl quinic esters. It was insensitive to p-coumaroyl-glucose, on one hand and to a number of flavonoids on the other. (b) ferulate: CoA ligase was specifically inhibited by naringenin. (c) sinapate: CoA ligase was not inhibited by the selected compounds. In all cases, the inhibition was of the non competitive type and the enzymes were desensized to the modifier action by thermal treatment independently from the enzyme activity. These results suggest the occurrence of distinct sites of reception for the substrate and the inhibitor on the enzyme molecule. All these data are consistent with the hypothesis of the possible participation of each individual form in a limited number of pathways. This would be of physiological interest since the metabolic fate of the different cinnamic acids could be independently controlled at the p-coumarate: CoA ligase level.", "PMID": 1009179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11611", "title": "[Chicken erythrocyte nuclei: composition and analysis of phospholipids].", "content": "While many works analyse lipid composition of cellular nuclei, essentially of liver, few describe bird erythrocyte nuclei. For them very discordant results are reported due to very different methods of preparation. In the method we adopted a good reproducibility is controlled by electron microscopy, evaluation of specific enzymatic activities and by protein, RNA and DNA determinations. Total lipid content and phospholipid composition were determined showing, in agreement with other works, the predominance of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. On the contrary, the nuclear fraction is poor in sphingomyelin, which is essentially a plasma membrane phospholipid.", "contents": "[Chicken erythrocyte nuclei: composition and analysis of phospholipids]. While many works analyse lipid composition of cellular nuclei, essentially of liver, few describe bird erythrocyte nuclei. For them very discordant results are reported due to very different methods of preparation. In the method we adopted a good reproducibility is controlled by electron microscopy, evaluation of specific enzymatic activities and by protein, RNA and DNA determinations. Total lipid content and phospholipid composition were determined showing, in agreement with other works, the predominance of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. On the contrary, the nuclear fraction is poor in sphingomyelin, which is essentially a plasma membrane phospholipid.", "PMID": 1009180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11612", "title": "Control of cardiac response under aversive stimulation. Superiority of a heart-rate feedback condition.", "content": "The relative heart rate effects of biofeedback training, deep muscle relaxation, and a no-feedback/music procedure were compared during two criterion situations. The first consisted of a 25-min training period during which subjects received the assigned treatments. The second consisted of the pre- to posttraining reductions in heart rate reactivity to a series of aversive tone-shock trials. On the first criterion, the heart rate decreases of the feedback and no-feedback/music groups were not clearly distinguishable; however, both groups fell significantly below the muscle-relaxation group. By contrast, on the second criterion, the three groups were clearly distinguishable, with feedback subjects evidencing the most heart rate \"control\", followed by the muscle-relaxation and no-feedback/music groups, respectively. On the segment of the posttraining aversive trials conducted in the absence of the feedback signal, transfer of heart rate control was incomplete for feedback subjects, but still remained below the level of the other two groups. Training effects were more pronounced on tonic than on phasic heart rate changes. The difference between the two criterion situations suggests the possible need for and feasibility of employing a situational arousal methodology in evaluating the extent and limitation of physiological training procedures.", "contents": "Control of cardiac response under aversive stimulation. Superiority of a heart-rate feedback condition. The relative heart rate effects of biofeedback training, deep muscle relaxation, and a no-feedback/music procedure were compared during two criterion situations. The first consisted of a 25-min training period during which subjects received the assigned treatments. The second consisted of the pre- to posttraining reductions in heart rate reactivity to a series of aversive tone-shock trials. On the first criterion, the heart rate decreases of the feedback and no-feedback/music groups were not clearly distinguishable; however, both groups fell significantly below the muscle-relaxation group. By contrast, on the second criterion, the three groups were clearly distinguishable, with feedback subjects evidencing the most heart rate \"control\", followed by the muscle-relaxation and no-feedback/music groups, respectively. On the segment of the posttraining aversive trials conducted in the absence of the feedback signal, transfer of heart rate control was incomplete for feedback subjects, but still remained below the level of the other two groups. Training effects were more pronounced on tonic than on phasic heart rate changes. The difference between the two criterion situations suggests the possible need for and feasibility of employing a situational arousal methodology in evaluating the extent and limitation of physiological training procedures.", "PMID": 1009186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11613", "title": "Simultaneous biofeedback of heart rate and frontal EMG as a pretraining for the control of EEG theta activity.", "content": "Following one base-line session, 20 normal subjects received four half hour sessions consisting of simultaneous feedback of heart rate and frontalis muscle (pretraining). Ten subjects received contingent (CF), the other ten noncontingent feedback (NCF). Subjects were asked to lower heart rate and frontal muscle tension (EMG). Heart rate within sessions decreased up to 19 bpm, with a mean of 4 bpm for the CF group. There was only a week decrease over sessions, however, because of the strong habituation effect. The following events accompanied the heart rate decrease: (1) an increase of the variability of the heart rate, (2) a decrease of the variance of the EMG, (3) an increased correlation between heart rate slowing and EMG decrease, and (4) an increasing subjective experience of control of heart rate and EMG. After pretraining, subjects received eight sessions of auditory feedback of their frontal EEG theta activity (four sessions with CF and four sessions with NCF in balanced order). There was a weak increase of theta for the CF condition over sessions, but a decrease within the sessions. Pretraining on heart rate and frontal EMG control had no influence on the performance during theta training. It was hypothesized that control of heart rate slowing and theta control involve different mechanisms.", "contents": "Simultaneous biofeedback of heart rate and frontal EMG as a pretraining for the control of EEG theta activity. Following one base-line session, 20 normal subjects received four half hour sessions consisting of simultaneous feedback of heart rate and frontalis muscle (pretraining). Ten subjects received contingent (CF), the other ten noncontingent feedback (NCF). Subjects were asked to lower heart rate and frontal muscle tension (EMG). Heart rate within sessions decreased up to 19 bpm, with a mean of 4 bpm for the CF group. There was only a week decrease over sessions, however, because of the strong habituation effect. The following events accompanied the heart rate decrease: (1) an increase of the variability of the heart rate, (2) a decrease of the variance of the EMG, (3) an increased correlation between heart rate slowing and EMG decrease, and (4) an increasing subjective experience of control of heart rate and EMG. After pretraining, subjects received eight sessions of auditory feedback of their frontal EEG theta activity (four sessions with CF and four sessions with NCF in balanced order). There was a weak increase of theta for the CF condition over sessions, but a decrease within the sessions. Pretraining on heart rate and frontal EMG control had no influence on the performance during theta training. It was hypothesized that control of heart rate slowing and theta control involve different mechanisms.", "PMID": 1009187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11614", "title": "Feedback control and quantification of the response of EEG alpha to visual stimulation.", "content": "The response of the posterior EEG alpha thythms to visual stimulation is so variable that it is difficult to obtain reliable on-line measurement of it. Feedback between the EEG alpha and the visual stimulus (1) reduces random variation in the response and (2) facilitates on-line quantification. With feedback EEG, the response to visual stimulation is measured as a series of time durations of alpha and of no-alpha intervals in the EEG. This time series occurs in two stages: an initial disturbance followed by a recovery. The quantification of the series of time durations is achieved by fitting curves to the series of alpha time intervals and of no-alpha time intervals. These functions, computed in each trial of 30 stimulations, are an objective, quantitative definition of EEG response. The utility of the method was demonstrated by testing it with reference to well-known effects. Habituation to a repeated stimulus, dishabituation, habituation to a class of stimuli, dishabituation by changing the class of stimuli, and differences among brain-lesioned, psychiatric patients and normals were shown with a detailed quantification. It was concluded that biofeedback is the method of choice for quantitative research on the EEG component of the human orienting response.", "contents": "Feedback control and quantification of the response of EEG alpha to visual stimulation. The response of the posterior EEG alpha thythms to visual stimulation is so variable that it is difficult to obtain reliable on-line measurement of it. Feedback between the EEG alpha and the visual stimulus (1) reduces random variation in the response and (2) facilitates on-line quantification. With feedback EEG, the response to visual stimulation is measured as a series of time durations of alpha and of no-alpha intervals in the EEG. This time series occurs in two stages: an initial disturbance followed by a recovery. The quantification of the series of time durations is achieved by fitting curves to the series of alpha time intervals and of no-alpha time intervals. These functions, computed in each trial of 30 stimulations, are an objective, quantitative definition of EEG response. The utility of the method was demonstrated by testing it with reference to well-known effects. Habituation to a repeated stimulus, dishabituation, habituation to a class of stimuli, dishabituation by changing the class of stimuli, and differences among brain-lesioned, psychiatric patients and normals were shown with a detailed quantification. It was concluded that biofeedback is the method of choice for quantitative research on the EEG component of the human orienting response.", "PMID": 1009188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11615", "title": "Variations in electroencephalographic alpha activity under conditions of differential lighting and auditory feedback.", "content": "The electroencephalographic alpha activity of 13 college students was monitored under conditions of darkness or dim light for six sessions, and for a seventh under the opposite condition. Auditory feedback was given for the presence of alpha activity during a 5-min orientation period and when during ten 2-min trial periods. The results indicate that: (1) alpha production in the presence of feedback did not exceed initial eyes-closed base line production; (2) introducing feedback immediately enhances alpha activity, rather than increasing production gradually; (3) under certain circumstances, dim light is sufficient to suppress alpha; and (4) after many sessions of alpha production in darkness, subjects maintain a given amount of alpha even when visual stimulation is present.", "contents": "Variations in electroencephalographic alpha activity under conditions of differential lighting and auditory feedback. The electroencephalographic alpha activity of 13 college students was monitored under conditions of darkness or dim light for six sessions, and for a seventh under the opposite condition. Auditory feedback was given for the presence of alpha activity during a 5-min orientation period and when during ten 2-min trial periods. The results indicate that: (1) alpha production in the presence of feedback did not exceed initial eyes-closed base line production; (2) introducing feedback immediately enhances alpha activity, rather than increasing production gradually; (3) under certain circumstances, dim light is sufficient to suppress alpha; and (4) after many sessions of alpha production in darkness, subjects maintain a given amount of alpha even when visual stimulation is present.", "PMID": 1009189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11616", "title": "Specificity of finger pulse volume feedback during relaxation.", "content": "The effect of biofeedback during brief periods of relaxation was examined. Two groups (10 subjects in each group) were asked to relax as completely as possible during a series of six 3-minute relaxation periods in each of two 1-hr sessions. One group received biofeedback based on finger pulse volume (FPV) during the relaxation trials, while the other group received no biofeedback. Measures of heart rate, respiration rate, skin conductance level, and FPV were recorded during the sessions, and subjective ratings concerning relaxation were obtained after each session. The results showed that FPV scores for the groups differed during the relaxation trials of the second session, but other measures failed to distinguish between the groups. The group that received FPV feedback revealed a significantly higher level of FPV (relative to baseline) than the group that received no feedback.", "contents": "Specificity of finger pulse volume feedback during relaxation. The effect of biofeedback during brief periods of relaxation was examined. Two groups (10 subjects in each group) were asked to relax as completely as possible during a series of six 3-minute relaxation periods in each of two 1-hr sessions. One group received biofeedback based on finger pulse volume (FPV) during the relaxation trials, while the other group received no biofeedback. Measures of heart rate, respiration rate, skin conductance level, and FPV were recorded during the sessions, and subjective ratings concerning relaxation were obtained after each session. The results showed that FPV scores for the groups differed during the relaxation trials of the second session, but other measures failed to distinguish between the groups. The group that received FPV feedback revealed a significantly higher level of FPV (relative to baseline) than the group that received no feedback.", "PMID": 1009190} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11617", "title": "A comparison of direct blood pressure feedback and electromyographic feedback on the blood pressure of normotensives.", "content": "Groups of 20 normotensive subjects were assigned to one of three conditions to help them lower their blood pressure: (1) intermittent visual feedback of blood pressure; (2) continuous analogue auditory feedback of frontal EMG; (3) an instructed, no-feedback condition. Both groups receiving feedback showed greater within-session lowering of systolic blood pressure than the no-feedback control group. Although the group receiving intermittent visual feedback of blood pressure lowered blood pressure more than the EMG feedback group at the first session, in three subsequent sessions, the two feedback groups did not differ.", "contents": "A comparison of direct blood pressure feedback and electromyographic feedback on the blood pressure of normotensives. Groups of 20 normotensive subjects were assigned to one of three conditions to help them lower their blood pressure: (1) intermittent visual feedback of blood pressure; (2) continuous analogue auditory feedback of frontal EMG; (3) an instructed, no-feedback condition. Both groups receiving feedback showed greater within-session lowering of systolic blood pressure than the no-feedback control group. Although the group receiving intermittent visual feedback of blood pressure lowered blood pressure more than the EMG feedback group at the first session, in three subsequent sessions, the two feedback groups did not differ.", "PMID": 1009191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11618", "title": "[Electric conductivity of lipid membranes in the presence of proteolytic enzymes and their substrates].", "content": "It is shown that there are spasmodic changes of electroconductivity in bimolecular membranes in the presence of alpha-chimotripsin and denatured ovalbumin or glycyl-d,L-beta-phenylalanine. These conductivity changes are not due to the interaction ob proteolysis products with lipid bilayer but result from the interaction of alpha-chimo trypsin with the substrate or competing inhibitor. Probability of the state with a specific conductivity depends on the membrane voltage. A modified membrane has a low ionic selectivity.", "contents": "[Electric conductivity of lipid membranes in the presence of proteolytic enzymes and their substrates]. It is shown that there are spasmodic changes of electroconductivity in bimolecular membranes in the presence of alpha-chimotripsin and denatured ovalbumin or glycyl-d,L-beta-phenylalanine. These conductivity changes are not due to the interaction ob proteolysis products with lipid bilayer but result from the interaction of alpha-chimo trypsin with the substrate or competing inhibitor. Probability of the state with a specific conductivity depends on the membrane voltage. A modified membrane has a low ionic selectivity.", "PMID": 1009192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11619", "title": "[Study of the structural lability of biomembranes and their components by the fluorescent analysis method. IV. Kinetic characteristics of the binding of unsaturated fatty acids with bovine serum albumin].", "content": "By studying fluorescent parameters of ionic and neutral probes the kinetics of complex formation between the molecules of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and unsaturated fatty acids was investigated. The following regularities were observed: 1. Unlike the saturated fatty acids the unsaturated ones changed fluorescent parameters of the probes according to the cooperative mechanism, significantly decreasing the quantum yield values; 2. Temperature dependence of the fluorescence of both probe types in the complexes BSA -- oleic acid and BSA -- linole acid shows some bends at t=30--39 degrees C for which the lipid components is responsible.", "contents": "[Study of the structural lability of biomembranes and their components by the fluorescent analysis method. IV. Kinetic characteristics of the binding of unsaturated fatty acids with bovine serum albumin]. By studying fluorescent parameters of ionic and neutral probes the kinetics of complex formation between the molecules of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and unsaturated fatty acids was investigated. The following regularities were observed: 1. Unlike the saturated fatty acids the unsaturated ones changed fluorescent parameters of the probes according to the cooperative mechanism, significantly decreasing the quantum yield values; 2. Temperature dependence of the fluorescence of both probe types in the complexes BSA -- oleic acid and BSA -- linole acid shows some bends at t=30--39 degrees C for which the lipid components is responsible.", "PMID": 1009193} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11620", "title": "[Lateral diffusion of rhodopsin in the surface membrane of rat retinal rod outer segment].", "content": "Isolated rat retina bleached by an intense linearly polarized light flash became dichroic with respect to the early receptor potential excited by weak polarized test flashes. Dichroism decays with the time constant ca 1 s. This means that the rod ERP is generated by the surface membrane of the outer segment. Disappearance of dichroism is due to the diffusion of rhodopsin molecules within the surface membrane. The viscosity of the membrane was found to be 6,8+/-2,1 poise, the value comparable with that determined for the rod disks in frog.", "contents": "[Lateral diffusion of rhodopsin in the surface membrane of rat retinal rod outer segment]. Isolated rat retina bleached by an intense linearly polarized light flash became dichroic with respect to the early receptor potential excited by weak polarized test flashes. Dichroism decays with the time constant ca 1 s. This means that the rod ERP is generated by the surface membrane of the outer segment. Disappearance of dichroism is due to the diffusion of rhodopsin molecules within the surface membrane. The viscosity of the membrane was found to be 6,8+/-2,1 poise, the value comparable with that determined for the rod disks in frog.", "PMID": 1009194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11621", "title": "[Relation of growth and decay kinetics of the microwave photoconductivity signal of Chlorella to its culture state].", "content": "Signals of microwave photoconductivity (MPC) of Chlorella cells in various physiological states and at various illumination conditions have been studied. It was shown that cells of high photosynthetic activity and unruptured electron transfer system give MPC signals of the type I (nonmonotonic rise and decay kinetics). A decrease of photosynthetic activity leads to the appearance of MPC signals of the type II (monotonic rise and decay kinetics).", "contents": "[Relation of growth and decay kinetics of the microwave photoconductivity signal of Chlorella to its culture state]. Signals of microwave photoconductivity (MPC) of Chlorella cells in various physiological states and at various illumination conditions have been studied. It was shown that cells of high photosynthetic activity and unruptured electron transfer system give MPC signals of the type I (nonmonotonic rise and decay kinetics). A decrease of photosynthetic activity leads to the appearance of MPC signals of the type II (monotonic rise and decay kinetics).", "PMID": 1009195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11622", "title": "[Effect of long wave pre-illumination on the kinetic characteristics of microwave photoconductivity signals in Chlorella cells and the Emerson effect].", "content": "By the method of microwave photoconductivity the memory effects of far-red pre-illumination and Emerson effect (nonadditivity of action of radiation at two different wavelengths) for Chlorella cells were observed and studied.", "contents": "[Effect of long wave pre-illumination on the kinetic characteristics of microwave photoconductivity signals in Chlorella cells and the Emerson effect]. By the method of microwave photoconductivity the memory effects of far-red pre-illumination and Emerson effect (nonadditivity of action of radiation at two different wavelengths) for Chlorella cells were observed and studied.", "PMID": 1009196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11623", "title": "[Criteria selection for the preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of antihypoxic agents].", "content": "Mathematical description is suggested of oxygen consumption by mitochondria suspension in the presence of orto-benzoquinone derivatives. An analysis of the equations obtained, in vivo conditions taken into account, has shown that the efficiency of hydrogen consumption is mainly determined by the constant value of oxidation rate of quinone reduced form, poorely depends on the substrate concentration and activity of quinone-reducing enzymes. The constant value of oxidation rate may serve as a criterion of directed synthesis of antihypoxants.", "contents": "[Criteria selection for the preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of antihypoxic agents]. Mathematical description is suggested of oxygen consumption by mitochondria suspension in the presence of orto-benzoquinone derivatives. An analysis of the equations obtained, in vivo conditions taken into account, has shown that the efficiency of hydrogen consumption is mainly determined by the constant value of oxidation rate of quinone reduced form, poorely depends on the substrate concentration and activity of quinone-reducing enzymes. The constant value of oxidation rate may serve as a criterion of directed synthesis of antihypoxants.", "PMID": 1009197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11624", "title": "[Phenomenological approach to the behavior of cancer cells (discussion paper)].", "content": "Proceeding from theoretical notions about the adhesion of codensed phases an approach is developed which relates the physical cause of uncontrolled division of cancer cells to the excess of their surplus electrical charge over the surface energy. This concept is compared with basic experimental data. It is shown to be in coordination with the regularities of cell genesis and biophysical notions as well. Possible mechanisms of the realization of adhesive intercellular interactions are considered. Possibilities of their control are discussed, mainly the change of the values of surface energies of outer membranes due to their adsorption of \"antisurfactant\" samples.", "contents": "[Phenomenological approach to the behavior of cancer cells (discussion paper)]. Proceeding from theoretical notions about the adhesion of codensed phases an approach is developed which relates the physical cause of uncontrolled division of cancer cells to the excess of their surplus electrical charge over the surface energy. This concept is compared with basic experimental data. It is shown to be in coordination with the regularities of cell genesis and biophysical notions as well. Possible mechanisms of the realization of adhesive intercellular interactions are considered. Possibilities of their control are discussed, mainly the change of the values of surface energies of outer membranes due to their adsorption of \"antisurfactant\" samples.", "PMID": 1009198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11625", "title": "[Effect of antioxidants with different antiradical activity on cornea preservation].", "content": "Changes of chemoluminescence intensity, collagen mucopolysaccaride content in the rabbit eye cornea were studied on 32 cornea of shinshilla eye conservated by dehydration under hipotenia (2 divided by 4 degrees C) for 60 days with the application of antioxidants (tocoferol, chlorhydrate 2-ethyl, 6-methyl-3-oxipyridine) having different antiradical activity. It is concluded that the application of natural antioxidant alpha-tocoferol having high antiradical activity is expedient for the conservation of cornea.", "contents": "[Effect of antioxidants with different antiradical activity on cornea preservation]. Changes of chemoluminescence intensity, collagen mucopolysaccaride content in the rabbit eye cornea were studied on 32 cornea of shinshilla eye conservated by dehydration under hipotenia (2 divided by 4 degrees C) for 60 days with the application of antioxidants (tocoferol, chlorhydrate 2-ethyl, 6-methyl-3-oxipyridine) having different antiradical activity. It is concluded that the application of natural antioxidant alpha-tocoferol having high antiradical activity is expedient for the conservation of cornea.", "PMID": 1009199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11626", "title": "[Non-stationary processes in monomeric excitable media. III. Complex states in autoscillatory excitable media].", "content": "Stability of homogenous autooscillations in a distributed model of excitable medium is considered. The criterion of stability is found. It is shown that in the unstable state the system develops towards unhomogenous distribution of intermediates in the space. The form of the latter strongly depends on initial data.", "contents": "[Non-stationary processes in monomeric excitable media. III. Complex states in autoscillatory excitable media]. Stability of homogenous autooscillations in a distributed model of excitable medium is considered. The criterion of stability is found. It is shown that in the unstable state the system develops towards unhomogenous distribution of intermediates in the space. The form of the latter strongly depends on initial data.", "PMID": 1009200} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11627", "title": "[Nets of excitable elements. IX. Hebb nets].", "content": "It is shown that the mechanism of bond creation suggested by Hebb, acting in a neuron net without exterior effects arranges there a structure of a ring type. The activity of such a system has periodic component. Its period is close to the duration of trace processes in neuron nets. A hypothesis is suggested about a real object where this phenomenon may be observed.", "contents": "[Nets of excitable elements. IX. Hebb nets]. It is shown that the mechanism of bond creation suggested by Hebb, acting in a neuron net without exterior effects arranges there a structure of a ring type. The activity of such a system has periodic component. Its period is close to the duration of trace processes in neuron nets. A hypothesis is suggested about a real object where this phenomenon may be observed.", "PMID": 1009201} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11628", "title": "[Torsional movements of the human eye. II. Slow phase of torsion].", "content": "At different experimental conditions quantitative characteristics of the slow phase of the torsional eye movements were investigated. We found the torsional drift to increase when the head tilted faster and its velocity was bigger in the dark than in the light. Asymmetry of the drift velocity was found on moving the head to and backward. It was shown that the sign of the asymmetry did not depend on rotatory movements of the cup (the suction device for eye movement registration). At the same time electric stimulation of the labyrinth changed the sign of asymmetry and without head tilting led to the torsional eye movements (nistagmus). Some subjects were able to decline the number of the torsional saccades at will, and as a result the eye made a drift up to tens of degrees long. Possible causes of imperfect vestibular and optokinetic compensation in the eye trosion were discussed.", "contents": "[Torsional movements of the human eye. II. Slow phase of torsion]. At different experimental conditions quantitative characteristics of the slow phase of the torsional eye movements were investigated. We found the torsional drift to increase when the head tilted faster and its velocity was bigger in the dark than in the light. Asymmetry of the drift velocity was found on moving the head to and backward. It was shown that the sign of the asymmetry did not depend on rotatory movements of the cup (the suction device for eye movement registration). At the same time electric stimulation of the labyrinth changed the sign of asymmetry and without head tilting led to the torsional eye movements (nistagmus). Some subjects were able to decline the number of the torsional saccades at will, and as a result the eye made a drift up to tens of degrees long. Possible causes of imperfect vestibular and optokinetic compensation in the eye trosion were discussed.", "PMID": 1009202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11629", "title": "[Thermal noise of Corti's organ hair cells].", "content": "Thermal agitation of the hair cells stereocilia of Corti organ is estimated. It is shown that with threshold sound stimulus the signal-to-noise ratio for single stereocilium and for single hair cell is less than 1. Some methods are proposed for signal-noise discrimination.", "contents": "[Thermal noise of Corti's organ hair cells]. Thermal agitation of the hair cells stereocilia of Corti organ is estimated. It is shown that with threshold sound stimulus the signal-to-noise ratio for single stereocilium and for single hair cell is less than 1. Some methods are proposed for signal-noise discrimination.", "PMID": 1009203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11630", "title": "[Mechanism of generation and perception of electric fields by honey bees].", "content": "Generation and reception mechanisms of electrostatic and alternating, currents by bees are studied. It is shown that generation of electric fields is concerned with the properties of body integuments to carry a comparative large electrostatic charge. Transport of charged bodies is percieted by bees with the help of antennae subjected to the action of coulon powers. Perception of a alternating artificially generated electric fields is mainly concerned with physiological influence of induced currents flowing in the site of contact of bees to one another or to current-conducting bodies. The studies performed did not show the existence of specialized organs for the generation and perception of electric fields.", "contents": "[Mechanism of generation and perception of electric fields by honey bees]. Generation and reception mechanisms of electrostatic and alternating, currents by bees are studied. It is shown that generation of electric fields is concerned with the properties of body integuments to carry a comparative large electrostatic charge. Transport of charged bodies is percieted by bees with the help of antennae subjected to the action of coulon powers. Perception of a alternating artificially generated electric fields is mainly concerned with physiological influence of induced currents flowing in the site of contact of bees to one another or to current-conducting bodies. The studies performed did not show the existence of specialized organs for the generation and perception of electric fields.", "PMID": 1009204} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11631", "title": "[Kinematics of crawling locomotion. I. Ideal elastic model].", "content": "One-dimensional model of polysegmental ideal-elastic body is considered, movements of which in the free state are described by wave equation. Regimes of creeping without the loss of initial energy are examined, when the moments of attachment of the segment boundaries to the substrate are synchroneous with instantaneous stopping of free oscillations. Possibility of the existence of two coordination patterns--unconcerted and concerted metachrony is shown. In the last case velocity of the metachronal wave is equal to velocity of an elastic wave, which propagates along segments in the result of attachments or deattachments of boundaries.", "contents": "[Kinematics of crawling locomotion. I. Ideal elastic model]. One-dimensional model of polysegmental ideal-elastic body is considered, movements of which in the free state are described by wave equation. Regimes of creeping without the loss of initial energy are examined, when the moments of attachment of the segment boundaries to the substrate are synchroneous with instantaneous stopping of free oscillations. Possibility of the existence of two coordination patterns--unconcerted and concerted metachrony is shown. In the last case velocity of the metachronal wave is equal to velocity of an elastic wave, which propagates along segments in the result of attachments or deattachments of boundaries.", "PMID": 1009205} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11632", "title": "[Dimensionality of information structures in perceptual space (statement of the problem)].", "content": "The study deals with the problem of dimensions preservation of informational structure of objects during their reflection in different types of information storage (technical and biological).", "contents": "[Dimensionality of information structures in perceptual space (statement of the problem)]. The study deals with the problem of dimensions preservation of informational structure of objects during their reflection in different types of information storage (technical and biological).", "PMID": 1009206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11633", "title": "[Aggregation of histone F2b inthe presence of salt and methanol].", "content": "The kinetics of histone F2b aggregation in the presenceof NaCl and methanole was investigated. The size of aggregates increases during 20 hours, and in the following 13 hours the size of formed complexes does not change. It was shown that the stable colloid system was formed by the olygomers of histone F2b.", "contents": "[Aggregation of histone F2b inthe presence of salt and methanol]. The kinetics of histone F2b aggregation in the presenceof NaCl and methanole was investigated. The size of aggregates increases during 20 hours, and in the following 13 hours the size of formed complexes does not change. It was shown that the stable colloid system was formed by the olygomers of histone F2b.", "PMID": 1009207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11634", "title": "[Calculation of the cooperative mechanism of information exchange in molecular biosystems].", "content": "The behaviour of diads of molecules connected with each other by weak interaction in biosystems is considered by means of density matrix. It is shown that the cooperative processes considered cannot be treated as trivial energy transfer between molcules.", "contents": "[Calculation of the cooperative mechanism of information exchange in molecular biosystems]. The behaviour of diads of molecules connected with each other by weak interaction in biosystems is considered by means of density matrix. It is shown that the cooperative processes considered cannot be treated as trivial energy transfer between molcules.", "PMID": 1009208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11635", "title": "[Age changes in the allosteric properties of brain acetylcholinesterase].", "content": "d-tubocurarine and procaine have been shown to inhibit the acetylcholinesterase of rat brain homogenate by coupled and non-competitive mechanism respectively, which suggests binding to enzyme peripheral sites. Judging by values of Hill coefficient negative cooperativity in interactions between procaine sites is characteristic of all ages (n=0,8 and 0,53 for young and old rats) while such cooperativity for d-tubocurarine sites appears only at old age (n=1 and 0,6 for young and old animals). Values of Ki changed in opposite directions for each of the substances with aging. Modification of the enzyme membrane microenvironment with aging was suggested as a reason for differences in enzyme allosteric behaviour.", "contents": "[Age changes in the allosteric properties of brain acetylcholinesterase]. d-tubocurarine and procaine have been shown to inhibit the acetylcholinesterase of rat brain homogenate by coupled and non-competitive mechanism respectively, which suggests binding to enzyme peripheral sites. Judging by values of Hill coefficient negative cooperativity in interactions between procaine sites is characteristic of all ages (n=0,8 and 0,53 for young and old rats) while such cooperativity for d-tubocurarine sites appears only at old age (n=1 and 0,6 for young and old animals). Values of Ki changed in opposite directions for each of the substances with aging. Modification of the enzyme membrane microenvironment with aging was suggested as a reason for differences in enzyme allosteric behaviour.", "PMID": 1009209} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11636", "title": "[Effect of salts, stabilizing and destabilizing the structure of water, on the stacking association of adenosine].", "content": "A spectrophotometric study, based on the concentration relationship of electron absorption spectra, of the effects of salts which stabilize and destabilize the water structure on the constant (K) of adenosine: stacking association has been carried out. A significant decrease of K was observed in NaClO4 which embodied strong destabilizing effect. Opposite effect was observed on other salts studied. According to K value the stacking-interaction of adenosine in the range of salt concentration 0 divided by 3M for different anions and cations are arranged in rows: SO4--greater than Cl- greater than ClO4-; Na+ greater than Li+greater than K+. The data obtained suggest that the effect of salts on thermostability of various oligo- and polynucleotides and on B leads to C DNA transition may be essentially concerned with the effect of both cations and anions of salts on the stacking-interaction of bases.", "contents": "[Effect of salts, stabilizing and destabilizing the structure of water, on the stacking association of adenosine]. A spectrophotometric study, based on the concentration relationship of electron absorption spectra, of the effects of salts which stabilize and destabilize the water structure on the constant (K) of adenosine: stacking association has been carried out. A significant decrease of K was observed in NaClO4 which embodied strong destabilizing effect. Opposite effect was observed on other salts studied. According to K value the stacking-interaction of adenosine in the range of salt concentration 0 divided by 3M for different anions and cations are arranged in rows: SO4--greater than Cl- greater than ClO4-; Na+ greater than Li+greater than K+. The data obtained suggest that the effect of salts on thermostability of various oligo- and polynucleotides and on B leads to C DNA transition may be essentially concerned with the effect of both cations and anions of salts on the stacking-interaction of bases.", "PMID": 1009210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11637", "title": "[Ligand binding process and regulatory properties of proteins].", "content": "A hypothesis of the role of specific microdynamics, i.e. rapid structural oscillations (v=10(7) s-1) of the amino acid groups in the ligand binding process and in K-allosteric interactions has been suggested.", "contents": "[Ligand binding process and regulatory properties of proteins]. A hypothesis of the role of specific microdynamics, i.e. rapid structural oscillations (v=10(7) s-1) of the amino acid groups in the ligand binding process and in K-allosteric interactions has been suggested.", "PMID": 1009211} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11638", "title": "[EEG potential theory in a model with thin brain integuments. V. Tangentially oriented dipoles in the depth and on the surface of the brain].", "content": "The potentials of EEG of tangential dipoles are estimated in the model with thin integuments of the brain. These integuments slightly shunt the currents in the shell. The EEG-potentials of the sulcus wall are half-order or even more smaller than those of the gyrus EEG for the same square of syndromized sources.", "contents": "[EEG potential theory in a model with thin brain integuments. V. Tangentially oriented dipoles in the depth and on the surface of the brain]. The potentials of EEG of tangential dipoles are estimated in the model with thin integuments of the brain. These integuments slightly shunt the currents in the shell. The EEG-potentials of the sulcus wall are half-order or even more smaller than those of the gyrus EEG for the same square of syndromized sources.", "PMID": 1009212} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11639", "title": "[Determination of the molecular weight of human ceruloplasmin by hydrodynamic methods and x-ray small-angle scattering].", "content": "On the basis of absolute methods of estimation of molecular weight (sedimentation equilibrium method, high speed sedimentation-diffusion and small-angle X-ray scattering) the molecular weight of ceruloplasmin M=130 000+/-5000 was determined.", "contents": "[Determination of the molecular weight of human ceruloplasmin by hydrodynamic methods and x-ray small-angle scattering]. On the basis of absolute methods of estimation of molecular weight (sedimentation equilibrium method, high speed sedimentation-diffusion and small-angle X-ray scattering) the molecular weight of ceruloplasmin M=130 000+/-5000 was determined.", "PMID": 1009213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11640", "title": "[Discontinous nature of heat denaturation of lysozyme].", "content": "Optical density of lysozyme solutions at 290 nm on heating from 20 to 80 degrees C is shown to be changing in multistep way. Character of the changing depends on pH and ionic strength of medium. It is assumed that the results obtained reflect the multistep nature of lysozyme thermal denaturation.", "contents": "[Discontinous nature of heat denaturation of lysozyme]. Optical density of lysozyme solutions at 290 nm on heating from 20 to 80 degrees C is shown to be changing in multistep way. Character of the changing depends on pH and ionic strength of medium. It is assumed that the results obtained reflect the multistep nature of lysozyme thermal denaturation.", "PMID": 1009214} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11641", "title": "[Luminescence quenching of UV-irradiated proteins].", "content": "Kinetic curves of paramagnetic centres accumulation and quenching of the luminescence of UV-irradiated proteins at 77 degrees K are compared. Initiation of luminescence of UV-irradiated proteins at the annealing of paramagnetic centres was studied. The luminescence of UV-irradiated proteins was shown to be quenched with the paramagnetic centres formed. It was shown that protein absorption spectrum was not changed when the limiting concentration of paramagnetic centres was obtained in it.", "contents": "[Luminescence quenching of UV-irradiated proteins]. Kinetic curves of paramagnetic centres accumulation and quenching of the luminescence of UV-irradiated proteins at 77 degrees K are compared. Initiation of luminescence of UV-irradiated proteins at the annealing of paramagnetic centres was studied. The luminescence of UV-irradiated proteins was shown to be quenched with the paramagnetic centres formed. It was shown that protein absorption spectrum was not changed when the limiting concentration of paramagnetic centres was obtained in it.", "PMID": 1009215} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11642", "title": "[Analysis of the applicability of model systems to measuring the activity of lipid-soluble antioxidants by the electrochemiluminescent method].", "content": "A comparative study of two most common model systems (methanol-sodium citrate and chloroform-aceton-maleic acid (10(-3) M)) was carried out to measure lipid-soluble antioxidants by the method of electrochemiluminescence. alpha-naftole, pyrogalole, phenole, hydroquinone, acrylamide, cholesterine and alkohol lipid extract from rat liver were used as inhibitors. The analysis has shown that it is worthwhile to apply only the system chloroform-aceton-maleic acid as a model of electroluminescent studies.", "contents": "[Analysis of the applicability of model systems to measuring the activity of lipid-soluble antioxidants by the electrochemiluminescent method]. A comparative study of two most common model systems (methanol-sodium citrate and chloroform-aceton-maleic acid (10(-3) M)) was carried out to measure lipid-soluble antioxidants by the method of electrochemiluminescence. alpha-naftole, pyrogalole, phenole, hydroquinone, acrylamide, cholesterine and alkohol lipid extract from rat liver were used as inhibitors. The analysis has shown that it is worthwhile to apply only the system chloroform-aceton-maleic acid as a model of electroluminescent studies.", "PMID": 1009216} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11643", "title": "Radioligand Assay.", "content": "In radioimmunoassay and immunoradiometric assay, potency estimation involves the relation between counts of radioactivity and dose. Many workers have found the regression function to be satisfactorily represented by a logistic curve with limits that are themselves unknown parameters. This paper discusses estimation of all the parameters under the supposition (supported by empirical evidence) that the variance of a count is proportional to UJ, where U is the mean count at a dose and J is a parameter that almost certainly lies between 1.0 and 2.0. Estimation is found to be very robust, both in respect of the value taken for J and over alternative forms of least squares and maximum likelihood procedures. Special attention is given to whether the assay uses one or more doses of each test preparation, the former having important limitations but permitting some simplification of formulae. Requirements for a comprehensive computer program, suitable for routine use by assayists lacking statistical expertise and designed to produce potency estimates for a series of test preparations in one assay, are described. Data from an assay of oestradiol are used to illustrate various points.", "contents": "Radioligand Assay. In radioimmunoassay and immunoradiometric assay, potency estimation involves the relation between counts of radioactivity and dose. Many workers have found the regression function to be satisfactorily represented by a logistic curve with limits that are themselves unknown parameters. This paper discusses estimation of all the parameters under the supposition (supported by empirical evidence) that the variance of a count is proportional to UJ, where U is the mean count at a dose and J is a parameter that almost certainly lies between 1.0 and 2.0. Estimation is found to be very robust, both in respect of the value taken for J and over alternative forms of least squares and maximum likelihood procedures. Special attention is given to whether the assay uses one or more doses of each test preparation, the former having important limitations but permitting some simplification of formulae. Requirements for a comprehensive computer program, suitable for routine use by assayists lacking statistical expertise and designed to produce potency estimates for a series of test preparations in one assay, are described. Data from an assay of oestradiol are used to illustrate various points.", "PMID": 1009221} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11644", "title": "Symmetrical confidence intervals for bioequivalence trials.", "content": "The conventional method of setting confidence intervals for the difference of the means of two normal populations gives an interval which is not, in general, symmetrical about zero. A modification of the conventional method which leads to symmetry about zero is discussed and is recommended as particularly appropriate for use in bioequivalence trials. This modification has the effect of decreasing the \"effective\" length of the confidence interval, on which the decision concerning bioequivalence is based, while increasing the confidence coefficient.", "contents": "Symmetrical confidence intervals for bioequivalence trials. The conventional method of setting confidence intervals for the difference of the means of two normal populations gives an interval which is not, in general, symmetrical about zero. A modification of the conventional method which leads to symmetry about zero is discussed and is recommended as particularly appropriate for use in bioequivalence trials. This modification has the effect of decreasing the \"effective\" length of the confidence interval, on which the decision concerning bioequivalence is based, while increasing the confidence coefficient.", "PMID": 1009222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11645", "title": "On the absorption probabilities and absorption times of finite homogeneous birth-death processes.", "content": "This paper provides some formulas for the absorption probabilities, the mean absorption times and the variances of first absorption times in finite homogeneous absorbing birth-death processes. The results are then applied to a genetic model of Moran [1958] for computing the absorption probability densities, the mean absorption times and the variances of first absorption times. Specifically, it is shown that the probability distribution of the first absorption time is the matrix analog of exponential distribution or a mixture of exponential distributions if the transition matrix is diagonable.", "contents": "On the absorption probabilities and absorption times of finite homogeneous birth-death processes. This paper provides some formulas for the absorption probabilities, the mean absorption times and the variances of first absorption times in finite homogeneous absorbing birth-death processes. The results are then applied to a genetic model of Moran [1958] for computing the absorption probability densities, the mean absorption times and the variances of first absorption times. Specifically, it is shown that the probability distribution of the first absorption time is the matrix analog of exponential distribution or a mixture of exponential distributions if the transition matrix is diagonable.", "PMID": 1009223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11646", "title": "On testing normality using several samples: an analysis of peanut aflatoxin data.", "content": "Eight samples of size 16 and three samples of size 15 consisting of replicate determinations of aflatoxin in peanut subsamples were considered. These data were analyzed to decide whether the samples could have arisen from two-parameter normal or lognormal parents. The method of analysis consisted of first transforming the individual samples in such a way that the transformed values had uniform distributions on the unit interval under the null hypothesis. The transformed values were then pooled and tested for uniformity. Results of the analysis indicated that the normal model fitted the data quite well and definitely better than the lognormal model.", "contents": "On testing normality using several samples: an analysis of peanut aflatoxin data. Eight samples of size 16 and three samples of size 15 consisting of replicate determinations of aflatoxin in peanut subsamples were considered. These data were analyzed to decide whether the samples could have arisen from two-parameter normal or lognormal parents. The method of analysis consisted of first transforming the individual samples in such a way that the transformed values had uniform distributions on the unit interval under the null hypothesis. The transformed values were then pooled and tested for uniformity. Results of the analysis indicated that the normal model fitted the data quite well and definitely better than the lognormal model.", "PMID": 1009224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11647", "title": "A generalization of the probit and logit methods for dose response curves.", "content": "The relationship between response probability and dosage in quantal response bioassay is modelled using a four parameter class. In addition to location and scale quantities the model includes two shape parameters that essentially index skewness and heaviness of tails of the dose-response curve. The class of models includes such special cases as the logistic, normal, extreme minimum value, extreme maximum value, double exponential, exponential and reflected exponential distribution functions. Score tests are derived for logistic and normal hypotheses and certain submodels are discussed for which the model fitting is computationally convenient. The data of Bliss (1935) illustrates the potential improvement over usual methods in the estimation of critical dose levels.", "contents": "A generalization of the probit and logit methods for dose response curves. The relationship between response probability and dosage in quantal response bioassay is modelled using a four parameter class. In addition to location and scale quantities the model includes two shape parameters that essentially index skewness and heaviness of tails of the dose-response curve. The class of models includes such special cases as the logistic, normal, extreme minimum value, extreme maximum value, double exponential, exponential and reflected exponential distribution functions. Score tests are derived for logistic and normal hypotheses and certain submodels are discussed for which the model fitting is computationally convenient. The data of Bliss (1935) illustrates the potential improvement over usual methods in the estimation of critical dose levels.", "PMID": 1009225} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11648", "title": "Estimation for an epidemic model.", "content": "In many epidemic models the initial infection rate, suitably defined, plays a fundamental role in determining the probability of a major epidemic. An estimate for this rate is suggested on the basis of least squares and maximum likelihood methods. The model used to arrive at the estimate is a Galton-Watson process modified by letting the offspring distribution change from generation to generation in a way as to approximate to an epidemic process. The estimates of the parameter and its associated variance are easily computed and compare well with other computationally tedious methods in an application to smallpox data.", "contents": "Estimation for an epidemic model. In many epidemic models the initial infection rate, suitably defined, plays a fundamental role in determining the probability of a major epidemic. An estimate for this rate is suggested on the basis of least squares and maximum likelihood methods. The model used to arrive at the estimate is a Galton-Watson process modified by letting the offspring distribution change from generation to generation in a way as to approximate to an epidemic process. The estimates of the parameter and its associated variance are easily computed and compare well with other computationally tedious methods in an application to smallpox data.", "PMID": 1009226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11649", "title": "Lung cancer incidence in cigarette smokers: further analysis of Doll and Hill's data for British physicians.", "content": "Doll's analysis of lung cancer incidence (mortality) in cigarette smokers is refined in more detail in this paper. His conclusion that incidence is approximately proportional to rate of smoking and the fifth power of years of smoking is shown to hold in each of several age and dose groups giving additional evidential support. The data are equally well fitted by a Weibull distribution and by a lognormal distribution with a constant geometric standard deviation. There is, however, a trend away from these fits which needs to be examined in other studies.", "contents": "Lung cancer incidence in cigarette smokers: further analysis of Doll and Hill's data for British physicians. Doll's analysis of lung cancer incidence (mortality) in cigarette smokers is refined in more detail in this paper. His conclusion that incidence is approximately proportional to rate of smoking and the fifth power of years of smoking is shown to hold in each of several age and dose groups giving additional evidential support. The data are equally well fitted by a Weibull distribution and by a lognormal distribution with a constant geometric standard deviation. There is, however, a trend away from these fits which needs to be examined in other studies.", "PMID": 1009227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11650", "title": "The estimation and interpretation of attributable risk in health research.", "content": "Various measures of attributable risk are discussed together with a rationale for their use as an alternative to relative risk in health research. Methods of estimation are presented for use with three important kinds of epidemiological study design with one dichotomous risk factor for a dichotomous disease outcome; the study designs are then compared with respect to efficiency. Procedures to analyse confounded, polytomous and interacting risk factors are proposed and it shown that there is a simple relationship between two distinct estimators previously suggested for use with deleterious and beneficial (or preventive) factors. Finally the relevance of attributable risk to an assessment of the potential effects of risk factor modification is discussed in the preventive medicine framework.", "contents": "The estimation and interpretation of attributable risk in health research. Various measures of attributable risk are discussed together with a rationale for their use as an alternative to relative risk in health research. Methods of estimation are presented for use with three important kinds of epidemiological study design with one dichotomous risk factor for a dichotomous disease outcome; the study designs are then compared with respect to efficiency. Procedures to analyse confounded, polytomous and interacting risk factors are proposed and it shown that there is a simple relationship between two distinct estimators previously suggested for use with deleterious and beneficial (or preventive) factors. Finally the relevance of attributable risk to an assessment of the potential effects of risk factor modification is discussed in the preventive medicine framework.", "PMID": 1009228} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11651", "title": "Order statistics of correlated variables and implications in genetic selection programmes.", "content": "Formulae are derived and examples given for the expected values of the order statistics from a sample of several groups or families of equal size where the group members have intra-class correlation t. As t increases from O the means of the highest ranking individuals are little reduced initially, but as t approaches 1 the change becomes more rapid, the total reduction depending on the number of groups. The effect on selection differentials of the intra-class correlation of family members is generally small for t less than 0.5, such as if selection is practised on individual performance. If, however, family mean performance is used in an index, the selection differentials may be substantially reduced.", "contents": "Order statistics of correlated variables and implications in genetic selection programmes. Formulae are derived and examples given for the expected values of the order statistics from a sample of several groups or families of equal size where the group members have intra-class correlation t. As t increases from O the means of the highest ranking individuals are little reduced initially, but as t approaches 1 the change becomes more rapid, the total reduction depending on the number of groups. The effect on selection differentials of the intra-class correlation of family members is generally small for t less than 0.5, such as if selection is practised on individual performance. If, however, family mean performance is used in an index, the selection differentials may be substantially reduced.", "PMID": 1009229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11652", "title": "The estimation of maternal genetic variances.", "content": "The estimation of maternal genetic variances by a multivariate maximum likelihood method is discussed. As an illustration the method is applied to data on Tribolium using a model based on partitioning the maternal genetic effect into additive and dominance components. An alternative model due to Falconer (1965) is also fitted. The method is applied to designs suggested for estimating maternal variances by Eisen [1967]. Modifications required when parents are selected on their phenotypic values are given.", "contents": "The estimation of maternal genetic variances. The estimation of maternal genetic variances by a multivariate maximum likelihood method is discussed. As an illustration the method is applied to data on Tribolium using a model based on partitioning the maternal genetic effect into additive and dominance components. An alternative model due to Falconer (1965) is also fitted. The method is applied to designs suggested for estimating maternal variances by Eisen [1967]. Modifications required when parents are selected on their phenotypic values are given.", "PMID": 1009230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11653", "title": "A discriminant analysis approach to the identification of human chromosomes.", "content": "The identification of the various types of the 46 chromosomes in a normal human cell is formulated as a discriminant analysis problem. Derived are expressions for posterior probabilities, and rules are given for identification where the number of chromosomes of each type is exactly known. The resulting model is applied to experimental data from chromosomes of the Denver B-group. The results using the developed model compare favorably with those of the standard discriminant analysis approach.", "contents": "A discriminant analysis approach to the identification of human chromosomes. The identification of the various types of the 46 chromosomes in a normal human cell is formulated as a discriminant analysis problem. Derived are expressions for posterior probabilities, and rules are given for identification where the number of chromosomes of each type is exactly known. The resulting model is applied to experimental data from chromosomes of the Denver B-group. The results using the developed model compare favorably with those of the standard discriminant analysis approach.", "PMID": 1009231} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11654", "title": "Thalassemia in Italy: treatment of Cooley disease and iron kinetics in heterozygotes.", "content": "Because of its high prevalence in Italy, thalassemia is officially considered a disease of major social importance. Several centers have been established for the specific purpose of population screening and treatment of patients with Cooley disease. Survival, in some cases up to 20 years, has been reached by the therapeutic methods adopted, consisting mainly of an intensive transfusion program combined with splenectomy. We now face serious logistic, social, and financial problems, raised by the increasing number of patients living, estimated at around 12,000. The iron overload is not adequately controlled by the routine use of desferrioxamine. Studies of iron kinetics in heterozygotes demonstrate specific alteration of iron metabolism (not related to the exogenous transfusion-induced overload). Therefore, treatment with iron-chelating agents might be indicated in at least some of these subjects.", "contents": "Thalassemia in Italy: treatment of Cooley disease and iron kinetics in heterozygotes. Because of its high prevalence in Italy, thalassemia is officially considered a disease of major social importance. Several centers have been established for the specific purpose of population screening and treatment of patients with Cooley disease. Survival, in some cases up to 20 years, has been reached by the therapeutic methods adopted, consisting mainly of an intensive transfusion program combined with splenectomy. We now face serious logistic, social, and financial problems, raised by the increasing number of patients living, estimated at around 12,000. The iron overload is not adequately controlled by the routine use of desferrioxamine. Studies of iron kinetics in heterozygotes demonstrate specific alteration of iron metabolism (not related to the exogenous transfusion-induced overload). Therefore, treatment with iron-chelating agents might be indicated in at least some of these subjects.", "PMID": 1009235} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11655", "title": "Biofeedback--background and applications to physical rehabilitation.", "content": "This paper presents a brief background to biofeedback applications including biofeedback techniques related to physical rehabilitation, and in particular, that of the cerebral palsied. Relevant literature is noted and there is an overview of 3 years research investigating the use of biofeedback in the management of cerebral palsied children. A theoretical framework for using biofeedback to ameliorate motor problems with the physically disabled in general is presented. The areas of investigation are head position, joint position, electromyography, spinal rotation, weight-bearing, response-feedback toys, jaw closure, and postural alignment. The results of these various programs indicate a preliminary outcome classification of feedback-sensitive, feedback trained, and feedback-learned. All children were feedback-sensitive, the majority could be trained, and several cases demonstrated a learned carry-over response. In conclusion, biofeedback training offers the advantages of therapy in natural training settings, and direct involvement of the patient.", "contents": "Biofeedback--background and applications to physical rehabilitation. This paper presents a brief background to biofeedback applications including biofeedback techniques related to physical rehabilitation, and in particular, that of the cerebral palsied. Relevant literature is noted and there is an overview of 3 years research investigating the use of biofeedback in the management of cerebral palsied children. A theoretical framework for using biofeedback to ameliorate motor problems with the physically disabled in general is presented. The areas of investigation are head position, joint position, electromyography, spinal rotation, weight-bearing, response-feedback toys, jaw closure, and postural alignment. The results of these various programs indicate a preliminary outcome classification of feedback-sensitive, feedback trained, and feedback-learned. All children were feedback-sensitive, the majority could be trained, and several cases demonstrated a learned carry-over response. In conclusion, biofeedback training offers the advantages of therapy in natural training settings, and direct involvement of the patient.", "PMID": 1009254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11656", "title": "Skeletal extension development: criteria for future designs.", "content": "Experience with an intramedullary skeletal extension and a supracortical extension has been reviewed. Criteria for possible use in future developments have been outlined. Tissue interfacing with the material used in fabricating these devices were briefly discussed, stressing the importance of maintaining the skin's integrity. An artificial tendon, which attempts to bring the external mechanical ankle joint under the direct control of existing skeletal muscles, was described. Three animal models were reviewed and our reasons given for selecting the goat. Preoperative preparations, anesthesia, and the surgical procedures were described in some detail. A tabulation of the procedures done on 52 goats (Table 1) shows little difference between the intramedullary rod and the supracortical devices when only the times in place are compared. However, the supracortical devices showed no bone necrosis and produced only one case of osteomyelitis. With the intramedullary rod, five cases of necrosis and/or osteomyelitis were seen. The cone-shaped supracortical devices are somewhat vulnerable to forces in extension.", "contents": "Skeletal extension development: criteria for future designs. Experience with an intramedullary skeletal extension and a supracortical extension has been reviewed. Criteria for possible use in future developments have been outlined. Tissue interfacing with the material used in fabricating these devices were briefly discussed, stressing the importance of maintaining the skin's integrity. An artificial tendon, which attempts to bring the external mechanical ankle joint under the direct control of existing skeletal muscles, was described. Three animal models were reviewed and our reasons given for selecting the goat. Preoperative preparations, anesthesia, and the surgical procedures were described in some detail. A tabulation of the procedures done on 52 goats (Table 1) shows little difference between the intramedullary rod and the supracortical devices when only the times in place are compared. However, the supracortical devices showed no bone necrosis and produced only one case of osteomyelitis. With the intramedullary rod, five cases of necrosis and/or osteomyelitis were seen. The cone-shaped supracortical devices are somewhat vulnerable to forces in extension.", "PMID": 1009256} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11657", "title": "A kneeless leg prothesis for the elderly amputee, advanced version.", "content": "The work described in this paper is part of a development and evaluation program, the aim of which was to bring a telescopic kneeless leg prosthesis to a reliable, commercially viable, and easily manufacturable stage. It is considered that these aims have been almost achieved, as the prosthesis appears to improve the gait characteristics significantly, compared with its first prototypes and compared with the conventional National Health Service (N.H.S.) above-knee prostheses. The clinical evaluation was carried out with three patients and its results were found satisfactory. The specific advantages of this prosthesis compared with the conventional prostheses are: improved proprioception and stability, and improvements of certain kinematic characteristics. The paper describes briefly the modified version of the prosthesis an the investigations undertaken, and also discusses the results obtained.", "contents": "A kneeless leg prothesis for the elderly amputee, advanced version. The work described in this paper is part of a development and evaluation program, the aim of which was to bring a telescopic kneeless leg prosthesis to a reliable, commercially viable, and easily manufacturable stage. It is considered that these aims have been almost achieved, as the prosthesis appears to improve the gait characteristics significantly, compared with its first prototypes and compared with the conventional National Health Service (N.H.S.) above-knee prostheses. The clinical evaluation was carried out with three patients and its results were found satisfactory. The specific advantages of this prosthesis compared with the conventional prostheses are: improved proprioception and stability, and improvements of certain kinematic characteristics. The paper describes briefly the modified version of the prosthesis an the investigations undertaken, and also discusses the results obtained.", "PMID": 1009257} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11658", "title": "[The thrombocyte membrane].", "content": "The thrombocyte membrane is characterized by several pecularities, first by its morphology which includes deep invaginations into the interior of the cell and, second, by its capacity to become stimulated by a wide variety of seemingly unrelated external agents which extend from proteases to collagen, certain immune complexes and small molecular weight substances such as ADP, adrenaline, serotonin and vasopressin. The response of the membrane to stimulation consists in a drastic rearrangement of its constituents, as exemplified by the appearance on the outer surface of components which are not accessible in the resting platelet. Stimulation may either lead to morphological changes and to aggregation or to more far-reaching alterations linked to aggregation, namely the release of substances from storage organelles and manifestations of gross contractile activity. The generation of these sequential reactions involves the production, by the exited membrane of a hitherto ill-defined signal to the interior of the cell. One of the most important consequences of this signal consists in the release, from internal sources, of calcium ions. Calcium ions are directly involved in the rapid shape change of stimulated platelets, due to their depolymerizing effect on the microtubules, they furthermore trigger the release reaction, in which the prostaglandin in system seems also to be involved and, finally, they are essential for the activation of the contractile system. Simultaneous with the release reaction, the platelet plasma membrane acquires calcium permeability; hence, in a later phase, cytoplasmic calcium originates not only from internal sources, but also from the surrounding medium. It is particularly noteworthy that all these alterations of the plasma membrane are reversible, which means that not only the essential structural rearrangements which occur upon stimulation in the membrane are reversed but also that the cell is capable of removing the Ca2+-ions which have entered the cytoplasm during the activation phase.", "contents": "[The thrombocyte membrane]. The thrombocyte membrane is characterized by several pecularities, first by its morphology which includes deep invaginations into the interior of the cell and, second, by its capacity to become stimulated by a wide variety of seemingly unrelated external agents which extend from proteases to collagen, certain immune complexes and small molecular weight substances such as ADP, adrenaline, serotonin and vasopressin. The response of the membrane to stimulation consists in a drastic rearrangement of its constituents, as exemplified by the appearance on the outer surface of components which are not accessible in the resting platelet. Stimulation may either lead to morphological changes and to aggregation or to more far-reaching alterations linked to aggregation, namely the release of substances from storage organelles and manifestations of gross contractile activity. The generation of these sequential reactions involves the production, by the exited membrane of a hitherto ill-defined signal to the interior of the cell. One of the most important consequences of this signal consists in the release, from internal sources, of calcium ions. Calcium ions are directly involved in the rapid shape change of stimulated platelets, due to their depolymerizing effect on the microtubules, they furthermore trigger the release reaction, in which the prostaglandin in system seems also to be involved and, finally, they are essential for the activation of the contractile system. Simultaneous with the release reaction, the platelet plasma membrane acquires calcium permeability; hence, in a later phase, cytoplasmic calcium originates not only from internal sources, but also from the surrounding medium. It is particularly noteworthy that all these alterations of the plasma membrane are reversible, which means that not only the essential structural rearrangements which occur upon stimulation in the membrane are reversed but also that the cell is capable of removing the Ca2+-ions which have entered the cytoplasm during the activation phase.", "PMID": 1009258} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11659", "title": "The thrombocyte membrane in circulatory diseases.", "content": "There is no certain evidence for the proposition, often put forward, that thrombocytes, or platelets, are involved in atherogenesis. On the other hand, thrombotic deposits in arteries as well as in the blood channels of artificial organs consist at first mainly of platelets. This contribution reviews evidence indicating that the formation of such thrombi depends on alterations in the platelet membrane and that these in turn depend on an agent, apparently ADP, which is released from the erythrocytes.", "contents": "The thrombocyte membrane in circulatory diseases. There is no certain evidence for the proposition, often put forward, that thrombocytes, or platelets, are involved in atherogenesis. On the other hand, thrombotic deposits in arteries as well as in the blood channels of artificial organs consist at first mainly of platelets. This contribution reviews evidence indicating that the formation of such thrombi depends on alterations in the platelet membrane and that these in turn depend on an agent, apparently ADP, which is released from the erythrocytes.", "PMID": 1009259} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11660", "title": "[Functions of the mitochondrial membrane].", "content": "Oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria is a membrane-bound process. Furthermore metabolic functions and transport processes are likewise integrated in the inner mitochondrial membrane. In this the mitochondrial membrane is not only the medium for these processes but can simultaneously act as modulator for their activity.", "contents": "[Functions of the mitochondrial membrane]. Oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria is a membrane-bound process. Furthermore metabolic functions and transport processes are likewise integrated in the inner mitochondrial membrane. In this the mitochondrial membrane is not only the medium for these processes but can simultaneously act as modulator for their activity.", "PMID": 1009260} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11661", "title": "Membrane changes in malignant cells--modulation of receptors and antigens by lipids.", "content": "The dynamic characteristics of lipid regions in biological membranes can be expressed in terms of microviscosity parameters. These parameters not only determine the lateral and rotational movements of specific membrane sites but also their degree of exposure to the outer surrounding. Changes in microviscosity can thus reversibly displace the vertical position of antigens or receptor sites and modulate their active expression. The lipid mediated modulation of antigens and receptors may play an active role in the various physiological manifestations of malignant cells.", "contents": "Membrane changes in malignant cells--modulation of receptors and antigens by lipids. The dynamic characteristics of lipid regions in biological membranes can be expressed in terms of microviscosity parameters. These parameters not only determine the lateral and rotational movements of specific membrane sites but also their degree of exposure to the outer surrounding. Changes in microviscosity can thus reversibly displace the vertical position of antigens or receptor sites and modulate their active expression. The lipid mediated modulation of antigens and receptors may play an active role in the various physiological manifestations of malignant cells.", "PMID": 1009261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11662", "title": "[Absorption of sugars in the small intestine].", "content": "Sugars cross the brush border membranes of small intestine by various routes: two Na+-dependent carriers for both free D-glucose and D-galactose (which, in the presence of a gradient in electrochemical potential of Na+, are accumulated against their own concentration gradient); one Na+-independent non-concentrative carrier for D-fructose; various minor disaccharidase-associated systems for the transport of some of the monosaccharides arising from the disaccharides.", "contents": "[Absorption of sugars in the small intestine]. Sugars cross the brush border membranes of small intestine by various routes: two Na+-dependent carriers for both free D-glucose and D-galactose (which, in the presence of a gradient in electrochemical potential of Na+, are accumulated against their own concentration gradient); one Na+-independent non-concentrative carrier for D-fructose; various minor disaccharidase-associated systems for the transport of some of the monosaccharides arising from the disaccharides.", "PMID": 1009262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11663", "title": "Sequence of events in the activation of adenylate cyclase by cholera toxin.", "content": "The toxin of Vibrio Cholera causes fluid secretion from the small intestine by stimulation of adenylate cyclase and elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP concentrations. The toxin is a protein composed of subunits responsible for binding to cell membranes and a subunit responsible for the activation of adenylate cyclase. The binding subunits (B) are non-covalently bonded to the active subunit (A). The latter is composed of two polypeptides A1 and A2 linked by a disulphide bridge. Exposure of the intestine to toxin results in rapid binding to the brush border membrane. Thence follows a gradual increase in adenylate cyclase activity, and stimulation of electrolyte and fluid secretion. Enzyme localization studies show that the brush border does not contain adenylate cyclase. Thus the stimulation of adenylate cyclase by toxin which interacts with the brush border must be indirect. From recent studies it seems that an activator of adenylate cyclase can be found in cytosol from toxin-treated cells. Incubation of toxin with cytosol or dithiothreitol results similarly in the formation of an activator. Preincubation of toxin with cytosol results in more rapid activation of adenylate cyclase in liver cell membranes than direct addition of cytosol and toxin. Preincubation of cholera toxin for activation, by cytosol, is presumed to be due to the splitting of the disulphide band between the A1 and A2 components of the active subunit. The stimulatory ability resides in A1 and both A1 and NAD are required for the activation of adenylate cyclase. The toxin-stimulated adenylate cyclase has similar characteristics to the enzyme stimulated by non-hydrolysable analogs of GTP such as guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp). Stimulation by either cholera or GppNHp is irreversible, the responses to catecholamines are enhanced and the enzyme can be solubilized in the activated state.", "contents": "Sequence of events in the activation of adenylate cyclase by cholera toxin. The toxin of Vibrio Cholera causes fluid secretion from the small intestine by stimulation of adenylate cyclase and elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP concentrations. The toxin is a protein composed of subunits responsible for binding to cell membranes and a subunit responsible for the activation of adenylate cyclase. The binding subunits (B) are non-covalently bonded to the active subunit (A). The latter is composed of two polypeptides A1 and A2 linked by a disulphide bridge. Exposure of the intestine to toxin results in rapid binding to the brush border membrane. Thence follows a gradual increase in adenylate cyclase activity, and stimulation of electrolyte and fluid secretion. Enzyme localization studies show that the brush border does not contain adenylate cyclase. Thus the stimulation of adenylate cyclase by toxin which interacts with the brush border must be indirect. From recent studies it seems that an activator of adenylate cyclase can be found in cytosol from toxin-treated cells. Incubation of toxin with cytosol or dithiothreitol results similarly in the formation of an activator. Preincubation of toxin with cytosol results in more rapid activation of adenylate cyclase in liver cell membranes than direct addition of cytosol and toxin. Preincubation of cholera toxin for activation, by cytosol, is presumed to be due to the splitting of the disulphide band between the A1 and A2 components of the active subunit. The stimulatory ability resides in A1 and both A1 and NAD are required for the activation of adenylate cyclase. The toxin-stimulated adenylate cyclase has similar characteristics to the enzyme stimulated by non-hydrolysable analogs of GTP such as guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp). Stimulation by either cholera or GppNHp is irreversible, the responses to catecholamines are enhanced and the enzyme can be solubilized in the activated state.", "PMID": 1009263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11664", "title": "[Biologic membrane functions in health and disease. Effects of bile acids and laxatives on the mucosal transfer].", "content": "The morphologica and biochemical asymmetry of the intestinal epithelium is the precondition for the net transfer of sodium and water from the lumen to the bloodstream. Dihydroxy bile acids and diphenol laxatives belong to the group of drugs which are capable of inhibiting or reversing this net transfer in rats and humans. This property is characterized as antiabsorptive and hydragogue. In addition to their pharmacologic action, pathophysiologic (cholagenic diarrhea) and toxic symptoms (hypokalemia and secondary aldosteronism) can be ascribed to this property. Dihydroxy bile acids and diphenal laxatives render the junctions more permeable. Their mechanism of action can therefore be explained by stating that, due to increased intercellular permeability, the asymmetry of the system is lost and absorption thus comes to a standstill. Since slight hydrostatic pressure on the subepithelial side suffices to reverse the net transfer, it is assumed that in vivo the filtration pressure of the capillaries is the motive force for net transfer into the lumen.", "contents": "[Biologic membrane functions in health and disease. Effects of bile acids and laxatives on the mucosal transfer]. The morphologica and biochemical asymmetry of the intestinal epithelium is the precondition for the net transfer of sodium and water from the lumen to the bloodstream. Dihydroxy bile acids and diphenol laxatives belong to the group of drugs which are capable of inhibiting or reversing this net transfer in rats and humans. This property is characterized as antiabsorptive and hydragogue. In addition to their pharmacologic action, pathophysiologic (cholagenic diarrhea) and toxic symptoms (hypokalemia and secondary aldosteronism) can be ascribed to this property. Dihydroxy bile acids and diphenal laxatives render the junctions more permeable. Their mechanism of action can therefore be explained by stating that, due to increased intercellular permeability, the asymmetry of the system is lost and absorption thus comes to a standstill. Since slight hydrostatic pressure on the subepithelial side suffices to reverse the net transfer, it is assumed that in vivo the filtration pressure of the capillaries is the motive force for net transfer into the lumen.", "PMID": 1009264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11665", "title": "[Pharmacologic modifications of renal tubular transport].", "content": "Possible mechanisms of transport of substances across renal tubular walls and of drug actions influencing these transports are discussed. The precise mechanisms of action of the majority of compounds which enhance or depress transtubular transports is still unknown. Certain inhibitors of transtubular transports may be competitors of the transported substances for tubular membrane carriers. Examples of changes in transtubular transports induced by drugs are reviewed. In the rat, the combined natriuretic and diuretic effects of furosemide and of compensatory adaptation, i.e. removal of the contralateral kidneys a few hours before the experiments, appear to be hyperadditive. The natriuretic and diuretic effects of acetazolamide are similarly enhanced under the conditions of compensatory adaptation. The data suggest that the natriuretic and diuretic effects of compensatory adaptation, on the one hand, and the diuretic agents, on the other hand, are due to different primary effects on the tubules. Bidirectional transports of uric acid across the walls of proximal convoluted tubules have been demonstrated in all species of animals investigated by micropuncture, microperfusion and microinjection. No net movements of uric acid occur across the wall of distal convoluted tubules. In species and under conditions of net reabsorption of uric acid by the whole kidney, the sum of the bidirectional transports across the walls of proximal convoluted tubules always results in pronounced net reabsorption. In species and races of animals characterized by overall tubular secretion of uric acid, the predominant movement in proximal convoluted tubules also tends to be net reabsorption, while the net secretion providing the amounts of uric acid, above the amounts filtered, appearing in the final urine, appears to occur in the straight parts of the proximal tubules. Possible mechanisms of action and micropuncture observations on the sites of actions of probenecid and of pyrazinolic acid, two agents which influence transtubular transports of uric acid, are discussed. The conclusion is reached that agents influencing transtubular uric acid transports probably always act on reabsorptive as well as on secretory transports and that the net result of their action on uric acid excretion may, therefore, vary in different species and under different experimental conditions. Enhancement of the urinary excretion of salicyclic acid by infusion of bicarbonate is a well-known fact. Recent micropuncture experiments indicate that this effect is probably due to either enhanced secretion or depressed reabsorption of salicylates in proximal convoluted tubules rather than on any changes of the rate of transtubular salicylate transports in lower segments of the nephron.", "contents": "[Pharmacologic modifications of renal tubular transport]. Possible mechanisms of transport of substances across renal tubular walls and of drug actions influencing these transports are discussed. The precise mechanisms of action of the majority of compounds which enhance or depress transtubular transports is still unknown. Certain inhibitors of transtubular transports may be competitors of the transported substances for tubular membrane carriers. Examples of changes in transtubular transports induced by drugs are reviewed. In the rat, the combined natriuretic and diuretic effects of furosemide and of compensatory adaptation, i.e. removal of the contralateral kidneys a few hours before the experiments, appear to be hyperadditive. The natriuretic and diuretic effects of acetazolamide are similarly enhanced under the conditions of compensatory adaptation. The data suggest that the natriuretic and diuretic effects of compensatory adaptation, on the one hand, and the diuretic agents, on the other hand, are due to different primary effects on the tubules. Bidirectional transports of uric acid across the walls of proximal convoluted tubules have been demonstrated in all species of animals investigated by micropuncture, microperfusion and microinjection. No net movements of uric acid occur across the wall of distal convoluted tubules. In species and under conditions of net reabsorption of uric acid by the whole kidney, the sum of the bidirectional transports across the walls of proximal convoluted tubules always results in pronounced net reabsorption. In species and races of animals characterized by overall tubular secretion of uric acid, the predominant movement in proximal convoluted tubules also tends to be net reabsorption, while the net secretion providing the amounts of uric acid, above the amounts filtered, appearing in the final urine, appears to occur in the straight parts of the proximal tubules. Possible mechanisms of action and micropuncture observations on the sites of actions of probenecid and of pyrazinolic acid, two agents which influence transtubular transports of uric acid, are discussed. The conclusion is reached that agents influencing transtubular uric acid transports probably always act on reabsorptive as well as on secretory transports and that the net result of their action on uric acid excretion may, therefore, vary in different species and under different experimental conditions. Enhancement of the urinary excretion of salicyclic acid by infusion of bicarbonate is a well-known fact. Recent micropuncture experiments indicate that this effect is probably due to either enhanced secretion or depressed reabsorption of salicylates in proximal convoluted tubules rather than on any changes of the rate of transtubular salicylate transports in lower segments of the nephron.", "PMID": 1009265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11666", "title": "Influence of family factors on the incidence of lower respiratory illness during the first year of life.", "content": "In a study of a cohort of over 2000 children born between 1963 and 1965, the incidence of bronchitis and pneumonia during their first year of life was found to be associated with several family factors. The most important determinant of respiratory illness in these infants was an attack of bronchitis or pneumonia in a sibling. The age of these siblings, and their number, also contributed to this incidence. Parental respiratory symptoms, including persistent cough and phlegm, and asthma or wheezing, as well as parental smoking habits, had lesser but nevertheless important effects. Parental smoking, however, stands out from all other factors as the one most amenable to change in seeking to prevent bronchitis and pneumonia in infants.", "contents": "Influence of family factors on the incidence of lower respiratory illness during the first year of life. In a study of a cohort of over 2000 children born between 1963 and 1965, the incidence of bronchitis and pneumonia during their first year of life was found to be associated with several family factors. The most important determinant of respiratory illness in these infants was an attack of bronchitis or pneumonia in a sibling. The age of these siblings, and their number, also contributed to this incidence. Parental respiratory symptoms, including persistent cough and phlegm, and asthma or wheezing, as well as parental smoking habits, had lesser but nevertheless important effects. Parental smoking, however, stands out from all other factors as the one most amenable to change in seeking to prevent bronchitis and pneumonia in infants.", "PMID": 1009269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11667", "title": "Influence of family factors on asthma and wheezing during the first five years of life.", "content": "Family factors associated with the incidence of asthma and wheezing during childhood have been studied in a cohort of over 2000 children who, together with their families, were followed-up for five years. Episodes of wheezing not regarded by the parents as asthma had a different pattern of association with family factors to that found for asthma. The outcome of the two conditions in terms of ventilatory function at the age of five years was also different, in that children with a history of asthma had a lower peak expiratory flow rate than did children with a history of non-asthmatic wheezing.", "contents": "Influence of family factors on asthma and wheezing during the first five years of life. Family factors associated with the incidence of asthma and wheezing during childhood have been studied in a cohort of over 2000 children who, together with their families, were followed-up for five years. Episodes of wheezing not regarded by the parents as asthma had a different pattern of association with family factors to that found for asthma. The outcome of the two conditions in terms of ventilatory function at the age of five years was also different, in that children with a history of asthma had a lower peak expiratory flow rate than did children with a history of non-asthmatic wheezing.", "PMID": 1009270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11668", "title": "Influence of personal and family factors on ventilatory function of children.", "content": "We wanted to assess the relative influence of various personal and family factors upon the development of ventilatory function in young children. The relationship of several such factors to peak expiratory flow rates measured at the age of five years was studied in 454 children. These children were members of a birth cohort born between 1963 and 1965 in Harrow, north-west London, who were examined regularly from birth through the first five years of life. Beside its expected association with height, peak expiratory flow rate at the age of five years was also related to a lesser extent with peak expiratory flow rate in parents. Children with a history of lower respiratory illness had mean peak flow rates which were lower than those of children who escaped these illnesses. The earlier the onset of the illness and the more frequent its recurrence, the more marked its effect on ventilatory function. The group of children with a history of asthma and bronchitis had the lowest mean peak expiratory flow rate, but a history of bronchitis or pneumonia alone (that is, without asthma) was also associated with reduced ventilatory function. Respiratory illness beginning in the first year of life was the most potentially modifiable determinant of peak expiratory flow rate in children in this study.", "contents": "Influence of personal and family factors on ventilatory function of children. We wanted to assess the relative influence of various personal and family factors upon the development of ventilatory function in young children. The relationship of several such factors to peak expiratory flow rates measured at the age of five years was studied in 454 children. These children were members of a birth cohort born between 1963 and 1965 in Harrow, north-west London, who were examined regularly from birth through the first five years of life. Beside its expected association with height, peak expiratory flow rate at the age of five years was also related to a lesser extent with peak expiratory flow rate in parents. Children with a history of lower respiratory illness had mean peak flow rates which were lower than those of children who escaped these illnesses. The earlier the onset of the illness and the more frequent its recurrence, the more marked its effect on ventilatory function. The group of children with a history of asthma and bronchitis had the lowest mean peak expiratory flow rate, but a history of bronchitis or pneumonia alone (that is, without asthma) was also associated with reduced ventilatory function. Respiratory illness beginning in the first year of life was the most potentially modifiable determinant of peak expiratory flow rate in children in this study.", "PMID": 1009271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11669", "title": "Low mortality rates in industrial cohort studies due to selection for work and survival in the industry.", "content": "Occupational groups are often described as being relatively healthy because their mortality rates are lower than those of the national average. Although correct this confuses the issue for those who are interested in assessing the effects of exposure to a particular chemical. In a further analysis of data collected in a study of all men ever exposed to vinyl chloride monomer in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride in Great Britain, three factors have been shown to contribute to the low mortality rates that were observed. The three factors: the selection of a healthy population for employment, the survival in the industry of the healthier men, and the length of time that this population has been pursued, have been quantified. The mortality experience within five years of entering this industry was shown to be as low as 37% of that expected; for circulatory disease and respiratory disease it was as low as 21%. There was a progressive increase in standardized mortality ratio with the length of time since entry so that the effect had almost disappeared 15 years after entry. To avoid confounding the selection effect with the survival effect the latter was measured by separating men who survived 15 years after entering the industry according to whether or not they were still in the industry after this period. Those who had left experienced an overall standardized mortality ratio some 50% higher than those still in the industry. This effect, although consistent in the age groups between 25 and 74 years and for all cause groups studied, was greatest in those aged between 25 and 44 years and for lung cancer and respiratory disease.", "contents": "Low mortality rates in industrial cohort studies due to selection for work and survival in the industry. Occupational groups are often described as being relatively healthy because their mortality rates are lower than those of the national average. Although correct this confuses the issue for those who are interested in assessing the effects of exposure to a particular chemical. In a further analysis of data collected in a study of all men ever exposed to vinyl chloride monomer in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride in Great Britain, three factors have been shown to contribute to the low mortality rates that were observed. The three factors: the selection of a healthy population for employment, the survival in the industry of the healthier men, and the length of time that this population has been pursued, have been quantified. The mortality experience within five years of entering this industry was shown to be as low as 37% of that expected; for circulatory disease and respiratory disease it was as low as 21%. There was a progressive increase in standardized mortality ratio with the length of time since entry so that the effect had almost disappeared 15 years after entry. To avoid confounding the selection effect with the survival effect the latter was measured by separating men who survived 15 years after entering the industry according to whether or not they were still in the industry after this period. Those who had left experienced an overall standardized mortality ratio some 50% higher than those still in the industry. This effect, although consistent in the age groups between 25 and 74 years and for all cause groups studied, was greatest in those aged between 25 and 44 years and for lung cancer and respiratory disease.", "PMID": 1009272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11670", "title": "Survival of healthy older people.", "content": "The purpose of this study was to discover any relationships which might exist between measurable variables recorded when a healthy group of men and women, aged 70 years and over, were examined and their subsequent survival time. It was found that height, body weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, haemoglobin, hand grip power, cardiothoracic ratio, and pulse rate are of no predictive value in the estimation of survival time. Survival is not influenced by marital status or occupational class. For both sexes the degree of kyphosis and age are useful predictive criteria in respect of survival time. However, much research work requires to be done to explain why many people die at the time they do.", "contents": "Survival of healthy older people. The purpose of this study was to discover any relationships which might exist between measurable variables recorded when a healthy group of men and women, aged 70 years and over, were examined and their subsequent survival time. It was found that height, body weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, haemoglobin, hand grip power, cardiothoracic ratio, and pulse rate are of no predictive value in the estimation of survival time. Survival is not influenced by marital status or occupational class. For both sexes the degree of kyphosis and age are useful predictive criteria in respect of survival time. However, much research work requires to be done to explain why many people die at the time they do.", "PMID": 1009273} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11671", "title": "Weight gain in infancy and physical development between 7 and 10 1/2 years of age.", "content": "Heights and weights were measured in 963 10-year-old children, whose weight data from the first year of life were available. Rapid weight gain in infancy was arbitrarily defined on the basis of sex-specific percentiles of weight gain at four-month intervals and from birth to 12 months. In girls, no significant association between rapid weight gain in infancy and overweight at 10 1/2 years was found. In boys, the association was significant for severe overweight (greater than 120% of standard weight for height). An estimation of the possible benefit of an intervention programme (food restriction in all male infants with rapid weight gain) showed, however, that at the very best 12% of the boys treated in this way could be expected to gain some benefit. The result of a correlation analysis between weight gain in infancy and change in height and relative weight between 7 and 10 1/2 years suggested that the factors which determined weight gain in infancy were no longer operative at ages between 7 and 10 1/2 years.", "contents": "Weight gain in infancy and physical development between 7 and 10 1/2 years of age. Heights and weights were measured in 963 10-year-old children, whose weight data from the first year of life were available. Rapid weight gain in infancy was arbitrarily defined on the basis of sex-specific percentiles of weight gain at four-month intervals and from birth to 12 months. In girls, no significant association between rapid weight gain in infancy and overweight at 10 1/2 years was found. In boys, the association was significant for severe overweight (greater than 120% of standard weight for height). An estimation of the possible benefit of an intervention programme (food restriction in all male infants with rapid weight gain) showed, however, that at the very best 12% of the boys treated in this way could be expected to gain some benefit. The result of a correlation analysis between weight gain in infancy and change in height and relative weight between 7 and 10 1/2 years suggested that the factors which determined weight gain in infancy were no longer operative at ages between 7 and 10 1/2 years.", "PMID": 1009274} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11672", "title": "Relationship of weight gain in infancy to subcutaneous fat and relative weight at 10 1/2 years of age.", "content": "In a representative sample of 895 schoolchildren, aged between 9 years 10 months and 11 years 2 months, the risk of being overweight or obese was compared between those who had gained weight rapidly during infancy and those whose weight gain had been normal. A substantially increased risk ratio was found only in boys for whom a correlation analysis showed that the total weight gain during the first year of life was associated with the total body mass in relation to height, more or less independently of the degree of fatness at 10 1/2 years of age. In girls, a direct but very weak association was found between weight gain in infancy and the degree of fatness at 10 1/2 years. The implications of these findings with respect to aetiology and the possibilities of prevention are briefly discussed.", "contents": "Relationship of weight gain in infancy to subcutaneous fat and relative weight at 10 1/2 years of age. In a representative sample of 895 schoolchildren, aged between 9 years 10 months and 11 years 2 months, the risk of being overweight or obese was compared between those who had gained weight rapidly during infancy and those whose weight gain had been normal. A substantially increased risk ratio was found only in boys for whom a correlation analysis showed that the total weight gain during the first year of life was associated with the total body mass in relation to height, more or less independently of the degree of fatness at 10 1/2 years of age. In girls, a direct but very weak association was found between weight gain in infancy and the degree of fatness at 10 1/2 years. The implications of these findings with respect to aetiology and the possibilities of prevention are briefly discussed.", "PMID": 1009275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11673", "title": "Drug problems dealt with by 62 London casualty departments. A preliminary report.", "content": "A study of the whole spectrum of drug incidents dealt with in one month by 62 casualty departments in the Greater London area was carried out in the summer of 1975. Apart from demonstrating the large number of such incidents, this preliminary report presents an analysis of the drugs responsible for these episodes, basic demographic characteristics of the drug users, and an estimate of the contribution of drug dependence.", "contents": "Drug problems dealt with by 62 London casualty departments. A preliminary report. A study of the whole spectrum of drug incidents dealt with in one month by 62 casualty departments in the Greater London area was carried out in the summer of 1975. Apart from demonstrating the large number of such incidents, this preliminary report presents an analysis of the drugs responsible for these episodes, basic demographic characteristics of the drug users, and an estimate of the contribution of drug dependence.", "PMID": 1009276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11674", "title": "Adrenosympathetic overactivity under conditions of work stress.", "content": "Serial measurements of urinary adrenaline, noradrenaline, and 11-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion were performed on 32 healthy men under two conditions of work stress; piecework and work on assembly line. A statistically significant increase in adrenaline, noradrenaline, and 11-hydroxycorticosteroids was observed for piecework and assembly line workers compared with salaried and 'ordinary' workers. The results support the assumption that psychosocial factors of an everyday type have significant effects on the sympathoadrenomedullary and adrenocortical function.", "contents": "Adrenosympathetic overactivity under conditions of work stress. Serial measurements of urinary adrenaline, noradrenaline, and 11-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion were performed on 32 healthy men under two conditions of work stress; piecework and work on assembly line. A statistically significant increase in adrenaline, noradrenaline, and 11-hydroxycorticosteroids was observed for piecework and assembly line workers compared with salaried and 'ordinary' workers. The results support the assumption that psychosocial factors of an everyday type have significant effects on the sympathoadrenomedullary and adrenocortical function.", "PMID": 1009277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11675", "title": "Incomplete right bundle branch block and vital capacity.", "content": "Right bundle branch block (RBBB) is occasionally encountered in young persons who lack any other evidence of overt cardiac disease (Hiss and Lamb, 1962; Lancaster, Schechter, and Massing, 1972). The block may be complete or incomplete, the latter being more common. Right bundle branch block has been studied in relation to body weight, obesity, serum cholesterol and glucose levels, and blood pressure, but the results have been negative (Ostrander, 1964; Kannel et al., 1962). Data presented here suggest that incomplete RBBB is related to vital capacity.", "contents": "Incomplete right bundle branch block and vital capacity. Right bundle branch block (RBBB) is occasionally encountered in young persons who lack any other evidence of overt cardiac disease (Hiss and Lamb, 1962; Lancaster, Schechter, and Massing, 1972). The block may be complete or incomplete, the latter being more common. Right bundle branch block has been studied in relation to body weight, obesity, serum cholesterol and glucose levels, and blood pressure, but the results have been negative (Ostrander, 1964; Kannel et al., 1962). Data presented here suggest that incomplete RBBB is related to vital capacity.", "PMID": 1009278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11676", "title": "Detection and treatment of hypertension in an inner London community.", "content": "A postal survey of a random sample of the population living near St Mary's Hospital, Paddington was taken to determine earlier experience in these people of blood pressure measurement and treatment. Eighty-five per cent of those who could return their questionnaires did so; eighty per cent of the respondents said they had had their blood pressure measured in the past, and 60% reported such a measurement during the previous three years. The respondents aged between 40 and 59 years were invited for a blood pressure screening measurement and 52% responded. Seventy-seven per cent of those found to be hypertensive on screening (systolic greater than or equal to 160 mmHg and/or diastolic greater than or equal to 100 mmHg) said they had had their blood pressure measured during the preceding three years. The reason for the poor control of hypertension in a community, therefore, is more likely to be a failure of doctors to take action on hypertension than a failure to detect it in the first place.", "contents": "Detection and treatment of hypertension in an inner London community. A postal survey of a random sample of the population living near St Mary's Hospital, Paddington was taken to determine earlier experience in these people of blood pressure measurement and treatment. Eighty-five per cent of those who could return their questionnaires did so; eighty per cent of the respondents said they had had their blood pressure measured in the past, and 60% reported such a measurement during the previous three years. The respondents aged between 40 and 59 years were invited for a blood pressure screening measurement and 52% responded. Seventy-seven per cent of those found to be hypertensive on screening (systolic greater than or equal to 160 mmHg and/or diastolic greater than or equal to 100 mmHg) said they had had their blood pressure measured during the preceding three years. The reason for the poor control of hypertension in a community, therefore, is more likely to be a failure of doctors to take action on hypertension than a failure to detect it in the first place.", "PMID": 1009279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11677", "title": "A relationship between Eysenck's P scale and change in muscle action potentials with attention to perceptual tasks.", "content": "An experiment is described in which an index of change in muscle tension produced by perceptual discrimination tasks, and scores on Eysenck's PEN scales, were measured on 39 university students. It was hypothesized that if P is an index of psychoticism, as has been claimed (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1968) then an index of one central feature of so called 'psychotics', namely attention difficulty while decision making, should correlate positively with P. P was found to correlate significantly with a measure of increase of EMG on the perceptual discrimination tasks (r = 0-54, P less than 0-001). Correlations of this index with N and E were zero. The results are considered to be particularly significant, since scores on P, E and N gave almost zero intercorrelations in the sample tested, and L scores were exceedingly low. Further evidence is provided which suggests that both P and muscle tension increase are directly related to the degree of endorsement of paranoid ideas.", "contents": "A relationship between Eysenck's P scale and change in muscle action potentials with attention to perceptual tasks. An experiment is described in which an index of change in muscle tension produced by perceptual discrimination tasks, and scores on Eysenck's PEN scales, were measured on 39 university students. It was hypothesized that if P is an index of psychoticism, as has been claimed (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1968) then an index of one central feature of so called 'psychotics', namely attention difficulty while decision making, should correlate positively with P. P was found to correlate significantly with a measure of increase of EMG on the perceptual discrimination tasks (r = 0-54, P less than 0-001). Correlations of this index with N and E were zero. The results are considered to be particularly significant, since scores on P, E and N gave almost zero intercorrelations in the sample tested, and L scores were exceedingly low. Further evidence is provided which suggests that both P and muscle tension increase are directly related to the degree of endorsement of paranoid ideas.", "PMID": 1009280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11678", "title": "Extraversion, neuroticism and strength of the nervous system.", "content": "The hypothesized identity of the dimensions of extraversion-introversion and strength of the nervous system was tested on four groups of nine subjects (neurotic extraverts, stable extraverts, neurotic introverts, stable introverts). Strength of the subjects' nervous system was estimated using the electroencephalographic (EEG) variant of extinction with reinforcement. Introverted subjects were found to have weak nervous systems, according to the EEG index, while extraverted subjects had strong nervous systems, thus confirming the hypothesis. It was also found that the dimension of strength of the nervous system was unrelated to differences in neuroticism. The results are interpreted as adding support to Eysenck's theory relating differences in extraversion-introversion to differences in cortical arousal.", "contents": "Extraversion, neuroticism and strength of the nervous system. The hypothesized identity of the dimensions of extraversion-introversion and strength of the nervous system was tested on four groups of nine subjects (neurotic extraverts, stable extraverts, neurotic introverts, stable introverts). Strength of the subjects' nervous system was estimated using the electroencephalographic (EEG) variant of extinction with reinforcement. Introverted subjects were found to have weak nervous systems, according to the EEG index, while extraverted subjects had strong nervous systems, thus confirming the hypothesis. It was also found that the dimension of strength of the nervous system was unrelated to differences in neuroticism. The results are interpreted as adding support to Eysenck's theory relating differences in extraversion-introversion to differences in cortical arousal.", "PMID": 1009281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11679", "title": "Oculomotor adaptation to prisms: complete transfer between eyes.", "content": "It is argued that previous experiments investigating interocular transfer of adaptation have been concerned with an adaptation of the registered position of the limb used to indicate direction. Thus the question of interocular transfer of adaptation sited at the eye remains open. Two experiments are reported. The first showed that there was complete transfer between exposed and unexposed eyes. The conditions were such that the adaptation could be explained only as a change in the registered position of the eye in the head, or of the head on the shoulders. The second experiment showed that changes of this latter kind did not occur.", "contents": "Oculomotor adaptation to prisms: complete transfer between eyes. It is argued that previous experiments investigating interocular transfer of adaptation have been concerned with an adaptation of the registered position of the limb used to indicate direction. Thus the question of interocular transfer of adaptation sited at the eye remains open. Two experiments are reported. The first showed that there was complete transfer between exposed and unexposed eyes. The conditions were such that the adaptation could be explained only as a change in the registered position of the eye in the head, or of the head on the shoulders. The second experiment showed that changes of this latter kind did not occur.", "PMID": 1009282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11680", "title": "Visual behaviour in social interaction: the validity of eye contact assessments under different conditions of observation.", "content": "On each session of the experiment, each of five subjects was assigned to act as either gaze-sender (GS), gaze-receiver (GR), direct-sight observer (DSO) TV observer (TVO) or one-way mirror observer (OWO). The GS had to look into the GR's eyes each time he received prerecorded signal through earphones. The GR and the three observers recorded GS's eye-gaze behaviour. Two conditions of distance between GR and GS were included. Results showed that (1) the GR, DSO and TVO presented an equivalent accuracy in their EC recordings as compared with the programmed signals, while the OWO's accuracy appeared significantly lesser; (2) as a concealed observer, OWO was also less efficient than TVO since the agreement of the former with GR's records was significantly lower than that of the DSO, which was not the case for the latter; (3) with increment of distance, OWOs recorded longer EC periods, a tendency which was not found significant among the other observers.", "contents": "Visual behaviour in social interaction: the validity of eye contact assessments under different conditions of observation. On each session of the experiment, each of five subjects was assigned to act as either gaze-sender (GS), gaze-receiver (GR), direct-sight observer (DSO) TV observer (TVO) or one-way mirror observer (OWO). The GS had to look into the GR's eyes each time he received prerecorded signal through earphones. The GR and the three observers recorded GS's eye-gaze behaviour. Two conditions of distance between GR and GS were included. Results showed that (1) the GR, DSO and TVO presented an equivalent accuracy in their EC recordings as compared with the programmed signals, while the OWO's accuracy appeared significantly lesser; (2) as a concealed observer, OWO was also less efficient than TVO since the agreement of the former with GR's records was significantly lower than that of the DSO, which was not the case for the latter; (3) with increment of distance, OWOs recorded longer EC periods, a tendency which was not found significant among the other observers.", "PMID": 1009283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11681", "title": "The effect of embedded words in a brief visual display.", "content": "In a replication and extension of an experiment by Eagle, Wolitzky & Klein (1966), subjects wrote brief stories describing an Object Relations Test card following exposure to a 7 x 7 letter matrix in which were embedded either neutral words or emotive words. Of six groups of subjects who participated, two groups were exposed to the matrices for 10 sec ('supraliminal control condition'), and the remaining four groups for 1 sec ('subliminal condition'). Independent judges were able to distinguish, to a significant degree, between the stories of subjects who were exposed to emotive words and those exposed to neutral words under the 'subliminal condition'; they could not distinguish, however, between the stories of subjects exposed for the longer duration ('supraliminal condition') to emotive and neutral words respectively. A crude content analysis yielded significantly more unpleasant words in stories from the subgroups exposed to emotive rather than neutral words, but again only under the very brief exposure condition, the difference being absent in supraliminal control groups. The relevance of these findings to previous experiments is discussed.", "contents": "The effect of embedded words in a brief visual display. In a replication and extension of an experiment by Eagle, Wolitzky & Klein (1966), subjects wrote brief stories describing an Object Relations Test card following exposure to a 7 x 7 letter matrix in which were embedded either neutral words or emotive words. Of six groups of subjects who participated, two groups were exposed to the matrices for 10 sec ('supraliminal control condition'), and the remaining four groups for 1 sec ('subliminal condition'). Independent judges were able to distinguish, to a significant degree, between the stories of subjects who were exposed to emotive words and those exposed to neutral words under the 'subliminal condition'; they could not distinguish, however, between the stories of subjects exposed for the longer duration ('supraliminal condition') to emotive and neutral words respectively. A crude content analysis yielded significantly more unpleasant words in stories from the subgroups exposed to emotive rather than neutral words, but again only under the very brief exposure condition, the difference being absent in supraliminal control groups. The relevance of these findings to previous experiments is discussed.", "PMID": 1009284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11682", "title": "The components of the Poggendorff illusion.", "content": "An explanation of the Poggendorff misalignment illusion in terms of three basic components, the horizontal-vertical, longitudinal-transverse and obtuse angle effects, is proposed. It is argued that these effects amy either singly or jointly give rise to an apparent elongation- contraction of the space between the aligned elements with consequent change in apparent oblique direction. Experimental evidence for the involvement of the three components in various combinations and for modification of perceived direction between the transversals is presented. It is shown that the illusion in various forms of the Poggendorff figure can be accounted for by the involvement of one or more of the three components, each of which can be demonstrated independently of the illusion. It is suggested that other classical illusions, including the M\u00fcller-Lyer, might also be analysed in terms of basic components.", "contents": "The components of the Poggendorff illusion. An explanation of the Poggendorff misalignment illusion in terms of three basic components, the horizontal-vertical, longitudinal-transverse and obtuse angle effects, is proposed. It is argued that these effects amy either singly or jointly give rise to an apparent elongation- contraction of the space between the aligned elements with consequent change in apparent oblique direction. Experimental evidence for the involvement of the three components in various combinations and for modification of perceived direction between the transversals is presented. It is shown that the illusion in various forms of the Poggendorff figure can be accounted for by the involvement of one or more of the three components, each of which can be demonstrated independently of the illusion. It is suggested that other classical illusions, including the M\u00fcller-Lyer, might also be analysed in terms of basic components.", "PMID": 1009285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11683", "title": "A coordination of hand preference and skill replicated.", "content": "Annett (1970a) described 283 subjects classified for hand preference and measured for the movement time of each hand on a peg moving task. A new sample of 804 subjects has been examined and classified as before. The mean differences between hands for each preference group are very similar in both samples. Hand preference can be regarded as anchored to an objective measure of manual skill. Both preference and skill are continuously distributed variables, not discrete ones. The quest for the 'essence' of left handedness should be replaced by studies of the characteristics of the distributions involved and of the criteria used to identify segments of the distributions.", "contents": "A coordination of hand preference and skill replicated. Annett (1970a) described 283 subjects classified for hand preference and measured for the movement time of each hand on a peg moving task. A new sample of 804 subjects has been examined and classified as before. The mean differences between hands for each preference group are very similar in both samples. Hand preference can be regarded as anchored to an objective measure of manual skill. Both preference and skill are continuously distributed variables, not discrete ones. The quest for the 'essence' of left handedness should be replaced by studies of the characteristics of the distributions involved and of the criteria used to identify segments of the distributions.", "PMID": 1009286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11684", "title": "Test anxiety, observation, and range of cue utilization.", "content": "Sixty females scoring high on the Sarason Test Anxiety Scale and 60 scoring low on the same scale served as subjects in an experiment on cue utilization. One-third of all subjects were given a simple learning task with relevant cues added, and one-third were given the task with irrelevant cues added. Half of all subjects in each cue condition were observed by the experimenter as they performed and half were not observed. Relative to subjects in the other conditions combining observation and anxiety, those subjects who were high in test anxiety and also were observed showed a narrower range of cue utilization. The results are discussed in terms of current research on social facilitation.", "contents": "Test anxiety, observation, and range of cue utilization. Sixty females scoring high on the Sarason Test Anxiety Scale and 60 scoring low on the same scale served as subjects in an experiment on cue utilization. One-third of all subjects were given a simple learning task with relevant cues added, and one-third were given the task with irrelevant cues added. Half of all subjects in each cue condition were observed by the experimenter as they performed and half were not observed. Relative to subjects in the other conditions combining observation and anxiety, those subjects who were high in test anxiety and also were observed showed a narrower range of cue utilization. The results are discussed in terms of current research on social facilitation.", "PMID": 1009287} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11685", "title": "Drivers use of seat belts as a function of attitude and anxiety.", "content": "It is shown that drivers' reported and actual use of seat belts are predictable from their opinions about the comfort and effectiveness of belts. These relationships are, however, moderated by anxiety about possible accidents, in that low-anxiety drivers exhibit a stronger association between attitude and behaviour than do high-anxiety drivers.", "contents": "Drivers use of seat belts as a function of attitude and anxiety. It is shown that drivers' reported and actual use of seat belts are predictable from their opinions about the comfort and effectiveness of belts. These relationships are, however, moderated by anxiety about possible accidents, in that low-anxiety drivers exhibit a stronger association between attitude and behaviour than do high-anxiety drivers.", "PMID": 1009288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11686", "title": "Vigilance and arousal in depressive states.", "content": "An experiment was performed to investigate predictions of vigilance performance among depressive patients, based on the assumptions that vigilance would vary in a predictable manner with level of arousal, and that levels of arousal among diagnostic categories of depressive patients are well known. It was found that psychotic depressives, presumed to be hypo-aroused relative to normals, exhibited poor signal detection performances and committed few false positive errors relative to normals. This was consistent with predictions. Neurotic depressives, presumed to be hyper-aroused relative to normals, detected fewer signals than did normals, but also made more false positive errors than normals. Again this was consistent with predictions. A measure of arousal in experimental subjects, namely barbiturate tolerance, was found to directly relate to the false positive error rate in all subjects. The relationship between arousal and total signal detection rate was significantly curvilinear, and an 'inverted U' (quadratic) function provided the best fit. This justified the conclusion that vigilance performance is a function of at least that component of arousal measured by barbiturate tolerance.", "contents": "Vigilance and arousal in depressive states. An experiment was performed to investigate predictions of vigilance performance among depressive patients, based on the assumptions that vigilance would vary in a predictable manner with level of arousal, and that levels of arousal among diagnostic categories of depressive patients are well known. It was found that psychotic depressives, presumed to be hypo-aroused relative to normals, exhibited poor signal detection performances and committed few false positive errors relative to normals. This was consistent with predictions. Neurotic depressives, presumed to be hyper-aroused relative to normals, detected fewer signals than did normals, but also made more false positive errors than normals. Again this was consistent with predictions. A measure of arousal in experimental subjects, namely barbiturate tolerance, was found to directly relate to the false positive error rate in all subjects. The relationship between arousal and total signal detection rate was significantly curvilinear, and an 'inverted U' (quadratic) function provided the best fit. This justified the conclusion that vigilance performance is a function of at least that component of arousal measured by barbiturate tolerance.", "PMID": 1009289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11687", "title": "Associative and conceptual organization in thought disorder.", "content": "Thought disorder has frequently been described either as a disturbance of associative response hierarchies or as an inability to deal with objects or events as representative of classes. The tendency of normal subjects to organize free recall by clustering associatively or conceptually related words suggested the recall task as a means to investigate these views of thought disorder. Two groups of psychiatric patients, one with high scores on Lovibond's version of the OST, one with low (thought-disordered and non-thought-disordered, respectively), were presented with randomly ordered word lists containing pairs related associatively and pairs related taxonomically. Thought-disordered and non-thought-disordered groups were not differentiated by any tendency to cluster more of one kind of pair than another. Rather, the thought-disordered showed a general lack of organization in recall, and significantly less improvement over trials in amount recalled. The results do not support the view that thought disorder is specifically a disorder of concept use or conceptual mediation. Research needs to be addressed to variables which affect the activation or inhibition of mediational links in thinking.", "contents": "Associative and conceptual organization in thought disorder. Thought disorder has frequently been described either as a disturbance of associative response hierarchies or as an inability to deal with objects or events as representative of classes. The tendency of normal subjects to organize free recall by clustering associatively or conceptually related words suggested the recall task as a means to investigate these views of thought disorder. Two groups of psychiatric patients, one with high scores on Lovibond's version of the OST, one with low (thought-disordered and non-thought-disordered, respectively), were presented with randomly ordered word lists containing pairs related associatively and pairs related taxonomically. Thought-disordered and non-thought-disordered groups were not differentiated by any tendency to cluster more of one kind of pair than another. Rather, the thought-disordered showed a general lack of organization in recall, and significantly less improvement over trials in amount recalled. The results do not support the view that thought disorder is specifically a disorder of concept use or conceptual mediation. Research needs to be addressed to variables which affect the activation or inhibition of mediational links in thinking.", "PMID": 1009290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11688", "title": "Goal-setting behaviour and coronary heart disease.", "content": "In order to test Dunbar's (1943) theory about goal-setting behaviour in cardiovascular subjects, measures of performance and goal levels were taken on 25 coronary subjects, 25 hypertensive subjects and a control group of 25 fracture subjects. Ths hypertensive pattern of goal-setting behaviour appeared not significantly discriminated from that of control subjects, although the data were in the direction predicted by Dunbar, hypertensive subjects being higher for success and for low goals. For coronary subjects, the results were in complete agreement with the tested theory, these subjects showing a significantly higher rate of high goals than control subjects, and recording a higher rate of failure.", "contents": "Goal-setting behaviour and coronary heart disease. In order to test Dunbar's (1943) theory about goal-setting behaviour in cardiovascular subjects, measures of performance and goal levels were taken on 25 coronary subjects, 25 hypertensive subjects and a control group of 25 fracture subjects. Ths hypertensive pattern of goal-setting behaviour appeared not significantly discriminated from that of control subjects, although the data were in the direction predicted by Dunbar, hypertensive subjects being higher for success and for low goals. For coronary subjects, the results were in complete agreement with the tested theory, these subjects showing a significantly higher rate of high goals than control subjects, and recording a higher rate of failure.", "PMID": 1009291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11689", "title": "Styles of decision-making and probability appraisal in selected obsessional and phobic patients.", "content": "A questionnaire was administered to obsessional and phobic patients and normal subjects. The results of this survey confirmed the prediction that a sizeable proportion of phobic patients report irrational expectations associated with their most feared situations. A group of phobics who reported irrational expectations, a group of obsessionals who reported an abnormal degree of checking behaviour and a group of normal subjects, took part in a probabilistic inference task. Several predictions about the differential performance of these groups were fulfilled. (i) Deviations from the optimal model for individual responses were greatest in the obsessional group. (ii) When Neuroticism was partialled out, the three groups differed with respect to amount of evidence required prior to a decision, the obsessional group having the highest score on this variable. (iii) The phobic group were more likely than the other two groups to make irrational event predictions.", "contents": "Styles of decision-making and probability appraisal in selected obsessional and phobic patients. A questionnaire was administered to obsessional and phobic patients and normal subjects. The results of this survey confirmed the prediction that a sizeable proportion of phobic patients report irrational expectations associated with their most feared situations. A group of phobics who reported irrational expectations, a group of obsessionals who reported an abnormal degree of checking behaviour and a group of normal subjects, took part in a probabilistic inference task. Several predictions about the differential performance of these groups were fulfilled. (i) Deviations from the optimal model for individual responses were greatest in the obsessional group. (ii) When Neuroticism was partialled out, the three groups differed with respect to amount of evidence required prior to a decision, the obsessional group having the highest score on this variable. (iii) The phobic group were more likely than the other two groups to make irrational event predictions.", "PMID": 1009292} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11690", "title": "A physiological evaluation of professional soccer players.", "content": "The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological functions of a professional soccer team in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Eighteen players were evaluated on cardiorespiratory function, endurance performance, body composition, blood chemistry, and motor fitness measures near the end of their competitive season. The following means were observed: age, 26 yrs; height, 176 cm; weight 75.5 kg; resting heart rate, 50 beats/min; maximum heart rate (MHR), 188 beats/min; maximum oxygen intake (VO2 max), 58.4 ml/kg-min-1; maximum ventilation (VEmax BTPS), 154 L/min; body fat, 9.59%; 12-min run, 1.86 miles; and Illinois agility run, 15.6 secs. Results on resting blood pressure, serum lipids, vital capacity, flexibility, upper body strength, and vertical jump tests were comparable to values found for the sedentary population. Comparing the results with previously collected data on professional American Football backs indicated that the soccer players were shorter; lighter in body weight; higher in VO2 max (4 ml/kg-min-1) and body fat (1.8%); and similar in MHR, VE max, and VC. The 12-min run scores were similar to the initial values observed for the 1970 Brazilian World Cup Team. The agility run results were superior to data collected from other groups. Their endurance capabilities, agility, and low percent of body fat clearly differentiate them from the sedentary population and show them to be similar to that of professional American football backs.", "contents": "A physiological evaluation of professional soccer players. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological functions of a professional soccer team in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Eighteen players were evaluated on cardiorespiratory function, endurance performance, body composition, blood chemistry, and motor fitness measures near the end of their competitive season. The following means were observed: age, 26 yrs; height, 176 cm; weight 75.5 kg; resting heart rate, 50 beats/min; maximum heart rate (MHR), 188 beats/min; maximum oxygen intake (VO2 max), 58.4 ml/kg-min-1; maximum ventilation (VEmax BTPS), 154 L/min; body fat, 9.59%; 12-min run, 1.86 miles; and Illinois agility run, 15.6 secs. Results on resting blood pressure, serum lipids, vital capacity, flexibility, upper body strength, and vertical jump tests were comparable to values found for the sedentary population. Comparing the results with previously collected data on professional American Football backs indicated that the soccer players were shorter; lighter in body weight; higher in VO2 max (4 ml/kg-min-1) and body fat (1.8%); and similar in MHR, VE max, and VC. The 12-min run scores were similar to the initial values observed for the 1970 Brazilian World Cup Team. The agility run results were superior to data collected from other groups. Their endurance capabilities, agility, and low percent of body fat clearly differentiate them from the sedentary population and show them to be similar to that of professional American football backs.", "PMID": 1009297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11691", "title": "Sub maximal oxygen uptake related to fat free mass and lean leg volume in trained runners.", "content": "The sub maximal oxygen uptake (VO2) of 32 trained male middle and long distance runners aged 19.5-36.0 years was determined at five treadmill speeds. There was a significant linear relationship (p less than 0.01) between VO2 at each of the treadmill speeds and Fat-Free Mass (FFM) and Lean Leg Volume (LLV). To explain the relationship other factors are considered, the most important of which may be the mechanical configuration of muscle and mitochondrial function.", "contents": "Sub maximal oxygen uptake related to fat free mass and lean leg volume in trained runners. The sub maximal oxygen uptake (VO2) of 32 trained male middle and long distance runners aged 19.5-36.0 years was determined at five treadmill speeds. There was a significant linear relationship (p less than 0.01) between VO2 at each of the treadmill speeds and Fat-Free Mass (FFM) and Lean Leg Volume (LLV). To explain the relationship other factors are considered, the most important of which may be the mechanical configuration of muscle and mitochondrial function.", "PMID": 1009299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11692", "title": "Effect of prolonged exercise of serum testosterone levels in adult men.", "content": "The purpose of the study was to: 1) identify the differences in serum testosterone levels among four groups of adult men differentiated on the basis of physical fitness and age, and 2) determine the effect of a four-month physical fitness programme consisting of running, calisthenics and recreational activities on the serum testosterone levels of the four groups. The groups were designated: high-fit, young aged about 32 (n = 7); high-fit, old aged about 52 (n = 7); low-fit, young (n = 7), and low-fit, old (n = 7). The subjects were selected and grouped according to physical fitness scores obtained using the regression equation of Ismail et al. Serum testosterone was determined by a radioimmunoassay method. The pre-test ANOVA revealed that the high-fit groups had a significantly (p less than .01) higher testosterone level (754.29 ng/100 ml) than the low-fit groups (548.07 ng/100 ml) and the high-fit, young group (925.01 ng/100 ml) was significantly (p less than .01) higher than the other three groups. Post-test values were adjusted using pre-test testosterone values as covariates. No significant differences among the groups were found indicating that the serum testosterone levels were the same regardless of different ages and fitness levels. The findings were discussed in light of physiological, biochemical and psychological factors.", "contents": "Effect of prolonged exercise of serum testosterone levels in adult men. The purpose of the study was to: 1) identify the differences in serum testosterone levels among four groups of adult men differentiated on the basis of physical fitness and age, and 2) determine the effect of a four-month physical fitness programme consisting of running, calisthenics and recreational activities on the serum testosterone levels of the four groups. The groups were designated: high-fit, young aged about 32 (n = 7); high-fit, old aged about 52 (n = 7); low-fit, young (n = 7), and low-fit, old (n = 7). The subjects were selected and grouped according to physical fitness scores obtained using the regression equation of Ismail et al. Serum testosterone was determined by a radioimmunoassay method. The pre-test ANOVA revealed that the high-fit groups had a significantly (p less than .01) higher testosterone level (754.29 ng/100 ml) than the low-fit groups (548.07 ng/100 ml) and the high-fit, young group (925.01 ng/100 ml) was significantly (p less than .01) higher than the other three groups. Post-test values were adjusted using pre-test testosterone values as covariates. No significant differences among the groups were found indicating that the serum testosterone levels were the same regardless of different ages and fitness levels. The findings were discussed in light of physiological, biochemical and psychological factors.", "PMID": 1009301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11693", "title": "The clinical significance of pneumographic cerebellar atrophy.", "content": "The clinical significance of apparent pneumographic cerebellar atrophy has been studied in a group of 44 otherwise unselected patients found to have cerebellar atrophy, according to previously suggested criteria, at pneumoencephalography. Lateral and postero-anterior tomography of the posterior fossa was performed in all these cases. In each case the width of two or more sulci in the cerebellar vermis exceeded 2 mm. We have concluded that: (1) There is a relationship between the severity of pneumographic cerebellar atrophy and the severity of clinical signs of cerebellar disease (p = 0.03). (2) Severe or moderate atrophy of the vermis, whether generalized or focal, is usually associated with clinical signs of cerebellar disease, but mild atrophy of the vermis, equivalent to the \"moderate\" atrophy of previous studies, has no apparent diagnostic significance. (3) Atrophy of the cerebellar hemispheres, in the absence of atrophy of the vermis, is very unusual and it cannot, by itself, be correlated with clinical signs of cerebellar disease. (4) In individual cases, assessment of the significance of pneumographic cerebellar atrophy cannot be made without adequate clinical information.", "contents": "The clinical significance of pneumographic cerebellar atrophy. The clinical significance of apparent pneumographic cerebellar atrophy has been studied in a group of 44 otherwise unselected patients found to have cerebellar atrophy, according to previously suggested criteria, at pneumoencephalography. Lateral and postero-anterior tomography of the posterior fossa was performed in all these cases. In each case the width of two or more sulci in the cerebellar vermis exceeded 2 mm. We have concluded that: (1) There is a relationship between the severity of pneumographic cerebellar atrophy and the severity of clinical signs of cerebellar disease (p = 0.03). (2) Severe or moderate atrophy of the vermis, whether generalized or focal, is usually associated with clinical signs of cerebellar disease, but mild atrophy of the vermis, equivalent to the \"moderate\" atrophy of previous studies, has no apparent diagnostic significance. (3) Atrophy of the cerebellar hemispheres, in the absence of atrophy of the vermis, is very unusual and it cannot, by itself, be correlated with clinical signs of cerebellar disease. (4) In individual cases, assessment of the significance of pneumographic cerebellar atrophy cannot be made without adequate clinical information.", "PMID": 1009303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11694", "title": "Quantitative radiology: radiogrammetry of cortical bone.", "content": "Based on personal experience and data in the literature, an overview is given of radiogrammetry of cortical bone of the second metacarpal. There is a within- and between-observer error which amounts respectively to 1.2 and 1.5% for the outer diameter and 4.8 and 6.4% for the inner diameter. The systematic + or-- trend between observers indicates that one observer working according to certain defined rules obtains the most reliable results. There is a large variability in amount of bone within one age and sex group which is partly due to skeletal size differences, are insufficient since skeletal size differences still exist. The variability is reduced when the data are divided into strata of skeletal size. Since cortical area shows the best correlation with outer diameter within each age group and since cortical area represents best the ash content of the bones the values of this index are most suited to be grouped according to outer diameter. In differentiating pathological from physiological bone loss this procedure is an improvement on the previously published indices of amount of bone. When comparing different populations this method has advantages since skeletal size differences are eliminated. Comparing seven populations it was found that populations living in the United States of America have more bone for a given skeletal size than populations in Europe or Nigeria. Bone loss with age is a general phenomenon but differences in rate of loss are observed between the sexes and between ethnic different populations. The decrease of bone mass is faster after the age of 50 years in woman than in men. Blacks living in the United States loose less bone with age than whites. Radiogrammetry of cortical bone in groups gives useful information on bond remodelling during ageing and in pathological conditions. At an individual level, however, it is difficult to evaluate changes on a short term basis with radiogrammetry. Radiogrammetry of cortical bone is a simple and reproducible method which measures bone mass indirectly. Changes in cortical width show a high degree of correlation with the changes in mass of cortical bones but trabecular bone is not measured. This is a serious handicap, since most of the metabolic diseases of the skeleton affect trabecular bone to a greater extent than cortical. Nevertheless the measurement of cortical thickness certainly has added to the knowledge of changes in bone mass in ageing and in disease.", "contents": "Quantitative radiology: radiogrammetry of cortical bone. Based on personal experience and data in the literature, an overview is given of radiogrammetry of cortical bone of the second metacarpal. There is a within- and between-observer error which amounts respectively to 1.2 and 1.5% for the outer diameter and 4.8 and 6.4% for the inner diameter. The systematic + or-- trend between observers indicates that one observer working according to certain defined rules obtains the most reliable results. There is a large variability in amount of bone within one age and sex group which is partly due to skeletal size differences, are insufficient since skeletal size differences still exist. The variability is reduced when the data are divided into strata of skeletal size. Since cortical area shows the best correlation with outer diameter within each age group and since cortical area represents best the ash content of the bones the values of this index are most suited to be grouped according to outer diameter. In differentiating pathological from physiological bone loss this procedure is an improvement on the previously published indices of amount of bone. When comparing different populations this method has advantages since skeletal size differences are eliminated. Comparing seven populations it was found that populations living in the United States of America have more bone for a given skeletal size than populations in Europe or Nigeria. Bone loss with age is a general phenomenon but differences in rate of loss are observed between the sexes and between ethnic different populations. The decrease of bone mass is faster after the age of 50 years in woman than in men. Blacks living in the United States loose less bone with age than whites. Radiogrammetry of cortical bone in groups gives useful information on bond remodelling during ageing and in pathological conditions. At an individual level, however, it is difficult to evaluate changes on a short term basis with radiogrammetry. Radiogrammetry of cortical bone is a simple and reproducible method which measures bone mass indirectly. Changes in cortical width show a high degree of correlation with the changes in mass of cortical bones but trabecular bone is not measured. This is a serious handicap, since most of the metabolic diseases of the skeleton affect trabecular bone to a greater extent than cortical. Nevertheless the measurement of cortical thickness certainly has added to the knowledge of changes in bone mass in ageing and in disease.", "PMID": 1009304} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11695", "title": "Bone demineralization in renal failure: a longitudinal study of the distal femur using photon absorptiometry.", "content": "The bone mineral content (BMC) of the lower end of the femur was measured by photon absorptiometry in 87 patients with chronic renal failure. The gamma-ray photon source was Am241. Serial measurements were obtained for up to two years. The mean BMC of the adult patients, comprising: 18 pre-dialysis (CRF), 41 chronic haemodialysis (CHD) and 19 renal transplant (RT) patients were all significantly lower than controls with the exception of the male CRF group. Two adults and one child on chronic haemodialysis showed a significant rate of bone loss (less than 2% per year). In one of these adults the addition of daily oral 1 alpha hydroxycholecalciferol was associated with no further reduction in BMC. Two children and one adult on chronic haemodialysis showed a significant rate of increase in BMC (less than 2% per year). This adult had had a tendency to loss of BMC on standard CHD treatment but after receiving parenteral 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol three times weekly showed a significant rate of loss of BMC on serial measurement. Two adults and one child with CRF had a significant rate of increase in BMC on standard treatment.", "contents": "Bone demineralization in renal failure: a longitudinal study of the distal femur using photon absorptiometry. The bone mineral content (BMC) of the lower end of the femur was measured by photon absorptiometry in 87 patients with chronic renal failure. The gamma-ray photon source was Am241. Serial measurements were obtained for up to two years. The mean BMC of the adult patients, comprising: 18 pre-dialysis (CRF), 41 chronic haemodialysis (CHD) and 19 renal transplant (RT) patients were all significantly lower than controls with the exception of the male CRF group. Two adults and one child on chronic haemodialysis showed a significant rate of bone loss (less than 2% per year). In one of these adults the addition of daily oral 1 alpha hydroxycholecalciferol was associated with no further reduction in BMC. Two children and one adult on chronic haemodialysis showed a significant rate of increase in BMC (less than 2% per year). This adult had had a tendency to loss of BMC on standard CHD treatment but after receiving parenteral 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol three times weekly showed a significant rate of loss of BMC on serial measurement. Two adults and one child with CRF had a significant rate of increase in BMC on standard treatment.", "PMID": 1009305} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11696", "title": "Effect of Crohn's disease on colonic diverticula.", "content": "Fifteen cases in which the same part of the colon has been affected by both diverticular disease and Crohn's disease have been studied. When Crohn's disease affects an area of colon where diverticula are present, radiological examination may show a diminution in number or disappearance of the diverticula with progress of the Crohn's disease. With improvement in the Crohn's disease diverticula may appear.", "contents": "Effect of Crohn's disease on colonic diverticula. Fifteen cases in which the same part of the colon has been affected by both diverticular disease and Crohn's disease have been studied. When Crohn's disease affects an area of colon where diverticula are present, radiological examination may show a diminution in number or disappearance of the diverticula with progress of the Crohn's disease. With improvement in the Crohn's disease diverticula may appear.", "PMID": 1009306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11697", "title": "Giant gas filled cysts of the sigmoid colon: a report of two cases.", "content": "Two case reports of giant gas filled cysts of the sigmoid colon are presented. It is considered that radiology provides the only useful and conclusive diagnostic investigation. In one of the cases, operative confirmation was obtained. In the other, the radiological appearances are considered to be diagnostic.", "contents": "Giant gas filled cysts of the sigmoid colon: a report of two cases. Two case reports of giant gas filled cysts of the sigmoid colon are presented. It is considered that radiology provides the only useful and conclusive diagnostic investigation. In one of the cases, operative confirmation was obtained. In the other, the radiological appearances are considered to be diagnostic.", "PMID": 1009307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11698", "title": "Stenosis of the deep femoral artery: an evaluation of the accuracy of single-plane, anteroposterior arteriograms.", "content": "Pre-operative evaluation of the deep femoral artery is important in determining surgical treatment of aortofemoral disease. We reviewed 16 years' experience in bilateral aorto-femoral by-pass grafting and found that 63.2% of stenoses of the deep femoral arteries seen at surgery had been missed on conventional antero-posterior arteriograms. These findings demonstrate the inadequacy of a single, antero-posterior projection and the need for supplementary views in assessing lesions of the deep femoral artery.", "contents": "Stenosis of the deep femoral artery: an evaluation of the accuracy of single-plane, anteroposterior arteriograms. Pre-operative evaluation of the deep femoral artery is important in determining surgical treatment of aortofemoral disease. We reviewed 16 years' experience in bilateral aorto-femoral by-pass grafting and found that 63.2% of stenoses of the deep femoral arteries seen at surgery had been missed on conventional antero-posterior arteriograms. These findings demonstrate the inadequacy of a single, antero-posterior projection and the need for supplementary views in assessing lesions of the deep femoral artery.", "PMID": 1009308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11699", "title": "Treatment of locally advanced prostatic carcinoma.", "content": "An analysis of 66 patients with prostatic carcinoma treated by telecobalt therapy more than two years ago shows that this can be curative in a high percentage of cases. Local failure occurred in 20.5%. Well-differentiated tumours are more radiosensitive. Clinical regression can take a long time and histology can remain positive for even longer in an inactive prostate gland. A high dose is however required. The use of oestrogens should be delayed until further treatment is needed, as oestrogen seems to increase the radioresistance of the tumour. Radiotherapy seems to be the treatment of choice in inoperable (and even operable) patients with carcinoma of the prostate limited to the pelvis.", "contents": "Treatment of locally advanced prostatic carcinoma. An analysis of 66 patients with prostatic carcinoma treated by telecobalt therapy more than two years ago shows that this can be curative in a high percentage of cases. Local failure occurred in 20.5%. Well-differentiated tumours are more radiosensitive. Clinical regression can take a long time and histology can remain positive for even longer in an inactive prostate gland. A high dose is however required. The use of oestrogens should be delayed until further treatment is needed, as oestrogen seems to increase the radioresistance of the tumour. Radiotherapy seems to be the treatment of choice in inoperable (and even operable) patients with carcinoma of the prostate limited to the pelvis.", "PMID": 1009310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11700", "title": "The spectrum and intensity of extra-focal (off-focus) radiation.", "content": "Conflicting results have been obtained by other workers for the quality of radiation originating outside the area of the focal spot on X-ray tubes. This extra-focal radiation results in poorer picture quality, especially in cases where grids are not being used. As part of an investigation to assess the importance in diagnostic radiology of the various factors affecting the output from X-ray tubes, the photon spectrum has been examined using a Ge(Li) detector. The measured spectra have been adjusted for the effect of the detector characteristics. Results show that the extra-focal radiation is softer than that from the focal spot and, for the X-ray generator measured, constitutes approximately 8% of the exposure at 100 kV with a total filtration equivalent to 2 mm of aluminium. The possibility of further collimation to reduce this component, thus improving picture quality, is considered.", "contents": "The spectrum and intensity of extra-focal (off-focus) radiation. Conflicting results have been obtained by other workers for the quality of radiation originating outside the area of the focal spot on X-ray tubes. This extra-focal radiation results in poorer picture quality, especially in cases where grids are not being used. As part of an investigation to assess the importance in diagnostic radiology of the various factors affecting the output from X-ray tubes, the photon spectrum has been examined using a Ge(Li) detector. The measured spectra have been adjusted for the effect of the detector characteristics. Results show that the extra-focal radiation is softer than that from the focal spot and, for the X-ray generator measured, constitutes approximately 8% of the exposure at 100 kV with a total filtration equivalent to 2 mm of aluminium. The possibility of further collimation to reduce this component, thus improving picture quality, is considered.", "PMID": 1009311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11701", "title": "An assessment of lithium borate thermoluminescent dosimeters for the measurement of doses to patients in diagnostic radiology.", "content": "A pilot survey of doses to patients undergoing four types of radiological procedure--barium enemas, intravenous pyelography, cardiac catheterization and mammography--has been made using lithium borate TL dosimeters. The survey was designed to test the operational suitability of the dosimetry system and to gain experience and gather data for the planning of further larger surveys. The TL dosimeters were calibrated against conventional ionization chambers, and then used on patients for determining gonad doses and maximum doses to the skin. Few difficulties were encountered in using the system. The measured doses to patients have been compared with previous determinations by other authors and reasonable agreement demonstrated.", "contents": "An assessment of lithium borate thermoluminescent dosimeters for the measurement of doses to patients in diagnostic radiology. A pilot survey of doses to patients undergoing four types of radiological procedure--barium enemas, intravenous pyelography, cardiac catheterization and mammography--has been made using lithium borate TL dosimeters. The survey was designed to test the operational suitability of the dosimetry system and to gain experience and gather data for the planning of further larger surveys. The TL dosimeters were calibrated against conventional ionization chambers, and then used on patients for determining gonad doses and maximum doses to the skin. Few difficulties were encountered in using the system. The measured doses to patients have been compared with previous determinations by other authors and reasonable agreement demonstrated.", "PMID": 1009312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11702", "title": "The Ask-Upmark kidney: a form of ascending pyelonephritis?", "content": "The case is presented of a young girl with recurrent urinary tract infection and vesico-ureteric reflux who developed a small scarred kidney and subsequently, hypertension. Pathologically, the renal changes were compatible with those of an Ask-Upmark kidney. The pathogenesis of the Ask-Upmark kidney is discussed. It is postulated that the lesion is not necessarily of congenital origin but may well be related to infection and intrarenal reflux, it is concluded that long-term follow-up of a young patient with a scarred kidney is indicated.", "contents": "The Ask-Upmark kidney: a form of ascending pyelonephritis? The case is presented of a young girl with recurrent urinary tract infection and vesico-ureteric reflux who developed a small scarred kidney and subsequently, hypertension. Pathologically, the renal changes were compatible with those of an Ask-Upmark kidney. The pathogenesis of the Ask-Upmark kidney is discussed. It is postulated that the lesion is not necessarily of congenital origin but may well be related to infection and intrarenal reflux, it is concluded that long-term follow-up of a young patient with a scarred kidney is indicated.", "PMID": 1009317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11703", "title": "The surgical significance of the proteus stone.", "content": "62 patients with staghorn calculi who underwent conservative surgery at the Liverpool Regional Urological Centre since 1962 have been reviewed. The evidence shows that stone disease due to proteus is more rapidly progressive than that due to other organisms. Recurrences of proteus stones continue to behave in the same manner. Complete kidney clearance at operation is an essential part of the management of these stones, if renal substance is to be preserved.", "contents": "The surgical significance of the proteus stone. 62 patients with staghorn calculi who underwent conservative surgery at the Liverpool Regional Urological Centre since 1962 have been reviewed. The evidence shows that stone disease due to proteus is more rapidly progressive than that due to other organisms. Recurrences of proteus stones continue to behave in the same manner. Complete kidney clearance at operation is an essential part of the management of these stones, if renal substance is to be preserved.", "PMID": 1009318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11704", "title": "The thermogravimetric analysis of renal stones (in clinical practice).", "content": "Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis has been used as a routine technique for renal tract stone analysis. The results obtained in a consecutive series of 502 renal stones are described and evaluated. The technique is easy, rapid and gives quantitative information about stone composition. Results were compared with quantitative data obtained by standard chemical methods. Correlation coefficients for oxalate and urate were o-947 and 0-97 respectively. The comparison also showed that 63% of the stones could have been correctly analysed by TG analysis alone; in an additional 31%, TG analysis provided helpful information. TG analysis permits the identification of the proportions of mono- and dihydrate of oxalate present in calcium oxalate. It is confirmed that the centres of calcium oxalate calculi are richer in dihydrate than the exterior surfaces.", "contents": "The thermogravimetric analysis of renal stones (in clinical practice). Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis has been used as a routine technique for renal tract stone analysis. The results obtained in a consecutive series of 502 renal stones are described and evaluated. The technique is easy, rapid and gives quantitative information about stone composition. Results were compared with quantitative data obtained by standard chemical methods. Correlation coefficients for oxalate and urate were o-947 and 0-97 respectively. The comparison also showed that 63% of the stones could have been correctly analysed by TG analysis alone; in an additional 31%, TG analysis provided helpful information. TG analysis permits the identification of the proportions of mono- and dihydrate of oxalate present in calcium oxalate. It is confirmed that the centres of calcium oxalate calculi are richer in dihydrate than the exterior surfaces.", "PMID": 1009320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11705", "title": "Embolism in a single functioning kidney: report of two cases.", "content": "2 cases of embolism in single functioning kidneys are reported. In the first case there was an occlusion of the main trunk of the renal artery; the patient was treated by embolectomy. In the second case the occlusion of a major arterial branch was demonstrated; because of the bad general conditions the patient was treated with medical therapy. The authors review the literature and the indications for embolectomy in embolism in a solitary kidney.", "contents": "Embolism in a single functioning kidney: report of two cases. 2 cases of embolism in single functioning kidneys are reported. In the first case there was an occlusion of the main trunk of the renal artery; the patient was treated by embolectomy. In the second case the occlusion of a major arterial branch was demonstrated; because of the bad general conditions the patient was treated with medical therapy. The authors review the literature and the indications for embolectomy in embolism in a solitary kidney.", "PMID": 1009322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11706", "title": "Upper urinary tract obstruction: pressure/flow studies in children.", "content": "34 upper urinary tract pressure/flow studies were carried out in 24 children. Obstruction was reliably diagnosed in 8 studies, and excluded in 21. This technique may provide information of clinical value in the patient with upper urinary tract dilatation.", "contents": "Upper urinary tract obstruction: pressure/flow studies in children. 34 upper urinary tract pressure/flow studies were carried out in 24 children. Obstruction was reliably diagnosed in 8 studies, and excluded in 21. This technique may provide information of clinical value in the patient with upper urinary tract dilatation.", "PMID": 1009324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11707", "title": "Diagnosis of gross vesico-ureteric reflux using ultrasonography.", "content": "A simple non-invasive ultrasonic technique which identifies gross vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) in adults is described. It is based on the time position (TP)-mode (or M-mode) of ultrasound imaging. This method warrants assessment as a possible screening procedure for gross VUR in newborn children.", "contents": "Diagnosis of gross vesico-ureteric reflux using ultrasonography. A simple non-invasive ultrasonic technique which identifies gross vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) in adults is described. It is based on the time position (TP)-mode (or M-mode) of ultrasound imaging. This method warrants assessment as a possible screening procedure for gross VUR in newborn children.", "PMID": 1009325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11708", "title": "Urinary Symptoms and total hysterectomy.", "content": "A prospective study of urinary symptoms before and after total hysterectomy for a variety of gynaecological disorders has been made in 104 women. 62% were symptomatic preoperatively. Of this group 11% of the preoperatively symptomatic and 25% of the preoperatively asymptomatic either had their symptoms worsened or had symptoms appear 6 months after the operation. However, the total number of symptomatic women was reduced to 50% 6 months postoperatively. The case against total hysterectomy in the production of urinary symptoms remains to be proven.", "contents": "Urinary Symptoms and total hysterectomy. A prospective study of urinary symptoms before and after total hysterectomy for a variety of gynaecological disorders has been made in 104 women. 62% were symptomatic preoperatively. Of this group 11% of the preoperatively symptomatic and 25% of the preoperatively asymptomatic either had their symptoms worsened or had symptoms appear 6 months after the operation. However, the total number of symptomatic women was reduced to 50% 6 months postoperatively. The case against total hysterectomy in the production of urinary symptoms remains to be proven.", "PMID": 1009326} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11709", "title": "Nephrogenic adenoma: a form of adenomatous metaplasia of the bladder. A clinical and electron microscopical study.", "content": "3 additional cases of \"nephrogenic adenoma\" of the bladder are added to the 20 previously reported cases. Light and electron microscopic studies of the first 2 cases support the hypothesis of urothelial metaplasia. The name \"adenomatous metaplasia\" should replace \"nephrogenic adenoma\". Malignant change occurred in the third case, suggesting that this ought to be regarded as a potentially dangerous from of metaplasia. In the absence of malignant change, ileocaecocystoplasty with subtotal cystectomy afforded symptomatic cure in 2 cases: radical cystectomy was performed in the third because of malignant adenocarcinoma.", "contents": "Nephrogenic adenoma: a form of adenomatous metaplasia of the bladder. A clinical and electron microscopical study. 3 additional cases of \"nephrogenic adenoma\" of the bladder are added to the 20 previously reported cases. Light and electron microscopic studies of the first 2 cases support the hypothesis of urothelial metaplasia. The name \"adenomatous metaplasia\" should replace \"nephrogenic adenoma\". Malignant change occurred in the third case, suggesting that this ought to be regarded as a potentially dangerous from of metaplasia. In the absence of malignant change, ileocaecocystoplasty with subtotal cystectomy afforded symptomatic cure in 2 cases: radical cystectomy was performed in the third because of malignant adenocarcinoma.", "PMID": 1009329} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11710", "title": "Further studies on effects of irrigation solutions on rat bladders.", "content": "Further studies on the effects of certain irrigating fluids on the rat bladder for 18 hours are reported. The results have shown that the degradation product p-choloroaniline is not a significant factor in chlorhexidine-digluconate associated erosive cystitis. A high percentage of kanamycin-colistin and povidone-iodine irrigations were associated with erosive cystitis and suggested a possible complication with human usage. Picloxydine irrigations appeared to have a lower incidence of erosive cystitis but further studies would have to be performed before it could be recommended for use in urological procedures.", "contents": "Further studies on effects of irrigation solutions on rat bladders. Further studies on the effects of certain irrigating fluids on the rat bladder for 18 hours are reported. The results have shown that the degradation product p-choloroaniline is not a significant factor in chlorhexidine-digluconate associated erosive cystitis. A high percentage of kanamycin-colistin and povidone-iodine irrigations were associated with erosive cystitis and suggested a possible complication with human usage. Picloxydine irrigations appeared to have a lower incidence of erosive cystitis but further studies would have to be performed before it could be recommended for use in urological procedures.", "PMID": 1009330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11711", "title": "Artificial insemination (A.I.H.) for sperm antibodies and oligozoospermia.", "content": "Artificial insemination using husband's semen (A.I.H.) was carried out in 74 couples in most of whom the men had low sperm densities and/or a reduced sperm motility. There were 19 pregnancies (24%). The problems encountered and the reasons for failure are discussed.", "contents": "Artificial insemination (A.I.H.) for sperm antibodies and oligozoospermia. Artificial insemination using husband's semen (A.I.H.) was carried out in 74 couples in most of whom the men had low sperm densities and/or a reduced sperm motility. There were 19 pregnancies (24%). The problems encountered and the reasons for failure are discussed.", "PMID": 1009335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11712", "title": "Pulsatile changes of electrical impedance in the lower limb.", "content": "The ratio of the pulsatile and the mean value of the volume of blood flowing through the calves of normal subjects with each heart beat was calculated from electrical impedance changes during venous occlusion plethysmography. Measurements made concurrently by proven Doppler ultrasound techniques did not correlate with ratios derived from the impedance measurements. The pulsatile change in electrical impedance in the limbs appears to be due more to changes of resistance in the blood than to pulsatile changes in the volume of the limb.", "contents": "Pulsatile changes of electrical impedance in the lower limb. The ratio of the pulsatile and the mean value of the volume of blood flowing through the calves of normal subjects with each heart beat was calculated from electrical impedance changes during venous occlusion plethysmography. Measurements made concurrently by proven Doppler ultrasound techniques did not correlate with ratios derived from the impedance measurements. The pulsatile change in electrical impedance in the limbs appears to be due more to changes of resistance in the blood than to pulsatile changes in the volume of the limb.", "PMID": 1009336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11713", "title": "Successful repair of an idiopathic spontaneous aortoduodenal fistula.", "content": "A case of idiopathic spontaneous aortoduodenal fistula treated surgically is reported. This case is probably the first successful repair of an idiopathic fistula to be recorded in the literature. The difficulty in diagnosis and possible aetiology are discussed.", "contents": "Successful repair of an idiopathic spontaneous aortoduodenal fistula. A case of idiopathic spontaneous aortoduodenal fistula treated surgically is reported. This case is probably the first successful repair of an idiopathic fistula to be recorded in the literature. The difficulty in diagnosis and possible aetiology are discussed.", "PMID": 1009337} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11714", "title": "Special problems associated with abdominal aneurysmectomy in spinal cord injury patients.", "content": "There were 8 patients with spinal cord injury in the last 100 consecutive patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm resected at the Long Beach Veterans Administration Hospital. Emphasis is placed upon the problems in management not found in individuals without spinal cord injury. A successful outcome is dependent upon: (a) aggressive control of foci of infection, (b) early diagnosis and planned surgical intervention, (c) continuous intraoperative arterial and central venous pressure monitoring and (d) alertness to the prevention of postoperative complications, with emphasis upon careful tracheal toilet and anticipation of delayed wound healing.", "contents": "Special problems associated with abdominal aneurysmectomy in spinal cord injury patients. There were 8 patients with spinal cord injury in the last 100 consecutive patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm resected at the Long Beach Veterans Administration Hospital. Emphasis is placed upon the problems in management not found in individuals without spinal cord injury. A successful outcome is dependent upon: (a) aggressive control of foci of infection, (b) early diagnosis and planned surgical intervention, (c) continuous intraoperative arterial and central venous pressure monitoring and (d) alertness to the prevention of postoperative complications, with emphasis upon careful tracheal toilet and anticipation of delayed wound healing.", "PMID": 1009338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11715", "title": "Lingual ectopia of the thyroid gland and autotransplantation.", "content": "A case of lingual ectopia of the thyroid gland in an adult patient is presented. The management by total excision and autotransplantation of the thyroid is described with a brief review of literature.", "contents": "Lingual ectopia of the thyroid gland and autotransplantation. A case of lingual ectopia of the thyroid gland in an adult patient is presented. The management by total excision and autotransplantation of the thyroid is described with a brief review of literature.", "PMID": 1009339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11716", "title": "Hyperparathyroidism associated with a parathyroid cyst: an unusual presentation.", "content": "In a case of hyperparathyroidism associated with a large parathyroid cyst a causal association was demonstrated by the presence of enormous quantities of parathormone in the cyst fluid. Assay of hormone levels in the cyst fluid in future cases may be helpful in elucidating the aetiology of this rare condition.", "contents": "Hyperparathyroidism associated with a parathyroid cyst: an unusual presentation. In a case of hyperparathyroidism associated with a large parathyroid cyst a causal association was demonstrated by the presence of enormous quantities of parathormone in the cyst fluid. Assay of hormone levels in the cyst fluid in future cases may be helpful in elucidating the aetiology of this rare condition.", "PMID": 1009340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11717", "title": "Riedel's thyroiditis.", "content": "Riedel's thyroiditis is a rare chronic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology and may be one manifestation of multifocal fibrosis. Four patients were seen over a period of 12 years and unusual presentations in 3 of them caused difficulty in diagnosis. The aetiology and methods of treatment are discussed.", "contents": "Riedel's thyroiditis. Riedel's thyroiditis is a rare chronic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology and may be one manifestation of multifocal fibrosis. Four patients were seen over a period of 12 years and unusual presentations in 3 of them caused difficulty in diagnosis. The aetiology and methods of treatment are discussed.", "PMID": 1009341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11718", "title": "Obstructive uropathy due to primary retroperitoneal tumour (leiomyosarcoma): report of 2 cases and review of the literature.", "content": "Two cases of primary retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma presenting with obstructive uropathy which were successfully treated by surgical excision are reported. The classification of primary retroperitoneal tumours and their symptomatology, treatment and prognosis are discussed in detail based on a review of the literature and the current experience of treating these tumours by combination therapy. It is felt that with advances in the diagnosis and therapy the prognosis is likely to improve.", "contents": "Obstructive uropathy due to primary retroperitoneal tumour (leiomyosarcoma): report of 2 cases and review of the literature. Two cases of primary retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma presenting with obstructive uropathy which were successfully treated by surgical excision are reported. The classification of primary retroperitoneal tumours and their symptomatology, treatment and prognosis are discussed in detail based on a review of the literature and the current experience of treating these tumours by combination therapy. It is felt that with advances in the diagnosis and therapy the prognosis is likely to improve.", "PMID": 1009342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11719", "title": "Clinical diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis.", "content": "One hundred and eighty-two cases of abdominal tuberculosis admitted to Swaroop Rani Nehri (SRN) Hospital, Allahabad, in the past 7 years have been reviewed. The clinical diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis was made correctly only in 50 per cent of cases. About half the cases presented with chronic or acute on chronic intestinal obstruction. The remaining patients had vague pains, tender abdomen, constitutional symptoms or a mass in the abdomen. Diarrhoea was not frequent and fistula formation was rare. A chronic obstructive type of lesion was found not only in cases with a bowel lesion but also in patients with chronic miliary peritonitis and tuberculous mesenteric adenitis. Similarly, a lump was present not only in hypertrophic bowel tuberculosis but also in chronic miliary peritonitis and tuberculous mesenteric adenitis. On radiological examination false positive features such as fluid levels, bowel dilatation or even the 'string' sign were encountered. Liver and endometrial biopsies were positive in only a very few cases. Peritoneal biopsy was of considerable help, being positive in 88 per cent of ascitic cases and in 42-1 per cent of non-ascitic cases. Open peritoneal biopsy obtained after making a small incision in the right iliac fossa was found to be the most useful investigation in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis. An ascitic fluid protein content of 2-5 g or more and a predominantly lymphocytic count of over 100/mm3 are diagnostic, but a cell count of 10/mm3 was recorded in one tuberculous case.", "contents": "Clinical diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis. One hundred and eighty-two cases of abdominal tuberculosis admitted to Swaroop Rani Nehri (SRN) Hospital, Allahabad, in the past 7 years have been reviewed. The clinical diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis was made correctly only in 50 per cent of cases. About half the cases presented with chronic or acute on chronic intestinal obstruction. The remaining patients had vague pains, tender abdomen, constitutional symptoms or a mass in the abdomen. Diarrhoea was not frequent and fistula formation was rare. A chronic obstructive type of lesion was found not only in cases with a bowel lesion but also in patients with chronic miliary peritonitis and tuberculous mesenteric adenitis. Similarly, a lump was present not only in hypertrophic bowel tuberculosis but also in chronic miliary peritonitis and tuberculous mesenteric adenitis. On radiological examination false positive features such as fluid levels, bowel dilatation or even the 'string' sign were encountered. Liver and endometrial biopsies were positive in only a very few cases. Peritoneal biopsy was of considerable help, being positive in 88 per cent of ascitic cases and in 42-1 per cent of non-ascitic cases. Open peritoneal biopsy obtained after making a small incision in the right iliac fossa was found to be the most useful investigation in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis. An ascitic fluid protein content of 2-5 g or more and a predominantly lymphocytic count of over 100/mm3 are diagnostic, but a cell count of 10/mm3 was recorded in one tuberculous case.", "PMID": 1009343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11720", "title": "Results of Heller's operation for achalasia of the oesophagus. The importance of hiatal repair.", "content": "A survey of 108 patients with achalasia treated by cardiomyotomy is reported. All the operations were done by the abdominal approach and all the patients were followed up for a minimum of 4 years. Fifty-five patients had some form of hiatal reconstruction, 11 of these having a formal plastic repair as practised for oesophageal reflux problems. At 4 years after operation 71 patients (65-5 per cent) had entirely satisfactory results. Twenty-seven patients had recurrent dysphagia and 20 patients had symptoms of reflux oesophagitis. The group who had had a formal repair of the hiatus had no reflux symptoms after operation and also had better swallowing than the other groups. These results suggest that much of the dysphagia following Heller's operation is due to occult gastro-oesophageal reflux and can be avoided by a reflux-preventing procedure. Adequate hiatal repair after myotomy is strongly recommended.", "contents": "Results of Heller's operation for achalasia of the oesophagus. The importance of hiatal repair. A survey of 108 patients with achalasia treated by cardiomyotomy is reported. All the operations were done by the abdominal approach and all the patients were followed up for a minimum of 4 years. Fifty-five patients had some form of hiatal reconstruction, 11 of these having a formal plastic repair as practised for oesophageal reflux problems. At 4 years after operation 71 patients (65-5 per cent) had entirely satisfactory results. Twenty-seven patients had recurrent dysphagia and 20 patients had symptoms of reflux oesophagitis. The group who had had a formal repair of the hiatus had no reflux symptoms after operation and also had better swallowing than the other groups. These results suggest that much of the dysphagia following Heller's operation is due to occult gastro-oesophageal reflux and can be avoided by a reflux-preventing procedure. Adequate hiatal repair after myotomy is strongly recommended.", "PMID": 1009344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11721", "title": "Mesocoloplasty for sigmoid volvulus: a preliminary report.", "content": "A technique of mesocoloplasty for the prevention of recurrence of sigmoid volvulus is described. The manoeuvre is simple, and does not open the gut. It can be performed confidently by junior doctors undergoing surgical training and appears to be an eminently safe technique as a routine procedure in any emergency service.", "contents": "Mesocoloplasty for sigmoid volvulus: a preliminary report. A technique of mesocoloplasty for the prevention of recurrence of sigmoid volvulus is described. The manoeuvre is simple, and does not open the gut. It can be performed confidently by junior doctors undergoing surgical training and appears to be an eminently safe technique as a routine procedure in any emergency service.", "PMID": 1009346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11722", "title": "The pattern of intestinal obstruction in Malaysia.", "content": "This is a review of 261 patients operated for 271 instances of mechanical intestinal obstruction over a 5-year period in a developing country in the tropics. The pattern of intestinal obstruction in Chinese is similar to that in Caucasians, where adhesions account for the largest number of cases. The occurrence in Malays, Indians, Pakistanis and Ceylonese is similar to that in other developing communities where external hernia is commonest while adhesive or tumour obstruction is rare; however, these racial groups do not exhibit the high incidence of intussusception and volvulus found in Africa and India. The operative mortality was 13-9 per cent, which is comparable to that in Western series. The major adverse factors in intestinal obstruction, i.e. extremes of age, associated disease, gangrenous bowel, large bowel obstruction and malignancy, were confirmed. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance was frequent, as in other tropical series, but with intensive preoperative correction it was not an important adverse factor.", "contents": "The pattern of intestinal obstruction in Malaysia. This is a review of 261 patients operated for 271 instances of mechanical intestinal obstruction over a 5-year period in a developing country in the tropics. The pattern of intestinal obstruction in Chinese is similar to that in Caucasians, where adhesions account for the largest number of cases. The occurrence in Malays, Indians, Pakistanis and Ceylonese is similar to that in other developing communities where external hernia is commonest while adhesive or tumour obstruction is rare; however, these racial groups do not exhibit the high incidence of intussusception and volvulus found in Africa and India. The operative mortality was 13-9 per cent, which is comparable to that in Western series. The major adverse factors in intestinal obstruction, i.e. extremes of age, associated disease, gangrenous bowel, large bowel obstruction and malignancy, were confirmed. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance was frequent, as in other tropical series, but with intensive preoperative correction it was not an important adverse factor.", "PMID": 1009347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11723", "title": "An elemental diet as preoperative preparation of the colon.", "content": "In a study comparing patients prepared for colonic surgery with an elemental diet (Vivonex) with a control group there was no significant difference in incidence of wound infection or other complications between groups. Furthermore, there was no change in the population levels of the colonic microflora nor were the numbers of species decreased after 2-4 days on the diet. Although in most cases aiding in the mechanical preparation of the colon, the elemental diet has not been shown to confer any other advantage.", "contents": "An elemental diet as preoperative preparation of the colon. In a study comparing patients prepared for colonic surgery with an elemental diet (Vivonex) with a control group there was no significant difference in incidence of wound infection or other complications between groups. Furthermore, there was no change in the population levels of the colonic microflora nor were the numbers of species decreased after 2-4 days on the diet. Although in most cases aiding in the mechanical preparation of the colon, the elemental diet has not been shown to confer any other advantage.", "PMID": 1009348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11724", "title": "Inflammable antiseptics and theatre fires.", "content": "This paper describes an investigation designed to find out if theatre fires could be started by the antiseptic painted on the patient's skin being ignited by cautery or diathermy. It was found that hot wire cautery or diathermy generated enough heat to ignite all alcohol-based antiseptics even if these contained as little as 20 per cent alcohol. They could also cause iodine to explode in the presence of nitrous oxide, and nobecutane to explode in the presence of nitrous oxide or increased oxygen. The likelihood of these combinations causing fires is discussed, and it is recommended that when diathermy or cautery is to be used near the surface of the body, either an aqueous-based antiseptic is used or if spirit solutions are required they are carefully dried off before proceeding.", "contents": "Inflammable antiseptics and theatre fires. This paper describes an investigation designed to find out if theatre fires could be started by the antiseptic painted on the patient's skin being ignited by cautery or diathermy. It was found that hot wire cautery or diathermy generated enough heat to ignite all alcohol-based antiseptics even if these contained as little as 20 per cent alcohol. They could also cause iodine to explode in the presence of nitrous oxide, and nobecutane to explode in the presence of nitrous oxide or increased oxygen. The likelihood of these combinations causing fires is discussed, and it is recommended that when diathermy or cautery is to be used near the surface of the body, either an aqueous-based antiseptic is used or if spirit solutions are required they are carefully dried off before proceeding.", "PMID": 1009349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11725", "title": "The effect of surgical biopsy on the cell production rate of a murine tumour.", "content": "The rate of cell production of a mammary adenocarcinoma following surgical biopsy has been investigated using vincristine sulphate as a metaphase arrest agent. Small implants of the tumour were implanted into the inguinal region of young mice of both sexes and were seen to have a constant rate of cell production both between different tumour generations and during tumour growth. Such a constant rate of tumour cell production provides an extremely useful model for exploring the effects of surgical biopsy. Measurement of the cell production rate showed a 60 per cent decrease for the first 48 hours following biopsy after which recovery ensued to reach control levels again. Sham-anaesthetized controls and sham-resected controls demonstrated none of these changes. Similar depression in the rate of cell production was seen following biopsy of one tumour in mice bearing bilateral tumours. The 48-hour depression was observed both in the ipsilateral remnant tumour and in the contralateral implant which has not been biopsied.", "contents": "The effect of surgical biopsy on the cell production rate of a murine tumour. The rate of cell production of a mammary adenocarcinoma following surgical biopsy has been investigated using vincristine sulphate as a metaphase arrest agent. Small implants of the tumour were implanted into the inguinal region of young mice of both sexes and were seen to have a constant rate of cell production both between different tumour generations and during tumour growth. Such a constant rate of tumour cell production provides an extremely useful model for exploring the effects of surgical biopsy. Measurement of the cell production rate showed a 60 per cent decrease for the first 48 hours following biopsy after which recovery ensued to reach control levels again. Sham-anaesthetized controls and sham-resected controls demonstrated none of these changes. Similar depression in the rate of cell production was seen following biopsy of one tumour in mice bearing bilateral tumours. The 48-hour depression was observed both in the ipsilateral remnant tumour and in the contralateral implant which has not been biopsied.", "PMID": 1009350} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11726", "title": "Renal stones and urinary infection: a study of antibiotic treatment.", "content": "Twenty-two patients in whom renal calculi and urinary infection were closely associated were studied over two to five years. Four patients had previously had stones surgically removed, and five underwent pyelolithotomy during the course of the study. Urinary infection was treated with an appropriate antibacterial agent, and treatment was followed by long-term prophylaxis, usually with cotrimoxazole. A sterile urine was maintained for long periods in all these patients. In four patients, however, apparent stone growth occurred while the urine was sterile. On entering the study 21 of the 22 patients complained of symptoms. After treatment 19 of the 20 patients who were still attending were symptom-free. Six of the 22 patients entered the study with raised levels of serum creatinine; levels fell in four and remained raised in two. This antibacterial regimen, either alone or after surgery, will usually relieve symptoms and may prevent deterioration of renal function.", "contents": "Renal stones and urinary infection: a study of antibiotic treatment. Twenty-two patients in whom renal calculi and urinary infection were closely associated were studied over two to five years. Four patients had previously had stones surgically removed, and five underwent pyelolithotomy during the course of the study. Urinary infection was treated with an appropriate antibacterial agent, and treatment was followed by long-term prophylaxis, usually with cotrimoxazole. A sterile urine was maintained for long periods in all these patients. In four patients, however, apparent stone growth occurred while the urine was sterile. On entering the study 21 of the 22 patients complained of symptoms. After treatment 19 of the 20 patients who were still attending were symptom-free. Six of the 22 patients entered the study with raised levels of serum creatinine; levels fell in four and remained raised in two. This antibacterial regimen, either alone or after surgery, will usually relieve symptoms and may prevent deterioration of renal function.", "PMID": 1009355} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11727", "title": "Sudden deaths among Finnish conscripts.", "content": "The epidemiology of sudden deaths was studied among conscripts in Finland in 1948-72 (660 000 man-years) and among Finnish men aged 15-24 years in 1969-70 (900 000 man-years). The incidence of sudden deaths among the conscripts was 6-8/100 000 man-years. The onset of acute symptoms occurred during strenuous exercise in a third of the conscripts but in only a few of the other young men. Cardiovascular diseases caused two-thirds of the deaths in both groups. Sudden death tended to be more common among conscripts than among other young men during the corresponding period, but overall non-violent deaths were less common among conscripts than among other young men. On the basis of health records an attempt was made to separate the sudden deaths among conscripts from those among the controls by multiple discriminant analysis. For all practical purposes, however, the separation power proved poor.", "contents": "Sudden deaths among Finnish conscripts. The epidemiology of sudden deaths was studied among conscripts in Finland in 1948-72 (660 000 man-years) and among Finnish men aged 15-24 years in 1969-70 (900 000 man-years). The incidence of sudden deaths among the conscripts was 6-8/100 000 man-years. The onset of acute symptoms occurred during strenuous exercise in a third of the conscripts but in only a few of the other young men. Cardiovascular diseases caused two-thirds of the deaths in both groups. Sudden death tended to be more common among conscripts than among other young men during the corresponding period, but overall non-violent deaths were less common among conscripts than among other young men. On the basis of health records an attempt was made to separate the sudden deaths among conscripts from those among the controls by multiple discriminant analysis. For all practical purposes, however, the separation power proved poor.", "PMID": 1009356} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11728", "title": "Metronidazole and anaerobic sepsis.", "content": "Fifty patients with anaerobic sepsis were treated with intravenous and oral metronidazole. In 26 cases this was combined with other antimicrobial agents. Highly satisfactory clinical results were obtained in most patients, though in many surgical drainage was also essential. No side effects or thrombophlebitis were seen. Mixed growths of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria were isolated from all except five patients, who produced only anaerobes. Metronidazole is the only available antimicrobial agent providing selective activity against anaerobic organisms. It is effective and safe and is usually the drug of choice for treating severe anaerobic sepsis.", "contents": "Metronidazole and anaerobic sepsis. Fifty patients with anaerobic sepsis were treated with intravenous and oral metronidazole. In 26 cases this was combined with other antimicrobial agents. Highly satisfactory clinical results were obtained in most patients, though in many surgical drainage was also essential. No side effects or thrombophlebitis were seen. Mixed growths of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria were isolated from all except five patients, who produced only anaerobes. Metronidazole is the only available antimicrobial agent providing selective activity against anaerobic organisms. It is effective and safe and is usually the drug of choice for treating severe anaerobic sepsis.", "PMID": 1009357} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11729", "title": "Use of long-acting depot progestogen in domililiary family planning.", "content": "Medroxyprogesterone acetate injections have been used as a long-term contraceptive by the domiciliary family planning service in Glasgow. The injections were particularly useful in women with a high risk of becoming pregnant and in whom oral or intrauterine contraception had failed or was unacceptable. The optimum dose was 200 mg every 15-16 weeks. It was accepted by an increasing proportion of women, only 12 out of 162 discontinuing because of side effects. Continuation rates compared favourably with those for the pill, but less well than those for intrauterine contraceptive devices. The theoretical hazards should be weighed against the positive good resulting from controlled fertility in domiciliary patients.", "contents": "Use of long-acting depot progestogen in domililiary family planning. Medroxyprogesterone acetate injections have been used as a long-term contraceptive by the domiciliary family planning service in Glasgow. The injections were particularly useful in women with a high risk of becoming pregnant and in whom oral or intrauterine contraception had failed or was unacceptable. The optimum dose was 200 mg every 15-16 weeks. It was accepted by an increasing proportion of women, only 12 out of 162 discontinuing because of side effects. Continuation rates compared favourably with those for the pill, but less well than those for intrauterine contraceptive devices. The theoretical hazards should be weighed against the positive good resulting from controlled fertility in domiciliary patients.", "PMID": 1009365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11730", "title": "Mortality in relation to smoking: 20 years' observations on male British doctors.", "content": "In 1951 the British Medical Association forwarded to all British doctors a questionnaire about their smoking habits, and 34440 men replied. With few exceptions, all men who replied in 1951 have been followed for 20 years. The certified causes of all 10 072 deaths and subsequent changes in smoking habits were recorded. The ratio of the death rate among cigarette smokers to that among lifelong non-smokers of comparable age was, for men under 70 years, about 2:1, while for men over 70 years it was about 1-5:1. These ratios suggest that between a half and a third of all cigarette smokers will die because of their smoking, if the excess death rates are actually caused by smoking. To investigate whether this is the case, the relation of many different causes of death to age and tobacco consumption were examined, as were the effects of giving up smoking. Smoking caused death chiefly by heart disease among middle-aged men (and, with a less extreme relative risk, among old men,) lung cancer, chronic obstructive lung disease, and various vascular diseases. The distinctive features of this study were the completeness of follow-up, the accuracy of death certification, and the fact that the study population as a whole reduced its cigarette consumption substantially during the period of observation. As a result lung cancer grew relatively less common as the study progressed, but other cancers did not, thus illustrating in an unusual way the causal nature of the association between smoking and lung cancer.", "contents": "Mortality in relation to smoking: 20 years' observations on male British doctors. In 1951 the British Medical Association forwarded to all British doctors a questionnaire about their smoking habits, and 34440 men replied. With few exceptions, all men who replied in 1951 have been followed for 20 years. The certified causes of all 10 072 deaths and subsequent changes in smoking habits were recorded. The ratio of the death rate among cigarette smokers to that among lifelong non-smokers of comparable age was, for men under 70 years, about 2:1, while for men over 70 years it was about 1-5:1. These ratios suggest that between a half and a third of all cigarette smokers will die because of their smoking, if the excess death rates are actually caused by smoking. To investigate whether this is the case, the relation of many different causes of death to age and tobacco consumption were examined, as were the effects of giving up smoking. Smoking caused death chiefly by heart disease among middle-aged men (and, with a less extreme relative risk, among old men,) lung cancer, chronic obstructive lung disease, and various vascular diseases. The distinctive features of this study were the completeness of follow-up, the accuracy of death certification, and the fact that the study population as a whole reduced its cigarette consumption substantially during the period of observation. As a result lung cancer grew relatively less common as the study progressed, but other cancers did not, thus illustrating in an unusual way the causal nature of the association between smoking and lung cancer.", "PMID": 1009386} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11731", "title": "Characteristics and prognosis of alcoholic doctors.", "content": "Five medically qualified women and 36 men who were being treated for alcoholism at a London postgraduate hospital were studied. Most were middle-aged and at an advanced stage of alcoholism. They had usually started drinking heavily in the wake of well-established drug dependence or other psychiatric disorder; as students or housemen; and in the armed forces. Thirty-six doctors were followed up for a mean of 63 months. Five doctors either killed themselves or died of cirrhosis, and nine persisted in almost continuous dependent drinking, while seven completely overcame their alcohol problem and 10 had only occasional relapses. Their prealcoholic careers had ranged from repeated failure to spectacular success, but of 29 doctors alive at follow-up only eight were practising satisfactorily.", "contents": "Characteristics and prognosis of alcoholic doctors. Five medically qualified women and 36 men who were being treated for alcoholism at a London postgraduate hospital were studied. Most were middle-aged and at an advanced stage of alcoholism. They had usually started drinking heavily in the wake of well-established drug dependence or other psychiatric disorder; as students or housemen; and in the armed forces. Thirty-six doctors were followed up for a mean of 63 months. Five doctors either killed themselves or died of cirrhosis, and nine persisted in almost continuous dependent drinking, while seven completely overcame their alcohol problem and 10 had only occasional relapses. Their prealcoholic careers had ranged from repeated failure to spectacular success, but of 29 doctors alive at follow-up only eight were practising satisfactorily.", "PMID": 1009387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11732", "title": "Syphilitic aortic regurgitation. An appraisal of surgical treatment.", "content": "During the 10 years from 1964 to 1973, fifteen patients with severe syphilitic aortic regurgitation were treated surgically at the National Heart Hospital. In thirteen the valve was replaced and in two it was repaired. In addition four had replacement of an aneurysmal ascending aorta with a Dacron graft and seven some form of plastic repair to the coronary ostia. Three patients died within 1 month of surgery and a further six during the follow-up period which varied from 1 to 55 months (mean 25-5). The six survivors have been followed-up for an average of 33 months. Factors contributing to this high mortality were analysed and it was found that the mean duration of effort dyspnoea was 22 months in the survivors compared with 48 months in those who had died. Similarly the average duration of nocturnal dyspnoea was 4 months in the survivors compared with a mean of 8 months in those who had died. Only six out of the fifteen patients had angina; this was present in two of the survivors and in four of the fatalities. The pulse pressure, heart size, and haemodynamic findings were similar in the two groups. The prognostic value of an elevated erythocyte sedimentation rate was also examined. It was concluded that preoperative investigations should include aortography, coronary arteriography, an assessment of left ventricular function, and whenever possible myocardial biopsy. These data were interpreted as suggesting that patients should be referred for surgery at an earlier stage in the disease--certainly before the onset of cardiac failure and--and that if this more aggresive attitude was adopted, as it has been in non-syphilitic cases of aortic valve disease, the present high mortality in this group would be reduced.", "contents": "Syphilitic aortic regurgitation. An appraisal of surgical treatment. During the 10 years from 1964 to 1973, fifteen patients with severe syphilitic aortic regurgitation were treated surgically at the National Heart Hospital. In thirteen the valve was replaced and in two it was repaired. In addition four had replacement of an aneurysmal ascending aorta with a Dacron graft and seven some form of plastic repair to the coronary ostia. Three patients died within 1 month of surgery and a further six during the follow-up period which varied from 1 to 55 months (mean 25-5). The six survivors have been followed-up for an average of 33 months. Factors contributing to this high mortality were analysed and it was found that the mean duration of effort dyspnoea was 22 months in the survivors compared with 48 months in those who had died. Similarly the average duration of nocturnal dyspnoea was 4 months in the survivors compared with a mean of 8 months in those who had died. Only six out of the fifteen patients had angina; this was present in two of the survivors and in four of the fatalities. The pulse pressure, heart size, and haemodynamic findings were similar in the two groups. The prognostic value of an elevated erythocyte sedimentation rate was also examined. It was concluded that preoperative investigations should include aortography, coronary arteriography, an assessment of left ventricular function, and whenever possible myocardial biopsy. These data were interpreted as suggesting that patients should be referred for surgery at an earlier stage in the disease--certainly before the onset of cardiac failure and--and that if this more aggresive attitude was adopted, as it has been in non-syphilitic cases of aortic valve disease, the present high mortality in this group would be reduced.", "PMID": 1009417} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11733", "title": "Gonococcal urethral stricture and watering-can perineum.", "content": "A total of sixteen patients with urethral stricture and/or perineal urinary fistulae (water-can perineum) complicating gonorrhoea were seen at the Special Treatment Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. The patients were aged between 25 and 80 years, and the latent period between the time of original attack of gonococcal infection and the development of complications varied from 4 to 50 years. The rate of divorce or marital separation is high among these patients with late sequelae of gonorrhoea. The factors responsible for the present higher incidence of early and late complications of gonorrhoea among patients in Nigeria and other tropical countries compared with their counterparts in Europe and North American include: (a) Lack of medical facilities in most rural areas; (b) Inadequate treatment of veneral diseases, including the urban areas where self-medication is practised on a large scale by the general population; (c) Illiteracy and ignorance of venereal diseases. The cases of watering-can perineum reported here, and the subsequent chronic pyelonephritis and hypertension, reinforce the plea for early and energetic treatment of acute gonorrhoea in Africa as well as large-scale control measures by the health authorities.", "contents": "Gonococcal urethral stricture and watering-can perineum. A total of sixteen patients with urethral stricture and/or perineal urinary fistulae (water-can perineum) complicating gonorrhoea were seen at the Special Treatment Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. The patients were aged between 25 and 80 years, and the latent period between the time of original attack of gonococcal infection and the development of complications varied from 4 to 50 years. The rate of divorce or marital separation is high among these patients with late sequelae of gonorrhoea. The factors responsible for the present higher incidence of early and late complications of gonorrhoea among patients in Nigeria and other tropical countries compared with their counterparts in Europe and North American include: (a) Lack of medical facilities in most rural areas; (b) Inadequate treatment of veneral diseases, including the urban areas where self-medication is practised on a large scale by the general population; (c) Illiteracy and ignorance of venereal diseases. The cases of watering-can perineum reported here, and the subsequent chronic pyelonephritis and hypertension, reinforce the plea for early and energetic treatment of acute gonorrhoea in Africa as well as large-scale control measures by the health authorities.", "PMID": 1009418} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11734", "title": "Gonorrhoea in patients with scabies.", "content": "242 patients with scabies were examined for gonorrhoea at the Municipal Hospital of Copenhagen over a one-year period. We found asymptomatic gonorrhoea in 2% of the male patients and 12%. of the female patients. The incidence of gonorrhoea in female patients with scabies is thus higher than in other routinely examined groups of patients (Andersen and Nielsen, 1974; Gregersen, 1972; Hansen and Lange, 1973; Nielsen, 1974; Starck, Bygdeman, Eriksson, Heinerz, and Moberg, )971). Our suggestion is that all patients with scabies, male as well as female, should be examined routinely for gonorrhoea.", "contents": "Gonorrhoea in patients with scabies. 242 patients with scabies were examined for gonorrhoea at the Municipal Hospital of Copenhagen over a one-year period. We found asymptomatic gonorrhoea in 2% of the male patients and 12%. of the female patients. The incidence of gonorrhoea in female patients with scabies is thus higher than in other routinely examined groups of patients (Andersen and Nielsen, 1974; Gregersen, 1972; Hansen and Lange, 1973; Nielsen, 1974; Starck, Bygdeman, Eriksson, Heinerz, and Moberg, )971). Our suggestion is that all patients with scabies, male as well as female, should be examined routinely for gonorrhoea.", "PMID": 1009419} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11735", "title": "Isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis from women attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases.", "content": "Attempts were made to isolate Chlamydia trachomatis from the cervix of 300 women attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases in Leeds. The women were divided into four groups; (1) 130 were consorts of men suffering from non-specific urethritis; (2) 66 were suffering from gonorrhoea, or were consorts of men suffering from this disease; (3) 56 were suffering from other sexually transmitted diseases; (4) 48 had no evidence of STD. The overall isolation rate of Chlamydia trachomatis was 20%. Positive results were obtained in 30%. of Group 1, in 27-3%. of Group 2, in 3-6%. of Group 3, and in 2-1%. of Group 4. No pathogenic sign or symptom of Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the cervix was detected.", "contents": "Isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis from women attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases. Attempts were made to isolate Chlamydia trachomatis from the cervix of 300 women attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases in Leeds. The women were divided into four groups; (1) 130 were consorts of men suffering from non-specific urethritis; (2) 66 were suffering from gonorrhoea, or were consorts of men suffering from this disease; (3) 56 were suffering from other sexually transmitted diseases; (4) 48 had no evidence of STD. The overall isolation rate of Chlamydia trachomatis was 20%. Positive results were obtained in 30%. of Group 1, in 27-3%. of Group 2, in 3-6%. of Group 3, and in 2-1%. of Group 4. No pathogenic sign or symptom of Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the cervix was detected.", "PMID": 1009420} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11736", "title": "Lymphographic studies in acute lymphogranuloma venereum infection.", "content": "Lymphography, a radiological method of demonstrating lymphatic channels and nodes, has been used to investigate three cases of acute bubonic lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). There is general agreement that LGV has a predilection for lymphatic channels and lymph nodes. However, very little is known of the extent of lymph node involvement in the early bubonic stage and whether there is merely a lymphangitis or complete lymphatic obstruction. The present study was undertaken to determine the lymphographic appearance in acute bubonic LGV, the extent of lymphatic node involvement in early LGV, and the usefulness of the procedure in the management of LGV patients. The buboes were not outlined by this procedure. The vessel phase of the lymphogram appeared normal, while the nodal phase showed a gradient of pathological involvement from the inguinal region lessening towards the lumbar nodes. The main drawbacks of lymphography in LGV are the difficulty of visualizing the lymphatics in the negroid skin and the lack of diagnostic criteria for inflammatory diseases of the lymphatic system. The lymphographic findings in LGV as described here may be regarded as typical of LGV but cannot be accepted as specific for LGV with a high degree of confidence. It is suggested that the procedure could be used for monitoring patients with the severe and late sequelae of LGV infection.", "contents": "Lymphographic studies in acute lymphogranuloma venereum infection. Lymphography, a radiological method of demonstrating lymphatic channels and nodes, has been used to investigate three cases of acute bubonic lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). There is general agreement that LGV has a predilection for lymphatic channels and lymph nodes. However, very little is known of the extent of lymph node involvement in the early bubonic stage and whether there is merely a lymphangitis or complete lymphatic obstruction. The present study was undertaken to determine the lymphographic appearance in acute bubonic LGV, the extent of lymphatic node involvement in early LGV, and the usefulness of the procedure in the management of LGV patients. The buboes were not outlined by this procedure. The vessel phase of the lymphogram appeared normal, while the nodal phase showed a gradient of pathological involvement from the inguinal region lessening towards the lumbar nodes. The main drawbacks of lymphography in LGV are the difficulty of visualizing the lymphatics in the negroid skin and the lack of diagnostic criteria for inflammatory diseases of the lymphatic system. The lymphographic findings in LGV as described here may be regarded as typical of LGV but cannot be accepted as specific for LGV with a high degree of confidence. It is suggested that the procedure could be used for monitoring patients with the severe and late sequelae of LGV infection.", "PMID": 1009421} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11737", "title": "Lymphocoele and localized lymphoedema of the penis.", "content": "Six patients with lymphocoele or sclerosing lymphangitis of the penis attended the Department of Venereology, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, during a 9-month period. Clinical details of these patients are given and the aetiology of the condition is discussed.", "contents": "Lymphocoele and localized lymphoedema of the penis. Six patients with lymphocoele or sclerosing lymphangitis of the penis attended the Department of Venereology, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, during a 9-month period. Clinical details of these patients are given and the aetiology of the condition is discussed.", "PMID": 1009422} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11738", "title": "Polymyositis with biological false-positive serological test for syphilis. A case report.", "content": "A young female came to the clinic with polymyositis and a biological false-positive serological test for syphilis (BFP reaction). Polymyositis, like other connective-tissue diseases, should be considered in the study of BFP reactors.", "contents": "Polymyositis with biological false-positive serological test for syphilis. A case report. A young female came to the clinic with polymyositis and a biological false-positive serological test for syphilis (BFP reaction). Polymyositis, like other connective-tissue diseases, should be considered in the study of BFP reactors.", "PMID": 1009423} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11739", "title": "Differential effects of unilateral and bilateral caudate lesions on side preference and passive avoidance behavior in rats.", "content": "The effects of unilateral and bilateral caudate lesions on side preferences, passive avoidance learning and locomotor activity were determined in rats. Unilateral lesions ipsilateral to preoperative side preferences increased side preference and facilitated passive avoidance learning. Contralateral lesions reversed side preferences and impaired passive avoidance learning. Bilateral lesions increased side preference in some rats and decreased or reversed side preference in other rats; the increase or decrease in side preference was related to a lesser or greater impairment in learning, respectively. All caudate lesions increased locomotor activity. It is suggested that an intrinsic nigro-striatal asymmetry has a modulatory role in learning and that the effects of bilateral caudate lesions are, in part, attributable to very slight asymmetries in lesion locations. The effect of a unilateral caudate lesion will depend upon whether the lesion is placed in the more or less active striatum.", "contents": "Differential effects of unilateral and bilateral caudate lesions on side preference and passive avoidance behavior in rats. The effects of unilateral and bilateral caudate lesions on side preferences, passive avoidance learning and locomotor activity were determined in rats. Unilateral lesions ipsilateral to preoperative side preferences increased side preference and facilitated passive avoidance learning. Contralateral lesions reversed side preferences and impaired passive avoidance learning. Bilateral lesions increased side preference in some rats and decreased or reversed side preference in other rats; the increase or decrease in side preference was related to a lesser or greater impairment in learning, respectively. All caudate lesions increased locomotor activity. It is suggested that an intrinsic nigro-striatal asymmetry has a modulatory role in learning and that the effects of bilateral caudate lesions are, in part, attributable to very slight asymmetries in lesion locations. The effect of a unilateral caudate lesion will depend upon whether the lesion is placed in the more or less active striatum.", "PMID": 1009424} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11740", "title": "Effects of nerve activity on the postsynaptic membrane of skeletal muscle.", "content": "The effect of nerve activity on the sensitivity of the neuromuscular junction to acetylcholine was studied. After 1 h of nerve stimulation the flexor hallucis longus muscles of cats become more sensitive to the blocking effect of suxamethonium than before stimulation. Similar results were found using rat soleus muscles. The increased sensitivity to suxamethonium was still observed in muscles from rats which had been curarized during the period of stimulation. Intracellular recordings from end plates of rat soleus muscles revealed an initial transient increase in miniature end-plate potential (MEPP) frequency after stimulation and an increase in the amplitude of MEPPs which persisted for as long as 4 h. Moreover the depolarising responses to acetylcholine and suxamethonium added to the bath were always greater in stimulated muscles. It was therefore concluded that activity of the motor nerve increases the sensitivity of the end plates to transmitter.", "contents": "Effects of nerve activity on the postsynaptic membrane of skeletal muscle. The effect of nerve activity on the sensitivity of the neuromuscular junction to acetylcholine was studied. After 1 h of nerve stimulation the flexor hallucis longus muscles of cats become more sensitive to the blocking effect of suxamethonium than before stimulation. Similar results were found using rat soleus muscles. The increased sensitivity to suxamethonium was still observed in muscles from rats which had been curarized during the period of stimulation. Intracellular recordings from end plates of rat soleus muscles revealed an initial transient increase in miniature end-plate potential (MEPP) frequency after stimulation and an increase in the amplitude of MEPPs which persisted for as long as 4 h. Moreover the depolarising responses to acetylcholine and suxamethonium added to the bath were always greater in stimulated muscles. It was therefore concluded that activity of the motor nerve increases the sensitivity of the end plates to transmitter.", "PMID": 1009425} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11741", "title": "On GABA function and physiology in the pineal gland.", "content": "Pineal gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) activity were found not to be influenced by environmental light, catecholamines, sympathetic innervation, or input via the pineal stalk. The observation that GAD activity did not disappear after pineal stalk section, ganglionectomy, or 48 h of organ culture leads us to suggest that GAD activity is not located in nerve processes entering the pineal gland. Treatment in organ culture with an inhibitor of protein synthesis did not greatly influence the slow rate of decrease of GAD activity. This finding is consistent with the conclusion that GAD turnover is slow. Treatment of denervated glands or glands containing functional sympathetic nerve structures with GABA, amino-oxyacetic acid (AOAA) or bicuculline in organ culture did not alter unstimulated levels, or significantly block the adrenergic stimulation of the activity of pineal serotonin N-acetyl transferase (NAT). It is clear from our studies that GABA does not influence or modulate the adrenergic regulation of.pineal NAT activity, and that GABA content and synthesis are not regulated by an adrenergic mechanism. The role of GABA in the pineal gland remains to be discovered.", "contents": "On GABA function and physiology in the pineal gland. Pineal gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) activity were found not to be influenced by environmental light, catecholamines, sympathetic innervation, or input via the pineal stalk. The observation that GAD activity did not disappear after pineal stalk section, ganglionectomy, or 48 h of organ culture leads us to suggest that GAD activity is not located in nerve processes entering the pineal gland. Treatment in organ culture with an inhibitor of protein synthesis did not greatly influence the slow rate of decrease of GAD activity. This finding is consistent with the conclusion that GAD turnover is slow. Treatment of denervated glands or glands containing functional sympathetic nerve structures with GABA, amino-oxyacetic acid (AOAA) or bicuculline in organ culture did not alter unstimulated levels, or significantly block the adrenergic stimulation of the activity of pineal serotonin N-acetyl transferase (NAT). It is clear from our studies that GABA does not influence or modulate the adrenergic regulation of.pineal NAT activity, and that GABA content and synthesis are not regulated by an adrenergic mechanism. The role of GABA in the pineal gland remains to be discovered.", "PMID": 1009426} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11742", "title": "Neurochemical aspects of the ontogenesis of cholinergic neurons in the rat brain.", "content": "Ontogenic development of central cholinergic neurons in rat brain was examined by measuring the activity of choline acetyltransferase (CAT), concentration of acetylcholine (ACh) after focused microwave irradiation, the activity of the high affinity uptake process for choline and the apparent muscarinic receptor as quantified by specific binding of [3H]3-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB). For whole brain, the specific activity of CAT increases from 1 to 8% of adult between 15 days gestation and 7 days postpartum and then increases linearly to 83% by 4 weeks postpartum. The concentration of ACh is 22% of adult at 15 days gestation, rises to 29% by birth and attains adult levels by 4 weeks postpartum. The developmental rise in specific binding of [3H]QNB is intermediate between CAT and ACh with 10% of adult concentration of receptor at birth and a linear increase to 90% by 4 weeks postpartum. The development of the uptake of [3H]choline parallels that of CAT. In all regions of the neonatal rat brain, the relative level (% adult) of ACh is higher than [3H]QNB binding, which is higher than CAT. The neonatal medulla-pons has higher levels of [3H]QNB binding and activity of CAT (% adult) and develops more rapidly than the parietal cortex and corpus striatum; the hypothalamus and midbrain-thalamus exhibit intermediate rates of development.", "contents": "Neurochemical aspects of the ontogenesis of cholinergic neurons in the rat brain. Ontogenic development of central cholinergic neurons in rat brain was examined by measuring the activity of choline acetyltransferase (CAT), concentration of acetylcholine (ACh) after focused microwave irradiation, the activity of the high affinity uptake process for choline and the apparent muscarinic receptor as quantified by specific binding of [3H]3-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB). For whole brain, the specific activity of CAT increases from 1 to 8% of adult between 15 days gestation and 7 days postpartum and then increases linearly to 83% by 4 weeks postpartum. The concentration of ACh is 22% of adult at 15 days gestation, rises to 29% by birth and attains adult levels by 4 weeks postpartum. The developmental rise in specific binding of [3H]QNB is intermediate between CAT and ACh with 10% of adult concentration of receptor at birth and a linear increase to 90% by 4 weeks postpartum. The development of the uptake of [3H]choline parallels that of CAT. In all regions of the neonatal rat brain, the relative level (% adult) of ACh is higher than [3H]QNB binding, which is higher than CAT. The neonatal medulla-pons has higher levels of [3H]QNB binding and activity of CAT (% adult) and develops more rapidly than the parietal cortex and corpus striatum; the hypothalamus and midbrain-thalamus exhibit intermediate rates of development.", "PMID": 1009427} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11743", "title": "Glutamate accumulation by human gliomas and meningiomas in tissue culture.", "content": "The rapid accumulation of radioactive glutamate was studied in human brain tumor cells grown in tissue culture. The MGH-LM line of human astrocytoma demonstrated both a high (apparent Km = 20 muM) and a low (apparent Km = 0.2 mM) affinity component for the uptake of glutamate. The high affinity component was sodium-, temperature-, and energy-dependent and was present during the confluent (stationary) but not the log phase of cell growth. A study of confluent monolayer cultures of several other human brain tumors revealed that a similar high affinity uptake of glutamate occurred in 7 out of malignant astrocytomas and appeared to be independent of the grade of malignancy. In 3 optic gliomas and 5 meningiomas studied, low but not high affinity uptake of glutamate was found. These studies suggest that glial cells in the human brain may in some instances possess uptake characteristics for glutamate similar to those previously ascribed to nerve endings.", "contents": "Glutamate accumulation by human gliomas and meningiomas in tissue culture. The rapid accumulation of radioactive glutamate was studied in human brain tumor cells grown in tissue culture. The MGH-LM line of human astrocytoma demonstrated both a high (apparent Km = 20 muM) and a low (apparent Km = 0.2 mM) affinity component for the uptake of glutamate. The high affinity component was sodium-, temperature-, and energy-dependent and was present during the confluent (stationary) but not the log phase of cell growth. A study of confluent monolayer cultures of several other human brain tumors revealed that a similar high affinity uptake of glutamate occurred in 7 out of malignant astrocytomas and appeared to be independent of the grade of malignancy. In 3 optic gliomas and 5 meningiomas studied, low but not high affinity uptake of glutamate was found. These studies suggest that glial cells in the human brain may in some instances possess uptake characteristics for glutamate similar to those previously ascribed to nerve endings.", "PMID": 1009428} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11744", "title": "Prefrontal cortex and neostriatum self-stimulation in the rat: differential effects produced by apomorphine.", "content": "In a dose-response experiment, the effects of intraperitoneal injections of the dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine (0.075, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 mg/kg) were studied on self-stimulation elicited from electrodes implanted in the medial and sulcal prefrontal cortex and caudate-putamen in the rat. From the medial and sulcal prefrontal cortex electrodes, apomorphine produced a dose-related decrease of self-stimulation rate which was consistent across animals. From the caudate-putamen electrodes, on the contrary, apomorphine produced a facilitatory effect in the majority of the animals at one or more doses, however, at other doses a decreased self-stimulation rate was observed. The clear and consistent effects of apomorphine on self-stimulation of the prefrontal cortex, together with other experimental evidence in the same line, suggest that dopamine is mediating self-stimulation of this cortical area.", "contents": "Prefrontal cortex and neostriatum self-stimulation in the rat: differential effects produced by apomorphine. In a dose-response experiment, the effects of intraperitoneal injections of the dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine (0.075, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 mg/kg) were studied on self-stimulation elicited from electrodes implanted in the medial and sulcal prefrontal cortex and caudate-putamen in the rat. From the medial and sulcal prefrontal cortex electrodes, apomorphine produced a dose-related decrease of self-stimulation rate which was consistent across animals. From the caudate-putamen electrodes, on the contrary, apomorphine produced a facilitatory effect in the majority of the animals at one or more doses, however, at other doses a decreased self-stimulation rate was observed. The clear and consistent effects of apomorphine on self-stimulation of the prefrontal cortex, together with other experimental evidence in the same line, suggest that dopamine is mediating self-stimulation of this cortical area.", "PMID": 1009443} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11745", "title": "Ontogeny of drinking behavior of preweanling rats with lateral preoptic damage.", "content": "Male (N = 9) and female (N = 7) infant albino rats sustained bilateral lateral preoptic area (LPO) destruction on the tenth day of life. During development and as adults, these brain-damaged rats were subjected to repeated testing of drinking behaviors in response to cellular and extracellular dehydration. Immediately following LPO destruction the pups ceased suckling and most rats required tube-feeding to maintain life; however, all pups were maintaining body weight through voluntary suckling and/or feeding-drinking by 20-21 days of age. Daily water intakes were elevated from 30-42 days of age, following which intakes decreased to control vonse to water deprivation, polyethylene glycol injection and food deprivation treatments. These results are consistent with the suggestion that the LPO contains osmoreceptors for drinking behavior, and the present results suggest that such osmoreceptors, may be functional by the tenth day of life for rats.", "contents": "Ontogeny of drinking behavior of preweanling rats with lateral preoptic damage. Male (N = 9) and female (N = 7) infant albino rats sustained bilateral lateral preoptic area (LPO) destruction on the tenth day of life. During development and as adults, these brain-damaged rats were subjected to repeated testing of drinking behaviors in response to cellular and extracellular dehydration. Immediately following LPO destruction the pups ceased suckling and most rats required tube-feeding to maintain life; however, all pups were maintaining body weight through voluntary suckling and/or feeding-drinking by 20-21 days of age. Daily water intakes were elevated from 30-42 days of age, following which intakes decreased to control vonse to water deprivation, polyethylene glycol injection and food deprivation treatments. These results are consistent with the suggestion that the LPO contains osmoreceptors for drinking behavior, and the present results suggest that such osmoreceptors, may be functional by the tenth day of life for rats.", "PMID": 1009444} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11746", "title": "Horseradish peroxidase tracing of the lateral habenular-midbrain raphe nuclei connections in the rat.", "content": "Connections of the habenular complex to the nuclei of the midline in the midbrain (interpeduncularis, medianus raphe, and dorsalis raphe) have been studied classically by anterograde degeneration in the monkey, the cat, and marsupials. Passing fibers from the medial septal nucleus and lateral preoptic area, however, have also been demonstrated which can complicate interpretation of these results. In this paper the habenular projections were studied in the rat by the retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). After HRP injections in the medianus raphe nucleus labelled neurons appeared in the lateral habenular nucleus and parafascicular nucleus. Labelled neurons were also found in the lateral habenular nucleus after injections in either the dorsalis raphe nucleus or the caudal central gray substance. The habenular projections were always bilateral. There were no labelled neurons in the medial habenular nucleus after HRP injections in the medianus raphe especially on the dorsalis raphe neurons which have usually been thought of as functionally related to other brainstem structures. The present results suggest also that in the rat the lateral habenular nucleus might be the link between basal forbrain inputs and the limbic midbrain area. Thus, the raphe nuclei of the midbrain appear to be crucial regions for integrating two descending circuits: first, a limbic (through septum) circuit, and, second, a basal forebrain (through lateral habenular-preoptic area) circuit.", "contents": "Horseradish peroxidase tracing of the lateral habenular-midbrain raphe nuclei connections in the rat. Connections of the habenular complex to the nuclei of the midline in the midbrain (interpeduncularis, medianus raphe, and dorsalis raphe) have been studied classically by anterograde degeneration in the monkey, the cat, and marsupials. Passing fibers from the medial septal nucleus and lateral preoptic area, however, have also been demonstrated which can complicate interpretation of these results. In this paper the habenular projections were studied in the rat by the retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). After HRP injections in the medianus raphe nucleus labelled neurons appeared in the lateral habenular nucleus and parafascicular nucleus. Labelled neurons were also found in the lateral habenular nucleus after injections in either the dorsalis raphe nucleus or the caudal central gray substance. The habenular projections were always bilateral. There were no labelled neurons in the medial habenular nucleus after HRP injections in the medianus raphe especially on the dorsalis raphe neurons which have usually been thought of as functionally related to other brainstem structures. The present results suggest also that in the rat the lateral habenular nucleus might be the link between basal forbrain inputs and the limbic midbrain area. Thus, the raphe nuclei of the midbrain appear to be crucial regions for integrating two descending circuits: first, a limbic (through septum) circuit, and, second, a basal forebrain (through lateral habenular-preoptic area) circuit.", "PMID": 1009445} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11747", "title": "Response-contingent stimuli and DRL performance after septal lesions in rats.", "content": "An experiment was conducted to assess the effectiveness of providing response-contingent stimuli in improving the performance of rats with septal lesions on a DRL schedule of reinforcement. Groups of operated and control animals were given no stimulus, a light flash, or footshock in conjunction with all noncriterion lever presses. Footshock, but not light, was found to substantially ameliorate the lesion-induced DRL deficit. Improved schedule efficiency appeared to result from the punishing aspects of the shock and not to a response-feedback function.", "contents": "Response-contingent stimuli and DRL performance after septal lesions in rats. An experiment was conducted to assess the effectiveness of providing response-contingent stimuli in improving the performance of rats with septal lesions on a DRL schedule of reinforcement. Groups of operated and control animals were given no stimulus, a light flash, or footshock in conjunction with all noncriterion lever presses. Footshock, but not light, was found to substantially ameliorate the lesion-induced DRL deficit. Improved schedule efficiency appeared to result from the punishing aspects of the shock and not to a response-feedback function.", "PMID": 1009446} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11748", "title": "Thalamic projections to visually responsive regions of parietal cortex.", "content": "Thalamic efferents to visually responsive regions of parietal cortex of the cat were investigated by experimental retrograde tracing techniques. Two classes of photically evoked potentials recorded from the middle suprasylvian gyrus could be distinguished on the basis of waveform and latency. Type 1 responses were recorded from the Clare-Bishop area at the lateral border of the suprasylvian gyrus and Type 2 responses were recorded from association response areas on the crown of the suprasylvian gyrus. Studies of retrograde degeneration in kittens and adult cats and retrograde transport of intracortically injected horseradish peroxidase indicate that afferents to the electrophysiologically identified Clare-Bishop area originate in the lateroposterior nucleus, the posterior nucleus, and the medial interlaminar nucleus of the lateral geniculate body. Afferents to electrophysiologically identified association response areas originate in the lateroposterior nucleus, ventroanterior nucleus, the pulvinar, the laterodorsal nucleus, and the central lateral nucleus. Studies of orthograde degeneration following placement of parietal lesions indicate a close reciprocity of corticothalamic and thalamocortical projections.", "contents": "Thalamic projections to visually responsive regions of parietal cortex. Thalamic efferents to visually responsive regions of parietal cortex of the cat were investigated by experimental retrograde tracing techniques. Two classes of photically evoked potentials recorded from the middle suprasylvian gyrus could be distinguished on the basis of waveform and latency. Type 1 responses were recorded from the Clare-Bishop area at the lateral border of the suprasylvian gyrus and Type 2 responses were recorded from association response areas on the crown of the suprasylvian gyrus. Studies of retrograde degeneration in kittens and adult cats and retrograde transport of intracortically injected horseradish peroxidase indicate that afferents to the electrophysiologically identified Clare-Bishop area originate in the lateroposterior nucleus, the posterior nucleus, and the medial interlaminar nucleus of the lateral geniculate body. Afferents to electrophysiologically identified association response areas originate in the lateroposterior nucleus, ventroanterior nucleus, the pulvinar, the laterodorsal nucleus, and the central lateral nucleus. Studies of orthograde degeneration following placement of parietal lesions indicate a close reciprocity of corticothalamic and thalamocortical projections.", "PMID": 1009447} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11749", "title": "Principal cells in lateral geniculate: effects of metrazol on capacity to after-discharge.", "content": "The effect of metrazol on the capacity of dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) principal (P) cells to repetitively burst (after-discharge) following visual system stimulation was examined in P cells which differed in terms of response patterns to visual stimulation (latency of initial spike, extent of repetitive bursting, and on- or off-type responding cells). Twenty-seven P cells were examined in as many subjects. Metrazol augmented repetitive bursting irrespective of the type of P cell as long as repetitive bursting was present in the pre-metrazol period. P cells that displayed only a single initial burst to photic stimulation did not exhibit after-discharge bursting during the metrazol challenge. In all but one cell metrazol enhanced baseline firing rate. These results are discussed in terms of the putative nature of inhibition in the rat dLGN.", "contents": "Principal cells in lateral geniculate: effects of metrazol on capacity to after-discharge. The effect of metrazol on the capacity of dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) principal (P) cells to repetitively burst (after-discharge) following visual system stimulation was examined in P cells which differed in terms of response patterns to visual stimulation (latency of initial spike, extent of repetitive bursting, and on- or off-type responding cells). Twenty-seven P cells were examined in as many subjects. Metrazol augmented repetitive bursting irrespective of the type of P cell as long as repetitive bursting was present in the pre-metrazol period. P cells that displayed only a single initial burst to photic stimulation did not exhibit after-discharge bursting during the metrazol challenge. In all but one cell metrazol enhanced baseline firing rate. These results are discussed in terms of the putative nature of inhibition in the rat dLGN.", "PMID": 1009448} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11750", "title": "Responses of neurons in rostral and caudal trigeminal nuclei to tooth pulp stimulation.", "content": "Using immobilized, lightly anesthetized cats, the responses of neurons in the nucleus principalis-subnucleus oralis and subnucleus caudalis regions of the sensory trigeminal complex were studied following electrical stimulation of the canine tooth pulp. Recording loci were verified histologically. Pulpal stimulation activated 122 cells in the rostral nuclei and 44 in the caudal one. Neurons in the two, spatially segregated, regions exhibited different, though overlapping distributions of response and receptive field properties. More specifically, the rostral region cells tended to have lower thresholds and to reach peak firing rates at lower stimulus intensities. Their peripheral fields were generally more restricted and more frequently homolateral. Following supra-maximal stimulation, they ordinarily had briefer initial spike latencies and their response bursts typically contained a greater number of spikes. These findings are consistent with the view that each of the regions operates in a different manner in the mediation of oro-facial pain.", "contents": "Responses of neurons in rostral and caudal trigeminal nuclei to tooth pulp stimulation. Using immobilized, lightly anesthetized cats, the responses of neurons in the nucleus principalis-subnucleus oralis and subnucleus caudalis regions of the sensory trigeminal complex were studied following electrical stimulation of the canine tooth pulp. Recording loci were verified histologically. Pulpal stimulation activated 122 cells in the rostral nuclei and 44 in the caudal one. Neurons in the two, spatially segregated, regions exhibited different, though overlapping distributions of response and receptive field properties. More specifically, the rostral region cells tended to have lower thresholds and to reach peak firing rates at lower stimulus intensities. Their peripheral fields were generally more restricted and more frequently homolateral. Following supra-maximal stimulation, they ordinarily had briefer initial spike latencies and their response bursts typically contained a greater number of spikes. These findings are consistent with the view that each of the regions operates in a different manner in the mediation of oro-facial pain.", "PMID": 1009449} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11751", "title": "Role of retino-hypothalamic pathways in the entrainment of drinking rhythms.", "content": "The role of retino-hypothalamic pathways in the re-entrainment of drinking rhythms after a 12 hr phase shift in the light-dark cycle was investigated by comparing the rate of re-entrainment of unilaterally blinded (UB) rats, with split optic chiasms (OCS) and controls. As reported previously, UB rats required more days to invert drinking rhythms than controls. The number of days required to re-entrain OCS rats fell between controls and UB rats but was not statistically significant from either group. Since OCS rats had the fewest retino-hypothalamic connections, the amount of retinal input to the surachiasmatic nuclei does not appear to play an important role in the rate of re-entrainment. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the unequal distribution of retiono-hypothalamic fibers in UB rats interferes with the entrainment process. Compared to controls, both UB and OCS rats showed a small but significant post-operative reduction in the nocturnality of drinking.", "contents": "Role of retino-hypothalamic pathways in the entrainment of drinking rhythms. The role of retino-hypothalamic pathways in the re-entrainment of drinking rhythms after a 12 hr phase shift in the light-dark cycle was investigated by comparing the rate of re-entrainment of unilaterally blinded (UB) rats, with split optic chiasms (OCS) and controls. As reported previously, UB rats required more days to invert drinking rhythms than controls. The number of days required to re-entrain OCS rats fell between controls and UB rats but was not statistically significant from either group. Since OCS rats had the fewest retino-hypothalamic connections, the amount of retinal input to the surachiasmatic nuclei does not appear to play an important role in the rate of re-entrainment. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the unequal distribution of retiono-hypothalamic fibers in UB rats interferes with the entrainment process. Compared to controls, both UB and OCS rats showed a small but significant post-operative reduction in the nocturnality of drinking.", "PMID": 1009451} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11752", "title": "Open lung biopsy.", "content": "During 16 years (1958-1974) 327 open lung biopsies were carried out in the Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Research Institute, the 2md and 3rd Surgical Clinic of Charles University in Prague. A modification of the original Klassen's surgical technique with axillary or submammary approach was used. The patients (160 males, 167 women) were referred for biopsy because of various forms of diffuse pulmonary lesions without established diagnosis. The age of the patients varied from 6-72 years, 27 of them, aged over 60, were operated on nothwithstanding their compromised cardiopulmonary function. In 252 (79%) the definite diagnosis with characteristic histology was obtained, and in 70 (21%) only pulmonary fibrosis without exact specification was evaluated. The definite histologic findings were as follows: 102 (31%) diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (Hamman-Rich), 32 (10%) pulmonary lesions in systemic cardiopulmonary or bronchopulmonary diseases (collagenosis, eosinophilic and other granulomas, Wegener, hemosiderosis, etc.), 42 (13%) pulmonary sarcoidosis, 12 (4%) pulmonary tuberculosis, 45 (14%) pneumoconiosis, mostly silicosis, 24 (7%) neoplastic lesions. Post-operative morbidity of minor importance was 13,5%, mortality 0,3%: One 56 years old woman died 5 days following operation of cardiopulmonary insufficiency. This was an incorrect indication for biopsy based on inadequate evaluation of the patient's initial functional status. The open lung biopsy obtained by minimal thoracotomy is a valuable and well tolerated diagnostic method in cases where diagnosis cannot be obtained with certainty on the base of results of usual investigation procedures.", "contents": "Open lung biopsy. During 16 years (1958-1974) 327 open lung biopsies were carried out in the Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Research Institute, the 2md and 3rd Surgical Clinic of Charles University in Prague. A modification of the original Klassen's surgical technique with axillary or submammary approach was used. The patients (160 males, 167 women) were referred for biopsy because of various forms of diffuse pulmonary lesions without established diagnosis. The age of the patients varied from 6-72 years, 27 of them, aged over 60, were operated on nothwithstanding their compromised cardiopulmonary function. In 252 (79%) the definite diagnosis with characteristic histology was obtained, and in 70 (21%) only pulmonary fibrosis without exact specification was evaluated. The definite histologic findings were as follows: 102 (31%) diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (Hamman-Rich), 32 (10%) pulmonary lesions in systemic cardiopulmonary or bronchopulmonary diseases (collagenosis, eosinophilic and other granulomas, Wegener, hemosiderosis, etc.), 42 (13%) pulmonary sarcoidosis, 12 (4%) pulmonary tuberculosis, 45 (14%) pneumoconiosis, mostly silicosis, 24 (7%) neoplastic lesions. Post-operative morbidity of minor importance was 13,5%, mortality 0,3%: One 56 years old woman died 5 days following operation of cardiopulmonary insufficiency. This was an incorrect indication for biopsy based on inadequate evaluation of the patient's initial functional status. The open lung biopsy obtained by minimal thoracotomy is a valuable and well tolerated diagnostic method in cases where diagnosis cannot be obtained with certainty on the base of results of usual investigation procedures.", "PMID": 1009485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11753", "title": "Heterotrophic activities of bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton.", "content": "Numbers of viable bacteria as indicated by colony-forming units (CFU), microbial adenosine triphosphate levels, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon and nitrogen (POC and PON), glucose concentration, heterotrophic potential (Vmax), and in situ heterotrophic activity (Vn) of near-surface microlayer samples (70-80 mum depth), the neuston, and bulk column water samples (0.2-1.5 m depth), the plankton, of several natural waters were compared. DOC and glucose concentration values of near-surface and bulk water were similar, whereas POC and PON values of the near-surface were normally one order of magnitude greater than those of bulk water. Viable counts were generally greater in the neuston, but ATP levels were greater in the plankton. Comparative values of total heterotrophic potentials and heterotrophic activities fluctuated greatly. Heterotrophic potential per CFU of the neuston was 33% of that of the plankton; neuston heterotrophic activity per CFU was 10% of that of the plankton. These data suggest that neustonic heterotrophic bacteria are not as metabolically active as their planktonic counterparts and that they are under greater stress at the near-surface than in the column water.", "contents": "Heterotrophic activities of bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton. Numbers of viable bacteria as indicated by colony-forming units (CFU), microbial adenosine triphosphate levels, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon and nitrogen (POC and PON), glucose concentration, heterotrophic potential (Vmax), and in situ heterotrophic activity (Vn) of near-surface microlayer samples (70-80 mum depth), the neuston, and bulk column water samples (0.2-1.5 m depth), the plankton, of several natural waters were compared. DOC and glucose concentration values of near-surface and bulk water were similar, whereas POC and PON values of the near-surface were normally one order of magnitude greater than those of bulk water. Viable counts were generally greater in the neuston, but ATP levels were greater in the plankton. Comparative values of total heterotrophic potentials and heterotrophic activities fluctuated greatly. Heterotrophic potential per CFU of the neuston was 33% of that of the plankton; neuston heterotrophic activity per CFU was 10% of that of the plankton. These data suggest that neustonic heterotrophic bacteria are not as metabolically active as their planktonic counterparts and that they are under greater stress at the near-surface than in the column water.", "PMID": 1009500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11754", "title": "Lipid metabolism in Achlya: studies of lipid turnover during development.", "content": "The life cycle of Achlya involves germination of spores to form coenocytic somatic hyphae, followed by differentiation of hyphal tips into sporangia. From germination to release of new spores occupies 27-30 h. Total lipid made up 10% of dry weight in ungerminated spores. After germination, total lipid fell to 6% of dry weight in 15 h, then rose to 7.7% at the time of sporangium formation. Half of the initial loss of lipid took place within 2 h of germination. The ability of Achlya to incorporate [1-14C]acetate into lipid was maximal at the time of sporangium formation, and glycerides were the principal component of total lipid to become 14C-labelled at all stages of the life cycle. Fatty acid synthetase activity measured in cell-free extracts was low in spores and in actively elongating mycelium, but increased during idfferentiation to a level 15-fold greater than that in spores. Fatty acid oxidation, as estimated by the release of 14CO2 from 1-14C-labelled fatty acids, was also maximal at the time of sporangium formation.", "contents": "Lipid metabolism in Achlya: studies of lipid turnover during development. The life cycle of Achlya involves germination of spores to form coenocytic somatic hyphae, followed by differentiation of hyphal tips into sporangia. From germination to release of new spores occupies 27-30 h. Total lipid made up 10% of dry weight in ungerminated spores. After germination, total lipid fell to 6% of dry weight in 15 h, then rose to 7.7% at the time of sporangium formation. Half of the initial loss of lipid took place within 2 h of germination. The ability of Achlya to incorporate [1-14C]acetate into lipid was maximal at the time of sporangium formation, and glycerides were the principal component of total lipid to become 14C-labelled at all stages of the life cycle. Fatty acid synthetase activity measured in cell-free extracts was low in spores and in actively elongating mycelium, but increased during idfferentiation to a level 15-fold greater than that in spores. Fatty acid oxidation, as estimated by the release of 14CO2 from 1-14C-labelled fatty acids, was also maximal at the time of sporangium formation.", "PMID": 1009501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11755", "title": "Lipid metabolism in Achlya: changes in lipid composition during development.", "content": "Fractionation of total lipid extracted from Achlya sp. at various stages of its developmental cycle revealed that in spores total lipid was composed of 62% neutral lipid, 13% phospholipid, and 25% glycolipid. After germination, the proportion of neutral lipid rose slightly after 2 h then fell sharply to 10% after 8 h, whereupon it rose to 55% of total lipid after 30 h of growth, when sporulation was completed. Conversely, phospholipid rose to 77% of total lipid after 8 h, then declined to 40% after 30 h. Glycolipid was maintained at 10-20% of total lipid throughout the life cycle after spore germination. Quantitative determination of neutral lipid components by photo-reflectometry showed that triglycerides accounted for 20% of neutral lipid in spores, and free fatty acids made up 50%. During growth, the absolute levels of both components fell precipitously on germination, remained at low levels throughout vegetative growth, and rose at the time of sporulation. The fatty acid composition of total lipid, phospholipid, neutral lipid, and free fatty acid fractions extracted from vegetative and sporulating Achlya cells was determined. The principal fatty acids present in all fractions of both stages of the life cycle were hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acids. Hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, and an unidentified long-chain acid were completely absent from the phospholipids of vegetative cells, although they were found in significant quantities in lipid fractions from other stages of growth.", "contents": "Lipid metabolism in Achlya: changes in lipid composition during development. Fractionation of total lipid extracted from Achlya sp. at various stages of its developmental cycle revealed that in spores total lipid was composed of 62% neutral lipid, 13% phospholipid, and 25% glycolipid. After germination, the proportion of neutral lipid rose slightly after 2 h then fell sharply to 10% after 8 h, whereupon it rose to 55% of total lipid after 30 h of growth, when sporulation was completed. Conversely, phospholipid rose to 77% of total lipid after 8 h, then declined to 40% after 30 h. Glycolipid was maintained at 10-20% of total lipid throughout the life cycle after spore germination. Quantitative determination of neutral lipid components by photo-reflectometry showed that triglycerides accounted for 20% of neutral lipid in spores, and free fatty acids made up 50%. During growth, the absolute levels of both components fell precipitously on germination, remained at low levels throughout vegetative growth, and rose at the time of sporulation. The fatty acid composition of total lipid, phospholipid, neutral lipid, and free fatty acid fractions extracted from vegetative and sporulating Achlya cells was determined. The principal fatty acids present in all fractions of both stages of the life cycle were hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acids. Hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, and an unidentified long-chain acid were completely absent from the phospholipids of vegetative cells, although they were found in significant quantities in lipid fractions from other stages of growth.", "PMID": 1009502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11756", "title": "Dehiscence and active spore release in pathogenic strains of the yeast Metschnikowia bicuspidata var. australis: possible predatory implication.", "content": "Strains of Metschnikowia bicuspidata var. australis, pathogenic to brine shrimp (Artemia salina), were observed to form asci which, upon reaching maturity, forcibly expelled their needle-shaped spores. The mechanical force responsible apparently originates from the formation of an ectoplasmic mucilage capable of exerting pressure over all of the ascus contents; when the apex of the peduncle ruptures, the ascospores are violently released. Cytochemical analyses indicated that the gel is a substance highly resistant to chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis. Its chemical nature is not known as yet. The morphogenetic events of this process are described, and its ecological implication, the possibility of active mechanical predation in yeast, is discussed.", "contents": "Dehiscence and active spore release in pathogenic strains of the yeast Metschnikowia bicuspidata var. australis: possible predatory implication. Strains of Metschnikowia bicuspidata var. australis, pathogenic to brine shrimp (Artemia salina), were observed to form asci which, upon reaching maturity, forcibly expelled their needle-shaped spores. The mechanical force responsible apparently originates from the formation of an ectoplasmic mucilage capable of exerting pressure over all of the ascus contents; when the apex of the peduncle ruptures, the ascospores are violently released. Cytochemical analyses indicated that the gel is a substance highly resistant to chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis. Its chemical nature is not known as yet. The morphogenetic events of this process are described, and its ecological implication, the possibility of active mechanical predation in yeast, is discussed.", "PMID": 1009503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11757", "title": "Morphological characteristics of a spirochete present in activated sludge.", "content": "A free-living spirochete has been found in the activated sludge of purification plants in Amsterdam. A partial enrichment of the spirochete could be obtained with a passage through a thin layer of water agar. The morphology of this spirochetal strain does not fit into one of the described genera in Bergey's Manual. The cells have many regular primary coils on which broad secondary coils are superimposed and the protoplasmic cylinder is tightly wound around an axistyle,", "contents": "Morphological characteristics of a spirochete present in activated sludge. A free-living spirochete has been found in the activated sludge of purification plants in Amsterdam. A partial enrichment of the spirochete could be obtained with a passage through a thin layer of water agar. The morphology of this spirochetal strain does not fit into one of the described genera in Bergey's Manual. The cells have many regular primary coils on which broad secondary coils are superimposed and the protoplasmic cylinder is tightly wound around an axistyle,", "PMID": 1009504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11758", "title": "Cellulase induction and the use of cellulose as a preferred growth substrate by Cellvibrio gilvus.", "content": "Cellvibrio gilvus produced cellulase when grown in the presence of cellulose or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) but not when grown in the presence of glucose or cellobiose. This was so whether or not these compounds were the sole carbon sources present. Repeated addition of small amounts of glucose prevented cellulase formation in the presence of cellulose. It is concluded that cellulose and CMC induce cellulase formation and glucose and cellobiose repressit. Cellulose stimulated growth when added to organic media. Physical contact between cells and cellulose fibres was necessary for both cellulase induction and growth stimulation. If cellulase induction was prevented by glucose, cellulose did not stimulate growth.", "contents": "Cellulase induction and the use of cellulose as a preferred growth substrate by Cellvibrio gilvus. Cellvibrio gilvus produced cellulase when grown in the presence of cellulose or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) but not when grown in the presence of glucose or cellobiose. This was so whether or not these compounds were the sole carbon sources present. Repeated addition of small amounts of glucose prevented cellulase formation in the presence of cellulose. It is concluded that cellulose and CMC induce cellulase formation and glucose and cellobiose repressit. Cellulose stimulated growth when added to organic media. Physical contact between cells and cellulose fibres was necessary for both cellulase induction and growth stimulation. If cellulase induction was prevented by glucose, cellulose did not stimulate growth.", "PMID": 1009505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11759", "title": "Effects of Corynebacterium parvum alone and in combination with adriamycin in experimental tumor systems.", "content": "Corynebacterium parvum (C. parvum) was used in antitumor tests against four murine tumor models in B6D2F1 mice. The C. parvum was effective at all doses and schedules tested against P388 leukemia, B16 melanoma, and Lewis lung carcinoma but was ineffective against L1210 leukemia. Combination immunochemotherapy of P388 leukemia and Lewis lung carcinoma with C. parvum and adriamycin was better than either regimen alone in increasing the lifespan of mice with tumors. The results show that the effects of C. parvum are due to nonspecific stimulation of the host rather than direct cytotoxic action on tumor cells. C. parvum protected the mice when given before as well as after tumor challenge. In vitro 51Cr-release assay showed that the peritoneal cells were cytotoxic to P388 tumor cells but spleen cells were not. While the C. parvum was effective against P388 in conventional mice, it was ineffective against P388 growing in athymic (nude) mice. Thus, the antitumor effect in this tumor system is T-cell dependent.", "contents": "Effects of Corynebacterium parvum alone and in combination with adriamycin in experimental tumor systems. Corynebacterium parvum (C. parvum) was used in antitumor tests against four murine tumor models in B6D2F1 mice. The C. parvum was effective at all doses and schedules tested against P388 leukemia, B16 melanoma, and Lewis lung carcinoma but was ineffective against L1210 leukemia. Combination immunochemotherapy of P388 leukemia and Lewis lung carcinoma with C. parvum and adriamycin was better than either regimen alone in increasing the lifespan of mice with tumors. The results show that the effects of C. parvum are due to nonspecific stimulation of the host rather than direct cytotoxic action on tumor cells. C. parvum protected the mice when given before as well as after tumor challenge. In vitro 51Cr-release assay showed that the peritoneal cells were cytotoxic to P388 tumor cells but spleen cells were not. While the C. parvum was effective against P388 in conventional mice, it was ineffective against P388 growing in athymic (nude) mice. Thus, the antitumor effect in this tumor system is T-cell dependent.", "PMID": 1009517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11760", "title": "Synthesis and antitumor activity of 4-demethoxydaunorubicin, 4-demethoxy-7,9-diepidaunorubicin, and their beta anomers.", "content": "Four new derivatives of daunorubicin, characterized by the absence of the methoxyl group at the C-4 position, have been obtained by chemical synthesis. 4-Demethoxydaunorubicin (NSC-256439) was effective against L1210 and Gross leukemias and ascites and solid Sarcoma 180 at doses four to eight times lower than those effective for daunorubicin. The beta anomer of 4-demethoxydaunorubicin was active at doses 13and eight times higher than those of its corresponding alpha anomer against L1210 and Gross leukemias respectively. 4-Demethoxy-7,9-diepidaunorubicin and its beta anomer were devoid of any biologic activity at the doses tested.", "contents": "Synthesis and antitumor activity of 4-demethoxydaunorubicin, 4-demethoxy-7,9-diepidaunorubicin, and their beta anomers. Four new derivatives of daunorubicin, characterized by the absence of the methoxyl group at the C-4 position, have been obtained by chemical synthesis. 4-Demethoxydaunorubicin (NSC-256439) was effective against L1210 and Gross leukemias and ascites and solid Sarcoma 180 at doses four to eight times lower than those effective for daunorubicin. The beta anomer of 4-demethoxydaunorubicin was active at doses 13and eight times higher than those of its corresponding alpha anomer against L1210 and Gross leukemias respectively. 4-Demethoxy-7,9-diepidaunorubicin and its beta anomer were devoid of any biologic activity at the doses tested.", "PMID": 1009518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11761", "title": "Adrenalectomy and oophorectomy plus limited-term chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer.", "content": "A prospective study employing adrenalectomy and oophorectomy followed by limited-term combination chemotherapy was used in the treatment of 39 patients with advanced breast cancer. Chemotherapy was abruptly stopped at 8 weeks in order to take advantage of rebound immunocompetence. Delayed hypersensitivity was tested by dinitrochlorobenzene skin tests and responses to phytohemagglutinin. There were 22 CRs among 33 patients who entered remission. Eleven patients had a PR with greater than 50% reduction of tumor. Thirteen of 20 patients with visceral disease had a CR. There was a close association between response and competence of the cell-mediated immune system. The median duration of unmaintained remission in those patients with a CR was greater than 16 months. Four of the six failures had had recent radiation therapy to the chest wall which may have influenced immunocompetence. Responses to chemotherapy appear to be additive to endocrine ablation. Rebound of immunocompetence after chemotherapeutic immunosuppression may be related to remission induction and maintenance.", "contents": "Adrenalectomy and oophorectomy plus limited-term chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer. A prospective study employing adrenalectomy and oophorectomy followed by limited-term combination chemotherapy was used in the treatment of 39 patients with advanced breast cancer. Chemotherapy was abruptly stopped at 8 weeks in order to take advantage of rebound immunocompetence. Delayed hypersensitivity was tested by dinitrochlorobenzene skin tests and responses to phytohemagglutinin. There were 22 CRs among 33 patients who entered remission. Eleven patients had a PR with greater than 50% reduction of tumor. Thirteen of 20 patients with visceral disease had a CR. There was a close association between response and competence of the cell-mediated immune system. The median duration of unmaintained remission in those patients with a CR was greater than 16 months. Four of the six failures had had recent radiation therapy to the chest wall which may have influenced immunocompetence. Responses to chemotherapy appear to be additive to endocrine ablation. Rebound of immunocompetence after chemotherapeutic immunosuppression may be related to remission induction and maintenance.", "PMID": 1009519} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11762", "title": "Device for constant Sc infusion of methotrexate: plasma results in mice.", "content": "An infusion device is described which permits sc infusion of methotrexate into mice at a constant rate. Physical characteristics of devices ranging in size from 0.27-mm internal diameter X 15 mm long to 1.95-mm internal diameter X 2 mm long are described. Plateau plasma concentrations of methotrexate (1 X 10(-8) M to 1 X 10(-5) M) achieved from infusion rates varying over three orders of magnitude (less than 1- greater than 100 mug/hour) are presented. These data are evaluated in terms of the known toxic effects and pharmacokinetic behavior of this drug.", "contents": "Device for constant Sc infusion of methotrexate: plasma results in mice. An infusion device is described which permits sc infusion of methotrexate into mice at a constant rate. Physical characteristics of devices ranging in size from 0.27-mm internal diameter X 15 mm long to 1.95-mm internal diameter X 2 mm long are described. Plateau plasma concentrations of methotrexate (1 X 10(-8) M to 1 X 10(-5) M) achieved from infusion rates varying over three orders of magnitude (less than 1- greater than 100 mug/hour) are presented. These data are evaluated in terms of the known toxic effects and pharmacokinetic behavior of this drug.", "PMID": 1009520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11763", "title": "Inhibition of methotrexate transport from cerebrospinal fluid by probenecid.", "content": "In rabbit, the efflux of intraventricularly injected methotrexate from the cerebrospinal fluid was retarded by pretreatment with 200 mg/kg of ip probenecid. In vitro, the ability of the isolated choroid plexus to concentrate methotrexate was depressed by the inclusion of probenecid in the incubation medium. These experimental results are consistent with the hypothesis that probenecid depresses the clearance of methotrexate from the cerebrospinal fluid by blocking the transport of methotrexate from cerebrospinal fluid to blood via the choroid plexus.", "contents": "Inhibition of methotrexate transport from cerebrospinal fluid by probenecid. In rabbit, the efflux of intraventricularly injected methotrexate from the cerebrospinal fluid was retarded by pretreatment with 200 mg/kg of ip probenecid. In vitro, the ability of the isolated choroid plexus to concentrate methotrexate was depressed by the inclusion of probenecid in the incubation medium. These experimental results are consistent with the hypothesis that probenecid depresses the clearance of methotrexate from the cerebrospinal fluid by blocking the transport of methotrexate from cerebrospinal fluid to blood via the choroid plexus.", "PMID": 1009521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11764", "title": "Cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) in advanced bladder cancer.", "content": "Cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) (DDP) was given at a dose of 1.25 or 1.6 mg/kg to 24 patients with advanced measurable, urinary tract cancer. Eight patients (35%) achieved a partial remission and four additional patients had a minor response. There were 14 patients with epidermoid (transitional cell) bladder cancer who had had no prior chemotherapy and all eight partial responders were in this group. DDP appears to be one of the more active antineoplastic agents in bladder cancer.", "contents": "Cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) in advanced bladder cancer. Cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) (DDP) was given at a dose of 1.25 or 1.6 mg/kg to 24 patients with advanced measurable, urinary tract cancer. Eight patients (35%) achieved a partial remission and four additional patients had a minor response. There were 14 patients with epidermoid (transitional cell) bladder cancer who had had no prior chemotherapy and all eight partial responders were in this group. DDP appears to be one of the more active antineoplastic agents in bladder cancer.", "PMID": 1009522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11765", "title": "Cyclophosphamide and CCNU in the treatment of inoperable small cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the lung.", "content": "Two hundred and fifty-eight patients with small cell carcinoma and 185 patients with adenocarcinoma were centrally randomized to receive either cyclophosphamide (1000 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) iv or cyclophosphamide (700 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) iv plus CCNU (70 mg/m2 every 6 weeks) orally. Those patients who were initially treated with the single agent were then treated with CCNU (130 mg/m2 every 6 weeks) at the time of cyclophosphamide failure. Objective tumor regression occurred more frequently with the combination regimen in patients with small cell carcinoma (43% vs 22%, P = 0.002), but no difference in response rates was apparent in patients with adenocarcinoma. In both cell types patients survived somewhat longer following treatment with the combination. The overall incidence of severe toxicity was equal for the two regimens in both cell types; however, the therapeutic index of the combination was superior to that of the single agent in small cell carcinoma. Severe drug toxicity was more frequent in small cell carcinoma patients with extensive disease, and survival was reduced in both cell types with extensive disease. Survival was better for ambulatory patients in both cell types and women survived longer than men. In women with small cell carcinoma, ambulatory status also was associated with a higher incidence of tumor regression. In patients with small cell carcinoma those who had prior lung surgery survived longer than those without prior surgery. Previous radiation therapy was associated with a reduced incidence of objective regression in men with small cell carcinoma. In both cell types patients with tumor regression lived longer than nonresponders; however, objective disease stability was associated with improved survival only in patients with adenocarcinoma. Stratification in future studies should consider extent of disease, performance status, sex, and prior therapy.", "contents": "Cyclophosphamide and CCNU in the treatment of inoperable small cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the lung. Two hundred and fifty-eight patients with small cell carcinoma and 185 patients with adenocarcinoma were centrally randomized to receive either cyclophosphamide (1000 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) iv or cyclophosphamide (700 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) iv plus CCNU (70 mg/m2 every 6 weeks) orally. Those patients who were initially treated with the single agent were then treated with CCNU (130 mg/m2 every 6 weeks) at the time of cyclophosphamide failure. Objective tumor regression occurred more frequently with the combination regimen in patients with small cell carcinoma (43% vs 22%, P = 0.002), but no difference in response rates was apparent in patients with adenocarcinoma. In both cell types patients survived somewhat longer following treatment with the combination. The overall incidence of severe toxicity was equal for the two regimens in both cell types; however, the therapeutic index of the combination was superior to that of the single agent in small cell carcinoma. Severe drug toxicity was more frequent in small cell carcinoma patients with extensive disease, and survival was reduced in both cell types with extensive disease. Survival was better for ambulatory patients in both cell types and women survived longer than men. In women with small cell carcinoma, ambulatory status also was associated with a higher incidence of tumor regression. In patients with small cell carcinoma those who had prior lung surgery survived longer than those without prior surgery. Previous radiation therapy was associated with a reduced incidence of objective regression in men with small cell carcinoma. In both cell types patients with tumor regression lived longer than nonresponders; however, objective disease stability was associated with improved survival only in patients with adenocarcinoma. Stratification in future studies should consider extent of disease, performance status, sex, and prior therapy.", "PMID": 1009523} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11766", "title": "The separation of methyl ethers of methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranosides on a strongly basic ion-exchange resin.", "content": "The methyl ethers of methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha- and -beta-D-glucopyranoside can be isolated on a preparative scale by chromatography on Dowex-1(HO-) resin. This procedure greatly simplifies the purification of methyl ethers, and has been used to isolate the methyl ethers produced by partial methylation of methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside. The separations are thought to depend on an ion-exchange process in which all the free hydroxyl groups are involved. It is concluded that the following acidity sequence holds: HO-4 greater than HO-3 greater than HO-6.", "contents": "The separation of methyl ethers of methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranosides on a strongly basic ion-exchange resin. The methyl ethers of methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha- and -beta-D-glucopyranoside can be isolated on a preparative scale by chromatography on Dowex-1(HO-) resin. This procedure greatly simplifies the purification of methyl ethers, and has been used to isolate the methyl ethers produced by partial methylation of methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside. The separations are thought to depend on an ion-exchange process in which all the free hydroxyl groups are involved. It is concluded that the following acidity sequence holds: HO-4 greater than HO-3 greater than HO-6.", "PMID": 1009535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11767", "title": "Determination of the structure of dextran by 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.", "content": "The 13C-n.m.r. spectra have been recorded for a series of dextrans whose structures, in terms of degree and type of branching, had previously been determined by methylation analysis. The spectra established that all observable linkages in these dextrans are alpha-linked. Correlation of the spectra with methylation data indicated that the 75-85-p.p.m. spectral region is diagnostic for establishing the presence of alpha-D-(1 leads to 2)-, alpha-D-(1 leads to 3)-, or alpha-D-(1 leads to 4)-linkages. Each chemical shift has been found to be temperature-dependent (deltadelta/deltaT) when referenced to either the deuterium lock or an external standard (tetramethylsilane). All carbohydrate deltadelta values are positive, and range from 0.01 to 0.03 p.p.m./degrees C. These values are considerably larger than analogous deltadelta/deltaT values previously observed for smaller molecules. Larger than average deltadelta/deltaT values are associated with the non-anomeric, sugar-linking carbon atoms.", "contents": "Determination of the structure of dextran by 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The 13C-n.m.r. spectra have been recorded for a series of dextrans whose structures, in terms of degree and type of branching, had previously been determined by methylation analysis. The spectra established that all observable linkages in these dextrans are alpha-linked. Correlation of the spectra with methylation data indicated that the 75-85-p.p.m. spectral region is diagnostic for establishing the presence of alpha-D-(1 leads to 2)-, alpha-D-(1 leads to 3)-, or alpha-D-(1 leads to 4)-linkages. Each chemical shift has been found to be temperature-dependent (deltadelta/deltaT) when referenced to either the deuterium lock or an external standard (tetramethylsilane). All carbohydrate deltadelta values are positive, and range from 0.01 to 0.03 p.p.m./degrees C. These values are considerably larger than analogous deltadelta/deltaT values previously observed for smaller molecules. Larger than average deltadelta/deltaT values are associated with the non-anomeric, sugar-linking carbon atoms.", "PMID": 1009536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11768", "title": "A facile synthesis of 2-methyl-[3,4-di-O-acetyl-6-O-(chloroacetyl)-1,2-dideoxy-alpha-D-glucopyrano]-[2',1':4,5]-2-oxazoline.", "content": "The use of the chloroacetyl group as a protecting group has been studied for a 2-methylglyco-[2',1':4,5]-2-oxazoline. The reaction of chloroacetyl chloride or chloroacetic anhydride with 2-acetamido-1,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranose provided 2-acetamido-1,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-6-O-(chloroacetyl)-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranose which, on treatment with anhydrous ferric chloride in dichloromethane, produced the desired oxazoline. The glycosylating capability of the oxazoline has been investigated with aglycon hydroxides, to give the corresponding 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosides. The chloroacetyl group can be selectively removed by treatment with thiourea, and migration of O-acetyl groups was not observed under these conditions.", "contents": "A facile synthesis of 2-methyl-[3,4-di-O-acetyl-6-O-(chloroacetyl)-1,2-dideoxy-alpha-D-glucopyrano]-[2',1':4,5]-2-oxazoline. The use of the chloroacetyl group as a protecting group has been studied for a 2-methylglyco-[2',1':4,5]-2-oxazoline. The reaction of chloroacetyl chloride or chloroacetic anhydride with 2-acetamido-1,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranose provided 2-acetamido-1,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-6-O-(chloroacetyl)-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranose which, on treatment with anhydrous ferric chloride in dichloromethane, produced the desired oxazoline. The glycosylating capability of the oxazoline has been investigated with aglycon hydroxides, to give the corresponding 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosides. The chloroacetyl group can be selectively removed by treatment with thiourea, and migration of O-acetyl groups was not observed under these conditions.", "PMID": 1009537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11769", "title": "An improved method for the syntheses of p-aminophenyl 1-thio-beta-D-glycosides.", "content": "The condensation of the appropriate acetylglycosyl bromides with p-aminobenzenethiol in the presence of sodium methoxide afforded p-aminophenyl 1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 1-thio-beta-D-galactopyranoside, 1-thio-beta-D-xylopyranoside, and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranoside. p-Aminophenyl 1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid was synthesized by condensation of methyl (2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl bromide)uronate with p-aminobenzenethiol, followed by saponification with sodium hydroxide.", "contents": "An improved method for the syntheses of p-aminophenyl 1-thio-beta-D-glycosides. The condensation of the appropriate acetylglycosyl bromides with p-aminobenzenethiol in the presence of sodium methoxide afforded p-aminophenyl 1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 1-thio-beta-D-galactopyranoside, 1-thio-beta-D-xylopyranoside, and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranoside. p-Aminophenyl 1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid was synthesized by condensation of methyl (2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl bromide)uronate with p-aminobenzenethiol, followed by saponification with sodium hydroxide.", "PMID": 1009538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11770", "title": "Effect of routine treadmill testing on the serum enzymes.", "content": "A number of serum enzymes increase after strenuous exercise. However, there is no information concerning these enzymes after routine treadmill testing, SGOT, CPK and LDH were determined before, immediately after, at 4 and 24 h postexercise in 100 subjects undergoing this test. When the group was considered as a whole, only the SGOT showed a slight but statistically significant elevation immediately after exercise. The mean values of the SGOT at 4 and 24 h, as well as the mean values for the CPK and LDH at all times after exercise, were not significantly increased. SGOT increased more significantly immediately after exercise in those patients who exercised more than 6 min. This group of patients also showed modest but statistically significant elevations of their CPK immediately after completion of the exercise test. Analyses of the data in relation to the presence or absence of ischemic ST shifts and presence or absence of documented coronary obstruction, failed to show any significant correlation. The effect of conditioning on the serum enzyme changes postexercise was not demonstrable.", "contents": "Effect of routine treadmill testing on the serum enzymes. A number of serum enzymes increase after strenuous exercise. However, there is no information concerning these enzymes after routine treadmill testing, SGOT, CPK and LDH were determined before, immediately after, at 4 and 24 h postexercise in 100 subjects undergoing this test. When the group was considered as a whole, only the SGOT showed a slight but statistically significant elevation immediately after exercise. The mean values of the SGOT at 4 and 24 h, as well as the mean values for the CPK and LDH at all times after exercise, were not significantly increased. SGOT increased more significantly immediately after exercise in those patients who exercised more than 6 min. This group of patients also showed modest but statistically significant elevations of their CPK immediately after completion of the exercise test. Analyses of the data in relation to the presence or absence of ischemic ST shifts and presence or absence of documented coronary obstruction, failed to show any significant correlation. The effect of conditioning on the serum enzyme changes postexercise was not demonstrable.", "PMID": 1009541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11771", "title": "Evaluation of V max TP as an index of myocardial contractility during afterload and preload elevations.", "content": "In order to test if the maximal velocity of shortening (V max TP) reflects the level of inotropism and is affected by preload and afterload, the behavior of this index was compared in two groups of anesthetized, atropinized dogs when preload and afterload were raised with an angiotensin II infusion. In seven dogs (group I), the arterial pressure elevation was allowed to inhibit reflectively the sympathetic tone and depress contractility. In eleven dogs (group II), the adrenergic activity was abolished by previous administration of reserpine. In group I, there was a significant decrease in V max TP during the angiotensin infusion. In group II, there was no significant change in the value of this index when the drug was infused. In six animals of this group, a further increase of arterial pressure was induced, but the values of V max TP remained similar to control. These results suggest that this index reflects the inotropic state of the myocardium and does not suffer significantly from the influence of preload and afterload elevations within our experimental limits.", "contents": "Evaluation of V max TP as an index of myocardial contractility during afterload and preload elevations. In order to test if the maximal velocity of shortening (V max TP) reflects the level of inotropism and is affected by preload and afterload, the behavior of this index was compared in two groups of anesthetized, atropinized dogs when preload and afterload were raised with an angiotensin II infusion. In seven dogs (group I), the arterial pressure elevation was allowed to inhibit reflectively the sympathetic tone and depress contractility. In eleven dogs (group II), the adrenergic activity was abolished by previous administration of reserpine. In group I, there was a significant decrease in V max TP during the angiotensin infusion. In group II, there was no significant change in the value of this index when the drug was infused. In six animals of this group, a further increase of arterial pressure was induced, but the values of V max TP remained similar to control. These results suggest that this index reflects the inotropic state of the myocardium and does not suffer significantly from the influence of preload and afterload elevations within our experimental limits.", "PMID": 1009542} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11772", "title": "Pacemaker Wenckebach phenomenon due to antiarrhythmic drug toxicity.", "content": "Two patients with intractable ventricular arrhythmia were managed with ventricular pacing and antiarrhythmic drugs. Toxic levels of these drugs results in unusual conduction disturbances at the level of Purkinje ventricular junction which caused pacemaker Wenckebach phenomenon and marked QRS prolongation. Sodium bicarbonate and sodium lactate infusion improved the conduction velocity probably by hyperpolarizing the membrane and reversed the conduction disturbance.", "contents": "Pacemaker Wenckebach phenomenon due to antiarrhythmic drug toxicity. Two patients with intractable ventricular arrhythmia were managed with ventricular pacing and antiarrhythmic drugs. Toxic levels of these drugs results in unusual conduction disturbances at the level of Purkinje ventricular junction which caused pacemaker Wenckebach phenomenon and marked QRS prolongation. Sodium bicarbonate and sodium lactate infusion improved the conduction velocity probably by hyperpolarizing the membrane and reversed the conduction disturbance.", "PMID": 1009543} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11773", "title": "Ventricular rhythms in acute myocardial infarction.", "content": "Ectopic ventricular activity in acute myocardial infarction is considered to be benign if it is slow and regular (accelerated idioventricular rhythm), but ominous when rapid (ventricular tachycardia). However, it has been observed in an increasing number of reports that these two types may coexist in the same patient, altering thereby the clinical significance of both. In the present study electrocardiograms were analyzed of 55 patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction, in whom idioventricular rhythm occurred. It was found that three major types of ventricular rhythms could be identified: a regular-stable rhythm, an irregularunstable one, and a third variant which was a combination of these two types. The stable ventricular rhythm was self limited and harmless. The unstable and combined types which were characterized by random coupling times and varying interbeat intervals, were frequently associated with re-entrant beats and fast ventricular rates and therefore a potentially ominous prognosis. It is suggested that the Ca++ dependent slow diastolic depolarization may be the mechanism responsible for the unstable ventricular rhythm, and the reasons for this assumption are discussed. A therapeutic approach based on the above considerations is described.", "contents": "Ventricular rhythms in acute myocardial infarction. Ectopic ventricular activity in acute myocardial infarction is considered to be benign if it is slow and regular (accelerated idioventricular rhythm), but ominous when rapid (ventricular tachycardia). However, it has been observed in an increasing number of reports that these two types may coexist in the same patient, altering thereby the clinical significance of both. In the present study electrocardiograms were analyzed of 55 patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction, in whom idioventricular rhythm occurred. It was found that three major types of ventricular rhythms could be identified: a regular-stable rhythm, an irregularunstable one, and a third variant which was a combination of these two types. The stable ventricular rhythm was self limited and harmless. The unstable and combined types which were characterized by random coupling times and varying interbeat intervals, were frequently associated with re-entrant beats and fast ventricular rates and therefore a potentially ominous prognosis. It is suggested that the Ca++ dependent slow diastolic depolarization may be the mechanism responsible for the unstable ventricular rhythm, and the reasons for this assumption are discussed. A therapeutic approach based on the above considerations is described.", "PMID": 1009544} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11774", "title": "Incidence and implications of abnormal intraventricular conduction in the coronary care unit.", "content": "A transient, intermittent, or permanent disorder of intraventricular conduction was found in 35% of 404 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and abnormal intraventricular conduction were older than patients with normal intraventricular conduction, but there was no significant age difference between patients with normal and abnormal intraventricular conduction who died. Mortality was only slightly higher in patients with preexisting intraventricular conduction disorder than in patients with normal intraventricular conduction. On the other hand, mortality was remarkably higher in patients in whom abnormal intraventricular conduction developed during the course of acute myocardial infarction than in patients with either normal intraventricular conduction or preexisting abnormal intraventricular conduction. Transvenous cardiac pacing had little impact on mortality, death being due to pump failure in the majority of the patients. This study identifies a group of high-risk patients in whom early aggressive management utilizing newer therapeutic modalities such as mechanical circulatory assistance, emergency aortocoronary bypass, or both, might be profitably applied.", "contents": "Incidence and implications of abnormal intraventricular conduction in the coronary care unit. A transient, intermittent, or permanent disorder of intraventricular conduction was found in 35% of 404 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and abnormal intraventricular conduction were older than patients with normal intraventricular conduction, but there was no significant age difference between patients with normal and abnormal intraventricular conduction who died. Mortality was only slightly higher in patients with preexisting intraventricular conduction disorder than in patients with normal intraventricular conduction. On the other hand, mortality was remarkably higher in patients in whom abnormal intraventricular conduction developed during the course of acute myocardial infarction than in patients with either normal intraventricular conduction or preexisting abnormal intraventricular conduction. Transvenous cardiac pacing had little impact on mortality, death being due to pump failure in the majority of the patients. This study identifies a group of high-risk patients in whom early aggressive management utilizing newer therapeutic modalities such as mechanical circulatory assistance, emergency aortocoronary bypass, or both, might be profitably applied.", "PMID": 1009545} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11775", "title": "Permeability of barnacle muscle fibers to water and nonelectrolytes.", "content": "The permeability of isolated muscle fibers of the giant barnacle Megabalanus psittacus to water and nonelectrolytes was studied by determining their reflection and permeability coefficients. Reflection coefficients were obtained by comparing the osmotic fluxes produced by a test molecule to that produced by the impermeant sucrose molecule. Permeability coefficients were determined for measurements of tracer uptake. The results indicate that, in these fibers, nonelectrolyte permeability is closely related to lipid solubility and molecular size. A value of 2.16 X 10(-12) cm3/sec dyne for the hydraulic conductivity and a value of 10.45 X 10(-4) cm/sec for 3HHO permeability coefficient were obtained. The effect of membrane surface invaginations and clefts on the determination of permeability coefficients is discussed.", "contents": "Permeability of barnacle muscle fibers to water and nonelectrolytes. The permeability of isolated muscle fibers of the giant barnacle Megabalanus psittacus to water and nonelectrolytes was studied by determining their reflection and permeability coefficients. Reflection coefficients were obtained by comparing the osmotic fluxes produced by a test molecule to that produced by the impermeant sucrose molecule. Permeability coefficients were determined for measurements of tracer uptake. The results indicate that, in these fibers, nonelectrolyte permeability is closely related to lipid solubility and molecular size. A value of 2.16 X 10(-12) cm3/sec dyne for the hydraulic conductivity and a value of 10.45 X 10(-4) cm/sec for 3HHO permeability coefficient were obtained. The effect of membrane surface invaginations and clefts on the determination of permeability coefficients is discussed.", "PMID": 1009569} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11776", "title": "Chemical synthesis of dinitrodiphenysulfone derivatives of ethanolamine and serine and its application to the study of neighbor analysis of amino-phospholipids in the erythrocyte membrane.", "content": "The dinitrodiphenysulfone derivatives of serine and ethanolamine have been prepared and their chromatographic and spectral properties are described. This cross-linking agent was used to determine the neighbor analysis of amino-phospholipids in the erythrocyte membrane. The results with erythrocyte ghosts show that at 50 muM probe 31-50% of the total phosphatidylethanolamine is cross-linked to itself and 10-12% of the phosphatidylethanolamine is cross-linked to phosphatidylserine. Approximately 10-12% of the phosphatidylserine is cross-linked to itself and 16-20% of phosphatidylserine is cross-linked to phosphatidylethanolamine. The cross-linking of amino-phospholipids of ghosts with difluorodinitrodiphenylsulfone (9 A span) is compared with cross-linking of these phospholipids by difluorodinitrobenzene (5 A span). It is important to use the same sample of ghosts for this type of study since biological variability was seen in ghosts prepared from different batches of stored blood.", "contents": "Chemical synthesis of dinitrodiphenysulfone derivatives of ethanolamine and serine and its application to the study of neighbor analysis of amino-phospholipids in the erythrocyte membrane. The dinitrodiphenysulfone derivatives of serine and ethanolamine have been prepared and their chromatographic and spectral properties are described. This cross-linking agent was used to determine the neighbor analysis of amino-phospholipids in the erythrocyte membrane. The results with erythrocyte ghosts show that at 50 muM probe 31-50% of the total phosphatidylethanolamine is cross-linked to itself and 10-12% of the phosphatidylethanolamine is cross-linked to phosphatidylserine. Approximately 10-12% of the phosphatidylserine is cross-linked to itself and 16-20% of phosphatidylserine is cross-linked to phosphatidylethanolamine. The cross-linking of amino-phospholipids of ghosts with difluorodinitrodiphenylsulfone (9 A span) is compared with cross-linking of these phospholipids by difluorodinitrobenzene (5 A span). It is important to use the same sample of ghosts for this type of study since biological variability was seen in ghosts prepared from different batches of stored blood.", "PMID": 1009570} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11777", "title": "Ca++-induced fusion of fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum with artificial planar bilayers.", "content": "Addition of fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles to the aqueous phase of a black lipid membrane (BLM) causes a large increase in BLM conductance within 10 min. The conductance increase is absolutely dependent on three conditions: The presence of at least 0.5 mM Ca++, an acidic phospholipid such as phosphatidylserine or diphosphatidylglycerol in the BLM phospholipid mixture, and an osmotic gradient across the SR vesicle membrane, with the internal osmolarity greater than the external. These requirements are identical to conditions under which the fusion of phospholipid vesicles occurs. When the early part of the time course of conductance rise is examined at high sensitivity, the conductance is seen to increase in discrete steps. The probability of a step increases with the concentration of Ca++ in the medium, with the fraction of acidic phospholipid in the BLM, and with the size of the osmotic gradient across the SR vesicle membrane. On the other hand, the average conductance change per step is independent of the above parameters, but varies with the type and concentration of ions present in the aqueous phase. For a given ion, the mean specific conductance per step is independent of the ion's concentration between 10 and 100 mM. The probability distribution of the step-conductances agrees well with the distribution of SR vesicle surface areas, both before and after sonication of the vesicles. The evidence indicates that SR vesicles fuse with the BLM, thereby inserting SR membrane conductance pathways into it. Each discrete conductance jump appears to be the result of the fusion of a single SR vesicle with the BLM. This technique may serve as a general method for inserting membrane vesicles into an electrically accessible system.", "contents": "Ca++-induced fusion of fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum with artificial planar bilayers. Addition of fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles to the aqueous phase of a black lipid membrane (BLM) causes a large increase in BLM conductance within 10 min. The conductance increase is absolutely dependent on three conditions: The presence of at least 0.5 mM Ca++, an acidic phospholipid such as phosphatidylserine or diphosphatidylglycerol in the BLM phospholipid mixture, and an osmotic gradient across the SR vesicle membrane, with the internal osmolarity greater than the external. These requirements are identical to conditions under which the fusion of phospholipid vesicles occurs. When the early part of the time course of conductance rise is examined at high sensitivity, the conductance is seen to increase in discrete steps. The probability of a step increases with the concentration of Ca++ in the medium, with the fraction of acidic phospholipid in the BLM, and with the size of the osmotic gradient across the SR vesicle membrane. On the other hand, the average conductance change per step is independent of the above parameters, but varies with the type and concentration of ions present in the aqueous phase. For a given ion, the mean specific conductance per step is independent of the ion's concentration between 10 and 100 mM. The probability distribution of the step-conductances agrees well with the distribution of SR vesicle surface areas, both before and after sonication of the vesicles. The evidence indicates that SR vesicles fuse with the BLM, thereby inserting SR membrane conductance pathways into it. Each discrete conductance jump appears to be the result of the fusion of a single SR vesicle with the BLM. This technique may serve as a general method for inserting membrane vesicles into an electrically accessible system.", "PMID": 1009571} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11778", "title": "Localization of 5-methylcytosine in human metaphase chromosomes by immunoelectron microscopy.", "content": "Human metaphase chromosomes, fixed in methanol-acetic acid, were ultraviolet irradiated to produce single-stranded regions of chromosomal DNA and treated with anti-5-methylcytidine. Using an immunoperoxidase procedure, regions of antibody binding were readily visualized by light microscopy in the centromeric heterochromatin regions of chromosomes 1, 9, 16, the short arm of chromosome 15, and in the distal portion of the Y. Electron microscopic visualization of the same whole mount chromosome preparations transferred to formvarcoated grids revealed additional details of the distribution and arrangement of 5-methylcytosine. A helical arrangement of 5-methylcytosine residues was seen below the centromere of chromosome 1. The Y chromosome showed a concentration of 5-methylcytosine residues on the distal long arm, and in areas just below and slightly above the centromere. In all the above chromosomes, especially chromosome 15, additional 5-methylcytosine residues were detected as isolated foci along the arms. Our findings support the concept that clusters of similar purine or pyrimidine residues exist along the arms of condensed metaphase chromosomes, with the possibility that concentrations of 5-methylcytosine residues might have been enhanced at the surface of the chromosomes during the condensation process.", "contents": "Localization of 5-methylcytosine in human metaphase chromosomes by immunoelectron microscopy. Human metaphase chromosomes, fixed in methanol-acetic acid, were ultraviolet irradiated to produce single-stranded regions of chromosomal DNA and treated with anti-5-methylcytidine. Using an immunoperoxidase procedure, regions of antibody binding were readily visualized by light microscopy in the centromeric heterochromatin regions of chromosomes 1, 9, 16, the short arm of chromosome 15, and in the distal portion of the Y. Electron microscopic visualization of the same whole mount chromosome preparations transferred to formvarcoated grids revealed additional details of the distribution and arrangement of 5-methylcytosine. A helical arrangement of 5-methylcytosine residues was seen below the centromere of chromosome 1. The Y chromosome showed a concentration of 5-methylcytosine residues on the distal long arm, and in areas just below and slightly above the centromere. In all the above chromosomes, especially chromosome 15, additional 5-methylcytosine residues were detected as isolated foci along the arms. Our findings support the concept that clusters of similar purine or pyrimidine residues exist along the arms of condensed metaphase chromosomes, with the possibility that concentrations of 5-methylcytosine residues might have been enhanced at the surface of the chromosomes during the condensation process.", "PMID": 1009572} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11779", "title": "Differentiation of the epidermal keratinocyte in cell culture: formation of the cornified envelope.", "content": "Human epidermal keratinocytes grow from single cells into stratified colonies. Cells in the upper layers of the colonies lose their ability to divide and begin terminal differentiation. In this process, there develops a cornified cell envelope that remains insoluble after heating in solutions of sodium dodecylsulfate and beta-mercaptoethanol. The insolubility of the cornified envelope depends upon proteins, since after treatment with proteolytic enzymes, the envelope becomes soluble in the detergent. Cells with cornified envelopes can be identified under the light microscope either in living colonies or following fixation and silver nitrate staining. Keratinocytes of the basal layer move in a characteristic way, but cornified cells do not move at all and form an immobile upper layer in the colonies. Keratinocytes disaggregated from growing colonies are of differing size and density, and can be separated on isopycnic gradients of Ficoll. The DNA-synthesizing cells are small (mean diameter 14 mum). The nonmultiplying cells are large and have a protein content proportionate to their size. Their final diameter may exceed 30 microns (volume increase greater than 10 fold). Cornified envelopes are found in some of the large cells but in none of the small. In growing colonies, usually 5-10% of the cells have cornified envelopes. The fraction is reduced in colonies growing in the presence of epidermal growth factor. Strain XB, an established keratinocyte line of mouse teratomal origin, also forms cornified envelopes, but the kinetics of the process are different, indicating that the program of terminal differentiation is not initiated at corresponding times in the two cell types.", "contents": "Differentiation of the epidermal keratinocyte in cell culture: formation of the cornified envelope. Human epidermal keratinocytes grow from single cells into stratified colonies. Cells in the upper layers of the colonies lose their ability to divide and begin terminal differentiation. In this process, there develops a cornified cell envelope that remains insoluble after heating in solutions of sodium dodecylsulfate and beta-mercaptoethanol. The insolubility of the cornified envelope depends upon proteins, since after treatment with proteolytic enzymes, the envelope becomes soluble in the detergent. Cells with cornified envelopes can be identified under the light microscope either in living colonies or following fixation and silver nitrate staining. Keratinocytes of the basal layer move in a characteristic way, but cornified cells do not move at all and form an immobile upper layer in the colonies. Keratinocytes disaggregated from growing colonies are of differing size and density, and can be separated on isopycnic gradients of Ficoll. The DNA-synthesizing cells are small (mean diameter 14 mum). The nonmultiplying cells are large and have a protein content proportionate to their size. Their final diameter may exceed 30 microns (volume increase greater than 10 fold). Cornified envelopes are found in some of the large cells but in none of the small. In growing colonies, usually 5-10% of the cells have cornified envelopes. The fraction is reduced in colonies growing in the presence of epidermal growth factor. Strain XB, an established keratinocyte line of mouse teratomal origin, also forms cornified envelopes, but the kinetics of the process are different, indicating that the program of terminal differentiation is not initiated at corresponding times in the two cell types.", "PMID": 1009573} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11780", "title": "In vitro studies of mouse embryos bearing mutations at the T locus: tw5 and t12 .", "content": "Lethal mutations in the T region of chromosome 17 in the mouse cause death at specific stages of embryonic development. It is widely believed that death of homozygous mutant embryos occurs as a result of aberrant cell-cell interaction followed by disorganization and death of specific cell types within the embryo. In vitro culture of blastocysts homozygous for one of these mutations, tw5, has revealed that this mutation is lethal for all cells of the mutant embryo. In addition, measurements of beta-glucuronidase activity indicate that the lethal period of the tw5 mutation is the same in vitro as it is in vivo. Similar biochemical studies with t12 mutant embryos demonstrate that cessation of macromolecular synthesis occurs rather abruptly at the morula stage, the time at which those mutant embryos die in vivo. These results lead us to propose that all cells within the conceptus are directly and profoundly affected by early acting t mutations, and that failure of some cell types to organize properly is not an adequate explanation of the death of these mutants.", "contents": "In vitro studies of mouse embryos bearing mutations at the T locus: tw5 and t12 . Lethal mutations in the T region of chromosome 17 in the mouse cause death at specific stages of embryonic development. It is widely believed that death of homozygous mutant embryos occurs as a result of aberrant cell-cell interaction followed by disorganization and death of specific cell types within the embryo. In vitro culture of blastocysts homozygous for one of these mutations, tw5, has revealed that this mutation is lethal for all cells of the mutant embryo. In addition, measurements of beta-glucuronidase activity indicate that the lethal period of the tw5 mutation is the same in vitro as it is in vivo. Similar biochemical studies with t12 mutant embryos demonstrate that cessation of macromolecular synthesis occurs rather abruptly at the morula stage, the time at which those mutant embryos die in vivo. These results lead us to propose that all cells within the conceptus are directly and profoundly affected by early acting t mutations, and that failure of some cell types to organize properly is not an adequate explanation of the death of these mutants.", "PMID": 1009574} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11781", "title": "Genetic determination of the beta-galactosidase developmental program in mouse liver.", "content": "The developmental program for beta-galactosidase in C57BL/6J and related strains of mice differs from that seen in most other mouse strains. Mice of the C57BL/6 group show a rise in liver enzyme activity during development that is not seen in mice of other strains. The developmental pattern of beta-galactosidase activity in heart and brain of C57BL/6 mice is similar to that in other strains. Physical, kinetic, and immunological tests indicate that the developmental increase in C57BL/6 enzyme activity is an increase in the number of molecules of the same species of enzyme protein that is present in other strains. In genetic crosses, the presence of the developmental rise in liver enzyme activity segregates as if determined by a single genetic factor showing additive expression in heterozygotes. This factor is closely linked to the beta-galactosidase structural gene on chromosome 9. The existence of a genetic variant with these properties is evidence that programmatic information capable of regulating the temporal expression of a structural gene can be encoded in DNA.", "contents": "Genetic determination of the beta-galactosidase developmental program in mouse liver. The developmental program for beta-galactosidase in C57BL/6J and related strains of mice differs from that seen in most other mouse strains. Mice of the C57BL/6 group show a rise in liver enzyme activity during development that is not seen in mice of other strains. The developmental pattern of beta-galactosidase activity in heart and brain of C57BL/6 mice is similar to that in other strains. Physical, kinetic, and immunological tests indicate that the developmental increase in C57BL/6 enzyme activity is an increase in the number of molecules of the same species of enzyme protein that is present in other strains. In genetic crosses, the presence of the developmental rise in liver enzyme activity segregates as if determined by a single genetic factor showing additive expression in heterozygotes. This factor is closely linked to the beta-galactosidase structural gene on chromosome 9. The existence of a genetic variant with these properties is evidence that programmatic information capable of regulating the temporal expression of a structural gene can be encoded in DNA.", "PMID": 1009575} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11782", "title": "Characterization of single-stranded viral DNA sequences present during replication of adenovirus types 2 and 5.", "content": "Replication intermediates of adenovirus DNA apparently contain extensive stretches of single-stranded DNA. Such single-stranded viral DNA sequences homologous to different regions of the viral genome present in adenovirus-infected cells during viral DNA replication have therefore been characterized by hybridization to the separated strands of restriction endonuclease fragments of 32P-labeled adenovirus types 2 and 5 DNA. Saturation hybridization experiments with infected cell DNA extracted at late times suggest that all regions of the adenovirus genome are represented in the single-stranded fraction, but at unequal frequencies. This nonuniform representation has been characterized in more detail with self-annealed, total cell DNA extracted 18 hr after adenovirus type 2 infection: the concentration of single-stranded sequences homologous to different regions of the viral genome was determined by comparing the rates of hybridization of 32P-labeled, single-stranded DNA probes with such self-annealed 18 hr DNA to the rates of hybridization of the same probes with equal concentrations of their complements. This approach allows the concentration of single-stranded viral DNA sequences in excess of their complements to be determined. Such sequences can be represented by two concentration gradients across the viral genome: those homologous to the r strand increase in concentration from 27.8-40.9 units toward the right end, whereas sequences homologous to the 1 strand increase from an area 27.8-40.9 units toward the left end. The time course of synthesis of single-stranded viral DNA sequences relative to accumulation of total viral DNA during the productive cycle and their behavior following a shift of H5ts125-infected cells in which viral DNA replication has begun from a permissive to a nonpermissive temperature support the contention that these sequences are indeed generated as adenovirus DNA is replicated. These results are therefore discussed in terms of current models of adenovirus DNA replication.", "contents": "Characterization of single-stranded viral DNA sequences present during replication of adenovirus types 2 and 5. Replication intermediates of adenovirus DNA apparently contain extensive stretches of single-stranded DNA. Such single-stranded viral DNA sequences homologous to different regions of the viral genome present in adenovirus-infected cells during viral DNA replication have therefore been characterized by hybridization to the separated strands of restriction endonuclease fragments of 32P-labeled adenovirus types 2 and 5 DNA. Saturation hybridization experiments with infected cell DNA extracted at late times suggest that all regions of the adenovirus genome are represented in the single-stranded fraction, but at unequal frequencies. This nonuniform representation has been characterized in more detail with self-annealed, total cell DNA extracted 18 hr after adenovirus type 2 infection: the concentration of single-stranded sequences homologous to different regions of the viral genome was determined by comparing the rates of hybridization of 32P-labeled, single-stranded DNA probes with such self-annealed 18 hr DNA to the rates of hybridization of the same probes with equal concentrations of their complements. This approach allows the concentration of single-stranded viral DNA sequences in excess of their complements to be determined. Such sequences can be represented by two concentration gradients across the viral genome: those homologous to the r strand increase in concentration from 27.8-40.9 units toward the right end, whereas sequences homologous to the 1 strand increase from an area 27.8-40.9 units toward the left end. The time course of synthesis of single-stranded viral DNA sequences relative to accumulation of total viral DNA during the productive cycle and their behavior following a shift of H5ts125-infected cells in which viral DNA replication has begun from a permissive to a nonpermissive temperature support the contention that these sequences are indeed generated as adenovirus DNA is replicated. These results are therefore discussed in terms of current models of adenovirus DNA replication.", "PMID": 1009576} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11783", "title": "Monospecific immunoprecipitation of murine leukemia virus polyribosomes: identification of p30 protein-specific messenger RNA.", "content": "A rabbit antiserum monospecific for the internal structural protein p30 of Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) was prepared to immunoprecipitate the polyribosomes synthesizing this protein in producer cells. The antiserum was monospecific for p30 protein as judged by immunodiffusion analysis against purified p30 and total virus protein. In addition, it could specifically precipitate p30 from total virus protein in the presence of cell extracts. Less than 1% of the M-MuLV-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) could be precipitated from purified producer cell polyribosomes when the anti-p30 was used in conjunction with sheep anti-rabbit antiserum. However, considerably more virus-specific mRNA was precipitated when the anti-p30 was used in conjunction with inactivated Staphylococcus aureus, which has binding sites for the antibody. Conditions were obtained where approximately 7% of the virus-specific mRNA in purified polyribosomes was recovered by immunoprecipitation, while normal serum precipitated 10 fold less. The virus-specific mRNA in the immunoprecipitated polyribosomes was 30S-35S in size.", "contents": "Monospecific immunoprecipitation of murine leukemia virus polyribosomes: identification of p30 protein-specific messenger RNA. A rabbit antiserum monospecific for the internal structural protein p30 of Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) was prepared to immunoprecipitate the polyribosomes synthesizing this protein in producer cells. The antiserum was monospecific for p30 protein as judged by immunodiffusion analysis against purified p30 and total virus protein. In addition, it could specifically precipitate p30 from total virus protein in the presence of cell extracts. Less than 1% of the M-MuLV-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) could be precipitated from purified producer cell polyribosomes when the anti-p30 was used in conjunction with sheep anti-rabbit antiserum. However, considerably more virus-specific mRNA was precipitated when the anti-p30 was used in conjunction with inactivated Staphylococcus aureus, which has binding sites for the antibody. Conditions were obtained where approximately 7% of the virus-specific mRNA in purified polyribosomes was recovered by immunoprecipitation, while normal serum precipitated 10 fold less. The virus-specific mRNA in the immunoprecipitated polyribosomes was 30S-35S in size.", "PMID": 1009577} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11784", "title": "Methylated blocked 5' terminal sequences of sea urchin embryo messenger RNA classes containing and lacking poly(A).", "content": "Sea urchin embryo mRNAs of three distinct classes--histone mRNA, nonhistone mRNA containing poly(A), \"[+A] mRNA,\" and nonhistone mRNA lacking poly(A), \"[-A]mRNA\"--all contain blocked 5' terminal sequences in which 7-methylguanosine is linked 5'-5' via a triphosphate bridge to a 2'-0-methylated nucleotide. Only one general type of 5' terminal structure, 7mGpppXmpYp, is present. Additional 2'-0-methylation in the Y residue has not been found either in early or late stage embryos. A substantial proportion of the polyribosomal mRNAs in all three classes contain this blocked structure. Whereas both classes of nonhistone mRNAs have internal base methylations, histone mRNAs lack such modifications.", "contents": "Methylated blocked 5' terminal sequences of sea urchin embryo messenger RNA classes containing and lacking poly(A). Sea urchin embryo mRNAs of three distinct classes--histone mRNA, nonhistone mRNA containing poly(A), \"[+A] mRNA,\" and nonhistone mRNA lacking poly(A), \"[-A]mRNA\"--all contain blocked 5' terminal sequences in which 7-methylguanosine is linked 5'-5' via a triphosphate bridge to a 2'-0-methylated nucleotide. Only one general type of 5' terminal structure, 7mGpppXmpYp, is present. Additional 2'-0-methylation in the Y residue has not been found either in early or late stage embryos. A substantial proportion of the polyribosomal mRNAs in all three classes contain this blocked structure. Whereas both classes of nonhistone mRNAs have internal base methylations, histone mRNAs lack such modifications.", "PMID": 1009578} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11785", "title": "Methylated constituents of poly(A)- and poly(A)+ polyribosomal RNA of sea urchin embryos.", "content": "We have examined the poly(A)- and poly(A)+ polyribosomal (Ps) RNAs of developing sea urchin embryos to see whether they contain the capped structures previously observed in the poly(A)+ cytoplasmic RNA (mRNA) of a variety of eucaryotic organisms. We have found that both classes of Ps RNA contain 7-methylguanosine linked to the RNA by a 5'-5' triphosphate bridge. Capped structures derived from either class of Ps RNA appear to be of the type m7G5'ppp5'NmpNp, with only a single sugar-methylated nucleoside per cap, and we have estimated that both classes of Ps RNA are capped to the same extent. The 5' terminal 2'-0-methylated nucleosides have been identified and quantitated. The relative amounts are Am = 78%, Gm = 14%, Cm = 5%, Um = 3% for poly(A)- Ps RNA, and Am = 78%, Gm = 15%, Cm = 5%, Um = 2% for poly (A)+ Ps RNA. In addition, both classes of Ps RNA contain 2-4 internal residues of N6-methyladenylic acid per molecule.", "contents": "Methylated constituents of poly(A)- and poly(A)+ polyribosomal RNA of sea urchin embryos. We have examined the poly(A)- and poly(A)+ polyribosomal (Ps) RNAs of developing sea urchin embryos to see whether they contain the capped structures previously observed in the poly(A)+ cytoplasmic RNA (mRNA) of a variety of eucaryotic organisms. We have found that both classes of Ps RNA contain 7-methylguanosine linked to the RNA by a 5'-5' triphosphate bridge. Capped structures derived from either class of Ps RNA appear to be of the type m7G5'ppp5'NmpNp, with only a single sugar-methylated nucleoside per cap, and we have estimated that both classes of Ps RNA are capped to the same extent. The 5' terminal 2'-0-methylated nucleosides have been identified and quantitated. The relative amounts are Am = 78%, Gm = 14%, Cm = 5%, Um = 3% for poly(A)- Ps RNA, and Am = 78%, Gm = 15%, Cm = 5%, Um = 2% for poly (A)+ Ps RNA. In addition, both classes of Ps RNA contain 2-4 internal residues of N6-methyladenylic acid per molecule.", "PMID": 1009579} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11786", "title": "A comparison of the structure of chicken erythrocyte and chicken liver chromatin.", "content": "The structure of chicken erythrocyte and chicken liver chromatin has been studied by enzymatic digestion with micrococcal nuclease and DNAase I. Comparison of the fragments produced by brief digestion with micrococcal nuclease indicates that chicken erythrocyte chromatin has a longer nucleosome repeat than chicken liver chromatin, 212 base pairs as opposed to 200 base pairs (bp). More extensive digestion with micrococcal nuclease demonstrates that both tissues have 140 bp mucleosome cores. The difference in the length of the nucleosome repeat must therefore result from a difference in the length of the DNA linker between cores. Chicken erythrocyte chromatin is known to contain a tissue-specific, H1-like histone, H5, and to be genetically dormant. A model is presented to explain how changes in histone H1 could cause changes in the nucleosome repeat length and thereby alter the genetic activity of chromatin.", "contents": "A comparison of the structure of chicken erythrocyte and chicken liver chromatin. The structure of chicken erythrocyte and chicken liver chromatin has been studied by enzymatic digestion with micrococcal nuclease and DNAase I. Comparison of the fragments produced by brief digestion with micrococcal nuclease indicates that chicken erythrocyte chromatin has a longer nucleosome repeat than chicken liver chromatin, 212 base pairs as opposed to 200 base pairs (bp). More extensive digestion with micrococcal nuclease demonstrates that both tissues have 140 bp mucleosome cores. The difference in the length of the nucleosome repeat must therefore result from a difference in the length of the DNA linker between cores. Chicken erythrocyte chromatin is known to contain a tissue-specific, H1-like histone, H5, and to be genetically dormant. A model is presented to explain how changes in histone H1 could cause changes in the nucleosome repeat length and thereby alter the genetic activity of chromatin.", "PMID": 1009580} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11787", "title": "[Epithelial tumor-like changes, precancerous conditions and skin neoplasms (standardization study)].", "content": "A retrospective study of bioptic material was used to design the following outline of a histological classification of epithelial skin tumours tentatively compared with handbooks published by the WHO (1) and AFIP (2): I. Tumour-like changes: 1. senile verruca (mixed, acanthotic, melanoacanthotic, hyperkeratonic, reticular, inverted). 2. Virus verrucosities (v. vulgaris, v. plana, c. accuminatum, molluscom contagiosum). 3. Hamartogenic verrucosities (naevus verrucosus, n. comedonicus, fibroepithelial papilloma. 4. Genetically undefined verrucosities (acanthosis nigricans, light cell acanthoma, verrucous dyskeratosis). 5. Cysts (atheroma, epidermoid cyst, dermoid cyst, others). 6. Unclassified. II. Precanceroses: 1. Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasis, 2. keratosis senilis, 3. Radiation dermatosis, 4. Unclassified. III. Epithelial tumours A. From surface epithelium 1. Spinocellular carcinoma (basic type, anaplastic, adenoid, sarcomatoid, clear cell carcinoma, intraepidermal). 2. Basocellular carcinoma: a) varieties derived from surface epithelium (intraepithelial, superficial, solid, cystic, invasive), b) varieties with adenoid features (cylindromatous, fibroepithelia), c) varieties with trichoepithelial features (keratinizing, pigment-type, clear cell type), d) naevus varieties (basocellular naevi). 3. Spinobasocellular carcinoma. 4. Unclassifiable. B. Sweat gland tumours: 1. syringocystadenoma papilliferum, 2. hidradenoma papillare, 3. nodular hidradenoma (eccrine spiradenoma, eccrine acrospiroma, myxochondroepithelioma, myoepithelioma, mucinous epithelioma), 4. syringoma, 5. eccrine cylindroma, 6. hidrocystoma, 7. eccrine poroma, 8. carcinomas (so called extramammary Paget carcinoma), 9. unclassifiable. C. Sebaceous gland tumours: 1. adenoma sebaceum, 2. carcinoma sebaceum, 3. quasi tumours (naevus sebaceus, Pringle's hamartoma, steatocystoma multiplex, hyperplasia), 4. unclassifiable. D. Trichoepithelial tumours: 1. trichofolliculoma, 2. follicular poroma, 3. keratoacanthoma, 4. tricholemoma, 5. pilomatrixoma, 6. trichogenic adnexal tumour, 7. trichoepithelioma, 8l unclassifiable.", "contents": "[Epithelial tumor-like changes, precancerous conditions and skin neoplasms (standardization study)]. A retrospective study of bioptic material was used to design the following outline of a histological classification of epithelial skin tumours tentatively compared with handbooks published by the WHO (1) and AFIP (2): I. Tumour-like changes: 1. senile verruca (mixed, acanthotic, melanoacanthotic, hyperkeratonic, reticular, inverted). 2. Virus verrucosities (v. vulgaris, v. plana, c. accuminatum, molluscom contagiosum). 3. Hamartogenic verrucosities (naevus verrucosus, n. comedonicus, fibroepithelial papilloma. 4. Genetically undefined verrucosities (acanthosis nigricans, light cell acanthoma, verrucous dyskeratosis). 5. Cysts (atheroma, epidermoid cyst, dermoid cyst, others). 6. Unclassified. II. Precanceroses: 1. Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasis, 2. keratosis senilis, 3. Radiation dermatosis, 4. Unclassified. III. Epithelial tumours A. From surface epithelium 1. Spinocellular carcinoma (basic type, anaplastic, adenoid, sarcomatoid, clear cell carcinoma, intraepidermal). 2. Basocellular carcinoma: a) varieties derived from surface epithelium (intraepithelial, superficial, solid, cystic, invasive), b) varieties with adenoid features (cylindromatous, fibroepithelia), c) varieties with trichoepithelial features (keratinizing, pigment-type, clear cell type), d) naevus varieties (basocellular naevi). 3. Spinobasocellular carcinoma. 4. Unclassifiable. B. Sweat gland tumours: 1. syringocystadenoma papilliferum, 2. hidradenoma papillare, 3. nodular hidradenoma (eccrine spiradenoma, eccrine acrospiroma, myxochondroepithelioma, myoepithelioma, mucinous epithelioma), 4. syringoma, 5. eccrine cylindroma, 6. hidrocystoma, 7. eccrine poroma, 8. carcinomas (so called extramammary Paget carcinoma), 9. unclassifiable. C. Sebaceous gland tumours: 1. adenoma sebaceum, 2. carcinoma sebaceum, 3. quasi tumours (naevus sebaceus, Pringle's hamartoma, steatocystoma multiplex, hyperplasia), 4. unclassifiable. D. Trichoepithelial tumours: 1. trichofolliculoma, 2. follicular poroma, 3. keratoacanthoma, 4. tricholemoma, 5. pilomatrixoma, 6. trichogenic adnexal tumour, 7. trichoepithelioma, 8l unclassifiable.", "PMID": 1009615} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11788", "title": "[Healing of skin wounds (electronoptic study)].", "content": "Tissue specimens of 46 skin wounds were taken on day 8 after a surgical operation to be given an electronoptic examination. The results were evaluated according to age groups. The best healing was the corium showing a prepondenrance of the epidermis had been regenerated with the corium showing a prepondenrance of the proliferation of fibroblasts most of them oriented across the wound direction. Nevertheless, there was a wrong neocolagen fibre orientation with the corium joined mainly by amorphous intercellular substance, probably non-fibrous soluble collangen. - Older subjects were found to have slowed down exudative and macrophagic reactions which were then seen interfering withe the proliferation of fibroblasts and their proteosynthetic activity. To a certain extent, a similar situation was also observed in children where, too, the precipitate exudative reaction was seen interfering in the fibroproliferative phase.", "contents": "[Healing of skin wounds (electronoptic study)]. Tissue specimens of 46 skin wounds were taken on day 8 after a surgical operation to be given an electronoptic examination. The results were evaluated according to age groups. The best healing was the corium showing a prepondenrance of the epidermis had been regenerated with the corium showing a prepondenrance of the proliferation of fibroblasts most of them oriented across the wound direction. Nevertheless, there was a wrong neocolagen fibre orientation with the corium joined mainly by amorphous intercellular substance, probably non-fibrous soluble collangen. - Older subjects were found to have slowed down exudative and macrophagic reactions which were then seen interfering withe the proliferation of fibroblasts and their proteosynthetic activity. To a certain extent, a similar situation was also observed in children where, too, the precipitate exudative reaction was seen interfering in the fibroproliferative phase.", "PMID": 1009616} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11789", "title": "[Changes of articular cartilage in coxarthrosis].", "content": "In cases of advanced coxarthrosis indicated for total endoprosthesis [a total of 216 observations made] the most frequent changes included cases of lowering, defibration or even complete abrasion of cartilage in the most exposed segment of the articular head [196x]. Small patches of connective cartilage [133x] were found in the areas of abrasion. There were rare cases of chondrocyte nests as a manifestation of proliferation [25x]. The usual picture of coxarthrosis had exceptions in the form of flatly worn-out surface areas (34X) and pannus (7X). These may have been cases of secondary coxarthrosis accompanying some other, clinically overlooked, underlying process.", "contents": "[Changes of articular cartilage in coxarthrosis]. In cases of advanced coxarthrosis indicated for total endoprosthesis [a total of 216 observations made] the most frequent changes included cases of lowering, defibration or even complete abrasion of cartilage in the most exposed segment of the articular head [196x]. Small patches of connective cartilage [133x] were found in the areas of abrasion. There were rare cases of chondrocyte nests as a manifestation of proliferation [25x]. The usual picture of coxarthrosis had exceptions in the form of flatly worn-out surface areas (34X) and pannus (7X). These may have been cases of secondary coxarthrosis accompanying some other, clinically overlooked, underlying process.", "PMID": 1009617} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11790", "title": "[Septic complications and atypical bacterial endocarditis in patients under hemodialysis].", "content": "In series of 68 patients who had been subjected to haemodialysis during life, septic complications were found in 16.2%. Bacterial endocarditis was observed in 8 of them. In 7 there occurred in abscess-like colliquation in the calcified attachment of the mitral valve. Lesioning by friction and an accelerated development of dystrophic valvular lesions are regarded the probable main etiopathogenic factors.", "contents": "[Septic complications and atypical bacterial endocarditis in patients under hemodialysis]. In series of 68 patients who had been subjected to haemodialysis during life, septic complications were found in 16.2%. Bacterial endocarditis was observed in 8 of them. In 7 there occurred in abscess-like colliquation in the calcified attachment of the mitral valve. Lesioning by friction and an accelerated development of dystrophic valvular lesions are regarded the probable main etiopathogenic factors.", "PMID": 1009618} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11791", "title": "[Kinetics and morphology of immune reactive cells in the spleen as observed using the immune adherence method. IV. Primary response as influenced by total body irradiation in various intervals following administration of antigen].", "content": "The course of immunocytoadherence was followed in the mouse spleen during the primary immune response to intraperitoneal administration of sheep red blood cells at 24 hours, 72 hours and 6 days following a total body iradiation with a dose of 450 r after antigen administration. The number of RFC becomes reduced immediately after irradiation. The reduction thereof always correlates with a relative increase of macrophages. Small and medium-sized lymphocytes rapidly disappear from the population of rosette-forming cells. If the irradiation had been carried out before the radiation-uninfluenced reaction reached its maximum, the large lymphocytes relatively increase in number. In other cases their immunocytoadherent activity also shows a steadily decreasing tendency. During the primary reaction, irradiation always increases the total relative plasma cell count as related to the other RFC. In such cases the propurtion of the mature forms is larger than of the blastic ones. The values observer at the end of the studied postirradiation period in the sourse of the primary reaction are always characterized by a higher proportion of the plasma cell line at about 20 - 25.", "contents": "[Kinetics and morphology of immune reactive cells in the spleen as observed using the immune adherence method. IV. Primary response as influenced by total body irradiation in various intervals following administration of antigen]. The course of immunocytoadherence was followed in the mouse spleen during the primary immune response to intraperitoneal administration of sheep red blood cells at 24 hours, 72 hours and 6 days following a total body iradiation with a dose of 450 r after antigen administration. The number of RFC becomes reduced immediately after irradiation. The reduction thereof always correlates with a relative increase of macrophages. Small and medium-sized lymphocytes rapidly disappear from the population of rosette-forming cells. If the irradiation had been carried out before the radiation-uninfluenced reaction reached its maximum, the large lymphocytes relatively increase in number. In other cases their immunocytoadherent activity also shows a steadily decreasing tendency. During the primary reaction, irradiation always increases the total relative plasma cell count as related to the other RFC. In such cases the propurtion of the mature forms is larger than of the blastic ones. The values observer at the end of the studied postirradiation period in the sourse of the primary reaction are always characterized by a higher proportion of the plasma cell line at about 20 - 25.", "PMID": 1009619} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11792", "title": "The effect of dibromodulcitol on resting and dividing lymphoid cells.", "content": "The effect of dibromodulcitol (DBD) on the incorporation of labelled precursors into DNA and RNA fractions of PHA-stimulated human lymphocytes and of P388F lymphoma cells at various stages of their growth was studied. Both cell systems showed sensitivity to the drug within the concentration rage of 1-10 mug/ml. When DBD was added before phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), h.han RNA. In contrast, by adding DBD after PHA, RNA labelling was much more inhibited than DNA. In the latter case, the decrease in DNA labelling occurred only 24 h after drug treatment whereas RNA labelling was decreased 1 h after treatment. Levels of DBD which normally produced 30% inhibition in plating efficiency of P388F lymphoma cells affected uridine-5-T incorporation to a different extent at different stages of growth of the culture. Enhanced RNA labelling occurred in early exponential stage while at later stages of growth, RNA synthesis was depressed.", "contents": "The effect of dibromodulcitol on resting and dividing lymphoid cells. The effect of dibromodulcitol (DBD) on the incorporation of labelled precursors into DNA and RNA fractions of PHA-stimulated human lymphocytes and of P388F lymphoma cells at various stages of their growth was studied. Both cell systems showed sensitivity to the drug within the concentration rage of 1-10 mug/ml. When DBD was added before phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), h.han RNA. In contrast, by adding DBD after PHA, RNA labelling was much more inhibited than DNA. In the latter case, the decrease in DNA labelling occurred only 24 h after drug treatment whereas RNA labelling was decreased 1 h after treatment. Levels of DBD which normally produced 30% inhibition in plating efficiency of P388F lymphoma cells affected uridine-5-T incorporation to a different extent at different stages of growth of the culture. Enhanced RNA labelling occurred in early exponential stage while at later stages of growth, RNA synthesis was depressed.", "PMID": 1009628} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11793", "title": "Studies on proteins of animal ribosomes. XXIV. Localisation of proteins in ribosomal subunits of rat liver studied by chemical substitution with p-nitrophenyl acetate and methyl acetimidate.", "content": "The reaction of [3H]p-nitrophenyl acetate (NPA) or [14C]methyl acetimidate (MAI) with amino groups of ribosomal pade between the reactivity of the proteins in situ in the ribosomal subunit with that of isolated protein mixtures. In the small subunit reactivity compared with the protein mixture was only 10-65% in the case of NPA but 45 to more than 100% in the case of MAI. In the large subunit reactivity to MAI was 10-60% that of the isas a denser structure than the small one. In agreement with earlier experiments with iodoacetamide the proteins S2, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 13 of the small subunit and L15, 17, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29, 33, 34, 35 and 38 in the large subunit are quite accessible while proteins S9, 14, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29 and 30 of the small subunit and L1, 7, 8, 10, 11, 19, 28, 31, and 32 of the large one are relatively inaccessible.", "contents": "Studies on proteins of animal ribosomes. XXIV. Localisation of proteins in ribosomal subunits of rat liver studied by chemical substitution with p-nitrophenyl acetate and methyl acetimidate. The reaction of [3H]p-nitrophenyl acetate (NPA) or [14C]methyl acetimidate (MAI) with amino groups of ribosomal pade between the reactivity of the proteins in situ in the ribosomal subunit with that of isolated protein mixtures. In the small subunit reactivity compared with the protein mixture was only 10-65% in the case of NPA but 45 to more than 100% in the case of MAI. In the large subunit reactivity to MAI was 10-60% that of the isas a denser structure than the small one. In agreement with earlier experiments with iodoacetamide the proteins S2, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 13 of the small subunit and L15, 17, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29, 33, 34, 35 and 38 in the large subunit are quite accessible while proteins S9, 14, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29 and 30 of the small subunit and L1, 7, 8, 10, 11, 19, 28, 31, and 32 of the large one are relatively inaccessible.", "PMID": 1009629} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11794", "title": "In vitro acylation of the xi-amino group of L-lysine in calf thymus histones by the carcinogen, beta-propiolactone.", "content": "We had previously reported that the carcinogen, beta-propiolactone (BPL) reacted in vitro with histones in whole mouse skin chromatin and that among the histone classes BPL was preferentially bound to the lysine-rich histones H1 and H1 degrees. In order to determine if in vitro reaction of BPL with calf thymus histones resulted in binding of BPL to L-lysine, we synthesized the model compounds XI-N-(3-hydroxypropionyl)lysine (HPL) and xi-N-(I-carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL) from BPL and L-lysine. The alpha-amino group of L-lysine was protected from reaction with BPL by the formation of a copper chelate. Structures were assigned on the basis of infrared spectra, pKa values and chemical analyses. BPL was reacted in vitro with calf thymus histones and the BPL-reacted calf thymus histones and control calf thymus histones were digested with trypsin followed by pronase. The respective digests were each chromatograhed on a column of AA-15 cation-exchange resin. The elution profiles of the two digests were very similar except for the appearance of a new ninhydrin-positive peak (NNPP) in the eluate of the trypsin-pronase digest of BPL-reacted calf thymus histones. When compounds HPL and CEL were added to the trypsin-pronase digest of control calf thymus histones and the mixture chromatographed on AA-15, both compounds were resolved from the other peptide (or amino acid) peaks. HPL was eluted in the same fractions as NNPP, HPL and NNPP exhibited identical RF values on silica gel TLC with acidic, alkaline and neutral solvents. CEL was not identified as a product of the reaction between BPL and calf thymus histones.", "contents": "In vitro acylation of the xi-amino group of L-lysine in calf thymus histones by the carcinogen, beta-propiolactone. We had previously reported that the carcinogen, beta-propiolactone (BPL) reacted in vitro with histones in whole mouse skin chromatin and that among the histone classes BPL was preferentially bound to the lysine-rich histones H1 and H1 degrees. In order to determine if in vitro reaction of BPL with calf thymus histones resulted in binding of BPL to L-lysine, we synthesized the model compounds XI-N-(3-hydroxypropionyl)lysine (HPL) and xi-N-(I-carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL) from BPL and L-lysine. The alpha-amino group of L-lysine was protected from reaction with BPL by the formation of a copper chelate. Structures were assigned on the basis of infrared spectra, pKa values and chemical analyses. BPL was reacted in vitro with calf thymus histones and the BPL-reacted calf thymus histones and control calf thymus histones were digested with trypsin followed by pronase. The respective digests were each chromatograhed on a column of AA-15 cation-exchange resin. The elution profiles of the two digests were very similar except for the appearance of a new ninhydrin-positive peak (NNPP) in the eluate of the trypsin-pronase digest of BPL-reacted calf thymus histones. When compounds HPL and CEL were added to the trypsin-pronase digest of control calf thymus histones and the mixture chromatographed on AA-15, both compounds were resolved from the other peptide (or amino acid) peaks. HPL was eluted in the same fractions as NNPP, HPL and NNPP exhibited identical RF values on silica gel TLC with acidic, alkaline and neutral solvents. CEL was not identified as a product of the reaction between BPL and calf thymus histones.", "PMID": 1009630} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11795", "title": "The biosynthesis of metallothionein rat liver and kidney after administration of cadmium.", "content": "The biosynthesis of the cadmium-binding protein, metallothionein, was studied in rat liver and kidney after injection of cadmium chloride. A simplified procedure for the isolation of metallothionein from liver and kidney tissues was devised. It was found that the concentration of a subcutaneously injected dose of 30 mumoles of 109CdCl2/kg in the liver reached the maximum within 36 h. Thereafter, a slow decrease in the concentration of the isotope was noted during the 3 week period. In the kidney, the isotope was taken up in two phases. During the first phase the uptake was faster and lasted for about 4 days. The second phase of 109Cd accumulation showed a slower increase in the concentration oe 109Cd was associated with metallothionein. Amino acid incorporation studies revealed that active biosynthesis of metallothionein took place in the kidney as well as in the liver of cadmium-exposed rats. The turnover of 35S-labeled metallothionein was also investigated and the half-lives of the hepatic and the renal metallothionein were found to be 2.8 and 5 days, respectively.", "contents": "The biosynthesis of metallothionein rat liver and kidney after administration of cadmium. The biosynthesis of the cadmium-binding protein, metallothionein, was studied in rat liver and kidney after injection of cadmium chloride. A simplified procedure for the isolation of metallothionein from liver and kidney tissues was devised. It was found that the concentration of a subcutaneously injected dose of 30 mumoles of 109CdCl2/kg in the liver reached the maximum within 36 h. Thereafter, a slow decrease in the concentration of the isotope was noted during the 3 week period. In the kidney, the isotope was taken up in two phases. During the first phase the uptake was faster and lasted for about 4 days. The second phase of 109Cd accumulation showed a slower increase in the concentration oe 109Cd was associated with metallothionein. Amino acid incorporation studies revealed that active biosynthesis of metallothionein took place in the kidney as well as in the liver of cadmium-exposed rats. The turnover of 35S-labeled metallothionein was also investigated and the half-lives of the hepatic and the renal metallothionein were found to be 2.8 and 5 days, respectively.", "PMID": 1009631} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11796", "title": "Influence of dietary cadmium on the distribution of the essential metals copper, zinc and iron in tissues of the rat.", "content": "The effect of long-term dietary cadmium treatment upon the distribution of the metals copper, iron and zinc has been compared in various organs of male and female rats. The renal accumulation of cadmium was similar in both sexes without a plateau being reached. In contrast, the hepatic accumulation of cadmium was higher in the female than in the male rat and a plateau was observed after 30-35 weeks of dietary cadmium treatment. Most of the cadmium which accumulated in these organs was recovered in the metallothionein fraction andthe concentration of hepatic cadmiumthionein in the female rat was correspondingly higher than in the male rat. Accumulation of cadmium was associated with an increased zinc concentration in the liver and an increased copper concentration in the kidney; these increases were correlated with increases in liver and kidney metallothioneins induced by cadmium. Uptake of cadmium into organs other than liver and kidney occurred to a small extent but was not associated with changes in the concentration of copper and zinc. Cadmium also accumulated in the intestinal mucosa where it could be recovered in a fraction corresponding to metallothionien. A loss of iron from the liver and kidney was also observed following dietary cadmium treatment and involved mainly a loss of iron from ferritin.", "contents": "Influence of dietary cadmium on the distribution of the essential metals copper, zinc and iron in tissues of the rat. The effect of long-term dietary cadmium treatment upon the distribution of the metals copper, iron and zinc has been compared in various organs of male and female rats. The renal accumulation of cadmium was similar in both sexes without a plateau being reached. In contrast, the hepatic accumulation of cadmium was higher in the female than in the male rat and a plateau was observed after 30-35 weeks of dietary cadmium treatment. Most of the cadmium which accumulated in these organs was recovered in the metallothionein fraction andthe concentration of hepatic cadmiumthionein in the female rat was correspondingly higher than in the male rat. Accumulation of cadmium was associated with an increased zinc concentration in the liver and an increased copper concentration in the kidney; these increases were correlated with increases in liver and kidney metallothioneins induced by cadmium. Uptake of cadmium into organs other than liver and kidney occurred to a small extent but was not associated with changes in the concentration of copper and zinc. Cadmium also accumulated in the intestinal mucosa where it could be recovered in a fraction corresponding to metallothionien. A loss of iron from the liver and kidney was also observed following dietary cadmium treatment and involved mainly a loss of iron from ferritin.", "PMID": 1009632} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11797", "title": "[Observations on the immediate and remote results of 112 internal biliary drainage operations].", "content": "The Authors report on the indications and result of 112 operations of internal biliary drainage performed in two distinct periods. In the first period (1960-1968) direct operations on the papilla were preferred (30 cases) as compared with biliary-digestive anastomoses (10 cases). From 1969 to 1974 the two types of operation were roughly equivalent. An analysis of post-operative mortality, complications and long-term outcome in 80 patients observed indicates a lower risk, a smaller possibility of relapse and, on the whole, better stable results for biliary-digestive anastomosis as compared with direct operations on the papilla, thus justifying the increasing favour accorded to them in the second period considered. The indications for the two types of operation are also analysed and stated, with stress on the importance of accurate intraoperative diagnosis.", "contents": "[Observations on the immediate and remote results of 112 internal biliary drainage operations]. The Authors report on the indications and result of 112 operations of internal biliary drainage performed in two distinct periods. In the first period (1960-1968) direct operations on the papilla were preferred (30 cases) as compared with biliary-digestive anastomoses (10 cases). From 1969 to 1974 the two types of operation were roughly equivalent. An analysis of post-operative mortality, complications and long-term outcome in 80 patients observed indicates a lower risk, a smaller possibility of relapse and, on the whole, better stable results for biliary-digestive anastomosis as compared with direct operations on the papilla, thus justifying the increasing favour accorded to them in the second period considered. The indications for the two types of operation are also analysed and stated, with stress on the importance of accurate intraoperative diagnosis.", "PMID": 1009633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11798", "title": "[Anatomo-surgical aspects of peroperative cholangiography in biliary lithiasis].", "content": "Biliary anomalies and volumetric changes in the ductal system often make it difficult to identify individual structures during the course of operations for biliary lithiasis. The Authors reviewed 406 peroperative cholangiographies during the course of 1250 operations, evidencing some statistical data regarding the anomalies of greatest interest for surgical practice and stressing the significance and limits of dilation of the V.B.P. On the basis of their personal experience and the relevant literature the Authors conclude that peroperative cholangiography constitutes a useful method not only for diagnostic purposes, but also for correct definition of certain aspects of the extrahepatic biliary ducts.", "contents": "[Anatomo-surgical aspects of peroperative cholangiography in biliary lithiasis]. Biliary anomalies and volumetric changes in the ductal system often make it difficult to identify individual structures during the course of operations for biliary lithiasis. The Authors reviewed 406 peroperative cholangiographies during the course of 1250 operations, evidencing some statistical data regarding the anomalies of greatest interest for surgical practice and stressing the significance and limits of dilation of the V.B.P. On the basis of their personal experience and the relevant literature the Authors conclude that peroperative cholangiography constitutes a useful method not only for diagnostic purposes, but also for correct definition of certain aspects of the extrahepatic biliary ducts.", "PMID": 1009634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11799", "title": "[Value and limitations of telethermography in the diagnosis of peripheral arterial diseases (clinical contribution)].", "content": "Using a diagnostic technique allowing thermal variations of the body surface to be translated into pictures by remote recordings (telethermography), the Authors studied a group of patients suffering from peripheral arteriopathies. The patients were also subjected to other tests (oscillography, pletysmography, electrothermometry, arteriography). The diagnostic reliability of the telethermographic procedure in the cases studied was 80% (8 cases out of 10), with 20% of false negatives. Even in the two falsely negative cases, however, the investigation proved useful, since it allowed the improvement obtained with medical and surgical therapy to be evaluated. The Authors therefore conclude by asserting that telethermography is an effective diagnostic means because of the reliability of the results and its simplicity in use, as well as being non-traumatic and hence easily repeatable.", "contents": "[Value and limitations of telethermography in the diagnosis of peripheral arterial diseases (clinical contribution)]. Using a diagnostic technique allowing thermal variations of the body surface to be translated into pictures by remote recordings (telethermography), the Authors studied a group of patients suffering from peripheral arteriopathies. The patients were also subjected to other tests (oscillography, pletysmography, electrothermometry, arteriography). The diagnostic reliability of the telethermographic procedure in the cases studied was 80% (8 cases out of 10), with 20% of false negatives. Even in the two falsely negative cases, however, the investigation proved useful, since it allowed the improvement obtained with medical and surgical therapy to be evaluated. The Authors therefore conclude by asserting that telethermography is an effective diagnostic means because of the reliability of the results and its simplicity in use, as well as being non-traumatic and hence easily repeatable.", "PMID": 1009639} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11800", "title": "[Glucagon in the treatment of acute pancreatitis (clinical contribution)].", "content": "16 patients suffering from acute pancreatitis were treated by intramuscular or intravenous administration of glucagon, with control of the amylasemia and amylasuria values at the start of treatment, the 12th hour and the 36th hour. By the 12th hour from the start of therapy they already observed a reduction in amylasemia and amylasuria to normal values, with disappearance of the symptomatology (pains, vomiting, shock) and complete cure of the patients in 94% of cases. On the basis of their own and others' experience, the Authors therefore believe that glucagon can advantageously be used in this disease, which is characterised by much higher mortality if treated with the traditional therapeutic means.", "contents": "[Glucagon in the treatment of acute pancreatitis (clinical contribution)]. 16 patients suffering from acute pancreatitis were treated by intramuscular or intravenous administration of glucagon, with control of the amylasemia and amylasuria values at the start of treatment, the 12th hour and the 36th hour. By the 12th hour from the start of therapy they already observed a reduction in amylasemia and amylasuria to normal values, with disappearance of the symptomatology (pains, vomiting, shock) and complete cure of the patients in 94% of cases. On the basis of their own and others' experience, the Authors therefore believe that glucagon can advantageously be used in this disease, which is characterised by much higher mortality if treated with the traditional therapeutic means.", "PMID": 1009641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11801", "title": "[Study of the behavior of gastric secretory function after proximal selective vagotomy for duodenal ulcer].", "content": "In 60 patients with duodenal ulcer subjected to S.P.V. operation, a study of gastric secretion (quantity of gastric juice, B.A.O., M.A.O., P.A.O., Hollander's test) and of gastrinemia before the operation, after one month and after one year was made. The results supplied by this study are: a marked reduction (over 50%) in the basal values and those after stimulation of the quantity of gastric juice and of acid secretion, with persistence of such reductions a long time after the operation. The finding of three cases with positive Hollander's test, which was negativised after administration of a beta-blocking drug, induced the Authors to a critical revision of the literature on the relations between sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of the stomach in relation to gastric secretion.", "contents": "[Study of the behavior of gastric secretory function after proximal selective vagotomy for duodenal ulcer]. In 60 patients with duodenal ulcer subjected to S.P.V. operation, a study of gastric secretion (quantity of gastric juice, B.A.O., M.A.O., P.A.O., Hollander's test) and of gastrinemia before the operation, after one month and after one year was made. The results supplied by this study are: a marked reduction (over 50%) in the basal values and those after stimulation of the quantity of gastric juice and of acid secretion, with persistence of such reductions a long time after the operation. The finding of three cases with positive Hollander's test, which was negativised after administration of a beta-blocking drug, induced the Authors to a critical revision of the literature on the relations between sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of the stomach in relation to gastric secretion.", "PMID": 1009644} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11802", "title": "[Critical considerations on the use in instrumental divulsion of the papilla in surgery of the bile ducts. Long-term results in 103 cases].", "content": "With a view to carrying out a critical review of the use of instrumental divulsion in surgery of the bile ducts, a long-term follow-up was made, from one to 12 years after performance of this operation, in 103 out of 157 cases. An examination of the immediate results which were favourable, in contrast with those found at long-term, led to the conclusion that this procedure was of little use and it has now been dropped both in diagnostics and, with greater reson, in treatment of benign papillary stenosis.", "contents": "[Critical considerations on the use in instrumental divulsion of the papilla in surgery of the bile ducts. Long-term results in 103 cases]. With a view to carrying out a critical review of the use of instrumental divulsion in surgery of the bile ducts, a long-term follow-up was made, from one to 12 years after performance of this operation, in 103 out of 157 cases. An examination of the immediate results which were favourable, in contrast with those found at long-term, led to the conclusion that this procedure was of little use and it has now been dropped both in diagnostics and, with greater reson, in treatment of benign papillary stenosis.", "PMID": 1009645} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11803", "title": "[Interesting changes in blood fibrinolysis following administration of acetylsalicylic acid in vascular diseases of the lower limbs].", "content": "After reference to the results of investigations reported in literature with regard to the effects of ingestion of acetylsalicylic acid on the blood biochemism in normal and pathological conditions, the Authors illustrate the results of their research on patients with chronic obstructive arteriopathy or with post-phlebitic syndrome of the lower limbs. An accurate evaluation was made of the variations induced in some important blood coagulation parameters by the said drug, which was found to cause a clear increase in fibrinolytic activity and which is moreover endowed with marked antithrombophilic therapeutic capacity.", "contents": "[Interesting changes in blood fibrinolysis following administration of acetylsalicylic acid in vascular diseases of the lower limbs]. After reference to the results of investigations reported in literature with regard to the effects of ingestion of acetylsalicylic acid on the blood biochemism in normal and pathological conditions, the Authors illustrate the results of their research on patients with chronic obstructive arteriopathy or with post-phlebitic syndrome of the lower limbs. An accurate evaluation was made of the variations induced in some important blood coagulation parameters by the said drug, which was found to cause a clear increase in fibrinolytic activity and which is moreover endowed with marked antithrombophilic therapeutic capacity.", "PMID": 1009646} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11804", "title": "[Postgastrectomy metabolic problems].", "content": "A synoptic pattern is drawn up to synthesize the morpho-functional alterations and metabolic disturbances arising from total gastrectomy, while a comparison is made with those arising from massive resections of the small intestine (so-called short intestine syndrome). Emphasis is placed on the desirability of rebuilding the gastric reservoir and maintaining duodenal continuity through interposition of a loop. Among the various available techniques, preference is given to the Mouchet-Camey method, which seems to respond better than others to expectations of the patient's good metabolic recovery.", "contents": "[Postgastrectomy metabolic problems]. A synoptic pattern is drawn up to synthesize the morpho-functional alterations and metabolic disturbances arising from total gastrectomy, while a comparison is made with those arising from massive resections of the small intestine (so-called short intestine syndrome). Emphasis is placed on the desirability of rebuilding the gastric reservoir and maintaining duodenal continuity through interposition of a loop. Among the various available techniques, preference is given to the Mouchet-Camey method, which seems to respond better than others to expectations of the patient's good metabolic recovery.", "PMID": 1009647} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11805", "title": "[Bacteriological studies on the bile in different conditions of surgical interest].", "content": "A bacteriological study was carried out on bile taken, during the course of surgery, from 235 patients suffering from a wide variety of diseases, both benign and malignant, concerning the bile ways. The investigation, initially directed to the aerobic bile flora, was afterwards extended to include germs growing in strict anaerobiosis. The highest incidence of bactibilia was found in repeat operations for post-operative stenosis of the hepatocholedochus, followed by neoplasias of the gall-bladder or main bile duct, and calculosis of the gall-bladder. For germs growing in compulsory anaerobiosis the responses to the cultural test were all negative, while in two cases microaerophilic streptococci were isolated. Finally the results of the antibiograms made on the isolated microbial species are reported.", "contents": "[Bacteriological studies on the bile in different conditions of surgical interest]. A bacteriological study was carried out on bile taken, during the course of surgery, from 235 patients suffering from a wide variety of diseases, both benign and malignant, concerning the bile ways. The investigation, initially directed to the aerobic bile flora, was afterwards extended to include germs growing in strict anaerobiosis. The highest incidence of bactibilia was found in repeat operations for post-operative stenosis of the hepatocholedochus, followed by neoplasias of the gall-bladder or main bile duct, and calculosis of the gall-bladder. For germs growing in compulsory anaerobiosis the responses to the cultural test were all negative, while in two cases microaerophilic streptococci were isolated. Finally the results of the antibiograms made on the isolated microbial species are reported.", "PMID": 1009648} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11806", "title": "Mephalan in the treatment of multiple myeloma.", "content": "Seventy-three patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center were treated with melphalan from 1963-1967. All patients but one were followed for three years or until their death. Of the 60 evaluable patients, 31 obtained no benefit, 20 patients had objective and subjective responses consistent with clear clinical benefit; 6 patients had subjective responses in the absence of objective change, and 3 patients had stabilization of their disease. Toxicity was tolerable. It was not possible to predict which patients would respond, utilizing clinical status, hematological status or protein excretion patterns (i.e., which type of light chain was produced). In previously untreated patients, survival from time of diagnosis is 21 months. The median survival of the melphalan responders (39 months) is longer than that for the patients with no response (15 months). These data will provide useful baseline material for the evaluation of future therapeutic trials in patients with multiple myeloma at this Center.", "contents": "Mephalan in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Seventy-three patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center were treated with melphalan from 1963-1967. All patients but one were followed for three years or until their death. Of the 60 evaluable patients, 31 obtained no benefit, 20 patients had objective and subjective responses consistent with clear clinical benefit; 6 patients had subjective responses in the absence of objective change, and 3 patients had stabilization of their disease. Toxicity was tolerable. It was not possible to predict which patients would respond, utilizing clinical status, hematological status or protein excretion patterns (i.e., which type of light chain was produced). In previously untreated patients, survival from time of diagnosis is 21 months. The median survival of the melphalan responders (39 months) is longer than that for the patients with no response (15 months). These data will provide useful baseline material for the evaluation of future therapeutic trials in patients with multiple myeloma at this Center.", "PMID": 1009668} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11807", "title": "Inhibition of conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine in patients with severe chronic illness.", "content": "Many clinically euthyroid patients with severe, chronic, non-throidal illnesses (i.e. sick euthyroid patients) have very low circulating concentrations of total and absolute free triiodothyronine (T3), low-normal concentrations of total thyroxine (T4), elevated concentrations of absolute free T4, and circulating concentrations of thyrotrophin (TSH) that are either normal or subnormal. This study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of the low circulating T3 concentrations. The disappearance rate of 125 I-T3 from the circulation of five representative sick euthyroid patients was studied and found to be slower, but not significantly so, compared with three control subjects, thus excluding an increased destruction rate as the cause of the low T3 levels. A selective decrease of T3 secretion from the thyroid gland of these patients was also excluded by the results of TSH stimulation tests. Inhibition of extra-thyroidal conversion of T4 to T3 was suggested by studies of the thyroid function in a hypothyroid woman with a Grade IV lymphoma on T4 replacement therapy. When the lymphoma was in remission, her circulating T3 concentration was 2-55 nmol/l but when it relapsed it fell to 0-55 nmol/l. The T4 concentrations were 124-7 nmol/l and 126 nmol/1 respectively. Decreased monodeiodination of T4 to T3 in sick euthyroid patients was confirmed by paper chromatography of extracted serum obtained 48 h after an i.v. injection of 125 I-T4 into two severely ill patients from the intensive therapy unit and a control subject. Peaks of radioactivity corresponding to 125 I-T4 and 125 I-T3 were detected in the control subject, but only a single peak corresponding to 125 I-T4 was detected in the ill patients.", "contents": "Inhibition of conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine in patients with severe chronic illness. Many clinically euthyroid patients with severe, chronic, non-throidal illnesses (i.e. sick euthyroid patients) have very low circulating concentrations of total and absolute free triiodothyronine (T3), low-normal concentrations of total thyroxine (T4), elevated concentrations of absolute free T4, and circulating concentrations of thyrotrophin (TSH) that are either normal or subnormal. This study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of the low circulating T3 concentrations. The disappearance rate of 125 I-T3 from the circulation of five representative sick euthyroid patients was studied and found to be slower, but not significantly so, compared with three control subjects, thus excluding an increased destruction rate as the cause of the low T3 levels. A selective decrease of T3 secretion from the thyroid gland of these patients was also excluded by the results of TSH stimulation tests. Inhibition of extra-thyroidal conversion of T4 to T3 was suggested by studies of the thyroid function in a hypothyroid woman with a Grade IV lymphoma on T4 replacement therapy. When the lymphoma was in remission, her circulating T3 concentration was 2-55 nmol/l but when it relapsed it fell to 0-55 nmol/l. The T4 concentrations were 124-7 nmol/l and 126 nmol/1 respectively. Decreased monodeiodination of T4 to T3 in sick euthyroid patients was confirmed by paper chromatography of extracted serum obtained 48 h after an i.v. injection of 125 I-T4 into two severely ill patients from the intensive therapy unit and a control subject. Peaks of radioactivity corresponding to 125 I-T4 and 125 I-T3 were detected in the control subject, but only a single peak corresponding to 125 I-T4 was detected in the ill patients.", "PMID": 1009671} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11808", "title": "A system for the measurement of integrated concentrations of hormones in the blood.", "content": "The study of integrated concentrations of hormones in the blood can be used to assess accurately the activity of endocrine diseases. A system for making such measurements is described, based on a new pump and double lumen catheter. The properties of this system are discussed and previous systems from the literature are reviewed.", "contents": "A system for the measurement of integrated concentrations of hormones in the blood. The study of integrated concentrations of hormones in the blood can be used to assess accurately the activity of endocrine diseases. A system for making such measurements is described, based on a new pump and double lumen catheter. The properties of this system are discussed and previous systems from the literature are reviewed.", "PMID": 1009672} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11809", "title": "Plasma testosterone and androstenedione levels during monitored induction of ovulation in infertile women with 'simple' amenorrhoea and with the polycystic ovary syndrome.", "content": "Twenty-seven infertile patients with 'simple' amenorrhoea-oligomenorrhoea and eighteen with the polycystic ovary (PCO) syndrome were treated for induction of ovulation with clomiphene, human menopausal gonadotrophin and human chorionic gonadotrophin. The treatment was monitored by plasma oestradiol, testosterone, androstenedione and progesterone estimation. Women with PCO had significantly higher plasma androgen levels than women with 'simple' amenorrhoea (P less than 0--1 to P less than 0-001) both before treatment and during induction of ovulation. When ovulation was induced the pregnancy rate for women with the PCO syndrome with elevated androgens was 21% while for those with uncomplicated amenorrhoea it was 75%. It is concluded that high levels of circulating androgens might be a factor preventing conception in some patients in whom ovulation is apparently successfully induced.", "contents": "Plasma testosterone and androstenedione levels during monitored induction of ovulation in infertile women with 'simple' amenorrhoea and with the polycystic ovary syndrome. Twenty-seven infertile patients with 'simple' amenorrhoea-oligomenorrhoea and eighteen with the polycystic ovary (PCO) syndrome were treated for induction of ovulation with clomiphene, human menopausal gonadotrophin and human chorionic gonadotrophin. The treatment was monitored by plasma oestradiol, testosterone, androstenedione and progesterone estimation. Women with PCO had significantly higher plasma androgen levels than women with 'simple' amenorrhoea (P less than 0--1 to P less than 0-001) both before treatment and during induction of ovulation. When ovulation was induced the pregnancy rate for women with the PCO syndrome with elevated androgens was 21% while for those with uncomplicated amenorrhoea it was 75%. It is concluded that high levels of circulating androgens might be a factor preventing conception in some patients in whom ovulation is apparently successfully induced.", "PMID": 1009673} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11810", "title": "A radioimmunoassay for growth hormone release-inhibiting hormone: method and quantitative tissue distribution.", "content": "A specific antiserum has been produced to haemocyanin conjugaed synthetic growth hormone release inhibiting hormone (GHRIH). This has allowed the development of a radioimmunoassay for GHRIH sensitive to 5 pg/tube. GHRIH content in 2 m acetic acid extracts of rat tissues have been measured and show the majority to be CNS-especially hypothalamus and septum and preoptic areas with substantial amounts in spinal cord and thalamus. Extra neurological localization in pancreas, gastric antrum, colon and thyroid have been demonstrated.", "contents": "A radioimmunoassay for growth hormone release-inhibiting hormone: method and quantitative tissue distribution. A specific antiserum has been produced to haemocyanin conjugaed synthetic growth hormone release inhibiting hormone (GHRIH). This has allowed the development of a radioimmunoassay for GHRIH sensitive to 5 pg/tube. GHRIH content in 2 m acetic acid extracts of rat tissues have been measured and show the majority to be CNS-especially hypothalamus and septum and preoptic areas with substantial amounts in spinal cord and thalamus. Extra neurological localization in pancreas, gastric antrum, colon and thyroid have been demonstrated.", "PMID": 1009674} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11811", "title": "The radioimmunoassay of 3,3',5' - triiodothyronine (reverse T3) in unextracted human serum.", "content": "A specific, sensitive and simple double antibody radioimmunoassay for total serum 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (reverse T3, rT3) in small volumes of unextracted human serum is described. High titre antisera were raised in rabbits using dl=rT3 or l-rT3 conjugated to bovine serum albumin. The selected antisera cross reacted less than 0-003% with triiodothyronine (T3) and 0-14% with thyroxine (T4). A stable high activity rT3 tracer was prepared by iodination of 3,3\"-diiodo-l-thyronine by the chloramine-T method, and purified by column chromatography on Sephadex LH-20. Binding of rT3 to endogenous serum proteins was blocked by including 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulphonic acid (ANS) in the assay. Mean rT3 levels in healthy euthyroid adults are 0-27 nmo1/1 (range 0-21-1-18); in cord sera 3-67 nmo1/1 (range 2-30-7-45) and in amniotic fluid taken during the second trimester 4-70 nmo1/1 (range 2-22-8-00). In approximately half the hypothyroid subjects, rTO levels were undetectable ( less than0-05 nmo1/1) and in the remaining subjects the mean rT3 level was 0-10 nmo1/1 (range 0-05-0-25).", "contents": "The radioimmunoassay of 3,3',5' - triiodothyronine (reverse T3) in unextracted human serum. A specific, sensitive and simple double antibody radioimmunoassay for total serum 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (reverse T3, rT3) in small volumes of unextracted human serum is described. High titre antisera were raised in rabbits using dl=rT3 or l-rT3 conjugated to bovine serum albumin. The selected antisera cross reacted less than 0-003% with triiodothyronine (T3) and 0-14% with thyroxine (T4). A stable high activity rT3 tracer was prepared by iodination of 3,3\"-diiodo-l-thyronine by the chloramine-T method, and purified by column chromatography on Sephadex LH-20. Binding of rT3 to endogenous serum proteins was blocked by including 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulphonic acid (ANS) in the assay. Mean rT3 levels in healthy euthyroid adults are 0-27 nmo1/1 (range 0-21-1-18); in cord sera 3-67 nmo1/1 (range 2-30-7-45) and in amniotic fluid taken during the second trimester 4-70 nmo1/1 (range 2-22-8-00). In approximately half the hypothyroid subjects, rTO levels were undetectable ( less than0-05 nmo1/1) and in the remaining subjects the mean rT3 level was 0-10 nmo1/1 (range 0-05-0-25).", "PMID": 1009675} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11812", "title": "Prolactin levels during the menstrual cycle.", "content": "The levels of prolactin, FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone were measured daily during fourteen ovulatory cycles. The behaviour of FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone was classical. Non-systematic changes occurred in prolactin levels during the course of the menstrual cycle with the highest level being either during the ovulatory period or during the luteal phase. However, the mean level of prolactin was significantly higher during the ovulatory and luteal phases than during the follicular phase. A direct relationship between oestradiol and prolactin levels was noted, although there was no correlation between prolactin on the one hand and FSH, LH and progesterone on the other.", "contents": "Prolactin levels during the menstrual cycle. The levels of prolactin, FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone were measured daily during fourteen ovulatory cycles. The behaviour of FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone was classical. Non-systematic changes occurred in prolactin levels during the course of the menstrual cycle with the highest level being either during the ovulatory period or during the luteal phase. However, the mean level of prolactin was significantly higher during the ovulatory and luteal phases than during the follicular phase. A direct relationship between oestradiol and prolactin levels was noted, although there was no correlation between prolactin on the one hand and FSH, LH and progesterone on the other.", "PMID": 1009676} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11813", "title": "Measurement of serum 3,3',5'-(reverse) T3, with comments on its derivation.", "content": "A radioimmunoassay for the measurement of l-3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (reverse TO, rT3) has been developed for use with unextracted serum. The highly specific antiserum showed no cross-reactivity with l-3,3'5-triiodothyronine (T3) or tetradiodothyroacetic acid (T4A) and cross-reaction with L-thyroxine (T4) was low enough to be discounted for routine assay purposes. If a normal amount of rT3 was added to serum T4 cross-reactivity decreased considerably. Serial dilutions of hyperthyroid sera gave dose-response curves which were parallel to the rT3 standard curve. Serum concentrations of rT3 (mean+/- SEM) were 0-68 +/- 0-02 nmo1/1 in sixty-seven normal subjects, 0-19 +/- 0-02 nmo1/1 in twelve hypothyroid patients and 1-18 +/- 0-12 nmo1/1 in seventeen hyperthyroid patients. In sixteen patients with TO-toxicosis rTO was 0-42 +/- 0-04 nmo1/1 and eighteen patients with high circulating TBG had a mean rT3 of 0-54 +/- 0-03 nmo1/1.", "contents": "Measurement of serum 3,3',5'-(reverse) T3, with comments on its derivation. A radioimmunoassay for the measurement of l-3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (reverse TO, rT3) has been developed for use with unextracted serum. The highly specific antiserum showed no cross-reactivity with l-3,3'5-triiodothyronine (T3) or tetradiodothyroacetic acid (T4A) and cross-reaction with L-thyroxine (T4) was low enough to be discounted for routine assay purposes. If a normal amount of rT3 was added to serum T4 cross-reactivity decreased considerably. Serial dilutions of hyperthyroid sera gave dose-response curves which were parallel to the rT3 standard curve. Serum concentrations of rT3 (mean+/- SEM) were 0-68 +/- 0-02 nmo1/1 in sixty-seven normal subjects, 0-19 +/- 0-02 nmo1/1 in twelve hypothyroid patients and 1-18 +/- 0-12 nmo1/1 in seventeen hyperthyroid patients. In sixteen patients with TO-toxicosis rTO was 0-42 +/- 0-04 nmo1/1 and eighteen patients with high circulating TBG had a mean rT3 of 0-54 +/- 0-03 nmo1/1.", "PMID": 1009677} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11814", "title": "Suppression of plasma growth hormone levels with glucose infusion in patients with acromegaly.", "content": "Intravenous glucose infusion which increased blood glucose levels over 27-8 mmo1/1 suppressed plasma GH levels by 41-74% in five acromegalic patients with basal concentrations of less than 20 mu/1, but not in six patients with basal levels over 80 mu/1. Oral 100 g glucose loading had little suppressing effect in both groups. These results appear to indicate that the suppressibility with hyperglycaemia is partially retained or restored in some, if not all, patients of acromegaly with lower GH secreting activity.", "contents": "Suppression of plasma growth hormone levels with glucose infusion in patients with acromegaly. Intravenous glucose infusion which increased blood glucose levels over 27-8 mmo1/1 suppressed plasma GH levels by 41-74% in five acromegalic patients with basal concentrations of less than 20 mu/1, but not in six patients with basal levels over 80 mu/1. Oral 100 g glucose loading had little suppressing effect in both groups. These results appear to indicate that the suppressibility with hyperglycaemia is partially retained or restored in some, if not all, patients of acromegaly with lower GH secreting activity.", "PMID": 1009678} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11815", "title": "Effect of metroclopramide on serum prolactin levels in humans.", "content": "The effect of acute and chronic administration of metoclopramide on serum prolactin levels in normal subjects was studied. Metoclopramide 10 mg i.v. induced a prompt rise in serum prolactin levels in all subjects. At 180 min the levels remained high. Prolactin levels were markedly elevated during a 5 day course of treatment with metoclopramide in six subjects. It is suggested that metoclopramide could be used in the functional exploration of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.", "contents": "Effect of metroclopramide on serum prolactin levels in humans. The effect of acute and chronic administration of metoclopramide on serum prolactin levels in normal subjects was studied. Metoclopramide 10 mg i.v. induced a prompt rise in serum prolactin levels in all subjects. At 180 min the levels remained high. Prolactin levels were markedly elevated during a 5 day course of treatment with metoclopramide in six subjects. It is suggested that metoclopramide could be used in the functional exploration of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.", "PMID": 1009679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11816", "title": "Specific antibody-dependent killing of Toxoplasma gondii by normal macrophages.", "content": "The requirement for specificity of antibody-dependent inhibition or killing of intracellular Toxoplasma gondii trophozoites by normal mouse peritoneal macrophages was evaluated in vitro using light microscopy and autoradiography. Anti-toxoplasma antibody in the presence of 'accessory factor' rendered extracellular T. gondii trophozoites non-viable and non-infectious for cells, whereas exposure of extracellular trophozoites to heat-inactivated immune serum did not appear to damage the parasites. Although pretreatment of extracellular trophozoites with heat-inactivated immune serum neither diminished nor prevented infection of normal mouse peritoneal macrophages, it did confer upon macrophages the ability to inhibit or kill the organisms once they were intracellular. In contrast, pretreatment of trophozoites with either heat-inactivated normal or Besnoitia jellisoni immune serum did not enable normal macrophages to inhibit or kill T. gondii; rather, such organisms multiplied intracellularly in normal macrophages. Thus, pretreatment with specific antibody alone prepared T. gondii trophozoites for intracellular destruction by normal mouse peritoneal macrophages. These results suggest that spesific antibody acting in concert with normal macrophages may play a role in controlling infection with T. gondii.", "contents": "Specific antibody-dependent killing of Toxoplasma gondii by normal macrophages. The requirement for specificity of antibody-dependent inhibition or killing of intracellular Toxoplasma gondii trophozoites by normal mouse peritoneal macrophages was evaluated in vitro using light microscopy and autoradiography. Anti-toxoplasma antibody in the presence of 'accessory factor' rendered extracellular T. gondii trophozoites non-viable and non-infectious for cells, whereas exposure of extracellular trophozoites to heat-inactivated immune serum did not appear to damage the parasites. Although pretreatment of extracellular trophozoites with heat-inactivated immune serum neither diminished nor prevented infection of normal mouse peritoneal macrophages, it did confer upon macrophages the ability to inhibit or kill the organisms once they were intracellular. In contrast, pretreatment of trophozoites with either heat-inactivated normal or Besnoitia jellisoni immune serum did not enable normal macrophages to inhibit or kill T. gondii; rather, such organisms multiplied intracellularly in normal macrophages. Thus, pretreatment with specific antibody alone prepared T. gondii trophozoites for intracellular destruction by normal mouse peritoneal macrophages. These results suggest that spesific antibody acting in concert with normal macrophages may play a role in controlling infection with T. gondii.", "PMID": 1009680} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11817", "title": "Immune complexes and complement hypercatabolism in patients with leprosy.", "content": "The occurrence of immune complexes in the serum and the level of the C3 breakdown product C3d in the plasma from patients with leprosy were studied by quantitative methods and the results were compared in various forms of the disease. These studies were performed on sixty-two samples from twenty-six patients. The serum 125I-C1q binding activity was found to be increased by more than 2 s.d., as compared to the normal values, in most of the sera from patients with erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) (80%) and uncomplicated lepromatous leprosy (82%), but also in the sera from patients with tuberculoid leprosy (58%). In vitro studies suggested that immune complexes involving mycobacterial antigens were present in leprosy sera. An increased C3d level (greater than 2s.d.) was also found in most of the plasma from patients with ENL (70%), but rarely in the plasma from patients with uncomplicated lepromatous leprosy (18%) and never in tuberculoid leprosy patients' plasma. The absence of a significant correlation between the 125I-C1q binding activity and the C3d level in leprosy patients may suggest that extravascular immune complexes are involved in the complement activation occurring in ENL. The quantitation of C3d in plasma may be of some practical interest in the early diagnosis of ENL complications of leprosy.", "contents": "Immune complexes and complement hypercatabolism in patients with leprosy. The occurrence of immune complexes in the serum and the level of the C3 breakdown product C3d in the plasma from patients with leprosy were studied by quantitative methods and the results were compared in various forms of the disease. These studies were performed on sixty-two samples from twenty-six patients. The serum 125I-C1q binding activity was found to be increased by more than 2 s.d., as compared to the normal values, in most of the sera from patients with erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) (80%) and uncomplicated lepromatous leprosy (82%), but also in the sera from patients with tuberculoid leprosy (58%). In vitro studies suggested that immune complexes involving mycobacterial antigens were present in leprosy sera. An increased C3d level (greater than 2s.d.) was also found in most of the plasma from patients with ENL (70%), but rarely in the plasma from patients with uncomplicated lepromatous leprosy (18%) and never in tuberculoid leprosy patients' plasma. The absence of a significant correlation between the 125I-C1q binding activity and the C3d level in leprosy patients may suggest that extravascular immune complexes are involved in the complement activation occurring in ENL. The quantitation of C3d in plasma may be of some practical interest in the early diagnosis of ENL complications of leprosy.", "PMID": 1009681} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11818", "title": "Evidence for the involvement of IgE-basophil system in acute serum sickness.", "content": "The role of the basophils in acute serum sickness of rabbits was examined by monitoring daily the absolute number of basophils before, during and after the disease period. After antigen (bovine serum albumin, BSA) elimination, levels of serum IgE and in vitro basophil degranulation in the presence of BSA were determined. The results showed that the onset of glomerular lesions depends upon the simultaneous occurrence of circulating immune complexes greater than 19 S and of an in vivo basophil depletion--probably equivalent to degranulation--reaching 70% of the pre-disease number. Post-disease antigen-dependent in vitro degranulation of the basophils and levels of serum IgE anti BSA did not prove to be good indexes of basophil sensitization. Our data suggest that basophils are instrumental at early stages of the deposition of immune complexes, most probably through their sensitization by membrane-bound IgE antibodies.", "contents": "Evidence for the involvement of IgE-basophil system in acute serum sickness. The role of the basophils in acute serum sickness of rabbits was examined by monitoring daily the absolute number of basophils before, during and after the disease period. After antigen (bovine serum albumin, BSA) elimination, levels of serum IgE and in vitro basophil degranulation in the presence of BSA were determined. The results showed that the onset of glomerular lesions depends upon the simultaneous occurrence of circulating immune complexes greater than 19 S and of an in vivo basophil depletion--probably equivalent to degranulation--reaching 70% of the pre-disease number. Post-disease antigen-dependent in vitro degranulation of the basophils and levels of serum IgE anti BSA did not prove to be good indexes of basophil sensitization. Our data suggest that basophils are instrumental at early stages of the deposition of immune complexes, most probably through their sensitization by membrane-bound IgE antibodies.", "PMID": 1009682} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11819", "title": "Leucocyte migration inhibition with inner and outer membranes of mitochondria and insoluble hepatocyte surface membranes prepared from rat liver in patients with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.", "content": "Patients with chronic liver disease were tested for delayed hypersensitivity to the outer and the inner membranes of mitochondria (OMM and IMM) and the insoluble hepatocyte-surface membranes (IHSM), prepared from rat livers, by means of leucocyte migration inhibition technique. Positive reaction to OMM was found in 37% of patients with chronic persistent hepatitis and 35% of those with chronic active hepatitis and 43% of those with liver cirrhosis (P less than 0-05). That to IMM was 55%, 43% and 36% (P less than 0-05) and to IHSM was 37%, 47% and 45% respectively (P less than 0-05). IHSM was found to contain liver-specific components and patients with positive response to IHSM did not reveal at all a positive reaction to rat renal cell-surface membranes. The incidence of positive response to IHSM was significantly higher (54-2%) in patients with the present or previous infection with HBAg than in HBAg-non-infected patients (21-4%) (P less than 0-05). And there seemed to be a good correlation between a degree of cellular response to purified HBsAg and that to IHSM in these HBAg-infected patients. No correlation, however, was found between that to purified HBsAg and that to OMM or IMM in the same patients. This suggested that the cellular response to either HBsAg or IHSM, both related closely, may play a role in the perpetuation of chronic liver disease.", "contents": "Leucocyte migration inhibition with inner and outer membranes of mitochondria and insoluble hepatocyte surface membranes prepared from rat liver in patients with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Patients with chronic liver disease were tested for delayed hypersensitivity to the outer and the inner membranes of mitochondria (OMM and IMM) and the insoluble hepatocyte-surface membranes (IHSM), prepared from rat livers, by means of leucocyte migration inhibition technique. Positive reaction to OMM was found in 37% of patients with chronic persistent hepatitis and 35% of those with chronic active hepatitis and 43% of those with liver cirrhosis (P less than 0-05). That to IMM was 55%, 43% and 36% (P less than 0-05) and to IHSM was 37%, 47% and 45% respectively (P less than 0-05). IHSM was found to contain liver-specific components and patients with positive response to IHSM did not reveal at all a positive reaction to rat renal cell-surface membranes. The incidence of positive response to IHSM was significantly higher (54-2%) in patients with the present or previous infection with HBAg than in HBAg-non-infected patients (21-4%) (P less than 0-05). And there seemed to be a good correlation between a degree of cellular response to purified HBsAg and that to IHSM in these HBAg-infected patients. No correlation, however, was found between that to purified HBsAg and that to OMM or IMM in the same patients. This suggested that the cellular response to either HBsAg or IHSM, both related closely, may play a role in the perpetuation of chronic liver disease.", "PMID": 1009683} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11820", "title": "Binding of phytohaemagglutinin to serum substances and inhibition of lymphocyte transformation in Hodgkin's disease.", "content": "Serum from eleven of fifty-four patients with Hodgkin's disease inhibited phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation of both autologous and homologous lymphocytes. The inhibitory effect resided in the macromolecular fraction of these sera. PHA was shown to bind to serum substances in inhibitory sera and the degree of PHA binding in the macromolecular fraction correlated directly with the extent of inhibition.", "contents": "Binding of phytohaemagglutinin to serum substances and inhibition of lymphocyte transformation in Hodgkin's disease. Serum from eleven of fifty-four patients with Hodgkin's disease inhibited phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation of both autologous and homologous lymphocytes. The inhibitory effect resided in the macromolecular fraction of these sera. PHA was shown to bind to serum substances in inhibitory sera and the degree of PHA binding in the macromolecular fraction correlated directly with the extent of inhibition.", "PMID": 1009684} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11821", "title": "Leucocyte aggregation in subjects with nickel dermatitis.", "content": "The effect of nickel sulphate on leuco-aggragation in whole blood buffy coat layers was studied in nickel-sensitive and control subjects. At concentrations of 150 mug and 200 mug nickel sulphate per ml a significant increase in the numbers of leuco-aggregates was noted in the nickel sensitive as compared with the control subjects.", "contents": "Leucocyte aggregation in subjects with nickel dermatitis. The effect of nickel sulphate on leuco-aggragation in whole blood buffy coat layers was studied in nickel-sensitive and control subjects. At concentrations of 150 mug and 200 mug nickel sulphate per ml a significant increase in the numbers of leuco-aggregates was noted in the nickel sensitive as compared with the control subjects.", "PMID": 1009685} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11822", "title": "Synergistic effect of cortisol and prostaglandin E2 on the PHA response. Relation to immunosuppression induced by trauma.", "content": "Surgical and thermal trauma in man are followed by depressed immunological responses in vivo and reduced lymphocyte reactivity in vitro. The possibility that these are related to trauma-induced rises in tissue levels of cortisol and prostaglandins was examined by studying the effect of a wide range of concentrations of cortisol and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), separately and together on the phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) response of human peripheral blood lymphocytes. These effects were plotted on two-dimensional dose:effect graphs; the shapes of the curves connecting combinations of equal effect (isoboles) showed that these agents acted with marked synergy in suppressing the response, provided they were present while the response was taking place. Synergy was also shown by using a simple equation relating the concentrations of the agents producing a given effect when used in combination to the concentrations needed to produce the same effect when used separately. Cortisol at concentrations reached in the peripheral blood after trauma in man (1-4 X 10(-6)M) and PGE2 at concentrations to be expected in traumatized tissues (up to 4 X 10(-7)M) each suppressed the response only slightly. The former reduced the response to 0-7 of controls and the latter 0-5 (means of seven subjects). When both were present together at these concentrations, the response was markedly depressed (mean 0-06, range 0-02--0-13 of controls). However, when lymphocytes were incubated at 37 degrees C with cortisol and PGE2 for 20 hr and then washed before exposure to PHA, the response was not inhibited, even by substantially higher concentrations than the above, and was usually moderately enhanced. Therefore, these in vitro experiments do not explain the depressed PHA response observed in peripheral blood lymphocytes after trauma. It is possible, however, that raised cortisol and prostaglandin levels depress the reactivity of lymphocytes while they remain in the traumatized region and its lymph drainage area.", "contents": "Synergistic effect of cortisol and prostaglandin E2 on the PHA response. Relation to immunosuppression induced by trauma. Surgical and thermal trauma in man are followed by depressed immunological responses in vivo and reduced lymphocyte reactivity in vitro. The possibility that these are related to trauma-induced rises in tissue levels of cortisol and prostaglandins was examined by studying the effect of a wide range of concentrations of cortisol and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), separately and together on the phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) response of human peripheral blood lymphocytes. These effects were plotted on two-dimensional dose:effect graphs; the shapes of the curves connecting combinations of equal effect (isoboles) showed that these agents acted with marked synergy in suppressing the response, provided they were present while the response was taking place. Synergy was also shown by using a simple equation relating the concentrations of the agents producing a given effect when used in combination to the concentrations needed to produce the same effect when used separately. Cortisol at concentrations reached in the peripheral blood after trauma in man (1-4 X 10(-6)M) and PGE2 at concentrations to be expected in traumatized tissues (up to 4 X 10(-7)M) each suppressed the response only slightly. The former reduced the response to 0-7 of controls and the latter 0-5 (means of seven subjects). When both were present together at these concentrations, the response was markedly depressed (mean 0-06, range 0-02--0-13 of controls). However, when lymphocytes were incubated at 37 degrees C with cortisol and PGE2 for 20 hr and then washed before exposure to PHA, the response was not inhibited, even by substantially higher concentrations than the above, and was usually moderately enhanced. Therefore, these in vitro experiments do not explain the depressed PHA response observed in peripheral blood lymphocytes after trauma. It is possible, however, that raised cortisol and prostaglandin levels depress the reactivity of lymphocytes while they remain in the traumatized region and its lymph drainage area.", "PMID": 1009686} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11823", "title": "The modified anaphylaxis hypothesis for cot death. Anaphylactic sensitization in guinea-pigs fed cow's milk.", "content": "Guinea-pigs on a normal diet, but given cow's milk to drink instead of water, very soon became anaphylactically sensitive to cow's milk and may be fatally shocked following either i.v. injection or intratracheal inhalation of cow's milk.", "contents": "The modified anaphylaxis hypothesis for cot death. Anaphylactic sensitization in guinea-pigs fed cow's milk. Guinea-pigs on a normal diet, but given cow's milk to drink instead of water, very soon became anaphylactically sensitive to cow's milk and may be fatally shocked following either i.v. injection or intratracheal inhalation of cow's milk.", "PMID": 1009687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11824", "title": "Adenosine deaminase activity in thymus and other human tissues.", "content": "Adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) has been estimated in human tissues. Levels in the thymus during childhood were very much higher than in any of the other 6 tissues studied. Intermediate activities were obtained from spleen and lymph nodes and also skin. Cerebral cortex, liver and kidney had relatively low levels. ADA activity in lymphocytes from peripheral blood was significantly increased after antigenic stimulation by TAB immunization. The available evidence appears to be consistent with T-lymphocyte growth and development in the thymus being dependant on ADA.", "contents": "Adenosine deaminase activity in thymus and other human tissues. Adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) has been estimated in human tissues. Levels in the thymus during childhood were very much higher than in any of the other 6 tissues studied. Intermediate activities were obtained from spleen and lymph nodes and also skin. Cerebral cortex, liver and kidney had relatively low levels. ADA activity in lymphocytes from peripheral blood was significantly increased after antigenic stimulation by TAB immunization. The available evidence appears to be consistent with T-lymphocyte growth and development in the thymus being dependant on ADA.", "PMID": 1009688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11825", "title": "A third dipeptide carrier system typified by l-prolyl-lhydroxyproline and independent of l-leucyl and beta-alanyl dipeptides in rat gut loops.", "content": "1. The intestinal transport of L-prolyl-L-hydroxyproline (10 mmol/l) was investigated in rat small gut loops in vivo under pentobarbitone anaesthesia. Osmolality of test solutions was adjusted to eliminate any positive effect of solvent drag on disappearance of solutes from the lumen. 2. L-Leucylglycine and beta-alanyl-L-histidine (carnosine), representative members of two distinctly different dipeptide transport groups previously delineated, were tested for competitive action on L-prolyl-L-hydroxyproline uptake at ten times equimolar concentration (100 mmol/l), but were found to have no effect on the carrier system. 3. L-Prolyl-L-hydroxyproline uptake was markedly blocked by other L-prolyl dipeptides, indicating that they shared a common carrier system. Disappearance of L-prolyl-L-hydroxyproline from the gut lumen was reduced from 48% 15 min-1 10 cm-1 (control, containing 70 mmol/l mannitol) to 11% or 20% in the presence of L-prolylglycine (100 mmol/l) or L-prolyl-L-leucine (25 mmol/l), respectively. 4. It was concluded that at least three separate dipeptide carrier protein systems exist in the rat small gut, the disappearance of L-prolyl-L-hydroxyproline from the gut lumen being inhibited by two other L-prolyl dipeptides but not by L-leucyl or beta-alanyl dipeptides.", "contents": "A third dipeptide carrier system typified by l-prolyl-lhydroxyproline and independent of l-leucyl and beta-alanyl dipeptides in rat gut loops. 1. The intestinal transport of L-prolyl-L-hydroxyproline (10 mmol/l) was investigated in rat small gut loops in vivo under pentobarbitone anaesthesia. Osmolality of test solutions was adjusted to eliminate any positive effect of solvent drag on disappearance of solutes from the lumen. 2. L-Leucylglycine and beta-alanyl-L-histidine (carnosine), representative members of two distinctly different dipeptide transport groups previously delineated, were tested for competitive action on L-prolyl-L-hydroxyproline uptake at ten times equimolar concentration (100 mmol/l), but were found to have no effect on the carrier system. 3. L-Prolyl-L-hydroxyproline uptake was markedly blocked by other L-prolyl dipeptides, indicating that they shared a common carrier system. Disappearance of L-prolyl-L-hydroxyproline from the gut lumen was reduced from 48% 15 min-1 10 cm-1 (control, containing 70 mmol/l mannitol) to 11% or 20% in the presence of L-prolylglycine (100 mmol/l) or L-prolyl-L-leucine (25 mmol/l), respectively. 4. It was concluded that at least three separate dipeptide carrier protein systems exist in the rat small gut, the disappearance of L-prolyl-L-hydroxyproline from the gut lumen being inhibited by two other L-prolyl dipeptides but not by L-leucyl or beta-alanyl dipeptides.", "PMID": 1009689} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11826", "title": "The influence of coumarin on tissue levels of radio-labelled plasma protein and povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidine) in normal and thermally injured rats.", "content": "1. The administration of coumarin resulted in a two-fold increase in the entry of 51Cr-labelled rat plasma protein into otherwise normal tissues. 2. Prior treatment of rats with coumarin allowed about 50% more radio-labelled protein to enter the tissues immediately after thermal injury than occurred with thermal injury in untreated rats. 3. In coumarin-treated rats, 30 min or more after thermal injury, tissue levels of 125I-labelled povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidine) were significantly elevated or showed no change compared with tissue levels in rats which received only thermal injury. 4. Conversely, tissue levels or radio-labelled protein in coumarin-treated rats, 30 min or more after thermal injury were significantly reduced to between 20 and 30% of those in untreated, thermally injured rats. 5. These results were attributed to enhanced proteolysis of the radio-labelled protein caused by coumarin. Other results have shown that normal protein is similarly affected. 6. The products of proteolysis may then rapidly leave the tissues, freeing the osmotically-held fluids and reducing the oedema.", "contents": "The influence of coumarin on tissue levels of radio-labelled plasma protein and povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidine) in normal and thermally injured rats. 1. The administration of coumarin resulted in a two-fold increase in the entry of 51Cr-labelled rat plasma protein into otherwise normal tissues. 2. Prior treatment of rats with coumarin allowed about 50% more radio-labelled protein to enter the tissues immediately after thermal injury than occurred with thermal injury in untreated rats. 3. In coumarin-treated rats, 30 min or more after thermal injury, tissue levels of 125I-labelled povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidine) were significantly elevated or showed no change compared with tissue levels in rats which received only thermal injury. 4. Conversely, tissue levels or radio-labelled protein in coumarin-treated rats, 30 min or more after thermal injury were significantly reduced to between 20 and 30% of those in untreated, thermally injured rats. 5. These results were attributed to enhanced proteolysis of the radio-labelled protein caused by coumarin. Other results have shown that normal protein is similarly affected. 6. The products of proteolysis may then rapidly leave the tissues, freeing the osmotically-held fluids and reducing the oedema.", "PMID": 1009690} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11827", "title": "Familial interstitial nephritis.", "content": "We report a family in whom sixteen members in three consecutive generations have died or currently suffer from chronic renal failure. Histology revealed an interstitial nephritis. One patient also had medullary cysts. The condition appears to be similar to familial juvenile nephronophthisis.", "contents": "Familial interstitial nephritis. We report a family in whom sixteen members in three consecutive generations have died or currently suffer from chronic renal failure. Histology revealed an interstitial nephritis. One patient also had medullary cysts. The condition appears to be similar to familial juvenile nephronophthisis.", "PMID": 1009697} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11828", "title": "Urine concentrating capacity in women: the results of a screening method in a population study.", "content": "Urine concentration tests were performed as part of a population study in 1405 women in age strata between 38 and 60 years. The measurement of urine osmolality from the 13th hour of fluid deprivation overnight was adopted as a screening test. If an osmolality of 600 mOsm/kg H2O was not attained, a second test was performed and if this was abnormal a pitressin tannate test was carried out (54 women). Among women with a low urine concentration after pitressin tannate (less than 700 mOsm/kg H20) all but one suffered from chronic renal disease. The urine concentration capacity decreased with age illustrating the inadequacy of using the same \"normal\" limits at different ages. The outcome of the study raises the question of whether one simple fluid deprivation test discriminates tubular damage sufficiently satisfactorily to justify its application to the screening of large groups of people.", "contents": "Urine concentrating capacity in women: the results of a screening method in a population study. Urine concentration tests were performed as part of a population study in 1405 women in age strata between 38 and 60 years. The measurement of urine osmolality from the 13th hour of fluid deprivation overnight was adopted as a screening test. If an osmolality of 600 mOsm/kg H2O was not attained, a second test was performed and if this was abnormal a pitressin tannate test was carried out (54 women). Among women with a low urine concentration after pitressin tannate (less than 700 mOsm/kg H20) all but one suffered from chronic renal disease. The urine concentration capacity decreased with age illustrating the inadequacy of using the same \"normal\" limits at different ages. The outcome of the study raises the question of whether one simple fluid deprivation test discriminates tubular damage sufficiently satisfactorily to justify its application to the screening of large groups of people.", "PMID": 1009698} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11829", "title": "Inhibition of excitation-contraction coupling in the ventricular myocardium of the dog by SKF 24260.", "content": "1. The effects of SKF 24260 on the coronary vasculature and on the electrical and mechanical activities of the ventricular myocardium were studied by the use of papillary muscle preparations of the dog. The preparation was cross-circulated from a donor dog through the anterior septal artery, and driven at a rate of 120 beats/min. Drugs were injected into the anterior septal artery. 2. SKF 24260, in doses of 0-01-100 mug, caused a dose-dependent increase in the rate of blood flow through the anterior septal artery; the mean dose producing a 100% increase in blood flow rate was about 0-7 mug. 3. SKF 24260 in doses of 0-01-0-03 mug produced a slight increase in developed tension of papillary muscles. With 0-1-0-3 mug of SKF 24260 the increase was preceded by a transient decrease, and with doses larger than 1 mug the drug caused a dose-dependent decrease. The mean dose producing a 50% decrease in developed tension was about 2-8 mug. 4. SKF 24260 failed to affect the amplitude and shape of bipolar electrograms even in doses of 39-100 mug which completely abolished the developed tension. 5. The decrease in the developed tension caused by SKF 24260 was overcome by exogenous calcium; the increase in the developed tension in response to exogenous calcium was antagonized by SKF 24260. 6. These results indicate that the dilator action of SKF 24260 on the coronary vasculature is more prominent than the negative inotropic action on the ventricular myocardium, and suggest that the negative inotropic action is probably due to antagonism of the role of calcium in excitation-contraction coupling.", "contents": "Inhibition of excitation-contraction coupling in the ventricular myocardium of the dog by SKF 24260. 1. The effects of SKF 24260 on the coronary vasculature and on the electrical and mechanical activities of the ventricular myocardium were studied by the use of papillary muscle preparations of the dog. The preparation was cross-circulated from a donor dog through the anterior septal artery, and driven at a rate of 120 beats/min. Drugs were injected into the anterior septal artery. 2. SKF 24260, in doses of 0-01-100 mug, caused a dose-dependent increase in the rate of blood flow through the anterior septal artery; the mean dose producing a 100% increase in blood flow rate was about 0-7 mug. 3. SKF 24260 in doses of 0-01-0-03 mug produced a slight increase in developed tension of papillary muscles. With 0-1-0-3 mug of SKF 24260 the increase was preceded by a transient decrease, and with doses larger than 1 mug the drug caused a dose-dependent decrease. The mean dose producing a 50% decrease in developed tension was about 2-8 mug. 4. SKF 24260 failed to affect the amplitude and shape of bipolar electrograms even in doses of 39-100 mug which completely abolished the developed tension. 5. The decrease in the developed tension caused by SKF 24260 was overcome by exogenous calcium; the increase in the developed tension in response to exogenous calcium was antagonized by SKF 24260. 6. These results indicate that the dilator action of SKF 24260 on the coronary vasculature is more prominent than the negative inotropic action on the ventricular myocardium, and suggest that the negative inotropic action is probably due to antagonism of the role of calcium in excitation-contraction coupling.", "PMID": 1009693} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11830", "title": "Effects of propranolol on development and maintanance of severe renal hypertension in rats.", "content": "1. The effect of chronic administration of propranolol on the development and maintenance of severe renal hypertension in rats subjected to unilateral renal artery constriction was studied in relation to possible changes in peripheral PRA and the blood and tissue levels of propranolol. Propranolol was administered s.c. twice daily in doses of 1, 10 and 25 mg/kg, starting 2 days before operation. 2. Contrary to expectations, not only did the initial rise in systolic blood pressure become accelerated, but the established level of hypertension attained in the propranolol treated rats was of the same severity as that attained in placebo treated rats. Moreover, the progressive rise in peripheral plasma renin activity following unilateral renal artery constriction was not affected by propranolol administration. 3. The same doses of propranolol were also administered daily for 8 days to rats with established severe hypertension. A slight further rise in blood pressure occurred initially, followed by a moderate decrease of 15-25 mmHg. Propranolol failed to exert this minor hypotensive effect in hypertensive rats treated concomitantly with furosemide. No suppressive effect on the markedly increased levels of plasma renin activity was observed in these severely hypertensive rats in the presence or absence of furosemide administration. 4. These results indicate that in severely renal hypertensive rats propranolol has only a minor hypotensive effect and no blocking action on renin release under the conditions of study.", "contents": "Effects of propranolol on development and maintanance of severe renal hypertension in rats. 1. The effect of chronic administration of propranolol on the development and maintenance of severe renal hypertension in rats subjected to unilateral renal artery constriction was studied in relation to possible changes in peripheral PRA and the blood and tissue levels of propranolol. Propranolol was administered s.c. twice daily in doses of 1, 10 and 25 mg/kg, starting 2 days before operation. 2. Contrary to expectations, not only did the initial rise in systolic blood pressure become accelerated, but the established level of hypertension attained in the propranolol treated rats was of the same severity as that attained in placebo treated rats. Moreover, the progressive rise in peripheral plasma renin activity following unilateral renal artery constriction was not affected by propranolol administration. 3. The same doses of propranolol were also administered daily for 8 days to rats with established severe hypertension. A slight further rise in blood pressure occurred initially, followed by a moderate decrease of 15-25 mmHg. Propranolol failed to exert this minor hypotensive effect in hypertensive rats treated concomitantly with furosemide. No suppressive effect on the markedly increased levels of plasma renin activity was observed in these severely hypertensive rats in the presence or absence of furosemide administration. 4. These results indicate that in severely renal hypertensive rats propranolol has only a minor hypotensive effect and no blocking action on renin release under the conditions of study.", "PMID": 1009694} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11831", "title": "Whole-blood thrombin time: a bedside method for determination of heparin activity.", "content": "A bedside method of measurement of the whole-blood thrombin time for the determination of heparin activity was used in 300 dialyses. It was easily performed by the whole staff despite the absence of previous training in laboratory work. This test, using a clot timer with an automatic pipette device, gives a minimum risk of exposure to hepatitis virus. An increase of the thrombin time of 50-100 per cent above the starting value (3.7-6.6 sec) was aimed at during the heparin infusion. Bleeding complications, which were minor, were seen only on 18 and fibrin formation only on 26 occasions out of 1500 observations. Within the 50-100 per cent limits bleeding complications were observed on 2 and fibrin formation on only 13 occasions. No protamine was given.", "contents": "Whole-blood thrombin time: a bedside method for determination of heparin activity. A bedside method of measurement of the whole-blood thrombin time for the determination of heparin activity was used in 300 dialyses. It was easily performed by the whole staff despite the absence of previous training in laboratory work. This test, using a clot timer with an automatic pipette device, gives a minimum risk of exposure to hepatitis virus. An increase of the thrombin time of 50-100 per cent above the starting value (3.7-6.6 sec) was aimed at during the heparin infusion. Bleeding complications, which were minor, were seen only on 18 and fibrin formation only on 26 occasions out of 1500 observations. Within the 50-100 per cent limits bleeding complications were observed on 2 and fibrin formation on only 13 occasions. No protamine was given.", "PMID": 1009699} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11832", "title": "Renal responses to slight elevations of renal arterial plasma angiotensin II concentration in dogs.", "content": "1. Angiotensin II was infused into the renal artery of intact kidneys of slightly volume expanded anaesthetized dogs at rates of 125, 250, 500, and 1000 pg/kg body weight per min, resulting in elevations of the calculated renal arterial plasma angiotensin II concentration of 16.9 (s.e.m. =2.1), 35.0 (s.e.m.=4.3), 73.3 (s.e.m.=8.8), and 159.8 (s.e.m.=20.4)pg/ml...", "contents": "Renal responses to slight elevations of renal arterial plasma angiotensin II concentration in dogs. 1. Angiotensin II was infused into the renal artery of intact kidneys of slightly volume expanded anaesthetized dogs at rates of 125, 250, 500, and 1000 pg/kg body weight per min, resulting in elevations of the calculated renal arterial plasma angiotensin II concentration of 16.9 (s.e.m. =2.1), 35.0 (s.e.m.=4.3), 73.3 (s.e.m.=8.8), and 159.8 (s.e.m.=20.4)pg/ml...", "PMID": 1009691} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11833", "title": "Glomerulonephritis in late-onset cystinosis. Report of two cases and review of the literature.", "content": "This paper describes the clinical history of two male nontwin siblings with late-onset cystinosis, a variant of cystine storage disease. The diagnosis was established clinically and confirmed by measurement of cystine concentrations in leucocytes and skin-fibroblasts. Both patients presented with an incomplete nephrotic syndrome and renal biopsy showed, in addition to lesions of polykaryocytosis, a picture of focal and segmental glomerular hyalinosis. Renal function was stable in one patient over a follow-up period of two years; the other patient progressed toward terminal renal failure and was successfully transplanted.", "contents": "Glomerulonephritis in late-onset cystinosis. Report of two cases and review of the literature. This paper describes the clinical history of two male nontwin siblings with late-onset cystinosis, a variant of cystine storage disease. The diagnosis was established clinically and confirmed by measurement of cystine concentrations in leucocytes and skin-fibroblasts. Both patients presented with an incomplete nephrotic syndrome and renal biopsy showed, in addition to lesions of polykaryocytosis, a picture of focal and segmental glomerular hyalinosis. Renal function was stable in one patient over a follow-up period of two years; the other patient progressed toward terminal renal failure and was successfully transplanted.", "PMID": 1009700} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11834", "title": "Comparative study of the action of antiarrhythmic drugs on sinoatrial nodal pacemaker activity and contractility in the isolated blood-perfused atrium of the dog.", "content": "1. The effects of five antiarrhythmic drugs (quinidine, procainamide, lignocaine, phenytoin and propranolol) were studied on pacemaker activity in the sinoatrial node and on contractility in twenty-three isolated, blood-perfused atrium preparations of dogs. Each drug was administered directly into the cannulated sinus node artery of an isolated atrium over a period of 4 s. 2. Quinidine produced negative chronotropic and inotropic effects. Occasionally, higher doses induced a biphasic inotropic effect, an initial negative phase being followed by an increase in contractility. 3. Three response patterns to procainamide were observed: negative chronotropic and inotropic effects; biphasic effects, initially negative chronotropic and inotropic effects being followed by positive effects; a biphasic inotropic effect and a negative chronotropic effect. The third pattern was most frequently produced by relatively high doses. 4. Lignocaine, phenytoin and propranolol induced dose-related negative chronotropic and inotropic effects. 5. All five of the antiarrhythmic drugs used caused sinus arrest in high doses. 6. Procainamide-induced positive chronotropic and inotropic effects were significantly inhibited by treatment with alprenolol or nadolol, but not by tetrodotoxin or desipramine. 7. These results indicate that procainamide-induced positive chronotropic and inotropic effects may involve an adrenergic mechanism.", "contents": "Comparative study of the action of antiarrhythmic drugs on sinoatrial nodal pacemaker activity and contractility in the isolated blood-perfused atrium of the dog. 1. The effects of five antiarrhythmic drugs (quinidine, procainamide, lignocaine, phenytoin and propranolol) were studied on pacemaker activity in the sinoatrial node and on contractility in twenty-three isolated, blood-perfused atrium preparations of dogs. Each drug was administered directly into the cannulated sinus node artery of an isolated atrium over a period of 4 s. 2. Quinidine produced negative chronotropic and inotropic effects. Occasionally, higher doses induced a biphasic inotropic effect, an initial negative phase being followed by an increase in contractility. 3. Three response patterns to procainamide were observed: negative chronotropic and inotropic effects; biphasic effects, initially negative chronotropic and inotropic effects being followed by positive effects; a biphasic inotropic effect and a negative chronotropic effect. The third pattern was most frequently produced by relatively high doses. 4. Lignocaine, phenytoin and propranolol induced dose-related negative chronotropic and inotropic effects. 5. All five of the antiarrhythmic drugs used caused sinus arrest in high doses. 6. Procainamide-induced positive chronotropic and inotropic effects were significantly inhibited by treatment with alprenolol or nadolol, but not by tetrodotoxin or desipramine. 7. These results indicate that procainamide-induced positive chronotropic and inotropic effects may involve an adrenergic mechanism.", "PMID": 1009695} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11835", "title": "Mineralocorticoid receptors in sheep kidney and parotid: studies in Na+ replete and Na+ deplete states.", "content": "1. As an adrenalectomized sheep becomes progressively more Na+ deplete, its salivary electrolyte secretion becomes increasingly sensitive to exogenous aldosterone administration. 2. Alteration in mineralocorticoid receptor affinity or concentration is a possible mechanism whereby this sensitivity could be expressed at a molecular level. 3. Bonding sites with a high affinity for aldosterone (Kd 37 degrees C approximately 5 x 10(-10) M) have been demonstrated in sheep kidney and parotid. 4. Renal binding sites were examined in detail, and shown to have affinity characteristics appropriate for mineralocorticoid receptors (aldosterone greater than deoxycorticosterone greater than dexamethasone greater than cortisol greater than progesterone greater than oestradiol greater than dihydrotestosterone). 5. No difference in mineralocoticoid receptor affinity or concentration could be shown between Na+ replete and Na+ deplete sheep, in either kidney or parotid gland. 6. Accordingly, the molecular mechanisms whereby parotid sensitivity is mediated remain as yet undefined.", "contents": "Mineralocorticoid receptors in sheep kidney and parotid: studies in Na+ replete and Na+ deplete states. 1. As an adrenalectomized sheep becomes progressively more Na+ deplete, its salivary electrolyte secretion becomes increasingly sensitive to exogenous aldosterone administration. 2. Alteration in mineralocorticoid receptor affinity or concentration is a possible mechanism whereby this sensitivity could be expressed at a molecular level. 3. Bonding sites with a high affinity for aldosterone (Kd 37 degrees C approximately 5 x 10(-10) M) have been demonstrated in sheep kidney and parotid. 4. Renal binding sites were examined in detail, and shown to have affinity characteristics appropriate for mineralocorticoid receptors (aldosterone greater than deoxycorticosterone greater than dexamethasone greater than cortisol greater than progesterone greater than oestradiol greater than dihydrotestosterone). 5. No difference in mineralocoticoid receptor affinity or concentration could be shown between Na+ replete and Na+ deplete sheep, in either kidney or parotid gland. 6. Accordingly, the molecular mechanisms whereby parotid sensitivity is mediated remain as yet undefined.", "PMID": 1009692} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11836", "title": "Stimulation of sodium and water secretion without inhibition of glucose absorption in the rat jejunum by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).", "content": "1. Infusion of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) into the arterial blood supply of the small intestine in anesthetized rats did not alter either the perfusion pressure in the superior mesenteric artery or the active absorption of glucose from the jejunum, but did produce a large net secretion of Na+ and water into the lumen of the jejunum. 2. The results are compared to the effects of prostaglandin E1 which stimulates Na+ and water secretion and inhibits glucose active absorption in the rat jejunum.", "contents": "Stimulation of sodium and water secretion without inhibition of glucose absorption in the rat jejunum by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). 1. Infusion of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) into the arterial blood supply of the small intestine in anesthetized rats did not alter either the perfusion pressure in the superior mesenteric artery or the active absorption of glucose from the jejunum, but did produce a large net secretion of Na+ and water into the lumen of the jejunum. 2. The results are compared to the effects of prostaglandin E1 which stimulates Na+ and water secretion and inhibits glucose active absorption in the rat jejunum.", "PMID": 1009696} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11837", "title": "Arteriosclerosis, heredity, and some previous infections in the etiology of Parkinson's disease. A case-control study.", "content": "A case-control study was performed to investigate the significance of arteriosclerosis, heredity and some infections in the etiology of Parkinson's disease. The study group consisted of all traceable patients with Parkinson's disease living in a defined area, a total of 444 patients, and of control subjects for each patient, matched in sex and age, chosen from among the general population residing in the same area. No significant differences were found between the patients and the controls concerning the occurrence of cardiac insufficiency, coronary heart disease, or stroke. The Parkinsonian patients, however, had a significantly lower incidence of clinical arterial hypertension when compared with the controls. In addition, the patients more often had low systolic blood pressures and more rarely high pressures than the controls. Even the mean systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the patients than in the controls. The low blood pressure seems to be an effect of Parkinson's disease itself with a minor contribution of levodopa therapy. The observations above are considered to indicate that arteriosclerosis and Parkinson's disease are probably only concurrent disorders and not in etiological relationship with each other. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of the patients and the controls with relatives with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor, which suggests that genetic factors do not have a significant role in Parkinson's disease and on the other hand that essential tremor and Parkinson's disease are two separate disease entities. No other encephalitis than a lethargic one was found to precede Parkinson's disease and the occurrence of meningitis was rare both among the patients and the controls. The history of Spanish influenza was found to be as frequent in the patients as in the controls, thus not supporting the idea that influenza has etiological importance in Parkinson's disease.", "contents": "Arteriosclerosis, heredity, and some previous infections in the etiology of Parkinson's disease. A case-control study. A case-control study was performed to investigate the significance of arteriosclerosis, heredity and some infections in the etiology of Parkinson's disease. The study group consisted of all traceable patients with Parkinson's disease living in a defined area, a total of 444 patients, and of control subjects for each patient, matched in sex and age, chosen from among the general population residing in the same area. No significant differences were found between the patients and the controls concerning the occurrence of cardiac insufficiency, coronary heart disease, or stroke. The Parkinsonian patients, however, had a significantly lower incidence of clinical arterial hypertension when compared with the controls. In addition, the patients more often had low systolic blood pressures and more rarely high pressures than the controls. Even the mean systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the patients than in the controls. The low blood pressure seems to be an effect of Parkinson's disease itself with a minor contribution of levodopa therapy. The observations above are considered to indicate that arteriosclerosis and Parkinson's disease are probably only concurrent disorders and not in etiological relationship with each other. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of the patients and the controls with relatives with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor, which suggests that genetic factors do not have a significant role in Parkinson's disease and on the other hand that essential tremor and Parkinson's disease are two separate disease entities. No other encephalitis than a lethargic one was found to precede Parkinson's disease and the occurrence of meningitis was rare both among the patients and the controls. The history of Spanish influenza was found to be as frequent in the patients as in the controls, thus not supporting the idea that influenza has etiological importance in Parkinson's disease.", "PMID": 1009713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11838", "title": "Purulent osteomyelitis of the cervical spine with epidural abscess. Operative treatment by means of dorsal and ventral approach.", "content": "The present case concerns an acute purulent osteomyelitis with an epidural abscess, located particularly in the intervertebral foramen between C5 and C6, which led to infection by staphylococci of the adjacent vertebral arches and vertebral bodies. An obstruction of the CSF passage was discovered by myelography at the level between C5 and C6. The bony tissue changed by inflammation was removed as far as possible by laminectomy. After irrigation of the epidural space with antibiotics and after control of the severe inflammation, the vertebral bodies C6 and C7 which were destroyed by the spreading inflammatory granulations, could be removed by a ventral approach 4 weeks later. The defect was filled with spongiosa chips. After immobilisation in a plaster shell and Crutchfield extension for 8 weeks the patient was slowly mobilized. A fusion of the vertebral bodies C5 and C6, C6/C7 and C7/C1 was achieved. A dislocation of the cervical spine did not occur and the patient recovered completely except for a paresis of the right hand. Treatment of this very rare and severe case was only possible by a combined dorsal and ventral procedure on the cervical spine.", "contents": "Purulent osteomyelitis of the cervical spine with epidural abscess. Operative treatment by means of dorsal and ventral approach. The present case concerns an acute purulent osteomyelitis with an epidural abscess, located particularly in the intervertebral foramen between C5 and C6, which led to infection by staphylococci of the adjacent vertebral arches and vertebral bodies. An obstruction of the CSF passage was discovered by myelography at the level between C5 and C6. The bony tissue changed by inflammation was removed as far as possible by laminectomy. After irrigation of the epidural space with antibiotics and after control of the severe inflammation, the vertebral bodies C6 and C7 which were destroyed by the spreading inflammatory granulations, could be removed by a ventral approach 4 weeks later. The defect was filled with spongiosa chips. After immobilisation in a plaster shell and Crutchfield extension for 8 weeks the patient was slowly mobilized. A fusion of the vertebral bodies C5 and C6, C6/C7 and C7/C1 was achieved. A dislocation of the cervical spine did not occur and the patient recovered completely except for a paresis of the right hand. Treatment of this very rare and severe case was only possible by a combined dorsal and ventral procedure on the cervical spine.", "PMID": 1009714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11839", "title": "Tests of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.", "content": "The availability of RIA to measure the pituitary gonadotropins and ovarian sex steroids has greatly helped in the development of tests of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian function. The use of estimates of basal gonadotrophin and sex steroid hormones together with dynamic tests such as the LH-RH test, oestrogen provocation test, clomiphene tests and exogenous gonadotrophins can now test the integrity and functional capacity of each of the components of the HPO axis. Figure 4 demonstrates how these tests can be used in a logical sequence to investigate patients with a disorder of the HPO axis after having first excluded any other endocrine abnormality. Screening of serum for elevated levels of gonadotrophins, prolactin and progesterone is an important initial step. Interpretation of the oestrogen provocation and clomiphene tests requires a normally functioning pituitary gland and hence the response to an LH-RH test also plays a ket role. The flow chart also demonstrates the points at which specific ovulation induction treatment can be instituted and should be useful in saving patient and doctor investigative time. Using these types of tests it should be possible to reclassify disorders of the HPO axis on the basis of their underlying pathology.", "contents": "Tests of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. The availability of RIA to measure the pituitary gonadotropins and ovarian sex steroids has greatly helped in the development of tests of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian function. The use of estimates of basal gonadotrophin and sex steroid hormones together with dynamic tests such as the LH-RH test, oestrogen provocation test, clomiphene tests and exogenous gonadotrophins can now test the integrity and functional capacity of each of the components of the HPO axis. Figure 4 demonstrates how these tests can be used in a logical sequence to investigate patients with a disorder of the HPO axis after having first excluded any other endocrine abnormality. Screening of serum for elevated levels of gonadotrophins, prolactin and progesterone is an important initial step. Interpretation of the oestrogen provocation and clomiphene tests requires a normally functioning pituitary gland and hence the response to an LH-RH test also plays a ket role. The flow chart also demonstrates the points at which specific ovulation induction treatment can be instituted and should be useful in saving patient and doctor investigative time. Using these types of tests it should be possible to reclassify disorders of the HPO axis on the basis of their underlying pathology.", "PMID": 1009729} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11840", "title": "A computer program for the generalized chi-square analysis of categorical data using weighted least squares (GENCAT).", "content": "GENCAT is a computer program which implements an extremely general methodology for the analysis of multivariate categorical data. This approach essentially involves the construction of test statistics for hypotheses involving functions of the observed proportions which are directed at the relationships under investigation and the estimation of corresponding model parameters via weighted least squares computations. Any compounded function of the observed proportions which can be formulated as a sequence of the following transformations of the data vector--linear, logarithmic, exponential, or the addition of a vector of constants--can be analyzed within this general framework. This algorithm produces minimum modified chi-square statistics which are obtained by partitioning the sums of squares as in ANOVA. The input data can be either: (a) frequencies from a multidimentional contingency table; (b) a victor of functions with its estimated covariance matrix; and (c) raw data in the form of integer-valued variables associated with each subject. The input format is completely flexible for the data as well as for the matrices.", "contents": "A computer program for the generalized chi-square analysis of categorical data using weighted least squares (GENCAT). GENCAT is a computer program which implements an extremely general methodology for the analysis of multivariate categorical data. This approach essentially involves the construction of test statistics for hypotheses involving functions of the observed proportions which are directed at the relationships under investigation and the estimation of corresponding model parameters via weighted least squares computations. Any compounded function of the observed proportions which can be formulated as a sequence of the following transformations of the data vector--linear, logarithmic, exponential, or the addition of a vector of constants--can be analyzed within this general framework. This algorithm produces minimum modified chi-square statistics which are obtained by partitioning the sums of squares as in ANOVA. The input data can be either: (a) frequencies from a multidimentional contingency table; (b) a victor of functions with its estimated covariance matrix; and (c) raw data in the form of integer-valued variables associated with each subject. The input format is completely flexible for the data as well as for the matrices.", "PMID": 1009762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11841", "title": "Automatic treatment of assay data by competitive protein binding and radioimmunoassay.", "content": "A method is devised for the automatic computation of data obtained from a series of determinations by radioimmunoassay or by competitive protein binding. The input data is introduced by means of an automatic paper tape punch attached to the sample counter. A series of programs is set up for a Hewlett Packard computer, model 2116B with 16K, which calculates bound and free fractions with control processes for varying possible errors. From experimental data, by linear least squares regression, a standard curve of best fit is derived and is considered in three different ways. The curve of best fit is selected by comparing the correlation coefficients obtained and by calculating the unknown sample concentrations. The program presents the results graphically together with a list of results which is for use within the Radiochemistry laboratory. Individual reports are also prepared for sending to those departments that requested the test.", "contents": "Automatic treatment of assay data by competitive protein binding and radioimmunoassay. A method is devised for the automatic computation of data obtained from a series of determinations by radioimmunoassay or by competitive protein binding. The input data is introduced by means of an automatic paper tape punch attached to the sample counter. A series of programs is set up for a Hewlett Packard computer, model 2116B with 16K, which calculates bound and free fractions with control processes for varying possible errors. From experimental data, by linear least squares regression, a standard curve of best fit is derived and is considered in three different ways. The curve of best fit is selected by comparing the correlation coefficients obtained and by calculating the unknown sample concentrations. The program presents the results graphically together with a list of results which is for use within the Radiochemistry laboratory. Individual reports are also prepared for sending to those departments that requested the test.", "PMID": 1009764} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11842", "title": "Period analysis of the electroencephalogram.", "content": "A program is described which utilizes the Digital Equipment Corporation LINC-8 computer with 4K of memory to process the electrical activity of the brin into a set of meaningful statistics. The program provides an efficient methol of obtaining spectoral information concerning the EEG without the associated cost or complexity of conventional power spectrum techniques. The combination of utilization of a small laboratory computer with an easily programmable method provides an approach for automated EEG analysis which is within the financial and technical scope of most small hospital EEG laboratories;", "contents": "Period analysis of the electroencephalogram. A program is described which utilizes the Digital Equipment Corporation LINC-8 computer with 4K of memory to process the electrical activity of the brin into a set of meaningful statistics. The program provides an efficient methol of obtaining spectoral information concerning the EEG without the associated cost or complexity of conventional power spectrum techniques. The combination of utilization of a small laboratory computer with an easily programmable method provides an approach for automated EEG analysis which is within the financial and technical scope of most small hospital EEG laboratories;", "PMID": 1009766} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11843", "title": "Recovery from unilateral visuo-spatial neglect?", "content": "Patients who had demonstrated unilateral visuo-spatial neglect on a simple drawing and copying task three to four weeks after a right hemisphere stroke were reassessed five months later. Although the incidence of neglect as defined had dropped markedly in that period, they remained impaired on tests of spatial analysis and visual perception relative to a group of right hemisphere patients without neglect. The measurement of neglect is discussed in the light of both these results and the stability of the neglect group's abnormal position preference on one of the tests administered.", "contents": "Recovery from unilateral visuo-spatial neglect? Patients who had demonstrated unilateral visuo-spatial neglect on a simple drawing and copying task three to four weeks after a right hemisphere stroke were reassessed five months later. Although the incidence of neglect as defined had dropped markedly in that period, they remained impaired on tests of spatial analysis and visual perception relative to a group of right hemisphere patients without neglect. The measurement of neglect is discussed in the light of both these results and the stability of the neglect group's abnormal position preference on one of the tests administered.", "PMID": 1009767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11844", "title": "A modified card sorting test sensitive to frontal lobe defects.", "content": "Milner's (1963) report of impaired performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in a group of patients with frontal lobe lesions suggested that this test might be a useful one in the investigation of individual patients with suspected brain lesions. However, for many of our older hospital population the WCST was found to be too difficult and distressing, and also the inherent ambiguities associated with certain responses limited the test's usefulness for research purposes. Therefore, a simpler and less ambiguous modification was devised (MCS) and a new method of measuring perseverative errors proposed. In a group of 53 patients with unilateral cerebral lesions, those with frontal lobe lesions performed less well with the MCST and made a higher proportion of perseverative errors than those with lesions elsewhere: there were no laterality effects in either frontal or non-frontal groups. The usefulness of the MCST for detecting frontal lobe lesions in individual patients was established, and the use of cut-off scores briefly discussed.", "contents": "A modified card sorting test sensitive to frontal lobe defects. Milner's (1963) report of impaired performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in a group of patients with frontal lobe lesions suggested that this test might be a useful one in the investigation of individual patients with suspected brain lesions. However, for many of our older hospital population the WCST was found to be too difficult and distressing, and also the inherent ambiguities associated with certain responses limited the test's usefulness for research purposes. Therefore, a simpler and less ambiguous modification was devised (MCS) and a new method of measuring perseverative errors proposed. In a group of 53 patients with unilateral cerebral lesions, those with frontal lobe lesions performed less well with the MCST and made a higher proportion of perseverative errors than those with lesions elsewhere: there were no laterality effects in either frontal or non-frontal groups. The usefulness of the MCST for detecting frontal lobe lesions in individual patients was established, and the use of cut-off scores briefly discussed.", "PMID": 1009768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11845", "title": "Error patterns in auditory comprehension of adult aphasics.", "content": "The error patterns of normal and aphasic adults on a sentence comprehension test were studied. For position of error, both normals and the three aphasic groups performed consistently with the expected error distribution. Neither sentence half was experienced as more difficult to process. All groups, both aphasic and normal, demonstrated error patterns for grammatical class and for surface structure linguistic constituent which were consistent with the expected error distributions. Exceptions were noted for the normals on the verb class and for the Wernicke's aphasics on the NP and VP linguistic constituents. Rank orderings of error proportions were similar across groups for both grammatical form class and linguistic constituent. The general findings lend support to the notion that, for auditory comprehension of sentences, aphasic patients differ quantitatively from normal adult speakers, but behave qualitatively similar to them.", "contents": "Error patterns in auditory comprehension of adult aphasics. The error patterns of normal and aphasic adults on a sentence comprehension test were studied. For position of error, both normals and the three aphasic groups performed consistently with the expected error distribution. Neither sentence half was experienced as more difficult to process. All groups, both aphasic and normal, demonstrated error patterns for grammatical class and for surface structure linguistic constituent which were consistent with the expected error distributions. Exceptions were noted for the normals on the verb class and for the Wernicke's aphasics on the NP and VP linguistic constituents. Rank orderings of error proportions were similar across groups for both grammatical form class and linguistic constituent. The general findings lend support to the notion that, for auditory comprehension of sentences, aphasic patients differ quantitatively from normal adult speakers, but behave qualitatively similar to them.", "PMID": 1009769} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11846", "title": "Development of hemispheric specialization for speech perception.", "content": "When lists of word pairs were presented simultaneously in a dichotic monitoring task to three groups of right-handed subjects aged 5, 7 and 11 years, more target words were responded to, and reaction times was shorter, when these occurred in the right rather than the left ear. The magnitude of the effect did not change with age. A signal detection analysis showed that the right ear advantage was due to greater sensitivity of the right ear, rather than a response bias. Hand effects were assessed separately by using binaural stimulation in which each ear received two inputs, one in a male voice and the other in a female voice. The right hand responded to target words in one voice, and the left hand to target words in the other voice. The contribution of a right hand superiority to the ear effect was found to be minimal. The effects of language acquisition and attention strategies on the right ear advantage are discussed. It was concluded that at 5 years of age the left hemisphere is specialized for the analysis of speech signals. This produces a right ear advantage in competitive verbal listening.", "contents": "Development of hemispheric specialization for speech perception. When lists of word pairs were presented simultaneously in a dichotic monitoring task to three groups of right-handed subjects aged 5, 7 and 11 years, more target words were responded to, and reaction times was shorter, when these occurred in the right rather than the left ear. The magnitude of the effect did not change with age. A signal detection analysis showed that the right ear advantage was due to greater sensitivity of the right ear, rather than a response bias. Hand effects were assessed separately by using binaural stimulation in which each ear received two inputs, one in a male voice and the other in a female voice. The right hand responded to target words in one voice, and the left hand to target words in the other voice. The contribution of a right hand superiority to the ear effect was found to be minimal. The effects of language acquisition and attention strategies on the right ear advantage are discussed. It was concluded that at 5 years of age the left hemisphere is specialized for the analysis of speech signals. This produces a right ear advantage in competitive verbal listening.", "PMID": 1009770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11847", "title": "Cerebral dominance and visual similarity judgements.", "content": "Visual similarity judgements among rectangles varying in form and area were investigated in control subjects and in patients with lesions confined to either cerebral hemisphere. While an overweighing of form with respect to area was found in both control subjects and right brain-damaged, left brain-damaged patients equally weighted the two relevant dimensions. Beyond revealing differential processing rules related to the side of the injury in the brain, the findings lend themselves to some speculation about cerebral dominance.", "contents": "Cerebral dominance and visual similarity judgements. Visual similarity judgements among rectangles varying in form and area were investigated in control subjects and in patients with lesions confined to either cerebral hemisphere. While an overweighing of form with respect to area was found in both control subjects and right brain-damaged, left brain-damaged patients equally weighted the two relevant dimensions. Beyond revealing differential processing rules related to the side of the injury in the brain, the findings lend themselves to some speculation about cerebral dominance.", "PMID": 1009771} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11848", "title": "Sinistrad mirror writing and reading after brain concussion in a bi-systemic (oriento-occidental) polyglot.", "content": "The problem of mirror writing and reading is discussed in the light of a clinical case, where this disturbance appeared after an apparently minor head injury. Mirror writing and reading in this polyglot individual affected only the sinistrad (Hebrew) writing and reading system, leaving the dextrad (Latin) system unimpaired. This disturbance appeared together with dyscalculia, left-right disorientation and slight temporal confusion, suggestive of parieto-occipital lobe pathology. The clinical picture also showed apparently \"conversional\" traits, such as are sometimes seen in incomplete parietal lobe syndromes. The relevant literature is reviewed and patho-physiological mechanisms of mirror reversal are discussed.", "contents": "Sinistrad mirror writing and reading after brain concussion in a bi-systemic (oriento-occidental) polyglot. The problem of mirror writing and reading is discussed in the light of a clinical case, where this disturbance appeared after an apparently minor head injury. Mirror writing and reading in this polyglot individual affected only the sinistrad (Hebrew) writing and reading system, leaving the dextrad (Latin) system unimpaired. This disturbance appeared together with dyscalculia, left-right disorientation and slight temporal confusion, suggestive of parieto-occipital lobe pathology. The clinical picture also showed apparently \"conversional\" traits, such as are sometimes seen in incomplete parietal lobe syndromes. The relevant literature is reviewed and patho-physiological mechanisms of mirror reversal are discussed.", "PMID": 1009772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11849", "title": "Phonemic behavior of aphasic subjects without dysarthria or apraxia of speech.", "content": "Thirty adult aphasic subjects without apraxia of speech or dysarthria were tested for their ability to produce phonemes in single test words and in spontaneous contextual speech. Results indicated that 75% of the total phonemic errors were due to a whole-word phenomenon apparently associated with faulty processing of the word rather than faulty production of the phoneme. True phonemic errors comprised 25% of the total errors or about 2% of all responses. Phoneme substitutions were by far the most frequent error (61%). Of the 30 subjects, 28 made no phonemic errors in spontaneous contextual speech. Aphasic behavior is not characterized by significant breakdown of articulatory performance. Observed patterns of error do not clearly support a phonemic regression hypothesis.", "contents": "Phonemic behavior of aphasic subjects without dysarthria or apraxia of speech. Thirty adult aphasic subjects without apraxia of speech or dysarthria were tested for their ability to produce phonemes in single test words and in spontaneous contextual speech. Results indicated that 75% of the total phonemic errors were due to a whole-word phenomenon apparently associated with faulty processing of the word rather than faulty production of the phoneme. True phonemic errors comprised 25% of the total errors or about 2% of all responses. Phoneme substitutions were by far the most frequent error (61%). Of the 30 subjects, 28 made no phonemic errors in spontaneous contextual speech. Aphasic behavior is not characterized by significant breakdown of articulatory performance. Observed patterns of error do not clearly support a phonemic regression hypothesis.", "PMID": 1009773} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11850", "title": "The cerebral laterality of \"minimal brain damage\" children.", "content": "\"Minimal brain damage\" children and controls matched for age, sex and intelligence were assessed for lateral preference, unimanual motor speed, reaction time to lateralised stimuli and dichotic ear advantage. \"Minimal brain damage\" children were found to be less extreme and stable in their lateral preferences, slower, and less lateralised in their motor performance. This suggests a deficit of interhemispheric integration, although the groups did not differ in dichotic listening performance, the normal group failing to show the expected ear advantage. \"Minimal brain damage\" children may be suffering from a partial disconnection syndrome.", "contents": "The cerebral laterality of \"minimal brain damage\" children. \"Minimal brain damage\" children and controls matched for age, sex and intelligence were assessed for lateral preference, unimanual motor speed, reaction time to lateralised stimuli and dichotic ear advantage. \"Minimal brain damage\" children were found to be less extreme and stable in their lateral preferences, slower, and less lateralised in their motor performance. This suggests a deficit of interhemispheric integration, although the groups did not differ in dichotic listening performance, the normal group failing to show the expected ear advantage. \"Minimal brain damage\" children may be suffering from a partial disconnection syndrome.", "PMID": 1009774} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11851", "title": "Aphasic disorders in matching tasks involving conceptual analysis and covert naming.", "content": "Aphasic, non-aphasic brain-damaged, schizophrenic and normal Ss were required to select which of two pictures in each item was indicated by a third picture. The latter was related to the referent not through direct associations but only through a mediator: a homonym -- the name for clue and referent --, a situational association, or a perceptual feature common to both. The availability of these mediators was to be tested. Aphasics were as good as normals when the task could be solved via situational associations (e.g. guitar/violin -- bullfight; mediator: \"Spain\"). They showed poorer performance than all the control-groups not only when the solution depended on the availability of a word but also when it was necessary to identify analytically a perceptual feature characteristic for clue and referent (e.g. swan/turkey -- snowman; mediator: \"white\"). This result is seen as possibly corresponding to the specific deficiency of both non-fluent and fluent aphasics in the Token Test which might be characteristic of left hemisphere dysfunctions in the analytical decomposition into separate features of what presents itself perceptually and experientally as a unit or Gestalt.", "contents": "Aphasic disorders in matching tasks involving conceptual analysis and covert naming. Aphasic, non-aphasic brain-damaged, schizophrenic and normal Ss were required to select which of two pictures in each item was indicated by a third picture. The latter was related to the referent not through direct associations but only through a mediator: a homonym -- the name for clue and referent --, a situational association, or a perceptual feature common to both. The availability of these mediators was to be tested. Aphasics were as good as normals when the task could be solved via situational associations (e.g. guitar/violin -- bullfight; mediator: \"Spain\"). They showed poorer performance than all the control-groups not only when the solution depended on the availability of a word but also when it was necessary to identify analytically a perceptual feature characteristic for clue and referent (e.g. swan/turkey -- snowman; mediator: \"white\"). This result is seen as possibly corresponding to the specific deficiency of both non-fluent and fluent aphasics in the Token Test which might be characteristic of left hemisphere dysfunctions in the analytical decomposition into separate features of what presents itself perceptually and experientally as a unit or Gestalt.", "PMID": 1009775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11852", "title": "Response to delayed auditory feedback in patients with hemispheric lesions.", "content": "The effect of delayed auditory feedback (DAF) on the performance of verbal and nonverbal tasks at two levels of difficulty by patients with left or right hemispheric lesions and non brain-damaged controls was compared. All subjects showed DAF effects, as measured by increases in response duration and intensity. While controls showed an increase in DAF effects as a function of increased task difficulty, the brain-damaged patients failed to show such an increase on tasks on which they were presumably impaired (verbal tasks for lefts, nonverbal for rights). Findings suggest a clear dissociation between DAF effects in unilateraly lesioned patients due to the nature of the stimulus material and its difficulty level.", "contents": "Response to delayed auditory feedback in patients with hemispheric lesions. The effect of delayed auditory feedback (DAF) on the performance of verbal and nonverbal tasks at two levels of difficulty by patients with left or right hemispheric lesions and non brain-damaged controls was compared. All subjects showed DAF effects, as measured by increases in response duration and intensity. While controls showed an increase in DAF effects as a function of increased task difficulty, the brain-damaged patients failed to show such an increase on tasks on which they were presumably impaired (verbal tasks for lefts, nonverbal for rights). Findings suggest a clear dissociation between DAF effects in unilateraly lesioned patients due to the nature of the stimulus material and its difficulty level.", "PMID": 1009776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11853", "title": "Effect of immunotherapy in bronchial asthma: treatment with mite extract absorbed on tyrosine.", "content": "A trial was carried out in 18 asthmatic patients to assess the effectiveness of a vaccine of house dust mite extract (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) absorbed on tyrosine. Patients were initially given 6 graduated doses of the vaccine subcutaneously at 7-day intervals. Maintenance injections were then given at 2-week intervals, the total dose being determined by clinical response. About 60% of the treated patients showed a significantly beneficial response to immunotherapy as assessed by symptomatic improvements. Seventy-two per cent of the patients required less oral anti-asthmatic therapy and 50% of the patients had a demonstrable increase in blocking antibodies. Local reactions were not severe and occurred infrequently. None of the patients developed systemic reactions to immunotherapy. Clinical response was found to depend to some extent on the dosage of antigen administered and rise in blocking antibodies of the patient's serum.", "contents": "Effect of immunotherapy in bronchial asthma: treatment with mite extract absorbed on tyrosine. A trial was carried out in 18 asthmatic patients to assess the effectiveness of a vaccine of house dust mite extract (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) absorbed on tyrosine. Patients were initially given 6 graduated doses of the vaccine subcutaneously at 7-day intervals. Maintenance injections were then given at 2-week intervals, the total dose being determined by clinical response. About 60% of the treated patients showed a significantly beneficial response to immunotherapy as assessed by symptomatic improvements. Seventy-two per cent of the patients required less oral anti-asthmatic therapy and 50% of the patients had a demonstrable increase in blocking antibodies. Local reactions were not severe and occurred infrequently. None of the patients developed systemic reactions to immunotherapy. Clinical response was found to depend to some extent on the dosage of antigen administered and rise in blocking antibodies of the patient's serum.", "PMID": 1009779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11854", "title": "Clinical investigation of a very low dosage oral contraceptive combination: 0-75 mg lynestrenol and 0-0375 mg ethinyl oestradiol.", "content": "A trial was carried out in 3 clinics to test the efficacy of and cycle control obtained with a very low dosage oral contraceptive combination of lynesternol (0.75 mg) and ethinyl oestradiol (0.0375 mg). A total of 134 healthy, fertile women, ages ranging from under 19 years to over 40 years, participated and completed 1144 treatment cycles. No pregnancies occurred. Then length of the treatment cycle compared to the cycle length before treatment was unchanged in 79.3% of cases. Withdrawal bleeding occurred in 93.1% of all treatment cycles, and in 78.9% of cases the duration of the withdrawal bleeding corresponded to that of the bleeding before treatment. The proportion of irregular bleeding in the first treatment cycle was 51.4% but by the 12th treatment cycle this was reduced to 12.5%. Side-effects, when they did occur, were very slight; existing complaints clearly decreased during the treatment.", "contents": "Clinical investigation of a very low dosage oral contraceptive combination: 0-75 mg lynestrenol and 0-0375 mg ethinyl oestradiol. A trial was carried out in 3 clinics to test the efficacy of and cycle control obtained with a very low dosage oral contraceptive combination of lynesternol (0.75 mg) and ethinyl oestradiol (0.0375 mg). A total of 134 healthy, fertile women, ages ranging from under 19 years to over 40 years, participated and completed 1144 treatment cycles. No pregnancies occurred. Then length of the treatment cycle compared to the cycle length before treatment was unchanged in 79.3% of cases. Withdrawal bleeding occurred in 93.1% of all treatment cycles, and in 78.9% of cases the duration of the withdrawal bleeding corresponded to that of the bleeding before treatment. The proportion of irregular bleeding in the first treatment cycle was 51.4% but by the 12th treatment cycle this was reduced to 12.5%. Side-effects, when they did occur, were very slight; existing complaints clearly decreased during the treatment.", "PMID": 1009780} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11855", "title": "Intravenous administration of erythromycin: serum, sputum and urine levels.", "content": "Eight patients requiring antibacterial therapy were given a continuous infusion of erythromycin lactobionate, using 5% dextrose solution as the infusant, at the rate of 1 g per 12 hours over a period of 5 days. Serum, urinary, and sputum levels of the antibiotic were measured at regular intervals. The results of the assays showed that after the initial 8 hours the levels of erythromycin produced were sufficient to inhibit a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. There was no evidence of clinical or biochemical deterioration of renal or liver cell function during the treatment period.", "contents": "Intravenous administration of erythromycin: serum, sputum and urine levels. Eight patients requiring antibacterial therapy were given a continuous infusion of erythromycin lactobionate, using 5% dextrose solution as the infusant, at the rate of 1 g per 12 hours over a period of 5 days. Serum, urinary, and sputum levels of the antibiotic were measured at regular intervals. The results of the assays showed that after the initial 8 hours the levels of erythromycin produced were sufficient to inhibit a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. There was no evidence of clinical or biochemical deterioration of renal or liver cell function during the treatment period.", "PMID": 1009781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11856", "title": "The use of pindolol in the treatment of essential hypertension: a multi-centre assessment.", "content": "A multi-centre general practitioner assessment of pindolol, a beta adrenergic blocking drug, was carried out in 464 patients with essential hypertension. The average daily dose was 21 mg and the average period of observation was 15 weeks. Pindolol was shown to be a safe, effective and well tolerated hypotensive agent. In 227 new cases of hypertension, 148 (65.2%) were controlled on pindolol alone, and in 237 previously treated cases of hypertension 91 (38.4%) were subsequently controlled on pindolol alone. In the remaining cases the addition of a diuretic or other antihypertensive agent was necessary to achieve satisfactory control. The mean blood pressure was lowered from 190/111 mmHg to 154/90 mmHg, a mean fall of 36/21 mmHg. Side-effects were not of a serious nature.", "contents": "The use of pindolol in the treatment of essential hypertension: a multi-centre assessment. A multi-centre general practitioner assessment of pindolol, a beta adrenergic blocking drug, was carried out in 464 patients with essential hypertension. The average daily dose was 21 mg and the average period of observation was 15 weeks. Pindolol was shown to be a safe, effective and well tolerated hypotensive agent. In 227 new cases of hypertension, 148 (65.2%) were controlled on pindolol alone, and in 237 previously treated cases of hypertension 91 (38.4%) were subsequently controlled on pindolol alone. In the remaining cases the addition of a diuretic or other antihypertensive agent was necessary to achieve satisfactory control. The mean blood pressure was lowered from 190/111 mmHg to 154/90 mmHg, a mean fall of 36/21 mmHg. Side-effects were not of a serious nature.", "PMID": 1009782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11857", "title": "Comparative chiasma analysis using a computerised optical digitiser.", "content": "A new computerised technique has been devised for measuring the distribution of chiasmata along diplotene bivalents. The method involves the introduction into the field of view of the microscope, of a fine light spot which can be accurately manipulated along the chromosomes of each bivalent. The data recorded include (a) the positions of the chiasmata along the bivalent in terms of their relative distances from the centromere and (b) the individual bivalent and cellular chiasma frequencies. -- The method has been applied to the analysis of chiasma distribution patterns in the two known species of the genus Caledia, C. species nova 1 and C. captiva and in two chromosomal races of the latter. Statistical tests indicate that within bivalents at least 40% of the comparative distribution patterns of chiasmata between races and species are significantly different. Similar comparisons between populations within races reveal only 18% significant differences. -- The observed distribution patterns of chiasmata in this genus suggest that chiasma formation is sequential from centromere to telomere. -- The variation in the frequency and distribution of chiasmata between races and species suggests that the interference distances between successive chiasmata are, at least partially, independent of chiasma frequency and position. -- The interracial and interspecific differences in chromosome structure are correlated with changes in chiasma pattern.", "contents": "Comparative chiasma analysis using a computerised optical digitiser. A new computerised technique has been devised for measuring the distribution of chiasmata along diplotene bivalents. The method involves the introduction into the field of view of the microscope, of a fine light spot which can be accurately manipulated along the chromosomes of each bivalent. The data recorded include (a) the positions of the chiasmata along the bivalent in terms of their relative distances from the centromere and (b) the individual bivalent and cellular chiasma frequencies. -- The method has been applied to the analysis of chiasma distribution patterns in the two known species of the genus Caledia, C. species nova 1 and C. captiva and in two chromosomal races of the latter. Statistical tests indicate that within bivalents at least 40% of the comparative distribution patterns of chiasmata between races and species are significantly different. Similar comparisons between populations within races reveal only 18% significant differences. -- The observed distribution patterns of chiasmata in this genus suggest that chiasma formation is sequential from centromere to telomere. -- The variation in the frequency and distribution of chiasmata between races and species suggests that the interference distances between successive chiasmata are, at least partially, independent of chiasma frequency and position. -- The interracial and interspecific differences in chromosome structure are correlated with changes in chiasma pattern.", "PMID": 1009812} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11858", "title": "Disjunction types and their frequencies in two heterozygous reciprocal translocations of Blattella germanica (L.).", "content": "Adjacent-1, alternate-1, adjacent-2, and alternate-2 disjunction configurations were observed cytologically at metaphase I in heterozygotes from two reciprocal chromosome translocations in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). T(7; 12) shows random disjunction and the frequencies of the above four types were in a ratio of 2:1:1:2 (p greater than 0.90). T(3; 12) has directed disjunction (about 70% alternate) which is attributable to a heavy preponderance of alternate-2. No interpretable ratio occurs here except for the equality of alternate-1 and adjacent-2 types. These observations confirm the existence of two types of alternate disjunction, and provide insight into the basis for random vs directed disjunction.", "contents": "Disjunction types and their frequencies in two heterozygous reciprocal translocations of Blattella germanica (L.). Adjacent-1, alternate-1, adjacent-2, and alternate-2 disjunction configurations were observed cytologically at metaphase I in heterozygotes from two reciprocal chromosome translocations in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). T(7; 12) shows random disjunction and the frequencies of the above four types were in a ratio of 2:1:1:2 (p greater than 0.90). T(3; 12) has directed disjunction (about 70% alternate) which is attributable to a heavy preponderance of alternate-2. No interpretable ratio occurs here except for the equality of alternate-1 and adjacent-2 types. These observations confirm the existence of two types of alternate disjunction, and provide insight into the basis for random vs directed disjunction.", "PMID": 1009813} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11859", "title": "A possible active segment on the inactive human X chromosome.", "content": "An idic(Xp--) in which the two X chromosomes are attached short arm to short arm, and which thus has two b regions (the Q-dark segment next to the centromere on Xp) between the inactivation centers, assumed to be situated on the Q-dark region next to the centromere on Xq, showed 63.8% bipartite Barr bodies as compared with 22.2% formed by idic(Xq--). In addition, the mean distance of the two parts of the Barr bodies in the fibroblasts of a patient with idic(Xp--) is significantly greater than in the cases with one or no b region. Contrary to the other patients with abnormal X chromosomes, the buccal cells of a woman idic(Xp--) showed a number of bipartite Barr bodies. -- To explain these observations we have put forward the hypothesis that the b region on the Xp always remains active and thus, when the rest of the chromosome forms a Barr body, this segment is extended, allowing the two parts of the X chromatin to get farther apart and at the same time increasing the percentage of bipartite bodies.", "contents": "A possible active segment on the inactive human X chromosome. An idic(Xp--) in which the two X chromosomes are attached short arm to short arm, and which thus has two b regions (the Q-dark segment next to the centromere on Xp) between the inactivation centers, assumed to be situated on the Q-dark region next to the centromere on Xq, showed 63.8% bipartite Barr bodies as compared with 22.2% formed by idic(Xq--). In addition, the mean distance of the two parts of the Barr bodies in the fibroblasts of a patient with idic(Xp--) is significantly greater than in the cases with one or no b region. Contrary to the other patients with abnormal X chromosomes, the buccal cells of a woman idic(Xp--) showed a number of bipartite Barr bodies. -- To explain these observations we have put forward the hypothesis that the b region on the Xp always remains active and thus, when the rest of the chromosome forms a Barr body, this segment is extended, allowing the two parts of the X chromatin to get farther apart and at the same time increasing the percentage of bipartite bodies.", "PMID": 1009814} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11860", "title": "Chromosomal distribution of rDNA in Pan paniscus, Gorilla gorilla beringei, and Symphalangus syndactylus: comparison to related primates.", "content": "Hybridization in situ was used to identify rDNA in chromosomes of the pygmy chimpanzee, mountain gorilla, and siamang gibbon. In contrast to other Pongids, and man, the gorilla has only two pairs of rDNA-containing chromosomes. The single pair in the siamang bears no resemblance to the nucleolar chromosome of the closely related lar gibbon. Pan paniscus and P. troglodytes have the same rDNA distribution, and similar karyotypes except in the structure of chromosome 23p. Grain counts over unbanded preparations show that the human, orangutan, and both chimpanzees have about the same total rDNA multiplicity.", "contents": "Chromosomal distribution of rDNA in Pan paniscus, Gorilla gorilla beringei, and Symphalangus syndactylus: comparison to related primates. Hybridization in situ was used to identify rDNA in chromosomes of the pygmy chimpanzee, mountain gorilla, and siamang gibbon. In contrast to other Pongids, and man, the gorilla has only two pairs of rDNA-containing chromosomes. The single pair in the siamang bears no resemblance to the nucleolar chromosome of the closely related lar gibbon. Pan paniscus and P. troglodytes have the same rDNA distribution, and similar karyotypes except in the structure of chromosome 23p. Grain counts over unbanded preparations show that the human, orangutan, and both chimpanzees have about the same total rDNA multiplicity.", "PMID": 1009815} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11861", "title": "Solid tissue model for the standardization of the echo-ophthalmograph 7200 MA (Kretztechnik).", "content": "After discussion of the biologic basis of echographic tissue differentiation and of the required standardization of the ultrasonic diagnostic device by means of tissue models (citrated blood), a technical standard is presented. This solid tissue model, which can be used an unlimited number of times, enables the investigator to determine or check the tissue sensitivity of his instrument at any time easily and quickly. The model consists of a synthetic resin (Wacker Silgel 504) to which a certain number of microbeads (glass beads S-100) are added before it hardens. The acoustic properties of this technical standard correspond to those of the biologic standard (citrated blood) including all important factors such as reflectivity, degree of scattering and sound attenuation.", "contents": "Solid tissue model for the standardization of the echo-ophthalmograph 7200 MA (Kretztechnik). After discussion of the biologic basis of echographic tissue differentiation and of the required standardization of the ultrasonic diagnostic device by means of tissue models (citrated blood), a technical standard is presented. This solid tissue model, which can be used an unlimited number of times, enables the investigator to determine or check the tissue sensitivity of his instrument at any time easily and quickly. The model consists of a synthetic resin (Wacker Silgel 504) to which a certain number of microbeads (glass beads S-100) are added before it hardens. The acoustic properties of this technical standard correspond to those of the biologic standard (citrated blood) including all important factors such as reflectivity, degree of scattering and sound attenuation.", "PMID": 1009816} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11862", "title": "[Cavity structures in the peripheral retina].", "content": "1. Lange's fold of the ora frequently found at autopsy in fetuses and infants is a purely postmortal change. 2. The 'honeycomb ora' occurring in infants and small children may sometimes be present in vivo. The extensive and larger cavities however may well have appeared only postmortally here too (they are not seen in older children). 3. Both the typical or external and the reticular or internal cystoid degeneration of the peripheral retina increase in frequency and extent with increasing age. Both occur in vivo. Biomicroscopically cystoid degenerations apparently can be demonstrated in any living eye after indentation of the ora. Basal membrane fragments and microfibrils have sometimes been shown by staining in the cyst walls (when cyst and vitreous body are connected) and mucopolysaccharides in the cystoid cavities. But there are also cystoid degenerations occurring postmortally. The picture of internal cystoid degeneration can also be seen as a fixation artefact (only) in fetuses in not yet vascularised sections of the retina. In the cystoid cavities one finds histologically sometimes reaction-free cell debris, torn fibres and isolated cell nuclei of the granular layers. Whereas the biomicroscopically found cystoid degenerations almost always end (well) in front of the equator of the eyeball, the histologically found cystoid degenerations are seen relatively often considerably behind the equator. Scotomas to be expected in vivo in these cases have not been observed so far. The periphery of the retina is histologically often torn off the ora without any reaction and displaced far forward. The picture of cystoid degeneration can also be produced quite artificially by bulging of the retina due to fixation in histology (different treatment of the two halves of the eyeball). Even without any tissue participation a picture like cystoid degeneration below the peripheral retina, between it and the pigmented epithelium, may develop in celloidin itself if too quickly hardened. 4. Retinal cysts found relatively often histologically are predominantly extensive cystoid degenerations. Exceptionally these are apparently identical with the rare cysts or retinoschisis cases visible ophthalmoscopically. 5. Small to large-cystic retinal degenerations are mostly secondary reactive changes. The situation of Lange's fold, honeycomb ora and especially cystoid degenerations depends postmortally (but also apparently in vivo) on the pull of the zonule and vitreous body fibrils as regards extent and direction. The intravitally present cavities in (honeycomb ora and) cystoid degeneration are considerably increased postmortally and apparently still more by histological preparation. In addition there seems to be an age-specific alteration in the ratio of the pull of zonule-vitreous body fibrils on the one hand and the (age-dependent) tearability of the retina on the other: in fetuses and infants we get Lange's fold, in infants and small children honeycomb ora and in later childhood increasingly extensive cystoid degenerations.", "contents": "[Cavity structures in the peripheral retina]. 1. Lange's fold of the ora frequently found at autopsy in fetuses and infants is a purely postmortal change. 2. The 'honeycomb ora' occurring in infants and small children may sometimes be present in vivo. The extensive and larger cavities however may well have appeared only postmortally here too (they are not seen in older children). 3. Both the typical or external and the reticular or internal cystoid degeneration of the peripheral retina increase in frequency and extent with increasing age. Both occur in vivo. Biomicroscopically cystoid degenerations apparently can be demonstrated in any living eye after indentation of the ora. Basal membrane fragments and microfibrils have sometimes been shown by staining in the cyst walls (when cyst and vitreous body are connected) and mucopolysaccharides in the cystoid cavities. But there are also cystoid degenerations occurring postmortally. The picture of internal cystoid degeneration can also be seen as a fixation artefact (only) in fetuses in not yet vascularised sections of the retina. In the cystoid cavities one finds histologically sometimes reaction-free cell debris, torn fibres and isolated cell nuclei of the granular layers. Whereas the biomicroscopically found cystoid degenerations almost always end (well) in front of the equator of the eyeball, the histologically found cystoid degenerations are seen relatively often considerably behind the equator. Scotomas to be expected in vivo in these cases have not been observed so far. The periphery of the retina is histologically often torn off the ora without any reaction and displaced far forward. The picture of cystoid degeneration can also be produced quite artificially by bulging of the retina due to fixation in histology (different treatment of the two halves of the eyeball). Even without any tissue participation a picture like cystoid degeneration below the peripheral retina, between it and the pigmented epithelium, may develop in celloidin itself if too quickly hardened. 4. Retinal cysts found relatively often histologically are predominantly extensive cystoid degenerations. Exceptionally these are apparently identical with the rare cysts or retinoschisis cases visible ophthalmoscopically. 5. Small to large-cystic retinal degenerations are mostly secondary reactive changes. The situation of Lange's fold, honeycomb ora and especially cystoid degenerations depends postmortally (but also apparently in vivo) on the pull of the zonule and vitreous body fibrils as regards extent and direction. The intravitally present cavities in (honeycomb ora and) cystoid degeneration are considerably increased postmortally and apparently still more by histological preparation. In addition there seems to be an age-specific alteration in the ratio of the pull of zonule-vitreous body fibrils on the one hand and the (age-dependent) tearability of the retina on the other: in fetuses and infants we get Lange's fold, in infants and small children honeycomb ora and in later childhood increasingly extensive cystoid degenerations.", "PMID": 1009817} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11863", "title": "[Effect and complications of Vogt perforating cyclodiathermy in various forms of glaucoma].", "content": "In 178 eyes 223 perforating cyclodiathermies (PCD) have been performed. The technique described by Vogt was modified by additional coagulations around the insertions of the recti-muscles. This procedure was done if one or repeated glaucoma procedures (fistulas, iridectomies or trabeculotomies) were not successful of if these surgical methods were not reasonable because of the morphological conditions of the iris and the chamber angle. If one compares in this retrospective study the average diurnal curves of 60 eyes preoperatively and 7 days postoperatively the PCD has lowered the curve and removed the morning peak that was visible preoperatively. In 153 eyes (86%) the intraocular pressure could be lowered at least for some time. A new increase was seen in most cases during the first 6 months postoperatively. 116 eyes had a postoperative follow-up of 6 months up to 3 years. 45 (39%) of these eyes were controlled without and another 31 eyes (27%) with additional medical therapy (single measurement or average of the diurnal curve less than or equal to 21 mmHG). In some eyes a repetition of the PCD was necessary to be successful. The best results had been achieved in primary glaucoma, in secondary glaucoma after uveitis and in aphacic eyes. In congenital glaucoma only 12 out of 25 eyes could be controlled and this was similar in secondary glaucoma of the vascular type. There is no influence of the preoperative pressure level on the rate of success. But the effect correlates with the preoperative visual acuity: the worse the visual function, the lower the percentage of controlled eyes. The intra-operative complications are not important. The most important postoperative complication is a phthisis bulbi which was seen in at least 10 out of 178 eyes. Most of these eyes were suffering from a secondary glaucoma of the vascular type with high preoperative pressure. All eyes had a visual acuity of 1/50 or less. To repeat the PCD after a few weeks is another factor that facilitates this serious complication. After at least 3 months the repetition of a PCD seems to be without a special risk of phthisis bulbi.", "contents": "[Effect and complications of Vogt perforating cyclodiathermy in various forms of glaucoma]. In 178 eyes 223 perforating cyclodiathermies (PCD) have been performed. The technique described by Vogt was modified by additional coagulations around the insertions of the recti-muscles. This procedure was done if one or repeated glaucoma procedures (fistulas, iridectomies or trabeculotomies) were not successful of if these surgical methods were not reasonable because of the morphological conditions of the iris and the chamber angle. If one compares in this retrospective study the average diurnal curves of 60 eyes preoperatively and 7 days postoperatively the PCD has lowered the curve and removed the morning peak that was visible preoperatively. In 153 eyes (86%) the intraocular pressure could be lowered at least for some time. A new increase was seen in most cases during the first 6 months postoperatively. 116 eyes had a postoperative follow-up of 6 months up to 3 years. 45 (39%) of these eyes were controlled without and another 31 eyes (27%) with additional medical therapy (single measurement or average of the diurnal curve less than or equal to 21 mmHG). In some eyes a repetition of the PCD was necessary to be successful. The best results had been achieved in primary glaucoma, in secondary glaucoma after uveitis and in aphacic eyes. In congenital glaucoma only 12 out of 25 eyes could be controlled and this was similar in secondary glaucoma of the vascular type. There is no influence of the preoperative pressure level on the rate of success. But the effect correlates with the preoperative visual acuity: the worse the visual function, the lower the percentage of controlled eyes. The intra-operative complications are not important. The most important postoperative complication is a phthisis bulbi which was seen in at least 10 out of 178 eyes. Most of these eyes were suffering from a secondary glaucoma of the vascular type with high preoperative pressure. All eyes had a visual acuity of 1/50 or less. To repeat the PCD after a few weeks is another factor that facilitates this serious complication. After at least 3 months the repetition of a PCD seems to be without a special risk of phthisis bulbi.", "PMID": 1009818} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11864", "title": "Human psychophysical analysis of receptive field-like properties: IV. Further examination and specification of the psychophysical transient-like function.", "content": "In this paper we examine several key properties of the moving 'windmill' target used in evaluation of the psychophysical transient-like function. Magnitude of the transient-like function, herein defined as the difference in threshold-determining background field luminance between stationary and moving windmill conditions, was greatest for a rate of approximately 6-8 on-off transitions/second for the moving windmill. Increasing the light/dark ratio of the windmill also augmented the magnitude of the transient-like function. The one-, two- and four-section 'windmill' targets exhibited essentially similar results, indicating that the number and length of borders do not influence this response. In conjunction with previous stationary windmill results (Enoch and Johnson, 1976), these data define the relevant transient-like function properties and provide a basis for comparison with findings in the companion paper (Enoch, Johnson & Fitzgerald, 1976a) which describes the application of these properties to clinical populations for diagnostic purposes.", "contents": "Human psychophysical analysis of receptive field-like properties: IV. Further examination and specification of the psychophysical transient-like function. In this paper we examine several key properties of the moving 'windmill' target used in evaluation of the psychophysical transient-like function. Magnitude of the transient-like function, herein defined as the difference in threshold-determining background field luminance between stationary and moving windmill conditions, was greatest for a rate of approximately 6-8 on-off transitions/second for the moving windmill. Increasing the light/dark ratio of the windmill also augmented the magnitude of the transient-like function. The one-, two- and four-section 'windmill' targets exhibited essentially similar results, indicating that the number and length of borders do not influence this response. In conjunction with previous stationary windmill results (Enoch and Johnson, 1976), these data define the relevant transient-like function properties and provide a basis for comparison with findings in the companion paper (Enoch, Johnson & Fitzgerald, 1976a) which describes the application of these properties to clinical populations for diagnostic purposes.", "PMID": 1009820} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11865", "title": "The blood-retinal barriers.", "content": "The Blood-Retinal Barrier (BRB) is a situation of restricted permeability which is present between the blood and the retina. This barrier has a well defined anatomic substrate, particular permeability characteristics and appears to play a role of major importance in the pathophysiology and therapeutics of retinal disease. The BRB phenomenon operates fundamentally at two levels, retinal vessels and chorioepithelial interface, forming which may be better called an inner BRB and an outer BRB. The main structures involved are, for the inner BRB, the endothelial membrane of the retinal vessels, and for the outer BRB, the retinal pigment epithelium. 'Zonulae occludentes' are present in these membranes forming complete belts around the cells, sealing off the spaces between them. Other structures appear to play an accessory role. Both barriers show an apparent predominance of processes of active transport over mechanisms of passive transfer, these being extremely restricted. Much information on the pathophysiology of the BRB mechanism has been obtained from studies of its experimental breakdown. In this way, a breakdown of the inner BRB may be induced by acute distension of the vessel walls, ischaemia, chemical influences, defects in the endothelial cells and failure of the active transport system, whereas experimental ischaemia, mechanical distension of the pigment epithelial membrane, defects in the pigment epithelium and failure of the active transport systems can cause a breakdown of the outer BRB. The increased permeability of the inner BRB, and of the outer BRB, appears to be related to changes in the vascular endothelial membrane and retinal pigment epithelium, respectively. In clinical ophthalmology there are two methods for the diagnosis of breakdown of the BRB, fundus fluorescein angiography and vitreous fluorophotometry. Vitreous fluorophotometry being capable of detecting functional alterations of the barrier before any pathological changes are apparent. There is evidence of an intimate relationship between breakdown of the BRB and almost every retinal disease, particularly the vascular retinopathies and the pigment epitheliopathies. Diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, retinal vein obstruction, blood diseases, trauma or surgery to the eye, temporary arterial obstruction, perivasculitis, Beh\u00e7et's and Coats' diseases, retinoblastoma, hemangioblastoma and retinal neovascularization are examples of situations where a breakdown of the inner BRB has been demonstrated. On the other hand, examples of breakdown of the outer BRB include situations of choroidal ischaemia, detachment of the pigment epithelium, choroidal neovascularization, photocoagulation, retinal detachment, Koyanagi's disease, central serous choroidopathy, multifocal inner choroiditis and acute placoid pigment epitheliopathy.", "contents": "The blood-retinal barriers. The Blood-Retinal Barrier (BRB) is a situation of restricted permeability which is present between the blood and the retina. This barrier has a well defined anatomic substrate, particular permeability characteristics and appears to play a role of major importance in the pathophysiology and therapeutics of retinal disease. The BRB phenomenon operates fundamentally at two levels, retinal vessels and chorioepithelial interface, forming which may be better called an inner BRB and an outer BRB. The main structures involved are, for the inner BRB, the endothelial membrane of the retinal vessels, and for the outer BRB, the retinal pigment epithelium. 'Zonulae occludentes' are present in these membranes forming complete belts around the cells, sealing off the spaces between them. Other structures appear to play an accessory role. Both barriers show an apparent predominance of processes of active transport over mechanisms of passive transfer, these being extremely restricted. Much information on the pathophysiology of the BRB mechanism has been obtained from studies of its experimental breakdown. In this way, a breakdown of the inner BRB may be induced by acute distension of the vessel walls, ischaemia, chemical influences, defects in the endothelial cells and failure of the active transport system, whereas experimental ischaemia, mechanical distension of the pigment epithelial membrane, defects in the pigment epithelium and failure of the active transport systems can cause a breakdown of the outer BRB. The increased permeability of the inner BRB, and of the outer BRB, appears to be related to changes in the vascular endothelial membrane and retinal pigment epithelium, respectively. In clinical ophthalmology there are two methods for the diagnosis of breakdown of the BRB, fundus fluorescein angiography and vitreous fluorophotometry. Vitreous fluorophotometry being capable of detecting functional alterations of the barrier before any pathological changes are apparent. There is evidence of an intimate relationship between breakdown of the BRB and almost every retinal disease, particularly the vascular retinopathies and the pigment epitheliopathies. Diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, retinal vein obstruction, blood diseases, trauma or surgery to the eye, temporary arterial obstruction, perivasculitis, Beh\u00e7et's and Coats' diseases, retinoblastoma, hemangioblastoma and retinal neovascularization are examples of situations where a breakdown of the inner BRB has been demonstrated. On the other hand, examples of breakdown of the outer BRB include situations of choroidal ischaemia, detachment of the pigment epithelium, choroidal neovascularization, photocoagulation, retinal detachment, Koyanagi's disease, central serous choroidopathy, multifocal inner choroiditis and acute placoid pigment epitheliopathy.", "PMID": 1009819} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11866", "title": "Human psychophysical analysis of receptive field-like properties: V. Adaptation of stationary and moving windmill target characteristics to clinical populations.", "content": "This paper describes the application of several key parameters of a windmill-shaped target (used in determinations of the psychophysical transient-like function) to clinical populations as a diagnostic tool for static perimetry. A technique for independently analyzing sustained- (Westheimer function) and transient-like retinally-based psychophysical responses is outlined, and stimulus characteristics, reliability and diagnostic potential of the tests are examined. Several particularly interesting clinical cases (one closure of a branch retinal arteriole) and two senile macular degeneration patients) are presented for illustrative purposes. In addition, a tentative 'working hypothesis' is presented as a basis for extensive future analysis of various clinical populations.", "contents": "Human psychophysical analysis of receptive field-like properties: V. Adaptation of stationary and moving windmill target characteristics to clinical populations. This paper describes the application of several key parameters of a windmill-shaped target (used in determinations of the psychophysical transient-like function) to clinical populations as a diagnostic tool for static perimetry. A technique for independently analyzing sustained- (Westheimer function) and transient-like retinally-based psychophysical responses is outlined, and stimulus characteristics, reliability and diagnostic potential of the tests are examined. Several particularly interesting clinical cases (one closure of a branch retinal arteriole) and two senile macular degeneration patients) are presented for illustrative purposes. In addition, a tentative 'working hypothesis' is presented as a basis for extensive future analysis of various clinical populations.", "PMID": 1009821} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11867", "title": "Early surgery and visual correction of an infant born with unilateral eye lens opacity.", "content": "A healthy neonate born with unilateral cataract was operated upon on Life Day 4. Visual correction and testing were initiated promptly. Resolution showed continuous improvement in the normal eye, with no improvement noted in the operated eye until adequate visual correction was provided. Following correction there was prompt marked improvement of visual resolution.", "contents": "Early surgery and visual correction of an infant born with unilateral eye lens opacity. A healthy neonate born with unilateral cataract was operated upon on Life Day 4. Visual correction and testing were initiated promptly. Resolution showed continuous improvement in the normal eye, with no improvement noted in the operated eye until adequate visual correction was provided. Following correction there was prompt marked improvement of visual resolution.", "PMID": 1009822} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11868", "title": "Kinetic analysis of hormone-induced mitoses in epithelial cells of mouse uterus and vagina.", "content": "The intracellular localization of 3H-estradiol-17beta and 3H-progesterone to the different types of cells in the mouse uterus was investigated using autoradiographic techniques. The kinetics of cell proliferation in the surface epithelium of the uterus and in the vaginal epithelium (basal layer) are analysed by means of cumulative labeling method and mitosis chase method using 3H-thymidine autoradiographic procedures. The results are as follows, (1) Epithelial cell population of the uterine lumen and basal cell population of the vaginal epithelium in the ovariectomized mouse are divided into a major subpopulation of GO cells and a minor subpopulation of proliferating cells. (2) Proliferative potencies of uterine surface epithelial cells and vaginal basal cells in the ovariectomized mouse are regulated by a steroid-independent mechanisms through which the proportion of the GO cell-compartment and Tc value of the proliferating cell-compartment are determined according to their age; as the castrated mouse grows older, Tc value becomes longer and the proportion of the Go cell-compartment becomes larger. (3) If the dose levels of estrogen administered exceed the threshold value, estrogen-dependent cell proliferation will be provoked by transferring the cells in the GO cell-compartment to the proliferating cell-compartment in all or none fashion, and by reducing the Tc value of proliferating cell to 1/2-1/3 of that in the castrated mouse. (4) It is suggested that proliferating cells in the uterine surface epithelium and in the vaginal epithelium turn the cell cycle at a constant Tc value during estrous cycle, and that the tissue growth during estrous cycle is dependent on the size of the proliferating cell-compartment but not on the Tc value. (5) The results obtained from autoradiography of tritiated steroids in the mouse uterus gave a supporting clue to the kinetic data.", "contents": "Kinetic analysis of hormone-induced mitoses in epithelial cells of mouse uterus and vagina. The intracellular localization of 3H-estradiol-17beta and 3H-progesterone to the different types of cells in the mouse uterus was investigated using autoradiographic techniques. The kinetics of cell proliferation in the surface epithelium of the uterus and in the vaginal epithelium (basal layer) are analysed by means of cumulative labeling method and mitosis chase method using 3H-thymidine autoradiographic procedures. The results are as follows, (1) Epithelial cell population of the uterine lumen and basal cell population of the vaginal epithelium in the ovariectomized mouse are divided into a major subpopulation of GO cells and a minor subpopulation of proliferating cells. (2) Proliferative potencies of uterine surface epithelial cells and vaginal basal cells in the ovariectomized mouse are regulated by a steroid-independent mechanisms through which the proportion of the GO cell-compartment and Tc value of the proliferating cell-compartment are determined according to their age; as the castrated mouse grows older, Tc value becomes longer and the proportion of the Go cell-compartment becomes larger. (3) If the dose levels of estrogen administered exceed the threshold value, estrogen-dependent cell proliferation will be provoked by transferring the cells in the GO cell-compartment to the proliferating cell-compartment in all or none fashion, and by reducing the Tc value of proliferating cell to 1/2-1/3 of that in the castrated mouse. (4) It is suggested that proliferating cells in the uterine surface epithelium and in the vaginal epithelium turn the cell cycle at a constant Tc value during estrous cycle, and that the tissue growth during estrous cycle is dependent on the size of the proliferating cell-compartment but not on the Tc value. (5) The results obtained from autoradiography of tritiated steroids in the mouse uterus gave a supporting clue to the kinetic data.", "PMID": 1009892} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11869", "title": "Effects of clomiphene citrate and progesterone on resting and proliferative cell-populations in resting and proliferative cell-populations in mouse uterine epithelium.", "content": "Resting cells (GO cells) of the uterine surface epithelium in castrated mice began to synthesize DNA with high synchrony from 10 hr after the injection of 50 ng of estradiol-17beta with or without 5.5 mug of clomiphene citrate. Highly synchronized DNA synthesis in GO cells elicited with estradiol was delayed approximately 5 hr when the simultaneous administration of 0.5 mg of progesterone was given. In GO cells of castrated mice which received 5.5 mug of clomiphene or 55 mug of clomiphene plus 50 ng of estradiol, DNA synthesis with partial synchrony began 15 hr after the injection. The effects of estradiol were completely suppressed by the administration of 55 mug of clomiphene. It is suggested that the inhibitory action of clomiphene may be due to the competitive blocking of estrogen binding, while progesterone suppresses the estrogen-induced DNA synthesis of the surface epithelium and transfers them to the GO cell-compartment.", "contents": "Effects of clomiphene citrate and progesterone on resting and proliferative cell-populations in resting and proliferative cell-populations in mouse uterine epithelium. Resting cells (GO cells) of the uterine surface epithelium in castrated mice began to synthesize DNA with high synchrony from 10 hr after the injection of 50 ng of estradiol-17beta with or without 5.5 mug of clomiphene citrate. Highly synchronized DNA synthesis in GO cells elicited with estradiol was delayed approximately 5 hr when the simultaneous administration of 0.5 mg of progesterone was given. In GO cells of castrated mice which received 5.5 mug of clomiphene or 55 mug of clomiphene plus 50 ng of estradiol, DNA synthesis with partial synchrony began 15 hr after the injection. The effects of estradiol were completely suppressed by the administration of 55 mug of clomiphene. It is suggested that the inhibitory action of clomiphene may be due to the competitive blocking of estrogen binding, while progesterone suppresses the estrogen-induced DNA synthesis of the surface epithelium and transfers them to the GO cell-compartment.", "PMID": 1009893} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11870", "title": "No effect of pinealectomy on the parallel shift in circadain rhythms of adrenocortical activity and food intake in blinded rats.", "content": "Twenty-four-hr patterns of plasma corticosterone levels were determined at 4-hr intervals every 3-4 weeks in sighted and blinded pinealectomized rats of adult age. Through the whole period of the experiment, 24-hr patterns of food intake were also measured weekly. The sighted rats manifested the same 24-hr patterns of plasma corticosterone levels and food intake for 15 weeks after pinealectomy as those observed in the intact control rats. The magnitude of peak levels of plasma corticosterone and the amount of food intake did not differ between the two groups. A phase shift in circadian rhythms of plasma corticosterone levels and food intake was observed in both groups of blinded rats, with and without pinealectomy. Between the two groups, the patterns of phase shift were essentially similar for 10 weeks examined after optic enucleation. The peak elevation of plasma levels took place at 11 p.m. at the end of the 4th week after optic enucleation. Thereafter, 4- to 8-hr delay of peak appearance was observed every 3 weeks. No significant differences were found in peak values between the two groups of blinded rats. Furthermore, the circadian rhythm of food intake shifted in parallel with that of plasma corticosterone levels. A phase reversal of these two activities was observed between the 8th and 10th week after the operation. These results indicate that the pineal gland does not play any important role either in the maintenance of normal circadian periodicities of adrenocortical activity and food intake or in the shift in circadian rhythms of the two activities in the blinded rats.", "contents": "No effect of pinealectomy on the parallel shift in circadain rhythms of adrenocortical activity and food intake in blinded rats. Twenty-four-hr patterns of plasma corticosterone levels were determined at 4-hr intervals every 3-4 weeks in sighted and blinded pinealectomized rats of adult age. Through the whole period of the experiment, 24-hr patterns of food intake were also measured weekly. The sighted rats manifested the same 24-hr patterns of plasma corticosterone levels and food intake for 15 weeks after pinealectomy as those observed in the intact control rats. The magnitude of peak levels of plasma corticosterone and the amount of food intake did not differ between the two groups. A phase shift in circadian rhythms of plasma corticosterone levels and food intake was observed in both groups of blinded rats, with and without pinealectomy. Between the two groups, the patterns of phase shift were essentially similar for 10 weeks examined after optic enucleation. The peak elevation of plasma levels took place at 11 p.m. at the end of the 4th week after optic enucleation. Thereafter, 4- to 8-hr delay of peak appearance was observed every 3 weeks. No significant differences were found in peak values between the two groups of blinded rats. Furthermore, the circadian rhythm of food intake shifted in parallel with that of plasma corticosterone levels. A phase reversal of these two activities was observed between the 8th and 10th week after the operation. These results indicate that the pineal gland does not play any important role either in the maintenance of normal circadian periodicities of adrenocortical activity and food intake or in the shift in circadian rhythms of the two activities in the blinded rats.", "PMID": 1009894} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11871", "title": "Failure of estradiol benzoate given after birth to prevent the adrenal glands from shrinking in newborn rats.", "content": "Two hr after birth, newborn rats were given a subcutaneous injection of 0.01 mg estradiol benzoate dissolved in 0.05 ml sesame oil. Other siblings were given sesame oil alone. Autopsy was performed on days 1, 2 and 3 after birth. Gravimetric and histologic examinations of the adrenals from these animals and from normal littermate controls were made together with the determination of plasma corticosterone concentrations. In all the three groups of rats, estrogen-treated, oil-treated and non-treated, the weight of the adrenal glands declined with a concomitant decrease in the plasma corticosterone concentrations. The results indicate that estradiol benzoate, when given after birth, does not prevent the neonatal adrenal from shrinking.", "contents": "Failure of estradiol benzoate given after birth to prevent the adrenal glands from shrinking in newborn rats. Two hr after birth, newborn rats were given a subcutaneous injection of 0.01 mg estradiol benzoate dissolved in 0.05 ml sesame oil. Other siblings were given sesame oil alone. Autopsy was performed on days 1, 2 and 3 after birth. Gravimetric and histologic examinations of the adrenals from these animals and from normal littermate controls were made together with the determination of plasma corticosterone concentrations. In all the three groups of rats, estrogen-treated, oil-treated and non-treated, the weight of the adrenal glands declined with a concomitant decrease in the plasma corticosterone concentrations. The results indicate that estradiol benzoate, when given after birth, does not prevent the neonatal adrenal from shrinking.", "PMID": 1009895} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11872", "title": "Biological activities of tyrosine-containing somatostatin analogs on inhibition of secretion of thyrotropin and growth hormone.", "content": "The following five tyrosine-containing analogs of somatostatin (GIF) were synthesized by the solid-phase method: Tyr-GIF: [Tyr6]-GIF; [Tyr7]-GIF; [Tyr8]-GIF; [Tyr11]-GIF. These analogs except [Tyr8]-GIF were demonstrated to possess almost the same potency to inhibit thyrotropin release stimulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone as that of synthesized GIF in vivo. [Tyr8]-GIF had potencies less than 0.5% of GIF. They also had the activity to inhibit Nembutal-induced growth hormone rise. The structure-activity relationship and availability of these analogs for radioimmunoassay were discussed.", "contents": "Biological activities of tyrosine-containing somatostatin analogs on inhibition of secretion of thyrotropin and growth hormone. The following five tyrosine-containing analogs of somatostatin (GIF) were synthesized by the solid-phase method: Tyr-GIF: [Tyr6]-GIF; [Tyr7]-GIF; [Tyr8]-GIF; [Tyr11]-GIF. These analogs except [Tyr8]-GIF were demonstrated to possess almost the same potency to inhibit thyrotropin release stimulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone as that of synthesized GIF in vivo. [Tyr8]-GIF had potencies less than 0.5% of GIF. They also had the activity to inhibit Nembutal-induced growth hormone rise. The structure-activity relationship and availability of these analogs for radioimmunoassay were discussed.", "PMID": 1009896} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11873", "title": "Effect of hypophysectomy on hypothalamic somatostatin content in rats.", "content": "The effect of hypophysectomy on the hypothalamic somatostatin content was examined in rats. Somatostatin content in the acid extract of the pituitary stalk and the median eminence tissue (SME) was measured by specific radioimmunoassay. In young male rats, the mean somatostatin content in SME was 63.9+/-5.0 ng. Two weeks after hypophysectomy, it was reduced significantly to 34.4+/-3.3 ng. The result may indicate that the elimination of feedback actions of GH and/or TSH on the hypothalamus led to the decreased synthesis and/or the release of somatostatin. However, the possibility that structural changes in the pituitary stalk and the median eminence tissue ensued after hypophysectomy resulted in the depletion of somatostatin cannot be ruled out.", "contents": "Effect of hypophysectomy on hypothalamic somatostatin content in rats. The effect of hypophysectomy on the hypothalamic somatostatin content was examined in rats. Somatostatin content in the acid extract of the pituitary stalk and the median eminence tissue (SME) was measured by specific radioimmunoassay. In young male rats, the mean somatostatin content in SME was 63.9+/-5.0 ng. Two weeks after hypophysectomy, it was reduced significantly to 34.4+/-3.3 ng. The result may indicate that the elimination of feedback actions of GH and/or TSH on the hypothalamus led to the decreased synthesis and/or the release of somatostatin. However, the possibility that structural changes in the pituitary stalk and the median eminence tissue ensued after hypophysectomy resulted in the depletion of somatostatin cannot be ruled out.", "PMID": 1009897} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11874", "title": "Effect of clomid, sexovid and prostaglandins on induction of ovulation and gonadotropin secretion in a freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).", "content": "The effect of clomid, sexovid and some prostaglandins (PGE1 and PGF2alpha) on the induction of ovulation, ovarian activity and gonadotropin concentration in the pituitary and blood serum was studied in H. fossilis. Sham-hypophysectomized individuals recorded a very high percentage (90--100%) of ovulation on the 6th day of clomid (150 mug), sexovid (150 mug), PGE1 (100 mug) and PGF2alpha (100 mug) administration. Amongst hypophysectomized recipients only sexovid treated ones ovulated (78%). These drugs were very effective in promoting the ovarian activity in intact specimens but, except sexovid, failed to stimulate any response in hypophysectomized subjects. The gonadotropin concentration in the pituitary gland and blood serum was also elevated after the treatment with the above compounds. It is quite evident from the data that clomid, PGE1, and PGF2alpha, probably acting via hypothalamus, accelerate the synthesis and release of gonadotropin which in turn induces hightened ovarian activity resulting in ovulation. Sexovid seems to have twofold action-- the one indirect through hypothalamus leads to hypophysis leads to ovary like clomid and prostaglandins, and the other directly upon the ovary, possibly by increasing its response to the available gonadotropin, or by behaving like LH.", "contents": "Effect of clomid, sexovid and prostaglandins on induction of ovulation and gonadotropin secretion in a freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). The effect of clomid, sexovid and some prostaglandins (PGE1 and PGF2alpha) on the induction of ovulation, ovarian activity and gonadotropin concentration in the pituitary and blood serum was studied in H. fossilis. Sham-hypophysectomized individuals recorded a very high percentage (90--100%) of ovulation on the 6th day of clomid (150 mug), sexovid (150 mug), PGE1 (100 mug) and PGF2alpha (100 mug) administration. Amongst hypophysectomized recipients only sexovid treated ones ovulated (78%). These drugs were very effective in promoting the ovarian activity in intact specimens but, except sexovid, failed to stimulate any response in hypophysectomized subjects. The gonadotropin concentration in the pituitary gland and blood serum was also elevated after the treatment with the above compounds. It is quite evident from the data that clomid, PGE1, and PGF2alpha, probably acting via hypothalamus, accelerate the synthesis and release of gonadotropin which in turn induces hightened ovarian activity resulting in ovulation. Sexovid seems to have twofold action-- the one indirect through hypothalamus leads to hypophysis leads to ovary like clomid and prostaglandins, and the other directly upon the ovary, possibly by increasing its response to the available gonadotropin, or by behaving like LH.", "PMID": 1009898} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11875", "title": "[Time course of thioacetamide-induced changes in estrogen metabolism in the rat liver].", "content": "Rats have been treated for 6 weeks with thioacetamide (0.1% in drinking water). The biochemical changes in liver microsomal metabolism of estradiol which are similar to those observed in human liver cirrhosis become already apparent after one week of treatment. These are diminishment of hepatic microsomal cytochromes P-450 and b5, comparable decrease of 2-hydroxylation and increase of formation of estrone from estradiol. The alterations of estrogen metabolism are reversible within two weeks after ending thioacetamide treatment. These data correspond to the already well established histological response of rat liver to thioacetamide, and its reversibility.", "contents": "[Time course of thioacetamide-induced changes in estrogen metabolism in the rat liver]. Rats have been treated for 6 weeks with thioacetamide (0.1% in drinking water). The biochemical changes in liver microsomal metabolism of estradiol which are similar to those observed in human liver cirrhosis become already apparent after one week of treatment. These are diminishment of hepatic microsomal cytochromes P-450 and b5, comparable decrease of 2-hydroxylation and increase of formation of estrone from estradiol. The alterations of estrogen metabolism are reversible within two weeks after ending thioacetamide treatment. These data correspond to the already well established histological response of rat liver to thioacetamide, and its reversibility.", "PMID": 1009899} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11876", "title": "Testicular histology in toad (Bufo melanostictus) following prolonged heat exposure.", "content": "A quantitative study of changes in the seminiferous tubule and the measurement of Leydig cell area were performed in the testis of toads exposed to 48 degrees C for 8 days. The frequency of occurrence of stages I and II was not affected whereas stages III and IV were influenced by the exposure to heat. The number of primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes in stages III and IV were significantly decreased. The spermatocytes in stages III and IV were injured in the exposed toads. The area of Leydig cells including their nuclei was also decreased in the testes of heat exposed toads. It is concluded that the exposure to high temperature may have arrested spermatogenesis and affected Leydig cell function.", "contents": "Testicular histology in toad (Bufo melanostictus) following prolonged heat exposure. A quantitative study of changes in the seminiferous tubule and the measurement of Leydig cell area were performed in the testis of toads exposed to 48 degrees C for 8 days. The frequency of occurrence of stages I and II was not affected whereas stages III and IV were influenced by the exposure to heat. The number of primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes in stages III and IV were significantly decreased. The spermatocytes in stages III and IV were injured in the exposed toads. The area of Leydig cells including their nuclei was also decreased in the testes of heat exposed toads. It is concluded that the exposure to high temperature may have arrested spermatogenesis and affected Leydig cell function.", "PMID": 1009900} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11877", "title": "Effect of cyproterone acetate on the action and metabolism of testosterone in the mouse kidney.", "content": "Cyproterone acetate given alone or in combination with testosterone propionate or 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone to castrated male mice does not exhibit an antiandrogenic action on the kidney. It functions rather as a slightly renotropic hormone, even potentiating the renotropic activity of androgens. The administered amount of cyproterone acetate to intact males or castrates supplemented with androgens, however, decreased dramatically the weight of seminal vesicles and of spleen. Cyproterone acetate treatment of the animals influences in vitro the testosterone to androstenedione conversion but not the activity of 5alpha-reductase in the mouse kidney slices.", "contents": "Effect of cyproterone acetate on the action and metabolism of testosterone in the mouse kidney. Cyproterone acetate given alone or in combination with testosterone propionate or 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone to castrated male mice does not exhibit an antiandrogenic action on the kidney. It functions rather as a slightly renotropic hormone, even potentiating the renotropic activity of androgens. The administered amount of cyproterone acetate to intact males or castrates supplemented with androgens, however, decreased dramatically the weight of seminal vesicles and of spleen. Cyproterone acetate treatment of the animals influences in vitro the testosterone to androstenedione conversion but not the activity of 5alpha-reductase in the mouse kidney slices.", "PMID": 1009901} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11878", "title": "Hyperkalemia unresponsive to massive doses of aldosterone in a patient with renal tubular acidosis.", "content": "In a 53-year-old male patient aldosterone-refractory hyperkalemia was associated with renal tubular acidosis (RTA) due to chronic interstitial nephritis accompanied by peritubular hyaline deposits in the distal nephron. The hyperkalemia was not caused by an adrenal disorder or acidosis and could not be abolished by diuretics, cortisone, longacting synthetic ACTH, excessive doses of DOCA and aldosterone. The results of our experimental studies carried out on the hyperkalemic RTA patient as well as on various control subjects and patients suggested the presence of a specific defect in renal K excretion associated with a decreased aldosterone responsiveness of the renal tubules presumably due to the peritubular pathology.", "contents": "Hyperkalemia unresponsive to massive doses of aldosterone in a patient with renal tubular acidosis. In a 53-year-old male patient aldosterone-refractory hyperkalemia was associated with renal tubular acidosis (RTA) due to chronic interstitial nephritis accompanied by peritubular hyaline deposits in the distal nephron. The hyperkalemia was not caused by an adrenal disorder or acidosis and could not be abolished by diuretics, cortisone, longacting synthetic ACTH, excessive doses of DOCA and aldosterone. The results of our experimental studies carried out on the hyperkalemic RTA patient as well as on various control subjects and patients suggested the presence of a specific defect in renal K excretion associated with a decreased aldosterone responsiveness of the renal tubules presumably due to the peritubular pathology.", "PMID": 1009902} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11879", "title": "The effect of calcitonin on glucose metabolism.", "content": "The authors have studied the effect of calcitonin on glucose metabolism. Ten healthy volunteers were investigated. Calcitonin administered intramuscularly in one single dose inhibited the physiological decrease of blood glucose levels during the forenoon fast. Salmon calcitonin administered in an intravenous infusion in the dose of 0.15 U MRC/kg of body weight impaired the glucose tolerance test with the increase of blood glucose levels. The greatest difference was in the 120th minute after the administration of 100 gm of glucose. Calcitonin failed to produce any significant inhibition of immunoreactive insulin release following the glucose stimulus. However, further studies will be necessary to show whether this lack of the inhibitory beta cytotropic action of calcitonin was due to the low dose of calcitonin.", "contents": "The effect of calcitonin on glucose metabolism. The authors have studied the effect of calcitonin on glucose metabolism. Ten healthy volunteers were investigated. Calcitonin administered intramuscularly in one single dose inhibited the physiological decrease of blood glucose levels during the forenoon fast. Salmon calcitonin administered in an intravenous infusion in the dose of 0.15 U MRC/kg of body weight impaired the glucose tolerance test with the increase of blood glucose levels. The greatest difference was in the 120th minute after the administration of 100 gm of glucose. Calcitonin failed to produce any significant inhibition of immunoreactive insulin release following the glucose stimulus. However, further studies will be necessary to show whether this lack of the inhibitory beta cytotropic action of calcitonin was due to the low dose of calcitonin.", "PMID": 1009903} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11880", "title": "Hypertension in adult rats treated neonatally with angiotensin.", "content": "Rats treated neonatally with angiotensin showed labile hypertension in adulthood. This finding may suggest a permanently changed responsiveness of a central nervous controller of the cardiocirculatory system caused by angiotensin-induced hypertension during brain differentiation.", "contents": "Hypertension in adult rats treated neonatally with angiotensin. Rats treated neonatally with angiotensin showed labile hypertension in adulthood. This finding may suggest a permanently changed responsiveness of a central nervous controller of the cardiocirculatory system caused by angiotensin-induced hypertension during brain differentiation.", "PMID": 1009904} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11881", "title": "Study of the antidiuretic effect of clofibrate in rat.", "content": "The effect of clofibrate on the water metabolism was studied in rats with pituitary stalk lesion. It was found that this drug made the oliguria interphase much more marked and more prolonged. In rats anaesthetized with alcohol, clofibrate pre-treatment led to an enhancement of the effect of ADH. The experiments permit the conclusion that the presence of endogenous ADH is necessary for clofibrate antidiuresis. Its effect is presumably exerted via the mobilization of the ADH, but it can not be excluede that it also enhances the peripheral effect of ADH.", "contents": "Study of the antidiuretic effect of clofibrate in rat. The effect of clofibrate on the water metabolism was studied in rats with pituitary stalk lesion. It was found that this drug made the oliguria interphase much more marked and more prolonged. In rats anaesthetized with alcohol, clofibrate pre-treatment led to an enhancement of the effect of ADH. The experiments permit the conclusion that the presence of endogenous ADH is necessary for clofibrate antidiuresis. Its effect is presumably exerted via the mobilization of the ADH, but it can not be excluede that it also enhances the peripheral effect of ADH.", "PMID": 1009905} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11882", "title": "Effect of clomiphene citrate on PMSG-induced ovulation in the immature rat.", "content": "The dose of 15 IU PMSG was found to be optimal for inducing ovulation within 74 hours in 27-day-old immature female rats. There was a significant decrease in the mean number of ova per ovulating animal when the dose was raised beyond this (r = 0.6554, p less than 0.001 for the range from 15 to 100 IU), but the number of ovulating animals did not decrease unless more than 80 IU PMSG were injected. The PMSG-induced ovulation was not affected by treating the animals with 10 or 100 mug clomiphene citrate at 0, 24, 48, 54, 60, 66 hours or at 0, 24, and 48 hours.", "contents": "Effect of clomiphene citrate on PMSG-induced ovulation in the immature rat. The dose of 15 IU PMSG was found to be optimal for inducing ovulation within 74 hours in 27-day-old immature female rats. There was a significant decrease in the mean number of ova per ovulating animal when the dose was raised beyond this (r = 0.6554, p less than 0.001 for the range from 15 to 100 IU), but the number of ovulating animals did not decrease unless more than 80 IU PMSG were injected. The PMSG-induced ovulation was not affected by treating the animals with 10 or 100 mug clomiphene citrate at 0, 24, 48, 54, 60, 66 hours or at 0, 24, and 48 hours.", "PMID": 1009906} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11883", "title": "A direct radioimmunoassay for free aldosterone in urine without extraction and chromatography.", "content": "A direct radioimmunoassay for the determination of free (unconjugated) aldosterone in urine has been developed for the clinical laboratory. The method is based on a determination without extraction and chromatography. In comparison with a reference method including extraction and column chromatography on Sephadex LH 20 a highly significant correlation was found. The coefficient of variation was 5.6% for intraassay variability and 10.4% for interassay determinations. In normal adults the average value of the urinary free aldosterone was 190 ng/24 h (range: 60--320 ng/24 h). During sodium restriction, a 3 fold increase in free aldosterone was observed in normal subjects. In patients with adrenal insufficiency, the values were below 60 ng/24 h, and in two patients with Conn's syndrome, the excretion of free aldosterone was 890 and 1040 ng/24 h. The method was found suitable for routine clinical use.", "contents": "A direct radioimmunoassay for free aldosterone in urine without extraction and chromatography. A direct radioimmunoassay for the determination of free (unconjugated) aldosterone in urine has been developed for the clinical laboratory. The method is based on a determination without extraction and chromatography. In comparison with a reference method including extraction and column chromatography on Sephadex LH 20 a highly significant correlation was found. The coefficient of variation was 5.6% for intraassay variability and 10.4% for interassay determinations. In normal adults the average value of the urinary free aldosterone was 190 ng/24 h (range: 60--320 ng/24 h). During sodium restriction, a 3 fold increase in free aldosterone was observed in normal subjects. In patients with adrenal insufficiency, the values were below 60 ng/24 h, and in two patients with Conn's syndrome, the excretion of free aldosterone was 890 and 1040 ng/24 h. The method was found suitable for routine clinical use.", "PMID": 1009907} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11884", "title": "Insulin secretion and glucose tolerance in acromegaly.", "content": "Thirty patients with active acromegaly were divided into five groups according to the results of their IRI and blood glucose curves in the course of oral glucose tolerance test. Young acromegalics with short duration of acromegaly had grossly exaggerated IRI response with the peak in the first half-an-hour and the flat blood glucose curve. In the second group the peak of IRI response was in the first hour and the blood glucose curve rose to high values in the early stage after the glucose load. The IRI response in the third group was still exaggerated but delayed and the diabetic type of blood glucose curve was found in some of these patients. Acromegalics with overt diabetes mellitus lost their exaggerated IRI response and the IRI curves were flat in those with more advanced disturbance of glucose tolerance. It was suggested that the groups described might represent individual stages in the development of diabetes mellitus in acromegaly. Unclear position in this scheme is kept by the group of active acromegalics with IRI response in normal limits and glucose tolerance unimpaired.", "contents": "Insulin secretion and glucose tolerance in acromegaly. Thirty patients with active acromegaly were divided into five groups according to the results of their IRI and blood glucose curves in the course of oral glucose tolerance test. Young acromegalics with short duration of acromegaly had grossly exaggerated IRI response with the peak in the first half-an-hour and the flat blood glucose curve. In the second group the peak of IRI response was in the first hour and the blood glucose curve rose to high values in the early stage after the glucose load. The IRI response in the third group was still exaggerated but delayed and the diabetic type of blood glucose curve was found in some of these patients. Acromegalics with overt diabetes mellitus lost their exaggerated IRI response and the IRI curves were flat in those with more advanced disturbance of glucose tolerance. It was suggested that the groups described might represent individual stages in the development of diabetes mellitus in acromegaly. Unclear position in this scheme is kept by the group of active acromegalics with IRI response in normal limits and glucose tolerance unimpaired.", "PMID": 1009908} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11885", "title": "[Relations between portal and peripheral venous insulin, proinsulin and glucagon concentrations after oral glucose in man].", "content": "During cholecystectomy a catheter was inserted into the V. porta via V. umbilicalis. 7 or 8 days later an oral glucose tolerance test was performed (100 g). Blood glucose, insulin (IRI), proinsulin-like material (PLM), and pancreatic glucagon (IRG) concentrations were determined in portal as well as in peripheral venous blood. 5 out of 6 patients showed a disturbed carbohydrate tolerance in comparison to 53 healthy subjects. The IRI increased promptly after the oral glucose load. The portal IRI-concentrations are significantly enhanced in comparison to the peripheral levels, but between both a positive correlation exists (r = 0.9447; p less than 0.01). PLM was slightly increased in the first 10 minutes. The basal IRG levels were not enhanced. Significant differences between the portal and peripheral IRG concentrations could not be observed. The correlation coefficient was 0.8902. Thus, the peripheral venous concentrations of IRI, PLM and IRG can be used as a diagnostic tool of pancreatic hormone secretion in man.", "contents": "[Relations between portal and peripheral venous insulin, proinsulin and glucagon concentrations after oral glucose in man]. During cholecystectomy a catheter was inserted into the V. porta via V. umbilicalis. 7 or 8 days later an oral glucose tolerance test was performed (100 g). Blood glucose, insulin (IRI), proinsulin-like material (PLM), and pancreatic glucagon (IRG) concentrations were determined in portal as well as in peripheral venous blood. 5 out of 6 patients showed a disturbed carbohydrate tolerance in comparison to 53 healthy subjects. The IRI increased promptly after the oral glucose load. The portal IRI-concentrations are significantly enhanced in comparison to the peripheral levels, but between both a positive correlation exists (r = 0.9447; p less than 0.01). PLM was slightly increased in the first 10 minutes. The basal IRG levels were not enhanced. Significant differences between the portal and peripheral IRG concentrations could not be observed. The correlation coefficient was 0.8902. Thus, the peripheral venous concentrations of IRI, PLM and IRG can be used as a diagnostic tool of pancreatic hormone secretion in man.", "PMID": 1009909} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11886", "title": "[Lipid mobilization in obesity without carbohydrate intolerance. 2. Caffeine-stimulated lipolysis].", "content": "The lipolysis induced by i.v. injection of caffeine (3 mg/kg body weight) has been investigated in 11 normal subjects and 18 obese patients with normal 50 g oral glucose tolerance test and normal thyroid-function. The pattern of blood-glucose and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) secretion were not influenced by caffeine in both groups. Both in the controls and obese group a significant response of FFA and glycerole were noted. In the obese group the caffeine-induced lipolysis was slightly higher as compared with controls. There are no differences in FFA-response between obese group and controls. The observations suggest that an impaired lipolysis is not a pathogenetic factor for development of obesity.", "contents": "[Lipid mobilization in obesity without carbohydrate intolerance. 2. Caffeine-stimulated lipolysis]. The lipolysis induced by i.v. injection of caffeine (3 mg/kg body weight) has been investigated in 11 normal subjects and 18 obese patients with normal 50 g oral glucose tolerance test and normal thyroid-function. The pattern of blood-glucose and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) secretion were not influenced by caffeine in both groups. Both in the controls and obese group a significant response of FFA and glycerole were noted. In the obese group the caffeine-induced lipolysis was slightly higher as compared with controls. There are no differences in FFA-response between obese group and controls. The observations suggest that an impaired lipolysis is not a pathogenetic factor for development of obesity.", "PMID": 1009910} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11887", "title": "Further evidence of permanent behavioural changes in rats treated neonatally with neurodrugs.", "content": "Pargyline or reserpine treatment of male rats during the first two weeks of life resulted in significantly increased exploratory activity (sniffing) associated with a significantly decreased emotional reactivity (defecation rate) in adult life. These findings suggest that nonphysiological concentrations and/or turnover rates of neurotransmitters during brain differentiation apparently produced by neurodrugs can lead to permanent behavioural changes.", "contents": "Further evidence of permanent behavioural changes in rats treated neonatally with neurodrugs. Pargyline or reserpine treatment of male rats during the first two weeks of life resulted in significantly increased exploratory activity (sniffing) associated with a significantly decreased emotional reactivity (defecation rate) in adult life. These findings suggest that nonphysiological concentrations and/or turnover rates of neurotransmitters during brain differentiation apparently produced by neurodrugs can lead to permanent behavioural changes.", "PMID": 1009911} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11888", "title": "Effect of cadmium on spermatogenesis in toad (Bufo melanostictus).", "content": "A quantitative study of seminiferous tubules in toad treated with a single subcutaneous injection of cadmium chloride, showed that 7 days after cadmium injection some stages of spermatogenesis consisting of secondary spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes were decreased significantly.", "contents": "Effect of cadmium on spermatogenesis in toad (Bufo melanostictus). A quantitative study of seminiferous tubules in toad treated with a single subcutaneous injection of cadmium chloride, showed that 7 days after cadmium injection some stages of spermatogenesis consisting of secondary spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes were decreased significantly.", "PMID": 1009912} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11889", "title": "Free aldosterone concentrations in the urine of newborns.", "content": "In 1-day-old infants (24--48 hrs after birth), the free aldosterone excretion in urine was found to be significantly lower as compared to adults. The free aldosterone excretion increased then extensively by factor 11.4 at the age of 1 to 14 days and decreased at the age of 14 to 28 days.", "contents": "Free aldosterone concentrations in the urine of newborns. In 1-day-old infants (24--48 hrs after birth), the free aldosterone excretion in urine was found to be significantly lower as compared to adults. The free aldosterone excretion increased then extensively by factor 11.4 at the age of 1 to 14 days and decreased at the age of 14 to 28 days.", "PMID": 1009913} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11890", "title": "Changes in energetic metabolism of rat myocardium during acclimation to high altitude.", "content": "The results reported in this paper refer to the modifications of energetic equilibrium in the myocardium tissue, involved by altitude chronic hypoxia. Experiments have been done on adult rats (males and females) placed in the Jungfraujoch station, in the Alps, at 3,500 m. The obtained data were compared to control animals, bred in Geneva. On the first days of stay at high altitude, a significant fall of tissue energy charge, due to the non-modified enzyme levels in comparison with the controls, was observed. After several weeks of stay in chronic hypoxia, the metabolic modifications leading to the improvement of energy production and to the achievement of a new equilibrium state, take place. In acclimatized animals some good correlation, between the energy charge and the activity of glycolytic enzymes (PGK and PK) ensuring the ATP generation, is established.", "contents": "Changes in energetic metabolism of rat myocardium during acclimation to high altitude. The results reported in this paper refer to the modifications of energetic equilibrium in the myocardium tissue, involved by altitude chronic hypoxia. Experiments have been done on adult rats (males and females) placed in the Jungfraujoch station, in the Alps, at 3,500 m. The obtained data were compared to control animals, bred in Geneva. On the first days of stay at high altitude, a significant fall of tissue energy charge, due to the non-modified enzyme levels in comparison with the controls, was observed. After several weeks of stay in chronic hypoxia, the metabolic modifications leading to the improvement of energy production and to the achievement of a new equilibrium state, take place. In acclimatized animals some good correlation, between the energy charge and the activity of glycolytic enzymes (PGK and PK) ensuring the ATP generation, is established.", "PMID": 1009914} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11891", "title": "Acid phosphatase heterogeneity in horse neutrophil and eosinophil leukocytes.", "content": "Two distinct groups of acid phosphatase containing granules were characterized in neutrophils, each group displaying different multiple forms of the enzyme. The heavy granule acid phosphatase showed a lysosomal location. A second lighter group of particles contained a thermolabile, thiol-dependent acid p-nitrophenyl and alpha-naphtylphosphatase, an enzyme clearly different from lysosomal acid phosphatase. Acid phosphatase activity from eosinophil leukocytes appeared to be totally associated with the typical eosinophil granules. On mechanical disruption of these particles, an acid phosphatase was released which differed in substrate and inhibitor specificity, in electrophoretic pattern, and in thermosensitivity, from the remaining matrix-bound enzyme.", "contents": "Acid phosphatase heterogeneity in horse neutrophil and eosinophil leukocytes. Two distinct groups of acid phosphatase containing granules were characterized in neutrophils, each group displaying different multiple forms of the enzyme. The heavy granule acid phosphatase showed a lysosomal location. A second lighter group of particles contained a thermolabile, thiol-dependent acid p-nitrophenyl and alpha-naphtylphosphatase, an enzyme clearly different from lysosomal acid phosphatase. Acid phosphatase activity from eosinophil leukocytes appeared to be totally associated with the typical eosinophil granules. On mechanical disruption of these particles, an acid phosphatase was released which differed in substrate and inhibitor specificity, in electrophoretic pattern, and in thermosensitivity, from the remaining matrix-bound enzyme.", "PMID": 1009915} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11892", "title": "Interaction of rat-liver glucocorticoid receptor with DNA.", "content": "The complex of [3H]dexamethasone and rat liver receptor binds to rat liver DNA. This interaction takes place only in the presence of hormone and is enhanced by 'activation'. No evidence of saturatability can be obtained with concentrations of steroid-receptor complexes corresponding to those observed physiologically in the intact liver cell. The binding is inhibited by high ionic strength and by millimolar concentrations of divalent cations. No species specificity has been observed: the complex binds equally well to prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA'S. There was no difference between binding to native and denatured DNA. In comparable conditions twice as much [3H]dexamethasone-receptor complexes were bound by DNA than by rat liver nuclei. Thus, the interaction of steroid-receptor complexes with DNA probably does not correspond to the recognition of a few very specific sequences. It is however possible that this interaction is actually operating in vivo in the intact cell.", "contents": "Interaction of rat-liver glucocorticoid receptor with DNA. The complex of [3H]dexamethasone and rat liver receptor binds to rat liver DNA. This interaction takes place only in the presence of hormone and is enhanced by 'activation'. No evidence of saturatability can be obtained with concentrations of steroid-receptor complexes corresponding to those observed physiologically in the intact liver cell. The binding is inhibited by high ionic strength and by millimolar concentrations of divalent cations. No species specificity has been observed: the complex binds equally well to prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA'S. There was no difference between binding to native and denatured DNA. In comparable conditions twice as much [3H]dexamethasone-receptor complexes were bound by DNA than by rat liver nuclei. Thus, the interaction of steroid-receptor complexes with DNA probably does not correspond to the recognition of a few very specific sequences. It is however possible that this interaction is actually operating in vivo in the intact cell.", "PMID": 1009922} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11893", "title": "Parvalbumin from rabbit muscle. Isolation and primary structure.", "content": "A parvalbumin, with its characteristic low molecular weight (approximately 12000) acidic isoelectric point (approximately 5.5), ultraviolet spectrum (maxm 259 nm) and Ca2+-binding capacity (2 mol/mol protein) has been isolated from rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) muscle. Its primary structure has been determined from a study of its tryptic peptides and of overlapping peptides generated by limited tryptic digestion and by chymotryptic and thermolytic digestions of the protein. The amino acid sequence so obtained is considered in comparison with those known for other parvalbumin and for rabbit troponin C.", "contents": "Parvalbumin from rabbit muscle. Isolation and primary structure. A parvalbumin, with its characteristic low molecular weight (approximately 12000) acidic isoelectric point (approximately 5.5), ultraviolet spectrum (maxm 259 nm) and Ca2+-binding capacity (2 mol/mol protein) has been isolated from rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) muscle. Its primary structure has been determined from a study of its tryptic peptides and of overlapping peptides generated by limited tryptic digestion and by chymotryptic and thermolytic digestions of the protein. The amino acid sequence so obtained is considered in comparison with those known for other parvalbumin and for rabbit troponin C.", "PMID": 1009923} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11894", "title": "Complexes of aliphatic sulfates and human-serum albumin studied by 13C nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy.", "content": "The interaction of human serum albumin and various long-chain sulfates has been studied. Binding of sodium octylsulfate to albumin increases in the concentration range studied as measured by equilibrium dialysis. In contrast, binding of the sodium salts of decylsulfate and dodecylsulfate is constant at a concentration of free ligand higher than 50 mM and 12 mM corresponding to binding of 110 and 83 sulfate molecules per albumin molecule, respectively. Viscosity measurements indicate that binding of decylsulfate and dodecylsulfate is associated with unfolding of the albumin molecule. In contrast, binding of octylsulfate does not cause gross conformation changes of albumin. However, the chemical shifts of bound octylsulfate obtained by natural abundance 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy show significant changes at 80 mM and 150 mM free ligand. The spin-spin and spin-lattice relaxation times also show changes in the association between octylsulfate and albumin at 80 mM free sulfate. These observations indicate alterations in the binding properties at 10--11 and 20--21 bound ligand molecules, respectively. The relaxation times are considerably increased by binding to albumin, indicating less motional freedom of the molecules in the bound state. At high levels of sulfate binding the relaxation times of the terminal methyl group approach that of free ligand. The chemical shifts of all the bound carbon atoms studied, except the CH2 group nearest to the sulfate group (C1), are comparable to those observed in the micellar state indicating binding in a non-polar environment. However, the relaxation times indicate that the motional freedom of sulfates bound to albumin is much more restricted than in micelles. The shift of C1 indicates that this part of the ligand is situated in a polar environment. The following model for binding of high concentrations of aliphatic detergents is proposed. The sulfate group and the CH2 group nearest to it is situated in a polar medium caused by interaction between the sulfate group and a positive amino acid residue on albumin. The other CH2 groups interact with hydrophobic amino acid residues on albumin. The CH3 group does not interact with the albumin molecule but associates with other methyl groups of sulfates bound in the vicinity forming a hydrophobic medium.", "contents": "Complexes of aliphatic sulfates and human-serum albumin studied by 13C nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy. The interaction of human serum albumin and various long-chain sulfates has been studied. Binding of sodium octylsulfate to albumin increases in the concentration range studied as measured by equilibrium dialysis. In contrast, binding of the sodium salts of decylsulfate and dodecylsulfate is constant at a concentration of free ligand higher than 50 mM and 12 mM corresponding to binding of 110 and 83 sulfate molecules per albumin molecule, respectively. Viscosity measurements indicate that binding of decylsulfate and dodecylsulfate is associated with unfolding of the albumin molecule. In contrast, binding of octylsulfate does not cause gross conformation changes of albumin. However, the chemical shifts of bound octylsulfate obtained by natural abundance 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy show significant changes at 80 mM and 150 mM free ligand. The spin-spin and spin-lattice relaxation times also show changes in the association between octylsulfate and albumin at 80 mM free sulfate. These observations indicate alterations in the binding properties at 10--11 and 20--21 bound ligand molecules, respectively. The relaxation times are considerably increased by binding to albumin, indicating less motional freedom of the molecules in the bound state. At high levels of sulfate binding the relaxation times of the terminal methyl group approach that of free ligand. The chemical shifts of all the bound carbon atoms studied, except the CH2 group nearest to the sulfate group (C1), are comparable to those observed in the micellar state indicating binding in a non-polar environment. However, the relaxation times indicate that the motional freedom of sulfates bound to albumin is much more restricted than in micelles. The shift of C1 indicates that this part of the ligand is situated in a polar environment. The following model for binding of high concentrations of aliphatic detergents is proposed. The sulfate group and the CH2 group nearest to it is situated in a polar medium caused by interaction between the sulfate group and a positive amino acid residue on albumin. The other CH2 groups interact with hydrophobic amino acid residues on albumin. The CH3 group does not interact with the albumin molecule but associates with other methyl groups of sulfates bound in the vicinity forming a hydrophobic medium.", "PMID": 1009924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11895", "title": "Human-serum cholinesterase subunits and number of active sites of the major component.", "content": "The major C4 component of human serum cholinesterase was highly purified by a two-step procedure involving chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and preparative disc electrophoresis. The final product was about 8 000-fold purified with a yield of 64%. The subunit structure was determined by 8M urea polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis and by the sedimentation equilibrium centrifugation method in 5M guanidine hydrochloride. It was found that the C4 enzyme has a tetrameric structure. The subunits are equal in size and charge and a molecular weight comparable to that of the C1 enzyme from native serum. The major C4 enzyme and the minor C1 enzyme were subjected to an 'active enzyme centrifugation'. It was found that the C4 enzyme was a tetramer and the C1 enzyme was a monomer in the presence of substrate. The number of diisopropylphosphofluoridate-binding sites was measured from the molar ratio of bound diisopropylphosphate to protein. A value close to two binding sites was found for the C4 enzyme.", "contents": "Human-serum cholinesterase subunits and number of active sites of the major component. The major C4 component of human serum cholinesterase was highly purified by a two-step procedure involving chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and preparative disc electrophoresis. The final product was about 8 000-fold purified with a yield of 64%. The subunit structure was determined by 8M urea polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis and by the sedimentation equilibrium centrifugation method in 5M guanidine hydrochloride. It was found that the C4 enzyme has a tetrameric structure. The subunits are equal in size and charge and a molecular weight comparable to that of the C1 enzyme from native serum. The major C4 enzyme and the minor C1 enzyme were subjected to an 'active enzyme centrifugation'. It was found that the C4 enzyme was a tetramer and the C1 enzyme was a monomer in the presence of substrate. The number of diisopropylphosphofluoridate-binding sites was measured from the molar ratio of bound diisopropylphosphate to protein. A value close to two binding sites was found for the C4 enzyme.", "PMID": 1009925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11896", "title": "Studies on the mechanism of collagen glucosyltransferase reaction.", "content": "The mechanism of collagen glucosyltransferase reaction was studied with enzyme preparations purified about 2500-5000-fold from extract of homogenate of whole chick embryos. Data obtained in experiments on initial velocity and inhibition kinetics of the reaction were consistent with an ordered mechanism in which the substrates are bound to the enzyme in the following order: Mn2+, UDP-glucose and collagen substrate, the addition of Mn2+ being at thermodynamic equilibrium and the binding site of the UDP-glucose to the enzyme not being the same as that for Mn2+ and collagen substrate. Only one metal co-factor seems to be involved in the reaction. The collagen substrate can probably also react in some conditions with enzyme-Mn2+ and with enzyme-Mn2+-UDP, and the UDP with the free enzyme, but in all these instances dead-end complexes are formed. Evidence is presented for an ordered release of the products in the following order: glucosylated collagen, UDP and Mn2+, in which Mn2+ need not leave the enzyme during each catalytic cycle.", "contents": "Studies on the mechanism of collagen glucosyltransferase reaction. The mechanism of collagen glucosyltransferase reaction was studied with enzyme preparations purified about 2500-5000-fold from extract of homogenate of whole chick embryos. Data obtained in experiments on initial velocity and inhibition kinetics of the reaction were consistent with an ordered mechanism in which the substrates are bound to the enzyme in the following order: Mn2+, UDP-glucose and collagen substrate, the addition of Mn2+ being at thermodynamic equilibrium and the binding site of the UDP-glucose to the enzyme not being the same as that for Mn2+ and collagen substrate. Only one metal co-factor seems to be involved in the reaction. The collagen substrate can probably also react in some conditions with enzyme-Mn2+ and with enzyme-Mn2+-UDP, and the UDP with the free enzyme, but in all these instances dead-end complexes are formed. Evidence is presented for an ordered release of the products in the following order: glucosylated collagen, UDP and Mn2+, in which Mn2+ need not leave the enzyme during each catalytic cycle.", "PMID": 1009926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11897", "title": "Specific binding of a nonhistone chromosomal protein from lymphocyte to DNA.", "content": "The isolation of a nonhistone chromosomal protein, NH30 000, from bovine lymphocytes by affinity chromatography on a DNA-agarose column is described. The procedure starts with nonhistone fraction NH4 obtained by hydroxyapatite chromatography as described previously [Bl\u00fcthmann, H., Mrozek, S. & Gierer, A. (1975) Eur. J. Biochem. 58, 315-326]. Protein NH30 000 migrates as a single band with a molecular weight of 30 000 on sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gels. It contains, on a molar basis 25.3% acidic amino acids and 18.3% basic amino acid residues, 10.3% being lysine. End-group determination confirms that this protein is composed of one polypeptide chain with the NH2-terminal amino acid arginine. The binding of protein NH30 000 to native DNA of different molecular weights has been investigated by the nitrocellulose filter assay. The results suggest that in the presence of 0.2 M NaCl it binds about 30% of the DNA with binding sites every 1700 nucleotide pairs. Competition experiments show that protein NH30 000 exhibits a higher binding affinity for lymphocyte DNA in comparison to Escherichia coli DNA.", "contents": "Specific binding of a nonhistone chromosomal protein from lymphocyte to DNA. The isolation of a nonhistone chromosomal protein, NH30 000, from bovine lymphocytes by affinity chromatography on a DNA-agarose column is described. The procedure starts with nonhistone fraction NH4 obtained by hydroxyapatite chromatography as described previously [Bl\u00fcthmann, H., Mrozek, S. & Gierer, A. (1975) Eur. J. Biochem. 58, 315-326]. Protein NH30 000 migrates as a single band with a molecular weight of 30 000 on sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gels. It contains, on a molar basis 25.3% acidic amino acids and 18.3% basic amino acid residues, 10.3% being lysine. End-group determination confirms that this protein is composed of one polypeptide chain with the NH2-terminal amino acid arginine. The binding of protein NH30 000 to native DNA of different molecular weights has been investigated by the nitrocellulose filter assay. The results suggest that in the presence of 0.2 M NaCl it binds about 30% of the DNA with binding sites every 1700 nucleotide pairs. Competition experiments show that protein NH30 000 exhibits a higher binding affinity for lymphocyte DNA in comparison to Escherichia coli DNA.", "PMID": 1009927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11898", "title": "Endoribonuclease IV. A poly(A)-specific ribonuclease from chick oviduct. 1. Purification of the enzyme.", "content": "A new endoribonuclease, termed endoribonuclease IV, has been described. This enzyme has been isolated from chick oviducts and purified 15 000-fold in a 25% yield nearly to homogeneity. The nuclease, which specifically degrades poly(A), forms oligonucleotides of an average chain length of 10. These (A)-10 fragments are terminated by 3'-hydroxyl and 5'-phosphate groups. The enzyme has a pH optimum at 8.7, requires Mn2+ or Mg2+ as a cofactor, and has a molecular weight of about 45 000.", "contents": "Endoribonuclease IV. A poly(A)-specific ribonuclease from chick oviduct. 1. Purification of the enzyme. A new endoribonuclease, termed endoribonuclease IV, has been described. This enzyme has been isolated from chick oviducts and purified 15 000-fold in a 25% yield nearly to homogeneity. The nuclease, which specifically degrades poly(A), forms oligonucleotides of an average chain length of 10. These (A)-10 fragments are terminated by 3'-hydroxyl and 5'-phosphate groups. The enzyme has a pH optimum at 8.7, requires Mn2+ or Mg2+ as a cofactor, and has a molecular weight of about 45 000.", "PMID": 1009928} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11899", "title": "Endoribonuclease IV. 2. Further investigation on the specificity.", "content": "The poly(A)-specific endoribonuclease IV produces oligo(A) fragments of a chain length of 10 AMP nucleotides. One enzyme molecule performs 1700 cleavages per min; the cleavages occur randomly. The endoribonuclease IV is a nuclear enzyme which is present in the oviduct of quails in a concentration of 40 000 enzyme molecules per cell. Poly(A) segments on mRNA are selectively hydrolyzed by endoribonuclease IV; the poly(A)-free part of the RNA is not affected. After incubation with the enzyme, a residual oligo(A) stretch of 5 AMP nucleotides remains on poly(A)-rich RNA. The endoribonuclease IV does not disintegrate the polyribosomal complex after incubation in vitro and the enzyme has also no influence on the translational capacity of a cell-free protein-synthesizing system.", "contents": "Endoribonuclease IV. 2. Further investigation on the specificity. The poly(A)-specific endoribonuclease IV produces oligo(A) fragments of a chain length of 10 AMP nucleotides. One enzyme molecule performs 1700 cleavages per min; the cleavages occur randomly. The endoribonuclease IV is a nuclear enzyme which is present in the oviduct of quails in a concentration of 40 000 enzyme molecules per cell. Poly(A) segments on mRNA are selectively hydrolyzed by endoribonuclease IV; the poly(A)-free part of the RNA is not affected. After incubation with the enzyme, a residual oligo(A) stretch of 5 AMP nucleotides remains on poly(A)-rich RNA. The endoribonuclease IV does not disintegrate the polyribosomal complex after incubation in vitro and the enzyme has also no influence on the translational capacity of a cell-free protein-synthesizing system.", "PMID": 1009929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11900", "title": "Resolution and purification of histones on homologous series of hydrocarbon-coated agaroses.", "content": "Hydrophobic chromatography on alkyl-agarose columns has been applied to the fractionation of histones. This paper describes: (a) a two-column method for the resolution of whole histone from calf thymus into its five main components (H1, H2a, H2b, H3 and H4), (b) a rapid one-step procedure for the isolation of the H3 fraction from whole histone, (c) an alternative one-step procedure for the resolution of H3 and H2a (which co-elute during gel exclusion chromatography on Biogel P-60). These experiments are also used for gaining further insight into the mechanism of action of hydrocarbon-coated agaroses.", "contents": "Resolution and purification of histones on homologous series of hydrocarbon-coated agaroses. Hydrophobic chromatography on alkyl-agarose columns has been applied to the fractionation of histones. This paper describes: (a) a two-column method for the resolution of whole histone from calf thymus into its five main components (H1, H2a, H2b, H3 and H4), (b) a rapid one-step procedure for the isolation of the H3 fraction from whole histone, (c) an alternative one-step procedure for the resolution of H3 and H2a (which co-elute during gel exclusion chromatography on Biogel P-60). These experiments are also used for gaining further insight into the mechanism of action of hydrocarbon-coated agaroses.", "PMID": 1009930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11901", "title": "A novel endonuclease of human cells specific for single-stranded DNA.", "content": "We have fractionated from human aneuploid cell cultures three different enzyme fractions degrading single-stranded DNA. We have purified and characterized one of these DNases; this is an endonuclease working at alkaline pH (around 9.5) and requiring Mg2+ for its activity. The enzyme degrades denatured DNA over 100 times more efficiently than native DNA in optimal conditions. The termini produced by the enzyme have 5'P and 3'OH ends. The enzyme can attack, though at reduced rate, the supertwisted circular molecule of Simian virus 40 DNA, whereas it is inactive on the nicked circular molecule. The ultraviolet irradiation of DNA, whether native or denatured, does not affect its efficiency as substrate of the DNase. The properties of this endonuclease distinguish it from those of the other DNases described previously in mammalian cells; the denomination DNase VI is therefore proposed. Its properties are similar to those of DNases described in Ustilago maydis and Bacillus subtilis, for which an essential role in recombination seems likely.", "contents": "A novel endonuclease of human cells specific for single-stranded DNA. We have fractionated from human aneuploid cell cultures three different enzyme fractions degrading single-stranded DNA. We have purified and characterized one of these DNases; this is an endonuclease working at alkaline pH (around 9.5) and requiring Mg2+ for its activity. The enzyme degrades denatured DNA over 100 times more efficiently than native DNA in optimal conditions. The termini produced by the enzyme have 5'P and 3'OH ends. The enzyme can attack, though at reduced rate, the supertwisted circular molecule of Simian virus 40 DNA, whereas it is inactive on the nicked circular molecule. The ultraviolet irradiation of DNA, whether native or denatured, does not affect its efficiency as substrate of the DNase. The properties of this endonuclease distinguish it from those of the other DNases described previously in mammalian cells; the denomination DNase VI is therefore proposed. Its properties are similar to those of DNases described in Ustilago maydis and Bacillus subtilis, for which an essential role in recombination seems likely.", "PMID": 1009931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11902", "title": "The primary structure of the parvalbumin II of pike (Esox lucius).", "content": "The amino acid sequence of the parvalbumin II of the pike is reported. The protein has a molecular weight of 11 435. It consists of a single polypeptide chain of 107 amino acid residues with an acetyl group blocking the N-terminus and an alanine residue at the C-terminus. The molecule has been enzymically cleaved by trypsin, thermolysin and by the protease of the Staphylococcus aureus strain V8. Chemical cleavages make use of the CNBr reaction and of the sulfocyanoethylation method. The comparison of this amino acid sequence with that of the parvalbumin III of the pike indicates that these two homologous proteins belong respectively to two different subgroups derived from an early gene duplication of an ancestral gene at least prior to the differentiation of the Osteichthyes.", "contents": "The primary structure of the parvalbumin II of pike (Esox lucius). The amino acid sequence of the parvalbumin II of the pike is reported. The protein has a molecular weight of 11 435. It consists of a single polypeptide chain of 107 amino acid residues with an acetyl group blocking the N-terminus and an alanine residue at the C-terminus. The molecule has been enzymically cleaved by trypsin, thermolysin and by the protease of the Staphylococcus aureus strain V8. Chemical cleavages make use of the CNBr reaction and of the sulfocyanoethylation method. The comparison of this amino acid sequence with that of the parvalbumin III of the pike indicates that these two homologous proteins belong respectively to two different subgroups derived from an early gene duplication of an ancestral gene at least prior to the differentiation of the Osteichthyes.", "PMID": 1009932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11903", "title": "On the initiation of mammalian RNA polymerase at single-strand breaks in DNA.", "content": "Mammalian RNA polymerase B is able to initiate at single-strand breaks in the DNA template. A 3'-OH end at a nick is required for initiation whereas the 5'-end may be either -- OH or phosphate. The 3'-OH group does not function as a primer. An appreciable part of the newly synthesized RNA started at a nick remains associated with the DNA in hydrid form. Initiation of exogeneous RNA polymerase B on chromatin exhibits similar requirements.", "contents": "On the initiation of mammalian RNA polymerase at single-strand breaks in DNA. Mammalian RNA polymerase B is able to initiate at single-strand breaks in the DNA template. A 3'-OH end at a nick is required for initiation whereas the 5'-end may be either -- OH or phosphate. The 3'-OH group does not function as a primer. An appreciable part of the newly synthesized RNA started at a nick remains associated with the DNA in hydrid form. Initiation of exogeneous RNA polymerase B on chromatin exhibits similar requirements.", "PMID": 1009933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11904", "title": "Maximal number of hormonogenic iodotyrosine residues in thyroglobulin iodinated by thyroid peroxidase.", "content": "Almost non-iodinated human goiter thyroglobulin has been iodinated in vitro by thyroid peroxidase to levels as high as 75 iodine atoms per mol of protein. The following results were obtained. 1. The iodine distribution obtained in vitro with human thyroglobulin strongly ressembles that obtained in vivo for rat thyroglobulin. Thus the distribution of iodine seems to depend essentially on the structure of thyroglobulin and on the reactivity of the different tyrosine residues. 2. Although the number of hormone residues increased with iodination the highest efficiency of hormone synthesis was obtained in a very narrow range of iodination: in vitro (40%) between 25 and 30 iodine atoms, and in vivo (48%) between 10 and 20 atoms. This result suggests that the tyrosines which are coupled with a high efficiency are iodinated sequentially. 3. Maximal thyroxine content was found to be lower than approximately 3 mol/mol of thyroglobulin. This result might mean that the two 12-S subunits of thyroglobulin are not identical and that one of them is able to produce 2 mol of hormone while the second only 1 mol.", "contents": "Maximal number of hormonogenic iodotyrosine residues in thyroglobulin iodinated by thyroid peroxidase. Almost non-iodinated human goiter thyroglobulin has been iodinated in vitro by thyroid peroxidase to levels as high as 75 iodine atoms per mol of protein. The following results were obtained. 1. The iodine distribution obtained in vitro with human thyroglobulin strongly ressembles that obtained in vivo for rat thyroglobulin. Thus the distribution of iodine seems to depend essentially on the structure of thyroglobulin and on the reactivity of the different tyrosine residues. 2. Although the number of hormone residues increased with iodination the highest efficiency of hormone synthesis was obtained in a very narrow range of iodination: in vitro (40%) between 25 and 30 iodine atoms, and in vivo (48%) between 10 and 20 atoms. This result suggests that the tyrosines which are coupled with a high efficiency are iodinated sequentially. 3. Maximal thyroxine content was found to be lower than approximately 3 mol/mol of thyroglobulin. This result might mean that the two 12-S subunits of thyroglobulin are not identical and that one of them is able to produce 2 mol of hormone while the second only 1 mol.", "PMID": 1009934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11905", "title": "Transfer of the 1-pro-R and the 1-pro-S hydrogen atoms of ethanol in metabolic reductions in vivo.", "content": "The transfer of deuterium from [1 R-2H]ethanol and [1 S-2H]-ethanol to reduced metabolites of administered compounds was measured in female rats provided with bile fistulas. Administered cyclohexanone was reduced to cyclohexanol, and in this reduction hydrogen was transferred only from the 1-pro-R position of the ethanol. The deuterium content in the cyclohexanol was about 67% of that in the ethanol. In the reduction of the 17-oxo group in 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha-androstan-17-one, hydrogen was transferred both from the 1-pro-R position and the 1-pro-S position, resulting in degrees of labelling that were about 25% and 2%, respectively, of those in the specific positions of the ethanols. The 1-pro-R and 1-pro-S positions of ethanol contributed about 9% and 5%, respectively, of the 3beta hydrogen in lithocholic acid formed from 3-oxo-5beta-cholanoic acid. The results indicate that alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase do not share a common pool of NAD, and that NADH formed during acetaldehyde oxidation is utilized for reductions in the cytosol to a smaller extent than the NADH formed in the alcohol dehydrogenase reaction. This result supports the concept that aldehyde oxidation is mainly an intramitochondrial process. The relatively extensive utilization of the 1-pro-S hydrogen of ethanol in the reduction of 3-oxo-5beta-cholanoic acid, that is probably NADPH-dependent, indicates that cytosolic NADPH may be produced from malate or isocitrate formed intramitochondrially.", "contents": "Transfer of the 1-pro-R and the 1-pro-S hydrogen atoms of ethanol in metabolic reductions in vivo. The transfer of deuterium from [1 R-2H]ethanol and [1 S-2H]-ethanol to reduced metabolites of administered compounds was measured in female rats provided with bile fistulas. Administered cyclohexanone was reduced to cyclohexanol, and in this reduction hydrogen was transferred only from the 1-pro-R position of the ethanol. The deuterium content in the cyclohexanol was about 67% of that in the ethanol. In the reduction of the 17-oxo group in 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha-androstan-17-one, hydrogen was transferred both from the 1-pro-R position and the 1-pro-S position, resulting in degrees of labelling that were about 25% and 2%, respectively, of those in the specific positions of the ethanols. The 1-pro-R and 1-pro-S positions of ethanol contributed about 9% and 5%, respectively, of the 3beta hydrogen in lithocholic acid formed from 3-oxo-5beta-cholanoic acid. The results indicate that alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase do not share a common pool of NAD, and that NADH formed during acetaldehyde oxidation is utilized for reductions in the cytosol to a smaller extent than the NADH formed in the alcohol dehydrogenase reaction. This result supports the concept that aldehyde oxidation is mainly an intramitochondrial process. The relatively extensive utilization of the 1-pro-S hydrogen of ethanol in the reduction of 3-oxo-5beta-cholanoic acid, that is probably NADPH-dependent, indicates that cytosolic NADPH may be produced from malate or isocitrate formed intramitochondrially.", "PMID": 1009935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11906", "title": "Template activity of synthetic deoxyribonucleotide polymers in the eukaryotic DNA-dependent RNA polymerase reaction.", "content": "Template specificities of the eukaryotic DNA-dependent RNA polymerases A and B from rat liver, pea, and cauliflower have been investigated using synthetic polydeoxyribonucleotides. Polymerases A and B from the three species exhibit different specificities for single-stranded homopolymers: polymerase A preferentially reads poly(dT) and poly (dC). and polymerase B poly (dC). This preferential reading appears to be a property of eukaryotic DNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Polymerases A and B transcribe synthetic polyribonucleotides also, but at a reduced rate. The polyribonucleotides which can be read by DNA-dependent RNA polymerases have a base sequence similar to that of the polydeoxyribonucleotides, which are effeciently transcribed, suggesting that the base sequence of the template rather than its conformation is crucial in the template specificity for synthetic polymers. Competition experiments with polydeoxyribonucleotides indicate that the enzymes have different binding specificities, which are not the same as their template specificities.", "contents": "Template activity of synthetic deoxyribonucleotide polymers in the eukaryotic DNA-dependent RNA polymerase reaction. Template specificities of the eukaryotic DNA-dependent RNA polymerases A and B from rat liver, pea, and cauliflower have been investigated using synthetic polydeoxyribonucleotides. Polymerases A and B from the three species exhibit different specificities for single-stranded homopolymers: polymerase A preferentially reads poly(dT) and poly (dC). and polymerase B poly (dC). This preferential reading appears to be a property of eukaryotic DNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Polymerases A and B transcribe synthetic polyribonucleotides also, but at a reduced rate. The polyribonucleotides which can be read by DNA-dependent RNA polymerases have a base sequence similar to that of the polydeoxyribonucleotides, which are effeciently transcribed, suggesting that the base sequence of the template rather than its conformation is crucial in the template specificity for synthetic polymers. Competition experiments with polydeoxyribonucleotides indicate that the enzymes have different binding specificities, which are not the same as their template specificities.", "PMID": 1009936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11907", "title": "Serine transhydroxymethylase from rabbit liver. Sequence of anonapeptide at the pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-binding site.", "content": "The amino acid sequence of the coenzyme-binding site of serine transhydroxymethylase from rabbit liver has been determined. After reduction with NaBH4 and aminoethylation, a first sample of enzyme was digested with thermolysin and a single phosphopyridoxyl peptide was isolated. A second sample of similarly treated enzyme was digested with chymotrypsin and three phosphopyridoxyl peptides clearly originating from a unique coenzyme-binding site were isolated. Sequence analysis of these peptides indicate the following structure: Val-Val-Thr-Thr-His(Pxy)-Thr-Leu. Sequence homologies of the active site of various pyridoxalphosphate enzymes are discussed in terms of a possible catalytic role and of evolution of this class of proteins.", "contents": "Serine transhydroxymethylase from rabbit liver. Sequence of anonapeptide at the pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-binding site. The amino acid sequence of the coenzyme-binding site of serine transhydroxymethylase from rabbit liver has been determined. After reduction with NaBH4 and aminoethylation, a first sample of enzyme was digested with thermolysin and a single phosphopyridoxyl peptide was isolated. A second sample of similarly treated enzyme was digested with chymotrypsin and three phosphopyridoxyl peptides clearly originating from a unique coenzyme-binding site were isolated. Sequence analysis of these peptides indicate the following structure: Val-Val-Thr-Thr-His(Pxy)-Thr-Leu. Sequence homologies of the active site of various pyridoxalphosphate enzymes are discussed in terms of a possible catalytic role and of evolution of this class of proteins.", "PMID": 1009937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11908", "title": "A study of calf-thymus histone H2B using 13C magnetic resonance.", "content": "Calf thymus histone H2B has been studied by means of 13c magnetic resonance. Most sidechain resonances have been assigned. Analysis of 13c peak intensities by a simple computer-aided method proves that 13c magnetic resonance spectroscopy can be used to monitor aggregation phenomena more accurately than 1H magnetic resonance or other physico-chemical methods. Re-examination of 1H spectral simulations shows substantial agreement with 13C results. It is concluded that in 0.1M added NaCL the H2b aggregates include the chain segment from 50 (+/-5) to 108 (+/-5).", "contents": "A study of calf-thymus histone H2B using 13C magnetic resonance. Calf thymus histone H2B has been studied by means of 13c magnetic resonance. Most sidechain resonances have been assigned. Analysis of 13c peak intensities by a simple computer-aided method proves that 13c magnetic resonance spectroscopy can be used to monitor aggregation phenomena more accurately than 1H magnetic resonance or other physico-chemical methods. Re-examination of 1H spectral simulations shows substantial agreement with 13C results. It is concluded that in 0.1M added NaCL the H2b aggregates include the chain segment from 50 (+/-5) to 108 (+/-5).", "PMID": 1009938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11909", "title": "Kinetics of thyroglobulin iodination and of hormone synthesis catalysed by thyroid peroxidase. Role of iodide in the coupling reaction.", "content": "The kinetics of tyrosine iodination and of thyroxine synthesis in thyroglobulin, different reactions catalyzed by the same enzyme (thyroid peroxidase), have been compared. Thyroxine synthesis always began after a lag period of 3-5 min. This lag was constant whatever the rate of iodination; this rate of iodination was increased either by increasing the concentration of iodide or enzyme or by decreasing the concentration of thyroglobulin. Increasing the rate of iodination resulted in increasing the number of iodine atoms incorporated during the lag period. Thus the lag observed for thyroxine synthesis was constant and did not depend on the fact that free iodide or non-iodinated tyrosine residues of thyroglobulin were exhausted before thyroxine synthesis occurred. Finally, it appeared that, whatever the explanation of the lag, the enzyme catlyzes thyroid hormone synthesis at a slower rate than iodination. The existence of a lag also allowed us to prepare thyroglobulin samples with different iodine contents but without thyroid hormones. Thus iodination and thyroxine synthesis could be studied independently and the following results were obtained. 1. Iodotyrosine residues which can couple to form thytoxine are made considerably before coupling occurs. 2. H2O2 is required for coupling of these hormonogenic residues; thus the coupling reaction requires enzymic oxidation of the iodotyrosine residues. 3. In addition a strict requirement for iodide was needed for coupling; the requirement was dependent on the concentration of iodide. Thus iodide, a substrate of the iodination reaction, may also have other effects on the activity of thyroid peroxidase.", "contents": "Kinetics of thyroglobulin iodination and of hormone synthesis catalysed by thyroid peroxidase. Role of iodide in the coupling reaction. The kinetics of tyrosine iodination and of thyroxine synthesis in thyroglobulin, different reactions catalyzed by the same enzyme (thyroid peroxidase), have been compared. Thyroxine synthesis always began after a lag period of 3-5 min. This lag was constant whatever the rate of iodination; this rate of iodination was increased either by increasing the concentration of iodide or enzyme or by decreasing the concentration of thyroglobulin. Increasing the rate of iodination resulted in increasing the number of iodine atoms incorporated during the lag period. Thus the lag observed for thyroxine synthesis was constant and did not depend on the fact that free iodide or non-iodinated tyrosine residues of thyroglobulin were exhausted before thyroxine synthesis occurred. Finally, it appeared that, whatever the explanation of the lag, the enzyme catlyzes thyroid hormone synthesis at a slower rate than iodination. The existence of a lag also allowed us to prepare thyroglobulin samples with different iodine contents but without thyroid hormones. Thus iodination and thyroxine synthesis could be studied independently and the following results were obtained. 1. Iodotyrosine residues which can couple to form thytoxine are made considerably before coupling occurs. 2. H2O2 is required for coupling of these hormonogenic residues; thus the coupling reaction requires enzymic oxidation of the iodotyrosine residues. 3. In addition a strict requirement for iodide was needed for coupling; the requirement was dependent on the concentration of iodide. Thus iodide, a substrate of the iodination reaction, may also have other effects on the activity of thyroid peroxidase.", "PMID": 1009939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11910", "title": "Quantitative estimates of cytoplasmic and nuclear oestrogen receptors in chick oviduct. Effect of oestrogen on receptor concentration and subcellular distribution.", "content": "(3H)Oestradiol exchange techniques were developed for the determination of specific oestrogen receptor site concentrations in the cytoplasm and nuclei of chick oviduct cells. Non-labelled, receptor-bound oestrogens were exchanged with (3H)oestradiol during a 24-h incubation at 20 degrees C, 2 h at 30 degrees C or 45 min at 3 degrees C. Both \"soluble\" and \"insoluble\" nuclear receptors were stable for at least 6 h at 30 degrees C and 3 degrees C but a proportion (approx. 30%) of cytoplasmic sites from withdrawn chickens were inactivated after 2 h at 20 degrees C. The magnum of 4-week-old immature chickens (weight = 15 mg) contained 0.20 pmol of oestrogen receptor which corresponds to 4275 receptor sites/cell, when it is assumed that all magnum cells have equal concentrations of receptor. In primarily stimulated chickens of similar age which had received 10x1 mg of oestradiol benzoate/day, the magnum weighed approximately 800 mg and contained 8.65 pmol of oestrogen receptor (4610 sites/cell). Withdrawal from primary oestrogenic stimulation for 3-6 weeks resulted in a 110 mg magnum which contained 1.20 pmol of receptor (2225 sites/cell). Oviducts from immature and withdrawn chickens had the majority (73-77%) of their oestrogen receptors sites in the receptor sites in the cytoplasmic fraction, while in primary stimulated chicken oviducts the majority (82%) of receptor sites were located in the nucleus. A single secondary injection of oestradiol, to oestrogen-withdrawn chickens, resulted in apparent translocation of cytoplasmic receptors to the nucleus during the first hour after injection. The magnitude of the decline in cytoplasmic receptor, and the concurrent increase in nuclear receptor concentration, was dose-dependent between 2 and 100 mug oestradiol/kg body weight. Larger doses of oestradiol up to 1 mg/kg did not increase the concentration of nuclear receptor above the maximum level seen at 100 mug oestradiol/kg. The initial rapid accumulation of nuclear receptor sites was followed by a period of progressive decline. The initial rapid accumulation of nuclear receptor sites was followed by a period of progressive decline. By 15 h after an injection of 100 mug oestradiol/kg, the concentration of nuclear sites had reached pre-injection levels. During the same time period, the depleted cytoplasmic receptor levels were replenished such that they reached control values by 12 h and were about 150% of the pre-injection level at 24 h.", "contents": "Quantitative estimates of cytoplasmic and nuclear oestrogen receptors in chick oviduct. Effect of oestrogen on receptor concentration and subcellular distribution. (3H)Oestradiol exchange techniques were developed for the determination of specific oestrogen receptor site concentrations in the cytoplasm and nuclei of chick oviduct cells. Non-labelled, receptor-bound oestrogens were exchanged with (3H)oestradiol during a 24-h incubation at 20 degrees C, 2 h at 30 degrees C or 45 min at 3 degrees C. Both \"soluble\" and \"insoluble\" nuclear receptors were stable for at least 6 h at 30 degrees C and 3 degrees C but a proportion (approx. 30%) of cytoplasmic sites from withdrawn chickens were inactivated after 2 h at 20 degrees C. The magnum of 4-week-old immature chickens (weight = 15 mg) contained 0.20 pmol of oestrogen receptor which corresponds to 4275 receptor sites/cell, when it is assumed that all magnum cells have equal concentrations of receptor. In primarily stimulated chickens of similar age which had received 10x1 mg of oestradiol benzoate/day, the magnum weighed approximately 800 mg and contained 8.65 pmol of oestrogen receptor (4610 sites/cell). Withdrawal from primary oestrogenic stimulation for 3-6 weeks resulted in a 110 mg magnum which contained 1.20 pmol of receptor (2225 sites/cell). Oviducts from immature and withdrawn chickens had the majority (73-77%) of their oestrogen receptors sites in the receptor sites in the cytoplasmic fraction, while in primary stimulated chicken oviducts the majority (82%) of receptor sites were located in the nucleus. A single secondary injection of oestradiol, to oestrogen-withdrawn chickens, resulted in apparent translocation of cytoplasmic receptors to the nucleus during the first hour after injection. The magnitude of the decline in cytoplasmic receptor, and the concurrent increase in nuclear receptor concentration, was dose-dependent between 2 and 100 mug oestradiol/kg body weight. Larger doses of oestradiol up to 1 mg/kg did not increase the concentration of nuclear receptor above the maximum level seen at 100 mug oestradiol/kg. The initial rapid accumulation of nuclear receptor sites was followed by a period of progressive decline. The initial rapid accumulation of nuclear receptor sites was followed by a period of progressive decline. By 15 h after an injection of 100 mug oestradiol/kg, the concentration of nuclear sites had reached pre-injection levels. During the same time period, the depleted cytoplasmic receptor levels were replenished such that they reached control values by 12 h and were about 150% of the pre-injection level at 24 h.", "PMID": 1009940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11911", "title": "Biochemical and electron-microscopic evidence that the subunit structure of Chinese-hamster-ovary interphase chromatin is conserved in mitotic chromosomes.", "content": "Biochemical and electron microscopic studies demonstrate that the subunit structure of Chinese hamster ovary cell interphase chromatin is conserved in mititic chromosomes. Digestion of purified chromosomes or nuclei with micrococcal nuclease produces DNA in discrete size classes, as visualized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, which are common to the two materials. Early in digestion the DNA fragments are integral multiples of a monomer approximately 177 base pairs in length, whereas after extensive digestion the remaining DNA fragments migrate ahead of the monomer position. The size of the repeating DNA unit was confirmed as being smaller than that produced by micrococcal nuclease digestion of rat liver nuclei by direct comparison. Electron microscopy of partially unravelled chromosomes at low ionic strength shows tightly packed spheres (nucleosomes) approximately 12 nm in diameter which are often arranged as linear chains. Chromosomal material prepared for electron microscopy after varying extents of micrococcal nuclease digestion is composed of fragments containing pregressively fewer nucleosomes, which parallels the loss of high DNA multimer bands in gel electrophoresis. Material unravelled from chromosomes in the presence of NaCl consists of nucleosomes packed packed in a different configuration which suggests the origin of higher order structures in chromosomes.", "contents": "Biochemical and electron-microscopic evidence that the subunit structure of Chinese-hamster-ovary interphase chromatin is conserved in mitotic chromosomes. Biochemical and electron microscopic studies demonstrate that the subunit structure of Chinese hamster ovary cell interphase chromatin is conserved in mititic chromosomes. Digestion of purified chromosomes or nuclei with micrococcal nuclease produces DNA in discrete size classes, as visualized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, which are common to the two materials. Early in digestion the DNA fragments are integral multiples of a monomer approximately 177 base pairs in length, whereas after extensive digestion the remaining DNA fragments migrate ahead of the monomer position. The size of the repeating DNA unit was confirmed as being smaller than that produced by micrococcal nuclease digestion of rat liver nuclei by direct comparison. Electron microscopy of partially unravelled chromosomes at low ionic strength shows tightly packed spheres (nucleosomes) approximately 12 nm in diameter which are often arranged as linear chains. Chromosomal material prepared for electron microscopy after varying extents of micrococcal nuclease digestion is composed of fragments containing pregressively fewer nucleosomes, which parallels the loss of high DNA multimer bands in gel electrophoresis. Material unravelled from chromosomes in the presence of NaCl consists of nucleosomes packed packed in a different configuration which suggests the origin of higher order structures in chromosomes.", "PMID": 1009941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11912", "title": "The translation in vitro of mRNA from developing cysts of Artemia salina.", "content": "Successive stages in the development of the brine shrimp cyst were used as a model for studying differentiation at the level of mRNA transcription and translation. The poly (A)-containing mRNA from dormant cysts and free-swimming larvae (nauplii) was found to be efficiently translated in a wheat-germ cell-free system, and electrophoretic patterns of translation products in vitro resembled those of the endogenous proteins extracted from the equivalent developmental stages. Each stage, however, exhibits a characteristic protein pattern. Two low-molecular-weight proteins prominent in the cyst disappeared almost completely in the nauplius stage, whereas the proportion of actin increased 3-fold. Parallel patterns were observed upon translation in vitro of the respective mRNA preparations. The percentage of the acidic protein, tubulin, decreased somewhat during development.", "contents": "The translation in vitro of mRNA from developing cysts of Artemia salina. Successive stages in the development of the brine shrimp cyst were used as a model for studying differentiation at the level of mRNA transcription and translation. The poly (A)-containing mRNA from dormant cysts and free-swimming larvae (nauplii) was found to be efficiently translated in a wheat-germ cell-free system, and electrophoretic patterns of translation products in vitro resembled those of the endogenous proteins extracted from the equivalent developmental stages. Each stage, however, exhibits a characteristic protein pattern. Two low-molecular-weight proteins prominent in the cyst disappeared almost completely in the nauplius stage, whereas the proportion of actin increased 3-fold. Parallel patterns were observed upon translation in vitro of the respective mRNA preparations. The percentage of the acidic protein, tubulin, decreased somewhat during development.", "PMID": 1009942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11913", "title": "Preparation and properties of S-cyano derivatives of creatine kinase.", "content": "The two reactive thiol groups of rabbit muscle creatine kinase were stoichiometrically reacted with 5,5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid). In the resulting inactive mixed disulfide derivative they were subsequently substituted with [14C]cyanide, the smallest uncharged thiol-blocking group. The modified enzyme contained 1.6 mol label/mol protein and showed by Ellman's titration and amino acid analysis a concomitant loss of about 0.8 - 0.9-SH group per subunit. This mono-S-cyano derivative of creatine kinase was found 73% as active as the native unmodified protein. It was still able to react in the native state with a variety of thiol reagents with the further blocking of another pair of thiol groups; their substitution once more with cyanide resulted in the bis-S-cyano derivative of creatine kinase, which lost 2 thiol groups per subunit and had about 50% of the original catalytic activity. It is concluded that the four cyanylated thiol groups are not required for the catalytic activity of creatine kinase and the cyanoprotein derivatives described are shown to be useful tools for some interesting investigations related to this enzyme.", "contents": "Preparation and properties of S-cyano derivatives of creatine kinase. The two reactive thiol groups of rabbit muscle creatine kinase were stoichiometrically reacted with 5,5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid). In the resulting inactive mixed disulfide derivative they were subsequently substituted with [14C]cyanide, the smallest uncharged thiol-blocking group. The modified enzyme contained 1.6 mol label/mol protein and showed by Ellman's titration and amino acid analysis a concomitant loss of about 0.8 - 0.9-SH group per subunit. This mono-S-cyano derivative of creatine kinase was found 73% as active as the native unmodified protein. It was still able to react in the native state with a variety of thiol reagents with the further blocking of another pair of thiol groups; their substitution once more with cyanide resulted in the bis-S-cyano derivative of creatine kinase, which lost 2 thiol groups per subunit and had about 50% of the original catalytic activity. It is concluded that the four cyanylated thiol groups are not required for the catalytic activity of creatine kinase and the cyanoprotein derivatives described are shown to be useful tools for some interesting investigations related to this enzyme.", "PMID": 1009944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11914", "title": "Isolation and characterization of a Ca2+ -binding polysaccharide associated with coccoliths of Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) Kamptner.", "content": "C-occolithophoridae, a group of mostly unicellular algae, possess a cell wall containing calcified plates, called coccoliths. The coccoliths from the species Emilania huxleyi (Lohmann) Kamptner contain a water-soluble acid polysaccharide. In this paper we describe the isolation and some characteristic properties of the polysaccharide, in particular its Ca2+ -binding capacity. A large-scale cultivation of the Coccolithophoridae was worked out and a new procedure for isolating coccoliths was developed. The polysaccharide obtained from the coccoliths contained two types of monobasic acid groups in a total amount of 1.8 mumol/mg polysaccharide. One type consisted of weakly acid groups which were identified as uronic acids. The nature of the stronger acid groups remains to be established. The ratio between the respective groups was 1:0.8. Studies with 45Ca2+ demonstrated that the isolated polysaccharide is capable of binding Ca2+. Equilibrium dialysis revealed that the maximum amount of Ca2+ which can be bound in 0.92 +/- 0.05 mumol/mg polysaccharide. Flow-rate dialysis experiments strongly suggested the presence of two classes of Ca2+ -binding sites differing in affinity for Ca2+. High-affinity sites (dissociation constant Kd for Ca2+ :2.2 +/- 1.0 X 10(-5) M) were found to be present in amounts (0.38 +/- 0.04 mumol/mg polysaccharide) approximately equivalent to the strongly acid monovalent groups mentioned above (0.8 mumol/mg polysaccharide). Low-affinity sites (Kd for Ca2+: -11 +/- 39 X 10(-5) M) were estimated at 0.74 +/- 0.11 mumol/mg polysaccharide. Although this figure could be determined less accurately, it is suggested that the uronic acids (1.0 mumol/mg polysaccharide) are identical to the low-affinity sites. Preferential binding of Ca2+ occurred in a 100-fold excess of Na+ and Mg2+ as was shown by gel filtration. A 100-fold excess of Sr2+ inhibited Ca2+ binding to a great extent while no Ca2+ was bound in the presence of an equimolar amount of La3+. The dissociation constants of the high-affinity sites for Na+, Mg2+, Sr2+ and La3+ (in the presence of Ca2+) were determined with the flow-rate dialysis technique. They confirm the order of binding preference found with gel filtration. A polysaccharide with similar properties could be isolated from subfossil coccoliths of E. hyxleyi (about 1000 years old). The possible role of the polysaccharide as a heterogeneous matrix in coccolith formation is discussed.", "contents": "Isolation and characterization of a Ca2+ -binding polysaccharide associated with coccoliths of Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) Kamptner. C-occolithophoridae, a group of mostly unicellular algae, possess a cell wall containing calcified plates, called coccoliths. The coccoliths from the species Emilania huxleyi (Lohmann) Kamptner contain a water-soluble acid polysaccharide. In this paper we describe the isolation and some characteristic properties of the polysaccharide, in particular its Ca2+ -binding capacity. A large-scale cultivation of the Coccolithophoridae was worked out and a new procedure for isolating coccoliths was developed. The polysaccharide obtained from the coccoliths contained two types of monobasic acid groups in a total amount of 1.8 mumol/mg polysaccharide. One type consisted of weakly acid groups which were identified as uronic acids. The nature of the stronger acid groups remains to be established. The ratio between the respective groups was 1:0.8. Studies with 45Ca2+ demonstrated that the isolated polysaccharide is capable of binding Ca2+. Equilibrium dialysis revealed that the maximum amount of Ca2+ which can be bound in 0.92 +/- 0.05 mumol/mg polysaccharide. Flow-rate dialysis experiments strongly suggested the presence of two classes of Ca2+ -binding sites differing in affinity for Ca2+. High-affinity sites (dissociation constant Kd for Ca2+ :2.2 +/- 1.0 X 10(-5) M) were found to be present in amounts (0.38 +/- 0.04 mumol/mg polysaccharide) approximately equivalent to the strongly acid monovalent groups mentioned above (0.8 mumol/mg polysaccharide). Low-affinity sites (Kd for Ca2+: -11 +/- 39 X 10(-5) M) were estimated at 0.74 +/- 0.11 mumol/mg polysaccharide. Although this figure could be determined less accurately, it is suggested that the uronic acids (1.0 mumol/mg polysaccharide) are identical to the low-affinity sites. Preferential binding of Ca2+ occurred in a 100-fold excess of Na+ and Mg2+ as was shown by gel filtration. A 100-fold excess of Sr2+ inhibited Ca2+ binding to a great extent while no Ca2+ was bound in the presence of an equimolar amount of La3+. The dissociation constants of the high-affinity sites for Na+, Mg2+, Sr2+ and La3+ (in the presence of Ca2+) were determined with the flow-rate dialysis technique. They confirm the order of binding preference found with gel filtration. A polysaccharide with similar properties could be isolated from subfossil coccoliths of E. hyxleyi (about 1000 years old). The possible role of the polysaccharide as a heterogeneous matrix in coccolith formation is discussed.", "PMID": 1009943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11915", "title": "Quantitative determination of N-acetylglucosamine residues at the non-reducing ends of peptidoglycan chains by enzymic attachment of [14C]-D-galactose.", "content": "The ability of human milk galactosyltransferase to attach D-galactose residues quantitatively to the C-4 of N-acetylglucosamine moieties at the ends of oligosaccharides has been utilized for the specific labeling and quantitative determination of the chain length of the glycan moiety of the bacterial cell wall. The average polysaccharide chain length of the soluble, uncrosslinked peptidoglycan secreted by Micrococcus luteus cells on incubation with penicillin G was studied with this technique and found to be approximately 70 hexosamines long. Furthermore, the peptidoglycan chain length of Escherichia coli sacculi of different cell shapes and dimensions was determined both in rod-shaped cells and in filaments induced by temperature shift of a division mutant or by addition of cephalexin or nalidixic acid. The average chain length found in most of these sacculi was between 70 and 100 hexosamines long. Small spherical 'mini' cells had chain lengths similar to those of the isogenic rod-like cells.", "contents": "Quantitative determination of N-acetylglucosamine residues at the non-reducing ends of peptidoglycan chains by enzymic attachment of [14C]-D-galactose. The ability of human milk galactosyltransferase to attach D-galactose residues quantitatively to the C-4 of N-acetylglucosamine moieties at the ends of oligosaccharides has been utilized for the specific labeling and quantitative determination of the chain length of the glycan moiety of the bacterial cell wall. The average polysaccharide chain length of the soluble, uncrosslinked peptidoglycan secreted by Micrococcus luteus cells on incubation with penicillin G was studied with this technique and found to be approximately 70 hexosamines long. Furthermore, the peptidoglycan chain length of Escherichia coli sacculi of different cell shapes and dimensions was determined both in rod-shaped cells and in filaments induced by temperature shift of a division mutant or by addition of cephalexin or nalidixic acid. The average chain length found in most of these sacculi was between 70 and 100 hexosamines long. Small spherical 'mini' cells had chain lengths similar to those of the isogenic rod-like cells.", "PMID": 1009945} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11916", "title": "Replenishment and depletion of citric acid cycle intermediates in skeletal muscle. Indication of pyruvate carboxylation.", "content": "The effects of various substrates on the concentrations of free amino acids, citric acid cycle intermediates and acylcarnitines were studies in perfused hindquarter of rat in presence of glucose and insulin in order to assess regulatory mechanisms of the level of citric acid cycle intermediates in skeletal muscle. 1. Acetate and acetoacetate effected a significant increase in the level of citrate cycle intermediates and accumulation of acetylcarnitine. These changes were accompanied by a reduction in the level of alanine. The concentration of AMP was significantly elevated. 2. Muscle mitochondria fixed 14CO2 in the presence of pyruvate. The products were identified as malate or citrate when whole and disintegrated mitochondria were used respectively. The fixation was greatly stimulated by acetylcarnitine. 3. Acetylcarnitine inhibited the production of pyruvate from malate by muscle mitochondria. 4. Perfusion with 2-oxoisocaproate and 2-oxoisovalerate promoted increases in the level of citric cycle intermediates, a drop in both alanine and glutamate, and accumulation of branched-chain acylcarnitines. 2-Oxoisocaproate also caused a reduction of alanine released from the muscle. 5. Perfusion with leucine and valine did not change the concentration of citric acid cycle intermediates, but elevated glutamate and still more the concentration of alanine. 6. It is concluded that citric cycle intermediate level in the perfused resting muscle is modified by a) conditions which change the concentration of acetyl-CoA and thereby modify the rate of pyruvate carboxylation and decarboxylation of malate via malic enzyme b) conditions which change the concentration of pyruvate cause changes in alanine and cycle intermediates in the same direction via transamination reactions c) conditions which change the concentrations of 2-oxoacids which are converted to cycle intermediates via oxidation.", "contents": "Replenishment and depletion of citric acid cycle intermediates in skeletal muscle. Indication of pyruvate carboxylation. The effects of various substrates on the concentrations of free amino acids, citric acid cycle intermediates and acylcarnitines were studies in perfused hindquarter of rat in presence of glucose and insulin in order to assess regulatory mechanisms of the level of citric acid cycle intermediates in skeletal muscle. 1. Acetate and acetoacetate effected a significant increase in the level of citrate cycle intermediates and accumulation of acetylcarnitine. These changes were accompanied by a reduction in the level of alanine. The concentration of AMP was significantly elevated. 2. Muscle mitochondria fixed 14CO2 in the presence of pyruvate. The products were identified as malate or citrate when whole and disintegrated mitochondria were used respectively. The fixation was greatly stimulated by acetylcarnitine. 3. Acetylcarnitine inhibited the production of pyruvate from malate by muscle mitochondria. 4. Perfusion with 2-oxoisocaproate and 2-oxoisovalerate promoted increases in the level of citric cycle intermediates, a drop in both alanine and glutamate, and accumulation of branched-chain acylcarnitines. 2-Oxoisocaproate also caused a reduction of alanine released from the muscle. 5. Perfusion with leucine and valine did not change the concentration of citric acid cycle intermediates, but elevated glutamate and still more the concentration of alanine. 6. It is concluded that citric cycle intermediate level in the perfused resting muscle is modified by a) conditions which change the concentration of acetyl-CoA and thereby modify the rate of pyruvate carboxylation and decarboxylation of malate via malic enzyme b) conditions which change the concentration of pyruvate cause changes in alanine and cycle intermediates in the same direction via transamination reactions c) conditions which change the concentrations of 2-oxoacids which are converted to cycle intermediates via oxidation.", "PMID": 1009946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11917", "title": "Studies on the synthesis of casein messenger RNA during pregnancy in the rabbit.", "content": "The quantity of casein mRNA in the rabbit mammary gland was assayed during the course of pregnancy, by translation of casein mRNA in a reticulocyte lysate and by hybridization to DNA complementary to purified casein mRNA. Both methods indicated that the major increases in the concentration of casein mRNA in both polysomal and total cellular RNA occurred between the 18th and 25th day of pregnancy. The change in casein mRNA concentration during this period coincided with a sharp rise in casein synthesis in mammary gland explants suggesting that the levels of casein mRNA determine the rate of casein synthesis in the mammary gland. The sensitivity of the hybridization assay made it possible to detect the presence of casein mRNA in virgin animals and during the very early stages of pregnancy. At day 5, casein mRNA was found associated with polysomes indication that there was probably some casein synthesis at this early stage of gestation. These results suggest that the hormones controlling lactogenesis in the rabbit may function by augmenting the rate of casein mRNA synthesis rather that initiating transcription of previously inactive genes.", "contents": "Studies on the synthesis of casein messenger RNA during pregnancy in the rabbit. The quantity of casein mRNA in the rabbit mammary gland was assayed during the course of pregnancy, by translation of casein mRNA in a reticulocyte lysate and by hybridization to DNA complementary to purified casein mRNA. Both methods indicated that the major increases in the concentration of casein mRNA in both polysomal and total cellular RNA occurred between the 18th and 25th day of pregnancy. The change in casein mRNA concentration during this period coincided with a sharp rise in casein synthesis in mammary gland explants suggesting that the levels of casein mRNA determine the rate of casein synthesis in the mammary gland. The sensitivity of the hybridization assay made it possible to detect the presence of casein mRNA in virgin animals and during the very early stages of pregnancy. At day 5, casein mRNA was found associated with polysomes indication that there was probably some casein synthesis at this early stage of gestation. These results suggest that the hormones controlling lactogenesis in the rabbit may function by augmenting the rate of casein mRNA synthesis rather that initiating transcription of previously inactive genes.", "PMID": 1009947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11918", "title": "A complex control circuit. Regulation of immunity in temperate bacteriophages.", "content": "Temperate bacteriophages can display in a stable way two essentially different behaviours. In the immune state, a gene (cI) produces a repressor which prevents expression of all the other viral genes; in the non-immune state the typically viral functions are expressed. The choice between the two pathways and the establishment of one of them have much in common with cell determination and differentiation. This choice depends on a complex control system, in fact one of the most intricate nets of regulation known in some detail. Our paper provides a formal description and partial analysis of this regulatory net. It is shown that even for relatively simple known models, this kind of analysis uncovers predictions which had previously remained hidden. Some of these predictions were checked experimentally. The experimental part chiefly deals with the efficiency of lysogenization by thermoinducible lambda phage carrying mutations in one or more of the regulatory genes, N, cro and cII. Although N- mutations are widely known for preventing efficient integration, and both N- and cII mutations for preventing efficient establishment of immunity, it is shown that, as predicted by a simple model, both N- and cII- phage efficiently lysogenize at low temperature if they are in addition cro-. In contrast with lambda N- cro+, lambda N- cro- is not propagated as a plasmid at low temperature, precisely because it establishes immunity too efficiently. Genetic control circuits are described in terms of sets of logic equations, which relate the state of expression of genes or of chemical reactions (functions) to input (genetic and environmental) variables and to the presence of gene and reaction products (internal, or memorization varibles). From the set of equations, one derives a matrix which shows the stable stationary states (if any) of the system, and from which one can derive the pathways (temporal sequences of states) consistent with the model. This kind of analysis is complementary to the more widely used analysis based on differential equations; it allows one to analyze in less detail more complex systems. The language might be used as well, mutatis mutandis, in fields very different from genetics. The last part of the discussion deals with the role of positive feedback loops in our specific problem (establishment and maintenance of immunity in temperate bacteriophages) and in developmental genetics in general. As a generalization of an old idea, it is suggested that cell determination (for a given character) depends on a set of genes whose interaction constitutes a positive feedback loop. Such a system has two stable stationary states: which one is chosen will usually depend on additional controls grafted on the loop.", "contents": "A complex control circuit. Regulation of immunity in temperate bacteriophages. Temperate bacteriophages can display in a stable way two essentially different behaviours. In the immune state, a gene (cI) produces a repressor which prevents expression of all the other viral genes; in the non-immune state the typically viral functions are expressed. The choice between the two pathways and the establishment of one of them have much in common with cell determination and differentiation. This choice depends on a complex control system, in fact one of the most intricate nets of regulation known in some detail. Our paper provides a formal description and partial analysis of this regulatory net. It is shown that even for relatively simple known models, this kind of analysis uncovers predictions which had previously remained hidden. Some of these predictions were checked experimentally. The experimental part chiefly deals with the efficiency of lysogenization by thermoinducible lambda phage carrying mutations in one or more of the regulatory genes, N, cro and cII. Although N- mutations are widely known for preventing efficient integration, and both N- and cII mutations for preventing efficient establishment of immunity, it is shown that, as predicted by a simple model, both N- and cII- phage efficiently lysogenize at low temperature if they are in addition cro-. In contrast with lambda N- cro+, lambda N- cro- is not propagated as a plasmid at low temperature, precisely because it establishes immunity too efficiently. Genetic control circuits are described in terms of sets of logic equations, which relate the state of expression of genes or of chemical reactions (functions) to input (genetic and environmental) variables and to the presence of gene and reaction products (internal, or memorization varibles). From the set of equations, one derives a matrix which shows the stable stationary states (if any) of the system, and from which one can derive the pathways (temporal sequences of states) consistent with the model. This kind of analysis is complementary to the more widely used analysis based on differential equations; it allows one to analyze in less detail more complex systems. The language might be used as well, mutatis mutandis, in fields very different from genetics. The last part of the discussion deals with the role of positive feedback loops in our specific problem (establishment and maintenance of immunity in temperate bacteriophages) and in developmental genetics in general. As a generalization of an old idea, it is suggested that cell determination (for a given character) depends on a set of genes whose interaction constitutes a positive feedback loop. Such a system has two stable stationary states: which one is chosen will usually depend on additional controls grafted on the loop.", "PMID": 1009948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11919", "title": "Studies on the influence of fatty acids on pyruvate dehydrogenase interconversion in rat-liver mitochondria.", "content": "1. The effect of fatty acids on the interconversion of pyruvate dehydrogenase between its active (nonphosphorylated) and inactive (phosphorylated) forms was measured in rat liver mitochondria respiring in state 3 with pyruvate plus malate and 2-oxoglutarate plus malate and during state 4 to state 3 transition in the presence of different substrates. The content of intramitochondrial adenine nucleotides was determined in the parallel experiments. 2. Decrease of the intramitochondrial ATP/ADP ratio with propionate and its increase with palmitoyl-L-carnitine in state 3 is accompanied by a shift of the steady-state of the pyruvate dehydrogenase system towards the active or the inactive form, respectively. 3. Transition from the high energy state (state4) to the active respiration (state3) in mitochondria oxidizing 2-oxoglutarate or plamitoyl-L-carnitine causes an increase of the amount of the active form of pyruvate dehydrogenase due to the decrease of ATP/ADP ratio in the matrix. 4. No change in ATP/ADP ratio can be observed in the presence of octanoate in mitochondria oxidizing pyruvate or 2-oxoglutarate in state 3 or during state 4 to state 3 transition. Simultanelusly, no significant change in phosphorylation state of pyruvate dehydrogenase occurs and a low amount of the enzyme in the active form is present with octanoate or octanoate plus 2-oxoglutarate. Pyruvate abolishes this effect of octanoate and shifts the steady-state of pyruvate dehydrogenase system towards the active form. 5. These results indicate that fatty acids influence the interconversion of pyruvate dehydrogenase mainly by changing intramitochondrial ATP/ADP ratio. However, the comparison of the steady-state level of the pyruvate dehydrogenase system in the presence of different substrates in various metabolic conditions provides some evidence that accumulation of acetyl-CoA and high level of NADH may promote the phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase. 6. Pyruvate exerts its protective effect against phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase in the presence of fatty acids of short, medium or long chain in a manner which depends on its concentration. It is suggested that in isolated mitochondria pyruvate counteracts the effect of acetyl-CoA and NADH on pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase.", "contents": "Studies on the influence of fatty acids on pyruvate dehydrogenase interconversion in rat-liver mitochondria. 1. The effect of fatty acids on the interconversion of pyruvate dehydrogenase between its active (nonphosphorylated) and inactive (phosphorylated) forms was measured in rat liver mitochondria respiring in state 3 with pyruvate plus malate and 2-oxoglutarate plus malate and during state 4 to state 3 transition in the presence of different substrates. The content of intramitochondrial adenine nucleotides was determined in the parallel experiments. 2. Decrease of the intramitochondrial ATP/ADP ratio with propionate and its increase with palmitoyl-L-carnitine in state 3 is accompanied by a shift of the steady-state of the pyruvate dehydrogenase system towards the active or the inactive form, respectively. 3. Transition from the high energy state (state4) to the active respiration (state3) in mitochondria oxidizing 2-oxoglutarate or plamitoyl-L-carnitine causes an increase of the amount of the active form of pyruvate dehydrogenase due to the decrease of ATP/ADP ratio in the matrix. 4. No change in ATP/ADP ratio can be observed in the presence of octanoate in mitochondria oxidizing pyruvate or 2-oxoglutarate in state 3 or during state 4 to state 3 transition. Simultanelusly, no significant change in phosphorylation state of pyruvate dehydrogenase occurs and a low amount of the enzyme in the active form is present with octanoate or octanoate plus 2-oxoglutarate. Pyruvate abolishes this effect of octanoate and shifts the steady-state of pyruvate dehydrogenase system towards the active form. 5. These results indicate that fatty acids influence the interconversion of pyruvate dehydrogenase mainly by changing intramitochondrial ATP/ADP ratio. However, the comparison of the steady-state level of the pyruvate dehydrogenase system in the presence of different substrates in various metabolic conditions provides some evidence that accumulation of acetyl-CoA and high level of NADH may promote the phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase. 6. Pyruvate exerts its protective effect against phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase in the presence of fatty acids of short, medium or long chain in a manner which depends on its concentration. It is suggested that in isolated mitochondria pyruvate counteracts the effect of acetyl-CoA and NADH on pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase.", "PMID": 1009949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11920", "title": "Small-angle X-ray studies of the Fab and Fc fragments from the human immunoglobulin molecule Kol.", "content": "The conformation of the Fab and Fc fragments from the human immunoglobulin molecule Kol [IgI I, chi2gamma2, Gm(f)+] was studied by small-angle x-ray scattering in solution. The fragments were studied in 0.02 M Tris-HCl buffer. For the Fab fragment the radius of gyration was found to be 3.15 +/- 0.15 nm, the volume to be 75 +/- 8 nm3. For the Fc fragment the respective values were 3.15 +/- 0.15 nm for the radius of gyration and 91 +/- 8 nm3 for the volume. A large number of models were calculated for both fragments to find models which fit these data and have the same scattering curve. The models with the best agreement were compared with the models found for the crystalline state by crystal x-ray studies.", "contents": "Small-angle X-ray studies of the Fab and Fc fragments from the human immunoglobulin molecule Kol. The conformation of the Fab and Fc fragments from the human immunoglobulin molecule Kol [IgI I, chi2gamma2, Gm(f)+] was studied by small-angle x-ray scattering in solution. The fragments were studied in 0.02 M Tris-HCl buffer. For the Fab fragment the radius of gyration was found to be 3.15 +/- 0.15 nm, the volume to be 75 +/- 8 nm3. For the Fc fragment the respective values were 3.15 +/- 0.15 nm for the radius of gyration and 91 +/- 8 nm3 for the volume. A large number of models were calculated for both fragments to find models which fit these data and have the same scattering curve. The models with the best agreement were compared with the models found for the crystalline state by crystal x-ray studies.", "PMID": 1009950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11921", "title": "A new concept of the function of elongation factor 1 in peptid chain elongation.", "content": "An entirely new model for the mechanism of elongation factor 1 (EF-1) function is presented. Experiments in which mixtures of [3H]EF-1, ribosomes from Drebs II ascites cells and various additional co-factors were analyzed by chromatography on Sepharose 6B, show that EF-1 binds to the ribosome early in the translation process and remains bound on the ribosome during translation. Optimal EF-1 binding occurs on polynucleotide-programmed ribosomes carrying a tRNA in their P-site. On the other hand it was clearly shown that EF-2 attached at each translocation event and was then released before a new Phe-tRNA could be bound.", "contents": "A new concept of the function of elongation factor 1 in peptid chain elongation. An entirely new model for the mechanism of elongation factor 1 (EF-1) function is presented. Experiments in which mixtures of [3H]EF-1, ribosomes from Drebs II ascites cells and various additional co-factors were analyzed by chromatography on Sepharose 6B, show that EF-1 binds to the ribosome early in the translation process and remains bound on the ribosome during translation. Optimal EF-1 binding occurs on polynucleotide-programmed ribosomes carrying a tRNA in their P-site. On the other hand it was clearly shown that EF-2 attached at each translocation event and was then released before a new Phe-tRNA could be bound.", "PMID": 1009951} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11922", "title": "5'-Capping structures of Artemia salina mRNA and the translational inhibition by cap analogs.", "content": "The mRNA of the brain shrimp Artemia salina has two types of blocked methylated 5'-terminal structures (caps). About 75% of the mRNA molecules have the 5'-end structure of m7G5'ppp5'-AmpGp and about 25% have the structure of m7G5'ppp5'GmpGp. The only other type of methylated residue found in Artemia mRNA is N6-methyladenosine and which is located at internal positions along the mRNA chain. Translation of Artemia cyst or nauplius poly(A)-rich mRNA in wheat-germ extracts was found to be inhibited by 7-methylguanosine 5'-monophosphate, a chemical analog of the cap, as well as by snythetic caps such as m7G5'ppp5'Gm. On the other hand, the elongation activity on endonegous mRNA in an Artemia cell-free system was not sensitive to 7-methylguanosine 5'-monophosphate.", "contents": "5'-Capping structures of Artemia salina mRNA and the translational inhibition by cap analogs. The mRNA of the brain shrimp Artemia salina has two types of blocked methylated 5'-terminal structures (caps). About 75% of the mRNA molecules have the 5'-end structure of m7G5'ppp5'-AmpGp and about 25% have the structure of m7G5'ppp5'GmpGp. The only other type of methylated residue found in Artemia mRNA is N6-methyladenosine and which is located at internal positions along the mRNA chain. Translation of Artemia cyst or nauplius poly(A)-rich mRNA in wheat-germ extracts was found to be inhibited by 7-methylguanosine 5'-monophosphate, a chemical analog of the cap, as well as by snythetic caps such as m7G5'ppp5'Gm. On the other hand, the elongation activity on endonegous mRNA in an Artemia cell-free system was not sensitive to 7-methylguanosine 5'-monophosphate.", "PMID": 1009952} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11923", "title": "Evidence for the nucleotide sequence of 5-S rRNA from the flowering plant Secale cereale (Rye).", "content": "Evidence for the sequence of rye 5-S rRNA was derived from the analysis of partial and complete enzymic digests of the 32P-labelled molecule. The probable sequence of 5-S rRNA from four other flowering plants was deduced by aligning, with the homologous sequences in the rye 5-S rRNA, oligonucleotides produced by T1 and pancreatic A ribonuclease digestion. The most dissimilar differed in only seven positions. From a comparison of the sequence of rye 5-S rRNA with those known for other types of organism, it was possible to distinguish some structural features of the molecule which are common to all of them. Also, information was obtained about the possible phylogenetic relationship of the flowering plants to other organisms whose 5-S rRNA has been sequenced.", "contents": "Evidence for the nucleotide sequence of 5-S rRNA from the flowering plant Secale cereale (Rye). Evidence for the sequence of rye 5-S rRNA was derived from the analysis of partial and complete enzymic digests of the 32P-labelled molecule. The probable sequence of 5-S rRNA from four other flowering plants was deduced by aligning, with the homologous sequences in the rye 5-S rRNA, oligonucleotides produced by T1 and pancreatic A ribonuclease digestion. The most dissimilar differed in only seven positions. From a comparison of the sequence of rye 5-S rRNA with those known for other types of organism, it was possible to distinguish some structural features of the molecule which are common to all of them. Also, information was obtained about the possible phylogenetic relationship of the flowering plants to other organisms whose 5-S rRNA has been sequenced.", "PMID": 1009953} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11924", "title": "Ca2+, K+-regulated intramolecular crosslinking of S-100 protein via disulfide bond formation.", "content": "Reaction of the thiol reagent 5,5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (Nbs2) with the brain-specific protein S-100 favours stabilization of the quaternary structure of the protein via disulfide bond formation. This process is modulated by those cations (Ca2+ and K+) which are known to affect the conformation of the protein. Ca2+ markedly favours the reaction of S-100 with Nbs2 but inhibits subsequent disulfide bond formation; K+, on the contrary, is much less effective in promoting interaction with Nbs2 but strongly stimulates disulfide bond formation. These findings are interpreted assuming that in presence of Ca2+ the three subunits forming the native S-100 protein have two cysteine residues exposed to the solvent but mismatched to form disulfides while in presence of K+ the sulphydryl groups are in a less accessible position to Nbs2 but suitable for S-S bond formation. Crosslinking of S-100 subunits is characterized by the appearance in dodecylsulphate electrophoresis of two very close protein bands having a molecular weight almost identical to that of the native, undenatured protein but not of higher or lower-molecular weight components. This finding, and the demonstration that both the crosslinked and native S-100 proteins have identical profiles when analyzed by sucrose density centrifugation or gel chromatography indicate that disulfide bond formation occurs among subunits of the same molecule.", "contents": "Ca2+, K+-regulated intramolecular crosslinking of S-100 protein via disulfide bond formation. Reaction of the thiol reagent 5,5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (Nbs2) with the brain-specific protein S-100 favours stabilization of the quaternary structure of the protein via disulfide bond formation. This process is modulated by those cations (Ca2+ and K+) which are known to affect the conformation of the protein. Ca2+ markedly favours the reaction of S-100 with Nbs2 but inhibits subsequent disulfide bond formation; K+, on the contrary, is much less effective in promoting interaction with Nbs2 but strongly stimulates disulfide bond formation. These findings are interpreted assuming that in presence of Ca2+ the three subunits forming the native S-100 protein have two cysteine residues exposed to the solvent but mismatched to form disulfides while in presence of K+ the sulphydryl groups are in a less accessible position to Nbs2 but suitable for S-S bond formation. Crosslinking of S-100 subunits is characterized by the appearance in dodecylsulphate electrophoresis of two very close protein bands having a molecular weight almost identical to that of the native, undenatured protein but not of higher or lower-molecular weight components. This finding, and the demonstration that both the crosslinked and native S-100 proteins have identical profiles when analyzed by sucrose density centrifugation or gel chromatography indicate that disulfide bond formation occurs among subunits of the same molecule.", "PMID": 1009954} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11925", "title": "Five-coordinate iron-porphyrin as a model for the active site of hemoproteins. Characterization and coordination properties.", "content": "Preparation of iron(III)-deuteroporphyrin 6(7)-methyl ester, 7(6)-(histidine methyl ester) by coupling histidine methyl ester to deuterohemin has been performed using the mixed carboxylic/carbonic-acid-anhydride method. This compound, which is very soluble in various organic solvents, can be considered as a prosthetic group model for the active site of five-coordinate hemoproteins. In the oxidized state a basic, a neutral or an acid form can be isolated. The basic and acid forms are monomeric at all concentrations. The neutral form is found dimeric in concentrated solutions while it is monomeric at low concentration. The coordination state of iron in these various species is investigated. The neutral form reacts with ligands, such as nitrogenous organic bases, leading to six-coordinate well-known hemichromes which exhibit low-spin electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra. The reaction of anionic ligands, such as F-, CN-, NO-2 and N-3, with the neutral form model leads to unsymmetrical six-coordinate complexes whose optical and ESR spectra are similar to those of synthetic deuteromyoglobin. In benzene, toluene or dichloromethane solutions iron (II)-deuteroporphyrin 6(7)-methyl ester, 7(6)-histidine methyl ester), obtained from ferric forms by heterogeneous reduction with aqueous dithionite, exhibits an optical spectrum characteristic of a five-coordinate high-spin ferrous complex. At low temperature important spectral modifications are observed indicating a dimeric association. At room temperature it binds one nitrogenous base molecule leading to the well-known hemochrome. It reacts also with carbon monoxide with a very high affinity constant (4.5 X 10(8) M-1), comparable to that of the isolated human hemoglobin alpha and beta chains, but much higher than the values reported for other various models, suggesting that the side-chain length bearing the fifth ligand may have an important influence upon the reactivity of the sixth position of the iron ion. At low temperature in toluene or dichloromethane, this compound reversibly binds oxygen without oxidation of the iron ion while oxidation occurs at room temperature. The significance of these results is discussed in relation with the local environment, the electronic nature of the base and the immobilization of the heme group in hemoproteins.", "contents": "Five-coordinate iron-porphyrin as a model for the active site of hemoproteins. Characterization and coordination properties. Preparation of iron(III)-deuteroporphyrin 6(7)-methyl ester, 7(6)-(histidine methyl ester) by coupling histidine methyl ester to deuterohemin has been performed using the mixed carboxylic/carbonic-acid-anhydride method. This compound, which is very soluble in various organic solvents, can be considered as a prosthetic group model for the active site of five-coordinate hemoproteins. In the oxidized state a basic, a neutral or an acid form can be isolated. The basic and acid forms are monomeric at all concentrations. The neutral form is found dimeric in concentrated solutions while it is monomeric at low concentration. The coordination state of iron in these various species is investigated. The neutral form reacts with ligands, such as nitrogenous organic bases, leading to six-coordinate well-known hemichromes which exhibit low-spin electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra. The reaction of anionic ligands, such as F-, CN-, NO-2 and N-3, with the neutral form model leads to unsymmetrical six-coordinate complexes whose optical and ESR spectra are similar to those of synthetic deuteromyoglobin. In benzene, toluene or dichloromethane solutions iron (II)-deuteroporphyrin 6(7)-methyl ester, 7(6)-histidine methyl ester), obtained from ferric forms by heterogeneous reduction with aqueous dithionite, exhibits an optical spectrum characteristic of a five-coordinate high-spin ferrous complex. At low temperature important spectral modifications are observed indicating a dimeric association. At room temperature it binds one nitrogenous base molecule leading to the well-known hemochrome. It reacts also with carbon monoxide with a very high affinity constant (4.5 X 10(8) M-1), comparable to that of the isolated human hemoglobin alpha and beta chains, but much higher than the values reported for other various models, suggesting that the side-chain length bearing the fifth ligand may have an important influence upon the reactivity of the sixth position of the iron ion. At low temperature in toluene or dichloromethane, this compound reversibly binds oxygen without oxidation of the iron ion while oxidation occurs at room temperature. The significance of these results is discussed in relation with the local environment, the electronic nature of the base and the immobilization of the heme group in hemoproteins.", "PMID": 1009955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11926", "title": "Rat b/b anemia: translation of normal and anemic globin mRNA in wheat-germ cell-free system.", "content": "Globin mRNAs were isolated from circulating reticulocytes both from rats carrying a homozygous, recessive mutation causing a severe thalassemia-like syndrome and from normal rats. After first identifying the rat globin chains as alpha or beta chains, the translational products primed by both polysomal and nonpolysomal mRNAs in wheat germ 30000 x g supernatant were analyzed: the ratio of alpha to beta globin mRNAs found in polysomes isolated from mutant rats is identical to the ratio of their products synthesized in vivo while the ratio of these mRNAs is quite different in the nonpolysomal fraction, the latter being enriched in alpha globin mRNA. No difference is found in the ratio of alpha and beta globin mRNAs in the polysomal and nonpolysomal RNA isolated from normal rats, both being identical to the ratio of their products synthesized in vivo. One third of the total amount of mRNA found in mutant cells is not in polysomes as compared to only 6 percent for the mRNA from normal lysates. These results suggest that a translational control mechanism is involved although the decreased globin synthesis in b/b anemia can not be fully accounted for by its operation.", "contents": "Rat b/b anemia: translation of normal and anemic globin mRNA in wheat-germ cell-free system. Globin mRNAs were isolated from circulating reticulocytes both from rats carrying a homozygous, recessive mutation causing a severe thalassemia-like syndrome and from normal rats. After first identifying the rat globin chains as alpha or beta chains, the translational products primed by both polysomal and nonpolysomal mRNAs in wheat germ 30000 x g supernatant were analyzed: the ratio of alpha to beta globin mRNAs found in polysomes isolated from mutant rats is identical to the ratio of their products synthesized in vivo while the ratio of these mRNAs is quite different in the nonpolysomal fraction, the latter being enriched in alpha globin mRNA. No difference is found in the ratio of alpha and beta globin mRNAs in the polysomal and nonpolysomal RNA isolated from normal rats, both being identical to the ratio of their products synthesized in vivo. One third of the total amount of mRNA found in mutant cells is not in polysomes as compared to only 6 percent for the mRNA from normal lysates. These results suggest that a translational control mechanism is involved although the decreased globin synthesis in b/b anemia can not be fully accounted for by its operation.", "PMID": 1009956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11927", "title": "Nucleolar DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from rat liver. 1. Purification and subunit structure.", "content": "DNA-dependent RNA polymerase I (or A) was purified from rat liver nucleoli. DNA was effectively removed from the solubilized enzyme with a defined concentration of polyethyleneglycol. The enzyme was purified further with successive DEAE-Sephadex and phosphocellulose column chromatography followed by glycerol gradient centrifugation. The procedure yielded an electrophoretically homogeneous enzyme with a specific activity 400 times that of the nucleolar extracts. The recovery of the activity was approximately 20%. The RNA polymerase I eluted as a single peak from DEAE-Sephadex was separated into two distinct peaks by a phosphocellulose column. The first peak eluting at about 0.12 M ammonium sulfate was designated as RNA polymerase IA and the second peak eluting at about 0.18 M as RNA polymerase IB. In normal rat liver nucleoli IA enzyme comprised approximately 20% of the total RNA polymerase I activity and the IB enzyme comprised approximately 80%. On sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, enzyme IB contained five subunits with molecular weights of 195000 (a), 130000 (b), 65000 (c), 40000 (d), and 19000 (e) at nearly equimolar amounts. The calculated molecular weight of the enzyme (449000) agreed well with that predicted from the sedimentation coefficient of the enzyme. Enzyme IA contained identical subunits except that subunit c was absent. Preliminary studies could not demonstrate any significant differences in template specificity between IA and IB enzyme.", "contents": "Nucleolar DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from rat liver. 1. Purification and subunit structure. DNA-dependent RNA polymerase I (or A) was purified from rat liver nucleoli. DNA was effectively removed from the solubilized enzyme with a defined concentration of polyethyleneglycol. The enzyme was purified further with successive DEAE-Sephadex and phosphocellulose column chromatography followed by glycerol gradient centrifugation. The procedure yielded an electrophoretically homogeneous enzyme with a specific activity 400 times that of the nucleolar extracts. The recovery of the activity was approximately 20%. The RNA polymerase I eluted as a single peak from DEAE-Sephadex was separated into two distinct peaks by a phosphocellulose column. The first peak eluting at about 0.12 M ammonium sulfate was designated as RNA polymerase IA and the second peak eluting at about 0.18 M as RNA polymerase IB. In normal rat liver nucleoli IA enzyme comprised approximately 20% of the total RNA polymerase I activity and the IB enzyme comprised approximately 80%. On sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, enzyme IB contained five subunits with molecular weights of 195000 (a), 130000 (b), 65000 (c), 40000 (d), and 19000 (e) at nearly equimolar amounts. The calculated molecular weight of the enzyme (449000) agreed well with that predicted from the sedimentation coefficient of the enzyme. Enzyme IA contained identical subunits except that subunit c was absent. Preliminary studies could not demonstrate any significant differences in template specificity between IA and IB enzyme.", "PMID": 1009957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11928", "title": "Nucleolar DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from rat liver. 2. Two forms and their physiological significance.", "content": "RNA polymerase I (or A) was extracted from nuclear, nucleolar and nucleoplasmic fractions, and resolved into IA and IB forms on a phosphocellulose column. During the course of cycloheximide treatment, the activity of RNA polymerase IB decreased in the nucleoli with concomitant increase in the nucleoplasmic fraction, suggesting strongly that cycloheximide induced specific leakage of IB enzyme from the nucleolus. The activity of IA enzyme did not change in the nucleoli. When nucleoli were incubated in the presence of actinomycin D, all the IA enzyme activity and approximately 30% of the total IB enzyme activity were released in the incubation medium, whereaa 70% of IB activity remained associated with the nucleolar pellet where no IA activity was detected. The enzyme which was released into the incubation medium was tentatively designated as free or unbound RNA polymerase I and that which was associated with the nucleolar pellet as template-bound enzyme. During the treatment with cycloheximide, the activity of bound enzyme, which contained exclusively IB form, decreased rapidly, with kinetics almost identical to that of nucleolar RNA synthesis in vivo. The activity of free enzyme did not change appreciably. At 2 h after partial hepatectomy, IB enzyme activity in the free RNA polymerase fraction increased to almost twice the control, while the bound enzyme activity did not increase appreciably until 4h of regeneration. Enhancement of nucleolar RNA synthesis in vivo was not apparent at 2 h but became significant by 4 h after partial hepatectomy. These results strongly suggest that (a) the above-mentioned procedure is actually fractionating RNA polymerase I into free and bound forms, (b) RNA polymerase IB is the transcriptionally active form in vivo, (c) RNA polymerase IB exists in excess in the nucleoli, but the amount of bound IB molecules, which are engaged in transcription in vivo, must be determined by some other factor(s) than the mere concentration of IB enzyme in the nucleolus, and (d) IA form is not an artifact of isolation but is always present in vivo at a certain amount, although the exact nature of this molecule is not known at present.", "contents": "Nucleolar DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from rat liver. 2. Two forms and their physiological significance. RNA polymerase I (or A) was extracted from nuclear, nucleolar and nucleoplasmic fractions, and resolved into IA and IB forms on a phosphocellulose column. During the course of cycloheximide treatment, the activity of RNA polymerase IB decreased in the nucleoli with concomitant increase in the nucleoplasmic fraction, suggesting strongly that cycloheximide induced specific leakage of IB enzyme from the nucleolus. The activity of IA enzyme did not change in the nucleoli. When nucleoli were incubated in the presence of actinomycin D, all the IA enzyme activity and approximately 30% of the total IB enzyme activity were released in the incubation medium, whereaa 70% of IB activity remained associated with the nucleolar pellet where no IA activity was detected. The enzyme which was released into the incubation medium was tentatively designated as free or unbound RNA polymerase I and that which was associated with the nucleolar pellet as template-bound enzyme. During the treatment with cycloheximide, the activity of bound enzyme, which contained exclusively IB form, decreased rapidly, with kinetics almost identical to that of nucleolar RNA synthesis in vivo. The activity of free enzyme did not change appreciably. At 2 h after partial hepatectomy, IB enzyme activity in the free RNA polymerase fraction increased to almost twice the control, while the bound enzyme activity did not increase appreciably until 4h of regeneration. Enhancement of nucleolar RNA synthesis in vivo was not apparent at 2 h but became significant by 4 h after partial hepatectomy. These results strongly suggest that (a) the above-mentioned procedure is actually fractionating RNA polymerase I into free and bound forms, (b) RNA polymerase IB is the transcriptionally active form in vivo, (c) RNA polymerase IB exists in excess in the nucleoli, but the amount of bound IB molecules, which are engaged in transcription in vivo, must be determined by some other factor(s) than the mere concentration of IB enzyme in the nucleolus, and (d) IA form is not an artifact of isolation but is always present in vivo at a certain amount, although the exact nature of this molecule is not known at present.", "PMID": 1009958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11929", "title": "Excretion of taurocholate from isolated hepatocytes.", "content": "Efflux of taurocholate from isolated rat hepatocytes was studied to characterize the mechanism of bile acid secretion. Cells were incubated with taurocholate for 15 min. The amount of the intracellularly accumulated bile acid was directly related to the concentration in the medium. Transfer of the loaded cells from the incubation medium to a medium without taurocholate led to taurocholate efflux. Efflux was saturable, its activation energy amounted to 12 kcal/mol (50 kJ). It was strongly inhibited by the metabolic inhibitor antimycin A and to a lesser extend by the uncoupler carbonylcyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone. Dinitrofluorobenzene and mersalyl, reagents which react with amino acids, inhibited efflux by about 30% when applied at concentrations of 50 muM. Ouabain increased the rate of efflux. The observations indicate that secretory functions are maintained in isolated liver cells.", "contents": "Excretion of taurocholate from isolated hepatocytes. Efflux of taurocholate from isolated rat hepatocytes was studied to characterize the mechanism of bile acid secretion. Cells were incubated with taurocholate for 15 min. The amount of the intracellularly accumulated bile acid was directly related to the concentration in the medium. Transfer of the loaded cells from the incubation medium to a medium without taurocholate led to taurocholate efflux. Efflux was saturable, its activation energy amounted to 12 kcal/mol (50 kJ). It was strongly inhibited by the metabolic inhibitor antimycin A and to a lesser extend by the uncoupler carbonylcyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone. Dinitrofluorobenzene and mersalyl, reagents which react with amino acids, inhibited efflux by about 30% when applied at concentrations of 50 muM. Ouabain increased the rate of efflux. The observations indicate that secretory functions are maintained in isolated liver cells.", "PMID": 1009959} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11930", "title": "Production and properties of vitamin-D-induced mRNA for chick calcium-binding protein.", "content": "1. Calcium-binding protein synthesis on chick intestinal polysomes is induced within 2 h of injecting vitamin-D-deficient birds with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. The induction is short-lived: the maximum output of the binding protein is reached by 13 h after hormone injection, and declines rapidly thereafter. 2. This induction of calcium-binding protein synthesis occurs by the production of active mRNA for the protein. The sedimentation coefficient of this mRNA in denaturing conditions is 18 S, equivalent to a molecular weight of approximately 700000, and the molecule contains a tract of polyadenylate. 3. Both polysomal and poly(A)-containing RNA extracted from intestinal polysomes stimulate the synthesis of a range of proteins (up to 70000 molecular weight) by the wheat germ cell-free system. Immunoprecipitable calcium-binding protein is translated from RNA obtained from 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-dosed birds but not from control birds. This calcium-binding protein is the same size (27000 molecular weight) as authentic chick calcium-binding protein; No other proteins are specifically precipitated by the antiserum. Thus in chickens 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-induced calcium-binding protein is not synthesised via any precursor molecule. The implications of this result are discussed.", "contents": "Production and properties of vitamin-D-induced mRNA for chick calcium-binding protein. 1. Calcium-binding protein synthesis on chick intestinal polysomes is induced within 2 h of injecting vitamin-D-deficient birds with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. The induction is short-lived: the maximum output of the binding protein is reached by 13 h after hormone injection, and declines rapidly thereafter. 2. This induction of calcium-binding protein synthesis occurs by the production of active mRNA for the protein. The sedimentation coefficient of this mRNA in denaturing conditions is 18 S, equivalent to a molecular weight of approximately 700000, and the molecule contains a tract of polyadenylate. 3. Both polysomal and poly(A)-containing RNA extracted from intestinal polysomes stimulate the synthesis of a range of proteins (up to 70000 molecular weight) by the wheat germ cell-free system. Immunoprecipitable calcium-binding protein is translated from RNA obtained from 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-dosed birds but not from control birds. This calcium-binding protein is the same size (27000 molecular weight) as authentic chick calcium-binding protein; No other proteins are specifically precipitated by the antiserum. Thus in chickens 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-induced calcium-binding protein is not synthesised via any precursor molecule. The implications of this result are discussed.", "PMID": 1009960} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11931", "title": "Histone-hydrocarbon interaction. Partition of histones in aqueous two-phase systems containing poly(ethylene glycol)-bound hydrocarbons.", "content": "The hydrophobic properties of histones have been examined with help of the two-phase partition technique using dextran-poly(ethylene glycol)-water systems. We have found that different fatty acid esters of poly(ethylene glycol) interact with total histones in a manner similar to proteins of the type beta-lactoglobulin and serum albumins. Thus the maximum interaction occurs when the fatty acid contains 16-18 carbon atoms. With less than eight carbon atoms in the polymer-bound fatty acid, no histone-hydrocarbon interaction is observed. The interaction of the five individual histone fractions with palmitate depends on the type of salt used and on its concentration. We suggest that the histones can be divided into three groups with decreasing hydrophobic properties: H3, H2a greater than H4, H2b greater than H1.", "contents": "Histone-hydrocarbon interaction. Partition of histones in aqueous two-phase systems containing poly(ethylene glycol)-bound hydrocarbons. The hydrophobic properties of histones have been examined with help of the two-phase partition technique using dextran-poly(ethylene glycol)-water systems. We have found that different fatty acid esters of poly(ethylene glycol) interact with total histones in a manner similar to proteins of the type beta-lactoglobulin and serum albumins. Thus the maximum interaction occurs when the fatty acid contains 16-18 carbon atoms. With less than eight carbon atoms in the polymer-bound fatty acid, no histone-hydrocarbon interaction is observed. The interaction of the five individual histone fractions with palmitate depends on the type of salt used and on its concentration. We suggest that the histones can be divided into three groups with decreasing hydrophobic properties: H3, H2a greater than H4, H2b greater than H1.", "PMID": 1009961} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11932", "title": "An assessment of some of the methods available for the determination of molecular weights of proteins as applied to aspartate aminotransferase from pig heart.", "content": "The isopotential specific volume of cytoplasmic aspartate aminotransferase from pig heart was found to be 0.763 ml g-1 whereas the value of the apparent specific volume obtained by summation of contributions from each type of amino acid in the protein is 0.735 ml g-1. Use of the experimentally determined isopotential specific volume largely abolishes the discrepancy between a previously reported value of the molecular weight of the native (dimeric) enzyme and that of the enzyme subunit obtained from its primary structure (46300). A new non-empirical method based on quantitative N-terminal analysis involving radioisotope dilution is described for the determination of subunit molecular weight of proteins. The method is capable of considerable accuracy and sensitivity. Some of the methods available for the determination of molecular weights ans subunit compositions of proteins are discussed.", "contents": "An assessment of some of the methods available for the determination of molecular weights of proteins as applied to aspartate aminotransferase from pig heart. The isopotential specific volume of cytoplasmic aspartate aminotransferase from pig heart was found to be 0.763 ml g-1 whereas the value of the apparent specific volume obtained by summation of contributions from each type of amino acid in the protein is 0.735 ml g-1. Use of the experimentally determined isopotential specific volume largely abolishes the discrepancy between a previously reported value of the molecular weight of the native (dimeric) enzyme and that of the enzyme subunit obtained from its primary structure (46300). A new non-empirical method based on quantitative N-terminal analysis involving radioisotope dilution is described for the determination of subunit molecular weight of proteins. The method is capable of considerable accuracy and sensitivity. Some of the methods available for the determination of molecular weights ans subunit compositions of proteins are discussed.", "PMID": 1009962} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11933", "title": "An analysis on the slope of Scatchard plots.", "content": "The Scatchard plot, [X]b/[E]t[X] versus [X]b/[EP]t where [X]b denotes the concentration of bound ligand, [E]t the total concentration of the binding protein and [X] the free ligand concentration, was designed originally for plotting data of ligand binding to a macromolecule possessing identical non-interacting ligand binding sites. However, the plot is used for describing cooperative binding processes. In such cases, the slope of the Scatchard plot is not then equal to minus the intrinsic association constant any more. The meaning of the slope in such cases is a complex function of the binding parameters and its exact interpretation depends on the particular model used to analyze the binding data. In this communication, the meaning of the slope of the Scatchard plot is analyzed in terms of the different allosteric models.", "contents": "An analysis on the slope of Scatchard plots. The Scatchard plot, [X]b/[E]t[X] versus [X]b/[EP]t where [X]b denotes the concentration of bound ligand, [E]t the total concentration of the binding protein and [X] the free ligand concentration, was designed originally for plotting data of ligand binding to a macromolecule possessing identical non-interacting ligand binding sites. However, the plot is used for describing cooperative binding processes. In such cases, the slope of the Scatchard plot is not then equal to minus the intrinsic association constant any more. The meaning of the slope in such cases is a complex function of the binding parameters and its exact interpretation depends on the particular model used to analyze the binding data. In this communication, the meaning of the slope of the Scatchard plot is analyzed in terms of the different allosteric models.", "PMID": 1009963} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11934", "title": "Studies on the adenine nucleotide translocase from rat liver mitochondria. Isolation, partial characterization and immunochemical properties of carboxyatractylate-binding protein.", "content": "1. Solubility of mitochondrial membranes in various solvent systems was determined quantitatively. The most effective agent was the anionic detergent, sodium dodecylsulphate, which solubilizes 90% of the protein at the concentration of 0.1% followed by Triton X-100 (70%), sodium deoxycholate (60%), Brij 56 (50%), and guanidine hydrochloride (40%) at a concentration of 2 M. 2. Affinity chromatography of a clear 0.1% sodium dodecylsulphate solution of digitonized mitochondria on Sepharose 4B containing carboxyatractylate always resulted in the separation of two fractions, one of which was not retained by the column and the other which could be obtained after elution with 2% sodium dodecylsulphate. 3. The retained protein showed a high binding specificity for ATP and [3H]atractylate when compared with the unretained fraction. The amount of bound [3H]atractylate or carboxyatractylate-sensitive binding of ATP was 10.5 +/- 4 nmol/mg protein, and 22 +/- 8 nmol/mg protein, respectively. 4. The major component within the retained fraction, comprising 85% of the total weight, was protein, followed by phospholipids (14%) and approximately 1% triglycerides. Sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a major (95%) and a minor (5%) component with an apparent molecular weight of 26000 +/- 1000 and 8300 +/- 400, respectively. The gels did not stain for carbohydrates. Ultracentrifugal analysis showed a single, symmetrical boundry. 5. Double immunodiffusion analysis gave a single precipitin line with the corresponding antiserum. [14C]ADP exchange of digitonin particles was completely inhibited by an antiserum to the carboxyatractylate binding protein fraction, whereas the adenine nucleotide transport of intact mitochondria remained unaffected. In the presence of specific immunoglobulins state-3 respiration rate of digitonin particles was prolonged and reduced by approximately 25%. State-4 respiration rate was unaffected.", "contents": "Studies on the adenine nucleotide translocase from rat liver mitochondria. Isolation, partial characterization and immunochemical properties of carboxyatractylate-binding protein. 1. Solubility of mitochondrial membranes in various solvent systems was determined quantitatively. The most effective agent was the anionic detergent, sodium dodecylsulphate, which solubilizes 90% of the protein at the concentration of 0.1% followed by Triton X-100 (70%), sodium deoxycholate (60%), Brij 56 (50%), and guanidine hydrochloride (40%) at a concentration of 2 M. 2. Affinity chromatography of a clear 0.1% sodium dodecylsulphate solution of digitonized mitochondria on Sepharose 4B containing carboxyatractylate always resulted in the separation of two fractions, one of which was not retained by the column and the other which could be obtained after elution with 2% sodium dodecylsulphate. 3. The retained protein showed a high binding specificity for ATP and [3H]atractylate when compared with the unretained fraction. The amount of bound [3H]atractylate or carboxyatractylate-sensitive binding of ATP was 10.5 +/- 4 nmol/mg protein, and 22 +/- 8 nmol/mg protein, respectively. 4. The major component within the retained fraction, comprising 85% of the total weight, was protein, followed by phospholipids (14%) and approximately 1% triglycerides. Sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a major (95%) and a minor (5%) component with an apparent molecular weight of 26000 +/- 1000 and 8300 +/- 400, respectively. The gels did not stain for carbohydrates. Ultracentrifugal analysis showed a single, symmetrical boundry. 5. Double immunodiffusion analysis gave a single precipitin line with the corresponding antiserum. [14C]ADP exchange of digitonin particles was completely inhibited by an antiserum to the carboxyatractylate binding protein fraction, whereas the adenine nucleotide transport of intact mitochondria remained unaffected. In the presence of specific immunoglobulins state-3 respiration rate of digitonin particles was prolonged and reduced by approximately 25%. State-4 respiration rate was unaffected.", "PMID": 1009964} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11935", "title": "Conformational analysis of a DNA triplet in aqueous solution. Thymidylyl-(3'-5')-thymidylyl-(3'-5')-2'-deoxyadenosine, d(T-T-A), studied by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance at 360 MHz.", "content": "The proton signals of a 50 mM solution of thymidylyl-(3'-5')-thymidylyl-(3'-5')-2'-deoxyadenosine, d(T-T-A), in 2H2O at 65 degrees C and p2H=7.4, were detected by nuclear magnetic resonance at 360 MHz. Complete assignment of the 21 ribose proton signals was achieved by extensive decoupling experiments and computer simulations. The coupling constant data show that the ribose rings prefer to adopt the S (2'-endo) conformation. The presence of a substantial amount of a right handed helical structure of the d(-T-A) fragment is indicated from chemical shift considerations. The molecule displays a high degree of conformational purity along the sugar-phosphate backbone.", "contents": "Conformational analysis of a DNA triplet in aqueous solution. Thymidylyl-(3'-5')-thymidylyl-(3'-5')-2'-deoxyadenosine, d(T-T-A), studied by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance at 360 MHz. The proton signals of a 50 mM solution of thymidylyl-(3'-5')-thymidylyl-(3'-5')-2'-deoxyadenosine, d(T-T-A), in 2H2O at 65 degrees C and p2H=7.4, were detected by nuclear magnetic resonance at 360 MHz. Complete assignment of the 21 ribose proton signals was achieved by extensive decoupling experiments and computer simulations. The coupling constant data show that the ribose rings prefer to adopt the S (2'-endo) conformation. The presence of a substantial amount of a right handed helical structure of the d(-T-A) fragment is indicated from chemical shift considerations. The molecule displays a high degree of conformational purity along the sugar-phosphate backbone.", "PMID": 1009965} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11936", "title": "Use of methyl iodide for probing the polarity of the immediate environment of --SH groups in thiolenzymes. Reaction of methyl iodide with thiosubtilisin.", "content": "A new approach is proposed for probing the polarity of the immediate environment of -SH groups in thiolenzymes, based on the alkylation of the -SH group with methyl iodide, a relatively small and non-polar molecule. Rate and activation parameters (delta H*, delta S*) for the reaction of the enzyme are compared to those of glutathione, a simple -SH compound alkylated in aqueous medium. The enzyme and model compound are also reacted with iodoacetamide, a polar counterpart of the non-polar methyl iodide. The above method was applied to thiolsubtilisin, an artificial thiolenzyme. 1. The ratio of the rates of alkylation of thiolsubtilisin and glutathione is about 20 times as high with methyl iodide as with iodoacetamide. 2. delta H* and delta S* for enzyme alkylation, as compared to those for glutathione, are remarkably lower with methyl iodide whereas they are slightly higher with iodoacetamide. 3. delta H* and delta S* for alkylation of thiolsubtilisin with methyl iodide are similar to those found with glutathione in 40% dioxane/water mixture. 4. The activation enthalpy and entropy values for the reaction of thiolsubtilisin with D-2-bromo-n-valeramide are lower than those for glutathione reaction. Consequently, in this respect, D-2-bromo-n-valeramide is similar to methyl iodide rather than to iodoacetamide. It is concluded that the -SH group of thiolsubtilisin is located in an environment less polar than water. The concentration of methyl iodide in this non-polar layer is higher than in the bulk solution, which results in an enhanced reaction rate.", "contents": "Use of methyl iodide for probing the polarity of the immediate environment of --SH groups in thiolenzymes. Reaction of methyl iodide with thiosubtilisin. A new approach is proposed for probing the polarity of the immediate environment of -SH groups in thiolenzymes, based on the alkylation of the -SH group with methyl iodide, a relatively small and non-polar molecule. Rate and activation parameters (delta H*, delta S*) for the reaction of the enzyme are compared to those of glutathione, a simple -SH compound alkylated in aqueous medium. The enzyme and model compound are also reacted with iodoacetamide, a polar counterpart of the non-polar methyl iodide. The above method was applied to thiolsubtilisin, an artificial thiolenzyme. 1. The ratio of the rates of alkylation of thiolsubtilisin and glutathione is about 20 times as high with methyl iodide as with iodoacetamide. 2. delta H* and delta S* for enzyme alkylation, as compared to those for glutathione, are remarkably lower with methyl iodide whereas they are slightly higher with iodoacetamide. 3. delta H* and delta S* for alkylation of thiolsubtilisin with methyl iodide are similar to those found with glutathione in 40% dioxane/water mixture. 4. The activation enthalpy and entropy values for the reaction of thiolsubtilisin with D-2-bromo-n-valeramide are lower than those for glutathione reaction. Consequently, in this respect, D-2-bromo-n-valeramide is similar to methyl iodide rather than to iodoacetamide. It is concluded that the -SH group of thiolsubtilisin is located in an environment less polar than water. The concentration of methyl iodide in this non-polar layer is higher than in the bulk solution, which results in an enhanced reaction rate.", "PMID": 1009966} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11937", "title": "Lipid requirement of membrane-bound 3-oxosteroid delta4-delta5-isomerase. Studies on beef adrenocortical microsomes.", "content": "The role of phospholipid in the beef adrenal microsomal 3-oxosteroid delta4-delta5-isomerase (EC 5.3.1.1) has been investigated with the use of phospholipase A to alter the microsomal phospholipids. The byproducts of phospholipase A digestion have been removed with a wash solution containing bovine serum albumin. Removal of 80-85% of the phospholipid leads to loss of 80-90% of the 3-oxosteroid delta4-delta5-isomerase activity. Reconstitution experiments have been performed by introduction of lipid aqueous dispersions in the enzymatic assay. Asolectin, a commercially available preparation of soy phosphatides, is able to stimulate the enzymatic activity but does not restore the 3-oxosteroid delta4-delta5-isomerase activity in phospholipase-A-treated membranes. In contrast, the introduction of aqueous dispersions of microsomal total lipid mixtures in the enzymatic assay brings about a complete restoration of the 3-oxosteroid delta4-delta5-isomerase activity in the lipid-depleted membranes. It is concluded that the bovine adrenal microsomal 3-oxosteroid delta4-delta5-isomerase requires phospholipid(s) to exhibit its full catalytic activity.", "contents": "Lipid requirement of membrane-bound 3-oxosteroid delta4-delta5-isomerase. Studies on beef adrenocortical microsomes. The role of phospholipid in the beef adrenal microsomal 3-oxosteroid delta4-delta5-isomerase (EC 5.3.1.1) has been investigated with the use of phospholipase A to alter the microsomal phospholipids. The byproducts of phospholipase A digestion have been removed with a wash solution containing bovine serum albumin. Removal of 80-85% of the phospholipid leads to loss of 80-90% of the 3-oxosteroid delta4-delta5-isomerase activity. Reconstitution experiments have been performed by introduction of lipid aqueous dispersions in the enzymatic assay. Asolectin, a commercially available preparation of soy phosphatides, is able to stimulate the enzymatic activity but does not restore the 3-oxosteroid delta4-delta5-isomerase activity in phospholipase-A-treated membranes. In contrast, the introduction of aqueous dispersions of microsomal total lipid mixtures in the enzymatic assay brings about a complete restoration of the 3-oxosteroid delta4-delta5-isomerase activity in the lipid-depleted membranes. It is concluded that the bovine adrenal microsomal 3-oxosteroid delta4-delta5-isomerase requires phospholipid(s) to exhibit its full catalytic activity.", "PMID": 1009967} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11938", "title": "An endonuclease from mouse cells specific for single-stranded DNA.", "content": "An endonuclease with a molecular weight of about 70000 (5-6S) was extensively purified from mouse ascites cells. The enzyme specifically attacks single-stranded DNA which is degraded mainly to oligonucleotides, with 5-10 residues. Supercoiled covalently closed circular phage DNA is converted to the linear relaxed form. The enzyme activity is highly sensitive to salt and can be stimulated by reagents lowering the dielectric constant of the buffer such as dimethylsulfoxide and glycerol.", "contents": "An endonuclease from mouse cells specific for single-stranded DNA. An endonuclease with a molecular weight of about 70000 (5-6S) was extensively purified from mouse ascites cells. The enzyme specifically attacks single-stranded DNA which is degraded mainly to oligonucleotides, with 5-10 residues. Supercoiled covalently closed circular phage DNA is converted to the linear relaxed form. The enzyme activity is highly sensitive to salt and can be stimulated by reagents lowering the dielectric constant of the buffer such as dimethylsulfoxide and glycerol.", "PMID": 1009968} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11939", "title": "Renal cysts. I. Current pathogenic approach.", "content": "Recent reviews on the genesis of cysts in the adult kidney lead to two major theories: mechanical and toxic. Obstruction indisputably plays a role in determining certain cysts in animals and examination in the human plus certain personal clinical data seems to confirm this. The role of chemical factors in the human has not yet been clearly established, although there is abundant evidence of its occurrence in animals.", "contents": "Renal cysts. I. Current pathogenic approach. Recent reviews on the genesis of cysts in the adult kidney lead to two major theories: mechanical and toxic. Obstruction indisputably plays a role in determining certain cysts in animals and examination in the human plus certain personal clinical data seems to confirm this. The role of chemical factors in the human has not yet been clearly established, although there is abundant evidence of its occurrence in animals.", "PMID": 1009969} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11940", "title": "Renal cysts. II. Chemical and dynamic study of cystic fluid.", "content": "The chemical analysis of the fluid obtained by puncturing 100 simple renal cysts in adults show that the composition of cystic fluid resembles that of interstitial fluid. The chemical balance between cystic fluid and the interstitial space seems to occur passively. Antibiotics which were given orally (amoxycilline, minocycline, rifampicin) do not pass through the wall of a simple cyst. Study of the permeability of the cyst wall did not show any uptake of radioactive hippurate or radium pertechnetate.", "contents": "Renal cysts. II. Chemical and dynamic study of cystic fluid. The chemical analysis of the fluid obtained by puncturing 100 simple renal cysts in adults show that the composition of cystic fluid resembles that of interstitial fluid. The chemical balance between cystic fluid and the interstitial space seems to occur passively. Antibiotics which were given orally (amoxycilline, minocycline, rifampicin) do not pass through the wall of a simple cyst. Study of the permeability of the cyst wall did not show any uptake of radioactive hippurate or radium pertechnetate.", "PMID": 1009970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11941", "title": "Long-term results of surgical treatment of bladder exstrophy.", "content": "A review of the long-term results of the treatment of 18 cases of bladder exstrophy is reported. Five cases have been operated on before 1961 by ureterosigmoidostomy; 4 (80%) patients have good renal function and have not had any complications, although 1 patient has anal incontinence; 1 patient presented bilateral renoureteral complications, requiring several corrective operations, and has anal incontinence too. Out of 13 cases operated on after 1961, 10 have been followed up from 3 to 14 years. In 1 patient an ileal conduit was performed because of the failure of an ureterosigmoidostomy performed at another hospital 10 years before. In 9 patients a personal technique based on the bladder substitution by a colonic loop plus creation of a sphincteric mechanism by trigonal tubulization was used (enterotrigonal urethroplasty). Morbidity has been high (66.6%), but the end results are very satisfactory: 7 patients (77.7%) are currently living a normal life, with normal renal function and good continence; 1 patient is incontinent and has bilateral reflux and a left retracted kidney; 1 patient has been secondarily diverted by means of a cutaneous Y transuretero-ureterostomy due to gross lreteral dilatation, renal damage and incontinence.", "contents": "Long-term results of surgical treatment of bladder exstrophy. A review of the long-term results of the treatment of 18 cases of bladder exstrophy is reported. Five cases have been operated on before 1961 by ureterosigmoidostomy; 4 (80%) patients have good renal function and have not had any complications, although 1 patient has anal incontinence; 1 patient presented bilateral renoureteral complications, requiring several corrective operations, and has anal incontinence too. Out of 13 cases operated on after 1961, 10 have been followed up from 3 to 14 years. In 1 patient an ileal conduit was performed because of the failure of an ureterosigmoidostomy performed at another hospital 10 years before. In 9 patients a personal technique based on the bladder substitution by a colonic loop plus creation of a sphincteric mechanism by trigonal tubulization was used (enterotrigonal urethroplasty). Morbidity has been high (66.6%), but the end results are very satisfactory: 7 patients (77.7%) are currently living a normal life, with normal renal function and good continence; 1 patient is incontinent and has bilateral reflux and a left retracted kidney; 1 patient has been secondarily diverted by means of a cutaneous Y transuretero-ureterostomy due to gross lreteral dilatation, renal damage and incontinence.", "PMID": 1009971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11942", "title": "Voiding pressure in children.", "content": "A study of voiding pressure (VP) by a suprapubic catheter was performed in 100 children. The children were divided into two groups. Group I (n=96) comprised children with no evidence of clinical, radiological and endoscopic lower urinary tract obstruction. Group II (n=4) consisted of children with a lower urinary tract obstruction. 17 children of group I, judged to be free of uropathy, were considered as the control group. There was no significant difference in the VP of this group when compared with 79 children with uropathy (group IB=47 enuretic, 19 vesicoureteral reflux and 13 urinary tract infection). The VP was studied in each of these groups in relation to sex and age. Males had higher VP than females. There was a significant correlation between age and VP in enuretic children. It was concluded that the VP was only one of the parameters for investigating the urodynamics of the lower urinary tract and should always be accompanied by a measurement of urinary flow.", "contents": "Voiding pressure in children. A study of voiding pressure (VP) by a suprapubic catheter was performed in 100 children. The children were divided into two groups. Group I (n=96) comprised children with no evidence of clinical, radiological and endoscopic lower urinary tract obstruction. Group II (n=4) consisted of children with a lower urinary tract obstruction. 17 children of group I, judged to be free of uropathy, were considered as the control group. There was no significant difference in the VP of this group when compared with 79 children with uropathy (group IB=47 enuretic, 19 vesicoureteral reflux and 13 urinary tract infection). The VP was studied in each of these groups in relation to sex and age. Males had higher VP than females. There was a significant correlation between age and VP in enuretic children. It was concluded that the VP was only one of the parameters for investigating the urodynamics of the lower urinary tract and should always be accompanied by a measurement of urinary flow.", "PMID": 1009972} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11943", "title": "Unusual presentation of testicular torsion. A review of 40 cases.", "content": "The symptomatology of testicular torsion was atypical in 16 patients among the 40 that we treated. The occurrence of fever together with the torsion (8 cases), the existence of intense local inflammatory signs (16 cases), its occurrence in adults (23 cases), ectopic testicle (2 cases), and the possibility of a traumatism (5 cases) are misleading and may delay its urgent surgical treatment. In most cases, testicular torsion forms a characteristic clinical picture with easy diagnosis, requiring most urgent operation. There are, however, cases where symptomatology is atypical and deceptive forms delay recognition of the torsion, leading to ischaemic necrosis.", "contents": "Unusual presentation of testicular torsion. A review of 40 cases. The symptomatology of testicular torsion was atypical in 16 patients among the 40 that we treated. The occurrence of fever together with the torsion (8 cases), the existence of intense local inflammatory signs (16 cases), its occurrence in adults (23 cases), ectopic testicle (2 cases), and the possibility of a traumatism (5 cases) are misleading and may delay its urgent surgical treatment. In most cases, testicular torsion forms a characteristic clinical picture with easy diagnosis, requiring most urgent operation. There are, however, cases where symptomatology is atypical and deceptive forms delay recognition of the torsion, leading to ischaemic necrosis.", "PMID": 1009973} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11944", "title": "New aspects of urinary tuberculosis.", "content": "In urinary tuberculosis, during recent years, there has been remarkable progress in treatment but some new aspects are reported, which raise problems in diagnosis and therapeutics. There is an increase of silent forms, forms with rapid destructive development, even under treatment, and forms masked by association with other diseases. The percentage of elderly patients has increased, as has the number of cases presenting with advanced lesions with little clinical manifestation. This calls for more careful searching, assessment and survey of any suspected case.", "contents": "New aspects of urinary tuberculosis. In urinary tuberculosis, during recent years, there has been remarkable progress in treatment but some new aspects are reported, which raise problems in diagnosis and therapeutics. There is an increase of silent forms, forms with rapid destructive development, even under treatment, and forms masked by association with other diseases. The percentage of elderly patients has increased, as has the number of cases presenting with advanced lesions with little clinical manifestation. This calls for more careful searching, assessment and survey of any suspected case.", "PMID": 1009974} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11945", "title": "Histological grading of renal cell carcinoma.", "content": "The Erlangen system of histologic grading of the malignancy of renal cell cancers is described in detail. It takes into consideration the type of cell and pattern of the tumor and differentiates between grades 1, 2, and 3. Grade 1 was observed in 10%, grade 2 in 51%, and grade 3 in 39% of the cases. The difference in the 5-year survival rates between tumors of grade 3 and those of tumors of grades 1 and 2 is statistically significant.", "contents": "Histological grading of renal cell carcinoma. The Erlangen system of histologic grading of the malignancy of renal cell cancers is described in detail. It takes into consideration the type of cell and pattern of the tumor and differentiates between grades 1, 2, and 3. Grade 1 was observed in 10%, grade 2 in 51%, and grade 3 in 39% of the cases. The difference in the 5-year survival rates between tumors of grade 3 and those of tumors of grades 1 and 2 is statistically significant.", "PMID": 1009975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11946", "title": "Ureteric substitution with a tapered ileal loop. An experimental study.", "content": "The authors present their experience in replacement of the ureter by a tapered ileal loop over a 24-month period, in a group of 10 dogs. With regard to the morphological and functional behaviour of the neo-ureter, the results on the whole were considered satisfactory. However, some problems such as pyelonephritis, associated with obstruction due to mucosal hyperexcretion, remain unsolved at the present time.", "contents": "Ureteric substitution with a tapered ileal loop. An experimental study. The authors present their experience in replacement of the ureter by a tapered ileal loop over a 24-month period, in a group of 10 dogs. With regard to the morphological and functional behaviour of the neo-ureter, the results on the whole were considered satisfactory. However, some problems such as pyelonephritis, associated with obstruction due to mucosal hyperexcretion, remain unsolved at the present time.", "PMID": 1009976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11947", "title": "Urinary thyroxine in rats fed various diets and in renal calcium stone-forming patients.", "content": "In rats fed with various diets as regard contents of magnesium, cholesterin, neutral fat, carbohydrates and proteins, urinary thyroxine (U-T4) appears low in general when compared with control chow, whereas renal calcifications and stones are absent only with the latter and the carbohydrate-rich diet. Normalization of U-T4 is hampered by differences in urinary creatinine excretion and in individual weight gain. In male renal calcium stone patients (20--40 years) U-T4 also is lower than in age-matched controls, but in other groups no abnormality could be detected.", "contents": "Urinary thyroxine in rats fed various diets and in renal calcium stone-forming patients. In rats fed with various diets as regard contents of magnesium, cholesterin, neutral fat, carbohydrates and proteins, urinary thyroxine (U-T4) appears low in general when compared with control chow, whereas renal calcifications and stones are absent only with the latter and the carbohydrate-rich diet. Normalization of U-T4 is hampered by differences in urinary creatinine excretion and in individual weight gain. In male renal calcium stone patients (20--40 years) U-T4 also is lower than in age-matched controls, but in other groups no abnormality could be detected.", "PMID": 1009977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11948", "title": "Renal cysts in adults. IV. Therapeutic problems.", "content": "The study of 1,342 renal cysts gathered from various centres emphasized the great diversity of the therapeutical approach. In this series, 1 patient out of 2 was operated on and 1 out of 6 operations was a nephrectomy. The mortality was 1.2% and complications occurred in 10% of the cases. Arguments in favour of systematic surgery are severely criticized and the risk of failure to recognize a cancer associated with a cyst is very small: when this association was encountered, there were warning signs or symptoms. Percutaneous puncture of the cyst may suffice for diagnosis and treatment of most cases. When surgery is indicated for a cyst as in doubtful diagnosis, symptoms from the swelling or in association with lithiasis, resection of the dome of the cyst is the operation of choice. Considering the extraordinary recovery of the renal parenchyma, the necessity for nephrectomy must be quite exceptional.", "contents": "Renal cysts in adults. IV. Therapeutic problems. The study of 1,342 renal cysts gathered from various centres emphasized the great diversity of the therapeutical approach. In this series, 1 patient out of 2 was operated on and 1 out of 6 operations was a nephrectomy. The mortality was 1.2% and complications occurred in 10% of the cases. Arguments in favour of systematic surgery are severely criticized and the risk of failure to recognize a cancer associated with a cyst is very small: when this association was encountered, there were warning signs or symptoms. Percutaneous puncture of the cyst may suffice for diagnosis and treatment of most cases. When surgery is indicated for a cyst as in doubtful diagnosis, symptoms from the swelling or in association with lithiasis, resection of the dome of the cyst is the operation of choice. Considering the extraordinary recovery of the renal parenchyma, the necessity for nephrectomy must be quite exceptional.", "PMID": 1009981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11949", "title": "Staghorn calculi of the kidneys. A. Clinical review.", "content": "A series of 91 staghorn calculi are reviewed. Possible aetiological factors are analysed. A high incidence of hypercalciuria was found, and the significance of this is discussed. The rates of complete stone clearance after conservative surgery are considered for different types of staghorn calculus and it is felt that local circulatory arrest with kidney cooling may be of value in removing stones due to Proteus. The place of elective nephrectomy in the management of staghorn calculi is discussed. Nephrectomy may be the treatment of choice in the management of large, unilateral stones in older patients.", "contents": "Staghorn calculi of the kidneys. A. Clinical review. A series of 91 staghorn calculi are reviewed. Possible aetiological factors are analysed. A high incidence of hypercalciuria was found, and the significance of this is discussed. The rates of complete stone clearance after conservative surgery are considered for different types of staghorn calculus and it is felt that local circulatory arrest with kidney cooling may be of value in removing stones due to Proteus. The place of elective nephrectomy in the management of staghorn calculi is discussed. Nephrectomy may be the treatment of choice in the management of large, unilateral stones in older patients.", "PMID": 1009982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11950", "title": "Long-term survival after urinary diversion. A reappraisal of ureterosigmoidostomy.", "content": "Long-term survival occurs following both ureterosigmoid and ileal diversions. Both manoeuvres carry a significant complication rate but where patients have good rectal continence, ureterosigmoid diversion offers the advantage of appliance free life. Success depends on initial good renal function and successful implantation of the ureters into bowel avoiding both reflux and stenosis. Where there is a likelihood of long survival as in such conditions as ectopia vesicae, this technique will provide very satisfactory management and three patients surviving more than a total of 100 years illustrate this approach.", "contents": "Long-term survival after urinary diversion. A reappraisal of ureterosigmoidostomy. Long-term survival occurs following both ureterosigmoid and ileal diversions. Both manoeuvres carry a significant complication rate but where patients have good rectal continence, ureterosigmoid diversion offers the advantage of appliance free life. Success depends on initial good renal function and successful implantation of the ureters into bowel avoiding both reflux and stenosis. Where there is a likelihood of long survival as in such conditions as ectopia vesicae, this technique will provide very satisfactory management and three patients surviving more than a total of 100 years illustrate this approach.", "PMID": 1009983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11951", "title": "Urethral injuries in Lagos.", "content": "Good results have been obtained following the treatment of incomplete urethral rupture while the results of complete urethral rupture treated in this hospital by the conventional method have been very poor. This poor result is comparable to those from other centers using similar methods. A review of various treatment methods was undertaken and reasons are given for advocating the method of initial suprapubic cystostomy, followed by delay urethroplasty.", "contents": "Urethral injuries in Lagos. Good results have been obtained following the treatment of incomplete urethral rupture while the results of complete urethral rupture treated in this hospital by the conventional method have been very poor. This poor result is comparable to those from other centers using similar methods. A review of various treatment methods was undertaken and reasons are given for advocating the method of initial suprapubic cystostomy, followed by delay urethroplasty.", "PMID": 1009984} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11952", "title": "Electron microscopic and histological findings on urinary bladder epithelium in interstitial cystitis.", "content": "Urinary bladder epithelium was studied with electron microscope in 50 patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and 9 controls. In addition, biopsies of 14 patients with IC were studied with special stains for the presence of bacteria or viral inclusions in the epithelium. No bacteria or viral inclusions could be demonstrated. On the basis of these and earlier negative findings it appears that simple infection of the epithelium is ruled out as the aetiology in IC. Electron microscopy demonstrated an increase in large swollen epithelial cells with decreased amount of lateral processes in half of the IC samples and inflammatory changes in the mucosa. The similarity of the ultrastructure of epithelial cells in controls and IC patients makes it improbable that the disease process originates in the epithelium. In this study special attention was paid to large cytosomes (diameter 0.4--6.0 mum) in the epithelial cells. These contained small vesicular bodies (diameter 0.04--0.2 mum) and lipid droplets, and were found in controls as well as in IC patients.", "contents": "Electron microscopic and histological findings on urinary bladder epithelium in interstitial cystitis. Urinary bladder epithelium was studied with electron microscope in 50 patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and 9 controls. In addition, biopsies of 14 patients with IC were studied with special stains for the presence of bacteria or viral inclusions in the epithelium. No bacteria or viral inclusions could be demonstrated. On the basis of these and earlier negative findings it appears that simple infection of the epithelium is ruled out as the aetiology in IC. Electron microscopy demonstrated an increase in large swollen epithelial cells with decreased amount of lateral processes in half of the IC samples and inflammatory changes in the mucosa. The similarity of the ultrastructure of epithelial cells in controls and IC patients makes it improbable that the disease process originates in the epithelium. In this study special attention was paid to large cytosomes (diameter 0.4--6.0 mum) in the epithelial cells. These contained small vesicular bodies (diameter 0.04--0.2 mum) and lipid droplets, and were found in controls as well as in IC patients.", "PMID": 1009985} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11953", "title": "Experimental study of synadelpho-ureterostomy (transuretero-ureterostomy).", "content": "An experimental study with synadelpho-ureterostomy (transuretero-ureterostomy) was performed in 25 dogs. The conclusions reached are: (1) side-to-side anastomosis is to be preferred to end-to-side suture; (2) risk of disruption is very slight even where an unexpected obstruction is encountered (test with induced cellophanic periureteritis), and (3) segmental replacement of the lumbo-iliac ureter may apparently be achieved by means of inverted synadelpho-ureterostomy (the damaged ureter is the recipient ureter). This replacement requires a double synadelphostomy, but in our study the normal transposed ureter suffered no harm despite the presence of previous infection and ureteral dilatation.", "contents": "Experimental study of synadelpho-ureterostomy (transuretero-ureterostomy). An experimental study with synadelpho-ureterostomy (transuretero-ureterostomy) was performed in 25 dogs. The conclusions reached are: (1) side-to-side anastomosis is to be preferred to end-to-side suture; (2) risk of disruption is very slight even where an unexpected obstruction is encountered (test with induced cellophanic periureteritis), and (3) segmental replacement of the lumbo-iliac ureter may apparently be achieved by means of inverted synadelpho-ureterostomy (the damaged ureter is the recipient ureter). This replacement requires a double synadelphostomy, but in our study the normal transposed ureter suffered no harm despite the presence of previous infection and ureteral dilatation.", "PMID": 1009986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11954", "title": "An unusual ureteric anomaly: uretero-synadelphia with ectopic opening into the urachus.", "content": "An extraordinary case is reported of \"uretero-synadelphia\" (a single Y-type ureteric tract for both kidneys) with ectopic opening into the bladder vertex. This case also showed an associated agenesis of the extrahepatic biliary ducts. The possible factors in the development of this anomaly are discussed. The term \"synadelpho-ureterostomy\" is proposed to describe the surgical techniques used to mimic these anomalies, in place of the more commonly accepted \"trans-uretero-ureterostomy\".", "contents": "An unusual ureteric anomaly: uretero-synadelphia with ectopic opening into the urachus. An extraordinary case is reported of \"uretero-synadelphia\" (a single Y-type ureteric tract for both kidneys) with ectopic opening into the bladder vertex. This case also showed an associated agenesis of the extrahepatic biliary ducts. The possible factors in the development of this anomaly are discussed. The term \"synadelpho-ureterostomy\" is proposed to describe the surgical techniques used to mimic these anomalies, in place of the more commonly accepted \"trans-uretero-ureterostomy\".", "PMID": 1009987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11955", "title": "Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis in multifocal fibrosclerosis.", "content": "A case of rare combination of retroperitoneal fibrosis and Riedel's thyroiditis is presented. The term multifocal fibrosclerosis is used in the literature to denote such combination and others which include idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, mediastinal fibrosis, sclerosing cholangitis, invasive (Riedel's) thyroiditis and pseudotumor of the orbit.", "contents": "Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis in multifocal fibrosclerosis. A case of rare combination of retroperitoneal fibrosis and Riedel's thyroiditis is presented. The term multifocal fibrosclerosis is used in the literature to denote such combination and others which include idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, mediastinal fibrosis, sclerosing cholangitis, invasive (Riedel's) thyroiditis and pseudotumor of the orbit.", "PMID": 1009988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11956", "title": "Further study on the excitation of pyramidal tract cells by intracortical microstimulation.", "content": "The effective spread of stimulating current for pyramidal tract (PT) cells and fibers was studied using a method of cancelling the shock artifacts and the following results were obtained: 1. The excitability of PT axon collaterals was as high as that of PT cells. 2. These axon collaterals extended as far as 1.0 mm horizontally from the PT cells. 3. The low threshold area for activation of a given PT cell was as wide as 3--4 mm2 on the surface of the cortex. 4. Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) delivered to the PT cell layer produced direct (D) and indirect (I) descending volleys in the pyramidal tract, but ICMS to the superficial layer (III) produced only I-waves. 5. These I-waves grew significantly larger after 15--20 msec from the start of the train of stimuli. 6. It is concluded that either surface stimulation, or short train of ICMS is inadequate for delineating fine localization of motor function within the cortex. Longer train (30--40 msec) with high frequency pulses (300--400 cy/sec) can produce muscle contraction with much smaller currents, increasing the accuracy of measuring the localization of motor function.", "contents": "Further study on the excitation of pyramidal tract cells by intracortical microstimulation. The effective spread of stimulating current for pyramidal tract (PT) cells and fibers was studied using a method of cancelling the shock artifacts and the following results were obtained: 1. The excitability of PT axon collaterals was as high as that of PT cells. 2. These axon collaterals extended as far as 1.0 mm horizontally from the PT cells. 3. The low threshold area for activation of a given PT cell was as wide as 3--4 mm2 on the surface of the cortex. 4. Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) delivered to the PT cell layer produced direct (D) and indirect (I) descending volleys in the pyramidal tract, but ICMS to the superficial layer (III) produced only I-waves. 5. These I-waves grew significantly larger after 15--20 msec from the start of the train of stimuli. 6. It is concluded that either surface stimulation, or short train of ICMS is inadequate for delineating fine localization of motor function within the cortex. Longer train (30--40 msec) with high frequency pulses (300--400 cy/sec) can produce muscle contraction with much smaller currents, increasing the accuracy of measuring the localization of motor function.", "PMID": 1010001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11957", "title": "[Effect of trace elements on the hydroxylation of benzo(a)pyrene].", "content": "The trace elements are surrounding factors which are able to act on the yield of benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylation reaction of the hepatic tissue. This action was studied for each element and for various concentrations. The action of these elements may occurred to arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase by activating or inhibiting it, to epoxyde hydrase or to glutathione S epoxydase, favouring or inhibiting the way epoxyde dihydrodiol, and finally to arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase induction. Our results, obtained in vitro on hepatic tissue with many metallic salts, showed that some trace elements may have a cocarcinogenic action.", "contents": "[Effect of trace elements on the hydroxylation of benzo(a)pyrene]. The trace elements are surrounding factors which are able to act on the yield of benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylation reaction of the hepatic tissue. This action was studied for each element and for various concentrations. The action of these elements may occurred to arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase by activating or inhibiting it, to epoxyde hydrase or to glutathione S epoxydase, favouring or inhibiting the way epoxyde dihydrodiol, and finally to arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase induction. Our results, obtained in vitro on hepatic tissue with many metallic salts, showed that some trace elements may have a cocarcinogenic action.", "PMID": 1009996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11958", "title": "A long-lasting change in ocular dominance of kitten striate neurons induced by reversible unilateral blockade of tonic retinal discharges.", "content": "The effect of reversible blockade of tonic retinal discharges upon the excitability of binocular visual cortical neurons was studied in kittens during the \"critical period\". Following the direct application of a small amount of blocking agent to the unilateral optic nerve, the responsiveness of single cortical neurons to ipsilateral eye (non-blocked side) stimulation was enhanced while that to contralateral stimulation was suppressed. Changes started soon after blocking and were long lasting, over 1 hour, compared with the duration blocking (7 min) as measured at the level of the later geniculate nucleus. This effect was found to be age-dependent: in older kittens which were out of the critical period, results were ambiguous and in young adult cats the same treatment induced no obvious changes. The results favor the idea of binocular competition at postsynaptic sites of the geniculo-cortical projection during the critical period. Furthermore, tonic afferent activity in the visual system is proposed as one of the primary carriers of effects of the environmental manipulation of visual inputs in the developing visual cortex. This is consistent with the previous notion that tonic afferent activity is indispensable for maintenance of existing synaptic contacts in the matured brain.", "contents": "A long-lasting change in ocular dominance of kitten striate neurons induced by reversible unilateral blockade of tonic retinal discharges. The effect of reversible blockade of tonic retinal discharges upon the excitability of binocular visual cortical neurons was studied in kittens during the \"critical period\". Following the direct application of a small amount of blocking agent to the unilateral optic nerve, the responsiveness of single cortical neurons to ipsilateral eye (non-blocked side) stimulation was enhanced while that to contralateral stimulation was suppressed. Changes started soon after blocking and were long lasting, over 1 hour, compared with the duration blocking (7 min) as measured at the level of the later geniculate nucleus. This effect was found to be age-dependent: in older kittens which were out of the critical period, results were ambiguous and in young adult cats the same treatment induced no obvious changes. The results favor the idea of binocular competition at postsynaptic sites of the geniculo-cortical projection during the critical period. Furthermore, tonic afferent activity in the visual system is proposed as one of the primary carriers of effects of the environmental manipulation of visual inputs in the developing visual cortex. This is consistent with the previous notion that tonic afferent activity is indispensable for maintenance of existing synaptic contacts in the matured brain.", "PMID": 1010002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11959", "title": "Studies on the effect of long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide on serum and liver proteins level and enzyme activity in guinea pigs.", "content": "Forty male guinea pigs were exposed to nitrogen dioxide in a concentration of 2 mg/m3, 8 hours daily for a period of 180 days. Forty male animals were used as a control group. The following changes were found in intoxicated animals: the decrease of total protein and seromucoid concentration in blood serum and the decrease of total protein, perchloric acid-soluble proteins, protein-bound hexosamines and sialic acids content, in liver tissue. Electrophoretic examination of the serum proteins showed the increase of alpha 1- and beta 2-globulins and the decrease of albumin concentration. Changes in the level of glycoproteins fractions and protein-bound carbohydrates in blood serum were described also. Estimation of enzymes activity showed the decrease of alanine and aspartate transaminase activity in blood serum caused by the strong decrease of the cytoplasmic fraction of these enzymes. However the simultaneous increase of the mitochondrial fraction of transaminases activity was observed. The decrease of the activity of choline esterase was found also. Similar changes of enzymes activity were found in liver tissue. Histopathological studies were done for the further clearing the influenze of nitrogen dioxide on serum and liver proteins concentration and enzymes activity. It was found that after long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide the destruction processes may be observed in the liver. The possible mechanism of the nitrogen dioxide-induced damage of protein metabolism is discussed.", "contents": "Studies on the effect of long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide on serum and liver proteins level and enzyme activity in guinea pigs. Forty male guinea pigs were exposed to nitrogen dioxide in a concentration of 2 mg/m3, 8 hours daily for a period of 180 days. Forty male animals were used as a control group. The following changes were found in intoxicated animals: the decrease of total protein and seromucoid concentration in blood serum and the decrease of total protein, perchloric acid-soluble proteins, protein-bound hexosamines and sialic acids content, in liver tissue. Electrophoretic examination of the serum proteins showed the increase of alpha 1- and beta 2-globulins and the decrease of albumin concentration. Changes in the level of glycoproteins fractions and protein-bound carbohydrates in blood serum were described also. Estimation of enzymes activity showed the decrease of alanine and aspartate transaminase activity in blood serum caused by the strong decrease of the cytoplasmic fraction of these enzymes. However the simultaneous increase of the mitochondrial fraction of transaminases activity was observed. The decrease of the activity of choline esterase was found also. Similar changes of enzymes activity were found in liver tissue. Histopathological studies were done for the further clearing the influenze of nitrogen dioxide on serum and liver proteins concentration and enzymes activity. It was found that after long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide the destruction processes may be observed in the liver. The possible mechanism of the nitrogen dioxide-induced damage of protein metabolism is discussed.", "PMID": 1009997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11960", "title": "Proprioceptive effects on evoked responses to sounds in the cat auditory cortex.", "content": "With a view to analyse the influence of neck proprioceptors on directional hearing, evoked potentials (EPs) to dichotically or monaurally presented clicks were recorded from the auditory cortex of cats under deep Nembutal anaesthesia with their head pointing to the front, and then to the right or to the left side at 45 degrees. The change in the head position produced considerable changes in the amplitude of the two primary EP components and in their thresholds. The changes were of two kinds: either decrease or increase of the amplitude. At symmetrical points of the auditory cortex they went in the same direction. The also appeared in the associative zone with the same sign. With monaurally presented clicks, the change of the side of stimulation for the most part resulted in a reversal of the sign of the proprioceptive effect. Similar proprioceptive influences were recorded when the clicks were presented not through earphones but in an open acoustic field.", "contents": "Proprioceptive effects on evoked responses to sounds in the cat auditory cortex. With a view to analyse the influence of neck proprioceptors on directional hearing, evoked potentials (EPs) to dichotically or monaurally presented clicks were recorded from the auditory cortex of cats under deep Nembutal anaesthesia with their head pointing to the front, and then to the right or to the left side at 45 degrees. The change in the head position produced considerable changes in the amplitude of the two primary EP components and in their thresholds. The changes were of two kinds: either decrease or increase of the amplitude. At symmetrical points of the auditory cortex they went in the same direction. The also appeared in the associative zone with the same sign. With monaurally presented clicks, the change of the side of stimulation for the most part resulted in a reversal of the sign of the proprioceptive effect. Similar proprioceptive influences were recorded when the clicks were presented not through earphones but in an open acoustic field.", "PMID": 1010003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11961", "title": "Integration in descending motor pathways controlling the forelimb in the cat. 1. Pyramidal effects on motoneurones.", "content": "Stimulation of the contralateral pyramid and intracellular recording from forelimb motoneurones was used to investigate corticimotoneuronal pathways in the cat. A train of pyramidal volleys evokes short-latency EPSPS in flexor motoneurones and in many extensor motoneurones. The latency for the onset after the effective pyramidal volley-usually the third - strongly indicates a disynaptic linkage. These disynaptic EPSPs were common in triceps motoneurones to fast heads but rare in those to slow heads. Pyramidal IPSPs with a slightly longer latency, suggesting a trisynaptic linkage, were found in both flexor and extensor motoneurones. They were common in motoneurones to slow heads of triceps. Disynaptic pyramidal IPSPs were found only occasionally. In addition pyramidal volleys may evoke late large EPSPs and/or IPSPs in any combination with the short-latency PSPs.", "contents": "Integration in descending motor pathways controlling the forelimb in the cat. 1. Pyramidal effects on motoneurones. Stimulation of the contralateral pyramid and intracellular recording from forelimb motoneurones was used to investigate corticimotoneuronal pathways in the cat. A train of pyramidal volleys evokes short-latency EPSPS in flexor motoneurones and in many extensor motoneurones. The latency for the onset after the effective pyramidal volley-usually the third - strongly indicates a disynaptic linkage. These disynaptic EPSPs were common in triceps motoneurones to fast heads but rare in those to slow heads. Pyramidal IPSPs with a slightly longer latency, suggesting a trisynaptic linkage, were found in both flexor and extensor motoneurones. They were common in motoneurones to slow heads of triceps. Disynaptic pyramidal IPSPs were found only occasionally. In addition pyramidal volleys may evoke late large EPSPs and/or IPSPs in any combination with the short-latency PSPs.", "PMID": 1010004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11962", "title": "[Difference in the sensitivity of the hamster and the rat to the effects of long-term administration of ethylenethiourea].", "content": "Rats and hamsters were fed ETU at levels of 0, 5, 17, 60, 200 mg/kg in the diet. Body weights, food consumption, seric enzyme activities (GPT, alkaline phosphatase), hepatic enzyme activities (GPT, alkaline phosphatase G6PDH), cholesterolemia, thyroid weight and others organs, histology were the criteria studied. ETU was found causing hypercholesterolemia for the 2 species at 5 mg/kg dietary levels. Thyroid impairement is predominant in rat and hepatic impairment is predominant in hamster. ETU was found to be not carcinogenic for hamsters even at 200 mg/kg level and carcinogenic for rats at 60 mg/kg level for males and 200 mg/kg level for females.", "contents": "[Difference in the sensitivity of the hamster and the rat to the effects of long-term administration of ethylenethiourea]. Rats and hamsters were fed ETU at levels of 0, 5, 17, 60, 200 mg/kg in the diet. Body weights, food consumption, seric enzyme activities (GPT, alkaline phosphatase), hepatic enzyme activities (GPT, alkaline phosphatase G6PDH), cholesterolemia, thyroid weight and others organs, histology were the criteria studied. ETU was found causing hypercholesterolemia for the 2 species at 5 mg/kg dietary levels. Thyroid impairement is predominant in rat and hepatic impairment is predominant in hamster. ETU was found to be not carcinogenic for hamsters even at 200 mg/kg level and carcinogenic for rats at 60 mg/kg level for males and 200 mg/kg level for females.", "PMID": 1009999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11963", "title": "[Toxicity of oxythioquinox (Morestan) administered in a lipid solution].", "content": "Administered to rats by stomach tubing oxythioquinox (Morestan) toxicity is very strongly increased after solubilisation in olive oil. The oxythioquinox DL50, in this case, is 500 mg/kg although we can reach 2.8 g/kg in aqueous suspensions. When it is administered (1 g/kg) in aqueous suspension, the decrease in body weight is the same as these observed with a 5 fold lower dose in oil. Conversion rate feed and weight of differents organs decrease when animals are daily submitted to oxythioquinox in oil, during 16 days, compared with animals treated with an equivalent dose in aqueous suspension. Potentiation, in oil solutions, of the decrease of oxythioquinox intestinal transit, promoting its absorption, could explain the increase of oxythioquinox toxicity in oil solution.", "contents": "[Toxicity of oxythioquinox (Morestan) administered in a lipid solution]. Administered to rats by stomach tubing oxythioquinox (Morestan) toxicity is very strongly increased after solubilisation in olive oil. The oxythioquinox DL50, in this case, is 500 mg/kg although we can reach 2.8 g/kg in aqueous suspensions. When it is administered (1 g/kg) in aqueous suspension, the decrease in body weight is the same as these observed with a 5 fold lower dose in oil. Conversion rate feed and weight of differents organs decrease when animals are daily submitted to oxythioquinox in oil, during 16 days, compared with animals treated with an equivalent dose in aqueous suspension. Potentiation, in oil solutions, of the decrease of oxythioquinox intestinal transit, promoting its absorption, could explain the increase of oxythioquinox toxicity in oil solution.", "PMID": 1009998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11964", "title": "Tyrosine hydroxylation in the rat striatum after fentanyl and droperidol in vivo.", "content": "The effects of fentanyl, droperidol, and morphine on tyrosine hydroxylation in the rat striatum was measured after inhibition of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase with R04-4602. Any direct change in the product of hydroxylation (i.e.dopa) was supposed to reflect a change in enzyme activity. Fentanyl (0.1 mg/kg intraperitoneally) first (10 min) appears to slightly depress, and later (30 min) significantly activate tyrosine hydroxylation. Morphine (10 mg/kg i.p.) activates tyrosine hydroxylation to a much lesser degree than fentanyl. Droperidol (3 mg/kg i.p.) only slightly activates the in vivo activity of the enzyme.", "contents": "Tyrosine hydroxylation in the rat striatum after fentanyl and droperidol in vivo. The effects of fentanyl, droperidol, and morphine on tyrosine hydroxylation in the rat striatum was measured after inhibition of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase with R04-4602. Any direct change in the product of hydroxylation (i.e.dopa) was supposed to reflect a change in enzyme activity. Fentanyl (0.1 mg/kg intraperitoneally) first (10 min) appears to slightly depress, and later (30 min) significantly activate tyrosine hydroxylation. Morphine (10 mg/kg i.p.) activates tyrosine hydroxylation to a much lesser degree than fentanyl. Droperidol (3 mg/kg i.p.) only slightly activates the in vivo activity of the enzyme.", "PMID": 1010005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11965", "title": "[Acute poisoning of an infant by cutaneous application of a local counterirritant and pulmonary antiseptic salve].", "content": "The case of acute poisoning reported here raises the question of the harmlessness of preparations destined for cutaneous application in infants. After describing the method perfected for the identification and estimation of camphor, menthol and thymol in biological material, the authors present the toxicological, clinical and biological arguments in favour of the notion that the cutaneous resorption of these substances was responsible for this acute intoxication in an infant. Particular attention should be paid to poisoning which may result, in the newborn and infant, from the cutaneous application of active substances.", "contents": "[Acute poisoning of an infant by cutaneous application of a local counterirritant and pulmonary antiseptic salve]. The case of acute poisoning reported here raises the question of the harmlessness of preparations destined for cutaneous application in infants. After describing the method perfected for the identification and estimation of camphor, menthol and thymol in biological material, the authors present the toxicological, clinical and biological arguments in favour of the notion that the cutaneous resorption of these substances was responsible for this acute intoxication in an infant. Particular attention should be paid to poisoning which may result, in the newborn and infant, from the cutaneous application of active substances.", "PMID": 1010000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11966", "title": "The sensitivity of rat spinal interneurones and renshaw cells to L-glutamate and L-aspartate.", "content": "L-Glutamate and L-aspartate were administered electrophoretically near spinal interneurones and Renshaw cells of pentobarbitone-annaesthetized rats. Other spinal interneurones were consistently more sensitive to L-glutamate than to L-aspartate. Renshaw cells, however, showed no consistent difference in their sensitivity to these two amino acids. The results, which are compared with those reported previously in the cat, support the hypothesis that L-glutamate could be a transmitter at spinal primary afferent terminals.", "contents": "The sensitivity of rat spinal interneurones and renshaw cells to L-glutamate and L-aspartate. L-Glutamate and L-aspartate were administered electrophoretically near spinal interneurones and Renshaw cells of pentobarbitone-annaesthetized rats. Other spinal interneurones were consistently more sensitive to L-glutamate than to L-aspartate. Renshaw cells, however, showed no consistent difference in their sensitivity to these two amino acids. The results, which are compared with those reported previously in the cat, support the hypothesis that L-glutamate could be a transmitter at spinal primary afferent terminals.", "PMID": 1010006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11967", "title": "Chemical and morphological studies of rat myocardium after application of a necrogenic dose of isoproterenol.", "content": "In male Wistar rats myocardial necroses were produced by application of 80 mg of isoproterenol per kg of body weight. 2 and 48 hours after isoproterenol administration the Na+ and K+ contents were determined. At these times Na+ presented increases of 128 and 83% respectively, and K+ of 13 and 8% respectively as compared to the controls. These results were related to the morphological changes appearing at the same time, and were discussed with references to the literature. Taking edema and vasodilatation into account, the degree of cell damage can be estimated on the basis of the chemical data available.", "contents": "Chemical and morphological studies of rat myocardium after application of a necrogenic dose of isoproterenol. In male Wistar rats myocardial necroses were produced by application of 80 mg of isoproterenol per kg of body weight. 2 and 48 hours after isoproterenol administration the Na+ and K+ contents were determined. At these times Na+ presented increases of 128 and 83% respectively, and K+ of 13 and 8% respectively as compared to the controls. These results were related to the morphological changes appearing at the same time, and were discussed with references to the literature. Taking edema and vasodilatation into account, the degree of cell damage can be estimated on the basis of the chemical data available.", "PMID": 1010007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11968", "title": "Ultrastructural changes in the myocardium due to acute uremic syndrome.", "content": "The acute uremic syndrome caused by bilateral ligation of the ureters leads to ultrastructural changes in the myocardium after 12 hours. They are characterized by dilatation of the tubules of the endoplasmic reticulum and by the focal disintegration of mitochondria. After 24 hours, besides damaged mitochondria the glycogen granules were reduced and the number of pinocytic vesicles in endothelial cells increased. After 48 hours advanced changes of mitochondria associated with myelin structure and dense bodies could be observed. The myofibrils were fragmented. Sometimes contraction rings occurred. After 72 hours all myocardial structures were strongly damaged, especially in the subendocardial and subepicardial regions. In this period the hyperhydration of the myocardium led to dissociation of the myofibrillar structures.", "contents": "Ultrastructural changes in the myocardium due to acute uremic syndrome. The acute uremic syndrome caused by bilateral ligation of the ureters leads to ultrastructural changes in the myocardium after 12 hours. They are characterized by dilatation of the tubules of the endoplasmic reticulum and by the focal disintegration of mitochondria. After 24 hours, besides damaged mitochondria the glycogen granules were reduced and the number of pinocytic vesicles in endothelial cells increased. After 48 hours advanced changes of mitochondria associated with myelin structure and dense bodies could be observed. The myofibrils were fragmented. Sometimes contraction rings occurred. After 72 hours all myocardial structures were strongly damaged, especially in the subendocardial and subepicardial regions. In this period the hyperhydration of the myocardium led to dissociation of the myofibrillar structures.", "PMID": 1010008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11969", "title": "The action of a single toxic dose of 2-acetylaminofluorene or allylic alcohol on the adrenals. I. Behaviour of organ weight and mitotic activity of the adrenocortical cells.", "content": "In male Sprague-Dawley rats the relative organ weight and mitotic activity of the adrenal cortex were investigated after intoxication by a single dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. of 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) or 20 mg/kg b.w. of allylic alcohol (ALL). 36, 42, 48 and 72 hours after application a significant enhancement of the mitotic rate of the adrenocortical cells was produced by AAF in comparison with that following ALL administration. Interrelations of organ weight and proliferative activity could not be found.", "contents": "The action of a single toxic dose of 2-acetylaminofluorene or allylic alcohol on the adrenals. I. Behaviour of organ weight and mitotic activity of the adrenocortical cells. In male Sprague-Dawley rats the relative organ weight and mitotic activity of the adrenal cortex were investigated after intoxication by a single dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. of 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) or 20 mg/kg b.w. of allylic alcohol (ALL). 36, 42, 48 and 72 hours after application a significant enhancement of the mitotic rate of the adrenocortical cells was produced by AAF in comparison with that following ALL administration. Interrelations of organ weight and proliferative activity could not be found.", "PMID": 1010009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11970", "title": "An experimental model for inducing fetal hypotrophy in the rabbit.", "content": "Intravenous injection of a saponin-collargol solution into pregnant rabbits induced, in addition to haemolysis and decrease in body weight of the gravid animals, a dose-dependent intrauterine deficient development of the fetuses accompanied by pronounced general reduction in body weight and disproportionate growth of fetal organs. Brain, heart, lungs, and the kidneys to a lesser degree, were found to be comparatively heavier when compared to the total body weight. The reasons discussed are hypoxia-dependent deficiency in glycogen and glucose, nutritional factors resulting from malnutrition, intoxication, and placental insufficiency due to infarctions, particularly for groups II and III.", "contents": "An experimental model for inducing fetal hypotrophy in the rabbit. Intravenous injection of a saponin-collargol solution into pregnant rabbits induced, in addition to haemolysis and decrease in body weight of the gravid animals, a dose-dependent intrauterine deficient development of the fetuses accompanied by pronounced general reduction in body weight and disproportionate growth of fetal organs. Brain, heart, lungs, and the kidneys to a lesser degree, were found to be comparatively heavier when compared to the total body weight. The reasons discussed are hypoxia-dependent deficiency in glycogen and glucose, nutritional factors resulting from malnutrition, intoxication, and placental insufficiency due to infarctions, particularly for groups II and III.", "PMID": 1010010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11971", "title": "Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of experimentally induced thyroid tumors in rats.", "content": "Irradiation of the neck region of 10 days old Wistar rats with 300 rads X-rays and their subsequent treatment with MTU leads to the development of thyroid tumors. The ultrastructure of the thyroid tumors induced was studied by transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In follicular carcinomas, cylindrical or high columnar cells with abundant microvilli, well-developed ergastoplasmic reticulum and a hypertrophied Golgi complex predominate. The cytoplasm of the tumor cells of papillary carcinomas was composed of large pleomorphic cisternae, irregular in shape mitochondria, dense bodies, phagolysosomes and lamellar or multivesicular structures. Scanning electron microscopy revealed in the control animals a regular pattern of thyroid follicles tied to each other by tissue bridges and covered by set of blood and lymph vessels. The relief of the follicular carcinomas was irregular indicating follicles different in size and shape. The internal surface of the neoplastic follicles was also irregular as result of deep invaginations and intrafollicular cell growth. The apical region of the normal and neoplastic thyroid follicular cells was covered with abundant microvilli protruding into the colloid.", "contents": "Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of experimentally induced thyroid tumors in rats. Irradiation of the neck region of 10 days old Wistar rats with 300 rads X-rays and their subsequent treatment with MTU leads to the development of thyroid tumors. The ultrastructure of the thyroid tumors induced was studied by transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In follicular carcinomas, cylindrical or high columnar cells with abundant microvilli, well-developed ergastoplasmic reticulum and a hypertrophied Golgi complex predominate. The cytoplasm of the tumor cells of papillary carcinomas was composed of large pleomorphic cisternae, irregular in shape mitochondria, dense bodies, phagolysosomes and lamellar or multivesicular structures. Scanning electron microscopy revealed in the control animals a regular pattern of thyroid follicles tied to each other by tissue bridges and covered by set of blood and lymph vessels. The relief of the follicular carcinomas was irregular indicating follicles different in size and shape. The internal surface of the neoplastic follicles was also irregular as result of deep invaginations and intrafollicular cell growth. The apical region of the normal and neoplastic thyroid follicular cells was covered with abundant microvilli protruding into the colloid.", "PMID": 1010011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11972", "title": "Differential uptake of platinum-uracil by human peripheral lymphocytes.", "content": "Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) obtained from healthy individuals and cancer patients were stained with platinum-uracil and processed for electron-microscopic inspection According to their staining behaviour with platinum-uracil human PBL may be divided into two populations. Electron-dense patches at the plasma membrane could also be observed.", "contents": "Differential uptake of platinum-uracil by human peripheral lymphocytes. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) obtained from healthy individuals and cancer patients were stained with platinum-uracil and processed for electron-microscopic inspection According to their staining behaviour with platinum-uracil human PBL may be divided into two populations. Electron-dense patches at the plasma membrane could also be observed.", "PMID": 1010012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11973", "title": "Cytotoxicity of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid fulvine to pancreatic acinar cells in the rat. Light microscopic, histochemical and ultrastructural studies.", "content": "Veno-occlusive disease of the liver is caused by the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid fulvine which is found in the plant Crotolaria fulva. Histological, histochemical and electronmicroscopic studies carried out in Wistar rats showed that an aqueous solution of fulvine produced an acute pancreatopathy with interstitial oedema and secondary hypoxic dystrophy of the acinar cells, when administered at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight.", "contents": "Cytotoxicity of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid fulvine to pancreatic acinar cells in the rat. Light microscopic, histochemical and ultrastructural studies. Veno-occlusive disease of the liver is caused by the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid fulvine which is found in the plant Crotolaria fulva. Histological, histochemical and electronmicroscopic studies carried out in Wistar rats showed that an aqueous solution of fulvine produced an acute pancreatopathy with interstitial oedema and secondary hypoxic dystrophy of the acinar cells, when administered at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight.", "PMID": 1010013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11974", "title": "[Research on heterocyclic compounds. III. Imidazo/1,2-a/pyrimidin-2-acetic acid and correlated compounds].", "content": "The preparation of imidazo [1,2-a] pyrimidin-2-acetic acid by two different synthetic methods is reported. A structure is tentatively proposed for a side product.", "contents": "[Research on heterocyclic compounds. III. Imidazo/1,2-a/pyrimidin-2-acetic acid and correlated compounds]. The preparation of imidazo [1,2-a] pyrimidin-2-acetic acid by two different synthetic methods is reported. A structure is tentatively proposed for a side product.", "PMID": 1010022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11975", "title": "2- and 5- substituted 5-amino-2,6,6-trimethyltetrahydropyrans.", "content": "Reaction of N,N-disubstituted 2-carboxyamido-2,6,6-trimethyltetrahydropyran-5-carboxylic acids with diphenyl phosphorazide in the presence of triethylamine and benzyl alcohol gave N,N-disubstituted 5-benzyloxycarbonylamino-2-carboxyamido-2,6,6-trimethyltetrahydr-pyrans, which in turn yielded N,-disubstituted 2-aminomethyl-5-methylamino-2,6,6-trimethyltetrahydropyrans by LiA1H4 reduction. 5-Benzyloxycarbonylamino-2-carboxypyrrolidino-2,6,6-trimethyltetrahydropyran gave 5-amino-2,6,6-trimethyl-2--pyrrolidinomethyltetrahydropyran by hydrogenolysis followed by LiA1H4 reduction. Among the amides prepared from the latter, the diphenylacetic acid amide showed antiarrhythmic and local-anesthetic activity.", "contents": "2- and 5- substituted 5-amino-2,6,6-trimethyltetrahydropyrans. Reaction of N,N-disubstituted 2-carboxyamido-2,6,6-trimethyltetrahydropyran-5-carboxylic acids with diphenyl phosphorazide in the presence of triethylamine and benzyl alcohol gave N,N-disubstituted 5-benzyloxycarbonylamino-2-carboxyamido-2,6,6-trimethyltetrahydr-pyrans, which in turn yielded N,-disubstituted 2-aminomethyl-5-methylamino-2,6,6-trimethyltetrahydropyrans by LiA1H4 reduction. 5-Benzyloxycarbonylamino-2-carboxypyrrolidino-2,6,6-trimethyltetrahydropyran gave 5-amino-2,6,6-trimethyl-2--pyrrolidinomethyltetrahydropyran by hydrogenolysis followed by LiA1H4 reduction. Among the amides prepared from the latter, the diphenylacetic acid amide showed antiarrhythmic and local-anesthetic activity.", "PMID": 1010023} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11976", "title": "[N-acylindoline with phytotoxic activity. I].", "content": "A series of N-acyl derivatives of indoline (A) was prepared and tested for phytotoxic activity. The substances studied (Tables I leads to III, substances I leads to XXVIII) were prepared by reaction of indoline with suitable acylating agents and were mainly new compounds. The biological tests consisted in pre- and post-emergence treatment in doses of 6 kg/ha or lower doses on five common weeds; one substance (XXV) was tested also on other species of economic importance (Table III). The results show that of the three classes studied the N-carbamoyl- and N-thiocarbamoyl derivatives of indoline have wide spectrum phytotoxic activity especialy on absorption via the foliage. The highest phytotoxic activity in both pre- and post-emergence tests was shown by N-(methylcarbamoyl)indoline (XIII) and N-(dimethylcarbamoyl(indoline (XXIII).", "contents": "[N-acylindoline with phytotoxic activity. I]. A series of N-acyl derivatives of indoline (A) was prepared and tested for phytotoxic activity. The substances studied (Tables I leads to III, substances I leads to XXVIII) were prepared by reaction of indoline with suitable acylating agents and were mainly new compounds. The biological tests consisted in pre- and post-emergence treatment in doses of 6 kg/ha or lower doses on five common weeds; one substance (XXV) was tested also on other species of economic importance (Table III). The results show that of the three classes studied the N-carbamoyl- and N-thiocarbamoyl derivatives of indoline have wide spectrum phytotoxic activity especialy on absorption via the foliage. The highest phytotoxic activity in both pre- and post-emergence tests was shown by N-(methylcarbamoyl)indoline (XIII) and N-(dimethylcarbamoyl(indoline (XXIII).", "PMID": 1010024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11977", "title": "Radiopaque contrast media. XXXIX - Metabolism of iopronic acid by rat liver microsomes: characterization and identification of the metabolites.", "content": "The metabolism of iopronic acid, 2(2[(3-acetamido-2,4,6-triiodophenoxy)ethoxy]methyl)butyric acid, was studied in vitro using rat liver microsomes as enzyme source. By means of solvent extraction, T.L.C., H.P.L.C. and mass spectrometry, the hydroxyethyl (3-acetamido-2,4,6-triiodophenyl) ether and the 3-acetamido-2,4,6-triiodophenoxyacetic acid have been identified as the metabolities of the parent drug. No deiodinated metabolites were found. The probable mechanism of the in vitro formation of the metabolites is discussed.", "contents": "Radiopaque contrast media. XXXIX - Metabolism of iopronic acid by rat liver microsomes: characterization and identification of the metabolites. The metabolism of iopronic acid, 2(2[(3-acetamido-2,4,6-triiodophenoxy)ethoxy]methyl)butyric acid, was studied in vitro using rat liver microsomes as enzyme source. By means of solvent extraction, T.L.C., H.P.L.C. and mass spectrometry, the hydroxyethyl (3-acetamido-2,4,6-triiodophenyl) ether and the 3-acetamido-2,4,6-triiodophenoxyacetic acid have been identified as the metabolities of the parent drug. No deiodinated metabolites were found. The probable mechanism of the in vitro formation of the metabolites is discussed.", "PMID": 1010025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11978", "title": "Prostaglandins XI. alpha-Halo-alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones: a synthetic approach to 13-dehydroprostaglandins.", "content": "Synthesis of alpha-halo-alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones from aldehydes as a synthetic approach to prostaglandins is investigated.", "contents": "Prostaglandins XI. alpha-Halo-alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones: a synthetic approach to 13-dehydroprostaglandins. Synthesis of alpha-halo-alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones from aldehydes as a synthetic approach to prostaglandins is investigated.", "PMID": 1010026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11979", "title": "Synthesis of N-acetylcysteine compounds.", "content": "The preparation of some anilides, esters and amides of N-acetyl and N,S-diacetyl-cysteine is described. Of the compounds synthesized, particular interest was aroused by the p-hydroxyanilide derivatives of N-acetyl and N,S-diacetyl-L-cysteine owing to their analgesic, antiinflammatory and antipyretic activity.", "contents": "Synthesis of N-acetylcysteine compounds. The preparation of some anilides, esters and amides of N-acetyl and N,S-diacetyl-cysteine is described. Of the compounds synthesized, particular interest was aroused by the p-hydroxyanilide derivatives of N-acetyl and N,S-diacetyl-L-cysteine owing to their analgesic, antiinflammatory and antipyretic activity.", "PMID": 1010027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11980", "title": "[Research on heterocyclic compounds. IV. Imidezopyrimidine acetic acids].", "content": "A group of ethyl imidazo (1,2-a) and imidazo (1,2-c)pyrimidin-2-acetates was prepared, starting respectively from 2-amino- and 4-aminopyrimidines, by reaction with ethyl 4-bromoacetoacetate. From these esters the corresponding acids were prepared and their antiinflammatory activity was evaluated.", "contents": "[Research on heterocyclic compounds. IV. Imidezopyrimidine acetic acids]. A group of ethyl imidazo (1,2-a) and imidazo (1,2-c)pyrimidin-2-acetates was prepared, starting respectively from 2-amino- and 4-aminopyrimidines, by reaction with ethyl 4-bromoacetoacetate. From these esters the corresponding acids were prepared and their antiinflammatory activity was evaluated.", "PMID": 1010028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11981", "title": "[Reaction between 2-nitrobenzoylaminomalonate and acrylic aldehyde for the synthesis of compounds with the pyrrolo/2,1-ch h 1,4/benzodiazepine structure].", "content": "The synthesis of 5,11-dioxo-1,2,3,10,11,11a-hexahydro-5H-pyrrolo (2,1-c) (1,4)benzodiazepine and 2-bromo-5,11-dioxo-1,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-5H-pyrrolo (2,1-c) (1,4)benzodiazepin-11a-ethylcarboxylate, structurally related to anthramycin and tomaymycin, was achieved by forming in situ the pyrrolidine nucleus instead of using proline or its derivatives. The most important intermediate was 1-(2-nitrobenzoyl)-delta4-pyrrolin-2,2-dicarboxylate which was then easily transformed into the above-mentioned tricyclic systems, starting with catalytic reduction or bromination.", "contents": "[Reaction between 2-nitrobenzoylaminomalonate and acrylic aldehyde for the synthesis of compounds with the pyrrolo/2,1-ch h 1,4/benzodiazepine structure]. The synthesis of 5,11-dioxo-1,2,3,10,11,11a-hexahydro-5H-pyrrolo (2,1-c) (1,4)benzodiazepine and 2-bromo-5,11-dioxo-1,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-5H-pyrrolo (2,1-c) (1,4)benzodiazepin-11a-ethylcarboxylate, structurally related to anthramycin and tomaymycin, was achieved by forming in situ the pyrrolidine nucleus instead of using proline or its derivatives. The most important intermediate was 1-(2-nitrobenzoyl)-delta4-pyrrolin-2,2-dicarboxylate which was then easily transformed into the above-mentioned tricyclic systems, starting with catalytic reduction or bromination.", "PMID": 1010029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11982", "title": "Dimeric hydrazones of 3-formylrifamycin SV:synthesis, antibacterial activity and other biological properties.", "content": "The synthesis of some dimeric hydrazones of 3-formylrifamycin SV is described. The chemical and physical characteristics, the antibacterial activity and other biolgoical properties of the new derivatives are reported.", "contents": "Dimeric hydrazones of 3-formylrifamycin SV:synthesis, antibacterial activity and other biological properties. The synthesis of some dimeric hydrazones of 3-formylrifamycin SV is described. The chemical and physical characteristics, the antibacterial activity and other biolgoical properties of the new derivatives are reported.", "PMID": 1010030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11983", "title": "[Synthesis and biological activity of 1,2,3-triazol-1,8-naphthyridines].", "content": "The reaction of 2-methyl-5-azido-1,8-naphthyridine with active methylene compounds was investigated. Several naphthyridines which possess the 1,2,3-triazole ring as a substituent were obtained. Among these compounds (IV o) showed an analgesic activity twice that of phenylbutazone.", "contents": "[Synthesis and biological activity of 1,2,3-triazol-1,8-naphthyridines]. The reaction of 2-methyl-5-azido-1,8-naphthyridine with active methylene compounds was investigated. Several naphthyridines which possess the 1,2,3-triazole ring as a substituent were obtained. Among these compounds (IV o) showed an analgesic activity twice that of phenylbutazone.", "PMID": 1010031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11984", "title": "Platelet aggregation inhibitors. II - N-heterocyclic aldoxime methiodides (1).", "content": "On the basis of an hypothesis according to which suitable nucleophilic agents may convert adenosine diphosphate (ADP) into adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine, well known inhibitors of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, some N-heterocyclic aldoxime methiodides were tested as inhibitors of ADP-induced rabbit platelet aggregation. Several 1-aryl-2-hydroxyiminomethly-3-methylimidazolium iodides significantly inhibit in vitro and in vivo-in vitro ADP-induced rabbit platelet aggregation.", "contents": "Platelet aggregation inhibitors. II - N-heterocyclic aldoxime methiodides (1). On the basis of an hypothesis according to which suitable nucleophilic agents may convert adenosine diphosphate (ADP) into adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine, well known inhibitors of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, some N-heterocyclic aldoxime methiodides were tested as inhibitors of ADP-induced rabbit platelet aggregation. Several 1-aryl-2-hydroxyiminomethly-3-methylimidazolium iodides significantly inhibit in vitro and in vivo-in vitro ADP-induced rabbit platelet aggregation.", "PMID": 1010032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11985", "title": "[Complexes of pteridines with phenothiazine and phenoxazine derivatives].", "content": "Folic acid and pteroylaspartic acid form solid complexes with N-dialkylaminoalylphenothiazines and with N-dialkylaminoalkylphenoxazines. Folic acid forms 1:2 solid complexes with derivatives having the amine nitrogen in gamma position to heterocyclic nitrogen; the complexes are not formed with those derivatives in which the amine nitrogen is in the beta position to the heterocyclic nitrogen. Pteroylaspartic acid forms 1: 1 solid complexes with classes of compounds having aminic nitrogen in both gamma or beta position to the heterocyclic nitrogen.", "contents": "[Complexes of pteridines with phenothiazine and phenoxazine derivatives]. Folic acid and pteroylaspartic acid form solid complexes with N-dialkylaminoalylphenothiazines and with N-dialkylaminoalkylphenoxazines. Folic acid forms 1:2 solid complexes with derivatives having the amine nitrogen in gamma position to heterocyclic nitrogen; the complexes are not formed with those derivatives in which the amine nitrogen is in the beta position to the heterocyclic nitrogen. Pteroylaspartic acid forms 1: 1 solid complexes with classes of compounds having aminic nitrogen in both gamma or beta position to the heterocyclic nitrogen.", "PMID": 1010033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11986", "title": "[Correlative analysis of chemical structure - biological activity using Hansch's method: principles and development of the method].", "content": "The basic principles and developments on which the Hansch multiple parameter approach depends are described. A correlation analysis on the antibacterial activity of 2-Y-4-(X-phenyl)-3H-1,5-benzodiazepines is discussed. The use of indicator varioables is shown to greatly increase one's ability to formulate quantitative structure-activity relationships. This approach allows one to carry out objective studies of massive amounts of chemical and biological data.", "contents": "[Correlative analysis of chemical structure - biological activity using Hansch's method: principles and development of the method]. The basic principles and developments on which the Hansch multiple parameter approach depends are described. A correlation analysis on the antibacterial activity of 2-Y-4-(X-phenyl)-3H-1,5-benzodiazepines is discussed. The use of indicator varioables is shown to greatly increase one's ability to formulate quantitative structure-activity relationships. This approach allows one to carry out objective studies of massive amounts of chemical and biological data.", "PMID": 1010034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11987", "title": "[Chemical and pharmacological research on pyran derivatives. VI. 2-Dialkylamino-4-oxo-4H-naphto/1,2-b/pyrans and derivatives].", "content": "The 2-dialkylamino-4-oxo-4H-naphtho [1,2-b]pyrans are obtained by the reaction of N,N-dialkylethoxycarbonylacetamides with alpha-naphthol and with substituted alpha-naphthols. The products on treatment with formaldehyde and morpholine or piperidine or N-methylpiperazine are transformed into the 2-dialkylamino-3-dialkylaminomethyl-4-oxo-4H-naphtho [1,2-b]pyrans. Pharmacological investigation has shown that 2-dimethylamino (K 12164), 2-(N-ethyl, N-methyl)amino- (K 12087) and 2-diethylamino-4-oxox-4H-naphtho [1,2-b]pyran (K 12165) show clear neurotropic activity of the neuroleptic type whereas compounds of the isomeric series, 1H-naphtho-[2,1-b]pyrans, studied previously (1), show anticonvulsive and sedative activity. This difference in pharmacological activity has prompted a more complete comparative examination of the activity of the two series of compounds. Study of antagonism to the effects of reserpine by both 4H-naphtho [1,2-b]pyrans and 1H-naphtho [2,1-b]pyrans has shown that in the latter series the 1-oxo-3-dimethylamino- (K 8291), the 1-oxo-3-(N-ethyl, N-methyl)amino- (K 8409) and the 1-oxo-3-diethylamino-1H-naphtho [2,1-b]-pyran (K 8292) have marked neurotropic activity of the antidepressive type.", "contents": "[Chemical and pharmacological research on pyran derivatives. VI. 2-Dialkylamino-4-oxo-4H-naphto/1,2-b/pyrans and derivatives]. The 2-dialkylamino-4-oxo-4H-naphtho [1,2-b]pyrans are obtained by the reaction of N,N-dialkylethoxycarbonylacetamides with alpha-naphthol and with substituted alpha-naphthols. The products on treatment with formaldehyde and morpholine or piperidine or N-methylpiperazine are transformed into the 2-dialkylamino-3-dialkylaminomethyl-4-oxo-4H-naphtho [1,2-b]pyrans. Pharmacological investigation has shown that 2-dimethylamino (K 12164), 2-(N-ethyl, N-methyl)amino- (K 12087) and 2-diethylamino-4-oxox-4H-naphtho [1,2-b]pyran (K 12165) show clear neurotropic activity of the neuroleptic type whereas compounds of the isomeric series, 1H-naphtho-[2,1-b]pyrans, studied previously (1), show anticonvulsive and sedative activity. This difference in pharmacological activity has prompted a more complete comparative examination of the activity of the two series of compounds. Study of antagonism to the effects of reserpine by both 4H-naphtho [1,2-b]pyrans and 1H-naphtho [2,1-b]pyrans has shown that in the latter series the 1-oxo-3-dimethylamino- (K 8291), the 1-oxo-3-(N-ethyl, N-methyl)amino- (K 8409) and the 1-oxo-3-diethylamino-1H-naphtho [2,1-b]-pyran (K 8292) have marked neurotropic activity of the antidepressive type.", "PMID": 1010035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11988", "title": "Prostaglandins X. An improved route for synthesis of PGF2beta analogues.", "content": "Esterification with inversion is a highly stereospecific reaction by which one-step conversion of PGF2alpha to PGF2beta is obtained with very satisfactory yield.", "contents": "Prostaglandins X. An improved route for synthesis of PGF2beta analogues. Esterification with inversion is a highly stereospecific reaction by which one-step conversion of PGF2alpha to PGF2beta is obtained with very satisfactory yield.", "PMID": 1010036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11989", "title": "[Synthesis of quinazolinic and benzoxazinonic acids and study of their anti-inflammatory activity].", "content": "The preparation of some phenylalkonic acids where the phenylalkanoic moiety is introduced into the position 3 of derivatives of 4(3H)quinazolinone, 2,3-dihydro-4(1H)quinazolinone or of 2,3-dihydro-4H-1,3-benzoxain-4-one is described. The products were tested for antinflammatory activity but proved to be devoid of significant activity.", "contents": "[Synthesis of quinazolinic and benzoxazinonic acids and study of their anti-inflammatory activity]. The preparation of some phenylalkonic acids where the phenylalkanoic moiety is introduced into the position 3 of derivatives of 4(3H)quinazolinone, 2,3-dihydro-4(1H)quinazolinone or of 2,3-dihydro-4H-1,3-benzoxain-4-one is described. The products were tested for antinflammatory activity but proved to be devoid of significant activity.", "PMID": 1010037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11990", "title": "Charge-transfer complexes of p-hydroxyphenylbutazone.", "content": "C.T.-complexes of p-hydroxyphenylbutazone with various complexing agents of the amine-type are described. Some correlations between molecular structure and equilibrium constants as well as spectroscopic parameters are reported.", "contents": "Charge-transfer complexes of p-hydroxyphenylbutazone. C.T.-complexes of p-hydroxyphenylbutazone with various complexing agents of the amine-type are described. Some correlations between molecular structure and equilibrium constants as well as spectroscopic parameters are reported.", "PMID": 1010038} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11991", "title": "Synthesis and pharmacological properties of some new 1,1-diarylacetic acid derivatives.", "content": "A series of 13 new 1,1-diphenylacetic acid derivatives was synthesized via common transformations of 2-phenyl-2-(p-nitrophenyl) propio- and butyronitriles. The compounds were submitted to pharmacological screening. 2-Phenyl-2-(p-aminophenyl)propionamide (VIII) showed high anticonvulsant activity.", "contents": "Synthesis and pharmacological properties of some new 1,1-diarylacetic acid derivatives. A series of 13 new 1,1-diphenylacetic acid derivatives was synthesized via common transformations of 2-phenyl-2-(p-nitrophenyl) propio- and butyronitriles. The compounds were submitted to pharmacological screening. 2-Phenyl-2-(p-aminophenyl)propionamide (VIII) showed high anticonvulsant activity.", "PMID": 1010039} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11992", "title": "[Research on nitrogen heterocyclic compounds. X. New method of synthesis of pyrrolo/1,2-a/quinoline and its derivatives].", "content": "The synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline derivatives from 1-arylpyrroles bearing an acetic acid or acetonitrile moiety on the benzene or pyrrole nucleus is described. Pyrrolo [1,2-a]quinoline derivatives have some pharmaceutical interest as cyclic analogues of 9H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indole and 5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c] [1,4]-benzodiazepine, the basic structures of the antitumor antibiotics mitomycin C, anthramycin and tomaymycin.", "contents": "[Research on nitrogen heterocyclic compounds. X. New method of synthesis of pyrrolo/1,2-a/quinoline and its derivatives]. The synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline derivatives from 1-arylpyrroles bearing an acetic acid or acetonitrile moiety on the benzene or pyrrole nucleus is described. Pyrrolo [1,2-a]quinoline derivatives have some pharmaceutical interest as cyclic analogues of 9H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indole and 5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c] [1,4]-benzodiazepine, the basic structures of the antitumor antibiotics mitomycin C, anthramycin and tomaymycin.", "PMID": 1010040} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11993", "title": "[Synthesis of 2-aminoisoindolin-1-ones with or without 6-substituents].", "content": "The synthesis of 5- and 6-chloro, 5- and 6-methoxy, 5,6-dimethoxy, 6-amino and 6-nitro-2-aminoisoindolin-1-ones (III b...h), starting from the substituted phthalides (Vb...g), are reported. Chloro and methoxy-derivatives (III b...f) have been prepared by reduction of phthalazin-1-(2H)-ones (Ib...f) with zinc and acids under controlled conditions to afford the 3,4-dihydrocompounds (II), that have been rearranged to (III b...f) with hydrazine hydrate or hydrochloric acid (Scheme 3). The synthesis of 6-nitro and 6-amino-derivatives (III g,h) have been respectively accomplished by hydrolysis and hydrogenolysis of 6-nitro-2-benzylidenaminoisoindolin-1-one (IV g), prepared by chlorination and ring closure with sodium carbonate of benzylidenhydrazide of 5-nitro-2-hydroxymethyl-benzoic acid (Scheme 2).", "contents": "[Synthesis of 2-aminoisoindolin-1-ones with or without 6-substituents]. The synthesis of 5- and 6-chloro, 5- and 6-methoxy, 5,6-dimethoxy, 6-amino and 6-nitro-2-aminoisoindolin-1-ones (III b...h), starting from the substituted phthalides (Vb...g), are reported. Chloro and methoxy-derivatives (III b...f) have been prepared by reduction of phthalazin-1-(2H)-ones (Ib...f) with zinc and acids under controlled conditions to afford the 3,4-dihydrocompounds (II), that have been rearranged to (III b...f) with hydrazine hydrate or hydrochloric acid (Scheme 3). The synthesis of 6-nitro and 6-amino-derivatives (III g,h) have been respectively accomplished by hydrolysis and hydrogenolysis of 6-nitro-2-benzylidenaminoisoindolin-1-one (IV g), prepared by chlorination and ring closure with sodium carbonate of benzylidenhydrazide of 5-nitro-2-hydroxymethyl-benzoic acid (Scheme 2).", "PMID": 1010041} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11994", "title": "[Strychnine-neuronographic study of orbital cortex projections to structures of the pons varolii].", "content": "In adult cats, it was shown that the orbital cortex had direct contra - and ipsilateral projections to oral and caudal reticular nuclei of the pons, to caudal part of the Guden neuclei, to pons covering nucleus, to sulure nucleus, to trigeminal nuclei, and to such conducting formations, as the trapezoid body and pyramidal tract. The orbital gyri connections were mostly ipsilateral and to the caudal part of caudal reticular nucleus of the pons, to oral part of the reticular giganto-cellular nucleus, and to the own pons nuclei. The highest firing rate and amplitude were recorded in the inhibition zone of the reticular formation (the site of overlapping of the oral and caudal reticular nuclei of the pons).", "contents": "[Strychnine-neuronographic study of orbital cortex projections to structures of the pons varolii]. In adult cats, it was shown that the orbital cortex had direct contra - and ipsilateral projections to oral and caudal reticular nuclei of the pons, to caudal part of the Guden neuclei, to pons covering nucleus, to sulure nucleus, to trigeminal nuclei, and to such conducting formations, as the trapezoid body and pyramidal tract. The orbital gyri connections were mostly ipsilateral and to the caudal part of caudal reticular nucleus of the pons, to oral part of the reticular giganto-cellular nucleus, and to the own pons nuclei. The highest firing rate and amplitude were recorded in the inhibition zone of the reticular formation (the site of overlapping of the oral and caudal reticular nuclei of the pons).", "PMID": 1010060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11995", "title": "[Properties and organization of pyramidal neurons of the rat motor cortex].", "content": "Antidromic potential sin cortical neurons elicited by stimulation of pyramids and different segments of the spinal cord were studied with the aid of extracellular recording in rats. Axons of about 2/3 of the cells under study formed the cortico-spinal tract passing through the ventral portion of the dorsal column up to the lumbar segments of the spinal cord. Conduction velocity along the cortico-spinal axons varied from 2.3 to 17.0 m/sec.", "contents": "[Properties and organization of pyramidal neurons of the rat motor cortex]. Antidromic potential sin cortical neurons elicited by stimulation of pyramids and different segments of the spinal cord were studied with the aid of extracellular recording in rats. Axons of about 2/3 of the cells under study formed the cortico-spinal tract passing through the ventral portion of the dorsal column up to the lumbar segments of the spinal cord. Conduction velocity along the cortico-spinal axons varied from 2.3 to 17.0 m/sec.", "PMID": 1010061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11996", "title": "[Relations between hypothalamic autostimulation and current strength].", "content": "In order to examine effects of current intensity of the self-stimulation rate and to study evoked behavioural, somatic, and visceral responses, 105 electrodes were implanted in 35 cats in the lateral hypothalamus. Electrical stimulation produced all kinds of behavioural patterns depending upon both the electrode location and the current intensity. Three types of self-stimulation curves were differentiated on the basis of curve shapes and the maximum rate of self-stimulation.", "contents": "[Relations between hypothalamic autostimulation and current strength]. In order to examine effects of current intensity of the self-stimulation rate and to study evoked behavioural, somatic, and visceral responses, 105 electrodes were implanted in 35 cats in the lateral hypothalamus. Electrical stimulation produced all kinds of behavioural patterns depending upon both the electrode location and the current intensity. Three types of self-stimulation curves were differentiated on the basis of curve shapes and the maximum rate of self-stimulation.", "PMID": 1010065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11997", "title": "[Receptor responses to amino acids recorded from the surface of the olfactory bulb].", "content": "Spontaneous activity and evoked responses were studied in different parts of the carp olfactory bulb. Application of 10(-3) GABA to the bulb surface elicited some or no changes in the patterns of activity, according to the site of application. This finding suggests the receptor's axons to be the source of activity recorded on the surface of rostral or middle bulb portions. During stimulation with 10(-2)--10(-9) M amino acids, a rapid increase in the spike activity occurred. The concentration-response relations were revealed for a number of amino acids. Some groups of receptor axons possessed a selective sensitivity to histamine and to water from aquarium with fishes.", "contents": "[Receptor responses to amino acids recorded from the surface of the olfactory bulb]. Spontaneous activity and evoked responses were studied in different parts of the carp olfactory bulb. Application of 10(-3) GABA to the bulb surface elicited some or no changes in the patterns of activity, according to the site of application. This finding suggests the receptor's axons to be the source of activity recorded on the surface of rostral or middle bulb portions. During stimulation with 10(-2)--10(-9) M amino acids, a rapid increase in the spike activity occurred. The concentration-response relations were revealed for a number of amino acids. Some groups of receptor axons possessed a selective sensitivity to histamine and to water from aquarium with fishes.", "PMID": 1010066} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11998", "title": "[Influence of the ventro-medial nuclei of the hypothalamus on adrenocortical function under conditions of muscular stress].", "content": "After repeated stimulation of hypothalamic ventro-medial nuclei with square electrical stimuli, swimming during 20 min with a load equal to 10% of body weight increases the weight of adrenal glands, the width of the cortical layer, and the width of glomerular fascicular, and reticular zones, decreasing at the same time the ascrobinic acid and cholesterin contents in the gland as well as the eosinophil content in the peripheral blood. After lesion of the ventro-medial nuclei, the same effects of the swimming are less obvious than in normal, with no stimulation whatever.", "contents": "[Influence of the ventro-medial nuclei of the hypothalamus on adrenocortical function under conditions of muscular stress]. After repeated stimulation of hypothalamic ventro-medial nuclei with square electrical stimuli, swimming during 20 min with a load equal to 10% of body weight increases the weight of adrenal glands, the width of the cortical layer, and the width of glomerular fascicular, and reticular zones, decreasing at the same time the ascrobinic acid and cholesterin contents in the gland as well as the eosinophil content in the peripheral blood. After lesion of the ventro-medial nuclei, the same effects of the swimming are less obvious than in normal, with no stimulation whatever.", "PMID": 1010067} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_11999", "title": "[Responses of lumbar flexor motoneurons to stimulation of limb afferents].", "content": "Interaction of PSPs elicited by stimulation of hindlimb and forelimb afferent nerves was studied in lumbar flexor motoneurons of anesthetized cats. Activation of forelimb afferents evoked EPSPs of considerable duration; no IPSPs were observed. Stimulation of hindlimb flexor afferents evoked EPSPs in the same motoneurons, their early component being of segmental origin and their late component--of spino-bulbo-spinal one. Interaction of afferent systems of fore--and hindlimbs caused a long-lasting depression of EPSPs. The depression of EPSPs was not followed by generation of IPSPs in motoneurons, Possible integrative levels of interlimb inhibitory coordination are discussed.", "contents": "[Responses of lumbar flexor motoneurons to stimulation of limb afferents]. Interaction of PSPs elicited by stimulation of hindlimb and forelimb afferent nerves was studied in lumbar flexor motoneurons of anesthetized cats. Activation of forelimb afferents evoked EPSPs of considerable duration; no IPSPs were observed. Stimulation of hindlimb flexor afferents evoked EPSPs in the same motoneurons, their early component being of segmental origin and their late component--of spino-bulbo-spinal one. Interaction of afferent systems of fore--and hindlimbs caused a long-lasting depression of EPSPs. The depression of EPSPs was not followed by generation of IPSPs in motoneurons, Possible integrative levels of interlimb inhibitory coordination are discussed.", "PMID": 1010068} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12000", "title": "[Reactions of nervous elements to K+ accumulation in the medium and functional potassium feedback at the synapse].", "content": "Increase in (K+)n leads to biphasic cahnges of MP and AP in the frog nerve. The first (ascending) phase at minor K+ accumulation is associated with activation of the membrane electrogenic ionic pump, the second (descending) phase at major K+ accumulation--with deploraization of the membrane. The rhythmic postsynaptic activity (50 Epp/sec.) produces the positive shift of ErevEpp. The latter indicates a potassium accumulation in synaptic cleft. The increase of (K+) in the medium leads also to biphasic change of the quantum contant of the synaptic transmission. The data obtained point out to participation of the synaptic potassium functional feedback (FF) in the phenomena of postactivational potentiation and presynaptic pessimum in the neuromuscular synapse. Hypotheses of participation of the potassium FF of neuro-neuronal synapses in the phenomena of conditioning and domineering, are advanced.", "contents": "[Reactions of nervous elements to K+ accumulation in the medium and functional potassium feedback at the synapse]. Increase in (K+)n leads to biphasic cahnges of MP and AP in the frog nerve. The first (ascending) phase at minor K+ accumulation is associated with activation of the membrane electrogenic ionic pump, the second (descending) phase at major K+ accumulation--with deploraization of the membrane. The rhythmic postsynaptic activity (50 Epp/sec.) produces the positive shift of ErevEpp. The latter indicates a potassium accumulation in synaptic cleft. The increase of (K+) in the medium leads also to biphasic change of the quantum contant of the synaptic transmission. The data obtained point out to participation of the synaptic potassium functional feedback (FF) in the phenomena of postactivational potentiation and presynaptic pessimum in the neuromuscular synapse. Hypotheses of participation of the potassium FF of neuro-neuronal synapses in the phenomena of conditioning and domineering, are advanced.", "PMID": 1010069} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12001", "title": "[Summation of arterial pressure responses to simultaneous stimulation of the central ends of the two vagus nerves].", "content": "In anesthetized vagotomized cats, electrical stimulation of the n. vagus was followed by an increase or decrease of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate, and of responses of these parameters to simulation of the other n. vagus. On increase of the strength of stimulation the testing response had multiphase variations. Mean depressor response of BP changed in the same way as the conditioning stimulus, while the pressor response changed in the opposite way. The vasomotor center is concluded to have an autoregulation mechanism which maintains activity of the center by increasing or decreasing the sensitivity to vagal afferents.", "contents": "[Summation of arterial pressure responses to simultaneous stimulation of the central ends of the two vagus nerves]. In anesthetized vagotomized cats, electrical stimulation of the n. vagus was followed by an increase or decrease of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate, and of responses of these parameters to simulation of the other n. vagus. On increase of the strength of stimulation the testing response had multiphase variations. Mean depressor response of BP changed in the same way as the conditioning stimulus, while the pressor response changed in the opposite way. The vasomotor center is concluded to have an autoregulation mechanism which maintains activity of the center by increasing or decreasing the sensitivity to vagal afferents.", "PMID": 1010070} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12002", "title": "[Effect of fat on renal water excretion under conditions of disorders in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone].", "content": "The fat antidiuretic effect was studied in rats with inhereted diabetes insipidus (DI rats). In these animals the decrease of urine flow after fat ingestion was less stable and less profound as compared with non--DI: sunflower oil produced no effect in 12 DI rats out of 19, the per cent of inhibition in the other 7 being not more than 50%. No changes in urine osmalality were observed during the period of fat inhibition, while a significant decrease in creatinine excretion was revealed. Fat antidiuresis in DI rats was not affected by ethanol administration. These findings corroborate the assumption that fat ingestion in healthy animals is accompanied by the ADH release. It seems that changes in glomerular filtration rate are involved in the mechanism of this kind of antidiuretic response, at least in rats with impaired ADH secretion", "contents": "[Effect of fat on renal water excretion under conditions of disorders in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone]. The fat antidiuretic effect was studied in rats with inhereted diabetes insipidus (DI rats). In these animals the decrease of urine flow after fat ingestion was less stable and less profound as compared with non--DI: sunflower oil produced no effect in 12 DI rats out of 19, the per cent of inhibition in the other 7 being not more than 50%. No changes in urine osmalality were observed during the period of fat inhibition, while a significant decrease in creatinine excretion was revealed. Fat antidiuresis in DI rats was not affected by ethanol administration. These findings corroborate the assumption that fat ingestion in healthy animals is accompanied by the ADH release. It seems that changes in glomerular filtration rate are involved in the mechanism of this kind of antidiuretic response, at least in rats with impaired ADH secretion", "PMID": 1010073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12003", "title": "[Principles of convergence and dominance].", "content": "The development of views on the convergence and dominant principles in cerebral cortex activity is described in this paper. The modern conceptions of the stable and dynamic synaptic inflows converging on somatodendritic membrane of the same neuron are presented. Also the significance of excitation level for neuronal constellation simultaneous activity and the possibility of the activity traces fixation in the multisensory neuron chains are considered.", "contents": "[Principles of convergence and dominance]. The development of views on the convergence and dominant principles in cerebral cortex activity is described in this paper. The modern conceptions of the stable and dynamic synaptic inflows converging on somatodendritic membrane of the same neuron are presented. Also the significance of excitation level for neuronal constellation simultaneous activity and the possibility of the activity traces fixation in the multisensory neuron chains are considered.", "PMID": 1010081} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12004", "title": "[Interrelationships between the tissue link of the hemostatic system and the sympatho-adrenal system following transfusion of heterogenous blood].", "content": "In an experiment using 86 white rats it was found that during incompatible hemotransfusion shifts take place not only in the humoral but also in the tissue link of the hemostatic system. It was also seen that the rise of the functional condition of sympatho-adrenal system precedes those changes of hemostatic figures of the tissues. The interrelationships between a tissue link of the hemostatic system and sympatho-adrenal system under the incompatible hemotransfusion were demonstrated.", "contents": "[Interrelationships between the tissue link of the hemostatic system and the sympatho-adrenal system following transfusion of heterogenous blood]. In an experiment using 86 white rats it was found that during incompatible hemotransfusion shifts take place not only in the humoral but also in the tissue link of the hemostatic system. It was also seen that the rise of the functional condition of sympatho-adrenal system precedes those changes of hemostatic figures of the tissues. The interrelationships between a tissue link of the hemostatic system and sympatho-adrenal system under the incompatible hemotransfusion were demonstrated.", "PMID": 1010083} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12005", "title": "[Role of mechanical properties of the external ocular membrane in the dynamics of intraocular pressure].", "content": "Changes of the intraocular pressure in alterations of the central arterial pressure are an accepted fact. Disbalance of the above changes occurring at that is considered to be a display of active regulatory mechanisms. In this study, comparison of the pulse waves and short--term changes of arterial pressure with oscillations of the intraocular pressure occurring at that, has been made. Analysis of all the changes was made with the aid of a mathematical model. Amplitude--phasic characteristics of the eye membrane were studied for ascertaining of effect of different factors on the amplitude and form of the intraocular pressure pulse waves. In experimental conditions, the differences in dynamics of the level and in form of the pulse oscillations between the central arterial and the intraocular pressures were shown to be due not to functioning of active regulatory mechanisms but to the elastic--viscous features of the eye membrane.", "contents": "[Role of mechanical properties of the external ocular membrane in the dynamics of intraocular pressure]. Changes of the intraocular pressure in alterations of the central arterial pressure are an accepted fact. Disbalance of the above changes occurring at that is considered to be a display of active regulatory mechanisms. In this study, comparison of the pulse waves and short--term changes of arterial pressure with oscillations of the intraocular pressure occurring at that, has been made. Analysis of all the changes was made with the aid of a mathematical model. Amplitude--phasic characteristics of the eye membrane were studied for ascertaining of effect of different factors on the amplitude and form of the intraocular pressure pulse waves. In experimental conditions, the differences in dynamics of the level and in form of the pulse oscillations between the central arterial and the intraocular pressures were shown to be due not to functioning of active regulatory mechanisms but to the elastic--viscous features of the eye membrane.", "PMID": 1010085} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12006", "title": "[Electrophysiologic characteristics of rapid auditory adaptation].", "content": "In 32 rabbits, dependence of character of fast auditory adaptation on frequency of the sound stimulation was shown. Specific features of the adaption in conditions of switching off of the inner ear receptors with streptomycine were revealed. The fast adaptation was concluded to have a peripheral mechanism. Methods of the adaptation studying with the acid of action potentials of the 8th nerve and microphone potentials of the cochlear were compared under conditions of sound overload, and differences in results of measuring the fast adaptation were explained from the standpoint of dependence upon intensity of sound simulation.", "contents": "[Electrophysiologic characteristics of rapid auditory adaptation]. In 32 rabbits, dependence of character of fast auditory adaptation on frequency of the sound stimulation was shown. Specific features of the adaption in conditions of switching off of the inner ear receptors with streptomycine were revealed. The fast adaptation was concluded to have a peripheral mechanism. Methods of the adaptation studying with the acid of action potentials of the 8th nerve and microphone potentials of the cochlear were compared under conditions of sound overload, and differences in results of measuring the fast adaptation were explained from the standpoint of dependence upon intensity of sound simulation.", "PMID": 1010086} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12007", "title": "[Functional specialization of stretch receptors in the triceps surae muscle of cats].", "content": "The behavior of 300 receptors in response to stepwise changes in muscle length was studied in passive m. triceps surae of cats anesthetized with nembutal. Distinct differences in receptor behavior were demonstrated, and receptors were divided into three functional groups according to their sensitivity to slow stretch (0.6 mm/sec in the limit range of 10 mm). The 1st group (elementary dynamic receptors) showed obvious sensitivity (over 70/sec) to dynamic components of stimulus and did not respond to static stretch in the physiological range. It was impossible to study the silent period during muscle contraction and stretch. The units of the 2nd group (elementary static receptors) reached maximal discharge frequency of 20--25/sec in the same range of muscle stationary stretch. The dynamic response of these receptors slightly exceeds the static response. The 3rd group, comprising 80% of units, served as universal detector of both dynamic and static phases of a stimulus. Some units showed significant dynamic response (over 70/sec) and moderate static response (about 30--40/sec), others exhibited moderate dynamic and static responses. The behavior of the receptors of universal type is similar to that of the well--known primary and secondary endings of the muscle spindles. Asto the endings of two elementary types they should be further indentified.", "contents": "[Functional specialization of stretch receptors in the triceps surae muscle of cats]. The behavior of 300 receptors in response to stepwise changes in muscle length was studied in passive m. triceps surae of cats anesthetized with nembutal. Distinct differences in receptor behavior were demonstrated, and receptors were divided into three functional groups according to their sensitivity to slow stretch (0.6 mm/sec in the limit range of 10 mm). The 1st group (elementary dynamic receptors) showed obvious sensitivity (over 70/sec) to dynamic components of stimulus and did not respond to static stretch in the physiological range. It was impossible to study the silent period during muscle contraction and stretch. The units of the 2nd group (elementary static receptors) reached maximal discharge frequency of 20--25/sec in the same range of muscle stationary stretch. The dynamic response of these receptors slightly exceeds the static response. The 3rd group, comprising 80% of units, served as universal detector of both dynamic and static phases of a stimulus. Some units showed significant dynamic response (over 70/sec) and moderate static response (about 30--40/sec), others exhibited moderate dynamic and static responses. The behavior of the receptors of universal type is similar to that of the well--known primary and secondary endings of the muscle spindles. Asto the endings of two elementary types they should be further indentified.", "PMID": 1010087} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12008", "title": "[Properties of the mechanoreceptors of the nipple of the guinea pig mammary gland. (Rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor units)].", "content": "Two types of rapidly adapting mechanosensitive units have been found in skin of the teat of guinea--pig mammary gland (RA1 and RA2). They wee not both spontaneously active. RA1 and RA2 have no position response. The relation between average frequency of discharge and displacement velocity at a constant displacement amplitude was linear for RA1. With constant velocity displacements, frequency versus displacement curves assume a horizontal orientation of relatively low discharge frequencies and are then displaced upward as velocity increases for RA1. The number and frequency of afferent impulses of RA1 decreased during repeated ramp mechanical stimulation. Vibratory tuning points were in the range of 10--25 Hz for RA1. 20% of mechanosensitive units were RA2, which have a high velocity threshold and rarely produce more than 2--3 impulses to high velocity. The fatigue of RA2 is not prominent. RA1 were classed as the velocity detectors and RA2 as \"transient\" detectors.", "contents": "[Properties of the mechanoreceptors of the nipple of the guinea pig mammary gland. (Rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor units)]. Two types of rapidly adapting mechanosensitive units have been found in skin of the teat of guinea--pig mammary gland (RA1 and RA2). They wee not both spontaneously active. RA1 and RA2 have no position response. The relation between average frequency of discharge and displacement velocity at a constant displacement amplitude was linear for RA1. With constant velocity displacements, frequency versus displacement curves assume a horizontal orientation of relatively low discharge frequencies and are then displaced upward as velocity increases for RA1. The number and frequency of afferent impulses of RA1 decreased during repeated ramp mechanical stimulation. Vibratory tuning points were in the range of 10--25 Hz for RA1. 20% of mechanosensitive units were RA2, which have a high velocity threshold and rarely produce more than 2--3 impulses to high velocity. The fatigue of RA2 is not prominent. RA1 were classed as the velocity detectors and RA2 as \"transient\" detectors.", "PMID": 1010088} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12009", "title": "[Transcallosal modulation of a focus of maximal activity in the motor cortex].", "content": "In cats, EPs from 170 symmetrical points of the motor cortex were recorded during bilateral and unilateral stimulation of nerves of hind--and forelimbs. Charts of localization of the maximal activity foce (MAF) were drawn. Transection of the corpus callosum was shown to be followed by narrowing of MAFs during bilateral stimulation and by their enlargement during unilateral stimulation. The effect of MAF enlargement was found to be due to summation of thalamocortical and transcallosal projections in animals with intact callosal system, while the MAF narrowing effect--to be determined by reciprocal transcallosal influences. Existence of the spatial transcallosal modulation of thalamocortical projection in the motor cortex is supposed.", "contents": "[Transcallosal modulation of a focus of maximal activity in the motor cortex]. In cats, EPs from 170 symmetrical points of the motor cortex were recorded during bilateral and unilateral stimulation of nerves of hind--and forelimbs. Charts of localization of the maximal activity foce (MAF) were drawn. Transection of the corpus callosum was shown to be followed by narrowing of MAFs during bilateral stimulation and by their enlargement during unilateral stimulation. The effect of MAF enlargement was found to be due to summation of thalamocortical and transcallosal projections in animals with intact callosal system, while the MAF narrowing effect--to be determined by reciprocal transcallosal influences. Existence of the spatial transcallosal modulation of thalamocortical projection in the motor cortex is supposed.", "PMID": 1010097} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12010", "title": "[Transcallosal modulation of functional interhemispheric asymmetry].", "content": "The course and mechanisms of individual functional interhemispheric asymmetry (FIA) were studied with the aid of evoked potentials (EP) in the visual, auditory, and motor cortex of cats. The FIA was revealed in majority of the animals. It was peculiar by its bilateral origin and mosaic character. A combined summation--reciprocal (dominant) type of interhemisphere interrelationships was shown to underlie the FIA. A spatial-strength transcallosal modulation of the FIA is supposed to exist.", "contents": "[Transcallosal modulation of functional interhemispheric asymmetry]. The course and mechanisms of individual functional interhemispheric asymmetry (FIA) were studied with the aid of evoked potentials (EP) in the visual, auditory, and motor cortex of cats. The FIA was revealed in majority of the animals. It was peculiar by its bilateral origin and mosaic character. A combined summation--reciprocal (dominant) type of interhemisphere interrelationships was shown to underlie the FIA. A spatial-strength transcallosal modulation of the FIA is supposed to exist.", "PMID": 1010098} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12011", "title": "[Strength of synaptic stimulation and morpho-functional reorganization of the neuron].", "content": "In the Retzius cell of the leech, synaptic threshold and three-fold threshold stimulation 1/sec was followed by readjustment of the cell spike activity according to the stimulation rhythm. After cessation of the stimulation the initial bioelectrical activity restores. The membrane potential remains unaltered during the three-fold threshold stimulation. Electron-microscopically, the Retzius cells develop different ultrastructural changes. In case of the threshold stimulationthe changes indicate an intensification of the synthetic processes and, on the contrary, the three-fold threshold stimulation is followed by a decrease in the proteinmetabolism. In the first case, the amount of granular endoplasmatic reticulum increases and in the second case -- decreases. The same is true for the total amount of ribosomes. During synaptic stimulation, the Retzius cell mitochondria remain unlatered while during the three-fold threshold stimulation the mitochondria swell, their matrix clears up, and their krysts become reduced.", "contents": "[Strength of synaptic stimulation and morpho-functional reorganization of the neuron]. In the Retzius cell of the leech, synaptic threshold and three-fold threshold stimulation 1/sec was followed by readjustment of the cell spike activity according to the stimulation rhythm. After cessation of the stimulation the initial bioelectrical activity restores. The membrane potential remains unaltered during the three-fold threshold stimulation. Electron-microscopically, the Retzius cells develop different ultrastructural changes. In case of the threshold stimulationthe changes indicate an intensification of the synthetic processes and, on the contrary, the three-fold threshold stimulation is followed by a decrease in the proteinmetabolism. In the first case, the amount of granular endoplasmatic reticulum increases and in the second case -- decreases. The same is true for the total amount of ribosomes. During synaptic stimulation, the Retzius cell mitochondria remain unlatered while during the three-fold threshold stimulation the mitochondria swell, their matrix clears up, and their krysts become reduced.", "PMID": 1010099} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12012", "title": "[Effect of the cholinesterase inhibitor armin on meuromuscular synapse function of the frog sartorius muscle].", "content": "The organophosphurus inhibitor of cholinesterases armin(2-10-9--2-10-4 M) prolonged postjunction potentials and in concentration 2-10-9--2-10-7 M increased the amplitude of miniature end-plate potentials (m. e. p. p. s and quantum content of e.p.p.s. These parameters were increased again after washing. Thus, armin (2-10-9--2-10-7 M) exerts anticholinesterase effect only. In concentrations 2-10-6--2-10-4M, in addition to the anticholinesterase effect, it affects presynaptic membrane and inhibits postsynaptic membrane cholinoreceptors.", "contents": "[Effect of the cholinesterase inhibitor armin on meuromuscular synapse function of the frog sartorius muscle]. The organophosphurus inhibitor of cholinesterases armin(2-10-9--2-10-4 M) prolonged postjunction potentials and in concentration 2-10-9--2-10-7 M increased the amplitude of miniature end-plate potentials (m. e. p. p. s and quantum content of e.p.p.s. These parameters were increased again after washing. Thus, armin (2-10-9--2-10-7 M) exerts anticholinesterase effect only. In concentrations 2-10-6--2-10-4M, in addition to the anticholinesterase effect, it affects presynaptic membrane and inhibits postsynaptic membrane cholinoreceptors.", "PMID": 1010100} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12013", "title": "[Changes in nystagmus following otolith stimulation].", "content": "In rabbits, stimulation of the otolith organs was shown to exert a double effect on nystagmus evokedby adequate stimulation of semicircular canals' receptors: The immediate and the delayed. On simultaneous stimulation of the two portions of vestibular apparatus, inhibition of systagmus occurs. In the course of aftereffect of the otolith stimulation, both the activated and the inhibited responses as well as the responses similar to control can be revealed, depending on the time interval between presentationsof otolith and cupulous stimuli.", "contents": "[Changes in nystagmus following otolith stimulation]. In rabbits, stimulation of the otolith organs was shown to exert a double effect on nystagmus evokedby adequate stimulation of semicircular canals' receptors: The immediate and the delayed. On simultaneous stimulation of the two portions of vestibular apparatus, inhibition of systagmus occurs. In the course of aftereffect of the otolith stimulation, both the activated and the inhibited responses as well as the responses similar to control can be revealed, depending on the time interval between presentationsof otolith and cupulous stimuli.", "PMID": 1010101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12014", "title": "[Mechanism of inhibition of erythropoiesis during post-transfusion polycythemia].", "content": "In mouse with posttransfusion polycytemia, depression of erythropoiesis suggests that, in response to erythrocytes transfusion, not only the differentiation of erythropoietin-sensitive cells is interrupted (cessation of inflow of the labelled erythrocytes into the circulation on the 8th day), but the proligeration of differentiated erythroid precursors is also inhibited (fall of amount of labelled erythrocytes during first days). This was corroborated by analysis of the experimental data with the aid of mathematical model of erythropoiesis. The model revealed that, in posttransfusion polycytemia, division of 40 percent of all divisionable erythroid precursors was halted.", "contents": "[Mechanism of inhibition of erythropoiesis during post-transfusion polycythemia]. In mouse with posttransfusion polycytemia, depression of erythropoiesis suggests that, in response to erythrocytes transfusion, not only the differentiation of erythropoietin-sensitive cells is interrupted (cessation of inflow of the labelled erythrocytes into the circulation on the 8th day), but the proligeration of differentiated erythroid precursors is also inhibited (fall of amount of labelled erythrocytes during first days). This was corroborated by analysis of the experimental data with the aid of mathematical model of erythropoiesis. The model revealed that, in posttransfusion polycytemia, division of 40 percent of all divisionable erythroid precursors was halted.", "PMID": 1010104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12015", "title": "[Effect of multiple hydrocortisone administrations on the kinetics of 22Na in slices of rat cerebral cortex].", "content": "The dynamics of 22-Na efflux from slices of rat brain cortex incubated in McIlwains medium was studied with the aid of improved compartmental analysis. Hydrocortisone (HC) was injected during 8 days. The isotope efflux followed 3-exponential kinetics. The kinetic analysis was made on the basis of 3-compartmental models of Na exchange. Administration of HC decreased the content of Na in fast-exchanged (extracellular) fraction and increased its content in the slow-exchanged (intracellular) fractions. HC elevated the speed constants of intercompartmental Na flows for intracellular fractions, especially the influx constants. The values of stationary Na flows between extra- and intracellular compartments were significantly increased. The data obtained are discussed with regard to direct action of HC on ionic exchange in tissue.", "contents": "[Effect of multiple hydrocortisone administrations on the kinetics of 22Na in slices of rat cerebral cortex]. The dynamics of 22-Na efflux from slices of rat brain cortex incubated in McIlwains medium was studied with the aid of improved compartmental analysis. Hydrocortisone (HC) was injected during 8 days. The isotope efflux followed 3-exponential kinetics. The kinetic analysis was made on the basis of 3-compartmental models of Na exchange. Administration of HC decreased the content of Na in fast-exchanged (extracellular) fraction and increased its content in the slow-exchanged (intracellular) fractions. HC elevated the speed constants of intercompartmental Na flows for intracellular fractions, especially the influx constants. The values of stationary Na flows between extra- and intracellular compartments were significantly increased. The data obtained are discussed with regard to direct action of HC on ionic exchange in tissue.", "PMID": 1010105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12016", "title": "Pituitary and adrenal control of pancreatic endocrine function in the duck. II. Plasma free fatty acids, aminoacids, and insulin variations following hypophysectomy and replacement therapy with growth hormone and corticosterone.", "content": "The levels of plasma free fatty acids, aminoacids and insulin were studied in normal, hypophysectomized and beef growth hormone and/or corticosterone treated hypophysectomized ducks. Hypophysectomy decreased plasma free fatty acids, aminoacids and insulin levels; growth hormone and growth hormone + corticosterone treatments in hypophysectomized animals induced opposite changes, while corticosterone alone only increased the concentrations of plasma aminoacids and insulin. However, corticosterone enhanced the growth hormone effects on the three parameters. It is suggested that four feed-back mechanisms may be involved in the control of glucagon secretion by the anterior pituitary and the adrenal cortex : glucose-glucagon, free fatty acids-glucagon, aminoacids-glucagon and insulin-glucagon. In addition, in these experiments, insulin and glucagon always varied in opposite directions.", "contents": "Pituitary and adrenal control of pancreatic endocrine function in the duck. II. Plasma free fatty acids, aminoacids, and insulin variations following hypophysectomy and replacement therapy with growth hormone and corticosterone. The levels of plasma free fatty acids, aminoacids and insulin were studied in normal, hypophysectomized and beef growth hormone and/or corticosterone treated hypophysectomized ducks. Hypophysectomy decreased plasma free fatty acids, aminoacids and insulin levels; growth hormone and growth hormone + corticosterone treatments in hypophysectomized animals induced opposite changes, while corticosterone alone only increased the concentrations of plasma aminoacids and insulin. However, corticosterone enhanced the growth hormone effects on the three parameters. It is suggested that four feed-back mechanisms may be involved in the control of glucagon secretion by the anterior pituitary and the adrenal cortex : glucose-glucagon, free fatty acids-glucagon, aminoacids-glucagon and insulin-glucagon. In addition, in these experiments, insulin and glucagon always varied in opposite directions.", "PMID": 1010117} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12017", "title": "[Diabetes of idiopathic haemochromatosis and common diabetes mellitus. Results of a prospective study of 97 families with idiopathic haemochromatosis (author's transl)].", "content": "The purpose of this study was to investigate through an epidemiological approach two controversial aspects of the pathogenesis of the diabetes mellitus of idiopathic haemochromatosis (I.H.) : the possible inheritance of the gene(s) for common diabetes mellitus (C.D.), and the diabetogenic role of iron overload. More than 80% of the living first degree relatives of 97 patients with I.H. were examined, while data were collected by inquiry concerning first degree relatives who had refused investigations or had died. Data on the more distant family members were also collected by inquiry. Physical examination and estimation of serum iron level and unsaturated-iron-binding capacity were systematically performed. When an anomaly had been thus detected further investigation for iron overload was carried out by mean of a deferoxamine test and eventually by liver biopsy. Evaluation of carbohydrate metabolism included testing for post-prandial glycosuria, estimation of post-prandial blood sugar, and eventually an oral glucose tolerance test. The results were compared to those of an inquiry for family history of diabetes in 100 patients with C.D. successively admitted to our department. Among the first degree relatives of patients with C.D. the prevalence of overt diabetes was 33 of 612 (5.4 %); whereas in the I.H. group it was 8 of 735 (1.1 %). The differences between the C.D. and I.H. groups were significant, whether the total I.H. group (p less than 10(-5)) or only I.H. proposite having overt diabetes (p less than 2 X 10(-2)) were considered. With respect to the more distant relatives the number of affected families was significantly higher in the C.D. group (31 of 100) than in the total I.H. group (5 of 97 ; p less than 10(-5)) or in the I.H. sub-group diabetic proposite (3 of 36 ; p less than 10(-2)). The frequency of carbohydrate intolerance in relatives bore no relation to the carbohydrate pattern of propositi. Carbohydrate intolerance was frequently found in relatives with iron overload (17 of 72). However, no correlation was observed between blood sugar and serum iron level or unsaturated-iron-binding-capacity, relatively gross parameters. Thus, the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus associated with I.H. remains uncertain, but the inheritance of gene(s) for common diabetes is unlikely to play a determinant role.", "contents": "[Diabetes of idiopathic haemochromatosis and common diabetes mellitus. Results of a prospective study of 97 families with idiopathic haemochromatosis (author's transl)]. The purpose of this study was to investigate through an epidemiological approach two controversial aspects of the pathogenesis of the diabetes mellitus of idiopathic haemochromatosis (I.H.) : the possible inheritance of the gene(s) for common diabetes mellitus (C.D.), and the diabetogenic role of iron overload. More than 80% of the living first degree relatives of 97 patients with I.H. were examined, while data were collected by inquiry concerning first degree relatives who had refused investigations or had died. Data on the more distant family members were also collected by inquiry. Physical examination and estimation of serum iron level and unsaturated-iron-binding capacity were systematically performed. When an anomaly had been thus detected further investigation for iron overload was carried out by mean of a deferoxamine test and eventually by liver biopsy. Evaluation of carbohydrate metabolism included testing for post-prandial glycosuria, estimation of post-prandial blood sugar, and eventually an oral glucose tolerance test. The results were compared to those of an inquiry for family history of diabetes in 100 patients with C.D. successively admitted to our department. Among the first degree relatives of patients with C.D. the prevalence of overt diabetes was 33 of 612 (5.4 %); whereas in the I.H. group it was 8 of 735 (1.1 %). The differences between the C.D. and I.H. groups were significant, whether the total I.H. group (p less than 10(-5)) or only I.H. proposite having overt diabetes (p less than 2 X 10(-2)) were considered. With respect to the more distant relatives the number of affected families was significantly higher in the C.D. group (31 of 100) than in the total I.H. group (5 of 97 ; p less than 10(-5)) or in the I.H. sub-group diabetic proposite (3 of 36 ; p less than 10(-2)). The frequency of carbohydrate intolerance in relatives bore no relation to the carbohydrate pattern of propositi. Carbohydrate intolerance was frequently found in relatives with iron overload (17 of 72). However, no correlation was observed between blood sugar and serum iron level or unsaturated-iron-binding-capacity, relatively gross parameters. Thus, the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus associated with I.H. remains uncertain, but the inheritance of gene(s) for common diabetes is unlikely to play a determinant role.", "PMID": 1010118} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12018", "title": "Relationship between plasma insulin, the size and number of adpocytes and habitual calory intake in a group of 186 obese women.", "content": "In a group of 186 obese women, no correlation was found between post-glucose load insulinemia, measured at 13:00 hrs, and the degree of overweight, nor between post-glucose insulinemia and mean adipocyte diameter. Significant correlations were found between post-glucose insulinemia and daily caloric intake, and between post-protein insulinemia and mean adipocyte diameter. Post-glucose and post-protein load insulinemia were interrelated.", "contents": "Relationship between plasma insulin, the size and number of adpocytes and habitual calory intake in a group of 186 obese women. In a group of 186 obese women, no correlation was found between post-glucose load insulinemia, measured at 13:00 hrs, and the degree of overweight, nor between post-glucose insulinemia and mean adipocyte diameter. Significant correlations were found between post-glucose insulinemia and daily caloric intake, and between post-protein insulinemia and mean adipocyte diameter. Post-glucose and post-protein load insulinemia were interrelated.", "PMID": 1010119} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12019", "title": "[Dynamic epidemiology of diabetes mellitus (author's transl)].", "content": "Epidemiology as practiced to day has become outmoded. The authors propose a dynamic epidemiology, that is one applied throughout the country and which is in a stak of continuous development. This implies ascertainment of the major causes of diabetes : heredity and environment. Thus conceived, dynamic epidemiology can hope to tackle prevention in the prediabetic stage of a widespread chronic disease. A description is given of the method of application and a test of effectiveness.", "contents": "[Dynamic epidemiology of diabetes mellitus (author's transl)]. Epidemiology as practiced to day has become outmoded. The authors propose a dynamic epidemiology, that is one applied throughout the country and which is in a stak of continuous development. This implies ascertainment of the major causes of diabetes : heredity and environment. Thus conceived, dynamic epidemiology can hope to tackle prevention in the prediabetic stage of a widespread chronic disease. A description is given of the method of application and a test of effectiveness.", "PMID": 1010120} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12020", "title": "Foetal rat pancreas in organ culture: effects of media supplementation with various steroid hormones on the acinar and islet components.", "content": "Foetal rat pancreas (20-day postcoitum) was grown in organ culture using a natural media (serum and chick embryo extract). The media was supplemented with several adrenal and gonadal steroids; precursors, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, estrogens, androgens and progesterone. The effects of the steroids on the pancreatic explants were quantitated biochemically by analysis of amylase and insulin in the incubated culture media and in the explanted pancreatic tissue, and morphologically by quantitative morphometric analysis. corticosterone, hydrocortisone, aldosterone and dexamethasone fully preserved the acinar cell component. The effect was concentration-dependent. Deoxycorticosterone and cortexolone had intermediate effects even at the highest concentration. Gonadal steroids had no effect on the acinar or islet component in this culture system. Some of the steroids inhibited the selective islet growth seen in the control explants as well as inhibiting insulin secretion. The relationship between these data and other work in this area is summarised. In addition, the possible implications of these data relating to normal in vivo pancreatic development are discussed.", "contents": "Foetal rat pancreas in organ culture: effects of media supplementation with various steroid hormones on the acinar and islet components. Foetal rat pancreas (20-day postcoitum) was grown in organ culture using a natural media (serum and chick embryo extract). The media was supplemented with several adrenal and gonadal steroids; precursors, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, estrogens, androgens and progesterone. The effects of the steroids on the pancreatic explants were quantitated biochemically by analysis of amylase and insulin in the incubated culture media and in the explanted pancreatic tissue, and morphologically by quantitative morphometric analysis. corticosterone, hydrocortisone, aldosterone and dexamethasone fully preserved the acinar cell component. The effect was concentration-dependent. Deoxycorticosterone and cortexolone had intermediate effects even at the highest concentration. Gonadal steroids had no effect on the acinar or islet component in this culture system. Some of the steroids inhibited the selective islet growth seen in the control explants as well as inhibiting insulin secretion. The relationship between these data and other work in this area is summarised. In addition, the possible implications of these data relating to normal in vivo pancreatic development are discussed.", "PMID": 1010154} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12021", "title": "Morphogenesis of lines and nets.", "content": "Complex linear appearing structures and networks (e.g. blood vessels, leaf veins, nerves) are formed reproducibly during the development of nearly every organism, but the molecular mechanism leading to such patterns is still unknown. A model is proposed in which a few simple coupled biochemical reactions are able to generate such structures. Among undifferentiated cells, a local peak of differentiation-inducing substance (activator) is formed by autocatalysis and lateral inhibition. The activator peak triggers the differentiation of the cell at that location. Due to changes in metabolism, the differentiated cell repels the activator peak and drives it to a neighbouring cell which then also differentiates. The repulsion between the activator peak and the already differentiated cells forces the activator peak to move ahead of the tip of the extending filament. Long filaments of differentiated cells may be formed, which can split, branch laterally, reconnect with each other and grow towards specific target cells. Partial differential equations describing the mutual interaction of the substances involved were presented and solved with a computer. The resulting patterns show self-regulating properties and other features found in the leaf vascular system, the pattern of tracheae in insect epidermis, and other biological networks.", "contents": "Morphogenesis of lines and nets. Complex linear appearing structures and networks (e.g. blood vessels, leaf veins, nerves) are formed reproducibly during the development of nearly every organism, but the molecular mechanism leading to such patterns is still unknown. A model is proposed in which a few simple coupled biochemical reactions are able to generate such structures. Among undifferentiated cells, a local peak of differentiation-inducing substance (activator) is formed by autocatalysis and lateral inhibition. The activator peak triggers the differentiation of the cell at that location. Due to changes in metabolism, the differentiated cell repels the activator peak and drives it to a neighbouring cell which then also differentiates. The repulsion between the activator peak and the already differentiated cells forces the activator peak to move ahead of the tip of the extending filament. Long filaments of differentiated cells may be formed, which can split, branch laterally, reconnect with each other and grow towards specific target cells. Partial differential equations describing the mutual interaction of the substances involved were presented and solved with a computer. The resulting patterns show self-regulating properties and other features found in the leaf vascular system, the pattern of tracheae in insect epidermis, and other biological networks.", "PMID": 1010155} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12022", "title": "Time-lapse filming of cellular interactions within living tissues. III. The role of cell shape.", "content": "By a further development of the technique for time-lapse filming of organ cultures, it has become possible to observe the internal structure of the living tissues and to study the dynamics of intercellular contacts within the tissue. This method has been applied to a study of the interaction between the tissues of the chick chorioallantoic membrane and non-malignant fibroblasts, polyoma virus-transformed fibroblasts, and Harding-Passey melanoma cells. The behaviour of these cells in the absence and in the presence of colcemid has been investigated. From these studies it is concluded that disturbances in cell shape brought about by colcemid do not affect the invasive properties whereas the surface polypodial activity shown by the malignant cells is a major factor in tumour invasion.", "contents": "Time-lapse filming of cellular interactions within living tissues. III. The role of cell shape. By a further development of the technique for time-lapse filming of organ cultures, it has become possible to observe the internal structure of the living tissues and to study the dynamics of intercellular contacts within the tissue. This method has been applied to a study of the interaction between the tissues of the chick chorioallantoic membrane and non-malignant fibroblasts, polyoma virus-transformed fibroblasts, and Harding-Passey melanoma cells. The behaviour of these cells in the absence and in the presence of colcemid has been investigated. From these studies it is concluded that disturbances in cell shape brought about by colcemid do not affect the invasive properties whereas the surface polypodial activity shown by the malignant cells is a major factor in tumour invasion.", "PMID": 1010156} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12023", "title": "An established cell line from the newt Notophthalmus viridescens.", "content": "An established cell line, derived from the dorsal iris of the eastern North American newt, Notophthalmus viridescens, is described. The cells display an epithelial-like behaviour in culture, grow relatively slowly, possess considerably larger chromosomes than mammals and are heteroploid, although some near-diploid cells are present in the culture. The line is characterized by a strong tendency to overlapping and aggregation in spite of its origin from adult tissue.", "contents": "An established cell line from the newt Notophthalmus viridescens. An established cell line, derived from the dorsal iris of the eastern North American newt, Notophthalmus viridescens, is described. The cells display an epithelial-like behaviour in culture, grow relatively slowly, possess considerably larger chromosomes than mammals and are heteroploid, although some near-diploid cells are present in the culture. The line is characterized by a strong tendency to overlapping and aggregation in spite of its origin from adult tissue.", "PMID": 1010157} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12024", "title": "Effects of mitogenic and antigenic stimulaton on the thymidine kinases of mouse spleen cells in vivo and in vitro.", "content": "The DNA-synthesizing ability of mouse spleen cells in vitro and in vivo is paralleled by their levels of cytoplasmic thymidine kinase. However, a very high level of nuclear-associated enzyme activity developed in cultures of both non-stimulated and mitogen-transformed lymphocytes. This activity did not appear in the spleens of mice during the primary immune response to sheep erythrocytes (SRC) or following administration of Convanavalin A (Con A). Feedback inhibition studies with TTP demonstrated that the nuclear enzymes were more sensitive than the cytoplasmic activities. The thermal stabilities of the nuclear enzymes were also found to be greater than the corresponding cytoplasmic ones. Furthermore, analysis of the rate of thermal inactivation indicated that both the cytoplasmic and nuclear enzymes present in transformed lymphocytes in vitro were far more heat-stable than those activities normally found in the mouse spleen, even after antigenic challenge with SRC in vivo or incubation in vitro in the absence of mitogenic stimulation.", "contents": "Effects of mitogenic and antigenic stimulaton on the thymidine kinases of mouse spleen cells in vivo and in vitro. The DNA-synthesizing ability of mouse spleen cells in vitro and in vivo is paralleled by their levels of cytoplasmic thymidine kinase. However, a very high level of nuclear-associated enzyme activity developed in cultures of both non-stimulated and mitogen-transformed lymphocytes. This activity did not appear in the spleens of mice during the primary immune response to sheep erythrocytes (SRC) or following administration of Convanavalin A (Con A). Feedback inhibition studies with TTP demonstrated that the nuclear enzymes were more sensitive than the cytoplasmic activities. The thermal stabilities of the nuclear enzymes were also found to be greater than the corresponding cytoplasmic ones. Furthermore, analysis of the rate of thermal inactivation indicated that both the cytoplasmic and nuclear enzymes present in transformed lymphocytes in vitro were far more heat-stable than those activities normally found in the mouse spleen, even after antigenic challenge with SRC in vivo or incubation in vitro in the absence of mitogenic stimulation.", "PMID": 1010158} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12025", "title": "An in vitro analogue of early chick limb bud outgrowth.", "content": "Our culture system appears to represent an in vitro analogue of early chick limb morphogenesis. Organized mesodermal cell accumulations resembling limb buds were derived from a monolayer of limb mesoderm cells when covered by limb ectoderm which included the apical ectodermal ridge (AER). The ridge retained its normal configuration when grown over a limb mesoderm monolayer and the mesoderm cells accumulated under the ridge to form a multilayered structure (10-25 cells in thickness) with the characteristic shape of a limb bud. Ectoderm which did not include the ridge failed to promote the formation of limb-like mesodermal accumulations thus the action of the ridge appears to be specific. The AER-elicited expression of mesodermal cell behaviour leading to early limb outgrowth is discussed in terms of possible morphogenetic mechanisms involved i.e. differential mitosis, cell migration, changes in cell shape and especially the adhesive properties of the cells.", "contents": "An in vitro analogue of early chick limb bud outgrowth. Our culture system appears to represent an in vitro analogue of early chick limb morphogenesis. Organized mesodermal cell accumulations resembling limb buds were derived from a monolayer of limb mesoderm cells when covered by limb ectoderm which included the apical ectodermal ridge (AER). The ridge retained its normal configuration when grown over a limb mesoderm monolayer and the mesoderm cells accumulated under the ridge to form a multilayered structure (10-25 cells in thickness) with the characteristic shape of a limb bud. Ectoderm which did not include the ridge failed to promote the formation of limb-like mesodermal accumulations thus the action of the ridge appears to be specific. The AER-elicited expression of mesodermal cell behaviour leading to early limb outgrowth is discussed in terms of possible morphogenetic mechanisms involved i.e. differential mitosis, cell migration, changes in cell shape and especially the adhesive properties of the cells.", "PMID": 1010159} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12026", "title": "Protein labelling patterns in oocytes of Xenopus laevis.", "content": "Soluble and microsomal proteins synthesized at various stages of oogenesis in Xenopus laevis were compared by 3H and 14C dual-isotope labelling with subsequent mixing and analysis on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gels. The results indicated that the proteins labelled in all the stages of oogenesis studied are remarkably similar. However, the patterns in the small and medium-sized oocytes are more similar to one another than to the patterns characteristic of large oocytes. The greatest differences were found when comparing the microsomal proteins. The labelling patterns of oocyte proteins in vitro were not significantly different from the in vivo patterns for the stages of oogenesis studied. These results indicate that (1) there is little quantitative contribution of proteins to either the soluble or microsomal fractions from extra-oocytic sources in vivo and (2) the in vitro system itself has little effect on the labelling patterns over the incubation period.", "contents": "Protein labelling patterns in oocytes of Xenopus laevis. Soluble and microsomal proteins synthesized at various stages of oogenesis in Xenopus laevis were compared by 3H and 14C dual-isotope labelling with subsequent mixing and analysis on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gels. The results indicated that the proteins labelled in all the stages of oogenesis studied are remarkably similar. However, the patterns in the small and medium-sized oocytes are more similar to one another than to the patterns characteristic of large oocytes. The greatest differences were found when comparing the microsomal proteins. The labelling patterns of oocyte proteins in vitro were not significantly different from the in vivo patterns for the stages of oogenesis studied. These results indicate that (1) there is little quantitative contribution of proteins to either the soluble or microsomal fractions from extra-oocytic sources in vivo and (2) the in vitro system itself has little effect on the labelling patterns over the incubation period.", "PMID": 1010160} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12027", "title": "Induction of haemoglobin synthesis in Friend leukaemia cells without the necessity of mitosis.", "content": "Friend leukaemia cells (745A) were cultured in a soft agar containing 2% dimethylsulfoxide. In situ observation of the marked individual cells verified that the majority of haemoglobin-synthesized cells had not divided during cultivation. This is a direct proof that mitosis is unnecessary for the induction of erythroid differentiation of Friend leukaemia cells.", "contents": "Induction of haemoglobin synthesis in Friend leukaemia cells without the necessity of mitosis. Friend leukaemia cells (745A) were cultured in a soft agar containing 2% dimethylsulfoxide. In situ observation of the marked individual cells verified that the majority of haemoglobin-synthesized cells had not divided during cultivation. This is a direct proof that mitosis is unnecessary for the induction of erythroid differentiation of Friend leukaemia cells.", "PMID": 1010161} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12028", "title": "On the diversity of sperm histones in the vertebrates. I. Changes in basic proteins during spermiogenesis in the newt Notophthalmus viridescens.", "content": "Sperm histones display great variability in contrast to the conservation of most classes of somatic histones. To study this paradox, this series of papers examines the variation of histone patterns in the testis and sperm of vertebrates, particularly amphibians and reptiles, and attempts to relate such variation to genetically based sex determination as hypothesized by Bloch [Genetics Supplement 61, 93 (1969)]. In the present study we have investigated spermiogenesis in the newt Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens. Cytochemical experiments indicate that the basic nuclear proteins undergo progressive shifts from somatic type histone leads to very arginine-rich \"stable protamine\" in the later spermatids leads to protamine in the mature sperm. Electrophoresis of Notophthalmus histones extracted from chromatin reveals that the pattern of testes specific basic proteins in the urodele is distinct from the pattern of testicular proteins in the anurans Bufo americanus and Xenopus laevis. Species within the class Amphibia therefore exhibit considerable diversification in their type of basic sperm proteins.", "contents": "On the diversity of sperm histones in the vertebrates. I. Changes in basic proteins during spermiogenesis in the newt Notophthalmus viridescens. Sperm histones display great variability in contrast to the conservation of most classes of somatic histones. To study this paradox, this series of papers examines the variation of histone patterns in the testis and sperm of vertebrates, particularly amphibians and reptiles, and attempts to relate such variation to genetically based sex determination as hypothesized by Bloch [Genetics Supplement 61, 93 (1969)]. In the present study we have investigated spermiogenesis in the newt Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens. Cytochemical experiments indicate that the basic nuclear proteins undergo progressive shifts from somatic type histone leads to very arginine-rich \"stable protamine\" in the later spermatids leads to protamine in the mature sperm. Electrophoresis of Notophthalmus histones extracted from chromatin reveals that the pattern of testes specific basic proteins in the urodele is distinct from the pattern of testicular proteins in the anurans Bufo americanus and Xenopus laevis. Species within the class Amphibia therefore exhibit considerable diversification in their type of basic sperm proteins.", "PMID": 1010162} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12029", "title": "The surface charge of mesodermal and neural cells of Triturus embryos.", "content": "The electrical surface charge of disaggregated mesodermal and neural cells of the neurula stage of Triturus vulgaris embryos is estimated by using the apparatus described in Figure 1. The results showed a significant difference between the net charges of these two cell types: the neural cells had a clearly negative charge, whereas the mesodermal cells seemed to be more or less neutral. The difference of the surface charges may partly explain the \"sorting-out\" phenomenon in the mixed reaggregates of the disaggregated cells.", "contents": "The surface charge of mesodermal and neural cells of Triturus embryos. The electrical surface charge of disaggregated mesodermal and neural cells of the neurula stage of Triturus vulgaris embryos is estimated by using the apparatus described in Figure 1. The results showed a significant difference between the net charges of these two cell types: the neural cells had a clearly negative charge, whereas the mesodermal cells seemed to be more or less neutral. The difference of the surface charges may partly explain the \"sorting-out\" phenomenon in the mixed reaggregates of the disaggregated cells.", "PMID": 1010163} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12030", "title": "[Natural history of unstable angina. Observations on 157 cases (author's transl)].", "content": "157 cases affected with \"unstable angina\" and hospitalized were observed over a period of from 8 to 24 months (average observation time: 16 1/2 months). The patients were treated with: nitroderivates, beta blocking drugs (when not contra-indicated); treatment of side affects (hypertension; arrhythmias, decompensation, associated pathology, correction of risk factors of coronary heart disease). 9 cases were lost and 148 were studied for the course of the illness. 10.6% died from cardiopathy (2.8% through sudden death; 7.4% from myocardial infarction); there was a 12.1% total incidence of myocardial infarction; 50% of the cases were alive but with sumptoms of stabilized angina, whilst 32.4% were completely asymptomatic. Coronographic alterations and myocardial contractility negatively affect the course of the illness. Negative effects (disease or infarction) were not checked in the cases of stenosis of only one coronary branch. In the casuistry, there were no negative effects in patients with stenosis of one coronary branch, and in cases of two or more branches, negative effects were 28%. 41% of patients with alterations of ventrical contractility gave negative results. An asymptomatic course of the illness was checked more frequently in the intermediate stages than in angina cases.", "contents": "[Natural history of unstable angina. Observations on 157 cases (author's transl)]. 157 cases affected with \"unstable angina\" and hospitalized were observed over a period of from 8 to 24 months (average observation time: 16 1/2 months). The patients were treated with: nitroderivates, beta blocking drugs (when not contra-indicated); treatment of side affects (hypertension; arrhythmias, decompensation, associated pathology, correction of risk factors of coronary heart disease). 9 cases were lost and 148 were studied for the course of the illness. 10.6% died from cardiopathy (2.8% through sudden death; 7.4% from myocardial infarction); there was a 12.1% total incidence of myocardial infarction; 50% of the cases were alive but with sumptoms of stabilized angina, whilst 32.4% were completely asymptomatic. Coronographic alterations and myocardial contractility negatively affect the course of the illness. Negative effects (disease or infarction) were not checked in the cases of stenosis of only one coronary branch. In the casuistry, there were no negative effects in patients with stenosis of one coronary branch, and in cases of two or more branches, negative effects were 28%. 41% of patients with alterations of ventrical contractility gave negative results. An asymptomatic course of the illness was checked more frequently in the intermediate stages than in angina cases.", "PMID": 1010171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12031", "title": "[Prinzmental's angina and disturbances of the stimulus conduction (author's transl)].", "content": "Our series (30 cases) of variant angina as well as the reports from literature, were reviewed, to investigate the consequences of an acute regional ischemia on seno-atrial, atrio-ventricular and intraventricular conduction. Sinoatrial conduction was never affected independently from the anterior or posterior localization of the ischemia. A junctional impairment of atrio-ventricular conduction was rather frequent in cases of variant angina affecting the inferior wall, ranging in different series from 8% to 25%. Only one case of bundle branch block was observed. Hemiblocks were found to be extremely rare, while a deviation of the main axis of the QRS on the frontal plane, especially to the left in cases with anterior localization of the ischemia, was observed quite frequently. This axis deviation, in the absence of changes of the initial vector of the QRS compatible with the diagnosis of hemiblocks, were considered to be depending on a parietal block.", "contents": "[Prinzmental's angina and disturbances of the stimulus conduction (author's transl)]. Our series (30 cases) of variant angina as well as the reports from literature, were reviewed, to investigate the consequences of an acute regional ischemia on seno-atrial, atrio-ventricular and intraventricular conduction. Sinoatrial conduction was never affected independently from the anterior or posterior localization of the ischemia. A junctional impairment of atrio-ventricular conduction was rather frequent in cases of variant angina affecting the inferior wall, ranging in different series from 8% to 25%. Only one case of bundle branch block was observed. Hemiblocks were found to be extremely rare, while a deviation of the main axis of the QRS on the frontal plane, especially to the left in cases with anterior localization of the ischemia, was observed quite frequently. This axis deviation, in the absence of changes of the initial vector of the QRS compatible with the diagnosis of hemiblocks, were considered to be depending on a parietal block.", "PMID": 1010172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12032", "title": "[Comparative evaluation of the isometric test and of dynamic exercise in the diagnosis of coronary insufficiency (author's transl)].", "content": "Fifty patients with exertional coronary insufficiency performed an exercise test on a bicycle-ergometer and an isometric exercise with an instrument set up by the authors with the collaboration of the technical laboratory of the hospital. All cases had EKG positivity during dynamic exercise and only 2 patients had a positive EKG answer during isometric exercise. Angina occured in 70% of cases during dynamic exercise and in 12% of cases during isometric exercise. The difference in the increasing heart rate of the two types of exercise was statistically significant, as was the difference between absolute values of heart rate reached at the end of the exercise. The difference in the values of arterial pressure reached in the two types of exercise was also statistically significant. Moreover the comparison of product heart rate, time arterial pressure, time 10(-2) bordered on statistical significance. 31 of the 50 patients who underwent coronary angiography, demonstrated severe impairment. During isometric exercise a higher percentage of disturbances was observed. The authors came to the conclusion that isometric exercise is not advisable for the diagnosis of coronary insufficiency, either for the low specificity or the potential risk.", "contents": "[Comparative evaluation of the isometric test and of dynamic exercise in the diagnosis of coronary insufficiency (author's transl)]. Fifty patients with exertional coronary insufficiency performed an exercise test on a bicycle-ergometer and an isometric exercise with an instrument set up by the authors with the collaboration of the technical laboratory of the hospital. All cases had EKG positivity during dynamic exercise and only 2 patients had a positive EKG answer during isometric exercise. Angina occured in 70% of cases during dynamic exercise and in 12% of cases during isometric exercise. The difference in the increasing heart rate of the two types of exercise was statistically significant, as was the difference between absolute values of heart rate reached at the end of the exercise. The difference in the values of arterial pressure reached in the two types of exercise was also statistically significant. Moreover the comparison of product heart rate, time arterial pressure, time 10(-2) bordered on statistical significance. 31 of the 50 patients who underwent coronary angiography, demonstrated severe impairment. During isometric exercise a higher percentage of disturbances was observed. The authors came to the conclusion that isometric exercise is not advisable for the diagnosis of coronary insufficiency, either for the low specificity or the potential risk.", "PMID": 1010173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12033", "title": "[On 23 cases of postinfartual interventricular septal rupture surgically treate. Immediate e long term results (author's transl)].", "content": "An experimental study on myocardial viability after acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for period of six hours is described. For this study 24 adult dogs were used in which an acute myocardial infarction for an area of 20-30% of left ventricul were obtained with ligatures completely occluding the LAD and his collaterals. Following ligature release, on the LAD only, ECG, BP, VCP and histology were studied with the general clinical conditions. The Authors affirm that clinical and ECGraphic data became worse after reperfusion; instead histological data show the possibility of recovery of many muscolar cells of ischemic and neighbouring areas.", "contents": "[On 23 cases of postinfartual interventricular septal rupture surgically treate. Immediate e long term results (author's transl)]. An experimental study on myocardial viability after acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for period of six hours is described. For this study 24 adult dogs were used in which an acute myocardial infarction for an area of 20-30% of left ventricul were obtained with ligatures completely occluding the LAD and his collaterals. Following ligature release, on the LAD only, ECG, BP, VCP and histology were studied with the general clinical conditions. The Authors affirm that clinical and ECGraphic data became worse after reperfusion; instead histological data show the possibility of recovery of many muscolar cells of ischemic and neighbouring areas.", "PMID": 1010174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12034", "title": "[On 23 cases of postinfartual interventricular septal rupture s].", "content": "Twenty-three patients with ventricular spetal rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction underwent surgical repair. In 15 patients the interval between occurrence of myocardial infarction and operation varied from 2 to 18 days and in 8, from 2 to 9 months. In the group of the patients operated on early after the myocardial infraction (less than three weeks) the hospital mortality was 60%; in the group of patients operated on later, the ospital mortality was 12%. Tir six patients had a cardiac catheterization which showed a decrease of the end diastolic left ventricular pressure and a decrease of the pulmonary pressure. In two patients a residual small left-to-right shunt was present. The Aentricular septum is surgical; B) the surgical closure of the rupture should be delayed when possible from three to six w-eks after the infarction; C) in the patients operated on early after the myocardial infarction the operative risk is high, but the long-term results are good, as they are in the patients operated on later after infarction.", "contents": "[On 23 cases of postinfartual interventricular septal rupture s]. Twenty-three patients with ventricular spetal rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction underwent surgical repair. In 15 patients the interval between occurrence of myocardial infarction and operation varied from 2 to 18 days and in 8, from 2 to 9 months. In the group of the patients operated on early after the myocardial infraction (less than three weeks) the hospital mortality was 60%; in the group of patients operated on later, the ospital mortality was 12%. Tir six patients had a cardiac catheterization which showed a decrease of the end diastolic left ventricular pressure and a decrease of the pulmonary pressure. In two patients a residual small left-to-right shunt was present. The Aentricular septum is surgical; B) the surgical closure of the rupture should be delayed when possible from three to six w-eks after the infarction; C) in the patients operated on early after the myocardial infarction the operative risk is high, but the long-term results are good, as they are in the patients operated on later after infarction.", "PMID": 1010175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12035", "title": "[Importance of coronarographic evaluation in valvular diseases for correct surgical indication (author's transl)].", "content": "Among 100 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization for acquired valvular disease, selective coronaryangiography showed in 25 cases obstructive changes of coronary arteries, in many instances of such severity to modify the therapeutic program (myocardial revascularization associated with valvular repair, counter-indication to surgical therapy). Coronary artery alterations were discovered in patients without clinical and electrocardiographic signs of coronary insufficiency, and, on the contrary, normal coronary tree was found in patients with positive clinical and electrocardiographic findings. The importance of coronarography in the haemodynamic study of valvular patients is stressed, even in absence of evident clinical signs of coronary insufficiency. The preoperative evaluation of the coronary arteries is fundamental for a correct surgical indication and for the results of surgical therapy.", "contents": "[Importance of coronarographic evaluation in valvular diseases for correct surgical indication (author's transl)]. Among 100 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization for acquired valvular disease, selective coronaryangiography showed in 25 cases obstructive changes of coronary arteries, in many instances of such severity to modify the therapeutic program (myocardial revascularization associated with valvular repair, counter-indication to surgical therapy). Coronary artery alterations were discovered in patients without clinical and electrocardiographic signs of coronary insufficiency, and, on the contrary, normal coronary tree was found in patients with positive clinical and electrocardiographic findings. The importance of coronarography in the haemodynamic study of valvular patients is stressed, even in absence of evident clinical signs of coronary insufficiency. The preoperative evaluation of the coronary arteries is fundamental for a correct surgical indication and for the results of surgical therapy.", "PMID": 1010176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12036", "title": "[Problems of fascicular asyncronism in advanced left bundle branch blocks with marked axial deviation towards the left (author's transl)].", "content": "Twelve patients, showing advanced left bundle branch blocks with axial deviation toward the left (beyond -45 degrees) were studied by clinical, radiological and vectocardiographic examinations. All of them showed a marked cardiomegaly and half of them had also severe congestive heart failure. The left axial deviation may be connected to an asyncronism of the left ventricular activation, due to a delayed excitation of the antero-superior wall because of a lesion of the anterior fascicle. The authors think that this asynchronism of the activation should be evident in ECG test by a more delayed intrinsecoid deflection in aVL than in V6, as has been previously pointed out in the isolated anterior fascicular block. This ecgraphic datum was found in two patients only. The other possible causes of a left axial deviation in advanced left bundle branch block are discussed.", "contents": "[Problems of fascicular asyncronism in advanced left bundle branch blocks with marked axial deviation towards the left (author's transl)]. Twelve patients, showing advanced left bundle branch blocks with axial deviation toward the left (beyond -45 degrees) were studied by clinical, radiological and vectocardiographic examinations. All of them showed a marked cardiomegaly and half of them had also severe congestive heart failure. The left axial deviation may be connected to an asyncronism of the left ventricular activation, due to a delayed excitation of the antero-superior wall because of a lesion of the anterior fascicle. The authors think that this asynchronism of the activation should be evident in ECG test by a more delayed intrinsecoid deflection in aVL than in V6, as has been previously pointed out in the isolated anterior fascicular block. This ecgraphic datum was found in two patients only. The other possible causes of a left axial deviation in advanced left bundle branch block are discussed.", "PMID": 1010177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12037", "title": "[The right bundle branch blocks with posterior loop (author's transl)].", "content": "The AA. have analysed 39 VCG which show terminal slowed down forces definitely directed towards the right and the back. It is presumed that such electrical patterns have to be classified amongst defects which deal with right intraventricular conduction. Both the ECG and UCG test have been classified in groups: some of them simulating BFA, others BFP. An analysis of the different developing ways of the vectorial loops has been made. The AA. think that in some cases the particular direction of the terminal forces could be compatible with an isolated and zonal right conduction defect in the posterior region of the right ventricle. In other cases the coexisting electrical pathology of the left ventricle is likely to be responsible for it. At the end the distinguishing diagnostic criteria of the ECG are discussed.", "contents": "[The right bundle branch blocks with posterior loop (author's transl)]. The AA. have analysed 39 VCG which show terminal slowed down forces definitely directed towards the right and the back. It is presumed that such electrical patterns have to be classified amongst defects which deal with right intraventricular conduction. Both the ECG and UCG test have been classified in groups: some of them simulating BFA, others BFP. An analysis of the different developing ways of the vectorial loops has been made. The AA. think that in some cases the particular direction of the terminal forces could be compatible with an isolated and zonal right conduction defect in the posterior region of the right ventricle. In other cases the coexisting electrical pathology of the left ventricle is likely to be responsible for it. At the end the distinguishing diagnostic criteria of the ECG are discussed.", "PMID": 1010178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12038", "title": "[Syncope during potassium depletion (author's transl)].", "content": "The onset of serious arrhythmias during potassium depletion occurs rather frequently in female subjects who have undergone hypotensive-diuretic treatment, independently from the duration and doses of drugs. These arrhythmias which produce a cardiac arrest, can also occur in subjects not affected with heart disease. They are not necessarily preceeded by clinical prodrumus or other types of minor arrhythmias not accompanied by other important electrocardiographic or serum-logical alterations of hypokaliemia. The most commonly observed type is the \"torsades de pointe\", though cases of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation are also documented. The ethiopathogenesis is discussed with regard to the alterations of the basic electrocardiogram as well as to the kind of major arrhythmia. In most cases , lidocaine has given the most satisfactory thmias, results in the treatment of these arrhythmias, probably because of the modality of the action which is substantially different from the other antiarrhythmic drugs.", "contents": "[Syncope during potassium depletion (author's transl)]. The onset of serious arrhythmias during potassium depletion occurs rather frequently in female subjects who have undergone hypotensive-diuretic treatment, independently from the duration and doses of drugs. These arrhythmias which produce a cardiac arrest, can also occur in subjects not affected with heart disease. They are not necessarily preceeded by clinical prodrumus or other types of minor arrhythmias not accompanied by other important electrocardiographic or serum-logical alterations of hypokaliemia. The most commonly observed type is the \"torsades de pointe\", though cases of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation are also documented. The ethiopathogenesis is discussed with regard to the alterations of the basic electrocardiogram as well as to the kind of major arrhythmia. In most cases , lidocaine has given the most satisfactory thmias, results in the treatment of these arrhythmias, probably because of the modality of the action which is substantially different from the other antiarrhythmic drugs.", "PMID": 1010179} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12039", "title": "[The hypotensive effect of propranolol: pathophysiological and clinical approach (author's transl)].", "content": "The hypotensive effect of propranolol and its correlation with the fall in heart rate, plasma volume and plasma renin activity produced by this drug, were studied in 20 hypertensive hospitalised patients. Heart rate and plasma volume fell to approximately the same level (20%) in all cases, while the hypotensive response varied according to the pretreatment levels of plasma renin activity. Patients with low renin did not respond, while those with normal renin and especially those with high renin responded with a significant fall in blood pressure which was directly correlated to the fall of plasma renin activity. It is concluded that propranolol might be the specific treatment for hypertension in those cases which are accompanied or caused by high plasma renin.", "contents": "[The hypotensive effect of propranolol: pathophysiological and clinical approach (author's transl)]. The hypotensive effect of propranolol and its correlation with the fall in heart rate, plasma volume and plasma renin activity produced by this drug, were studied in 20 hypertensive hospitalised patients. Heart rate and plasma volume fell to approximately the same level (20%) in all cases, while the hypotensive response varied according to the pretreatment levels of plasma renin activity. Patients with low renin did not respond, while those with normal renin and especially those with high renin responded with a significant fall in blood pressure which was directly correlated to the fall of plasma renin activity. It is concluded that propranolol might be the specific treatment for hypertension in those cases which are accompanied or caused by high plasma renin.", "PMID": 1010180} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12040", "title": "[Horseshoe lung, cardiac malposition and pulmonary vascular anomalies: a characteristic syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "The clinical, radiological, haemodynamic and angiocardiographic features of a very rare anatomo-clinical entity (i.e. the horseshoe lung), associated with heart malposition and anomalies of the venous and arterial pulmonary vasculature are reported. The horseshoe lung is a pulmonary malformation which essentially consists of partial fusion of the lungs behind the pericardial sack. Of this entity only two cases have been previously reported in the literature, in which the diagnosis was made at necropsy. The reported case is the first in which the diagnosis was made in a living patient. The essential characteristic considered pathognomonic of the syndrome are described.", "contents": "[Horseshoe lung, cardiac malposition and pulmonary vascular anomalies: a characteristic syndrome (author's transl)]. The clinical, radiological, haemodynamic and angiocardiographic features of a very rare anatomo-clinical entity (i.e. the horseshoe lung), associated with heart malposition and anomalies of the venous and arterial pulmonary vasculature are reported. The horseshoe lung is a pulmonary malformation which essentially consists of partial fusion of the lungs behind the pericardial sack. Of this entity only two cases have been previously reported in the literature, in which the diagnosis was made at necropsy. The reported case is the first in which the diagnosis was made in a living patient. The essential characteristic considered pathognomonic of the syndrome are described.", "PMID": 1010181} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12041", "title": "[Primary pericardial mesothelioma: report of a case (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of primary pericardial mesothelioma in a 36-year-old man is reported. The disease, with an atypical clinical onset and rapidly fatal course, was diagnosed before death, by means of clinical examination, chest X-rays, cineangiography and microscope examination of pericardial and pleural exudate, revealing the presence of malignant mesothelial cells. Postmortem examination confirmed the diagnosis and revealed thoracic and extrathoracic metastasis. The clinical, anatomic, pathologic aspects, as well as treatment of primary pericardial mesothelioma are discussed.", "contents": "[Primary pericardial mesothelioma: report of a case (author's transl)]. A case of primary pericardial mesothelioma in a 36-year-old man is reported. The disease, with an atypical clinical onset and rapidly fatal course, was diagnosed before death, by means of clinical examination, chest X-rays, cineangiography and microscope examination of pericardial and pleural exudate, revealing the presence of malignant mesothelial cells. Postmortem examination confirmed the diagnosis and revealed thoracic and extrathoracic metastasis. The clinical, anatomic, pathologic aspects, as well as treatment of primary pericardial mesothelioma are discussed.", "PMID": 1010182} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12042", "title": "[Radioactive immunoassay of digoxin during digitalis therapy (author's transl)].", "content": "Measurements of plasma-digoxin concentrations (radioactive immunoassay) after single oral administration of different doses of beta-methyldigoxin, given by tablets or drops, were made. Their behaviour after more prolonged treatment with the same cardiac glycoside was also evaluated. The utility of radioimmunoassay of serum digoxin levels during digitalis therapy is confirmed.", "contents": "[Radioactive immunoassay of digoxin during digitalis therapy (author's transl)]. Measurements of plasma-digoxin concentrations (radioactive immunoassay) after single oral administration of different doses of beta-methyldigoxin, given by tablets or drops, were made. Their behaviour after more prolonged treatment with the same cardiac glycoside was also evaluated. The utility of radioimmunoassay of serum digoxin levels during digitalis therapy is confirmed.", "PMID": 1010188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12043", "title": "[Correlation between results of bicycle stress test and coronaric arteriography. Study of 153 patients (author's transl)].", "content": "In 153 patients the results of bicycle stress test were compared with data obtained from coronaric arteriography. There were corresponding results from both tests in most cases. There are other discrepancies which cannot be explained by defining the stress test as \"unspecific\" or \"not very sensitive\". In fact, each time, time differences can be referred, besides method limits, to particular physio-pathological stages of the coronaric disease (collateral circulation, Prinzmetal angina) or they can be considered completely independent of the coronaric disease (myocardial disease without coronaric disease, enzymatic defects; haemoglobinic alterations, etc.). The two tests have different indications, but they can also complementary information.", "contents": "[Correlation between results of bicycle stress test and coronaric arteriography. Study of 153 patients (author's transl)]. In 153 patients the results of bicycle stress test were compared with data obtained from coronaric arteriography. There were corresponding results from both tests in most cases. There are other discrepancies which cannot be explained by defining the stress test as \"unspecific\" or \"not very sensitive\". In fact, each time, time differences can be referred, besides method limits, to particular physio-pathological stages of the coronaric disease (collateral circulation, Prinzmetal angina) or they can be considered completely independent of the coronaric disease (myocardial disease without coronaric disease, enzymatic defects; haemoglobinic alterations, etc.). The two tests have different indications, but they can also complementary information.", "PMID": 1010191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12044", "title": "[Aortic sinus aneurysm. The angiographic diagnosis (author's transl)].", "content": "Three cases of aortic sinus aneurysm and three cases of prolapse and regurgitation of the aortic valve associated with ventricular septal defect are discussed from an angiographic point of view. It is pointed out that aortic regurgitation into the left ventricle might be helpful for a correct diagnosis. Aortic regurgitation, in fact, is the result of an anatomically unsupported aortic valve that becomes gradually distorted by haemodynamic influences. This pathogenetic mechanism is often found in subpulmonar and infracrestal ventricular septal defect.", "contents": "[Aortic sinus aneurysm. The angiographic diagnosis (author's transl)]. Three cases of aortic sinus aneurysm and three cases of prolapse and regurgitation of the aortic valve associated with ventricular septal defect are discussed from an angiographic point of view. It is pointed out that aortic regurgitation into the left ventricle might be helpful for a correct diagnosis. Aortic regurgitation, in fact, is the result of an anatomically unsupported aortic valve that becomes gradually distorted by haemodynamic influences. This pathogenetic mechanism is often found in subpulmonar and infracrestal ventricular septal defect.", "PMID": 1010192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12045", "title": "The results of \"exercise therapy in coronary prone individuals and coronary patients\".", "content": "The authors followed for at least two years 483 patients (430 coronary prone patients and 53 with proved coronary heart disease), to determine whether physical training could decrease coronary risk factors and improve exercise tolerance in the trained group as compared with the conventionally treated group (way of life, diet, drugs). There was no significant difference among the two groups for blood lipid profile, blood pressure (at rest and during exercise), functional capacity and mortality. In the authors' opinion this could be explained by the inadequate training program (45 minutes twice a week) and by a possible overlapping of the groups.", "contents": "The results of \"exercise therapy in coronary prone individuals and coronary patients\". The authors followed for at least two years 483 patients (430 coronary prone patients and 53 with proved coronary heart disease), to determine whether physical training could decrease coronary risk factors and improve exercise tolerance in the trained group as compared with the conventionally treated group (way of life, diet, drugs). There was no significant difference among the two groups for blood lipid profile, blood pressure (at rest and during exercise), functional capacity and mortality. In the authors' opinion this could be explained by the inadequate training program (45 minutes twice a week) and by a possible overlapping of the groups.", "PMID": 1010193} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12046", "title": "[Effects of lidocaine on supraventricular arrhythmias (author's transl)].", "content": "Using Lidocaine intravenously in 99 patients with atrial arrhythmias, it was observed that the drug has a regularising effect in 41 from 45 atrial arrhythmia, atrial tachycardia with block and accelerated ectopic supraventricular tachycardia, where the enhanced focal activity should be taken into account. No effect was observed in functional supraventricular tachycardia, paroxysmal atrial flutter and fibrillation and tachyarrhythmia in WPW syndrome, where the re-entry mechanism plays the major role. The effect of the drug is short lived, but may be prolonged by using the drug in perfusion or repeatedly with an intramuscular method. Lidocaine acts by depressing the enhanced atrial focal activity, and therefore may be of value in the treatment of these kinds of arrhythmias.", "contents": "[Effects of lidocaine on supraventricular arrhythmias (author's transl)]. Using Lidocaine intravenously in 99 patients with atrial arrhythmias, it was observed that the drug has a regularising effect in 41 from 45 atrial arrhythmia, atrial tachycardia with block and accelerated ectopic supraventricular tachycardia, where the enhanced focal activity should be taken into account. No effect was observed in functional supraventricular tachycardia, paroxysmal atrial flutter and fibrillation and tachyarrhythmia in WPW syndrome, where the re-entry mechanism plays the major role. The effect of the drug is short lived, but may be prolonged by using the drug in perfusion or repeatedly with an intramuscular method. Lidocaine acts by depressing the enhanced atrial focal activity, and therefore may be of value in the treatment of these kinds of arrhythmias.", "PMID": 1010194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12047", "title": "[Effects of Bunaphtine on right atrial and ventricular monophasic action potentials in man. Preliminary note (author's transl)].", "content": "Effects of Bunaphtine on right atrial and ventricular monophasic action potentials were investigated in 6 patients using the technique of endocavitary recording with a suction electrode. The authors found that the drug, given intravenously in the usual therapeutic dosages, increases the total duration of MAP both atrial and ventricular, together with quite a proportional ERP prolongation. At ventricular level MAP's increase in correlated to a prevailing and strong increase of phase 3. However, the variations of the MAP's amplitude, its O dv/dt phase and the cardiac specific conduction's alterations (noted only at higher dosages) have been inconstant and poor on the whole. On the basis of these results, the mechanism of the action of the drug is discussed.", "contents": "[Effects of Bunaphtine on right atrial and ventricular monophasic action potentials in man. Preliminary note (author's transl)]. Effects of Bunaphtine on right atrial and ventricular monophasic action potentials were investigated in 6 patients using the technique of endocavitary recording with a suction electrode. The authors found that the drug, given intravenously in the usual therapeutic dosages, increases the total duration of MAP both atrial and ventricular, together with quite a proportional ERP prolongation. At ventricular level MAP's increase in correlated to a prevailing and strong increase of phase 3. However, the variations of the MAP's amplitude, its O dv/dt phase and the cardiac specific conduction's alterations (noted only at higher dosages) have been inconstant and poor on the whole. On the basis of these results, the mechanism of the action of the drug is discussed.", "PMID": 1010195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12048", "title": "Congenital extracardial malformations accompanying congenital heart disease.", "content": "A statistical review of 1,354 autopsies performed in cases of congenital heart disease in three major Italian hospitals was carried out. In 446 cases one or more extracardial malformations were found; those most commonly encountered were malformations of the urinary tract, anomalies of the respiratory tract, malformations of the intestine and spleen and trisomy 21. Ventricular septal defects and persistent common atrioventricular canals occurred in a higher percentage of cases with extracardial malformations than in those where congenital heart defects were the only malformations. The reverse was true of endocardial fibroelastosis and transposition of the great vessels. Ventricular septal defects are particularly common in the Klippel-Feil syndrome, in trisomy 18 and, together with a persistent common atrioventricular canal and atrial septal defects, in trisomy 21. The typical picture of so-called \"congenital heart disease associated with asplenia\" was found in cases with splenic agenesis, either with or without situs inversus viscerum, but also in cases with situs inversus viscerum without asplenia.", "contents": "Congenital extracardial malformations accompanying congenital heart disease. A statistical review of 1,354 autopsies performed in cases of congenital heart disease in three major Italian hospitals was carried out. In 446 cases one or more extracardial malformations were found; those most commonly encountered were malformations of the urinary tract, anomalies of the respiratory tract, malformations of the intestine and spleen and trisomy 21. Ventricular septal defects and persistent common atrioventricular canals occurred in a higher percentage of cases with extracardial malformations than in those where congenital heart defects were the only malformations. The reverse was true of endocardial fibroelastosis and transposition of the great vessels. Ventricular septal defects are particularly common in the Klippel-Feil syndrome, in trisomy 18 and, together with a persistent common atrioventricular canal and atrial septal defects, in trisomy 21. The typical picture of so-called \"congenital heart disease associated with asplenia\" was found in cases with splenic agenesis, either with or without situs inversus viscerum, but also in cases with situs inversus viscerum without asplenia.", "PMID": 1010196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12049", "title": "[Corrected transposition of the great vessels. A clinical review of 21 cases (author's transl)].", "content": "Clinical and instrumental features of 21 cases of congenitally corrected transposition of the great vessels are reviewed. We confirm the rarity of the isolated form of the disease and its frequent association with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis. Electrocardiographically, the inversion of the first vectors is represented more frequently by the absence of the q wave on the left precordial leads than by the presence of the q wave on the right precordial leads; a very frequent electrocardiographic feature is a positive T wave on the right precordial leads. The angiographic image of the two ventricles in the lateral projection where they appear as crossing each other in their upper part were described. We confirm the poor results of the surgical treatment of the disease and the non-benign prognosis, because of the other associated cardiac anomalies.", "contents": "[Corrected transposition of the great vessels. A clinical review of 21 cases (author's transl)]. Clinical and instrumental features of 21 cases of congenitally corrected transposition of the great vessels are reviewed. We confirm the rarity of the isolated form of the disease and its frequent association with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis. Electrocardiographically, the inversion of the first vectors is represented more frequently by the absence of the q wave on the left precordial leads than by the presence of the q wave on the right precordial leads; a very frequent electrocardiographic feature is a positive T wave on the right precordial leads. The angiographic image of the two ventricles in the lateral projection where they appear as crossing each other in their upper part were described. We confirm the poor results of the surgical treatment of the disease and the non-benign prognosis, because of the other associated cardiac anomalies.", "PMID": 1010197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12050", "title": "[Experimental revascularization of acute myocardial infarction. II: Activity of various oxidoreductive tissutal and serum enzymes (author's transl)].", "content": "The behaviour of some enzymatic activities, such as monoamino oxidase (MAO), diamino oxidase (DAO), catalase, peroxidase and creatin chinase (CPK) have been studied both in blood serum and myocardial tissue of acute infarcted dogs (obtained by coronary occlusion). The most significant results are the changes of the DAO activity (--50% from the control) and peroxidase activity (+60%), 6 hours after acute ischemia. The effect of reperfusion was studied 2 hours later. A recovery of DAO activities was shown, while the peroxidase activities stayed elevated. All the enzymatic activities studied were evaluated in the serum, under the same experimental conditions. An increase of all these activities was observed until 6th hour of coronary occlusion. The reperfusion of acute ischemia, after six hours, causes a further increase of CPK and MAO activities and a decrease of catalase peroxidase and particulary evident DAO activities. The results of this experiment show that reoxygenation, under our experimental conditions, increases a further enzymatic release and in part causes a metabolic recovery of heart muscle.", "contents": "[Experimental revascularization of acute myocardial infarction. II: Activity of various oxidoreductive tissutal and serum enzymes (author's transl)]. The behaviour of some enzymatic activities, such as monoamino oxidase (MAO), diamino oxidase (DAO), catalase, peroxidase and creatin chinase (CPK) have been studied both in blood serum and myocardial tissue of acute infarcted dogs (obtained by coronary occlusion). The most significant results are the changes of the DAO activity (--50% from the control) and peroxidase activity (+60%), 6 hours after acute ischemia. The effect of reperfusion was studied 2 hours later. A recovery of DAO activities was shown, while the peroxidase activities stayed elevated. All the enzymatic activities studied were evaluated in the serum, under the same experimental conditions. An increase of all these activities was observed until 6th hour of coronary occlusion. The reperfusion of acute ischemia, after six hours, causes a further increase of CPK and MAO activities and a decrease of catalase peroxidase and particulary evident DAO activities. The results of this experiment show that reoxygenation, under our experimental conditions, increases a further enzymatic release and in part causes a metabolic recovery of heart muscle.", "PMID": 1010198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12051", "title": "[The participation of the cholinergic system in the genesis of the reflex vasodilatation in the gracilis muscle of the dog (author's transl)].", "content": "These experiments were undertaken to demonstrate the participation of the cholinergic system in the reflex vasodilatation in the gracilis muscle of the dog evoked by rapid i.v. injection of norepinephrine. The analysis of the integrated areas of vasodilatation curves after pretreatment with atropine showed a significant decrease of the reflex vasodilatation suggesting the participation of the cholinergic system to the mechanism underlying the phenomenon. The residue vasodilatation was completely abolished by the subsequent i.a. administration of phentolamine. On the other hand, guanethidine too could, also without pretreatment with atropine, nullify the reflex vasodilatation. This effect, therefore, does not permit the ruling out of the existence of a cholinergic component in the reflex vasodilatation since the actions of these drugs are not yet completely known.", "contents": "[The participation of the cholinergic system in the genesis of the reflex vasodilatation in the gracilis muscle of the dog (author's transl)]. These experiments were undertaken to demonstrate the participation of the cholinergic system in the reflex vasodilatation in the gracilis muscle of the dog evoked by rapid i.v. injection of norepinephrine. The analysis of the integrated areas of vasodilatation curves after pretreatment with atropine showed a significant decrease of the reflex vasodilatation suggesting the participation of the cholinergic system to the mechanism underlying the phenomenon. The residue vasodilatation was completely abolished by the subsequent i.a. administration of phentolamine. On the other hand, guanethidine too could, also without pretreatment with atropine, nullify the reflex vasodilatation. This effect, therefore, does not permit the ruling out of the existence of a cholinergic component in the reflex vasodilatation since the actions of these drugs are not yet completely known.", "PMID": 1010199} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12052", "title": "[The kinetocardiogram in complete left bundle branch block. Correlations between the kinetocardiogram and systolic time intervals (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors studied the possible correlations between the behaviour of the systolic time intervals, as measured by the electrophonosphygmographic patterns, and the behaviour of the kinetocardiogram recorded on left precordium, in 23 cases of complete LBBB. The results tend to confirm the possibility of distinguishing the distal from the proximal level of the conduction defect in a non invasive way, as already indicated in literature. Evidence for the former is the observation of a lengthening of the isovolumetric contraction time, of an increase of the PEP/LVET and ICT/LVET ratios, of a pansystolic bulge in KCG with a pathological amplitude of the atrial waves, all showing a left ventricular dysfunction. Evidence for a proximal level of conduction defect is: the normal length of the ICT, the normal PEP/LVET and ICT/LVET ratios, the absence of pathological atrial waves in KCG. The presence of paradoxical outward movement (POM) in KCG also in the latter case, even though only rarely observable as a pansystolic bulge, could be related to the existence of a form of ventricular dyssynergy, due to the deranged conduction of the impulse (ventricular dyskinesis from inter- or intra-ventricular asynchrony).", "contents": "[The kinetocardiogram in complete left bundle branch block. Correlations between the kinetocardiogram and systolic time intervals (author's transl)]. The authors studied the possible correlations between the behaviour of the systolic time intervals, as measured by the electrophonosphygmographic patterns, and the behaviour of the kinetocardiogram recorded on left precordium, in 23 cases of complete LBBB. The results tend to confirm the possibility of distinguishing the distal from the proximal level of the conduction defect in a non invasive way, as already indicated in literature. Evidence for the former is the observation of a lengthening of the isovolumetric contraction time, of an increase of the PEP/LVET and ICT/LVET ratios, of a pansystolic bulge in KCG with a pathological amplitude of the atrial waves, all showing a left ventricular dysfunction. Evidence for a proximal level of conduction defect is: the normal length of the ICT, the normal PEP/LVET and ICT/LVET ratios, the absence of pathological atrial waves in KCG. The presence of paradoxical outward movement (POM) in KCG also in the latter case, even though only rarely observable as a pansystolic bulge, could be related to the existence of a form of ventricular dyssynergy, due to the deranged conduction of the impulse (ventricular dyskinesis from inter- or intra-ventricular asynchrony).", "PMID": 1010200} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12053", "title": "[Study of left ventricular function. Part II: systolic perimetric variations (author's transl)].", "content": "New parameters for the study of ventricular dynamic, which analyze the perimetric dimensional variations of the ventricular margin on the cineventriculographic projective plain, were introduced. Three usable methods for these determinations are described: 1) the systolic dimensional variation of the total perimeter; 2) the contribution to the total perimetric length and the systolic shortening of the anterior and posterior wall; 3) the contribution of the telediastolic and the telesystolic length to the anterior or posterior wall and the systolic shortening (in mm/m2 of the corporeal surface and in the percentage of the respective telediastolic length) of each marginal region.", "contents": "[Study of left ventricular function. Part II: systolic perimetric variations (author's transl)]. New parameters for the study of ventricular dynamic, which analyze the perimetric dimensional variations of the ventricular margin on the cineventriculographic projective plain, were introduced. Three usable methods for these determinations are described: 1) the systolic dimensional variation of the total perimeter; 2) the contribution to the total perimetric length and the systolic shortening of the anterior and posterior wall; 3) the contribution of the telediastolic and the telesystolic length to the anterior or posterior wall and the systolic shortening (in mm/m2 of the corporeal surface and in the percentage of the respective telediastolic length) of each marginal region.", "PMID": 1010201} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12054", "title": "[Aneurysm of the left ventricle in infants. Report of two cases successfully treated (author's transl)].", "content": "Aneurysm of the left ventricle in infants is quite a rare cardiac malformation. In this paper two cases are described, six and seven years old respectively, the first one with a subvalvular annular type of aneurysm, the second with an apical type, both surgically treated with success. Ths most known and most frequent aetiological factors are discussed as well as their possible complications. Surgical treatment (aneurysmectomy) is emphasized as the only effective therapy to date.", "contents": "[Aneurysm of the left ventricle in infants. Report of two cases successfully treated (author's transl)]. Aneurysm of the left ventricle in infants is quite a rare cardiac malformation. In this paper two cases are described, six and seven years old respectively, the first one with a subvalvular annular type of aneurysm, the second with an apical type, both surgically treated with success. Ths most known and most frequent aetiological factors are discussed as well as their possible complications. Surgical treatment (aneurysmectomy) is emphasized as the only effective therapy to date.", "PMID": 1010202} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12055", "title": "[Correlations between automaticity and conduction. Considerations in a case of left bundle branch block in phases 3 and 4 (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of phase-3 (tachycardia dependent) and phase-4 (bradycardia-dependent) left bundle branch block (LBBB) which illustrates some relationships between automaticity and conduction in the intraventricular conduction system is reported. The observations made were: a) a conspicuous spontaneous variability of the conductivity and block temporal zones in the left bundle branch (LBB), i.e. of the cycle duration determining either normal intraventricular conduction or block in the LBB; b) after isoproterenol, transient shortening of phase-3 block zone and disappearance of phase-4 block zone due to escape beats which rise from the LBB; c) transient change into not rate-dependent LBBB in consequence of catheter LBB injury and gradual successive reappearance of conductivity zone; d) short periods of 2:1 phase-4 LBBB. A coexisting phase-4 block in a LBB fascicle with electrocardiographic pattern not fulfilling the agreed diagnostic criteria for hemiblocks was also demonstrated. This intraventricular conduction defect was also characterized by conspicuous spontaneous variability of the block temporal zones. After isoproterenol, the duration of the cycle decreased where it occurred. After LBB traumatic injury, it lasted not rate-dependent longer than LBBB and no escape beats rising from the LBB injured fascicle appeared. During normal intraventricular conduction the ECG showed \"ischemic\" alterations in V1-V4 leads of variable degree related to LBB conductivity and block zone duration. Selective coronary angiograms were normal. These findings are discussed in an attempt to clarify the electrophysiological mechanism of rate-dependent intraventricular conduction defects.", "contents": "[Correlations between automaticity and conduction. Considerations in a case of left bundle branch block in phases 3 and 4 (author's transl)]. A case of phase-3 (tachycardia dependent) and phase-4 (bradycardia-dependent) left bundle branch block (LBBB) which illustrates some relationships between automaticity and conduction in the intraventricular conduction system is reported. The observations made were: a) a conspicuous spontaneous variability of the conductivity and block temporal zones in the left bundle branch (LBB), i.e. of the cycle duration determining either normal intraventricular conduction or block in the LBB; b) after isoproterenol, transient shortening of phase-3 block zone and disappearance of phase-4 block zone due to escape beats which rise from the LBB; c) transient change into not rate-dependent LBBB in consequence of catheter LBB injury and gradual successive reappearance of conductivity zone; d) short periods of 2:1 phase-4 LBBB. A coexisting phase-4 block in a LBB fascicle with electrocardiographic pattern not fulfilling the agreed diagnostic criteria for hemiblocks was also demonstrated. This intraventricular conduction defect was also characterized by conspicuous spontaneous variability of the block temporal zones. After isoproterenol, the duration of the cycle decreased where it occurred. After LBB traumatic injury, it lasted not rate-dependent longer than LBBB and no escape beats rising from the LBB injured fascicle appeared. During normal intraventricular conduction the ECG showed \"ischemic\" alterations in V1-V4 leads of variable degree related to LBB conductivity and block zone duration. Selective coronary angiograms were normal. These findings are discussed in an attempt to clarify the electrophysiological mechanism of rate-dependent intraventricular conduction defects.", "PMID": 1010203} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12056", "title": "[Hypolipidemic effects of DH581 during prolonged administration (author's transl)].", "content": "A new cholesterolol lowering agent, DH581, has been studied in eighteen patients with elevated cholesterol levels for more than one year. The data showed twelve patients studied as being cholesterol responders with an overall decrease of 21%. The Placebo period had an overall rise in cholester with a return of effect after re-administration of the drug. During the remainder of the study period, responders had a 17% decrease in cholesterol. Non-responders varied widely but did not demonstrate a significant cholesterol decrease. Triglyceride levels demonstrated wide fluctuation. Nine responders of eighteen patients studied had an overall decrease of 32% and the remainder demonstrated an increase in triglyceride values. Weight changes were not significant and did not account for the observed changes. There was no consistent relationship of sex to the observed response. DH581 appears to be effective antyhypercholesterolemic drug of low toxicity.", "contents": "[Hypolipidemic effects of DH581 during prolonged administration (author's transl)]. A new cholesterolol lowering agent, DH581, has been studied in eighteen patients with elevated cholesterol levels for more than one year. The data showed twelve patients studied as being cholesterol responders with an overall decrease of 21%. The Placebo period had an overall rise in cholester with a return of effect after re-administration of the drug. During the remainder of the study period, responders had a 17% decrease in cholesterol. Non-responders varied widely but did not demonstrate a significant cholesterol decrease. Triglyceride levels demonstrated wide fluctuation. Nine responders of eighteen patients studied had an overall decrease of 32% and the remainder demonstrated an increase in triglyceride values. Weight changes were not significant and did not account for the observed changes. There was no consistent relationship of sex to the observed response. DH581 appears to be effective antyhypercholesterolemic drug of low toxicity.", "PMID": 1010207} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12057", "title": "[On the method for determination of sinus node recovery time (author's transl)].", "content": "On the basis of personal experience of 22 patients, 11 with sick sinus node syndrome (SSNS) and 11 without, it was concluded that the seat and length of atrial stimulation has little importance for the determination of recovery time for corrected sinus node (RTCSN). The frequency of optimal stimulation seems to be 110 impulses per minute for 2 minutes, by which it generally reaches the maximum value of RTCSN. Using this method, the falsely normal RTCSN in SSNS subjects can be verified; in these cases the test should be repeated within a larger frequency scope.", "contents": "[On the method for determination of sinus node recovery time (author's transl)]. On the basis of personal experience of 22 patients, 11 with sick sinus node syndrome (SSNS) and 11 without, it was concluded that the seat and length of atrial stimulation has little importance for the determination of recovery time for corrected sinus node (RTCSN). The frequency of optimal stimulation seems to be 110 impulses per minute for 2 minutes, by which it generally reaches the maximum value of RTCSN. Using this method, the falsely normal RTCSN in SSNS subjects can be verified; in these cases the test should be repeated within a larger frequency scope.", "PMID": 1010208} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12058", "title": "[\"Variant\" angina: clinical, electrocardiographic and coronarographic aspects in 40 cases. Considerations for treatment (author's transl)].", "content": "Forty patients with chest pain and the electrocardiographic aspects of Prinzmetal's variant angina were studied by means of selective coronary arteriography. In 36 cases (90%) severe coronary lesions could be demonstrated: in 75% of the cases a critical obstruction involved a single major coronary trunk; only in 15% two or more vessels were affected. The vessel most frequently involved by critical obstruction was the left anterior descending (57%); in 5 cases (12.5%) a severe stenosis of the common left coronary trunk was present. In 8 cases critical stenosis were reduced by coronary dilators and were completely resolved in 2 cases. Peripheral lesions with multiple secondary branches involvement were present in none of the cases. A common finding was the absence of evident collateral anastomotic circulation. The comparison of the electrocardiographic manifestations of the anginal crisis and the angiographic findings showed a strict correlation between the area of subepicardial lesion and the major coronary vessel distributing to the corresponding myocardial region. Of the 40 patients, 17 were treated medically and 23 underwent a surgical aortocoronary bypass: the results (surgical mortality 22%; complete success 52%) are compared with those in the literature. Prognosis appears to be severe: coronary arteriography must be performed under criteria of urgency, and the possibilities of treatment must be considered on the basis of the angiographic findings.", "contents": "[\"Variant\" angina: clinical, electrocardiographic and coronarographic aspects in 40 cases. Considerations for treatment (author's transl)]. Forty patients with chest pain and the electrocardiographic aspects of Prinzmetal's variant angina were studied by means of selective coronary arteriography. In 36 cases (90%) severe coronary lesions could be demonstrated: in 75% of the cases a critical obstruction involved a single major coronary trunk; only in 15% two or more vessels were affected. The vessel most frequently involved by critical obstruction was the left anterior descending (57%); in 5 cases (12.5%) a severe stenosis of the common left coronary trunk was present. In 8 cases critical stenosis were reduced by coronary dilators and were completely resolved in 2 cases. Peripheral lesions with multiple secondary branches involvement were present in none of the cases. A common finding was the absence of evident collateral anastomotic circulation. The comparison of the electrocardiographic manifestations of the anginal crisis and the angiographic findings showed a strict correlation between the area of subepicardial lesion and the major coronary vessel distributing to the corresponding myocardial region. Of the 40 patients, 17 were treated medically and 23 underwent a surgical aortocoronary bypass: the results (surgical mortality 22%; complete success 52%) are compared with those in the literature. Prognosis appears to be severe: coronary arteriography must be performed under criteria of urgency, and the possibilities of treatment must be considered on the basis of the angiographic findings.", "PMID": 1010211} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12059", "title": "[Non-transmural myocardial infarctions. Evolutive ecgraphic and angiographic clinical aspects (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors report fifty-nine cases of non-transmural myocardial infarction. The diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical electrocardiographic data and enzyme changes. The clinical course was characterized by several chest pain attacks; a transmural myocardial infarction occurred in four patients a few days after admission. Out of fifty-five patients, followed for a nineteen - months period, six died, thirty-one were asymptomatic and fourteen complained of angina. In the last group, chest pain was generally present before the non-transumural myocardial infarction. The ECG were within normal limits in thirty-seven patients. The coronarographic patterns found in fifteen patients are also described and discussed.", "contents": "[Non-transmural myocardial infarctions. Evolutive ecgraphic and angiographic clinical aspects (author's transl)]. The authors report fifty-nine cases of non-transmural myocardial infarction. The diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical electrocardiographic data and enzyme changes. The clinical course was characterized by several chest pain attacks; a transmural myocardial infarction occurred in four patients a few days after admission. Out of fifty-five patients, followed for a nineteen - months period, six died, thirty-one were asymptomatic and fourteen complained of angina. In the last group, chest pain was generally present before the non-transumural myocardial infarction. The ECG were within normal limits in thirty-seven patients. The coronarographic patterns found in fifteen patients are also described and discussed.", "PMID": 1010212} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12060", "title": "[Effects of amiodarone on atrio-ventricular and ventriculo-atrial conduction in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "In 10 patients with the Kent's bundle W.P.W. syndrome, the action of amiodarone (5 mg/kg i.v.) on conduction along the normal and anomalous pathways was studied. The drug actions were: 1) constant increase of the anomalous pathway E.R.P., in one case with antegrade functional block; 2) constant reduction of antegrade conduction velocity along the anomalous pathway, in one case with antegrade functional block; 3) reduction of retrograde conduction velocity along the anomalous pathway in 6 cases out of 8, including one with retrograde functional block; 4) constant increase of the A-V node E.R.P.; 5) reduction of sub Hisian A-V conduction velocity in 3 cases out of 7. Episodes of reciprocating tachycardia could be initiated by atrial electrostimulation in 5 patients before administration and in 3 following administration of the drug. In connection with the electrophysiological properties of the two atrio-ventricular pathways and on the mechanism of tachycardia, the use of this drug in prevention of the circus movement tachycardia in patients with the W.P.W. syndrome is discussed.", "contents": "[Effects of amiodarone on atrio-ventricular and ventriculo-atrial conduction in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (author's transl)]. In 10 patients with the Kent's bundle W.P.W. syndrome, the action of amiodarone (5 mg/kg i.v.) on conduction along the normal and anomalous pathways was studied. The drug actions were: 1) constant increase of the anomalous pathway E.R.P., in one case with antegrade functional block; 2) constant reduction of antegrade conduction velocity along the anomalous pathway, in one case with antegrade functional block; 3) reduction of retrograde conduction velocity along the anomalous pathway in 6 cases out of 8, including one with retrograde functional block; 4) constant increase of the A-V node E.R.P.; 5) reduction of sub Hisian A-V conduction velocity in 3 cases out of 7. Episodes of reciprocating tachycardia could be initiated by atrial electrostimulation in 5 patients before administration and in 3 following administration of the drug. In connection with the electrophysiological properties of the two atrio-ventricular pathways and on the mechanism of tachycardia, the use of this drug in prevention of the circus movement tachycardia in patients with the W.P.W. syndrome is discussed.", "PMID": 1010214} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12061", "title": "[Conduction disturbances associated with the sick sinus node syndrome. Study of fifteen cases with His bundle electrogram (author's transl)].", "content": "Disturbances in atrioventricular conduction were demonstrated in 17 out of 38 cases of sik sinus node syndrome (MNSA). 14 cases had BAV, in varying degrees, 9 had intraventricular conduction disturbances, 13 had pathological values of A-H, 6 pathological values of H-V, 4 contemporaneous lengthening of A-H and H-V. The ECG and hissian electrogram examinations enabled the identification of the seat and the extension of the conduction disturbance, which was schematized as nodal, nodal and truncular, intraventricular (mono-, bi-, and trifascicular) and diffused. It is possible that the damage to the conduction system associated with MNSA has the same etiology. The frequency of the association of MNSA with conduction disturbances suggests, in the case indicated, the use of a ventricular electrostimulation.", "contents": "[Conduction disturbances associated with the sick sinus node syndrome. Study of fifteen cases with His bundle electrogram (author's transl)]. Disturbances in atrioventricular conduction were demonstrated in 17 out of 38 cases of sik sinus node syndrome (MNSA). 14 cases had BAV, in varying degrees, 9 had intraventricular conduction disturbances, 13 had pathological values of A-H, 6 pathological values of H-V, 4 contemporaneous lengthening of A-H and H-V. The ECG and hissian electrogram examinations enabled the identification of the seat and the extension of the conduction disturbance, which was schematized as nodal, nodal and truncular, intraventricular (mono-, bi-, and trifascicular) and diffused. It is possible that the damage to the conduction system associated with MNSA has the same etiology. The frequency of the association of MNSA with conduction disturbances suggests, in the case indicated, the use of a ventricular electrostimulation.", "PMID": 1010213} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12062", "title": "[Study of several electrophysiological effects of procainamide in man (author's transl)].", "content": "Several electrophysiological aspects of the effects of procainamide were analyzed, using a method which allows direct study in man. The following electrophysiological parameters were determined under normal conditions in pace-maker carriers: myocardial stimulation threshold (M.S.T.), above-normal excitability phase (A.N.P.), effective refractory period (E.R.P.), pre-automatic pause (P.A.P.) and frequency of spontaneous rhythm (S.R.). After i.v. somministration of 10 mg/kg of procainamide in six subjects, and of 20 mg/kg in one, the modifications resulting from the examined parameters were analyzed. They showed that procainamide determines the constant elevation of the M.S.T., the shortening of duration of the A.N.P., lengthening of the E.R.P. and depression of the ventricular, but the superventricular automatism. Hypotheses on the electrophysiological mechanism of the observed effects are analyzed, and some clinico-electrophysiopathological correlations are traced, which help in the understanding of the anti-arrhythmic activity of procainamide.", "contents": "[Study of several electrophysiological effects of procainamide in man (author's transl)]. Several electrophysiological aspects of the effects of procainamide were analyzed, using a method which allows direct study in man. The following electrophysiological parameters were determined under normal conditions in pace-maker carriers: myocardial stimulation threshold (M.S.T.), above-normal excitability phase (A.N.P.), effective refractory period (E.R.P.), pre-automatic pause (P.A.P.) and frequency of spontaneous rhythm (S.R.). After i.v. somministration of 10 mg/kg of procainamide in six subjects, and of 20 mg/kg in one, the modifications resulting from the examined parameters were analyzed. They showed that procainamide determines the constant elevation of the M.S.T., the shortening of duration of the A.N.P., lengthening of the E.R.P. and depression of the ventricular, but the superventricular automatism. Hypotheses on the electrophysiological mechanism of the observed effects are analyzed, and some clinico-electrophysiopathological correlations are traced, which help in the understanding of the anti-arrhythmic activity of procainamide.", "PMID": 1010215} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12063", "title": "[Plasma renin activity in renal veins in different types of arterial hypertension (author's transl)].", "content": "Peripheral plasma renin activity (PRA), vena cava and renal veins PRA were measured in 85 patients; arterial PRA was also measured in several cases. 25 patients had essential hypertension or primary aldosteronism; whereas in 60 patients renal or renovascular abnormalities were present. Peripheral PRA was elevated in 17/30 patients with parenchimal or excretory tract diseases. The following ratios came from the results of vena cava, and renal veins PRA were calculated: Ra/Rc and Rc/P according to Stockigt et al. and V-A/A according to Vaughan et al. The ratios were calculated only when v. cava PRA was greater than 4 ng/ml/3 hrs. A good correlation was found between v. cava can arterial PRA. Among the 60 cases with renal hypertension, 26 underwent either revascularization or nephrectomy surgery. Eleven of the 15 patients operated on for renovascular diseases showed a significant reduction of blood pressure (greater than 30 mmHg); all had high peripheral PRA and 6 had significant Ra/Rc and Rc/P (respectively greater than or equal to 1,5 and less than or equal to 1,3). The same patients also had V-A/A of the affected kidney greater than or equal to 0,48 and 5 also V-A/A of the controlateral kidney less than or equal to 0,23, both values being significant for a unilateral renin secretion and controlateral suppression. Among the 4 patients who were unsuccessfully operated on, only 2 had elevated peripheral PRA and 1 had Ra/Rc and Va-A/A greater than normal, but not significant values of Rc/P and Vc-A/A. 11 patients with small kidney or other forms underwent surgery; among the 6 cases with satisfactory results, 5 had high peripheral PRA, 2 showed significant ratios Ra/Rc and 3 a significant V-A/A for both kidneys. Only 1 of the patients not cured by surgery had supernormal peripheral PRA and none had any significant ratio. Therefore both methods for elaborating data obtained from the measurement of PRA in renal veins seem to offer similar prognostic indications. The finding of significant ratios is an almost sure criterium for predicting a surgical cure of renal hypertension, whereas the cases where we may expect a failure present ratios which are not significant. However, patients of the latter group may sometimes have successful results at surgery too, which demonstrates that other mechanisms may also be involved in the pathogenesis of this form of hypertension.", "contents": "[Plasma renin activity in renal veins in different types of arterial hypertension (author's transl)]. Peripheral plasma renin activity (PRA), vena cava and renal veins PRA were measured in 85 patients; arterial PRA was also measured in several cases. 25 patients had essential hypertension or primary aldosteronism; whereas in 60 patients renal or renovascular abnormalities were present. Peripheral PRA was elevated in 17/30 patients with parenchimal or excretory tract diseases. The following ratios came from the results of vena cava, and renal veins PRA were calculated: Ra/Rc and Rc/P according to Stockigt et al. and V-A/A according to Vaughan et al. The ratios were calculated only when v. cava PRA was greater than 4 ng/ml/3 hrs. A good correlation was found between v. cava can arterial PRA. Among the 60 cases with renal hypertension, 26 underwent either revascularization or nephrectomy surgery. Eleven of the 15 patients operated on for renovascular diseases showed a significant reduction of blood pressure (greater than 30 mmHg); all had high peripheral PRA and 6 had significant Ra/Rc and Rc/P (respectively greater than or equal to 1,5 and less than or equal to 1,3). The same patients also had V-A/A of the affected kidney greater than or equal to 0,48 and 5 also V-A/A of the controlateral kidney less than or equal to 0,23, both values being significant for a unilateral renin secretion and controlateral suppression. Among the 4 patients who were unsuccessfully operated on, only 2 had elevated peripheral PRA and 1 had Ra/Rc and Va-A/A greater than normal, but not significant values of Rc/P and Vc-A/A. 11 patients with small kidney or other forms underwent surgery; among the 6 cases with satisfactory results, 5 had high peripheral PRA, 2 showed significant ratios Ra/Rc and 3 a significant V-A/A for both kidneys. Only 1 of the patients not cured by surgery had supernormal peripheral PRA and none had any significant ratio. Therefore both methods for elaborating data obtained from the measurement of PRA in renal veins seem to offer similar prognostic indications. The finding of significant ratios is an almost sure criterium for predicting a surgical cure of renal hypertension, whereas the cases where we may expect a failure present ratios which are not significant. However, patients of the latter group may sometimes have successful results at surgery too, which demonstrates that other mechanisms may also be involved in the pathogenesis of this form of hypertension.", "PMID": 1010216} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12064", "title": "[Echocardiographic study of the Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley disc prosthesis (author's transl)].", "content": "The echocardiography of 25 patients with Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley disc prosthesis (16 aortic, 7 mitralic, 1 both mitralic and aortic and 1 both mitralic and tricuspidal) was studied. Mitralic prosthesis were placed with the shortest disc segment looking forward; aortic prosthesis faced the shortest disk segment looking towards the coronaric sinus. The echo's morphology is related to the multiple relationships among position and direction of the prosthesis and the probe. In the aortic echocardiogram, it is possible to recognize echoes from the ring dissociated by anterior and posterior aortic walls. Between them echoes corresponding to the open disc appear, making a quadrangular figure. The values of the internal diameter of the ring obtained were very similar to the real value (difference 0-1 mm). Mitralic echocardiogram is characterized by the valvular disc movement tracing the typical quadrangular pattern, which is due to its opening and closure. Echoes of the supporting apparatus can be recorded directing the probe toward the heart base. In aortic and mitralic prosthesis, disc movements can be estimated. Opening and closure speed rate and their correlation vary on a large scale, both within different patients and in the same patient. Maximum disc excursion appears to be a more homogeneous and constant data in long-term controls and can be used to estimate valvular functionality: in aortic prosthesis valve the obtained value (mean = 17.46 +/- 0.53 \"ES\") is similar to the real diameter of the disc, in mitral prosthesis valve the value obtained (mean = 17.50 +/- 0.74 \"ES\") is shorter than the real value.", "contents": "[Echocardiographic study of the Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley disc prosthesis (author's transl)]. The echocardiography of 25 patients with Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley disc prosthesis (16 aortic, 7 mitralic, 1 both mitralic and aortic and 1 both mitralic and tricuspidal) was studied. Mitralic prosthesis were placed with the shortest disc segment looking forward; aortic prosthesis faced the shortest disk segment looking towards the coronaric sinus. The echo's morphology is related to the multiple relationships among position and direction of the prosthesis and the probe. In the aortic echocardiogram, it is possible to recognize echoes from the ring dissociated by anterior and posterior aortic walls. Between them echoes corresponding to the open disc appear, making a quadrangular figure. The values of the internal diameter of the ring obtained were very similar to the real value (difference 0-1 mm). Mitralic echocardiogram is characterized by the valvular disc movement tracing the typical quadrangular pattern, which is due to its opening and closure. Echoes of the supporting apparatus can be recorded directing the probe toward the heart base. In aortic and mitralic prosthesis, disc movements can be estimated. Opening and closure speed rate and their correlation vary on a large scale, both within different patients and in the same patient. Maximum disc excursion appears to be a more homogeneous and constant data in long-term controls and can be used to estimate valvular functionality: in aortic prosthesis valve the obtained value (mean = 17.46 +/- 0.53 \"ES\") is similar to the real diameter of the disc, in mitral prosthesis valve the value obtained (mean = 17.50 +/- 0.74 \"ES\") is shorter than the real value.", "PMID": 1010218} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12065", "title": "[Tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome. An electrophysiological and pharmacological study (author's transl)].", "content": "In nine patients with the tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome, a dysfunction of sinusal automatism was observed, shown by a prolonged recovery time of sinus node for six of the patients, and by an insufficient response to atropine in all nine. In two of the five patients, where a study of seno-atrial conduction was possible a conduction defect at this level was noticed. In three patients (33%), asystole was observed: in one patient in the course of a tachycardial crisis; during the passage of an atrial fibrillation in sinusal rhythm in another, and following premature isolated atrial pulsations in the third. The observations of asystole pause in the third patient following premature isolated beats which were longer than those induced electrically, led to the conclusion that, more than a sinusal automatism or sino-atrial conduction defect, asystole can be due to repetitive re-entries that are not reproduced at the level of the sino-atrial junction. The atrial response obtained in another patient with atrial stimulation slightly superior to the threshold, seems to exclude an atrial inexcitability hypothesis. The paroxysmal tachycardia and the atrial fibrillation were the most frequently noted arrhythmias; atrial flutter was only rarely observed. A rotation of rhythm disturbances was recorded in four of the nine patients, both on diverse occasions and during one crisis. The atrial electrostimulation performed on a patient during asystole pauses occurred spontaneously during the course of a tachy cardial crisis, allowed conduction of the atria only for 1-2 stimuli, and did not impede the recovery of the tachycardial paroxysm. It is probable that the conduction disturbances and/or the atrial excitability, which have the same determining cause of sinusal dysfunction, can be responsible for atrial arrhythmias, with the characteristic symptom of the tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome.", "contents": "[Tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome. An electrophysiological and pharmacological study (author's transl)]. In nine patients with the tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome, a dysfunction of sinusal automatism was observed, shown by a prolonged recovery time of sinus node for six of the patients, and by an insufficient response to atropine in all nine. In two of the five patients, where a study of seno-atrial conduction was possible a conduction defect at this level was noticed. In three patients (33%), asystole was observed: in one patient in the course of a tachycardial crisis; during the passage of an atrial fibrillation in sinusal rhythm in another, and following premature isolated atrial pulsations in the third. The observations of asystole pause in the third patient following premature isolated beats which were longer than those induced electrically, led to the conclusion that, more than a sinusal automatism or sino-atrial conduction defect, asystole can be due to repetitive re-entries that are not reproduced at the level of the sino-atrial junction. The atrial response obtained in another patient with atrial stimulation slightly superior to the threshold, seems to exclude an atrial inexcitability hypothesis. The paroxysmal tachycardia and the atrial fibrillation were the most frequently noted arrhythmias; atrial flutter was only rarely observed. A rotation of rhythm disturbances was recorded in four of the nine patients, both on diverse occasions and during one crisis. The atrial electrostimulation performed on a patient during asystole pauses occurred spontaneously during the course of a tachy cardial crisis, allowed conduction of the atria only for 1-2 stimuli, and did not impede the recovery of the tachycardial paroxysm. It is probable that the conduction disturbances and/or the atrial excitability, which have the same determining cause of sinusal dysfunction, can be responsible for atrial arrhythmias, with the characteristic symptom of the tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome.", "PMID": 1010219} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12066", "title": "[The influence of gastric acidity on digoxinemy (author's transl)].", "content": "The effect of gastric acidity on the absorption of a cardiac glucoside has been studied in vivo in three groups of patients with heart disease, measuring blood levels and urinary excretion of the digitalis compound by radioimmunologic assay. The median blood levels were lower in hyperacidic subjects and higher in hypoacidic patients; the urinary excretion of the digitalis compound showed no essential differences.", "contents": "[The influence of gastric acidity on digoxinemy (author's transl)]. The effect of gastric acidity on the absorption of a cardiac glucoside has been studied in vivo in three groups of patients with heart disease, measuring blood levels and urinary excretion of the digitalis compound by radioimmunologic assay. The median blood levels were lower in hyperacidic subjects and higher in hypoacidic patients; the urinary excretion of the digitalis compound showed no essential differences.", "PMID": 1010220} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12067", "title": "[Left ventricle-right atrial communication. Surgical, hemodynamic and clinical aspects (author's transl)].", "content": "Anatomical, clinical radiographic and electrocardiographic aspects in 12 cases of left ventricle-right atrial communication are described. The usual severity and precocity of symptoms are outlined. At cardiac catheterization the level of the shunt was not found to be exactly correlated with the anatomic type of the defect; the mean QP/QS was 2,7 (1,4-5,8); only one case of pulmonary hypertension was detected and the mean RP/RS was 0,19 (0,06-0,83). Contrastographic aspects are emphasized and the importance of having two orthogonal projections is outlined. 9 patients underwent surgical repair with good results, except for the patient with pulmonary hypertension, who died soon after the operation: this patient shouldn't have been operated on. In all cases only right atriotomy was made, and the defect was closed by a dacron patch; no patient had a tricuspid plastic; one perforation and one cleft of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve were sutured directly. In view of the simplicity of surgical correction, wide indications are possible, considering, too, that there have been no reports on the spontaneous closure of the defect.", "contents": "[Left ventricle-right atrial communication. Surgical, hemodynamic and clinical aspects (author's transl)]. Anatomical, clinical radiographic and electrocardiographic aspects in 12 cases of left ventricle-right atrial communication are described. The usual severity and precocity of symptoms are outlined. At cardiac catheterization the level of the shunt was not found to be exactly correlated with the anatomic type of the defect; the mean QP/QS was 2,7 (1,4-5,8); only one case of pulmonary hypertension was detected and the mean RP/RS was 0,19 (0,06-0,83). Contrastographic aspects are emphasized and the importance of having two orthogonal projections is outlined. 9 patients underwent surgical repair with good results, except for the patient with pulmonary hypertension, who died soon after the operation: this patient shouldn't have been operated on. In all cases only right atriotomy was made, and the defect was closed by a dacron patch; no patient had a tricuspid plastic; one perforation and one cleft of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve were sutured directly. In view of the simplicity of surgical correction, wide indications are possible, considering, too, that there have been no reports on the spontaneous closure of the defect.", "PMID": 1010222} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12068", "title": "[Coronary artery spasm induced by the somministration of ergonovine maleate in subjects with spontaneous angina (author's transl)].", "content": "In 6 patients affected by spontaneous angina with S-T elevation and coronariographic findings of obstruction, intravenous administration of ergonovine maleate determined the same clinical and ECG patterns of spontaneous episodes. The coronary arteriography during pain showed a marked spasm with occlusion of a large coronary vessel in four patients. In 2 patients with atypical chest pain and normal coronariogram, E.M. did not induce pain, ECG abnormality or coronariographic alterations. The role of spasm in spontaneous angina is discussed.", "contents": "[Coronary artery spasm induced by the somministration of ergonovine maleate in subjects with spontaneous angina (author's transl)]. In 6 patients affected by spontaneous angina with S-T elevation and coronariographic findings of obstruction, intravenous administration of ergonovine maleate determined the same clinical and ECG patterns of spontaneous episodes. The coronary arteriography during pain showed a marked spasm with occlusion of a large coronary vessel in four patients. In 2 patients with atypical chest pain and normal coronariogram, E.M. did not induce pain, ECG abnormality or coronariographic alterations. The role of spasm in spontaneous angina is discussed.", "PMID": 1010229} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12069", "title": "[Single coronary artery originating from the left pulmonary artery of a \"truncus arteriosus communis\" in a living 39 year-old-patient (author's transl)].", "content": "Observation of a single coronary artery with origin from left pulmonary artery in a 39 year-old man who was brought to the operating table for correction of a persistent truncus arteriosus is discussed. The anomaly is expectional and has never been described intra vitam. The authors explain the possible formal genesis on the basis of the most accepted embriogenetic theories and they analyze the special physiopathological behaviour which allowed the long survival and the good physical state of the patient which is still only slightly reduced. In this case a precedent cerebral abscess and frequent hemophtysis indicated the surgical treatment of the truncus arteriosus which was nor performed because of the finding of the coronary anomaly not previously seen with angiography. The authors emphasize the necessity of an accurate pre-operative study of the coronary tree in all patients with persistent truncus arteriosus, to avoid the possibility that anomalies of the origin and course of the coronary arteries can make radical surgical treatment difficult or impossible.", "contents": "[Single coronary artery originating from the left pulmonary artery of a \"truncus arteriosus communis\" in a living 39 year-old-patient (author's transl)]. Observation of a single coronary artery with origin from left pulmonary artery in a 39 year-old man who was brought to the operating table for correction of a persistent truncus arteriosus is discussed. The anomaly is expectional and has never been described intra vitam. The authors explain the possible formal genesis on the basis of the most accepted embriogenetic theories and they analyze the special physiopathological behaviour which allowed the long survival and the good physical state of the patient which is still only slightly reduced. In this case a precedent cerebral abscess and frequent hemophtysis indicated the surgical treatment of the truncus arteriosus which was nor performed because of the finding of the coronary anomaly not previously seen with angiography. The authors emphasize the necessity of an accurate pre-operative study of the coronary tree in all patients with persistent truncus arteriosus, to avoid the possibility that anomalies of the origin and course of the coronary arteries can make radical surgical treatment difficult or impossible.", "PMID": 1010224} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12070", "title": "[The significance of hemogasanalysis in acute myocardial infarction: hemodynamic and respiratory correlations (author's transl)].", "content": "Hemodynamic and hemogasanalytic comparative study was performed in 46 patients admitted to our Coronary Care Unit because of myocardial infarction. The values of pH; PO2; PCO2; HbaO2; HbvO2; SBP; CVP; PAP; WP; Q; and CI were recorded simultaneously in every patient one or more times during the first 72 hours of the disease. The patients were divided into four classes according to the severity of hemodynamic impairment. Statistical analysis of the obtained results was then performed. In all patients more or less severe hypoxemia was found, but it was not statistically related to the severity of hemodynamic impairment. Instead, the values of PvO2 and HbvO2 showed a very significant correlation with Q and CI. Moreover, in 11 patients the venous admixture (QVA/Q) was measured several times in order to study the cause of the arterial hypoxemia thoroughly. It showed a very significant direct correlation with Q and CI. The interpretation of this phenomenon is then discussed and it is suggested that, in such patients, an increase of cardiac output causes an increased flow through poorly ventilated areas.", "contents": "[The significance of hemogasanalysis in acute myocardial infarction: hemodynamic and respiratory correlations (author's transl)]. Hemodynamic and hemogasanalytic comparative study was performed in 46 patients admitted to our Coronary Care Unit because of myocardial infarction. The values of pH; PO2; PCO2; HbaO2; HbvO2; SBP; CVP; PAP; WP; Q; and CI were recorded simultaneously in every patient one or more times during the first 72 hours of the disease. The patients were divided into four classes according to the severity of hemodynamic impairment. Statistical analysis of the obtained results was then performed. In all patients more or less severe hypoxemia was found, but it was not statistically related to the severity of hemodynamic impairment. Instead, the values of PvO2 and HbvO2 showed a very significant correlation with Q and CI. Moreover, in 11 patients the venous admixture (QVA/Q) was measured several times in order to study the cause of the arterial hypoxemia thoroughly. It showed a very significant direct correlation with Q and CI. The interpretation of this phenomenon is then discussed and it is suggested that, in such patients, an increase of cardiac output causes an increased flow through poorly ventilated areas.", "PMID": 1010230} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12071", "title": "[Congenital coronary fistulas: report of six operated cases (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors report of their own experience of 6 patients suffering from congenital coronary fistula. In 3 cases the fistula originated from the right coronary artery and in the other 3, from the branches of the left coronary artery. In 2 cases the fistula ended in the right atrium and in 4 cases in the right ventricle. Three patients were asymptomatic, 2 with cardiac insufficiency and 1 suffering from angor. We normally recommend surgical operation for the symptomatic patients, and for the asymptomatic, whenever there is a considerable shunt sin/dx and/or for important electrocardiogram alteration. All of the patients was operated on, 4 of them by means of extracorporeal circulation. In 3 of them a straight ligation of the fistula was carried out: in one, ligation of the fistula associated with the removal of a myocardial aneurysm, in one the suture of the intima of the fistula after arteriotomy, and in one the suture after right atriotomy. There were no complications immediately after the surgical operation. Five of our patients were checked from 3 to 7 years after the operation. All of them showed a normal radiological picture and disappearance of electrocardiogram evidence of pre-existing myocardial ischemia.", "contents": "[Congenital coronary fistulas: report of six operated cases (author's transl)]. The authors report of their own experience of 6 patients suffering from congenital coronary fistula. In 3 cases the fistula originated from the right coronary artery and in the other 3, from the branches of the left coronary artery. In 2 cases the fistula ended in the right atrium and in 4 cases in the right ventricle. Three patients were asymptomatic, 2 with cardiac insufficiency and 1 suffering from angor. We normally recommend surgical operation for the symptomatic patients, and for the asymptomatic, whenever there is a considerable shunt sin/dx and/or for important electrocardiogram alteration. All of the patients was operated on, 4 of them by means of extracorporeal circulation. In 3 of them a straight ligation of the fistula was carried out: in one, ligation of the fistula associated with the removal of a myocardial aneurysm, in one the suture of the intima of the fistula after arteriotomy, and in one the suture after right atriotomy. There were no complications immediately after the surgical operation. Five of our patients were checked from 3 to 7 years after the operation. All of them showed a normal radiological picture and disappearance of electrocardiogram evidence of pre-existing myocardial ischemia.", "PMID": 1010231} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12072", "title": "[Precordial mapping and enzymatic analysis for estimating infarct size in man. A comparative study (author's transl)].", "content": "To investigate the relationships between electrocardiographic and enzymatic indexes of infarct size (I.S.), a group of 19 patients with anterior infarction was studied by serial precordial mapping and CPK curves analysis. The time course of ST and QRS changes was examined and a sharp, spontaneous fall of sigmaST was shown to occur within 10-12 hours after onset of symptoms, followed by a gradual rise. sigmaST on admission appears to be a poor predictor of subsequent enzymatic I.S. (r=0.49). Good correlations with I.S. were observed, for sigmaST at 48-96 hours (r=0.82) and, especially, for the percent decrease of sigmaR, with respect to the initial values (deltaR%), (r=0.94).", "contents": "[Precordial mapping and enzymatic analysis for estimating infarct size in man. A comparative study (author's transl)]. To investigate the relationships between electrocardiographic and enzymatic indexes of infarct size (I.S.), a group of 19 patients with anterior infarction was studied by serial precordial mapping and CPK curves analysis. The time course of ST and QRS changes was examined and a sharp, spontaneous fall of sigmaST was shown to occur within 10-12 hours after onset of symptoms, followed by a gradual rise. sigmaST on admission appears to be a poor predictor of subsequent enzymatic I.S. (r=0.49). Good correlations with I.S. were observed, for sigmaST at 48-96 hours (r=0.82) and, especially, for the percent decrease of sigmaR, with respect to the initial values (deltaR%), (r=0.94).", "PMID": 1010232} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12073", "title": "[Primitive cardiomyopathies: dynamic geometry of left ventricular contraction].", "content": "51 patients with primitive cardiomyopathy were studied and classified (5 groups) on the basis of hemodynamic parametres and the modalities of left ventricular contraction: the first group was made up of patients with \"frontal sector\" hyperkinesia, normal ejection fraction and without any dynamic obstruction of the ventricular flow; the second, of patients with hyperkinesia \"frontal and rear sector\" raised ejection fraction and with dynamic obstruction; the third group was composed of patients with \"frontal sector\" hyperkinesia, reduced motility of the mitralic valvular level with appearance of insufficiency (maintained in the subsequent groups) and depression of the ejection fraction; dynamic obstruction was present. Groups IV and V included patients with progressive extension of hypokinesia to all marginal regions, up to the contraction pattern characterized by \"serious and diffused hypokinesia\". To conclude, a correlation of the contraction patterns is made, characterizing the various groups with a pathophysiological interpretation.", "contents": "[Primitive cardiomyopathies: dynamic geometry of left ventricular contraction]. 51 patients with primitive cardiomyopathy were studied and classified (5 groups) on the basis of hemodynamic parametres and the modalities of left ventricular contraction: the first group was made up of patients with \"frontal sector\" hyperkinesia, normal ejection fraction and without any dynamic obstruction of the ventricular flow; the second, of patients with hyperkinesia \"frontal and rear sector\" raised ejection fraction and with dynamic obstruction; the third group was composed of patients with \"frontal sector\" hyperkinesia, reduced motility of the mitralic valvular level with appearance of insufficiency (maintained in the subsequent groups) and depression of the ejection fraction; dynamic obstruction was present. Groups IV and V included patients with progressive extension of hypokinesia to all marginal regions, up to the contraction pattern characterized by \"serious and diffused hypokinesia\". To conclude, a correlation of the contraction patterns is made, characterizing the various groups with a pathophysiological interpretation.", "PMID": 1010233} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12074", "title": "[Cardiac fibroma: a successfully operated case and a review of the literature (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of cardiac fibroma in a three years old child successfully operated on is presented. The tumor was localized on the interventricular septum and was provoking an obstacle in the outflow of the right ventricle. The preoperative diagnosis was formulated by angiocardiography. A year after the operation, the hemodynamic control showed that he interventricular pressures were normal. The problems and the importance of an early diagnosis are emphasized in patients affected by cardiac fibroma. Surgical indication, technical aspects related to the operation, the immediate and more long-term results from surgical operation of this kind of pathology, with reference to the data taken from the literature, are discussed.", "contents": "[Cardiac fibroma: a successfully operated case and a review of the literature (author's transl)]. A case of cardiac fibroma in a three years old child successfully operated on is presented. The tumor was localized on the interventricular septum and was provoking an obstacle in the outflow of the right ventricle. The preoperative diagnosis was formulated by angiocardiography. A year after the operation, the hemodynamic control showed that he interventricular pressures were normal. The problems and the importance of an early diagnosis are emphasized in patients affected by cardiac fibroma. Surgical indication, technical aspects related to the operation, the immediate and more long-term results from surgical operation of this kind of pathology, with reference to the data taken from the literature, are discussed.", "PMID": 1010223} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12075", "title": "[Paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia with retrograde Wenckebach block and reciprocal beats (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of recurrent paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia with retrograde Wenckebach block and reciprocal beats was studied with His bundle electrogram and right ventricular stimulation. Reentry was reproduced whenever retrograde ventriculo-atrial conduction time reached a critical value. Concealed reentry was also demonstrated and shown to be responsible for the dropped beats of the Wenckebach sequence.", "contents": "[Paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia with retrograde Wenckebach block and reciprocal beats (author's transl)]. A case of recurrent paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia with retrograde Wenckebach block and reciprocal beats was studied with His bundle electrogram and right ventricular stimulation. Reentry was reproduced whenever retrograde ventriculo-atrial conduction time reached a critical value. Concealed reentry was also demonstrated and shown to be responsible for the dropped beats of the Wenckebach sequence.", "PMID": 1010234} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12076", "title": "[Effect of diazoxide on blood pressure, PRA and plasma aldosterone in hypertensive patients (author's transl)].", "content": "Intravenous diazoxide (300 mg) was administered to 29 hypertensive patients previously classified in subgroups according to their plasma renin and urinary aldosterone levels. The blood pressure was measured before and periodically after injection and plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone before and after 2 hours. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure fell notably from 193/118 to 155 93 mmHg; whereas PRA increased from 7.51 to 13.21 ng/ml/3 hrs and plasma aldosterone did not change significantly (71.3 and 102.8 ng%). Examining the individual sub-groups, a significant decrease in blood pressure was observed in 15 patients with low, posture unresponsive PRA, both in subjects with normal urinary aldosterone and those with surgically proven primary aldosteronism. In the former only the mean PRA showed a slight but sigificant increase, while in the latter the changes for both PRA and aldosterone were not significant. In the subgroups of patients with normal renin and urinary aldosterone the arterial pressure also significantly and promptly decreased. However, in this group the mean PRA substantially increased whereas the plasma aldosterone levels remained constant. The same blood pressure decline was observed in those patients with high PRA and aldosterone, including 1 case of pheocromocytoma. The mean PRA showed a further modest increase while the plasma aldosterone did not change significantly. These results indicate that the antihypertensive action of diazoxide is similar in the different types of hypertension (volume, vasoconstrictor or mixed form according to Laragh's classification), being independent of the basal plasma renin and aldosterone levels. Furthermore, the response of the blood pressure to diazoxide is not related in any way to the induced changes in PRA and plasma aldosterone values.", "contents": "[Effect of diazoxide on blood pressure, PRA and plasma aldosterone in hypertensive patients (author's transl)]. Intravenous diazoxide (300 mg) was administered to 29 hypertensive patients previously classified in subgroups according to their plasma renin and urinary aldosterone levels. The blood pressure was measured before and periodically after injection and plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone before and after 2 hours. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure fell notably from 193/118 to 155 93 mmHg; whereas PRA increased from 7.51 to 13.21 ng/ml/3 hrs and plasma aldosterone did not change significantly (71.3 and 102.8 ng%). Examining the individual sub-groups, a significant decrease in blood pressure was observed in 15 patients with low, posture unresponsive PRA, both in subjects with normal urinary aldosterone and those with surgically proven primary aldosteronism. In the former only the mean PRA showed a slight but sigificant increase, while in the latter the changes for both PRA and aldosterone were not significant. In the subgroups of patients with normal renin and urinary aldosterone the arterial pressure also significantly and promptly decreased. However, in this group the mean PRA substantially increased whereas the plasma aldosterone levels remained constant. The same blood pressure decline was observed in those patients with high PRA and aldosterone, including 1 case of pheocromocytoma. The mean PRA showed a further modest increase while the plasma aldosterone did not change significantly. These results indicate that the antihypertensive action of diazoxide is similar in the different types of hypertension (volume, vasoconstrictor or mixed form according to Laragh's classification), being independent of the basal plasma renin and aldosterone levels. Furthermore, the response of the blood pressure to diazoxide is not related in any way to the induced changes in PRA and plasma aldosterone values.", "PMID": 1010235} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12077", "title": "[Modifications and control of the myocardial threshold with the Vario pacemaker EM 169 (author's transl)].", "content": "Measurements of threshold of electrical stimulation were performed in thirty patients with A-V block, at the time of implantation of the pacemaker, after 10 days, 1-2 months and 1 year. The Vario-pacemaker was used for the measurements. An increase in the stimulation threshold of about 260% was noted after 10 days and 1-2 months. One year after the implantation of the pacemaker, the myocardial threshold was about 200% of the initial value. The method is easy to perform. It is very useful to follow the myocardial threshold changes for a long period after the implantation.", "contents": "[Modifications and control of the myocardial threshold with the Vario pacemaker EM 169 (author's transl)]. Measurements of threshold of electrical stimulation were performed in thirty patients with A-V block, at the time of implantation of the pacemaker, after 10 days, 1-2 months and 1 year. The Vario-pacemaker was used for the measurements. An increase in the stimulation threshold of about 260% was noted after 10 days and 1-2 months. One year after the implantation of the pacemaker, the myocardial threshold was about 200% of the initial value. The method is easy to perform. It is very useful to follow the myocardial threshold changes for a long period after the implantation.", "PMID": 1010236} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12078", "title": "[Action of dopamine on blood flow of the limbs and on blood viscosity (author's transl)].", "content": "The observation of several cases of gangrene in the lower limbs of subjects treated with an infusion of dopamine has encouraged the authors to study the action of the drug, in a dose capable of increasing the arterial pressure, on the blood flow in the lower limbs and on the viscosity of the blood in a group of normal middle aged subjects. A significant reduction in the values of the blood flow with a simultaneous increase in the blood viscosity was observed. There results confirm the ischemic action of the drug with the doses used at the muscular and cutaneous level in the lower limbs.", "contents": "[Action of dopamine on blood flow of the limbs and on blood viscosity (author's transl)]. The observation of several cases of gangrene in the lower limbs of subjects treated with an infusion of dopamine has encouraged the authors to study the action of the drug, in a dose capable of increasing the arterial pressure, on the blood flow in the lower limbs and on the viscosity of the blood in a group of normal middle aged subjects. A significant reduction in the values of the blood flow with a simultaneous increase in the blood viscosity was observed. There results confirm the ischemic action of the drug with the doses used at the muscular and cutaneous level in the lower limbs.", "PMID": 1010226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12079", "title": "[The mitral prolapse syndrome. Observation of 100 cases (author's transl)].", "content": "100 patients with mitral prolapse syndrome (MPS) were studied with electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, thorax radiography and echocardiogram. In 44 of the patients, the effort test and dynamic electrocardiogram were performed; 25 underwent hemodynamic examination, and 10 underwent selective coronarography. The most frequent symptomatologies were palpitations and vertigo; the most-registered electrocardiographic alterations were ventricular extrasystoles and altered electrical repolarization in the inferior seat. The symptomatic patients with rhythm disturbances showed reduced work capacity (RWC) with aggravation of the effort arrhythmias. The phonocardiogram showed variability of the phonoauscultatory reports, not only from patient to patient, but also in the same patient. The apicocardiogram presented a characteristic systolic re-entry which coincided with the non-ejective click. In all cases, the echocardiogram demonstrated a systolic movement backwards from the mitralic strips with different aspects. The endocavitary pressures in the studied cases were normal or only slightly altered. The left ventriculography frequently demonstrated assynergic areas, and constantly, eversion of the posterior mitralic strips in the left atrium. In most of the cases, the selective coronarography showed the absence of the ventricular atrial tract of the circumflex. The sustained role of the mixomatous degeneration in the pathogenetic mechanism of the MPS must be emphasized. The beta-blockers were the most effective drugs against arrhythmias, which in some cases showed themselves impervious to any medicinal treatment. MPS is considered a very diffuse disease which can run its course without detection or which can be accompanied by serious rhythm disturbances that can threaten the patient's life. The importance of echocardiography in the diagnosis of MPS is emphasized. The SPM patient showed undergo a series of wave tests which reveal malignant potentialities, so that the best therapeutic principles, both for the treatment and prevention of the arrhythmias, can be applied.", "contents": "[The mitral prolapse syndrome. Observation of 100 cases (author's transl)]. 100 patients with mitral prolapse syndrome (MPS) were studied with electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, thorax radiography and echocardiogram. In 44 of the patients, the effort test and dynamic electrocardiogram were performed; 25 underwent hemodynamic examination, and 10 underwent selective coronarography. The most frequent symptomatologies were palpitations and vertigo; the most-registered electrocardiographic alterations were ventricular extrasystoles and altered electrical repolarization in the inferior seat. The symptomatic patients with rhythm disturbances showed reduced work capacity (RWC) with aggravation of the effort arrhythmias. The phonocardiogram showed variability of the phonoauscultatory reports, not only from patient to patient, but also in the same patient. The apicocardiogram presented a characteristic systolic re-entry which coincided with the non-ejective click. In all cases, the echocardiogram demonstrated a systolic movement backwards from the mitralic strips with different aspects. The endocavitary pressures in the studied cases were normal or only slightly altered. The left ventriculography frequently demonstrated assynergic areas, and constantly, eversion of the posterior mitralic strips in the left atrium. In most of the cases, the selective coronarography showed the absence of the ventricular atrial tract of the circumflex. The sustained role of the mixomatous degeneration in the pathogenetic mechanism of the MPS must be emphasized. The beta-blockers were the most effective drugs against arrhythmias, which in some cases showed themselves impervious to any medicinal treatment. MPS is considered a very diffuse disease which can run its course without detection or which can be accompanied by serious rhythm disturbances that can threaten the patient's life. The importance of echocardiography in the diagnosis of MPS is emphasized. The SPM patient showed undergo a series of wave tests which reveal malignant potentialities, so that the best therapeutic principles, both for the treatment and prevention of the arrhythmias, can be applied.", "PMID": 1010237} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12080", "title": "[Spontaneous return of sinus rhythm in mitralic fibrillation of long duration (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of mitral valvular disease in which spontaneous return of sinus rhythm occurred after 12 years of atrial fibrillation is reported. The course of the disease, complicated by A.V. and intraventricular conduction disturbances which made the insertion of a pacemaker necessary, suggests that return to sinus rhythm should not be considered necessarily an improvement in the clinical picture and in the prognosis in such patients.", "contents": "[Spontaneous return of sinus rhythm in mitralic fibrillation of long duration (author's transl)]. A case of mitral valvular disease in which spontaneous return of sinus rhythm occurred after 12 years of atrial fibrillation is reported. The course of the disease, complicated by A.V. and intraventricular conduction disturbances which made the insertion of a pacemaker necessary, suggests that return to sinus rhythm should not be considered necessarily an improvement in the clinical picture and in the prognosis in such patients.", "PMID": 1010238} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12081", "title": "[Reopening of ventricular septal defect after surgical repair: experience with 7 reoperated patients (author's transl)].", "content": "Reopening of ventricular septal defect after surgical repair was investigated -- from six months to five years after operation -- on 75 patients who had undergone closure of ventricular septal defect and on 65 patients who had undergone complete correction of tetralogy of Fallot. The complication appeared in 3 patients (4%) of the first group and in 4 (6%) of the second group, always early after the operation (from 24 hours to 2 months). All patients underwent reoperation - operative mortality rate was 66% in the first group and 25% in the second one. Operative mortality was higher in patients with cardiac and/or tricuspidal failure, also after prolonged preoperative medical treatment.", "contents": "[Reopening of ventricular septal defect after surgical repair: experience with 7 reoperated patients (author's transl)]. Reopening of ventricular septal defect after surgical repair was investigated -- from six months to five years after operation -- on 75 patients who had undergone closure of ventricular septal defect and on 65 patients who had undergone complete correction of tetralogy of Fallot. The complication appeared in 3 patients (4%) of the first group and in 4 (6%) of the second group, always early after the operation (from 24 hours to 2 months). All patients underwent reoperation - operative mortality rate was 66% in the first group and 25% in the second one. Operative mortality was higher in patients with cardiac and/or tricuspidal failure, also after prolonged preoperative medical treatment.", "PMID": 1010241} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12082", "title": "[A correlative study of the evolution of myocardial infarction using 131Cs scintigraphy and ecocardiography (author's transl)].", "content": "21 patients with acute myocardial infarction (A.M.I.) were studied by echocardiography (Echo) and 131CS myocardial scintigraphy (M.S.). Some months after discharge from Hospital (mean value = 10 months), the echocardiograms and myocardial scintigrams were taken again. M.S. resulted modified in 13 patients (62%); in 7 of these there was a reduction of the \"cold\" area due to M.I.; in 6 an extension with scintigraphic pattern of left ventricular aneurysm was shown. Echo showed in the first group of 7, with normal ventricular cavity (L.V.C.), dimension and good movement of the walls affected by A.M.I. In the second group of 6, L.V.C. dilatation (mean value = 5,6 cm) and reduction of L.V. walls movements gave noticeable results. In the patients (8 = 38%) with unchanged M.S., Echo showed an L.V.C. dimensions increase and L.V. wall movement reduction. The most important results of the present study is the sensitivity of the M.S. and Echo to picking up left ventricular aneurysm by means of non-invasive techniques. The Authors emphasize the availability of Echo and M.S. in the follow up of M.I.", "contents": "[A correlative study of the evolution of myocardial infarction using 131Cs scintigraphy and ecocardiography (author's transl)]. 21 patients with acute myocardial infarction (A.M.I.) were studied by echocardiography (Echo) and 131CS myocardial scintigraphy (M.S.). Some months after discharge from Hospital (mean value = 10 months), the echocardiograms and myocardial scintigrams were taken again. M.S. resulted modified in 13 patients (62%); in 7 of these there was a reduction of the \"cold\" area due to M.I.; in 6 an extension with scintigraphic pattern of left ventricular aneurysm was shown. Echo showed in the first group of 7, with normal ventricular cavity (L.V.C.), dimension and good movement of the walls affected by A.M.I. In the second group of 6, L.V.C. dilatation (mean value = 5,6 cm) and reduction of L.V. walls movements gave noticeable results. In the patients (8 = 38%) with unchanged M.S., Echo showed an L.V.C. dimensions increase and L.V. wall movement reduction. The most important results of the present study is the sensitivity of the M.S. and Echo to picking up left ventricular aneurysm by means of non-invasive techniques. The Authors emphasize the availability of Echo and M.S. in the follow up of M.I.", "PMID": 1010244} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12083", "title": "[The congestive cardiomiopathy. A clinical study of the hypotrophic-hypokinetic forms (congestive) (author's transl)].", "content": "Based on classifications proposed by Anglosaxon and French authors who were the first to become interested in the so-called cardiomyopathies of unknown origins, 41 cases clinically classified as hypotrophic-hypokinetic (congestive) cardiomyopathies are presented. After a period of clinical observation, 21 cases were studied hemodynamically, with ventriculography and coronaryarteriography, with phonocardiography (35 cases) and follow-up from some months to 6 years. Post mortem studies were performed in 6 patients, five of whom died of congestive heart failure or thromboembolism and one of sudden death. It was concluded that these entities are hypotrophic-hypokinetic cardiomyopathies with a clinical pattern of congestive heart failure and with unknown aethiologic factors. Treatment as far as indications and efficacy are discussed.", "contents": "[The congestive cardiomiopathy. A clinical study of the hypotrophic-hypokinetic forms (congestive) (author's transl)]. Based on classifications proposed by Anglosaxon and French authors who were the first to become interested in the so-called cardiomyopathies of unknown origins, 41 cases clinically classified as hypotrophic-hypokinetic (congestive) cardiomyopathies are presented. After a period of clinical observation, 21 cases were studied hemodynamically, with ventriculography and coronaryarteriography, with phonocardiography (35 cases) and follow-up from some months to 6 years. Post mortem studies were performed in 6 patients, five of whom died of congestive heart failure or thromboembolism and one of sudden death. It was concluded that these entities are hypotrophic-hypokinetic cardiomyopathies with a clinical pattern of congestive heart failure and with unknown aethiologic factors. Treatment as far as indications and efficacy are discussed.", "PMID": 1010245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12084", "title": "[Mitral valve prolapse and the ventricular pre-excitation syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "One of the most important clinical aspects of the mitral valve prolapse syndrome is the high incidence of arrhythmias. Some recent reports on the association of mitral valve prolapse with ventricular pre-excitation may be relevant to the understanding of such arrhythmias. In order to evaluate the clinical relevance of this association, all patients with proven idiopathic mitral valve prolapse who came under our observation during the last twelve months, were submitted to careful electrocardiographic examination with the aim of detecting even subtle degrees of pre-excitation. His bundle recording and programmed atrial stimulation were performed if there was any suspicion of a delta wave. The association with ventricular pre-excitation was proved in 6 out of 41 examined cases. The main clinical, phonocardiographic, echocardiographic, angiographic and electrophysiologic data, as well as the familial study of these cases, are presented. The need for electrophysiologic study in some cases with doubtful electrocardiographic pattern is pointed out. While previous reports only described cases with left-sided accessory pathways, examples of right-sided pathways are presented in our series. The high incidence of mitral valve prolapse, and especially of pre-excitation syndrome and arrhythmias in the familial study, suggests that the association is not an occasional one. The detection of ventricular pre-excitation in cases of mitral valve prolapse complicated by recurrent tachy-arrhythmias may be of practical importance for an appropriate therapeutic approach.", "contents": "[Mitral valve prolapse and the ventricular pre-excitation syndrome (author's transl)]. One of the most important clinical aspects of the mitral valve prolapse syndrome is the high incidence of arrhythmias. Some recent reports on the association of mitral valve prolapse with ventricular pre-excitation may be relevant to the understanding of such arrhythmias. In order to evaluate the clinical relevance of this association, all patients with proven idiopathic mitral valve prolapse who came under our observation during the last twelve months, were submitted to careful electrocardiographic examination with the aim of detecting even subtle degrees of pre-excitation. His bundle recording and programmed atrial stimulation were performed if there was any suspicion of a delta wave. The association with ventricular pre-excitation was proved in 6 out of 41 examined cases. The main clinical, phonocardiographic, echocardiographic, angiographic and electrophysiologic data, as well as the familial study of these cases, are presented. The need for electrophysiologic study in some cases with doubtful electrocardiographic pattern is pointed out. While previous reports only described cases with left-sided accessory pathways, examples of right-sided pathways are presented in our series. The high incidence of mitral valve prolapse, and especially of pre-excitation syndrome and arrhythmias in the familial study, suggests that the association is not an occasional one. The detection of ventricular pre-excitation in cases of mitral valve prolapse complicated by recurrent tachy-arrhythmias may be of practical importance for an appropriate therapeutic approach.", "PMID": 1010247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12085", "title": "[A study of the mechanism of the action of Bunaphtine recording the myocardial monophasic action potentials in man. Conclusive report (author's transl)].", "content": "In this paper the authors conclude their study of the mechanism of the action of Bunaphtine. Both atrial and ventricular MAP were recorded by a suction electrode in 13 patients before and after Bunaphtine (1.5-2 and 2.5 mg/Kg i.v.). With the lower dosages, the drug acts specifically on repolarization: it greatly increases the duration of MAP, together with a proportional ERP prolongation; the ERP/MAP ratio is not changed. With the higher dosages, there is a greater effect on the depolarization velocity (decrease of the O dv/dt phase of MAP) and on the conduction, this last being less evident. At the atrial level there is a conspicous ERP prolongation, with a remarkable increase of ERP/MAP ratio. There is full agreement between these results and those obtained experimentally on the dog and in vitro. Bunaphtine has therefore unquestionable antiarrhythmic properties and it can have a double action mechanism; with higher dosages its action-quinidine-like-is predominant at the atrial level.", "contents": "[A study of the mechanism of the action of Bunaphtine recording the myocardial monophasic action potentials in man. Conclusive report (author's transl)]. In this paper the authors conclude their study of the mechanism of the action of Bunaphtine. Both atrial and ventricular MAP were recorded by a suction electrode in 13 patients before and after Bunaphtine (1.5-2 and 2.5 mg/Kg i.v.). With the lower dosages, the drug acts specifically on repolarization: it greatly increases the duration of MAP, together with a proportional ERP prolongation; the ERP/MAP ratio is not changed. With the higher dosages, there is a greater effect on the depolarization velocity (decrease of the O dv/dt phase of MAP) and on the conduction, this last being less evident. At the atrial level there is a conspicous ERP prolongation, with a remarkable increase of ERP/MAP ratio. There is full agreement between these results and those obtained experimentally on the dog and in vitro. Bunaphtine has therefore unquestionable antiarrhythmic properties and it can have a double action mechanism; with higher dosages its action-quinidine-like-is predominant at the atrial level.", "PMID": 1010248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12086", "title": "[Malfunction of the Smeloff-Cutter mitral prosthesis: echo-phonocardiographic diagnosis in two successfully re-operated cases (author's transl)].", "content": "Five cases of Smeloff-Cutter prosthesis implanted in the mitral position nine years ago were investigated with combined echocardiographic and phonocardiographic recordings. In two cases a malfunction was demonstrated and a surgical confirmation was obtained at the reoperation. Normal and abnormal echocardiographic patterns of the Smeloff-Cutter prosthesis are reported and discussed. The Authors stress the importance of combined echo-phono recordings when malfunction of the mobile element of a mechanical prosthesis is suspected.", "contents": "[Malfunction of the Smeloff-Cutter mitral prosthesis: echo-phonocardiographic diagnosis in two successfully re-operated cases (author's transl)]. Five cases of Smeloff-Cutter prosthesis implanted in the mitral position nine years ago were investigated with combined echocardiographic and phonocardiographic recordings. In two cases a malfunction was demonstrated and a surgical confirmation was obtained at the reoperation. Normal and abnormal echocardiographic patterns of the Smeloff-Cutter prosthesis are reported and discussed. The Authors stress the importance of combined echo-phono recordings when malfunction of the mobile element of a mechanical prosthesis is suspected.", "PMID": 1010249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12087", "title": "[The values and limitations of recovery time in sick sinus syndrome (author's transl)].", "content": "143 patients were examined for SNRT and thus divided: 1st group: 39 patients with indisputable clinical signs of MNS (bradycardia-tachycardia, synocopes); 2nd group: 18 patients with constant sinusal bradycardia, but without arrhythmias; 3rd group: 86 patients without any clinical signs of sisusal automatism deficit. The average SNRT results were: 2346 plus or minus 1404 msec in the 1st group; 1337 plus or minus 181 msec in the 2nd group and 1021 plus or minus 216 msec in the 3rd. Corrected SNRT gave an average result of 1315 plus or minus 1300 msec in the 1st group; 329 plus or minus 229 msec in the 2nd and 234 plus or minus 133msec in the 3rd group. The values between the average and standard deviation...", "contents": "[The values and limitations of recovery time in sick sinus syndrome (author's transl)]. 143 patients were examined for SNRT and thus divided: 1st group: 39 patients with indisputable clinical signs of MNS (bradycardia-tachycardia, synocopes); 2nd group: 18 patients with constant sinusal bradycardia, but without arrhythmias; 3rd group: 86 patients without any clinical signs of sisusal automatism deficit. The average SNRT results were: 2346 plus or minus 1404 msec in the 1st group; 1337 plus or minus 181 msec in the 2nd group and 1021 plus or minus 216 msec in the 3rd. Corrected SNRT gave an average result of 1315 plus or minus 1300 msec in the 1st group; 329 plus or minus 229 msec in the 2nd and 234 plus or minus 133msec in the 3rd group. The values between the average and standard deviation...", "PMID": 1010250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12088", "title": "[The vectorcardiogram of the normal child, 2-12 years of age (author's transl)].", "content": "Morphological aspects and the most important vectorial parameters of the VCG (Frank method) of normal children, aged 2 to 12 years, were analyzed. The total group consisted of 110 subjects (10 for each )ear) subdivided into three subgroups of progressive age. Semeiologic evaluation of the QRS in the frontal and sagittal planes was not significant because of the stereotypes of the figures. In the horizontal plane the majority of cases showed typical triphasic development of the vectorial groups, while biphasic morphology was found in the minority. The triphasic loop presented 1) a balance between anterior and posterior forces which was more frequent in the youngest children, 2) a posterior orientation which was more frequent in the oldest children or 3) an anterior orientation which was infrequent. Since the anterior orientation of triphasic QRS was not related to the age -- it may also be seen in normal adults -- it was attributed to a variation of ventricular activation. The biphasic loop was attributed to immaturity of ventricular conduction. The evaluation of quantitative parameters was in agreement with the results of other studies. The changes of initial and intermediate vectors were probably due to the more important development of the left ventricle. The QRS duration increased with age. The T loop was posterior in the majority of the youngest children and progressively advanced with age, although it remained posterior in an important number of cases of children aged twelve.", "contents": "[The vectorcardiogram of the normal child, 2-12 years of age (author's transl)]. Morphological aspects and the most important vectorial parameters of the VCG (Frank method) of normal children, aged 2 to 12 years, were analyzed. The total group consisted of 110 subjects (10 for each )ear) subdivided into three subgroups of progressive age. Semeiologic evaluation of the QRS in the frontal and sagittal planes was not significant because of the stereotypes of the figures. In the horizontal plane the majority of cases showed typical triphasic development of the vectorial groups, while biphasic morphology was found in the minority. The triphasic loop presented 1) a balance between anterior and posterior forces which was more frequent in the youngest children, 2) a posterior orientation which was more frequent in the oldest children or 3) an anterior orientation which was infrequent. Since the anterior orientation of triphasic QRS was not related to the age -- it may also be seen in normal adults -- it was attributed to a variation of ventricular activation. The biphasic loop was attributed to immaturity of ventricular conduction. The evaluation of quantitative parameters was in agreement with the results of other studies. The changes of initial and intermediate vectors were probably due to the more important development of the left ventricle. The QRS duration increased with age. The T loop was posterior in the majority of the youngest children and progressively advanced with age, although it remained posterior in an important number of cases of children aged twelve.", "PMID": 1010251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12089", "title": "[The Holt-Oram syndrome: report of a case (author's transl)].", "content": "A case of the Holt-Oram syndrome is described, that is, the association of a skeletal anomaly of the superior limbs, with a constant involvment of the thumbs, and an ostium secundum defect with a prolonged P-R interval. The case presented has the peculiarity of being sporadic, while from the literature a familiarity is almost constant via an autosomic dominant hereditary transmission. The more common syndromes were an alteration of the superior limbs is associated with a congenital cardiopathy are schematically underlined. Finally, the embriological reasons of this not rare association are briefly discussed.", "contents": "[The Holt-Oram syndrome: report of a case (author's transl)]. A case of the Holt-Oram syndrome is described, that is, the association of a skeletal anomaly of the superior limbs, with a constant involvment of the thumbs, and an ostium secundum defect with a prolonged P-R interval. The case presented has the peculiarity of being sporadic, while from the literature a familiarity is almost constant via an autosomic dominant hereditary transmission. The more common syndromes were an alteration of the superior limbs is associated with a congenital cardiopathy are schematically underlined. Finally, the embriological reasons of this not rare association are briefly discussed.", "PMID": 1010253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12090", "title": "A new method for evaluation of karyometrical measurements.", "content": "From karyometrical measurements performed by us and from investigations of other authors it results that the obtained values of nuclear volumes are smaller than real ones. This is caused by different sectioning planes of measured nuclei. Previously published corrections seem not to reflect the real error as they are based on the analysis of the circle, and not of the sphere. In the presented paper a method is given, which may be applicated to interpretation of the results of morphometrical measurements. The proposed method is based on the well known in statistical analysis 3o rule. The obtained results were applicated to a practical example.", "contents": "A new method for evaluation of karyometrical measurements. From karyometrical measurements performed by us and from investigations of other authors it results that the obtained values of nuclear volumes are smaller than real ones. This is caused by different sectioning planes of measured nuclei. Previously published corrections seem not to reflect the real error as they are based on the analysis of the circle, and not of the sphere. In the presented paper a method is given, which may be applicated to interpretation of the results of morphometrical measurements. The proposed method is based on the well known in statistical analysis 3o rule. The obtained results were applicated to a practical example.", "PMID": 1010280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12091", "title": "The analysis of distribution of karyometric measurements.", "content": "The aim of the work was the analysis of distribution of karyometric measurements for semi- and ultrathin sections. The investigation was performed using spheres (diameter 16.2 mm), which were randomly cut using a microtome knife. The diameters of sections were measured with ocular with accuracy 0.1 mm. It has been shown, that the mean value of the measurements does not correspond to the real value of the spheres' diameter, and it is distinctly lower. The theoretical analysis explaining this fenomenon was performed. The obtained results allow for estimation of real diameter of spherical nuclei of the some size.", "contents": "The analysis of distribution of karyometric measurements. The aim of the work was the analysis of distribution of karyometric measurements for semi- and ultrathin sections. The investigation was performed using spheres (diameter 16.2 mm), which were randomly cut using a microtome knife. The diameters of sections were measured with ocular with accuracy 0.1 mm. It has been shown, that the mean value of the measurements does not correspond to the real value of the spheres' diameter, and it is distinctly lower. The theoretical analysis explaining this fenomenon was performed. The obtained results allow for estimation of real diameter of spherical nuclei of the some size.", "PMID": 1010281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12092", "title": "[Craniometric studies on the functional morphology of the atlanto-occipital joint in man. Part II. Data and correlations].", "content": "Metric and statistical methods were used on a series of skulls (n = 100) to examine the relationship of size and shape parameters of the occipital condyles with other skull variables, which might contribute to an understanding of the morphological variability of occipital condyles and the functional importance of the cranio-vertebral joint (occipital-atlantal-joint) in man. A total of 67 metric variables were included which could be classified into three groups: a) linear measurements, indices and angles of the size and position of the condyles (length, breadth, height and size of the condyles surfaces; length-breadth, length-height and breadth-height indices of the condyles; distance measurements and inclination angles of condyles in the horizontal frontal planes). The size of the condylar surfaces was determined using the printing method of Stofft and M\u00fcller. b) Length and breadth measurements and angles of the occipital bone on which the condyles are situated; c) Size circumference, weight and volume measurements of the cranium. The variables of groups b) and c) were mostly taken according to the metrical scheme of Martin. Statistical analysis of the material includes measures of frequency distributions (means, variances, skewness and kurtorsis) and intercorrelations of the variables. Most of the metrical characters of the condyles show high intercorrelations. Similarily, to a large extent highly significant correlations were found between variables of the condyles and length and breadth measurements of pars basilaris and lateralis of the occiput, while little or no statistical association was observed with the size variables of squama occipitalis. The same is true of the correlations between metrical characteristics of the condyles and most of the measurements of the cranium. Likewise cranial capacity and weight of the cranium show little correlation with condylar measurements. Therefore the present study does not support the existence of a relationship between cranial weight or the pressure on the cranio-vertebral joint, and the size and position of occipital condyles as supposed by zoologists on the basis of research work on different species of mammals. However the size and distance measures of the condyles show significant correlations with skull height (basi-bregmatic height) and the length of the skull base (basi-nasal length). The highest correlation coefficient values (r = 0.5) were observed between skull height and the size of the surface of the condyles and the length of the condyles. Somewhat smaller but statistically significant r values were found between basi-bregmatic height of skull and the distance measurement between the condyles. The correlation coefficients demonstrate that skull of greater height possess the condyles which are not only larger and longer but show increased distance between the condyles as well, resulting in a larger supporting area for the skull...", "contents": "[Craniometric studies on the functional morphology of the atlanto-occipital joint in man. Part II. Data and correlations]. Metric and statistical methods were used on a series of skulls (n = 100) to examine the relationship of size and shape parameters of the occipital condyles with other skull variables, which might contribute to an understanding of the morphological variability of occipital condyles and the functional importance of the cranio-vertebral joint (occipital-atlantal-joint) in man. A total of 67 metric variables were included which could be classified into three groups: a) linear measurements, indices and angles of the size and position of the condyles (length, breadth, height and size of the condyles surfaces; length-breadth, length-height and breadth-height indices of the condyles; distance measurements and inclination angles of condyles in the horizontal frontal planes). The size of the condylar surfaces was determined using the printing method of Stofft and M\u00fcller. b) Length and breadth measurements and angles of the occipital bone on which the condyles are situated; c) Size circumference, weight and volume measurements of the cranium. The variables of groups b) and c) were mostly taken according to the metrical scheme of Martin. Statistical analysis of the material includes measures of frequency distributions (means, variances, skewness and kurtorsis) and intercorrelations of the variables. Most of the metrical characters of the condyles show high intercorrelations. Similarily, to a large extent highly significant correlations were found between variables of the condyles and length and breadth measurements of pars basilaris and lateralis of the occiput, while little or no statistical association was observed with the size variables of squama occipitalis. The same is true of the correlations between metrical characteristics of the condyles and most of the measurements of the cranium. Likewise cranial capacity and weight of the cranium show little correlation with condylar measurements. Therefore the present study does not support the existence of a relationship between cranial weight or the pressure on the cranio-vertebral joint, and the size and position of occipital condyles as supposed by zoologists on the basis of research work on different species of mammals. However the size and distance measures of the condyles show significant correlations with skull height (basi-bregmatic height) and the length of the skull base (basi-nasal length). The highest correlation coefficient values (r = 0.5) were observed between skull height and the size of the surface of the condyles and the length of the condyles. Somewhat smaller but statistically significant r values were found between basi-bregmatic height of skull and the distance measurement between the condyles. The correlation coefficients demonstrate that skull of greater height possess the condyles which are not only larger and longer but show increased distance between the condyles as well, resulting in a larger supporting area for the skull...", "PMID": 1010282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12093", "title": "[Altitude adaptation. Part III. Altitude acclimatization as a problem of human biology (II. Morphology, physiology, biochemistry)].", "content": "The physiological mechanisms of adaptation will be reported. In a primary step of adaptation, the body reacts with immediate response, which already leads to a first classification: whether or not altitude will be tolerated by an individual. More steady biological processes follow with the same intention of balancing oxygen deficiency. They may be successful and acclimatization is possible, or they do not achieve the necessary level, i.e. that consequently developing pathological conditions of different severity lead to a next assortation of individuals with insufficient adaptability. The first state of lability can be compensated, or the intolerance will make a further stay in high altitudes impossible. No parameters exist which could allow a prognosis as to what kind of individuals will tolerate altitude or not. A different pattern of biological reaction is seen in permanent inhabitants of high altitudes who have been residing there for generations and haven't experienced conditions other than those of their special altitude in their individual lives. While ascending to higher altitudes, permanent residents also have to undergo new adaptation, as well as when descending to lower altitudes. Returning to their native environment requires reacclimatization. The mechanisms of adaptation on the organ level will be reviewed, as well as on the fluid and cellular level. All those functional and morphological mechanisms of adaptation to oxygen deficiency in high altitudes tend to maintain optimal equilibrium. Maladaptation may result. Expected genetically determined physiological alterations of adaptational value in permanent residents, which could have manifested themselves by way of \"soft\" selection and change of gene frequency in those high altitude populations, will be discussed. Genetical determination in such physiological parameters does not seem probable, although some pecularities such as the \"blunted response\" ventilation, the higher Bohr-Effect in Quenchua etc. might be interpreted in this direction.", "contents": "[Altitude adaptation. Part III. Altitude acclimatization as a problem of human biology (II. Morphology, physiology, biochemistry)]. The physiological mechanisms of adaptation will be reported. In a primary step of adaptation, the body reacts with immediate response, which already leads to a first classification: whether or not altitude will be tolerated by an individual. More steady biological processes follow with the same intention of balancing oxygen deficiency. They may be successful and acclimatization is possible, or they do not achieve the necessary level, i.e. that consequently developing pathological conditions of different severity lead to a next assortation of individuals with insufficient adaptability. The first state of lability can be compensated, or the intolerance will make a further stay in high altitudes impossible. No parameters exist which could allow a prognosis as to what kind of individuals will tolerate altitude or not. A different pattern of biological reaction is seen in permanent inhabitants of high altitudes who have been residing there for generations and haven't experienced conditions other than those of their special altitude in their individual lives. While ascending to higher altitudes, permanent residents also have to undergo new adaptation, as well as when descending to lower altitudes. Returning to their native environment requires reacclimatization. The mechanisms of adaptation on the organ level will be reviewed, as well as on the fluid and cellular level. All those functional and morphological mechanisms of adaptation to oxygen deficiency in high altitudes tend to maintain optimal equilibrium. Maladaptation may result. Expected genetically determined physiological alterations of adaptational value in permanent residents, which could have manifested themselves by way of \"soft\" selection and change of gene frequency in those high altitude populations, will be discussed. Genetical determination in such physiological parameters does not seem probable, although some pecularities such as the \"blunted response\" ventilation, the higher Bohr-Effect in Quenchua etc. might be interpreted in this direction.", "PMID": 1010283} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12094", "title": "Comparative study of morpho-histology of gonads of three teleost fishes.", "content": "1. In the present paper comparative study of morphohistology of gonads of 3 teleost fishes has been made. 2. The gonads are unpaired in Notopterus notopterus and paired in Nandus nandus and Colisa fasciatus. 3. The testis in Notopterus notopterus is flat structure and is situated ventrolaterally. In Nandus nandus the testes are paired elongated and slightly flattened structures while they are paired threadlike structures in Colisa fasciatus. 4. Histologically the testis consists of lobules filled with various stages of germ cells, such as primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and sperms. 5. The testis can be differentiated into anterior and middle functional regions and the posterior non=functional region in the case of Notopterus notopterus while in Nandus nandus and Colisa fasciatus no such differentiation could be found. 6. The ovary is somewhat oval unpaired structure in Notopterus notopterus. In Nandus nandus ovaries are paired, elongated organ taper anteriorly while the ovaries are paired and triangular in Colisa fasciatus. 7. The histological structure of the ovary in all the 3 fishes represents the generalised teleostean structure. 8. The cystovarian condition of gonads are present in all the 3 fishes, Notoperus notopterus, Colisa fasciatus and Nandus nandus.", "contents": "Comparative study of morpho-histology of gonads of three teleost fishes. 1. In the present paper comparative study of morphohistology of gonads of 3 teleost fishes has been made. 2. The gonads are unpaired in Notopterus notopterus and paired in Nandus nandus and Colisa fasciatus. 3. The testis in Notopterus notopterus is flat structure and is situated ventrolaterally. In Nandus nandus the testes are paired elongated and slightly flattened structures while they are paired threadlike structures in Colisa fasciatus. 4. Histologically the testis consists of lobules filled with various stages of germ cells, such as primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and sperms. 5. The testis can be differentiated into anterior and middle functional regions and the posterior non=functional region in the case of Notopterus notopterus while in Nandus nandus and Colisa fasciatus no such differentiation could be found. 6. The ovary is somewhat oval unpaired structure in Notopterus notopterus. In Nandus nandus ovaries are paired, elongated organ taper anteriorly while the ovaries are paired and triangular in Colisa fasciatus. 7. The histological structure of the ovary in all the 3 fishes represents the generalised teleostean structure. 8. The cystovarian condition of gonads are present in all the 3 fishes, Notoperus notopterus, Colisa fasciatus and Nandus nandus.", "PMID": 1010284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12095", "title": "[Origin and ultrastruct of peritoneal mononuclear phagocytes].", "content": "For the obtainment of reactive peritoneal macrophages was used an original technique by which small oval x-ray plates, wrapped up in viteline membrane were grafted into the abdominal cavity of white rats. As a result of the inflammatory reaction reactive cells were adhering to the membrane and among them macrophages of various stages of development as well. The membranes with the reactive cells which have been removed out at different periods of time (6, 12, and 24 h, 3, 5, and 7 d) were embedded in durcupan for electronmicroscopic examination. The ultrastructural organization of the macrophages having different stages of differentiation has been demonstrated by means of this technique. The problem concerning the origin of macrophages coming chiefly of the monocyte migration from blood circulation and passing through various transient forms was discussed as well as their ability to be transformed into giant cells, fibroblasts, mast cells, plasmocytes etc. in the course of the inflammatory reaction.", "contents": "[Origin and ultrastruct of peritoneal mononuclear phagocytes]. For the obtainment of reactive peritoneal macrophages was used an original technique by which small oval x-ray plates, wrapped up in viteline membrane were grafted into the abdominal cavity of white rats. As a result of the inflammatory reaction reactive cells were adhering to the membrane and among them macrophages of various stages of development as well. The membranes with the reactive cells which have been removed out at different periods of time (6, 12, and 24 h, 3, 5, and 7 d) were embedded in durcupan for electronmicroscopic examination. The ultrastructural organization of the macrophages having different stages of differentiation has been demonstrated by means of this technique. The problem concerning the origin of macrophages coming chiefly of the monocyte migration from blood circulation and passing through various transient forms was discussed as well as their ability to be transformed into giant cells, fibroblasts, mast cells, plasmocytes etc. in the course of the inflammatory reaction.", "PMID": 1010285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12096", "title": "Acrylamide gel electrophoretic patterns of human serum alkaline phosphatase activity-- a population study in the eastern India.", "content": "Akaline phosphatase activity following polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of human sera obtained from normal populations in the Eastern India shows a correlation between the presence of p++ phenotypes with the B and O blood groups only in females. The incidence of additional bands in the beta-lipoprotein zone is much higher in female samples than in males. The frequencies of both p++ and p+ henotypes within the different endogamous communities and castes are rather variable. Electorphoresis following heat treatment of sera obtained from pregnant females shows the complete absence of p++ and p+, as also of bands at the beta-lipoprotein zones in them.", "contents": "Acrylamide gel electrophoretic patterns of human serum alkaline phosphatase activity-- a population study in the eastern India. Akaline phosphatase activity following polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of human sera obtained from normal populations in the Eastern India shows a correlation between the presence of p++ phenotypes with the B and O blood groups only in females. The incidence of additional bands in the beta-lipoprotein zone is much higher in female samples than in males. The frequencies of both p++ and p+ henotypes within the different endogamous communities and castes are rather variable. Electorphoresis following heat treatment of sera obtained from pregnant females shows the complete absence of p++ and p+, as also of bands at the beta-lipoprotein zones in them.", "PMID": 1010286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12097", "title": "[Orthology of the adrenal cortex of the swine under defined stress-free conditions].", "content": "The adrenal cortex from the pig, which was hold on defined conditions without stress, was investigated with histological and histochemical methods. With regard to the classical distribution of the adrenal cortex in the zona glomerulosa s. arcuata, the zona fasciculata and the zona reticularis, has been given a description of the cells on the several zones.", "contents": "[Orthology of the adrenal cortex of the swine under defined stress-free conditions]. The adrenal cortex from the pig, which was hold on defined conditions without stress, was investigated with histological and histochemical methods. With regard to the classical distribution of the adrenal cortex in the zona glomerulosa s. arcuata, the zona fasciculata and the zona reticularis, has been given a description of the cells on the several zones.", "PMID": 1010287} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12098", "title": "Studies on the morphology and histology of the digestive tract of Bagarius bagarius (Ham).", "content": "1. The alimentary tract of Bagarius bagarius is long in accordance with its omnivorous nature and consists of buccal cavity, pharynx, oesophogus, stomach, intestine, and rectum. 2. The month is terminal and bounded by upper and lower lips, which are provided with many villiform teeth. 3. The buccal cavity and pharynx are dorso-ventrally flattened with smooth lining in the former and folded in the latter. Taste buds and mucous cells are present in these parts which help in selection of food and inlubricating the prey respectively. 4. The oesophagus is small but wide and produced into longitudinal folds. Histologically it is composed of the usual 4 layers viz. serosa, muscularis, submucosa and mucosa. The mucosa is stratified and bears mucous cells. 5. The stomach is large, sac-like and divided into a large cardiac and a small pyloric portion. In the submucosa of the cardiac part, gastric glands are present into the cryps of mucosa. 6. The intestine is distinguished into duodenum, ileum and rectum on the basis of folds. These folds are of honey comb type in duodenum, longitudinal in the ileum, and anatamosing in the rectum to form a honey comb. The muscularis of the duodenum is better developed than that of the ileum and is best formed in the rectum, where the mucosa contains abundant mucous cells. 7. The liver consists of 2 lobes and is formed of polygonal cells. Blood capillaries and hepatic ductules are present in it. The gall bladder lies in between the right lobe of liver and duodenum. It consists of connective tissues lined with columnar cells on inner side and serosa on the outer side. 8. The pancreas is diffused and lies concentrated between the liver, stomach and the coils of intestine. It is composed of polyhedral cells, which are aggregated to form acini. The pancreatic tissue is supplied with the pancreatic ductules and blood capillaries.", "contents": "Studies on the morphology and histology of the digestive tract of Bagarius bagarius (Ham). 1. The alimentary tract of Bagarius bagarius is long in accordance with its omnivorous nature and consists of buccal cavity, pharynx, oesophogus, stomach, intestine, and rectum. 2. The month is terminal and bounded by upper and lower lips, which are provided with many villiform teeth. 3. The buccal cavity and pharynx are dorso-ventrally flattened with smooth lining in the former and folded in the latter. Taste buds and mucous cells are present in these parts which help in selection of food and inlubricating the prey respectively. 4. The oesophagus is small but wide and produced into longitudinal folds. Histologically it is composed of the usual 4 layers viz. serosa, muscularis, submucosa and mucosa. The mucosa is stratified and bears mucous cells. 5. The stomach is large, sac-like and divided into a large cardiac and a small pyloric portion. In the submucosa of the cardiac part, gastric glands are present into the cryps of mucosa. 6. The intestine is distinguished into duodenum, ileum and rectum on the basis of folds. These folds are of honey comb type in duodenum, longitudinal in the ileum, and anatamosing in the rectum to form a honey comb. The muscularis of the duodenum is better developed than that of the ileum and is best formed in the rectum, where the mucosa contains abundant mucous cells. 7. The liver consists of 2 lobes and is formed of polygonal cells. Blood capillaries and hepatic ductules are present in it. The gall bladder lies in between the right lobe of liver and duodenum. It consists of connective tissues lined with columnar cells on inner side and serosa on the outer side. 8. The pancreas is diffused and lies concentrated between the liver, stomach and the coils of intestine. It is composed of polyhedral cells, which are aggregated to form acini. The pancreatic tissue is supplied with the pancreatic ductules and blood capillaries.", "PMID": 1010288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12099", "title": "[Morphometric-ultrastructural studies on the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system before and after milking in the cow].", "content": "By use of morphological-electronmicroscopical methods, the Nucleus supraopticus and Nucleus paraventricularis of an unmilked cow as well as the neruohypophysis' main-area of the Zona terminalis and Zona centralis of unmilked and milked cows were investigated. The elementary granules were classified on the basis of idfferent density of its fine-granular content, which covers more or less the also present microvesicles, in various significantly distinguished categories of granules: elementary granules with extremely osmiophilic content, elementary granules with microvesicles without osmiophilic content and elementary granules with osmiophilic centre. This elementary granules were formed in the Golgi complex of the neurons. The observed changes in the ultrastructure of the cows' neurohypophysis after the milk-stimulus - i.e. the decrease of the number of elementary granules, the loss of the electrodense content, its significant increase, and the heaving in sight of the microvesicles in this, and the increase of the number and also the size of the so-called \"synaptic vesicles\" - were interpreted as a morphological equivalent of the hormone(oxytocin)releasing connected with the stimulus. A hormone releasing by exocytosis has not been seen. The kind of the hormone releasing is discussed, also the origin of the so-called \"synaptic vesicles\" and the possible participation of the Golgi complex in the preparation of hormone-releasing substances.", "contents": "[Morphometric-ultrastructural studies on the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system before and after milking in the cow]. By use of morphological-electronmicroscopical methods, the Nucleus supraopticus and Nucleus paraventricularis of an unmilked cow as well as the neruohypophysis' main-area of the Zona terminalis and Zona centralis of unmilked and milked cows were investigated. The elementary granules were classified on the basis of idfferent density of its fine-granular content, which covers more or less the also present microvesicles, in various significantly distinguished categories of granules: elementary granules with extremely osmiophilic content, elementary granules with microvesicles without osmiophilic content and elementary granules with osmiophilic centre. This elementary granules were formed in the Golgi complex of the neurons. The observed changes in the ultrastructure of the cows' neurohypophysis after the milk-stimulus - i.e. the decrease of the number of elementary granules, the loss of the electrodense content, its significant increase, and the heaving in sight of the microvesicles in this, and the increase of the number and also the size of the so-called \"synaptic vesicles\" - were interpreted as a morphological equivalent of the hormone(oxytocin)releasing connected with the stimulus. A hormone releasing by exocytosis has not been seen. The kind of the hormone releasing is discussed, also the origin of the so-called \"synaptic vesicles\" and the possible participation of the Golgi complex in the preparation of hormone-releasing substances.", "PMID": 1010289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12100", "title": "[An ALGOL program for correlation and concordance analysis].", "content": "An ALGOL-program ready for use for correlation analysis and rank correlation methods is presented with a description of the program and explanations on choice of program parameters and concerning the input data arrangement. For all pair combinations of variables one can calculate BRAVAIS correlation coefficient, the Z-transformation and a test statistic, the ranks will be determined, for all combinations the SPEARMANS rank correlation coefficient can be evaluated, and a analysis of concordance can be performed. Every of these statistical procedures is explained. The general biometric task in connection with morphometric research leading to an analysis of concordance resp. correlation is briefly discussed.", "contents": "[An ALGOL program for correlation and concordance analysis]. An ALGOL-program ready for use for correlation analysis and rank correlation methods is presented with a description of the program and explanations on choice of program parameters and concerning the input data arrangement. For all pair combinations of variables one can calculate BRAVAIS correlation coefficient, the Z-transformation and a test statistic, the ranks will be determined, for all combinations the SPEARMANS rank correlation coefficient can be evaluated, and a analysis of concordance can be performed. Every of these statistical procedures is explained. The general biometric task in connection with morphometric research leading to an analysis of concordance resp. correlation is briefly discussed.", "PMID": 1010290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12101", "title": "[Altitude adaptation. IV. Fertility and reproduction at high altitudes].", "content": "High altitude populations have been reproducing for thousands of years. The mean total fertility is comparable to the respective mean values of the whole populations or is even higher. On the other hand, newcomers from sea level seem to have difficulties reproducing in high altitude, especially if they are caucasian. Cattle and other animals fail to reproduce to some extent (due to degeneration of the testes, asoospermia, abortation etc.), which can only be avoided after crossbreeding with aclimatized strains in several generations. But successful gestation in altitudes above 3000 metres is different from sea level gestation in several aspects, which may be important for the survival of mother and child, thus leaving open the question of selective pressure. The mean birth weight of man and animals is reduced, while the mean palcental weight is greater (relatively and absolutely) due to enlargement of the capillary volume. Placenta proves to be on higher risk for developing infarcts (the more in number and extetion, the greater the caucasian admixture). Due to the tendency to a greater extention of the surface, the rate of placenta praevia is extremely high (27%). The lower birth weight corresponds to a higher neonatal mortality, progressing with increasing altitude. Additional to the high altitude stress including the factors to which the newborn are exposed, such as cold, nuturtional deficiencies etc., particular socio-economic conditions influence the differential mortality. In the Bolivian mining-areas, mortality during the first year of life rises to 50%. Only high fertility rates compensate this loss so that high altitude population growth rates do not vary with the altitude.", "contents": "[Altitude adaptation. IV. Fertility and reproduction at high altitudes]. High altitude populations have been reproducing for thousands of years. The mean total fertility is comparable to the respective mean values of the whole populations or is even higher. On the other hand, newcomers from sea level seem to have difficulties reproducing in high altitude, especially if they are caucasian. Cattle and other animals fail to reproduce to some extent (due to degeneration of the testes, asoospermia, abortation etc.), which can only be avoided after crossbreeding with aclimatized strains in several generations. But successful gestation in altitudes above 3000 metres is different from sea level gestation in several aspects, which may be important for the survival of mother and child, thus leaving open the question of selective pressure. The mean birth weight of man and animals is reduced, while the mean palcental weight is greater (relatively and absolutely) due to enlargement of the capillary volume. Placenta proves to be on higher risk for developing infarcts (the more in number and extetion, the greater the caucasian admixture). Due to the tendency to a greater extention of the surface, the rate of placenta praevia is extremely high (27%). The lower birth weight corresponds to a higher neonatal mortality, progressing with increasing altitude. Additional to the high altitude stress including the factors to which the newborn are exposed, such as cold, nuturtional deficiencies etc., particular socio-economic conditions influence the differential mortality. In the Bolivian mining-areas, mortality during the first year of life rises to 50%. Only high fertility rates compensate this loss so that high altitude population growth rates do not vary with the altitude.", "PMID": 1010291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12102", "title": "The peculiar structure of the dorsal aorta of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).", "content": "The Authors describe the moniliform structure of dorsal aorta of the Cyprinus carpio L., which has successive swellings and constrictions, strictly corresponding to each vertebra. They discuss the possible physiological significance of the unusual structure of the dorsal aorta.", "contents": "The peculiar structure of the dorsal aorta of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). The Authors describe the moniliform structure of dorsal aorta of the Cyprinus carpio L., which has successive swellings and constrictions, strictly corresponding to each vertebra. They discuss the possible physiological significance of the unusual structure of the dorsal aorta.", "PMID": 1010293} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12103", "title": "[Psychosomatic pain in the field of gynecology. Stages of the formation of psychosomatic reactions and symptoms with examples of cases (author's transl)].", "content": "1. Understanding disease in the context of a hermeneutic of the ill person's life history forces us to abandon the old understanding of causality which is represented by the model of body-soul polarity. The real onset of an illness has a biographic pre-history. Long latent periods may occur before and between \"functio laesa\" and actual damage to the involved organ. On the basis of psychosomatic case histories, we can conclude that the future-orientation of an individual's life, that for which man must make decisions, is also that which causes the crises situation for those who are suffering. 2. Psychosomatic medicine cannot simply be included in an already existing medical discipline such as, for example, perinatology can be included in gynecology or pediatrics. It implies a whole new understanding of illness and, above all, it requires a new attitude on the part of the physician. The patient must be allowed to cooperate in his self-realization; the physician himself becomes the medicine. 3. An attempt was made to illustrate the concept of \"organ language\" on the basis of 6 brief examples from psychosomatic gynecology. Here only the most important information was presented. According to the concept of \"organ language\", the soma and psyche of the suffering person can represent and interpret each other reciprocally. It also becomes obvious that conflicts at various strata of being can use one and the same physical symptom if a common denominator is present (e.g., defence overagainst a danger, a disease or a role). This type of teleological nosology implies a new dimension for the consideration a disease, namely, the question of the meaning of suffering. 4. The examples cited are almost exclusively found in the understanding of sexuality in the broadest sense of the word. The threat of individuation as the final personality organization resulting from inadequate realization of the individual's own sex determination (Friedrichs) is present. 5. The sixth example clearly illustrates that sexuality is not what it is commonly considered to be. Rather, it permeates all state of personality and extends beyond them into areas of cultural and intellectual life. Whether or not a woman engages in sexual activity is not important (as had originally been thought). What is important is her attitude toward her own sex, toware her sexual activity and, therefore, also toward her partner and the environment. True sexual activity means infinitely more than just the automatic physiological act. In total self-abandonment to the \"Thou\", perfect sexual love becomes a knowing penetration of being. Genesis 4:1 states: \"Now Adam knew Eve his wife...\". The Hebrew word for \"know\" (yada') means both to know and to beget. Through the mystery of this word, something of the perfection, of the \"participation mystique\" in the work of creation becomes transparent in the perfect sexual union of two human beings!", "contents": "[Psychosomatic pain in the field of gynecology. Stages of the formation of psychosomatic reactions and symptoms with examples of cases (author's transl)]. 1. Understanding disease in the context of a hermeneutic of the ill person's life history forces us to abandon the old understanding of causality which is represented by the model of body-soul polarity. The real onset of an illness has a biographic pre-history. Long latent periods may occur before and between \"functio laesa\" and actual damage to the involved organ. On the basis of psychosomatic case histories, we can conclude that the future-orientation of an individual's life, that for which man must make decisions, is also that which causes the crises situation for those who are suffering. 2. Psychosomatic medicine cannot simply be included in an already existing medical discipline such as, for example, perinatology can be included in gynecology or pediatrics. It implies a whole new understanding of illness and, above all, it requires a new attitude on the part of the physician. The patient must be allowed to cooperate in his self-realization; the physician himself becomes the medicine. 3. An attempt was made to illustrate the concept of \"organ language\" on the basis of 6 brief examples from psychosomatic gynecology. Here only the most important information was presented. According to the concept of \"organ language\", the soma and psyche of the suffering person can represent and interpret each other reciprocally. It also becomes obvious that conflicts at various strata of being can use one and the same physical symptom if a common denominator is present (e.g., defence overagainst a danger, a disease or a role). This type of teleological nosology implies a new dimension for the consideration a disease, namely, the question of the meaning of suffering. 4. The examples cited are almost exclusively found in the understanding of sexuality in the broadest sense of the word. The threat of individuation as the final personality organization resulting from inadequate realization of the individual's own sex determination (Friedrichs) is present. 5. The sixth example clearly illustrates that sexuality is not what it is commonly considered to be. Rather, it permeates all state of personality and extends beyond them into areas of cultural and intellectual life. Whether or not a woman engages in sexual activity is not important (as had originally been thought). What is important is her attitude toward her own sex, toware her sexual activity and, therefore, also toward her partner and the environment. True sexual activity means infinitely more than just the automatic physiological act. In total self-abandonment to the \"Thou\", perfect sexual love becomes a knowing penetration of being. Genesis 4:1 states: \"Now Adam knew Eve his wife...\". The Hebrew word for \"know\" (yada') means both to know and to beget. Through the mystery of this word, something of the perfection, of the \"participation mystique\" in the work of creation becomes transparent in the perfect sexual union of two human beings!", "PMID": 1010294} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12104", "title": "[Microcalcifications on the mammaogram, surgical clarification and histologic findings. Concerning the problem of the diagnosis of occult carcinoma of the breast (author's transl)].", "content": "Microcalcifications on the mammogram could be an important indication for an occult carcinoma. Up until 31 December 1976, we intentionally removed such grouped microcalcifications 218 times in a group of 17,523 examined females (32,245 mammographs). The selection was confirmed radiologically. The acquired material was then examined histologically via an complicated technique. We found 35 carcinomas and 89 proliferating mastopathies of which 34 required at least strict supervision and sometimes additional treatment. - With strict indications, one-third of the previously clarified cases revealed disorders requiring treatment. In over one-half of the cases, the films indicated nothing of a serious nature. It must, however, be noted that an existing cancer is not always discovered in spite of the intentional excision of microcalcifications. This only serves as an indirect indication.", "contents": "[Microcalcifications on the mammaogram, surgical clarification and histologic findings. Concerning the problem of the diagnosis of occult carcinoma of the breast (author's transl)]. Microcalcifications on the mammogram could be an important indication for an occult carcinoma. Up until 31 December 1976, we intentionally removed such grouped microcalcifications 218 times in a group of 17,523 examined females (32,245 mammographs). The selection was confirmed radiologically. The acquired material was then examined histologically via an complicated technique. We found 35 carcinomas and 89 proliferating mastopathies of which 34 required at least strict supervision and sometimes additional treatment. - With strict indications, one-third of the previously clarified cases revealed disorders requiring treatment. In over one-half of the cases, the films indicated nothing of a serious nature. It must, however, be noted that an existing cancer is not always discovered in spite of the intentional excision of microcalcifications. This only serves as an indirect indication.", "PMID": 1010295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12105", "title": "[Genital malformations in thalidomide-damaged girls (author's transl)].", "content": "Due to the close morphological relationships and the dependence of the genital system on inductive impulses from the uropoietic system, the possibility of an increased incidence of malformations in the area of the female genitals for thalidomide-damaged children is to be expected. This suspicion is supported by the accumulation of reports of genital malformations in deceased children from mothers who took thalidomide-containing medicaments during the early weeks of pregnancy. - A 14-year-old patient with malformations of both upper extremities whose mother had taken thalidomide during the 6th to the 9th week of pregnancy presented at our hospital with complaints of cyclic pain in the lower abdomen. Although the ovaries and fallopian tubes were normally developed, the uterus and the vagina were absent in this patient. After this manuscript had been completed, we heard of 3 additional cases of genital malformation with a known thalidomide anamnesis.", "contents": "[Genital malformations in thalidomide-damaged girls (author's transl)]. Due to the close morphological relationships and the dependence of the genital system on inductive impulses from the uropoietic system, the possibility of an increased incidence of malformations in the area of the female genitals for thalidomide-damaged children is to be expected. This suspicion is supported by the accumulation of reports of genital malformations in deceased children from mothers who took thalidomide-containing medicaments during the early weeks of pregnancy. - A 14-year-old patient with malformations of both upper extremities whose mother had taken thalidomide during the 6th to the 9th week of pregnancy presented at our hospital with complaints of cyclic pain in the lower abdomen. Although the ovaries and fallopian tubes were normally developed, the uterus and the vagina were absent in this patient. After this manuscript had been completed, we heard of 3 additional cases of genital malformation with a known thalidomide anamnesis.", "PMID": 1010296} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12106", "title": "[Stenoses of the small and large bowel following radiotherapy of female genital cancer (author's transl)].", "content": "Stenoses of the lower intestinal tract following radiotherapy of female genital cancer occur at a frequency of 2-5%; the terminal ileum as well as the sigma are often involved. From 1966-1976 110 patients were treated at the Department of Surgery of the University Hospital of Hamburg. 43 patients required surgical treatment; stenosis of the sigma was the most frequent indication followed by ileus of the small intestines, haemorrhagic proctitis, ulcer of the anterior rectal wall and vesico-recto-vaginal fistula. The following operations were performed: Resection of the small intestines or enterolysis (n = 11), resection of the descending colon (n = 8), abdominal perineal excision of the rectum (n = 4), transversostomy (n = 14) and fistula plastics. - From our experience, intestinal reactions after radiation must be suspected when 1. the total irradiation dose is over 6000 R, 2. radium implants are used, 3. previous operations and abdominal inflammatory lesions restrict the movement of the intestines.", "contents": "[Stenoses of the small and large bowel following radiotherapy of female genital cancer (author's transl)]. Stenoses of the lower intestinal tract following radiotherapy of female genital cancer occur at a frequency of 2-5%; the terminal ileum as well as the sigma are often involved. From 1966-1976 110 patients were treated at the Department of Surgery of the University Hospital of Hamburg. 43 patients required surgical treatment; stenosis of the sigma was the most frequent indication followed by ileus of the small intestines, haemorrhagic proctitis, ulcer of the anterior rectal wall and vesico-recto-vaginal fistula. The following operations were performed: Resection of the small intestines or enterolysis (n = 11), resection of the descending colon (n = 8), abdominal perineal excision of the rectum (n = 4), transversostomy (n = 14) and fistula plastics. - From our experience, intestinal reactions after radiation must be suspected when 1. the total irradiation dose is over 6000 R, 2. radium implants are used, 3. previous operations and abdominal inflammatory lesions restrict the movement of the intestines.", "PMID": 1010297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12107", "title": "[Sexual behavior during pregnancy (author's transl)].", "content": "In a sample of 239 women in the immediate post-partum period a detailed interview concerning their sexual behavior during pregnancy was conducted. It was found, that the sexual activity declines constantly during the pregnancy-period. Women, who reported a high sexual activity before pregnancy tended to be more active throughout pregnancy. Rate of sexual activity was negatively influenced by a poor relationship to the male partner. This impairment seems to be more essential than the influence of physical symptoms. Women with a positive attitude towards pregnancy also showed a higher rate of sexual activities. It was shown, that relaxed behavior during birth is positive correlated with a high coital frequency before and during pregnancy. There was no relationship between coitus in late pregnancy and complications during birth.", "contents": "[Sexual behavior during pregnancy (author's transl)]. In a sample of 239 women in the immediate post-partum period a detailed interview concerning their sexual behavior during pregnancy was conducted. It was found, that the sexual activity declines constantly during the pregnancy-period. Women, who reported a high sexual activity before pregnancy tended to be more active throughout pregnancy. Rate of sexual activity was negatively influenced by a poor relationship to the male partner. This impairment seems to be more essential than the influence of physical symptoms. Women with a positive attitude towards pregnancy also showed a higher rate of sexual activities. It was shown, that relaxed behavior during birth is positive correlated with a high coital frequency before and during pregnancy. There was no relationship between coitus in late pregnancy and complications during birth.", "PMID": 1010298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12108", "title": "[Antenatal diagnosis of fetal sex by detection of Y-chromatin containing cells in maternal blood (author's transl)].", "content": "The blood of 100 pregnant women was screened to detect Y-chromatin containing cells of the fetus for prenatal sex-determination. Obtaining 15% false predictions the previous rate of wrong diagnoses could not be reduced significantly. Studying the frequency of fetal leukocytes in the maternal circulation, a significant increase during the pregnancy could not be found. In early pregnancy lymphoid cells containing Y-chromatin can be found first in the 7th week and granulocytes in the 10th week. The prenatal fetal sex-determination from 13 pregnant women was done by chromosome studies, too. Their rate of false diagnoses was 0%. Screening the Y-chromatin containing cells of 13 women, who had given birth to a male child within the last 5 years, we were able to establish a survival of fetal lymphocytes in the maternal circulation within 25 months. An increase in fetal cells according to the length of time the cells were cultured, could not be detected.", "contents": "[Antenatal diagnosis of fetal sex by detection of Y-chromatin containing cells in maternal blood (author's transl)]. The blood of 100 pregnant women was screened to detect Y-chromatin containing cells of the fetus for prenatal sex-determination. Obtaining 15% false predictions the previous rate of wrong diagnoses could not be reduced significantly. Studying the frequency of fetal leukocytes in the maternal circulation, a significant increase during the pregnancy could not be found. In early pregnancy lymphoid cells containing Y-chromatin can be found first in the 7th week and granulocytes in the 10th week. The prenatal fetal sex-determination from 13 pregnant women was done by chromosome studies, too. Their rate of false diagnoses was 0%. Screening the Y-chromatin containing cells of 13 women, who had given birth to a male child within the last 5 years, we were able to establish a survival of fetal lymphocytes in the maternal circulation within 25 months. An increase in fetal cells according to the length of time the cells were cultured, could not be detected.", "PMID": 1010299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12109", "title": "[Acute occlusion of the arterial blood supply of the right arm in a newborn following entanglement of the umbilical cord (author's transl)].", "content": "Report on the rare event of a complete ischemia of the right arm immediately postpartum. The infant was delivered by Caesarean Section because of cervical dystocia and fetal distress. The umbilical cord was twice around the neck and the ischemia of the right arm appeared to be due to spasm of the axillary artery. Treatment for shock and infusion of vasodilating drugs (Complamin) relieved the arterial spasm.", "contents": "[Acute occlusion of the arterial blood supply of the right arm in a newborn following entanglement of the umbilical cord (author's transl)]. Report on the rare event of a complete ischemia of the right arm immediately postpartum. The infant was delivered by Caesarean Section because of cervical dystocia and fetal distress. The umbilical cord was twice around the neck and the ischemia of the right arm appeared to be due to spasm of the axillary artery. Treatment for shock and infusion of vasodilating drugs (Complamin) relieved the arterial spasm.", "PMID": 1010300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12110", "title": "Genetics of cortisone-induced cleft palate in the mouse-embryonic and maternal effects.", "content": "Differences between mouse strains in frequency of embryonic, cortisone-induced cleft palate were examined. Probit analysis demonstrated a family of linear and parallel dose-response curves for different inbred and hybrid embryos. Since the differences between genotypes were not in the slopes of the response curves but rather in their location, it is proposed that the median effective dose (ED50) of cortisone required to induce cleft palate (or the tolerance) provides a more appropriate definition of the response trait and its difference that a frequency statement. The tolerance of C57BL/6J is dominant to that of A/J. A maternal effect of A/J relative to C57BL/6J dams caused a two-fold reduction in the embryonic tolerance of cortisone. Cortisone-induced cleft palate and mortality were separate response traits. In these and previous studies on cortisone- and other glucocorticoid-induced cleft palate in the mouse, the nature of the cleft-palate-response curve appeared to be the same for all glucocorticoids, and within-strain differences in tolerance could be used as measures of potency or bioassays for a particular effect of the glucocorticoids.", "contents": "Genetics of cortisone-induced cleft palate in the mouse-embryonic and maternal effects. Differences between mouse strains in frequency of embryonic, cortisone-induced cleft palate were examined. Probit analysis demonstrated a family of linear and parallel dose-response curves for different inbred and hybrid embryos. Since the differences between genotypes were not in the slopes of the response curves but rather in their location, it is proposed that the median effective dose (ED50) of cortisone required to induce cleft palate (or the tolerance) provides a more appropriate definition of the response trait and its difference that a frequency statement. The tolerance of C57BL/6J is dominant to that of A/J. A maternal effect of A/J relative to C57BL/6J dams caused a two-fold reduction in the embryonic tolerance of cortisone. Cortisone-induced cleft palate and mortality were separate response traits. In these and previous studies on cortisone- and other glucocorticoid-induced cleft palate in the mouse, the nature of the cleft-palate-response curve appeared to be the same for all glucocorticoids, and within-strain differences in tolerance could be used as measures of potency or bioassays for a particular effect of the glucocorticoids.", "PMID": 1010312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12111", "title": "The frequency and allelism of lethal chromosomes in isolated desert populations of Drosophila pseudoobscura.", "content": "Second-chromosome lethals were extracted from four populations of Drosophila pseudoobscura in Southern California. Two of the populations were from desert oases and two from the classic habitat on Mt. San Jacinto, previously studied by Dobzhansky. Allelism tests were made on the lethals within and between all locations. The frequency of lethal second-chromosomes in each location was 0.18, and this was not different from the results of other workers for samples throughout the species range. Interpopulational allelism rates were about 0.005, and not different from earlier results of Dobzhansky. Intrapopulational rates in this study were, with one exception, the same as the interpopulational rates, and significantly lower than Dobzhansky found using the third chromosome. This may be due to lethals being linked with heterotic third-chromosome inversions. The allelism rate of the exceptional population (about 0.03 and equal to Dobzhansky's intrapopulational results) may be due to heterotic lethals, or a founder effect. Two lethals were found in three populations each, possibly due to migration among these populations, which are up to 334 km apart.", "contents": "The frequency and allelism of lethal chromosomes in isolated desert populations of Drosophila pseudoobscura. Second-chromosome lethals were extracted from four populations of Drosophila pseudoobscura in Southern California. Two of the populations were from desert oases and two from the classic habitat on Mt. San Jacinto, previously studied by Dobzhansky. Allelism tests were made on the lethals within and between all locations. The frequency of lethal second-chromosomes in each location was 0.18, and this was not different from the results of other workers for samples throughout the species range. Interpopulational allelism rates were about 0.005, and not different from earlier results of Dobzhansky. Intrapopulational rates in this study were, with one exception, the same as the interpopulational rates, and significantly lower than Dobzhansky found using the third chromosome. This may be due to lethals being linked with heterotic third-chromosome inversions. The allelism rate of the exceptional population (about 0.03 and equal to Dobzhansky's intrapopulational results) may be due to heterotic lethals, or a founder effect. Two lethals were found in three populations each, possibly due to migration among these populations, which are up to 334 km apart.", "PMID": 1010313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12112", "title": "Gene differences between third-chromosome inversions of Drosophila pseudobscura.", "content": "Associations of alleles of the acid phosphatase-3 locus with the different third-chromosome inversions from different populations of D. pseudoobscura are described. We observe only the allele AP-3(1.0) in the Standard and Arrowhead inversions and the allele AP-3.98 in the Santa Cruz, Treeline, Cuernavaca and the Pikes Peak arrangements. The Chiricahua gene arrangement is polymorphic.", "contents": "Gene differences between third-chromosome inversions of Drosophila pseudobscura. Associations of alleles of the acid phosphatase-3 locus with the different third-chromosome inversions from different populations of D. pseudoobscura are described. We observe only the allele AP-3(1.0) in the Standard and Arrowhead inversions and the allele AP-3.98 in the Santa Cruz, Treeline, Cuernavaca and the Pikes Peak arrangements. The Chiricahua gene arrangement is polymorphic.", "PMID": 1010314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12113", "title": "The organization of genetic diversity in the parthenogenetic lizard Cnemidophorus tesselatus.", "content": "The parthogenetic lizard species Cnemidophorus tesselatus is composed of diploid populations formed by hybridization of the bisexual species C. tigris and C. septemvittatus, and of triploid populations derived from a cross between diploid tesselatus and a third bisexual species, C. sexlineatus. An analysis of allozymic variation in proteins encoded by 21 loci revealed that, primarily because of hybrid origin, individual heterozygosity in tesselatus is much higher (0.560 in diploids and 0.714 in triploids) than in the parental bisexual species (mean, 0.059). All triploid individuals apparently represent a single clone, but 12 diploid clones were identified on the basis of genotypic diversity occurring at six loci. From one to four clones were recorded in each population sampled. Three possible sources of clonal diversity in the diploid parthenogens were identified: mutation at three loci has produced three clones, each confined to a single locality; genotypic diversity at two loci apparently caused by multiple hybridization of the bisexual species accounts for four clones; and the remaining five clones apparently have arisen through recombination at three loci. The relatively limited clonal diversity of tesselatus suggests a recent origin. The evolutionary potential of tesselatus and of parthenogenetic forms in general may be less severely limited than has generally been supposed.", "contents": "The organization of genetic diversity in the parthenogenetic lizard Cnemidophorus tesselatus. The parthogenetic lizard species Cnemidophorus tesselatus is composed of diploid populations formed by hybridization of the bisexual species C. tigris and C. septemvittatus, and of triploid populations derived from a cross between diploid tesselatus and a third bisexual species, C. sexlineatus. An analysis of allozymic variation in proteins encoded by 21 loci revealed that, primarily because of hybrid origin, individual heterozygosity in tesselatus is much higher (0.560 in diploids and 0.714 in triploids) than in the parental bisexual species (mean, 0.059). All triploid individuals apparently represent a single clone, but 12 diploid clones were identified on the basis of genotypic diversity occurring at six loci. From one to four clones were recorded in each population sampled. Three possible sources of clonal diversity in the diploid parthenogens were identified: mutation at three loci has produced three clones, each confined to a single locality; genotypic diversity at two loci apparently caused by multiple hybridization of the bisexual species accounts for four clones; and the remaining five clones apparently have arisen through recombination at three loci. The relatively limited clonal diversity of tesselatus suggests a recent origin. The evolutionary potential of tesselatus and of parthenogenetic forms in general may be less severely limited than has generally been supposed.", "PMID": 1010315} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12114", "title": "[Genetico-statistical analysis of multiple birth factors in man. III. Component analysis of multiple birth factors].", "content": "Based on the component analysis of correlation matrices for five indicies (parents' age by the moment of twin birth, the number of proband's pregnancy, the beginning of mother's coitus and menarche) characterizing four specified family groups (MZ and DZ load multiple birth and MZ and DZ sporadic multiple birth) at least 6 independent trends of multiple birth factors influence have been revealed. Gases of burdened and sporadic multiple birth turned out to differ in some of the specific trends. At the same time while cases of MZ and DZ load multiple birth differ in some of the trends, they appear to be much more similar to one another than those of MZ and DZ sporadic multiple birth. The data obtained make it possible to assert that first, according to the mechanism of the appearance, there exist at least four main multiple birth groups, specified above, and second, there are multiple birth factors being both common to all groups and specific to each of them separately. At this some of the defined factors influence mainly as implementing hereditary determined trend to multiple burth, while the others in the absence of predisposing genotype perform apparently as casual. The present study data confirm the concept, formed on the basis of genealogical analysis, that genetical factors involved in the determination of MZ and DZ multiple birth are of definitely common character. In addition to that the results of the study make it possible to conclude that multiple aproach in the statistical analysis of quantitative characteristics (multiple birth factors in the present case) is extremely sensitive and results in non-routine conclusions the effects of which can be directly changed.", "contents": "[Genetico-statistical analysis of multiple birth factors in man. III. Component analysis of multiple birth factors]. Based on the component analysis of correlation matrices for five indicies (parents' age by the moment of twin birth, the number of proband's pregnancy, the beginning of mother's coitus and menarche) characterizing four specified family groups (MZ and DZ load multiple birth and MZ and DZ sporadic multiple birth) at least 6 independent trends of multiple birth factors influence have been revealed. Gases of burdened and sporadic multiple birth turned out to differ in some of the specific trends. At the same time while cases of MZ and DZ load multiple birth differ in some of the trends, they appear to be much more similar to one another than those of MZ and DZ sporadic multiple birth. The data obtained make it possible to assert that first, according to the mechanism of the appearance, there exist at least four main multiple birth groups, specified above, and second, there are multiple birth factors being both common to all groups and specific to each of them separately. At this some of the defined factors influence mainly as implementing hereditary determined trend to multiple burth, while the others in the absence of predisposing genotype perform apparently as casual. The present study data confirm the concept, formed on the basis of genealogical analysis, that genetical factors involved in the determination of MZ and DZ multiple birth are of definitely common character. In addition to that the results of the study make it possible to conclude that multiple aproach in the statistical analysis of quantitative characteristics (multiple birth factors in the present case) is extremely sensitive and results in non-routine conclusions the effects of which can be directly changed.", "PMID": 1010316} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12115", "title": "[Individual variation in the frequency of chromosome aberrations under the influence of chemical mutagens. I. Inter-cultural and inter-individual variations in the effect of mutagens on human lymphocytes].", "content": "The study of the distribution law of human peripheral blood cultures for the sensitivity to thiophosphamide was performed. In the first experiment the blood from one person was used, in the second one the blood was used from different persons. \"The percent of aberrant cells\" and \"the number of chromosome breaks per 100 cells\" were scored. The distribution law of the cultures in all the experiments was found to be normal. Analysis of the variances on the percent of aberrant cells showed that the distribution law of the cultures received from one donor corresponded to the binomial one, and that of the cultures received from different donors--to the Poisson's one.", "contents": "[Individual variation in the frequency of chromosome aberrations under the influence of chemical mutagens. I. Inter-cultural and inter-individual variations in the effect of mutagens on human lymphocytes]. The study of the distribution law of human peripheral blood cultures for the sensitivity to thiophosphamide was performed. In the first experiment the blood from one person was used, in the second one the blood was used from different persons. \"The percent of aberrant cells\" and \"the number of chromosome breaks per 100 cells\" were scored. The distribution law of the cultures in all the experiments was found to be normal. Analysis of the variances on the percent of aberrant cells showed that the distribution law of the cultures received from one donor corresponded to the binomial one, and that of the cultures received from different donors--to the Poisson's one.", "PMID": 1010317} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12116", "title": "[Cytogenetic effect of cyclophosphamide in a culture of human lymphocytes following its activation in the bodies of mice].", "content": "Cytogenetic effect of cyclophosphamide in cultured human lymphocytes after its activation in C57BL/6 mice in vivo was investigated. Cyclophosphamide was injected intraperitoneally in mice for 30 min. at doses of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg/kg. Blood serum with activated metabolites of cyclophosphamide was added to human lymphocyte culture. The dependence of the part of aberrant metaphases on the concentration of cyclophosphamide after the activation can be presented as equation rho==1-e-(KC+alpha)2 and the total number of breaks as X=e(KC+alpha)2-1, where rho is a part of aberrant metaphases, X is a number of breaks of chromosomes per cell, C is the concentration, K and alpha are coefficients. The part of chromatid breaks from the total number of chromosome damages is constant for all concentrations and the comprises on the average 79,11%. Only the chromatid type of exchanges are observed. Distribution of chromosome breaks in cells corresponds to geometrical, but not to Poisson's distribution. Cyclophosphamide belongs to the group of one-sited mutagens in its cytogenetic chatacteristics. The alkylating activity of cyclophosphamide metabolites, estimated by means of NBP test, increases up to the dose 400 mg/kg and then remains constant for the strain of mice studied, cytogenetic activity increasing. Cyclophosphamide does not produce cytogenetic activity without activation. To test chemical substances for mutagenic activity, it is suggested to activate them in the mouse organism with the following administrating blood serum of these animals with the metabolites of tested (or with primary) substances in the study of their mutagenic activity on human lymphocyte culture.", "contents": "[Cytogenetic effect of cyclophosphamide in a culture of human lymphocytes following its activation in the bodies of mice]. Cytogenetic effect of cyclophosphamide in cultured human lymphocytes after its activation in C57BL/6 mice in vivo was investigated. Cyclophosphamide was injected intraperitoneally in mice for 30 min. at doses of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg/kg. Blood serum with activated metabolites of cyclophosphamide was added to human lymphocyte culture. The dependence of the part of aberrant metaphases on the concentration of cyclophosphamide after the activation can be presented as equation rho==1-e-(KC+alpha)2 and the total number of breaks as X=e(KC+alpha)2-1, where rho is a part of aberrant metaphases, X is a number of breaks of chromosomes per cell, C is the concentration, K and alpha are coefficients. The part of chromatid breaks from the total number of chromosome damages is constant for all concentrations and the comprises on the average 79,11%. Only the chromatid type of exchanges are observed. Distribution of chromosome breaks in cells corresponds to geometrical, but not to Poisson's distribution. Cyclophosphamide belongs to the group of one-sited mutagens in its cytogenetic chatacteristics. The alkylating activity of cyclophosphamide metabolites, estimated by means of NBP test, increases up to the dose 400 mg/kg and then remains constant for the strain of mice studied, cytogenetic activity increasing. Cyclophosphamide does not produce cytogenetic activity without activation. To test chemical substances for mutagenic activity, it is suggested to activate them in the mouse organism with the following administrating blood serum of these animals with the metabolites of tested (or with primary) substances in the study of their mutagenic activity on human lymphocyte culture.", "PMID": 1010318} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12117", "title": "[Effect of nitrosomethylurea and 1,4-bis-diazoacetylbutane on alkaline ribonuclease activity].", "content": "It was shown that at 37 degrees C nitrosomethylurea causes an 8-fold increase (as compared to the normal) of the activity of alkaline ribonuclease. 1,4-Bis-diazoacetylbutane also activated alkaline ribonuclease at 37 degrees C. A dependence of the effect of chemical mutagens studied on the activity of alkaline ribonuclease on their concentration was observed. The activation of ribonuclease by NMU and DAB affords a possibility to understand the molecular mechanisms of the action of chemical mutagens on the metabolism.", "contents": "[Effect of nitrosomethylurea and 1,4-bis-diazoacetylbutane on alkaline ribonuclease activity]. It was shown that at 37 degrees C nitrosomethylurea causes an 8-fold increase (as compared to the normal) of the activity of alkaline ribonuclease. 1,4-Bis-diazoacetylbutane also activated alkaline ribonuclease at 37 degrees C. A dependence of the effect of chemical mutagens studied on the activity of alkaline ribonuclease on their concentration was observed. The activation of ribonuclease by NMU and DAB affords a possibility to understand the molecular mechanisms of the action of chemical mutagens on the metabolism.", "PMID": 1010319} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12118", "title": "[Chromosomal polymorphism in 2 synanthropous populations of the gray rat (Rattus norwegicus Berk.)].", "content": "Chromosome sets of 155 Norway rats from Ufa and 86 from Sverdlovsk are studied. The polymorphism for 3rd and 12th chromosomes is observed in both populations. Frequencies of different morphological forms of the 3rd chromosome are practically the same for Ufa and Sverdlovsk (over 90% of animals are homozygous for the telocentric, about 4-6% are heterozygous, homozygous for the subtelocentric rats are absent). The frequency of the telocentric form of the 12th chromosome in the Sverdlovsk population is significantly higher than in the Ufa one: there are 94,8% homozygous for the subtelocentric rats in Ufa, while in Sverdlovsk 83,7; 5,2 and 15,1% of the animals respectively are heterozygous; no homozygous for the telocentric rats were discovered in Ufa, and in Sverdlovsk they comprised 1,2%. The average size of litter of heterozygous for 3rd or 12th autosome females is by 30% lower than that of homozygous for the telocentric chromosome 3 and the subtelocentric chromosome 12 females. It may be suggested that the telocentric form of the 3rd chromosome supplants its subtelocentric form in populations investigated.", "contents": "[Chromosomal polymorphism in 2 synanthropous populations of the gray rat (Rattus norwegicus Berk.)]. Chromosome sets of 155 Norway rats from Ufa and 86 from Sverdlovsk are studied. The polymorphism for 3rd and 12th chromosomes is observed in both populations. Frequencies of different morphological forms of the 3rd chromosome are practically the same for Ufa and Sverdlovsk (over 90% of animals are homozygous for the telocentric, about 4-6% are heterozygous, homozygous for the subtelocentric rats are absent). The frequency of the telocentric form of the 12th chromosome in the Sverdlovsk population is significantly higher than in the Ufa one: there are 94,8% homozygous for the subtelocentric rats in Ufa, while in Sverdlovsk 83,7; 5,2 and 15,1% of the animals respectively are heterozygous; no homozygous for the telocentric rats were discovered in Ufa, and in Sverdlovsk they comprised 1,2%. The average size of litter of heterozygous for 3rd or 12th autosome females is by 30% lower than that of homozygous for the telocentric chromosome 3 and the subtelocentric chromosome 12 females. It may be suggested that the telocentric form of the 3rd chromosome supplants its subtelocentric form in populations investigated.", "PMID": 1010320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12119", "title": "[Variability and inheritance of behavior in fine-wool sheep. II. Character of inheritance of domesticated behavior and correlation of behavior with productivity traits in fine-wool sheep].", "content": "The results of an experimental study of the inheritance of individual behaviour in various types of crosses are presented; the phenotypic and genetic correlations between the behavior and producutivity characters in sheep and the possibility of applying behaviour characteristics to the selection process of fine-wool sheep are analysed. It is shown that the progeny from crosses between parents with the same type of behaviour inherits mainly the type of behaviour of their parents and that, in general, the inheritance has a polygenic character. A genetic relation between the type of domestic behaviour and the productive characters of fine-wool sheep is established. The genetic correlation coefficient between the behaviour and the wool productivity is 0,57, and that between the behaviour and the live weight is 0,53. It is concluded that the inheritance component contributes to the formation of the type of domestic behaviour of fine-wool sheep. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between the type of behaviour and the main productivity characters are discussed. The posibility of using behaviour characteristics as a character under selection is considered.", "contents": "[Variability and inheritance of behavior in fine-wool sheep. II. Character of inheritance of domesticated behavior and correlation of behavior with productivity traits in fine-wool sheep]. The results of an experimental study of the inheritance of individual behaviour in various types of crosses are presented; the phenotypic and genetic correlations between the behavior and producutivity characters in sheep and the possibility of applying behaviour characteristics to the selection process of fine-wool sheep are analysed. It is shown that the progeny from crosses between parents with the same type of behaviour inherits mainly the type of behaviour of their parents and that, in general, the inheritance has a polygenic character. A genetic relation between the type of domestic behaviour and the productive characters of fine-wool sheep is established. The genetic correlation coefficient between the behaviour and the wool productivity is 0,57, and that between the behaviour and the live weight is 0,53. It is concluded that the inheritance component contributes to the formation of the type of domestic behaviour of fine-wool sheep. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between the type of behaviour and the main productivity characters are discussed. The posibility of using behaviour characteristics as a character under selection is considered.", "PMID": 1010321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12120", "title": "[Expression of homologous genes in interspecies arctic fox x silver fox hybrids (Alopex lagopus X Vulpes vulpes). III. Mechanisms of expression of alleles of locus GPD, located on the X-chromosome].", "content": "The electrophoretic pattern of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) was studied in 60 intergeneric fox hybrids (Alopex lagopus X Vulpes vulpes), 33 females and 27 males. It is shown that the structural gene for G-6-PD, designated as Gpd, is located on the X-chromosome in both Arctic and silver foxes. Analysis of G-6-PD in the erythrocytes of hybrid females demonstrated that the phenotypic expression of parental alleles at the locus Gpd varied considerably: from 1:1 to the hemizygous manisfestation of an allele of either the Arctic or silver fox. It is suggested that the variable quantitative expression of the alleles at the locus Gpd in hybrid females is related to the presence of two cell populations having in an active state either the X-chromosome of the Artic or silver fox. It is also assumed that the size of two cell populations is significantly influenced by the different relations in the group of initiator (stem) cells, which possess different X-chromosomes in an active state, which has been established in early embryogenesis. In the case of erythrocytes, it is found that the number of initiator (stem) cells for erythrocytes comprises 5-6.", "contents": "[Expression of homologous genes in interspecies arctic fox x silver fox hybrids (Alopex lagopus X Vulpes vulpes). III. Mechanisms of expression of alleles of locus GPD, located on the X-chromosome]. The electrophoretic pattern of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) was studied in 60 intergeneric fox hybrids (Alopex lagopus X Vulpes vulpes), 33 females and 27 males. It is shown that the structural gene for G-6-PD, designated as Gpd, is located on the X-chromosome in both Arctic and silver foxes. Analysis of G-6-PD in the erythrocytes of hybrid females demonstrated that the phenotypic expression of parental alleles at the locus Gpd varied considerably: from 1:1 to the hemizygous manisfestation of an allele of either the Arctic or silver fox. It is suggested that the variable quantitative expression of the alleles at the locus Gpd in hybrid females is related to the presence of two cell populations having in an active state either the X-chromosome of the Artic or silver fox. It is also assumed that the size of two cell populations is significantly influenced by the different relations in the group of initiator (stem) cells, which possess different X-chromosomes in an active state, which has been established in early embryogenesis. In the case of erythrocytes, it is found that the number of initiator (stem) cells for erythrocytes comprises 5-6.", "PMID": 1010322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12121", "title": "[Genetic linkage of blood group, egg and serum protein and plumage color loci in chickens].", "content": "Genetic relationship of six blood group (A, B, C, D, E, x5), three egg (G2, G3, Ov) and one serum (Alb) protein loci and two plumage colour (I-dominant white, E-extended black) loci were investigated. 3250 gametes have been analysed for 21 loci combinations, 11 from them have never been studied on linkage. Blood group loci A, B, C, D, E, x5 segregated independently on egg protein loci G2, G3, and Ov, serum protein locus Alb and plumage colour locus E. No linkage was observed between blood group locus B and dominant white locus I. Close linkage for two egg protein loci G3 and Ov is confirmed. Independent segregation of investigated blood group, egg and serum protein loci suggests their localization on different autosomes in the chicken genome. The recent literature and the authors' data on genetic relationship between blood group, polymorphic protein loci and morphological traits are reviewed.", "contents": "[Genetic linkage of blood group, egg and serum protein and plumage color loci in chickens]. Genetic relationship of six blood group (A, B, C, D, E, x5), three egg (G2, G3, Ov) and one serum (Alb) protein loci and two plumage colour (I-dominant white, E-extended black) loci were investigated. 3250 gametes have been analysed for 21 loci combinations, 11 from them have never been studied on linkage. Blood group loci A, B, C, D, E, x5 segregated independently on egg protein loci G2, G3, and Ov, serum protein locus Alb and plumage colour locus E. No linkage was observed between blood group locus B and dominant white locus I. Close linkage for two egg protein loci G3 and Ov is confirmed. Independent segregation of investigated blood group, egg and serum protein loci suggests their localization on different autosomes in the chicken genome. The recent literature and the authors' data on genetic relationship between blood group, polymorphic protein loci and morphological traits are reviewed.", "PMID": 1010323} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12122", "title": "[Nature of matroclinous individuals in remote fish hybridization].", "content": "In cases of hybridization of different Cyprinidae subfamilies, among numerous hybrids there occure extremely rarely matroclinous individuals. Investigation of the specific features of the embryonal-larval development, of the morphology of juvenile fishes at the age of 2-3 months, as well as the accomplishment of biochemical, cytomeric and karyological investigations in a number of crosses variants permitted to reveal different ways of the origin of matroclinous individuals. Some of them are diploid gynogenetic forms. The origin of another fishes with mixed hybrid and gynogenetic characters have not been established.", "contents": "[Nature of matroclinous individuals in remote fish hybridization]. In cases of hybridization of different Cyprinidae subfamilies, among numerous hybrids there occure extremely rarely matroclinous individuals. Investigation of the specific features of the embryonal-larval development, of the morphology of juvenile fishes at the age of 2-3 months, as well as the accomplishment of biochemical, cytomeric and karyological investigations in a number of crosses variants permitted to reveal different ways of the origin of matroclinous individuals. Some of them are diploid gynogenetic forms. The origin of another fishes with mixed hybrid and gynogenetic characters have not been established.", "PMID": 1010324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12123", "title": "[Mutagenic effect of radiation on mice, subjected to gamma-irradiation during the embryonic period. III. Frequency of coat color mosaics among mice, heterozygous for recessive mutations, subjected to irradiation during the early periods of embryogenesis].", "content": "The frequency of coat colour and coat length mosaics was investigated among heterozygous for 7 or 6 recessive mutations mice, that were gamma-irradiated at doses of 100 or 200 r at different stages of embryogenesis. Only 4 mosaics with gray coat spots were found among 1399 animals that developed from embryos irradiated at doses of 100--200 r within 4,5--13,5 days of embryogenesis. 3 of these mosaics were found among 756 animals irradiated at the dose of 100 r at the 10,5 day of embryogenesis (0,35%). This frequency is considerably lower that the frequency of coat colour mosaics obtained by other authors in similar experiments.", "contents": "[Mutagenic effect of radiation on mice, subjected to gamma-irradiation during the embryonic period. III. Frequency of coat color mosaics among mice, heterozygous for recessive mutations, subjected to irradiation during the early periods of embryogenesis]. The frequency of coat colour and coat length mosaics was investigated among heterozygous for 7 or 6 recessive mutations mice, that were gamma-irradiated at doses of 100 or 200 r at different stages of embryogenesis. Only 4 mosaics with gray coat spots were found among 1399 animals that developed from embryos irradiated at doses of 100--200 r within 4,5--13,5 days of embryogenesis. 3 of these mosaics were found among 756 animals irradiated at the dose of 100 r at the 10,5 day of embryogenesis (0,35%). This frequency is considerably lower that the frequency of coat colour mosaics obtained by other authors in similar experiments.", "PMID": 1010325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12124", "title": "[New lambdoid Escherichia coli phages. I. Isolation, group immunity and recombination with lambda phage].", "content": "550 bacterial strains were isolated from sewage. 69 of them were lysogenic by phages active on Escherichia coli. The phages were divided into two groups on the basis of UV-inducibility, the ability to form plaques on Rep-E. coli mutants and particle morphology: lambdoid (23 phages) and related to P2 (46 phages). Hybrid phages isolated from the crosses of lambdoid phages with phage lambda harboured the region imm lambda and the gene of adsorption specificity from other parent. Ten groups of heteroimmune phages were found in the collection of new temperate phages are homoimmune with known phages: lambda, phi 80, phi 81, 434. Another 7 phages involved in 6 groups of immunity which were heteroimmune to known phages. Diversity of lambdoid phage genes determining the structure of repressor is discussed.", "contents": "[New lambdoid Escherichia coli phages. I. Isolation, group immunity and recombination with lambda phage]. 550 bacterial strains were isolated from sewage. 69 of them were lysogenic by phages active on Escherichia coli. The phages were divided into two groups on the basis of UV-inducibility, the ability to form plaques on Rep-E. coli mutants and particle morphology: lambdoid (23 phages) and related to P2 (46 phages). Hybrid phages isolated from the crosses of lambdoid phages with phage lambda harboured the region imm lambda and the gene of adsorption specificity from other parent. Ten groups of heteroimmune phages were found in the collection of new temperate phages are homoimmune with known phages: lambda, phi 80, phi 81, 434. Another 7 phages involved in 6 groups of immunity which were heteroimmune to known phages. Diversity of lambdoid phage genes determining the structure of repressor is discussed.", "PMID": 1010326} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12125", "title": "[New lambdoid phages of Escherichia coli. II. Comparison of several genetic characteristics with lambda phages].", "content": "Functions of some newly isolated lambdoid phages and phage lambda genes were compared by their ability to interact with unrelated phages and the product of the bacterial gene gro P. 19 of 23 lambdoid phages studied interfere with prophage P2, that points out the presence of functionally active genes, essential for spi+ phenotype in their genomes. The development of 4 lambdoid phages with spi- phenotype is independent on the prophage P2 presence. Most of lambdoid phages show the reduced growth ability on the C600 groP- bacterial lawn. This indicates that they have a function similar to the gene P of phage lambda. The development of phage phi M417 in bacterial mutants groP- is not disturbed, which indicates that the gene P of phage phi M417 is different from that of the phage lambda. Newly isolated phages, that are homoimmune to phage lambda, restrict the development of T4 rII phage. The rest lambdoid phages have no rex function. The growth efficiency of lampodid phages on E. coli C cells, carrying Eco R1 plasmid, varies from 10(-6) to 10(-8) that presumbaly indicates on different amounts of restionci strites in DNA of these phages.", "contents": "[New lambdoid phages of Escherichia coli. II. Comparison of several genetic characteristics with lambda phages]. Functions of some newly isolated lambdoid phages and phage lambda genes were compared by their ability to interact with unrelated phages and the product of the bacterial gene gro P. 19 of 23 lambdoid phages studied interfere with prophage P2, that points out the presence of functionally active genes, essential for spi+ phenotype in their genomes. The development of 4 lambdoid phages with spi- phenotype is independent on the prophage P2 presence. Most of lambdoid phages show the reduced growth ability on the C600 groP- bacterial lawn. This indicates that they have a function similar to the gene P of phage lambda. The development of phage phi M417 in bacterial mutants groP- is not disturbed, which indicates that the gene P of phage phi M417 is different from that of the phage lambda. Newly isolated phages, that are homoimmune to phage lambda, restrict the development of T4 rII phage. The rest lambdoid phages have no rex function. The growth efficiency of lampodid phages on E. coli C cells, carrying Eco R1 plasmid, varies from 10(-6) to 10(-8) that presumbaly indicates on different amounts of restionci strites in DNA of these phages.", "PMID": 1010327} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12126", "title": "[Genetic-statistical analysis of multiple births in humans. I. Genetic analysis of predisposition to multiple birth].", "content": "Genetico-statistical analysis was made to check various hypotheses of the tendency to multiple birth inheritance. The material involved was comprised of 115 MZ and 228 DZ twin families burdened by recurrent cases of multiple births in their genealogy. Test data included 516 single birth probands, 5 from which had twins among sibs; this results in p = 0,97% for the evaluation of population frequency of the \"affected\" couples having twins). Vienberg proband method was applied to check monogenous-autosomal model and Edward & Smith approximating formulae to check additive-polygenous model with liminal results (manifestation). It is shown: 1) that the degree of genetical determination of MZ and DZ twinning is approximately the same for both multiple birth types; H-61 and 53% respectively; 2) in MZ twinning both mother's and father's genotypes perform as multiple birth factors; H-76% for the group of mother's sisters and 64% for that of father's brothers; 3) in case of DZ twinning mother's genotype is much more valid as a multiple birth factor as compared to the father's one; H-68% for the group of mother's sisters and H-25% for father's brothers; 4) at least some genetical factors, involved in multiple birth determination, are common for MZ and DZ twins; the rate of DZ twinning (of different sexes) among sibs of parents of MZ twins is reliable and more than 5-fold increases that in common population. It is suggested that the contradiction of literary data on multiple birth genetics is due to unadequate methods in many early investigations: calculations have been carried out on the basis of twin birth rate, and not on the rate of \"affected\" (couples having twins); differential Veinberg's method has been used, which is adequate in populational analysis and is unsuitable for genealogical studies for the estimation of MZ and DZ twinning frequency; cases of \"sporadic\" multiple birth have not been excluded from summary family material. On the basis of the authors' and literary data it is suggested also that the number of main genetic factors determining the tendency to multiple births is more than 2 (probably 3) and does not exceed 5, and their interaction approximated by oligenic-complementary model, which does not exclude the presence of genocopying loci in a total system.", "contents": "[Genetic-statistical analysis of multiple births in humans. I. Genetic analysis of predisposition to multiple birth]. Genetico-statistical analysis was made to check various hypotheses of the tendency to multiple birth inheritance. The material involved was comprised of 115 MZ and 228 DZ twin families burdened by recurrent cases of multiple births in their genealogy. Test data included 516 single birth probands, 5 from which had twins among sibs; this results in p = 0,97% for the evaluation of population frequency of the \"affected\" couples having twins). Vienberg proband method was applied to check monogenous-autosomal model and Edward & Smith approximating formulae to check additive-polygenous model with liminal results (manifestation). It is shown: 1) that the degree of genetical determination of MZ and DZ twinning is approximately the same for both multiple birth types; H-61 and 53% respectively; 2) in MZ twinning both mother's and father's genotypes perform as multiple birth factors; H-76% for the group of mother's sisters and 64% for that of father's brothers; 3) in case of DZ twinning mother's genotype is much more valid as a multiple birth factor as compared to the father's one; H-68% for the group of mother's sisters and H-25% for father's brothers; 4) at least some genetical factors, involved in multiple birth determination, are common for MZ and DZ twins; the rate of DZ twinning (of different sexes) among sibs of parents of MZ twins is reliable and more than 5-fold increases that in common population. It is suggested that the contradiction of literary data on multiple birth genetics is due to unadequate methods in many early investigations: calculations have been carried out on the basis of twin birth rate, and not on the rate of \"affected\" (couples having twins); differential Veinberg's method has been used, which is adequate in populational analysis and is unsuitable for genealogical studies for the estimation of MZ and DZ twinning frequency; cases of \"sporadic\" multiple birth have not been excluded from summary family material. On the basis of the authors' and literary data it is suggested also that the number of main genetic factors determining the tendency to multiple births is more than 2 (probably 3) and does not exceed 5, and their interaction approximated by oligenic-complementary model, which does not exclude the presence of genocopying loci in a total system.", "PMID": 1010328} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12127", "title": "Distribution of hereditary variants of haptoglobin and transferrin in several human populations in Siberia.", "content": "Haptoglobins and transferrins have been studied in nganasans from Taymir peninsula, in chelkantsi and kumandintsi from Altai and in 500 Russian inhabitants of Novosibirsk. Frequencies of Hp2 and TfB0-1 alleles in nganasams have been found to be the highest in the region. Transferrin polymorphism in the sample from Novosibirsk population seems to be maintained at the expense of four common alleles (C;B2;B0-1; DChi), in nganasans -- tow alleles (C and B0-1). No polymorphism has been observed in chelkantsi and kumandintsi. No rare transferrin variant has been found in the samples studied except homozygous B0-1 B0-1 in a child from nganasan family.", "contents": "Distribution of hereditary variants of haptoglobin and transferrin in several human populations in Siberia. Haptoglobins and transferrins have been studied in nganasans from Taymir peninsula, in chelkantsi and kumandintsi from Altai and in 500 Russian inhabitants of Novosibirsk. Frequencies of Hp2 and TfB0-1 alleles in nganasams have been found to be the highest in the region. Transferrin polymorphism in the sample from Novosibirsk population seems to be maintained at the expense of four common alleles (C;B2;B0-1; DChi), in nganasans -- tow alleles (C and B0-1). No polymorphism has been observed in chelkantsi and kumandintsi. No rare transferrin variant has been found in the samples studied except homozygous B0-1 B0-1 in a child from nganasan family.", "PMID": 1010329} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12128", "title": "[Serum alkaline phosphatase polymorphism among Chukchis].", "content": "In the course of studies on the polymorphism of the serum alkaline phosphatase among chickens three variants of this enzyme were revealed instead of two usually encountered among other groups of population. An extraordinary high frequency of the Pp 2 type of alkaline phosphatase was recorded as compared to other groups of population studied. Frequencies of Pp 2 and Pp 3 types increase considerably with increasing age of the people in the groups studied, while the frequency of the Pp 1 type decreases in older age groups at the expense of its decrease in combination with the B and O blood groups, whereas when it is combined with the A blood group its frequency remains unchanged. It is assumed that the variants Pp 2 and Pp 3 of serum alkaline phosphatase are of adaptive significance under the given ecological condtions. The variant Pp 1 in combination with the A blood group probably form an adaptive complex.", "contents": "[Serum alkaline phosphatase polymorphism among Chukchis]. In the course of studies on the polymorphism of the serum alkaline phosphatase among chickens three variants of this enzyme were revealed instead of two usually encountered among other groups of population. An extraordinary high frequency of the Pp 2 type of alkaline phosphatase was recorded as compared to other groups of population studied. Frequencies of Pp 2 and Pp 3 types increase considerably with increasing age of the people in the groups studied, while the frequency of the Pp 1 type decreases in older age groups at the expense of its decrease in combination with the B and O blood groups, whereas when it is combined with the A blood group its frequency remains unchanged. It is assumed that the variants Pp 2 and Pp 3 of serum alkaline phosphatase are of adaptive significance under the given ecological condtions. The variant Pp 1 in combination with the A blood group probably form an adaptive complex.", "PMID": 1010330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12129", "title": "[Mutagenic effect of radiation on mice subjected to gamma irradiation during the embryonic period. I. Frequency of reciprocal translocations in the spermatocytes of mice subjected to gamma-irradiation at different stages of embryogenesis].", "content": "The frequency of reciprocal translocations was investigated in spermatocytes of mice gamma-irradiated at doses of 100 or 200 r at 4,5; 8,5; 10,5; 11,5 and 13,5 days of embryonic development, and in spermatocytes of adult males whose spermatogonia were irradiated. The cytological analysis of 41 males that were irradiated at a dose of 200 r at 4,5 days of embryogenesis showed that 2 males had a high frequency of reciprocal translocations in both testes (on the average 20,6 and 28,8%). In the testes of other males of this group translocations were not detected. It is highly probably that the testes of these 2 males were heterozygous for reciprocal translocations. The yield of reciprocal translocations in spermatocytes of males irradiated at 8,5--13,5 days of embryogenesis was very low, and was only 0,67 +/- 0,2 x 10(-5) on the average per 1 r per cell, whereas for adult mice it was 12,5 +/- 3,0 x 10(5) per 1 r per cell.", "contents": "[Mutagenic effect of radiation on mice subjected to gamma irradiation during the embryonic period. I. Frequency of reciprocal translocations in the spermatocytes of mice subjected to gamma-irradiation at different stages of embryogenesis]. The frequency of reciprocal translocations was investigated in spermatocytes of mice gamma-irradiated at doses of 100 or 200 r at 4,5; 8,5; 10,5; 11,5 and 13,5 days of embryonic development, and in spermatocytes of adult males whose spermatogonia were irradiated. The cytological analysis of 41 males that were irradiated at a dose of 200 r at 4,5 days of embryogenesis showed that 2 males had a high frequency of reciprocal translocations in both testes (on the average 20,6 and 28,8%). In the testes of other males of this group translocations were not detected. It is highly probably that the testes of these 2 males were heterozygous for reciprocal translocations. The yield of reciprocal translocations in spermatocytes of males irradiated at 8,5--13,5 days of embryogenesis was very low, and was only 0,67 +/- 0,2 x 10(-5) on the average per 1 r per cell, whereas for adult mice it was 12,5 +/- 3,0 x 10(5) per 1 r per cell.", "PMID": 1010332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12130", "title": "The effect of testosterone on skeletal muscle development and protein synthesis in rabbits.", "content": "The effect of testosterone administration on muscle development and protein synthesis was studied with intact male rabbits. Rabbits were randomized into three experimental groups; day 0 control (G-1), day 15 control (G-2) and day 15 testosterone (G-3). Testosterone (delta4-Androsten-17beta-ol-3-one in silastic tubing) was surgically implanted into the G-3 rabbits. On day (G-1) and day 15 (G-2 and 3) of the experiment all rabbits were injected IP with 50 mu Ci-3H-leucine. Rabbits were sacrificed at intervals after the 3H-leucine injection. Right and left semitendinosus muscles, pituitary and adrenal glands, testicles and blood samples were obtained for analysis. Testosterone improved (P less than .01) gain and feed efficiency, depressed testicle weight (P less than .01), increased serum testosterone and insulin (P less than 0.01) but did not affect adrenal and pituitary weights. Muscle moisture, fat and total protein, myofibrillar, sarcoplasmic and stromal protein fractions and RNA and DNA content were not significantly affected by testosterone although G-3 semitendinosus muscle had the highest total and myofibrillar protein, RNA, and DNA content. The testosterone treated rabbits (G-3) had higher (P less than 0.05) 3H-leucine incorporation into myofibrillar protein and lower 3H-leucine incorporation into sarcoplasmic protein than the day 0 and day 15 controls.", "contents": "The effect of testosterone on skeletal muscle development and protein synthesis in rabbits. The effect of testosterone administration on muscle development and protein synthesis was studied with intact male rabbits. Rabbits were randomized into three experimental groups; day 0 control (G-1), day 15 control (G-2) and day 15 testosterone (G-3). Testosterone (delta4-Androsten-17beta-ol-3-one in silastic tubing) was surgically implanted into the G-3 rabbits. On day (G-1) and day 15 (G-2 and 3) of the experiment all rabbits were injected IP with 50 mu Ci-3H-leucine. Rabbits were sacrificed at intervals after the 3H-leucine injection. Right and left semitendinosus muscles, pituitary and adrenal glands, testicles and blood samples were obtained for analysis. Testosterone improved (P less than .01) gain and feed efficiency, depressed testicle weight (P less than .01), increased serum testosterone and insulin (P less than 0.01) but did not affect adrenal and pituitary weights. Muscle moisture, fat and total protein, myofibrillar, sarcoplasmic and stromal protein fractions and RNA and DNA content were not significantly affected by testosterone although G-3 semitendinosus muscle had the highest total and myofibrillar protein, RNA, and DNA content. The testosterone treated rabbits (G-3) had higher (P less than 0.05) 3H-leucine incorporation into myofibrillar protein and lower 3H-leucine incorporation into sarcoplasmic protein than the day 0 and day 15 controls.", "PMID": 1010388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12131", "title": "Body composition of the reference fetus.", "content": "Published data from chemical analyses of human fetuses have been utilized to construct a reference fetus of representative body composition. For gestational ages 24 through 40 weeks, body composition of the reference fetus is presented, including water, lipid, protein and major minerals. Concentrations of water, sodium, and chloride per unit of body weight decrease with increasing gestational age, whereas those of protein, lipid, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium increase. From the estimates of body composition at each age and from the gain in body weight, composition of gain and daily increments of body components have been calculated.", "contents": "Body composition of the reference fetus. Published data from chemical analyses of human fetuses have been utilized to construct a reference fetus of representative body composition. For gestational ages 24 through 40 weeks, body composition of the reference fetus is presented, including water, lipid, protein and major minerals. Concentrations of water, sodium, and chloride per unit of body weight decrease with increasing gestational age, whereas those of protein, lipid, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium increase. From the estimates of body composition at each age and from the gain in body weight, composition of gain and daily increments of body components have been calculated.", "PMID": 1010389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12132", "title": "A phenomenological approach to the growth of the winter stonefly, Taeniopteryx nivalis (Fitch) (Plecoptera:Taeniopterygidae).", "content": "The growth and respiration of a univoltine winter stonefly, Taeniopteryx nivalis (Fitch) was evaluated over a period which encompassed both the nymphal and adult life stages. A simple allometry did not describe the relation found between weight and respiration during the evaluated growth period. The relation between growth and respiration of T. nivalis was described by an extension of the stochastic growth model of Zotina and Zotin, which enables one to determine the biological age of an organism by utilizing only weight and respiration. From a comparison of the general Bertalanffy growth model with the extended stochastic model, the growth of T. nivalis up to the last instar could be ascribed entirely to anabolic processes; differentiation probably accounts for the observed relation between weight and respiration during the last nymphal instar.", "contents": "A phenomenological approach to the growth of the winter stonefly, Taeniopteryx nivalis (Fitch) (Plecoptera:Taeniopterygidae). The growth and respiration of a univoltine winter stonefly, Taeniopteryx nivalis (Fitch) was evaluated over a period which encompassed both the nymphal and adult life stages. A simple allometry did not describe the relation found between weight and respiration during the evaluated growth period. The relation between growth and respiration of T. nivalis was described by an extension of the stochastic growth model of Zotina and Zotin, which enables one to determine the biological age of an organism by utilizing only weight and respiration. From a comparison of the general Bertalanffy growth model with the extended stochastic model, the growth of T. nivalis up to the last instar could be ascribed entirely to anabolic processes; differentiation probably accounts for the observed relation between weight and respiration during the last nymphal instar.", "PMID": 1010390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12133", "title": "Selected lipogenic enzyme activities of swine adipose tissue as influenced by genetic phenotype, age, feeding frequency and dietary energy source.", "content": "The effects of genetic phenotype (lean or obese), age, feeding frequency (ad-libitum or meal-fed) and dietary energy source (starch or lard) on selected enzymatic indices of lipogenesis in swine adipose tissue were investigated. The obese line maintained greater specific activities for citrate cleavage enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6 phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme compared to the lean line regardless of dietary factors. Dietary lard depressed lipogenic enzyme activity, except that of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, of adipose tissue homogenates in a similar manner in both genetic phenotypes. The enzymatic indices did not indicate that meal-feeding induced hyperlipogenesis can be produced in swine. The genetic phenotype of swine is the preponderant factor regulating lipogenic enzyme activities compared to dietary manipulations.", "contents": "Selected lipogenic enzyme activities of swine adipose tissue as influenced by genetic phenotype, age, feeding frequency and dietary energy source. The effects of genetic phenotype (lean or obese), age, feeding frequency (ad-libitum or meal-fed) and dietary energy source (starch or lard) on selected enzymatic indices of lipogenesis in swine adipose tissue were investigated. The obese line maintained greater specific activities for citrate cleavage enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6 phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme compared to the lean line regardless of dietary factors. Dietary lard depressed lipogenic enzyme activity, except that of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, of adipose tissue homogenates in a similar manner in both genetic phenotypes. The enzymatic indices did not indicate that meal-feeding induced hyperlipogenesis can be produced in swine. The genetic phenotype of swine is the preponderant factor regulating lipogenic enzyme activities compared to dietary manipulations.", "PMID": 1010391} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12134", "title": "Some aspects of the growth of rats.", "content": "The first quantitatively significant phase of growth for the rats under investigation was finished at body weights of 260 g in females and 410 g in males. During this phase only growth will influence the energy requirements of the rat. The sex-dependent difference in size will be discussed; it is probably caused by the fact that the period of marked cell division activity lasts slightly more than one week longer in male than in female rats.", "contents": "Some aspects of the growth of rats. The first quantitatively significant phase of growth for the rats under investigation was finished at body weights of 260 g in females and 410 g in males. During this phase only growth will influence the energy requirements of the rat. The sex-dependent difference in size will be discussed; it is probably caused by the fact that the period of marked cell division activity lasts slightly more than one week longer in male than in female rats.", "PMID": 1010392} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12135", "title": "Analysis by computer-controlled cell sorter of Friend virus-transformed cells in different stages of differentiation.", "content": "In most systems involving cellular differentiation and cellular transformation the biological process is non-synchronous and the sample heterogeneous. In order to answer some of the basic questions about the control mechanisms of cellular changes and the order in which they proceed one must have access to homogeneous classes of cells. Friend virus transformed erythroid cells which are stably maintained in tissue culture can be chemically induced to differentiate and are thus very advantageous for in vitro studies (1-3). With such a system the questions which we pose are a) the reversibility of the differentiation process; b) the order of steps in the production of specialized messenger RNA; c) the time of shut-off of undifferentiated messenger production; d) the relationship of viral RNA production to the differentiation process; e) the onset and extent of specific protein synthesis; f) the correlation of DNA metabolism with the timing or course of events. By using a computer-controlled cell separator we can select live cells on the basis of their macromolecular content, membrane properties (using a new parameter, fluorescence emission anisotropy), and size (4, 5, 34). Thus with proper probes as described here, we are able to select cells at different stages in their differentiation and can begin to attack the questions posed above.", "contents": "Analysis by computer-controlled cell sorter of Friend virus-transformed cells in different stages of differentiation. In most systems involving cellular differentiation and cellular transformation the biological process is non-synchronous and the sample heterogeneous. In order to answer some of the basic questions about the control mechanisms of cellular changes and the order in which they proceed one must have access to homogeneous classes of cells. Friend virus transformed erythroid cells which are stably maintained in tissue culture can be chemically induced to differentiate and are thus very advantageous for in vitro studies (1-3). With such a system the questions which we pose are a) the reversibility of the differentiation process; b) the order of steps in the production of specialized messenger RNA; c) the time of shut-off of undifferentiated messenger production; d) the relationship of viral RNA production to the differentiation process; e) the onset and extent of specific protein synthesis; f) the correlation of DNA metabolism with the timing or course of events. By using a computer-controlled cell separator we can select live cells on the basis of their macromolecular content, membrane properties (using a new parameter, fluorescence emission anisotropy), and size (4, 5, 34). Thus with proper probes as described here, we are able to select cells at different stages in their differentiation and can begin to attack the questions posed above.", "PMID": 1010464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12136", "title": "Infection of developing mouse embryos with murine leukemia virus: tissue specificity and genetic transmission of the virus.", "content": "The tissue specificity of Moloney leukemia virus (M-MuLV) was studied by infecting mice at two different stages of development. Either newborn mice which can be considered as essentially fully differentiated animals were infected with M-MuLV or preimplantation mouse embryos were infected in vitro at the 4-8 cell stage, a stage of development before any differentiation has taken place. After surgical transfer to the uteri of pseudopregnant surrogate mothers, the latter developed to term and adult mice. In both cases, animals were obtained that had developed an M-MuLV induced leukemia. Molecular hybridization tests for the presence of M-MuLV-specific sequences were conducted on DNA extracted from different tissues of leukemic animals to determine which tissues were successfully infected by the virus. Mice which were infected as newborns carried M-MuLV-specific DNA sequences in \"target tissues\" only, i. e., thymus, spleen, lymph nodes or in organs infiltrated by tumor cells, whereas \"non-target tissues\" did not carry virus-specific sequences. In contrast, when leukemic animals derived from M-MuLV-infected preimplantation embryos were analyzed, virus-specific sequences were detected in target tissues as well as in non-target tissues, such as liver, kidney, brain, testes and the germ line. To study the expression of the viral DNA integrated in target and non-target organs, RNA was extracted from different tissues of an animal infected at the preimplantation stage. Fifty to 100 times more M-MuLV-specific RNA was detected in tumor tissues than was found in non-target organs. Since all organs contained the same amount of virus-specific DNA, these results indicate that the integrated virus genome can be differentially expressed in different tissues. The organ-tropism of RNA tumor viruses is discussed in view of these findings. Mice that were infected at the preimplantation stage were found to have M-MuLV integrated into their germ line. Virus transmission from the father to the offspring occurred according to simple Mendelian expectations. Molecular hybridization tests revealed that in the animals studied, the virus was integrated into the germ line at only one out of two or three possible integration sites. During the development of leukemia amplification of this virus copy was observed in the target tissues only, but not in the non-target tissues.", "contents": "Infection of developing mouse embryos with murine leukemia virus: tissue specificity and genetic transmission of the virus. The tissue specificity of Moloney leukemia virus (M-MuLV) was studied by infecting mice at two different stages of development. Either newborn mice which can be considered as essentially fully differentiated animals were infected with M-MuLV or preimplantation mouse embryos were infected in vitro at the 4-8 cell stage, a stage of development before any differentiation has taken place. After surgical transfer to the uteri of pseudopregnant surrogate mothers, the latter developed to term and adult mice. In both cases, animals were obtained that had developed an M-MuLV induced leukemia. Molecular hybridization tests for the presence of M-MuLV-specific sequences were conducted on DNA extracted from different tissues of leukemic animals to determine which tissues were successfully infected by the virus. Mice which were infected as newborns carried M-MuLV-specific DNA sequences in \"target tissues\" only, i. e., thymus, spleen, lymph nodes or in organs infiltrated by tumor cells, whereas \"non-target tissues\" did not carry virus-specific sequences. In contrast, when leukemic animals derived from M-MuLV-infected preimplantation embryos were analyzed, virus-specific sequences were detected in target tissues as well as in non-target tissues, such as liver, kidney, brain, testes and the germ line. To study the expression of the viral DNA integrated in target and non-target organs, RNA was extracted from different tissues of an animal infected at the preimplantation stage. Fifty to 100 times more M-MuLV-specific RNA was detected in tumor tissues than was found in non-target organs. Since all organs contained the same amount of virus-specific DNA, these results indicate that the integrated virus genome can be differentially expressed in different tissues. The organ-tropism of RNA tumor viruses is discussed in view of these findings. Mice that were infected at the preimplantation stage were found to have M-MuLV integrated into their germ line. Virus transmission from the father to the offspring occurred according to simple Mendelian expectations. Molecular hybridization tests revealed that in the animals studied, the virus was integrated into the germ line at only one out of two or three possible integration sites. During the development of leukemia amplification of this virus copy was observed in the target tissues only, but not in the non-target tissues.", "PMID": 1010468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12137", "title": "Influence of some cytostatics on leucocyte function.", "content": "Phagocytic activity, nitroblue tetrazolium reduction and candidacidal capacity have been studied in a group of normal persons and in three patients with acute leukaemia. The studies were performed in vitro in whole blood to which either a solvent only, or daunorubicin or vincristine had been added. The nuclei of all kinds of leucocytes showed characteristic changes in daunorubicin samples, resembling a beginning necrobiosis. In spite of this, these cells had an unchanged or even an increased phagocyting capacity. Vincristine reduced the phagocyting activity in most cases. The NBT test showed no significant change. Killing function of leucocytes, represented by their candidacidal capacity, was not affected by the cytostatics.", "contents": "Influence of some cytostatics on leucocyte function. Phagocytic activity, nitroblue tetrazolium reduction and candidacidal capacity have been studied in a group of normal persons and in three patients with acute leukaemia. The studies were performed in vitro in whole blood to which either a solvent only, or daunorubicin or vincristine had been added. The nuclei of all kinds of leucocytes showed characteristic changes in daunorubicin samples, resembling a beginning necrobiosis. In spite of this, these cells had an unchanged or even an increased phagocyting capacity. Vincristine reduced the phagocyting activity in most cases. The NBT test showed no significant change. Killing function of leucocytes, represented by their candidacidal capacity, was not affected by the cytostatics.", "PMID": 1010471} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12138", "title": "Malignant blast cells in the cerebrospinal fluid.", "content": "In the cerebrospinal fluid of 45 patients, 240 cytological examinations has been performed. Sixteen patients were investigated serially in the course of intrathecal methotrexate treatment. The different mechanisms of nuclear fragmentation, various types of cytoplasmic vacuoles and the features of the reticulo-histiocytic reactions due to methotrexate has been analyzed. The morphological changes caused by methotrexate are attributed to depend on the cell type and on its response to therapy.", "contents": "Malignant blast cells in the cerebrospinal fluid. In the cerebrospinal fluid of 45 patients, 240 cytological examinations has been performed. Sixteen patients were investigated serially in the course of intrathecal methotrexate treatment. The different mechanisms of nuclear fragmentation, various types of cytoplasmic vacuoles and the features of the reticulo-histiocytic reactions due to methotrexate has been analyzed. The morphological changes caused by methotrexate are attributed to depend on the cell type and on its response to therapy.", "PMID": 1010472} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12139", "title": "On two acanthostomatid trematodes, Acanthostomum spiniceps (Looss, 1896) and A. absconditum (Looss, 1901), from African bagrid fishes.", "content": "Two species of acanthostomatid digeneans, Acanthostomum spiniceps (Looss, 1896) and A. absconditum (Looss, 1901) are redescribed on specimens obtained from Bagrus bayad and B. docmac from Egypt. Both trematode species distinctly differ from one another in the number of peribuccal spines (27--32 in A. spiniceps and 18--23 in A. absconditum) and shape and size of eggs. Therefore they cannot be considered to be conspecific. The author concludes that A. spiniceps and A. absconditum are not synonyms of A. imbutiforme (Molin, 1859), but two independent species differing both in morphology and ecology.", "contents": "On two acanthostomatid trematodes, Acanthostomum spiniceps (Looss, 1896) and A. absconditum (Looss, 1901), from African bagrid fishes. Two species of acanthostomatid digeneans, Acanthostomum spiniceps (Looss, 1896) and A. absconditum (Looss, 1901) are redescribed on specimens obtained from Bagrus bayad and B. docmac from Egypt. Both trematode species distinctly differ from one another in the number of peribuccal spines (27--32 in A. spiniceps and 18--23 in A. absconditum) and shape and size of eggs. Therefore they cannot be considered to be conspecific. The author concludes that A. spiniceps and A. absconditum are not synonyms of A. imbutiforme (Molin, 1859), but two independent species differing both in morphology and ecology.", "PMID": 1010489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12140", "title": "Trematodes of domestic ruminants of Afghanistan and their role in pathology.", "content": "Seven trematode species were found in the bile ducts and rumen of domestic ruminants: Fasciola gigantica, F. hepatica, Gigantocotyle explanatum, G. siemense, Paramphistomum epiclitum, Fischoederius cobboldi and Gastrothylax cruminifer. The parasites caused marked pathological changes in the liver and rumen.", "contents": "Trematodes of domestic ruminants of Afghanistan and their role in pathology. Seven trematode species were found in the bile ducts and rumen of domestic ruminants: Fasciola gigantica, F. hepatica, Gigantocotyle explanatum, G. siemense, Paramphistomum epiclitum, Fischoederius cobboldi and Gastrothylax cruminifer. The parasites caused marked pathological changes in the liver and rumen.", "PMID": 1010490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12141", "title": "First record of Strobilocercus fasciolaris (Taenidae-larvae) in man.", "content": "A sperical cyst containing a coiled cestode larva was found in the liver of a 77-year-old man at post-mortem examination. The parasite was determined as Strobilocercus fasciolaris, i.e., the larval stage of Hydatigera taeniaeformis. This is the first record of a larvocyst of this species in man. Characteristics of the morphology and measurements are given. Records of adult forms in definitive hosts and of larvocysts in intermediate hosts are discussed.", "contents": "First record of Strobilocercus fasciolaris (Taenidae-larvae) in man. A sperical cyst containing a coiled cestode larva was found in the liver of a 77-year-old man at post-mortem examination. The parasite was determined as Strobilocercus fasciolaris, i.e., the larval stage of Hydatigera taeniaeformis. This is the first record of a larvocyst of this species in man. Characteristics of the morphology and measurements are given. Records of adult forms in definitive hosts and of larvocysts in intermediate hosts are discussed.", "PMID": 1010491} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12142", "title": "Studies on the stomach flukes of buffalo in Egypt (Trematoda: Paramphistomata).", "content": "Three amphistomous species, Paramphistomum gotio Fukui, 1922; Paramphistomum microbothrium Fischoeder, 1901 and Carmyerius gregarius (Looss, 1896) have been found as a result of the investigation of stomach flukes of buffalo in Egypt. Specific status of Paramphistomum gotoi, variability of Paramphistomum microbothrium collected in different Egyptian domestic ruminants and histological structure of the muscular organs of Carmyerius gregarius have been examined.", "contents": "Studies on the stomach flukes of buffalo in Egypt (Trematoda: Paramphistomata). Three amphistomous species, Paramphistomum gotio Fukui, 1922; Paramphistomum microbothrium Fischoeder, 1901 and Carmyerius gregarius (Looss, 1896) have been found as a result of the investigation of stomach flukes of buffalo in Egypt. Specific status of Paramphistomum gotoi, variability of Paramphistomum microbothrium collected in different Egyptian domestic ruminants and histological structure of the muscular organs of Carmyerius gregarius have been examined.", "PMID": 1010492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12143", "title": "Dynamics of the natural focus of Tahyna virus in southern Moravia and species succession of its vectors, the mosquitoes of the genus Aedes.", "content": "The paper deals with the occurrence of Aedes mosquitoes in southern Moravia and with Tahyna virus infection rates for them in 1972; a comparison of the data from previous years reveals the dynamics of the natural focus under long-term study. A total of 13,204 mosquitoes of the genus Aedes was processed in 122 tests, resulting in 17 Tahyna virus strains isolates. As concerns the valence of the natural focus, the most important was the inundated forest in the Drnholec locality. Infection rates for the mosquitoes were also determined in various microbiotopes of the said locality. A. cinereus, from which Tahyna virus was first isolated in the summer of 1972, was much more numerous than in the preceding seasons studied, indicating its important role as vector of Tahyna virus. The cell line of Aedes albopictus was demonstrated to be susceptible enough for virus detection from mosquitoes collected in the field.", "contents": "Dynamics of the natural focus of Tahyna virus in southern Moravia and species succession of its vectors, the mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. The paper deals with the occurrence of Aedes mosquitoes in southern Moravia and with Tahyna virus infection rates for them in 1972; a comparison of the data from previous years reveals the dynamics of the natural focus under long-term study. A total of 13,204 mosquitoes of the genus Aedes was processed in 122 tests, resulting in 17 Tahyna virus strains isolates. As concerns the valence of the natural focus, the most important was the inundated forest in the Drnholec locality. Infection rates for the mosquitoes were also determined in various microbiotopes of the said locality. A. cinereus, from which Tahyna virus was first isolated in the summer of 1972, was much more numerous than in the preceding seasons studied, indicating its important role as vector of Tahyna virus. The cell line of Aedes albopictus was demonstrated to be susceptible enough for virus detection from mosquitoes collected in the field.", "PMID": 1010493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12144", "title": "Serologic examination of birds from the area of southern Moravia for the presence of antibodies against arboviruses of the groups Alfa, Flavo, Uukuniemi, Turlock and Bunyamwera supergroup. II. Wild living birds.", "content": "280 specimens of 29 species of wild living birds from 11 families captured in the endemic area of the virus Lednice in Southern Moravia (CSSR) were investigated by haemagglutination-inhibition test (HIT) on presence of antibodies against 12 arbovirus antigens of the groups Alfa-virus (Western and Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis, Semliki, Sindbis, Chikungunya), Flavovirus (Tick-Borne Encephalitis, Dengue, West Nile), the Uukuniemi group (Potepl\u00ed), the Turlock group (Lednice) and the Bunyamwera supergroup (Tahyna, Calovo). Antibodies were found only against the virus Lednice, merely in water birds--i.e. in Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)--31.9%, in Grey Lag-Goose (Anser anser)--17.2%, and in one of three Mute Swans (Cygnus olor). In relation to these findings the question of ornithophilia of mosquitoes of Culex modestus species, which are the only probable vectors of Lednice virus as yet, is discussed.", "contents": "Serologic examination of birds from the area of southern Moravia for the presence of antibodies against arboviruses of the groups Alfa, Flavo, Uukuniemi, Turlock and Bunyamwera supergroup. II. Wild living birds. 280 specimens of 29 species of wild living birds from 11 families captured in the endemic area of the virus Lednice in Southern Moravia (CSSR) were investigated by haemagglutination-inhibition test (HIT) on presence of antibodies against 12 arbovirus antigens of the groups Alfa-virus (Western and Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis, Semliki, Sindbis, Chikungunya), Flavovirus (Tick-Borne Encephalitis, Dengue, West Nile), the Uukuniemi group (Potepl\u00ed), the Turlock group (Lednice) and the Bunyamwera supergroup (Tahyna, Calovo). Antibodies were found only against the virus Lednice, merely in water birds--i.e. in Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)--31.9%, in Grey Lag-Goose (Anser anser)--17.2%, and in one of three Mute Swans (Cygnus olor). In relation to these findings the question of ornithophilia of mosquitoes of Culex modestus species, which are the only probable vectors of Lednice virus as yet, is discussed.", "PMID": 1010494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12145", "title": "Incidence of toxoplasmosis in domestic animals in Afghanistan.", "content": "The authors investigated a total of 435 domestic animals in Afghanistan by micromodification of indirect hemagglutination test. Camels showed the highest incidence of infection (73.7%). Of 9 zebu 3 were positive. The incidence of infection in goats was 31.6%, in sheep 20.4%, in buffaloes 20.4%. The lowest percentages of positive titres was detected in cattle (15.7).", "contents": "Incidence of toxoplasmosis in domestic animals in Afghanistan. The authors investigated a total of 435 domestic animals in Afghanistan by micromodification of indirect hemagglutination test. Camels showed the highest incidence of infection (73.7%). Of 9 zebu 3 were positive. The incidence of infection in goats was 31.6%, in sheep 20.4%, in buffaloes 20.4%. The lowest percentages of positive titres was detected in cattle (15.7).", "PMID": 1010495} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12146", "title": "Argas (Argas) vulgaris Filippova, 1961, a new member of Czechoslovak tick fauna.", "content": "In the eastern part of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic the occurrence of the soft tick Argas (A.) vulgaris Fil., 1961 was established in four localities. All findings were made in synanthropic nesting sites of Columbia livia Gm. and Corvus frugilegus L. in the belfries and lofts of churches.", "contents": "Argas (Argas) vulgaris Filippova, 1961, a new member of Czechoslovak tick fauna. In the eastern part of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic the occurrence of the soft tick Argas (A.) vulgaris Fil., 1961 was established in four localities. All findings were made in synanthropic nesting sites of Columbia livia Gm. and Corvus frugilegus L. in the belfries and lofts of churches.", "PMID": 1010496} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12147", "title": "Locomotion and posture of the Malayan siamang and implications for hominoid evolution.", "content": "Wild, adult siamang were observed for over 800 h in lowland dipterocarp forest in the Krau Game Reserve, Pahang, West Malaysia. Siamang use four patterns of locomotion: brachiation, climbing, bipedalism and leaping. The pattern of locomotion used by the siamang varies with the size of arboreal supports and with major behavioral activity. Travel is primarily by brachiation along large boughs. Locomotion during feeding is primarily climbing among small branches. In feeding, siamang use suspensory postures among small supports and seated postures on large supports. Comparison of siamang locomotion and posture with that of other apes suggest that quadramanous climbing during feeding is the basic hominoid locomotor adaptation.", "contents": "Locomotion and posture of the Malayan siamang and implications for hominoid evolution. Wild, adult siamang were observed for over 800 h in lowland dipterocarp forest in the Krau Game Reserve, Pahang, West Malaysia. Siamang use four patterns of locomotion: brachiation, climbing, bipedalism and leaping. The pattern of locomotion used by the siamang varies with the size of arboreal supports and with major behavioral activity. Travel is primarily by brachiation along large boughs. Locomotion during feeding is primarily climbing among small branches. In feeding, siamang use suspensory postures among small supports and seated postures on large supports. Comparison of siamang locomotion and posture with that of other apes suggest that quadramanous climbing during feeding is the basic hominoid locomotor adaptation.", "PMID": 1010498} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12148", "title": "Environment and behaviour in husbandry.", "content": "The changes seen in animal behaviour are a measure of the reaction of the animal to a given environment: examples of them are found in husbandry, in connection with both social and physical factors of the environment. Disorders of behavior occurring in intensive farms pose still unresolved theoretical problems, especially in the realm of possible analogies with displacement activities. The control of behaviour reactions is possible by manipulating the environment, or the animals themselves, by genetic selection or by means of tranquillizers. A better knowledge of the effects of management methods on the behaviour of livestock is needed, however, especially if precise recommendations relating to animal welfare are to be formulated.", "contents": "Environment and behaviour in husbandry. The changes seen in animal behaviour are a measure of the reaction of the animal to a given environment: examples of them are found in husbandry, in connection with both social and physical factors of the environment. Disorders of behavior occurring in intensive farms pose still unresolved theoretical problems, especially in the realm of possible analogies with displacement activities. The control of behaviour reactions is possible by manipulating the environment, or the animals themselves, by genetic selection or by means of tranquillizers. A better knowledge of the effects of management methods on the behaviour of livestock is needed, however, especially if precise recommendations relating to animal welfare are to be formulated.", "PMID": 1010499} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12149", "title": "Biochemical studies on equine infectious anaemia.", "content": "A description is given of an outbreak of equine infectious anaemia (E.I.A.) in Campania [at Naples and Aversa (Caserta)]; it was diagnosed by clinical, pathological and serological examinations (Coggins test). Using the serum of 45 horses with E.I.A. and 11 healthy horses (controls), numerous investigations were carried out on: enzymes, intrinsic coagulation factors, lipids and other substances. The results obtained were very interesting and show that in this disease there are significant increases in many enzymes (LDH, LAP, gamma-GT, CPK, PK and ALD) and copper. Insignificant increases were found in other enzymes (SDH, GLDH, MDH, ICDH, AIP, lysozyme, cholinesterase, GOT and GPT) and also intrinsic coagulation factors, lipid substances (total cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, triglycerides) and glucose. LDH-1-isoenzyme remains unchanged, whilst AcP decreases slightly.", "contents": "Biochemical studies on equine infectious anaemia. A description is given of an outbreak of equine infectious anaemia (E.I.A.) in Campania [at Naples and Aversa (Caserta)]; it was diagnosed by clinical, pathological and serological examinations (Coggins test). Using the serum of 45 horses with E.I.A. and 11 healthy horses (controls), numerous investigations were carried out on: enzymes, intrinsic coagulation factors, lipids and other substances. The results obtained were very interesting and show that in this disease there are significant increases in many enzymes (LDH, LAP, gamma-GT, CPK, PK and ALD) and copper. Insignificant increases were found in other enzymes (SDH, GLDH, MDH, ICDH, AIP, lysozyme, cholinesterase, GOT and GPT) and also intrinsic coagulation factors, lipid substances (total cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, triglycerides) and glucose. LDH-1-isoenzyme remains unchanged, whilst AcP decreases slightly.", "PMID": 1010502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12150", "title": "Plasma and buffy coat vitamin C concentrations in the dog.", "content": "In dogs, the mean plasma vitamin C concentration was found to be 0.88 mg/100 ml plasma while the mean buffy coat concentration of simultaneous blood aliquots was 42.98 mg/10(8) cells. A significant day-to-day variation was recorded for both parameters.", "contents": "Plasma and buffy coat vitamin C concentrations in the dog. In dogs, the mean plasma vitamin C concentration was found to be 0.88 mg/100 ml plasma while the mean buffy coat concentration of simultaneous blood aliquots was 42.98 mg/10(8) cells. A significant day-to-day variation was recorded for both parameters.", "PMID": 1010503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12151", "title": "A guide to laboratory techniques used in the study and diagnosis of avian coccidiosis.", "content": "A procedure and simple key is given to enable a provisional identification of five species of Eimeria: colour illustrations of gross lesions will aid the identification. Laboratory methods are described for the isolation and specific identification of species of Eimeria. Factors affecting the development of Eimeria in chickens are discussed and procedures for experimental infections given.", "contents": "A guide to laboratory techniques used in the study and diagnosis of avian coccidiosis. A procedure and simple key is given to enable a provisional identification of five species of Eimeria: colour illustrations of gross lesions will aid the identification. Laboratory methods are described for the isolation and specific identification of species of Eimeria. Factors affecting the development of Eimeria in chickens are discussed and procedures for experimental infections given.", "PMID": 1010500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12152", "title": "[10 years teaching general practice for medical students].", "content": "Nowadays practice, theory and research in General Medicine can no longer be separated. Besides the definition of the branch of study \"medical practioner\", standards of achievement and methods of teaching are described. Shortage of medical practioners today results from deficient development and consequences by nonsufficient studies and further education yesterday. Lack in education today is based on non-sufficient research yesterday. Whoever accepts responsibility for the future today has to make the basis by research and education that an optimum care for our population by general practioners will be possible during the coming years.", "contents": "[10 years teaching general practice for medical students]. Nowadays practice, theory and research in General Medicine can no longer be separated. Besides the definition of the branch of study \"medical practioner\", standards of achievement and methods of teaching are described. Shortage of medical practioners today results from deficient development and consequences by nonsufficient studies and further education yesterday. Lack in education today is based on non-sufficient research yesterday. Whoever accepts responsibility for the future today has to make the basis by research and education that an optimum care for our population by general practioners will be possible during the coming years.", "PMID": 1010514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12153", "title": "The clinical picture of diabetic retinopathy in the dog.", "content": "After an extensive review of the literature showing how the existence of diabetic retinopathy in the dog had been confirmed by various research workers and in particular by histological studies, a clinical picture of this retinopathy is given, together with a description of tis individual features based on opthalmoscopic examinations carried out on 13 dogs with diabetes and illustrated with the photographs taken with the KOWA retinograph.", "contents": "The clinical picture of diabetic retinopathy in the dog. After an extensive review of the literature showing how the existence of diabetic retinopathy in the dog had been confirmed by various research workers and in particular by histological studies, a clinical picture of this retinopathy is given, together with a description of tis individual features based on opthalmoscopic examinations carried out on 13 dogs with diabetes and illustrated with the photographs taken with the KOWA retinograph.", "PMID": 1010501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12154", "title": "[Mass screening for glaucoma].", "content": "Mass-screening of the population over 40 years by tonometry is not recommended for developed countries. However, tonometry of each patient attending the ophthalmologist, is absolutely necessary. Omitting tonometry is only justified, if special reasons prevent it, for example inflammations. If reading-glasses are always prescribed by the ophthalmologist and tonometry is done on each such patient, then this is the adequate and sufficient protection of the population against glaucoma blindness. Preventive examinations of the group in the highest danger to become blind from glaucoma, i.e. persons of 55-65 years of age, might perhaps be useful, if the tonometric limit is set high (30 mmHg) and if a check of the visual field by the Friedman-Analyzer is combined with tonometry. The aim of such examinations would not be the detection of suspicious or very early forms (tonometric glaucoma), but to screen for definite glaucoma cases with field-defects, which undetected would become blind. It seems, however, questionable, if the motivation of this age group will be sufficient. This should be found out by pilot-tests. In developing countries the question of mass-screening is entirely different. There glaucoma patients must be filtered out, in whom surgery is less risky than waiting without treatment. This can only be done by mass-screening including tonometry by the borderline-tonometer glaucotest, perimetry by the Friedman-Analyzer and estimation of the cup/disc-ratio.", "contents": "[Mass screening for glaucoma]. Mass-screening of the population over 40 years by tonometry is not recommended for developed countries. However, tonometry of each patient attending the ophthalmologist, is absolutely necessary. Omitting tonometry is only justified, if special reasons prevent it, for example inflammations. If reading-glasses are always prescribed by the ophthalmologist and tonometry is done on each such patient, then this is the adequate and sufficient protection of the population against glaucoma blindness. Preventive examinations of the group in the highest danger to become blind from glaucoma, i.e. persons of 55-65 years of age, might perhaps be useful, if the tonometric limit is set high (30 mmHg) and if a check of the visual field by the Friedman-Analyzer is combined with tonometry. The aim of such examinations would not be the detection of suspicious or very early forms (tonometric glaucoma), but to screen for definite glaucoma cases with field-defects, which undetected would become blind. It seems, however, questionable, if the motivation of this age group will be sufficient. This should be found out by pilot-tests. In developing countries the question of mass-screening is entirely different. There glaucoma patients must be filtered out, in whom surgery is less risky than waiting without treatment. This can only be done by mass-screening including tonometry by the borderline-tonometer glaucotest, perimetry by the Friedman-Analyzer and estimation of the cup/disc-ratio.", "PMID": 1010515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12155", "title": "[The importance of lactate acidosis as a side effect of biguanide therapy].", "content": "A survey of the literature leads to the conclusion that lactic acidosis should be considered as a side effect of therapy with biguanides. Essential for the development of lactic acidosis seems to be the preexistence or the acute development of renal insufficiency. However, the over-dosage (for instance in the case of attempted suicide) causes acidosis (lactic acidosis) in healthy persons also. Using the experimental animal lactic acidosis is demonstrated following biguanide application. Diagnosis of lactic acidosis is substantiated by acidosis with lactic acid concentrations higher than 8-10 meq/l (= 72-90mg/100 ml) and with considerably increased lactate/pyruvate ratios (50-150). Generally a non ketotic acidosis of diabetic patients (especially under biguanide-therapy) should be considered to be a lactic acidosis. On the other hand the existence of lactic acid concentrations higher than 8-10 meq/l ist characteristic for a lactic acidosis. The prognosis of lactic acidosis induced by biguanides is not too good. Therapy of the acidosis using bicarbonate is not sufficient in most cases. The intravenous application of glucose (or glucose substitutes), perhaps with additional insulin, might be indicated by hypoglycemia. However, this therapy might cause an additional increase in lactic acid concentration. Treatment of choice might be dialysis, effecting the elimination of the biguanides. If peritoneal dialysis is performed acetate containing solutions should be used. Biguanide induced lactic acidosis is prevented by a very cautious selection of patients suited for biguanide therapy. The performance of renal function tests is absolutely necessary if therapy with biguanides is intended. Additionally, periodical control of renal function is required in patients treated with biguanides (at least twice a year). Biguanide therapy should be performed only with extreme caution, because decrease in renal function is very common in older patients.", "contents": "[The importance of lactate acidosis as a side effect of biguanide therapy]. A survey of the literature leads to the conclusion that lactic acidosis should be considered as a side effect of therapy with biguanides. Essential for the development of lactic acidosis seems to be the preexistence or the acute development of renal insufficiency. However, the over-dosage (for instance in the case of attempted suicide) causes acidosis (lactic acidosis) in healthy persons also. Using the experimental animal lactic acidosis is demonstrated following biguanide application. Diagnosis of lactic acidosis is substantiated by acidosis with lactic acid concentrations higher than 8-10 meq/l (= 72-90mg/100 ml) and with considerably increased lactate/pyruvate ratios (50-150). Generally a non ketotic acidosis of diabetic patients (especially under biguanide-therapy) should be considered to be a lactic acidosis. On the other hand the existence of lactic acid concentrations higher than 8-10 meq/l ist characteristic for a lactic acidosis. The prognosis of lactic acidosis induced by biguanides is not too good. Therapy of the acidosis using bicarbonate is not sufficient in most cases. The intravenous application of glucose (or glucose substitutes), perhaps with additional insulin, might be indicated by hypoglycemia. However, this therapy might cause an additional increase in lactic acid concentration. Treatment of choice might be dialysis, effecting the elimination of the biguanides. If peritoneal dialysis is performed acetate containing solutions should be used. Biguanide induced lactic acidosis is prevented by a very cautious selection of patients suited for biguanide therapy. The performance of renal function tests is absolutely necessary if therapy with biguanides is intended. Additionally, periodical control of renal function is required in patients treated with biguanides (at least twice a year). Biguanide therapy should be performed only with extreme caution, because decrease in renal function is very common in older patients.", "PMID": 1010516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12156", "title": "[Diabetic retinopathy. Analysis of progressive attacks, prophylaxis and therapy with light coagulation].", "content": "If one follows the course of diabetic retinopathy on the basis of retinal fluorescence angiography one can distinguish two main courses: Cases displaying an evolution mainly characterized by an increase of capillary hyperpermeability, and others in which the capillary occlusive processes outweigh hyperpermeability. Fluorescence angiography in addition provides paramount clues in regard to initiation of photocoagulation as well as its mode and extent of application and will furthermore render an adequate documentation of successful treatment.", "contents": "[Diabetic retinopathy. Analysis of progressive attacks, prophylaxis and therapy with light coagulation]. If one follows the course of diabetic retinopathy on the basis of retinal fluorescence angiography one can distinguish two main courses: Cases displaying an evolution mainly characterized by an increase of capillary hyperpermeability, and others in which the capillary occlusive processes outweigh hyperpermeability. Fluorescence angiography in addition provides paramount clues in regard to initiation of photocoagulation as well as its mode and extent of application and will furthermore render an adequate documentation of successful treatment.", "PMID": 1010520} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12157", "title": "[The value and limits of cerebrospinal fluid cytology].", "content": "Based on the results of about 10,000 cytological evaluations of the cerebrospinal fluid using two different technical methods clinical value concerning diagnosis is discussed. Three cytological syndromes are described: the inflammatory syndrome can be differentiated in an aucte and chronical form. Functional dynamic aspects are affirmed to be by far more effective in diagnosis as well as therapy than etiological conclusions. The irritation syndrome is non-specific with the very important exception of hemorrhages in the subarachnoidal space, which are detectable even months later. Tumor cells can be found in a higher percentage when neoplasms are secondary, while primary brain tumours show less typical cell patterns allowing certain differentiation.", "contents": "[The value and limits of cerebrospinal fluid cytology]. Based on the results of about 10,000 cytological evaluations of the cerebrospinal fluid using two different technical methods clinical value concerning diagnosis is discussed. Three cytological syndromes are described: the inflammatory syndrome can be differentiated in an aucte and chronical form. Functional dynamic aspects are affirmed to be by far more effective in diagnosis as well as therapy than etiological conclusions. The irritation syndrome is non-specific with the very important exception of hemorrhages in the subarachnoidal space, which are detectable even months later. Tumor cells can be found in a higher percentage when neoplasms are secondary, while primary brain tumours show less typical cell patterns allowing certain differentiation.", "PMID": 1010522} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12158", "title": "[Cerebrospinal fluid changes in severe craniocerebral injury and their therapy].", "content": "The sign of a traumatically caused alveolar hyperventilation in severe cranio-cerebral injury is a respiratory alcalosis as well as hypoxia and hypoxemia in the arterial as well in the cerebral veneous blood. The combination of decreased oxygen tension or saturation and hypocapnia can exist for several days and in a lethal course transform into a combined metabolic respiratory acidosis with increasing carbonic acid tension and so initiate the prefinal state. The extremely pathological blood gases are usually the first sign of shock-specific changes of the lung. The most impressing changes of the cerebrospinal fluid are the metabolic acidosis in combination with a diminished oxygen tension and tissue hypoxia of the brain. The acidosis of cerebrospinal fluid in severe brain injury is not only of prognostic but also of therapeutical importance. The treatment of the acidosis of cerebrospinal fluid by intrathecal administration of buffering substances in severe brain injuries and its sequelae can have a favourable influence on the cerebral circulation and brain metabolism.", "contents": "[Cerebrospinal fluid changes in severe craniocerebral injury and their therapy]. The sign of a traumatically caused alveolar hyperventilation in severe cranio-cerebral injury is a respiratory alcalosis as well as hypoxia and hypoxemia in the arterial as well in the cerebral veneous blood. The combination of decreased oxygen tension or saturation and hypocapnia can exist for several days and in a lethal course transform into a combined metabolic respiratory acidosis with increasing carbonic acid tension and so initiate the prefinal state. The extremely pathological blood gases are usually the first sign of shock-specific changes of the lung. The most impressing changes of the cerebrospinal fluid are the metabolic acidosis in combination with a diminished oxygen tension and tissue hypoxia of the brain. The acidosis of cerebrospinal fluid in severe brain injury is not only of prognostic but also of therapeutical importance. The treatment of the acidosis of cerebrospinal fluid by intrathecal administration of buffering substances in severe brain injuries and its sequelae can have a favourable influence on the cerebral circulation and brain metabolism.", "PMID": 1010521} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12159", "title": "[Folic acid substitution in hemodialyzed patients. Folic acid levels in plasma and erythrocytes].", "content": "Investigations of folic acid levels in plasma and erythrocytes. In 20 patients on hemodialysis with and without folic acid substitution the concentration of folic acid in plasma and in red cells was estimated by radioassay. In patients, who were substituted with folic acid concomitantly with elevated folic acid concentrations hematocrit values were higher than those of patients who were not substituted. Folic acid concentrations in patients not substituted. Folic acid concentrations in patients not substituted were subnormal and further decreased on dialysis. Results of folic acid determinations in plasma were paralleled by concentrations in erythrocytes. It is concluded, that folic acid substitution is necessary in patients on hemodialysis.", "contents": "[Folic acid substitution in hemodialyzed patients. Folic acid levels in plasma and erythrocytes]. Investigations of folic acid levels in plasma and erythrocytes. In 20 patients on hemodialysis with and without folic acid substitution the concentration of folic acid in plasma and in red cells was estimated by radioassay. In patients, who were substituted with folic acid concomitantly with elevated folic acid concentrations hematocrit values were higher than those of patients who were not substituted. Folic acid concentrations in patients not substituted. Folic acid concentrations in patients not substituted were subnormal and further decreased on dialysis. Results of folic acid determinations in plasma were paralleled by concentrations in erythrocytes. It is concluded, that folic acid substitution is necessary in patients on hemodialysis.", "PMID": 1010524} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12160", "title": "[Intraoperating measuring of tissue oxygen pressure on the surface of the gastric mucosa. A new method for the control of complete vagotomy of the stomach].", "content": "A new method for the control of complete gastric vagotomy. Anew method is presented to control the completeness of gastric vagotomy. The procedure is based on measuring of gastric mucosa tissue oxygen pressure as an equivalent for the diminished perfusion of gastric mucosa after vagotomy. The results up to now proved the method reliable. Since we practice this method in quite a number of vagotomies primarily not severed vagal branches could be found and cut later.", "contents": "[Intraoperating measuring of tissue oxygen pressure on the surface of the gastric mucosa. A new method for the control of complete vagotomy of the stomach]. A new method for the control of complete gastric vagotomy. Anew method is presented to control the completeness of gastric vagotomy. The procedure is based on measuring of gastric mucosa tissue oxygen pressure as an equivalent for the diminished perfusion of gastric mucosa after vagotomy. The results up to now proved the method reliable. Since we practice this method in quite a number of vagotomies primarily not severed vagal branches could be found and cut later.", "PMID": 1010525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12161", "title": "Dermatoglyphs of the inhabitants of the Island of Hvar, Yugolsavia.", "content": "An analysis of the digito-palmar dermatoglyphs obtained from 231 inhabitants of the Island of Hvar, divided into two groups according to some sociocultural differences, is presented. The quantitative features do not reveal heterogeneity between the groups, while some qualitative palmar dermatoglyphic features are statistically significantly different. The results are discussed in the light of the possible influence of some different evolutionary processes.", "contents": "Dermatoglyphs of the inhabitants of the Island of Hvar, Yugolsavia. An analysis of the digito-palmar dermatoglyphs obtained from 231 inhabitants of the Island of Hvar, divided into two groups according to some sociocultural differences, is presented. The quantitative features do not reveal heterogeneity between the groups, while some qualitative palmar dermatoglyphic features are statistically significantly different. The results are discussed in the light of the possible influence of some different evolutionary processes.", "PMID": 1010526} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12162", "title": "GLO polymorphism in Norway.", "content": "GLO phenotype distribution and GLO allele frequencies in samples of the Norwegian population and the Lappish minority of Norway are presented. The GLO frequency is 0.442 in 216 Norwegians, while it is 0.304 in 184 Lapps; the difference is statistically significant. There are furthermore probably differences in gene frequencies between two main groups of Lapps.", "contents": "GLO polymorphism in Norway. GLO phenotype distribution and GLO allele frequencies in samples of the Norwegian population and the Lappish minority of Norway are presented. The GLO frequency is 0.442 in 216 Norwegians, while it is 0.304 in 184 Lapps; the difference is statistically significant. There are furthermore probably differences in gene frequencies between two main groups of Lapps.", "PMID": 1010527} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12163", "title": "In vitro cultivation of human renal cell cancer. I. Establishment of cells in culture.", "content": "A technique for initiating and propagating epithelial cell cultures of human renal cell cancer and adjacent nontumor kidney is described. Seventy-five percent of the tumors and 79% of the adjacent kidney specimens cultured with this method have shown initial outgrowth and have been subcultured at least once. Two renal cell cancer cultures initiated by this method have now been in continuous culture more than 6 months, have been subcultured 27 and 18 times, and now appear to be stable lines. The ability to establish long-term in vitro cultures of human renal cell cancers will facilitate studies concerning the immunoreactivity, cholesterol metabolism, the isolation of renal-cell-cancer-specific antigens, and in vitro chemotherapy testing and will further our understanding of the basic biology of human renal cell cancer.", "contents": "In vitro cultivation of human renal cell cancer. I. Establishment of cells in culture. A technique for initiating and propagating epithelial cell cultures of human renal cell cancer and adjacent nontumor kidney is described. Seventy-five percent of the tumors and 79% of the adjacent kidney specimens cultured with this method have shown initial outgrowth and have been subcultured at least once. Two renal cell cancer cultures initiated by this method have now been in continuous culture more than 6 months, have been subcultured 27 and 18 times, and now appear to be stable lines. The ability to establish long-term in vitro cultures of human renal cell cancers will facilitate studies concerning the immunoreactivity, cholesterol metabolism, the isolation of renal-cell-cancer-specific antigens, and in vitro chemotherapy testing and will further our understanding of the basic biology of human renal cell cancer.", "PMID": 1010528} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12164", "title": "Karyology of primary human fetal cell cultures.", "content": "Cell cultures were established from the biopsies of lung, skin and kidney from each of nine human fetuses, and chromosome analyses were performed on material through the fifth subculture. Kidney cell cultures generally showed a higher level of polyploidy than lung or skin. The frequencies of hyperdiploid cells and those with structural abnormalities were consistent with the low levels found in cultures of human lymphocytes. The data provide a normal cytogenetic baseline for human fetal material which may be useful in a variety of studies.", "contents": "Karyology of primary human fetal cell cultures. Cell cultures were established from the biopsies of lung, skin and kidney from each of nine human fetuses, and chromosome analyses were performed on material through the fifth subculture. Kidney cell cultures generally showed a higher level of polyploidy than lung or skin. The frequencies of hyperdiploid cells and those with structural abnormalities were consistent with the low levels found in cultures of human lymphocytes. The data provide a normal cytogenetic baseline for human fetal material which may be useful in a variety of studies.", "PMID": 1010529} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12165", "title": "Proliferative capacity of cell cultures derived from the human placenta.", "content": "The placenta consists largely of fetal tissue, yet at term it displays histological signs of deterioration not apparent in the fetus. To determine whether the apparent degeneration of the placenta is genetically determined, the life-spans of placental cell cultures and the proportion of placental cells capable of incorporating [3H]thymidine for replicative DNA synthesis in vitro were measured. Under the culture conditions employed, the placental cells were removed from the influence of many extrinsic factors thought to play a role in the degeneration of the placenta in vivo. Cultures of fibroblast-like cells derived from the placenta exhibited a reduced life-span and correspondingly reduced proportion of cells able to incorporate [3H]thymidine for DNA synthesis in comparison to cultures derived from the fetal skin and the maternal decidua. These results suggest that intrinsic cellular processes may be involved in the apparent degeneration of the placenta.", "contents": "Proliferative capacity of cell cultures derived from the human placenta. The placenta consists largely of fetal tissue, yet at term it displays histological signs of deterioration not apparent in the fetus. To determine whether the apparent degeneration of the placenta is genetically determined, the life-spans of placental cell cultures and the proportion of placental cells capable of incorporating [3H]thymidine for replicative DNA synthesis in vitro were measured. Under the culture conditions employed, the placental cells were removed from the influence of many extrinsic factors thought to play a role in the degeneration of the placenta in vivo. Cultures of fibroblast-like cells derived from the placenta exhibited a reduced life-span and correspondingly reduced proportion of cells able to incorporate [3H]thymidine for DNA synthesis in comparison to cultures derived from the fetal skin and the maternal decidua. These results suggest that intrinsic cellular processes may be involved in the apparent degeneration of the placenta.", "PMID": 1010530} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12166", "title": "Cellular morphology of human malignant melanoma in primary culture.", "content": "Early monolayer outgrowths of cells from human cutaneous malignant melanomas mostly derived from metastatic lesions were examined microscopically. Cells resembling the two dendritic types of melanoma previously described in the established lines could readily be recognized. Of 22 specimens, 14 consisted of cells with a triangular dendritic morphology, four had both triangular and elongated dendritic morphology, and one had a cuboidal morphology. The remaining three specimens showed only fibroblastic outgrowths. It is concluded that cells with a triangular dendritic morphology are either the most common type of the secondary cutaneous melanomas, or alternately the most adaptable to the present culture conditions. An association of a more favorable prognosis with the homogeneous triangular dendritic cell type is noted.", "contents": "Cellular morphology of human malignant melanoma in primary culture. Early monolayer outgrowths of cells from human cutaneous malignant melanomas mostly derived from metastatic lesions were examined microscopically. Cells resembling the two dendritic types of melanoma previously described in the established lines could readily be recognized. Of 22 specimens, 14 consisted of cells with a triangular dendritic morphology, four had both triangular and elongated dendritic morphology, and one had a cuboidal morphology. The remaining three specimens showed only fibroblastic outgrowths. It is concluded that cells with a triangular dendritic morphology are either the most common type of the secondary cutaneous melanomas, or alternately the most adaptable to the present culture conditions. An association of a more favorable prognosis with the homogeneous triangular dendritic cell type is noted.", "PMID": 1010531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12167", "title": "Evidence of an extended representation of the visual field in the superior colliculus of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).", "content": "Electrophysiological mapping using multiple-unit criteria was employed to study the representation of the visual field in the superior colliculus of the rabbit. It was found that the contralateral superior colliculus of the rabbit has an extended representation beyond the representation of the zero vertical meridian or the line of decussation in the geniculostriate system. The amount of extended representation in the contralateral superior colliculus is coextensive with the extent of visual field represented ipsilaterally in areas 17 and 18 of the visual cortex. In agreement with previous findings, the representation of the visual field on the superior colliculus is extremely distorted. Finally, no evidence of an ipsilateral input can be produced.", "contents": "Evidence of an extended representation of the visual field in the superior colliculus of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Electrophysiological mapping using multiple-unit criteria was employed to study the representation of the visual field in the superior colliculus of the rabbit. It was found that the contralateral superior colliculus of the rabbit has an extended representation beyond the representation of the zero vertical meridian or the line of decussation in the geniculostriate system. The amount of extended representation in the contralateral superior colliculus is coextensive with the extent of visual field represented ipsilaterally in areas 17 and 18 of the visual cortex. In agreement with previous findings, the representation of the visual field on the superior colliculus is extremely distorted. Finally, no evidence of an ipsilateral input can be produced.", "PMID": 1010633} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12168", "title": "Body temperature and basal metabolic changes during acclimatization to altitude (3,500 m) in man.", "content": "Oral temperature (Tor), mean weighted skin temperature (Ts), mean body temperature (Tb) and basal oxygen consumption were studied on twelve young men at sea level. Then they were flown to an altitude of 3,500 m and the readings were continued after 24 hours of their arrival and thereafter at four day intervals for a period of 25 days. Thereafter the subjects were flown back and retested at sea level. Oxygen consumption was recorded at weekly intervals only. The changes in body temperature were compared with those of their basal oxygen consumption. The results indicate that there is a slight rise in the Tor on arrival at altitude and thereafter a gradual fall. A steady and continuous fall was recorded in Ts and Tb throughout the stay at altitude. The basal oxygen consumption showed an initial rise which has come back to normal by the third week of their stay at altitude. On retest, the valves of body temperature and oxygen consumption reached their own initial sea-level pattern. The observation suggests that central mechanisms are involved in bringing about a fall in body temperature during altitude acclimatization.", "contents": "Body temperature and basal metabolic changes during acclimatization to altitude (3,500 m) in man. Oral temperature (Tor), mean weighted skin temperature (Ts), mean body temperature (Tb) and basal oxygen consumption were studied on twelve young men at sea level. Then they were flown to an altitude of 3,500 m and the readings were continued after 24 hours of their arrival and thereafter at four day intervals for a period of 25 days. Thereafter the subjects were flown back and retested at sea level. Oxygen consumption was recorded at weekly intervals only. The changes in body temperature were compared with those of their basal oxygen consumption. The results indicate that there is a slight rise in the Tor on arrival at altitude and thereafter a gradual fall. A steady and continuous fall was recorded in Ts and Tb throughout the stay at altitude. The basal oxygen consumption showed an initial rise which has come back to normal by the third week of their stay at altitude. On retest, the valves of body temperature and oxygen consumption reached their own initial sea-level pattern. The observation suggests that central mechanisms are involved in bringing about a fall in body temperature during altitude acclimatization.", "PMID": 1010634} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12169", "title": "Effect of centrally administered glucagon on urine output in dogs.", "content": "The effect of minimal doses of glucagon, administered by intracerebroventricular (ICV) and intracisternal(IC) routes, on urine output in mongrel dogs have been studied. The dose of 2.0 mug of glucagon was found to be the minimal dose for diuresis on peripheral administration. This dose when centrally administered, produced an oliguric effect in animals. This effect was not observed in vagosympathectomised-spinal cord transectomised or adrenalectomised animals. It is suggested that the probable efferents might be the sympathetic fibres as they are present in vagi nerves as well in the spinal cord (26). The observations made in an attempt to find out the organ responsible for the oliguric effect, showed that some substance released from the adrenal cortex has an influence on the kidney's excretory function.", "contents": "Effect of centrally administered glucagon on urine output in dogs. The effect of minimal doses of glucagon, administered by intracerebroventricular (ICV) and intracisternal(IC) routes, on urine output in mongrel dogs have been studied. The dose of 2.0 mug of glucagon was found to be the minimal dose for diuresis on peripheral administration. This dose when centrally administered, produced an oliguric effect in animals. This effect was not observed in vagosympathectomised-spinal cord transectomised or adrenalectomised animals. It is suggested that the probable efferents might be the sympathetic fibres as they are present in vagi nerves as well in the spinal cord (26). The observations made in an attempt to find out the organ responsible for the oliguric effect, showed that some substance released from the adrenal cortex has an influence on the kidney's excretory function.", "PMID": 1010636} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12170", "title": "Hypothermia dn alphamethyldopa treatment.", "content": "The hypotensive drug alphamethyldopa, an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, caused significant hypothermia ranging from 33.4 to 34.8 degrees C (t=3.09 at P less than 0.05) in four out of nine hypertensive patients, with evidence of cerebral atherosclerosis. The anti-serotonin effect of alphamethyldopa correlated with statistically significant (t=6.8 at P less than 0.001) fall in the 24 hour urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid on the third day of the therapy. The possible mode of hypothermic side effect is discussed.", "contents": "Hypothermia dn alphamethyldopa treatment. The hypotensive drug alphamethyldopa, an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, caused significant hypothermia ranging from 33.4 to 34.8 degrees C (t=3.09 at P less than 0.05) in four out of nine hypertensive patients, with evidence of cerebral atherosclerosis. The anti-serotonin effect of alphamethyldopa correlated with statistically significant (t=6.8 at P less than 0.001) fall in the 24 hour urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid on the third day of the therapy. The possible mode of hypothermic side effect is discussed.", "PMID": 1010637} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12171", "title": "Electrocardiographic study of the effect of masturbation normal individuals.", "content": "An electrocardiographic study of 120 normal individuals of age group between 22 years to 38 years was carried out to observe changes manifested in the electrocardiogram under the effect of masturbation. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms was recorded, E.C.G. were taken twice in all the subjects: (i) before ejaculation, and (ii) after ejaculation. After ejaculation, in electrocardiogram, following changes were observed: (i) increase of QRS-amplitude, (ii) increase of T-wave amplitude, (iii) decrease of heart rate, and (iv) elevation of St-segment. Blooe pressure was also estimated in all the subjects before and after ejaculation. Blood pressure levels increased after ejaculation in all the cases. The fact that any sort of stressful condition may induce the discharge of epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla as well as adrenergic nerve endings, led us to estimate the concentration of epinephrine and nor-epinephrine in plasma before and after ejaculation. The result showed, increase of concentration of epinephrine and nor-epinephrine after ejaculation. Hence epinephrine and nor-epinephrine, were thought to be responsible to cause changes in the electrocardiographic pattern after ejaculation.", "contents": "Electrocardiographic study of the effect of masturbation normal individuals. An electrocardiographic study of 120 normal individuals of age group between 22 years to 38 years was carried out to observe changes manifested in the electrocardiogram under the effect of masturbation. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms was recorded, E.C.G. were taken twice in all the subjects: (i) before ejaculation, and (ii) after ejaculation. After ejaculation, in electrocardiogram, following changes were observed: (i) increase of QRS-amplitude, (ii) increase of T-wave amplitude, (iii) decrease of heart rate, and (iv) elevation of St-segment. Blooe pressure was also estimated in all the subjects before and after ejaculation. Blood pressure levels increased after ejaculation in all the cases. The fact that any sort of stressful condition may induce the discharge of epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla as well as adrenergic nerve endings, led us to estimate the concentration of epinephrine and nor-epinephrine in plasma before and after ejaculation. The result showed, increase of concentration of epinephrine and nor-epinephrine after ejaculation. Hence epinephrine and nor-epinephrine, were thought to be responsible to cause changes in the electrocardiographic pattern after ejaculation.", "PMID": 1010639} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12172", "title": "Blood ketoacids and its relation to respiratory quotient.", "content": "The total number of 43 young boys and girls of varying age group between 17-22 years were studied. The levels of blood ketoacids e.g., pyruvate and alphaketoglutarate were estimated spectrophotometrically. The RQ was determined by open circuit method of calorimetry by using Douglas bag for 13 boys and 13 girls and the BMR was estimated by closed circuit method of calorimetry using Collin's metabolex. With the increase of age the RQ and pyruvate were found to increase till the age of 20 years for both the sexes. The increased pyruvate level had a positive correlation with the age for the girls and the alphaketoglutaric acid had no such correlation with age for both the sexes.", "contents": "Blood ketoacids and its relation to respiratory quotient. The total number of 43 young boys and girls of varying age group between 17-22 years were studied. The levels of blood ketoacids e.g., pyruvate and alphaketoglutarate were estimated spectrophotometrically. The RQ was determined by open circuit method of calorimetry by using Douglas bag for 13 boys and 13 girls and the BMR was estimated by closed circuit method of calorimetry using Collin's metabolex. With the increase of age the RQ and pyruvate were found to increase till the age of 20 years for both the sexes. The increased pyruvate level had a positive correlation with the age for the girls and the alphaketoglutaric acid had no such correlation with age for both the sexes.", "PMID": 1010640} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12173", "title": "Effects of heat-stress in rats, III. On pregnant rats, maternal organs and foetal tissues.", "content": "Exposure of intact and ovariectomized rats to high ambient temperature (34.4 degrees C, 60-65% relative humidity) resulted in reduction of their body weight, increased water consumption. The feed consumed which was lowered by 25% initially, did not alter later. Intact rats were also subjected to a still higher ambient temperature of 36.6 degrees C and 70 to 75% RH and the effects were observed. When compared with 'controls' no significant changes in the weights of ovaries or pituitary gland were seen due to heat stress in intact rats. But, the latter weighed heavier in ovariectomized rats. Adrenal glands were found enlarged and weighed more both in intact and ovariectomized rats. The average foetal weight due to high ambient temperature in intact rats was lower, but in ovariectomized rats it weighed more. Similarly, the average weight of the placenta was lower in intact rats but higher in ovariectomized rats due to thermal stress.", "contents": "Effects of heat-stress in rats, III. On pregnant rats, maternal organs and foetal tissues. Exposure of intact and ovariectomized rats to high ambient temperature (34.4 degrees C, 60-65% relative humidity) resulted in reduction of their body weight, increased water consumption. The feed consumed which was lowered by 25% initially, did not alter later. Intact rats were also subjected to a still higher ambient temperature of 36.6 degrees C and 70 to 75% RH and the effects were observed. When compared with 'controls' no significant changes in the weights of ovaries or pituitary gland were seen due to heat stress in intact rats. But, the latter weighed heavier in ovariectomized rats. Adrenal glands were found enlarged and weighed more both in intact and ovariectomized rats. The average foetal weight due to high ambient temperature in intact rats was lower, but in ovariectomized rats it weighed more. Similarly, the average weight of the placenta was lower in intact rats but higher in ovariectomized rats due to thermal stress.", "PMID": 1010638} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12174", "title": "Studies on the pharmacological actions of Cardiospermum helicacabum.", "content": "The leaves of the plant \"Cardospermum helicacabum\" were extracted with different solvents and found to contain largely tannins, saponins and traces of alkaloids. The alcoholic extract was tested for its pharmacological effects on various intact and isolated biological preparations. On the CNS the extract produced depression in near lethal doses. On the CVS the extract produced fall of blood pressure and bradycardia. The fall of blood pressure was antagonised partially by atropine and anti-histamine. On guinea pig ileum the extract produced powerful contraction which was partially antagonised by atropine and anti-histamine. The extract produced mild analgesia as tested by the radiant heat method in rats. It appears to be a proconvulsant in nature as tested by the electroshock method in rats. The extract when administered orally produced significant anti-inflammatory effect in rats as tested by the granuloma pouch and cotton pellet implantation methods.", "contents": "Studies on the pharmacological actions of Cardiospermum helicacabum. The leaves of the plant \"Cardospermum helicacabum\" were extracted with different solvents and found to contain largely tannins, saponins and traces of alkaloids. The alcoholic extract was tested for its pharmacological effects on various intact and isolated biological preparations. On the CNS the extract produced depression in near lethal doses. On the CVS the extract produced fall of blood pressure and bradycardia. The fall of blood pressure was antagonised partially by atropine and anti-histamine. On guinea pig ileum the extract produced powerful contraction which was partially antagonised by atropine and anti-histamine. The extract produced mild analgesia as tested by the radiant heat method in rats. It appears to be a proconvulsant in nature as tested by the electroshock method in rats. The extract when administered orally produced significant anti-inflammatory effect in rats as tested by the granuloma pouch and cotton pellet implantation methods.", "PMID": 1010635} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12175", "title": "Plasma monoamine oxidase levels in mammals.", "content": "Plasma monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels in ruminants and non-ruminants including man are reported. The mean MAO levels in units are, goat 6699.7+/-367.4; cattle 6272.9+/-9.257.4; camel 5166.0+/-666.8; sheep 4831.4+/-543.8; buffaloe 4045.8+/-387.3; rabbit 837.0+/-19.3; dog 441.8+/-55.5 and man 20.0+/-2.8 respectively.", "contents": "Plasma monoamine oxidase levels in mammals. Plasma monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels in ruminants and non-ruminants including man are reported. The mean MAO levels in units are, goat 6699.7+/-367.4; cattle 6272.9+/-9.257.4; camel 5166.0+/-666.8; sheep 4831.4+/-543.8; buffaloe 4045.8+/-387.3; rabbit 837.0+/-19.3; dog 441.8+/-55.5 and man 20.0+/-2.8 respectively.", "PMID": 1010643} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12176", "title": "Studies on the physiology and biochemistry of female genital tract of albino rats: response of uterus, cervix and vagina to two different dose ratios of estrogen and progesterone.", "content": "Effect of two different dose ratios of estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) (1:1000; 1:10,000) on the morphological and biochemical response of the uterus, cervix and the vagina of ovariectomized estrogen pretreated rats was studied. It was observed that the dose ratio of E & P at 1:1000 did not produce any remarkable ponderal and histological changes from that seen under the influence of estrogen alone. Whereas, in the dose ratio of E & P at 1:10,000 progesterone appeared to inhibit the effect of estrogen. The biochemical response of the uterus, cervix and vagina, however, varied from each other in both the dose ratios.", "contents": "Studies on the physiology and biochemistry of female genital tract of albino rats: response of uterus, cervix and vagina to two different dose ratios of estrogen and progesterone. Effect of two different dose ratios of estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) (1:1000; 1:10,000) on the morphological and biochemical response of the uterus, cervix and the vagina of ovariectomized estrogen pretreated rats was studied. It was observed that the dose ratio of E & P at 1:1000 did not produce any remarkable ponderal and histological changes from that seen under the influence of estrogen alone. Whereas, in the dose ratio of E & P at 1:10,000 progesterone appeared to inhibit the effect of estrogen. The biochemical response of the uterus, cervix and vagina, however, varied from each other in both the dose ratios.", "PMID": 1010641} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12177", "title": "Antagonism of anthracene-9-carboxylic acid as screening test for muscle relaxants.", "content": "Veratrinic response produced by anthracene-9-carboxylic acid in mice has been used as a model for studying effect of variety of drugs which induce muscle relaxation. None of the drugs listed as general depressants, central muscle relaxants, neuromuscular blocking agents and anti-convulsants were effective even at doses causing 100% loss of righting reflex. Local anaesthetics/direct acting muscle relaxants were effective. This simple model employed in conjunction with Straub's tail test can differentiate various categories of muscle relaxants and their mechanism of action.", "contents": "Antagonism of anthracene-9-carboxylic acid as screening test for muscle relaxants. Veratrinic response produced by anthracene-9-carboxylic acid in mice has been used as a model for studying effect of variety of drugs which induce muscle relaxation. None of the drugs listed as general depressants, central muscle relaxants, neuromuscular blocking agents and anti-convulsants were effective even at doses causing 100% loss of righting reflex. Local anaesthetics/direct acting muscle relaxants were effective. This simple model employed in conjunction with Straub's tail test can differentiate various categories of muscle relaxants and their mechanism of action.", "PMID": 1010642} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12178", "title": "National Health Survey Systems in the European community.", "content": "This paper is based on the report of a conference held in October 1975 to discuss the possibilities for collaborative action between countries of the European Community in conducting various forms of health survey. Health interview surveys offer the principal opportunity for such action, and it may be possible to incorporate health questions into multi-purpose international surveys. Health examination surveys are less likely to be developed widely in the immediate future. Hospital in-patient discharge records are collected routinely in many countries, and further international cooperation seems feasible. These possibilities are now being kept under continuous review by a working party.", "contents": "National Health Survey Systems in the European community. This paper is based on the report of a conference held in October 1975 to discuss the possibilities for collaborative action between countries of the European Community in conducting various forms of health survey. Health interview surveys offer the principal opportunity for such action, and it may be possible to incorporate health questions into multi-purpose international surveys. Health examination surveys are less likely to be developed widely in the immediate future. Hospital in-patient discharge records are collected routinely in many countries, and further international cooperation seems feasible. These possibilities are now being kept under continuous review by a working party.", "PMID": 1010659} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12179", "title": "Problems in the assessment of blood pressure: the Framingham Study.", "content": "The reliability of casual blood pressures for reflecting blood pressure status and predicting cardiovascular sequelae of hypertension was examined in the Framingham cohort of 5209 men and women followed for 18 years. Blood pressures were more variable in persons with higher levels. After controlling for pressure level the degree of variability in an individual at one point in time did not correlate with the degree of varability at another time. Although a single casual measurement does not afford a precise characterization for an individual it was found to be highly predictive of future cardiovascular disease. A series of blood pressure measurements (averaged) improved the predictability somewhat but this seemed to be fully explicable by the greater stability of an average of several measurements as against a single measurement.", "contents": "Problems in the assessment of blood pressure: the Framingham Study. The reliability of casual blood pressures for reflecting blood pressure status and predicting cardiovascular sequelae of hypertension was examined in the Framingham cohort of 5209 men and women followed for 18 years. Blood pressures were more variable in persons with higher levels. After controlling for pressure level the degree of variability in an individual at one point in time did not correlate with the degree of varability at another time. Although a single casual measurement does not afford a precise characterization for an individual it was found to be highly predictive of future cardiovascular disease. A series of blood pressure measurements (averaged) improved the predictability somewhat but this seemed to be fully explicable by the greater stability of an average of several measurements as against a single measurement.", "PMID": 1010660} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12180", "title": "The world distribution of gallstones.", "content": "This paper presents two maps summarising all available published data on the world distribution of gallstones as recorded from autopsy studies. It is suggested that further autopsy studies are required, especially in Asia, Russia, the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries and South America. Such studies could be readily carried out and would contribute to our understanding of the aetiology of gallstones.", "contents": "The world distribution of gallstones. This paper presents two maps summarising all available published data on the world distribution of gallstones as recorded from autopsy studies. It is suggested that further autopsy studies are required, especially in Asia, Russia, the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries and South America. Such studies could be readily carried out and would contribute to our understanding of the aetiology of gallstones.", "PMID": 1010661} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12181", "title": "Acute bacterial meningitis: where do children die?", "content": "The case-fatality rate for acute bacterial meningitis in childhood is still disappointingly high. A review of 687 cases of acute bacterial meningitis including 72 deaths, identified in a defined population of children under ten years of age, was done to determine where patients were treated and where they died. Ten per cent of all hospital admissions were to infectious-disease hospitals, 16 per cent to teaching hospitals, and 74 per cent to general, non-teaching (\"regional-board\") hospitals. The case-fatality rates associated with these hospitals were three per cent, three per cent and 11 per cent respectively. The difference between regional-board and other hospitals was smaller, although still present, when children who died within a few hours of hospital admission were excluded from the analysis. Twenty-two per cent of all deaths (10 children who died outside hospital and six who were certified dead on admission) occurred before specialist care was reached. It may be possible to reduce the mortality from this disease by improving facilities for treatment in some hospitals. There is, however, an important residue of deaths--those which occur before hospital care is reached and, no doubt, some of those which occur soon after hospital admission--which would be unaffected by such improvements.", "contents": "Acute bacterial meningitis: where do children die? The case-fatality rate for acute bacterial meningitis in childhood is still disappointingly high. A review of 687 cases of acute bacterial meningitis including 72 deaths, identified in a defined population of children under ten years of age, was done to determine where patients were treated and where they died. Ten per cent of all hospital admissions were to infectious-disease hospitals, 16 per cent to teaching hospitals, and 74 per cent to general, non-teaching (\"regional-board\") hospitals. The case-fatality rates associated with these hospitals were three per cent, three per cent and 11 per cent respectively. The difference between regional-board and other hospitals was smaller, although still present, when children who died within a few hours of hospital admission were excluded from the analysis. Twenty-two per cent of all deaths (10 children who died outside hospital and six who were certified dead on admission) occurred before specialist care was reached. It may be possible to reduce the mortality from this disease by improving facilities for treatment in some hospitals. There is, however, an important residue of deaths--those which occur before hospital care is reached and, no doubt, some of those which occur soon after hospital admission--which would be unaffected by such improvements.", "PMID": 1010662} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12182", "title": "Estimation of risk as a function of risk factors.", "content": "This paper describes a model which makes allowance for unequal follow-up times in estimating the risk as a function of risk factors. It is the usual exponential model with an instantaneous risk which is assumed to be an exponential function of the risk factors. Computing methods and an extension of the model are given.", "contents": "Estimation of risk as a function of risk factors. This paper describes a model which makes allowance for unequal follow-up times in estimating the risk as a function of risk factors. It is the usual exponential model with an instantaneous risk which is assumed to be an exponential function of the risk factors. Computing methods and an extension of the model are given.", "PMID": 1010663} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12183", "title": "The impact of city surveillance teams in Bangladesh during the smallpox eradication campaign.", "content": "Some of the methods of distribution and collection of information in the city of Dacca, Bangladesh during the Smallpox Eradication Campaign are described. The use of surveillance teams and exchange of information between the city and surrounding countryside are emphasized.", "contents": "The impact of city surveillance teams in Bangladesh during the smallpox eradication campaign. Some of the methods of distribution and collection of information in the city of Dacca, Bangladesh during the Smallpox Eradication Campaign are described. The use of surveillance teams and exchange of information between the city and surrounding countryside are emphasized.", "PMID": 1010664} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12184", "title": "Variola minor in Bragan\u00e7a Paulista County, 1956: overall description of the epidemic and of its study.", "content": "An overall description of the epidemic of variola minor (alastrim) affecting Bragan\u00e7a Paulista County (Brazil) in 1956 is given. A total of 484 cases were recorded for 210 households, one hotel and one boarding school. At least 95 per cent of the households with cases of the disease in the capital city were surveyed and 90 per cent of the households in the rural districts. An orphanage, an old folk's home, the County jail and 10 schools operating in the capital city and some other social groups without cases were also surveyed, as well as 125 households without cases but with one or more contacts with the disease. An overall attack rate of 1924 cases, 267 cases and 781 cases per 100,000 inhabitants was obtained, respectively, for the capital city, the rural environment and the whole County. Clinical, epidemiological, serological and environmental surveys were conducted. Evidence on identification of the epidemic disease is presented. Study of the epidemic was made at these levels: the disease itself (frequency and severity); the disease in the individual (association of characteristics of persons with occurrence and clinical severity of variola minor); the disease in social units (occurrence and spread in households and school classes); the disease in small communities (occurrence and spread in housing projects, city blocks and farms); the disease in two large communities with contrasting socio-economic characteristics (the capital city and the rural environment); and the disease in the County as a whole.", "contents": "Variola minor in Bragan\u00e7a Paulista County, 1956: overall description of the epidemic and of its study. An overall description of the epidemic of variola minor (alastrim) affecting Bragan\u00e7a Paulista County (Brazil) in 1956 is given. A total of 484 cases were recorded for 210 households, one hotel and one boarding school. At least 95 per cent of the households with cases of the disease in the capital city were surveyed and 90 per cent of the households in the rural districts. An orphanage, an old folk's home, the County jail and 10 schools operating in the capital city and some other social groups without cases were also surveyed, as well as 125 households without cases but with one or more contacts with the disease. An overall attack rate of 1924 cases, 267 cases and 781 cases per 100,000 inhabitants was obtained, respectively, for the capital city, the rural environment and the whole County. Clinical, epidemiological, serological and environmental surveys were conducted. Evidence on identification of the epidemic disease is presented. Study of the epidemic was made at these levels: the disease itself (frequency and severity); the disease in the individual (association of characteristics of persons with occurrence and clinical severity of variola minor); the disease in social units (occurrence and spread in households and school classes); the disease in small communities (occurrence and spread in housing projects, city blocks and farms); the disease in two large communities with contrasting socio-economic characteristics (the capital city and the rural environment); and the disease in the County as a whole.", "PMID": 1010665} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12185", "title": "Chickenpox--a disease predominantly affecting adults in rural West Bengal, India.", "content": "Outbreaks of chickenpox were observed every year from 1970-74 in a small West Bengel village. The cases did not follow any definite pattern and were scattered throughout the village each year, occurring between March and June. Sixty-three per cent of cases occurred in people over 15 years old; the mean age at which infection took place was 23.4 years. The attack rate in susceptible children below the age of eight was very low. The transmission of the disease even in contact families was very low, although most families lived in small one-room houses. Epidemiological interference is suggested as a possible cause of the low infectiousness of this otherwise highly-communicable disease.", "contents": "Chickenpox--a disease predominantly affecting adults in rural West Bengal, India. Outbreaks of chickenpox were observed every year from 1970-74 in a small West Bengel village. The cases did not follow any definite pattern and were scattered throughout the village each year, occurring between March and June. Sixty-three per cent of cases occurred in people over 15 years old; the mean age at which infection took place was 23.4 years. The attack rate in susceptible children below the age of eight was very low. The transmission of the disease even in contact families was very low, although most families lived in small one-room houses. Epidemiological interference is suggested as a possible cause of the low infectiousness of this otherwise highly-communicable disease.", "PMID": 1010666} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12186", "title": "Studies of arboviruses in Southwestern Venezuela: I. Isolations of Venezuelan and Eastern Equine Encephalitis viruses from sentinel hamsters in the Catatumbo region.", "content": "The purpose of this report is to describe isolations of Venezuelan (VEE) and Eastern (EEE) Equine Encephalitis virus made in the lowland moist tropical forest of the Catatumbo region on the southwestern part of the State of Zulia, Venezuela. We have isolated four strains of EEEV from sentinel hamsters exposed at Ca\u00f1o Mocho and Madre Vieja sites in 1973 and 1974, and three strains of EEEV in Hacienda (Hda.) Las Nubes in 1975. Both viruses were recovered during silent interepidemic periods and we believe these viruses are maintained in this region in sylvatic conditions. The recovered virus strains were detected within 24 to 48 hours, both in SMB and Vero Cell monolayer cultures and the sentinel hamsters yielded virus infectivities up to 10(4) PFU ml. Our VEEV isolate (IVIC PAn 23645-47), recovered during the silent interepizodemic period had an elution profile on the hydroxylapatite column corresponding to that of a I-D (VEEV-3880) or a I-E (VEEV-63A216) 'enzootic' subtype. However, considering other in vitro criteria (KHI; HA pH 5.8-6.0; small plaque size in Vero monolayers with suitable overlay media), this later and other previous isolates had some very distinct properties of the 'epizootic' strains. Thus, the evidence suggests that in Venezuela the VEEV cycle in nature is maintained either by the so called 'enzootic' and/or 'epizootic' virus types, or the virus population of the isolates have particular in vitro properties which do not correlate to the virulence markers in vivo. We consider this important question must be further clarified, and in addition, the isolation of three strains of EEEV are reported; this is the first report of the presence of this virus in Venezuela. Although the EEEV isolates may be of the South American type, they must be considered as potentially dangerous in the case of outbreaks.", "contents": "Studies of arboviruses in Southwestern Venezuela: I. Isolations of Venezuelan and Eastern Equine Encephalitis viruses from sentinel hamsters in the Catatumbo region. The purpose of this report is to describe isolations of Venezuelan (VEE) and Eastern (EEE) Equine Encephalitis virus made in the lowland moist tropical forest of the Catatumbo region on the southwestern part of the State of Zulia, Venezuela. We have isolated four strains of EEEV from sentinel hamsters exposed at Ca\u00f1o Mocho and Madre Vieja sites in 1973 and 1974, and three strains of EEEV in Hacienda (Hda.) Las Nubes in 1975. Both viruses were recovered during silent interepidemic periods and we believe these viruses are maintained in this region in sylvatic conditions. The recovered virus strains were detected within 24 to 48 hours, both in SMB and Vero Cell monolayer cultures and the sentinel hamsters yielded virus infectivities up to 10(4) PFU ml. Our VEEV isolate (IVIC PAn 23645-47), recovered during the silent interepizodemic period had an elution profile on the hydroxylapatite column corresponding to that of a I-D (VEEV-3880) or a I-E (VEEV-63A216) 'enzootic' subtype. However, considering other in vitro criteria (KHI; HA pH 5.8-6.0; small plaque size in Vero monolayers with suitable overlay media), this later and other previous isolates had some very distinct properties of the 'epizootic' strains. Thus, the evidence suggests that in Venezuela the VEEV cycle in nature is maintained either by the so called 'enzootic' and/or 'epizootic' virus types, or the virus population of the isolates have particular in vitro properties which do not correlate to the virulence markers in vivo. We consider this important question must be further clarified, and in addition, the isolation of three strains of EEEV are reported; this is the first report of the presence of this virus in Venezuela. Although the EEEV isolates may be of the South American type, they must be considered as potentially dangerous in the case of outbreaks.", "PMID": 1010667} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12187", "title": "A simple method for estimation of thiamine in foods using base-exchange on sand instead of Decalso.", "content": "Sea-sand obtained from two different areas (Madras and Bombay) in India showed that sand of 50-80 mesh from Madras had a satisfactory capacity to adsorb thiamine, and that the elution of the adsorbed vitamin was quantitative. With Bombay sand, however, the elution of the vitamin was not efficient. A few simple methods that can be used for testing sands from different areas for their efficacy as base-exchangers were described, and details were given of a method for the estimation of thiamine in cereals and legumes using sea-sand in place of Decalso for the removal of the interfering substances from the food extracts.", "contents": "A simple method for estimation of thiamine in foods using base-exchange on sand instead of Decalso. Sea-sand obtained from two different areas (Madras and Bombay) in India showed that sand of 50-80 mesh from Madras had a satisfactory capacity to adsorb thiamine, and that the elution of the adsorbed vitamin was quantitative. With Bombay sand, however, the elution of the vitamin was not efficient. A few simple methods that can be used for testing sands from different areas for their efficacy as base-exchangers were described, and details were given of a method for the estimation of thiamine in cereals and legumes using sea-sand in place of Decalso for the removal of the interfering substances from the food extracts.", "PMID": 1010676} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12188", "title": "Nutritional studies of 3,5-dimethyoxy salicylic acid (antithiamine) on rat as well as on the growth of S. aureus.", "content": "1. The growth of rats treated with 3,5-dimethyoxy salicylic acid was retarded in comparison to that of normal rats. 2. The free cholesterol level of plasma of rats treated with 3,5-dimethoxy salicylic acid diminished while the pyruvate level of erythrocyte under the same condition increased in comparison with their normal levels; but on administration of thiamine both the cholesterol and pyruvate levels became normal. 3. The growth of a thiamine dependent strain of S. aureus was retarded when the organism was incubated in the medium containing 3,5-dimethoxy salicylic acid and this growth can be restored with the supplementation of thiamine in the medium.", "contents": "Nutritional studies of 3,5-dimethyoxy salicylic acid (antithiamine) on rat as well as on the growth of S. aureus. 1. The growth of rats treated with 3,5-dimethyoxy salicylic acid was retarded in comparison to that of normal rats. 2. The free cholesterol level of plasma of rats treated with 3,5-dimethoxy salicylic acid diminished while the pyruvate level of erythrocyte under the same condition increased in comparison with their normal levels; but on administration of thiamine both the cholesterol and pyruvate levels became normal. 3. The growth of a thiamine dependent strain of S. aureus was retarded when the organism was incubated in the medium containing 3,5-dimethoxy salicylic acid and this growth can be restored with the supplementation of thiamine in the medium.", "PMID": 1010677} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12189", "title": "Nutritional studies on long-term surgical patients with special reference to the intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid.", "content": "A nutritional survey performed in 46 elderly long-term surgical patients in an orthopedic ward showed that, although a sufficient hospital diet was served, the intakes of vitamin B12 were borderline, while the intakes of folate were inadequate inmost patients. Low energy intake combined with a high consumption of titbits in bedridden patients was assumed to be responsible for this malnourishment.", "contents": "Nutritional studies on long-term surgical patients with special reference to the intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid. A nutritional survey performed in 46 elderly long-term surgical patients in an orthopedic ward showed that, although a sufficient hospital diet was served, the intakes of vitamin B12 were borderline, while the intakes of folate were inadequate inmost patients. Low energy intake combined with a high consumption of titbits in bedridden patients was assumed to be responsible for this malnourishment.", "PMID": 1010678} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12190", "title": "Nutritional status of pantothenic acid in Indian pregnant and nursing women.", "content": "Investigations on nutritional status of pantothenic acid were carried out in 57 pregnant women and 24 lactating mothers belonging to the low socio-economic group. Fourteen non-pregnant, non-lactating women from the same group served as controls. Pregnant subjects had blood levels of the vitamin comparable to those of the control group while cord blood contained significantly higher concentrations of patnothenic acid than did the maternal blood. The urinary excretion of the vitamin in pregnant women was comparable to that in the control group. Blood and milk levels of the vitamin in the nursing women were in the reported range.", "contents": "Nutritional status of pantothenic acid in Indian pregnant and nursing women. Investigations on nutritional status of pantothenic acid were carried out in 57 pregnant women and 24 lactating mothers belonging to the low socio-economic group. Fourteen non-pregnant, non-lactating women from the same group served as controls. Pregnant subjects had blood levels of the vitamin comparable to those of the control group while cord blood contained significantly higher concentrations of patnothenic acid than did the maternal blood. The urinary excretion of the vitamin in pregnant women was comparable to that in the control group. Blood and milk levels of the vitamin in the nursing women were in the reported range.", "PMID": 1010679} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12191", "title": "Pre-intestinal stability of beta-carotene in ruminants.", "content": "The stability of beta-carotene in the rumen contents of cows, calves and sheep was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Incubation tests with rumen liquor consistently showed that carotene was relatively stable, less than 10% losses being found under a wide variety of incubation conditions and with different sources of carotene. There was no relation between the small carotene losses and the extent of fatty acid hydrogenation. Rumen liquor samples taken from a fistulated cow over a 24 h period after the feeding of alfalfa meal had a nearly constant ratio of carotene to unsaponifiable matter. Carotene was injected into the rumen of a ram after surgical ligation of the pylorus. The recovery of carotene from the combined contents of the reticulo-rumen, omassum and abomasum 24 h later amounted to 89% whereas vitamin A palmitate, under the same conditions, yielded a recovery of 70%. It is concluded that little carotene is lost normally during its passage through the pre-intestinal part of the alimentary canal of ruminants.", "contents": "Pre-intestinal stability of beta-carotene in ruminants. The stability of beta-carotene in the rumen contents of cows, calves and sheep was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Incubation tests with rumen liquor consistently showed that carotene was relatively stable, less than 10% losses being found under a wide variety of incubation conditions and with different sources of carotene. There was no relation between the small carotene losses and the extent of fatty acid hydrogenation. Rumen liquor samples taken from a fistulated cow over a 24 h period after the feeding of alfalfa meal had a nearly constant ratio of carotene to unsaponifiable matter. Carotene was injected into the rumen of a ram after surgical ligation of the pylorus. The recovery of carotene from the combined contents of the reticulo-rumen, omassum and abomasum 24 h later amounted to 89% whereas vitamin A palmitate, under the same conditions, yielded a recovery of 70%. It is concluded that little carotene is lost normally during its passage through the pre-intestinal part of the alimentary canal of ruminants.", "PMID": 1010680} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12192", "title": "Low utilization of carotene by sheep.", "content": "The apparent digestibility of beta-carotene was determined in Awassi rams by means of balance trials. In a first series carotene was supplied per os in constant daily amounts ranging from 2.88 to 8.52 mg in the form of pelleted alfalfa meal or as a water-dispersible synthetic preparation. The supplements were given with a basal low-carotene ration composed of barley, soybean meal and straw and supplying 82 mug carotene daily. Fecal recoveries for the carotene supplements ranged from 92 to 98%, whereas the unsupplemented basal diet yielded a recovery of 28%. In a second series single doses of carotene in various carriers were introduced into the abomasum of fistulated rams. With an aqueous carotene dispersion fecal recoveries were close to 90%. When dissolved in triglycerides, carotene yielded less than 50% recovery in the feces, and free fatty acids and monoglycerides gave intermediate values. Additional tests with 3H-labelled carotene revealed that the low fecal recovery of carotene given in oil was not due to improved absorption but to degradation of carotene in the lower intestinal tract. This was confirmed by measurement of blood radioactivity. The results show that carotene from different sources and with intakes bordering on minimum requirements is poorly absorbed by sheep. It is suggested that the peculair physiology of digestion in the ruminant creates unfavorable conditions for the efficient micellar solubilization of nonpolar lipids in the upper small intestine.", "contents": "Low utilization of carotene by sheep. The apparent digestibility of beta-carotene was determined in Awassi rams by means of balance trials. In a first series carotene was supplied per os in constant daily amounts ranging from 2.88 to 8.52 mg in the form of pelleted alfalfa meal or as a water-dispersible synthetic preparation. The supplements were given with a basal low-carotene ration composed of barley, soybean meal and straw and supplying 82 mug carotene daily. Fecal recoveries for the carotene supplements ranged from 92 to 98%, whereas the unsupplemented basal diet yielded a recovery of 28%. In a second series single doses of carotene in various carriers were introduced into the abomasum of fistulated rams. With an aqueous carotene dispersion fecal recoveries were close to 90%. When dissolved in triglycerides, carotene yielded less than 50% recovery in the feces, and free fatty acids and monoglycerides gave intermediate values. Additional tests with 3H-labelled carotene revealed that the low fecal recovery of carotene given in oil was not due to improved absorption but to degradation of carotene in the lower intestinal tract. This was confirmed by measurement of blood radioactivity. The results show that carotene from different sources and with intakes bordering on minimum requirements is poorly absorbed by sheep. It is suggested that the peculair physiology of digestion in the ruminant creates unfavorable conditions for the efficient micellar solubilization of nonpolar lipids in the upper small intestine.", "PMID": 1010681} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12193", "title": "[Vitamin A and carotene concentration in serum in persons with chronic conjunctivitis and pterygium].", "content": "In 41 persons with chronic conjunctivitis, 28 persons with pterygium and 61 eye-healthy persons the Vitamin A and carotene blood level have been examined. All persons with chronic conjunctivitis and pterygium have subjective eye disturbances. In persons with chronic conjunctivitis the vitamin A blood level was lower (men 32 mcg%, women 20 mcg%). In almost all persons with chronic conjunctivitis and pterygium delayed dark adaptation was recorded and the skin-mucosal changes are more frequent.", "contents": "[Vitamin A and carotene concentration in serum in persons with chronic conjunctivitis and pterygium]. In 41 persons with chronic conjunctivitis, 28 persons with pterygium and 61 eye-healthy persons the Vitamin A and carotene blood level have been examined. All persons with chronic conjunctivitis and pterygium have subjective eye disturbances. In persons with chronic conjunctivitis the vitamin A blood level was lower (men 32 mcg%, women 20 mcg%). In almost all persons with chronic conjunctivitis and pterygium delayed dark adaptation was recorded and the skin-mucosal changes are more frequent.", "PMID": 1010682} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12194", "title": "The effect of selenium or vitamin E supplementation on volatile fatty acid content of rumen liquor in sheep fed a purified diet.", "content": "Twelve crossbred wethers, four per diet, were allotted at random as follows: (1) purified control diet; (2) purified diet plus a weekly oral dose of 1 mg sodium selenite per sheep; (3) purified diet plus a weekly oral dose of 1000 l.U. vitamin E. The wethers were maintained on the diets for six months. Weight gains during the initial 140 days of the experiment were significantly greater in selenium (Se)-supplemental sheep than in the others. The rumem liquor from the untreated sheep contained lower proportions (molar %) of acetic acid than from the Se or vitamin E-supplemented sheep and had higher butyric acid concentration than the Se-supplemented sheep. Concentrations of acetate, butyrate and valerate were higher in vitamin E than in Se-supplemented sheep. In addition, the concentration and molar percent of isovaleric acid was significantly higher in Se-supplemented sheep than in the other sheep.", "contents": "The effect of selenium or vitamin E supplementation on volatile fatty acid content of rumen liquor in sheep fed a purified diet. Twelve crossbred wethers, four per diet, were allotted at random as follows: (1) purified control diet; (2) purified diet plus a weekly oral dose of 1 mg sodium selenite per sheep; (3) purified diet plus a weekly oral dose of 1000 l.U. vitamin E. The wethers were maintained on the diets for six months. Weight gains during the initial 140 days of the experiment were significantly greater in selenium (Se)-supplemental sheep than in the others. The rumem liquor from the untreated sheep contained lower proportions (molar %) of acetic acid than from the Se or vitamin E-supplemented sheep and had higher butyric acid concentration than the Se-supplemented sheep. Concentrations of acetate, butyrate and valerate were higher in vitamin E than in Se-supplemented sheep. In addition, the concentration and molar percent of isovaleric acid was significantly higher in Se-supplemented sheep than in the other sheep.", "PMID": 1010683} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12195", "title": "The effect of ubiquinone-7 and its metabolites on the immune response. III. The effect on the immune response to sheep erythrocytes and DNP-Lys-Ficoll in mice.", "content": "The effects of Q acid-11, Q-7 and vitamin A palmitate on humoral immune response to two different types of antigens were examined. Particulate T-dependent antigen (SRBC) and T-independent antigen (DNP-Lys-Ficoll) were used to study the mode of action on immune system. Sodium-salt of Q acid-II (Q acid-11 Na) in the form of saline solution or water-in-oil emulsion showed suppressive effect on the direct and indirect PFC responses when administered simultaneously with SRBC. The suppressive effect of Q acid-II Na, however, was not observed when Q acid-II Na was administered two days before immunization. When Q acid-II Na was administered one day after immunization, the suppressive effect of Q acid-II Na was diminished and the level of PFC response was nearly equal to that of the control group. On the other hand, Q acid-II Na, Q-7 and vitamin A palmitate markedly enhanced the immune response to DNP-Lys-Ficoll (T-independent antigen). From the comparison of these humoral immune response, their modes of action are discussed.", "contents": "The effect of ubiquinone-7 and its metabolites on the immune response. III. The effect on the immune response to sheep erythrocytes and DNP-Lys-Ficoll in mice. The effects of Q acid-11, Q-7 and vitamin A palmitate on humoral immune response to two different types of antigens were examined. Particulate T-dependent antigen (SRBC) and T-independent antigen (DNP-Lys-Ficoll) were used to study the mode of action on immune system. Sodium-salt of Q acid-II (Q acid-11 Na) in the form of saline solution or water-in-oil emulsion showed suppressive effect on the direct and indirect PFC responses when administered simultaneously with SRBC. The suppressive effect of Q acid-II Na, however, was not observed when Q acid-II Na was administered two days before immunization. When Q acid-II Na was administered one day after immunization, the suppressive effect of Q acid-II Na was diminished and the level of PFC response was nearly equal to that of the control group. On the other hand, Q acid-II Na, Q-7 and vitamin A palmitate markedly enhanced the immune response to DNP-Lys-Ficoll (T-independent antigen). From the comparison of these humoral immune response, their modes of action are discussed.", "PMID": 1010684} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12196", "title": "Liver regeneration in rats administered high levels of carbohydrates.", "content": "Partially hepatectomized male rats were administered high levels of carbohydrates by drinker, in a casein-cellulose synthetic medium and in a commercial meal over a period of 10 days after surgery and the amount of liver regenerating or the increment ascertained; representative hepatic glycogen changes were also followed. Of the carbohydrate solutions, 5% levulose, 5% levulose+5% glucose and 10% sucrose increased the extent of liver regeneration as was also the case with the synthetic diet suplemented with 30 and 60% glucose, 30 and 60% levulose, 30% levulose+30% glucose, 30% each of galactose and the arabinoglactan, Stractan and 60% each of sucrose, honey and unsulphured molasses. The liver increments and glycogen contents were in the control range for animals fed the synthetic diet containing 30% each of lactose, sorbitol, corn starch and raffinose pentahydrate, 5% ascorbic acid and 15% L-arabinose but the liver glycogen was depressed with 30% xylose, a diet which was poorly tolerated; 15% mannitol caused a decrease inthe increment. The incorporation of several sugars into the commercial rat meal, including xylose (11%), raffinose (15%), L-arabinose (8%), D-arabinose (5%), L-sorbose (17%), galactosamine (0.20%) and galactono-gamma-lactone (10%), led to little change over the control increments. In intact rats fed the synthetic diet containing 30% each of glucose, lactose, galactose, sucrose and levulose for an interval of 10 days, the wet and dry liver--body weight ratios were significantly elevated only with the last two sugars but liver glycogen was increased in each instance.", "contents": "Liver regeneration in rats administered high levels of carbohydrates. Partially hepatectomized male rats were administered high levels of carbohydrates by drinker, in a casein-cellulose synthetic medium and in a commercial meal over a period of 10 days after surgery and the amount of liver regenerating or the increment ascertained; representative hepatic glycogen changes were also followed. Of the carbohydrate solutions, 5% levulose, 5% levulose+5% glucose and 10% sucrose increased the extent of liver regeneration as was also the case with the synthetic diet suplemented with 30 and 60% glucose, 30 and 60% levulose, 30% levulose+30% glucose, 30% each of galactose and the arabinoglactan, Stractan and 60% each of sucrose, honey and unsulphured molasses. The liver increments and glycogen contents were in the control range for animals fed the synthetic diet containing 30% each of lactose, sorbitol, corn starch and raffinose pentahydrate, 5% ascorbic acid and 15% L-arabinose but the liver glycogen was depressed with 30% xylose, a diet which was poorly tolerated; 15% mannitol caused a decrease inthe increment. The incorporation of several sugars into the commercial rat meal, including xylose (11%), raffinose (15%), L-arabinose (8%), D-arabinose (5%), L-sorbose (17%), galactosamine (0.20%) and galactono-gamma-lactone (10%), led to little change over the control increments. In intact rats fed the synthetic diet containing 30% each of glucose, lactose, galactose, sucrose and levulose for an interval of 10 days, the wet and dry liver--body weight ratios were significantly elevated only with the last two sugars but liver glycogen was increased in each instance.", "PMID": 1010685} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12197", "title": "Effect of dietary palmitate, stearate, oleate and linoleate on the tissue lipid and systolic blood pressure of the rat.", "content": "The nutritional effects of palmitate, stearate, oleate and linoleate were correlated with the percentage of each fatty acid in the dietary lipid but were found to be largely independent of the total amount of fat in the diet. Increasing the proportion of linoleate in diet fat to levels as high as 52% of the fat, increased theproportion of fat observed in the carcass. Increased linoleate and/or oleate resulted in increased concentrations of cholesterol in body fat deposits. The maximum weight of the perirenal fat pads occurred when diet fat contained about 43% oleate and 19% stearate. Increasing the stearate decreased the cholesterol concentration in plasma. The systolic blood pressure was decreased slightly when the amount of diet fat was increased.", "contents": "Effect of dietary palmitate, stearate, oleate and linoleate on the tissue lipid and systolic blood pressure of the rat. The nutritional effects of palmitate, stearate, oleate and linoleate were correlated with the percentage of each fatty acid in the dietary lipid but were found to be largely independent of the total amount of fat in the diet. Increasing the proportion of linoleate in diet fat to levels as high as 52% of the fat, increased theproportion of fat observed in the carcass. Increased linoleate and/or oleate resulted in increased concentrations of cholesterol in body fat deposits. The maximum weight of the perirenal fat pads occurred when diet fat contained about 43% oleate and 19% stearate. Increasing the stearate decreased the cholesterol concentration in plasma. The systolic blood pressure was decreased slightly when the amount of diet fat was increased.", "PMID": 1010686} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12198", "title": "[Technic and dosage of zinc injections for studies on metabolic efficiency].", "content": "When rats are supplied with zinc by the diet, absorption interferes with the determination of the efficiency of utilization of zinc in metabolism. In studies on the metabolic efficiency of zinc it was therefore attempted to by-pass the step of absorption by i.m. or i.v. injection and, at the same time, to determine the appropriate dosage for these zinc injections. For that reason, young male rats, after 20 days of zinc depletion were injected i.m. or i.v. in five different dosages of ZnCl2 solutions and their gains in live weight were followed. It was found that higher zinc doses given i.v. were lethal to rats, whereas they were tolerated when given i.m. The better metabolic efficiency of zinc, indicated by comparatively higher live weights of the i.v. injected groups, could be seen even at the lower i.v. zinc dosages. Therefore, based on the results of the present experiment, a dose of 0.4 mg zinc is proposed for the i.v. injection to study the metabolic efficiency of zinc in rats.", "contents": "[Technic and dosage of zinc injections for studies on metabolic efficiency]. When rats are supplied with zinc by the diet, absorption interferes with the determination of the efficiency of utilization of zinc in metabolism. In studies on the metabolic efficiency of zinc it was therefore attempted to by-pass the step of absorption by i.m. or i.v. injection and, at the same time, to determine the appropriate dosage for these zinc injections. For that reason, young male rats, after 20 days of zinc depletion were injected i.m. or i.v. in five different dosages of ZnCl2 solutions and their gains in live weight were followed. It was found that higher zinc doses given i.v. were lethal to rats, whereas they were tolerated when given i.m. The better metabolic efficiency of zinc, indicated by comparatively higher live weights of the i.v. injected groups, could be seen even at the lower i.v. zinc dosages. Therefore, based on the results of the present experiment, a dose of 0.4 mg zinc is proposed for the i.v. injection to study the metabolic efficiency of zinc in rats.", "PMID": 1010687} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12199", "title": "Effect of Ovulen-50(ethynodiol diacetate 1 mg and ethynyloestradiol 0,05 mg) on protein, nucleic acids and nucleases in the rat liver.", "content": "Treatment of adult female rats with Ovulen-50 (ethynodiol diacetate 1.0 mg and ethynyloestradiol 0.05 mg--one tenth tablet per day) led to a small but significant fall in total protein, RNA and DNA content of the liver. Alkaline and acid DNAse activity also tended to decline, whereas alkaline RNAase tended to show a marginal rise after twentyfour days of treatment.", "contents": "Effect of Ovulen-50(ethynodiol diacetate 1 mg and ethynyloestradiol 0,05 mg) on protein, nucleic acids and nucleases in the rat liver. Treatment of adult female rats with Ovulen-50 (ethynodiol diacetate 1.0 mg and ethynyloestradiol 0.05 mg--one tenth tablet per day) led to a small but significant fall in total protein, RNA and DNA content of the liver. Alkaline and acid DNAse activity also tended to decline, whereas alkaline RNAase tended to show a marginal rise after twentyfour days of treatment.", "PMID": 1010688} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12200", "title": "The effect of lithium on food intake in rats.", "content": "The influence of lithium on ingestive behavior and body weight was studied in male and female rats. Single i.p. doses of LiCl (3.6-7.2 mmol/kg) reduced both food intake and water consumption. Repeated large doses of LiCl given intraperitoneally caused a prompt anorexia and delayed polydipsia as well as weight loss, effects that were much more pronounced in male than in female rats. Small doses of LiCl on the other hand, increased food intake and body weight during long-term treatment. The findings indicate that an increase in food intake can account for the increased body weight sometimes seen in rats given lithium.", "contents": "The effect of lithium on food intake in rats. The influence of lithium on ingestive behavior and body weight was studied in male and female rats. Single i.p. doses of LiCl (3.6-7.2 mmol/kg) reduced both food intake and water consumption. Repeated large doses of LiCl given intraperitoneally caused a prompt anorexia and delayed polydipsia as well as weight loss, effects that were much more pronounced in male than in female rats. Small doses of LiCl on the other hand, increased food intake and body weight during long-term treatment. The findings indicate that an increase in food intake can account for the increased body weight sometimes seen in rats given lithium.", "PMID": 1010709} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12201", "title": "A simple method of delineating between the antrum and corpus of the stomach, part 1: A comparative study in rats.", "content": "A comparative study was performed in rats to find the fastest and most reliable method for delineating the corpus-antrum boundary using alcohol, betazole and electric vagal stimulation in conjunction with Congo red. This study demonstrated that electric vagal stimulation is the fastest and most reliable method.", "contents": "A simple method of delineating between the antrum and corpus of the stomach, part 1: A comparative study in rats. A comparative study was performed in rats to find the fastest and most reliable method for delineating the corpus-antrum boundary using alcohol, betazole and electric vagal stimulation in conjunction with Congo red. This study demonstrated that electric vagal stimulation is the fastest and most reliable method.", "PMID": 1010702} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12202", "title": "Diazepam in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. Preliminary observations.", "content": "Three patients, aged 23-33 years, with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, developed symptoms of tardive dyskinesia while receiving neuroleptic treatment, mostly with haloperidol. Existential problems and emotional upset seemed contributory. Diazepam was found effective in controlling dyskinesia. Its therapeutic effect seemed not to be related to sedation. Some implications of the reported observations are mentioned.", "contents": "Diazepam in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. Preliminary observations. Three patients, aged 23-33 years, with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, developed symptoms of tardive dyskinesia while receiving neuroleptic treatment, mostly with haloperidol. Existential problems and emotional upset seemed contributory. Diazepam was found effective in controlling dyskinesia. Its therapeutic effect seemed not to be related to sedation. Some implications of the reported observations are mentioned.", "PMID": 1010710} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12203", "title": "Influenza virus: association of mouse-lung virulence with plaque formation in mouse kidney cells.", "content": "In genetic recombination experiments with the mouse-lung-adapted human influenza A/Engl/1/61 (H2N2) and an avian influenza strain A/Rostock/34 (FPV) (Hav1N1) which is avirulent for the mouse lung, recombinants in which hemagglutinin and neuraminidase were either segregated (Hav1N2; H2N1) or not segregated (Hav1N1) were selected. The recombinants were studied for mouse-lung virulence and their ability to propagate in mouse kidney cells, mouse embryo fibroblasts, chick embryo kidney cells and chick embryo fibroblasts. An association between plaque formation in mouse kidney cells and mouse-lung virulence was found.", "contents": "Influenza virus: association of mouse-lung virulence with plaque formation in mouse kidney cells. In genetic recombination experiments with the mouse-lung-adapted human influenza A/Engl/1/61 (H2N2) and an avian influenza strain A/Rostock/34 (FPV) (Hav1N1) which is avirulent for the mouse lung, recombinants in which hemagglutinin and neuraminidase were either segregated (Hav1N2; H2N1) or not segregated (Hav1N1) were selected. The recombinants were studied for mouse-lung virulence and their ability to propagate in mouse kidney cells, mouse embryo fibroblasts, chick embryo kidney cells and chick embryo fibroblasts. An association between plaque formation in mouse kidney cells and mouse-lung virulence was found.", "PMID": 1010711} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12204", "title": "In vitro translation of polyribosome-associated RNAs from tobamovirus-infected plants.", "content": "RNAs associated with polyribosomes in plants infected with the U2 strain of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) or with sunnhemp mosaic virus have been isolated. Most are about 0.35 X 10(6) daltons in weight. They translate efficiently in vitro to produce their respective coat proteins which were identified by their serological behavior and peptide composition. They also reassemble in vitro with coat protein. The coat protein of sunnhemp mosaic virus reassembles more quickly than that of TMV U2.", "contents": "In vitro translation of polyribosome-associated RNAs from tobamovirus-infected plants. RNAs associated with polyribosomes in plants infected with the U2 strain of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) or with sunnhemp mosaic virus have been isolated. Most are about 0.35 X 10(6) daltons in weight. They translate efficiently in vitro to produce their respective coat proteins which were identified by their serological behavior and peptide composition. They also reassemble in vitro with coat protein. The coat protein of sunnhemp mosaic virus reassembles more quickly than that of TMV U2.", "PMID": 1010713} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12205", "title": "Patterns of shedding of human reovirus-like agent in gnotobiotic newborn piglets with experimentally-induced diarrhea.", "content": "Virus shedding patterns of neonatal gnotobiotic piglets infected with the reovirus-like agent of human infantile gastroenteritis were studied. Fecal viral counts were highest before or at the onset of diarrhea. In diarrheic piglets, viral particles were usually observed for only 1-2 days after the onset of diarrhea, and total duration of shedding was 2-6 days. One infected piglet shed virus for 4 days but did not develop diarrhea. The presence of virus at or about the time of illness is consistent with the induction of diarrhea in piglets inoculated with the human reovirus-like agent.", "contents": "Patterns of shedding of human reovirus-like agent in gnotobiotic newborn piglets with experimentally-induced diarrhea. Virus shedding patterns of neonatal gnotobiotic piglets infected with the reovirus-like agent of human infantile gastroenteritis were studied. Fecal viral counts were highest before or at the onset of diarrhea. In diarrheic piglets, viral particles were usually observed for only 1-2 days after the onset of diarrhea, and total duration of shedding was 2-6 days. One infected piglet shed virus for 4 days but did not develop diarrhea. The presence of virus at or about the time of illness is consistent with the induction of diarrhea in piglets inoculated with the human reovirus-like agent.", "PMID": 1010712} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12206", "title": "Translation in vitro of artificially produced fragments of a tobamovirus genome.", "content": "Particles of the U2 strain of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) were partly disassembled by SDS, treated with RNases and then phenol, and yielded RNA molecules one quarter to half the size of the intact virus genome. These molecules, when translated in vitro, produced the coat protein of the virus. Reassembly experiments indicated that the active messenger molecules were those that most rapidly reassembled with coat protein; the rate of reassembly was greatly diminished by treatment with spleen phosphodiesterase. Particles of sunnhemp mosaic virus (the bean strain of TMV) resist disassembly by detergent much more than those of the U2 strain of TMV.", "contents": "Translation in vitro of artificially produced fragments of a tobamovirus genome. Particles of the U2 strain of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) were partly disassembled by SDS, treated with RNases and then phenol, and yielded RNA molecules one quarter to half the size of the intact virus genome. These molecules, when translated in vitro, produced the coat protein of the virus. Reassembly experiments indicated that the active messenger molecules were those that most rapidly reassembled with coat protein; the rate of reassembly was greatly diminished by treatment with spleen phosphodiesterase. Particles of sunnhemp mosaic virus (the bean strain of TMV) resist disassembly by detergent much more than those of the U2 strain of TMV.", "PMID": 1010714} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12207", "title": "Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.", "content": "Fifty-five patients underwent thorough laboratory and clinical investigations for pancreatic cancer. The disease was diagnosed in 32 patients. Thirty of these plus three others who did not undergo the sequence of tests underwent exploratory surgery. Pancreatic cancer was found in all. The high diagnostic accuracy was mainly due to the secretin test. We used Dreiling's technic for this test, which we think is the most popular and accurate technic.", "contents": "Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Fifty-five patients underwent thorough laboratory and clinical investigations for pancreatic cancer. The disease was diagnosed in 32 patients. Thirty of these plus three others who did not undergo the sequence of tests underwent exploratory surgery. Pancreatic cancer was found in all. The high diagnostic accuracy was mainly due to the secretin test. We used Dreiling's technic for this test, which we think is the most popular and accurate technic.", "PMID": 1010707} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12208", "title": "On the nature of the difference in the densities of the particles of two tobamoviruses.", "content": "Particles of sunnhemp mosaic virus (SHMV) are denser than those of the U2 strain of tobacco mosaic virus (T2MV) when their densities are estimated by equilibrium centrifugation in gradients of either cesium chloride or Metrizamide; in cesium chloride the densities are 1.318 and 1.307 g/ml, and in Metrizamide they are 1.249 and 1.240 g/ml. Experiments with particles reassembled from homologous or heterologous mixtures of the RNAs and coat proteins of the viruses show that the difference in their densities is determined by their coat proteins. The disassembled coat proteins of the two viruses have the same density, but polymerized SHMV protein is less dense than polymerized T2MV protein. Particles reassembled from homologous or heterologous mixtures of the RNAs and coat proteins of the viruses have the density of the nucleoprotein particles used as the source of protein. The density difference of the two virus nucleoproteins therefore reflects the different behavior of the two proteins on assembly with RNA.", "contents": "On the nature of the difference in the densities of the particles of two tobamoviruses. Particles of sunnhemp mosaic virus (SHMV) are denser than those of the U2 strain of tobacco mosaic virus (T2MV) when their densities are estimated by equilibrium centrifugation in gradients of either cesium chloride or Metrizamide; in cesium chloride the densities are 1.318 and 1.307 g/ml, and in Metrizamide they are 1.249 and 1.240 g/ml. Experiments with particles reassembled from homologous or heterologous mixtures of the RNAs and coat proteins of the viruses show that the difference in their densities is determined by their coat proteins. The disassembled coat proteins of the two viruses have the same density, but polymerized SHMV protein is less dense than polymerized T2MV protein. Particles reassembled from homologous or heterologous mixtures of the RNAs and coat proteins of the viruses have the density of the nucleoprotein particles used as the source of protein. The density difference of the two virus nucleoproteins therefore reflects the different behavior of the two proteins on assembly with RNA.", "PMID": 1010716} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12209", "title": "Synchronization of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus replication in cowpea leaves.", "content": "A technique that 'systemically inoculates' cowpea leaves with cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) is described. The upper leaves of cowpea plants are maintained at 10 degrees and allowed to become infected with inoculum from lower leaves maintained at 32 degrees; when the whole plant is shifted to 25 degrees, synchronous virus replication starts in the upper leaves. Following the shift to 25 degrees, no infectivity could be detected during the first 6 h, after which the infectivity increased exponentially between 8 and 20 h and linearly between 20 and 72 h. The time-courses of effectiveness of different inhibitors occurred sequentially and at different times during the infection. An actinomycin-D-sensitive step occurred at 10 degrees, prior to the shift to 25 degrees. A 2.0 mM guanidine-sensitive step occurred between 4 and 20 h and a cycloheximide-sensitive step occurred between 12 and 48 h after the shift to 25 degrees. When the upper leaves were maintained at 5 degrees while the infected lower leaves were at 32 degrees, viral inoculum did not move into them. However, rapid systemic infection occurred during the first 6 h after a shift of the whole plant to 25 degrees.", "contents": "Synchronization of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus replication in cowpea leaves. A technique that 'systemically inoculates' cowpea leaves with cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) is described. The upper leaves of cowpea plants are maintained at 10 degrees and allowed to become infected with inoculum from lower leaves maintained at 32 degrees; when the whole plant is shifted to 25 degrees, synchronous virus replication starts in the upper leaves. Following the shift to 25 degrees, no infectivity could be detected during the first 6 h, after which the infectivity increased exponentially between 8 and 20 h and linearly between 20 and 72 h. The time-courses of effectiveness of different inhibitors occurred sequentially and at different times during the infection. An actinomycin-D-sensitive step occurred at 10 degrees, prior to the shift to 25 degrees. A 2.0 mM guanidine-sensitive step occurred between 4 and 20 h and a cycloheximide-sensitive step occurred between 12 and 48 h after the shift to 25 degrees. When the upper leaves were maintained at 5 degrees while the infected lower leaves were at 32 degrees, viral inoculum did not move into them. However, rapid systemic infection occurred during the first 6 h after a shift of the whole plant to 25 degrees.", "PMID": 1010715} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12210", "title": "Cytological evidence supporting the inclusion of poplar mosaic virus in the carlavirus group of plant viruses.", "content": "The filamentous particles of poplar mosaic virus (PopMV) were detected in palisade, mesophyll and parenchyma cells of systemically infected leaves of Nicotiana clevelandii and N. megalosiphon. The particles were sometimes found scattered throughout the cytoplasm, but more often they occurred loosely associated within ovoid aggregates (up to 3.5 x 1.5 mum) adjacent to chloroplasts and/or mitochondria. PopMV did not induce the formation of 'pinwheel' inclusions, nor other conspicuous ultrastructural or cytopathic effects in infected cells. These observations provide additional evidence that PopMV is a Carlavirus and not a Potyvirus nor a mite-borne virus. PopMV particles were also detected occasionally within plasmodesmata.", "contents": "Cytological evidence supporting the inclusion of poplar mosaic virus in the carlavirus group of plant viruses. The filamentous particles of poplar mosaic virus (PopMV) were detected in palisade, mesophyll and parenchyma cells of systemically infected leaves of Nicotiana clevelandii and N. megalosiphon. The particles were sometimes found scattered throughout the cytoplasm, but more often they occurred loosely associated within ovoid aggregates (up to 3.5 x 1.5 mum) adjacent to chloroplasts and/or mitochondria. PopMV did not induce the formation of 'pinwheel' inclusions, nor other conspicuous ultrastructural or cytopathic effects in infected cells. These observations provide additional evidence that PopMV is a Carlavirus and not a Potyvirus nor a mite-borne virus. PopMV particles were also detected occasionally within plasmodesmata.", "PMID": 1010717} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12211", "title": "Solar heating and cooling.", "content": "Solar energy is discussed as an energy resource that can be converted into useful energy forms to meet a variety of energy needs. The review briefly explains the nature of this energy resource, the kinds of applications that can be made useful, and the status of several systems to which it has been applied. More specifically, information on solar collectors, solar water heating, solar heating of buildings, solar cooling plus other applications, are included.", "contents": "Solar heating and cooling. Solar energy is discussed as an energy resource that can be converted into useful energy forms to meet a variety of energy needs. The review briefly explains the nature of this energy resource, the kinds of applications that can be made useful, and the status of several systems to which it has been applied. More specifically, information on solar collectors, solar water heating, solar heating of buildings, solar cooling plus other applications, are included.", "PMID": 1010737} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12212", "title": "Optimal control of artificial aeration in river networks.", "content": "Under suitable conditions, artificial in situ aeration is an appropriate and economical method of alleviating water pollution. Regional planning for the control of water pollution can properly consider the use of artificial aeration on a river network in conjunction with other pollution abatement techniques. Application of optimization methods can yield significant savings in the aeration energy consumption required to produce a given level of impact on a polluted river network. The confluence of two rivers, each receiving effluent discharges and subject to artificial aeration control, is first investigated. It is shown that the optimal feedback aeration strategy in one branch of the river system not only depends on measurements of the water quality in that branch, but also on the water quality measurements in the second branch. With these results as the foundation, the optimal aeration control strategy is then determined for a generalized river network modeled as a graphical tree. Various properties of the optimal aeration policy are illustrated by computational examples.", "contents": "Optimal control of artificial aeration in river networks. Under suitable conditions, artificial in situ aeration is an appropriate and economical method of alleviating water pollution. Regional planning for the control of water pollution can properly consider the use of artificial aeration on a river network in conjunction with other pollution abatement techniques. Application of optimization methods can yield significant savings in the aeration energy consumption required to produce a given level of impact on a polluted river network. The confluence of two rivers, each receiving effluent discharges and subject to artificial aeration control, is first investigated. It is shown that the optimal feedback aeration strategy in one branch of the river system not only depends on measurements of the water quality in that branch, but also on the water quality measurements in the second branch. With these results as the foundation, the optimal aeration control strategy is then determined for a generalized river network modeled as a graphical tree. Various properties of the optimal aeration policy are illustrated by computational examples.", "PMID": 1010738} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12213", "title": "Evaluation of environmental dispatch strategies.", "content": "Several strategies have been proposed for the dispatch of electric power according to environmental objectives. These environmental dispatch strategies are of significance to the power industry because of the current national concern with environmental quality. Historically, power system generation has been scheduled (dispatched) to minimize cost. In the mathematical programming formulation cost is then the objective function. However, in an environmental dispatch strategy, the objective is the minimization of an environmental or an environmental-economic function. Inherent in all environmental strategies is the utilization of system generation diversity, both in the operational and geographic sense, and it is to be expected that \"cleaner\" generating units, i.e., those that emit less pollutants, be utilized more fully under these strategies. An important application of environmental strategies is the control of SO2 emission from fossil-fired units. In this paper a methodology is presented to evaluate environmental strategies for SO2 control through computer modeling. Application of the more promising environmental strategies to a realistic power system is presented and preliminary results are compared with regard to environmental and economic effects. The economic dispatch strategy is used as the reference case.", "contents": "Evaluation of environmental dispatch strategies. Several strategies have been proposed for the dispatch of electric power according to environmental objectives. These environmental dispatch strategies are of significance to the power industry because of the current national concern with environmental quality. Historically, power system generation has been scheduled (dispatched) to minimize cost. In the mathematical programming formulation cost is then the objective function. However, in an environmental dispatch strategy, the objective is the minimization of an environmental or an environmental-economic function. Inherent in all environmental strategies is the utilization of system generation diversity, both in the operational and geographic sense, and it is to be expected that \"cleaner\" generating units, i.e., those that emit less pollutants, be utilized more fully under these strategies. An important application of environmental strategies is the control of SO2 emission from fossil-fired units. In this paper a methodology is presented to evaluate environmental strategies for SO2 control through computer modeling. Application of the more promising environmental strategies to a realistic power system is presented and preliminary results are compared with regard to environmental and economic effects. The economic dispatch strategy is used as the reference case.", "PMID": 1010739} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12214", "title": "[The nonspecific epifocal Malek-Mansour immunotherapy of malignant cutaneous melanoma using DNCB].", "content": "This is a report on first experiences with epifocal DNCB therapy of Malek-Mansour in metastases and primary tumors of melanoma. Clinical, histological, and fluorescencemicroscopical documentation of six cases with melanoma metastases and twelve cases with primary melanomas, treated epifocally with DNCB (solution or ointment) are given. Metastases of melanoma react variably to DNCB, whereas primary tumors especially flat forms the SSM with or without invasion, usually disappeare totally after four to twelve DNCB applications. The results of Malek-Mansour et al. could be confirmed. During the DNCB treatment, which does not require a preceding sensibilization, initial caustic effects, chemosurgical effects, and a longterm \"immuno-chirurgical\" effect must be distinguished. An apparent immunological effect of treatment is shown by the therapeutical reaction of non-treated metastases. A sensitization to DNCB occurred also in all cases of older patients. Recurrences of melanoma, which could be due to the new method of therapie, did not occur within 18 months.", "contents": "[The nonspecific epifocal Malek-Mansour immunotherapy of malignant cutaneous melanoma using DNCB]. This is a report on first experiences with epifocal DNCB therapy of Malek-Mansour in metastases and primary tumors of melanoma. Clinical, histological, and fluorescencemicroscopical documentation of six cases with melanoma metastases and twelve cases with primary melanomas, treated epifocally with DNCB (solution or ointment) are given. Metastases of melanoma react variably to DNCB, whereas primary tumors especially flat forms the SSM with or without invasion, usually disappeare totally after four to twelve DNCB applications. The results of Malek-Mansour et al. could be confirmed. During the DNCB treatment, which does not require a preceding sensibilization, initial caustic effects, chemosurgical effects, and a longterm \"immuno-chirurgical\" effect must be distinguished. An apparent immunological effect of treatment is shown by the therapeutical reaction of non-treated metastases. A sensitization to DNCB occurred also in all cases of older patients. Recurrences of melanoma, which could be due to the new method of therapie, did not occur within 18 months.", "PMID": 1010745} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12215", "title": "[Clinical experience with the 8-methoxypsoralen-UVA therapy (photochemotherapy) of psoriasis].", "content": "Seventy patients with various forms of psoriasis were treated topically and orally with 8-MOP and UVA in high or low intensity treatment units. Most of the patients were treated with the oral route. Treatment modalities, age distribution, and medical history of psoriasis are compiled. The present investigations are based upon experiences with three treatment units, a horizontal box, a stand-up box, and a hand-foot-box. The mean exposure time and the mean duration of treatment are compared. Advantage and disadvantage of oral vz. topical 8-MOP-UVA-therapy are discussed. The typical treatment-schedule with determination of minimal phototoxic dose, initial treatment and maintenance irradiation are described. Side-effects are reported. A careful selection of patients for PUVA-therapy is stressed. Possible long-term side-effects are considered.", "contents": "[Clinical experience with the 8-methoxypsoralen-UVA therapy (photochemotherapy) of psoriasis]. Seventy patients with various forms of psoriasis were treated topically and orally with 8-MOP and UVA in high or low intensity treatment units. Most of the patients were treated with the oral route. Treatment modalities, age distribution, and medical history of psoriasis are compiled. The present investigations are based upon experiences with three treatment units, a horizontal box, a stand-up box, and a hand-foot-box. The mean exposure time and the mean duration of treatment are compared. Advantage and disadvantage of oral vz. topical 8-MOP-UVA-therapy are discussed. The typical treatment-schedule with determination of minimal phototoxic dose, initial treatment and maintenance irradiation are described. Side-effects are reported. A careful selection of patients for PUVA-therapy is stressed. Possible long-term side-effects are considered.", "PMID": 1010746} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12216", "title": "[Improvement of the patch-test reading through contact thermography].", "content": "The evaluation by contact-thermography (with heat sensitive cholesterinester crystals) of patch tests for contact dermatitis is an important aid to detect weak positive or false negative reactions. In addition, it facilitates the interpretation of patch tests in dark skin persons. The number of diagnosed cases of contact dermatitis can be increased by about 10% without increasing the expenditure of time on the part of the patient or the physician.", "contents": "[Improvement of the patch-test reading through contact thermography]. The evaluation by contact-thermography (with heat sensitive cholesterinester crystals) of patch tests for contact dermatitis is an important aid to detect weak positive or false negative reactions. In addition, it facilitates the interpretation of patch tests in dark skin persons. The number of diagnosed cases of contact dermatitis can be increased by about 10% without increasing the expenditure of time on the part of the patient or the physician.", "PMID": 1010747} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12217", "title": "[Malignant lentigo on glans penis. Differentiation using a new method].", "content": "A lentigo maligna melanoma on the glans penis and the orificium urethrae is described. From the clinical point of view a superficial spreading melanoma as well as a lentigo maligna could be considered as differential diagnoses. The flat part of this lesion, however, was a lentigo maligna when investigated using a lightmicroscope and especially fluorescence-microscope. In the lightmicroscope only single heavily pigmented and dendritically branched cells could be seen in the basal parts of the epidermis. The definite shape of the other tumor cells was not identifiable. With the fluorescence microscope, however, in nearly all fluorescing and atypical pigment cells, dendritic branching clearly was present.", "contents": "[Malignant lentigo on glans penis. Differentiation using a new method]. A lentigo maligna melanoma on the glans penis and the orificium urethrae is described. From the clinical point of view a superficial spreading melanoma as well as a lentigo maligna could be considered as differential diagnoses. The flat part of this lesion, however, was a lentigo maligna when investigated using a lightmicroscope and especially fluorescence-microscope. In the lightmicroscope only single heavily pigmented and dendritically branched cells could be seen in the basal parts of the epidermis. The definite shape of the other tumor cells was not identifiable. With the fluorescence microscope, however, in nearly all fluorescing and atypical pigment cells, dendritic branching clearly was present.", "PMID": 1010748} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12218", "title": "[Pyoderma gangrenosum with IgG-paraproteinemia in plasmacytoma].", "content": "A 61 year old patient suffered from pyoderma gangraenosum combined with IgG-paraproteinemia and plasmocytoma. In recent years several papers mentioned the existence of paraproteinemia in patients with pyoderma gangraenosum. Until now only in two cases the association with plasmocytoma were reported. This is the third case of pyoderma gangraenosum combined with plasmocytoma.", "contents": "[Pyoderma gangrenosum with IgG-paraproteinemia in plasmacytoma]. A 61 year old patient suffered from pyoderma gangraenosum combined with IgG-paraproteinemia and plasmocytoma. In recent years several papers mentioned the existence of paraproteinemia in patients with pyoderma gangraenosum. Until now only in two cases the association with plasmocytoma were reported. This is the third case of pyoderma gangraenosum combined with plasmocytoma.", "PMID": 1010749} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12219", "title": "[Definition of unusual hair roots in the trichogram].", "content": "Some uncommon forms of dystrophic hair roots, stimulating club hairs, \"dysplastic anagen hairs\" or catagen hairs, are demonstrated.", "contents": "[Definition of unusual hair roots in the trichogram]. Some uncommon forms of dystrophic hair roots, stimulating club hairs, \"dysplastic anagen hairs\" or catagen hairs, are demonstrated.", "PMID": 1010750} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12220", "title": "The relationship between drug education programs in the Greater New Haven schools and changes in drug use and drug-related beliefs and perceptions.", "content": "This study presents a broad epidemiological approach to evaluation of drug education. Data on adolescent drug use and on drug-related beliefs and perceptions, collected yearly over a three-year period in 33 schools in the Greater New Haven area, were analyzed in relation to information on drug education programs in these schools. Changes in the general prevalence rates for the study period (1970-1973) and with age were the background against which the effects of the independent variable--presence or absence of specific drug education activities in the various schools--were explored. While the overall evidence suggested that drug education does not have a strong, across-the-board influence on either drug use rates or beliefs and perceptions, more modest and specific effects were noted which have implications for drug education.", "contents": "The relationship between drug education programs in the Greater New Haven schools and changes in drug use and drug-related beliefs and perceptions. This study presents a broad epidemiological approach to evaluation of drug education. Data on adolescent drug use and on drug-related beliefs and perceptions, collected yearly over a three-year period in 33 schools in the Greater New Haven area, were analyzed in relation to information on drug education programs in these schools. Changes in the general prevalence rates for the study period (1970-1973) and with age were the background against which the effects of the independent variable--presence or absence of specific drug education activities in the various schools--were explored. While the overall evidence suggested that drug education does not have a strong, across-the-board influence on either drug use rates or beliefs and perceptions, more modest and specific effects were noted which have implications for drug education.", "PMID": 1010753} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12221", "title": "The effectiveness of drug education programs: a critical review.", "content": "Twenty-seven studies were reviewed to determine whether school-based drug abuse prevention efforts have succeeded. Most of the studies reviewed either did not examine program impact on actual drug using behavior or were not designed with a degree of scientific rigor sufficient to warrant acceptance of their findings as valid. Those studies leading to reliable results regarding program effect on drug use were contradictory in their conclusions. In view of the possibility that educational efforts aimed at drug abuse prevention may be counterproductive, it is suggested that school-based programs henceforward be designed and conducted as experiments with controlled manipulation of relevant variables.", "contents": "The effectiveness of drug education programs: a critical review. Twenty-seven studies were reviewed to determine whether school-based drug abuse prevention efforts have succeeded. Most of the studies reviewed either did not examine program impact on actual drug using behavior or were not designed with a degree of scientific rigor sufficient to warrant acceptance of their findings as valid. Those studies leading to reliable results regarding program effect on drug use were contradictory in their conclusions. In view of the possibility that educational efforts aimed at drug abuse prevention may be counterproductive, it is suggested that school-based programs henceforward be designed and conducted as experiments with controlled manipulation of relevant variables.", "PMID": 1010754} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12222", "title": "Asymptomatic gonorrhea and pregnancy.", "content": "A 4 year survey of a low socioeconomic prenatal population in a large outpatient clinic revealed an incidence of 4.4% gonorrhea by cervical culture. These patients who were culture-positive had a 7.6% perinatal mortality rate compared to a 3.0% perinatal mortality rate among culture-negative patients from the same clinic. The immaturity and prematurity rate was significantly higher in the culture-positive group as was the incidence of premature rupture of the membranes and prolonged premature rupture of membranes.", "contents": "Asymptomatic gonorrhea and pregnancy. A 4 year survey of a low socioeconomic prenatal population in a large outpatient clinic revealed an incidence of 4.4% gonorrhea by cervical culture. These patients who were culture-positive had a 7.6% perinatal mortality rate compared to a 3.0% perinatal mortality rate among culture-negative patients from the same clinic. The immaturity and prematurity rate was significantly higher in the culture-positive group as was the incidence of premature rupture of the membranes and prolonged premature rupture of membranes.", "PMID": 1010761} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12223", "title": "Cervical gonorrhea in women using different methods of contraception.", "content": "Cultures were made from the cervix, rectum, and oropharynx of 2,019 women to determine the prevalence of gonorrhea. For patients of similar race and age, the rates of cervical gonorrhea among users of oral contraceptives (10.6/100) or IUD users (9.5/100) were significantly greater than observed with patients using barrier methods, condom-diaphragm-foam (1.7/100). On the other hand, there were no significant differences in rates of rectal or oral infection by method of contraception. Postpartum patients were found to have similar infection rates at all three sites as a comparable group of nonpuerperas. Recommendations for utilization of barrier methods are made for suitable patients, including those in the immediate puerperium.", "contents": "Cervical gonorrhea in women using different methods of contraception. Cultures were made from the cervix, rectum, and oropharynx of 2,019 women to determine the prevalence of gonorrhea. For patients of similar race and age, the rates of cervical gonorrhea among users of oral contraceptives (10.6/100) or IUD users (9.5/100) were significantly greater than observed with patients using barrier methods, condom-diaphragm-foam (1.7/100). On the other hand, there were no significant differences in rates of rectal or oral infection by method of contraception. Postpartum patients were found to have similar infection rates at all three sites as a comparable group of nonpuerperas. Recommendations for utilization of barrier methods are made for suitable patients, including those in the immediate puerperium.", "PMID": 1010762} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12224", "title": "Reevaluation of the role of T-mycoplasmas in nongonococcal urethritis.", "content": "T-mycoplasmas have been associated with nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) in studies in which these organisms were found to be more prevalent among men with NGU than among control groups of men. In none of these studies were the groups matched for sexual experience, a variable which we have shown to be an important determinant of colonization with T-mycoplasmas. We obtained urethral cultures for genital mycoplasmas from men presenting to the Boston City Hospital with gonococcal urethritis and with NGU, and from men of comparable sexual experience who did not have urethritis. Colonization with T-mycoplasmas was no more prevalent among men who had NGU than among the men who did not have urethritis. These data raise some serious questions about the role of T-mycoplasmas in nongonococcal urethritis.", "contents": "Reevaluation of the role of T-mycoplasmas in nongonococcal urethritis. T-mycoplasmas have been associated with nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) in studies in which these organisms were found to be more prevalent among men with NGU than among control groups of men. In none of these studies were the groups matched for sexual experience, a variable which we have shown to be an important determinant of colonization with T-mycoplasmas. We obtained urethral cultures for genital mycoplasmas from men presenting to the Boston City Hospital with gonococcal urethritis and with NGU, and from men of comparable sexual experience who did not have urethritis. Colonization with T-mycoplasmas was no more prevalent among men who had NGU than among the men who did not have urethritis. These data raise some serious questions about the role of T-mycoplasmas in nongonococcal urethritis.", "PMID": 1010763} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12225", "title": "Sociopsychiatric characteristic of clinic patrons with repeat gonorrhea infections.", "content": "This study compared repeat gonorrhea patients with nonrepeat patients and control patients not having venereal disease. Focus was given to current intellectual and personality attributes as well as a broad spectrum of background factors in social, familial, educational, and sexual history. One-tailed t-tests were computed on the myriad permutations of patient group and the multiple derived scores from the personality and intellectual assessments. The results show no significant differences between the patients having their first infection of VD and the patients with repeat VD; however, when these 2 groups are pooled and compared with the controls, the VD patients are significantly higher on the depression, schizophrenia, psychasthenia, hysteria, and psychopathic scales. A similar pattern exists on reasoning ability and internal versus external locus of control. The VD patients are seen to perceive themselves as much more externally controlled than do the controls. It is concluded that the VD patients might profit from psychologic treatment; such treatment resources might aid not only in the control of repeat infections but in the general social integration of the patients.", "contents": "Sociopsychiatric characteristic of clinic patrons with repeat gonorrhea infections. This study compared repeat gonorrhea patients with nonrepeat patients and control patients not having venereal disease. Focus was given to current intellectual and personality attributes as well as a broad spectrum of background factors in social, familial, educational, and sexual history. One-tailed t-tests were computed on the myriad permutations of patient group and the multiple derived scores from the personality and intellectual assessments. The results show no significant differences between the patients having their first infection of VD and the patients with repeat VD; however, when these 2 groups are pooled and compared with the controls, the VD patients are significantly higher on the depression, schizophrenia, psychasthenia, hysteria, and psychopathic scales. A similar pattern exists on reasoning ability and internal versus external locus of control. The VD patients are seen to perceive themselves as much more externally controlled than do the controls. It is concluded that the VD patients might profit from psychologic treatment; such treatment resources might aid not only in the control of repeat infections but in the general social integration of the patients.", "PMID": 1010764} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12226", "title": "Psoriasis of the penis: Koebner reaction. Following oral genital exposure.", "content": "Today, there is an apparent increase in oral genital activity among heterosexual groups not only in the United States but also globally. As a result, gonococcal pharyngitis was rediscovered, and primary syphilis of the oral cavity has been recognized with increasing frequency. In addition, physicians are seeing a wide variety of traumatic lesions of the genitals from \"hickeys\" of the labia to dental imprints and ulcerations of the glans penis. Our patient exhibits an interesting phenomenon recognized readily elsewhere on the skin but infrequently diagnosed on the glans penis.", "contents": "Psoriasis of the penis: Koebner reaction. Following oral genital exposure. Today, there is an apparent increase in oral genital activity among heterosexual groups not only in the United States but also globally. As a result, gonococcal pharyngitis was rediscovered, and primary syphilis of the oral cavity has been recognized with increasing frequency. In addition, physicians are seeing a wide variety of traumatic lesions of the genitals from \"hickeys\" of the labia to dental imprints and ulcerations of the glans penis. Our patient exhibits an interesting phenomenon recognized readily elsewhere on the skin but infrequently diagnosed on the glans penis.", "PMID": 1010767} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12227", "title": "A retrospective study on the effectiveness of a screening effort to reduce the complications of gonorrhea.", "content": "In an effort to evaluate the effectiveness of a mass screening program for gonorrhea, a retrospective study was carried out on patients admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of acute and chronic salpingitis. This study was done at the Confederate Memorial Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Admissions were reviewed for the year prior to the screening program, and compared to the numbers that were admitted after 2 years of screening. A 70% increase was found to have occurred despite extensive efforts to identify and treat asymptomatic women with gonorrhea, and their male contacts. This finding contrasts dramatically with the experience of others who have reported success in reducing the spread of gonorrhea by such a screening program.", "contents": "A retrospective study on the effectiveness of a screening effort to reduce the complications of gonorrhea. In an effort to evaluate the effectiveness of a mass screening program for gonorrhea, a retrospective study was carried out on patients admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of acute and chronic salpingitis. This study was done at the Confederate Memorial Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Admissions were reviewed for the year prior to the screening program, and compared to the numbers that were admitted after 2 years of screening. A 70% increase was found to have occurred despite extensive efforts to identify and treat asymptomatic women with gonorrhea, and their male contacts. This finding contrasts dramatically with the experience of others who have reported success in reducing the spread of gonorrhea by such a screening program.", "PMID": 1010768} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12228", "title": "Oropharyngeal gonorrhea during pregnancy.", "content": "The frequency of oropharyngeal infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae in pregnant women was studied in two prenatal clinics in Bandkok, Thailand. A third group of women visiting a dental clinic on a routine basis was included for comparison purposes. Group I, from an American dependent clinic, had an oropharyngeal infection rate of 15% while only 0.7% had cervical infections. None had infections in more than one site. In Group III, from a Thai clinic, no patients had oropharyngeal infections while 11.9% had infections from either the cervix or rectum or both. One and eight-tenths percent of the patients attending the dental clinic had oropharyngeal infections. Oropharyngeal gonorrhea was found in a prenatal population of American military dependents at a high rate. We propose that all women visiting a prenatal clinic routinely have their oropharynx cultured for N gonorrhoeae.", "contents": "Oropharyngeal gonorrhea during pregnancy. The frequency of oropharyngeal infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae in pregnant women was studied in two prenatal clinics in Bandkok, Thailand. A third group of women visiting a dental clinic on a routine basis was included for comparison purposes. Group I, from an American dependent clinic, had an oropharyngeal infection rate of 15% while only 0.7% had cervical infections. None had infections in more than one site. In Group III, from a Thai clinic, no patients had oropharyngeal infections while 11.9% had infections from either the cervix or rectum or both. One and eight-tenths percent of the patients attending the dental clinic had oropharyngeal infections. Oropharyngeal gonorrhea was found in a prenatal population of American military dependents at a high rate. We propose that all women visiting a prenatal clinic routinely have their oropharynx cultured for N gonorrhoeae.", "PMID": 1010769} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12229", "title": "Anorectal Herpesvirus hominis infection in men.", "content": "Thirteen cases of anorectal Herpesivirus hominis infection in male homosexuals are described. Symptoms included pruitus ani in 11 cases, while 7 noticed intense and pain. Change of bowel habits and anal discharge were not presenting symptoms in the majority. None had generalized complications. Inguinal lymphadenopathy, a vesicular eruption, and superficial ulceration around the anal margin were commonly found. Some developed vesicular spread to the natal cleft. Treatment with cotrimoxazole to prevent masking of possible coexistent syphilis, though satisfactory in preventing secondary infection seemed to have little effect on early resolution of the lesions. Relapse occurred in over one third of the patients. Infection with Herpesvirus hominis seems an uncommon but increasingly recognized hazard for the passive homosexual and should be included in the differential diagnosis of lesions presenting at the anus.", "contents": "Anorectal Herpesvirus hominis infection in men. Thirteen cases of anorectal Herpesivirus hominis infection in male homosexuals are described. Symptoms included pruitus ani in 11 cases, while 7 noticed intense and pain. Change of bowel habits and anal discharge were not presenting symptoms in the majority. None had generalized complications. Inguinal lymphadenopathy, a vesicular eruption, and superficial ulceration around the anal margin were commonly found. Some developed vesicular spread to the natal cleft. Treatment with cotrimoxazole to prevent masking of possible coexistent syphilis, though satisfactory in preventing secondary infection seemed to have little effect on early resolution of the lesions. Relapse occurred in over one third of the patients. Infection with Herpesvirus hominis seems an uncommon but increasingly recognized hazard for the passive homosexual and should be included in the differential diagnosis of lesions presenting at the anus.", "PMID": 1010770} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12230", "title": "Gonorrhea screening program in a women's hospital outpatient department: results and analysis of risk factors.", "content": "Endocervical cultures for Neisseria gonorrhoeae were taken from 4,285 new patients attending the emergency room and outpatient clinics at Women's Hospital, Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center. Of these, 144 (3.4%) were positive. Clinic-specific rates were: emergency room 9.0%, family planning clinic 2.3%, therapeutic abortion clinic 2.2%, and prenatal clinic 1.0%. An additional 70 return patients were cultured because of history, symptoms, or signs suggestive of gonorrhea; 14% of these \"nonscreen\" cultures were positive. Rates for the emergency room and nonscreen category were significantly greater than rates from the clinics. A questionnaire was used to determine patient characteristics in an attempt to identify a high-risk population. Variables of age, race, marital status, history of previous veneral disease or pelvic infection, number of sexual partners, and suspicion of venereal disease were significantly related to the incidence of positive cultures. Obstetrical history and symptoms of cramping or discharge were not related.", "contents": "Gonorrhea screening program in a women's hospital outpatient department: results and analysis of risk factors. Endocervical cultures for Neisseria gonorrhoeae were taken from 4,285 new patients attending the emergency room and outpatient clinics at Women's Hospital, Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center. Of these, 144 (3.4%) were positive. Clinic-specific rates were: emergency room 9.0%, family planning clinic 2.3%, therapeutic abortion clinic 2.2%, and prenatal clinic 1.0%. An additional 70 return patients were cultured because of history, symptoms, or signs suggestive of gonorrhea; 14% of these \"nonscreen\" cultures were positive. Rates for the emergency room and nonscreen category were significantly greater than rates from the clinics. A questionnaire was used to determine patient characteristics in an attempt to identify a high-risk population. Variables of age, race, marital status, history of previous veneral disease or pelvic infection, number of sexual partners, and suspicion of venereal disease were significantly related to the incidence of positive cultures. Obstetrical history and symptoms of cramping or discharge were not related.", "PMID": 1010771} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12231", "title": "Accidental laboratory infection with Treponema pallidum, Nichols strain.", "content": "This case report describes a laboratory-acquired infection with Treponema pallidum, Nichols strain. The specific details of the accidental exposure are presented, along with a description of the clinical observations. This infection indicates that the rabbit adapted Nichols strain of T pallidum retains its capability to infect humans. In addition, aerosols of concentrated preparations of these organisms, generated within the laboratory, represent a definite biohazard.", "contents": "Accidental laboratory infection with Treponema pallidum, Nichols strain. This case report describes a laboratory-acquired infection with Treponema pallidum, Nichols strain. The specific details of the accidental exposure are presented, along with a description of the clinical observations. This infection indicates that the rabbit adapted Nichols strain of T pallidum retains its capability to infect humans. In addition, aerosols of concentrated preparations of these organisms, generated within the laboratory, represent a definite biohazard.", "PMID": 1010772} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12232", "title": "Reporting and treating gonorrhea: results of a statewide survey in Alaska.", "content": "Two hundred physicians, public health nurses, medics, and physician's assistants, comprising 92% of health care providers treating gonorrhea in Alaska, were interviewed to determine the number of cases seen during a 12-month period and to determine the adequacy of treatment given. Significantly more cases were reported on the survey than were reported to the State Department of Health. However, an attempt to validate the survey results through a chart review suggested that surveys relying on memory provide overestimates of cases and that gonorrhea may not be as underreported as previously thought. A wide variety of antibiotics were used to treat gonorrhea. Physicians in private practice accounted for the majority of inadequately treated cases. The actual number of cases receiving ineffective therapy was estimated as 2%.", "contents": "Reporting and treating gonorrhea: results of a statewide survey in Alaska. Two hundred physicians, public health nurses, medics, and physician's assistants, comprising 92% of health care providers treating gonorrhea in Alaska, were interviewed to determine the number of cases seen during a 12-month period and to determine the adequacy of treatment given. Significantly more cases were reported on the survey than were reported to the State Department of Health. However, an attempt to validate the survey results through a chart review suggested that surveys relying on memory provide overestimates of cases and that gonorrhea may not be as underreported as previously thought. A wide variety of antibiotics were used to treat gonorrhea. Physicians in private practice accounted for the majority of inadequately treated cases. The actual number of cases receiving ineffective therapy was estimated as 2%.", "PMID": 1010773} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12233", "title": "Treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea with Polycillin-PRB.", "content": "Penicillin has remained the choice drug for the treatment of gonorrhea. Its cure rate has been relative, and because cure rates are not as good as one would wish, an additional increase in dosage has been advised. Despite an improved cure rate with increased dosages, we are rapidly approaching a dose requirement beyond that which can be administered practically on an outpatient basis. Therefore other antimicrobial agents have been evaluated for the treatment of gonorrhea. Ampicillin 2 gm (IM) with 1 gm probenecid was evaluated in 1969 with a 99% plus cure rate. It also has been found that 3.5 gm of ampicillin orally (7 capsules of 500 mg) and probenecid (2 tablets of 500 mg) is an effective treatment for gonorrhea. We undertook the present study to evaluate the efficacy of a new single oral combination treatment, Polycillin-PRB.", "contents": "Treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea with Polycillin-PRB. Penicillin has remained the choice drug for the treatment of gonorrhea. Its cure rate has been relative, and because cure rates are not as good as one would wish, an additional increase in dosage has been advised. Despite an improved cure rate with increased dosages, we are rapidly approaching a dose requirement beyond that which can be administered practically on an outpatient basis. Therefore other antimicrobial agents have been evaluated for the treatment of gonorrhea. Ampicillin 2 gm (IM) with 1 gm probenecid was evaluated in 1969 with a 99% plus cure rate. It also has been found that 3.5 gm of ampicillin orally (7 capsules of 500 mg) and probenecid (2 tablets of 500 mg) is an effective treatment for gonorrhea. We undertook the present study to evaluate the efficacy of a new single oral combination treatment, Polycillin-PRB.", "PMID": 1010774} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12234", "title": "Sexuality and prostatitis: a hypothesis.", "content": "Pathways of entry of pathogenic organisms into the prostate may include hematogenous dissemination from distant foci of infection, extension via lymphatics, transmission via infected urine from kidneys, or retrograde entry via the urethra. The last route of entry seems to account for most episodes of prostatitis. Indirect evidence from studies of patients with prostatitis points to retrograde entry of bacteria via the urethra following oral, anal, or genital intercourse or masturbatory practices as a major means of induction of prostatitis. Evidence is based upon similarity of organisms recovered from various orifices to those in the prostate, apparent low incidence of prostatitis in asexual males, and appearance in the prostate of bacteria which reside in the distal urethra. Definitive studies are necessary to prove this hypothesis; emphasis must be placed on correct diagnosis of prostatitis.", "contents": "Sexuality and prostatitis: a hypothesis. Pathways of entry of pathogenic organisms into the prostate may include hematogenous dissemination from distant foci of infection, extension via lymphatics, transmission via infected urine from kidneys, or retrograde entry via the urethra. The last route of entry seems to account for most episodes of prostatitis. Indirect evidence from studies of patients with prostatitis points to retrograde entry of bacteria via the urethra following oral, anal, or genital intercourse or masturbatory practices as a major means of induction of prostatitis. Evidence is based upon similarity of organisms recovered from various orifices to those in the prostate, apparent low incidence of prostatitis in asexual males, and appearance in the prostate of bacteria which reside in the distal urethra. Definitive studies are necessary to prove this hypothesis; emphasis must be placed on correct diagnosis of prostatitis.", "PMID": 1010775} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12235", "title": "Parameters of normal polymorphonuclear cell function in patients with repeated gonococcal infections.", "content": "The response to phagocytic stimuli was tested for polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells from gonorrhea repeaters, first-time infected patients, and never-infected controls. PMN function was assessed by measuring quantitative leukocyte iodination, glucose-1-C oxidation, and phagocytosis and killing of Staphylococcus aureus 502A. No significant differences in PMN function were noted for the three groups studied. However, white patients had significantly greater leukocyte iodination than black patients (p less than 0.05) and males tended to have greater leukocyte iodination than females (p less than 0.02). It is concluded that PMN cells from gonorrhea repeaters, first-time infected patients, and never-infected controls respond equally well to in vitro phagocytic stimuli. This implies that a significant defect in PMN cell function should not be implicated as a reason for the apparent susceptibility of gonorrhea repeaters to multiple genital gonococcal infections.", "contents": "Parameters of normal polymorphonuclear cell function in patients with repeated gonococcal infections. The response to phagocytic stimuli was tested for polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells from gonorrhea repeaters, first-time infected patients, and never-infected controls. PMN function was assessed by measuring quantitative leukocyte iodination, glucose-1-C oxidation, and phagocytosis and killing of Staphylococcus aureus 502A. No significant differences in PMN function were noted for the three groups studied. However, white patients had significantly greater leukocyte iodination than black patients (p less than 0.05) and males tended to have greater leukocyte iodination than females (p less than 0.02). It is concluded that PMN cells from gonorrhea repeaters, first-time infected patients, and never-infected controls respond equally well to in vitro phagocytic stimuli. This implies that a significant defect in PMN cell function should not be implicated as a reason for the apparent susceptibility of gonorrhea repeaters to multiple genital gonococcal infections.", "PMID": 1010776} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12236", "title": "Treatment of primary syphilis.", "content": "Reports in the English language of the treatment of primary syphilis are reviewed. Except for benzathine penicillin, the efficacy of the currently recommended dosage schedules are documented only by Schroeter et al. Although these investigators reported generally acceptable failure rates, further study is necessary to determine: (1) if differences in efficacy exist among regimes; (2) if the current schedules are equally effective in both primary and secondary syphilis; and (3) if increased dosages reduce failure rates.", "contents": "Treatment of primary syphilis. Reports in the English language of the treatment of primary syphilis are reviewed. Except for benzathine penicillin, the efficacy of the currently recommended dosage schedules are documented only by Schroeter et al. Although these investigators reported generally acceptable failure rates, further study is necessary to determine: (1) if differences in efficacy exist among regimes; (2) if the current schedules are equally effective in both primary and secondary syphilis; and (3) if increased dosages reduce failure rates.", "PMID": 1010777} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12237", "title": "Treatment of secondary syphilis.", "content": "There are few studies of therapy for secondary syphilis which are adequate by modern standards of scientific design. Penicillin has been the best documented, effective antibiotic, although not all forms and regimens are equally effective. Although both aqueous penicillin G and procaine penicillin G in oil with aluminum monostearate (PAM) appear effective, these are not practical penicillin forms. The first requires injections every 2 to 4 hours for 7 to 10 days and the latter is no longer available in the United Sates. Aqueous procaine penicillin G (APPG) regimes have been evaluated in limited trials, but do appear effective. However, APPG requires daily injections and is impractical for widespread use in the treatment of secondary syphilis. The injection of 2.4 million units of benzathine penicillin G appears to be an effective single session regimen. Although tetracycline is widely accepted as the drug of choice for patients allergic to penicillin, this drug has been less rigorously evaluated for treatment of secondary syphilis. Other antibiotics have been even less well evaluated and none has been clearly shown to be highly effective.", "contents": "Treatment of secondary syphilis. There are few studies of therapy for secondary syphilis which are adequate by modern standards of scientific design. Penicillin has been the best documented, effective antibiotic, although not all forms and regimens are equally effective. Although both aqueous penicillin G and procaine penicillin G in oil with aluminum monostearate (PAM) appear effective, these are not practical penicillin forms. The first requires injections every 2 to 4 hours for 7 to 10 days and the latter is no longer available in the United Sates. Aqueous procaine penicillin G (APPG) regimes have been evaluated in limited trials, but do appear effective. However, APPG requires daily injections and is impractical for widespread use in the treatment of secondary syphilis. The injection of 2.4 million units of benzathine penicillin G appears to be an effective single session regimen. Although tetracycline is widely accepted as the drug of choice for patients allergic to penicillin, this drug has been less rigorously evaluated for treatment of secondary syphilis. Other antibiotics have been even less well evaluated and none has been clearly shown to be highly effective.", "PMID": 1010778} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12238", "title": "Treatment of latent syphilis.", "content": "The studies in the English language of the treatment of latent syphillis suffer from a variety of problems. Investigators have failed to define cases adequately and, in some instances, have combined results of several treatment regimens, and have not followed patients for an adequate period of time. It may be wisest to recommend that regimens considered effective for asymptomatic neurosyphilis also be used for latent syphilis.", "contents": "Treatment of latent syphilis. The studies in the English language of the treatment of latent syphillis suffer from a variety of problems. Investigators have failed to define cases adequately and, in some instances, have combined results of several treatment regimens, and have not followed patients for an adequate period of time. It may be wisest to recommend that regimens considered effective for asymptomatic neurosyphilis also be used for latent syphilis.", "PMID": 1010779} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12239", "title": "Treatment of late benign syphilis: review of the literature.", "content": "The English literature on the treatment of late benign syphilis with penicillin was reviewed. To date there have been no controlled randomized therapeutic trials to support the efficacy of this therapy. This disease responds rapidly to all antisyphilitic drugs including arsphenamine and heavy metals. There are ample case reports and 2 major therapy studies which demonstrate the safety and beneficial effects of penicillin in individual patients. Although the exact dosage and duration of therapy are open to speculation, it is wise to treat patients with late benign syphilis with doses of penicillin judged to be effective for concomitant neuro-or cardiovascular syphilis.", "contents": "Treatment of late benign syphilis: review of the literature. The English literature on the treatment of late benign syphilis with penicillin was reviewed. To date there have been no controlled randomized therapeutic trials to support the efficacy of this therapy. This disease responds rapidly to all antisyphilitic drugs including arsphenamine and heavy metals. There are ample case reports and 2 major therapy studies which demonstrate the safety and beneficial effects of penicillin in individual patients. Although the exact dosage and duration of therapy are open to speculation, it is wise to treat patients with late benign syphilis with doses of penicillin judged to be effective for concomitant neuro-or cardiovascular syphilis.", "PMID": 1010780} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12240", "title": "Treatment of cardiovascular syphilis.", "content": "The English literature on the treatment of cardiovascular syphilis with penicillin was reviewed. To date there have been no controlled randomized clinical trials to demonstrate that penicillin therapy prolongs life expectancy, alleviates symptoms, or arrests the disease process. In spite of many shortcomings in the published data, penicillin is safe and free of severe reactions. Most authors agree that significant subjective improvement in the patient's status occurs following penicillin treatment. Once the patient has become symptomatic penicillin may have little efficacy. The optimal dosage and duration of therapy have never been established. Because of its low cost, ease of administration, and lack of toxicity, it should be given to all patients with cardiovascular syphilis in hope of arresting the effects of the disease on the heart and great vessels.", "contents": "Treatment of cardiovascular syphilis. The English literature on the treatment of cardiovascular syphilis with penicillin was reviewed. To date there have been no controlled randomized clinical trials to demonstrate that penicillin therapy prolongs life expectancy, alleviates symptoms, or arrests the disease process. In spite of many shortcomings in the published data, penicillin is safe and free of severe reactions. Most authors agree that significant subjective improvement in the patient's status occurs following penicillin treatment. Once the patient has become symptomatic penicillin may have little efficacy. The optimal dosage and duration of therapy have never been established. Because of its low cost, ease of administration, and lack of toxicity, it should be given to all patients with cardiovascular syphilis in hope of arresting the effects of the disease on the heart and great vessels.", "PMID": 1010781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12241", "title": "Treatment of neurosyphilis.", "content": "Penicillin has some ameliorative effect in every stage of neurosyphilis. Meningovascular disease responds most dramatically. Once anatomic damage has occurred, penicillin is not effective in restoring lost function. In addition, blindness secondary to primary optic atrophy or 8th nerve deafness responds poorly to any type of treatment. Penicillin schedules employing more than 5 million units appear more effective than lower dose regimens. Reports of alternative antibiotic regimens are too fragmentary to allow recommendations to be made.", "contents": "Treatment of neurosyphilis. Penicillin has some ameliorative effect in every stage of neurosyphilis. Meningovascular disease responds most dramatically. Once anatomic damage has occurred, penicillin is not effective in restoring lost function. In addition, blindness secondary to primary optic atrophy or 8th nerve deafness responds poorly to any type of treatment. Penicillin schedules employing more than 5 million units appear more effective than lower dose regimens. Reports of alternative antibiotic regimens are too fragmentary to allow recommendations to be made.", "PMID": 1010782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12242", "title": "Treatment of syphilis in pregnancy.", "content": "Only penicillin has been adequately studied in treating syphilis during pregnancy. It is safe for the fetus and highly effective in doses currently recommended by the USPHS. Since these schedules appear to represent a minimal effective dose, smaller amounts should never be used. Whether higher doses would produce higher cure rates is not known. Penicillin is the drug of choice and the standard against which all others must be measured. Tetracyclines in any dose or form should not be used because of toxicity to both mother and child. Erythromycin (except the estolate) and cephalosporins are promising because of low toxicity, but their efficacy has not been established.", "contents": "Treatment of syphilis in pregnancy. Only penicillin has been adequately studied in treating syphilis during pregnancy. It is safe for the fetus and highly effective in doses currently recommended by the USPHS. Since these schedules appear to represent a minimal effective dose, smaller amounts should never be used. Whether higher doses would produce higher cure rates is not known. Penicillin is the drug of choice and the standard against which all others must be measured. Tetracyclines in any dose or form should not be used because of toxicity to both mother and child. Erythromycin (except the estolate) and cephalosporins are promising because of low toxicity, but their efficacy has not been established.", "PMID": 1010783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12243", "title": "Treatment of congenital syphilis.", "content": "Although penicillin remains the drug of choice for congenital syphilis, the optimal regimen has not been established. The published clinical trials were completed before the development of repository preparations such as benzathine penicillin. Consequently, current therapy must be derived from available clinical and pharmacologic data.", "contents": "Treatment of congenital syphilis. Although penicillin remains the drug of choice for congenital syphilis, the optimal regimen has not been established. The published clinical trials were completed before the development of repository preparations such as benzathine penicillin. Consequently, current therapy must be derived from available clinical and pharmacologic data.", "PMID": 1010784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12244", "title": "Adverse reactions in syphilis therapy.", "content": "Reactions related to treatment of syphilis may be due to treponemal infection, therapy, or to the interaction of these. In this review I discuss the Jarisch-Herxheimer (J-H) reaction and the therapeutic paradox. Antibiotic side effects are not unique among patients treated for syphilis; therefore, readers are referred elsewhere for reviews of major antibiotic side effects. J-H reactions are acute, transient episodes with manifestations occurring both systemically and at local sites of treponemal concentration. These reactions are related to the rapid destruction of treponemes by various therapeutic agents. In this review, I suggest that J-H reactions may be significant only in syphilitic paresis, pregnancy complicated by syphilis, and when local inflammation can cause serious functional compromise, as with second or eighth cranial nerve involvement. Many workers use prednisone in conjunction with penicillin in some or all of these situations. However, the efficacy of corticosteroids has not been evaluated for such problems in clinical trials. Therefore, the use of prednisone can be supported only in very selected situations and for short duration (ie, 2 days). Therapeutic paradox, which is clinical worsening despite cure of infection, is said to result from scar formation after rapid treponemal destruction by therapeutic agents. The therapeutic paradox does not appear of great significance. Futhermore, no methods to prevent such reactions are generally advocated.", "contents": "Adverse reactions in syphilis therapy. Reactions related to treatment of syphilis may be due to treponemal infection, therapy, or to the interaction of these. In this review I discuss the Jarisch-Herxheimer (J-H) reaction and the therapeutic paradox. Antibiotic side effects are not unique among patients treated for syphilis; therefore, readers are referred elsewhere for reviews of major antibiotic side effects. J-H reactions are acute, transient episodes with manifestations occurring both systemically and at local sites of treponemal concentration. These reactions are related to the rapid destruction of treponemes by various therapeutic agents. In this review, I suggest that J-H reactions may be significant only in syphilitic paresis, pregnancy complicated by syphilis, and when local inflammation can cause serious functional compromise, as with second or eighth cranial nerve involvement. Many workers use prednisone in conjunction with penicillin in some or all of these situations. However, the efficacy of corticosteroids has not been evaluated for such problems in clinical trials. Therefore, the use of prednisone can be supported only in very selected situations and for short duration (ie, 2 days). Therapeutic paradox, which is clinical worsening despite cure of infection, is said to result from scar formation after rapid treponemal destruction by therapeutic agents. The therapeutic paradox does not appear of great significance. Futhermore, no methods to prevent such reactions are generally advocated.", "PMID": 1010785} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12245", "title": "Epidemiologic treatment of syphilis.", "content": "Epidemiologic treatment refers to antibiotics administered when a diagnosis is considered likely on clinical, laboratory, or epidemiologic grounds, but before the results of confirmatory laboratory tests are known. This treatment is justified on the grounds that the potenial benefits of treating the patient outweigh the potential harm of not treating. This potential harm may affect the individual or the community. Individual sequelae are most significnat when congenital syphilis is allowed to develop due to delays in treating the pregnant woman or newborn child. Community sequelae occur when an infected patient disseminates disease during the interval between initial presentation and final diagnosis. Unless qualified by time limitation and the behavioral and disease characteristics of a given population, exposure to syphilis is a poor criterion for epidemiologic treatment. The risk of infection of certain groups (defined by epidemiologic, clinical, or serologic criteria) should be determined empirically so that epidemiologic treatment is only provided to groups in which this risk has been estimated.", "contents": "Epidemiologic treatment of syphilis. Epidemiologic treatment refers to antibiotics administered when a diagnosis is considered likely on clinical, laboratory, or epidemiologic grounds, but before the results of confirmatory laboratory tests are known. This treatment is justified on the grounds that the potenial benefits of treating the patient outweigh the potential harm of not treating. This potential harm may affect the individual or the community. Individual sequelae are most significnat when congenital syphilis is allowed to develop due to delays in treating the pregnant woman or newborn child. Community sequelae occur when an infected patient disseminates disease during the interval between initial presentation and final diagnosis. Unless qualified by time limitation and the behavioral and disease characteristics of a given population, exposure to syphilis is a poor criterion for epidemiologic treatment. The risk of infection of certain groups (defined by epidemiologic, clinical, or serologic criteria) should be determined empirically so that epidemiologic treatment is only provided to groups in which this risk has been estimated.", "PMID": 1010786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12246", "title": "An ultrastructural study of implantation in the golden hamster. III. Initial formation and differentiation of decidual cells.", "content": "The transformation of fibroblasts into decidual cells was studied ultrastructurally in golden hamsters pregnant for 3, 3 1/2, 4, 4 1/2, 5, or 5 1/2 days (post-ovulation). Cells within the endometrial stroma were generally separated from one another and spindle-shapted before blastocyst contact with the uterine epithelium. Once the epithelium enclosed the blastocyst (3 1/2 days), stromal cells adjacent to the blastocyst antimesometrially began to exhibit more extensive Golgi complexes with increased secretory activity. As differentiation proceeded the amount of cellular contact increased and various types of junctions formed between the cells. Throughout the period examined, intercellular space progressively decreased, while the cisternal width of the granular endoplasmic reticulum continually increased. Special organelles, whose functions remain unknown, first appeared in differentiating cells at 4 days (fibrils) and 5 1/2 days (crystalloid and 'dumb-bell' structures).", "contents": "An ultrastructural study of implantation in the golden hamster. III. Initial formation and differentiation of decidual cells. The transformation of fibroblasts into decidual cells was studied ultrastructurally in golden hamsters pregnant for 3, 3 1/2, 4, 4 1/2, 5, or 5 1/2 days (post-ovulation). Cells within the endometrial stroma were generally separated from one another and spindle-shapted before blastocyst contact with the uterine epithelium. Once the epithelium enclosed the blastocyst (3 1/2 days), stromal cells adjacent to the blastocyst antimesometrially began to exhibit more extensive Golgi complexes with increased secretory activity. As differentiation proceeded the amount of cellular contact increased and various types of junctions formed between the cells. Throughout the period examined, intercellular space progressively decreased, while the cisternal width of the granular endoplasmic reticulum continually increased. Special organelles, whose functions remain unknown, first appeared in differentiating cells at 4 days (fibrils) and 5 1/2 days (crystalloid and 'dumb-bell' structures).", "PMID": 1010788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12247", "title": "Comparative anatomy of the vomeronasal organ complex in bats.", "content": "The morphology of the vomeronasal organ complex was histologically described in eight out of fourteen chiropteran species investigated. Of the six families examined, all except the family Pteropodidae (suborder Megachiroptera) were found to have at least one member possessing the organ. The organ is best developed in phyllostomatids. It is absent in vespertilionids (including a Myotis embryo) except in Miniopterus. An accessory olfactory bulb is reported for the first time in the latter. The organ is described for the first time in Rhinopoma, Megaderma, and Hipposideros. The organ in Rhinolophus is also described. Homologous anterior nasal cartilages and patent nasopalatine ducts are present in all species. The organ occupies the anterior ventral nasal septum region. In Megaderma and Hipposideros it is level with the nasal cavity floor. Areas of epithelium similar to olfactory epithelium have been observed in some organs. Epithelia, vascular sinuses, vomeronasal nerves, paravomeronasal ganglia, accessory olfactory bulbs, and vomeronasal glands have been investigated. In bats with regressed or rudimentary organs (Megaderma, Rhinopoma, Rhinolophus, Hipposideros) accessory olfactory bulbs could not be identified. Thus, presence of the organ does not necessarily indicate presence of the accessory olfactory bulb. Septal pockets located superior to the organ complex and lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium are described in Hipposideros and may play a part in nasophonation. A unique role is proposed for the organ in the feeding behaviour of Desmodus. The desirability of extending the useful terms 'diosmatic' and 'monosmatic' to all vertebrates in reference to their respective possession or lack of the vomeronasal organ is suggested.", "contents": "Comparative anatomy of the vomeronasal organ complex in bats. The morphology of the vomeronasal organ complex was histologically described in eight out of fourteen chiropteran species investigated. Of the six families examined, all except the family Pteropodidae (suborder Megachiroptera) were found to have at least one member possessing the organ. The organ is best developed in phyllostomatids. It is absent in vespertilionids (including a Myotis embryo) except in Miniopterus. An accessory olfactory bulb is reported for the first time in the latter. The organ is described for the first time in Rhinopoma, Megaderma, and Hipposideros. The organ in Rhinolophus is also described. Homologous anterior nasal cartilages and patent nasopalatine ducts are present in all species. The organ occupies the anterior ventral nasal septum region. In Megaderma and Hipposideros it is level with the nasal cavity floor. Areas of epithelium similar to olfactory epithelium have been observed in some organs. Epithelia, vascular sinuses, vomeronasal nerves, paravomeronasal ganglia, accessory olfactory bulbs, and vomeronasal glands have been investigated. In bats with regressed or rudimentary organs (Megaderma, Rhinopoma, Rhinolophus, Hipposideros) accessory olfactory bulbs could not be identified. Thus, presence of the organ does not necessarily indicate presence of the accessory olfactory bulb. Septal pockets located superior to the organ complex and lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium are described in Hipposideros and may play a part in nasophonation. A unique role is proposed for the organ in the feeding behaviour of Desmodus. The desirability of extending the useful terms 'diosmatic' and 'monosmatic' to all vertebrates in reference to their respective possession or lack of the vomeronasal organ is suggested.", "PMID": 1010789} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12248", "title": "Scanning electron microscopy of the lateral cell surfaces of rat incisor ameloblasts.", "content": "Dry dissected rat incisor ameloblasts studied in the scanning electron microscope show remarkable specializations of their lateral surfaces. Four or five cycles of a change from a surface with longitudinal gutterlike folds associated with large intercellular spaces, to one with microvilli and reduced intercellular spaces, are found along the length of the lower incisor maturation zone. It is argued that these changes indicate cyclical activity in maturation ameloblasts.", "contents": "Scanning electron microscopy of the lateral cell surfaces of rat incisor ameloblasts. Dry dissected rat incisor ameloblasts studied in the scanning electron microscope show remarkable specializations of their lateral surfaces. Four or five cycles of a change from a surface with longitudinal gutterlike folds associated with large intercellular spaces, to one with microvilli and reduced intercellular spaces, are found along the length of the lower incisor maturation zone. It is argued that these changes indicate cyclical activity in maturation ameloblasts.", "PMID": 1010790} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12249", "title": "Fine structure and cytochemistry of the intralobular ducts of the human parotid gland.", "content": "An intralobular duct of a human parotid gland has two parts, an intercalated part and a striated part. Intercalated ducts are lined with low cuboidal cells endowed with scanty cytoplasmic organelles. Striated ducts are lined with columnar cells rich in mitochondria and glycogen particles, and are characterized by extensive infoldings of the basal plasma membrane. The apical cytoplasm of the cells of the striated ducts shows a number of membrane-bound granules having a diameter of about 0-15 mum. These granules contain material of varying electron density which does not react with silver or with the histochemical reagents employed in the present study. Thus, on the basis of their small size and histochemical characteristics, they are distinct from the large and dense secretory granules observed in the so-called granular striated ducts of some animals. In addition, cells of striated ducts contain lysosomes, peroxisomes, and large lipoid bodies which give histochemical reactions typical of lipofuscins. Bodies of myoepithelial cells have been observed only in intercalated ducts. Their processes, however, extend into the proximal parts of striated ducts.", "contents": "Fine structure and cytochemistry of the intralobular ducts of the human parotid gland. An intralobular duct of a human parotid gland has two parts, an intercalated part and a striated part. Intercalated ducts are lined with low cuboidal cells endowed with scanty cytoplasmic organelles. Striated ducts are lined with columnar cells rich in mitochondria and glycogen particles, and are characterized by extensive infoldings of the basal plasma membrane. The apical cytoplasm of the cells of the striated ducts shows a number of membrane-bound granules having a diameter of about 0-15 mum. These granules contain material of varying electron density which does not react with silver or with the histochemical reagents employed in the present study. Thus, on the basis of their small size and histochemical characteristics, they are distinct from the large and dense secretory granules observed in the so-called granular striated ducts of some animals. In addition, cells of striated ducts contain lysosomes, peroxisomes, and large lipoid bodies which give histochemical reactions typical of lipofuscins. Bodies of myoepithelial cells have been observed only in intercalated ducts. Their processes, however, extend into the proximal parts of striated ducts.", "PMID": 1010791} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12250", "title": "The maintenance of rat palatal mucosa in organ culture.", "content": "Palatal mucosa from neonatal rats was maintained under organ culture conditions in a chemically defined medium for periods up to 28 days. The histological state of the cultured palatal mucosa was compared with that of control tissue from growing animals of comparable age. The control tissues showed an increase in epithelial thickness, first noticeable at 17 days. Whilst the general structure of the tissues in organ culture was preserved for the duration of the experiment, some changes in epithelial behavior were evident. There was an increase in epithelial thickness up to 6 days, followed by a reduction in the nucleated cell layer of the epithelium to a thickness comparable with that at the start of the experiment. There was a loss of epithelial glycogen within the first day, with occasional reappearance of patchy and irregular deposits. Whereas the control of epithelial thickness appeared to be restored after 10 days in vitro, disturbances in the maturation of the keratinocytes, manifested as epithelial pearls and dyskeratotic cells, were evident at subsequent stages. Epiboly never occurred. The connective tissue component showed continued development, indicated by an increase in the thickness of collagen fibres. The overall palatal growth seen in vivo did not occur in organ culture. We suggest that the improved maintenance reported is partly the result of explanting tissues in such a way as to minimize trauma, and partly the result of incorporating serum albumin into the chemically defined medium.", "contents": "The maintenance of rat palatal mucosa in organ culture. Palatal mucosa from neonatal rats was maintained under organ culture conditions in a chemically defined medium for periods up to 28 days. The histological state of the cultured palatal mucosa was compared with that of control tissue from growing animals of comparable age. The control tissues showed an increase in epithelial thickness, first noticeable at 17 days. Whilst the general structure of the tissues in organ culture was preserved for the duration of the experiment, some changes in epithelial behavior were evident. There was an increase in epithelial thickness up to 6 days, followed by a reduction in the nucleated cell layer of the epithelium to a thickness comparable with that at the start of the experiment. There was a loss of epithelial glycogen within the first day, with occasional reappearance of patchy and irregular deposits. Whereas the control of epithelial thickness appeared to be restored after 10 days in vitro, disturbances in the maturation of the keratinocytes, manifested as epithelial pearls and dyskeratotic cells, were evident at subsequent stages. Epiboly never occurred. The connective tissue component showed continued development, indicated by an increase in the thickness of collagen fibres. The overall palatal growth seen in vivo did not occur in organ culture. We suggest that the improved maintenance reported is partly the result of explanting tissues in such a way as to minimize trauma, and partly the result of incorporating serum albumin into the chemically defined medium.", "PMID": 1010792} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12251", "title": "The lumbosacral dorsal rami of the cat.", "content": "The lumbosacral dorsal rami of the cat were studied by gross dissection. The L1-6 dorsal rami form three discrete branches - lateral, intermediate and medial. The lateral branches supply the iliocostalis lumborum and become cutaneous over the back. The intermediate branches ramify in the longissimus lumborum, and are separated from the lateral branches by the lumbar intermuscular septum. The medial branches supply the multifidus and have a constant branch - the nerve to intertransversarii mediales. The L7 dorsal ramus forms only medial and intermediate branches. The S1 and S2 dorsal rami form three branches, the middle of which form the ascending sacral trunk and accessory ascending sacral trunk. The ascending sacral trunk is derived from S1 and S2, the accessory ascending sacral trunk from S2. Both nerves are the exclusive nerve supply of lumbococcygeus.", "contents": "The lumbosacral dorsal rami of the cat. The lumbosacral dorsal rami of the cat were studied by gross dissection. The L1-6 dorsal rami form three discrete branches - lateral, intermediate and medial. The lateral branches supply the iliocostalis lumborum and become cutaneous over the back. The intermediate branches ramify in the longissimus lumborum, and are separated from the lateral branches by the lumbar intermuscular septum. The medial branches supply the multifidus and have a constant branch - the nerve to intertransversarii mediales. The L7 dorsal ramus forms only medial and intermediate branches. The S1 and S2 dorsal rami form three branches, the middle of which form the ascending sacral trunk and accessory ascending sacral trunk. The ascending sacral trunk is derived from S1 and S2, the accessory ascending sacral trunk from S2. Both nerves are the exclusive nerve supply of lumbococcygeus.", "PMID": 1010794} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12252", "title": "Some observations on the ultrastructure of the adenohypophysis of the Plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus).", "content": "The ultrastructural appearance of the pars distalis of the Plains viscacha is described. Of particular interest are the prolactin cells and stellate cells and the intercellular cysts or channels which may be part of a transport system for hormones.", "contents": "Some observations on the ultrastructure of the adenohypophysis of the Plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus). The ultrastructural appearance of the pars distalis of the Plains viscacha is described. Of particular interest are the prolactin cells and stellate cells and the intercellular cysts or channels which may be part of a transport system for hormones.", "PMID": 1010793} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12253", "title": "The pig synovium. I. The intact synovium in vivo and in organ culture.", "content": "1. The normal synovium of the metacarpophalangeal joints of young pigs was examined by light and electron microscopy with special reference to the superficial layer (intima). 2. Cells of the macrophage-like or A-type (Barland et al. 1962) constituted only a small proportion of the intimal synoviocytes; the majority were of the intermediate and B-types. 3. Synovial villi were explanted on Millipore filters and maintained as organ cultures. The intimal cells in contact with the Millipore formed long branched processes which penetrated deeply into the substrate; these cells, which had a very well-developed endoplasmic reticulum, resembled those of the B-type. The synoviocytes at the upper (free) surface of the villus withdrew their long processes, acquired lamelliform pseudopodia, and their endoplasmic reticulum regressed; they were similar in appearance to the A-type. 4. In the organ cultures the highly branched cells (B-type) next to the Millipore were less phagocytic than the rounded cells (A-type) at the free surface of the villus.", "contents": "The pig synovium. I. The intact synovium in vivo and in organ culture. 1. The normal synovium of the metacarpophalangeal joints of young pigs was examined by light and electron microscopy with special reference to the superficial layer (intima). 2. Cells of the macrophage-like or A-type (Barland et al. 1962) constituted only a small proportion of the intimal synoviocytes; the majority were of the intermediate and B-types. 3. Synovial villi were explanted on Millipore filters and maintained as organ cultures. The intimal cells in contact with the Millipore formed long branched processes which penetrated deeply into the substrate; these cells, which had a very well-developed endoplasmic reticulum, resembled those of the B-type. The synoviocytes at the upper (free) surface of the villus withdrew their long processes, acquired lamelliform pseudopodia, and their endoplasmic reticulum regressed; they were similar in appearance to the A-type. 4. In the organ cultures the highly branched cells (B-type) next to the Millipore were less phagocytic than the rounded cells (A-type) at the free surface of the villus.", "PMID": 1010795} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12254", "title": "An account of the longitudinal mucosal corrugations of the human tracheo-bronchial tree, with observations on those of some animals.", "content": "A description is given of the distribution of the longitudinal mucosal corrugations in the human tracheo-bronchial tree. It has been shown that they are made up of elastic tissue in a collagen matrix, and that the elastic fibres continue into the smallest bronchioles beyond where the corrugations are no longer visible. An examination has also been made of the tracheo-bronchial trees of the hen, rat, raccoon, pig, sheep, llama and tiger. Corrugations are present in all these animals, except the hen and the raccoon, and they have been compared and contrasted with the condition in Man. The functional significance of these corrugations remains unknown, but, they could be important in equalizing tension in the tracheo-bronchial tree during inspiration, as well as in providing elastic recoil during expiration.", "contents": "An account of the longitudinal mucosal corrugations of the human tracheo-bronchial tree, with observations on those of some animals. A description is given of the distribution of the longitudinal mucosal corrugations in the human tracheo-bronchial tree. It has been shown that they are made up of elastic tissue in a collagen matrix, and that the elastic fibres continue into the smallest bronchioles beyond where the corrugations are no longer visible. An examination has also been made of the tracheo-bronchial trees of the hen, rat, raccoon, pig, sheep, llama and tiger. Corrugations are present in all these animals, except the hen and the raccoon, and they have been compared and contrasted with the condition in Man. The functional significance of these corrugations remains unknown, but, they could be important in equalizing tension in the tracheo-bronchial tree during inspiration, as well as in providing elastic recoil during expiration.", "PMID": 1010796} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12255", "title": "A new antibiotic XK-90. II. The structure of XK-90.", "content": "The new antibiotic, XK-90, produced by Streptomyces sp. is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The structure has been determined as N-acetyl-N'-(3-formyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)hydrazine (1) and is the second example of a naturally occurring antibiotic having the phenylhydrazine skeleton.", "contents": "A new antibiotic XK-90. II. The structure of XK-90. The new antibiotic, XK-90, produced by Streptomyces sp. is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The structure has been determined as N-acetyl-N'-(3-formyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)hydrazine (1) and is the second example of a naturally occurring antibiotic having the phenylhydrazine skeleton.", "PMID": 1010798} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12256", "title": "Chemical modification of sorbistin. I. N-acyl analogs of sorbistin.", "content": "Sorbistin A1 (1b) and sorbistin B (1a), bioactive components of a new type of aminoglycoside antibiotic produced by a strain of Pseudomonas species, have been converted into a key intermediate 3 by blocking of the 1- and 4-amino groups of sorbistins with dimedone and subsequent deacylation of the 4'-N-acyl group. Some 4'-N-acyl analogs of sorbistin (1e approximately 1t) have been synthesized by 4'-N-acylation of 3 with an appropriate reactive derivative of carboxylic acids (mixed anhydride, acid chloride or activated ester) followed by deblocking of the protected group with bromine or sodium nitrite. Chemical interconversion of three natural sorbistins A1 (1b), A2 (1c) and B (1a) has been performed by this procedure. The 1-N-acyl (4a approximately 4c) and the 1,4'-N,N-diacyl analogs (6a approximately 6c) have been prepared by direct N-acylation of sorbistin D (1d) (the 4'-desacyl derivative) and sorbistin A1, respectively. On the other hand, the 4-N-acyl (5a and 5b) and the 4,4'-N,N-diacyl derivatives (7a and 7b) have been prepared by acylation and subsequent hydrogenolysis of 1-N-Cbz-sorbistin D (4b) and 1-N-Cbz-sorbistin A1 (6b), respectively. Determination of in vitro antimicrobial activity showed that the 4'-N-propionyl (1b) and the 4'-N-cyclopropylcarbonyl (1s) derivatives are the most active members of the 4'-N-acyl derivatives. Elongation and shortening of the side chain and introduction of functional groups decreased the activity. N-Acylation of the amino group at C-1 or at C-4 gave virtually inactive products.", "contents": "Chemical modification of sorbistin. I. N-acyl analogs of sorbistin. Sorbistin A1 (1b) and sorbistin B (1a), bioactive components of a new type of aminoglycoside antibiotic produced by a strain of Pseudomonas species, have been converted into a key intermediate 3 by blocking of the 1- and 4-amino groups of sorbistins with dimedone and subsequent deacylation of the 4'-N-acyl group. Some 4'-N-acyl analogs of sorbistin (1e approximately 1t) have been synthesized by 4'-N-acylation of 3 with an appropriate reactive derivative of carboxylic acids (mixed anhydride, acid chloride or activated ester) followed by deblocking of the protected group with bromine or sodium nitrite. Chemical interconversion of three natural sorbistins A1 (1b), A2 (1c) and B (1a) has been performed by this procedure. The 1-N-acyl (4a approximately 4c) and the 1,4'-N,N-diacyl analogs (6a approximately 6c) have been prepared by direct N-acylation of sorbistin D (1d) (the 4'-desacyl derivative) and sorbistin A1, respectively. On the other hand, the 4-N-acyl (5a and 5b) and the 4,4'-N,N-diacyl derivatives (7a and 7b) have been prepared by acylation and subsequent hydrogenolysis of 1-N-Cbz-sorbistin D (4b) and 1-N-Cbz-sorbistin A1 (6b), respectively. Determination of in vitro antimicrobial activity showed that the 4'-N-propionyl (1b) and the 4'-N-cyclopropylcarbonyl (1s) derivatives are the most active members of the 4'-N-acyl derivatives. Elongation and shortening of the side chain and introduction of functional groups decreased the activity. N-Acylation of the amino group at C-1 or at C-4 gave virtually inactive products.", "PMID": 1010799} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12257", "title": "Evaluation of mycobacillin and versicolin as agricultural fungicides. II. Stability in soil.", "content": "The effect of paddy soils on mycobacillin and versicolin was investigated. Soil inactivated mycobacillin as determined by spectral analysis and microbiological assay. Soil can inactive mycobacillin only at or above the threshold concentration (125 approximately 130 mug per 10 mg of soil), the excess being unreacted. No new peak appears in the ultraviolet spectrum (240 approximately 300 nm) while mycobacillin is inactivated. Soil is without any effect on versicolin.", "contents": "Evaluation of mycobacillin and versicolin as agricultural fungicides. II. Stability in soil. The effect of paddy soils on mycobacillin and versicolin was investigated. Soil inactivated mycobacillin as determined by spectral analysis and microbiological assay. Soil can inactive mycobacillin only at or above the threshold concentration (125 approximately 130 mug per 10 mg of soil), the excess being unreacted. No new peak appears in the ultraviolet spectrum (240 approximately 300 nm) while mycobacillin is inactivated. Soil is without any effect on versicolin.", "PMID": 1010800} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12258", "title": "Mechanism of action of acetyl kidamycin. II. Inhibition of RNA synthesis in HeLa cells.", "content": "The effects of acetyl kidamycin on RNA synthesis in HeLa cells were investigated. Acetyl kidamycin inhibited the synthesis of 45S pre-rRNA, heterogeneous nuclear RNA (HnRNA) and small molecular weight RNAs, though not to the same degree. The processing of 45S pre-rRNA into 18S and 28S rRNA and that of HnRNA into mRNA were not affected.", "contents": "Mechanism of action of acetyl kidamycin. II. Inhibition of RNA synthesis in HeLa cells. The effects of acetyl kidamycin on RNA synthesis in HeLa cells were investigated. Acetyl kidamycin inhibited the synthesis of 45S pre-rRNA, heterogeneous nuclear RNA (HnRNA) and small molecular weight RNAs, though not to the same degree. The processing of 45S pre-rRNA into 18S and 28S rRNA and that of HnRNA into mRNA were not affected.", "PMID": 1010801} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12259", "title": "Reassociation of dreams. II. An LSD study of sexual conflicts in eczema and asthma.", "content": "This second paper on the reassociation of dreams confirms 1. the value of reassociating a key dream (The Beetle Bug Dream) and 2. the use of lysergic acid diethyl amide (LSD) as an adjunct to psychoanalytic therapy. The patient (Joyce) was a young mother whose very severe eczema and asthma were accompanied by an incapacitating depression. The following summary of the three interviews indicate briefly the psychodynamic materials developed which helped Joyce uncover her confused sexual identifications and fear of lesbianism. In Interview 96 the initial Beetle Bug Dream was studied cautiously. On analysis the tentacles of the Beetle Bugs symbolically represented the hands of a man mauling a girl's skin. A sexual approach by a man is considered an attack. \"Bugs get under the skin. If Jack (my husband) touches my skin, that spot itches.\" A second Beetle Bug is described. The special aspect of this unique Bug is that it was not threatening. This Bug is discussed in terms of the transference: the silent analyst and a father who responded to her childhood travail by silence are compared. Reassociation of the Beetle Bug Dream without LSD took place one year later. The session (Interview 235) lasted about 45 minutes and the verbatim recording occupied 12 typewritten pages. Free association led to the realization that the patient was programmed in part to identify with her father--a silent, passive individual. It was apparent that a psychological struggle for femininity, induced by the confused identification led to a threat of penetration by the sting of the Beetle Bug and, where a man was involved, penetration by the penis. Interview 236 (three days later) was conducted under LSD 25. The Beetle Bug Dream again formed the basis of this interview, which lasted four hours and occupied 46 pages of typewritten, verbatim material. A new feeling of independence from maternal influence is felt. \"It used to be if I just thought of her, I could start scratching.\" The relationship with her husband is complicated by \"deep, dark secrets.\" She is afraid of her husband. Her mother emphasized she was \"one\" with her father. Contact with aggressive males during adolescence, as well as seductive episodes were disturbing. In camp she feared that she might be a lesbian. This fear persisted into adult life. The threat of the Beetle Bug sting is developed further. Hostile feelings toward the penis are revealed in detail, The part of the penis in the vagina could be chopped off--the penis was what the sting of the Beetle Bug would be if it penetrated the skin. The bridegroom attacks the bride. An unwanted pregnancy is equivalent to the broken sting remaining in the skin. These revelations led to insight regarding unusual violent anger toward her child during toilet training. The data support the view that publication of verbatim recordings are a necessary condition for establishing psychoanalytic procedures as a basic science of medicine and of the validity of psychodynamic theory...", "contents": "Reassociation of dreams. II. An LSD study of sexual conflicts in eczema and asthma. This second paper on the reassociation of dreams confirms 1. the value of reassociating a key dream (The Beetle Bug Dream) and 2. the use of lysergic acid diethyl amide (LSD) as an adjunct to psychoanalytic therapy. The patient (Joyce) was a young mother whose very severe eczema and asthma were accompanied by an incapacitating depression. The following summary of the three interviews indicate briefly the psychodynamic materials developed which helped Joyce uncover her confused sexual identifications and fear of lesbianism. In Interview 96 the initial Beetle Bug Dream was studied cautiously. On analysis the tentacles of the Beetle Bugs symbolically represented the hands of a man mauling a girl's skin. A sexual approach by a man is considered an attack. \"Bugs get under the skin. If Jack (my husband) touches my skin, that spot itches.\" A second Beetle Bug is described. The special aspect of this unique Bug is that it was not threatening. This Bug is discussed in terms of the transference: the silent analyst and a father who responded to her childhood travail by silence are compared. Reassociation of the Beetle Bug Dream without LSD took place one year later. The session (Interview 235) lasted about 45 minutes and the verbatim recording occupied 12 typewritten pages. Free association led to the realization that the patient was programmed in part to identify with her father--a silent, passive individual. It was apparent that a psychological struggle for femininity, induced by the confused identification led to a threat of penetration by the sting of the Beetle Bug and, where a man was involved, penetration by the penis. Interview 236 (three days later) was conducted under LSD 25. The Beetle Bug Dream again formed the basis of this interview, which lasted four hours and occupied 46 pages of typewritten, verbatim material. A new feeling of independence from maternal influence is felt. \"It used to be if I just thought of her, I could start scratching.\" The relationship with her husband is complicated by \"deep, dark secrets.\" She is afraid of her husband. Her mother emphasized she was \"one\" with her father. Contact with aggressive males during adolescence, as well as seductive episodes were disturbing. In camp she feared that she might be a lesbian. This fear persisted into adult life. The threat of the Beetle Bug sting is developed further. Hostile feelings toward the penis are revealed in detail, The part of the penis in the vagina could be chopped off--the penis was what the sting of the Beetle Bug would be if it penetrated the skin. The bridegroom attacks the bride. An unwanted pregnancy is equivalent to the broken sting remaining in the skin. These revelations led to insight regarding unusual violent anger toward her child during toilet training. The data support the view that publication of verbatim recordings are a necessary condition for establishing psychoanalytic procedures as a basic science of medicine and of the validity of psychodynamic theory...", "PMID": 1010810} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12260", "title": "Comparative study of carbohydrate-protein complexes. II. Determination of hydroxylysine and its glycosides in human skin and scar collagens by an improved method.", "content": "A modification of the existing methods for measuring hydroxylysine, galactosylhydroxylysine, and glucosylgalactosylhydroxylysine is described. The method is based on analysis with an automated amino acid analyzer using a conventional separation system for basic amino acids. The prior removal of acidic and neutral amino acids was necessary. This was achieved by passing an alkaline hydrolysate of collagen through a column of Amberlite CG-120, Type II (H+) and washing the column with 8% aqueous pyridine. A basic fraction containing the hydroxylysine compounds was then recovered from the column by elution with 3 M NH4OH. Model experiments showed that hydroxylysine and its glycosides could be analyzed with an hour and that recoveries exceeded 90%. This method was applied to human tissues to investigate whether the dermal scar is different in collagen composition from normal skin. With the limited number of samples analyzed, the data suggested that long-standing scar tissues reverted to a composition similar to that of normal skin. The composition of hydroxylysine-linked carbohydrate units is also discussed on the basis of the age-related change.", "contents": "Comparative study of carbohydrate-protein complexes. II. Determination of hydroxylysine and its glycosides in human skin and scar collagens by an improved method. A modification of the existing methods for measuring hydroxylysine, galactosylhydroxylysine, and glucosylgalactosylhydroxylysine is described. The method is based on analysis with an automated amino acid analyzer using a conventional separation system for basic amino acids. The prior removal of acidic and neutral amino acids was necessary. This was achieved by passing an alkaline hydrolysate of collagen through a column of Amberlite CG-120, Type II (H+) and washing the column with 8% aqueous pyridine. A basic fraction containing the hydroxylysine compounds was then recovered from the column by elution with 3 M NH4OH. Model experiments showed that hydroxylysine and its glycosides could be analyzed with an hour and that recoveries exceeded 90%. This method was applied to human tissues to investigate whether the dermal scar is different in collagen composition from normal skin. With the limited number of samples analyzed, the data suggested that long-standing scar tissues reverted to a composition similar to that of normal skin. The composition of hydroxylysine-linked carbohydrate units is also discussed on the basis of the age-related change.", "PMID": 1010838} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12261", "title": "Calf thymus histone H2A. Purification and tryptic peptides.", "content": "One of the five main histone molecular species, H2A, of calf thymus was fractionated and purified on a large scale for chemical and physical studies. This was achieved by three methods, using different combinations of our CM-cellulose chromatographic technique with other chromatographic systems reported. Method I consists of chromatography first on CM-cellulose and then on Sephadex G-100, Method II first on Amberlite CG-50 and then on CM-cellulose and then on Bio-Gel P-10. Method I was successful when the starting material obtained by Johns' fractionation methods was contaminated by a small amount of H3 histone. Method II did not suffer from such a limitation but gave a low recovery of H2A on the first chromatography. Method III provided the purest preparations of H2A, together with highly purified H3, H4, and others, and is superior to methods previously reported for the large-scale preparation of H2A and other species from whole histone as regards the simplicity of the procedures and the purity and yield of the products. The preparation obtained by Method I was digested with trypsin [EC 3.4.21.4]. The resulting soluble and insoluble fractions of the digest were fractionated by column chromatography to give 20 small peptides and 2 large peptides, respectively, with high recoveries. The sequences of almost all the soluble peptides were determined; these, taking into account the recoveries of these peptides and the compositions of the insoluble peptides (19 and 29 residues), accounted for all the 129 amino acid residues of this histone.", "contents": "Calf thymus histone H2A. Purification and tryptic peptides. One of the five main histone molecular species, H2A, of calf thymus was fractionated and purified on a large scale for chemical and physical studies. This was achieved by three methods, using different combinations of our CM-cellulose chromatographic technique with other chromatographic systems reported. Method I consists of chromatography first on CM-cellulose and then on Sephadex G-100, Method II first on Amberlite CG-50 and then on CM-cellulose and then on Bio-Gel P-10. Method I was successful when the starting material obtained by Johns' fractionation methods was contaminated by a small amount of H3 histone. Method II did not suffer from such a limitation but gave a low recovery of H2A on the first chromatography. Method III provided the purest preparations of H2A, together with highly purified H3, H4, and others, and is superior to methods previously reported for the large-scale preparation of H2A and other species from whole histone as regards the simplicity of the procedures and the purity and yield of the products. The preparation obtained by Method I was digested with trypsin [EC 3.4.21.4]. The resulting soluble and insoluble fractions of the digest were fractionated by column chromatography to give 20 small peptides and 2 large peptides, respectively, with high recoveries. The sequences of almost all the soluble peptides were determined; these, taking into account the recoveries of these peptides and the compositions of the insoluble peptides (19 and 29 residues), accounted for all the 129 amino acid residues of this histone.", "PMID": 1010839} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12262", "title": "Studies on silk fibroin of Bombyx mori. I. Fractionation of fibroin prepared from the posterior silk gland.", "content": "1. Fractionation of fibroin prepared from the posterior silk glands of Bombyx mori was carried out. After carboxymethylation of the fibroin, it was fractionated by ammonium sulfate precipitation, Sephadex G-200 gel filtration and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. 2. The fibroin was composed of at least two protein groups of large molecular size and three or four components of small molecular size, and, in addition, a mixture of proteins ranging in size from about 25,000 to more than 100,000 daltons with almost the same amino acid compositions. 3. The latter proteins contained about 48% glycine, 32% alanine, 11% serine, 4.5% tyrosine, 2% valine, and other minor amino acids. The sum of these main five amino acids accounts for more than 97% of the total amino acid residues of the proteins. 4. The present results indicate major heterogeneity in the molecular size of posterior silk gland fibroin, and, in addition, suggest the possibility of repeating sequences with relatively simple amino acid compositions in major peptide chains of fibroin.", "contents": "Studies on silk fibroin of Bombyx mori. I. Fractionation of fibroin prepared from the posterior silk gland. 1. Fractionation of fibroin prepared from the posterior silk glands of Bombyx mori was carried out. After carboxymethylation of the fibroin, it was fractionated by ammonium sulfate precipitation, Sephadex G-200 gel filtration and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. 2. The fibroin was composed of at least two protein groups of large molecular size and three or four components of small molecular size, and, in addition, a mixture of proteins ranging in size from about 25,000 to more than 100,000 daltons with almost the same amino acid compositions. 3. The latter proteins contained about 48% glycine, 32% alanine, 11% serine, 4.5% tyrosine, 2% valine, and other minor amino acids. The sum of these main five amino acids accounts for more than 97% of the total amino acid residues of the proteins. 4. The present results indicate major heterogeneity in the molecular size of posterior silk gland fibroin, and, in addition, suggest the possibility of repeating sequences with relatively simple amino acid compositions in major peptide chains of fibroin.", "PMID": 1010840} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12263", "title": "Phospholipid metabolism in ehrlich ascites tumor cells. II. Turnover rate of ether phospholipids.", "content": "1. Radioactive precursors of phospholipids, i.e., 32Pi, [1-14C]glycerol, [2-3H]glycerol, and [1-14C]acetate, were individually injected into the peritoneal cavity of mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and the rates of incorporation were estimated. 2. Although [2-3H]glycerol was not practically incorporated into ether phospholipids, the other three radioactive precursors were incorporated into diacyl, 1-O-alkenyl-2-acryl-, and 1-O-alkyl-2-acryl-GPE (GPC). 3. In the experiments on 32Pi or [1-14C]acetate incorporation, 1-O-alkyl compounds in the ethanolamine phosphoglyceride fraction showed high specific activities in comparison with 1-acyl compounds. In the case of [1-14C]glycerol incorporation, a high rate of incorporation into 1-O-alkyl compounds was not found. In the choline phosphoglyceride fraction, a high rate of incorporation of the above precursors into 1-O-alkyl compounds was not observed. 4. The specific activities of 1-O-alkenyl compounds were fairly low compared with those of 1-acyl- and 1-O-acyl- and 1-O-alkyl compounds throughout the incorporation experiments with [1-14C]glycerol and [1-14C]acetate, but in 32Pi incorporation, 1-O-alkenyl compounds showed higher specific activities than 1-acyl compounds in ethanolamine phosphoglyceride, suggesting an exchange reaction of the phosphorylethanolamine moiety. 5. From the above findings, it appears that alkyl ether phospholipids of ethanolamine from may have a significant role in ascites tumor cells, based on their rapid turnover.", "contents": "Phospholipid metabolism in ehrlich ascites tumor cells. II. Turnover rate of ether phospholipids. 1. Radioactive precursors of phospholipids, i.e., 32Pi, [1-14C]glycerol, [2-3H]glycerol, and [1-14C]acetate, were individually injected into the peritoneal cavity of mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and the rates of incorporation were estimated. 2. Although [2-3H]glycerol was not practically incorporated into ether phospholipids, the other three radioactive precursors were incorporated into diacyl, 1-O-alkenyl-2-acryl-, and 1-O-alkyl-2-acryl-GPE (GPC). 3. In the experiments on 32Pi or [1-14C]acetate incorporation, 1-O-alkyl compounds in the ethanolamine phosphoglyceride fraction showed high specific activities in comparison with 1-acyl compounds. In the case of [1-14C]glycerol incorporation, a high rate of incorporation into 1-O-alkyl compounds was not found. In the choline phosphoglyceride fraction, a high rate of incorporation of the above precursors into 1-O-alkyl compounds was not observed. 4. The specific activities of 1-O-alkenyl compounds were fairly low compared with those of 1-acyl- and 1-O-acyl- and 1-O-alkyl compounds throughout the incorporation experiments with [1-14C]glycerol and [1-14C]acetate, but in 32Pi incorporation, 1-O-alkenyl compounds showed higher specific activities than 1-acyl compounds in ethanolamine phosphoglyceride, suggesting an exchange reaction of the phosphorylethanolamine moiety. 5. From the above findings, it appears that alkyl ether phospholipids of ethanolamine from may have a significant role in ascites tumor cells, based on their rapid turnover.", "PMID": 1010841} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12264", "title": "Solubilization of diglyceride acyltransferase from the membrane of Mycobacterium smegmatis.", "content": "Diglyceride acyltransferase [acyl-CoA : 1,2-diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase, EC 2.3.1.20] was found to be localized in the membrane of Mycobacterium smegmatis, and this enzyme could be solubilized from the membrane by treatment with aqueous acetone. The solubilized enzyme required either 1,2-diolein or 1, 3-diolein as an acceptor for palmitoyl-CoA. The apparent Km value for 1,2- or 1,3-diolein and that for palmitoyl-CoA were about 1.4 X 10(-5) M and 6 X 10(-6) M, respectively. Several sulfhydryl reagents were inhibitory to the enzyme activity, suggesting the existence of a thiol group(s) in its active site. The solubilized enzyme, which was more labile than that membrane-bound one, could be stabilized to some extent with antichaotropic salts such as phosphate, pyrophosphate, and sulfate.", "contents": "Solubilization of diglyceride acyltransferase from the membrane of Mycobacterium smegmatis. Diglyceride acyltransferase [acyl-CoA : 1,2-diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase, EC 2.3.1.20] was found to be localized in the membrane of Mycobacterium smegmatis, and this enzyme could be solubilized from the membrane by treatment with aqueous acetone. The solubilized enzyme required either 1,2-diolein or 1, 3-diolein as an acceptor for palmitoyl-CoA. The apparent Km value for 1,2- or 1,3-diolein and that for palmitoyl-CoA were about 1.4 X 10(-5) M and 6 X 10(-6) M, respectively. Several sulfhydryl reagents were inhibitory to the enzyme activity, suggesting the existence of a thiol group(s) in its active site. The solubilized enzyme, which was more labile than that membrane-bound one, could be stabilized to some extent with antichaotropic salts such as phosphate, pyrophosphate, and sulfate.", "PMID": 1010842} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12265", "title": "Effect of cholesterol sulfate and sodium dodecyl sulfate on lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase in human plasma.", "content": "The effects of cholesterol sulfate and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the esterification of cholesterol in sonicated dispersions of lecithin-cholesterol mixtures by lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase [EC 2.3.1.43] (LCAT) in human plasma were studied in vitro. The acyltransferase activity was inhibited at concentrations of cholesterol sulfate higher than 1 X 10(-4) M. This inhibition was not eliminated by the addition of bovine serum albumin or CaC12. On the contrary, the acyltransferase activity was stimulated at concentrations of SDS ranging from 1 X 10(-5) M to 1 X 10(-3) M, and maximum stimulation was obtained at 5 X 10(-4) M. The maximum stimulation disappeared on the addition of bovine serum albumin (30 mg per ml of incubation medium), 1 X 10(-3) M CaC12 or 1 X 10(-4) M cholesterol sulfate. On the other hand, the extent of inhibition of the acyltransferase by cholesterol sulfate was not affected by the amount of lecithin in the dispersion added as a substrate, but the maximum stimulation (5 X 10(-4) M SDS) of the acyltransferase was interfered with when a large amount of lecithin was present in the dispersion. In addition, the amount of SDS required for maximum cholesterol esterification was not affected by the amount of lecithin present in the dispersion. These results suggest that the action of cholesterol sulfate on the acyltransferase is different from that of SDS.", "contents": "Effect of cholesterol sulfate and sodium dodecyl sulfate on lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase in human plasma. The effects of cholesterol sulfate and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the esterification of cholesterol in sonicated dispersions of lecithin-cholesterol mixtures by lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase [EC 2.3.1.43] (LCAT) in human plasma were studied in vitro. The acyltransferase activity was inhibited at concentrations of cholesterol sulfate higher than 1 X 10(-4) M. This inhibition was not eliminated by the addition of bovine serum albumin or CaC12. On the contrary, the acyltransferase activity was stimulated at concentrations of SDS ranging from 1 X 10(-5) M to 1 X 10(-3) M, and maximum stimulation was obtained at 5 X 10(-4) M. The maximum stimulation disappeared on the addition of bovine serum albumin (30 mg per ml of incubation medium), 1 X 10(-3) M CaC12 or 1 X 10(-4) M cholesterol sulfate. On the other hand, the extent of inhibition of the acyltransferase by cholesterol sulfate was not affected by the amount of lecithin in the dispersion added as a substrate, but the maximum stimulation (5 X 10(-4) M SDS) of the acyltransferase was interfered with when a large amount of lecithin was present in the dispersion. In addition, the amount of SDS required for maximum cholesterol esterification was not affected by the amount of lecithin present in the dispersion. These results suggest that the action of cholesterol sulfate on the acyltransferase is different from that of SDS.", "PMID": 1010843} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12266", "title": "Ribonucleases from porcine brain. Partial purification and properties.", "content": "1. An acid ribonuclease was partially purified from an acetone powder of porcine brain. This enzyme was an acidic protein with a molecular weight of aroung 70,000. It acted on yeast RNA optimally at about pH 5.9, yielding only a mixture of 3'-mononucleotides, and therefore appears to be an exonuclease. It did not hydrolyze heat-denatured calf thymus DNA or bis(rho-nitrophenyl) phosphate. It was fairly unstable to heat and acid. 2. An alkaline ribonuclease was partially purified from the same source simultaneously. This enzyme was a basic protein with a molecular weight of 25,000-26,000. It was a pyrimidine-specific endoribonuclease, and acted on yeast RNA optimmally at around pH 7.4. It did not hydrolyze heat-denatured calf thymus DNA or bis(rho-nitrophenyl) phosphate. It was fairly stable to heat and acid.", "contents": "Ribonucleases from porcine brain. Partial purification and properties. 1. An acid ribonuclease was partially purified from an acetone powder of porcine brain. This enzyme was an acidic protein with a molecular weight of aroung 70,000. It acted on yeast RNA optimally at about pH 5.9, yielding only a mixture of 3'-mononucleotides, and therefore appears to be an exonuclease. It did not hydrolyze heat-denatured calf thymus DNA or bis(rho-nitrophenyl) phosphate. It was fairly unstable to heat and acid. 2. An alkaline ribonuclease was partially purified from the same source simultaneously. This enzyme was a basic protein with a molecular weight of 25,000-26,000. It was a pyrimidine-specific endoribonuclease, and acted on yeast RNA optimmally at around pH 7.4. It did not hydrolyze heat-denatured calf thymus DNA or bis(rho-nitrophenyl) phosphate. It was fairly stable to heat and acid.", "PMID": 1010844} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12267", "title": "The aconitase of yeast. IV. Studies on iron and sulfur in yeast aconitase.", "content": "Chemical analyses were carried out to determine the active components of the crystalline aconitase [EC 4.2.1.3] of Candida lipolytica. The enzyme contained 2 atoms of non-heme iron, 1 atom of labile sulfur, and 6 sulfhydryl groups per molecule. One atom of the non-heme iron was released by the addition of metal-chelating agents such as sodium citrate, sodium nitrilotriacetate (NTA) or sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) without loss of the enzyme activity. The non-heme iron and labile sulfur were released by the addition of sulfhydryl reagents such as rho-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB), sodium mersalyl or urea with loss of the enzyme activity. o-Phenanthroline reacted with the iron atoms in the enzyme at pH 6.0 with loss of the activity. These results show that yeast aconitase is an iron-sulfur protein and that only one of the two non-heme iron atoms is essential for enzyme activity.", "contents": "The aconitase of yeast. IV. Studies on iron and sulfur in yeast aconitase. Chemical analyses were carried out to determine the active components of the crystalline aconitase [EC 4.2.1.3] of Candida lipolytica. The enzyme contained 2 atoms of non-heme iron, 1 atom of labile sulfur, and 6 sulfhydryl groups per molecule. One atom of the non-heme iron was released by the addition of metal-chelating agents such as sodium citrate, sodium nitrilotriacetate (NTA) or sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) without loss of the enzyme activity. The non-heme iron and labile sulfur were released by the addition of sulfhydryl reagents such as rho-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB), sodium mersalyl or urea with loss of the enzyme activity. o-Phenanthroline reacted with the iron atoms in the enzyme at pH 6.0 with loss of the activity. These results show that yeast aconitase is an iron-sulfur protein and that only one of the two non-heme iron atoms is essential for enzyme activity.", "PMID": 1010845} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12268", "title": "The aconitase of yeast. V. The reconstitution of yeast aconitase.", "content": "The apoenzyme of yeast aconitase [EC 4.2.1.3] was prepared by treatment of yeast aconitase with sodium mersalyl, followed by passage by passage of the reaction mixture through a column of Dowex A-1 and gel filtration on Sephadex G-25. The apoenzyme had no aconitase activity, but the active enzyme could be reconstituted by treatment of the apoenzyme with ferrous ions and sodium sulfide in the presence of 2-mercapto-ethanol. The reconstituted active enzyme was isolated by DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column chromatography and Sephadex G-100 gel filtration from the reaction mixture. The reconstituted enzyme was identical with the original untreated enzyme in terms of specific activity, iron content and spectral characteristics, but not in terms of labile sulfur content. A significant difference in visible spectra between the holo- and apoenzymes appeared to be due to the difference in iron and labile sulfur contents between the two proteins.", "contents": "The aconitase of yeast. V. The reconstitution of yeast aconitase. The apoenzyme of yeast aconitase [EC 4.2.1.3] was prepared by treatment of yeast aconitase with sodium mersalyl, followed by passage by passage of the reaction mixture through a column of Dowex A-1 and gel filtration on Sephadex G-25. The apoenzyme had no aconitase activity, but the active enzyme could be reconstituted by treatment of the apoenzyme with ferrous ions and sodium sulfide in the presence of 2-mercapto-ethanol. The reconstituted active enzyme was isolated by DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column chromatography and Sephadex G-100 gel filtration from the reaction mixture. The reconstituted enzyme was identical with the original untreated enzyme in terms of specific activity, iron content and spectral characteristics, but not in terms of labile sulfur content. A significant difference in visible spectra between the holo- and apoenzymes appeared to be due to the difference in iron and labile sulfur contents between the two proteins.", "PMID": 1010846} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12269", "title": "Light-induced oxidation-reduction reactions of cytochromes in the green sulfur photosynthetic bacterium Prosthecochloris aesturarii.", "content": "The light-induced oxidation-reduction reactions of cytochromes in intact cells, starved cells, and chlorobium vesicle fractions of the green sulfur photosynthetic bacterium Prosthecochloris aesturarii were studied under anaerobic conditions. On the basis of both kinetic and spectral properties, at least three cytochrome species were found to be involved in the light-induced oxidation-reduction reactions of intact cells. These cytochromes were designated according to the positions of alpha-band maxima as C555 (rapid and slow components) and C552 (intermediate). By comparing the light-minus-dark difference spectra with the reduced-minus-oxidized difference spectra of purified cytochromes of this organism, rapid component C555 and intermediate component C552 are suggested to correspond to the purified cytochromes c-555(550) and c-551.5, respectively. Although the identity of the slow-phase component is uncertain, one possibility is that the slow phase is due to the bound form of c-555(550). In substrate-depleted (starved) cells, only one cytochrome species, C555 remained in the reduced state in the dark and oxidized upon actinic illumination. This corresponds to the rapid C555 component in intact cells. In the case of chlorobium vesicle fractions, one cytochrome species having an alpha-band maximum at 554 nm was oxidized by actinic light. The effects of several inhibitors on the absorbance changes of intact cells were studied. Antimycin A decreased the rate of the dark reduction of rapid C555 component. The complex effects of CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone) on the oxidation-reduction reactions of cytochromes were interpreted as the results of inhibition of the electron donation to oxidized C552 and C555 (slow), and a shift of the dark steady-state redox levels of cytochromes. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the rapid C555 component is located in a cyclic electron transfer pathway. The other two cytochromes, C552 and C555 (slow), may be located in non-cyclic electron transfer pathways and receive electrons from exogenous substrates such as sodium sulfide. A tentative scheme for the electron transfer system in Prosthecochloris aestuarii is presented and its nature is discussed.", "contents": "Light-induced oxidation-reduction reactions of cytochromes in the green sulfur photosynthetic bacterium Prosthecochloris aesturarii. The light-induced oxidation-reduction reactions of cytochromes in intact cells, starved cells, and chlorobium vesicle fractions of the green sulfur photosynthetic bacterium Prosthecochloris aesturarii were studied under anaerobic conditions. On the basis of both kinetic and spectral properties, at least three cytochrome species were found to be involved in the light-induced oxidation-reduction reactions of intact cells. These cytochromes were designated according to the positions of alpha-band maxima as C555 (rapid and slow components) and C552 (intermediate). By comparing the light-minus-dark difference spectra with the reduced-minus-oxidized difference spectra of purified cytochromes of this organism, rapid component C555 and intermediate component C552 are suggested to correspond to the purified cytochromes c-555(550) and c-551.5, respectively. Although the identity of the slow-phase component is uncertain, one possibility is that the slow phase is due to the bound form of c-555(550). In substrate-depleted (starved) cells, only one cytochrome species, C555 remained in the reduced state in the dark and oxidized upon actinic illumination. This corresponds to the rapid C555 component in intact cells. In the case of chlorobium vesicle fractions, one cytochrome species having an alpha-band maximum at 554 nm was oxidized by actinic light. The effects of several inhibitors on the absorbance changes of intact cells were studied. Antimycin A decreased the rate of the dark reduction of rapid C555 component. The complex effects of CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone) on the oxidation-reduction reactions of cytochromes were interpreted as the results of inhibition of the electron donation to oxidized C552 and C555 (slow), and a shift of the dark steady-state redox levels of cytochromes. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the rapid C555 component is located in a cyclic electron transfer pathway. The other two cytochromes, C552 and C555 (slow), may be located in non-cyclic electron transfer pathways and receive electrons from exogenous substrates such as sodium sulfide. A tentative scheme for the electron transfer system in Prosthecochloris aestuarii is presented and its nature is discussed.", "PMID": 1010847} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12270", "title": "Flavodoxin: an allosteric inhibitor of AMP nucleosidase from Azotobacter vinelandii.", "content": "Flavodoxin, which participates in nitrogen fixation, was found to be a potent allosteric inhibitor of AMP nucleosidase [EC 3.2.2.4] from Azotobacter vinelandii. It inhibited the enzyme by decreasing its affinity for ATP without affecting the maximum velocity. The inhibition constant for flavodoxin was estimated to be 10 muM, which is within the range of physiological concentration in the cells. The concentration of flavodoxin able to alter the activity in vitro suggests that this phenomenon could be of significance in the regulation of flavin biosynthesis in vivo. Flavin mononucleotide (FMN), a prosthetic group of flavodoxin, was also found to act as an allosteric inhibitor. Since no inhibitory action of apo-flavodoxin was observed, it was concluded that the FMN chromophore of the flavodoxin is responsible for the inhibition of the enzyme by this protein.", "contents": "Flavodoxin: an allosteric inhibitor of AMP nucleosidase from Azotobacter vinelandii. Flavodoxin, which participates in nitrogen fixation, was found to be a potent allosteric inhibitor of AMP nucleosidase [EC 3.2.2.4] from Azotobacter vinelandii. It inhibited the enzyme by decreasing its affinity for ATP without affecting the maximum velocity. The inhibition constant for flavodoxin was estimated to be 10 muM, which is within the range of physiological concentration in the cells. The concentration of flavodoxin able to alter the activity in vitro suggests that this phenomenon could be of significance in the regulation of flavin biosynthesis in vivo. Flavin mononucleotide (FMN), a prosthetic group of flavodoxin, was also found to act as an allosteric inhibitor. Since no inhibitory action of apo-flavodoxin was observed, it was concluded that the FMN chromophore of the flavodoxin is responsible for the inhibition of the enzyme by this protein.", "PMID": 1010848} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12271", "title": "Metabolism of threo-beta-methylmalate by a soil bacterium.", "content": "Studies on threo-beta-methylmalate metabolism in a soil bacterium of the genus Bacillus which can utilize threo-beta-methylmalate as a sole carbon source were carried out. When DL-threo-beta-methylmalate was incubated with a cell-free extract of the bacterium, citramalate was found to be formed. Similarly, formation of threo-beta-methylmalate from DL-citramalate was confirmed. These dicarbosylic acids were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Examination of inducibility, substrate specificity, and cofactor requirement of the enzymes involved in the reactions showed the existence of two interconversion reactions between the threo-beta-methylmalate and citramalate. One was an interconversion reaction between L-threo-beta-methylmalate and L-citramalate via mesaconate and the other was an interconversion reaction between D-threo-beta-methylmalate and D-citramalate via citraconate. These reactions were both reversible and were catalyzed by distinct and inducible enzymes. It is suggested that the two reactions participate in the catabolism of threo-beta-methylmalate.", "contents": "Metabolism of threo-beta-methylmalate by a soil bacterium. Studies on threo-beta-methylmalate metabolism in a soil bacterium of the genus Bacillus which can utilize threo-beta-methylmalate as a sole carbon source were carried out. When DL-threo-beta-methylmalate was incubated with a cell-free extract of the bacterium, citramalate was found to be formed. Similarly, formation of threo-beta-methylmalate from DL-citramalate was confirmed. These dicarbosylic acids were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Examination of inducibility, substrate specificity, and cofactor requirement of the enzymes involved in the reactions showed the existence of two interconversion reactions between the threo-beta-methylmalate and citramalate. One was an interconversion reaction between L-threo-beta-methylmalate and L-citramalate via mesaconate and the other was an interconversion reaction between D-threo-beta-methylmalate and D-citramalate via citraconate. These reactions were both reversible and were catalyzed by distinct and inducible enzymes. It is suggested that the two reactions participate in the catabolism of threo-beta-methylmalate.", "PMID": 1010849} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12272", "title": "Changes in mitochondrial phosphorylative activity and adenylate energy charge of regenerating rabbit liver.", "content": "The changes in the cellular concentrations of ATP, ADP, and AMP and in oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria were investigated in the remaining liver of partially hepatectomized rabbits. The energy charge (defined as half of the average number of anhydride-bonded phosphate groups per adenosine moiety) of the liver remnant decreased from 0.866 to 0.767 (p less than 0.01) within 24 hr after hepatectomy, and then increased to a substantially higher level than normal within 7 days. On the other hand, the mitochondrial phosphyorylative activity increased rapidly to 170 per cent of the control within 12 hr and then retruned to normal within 7 days. The mitochondrial phosphorylative activity was inversely correlated with energy charge of the liver remnant (r = -0.75, p less less than 0.01). The maximal enhancement of mitochondrial phosphorylative activity was found in mitochondria obtained from the liver remnant with the lowest level of energy charge, suggesting a response of mitochondria in vivo involving enhanced biosynthetic ATP-utilizing reactions at an early stage of the regenerating process. The enhancement of phosphorylative activity was accompanied by a rise in the respiratory control ratio, P/O ratio and state 3 respiration. The adenylate kinase [EC 2.7.4.3] activity in the liver remnant increased to more than 160% of the control within 2 days after partial hepatectomy, while the pyruvate kinase [EC 2.7.1.40] activity decreased remarkably. However, the changes in the two enzyme activities did not correlate with those of mitochondrial phosphorylative activity or the energy charge of the liver remnant.", "contents": "Changes in mitochondrial phosphorylative activity and adenylate energy charge of regenerating rabbit liver. The changes in the cellular concentrations of ATP, ADP, and AMP and in oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria were investigated in the remaining liver of partially hepatectomized rabbits. The energy charge (defined as half of the average number of anhydride-bonded phosphate groups per adenosine moiety) of the liver remnant decreased from 0.866 to 0.767 (p less than 0.01) within 24 hr after hepatectomy, and then increased to a substantially higher level than normal within 7 days. On the other hand, the mitochondrial phosphyorylative activity increased rapidly to 170 per cent of the control within 12 hr and then retruned to normal within 7 days. The mitochondrial phosphorylative activity was inversely correlated with energy charge of the liver remnant (r = -0.75, p less less than 0.01). The maximal enhancement of mitochondrial phosphorylative activity was found in mitochondria obtained from the liver remnant with the lowest level of energy charge, suggesting a response of mitochondria in vivo involving enhanced biosynthetic ATP-utilizing reactions at an early stage of the regenerating process. The enhancement of phosphorylative activity was accompanied by a rise in the respiratory control ratio, P/O ratio and state 3 respiration. The adenylate kinase [EC 2.7.4.3] activity in the liver remnant increased to more than 160% of the control within 2 days after partial hepatectomy, while the pyruvate kinase [EC 2.7.1.40] activity decreased remarkably. However, the changes in the two enzyme activities did not correlate with those of mitochondrial phosphorylative activity or the energy charge of the liver remnant.", "PMID": 1010850} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12273", "title": "Zinc binding by glycosaminoglycans.", "content": "Seven different standard GAGs were shown to bind various amounts of 65Zn by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25 at pH 4.0 and pH 7.0. \"Molar\" zinc-binding ratios, calculated on the basis of molar bound 65Zn per hexuronic acid and sulfate of each GAG, were significantly different for C4S, C6S, DS, HA, HS, at the two pHs; however, there was no difference for HP and KS. Moreover, while the binding ratios of C4S, C6S, and DS were higher, those of HA and HS were lower at pH 4.0 than at pH 7.0. The order of increasing zinc-binding ratios was (i) HS, KS, HA, C6S, C4S, DS, HP at pH 4.0 and (ii) C6S, KS, C4S, DS, HS, HP, HA at pH 7.0.", "contents": "Zinc binding by glycosaminoglycans. Seven different standard GAGs were shown to bind various amounts of 65Zn by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25 at pH 4.0 and pH 7.0. \"Molar\" zinc-binding ratios, calculated on the basis of molar bound 65Zn per hexuronic acid and sulfate of each GAG, were significantly different for C4S, C6S, DS, HA, HS, at the two pHs; however, there was no difference for HP and KS. Moreover, while the binding ratios of C4S, C6S, and DS were higher, those of HA and HS were lower at pH 4.0 than at pH 7.0. The order of increasing zinc-binding ratios was (i) HS, KS, HA, C6S, C4S, DS, HP at pH 4.0 and (ii) C6S, KS, C4S, DS, HS, HP, HA at pH 7.0.", "PMID": 1010851} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12274", "title": "Release of fatty acids from phosphatidylcholine by lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase.", "content": "Partially purified lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase [EC 2.3.1.43] from human plasma released fatty acids from phosphatidylcholine. Heating, sulfhydryl reagents, Ca2+, EDTA, and sodium deoxycholate had similar effects on the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase and fatty acid releasing activities of the preparation. A specific cofactor protein for lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, apoA-1, also enhanced both activities. Release of fatty acid was due to enzymatic hydrolysis of the ester linkage at carbon-2 of phosphatidylcholine. It is suggested that the two activities are due to a single enzyme.", "contents": "Release of fatty acids from phosphatidylcholine by lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase. Partially purified lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase [EC 2.3.1.43] from human plasma released fatty acids from phosphatidylcholine. Heating, sulfhydryl reagents, Ca2+, EDTA, and sodium deoxycholate had similar effects on the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase and fatty acid releasing activities of the preparation. A specific cofactor protein for lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, apoA-1, also enhanced both activities. Release of fatty acid was due to enzymatic hydrolysis of the ester linkage at carbon-2 of phosphatidylcholine. It is suggested that the two activities are due to a single enzyme.", "PMID": 1010852} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12275", "title": "A potent polyamine analog, spermindiol.", "content": "The effects of spermine, putrescine, and spermindiol on different nucleases were investigated. A highly active spermine analog, spermindiol, was synthesized, which markedly enhanced DNA hydrolysis by staphylococcal nuclease and spleen DNase II [EC 3.1.4.6] and RNA degradation by staphylococcal nuclease and pancreatic RNase A [EC 3.1.4.22]. Spermindiol also increased the melting temperature of calf thymus DNA.", "contents": "A potent polyamine analog, spermindiol. The effects of spermine, putrescine, and spermindiol on different nucleases were investigated. A highly active spermine analog, spermindiol, was synthesized, which markedly enhanced DNA hydrolysis by staphylococcal nuclease and spleen DNase II [EC 3.1.4.6] and RNA degradation by staphylococcal nuclease and pancreatic RNase A [EC 3.1.4.22]. Spermindiol also increased the melting temperature of calf thymus DNA.", "PMID": 1010853} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12276", "title": "Regulatory protein of vascular smooth muscle.", "content": "Preparations of native tropomyosin from the muscles of bovine aorta and carotid artery resensitized myosin B from either tissue. Neither preparation had any effect on desensitized myosin B from skeletal muscle but native tropomyosin from skeletal muscle could resensitize desensitized myosin B from vascular smooth muscles.", "contents": "Regulatory protein of vascular smooth muscle. Preparations of native tropomyosin from the muscles of bovine aorta and carotid artery resensitized myosin B from either tissue. Neither preparation had any effect on desensitized myosin B from skeletal muscle but native tropomyosin from skeletal muscle could resensitize desensitized myosin B from vascular smooth muscles.", "PMID": 1010854} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12277", "title": "Transport of D-allose by isolated fat-cells: an effect of adenosine triphosphate on insulin stimulated transport.", "content": "D-allose, a glucose analogue, is not metabolized by isolated fat-cells and its distribution space at equilibrium in the cells is the same as that of triated water. Uptake of allose is inhibited by glucose and 3-O-methylglucose, stimulated by insulin and virtually eliminated by cytochalasan B. Counter transport of allose out of fat-cells against a concentration gradient can be induced by exogenous glucose but not by pyruvate. It is concluded that allose is transported into fat-cells by the same carrier mediated transport system as glucose and that it is a suitable analogue with which to study the glucose transport system. Insulin stimulated allose transport, into or out of the cell, but not basal transport, is inhibited by a brief exposure of isolated fat-cells to exogenous ATP or ADP (but not AMP or AMP-PNP). The antilipolytic effect of insulin is not affected. The ATP inhibition is slowly reversible. It is suggested that ATP phosphorylates a membrane component and thereby blocks transmission of signal from the insulin receptor to the carrier system. Indirect evidence suggests that ATP does not alter the affinity of the insulin or glucose binding sites. Insulin decreases the Km of glucose metabolism of CO2 and lipid in isolated fat-cells and increases the Vmax. However,the hormone has no effect on the Ki of glucose as an inhibitor of allose transport. The glucose analogue, 3-O-methyl-glucose, also inhibits both glucose metabolism and allose transport. The Ki for both these processes is similar and is not affected by insulin. These results support the view that the effect of insulin on glucose transport is to raise the Vmax without a change in the Km. It appears further that sugar transport is not the major rate limiting step in metabolism at high glucose concentrations in the absence of insulin, or at most glucose concentrations in the presence of the hormone.", "contents": "Transport of D-allose by isolated fat-cells: an effect of adenosine triphosphate on insulin stimulated transport. D-allose, a glucose analogue, is not metabolized by isolated fat-cells and its distribution space at equilibrium in the cells is the same as that of triated water. Uptake of allose is inhibited by glucose and 3-O-methylglucose, stimulated by insulin and virtually eliminated by cytochalasan B. Counter transport of allose out of fat-cells against a concentration gradient can be induced by exogenous glucose but not by pyruvate. It is concluded that allose is transported into fat-cells by the same carrier mediated transport system as glucose and that it is a suitable analogue with which to study the glucose transport system. Insulin stimulated allose transport, into or out of the cell, but not basal transport, is inhibited by a brief exposure of isolated fat-cells to exogenous ATP or ADP (but not AMP or AMP-PNP). The antilipolytic effect of insulin is not affected. The ATP inhibition is slowly reversible. It is suggested that ATP phosphorylates a membrane component and thereby blocks transmission of signal from the insulin receptor to the carrier system. Indirect evidence suggests that ATP does not alter the affinity of the insulin or glucose binding sites. Insulin decreases the Km of glucose metabolism of CO2 and lipid in isolated fat-cells and increases the Vmax. However,the hormone has no effect on the Ki of glucose as an inhibitor of allose transport. The glucose analogue, 3-O-methyl-glucose, also inhibits both glucose metabolism and allose transport. The Ki for both these processes is similar and is not affected by insulin. These results support the view that the effect of insulin on glucose transport is to raise the Vmax without a change in the Km. It appears further that sugar transport is not the major rate limiting step in metabolism at high glucose concentrations in the absence of insulin, or at most glucose concentrations in the presence of the hormone.", "PMID": 1010856} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12278", "title": "CANCERLINE: a new NLM/NCI data base.", "content": "This paper describes collaborative efforts between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Library of Medicine) (NLM) for the development of a new data base called CANCERLINE. The scope content, and future enhancements of this on-line file are discussed, as well as the plans for its use to disseminate cancer-related information via NLM's biomedical communications network.", "contents": "CANCERLINE: a new NLM/NCI data base. This paper describes collaborative efforts between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Library of Medicine) (NLM) for the development of a new data base called CANCERLINE. The scope content, and future enhancements of this on-line file are discussed, as well as the plans for its use to disseminate cancer-related information via NLM's biomedical communications network.", "PMID": 1010857} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12279", "title": "Introducing and implementing on-line bibliographic retrieval services in a scientific research and development organization.", "content": "The National Bureau of Standards Library recently implemented on-line bibliographic retrieval services. Methods are given to orient and aid users in availing themselves of the services. Results are presented, based on appraisal of the services by users: value to users; most used data bases; problems requiring search revision; reasons for unsatisfactory results; purposes for request and use of search results; impact on subsequent library use; and future searching requirements. On-line capability impacts on library financing as a whole and on the library role in the community are described.", "contents": "Introducing and implementing on-line bibliographic retrieval services in a scientific research and development organization. The National Bureau of Standards Library recently implemented on-line bibliographic retrieval services. Methods are given to orient and aid users in availing themselves of the services. Results are presented, based on appraisal of the services by users: value to users; most used data bases; problems requiring search revision; reasons for unsatisfactory results; purposes for request and use of search results; impact on subsequent library use; and future searching requirements. On-line capability impacts on library financing as a whole and on the library role in the community are described.", "PMID": 1010859} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12280", "title": "[Surgical indications and results of thoracic sympathectomy].", "content": "Between the 1st of July 1971 and the 31st of December 1974, among 1,459 operations on vascular surgery, we carried out 77 thoracic sympathectomies in 46 patients. In most patients there was an oblitering angiopathie of digital type, stage II to IV, confirmed by angiography. Two patients had mixed type obstructions, two others had hyperhidrosis, one patient suffered from cleroderma, another had a thoracic outlet syndrome with digital arterial obstruction. In all cases, the transaxillary approach was that which caused the least complications and which permitted satisfactory exposure of the sympathetic nerve. The cosmetic results were good. The second and third thoracic ganglia were resected and the planes of cleavage marked with silver clips. In advanced stage III and stage IV, we noted 92 p. 100 improvements i.e. return to stages I or II. The operative mortality was nil. The most serious complication was a case of hemothorax which required later pulmonary decortication. We noted in two cases, a Horner's syndrome.", "contents": "[Surgical indications and results of thoracic sympathectomy]. Between the 1st of July 1971 and the 31st of December 1974, among 1,459 operations on vascular surgery, we carried out 77 thoracic sympathectomies in 46 patients. In most patients there was an oblitering angiopathie of digital type, stage II to IV, confirmed by angiography. Two patients had mixed type obstructions, two others had hyperhidrosis, one patient suffered from cleroderma, another had a thoracic outlet syndrome with digital arterial obstruction. In all cases, the transaxillary approach was that which caused the least complications and which permitted satisfactory exposure of the sympathetic nerve. The cosmetic results were good. The second and third thoracic ganglia were resected and the planes of cleavage marked with silver clips. In advanced stage III and stage IV, we noted 92 p. 100 improvements i.e. return to stages I or II. The operative mortality was nil. The most serious complication was a case of hemothorax which required later pulmonary decortication. We noted in two cases, a Horner's syndrome.", "PMID": 1010860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12281", "title": "[Abnormalities of the 1st rib and their vascular effects. Apropos of 8 cases].", "content": "In this article, the authors report 8 cases of abnormal first rib, producing mainly arterial vascular disorders. The costal abnormalities, the clinical vascular disorders and the arteriographic signs are then reviewed. Treatment was then discussed and the methods of resection of the cervical rib are noted.", "contents": "[Abnormalities of the 1st rib and their vascular effects. Apropos of 8 cases]. In this article, the authors report 8 cases of abnormal first rib, producing mainly arterial vascular disorders. The costal abnormalities, the clinical vascular disorders and the arteriographic signs are then reviewed. Treatment was then discussed and the methods of resection of the cervical rib are noted.", "PMID": 1010861} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12282", "title": "[Fractures of the spine in children without permanent neurological injuries].", "content": "Three cases of trauma of the spine are reported compared with dislocation of the cervical spine; these mixed lesions are especially rare. They usually produce various spinal disorders which result in irreversible paralysis. The young age of one of these children and the favourable course, shows the interest of emergency repair of the damage. Reduction of the dislocation followed by internal fixation, may lead to a favourable course.", "contents": "[Fractures of the spine in children without permanent neurological injuries]. Three cases of trauma of the spine are reported compared with dislocation of the cervical spine; these mixed lesions are especially rare. They usually produce various spinal disorders which result in irreversible paralysis. The young age of one of these children and the favourable course, shows the interest of emergency repair of the damage. Reduction of the dislocation followed by internal fixation, may lead to a favourable course.", "PMID": 1010862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12283", "title": "[Perforation of gastroduodenal ulcers. Therapeutic trends. Apropos of 284 cases].", "content": "The authors analyse retrospectively 284 case records of perforation of gastric and duodenal ulcers treated between 1961 and 1972 and, from a study of the literature, the authors attempt to draw up prognostic factors which permit one to apply to this complication of ulcer disease, the most efficient short and long-term treatment.", "contents": "[Perforation of gastroduodenal ulcers. Therapeutic trends. Apropos of 284 cases]. The authors analyse retrospectively 284 case records of perforation of gastric and duodenal ulcers treated between 1961 and 1972 and, from a study of the literature, the authors attempt to draw up prognostic factors which permit one to apply to this complication of ulcer disease, the most efficient short and long-term treatment.", "PMID": 1010863} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12284", "title": "A comparison of electron-capture GLC, electrolytic-conductivity GLC and UV-absorption HPLC for the analysis of some herbicides in foods.", "content": "A comparison of gas chromatography with electron-capture or electrolytic-conductivity (nitrogen mode) detection, and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV-absorption detection (254 nm) was carried out for the analysis of several herbicides in foods. Linuron, propanil, terbacil, benzoylprop-ethyl, and the fungicide DCNA in samples of cabbage, corn, potato, and wheat spiked at 2 and 0.2 ppm were examined. The pesticides were extracted with acetone, partitioned into petroleum ether-methylene chloride, and cleaned up on a 2% deactivated Florisil column before direct chromatographic analysis. Electron-capture gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) was most suitable for DCNA and benzoylprop-ethyl while UV-absorption HPLC was best for terbacil analysis. Linuron and propanil gave similar results for both electron-capture GLC and HPLC. Electrolytic-conductivity GLC could detect all pesticides at the 0.2 ppm level and exhibited the least number of extraneous peaks in the chromatograms.", "contents": "A comparison of electron-capture GLC, electrolytic-conductivity GLC and UV-absorption HPLC for the analysis of some herbicides in foods. A comparison of gas chromatography with electron-capture or electrolytic-conductivity (nitrogen mode) detection, and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV-absorption detection (254 nm) was carried out for the analysis of several herbicides in foods. Linuron, propanil, terbacil, benzoylprop-ethyl, and the fungicide DCNA in samples of cabbage, corn, potato, and wheat spiked at 2 and 0.2 ppm were examined. The pesticides were extracted with acetone, partitioned into petroleum ether-methylene chloride, and cleaned up on a 2% deactivated Florisil column before direct chromatographic analysis. Electron-capture gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) was most suitable for DCNA and benzoylprop-ethyl while UV-absorption HPLC was best for terbacil analysis. Linuron and propanil gave similar results for both electron-capture GLC and HPLC. Electrolytic-conductivity GLC could detect all pesticides at the 0.2 ppm level and exhibited the least number of extraneous peaks in the chromatograms.", "PMID": 1010864} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12285", "title": "GC-MS analysis of fatty acids from flue-cured tobacco.", "content": "Fatty acids obtained by saponification of a hexane-soluble fraction of flue-cured tobacco were converted to their methyl esters. The esters were purified by TLC and identified by GC-MS. Qualitative and quantitative results are reported for acids of chain lengths C12-C34.", "contents": "GC-MS analysis of fatty acids from flue-cured tobacco. Fatty acids obtained by saponification of a hexane-soluble fraction of flue-cured tobacco were converted to their methyl esters. The esters were purified by TLC and identified by GC-MS. Qualitative and quantitative results are reported for acids of chain lengths C12-C34.", "PMID": 1010865} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12286", "title": "The use of sodium borate impregnated silica gel plates for the separation of 3-0-methyl catecholamines from their corresponding catecholamines.", "content": "The use of sodium borate impregnated silica gel plates for the chromatographic separation of the catecholamines noradrenaline, adrenaline, and isoprenaline from their respective 3-0-methylated derivatives, normetanephrine, metanephrine, and methoxy-isoprenaline, is described. The parent catecholamines remain at the origin of the plates while the 3-0-methylated derivatives concentrate in discrete bands at the upper edge of the borate impregnated area (the \"borate front\").", "contents": "The use of sodium borate impregnated silica gel plates for the separation of 3-0-methyl catecholamines from their corresponding catecholamines. The use of sodium borate impregnated silica gel plates for the chromatographic separation of the catecholamines noradrenaline, adrenaline, and isoprenaline from their respective 3-0-methylated derivatives, normetanephrine, metanephrine, and methoxy-isoprenaline, is described. The parent catecholamines remain at the origin of the plates while the 3-0-methylated derivatives concentrate in discrete bands at the upper edge of the borate impregnated area (the \"borate front\").", "PMID": 1010866} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12287", "title": "Pyrolysis GLC identification of food and drug ingredients. II. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of penicillins and cephalosporins.", "content": "Pyrolysis gas-liquid chromatography (PGLC) provided reproducible pyrograms for 14 penicillins and cephalosporins studied which permitted direct characterization and differentiation of the antibiotics in almost all cases. The quantitative application of the technique was explored using four of the antibiotics. Standard curves were constructed based on the height of the most intense (and symmetrical) peak in the pyrograms. Excellent linearity was obtained in the ranges studied, 10 nanograms - 100 micrograms. Further quantitative application of the method is discussed.", "contents": "Pyrolysis GLC identification of food and drug ingredients. II. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of penicillins and cephalosporins. Pyrolysis gas-liquid chromatography (PGLC) provided reproducible pyrograms for 14 penicillins and cephalosporins studied which permitted direct characterization and differentiation of the antibiotics in almost all cases. The quantitative application of the technique was explored using four of the antibiotics. Standard curves were constructed based on the height of the most intense (and symmetrical) peak in the pyrograms. Excellent linearity was obtained in the ranges studied, 10 nanograms - 100 micrograms. Further quantitative application of the method is discussed.", "PMID": 1010867} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12288", "title": "Attracting and training more chemical pathologists in the United Kingdom.", "content": "I have attempted to define the function of the medical graduate in the clinical biochemistry laboratory and have examined data on recrutiment in the United Kingdom into clinical biochemistry. If trainee pathologists were encouraged to become proficient in both a branch of clinical medicine and in research techniques, the resulting chemical pathologists should be able to improve the consultative and investigative functions of the laboratory. To this end I have suggested some changes in the training regulations and in the role of the chemical pathologists.", "contents": "Attracting and training more chemical pathologists in the United Kingdom. I have attempted to define the function of the medical graduate in the clinical biochemistry laboratory and have examined data on recrutiment in the United Kingdom into clinical biochemistry. If trainee pathologists were encouraged to become proficient in both a branch of clinical medicine and in research techniques, the resulting chemical pathologists should be able to improve the consultative and investigative functions of the laboratory. To this end I have suggested some changes in the training regulations and in the role of the chemical pathologists.", "PMID": 1010874} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12289", "title": "Assessment of thyroid hormone assays.", "content": "Four techniques for estimating serum T4 and three for estimating serum T3 have been investigated and found to be satisfactory in routine use. Normal ranges for each techniques have been established. Estimation of serum T3 by the commerical kits tested appears to have a high discriminant value in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, although the diagnostic definition used inevitably enhances the apparent sensitivity of these techniques. Estimation of serum T4 will identify the majority of patients with symptomatic hypothyroidism. The low sensitivity of T3 in the diagnosis of thyroid failure is confirmed.", "contents": "Assessment of thyroid hormone assays. Four techniques for estimating serum T4 and three for estimating serum T3 have been investigated and found to be satisfactory in routine use. Normal ranges for each techniques have been established. Estimation of serum T3 by the commerical kits tested appears to have a high discriminant value in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, although the diagnostic definition used inevitably enhances the apparent sensitivity of these techniques. Estimation of serum T4 will identify the majority of patients with symptomatic hypothyroidism. The low sensitivity of T3 in the diagnosis of thyroid failure is confirmed.", "PMID": 1010875} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12290", "title": "Renal biopsy in the milk-alkali syndrome.", "content": "In milk-alkali syndrome the degree of renal impairment varies greatly. Few reports have been published describing structural changes on renal biopsy. In three illustrative cases, impairment of renal function was related to morphological changes shown on percutaneous biopsy. Milk-alkali syndrome should be considered as a cause of renal dysfunction in patients with a long history of dyspensia.", "contents": "Renal biopsy in the milk-alkali syndrome. In milk-alkali syndrome the degree of renal impairment varies greatly. Few reports have been published describing structural changes on renal biopsy. In three illustrative cases, impairment of renal function was related to morphological changes shown on percutaneous biopsy. Milk-alkali syndrome should be considered as a cause of renal dysfunction in patients with a long history of dyspensia.", "PMID": 1010876} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12291", "title": "Meningitis caused by an alkali-producing pseudomonad.", "content": "The clinical and microbiological features of a case of meningitis, due to an alkali-producing pseudomonad which closely resembles Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, are described. A respiratory infection and a course of antibiotic therapy before admission to hospital may have been predisposing factors to opportunistic infection by this normally saprophytic organism. The problems of identifying alkali-producing pseudomonads are discussed.", "contents": "Meningitis caused by an alkali-producing pseudomonad. The clinical and microbiological features of a case of meningitis, due to an alkali-producing pseudomonad which closely resembles Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, are described. A respiratory infection and a course of antibiotic therapy before admission to hospital may have been predisposing factors to opportunistic infection by this normally saprophytic organism. The problems of identifying alkali-producing pseudomonads are discussed.", "PMID": 1010877} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12292", "title": "Citrobacter koseri meningitis in a special care baby unit.", "content": "An outbreak of meningitis due to Citrobacter koseri in a special care baby unit is described. The organism showed a high capacity for spread among the babies on the unit and although the intestinal carriage rate was high, the clinical case:carrier ratio was low.", "contents": "Citrobacter koseri meningitis in a special care baby unit. An outbreak of meningitis due to Citrobacter koseri in a special care baby unit is described. The organism showed a high capacity for spread among the babies on the unit and although the intestinal carriage rate was high, the clinical case:carrier ratio was low.", "PMID": 1010878} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12293", "title": "A modified rubella HI test using prestandardized reagents.", "content": "A modified haemagglutination inhibition test for rubella antibodies using prestandardized freeze-dried reagents was compared to a \"standard\" method. Tests of 707 serum samples showed that the modified test was sensitive and reliable by both macrotitration and microtitration techniques. The minor disadvantages of some reduction in antibody level when rubella sera were tested within one week of the rash and of spontaneous sheep erythrocyte agglutination in 0-7% of sera were out-weighed by the increased speed of the new test and the fact that it was carried out at room temperature.", "contents": "A modified rubella HI test using prestandardized reagents. A modified haemagglutination inhibition test for rubella antibodies using prestandardized freeze-dried reagents was compared to a \"standard\" method. Tests of 707 serum samples showed that the modified test was sensitive and reliable by both macrotitration and microtitration techniques. The minor disadvantages of some reduction in antibody level when rubella sera were tested within one week of the rash and of spontaneous sheep erythrocyte agglutination in 0-7% of sera were out-weighed by the increased speed of the new test and the fact that it was carried out at room temperature.", "PMID": 1010879} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12294", "title": "Incidence of sperm antibodies before and after vasectomy.", "content": "Sperm-agglutinating antibodies were present in three (2-6%) of 117 fertile men and in 19 (33-9%) of 56 men who had been vasectomized. Twenty-four of the 56 vasectomized men had been studied before vasectomy; sperm-agglutinating antibodies were present in one (4-3%) compared with eight (33-3%) after vasectomy. No sperm-immobilizing antibodies were detected before vasectomy but were present in 10 (17-9%) of the 56 men after vasectomy.", "contents": "Incidence of sperm antibodies before and after vasectomy. Sperm-agglutinating antibodies were present in three (2-6%) of 117 fertile men and in 19 (33-9%) of 56 men who had been vasectomized. Twenty-four of the 56 vasectomized men had been studied before vasectomy; sperm-agglutinating antibodies were present in one (4-3%) compared with eight (33-3%) after vasectomy. No sperm-immobilizing antibodies were detected before vasectomy but were present in 10 (17-9%) of the 56 men after vasectomy.", "PMID": 1010880} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12295", "title": "Production and turnover of IgG1 and IgG2 immunoglobulins in the bovine around parturition.", "content": "Production rates (entry rate into blood plasma) and other metabolic parameters for the IgG1 and IgG2 subclasses of immunoglobulins in mammary secretions (ratio of about 7 to 1) were determined in cows around the time of parturition by both single-injection and continuous-infusion isotope-dilution techniques. Four cows were given a single dose of 150 to 200 muCi of iodine-125 labeled IgG1 and 100 to 250 muCi of iodine-131 labeled IgG2 at 2 to 1 wk before parturition. Four cows, including two of the above, were infused continuously with constant amounts of the labeled immunoglobulins starting at 11 to 4 days before parturition. All cows were maintained until 4 to 6 days after parturition for monitoring the specific activities of iodine-125 labeled IgG1 and iodine-131 labeled IgG2 in the plasma and mammary secretions. Maximum entry rates of IgG1 and IgG2 were between 3 and 1 day prepartum with means of 125 and 60 g/500 kg body weight per day. The exchangeable pool means for IgG1 and IgG2 were 619 and 643 g/500 kg body weight, and both immunoglobulins were divided almost equally between the intra- and extravascular pools. A greatly increased production and a shortened half-life or greater turnover for plasma IgG1 occurs around the time of parturition which can account for the large accumulation of IgG1 in colostrum.", "contents": "Production and turnover of IgG1 and IgG2 immunoglobulins in the bovine around parturition. Production rates (entry rate into blood plasma) and other metabolic parameters for the IgG1 and IgG2 subclasses of immunoglobulins in mammary secretions (ratio of about 7 to 1) were determined in cows around the time of parturition by both single-injection and continuous-infusion isotope-dilution techniques. Four cows were given a single dose of 150 to 200 muCi of iodine-125 labeled IgG1 and 100 to 250 muCi of iodine-131 labeled IgG2 at 2 to 1 wk before parturition. Four cows, including two of the above, were infused continuously with constant amounts of the labeled immunoglobulins starting at 11 to 4 days before parturition. All cows were maintained until 4 to 6 days after parturition for monitoring the specific activities of iodine-125 labeled IgG1 and iodine-131 labeled IgG2 in the plasma and mammary secretions. Maximum entry rates of IgG1 and IgG2 were between 3 and 1 day prepartum with means of 125 and 60 g/500 kg body weight per day. The exchangeable pool means for IgG1 and IgG2 were 619 and 643 g/500 kg body weight, and both immunoglobulins were divided almost equally between the intra- and extravascular pools. A greatly increased production and a shortened half-life or greater turnover for plasma IgG1 occurs around the time of parturition which can account for the large accumulation of IgG1 in colostrum.", "PMID": 1010882} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12296", "title": "Relationship of temperature and humidity to conception rate of Holstein cows in Hawaii.", "content": "Weather data and breeding records for a Holstein herd of 1300 cows in Hawaii were evaluated to determine effects of climate on reproductive performance. The dairy is in a coastal climate near latitude 21 degrees N. Average maximum temperature, relative humidity, and resulting temperature-humidity index for the warmest month of the year were 31 C, 44%, and 79. Average minimum temperature and attending values for the same period were 20 C, 96%, and 68. From late April to November, conception rates were correlated negatively with the average temperature-humidity index of each day of the estrous cycle beginning 11 days prior to breeding. Slopes of regression lines differed, suggesting varying sensitivity of conception rate to heat stress on different days of the cycle. The temperature-humidity index of the 2nd day prior to breeding was most closely correlated with conception rate. Conception rates declined from 66% to 35% as the index increased from 68 to 78. Only the temperature-humdity index of the 2nd day prior to breeding had a significant partial correlation coefficient when the index of the 2nd and 1st day prior to breeding, the day of breeding, and the day following breeding were each evaluated with the index of the others held constant.", "contents": "Relationship of temperature and humidity to conception rate of Holstein cows in Hawaii. Weather data and breeding records for a Holstein herd of 1300 cows in Hawaii were evaluated to determine effects of climate on reproductive performance. The dairy is in a coastal climate near latitude 21 degrees N. Average maximum temperature, relative humidity, and resulting temperature-humidity index for the warmest month of the year were 31 C, 44%, and 79. Average minimum temperature and attending values for the same period were 20 C, 96%, and 68. From late April to November, conception rates were correlated negatively with the average temperature-humidity index of each day of the estrous cycle beginning 11 days prior to breeding. Slopes of regression lines differed, suggesting varying sensitivity of conception rate to heat stress on different days of the cycle. The temperature-humidity index of the 2nd day prior to breeding was most closely correlated with conception rate. Conception rates declined from 66% to 35% as the index increased from 68 to 78. Only the temperature-humdity index of the 2nd day prior to breeding had a significant partial correlation coefficient when the index of the 2nd and 1st day prior to breeding, the day of breeding, and the day following breeding were each evaluated with the index of the others held constant.", "PMID": 1010883} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12297", "title": "Influence of glycerol concentration and freezing rate on post-thaw motility of bovine spermatozoa in Continental straws.", "content": "Semen from each of six bulls was used to study the effects of percent glycerol and rate of freezing on spermatozoa extended in egg yolk-sodium citrate extender and packaged in .25-ml Continental straws. Treatments were arranged factorially and included 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11% (volume/volume) glycerol; freezing rates (time from 5 to -130 C) of 1, 2, 3.5, 7, 12, or 20 min; and post-thaw incubation times of 0 and 2 h at 38 C. Post-thaw motility was similar for spermatozoa frozen in 2 to 20 min, and all means were greater than for spermatozoa frozen in 1 min. Post-thaw motility of spermatozoa frozen in 7% glycerol did not differ from that with 5 to 9% but was superior to that with 10 or 11% glycerol. Although glycerol and freezing rate interacted, 7% glycerol provided survival equal to or greater than that with the other percents of glycerol, regardless of freezing rate.", "contents": "Influence of glycerol concentration and freezing rate on post-thaw motility of bovine spermatozoa in Continental straws. Semen from each of six bulls was used to study the effects of percent glycerol and rate of freezing on spermatozoa extended in egg yolk-sodium citrate extender and packaged in .25-ml Continental straws. Treatments were arranged factorially and included 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11% (volume/volume) glycerol; freezing rates (time from 5 to -130 C) of 1, 2, 3.5, 7, 12, or 20 min; and post-thaw incubation times of 0 and 2 h at 38 C. Post-thaw motility was similar for spermatozoa frozen in 2 to 20 min, and all means were greater than for spermatozoa frozen in 1 min. Post-thaw motility of spermatozoa frozen in 7% glycerol did not differ from that with 5 to 9% but was superior to that with 10 or 11% glycerol. Although glycerol and freezing rate interacted, 7% glycerol provided survival equal to or greater than that with the other percents of glycerol, regardless of freezing rate.", "PMID": 1010884} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12298", "title": "Suicide and the relational system: a case study in a mental hospital.", "content": "An investigation in a mental hospital that served as a training center for psychiatric residents revealed that periods of high suicide rates among patients tended to follow upon a decrease in interaction between some authority holders and residents and turnover among top-ranking psychiatrists; and tended to be associated with a low ratio of older to new residents. These instances represent conditions in which residents were likely to lack the support that is needed for a feeling of competence in dealing with patients.", "contents": "Suicide and the relational system: a case study in a mental hospital. An investigation in a mental hospital that served as a training center for psychiatric residents revealed that periods of high suicide rates among patients tended to follow upon a decrease in interaction between some authority holders and residents and turnover among top-ranking psychiatrists; and tended to be associated with a low ratio of older to new residents. These instances represent conditions in which residents were likely to lack the support that is needed for a feeling of competence in dealing with patients.", "PMID": 1010913} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12299", "title": "Issues underlying prevalence of \"doctor-shopping\" behavior.", "content": "Data were collected on all persons within a sample of upper-and lower-income households who had seen physicians for illness episodes within a year prior to the interview. Forty-eight percent of upper-and 37 percent of lower-income families in the sample had changed doctors because of dissatisfaction with some aspect of the care. Factors related to tendency to shop for doctors in both upper-and lower-income groups were a lack of confidence in doctors' competence, unwillingness of doctors to spend time talking with patients, hostile feelings toward doctors, high cost of services, inconvenience of location and hours, and unfavorable attitudes toward doctors' personal qualities. Hypochondriasis was related to doctorshopping in the upper-income group. Results of this investigation suggest that patients may be becoming more discriminating in their choice of physicians.", "contents": "Issues underlying prevalence of \"doctor-shopping\" behavior. Data were collected on all persons within a sample of upper-and lower-income households who had seen physicians for illness episodes within a year prior to the interview. Forty-eight percent of upper-and 37 percent of lower-income families in the sample had changed doctors because of dissatisfaction with some aspect of the care. Factors related to tendency to shop for doctors in both upper-and lower-income groups were a lack of confidence in doctors' competence, unwillingness of doctors to spend time talking with patients, hostile feelings toward doctors, high cost of services, inconvenience of location and hours, and unfavorable attitudes toward doctors' personal qualities. Hypochondriasis was related to doctorshopping in the upper-income group. Results of this investigation suggest that patients may be becoming more discriminating in their choice of physicians.", "PMID": 1010914} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12300", "title": "Service delivery structure and continuity of care: a case study of a pediatric practice in process of reorganization.", "content": "The effects of the reorganization of a medical practice on continuity of care were investigated in a case study of a changing pediatric practice. Continuity, which has often been conceptualized as one indicator of quality of care, was measured by an index of which the numerator was the number of visits with own pediatrician and the denominator was the total number of pediatric visits for the year. Increased number of pediatricians and incorporation of the practice into an academic setting resulted in a decline of continuity of care accompanied by a rise in the number of doctor visits for acute illness care. Patient satisfaction, although related in some of its aspects to continuity, was by and large unaffected by the change. The consequences of changes in practice size and goal complexity for interpersonal aspects of patient care and quality of care are discussed.", "contents": "Service delivery structure and continuity of care: a case study of a pediatric practice in process of reorganization. The effects of the reorganization of a medical practice on continuity of care were investigated in a case study of a changing pediatric practice. Continuity, which has often been conceptualized as one indicator of quality of care, was measured by an index of which the numerator was the number of visits with own pediatrician and the denominator was the total number of pediatric visits for the year. Increased number of pediatricians and incorporation of the practice into an academic setting resulted in a decline of continuity of care accompanied by a rise in the number of doctor visits for acute illness care. Patient satisfaction, although related in some of its aspects to continuity, was by and large unaffected by the change. The consequences of changes in practice size and goal complexity for interpersonal aspects of patient care and quality of care are discussed.", "PMID": 1010915} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12301", "title": "The effect of psychological distress on physician utilization: a prospective study.", "content": "This paper examines the hypothesis that psychological distress is causally related to physician utilization among enrollees in a prepaid group practice. Measures of distress are constructed from questions included in a servey interview, while the utilization data come from medical records. Distress levels were measured prior to the period of utilization studied. The results show a positive relationship between distress and physician utilization, which persists even when a variety of sociodemographic, attitudinal, and health status variables have been controlled. The results are discussed in terms of a perspective that emphasizes social-psychological needs as triggers for physician utilization", "contents": "The effect of psychological distress on physician utilization: a prospective study. This paper examines the hypothesis that psychological distress is causally related to physician utilization among enrollees in a prepaid group practice. Measures of distress are constructed from questions included in a servey interview, while the utilization data come from medical records. Distress levels were measured prior to the period of utilization studied. The results show a positive relationship between distress and physician utilization, which persists even when a variety of sociodemographic, attitudinal, and health status variables have been controlled. The results are discussed in terms of a perspective that emphasizes social-psychological needs as triggers for physician utilization", "PMID": 1010916} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12302", "title": "Psychiatrists and community mental health: normative versus utilitarian incentives.", "content": "The inability to attract adequate numbers of psychiatrists has been a concern of community mental health (CMH) planners for some time. This paper considers whether normative or utilitarian (i.e., economic) inducements have more of an impact on their participation. Data are drawn from a survey of 946 New York area psychiatrists. These data suggest the likelihood of incremental growth among community psychiatrists because organizational involvement, high quality residency training, and \"younger generation\" status all are linked to normative commitments to CMH values. Moreover, since political orientation is the strongest single determinant of these values, commitments also can be deliberately stimulated through normative appeals. Yet, our principal finding is that severe utilitarian disincentives tend to undercut the effects of normative inducements and commitments. The paper concludes by examining the social policy implications for community mental health staffing of the primacy of utilitarian considerations among psychiatrists.", "contents": "Psychiatrists and community mental health: normative versus utilitarian incentives. The inability to attract adequate numbers of psychiatrists has been a concern of community mental health (CMH) planners for some time. This paper considers whether normative or utilitarian (i.e., economic) inducements have more of an impact on their participation. Data are drawn from a survey of 946 New York area psychiatrists. These data suggest the likelihood of incremental growth among community psychiatrists because organizational involvement, high quality residency training, and \"younger generation\" status all are linked to normative commitments to CMH values. Moreover, since political orientation is the strongest single determinant of these values, commitments also can be deliberately stimulated through normative appeals. Yet, our principal finding is that severe utilitarian disincentives tend to undercut the effects of normative inducements and commitments. The paper concludes by examining the social policy implications for community mental health staffing of the primacy of utilitarian considerations among psychiatrists.", "PMID": 1010917} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12303", "title": "Replicating psychiatric ratings through multiple regression analysis: The Midtown Manhattan Restudy.", "content": "This paper examines three related questions: First, can psychiatrists' judgments be successfully predicted by multiple regression techniques? Second, assuming that they can, are such ratings a valid measure of mental health for the same sample at a later point in time? Third, what is the relation between mental health ratings made in 1954 and such subsequently reported behavioral outcomes as nervous breakdown, mental hospitalization, or seeking professional help for emotional problems? The evidence presented warrants two conclusion. (1) The computer-derived mental health ratings are an adequate substitute for the original ratings. The regression equation accounts for 69 percent of the variance in those ratings; and the computer-derived ratings behave in the same way as the psychiatrists' ratings in relation to other variables. (2) However, neither the psychiatrists' ratings nor the computer-derived ratings are very accurate in predicting subsequent self-reported behavior indicative of mental impairment.", "contents": "Replicating psychiatric ratings through multiple regression analysis: The Midtown Manhattan Restudy. This paper examines three related questions: First, can psychiatrists' judgments be successfully predicted by multiple regression techniques? Second, assuming that they can, are such ratings a valid measure of mental health for the same sample at a later point in time? Third, what is the relation between mental health ratings made in 1954 and such subsequently reported behavioral outcomes as nervous breakdown, mental hospitalization, or seeking professional help for emotional problems? The evidence presented warrants two conclusion. (1) The computer-derived mental health ratings are an adequate substitute for the original ratings. The regression equation accounts for 69 percent of the variance in those ratings; and the computer-derived ratings behave in the same way as the psychiatrists' ratings in relation to other variables. (2) However, neither the psychiatrists' ratings nor the computer-derived ratings are very accurate in predicting subsequent self-reported behavior indicative of mental impairment.", "PMID": 1010918} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12304", "title": "Transformation of cercariae to schistosomula: a quantitative comparison of transformation techniques and of infectivity by different injection routes of the organisms produced.", "content": "Six transformation techniques ((1) incubation of cercariae in isotonic medium; (ii) penetration of isolated skin; (iii) stimulation with crude egg lecithin; (iv) mechanical disruption by passage through a syringe and 21 gauge needle; (v) by whorling of cercariae with a vortex mixer; (vi) syringe transformation followed by incubation) were evaluated. The organism produced were assessed for infectivity for mice by 6 different routes of infection (percutaneous, intradermal, subcutaneous, intra-peritoneal, intravenous and intra-muscular). At perfusion the largest numbers of adult worms were recovered from mice injected intramuscularly with organisms produced by the syringe technique and control mice given cercariae percutaneously. The peak for migration of schistosomula (following syringe transformation and intramuscular injection) through the lungs and the appearance of adult worms in the mesenteries was shown to be similar to cercarie administered percutaneously.", "contents": "Transformation of cercariae to schistosomula: a quantitative comparison of transformation techniques and of infectivity by different injection routes of the organisms produced. Six transformation techniques ((1) incubation of cercariae in isotonic medium; (ii) penetration of isolated skin; (iii) stimulation with crude egg lecithin; (iv) mechanical disruption by passage through a syringe and 21 gauge needle; (v) by whorling of cercariae with a vortex mixer; (vi) syringe transformation followed by incubation) were evaluated. The organism produced were assessed for infectivity for mice by 6 different routes of infection (percutaneous, intradermal, subcutaneous, intra-peritoneal, intravenous and intra-muscular). At perfusion the largest numbers of adult worms were recovered from mice injected intramuscularly with organisms produced by the syringe technique and control mice given cercariae percutaneously. The peak for migration of schistosomula (following syringe transformation and intramuscular injection) through the lungs and the appearance of adult worms in the mesenteries was shown to be similar to cercarie administered percutaneously.", "PMID": 1010921} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12305", "title": "The pathology of experimental Schistosoma bovis infection in sheep.", "content": "Five desert sheep were exposed to 5000 or 10000 Schistosoma bovis cercariae each, and the parasitological clinical and pathological parameters were recorded. The pre-patent period was approximately 7 weeks and from that time onwards, the animals became progressively ill and emaciated. Following necropsy at the 12th week, a percentage schistosome recovery ranging from 36%--63.6% was found, and there were high egg densities in the intestinal tract and the liver. These organs revealed severe pathological lesions which were described in detail along with the changes occurring in other tissues.", "contents": "The pathology of experimental Schistosoma bovis infection in sheep. Five desert sheep were exposed to 5000 or 10000 Schistosoma bovis cercariae each, and the parasitological clinical and pathological parameters were recorded. The pre-patent period was approximately 7 weeks and from that time onwards, the animals became progressively ill and emaciated. Following necropsy at the 12th week, a percentage schistosome recovery ranging from 36%--63.6% was found, and there were high egg densities in the intestinal tract and the liver. These organs revealed severe pathological lesions which were described in detail along with the changes occurring in other tissues.", "PMID": 1010922} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12306", "title": "Studies with Brugia pahangi. 14. Intrauterine development of the microfilaria and a comparison with other filarial species.", "content": "The intrauterine development of Brugia pahangi embryos was followed from after fertilization to birth, using light and electron microscopy. The origin and development of the sheath of the microfilaria and its possible role in the nutrition of the developing embryo were particularly investigated. Comparisons were drawn with the intrauterine development of other filarial species. The egg shell of the B. pahangi embryo is distinct from the oolemma and forms the sheath of the microfilaria. It is suggested that the electron dense material released by cells of the uterine wall and passing along the channels between the egg shells of adjacent embryos is nutritive. The death of large numbers of developing embryos in the central uterine lumen is probably caused by overcrowding as their size rapidly increases, leading to nutritional deficiency.", "contents": "Studies with Brugia pahangi. 14. Intrauterine development of the microfilaria and a comparison with other filarial species. The intrauterine development of Brugia pahangi embryos was followed from after fertilization to birth, using light and electron microscopy. The origin and development of the sheath of the microfilaria and its possible role in the nutrition of the developing embryo were particularly investigated. Comparisons were drawn with the intrauterine development of other filarial species. The egg shell of the B. pahangi embryo is distinct from the oolemma and forms the sheath of the microfilaria. It is suggested that the electron dense material released by cells of the uterine wall and passing along the channels between the egg shells of adjacent embryos is nutritive. The death of large numbers of developing embryos in the central uterine lumen is probably caused by overcrowding as their size rapidly increases, leading to nutritional deficiency.", "PMID": 1010923} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12307", "title": "Spectrophotometric analysis of haemoglobins of some digenetic trematodes and their hosts.", "content": "The haemoglobins of six different species of trematodes: Gastrothylax crumenifer, Srivastavaia indica, Gigantocotyle explanatum, Fasciolopsis buski, Gastrodiscoides hominis, Isoparorchis hypselobagri and their three different hosts: Bubalus bubalis, Sus scrofa, and Wallago attu were spectrophotometrically investigated, and were found to contain porphyrin IX as the common prosthetic group. Oxyhaemoglobin, carbonmonoxy-haemoglobin and reduced haemoglobin of all 6 species of trematodes and their 3 hosts under study gave similar absorption maxima. Distinct differences were, however, observed in the nature of the spectral curves of cyanmethaemoglobin which exhibit 2 absorption maxima in the beta and the alpha region in the case of all trematodes whereas in the case of similar host haemoglobin derivatives only one single broad peak in the 536-540 nm region was obtained. With respect to pyridine derivatives all the trematode haemoglobins show a sharp peak in the alpha region and a minor hump in the beta region except Gastrothylax crumenifer. All three host pyridine haemoglobin derivatives show only a single broad peak at 570 nm.", "contents": "Spectrophotometric analysis of haemoglobins of some digenetic trematodes and their hosts. The haemoglobins of six different species of trematodes: Gastrothylax crumenifer, Srivastavaia indica, Gigantocotyle explanatum, Fasciolopsis buski, Gastrodiscoides hominis, Isoparorchis hypselobagri and their three different hosts: Bubalus bubalis, Sus scrofa, and Wallago attu were spectrophotometrically investigated, and were found to contain porphyrin IX as the common prosthetic group. Oxyhaemoglobin, carbonmonoxy-haemoglobin and reduced haemoglobin of all 6 species of trematodes and their 3 hosts under study gave similar absorption maxima. Distinct differences were, however, observed in the nature of the spectral curves of cyanmethaemoglobin which exhibit 2 absorption maxima in the beta and the alpha region in the case of all trematodes whereas in the case of similar host haemoglobin derivatives only one single broad peak in the 536-540 nm region was obtained. With respect to pyridine derivatives all the trematode haemoglobins show a sharp peak in the alpha region and a minor hump in the beta region except Gastrothylax crumenifer. All three host pyridine haemoglobin derivatives show only a single broad peak at 570 nm.", "PMID": 1010924} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12308", "title": "The role of native domestic animals in the dissemination of Echinococcus infection among dogs in the state of Kuwait.", "content": "Infection with hydatid cysts of domestic animals slaughtered by private individuals and at the Government Central Slaughterhouse is recorded. Both fertile and non-fertile cysts were seen in the infected animals. The home slaughtered sheep seems to play an important role in the dissemination of the parasite and the life cycle of Echinococcus granulosus in the State of Kuwait is assumed to be sheep--dog--sheep.", "contents": "The role of native domestic animals in the dissemination of Echinococcus infection among dogs in the state of Kuwait. Infection with hydatid cysts of domestic animals slaughtered by private individuals and at the Government Central Slaughterhouse is recorded. Both fertile and non-fertile cysts were seen in the infected animals. The home slaughtered sheep seems to play an important role in the dissemination of the parasite and the life cycle of Echinococcus granulosus in the State of Kuwait is assumed to be sheep--dog--sheep.", "PMID": 1010925} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12309", "title": "Studies on trematodes of the genus Lecithodendrium Looss, 1896 from some Egyptian bats, with a description of two new species.", "content": "The genus Lecithodendrium Looss, 1896 is reviewed and its prevalence in some Egyptian bats is reported. Lecithodendrium aegyptiacus n.sp. is described from Asellia tridens tridens and Rhinopoma hardwickei cystops. It can be easily differentiated from other species of the genus by the lobulation of the ovary and testes and the presence of tegumental spines all over the body of the trematode. Lecithodendrium duboisi n.sp. is described from Taphozous nudiventris nudiventris. It differs from the other known species of the genus by the characteristic arrangement of the vitellaria in the form of a continuous band posterior to the testes, while in the other species of the genus the vitellaria occur in the form of two separate clusters of post-testicular vitelline follicles.", "contents": "Studies on trematodes of the genus Lecithodendrium Looss, 1896 from some Egyptian bats, with a description of two new species. The genus Lecithodendrium Looss, 1896 is reviewed and its prevalence in some Egyptian bats is reported. Lecithodendrium aegyptiacus n.sp. is described from Asellia tridens tridens and Rhinopoma hardwickei cystops. It can be easily differentiated from other species of the genus by the lobulation of the ovary and testes and the presence of tegumental spines all over the body of the trematode. Lecithodendrium duboisi n.sp. is described from Taphozous nudiventris nudiventris. It differs from the other known species of the genus by the characteristic arrangement of the vitellaria in the form of a continuous band posterior to the testes, while in the other species of the genus the vitellaria occur in the form of two separate clusters of post-testicular vitelline follicles.", "PMID": 1010926} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12310", "title": "[Onchocerca raillieti n.sp. (Filarioidea) from a domestic donkey in Africa].", "content": "Onchocerca raillieti sp. n. (Filarioidea), from the domestic donkey (Equus asinus) in Africa, is described. The species is compared to O. bohmi (Supperer, 1953) n.comb, O. reticulata Diesing, 1841, O. cervicalis Railliet et Henry, 1910, O. flexuosa (Wedl, 1856) and O. armillata Railliet et Henry, 1909 and can be differentiated by numerous characters of which the most important are the anterior region of the female (which is straight and slender, 6 to 8 cm long, and bears longitudinal striae) and the 10 symmetrically arranged pairs of caudal papillae. O. raillieti seems to be a primitive species by several characters (caudal papillae, cervical papillae, oesophagus, vulva and cuticle.)", "contents": "[Onchocerca raillieti n.sp. (Filarioidea) from a domestic donkey in Africa]. Onchocerca raillieti sp. n. (Filarioidea), from the domestic donkey (Equus asinus) in Africa, is described. The species is compared to O. bohmi (Supperer, 1953) n.comb, O. reticulata Diesing, 1841, O. cervicalis Railliet et Henry, 1910, O. flexuosa (Wedl, 1856) and O. armillata Railliet et Henry, 1909 and can be differentiated by numerous characters of which the most important are the anterior region of the female (which is straight and slender, 6 to 8 cm long, and bears longitudinal striae) and the 10 symmetrically arranged pairs of caudal papillae. O. raillieti seems to be a primitive species by several characters (caudal papillae, cervical papillae, oesophagus, vulva and cuticle.)", "PMID": 1010927} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12311", "title": "Comparison of crossbred and purebred selection for a heterotic trait in highly selected populations of Tribolium.", "content": "Selection on the basis of crossbred performance (RRS) was compared for 11 generations to within-line selection based on purebred performance (WLS) for a heterotic trait, 13-day larval weight in Tribolium populations previously subjected to 30 generations of purebred selection. RRS crossbreds gained slightly less than crossbreds of WLS populations. RRS purebreds showed a much smaller composite populations were greater than those observed for the continued populations. A model for the genetic control of larval weight is suggested in which there are both dominant and overdominant loci and homozygotes are less fit than heterozygotes.", "contents": "Comparison of crossbred and purebred selection for a heterotic trait in highly selected populations of Tribolium. Selection on the basis of crossbred performance (RRS) was compared for 11 generations to within-line selection based on purebred performance (WLS) for a heterotic trait, 13-day larval weight in Tribolium populations previously subjected to 30 generations of purebred selection. RRS crossbreds gained slightly less than crossbreds of WLS populations. RRS purebreds showed a much smaller composite populations were greater than those observed for the continued populations. A model for the genetic control of larval weight is suggested in which there are both dominant and overdominant loci and homozygotes are less fit than heterozygotes.", "PMID": 1010928} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12312", "title": "Fuzzy, a hypotrichotic mutant in linkage group I of the Norway rat.", "content": "A new recessive hypotrichosis gene in the rat designated fuzzy (fz) is described. Fuzzy is linked to albino (c) in linkage group I with a 18.13 +/- 3.05 percent recombination. After an initial sparse hair coat, the fuzzy animals rapidly become devoid of hair. Histologically the skin of these animals has poorly developed, and often cystic hair follicles that contain accumulations of keratinacious material.", "contents": "Fuzzy, a hypotrichotic mutant in linkage group I of the Norway rat. A new recessive hypotrichosis gene in the rat designated fuzzy (fz) is described. Fuzzy is linked to albino (c) in linkage group I with a 18.13 +/- 3.05 percent recombination. After an initial sparse hair coat, the fuzzy animals rapidly become devoid of hair. Histologically the skin of these animals has poorly developed, and often cystic hair follicles that contain accumulations of keratinacious material.", "PMID": 1010929} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12313", "title": "Immunological diagnosis of IgD paraprotein.", "content": "IgD monoclonal peaks are relatively small, with broad bases, and are preferentially of gamma-1 or beta mobility. Often IgDgamma paraproteins can only be detected after proper dilution or reduction of the patient's serum. Assay for Bence Jones protein should not be neglected, and if it is present, the co-existence of IgD monoclonal gammopathy should be suspected.", "contents": "Immunological diagnosis of IgD paraprotein. IgD monoclonal peaks are relatively small, with broad bases, and are preferentially of gamma-1 or beta mobility. Often IgDgamma paraproteins can only be detected after proper dilution or reduction of the patient's serum. Assay for Bence Jones protein should not be neglected, and if it is present, the co-existence of IgD monoclonal gammopathy should be suspected.", "PMID": 1010937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12314", "title": "Immunology of DNA. V. Analysis of DNA/anti-DNA complexes.", "content": "DNA/anti-DNA complexes were studied by equilibrium density centrifugation in CsC1 and by zonal centrifugation in sucrose gradients. Complexes prepared of circular DNA preparations PM2 DNA or SV40 DNA with anti-DNA obtained from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were found to be stable under the conditions of CsC1 equilibrium centrifugation. This enabled homogeneous complexes of DNA and anti-DNA of composition AgAb1, AgAb2, AgAb3 etc to be isolated. The stability of these complexes, their banding pattern in CsC1 gradients and their sedimentation behaviour suggest that anti-DNA binds to DNA in a monogamous bivalent way.", "contents": "Immunology of DNA. V. Analysis of DNA/anti-DNA complexes. DNA/anti-DNA complexes were studied by equilibrium density centrifugation in CsC1 and by zonal centrifugation in sucrose gradients. Complexes prepared of circular DNA preparations PM2 DNA or SV40 DNA with anti-DNA obtained from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were found to be stable under the conditions of CsC1 equilibrium centrifugation. This enabled homogeneous complexes of DNA and anti-DNA of composition AgAb1, AgAb2, AgAb3 etc to be isolated. The stability of these complexes, their banding pattern in CsC1 gradients and their sedimentation behaviour suggest that anti-DNA binds to DNA in a monogamous bivalent way.", "PMID": 1010938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12315", "title": "Selection for hematocrit percent in the house mouse.", "content": "Two selection experiments were designed to change hematocrit percent. In the first experiment the mice were measured at 60 days and elevated hematocritis were achieved in the first generation with no further response. In the second experiment hematocritis were taken at 100 days and two-way response continued for three generations after which the difference between the high and low lines remained constant. Realized heritability was 71-97 percent in the first generation in one experiment and 24-30 percent for three generations in the second. These compare to an estimate of the degree of genetic determination based on 21 inbred strains of 40 percent. The evidence based on the selection experiments and crosses between inbred strains indicates that few genes are involved in the genetic control of normal hematocrit levels found within inbred strains of mice. The realtionship between hematocrit level and systolic blood pressure suggested by other studies was not a consistent finding in our studies.", "contents": "Selection for hematocrit percent in the house mouse. Two selection experiments were designed to change hematocrit percent. In the first experiment the mice were measured at 60 days and elevated hematocritis were achieved in the first generation with no further response. In the second experiment hematocritis were taken at 100 days and two-way response continued for three generations after which the difference between the high and low lines remained constant. Realized heritability was 71-97 percent in the first generation in one experiment and 24-30 percent for three generations in the second. These compare to an estimate of the degree of genetic determination based on 21 inbred strains of 40 percent. The evidence based on the selection experiments and crosses between inbred strains indicates that few genes are involved in the genetic control of normal hematocrit levels found within inbred strains of mice. The realtionship between hematocrit level and systolic blood pressure suggested by other studies was not a consistent finding in our studies.", "PMID": 1010931} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12316", "title": "Electrophoretic and cytogenetic studies of Chironomus utahensis.", "content": "Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of Chironomus utahensis hemolymph demonstrated a six-band pattern for hemoglobins. Three major and three minor bands made up the electropherogram. Slight variations from this general pattern were found in less than 10 percent of the population and may represent ontogenetic changes, genetic variation or slight changes in the electrophoretic conditions. No variations could be correlated with the age of the culture, sex, or site of collection. Cytogenetic observations of the salivary glands revealed three large and one small pair of independent polytene chromosomes. Comparisons of electrophoretic patterns of hemoglobins and chromosome banding patterns with other chironomid species will help to clarify their taxonomic and evolutionary relationships.", "contents": "Electrophoretic and cytogenetic studies of Chironomus utahensis. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of Chironomus utahensis hemolymph demonstrated a six-band pattern for hemoglobins. Three major and three minor bands made up the electropherogram. Slight variations from this general pattern were found in less than 10 percent of the population and may represent ontogenetic changes, genetic variation or slight changes in the electrophoretic conditions. No variations could be correlated with the age of the culture, sex, or site of collection. Cytogenetic observations of the salivary glands revealed three large and one small pair of independent polytene chromosomes. Comparisons of electrophoretic patterns of hemoglobins and chromosome banding patterns with other chironomid species will help to clarify their taxonomic and evolutionary relationships.", "PMID": 1010932} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12317", "title": "Antisera to prostaglandins - production and characterization.", "content": "Antisera to prostaglandins of the A,B, E and F groups were elicited by immunization with prostaglandin-protein conjugates. Antibodies to protaglandins of the A and B groups cross-react with each other, but discriminate these two groups of prostaglandins from those of the E and F groups. Antibodies to protaglandins of the E groups, elicited with prostaglandin E-bovine serum albumin (PGE-BSA) conjugates in rabbits, cross-react with prostaglandins of the A and B groups. This cross-reaction is diminished by immunization of rats or mice with PGE-BSA, or by immunization of rabbits with PGE conjugated to gamma globulin or thyroglobulin. Antibodies to PGF have a marked group specificity and discriminate between this group of prostaglandins and prostaglandins of the A, B and E groups. All the antibodies produced do not discriminate between individual prostaglandins within the group.", "contents": "Antisera to prostaglandins - production and characterization. Antisera to prostaglandins of the A,B, E and F groups were elicited by immunization with prostaglandin-protein conjugates. Antibodies to protaglandins of the A and B groups cross-react with each other, but discriminate these two groups of prostaglandins from those of the E and F groups. Antibodies to protaglandins of the E groups, elicited with prostaglandin E-bovine serum albumin (PGE-BSA) conjugates in rabbits, cross-react with prostaglandins of the A and B groups. This cross-reaction is diminished by immunization of rats or mice with PGE-BSA, or by immunization of rabbits with PGE conjugated to gamma globulin or thyroglobulin. Antibodies to PGF have a marked group specificity and discriminate between this group of prostaglandins and prostaglandins of the A, B and E groups. All the antibodies produced do not discriminate between individual prostaglandins within the group.", "PMID": 1010939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12318", "title": "Immunoelectrophoretic quantitation of trace proteins.", "content": "A method is suggested for increasing the sensitivity of quantitative immunoelectrophoresis to a level comparable with radioimmunoassay. This is achieved by electrophoretic elution of antigen from 0.1-10 ml samples placed in glass reservoirs on the electrophoresis plate.", "contents": "Immunoelectrophoretic quantitation of trace proteins. A method is suggested for increasing the sensitivity of quantitative immunoelectrophoresis to a level comparable with radioimmunoassay. This is achieved by electrophoretic elution of antigen from 0.1-10 ml samples placed in glass reservoirs on the electrophoresis plate.", "PMID": 1010941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12319", "title": "Primary cultures of human spleen macrophages in vitro.", "content": "A method for establishing and maintaining primary cultures of human spleen macrophages is described. The cultured cells have been characterized as macrophages by virtue of their adherence, morphology, phagocyte activity, surface Fc receptor, and the production of lysozyme.", "contents": "Primary cultures of human spleen macrophages in vitro. A method for establishing and maintaining primary cultures of human spleen macrophages is described. The cultured cells have been characterized as macrophages by virtue of their adherence, morphology, phagocyte activity, surface Fc receptor, and the production of lysozyme.", "PMID": 1010940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12320", "title": "Male determining factor on chromosome 3 in the mosquito, Culex tritaeniorhynchus.", "content": "Recent experiments indicate that the sex allele M in different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus may be present in different linkage groups. In some laboratory wild-type and mutant stocks, M was found to be unlinked to the mutants of linkage group I. Further experiments have demonstrated that in these stocks M is linked to the mutants in linkage group III. Thus, M may be associated with either linkage group I or III. All other markers within a linkage group appear to remain linked to each other and the recombination frequencies among linked markers remain unaltered irrespective of whether or not the M allele was present. The females behave as the homogametic sex in crosses with both types of males. The M allele when associated with linkage group I has been designated M1, when associated with linkage group III it is designated M3. The gene order when M3 is present in linkage group III is Lp-M3-Adh-bw-ae.", "contents": "Male determining factor on chromosome 3 in the mosquito, Culex tritaeniorhynchus. Recent experiments indicate that the sex allele M in different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus may be present in different linkage groups. In some laboratory wild-type and mutant stocks, M was found to be unlinked to the mutants of linkage group I. Further experiments have demonstrated that in these stocks M is linked to the mutants in linkage group III. Thus, M may be associated with either linkage group I or III. All other markers within a linkage group appear to remain linked to each other and the recombination frequencies among linked markers remain unaltered irrespective of whether or not the M allele was present. The females behave as the homogametic sex in crosses with both types of males. The M allele when associated with linkage group I has been designated M1, when associated with linkage group III it is designated M3. The gene order when M3 is present in linkage group III is Lp-M3-Adh-bw-ae.", "PMID": 1010930} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12321", "title": "Dieldrin-induced chromosome damage in mouse bone-marrow and WI-38 human lung cells.", "content": "Several concentrations of the insecticide dieldrin were tested on in vivo bone marrow cells of STS mice and in vitro human embryonic lung cells of the WI-38 cell line. The insecticide caused pronounced mitotic inhibition and produced a 2 to 3-fold increase in chromosome abnormalities such as breaks and fragments in concentrations as low as 1 mg/kg in STS mice bone marrow cells, and 1 mug/ml in human WI-38 cells. The chemical also produced chromosome interchanges and rings. A few cells from the control groups exhibited breaks and fragments but not exchange figures and rings. Cytotoxic studies using the WI-38 cell line revealed dose-response and time-response reactions to dieldrin. Cell toxicity was most pronounced at the 50 mug/ml treatment level, producing 100 percent cell degeneration within 6 hours.", "contents": "Dieldrin-induced chromosome damage in mouse bone-marrow and WI-38 human lung cells. Several concentrations of the insecticide dieldrin were tested on in vivo bone marrow cells of STS mice and in vitro human embryonic lung cells of the WI-38 cell line. The insecticide caused pronounced mitotic inhibition and produced a 2 to 3-fold increase in chromosome abnormalities such as breaks and fragments in concentrations as low as 1 mg/kg in STS mice bone marrow cells, and 1 mug/ml in human WI-38 cells. The chemical also produced chromosome interchanges and rings. A few cells from the control groups exhibited breaks and fragments but not exchange figures and rings. Cytotoxic studies using the WI-38 cell line revealed dose-response and time-response reactions to dieldrin. Cell toxicity was most pronounced at the 50 mug/ml treatment level, producing 100 percent cell degeneration within 6 hours.", "PMID": 1010933} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12322", "title": "Desired family size and sex of children.", "content": "During 1975, data were obtained from 1016 unmarried Caucasian students on their preference for family size, combination of sexes within the desired size, and permutation of sexes within the desired combination. The most desired family size by both female and male respondents was two children, but the average size was more than 2.46 children. Combinations involving both sexes of children were preferred over single sexes in all families of two or more children. The preference for the first-born to be male was consistent in all combinations of male and female children. Considering all desired family sizes and combinations of sexes of children the resulting sex ratio was 137.9 males:100 females.", "contents": "Desired family size and sex of children. During 1975, data were obtained from 1016 unmarried Caucasian students on their preference for family size, combination of sexes within the desired size, and permutation of sexes within the desired combination. The most desired family size by both female and male respondents was two children, but the average size was more than 2.46 children. Combinations involving both sexes of children were preferred over single sexes in all families of two or more children. The preference for the first-born to be male was consistent in all combinations of male and female children. Considering all desired family sizes and combinations of sexes of children the resulting sex ratio was 137.9 males:100 females.", "PMID": 1010935} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12323", "title": "The use of the IgG fraction of typing sera in the lymphocytotoxic test: a comparison with other cytotoxic methods.", "content": "The application of a simple batch method for the isolation of IgG from weakly lymphocytotoxic sera is described. The use of purified IgG as an antibody source at the serum concentration or up to tentimes that level resulted in the conversion of 25 out of 28 previously weak or non-reactive cytotoxic sera into potentially useful tissue typing reagents. The sensitivity of this technique was assessed by comparison with five cytotoxic test systems.", "contents": "The use of the IgG fraction of typing sera in the lymphocytotoxic test: a comparison with other cytotoxic methods. The application of a simple batch method for the isolation of IgG from weakly lymphocytotoxic sera is described. The use of purified IgG as an antibody source at the serum concentration or up to tentimes that level resulted in the conversion of 25 out of 28 previously weak or non-reactive cytotoxic sera into potentially useful tissue typing reagents. The sensitivity of this technique was assessed by comparison with five cytotoxic test systems.", "PMID": 1010942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12324", "title": "PGM3 locus and its genetic polymorphism in leucocytes of goats.", "content": "PGM3 activity was investigated in 150 'Boerbok' goats and 132 Angora goats by means of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. In 'Boerbok' goats no polymorphism was found. In Angora goats three different phenotypes have been recognized: F, S, and FS. The results suggest the occurrence of two common alleles: PGM3-F and PGM3-S at an autosomal locus with frequencies of 0.6176 and 0.3824, respectively.", "contents": "PGM3 locus and its genetic polymorphism in leucocytes of goats. PGM3 activity was investigated in 150 'Boerbok' goats and 132 Angora goats by means of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. In 'Boerbok' goats no polymorphism was found. In Angora goats three different phenotypes have been recognized: F, S, and FS. The results suggest the occurrence of two common alleles: PGM3-F and PGM3-S at an autosomal locus with frequencies of 0.6176 and 0.3824, respectively.", "PMID": 1010943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12325", "title": "An allele affecting display coloration in the fish, Poeciliopsis viriosa.", "content": "The inheritance of an autosomal recessive gene affecting the distribution of yellow xanthrophores on the body scales and fins of P. viriosa is described. Individual males and females having the mutant phenotype, gray, lack the normal olivaceous body coloration. Also, mutant males cannot exhibit the brassy display coloration used by wild-type males in mating and aggressive encounters.", "contents": "An allele affecting display coloration in the fish, Poeciliopsis viriosa. The inheritance of an autosomal recessive gene affecting the distribution of yellow xanthrophores on the body scales and fins of P. viriosa is described. Individual males and females having the mutant phenotype, gray, lack the normal olivaceous body coloration. Also, mutant males cannot exhibit the brassy display coloration used by wild-type males in mating and aggressive encounters.", "PMID": 1010936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12326", "title": "Characteristics of natural anti-NP antibodies in different strains of mice.", "content": "Characteristics (titre and fine-specificity) of natural anti-NP antibodies were determined in eighteen inbred strains of mice. We found systematic titre and fine-specificity differences between different strains. At least five types of strains could be easily detected but the data indicate that the actual number is greater. Strains sharing an Ig allotype tended to have less different anti-NP antibodies than those not sharing the allotype. Fine-specificity of natural anti-NP antibodies resembled fine-specificity characteristics in immune anti-NP antibodies of the same strains. Both are probably controlled by V genes. The data indicate that fine-specificity of antibodies has a great resolving power in the study of Mendelian V genes.", "contents": "Characteristics of natural anti-NP antibodies in different strains of mice. Characteristics (titre and fine-specificity) of natural anti-NP antibodies were determined in eighteen inbred strains of mice. We found systematic titre and fine-specificity differences between different strains. At least five types of strains could be easily detected but the data indicate that the actual number is greater. Strains sharing an Ig allotype tended to have less different anti-NP antibodies than those not sharing the allotype. Fine-specificity of natural anti-NP antibodies resembled fine-specificity characteristics in immune anti-NP antibodies of the same strains. Both are probably controlled by V genes. The data indicate that fine-specificity of antibodies has a great resolving power in the study of Mendelian V genes.", "PMID": 1010944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12327", "title": "Absence of an effect of t-alleles on epididymal and testicular metabolism of 5-3H-uridine in mice.", "content": "Earlier reports have suggested that the epididymis secretes RNA, and that the amount of these secretions varies among T/t6, T/t12 and C57BR mice. In this report, the epididymal perfusate, the total uptake and incorporation of 5-3H-uridine into the epididymis and testicle were examined. Mice examined were T/t6 and +/+ (B6D2F1) and their F1 hybrids, and T/t12 and +/+ (Swiss Webster) and their F1 hybrids. No t-related or age-related effect was seen. However, the F1 hybrids of T/t6 and +/+ (B6D2F1) were significantly lower than the parents at the 4-hour interval.", "contents": "Absence of an effect of t-alleles on epididymal and testicular metabolism of 5-3H-uridine in mice. Earlier reports have suggested that the epididymis secretes RNA, and that the amount of these secretions varies among T/t6, T/t12 and C57BR mice. In this report, the epididymal perfusate, the total uptake and incorporation of 5-3H-uridine into the epididymis and testicle were examined. Mice examined were T/t6 and +/+ (B6D2F1) and their F1 hybrids, and T/t12 and +/+ (Swiss Webster) and their F1 hybrids. No t-related or age-related effect was seen. However, the F1 hybrids of T/t6 and +/+ (B6D2F1) were significantly lower than the parents at the 4-hour interval.", "PMID": 1010934} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12328", "title": "Haemagglutinins produced in vitro by human lymphoblastoid cells.", "content": "Haemagglutinins in the supernatants of four human lymphoblastoid lines have been partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, centrifugation on a sucrose gradient or passage through a Sephadex G-200 column. Haemagglutinating activity in all cases appears to be associated with a high molecular weight fraction with the characteristics of IgM and activity can be recovered by elution of material adsorbed onto an anti-IgM column. On iso-electric focusing, a very small number of molecular species seems to be involved. It is likely that these lines constitute the first in vitro human systems in which the synthesis of homogenous immunoglobulins with known antibody specificity can be studied.", "contents": "Haemagglutinins produced in vitro by human lymphoblastoid cells. Haemagglutinins in the supernatants of four human lymphoblastoid lines have been partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, centrifugation on a sucrose gradient or passage through a Sephadex G-200 column. Haemagglutinating activity in all cases appears to be associated with a high molecular weight fraction with the characteristics of IgM and activity can be recovered by elution of material adsorbed onto an anti-IgM column. On iso-electric focusing, a very small number of molecular species seems to be involved. It is likely that these lines constitute the first in vitro human systems in which the synthesis of homogenous immunoglobulins with known antibody specificity can be studied.", "PMID": 1010945} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12329", "title": "Studies on the membrane glycoprotein defect of En(a-) erythrocytes. I. Biochemical aspects.", "content": "Discontinuous sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by periodic acid/Schiff or Coomassie staining and densitometry, spectrophotometric and gas-liquid chromatographic carbohydrate analyses as well as heterophile agglutinins are employed to study the nature of the membrane glycoprotein defect in En(a-) erythrocytes from Finland and England, heterozygous Ena red cells from Finland and the erythrocytes of two individuals from Switzerland. The results suggest that En(a-) cells lack the major membrane sialoglycoprotein, the so-called MN glycoprotein. Heterozygous Ena erythrocytes from Finland and those from Switzerland have only about half of the normal amount of MN glycoprotein. The molecular weight of the major Coomassie staining membrane protein (component III) is increased by approx. 5000 and 3000 daltons in En(a-) and the other red cells respectively. Some aspects of this membrane defect are discussed.", "contents": "Studies on the membrane glycoprotein defect of En(a-) erythrocytes. I. Biochemical aspects. Discontinuous sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by periodic acid/Schiff or Coomassie staining and densitometry, spectrophotometric and gas-liquid chromatographic carbohydrate analyses as well as heterophile agglutinins are employed to study the nature of the membrane glycoprotein defect in En(a-) erythrocytes from Finland and England, heterozygous Ena red cells from Finland and the erythrocytes of two individuals from Switzerland. The results suggest that En(a-) cells lack the major membrane sialoglycoprotein, the so-called MN glycoprotein. Heterozygous Ena erythrocytes from Finland and those from Switzerland have only about half of the normal amount of MN glycoprotein. The molecular weight of the major Coomassie staining membrane protein (component III) is increased by approx. 5000 and 3000 daltons in En(a-) and the other red cells respectively. Some aspects of this membrane defect are discussed.", "PMID": 1010946} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12330", "title": "Significance of specific ovarian receptors for syngeneic naturally-occurring haemagglutinating anti-A antibodies.", "content": "Haemagglutinins which specifically combine with membrane determinants of human blood group A erythrocytes and which are distinguishable from any other haemagglutinin specificities display marked sex dependency in C57BL/10 mice. All the sera of 80-day-old C57BL/10 females exert moderate to strong anti-A haemagglutinin activities which could be detected only in approximately half of the sera of the males of the same age. Investigations of the murine tissues revealed that the production of anti-A haemagglutinins in females is reflected by simultaneous synthesis of strong endogenous receptors detected in the ovaries and associated with water-soluble glycolipid fractions. The receptor activity was demonstrated by means of haemagglutination inhibition in comparison with appropriate controls and glycolipid preparations from seventeen other different male and female tissues, and the inhibitory effects exerted by the ovarian glycolipids were statistically significant on the basis of multiple comparisons at the 1% level in each possible pair of effects.", "contents": "Significance of specific ovarian receptors for syngeneic naturally-occurring haemagglutinating anti-A antibodies. Haemagglutinins which specifically combine with membrane determinants of human blood group A erythrocytes and which are distinguishable from any other haemagglutinin specificities display marked sex dependency in C57BL/10 mice. All the sera of 80-day-old C57BL/10 females exert moderate to strong anti-A haemagglutinin activities which could be detected only in approximately half of the sera of the males of the same age. Investigations of the murine tissues revealed that the production of anti-A haemagglutinins in females is reflected by simultaneous synthesis of strong endogenous receptors detected in the ovaries and associated with water-soluble glycolipid fractions. The receptor activity was demonstrated by means of haemagglutination inhibition in comparison with appropriate controls and glycolipid preparations from seventeen other different male and female tissues, and the inhibitory effects exerted by the ovarian glycolipids were statistically significant on the basis of multiple comparisons at the 1% level in each possible pair of effects.", "PMID": 1010947} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12331", "title": "Studies on the membrane glycoprotein defect of En(a-) erythrocytes. II. MN antigenic properties of En(a-) erythrocytes.", "content": "En(a-) and EnaEn red cells from different sources were studied using biochemical and serological methods. The results suggest that Finnish En(a-) erythrocytes contain only \"N\" but no M antigenic properties. Data on the members of the English En(a-) family suggest that English En(a-) red cells exhibit a combination of three rare alterations. The English En(a-) individuals are apparently heterozygous for the defects En and Ms, to all appearances, converted to a M (\"M\") antigen. These extraordinary data are brought to light by investigations on the children of the propositus (G.P. and J.P.), whose red cells are M-N+S-s+\"N\"+\"M\"- and M-N+S+s+\"N\"+\"M\"+ respectively. Sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic results indicate that the MN glycoprotein content is decreased by about 50% in all English S+s+EnaEn red cells, the Ss glycoprotein being normal. G.P. erythrocytes, however, have only about half of the normal MN and Ss glycoprotein content.", "contents": "Studies on the membrane glycoprotein defect of En(a-) erythrocytes. II. MN antigenic properties of En(a-) erythrocytes. En(a-) and EnaEn red cells from different sources were studied using biochemical and serological methods. The results suggest that Finnish En(a-) erythrocytes contain only \"N\" but no M antigenic properties. Data on the members of the English En(a-) family suggest that English En(a-) red cells exhibit a combination of three rare alterations. The English En(a-) individuals are apparently heterozygous for the defects En and Ms, to all appearances, converted to a M (\"M\") antigen. These extraordinary data are brought to light by investigations on the children of the propositus (G.P. and J.P.), whose red cells are M-N+S-s+\"N\"+\"M\"- and M-N+S+s+\"N\"+\"M\"+ respectively. Sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic results indicate that the MN glycoprotein content is decreased by about 50% in all English S+s+EnaEn red cells, the Ss glycoprotein being normal. G.P. erythrocytes, however, have only about half of the normal MN and Ss glycoprotein content.", "PMID": 1010948} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12332", "title": "Codominant inheritance in immunogenetic (IR-gene) systems.", "content": "Immunogenetic (IR-gene) systems consist of animals showing different quantitative antibody responses when immunized with similar doses of a given antigen. Strains of animals giving high and low antibody titres are described as high and low responders, respectively. The degree of dominance in F1 hybrid strains, obtained from a cross between high and low responder parents, can readily be calculated using the dominance index formula, which takes the value of +1 for complete dominance, -1 for complete recessivity and the value of zero for no dominance. In reviewing 1527 F1 animals, obtained from ninety-one immunogenetic systems, the degree of diminance (d) was found to be: +0-0076 +/- 0-1053 (mean +/- s.e.), which is close to a value of zero and this is consistent with codominant inheritance. It is suggested that in immunogenetic systems, both alleles are expressed as codominant genes.", "contents": "Codominant inheritance in immunogenetic (IR-gene) systems. Immunogenetic (IR-gene) systems consist of animals showing different quantitative antibody responses when immunized with similar doses of a given antigen. Strains of animals giving high and low antibody titres are described as high and low responders, respectively. The degree of dominance in F1 hybrid strains, obtained from a cross between high and low responder parents, can readily be calculated using the dominance index formula, which takes the value of +1 for complete dominance, -1 for complete recessivity and the value of zero for no dominance. In reviewing 1527 F1 animals, obtained from ninety-one immunogenetic systems, the degree of diminance (d) was found to be: +0-0076 +/- 0-1053 (mean +/- s.e.), which is close to a value of zero and this is consistent with codominant inheritance. It is suggested that in immunogenetic systems, both alleles are expressed as codominant genes.", "PMID": 1010949} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12333", "title": "The use of early embryo aggregation derived mouse chimaeras. III. A tool of immunogenetics.", "content": "Early embryo aggregation derived chimaeras have proven a valuable tool to biologists concerned with various aspects of mammalian development. The use of this model is discussed here in respect of its application to the field of immunogenetics and also to possible future exploitation. Chimaeras have already provided information concerning various areas of immunogenetics ranging from tolerance, control of antibody response, allotype expression, gene transfer and its possible influence upon the immune response. These are reviewed here.", "contents": "The use of early embryo aggregation derived mouse chimaeras. III. A tool of immunogenetics. Early embryo aggregation derived chimaeras have proven a valuable tool to biologists concerned with various aspects of mammalian development. The use of this model is discussed here in respect of its application to the field of immunogenetics and also to possible future exploitation. Chimaeras have already provided information concerning various areas of immunogenetics ranging from tolerance, control of antibody response, allotype expression, gene transfer and its possible influence upon the immune response. These are reviewed here.", "PMID": 1010950} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12334", "title": "Effects of adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy on water and electrolyte metabolism in male and female rats with inherited hypothalamic diabetes insipidus (Brattleboro strain).", "content": "Observations on water and electrolyte metabolism after hypophysectomy or adrenalectomy, in male and female rats with hereditary hypothalamic diabetes insipidus (Brattleboro strain) are confirmed and extended. The diabetic (homozygous, DI) state relative to the non-diabetic (heterozygous, non-DI) state was characterized by (1) water intake of 55-120% body weight; (2) copious urine hypo-osmotic to plasma; (3) greater excretory rates of total solute, Na, Ca and Mg; (4) similar plasma composition except that in male DI rats, K concentration was less, and in female DI rats osmolarity was higher; (5) glomerular filtration rates (GFR) were similar with close correlations between: food and water intakes, water intake and output, urinary Na and K, Na and Cl, K and Cl, and Ca and Mg; (6) both female DI and non-DI rats had lower urinary Na:K ratios and lower plasma Na concentrations than males; (7) female DI rats excreted relatively larger amounts of K and Cl, and had higher plasma Ca concentrations than other groups. Hypophysectomized DI rats had decreased water intake and urine output, decreased solute excretion, decreased loss of osmotically free water, lower excretory rates of Na, K and Cl, and increased urinary osmolarity and K concentrations. Hypophysectomized non-DI rats had increased urinary excretory rates, decreased solute excretion (by 60-70%), decreased osmotically free water absorption, decreased urinary osmolarity, Na and K concentrations, and increased excretory rates of Ca and Mg. Hypophysectomized DI and non-DI rats had increased plasma osmolarity and Na concentration. Plasma renin activities (PRA) were higher in DI than in non-DI rats with female values lower than those of males; values for both sexes of DI and non-DI rats were reduced after hypophysectomy. Adrenalectomized DI rats had about a 50% reduction in water intake, urine output and free water clearance, increased urinary concentration of electrolytes and total solute by day 4 after operation; their Na balance (dietary:urine) did not change significantly in contrast to adrenalectomized non-DI rats in which a greater percentage of dietary Na appeared in the urine. GFR was similarly reduced in adrenalectomized DI and non-DI rats. Plasma osmolarity increased in adrenalectomized male DI, decreased in female DI and non-DI, and did not change in male non-DI rats. Plasma K concentrations increased after adrenalectomy in all groups, only non-DI rats had a significantly decreased plasma Na concentration. There was no sex difference in pituitary oxytocic activity but it was consistently reduced in DI rats; there was little change after adrenalectomy in male DI and non-DI rats; but there was an increase in DI and non-DI females. Pituitaries of DI rats had no measurable ADH activity (except the inherent activity of oxytocin). Pituitary ADH values for male and female non-DI rats were similar and were unaffected by adrenalectomy.", "contents": "Effects of adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy on water and electrolyte metabolism in male and female rats with inherited hypothalamic diabetes insipidus (Brattleboro strain). Observations on water and electrolyte metabolism after hypophysectomy or adrenalectomy, in male and female rats with hereditary hypothalamic diabetes insipidus (Brattleboro strain) are confirmed and extended. The diabetic (homozygous, DI) state relative to the non-diabetic (heterozygous, non-DI) state was characterized by (1) water intake of 55-120% body weight; (2) copious urine hypo-osmotic to plasma; (3) greater excretory rates of total solute, Na, Ca and Mg; (4) similar plasma composition except that in male DI rats, K concentration was less, and in female DI rats osmolarity was higher; (5) glomerular filtration rates (GFR) were similar with close correlations between: food and water intakes, water intake and output, urinary Na and K, Na and Cl, K and Cl, and Ca and Mg; (6) both female DI and non-DI rats had lower urinary Na:K ratios and lower plasma Na concentrations than males; (7) female DI rats excreted relatively larger amounts of K and Cl, and had higher plasma Ca concentrations than other groups. Hypophysectomized DI rats had decreased water intake and urine output, decreased solute excretion, decreased loss of osmotically free water, lower excretory rates of Na, K and Cl, and increased urinary osmolarity and K concentrations. Hypophysectomized non-DI rats had increased urinary excretory rates, decreased solute excretion (by 60-70%), decreased osmotically free water absorption, decreased urinary osmolarity, Na and K concentrations, and increased excretory rates of Ca and Mg. Hypophysectomized DI and non-DI rats had increased plasma osmolarity and Na concentration. Plasma renin activities (PRA) were higher in DI than in non-DI rats with female values lower than those of males; values for both sexes of DI and non-DI rats were reduced after hypophysectomy. Adrenalectomized DI rats had about a 50% reduction in water intake, urine output and free water clearance, increased urinary concentration of electrolytes and total solute by day 4 after operation; their Na balance (dietary:urine) did not change significantly in contrast to adrenalectomized non-DI rats in which a greater percentage of dietary Na appeared in the urine. GFR was similarly reduced in adrenalectomized DI and non-DI rats. Plasma osmolarity increased in adrenalectomized male DI, decreased in female DI and non-DI, and did not change in male non-DI rats. Plasma K concentrations increased after adrenalectomy in all groups, only non-DI rats had a significantly decreased plasma Na concentration. There was no sex difference in pituitary oxytocic activity but it was consistently reduced in DI rats; there was little change after adrenalectomy in male DI and non-DI rats; but there was an increase in DI and non-DI females. Pituitaries of DI rats had no measurable ADH activity (except the inherent activity of oxytocin). Pituitary ADH values for male and female non-DI rats were similar and were unaffected by adrenalectomy.", "PMID": 1010970} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12335", "title": "Parathyroid hormone and eggshell calcification in Japanese quail.", "content": "The effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on egg-shell calcification has been investigated in egg-laying Japanese quail. Lilly parathyroid extract (PTE) when injected into quail within 2-6 h of oviposition caused a significantly increased deposition of a chronic 45Ca label into the sequential egg-shell compared with the previous egg in the clutch, indicating increased mobilization of bone Ca and its subsequent incorporation into the egg-shell. At the same time egg-shell weight/unit area and egg-shell Ca/unit area were significantly decreased. Parathyroid extract injected 12-16 after oviposition had none of these effects. Purified PTH also caused a significant decrease in egg-shell weight/unit area if injected within 2-6 h of oviposition. This result indicated an action of PTH either directly or indirectly on the avian oviduct limiting egg-shell calcification. The loss of responses in the 12-16 h treated birds may reflect high endogenous PTH levels with subsequent saturation of target organ receptors.", "contents": "Parathyroid hormone and eggshell calcification in Japanese quail. The effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on egg-shell calcification has been investigated in egg-laying Japanese quail. Lilly parathyroid extract (PTE) when injected into quail within 2-6 h of oviposition caused a significantly increased deposition of a chronic 45Ca label into the sequential egg-shell compared with the previous egg in the clutch, indicating increased mobilization of bone Ca and its subsequent incorporation into the egg-shell. At the same time egg-shell weight/unit area and egg-shell Ca/unit area were significantly decreased. Parathyroid extract injected 12-16 after oviposition had none of these effects. Purified PTH also caused a significant decrease in egg-shell weight/unit area if injected within 2-6 h of oviposition. This result indicated an action of PTH either directly or indirectly on the avian oviduct limiting egg-shell calcification. The loss of responses in the 12-16 h treated birds may reflect high endogenous PTH levels with subsequent saturation of target organ receptors.", "PMID": 1010971} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12336", "title": "The response of the brachial ventral horn or Xenopus laevis to forelimb amputation during development.", "content": "The normal development of the brachial ventral horn of the frog Xenopus laevis and the response of the brachial ventral horn to complete forelimb extirpation at five developmental stages were assessed histologically. Differentiation of brachial ventral horn neurons occurred in pre-metamorphic tadpoles between stages 52/53 and 57. Mean cell number in the brachial ventral horn reached a peak of 2576 (S.E.M. equals +/- 269, N equals 2) per side of the spinal cord at stage 55 and decreased to 1070 (S.E.M. equals +/- 35, n equals 7) by the end of metamorphosis. Cell degeneration was presumed to be the mode of cell loss since it was most prevalent during the period of rapid decrease in cell numbers. The response of the ventral horn to forelimb removal varied with the stage of the animal at amputation. Following amputation at stage 52/53 or 54 the ipsilateral ventral horn neurons appeared less differentiated than those on the control side and a rapid cell loss of about 80% occurred on the operated side. These effects occurred more rapidly after ablation at stage 54 than at stage 52/53. Amputation at stage 58, 61, or 66 caused chromatolysis in the ventral horn, a period of relative cell excess on the operated side, and a delayed neuronal loss of 32-66%. It was concluded that excess cell degeneration accounted for cell loss and that suppression of normal neuronal degeneration caused the relative cell excess on the operated side. The data indicate that the brachial ventral horn was indifferent to the periphery before stage 54, was quickly affected by limb removal between stages 54 and 58, and by stage 58 had entered a phase in which a delay preceded cell death. No forelimb regeneration occurred.", "contents": "The response of the brachial ventral horn or Xenopus laevis to forelimb amputation during development. The normal development of the brachial ventral horn of the frog Xenopus laevis and the response of the brachial ventral horn to complete forelimb extirpation at five developmental stages were assessed histologically. Differentiation of brachial ventral horn neurons occurred in pre-metamorphic tadpoles between stages 52/53 and 57. Mean cell number in the brachial ventral horn reached a peak of 2576 (S.E.M. equals +/- 269, N equals 2) per side of the spinal cord at stage 55 and decreased to 1070 (S.E.M. equals +/- 35, n equals 7) by the end of metamorphosis. Cell degeneration was presumed to be the mode of cell loss since it was most prevalent during the period of rapid decrease in cell numbers. The response of the ventral horn to forelimb removal varied with the stage of the animal at amputation. Following amputation at stage 52/53 or 54 the ipsilateral ventral horn neurons appeared less differentiated than those on the control side and a rapid cell loss of about 80% occurred on the operated side. These effects occurred more rapidly after ablation at stage 54 than at stage 52/53. Amputation at stage 58, 61, or 66 caused chromatolysis in the ventral horn, a period of relative cell excess on the operated side, and a delayed neuronal loss of 32-66%. It was concluded that excess cell degeneration accounted for cell loss and that suppression of normal neuronal degeneration caused the relative cell excess on the operated side. The data indicate that the brachial ventral horn was indifferent to the periphery before stage 54, was quickly affected by limb removal between stages 54 and 58, and by stage 58 had entered a phase in which a delay preceded cell death. No forelimb regeneration occurred.", "PMID": 1010975} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12337", "title": "Scanning electron microscopy of lithium-induced exogastrulae of Xenopus laevis.", "content": "Lithium-induced exogastrulae are abnormal embryos which fail to complete gastrulation and do not form normal neural structures. Scanning electron microscopy has been used to compare the surface structure of the ectoderm cells of exogastrulae with that of the ectoderm cells of normal embryos and has shown that the appearance of ciliated cells is delayed in exogastrulae. In addition, the structure of endoderm cells, which remain exposed in these embryos, has been studied.", "contents": "Scanning electron microscopy of lithium-induced exogastrulae of Xenopus laevis. Lithium-induced exogastrulae are abnormal embryos which fail to complete gastrulation and do not form normal neural structures. Scanning electron microscopy has been used to compare the surface structure of the ectoderm cells of exogastrulae with that of the ectoderm cells of normal embryos and has shown that the appearance of ciliated cells is delayed in exogastrulae. In addition, the structure of endoderm cells, which remain exposed in these embryos, has been studied.", "PMID": 1010976} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12338", "title": "Injected nuclei in frog oocytes: fate, enlargement, and chromatin dispersal.", "content": "A method is described by which nuclei associated with some cytoplasm can be rapidly prepared from a suspension of cells. The method involves the use of lysolecithin and bovine serum albumin. Oocytes of Xenopus laevis were injected with about 200 nuclei perpared from human HeLa cells by this method. Nuclei were deposited in oocyte cytoplasm, in the oocyte nucleus, or in the dispersed contents of a ruptured oocyte nucleus. Injected HeLa nuclei enlarge up to several hundred times in volume in the course of a few days. Their enlargement is associated with chromatin dispersion, increased binding of an acidic dye, and with the reduction in size, and eventual disappearance, of nucleoli. The amount of HeLa nucleus enlargement is much greater when the oocyte nucleus is ruptured. The fate of injected nuclei was followed by the use of HeLa nuclei whose DNA had been previously labelled with [3H]thymidine. Labelled DNA does not pass from injected HeLa nuclei into the oocyte nucleus. Injected nuclei appear not to fuse with each other or with the oocyte nucleus. Nuclei prepared by the above method look morphologically healthy in oocytes cultured in vitro for up to one month after nuclear injection. Nuclei prepared by other methods, such as those involving the use of detergents, undergo deterioration within a few days after injection into oocytes.", "contents": "Injected nuclei in frog oocytes: fate, enlargement, and chromatin dispersal. A method is described by which nuclei associated with some cytoplasm can be rapidly prepared from a suspension of cells. The method involves the use of lysolecithin and bovine serum albumin. Oocytes of Xenopus laevis were injected with about 200 nuclei perpared from human HeLa cells by this method. Nuclei were deposited in oocyte cytoplasm, in the oocyte nucleus, or in the dispersed contents of a ruptured oocyte nucleus. Injected HeLa nuclei enlarge up to several hundred times in volume in the course of a few days. Their enlargement is associated with chromatin dispersion, increased binding of an acidic dye, and with the reduction in size, and eventual disappearance, of nucleoli. The amount of HeLa nucleus enlargement is much greater when the oocyte nucleus is ruptured. The fate of injected nuclei was followed by the use of HeLa nuclei whose DNA had been previously labelled with [3H]thymidine. Labelled DNA does not pass from injected HeLa nuclei into the oocyte nucleus. Injected nuclei appear not to fuse with each other or with the oocyte nucleus. Nuclei prepared by the above method look morphologically healthy in oocytes cultured in vitro for up to one month after nuclear injection. Nuclei prepared by other methods, such as those involving the use of detergents, undergo deterioration within a few days after injection into oocytes.", "PMID": 1010977} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12339", "title": "Injected nuclei in frog oocytes:RNA synthesis and protein exchange.", "content": "Nuclei from HeLa and other mammalian cells have been injected into Xenopus oocytes. The synthesis, uptake, and release of RNA and proteins by injected nuclei have been investigated by autoradiography. Injected nuclei which undergo enlargement synthesize RNA continuously for up to 28 days. When oocytes are incubated in [3H]uridine or [3H]guanosine, injected nuclei are labelled nearly as strongly as the nucleoli, but much more strongly than the nucleoplasm of the oocyte's germinal vesicle. Injected nuclei appear to increase their rate of RNA synthesis during incubation in oocytes. This apparent increase in the rate of RNA synthesis is correlated with nuclear enlargement, as well as with the loss of protein from injected nuclei and with their uptake of histone and nonhistone proteins from oocyte cytoplasm. Injected HeLa nuclei lose most of the previously synthesized RNA from their nucleoplasm, but little if any of the RNA from their remaining nucleoli.", "contents": "Injected nuclei in frog oocytes:RNA synthesis and protein exchange. Nuclei from HeLa and other mammalian cells have been injected into Xenopus oocytes. The synthesis, uptake, and release of RNA and proteins by injected nuclei have been investigated by autoradiography. Injected nuclei which undergo enlargement synthesize RNA continuously for up to 28 days. When oocytes are incubated in [3H]uridine or [3H]guanosine, injected nuclei are labelled nearly as strongly as the nucleoli, but much more strongly than the nucleoplasm of the oocyte's germinal vesicle. Injected nuclei appear to increase their rate of RNA synthesis during incubation in oocytes. This apparent increase in the rate of RNA synthesis is correlated with nuclear enlargement, as well as with the loss of protein from injected nuclei and with their uptake of histone and nonhistone proteins from oocyte cytoplasm. Injected HeLa nuclei lose most of the previously synthesized RNA from their nucleoplasm, but little if any of the RNA from their remaining nucleoli.", "PMID": 1010978} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12340", "title": "Blastemal kinetics and pattern formation during amphibian limb regeneration.", "content": "To investigate whether the uniqueness of proximal and distal limb regenerates could be attributed simply to differing blastemal growth characteristics, their increase in volume, cell number and cell-cycle times were determined. With respect to these parameters proximal and distal blastemas were identical and, furthermore, no evidence could be found for the existance of separate growth zones such as an apical proliferation centre or a progress zone within the blastema. It was therefore concluded that level-specific properties of the blastemal cells play the major role in determining the structure of the regenerate, not their growth characteristics. The only discernible difference was in the cell number within the two types of blastema at the onset of cartilage redifferentiation - proximal regenerates had 60% more cells. Thus it seems that the larger the pattern to be regenerated (the more proximal the amputation plane), the larger the primordium within which that pattern first appears. These two conclusions are discussed in relation to current theories of pattern formation during limb regeneration and development and a few way of envisaging the regeneration of pattern is described.", "contents": "Blastemal kinetics and pattern formation during amphibian limb regeneration. To investigate whether the uniqueness of proximal and distal limb regenerates could be attributed simply to differing blastemal growth characteristics, their increase in volume, cell number and cell-cycle times were determined. With respect to these parameters proximal and distal blastemas were identical and, furthermore, no evidence could be found for the existance of separate growth zones such as an apical proliferation centre or a progress zone within the blastema. It was therefore concluded that level-specific properties of the blastemal cells play the major role in determining the structure of the regenerate, not their growth characteristics. The only discernible difference was in the cell number within the two types of blastema at the onset of cartilage redifferentiation - proximal regenerates had 60% more cells. Thus it seems that the larger the pattern to be regenerated (the more proximal the amputation plane), the larger the primordium within which that pattern first appears. These two conclusions are discussed in relation to current theories of pattern formation during limb regeneration and development and a few way of envisaging the regeneration of pattern is described.", "PMID": 1010979} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12341", "title": "Three-dimensional anatomy of the 8-day mouse concepts: a study by scanning electron microscopy.", "content": "The three-dimensional anatomy of the 8-day mouse concepts was studied by scanning electron microscopy aided by microdissection within the microscope specimen chamber. Attention was given to the relationship of the extra-embryonic membranes and their subtended compartments and particular emphasis was placed on the 'inverted' condition of the embryo at this stage of development. The main points brought forth in this study are: (1) the five basic brain segments are discernible on the basis of surface contour; (2) the cervical fold, extending from the ventrum of the metencephalon to the somatopleure, forms a partition which separates the branchial region from the rest of the amniotic space; (3) the procephalic membrane bifurcates in a vertical plane to form the splanchnopeure and somatopleure lateral to the forebrain, and it bifurcates horizontally to form the dorsal and ventral coverings of the pericardial coelom; (4) the anttrum of the pericardial-peritoneal canal opens into the lateral coelom posterior to the cervical fold; (5) the midgut of the embryo is delineated laterally by longitudinal grooves connecting the foregut and hindgut antra; (6) embryonic ectoderm in the neural-fold region is formed by a single layer of pseudostratified columnar cells; (7) the allantois is hollow near its base and the inner surface is formed by a discontinuous layer of squamous cells; (8) blood islands in the extra-embryonic mesoderm form a ring of bulges around the middle of the exocoel. Other structures such as the ectoplacental cavity, the ectoplacental cone and the parietal capsule are also described.", "contents": "Three-dimensional anatomy of the 8-day mouse concepts: a study by scanning electron microscopy. The three-dimensional anatomy of the 8-day mouse concepts was studied by scanning electron microscopy aided by microdissection within the microscope specimen chamber. Attention was given to the relationship of the extra-embryonic membranes and their subtended compartments and particular emphasis was placed on the 'inverted' condition of the embryo at this stage of development. The main points brought forth in this study are: (1) the five basic brain segments are discernible on the basis of surface contour; (2) the cervical fold, extending from the ventrum of the metencephalon to the somatopleure, forms a partition which separates the branchial region from the rest of the amniotic space; (3) the procephalic membrane bifurcates in a vertical plane to form the splanchnopeure and somatopleure lateral to the forebrain, and it bifurcates horizontally to form the dorsal and ventral coverings of the pericardial coelom; (4) the anttrum of the pericardial-peritoneal canal opens into the lateral coelom posterior to the cervical fold; (5) the midgut of the embryo is delineated laterally by longitudinal grooves connecting the foregut and hindgut antra; (6) embryonic ectoderm in the neural-fold region is formed by a single layer of pseudostratified columnar cells; (7) the allantois is hollow near its base and the inner surface is formed by a discontinuous layer of squamous cells; (8) blood islands in the extra-embryonic mesoderm form a ring of bulges around the middle of the exocoel. Other structures such as the ectoplacental cavity, the ectoplacental cone and the parietal capsule are also described.", "PMID": 1010980} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12342", "title": "Morphological changes associated with the growth cycle of vibrissal follicles in the rat.", "content": "Morphological changes which occur in the growth cycle of the rat vibrissal follicle during the transitional period between consecutive anagen phases are described. In contrast with pelage hair follicles, there is no shortening of the follicle, no formation of a papilla 'rest' and no close synchrony between club differentiation and follicle regression. Telogen is therefore considered to occur after loss of the matrix of the hair bulb and maximal diminution of the dermal papilla to a small aggregation of cells. These difference are discussed in relation to current nomenclature of the hair cycle and the function of the vibrissal follicle.", "contents": "Morphological changes associated with the growth cycle of vibrissal follicles in the rat. Morphological changes which occur in the growth cycle of the rat vibrissal follicle during the transitional period between consecutive anagen phases are described. In contrast with pelage hair follicles, there is no shortening of the follicle, no formation of a papilla 'rest' and no close synchrony between club differentiation and follicle regression. Telogen is therefore considered to occur after loss of the matrix of the hair bulb and maximal diminution of the dermal papilla to a small aggregation of cells. These difference are discussed in relation to current nomenclature of the hair cycle and the function of the vibrissal follicle.", "PMID": 1010981} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12343", "title": "Ultrastructural observations of preimplantation stages of the sheep.", "content": "Sheep embryos were examined with the electron microscope in order to characterize their organelles and the changes that occur during the preimplantation period. The first sign of differentiation of trophoblast cells was the appearance of junctions between external cells at the 16-cell stage. Nucleoli developed a granular component suggesting the synthesis of ribosomal RNA at the 16-cell stage also. Centrioles were seen as early as the 8-cell stage. Intracytoplasmic vesicles were present in large numbers in all cleavage stages but disappeared at blastulation. Mitochondria progressed from a very electron-dense hook- or U-shaped form with a few cristae to a cylindrical or spherical form of light density with many transverse cristae. Microvilli were not seen until the blastocyst stage and then only on the exterior surface of the trophoblast cells. Crystalloid or virus inclusions were not observed. It was concluded that the fine structure and developmental changes in the early sheep embryo are very similar to those of other mammalian species.", "contents": "Ultrastructural observations of preimplantation stages of the sheep. Sheep embryos were examined with the electron microscope in order to characterize their organelles and the changes that occur during the preimplantation period. The first sign of differentiation of trophoblast cells was the appearance of junctions between external cells at the 16-cell stage. Nucleoli developed a granular component suggesting the synthesis of ribosomal RNA at the 16-cell stage also. Centrioles were seen as early as the 8-cell stage. Intracytoplasmic vesicles were present in large numbers in all cleavage stages but disappeared at blastulation. Mitochondria progressed from a very electron-dense hook- or U-shaped form with a few cristae to a cylindrical or spherical form of light density with many transverse cristae. Microvilli were not seen until the blastocyst stage and then only on the exterior surface of the trophoblast cells. Crystalloid or virus inclusions were not observed. It was concluded that the fine structure and developmental changes in the early sheep embryo are very similar to those of other mammalian species.", "PMID": 1010982} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12344", "title": "Direct exposure of mouse embryonic limb-buds to 5-bromodeoxyuridine in vitro and its effect on chondrogenesis: increasing resistance to the analog at successive stages of development.", "content": "The inhibitory effect of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BudR) - an analog of thymidine - on embryonic mouse limb-buds was studied in vitro employing an organ-culture system. The effect was found to be dose-related and also depended on the developmental stage of the donor embryos. Limbs at an early stage development (early 11 th-day embryos, somite stage 26-29) were extremely sensitive to the analog. Treatment with low levels (2-4 mug/ml) and for a relatively short period of time in cluture (2-3 days) completely and irreversibly suppressed chondrogenesis in these explants. Limbs from older embryos (somite stage 40 and up) were found to be much less sensitive to the inhibitory effect of the drug; a prolonged exposure to a much higher dose (100-150 mug/ml) resulted in an incomplete suppression of chondrogesesis. Only a 20% inhibition was observed in the cultures of limbs from mid-13th-day mouse embryos. After continuous growth in vitro, the limbs became progressively resistent to the analog and towards the end of the culture period had become refractory to the drug. The time of complete insensitivity appeared earlier in the cures of the limbs taken from older embryos than in the explants of youngerlimbs. These studies show that as limbs continue to differentiate in vivo or in vitro, they become increasingly resistent to the inhibitory effect of BudR in at least as far as the effect on the process of chondrogenesis is concerned. It is suggested that the relative sensitivity or insensitivity to the inhibitory effect of BudR may prove to be a useful parameter in evaluating the developmental stage of an organ.", "contents": "Direct exposure of mouse embryonic limb-buds to 5-bromodeoxyuridine in vitro and its effect on chondrogenesis: increasing resistance to the analog at successive stages of development. The inhibitory effect of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BudR) - an analog of thymidine - on embryonic mouse limb-buds was studied in vitro employing an organ-culture system. The effect was found to be dose-related and also depended on the developmental stage of the donor embryos. Limbs at an early stage development (early 11 th-day embryos, somite stage 26-29) were extremely sensitive to the analog. Treatment with low levels (2-4 mug/ml) and for a relatively short period of time in cluture (2-3 days) completely and irreversibly suppressed chondrogenesis in these explants. Limbs from older embryos (somite stage 40 and up) were found to be much less sensitive to the inhibitory effect of the drug; a prolonged exposure to a much higher dose (100-150 mug/ml) resulted in an incomplete suppression of chondrogesesis. Only a 20% inhibition was observed in the cultures of limbs from mid-13th-day mouse embryos. After continuous growth in vitro, the limbs became progressively resistent to the analog and towards the end of the culture period had become refractory to the drug. The time of complete insensitivity appeared earlier in the cures of the limbs taken from older embryos than in the explants of youngerlimbs. These studies show that as limbs continue to differentiate in vivo or in vitro, they become increasingly resistent to the inhibitory effect of BudR in at least as far as the effect on the process of chondrogenesis is concerned. It is suggested that the relative sensitivity or insensitivity to the inhibitory effect of BudR may prove to be a useful parameter in evaluating the developmental stage of an organ.", "PMID": 1010983} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12345", "title": "Patterns of lactic dehydrogenase isozymes in mouse embryos over the implantation period in vivo and in vitro.", "content": "Following blastocyst implantation, or outgrowth in vitro, the LDH isozyme pattern changes from that of the maternally inherited B subunit isozyme form (LDH-1) to a pattern dominated by A subunits (Auerbach & Brinster, 1967, 1968). In preimplantation embryos we have observed additional isozyme bands, as yet unidentified. An analysis of the pattern of newly synthesized LDH isozymes and specific activity of LDH in different regions of early postimplantation embryos suggests that there is a sequantial activation of A and B subunits, and that activity first appears in ICM- (inner cell mass) derived tissues and then in trophoblast-derived tissues. In vitro, in the absence of ICM cells, the transition of LDH-isozyme pattern does not occur in outgrowing trophoblast giant cells. This suggests a possible inductive interaction between ICM and trophoblast.", "contents": "Patterns of lactic dehydrogenase isozymes in mouse embryos over the implantation period in vivo and in vitro. Following blastocyst implantation, or outgrowth in vitro, the LDH isozyme pattern changes from that of the maternally inherited B subunit isozyme form (LDH-1) to a pattern dominated by A subunits (Auerbach & Brinster, 1967, 1968). In preimplantation embryos we have observed additional isozyme bands, as yet unidentified. An analysis of the pattern of newly synthesized LDH isozymes and specific activity of LDH in different regions of early postimplantation embryos suggests that there is a sequantial activation of A and B subunits, and that activity first appears in ICM- (inner cell mass) derived tissues and then in trophoblast-derived tissues. In vitro, in the absence of ICM cells, the transition of LDH-isozyme pattern does not occur in outgrowing trophoblast giant cells. This suggests a possible inductive interaction between ICM and trophoblast.", "PMID": 1010984} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12346", "title": "[The histogenesis of somites in the chick].", "content": "The somites of the thoracic region of chick embryos incubated for 2 (stages 13-15) and 3 days (stages 17-19) have been examined cytologically and ultrastructurally. Cell contacts and cell arrangement were studied first in spherical somites. The further development of the spherical somite is characterized by changes in the cell arrangement. According to these changes two somitic cell populations can be distinquished: a ventral one, which during the third day loses its epithelial arrangement and becomes disaggregated, and a dorsal one, the dermatome, which remains spithlial for a longer time. Some cells of the ventral group reaggregate on the apical surface of the dermatome cells, and constitute the myotome. The contacts between dermatome and myotome cells as well as between the myotome cells themselves are described. Although the myotome cells appear to be arranged in an epithelial-like order and develop a basement membrane at the sclerotome side, the characteristic contacts and cell polarity of epithelia were not observed. These observations are discussed in relation to the process of cell adhesion and cell communication during the morphogenesis of the secondary mesenchyme.", "contents": "[The histogenesis of somites in the chick]. The somites of the thoracic region of chick embryos incubated for 2 (stages 13-15) and 3 days (stages 17-19) have been examined cytologically and ultrastructurally. Cell contacts and cell arrangement were studied first in spherical somites. The further development of the spherical somite is characterized by changes in the cell arrangement. According to these changes two somitic cell populations can be distinquished: a ventral one, which during the third day loses its epithelial arrangement and becomes disaggregated, and a dorsal one, the dermatome, which remains spithlial for a longer time. Some cells of the ventral group reaggregate on the apical surface of the dermatome cells, and constitute the myotome. The contacts between dermatome and myotome cells as well as between the myotome cells themselves are described. Although the myotome cells appear to be arranged in an epithelial-like order and develop a basement membrane at the sclerotome side, the characteristic contacts and cell polarity of epithelia were not observed. These observations are discussed in relation to the process of cell adhesion and cell communication during the morphogenesis of the secondary mesenchyme.", "PMID": 1010985} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12347", "title": "Evidence that blood pressure controls heart rate in the chick embryo prior to neural control.", "content": "Blood pressure increases will increase heart rate in intact chick embryos, prior to the development of neural control. Similarly, in surgically isolated hearts, increases in intraventricular fluid pressure will increase the rate of beat. However, fluid pressure applied equally to both interior and exterior surfaces of the isolated heart does not result in increased heart rate. Therefore, we conclude that the increased pressure stretches the heart muscle and that this stretch stimulates the increased heart rate. While heart rate is clearly influenced by blood pressure, the reverse is not true. Propranolol reduces the heart rate to about half normal in intact embryos but does not significantly alter the blood pressure.", "contents": "Evidence that blood pressure controls heart rate in the chick embryo prior to neural control. Blood pressure increases will increase heart rate in intact chick embryos, prior to the development of neural control. Similarly, in surgically isolated hearts, increases in intraventricular fluid pressure will increase the rate of beat. However, fluid pressure applied equally to both interior and exterior surfaces of the isolated heart does not result in increased heart rate. Therefore, we conclude that the increased pressure stretches the heart muscle and that this stretch stimulates the increased heart rate. While heart rate is clearly influenced by blood pressure, the reverse is not true. Propranolol reduces the heart rate to about half normal in intact embryos but does not significantly alter the blood pressure.", "PMID": 1010986} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12348", "title": "Ultrastructural analysis of some functional aspects of Xenopus laevis pancreas during development and metamorphosis.", "content": "Morphological studies using both light and electron microscope were carried out with the aim of characterizing cells present in the larval and adult pancreas of Xenopus laevis. The following cell types have been seen: (1) exocrine cells, with a very well developed r.e.r. (rough endoplasmic reticulum), well defined Golgi complexes and numerous large secretory granules (A cells); (2) cells without either r.e.r. or secretory granules but with a large number of well developed mitochondria (B cells); (3) endocrine cells often clustered in the typical islets and with small membrane-coated granules showing a very dense central core surrounded by a light halo (C cells). During development, the aspect is seen to change from an unorganized tissue in which the acinar structures are still not clearly visible (stage 42), to a more organized form in which the exocrine cells (A cells) are seen to be arranged around the lumen of the acinus together with some B cells. At the stages 54-56, an increasing number of acini surrounded both by A and B cells was observed. At about stage 61, large quantities of necrotic cells were seen and it became more difficult to individualize the acinar organization found in the preceding stages. Finally, there are no necrotic cells in the adult but only A, B cells which are organized in well developed acinar structures and C cells. The investigation also included a study of some pancreatic enzymes (lipase and amylase) synthesized during larval life. Lipase activity shows a peak at stage 54-56 in which the most well organized tissue of the entire larval life was observed. The activity then decreases, reaching a minimum at stage 66, after which it rapidly rises. Maximum amylase activity occurs at stage 51 after which there is a decrease, to a minimum at stage 66. The activity then remains at constant level.", "contents": "Ultrastructural analysis of some functional aspects of Xenopus laevis pancreas during development and metamorphosis. Morphological studies using both light and electron microscope were carried out with the aim of characterizing cells present in the larval and adult pancreas of Xenopus laevis. The following cell types have been seen: (1) exocrine cells, with a very well developed r.e.r. (rough endoplasmic reticulum), well defined Golgi complexes and numerous large secretory granules (A cells); (2) cells without either r.e.r. or secretory granules but with a large number of well developed mitochondria (B cells); (3) endocrine cells often clustered in the typical islets and with small membrane-coated granules showing a very dense central core surrounded by a light halo (C cells). During development, the aspect is seen to change from an unorganized tissue in which the acinar structures are still not clearly visible (stage 42), to a more organized form in which the exocrine cells (A cells) are seen to be arranged around the lumen of the acinus together with some B cells. At the stages 54-56, an increasing number of acini surrounded both by A and B cells was observed. At about stage 61, large quantities of necrotic cells were seen and it became more difficult to individualize the acinar organization found in the preceding stages. Finally, there are no necrotic cells in the adult but only A, B cells which are organized in well developed acinar structures and C cells. The investigation also included a study of some pancreatic enzymes (lipase and amylase) synthesized during larval life. Lipase activity shows a peak at stage 54-56 in which the most well organized tissue of the entire larval life was observed. The activity then decreases, reaching a minimum at stage 66, after which it rapidly rises. Maximum amylase activity occurs at stage 51 after which there is a decrease, to a minimum at stage 66. The activity then remains at constant level.", "PMID": 1010987} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12349", "title": "The composition of gallstones from geriatric patients. Methods for the determination of cholesterol and of black substances in gallstones.", "content": "78 female and 31 male Danish gallstone cases found by autopsy were studied. The mass of the gallstone(s) from each patient was recorded and the stones were ground. The content of cholesterol in the mixed material from each patient was determined, using the Liebermann-Burchard reaction. The ratio Gallstone(s) ash-mass/Gallstone(s)-mass was determined, and where this ratio exceeded 0.10, calcium and phosphate determinations were carried out. Subjective description of the stones as 'mixed stones' or 'pigment stones' was substituted by visual comparison of the ground gallstones with a 'grey scale' (black was given the highest value). The values of this quantity and the ash values generally increased with a decreasing content of cholesterol. The content of cholesterol in the gallstones increased with increasing stone mass. The chemical composition of gallstones found by surgery seems to differ from that of gallstones found by autopsy.", "contents": "The composition of gallstones from geriatric patients. Methods for the determination of cholesterol and of black substances in gallstones. 78 female and 31 male Danish gallstone cases found by autopsy were studied. The mass of the gallstone(s) from each patient was recorded and the stones were ground. The content of cholesterol in the mixed material from each patient was determined, using the Liebermann-Burchard reaction. The ratio Gallstone(s) ash-mass/Gallstone(s)-mass was determined, and where this ratio exceeded 0.10, calcium and phosphate determinations were carried out. Subjective description of the stones as 'mixed stones' or 'pigment stones' was substituted by visual comparison of the ground gallstones with a 'grey scale' (black was given the highest value). The values of this quantity and the ash values generally increased with a decreasing content of cholesterol. The content of cholesterol in the gallstones increased with increasing stone mass. The chemical composition of gallstones found by surgery seems to differ from that of gallstones found by autopsy.", "PMID": 1010988} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12350", "title": "[Simultaneous radioimmunassay for urinary thyroxine (T4) and triioldothyronine (T3) (AUTHOR'S TRANSL)].", "content": "A radioimmunoassay for the determination of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in urine was developed. The extraction of a sample, the incubations with T3-und subsequently T4-antibody and the elutions of the respective bound fractions are performed all on the same Sephadex column. This principle can be applied to as many as 120 simultaneous determinations. The interassay coefficients of variation were 20.1% for T3 and 10.6% for T4, respectively. The recovery of standards added to urine was 107 +/- 8% (mean +/- SD) for T3 and 102 +/- 8% for T4. The 24 h collections of urine from healthy controls contained 1.70 +/- 0.40 mug T3 and 1.44 +/- 0.51 mug T4 (mean +/- SD, N=20). Three hourly fractions of the urinary excretion collected from 6 a.m. through 9 p.m. showed a significant (p less than 0.0005) elevation of the T4 excretion as compared to the night fraction, whereas an increased T3 excretion was only observed from 6-9 P.M. The T4 excretion was reduced in primary hypothyroidism (0.48 +/- 0.47 mug per 24 h, p less than 0.0005), whereas the T3 excretion was not that markedly reduced (1.30 +/-0.80 mug/d), pointing to the known residual T3 secretion. A reduced T4 excretion (0.85 +/- 0.34 mug/d, p less than 0.00005) contrasted with the normal T3 excretion in patients with endemic goiter, indicating the known preferential T3 secretion in iodine deficiency states. T3 thyrotoxicosis was accompanied by an elevated T3 excretion with normal urinary T4. Normal excretion of T4 and T3 were observed in patients with persistantly suppressed serum TSH levels after successful treatment for hyperthyroidism.", "contents": "[Simultaneous radioimmunassay for urinary thyroxine (T4) and triioldothyronine (T3) (AUTHOR'S TRANSL)]. A radioimmunoassay for the determination of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in urine was developed. The extraction of a sample, the incubations with T3-und subsequently T4-antibody and the elutions of the respective bound fractions are performed all on the same Sephadex column. This principle can be applied to as many as 120 simultaneous determinations. The interassay coefficients of variation were 20.1% for T3 and 10.6% for T4, respectively. The recovery of standards added to urine was 107 +/- 8% (mean +/- SD) for T3 and 102 +/- 8% for T4. The 24 h collections of urine from healthy controls contained 1.70 +/- 0.40 mug T3 and 1.44 +/- 0.51 mug T4 (mean +/- SD, N=20). Three hourly fractions of the urinary excretion collected from 6 a.m. through 9 p.m. showed a significant (p less than 0.0005) elevation of the T4 excretion as compared to the night fraction, whereas an increased T3 excretion was only observed from 6-9 P.M. The T4 excretion was reduced in primary hypothyroidism (0.48 +/- 0.47 mug per 24 h, p less than 0.0005), whereas the T3 excretion was not that markedly reduced (1.30 +/-0.80 mug/d), pointing to the known residual T3 secretion. A reduced T4 excretion (0.85 +/- 0.34 mug/d, p less than 0.00005) contrasted with the normal T3 excretion in patients with endemic goiter, indicating the known preferential T3 secretion in iodine deficiency states. T3 thyrotoxicosis was accompanied by an elevated T3 excretion with normal urinary T4. Normal excretion of T4 and T3 were observed in patients with persistantly suppressed serum TSH levels after successful treatment for hyperthyroidism.", "PMID": 1010989} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12351", "title": "Are there long-term \"literal copies\" of visually presented words?", "content": "Evidence for the hypothesis that the appearance of visually presented words is stored in \"literal copy\" form is critically evaluated and shown to be inconclusive. An experiment in which students were required to retain information about zero, one, or two visual properties of words is reported. A strong version of the literal-copy hypothesis predicts that retention of both case and color should be equally good under instructions to remember one of these attributes and instructions to remember both. However, the results were inconsistent with predictions from this hypothesis. A model that assumes that each visual attribute is stored independently in abstract propositional form provided a good quantitative fit to the data.", "contents": "Are there long-term \"literal copies\" of visually presented words? Evidence for the hypothesis that the appearance of visually presented words is stored in \"literal copy\" form is critically evaluated and shown to be inconclusive. An experiment in which students were required to retain information about zero, one, or two visual properties of words is reported. A strong version of the literal-copy hypothesis predicts that retention of both case and color should be equally good under instructions to remember one of these attributes and instructions to remember both. However, the results were inconsistent with predictions from this hypothesis. A model that assumes that each visual attribute is stored independently in abstract propositional form provided a good quantitative fit to the data.", "PMID": 1010990} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12352", "title": "Memory scanning of organized visual material.", "content": "A recognition memory experiment investigated memory scanning when stimuli were organized but not easily labeled verbally. Subjects were shown a series of three, four, or five pictures followed by a probe stimulus in a paradigm similar to that introduced by Sternberg. Reaction time to the test stimulus served as the dependent measure. The principle findings indicated that the organization of the to-be-remembered sets had a pronounced influence on performance. When sets were disorganized, the retrieval appeared to be a serial process, since reaction time increased with set size. With organized sets, reaction time was independent of set size, suggesting a parallel search.", "contents": "Memory scanning of organized visual material. A recognition memory experiment investigated memory scanning when stimuli were organized but not easily labeled verbally. Subjects were shown a series of three, four, or five pictures followed by a probe stimulus in a paradigm similar to that introduced by Sternberg. Reaction time to the test stimulus served as the dependent measure. The principle findings indicated that the organization of the to-be-remembered sets had a pronounced influence on performance. When sets were disorganized, the retrieval appeared to be a serial process, since reaction time increased with set size. With organized sets, reaction time was independent of set size, suggesting a parallel search.", "PMID": 1010991} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12353", "title": "Repetition and acoustic contrast in short-term memory for letter sequences.", "content": "Memory for sequences of briefly presented letters was examined to discover the effects of intraserial repetition and acoustic contrast on recall of a critical letter pair. The critical pairs were either repeated or nonrepeated letters presented in an acoustically contrasting or noncontrasting sequence. The hypothesis was tested that recall of repeated letters and contrasting nonrepeated letter pairs would depend on the lag between their presentations. Immediate recall of both letters (but not recall of at least one letter) of a critical pair was enhanced when the pair was a repetition or acoustically contrasting but only when the letters of the pair were adjacent. Recall of pairs separated by a lag of two intervening letters was not affected by repetition or contrast. When recall was delayed by a retention interval of eight random digits, the contrast effects disappeared and only the repetition effect remained. The findings are discussed in terms of the coding of attribute tags as cues for retrieval from short-term memory.", "contents": "Repetition and acoustic contrast in short-term memory for letter sequences. Memory for sequences of briefly presented letters was examined to discover the effects of intraserial repetition and acoustic contrast on recall of a critical letter pair. The critical pairs were either repeated or nonrepeated letters presented in an acoustically contrasting or noncontrasting sequence. The hypothesis was tested that recall of repeated letters and contrasting nonrepeated letter pairs would depend on the lag between their presentations. Immediate recall of both letters (but not recall of at least one letter) of a critical pair was enhanced when the pair was a repetition or acoustically contrasting but only when the letters of the pair were adjacent. Recall of pairs separated by a lag of two intervening letters was not affected by repetition or contrast. When recall was delayed by a retention interval of eight random digits, the contrast effects disappeared and only the repetition effect remained. The findings are discussed in terms of the coding of attribute tags as cues for retrieval from short-term memory.", "PMID": 1010992} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12354", "title": "Interference in short-term memory from vocalization: aural versus visual modality differences.", "content": "The Peterson and Peterson short-term memory paradigm involves an interpolated task with several potential dimensions from which interference may orginate: Similarity of items and vocalization. Here we assess the relative interference potency of each on material presented either aurally or visually. Interpolated activity consisting of numbers or words was performed either vocally or silently after either aural or visual presentation of nouns, for which recall was tested after 0, 10, and 30 sec. The magnitude of the vocalization interference effect accounted for 59% and 53% of the total variance at 30 and 10 sec, respectively, whereas the variance associated with similarity was negligible. The effect of similarity emerged dramatically only in the visual presentation condition wherein the silent word task created greater interference than the silent number task. Vocal and silent activity produced differential interference, in partial accord with the dual memory hypothesis.", "contents": "Interference in short-term memory from vocalization: aural versus visual modality differences. The Peterson and Peterson short-term memory paradigm involves an interpolated task with several potential dimensions from which interference may orginate: Similarity of items and vocalization. Here we assess the relative interference potency of each on material presented either aurally or visually. Interpolated activity consisting of numbers or words was performed either vocally or silently after either aural or visual presentation of nouns, for which recall was tested after 0, 10, and 30 sec. The magnitude of the vocalization interference effect accounted for 59% and 53% of the total variance at 30 and 10 sec, respectively, whereas the variance associated with similarity was negligible. The effect of similarity emerged dramatically only in the visual presentation condition wherein the silent word task created greater interference than the silent number task. Vocal and silent activity produced differential interference, in partial accord with the dual memory hypothesis.", "PMID": 1010993} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12355", "title": "Lack of memory for nonattended items in dichotic listening.", "content": "Three experiments were conducted to investigate whether semantic information presented to the unattended ear in a dichotic listening experiment has a memory effect after 30 sec. In all three experiments the Brown-Peterson paradigm was employed. Experiment 1 used the release from proactive inhibition technique and found no evidence that semantic material presented to the unattended ear produced proactive inhibitory effects on attended ear material. Experiment 2 suggests that this result was not due to a memory deficiency resulting from a lack of intent to learn. Experiment 3 indicates that repetition of the same information for three trials to the unattended ear did not enhance memory performance when the material was later presented to the attended ear. Assuming that some semantic processing does occur at the time of input, an interpretation based upon the levels-of-processing approach was suggested as a possibility for explaining the negative results.", "contents": "Lack of memory for nonattended items in dichotic listening. Three experiments were conducted to investigate whether semantic information presented to the unattended ear in a dichotic listening experiment has a memory effect after 30 sec. In all three experiments the Brown-Peterson paradigm was employed. Experiment 1 used the release from proactive inhibition technique and found no evidence that semantic material presented to the unattended ear produced proactive inhibitory effects on attended ear material. Experiment 2 suggests that this result was not due to a memory deficiency resulting from a lack of intent to learn. Experiment 3 indicates that repetition of the same information for three trials to the unattended ear did not enhance memory performance when the material was later presented to the attended ear. Assuming that some semantic processing does occur at the time of input, an interpretation based upon the levels-of-processing approach was suggested as a possibility for explaining the negative results.", "PMID": 1010994} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12356", "title": "Cerebral laterality and verbal processes.", "content": "Research suggests that we process information by way of two distinct and functionallly separate coding systems. The localization of these two processing systems appears to be somewhat dependent on cerebral laterality, which has been shown to vary in right-handed and left-handed persons. To test the dual coding model, right-handed and left-handed subjects learned lists of abstract and concrete words under various conditions of visual and tactile interference. Right-handed subjects showed a significant superiority in the remembering of highly concrete items, while total recall did not differ reliably between groups.", "contents": "Cerebral laterality and verbal processes. Research suggests that we process information by way of two distinct and functionallly separate coding systems. The localization of these two processing systems appears to be somewhat dependent on cerebral laterality, which has been shown to vary in right-handed and left-handed persons. To test the dual coding model, right-handed and left-handed subjects learned lists of abstract and concrete words under various conditions of visual and tactile interference. Right-handed subjects showed a significant superiority in the remembering of highly concrete items, while total recall did not differ reliably between groups.", "PMID": 1010995} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12357", "title": "Perceptual consequences of potentiation in the extraocular muscles: an alternative explanation for adaptation to wedge prisms.", "content": "Two initial experiments demonstrated that direction aftereffects of potentiation in the extraocular muscles (induced through sustained versional rotation to the side) generally increase as a function of the magnitude and duration of the inducing ocular rotation and can be built up under conditions of varied as well as constant fixation. The results suggest an alternative to perceptual learning accounts of adaptation to wedge prisms, namely, that adaptive changes in perceived distance and direction are induced through a systematic bias in eye posture rather than exposure to informational discrepancy. The muscle potentiation hypothesis was tested directly against a learning hypothesis in a final adaptation experiment. Differences in the decay functions for observers engaged in five different types of interpolated activity strongly support the muscle potentiation explanation.", "contents": "Perceptual consequences of potentiation in the extraocular muscles: an alternative explanation for adaptation to wedge prisms. Two initial experiments demonstrated that direction aftereffects of potentiation in the extraocular muscles (induced through sustained versional rotation to the side) generally increase as a function of the magnitude and duration of the inducing ocular rotation and can be built up under conditions of varied as well as constant fixation. The results suggest an alternative to perceptual learning accounts of adaptation to wedge prisms, namely, that adaptive changes in perceived distance and direction are induced through a systematic bias in eye posture rather than exposure to informational discrepancy. The muscle potentiation hypothesis was tested directly against a learning hypothesis in a final adaptation experiment. Differences in the decay functions for observers engaged in five different types of interpolated activity strongly support the muscle potentiation explanation.", "PMID": 1010996} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12358", "title": "Visual masking during pursuit eye movements.", "content": "In three experiments, targets and masking stimuli were briefly flashce while observers visually tracked a moving dot. Masking stimuli were more effective when they appeared to be in the same place as the target but stimulated different parts of the retina than when they stimulated the same parts of the retina but appeared displaced because of of an intervening pursuit eye movement. Visual masking during pursuit eye movements thus depended on the apparent position of the stimuli, not their retinal positions as such, which is in disagreement with previous studies of visual masking during saccadic eye movements. The apparent conflict can be explained in terms of the functional significance of visual masking in tracking and saccardic movements: Retinal position masking after saccadic eye movements may erase previous images, and apparent position masking during pursuit eye movements may make moving targets more visible.", "contents": "Visual masking during pursuit eye movements. In three experiments, targets and masking stimuli were briefly flashce while observers visually tracked a moving dot. Masking stimuli were more effective when they appeared to be in the same place as the target but stimulated different parts of the retina than when they stimulated the same parts of the retina but appeared displaced because of of an intervening pursuit eye movement. Visual masking during pursuit eye movements thus depended on the apparent position of the stimuli, not their retinal positions as such, which is in disagreement with previous studies of visual masking during saccadic eye movements. The apparent conflict can be explained in terms of the functional significance of visual masking in tracking and saccardic movements: Retinal position masking after saccadic eye movements may erase previous images, and apparent position masking during pursuit eye movements may make moving targets more visible.", "PMID": 1010997} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12359", "title": "An investigation of the relationship between viewing condition and preference for true and modified linear perspective and adults.", "content": "In four experiments, pictures varying in degree of perspective convergence from linear to parallel were observed under the following conditions: at an arbitrary station point, at correct station points, and with unconstrained view. Adults were asked to rank the pictures from the most to least natural and realistic-looking picture or from the most to the least accurate drawing. Subjects nearly always chose the parallel perspective pictures as most preferred and the linear perspective pictures as least preferred. Intermediate degrees of convergence were ranked accordingly. Results were interpreted in light of an argument for a pictorial station poing independent of the correct center of projection for a picture. Since this station point was calculated to be at a distance at least 10 times as great as the object is large, its assumption for pictorial viewing was termed the \"Zoom \"effect.", "contents": "An investigation of the relationship between viewing condition and preference for true and modified linear perspective and adults. In four experiments, pictures varying in degree of perspective convergence from linear to parallel were observed under the following conditions: at an arbitrary station point, at correct station points, and with unconstrained view. Adults were asked to rank the pictures from the most to least natural and realistic-looking picture or from the most to the least accurate drawing. Subjects nearly always chose the parallel perspective pictures as most preferred and the linear perspective pictures as least preferred. Intermediate degrees of convergence were ranked accordingly. Results were interpreted in light of an argument for a pictorial station poing independent of the correct center of projection for a picture. Since this station point was calculated to be at a distance at least 10 times as great as the object is large, its assumption for pictorial viewing was termed the \"Zoom \"effect.", "PMID": 1010998} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12360", "title": "Mental transformations and visual comparison processes: effects of complexity and similarity.", "content": "Subjects were required to discriminate previously learned \"standard\" versions of angular shapes from randomly perturbed \"distractor\" versions that varied in similarity to the standard. Advance information concerning the identity and the orientation of the test form was provided. Subjects were instructed to prepare for the presentation of the test form by mentally rotating an internal representation of the designated standard form (identity cue) into the designated orientation. The time needed to prepare for the presentation of the test form increased linearly with the angular departure of the indicated orientation from a previously learned position. This finding suggests that, in accordance with instructions, subjects performed a mental rotation in preparing for the upcoming test shape. Rate of preparation was not affected by the complexity of the standard form presented as the identity cue. DIscriminative departure of the test form presented as the identity cue. Discriminative reaction time was not affected by either test-form complexity or angular departure of the test form from the learned orientation. In addition, striking individual differences in the pattern of discriminative reaction times were found. The implications of these results for (a) the nature of the processes and representations underlying the mental rotation task and (b) the nature of visual comparison processes are discussed.", "contents": "Mental transformations and visual comparison processes: effects of complexity and similarity. Subjects were required to discriminate previously learned \"standard\" versions of angular shapes from randomly perturbed \"distractor\" versions that varied in similarity to the standard. Advance information concerning the identity and the orientation of the test form was provided. Subjects were instructed to prepare for the presentation of the test form by mentally rotating an internal representation of the designated standard form (identity cue) into the designated orientation. The time needed to prepare for the presentation of the test form increased linearly with the angular departure of the indicated orientation from a previously learned position. This finding suggests that, in accordance with instructions, subjects performed a mental rotation in preparing for the upcoming test shape. Rate of preparation was not affected by the complexity of the standard form presented as the identity cue. DIscriminative departure of the test form presented as the identity cue. Discriminative reaction time was not affected by either test-form complexity or angular departure of the test form from the learned orientation. In addition, striking individual differences in the pattern of discriminative reaction times were found. The implications of these results for (a) the nature of the processes and representations underlying the mental rotation task and (b) the nature of visual comparison processes are discussed.", "PMID": 1010999} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12361", "title": "Mental rotation by the blind: does mental rotation depend on visual imagery?", "content": "Congentially blind adventitiously blind, and blindfolded sighted adults made same-different judgments of pairs of tactile forms. Two forms were presented in the same orientation, or one form differed from the other by a clockwise rotation of 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 120 degrees, or 150 degrees. Like the reaction times for the sighted and the adventitiously blind, reaction times for the congenitally blind increased as a linear function of angular discrepancy between stimuli, suggesting that the congentially blind, like the sighted and adventitiously blind, mentally rotated one form into congruence with the other to make judging easier. Corroboration of the mental rotation inference came from subjects' introspective reports. Inasmuch as the congenitally blind presumably do not have the ability to visually represent form, the present results suggest that mental rotation does not depend upon visual imagery. Thus, with respect to current speculation as to whether visual imagery is a necessary component of mental rotation, the present findings suggest that it is not.", "contents": "Mental rotation by the blind: does mental rotation depend on visual imagery? Congentially blind adventitiously blind, and blindfolded sighted adults made same-different judgments of pairs of tactile forms. Two forms were presented in the same orientation, or one form differed from the other by a clockwise rotation of 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 120 degrees, or 150 degrees. Like the reaction times for the sighted and the adventitiously blind, reaction times for the congenitally blind increased as a linear function of angular discrepancy between stimuli, suggesting that the congentially blind, like the sighted and adventitiously blind, mentally rotated one form into congruence with the other to make judging easier. Corroboration of the mental rotation inference came from subjects' introspective reports. Inasmuch as the congenitally blind presumably do not have the ability to visually represent form, the present results suggest that mental rotation does not depend upon visual imagery. Thus, with respect to current speculation as to whether visual imagery is a necessary component of mental rotation, the present findings suggest that it is not.", "PMID": 1011000} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12362", "title": "Familiarity of background characters in visual scanning.", "content": "It is much easier to look for an unfamiliar character (upsidedown A) embedded among familiar ones than to look for a familiar character (A) among unfamiliar ones. Furthermore, the nature of the background seems more important to performance than the nature of the target. The basic experiments involved showing subjects a matrix with nine characters. On target-present trials, eight of the characters were background items and one character was a target item. On target-absent trials, all nine matrix positions were filled by background characters. The types of unfamiliar characters used were rotated English letters, partial letters, and Gibson figures. The familiar characters were upright English letters or digits. Search was easier through familiar backgrounds than through unfamiliar backgrounds with all of the character types used and whether measuring speed or accuracy.", "contents": "Familiarity of background characters in visual scanning. It is much easier to look for an unfamiliar character (upsidedown A) embedded among familiar ones than to look for a familiar character (A) among unfamiliar ones. Furthermore, the nature of the background seems more important to performance than the nature of the target. The basic experiments involved showing subjects a matrix with nine characters. On target-present trials, eight of the characters were background items and one character was a target item. On target-absent trials, all nine matrix positions were filled by background characters. The types of unfamiliar characters used were rotated English letters, partial letters, and Gibson figures. The familiar characters were upright English letters or digits. Search was easier through familiar backgrounds than through unfamiliar backgrounds with all of the character types used and whether measuring speed or accuracy.", "PMID": 1011001} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12363", "title": "Persistence of a pitch-segregating echoic memory.", "content": "Auditory stimuli were computer generated in order to measure the persistence of echoic memory. The stimuli consisted of 18 bursts (lasting 307 msec) of six equal-amplitued dichotic tones (frequencies: 392, 440, 494, 523, 587, and 659 Hz), each having a different interaural time disparity. For each stimulus a canonical distribution of interaural time disparities was defined. Five of the interaural time disparities in each burst were equal to canonical disparities for that stimulus; the sixth was not. The deviant tones in successive bursts constituted a musical scale. These deviant tones were perceptually segregated when the interburst interval was short, even though individual bursts sounded like noise when played separately. The interburst intervals for which five subjects could identify with 71% accuracy whether the scale was ascending or descending (obtained by an adaptive psychophysical procedure) averaged about 1 sec. This figure represents a lower bound on the average half-life of echoic memory. A sixth subject performed perfectly even with an inter burst interval of 9.7 sec. Two further experiments were carried out with this subject to support the claim that his performance was due to echoic memory.", "contents": "Persistence of a pitch-segregating echoic memory. Auditory stimuli were computer generated in order to measure the persistence of echoic memory. The stimuli consisted of 18 bursts (lasting 307 msec) of six equal-amplitued dichotic tones (frequencies: 392, 440, 494, 523, 587, and 659 Hz), each having a different interaural time disparity. For each stimulus a canonical distribution of interaural time disparities was defined. Five of the interaural time disparities in each burst were equal to canonical disparities for that stimulus; the sixth was not. The deviant tones in successive bursts constituted a musical scale. These deviant tones were perceptually segregated when the interburst interval was short, even though individual bursts sounded like noise when played separately. The interburst intervals for which five subjects could identify with 71% accuracy whether the scale was ascending or descending (obtained by an adaptive psychophysical procedure) averaged about 1 sec. This figure represents a lower bound on the average half-life of echoic memory. A sixth subject performed perfectly even with an inter burst interval of 9.7 sec. Two further experiments were carried out with this subject to support the claim that his performance was due to echoic memory.", "PMID": 1011002} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12364", "title": "How the listener integrates the components of speaking rate.", "content": "The rate of speaking in words per minute is a function of three independent variables, namely, articulation rate and the number and durations of pauses. The present study varies each of these components separately in a factorial design in order to determine how the listener combines them into a global impression of speech rate. A model was obtained by direct scaling and linear regression that accounts reasonably well for the estimates of apparent rate obtained in this and several other studies. It provides for a trading relation between articulation rate and pause rate in which the former is much more influential in determining the listener's perception of speech rate.", "contents": "How the listener integrates the components of speaking rate. The rate of speaking in words per minute is a function of three independent variables, namely, articulation rate and the number and durations of pauses. The present study varies each of these components separately in a factorial design in order to determine how the listener combines them into a global impression of speech rate. A model was obtained by direct scaling and linear regression that accounts reasonably well for the estimates of apparent rate obtained in this and several other studies. It provides for a trading relation between articulation rate and pause rate in which the former is much more influential in determining the listener's perception of speech rate.", "PMID": 1011003} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12365", "title": "Stream segregation and the illusion of overlap.", "content": "When two different sounds continuously alternate at high speed, they segregate into two perceptual streams. The present article shows that this segregation produces a loss of information regarding the sequential relations of the sounds so that they seem perceptually to be overlapped in time. The segregation (and its contribution to perceived overlap) is shown to increase with the perceptual difference between the sounds. The mapping from perceptual difference to perceived overlap is not simple, however, since perceived overlap can also be affected by \"perceived auditory continuity,\" another perceptual effect that responds differently to the perceptual difference between the two sounds.", "contents": "Stream segregation and the illusion of overlap. When two different sounds continuously alternate at high speed, they segregate into two perceptual streams. The present article shows that this segregation produces a loss of information regarding the sequential relations of the sounds so that they seem perceptually to be overlapped in time. The segregation (and its contribution to perceived overlap) is shown to increase with the perceptual difference between the sounds. The mapping from perceptual difference to perceived overlap is not simple, however, since perceived overlap can also be affected by \"perceived auditory continuity,\" another perceptual effect that responds differently to the perceptual difference between the two sounds.", "PMID": 1011004} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12366", "title": "Allocation of attention during visual word recognition.", "content": "A dual-task paradigm was used to assess attentional processing demands during visual word recognition. By manipulating the difficulty of each task, it is argued that the procedure estimates the attention demands of the memory-access component of word recognition. Specifically, the the complexity of the secondary task was varied from a simple reaction time task to a choice reaction time task, and the difficulty of a lexical decision (word vs. nonword) primary task was varied by manipulating word frequency. A comparison of the effect of secondary task complexity across levels of word frequency showed that the difference between the two secondary tasks was larger for low-frequency words than for high-frequency words. This result, supported by other characteristics of the data, suggests that the memory-access processing in one type of word recognition task does demand attention.", "contents": "Allocation of attention during visual word recognition. A dual-task paradigm was used to assess attentional processing demands during visual word recognition. By manipulating the difficulty of each task, it is argued that the procedure estimates the attention demands of the memory-access component of word recognition. Specifically, the the complexity of the secondary task was varied from a simple reaction time task to a choice reaction time task, and the difficulty of a lexical decision (word vs. nonword) primary task was varied by manipulating word frequency. A comparison of the effect of secondary task complexity across levels of word frequency showed that the difference between the two secondary tasks was larger for low-frequency words than for high-frequency words. This result, supported by other characteristics of the data, suggests that the memory-access processing in one type of word recognition task does demand attention.", "PMID": 1011005} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12367", "title": "Sequential effects in two-choice reaction time: automatic facilitation or subjective expectancy?", "content": "A repetition effect is said to occur in a two-choice reaction time (RT) task when the RT for a repeated signal or response is faster than the RT for a new signal or response. An alternation effect is said to occur when the RT for a new signal or response is faster than for a repeated signal or response. A change from a repetition effect to an alternation effect was found across three response-stimulus intervals ranging from 50 msec to 2,000 msec. An analysis was also carried out of the higher-order sequential effects. Differences were found between those obtained from a repetition effect and those obtained from an alternation effect, suggesting that different factors operate in producing them. Two further experiments examined the roles of subjective expectancy and an automatic facilitation in determining these effects. Results suggested that while subjective expectancy operates at all response-stimulus intervals, an automatic facilitation operates only at short intervals.", "contents": "Sequential effects in two-choice reaction time: automatic facilitation or subjective expectancy? A repetition effect is said to occur in a two-choice reaction time (RT) task when the RT for a repeated signal or response is faster than the RT for a new signal or response. An alternation effect is said to occur when the RT for a new signal or response is faster than for a repeated signal or response. A change from a repetition effect to an alternation effect was found across three response-stimulus intervals ranging from 50 msec to 2,000 msec. An analysis was also carried out of the higher-order sequential effects. Differences were found between those obtained from a repetition effect and those obtained from an alternation effect, suggesting that different factors operate in producing them. Two further experiments examined the roles of subjective expectancy and an automatic facilitation in determining these effects. Results suggested that while subjective expectancy operates at all response-stimulus intervals, an automatic facilitation operates only at short intervals.", "PMID": 1011006} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12368", "title": "Decision theory analysis of response latencies in vigilance.", "content": "In two separate experiments, the latencies associated with all four categories of response (correct detections, false alarms, correct rejections, and omissions) were recorded during the performance of a 45-min. visual monitoring task. In the first experiment, concerned primarily with criterion changes in vigilance, signal probability was manipulated. The second experiment was concerned with sensitivity changes resulting from changes in event rate. In the first experiment, latencies associated with correct detections and false alarms increased, whereas those associated with correct rejections and omission errors decreased, with an increase in criterion. In the second experiment, a reduction in sensitivity associated with an increased event rate exerted significant and opposing effects on latencies of responses to signals (correct detections and omissions) while leaving the latencies of responses to nonsignals (correct rejections and false alarms) unchanged. In both experiments, it was observed that while the latencies associated with positive responses increased with time on task, the latencies of negative responses decreased with time. These results are consistent with the predictions of a decision theory model for response latency extended from signal detection theory, which assumes an inverse relation between response latency and distance from the criterion; A decision theory analysis thus enables the interpretation of both detectability and latency measures of vigilance performance within the same theoretical framework.", "contents": "Decision theory analysis of response latencies in vigilance. In two separate experiments, the latencies associated with all four categories of response (correct detections, false alarms, correct rejections, and omissions) were recorded during the performance of a 45-min. visual monitoring task. In the first experiment, concerned primarily with criterion changes in vigilance, signal probability was manipulated. The second experiment was concerned with sensitivity changes resulting from changes in event rate. In the first experiment, latencies associated with correct detections and false alarms increased, whereas those associated with correct rejections and omission errors decreased, with an increase in criterion. In the second experiment, a reduction in sensitivity associated with an increased event rate exerted significant and opposing effects on latencies of responses to signals (correct detections and omissions) while leaving the latencies of responses to nonsignals (correct rejections and false alarms) unchanged. In both experiments, it was observed that while the latencies associated with positive responses increased with time on task, the latencies of negative responses decreased with time. These results are consistent with the predictions of a decision theory model for response latency extended from signal detection theory, which assumes an inverse relation between response latency and distance from the criterion; A decision theory analysis thus enables the interpretation of both detectability and latency measures of vigilance performance within the same theoretical framework.", "PMID": 1011007} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12369", "title": "Relation between programming time and duration of the response being programmed.", "content": "When the nature of motor response is varied, holding the number of alternative responses constant, differences in choice reaction time can be attributed to differences in response programming time. The present experiments suggest that although changes in response duration are not necessary to produce small differences in programming time, such response duration changes may be a sufficient condition for the programming time to change and necessary condition for very large changes in programming time. Implications of this conclusion for theories of response programming are discussed.", "contents": "Relation between programming time and duration of the response being programmed. When the nature of motor response is varied, holding the number of alternative responses constant, differences in choice reaction time can be attributed to differences in response programming time. The present experiments suggest that although changes in response duration are not necessary to produce small differences in programming time, such response duration changes may be a sufficient condition for the programming time to change and necessary condition for very large changes in programming time. Implications of this conclusion for theories of response programming are discussed.", "PMID": 1011008} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12370", "title": "A function for the plasmalemma grooves of a fission yeast.", "content": "Ultrastructural studies on regenerating protoplasts of Schizosaccharomyces pombe show that the spatial differentiation of the plasmalemma into grooves and flat areas is reflected in a functional differentiation in cell-wall synthesis. The grooves are the initial site of production of wall fibrils.", "contents": "A function for the plasmalemma grooves of a fission yeast. Ultrastructural studies on regenerating protoplasts of Schizosaccharomyces pombe show that the spatial differentiation of the plasmalemma into grooves and flat areas is reflected in a functional differentiation in cell-wall synthesis. The grooves are the initial site of production of wall fibrils.", "PMID": 1011009} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12371", "title": "Numerical taxonomy of some yellow-pigmented bacteria isolated from plants.", "content": "Phenetic data on over 60 heterotrophic, Gram-negative, yellow chromogenic bacteria from plant material were collected and analysed using numerical taxonomic methods. Marker strains representing 42 taxa were included in the analyses. At similarity levels of 80% or above, eight distinct clusters were obtained, the first four of which included yellow chromogens. Custer I contained isolates from green healthy leaves of Agrostis tenuis, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanata, Lolium perenne and Poa pratensis, and clusters 2 and 3 consisted of isolates from Holcus lanata seeds and leaves of P. pratensis respectively. Cluster 4 contained seven subgroups and was equated with the family Enterobacteriaceae. Erwinia herbicola strains from a variety of sources formed a homogeneous subgroup, readily distinguishable from authentic strains of E. amylovora, E. carotovora, other representative erwiniae, and from all other enterobacteria studied. These data emphasize the heterogeneous nature of yellow-pigmented bacteria from plants, and support the inclusion of E. herbicola and other Erwinia species in the Enterobacteriaceae.", "contents": "Numerical taxonomy of some yellow-pigmented bacteria isolated from plants. Phenetic data on over 60 heterotrophic, Gram-negative, yellow chromogenic bacteria from plant material were collected and analysed using numerical taxonomic methods. Marker strains representing 42 taxa were included in the analyses. At similarity levels of 80% or above, eight distinct clusters were obtained, the first four of which included yellow chromogens. Custer I contained isolates from green healthy leaves of Agrostis tenuis, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanata, Lolium perenne and Poa pratensis, and clusters 2 and 3 consisted of isolates from Holcus lanata seeds and leaves of P. pratensis respectively. Cluster 4 contained seven subgroups and was equated with the family Enterobacteriaceae. Erwinia herbicola strains from a variety of sources formed a homogeneous subgroup, readily distinguishable from authentic strains of E. amylovora, E. carotovora, other representative erwiniae, and from all other enterobacteria studied. These data emphasize the heterogeneous nature of yellow-pigmented bacteria from plants, and support the inclusion of E. herbicola and other Erwinia species in the Enterobacteriaceae.", "PMID": 1011010} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12372", "title": "Proteolytic activation and inactivation of chitin synthetase from Mucor rouxii.", "content": "Crude chitin synthetase preparations from the mycelial and yeast forms of Mucor rouxii behaved differently. The mycelial preparations, incubated at 28 degrees C, lost virtually all chitin synthetase activity in a few hours; by contrast, the activity of enzyme preparations from yeast cells increased several fold during similar incubations. These spontaneous changes were probably caused by endogenous protease(s). Seemingly, the chitin synthetase in yeast preparations was present mainly in a latent, 'zymogenic', form that was activated by proteases. In the mycelial preparations, chitin synthetase was present mainly in an active state and was rapidly degraded by endogenous proteolysis. Exogenous proteases accelerated activation and destruction of chitin synthetase; an acid protease from Rhizopus chinensis was the most effective activator. The activation of chitin synthetase was inhibited by a soluble protein in the cell-free extract. Treatment with the detergent Brij 36T stabilized the chitin synthetase of crude preparations against spontaneous changes. Stabilized preparations were rapidly activated by exogenous proteases. The different behaviour of chitin synthetases in crude extracts of mycelium and yeast cells is consistent with, and perhaps partially responsible for, the differences in wall construction between mycelial and yeast forms of M. rouxii.", "contents": "Proteolytic activation and inactivation of chitin synthetase from Mucor rouxii. Crude chitin synthetase preparations from the mycelial and yeast forms of Mucor rouxii behaved differently. The mycelial preparations, incubated at 28 degrees C, lost virtually all chitin synthetase activity in a few hours; by contrast, the activity of enzyme preparations from yeast cells increased several fold during similar incubations. These spontaneous changes were probably caused by endogenous protease(s). Seemingly, the chitin synthetase in yeast preparations was present mainly in a latent, 'zymogenic', form that was activated by proteases. In the mycelial preparations, chitin synthetase was present mainly in an active state and was rapidly degraded by endogenous proteolysis. Exogenous proteases accelerated activation and destruction of chitin synthetase; an acid protease from Rhizopus chinensis was the most effective activator. The activation of chitin synthetase was inhibited by a soluble protein in the cell-free extract. Treatment with the detergent Brij 36T stabilized the chitin synthetase of crude preparations against spontaneous changes. Stabilized preparations were rapidly activated by exogenous proteases. The different behaviour of chitin synthetases in crude extracts of mycelium and yeast cells is consistent with, and perhaps partially responsible for, the differences in wall construction between mycelial and yeast forms of M. rouxii.", "PMID": 1011011} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12373", "title": "Cellulolytic enzymes in culture filtrates of Rhizoctonia lamellifera.", "content": "During growth in a liquid culture containing a single soluble or an insoluble cellulosic carbon source, Rhizoctonia lamellifera released cellulolytic enzymes into the medium. These enzymes were separated by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography into seven components, three of high and four of low molecular weight. One of the components had the character of a C1 cellulase. When the components were combined they released more reducing sugars from cellulosic substrates than when used singly.", "contents": "Cellulolytic enzymes in culture filtrates of Rhizoctonia lamellifera. During growth in a liquid culture containing a single soluble or an insoluble cellulosic carbon source, Rhizoctonia lamellifera released cellulolytic enzymes into the medium. These enzymes were separated by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography into seven components, three of high and four of low molecular weight. One of the components had the character of a C1 cellulase. When the components were combined they released more reducing sugars from cellulosic substrates than when used singly.", "PMID": 1011012} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12374", "title": "Carbon assimilation by Claviceps purpurea growing as a parasite.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011013} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12375", "title": "Epilepsy after two different neurosurgical approaches to the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysm.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011015} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12376", "title": "Space representation in unilateral spatial neglect.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011016} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12377", "title": "Aphasic disorder in patients with closed head injury.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011017} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12378", "title": "Lactate dehydrogenase and aspartete transaminase of the cerebrospinal fluid in patients with brain tumours, congenital hydrocephalus, and brain abscess.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011018} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12379", "title": "Neuromyotonia: an unusual presentation of intrathoracic malignancy.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011019} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12380", "title": "Cyclic compression of the intracranial optic nerve: patterns of visual failure and recovery.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011020} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12381", "title": "Weakness associated with the pathological presence of lipid in skeletal muscle: a detailed study of a patient with carnitine deficiencey.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011021} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12382", "title": "Arterial spasm and recovery from subarachnoid haemorrhage.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011022} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12383", "title": "Congenital myasthenia gravis: clinical and HLA studies in two brothers.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011024} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12384", "title": "Toxic polyneuropathy of shoe-industry workers. A study of 122 cases.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011025} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12385", "title": "Common peroneal nerve palsy: a clinical and electrophysiological review.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011026} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12386", "title": "Cauda equina syndrome in ankylosing spondylitis: a report of six cases.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011027} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12387", "title": "Lipoma of the corpus callosum.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011028} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12388", "title": "Spinal reflexes and the concentrations of 5-HIAA, MHPG, and HVA in lumbar cereborspinal fluid after spinal lesions in man.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011029} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12389", "title": "Free sialic acid levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with meningitis.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011030} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12390", "title": "Blepharospasm-oromandibular dystonia syndrome (Brueghel's syndrome). A variant of adult-onset torsion dystonia?", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011031} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12391", "title": "Anticonvulsant-induced dyskinesias: a comparison with dyskinesias induced by neuroleptics.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011032} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12392", "title": "Incidence of deep vein thrombosis and leg oedema in patients with strokes.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011033} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12393", "title": "Headaches related to sexual activity.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011034} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12394", "title": "Recovery from anterograde and retrograde amnesia after percutaneous drainage of a cystic craniopharyngioma.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011035} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12395", "title": "Large cerebral vessel disease in sickle cell anaemia.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011036} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12396", "title": "'Oblongata' crises in tabes dorsalis.", "content": "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.", "contents": "'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.", "PMID": 1011037} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12397", "title": "Effect of succinic semialdehyde on seizure caused by vitamin B6 antagonists.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12398", "title": "Factors affecting liver lipid content in pyridoxing-deficient rats. I. Dietary protein levels.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12399", "title": "Body weight change and nitrogen efficiencies in growing and adult rats fed diets containing various proportions of essential amino acids to total amino acids.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011045} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12400", "title": "Measurements of urinary pantothenic acid excretions of alcoholic patients.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12401", "title": "Metabolic response to a pantothenic acid deficient diet in humans.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011047} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12402", "title": "Some characteristics of the dihydrofolate synthetase from Serratia indica.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12403", "title": "Effects of penicillamine on the contents of B6 vitamers of the mouse brain.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12404", "title": "Effect of individual amino acid supplements on the toxicity of excess tyrosine in rats.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12405", "title": "Selective release of lysosomal enzymes from cell populations containing multinucleate giant cells.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12406", "title": "Ultrastructure of the haemophilic synovial membrane and electron-probe X-ray analysis of haemosiderin.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12407", "title": "The morphometry of the glomerular epithelial cell and its foot processes after the injection of bovine serum albumin or egg albumin.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12408", "title": "Mesangial cell cytoplasm and glomerular disease.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011058} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12409", "title": "The effects of tumour extract on macrophage proliferation in lymph-nodes.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011059} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12410", "title": "Transference of para-amino-hippurate from the mother to the amniotic fluid.", "content": "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).", "contents": "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).", "PMID": 1011061} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12411", "title": "Comparative prognostic value of serum placental and tissue oxytocinase, alkaline phosphatase and its heat-stable fraction in pregnancy at neuroendocrinological risk.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011062} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12412", "title": "A descriptive method for automatically analysing uterine forces during labor.", "content": "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)...", "contents": "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)...", "PMID": 1011063} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12413", "title": "Dip area in fetal heart rate and its relationship to acid-base-observations of fetus and mother during labor.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011064} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12414", "title": "The effects of betamimetic drugs used for tocolysis on the fetal myocardium.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011065} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12415", "title": "The effects of choice and enhanced personal responsibility for the aged: a field experiment in an institutional setting.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011073} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12416", "title": "The sources of external work in level walking and running.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011078} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12417", "title": "Responses of abdominal vascular capacitance in the anaesthetized dog to changes in carotid sinus pressure.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011079} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12418", "title": "[Need of thyroxine in chronic effects of growth hormone (GH) on phosphorus and calcium metabolism of female adult rat (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011167} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12419", "title": "[Fat and glucose mobilization in the hypophysectomized rabbit (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011168} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12420", "title": "[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)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011169} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12421", "title": "[Endogenous catecholamines and excitability of the superior cervical ganglion of the rat (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011170} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12422", "title": "[Effect of normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia on norepinephrine turnover in the rat heart (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011171} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12423", "title": "[Influence of pressure and duration of perfusion on functional properties and hemodynamics of isolated kidneys from dogs (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011172} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12424", "title": "[Electroencephalographic activity of a fish (Anguilla anguilla L.) exposed to various hyperbaric conditions (author's transl)].", "content": "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).", "contents": "[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).", "PMID": 1011173} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12425", "title": "[Effects of temperature and light variations, and of radiothyroidectomy on body weight regulation in the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) (author's transl)].", "content": "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).", "contents": "[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).", "PMID": 1011174} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12426", "title": "[Wall rheology and arterial hydrodynamics: theoretical and hydromechanical models (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011175} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12427", "title": "[Seminoma of the ovary. Clincopathological study. The role of radiotherapy in treatment based upon a series of 31 cases (author's tranls)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011176} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12428", "title": "[Radiotherapy for carcinoma of the cervix by intermittent sessions with deferred loading using Cobalt 60 or Caesium 137 (author's transl)].", "content": "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).", "contents": "[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).", "PMID": 1011177} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12429", "title": "[Study of the effectiveness of collection of cylindrical ionisation chambers irradiated in the pulsed radiation beams of a linear accelerator (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011178} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12430", "title": "[Time factors factors in radiotherapy. Introduction (author's transl)].", "content": "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 Journ\u00e9es 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...", "contents": "[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 Journ\u00e9es 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...", "PMID": 1011185} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12431", "title": "[Time factors in human skin desquamations (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011186} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12432", "title": "[Applications of the normal standard dose in clinical practice].", "content": "On the basis of experience in the Fran\u00e7ois-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.", "contents": "[Applications of the normal standard dose in clinical practice]. On the basis of experience in the Fran\u00e7ois-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.", "PMID": 1011187} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12433", "title": "Isoeffect exponents for the production of dose-response curves in squamous cell carcinomas treated between 4 to 8 weeks.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011188} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12434", "title": "[The importance of fractioning in radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease (author' transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011189} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12435", "title": "[Twice daily fractioning : application in the irradiation of severe skin neoplasms (author's tranls)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011190} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12436", "title": "[Results of concentrated curative radiotherapy in skin epitheliomas and bladder tumours (author's transl)].", "content": "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).", "contents": "[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).", "PMID": 1011191} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12437", "title": "[Semi continuous low rate irradiation by telecobalt (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011192} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12438", "title": "[A universal remote afterloading projector for gynecological curietherapy (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011193} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12439", "title": "[Arthrography of the fingers and carpus in inflammatory rheumatic conditions (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011194} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12440", "title": "[Dacryography in the repair of the lacrymal pathways (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011195} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12441", "title": "[Space of initial distribution of transferrin labeled with indium 113m (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011196} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12442", "title": "[Bilateral xantogranulomatous pyelonephritis (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors report a rare case of bilateral xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis with pseudokystic appearance. Renal angiography is essential in establishing the diagnosis.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011197} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12443", "title": "[A duodenal schwannosarcoma with hepatic metastases (author's transl)].", "content": "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.", "contents": "[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.", "PMID": 1011198} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12444", "title": "The assessment by doctors of the effectiveness of drugs.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011206} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12445", "title": "A mathematical approach to epidemic control.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011210} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12446", "title": "Radiography in the home.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011226} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12447", "title": "A classification of permanent and significant disease for general practitioners.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011227} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12448", "title": "Influence of molecular variations of ionophore and lipid on the selective ion permeability of membranes: II. A theoretical model.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011245} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12449", "title": "Permeability of sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. The effect of changed ionic environments on Ca2+ release.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011246} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12450", "title": "Reconstitution in planar lipid bilayers of a voltage-dependent anion-selective channel obtained from paramecium mitochondria.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011248} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12451", "title": "Influence of membrane potential on the sodium-dependent uptake of gamma-aminobutyric acid by presynaptic nerve terminals: experimental observations and theoretical considerations.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011247} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12452", "title": "An assessment of hypothesis testing in mentally retarded adolescents.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011249} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12453", "title": "Acquisition and cross modal generalization of receptive and expressive signing skills in a retarded deaf girl.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011250} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12454", "title": "Task difficulty and motor performance in severe subnormality.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011251} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12455", "title": "Eyelid conditioning and intellectual deficit: role of CS duration, US intensity and US mode.", "content": "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).", "contents": "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).", "PMID": 1011252} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12456", "title": "Skin thickness in cutis verticis gyrata and mental retardation syndrome.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011253} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12457", "title": "Particle size-shape distributions: the general spheroid problem. I. Mathematical model.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011254} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12458", "title": "Recognition and classification of structure by means of stereological methods in neurobiology.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011255} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12459", "title": "N, N'-carbonyldiimidazole-induced diketopiperazine formation in aqueous solution in the presence of adenosine-5'-monophosphate.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011261} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12460", "title": "Functional aspects of hemoglobin evolution in the mammals.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011262} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12461", "title": "Similarities among ribosomal RNA's of angiospermae and gymnospermae.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011263} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12462", "title": "Solution of a gene divergence problem under arbitrary stable nucleotide transition probabilities.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011264} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12463", "title": "Unimodality, symmetry and the step-state hypothesis of electrophoretic variation in natural populations.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12464", "title": "Electrophoretically silent alleles in a finite population.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12465", "title": "Genital measures: comments on their role in understanding human sexuality.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12466", "title": "Assessment of anomalous erotic preferences in situational impotence.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011270} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12467", "title": "Genital blood flow measurement: feedback applications in sexual therapy.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011271} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12468", "title": "Discrimination of organic versus psychogenic impotence with the DSFI.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011272} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12469", "title": "Consumer talcums and powders: mineral and chemical characterization.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011287} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12470", "title": "Research data integrity: a result of an integrated information system.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12471", "title": "Changes of ion mobilizations and their related enzyme activities in the blood of fluoride-intoxicated rats.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12472", "title": "A statistical assessment of the quantitative uptake of vinyl chloride monomer from aqueous solution.", "content": "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.", "contents": "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.", "PMID": 1011290} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12473", "title": "Studies on the mechanism of renal transport depression caused by pretreatment with 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetate.", "content": "Relatively low toxicity in the adult has been reported for the organic acid herbicides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4,5-T). Although small doses of these herbicides are excreted rapidly, acute impairment of renal excretion has been reported when large doses of herbicide were administered. After the administration of 2,4,5-T in vitro analysis of renal proximal tubular function showed a decrease in the activity of the organic acid transport system which handles these herbicides. In addition, the pretreated animals show an impairment in the organic base transport system. To determine the nature of 2,4,5-T renal depression, renal cortical slices from herbicide-pretreated animals were studied. Alterations in the initial influx of organic ions, steady-state accumulation, and efflux were measured. Furthermore, a specific and reversible depression of tissue oxygen consumption was demonstrated. These changes do not appear to be the result of alterations in the gross morphology, electrolyte composition, or cell water content of the renal cortex.", "contents": "Studies on the mechanism of renal transport depression caused by pretreatment with 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetate. Relatively low toxicity in the adult has been reported for the organic acid herbicides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4,5-T). Although small doses of these herbicides are excreted rapidly, acute impairment of renal excretion has been reported when large doses of herbicide were administered. After the administration of 2,4,5-T in vitro analysis of renal proximal tubular function showed a decrease in the activity of the organic acid transport system which handles these herbicides. In addition, the pretreated animals show an impairment in the organic base transport system. To determine the nature of 2,4,5-T renal depression, renal cortical slices from herbicide-pretreated animals were studied. Alterations in the initial influx of organic ions, steady-state accumulation, and efflux were measured. Furthermore, a specific and reversible depression of tissue oxygen consumption was demonstrated. These changes do not appear to be the result of alterations in the gross morphology, electrolyte composition, or cell water content of the renal cortex.", "PMID": 1011291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12474", "title": "Cadmium levels in hair and other tissues during continuous cadmium intake.", "content": "Rats that received cadmium 300 ppm in drinking water (average daily cadmium intake = 4.5 mg/rat) for 12 wk attained peak cadmium levels of 112, 34, and 19 mug/g in hair, liver, and kidney, respectively, at week 4. Rats that ingested cadmium 200 ppm (average daily cadmium intake = 3.6 mg/rat) for 13 wk attained peak cadmium levels of 29 mug/g in kidney at week 7, and 94 and 27 mug/g in hair and liver, respectively, at week 9. Despite continuous exposure to the heavy metal, tissue cadmium concentrations declined to steady-state levels of 24-33 mug/g in hair and 10-17 mug/g in liver and kidney. Histopathologic effects were not observed in liver or kidney. In contrast to cadmium in hair, blood cadmium levels, which remained consistently low (less than 0.04 mug/ml) throughout the study, did not correlate with changes in cadmium levels in liver and kidney.", "contents": "Cadmium levels in hair and other tissues during continuous cadmium intake. Rats that received cadmium 300 ppm in drinking water (average daily cadmium intake = 4.5 mg/rat) for 12 wk attained peak cadmium levels of 112, 34, and 19 mug/g in hair, liver, and kidney, respectively, at week 4. Rats that ingested cadmium 200 ppm (average daily cadmium intake = 3.6 mg/rat) for 13 wk attained peak cadmium levels of 29 mug/g in kidney at week 7, and 94 and 27 mug/g in hair and liver, respectively, at week 9. Despite continuous exposure to the heavy metal, tissue cadmium concentrations declined to steady-state levels of 24-33 mug/g in hair and 10-17 mug/g in liver and kidney. Histopathologic effects were not observed in liver or kidney. In contrast to cadmium in hair, blood cadmium levels, which remained consistently low (less than 0.04 mug/ml) throughout the study, did not correlate with changes in cadmium levels in liver and kidney.", "PMID": 1011292} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12475", "title": "Metabolic responses of rats to chronic theophylline ingestion.", "content": "Studies of the metabolic responses of rats to 0.2% dietary theophylline were conducted. Young male rats were fed theophylline-containing diets or control diets for 8 wk and killed after 22 hr without food. Levels of serum lipids, glucose, and ketones were determined as were hepatic glycogen, lipid, calcium, magnesium, and zinc levels. Epididymal fat pad lipid content, as well as kidney cation levels and hepatic mitochondrial respiration, was also determined. Chronic theophylline feeding lowered blood glucose levels, serum triglyceride levels, hepatic lipid and calcium levels, and the state III respiration with succinate as the substrate. Kidney calcium and magnesium levels were elevated in theophylline-fed rats as were the serum cholesterol levels. The relationship of these metabolic responses to theophylline feeding is discussed as a function of the theophylline effect on tissue cation levels.", "contents": "Metabolic responses of rats to chronic theophylline ingestion. Studies of the metabolic responses of rats to 0.2% dietary theophylline were conducted. Young male rats were fed theophylline-containing diets or control diets for 8 wk and killed after 22 hr without food. Levels of serum lipids, glucose, and ketones were determined as were hepatic glycogen, lipid, calcium, magnesium, and zinc levels. Epididymal fat pad lipid content, as well as kidney cation levels and hepatic mitochondrial respiration, was also determined. Chronic theophylline feeding lowered blood glucose levels, serum triglyceride levels, hepatic lipid and calcium levels, and the state III respiration with succinate as the substrate. Kidney calcium and magnesium levels were elevated in theophylline-fed rats as were the serum cholesterol levels. The relationship of these metabolic responses to theophylline feeding is discussed as a function of the theophylline effect on tissue cation levels.", "PMID": 1011293} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12476", "title": "Effect of inhaling medication vapors from a colds preparation on murine pulmonary bacterial defense systems.", "content": "The usefulness of murine pulmonary defense systems as a means for assessing potential toxicity was further confirmed. Recent investigations had indicated that the effects of a chemical agent on mucociliary transport and phagocytic function comprised a sensitive indicator. As one example of such an application, because of the wide usage of proprietary colds preparations containing volatile oils, as well as the use of such oils in various industries, it is important to reassess the potential of such preparations for toxicity when new test systems become available. Mice and rats were exposed to vapors of camphor, menthol, eucalyptol, and turpentine, as contained in a commonly used colds preparation, for 4 and 8 hr prior to challenge with aerosols of radiolabeled Staphylococcus aureus. The exposure system simulated conditions present when the colds preparation is vaporized according to directions for use. Rates of pulmonary bacterial transport and inactivation, as well as of phagocytic ingestion, were determined following exposure to the colds preparation. Each of these rates was unchanged by the treatment. Thus, in this biological system exposure to therapeutic levels of the colds preparation did not impair mucociliary or phagocytic function.", "contents": "Effect of inhaling medication vapors from a colds preparation on murine pulmonary bacterial defense systems. The usefulness of murine pulmonary defense systems as a means for assessing potential toxicity was further confirmed. Recent investigations had indicated that the effects of a chemical agent on mucociliary transport and phagocytic function comprised a sensitive indicator. As one example of such an application, because of the wide usage of proprietary colds preparations containing volatile oils, as well as the use of such oils in various industries, it is important to reassess the potential of such preparations for toxicity when new test systems become available. Mice and rats were exposed to vapors of camphor, menthol, eucalyptol, and turpentine, as contained in a commonly used colds preparation, for 4 and 8 hr prior to challenge with aerosols of radiolabeled Staphylococcus aureus. The exposure system simulated conditions present when the colds preparation is vaporized according to directions for use. Rates of pulmonary bacterial transport and inactivation, as well as of phagocytic ingestion, were determined following exposure to the colds preparation. Each of these rates was unchanged by the treatment. Thus, in this biological system exposure to therapeutic levels of the colds preparation did not impair mucociliary or phagocytic function.", "PMID": 1011294} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12477", "title": "Unmatured science and government regulation.", "content": "A common feature of much scientific information reflected in government regulation is its passage directly from the laboratory into government decision without benefit of review and interpretation. This pattern can be attributed to a variety of factors. One is the incentives that lead government agencies to act quickly and conservatively in the name of protection of human health. Another is the relatively lengthy process of traditional review and interpretation via professional meetings and scientific publication. Yet, the case appears very strong for preserving, if foreshortening, the stages of peer review of otherwise unmatured data used in regulation. Several schemes of this sort have been tried in the past few years-some with apparent success. These are discussed alongside the proposal for a science court-a quasi-judicial vehicle for rendering judgements about scientific findings.", "contents": "Unmatured science and government regulation. A common feature of much scientific information reflected in government regulation is its passage directly from the laboratory into government decision without benefit of review and interpretation. This pattern can be attributed to a variety of factors. One is the incentives that lead government agencies to act quickly and conservatively in the name of protection of human health. Another is the relatively lengthy process of traditional review and interpretation via professional meetings and scientific publication. Yet, the case appears very strong for preserving, if foreshortening, the stages of peer review of otherwise unmatured data used in regulation. Several schemes of this sort have been tried in the past few years-some with apparent success. These are discussed alongside the proposal for a science court-a quasi-judicial vehicle for rendering judgements about scientific findings.", "PMID": 1011295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12478", "title": "Administration of aspartame in non-insulin-dependent diabetics.", "content": "A study was designed to determine the effect of the consumption of the nutritive sweetener aspartame on non-insulin-dependent diabetics. Forty-three adult diabetics between the ages of 21 and 70 completed a 90-day study; all were diabetics whose conditions were managed by diet and/or hypoglycemic agents. Participants in the blind study were instructed to continue their usual diet and to take two capsules of an assigned preparation three times daily with meals, either the aspartame or the placebo. The 1.8 g of aspartame administered is approximately three times the expected daily consumption of aspartame if used as a sweetener to replace sugar. Throughout the study subjects were examined for (1) symptoms of intolerance, (2) fasting plasma phenylalanine levels exceeding 4 mg/100 ml, and (3) deterioration of diabetic control. At the conclusion of the study subjects exhibited no symptoms that could be traced to the administration of aspartame or the placebo, and diabetic control was unaffected by the chronic administration of these substances. Aspartame seems to be well tolerated by non-insulin-dependent diabetics.", "contents": "Administration of aspartame in non-insulin-dependent diabetics. A study was designed to determine the effect of the consumption of the nutritive sweetener aspartame on non-insulin-dependent diabetics. Forty-three adult diabetics between the ages of 21 and 70 completed a 90-day study; all were diabetics whose conditions were managed by diet and/or hypoglycemic agents. Participants in the blind study were instructed to continue their usual diet and to take two capsules of an assigned preparation three times daily with meals, either the aspartame or the placebo. The 1.8 g of aspartame administered is approximately three times the expected daily consumption of aspartame if used as a sweetener to replace sugar. Throughout the study subjects were examined for (1) symptoms of intolerance, (2) fasting plasma phenylalanine levels exceeding 4 mg/100 ml, and (3) deterioration of diabetic control. At the conclusion of the study subjects exhibited no symptoms that could be traced to the administration of aspartame or the placebo, and diabetic control was unaffected by the chronic administration of these substances. Aspartame seems to be well tolerated by non-insulin-dependent diabetics.", "PMID": 1011296} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12479", "title": "Results of loading doses of aspartame by two phenylketonuric (PKU) children compared with two normal children.", "content": "Separate tolerance tests with aspartame at 34 mg/kg-day and phenylalanine at 19 mg/kg-day were compared. The results reveal that slight serum elevation of phenylalanine and tyrosine occurred in the two PKU and the normal healthy adolescents. It would appear that the phenylalanine in the sweetener aspartame is small enough to be of little clinical significance.", "contents": "Results of loading doses of aspartame by two phenylketonuric (PKU) children compared with two normal children. Separate tolerance tests with aspartame at 34 mg/kg-day and phenylalanine at 19 mg/kg-day were compared. The results reveal that slight serum elevation of phenylalanine and tyrosine occurred in the two PKU and the normal healthy adolescents. It would appear that the phenylalanine in the sweetener aspartame is small enough to be of little clinical significance.", "PMID": 1011297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12480", "title": "A computerized procedure for estimating nutrient intake.", "content": "A procedure was devised for computing intake in terms of calories, total protein, phenylalanine, carbohydrate, and fat. The procedure used a magnetic tape containing 3,122 numbered food items. The nutrient composition of each food was reported for 100 g of the edible portion of the food. In addition, diet diaries were prepared in which the foods eaten during the preceding 24-hr period, the code for each food corresponding to the number for the same item on the magnetic tape, and the number of units of each food eaten were recorded. A computer program then was written that calculated the amounts of intake per day for each nutrient. Application of the procedure for 42 consecutive days on the daily diet records of 43 adult carriers of the phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme formed the data base used to determine if aspartame significantly increased levels of phenylalanine in the blood. Adaptations of the procedure permit calculations of intake for periods from 1 to 30 days and analyses of additional nutrients including calcium, phosphorous, iron, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and ascorbic acid.", "contents": "A computerized procedure for estimating nutrient intake. A procedure was devised for computing intake in terms of calories, total protein, phenylalanine, carbohydrate, and fat. The procedure used a magnetic tape containing 3,122 numbered food items. The nutrient composition of each food was reported for 100 g of the edible portion of the food. In addition, diet diaries were prepared in which the foods eaten during the preceding 24-hr period, the code for each food corresponding to the number for the same item on the magnetic tape, and the number of units of each food eaten were recorded. A computer program then was written that calculated the amounts of intake per day for each nutrient. Application of the procedure for 42 consecutive days on the daily diet records of 43 adult carriers of the phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme formed the data base used to determine if aspartame significantly increased levels of phenylalanine in the blood. Adaptations of the procedure permit calculations of intake for periods from 1 to 30 days and analyses of additional nutrients including calcium, phosphorous, iron, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and ascorbic acid.", "PMID": 1011298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12481", "title": "Pattern of labelling of poly (A)-associated RNA in the CA3 region of rat hippocampus during training.", "content": "Newly synthesized poly (A)-associated mRNA was analysed in the hippocampal CA3 pyramidal nerve cells in rats subjected to training to reverse handedness. The nerve cells of trained animals showed a smaller percentage of poly(A)-associated mRNA than did the active controls. However, a specific fraction of this poly (A) hippocampal RNA with a SE value of around 25 was reproducibly stimulated. This qualitative nerve cell mRNA change is discussed in relation to similar changes in the protein pattern as a function of training.", "contents": "Pattern of labelling of poly (A)-associated RNA in the CA3 region of rat hippocampus during training. Newly synthesized poly (A)-associated mRNA was analysed in the hippocampal CA3 pyramidal nerve cells in rats subjected to training to reverse handedness. The nerve cells of trained animals showed a smaller percentage of poly(A)-associated mRNA than did the active controls. However, a specific fraction of this poly (A) hippocampal RNA with a SE value of around 25 was reproducibly stimulated. This qualitative nerve cell mRNA change is discussed in relation to similar changes in the protein pattern as a function of training.", "PMID": 1011299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12482", "title": "Behavioral evidence showing the predominance of diffuse pain stimuli over discrete stimuli in influencing perception.", "content": "This experiment was directed toward determining the relative effectiveness of discrete and diffuse pain stimuli in influencing perception and behavior. Shocks to the footpads were used to activate the discrete pain pathways and shocks to the upper canine teeth to activate the diffuse pain pathways. In the first phase of this experiment, cats were trained to escape from foot shock in a shuttle box. Current applied to the feet was varied in ascending and descending sequences for each animal according to the psychophysical method of limits and each animal was trained until stable thresholds for escape responding were achieved. In the second phase of the experiment, the effect on behavior of simultaneous activation of both the discrete and diffuse pain systems was assessed. The principal finding is this experiment was that excape responding that was well established when foot shock was presented alone was routinely abolished on trials when tooth shock and foot shock were presented together. These results were interpreted as indicating that the diffuse pain system was prepotent in influencing behavior when both the discrete and diffuse pain systems were activated simultaneously.", "contents": "Behavioral evidence showing the predominance of diffuse pain stimuli over discrete stimuli in influencing perception. This experiment was directed toward determining the relative effectiveness of discrete and diffuse pain stimuli in influencing perception and behavior. Shocks to the footpads were used to activate the discrete pain pathways and shocks to the upper canine teeth to activate the diffuse pain pathways. In the first phase of this experiment, cats were trained to escape from foot shock in a shuttle box. Current applied to the feet was varied in ascending and descending sequences for each animal according to the psychophysical method of limits and each animal was trained until stable thresholds for escape responding were achieved. In the second phase of the experiment, the effect on behavior of simultaneous activation of both the discrete and diffuse pain systems was assessed. The principal finding is this experiment was that excape responding that was well established when foot shock was presented alone was routinely abolished on trials when tooth shock and foot shock were presented together. These results were interpreted as indicating that the diffuse pain system was prepotent in influencing behavior when both the discrete and diffuse pain systems were activated simultaneously.", "PMID": 1011300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12483", "title": "Production of the weanling rat dorsomedial hypothalamic syndrome by cathodal electrolytic lesion current.", "content": "Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats received bilateral electrolytic lesions in the dorsomedial hypothalamic area by means of a direct cathodal current. Sham-operated rats served as controls. Ponderal and linear growth, obesity index, food intake, and several indices of intermediary metabolism of adipose tissue and muscle were measured. Cathodal lesions, as did anodal lesions reported on previously resulted in retardation of body weight, length, and food intake, while the obesity index remained in the normal range. Similarly, the metabolic data in adipose tissue and muscle are comparable to those from experiments in which dorsomedial lesions were placed by anodal current: incorporation of glucose into CO2 lipid, and glycogen of muscle tissue (diaphragm) were similar in DMN-lesioned rats and controls. The difference between anodal and cathodal lesions in this hypothalamic syndrome is a delay in the onset of hypophagia until about 30 days after the hypothalamic operation. The data support the concept that lesions in the hypothalamus, in general, exert their effect by destruction of neuronal assemblies, i.e., nerve cells and/or fiber tracts passing through the lesioned area.", "contents": "Production of the weanling rat dorsomedial hypothalamic syndrome by cathodal electrolytic lesion current. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats received bilateral electrolytic lesions in the dorsomedial hypothalamic area by means of a direct cathodal current. Sham-operated rats served as controls. Ponderal and linear growth, obesity index, food intake, and several indices of intermediary metabolism of adipose tissue and muscle were measured. Cathodal lesions, as did anodal lesions reported on previously resulted in retardation of body weight, length, and food intake, while the obesity index remained in the normal range. Similarly, the metabolic data in adipose tissue and muscle are comparable to those from experiments in which dorsomedial lesions were placed by anodal current: incorporation of glucose into CO2 lipid, and glycogen of muscle tissue (diaphragm) were similar in DMN-lesioned rats and controls. The difference between anodal and cathodal lesions in this hypothalamic syndrome is a delay in the onset of hypophagia until about 30 days after the hypothalamic operation. The data support the concept that lesions in the hypothalamus, in general, exert their effect by destruction of neuronal assemblies, i.e., nerve cells and/or fiber tracts passing through the lesioned area.", "PMID": 1011301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12484", "title": "Effects of hippocampal and amygdalar stimulation on uptake and binding of 3H-hydrocortisone in the hypothalamus of the cat.", "content": "Stimulation of the hippocampus or amygdala of adrenalectomized cats occurred for 10 sec followed by a 50 sec period of no stimulation, beginning 30 min prior to and ending 30 min after administration of 100 muCi of 3H-hydrocortisone into a lateral ventricle. Sixty min after administration of labeled hormone, the hypothalamus was excised and homogenized. Cytosol and nuclear extract fractions were obtained and analyzed for radioactivity and protein content. Separation of bound from free hydrocortisone was achieved by charcoal and adsorption assay. Results reveal that stimulation of the hippocampus resulted in a greater concentration of 3H-hydrocortisone taken up into hypothalamic cells. Also, a greater percentage of total hormone found in the nuclear extract was assayed as bound 3H-hydrocortisone, and the concentration of bound radioactivity in the nuclear extract was increased over control values. Amygdalar stimulation, in general, yielded results similar to those obtained from control cats. However, although a lesser percentage of total hormone in the hypothalamic cytosol was assayed as bound hormone, there was a greater concentration of nuclear bound hormone than in controls, but less than that determined in the hippocampal stimulation group. These results add to the evidence that hippocampus and amygdala have a modulating influence upon the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis. They also suggest that one manner in which these limbic structures may influence hypothalamic function is to modulate the uptake and binding of hydrocortisone in hypothalamic cells.", "contents": "Effects of hippocampal and amygdalar stimulation on uptake and binding of 3H-hydrocortisone in the hypothalamus of the cat. Stimulation of the hippocampus or amygdala of adrenalectomized cats occurred for 10 sec followed by a 50 sec period of no stimulation, beginning 30 min prior to and ending 30 min after administration of 100 muCi of 3H-hydrocortisone into a lateral ventricle. Sixty min after administration of labeled hormone, the hypothalamus was excised and homogenized. Cytosol and nuclear extract fractions were obtained and analyzed for radioactivity and protein content. Separation of bound from free hydrocortisone was achieved by charcoal and adsorption assay. Results reveal that stimulation of the hippocampus resulted in a greater concentration of 3H-hydrocortisone taken up into hypothalamic cells. Also, a greater percentage of total hormone found in the nuclear extract was assayed as bound 3H-hydrocortisone, and the concentration of bound radioactivity in the nuclear extract was increased over control values. Amygdalar stimulation, in general, yielded results similar to those obtained from control cats. However, although a lesser percentage of total hormone in the hypothalamic cytosol was assayed as bound hormone, there was a greater concentration of nuclear bound hormone than in controls, but less than that determined in the hippocampal stimulation group. These results add to the evidence that hippocampus and amygdala have a modulating influence upon the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis. They also suggest that one manner in which these limbic structures may influence hypothalamic function is to modulate the uptake and binding of hydrocortisone in hypothalamic cells.", "PMID": 1011302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12485", "title": "Management of small arterial injuries: clinical and experimental studies.", "content": "Twenty-five patients with 35 severed small arteries of the wrist, calf, or ankle are presented. Included are six cases of total ischemia of the wrist or ankle. Twenty-two repairs and thirteen ligations were performed. There was only one amputation from arterial insufficiency. We recommend repair both to preserve tissue and to restore optimum flow. By use of meticulous interrupted suture technique, optical magnification, and heparin and aspirin administration, a high degree of arterial patency can be achieved.", "contents": "Management of small arterial injuries: clinical and experimental studies. Twenty-five patients with 35 severed small arteries of the wrist, calf, or ankle are presented. Included are six cases of total ischemia of the wrist or ankle. Twenty-two repairs and thirteen ligations were performed. There was only one amputation from arterial insufficiency. We recommend repair both to preserve tissue and to restore optimum flow. By use of meticulous interrupted suture technique, optical magnification, and heparin and aspirin administration, a high degree of arterial patency can be achieved.", "PMID": 1011303} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12486", "title": "Modern war surgery: operations in an evacuation hospital during the October 1973 Arab-Israeli war.", "content": "A forward evacuation hospital functioned in the southern front in October 1973 Israeli-Arab War as an intermediate unit in the Israeli casualty management logistics. Casualties were characterized by frequent multiple-system injuries and variable combinations of penetrating wounds, blunt trauma, burns, and inhalation injury, with an increased incidence of associated blunt trauma. As the result of the systems organization, the EH was able to provide the wounded with early intensive and definitive resuscitation therapy which permitted further evacuation of the casualties to the central hospitals in a better state of physiological stability. In the most critically wounded when there was imminent threat to survival, operations were performed at the EH as an integral part of the resuscitation process. Performance of operations in a forward evacuation hospital did not increase the number or severity of postoperative complications. Morbidity and mortality were related to the nature and magnitude of injury.", "contents": "Modern war surgery: operations in an evacuation hospital during the October 1973 Arab-Israeli war. A forward evacuation hospital functioned in the southern front in October 1973 Israeli-Arab War as an intermediate unit in the Israeli casualty management logistics. Casualties were characterized by frequent multiple-system injuries and variable combinations of penetrating wounds, blunt trauma, burns, and inhalation injury, with an increased incidence of associated blunt trauma. As the result of the systems organization, the EH was able to provide the wounded with early intensive and definitive resuscitation therapy which permitted further evacuation of the casualties to the central hospitals in a better state of physiological stability. In the most critically wounded when there was imminent threat to survival, operations were performed at the EH as an integral part of the resuscitation process. Performance of operations in a forward evacuation hospital did not increase the number or severity of postoperative complications. Morbidity and mortality were related to the nature and magnitude of injury.", "PMID": 1011305} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12487", "title": "Tetanus: 2,449 cases in 68 years at Charity Hospital.", "content": "The 68-year Charity Hospital experience with tetanus has been reviewed with particular emphasis on the past 8 years. There were 2,449 cases treated at Charity Hospital from 1906 through 1974. The mortality rate has remained high. There were 24 cases in the past 8 years, with a 58% case fatality rate. Clues to our high mortality rate could be: 1) many cases with a short period of onset, 2) none of our 24 cases received treatment at time of injury, and 3) there were more severe cases, as judged by the high rate of need for tracheostomy. The method of management emphasizes: 1) wound care, 2) neutralization of the toxin, 3) antibiotic therapy, 4) supportive measures including good nursing care with control of convulsions and seizures, and 5) completion of active immunization. Prophylaxis is stressed, with particular emphasis on wound debridement and toxoid. The decreasing incidence of the disease is encouraging, probably related directly to proper immunization. However, the mortality rate remains high and the solution to the problem of tetanus is still prophylaxis. Epidemiologic considerations were discussed with particular emphasis on tetanus in the five Gulf States, the South in general, and the decreasing incidence in endemic areas.", "contents": "Tetanus: 2,449 cases in 68 years at Charity Hospital. The 68-year Charity Hospital experience with tetanus has been reviewed with particular emphasis on the past 8 years. There were 2,449 cases treated at Charity Hospital from 1906 through 1974. The mortality rate has remained high. There were 24 cases in the past 8 years, with a 58% case fatality rate. Clues to our high mortality rate could be: 1) many cases with a short period of onset, 2) none of our 24 cases received treatment at time of injury, and 3) there were more severe cases, as judged by the high rate of need for tracheostomy. The method of management emphasizes: 1) wound care, 2) neutralization of the toxin, 3) antibiotic therapy, 4) supportive measures including good nursing care with control of convulsions and seizures, and 5) completion of active immunization. Prophylaxis is stressed, with particular emphasis on wound debridement and toxoid. The decreasing incidence of the disease is encouraging, probably related directly to proper immunization. However, the mortality rate remains high and the solution to the problem of tetanus is still prophylaxis. Epidemiologic considerations were discussed with particular emphasis on tetanus in the five Gulf States, the South in general, and the decreasing incidence in endemic areas.", "PMID": 1011306} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12488", "title": "Gangrene of the hand: a complication of radial artery cannulation.", "content": "Radial artery cannulation for constant monitoring of arterial pressure and blood gases has become commonplace in the care of the seriously ill. The radial artery is readily accessible and is often regarded as carrying a negligible complication risk, because there is extensive collateral arterial flow in the hand. To the rarely reported cases of gangrene of the hand secondary to cannulation of the radial artery, this publication adds two, both survivors. One, a 46-year-old female with a clinical picture suggestive of mild Raynaud's disease, was treated by closed mitral commissurotomy; the second, a 44-year-old female, was treated for drug overdose complicated by cardiac arrest and renal shutdown.", "contents": "Gangrene of the hand: a complication of radial artery cannulation. Radial artery cannulation for constant monitoring of arterial pressure and blood gases has become commonplace in the care of the seriously ill. The radial artery is readily accessible and is often regarded as carrying a negligible complication risk, because there is extensive collateral arterial flow in the hand. To the rarely reported cases of gangrene of the hand secondary to cannulation of the radial artery, this publication adds two, both survivors. One, a 46-year-old female with a clinical picture suggestive of mild Raynaud's disease, was treated by closed mitral commissurotomy; the second, a 44-year-old female, was treated for drug overdose complicated by cardiac arrest and renal shutdown.", "PMID": 1011307} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12489", "title": "Compression neuropathy following brachial arterial puncture in anticoagulated patients.", "content": "1) Seven patients were seen and treated over a 1-year span with forearm hematoma and median nerve neuropathy following brachial artery puncture. All seven were anticoagulated. 2) A careful examination established the diagnosis. Prompt operative intervention is recommended. 3) The brachial artery should be avoided as a source for arterial blood gas sampling in the anticoagulated patient.", "contents": "Compression neuropathy following brachial arterial puncture in anticoagulated patients. 1) Seven patients were seen and treated over a 1-year span with forearm hematoma and median nerve neuropathy following brachial artery puncture. All seven were anticoagulated. 2) A careful examination established the diagnosis. Prompt operative intervention is recommended. 3) The brachial artery should be avoided as a source for arterial blood gas sampling in the anticoagulated patient.", "PMID": 1011308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12490", "title": "Psychosocial support in the treatment of severely burned patients.", "content": "A psychosocial team took part in the total patient care program of a burn unit. Psychometric data were gathered during the treatment phase and at one-year followup. The treatment plan included adequate analgesics, major tranquilizers when indicated, attention to sleep requirements for patients, and active participation of family members in the treatment program, with supportive psychotherapy. Standardized psychological and intelligence tests were administered to adult patients during treatment and one year after discharge, and scores compared.", "contents": "Psychosocial support in the treatment of severely burned patients. A psychosocial team took part in the total patient care program of a burn unit. Psychometric data were gathered during the treatment phase and at one-year followup. The treatment plan included adequate analgesics, major tranquilizers when indicated, attention to sleep requirements for patients, and active participation of family members in the treatment program, with supportive psychotherapy. Standardized psychological and intelligence tests were administered to adult patients during treatment and one year after discharge, and scores compared.", "PMID": 1011309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12491", "title": "The challenge of arteriovenous fistula formation following disk surgery: a collective review.", "content": "Five cases of arteriovenous fistula formation are added to the 68 found in previous reports. A review of the English-language literature revealed that the L4-5 disk space was most frequently involved, the right common iliac artery injured most often, and the right and left common iliac veins and inferior vena cava injured with similar frequency.", "contents": "The challenge of arteriovenous fistula formation following disk surgery: a collective review. Five cases of arteriovenous fistula formation are added to the 68 found in previous reports. A review of the English-language literature revealed that the L4-5 disk space was most frequently involved, the right common iliac artery injured most often, and the right and left common iliac veins and inferior vena cava injured with similar frequency.", "PMID": 1011310} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12492", "title": "Diagnostic peritoneal lavage in pediatric trauma.", "content": "The accuracy of diagnostic peritoneal lavage is compared to that of initial clinical evaluation in 46 pediatric patients with blunt abdominal trauma. The peritoneal lavage accuracy was 97.8%; the clinical accuracy was 71%. The use of a specially prepared 14-gauge trocar has made this technique safe for even very small children. The reliability and safety of diagnostic peritoneal lavage in this as well as in other series suggests that nonoperative or expectant treatment of the patient with blunt abdominal trauma can be safely substituted when peritoneal lavage is negative.", "contents": "Diagnostic peritoneal lavage in pediatric trauma. The accuracy of diagnostic peritoneal lavage is compared to that of initial clinical evaluation in 46 pediatric patients with blunt abdominal trauma. The peritoneal lavage accuracy was 97.8%; the clinical accuracy was 71%. The use of a specially prepared 14-gauge trocar has made this technique safe for even very small children. The reliability and safety of diagnostic peritoneal lavage in this as well as in other series suggests that nonoperative or expectant treatment of the patient with blunt abdominal trauma can be safely substituted when peritoneal lavage is negative.", "PMID": 1011311} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12493", "title": "The self-inflicted wrist slash.", "content": "Twenty-nine patients with self-inflicted wrist slash seen in consultation from 1970 through 1974 revealed 25 nerve and 70 tendon injuries. The average age, sex distribution, and psychiatric status generally followed previously reported series of suicide attempts. A major finding was the low patient response to surgical and psychiatric followup. Intensified efforts to improve followup and primary repair of damaged structures are recommended.", "contents": "The self-inflicted wrist slash. Twenty-nine patients with self-inflicted wrist slash seen in consultation from 1970 through 1974 revealed 25 nerve and 70 tendon injuries. The average age, sex distribution, and psychiatric status generally followed previously reported series of suicide attempts. A major finding was the low patient response to surgical and psychiatric followup. Intensified efforts to improve followup and primary repair of damaged structures are recommended.", "PMID": 1011312} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12494", "title": "Traumatic inferior vena caval obstruction.", "content": "A 57-year-old male sustained an injury to the supradiaphragmatic portion of the inferior vena cava, which presented as progressive lower extremity thrombophlebitis culminating in thrombosis of his inferior vena cava. The indications for operative intervention centered around impaired renal, hepatic, and intestinal circulation. Extracorporeal circulation permitted extraction of the clot and repair of the injury.", "contents": "Traumatic inferior vena caval obstruction. A 57-year-old male sustained an injury to the supradiaphragmatic portion of the inferior vena cava, which presented as progressive lower extremity thrombophlebitis culminating in thrombosis of his inferior vena cava. The indications for operative intervention centered around impaired renal, hepatic, and intestinal circulation. Extracorporeal circulation permitted extraction of the clot and repair of the injury.", "PMID": 1011313} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12495", "title": "Surgical repair of rupture of the pectoralis major muscle: a case report.", "content": "Rupture of the pectoralis major muscle in a healthy male weight lifter is described. Complete avulsion of its insertion was surgically repaired by suturing followed by immobilization for 6 weeks. Two years later the patient won a national championship by lifting 455 lb in bench-press, and has recovered full function of the shoulder.", "contents": "Surgical repair of rupture of the pectoralis major muscle: a case report. Rupture of the pectoralis major muscle in a healthy male weight lifter is described. Complete avulsion of its insertion was surgically repaired by suturing followed by immobilization for 6 weeks. Two years later the patient won a national championship by lifting 455 lb in bench-press, and has recovered full function of the shoulder.", "PMID": 1011314} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12496", "title": "The fourth international conference on tetanus, Dakar, S\u00e9n\u00e9gal, 1975.", "content": "The two main conclusions drawn at the Dakar International Conference on Tetanus appeared to be: 1) Tetanus is a real problem in developing countries in both occurrence and mortality rates; and 2) Tetanus can be eliminated by the proper use of tetanus toxoid. Preventive medicine, more important nowadays than before, especially in light of broadened legal responsibilities of medical practitioners, must include tetanus immunology, prophylaxis, and therapy. Some currently listed standards for administration of tetanus antitoxin, immune globulin, and toxoid are perhaps in need for revision, at least in developed countries, and at the same time attention must be paid to the very high incidence of tetanus in developing nations, and to the alleviation and eventual eradication of tetanus everywhere in the world.", "contents": "The fourth international conference on tetanus, Dakar, S\u00e9n\u00e9gal, 1975. The two main conclusions drawn at the Dakar International Conference on Tetanus appeared to be: 1) Tetanus is a real problem in developing countries in both occurrence and mortality rates; and 2) Tetanus can be eliminated by the proper use of tetanus toxoid. Preventive medicine, more important nowadays than before, especially in light of broadened legal responsibilities of medical practitioners, must include tetanus immunology, prophylaxis, and therapy. Some currently listed standards for administration of tetanus antitoxin, immune globulin, and toxoid are perhaps in need for revision, at least in developed countries, and at the same time attention must be paid to the very high incidence of tetanus in developing nations, and to the alleviation and eventual eradication of tetanus everywhere in the world.", "PMID": 1011315} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12497", "title": "Human histoplasmosis in Egypt-a preliminary serologic survey.", "content": "Thirteen (3%) of 441 patients had histoplasma antibodies in their sera when examined by the complement fixation test. The serologically histoplama positive individuals were all from a group of 266 patients complaining of chest disorders and from a sub-group of 147 such patients with positive findings on chest x-ray. There were no positives from a group of 175 patients complaining of fevers of unknown origin. The possibility of misdiagnosing lesions which may be due to histoplasmosis as being tuberculous must be considered indifferential diagnosis of pulmonary lesions.", "contents": "Human histoplasmosis in Egypt-a preliminary serologic survey. Thirteen (3%) of 441 patients had histoplasma antibodies in their sera when examined by the complement fixation test. The serologically histoplama positive individuals were all from a group of 266 patients complaining of chest disorders and from a sub-group of 147 such patients with positive findings on chest x-ray. There were no positives from a group of 175 patients complaining of fevers of unknown origin. The possibility of misdiagnosing lesions which may be due to histoplasmosis as being tuberculous must be considered indifferential diagnosis of pulmonary lesions.", "PMID": 1011320} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12498", "title": "Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in Nigerian children: a report of three cases.", "content": "Three cases of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in Nigerian children are reported. The clinical features and bacteriological findings are discussed. It is suggested that the clinical condition is not as rare in our community as absence of reports on African children in the literature may suggest. A reference centre for phage typing of staphylococci from suspected cases in a developing country like our own is recommended.", "contents": "Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in Nigerian children: a report of three cases. Three cases of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in Nigerian children are reported. The clinical features and bacteriological findings are discussed. It is suggested that the clinical condition is not as rare in our community as absence of reports on African children in the literature may suggest. A reference centre for phage typing of staphylococci from suspected cases in a developing country like our own is recommended.", "PMID": 1011321} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12499", "title": "The bioavailability of quinine.", "content": "Plain tablets of quinine dihydrochloride, quinine bisulphate and quinine sulphate was prepared using salts of similar particle size. Proprietary sugar-coated tablets showed protracted disintegration and dissolution using dialysis method with forced convection and sink conditions was as anticipated by the solubilities. In vivo availability studies indicated release from the plain tablets in the order dihydrochloride, bisulphate, sulphate. The sugar-coated tablets showed delayed release and corresponding low availability", "contents": "The bioavailability of quinine. Plain tablets of quinine dihydrochloride, quinine bisulphate and quinine sulphate was prepared using salts of similar particle size. Proprietary sugar-coated tablets showed protracted disintegration and dissolution using dialysis method with forced convection and sink conditions was as anticipated by the solubilities. In vivo availability studies indicated release from the plain tablets in the order dihydrochloride, bisulphate, sulphate. The sugar-coated tablets showed delayed release and corresponding low availability", "PMID": 1011322} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12500", "title": "Levels of some serum enzymes in patients with schistosomiasis.", "content": "The effect of active schistosomiasis on the activity of some serum enzymes of hepatic origin has been studied in 46 male Egyptian patients with S. mansoni infections. These enzymes included total lactic dehydrogenase and its isoenzymes, 5'nucleotidase, B-glucuronidase, ornithine carbamyl transferase and sorbitol dehydrogenase. Samples were collected on admission, a week after the end of treatment and one month later. B-glucuronidase showed no change whereas ornithine carbamyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase and 5'-nucleotidase showed elevated levels throughout the study. Total LDH was not significantly different on admission but increased significantly after treatment and returned to normal at follow up. Of the five LDH isoenzymes only LDH4 showed elevated levels. The significance of these findings in relation to conventional liver function tests is discussed.", "contents": "Levels of some serum enzymes in patients with schistosomiasis. The effect of active schistosomiasis on the activity of some serum enzymes of hepatic origin has been studied in 46 male Egyptian patients with S. mansoni infections. These enzymes included total lactic dehydrogenase and its isoenzymes, 5'nucleotidase, B-glucuronidase, ornithine carbamyl transferase and sorbitol dehydrogenase. Samples were collected on admission, a week after the end of treatment and one month later. B-glucuronidase showed no change whereas ornithine carbamyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase and 5'-nucleotidase showed elevated levels throughout the study. Total LDH was not significantly different on admission but increased significantly after treatment and returned to normal at follow up. Of the five LDH isoenzymes only LDH4 showed elevated levels. The significance of these findings in relation to conventional liver function tests is discussed.", "PMID": 1011323} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12501", "title": "Seroepidemiologic investigations of malaria in Guyana.", "content": "The results of longitudinal seroepidemiologic malaria surveys with the indirect haemagglutination test in four sectors in the interior of Guyana did not suggest recent malaria transmission. Indigenous malaria cases had not been detected in these sectors since 1968 but malaria surveillance here had been incomplete. The multi-stage cluster sampling method used proved to be efficient and permitted the survey of a large and sparsely populated area to be concentrated in relatively few localities. Observation of a group of 147 seropositive and seronegative persons after one year showed a four-fold or greater decline of antibody titres in five per cent of the cohort population and no such titre increases were seen, thus confirming the absence of recent malaria infections. Seropositivity rates were higher in persons with a history of malaria than in those without such a history. Collecting blood on filter paper facilitated obtaining material for serologic testing especially in the younger age group and no refusals were encountered. This advantage compensates for the slight loss in sensitivity when filter paper eluates are titrated instead of sera. The difference between the past infection probabilities of the age groups over and under 20 years old suggests that the disappearance of malaria from the interior was related more to the elimination of malaria transmission along the coast than to the specific malaria campaign in the interior.", "contents": "Seroepidemiologic investigations of malaria in Guyana. The results of longitudinal seroepidemiologic malaria surveys with the indirect haemagglutination test in four sectors in the interior of Guyana did not suggest recent malaria transmission. Indigenous malaria cases had not been detected in these sectors since 1968 but malaria surveillance here had been incomplete. The multi-stage cluster sampling method used proved to be efficient and permitted the survey of a large and sparsely populated area to be concentrated in relatively few localities. Observation of a group of 147 seropositive and seronegative persons after one year showed a four-fold or greater decline of antibody titres in five per cent of the cohort population and no such titre increases were seen, thus confirming the absence of recent malaria infections. Seropositivity rates were higher in persons with a history of malaria than in those without such a history. Collecting blood on filter paper facilitated obtaining material for serologic testing especially in the younger age group and no refusals were encountered. This advantage compensates for the slight loss in sensitivity when filter paper eluates are titrated instead of sera. The difference between the past infection probabilities of the age groups over and under 20 years old suggests that the disappearance of malaria from the interior was related more to the elimination of malaria transmission along the coast than to the specific malaria campaign in the interior.", "PMID": 1011324} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12502", "title": "Middle ear effusion in children.", "content": "The middle ear function of over 100 school children has been observed for more than seven years with the aid of an electroacoustic impedance instrument. The technique readily demonstrates middle ear abnormalities. A few children may have middle ear malfunction for considerable periods without this being detected by those responsible for their health care. The presence of fluid in the middle ear is not necessarily an indication for treatment. The concept of acoustic impedance screening is advocated with suitable safeguards to prevent over-referral.", "contents": "Middle ear effusion in children. The middle ear function of over 100 school children has been observed for more than seven years with the aid of an electroacoustic impedance instrument. The technique readily demonstrates middle ear abnormalities. A few children may have middle ear malfunction for considerable periods without this being detected by those responsible for their health care. The presence of fluid in the middle ear is not necessarily an indication for treatment. The concept of acoustic impedance screening is advocated with suitable safeguards to prevent over-referral.", "PMID": 1011325} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12503", "title": "Middle ear effusions -- complications of disease and treatment.", "content": "The results of treatment of secretory otitis media with commonly found disease in Finland is described. Treatment includes adenoidectomy and/or insertion of tympanostomy tubes with mastoidectomy in selected cases. Tympanostomy tube treatment results in an increased amount of visible tympanic membrane scar formation and tympanosclerosis, but these are of no major functional importance. In about 10 per cent of the glue ears a mastoid disease process complicates the disease. Here thorough mastoidectomy at an early stage is the treatment of choice. Cholesteatoma formation appears in about two per cent, but in the majority of cases this is not related to tympanostomy treatment but is due to the disease process itself.", "contents": "Middle ear effusions -- complications of disease and treatment. The results of treatment of secretory otitis media with commonly found disease in Finland is described. Treatment includes adenoidectomy and/or insertion of tympanostomy tubes with mastoidectomy in selected cases. Tympanostomy tube treatment results in an increased amount of visible tympanic membrane scar formation and tympanosclerosis, but these are of no major functional importance. In about 10 per cent of the glue ears a mastoid disease process complicates the disease. Here thorough mastoidectomy at an early stage is the treatment of choice. Cholesteatoma formation appears in about two per cent, but in the majority of cases this is not related to tympanostomy treatment but is due to the disease process itself.", "PMID": 1011326} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12504", "title": "Rational management of middle ear effusions in the cleft palate patient.", "content": "Middle ear effusions are common prior to surgical repair of a congenital cleft of the secondary palate. The insertion of middle ear ventilating tubes will result in an aerated middle ear, but significant complications will also occur. A review of 57 infants suggests that these ventilating tubes rarely need to be inserted prior to palatal closure but only if there is persistence of middle ear fluid three months after such surgery.", "contents": "Rational management of middle ear effusions in the cleft palate patient. Middle ear effusions are common prior to surgical repair of a congenital cleft of the secondary palate. The insertion of middle ear ventilating tubes will result in an aerated middle ear, but significant complications will also occur. A review of 57 infants suggests that these ventilating tubes rarely need to be inserted prior to palatal closure but only if there is persistence of middle ear fluid three months after such surgery.", "PMID": 1011327} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12505", "title": "Xeroradiography in the assessment of the pediatric larynx and trachea.", "content": "Xeroradiography is a newer technique of radiologic imaging which provides both a wide recording latitude and the phenomenon of edge enhancement. It is the phenomenon of edge enhancement in particular which allows for excellent imaging of mucous membrane anatomy and abnormalities. The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the role of xeroradiography in the assessment of the pediatric larynx and trachea, with particular reference to the evaluation of tracheal stenosis.", "contents": "Xeroradiography in the assessment of the pediatric larynx and trachea. Xeroradiography is a newer technique of radiologic imaging which provides both a wide recording latitude and the phenomenon of edge enhancement. It is the phenomenon of edge enhancement in particular which allows for excellent imaging of mucous membrane anatomy and abnormalities. The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the role of xeroradiography in the assessment of the pediatric larynx and trachea, with particular reference to the evaluation of tracheal stenosis.", "PMID": 1011328} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12506", "title": "Surgical correction of subglottic stenosis of the larynx. Clinical results of the Fearon-Cotton operation.", "content": "Thirty-five cases of subglottic stenosis were treated by one of the authors during the 6-1/2 year period January 1970 to June 1976 inclusive. Six of these failed to respond to routine management by repeated dilatation or were considered unlikely to do so. These cases were treated by a new operation, the experimental aspects of which have been previously described. Two of the six cases have been successfully extubated and two others will be so in the near future. An analysis of the problems encountered and some possible solutions are presented, as is a brief description of the operative procedure. The carbon dioxide gas laser would appear to have an important part to play in the management of glottic and subglottic webs, but its value has yet to be proven.", "contents": "Surgical correction of subglottic stenosis of the larynx. Clinical results of the Fearon-Cotton operation. Thirty-five cases of subglottic stenosis were treated by one of the authors during the 6-1/2 year period January 1970 to June 1976 inclusive. Six of these failed to respond to routine management by repeated dilatation or were considered unlikely to do so. These cases were treated by a new operation, the experimental aspects of which have been previously described. Two of the six cases have been successfully extubated and two others will be so in the near future. An analysis of the problems encountered and some possible solutions are presented, as is a brief description of the operative procedure. The carbon dioxide gas laser would appear to have an important part to play in the management of glottic and subglottic webs, but its value has yet to be proven.", "PMID": 1011329} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12507", "title": "Extended laryngofissure in the management of subglottic stenosis in the young child: a preliminary report.", "content": "The child with subglottic stenosis and a tracheotomy is a management problem. To date, a consistent method for successful and expeditious correction of the primary lesion to permit decannulation has eluded clinicians. The child is tracheotomized and thus frequently hospitalized for a lengthy period. Personal development and family relationships are adversely affected and the mortality rate during this period of cannulation is significant. During the past eighteen months in an attempt to achieve earlier decannulation, three children with subglottic stenosis have undergone a surgical procedure in which division of the anterior and posterior aspects of the cricoid ring are the key surgical maneuvers.", "contents": "Extended laryngofissure in the management of subglottic stenosis in the young child: a preliminary report. The child with subglottic stenosis and a tracheotomy is a management problem. To date, a consistent method for successful and expeditious correction of the primary lesion to permit decannulation has eluded clinicians. The child is tracheotomized and thus frequently hospitalized for a lengthy period. Personal development and family relationships are adversely affected and the mortality rate during this period of cannulation is significant. During the past eighteen months in an attempt to achieve earlier decannulation, three children with subglottic stenosis have undergone a surgical procedure in which division of the anterior and posterior aspects of the cricoid ring are the key surgical maneuvers.", "PMID": 1011330} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12508", "title": "Laryngeal papillomatosis in children.", "content": "Thirty-one cases of juvenile papillomatosis of the larynx treated in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Hospital for Sick Children are reviewed. The incidence, pathology, and etiology of laryngeal papillomata are described. Various types of treatment reported from the literature are discussed. Favorable results have been attained by careful frequent endoscopic removal of papilloma lesions using forceps, the cryoprobe, or the carbon dioxide laser. With the use of the operating microscope, the tumor population is reduced and this may allow the circulating antibodies to be more effective on the residual tissue. Tracheotomy is avoided unless near obstruction is present. Decannulization is not advisable until the danger of obstruction from regrowth of the tumor is passed.", "contents": "Laryngeal papillomatosis in children. Thirty-one cases of juvenile papillomatosis of the larynx treated in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Hospital for Sick Children are reviewed. The incidence, pathology, and etiology of laryngeal papillomata are described. Various types of treatment reported from the literature are discussed. Favorable results have been attained by careful frequent endoscopic removal of papilloma lesions using forceps, the cryoprobe, or the carbon dioxide laser. With the use of the operating microscope, the tumor population is reduced and this may allow the circulating antibodies to be more effective on the residual tissue. Tracheotomy is avoided unless near obstruction is present. Decannulization is not advisable until the danger of obstruction from regrowth of the tumor is passed.", "PMID": 1011332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12509", "title": "Hearing without hair cells? A case report.", "content": "Audiograms from a five year old accident victim with a profound hearing loss are compared to temporal bone and brain stem histological findings. One temporal bone was evaluated using surface preparation and transmission electron microscope techniques. The other temporal bone was evaluated using serial section procedures. No sensory cells were present in either cochlea. This unusual finding is discussed. Evaluation of ventral cochlear nuclei showed a 50 per cent loss of neurons on both sides.", "contents": "Hearing without hair cells? A case report. Audiograms from a five year old accident victim with a profound hearing loss are compared to temporal bone and brain stem histological findings. One temporal bone was evaluated using surface preparation and transmission electron microscope techniques. The other temporal bone was evaluated using serial section procedures. No sensory cells were present in either cochlea. This unusual finding is discussed. Evaluation of ventral cochlear nuclei showed a 50 per cent loss of neurons on both sides.", "PMID": 1011333} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12510", "title": "The cost of upper respiratory tract infections in Canadian children.", "content": "We reviewed reports of the incidence, duration, causative organism, sequelae, and cost of upper respiratory tract infections (URI). Using these data, we projected the extent and cost of URI in Canadian children from birth to age 14. We estimated that in 1973, some 6.2 million Canadian children suffered between 23.8 and 42.3 million episodes of URI, of which 5.6 million needed medical attention; approximately 215,300 children were admitted to hospital for treatment of URI-related diseases and utilized 742,800 hospital days. Some direct costs were estimated, including physicians' fees, hospitalization, antibiotics, \"cold remedies\", and pharmacists' prescription fees; in 1973 these ranged from $141 million to $211 million. The common cold is as common as its name implies, and we need to intensify the search for a solution. Until this is found, both medical profession and the public should be warned of the uselessness, and possible hazards of some of the \"remedies\" for colds, and made aware of the vast amounts of money expended upon them.", "contents": "The cost of upper respiratory tract infections in Canadian children. We reviewed reports of the incidence, duration, causative organism, sequelae, and cost of upper respiratory tract infections (URI). Using these data, we projected the extent and cost of URI in Canadian children from birth to age 14. We estimated that in 1973, some 6.2 million Canadian children suffered between 23.8 and 42.3 million episodes of URI, of which 5.6 million needed medical attention; approximately 215,300 children were admitted to hospital for treatment of URI-related diseases and utilized 742,800 hospital days. Some direct costs were estimated, including physicians' fees, hospitalization, antibiotics, \"cold remedies\", and pharmacists' prescription fees; in 1973 these ranged from $141 million to $211 million. The common cold is as common as its name implies, and we need to intensify the search for a solution. Until this is found, both medical profession and the public should be warned of the uselessness, and possible hazards of some of the \"remedies\" for colds, and made aware of the vast amounts of money expended upon them.", "PMID": 1011334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12511", "title": "Cervical teratoma.", "content": "Cervical teratomas are rare tumors in an unusual location. A neck mass in a newborn was excised when it enlarged disproportionately; histologically, it was a teratoma. Teratomas may occur because of an alteration in sterol chemistry; conception in this case occurred while the mother was ingesting estrogens. Retinal tissue, an unusual finding, was present in this teratoma. Symptoms in cervical teratomas are secondary to interference with deglutition and respiration. Treatment is surgical excision.", "contents": "Cervical teratoma. Cervical teratomas are rare tumors in an unusual location. A neck mass in a newborn was excised when it enlarged disproportionately; histologically, it was a teratoma. Teratomas may occur because of an alteration in sterol chemistry; conception in this case occurred while the mother was ingesting estrogens. Retinal tissue, an unusual finding, was present in this teratoma. Symptoms in cervical teratomas are secondary to interference with deglutition and respiration. Treatment is surgical excision.", "PMID": 1011335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12512", "title": "The sternomastoid \"tumor\" of infancy.", "content": "The sternomastoid \"tumor\" of infancy is a firm, fibrous mass, appearing at two to three weeks of age. It may or may not be associated with torticollis. Generally, the \"tumor\" initially grows, then stabilizes, and in about half the cases recedes spontaneously after a few months. It may leave a residual torticollis or may be associated with a facial or cranial asymmetry of a delayed torticollis. The etiology is unknown, a direct cause and effect relationship to birth trauma has been largely disproved although approximately half these children are products of breech deliveries. The treatment is controversial. Approximately half of these \"tumors\" will resolve spontaneously without sequelae. Progressive torticollis or development of facial asymmetry are considered indications for surgery. The purpose of this report is to acquaint the head and neck surgeon with this entity which may confront him for diagnosis and treatment.", "contents": "The sternomastoid \"tumor\" of infancy. The sternomastoid \"tumor\" of infancy is a firm, fibrous mass, appearing at two to three weeks of age. It may or may not be associated with torticollis. Generally, the \"tumor\" initially grows, then stabilizes, and in about half the cases recedes spontaneously after a few months. It may leave a residual torticollis or may be associated with a facial or cranial asymmetry of a delayed torticollis. The etiology is unknown, a direct cause and effect relationship to birth trauma has been largely disproved although approximately half these children are products of breech deliveries. The treatment is controversial. Approximately half of these \"tumors\" will resolve spontaneously without sequelae. Progressive torticollis or development of facial asymmetry are considered indications for surgery. The purpose of this report is to acquaint the head and neck surgeon with this entity which may confront him for diagnosis and treatment.", "PMID": 1011336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12513", "title": "[Secondary tumors of the kidney].", "content": "Secondary tumours of the kidney are relatively common. Found at autopsy in approximately 4 per cent of patients dying of malignant disease, they are clinically latent in most instances. Thus in a total series of 295 malignant tumours of the kidney, only 8 were metastases. The primary tumour is most often a bronchial carcinoma, this being confirmed in our series (5 cases). This is followed, in order of decreasing frequency, the breast, stomach, pancreas and stomach. Two of the 8 cases were rarities: a renal metastasis from a meningoblastoma and a metastasis from one tumour to another, a carcinoma of the ovary metastasising to a hypernephroma. The pathogenesis of these secondary tumours leads to the consideration of 2 modes of spread: haematogenous and lymphatic. They present no special clinical features. Intravenous pyelogram reveals the appearances of a malignant tumour mass. Angiography is more informative, the results reflecting the histological nature of the primary tumour. The latter being most frequently a carcinoma, the arteriographic image is one of hypovascularisation, thus differing from a hypernephroma with its rich vascularisation and resembling an infiltrating pelvi-calyceal carcinoma. Histopathological examination is not always conclusive itself. Nephrectomy is effectively only justified if the primary tumour has been or can be successfully treated in the absence of other metastases.", "contents": "[Secondary tumors of the kidney]. Secondary tumours of the kidney are relatively common. Found at autopsy in approximately 4 per cent of patients dying of malignant disease, they are clinically latent in most instances. Thus in a total series of 295 malignant tumours of the kidney, only 8 were metastases. The primary tumour is most often a bronchial carcinoma, this being confirmed in our series (5 cases). This is followed, in order of decreasing frequency, the breast, stomach, pancreas and stomach. Two of the 8 cases were rarities: a renal metastasis from a meningoblastoma and a metastasis from one tumour to another, a carcinoma of the ovary metastasising to a hypernephroma. The pathogenesis of these secondary tumours leads to the consideration of 2 modes of spread: haematogenous and lymphatic. They present no special clinical features. Intravenous pyelogram reveals the appearances of a malignant tumour mass. Angiography is more informative, the results reflecting the histological nature of the primary tumour. The latter being most frequently a carcinoma, the arteriographic image is one of hypovascularisation, thus differing from a hypernephroma with its rich vascularisation and resembling an infiltrating pelvi-calyceal carcinoma. Histopathological examination is not always conclusive itself. Nephrectomy is effectively only justified if the primary tumour has been or can be successfully treated in the absence of other metastases.", "PMID": 1011338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12514", "title": "[Left varicocoele and iliac venous stasis (author's transl)].", "content": "Idiopathic left varicocele is not always due to renospermatic reflux, as is shown by left renal phlebography. Furthermore, radiological exploration of the left iliac venous axis has shown the frequency of main iliac obstruction, compressed by the right iliac artery. The lumen of the iliac vein frequently bears traces of this compression (May and Thurner). The multiplicity of the colateral pathways draining the iliac vein in stasis, is evidence of the reigning increase in pressure. The authors propose the hypothesis that the varicocoele may be due to iliospermatic reflux. This occurs through anastomoses which are well known to anastomists and found on 2 occasions in the series presented. If this hypothesis were verified, it would incite an approach to the cord via the inguinal canal in order to ligature the spermatic veins above their anastomoses with the epigastric.", "contents": "[Left varicocoele and iliac venous stasis (author's transl)]. Idiopathic left varicocele is not always due to renospermatic reflux, as is shown by left renal phlebography. Furthermore, radiological exploration of the left iliac venous axis has shown the frequency of main iliac obstruction, compressed by the right iliac artery. The lumen of the iliac vein frequently bears traces of this compression (May and Thurner). The multiplicity of the colateral pathways draining the iliac vein in stasis, is evidence of the reigning increase in pressure. The authors propose the hypothesis that the varicocoele may be due to iliospermatic reflux. This occurs through anastomoses which are well known to anastomists and found on 2 occasions in the series presented. If this hypothesis were verified, it would incite an approach to the cord via the inguinal canal in order to ligature the spermatic veins above their anastomoses with the epigastric.", "PMID": 1011339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12515", "title": "[Leydig cell testicular tumour with an endocrine syndrome. Clinical, biological, ultra-structural and histo-enzymatic study (author's transl)].", "content": "With respect to a particularly demonstrative case of Leydig cell tumour with gynaecomastia in a 40 year old man, the authors review the current data in the literature concerning the clinical and biological features and treatment of this tumour. They pay particular attention to the classical anatomo-pathological features, the ultra-structure and the ultrastructural and histo-enzymatic appearances.", "contents": "[Leydig cell testicular tumour with an endocrine syndrome. Clinical, biological, ultra-structural and histo-enzymatic study (author's transl)]. With respect to a particularly demonstrative case of Leydig cell tumour with gynaecomastia in a 40 year old man, the authors review the current data in the literature concerning the clinical and biological features and treatment of this tumour. They pay particular attention to the classical anatomo-pathological features, the ultra-structure and the ultrastructural and histo-enzymatic appearances.", "PMID": 1011340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12516", "title": "[Antireflux by advancement. First results of 39 recent interventions (author's transl)].", "content": "39 congenital malformations of the ureterovesical junction, with reflux, were treated by transvesical plastic advancement. The surgical indications, technique and results are presented. These encourage the continuation of the choice of this technique.", "contents": "[Antireflux by advancement. First results of 39 recent interventions (author's transl)]. 39 congenital malformations of the ureterovesical junction, with reflux, were treated by transvesical plastic advancement. The surgical indications, technique and results are presented. These encourage the continuation of the choice of this technique.", "PMID": 1011341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12517", "title": "[The new Iglesias resectoscope with simultaneous irrigation and suction (author's transl)].", "content": "This new resectoscope is the result of over 30 years experience of T.U.R. Its principle is a double flow running through the resectoscope: inflow and outflow under succion. The advantages are: 1. T.U.R. can be performed continuously, quicker than with conventional resectoscopes and theoretically with no limit of time. 2. T.U.R. is done under intra-vesical pressure, avoiding the T.U.R. syndrome. 3. T.U.R. is done more confortably: better vision bleeding control by watching the suction bottle, no more wet surgeon.", "contents": "[The new Iglesias resectoscope with simultaneous irrigation and suction (author's transl)]. This new resectoscope is the result of over 30 years experience of T.U.R. Its principle is a double flow running through the resectoscope: inflow and outflow under succion. The advantages are: 1. T.U.R. can be performed continuously, quicker than with conventional resectoscopes and theoretically with no limit of time. 2. T.U.R. is done under intra-vesical pressure, avoiding the T.U.R. syndrome. 3. T.U.R. is done more confortably: better vision bleeding control by watching the suction bottle, no more wet surgeon.", "PMID": 1011343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12518", "title": "[Impaired statics of bladder and urethra in some lower motor neurobladders and its treatment by colocystopexia (author's transl)].", "content": "In spite of sphincter paralysis, the peripheric moto-neurone lesions induces bladder retention. Secondary retention forces fail to open the bladder neck owing to detrusor flaccidity. Long-dated, abdominal straining increases this static dysfunction by inducing posterior bladder prolapsus upon a flaccid perineum. This disorder est characterized by three components: --posterior prolapsus of the bladder, --horizontal position of the proximal urethra, --deepening of Douglas peritoneum. These patients may get a micturation using a perineal compression; similarly, surgical management consists in a making-up and fastening of the bladder by means of the rectum which is used as a hammack (colocystopexia). The procedure had been used in five cases with good results.", "contents": "[Impaired statics of bladder and urethra in some lower motor neurobladders and its treatment by colocystopexia (author's transl)]. In spite of sphincter paralysis, the peripheric moto-neurone lesions induces bladder retention. Secondary retention forces fail to open the bladder neck owing to detrusor flaccidity. Long-dated, abdominal straining increases this static dysfunction by inducing posterior bladder prolapsus upon a flaccid perineum. This disorder est characterized by three components: --posterior prolapsus of the bladder, --horizontal position of the proximal urethra, --deepening of Douglas peritoneum. These patients may get a micturation using a perineal compression; similarly, surgical management consists in a making-up and fastening of the bladder by means of the rectum which is used as a hammack (colocystopexia). The procedure had been used in five cases with good results.", "PMID": 1011342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12519", "title": "[Experimental studies on diffusion of gentamicin into body fluids (author's transl)].", "content": "For the purpose of measuring concentrations of gentamicin (GM) into body fluids (pancreatic juice, abdominal cavity, and bile) after intramuscular injection, the authors conducted experiments using adult mongrel dogs with following results. 1) The highest concentration in pancreatic juice was observed 1 approximately 1.5 hours after single intramuscular administration of 4 mg/kg. The highest concentration was 51.3% of that in blood. 2) The highest concentration in bile was observed 30 minutes approximately 1 hour after single intramuscular administration of GM. The concentration was about 50% of that in blood. 3) The diffusion of GM into the abdominal cavity was good after single intramuscular administration. 4) The rate of urinary excretion was high as is generally known.", "contents": "[Experimental studies on diffusion of gentamicin into body fluids (author's transl)]. For the purpose of measuring concentrations of gentamicin (GM) into body fluids (pancreatic juice, abdominal cavity, and bile) after intramuscular injection, the authors conducted experiments using adult mongrel dogs with following results. 1) The highest concentration in pancreatic juice was observed 1 approximately 1.5 hours after single intramuscular administration of 4 mg/kg. The highest concentration was 51.3% of that in blood. 2) The highest concentration in bile was observed 30 minutes approximately 1 hour after single intramuscular administration of GM. The concentration was about 50% of that in blood. 3) The diffusion of GM into the abdominal cavity was good after single intramuscular administration. 4) The rate of urinary excretion was high as is generally known.", "PMID": 1011358} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12520", "title": "[Pharmacokinetics in constant drip infusion of cephaloridine-Lilly (author's transl)].", "content": "The serum and urinary levels and urinary recovery of cephaloridine during and after two-hour drip infusion of 1 or 2 grams of cephaloridine dissolved in 500 ml of physiological saline solution were determined in four healthy volunteers in cross-over fashion. Using the values of serum levels obtained from this experiment, pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and simulation curves of serum levels for various doses and durations of cephaloridine drip infusion were drawn.", "contents": "[Pharmacokinetics in constant drip infusion of cephaloridine-Lilly (author's transl)]. The serum and urinary levels and urinary recovery of cephaloridine during and after two-hour drip infusion of 1 or 2 grams of cephaloridine dissolved in 500 ml of physiological saline solution were determined in four healthy volunteers in cross-over fashion. Using the values of serum levels obtained from this experiment, pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and simulation curves of serum levels for various doses and durations of cephaloridine drip infusion were drawn.", "PMID": 1011361} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12521", "title": "Differential diagnosis of pulmonic stenosis by means of intracardiac phonocardiography.", "content": "The purpose of the present paper is to describe the origin of the systolic murmur in pulmonic stenosis and to discuss the diagnostic possibilities of intracardiac phonocardiography. Right heart catheterization was carried out with the aid of a double-lumen A.E.L. phonocatheter on 48 pulmonic stenosis patients with or without associated heart lesions. The diagnosis was confirmed by heart catheterization and angiocardiography in all cases and in 38 of them, by surgical intervention. Simultaneous phonocardiograms were recorded with intracardiac pressure tracings. In valvular pulmonic stenosis, the maximum ejection systolic murmur was localized in the pulmonary artery above the pulmonic valve and well transmitted to both right and left pulmonary arteries, the superior vena cava, and right and left atria. The maximal intensity of the ejection systolic murmur in infundibular stenosis was found in the outflow tract of right ventricle. The contractility of the infundibulum greatly contributes to the formation of the ejection systolic murmur in the outflow tract of right ventricle. In tetralogy of Fallot, the major systolic murmur is caused by the pulmonic stenosis, whereas the high ventricular septal defect is not responsible for it. In pulmonary branch stenosis, the systolic murmur was recorded distally to the site of stenosis. Intracardiac phonocardiography has proved useful for the differential diagnosis of various types of pulmonic stenosis.", "contents": "Differential diagnosis of pulmonic stenosis by means of intracardiac phonocardiography. The purpose of the present paper is to describe the origin of the systolic murmur in pulmonic stenosis and to discuss the diagnostic possibilities of intracardiac phonocardiography. Right heart catheterization was carried out with the aid of a double-lumen A.E.L. phonocatheter on 48 pulmonic stenosis patients with or without associated heart lesions. The diagnosis was confirmed by heart catheterization and angiocardiography in all cases and in 38 of them, by surgical intervention. Simultaneous phonocardiograms were recorded with intracardiac pressure tracings. In valvular pulmonic stenosis, the maximum ejection systolic murmur was localized in the pulmonary artery above the pulmonic valve and well transmitted to both right and left pulmonary arteries, the superior vena cava, and right and left atria. The maximal intensity of the ejection systolic murmur in infundibular stenosis was found in the outflow tract of right ventricle. The contractility of the infundibulum greatly contributes to the formation of the ejection systolic murmur in the outflow tract of right ventricle. In tetralogy of Fallot, the major systolic murmur is caused by the pulmonic stenosis, whereas the high ventricular septal defect is not responsible for it. In pulmonary branch stenosis, the systolic murmur was recorded distally to the site of stenosis. Intracardiac phonocardiography has proved useful for the differential diagnosis of various types of pulmonic stenosis.", "PMID": 1011362} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12522", "title": "Comparison of pressure in lesser circulation with left ventricular filling pressure in patients with ischemic heart disease.", "content": "The left ventricle (LV) was catheterized without X-ray control by a thin teflon catheter introduced through the right brachial artery. Shaping of the catheter allowed entering LV in more than 95% of patients and its safe placements in LV cavity without causing ectopic beats or other complications. Pressures in the pulmonary circulation (PAP, PAPd, PCW) do not reflect left ventricular filling pressure (LVEDP) precisely, particularly when the LVEDP is elevated. The assessment of pathological LV filling pressure from the pulmonary arterial pressures shows, that there was high percentage of false negative results at rest, but during exercise the abnormal values of LVEDP could be predicted from the pulmonary artery pressures. However, PCW or PAPd cannot be considered as identical with LVEDP. For the rough assessment of apparent left ventricular failure it is sufficient to measure pressures in the pulmonary artery. However, for the exact study, the LV should be catheterized. The described bed-side method fulfill all requirements: it is simple, convenient and safe; the pressure is recorded accurately; the procedure can be repeated and is therefore recommended for wider use.", "contents": "Comparison of pressure in lesser circulation with left ventricular filling pressure in patients with ischemic heart disease. The left ventricle (LV) was catheterized without X-ray control by a thin teflon catheter introduced through the right brachial artery. Shaping of the catheter allowed entering LV in more than 95% of patients and its safe placements in LV cavity without causing ectopic beats or other complications. Pressures in the pulmonary circulation (PAP, PAPd, PCW) do not reflect left ventricular filling pressure (LVEDP) precisely, particularly when the LVEDP is elevated. The assessment of pathological LV filling pressure from the pulmonary arterial pressures shows, that there was high percentage of false negative results at rest, but during exercise the abnormal values of LVEDP could be predicted from the pulmonary artery pressures. However, PCW or PAPd cannot be considered as identical with LVEDP. For the rough assessment of apparent left ventricular failure it is sufficient to measure pressures in the pulmonary artery. However, for the exact study, the LV should be catheterized. The described bed-side method fulfill all requirements: it is simple, convenient and safe; the pressure is recorded accurately; the procedure can be repeated and is therefore recommended for wider use.", "PMID": 1011363} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12523", "title": "Tachycardia- and bradycardia-dependent left bundle branch block associated with first degree a-v block. A study using his bundle electrogram during carotid sinus compression.", "content": "His bundle electrographic examination was performed during carotid sinus compression as well as atrial pacing in a patient who exhibited intermittent left bundle branch block (LBBB) and first degree A-V block. LBBB was observed at the corrected RR intervals below 920 msec and above 1600 msec. The QRS complexes showed normal intraventricular conduction between these 2 values. The critical cycle lengths could not be determined when ordinary RR intervals were used. The HQ interval remained constant at 70 msec regardless of the pattern of intraventricular condution. It was demonsrated that the patient had both tachycardia- and bradycardia-dependent LBBB with first degree A-V block due to HV block. The authors believe this to be the first case of tachycardia- and bradycardia-dependent bundle branch block studied by His bundle electrography. The important role of His bundle recordings and carotid sinus compression in the diagnosis of rate dependent intraventricular conduction disturbance was stressed and possible mechanisms underlying this rare condition were discussed.", "contents": "Tachycardia- and bradycardia-dependent left bundle branch block associated with first degree a-v block. A study using his bundle electrogram during carotid sinus compression. His bundle electrographic examination was performed during carotid sinus compression as well as atrial pacing in a patient who exhibited intermittent left bundle branch block (LBBB) and first degree A-V block. LBBB was observed at the corrected RR intervals below 920 msec and above 1600 msec. The QRS complexes showed normal intraventricular conduction between these 2 values. The critical cycle lengths could not be determined when ordinary RR intervals were used. The HQ interval remained constant at 70 msec regardless of the pattern of intraventricular condution. It was demonsrated that the patient had both tachycardia- and bradycardia-dependent LBBB with first degree A-V block due to HV block. The authors believe this to be the first case of tachycardia- and bradycardia-dependent bundle branch block studied by His bundle electrography. The important role of His bundle recordings and carotid sinus compression in the diagnosis of rate dependent intraventricular conduction disturbance was stressed and possible mechanisms underlying this rare condition were discussed.", "PMID": 1011364} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12524", "title": "Simplified vectorcardiographic method for assessment of pulmonary arterial pressure in children with chronic rheumatic mitral valve disease.", "content": "We previously reported that pulmonary artery pressures can be assessed in children with chronic rheumatic mitral valve disease by measuring right maximum spatial vector from Frank vectorcardiogram. To simplify the calculation, pulmonary artery systolic pressure was correlated with maximum negative deflection on Frank scalar X-lead (SX), maximum negative deflection on scalar Z lead (SZ), sum total of SX and SZ (SX+SZ) and combined SX and SZ. The patient material consisted of 30 children with chronic rheumatic mitral valve disease, aged 8-14 1/2 years. Eleven were male and 19 were female. Sixteen had mitral stenosis, 8 had mitral regurgitation, and 6 had combined mitral regurgitation and stenosis, documented by cardiac catheterization and angiocardiographic study. The results showed a significant correlation between pulmonary artery systolic pressure and SX (r=0.782). As calculation of SX is considerably easier and less time consuming than that of right maximum spatial vector, this simplified method is preferable to right maximum spatial vector for prediction of the pulmonary artery systolic pressure of children with pulmonary hypertension due to chronic rheumatic mitral valve disease.", "contents": "Simplified vectorcardiographic method for assessment of pulmonary arterial pressure in children with chronic rheumatic mitral valve disease. We previously reported that pulmonary artery pressures can be assessed in children with chronic rheumatic mitral valve disease by measuring right maximum spatial vector from Frank vectorcardiogram. To simplify the calculation, pulmonary artery systolic pressure was correlated with maximum negative deflection on Frank scalar X-lead (SX), maximum negative deflection on scalar Z lead (SZ), sum total of SX and SZ (SX+SZ) and combined SX and SZ. The patient material consisted of 30 children with chronic rheumatic mitral valve disease, aged 8-14 1/2 years. Eleven were male and 19 were female. Sixteen had mitral stenosis, 8 had mitral regurgitation, and 6 had combined mitral regurgitation and stenosis, documented by cardiac catheterization and angiocardiographic study. The results showed a significant correlation between pulmonary artery systolic pressure and SX (r=0.782). As calculation of SX is considerably easier and less time consuming than that of right maximum spatial vector, this simplified method is preferable to right maximum spatial vector for prediction of the pulmonary artery systolic pressure of children with pulmonary hypertension due to chronic rheumatic mitral valve disease.", "PMID": 1011365} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12525", "title": "A clinicopathological study on the sick sinus syndrome.", "content": "A total of 6 cases of sick sinus syndrome were presented, including 2 cases of sinoatrial (SA) block and 4 cases of bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome. There were 2 men and 4 women, and their ages ranged from 69 to 91 years. Electrophysiological studies were performed in 3 cases, showing positive overdrive suppression in 1 and normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction in 3. Syncopal attacks were found in 4 cases, and 2 cases died suddenly. Histological examination of the SA node and AV conduction system disclosed (1) marked reduction of the SA nodal muscle fibers by 70 t0 80%, (2) moderate to marked proliferation of connective tissues in the SA node, and (3) moderate fibrosis in part of the left bundle branch. The SA node artery was patent.", "contents": "A clinicopathological study on the sick sinus syndrome. A total of 6 cases of sick sinus syndrome were presented, including 2 cases of sinoatrial (SA) block and 4 cases of bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome. There were 2 men and 4 women, and their ages ranged from 69 to 91 years. Electrophysiological studies were performed in 3 cases, showing positive overdrive suppression in 1 and normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction in 3. Syncopal attacks were found in 4 cases, and 2 cases died suddenly. Histological examination of the SA node and AV conduction system disclosed (1) marked reduction of the SA nodal muscle fibers by 70 t0 80%, (2) moderate to marked proliferation of connective tissues in the SA node, and (3) moderate fibrosis in part of the left bundle branch. The SA node artery was patent.", "PMID": 1011366} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12526", "title": "Coronary blood flow and lactate metabolism during isometric handgrip exercise in heart disease.", "content": "Twenty-one patients with various heart diseases undergoing the coronary sinus catheterization had myocardial blood flow studies before and during isometric handgrip exercise. At 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), handgrip increased both coronary sinus blood flow by 19.8% and myocardial O2 consumption by 21.0% on the average as compared to those at rest. At 20% of MVC, the increase of the both was slight except for 1 case. The increase in coronary sinus blood flow significantly correlated to the increase of myocardial O2 consumption. Lactate extraction ratio decreased to less than 10% during handgrip in 4 of 19 cases studied despite of normal values at rest. Lactate extraction ratio had significantly positive correlations with coronary sinus blood flow and myocardial O2 consumption during handgrip, while there were not significant ones at rest. It is suggested that isometric handgrip exercise is useful as a stress test for detection of myocardial ischemia in the heart of coronary artery disease.", "contents": "Coronary blood flow and lactate metabolism during isometric handgrip exercise in heart disease. Twenty-one patients with various heart diseases undergoing the coronary sinus catheterization had myocardial blood flow studies before and during isometric handgrip exercise. At 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), handgrip increased both coronary sinus blood flow by 19.8% and myocardial O2 consumption by 21.0% on the average as compared to those at rest. At 20% of MVC, the increase of the both was slight except for 1 case. The increase in coronary sinus blood flow significantly correlated to the increase of myocardial O2 consumption. Lactate extraction ratio decreased to less than 10% during handgrip in 4 of 19 cases studied despite of normal values at rest. Lactate extraction ratio had significantly positive correlations with coronary sinus blood flow and myocardial O2 consumption during handgrip, while there were not significant ones at rest. It is suggested that isometric handgrip exercise is useful as a stress test for detection of myocardial ischemia in the heart of coronary artery disease.", "PMID": 1011367} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12527", "title": "Electrocardiographic changes in rats after inhalation of dichlorotetrafluoroethane, Arcton 114, C2Cl2F4.", "content": "The effects of dichlorotetrafluoroethane, Arcton 114, on the heart of rats were examined in 17 white rats. The animals inhaled dichlorotetrafluoroethane for 1 or 1.5 min. Severe electrocardiographic changes including marked bardycardia, atrioventricular heart block of the second degree and complete heart block were registered. Cardiac standstill appearing 11 to 31 min after inhalation was a death cause in all rats. These results are similar to our previous results concerning the effects of dichlorodifluoromethane (Arcton 12) on the heart of rats.", "contents": "Electrocardiographic changes in rats after inhalation of dichlorotetrafluoroethane, Arcton 114, C2Cl2F4. The effects of dichlorotetrafluoroethane, Arcton 114, on the heart of rats were examined in 17 white rats. The animals inhaled dichlorotetrafluoroethane for 1 or 1.5 min. Severe electrocardiographic changes including marked bardycardia, atrioventricular heart block of the second degree and complete heart block were registered. Cardiac standstill appearing 11 to 31 min after inhalation was a death cause in all rats. These results are similar to our previous results concerning the effects of dichlorodifluoromethane (Arcton 12) on the heart of rats.", "PMID": 1011368} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12528", "title": "The prolongation of QRS-duration resulting from delayed recovery of ventricular excitability. A new mechanism for intraventricular conduction disturbance. A preliminary note.", "content": "Chlorpromazine (1, 5, and 20 mg/Kg) was injected intravenously to anesthetized and open-chest dogs under artificial respiration. Using right atrial pacing, the heart rate was increased stepwise from intrinsic sinus rate to higher rate where the A-V block first developed. ECG (II) was recorded simultaneously with arterial blood pressure, ventricular monophasic action potentials and left atrial electrogram. In the control, QRS-duration was constant (46.9 +/- 0.8 msec) irrespective of heart rate. After the drug injection, however, the duration increased significantly with increasing heart rate, the effect depending on the injected dosage (r==0.283, P less than 0.1 in 1 mg/Kg; r==0.406, P less than 0.01 in t mg/Kg; r==0.631, P less than 0.001 in 20 mg/Kg). During the drug action, QRS-duration of atrial premature beats was also longer than that of sinus beats, and the lengthening increased with shortening of preceding cycle length. The observed QRS-prolongations were due to neither incomplete ventricular repolarization nor bundle branch block. The mechanism of prolongation was attributed to delayed or time-dependent recovery of ventricular excitability, i.e., slowed removal of inactivation in rapid sodium system in the ventricular muscle fibers.", "contents": "The prolongation of QRS-duration resulting from delayed recovery of ventricular excitability. A new mechanism for intraventricular conduction disturbance. A preliminary note. Chlorpromazine (1, 5, and 20 mg/Kg) was injected intravenously to anesthetized and open-chest dogs under artificial respiration. Using right atrial pacing, the heart rate was increased stepwise from intrinsic sinus rate to higher rate where the A-V block first developed. ECG (II) was recorded simultaneously with arterial blood pressure, ventricular monophasic action potentials and left atrial electrogram. In the control, QRS-duration was constant (46.9 +/- 0.8 msec) irrespective of heart rate. After the drug injection, however, the duration increased significantly with increasing heart rate, the effect depending on the injected dosage (r==0.283, P less than 0.1 in 1 mg/Kg; r==0.406, P less than 0.01 in t mg/Kg; r==0.631, P less than 0.001 in 20 mg/Kg). During the drug action, QRS-duration of atrial premature beats was also longer than that of sinus beats, and the lengthening increased with shortening of preceding cycle length. The observed QRS-prolongations were due to neither incomplete ventricular repolarization nor bundle branch block. The mechanism of prolongation was attributed to delayed or time-dependent recovery of ventricular excitability, i.e., slowed removal of inactivation in rapid sodium system in the ventricular muscle fibers.", "PMID": 1011369} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12529", "title": "A case of diffuse endomyocardial fibrosis of the right ventricle with persistent pericardial effusion.", "content": "A case of 42-year-old female with persistent pericardial effusion and recurrent congestive heart failure was presented. The clinical course, laboratory and cardiac evaluations confirmed the existence of tricuspid incompetence and restrictive condition of the right ventricle. At autopsy, the right atrium and ventricle showed moderate hypertrophy, the left ventricle being almost completely spared macroscopically. Diffuse fibrous thickening of the right atrial and ventricular endomyocardium with mural thrombi, and mild lymphocytic infiltation were noted microscopically. These findings are compatible with endomyocardial fibrosis described by Davies. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease were discussed.", "contents": "A case of diffuse endomyocardial fibrosis of the right ventricle with persistent pericardial effusion. A case of 42-year-old female with persistent pericardial effusion and recurrent congestive heart failure was presented. The clinical course, laboratory and cardiac evaluations confirmed the existence of tricuspid incompetence and restrictive condition of the right ventricle. At autopsy, the right atrium and ventricle showed moderate hypertrophy, the left ventricle being almost completely spared macroscopically. Diffuse fibrous thickening of the right atrial and ventricular endomyocardium with mural thrombi, and mild lymphocytic infiltation were noted microscopically. These findings are compatible with endomyocardial fibrosis described by Davies. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease were discussed.", "PMID": 1011370} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12530", "title": "Hemopericardium, anticoagulation, and an endocardial pacemaker. A case report with description of new auscultatory and radiographic signs.", "content": "A case of organizing hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade in a patient with a permanent endocardial pacemaker who was maintained on anticoagulation is presented. The hemopericardium is concluded as solely due to the anticoagulation. A new auscultatory finding attributable to an endocardial pacemaker and a helpful radiographic sign of pericardial effusion in patients with these pacemakers is described.", "contents": "Hemopericardium, anticoagulation, and an endocardial pacemaker. A case report with description of new auscultatory and radiographic signs. A case of organizing hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade in a patient with a permanent endocardial pacemaker who was maintained on anticoagulation is presented. The hemopericardium is concluded as solely due to the anticoagulation. A new auscultatory finding attributable to an endocardial pacemaker and a helpful radiographic sign of pericardial effusion in patients with these pacemakers is described.", "PMID": 1011371} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12531", "title": "Successful replacement of a thrombosed Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley mitral valve prosthesis.", "content": "A case is presented in which 7 months after the first mitral valve replacement (MVR) the malfunction of a Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley valve prosthesis was supposed and the thrombosed valve prosthesis was 2 months later successfully replaced. For the detection of the malfunction of the valve prosthesis echocardiography was especially useful.", "contents": "Successful replacement of a thrombosed Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley mitral valve prosthesis. A case is presented in which 7 months after the first mitral valve replacement (MVR) the malfunction of a Bj\u00f6rk-Shiley valve prosthesis was supposed and the thrombosed valve prosthesis was 2 months later successfully replaced. For the detection of the malfunction of the valve prosthesis echocardiography was especially useful.", "PMID": 1011372} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12532", "title": "Echocardiographic diagnosis of prolapsing right atrial myxoma.", "content": "A case of right atrial myxoma with mimicking symptoms and signs of constrictive peridarditis is reported. The presence of a prolapsing right atrial tumor was easily recognized in the right ventricle during diastole by a routine echocardiography and it was confirmed by cineangiography and operation.", "contents": "Echocardiographic diagnosis of prolapsing right atrial myxoma. A case of right atrial myxoma with mimicking symptoms and signs of constrictive peridarditis is reported. The presence of a prolapsing right atrial tumor was easily recognized in the right ventricle during diastole by a routine echocardiography and it was confirmed by cineangiography and operation.", "PMID": 1011373} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12533", "title": "Properties of hepatic tissue extracts: 2. An approach to the artificial liver.", "content": "In the previous paper [3], the lethal effect of normal rabbit liver extract intravenously infused into rabbits was described. By comparing to the course of destruction of the liver tissue in fulminant hepatitis, the toxicity of the liver extract was recently studied. Attempts were also made to adsorbing the liver extract by activated clay and detoxifying the liver extract with a formaldehyde solution, and the results suggested that the findings would be applicable as an approach to the artificial liver.", "contents": "Properties of hepatic tissue extracts: 2. An approach to the artificial liver. In the previous paper [3], the lethal effect of normal rabbit liver extract intravenously infused into rabbits was described. By comparing to the course of destruction of the liver tissue in fulminant hepatitis, the toxicity of the liver extract was recently studied. Attempts were also made to adsorbing the liver extract by activated clay and detoxifying the liver extract with a formaldehyde solution, and the results suggested that the findings would be applicable as an approach to the artificial liver.", "PMID": 1011374} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12534", "title": "Hepato- and cardiotoxicity of xanthoascin, a new metabolite of A. candidus Link, to mice. I. Blood chemistry and histological changes in mice.", "content": "Aspergillus candidus Link, one of the commonest constituents of cereal mycoflora, produces two kinds of mycotoxins, terphenyllin and xanthoascin, which show different chemical and toxicological properties. The latter, xanthoascin, caused severe hepatic injury with jaundice and focal or confluent necrosis of hepatocytes, when given to mice in doses of 6 mg/kg b.w. or higher by a single subcutaneous injection. With higher doses above 15 mg/kg, myocardial degeneration and necrosis was induced after a week or two in addition to the hepatic injury. Vacuolation of the nuclei of the alveolar interstitial cells of the lung and myocardial interstitial cells was another characteristic lesion caused by this mycotoxin. Other organs including the testicles and thymus were widely involved. The unique nature of lesions in the liver and heart may necessitate further investigations in the field of mycotoxicology in relation to human diseases such as nutritional hepatitis and primary myocardial degeneration.", "contents": "Hepato- and cardiotoxicity of xanthoascin, a new metabolite of A. candidus Link, to mice. I. Blood chemistry and histological changes in mice. Aspergillus candidus Link, one of the commonest constituents of cereal mycoflora, produces two kinds of mycotoxins, terphenyllin and xanthoascin, which show different chemical and toxicological properties. The latter, xanthoascin, caused severe hepatic injury with jaundice and focal or confluent necrosis of hepatocytes, when given to mice in doses of 6 mg/kg b.w. or higher by a single subcutaneous injection. With higher doses above 15 mg/kg, myocardial degeneration and necrosis was induced after a week or two in addition to the hepatic injury. Vacuolation of the nuclei of the alveolar interstitial cells of the lung and myocardial interstitial cells was another characteristic lesion caused by this mycotoxin. Other organs including the testicles and thymus were widely involved. The unique nature of lesions in the liver and heart may necessitate further investigations in the field of mycotoxicology in relation to human diseases such as nutritional hepatitis and primary myocardial degeneration.", "PMID": 1011375} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12535", "title": "Stimulation by adenine of uridine uptake in cultured mammalian cells.", "content": "Adenine and its related compounds stimulated the incorporation of [3H]-uridine both into acid-soluble and insoluble fractions of cultured rat liver cells. The incorporation of [3H]-thymidine or -leucine was not affected by the addition of adenine. Rate of RNA synthesis as measured by [32P]-incorporation was not increased by adenine.", "contents": "Stimulation by adenine of uridine uptake in cultured mammalian cells. Adenine and its related compounds stimulated the incorporation of [3H]-uridine both into acid-soluble and insoluble fractions of cultured rat liver cells. The incorporation of [3H]-thymidine or -leucine was not affected by the addition of adenine. Rate of RNA synthesis as measured by [32P]-incorporation was not increased by adenine.", "PMID": 1011376} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12536", "title": "Typhlohepatitis in hamsters infected perorally with the Tyzzer's organism.", "content": "Tyzzer's organisms from a hamster case were administered perorally to 6- to 8-week-old APG hamsters and the growth of organisms and lesions produced in the intestine and the liver were studied. When cortisone was given after oral infection with 2 X 10(5) or more organisms, most animals died in 4 to 7 days showing severe necrotic lesions in the liver but no diarrhea was observed. Without cortisone, watery diarrhea was seen between 2 and 7 days after infection and some animals died in 7 to 13 days. Dead and surviving animals showed liver lesions to a lesser degree as compared to those with cortisone treatment. Two days after inoculation either with or without cortisone, a number of organisms were found within mucosal epithelial cells of the cecum and colon, and 1 or 2 days later when focal necrosis occurred in the liver, they were also found in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Inoculated into a ligated cecal sac, organisms were shown to multiply in epithelial cells and the lamina propria of the ligated sac, then producing hepatic lesions in 3 to 4 days when bacterial growth was not detected at any other parts of intestines, suggesting that organisms might gain access to the liver from the cecum via the portal circulation or lacteals.", "contents": "Typhlohepatitis in hamsters infected perorally with the Tyzzer's organism. Tyzzer's organisms from a hamster case were administered perorally to 6- to 8-week-old APG hamsters and the growth of organisms and lesions produced in the intestine and the liver were studied. When cortisone was given after oral infection with 2 X 10(5) or more organisms, most animals died in 4 to 7 days showing severe necrotic lesions in the liver but no diarrhea was observed. Without cortisone, watery diarrhea was seen between 2 and 7 days after infection and some animals died in 7 to 13 days. Dead and surviving animals showed liver lesions to a lesser degree as compared to those with cortisone treatment. Two days after inoculation either with or without cortisone, a number of organisms were found within mucosal epithelial cells of the cecum and colon, and 1 or 2 days later when focal necrosis occurred in the liver, they were also found in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Inoculated into a ligated cecal sac, organisms were shown to multiply in epithelial cells and the lamina propria of the ligated sac, then producing hepatic lesions in 3 to 4 days when bacterial growth was not detected at any other parts of intestines, suggesting that organisms might gain access to the liver from the cecum via the portal circulation or lacteals.", "PMID": 1011377} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12537", "title": "Continuous monitoring of circulating blood hematocrit.", "content": "The relationship between the hematocrit value and the absolute value of impedance of whole blood was analyzed. The results indicated that the hematocrit value was linearly proportional to the logarithm of the impedance of whole blood over the range of hematocrit values of 10 to 60% with a correlation coefficient of 0.995. The circuit used for detection of the impedance of whole blood was described. It required no adjustments during measurements and had a wide linear range. The sources of error during continuous measurements were the rate of blood flow through the sensor cell, the temperature of the blood, and the concentrations of plasma proteins and ions. Accordingly, the flow and temperature of blood were kept constant during measurements. Changes in the concentrations of plasma proteins and ions within physiological ranges caused errors of +/- 2.0%. Typical results of continuous measurements were presented, showing that the hematocrit values obtained by this method agreed well with those obtained by the conventional methods from the packed cell volume. An advantage of this method over the conventional methods was that it could follow rapid and transient changes in the hematocrit.", "contents": "Continuous monitoring of circulating blood hematocrit. The relationship between the hematocrit value and the absolute value of impedance of whole blood was analyzed. The results indicated that the hematocrit value was linearly proportional to the logarithm of the impedance of whole blood over the range of hematocrit values of 10 to 60% with a correlation coefficient of 0.995. The circuit used for detection of the impedance of whole blood was described. It required no adjustments during measurements and had a wide linear range. The sources of error during continuous measurements were the rate of blood flow through the sensor cell, the temperature of the blood, and the concentrations of plasma proteins and ions. Accordingly, the flow and temperature of blood were kept constant during measurements. Changes in the concentrations of plasma proteins and ions within physiological ranges caused errors of +/- 2.0%. Typical results of continuous measurements were presented, showing that the hematocrit values obtained by this method agreed well with those obtained by the conventional methods from the packed cell volume. An advantage of this method over the conventional methods was that it could follow rapid and transient changes in the hematocrit.", "PMID": 1011380} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12538", "title": "Temperature influence on the development of electrical activities in mammalian brain slice during incubation.", "content": "Thin slices, 500 mum in thickness, prepared from the guinea pig olfactory cortex and maintained in vitro, generate presynaptic and postsynaptic potentials following electrical stimulation of the lateral olfactory tract. These responses, however, cannot be elicited immediately after slice preparation; they start to develop gradually as the incubation continues. It was found that there was a remarkable time lag for the development between the pre- and the postsynaptic potentials. The presynaptic potential appeared early and developed its maximum height within 10 to 20 min from the onset of incubation. This time course was only slightly influenced by low temperature. Development of the postsynaptic potential in incubation was delayed and the time required to obtain the maximum height was about 30 min at 37 degrees C and 70 min at 22 degrees C. Upon step-like warming from 24 degrees C to 37 degrees C, there was a rapid increase in the amplitude of the response. In the glucose-deficient solution the presynaptic potential maintained its amplitude longer than the postsynaptic potential. Frequency potentiation of the postsynaptic potential was studied by applying a train of six stimuli. The maximum augmented ratio among six responses was the highest in early incubation and reached a steady at 50 min. The ratio of the post-tetanic potentiation of olfactory neurons was the highest at 5 min incubation and reached a steady at 20 min.", "contents": "Temperature influence on the development of electrical activities in mammalian brain slice during incubation. Thin slices, 500 mum in thickness, prepared from the guinea pig olfactory cortex and maintained in vitro, generate presynaptic and postsynaptic potentials following electrical stimulation of the lateral olfactory tract. These responses, however, cannot be elicited immediately after slice preparation; they start to develop gradually as the incubation continues. It was found that there was a remarkable time lag for the development between the pre- and the postsynaptic potentials. The presynaptic potential appeared early and developed its maximum height within 10 to 20 min from the onset of incubation. This time course was only slightly influenced by low temperature. Development of the postsynaptic potential in incubation was delayed and the time required to obtain the maximum height was about 30 min at 37 degrees C and 70 min at 22 degrees C. Upon step-like warming from 24 degrees C to 37 degrees C, there was a rapid increase in the amplitude of the response. In the glucose-deficient solution the presynaptic potential maintained its amplitude longer than the postsynaptic potential. Frequency potentiation of the postsynaptic potential was studied by applying a train of six stimuli. The maximum augmented ratio among six responses was the highest in early incubation and reached a steady at 50 min. The ratio of the post-tetanic potentiation of olfactory neurons was the highest at 5 min incubation and reached a steady at 20 min.", "PMID": 1011381} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12539", "title": "Vascular and lipolytic responses to infused norepinephrine in canine subcutaneous and omental adipose tissues.", "content": "Vascular and lipolytic responses to intravenously administered norepinephrine (NE, 1 mug/kg-min for 30 min) were examined in autoperfused canine subcutaneous and omental adipose tissues. In response to NE, arterial perfusion pressures increased initially and then returned gradually to the pre-infusion levels. Shortly after the onset of NE infusion, the blood flow increased greatly in both adipose tissues. The higher blood flow was maintained throughout the whole infusion period in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, whereas in the omentum the initial high flow fell gradually to the pre-infusion level. Vascular resistance started to decrease after 2-5 min from the onset of NE infusion in the subcutaneous adipose tissue and the reduction of resistance was consistent and persistent as the infusion continued. NE infusion increased the net output of FFA from the subcutaneous adipose tissue, but not in the omentum. The increased FFA output seemed to coincide with the decrease in vascular resistance. Omental adipose tissue may not be influenced by NE at the concentration tested in this experiment. A marked fall in the blood flow was observed in the hindleg of the same animals. Such fall in blood flow was not observed in the adipose tissues in this experiment. It was concluded from the present results that there was a qualitative difference in the effects of norepinephrine on adipose tissues from different locations in the same animal and lipolytic response occurred only if active vasodilatation was present in these tissues.", "contents": "Vascular and lipolytic responses to infused norepinephrine in canine subcutaneous and omental adipose tissues. Vascular and lipolytic responses to intravenously administered norepinephrine (NE, 1 mug/kg-min for 30 min) were examined in autoperfused canine subcutaneous and omental adipose tissues. In response to NE, arterial perfusion pressures increased initially and then returned gradually to the pre-infusion levels. Shortly after the onset of NE infusion, the blood flow increased greatly in both adipose tissues. The higher blood flow was maintained throughout the whole infusion period in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, whereas in the omentum the initial high flow fell gradually to the pre-infusion level. Vascular resistance started to decrease after 2-5 min from the onset of NE infusion in the subcutaneous adipose tissue and the reduction of resistance was consistent and persistent as the infusion continued. NE infusion increased the net output of FFA from the subcutaneous adipose tissue, but not in the omentum. The increased FFA output seemed to coincide with the decrease in vascular resistance. Omental adipose tissue may not be influenced by NE at the concentration tested in this experiment. A marked fall in the blood flow was observed in the hindleg of the same animals. Such fall in blood flow was not observed in the adipose tissues in this experiment. It was concluded from the present results that there was a qualitative difference in the effects of norepinephrine on adipose tissues from different locations in the same animal and lipolytic response occurred only if active vasodilatation was present in these tissues.", "PMID": 1011382} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12540", "title": "Oxygenation properties and intraerythrocytic constituents of human blood when stored in different media of ACD and CPD.", "content": "In the blood stored in acid-citrate-dextrose solution (ACD blood), the oxygen affinity and red cell 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate (2, 3-DPG) content showed parallel exponential decays with half-lives of 3 to 4 days. In the blood stored in citrate-phosphate-dextrose solution (CPD blood), the two parameters increased during the first 4 days before showing the same decay as that seen in the ACD blood. There was no significant change in the transmembrane pH gradient of the red cells, and thus the intracellular pH at the plasma pH of 7.40 was always in the range of 7.17 +/- 0.02 throughout the period of storage in ACD medium. In both ACD and CPD blood, the Hill exponent n was always normal (approximately 2.8) while the Bohr coefficient (delta log P50/delta pH) rose along with the lapse of time for preservation. The oxygen affinity of the CPD blood was less influenced by the red cell 2, 3-DPG than was that of the ACD blood. This phenomenon was thought to derive from higher concentration of salts within the CPD-stored red cells. The efficiency of blood oxygen transport in ACD and CPD blood was compared.", "contents": "Oxygenation properties and intraerythrocytic constituents of human blood when stored in different media of ACD and CPD. In the blood stored in acid-citrate-dextrose solution (ACD blood), the oxygen affinity and red cell 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate (2, 3-DPG) content showed parallel exponential decays with half-lives of 3 to 4 days. In the blood stored in citrate-phosphate-dextrose solution (CPD blood), the two parameters increased during the first 4 days before showing the same decay as that seen in the ACD blood. There was no significant change in the transmembrane pH gradient of the red cells, and thus the intracellular pH at the plasma pH of 7.40 was always in the range of 7.17 +/- 0.02 throughout the period of storage in ACD medium. In both ACD and CPD blood, the Hill exponent n was always normal (approximately 2.8) while the Bohr coefficient (delta log P50/delta pH) rose along with the lapse of time for preservation. The oxygen affinity of the CPD blood was less influenced by the red cell 2, 3-DPG than was that of the ACD blood. This phenomenon was thought to derive from higher concentration of salts within the CPD-stored red cells. The efficiency of blood oxygen transport in ACD and CPD blood was compared.", "PMID": 1011383} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12541", "title": "Radioactive calcium influx at rest and during potassium contracture in the T-disrupted, and the urea- or manganese-treated frog sartorius muscles.", "content": "45Ca influx in the intact, the T-disrupted, and the urea-treated or Mn++-treated frog sartorius muscles was measured at rest and during potassium contracture. In the intact muscle, Ca influx increased with the increasing of potassium concentration in the bathing solution, and the time course of the Ca influx showed considerable correspondence with that of the potassium contracture. This increased Ca influx was divided into two components: early rapid Ca influx and late slow Ca influx. The amount of early rapid Ca influx at higher concentrations of potassium occupied about 60% of the total Ca influx. The early rapid Ca influx markedly decreased in the T-disrupted and in the urea-treated or Mn++-treated muscles. On the other hand, the late slow Ca influx and the resting Ca influx in these muscles changed only slightly. These results suggest that the early rapid Ca influx occurs mainly through the membrane of the T-system, particularly at the triadic junctional area of muscle fiber, while the late slow Ca influx and the resting Ca influx occur mainly through the surface membrane.", "contents": "Radioactive calcium influx at rest and during potassium contracture in the T-disrupted, and the urea- or manganese-treated frog sartorius muscles. 45Ca influx in the intact, the T-disrupted, and the urea-treated or Mn++-treated frog sartorius muscles was measured at rest and during potassium contracture. In the intact muscle, Ca influx increased with the increasing of potassium concentration in the bathing solution, and the time course of the Ca influx showed considerable correspondence with that of the potassium contracture. This increased Ca influx was divided into two components: early rapid Ca influx and late slow Ca influx. The amount of early rapid Ca influx at higher concentrations of potassium occupied about 60% of the total Ca influx. The early rapid Ca influx markedly decreased in the T-disrupted and in the urea-treated or Mn++-treated muscles. On the other hand, the late slow Ca influx and the resting Ca influx in these muscles changed only slightly. These results suggest that the early rapid Ca influx occurs mainly through the membrane of the T-system, particularly at the triadic junctional area of muscle fiber, while the late slow Ca influx and the resting Ca influx occur mainly through the surface membrane.", "PMID": 1011384} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12542", "title": "Role of the chemoreceptor in diving bradycardia in rat.", "content": "Responses in heart rate and blood pressure to the dive in unanesthetized rats were studied by submersion of the head in water for 30 sec. During the dive, remarkable bradycardia developed and blood pressure was slightly elevated. Bilateral section of the carotid sinus nerves or selective destruction of the carotid body chemoreceptor by intrasinusal injection of acetic acid attenuated the bradycardic response to the dive, while section of the recurrent nerves or section of the sympathetic trunks at the cervical level together with the superior laryngeal nerves had no effect. These data indicate that the chemoreceptor plays an important role in diving bradycardia in rats.", "contents": "Role of the chemoreceptor in diving bradycardia in rat. Responses in heart rate and blood pressure to the dive in unanesthetized rats were studied by submersion of the head in water for 30 sec. During the dive, remarkable bradycardia developed and blood pressure was slightly elevated. Bilateral section of the carotid sinus nerves or selective destruction of the carotid body chemoreceptor by intrasinusal injection of acetic acid attenuated the bradycardic response to the dive, while section of the recurrent nerves or section of the sympathetic trunks at the cervical level together with the superior laryngeal nerves had no effect. These data indicate that the chemoreceptor plays an important role in diving bradycardia in rats.", "PMID": 1011385} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12543", "title": "Repetitive caffeine contractions in single crayfish muscle fibers.", "content": "Crayfish muscle fiber responded to 1-4 mM caffeine with repetitive contractions. At 4 mM caffeine, two to four peaks with intervals of 2-3 sec were observed in the tension curve. At 2 mM caffeine, the intervals were prolonged so that the second contraction started after the first contraction ceased. The tension in the second contraction was slower and smaller than the first one. At 1 mM caffeine, very small tensions developed repetitively at intervals of about 1 min and lasted for more than an hour. The time courses of these caffeine contractions were not modified by the current flow in the direction of hyperpolarizing a major part of the muscle membrane. It was observed under a microscope that the contraction in caffeine solution was induced asynchronously. Moreover, repetitive contractions occurred at several sites and propagated in the longitudinal direction of the muscle fiber. The propagation velocities of contraction waves were between 330 and 40 mum/sec depending on the time after perfusion with caffeine solution.", "contents": "Repetitive caffeine contractions in single crayfish muscle fibers. Crayfish muscle fiber responded to 1-4 mM caffeine with repetitive contractions. At 4 mM caffeine, two to four peaks with intervals of 2-3 sec were observed in the tension curve. At 2 mM caffeine, the intervals were prolonged so that the second contraction started after the first contraction ceased. The tension in the second contraction was slower and smaller than the first one. At 1 mM caffeine, very small tensions developed repetitively at intervals of about 1 min and lasted for more than an hour. The time courses of these caffeine contractions were not modified by the current flow in the direction of hyperpolarizing a major part of the muscle membrane. It was observed under a microscope that the contraction in caffeine solution was induced asynchronously. Moreover, repetitive contractions occurred at several sites and propagated in the longitudinal direction of the muscle fiber. The propagation velocities of contraction waves were between 330 and 40 mum/sec depending on the time after perfusion with caffeine solution.", "PMID": 1011386} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12544", "title": "Intracellular ion concentrations of epithelial cells in rat small intestine. Effects of external potassium ions and uphill transports of glucose and glycine.", "content": "The water content (V) and the concentrations of K+, Na+, and Cl- in the epithelial cells of rat small intestine ([K]i, [Na]i, and [Cl]i) were were measured in high K+ media and in the presence of glucose or glycine (20 mM). Raised external K+ concentrations brought about increases in V. Parallel with swelling of the cell, increases in [K]i and [Cl]i and decreases in [Na]i were observed. Such a pattern of changes in [K]i, [Na]i, and [Cl]i was concordant with that expected from the K+ -induced depolarization and the permeability properties of the cell membranes. In the presence of D-glucose or glycine, remarkable increases in V were observed, which resulted in concomitant decreases in [K]i, [Na]i, and [Cl]i. Assuming the osmotic balalance between intra- and extracellular fluids, the concentrations of accumulated solutes within the cell as well as the net gain of these ions were estimated. The results demonstrated that the accumulated solute was in an osmotically active form, resulting in cell swelling with concomitant decreases in [Cl]i, while the net gain of Na+ and K+ in the cells occurred despite apparent decreases in [Na]i and [K]i.", "contents": "Intracellular ion concentrations of epithelial cells in rat small intestine. Effects of external potassium ions and uphill transports of glucose and glycine. The water content (V) and the concentrations of K+, Na+, and Cl- in the epithelial cells of rat small intestine ([K]i, [Na]i, and [Cl]i) were were measured in high K+ media and in the presence of glucose or glycine (20 mM). Raised external K+ concentrations brought about increases in V. Parallel with swelling of the cell, increases in [K]i and [Cl]i and decreases in [Na]i were observed. Such a pattern of changes in [K]i, [Na]i, and [Cl]i was concordant with that expected from the K+ -induced depolarization and the permeability properties of the cell membranes. In the presence of D-glucose or glycine, remarkable increases in V were observed, which resulted in concomitant decreases in [K]i, [Na]i, and [Cl]i. Assuming the osmotic balalance between intra- and extracellular fluids, the concentrations of accumulated solutes within the cell as well as the net gain of these ions were estimated. The results demonstrated that the accumulated solute was in an osmotically active form, resulting in cell swelling with concomitant decreases in [Cl]i, while the net gain of Na+ and K+ in the cells occurred despite apparent decreases in [Na]i and [K]i.", "PMID": 1011387} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12545", "title": "Reflex swallowing elicited by water and chemical substances applied in the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx of the rabbit.", "content": "Water and various chemical solutions were applied to the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx of anesthetized rabbits to study their effects on the swallowing reflex. Laryngeal stimulation: Water was an effective stimulus in eliciting reflex swallowing; NaCL depressed this reflex. The effect of salt solutions on swallowing was dependent on anion species. Weakly hydrated anions had a depressing effect while greatly hydrated anions had a facilitating effect. The order of the depressing effect of the anions was Br-greater than SCN- greater than CL- congruent to NO3 -, and the order of the facilitating effect of anions was citrate greater than SO42 - greater than HCO3-. Oral and pharyngeal stimulation: Water elicited swallowing; however, this effect was less marked than that in the larynx. NaCL in concentrations lower than 200 mM had a depressing effect while at higher concentration it had a facilitating effect. Sucrose, acetic acid, and alcohol evoked successive swallowing in the first two or three trials. It was found that water applied to the laryngeal region had the marked effect of eliciting reflex swallowing and that most gustatory substances infused into the oral and pharyngeal regions had a facilitating effect on the initation of swallowing.", "contents": "Reflex swallowing elicited by water and chemical substances applied in the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx of the rabbit. Water and various chemical solutions were applied to the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx of anesthetized rabbits to study their effects on the swallowing reflex. Laryngeal stimulation: Water was an effective stimulus in eliciting reflex swallowing; NaCL depressed this reflex. The effect of salt solutions on swallowing was dependent on anion species. Weakly hydrated anions had a depressing effect while greatly hydrated anions had a facilitating effect. The order of the depressing effect of the anions was Br-greater than SCN- greater than CL- congruent to NO3 -, and the order of the facilitating effect of anions was citrate greater than SO42 - greater than HCO3-. Oral and pharyngeal stimulation: Water elicited swallowing; however, this effect was less marked than that in the larynx. NaCL in concentrations lower than 200 mM had a depressing effect while at higher concentration it had a facilitating effect. Sucrose, acetic acid, and alcohol evoked successive swallowing in the first two or three trials. It was found that water applied to the laryngeal region had the marked effect of eliciting reflex swallowing and that most gustatory substances infused into the oral and pharyngeal regions had a facilitating effect on the initation of swallowing.", "PMID": 1011388} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12546", "title": "Relationship between effects of procaine and Ca on spontaneous electrical and mechanical activities of the smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig urinary bladder.", "content": "The relationships between the effects of procaine and those of Ca on the spontaneous electrical and mechanical activities of smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig urinary bladder were studied using both microelectrode and sucrose gap methods. Procaine(1, 7, and 15mM) depolarized the membrane and increased spontaneous spike freqency. The maximum rates of rise and fall and the after-hyperpolarization of the spike decreased. Enhanced spontaneous rhythmic contractions accompanied these membrane activities (1 mM). The tone of the preparation (resting rension) increased transiently and decreased gradually (7-15mM). These procaine effects were suppressed by the application of excess Ca (7.5 mM). The increased electrotonic potential induced by 7mM procaine was reduced by the addition of 7.5 mM Ca. Reduction of Ca concentration (0.8 and 0 mM) IN Krebs solution containing procaine further depolarized the membrane and decreased the spike amplitude. In Ca-deficient solution, the enhanced rhythmic contractions induced by procaine were slightly reduced. Compound D600 (1-3mg/1), manganese ion (Mn) (1-3 mM), and cobalt ion (CO) (1-3 MM) inhibited the effects of procaine on spike discharges and mechanical responses. From these results it is concluded that procaine action is related to that of Ca which controls the membrane permeability, since procaine depolarizes the membrane by reducing K conductance. Furthermore, action potentials observed in the Krebs solution containing procaine are considered to be Ca spikes, which seem to play an important role in excitation-contraction coupling in the guinea pig urinary bladder smooth muscle.", "contents": "Relationship between effects of procaine and Ca on spontaneous electrical and mechanical activities of the smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig urinary bladder. The relationships between the effects of procaine and those of Ca on the spontaneous electrical and mechanical activities of smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig urinary bladder were studied using both microelectrode and sucrose gap methods. Procaine(1, 7, and 15mM) depolarized the membrane and increased spontaneous spike freqency. The maximum rates of rise and fall and the after-hyperpolarization of the spike decreased. Enhanced spontaneous rhythmic contractions accompanied these membrane activities (1 mM). The tone of the preparation (resting rension) increased transiently and decreased gradually (7-15mM). These procaine effects were suppressed by the application of excess Ca (7.5 mM). The increased electrotonic potential induced by 7mM procaine was reduced by the addition of 7.5 mM Ca. Reduction of Ca concentration (0.8 and 0 mM) IN Krebs solution containing procaine further depolarized the membrane and decreased the spike amplitude. In Ca-deficient solution, the enhanced rhythmic contractions induced by procaine were slightly reduced. Compound D600 (1-3mg/1), manganese ion (Mn) (1-3 mM), and cobalt ion (CO) (1-3 MM) inhibited the effects of procaine on spike discharges and mechanical responses. From these results it is concluded that procaine action is related to that of Ca which controls the membrane permeability, since procaine depolarizes the membrane by reducing K conductance. Furthermore, action potentials observed in the Krebs solution containing procaine are considered to be Ca spikes, which seem to play an important role in excitation-contraction coupling in the guinea pig urinary bladder smooth muscle.", "PMID": 1011389} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12547", "title": "Inhibitory effects of procaine on the electrical and mechanical activities of the smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig urinary bladder.", "content": "Modification of the effects of K, Ca, acetylcholine and rapid cooling by procaine were examined in the smooth muscle of the guinea pig urinary bladder. Contraction enhancement by procaine was observed in 5.9 mM K - and 23.6 mM K-Krebs solution but was not confirmed in 59 mM K solution. Procaine enhanced contraction in relation to membrane activities. Relationships between membrane potential and K concentration showed that procaine reduced K conductance. This effect decreased as K concentration increased. K-induced contracture was inhibited by procaine at 37 degrees and 10 degrees C. Procaine inhibited Ca- and acetylcholine-induced contractions in isotonic K2SO4-Locke solution. Rapid cooling contracture, initiated by lowering the temperature of the solution from 36 +/- 1 degrees C to 12 +/- 2 degrees C within 30 sec, was inhibited by procaine. From these results, it is concluded that procaine has an inhibitory effect on Ca permeation through the cell membrane and on Ca release from sequestered sites, and it is confirmed that procaine enhancement of spontaneous contractions is related to the spike activity resulting from depolarization which is caused by reduction of K conductance (KURIHARA, 1975). The mechanism of the procaine effect is discussed in relation to excitation-contraction coupling in the guinea pig urinary bladder.", "contents": "Inhibitory effects of procaine on the electrical and mechanical activities of the smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig urinary bladder. Modification of the effects of K, Ca, acetylcholine and rapid cooling by procaine were examined in the smooth muscle of the guinea pig urinary bladder. Contraction enhancement by procaine was observed in 5.9 mM K - and 23.6 mM K-Krebs solution but was not confirmed in 59 mM K solution. Procaine enhanced contraction in relation to membrane activities. Relationships between membrane potential and K concentration showed that procaine reduced K conductance. This effect decreased as K concentration increased. K-induced contracture was inhibited by procaine at 37 degrees and 10 degrees C. Procaine inhibited Ca- and acetylcholine-induced contractions in isotonic K2SO4-Locke solution. Rapid cooling contracture, initiated by lowering the temperature of the solution from 36 +/- 1 degrees C to 12 +/- 2 degrees C within 30 sec, was inhibited by procaine. From these results, it is concluded that procaine has an inhibitory effect on Ca permeation through the cell membrane and on Ca release from sequestered sites, and it is confirmed that procaine enhancement of spontaneous contractions is related to the spike activity resulting from depolarization which is caused by reduction of K conductance (KURIHARA, 1975). The mechanism of the procaine effect is discussed in relation to excitation-contraction coupling in the guinea pig urinary bladder.", "PMID": 1011390} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12548", "title": "Extracellular calcium and positive inotropy of ionophore (X537-A) in cardiac muscle.", "content": "The role of extracellular calcium in the positive inotropic effect of X537-A in dog's cardiac muscle was investigated. Ionophore (20 mug/ml) in the presence of external calcium increased the contractility by 67 +/- 12 percent within 2 min. In the absence of external calcium ionophore was ineffective in producing a positive inotropic effect in the muscle. Lanthanum, an inhibitor of calcium influx, in the concentrations of 2, 4, 6, and 8 mM produced a concentration dependent decrease in the contractility. Ionophore-induced increase in the contractility was inversely related to the concentration of lanthanum used. It is suggested that the release of calcium from intracellular stores under the effect of ionophore is not enough to maintain contractility. Also positive inotropic effect of ionophore appears to be mediated through the transportation of calcium across the sarcolemma. Such ionophore mediated transportation of calcium appears to be dependent upon surface binding of calcium.", "contents": "Extracellular calcium and positive inotropy of ionophore (X537-A) in cardiac muscle. The role of extracellular calcium in the positive inotropic effect of X537-A in dog's cardiac muscle was investigated. Ionophore (20 mug/ml) in the presence of external calcium increased the contractility by 67 +/- 12 percent within 2 min. In the absence of external calcium ionophore was ineffective in producing a positive inotropic effect in the muscle. Lanthanum, an inhibitor of calcium influx, in the concentrations of 2, 4, 6, and 8 mM produced a concentration dependent decrease in the contractility. Ionophore-induced increase in the contractility was inversely related to the concentration of lanthanum used. It is suggested that the release of calcium from intracellular stores under the effect of ionophore is not enough to maintain contractility. Also positive inotropic effect of ionophore appears to be mediated through the transportation of calcium across the sarcolemma. Such ionophore mediated transportation of calcium appears to be dependent upon surface binding of calcium.", "PMID": 1011391} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12549", "title": "Effects of prostaglandins on electrical and mechanical activities of the guinea pig stomach.", "content": "Effects of prostaglandin E1, E2, and F2alpha (PGE1, PGE2, and PGF2alpha) on the electrical and mechanical properties of the smooth muscle of various areas of the guinea pig stomach were investigated. PGE1 and PGE2 (10(-9)-10(-6) g/ml) suppressed the spontaneously generated mechanical activity in circular muscle of the pylorus, but increased the activity of muscles in other areas of the stomach, while PFG2 alpha (10(-9)--10(-6) g/ml) showed excitatory action on muscles in all the areas of the stomach. These PG actions on the stomach muscle were mainly myogenic responses, and were not affected in the presence of tetrodotoxin (10(-7) g/ml). PGE1 and PGE2 (10(-8)-10(-6) g/ml) hyperpolarized the membrane and suppressed the generation of slow potential change in the circular muscle of the pylorus, thus causing the cessation of spikes which were superimposed on the slow potential change. On the other hand, these agents depolarized the membrane and increased membrane activity in the longitudinal muscle of the pylorus and both layers of the corpus. When voltage-current relationships were observed before and during application of PGs in the circular muscle of the pylorus, PGE1 and PGE2 consistently reduced membrane resistance at any given membrane potential level when compared with that in Krebs solution. In other regions of the stomach, PGE1 and PGE2 depolarized the membrane, and reduced the membrane resistance at any given membrane potential level. The differences of PG action on the various regions of stomach were compared with those observed in the other visceral smooth muscles.", "contents": "Effects of prostaglandins on electrical and mechanical activities of the guinea pig stomach. Effects of prostaglandin E1, E2, and F2alpha (PGE1, PGE2, and PGF2alpha) on the electrical and mechanical properties of the smooth muscle of various areas of the guinea pig stomach were investigated. PGE1 and PGE2 (10(-9)-10(-6) g/ml) suppressed the spontaneously generated mechanical activity in circular muscle of the pylorus, but increased the activity of muscles in other areas of the stomach, while PFG2 alpha (10(-9)--10(-6) g/ml) showed excitatory action on muscles in all the areas of the stomach. These PG actions on the stomach muscle were mainly myogenic responses, and were not affected in the presence of tetrodotoxin (10(-7) g/ml). PGE1 and PGE2 (10(-8)-10(-6) g/ml) hyperpolarized the membrane and suppressed the generation of slow potential change in the circular muscle of the pylorus, thus causing the cessation of spikes which were superimposed on the slow potential change. On the other hand, these agents depolarized the membrane and increased membrane activity in the longitudinal muscle of the pylorus and both layers of the corpus. When voltage-current relationships were observed before and during application of PGs in the circular muscle of the pylorus, PGE1 and PGE2 consistently reduced membrane resistance at any given membrane potential level when compared with that in Krebs solution. In other regions of the stomach, PGE1 and PGE2 depolarized the membrane, and reduced the membrane resistance at any given membrane potential level. The differences of PG action on the various regions of stomach were compared with those observed in the other visceral smooth muscles.", "PMID": 1011392} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12550", "title": "Clinical and pathophysiological evaluation of esophageal and reconstruction using gastric tube and pedicled colon segment.", "content": "Pathophysiological and nutritional conditions were compared after esophageal reconstruction in 15 patients with a gastric tube and in 12 patients with a pedicled colon segment for the treatment of esophageal cancer. There was no significant difference in the postoperative nutritional index, iron and vitamin B12 metabolisms. On the other hand, the long gastric tube from the greater curvature of the stomach used as an esophageal substitute retained some secretory functions of both exocrine and endocrine although the effect of truncal vagotomy may have to be taken into consideration.", "contents": "Clinical and pathophysiological evaluation of esophageal and reconstruction using gastric tube and pedicled colon segment. Pathophysiological and nutritional conditions were compared after esophageal reconstruction in 15 patients with a gastric tube and in 12 patients with a pedicled colon segment for the treatment of esophageal cancer. There was no significant difference in the postoperative nutritional index, iron and vitamin B12 metabolisms. On the other hand, the long gastric tube from the greater curvature of the stomach used as an esophageal substitute retained some secretory functions of both exocrine and endocrine although the effect of truncal vagotomy may have to be taken into consideration.", "PMID": 1011393} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12551", "title": "Serum globulin assay of estrogen-binding ability during endocrine treatment of postmenopausal advanced breast cancer.", "content": "Estrogen-binding ability of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was assayed in sera of 18 postmenopausal patients with advanced breast cancer during the treatment of diethylstilbestrol by agar gel electrophoresis at low temperature. In eight cases showing high level of SHBG, seven cases (88 per cent) responded to the estrogen therapy. On the contrary, only one case (13 per cent) responded out of eight patients with low levels of SHBG. This result may indicate that the level of estrogen binding ability of SHBG (SEBA) is a useful tool in predicting response to estrogen therapy for breast cancer.", "contents": "Serum globulin assay of estrogen-binding ability during endocrine treatment of postmenopausal advanced breast cancer. Estrogen-binding ability of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was assayed in sera of 18 postmenopausal patients with advanced breast cancer during the treatment of diethylstilbestrol by agar gel electrophoresis at low temperature. In eight cases showing high level of SHBG, seven cases (88 per cent) responded to the estrogen therapy. On the contrary, only one case (13 per cent) responded out of eight patients with low levels of SHBG. This result may indicate that the level of estrogen binding ability of SHBG (SEBA) is a useful tool in predicting response to estrogen therapy for breast cancer.", "PMID": 1011394} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12552", "title": "Histological appearance of small thyroid carcinoma.", "content": "Histopathological characteristics of the tumor growth were studied in 59 small carcinomas detected in thyroids at autopsy and in 33 from surgically removed thyroids. Tumor size was less than 5 mm in 56 of the 59 carcinomas (95 per cent) detected in autopsy materials. Histological findings of the small carcinomas were papillary adenocarcinoma in 45 of 59 (76 per cent), and sclerosing carcinoma in 32 (54 per cent). Among these 59 small carcinomas, intrathyroid metastases were found in six (10.2 per cent). In small carcinomas measuring less than 5 mm, carcinomas in females had an average diameter of 2.19 mm and were significantly larger than those found in male, having an average diameter of 1.14 mm (p less than 0.05). In small carcinomas from the surgical specimen, incidence lymph node metastasis was high when associated with numerous intrathyroid metastases and when the distance was great between the edge of the primary tumor and the farthest satellite metastatic focus.", "contents": "Histological appearance of small thyroid carcinoma. Histopathological characteristics of the tumor growth were studied in 59 small carcinomas detected in thyroids at autopsy and in 33 from surgically removed thyroids. Tumor size was less than 5 mm in 56 of the 59 carcinomas (95 per cent) detected in autopsy materials. Histological findings of the small carcinomas were papillary adenocarcinoma in 45 of 59 (76 per cent), and sclerosing carcinoma in 32 (54 per cent). Among these 59 small carcinomas, intrathyroid metastases were found in six (10.2 per cent). In small carcinomas measuring less than 5 mm, carcinomas in females had an average diameter of 2.19 mm and were significantly larger than those found in male, having an average diameter of 1.14 mm (p less than 0.05). In small carcinomas from the surgical specimen, incidence lymph node metastasis was high when associated with numerous intrathyroid metastases and when the distance was great between the edge of the primary tumor and the farthest satellite metastatic focus.", "PMID": 1011395} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12553", "title": "Surgical treatment of tricuspid insufficiency in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement.", "content": "During the past eight years, 46 of the 106 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement were associated with tricuspid insufficiency. No surgical correction was performed (14 cases) in cases of slight tricuspid insufficiency. Tricuspid annuloplasty (11 cases) or valve replacement (21 cases) was employed according to the severity of insufficiency. In the non-repair group, the mortality rate was fairly low (21 per cent), but the postoperative status was the least satisfactory by the NYHA classification. Tricuspid insufficiency was significantly reduced only in two of these 14 cases after the mitral valve replacement. In the tricuspid annuloplasty group, although the technique of tricuspid annuloplasty did not always correct insufficiency completely, only one patient died of residual insufficiency. The cardiac output measured with Minnesota Impedance Cardiograph increased postoperatively in proportion to stress in this group. In the tricuspid valve replacement group, cardiac catheterization studies revealed hemodynamic improvement at rest in all, but cardiac output during exercise remained unchanged or decreased in some cases. Now we consider that tricuspid insufficiency with advanced mitral valve disease, even of a slight degree, should be surgically treated and that annuloplasty has more obvious hemodynamic benefits than valve replacement.", "contents": "Surgical treatment of tricuspid insufficiency in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement. During the past eight years, 46 of the 106 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement were associated with tricuspid insufficiency. No surgical correction was performed (14 cases) in cases of slight tricuspid insufficiency. Tricuspid annuloplasty (11 cases) or valve replacement (21 cases) was employed according to the severity of insufficiency. In the non-repair group, the mortality rate was fairly low (21 per cent), but the postoperative status was the least satisfactory by the NYHA classification. Tricuspid insufficiency was significantly reduced only in two of these 14 cases after the mitral valve replacement. In the tricuspid annuloplasty group, although the technique of tricuspid annuloplasty did not always correct insufficiency completely, only one patient died of residual insufficiency. The cardiac output measured with Minnesota Impedance Cardiograph increased postoperatively in proportion to stress in this group. In the tricuspid valve replacement group, cardiac catheterization studies revealed hemodynamic improvement at rest in all, but cardiac output during exercise remained unchanged or decreased in some cases. Now we consider that tricuspid insufficiency with advanced mitral valve disease, even of a slight degree, should be surgically treated and that annuloplasty has more obvious hemodynamic benefits than valve replacement.", "PMID": 1011396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12554", "title": "The effectiveness of family planning education on acceptance of contraception by postpartum mothers.", "content": "A prospective controlled study on the maternity service of the American University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon, tested the effect of family planning education during the postpartum lying-in period on recruiting contraceptive acceptors. The study further determined how women with different socio-demographic backgrounds, life styles, and levels of readiness for the practice of family planning responded to the educational program. The results revealed that a postpartum educational effort could almost double family planning acceptance among women who returned to the postpartum clinic within the first 9 weeks after delivery and that the educational impact was evident irrespective of the respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, life styles, and levels of readiness for family planning.", "contents": "The effectiveness of family planning education on acceptance of contraception by postpartum mothers. A prospective controlled study on the maternity service of the American University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon, tested the effect of family planning education during the postpartum lying-in period on recruiting contraceptive acceptors. The study further determined how women with different socio-demographic backgrounds, life styles, and levels of readiness for the practice of family planning responded to the educational program. The results revealed that a postpartum educational effort could almost double family planning acceptance among women who returned to the postpartum clinic within the first 9 weeks after delivery and that the educational impact was evident irrespective of the respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, life styles, and levels of readiness for family planning.", "PMID": 1011404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12555", "title": "Diagnosis of pulmonary hydatidosis by sputum cytology.", "content": "Patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts have been noted to have lower incidence of positive serologic tests than patients with hepatic cysts. Two patients with hydatid cysts of the lung and negative serologies in whom diagnoses were made by demonstration of scoleces in sputum samples prepared for cytologic study are discussed.", "contents": "Diagnosis of pulmonary hydatidosis by sputum cytology. Patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts have been noted to have lower incidence of positive serologic tests than patients with hepatic cysts. Two patients with hydatid cysts of the lung and negative serologies in whom diagnoses were made by demonstration of scoleces in sputum samples prepared for cytologic study are discussed.", "PMID": 1011405} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12556", "title": "The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among students and blood donors at the American University of Beirut (AUB).", "content": "HBsAg testing by CEP was performed on 2359 students and 6153 blood donors at the American University of Beirut. No significant difference existed in the prevalanece rates among the various socioeconmic groups of the Arab Asians tested. There was, however, a definite difference among the various geographic groups. The findings suggest that socioecomic factors do not satisfactorily explain the differences in the prevalence rates among various nationals.", "contents": "The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among students and blood donors at the American University of Beirut (AUB). HBsAg testing by CEP was performed on 2359 students and 6153 blood donors at the American University of Beirut. No significant difference existed in the prevalanece rates among the various socioeconmic groups of the Arab Asians tested. There was, however, a definite difference among the various geographic groups. The findings suggest that socioecomic factors do not satisfactorily explain the differences in the prevalence rates among various nationals.", "PMID": 1011407} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12557", "title": "The myopahtology of congenital generalized lipodystrophy light and electron microscopic observations.", "content": "The light and electron microscopic myopathology in five patients with congenital generalized lipodystrophy consist of variation in fiber size, ringbenden, various degrees of fiber degeneration and fragmentation, accumulation of glycogen, aggregation of mitochondria. streaming of Z line, myofilamentous inclusions and dilatation of sarcoplasmic reticulum profiles. The light microscopic myopathology in the five patients is compared with the few available observations in the literature. No reports of electron microscopy of muscle in this syndrome are available in the literature. No reports of electron microscopy of muscle in this syndrome are available in the literature. It is concluded that the myopathologic features are nonspecific in nature and may be secondary to the diencephalic disturbance which is known to occur in this syndrome.", "contents": "The myopahtology of congenital generalized lipodystrophy light and electron microscopic observations. The light and electron microscopic myopathology in five patients with congenital generalized lipodystrophy consist of variation in fiber size, ringbenden, various degrees of fiber degeneration and fragmentation, accumulation of glycogen, aggregation of mitochondria. streaming of Z line, myofilamentous inclusions and dilatation of sarcoplasmic reticulum profiles. The light microscopic myopathology in the five patients is compared with the few available observations in the literature. No reports of electron microscopy of muscle in this syndrome are available in the literature. No reports of electron microscopy of muscle in this syndrome are available in the literature. It is concluded that the myopathologic features are nonspecific in nature and may be secondary to the diencephalic disturbance which is known to occur in this syndrome.", "PMID": 1011408} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12558", "title": "Anemic infarction of the liver resulting from hepatic and portal vein thrombosis.", "content": "True anemic infarction of the liver is a rare lesion. Most of the reported cases are due to occlusion of the hepatic artery. Whether venous occlusion can result in such anemic infarcts has been disputed although few authentic cases have been reported. A case of polycytheia vera complicated by hepatic and portal vein thrombosis with anemic infarction of a large segment of the liver is presented. The case illustrates that anemic infarcts of the liver can result from venous occlusion. The intense congestion secondary to hepatic vein occlusion may cause secondary arterial hypoperfusion unless the portal vein is available as an outflow tract.", "contents": "Anemic infarction of the liver resulting from hepatic and portal vein thrombosis. True anemic infarction of the liver is a rare lesion. Most of the reported cases are due to occlusion of the hepatic artery. Whether venous occlusion can result in such anemic infarcts has been disputed although few authentic cases have been reported. A case of polycytheia vera complicated by hepatic and portal vein thrombosis with anemic infarction of a large segment of the liver is presented. The case illustrates that anemic infarcts of the liver can result from venous occlusion. The intense congestion secondary to hepatic vein occlusion may cause secondary arterial hypoperfusion unless the portal vein is available as an outflow tract.", "PMID": 1011411} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12559", "title": "Chronic mountain sickness.", "content": "Chronic mountain sickness was first described in the Peruvian Andes. It consists of an excesive polycythemia for the altitude of residence. Its main symptoms are of cerebral congestion and occasionally of right heart insufficiency. The authors postulate that it is caused by a decay of the ventilatory rate with age with the corresponding increase in hematocrit.", "contents": "Chronic mountain sickness. Chronic mountain sickness was first described in the Peruvian Andes. It consists of an excesive polycythemia for the altitude of residence. Its main symptoms are of cerebral congestion and occasionally of right heart insufficiency. The authors postulate that it is caused by a decay of the ventilatory rate with age with the corresponding increase in hematocrit.", "PMID": 1011412} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12560", "title": "[Asynchrony of atrial contractions in mitral-tricuspid heart defects and its clinical significance (according to cardiac catheterization findings)].", "content": "A temporal analysis of the pressure curves recorded in the right and left atria revealed that in mitral-tricuspid heart diseases the asynchronism of atrial contractions was 2--6 fold as compared to the normal cases [on the average, 0.05--0.06 (0.02--0.13) sec., the normal being 0.02 sec]. The delay in the left atrial contraction is due to the deceleration of interatrial conduction of the excitation. Due to the increased asynchronism different shapes of a-waves are recorded in the right and left atria, as well as presystolic gradients of pressure at the level of the left and right atrioventricular orifices and presystolic murmurs of different shapes typical of mitral (crescendo) and tricuspid (crescendo-decrescendo) stenoses.", "contents": "[Asynchrony of atrial contractions in mitral-tricuspid heart defects and its clinical significance (according to cardiac catheterization findings)]. A temporal analysis of the pressure curves recorded in the right and left atria revealed that in mitral-tricuspid heart diseases the asynchronism of atrial contractions was 2--6 fold as compared to the normal cases [on the average, 0.05--0.06 (0.02--0.13) sec., the normal being 0.02 sec]. The delay in the left atrial contraction is due to the deceleration of interatrial conduction of the excitation. Due to the increased asynchronism different shapes of a-waves are recorded in the right and left atria, as well as presystolic gradients of pressure at the level of the left and right atrioventricular orifices and presystolic murmurs of different shapes typical of mitral (crescendo) and tricuspid (crescendo-decrescendo) stenoses.", "PMID": 1011448} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12561", "title": "[State of regional hemodynamics in patients with vibration disease during sanatorium treatment (reographic studies)].", "content": "The state of the regional haemodynamics was studied in 216 patients with vibration disease kept on balneologic therapy. Vibration disease was the result of \"local\" vibration in 104 patients, and that of combined vibration -- in 112. Rheographic studies of the peripheral blood flow demonstrated disorders of the regional haemodynamics in 76% of the patients, their severity depending on the stage of the pathological process. Rheogrammes recorded during spontaneous attacks of angiospasm or following a cold test revealed a distinct, sometimes complete levelling of the rheographic elements predetermined by the angiospastic state of the peripheral vessesl. The revealed changes in the functional state of the regional flow were of a similar angiospastic nature and reflected the severity of the pathological syndrome, as well as the site of the prevailing vibration effect. Dynamic rheographic studies conducted in patients following balneological treatment (nitrogen-thermal or bromiodine baths) revealed positive changes in the qualitative and quantative rheographic parameters indicating normalization or improvement of the peripheral circulation in vibration disease cases. A comparative assessment of the immediate therapeutic effect of the balneological treatment demonstrated more distinct positive shifts in the rheographic parameters of the regional haemodynamics following a course of nitrogen-thermal baths.", "contents": "[State of regional hemodynamics in patients with vibration disease during sanatorium treatment (reographic studies)]. The state of the regional haemodynamics was studied in 216 patients with vibration disease kept on balneologic therapy. Vibration disease was the result of \"local\" vibration in 104 patients, and that of combined vibration -- in 112. Rheographic studies of the peripheral blood flow demonstrated disorders of the regional haemodynamics in 76% of the patients, their severity depending on the stage of the pathological process. Rheogrammes recorded during spontaneous attacks of angiospasm or following a cold test revealed a distinct, sometimes complete levelling of the rheographic elements predetermined by the angiospastic state of the peripheral vessesl. The revealed changes in the functional state of the regional flow were of a similar angiospastic nature and reflected the severity of the pathological syndrome, as well as the site of the prevailing vibration effect. Dynamic rheographic studies conducted in patients following balneological treatment (nitrogen-thermal or bromiodine baths) revealed positive changes in the qualitative and quantative rheographic parameters indicating normalization or improvement of the peripheral circulation in vibration disease cases. A comparative assessment of the immediate therapeutic effect of the balneological treatment demonstrated more distinct positive shifts in the rheographic parameters of the regional haemodynamics following a course of nitrogen-thermal baths.", "PMID": 1011449} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12562", "title": "[Comparison of the contractile function of the heart in hares and rabbits under conditions of relative rest and under resistance loading].", "content": "A comparison was conducted between the contractile function of the heart of hares and rabbits at rest and under isometric contractions regimens, and under such conditions the concentration of ATP and its breakdown products was studied in the myocardium of both species. It was demonstrated that the cardiac muscle of hares adapted by the evolution to the performance of intensive work does not possess any increased ability of developing systolic tensions, or any increased power of the ATP resynthesis apparatus. The advantage of such a heart-- its ability to pump an increased blood volume -- must be ensured by some different mechanism that requires still further investigations.", "contents": "[Comparison of the contractile function of the heart in hares and rabbits under conditions of relative rest and under resistance loading]. A comparison was conducted between the contractile function of the heart of hares and rabbits at rest and under isometric contractions regimens, and under such conditions the concentration of ATP and its breakdown products was studied in the myocardium of both species. It was demonstrated that the cardiac muscle of hares adapted by the evolution to the performance of intensive work does not possess any increased ability of developing systolic tensions, or any increased power of the ATP resynthesis apparatus. The advantage of such a heart-- its ability to pump an increased blood volume -- must be ensured by some different mechanism that requires still further investigations.", "PMID": 1011450} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12563", "title": "[Analysis of depression of contractions of the isolated dog heart following paired stimulation].", "content": "In 30 experiments in isolated canine hearts perfused with whole donor blood disorders in myocardial contractions were studied following the termination of paired stimulation. It was concluded that the cause of depression of cardiac contractions following paired stimulation is not myocardial hypoxia and energy reserve exhaustion during enhanced mechanical activity of the heart, but a dissociation of the electric and mechanical processes in the myocardium; switching off the second (stand-by) action potential together with the termination of the paired stimulation caused disorders in the regimen of coupling processes that have established themselves under this form of electric stimulation. This suggestion is supported by the fact that repeated paired stimulation during depression is capable of producing the same stimulating effect upon the cardiac contractions as the initial one. The depression was eliminated by the administration of potassium ions and catecholamines.", "contents": "[Analysis of depression of contractions of the isolated dog heart following paired stimulation]. In 30 experiments in isolated canine hearts perfused with whole donor blood disorders in myocardial contractions were studied following the termination of paired stimulation. It was concluded that the cause of depression of cardiac contractions following paired stimulation is not myocardial hypoxia and energy reserve exhaustion during enhanced mechanical activity of the heart, but a dissociation of the electric and mechanical processes in the myocardium; switching off the second (stand-by) action potential together with the termination of the paired stimulation caused disorders in the regimen of coupling processes that have established themselves under this form of electric stimulation. This suggestion is supported by the fact that repeated paired stimulation during depression is capable of producing the same stimulating effect upon the cardiac contractions as the initial one. The depression was eliminated by the administration of potassium ions and catecholamines.", "PMID": 1011451} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12564", "title": "[Change in hemodynamic indices in progressive hypertension].", "content": "The results of a long-term observation (for 1 to 4 1/2 years) of haemodynamic changes in 32 non-treated patients with stage II essential hypertension are presented. In 18 patients the lesion did not progress throughout the observation period (group I). At re-examination the haemodynamic parameters in this group of patients did not change significantly, although in some of them the haemodynamic mechanism of maintenance of hypertension underwent certain changes: the cardiac output decreased and the total peripheral resistance increased. In 14 patients (Group 2) their essential hypertension was progressively developing. At the same time a deceleration of the heart contractions rate, a reduction of the cardiac and stroke outputs, a decrease of the circulating blood volume, and an increase of the total peripheral resistance were noted. The reduction of the cardiac output was directly proportional to its initial value (r = +0.78, P less than 0.01) and to the elevation of the arterial pressure (r = +0.71, P less than 0.01). The most distinct changes were noted in 3 patients who developed signs of cardiac insufficiency during the period between the two examinations. The possible mechanisms of haemodynamic changes under the progression of essential hypertension are discussed.", "contents": "[Change in hemodynamic indices in progressive hypertension]. The results of a long-term observation (for 1 to 4 1/2 years) of haemodynamic changes in 32 non-treated patients with stage II essential hypertension are presented. In 18 patients the lesion did not progress throughout the observation period (group I). At re-examination the haemodynamic parameters in this group of patients did not change significantly, although in some of them the haemodynamic mechanism of maintenance of hypertension underwent certain changes: the cardiac output decreased and the total peripheral resistance increased. In 14 patients (Group 2) their essential hypertension was progressively developing. At the same time a deceleration of the heart contractions rate, a reduction of the cardiac and stroke outputs, a decrease of the circulating blood volume, and an increase of the total peripheral resistance were noted. The reduction of the cardiac output was directly proportional to its initial value (r = +0.78, P less than 0.01) and to the elevation of the arterial pressure (r = +0.71, P less than 0.01). The most distinct changes were noted in 3 patients who developed signs of cardiac insufficiency during the period between the two examinations. The possible mechanisms of haemodynamic changes under the progression of essential hypertension are discussed.", "PMID": 1011452} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12565", "title": "[Use of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and transketolase for characterization of pathologic processes in the myocardium in rheumatism].", "content": "In patients with active rheumatism the activity of the key enzymes of the pentose cycle -- glucoso-6-phosphatedehydrogenase and transketolase -- increases in the erythrocytes of the peripheral blood parallel with the severity of the inflammatory lesion of the heart. In patients with distrophic changes in the myocardium without concomitant carditis the level of glucoso-6-phosphatedehydrogenase did not change significantly, while the content of transketolase decreased considerably. Antirheumatic therapy helping to reduce the inflammatory reactions in the heart results in a reduction of the level of pentose cycle enzymes. The study of the ratio between glucoso-6-phosphatedehydrogenase and transketolase may prove valuable for an approximate evaluation of the predominance of inflammatory or dystrophic processes in the cardiac muscle.", "contents": "[Use of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and transketolase for characterization of pathologic processes in the myocardium in rheumatism]. In patients with active rheumatism the activity of the key enzymes of the pentose cycle -- glucoso-6-phosphatedehydrogenase and transketolase -- increases in the erythrocytes of the peripheral blood parallel with the severity of the inflammatory lesion of the heart. In patients with distrophic changes in the myocardium without concomitant carditis the level of glucoso-6-phosphatedehydrogenase did not change significantly, while the content of transketolase decreased considerably. Antirheumatic therapy helping to reduce the inflammatory reactions in the heart results in a reduction of the level of pentose cycle enzymes. The study of the ratio between glucoso-6-phosphatedehydrogenase and transketolase may prove valuable for an approximate evaluation of the predominance of inflammatory or dystrophic processes in the cardiac muscle.", "PMID": 1011453} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12566", "title": "[Cortisol metabolism in hypertensive patients during the crisis period].", "content": "The examination was conducted in 67 patients with Stage II essential hypertension, aged 29 to 60 years (13 males and 54 females). Cortisol metabolism was assessed on the basis of a study of daily urine excretions of tetrahydrocortisol, tetrahydrocortisone, cortisol, cortisone, 17-oxy-11-desoxycortisol and of their ratio. It is found that in patients with Stage II essential hypertension, beyond the period of exacerbation, cortisol metabolism and the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex are unchanged. During crises the gluococorticoid function of the adrenal cortex is activated, and some changes develop in cortisol metabolism. The severity of the crisis does not affect cortisol metabolism, but results in a growing total secretory activity of the adrenal cortex.", "contents": "[Cortisol metabolism in hypertensive patients during the crisis period]. The examination was conducted in 67 patients with Stage II essential hypertension, aged 29 to 60 years (13 males and 54 females). Cortisol metabolism was assessed on the basis of a study of daily urine excretions of tetrahydrocortisol, tetrahydrocortisone, cortisol, cortisone, 17-oxy-11-desoxycortisol and of their ratio. It is found that in patients with Stage II essential hypertension, beyond the period of exacerbation, cortisol metabolism and the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex are unchanged. During crises the gluococorticoid function of the adrenal cortex is activated, and some changes develop in cortisol metabolism. The severity of the crisis does not affect cortisol metabolism, but results in a growing total secretory activity of the adrenal cortex.", "PMID": 1011454} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12567", "title": "[Changes in the vectorcardiogram in rheumatism with coronary vessel lesions].", "content": "Changes in vectorcardiograms (VCG) taken in 5 projections by the I.T. Akulinichev technique were studied in 101 patients with rheumatic fever involving the coronaries. The VCG changes were found not to be specific of rheumatic coronaritis, but to reflect the degree of coronary insufficiency and myocardial hypoxia in general. In coronaritis with myocardial infarction VCG displayed asynchronism and the QRS complex deformities, their unlocked pattern, and a decrease in the T wave amplitude. When myocardial infarction of a rheumatic genesis developed, signs of focal myocardial lesion appeared on the VCG similar to those observed in cases of ischaemic heart disease. Vectorcardiography was concluded to significantly supplement the capacity of electrocardiography in revealing coronarites.", "contents": "[Changes in the vectorcardiogram in rheumatism with coronary vessel lesions]. Changes in vectorcardiograms (VCG) taken in 5 projections by the I.T. Akulinichev technique were studied in 101 patients with rheumatic fever involving the coronaries. The VCG changes were found not to be specific of rheumatic coronaritis, but to reflect the degree of coronary insufficiency and myocardial hypoxia in general. In coronaritis with myocardial infarction VCG displayed asynchronism and the QRS complex deformities, their unlocked pattern, and a decrease in the T wave amplitude. When myocardial infarction of a rheumatic genesis developed, signs of focal myocardial lesion appeared on the VCG similar to those observed in cases of ischaemic heart disease. Vectorcardiography was concluded to significantly supplement the capacity of electrocardiography in revealing coronarites.", "PMID": 1011455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12568", "title": "[Experience with conducting transcutaneous kidney biopsy in a cardiology clinic].", "content": "The analysis of 450 closed puncture biopsies of the kidneys permits to conclude that the employment of this method in a cardiological hospital provides rather valuable information on the state of the renal tissue in cases of various diseases entailing the arterial hypertension syndrome. The incidations for kidney biopsy include arterial hypertension, developing against the background of the nephrotic syndrome of varying genesis, clinically distinct glomerulonephritis (to precise its morphological variant), various forms of renovascular hypertension, and in some cases -- hypertensive form of pyelonephritis. Important complications such as macrohematuria and pararenal haematoma were observed in 25 cases. The employment of kidney biopsy in a cardiological clinic helped to make the diagnosis of the lesion underlying arterial hypertension, to choose the adequate method of treatment and to improve the prognosis of the disease.", "contents": "[Experience with conducting transcutaneous kidney biopsy in a cardiology clinic]. The analysis of 450 closed puncture biopsies of the kidneys permits to conclude that the employment of this method in a cardiological hospital provides rather valuable information on the state of the renal tissue in cases of various diseases entailing the arterial hypertension syndrome. The incidations for kidney biopsy include arterial hypertension, developing against the background of the nephrotic syndrome of varying genesis, clinically distinct glomerulonephritis (to precise its morphological variant), various forms of renovascular hypertension, and in some cases -- hypertensive form of pyelonephritis. Important complications such as macrohematuria and pararenal haematoma were observed in 25 cases. The employment of kidney biopsy in a cardiological clinic helped to make the diagnosis of the lesion underlying arterial hypertension, to choose the adequate method of treatment and to improve the prognosis of the disease.", "PMID": 1011456} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12569", "title": "[Role of microcirculation in the development of pulmonary hypertension in chronic non-specific lung diseases].", "content": "A comparison of the results of morphological studies of pulmonary and pleural microcirculation with the indices of haemodynamics in the system of the pulmonary artery in patients with chronic non-specific lesions of the lungs accompanied by suppurative processes indicates the participation of microcirculation in the development of pulmonary hypertension. A lasting course of the disease with frequent exacerbations results in profound changes in the system of micricirculation. The pathological developments in the vascular terminals, the disorders in the rheological properties of the blood, in vascular permeability- the hampered lymph drainage that are the causes of irreversible metabolic shifts not only become additional factors in the development of the underlying pathology, in the formation of bronchiectases in particular, but also provide for a further development of pulmonary hypertension.", "contents": "[Role of microcirculation in the development of pulmonary hypertension in chronic non-specific lung diseases]. A comparison of the results of morphological studies of pulmonary and pleural microcirculation with the indices of haemodynamics in the system of the pulmonary artery in patients with chronic non-specific lesions of the lungs accompanied by suppurative processes indicates the participation of microcirculation in the development of pulmonary hypertension. A lasting course of the disease with frequent exacerbations results in profound changes in the system of micricirculation. The pathological developments in the vascular terminals, the disorders in the rheological properties of the blood, in vascular permeability- the hampered lymph drainage that are the causes of irreversible metabolic shifts not only become additional factors in the development of the underlying pathology, in the formation of bronchiectases in particular, but also provide for a further development of pulmonary hypertension.", "PMID": 1011461} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12570", "title": "[Morphologic basis for several myocardial metabolic disorders in the presence of respiration uncoupled from phosphorylation].", "content": "It was experimentally established that the destruction of mitochondria due to a reduction of ATP production and to their compensatory hyperfunction under energy defecit is underlying some disorders in the myocardial metabolism caused by 2,4-DNP intoxication. Energy deficit results in K+ metabolism disorders and the related acetylcholine synthesis which predisopses the changes in the cardiac function and still further increases the myocardial requirements of energy. The bio-energy disorders develop in a vicious circle manner, and when the intoxication increases, it inevitably results in energy depletion and cardiac arrest.", "contents": "[Morphologic basis for several myocardial metabolic disorders in the presence of respiration uncoupled from phosphorylation]. It was experimentally established that the destruction of mitochondria due to a reduction of ATP production and to their compensatory hyperfunction under energy defecit is underlying some disorders in the myocardial metabolism caused by 2,4-DNP intoxication. Energy deficit results in K+ metabolism disorders and the related acetylcholine synthesis which predisopses the changes in the cardiac function and still further increases the myocardial requirements of energy. The bio-energy disorders develop in a vicious circle manner, and when the intoxication increases, it inevitably results in energy depletion and cardiac arrest.", "PMID": 1011462} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12571", "title": "[Morphologic indices the influence of selenium and vitamin E on the course of experimental myocardial infarct].", "content": "Myocardial infarction was induced in rats by ligating a coronary artery. During a week they received daily injections of 50 mg/kg of vitamin E intramuscularly or 30 mug/kg of sodium selenite subcutaneously, or else a combination of these preparations. The control animals received no injections. Stereometrically a statistically significant reduction of the infarcted zone was noted under the effect of selenium, this reduction being especially distinct during the ischaemic stage; the maturation of granulation tissue with an enhancement of the fibroblast reaction therein was accelerated. The muscle cells of the myocardium beyond the infarction zone displayed an increased activity of lactate dehydrogenase and a reduced activity of succinate dehydrogenase, intactness of the ultrastructure of the cell pattern, an enhancement of the signs of ultrastructural regeneration. Vitamin E potentiated the effect of selenium and executed itself a similar, but less distinct effect.", "contents": "[Morphologic indices the influence of selenium and vitamin E on the course of experimental myocardial infarct]. Myocardial infarction was induced in rats by ligating a coronary artery. During a week they received daily injections of 50 mg/kg of vitamin E intramuscularly or 30 mug/kg of sodium selenite subcutaneously, or else a combination of these preparations. The control animals received no injections. Stereometrically a statistically significant reduction of the infarcted zone was noted under the effect of selenium, this reduction being especially distinct during the ischaemic stage; the maturation of granulation tissue with an enhancement of the fibroblast reaction therein was accelerated. The muscle cells of the myocardium beyond the infarction zone displayed an increased activity of lactate dehydrogenase and a reduced activity of succinate dehydrogenase, intactness of the ultrastructure of the cell pattern, an enhancement of the signs of ultrastructural regeneration. Vitamin E potentiated the effect of selenium and executed itself a similar, but less distinct effect.", "PMID": 1011463} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12572", "title": "[Morphologic festures of cardiac lesions in rheumatoid arthritis].", "content": "Morphological examinations of the heart in cases of articulo-visceral rheumatoid arthritis revealed in 20 of the 35 conducted observations certain changes attributable to the underlying disease. The following groups of changes were revealed: 1) endocarditis; 2) myocarditis; 3) pericarditis; 4) rheumatoid nodules; 5) valvular sclerosis and mural endocarditis; 6) cardiosclerosis; 7) amyloidosis; 8) coronaritis and coronary sclerosis; 9) adhesions in the pericardial cavity. The severity of cardiac leasion in rheumatoid arthritis is determined by the involvement of the serosa into the pathological process. Inflammatory and sclerotic changes in the myocardium are predimonantly of a subepicardial and subendocardial nature, usually non-accompanied by any clear clinical symptoms, or taking a latent course. Rheumatoid nodules typical of rheumatoid arthritis, and deposits of amyloid masses in the walls of the coronary arteries are noted rarely. Changes in the heart are observed mostly in \"septic\", subacute rheumatoid arthritis and in Still's disease. Cardiac lesions in rheumatoid arthritis are connected with microcirculatory disorders caused by immunopathological processes.", "contents": "[Morphologic festures of cardiac lesions in rheumatoid arthritis]. Morphological examinations of the heart in cases of articulo-visceral rheumatoid arthritis revealed in 20 of the 35 conducted observations certain changes attributable to the underlying disease. The following groups of changes were revealed: 1) endocarditis; 2) myocarditis; 3) pericarditis; 4) rheumatoid nodules; 5) valvular sclerosis and mural endocarditis; 6) cardiosclerosis; 7) amyloidosis; 8) coronaritis and coronary sclerosis; 9) adhesions in the pericardial cavity. The severity of cardiac leasion in rheumatoid arthritis is determined by the involvement of the serosa into the pathological process. Inflammatory and sclerotic changes in the myocardium are predimonantly of a subepicardial and subendocardial nature, usually non-accompanied by any clear clinical symptoms, or taking a latent course. Rheumatoid nodules typical of rheumatoid arthritis, and deposits of amyloid masses in the walls of the coronary arteries are noted rarely. Changes in the heart are observed mostly in \"septic\", subacute rheumatoid arthritis and in Still's disease. Cardiac lesions in rheumatoid arthritis are connected with microcirculatory disorders caused by immunopathological processes.", "PMID": 1011464} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12573", "title": "[Microspectrophotometric study of oxidative enzyme activity in experimental myocardial ischemia].", "content": "The method of comparitive microspectrophotometry was used to study the changes in the activity of oxidative enzymes in the zone of ischaemia and the juxtaischaemic region of the cardiac muscle in rabbit experiments (104 animals, including 10 controls). A certain periodicity was noted in the changes of the activity of oxidative enzymes in separate zones of the ischaemic myocardium during different periods of the infarction development and healing. The terms of maximum reduction of the enzymatic activity falling within the 4th-6th and 24th hours and 2nd day should be taken into account while developing the methods of metabolic protection and enzyme therapy of the ischaemic myocardium.", "contents": "[Microspectrophotometric study of oxidative enzyme activity in experimental myocardial ischemia]. The method of comparitive microspectrophotometry was used to study the changes in the activity of oxidative enzymes in the zone of ischaemia and the juxtaischaemic region of the cardiac muscle in rabbit experiments (104 animals, including 10 controls). A certain periodicity was noted in the changes of the activity of oxidative enzymes in separate zones of the ischaemic myocardium during different periods of the infarction development and healing. The terms of maximum reduction of the enzymatic activity falling within the 4th-6th and 24th hours and 2nd day should be taken into account while developing the methods of metabolic protection and enzyme therapy of the ischaemic myocardium.", "PMID": 1011465} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12574", "title": "[Damage to the contractile myocardium in disorders of lymph drainage (experimental-morphologic findings)].", "content": "The role of the lymphatic system of the heart in the development of cardiosclerosis was studied in experiments in 43 adult dogs. An important influence of lymphogenic edema as an agent favouring the damaging of the myocardial parenchyma was established. Micronecroses occurring throughout the contractile myocardium stimulate a continuous substitution of the elements of the damaged parenchyma by the pre-existing or newly formed stroma. Proceeding from personal and literature data on the frequent involvement of the lymphatic system of the heart into its pathological processes it is suggested that the lymph directly participates in the development of the functional incompetence of the organ.", "contents": "[Damage to the contractile myocardium in disorders of lymph drainage (experimental-morphologic findings)]. The role of the lymphatic system of the heart in the development of cardiosclerosis was studied in experiments in 43 adult dogs. An important influence of lymphogenic edema as an agent favouring the damaging of the myocardial parenchyma was established. Micronecroses occurring throughout the contractile myocardium stimulate a continuous substitution of the elements of the damaged parenchyma by the pre-existing or newly formed stroma. Proceeding from personal and literature data on the frequent involvement of the lymphatic system of the heart into its pathological processes it is suggested that the lymph directly participates in the development of the functional incompetence of the organ.", "PMID": 1011466} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12575", "title": "[Blood and lymph vessels of the heart in pericarditis of different etiology].", "content": "56 heart specimens with pericarditis of different etiology were studied (uraemic, tuberculous, bacterial). In the majority of cases pericarditis was a complication of rheumatic heart diseases, fibrous-cavernous tuberculosis and chronic nonspecific pulmonary lesions, cardiac tumours and other pathology. Models of uraemic and purulent pericarditis were created in 5 rabbits and 30 dogs. The methods of venous injections and cardiac blood vessels injections, angioradiography, macro- and microscopy, histology, electrocardiography were employed. The function of the lymphatic system of the heart was determined by studying dynamically the resorption of Polyglukin from the pericardial cavity of the experimental animals. It was established that the disorders in cardiac activity in cases of pericarditis largely depend on the involvement of its vessels, primarily of the cardiac microcirculation bed, as well as of the veins and lymph vessels ensuring the drainage of the myocardium. Blocks of the venous and lymphatic beds of the epicardium in acute bacterial pericarditis causes disorders in blood and lymph circulation in the superficial layers of the heart muscle. Oedema and hypoxia developing in such situations favour the transit of the process into a chronic one with the formation of adhesions of the serous sheaths of the heart. The complication of any disease by bacterial pericarditis, especially with the development of pericardial obliteration, should be considered as an unfavourable factor worsening the prognosis. Aseptic pericarditis is accompanied by insignificant changes in the vascular system of the heart and cause important disorders in the blood and lymph circulation only in cases of constrictive pericarditis formation.", "contents": "[Blood and lymph vessels of the heart in pericarditis of different etiology]. 56 heart specimens with pericarditis of different etiology were studied (uraemic, tuberculous, bacterial). In the majority of cases pericarditis was a complication of rheumatic heart diseases, fibrous-cavernous tuberculosis and chronic nonspecific pulmonary lesions, cardiac tumours and other pathology. Models of uraemic and purulent pericarditis were created in 5 rabbits and 30 dogs. The methods of venous injections and cardiac blood vessels injections, angioradiography, macro- and microscopy, histology, electrocardiography were employed. The function of the lymphatic system of the heart was determined by studying dynamically the resorption of Polyglukin from the pericardial cavity of the experimental animals. It was established that the disorders in cardiac activity in cases of pericarditis largely depend on the involvement of its vessels, primarily of the cardiac microcirculation bed, as well as of the veins and lymph vessels ensuring the drainage of the myocardium. Blocks of the venous and lymphatic beds of the epicardium in acute bacterial pericarditis causes disorders in blood and lymph circulation in the superficial layers of the heart muscle. Oedema and hypoxia developing in such situations favour the transit of the process into a chronic one with the formation of adhesions of the serous sheaths of the heart. The complication of any disease by bacterial pericarditis, especially with the development of pericardial obliteration, should be considered as an unfavourable factor worsening the prognosis. Aseptic pericarditis is accompanied by insignificant changes in the vascular system of the heart and cause important disorders in the blood and lymph circulation only in cases of constrictive pericarditis formation.", "PMID": 1011467} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12576", "title": "[Influence of aging on synthesis and breakdown of RNA and protein in the myocardium].", "content": "The rate of decomposition of RNA and proteins in the heart muscle of aged rats, as well as the effect of t-RNA on the rate of translation in the reconstructed non-cellular system of protein synthesis were studied. The rate of decomposition of sarcoplasmatic and myofibrill proteins and RNA is known to be decreased in the heart muscle of old animals. The metabolic changes. The addition of homologous t-RNA to the non-cellular system of protein synthesis was shown to stimulate the incorporation of labelled amino acids into the ribosomes of the heart of old rats.", "contents": "[Influence of aging on synthesis and breakdown of RNA and protein in the myocardium]. The rate of decomposition of RNA and proteins in the heart muscle of aged rats, as well as the effect of t-RNA on the rate of translation in the reconstructed non-cellular system of protein synthesis were studied. The rate of decomposition of sarcoplasmatic and myofibrill proteins and RNA is known to be decreased in the heart muscle of old animals. The metabolic changes. The addition of homologous t-RNA to the non-cellular system of protein synthesis was shown to stimulate the incorporation of labelled amino acids into the ribosomes of the heart of old rats.", "PMID": 1011468} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12577", "title": "[Disruption of erythrocyte membrane permeability for sodium and potassium ions in hypertension].", "content": "The kinetics of Na22 efflux from the erythrocytes and K42 accumulation by the erythrocytes in patients with essential hypertension and in normotensive persons was studied. Sodium efflux from the erythrocytes into a normal medium was found to be significantly accelerated in hypertensive patients, and their rate constant of Na/Na exchange in the erythrocytes has a higher value (1.61 +/- 0.39 mol.1(-1) min.-1 versus 0.56 +/- 0.08 - 10(-6) mol. 1(-1).min. -1). The difference is statistically significant only under active transport inhibition with ouabain. K42 accumulation by the erythrocytes is slower than in normotensive indifiduals. The observed changes in the transport of cations are attributed by the authors to an increased passive permeability of the erythrocytic membrane in hypertonics. The latter is interpreted as a fragment of a more general defect of the cell membrane function that may be the cause of activation of the mechanisms that maintain a high arterial pressure.", "contents": "[Disruption of erythrocyte membrane permeability for sodium and potassium ions in hypertension]. The kinetics of Na22 efflux from the erythrocytes and K42 accumulation by the erythrocytes in patients with essential hypertension and in normotensive persons was studied. Sodium efflux from the erythrocytes into a normal medium was found to be significantly accelerated in hypertensive patients, and their rate constant of Na/Na exchange in the erythrocytes has a higher value (1.61 +/- 0.39 mol.1(-1) min.-1 versus 0.56 +/- 0.08 - 10(-6) mol. 1(-1).min. -1). The difference is statistically significant only under active transport inhibition with ouabain. K42 accumulation by the erythrocytes is slower than in normotensive indifiduals. The observed changes in the transport of cations are attributed by the authors to an increased passive permeability of the erythrocytic membrane in hypertonics. The latter is interpreted as a fragment of a more general defect of the cell membrane function that may be the cause of activation of the mechanisms that maintain a high arterial pressure.", "PMID": 1011469} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12578", "title": "[Results of radioimmunologic determination of renin activity and the concentration of angiotensin II in the plasma of hypertensive patients].", "content": "Studies of plasma renin activity performed by way of radioimmunoassay in 44 patients with essential hypertension permitted to subdivide the patients with Stage 2 disease into 2 groups: Group 1 with normal or elevated plasma renin activity, and Group 2 -- with sub-normal activity. A statistically significant reverse relationship was found between the age of the hypertensive patients and their plasma renin activity; this parameter tends to decrease along with the increasing duration of the disease. With paralled determinations of renin activity by way of radioimmunoassay and biological method in 20 patients a positive correlation was established; the figures obtained by radioimmunoassay were twice as high as those obtained by the biological technique. A radioimmunological determination of the concentration of angiotensin II in 14 patients with essential hypertension and in 4 normals permitted to reveal its elevation over the level of the normals in 10 of the patients. Positive correlation was established between the renin activity and the angiotensin II concentration.", "contents": "[Results of radioimmunologic determination of renin activity and the concentration of angiotensin II in the plasma of hypertensive patients]. Studies of plasma renin activity performed by way of radioimmunoassay in 44 patients with essential hypertension permitted to subdivide the patients with Stage 2 disease into 2 groups: Group 1 with normal or elevated plasma renin activity, and Group 2 -- with sub-normal activity. A statistically significant reverse relationship was found between the age of the hypertensive patients and their plasma renin activity; this parameter tends to decrease along with the increasing duration of the disease. With paralled determinations of renin activity by way of radioimmunoassay and biological method in 20 patients a positive correlation was established; the figures obtained by radioimmunoassay were twice as high as those obtained by the biological technique. A radioimmunological determination of the concentration of angiotensin II in 14 patients with essential hypertension and in 4 normals permitted to reveal its elevation over the level of the normals in 10 of the patients. Positive correlation was established between the renin activity and the angiotensin II concentration.", "PMID": 1011470} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12579", "title": "[Possibilities for a complex of corrected orthogenal systems of electro- and vectorcardiograms and the ergometric bicycle test with loading in the diagnosis of the latent form of ischemic heart disease].", "content": "The examination was conducted in 100 patients with a cardiac pain syndrome and a normal ECG at rest. Apart from the routine clinical examination, the patients were subjected to ergometric bycycle tests with recording corrected orthogonal electrocardiogrammes and vectorcardiogrammes. All the examined patients were subdivided into 3 groups with reference to their electrocardiographic response to the exercise: group 1 -- 55 persons with physiological changes, group 2 -- 37 persons with pathological changes, and group 3 -- 8 persons with threshold changes on ECG under the exercise. By comparing the vectorcardiogrammes in group 1 and 2 patients vectorcardiographic criteria pathognomonic for ischaemic heart disease were found. With their help the form of the lesion was established in 2 of the 8 patients with threshold changes on ECG under exercises. The method of combined evaluation of ECG and vectorcardiogrammes under exercises. The method of combined evaluation of ECG and vectorcardiogrammes under exercise tests increases their diagnostic potentials in revealing the latent form of ischaemic heart disease.", "contents": "[Possibilities for a complex of corrected orthogenal systems of electro- and vectorcardiograms and the ergometric bicycle test with loading in the diagnosis of the latent form of ischemic heart disease]. The examination was conducted in 100 patients with a cardiac pain syndrome and a normal ECG at rest. Apart from the routine clinical examination, the patients were subjected to ergometric bycycle tests with recording corrected orthogonal electrocardiogrammes and vectorcardiogrammes. All the examined patients were subdivided into 3 groups with reference to their electrocardiographic response to the exercise: group 1 -- 55 persons with physiological changes, group 2 -- 37 persons with pathological changes, and group 3 -- 8 persons with threshold changes on ECG under the exercise. By comparing the vectorcardiogrammes in group 1 and 2 patients vectorcardiographic criteria pathognomonic for ischaemic heart disease were found. With their help the form of the lesion was established in 2 of the 8 patients with threshold changes on ECG under exercises. The method of combined evaluation of ECG and vectorcardiogrammes under exercises. The method of combined evaluation of ECG and vectorcardiogrammes under exercise tests increases their diagnostic potentials in revealing the latent form of ischaemic heart disease.", "PMID": 1011473} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12580", "title": "[Serum and myocardial enzyme activity in experimental myocardial infarct].", "content": "In 150 canine experiments it has been established that in myocardial infarction the activity of heart muscle enzymes decreases significantly and persistently in the zone of necrosis, moderately and reversibly--beyond this zone, individual enzymes being unequally sensitive to the effects of the given injuring factor. The shifts in the activity of the serum and heart muscle enzymes correlate only in the early days following the reproduction of the pathological state, while the levelling of hyperenzymia is accompanied by an enhancement of the enzymatic disorders in the myocardium in cases of infarction.", "contents": "[Serum and myocardial enzyme activity in experimental myocardial infarct]. In 150 canine experiments it has been established that in myocardial infarction the activity of heart muscle enzymes decreases significantly and persistently in the zone of necrosis, moderately and reversibly--beyond this zone, individual enzymes being unequally sensitive to the effects of the given injuring factor. The shifts in the activity of the serum and heart muscle enzymes correlate only in the early days following the reproduction of the pathological state, while the levelling of hyperenzymia is accompanied by an enhancement of the enzymatic disorders in the myocardium in cases of infarction.", "PMID": 1011476} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12581", "title": "[Mechanism of the cardiotonic effect of alpha-adrenoblockade by phentolamine].", "content": "In canine experiments with recording intraventricular pressure and its first derivative, with electromagnetic flowmetry and thermodilution it has been demonstrated that controlled Phentolamine-induced alpha-adrenergic block results in an increase of the cardiac output, heart rate, myocardial contractility index, and, at the same time, in a reduction of the total vascular resistance, arterial pressure, intraventricular pressure and heart work. The beneficial chronotropic effect of Phentolamine was shown not to depend on its suggested \"central\" action, to be not determined by reflex stimulation of the cardiac activity due to systemic hypotension, but to be brought about by a block of the myocardial alpha-adrenergic receptors and a moderate activation of beta-adrenergic receptors. The concept of the untoward chronotropic effects being mediated by myocardial alpha-adrenoreceptors is being substantiated. The mechanism of the beneficial inotropic effect of Phentolamine may be based on the stimulation of beta-receptors, concomitant tachycardia, and, probably, the effect of the \"centrai\" action of the drug.", "contents": "[Mechanism of the cardiotonic effect of alpha-adrenoblockade by phentolamine]. In canine experiments with recording intraventricular pressure and its first derivative, with electromagnetic flowmetry and thermodilution it has been demonstrated that controlled Phentolamine-induced alpha-adrenergic block results in an increase of the cardiac output, heart rate, myocardial contractility index, and, at the same time, in a reduction of the total vascular resistance, arterial pressure, intraventricular pressure and heart work. The beneficial chronotropic effect of Phentolamine was shown not to depend on its suggested \"central\" action, to be not determined by reflex stimulation of the cardiac activity due to systemic hypotension, but to be brought about by a block of the myocardial alpha-adrenergic receptors and a moderate activation of beta-adrenergic receptors. The concept of the untoward chronotropic effects being mediated by myocardial alpha-adrenoreceptors is being substantiated. The mechanism of the beneficial inotropic effect of Phentolamine may be based on the stimulation of beta-receptors, concomitant tachycardia, and, probably, the effect of the \"centrai\" action of the drug.", "PMID": 1011477} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12582", "title": "[Coagulologic characteristics of different stages of chronic circulatory insufficiency in atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis].", "content": "A total of 168 patients with atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis and different stages of chronic circulatory insufficiency were subjected to an examination of the state of their blood coagulation (thromboelasto- and coagulogramme) and fibrinolytic systems (indices of the general fibrinolytic activity of the blood, some components of fibrinolysis). In cases of circulatory insufficiency at its early stages (especially IIA) distinct signs of blood hypercoagulation were found to develop at the expense of an elevation of the level of fibrinogen A and B fibrinstabilizing factor, a reduction of the content of antithrombins and heparin, as well as signs of fibrinolysis inhibition at the expense of an increase of the level of plasminogen and antiplasmins activation inhibitors, fast acting including. During Stages IIB and III of circulatory insufficiency the signs of hypercoagulation of the blood and fibrinolysis inhibition are noted to decrease, although they do not disappear completely.", "contents": "[Coagulologic characteristics of different stages of chronic circulatory insufficiency in atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis]. A total of 168 patients with atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis and different stages of chronic circulatory insufficiency were subjected to an examination of the state of their blood coagulation (thromboelasto- and coagulogramme) and fibrinolytic systems (indices of the general fibrinolytic activity of the blood, some components of fibrinolysis). In cases of circulatory insufficiency at its early stages (especially IIA) distinct signs of blood hypercoagulation were found to develop at the expense of an elevation of the level of fibrinogen A and B fibrinstabilizing factor, a reduction of the content of antithrombins and heparin, as well as signs of fibrinolysis inhibition at the expense of an increase of the level of plasminogen and antiplasmins activation inhibitors, fast acting including. During Stages IIB and III of circulatory insufficiency the signs of hypercoagulation of the blood and fibrinolysis inhibition are noted to decrease, although they do not disappear completely.", "PMID": 1011478} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12583", "title": "[Intravascular disorders of microcirculation and microthrombus formation in patients with chronic ischemic disease of the heart].", "content": "Most of the 104 patients with ischaemic heart disease had distinct functional and structural microcirculation disorders. The slugging syndrome was revealed in 98% of the cases. In 56% of the patients microthrombus formation was noted in the microcirculatory bed, as well as a reduction of the perfusion capillary blood flow and an increase of the shunting flow, the half-resorption of sodium-131I from the skin and muscle depot being decreased. A clear relationship is noticed between the intravascular microcirculatory disorders, the functional state of the erythrocytes and platelets, the increased coagulation potential of the blood, the appearance of components that indicate the possibility of a diffuse intravascular blood coagulation (fibrinogen B, products of fibrinogen and fibrin decomposition), the changes in lipid metabolism. Stasis of the blood flow with distinct signs of the slugging syndrome, microthrombosis, activation of the kallikrein-kinin system and increasing shunting flow were revealed in patient with a severe course of the disease. Criteria for a quantitative assessment of the noted changes were developed.", "contents": "[Intravascular disorders of microcirculation and microthrombus formation in patients with chronic ischemic disease of the heart]. Most of the 104 patients with ischaemic heart disease had distinct functional and structural microcirculation disorders. The slugging syndrome was revealed in 98% of the cases. In 56% of the patients microthrombus formation was noted in the microcirculatory bed, as well as a reduction of the perfusion capillary blood flow and an increase of the shunting flow, the half-resorption of sodium-131I from the skin and muscle depot being decreased. A clear relationship is noticed between the intravascular microcirculatory disorders, the functional state of the erythrocytes and platelets, the increased coagulation potential of the blood, the appearance of components that indicate the possibility of a diffuse intravascular blood coagulation (fibrinogen B, products of fibrinogen and fibrin decomposition), the changes in lipid metabolism. Stasis of the blood flow with distinct signs of the slugging syndrome, microthrombosis, activation of the kallikrein-kinin system and increasing shunting flow were revealed in patient with a severe course of the disease. Criteria for a quantitative assessment of the noted changes were developed.", "PMID": 1011479} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12584", "title": "[Overall assessment of the state of the coronary bed in patients with ischemic heart disease].", "content": "A method of summated assessment of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary bed of patients with ischaemic heart disease based on selective coronary angiography data is introduced. To simplify the calculations of the total lesion of the coronary bed a special chart-table was complied that permits to determine the percentage of the lesion. A unified assessment of the degree of the coronary lesions will permit to interpret in comparable values the state of different groups of patients, the efficacy of different therapeutic methods, and will permit to determine the correlation of clinical, electrocardiographic, haemodynamic and other parameters with the degree of the lesion. The introduced technique of determining the total lesion of the coronary bed takes into account narrowins exceeding 50% of the arterial lumen, the type of blood supply to the heart, the localization of the narrowings, the effect of centrally located narowings upon the subsequent stenoses of all the most important arteries of the heart. The conducted comparisons have demonstrated a high degree of correlation between the frequency of anginal attacks, the tolerance of physical exercises, the level of end-diastolic pressure in the left ventricle, and the severity of the lesion in the arterial bed.", "contents": "[Overall assessment of the state of the coronary bed in patients with ischemic heart disease]. A method of summated assessment of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary bed of patients with ischaemic heart disease based on selective coronary angiography data is introduced. To simplify the calculations of the total lesion of the coronary bed a special chart-table was complied that permits to determine the percentage of the lesion. A unified assessment of the degree of the coronary lesions will permit to interpret in comparable values the state of different groups of patients, the efficacy of different therapeutic methods, and will permit to determine the correlation of clinical, electrocardiographic, haemodynamic and other parameters with the degree of the lesion. The introduced technique of determining the total lesion of the coronary bed takes into account narrowins exceeding 50% of the arterial lumen, the type of blood supply to the heart, the localization of the narrowings, the effect of centrally located narowings upon the subsequent stenoses of all the most important arteries of the heart. The conducted comparisons have demonstrated a high degree of correlation between the frequency of anginal attacks, the tolerance of physical exercises, the level of end-diastolic pressure in the left ventricle, and the severity of the lesion in the arterial bed.", "PMID": 1011480} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12585", "title": "[State of the coronary vessels in patients with ischemic heart disease according to findings from angiographic and morphologic studies].", "content": "The data of intravital and postmortem coronary angiography were compared with those of morphological studies of the cardiac arteries in 20 patients with ischaemic heart disease. The purpose of the investigation was to study the correlation of the coronary lesion, including that of the distal arterial branches, by way of comparing intravital and postmortem coronary angiogrammes, with the data of morphological examinations of the cardiac arteries in cases of ischaemic heart disease. The errors of intravital diagnosis were found to comprise 12.7% and to be due to the nature of the anatomical lesion of the arteries, as well as to an incomplete opacification of the vessels in several observations. A term--vascular wall \"resistance\"--is introduced for the cases of extended atherosclerosis of the coronaries with distinct calcification and impaired mobility of the vessels, as shown by cineradiography. Intravital diagnosis of atherosclerosis of distal branches of the coronaries was found to be possible only in cases of stenosis exceeding 40--50%.", "contents": "[State of the coronary vessels in patients with ischemic heart disease according to findings from angiographic and morphologic studies]. The data of intravital and postmortem coronary angiography were compared with those of morphological studies of the cardiac arteries in 20 patients with ischaemic heart disease. The purpose of the investigation was to study the correlation of the coronary lesion, including that of the distal arterial branches, by way of comparing intravital and postmortem coronary angiogrammes, with the data of morphological examinations of the cardiac arteries in cases of ischaemic heart disease. The errors of intravital diagnosis were found to comprise 12.7% and to be due to the nature of the anatomical lesion of the arteries, as well as to an incomplete opacification of the vessels in several observations. A term--vascular wall \"resistance\"--is introduced for the cases of extended atherosclerosis of the coronaries with distinct calcification and impaired mobility of the vessels, as shown by cineradiography. Intravital diagnosis of atherosclerosis of distal branches of the coronaries was found to be possible only in cases of stenosis exceeding 40--50%.", "PMID": 1011481} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12586", "title": "[Experience with combined use of neurolepsy and vasodilator substances in the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarct].", "content": "On the basis of an examination of 412 patients with myocardial infarction the efficacy of a long-term employment (for 3--4 days) of a neuroleptic Droperidol and a vasodilator Curantyl was examined. Optimum dosages of the drug and its administration techniques were worked out with due account of the data of clinical and physiological observations and blood concentrations of Curantyl. The incidence of the pain syndrome, of extrasystolic arrhythmias, of cardiogenic shock and sudden ventricular fibrillation was shown to decrease under the effect of the treatment. Without affecting the haemodynamics of the general circulation, the employed combination of drugs improved the pulmonary circulation and produced a beneficial inotropic effect upon the right ventricular myocardium, thus causing a distinct improvement of microcirculation, normalizing the ratio of diameters of the arterioles and venules, increasing the level of the tissue blood flow, and significantly reducing the intravascular aggregation of the formed elements of the blood. A long-term combined employment of the drugs for a few early days of the disease clearly favoured a positive haemodynamics in an important part of the patients, as demonstrated by the data of electro- and vectorcardiography.", "contents": "[Experience with combined use of neurolepsy and vasodilator substances in the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarct]. On the basis of an examination of 412 patients with myocardial infarction the efficacy of a long-term employment (for 3--4 days) of a neuroleptic Droperidol and a vasodilator Curantyl was examined. Optimum dosages of the drug and its administration techniques were worked out with due account of the data of clinical and physiological observations and blood concentrations of Curantyl. The incidence of the pain syndrome, of extrasystolic arrhythmias, of cardiogenic shock and sudden ventricular fibrillation was shown to decrease under the effect of the treatment. Without affecting the haemodynamics of the general circulation, the employed combination of drugs improved the pulmonary circulation and produced a beneficial inotropic effect upon the right ventricular myocardium, thus causing a distinct improvement of microcirculation, normalizing the ratio of diameters of the arterioles and venules, increasing the level of the tissue blood flow, and significantly reducing the intravascular aggregation of the formed elements of the blood. A long-term combined employment of the drugs for a few early days of the disease clearly favoured a positive haemodynamics in an important part of the patients, as demonstrated by the data of electro- and vectorcardiography.", "PMID": 1011482} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12587", "title": "[Several indices of hemodynamics, gas exchange and exercise tolerance during treatment of ischemic heart disease with obsidan].", "content": "The analysis of the parameters of haemodynamics and gas exchange in connection with the tolerance of physical exercises in 57 patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease treated with Obsidan permitted to distinguish two variants of response to the exercises. The first is characterized by a greater increase of the cardiac output and by a slighter participation of the oxygen utilization coefficient and oxygen pulse in ensuring the oxygen regimen of work. The prescription of Obsidan is rational in the first variant of response to the physical exercises.", "contents": "[Several indices of hemodynamics, gas exchange and exercise tolerance during treatment of ischemic heart disease with obsidan]. The analysis of the parameters of haemodynamics and gas exchange in connection with the tolerance of physical exercises in 57 patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease treated with Obsidan permitted to distinguish two variants of response to the exercises. The first is characterized by a greater increase of the cardiac output and by a slighter participation of the oxygen utilization coefficient and oxygen pulse in ensuring the oxygen regimen of work. The prescription of Obsidan is rational in the first variant of response to the physical exercises.", "PMID": 1011483} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12588", "title": "[External heart rupture in myocardial infarct (clinical picture, prospects for resuscitation)].", "content": "An analysis is presented on 53 cases of external ruptures of the heart in cases of transmural myocardial infarction. Most of the patients were above 60 years of age, with a hypertensive syndrome, with intensive, protracted, often recurring cardiac and retrosternal pains. The pains were interpreted as the manifestation of myocardial rupture. Blood tests revealed a high leucocytosis, an elevated level of lactate dehydrogenase and catecholamines excretion, mainly at the expense of noradrenaline, as well as an increased amount of serotonin, histamine, magnesium salts. A sudden onset of a catastrophic deterioration in the form of a cardiogenic shock was interpreted as a partial rupture with a progressively increasing penetrating rupture; clinical death with a preserved electrical activity of the heart--as its complete rupture. Cases of temporary efficieny resuscitation with a survival period in some cases of as long as 3 days are presented. The authors believe it possible to foresee a myocardial rupture, to diagnose it before the electrical activity of the heart ceases, to maintain the life of the patient so as to permit a cardiac surgical team to undertake an operative procedure.", "contents": "[External heart rupture in myocardial infarct (clinical picture, prospects for resuscitation)]. An analysis is presented on 53 cases of external ruptures of the heart in cases of transmural myocardial infarction. Most of the patients were above 60 years of age, with a hypertensive syndrome, with intensive, protracted, often recurring cardiac and retrosternal pains. The pains were interpreted as the manifestation of myocardial rupture. Blood tests revealed a high leucocytosis, an elevated level of lactate dehydrogenase and catecholamines excretion, mainly at the expense of noradrenaline, as well as an increased amount of serotonin, histamine, magnesium salts. A sudden onset of a catastrophic deterioration in the form of a cardiogenic shock was interpreted as a partial rupture with a progressively increasing penetrating rupture; clinical death with a preserved electrical activity of the heart--as its complete rupture. Cases of temporary efficieny resuscitation with a survival period in some cases of as long as 3 days are presented. The authors believe it possible to foresee a myocardial rupture, to diagnose it before the electrical activity of the heart ceases, to maintain the life of the patient so as to permit a cardiac surgical team to undertake an operative procedure.", "PMID": 1011484} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12589", "title": "[Manifestations of cardiac decompensation in myocardial infarct].", "content": "A study of the causes of mortality among myocardial infarction patients and of the peculiarities of the manifestations of cardiac decompensation was conducted by way of mathematical prognosing and with the aid of the \"Mmirp-1\" computer, and permitted to conclude on the necessity of distinguishing between the primary circulatory insufficiency in the acute period, and relapsing circulatory disorders. The prognosis in myocardial infarction permits indirect appraisal of the reserve capacities of the diseased heart. The results of the conducted study indicate that the primary circulatory disorders are 6 times as frequent as the relapsing ones and that half of the patients with signs of circulatory failure dies within the first day of the disease. The long-term prognosis is equally unfavourable for the patients with circulatory insufficiency signs in the acute period: by the end of the 2nd year only 4 of every 10 patients with primary circulatory disorders survive, and 1--2 of every 10 patients with signs of relapsing circulatory disorders, which should be taken into consideration when developing the methods of complex therapy.", "contents": "[Manifestations of cardiac decompensation in myocardial infarct]. A study of the causes of mortality among myocardial infarction patients and of the peculiarities of the manifestations of cardiac decompensation was conducted by way of mathematical prognosing and with the aid of the \"Mmirp-1\" computer, and permitted to conclude on the necessity of distinguishing between the primary circulatory insufficiency in the acute period, and relapsing circulatory disorders. The prognosis in myocardial infarction permits indirect appraisal of the reserve capacities of the diseased heart. The results of the conducted study indicate that the primary circulatory disorders are 6 times as frequent as the relapsing ones and that half of the patients with signs of circulatory failure dies within the first day of the disease. The long-term prognosis is equally unfavourable for the patients with circulatory insufficiency signs in the acute period: by the end of the 2nd year only 4 of every 10 patients with primary circulatory disorders survive, and 1--2 of every 10 patients with signs of relapsing circulatory disorders, which should be taken into consideration when developing the methods of complex therapy.", "PMID": 1011485} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12590", "title": "[Metabolic disorders in chronic circulatory insufficiency].", "content": "Some enzymes of glycolysis and tissue respiratory were studied in 377 patients with chronic circulatory insufficiency developing due to atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis and rheumatic heart diseases. The severity of hyperenzymia was found to grow along with the increasing stages of circulatory insufficiency. A direct correlation was established between the total activity of LDH and MDH, as well as between LDH5 and MDH1. The presence of enzymatic shifts in patients with haemodynamic disorders permitted to include, with good substantiation and differentiation, such drugs into the complex therapy that favourably effect the disturbed metabolic processes.", "contents": "[Metabolic disorders in chronic circulatory insufficiency]. Some enzymes of glycolysis and tissue respiratory were studied in 377 patients with chronic circulatory insufficiency developing due to atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis and rheumatic heart diseases. The severity of hyperenzymia was found to grow along with the increasing stages of circulatory insufficiency. A direct correlation was established between the total activity of LDH and MDH, as well as between LDH5 and MDH1. The presence of enzymatic shifts in patients with haemodynamic disorders permitted to include, with good substantiation and differentiation, such drugs into the complex therapy that favourably effect the disturbed metabolic processes.", "PMID": 1011486} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12591", "title": "[Digitalis poisoning, risk factors and digitalis intolerance].", "content": "It was established by means of radioimmunoassay that the blood concentration of Digoxin in patients with congestive heart failure depends not only on the dose of the drug given, but also on the stage of cardiac insufficiency. With equal daily doses, higher Digoxin concentrations were observed in patients with more severe cardiac insufficiency. The analysis of the obtained data has demonstrated that in 75% of the patients with signs of digitalis intoxication the concentration of Digoxin in blood exceeded 2.5 ng/ml. In animal experiments it was established that a distinct reduction of the toxic threshold took place in rabbits with acute myocardial infarction, acute pulmonary embolism, congestive cardiac failure, this threshold being determined by the amount of intravenously injected Strophantin that causes persistent ventricular tachycardia.", "contents": "[Digitalis poisoning, risk factors and digitalis intolerance]. It was established by means of radioimmunoassay that the blood concentration of Digoxin in patients with congestive heart failure depends not only on the dose of the drug given, but also on the stage of cardiac insufficiency. With equal daily doses, higher Digoxin concentrations were observed in patients with more severe cardiac insufficiency. The analysis of the obtained data has demonstrated that in 75% of the patients with signs of digitalis intoxication the concentration of Digoxin in blood exceeded 2.5 ng/ml. In animal experiments it was established that a distinct reduction of the toxic threshold took place in rabbits with acute myocardial infarction, acute pulmonary embolism, congestive cardiac failure, this threshold being determined by the amount of intravenously injected Strophantin that causes persistent ventricular tachycardia.", "PMID": 1011487} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12592", "title": "[Radioimmune method of determining the concentration of digoxin in the blood during treatment of patients with cardiac insufficiency].", "content": "Digoxin concentrations were studied in the blood serum of 128 patients with cardiac insufficiency of different etiology (acute myocardial infarction, postinfarction cardiosclerosis, mitral valve disease). Radioimmunoassay with standard kits was employed, the kits containing 125 I-labelled Digoxin. Mean concentrations of Digoxin were determined in the blood serum corresponding to different maintenance doses of the drug. It was found that signs of overdosage usually appear with concentrations exceeding 2.5 ng/ml. Disorders in the renal excretory function in patients with severe edematous syndrome help a prompt cumulation of Digoxin and the development of glucoside intoxication. Some patients demonstrated a reduced Digoxin tolerance in the acute period of their myocardial infarction. The advantages of the radioimmunoassay, especially in severely ill patients with cardiac pathology are emphasized.", "contents": "[Radioimmune method of determining the concentration of digoxin in the blood during treatment of patients with cardiac insufficiency]. Digoxin concentrations were studied in the blood serum of 128 patients with cardiac insufficiency of different etiology (acute myocardial infarction, postinfarction cardiosclerosis, mitral valve disease). Radioimmunoassay with standard kits was employed, the kits containing 125 I-labelled Digoxin. Mean concentrations of Digoxin were determined in the blood serum corresponding to different maintenance doses of the drug. It was found that signs of overdosage usually appear with concentrations exceeding 2.5 ng/ml. Disorders in the renal excretory function in patients with severe edematous syndrome help a prompt cumulation of Digoxin and the development of glucoside intoxication. Some patients demonstrated a reduced Digoxin tolerance in the acute period of their myocardial infarction. The advantages of the radioimmunoassay, especially in severely ill patients with cardiac pathology are emphasized.", "PMID": 1011488} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12593", "title": "[Circulatory disorders in rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease].", "content": "Proceeding from many years of observations of rheumatic heart diseases patients the authors analyse the peculiarities of circulatory disorders in them. The problems of diagnosis of an active rheumatic process that is often masked by decompensation signs are reflected. On the basis of 337 clinical and morphological comparisons and the examination of 145 patients recommendations were developed as to the diagnosis of several symptoms and the arrangement of a set of immunological tests (humoral and cellular factors of the body's natural resistance and immunopathological reactions). Electroradiokymography (213 patients) revealed the peculiarities of the disorders in the contractile function of the heart in early stages of circulatory disorders.", "contents": "[Circulatory disorders in rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease]. Proceeding from many years of observations of rheumatic heart diseases patients the authors analyse the peculiarities of circulatory disorders in them. The problems of diagnosis of an active rheumatic process that is often masked by decompensation signs are reflected. On the basis of 337 clinical and morphological comparisons and the examination of 145 patients recommendations were developed as to the diagnosis of several symptoms and the arrangement of a set of immunological tests (humoral and cellular factors of the body's natural resistance and immunopathological reactions). Electroradiokymography (213 patients) revealed the peculiarities of the disorders in the contractile function of the heart in early stages of circulatory disorders.", "PMID": 1011489} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12594", "title": "[Renal filtration function indices and their correction in myocardial infarct].", "content": "Glomerular filtration was examined by way of a radioisotope technique using Yb169-labelled ethylenediaminetetracetic acid. The method permits to conduct the examinations without radio-isotope equipment at the bedside of myocardial infarction patients, which is of great practical convenience. The study was conducted in 65 myocardial infarction patients and in 14 control individuals. Glomerular filtration was studied dynamically in different age-groups, in patients with acute and recurrent myocardial infarction with due regard of concomitant hypertension and complications. A correlation of the disorders in glomerular filtration and the age of the patients was revealed. The lowest figures of glomerular filtration were received in patients with myocardial infarction complicated by circulatory insufficiency and, especially, cardiogenic shock. The indices of glomerular filtration correlated with the circulating blood volume and venous pressure not in all patients.", "contents": "[Renal filtration function indices and their correction in myocardial infarct]. Glomerular filtration was examined by way of a radioisotope technique using Yb169-labelled ethylenediaminetetracetic acid. The method permits to conduct the examinations without radio-isotope equipment at the bedside of myocardial infarction patients, which is of great practical convenience. The study was conducted in 65 myocardial infarction patients and in 14 control individuals. Glomerular filtration was studied dynamically in different age-groups, in patients with acute and recurrent myocardial infarction with due regard of concomitant hypertension and complications. A correlation of the disorders in glomerular filtration and the age of the patients was revealed. The lowest figures of glomerular filtration were received in patients with myocardial infarction complicated by circulatory insufficiency and, especially, cardiogenic shock. The indices of glomerular filtration correlated with the circulating blood volume and venous pressure not in all patients.", "PMID": 1011490} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12595", "title": "[Use of the bicycle ergometric test as a method of identifying functional cardiac insufficiency in ischemic heart disease].", "content": "A total of 146 patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease and 90 normal persons were subjected to step-wise bicycle ergometry tests with an analysis of ECG, pulse rate, spiroergometry, cardiac volumes, and ultrasonic location of the posterior wall of the left ventricle. It was demonstrated that the pulse-pressure index that results in ischaemic manifestations can be determined in every patient, i.e. this index reflects the limit of oxygen consumption by the myocardium. Considerable limitations of the cardiac reserve result in early initiation of extracardiac mechanisms of homeostasis preservation--arterial pressure elevation, increasing dynamic viscosity of the blood, relatively moderate pulse rate increase. The noneconomic nature of such a response to the additional load predisposes the development of ischaemic disorders, acidosis and reduction of total oxygen consumption. The obtained data illustrate the importance of the test for the selection of optimum levels of training exercises.", "contents": "[Use of the bicycle ergometric test as a method of identifying functional cardiac insufficiency in ischemic heart disease]. A total of 146 patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease and 90 normal persons were subjected to step-wise bicycle ergometry tests with an analysis of ECG, pulse rate, spiroergometry, cardiac volumes, and ultrasonic location of the posterior wall of the left ventricle. It was demonstrated that the pulse-pressure index that results in ischaemic manifestations can be determined in every patient, i.e. this index reflects the limit of oxygen consumption by the myocardium. Considerable limitations of the cardiac reserve result in early initiation of extracardiac mechanisms of homeostasis preservation--arterial pressure elevation, increasing dynamic viscosity of the blood, relatively moderate pulse rate increase. The noneconomic nature of such a response to the additional load predisposes the development of ischaemic disorders, acidosis and reduction of total oxygen consumption. The obtained data illustrate the importance of the test for the selection of optimum levels of training exercises.", "PMID": 1011492} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12596", "title": "[Use of pyridoxylate for treating chronic coronary insufficiency].", "content": "A total of 49 patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease (38 of whom had previously survived myoca dial infarction) were treated with Piridoxylate administered intramuscularly and orally. The treatment resulted in an improvement of the state of 2/3 of the patients, positive ECG shifts, improvements of cardio- and haemodynamics at rest and under physical exercises. In half of the patients an increased tolerance of physical exercises was noted. No side-effects of Piridoxylate therapy were observed.", "contents": "[Use of pyridoxylate for treating chronic coronary insufficiency]. A total of 49 patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease (38 of whom had previously survived myoca dial infarction) were treated with Piridoxylate administered intramuscularly and orally. The treatment resulted in an improvement of the state of 2/3 of the patients, positive ECG shifts, improvements of cardio- and haemodynamics at rest and under physical exercises. In half of the patients an increased tolerance of physical exercises was noted. No side-effects of Piridoxylate therapy were observed.", "PMID": 1011493} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12597", "title": "[Effect of strophanthin on the metabolism, electrolyte content, myocardial ultrastructure and contractile function of the heart in the peri-infarction zones in experimental infarct].", "content": "The results of a complex study are presented dealing with the effect of Strophantin on metabolism, electrolytes content, myocardial ultrastructure and contractile function of various portions of the heart in dogs with experimentally induced infarction. Under the effect of Strophantin the destructive alterations of the myocardial ultrastructure, the electrolytes shifts and disorders in the contractile function of the myocardium in the zone of impaired circulation (25 min.) were less severe than in non-treated dogs. A more distinct beneficial effect of Strophantin upon the structural-functional state of the myocardium was revealed in the parainfarction zones after 2 days and 2 weeks following the ligation of the coronary artery. A reduction of potassium and sodium content in the paranecrotic zone of the myocardium in early postinfarction periods in treated animals must be largely due to the more active ion diffusion in this zone of the infarction caused by improved microcirculation.", "contents": "[Effect of strophanthin on the metabolism, electrolyte content, myocardial ultrastructure and contractile function of the heart in the peri-infarction zones in experimental infarct]. The results of a complex study are presented dealing with the effect of Strophantin on metabolism, electrolytes content, myocardial ultrastructure and contractile function of various portions of the heart in dogs with experimentally induced infarction. Under the effect of Strophantin the destructive alterations of the myocardial ultrastructure, the electrolytes shifts and disorders in the contractile function of the myocardium in the zone of impaired circulation (25 min.) were less severe than in non-treated dogs. A more distinct beneficial effect of Strophantin upon the structural-functional state of the myocardium was revealed in the parainfarction zones after 2 days and 2 weeks following the ligation of the coronary artery. A reduction of potassium and sodium content in the paranecrotic zone of the myocardium in early postinfarction periods in treated animals must be largely due to the more active ion diffusion in this zone of the infarction caused by improved microcirculation.", "PMID": 1011494} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12598", "title": "[Digoxin concentration in the blood during the treatment of cardiac insufficiency].", "content": "Blood concentrations of Digoxin were determined by radioimmuno-assay in 80 patients with different stages of circulatory insufficiency receiving maintenance therapy with Digoxin, 0.25-0.75 mg/day. The range of Digoxin concentration fluctuations is very wide--from 0.25 to 2.4 ng/ml. Some elevation of Digoxin concentration in blood was observed when the dose of the drug was increased, both in different groups of patients, and in the same patients when the maintenance dose was altered. Studies conducted during digitalis intoxication in 4 patients demonstrated different levels of Digoxin concentration in blood--from 0.8 to 2.6 ng/ml. The obtained results permitted to conclude that the concentration of Digoxin in blood has no significance in choosing the optimum therapeutic dose, unless the clinical data are taken into account.", "contents": "[Digoxin concentration in the blood during the treatment of cardiac insufficiency]. Blood concentrations of Digoxin were determined by radioimmuno-assay in 80 patients with different stages of circulatory insufficiency receiving maintenance therapy with Digoxin, 0.25-0.75 mg/day. The range of Digoxin concentration fluctuations is very wide--from 0.25 to 2.4 ng/ml. Some elevation of Digoxin concentration in blood was observed when the dose of the drug was increased, both in different groups of patients, and in the same patients when the maintenance dose was altered. Studies conducted during digitalis intoxication in 4 patients demonstrated different levels of Digoxin concentration in blood--from 0.8 to 2.6 ng/ml. The obtained results permitted to conclude that the concentration of Digoxin in blood has no significance in choosing the optimum therapeutic dose, unless the clinical data are taken into account.", "PMID": 1011500} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12599", "title": "[\"Digitalis\" arrhythmias and their treatment].", "content": "The observation was conducted in 92 patients with rhythm and conductivity disorders induced by cardiac glycosides. Most of the patients had ischaemic heart disease, 60 of them having had acute myocardial infarction. All patients were prescribed cardiac glycosides (usually Strophantin and digitalis preparations) due to the appearance of cardiac insufficiency. The most frequently observed rhythm disorder consisted in ventricular extrasystole (69.5% of the cases), bigeminy, polytopic or group extrasystole being observed in many cases. Often arrhythmias consisted in atrial extrasystole, atrial fibrillation, atrial and ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular block. \"Digitalis\" arrhythmias were treated with beta-adrenergic blockers: Inderal, Viskene, Eraldin, Trasicor and Aptin. These drugs proved effective in most cases with atrial arrhythmias and in some--with ventricular arrhythmias. Lidocain was more effective in cases of ventricular arrhythmias. Effective drugs of a broad spectrum are also Aimalin, Pulsenorma and Ritmodan.", "contents": "[\"Digitalis\" arrhythmias and their treatment]. The observation was conducted in 92 patients with rhythm and conductivity disorders induced by cardiac glycosides. Most of the patients had ischaemic heart disease, 60 of them having had acute myocardial infarction. All patients were prescribed cardiac glycosides (usually Strophantin and digitalis preparations) due to the appearance of cardiac insufficiency. The most frequently observed rhythm disorder consisted in ventricular extrasystole (69.5% of the cases), bigeminy, polytopic or group extrasystole being observed in many cases. Often arrhythmias consisted in atrial extrasystole, atrial fibrillation, atrial and ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular block. \"Digitalis\" arrhythmias were treated with beta-adrenergic blockers: Inderal, Viskene, Eraldin, Trasicor and Aptin. These drugs proved effective in most cases with atrial arrhythmias and in some--with ventricular arrhythmias. Lidocain was more effective in cases of ventricular arrhythmias. Effective drugs of a broad spectrum are also Aimalin, Pulsenorma and Ritmodan.", "PMID": 1011501} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12600", "title": "[Treatment of refractory chronic circulatory insufficiency].", "content": "An analysis of archives material (1,500 case reports of patients with circulatory insufficiency) revealed that 200 patients (13%) had persistent, refractory circulatory failure. The revealed factors providing for the development of the refractoriness were: relapsing rheumocarditis, pneumonias, pulmonary infarctions in patients with rheumatic heart diseases, extended cicatrical changes in the myocardium of patients with atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis, or the underlying pathological process in cases of idiopathic myocardial lesions. These factors were taken into account, along with individualization of the therapeutic regimens of cardiac glycosides.", "contents": "[Treatment of refractory chronic circulatory insufficiency]. An analysis of archives material (1,500 case reports of patients with circulatory insufficiency) revealed that 200 patients (13%) had persistent, refractory circulatory failure. The revealed factors providing for the development of the refractoriness were: relapsing rheumocarditis, pneumonias, pulmonary infarctions in patients with rheumatic heart diseases, extended cicatrical changes in the myocardium of patients with atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis, or the underlying pathological process in cases of idiopathic myocardial lesions. These factors were taken into account, along with individualization of the therapeutic regimens of cardiac glycosides.", "PMID": 1011502} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12601", "title": "[Hormonal disturbances and the treatment of refractory forms of congestive circulatory insufficiency].", "content": "In 109 patients with congestive circulatory insufficiency daily aldosterone excretion was examined by thin-layer chromatography, and in 50 patients aldosteronuria was compared with the excretion of electrolytes and haemodynamic parameters. The daily excretion of aldosterone under the effect of Prednisolone and other saluretics was studied along with the daily excretion of glucocorticoids under the effect of Prednisolone. The efficacy of a combination of drugs (Aldactone, Furosemid, Prednisolone) was studied in patients with refractory forms of circulatory insufficiency. The obtained data revealed an increase of the mineralocorticoid function and a decrease of the glucocorticoid function of the adrenals, a close correlation existing between the level of aldosteronuria, central haemodynamics pattern and electrolytes excretion. Therapy with Prednisolone results in a reduction of aldosteronuria, without causing any inhibition of the glucocorticoid function. The best therapeutic effect was obtained with a combination of Prednisolone, Aldactone, Furosemid, that caused distinct diuresis, natriuresis, increased blood plasma potassium levels, reduction of total dody fluid and body weight.", "contents": "[Hormonal disturbances and the treatment of refractory forms of congestive circulatory insufficiency]. In 109 patients with congestive circulatory insufficiency daily aldosterone excretion was examined by thin-layer chromatography, and in 50 patients aldosteronuria was compared with the excretion of electrolytes and haemodynamic parameters. The daily excretion of aldosterone under the effect of Prednisolone and other saluretics was studied along with the daily excretion of glucocorticoids under the effect of Prednisolone. The efficacy of a combination of drugs (Aldactone, Furosemid, Prednisolone) was studied in patients with refractory forms of circulatory insufficiency. The obtained data revealed an increase of the mineralocorticoid function and a decrease of the glucocorticoid function of the adrenals, a close correlation existing between the level of aldosteronuria, central haemodynamics pattern and electrolytes excretion. Therapy with Prednisolone results in a reduction of aldosteronuria, without causing any inhibition of the glucocorticoid function. The best therapeutic effect was obtained with a combination of Prednisolone, Aldactone, Furosemid, that caused distinct diuresis, natriuresis, increased blood plasma potassium levels, reduction of total dody fluid and body weight.", "PMID": 1011503} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12602", "title": "[Clinical use of pterofen as a diuretic agent in circulatory insufficiency].", "content": "Clinical and laboratory observations were conducted using a new Soviet-made drug Pterophene as a diuretic in 30 patients with circulatory insufficiency. Stage IIB and III. Pterophene was found to produce a distinct natriuretuc and diuretic effect. With its daily intake, the effect has a prompt onset, it increases by the 3rd-4th day of therapy, persists for a long period, slightly decreasing in its potency by the 7th-10th day of its continuous administration. A valuable property of Pterophene is its potassium-retaining effect. The drug is well tolerated by the patients, and it can be combined with other diuretics. Pherophene potentiates the diuretic and natriuretic effect of Hypothiaside, Furosemide and Nuvorite, and decreases potassium excretion that was enhanced by these drugs.", "contents": "[Clinical use of pterofen as a diuretic agent in circulatory insufficiency]. Clinical and laboratory observations were conducted using a new Soviet-made drug Pterophene as a diuretic in 30 patients with circulatory insufficiency. Stage IIB and III. Pterophene was found to produce a distinct natriuretuc and diuretic effect. With its daily intake, the effect has a prompt onset, it increases by the 3rd-4th day of therapy, persists for a long period, slightly decreasing in its potency by the 7th-10th day of its continuous administration. A valuable property of Pterophene is its potassium-retaining effect. The drug is well tolerated by the patients, and it can be combined with other diuretics. Pherophene potentiates the diuretic and natriuretic effect of Hypothiaside, Furosemide and Nuvorite, and decreases potassium excretion that was enhanced by these drugs.", "PMID": 1011504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12603", "title": "[Characteristics of sodium and water elimination in chronic cardiac insufficiency].", "content": "The peculiarities of water and electrolytes elimination prior to and following therapy with diuretics were studied in 92 patients with Stage II-III cardiac insufficiency. The control group was comprised of 23 patients with Stage 0-I insufficiency and 12 normal volunteers. A progressing cardiac insufficiency was found to be accompanied by a reduction in sodium and water excretion. The results of the study permit to suggest the localization of enhanced reabsorption of sodium in cases of cardiac insufficiency, to evaluate the proportion of the participation of the antidiuretic hormone and aldosterone in the pathogenesis of sodium retention in the kidney, and to assess the diuretics as means of pathogenetic treatment of cardiac insufficiency, which proves rational on early stages of the disease without accompanying severe circulatory disorders.", "contents": "[Characteristics of sodium and water elimination in chronic cardiac insufficiency]. The peculiarities of water and electrolytes elimination prior to and following therapy with diuretics were studied in 92 patients with Stage II-III cardiac insufficiency. The control group was comprised of 23 patients with Stage 0-I insufficiency and 12 normal volunteers. A progressing cardiac insufficiency was found to be accompanied by a reduction in sodium and water excretion. The results of the study permit to suggest the localization of enhanced reabsorption of sodium in cases of cardiac insufficiency, to evaluate the proportion of the participation of the antidiuretic hormone and aldosterone in the pathogenesis of sodium retention in the kidney, and to assess the diuretics as means of pathogenetic treatment of cardiac insufficiency, which proves rational on early stages of the disease without accompanying severe circulatory disorders.", "PMID": 1011505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12604", "title": "[Acute cardiac insufficiency and water-electrolyte metabolism in the postoperative period in congenital heart defects].", "content": "The study was conducted in 58 patients with congenital heart diseases. Preoperative cardiac insufficiency in patients with congenital heart diseases was shown to favour a complicated postoperative course which, in turn, is accompanied by alterations in the water-electrolyte metabolism. The development of cellular hyperhydration in patients with congenital heart diseases depends on the severity of the postoperative course and is its characteristic reflection. Distinct changes in the content of the electrolytes develop at this stage: potassium concentration reduction in the cells and sodium concentration increase in them.", "contents": "[Acute cardiac insufficiency and water-electrolyte metabolism in the postoperative period in congenital heart defects]. The study was conducted in 58 patients with congenital heart diseases. Preoperative cardiac insufficiency in patients with congenital heart diseases was shown to favour a complicated postoperative course which, in turn, is accompanied by alterations in the water-electrolyte metabolism. The development of cellular hyperhydration in patients with congenital heart diseases depends on the severity of the postoperative course and is its characteristic reflection. Distinct changes in the content of the electrolytes develop at this stage: potassium concentration reduction in the cells and sodium concentration increase in them.", "PMID": 1011506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12605", "title": "[State of water-electrolyte metabolism in ischemic heart disease].", "content": "The state of the water-electrolyte metabolism was studied by the radio-isotope dilution technique in 115 patients with different forms of ischaemic heart disease and in 25 normal persons. It was established that all forms of ischaemic heart disease are accompanied by a significant potassium deficit imperceptible for blood and urine examinations of their electrolyte composition. The potassium deficit is most clearly expressed in patients with cardiosclerosis, especially in congestive heart failure. In a considerable part of the patients with acute myocardial infarction, including those without clinical signs of congestive heart failure, the rate of sodium and water metabolism is decreased, and the total body content of metabolizing sodium is increased. Sodium retention in the body is especially severe in patients with cardiosclerosis complicated by congestive circulatory insufficiency. The administration of diuretics in adequate doses was shown to result in normalization of the indices of sodium and water metabolism.", "contents": "[State of water-electrolyte metabolism in ischemic heart disease]. The state of the water-electrolyte metabolism was studied by the radio-isotope dilution technique in 115 patients with different forms of ischaemic heart disease and in 25 normal persons. It was established that all forms of ischaemic heart disease are accompanied by a significant potassium deficit imperceptible for blood and urine examinations of their electrolyte composition. The potassium deficit is most clearly expressed in patients with cardiosclerosis, especially in congestive heart failure. In a considerable part of the patients with acute myocardial infarction, including those without clinical signs of congestive heart failure, the rate of sodium and water metabolism is decreased, and the total body content of metabolizing sodium is increased. Sodium retention in the body is especially severe in patients with cardiosclerosis complicated by congestive circulatory insufficiency. The administration of diuretics in adequate doses was shown to result in normalization of the indices of sodium and water metabolism.", "PMID": 1011507} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12606", "title": "[Thrombocyte and erythrocyte aggregation in congestive circulatory insufficiency].", "content": "In 58 patients with Stage II-III congestive circulatory insufficiency photometric techniques permitted to reveal an increased aggregation of platelets and erythrocytes. The increased erythrocytes aggregation in congestive circulatory insufficiency correlated with an increased sodium content in the erythrocytes (r = +0,82) and total body content of water (r = +0,62). The mechanisms of increased platelets and erythrocytes aggregation are discussed, as well as their role in microcirculation disorders observed in circulatory insufficiency.", "contents": "[Thrombocyte and erythrocyte aggregation in congestive circulatory insufficiency]. In 58 patients with Stage II-III congestive circulatory insufficiency photometric techniques permitted to reveal an increased aggregation of platelets and erythrocytes. The increased erythrocytes aggregation in congestive circulatory insufficiency correlated with an increased sodium content in the erythrocytes (r = +0,82) and total body content of water (r = +0,62). The mechanisms of increased platelets and erythrocytes aggregation are discussed, as well as their role in microcirculation disorders observed in circulatory insufficiency.", "PMID": 1011508} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12607", "title": "[Importance of myocardial asynergy zones in the development of cardiac insufficiency].", "content": "The paper presents the results of an examination of 62 patients with postinfarction cardiosclerosis by means of echocardiography and ultrasonic scanning. The impact of the asynergy zone on the development of cardiac insufficiency was studied with reference to the area of myocardial lesion. Myocardial hyperkinesia is characterized, its compensatory effect in postinfarction cardiosclerosis and arterial hypertension is discussed. The effect of Inderal and Ildomen on both the zones of hyperkinesia, and on the indices of cardiac haemodynamics as a whole is described.", "contents": "[Importance of myocardial asynergy zones in the development of cardiac insufficiency]. The paper presents the results of an examination of 62 patients with postinfarction cardiosclerosis by means of echocardiography and ultrasonic scanning. The impact of the asynergy zone on the development of cardiac insufficiency was studied with reference to the area of myocardial lesion. Myocardial hyperkinesia is characterized, its compensatory effect in postinfarction cardiosclerosis and arterial hypertension is discussed. The effect of Inderal and Ildomen on both the zones of hyperkinesia, and on the indices of cardiac haemodynamics as a whole is described.", "PMID": 1011509} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12608", "title": "[Mitral valve prolapse syndrome].", "content": "Among 2485 patients with cardiovascular pathology observed by the authors in the course of 3 years, 8 patients displayed the mitral valve prolapsus syndrome due to the presence of a late systolic murmur or extratone (nonejection systolic click). In 5 patients the diagnosis was supported by echocardiography. In 3 patients, aged 58 to 77 years different forms of the ischaemic heart disease were diagnosed. In the remaining 5 younger patients (24 to 35 years) the etiology of the mitral valve prolapsus syndrome was not established. Their clinical manifestations consisted in complaints of cardiac pains not connected with physical exercises, extrasystole, fatigue, neurotic behaviour.", "contents": "[Mitral valve prolapse syndrome]. Among 2485 patients with cardiovascular pathology observed by the authors in the course of 3 years, 8 patients displayed the mitral valve prolapsus syndrome due to the presence of a late systolic murmur or extratone (nonejection systolic click). In 5 patients the diagnosis was supported by echocardiography. In 3 patients, aged 58 to 77 years different forms of the ischaemic heart disease were diagnosed. In the remaining 5 younger patients (24 to 35 years) the etiology of the mitral valve prolapsus syndrome was not established. Their clinical manifestations consisted in complaints of cardiac pains not connected with physical exercises, extrasystole, fatigue, neurotic behaviour.", "PMID": 1011510} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12609", "title": "[X-ray study of the function of a \"preserved\" myocardium in chronic cardiac aneurysm compared to intracardiac hemodynamic data].", "content": "The data of X-ray, radiokymography and of intracardiac haemodynamic studies were compared in 45 cases of chronic cardiac aneurysms and varying degrees of circulatory insufficiency. Special attention was paid to the study of the functional state of the myocardium beyond the zone of the aneurysm that was conducted with the aid of radiokymography. A certain correlation was established between the amplitude of the radiokymographic curve along the left ventricular margin beyond the aneurysmal zone and the severity of the haemodynamic disorders. An unfavourable effect of a decreasing amplitude of the curve towards the cardiac apex was revealed.", "contents": "[X-ray study of the function of a \"preserved\" myocardium in chronic cardiac aneurysm compared to intracardiac hemodynamic data]. The data of X-ray, radiokymography and of intracardiac haemodynamic studies were compared in 45 cases of chronic cardiac aneurysms and varying degrees of circulatory insufficiency. Special attention was paid to the study of the functional state of the myocardium beyond the zone of the aneurysm that was conducted with the aid of radiokymography. A certain correlation was established between the amplitude of the radiokymographic curve along the left ventricular margin beyond the aneurysmal zone and the severity of the haemodynamic disorders. An unfavourable effect of a decreasing amplitude of the curve towards the cardiac apex was revealed.", "PMID": 1011511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12610", "title": "[Study of solubility rate of polysaccharide carriers for prolonlonging the effect of drugs in chronic experiment].", "content": "To study the process of dissolving polysaccharide carriers in the body used to prolong the action of drugs microspheric preparations of aldehyde-sephadexes of different degrees of oxidation containing I131-labelled covalently bound human serum albumin were synthesized. A radioisotope study of the rate of solution of the mentioned preparations injected by way of catheterization into the myocardial capillary network was conducted. The obtained carriers were shown to be harmless capable of prolonged retention of the bound protein at the site of injection, the rate of their solution in vivo and in vitro being nearly equal.", "contents": "[Study of solubility rate of polysaccharide carriers for prolonlonging the effect of drugs in chronic experiment]. To study the process of dissolving polysaccharide carriers in the body used to prolong the action of drugs microspheric preparations of aldehyde-sephadexes of different degrees of oxidation containing I131-labelled covalently bound human serum albumin were synthesized. A radioisotope study of the rate of solution of the mentioned preparations injected by way of catheterization into the myocardial capillary network was conducted. The obtained carriers were shown to be harmless capable of prolonged retention of the bound protein at the site of injection, the rate of their solution in vivo and in vitro being nearly equal.", "PMID": 1011512} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12611", "title": "[Negative chrono- and inotropic effect of acetylcholine after its local administration to different parts of the heart].", "content": "The application of acetylcholine to the atria of an isolated heart of a frog produces a specific negative chronotropic effect without decreasing its amplitude, while its application to the ventricle -- a specific negative inotropic effect without decelerating the heart contractions rate. The application of atropine to the atria and ventricles eliminates the specific negative chrono- and inotropic effects of acetylcholine. The various ganglion-blocking agents do not eliminate these effects. The existence of a new membrane mechanism of perception of the specific effects of acetylcholine and of their synchronous transmission to the venous-atrial node and the ventricular myocardium is proved to be found in the atria and ventricles.", "contents": "[Negative chrono- and inotropic effect of acetylcholine after its local administration to different parts of the heart]. The application of acetylcholine to the atria of an isolated heart of a frog produces a specific negative chronotropic effect without decreasing its amplitude, while its application to the ventricle -- a specific negative inotropic effect without decelerating the heart contractions rate. The application of atropine to the atria and ventricles eliminates the specific negative chrono- and inotropic effects of acetylcholine. The various ganglion-blocking agents do not eliminate these effects. The existence of a new membrane mechanism of perception of the specific effects of acetylcholine and of their synchronous transmission to the venous-atrial node and the ventricular myocardium is proved to be found in the atria and ventricles.", "PMID": 1011513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12612", "title": "[Quantatitative evaluation of food consumption in epidemiological studies of cardiovascular diseases].", "content": "On the basis of a brief calculation technique for foodstuffs a chart of the chemical composition of food was compiled, in which the most popular foodstuffs were averaged and classified according to their chemical similarity into 12 groups and 162 items. To check the correctness of the selection of the averaged units 21 males, aged 40 to 59 years, were questioned. The obtained data on the whole food consumed on the preceeding day were calculated in two variants: with the brief variant of calculations the averaged foodstuffs were used in accordance with the devised chart, with the long-term method the used data were retrieved from the available tables of the chemical composition of each product individually. A comparison of the results of calculations of the 21 daily rations obtained with the aid of the above two methods has demonstrated that the differences were absolutely negligible for total lipids, saturated, mono- and polynonsaturated fatty acids, total carbohydrates, refined and nonrefined sugar, compound carbohydrates, alcohol and the total caloric content of the food. The difference was meaningful for the total protein and cholesterol.", "contents": "[Quantatitative evaluation of food consumption in epidemiological studies of cardiovascular diseases]. On the basis of a brief calculation technique for foodstuffs a chart of the chemical composition of food was compiled, in which the most popular foodstuffs were averaged and classified according to their chemical similarity into 12 groups and 162 items. To check the correctness of the selection of the averaged units 21 males, aged 40 to 59 years, were questioned. The obtained data on the whole food consumed on the preceeding day were calculated in two variants: with the brief variant of calculations the averaged foodstuffs were used in accordance with the devised chart, with the long-term method the used data were retrieved from the available tables of the chemical composition of each product individually. A comparison of the results of calculations of the 21 daily rations obtained with the aid of the above two methods has demonstrated that the differences were absolutely negligible for total lipids, saturated, mono- and polynonsaturated fatty acids, total carbohydrates, refined and nonrefined sugar, compound carbohydrates, alcohol and the total caloric content of the food. The difference was meaningful for the total protein and cholesterol.", "PMID": 1011514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12613", "title": "[Changes of intracardiac hemodynamics in patients with secondary atrial septal defects before and after surgery].", "content": "Investigation of the central and intracardial hemodynamics was conducted in 60 patients with secondary defects of the interatrial septum. Using the method of long cardiac catheterization it was established that the systolic pressure in the right ventricle decreased and the final diastolic pressure increased which was an indication of functional insufficiency of the ventricle. This was confirmed by the reduction of work and potency of the right ventricle. Changes in the myocardial contractility in the nearest days after the operation were accompanied by a reduction in the maximum rate of the intraventricular pressure growth in the medium rate of ejaculation.", "contents": "[Changes of intracardiac hemodynamics in patients with secondary atrial septal defects before and after surgery]. Investigation of the central and intracardial hemodynamics was conducted in 60 patients with secondary defects of the interatrial septum. Using the method of long cardiac catheterization it was established that the systolic pressure in the right ventricle decreased and the final diastolic pressure increased which was an indication of functional insufficiency of the ventricle. This was confirmed by the reduction of work and potency of the right ventricle. Changes in the myocardial contractility in the nearest days after the operation were accompanied by a reduction in the maximum rate of the intraventricular pressure growth in the medium rate of ejaculation.", "PMID": 1011515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12614", "title": "[Arterioral sphygmography in complex study of hemodynamics in myocardial infarct].", "content": "The methods of polycardiography, sphygmography and arteriolosphygmography developed by the authors were used to examine 39 normal individuals, aged 22 to 42 years. A mathematical comparison of the phases of the left ventricular systole and of the complex parameters with the phase parameters of the peripheral flow on the level of the digital arteries and arterioles has demonstrated an insignificant correlation between them, thus indicating an autonomous nature of the peripheral flow on the mentioned level. A dynamic observation of the same parameters of the central and peripheral circulation in the acute, subacute and chronic periods of myocardial infarction in 50 patients revealed some disturbances in the indices of the contractile function of the heart and more distinct, progressive changes in the indices of the peripheral circulation down to the level of small caliber vessels.", "contents": "[Arterioral sphygmography in complex study of hemodynamics in myocardial infarct]. The methods of polycardiography, sphygmography and arteriolosphygmography developed by the authors were used to examine 39 normal individuals, aged 22 to 42 years. A mathematical comparison of the phases of the left ventricular systole and of the complex parameters with the phase parameters of the peripheral flow on the level of the digital arteries and arterioles has demonstrated an insignificant correlation between them, thus indicating an autonomous nature of the peripheral flow on the mentioned level. A dynamic observation of the same parameters of the central and peripheral circulation in the acute, subacute and chronic periods of myocardial infarction in 50 patients revealed some disturbances in the indices of the contractile function of the heart and more distinct, progressive changes in the indices of the peripheral circulation down to the level of small caliber vessels.", "PMID": 1011516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12615", "title": "[Compensation of disorders of coronary circulation by means of collaterals (according to coronarographic data].", "content": "On the basis of an analysis of about 1000 coronary angiogrammes it is established that collaterals develop in stenosis of the coronary arteries in 52.3% of the patients surviving myocardial infarction, and in 20% of those free of myocardial infarction. Coronary angiogrammes of 100 patients with coronary collaterals were examined. Twenty different ways of collateral circulation were revealed. Certain regularities were noted in the development of collaterals depending on the lesions of different coronaries or combined lesions of several arteries. Intersystemic collaterals are most typical for the occlusions of the anterior interventricular branch. In cases of occlusions of the right coronary artery either intersystemic, or intrasystemic collaterals develop, depending on the localization of the occlusion. A study of the collaterals in cases of multiple coronary lesions has demonstrated that under such conditions a complicated system of anastomoses develops, and the flow in them is multidirectional.", "contents": "[Compensation of disorders of coronary circulation by means of collaterals (according to coronarographic data]. On the basis of an analysis of about 1000 coronary angiogrammes it is established that collaterals develop in stenosis of the coronary arteries in 52.3% of the patients surviving myocardial infarction, and in 20% of those free of myocardial infarction. Coronary angiogrammes of 100 patients with coronary collaterals were examined. Twenty different ways of collateral circulation were revealed. Certain regularities were noted in the development of collaterals depending on the lesions of different coronaries or combined lesions of several arteries. Intersystemic collaterals are most typical for the occlusions of the anterior interventricular branch. In cases of occlusions of the right coronary artery either intersystemic, or intrasystemic collaterals develop, depending on the localization of the occlusion. A study of the collaterals in cases of multiple coronary lesions has demonstrated that under such conditions a complicated system of anastomoses develops, and the flow in them is multidirectional.", "PMID": 1011523} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12616", "title": "[Adaptation to physical exertion at early stages of hypertension].", "content": "A total of 230 patients with essential hypertension without signs of circulatory insufficiency were subjected to ventilation and pulmonary gas exchange studies under dosaged physical exercises, and 140 patients were reexamined following a therapeutic course. Disturbances in the patients' adaptation to physical exercises were noted even at early stages of the disease, their therapy being found effective.", "contents": "[Adaptation to physical exertion at early stages of hypertension]. A total of 230 patients with essential hypertension without signs of circulatory insufficiency were subjected to ventilation and pulmonary gas exchange studies under dosaged physical exercises, and 140 patients were reexamined following a therapeutic course. Disturbances in the patients' adaptation to physical exercises were noted even at early stages of the disease, their therapy being found effective.", "PMID": 1011524} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12617", "title": "[Study of the adaptation to physical exertion in patients with mitral valve defects].", "content": "The study was conducted in 80 patients with moderate compensatid mitral valve diseases without any signs of active rheumatic disease and preserved sinus rhythm. On the basis of a clinical examination two groups of patients were singled out: those without clinical manifestations of circulatory insufficiency, and those with Stage 1 circulatory insufficiency. In both groups of patients, at rest and following exercises, a reduced tolerance of physical exercises was observed, as well as a reduction of the minute and stroke indices. Better tolerance of exercises and improved haemodynamic parameters were noted in both groups following Digoxin therapy. The results of the study prompt the presence of a latent cardiac insufficiency in patients without clinical manifestations of the latter, and permit to recommend its therapy with cardiotonic doses of cardiac glycosides.", "contents": "[Study of the adaptation to physical exertion in patients with mitral valve defects]. The study was conducted in 80 patients with moderate compensatid mitral valve diseases without any signs of active rheumatic disease and preserved sinus rhythm. On the basis of a clinical examination two groups of patients were singled out: those without clinical manifestations of circulatory insufficiency, and those with Stage 1 circulatory insufficiency. In both groups of patients, at rest and following exercises, a reduced tolerance of physical exercises was observed, as well as a reduction of the minute and stroke indices. Better tolerance of exercises and improved haemodynamic parameters were noted in both groups following Digoxin therapy. The results of the study prompt the presence of a latent cardiac insufficiency in patients without clinical manifestations of the latter, and permit to recommend its therapy with cardiotonic doses of cardiac glycosides.", "PMID": 1011525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12618", "title": "[Tolerance to physical exertion in patients with mitral valve defect].", "content": "The tolerance of physical exercises was studied in 75 females: 64 mitral cases, and 11 normal individuals. Certain regularities were revealed concerning the ability for physical labour of mitral patients. A special chart was used for determining the ability for physical labour according to the PWC170 test with reference to the sex and age of the examined.", "contents": "[Tolerance to physical exertion in patients with mitral valve defect]. The tolerance of physical exercises was studied in 75 females: 64 mitral cases, and 11 normal individuals. Certain regularities were revealed concerning the ability for physical labour of mitral patients. A special chart was used for determining the ability for physical labour according to the PWC170 test with reference to the sex and age of the examined.", "PMID": 1011526} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12619", "title": "[Adaptive reactions of the erythrocytes in the evaluation of physical work capacity in patients with tetralogy of Fallot].", "content": "One of the leading factors affecting the functional state of the red blood system is arterial hypoxemia. Under such conditions signs of polycythemia are known to appear. At the same time, changes in the quality characteristics of the blood develop in patients with congenital heart diseases (tetralogy of Fallot including). Therefore a study of the physical rehabilitation as a total functional index may describe the adaptation of the body to hypoxemia, the variants and stages of its development. For this purpose the red blood parameters were examined (the content of hemoglobin, the erythrocyte count and their diameter) and the tolerance of physical exercises was tested by ergometry. The data were analyzed with due regard of the age of the patients and the reduction of their capacity for work, as compared to the due level. Stage 1 reduction of the capacity for work was found in patients with high red blood parameters. In groups of patients with Stage 2, 3 and especially 4 reduction of working capacity the red blood indices were significantly reduced. A distinct correlation was revealed between the erythrocyte count and their diameter, on the one hand, and the capacity for work, on the other.", "contents": "[Adaptive reactions of the erythrocytes in the evaluation of physical work capacity in patients with tetralogy of Fallot]. One of the leading factors affecting the functional state of the red blood system is arterial hypoxemia. Under such conditions signs of polycythemia are known to appear. At the same time, changes in the quality characteristics of the blood develop in patients with congenital heart diseases (tetralogy of Fallot including). Therefore a study of the physical rehabilitation as a total functional index may describe the adaptation of the body to hypoxemia, the variants and stages of its development. For this purpose the red blood parameters were examined (the content of hemoglobin, the erythrocyte count and their diameter) and the tolerance of physical exercises was tested by ergometry. The data were analyzed with due regard of the age of the patients and the reduction of their capacity for work, as compared to the due level. Stage 1 reduction of the capacity for work was found in patients with high red blood parameters. In groups of patients with Stage 2, 3 and especially 4 reduction of working capacity the red blood indices were significantly reduced. A distinct correlation was revealed between the erythrocyte count and their diameter, on the one hand, and the capacity for work, on the other.", "PMID": 1011527} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12620", "title": "[State of the circulatory system in sailors as an indicator of adaptation to long sea voyage].", "content": "The peculiarities of the circulatory functions were examined in sailors following nautical voyages of varying duration and directly on board during a 6-month cruise. Over 1200 persons were subjected to the examination. The overall morbidity was analyzed in a contingent of about 6000 persons. The whole material was statistically processed. The sailors were found to develop hypotensive reactions during the voyage that persisted following its termination. Cruises lasting over 2-3 months cause a significant tension of the adaptation mechanisms in the sailors, thus favouring the formation of persistent hypotensive states, inadequate reactions of the arterial pressure and heart rate, ECG changes that reflect the impairment of the functional state of the myocardium, etc. A lack of adaptation to cruises exceeding 2-3 months was established. The functional state of the cardiovascular system of sailors is considered to be one of the leading criteria for substantiating physiologically permissible duration of cruises.", "contents": "[State of the circulatory system in sailors as an indicator of adaptation to long sea voyage]. The peculiarities of the circulatory functions were examined in sailors following nautical voyages of varying duration and directly on board during a 6-month cruise. Over 1200 persons were subjected to the examination. The overall morbidity was analyzed in a contingent of about 6000 persons. The whole material was statistically processed. The sailors were found to develop hypotensive reactions during the voyage that persisted following its termination. Cruises lasting over 2-3 months cause a significant tension of the adaptation mechanisms in the sailors, thus favouring the formation of persistent hypotensive states, inadequate reactions of the arterial pressure and heart rate, ECG changes that reflect the impairment of the functional state of the myocardium, etc. A lack of adaptation to cruises exceeding 2-3 months was established. The functional state of the cardiovascular system of sailors is considered to be one of the leading criteria for substantiating physiologically permissible duration of cruises.", "PMID": 1011529} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12621", "title": "[Cardiodynamic changes in young sportsmen under the effect of systematic training (problem of development of \"sportsman's heart\" in children)].", "content": "In 53 hockey players the myocardial contractility was studied by the method of phasic analysis of the cardiac cycle. The volume of the heart was determined with the help of biplane teleroentgenography. Physical performance capacity was also estimated and for this veloergometric test PWC170 was used. The phasic analysis of the cardiac contraction revealed in most of the testees the presence of the syndrome of functionally controlled hypodynamics with all the symptoms common to it. Teleroentgenometric findings showed the youthful hockey players to have an enlarged heart as compared to untrained youths of the same age and to children of senior age. The physical performance capacity of 10-12 year old hockey players proved sufficiently high and in the majority of the examined it was more than twice as great as the PWC170 level registered in untrained children of the same age. Morphological-functional changes in the heart found in youthful hockey players are typical of the \"sportsman's heart\" and bear evidence to a highly proficient regulation and control over the operation of the circulatory system that finds its expression in the efficient work of the heart and in raising its reserve possibilities under various extreme conditions.", "contents": "[Cardiodynamic changes in young sportsmen under the effect of systematic training (problem of development of \"sportsman's heart\" in children)]. In 53 hockey players the myocardial contractility was studied by the method of phasic analysis of the cardiac cycle. The volume of the heart was determined with the help of biplane teleroentgenography. Physical performance capacity was also estimated and for this veloergometric test PWC170 was used. The phasic analysis of the cardiac contraction revealed in most of the testees the presence of the syndrome of functionally controlled hypodynamics with all the symptoms common to it. Teleroentgenometric findings showed the youthful hockey players to have an enlarged heart as compared to untrained youths of the same age and to children of senior age. The physical performance capacity of 10-12 year old hockey players proved sufficiently high and in the majority of the examined it was more than twice as great as the PWC170 level registered in untrained children of the same age. Morphological-functional changes in the heart found in youthful hockey players are typical of the \"sportsman's heart\" and bear evidence to a highly proficient regulation and control over the operation of the circulatory system that finds its expression in the efficient work of the heart and in raising its reserve possibilities under various extreme conditions.", "PMID": 1011530} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12622", "title": "[Method of recording the diagnostic value of the electrocardiograph of the bundle of His].", "content": "A method of cardiac microcatheterization introduced by the authors and effected by puncturing the left subclavian vein with a microcatheter of their original design permits recording the bundle of His electrogramme in a functional diagnosis study or in an intensive care ward. The bundle of His electrogramme was recorded in 107 patients, 72 of them having ischaemic heart disease, and 35 -- other cardiac lesions. The obtained data support the high diagnostic value of the bundle of His electrogramme, especially in determining the level of the atrioventricular block, of the reentry phenomenon, in differentiating abberant QRS complexes from ventricular extrasystoles, in diagnosing ectopic rhythms from different parts of the conductive system of the heart, and other complicated arrhythmias. The bundle of His electrogramme can be also used for the study of the effect of drugs on the conductivity function.", "contents": "[Method of recording the diagnostic value of the electrocardiograph of the bundle of His]. A method of cardiac microcatheterization introduced by the authors and effected by puncturing the left subclavian vein with a microcatheter of their original design permits recording the bundle of His electrogramme in a functional diagnosis study or in an intensive care ward. The bundle of His electrogramme was recorded in 107 patients, 72 of them having ischaemic heart disease, and 35 -- other cardiac lesions. The obtained data support the high diagnostic value of the bundle of His electrogramme, especially in determining the level of the atrioventricular block, of the reentry phenomenon, in differentiating abberant QRS complexes from ventricular extrasystoles, in diagnosing ectopic rhythms from different parts of the conductive system of the heart, and other complicated arrhythmias. The bundle of His electrogramme can be also used for the study of the effect of drugs on the conductivity function.", "PMID": 1011531} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12623", "title": "[Mechanism of regulation of themitochondrial creatine phosphokinase reaction by magnewium ions].", "content": "The method of mathematical modelling and kynetic analysis was used to study the mechanism of the regulatory effect of magnesium ions on the creatinephosphokinase reaction in cardiac mitochondria. The regulatory effect of magnesium was shown to originate from the competition between ATP and ADP and the magnesium-complex-formation reaction, and the actual regulator proves to be MgADP. On the basis of the data obtained it is postulated that creatinephosphokinase in cardiac mitochondria is functionally connected with ATP-ADP-translocase. The obtained data permit to believe that the mitochondrial cratinephosphokinase is one of the key links in the process of energy transport in the cardiac cells.", "contents": "[Mechanism of regulation of themitochondrial creatine phosphokinase reaction by magnewium ions]. The method of mathematical modelling and kynetic analysis was used to study the mechanism of the regulatory effect of magnesium ions on the creatinephosphokinase reaction in cardiac mitochondria. The regulatory effect of magnesium was shown to originate from the competition between ATP and ADP and the magnesium-complex-formation reaction, and the actual regulator proves to be MgADP. On the basis of the data obtained it is postulated that creatinephosphokinase in cardiac mitochondria is functionally connected with ATP-ADP-translocase. The obtained data permit to believe that the mitochondrial cratinephosphokinase is one of the key links in the process of energy transport in the cardiac cells.", "PMID": 1011532} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12624", "title": "[Oxidative phosphorylation in the myocardium of patients with mitral valve stenosis during surgery].", "content": "In 135 patients with mitral stenosis of the III and IV stages oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria of the left cardiac auricle was studied by the polarographic method. A uniform lowering of the mitochondrial respiration at different metabolic states with IV stage of the affection and in patiens of a more advanced age (36-52 years) was demonstrable. In some instances the conjugation of oxidation and phosphorylation was on a decline too. A nitrous oxide anesthesia (by comparison with the ether-oxygen one) produced a substantial depression of the mitochondrial respiration, especially when alpha-ketoglutarate was used. The sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of nitrous oxide in the elderly was higher. Respiration with succinate as a substrate in the young (20-35 years) patients proved little sensitive to the suppressing action of this type of anesthesia.", "contents": "[Oxidative phosphorylation in the myocardium of patients with mitral valve stenosis during surgery]. In 135 patients with mitral stenosis of the III and IV stages oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria of the left cardiac auricle was studied by the polarographic method. A uniform lowering of the mitochondrial respiration at different metabolic states with IV stage of the affection and in patiens of a more advanced age (36-52 years) was demonstrable. In some instances the conjugation of oxidation and phosphorylation was on a decline too. A nitrous oxide anesthesia (by comparison with the ether-oxygen one) produced a substantial depression of the mitochondrial respiration, especially when alpha-ketoglutarate was used. The sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of nitrous oxide in the elderly was higher. Respiration with succinate as a substrate in the young (20-35 years) patients proved little sensitive to the suppressing action of this type of anesthesia.", "PMID": 1011535} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12625", "title": "[Energy metabolism and myocardial function in myocardiodystrophy].", "content": "A total of 92 patients with chronic tonsilitis and cardiovascular changes were subjected to clinical observations, ECG analysis, potassium and nitroglycerine tests, and studies of the lactic acid level and creatinekinase activity as indces of myocardial metabolism. The examinations were conducted prior to and following tonsillectomy. In a majority of patients a correlation was revealed between the degree of ECG changes and the serum lactic acid level, as well as between the ECG improvement and a reduction of the lactic acid level following tonsillectomy. Three stages of tonsillogenic myocardiodystrophy were distinguished. The obtained data indicate the rationale of the used tests for the evaluation of the myocardial meabolism alterations and of the efficacy of treatment of chronic tonsillitis patients.", "contents": "[Energy metabolism and myocardial function in myocardiodystrophy]. A total of 92 patients with chronic tonsilitis and cardiovascular changes were subjected to clinical observations, ECG analysis, potassium and nitroglycerine tests, and studies of the lactic acid level and creatinekinase activity as indces of myocardial metabolism. The examinations were conducted prior to and following tonsillectomy. In a majority of patients a correlation was revealed between the degree of ECG changes and the serum lactic acid level, as well as between the ECG improvement and a reduction of the lactic acid level following tonsillectomy. Three stages of tonsillogenic myocardiodystrophy were distinguished. The obtained data indicate the rationale of the used tests for the evaluation of the myocardial meabolism alterations and of the efficacy of treatment of chronic tonsillitis patients.", "PMID": 1011536} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12626", "title": "Filtration of protein in the anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritic rat: a micropuncture study.", "content": "Production on an anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) nephritis in the rat results in a 30-fold increase in glomerular membrane permeability to albumin. The concentration of albumin in glomerular filtrate, estimated from proximal tubular fluid samples, is ten times the normal value. Tubular reabsorption of albumin is not enhanced so that essentially the filtered load is excreted. A nephrotic syndrome develops rapidly. Total kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is reduced to 40% of normal with a proportional reduction in filtration fraction. Glomerulo-tubular balance is maintained since proximal fractional reabsorption remains constant near control levels. Calculated efferent arteriolar plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) is about one-third normal. Sodium excretion, sharply curtailed in the first days of anti-GBM nephritis, returns to control values after the fourth postinjection day. Restoration of sodium balance despite reduced filtered load and constant proximal fractional reabsorption must be accomplished by adjustments at a distal site in the nephron.", "contents": "Filtration of protein in the anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritic rat: a micropuncture study. Production on an anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) nephritis in the rat results in a 30-fold increase in glomerular membrane permeability to albumin. The concentration of albumin in glomerular filtrate, estimated from proximal tubular fluid samples, is ten times the normal value. Tubular reabsorption of albumin is not enhanced so that essentially the filtered load is excreted. A nephrotic syndrome develops rapidly. Total kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is reduced to 40% of normal with a proportional reduction in filtration fraction. Glomerulo-tubular balance is maintained since proximal fractional reabsorption remains constant near control levels. Calculated efferent arteriolar plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) is about one-third normal. Sodium excretion, sharply curtailed in the first days of anti-GBM nephritis, returns to control values after the fourth postinjection day. Restoration of sodium balance despite reduced filtered load and constant proximal fractional reabsorption must be accomplished by adjustments at a distal site in the nephron.", "PMID": 1011537} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12627", "title": "Persistence of sisomicin and gentamicin in renal cortex and medulla compared with other organs and serum of rats.", "content": "Aminoglycoside antibiotics seem to accumulate and persist in the kidney. For a better understanding of this problem, groups of six rats received a single 4 mg/kg i.p. injection of sisomicin and were sacrificed repeatedly from 30 min to 28 days later. Sisomicin concentrations (bioassay) decreased rapidly in the serum, lung and other tissues. There was only a trace at six hours. The situation was totally different for the kidney. Concentrations in the cortex increased up to six hours with a maximum of 99 mug/g, 11 times higher than the peak value in the serum then decreased very slowly to 56, 18, and 7 mug/g, 2, 14 and 28 days, respecitvely, after injection. The concentrations in the medulla were lower than in the cortex but also showed an accumulation and persistence. Similar results were observed with gentamicin. In another experiment, daily injections of sisomicin or gentamicin during seven days demonstrated that the concentrations of both antibiotics six hours after the last injection were nearly three times higher in the cortex and twice as high in the medulla than after a single injection. These data explain why the nephrotoxicity of sisomicin or gentamicin involves chiefly the cortex, increases with the length of the treatment and can persist for several weeks after the last injection. Therapeutic implications need further studies.", "contents": "Persistence of sisomicin and gentamicin in renal cortex and medulla compared with other organs and serum of rats. Aminoglycoside antibiotics seem to accumulate and persist in the kidney. For a better understanding of this problem, groups of six rats received a single 4 mg/kg i.p. injection of sisomicin and were sacrificed repeatedly from 30 min to 28 days later. Sisomicin concentrations (bioassay) decreased rapidly in the serum, lung and other tissues. There was only a trace at six hours. The situation was totally different for the kidney. Concentrations in the cortex increased up to six hours with a maximum of 99 mug/g, 11 times higher than the peak value in the serum then decreased very slowly to 56, 18, and 7 mug/g, 2, 14 and 28 days, respecitvely, after injection. The concentrations in the medulla were lower than in the cortex but also showed an accumulation and persistence. Similar results were observed with gentamicin. In another experiment, daily injections of sisomicin or gentamicin during seven days demonstrated that the concentrations of both antibiotics six hours after the last injection were nearly three times higher in the cortex and twice as high in the medulla than after a single injection. These data explain why the nephrotoxicity of sisomicin or gentamicin involves chiefly the cortex, increases with the length of the treatment and can persist for several weeks after the last injection. Therapeutic implications need further studies.", "PMID": 1011538} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12628", "title": "Effects of nephrectomy on renal salt and water transport in the remaining kidney.", "content": "Fluid, sodium, and potassium transport was studied in proximal and distal tubules in rats in which one kidney had been removed two weeks after a suprarenal aortic clamp had been placed to prevent adaptive changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the experimental kidney. Free-flow micropuncture techniques were used and tubular fluid (TF) samples analyzed for inulin, sodium and potassium. In addition, peritubular total protein concentrations and luminal and peritubular hydrostatic pressures were measured. The following changes were observed 15 hr after unilateral nephrectomy: (1) a significant increase in single nephron GFR; (2) unchanged absolute proximal tubular reabsorption rates of fluid and sodium; (3) increased delivery of fluid into distal tubules; (4) increased distal tubular reabsorption of sodium, but of insufficient magnitude to prevent natriuresis; and (5) an augmentation of distal tubular potassium secretion. Reduction of single nephron GRF to control levels by aortic clamping abolished the natriuresis following nephrectomy.", "contents": "Effects of nephrectomy on renal salt and water transport in the remaining kidney. Fluid, sodium, and potassium transport was studied in proximal and distal tubules in rats in which one kidney had been removed two weeks after a suprarenal aortic clamp had been placed to prevent adaptive changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the experimental kidney. Free-flow micropuncture techniques were used and tubular fluid (TF) samples analyzed for inulin, sodium and potassium. In addition, peritubular total protein concentrations and luminal and peritubular hydrostatic pressures were measured. The following changes were observed 15 hr after unilateral nephrectomy: (1) a significant increase in single nephron GFR; (2) unchanged absolute proximal tubular reabsorption rates of fluid and sodium; (3) increased delivery of fluid into distal tubules; (4) increased distal tubular reabsorption of sodium, but of insufficient magnitude to prevent natriuresis; and (5) an augmentation of distal tubular potassium secretion. Reduction of single nephron GRF to control levels by aortic clamping abolished the natriuresis following nephrectomy.", "PMID": 1011539} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12629", "title": "A clinical study of anti-NDP in the sera of patients in a large repetitive hemodialysis program.", "content": "Anti-NDP has been detected in the sera of 38 of 430 patients on regular hemodialysis at the Regional Kidney Disease Program in Minneapolis. It developed in these patients from 7 to 58 months after commencement of dialysis. Bacterial infection appeared temporally related to the development of anti-NDP in 12 patients. Hemolytic episodes, possibly related to anti-NDP, occurred in 11. Fifty-five percent of the patients never reused dialyzers. The antibody preceded the insertion of a bovine graft in seven. We postulate that anti-NDP is recognizing an antigenic site similar to that recognized by Vicia graminea lectin, and that this site might become immunogenic by alteration of M and N antigens on red blood cell surfaces. Though formaldehyde might be involved in this alteration, dialysis membrane reuse does not seem to be required for the formation of anti-NDP.", "contents": "A clinical study of anti-NDP in the sera of patients in a large repetitive hemodialysis program. Anti-NDP has been detected in the sera of 38 of 430 patients on regular hemodialysis at the Regional Kidney Disease Program in Minneapolis. It developed in these patients from 7 to 58 months after commencement of dialysis. Bacterial infection appeared temporally related to the development of anti-NDP in 12 patients. Hemolytic episodes, possibly related to anti-NDP, occurred in 11. Fifty-five percent of the patients never reused dialyzers. The antibody preceded the insertion of a bovine graft in seven. We postulate that anti-NDP is recognizing an antigenic site similar to that recognized by Vicia graminea lectin, and that this site might become immunogenic by alteration of M and N antigens on red blood cell surfaces. Though formaldehyde might be involved in this alteration, dialysis membrane reuse does not seem to be required for the formation of anti-NDP.", "PMID": 1011540} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12630", "title": "Plasma amino acids in children and adolescents on hemodialysis.", "content": "Fasting plasma amino acid concentrations were measured in 16 children on regular hemodialysis for renal failure. Reductions compared to normal were found in valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, histidine, tyrosine, and serine; and increases were found in glycine, citruline, proline, and 1- and 3-methylhistidine. Acute reductions in amino acid concentrations occurred in response to i.v. glucose, similar to those reported in normal adults, but plasma alanine, which was raised only in those with poor glucose tolerance, fell to normal and did not vary in those with normal glucose tolerance. No correlations were found with growth, but the plasma glycine concentration was highest in those patients with poorest energy intakes. Plasma alanine concentrations correlated with raised triglyceride concentrations. It is suggested that many of the abnormalities are due to the excessive utilization of protein for energy because of impaired availability of conventional energy sources in uremia.", "contents": "Plasma amino acids in children and adolescents on hemodialysis. Fasting plasma amino acid concentrations were measured in 16 children on regular hemodialysis for renal failure. Reductions compared to normal were found in valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, histidine, tyrosine, and serine; and increases were found in glycine, citruline, proline, and 1- and 3-methylhistidine. Acute reductions in amino acid concentrations occurred in response to i.v. glucose, similar to those reported in normal adults, but plasma alanine, which was raised only in those with poor glucose tolerance, fell to normal and did not vary in those with normal glucose tolerance. No correlations were found with growth, but the plasma glycine concentration was highest in those patients with poorest energy intakes. Plasma alanine concentrations correlated with raised triglyceride concentrations. It is suggested that many of the abnormalities are due to the excessive utilization of protein for energy because of impaired availability of conventional energy sources in uremia.", "PMID": 1011541} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12631", "title": "[Cardiovascular system during hypokinesia of varying duration and intensity].", "content": "The paper gives and compares data on the orthostatic tolerance of man exposed to different hypokinetic conditions of varying duration -- water immersion (10 days), supine position in the chair close to the mean physiological rest posture (7-20 days), bed rest (10-120 days) and altitude chambers (3-70 days). The tolerance to orthostatic tests decreased to a larger extent after experiments in which the motor activity was significantly lowered: water immersion, supine position in the chair and 120-day bed rest; orthostatic tolerance reduced to a lesser extent after altitude chamber experiments. The level of decline of the motor activity was more important than the time of hypokinetic exposure. The most noticeable reduction of adaptive capabilities of the cardiovascular system developed during the first 30 days of bed rest.", "contents": "[Cardiovascular system during hypokinesia of varying duration and intensity]. The paper gives and compares data on the orthostatic tolerance of man exposed to different hypokinetic conditions of varying duration -- water immersion (10 days), supine position in the chair close to the mean physiological rest posture (7-20 days), bed rest (10-120 days) and altitude chambers (3-70 days). The tolerance to orthostatic tests decreased to a larger extent after experiments in which the motor activity was significantly lowered: water immersion, supine position in the chair and 120-day bed rest; orthostatic tolerance reduced to a lesser extent after altitude chamber experiments. The level of decline of the motor activity was more important than the time of hypokinetic exposure. The most noticeable reduction of adaptive capabilities of the cardiovascular system developed during the first 30 days of bed rest.", "PMID": 1011781} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12632", "title": "[Effect of prolonged hypokinesia on PO2 dynamics in the brain tissues of rats in orthostatic and antiorthostatic tests].", "content": "Variations of PO2 in rat brain tissues were assessed polarographically during orthostatic tests. Prolonged hypokinesia (up to 100 days) did not induce significant changes of PO2 in rats at rest. During orthostatic tests PO2 of control rats changed insignificantly. Prolonged hypokinesia led to more marked changes of PO2 in rats exposed to an orthostatic test. Changes in the cerebral oxygenation of hypokinetic rats were varying and inadequate, differing appreciably from the cerebral oxygenation of control animals.", "contents": "[Effect of prolonged hypokinesia on PO2 dynamics in the brain tissues of rats in orthostatic and antiorthostatic tests]. Variations of PO2 in rat brain tissues were assessed polarographically during orthostatic tests. Prolonged hypokinesia (up to 100 days) did not induce significant changes of PO2 in rats at rest. During orthostatic tests PO2 of control rats changed insignificantly. Prolonged hypokinesia led to more marked changes of PO2 in rats exposed to an orthostatic test. Changes in the cerebral oxygenation of hypokinetic rats were varying and inadequate, differing appreciably from the cerebral oxygenation of control animals.", "PMID": 1011782} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12633", "title": "[Some problems of space medicine].", "content": "The paper discusses the problems to be resolved by space medicine and the main stages in the development of this branch of science, beginning with the vertical launches of rockets and ending with the flights of orbital stations. On the basis of ground-based simulation experiments and real space flights it presents a classification of the major symptomocomplexes that may occur inflight. The paper describes the main stages of adaptation to weightlessness and physiological changes in the weightless state. The paper also outlines further pathways in the development of space medicine.", "contents": "[Some problems of space medicine]. The paper discusses the problems to be resolved by space medicine and the main stages in the development of this branch of science, beginning with the vertical launches of rockets and ending with the flights of orbital stations. On the basis of ground-based simulation experiments and real space flights it presents a classification of the major symptomocomplexes that may occur inflight. The paper describes the main stages of adaptation to weightlessness and physiological changes in the weightless state. The paper also outlines further pathways in the development of space medicine.", "PMID": 1011783} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12634", "title": "[Effect of a course of electric stimulation of the muscles on human orthostatic resistance].", "content": "The effect of muscle electrostimulation on orthostatic tolerance was assessed in two experimental runs. In the first run 6 healthy test subjects took part and in the second run 12 test subjects (three groups of 4 persons each) participated. In the first run electrostimulation applied for 1 month (30 min a day) on an out-of-clinic basis affected favorably orthostatic tolerance. In the second run electrostimulation applied during a 45-day bed rest experiment (30 min twice a day) yielded different results. The 1st group subjects who were stimulated with 20 electrodes showed a favorable effect. The 2nd group subjects who were stimulated with 12 electrodes exhibited a limited effect. The 3rd group subjects (controls) who were not stimulated during bed rest displayed a marked decrease of orthostatic tolerance.", "contents": "[Effect of a course of electric stimulation of the muscles on human orthostatic resistance]. The effect of muscle electrostimulation on orthostatic tolerance was assessed in two experimental runs. In the first run 6 healthy test subjects took part and in the second run 12 test subjects (three groups of 4 persons each) participated. In the first run electrostimulation applied for 1 month (30 min a day) on an out-of-clinic basis affected favorably orthostatic tolerance. In the second run electrostimulation applied during a 45-day bed rest experiment (30 min twice a day) yielded different results. The 1st group subjects who were stimulated with 20 electrodes showed a favorable effect. The 2nd group subjects who were stimulated with 12 electrodes exhibited a limited effect. The 3rd group subjects (controls) who were not stimulated during bed rest displayed a marked decrease of orthostatic tolerance.", "PMID": 1011785} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12635", "title": "[Changes in the central and peripheral circulation and in the acid-base equilibrium of the blood in dogs during a passive orthostatic test].", "content": "Integral changes in circulation and acid-base equilibrium of blood were studied on urethane-chloralose anesthesized dogs during a 20 min tilt test. Against the background of a relatively stable mean pressure in the aorta, the blood flow in the aorta and carotid artery diminished, pressure in the right atrium decreased and the heart rate increased. The phase of isometric contraction of the left ventricle increased, ejection time, mechanical systole and intrasystolic index decreased whereas the myocardial contractility increased. The blood flow in the liver, spleen and hind limb skin reduced and in hind limb muscles remained unaltered. In the arterial blood metabolic acidosis and hyperventilation developed.", "contents": "[Changes in the central and peripheral circulation and in the acid-base equilibrium of the blood in dogs during a passive orthostatic test]. Integral changes in circulation and acid-base equilibrium of blood were studied on urethane-chloralose anesthesized dogs during a 20 min tilt test. Against the background of a relatively stable mean pressure in the aorta, the blood flow in the aorta and carotid artery diminished, pressure in the right atrium decreased and the heart rate increased. The phase of isometric contraction of the left ventricle increased, ejection time, mechanical systole and intrasystolic index decreased whereas the myocardial contractility increased. The blood flow in the liver, spleen and hind limb skin reduced and in hind limb muscles remained unaltered. In the arterial blood metabolic acidosis and hyperventilation developed.", "PMID": 1011784} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12636", "title": "[Functional state of the human hearing analyzer exposed to +Gx acceleration].", "content": "The functional state of the acoustic analyzer of man was investigated during an exposure to +Gx acceleration of 4-14 g applied at an angle of 78 degrees to the long axis of the body. During an exposure to 8-10 g the hearing state began to deteriorate. This included an increase in the tonic thresholds of hearing sensitivity with respect to the aerial and bone conduction, and an increase in the differential thresholds of hearing with respect to the strength and pitch. With an increase of the acceleration value these changes grew, reaching maximum at 14 g. It is suggested that possible mechanisms of changes in the hearing sensitivity are associated with disorders in the systems of sound conveyance and perception.", "contents": "[Functional state of the human hearing analyzer exposed to +Gx acceleration]. The functional state of the acoustic analyzer of man was investigated during an exposure to +Gx acceleration of 4-14 g applied at an angle of 78 degrees to the long axis of the body. During an exposure to 8-10 g the hearing state began to deteriorate. This included an increase in the tonic thresholds of hearing sensitivity with respect to the aerial and bone conduction, and an increase in the differential thresholds of hearing with respect to the strength and pitch. With an increase of the acceleration value these changes grew, reaching maximum at 14 g. It is suggested that possible mechanisms of changes in the hearing sensitivity are associated with disorders in the systems of sound conveyance and perception.", "PMID": 1011786} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12637", "title": "[Relationship of the biological effect of radiation to the area of irradiated body surface].", "content": "The dependece of radiation injury of piglets on the area of irradiated body surface (v 40 kv, Eeff 17 key, 1 10 mA per tube, additional filter 0.1 mm A1, delta 1/2 0.08 mm A1, source--skin distance 30 cm, R 504 r/min, radiattion dose 200 r) was studied. The biological effect was evaluated with respect to the clinical, hematological and biochemical changes in the animal body. The data were obtained that indicated burn disease in the irradiated piglets, severity of which increased with an increased with an increase of the area of irradiated skin surface.", "contents": "[Relationship of the biological effect of radiation to the area of irradiated body surface]. The dependece of radiation injury of piglets on the area of irradiated body surface (v 40 kv, Eeff 17 key, 1 10 mA per tube, additional filter 0.1 mm A1, delta 1/2 0.08 mm A1, source--skin distance 30 cm, R 504 r/min, radiattion dose 200 r) was studied. The biological effect was evaluated with respect to the clinical, hematological and biochemical changes in the animal body. The data were obtained that indicated burn disease in the irradiated piglets, severity of which increased with an increased with an increase of the area of irradiated skin surface.", "PMID": 1011787} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12638", "title": "[Importance of the nonverbal characteristics of the speech signal for evaluating the mental and physical state of a pilot].", "content": "An analysis of the frequency, time and dynamics characteristics of the acoustic signal is one of the useful and reliable methods of objective assessment of the psychophysiological state of a pilot. The information conveyed through the nonverbal channel is nonspecific. The pattern of the stressor that causes a change in the pitch can be often identified only tentatively, if there is no additional information. The intensity of the stressor cannot be well correlated with the degree of the pitch change. The voice alters most seriously in response to psychic stressors and factors that affect adversely the normal merchanics of respiration (breathing at increased pressure, acceleration). The voice remains unaltered during an exposure to hypoxia and high ambient temperatures.", "contents": "[Importance of the nonverbal characteristics of the speech signal for evaluating the mental and physical state of a pilot]. An analysis of the frequency, time and dynamics characteristics of the acoustic signal is one of the useful and reliable methods of objective assessment of the psychophysiological state of a pilot. The information conveyed through the nonverbal channel is nonspecific. The pattern of the stressor that causes a change in the pitch can be often identified only tentatively, if there is no additional information. The intensity of the stressor cannot be well correlated with the degree of the pitch change. The voice alters most seriously in response to psychic stressors and factors that affect adversely the normal merchanics of respiration (breathing at increased pressure, acceleration). The voice remains unaltered during an exposure to hypoxia and high ambient temperatures.", "PMID": 1011788} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12639", "title": "The use of a tissue tonometer as a diagnostic aid in extremity lymphoedema: a determination of its conservative treatment with benzo-pyrones.", "content": "With the aid of a tissue tonometer, we have been able to gain an estimate of the rate at which the lymphoedematous tissue loses its compressability and regains it upon treatment with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: the benzo-pyrones. The values obtained by tonometry, unlike other objective methods of measurement of the effectiveness of a therapy, approximate closely to the patients subjective claims.", "contents": "The use of a tissue tonometer as a diagnostic aid in extremity lymphoedema: a determination of its conservative treatment with benzo-pyrones. With the aid of a tissue tonometer, we have been able to gain an estimate of the rate at which the lymphoedematous tissue loses its compressability and regains it upon treatment with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: the benzo-pyrones. The values obtained by tonometry, unlike other objective methods of measurement of the effectiveness of a therapy, approximate closely to the patients subjective claims.", "PMID": 1011858} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12640", "title": "Conservative treatment of acute and chronic lymphoedema with benzo-pyrones.", "content": "Generally, the success of conservative therapy is only limited to a transient reduction in oedema. Concomitant with this, subjective improvements such as a reduced feeling of heaviness, a lessening of pain and of the bursting feeling of the affected limb are frequently reported. Once the oedema is reduced, the reduction must be maintained by elevation, elastic compression bandages, and by careful attention to infection. A failure to observe these points results in a very rapid reformation of the oedema. Experimental results have shown the benzopyrones to be very useful in reducing high protein oedemas, particularly those of lymph and thermal oedema. They do this by enhancing the lysis and removal of the abnormal accumulated protein from the affected part. They also enhance glucose uptake by the various cells, thus allowing them to survive in a viable state in severe conditions such as those of metabolic acidosis characteristic of stagnant tissue fluids. Since the benzopyrones remove the excess protein, the tendency for further fibrotic tissue formation is reduced. In addition, like some other anti-inflammatory drugs, the benzopyrones may be able to enhance the removal of existing fibrotic tissue by causing its lysis. The cells involved in this action seem to be the macrophages. The remarkable reductions of lymph and thermal oedemas obtained in animal experiments with the benzopyrones have not been reported in many clinical trials. There seem to be two main reasons for this. Firstly much lower doses are used than have been shown to be optimal. Secondly, the follow up periods of observations have usually only been short. Some clinical trials even with these lower doses have however been very promising, and this is especially enlightening when it is considered that such doses in animals only result in minimal changes in the oedema volume. This may be the reason for the high proportion of \"subjective improvement only\" reports in clinical trials.", "contents": "Conservative treatment of acute and chronic lymphoedema with benzo-pyrones. Generally, the success of conservative therapy is only limited to a transient reduction in oedema. Concomitant with this, subjective improvements such as a reduced feeling of heaviness, a lessening of pain and of the bursting feeling of the affected limb are frequently reported. Once the oedema is reduced, the reduction must be maintained by elevation, elastic compression bandages, and by careful attention to infection. A failure to observe these points results in a very rapid reformation of the oedema. Experimental results have shown the benzopyrones to be very useful in reducing high protein oedemas, particularly those of lymph and thermal oedema. They do this by enhancing the lysis and removal of the abnormal accumulated protein from the affected part. They also enhance glucose uptake by the various cells, thus allowing them to survive in a viable state in severe conditions such as those of metabolic acidosis characteristic of stagnant tissue fluids. Since the benzopyrones remove the excess protein, the tendency for further fibrotic tissue formation is reduced. In addition, like some other anti-inflammatory drugs, the benzopyrones may be able to enhance the removal of existing fibrotic tissue by causing its lysis. The cells involved in this action seem to be the macrophages. The remarkable reductions of lymph and thermal oedemas obtained in animal experiments with the benzopyrones have not been reported in many clinical trials. There seem to be two main reasons for this. Firstly much lower doses are used than have been shown to be optimal. Secondly, the follow up periods of observations have usually only been short. Some clinical trials even with these lower doses have however been very promising, and this is especially enlightening when it is considered that such doses in animals only result in minimal changes in the oedema volume. This may be the reason for the high proportion of \"subjective improvement only\" reports in clinical trials.", "PMID": 1011859} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12641", "title": "Spontaneous alterations in the size of lymph nodes after lymphography.", "content": "A total of 124 normal nodes in 20 patients with Hodgkin's disease were measured in lymphograms by means of planimetry with point counting. Anteroposterior views were used both in the lymphography (24h) and at subsequent check-up studies. A statistically significant reduction (p is less than 0.05) of 3.5 per cent in the area of the lymph nodes was observed in the period after lymphography (range, 4-189 days; average, 26.8 days) during which no irradiation or chemotherapy had been given. Correction for technical factors and an evaluation of errors of measurement were made.", "contents": "Spontaneous alterations in the size of lymph nodes after lymphography. A total of 124 normal nodes in 20 patients with Hodgkin's disease were measured in lymphograms by means of planimetry with point counting. Anteroposterior views were used both in the lymphography (24h) and at subsequent check-up studies. A statistically significant reduction (p is less than 0.05) of 3.5 per cent in the area of the lymph nodes was observed in the period after lymphography (range, 4-189 days; average, 26.8 days) during which no irradiation or chemotherapy had been given. Correction for technical factors and an evaluation of errors of measurement were made.", "PMID": 1011860} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12642", "title": "The relationship between tissue fluid and lymph.", "content": "Protein concentration in the fluid aspirated from subcutaneously implanted capsules is higher both in dogs and in rabbits than in the lymph collected from the same area. Besides the quantitative differences there are also qualitative differences in the composition of the two fluids. It is concluded, that the capsular fluid is not identical with normal tissue and that from its composition no informations can be gained about the origin of lymph or the mechanism of its formation.", "contents": "The relationship between tissue fluid and lymph. Protein concentration in the fluid aspirated from subcutaneously implanted capsules is higher both in dogs and in rabbits than in the lymph collected from the same area. Besides the quantitative differences there are also qualitative differences in the composition of the two fluids. It is concluded, that the capsular fluid is not identical with normal tissue and that from its composition no informations can be gained about the origin of lymph or the mechanism of its formation.", "PMID": 1011861} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12643", "title": "Lymphocyte locomotion III. ultrastructural studies of the lymphocyte traffic over the postcapillary venules of rat lymph nodes.", "content": "The direction of lymphocytes with amoeboid movement configuration (AMC) was evaluated by means of electron microscopy of ultrathin sections of post-capillary high-endothelium venules (HE-venules) from rat lymph nodes. Out of 104 lymphocytes, 68 lymphocytes appeared to be on their way towards the lumen of the HE-venule and 36 lymphocytes appeared to be moving away from the venular lumen at the moment of fixation. This difference, which was statistically significant (p=0.0024), is thought to reflect the relative size of the migration stream of lymphocytes at the moment of fixation.", "contents": "Lymphocyte locomotion III. ultrastructural studies of the lymphocyte traffic over the postcapillary venules of rat lymph nodes. The direction of lymphocytes with amoeboid movement configuration (AMC) was evaluated by means of electron microscopy of ultrathin sections of post-capillary high-endothelium venules (HE-venules) from rat lymph nodes. Out of 104 lymphocytes, 68 lymphocytes appeared to be on their way towards the lumen of the HE-venule and 36 lymphocytes appeared to be moving away from the venular lumen at the moment of fixation. This difference, which was statistically significant (p=0.0024), is thought to reflect the relative size of the migration stream of lymphocytes at the moment of fixation.", "PMID": 1011862} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12644", "title": "The microcirculation of the mammalian lymph node.", "content": "Flow alterations to give complete filling of the lymphatic sinusoidal system and saccular lymph spaces around the germinal centers were demonstrated during a primary immune reaction. By contrast, in delayed hypersensitivity, saccules were not seen although there was marked enlargement of individual follicular units.", "contents": "The microcirculation of the mammalian lymph node. Flow alterations to give complete filling of the lymphatic sinusoidal system and saccular lymph spaces around the germinal centers were demonstrated during a primary immune reaction. By contrast, in delayed hypersensitivity, saccules were not seen although there was marked enlargement of individual follicular units.", "PMID": 1011863} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12645", "title": "[Surgical aspects of secondary hyperparathyroidism (author's transl)].", "content": "Between 1969 and April 1975 24 patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) clinically presenting with uremic osteopathy required either total (n=5) or subtotal (n=18) parathyroidectomies, 17 patients were already supported by maintenance hemodialysis, 6 patients suffered from terminal renal insufficiency. The leading clinical symptoms consisted of general osteoporosis, spontaneous fractures, extraosseous calcifications and histologically proven dissecting fibroosteoclasia. After operation 18 patients experienced complete relief from their complaints and repair of their skeletal lesions, 2 patients required reexploration for an undetected hyperfunctioning 4th parathyroid gland, regretfully with no success. In 4 patients with subtotal parathyoidectomy a recurrence of varying intensity with increased PTH-secretion from the remnant had to be registered after months and years.-The indication for surgical treatment of sHPT due to chronic renal failure has to be based on two sets of findings: 1) inadequate longterm suppression of increased PTH secretion by conservative measures like high dialysate calcium concentration or oral calcium intake, serum phosphorus depletion by oral intake of aluminium hydroxyde and possibly also by Vit. D; 2) persistent hypercalcemia, progressive osteodystrophy and severe complaints like bone pain and pruritus.", "contents": "[Surgical aspects of secondary hyperparathyroidism (author's transl)]. Between 1969 and April 1975 24 patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) clinically presenting with uremic osteopathy required either total (n=5) or subtotal (n=18) parathyroidectomies, 17 patients were already supported by maintenance hemodialysis, 6 patients suffered from terminal renal insufficiency. The leading clinical symptoms consisted of general osteoporosis, spontaneous fractures, extraosseous calcifications and histologically proven dissecting fibroosteoclasia. After operation 18 patients experienced complete relief from their complaints and repair of their skeletal lesions, 2 patients required reexploration for an undetected hyperfunctioning 4th parathyroid gland, regretfully with no success. In 4 patients with subtotal parathyoidectomy a recurrence of varying intensity with increased PTH-secretion from the remnant had to be registered after months and years.-The indication for surgical treatment of sHPT due to chronic renal failure has to be based on two sets of findings: 1) inadequate longterm suppression of increased PTH secretion by conservative measures like high dialysate calcium concentration or oral calcium intake, serum phosphorus depletion by oral intake of aluminium hydroxyde and possibly also by Vit. D; 2) persistent hypercalcemia, progressive osteodystrophy and severe complaints like bone pain and pruritus.", "PMID": 1011908} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12646", "title": "[Treatment of primary chronic fissure-in-ano by anal dilatation versus sphincterotomy (author's transl)].", "content": "A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial in the treatment of primary chronic fissure-in-ano by digital stretching of the anal canal or by a modified lateral subcutaneous sphincterotomy is reported. Whereas there was no difference in the postoperative course of both groups, by checking 65 of 66 patients 6 months postoperatively, we found significantly more lacks of continence after stretching. There was no difference regarding recurrence rate. Pressure monitoring of the anal canal showed significantly higher values at rest in both groups before operation. No correlation between results of monitoring anal pressure and defects of anal continence has been seen. These results point out that in treatment of primary chronic fissure-in-ano the lateral subcutaneous sphincterotomy is superior to anal dilatation regarding postoperative defects of anal continence. The recurrence rate in the present study does not force to prefer one of these two methods. Manometric investigations show that the resting pressure in anal canal seems to be elevated in primary chronic fissure-in-ano.", "contents": "[Treatment of primary chronic fissure-in-ano by anal dilatation versus sphincterotomy (author's transl)]. A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial in the treatment of primary chronic fissure-in-ano by digital stretching of the anal canal or by a modified lateral subcutaneous sphincterotomy is reported. Whereas there was no difference in the postoperative course of both groups, by checking 65 of 66 patients 6 months postoperatively, we found significantly more lacks of continence after stretching. There was no difference regarding recurrence rate. Pressure monitoring of the anal canal showed significantly higher values at rest in both groups before operation. No correlation between results of monitoring anal pressure and defects of anal continence has been seen. These results point out that in treatment of primary chronic fissure-in-ano the lateral subcutaneous sphincterotomy is superior to anal dilatation regarding postoperative defects of anal continence. The recurrence rate in the present study does not force to prefer one of these two methods. Manometric investigations show that the resting pressure in anal canal seems to be elevated in primary chronic fissure-in-ano.", "PMID": 1011909} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12647", "title": "[Endarterectomy versus vein bypass grafts in femoropopliteal occlusions (author's transl)].", "content": "On the basis of our experience with 1827 femoropopliteal arterial reconstructions performed from 1959 through 1974 we have worked up a system of strict guidelines for the choice of procedure. The vein bypass is the method of choice in all cases at stages III/IV (i.e. resting pain or gangrene), in lengthy occlusions of the femoral arteries continuing into the distal popliteal arteries or in stenotic lesions or occlusions of the tibial arteries, in all recurrent occlusions, and in cases with calcification or dilatation of the arterial wall. The indication for endarterectomy is restricted to stage II (i.e. intermittent claudication) and to segmental occlusions of the femoral or popliteal arteries as well as transitional or lengthy occlusions of the femoral artery continuing to the proximal popliteal artery. Under these guidelines a total group of 645 patients underwent 721 femoropopliteal reconstructions-307 endarterectomies and 414 vein grafts-from 1971 through 1974. The average age of the patients was 60 years. In 50% of all cases operations were carried out for advanced ischemia treatening the extremity. For all the series the patency rate of vein bypass was 79% and of endarterectomy 71%. Accumulative patency rates by the life table method according to the preoperative degree of arterial insufficiency and the postoperative follow up period of 4 years do not show statistically significant differences between both procedures under the given guidelines.", "contents": "[Endarterectomy versus vein bypass grafts in femoropopliteal occlusions (author's transl)]. On the basis of our experience with 1827 femoropopliteal arterial reconstructions performed from 1959 through 1974 we have worked up a system of strict guidelines for the choice of procedure. The vein bypass is the method of choice in all cases at stages III/IV (i.e. resting pain or gangrene), in lengthy occlusions of the femoral arteries continuing into the distal popliteal arteries or in stenotic lesions or occlusions of the tibial arteries, in all recurrent occlusions, and in cases with calcification or dilatation of the arterial wall. The indication for endarterectomy is restricted to stage II (i.e. intermittent claudication) and to segmental occlusions of the femoral or popliteal arteries as well as transitional or lengthy occlusions of the femoral artery continuing to the proximal popliteal artery. Under these guidelines a total group of 645 patients underwent 721 femoropopliteal reconstructions-307 endarterectomies and 414 vein grafts-from 1971 through 1974. The average age of the patients was 60 years. In 50% of all cases operations were carried out for advanced ischemia treatening the extremity. For all the series the patency rate of vein bypass was 79% and of endarterectomy 71%. Accumulative patency rates by the life table method according to the preoperative degree of arterial insufficiency and the postoperative follow up period of 4 years do not show statistically significant differences between both procedures under the given guidelines.", "PMID": 1011910} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12648", "title": "[Spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus. Report of two cases].", "content": "Case report of two so-called spontaneous ruptures of the oesophagus. The early diagnosis saved one of the patients, in the other the sequelae of the oesophagus rupture were treated successfully by intensive care. He died one month later from stress ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.", "contents": "[Spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus. Report of two cases]. Case report of two so-called spontaneous ruptures of the oesophagus. The early diagnosis saved one of the patients, in the other the sequelae of the oesophagus rupture were treated successfully by intensive care. He died one month later from stress ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.", "PMID": 1011911} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12649", "title": "[Environmental lead pollution. An epidemiologic study in road gasoline station workers (author's transl)].", "content": "Erythrocyte ALA-D and urinary coproporphyrins were investigated in 29 road gasoline station workers in order to detect a possible abnormal lead absorption. The ALA-D test represents the most sensitive laboratory device to detect both abnormal lead absorption and possible initial lesions due to lead poisoning. Using the above mentioned laboratory tests evidence of abnormal lead absorption was found in five of the examined subjects. Some remarks on prevention of possible lead intoxication are done.", "contents": "[Environmental lead pollution. An epidemiologic study in road gasoline station workers (author's transl)]. Erythrocyte ALA-D and urinary coproporphyrins were investigated in 29 road gasoline station workers in order to detect a possible abnormal lead absorption. The ALA-D test represents the most sensitive laboratory device to detect both abnormal lead absorption and possible initial lesions due to lead poisoning. Using the above mentioned laboratory tests evidence of abnormal lead absorption was found in five of the examined subjects. Some remarks on prevention of possible lead intoxication are done.", "PMID": 1011912} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12650", "title": "[A study of arterial pressure, pulse rate and capnogram during exhaustive muscular work performed by healthy subjects while breathing air or 100% oxygen (author's transl)].", "content": "Eight untrained healthy young men were submitted to exhaustive physical exercise, performed on a bicycle ergometer while breathing either air or 100% oxygen, Arterial pressures, pulse rate and, in some instances, capnogram too were recorded during exercise and at the end of it. In the majority of subjects, 100% oxygen breathing was found to improve in some way work performance, in comparison with air breathing. However, the differences in the parameters examined appeared to be subjective and inconstant and to change according to work load levels.", "contents": "[A study of arterial pressure, pulse rate and capnogram during exhaustive muscular work performed by healthy subjects while breathing air or 100% oxygen (author's transl)]. Eight untrained healthy young men were submitted to exhaustive physical exercise, performed on a bicycle ergometer while breathing either air or 100% oxygen, Arterial pressures, pulse rate and, in some instances, capnogram too were recorded during exercise and at the end of it. In the majority of subjects, 100% oxygen breathing was found to improve in some way work performance, in comparison with air breathing. However, the differences in the parameters examined appeared to be subjective and inconstant and to change according to work load levels.", "PMID": 1011913} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12651", "title": "[Lead detection and measurement in biological fluids by means of anodic stripping voltammetry (author's transl)].", "content": "The authors deal with the anodic stripping voltammetry method for detecting and measuring lead in biological fluids. A comparison was made with the more widely used dithizone method. The mercury-graphite electrode was also checked in respect of both the plating time and the amount of analyses performed. From the results obtained the authors conclude that the anodic stripping voltammetry technique appears to be simpler and more rapid and sensitive than the dithizone method for lead detection and measurement in biological fluids. The former is therefore particularly suitable for laboratories where routine repetitive analyses are performed.", "contents": "[Lead detection and measurement in biological fluids by means of anodic stripping voltammetry (author's transl)]. The authors deal with the anodic stripping voltammetry method for detecting and measuring lead in biological fluids. A comparison was made with the more widely used dithizone method. The mercury-graphite electrode was also checked in respect of both the plating time and the amount of analyses performed. From the results obtained the authors conclude that the anodic stripping voltammetry technique appears to be simpler and more rapid and sensitive than the dithizone method for lead detection and measurement in biological fluids. The former is therefore particularly suitable for laboratories where routine repetitive analyses are performed.", "PMID": 1011914} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12652", "title": "Relationships between base-exchange reaction and the microsomal phospholipid pool in the rat brain in vitro.", "content": "The calcium-stimulated incorporation of ethanolamine, choline and L-serine into rat brain microsomal phospholipids has been investigated. The membranes were prelabeled in vitro in their choline or serine phosphoglycerides by base-exchange and then chasing experiments were done by displacing the lipid-bound base by ethanolamine, choline, or L-serine labeled with a different isotope. The results indicate that membrane phosphatidylcholine is presumably a substrate for the exchange with all the three bases, whereas phosphatidylserine exchanges only with ethanolamine and L-serine but not with choline. A small phospholipid pool (3-7% of the total available pool) is active in the calcium-dependent exchange with choline, ethanolamine, and L-serine. When the microsomal membranes are prelabeled in vitro in their phosphatidylcholine moiety through the cytidine-dependent pathway and then chasing experiments are performed with the three nitrogenous bases, as above, the small phospholipid pool is hardly detectable. In view of these and other results (Gaiti et al., FEBS Letters 49:361 1975), it is suggested that at least two different pools of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylcholine might exist in rat brain microsomes.", "contents": "Relationships between base-exchange reaction and the microsomal phospholipid pool in the rat brain in vitro. The calcium-stimulated incorporation of ethanolamine, choline and L-serine into rat brain microsomal phospholipids has been investigated. The membranes were prelabeled in vitro in their choline or serine phosphoglycerides by base-exchange and then chasing experiments were done by displacing the lipid-bound base by ethanolamine, choline, or L-serine labeled with a different isotope. The results indicate that membrane phosphatidylcholine is presumably a substrate for the exchange with all the three bases, whereas phosphatidylserine exchanges only with ethanolamine and L-serine but not with choline. A small phospholipid pool (3-7% of the total available pool) is active in the calcium-dependent exchange with choline, ethanolamine, and L-serine. When the microsomal membranes are prelabeled in vitro in their phosphatidylcholine moiety through the cytidine-dependent pathway and then chasing experiments are performed with the three nitrogenous bases, as above, the small phospholipid pool is hardly detectable. In view of these and other results (Gaiti et al., FEBS Letters 49:361 1975), it is suggested that at least two different pools of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylcholine might exist in rat brain microsomes.", "PMID": 1011936} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12653", "title": "Lecithin inhibits fatty acid and bile salt absorption from rat small intestine in vivo.", "content": "During digestion of a fatty meal, long chain free fatty acids (FFA) and lecithin are among the lipids solubilized in intestinal contents as mixed micelles with bile salts. We hypothesized that if lecithin were not hydrolyzed, the mixed micelles would be abnormal, and absorption of FFA and bile salts would be depressed. To test this hypothesis, isolated segments of rat small intestine were infused in vivo with micellar solutions of 2 mMolar linoleic acid and 10 mMolar taurocholate to which was added 3 mMolar 1-palmitoyl, 2-oleoyl lecithin (a common lecithin in bile and food), or 1-palmitoyl lysolecithin (the hydrolytic product of lecithin). Absorption of FFA and bile salt was measured under steady state conditions using a single-pass technique. Lecithin depressed the rate of FFA absorption by 40% (p less than 0.025) in jejunal and ileal segments whereas lysolecithin was associated with normal rates of FFA absorption. Lecithin also reduced taurocholate absorption from the ileum by 30% (p less than 0.05). These data support the idea that lecithin may depress FFA and bile salt absorption from the small intestine in pancreatic insufficiency.", "contents": "Lecithin inhibits fatty acid and bile salt absorption from rat small intestine in vivo. During digestion of a fatty meal, long chain free fatty acids (FFA) and lecithin are among the lipids solubilized in intestinal contents as mixed micelles with bile salts. We hypothesized that if lecithin were not hydrolyzed, the mixed micelles would be abnormal, and absorption of FFA and bile salts would be depressed. To test this hypothesis, isolated segments of rat small intestine were infused in vivo with micellar solutions of 2 mMolar linoleic acid and 10 mMolar taurocholate to which was added 3 mMolar 1-palmitoyl, 2-oleoyl lecithin (a common lecithin in bile and food), or 1-palmitoyl lysolecithin (the hydrolytic product of lecithin). Absorption of FFA and bile salt was measured under steady state conditions using a single-pass technique. Lecithin depressed the rate of FFA absorption by 40% (p less than 0.025) in jejunal and ileal segments whereas lysolecithin was associated with normal rates of FFA absorption. Lecithin also reduced taurocholate absorption from the ileum by 30% (p less than 0.05). These data support the idea that lecithin may depress FFA and bile salt absorption from the small intestine in pancreatic insufficiency.", "PMID": 1011937} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12654", "title": "Lipid composition of 30 species of yeast.", "content": "The detailed composition of cellular lipid of more than 23 species of yeast has been determined quantitatively by thinchrography on quartz rods, a method previously used for estimating cellular lipids of seven species of yeast. That data was fortified by neutral and phospholipid quantitations on 30 species of yeast cells. Most of the test organisms contained 7-15% total lipid and 3-6% total phospholipid per dry cell weight, except for the extremely high accumulation of triglycerides in two species of Lipomyces. Qualitatively, 30 species of yeast cells contained similar neutral lipid constituents (triglyceride, sterol ester, free fatty acid, and free sterol) and polar lipid components (phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ehtanolamine, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl inositol, cardiolipin, and ceramide monohexoside) without minor constituents. Based on the quantitative composition of neutral lipids, the 30 species of yeast were divided into two groups , the triglyceride predominant group and the sterol derivative group. These groupings were fairly well overlapped from the standpoint of the distribution characteristics of fatty acid. The relative polar lipid compositions also grossly resembled each other. Only one exception of polar lipid composition in yeast cells was found in Rhodotorula rubra species which contained phosphatidyl ethanolamine as the most abundant phospholipid. Fatty acid distribution patterns in yeast cells consistently coincided with other reports concerning fatty acid composition of yeast cells. Correlation of lipid composition and classification of yeasts are suggested and discussed.", "contents": "Lipid composition of 30 species of yeast. The detailed composition of cellular lipid of more than 23 species of yeast has been determined quantitatively by thinchrography on quartz rods, a method previously used for estimating cellular lipids of seven species of yeast. That data was fortified by neutral and phospholipid quantitations on 30 species of yeast cells. Most of the test organisms contained 7-15% total lipid and 3-6% total phospholipid per dry cell weight, except for the extremely high accumulation of triglycerides in two species of Lipomyces. Qualitatively, 30 species of yeast cells contained similar neutral lipid constituents (triglyceride, sterol ester, free fatty acid, and free sterol) and polar lipid components (phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ehtanolamine, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl inositol, cardiolipin, and ceramide monohexoside) without minor constituents. Based on the quantitative composition of neutral lipids, the 30 species of yeast were divided into two groups , the triglyceride predominant group and the sterol derivative group. These groupings were fairly well overlapped from the standpoint of the distribution characteristics of fatty acid. The relative polar lipid compositions also grossly resembled each other. Only one exception of polar lipid composition in yeast cells was found in Rhodotorula rubra species which contained phosphatidyl ethanolamine as the most abundant phospholipid. Fatty acid distribution patterns in yeast cells consistently coincided with other reports concerning fatty acid composition of yeast cells. Correlation of lipid composition and classification of yeasts are suggested and discussed.", "PMID": 1011938} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12655", "title": "Metabolism of chenodeoxycholic acid in hamsters.", "content": "The study on the metabolism after oral administration of chenodeoxycholic acid-24-14C was performed by analysis of radioactivity that had appeared in bile and feces of male hamsters. The radioactive bile acids were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and identified by the isotope dilution method. In the bile of the hamsters with bile fistula, radioactivity was originated from unchanged chenodeoxycholic acid for the most part, and 7-ketolithocholic acid, lithocholic acid, and beta-muricholic acid for the remainder. In the feces lithocholic acid, dehydrolithocholic acid, isolithocholic acid, and unchanged form were identified. After the multiple dosing of chenodeoxycholic acid-24-14C for 6 days, beta-muricholic acid was also identified in the feces.", "contents": "Metabolism of chenodeoxycholic acid in hamsters. The study on the metabolism after oral administration of chenodeoxycholic acid-24-14C was performed by analysis of radioactivity that had appeared in bile and feces of male hamsters. The radioactive bile acids were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and identified by the isotope dilution method. In the bile of the hamsters with bile fistula, radioactivity was originated from unchanged chenodeoxycholic acid for the most part, and 7-ketolithocholic acid, lithocholic acid, and beta-muricholic acid for the remainder. In the feces lithocholic acid, dehydrolithocholic acid, isolithocholic acid, and unchanged form were identified. After the multiple dosing of chenodeoxycholic acid-24-14C for 6 days, beta-muricholic acid was also identified in the feces.", "PMID": 1011939} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12656", "title": "Relative autoxidative and photolytic stabilities of tocols and tocotrienols.", "content": "The relative stabilities of selected individual tocols and tocotrienols and of equimolar mixtures of either alpha- plus gamma- or alpha- plus delta- tocopherols were determined in methyl myristate and methyl linoleate during autoxidation and photolysis. Solutions containing 0.05% of the appropriate tocopherol(s) or tocotrienols were subjected to UV light (254 nm) or to a flow of 4.3 ml/min of oxygen, both at 70 C. Tocopherols (T) and tocotrienols (T-3) were determined by gas chromatography without preliminary separation or purification. Under photolytic conditions, stabilities in increasing order in methyl myristate were gamma-T-3 less than alpha-T-3 less than delta-T less than alpha-T less than gamma-T less than 5,7-T less than beta-T and in methyl linoleate were alpha-T less than alpha-T-3 less than or equal to gamma-T-3 less than or equal to beta-T less than or equal to 5,7-T less than gamma-T less than delta-T. A solvent effect on the initial rate of photolysis was observed for 5-methyl substituted tocols but not for the tocols with an unsubstituted 5-position or for the tocotrienols. Under autoxidative conditions, stabilities in increasing order in methyl myristate were alpha-T = alpha-T-3 less than beta-T-3 less than gamma-T-3 less than delta-T-3 less than gamma-T less than delta-T = beta-T and in methyl linoleate were alpha-T less than alpha-T-3 less than gamma-T-3 less than beta-T less than gamma-T less than delta-T. Tocopherols were much more stable during autoxidation in methyl myristate than they were in methyl linoleate. In mixtures, there was no significant protection of alpha-tocopherol by either gamma- or delta-tocopherol under any of the conditions used. However, alpha-tocopherol was highly effective in protecting gamma- and delta-tocopherols in methyl myristate during both photolysis and autoxidation and in methyl linoleate during photolysis. During autoxidation in methyl linoleate, alpha-tocopherol protection of gamma- and delta-tocopherols after 24 hr was slight tough measurable.", "contents": "Relative autoxidative and photolytic stabilities of tocols and tocotrienols. The relative stabilities of selected individual tocols and tocotrienols and of equimolar mixtures of either alpha- plus gamma- or alpha- plus delta- tocopherols were determined in methyl myristate and methyl linoleate during autoxidation and photolysis. Solutions containing 0.05% of the appropriate tocopherol(s) or tocotrienols were subjected to UV light (254 nm) or to a flow of 4.3 ml/min of oxygen, both at 70 C. Tocopherols (T) and tocotrienols (T-3) were determined by gas chromatography without preliminary separation or purification. Under photolytic conditions, stabilities in increasing order in methyl myristate were gamma-T-3 less than alpha-T-3 less than delta-T less than alpha-T less than gamma-T less than 5,7-T less than beta-T and in methyl linoleate were alpha-T less than alpha-T-3 less than or equal to gamma-T-3 less than or equal to beta-T less than or equal to 5,7-T less than gamma-T less than delta-T. A solvent effect on the initial rate of photolysis was observed for 5-methyl substituted tocols but not for the tocols with an unsubstituted 5-position or for the tocotrienols. Under autoxidative conditions, stabilities in increasing order in methyl myristate were alpha-T = alpha-T-3 less than beta-T-3 less than gamma-T-3 less than delta-T-3 less than gamma-T less than delta-T = beta-T and in methyl linoleate were alpha-T less than alpha-T-3 less than gamma-T-3 less than beta-T less than gamma-T less than delta-T. Tocopherols were much more stable during autoxidation in methyl myristate than they were in methyl linoleate. In mixtures, there was no significant protection of alpha-tocopherol by either gamma- or delta-tocopherol under any of the conditions used. However, alpha-tocopherol was highly effective in protecting gamma- and delta-tocopherols in methyl myristate during both photolysis and autoxidation and in methyl linoleate during photolysis. During autoxidation in methyl linoleate, alpha-tocopherol protection of gamma- and delta-tocopherols after 24 hr was slight tough measurable.", "PMID": 1011941} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12657", "title": "Effect of acute ethanol ingestion on fat absorption.", "content": "A test meal (300 mg casein, 600 mg sucrose, 100 mg corn oil, tracer dose of 9.10(3)H oleic acid) was given to fasting adult rats with intestinal lymph fistulas. One group received an acute oral dose of ethanol (3.2 g/kg body weight) simultaneously with the test meal. Controls received 2.5 ml of water instead of ethanol. Ingestion of ethanol temporarily delayed the removal of lipid radioactivity from the stomachs. More than 25% of radioactivity fed remained 8 hr after feeding whereas with control rats less than 10% of lipid radioactivity fed remained 6 hr after feeding. In controls and ethanol-treated rats, the amounts of exogenous lipids in the intestinal lumen and mucosa were low and similar enough. Quantities of endogenous and exogenous lipids found in the lymph collected during 24 hr after feeding were similar in the two groups, but the fat absorption peak was found after 6 hr in alcoholic rats and before 6 hr in controls. This delay was probably due to the retention of lipids in the stomach. More of the exogenous lipid was always transported by small particles moving in the region of alpha1 globulins in cellulose acetate electrophoresis than by larger particles remaining at the origin. This proportion was enhanced in the ethanol-treated animals. The larger fat particles were richer in endogenous fatty acids in alcohol-treated rats than in controls.", "contents": "Effect of acute ethanol ingestion on fat absorption. A test meal (300 mg casein, 600 mg sucrose, 100 mg corn oil, tracer dose of 9.10(3)H oleic acid) was given to fasting adult rats with intestinal lymph fistulas. One group received an acute oral dose of ethanol (3.2 g/kg body weight) simultaneously with the test meal. Controls received 2.5 ml of water instead of ethanol. Ingestion of ethanol temporarily delayed the removal of lipid radioactivity from the stomachs. More than 25% of radioactivity fed remained 8 hr after feeding whereas with control rats less than 10% of lipid radioactivity fed remained 6 hr after feeding. In controls and ethanol-treated rats, the amounts of exogenous lipids in the intestinal lumen and mucosa were low and similar enough. Quantities of endogenous and exogenous lipids found in the lymph collected during 24 hr after feeding were similar in the two groups, but the fat absorption peak was found after 6 hr in alcoholic rats and before 6 hr in controls. This delay was probably due to the retention of lipids in the stomach. More of the exogenous lipid was always transported by small particles moving in the region of alpha1 globulins in cellulose acetate electrophoresis than by larger particles remaining at the origin. This proportion was enhanced in the ethanol-treated animals. The larger fat particles were richer in endogenous fatty acids in alcohol-treated rats than in controls.", "PMID": 1011940} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12658", "title": "The occurrence and distribution of octadecapentaenoic acid in a natural plankton population. A possible food chain index.", "content": "It is shown that marine dinoflagellates under natural conditions synthesize the unusual fatty acid octapentadecaenoic (18:5omega3). This acid is very likely a characteristic of certain groups of phytoplankters and is not an artifact from artificial culture conditions. Various species of herbivorous copepods as well as contemporary carnivorous chaetognaths living in the same environment present traces of this fatty acid. The decreasing quantity of 18:5omega3 on moving up the food chain, and its absence in certain species, makes it a possible ecological tracer.", "contents": "The occurrence and distribution of octadecapentaenoic acid in a natural plankton population. A possible food chain index. It is shown that marine dinoflagellates under natural conditions synthesize the unusual fatty acid octapentadecaenoic (18:5omega3). This acid is very likely a characteristic of certain groups of phytoplankters and is not an artifact from artificial culture conditions. Various species of herbivorous copepods as well as contemporary carnivorous chaetognaths living in the same environment present traces of this fatty acid. The decreasing quantity of 18:5omega3 on moving up the food chain, and its absence in certain species, makes it a possible ecological tracer.", "PMID": 1011942} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12659", "title": "Localization of a marine source of odd chain-length fatty acids. I. The amphipod Pontoporeia femorata (Kr\u00f6yer).", "content": "The amphipod Pontoporeia femorata (Kr\u00f6yer) contains approximately equal amounts of odd chain length and even chain length fatty acids. Mature males of this species are released into the waters of Jeddore Harbour during winter months as the result of a regular reproductive cycle and become food for smelt Osmerus mordax moving into the harbor in preparation for spring spawning runs, thus accounting for the previously reported unusual fatty acid composition of these smelt. The exceptionally high levels of odd chain length fatty acids in P. femorata occur at all stages of maturity in both sexes of the animal and are found in P. femorata in other locations.", "contents": "Localization of a marine source of odd chain-length fatty acids. I. The amphipod Pontoporeia femorata (Kr\u00f6yer). The amphipod Pontoporeia femorata (Kr\u00f6yer) contains approximately equal amounts of odd chain length and even chain length fatty acids. Mature males of this species are released into the waters of Jeddore Harbour during winter months as the result of a regular reproductive cycle and become food for smelt Osmerus mordax moving into the harbor in preparation for spring spawning runs, thus accounting for the previously reported unusual fatty acid composition of these smelt. The exceptionally high levels of odd chain length fatty acids in P. femorata occur at all stages of maturity in both sexes of the animal and are found in P. femorata in other locations.", "PMID": 1011943} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12660", "title": "Localization of a source of marine odd chain-length fatty acids. II. Seasonal propagation of odd chain-length monoethylenic fatty acids in a marine food chain.", "content": "The unusual occurrence of elevated levels of odd chain length fatty acids (OCFA) in smelt taken during winter months in Jeddore Harbour, Nova Scotia, is due to the dietary intake of large numbers of the amphipod Pontoporeia femorata (Kr\u00f6yer). Sampling over two winters confirms that the seasonal peak period for this amphipod in stomachs is mid-December to the end of February. The distributions of monoethylenic isomers are compared to distinguish exogenous and endogenous smelt dietary features in terms of the geographically limited phenomenon of high OCFA levels and the essential absence of biological activity for these acids.", "contents": "Localization of a source of marine odd chain-length fatty acids. II. Seasonal propagation of odd chain-length monoethylenic fatty acids in a marine food chain. The unusual occurrence of elevated levels of odd chain length fatty acids (OCFA) in smelt taken during winter months in Jeddore Harbour, Nova Scotia, is due to the dietary intake of large numbers of the amphipod Pontoporeia femorata (Kr\u00f6yer). Sampling over two winters confirms that the seasonal peak period for this amphipod in stomachs is mid-December to the end of February. The distributions of monoethylenic isomers are compared to distinguish exogenous and endogenous smelt dietary features in terms of the geographically limited phenomenon of high OCFA levels and the essential absence of biological activity for these acids.", "PMID": 1011944} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12661", "title": "Exercise induced sodium conservation: changes in plasma renin and aldosterone.", "content": "Previous studies have demonstrated a renal Na+ conservation during repeated days of exercise in the heat. The present study was intended to describe the role of plasma aldosterone (PAC) in reducing urine Na+ losses during and after 60 min of exercise (60% VO2max) in a warm environment (30 degrees C, 50-53% relative humidity). Additional measurements were made of plasma renin activity (PRA) in an effort to demonstrate the relationship between PRA and PAC. This study shows that a single bout of exercise can significantly reduce urine Na+, Cl-, and H20 excretions for up to 48 hours. Both PRA and PAC were significantly elevated during and immediately after exercise and returned to the pre-exercise level within 6-12 hours of recovery. Subsequently, ingestion of 180 mEq of Na+ each day with ad libitum water intake results in an increased NaCl storage and an expansion of the extracellular volume.", "contents": "Exercise induced sodium conservation: changes in plasma renin and aldosterone. Previous studies have demonstrated a renal Na+ conservation during repeated days of exercise in the heat. The present study was intended to describe the role of plasma aldosterone (PAC) in reducing urine Na+ losses during and after 60 min of exercise (60% VO2max) in a warm environment (30 degrees C, 50-53% relative humidity). Additional measurements were made of plasma renin activity (PRA) in an effort to demonstrate the relationship between PRA and PAC. This study shows that a single bout of exercise can significantly reduce urine Na+, Cl-, and H20 excretions for up to 48 hours. Both PRA and PAC were significantly elevated during and immediately after exercise and returned to the pre-exercise level within 6-12 hours of recovery. Subsequently, ingestion of 180 mEq of Na+ each day with ad libitum water intake results in an increased NaCl storage and an expansion of the extracellular volume.", "PMID": 1011955} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12662", "title": "Physiological investigations of Swedish elite canoe competitors.", "content": "Maximal as well as submaximal heart rate and oxygen uptake were measured during paddling and other types of arm and leg exercise in Swedish elite canoeists. Muscle fiber composition was determined in the canoeists: 4 seniors (22-28 year old) as well as 2 juniors (18 years). Vo2max during treadmill running averaged in the seniors 5.4 1 x min -1 and during arm exercise. Corresponding values for the juniors were 4.7 1 x min -1 and 4.21 x min -1 or 88%. Paddling 500 m resulted in relatively low oxygen uptake, but the highest blood lactate concentrations, whereas 1,000 m gave the highest oxygen uptake but also high blood lactate concentrations. During a 10,000 m race the heart rate was approximately 97% (range 96-98%) of the maximum measured. In nine present and former winners of World Championships or Olympic medals, fiber types were determined in the deltoid muscle. These data indicated that canoeists, who were successful in 500 m races, had a higher percentage of fast twitch (FT) muscle fibers (range 50-59%) than medalists, who competed in 10,000 m races (26-52% FT).", "contents": "Physiological investigations of Swedish elite canoe competitors. Maximal as well as submaximal heart rate and oxygen uptake were measured during paddling and other types of arm and leg exercise in Swedish elite canoeists. Muscle fiber composition was determined in the canoeists: 4 seniors (22-28 year old) as well as 2 juniors (18 years). Vo2max during treadmill running averaged in the seniors 5.4 1 x min -1 and during arm exercise. Corresponding values for the juniors were 4.7 1 x min -1 and 4.21 x min -1 or 88%. Paddling 500 m resulted in relatively low oxygen uptake, but the highest blood lactate concentrations, whereas 1,000 m gave the highest oxygen uptake but also high blood lactate concentrations. During a 10,000 m race the heart rate was approximately 97% (range 96-98%) of the maximum measured. In nine present and former winners of World Championships or Olympic medals, fiber types were determined in the deltoid muscle. These data indicated that canoeists, who were successful in 500 m races, had a higher percentage of fast twitch (FT) muscle fibers (range 50-59%) than medalists, who competed in 10,000 m races (26-52% FT).", "PMID": 1011956} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12663", "title": "The effect of different intensities of exercise on the excretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine.", "content": "Anticipation of a potentially stressful situation can alter the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of three different intensities of exercise on epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) excretion when the work test order was randomly assigned and the subjects were not informed of the test order. Six subjects exercised at work loads which averaged 49%, 65%, and 82% Vo2max. Each subject showed an increased rate of NE excretion as the work load increased. The differences among work loads were significant (P less than 0.01). The E response was less consistent. Two subjects showed the greatest rate of excretion at the lowest work load, and one subject showed no increase above his pre-exercise resting value. While NE excretion was closely related to the work load, factors other than exercise appeared to exert considerable influence on the rate of E excretion during exercise.", "contents": "The effect of different intensities of exercise on the excretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Anticipation of a potentially stressful situation can alter the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of three different intensities of exercise on epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) excretion when the work test order was randomly assigned and the subjects were not informed of the test order. Six subjects exercised at work loads which averaged 49%, 65%, and 82% Vo2max. Each subject showed an increased rate of NE excretion as the work load increased. The differences among work loads were significant (P less than 0.01). The E response was less consistent. Two subjects showed the greatest rate of excretion at the lowest work load, and one subject showed no increase above his pre-exercise resting value. While NE excretion was closely related to the work load, factors other than exercise appeared to exert considerable influence on the rate of E excretion during exercise.", "PMID": 1011957} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12664", "title": "The effect of the number of daily training sessions on skeletal muscle protein synthesis.", "content": "The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of training either once or three times/day on the principal stages of skeletal muscle. The experiments were carried out on male albino rats fed either 3 or 5 times/day a diet containing 20% protein. Experimental animals swam either once or 3 times/day, 6 days/week for 10 weeks with weights attached. The total duration of daily activity was equal for both groups and at 10 weeks each animal was swimming for 60 min/day with 3% of his body weight attached. All the animals were examined at rest after the 10-week training programs. The adequacy of the weight-loading and training schedules was estimated by body weight dynamics and such energy metabolites as creatine phosphate and glycogen. Skeletal muscle RNA and protein synthesis were studied by means of 14C-orotic acid and 14C-leucine incorporation, respectively. Quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles were used for analysis in all experiments. It was found that the increase in the number of daily training sessions resulted in an increased content and intensity of synthesis of skeletal muscle proteins as evidenced by an increase in the content of amino acids in the muscle, an increased synthesis of both microsomal and ribosomal RNA, an increased stability of (poly-A)-containing messenger RNA, and an increased synthesis of all skeletal muscle protein fractions: myofibrillar, sarcoplasmic, and myostromal.", "contents": "The effect of the number of daily training sessions on skeletal muscle protein synthesis. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of training either once or three times/day on the principal stages of skeletal muscle. The experiments were carried out on male albino rats fed either 3 or 5 times/day a diet containing 20% protein. Experimental animals swam either once or 3 times/day, 6 days/week for 10 weeks with weights attached. The total duration of daily activity was equal for both groups and at 10 weeks each animal was swimming for 60 min/day with 3% of his body weight attached. All the animals were examined at rest after the 10-week training programs. The adequacy of the weight-loading and training schedules was estimated by body weight dynamics and such energy metabolites as creatine phosphate and glycogen. Skeletal muscle RNA and protein synthesis were studied by means of 14C-orotic acid and 14C-leucine incorporation, respectively. Quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles were used for analysis in all experiments. It was found that the increase in the number of daily training sessions resulted in an increased content and intensity of synthesis of skeletal muscle proteins as evidenced by an increase in the content of amino acids in the muscle, an increased synthesis of both microsomal and ribosomal RNA, an increased stability of (poly-A)-containing messenger RNA, and an increased synthesis of all skeletal muscle protein fractions: myofibrillar, sarcoplasmic, and myostromal.", "PMID": 1011958} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12665", "title": "The effects of physical training on the lung growth of infant rats.", "content": "The effect of swimming exercise on the growth of the lungs was examined in 60 Charles River Outbred Albino male rats during their second and third months of life. A tw0-by-three factorial analysis of variance design was used for significant differences due to duration of exercise (swimming 5 minutes per day 5 days per week, swimming to exhaustion 5 days per week, and no exercise) and duration of training (4 weeks and 8 weeks). All rats were loaded equal to 5 percent of body weight while swimming. Measurements used to evaluate lung growth were lung blood volume, lung blood volume/body weight, alveolar density, ratio of alveolar surface area to respiratory volume, lung weight, and lung weight/body weight. It was concluded that alveolar proliferation was increased in rats exposed to swimming during the second month of postnatal growth as indicated by greater alveolar densities and surface area to respiratory volume ratios is exercised subjects. Failure to find further growth during the third month of life suggested a critical period prior to the third month for such proliferation. Nonexhaustive swimming was as effective as exhaustive swimming in promoting the proliferation. There was no interaction between duration of exercise and duration of training.", "contents": "The effects of physical training on the lung growth of infant rats. The effect of swimming exercise on the growth of the lungs was examined in 60 Charles River Outbred Albino male rats during their second and third months of life. A tw0-by-three factorial analysis of variance design was used for significant differences due to duration of exercise (swimming 5 minutes per day 5 days per week, swimming to exhaustion 5 days per week, and no exercise) and duration of training (4 weeks and 8 weeks). All rats were loaded equal to 5 percent of body weight while swimming. Measurements used to evaluate lung growth were lung blood volume, lung blood volume/body weight, alveolar density, ratio of alveolar surface area to respiratory volume, lung weight, and lung weight/body weight. It was concluded that alveolar proliferation was increased in rats exposed to swimming during the second month of postnatal growth as indicated by greater alveolar densities and surface area to respiratory volume ratios is exercised subjects. Failure to find further growth during the third month of life suggested a critical period prior to the third month for such proliferation. Nonexhaustive swimming was as effective as exhaustive swimming in promoting the proliferation. There was no interaction between duration of exercise and duration of training.", "PMID": 1011959} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12666", "title": "Dose-response effects of anti-inflammatory steroid injections on mechanical properties of rat tail tendons.", "content": "It has been suggested that glucocorticoid drug therapy or usage may be a contributing factor in the occurrence of tendon ruptures among athletes. Our earlier findings (7) did not support this position but may have been dependent on the small quantity of drug injected. We subsequently tested selected biomechanical properties of healthy, non-traumatized tail tendons from sixty 90-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats previously injected weekly for six weeks with 0.1 ml saline (controls) or low (0.03 mg/0.1 ml), medium (0.30 mg/0.1 ml) or high doses (0.60 mg/0.1 ml) of betamethasone. Results indicate the biological effectiveness of the medium and high dose treatments through reductions in body and adrenal weights, but we found no statistically significant change in dry tendon weight, yield load or relative yield load, although there was a suggestive trend toward lessened dry tendon weights and greater relative yield loads. The hypothesis that repeated local injections of an anti-inflammatory steroid deleteriously effects mechanical properties of healthy, non-traumatized rat tendons is not supported by our data, even considering that some dosages were 10 to 20 times greater than recommended therapeutic quantities for humans.", "contents": "Dose-response effects of anti-inflammatory steroid injections on mechanical properties of rat tail tendons. It has been suggested that glucocorticoid drug therapy or usage may be a contributing factor in the occurrence of tendon ruptures among athletes. Our earlier findings (7) did not support this position but may have been dependent on the small quantity of drug injected. We subsequently tested selected biomechanical properties of healthy, non-traumatized tail tendons from sixty 90-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats previously injected weekly for six weeks with 0.1 ml saline (controls) or low (0.03 mg/0.1 ml), medium (0.30 mg/0.1 ml) or high doses (0.60 mg/0.1 ml) of betamethasone. Results indicate the biological effectiveness of the medium and high dose treatments through reductions in body and adrenal weights, but we found no statistically significant change in dry tendon weight, yield load or relative yield load, although there was a suggestive trend toward lessened dry tendon weights and greater relative yield loads. The hypothesis that repeated local injections of an anti-inflammatory steroid deleteriously effects mechanical properties of healthy, non-traumatized rat tendons is not supported by our data, even considering that some dosages were 10 to 20 times greater than recommended therapeutic quantities for humans.", "PMID": 1011960} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12667", "title": "The maximum aerobic power of the Temiars.", "content": "A settlement of Temiars, an aboriginal tribe residing in the north-eastern jungles of the Malay Peninsula, was selected for a study of their cardiorespiratory fitness. A step-test was used to elicit the Vo2max, V E max and HR max in a group of 19 boys aged 12 to 18 years and 6 men aged 19 - 40 years. The mean VO2max of the boys was found to be 45.9 +/- 6.9 ml-kg-1-min-1 compared with 45.6 +/- 5.4 ml-kg-1-min-1 for the men. The mean V E max, HR max and blood lactate levels were found to be 65.5 +/- 11.31/min and 69.2 +/- 23.71/min; 194 +/- 8 beats/min and 186 +/- 10 beats/min; and 79.8 +/- 13.4 mg% and 97.7 +/- 33.4 mg% respectively. These results are comparable to those obtained in urban populations as well as those found in other primitive communities. Telemetric monitoring of the routine daily physical activity of the men revealed that these jungle dwellers rarely tax their oxygen transport systems in their daily living and their cardiorespiratory functions were similar to communities who do not specifically train for physical fitness.", "contents": "The maximum aerobic power of the Temiars. A settlement of Temiars, an aboriginal tribe residing in the north-eastern jungles of the Malay Peninsula, was selected for a study of their cardiorespiratory fitness. A step-test was used to elicit the Vo2max, V E max and HR max in a group of 19 boys aged 12 to 18 years and 6 men aged 19 - 40 years. The mean VO2max of the boys was found to be 45.9 +/- 6.9 ml-kg-1-min-1 compared with 45.6 +/- 5.4 ml-kg-1-min-1 for the men. The mean V E max, HR max and blood lactate levels were found to be 65.5 +/- 11.31/min and 69.2 +/- 23.71/min; 194 +/- 8 beats/min and 186 +/- 10 beats/min; and 79.8 +/- 13.4 mg% and 97.7 +/- 33.4 mg% respectively. These results are comparable to those obtained in urban populations as well as those found in other primitive communities. Telemetric monitoring of the routine daily physical activity of the men revealed that these jungle dwellers rarely tax their oxygen transport systems in their daily living and their cardiorespiratory functions were similar to communities who do not specifically train for physical fitness.", "PMID": 1011961} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12668", "title": "Heat tolerance following diuretic induced dehydration.", "content": "In an effort to assess the effects of acute fluid loss on body temperature regulation during exercise, seven subjects (one female and six males) were studied on two occasions during two hours of cycling (35% Vo2max) in a hot environment (39 degrees C = DB, 35% = RH). One trial (D) was conducted following a 3% body weight reduction, achieved with 40-80 mg oral administration of a diuretic \"lasix.\" A control exercise bout was performed with the subject normally hydrated (H). As a result of the diuresis, plasma volume (PV) decreased 15.3% (SE +/- 1.3), while heart rates during exercise increased 20-25 beats/min when compared to the H condition. Although significantly greater increases (P less than 0.05) in rectal and muscle temperatures occurred during exercise in the D trial, mean skin temperature (TS) was lower. Skin blood flow estimated from conductance values averaged 800 ml/min less during the D condition than during exercise in the H trial. Since the preliminary diuresis had no affect on sweat rate during exercise (D = 0.80 vs. H = 0.80 liters/hr), body heat dissipation appeared limited mainly by a reduction in peripheral blood flow. The diuretic induced dehydration was found to increase the sensitivity of some subjects to the exercise-heat stress, producing symptoms of heat exhaustion.", "contents": "Heat tolerance following diuretic induced dehydration. In an effort to assess the effects of acute fluid loss on body temperature regulation during exercise, seven subjects (one female and six males) were studied on two occasions during two hours of cycling (35% Vo2max) in a hot environment (39 degrees C = DB, 35% = RH). One trial (D) was conducted following a 3% body weight reduction, achieved with 40-80 mg oral administration of a diuretic \"lasix.\" A control exercise bout was performed with the subject normally hydrated (H). As a result of the diuresis, plasma volume (PV) decreased 15.3% (SE +/- 1.3), while heart rates during exercise increased 20-25 beats/min when compared to the H condition. Although significantly greater increases (P less than 0.05) in rectal and muscle temperatures occurred during exercise in the D trial, mean skin temperature (TS) was lower. Skin blood flow estimated from conductance values averaged 800 ml/min less during the D condition than during exercise in the H trial. Since the preliminary diuresis had no affect on sweat rate during exercise (D = 0.80 vs. H = 0.80 liters/hr), body heat dissipation appeared limited mainly by a reduction in peripheral blood flow. The diuretic induced dehydration was found to increase the sensitivity of some subjects to the exercise-heat stress, producing symptoms of heat exhaustion.", "PMID": 1011962} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12669", "title": "Exercise capacity of black sickle cell trait males.", "content": "Aerobic capacity data were collected on matched groups of 16 black sickle cell trait males and 16 non-trait males. The subjects were matched on race, age, weight, sex, physical activity profile, skinfolds, and smoking habits. Total treadmill times, predicted and actual Vo2 max, max HR, and recovery HR were compared. The Bruce Multi-Stage Treadmill Test was administered with continuous ECG and OCC (Oxygen Consumption Computer) monitoring. The results indicated no significant difference (P greater than .05) between the trait and non-trait subjects on any of the performance variables.", "contents": "Exercise capacity of black sickle cell trait males. Aerobic capacity data were collected on matched groups of 16 black sickle cell trait males and 16 non-trait males. The subjects were matched on race, age, weight, sex, physical activity profile, skinfolds, and smoking habits. Total treadmill times, predicted and actual Vo2 max, max HR, and recovery HR were compared. The Bruce Multi-Stage Treadmill Test was administered with continuous ECG and OCC (Oxygen Consumption Computer) monitoring. The results indicated no significant difference (P greater than .05) between the trait and non-trait subjects on any of the performance variables.", "PMID": 1011963} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12670", "title": "Attitudes towards health and physical activity in the elderly. Effects of a physical training program.", "content": "Attitudes towards physical activity, perceived health, body image, anxiety and life satisfaction have been studied in men and women 60 years of age and older, volunteering for progressive endurance training. Relative to other studies of younger volunteers, the senior citizens placed more value upon activity as \"an esthetic experience\" and as \"a means to health and fitness\" showing less interest in \"the pursuit of vertigo.\" Many non-participants and \"drop-outs\" perceived their current fitness as satisfactory. Subjects who selected a low frequency and low intensity of training were obese, with high Cornell Medical Index (CMI) scores on both organic and psychological scales. After 14 weeks of conditioning, 83% of subjects reported improvements in well-being. However, CMI scores were reduced on only one of twelve organic scales and none of the behavior, mood and feeling scales. Neugarten's Life Satisfaction Index, Kenyon's Body Image scales, and McPherson's the Real Me scores remained unchanged, but there was a decrease of Manifest Anxiety (Taylor scale) and a greater regard of physical activity as \"the relief of tension.\" When subjects were classed according to changes in aerobic power, between group differences were found for \"Real Me\" scores and for three of Kenyon's attitude scales. Persons who trained frequently and intensively showed improvements for body image and for five of Kenyon's attitude scales.", "contents": "Attitudes towards health and physical activity in the elderly. Effects of a physical training program. Attitudes towards physical activity, perceived health, body image, anxiety and life satisfaction have been studied in men and women 60 years of age and older, volunteering for progressive endurance training. Relative to other studies of younger volunteers, the senior citizens placed more value upon activity as \"an esthetic experience\" and as \"a means to health and fitness\" showing less interest in \"the pursuit of vertigo.\" Many non-participants and \"drop-outs\" perceived their current fitness as satisfactory. Subjects who selected a low frequency and low intensity of training were obese, with high Cornell Medical Index (CMI) scores on both organic and psychological scales. After 14 weeks of conditioning, 83% of subjects reported improvements in well-being. However, CMI scores were reduced on only one of twelve organic scales and none of the behavior, mood and feeling scales. Neugarten's Life Satisfaction Index, Kenyon's Body Image scales, and McPherson's the Real Me scores remained unchanged, but there was a decrease of Manifest Anxiety (Taylor scale) and a greater regard of physical activity as \"the relief of tension.\" When subjects were classed according to changes in aerobic power, between group differences were found for \"Real Me\" scores and for three of Kenyon's attitude scales. Persons who trained frequently and intensively showed improvements for body image and for five of Kenyon's attitude scales.", "PMID": 1011964} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12671", "title": "Attitudes towards health and physical activity in the elderly. Effects of a physical training program.", "content": "Attitudes towards physical activity, perceived health, body image, anxiety and life satisfaction have been studied in men and women 60 years of age and older, volunteering for progressive endurance training. Relative to other studies of younger volunteers, the senior citizens placed more value upon activity as \"an esthetic experience\" and as \"a means to health and fitness\" showing less interest in \"the pursuit of vertigo.\" Many non-participants and \"drop-outs\" perceived their current fitness as satisfactory. Subjects who selected a low frequency and low intensity of training were obese, with high Cornell Medical Index (CMI) scores on both organic and psychological scales. After 14 weeks of conditioning, 83% of subjects reported improvements in well-being. However, CMI scores were reduced on only one of twelve organic scales and none of the behavior, mood and feeling scales. Neugarten's Life Satisfaction Index, Kenyon's Body Image scales, and McPherson's the Real Me scores remained unchanged, but there was a decrease of Manifest Anxiety (Taylor scale) and a greater regard for physical activity as \"the relief of tension.\" When subjects were classed according to changes in aerobic power, between group differences were found for \"Real Me\" scores and for three of Kenyon's attitude scales. Persons who trained frequently and intensively showed improvements for body image and for five of Kenyon's attitude scales.", "contents": "Attitudes towards health and physical activity in the elderly. Effects of a physical training program. Attitudes towards physical activity, perceived health, body image, anxiety and life satisfaction have been studied in men and women 60 years of age and older, volunteering for progressive endurance training. Relative to other studies of younger volunteers, the senior citizens placed more value upon activity as \"an esthetic experience\" and as \"a means to health and fitness\" showing less interest in \"the pursuit of vertigo.\" Many non-participants and \"drop-outs\" perceived their current fitness as satisfactory. Subjects who selected a low frequency and low intensity of training were obese, with high Cornell Medical Index (CMI) scores on both organic and psychological scales. After 14 weeks of conditioning, 83% of subjects reported improvements in well-being. However, CMI scores were reduced on only one of twelve organic scales and none of the behavior, mood and feeling scales. Neugarten's Life Satisfaction Index, Kenyon's Body Image scales, and McPherson's the Real Me scores remained unchanged, but there was a decrease of Manifest Anxiety (Taylor scale) and a greater regard for physical activity as \"the relief of tension.\" When subjects were classed according to changes in aerobic power, between group differences were found for \"Real Me\" scores and for three of Kenyon's attitude scales. Persons who trained frequently and intensively showed improvements for body image and for five of Kenyon's attitude scales.", "PMID": 1011965} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12672", "title": "Postcontractile motoneuronal discharge produced by muscle afferent activation.", "content": "Muscle afferent activity is markedly enhanced following isometric contractions in hindlimb musculature of various vertebrates. Such increased and persistent postcontractile sensory discharge (PCSD) consists for the most part of potentiated firing of muscle spindle primary afferents. To determine if a positive feedback function is served, involving recruitment of homonymous and synergistic motor units, 62 motoneurons were isolated in L7 ventral root filaments, categorized according to their reflex response to triceps surae stretch, and monitored before and after isometric contraction for variations in spike frequency. Motoneurons found reflexly coupled to triceps surae stretch receptors significantly increased (P less than .01) their firing frequency during PCSD. Tonic motoneurons, believed to be primarily of alpha origin, accounted for most of the observations. This latter finding is consistent with known effects of spindle afferent input on motoneuronal recruitment. Functionally, this autogenetic control circuit should enhance \"muscle stifness\" and stabilize the muscle against minor perturbations.", "contents": "Postcontractile motoneuronal discharge produced by muscle afferent activation. Muscle afferent activity is markedly enhanced following isometric contractions in hindlimb musculature of various vertebrates. Such increased and persistent postcontractile sensory discharge (PCSD) consists for the most part of potentiated firing of muscle spindle primary afferents. To determine if a positive feedback function is served, involving recruitment of homonymous and synergistic motor units, 62 motoneurons were isolated in L7 ventral root filaments, categorized according to their reflex response to triceps surae stretch, and monitored before and after isometric contraction for variations in spike frequency. Motoneurons found reflexly coupled to triceps surae stretch receptors significantly increased (P less than .01) their firing frequency during PCSD. Tonic motoneurons, believed to be primarily of alpha origin, accounted for most of the observations. This latter finding is consistent with known effects of spindle afferent input on motoneuronal recruitment. Functionally, this autogenetic control circuit should enhance \"muscle stifness\" and stabilize the muscle against minor perturbations.", "PMID": 1011966} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12673", "title": "Degradation of quinoline by a soil bacterium.", "content": "From garden soil a bacterium was isolated which grew aerobically in mineral salts medium with quinoline as sole C source and NH4+ as N source. During growth with quinoline, 2-hydroxyquinoline accumulated in the culture fluid and later disappeared. Whole cells oxidized 2-hydroxyquinoline, 2,6-dihydroxyquinoline and 2,7,8,-trihydroxyquinoline as rapidly as quinoline and without a lag. Catechol was oxidized more slowly by meta-cleavage but at an increasing rate indicative of adaptation. A number of derivatives of benzene and pyridine were not attacked. Whole cells oxidized 2,7,8,-trihydroxyquinoline to a yellow meta-cleavage product which was not further degraded. The following pathway is proposed: quinoline leads to 2-hydroxyquinoline leads to 2,6-dihydroxyquinoline leads to a trihydroxyquinoline (probably not the 2,7,8-compound, but possibly the 2,5,6-compound).", "contents": "Degradation of quinoline by a soil bacterium. From garden soil a bacterium was isolated which grew aerobically in mineral salts medium with quinoline as sole C source and NH4+ as N source. During growth with quinoline, 2-hydroxyquinoline accumulated in the culture fluid and later disappeared. Whole cells oxidized 2-hydroxyquinoline, 2,6-dihydroxyquinoline and 2,7,8,-trihydroxyquinoline as rapidly as quinoline and without a lag. Catechol was oxidized more slowly by meta-cleavage but at an increasing rate indicative of adaptation. A number of derivatives of benzene and pyridine were not attacked. Whole cells oxidized 2,7,8,-trihydroxyquinoline to a yellow meta-cleavage product which was not further degraded. The following pathway is proposed: quinoline leads to 2-hydroxyquinoline leads to 2,6-dihydroxyquinoline leads to a trihydroxyquinoline (probably not the 2,7,8-compound, but possibly the 2,5,6-compound).", "PMID": 1012043} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12674", "title": "[Studies of the primary distribution kinetics of n-alkane oxidation products according to morphological components of the yeast cell].", "content": "Incorporation of 14C into various classes of lipids localized in the cell walls, large membranes, mitochondria and microsomes of yeast cells was studied during their incubation with 1-14C-octadecane. Cell structures were found to differ considerably by the kinetics and level of accumulation of 14C-components of the lipid fraction. Waxes and triglycerides prevail during primary accumulation of 14C-lipids in the large membranes and cell walls. Synthesis of these compounds is presumed to play an important role in the course of primary transformation of n-octadecane.", "contents": "[Studies of the primary distribution kinetics of n-alkane oxidation products according to morphological components of the yeast cell]. Incorporation of 14C into various classes of lipids localized in the cell walls, large membranes, mitochondria and microsomes of yeast cells was studied during their incubation with 1-14C-octadecane. Cell structures were found to differ considerably by the kinetics and level of accumulation of 14C-components of the lipid fraction. Waxes and triglycerides prevail during primary accumulation of 14C-lipids in the large membranes and cell walls. Synthesis of these compounds is presumed to play an important role in the course of primary transformation of n-octadecane.", "PMID": 1012044} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12675", "title": "[Morphofunctional changes in the mycelium of active and inactive variants of Actinomyces parvullus during growth and biosynthesis of actinomycin D].", "content": "The structure and function of the mycelium were studied with active and inactive variants of Actinomyces parvillus producing actinomycin D. Changes in the morphology were found in the hyphae of the active variant during its growth and production of the antibiotic: the cell wall became first thicker in the course of growth and then thinner with aging; the ribosomes aggregated prior to intensive synthesis of actinomycin but disintegrated later into fine-granular regions; electron-trasnparent bodies of irregular shape appeared in the cytoplasm, and their content was liberated into the medium upon lysis of the cytoplasmic membrane and cell wall. These changes were not detected in the mycelium of the inactive variant. The disintegrated mycelium of the active variant was studied by differential ultracentrifugation, and the electron-transparent bodies in the cells were presumed to be of the antibiotic nature. A capsule is formed around the hyphae at the beginning of the antibiotic synthesis, and thickens in the course of growth. Intrahyphal hyphae are very often encountered in the culture. Possible mechanisms protecting cells in unfavourable conditions are discussed.", "contents": "[Morphofunctional changes in the mycelium of active and inactive variants of Actinomyces parvullus during growth and biosynthesis of actinomycin D]. The structure and function of the mycelium were studied with active and inactive variants of Actinomyces parvillus producing actinomycin D. Changes in the morphology were found in the hyphae of the active variant during its growth and production of the antibiotic: the cell wall became first thicker in the course of growth and then thinner with aging; the ribosomes aggregated prior to intensive synthesis of actinomycin but disintegrated later into fine-granular regions; electron-trasnparent bodies of irregular shape appeared in the cytoplasm, and their content was liberated into the medium upon lysis of the cytoplasmic membrane and cell wall. These changes were not detected in the mycelium of the inactive variant. The disintegrated mycelium of the active variant was studied by differential ultracentrifugation, and the electron-transparent bodies in the cells were presumed to be of the antibiotic nature. A capsule is formed around the hyphae at the beginning of the antibiotic synthesis, and thickens in the course of growth. Intrahyphal hyphae are very often encountered in the culture. Possible mechanisms protecting cells in unfavourable conditions are discussed.", "PMID": 1012045} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12676", "title": "[Biological productivity of hybrids and strains of yeast cultures of different ploidy].", "content": "Ploidy and productivity of yeast strains and hybrids obtained by crossing various industrial races were studied. Biological productivity of yeast cultures increases with ploidy as was found by comparing biological productivity (biomass accumulation) in haploids, diploids, triploids, and tetraploids. Possible factors causing an insignificant decrease in productivity of some tetraploids as compared to triploids are discussed.", "contents": "[Biological productivity of hybrids and strains of yeast cultures of different ploidy]. Ploidy and productivity of yeast strains and hybrids obtained by crossing various industrial races were studied. Biological productivity of yeast cultures increases with ploidy as was found by comparing biological productivity (biomass accumulation) in haploids, diploids, triploids, and tetraploids. Possible factors causing an insignificant decrease in productivity of some tetraploids as compared to triploids are discussed.", "PMID": 1012046} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12677", "title": "[Role of leguminous plants in effective symniosis with nodule bacteria].", "content": "Experiments were conducted with five clover varieties and six lucerne varieties infected with their specific strains of nodule bacteria with a high or low activity. The role of plants in active symbiosis with nodule bacteria was established. The nitrogen fixing activity of nodule bacteria varied within a wide range depending on the plant variety. Not only the activity of the strain, but the variety of the plant too, should be taken into account for industrial purposes.", "contents": "[Role of leguminous plants in effective symniosis with nodule bacteria]. Experiments were conducted with five clover varieties and six lucerne varieties infected with their specific strains of nodule bacteria with a high or low activity. The role of plants in active symbiosis with nodule bacteria was established. The nitrogen fixing activity of nodule bacteria varied within a wide range depending on the plant variety. Not only the activity of the strain, but the variety of the plant too, should be taken into account for industrial purposes.", "PMID": 1012047} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12678", "title": "[Microbiological studies of the Wanda Lake (Antarctica)].", "content": "The deep-water (68 m) Wanda Lake in the Antarctica is noticeable by three characteristics: a relatively high temperature in the bottom layer, elevated salinity, and the presence of H2S. Only several (less often, dozens) saprophytic microorganisms per 40 ml of water are encountered in the lake. The total number of bacteria varies from 6-10(3) to 172-10(3) cells/ml. The highest content of the total bacterial population, and saprophytes, is found in intermediate layers, 30 and 40-50 m deep, respectively. Microbial strains isolated from water and ooze belong to the genera Pseudomonas, Chromobacterium, Bacillus, and Mycobacterium. Yeast organisms were also found. Sulphate reducing bacteria were detected only at one station in ooze of the lake while thionic bacteria could not be determined at all. Photosynthetic bacteria were isolated from ooze at all four stations.", "contents": "[Microbiological studies of the Wanda Lake (Antarctica)]. The deep-water (68 m) Wanda Lake in the Antarctica is noticeable by three characteristics: a relatively high temperature in the bottom layer, elevated salinity, and the presence of H2S. Only several (less often, dozens) saprophytic microorganisms per 40 ml of water are encountered in the lake. The total number of bacteria varies from 6-10(3) to 172-10(3) cells/ml. The highest content of the total bacterial population, and saprophytes, is found in intermediate layers, 30 and 40-50 m deep, respectively. Microbial strains isolated from water and ooze belong to the genera Pseudomonas, Chromobacterium, Bacillus, and Mycobacterium. Yeast organisms were also found. Sulphate reducing bacteria were detected only at one station in ooze of the lake while thionic bacteria could not be determined at all. Photosynthetic bacteria were isolated from ooze at all four stations.", "PMID": 1012048} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12679", "title": "[Thermophilic bacteria from hot springs of Kamchatka].", "content": "Spore-forming bacteria with the optimum growth temperature from 40 to 65 degrees C were isolated from hot springs of Kamchatka with the temperature 50-93 degrees C and pH 6.3-7.3: Bacillus stearothermophilus, B. brevis, B. subtilis, B. cereus, B. megaterium, and B. licheniformis. The bacterial have a high biochemical activity and play therefore an important role in decomposition of organic substances.", "contents": "[Thermophilic bacteria from hot springs of Kamchatka]. Spore-forming bacteria with the optimum growth temperature from 40 to 65 degrees C were isolated from hot springs of Kamchatka with the temperature 50-93 degrees C and pH 6.3-7.3: Bacillus stearothermophilus, B. brevis, B. subtilis, B. cereus, B. megaterium, and B. licheniformis. The bacterial have a high biochemical activity and play therefore an important role in decomposition of organic substances.", "PMID": 1012049} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12680", "title": "[Participation of heterotrophic microorganisms in the purification of drainage waters from heavy metal ions].", "content": "Heterotrophic microorganisms can grow in the presence of toxic components contained in industrial drainage of non-ferrous metal industry. The content of microorganisms correlates with the concentration of organic substances of plant origin in drainage waters. In the course of mineralization, heavy metal ions are immobilized and precipitated as stable metal-organic complexes with microbial metabolites. The rate of metal precipitation increases in the presence of aerobically decomposed plant material. The results obtained can be employed for purification of drainage waters from metal ions.", "contents": "[Participation of heterotrophic microorganisms in the purification of drainage waters from heavy metal ions]. Heterotrophic microorganisms can grow in the presence of toxic components contained in industrial drainage of non-ferrous metal industry. The content of microorganisms correlates with the concentration of organic substances of plant origin in drainage waters. In the course of mineralization, heavy metal ions are immobilized and precipitated as stable metal-organic complexes with microbial metabolites. The rate of metal precipitation increases in the presence of aerobically decomposed plant material. The results obtained can be employed for purification of drainage waters from metal ions.", "PMID": 1012050} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12681", "title": "[Survival of Rhizobium meliloti in soil studied by genetic labeling].", "content": "The number of cells of a mutant of Rhizobium meliloti resistant to streptomycin decreased to 10(6) per 1 g of soil during 3-5 days and remained at this level for at least a month when 10(8) cells of the mutant per 1 g were introduced into non-sterile soil. Factors causing such a stability of the population are discussed.", "contents": "[Survival of Rhizobium meliloti in soil studied by genetic labeling]. The number of cells of a mutant of Rhizobium meliloti resistant to streptomycin decreased to 10(6) per 1 g of soil during 3-5 days and remained at this level for at least a month when 10(8) cells of the mutant per 1 g were introduced into non-sterile soil. Factors causing such a stability of the population are discussed.", "PMID": 1012051} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12682", "title": "[Effect of water expenditure in small rivers on the number of microorganisms].", "content": "The effect of runoff of mountain rivers discharging into the Baikal Lake on the number of microflora was studied in the conditions of water reservoirs subjected to industrial activity. The number of microorganisms was found to depend on the river runoff during high waters whose intensity was influenced by industrial activity within the reservoir area.", "contents": "[Effect of water expenditure in small rivers on the number of microorganisms]. The effect of runoff of mountain rivers discharging into the Baikal Lake on the number of microflora was studied in the conditions of water reservoirs subjected to industrial activity. The number of microorganisms was found to depend on the river runoff during high waters whose intensity was influenced by industrial activity within the reservoir area.", "PMID": 1012052} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12683", "title": "[Photoassimilation of organic compounds by Thiocapsa roseopersicina].", "content": "The cells of the purple sulphur bacterium Thiocapsa roseopersicina, strain BBS, incorporate 14C contained in succinate, lactate, pyruvate, and acetate. Organic compounds with an exception of pyruvate and fumarate produce no considerable effect on the rate of carbon dioxide photoassimilation by the cells though propionate, glycerol, glucose, lactate, and succinate decrease in the same conditions the rate of sulphide oxidation by 20-50%. The rate of 14C-bicarbonate incorporation into the cells in the absence of inorganic H-donor is highest in the presence of propionate, glycerol, glucose as well as lactate and pyruvate after growth of the bacterium on media containing these substrates. A possibility of utilization by T. roseopersicina, strain BBS, of exogenous organic substrates is discussed.", "contents": "[Photoassimilation of organic compounds by Thiocapsa roseopersicina]. The cells of the purple sulphur bacterium Thiocapsa roseopersicina, strain BBS, incorporate 14C contained in succinate, lactate, pyruvate, and acetate. Organic compounds with an exception of pyruvate and fumarate produce no considerable effect on the rate of carbon dioxide photoassimilation by the cells though propionate, glycerol, glucose, lactate, and succinate decrease in the same conditions the rate of sulphide oxidation by 20-50%. The rate of 14C-bicarbonate incorporation into the cells in the absence of inorganic H-donor is highest in the presence of propionate, glycerol, glucose as well as lactate and pyruvate after growth of the bacterium on media containing these substrates. A possibility of utilization by T. roseopersicina, strain BBS, of exogenous organic substrates is discussed.", "PMID": 1012053} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12684", "title": "Simple apparatus for trace analysis of toxic heavy metals. Determination of cadmium and lead by manual D.C. polarography.", "content": "A simple manual d.c. polarographic apparatus is described which can be assembled from ordinary laboratory equipment. The sensitivity of this apparatus can reach +/-0.5 mV in voltage and +/-0.005 muA in current. Using this set up, trace amounts of cadium and lead in foods and beverages can be determined at the ppm region.", "contents": "Simple apparatus for trace analysis of toxic heavy metals. Determination of cadmium and lead by manual D.C. polarography. A simple manual d.c. polarographic apparatus is described which can be assembled from ordinary laboratory equipment. The sensitivity of this apparatus can reach +/-0.5 mV in voltage and +/-0.005 muA in current. Using this set up, trace amounts of cadium and lead in foods and beverages can be determined at the ppm region.", "PMID": 1012060} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12685", "title": "[Effect of nitrogen sources on growth and cholesterol decomposing activity of Mycobacterium rubrum and Achromobacter canadicans].", "content": "The effect of 12 sources of nitrogen on growth and cholesterine-decomposing activity was studied with Mycobacterium rubrum and Achromobacter candicans. The yield of biomass and the rate of cholesterine decomposition depended on the source of nitrogen and its concentration in the medium. The highest specific activity of the enzyme decomposing cholesterine was found during growth of the cultures on media containing reduced forms of nitrogen. The activity of the enzyme of Mycobacterium rubrum was by 25% higher than that of Achromobacter candicans. The optimum conditions for the production of the enzyme by Mycobacterium rubrum were on media containing 1.0 g of asparagine or 5.0 g of ammonium nitrate per one litre, and for the enzyme production by Achromobacter candicans, on media containing 5.0 g of ammonium phosphate per one litre.", "contents": "[Effect of nitrogen sources on growth and cholesterol decomposing activity of Mycobacterium rubrum and Achromobacter canadicans]. The effect of 12 sources of nitrogen on growth and cholesterine-decomposing activity was studied with Mycobacterium rubrum and Achromobacter candicans. The yield of biomass and the rate of cholesterine decomposition depended on the source of nitrogen and its concentration in the medium. The highest specific activity of the enzyme decomposing cholesterine was found during growth of the cultures on media containing reduced forms of nitrogen. The activity of the enzyme of Mycobacterium rubrum was by 25% higher than that of Achromobacter candicans. The optimum conditions for the production of the enzyme by Mycobacterium rubrum were on media containing 1.0 g of asparagine or 5.0 g of ammonium nitrate per one litre, and for the enzyme production by Achromobacter candicans, on media containing 5.0 g of ammonium phosphate per one litre.", "PMID": 1012055} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12686", "title": "[Enzymes involved in thiosulfate metabolism in Thiocapsa roseopersicina under various conditions of growth].", "content": "Cell-free preparations of the purple sulphur bacterium Thiocapsa roseopersicina grown in the light under anaerobic conditions and in the dark under aerobic conditions contain thiosulphate reductase and rhodanase. Dihydrolipoate is an electron donor in the cleavage of thiosulphate catalysed by thiosulphate reductase. Lipoate dehydrogenase (NADH: lipoate oxidoreductase) found in extracts of the cells of T. roseopersicina catalyses the reduction of lipoate. The activity of the enzymes involved in thiosulphate metabolism increases in the cells of T. roseopersicina growing under aerobic conditions in the dark on a mineral medium containing thiosulphate.", "contents": "[Enzymes involved in thiosulfate metabolism in Thiocapsa roseopersicina under various conditions of growth]. Cell-free preparations of the purple sulphur bacterium Thiocapsa roseopersicina grown in the light under anaerobic conditions and in the dark under aerobic conditions contain thiosulphate reductase and rhodanase. Dihydrolipoate is an electron donor in the cleavage of thiosulphate catalysed by thiosulphate reductase. Lipoate dehydrogenase (NADH: lipoate oxidoreductase) found in extracts of the cells of T. roseopersicina catalyses the reduction of lipoate. The activity of the enzymes involved in thiosulphate metabolism increases in the cells of T. roseopersicina growing under aerobic conditions in the dark on a mineral medium containing thiosulphate.", "PMID": 1012054} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12687", "title": "[Polysaccharides of free slime, capsule and cell wall of Mycobacterium lacticolum].", "content": "Free and capsule exopolysaccharides of Mycobacterium lacticolum 121 contain glucose, glucuronic acid, and unidentified monomer. Arabinogalactan typical of mycobacteria was found in the cell walls of this culture. The exocellular polysaccharide of Mycobacterium lacticolum 121 is not the product of synthesis of the cell wall.", "contents": "[Polysaccharides of free slime, capsule and cell wall of Mycobacterium lacticolum]. Free and capsule exopolysaccharides of Mycobacterium lacticolum 121 contain glucose, glucuronic acid, and unidentified monomer. Arabinogalactan typical of mycobacteria was found in the cell walls of this culture. The exocellular polysaccharide of Mycobacterium lacticolum 121 is not the product of synthesis of the cell wall.", "PMID": 1012056} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12688", "title": "[Melanin pigment of Actinomyces umbriferus].", "content": "Properties of a dark-brown pigment complex isolated from the spores, mycelium and cultural broth of Actinomyces umbriferus by a conventional technique were compared. The complex consists of three fractions: one is a true melanin while two other fractions differ by several characteristics from melanins and from each other. The fraction which is most similar to melanin prevails in the spores, is contained, in a relatively small amount, in the mycelium, and is absent from the cultural broth. Melanin isolated from the spores has a low relative content of carbon and nitrogen and a higher ash content as compared to melanin isolated from the vegetative mycelium. The pigment complex of the spores is characterized also by differences in properties of the first isolated fraction. The pigment complex from the cultural broth differs from the complex of the mycelium and spores by properties of the studied fractions.", "contents": "[Melanin pigment of Actinomyces umbriferus]. Properties of a dark-brown pigment complex isolated from the spores, mycelium and cultural broth of Actinomyces umbriferus by a conventional technique were compared. The complex consists of three fractions: one is a true melanin while two other fractions differ by several characteristics from melanins and from each other. The fraction which is most similar to melanin prevails in the spores, is contained, in a relatively small amount, in the mycelium, and is absent from the cultural broth. Melanin isolated from the spores has a low relative content of carbon and nitrogen and a higher ash content as compared to melanin isolated from the vegetative mycelium. The pigment complex of the spores is characterized also by differences in properties of the first isolated fraction. The pigment complex from the cultural broth differs from the complex of the mycelium and spores by properties of the studied fractions.", "PMID": 1012057} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12689", "title": "Special air systems: the case for laminar flow.", "content": "Laminar filtered airflow is a special air system not required by any code for use in any operating room. It is, however, a method of securing ultrasepsis when this is needed for a very particular hazardous circumstance. Although these circumstances could be answered by other means, laminar airflow is useful in situations where a patient is particularly and unusually liable to wound infection.", "contents": "Special air systems: the case for laminar flow. Laminar filtered airflow is a special air system not required by any code for use in any operating room. It is, however, a method of securing ultrasepsis when this is needed for a very particular hazardous circumstance. Although these circumstances could be answered by other means, laminar airflow is useful in situations where a patient is particularly and unusually liable to wound infection.", "PMID": 1012102} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12690", "title": "Is laminar airflow necessary for prophylaxis against wound infection?", "content": "Abuse of an otherwise properly installed and maintained operating room system may result in rendering the environment unsatisfactory for critical types of surgery, especially when a patient's resistance is lowered by disease or drugs, or when a large foreign body is implanted. No type of special air-handling system will correct these abuses even though it may reduce ambient bioparticle counts. From all available valid evidence, the conclusion is drawn that laminar flow is less effective against wound infection than adherence to proper techniques and correction of abuses of the operating room environment by the surgical team and support personnel.", "contents": "Is laminar airflow necessary for prophylaxis against wound infection? Abuse of an otherwise properly installed and maintained operating room system may result in rendering the environment unsatisfactory for critical types of surgery, especially when a patient's resistance is lowered by disease or drugs, or when a large foreign body is implanted. No type of special air-handling system will correct these abuses even though it may reduce ambient bioparticle counts. From all available valid evidence, the conclusion is drawn that laminar flow is less effective against wound infection than adherence to proper techniques and correction of abuses of the operating room environment by the surgical team and support personnel.", "PMID": 1012101} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12691", "title": "Recirculation of air in operating rooms.", "content": "A study of two neurosurgical operating rooms indicated a low, airborne, microbial population could be maintained by recirculating filtered air during surgical procedures. The commonly used turbulent system of air delivery was employed, and high-efficiency filters were effective in removing airborne bacteria generated within the operating room. Optimal rates and percent of recirculation were determined. The method of exhaust was confirmed to be important. Exhaust ports 40 in. above the floor were more effective in maintaining low airborne microbial populations than baseboard-level ports. The degree of activity of the surgical team and the number of personnel in the operating room correlated with the airborne bacterial counts.", "contents": "Recirculation of air in operating rooms. A study of two neurosurgical operating rooms indicated a low, airborne, microbial population could be maintained by recirculating filtered air during surgical procedures. The commonly used turbulent system of air delivery was employed, and high-efficiency filters were effective in removing airborne bacteria generated within the operating room. Optimal rates and percent of recirculation were determined. The method of exhaust was confirmed to be important. Exhaust ports 40 in. above the floor were more effective in maintaining low airborne microbial populations than baseboard-level ports. The degree of activity of the surgical team and the number of personnel in the operating room correlated with the airborne bacterial counts.", "PMID": 1012104} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12692", "title": "Transfusion therapy of thrombocytopenia: a reappraisal.", "content": "In the management of thrombocytopenia, platelet concentrated (PC) were given only to patients who had neither frank haemorrhage nor significant anaemia. Fresh whole blood (FWB) was preferred for those with the former, and platelet-rich red cell concentrate (PRC) for those with the latter complication. As a result of this approach it was found that only 6% of 412 therapy courses required PC, 37% required FWB and the remaining 57% required PRC. These are the findings of a year's survey of the requirements of patients in a predominantly urban population of approximately 1,200,000. The surprisingly high proportion of patients with complications requiring transfusion therapy, and the 24-hour availability of FWB and PRC in a metropolitan blood bank, have made PC transfusion an elective procedure and eliminated the need for a PC bank. Moreover, a better approach to treatment is available whilst a significant saving of blood donations is effected.", "contents": "Transfusion therapy of thrombocytopenia: a reappraisal. In the management of thrombocytopenia, platelet concentrated (PC) were given only to patients who had neither frank haemorrhage nor significant anaemia. Fresh whole blood (FWB) was preferred for those with the former, and platelet-rich red cell concentrate (PRC) for those with the latter complication. As a result of this approach it was found that only 6% of 412 therapy courses required PC, 37% required FWB and the remaining 57% required PRC. These are the findings of a year's survey of the requirements of patients in a predominantly urban population of approximately 1,200,000. The surprisingly high proportion of patients with complications requiring transfusion therapy, and the 24-hour availability of FWB and PRC in a metropolitan blood bank, have made PC transfusion an elective procedure and eliminated the need for a PC bank. Moreover, a better approach to treatment is available whilst a significant saving of blood donations is effected.", "PMID": 1012112} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12693", "title": "Sterility testing: how appropriate for the hospital.", "content": "In the hospital the need to test for sterility is as vital as in industry. However, the means of accomplishing this are quite different. The sterile \"products\" produced are used prior to a final sterility certification and this time-honored concept presents interesting challenges. Associated with the techniques of monitoring sterility are numerous problems. The difficulty of the hospital attempting to sterility-test sterile disposable devices they have purchased and shortcomings involved in culturing techniques used to evaluate the hospital's internal sterilization program are reviewed, A program for assurance of sterility based on proper monitoring ot the sterilizer and adequate preparation of the goods being processed are given.", "contents": "Sterility testing: how appropriate for the hospital. In the hospital the need to test for sterility is as vital as in industry. However, the means of accomplishing this are quite different. The sterile \"products\" produced are used prior to a final sterility certification and this time-honored concept presents interesting challenges. Associated with the techniques of monitoring sterility are numerous problems. The difficulty of the hospital attempting to sterility-test sterile disposable devices they have purchased and shortcomings involved in culturing techniques used to evaluate the hospital's internal sterilization program are reviewed, A program for assurance of sterility based on proper monitoring ot the sterilizer and adequate preparation of the goods being processed are given.", "PMID": 1012106} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12694", "title": "The sensitivity of urinary pathogens seen in a private pathological practice.", "content": "In a private pathological practice, the sensitivity pattern of 1,000 strains of bacteria isolated from urine has been tested. Ampicillin, nitrofurantoin, sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim and cephalexin stand out, in that over 75% of all organisms are sensitive to these antibacterial agents.", "contents": "The sensitivity of urinary pathogens seen in a private pathological practice. In a private pathological practice, the sensitivity pattern of 1,000 strains of bacteria isolated from urine has been tested. Ampicillin, nitrofurantoin, sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim and cephalexin stand out, in that over 75% of all organisms are sensitive to these antibacterial agents.", "PMID": 1012113} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12695", "title": "A new integrator for monitoring time and temperature of steam sterilizers.", "content": "Steam sterilization is the simplest and most useful method of sterilization of thermostable materials. Sterilization depends upon three factors: time, temperature, and the presence of live steam. For the first time an instrument can be employed to monitor these three factors with immediate readout. This paper contrasts the advantages of this integrator with sterilizer controls, and biological and chemical indicators; and describes methods utilized in testing the integrator.", "contents": "A new integrator for monitoring time and temperature of steam sterilizers. Steam sterilization is the simplest and most useful method of sterilization of thermostable materials. Sterilization depends upon three factors: time, temperature, and the presence of live steam. For the first time an instrument can be employed to monitor these three factors with immediate readout. This paper contrasts the advantages of this integrator with sterilizer controls, and biological and chemical indicators; and describes methods utilized in testing the integrator.", "PMID": 1012107} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12696", "title": "Divided responsibilities for operating room asepsis: The dilemma of technology.", "content": "Asepsis and concern for patient safety in the operating room are team responsibilities involving nurses, surgeons, and anesthesiologists. Meaningless rituals now being observed in the OR must be replaced by practices and procedures based on sound principles of aseptic technique. Modern instrumentation and technology, though relieving the surgeon and anesthesiologist of many of the manual tasks which once occupied them, have not solved the problems of infection control in the operating suite. Apathy, carelessness, and indifference may even increase as a by-product of technology, unless curbed by moral, ethical and legal constraints. Asepsis is not a static concept. Operating room policies and procedures need constant review and reexamination. Enforcement of these policies and rules to maintain good aseptic technique requires the cooperation of all who enter the OR suite.", "contents": "Divided responsibilities for operating room asepsis: The dilemma of technology. Asepsis and concern for patient safety in the operating room are team responsibilities involving nurses, surgeons, and anesthesiologists. Meaningless rituals now being observed in the OR must be replaced by practices and procedures based on sound principles of aseptic technique. Modern instrumentation and technology, though relieving the surgeon and anesthesiologist of many of the manual tasks which once occupied them, have not solved the problems of infection control in the operating suite. Apathy, carelessness, and indifference may even increase as a by-product of technology, unless curbed by moral, ethical and legal constraints. Asepsis is not a static concept. Operating room policies and procedures need constant review and reexamination. Enforcement of these policies and rules to maintain good aseptic technique requires the cooperation of all who enter the OR suite.", "PMID": 1012108} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12697", "title": "Five years experience with operating room clean rooms and personnel-isolator systems.", "content": "Two horizontal flow, laminar airflow type clean rooms have been used for almost all clean orthopedic surgery at St. Luke's Hospital in Denver since March 1971. This experience covers approximately 4000 cases, including 1100 total hip and total knee arthroplasties. Three different types of helmet aspirator systems have also been evaluated. Our conclusions from this experience are: (1) All types of orthopedic surgery may be easily and conveniently performed in the clean room and with scrubbed personnel wearing helmet aspirator systems; (2) mechanical upkeep of the clean room is minimal; (3) airborne bacteria counts have been reduced at least 80 percent compared to a regular operating room, and more than 90 percent when scrubbed personnel wear the helmet aspirator system; (4) sterile surface contamination, including the wound, has been reduced at least 80 percent; and (5) the deep infection rate for total hip replacements with at least a 2-year follow-up has been 7.6 percent (10/131) in a regular operating room and 1.6 percent (5/319) in the clean room. With the combined use of the clean room, helmet aspirator systems, and perioperative antibiotics, no infections have occurred in an additional 350 cases with a 1-year follow-up.", "contents": "Five years experience with operating room clean rooms and personnel-isolator systems. Two horizontal flow, laminar airflow type clean rooms have been used for almost all clean orthopedic surgery at St. Luke's Hospital in Denver since March 1971. This experience covers approximately 4000 cases, including 1100 total hip and total knee arthroplasties. Three different types of helmet aspirator systems have also been evaluated. Our conclusions from this experience are: (1) All types of orthopedic surgery may be easily and conveniently performed in the clean room and with scrubbed personnel wearing helmet aspirator systems; (2) mechanical upkeep of the clean room is minimal; (3) airborne bacteria counts have been reduced at least 80 percent compared to a regular operating room, and more than 90 percent when scrubbed personnel wear the helmet aspirator system; (4) sterile surface contamination, including the wound, has been reduced at least 80 percent; and (5) the deep infection rate for total hip replacements with at least a 2-year follow-up has been 7.6 percent (10/131) in a regular operating room and 1.6 percent (5/319) in the clean room. With the combined use of the clean room, helmet aspirator systems, and perioperative antibiotics, no infections have occurred in an additional 350 cases with a 1-year follow-up.", "PMID": 1012103} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12698", "title": "Hour-glass stomach: an explanation.", "content": "A personally observed series of 19 patients with hour-glass stomach is presented. In two cases carcinoma was proven. Among the remaining 17 patients with benign ulcer, females outnumbered males by 15 to 2. In neither of the carcinoma patients, but all of the benign ulcer patients, there was clear evidence of abuse of aspirin-containing analgesic preparation. The hypothesis is proposed that hour-glass stomach is produced by gross scarring around a severe benign chronic gastric ulcer under the influence of prolonged exposure to aspirin.", "contents": "Hour-glass stomach: an explanation. A personally observed series of 19 patients with hour-glass stomach is presented. In two cases carcinoma was proven. Among the remaining 17 patients with benign ulcer, females outnumbered males by 15 to 2. In neither of the carcinoma patients, but all of the benign ulcer patients, there was clear evidence of abuse of aspirin-containing analgesic preparation. The hypothesis is proposed that hour-glass stomach is produced by gross scarring around a severe benign chronic gastric ulcer under the influence of prolonged exposure to aspirin.", "PMID": 1012114} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12699", "title": "The management of transsexualism.", "content": "Transsexualism is an extremely uncommon disorder of gender role. This article describes the backgrounds, modes of life and management of transsexuals. \"The transsexual believes him(her)self to be a female (ormale) in the body of a male(female).\" The name is given to a very small number of men (and an even smaller number of women) who, although they are outwardly physically male (or female), are irrevocably convinced that their entire personality and identity are those of the opposite sex. They therefore feel that they ought to have their bodies changed to agree with the intensity and conviction of their feelings. Because this condition is so uncommon (having a prevalence of about one in 20,000 of the population), very few doctors ever meet any transsexuals, particularly as most of them live in only a few areas. In this article I will be mainly discussing the male transsexual, and will mention the female transsexual briefly afterwards. Transvestites and transsexuals are sometimes confused but can usually be differentiated. Basically the difference between them is that transvestites merely dress in female attire, whereas transsexuals feel that the sex organs are objects of hatred or disgust; they therefore persistently request a sex reassignment (sex change) operation in order to rid themselves of these organs.", "contents": "The management of transsexualism. Transsexualism is an extremely uncommon disorder of gender role. This article describes the backgrounds, modes of life and management of transsexuals. \"The transsexual believes him(her)self to be a female (ormale) in the body of a male(female).\" The name is given to a very small number of men (and an even smaller number of women) who, although they are outwardly physically male (or female), are irrevocably convinced that their entire personality and identity are those of the opposite sex. They therefore feel that they ought to have their bodies changed to agree with the intensity and conviction of their feelings. Because this condition is so uncommon (having a prevalence of about one in 20,000 of the population), very few doctors ever meet any transsexuals, particularly as most of them live in only a few areas. In this article I will be mainly discussing the male transsexual, and will mention the female transsexual briefly afterwards. Transvestites and transsexuals are sometimes confused but can usually be differentiated. Basically the difference between them is that transvestites merely dress in female attire, whereas transsexuals feel that the sex organs are objects of hatred or disgust; they therefore persistently request a sex reassignment (sex change) operation in order to rid themselves of these organs.", "PMID": 1012115} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12700", "title": "The Queenscliff study: a community screening programme for hypertension.", "content": "The Victorian community of the Borough of Queenscliffe (Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale) was screened for high blood pressure in May, 1975, and a high response rate was achieved. The prevalence of hypertension was lower than that reported from Albury in 1971, Brunswick in 1972 or Busselton in 1969, but the difference from the latter is likely to be due to a higher treatment rate in Queenscliff. The difference from the Albury (and, to a lesser extent, the Brunswick) data is substantial and cannot be explained in this way. While geographic variability in high blood pressure cannot be excluded, it is possible that different screening circumstances were a major factor.", "contents": "The Queenscliff study: a community screening programme for hypertension. The Victorian community of the Borough of Queenscliffe (Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale) was screened for high blood pressure in May, 1975, and a high response rate was achieved. The prevalence of hypertension was lower than that reported from Albury in 1971, Brunswick in 1972 or Busselton in 1969, but the difference from the latter is likely to be due to a higher treatment rate in Queenscliff. The difference from the Albury (and, to a lesser extent, the Brunswick) data is substantial and cannot be explained in this way. While geographic variability in high blood pressure cannot be excluded, it is possible that different screening circumstances were a major factor.", "PMID": 1012116} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12701", "title": "The design of pressure monitoring devices: Infection control considerations.", "content": "Reports of infections related to in-use contamination or incomplete sterilization of pressure monitoring devices have appeared infrequently. However, review of our experience with such infections suggests a need for the medical instrumentation industry to stress infection prevention in the design of monitoring devices. Notably, it will be important for the industry to: (a) design pressure monitoring devices that can be sterilized rapidly, efficiently, and easily between use in different patients, even during periods of peak monitoring use; (b) develop reliable and simple means for aseptically calibrating and setting up monitoring devices after sterilization; and (c) design simple monitoring systems that will be resistant to in-use contamination and that will allow patients' monitoring tubing and fluid to be replaced aseptically at regular intervals.", "contents": "The design of pressure monitoring devices: Infection control considerations. Reports of infections related to in-use contamination or incomplete sterilization of pressure monitoring devices have appeared infrequently. However, review of our experience with such infections suggests a need for the medical instrumentation industry to stress infection prevention in the design of monitoring devices. Notably, it will be important for the industry to: (a) design pressure monitoring devices that can be sterilized rapidly, efficiently, and easily between use in different patients, even during periods of peak monitoring use; (b) develop reliable and simple means for aseptically calibrating and setting up monitoring devices after sterilization; and (c) design simple monitoring systems that will be resistant to in-use contamination and that will allow patients' monitoring tubing and fluid to be replaced aseptically at regular intervals.", "PMID": 1012105} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12702", "title": "Increased oxygen pressure to improve the efficiency of membrane oxygenators.", "content": "Increased O2 pressure was used in a specially constructed oxygenator to test the concept of improved oxygen transfer with hyperbaria. Three membranes were tested: 5-mil Silastic, 1-mil copolymer, and 0.5-mil Teflon. Results are analyzed in terms of pressure, venous saturation, and flow. The 5-mil Silastic proved to be the most reliable and efficient at all levels of saturation and pressure. Oxygen transfers up to 100 cc/m2/min were recorded at lower venous saturations. Normal pCO2 differentials were maintained at atmospheric pressure but decreased as pressure increased. For the Silastic and copolymer membranes, peak efficiency for O2 transfer was at oxygen pressure 3 lb/in2, or 140 mmHg. This usually required a blood pressure of over 300 mmHg using an average blood layer of 0.5 mm. Changes of pressure were more critical than flow, although O2 transfer was found to increase up to flows of 1200 cc/min/m2. Pressure levels of 0-30 lb/in2 were tested. Teflon was most efficient at pressures of 10-15 lb/in2, and did not transfer CO2 in detectable amounts at these pressure levels. Plasma hemoglobin, WBC, and platelets were not seriously altered when studied over 4-hour periods at constant pressures.", "contents": "Increased oxygen pressure to improve the efficiency of membrane oxygenators. Increased O2 pressure was used in a specially constructed oxygenator to test the concept of improved oxygen transfer with hyperbaria. Three membranes were tested: 5-mil Silastic, 1-mil copolymer, and 0.5-mil Teflon. Results are analyzed in terms of pressure, venous saturation, and flow. The 5-mil Silastic proved to be the most reliable and efficient at all levels of saturation and pressure. Oxygen transfers up to 100 cc/m2/min were recorded at lower venous saturations. Normal pCO2 differentials were maintained at atmospheric pressure but decreased as pressure increased. For the Silastic and copolymer membranes, peak efficiency for O2 transfer was at oxygen pressure 3 lb/in2, or 140 mmHg. This usually required a blood pressure of over 300 mmHg using an average blood layer of 0.5 mm. Changes of pressure were more critical than flow, although O2 transfer was found to increase up to flows of 1200 cc/min/m2. Pressure levels of 0-30 lb/in2 were tested. Teflon was most efficient at pressures of 10-15 lb/in2, and did not transfer CO2 in detectable amounts at these pressure levels. Plasma hemoglobin, WBC, and platelets were not seriously altered when studied over 4-hour periods at constant pressures.", "PMID": 1012109} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12703", "title": "The future of women in Australian medicine.", "content": "Data are presented on the division of labour in doctor's households which show that, in addition to practising, medical women perform almost as much domestic work as do the wives of their male colleagues. In relation to The National Health Act 1970, and current postgraduate training procedures, this has implications for an increasingly polarized division of labour in medicine, as the numbers and proportions of women doctors increase. If the trend is not inhibited by amendment of postgraduate training procedures, and a more equitable distribution of domestic labour, a second-class status is likely for women in medicine, to the detriment of both the profession and the community.", "contents": "The future of women in Australian medicine. Data are presented on the division of labour in doctor's households which show that, in addition to practising, medical women perform almost as much domestic work as do the wives of their male colleagues. In relation to The National Health Act 1970, and current postgraduate training procedures, this has implications for an increasingly polarized division of labour in medicine, as the numbers and proportions of women doctors increase. If the trend is not inhibited by amendment of postgraduate training procedures, and a more equitable distribution of domestic labour, a second-class status is likely for women in medicine, to the detriment of both the profession and the community.", "PMID": 1012123} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12704", "title": "Iron and blood donation. Evaluation of a kit method for routine use in a blood transfusion service.", "content": "Manifest iron-deficiency anaemia is preceded by a latent stage in which normal haemoglobin levels coexist with low serum iron levels. Regular blood donation involves the removal of significant amounts of iron, and in susceptible donors, may aggravate iron deficiency. It is important for a blood transfusion service to be able to identify these susceptible donors. A commercial kit for the determination of serum iron levels was evaluated and found suitable for introduction as a routine screening test for a transfusion service. A survey of serum iron levels of 200 blood donors showed that 12 1/2% had levels below the normal reference range.", "contents": "Iron and blood donation. Evaluation of a kit method for routine use in a blood transfusion service. Manifest iron-deficiency anaemia is preceded by a latent stage in which normal haemoglobin levels coexist with low serum iron levels. Regular blood donation involves the removal of significant amounts of iron, and in susceptible donors, may aggravate iron deficiency. It is important for a blood transfusion service to be able to identify these susceptible donors. A commercial kit for the determination of serum iron levels was evaluated and found suitable for introduction as a routine screening test for a transfusion service. A survey of serum iron levels of 200 blood donors showed that 12 1/2% had levels below the normal reference range.", "PMID": 1012126} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12705", "title": "Screening thyrometabolic disorders using total serum thyroxine level.", "content": "The results of in-vitro thyroid function tests and clinical details of 1,517 patients are reviewed, and the total serum thyroxine levels and the free thyroxine indices are compared in terms of their diagnostic value. Only 3-7% of the patients investigated had a total serum thyroxine level (T4) that did not correlate with the free thyroxine index. We believe that the evidence is strong enough to suggest that estimation of the T4 is an adequate screening test for thyrometabolic disease, and that performing the extra test (T3 resin uptake) in order to estimate the free thyroxine index (FTI) cannot be justified in terms of cost-benefit. We suggest that the FTI is indicated only in those cases in which the T4 is outside the 80% limit range. A simple scheme for the investigation of thyrometabolic disorders is presented.", "contents": "Screening thyrometabolic disorders using total serum thyroxine level. The results of in-vitro thyroid function tests and clinical details of 1,517 patients are reviewed, and the total serum thyroxine levels and the free thyroxine indices are compared in terms of their diagnostic value. Only 3-7% of the patients investigated had a total serum thyroxine level (T4) that did not correlate with the free thyroxine index. We believe that the evidence is strong enough to suggest that estimation of the T4 is an adequate screening test for thyrometabolic disease, and that performing the extra test (T3 resin uptake) in order to estimate the free thyroxine index (FTI) cannot be justified in terms of cost-benefit. We suggest that the FTI is indicated only in those cases in which the T4 is outside the 80% limit range. A simple scheme for the investigation of thyrometabolic disorders is presented.", "PMID": 1012127} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12706", "title": "Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis associated with international travel.", "content": "Food-borne gastroenteritis due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus is becoming of increasing world importance. This paper describes the clinical presentations and laboratory investigations of four cases of gastroenteritis due to V. parahaemolyticus among passengers returning to Australia on international aircraft from South-East Asia.", "contents": "Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis associated with international travel. Food-borne gastroenteritis due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus is becoming of increasing world importance. This paper describes the clinical presentations and laboratory investigations of four cases of gastroenteritis due to V. parahaemolyticus among passengers returning to Australia on international aircraft from South-East Asia.", "PMID": 1012128} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12707", "title": "Cryptococcosis in the Northern Territory.", "content": "This report represents a review of cryptococcosis in the Northern Territory from 1957 to 1975. There were 26 cases over a 19-year period; 25 of these were in full-blooded Aborigines. The disease occurred throughout the rural areas of the Territory as isolated cases. There were 24 cases of cryptococcal meningitis and only two with solitary lung involvement. The overall mortality was 50%. In all five untreated cases the disease was fatal. There were eight deaths among the 20 patients receiving chemotherapy, a mortality of 40%. Lung resection was performed in six cases of localized pulmonary cryptococcosis. The outcome for these was excellent.", "contents": "Cryptococcosis in the Northern Territory. This report represents a review of cryptococcosis in the Northern Territory from 1957 to 1975. There were 26 cases over a 19-year period; 25 of these were in full-blooded Aborigines. The disease occurred throughout the rural areas of the Territory as isolated cases. There were 24 cases of cryptococcal meningitis and only two with solitary lung involvement. The overall mortality was 50%. In all five untreated cases the disease was fatal. There were eight deaths among the 20 patients receiving chemotherapy, a mortality of 40%. Lung resection was performed in six cases of localized pulmonary cryptococcosis. The outcome for these was excellent.", "PMID": 1012129} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12708", "title": "The yellow nail syndrome, bronchiectasis and Raynaud's disease--a relationship.", "content": "A case of the yellow nail syndrome with associated bronchiectasis, arterial insufficiency and Raynaud's disease is presented. A brief review of some of the literature on the yellow nail syndrome is made. A relationship between these problems is postulated.", "contents": "The yellow nail syndrome, bronchiectasis and Raynaud's disease--a relationship. A case of the yellow nail syndrome with associated bronchiectasis, arterial insufficiency and Raynaud's disease is presented. A brief review of some of the literature on the yellow nail syndrome is made. A relationship between these problems is postulated.", "PMID": 1012130} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12709", "title": "Detection and diagnosis of early breast cancer.", "content": "Breast cancer mortality can be reduced by early detection and treatment, but the cost of diagnosis of early tumours from amongst the larger number of non-malignant disorders found as a result of public education and population screening is likely to be prohibitive, both economically and emotionally, as long as admission to hospital for biopsy and possible immediate mastectomy remains the major diagnostic policy. An alternative policy is proposed for the management of women with breast symptoms, which avoids operation on most patients without cancer and detects the smallest tumours, by means of mammography, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, large-needle biopsy and outpatient open biopsy. Such a policy is likely to provide positive reassurance with the least emotional distress for that majority of women with breast symptoms who do not have malignant disease, and this is likely to lead to more positive behaviour in the community such as regular breast self-examination and the early reporting of breast symptoms. Only women with malignant disease need be admitted to hospital for major breast surgery, thorough preoperative investigation could be confined to this group, and they could receive positive counselling to reduce their emotional stress. Such a policy is likely to be economical of health resources so that all women with breast symptoms and other risk factors could be encouraged to undergo annual examination, and any suspicious findings could be adequately investigated. In this way many more cancers could be detected while still small and curable, and a fall in breast cancer mortality in the community might be expected.", "contents": "Detection and diagnosis of early breast cancer. Breast cancer mortality can be reduced by early detection and treatment, but the cost of diagnosis of early tumours from amongst the larger number of non-malignant disorders found as a result of public education and population screening is likely to be prohibitive, both economically and emotionally, as long as admission to hospital for biopsy and possible immediate mastectomy remains the major diagnostic policy. An alternative policy is proposed for the management of women with breast symptoms, which avoids operation on most patients without cancer and detects the smallest tumours, by means of mammography, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, large-needle biopsy and outpatient open biopsy. Such a policy is likely to provide positive reassurance with the least emotional distress for that majority of women with breast symptoms who do not have malignant disease, and this is likely to lead to more positive behaviour in the community such as regular breast self-examination and the early reporting of breast symptoms. Only women with malignant disease need be admitted to hospital for major breast surgery, thorough preoperative investigation could be confined to this group, and they could receive positive counselling to reduce their emotional stress. Such a policy is likely to be economical of health resources so that all women with breast symptoms and other risk factors could be encouraged to undergo annual examination, and any suspicious findings could be adequately investigated. In this way many more cancers could be detected while still small and curable, and a fall in breast cancer mortality in the community might be expected.", "PMID": 1012131} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12710", "title": "Chromosome studies in users of spray adhesives.", "content": "Chromosome studies were performed on blood samples from eight male subjects stated to have had considerable exposure to spray adhesives in the course of their employment. Eleven healthy males were used as controls. No increase in chromosome damage was found in the exposed subjects compared with the control group.", "contents": "Chromosome studies in users of spray adhesives. Chromosome studies were performed on blood samples from eight male subjects stated to have had considerable exposure to spray adhesives in the course of their employment. Eleven healthy males were used as controls. No increase in chromosome damage was found in the exposed subjects compared with the control group.", "PMID": 1012132} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12711", "title": "Effect of neighboring nucleotide sequences on suppression efficiency in amber mutants of T4 phage lysozyme.", "content": "Variations in suppression efficiency were observed among nonsense mutations at different locations within the lysozyme gene (e) of T4 phage. The present experiments using three amber mutants in lysozyme gene indicate such variations presumably depend upon the base sequences neighboring to the nonsense mutations.", "contents": "Effect of neighboring nucleotide sequences on suppression efficiency in amber mutants of T4 phage lysozyme. Variations in suppression efficiency were observed among nonsense mutations at different locations within the lysozyme gene (e) of T4 phage. The present experiments using three amber mutants in lysozyme gene indicate such variations presumably depend upon the base sequences neighboring to the nonsense mutations.", "PMID": 1012265} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12712", "title": "Analysis of a temperature sensitive mutation in gene cII of bacteriophage lambda.", "content": "The mutation cIIts612 was found to map outside the immunity region of phage lambdaimm21 hybrid. As expected of a cII mutation, lambdacIIts612 is unable to stimulate either cI repressor or Int synthesis during the establishment of lysogeny. These results indicate that part of the cII gene of lambda is homologous to that of lambdaimm21 phage.", "contents": "Analysis of a temperature sensitive mutation in gene cII of bacteriophage lambda. The mutation cIIts612 was found to map outside the immunity region of phage lambdaimm21 hybrid. As expected of a cII mutation, lambdacIIts612 is unable to stimulate either cI repressor or Int synthesis during the establishment of lysogeny. These results indicate that part of the cII gene of lambda is homologous to that of lambdaimm21 phage.", "PMID": 1012266} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12713", "title": "Recombination of bacteriophage T7 in vivo.", "content": "Most recombination following infection with T7 was found to coincide with the time of most repid DNA synthesis, at about 20 min after infection at 30 degrees in minimal medium. Recombining DNA was investigated electron microscopically. Multiply branched DNA structures were observed after infection with T7 wild type, gene 3-, gene 6- and genes 3-, 6- phage, but not after infection with T7 gene 5- phage. Evidence is presented indicating that these structures are T7 DNA molecules in the process of recombining. The detailed structures of these recombinational intermediates suggest mechanisms by which T7 DNA initiates recombination.", "contents": "Recombination of bacteriophage T7 in vivo. Most recombination following infection with T7 was found to coincide with the time of most repid DNA synthesis, at about 20 min after infection at 30 degrees in minimal medium. Recombining DNA was investigated electron microscopically. Multiply branched DNA structures were observed after infection with T7 wild type, gene 3-, gene 6- and genes 3-, 6- phage, but not after infection with T7 gene 5- phage. Evidence is presented indicating that these structures are T7 DNA molecules in the process of recombining. The detailed structures of these recombinational intermediates suggest mechanisms by which T7 DNA initiates recombination.", "PMID": 1012267} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12714", "title": "Regulation of polar surface structures in Caulobacter crescentus: pleiotropic mutations affect the coordinate morphogenesis of flagella, pili and phage receptors.", "content": "A large number of Caulobacter mutants resistant to DNA or RNA phages were isolated. These phage-resistant mutants exhibited phenotypic variations with respect to cell motility and sensitivity to other phages. The majority of the mutants was resistant to both DNA and RNA phages tested. In addition, these mutants were either motile or non-motile. The analysis of spontaneous revertants from these mutants indicated that a single mutation is involved in these phenotypic variations. Other mutants were resistant to RNA phages and only to a certain DNA phage tested, and were also motile or non-motile. Several temperature-sensitive phage-resistant mutants were also isolated. One of them, CB13 ple-801, exhibited the wild type phenotype when grown at 25 degrees C. However, at a higher temperature (35 degrees C), the mutant cells became non-motile and resistant to both DNA and RNA phages. These phenotypes seem to be attributed to the concommitant loss of flagella, pili and phage receptors. In other respects (cell growth and morphology, and asymmetric stalk formation), CB13 ple-801 was normal at 35 degrees C. The spontaneous revertants from CB13 ple-801 simultaneously regained the wild type phenotypes in all respects. It is suggested that a single mutation pleiotropically affects the formation of flagella, pili and phage receptors.", "contents": "Regulation of polar surface structures in Caulobacter crescentus: pleiotropic mutations affect the coordinate morphogenesis of flagella, pili and phage receptors. A large number of Caulobacter mutants resistant to DNA or RNA phages were isolated. These phage-resistant mutants exhibited phenotypic variations with respect to cell motility and sensitivity to other phages. The majority of the mutants was resistant to both DNA and RNA phages tested. In addition, these mutants were either motile or non-motile. The analysis of spontaneous revertants from these mutants indicated that a single mutation is involved in these phenotypic variations. Other mutants were resistant to RNA phages and only to a certain DNA phage tested, and were also motile or non-motile. Several temperature-sensitive phage-resistant mutants were also isolated. One of them, CB13 ple-801, exhibited the wild type phenotype when grown at 25 degrees C. However, at a higher temperature (35 degrees C), the mutant cells became non-motile and resistant to both DNA and RNA phages. These phenotypes seem to be attributed to the concommitant loss of flagella, pili and phage receptors. In other respects (cell growth and morphology, and asymmetric stalk formation), CB13 ple-801 was normal at 35 degrees C. The spontaneous revertants from CB13 ple-801 simultaneously regained the wild type phenotypes in all respects. It is suggested that a single mutation pleiotropically affects the formation of flagella, pili and phage receptors.", "PMID": 1012268} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12715", "title": "Isolation of suppressor sensitive mutants in the Ai gene of phage lambda.", "content": "Previous experiments have shown that mutations in the Ai gene can suppress the growth defect of lambda N- phages. Many temperature resistant derivatives of phage lambdatsN9 have been isolated and among these 5 have been found which are Ai- and have an amber suppressible behaviour. These mutants can help in defining the role of the Ai gene in phage lambda development.", "contents": "Isolation of suppressor sensitive mutants in the Ai gene of phage lambda. Previous experiments have shown that mutations in the Ai gene can suppress the growth defect of lambda N- phages. Many temperature resistant derivatives of phage lambdatsN9 have been isolated and among these 5 have been found which are Ai- and have an amber suppressible behaviour. These mutants can help in defining the role of the Ai gene in phage lambda development.", "PMID": 1012269} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12716", "title": "A nucleolus-specific phosphoprotein in mouse ascites tumor cells.", "content": "Analysis of proteins in nucleoli and chromatin of mouse ascites tumor cells labeled with [32P]orthophosphate by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that a highly radioactive protein was localized in the nucleoli. This protein was purified and the final preparation appeared as a single component on hydroxylapatite column chromatography with or without SDS. This protein was found to be a nucleolus-specific phosphoprotein with a molecular weight of 120 000. The phosphate moiety in this protein turned over very rapidly whereas the protein itself was stable. When the nucleoli were disrupted by EDTA treatment, this unique protein was found as a major protein constituent of the ultracentrifugal supernatant.", "contents": "A nucleolus-specific phosphoprotein in mouse ascites tumor cells. Analysis of proteins in nucleoli and chromatin of mouse ascites tumor cells labeled with [32P]orthophosphate by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that a highly radioactive protein was localized in the nucleoli. This protein was purified and the final preparation appeared as a single component on hydroxylapatite column chromatography with or without SDS. This protein was found to be a nucleolus-specific phosphoprotein with a molecular weight of 120 000. The phosphate moiety in this protein turned over very rapidly whereas the protein itself was stable. When the nucleoli were disrupted by EDTA treatment, this unique protein was found as a major protein constituent of the ultracentrifugal supernatant.", "PMID": 1012275} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12717", "title": "Circular dichroism of DNA--proflavine, DNA--ethidium and DNA--distamycine flow--oriented complexes.", "content": "The circular dichroism (CD) spectra of flow-oriented complexes of DNA with proflavine (PF), ethidium (ET) and distamycine (DS) have been studied in the ultraviolet region. The CD spectra with light propagating in parallel to the flow direction were measured by the method of Chung and Holzwarth [1]. Delta epsilon and delta epsilon values have been obtained by this method. It was shown that all the complexes studied exhibit a strong CD anisotropy so that \"isotropic\" CD spectra measured with a conventional procedure can be attributed to the mutual compensation of the two components of opposite signs.", "contents": "Circular dichroism of DNA--proflavine, DNA--ethidium and DNA--distamycine flow--oriented complexes. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra of flow-oriented complexes of DNA with proflavine (PF), ethidium (ET) and distamycine (DS) have been studied in the ultraviolet region. The CD spectra with light propagating in parallel to the flow direction were measured by the method of Chung and Holzwarth [1]. Delta epsilon and delta epsilon values have been obtained by this method. It was shown that all the complexes studied exhibit a strong CD anisotropy so that \"isotropic\" CD spectra measured with a conventional procedure can be attributed to the mutual compensation of the two components of opposite signs.", "PMID": 1012276} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12718", "title": "Molecular weights, poly(A)--content, and partial separation of chick globin mRNAs.", "content": "Poly(A)-containing 9S RNA from chick reticulocytes was electrophoresed on formamide-polyacrylamide gels. The molecular weight was determined to be 211 000 +/- 10 000 daltons. The RNA was separated into three different fractions with respect to molecular weight. These RNAs were translated in a wheat germ cell-free system. The lower molecular weight RNA directed up to 95% alpha-chain synthesis, compared to 60% for the higher molecular weight RNA. This was accompanied by a relative increase for beta-chain synthesis with increasing molecular weight. It could also be shown by hybridization with labelled poly(U) that the average poly(A) length decreased from about 83 nucleotides for fraction I to 36 nucleotides for fraction III. Our results suggest that fractionation of avian 9 S globin mRNA by electrophoresis on formamide-polyacrylamide gels is dependent upon two parameters, namely differences in the lengths of the non-poly(A)-containing portion of the alpha and beta mRNAs and differences in the poly(A) lengths.", "contents": "Molecular weights, poly(A)--content, and partial separation of chick globin mRNAs. Poly(A)-containing 9S RNA from chick reticulocytes was electrophoresed on formamide-polyacrylamide gels. The molecular weight was determined to be 211 000 +/- 10 000 daltons. The RNA was separated into three different fractions with respect to molecular weight. These RNAs were translated in a wheat germ cell-free system. The lower molecular weight RNA directed up to 95% alpha-chain synthesis, compared to 60% for the higher molecular weight RNA. This was accompanied by a relative increase for beta-chain synthesis with increasing molecular weight. It could also be shown by hybridization with labelled poly(U) that the average poly(A) length decreased from about 83 nucleotides for fraction I to 36 nucleotides for fraction III. Our results suggest that fractionation of avian 9 S globin mRNA by electrophoresis on formamide-polyacrylamide gels is dependent upon two parameters, namely differences in the lengths of the non-poly(A)-containing portion of the alpha and beta mRNAs and differences in the poly(A) lengths.", "PMID": 1012277} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12719", "title": "The study of photoconduction of artificial lipid membranes incorporating rhodopsin. The simultaneous changes of membrane conduction and rhodopsin fluorescence.", "content": "The protein fluorescence changes of rod outer segment fragments during bleaching were studied. Flash caused a fluorescence intensity drop by about 6%. The time constant of this process was approximately 30 msec and coincided with the time constant of increasing the permeability of an artificial lipid membrane containing rhodopsin and of Metarhodopsin I decay. In the presence of hydroxylamine the fluorescence intensity increases after the initial drop. The second process time constant was about 300 msec and coincided with the conduction drop time constant of the artificial membrane containing rhodopsin. A new intermediate -- Metarhodopsin II1 is proposed. It has the Metarhodopsin II absorption spectrum, lives for about 300 msec at room temperature, does not react with hydroxylamine, and increases the permeability of a disk membrane.", "contents": "The study of photoconduction of artificial lipid membranes incorporating rhodopsin. The simultaneous changes of membrane conduction and rhodopsin fluorescence. The protein fluorescence changes of rod outer segment fragments during bleaching were studied. Flash caused a fluorescence intensity drop by about 6%. The time constant of this process was approximately 30 msec and coincided with the time constant of increasing the permeability of an artificial lipid membrane containing rhodopsin and of Metarhodopsin I decay. In the presence of hydroxylamine the fluorescence intensity increases after the initial drop. The second process time constant was about 300 msec and coincided with the conduction drop time constant of the artificial membrane containing rhodopsin. A new intermediate -- Metarhodopsin II1 is proposed. It has the Metarhodopsin II absorption spectrum, lives for about 300 msec at room temperature, does not react with hydroxylamine, and increases the permeability of a disk membrane.", "PMID": 1012278} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12720", "title": "The synthesis of human placental lactogen hormone (hPL) in a cell-free wheat germ system.", "content": "Total polysomes from human term placenta were incubated in a wheat germ cell-free system during 1 hr at 25 degrees C. Human placental lactogen hormone was identified among the proteins synthesized in vitro by immune precipitation and subsequent sodium dodecylsulphate electrophoresis of the immunoprecipitate. The zone containing the radioactivity from the immunoprecipitate [3H]-labelled lactogen hormone comigrated exactly with the radioactivity zone from added [14C]-labelled marker hormone. This result indicates that the molecular weight of the synthesized product must be equal or very similar to that of the native protein hormone.", "contents": "The synthesis of human placental lactogen hormone (hPL) in a cell-free wheat germ system. Total polysomes from human term placenta were incubated in a wheat germ cell-free system during 1 hr at 25 degrees C. Human placental lactogen hormone was identified among the proteins synthesized in vitro by immune precipitation and subsequent sodium dodecylsulphate electrophoresis of the immunoprecipitate. The zone containing the radioactivity from the immunoprecipitate [3H]-labelled lactogen hormone comigrated exactly with the radioactivity zone from added [14C]-labelled marker hormone. This result indicates that the molecular weight of the synthesized product must be equal or very similar to that of the native protein hormone.", "PMID": 1012279} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12721", "title": "Autodegradation of pre-mRNA containing nuclear ribo-nucleoprotein particles. The effect of autodegradation on the double-stranded RNA sequences and on the protein composition of particles.", "content": "The quantitative changes of double-stranded RNA components of nuclear ribonucleo-protein particles containing pre-mRNA was investigated in the course of incubation of particles at 37 degrees C. The incubation of purified nuclear particles revealed the fragmentation of long double-stranded RNA sequences into shorter stretches. The presence of nuclear sap in the incubation mixture resulted in degradation of the double-stranded RNAs into acid soluble products. Autodegradation and/or ribonuclease treatment of nuclear RNP particles is accompanied by quantitative changes in the minor protein constituents of informofer.", "contents": "Autodegradation of pre-mRNA containing nuclear ribo-nucleoprotein particles. The effect of autodegradation on the double-stranded RNA sequences and on the protein composition of particles. The quantitative changes of double-stranded RNA components of nuclear ribonucleo-protein particles containing pre-mRNA was investigated in the course of incubation of particles at 37 degrees C. The incubation of purified nuclear particles revealed the fragmentation of long double-stranded RNA sequences into shorter stretches. The presence of nuclear sap in the incubation mixture resulted in degradation of the double-stranded RNAs into acid soluble products. Autodegradation and/or ribonuclease treatment of nuclear RNP particles is accompanied by quantitative changes in the minor protein constituents of informofer.", "PMID": 1012280} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12722", "title": "[Cytoplasmic crystals (cholesterol?) in acute and chronic liver lesions. Electron microscopic study].", "content": "Authors in six patients with liver injury (three of them acute--intoxication with carbon tetrachloride, halothane-hepatitis and acute alcoholic liver disease--and three cases of chronic liver lesions--two chronic alcoholic liver disease and one chronic agressive hepatitis) in the biopsy specimens-in the small number of hepatocytes--electronmicroscopically observed needle-like or quadrate \"crystals\" of the size of 0.4--3.5 X 0.07--0.2 microns, which seemed to be optically leer. The electronoptical density of the contours of the inclusions is different. To establish the composition of these inclusions electronihistochemical examinations are needed. Morphologically they seem to be similar to cholesterol crystals.", "contents": "[Cytoplasmic crystals (cholesterol?) in acute and chronic liver lesions. Electron microscopic study]. Authors in six patients with liver injury (three of them acute--intoxication with carbon tetrachloride, halothane-hepatitis and acute alcoholic liver disease--and three cases of chronic liver lesions--two chronic alcoholic liver disease and one chronic agressive hepatitis) in the biopsy specimens-in the small number of hepatocytes--electronmicroscopically observed needle-like or quadrate \"crystals\" of the size of 0.4--3.5 X 0.07--0.2 microns, which seemed to be optically leer. The electronoptical density of the contours of the inclusions is different. To establish the composition of these inclusions electronihistochemical examinations are needed. Morphologically they seem to be similar to cholesterol crystals.", "PMID": 1012282} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12723", "title": "Nuclear and polyribosomal ribonucleoprotein particles containing poly (A) in rat liver cells.", "content": "Poly(A) containing ribonucleoprotein particles were prepared from rat liver nuclei and polyribosomes. The particles have sedimentation coefficients of 14 S and 9 S, respectively. In CS2SO4 density gradients the particles banded at densities of 1.28-1.29 g cm-3. Both nuclear and polyribosomal poly(A)-RNP contain in addition to some minor polypeptides, two main polypeptides having molecular weights of 63 000 and 90 000 dalton, respectively indistinguishable from each other according to their electrophoretic mobilities.", "contents": "Nuclear and polyribosomal ribonucleoprotein particles containing poly (A) in rat liver cells. Poly(A) containing ribonucleoprotein particles were prepared from rat liver nuclei and polyribosomes. The particles have sedimentation coefficients of 14 S and 9 S, respectively. In CS2SO4 density gradients the particles banded at densities of 1.28-1.29 g cm-3. Both nuclear and polyribosomal poly(A)-RNP contain in addition to some minor polypeptides, two main polypeptides having molecular weights of 63 000 and 90 000 dalton, respectively indistinguishable from each other according to their electrophoretic mobilities.", "PMID": 1012281} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12724", "title": "[Electron microscopic localization of serotonin acetyl transferase in the pineal body].", "content": "Substrat of the hydroxy-indol-O-methyl transferase (HIOMT) N-acetylserotonin is synthesized by serotonin-acetyltransferase. For the demonstration of the localization of this enzyme in the corpus pineale uranyl and cuprum ferrocyanid technique were used. In both cases a mitochondrial localization was revealed. Product of reaction appeared on the outer and inner membranes and in the intracrystal space. The reaction takes place in the presence of Acetyl-Co-A. The cuprumferrocyanid technique seems to have advantages as compared to the uranylferrocyanid method. Extramitochondrial precipitate or aspecific reaction occur seldom.", "contents": "[Electron microscopic localization of serotonin acetyl transferase in the pineal body]. Substrat of the hydroxy-indol-O-methyl transferase (HIOMT) N-acetylserotonin is synthesized by serotonin-acetyltransferase. For the demonstration of the localization of this enzyme in the corpus pineale uranyl and cuprum ferrocyanid technique were used. In both cases a mitochondrial localization was revealed. Product of reaction appeared on the outer and inner membranes and in the intracrystal space. The reaction takes place in the presence of Acetyl-Co-A. The cuprumferrocyanid technique seems to have advantages as compared to the uranylferrocyanid method. Extramitochondrial precipitate or aspecific reaction occur seldom.", "PMID": 1012284} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12725", "title": "[Arylsulfatase activity in the pineal body, studied by electron microscopy].", "content": "For the demonstration of aryl-sulphatase in the corpus pineale as a substrat p-Nitrochatecholsulphat (2-Hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl sulphat) has been used. The reaction is negativ when p-Nitrophenylsulphat or acetylphenylsulphat are used. Localization of the enzyme occurred in the Golgi-system and in the smooth-surface endoplasmic reticulum. By the aid of the histochemical reaction the formation of primary lysosomes can be demonstrated on the level of the Golgi system and of the smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum as well. Aryl-sulphatase correspond to the: A and B type. Reaction in the presence of pCMB and KCN is inhibited.", "contents": "[Arylsulfatase activity in the pineal body, studied by electron microscopy]. For the demonstration of aryl-sulphatase in the corpus pineale as a substrat p-Nitrochatecholsulphat (2-Hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl sulphat) has been used. The reaction is negativ when p-Nitrophenylsulphat or acetylphenylsulphat are used. Localization of the enzyme occurred in the Golgi-system and in the smooth-surface endoplasmic reticulum. By the aid of the histochemical reaction the formation of primary lysosomes can be demonstrated on the level of the Golgi system and of the smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum as well. Aryl-sulphatase correspond to the: A and B type. Reaction in the presence of pCMB and KCN is inhibited.", "PMID": 1012285} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12726", "title": "[Synaptic lamellae in retinoblastoma].", "content": "Out of 27 cases of differentiated and notdifferentiated types of retinoblastoma synaptical lamelles surrounded by synaptical vesicula could be detected in 8 cases. They were observed partly in different areas of the cytoplasma, partly in projections of cells. These structures seem to evidence the neurogen origin of the retinoblastoma.", "contents": "[Synaptic lamellae in retinoblastoma]. Out of 27 cases of differentiated and notdifferentiated types of retinoblastoma synaptical lamelles surrounded by synaptical vesicula could be detected in 8 cases. They were observed partly in different areas of the cytoplasma, partly in projections of cells. These structures seem to evidence the neurogen origin of the retinoblastoma.", "PMID": 1012286} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12727", "title": "[Electron microscopic study of nuclear inclusions induced by Vinca alkaloid derivatives].", "content": "Authors in the nuclei of Ehrlich-ascites tumour cells as an effect of the derivates of Vinca alkaloids observed formation of inclusions of fibrous, globular and crystalloid type. These structures were examined electronmicroscopically. Author assume, that the formation of these inclusions is a result of the precipitation of the nucleoprotein by the alkaloid.", "contents": "[Electron microscopic study of nuclear inclusions induced by Vinca alkaloid derivatives]. Authors in the nuclei of Ehrlich-ascites tumour cells as an effect of the derivates of Vinca alkaloids observed formation of inclusions of fibrous, globular and crystalloid type. These structures were examined electronmicroscopically. Author assume, that the formation of these inclusions is a result of the precipitation of the nucleoprotein by the alkaloid.", "PMID": 1012287} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12728", "title": "[Yolk sac tumors of the ovary].", "content": "Dysgerminoma, teratoma and chorion carcinoma originating of germ cells, are well known tumours of the ovary. Tumours arising from the yolk-sac formerly called embryonal carcinoma- are seldom observed, their morphological feature is not well known. Author reports four cases of yolk-sac tumour, discusses their morphology, histogenesis and prognose.", "contents": "[Yolk sac tumors of the ovary]. Dysgerminoma, teratoma and chorion carcinoma originating of germ cells, are well known tumours of the ovary. Tumours arising from the yolk-sac formerly called embryonal carcinoma- are seldom observed, their morphological feature is not well known. Author reports four cases of yolk-sac tumour, discusses their morphology, histogenesis and prognose.", "PMID": 1012288} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12729", "title": "[Anencephaly].", "content": "One case of anencephaly is described and in connection with this case factors compatible with the development of ASP are discussed. The investigation of the parent's chromosomes revealed 46, XX/47, XXX mosaicizm at the mother. The importance of genetic consultation and the intrauterin diagnosis is stressed.", "contents": "[Anencephaly]. One case of anencephaly is described and in connection with this case factors compatible with the development of ASP are discussed. The investigation of the parent's chromosomes revealed 46, XX/47, XXX mosaicizm at the mother. The importance of genetic consultation and the intrauterin diagnosis is stressed.", "PMID": 1012289} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12730", "title": "[Enzyme histochemical properties of Golgi II type neurons in the horn of Ammon of the white rat].", "content": "Neurons of Golgi II type of the Ammon's horn of white rat enzymhistochemically can be studied most successfully in the hilus of area dentata near to the stratum granulosum (basket cells). Activity of SDH, MDH (NAD), CYO- and alfa-GPDH (NAD) in the pericaryon is low, of the LDH moderate and the activity of G6PDH, NADPH-diaphorese, acid phosphatase, TPP-ase and non-specific esterase expressed. Reaction of the alkalic phosphatase is negative. In addition to these reactions nucleic acids were also demonstrated using fluorescent technique. All these data were compared to those in other neurons of the Ammon's horn.", "contents": "[Enzyme histochemical properties of Golgi II type neurons in the horn of Ammon of the white rat]. Neurons of Golgi II type of the Ammon's horn of white rat enzymhistochemically can be studied most successfully in the hilus of area dentata near to the stratum granulosum (basket cells). Activity of SDH, MDH (NAD), CYO- and alfa-GPDH (NAD) in the pericaryon is low, of the LDH moderate and the activity of G6PDH, NADPH-diaphorese, acid phosphatase, TPP-ase and non-specific esterase expressed. Reaction of the alkalic phosphatase is negative. In addition to these reactions nucleic acids were also demonstrated using fluorescent technique. All these data were compared to those in other neurons of the Ammon's horn.", "PMID": 1012291} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12731", "title": "[Cytomorphological and enzyme histological studies of bilaterally inoculated Dibromdulcit-sensitive and-resistent Yoshida tumors].", "content": "In the bilaterally growing DBD sensitive Yoshida tumours deformed nuclear divisions necrosis of the majority of the tumour and appearance of giant cells can be observed due to the single administration of the LD50 of the preparation. The histochemical activity of the LDH the activity alcalyc Adenosine triphosphatase and the nonspecific alcalyc phosphatase become negative while the acidic phosphatase's activity does increase after the administration of the LD25 of the preparation appearance of giant cells are very marked more than 60% of tumours cells are polynuction. The activity of the alcalyc ATP-ase and nonspecific phosphatase decrose's after a transitory increase and become negative while the acid phosphatase's activity increases. In the case of the DBD resistant tumours the morphological and histochemical alternations due to LD50 of the preparation are much slighter and their timecourse is shorter. No morphological and histochemical changes are observed after the administration of LD25 of the preparation.", "contents": "[Cytomorphological and enzyme histological studies of bilaterally inoculated Dibromdulcit-sensitive and-resistent Yoshida tumors]. In the bilaterally growing DBD sensitive Yoshida tumours deformed nuclear divisions necrosis of the majority of the tumour and appearance of giant cells can be observed due to the single administration of the LD50 of the preparation. The histochemical activity of the LDH the activity alcalyc Adenosine triphosphatase and the nonspecific alcalyc phosphatase become negative while the acidic phosphatase's activity does increase after the administration of the LD25 of the preparation appearance of giant cells are very marked more than 60% of tumours cells are polynuction. The activity of the alcalyc ATP-ase and nonspecific phosphatase decrose's after a transitory increase and become negative while the acid phosphatase's activity increases. In the case of the DBD resistant tumours the morphological and histochemical alternations due to LD50 of the preparation are much slighter and their timecourse is shorter. No morphological and histochemical changes are observed after the administration of LD25 of the preparation.", "PMID": 1012292} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12732", "title": "Vinyl chloride: dominant lethal studies in male CD-1 mice.", "content": "The mutagenic activity of vinyl chloride (VC) at three exposure levels was assessed in fertile male CD-1 mice with the dominant lethal test. Male mice were exposured by inhalation to VC at 3000, 10,000 and 30,000 ppm for 6 h a day for 5 days. By comparison with control males exposed to air, no mutagenic effects on any maturation stage of spermatogeneisis in treated males were detected. There was no significant increase in the number of post-implantational early foetal deaths as shown by the number of females with one or more early deaths or number of early deaths/pregnancy or the number of early deaths/total implants/pregnancy. There was no evidence of pre-implantational egg losses as indicated by the total implants/pregnant female. There was also no reduction in fertility. The lack of effect was not due to the insensitivity of the system used since a dominant lethal effect was clearly demonstated in male mice dosed i.p. with cyclophosphamide (CTX) at 200 mg/kg body weight and ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) orally at 200 mg/kg body weight once a day for 5 days. During dosing these animals were housed under dimilar exposure conditions to those animals exposed to the test substances but with a flow of air through the exposure chambers. Thus vinyl chloride is not mutagenic in the mouse at the stated exposure levels as measured by the dominant lethal test.", "contents": "Vinyl chloride: dominant lethal studies in male CD-1 mice. The mutagenic activity of vinyl chloride (VC) at three exposure levels was assessed in fertile male CD-1 mice with the dominant lethal test. Male mice were exposured by inhalation to VC at 3000, 10,000 and 30,000 ppm for 6 h a day for 5 days. By comparison with control males exposed to air, no mutagenic effects on any maturation stage of spermatogeneisis in treated males were detected. There was no significant increase in the number of post-implantational early foetal deaths as shown by the number of females with one or more early deaths or number of early deaths/pregnancy or the number of early deaths/total implants/pregnancy. There was no evidence of pre-implantational egg losses as indicated by the total implants/pregnant female. There was also no reduction in fertility. The lack of effect was not due to the insensitivity of the system used since a dominant lethal effect was clearly demonstated in male mice dosed i.p. with cyclophosphamide (CTX) at 200 mg/kg body weight and ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) orally at 200 mg/kg body weight once a day for 5 days. During dosing these animals were housed under dimilar exposure conditions to those animals exposed to the test substances but with a flow of air through the exposure chambers. Thus vinyl chloride is not mutagenic in the mouse at the stated exposure levels as measured by the dominant lethal test.", "PMID": 1012295} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12733", "title": "Carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic risks associated with vinyl chloride.", "content": "The data presented demonstrate clearly that vinyl chloride (VC) is related to a significant excess of mortality from cancer of the liver, lung and brain among workers occupationally exposed to VC. The risk of dying from cancer of the lymphatic and hematopoietic system also appears to increase with an increase in latency. These cancer sites could have been predicted by the animal bioassay conducted by Maltoni. With regard to the liver, even the histophthologic type of cancer (angiosarcoma) was observed first in experimental animals. A study of cancer mortality among populations residing proximate to VC polymerization facilities also demonstrated an increased risk of dying from CNS and lymphatic cancer. These latter findings raise cause for concern about out-plant emmissions of VC, but without further study these cancers obviously cannot be interpreted as being related to out-plant exposure to VC. Various test systems now have elicited a positive mutagenic response to VC. Thus, our observations of a significant excess of fetal mortality among the wives of males, who were occupationally exposed to VC, raise public health concern that VC may be mutagenic in humans. With regard to the teratogenicity of VC, observations of a significant excess of children born with birth defects were reported among populations residing proximate to VC polymerization facilities. Additional epidemiologic study is needed to determine whether a repeated pattern of excessive numbers of children born with birth defects can be observed in other communities with VC polymerization facilities.", "contents": "Carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic risks associated with vinyl chloride. The data presented demonstrate clearly that vinyl chloride (VC) is related to a significant excess of mortality from cancer of the liver, lung and brain among workers occupationally exposed to VC. The risk of dying from cancer of the lymphatic and hematopoietic system also appears to increase with an increase in latency. These cancer sites could have been predicted by the animal bioassay conducted by Maltoni. With regard to the liver, even the histophthologic type of cancer (angiosarcoma) was observed first in experimental animals. A study of cancer mortality among populations residing proximate to VC polymerization facilities also demonstrated an increased risk of dying from CNS and lymphatic cancer. These latter findings raise cause for concern about out-plant emmissions of VC, but without further study these cancers obviously cannot be interpreted as being related to out-plant exposure to VC. Various test systems now have elicited a positive mutagenic response to VC. Thus, our observations of a significant excess of fetal mortality among the wives of males, who were occupationally exposed to VC, raise public health concern that VC may be mutagenic in humans. With regard to the teratogenicity of VC, observations of a significant excess of children born with birth defects were reported among populations residing proximate to VC polymerization facilities. Additional epidemiologic study is needed to determine whether a repeated pattern of excessive numbers of children born with birth defects can be observed in other communities with VC polymerization facilities.", "PMID": 1012297} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12734", "title": "Karyotype analysis by computer and its application to mutagenicity testing of environmental chemicals.", "content": "Large scale population monitoring by cytogenetics would require vast amounts of effort for meaningful results. Computer techniques promise to assume some of this burden and thus render large scale monitoring a more practical alternative than it is now. A system recently developed at the California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the City of Hope Medical Center, contains many of the features required by a large scale population monitoring system. One part of the system is a semi-automated slide preparation assembly which can process up to 576 specimens per day with uniform treatment. The second part of the system consists of a computer-controlled microscope which performs automatic slide search, metaphase location, and karyotype analysis under the interactive supervision of an operator. While the system was developed primarily for clinical cytogenetics, some aspects of our operating experience suggest promising approaches for population cytogenetics.", "contents": "Karyotype analysis by computer and its application to mutagenicity testing of environmental chemicals. Large scale population monitoring by cytogenetics would require vast amounts of effort for meaningful results. Computer techniques promise to assume some of this burden and thus render large scale monitoring a more practical alternative than it is now. A system recently developed at the California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the City of Hope Medical Center, contains many of the features required by a large scale population monitoring system. One part of the system is a semi-automated slide preparation assembly which can process up to 576 specimens per day with uniform treatment. The second part of the system consists of a computer-controlled microscope which performs automatic slide search, metaphase location, and karyotype analysis under the interactive supervision of an operator. While the system was developed primarily for clinical cytogenetics, some aspects of our operating experience suggest promising approaches for population cytogenetics.", "PMID": 1012298} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12735", "title": "Ultraviolet mutagenesis in Streptomyces coelicolor: induction of reversions in a polyauxotrophic strain.", "content": "UV irradiation of the aerial spores of Streptomyces coelicolor pro arg hom cys strain A677 causes the induction of Arg+ and Cys+ revertants. Both phenotypic classes of revertants are induced according to approximately dose-squared kinetics. Some 30% of the induced Cys+ revertants were shown by direct genetic tests to be due to suppressor mutations. Indirect evidence, based on the fact that a high proportion of the UV-induced Arg+ revertants were also simultaneously Hom+, indicates that suppressors are probably also responsible for the Arg+ phenotype of many revertants.", "contents": "Ultraviolet mutagenesis in Streptomyces coelicolor: induction of reversions in a polyauxotrophic strain. UV irradiation of the aerial spores of Streptomyces coelicolor pro arg hom cys strain A677 causes the induction of Arg+ and Cys+ revertants. Both phenotypic classes of revertants are induced according to approximately dose-squared kinetics. Some 30% of the induced Cys+ revertants were shown by direct genetic tests to be due to suppressor mutations. Indirect evidence, based on the fact that a high proportion of the UV-induced Arg+ revertants were also simultaneously Hom+, indicates that suppressors are probably also responsible for the Arg+ phenotype of many revertants.", "PMID": 1012299} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12736", "title": "UV and gamma-ray sensitivity of meiosis-deficient mutants in Podospora anserina.", "content": "Two mutants, mei1 and mei2, were isolated by screening for deficiencies occurring in the meiotic process. The sensitivity of mei1 and mei2 mutant strains to UV irradiation showed a significant increase as compared with that of the wild-type stock, whereas the sensitivity to gamma-rays remained unchanged. The double-mutant strains were no more sensitive than each single mutant. The data indicate that both mei1 and mei2 loci are probably involved in the same pathway of excision-repair of UV-induced lesions.", "contents": "UV and gamma-ray sensitivity of meiosis-deficient mutants in Podospora anserina. Two mutants, mei1 and mei2, were isolated by screening for deficiencies occurring in the meiotic process. The sensitivity of mei1 and mei2 mutant strains to UV irradiation showed a significant increase as compared with that of the wild-type stock, whereas the sensitivity to gamma-rays remained unchanged. The double-mutant strains were no more sensitive than each single mutant. The data indicate that both mei1 and mei2 loci are probably involved in the same pathway of excision-repair of UV-induced lesions.", "PMID": 1012300} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12737", "title": "Cytogenetic effects of protracted exposures to alpha-particles from plutonium-239 and to gamma-rays from cobalt-60 compared in male mice.", "content": "Adult C3H X 101 hybrid male mice were injected intravenously with 4 muCi of 239Pu citrate per kg body weight and examined for evidence of cytogenetic damage to the testis after exposures of 21, 28 and 34 weeks, with average doses from alpha-particles estimated as 13, 18 and 18 rad respectively (mean dose rate 0.00006 rad/min). Results were compared with those obtained when equivalent males were exposed continuously and concurrently to 1128 rad 60Co gamma-irradiation over 28 weeks (0.004 rad/min). The following estimates of the relative effectiveness of the alpha- and gamma-radiation were made: 24 for reciprocal translocations and for chromosome fragments, 22 for dominant lethal mutations acting after implantation. These values (with mean of 23) are based on average testis doses, with no correction for probable non-homogeneity of alpha dose distribution. In the mice exposed to gamma-irradiation there were significant reductions in testis mass and epididymal sperm-count. Although corresponding differences from control were not significant in the alpha series, consideration of results from a previous experiment by the same authors [2] allowed the relative effectiveness of the alpha- and gamma-irradiation for testis mass reduction to be estimated as roughly 10-15. Existing data on translocation induction in mouse spermatogonia by low dose-rates of gamma-rays (down to 0.003 rad/min) were analysed. They suggested that minimum rates of induction at very low intensities were not less than 1 X 10(-5) translocations per rad. A comparison of the frequencies of induction of fragments and of sperm-head abnormalities obtained after chronic gamma-ray exposures in the present experiment with those found by other workers after acute X-ray exposures suggested that there were no marked dose-rate effects with these types of mutational effect. Finally, the special problems associated with cytogenetic studies on alpha-emitters are discussed.", "contents": "Cytogenetic effects of protracted exposures to alpha-particles from plutonium-239 and to gamma-rays from cobalt-60 compared in male mice. Adult C3H X 101 hybrid male mice were injected intravenously with 4 muCi of 239Pu citrate per kg body weight and examined for evidence of cytogenetic damage to the testis after exposures of 21, 28 and 34 weeks, with average doses from alpha-particles estimated as 13, 18 and 18 rad respectively (mean dose rate 0.00006 rad/min). Results were compared with those obtained when equivalent males were exposed continuously and concurrently to 1128 rad 60Co gamma-irradiation over 28 weeks (0.004 rad/min). The following estimates of the relative effectiveness of the alpha- and gamma-radiation were made: 24 for reciprocal translocations and for chromosome fragments, 22 for dominant lethal mutations acting after implantation. These values (with mean of 23) are based on average testis doses, with no correction for probable non-homogeneity of alpha dose distribution. In the mice exposed to gamma-irradiation there were significant reductions in testis mass and epididymal sperm-count. Although corresponding differences from control were not significant in the alpha series, consideration of results from a previous experiment by the same authors [2] allowed the relative effectiveness of the alpha- and gamma-irradiation for testis mass reduction to be estimated as roughly 10-15. Existing data on translocation induction in mouse spermatogonia by low dose-rates of gamma-rays (down to 0.003 rad/min) were analysed. They suggested that minimum rates of induction at very low intensities were not less than 1 X 10(-5) translocations per rad. A comparison of the frequencies of induction of fragments and of sperm-head abnormalities obtained after chronic gamma-ray exposures in the present experiment with those found by other workers after acute X-ray exposures suggested that there were no marked dose-rate effects with these types of mutational effect. Finally, the special problems associated with cytogenetic studies on alpha-emitters are discussed.", "PMID": 1012301} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12738", "title": "Mutagenic effects of AF-2, a food additive, on embryonic cells of the Syrian golden hamster on transplacental application.", "content": "Hamster embryos were treated with AF-2 in vivo (in the mother) by transplacental application. Their cells were then isolated, cultured in normal medium for 48 h, and then selected in media containing various concentrations of 8AG or 6TG. This treatment with AF-2 caused marked dose-dependent induction of 8AG- or 6TG-resistant mutants. Direct administration of AF-2 and MNNG to embryonic hamster cells also produced 8AG- and 6TG-resistant colonies. This new method is concluded to be very useful for detection of environmental mutagens and carcinogens when combined with the in vivo-in vitro combination assay of chemical carcinogenesis (transformation test).", "contents": "Mutagenic effects of AF-2, a food additive, on embryonic cells of the Syrian golden hamster on transplacental application. Hamster embryos were treated with AF-2 in vivo (in the mother) by transplacental application. Their cells were then isolated, cultured in normal medium for 48 h, and then selected in media containing various concentrations of 8AG or 6TG. This treatment with AF-2 caused marked dose-dependent induction of 8AG- or 6TG-resistant mutants. Direct administration of AF-2 and MNNG to embryonic hamster cells also produced 8AG- and 6TG-resistant colonies. This new method is concluded to be very useful for detection of environmental mutagens and carcinogens when combined with the in vivo-in vitro combination assay of chemical carcinogenesis (transformation test).", "PMID": 1012302} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12739", "title": "Mating behaviour of Ctenomyces serratus.", "content": "Nineteen isolates of Ctenomyces serratus including three pairs of tester strains were crossed in all possible combinations on diluted Pablum cereal agar with added salts, oatmeal salts agar-Medium E, and soil and hair medium. Out of 190 crosses, 18 were fertile and the remaining 172 were sterile. Of the 19 isolates, seven were '-' mating type, 11 were '+' mating type, and one (UAMH 1959) was non-fertile with the other isolates. The high degree of non-fertile crosses among the 19 isolates shows that the use of mating reactions for the identification of conidial isolates of C. serratus may not be a practical tool, unless a large number of isolates belonging to both the mating types are employed. The production of exudate droplets in the fertile crosses seemed to be correlated with the degree of mating response. Ascocarp morphology corresponded closely to that of a cleistothecium, because of the completely closed nature. Ascospores were quite alike in their size, but they differed in shape, depending on their orientation.", "contents": "Mating behaviour of Ctenomyces serratus. Nineteen isolates of Ctenomyces serratus including three pairs of tester strains were crossed in all possible combinations on diluted Pablum cereal agar with added salts, oatmeal salts agar-Medium E, and soil and hair medium. Out of 190 crosses, 18 were fertile and the remaining 172 were sterile. Of the 19 isolates, seven were '-' mating type, 11 were '+' mating type, and one (UAMH 1959) was non-fertile with the other isolates. The high degree of non-fertile crosses among the 19 isolates shows that the use of mating reactions for the identification of conidial isolates of C. serratus may not be a practical tool, unless a large number of isolates belonging to both the mating types are employed. The production of exudate droplets in the fertile crosses seemed to be correlated with the degree of mating response. Ascocarp morphology corresponded closely to that of a cleistothecium, because of the completely closed nature. Ascospores were quite alike in their size, but they differed in shape, depending on their orientation.", "PMID": 1012308} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12740", "title": "Histoplasmosis in purebred mice: influence of genetic susceptibility and immune depression on treatment.", "content": "These experiments demonstrate that susceptibility to Histoplasma infection of the mouse is dramatically influenced by genetic and immunologic factors, and that these factors appear to exert little influence on response to therapy. They further demonstrate that such influence may vary in different visceral organs. The explanation for these observations remains to be elucidated.", "contents": "Histoplasmosis in purebred mice: influence of genetic susceptibility and immune depression on treatment. These experiments demonstrate that susceptibility to Histoplasma infection of the mouse is dramatically influenced by genetic and immunologic factors, and that these factors appear to exert little influence on response to therapy. They further demonstrate that such influence may vary in different visceral organs. The explanation for these observations remains to be elucidated.", "PMID": 1012309} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12741", "title": "Tissue distribution of 14C-heteronium bromide: radioactivity levels at different time intervals after oral administration in the rat.", "content": "The tissue distribution of radioactivity after oral administration to rats of 14C-heteronium bromide is measured by liquid scintillation counting and the results expressed as specific activity and percentage of administered radioactivity. From the data obtained in blood, liver, kidney. stomach, duodenum, cecum, large intestine and stool some conclusions can be drawn. Heteronium bromide undergoes a rapid systemic absorption, the radioactivity being present as early as 15 min from the administration, in all the tested organs. The blood levels show two peaks: one at 120 min and a second at 360 min. This diphasic behaviour can be explained either by the presence of an active enterohepatic circulation, as indirectly indicated by the data from liver and duodenum, or by a transient shift of the molecule from blood to other tissues, rich in polysulfuronic acids. The principal route of excretion is represented by the kidney, where consistent levels are reached at 120 min, while the intestinal route becomes evident at 240 min and reaches its maximum at 720 min. The complete metabolic cycle of the compound is long lasting, since in all the tested tissues, marked radioactivity levels are still present after 720 min. The pharmacokinetic profile obtained, suggesting a long persistence of the drug and/or of its metabolites in the organism, is in agreement with previous pharmacodynamic data showing a long lasting action for heteronium bromide.", "contents": "Tissue distribution of 14C-heteronium bromide: radioactivity levels at different time intervals after oral administration in the rat. The tissue distribution of radioactivity after oral administration to rats of 14C-heteronium bromide is measured by liquid scintillation counting and the results expressed as specific activity and percentage of administered radioactivity. From the data obtained in blood, liver, kidney. stomach, duodenum, cecum, large intestine and stool some conclusions can be drawn. Heteronium bromide undergoes a rapid systemic absorption, the radioactivity being present as early as 15 min from the administration, in all the tested organs. The blood levels show two peaks: one at 120 min and a second at 360 min. This diphasic behaviour can be explained either by the presence of an active enterohepatic circulation, as indirectly indicated by the data from liver and duodenum, or by a transient shift of the molecule from blood to other tissues, rich in polysulfuronic acids. The principal route of excretion is represented by the kidney, where consistent levels are reached at 120 min, while the intestinal route becomes evident at 240 min and reaches its maximum at 720 min. The complete metabolic cycle of the compound is long lasting, since in all the tested tissues, marked radioactivity levels are still present after 720 min. The pharmacokinetic profile obtained, suggesting a long persistence of the drug and/or of its metabolites in the organism, is in agreement with previous pharmacodynamic data showing a long lasting action for heteronium bromide.", "PMID": 1012331} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12742", "title": "Plasma turnover and excretion of K-strophanthoside-3H in human volunteers after parenteral administration.", "content": "Pharmacokinetic parameters of K-strophanthoside-3H, a short-acting cardiac glycoside, were investigated in healthy subjects, patients suffering from heart disease, renal failure and in cholecystectomized patients with a biliary T-tube inserted surgically, after parenteral administration of 250 mug of the glycoside. The healthy subjects, patients suffering from heart disease and those with the biliary T-tube showed a dominant half-time for plasma turnover of the glycoside of 15-16 h after the i.v. route and 18-22 h after the i.m. route and cumulative urinary excretion of the drug over a 24 h period of 37-42% (i.v. route) and 32-33% (i.m. route). The volumes of distribution were lower in patients with heart disease and patients with biliary fistula than in the healthy subjects. In patients suffering from renal failure the dominant half-time of plasma turnover was higher (33 h), while cumulative urinary excretion of the glycoside (12%) and the volumes of distribution were lower than in the healthy subjects. A peak of plasma levels 30 min after i.m. administration of K-strophanthoside-3H leads to the conclusion that this glycoside is rapidly absorbed when injected intramuscularly.", "contents": "Plasma turnover and excretion of K-strophanthoside-3H in human volunteers after parenteral administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters of K-strophanthoside-3H, a short-acting cardiac glycoside, were investigated in healthy subjects, patients suffering from heart disease, renal failure and in cholecystectomized patients with a biliary T-tube inserted surgically, after parenteral administration of 250 mug of the glycoside. The healthy subjects, patients suffering from heart disease and those with the biliary T-tube showed a dominant half-time for plasma turnover of the glycoside of 15-16 h after the i.v. route and 18-22 h after the i.m. route and cumulative urinary excretion of the drug over a 24 h period of 37-42% (i.v. route) and 32-33% (i.m. route). The volumes of distribution were lower in patients with heart disease and patients with biliary fistula than in the healthy subjects. In patients suffering from renal failure the dominant half-time of plasma turnover was higher (33 h), while cumulative urinary excretion of the glycoside (12%) and the volumes of distribution were lower than in the healthy subjects. A peak of plasma levels 30 min after i.m. administration of K-strophanthoside-3H leads to the conclusion that this glycoside is rapidly absorbed when injected intramuscularly.", "PMID": 1012332} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12743", "title": "Comparison of short and long-lasting effects of pargyline on cerebral dopamine metabolism.", "content": "Behavioural and somatic responses to L-DOPA in rats are potentiated by short-term pretreatment with pargyline. It was therefore of interest to study the influence of the delay between pargyline pretreatment and L-DOPA-injection on the fate of the latter in rat brain. In rats treated with pargyline (50 mg/kg s.c.), the half-lives of recovery of striatal MAO activity and normal endogenous contents of homovanillic and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acids in striatum ranged from 9 to 14 days. The same treatment led to a marked increase (50-100-fold) in the accumulation of 3H-methoxytyramine in whole brain and, though less so, in 3H-dopamine formed from i.v. 3H-DOPA. Recovery from this effect of pargyline, however, was more rapid with a half-life of 15-19 h. Similar changes were observed when 3H-DOPA or 3H-dopamine was injected intracisternally, indicating that the phenomenon did not take place in the cerebral blood capillary walls, which are known to contain DOPA decarboxylase and MAO activities. The only labelled deaminated metabolite of dopamine in the brain after 3H-DOPA i.v. was 3H-homovanillic acid, which was strongly reduced 2 h after pargyline, but normalized after 24 h of pretreatment with the MAO inhibitor. When 3H-alpha-methyldopa instead of 3H-DOPA was injected, no increase in 3H-alpha-methyldopamine and its O-methylated derivative was produced by pargyline pretreatment. Moreover, in an experiment in which the animals were pretreated with pargyline at various times up to 21 days, a second injection of the MAO inhibitor 1.5 h before 3H-DOPA restored the increase in 3H-DA + 3H-MT observed with a single treatment with pargyline 1.5 h before the labelled amino acid. These results suggest that this short-lasting effect of the MAO inhibitor is related to the MAO inhibitory properties of the drug. The threshold dose of pargyline for producing the short-term effect was about 10 times higher than that for an overall MAO (DA deaminating) inhibition. However, it seems unlikely that this was due to near maximal inhibition of overall MAO activity, i.e. that it occurred only when MAO was inhibited by more than, say, 90%. The data reported suggest the existence of a small portion of an additional form of MAO with a rapid turnover and with a marked capacity to deaminate dopamine or methoxytyramine, and a greater resistance to inhibition by pargyline than cerebral MAO in general.", "contents": "Comparison of short and long-lasting effects of pargyline on cerebral dopamine metabolism. Behavioural and somatic responses to L-DOPA in rats are potentiated by short-term pretreatment with pargyline. It was therefore of interest to study the influence of the delay between pargyline pretreatment and L-DOPA-injection on the fate of the latter in rat brain. In rats treated with pargyline (50 mg/kg s.c.), the half-lives of recovery of striatal MAO activity and normal endogenous contents of homovanillic and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acids in striatum ranged from 9 to 14 days. The same treatment led to a marked increase (50-100-fold) in the accumulation of 3H-methoxytyramine in whole brain and, though less so, in 3H-dopamine formed from i.v. 3H-DOPA. Recovery from this effect of pargyline, however, was more rapid with a half-life of 15-19 h. Similar changes were observed when 3H-DOPA or 3H-dopamine was injected intracisternally, indicating that the phenomenon did not take place in the cerebral blood capillary walls, which are known to contain DOPA decarboxylase and MAO activities. The only labelled deaminated metabolite of dopamine in the brain after 3H-DOPA i.v. was 3H-homovanillic acid, which was strongly reduced 2 h after pargyline, but normalized after 24 h of pretreatment with the MAO inhibitor. When 3H-alpha-methyldopa instead of 3H-DOPA was injected, no increase in 3H-alpha-methyldopamine and its O-methylated derivative was produced by pargyline pretreatment. Moreover, in an experiment in which the animals were pretreated with pargyline at various times up to 21 days, a second injection of the MAO inhibitor 1.5 h before 3H-DOPA restored the increase in 3H-DA + 3H-MT observed with a single treatment with pargyline 1.5 h before the labelled amino acid. These results suggest that this short-lasting effect of the MAO inhibitor is related to the MAO inhibitory properties of the drug. The threshold dose of pargyline for producing the short-term effect was about 10 times higher than that for an overall MAO (DA deaminating) inhibition. However, it seems unlikely that this was due to near maximal inhibition of overall MAO activity, i.e. that it occurred only when MAO was inhibited by more than, say, 90%. The data reported suggest the existence of a small portion of an additional form of MAO with a rapid turnover and with a marked capacity to deaminate dopamine or methoxytyramine, and a greater resistance to inhibition by pargyline than cerebral MAO in general.", "PMID": 1012333} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12744", "title": "Effects of morphine on central catecholamine turnover, blood pressure and heart rate in the rat.", "content": "In the unanaesthetized rat morphine caused increased dopamine (DA) turnover, unchanged or possibly increased central noradrenaline (NA) turnover (utilization), hypertension and tachycardia. In the anaesthetized rat, brain DA turnover was not affected, whereas the NA-turnover was decelerated, particularly in some brain regions, e.g. cerebral cortex and medulla oblongata, and hypotension and bradycardia was obtained. Both biochemical and cardiovascular effects of morphine were antagonized by naloxone. A very small dose of morphine (1 mg/kg) caused tachycardia also in the anaesthetized rat. Decerebration just inferior to the inferior colliculus abolished the conscious rat, but left the circulatory, depressant actions of the drug unchanged. The morphine-induced cardiovascular effects, particularly the hypotension and bradycardia in the anaesthetized animal, are suggested to be related to, or mediated by, the effects of the drug on brain NA-mechanisms, especially in view of several similarities between morphine and the antihypertensive alpha-adrenergic agonist clonidine. Whereas higher brain structures appear important in the excitatory, circulatory effects of morphine, structures below the decerebration level, e.g. medulla oblongata, appear primarily involved in the hypotension and bradycardia obtained in the anaesthetized animal. Possibly, morphine has a diphasic dose-response curve with respect to cardiovascular function and, by inference, on brain noradrenergic mechanisms.", "contents": "Effects of morphine on central catecholamine turnover, blood pressure and heart rate in the rat. In the unanaesthetized rat morphine caused increased dopamine (DA) turnover, unchanged or possibly increased central noradrenaline (NA) turnover (utilization), hypertension and tachycardia. In the anaesthetized rat, brain DA turnover was not affected, whereas the NA-turnover was decelerated, particularly in some brain regions, e.g. cerebral cortex and medulla oblongata, and hypotension and bradycardia was obtained. Both biochemical and cardiovascular effects of morphine were antagonized by naloxone. A very small dose of morphine (1 mg/kg) caused tachycardia also in the anaesthetized rat. Decerebration just inferior to the inferior colliculus abolished the conscious rat, but left the circulatory, depressant actions of the drug unchanged. The morphine-induced cardiovascular effects, particularly the hypotension and bradycardia in the anaesthetized animal, are suggested to be related to, or mediated by, the effects of the drug on brain NA-mechanisms, especially in view of several similarities between morphine and the antihypertensive alpha-adrenergic agonist clonidine. Whereas higher brain structures appear important in the excitatory, circulatory effects of morphine, structures below the decerebration level, e.g. medulla oblongata, appear primarily involved in the hypotension and bradycardia obtained in the anaesthetized animal. Possibly, morphine has a diphasic dose-response curve with respect to cardiovascular function and, by inference, on brain noradrenergic mechanisms.", "PMID": 1012334} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12745", "title": "Modification of oxotremorine tremor and hypothermia by injections of drugs into the cerebral ventricles of the mouse.", "content": "1. The effect of various agents injected into the cerebral ventricles of the mouse, upon the tremor and hypothermia produced by oxotremorine (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) was studied. 2. Acetylcholine (0.1-10 mug) produced a dose-dependent potentiation of oxotremorine tremor in contrast to the multiphasic effect it had on the accompanying hypothermia. Both tremor and hypothermia were antagonised by very small doses (0.1-10 ng) of atropine. 3. Dopamine and apomorphine (0.1-10 mug) had no significant effect on oxotremorine tremor. A dose-dependent potentiation of hypothermia was, however, observed. 4. Noradrenaline (0.1-10 mug), phentolamine and propranolol (0.1-10 mug) produced no significant effect on tremor and inconsistent results were obtained on hypothermia. 5. Neither tremor nor hypothermia were affected by 5-hydroxytryptamine (1-20 mug). 6. Oxotremorine tremor appears to be due solely to the activation of cholinergic pathways, whereas the production of hypothermia is brought about via a system involving both cholinergic and dopaminergic components. 5-Hydroxytryptamine is not involved.", "contents": "Modification of oxotremorine tremor and hypothermia by injections of drugs into the cerebral ventricles of the mouse. 1. The effect of various agents injected into the cerebral ventricles of the mouse, upon the tremor and hypothermia produced by oxotremorine (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) was studied. 2. Acetylcholine (0.1-10 mug) produced a dose-dependent potentiation of oxotremorine tremor in contrast to the multiphasic effect it had on the accompanying hypothermia. Both tremor and hypothermia were antagonised by very small doses (0.1-10 ng) of atropine. 3. Dopamine and apomorphine (0.1-10 mug) had no significant effect on oxotremorine tremor. A dose-dependent potentiation of hypothermia was, however, observed. 4. Noradrenaline (0.1-10 mug), phentolamine and propranolol (0.1-10 mug) produced no significant effect on tremor and inconsistent results were obtained on hypothermia. 5. Neither tremor nor hypothermia were affected by 5-hydroxytryptamine (1-20 mug). 6. Oxotremorine tremor appears to be due solely to the activation of cholinergic pathways, whereas the production of hypothermia is brought about via a system involving both cholinergic and dopaminergic components. 5-Hydroxytryptamine is not involved.", "PMID": 1012335} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12746", "title": "On the action of nifedipine under conditions of variable stimulation patterns and [Ca2+]0 in guinea-pig atrium.", "content": "The effect of nifedipine is studied in perfused isolated guinea-pig left atrium at a temperature of 37 degrees C and a stimulation rate between 60 and 240/min. Rhythmical stimulation at 240/min was interrupted by interposed stimulus intervals (test intervals) in a range of 0.1-4 s. The pressure amplitudes developed during subsequent test contractions rise up to a maximum with increasing test intervals. This time course is described as restitution in contractile response. Results. Restitution is somewhat faster in earlier than in later stages of perfusion. A rise in [Ca2+]0 accelerates restitution without changing maximal pressure development. Lowering [Ca2+]0 depresses pressure amplitudes over the whole range of test intervals. Nifedipine slows down restitution but has (in concentrations up to 10(-6) M) no effect on the maximum achieved after long test intervals following stimulation at 240/min. The negative inotropic effect of nifedipine on rhythmical pressure development rises with increasing stimulation frequency in the range from 60-240/min. An elevation in [Ca2+]0 does not reestablish control pressure-frequency relationship. Conclusions. In respect to the restitution process and also to the pressure-frequency relationship the effect of nifedipine can neither be simulated by a reduction in [Ca2+]0 nor abolished by an elevation in [Ca2+]0.", "contents": "On the action of nifedipine under conditions of variable stimulation patterns and [Ca2+]0 in guinea-pig atrium. The effect of nifedipine is studied in perfused isolated guinea-pig left atrium at a temperature of 37 degrees C and a stimulation rate between 60 and 240/min. Rhythmical stimulation at 240/min was interrupted by interposed stimulus intervals (test intervals) in a range of 0.1-4 s. The pressure amplitudes developed during subsequent test contractions rise up to a maximum with increasing test intervals. This time course is described as restitution in contractile response. Results. Restitution is somewhat faster in earlier than in later stages of perfusion. A rise in [Ca2+]0 accelerates restitution without changing maximal pressure development. Lowering [Ca2+]0 depresses pressure amplitudes over the whole range of test intervals. Nifedipine slows down restitution but has (in concentrations up to 10(-6) M) no effect on the maximum achieved after long test intervals following stimulation at 240/min. The negative inotropic effect of nifedipine on rhythmical pressure development rises with increasing stimulation frequency in the range from 60-240/min. An elevation in [Ca2+]0 does not reestablish control pressure-frequency relationship. Conclusions. In respect to the restitution process and also to the pressure-frequency relationship the effect of nifedipine can neither be simulated by a reduction in [Ca2+]0 nor abolished by an elevation in [Ca2+]0.", "PMID": 1012336} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12747", "title": "Effects of atrio-ventricular conduction of calcium-antagonistic coronary vasodilators, local anaesthetics and quinidine injected into the posterior and the anterior septal artery of the atrio-ventricular node preparation of the dog.", "content": "The effects on atrio-ventricular (A-V) conduction and blood flow of calcium-antagonists (verapamil, nifedipine and diltiazem), local anaesthetics (procaine and lidocaine) and quinidine were investigated in the isolated, cross-circulated A-V node preparation of the dog. The drugs were injected individually into the posterior septal artery (PSA) through which the upper part of the A-V node is mainly perfused or into the anterior septal artery (ASA) through which the lower part of the node and the more distal conduction system are perfused. Single injections into the PSA of nifedipine (0.3-10 mug), verapamil (1-30 mug), diltiazem (1-30 mug), quinidine (30-300 mug), lidocaine (100 mug-1 mg) and procaine (300 mug-3 mg) produced a dose-related increase in the A-V conduction time and with higher doses of these drugs a second or third degree block of A-V conduction occurred. Nifedipine (0.3-30 mug) and verapamil (1-100 mug) injected into the ASA scarcely affected A-V conduction. Quinidine (30 mug-1 mg) and lidocaine (100 mug-3 mg) injected into the ASA prolonged the A-V conduction time in a dose-related manner, although the effects were less prominent than those produced upon injection into the PSA. High doses of quinidine (3 mg) and lidocaine (3-10 mg) injected into the ASA altered the shape of ventricular bipolar electrograms and prolonged the time interval between an electrogram of the right bundle branch and that of the ventricle. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that in excitation of A-V nodal cells a slow calcium current rather than a fast sodium current plays an important role and that in the His-Purkinje-ventricular system the fast sodium current is predominant. Single injections of the 6 drugs into the PSA produced a dose-related increase in blood flow through the PSA. All drugs but nifedipine increased the blood flow in almost the same dose range that caused impairment of A-V conduction. Nifedipine was 10 times more potent in increasing the blood flow than in impairing A-V conduction.", "contents": "Effects of atrio-ventricular conduction of calcium-antagonistic coronary vasodilators, local anaesthetics and quinidine injected into the posterior and the anterior septal artery of the atrio-ventricular node preparation of the dog. The effects on atrio-ventricular (A-V) conduction and blood flow of calcium-antagonists (verapamil, nifedipine and diltiazem), local anaesthetics (procaine and lidocaine) and quinidine were investigated in the isolated, cross-circulated A-V node preparation of the dog. The drugs were injected individually into the posterior septal artery (PSA) through which the upper part of the A-V node is mainly perfused or into the anterior septal artery (ASA) through which the lower part of the node and the more distal conduction system are perfused. Single injections into the PSA of nifedipine (0.3-10 mug), verapamil (1-30 mug), diltiazem (1-30 mug), quinidine (30-300 mug), lidocaine (100 mug-1 mg) and procaine (300 mug-3 mg) produced a dose-related increase in the A-V conduction time and with higher doses of these drugs a second or third degree block of A-V conduction occurred. Nifedipine (0.3-30 mug) and verapamil (1-100 mug) injected into the ASA scarcely affected A-V conduction. Quinidine (30 mug-1 mg) and lidocaine (100 mug-3 mg) injected into the ASA prolonged the A-V conduction time in a dose-related manner, although the effects were less prominent than those produced upon injection into the PSA. High doses of quinidine (3 mg) and lidocaine (3-10 mg) injected into the ASA altered the shape of ventricular bipolar electrograms and prolonged the time interval between an electrogram of the right bundle branch and that of the ventricle. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that in excitation of A-V nodal cells a slow calcium current rather than a fast sodium current plays an important role and that in the His-Purkinje-ventricular system the fast sodium current is predominant. Single injections of the 6 drugs into the PSA produced a dose-related increase in blood flow through the PSA. All drugs but nifedipine increased the blood flow in almost the same dose range that caused impairment of A-V conduction. Nifedipine was 10 times more potent in increasing the blood flow than in impairing A-V conduction.", "PMID": 1012337} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12748", "title": "Inhibition of the adrenalectomy-induced increase in plasma renin concentration by vasoconstrictor agents in rats.", "content": "Plasma renin concentrations in rats increase after bilateral adrenalectomy without sodium substitution. The effects of i.v. infused (asp1-beta-amid, val5)-angiotensin II (1 mug/kg min), felypressin (phen2, lys8-vasopressin) (40 mU/kg min) and phenylephrine (30 mug/kg min) were investigated on the increase in plasma renin concentration. These effects of the agents were compared with their actions on blood pressure, heart rate and renal hemodynamics. In rats with destroyed macula densa cells the effect of bilateral adrenalectomy without sodium substitution was also studied. Adrenalectomy still increased the plasma renin concentration. Angiotensin II and felypressin, also depressed under these conditions the elevation of plasma renin concentration caused by adrenalectomy. The mechanism of the adrenalectomy-induced renin release and its suppression by vasoconstrictor agents is discussed.", "contents": "Inhibition of the adrenalectomy-induced increase in plasma renin concentration by vasoconstrictor agents in rats. Plasma renin concentrations in rats increase after bilateral adrenalectomy without sodium substitution. The effects of i.v. infused (asp1-beta-amid, val5)-angiotensin II (1 mug/kg min), felypressin (phen2, lys8-vasopressin) (40 mU/kg min) and phenylephrine (30 mug/kg min) were investigated on the increase in plasma renin concentration. These effects of the agents were compared with their actions on blood pressure, heart rate and renal hemodynamics. In rats with destroyed macula densa cells the effect of bilateral adrenalectomy without sodium substitution was also studied. Adrenalectomy still increased the plasma renin concentration. Angiotensin II and felypressin, also depressed under these conditions the elevation of plasma renin concentration caused by adrenalectomy. The mechanism of the adrenalectomy-induced renin release and its suppression by vasoconstrictor agents is discussed.", "PMID": 1012338} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12749", "title": "Effects of bombesin on erythropoietin production in the anaesthetized dog.", "content": "Bombesin, a tetradecapeptide isolated from the skin of some European discoglossid frogs, has been reported previously to reduce renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate and to increase plasma renin activity in anaesthetized dogs. In the present study bombesin was infused intravenously in anaesthetized dogs at dose levels of 3, 6 and 12 ng/kg/min for 6 h and renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, oxygen consumption, oxygen extraction by the kidney tissue, as well as plasma erythropoietin levels (ESF) and plasma renin activity were measured. Plasma levels of ESF increased during bombesin infusion only when renal blood flow was reduced to a level of 1 ml/g/min or less. In this situation glomerular filtration was blocked, renal oxygen consumption was decreased to 10% of normal and oxygen extraction by the kidney was increased by 2 times. No correlation was found between plasma renin activity and ESF concentrations during bombesin infusion. It is concluded that the stimulant action of bombesin on ESF production is a consequence of the renal hypoxia induced by the reduction in renal blood flow.", "contents": "Effects of bombesin on erythropoietin production in the anaesthetized dog. Bombesin, a tetradecapeptide isolated from the skin of some European discoglossid frogs, has been reported previously to reduce renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate and to increase plasma renin activity in anaesthetized dogs. In the present study bombesin was infused intravenously in anaesthetized dogs at dose levels of 3, 6 and 12 ng/kg/min for 6 h and renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, oxygen consumption, oxygen extraction by the kidney tissue, as well as plasma erythropoietin levels (ESF) and plasma renin activity were measured. Plasma levels of ESF increased during bombesin infusion only when renal blood flow was reduced to a level of 1 ml/g/min or less. In this situation glomerular filtration was blocked, renal oxygen consumption was decreased to 10% of normal and oxygen extraction by the kidney was increased by 2 times. No correlation was found between plasma renin activity and ESF concentrations during bombesin infusion. It is concluded that the stimulant action of bombesin on ESF production is a consequence of the renal hypoxia induced by the reduction in renal blood flow.", "PMID": 1012339} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12750", "title": "Adenylate cyclase of the dog gastric mucosa: stimulation by histamine and inhibition by metiamide.", "content": "The activity of the non-stimulated, basal adenylate cyclase of the dog gastric mucosa is reduced by the histamine H2-receptor antagonist metiamide but not by the histamine H1-receptor antagonist mepyramine. Histamine activates the adenylate cyclase only slightly. In the presence of 10(-5) M metiamide a concentration-dependent stimulation of the enzyme by histamine was found. These data indicate that endogenous histamine in dog gastric mucosal homogenate is contributing at least in part to what is measured as \"basal\" adenylate cyclase activity. This effect is mediated by H2-receptor excitation and in earlier studies has prevented the demonstration of a stimulatory effect of exogenous histamine on this enzyme.", "contents": "Adenylate cyclase of the dog gastric mucosa: stimulation by histamine and inhibition by metiamide. The activity of the non-stimulated, basal adenylate cyclase of the dog gastric mucosa is reduced by the histamine H2-receptor antagonist metiamide but not by the histamine H1-receptor antagonist mepyramine. Histamine activates the adenylate cyclase only slightly. In the presence of 10(-5) M metiamide a concentration-dependent stimulation of the enzyme by histamine was found. These data indicate that endogenous histamine in dog gastric mucosal homogenate is contributing at least in part to what is measured as \"basal\" adenylate cyclase activity. This effect is mediated by H2-receptor excitation and in earlier studies has prevented the demonstration of a stimulatory effect of exogenous histamine on this enzyme.", "PMID": 1012340} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12751", "title": "Effect of veratridine on the fluxes of 3H-noradrenaline and 3h-bretylium in the rat vas deferens in vitro.", "content": "The effect of the depolarizing agent veratridine on the accumulation and release of of 3H-noradrenaline and 3H-bretylium in in the rat vas deferens in vitro was examined. Veratridine produced inhibition of the accumulation and induced marked release of the amines. In vas deferens from non-reserpinized rats the release of noradrenaline evoked by veratridine was partially antagonized by omission of Ca2+ in the incubation medium and partially inhibited by low concentrations of desipramine. In reserpinized vas deferens the release of noradrenaline like that of bretylium in normal vas was not affected by omission of Ca2+ but inhibited by low concentrations (3-5 X 10(-7) M) of desipramine. Tetrodotoxin and the local anesthetics millicaine and lidocaine antagonized the effect of veratridine on the accumulation and release of the amines, probably due to prevention of the depolarization. High concentration (3 X 10(-5) M) of desipramine had a similar effect on the release of noradrenaline in normal tissue in presence of external Ca2+. It is concluded that noradrenaline is released by veratridine from normal vas deferens by two mechanisms: 1) an exocytosis release, 2) a carrier mediated desipramine sensitive outward transport; In reserpinized tissue the second mechanism is solely responsible for the release of noradrenaline. Bretylium is only released by the second mechanism. It is suggested that the inhibiton of the amine accumulation by veratridine is due to an equilibrium of the influx at a low tissue to medium ratio.", "contents": "Effect of veratridine on the fluxes of 3H-noradrenaline and 3h-bretylium in the rat vas deferens in vitro. The effect of the depolarizing agent veratridine on the accumulation and release of of 3H-noradrenaline and 3H-bretylium in in the rat vas deferens in vitro was examined. Veratridine produced inhibition of the accumulation and induced marked release of the amines. In vas deferens from non-reserpinized rats the release of noradrenaline evoked by veratridine was partially antagonized by omission of Ca2+ in the incubation medium and partially inhibited by low concentrations of desipramine. In reserpinized vas deferens the release of noradrenaline like that of bretylium in normal vas was not affected by omission of Ca2+ but inhibited by low concentrations (3-5 X 10(-7) M) of desipramine. Tetrodotoxin and the local anesthetics millicaine and lidocaine antagonized the effect of veratridine on the accumulation and release of the amines, probably due to prevention of the depolarization. High concentration (3 X 10(-5) M) of desipramine had a similar effect on the release of noradrenaline in normal tissue in presence of external Ca2+. It is concluded that noradrenaline is released by veratridine from normal vas deferens by two mechanisms: 1) an exocytosis release, 2) a carrier mediated desipramine sensitive outward transport; In reserpinized tissue the second mechanism is solely responsible for the release of noradrenaline. Bretylium is only released by the second mechanism. It is suggested that the inhibiton of the amine accumulation by veratridine is due to an equilibrium of the influx at a low tissue to medium ratio.", "PMID": 1012341} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12752", "title": "Presence of muscarinic inhibitory and absence of nicotinic excitatory receptors at the terminal sympathetic nerves of chicken hearts.", "content": "Nicotine (2 X 10(-4) M) or acetylcholine (5.5 X 10(-4) M) in the presence of 3 X 10(-6) M atropine did not increase the rate or amplitude of contraction in isolated atria or ventricular strips of the chicken heart; both drugs also did not cause an output of noradrenaline or adrenaline and did not evoke antidromic discharges in the right sympathetic nerves of isolated perfused chicken hearts. In contrast, \"high K+-solutions\" evoked an output of noradrenaline and adrenaline and caused a burst of antidromic discharges. Dimethylphenylpiperazine (DMPP; 3.1 X 10(-4) M), by a tyramine-like action, elicited a small output of noradrenaline and increased rate and amplitude of contraction\" but did not evoke antidromic discharges. The noradrenaline output caused by DMPP was not reduced by lowering the extracellular Ca2+ concentration from 1;8 to 0.1125 mM.-Acetyl-choline (10(-5) and 10(-4) M)inhibited the noradrenaline and adrenaline outputs evoked by electrical stimulation of the right sympathetic nerves (3 HZ, 1 ms, 30 V); the inhibition was blocked by 3 X 10(-6) M atropine.-It is concluded that the terminal parts of sympathetic nerves of the chicken heart possess muscarinic inhibitory receptors but lack nicotinic excitatory receptors. Thus prejunctional nicotinic receptors are not an integral part of the terminal sympathetic neurone otherwise they would be present at this neurone in all species.", "contents": "Presence of muscarinic inhibitory and absence of nicotinic excitatory receptors at the terminal sympathetic nerves of chicken hearts. Nicotine (2 X 10(-4) M) or acetylcholine (5.5 X 10(-4) M) in the presence of 3 X 10(-6) M atropine did not increase the rate or amplitude of contraction in isolated atria or ventricular strips of the chicken heart; both drugs also did not cause an output of noradrenaline or adrenaline and did not evoke antidromic discharges in the right sympathetic nerves of isolated perfused chicken hearts. In contrast, \"high K+-solutions\" evoked an output of noradrenaline and adrenaline and caused a burst of antidromic discharges. Dimethylphenylpiperazine (DMPP; 3.1 X 10(-4) M), by a tyramine-like action, elicited a small output of noradrenaline and increased rate and amplitude of contraction\" but did not evoke antidromic discharges. The noradrenaline output caused by DMPP was not reduced by lowering the extracellular Ca2+ concentration from 1;8 to 0.1125 mM.-Acetyl-choline (10(-5) and 10(-4) M)inhibited the noradrenaline and adrenaline outputs evoked by electrical stimulation of the right sympathetic nerves (3 HZ, 1 ms, 30 V); the inhibition was blocked by 3 X 10(-6) M atropine.-It is concluded that the terminal parts of sympathetic nerves of the chicken heart possess muscarinic inhibitory receptors but lack nicotinic excitatory receptors. Thus prejunctional nicotinic receptors are not an integral part of the terminal sympathetic neurone otherwise they would be present at this neurone in all species.", "PMID": 1012343} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12753", "title": "Suppression of ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation by GABA-like drugs.", "content": "Ethanol (2.4 g/kg) was given intraperitoneally to mice and was found to cause a marked increase in spontaneous locomotor activity. When mice were pretreated with low doses of agents which mimic or augment the action of GABA (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, baclophen, or aminooxyacetic acid) the ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation was completely eliminated; Baclophen (10 mg/kg) was found to cause an initial increase followed by a later decrease in synthesis of catecholamines, as measured by the accumulation of dopa after inhibition of central aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, in dopamine-rich areas of rat brain. These data are consistent with previous findings that baclophen, as well as other agents which enhance the activity of GABA systems, reduce the firing of dopamine neurons, thus causing enhanced synthesis of dopamine via feedback mechanisms. These findings also indicate a potential interaction between GABA-like drugs and alcohol in man, and may be of heuristic value in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. The possibility that the mechanism of the inhibition of ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation by GABA-like drugs may be due to a selective interference with ethanol-induced dopamine release is discussed.", "contents": "Suppression of ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation by GABA-like drugs. Ethanol (2.4 g/kg) was given intraperitoneally to mice and was found to cause a marked increase in spontaneous locomotor activity. When mice were pretreated with low doses of agents which mimic or augment the action of GABA (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, baclophen, or aminooxyacetic acid) the ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation was completely eliminated; Baclophen (10 mg/kg) was found to cause an initial increase followed by a later decrease in synthesis of catecholamines, as measured by the accumulation of dopa after inhibition of central aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, in dopamine-rich areas of rat brain. These data are consistent with previous findings that baclophen, as well as other agents which enhance the activity of GABA systems, reduce the firing of dopamine neurons, thus causing enhanced synthesis of dopamine via feedback mechanisms. These findings also indicate a potential interaction between GABA-like drugs and alcohol in man, and may be of heuristic value in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. The possibility that the mechanism of the inhibition of ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation by GABA-like drugs may be due to a selective interference with ethanol-induced dopamine release is discussed.", "PMID": 1012342} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12754", "title": "Effect of hog anaphylatoxin (C 5a) on vascular permeability and leukocyte emigration in vivo.", "content": "The effects of highly purified hog anaphylatoxin (C 5a) on leukocyte emigration were investigated in guinea pigs in vivo using two experimental models: 1. Subcutaneous infusions. Sterile solutions of C 5a in saline infused at a rate of 1.8 mug C 5a/h (0.2 ml/h) for 10 h induced a dense accumulation of leukocytes, mainly neutrophils but also some eosinophils at the site of application; In control infusions with saline alone comparatively few leukocytes were found. 2. Single injections into the pleural cavity. 10 or 20 mug C 5a (dissolved in 2 ml saline) caused a dose-dependent increase in leukocyte number and volume of pleural exudate. Bradykinin in a dose of 18 mug produced similar fluid exudation as 20 mug C 5a but had no significant effect on leukocyte accumulation. Intrapleural injections of C 5a further caused the appearance of i.v. injected Evans blue in the pleural cavity. This effect, indicating an increase in vascular permeability lasted for about 3 h; Since at least one of the two models used - subcutaneous infusion -simulates natural conditions -continuous local generation of C 5a in small amounts at the site of an inflammatory lesion-the results indicate that C 5a once formed by complement activation in natural defense reactions may contribute to local increase in vascular permeability and leukocyte infiltration.", "contents": "Effect of hog anaphylatoxin (C 5a) on vascular permeability and leukocyte emigration in vivo. The effects of highly purified hog anaphylatoxin (C 5a) on leukocyte emigration were investigated in guinea pigs in vivo using two experimental models: 1. Subcutaneous infusions. Sterile solutions of C 5a in saline infused at a rate of 1.8 mug C 5a/h (0.2 ml/h) for 10 h induced a dense accumulation of leukocytes, mainly neutrophils but also some eosinophils at the site of application; In control infusions with saline alone comparatively few leukocytes were found. 2. Single injections into the pleural cavity. 10 or 20 mug C 5a (dissolved in 2 ml saline) caused a dose-dependent increase in leukocyte number and volume of pleural exudate. Bradykinin in a dose of 18 mug produced similar fluid exudation as 20 mug C 5a but had no significant effect on leukocyte accumulation. Intrapleural injections of C 5a further caused the appearance of i.v. injected Evans blue in the pleural cavity. This effect, indicating an increase in vascular permeability lasted for about 3 h; Since at least one of the two models used - subcutaneous infusion -simulates natural conditions -continuous local generation of C 5a in small amounts at the site of an inflammatory lesion-the results indicate that C 5a once formed by complement activation in natural defense reactions may contribute to local increase in vascular permeability and leukocyte infiltration.", "PMID": 1012344} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12755", "title": "The effect of diphenylhydantoin, diazepam and clonazepam on the activity of Purkinje cells in the rat cerebellum.", "content": "Spike discharges of single cerebellar Purkinje cells were recorded continuously with extracellular microelectrodes in unanesthetized curarized rats. The intravenous injection of diphenylhydantoin in doses between 10 and 100 mg kg-1 did not substantially alter the activity of Purkinje cells within 2--3 h. The two benzodiazepines, diazepam and clonazepam, already in low i.v. doses (0.03--0.1 mg kg-1) consistently and reversibly depressed the firing rate. Our results do not support the previously advanced hypothesis that these drugs reduce epileptiform activities by increasing the output from the cerebellar cortex. They rather point to the possibility that a reduced firing rate of cerebellar Purkinje cells mediates at least in part ataxia and muscular hypotonia observed after the drugs.", "contents": "The effect of diphenylhydantoin, diazepam and clonazepam on the activity of Purkinje cells in the rat cerebellum. Spike discharges of single cerebellar Purkinje cells were recorded continuously with extracellular microelectrodes in unanesthetized curarized rats. The intravenous injection of diphenylhydantoin in doses between 10 and 100 mg kg-1 did not substantially alter the activity of Purkinje cells within 2--3 h. The two benzodiazepines, diazepam and clonazepam, already in low i.v. doses (0.03--0.1 mg kg-1) consistently and reversibly depressed the firing rate. Our results do not support the previously advanced hypothesis that these drugs reduce epileptiform activities by increasing the output from the cerebellar cortex. They rather point to the possibility that a reduced firing rate of cerebellar Purkinje cells mediates at least in part ataxia and muscular hypotonia observed after the drugs.", "PMID": 1012345} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12756", "title": "Stimulation of adenylate cyclase of guinea pig gastric mucosa by histamine, sodium fluoride and 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate and inhibition by histamine H1- and H2-receptor antagonists in vitro.", "content": "There are experimental data indicating that cyclic AMP is involved in the regulation of gastric acid secretion in various mammalian species. In a broken cell preparation of guinea pig gastric mucosa the effects of some stimulants of gastric acid secretion on the activity of adenylate cyclase were studied. The basal adenylate cyclase activity was 483 +/- 43 pmoles cyclic AMP/mg protein x 10 min. The activity could be stimulated by histamine maximally 5-fold, by sodium fluoride (NaF) maximally 20-fold and by 5-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GMP-PNP) maximally 10-fold. Neither pentagastrin nor carbachol were able to stimulate the adenylate cyclase. Stimulants of adrenergic alpha- or beta-receptors (phenylephrine, isoproterenol) were also ineffective. The activation of the adenylate cyclase by histamine was inhibited by the histamine H1-receptor antagonists diphenhydramine and mepyramine as well as by the histamine H2-receptor antagonist metiamide. On the other hand, the stimulatory action of NaF OR GMP-PNP could be antagonized only by high concentrations of dipenhydramine or mepyramine while metiamide showed no antagonizing effect in this respect. Thus this preparation can be used as a tool to determine the activity and specificity of histamine H2-receptor antagonists.", "contents": "Stimulation of adenylate cyclase of guinea pig gastric mucosa by histamine, sodium fluoride and 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate and inhibition by histamine H1- and H2-receptor antagonists in vitro. There are experimental data indicating that cyclic AMP is involved in the regulation of gastric acid secretion in various mammalian species. In a broken cell preparation of guinea pig gastric mucosa the effects of some stimulants of gastric acid secretion on the activity of adenylate cyclase were studied. The basal adenylate cyclase activity was 483 +/- 43 pmoles cyclic AMP/mg protein x 10 min. The activity could be stimulated by histamine maximally 5-fold, by sodium fluoride (NaF) maximally 20-fold and by 5-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GMP-PNP) maximally 10-fold. Neither pentagastrin nor carbachol were able to stimulate the adenylate cyclase. Stimulants of adrenergic alpha- or beta-receptors (phenylephrine, isoproterenol) were also ineffective. The activation of the adenylate cyclase by histamine was inhibited by the histamine H1-receptor antagonists diphenhydramine and mepyramine as well as by the histamine H2-receptor antagonist metiamide. On the other hand, the stimulatory action of NaF OR GMP-PNP could be antagonized only by high concentrations of dipenhydramine or mepyramine while metiamide showed no antagonizing effect in this respect. Thus this preparation can be used as a tool to determine the activity and specificity of histamine H2-receptor antagonists.", "PMID": 1012346} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12757", "title": "Pharmacokinetics of spironolactone in man.", "content": "Five healthy male volunteers received 500 mg Aldactone orally together 100 muCi 3H-20-21-spironolactone; one elderly patient received 1 mCi 3H-spironolactone without additional 'cold' drug. For 6 days the disposition kinetics of the drug were studied in plasma, urine and feces. The tritium concentrations in plasma reached a peak between 25-40 min after administration amounting to 2-3% of the dose/1. Up to the 12th h, they fell rapidly and showed a monoexponential decline (t 1/2: 2.57 +/- 0.27 days) between the 36th and 96th h. Later, a striking increase in the speed of elimination of radioactivity from plasma (t 1/2: 1.66 +/- 0.21 days) was observed. The biological half-life of labeled material in plasma was longer than that of fluorigenic compounds. 47-57% of the dose were excreted in urine and the remaining amount could be detected in feces (total recovery 90%). The half-life of the urinary excretion rate was distinctly shorter (t 1/2: 0.9 +/- 0.11 days) than that of total radioactivity in plasma. This, together with an observed increase of the polar fraction in urine from 35 up to 85%, which was accompanied by a decrease in plasma from 55 to 35%, suggests either tubular reabsorption or enterohepatic recirculation of lipophilic compounds. TLC-separation of the lipophilic fraction in urine revealed two previously unknown compounds of which the main congener was identified as 3-(3-oxo-7 alpha-methylsulfonyl-6 beta, 17 beta-dihydroxy-4-androsten-17 alpha-yl) propionic acid gamma-lactone, as well as canrenone and the metabolites which have already been described (Karim and Brown, 1972; Karim et al., 1975). This metabolite represents the main lipophilic degradation product in urine within the first hours, whereas the 6 beta-OH-7 alpha-methylsulfinyl-spirolactone leveled off and seemed to be and endexcretion product. For further characterisation, the polar fraction was subjected to acidic hydrolysis. The known metabolic pathways of spironolactone degradation are discussed.", "contents": "Pharmacokinetics of spironolactone in man. Five healthy male volunteers received 500 mg Aldactone orally together 100 muCi 3H-20-21-spironolactone; one elderly patient received 1 mCi 3H-spironolactone without additional 'cold' drug. For 6 days the disposition kinetics of the drug were studied in plasma, urine and feces. The tritium concentrations in plasma reached a peak between 25-40 min after administration amounting to 2-3% of the dose/1. Up to the 12th h, they fell rapidly and showed a monoexponential decline (t 1/2: 2.57 +/- 0.27 days) between the 36th and 96th h. Later, a striking increase in the speed of elimination of radioactivity from plasma (t 1/2: 1.66 +/- 0.21 days) was observed. The biological half-life of labeled material in plasma was longer than that of fluorigenic compounds. 47-57% of the dose were excreted in urine and the remaining amount could be detected in feces (total recovery 90%). The half-life of the urinary excretion rate was distinctly shorter (t 1/2: 0.9 +/- 0.11 days) than that of total radioactivity in plasma. This, together with an observed increase of the polar fraction in urine from 35 up to 85%, which was accompanied by a decrease in plasma from 55 to 35%, suggests either tubular reabsorption or enterohepatic recirculation of lipophilic compounds. TLC-separation of the lipophilic fraction in urine revealed two previously unknown compounds of which the main congener was identified as 3-(3-oxo-7 alpha-methylsulfonyl-6 beta, 17 beta-dihydroxy-4-androsten-17 alpha-yl) propionic acid gamma-lactone, as well as canrenone and the metabolites which have already been described (Karim and Brown, 1972; Karim et al., 1975). This metabolite represents the main lipophilic degradation product in urine within the first hours, whereas the 6 beta-OH-7 alpha-methylsulfinyl-spirolactone leveled off and seemed to be and endexcretion product. For further characterisation, the polar fraction was subjected to acidic hydrolysis. The known metabolic pathways of spironolactone degradation are discussed.", "PMID": 1012347} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12758", "title": "Uptake of 14C-5-hydroxytryptamine by human and rat platelets and its pharmacological inhibition. A comparative kinetic analysis.", "content": "In order to approach the uptake of 14C-5HT by platelets as a first-order process, experimental conditions were selected in which accumulation of the amine either by diffusion or by other passive nonsaturable processes could be excluded. These conditions included an incubation period of 14C-5HT with human or rat platelets of 4 min or 30 s, respectively and the use of substrate concentrations around the calculated apparent Km values (0.25 - 2.0 muM). While the apparent Km values were rather similar for human and rat platelets, Vmax was about 5 times higher in rat than in human platelets. The kinetic model adopted in this study was used to evaluate the relative potency and the type of inhibiton of 14C-5HT uptake exhibited by imipramine, chlorimipramine and (+)-fenfluramine. All 3 compounds inhibited 14C-5HT uptake by platelets. Chlorimipramine was about 10 times more effective than imipramine both in rat and in human platelets. Both drugs were more potent inhibitors on human than on rat platelets. (+)-Fenfluramine was almost as active as imipramine on rat but 30 times less potent than imipramine on human platelets. Both imipramine and chlorimipramine inhibited 14C-5HT uptake by an apparent non-competitive mechanism, whereas (+)-fenfluramine appeared to act as a competitive inhibitor. No differences were found in this respect between human and rat platelets. Pharmacological or therapeutic doses of these drugs usually result in plasma concentrations similar to those found in this study to effectively inhibit platelet 14C-5HT uptake.", "contents": "Uptake of 14C-5-hydroxytryptamine by human and rat platelets and its pharmacological inhibition. A comparative kinetic analysis. In order to approach the uptake of 14C-5HT by platelets as a first-order process, experimental conditions were selected in which accumulation of the amine either by diffusion or by other passive nonsaturable processes could be excluded. These conditions included an incubation period of 14C-5HT with human or rat platelets of 4 min or 30 s, respectively and the use of substrate concentrations around the calculated apparent Km values (0.25 - 2.0 muM). While the apparent Km values were rather similar for human and rat platelets, Vmax was about 5 times higher in rat than in human platelets. The kinetic model adopted in this study was used to evaluate the relative potency and the type of inhibiton of 14C-5HT uptake exhibited by imipramine, chlorimipramine and (+)-fenfluramine. All 3 compounds inhibited 14C-5HT uptake by platelets. Chlorimipramine was about 10 times more effective than imipramine both in rat and in human platelets. Both drugs were more potent inhibitors on human than on rat platelets. (+)-Fenfluramine was almost as active as imipramine on rat but 30 times less potent than imipramine on human platelets. Both imipramine and chlorimipramine inhibited 14C-5HT uptake by an apparent non-competitive mechanism, whereas (+)-fenfluramine appeared to act as a competitive inhibitor. No differences were found in this respect between human and rat platelets. Pharmacological or therapeutic doses of these drugs usually result in plasma concentrations similar to those found in this study to effectively inhibit platelet 14C-5HT uptake.", "PMID": 1012348} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12759", "title": "Excretion of sulfobromophthalein in rats with iodomethane-induced depletion of hepatic glutathione.", "content": "Male urethane-anesthetized Wistar rats with biliary fistulas were infused for 60 min i.v. with sulfobromophthalein (BSP) or BSP-glutathione conjugate (BSP-GSH) at 594 nmol/100 g/min. Thirty minutes prior to the start of the infusion, 20 mg/kg iodomethane, dissolved in oliver oil, was given into the duodenum. The control received oil only. At the start of the infusion the hepatic concentration of GSH was 0.96 +/- 0.23 mg/g liver in the iodomethane-treated animals versus 1.93 +/- 0.13 mg/g liver in the control (P less than 0.001). When unconjugated BSP was infused, the excretion of total BSP (unconjugated plus conjugated) was markedly lower in the iodomethane-treated group than in the control. This difference was due solely to differences in biliary appearing conjugated BSP; the excretion of unconjugated BSP was identical in both groups. The different excretion patterns were paralleled by equal hepatic accumulation of total BSP in both groups. The ratio of unconjugated BSP/BSP-GSH in the liver was about twice as high after pretreatment with iodomethane than in the control group. When BSP-GSH instead of BSP was infused, the excretion rates of this dye were identical in both groups. The maximal transport capacity (Tm) was double that observed with infusion of unconjugated BSP in control animals. There is indirect evidence that BSP and BSP-GSH might have different excretion pathways.", "contents": "Excretion of sulfobromophthalein in rats with iodomethane-induced depletion of hepatic glutathione. Male urethane-anesthetized Wistar rats with biliary fistulas were infused for 60 min i.v. with sulfobromophthalein (BSP) or BSP-glutathione conjugate (BSP-GSH) at 594 nmol/100 g/min. Thirty minutes prior to the start of the infusion, 20 mg/kg iodomethane, dissolved in oliver oil, was given into the duodenum. The control received oil only. At the start of the infusion the hepatic concentration of GSH was 0.96 +/- 0.23 mg/g liver in the iodomethane-treated animals versus 1.93 +/- 0.13 mg/g liver in the control (P less than 0.001). When unconjugated BSP was infused, the excretion of total BSP (unconjugated plus conjugated) was markedly lower in the iodomethane-treated group than in the control. This difference was due solely to differences in biliary appearing conjugated BSP; the excretion of unconjugated BSP was identical in both groups. The different excretion patterns were paralleled by equal hepatic accumulation of total BSP in both groups. The ratio of unconjugated BSP/BSP-GSH in the liver was about twice as high after pretreatment with iodomethane than in the control group. When BSP-GSH instead of BSP was infused, the excretion rates of this dye were identical in both groups. The maximal transport capacity (Tm) was double that observed with infusion of unconjugated BSP in control animals. There is indirect evidence that BSP and BSP-GSH might have different excretion pathways.", "PMID": 1012349} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12760", "title": "[Background and evoked activity of visual cortex neurons of a mutant strain of mice].", "content": "Background and evoked activities of visual neurons were studied in mice with hereditary microphthalmia (\"ocular retardation\", \"or/or\"). Phenotypical action of the \"or\" gene manifested itself in underdevelopment of the optical nerve followed by full blindness of the animal. Control experiments were carried out on C57Br mice. Higher level of background activity in neurons of mutant animals as well as differences in distribution of neurons according to the type of background activity were found. In the \"or/or\" mice regularly firing neurons were 2.5 times as frequent while bursting cells were 2.7 times as seldom as in the control group. Mutant mice cells were more reactive to sounds. Their responses to sound and cutaneous stimulation were usually tonic and mostly of excitatory nature. Convergence of heterogeneous afferent signals was demonstrated for 42% of mutant mice cells. It is suggested that these functional properties are phenotypical manifestations of mutant gene action on cortical neurons.", "contents": "[Background and evoked activity of visual cortex neurons of a mutant strain of mice]. Background and evoked activities of visual neurons were studied in mice with hereditary microphthalmia (\"ocular retardation\", \"or/or\"). Phenotypical action of the \"or\" gene manifested itself in underdevelopment of the optical nerve followed by full blindness of the animal. Control experiments were carried out on C57Br mice. Higher level of background activity in neurons of mutant animals as well as differences in distribution of neurons according to the type of background activity were found. In the \"or/or\" mice regularly firing neurons were 2.5 times as frequent while bursting cells were 2.7 times as seldom as in the control group. Mutant mice cells were more reactive to sounds. Their responses to sound and cutaneous stimulation were usually tonic and mostly of excitatory nature. Convergence of heterogeneous afferent signals was demonstrated for 42% of mutant mice cells. It is suggested that these functional properties are phenotypical manifestations of mutant gene action on cortical neurons.", "PMID": 1012396} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12761", "title": "[Complex action potentials of the secondary neurons of the rat olfactory bulb].", "content": "Complex action potentials (background and evoked by the lateral olfactory tract stimulation) were recorded from the secondary neurons of the olfactory bulb. The amplitude and duration of the complex action potentials changed depending on the synchronous appearance and combination of their elementary components. It is supposed that they were recorded in cases when the electrode was located near the spike-generating zones and that there are many such zones in the dendrites of the secondary neurons. The evoked action potentials appeared with different latencies (about 1 ms, about 2 ms, about 3 ms). Data are presented indicating that the antidromic response arises with the first latency and the responses with other latencies are synaptic. Synaptic responses were found more often than antidromic ones. These data suggest a variable representation of excitatory synapses in the secondary neurons (besides the excitatory olfactory glomerulus input).", "contents": "[Complex action potentials of the secondary neurons of the rat olfactory bulb]. Complex action potentials (background and evoked by the lateral olfactory tract stimulation) were recorded from the secondary neurons of the olfactory bulb. The amplitude and duration of the complex action potentials changed depending on the synchronous appearance and combination of their elementary components. It is supposed that they were recorded in cases when the electrode was located near the spike-generating zones and that there are many such zones in the dendrites of the secondary neurons. The evoked action potentials appeared with different latencies (about 1 ms, about 2 ms, about 3 ms). Data are presented indicating that the antidromic response arises with the first latency and the responses with other latencies are synaptic. Synaptic responses were found more often than antidromic ones. These data suggest a variable representation of excitatory synapses in the secondary neurons (besides the excitatory olfactory glomerulus input).", "PMID": 1012397} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12762", "title": "[Comparative study of the electrocorticogram of several brain fields of dozing cats in a chronic experiment].", "content": "Peculatities of background electrical activity of some projection regions, the I somatosensory (field 53), and I and II auditory (fields 22 and 52, respectively), visual (field 17) and associative cortex (field 5), were studied in chronic experiments, performed on unanesthetized dozy cats. In transient periods, from vigil to sleep and vice versa, the maximal distinctions in slow-wave activity were detected between the regions under recording. They consisted in dissimilarities of spindle activity and low crosscorrelation coefficients (0.21 +/- 0.04). The synchrony of the potentials of different cortical regions increased and the crosscorrelation coefficients grew from 0.4 +/- 18 as sleep deepened. The functional reorganization of thalamic pacemaker mechanisms is supposed to take place with changes in the sleep depth. No distinctions in desynchronization were observed in different projective cortical fields because of the expressive orientation reflex. Only after the orientation reaction was suppressed and after application of the stimuli of adequate strength it was possible to reveal specific peculiarities of the projective field electrical reaction. Availability of definite conditions is emphasized for developing specific signs of the projective field electrical reaction.", "contents": "[Comparative study of the electrocorticogram of several brain fields of dozing cats in a chronic experiment]. Peculatities of background electrical activity of some projection regions, the I somatosensory (field 53), and I and II auditory (fields 22 and 52, respectively), visual (field 17) and associative cortex (field 5), were studied in chronic experiments, performed on unanesthetized dozy cats. In transient periods, from vigil to sleep and vice versa, the maximal distinctions in slow-wave activity were detected between the regions under recording. They consisted in dissimilarities of spindle activity and low crosscorrelation coefficients (0.21 +/- 0.04). The synchrony of the potentials of different cortical regions increased and the crosscorrelation coefficients grew from 0.4 +/- 18 as sleep deepened. The functional reorganization of thalamic pacemaker mechanisms is supposed to take place with changes in the sleep depth. No distinctions in desynchronization were observed in different projective cortical fields because of the expressive orientation reflex. Only after the orientation reaction was suppressed and after application of the stimuli of adequate strength it was possible to reveal specific peculiarities of the projective field electrical reaction. Availability of definite conditions is emphasized for developing specific signs of the projective field electrical reaction.", "PMID": 1012398} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12763", "title": "[Reactions of neurons of the reticular and ventral anterior thalamic nuclei of the cat to electric stimulation of the relay nuclei of the optic thalamus].", "content": "Responses of 92 reticular (R) and 105 ventral anterior (VA) thalamic neurons to electrical stimulation of relay nuclei, ventrobasal complex (VB), lateral (GL) and medial (GM) geniculate bodies, were studied in cats immobilized with d-tubocurarine. 72.2% of R and 76.2% of VA investigated neurons responded to VB stimulation, while GM stimulation caused responses only in 15.0% of R and 27.1% of VA neurons and GL stimulation in 10.2% of R and 19.6% of VA neurons. The responses of R-VA neurons to relay nuclei stimulation were expressed, as a rule in excitation. Two types of excited neurons were distinguished: the first group responded to stimulation of afferent inputs by the discharge of 5-15 spikes at a frequency of 250-300 p/s, the second group responded by single action potential. According to peculiarities of their responses, the neurons of the first group are resembling inhibitory interneurons. 2.2% of R and 7.8% of VA neurons responded to relay nuclei stimulation by antidromic spikes. Among R and VA neurons there are cells which respond to stimulation of one, two and even three different relay nuclei. If stimulation of one relay nucleus is followed by a response of R or VA neuron, the preceding stimulation of another relay nucleus, with the time interval between the conditioning and testing stimuli being less than 30-50 ms, induced the inhibition of the response to the testing stimulus.", "contents": "[Reactions of neurons of the reticular and ventral anterior thalamic nuclei of the cat to electric stimulation of the relay nuclei of the optic thalamus]. Responses of 92 reticular (R) and 105 ventral anterior (VA) thalamic neurons to electrical stimulation of relay nuclei, ventrobasal complex (VB), lateral (GL) and medial (GM) geniculate bodies, were studied in cats immobilized with d-tubocurarine. 72.2% of R and 76.2% of VA investigated neurons responded to VB stimulation, while GM stimulation caused responses only in 15.0% of R and 27.1% of VA neurons and GL stimulation in 10.2% of R and 19.6% of VA neurons. The responses of R-VA neurons to relay nuclei stimulation were expressed, as a rule in excitation. Two types of excited neurons were distinguished: the first group responded to stimulation of afferent inputs by the discharge of 5-15 spikes at a frequency of 250-300 p/s, the second group responded by single action potential. According to peculiarities of their responses, the neurons of the first group are resembling inhibitory interneurons. 2.2% of R and 7.8% of VA neurons responded to relay nuclei stimulation by antidromic spikes. Among R and VA neurons there are cells which respond to stimulation of one, two and even three different relay nuclei. If stimulation of one relay nucleus is followed by a response of R or VA neuron, the preceding stimulation of another relay nucleus, with the time interval between the conditioning and testing stimuli being less than 30-50 ms, induced the inhibition of the response to the testing stimulus.", "PMID": 1012399} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12764", "title": "[Effect of stimulus intensity on neuronal reactions of the frontal region of the cat cortex].", "content": "The pulse activity of neurons of the cortex frontal region was studied in cat under conditions of acute experiment under chloralose (70 mg/kg) by means of extracellular recording. The stimulus intensity varied in the near threshold range (15-16 db over the threshold of a summarized evoked potentional). A comparative analysis of the neuronal responses of specific (field S1) and nonspecific projections demonstrated similar in principle reconstructions with an increase in the stimulus intensity: a decrease in the latent period, rise in total frequency and phase of the discharge, an increase in the response probability. However, a relatively stable level of the latent period and the response probability were achieved for neurons of specific projection at the stimulus intensity equal 3-5 of threshold units, and for neurons of nonspecific projections at the stimulus intensity equal to 10-15 of threshold units. All sensory projections in the frontal cortex are formed by two inputs: short-latent low-threshold and long-latent high-threshold. Analysis of modal conditioned differences in threshold sensitivity and duration of the latent period of the polysensory neurons responses gives reason to assume the convergence of different modal signals right on cortical neurons.", "contents": "[Effect of stimulus intensity on neuronal reactions of the frontal region of the cat cortex]. The pulse activity of neurons of the cortex frontal region was studied in cat under conditions of acute experiment under chloralose (70 mg/kg) by means of extracellular recording. The stimulus intensity varied in the near threshold range (15-16 db over the threshold of a summarized evoked potentional). A comparative analysis of the neuronal responses of specific (field S1) and nonspecific projections demonstrated similar in principle reconstructions with an increase in the stimulus intensity: a decrease in the latent period, rise in total frequency and phase of the discharge, an increase in the response probability. However, a relatively stable level of the latent period and the response probability were achieved for neurons of specific projection at the stimulus intensity equal 3-5 of threshold units, and for neurons of nonspecific projections at the stimulus intensity equal to 10-15 of threshold units. All sensory projections in the frontal cortex are formed by two inputs: short-latent low-threshold and long-latent high-threshold. Analysis of modal conditioned differences in threshold sensitivity and duration of the latent period of the polysensory neurons responses gives reason to assume the convergence of different modal signals right on cortical neurons.", "PMID": 1012400} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12765", "title": "[Interaction of central and peripheral temperature signals on the thermosensitive neurons of the hypothalamus].", "content": "Changes in the mean firing rate of neurons in the posterior hypothalamus were studied in unanesthetized rabbits at the local increase in the brain temperature (0.7-1.5 C) and at an increase in the skin temperature (3-5 degrees C). 85 neurons were examined in 14 rabbits. 11 neurons (of 85) responded selectively to one of the used temperature influences. Changes in the unit activity to both temperature influences (more often of the same direction) were observed in 16 neurons. Different types of these neuronal responces were found. An increase in thermosensitivy was found in some neurons when the thermal stimulation of the skin was intensified.", "contents": "[Interaction of central and peripheral temperature signals on the thermosensitive neurons of the hypothalamus]. Changes in the mean firing rate of neurons in the posterior hypothalamus were studied in unanesthetized rabbits at the local increase in the brain temperature (0.7-1.5 C) and at an increase in the skin temperature (3-5 degrees C). 85 neurons were examined in 14 rabbits. 11 neurons (of 85) responded selectively to one of the used temperature influences. Changes in the unit activity to both temperature influences (more often of the same direction) were observed in 16 neurons. Different types of these neuronal responces were found. An increase in thermosensitivy was found in some neurons when the thermal stimulation of the skin was intensified.", "PMID": 1012401} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12766", "title": "[Changes in the distribution of synaptic vesicles in cone endings following electrical stimulation of the retina].", "content": "The conditions were found (hypoxic state of the retina) under which exhausture of the transmitter in presynaptic endings of photoreceptors may be supposed from a decrease in responses of horizontal cells to electric stimulation of the retina. Under these conditions the electric stimulation is accompanied by a decrease in the number of small synaptic vesicles near the presynaptic membranes in cones. However, there are no reliable changes in the total number of vesicles in cone endings.", "contents": "[Changes in the distribution of synaptic vesicles in cone endings following electrical stimulation of the retina]. The conditions were found (hypoxic state of the retina) under which exhausture of the transmitter in presynaptic endings of photoreceptors may be supposed from a decrease in responses of horizontal cells to electric stimulation of the retina. Under these conditions the electric stimulation is accompanied by a decrease in the number of small synaptic vesicles near the presynaptic membranes in cones. However, there are no reliable changes in the total number of vesicles in cone endings.", "PMID": 1012402} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12767", "title": "Influence of a tendon reflex on the motor neurons of antagonistic muscles in man.", "content": "The knee reflex was evoked during rhythmic activity of relatively low-threshold motor units of m. biceps fem. activated by weak voluntary contraction. Along with a reflectory response from m. rectus fem. the discharges from impulsating units of m. biceps fem. synchronous to the response were observed, as well as the recruitment of new units. Post-stimulation histograms and statistical analysis of interspike intervals of m. biceps fem. units revealed in most units a noticeable excitatory effect syndhronous to a reflectory response from m. rectus fem. This may be accounted fro by the presence of excitatory inputs of Ia afferents on motoneurons of the antagonist. Some delayed inhibitory effects on the antagonist motoneurons were found to follow their synchronous excitation. Apparently, they are analogous to the \"silent period\" of the antagonist motoneurons during the evoked tendon reflex.", "contents": "Influence of a tendon reflex on the motor neurons of antagonistic muscles in man. The knee reflex was evoked during rhythmic activity of relatively low-threshold motor units of m. biceps fem. activated by weak voluntary contraction. Along with a reflectory response from m. rectus fem. the discharges from impulsating units of m. biceps fem. synchronous to the response were observed, as well as the recruitment of new units. Post-stimulation histograms and statistical analysis of interspike intervals of m. biceps fem. units revealed in most units a noticeable excitatory effect syndhronous to a reflectory response from m. rectus fem. This may be accounted fro by the presence of excitatory inputs of Ia afferents on motoneurons of the antagonist. Some delayed inhibitory effects on the antagonist motoneurons were found to follow their synchronous excitation. Apparently, they are analogous to the \"silent period\" of the antagonist motoneurons during the evoked tendon reflex.", "PMID": 1012403} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12768", "title": "[Coordination of the movement of the tube feet and arms of ophiurae during locomotion].", "content": "A role of the tube feet is considered for locomotion of ophiura Amphipholis kochii. During stepping, a tube foot sticks to the ground at its front position, and comes unstuck at the end of the step when reaching a certain hind position (relatively the direction of locomotion). Such an organization of the tubefoot mechanisms of stepping simplifies considerably the cooridination of tube feet and arms movements. The tube feet stick to the ground automatically when the arm on which they are located performs motor functions and push or pull the ophiura forwards; on the contrary, the tube feet come unstuck automatically when their arm moves forwards. Thus, the central nervous system is likely not to participate in the coordination of the tube feet and arms movements. It only determines the common direction of stepping for all tube feet, whereas the coordination between the tube feet and arms is achieved because of special properties of the tube feet stepping mechanisms.", "contents": "[Coordination of the movement of the tube feet and arms of ophiurae during locomotion]. A role of the tube feet is considered for locomotion of ophiura Amphipholis kochii. During stepping, a tube foot sticks to the ground at its front position, and comes unstuck at the end of the step when reaching a certain hind position (relatively the direction of locomotion). Such an organization of the tubefoot mechanisms of stepping simplifies considerably the cooridination of tube feet and arms movements. The tube feet stick to the ground automatically when the arm on which they are located performs motor functions and push or pull the ophiura forwards; on the contrary, the tube feet come unstuck automatically when their arm moves forwards. Thus, the central nervous system is likely not to participate in the coordination of the tube feet and arms movements. It only determines the common direction of stepping for all tube feet, whereas the coordination between the tube feet and arms is achieved because of special properties of the tube feet stepping mechanisms.", "PMID": 1012404} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12769", "title": "The effects of high calcium concentrations on renal ammoniagenesis by rat kidney slices.", "content": "Deficiencies in acid excretion during hypercalcemia have been reported, and this defect has been ascribed to a deficiency in ammonia excretion. Because no changes in urine pH and urine flow occurred to explain decreased ammonia excretion, this suggested to us that decreased excretion was secondary to decreased renal ammonia production. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the ability of kidney slices from rats to produce ammonia and glucose and to consume oxygen when incubated in varying concentrations of calcium. High medium concentrations of calcium (3 and 4 mM) decreased kidney slice ammonia-genesis from glutamine and glutamine and kidney slice oxygen consumption while not affecting gluconeogenesis. Based upon our findings, we propose that hypercalcemia decreases urine ammonia excretion by depressing renal ammonia production.", "contents": "The effects of high calcium concentrations on renal ammoniagenesis by rat kidney slices. Deficiencies in acid excretion during hypercalcemia have been reported, and this defect has been ascribed to a deficiency in ammonia excretion. Because no changes in urine pH and urine flow occurred to explain decreased ammonia excretion, this suggested to us that decreased excretion was secondary to decreased renal ammonia production. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the ability of kidney slices from rats to produce ammonia and glucose and to consume oxygen when incubated in varying concentrations of calcium. High medium concentrations of calcium (3 and 4 mM) decreased kidney slice ammonia-genesis from glutamine and glutamine and kidney slice oxygen consumption while not affecting gluconeogenesis. Based upon our findings, we propose that hypercalcemia decreases urine ammonia excretion by depressing renal ammonia production.", "PMID": 1012406} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12770", "title": "A case of juxtaglomerular cell tumor diagnosed preoperatively.", "content": "A case of juxtaglomerular cell tumor, the fourth case in the world diagnosed preoperatively, was reported. Neither strict sodium restriction nor loading of upright position increased a grade of hyperreninemia observed at recumbant position on ordinary diet, but Pald elevated in response to them. Abnormal glucose tolerance was considered to be due to hypopotassemia. Selective renal arteriography revealed a small number of tumor vessels, a lucent area on the nephrogram and early appearance of the renal vein of the diseased side. Histologically, the tumor contained some canalicular structures among the polygonal nonepithelial tumor cells with rhomboid bodies. These findings suggested that this tumor was a hamartoma originated from the juxtaglomerular apparatus.", "contents": "A case of juxtaglomerular cell tumor diagnosed preoperatively. A case of juxtaglomerular cell tumor, the fourth case in the world diagnosed preoperatively, was reported. Neither strict sodium restriction nor loading of upright position increased a grade of hyperreninemia observed at recumbant position on ordinary diet, but Pald elevated in response to them. Abnormal glucose tolerance was considered to be due to hypopotassemia. Selective renal arteriography revealed a small number of tumor vessels, a lucent area on the nephrogram and early appearance of the renal vein of the diseased side. Histologically, the tumor contained some canalicular structures among the polygonal nonepithelial tumor cells with rhomboid bodies. These findings suggested that this tumor was a hamartoma originated from the juxtaglomerular apparatus.", "PMID": 1012407} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12771", "title": "[Gamma-myelography in neurosurgery].", "content": "The gamma-myelography is rapid and riskless investigation whose practice is very easy to perform while doing CSF study. The choice of radioactive tracer in liquid or gaseous phase depends on suspected abnormality. In case of medullar compression, it enables to affirm the diagnosis of block and define its level. It does not enable to know the intra or extradural localization of a lesion. For this reason we often use in the same time a 99mTc stannous pyrophosphates scintigraphy of rachis. Association of these two technics is particularly interesting in case of pressure myelitis due to vertebral metastatic localization. In traumatic pathology, gamma-myelography can be realized in cases of emergency, because of its inocuity and rapidity of its realization (10 min. with use of 133 Xenon).", "contents": "[Gamma-myelography in neurosurgery]. The gamma-myelography is rapid and riskless investigation whose practice is very easy to perform while doing CSF study. The choice of radioactive tracer in liquid or gaseous phase depends on suspected abnormality. In case of medullar compression, it enables to affirm the diagnosis of block and define its level. It does not enable to know the intra or extradural localization of a lesion. For this reason we often use in the same time a 99mTc stannous pyrophosphates scintigraphy of rachis. Association of these two technics is particularly interesting in case of pressure myelitis due to vertebral metastatic localization. In traumatic pathology, gamma-myelography can be realized in cases of emergency, because of its inocuity and rapidity of its realization (10 min. with use of 133 Xenon).", "PMID": 1012432} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12772", "title": "[The circle of Willis in children and the factors shaping it].", "content": "The pattern of the circulus arteriosus cerebri was studied on the sagittal plane in 41 brains taking off on children from birth to 14 years. Internal diameters were measured on the segments of the circulus, on the cortical efferent vessels and on the internal carotid afferent arteries. In only 17/41 cases, a symetry of the segment of the cortical efferent branches and of the carotid arteries. We found different factors associated with the assymetry of the circulus arteriosus, namely cerebral conditions as demonstrated in our pathological cases and embryological dispositions. Three grades are proposed according anatomic criteria. They are related to a greater complexity and interaction of the conditions mentionned above:-grade 1 \"foetal\" : symetry is complete;-grade 2 : there is a symetry of the cortical branches, but an assymetry of the circulus arteriosus, which is obtained by compensatory modelling of the circulus arteriosus, working to equalize the cerebral flow; -grade 3 : there is an assymetry of the circulus and of the cortical efferent branches suggesting a failure of adaptation. It is assumed that this modelling of the circulus has consequences on adult anatomic and functional conditions. Indeed, the other modelating factors which affect the adult circulus refer mainly to the grade obtained in childhood.", "contents": "[The circle of Willis in children and the factors shaping it]. The pattern of the circulus arteriosus cerebri was studied on the sagittal plane in 41 brains taking off on children from birth to 14 years. Internal diameters were measured on the segments of the circulus, on the cortical efferent vessels and on the internal carotid afferent arteries. In only 17/41 cases, a symetry of the segment of the cortical efferent branches and of the carotid arteries. We found different factors associated with the assymetry of the circulus arteriosus, namely cerebral conditions as demonstrated in our pathological cases and embryological dispositions. Three grades are proposed according anatomic criteria. They are related to a greater complexity and interaction of the conditions mentionned above:-grade 1 \"foetal\" : symetry is complete;-grade 2 : there is a symetry of the cortical branches, but an assymetry of the circulus arteriosus, which is obtained by compensatory modelling of the circulus arteriosus, working to equalize the cerebral flow; -grade 3 : there is an assymetry of the circulus and of the cortical efferent branches suggesting a failure of adaptation. It is assumed that this modelling of the circulus has consequences on adult anatomic and functional conditions. Indeed, the other modelating factors which affect the adult circulus refer mainly to the grade obtained in childhood.", "PMID": 1012427} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12773", "title": "[Microsurgical treatment of a series of intracranial subtentorial arterial aneurysms].", "content": "A series of 60 arterial aneurysms is reported, pateints pre-operatively being from grade I to grade IV of the classification of Botterell. Microsurgical technique is emphasized : patients are operated on through the fronto-lateral approach described by Yasargil. The most patients with anterior communicating artery aneurysm are operated on from the right side, except for patients with only one left anterior cerebral artery. Middle cerebral artery aneurysms are approached by the proximal way, along the internal carotid artery and then following the main trunk of middle cerebral artery. Concerning the internal carotid artery aneurysms, the carotid bifurcation aneurysms, the true posterior communicating artery aneurysms, dissection is generally performed without particular difficulty, except for the low internal carotid artery aneurysms (carotido-ophtalmic aneurysms); in these latter, the anterior clinoid process and the internal part of sphenoidal ridge must be removed. In case of intra-cerebral hematoma, only a part of hematoma is at first sucked away, up to a sufficient view of the chiasmatic cistern; then, releasing of cerebro-spinal fluid allows the management of the aneurysm and the remaining part of hematoma is totally evacuated after clipping of aneurysm. Reduction of the neck and sometimes of the whole aneurysm is performed with bipolar forceps. Every aneurysm was treated with metal clip (Yasargil, Scoville, Heifetz, Sundt's clip-graft). In no case a silk ligature was used...", "contents": "[Microsurgical treatment of a series of intracranial subtentorial arterial aneurysms]. A series of 60 arterial aneurysms is reported, pateints pre-operatively being from grade I to grade IV of the classification of Botterell. Microsurgical technique is emphasized : patients are operated on through the fronto-lateral approach described by Yasargil. The most patients with anterior communicating artery aneurysm are operated on from the right side, except for patients with only one left anterior cerebral artery. Middle cerebral artery aneurysms are approached by the proximal way, along the internal carotid artery and then following the main trunk of middle cerebral artery. Concerning the internal carotid artery aneurysms, the carotid bifurcation aneurysms, the true posterior communicating artery aneurysms, dissection is generally performed without particular difficulty, except for the low internal carotid artery aneurysms (carotido-ophtalmic aneurysms); in these latter, the anterior clinoid process and the internal part of sphenoidal ridge must be removed. In case of intra-cerebral hematoma, only a part of hematoma is at first sucked away, up to a sufficient view of the chiasmatic cistern; then, releasing of cerebro-spinal fluid allows the management of the aneurysm and the remaining part of hematoma is totally evacuated after clipping of aneurysm. Reduction of the neck and sometimes of the whole aneurysm is performed with bipolar forceps. Every aneurysm was treated with metal clip (Yasargil, Scoville, Heifetz, Sundt's clip-graft). In no case a silk ligature was used...", "PMID": 1012428} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12774", "title": "[Value of computerized axial tomography in cranio-cerebral injuries].", "content": "Since May 1975 was have been working in the field of C.A.T. and its application to study head injuries. We are presenting differents groups of patients studied by C.A.T. I. -- DATA OF C.A.T. IN THE CASES OF EMERGENCY AND IMMEDIATE POST-OPERATIVE FOLLOW-UP OF HEAD INJURIES A) EMERGENCY STATE As soon as the clinical state of an head injured patient was supposed to need an operation, C.A.T. was realized; so differents abnormal scanners may be observed: 1. epidural hematoma, 2. subdural hematoma, 3. intra-cerebral hematoma, 4. acute subdural hematoma or contusion. We must do some comments: -- The Emi-scanner is pre-eminent in showing the exact topography of the lesion : so, the flap is easier to realise. -- In most cases the Emi-scanner is easier to interpret than angiogram for example contusion and hematoma. We know the goods results in hematomas and the poors results in surgery of contusions. -- But the senior advantage of C.A.T. is to provide all the informations in the totality of skull content. Emi-scanner shows bilateral lesions, ipsilateral lesion. C.A.T. is pre-eminent in showing the presence of this two lesions, more accurately than senior methods of investigations, so C.A.T. permits emergency neurosurgical treatment. B) C.A.T. AND FOLLOW-UP Repeated studies at post-intervals can be accomplished without risk to the patient, thus making follow-up simpler and more effective to the neurosurgical attitude. C) POST-OPERATIVE CONTROL AND C.A.T. Post-operative complications are always hard to diagnosis. C.A.T. is painless, quick and safe, and easier to interpret than an angiogram. II -- SEQUELLAE STADE AND C.A.T. In this field certains advantages of C.A.T. are immediatly apparents. In most cases the C.A.T. is the best screening method. Patients carried out are: -- psychiatric troubles, -- post-traumatic epilepsy. The results are not reliable. There is no anatomical-clinical relation in most cases. Differents pictures are observed: -- asymetrical ventricle enlargment, -- global ventricule enlargment, -- partial cerebral atrophy. III -- DISCUSSION 1. We are at the beginning of our study. 2. This not always possible to obtain a C.A.T. in emergency for a head injury, especialy at night. 3. Patients investigated following head trauma are among the most difficult to study with C.A.T. These invididuals send to be restless and uncooperative. Numerous artefacts produced by patient motion may lead to erroneous negative or positive diagnosis, so general anesthesia is often helpful. It is hoped that as a more rapid scanners become available this problem will be obviated. The C.A.T. alone is not capable, to provide all the necessary date concerning head injury. The C.A.T. is, however, re-adjusting our total investigation (E.E.G., angiograms) philosophy and practice rather than replacing the standard neuroradiological technique, except, may be, with epidural hematoma.", "contents": "[Value of computerized axial tomography in cranio-cerebral injuries]. Since May 1975 was have been working in the field of C.A.T. and its application to study head injuries. We are presenting differents groups of patients studied by C.A.T. I. -- DATA OF C.A.T. IN THE CASES OF EMERGENCY AND IMMEDIATE POST-OPERATIVE FOLLOW-UP OF HEAD INJURIES A) EMERGENCY STATE As soon as the clinical state of an head injured patient was supposed to need an operation, C.A.T. was realized; so differents abnormal scanners may be observed: 1. epidural hematoma, 2. subdural hematoma, 3. intra-cerebral hematoma, 4. acute subdural hematoma or contusion. We must do some comments: -- The Emi-scanner is pre-eminent in showing the exact topography of the lesion : so, the flap is easier to realise. -- In most cases the Emi-scanner is easier to interpret than angiogram for example contusion and hematoma. We know the goods results in hematomas and the poors results in surgery of contusions. -- But the senior advantage of C.A.T. is to provide all the informations in the totality of skull content. Emi-scanner shows bilateral lesions, ipsilateral lesion. C.A.T. is pre-eminent in showing the presence of this two lesions, more accurately than senior methods of investigations, so C.A.T. permits emergency neurosurgical treatment. B) C.A.T. AND FOLLOW-UP Repeated studies at post-intervals can be accomplished without risk to the patient, thus making follow-up simpler and more effective to the neurosurgical attitude. C) POST-OPERATIVE CONTROL AND C.A.T. Post-operative complications are always hard to diagnosis. C.A.T. is painless, quick and safe, and easier to interpret than an angiogram. II -- SEQUELLAE STADE AND C.A.T. In this field certains advantages of C.A.T. are immediatly apparents. In most cases the C.A.T. is the best screening method. Patients carried out are: -- psychiatric troubles, -- post-traumatic epilepsy. The results are not reliable. There is no anatomical-clinical relation in most cases. Differents pictures are observed: -- asymetrical ventricle enlargment, -- global ventricule enlargment, -- partial cerebral atrophy. III -- DISCUSSION 1. We are at the beginning of our study. 2. This not always possible to obtain a C.A.T. in emergency for a head injury, especialy at night. 3. Patients investigated following head trauma are among the most difficult to study with C.A.T. These invididuals send to be restless and uncooperative. Numerous artefacts produced by patient motion may lead to erroneous negative or positive diagnosis, so general anesthesia is often helpful. It is hoped that as a more rapid scanners become available this problem will be obviated. The C.A.T. alone is not capable, to provide all the necessary date concerning head injury. The C.A.T. is, however, re-adjusting our total investigation (E.E.G., angiograms) philosophy and practice rather than replacing the standard neuroradiological technique, except, may be, with epidural hematoma.", "PMID": 1012429} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12775", "title": "The role of hypothalamic afferents in the release of prolactin induced by ovarian steroids.", "content": "The importance of frontal and caudal afferents to the hypothalamus in the release of prolactin induced by estrogen and progesterone was studied in gonadectomized female and male rats. The serum prolactin levels 2 or 3 days after the injection of 20 mug estradiol benzoate (EB) into ovariectomized rats were significantly lower in animals with retrochiasmatic section interrupting the anterior inputs to the hypothalamus than in control animals, whereas the prolactin secretion induced by progesterone (2 mg) injection in EB-primed animals was not affected. On the contrary, interruption of caudal afferents to the hypothalamus had no effect on the increase in serum prolactin induced by EB injection. A hypersensitive prolactin response to the injection of estrogen or progesterone occurred in animals with frontal hypothalamic deafferentation. It is concluded that prolactin secretion induced by estrogen injection depends not only on the activation of hypothalamic and pituitary mechanisms, but also on the stimulation of frontal neural afferents to the hypothalamus. The latter mechanism does not operate in male rats.", "contents": "The role of hypothalamic afferents in the release of prolactin induced by ovarian steroids. The importance of frontal and caudal afferents to the hypothalamus in the release of prolactin induced by estrogen and progesterone was studied in gonadectomized female and male rats. The serum prolactin levels 2 or 3 days after the injection of 20 mug estradiol benzoate (EB) into ovariectomized rats were significantly lower in animals with retrochiasmatic section interrupting the anterior inputs to the hypothalamus than in control animals, whereas the prolactin secretion induced by progesterone (2 mg) injection in EB-primed animals was not affected. On the contrary, interruption of caudal afferents to the hypothalamus had no effect on the increase in serum prolactin induced by EB injection. A hypersensitive prolactin response to the injection of estrogen or progesterone occurred in animals with frontal hypothalamic deafferentation. It is concluded that prolactin secretion induced by estrogen injection depends not only on the activation of hypothalamic and pituitary mechanisms, but also on the stimulation of frontal neural afferents to the hypothalamus. The latter mechanism does not operate in male rats.", "PMID": 1012438} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12776", "title": "[Right lumbo-crural sciatica due to a vertebral osteochondroma].", "content": "The above case-report is about unilateral lumbar-crural-sciatalgie which has led to the finding of a spinal tumour situated within the articular block on the right side of the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae. The clinical picture produced by this slowly growing tumour was that of spinal root compression which has called for its surgical removal. Histological examination of the tumour revealed an osteochondroma, the original aspects of which lie in its localization, the presenting symptoms, the age of the patients an in its course.", "contents": "[Right lumbo-crural sciatica due to a vertebral osteochondroma]. The above case-report is about unilateral lumbar-crural-sciatalgie which has led to the finding of a spinal tumour situated within the articular block on the right side of the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae. The clinical picture produced by this slowly growing tumour was that of spinal root compression which has called for its surgical removal. Histological examination of the tumour revealed an osteochondroma, the original aspects of which lie in its localization, the presenting symptoms, the age of the patients an in its course.", "PMID": 1012431} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12777", "title": "[Traumatic occlusions of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery].", "content": "The authors report two cases of post-traumatic occlusions of the internal carotid artery, located at the level of emergence or just above the emergence of this artery out of the cavernous sinus. Comparing those two cases with five others reported in the litterature, the authors try to explain their mechanisms of occlusion : thrombosis or embolism.", "contents": "[Traumatic occlusions of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery]. The authors report two cases of post-traumatic occlusions of the internal carotid artery, located at the level of emergence or just above the emergence of this artery out of the cavernous sinus. Comparing those two cases with five others reported in the litterature, the authors try to explain their mechanisms of occlusion : thrombosis or embolism.", "PMID": 1012430} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12778", "title": "Chromosome aneuploidy associated with aging.", "content": "A survey of previous studies of aneuploid chromosome aberrations associated with aging with a discussion of the present evidence for this as well as a discussion concerning cause and effect of aneuploidy and the need for further studies of aneuploidy as a possible aetiological factor in aging and dementia are described.", "contents": "Chromosome aneuploidy associated with aging. A survey of previous studies of aneuploid chromosome aberrations associated with aging with a discussion of the present evidence for this as well as a discussion concerning cause and effect of aneuploidy and the need for further studies of aneuploidy as a possible aetiological factor in aging and dementia are described.", "PMID": 1012445} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12779", "title": "A preventive effect of potassium against fatal lithium intoxication in rats.", "content": "The effect of potassium against lithium intoxication was studied in two groups of rats given food containing 100 mmol of sodium and 100 or 1,100 mmol of potassiam/kg dry weight. After 1 week 80 mmol of lithium chloride/kg dry weight was added to both diets. Four days later the body weight, serum lithium concentration, and urinary lithium clearance were all significantly higher in the high potassium group than in the other group. After 15 days the lithium clearance had fallen to one fifth in the lowest potassium group but was unaltered in the high potassium group. All rats in the low potassium group continued to lose weight and died of lithium intoxication within 20 days, while the rats given high potassium survived and gained weight. A high potassium content of the food was able to prevent a fatal lithium-induced loss of sodium and to maintain a normal lithium clearance. It is suggested that also a lithium-induced loss of potassium was counteracted.", "contents": "A preventive effect of potassium against fatal lithium intoxication in rats. The effect of potassium against lithium intoxication was studied in two groups of rats given food containing 100 mmol of sodium and 100 or 1,100 mmol of potassiam/kg dry weight. After 1 week 80 mmol of lithium chloride/kg dry weight was added to both diets. Four days later the body weight, serum lithium concentration, and urinary lithium clearance were all significantly higher in the high potassium group than in the other group. After 15 days the lithium clearance had fallen to one fifth in the lowest potassium group but was unaltered in the high potassium group. All rats in the low potassium group continued to lose weight and died of lithium intoxication within 20 days, while the rats given high potassium survived and gained weight. A high potassium content of the food was able to prevent a fatal lithium-induced loss of sodium and to maintain a normal lithium clearance. It is suggested that also a lithium-induced loss of potassium was counteracted.", "PMID": 1012446} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12780", "title": "Multiple drug interviews as a diagnostic technique: a clinical case study.", "content": "Diagnostic information obtained from a single drug interview is subject to conscious and unconscious distortion by the patient and to interviewer effects. Rationales for the various provocative techniques are reviewed, with particular reference to the amphetamine psychosis and to state-dependent learning. A format for a controlled series of multiple provocative interviews which \"triangulates\" on the same clinical problem from several theoretical perspectives is proposed, and a clinical case is presented in which this format was employed. Used in this way, drug interviews may provide useful diagnostic information.", "contents": "Multiple drug interviews as a diagnostic technique: a clinical case study. Diagnostic information obtained from a single drug interview is subject to conscious and unconscious distortion by the patient and to interviewer effects. Rationales for the various provocative techniques are reviewed, with particular reference to the amphetamine psychosis and to state-dependent learning. A format for a controlled series of multiple provocative interviews which \"triangulates\" on the same clinical problem from several theoretical perspectives is proposed, and a clinical case is presented in which this format was employed. Used in this way, drug interviews may provide useful diagnostic information.", "PMID": 1012447} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12781", "title": "Administration of lithium to rats by different routes.", "content": "Rats were given identical doses of lithium chloride, 4 mmol/kg body weight/day for 8 days, by different routes. Intraperitoneal administration led to a high serum lithium peak and the development of pronounced polyuria-polydipsia. Subcutaneous administration led to a lower serum peak and the development of less pronounced polyuria-polydipsia. Administration by gastric tube led to a nearly constant serum lithium concentration without any peak and the development of moderate polyuria-polydipsia. Our study shows that the route by which lithium is administered affects the lithium concentration pattern and may influence lithium effects.", "contents": "Administration of lithium to rats by different routes. Rats were given identical doses of lithium chloride, 4 mmol/kg body weight/day for 8 days, by different routes. Intraperitoneal administration led to a high serum lithium peak and the development of pronounced polyuria-polydipsia. Subcutaneous administration led to a lower serum peak and the development of less pronounced polyuria-polydipsia. Administration by gastric tube led to a nearly constant serum lithium concentration without any peak and the development of moderate polyuria-polydipsia. Our study shows that the route by which lithium is administered affects the lithium concentration pattern and may influence lithium effects.", "PMID": 1012448} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12782", "title": "Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in neuropsychiatric diseases.", "content": "A 24-hour rhythm in serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity in chronic schizophrenic patients showed a similar change as that in normal subjects: the highest activity during day time with a peak at 12.00 h and the lowest activity at night with a bottom at 24.00 hr, 4 h after sleep onset. Between a group of schizophrenic patients who have sleep disturbance and another group of patients who have normal sleep patterns, no significant difference was observed in the 24-hour rhythm in serum DBH activity. Very low but significant DBH activity was found in cerebrospinal fluid of neuropsychiatric patients, and the values were approximately 1/1,000 of the serum activity. A case after cerebral injury showed a high DBH activity in cerebrospinal fluid.", "contents": "Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in neuropsychiatric diseases. A 24-hour rhythm in serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity in chronic schizophrenic patients showed a similar change as that in normal subjects: the highest activity during day time with a peak at 12.00 h and the lowest activity at night with a bottom at 24.00 hr, 4 h after sleep onset. Between a group of schizophrenic patients who have sleep disturbance and another group of patients who have normal sleep patterns, no significant difference was observed in the 24-hour rhythm in serum DBH activity. Very low but significant DBH activity was found in cerebrospinal fluid of neuropsychiatric patients, and the values were approximately 1/1,000 of the serum activity. A case after cerebral injury showed a high DBH activity in cerebrospinal fluid.", "PMID": 1012449} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12783", "title": "Lithium RBC/plasma ratio in subgroups of patients with affective disorders.", "content": "The lithium RBC/plasma ratio was determined in 59 patients during prophylactic lithium therapy -- 10 cycloid psychotics, 28 unipolars and 21 bipolars -- as well as in 20 patients during lithium therapy in phase of illness -- 8 cycloid psychotics, 5 unipolars and 7 bipolars. The lithium ratio was found to be normally distributed both among patients in phase of remission and those in phase of illness. No differences in lithium ratio were found between patients in phase of remission and phase of illness, respectively. During prophylactic lithium therapy, no differences were found in the lithium ratio between patients in different diagnostic subgroups. In a correlation matrix, the lithium ratio was found to correlate to lithium in RBC but not to age, sex, type of illness, weight, lithium dosage, duration of treatment or level of lithium in plasma. The lithium level in RBC was determined only by the lithium level in plasma. Thus, the lithium RBC/plasma ratio does not seem to be of diagnostic value in affective disorders.", "contents": "Lithium RBC/plasma ratio in subgroups of patients with affective disorders. The lithium RBC/plasma ratio was determined in 59 patients during prophylactic lithium therapy -- 10 cycloid psychotics, 28 unipolars and 21 bipolars -- as well as in 20 patients during lithium therapy in phase of illness -- 8 cycloid psychotics, 5 unipolars and 7 bipolars. The lithium ratio was found to be normally distributed both among patients in phase of remission and those in phase of illness. No differences in lithium ratio were found between patients in phase of remission and phase of illness, respectively. During prophylactic lithium therapy, no differences were found in the lithium ratio between patients in different diagnostic subgroups. In a correlation matrix, the lithium ratio was found to correlate to lithium in RBC but not to age, sex, type of illness, weight, lithium dosage, duration of treatment or level of lithium in plasma. The lithium level in RBC was determined only by the lithium level in plasma. Thus, the lithium RBC/plasma ratio does not seem to be of diagnostic value in affective disorders.", "PMID": 1012450} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12784", "title": "Improvement of depression and parkinsonism during ECT: a case study.", "content": "Improvement in signs of parkinsonism and symptoms of depression was observed in a patient with Parkinson's disease who underwent a course of ECT for depression. Empirically this patient was observed by a blind rater to show a pattern of improvement in parkinsonian signs similar to that observed in parkinsonian patients treated with L-dopa. The time course of improvement of this patient's depression was also seen to parallel improvement in his Parkinson's disease. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that ECT increases catecholamine synthesis and more specifically would be evidence that ECT improves depression by increasing norepinephrine synthesis.", "contents": "Improvement of depression and parkinsonism during ECT: a case study. Improvement in signs of parkinsonism and symptoms of depression was observed in a patient with Parkinson's disease who underwent a course of ECT for depression. Empirically this patient was observed by a blind rater to show a pattern of improvement in parkinsonian signs similar to that observed in parkinsonian patients treated with L-dopa. The time course of improvement of this patient's depression was also seen to parallel improvement in his Parkinson's disease. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that ECT increases catecholamine synthesis and more specifically would be evidence that ECT improves depression by increasing norepinephrine synthesis.", "PMID": 1012451} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12785", "title": "Duration of illness prior to hospitalization (onset) in the affective disorders.", "content": "Onset defined as duration of illness prior to index admission was studied in manic and unipolar depressive patients. The manic patients were far more likely to have an acute onset when defined in this way. Of considerable interest is the fact that depression spectrum disease patients, i.e. those patients with a family history of alcoholism in a first-degree relative, were much less likely than other depressive patients to have an acute onset of their illness. In this case, the acute onset was defined as having occurred within 1 month of hospitalization.", "contents": "Duration of illness prior to hospitalization (onset) in the affective disorders. Onset defined as duration of illness prior to index admission was studied in manic and unipolar depressive patients. The manic patients were far more likely to have an acute onset when defined in this way. Of considerable interest is the fact that depression spectrum disease patients, i.e. those patients with a family history of alcoholism in a first-degree relative, were much less likely than other depressive patients to have an acute onset of their illness. In this case, the acute onset was defined as having occurred within 1 month of hospitalization.", "PMID": 1012452} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12786", "title": "Cerebral blood flow patterns studied by rheoencephalography in schizophrenia.", "content": "Cerebral blood flow variation patterns have been studied in 20 control subjects and in 30 schizophrenics. This study demonstrates \"hypofrontality\" in schizophrenics and their lack of reactivity to strong verbal and somesthetic stimulations.", "contents": "Cerebral blood flow patterns studied by rheoencephalography in schizophrenia. Cerebral blood flow variation patterns have been studied in 20 control subjects and in 30 schizophrenics. This study demonstrates \"hypofrontality\" in schizophrenics and their lack of reactivity to strong verbal and somesthetic stimulations.", "PMID": 1012453} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12787", "title": "Plasma levels of imipramine in depression. Environmental and genetic factors.", "content": "On the basis of tentative evidence obtained with 26 patients with unipolar affective illness, the variability in the response to imipramine is mostly due to interindividual differences in hydroxylating microsomal enzymes which are genetically controlled but whose activities are subject to modification by environmental factors such as overall pharmacological exposure and tobacco smoking. Additional significant pharmacodynamic variability (twofold) was found in the range of the volumes of distribution of imipramine in the patients. Clinical outcome was unequivocally related to plasma level. Unipolar nondelusional patients with levels less than 180 ng/ml had a low probability of recovery, while levels above 180 ng/ml were assoicated with a high probability of recovery. Unlike the findings of investigators working with nortriptyline, our data do not suggest an upper limit on plasma levels beyond which clinical response deteriorates. It appears that, on the basis of family studies, similar genetic characteristics are related to the ones controlling the pharmacodynamics will be the subject of further examination in our continuing studies.", "contents": "Plasma levels of imipramine in depression. Environmental and genetic factors. On the basis of tentative evidence obtained with 26 patients with unipolar affective illness, the variability in the response to imipramine is mostly due to interindividual differences in hydroxylating microsomal enzymes which are genetically controlled but whose activities are subject to modification by environmental factors such as overall pharmacological exposure and tobacco smoking. Additional significant pharmacodynamic variability (twofold) was found in the range of the volumes of distribution of imipramine in the patients. Clinical outcome was unequivocally related to plasma level. Unipolar nondelusional patients with levels less than 180 ng/ml had a low probability of recovery, while levels above 180 ng/ml were assoicated with a high probability of recovery. Unlike the findings of investigators working with nortriptyline, our data do not suggest an upper limit on plasma levels beyond which clinical response deteriorates. It appears that, on the basis of family studies, similar genetic characteristics are related to the ones controlling the pharmacodynamics will be the subject of further examination in our continuing studies.", "PMID": 1012454} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12788", "title": "[Recording of the electrophysiological activity of the locus coeruleus in the rat].", "content": "After having previously studied some histochemical and biochemical aspects of the noradrenalin-containing neurons of the rat locus coeruleus (LC), we intend now to record the unitary electrophysiological activity of these neurons. In the present paper, we try to define the experimental conditions allowing a reproducible recording of this activity. In agreement with other authors, we have shown that the neurons of the LC slowly discharge, at a frequency of 1-3/sec with an amplitude of 100-150 muV. This spontaneous activity is greatly reduced by low doses of norimipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant.", "contents": "[Recording of the electrophysiological activity of the locus coeruleus in the rat]. After having previously studied some histochemical and biochemical aspects of the noradrenalin-containing neurons of the rat locus coeruleus (LC), we intend now to record the unitary electrophysiological activity of these neurons. In the present paper, we try to define the experimental conditions allowing a reproducible recording of this activity. In agreement with other authors, we have shown that the neurons of the LC slowly discharge, at a frequency of 1-3/sec with an amplitude of 100-150 muV. This spontaneous activity is greatly reduced by low doses of norimipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant.", "PMID": 1012455} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12789", "title": "Visual averaged evoked responses in patients suffering from alcoholism.", "content": "26 alcoholic patients were investigated by means of visual averaged evoked responses (VAER) and the proneness to augment or to reduce the amplitude of VAER with increasing stimulus intensity was determined. The alcoholic patients were compared to a group of 40 patients with reactio neurotico-depressiva and a group of 28 healthy volunteers. The patients with alcoholism were found to be augmenters more often than might be expected from chance (22 of 26 patients) and these patients also differed significantly from both the other groups. The augmenter tendency, regarded as a relatively stable personality trait, due at least partly to genetic factors, is discussed, and the possible biochemical basis for the results is also discussed.", "contents": "Visual averaged evoked responses in patients suffering from alcoholism. 26 alcoholic patients were investigated by means of visual averaged evoked responses (VAER) and the proneness to augment or to reduce the amplitude of VAER with increasing stimulus intensity was determined. The alcoholic patients were compared to a group of 40 patients with reactio neurotico-depressiva and a group of 28 healthy volunteers. The patients with alcoholism were found to be augmenters more often than might be expected from chance (22 of 26 patients) and these patients also differed significantly from both the other groups. The augmenter tendency, regarded as a relatively stable personality trait, due at least partly to genetic factors, is discussed, and the possible biochemical basis for the results is also discussed.", "PMID": 1012456} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12790", "title": "Blood platelet monoamine oxidase activity in schizophrenic children and their families. A preliminary study.", "content": "In this study monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was measured in blood platelets of 21 individuals (age 2 6/12-19 years) who were diagnosed at preschool age as schizophrenics; MAO activity was not significantly different from that found in normals. An insignificant correlation was found between MAO activity in patients and age; a similar correlation for normals was also insignificant. In a sample of 15 families, no significant correlation between MAO activity of patients and their parents was obtained.", "contents": "Blood platelet monoamine oxidase activity in schizophrenic children and their families. A preliminary study. In this study monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was measured in blood platelets of 21 individuals (age 2 6/12-19 years) who were diagnosed at preschool age as schizophrenics; MAO activity was not significantly different from that found in normals. An insignificant correlation was found between MAO activity in patients and age; a similar correlation for normals was also insignificant. In a sample of 15 families, no significant correlation between MAO activity of patients and their parents was obtained.", "PMID": 1012457} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12791", "title": "Neocortical reactivity to peripheral stimuli in neurotics.", "content": "The averaged photic-evoked responses (APER) and their dispersion pattern (DP) were investigated in tired subjects, neurotics and patients with neurotic syndromes. The appearance of an ample late negative deflection (N3) followed by a deep positive one (P3) of APER and of an atypical DP in tired subjects, neurotics and in patients with neurotic syndromes, may be considered signs of tiredness and of attention lability. A lengthening of the latencies and decrease in amplitude of different APER components, found in neurotics and in patients with neurotic syndromes only, indicated abnormalities in the function of neuronal structures involved in the organizations of responses to peripheral stimuli.", "contents": "Neocortical reactivity to peripheral stimuli in neurotics. The averaged photic-evoked responses (APER) and their dispersion pattern (DP) were investigated in tired subjects, neurotics and patients with neurotic syndromes. The appearance of an ample late negative deflection (N3) followed by a deep positive one (P3) of APER and of an atypical DP in tired subjects, neurotics and in patients with neurotic syndromes, may be considered signs of tiredness and of attention lability. A lengthening of the latencies and decrease in amplitude of different APER components, found in neurotics and in patients with neurotic syndromes only, indicated abnormalities in the function of neuronal structures involved in the organizations of responses to peripheral stimuli.", "PMID": 1012458} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12792", "title": "Constitutional predisposition to central nervous system (CNS) disease determined by tests of lateral asymmetry. A preliminary report.", "content": "Three factors in combination cause diseases of the central nervous system (CNS): specific etiological agent, physical stress and a general constitutional predisposition to CNS diseases. Research has tended to focus on the first to the disregard of the second and third factors. A newly developed test of functional body asymmetry, however, may have application to the elucidation of the role of physical stress and the constitutional predisposition to CNS diseases. In the present study, neurophysioligcal tests of lateral asymmetry in hand preference and thumb opposition rotation divide the normal population equally into a pure dominant group and a cross-dominant group. Neurological interviews with each group show cross-dominant normal subjects to be more vulnerable to physical stress factors such as overexertion and sleep disturbance. In a previous sutdy applying the same tests, patients with manifest primary diseases of the CNS such as parkinsonism showed cross-dominance in more than 90% of cases. These results with cross-dominant normals and CNS disease patients suggest that cross-dominance indicates a constitutional predisposition to CNS diseases. They also suggest that cross-dominant normal individuals are vulnerable to pysical over-exertion and the specific etiological agent responsible for a distinct CNS syndrome. As far as temporal order is concerned, since it is present in 50% of the normal population, cross-dominant laterality would appear to be a condition prior to any disease process rather than a consequence of CNS disease.", "contents": "Constitutional predisposition to central nervous system (CNS) disease determined by tests of lateral asymmetry. A preliminary report. Three factors in combination cause diseases of the central nervous system (CNS): specific etiological agent, physical stress and a general constitutional predisposition to CNS diseases. Research has tended to focus on the first to the disregard of the second and third factors. A newly developed test of functional body asymmetry, however, may have application to the elucidation of the role of physical stress and the constitutional predisposition to CNS diseases. In the present study, neurophysioligcal tests of lateral asymmetry in hand preference and thumb opposition rotation divide the normal population equally into a pure dominant group and a cross-dominant group. Neurological interviews with each group show cross-dominant normal subjects to be more vulnerable to physical stress factors such as overexertion and sleep disturbance. In a previous sutdy applying the same tests, patients with manifest primary diseases of the CNS such as parkinsonism showed cross-dominance in more than 90% of cases. These results with cross-dominant normals and CNS disease patients suggest that cross-dominance indicates a constitutional predisposition to CNS diseases. They also suggest that cross-dominant normal individuals are vulnerable to pysical over-exertion and the specific etiological agent responsible for a distinct CNS syndrome. As far as temporal order is concerned, since it is present in 50% of the normal population, cross-dominant laterality would appear to be a condition prior to any disease process rather than a consequence of CNS disease.", "PMID": 1012459} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12793", "title": "[Morphology and physiopathology of Billroth I gastroduodenostomy].", "content": "97 patients subjected from 1 to 7 years previously to partial gastric resection by gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I) have been studied endoscopically and radiologically. Acid secretion after pentagastrin injection has also been determined. The most frequent mucous alterations identified by endoscopy were erosions in the stomach residue with inflammatory granulation in the anastomosis region. Recurrent ulcers were observed in 3% of cases. Acid secretion was reduced in 87% by comparison with the preoperative picture. The quantity of residual recretion depended on the greater curvature of the residual stomach. Radiological studies highlighted functional modifications indicative of organized motility in the residual stomach and pseudopyloric function at anastomosis level making coordinated draining possible.", "contents": "[Morphology and physiopathology of Billroth I gastroduodenostomy]. 97 patients subjected from 1 to 7 years previously to partial gastric resection by gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I) have been studied endoscopically and radiologically. Acid secretion after pentagastrin injection has also been determined. The most frequent mucous alterations identified by endoscopy were erosions in the stomach residue with inflammatory granulation in the anastomosis region. Recurrent ulcers were observed in 3% of cases. Acid secretion was reduced in 87% by comparison with the preoperative picture. The quantity of residual recretion depended on the greater curvature of the residual stomach. Radiological studies highlighted functional modifications indicative of organized motility in the residual stomach and pseudopyloric function at anastomosis level making coordinated draining possible.", "PMID": 1012504} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12794", "title": "[Problems in emergency surgery: ligation of the hepatic artery].", "content": "Reference is made to the literature data and a personal series for the proposal of ligation of hepatic artery as a useful means of controlling: 1) massive haemorrhage following certain forms of liver trauma; 2) haemorrhage following lobectomy or atypical subtotal resection; 3) post-traumatic haemobilia. It is a valuable alternative to lobar resection which, in spite of its over 50% mortality, is still the treatment of choice in serious lesions, especially if these are associated with lesions of the suprahepatic veins or cava, or massive crushing of the parenchima. Haemorrhagic shock following liver damage is usually met by reduced portal and increased hepatic artery flow. It is obvious that ligation of the hepatic artery leads to considerable ischaemia and hypoxia. This disadvantage can only be offset by massive replacement transfusions, protracted parenteral feeding (fasting leads to maximum oxygenation of the portal blood), and intravenous glucagone, to improve the overall liver blood flow and the oxygen saturation of the portal blood.", "contents": "[Problems in emergency surgery: ligation of the hepatic artery]. Reference is made to the literature data and a personal series for the proposal of ligation of hepatic artery as a useful means of controlling: 1) massive haemorrhage following certain forms of liver trauma; 2) haemorrhage following lobectomy or atypical subtotal resection; 3) post-traumatic haemobilia. It is a valuable alternative to lobar resection which, in spite of its over 50% mortality, is still the treatment of choice in serious lesions, especially if these are associated with lesions of the suprahepatic veins or cava, or massive crushing of the parenchima. Haemorrhagic shock following liver damage is usually met by reduced portal and increased hepatic artery flow. It is obvious that ligation of the hepatic artery leads to considerable ischaemia and hypoxia. This disadvantage can only be offset by massive replacement transfusions, protracted parenteral feeding (fasting leads to maximum oxygenation of the portal blood), and intravenous glucagone, to improve the overall liver blood flow and the oxygen saturation of the portal blood.", "PMID": 1012505} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12795", "title": "[A new operation for reconstruction of the digestive tract after total gastrectomy].", "content": "A new type of gastroplasty to be employed following total gastrectomy is proposed. A retrocolic loop is anastomosed, Roux fashion, end to end to the duodenum; the stump of the oesophagus is then anastomosed end-to-side to the same loop. This new technique offers advantages which are described. Postoperative pictures of two patients are presented.", "contents": "[A new operation for reconstruction of the digestive tract after total gastrectomy]. A new type of gastroplasty to be employed following total gastrectomy is proposed. A retrocolic loop is anastomosed, Roux fashion, end to end to the duodenum; the stump of the oesophagus is then anastomosed end-to-side to the same loop. This new technique offers advantages which are described. Postoperative pictures of two patients are presented.", "PMID": 1012506} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12796", "title": "[Isolated obliteration of the popliteal artery. Angiographic, functional and surgical considerations].", "content": "31 patients suffering from isolated obliteration of the popliteal artery were selected for reporting from a series of 1500 peripheral angiographies. It is pointed out that the lesion is due principally to a segmentary localization of atherosclerosis. A case of adventitial cyst and one of muscular pincer syndrome have also been encountered. Attentive study of angiographic pictures showed up a number of behaviour modalities of the collateral circulation. The surgical approaches available in such circumstances are also reported.", "contents": "[Isolated obliteration of the popliteal artery. Angiographic, functional and surgical considerations]. 31 patients suffering from isolated obliteration of the popliteal artery were selected for reporting from a series of 1500 peripheral angiographies. It is pointed out that the lesion is due principally to a segmentary localization of atherosclerosis. A case of adventitial cyst and one of muscular pincer syndrome have also been encountered. Attentive study of angiographic pictures showed up a number of behaviour modalities of the collateral circulation. The surgical approaches available in such circumstances are also reported.", "PMID": 1012511} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12797", "title": "[Laparosplenectomy in 104 cases of Hodgkin's disease].", "content": "A series of 104 laparosplenectomies for Hodgkin's disease was carried out over a period of 4 years. Splenectomy was considered indicated in all cases observed, independently of the clinical situation; preference was, however, reserved to patients in whom the disease was just at the beginning and not yet treated. In such patients, the purpose of the intervention was to pinpoint the degree of development of the disease which would then dictate the chemo-radiological therapeutic protocol. The theoretical bases of the method are illustrated along with its aims and the simple technical features of the surgery. Intraoperative findings are discussed and compared with previous clinical and radiological data, and immediate results are reported.", "contents": "[Laparosplenectomy in 104 cases of Hodgkin's disease]. A series of 104 laparosplenectomies for Hodgkin's disease was carried out over a period of 4 years. Splenectomy was considered indicated in all cases observed, independently of the clinical situation; preference was, however, reserved to patients in whom the disease was just at the beginning and not yet treated. In such patients, the purpose of the intervention was to pinpoint the degree of development of the disease which would then dictate the chemo-radiological therapeutic protocol. The theoretical bases of the method are illustrated along with its aims and the simple technical features of the surgery. Intraoperative findings are discussed and compared with previous clinical and radiological data, and immediate results are reported.", "PMID": 1012513} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12798", "title": "[Acute esophagitis and gastritis caused by caustic acids].", "content": "9 cases of caustic ingestion are reported and the diagnostic and therapeutic problems of the consequent gastritis and oesophagitis conditions discussed. In the case of small quantities of acids at low concentrations, the immediate steps are largely medical and conservative, their purpose being to monitor complications. In cases of massive ingestion, surgery should be as early as possible to avoid secondary lesions to the surrounding viscera and serious electrolytic imbalances; the limit for action with a relatively favourable prognosis is within 5 hours and removal of the damaged segments must be radical and extensive.", "contents": "[Acute esophagitis and gastritis caused by caustic acids]. 9 cases of caustic ingestion are reported and the diagnostic and therapeutic problems of the consequent gastritis and oesophagitis conditions discussed. In the case of small quantities of acids at low concentrations, the immediate steps are largely medical and conservative, their purpose being to monitor complications. In cases of massive ingestion, surgery should be as early as possible to avoid secondary lesions to the surrounding viscera and serious electrolytic imbalances; the limit for action with a relatively favourable prognosis is within 5 hours and removal of the damaged segments must be radical and extensive.", "PMID": 1012514} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12799", "title": "[Internal drainage of the thoracic duct in the surgical treatment of cirrhotic ascites. 3-year follow-up].", "content": "The results of reimplantation of the thoracic duct carried out in 22 patients suffering from cirrhotic ascites refractory to medical therapy are presented and analysed. 3-year survival was 54,5% with disappearance of the ascites in 83% of cases. Other conditions being equal, these results are superior to those obtained with porto-systemic shunt.", "contents": "[Internal drainage of the thoracic duct in the surgical treatment of cirrhotic ascites. 3-year follow-up]. The results of reimplantation of the thoracic duct carried out in 22 patients suffering from cirrhotic ascites refractory to medical therapy are presented and analysed. 3-year survival was 54,5% with disappearance of the ascites in 83% of cases. Other conditions being equal, these results are superior to those obtained with porto-systemic shunt.", "PMID": 1012515} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12800", "title": "[Pancreatic function after subdiaphragmatic vagotomy].", "content": "After brief mention of certain aspects of pancreatic secretion and having stressed the importance of nervous and humoral regulator systems, the results of a study of pancreatic secretion function in vagotomized patients are reported. It was shown that the majority of distribances occur at an early stage and tend to reduce as time goes on as a result of the compensation mechanisms which gradually set in. A small percentage of vagotomized patients remains, however, in whom slight disturbances continue. These are not enough to constitute a contraindication to the use of vagotomy as an alternative technique in the surgical treatment of gastroduodenal ulcer.", "contents": "[Pancreatic function after subdiaphragmatic vagotomy]. After brief mention of certain aspects of pancreatic secretion and having stressed the importance of nervous and humoral regulator systems, the results of a study of pancreatic secretion function in vagotomized patients are reported. It was shown that the majority of distribances occur at an early stage and tend to reduce as time goes on as a result of the compensation mechanisms which gradually set in. A small percentage of vagotomized patients remains, however, in whom slight disturbances continue. These are not enough to constitute a contraindication to the use of vagotomy as an alternative technique in the surgical treatment of gastroduodenal ulcer.", "PMID": 1012516} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12801", "title": "[Experimental evaluation of mesenteric flowmetric changes induced by eating and digestion under normal conditions and after vagotomy and gastric resection].", "content": "Reference is made to recent data concerning the regulation of mesenteric haemodynamics by enteric hormones. Changes in mesenteric circulation in the course of altered intestinal hormonal secretion were examined. The results showed that a real connection exists between such secretion and the regulation of mesenteric haemodynamics, since flowmeter changes were noted after surgical operations performed on experimental animals.", "contents": "[Experimental evaluation of mesenteric flowmetric changes induced by eating and digestion under normal conditions and after vagotomy and gastric resection]. Reference is made to recent data concerning the regulation of mesenteric haemodynamics by enteric hormones. Changes in mesenteric circulation in the course of altered intestinal hormonal secretion were examined. The results showed that a real connection exists between such secretion and the regulation of mesenteric haemodynamics, since flowmeter changes were noted after surgical operations performed on experimental animals.", "PMID": 1012517} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12802", "title": "[Colonoscopy in the long-term follow-up of surgical anastomoses of the large intestine].", "content": "On the bases of personal experience the importance of endoscopic examination of the colon in the follow-up of patients who have been subjected to resection of the large intestine is emphasized. Fibercoloscopy permits direct observation of \"high\" surgical anastomoses, which are inaccessible for examination with rigid rectosigmoidoscope, and thus opens the way to precise diagnosis and a correct therapeutic approach.", "contents": "[Colonoscopy in the long-term follow-up of surgical anastomoses of the large intestine]. On the bases of personal experience the importance of endoscopic examination of the colon in the follow-up of patients who have been subjected to resection of the large intestine is emphasized. Fibercoloscopy permits direct observation of \"high\" surgical anastomoses, which are inaccessible for examination with rigid rectosigmoidoscope, and thus opens the way to precise diagnosis and a correct therapeutic approach.", "PMID": 1012518} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12803", "title": "[Classification and pathogenesis of thrombohemorrhagic events connected with surgery. Intravascular coagulation in surgery].", "content": "This disorders secondary to haemostasis which complicate surgery can be clinically subdivided into haemorrhagic and thrombotic complications. Haemorrhagic complication may present as a generalized haemorrhage that almost always occurs in the infra-operative period, or as a localized haemorrhage (mainly at the level of the gastroenteric tube). As this is seen in the postoperative period it can be defined as late. Thrombotic complication may present with a picture of phlebothrombosis, usually clinically evident at the lower extremities, or with a clinical picture of sudden occlusion of pulmonary circulation, namely pulmonary embolism. Pathogenetically, these two groups of complications may now be lumped together in view of the fact that surgery always causes stress in haemostatic function with thus reaches a condition of largely atent balance but which may be upset in either of two possible directions: hypohaemostatic or haemorrhagic on the one hand, and hyperhaemostatic and thrombotic on the other. The point in common is represented by the activation of the clotting system (platelet component included) followed or accompanied by anticlotting mechanisms (mainly the fibrinolytic). Whether the complication will be thrombotic or haemorrhagic depends on the prevalence of the former of the latter. These conclusions are based on an experimental clinical analysis of the phenomena that occur within the haemostatic function throughout the surgical process but principally at the operating stage itself, and are indirectly confirmed ex juvantibus in the proven effectiveness of heparinic prophylaxis. Therapeutic and prophylactic approaches are put forward on the basis of this unified pathogenetic concept.", "contents": "[Classification and pathogenesis of thrombohemorrhagic events connected with surgery. Intravascular coagulation in surgery]. This disorders secondary to haemostasis which complicate surgery can be clinically subdivided into haemorrhagic and thrombotic complications. Haemorrhagic complication may present as a generalized haemorrhage that almost always occurs in the infra-operative period, or as a localized haemorrhage (mainly at the level of the gastroenteric tube). As this is seen in the postoperative period it can be defined as late. Thrombotic complication may present with a picture of phlebothrombosis, usually clinically evident at the lower extremities, or with a clinical picture of sudden occlusion of pulmonary circulation, namely pulmonary embolism. Pathogenetically, these two groups of complications may now be lumped together in view of the fact that surgery always causes stress in haemostatic function with thus reaches a condition of largely atent balance but which may be upset in either of two possible directions: hypohaemostatic or haemorrhagic on the one hand, and hyperhaemostatic and thrombotic on the other. The point in common is represented by the activation of the clotting system (platelet component included) followed or accompanied by anticlotting mechanisms (mainly the fibrinolytic). Whether the complication will be thrombotic or haemorrhagic depends on the prevalence of the former of the latter. These conclusions are based on an experimental clinical analysis of the phenomena that occur within the haemostatic function throughout the surgical process but principally at the operating stage itself, and are indirectly confirmed ex juvantibus in the proven effectiveness of heparinic prophylaxis. Therapeutic and prophylactic approaches are put forward on the basis of this unified pathogenetic concept.", "PMID": 1012525} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12804", "title": "[The herniotomy operation in the treatment of congenital inguinal hernia].", "content": "--203 cases of congenital inguinal hernia operated with Mitchell-Banks technique have been studied. Just over half the patients were less than 1-year old; 48% were males; right inguinal hernia (53%) predominated, while 13% presented bilateral hernia. Post-operative hospitalization was 1-3 days in 73% of cases. Fever was observed in 86% of the children but it never lasted more than 2 days. 81 patients presented scrotal haematoma. Mortality was nil. Long-term follow-up showed that only 1% had suffered a recurrence. As a result of all these advantages and the low hospitalization (one day surgery), the technique is recommended for the treatment of infant inguinal hernia.", "contents": "[The herniotomy operation in the treatment of congenital inguinal hernia]. --203 cases of congenital inguinal hernia operated with Mitchell-Banks technique have been studied. Just over half the patients were less than 1-year old; 48% were males; right inguinal hernia (53%) predominated, while 13% presented bilateral hernia. Post-operative hospitalization was 1-3 days in 73% of cases. Fever was observed in 86% of the children but it never lasted more than 2 days. 81 patients presented scrotal haematoma. Mortality was nil. Long-term follow-up showed that only 1% had suffered a recurrence. As a result of all these advantages and the low hospitalization (one day surgery), the technique is recommended for the treatment of infant inguinal hernia.", "PMID": 1012526} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12805", "title": "[Clinical contribution to the study of pheochromocytomas].", "content": "6 cases of suprarenal phaeochromocytoma were operated on at the Department of Special Surgical Pathology and Clinical Propaedeutics of the University of Turin between 1954 and 1975. The age of the patients was between 32 and 53, 5 cases being male and 1 female. Personal data are compared with larger series and mention is made of the importance of certain pharmacological tests and new radiological techniques for the diagnosis of tumour nature and localization. An atypical case in which exact clinical classification was only possible histologically a posteriori is discussed. Immediate and long-term results were good. Although not all patients presented normalised pressure values, the disappearance of hypertensive crises and normalization of glycaemia and urinary catecholamines were constant observations.", "contents": "[Clinical contribution to the study of pheochromocytomas]. 6 cases of suprarenal phaeochromocytoma were operated on at the Department of Special Surgical Pathology and Clinical Propaedeutics of the University of Turin between 1954 and 1975. The age of the patients was between 32 and 53, 5 cases being male and 1 female. Personal data are compared with larger series and mention is made of the importance of certain pharmacological tests and new radiological techniques for the diagnosis of tumour nature and localization. An atypical case in which exact clinical classification was only possible histologically a posteriori is discussed. Immediate and long-term results were good. Although not all patients presented normalised pressure values, the disappearance of hypertensive crises and normalization of glycaemia and urinary catecholamines were constant observations.", "PMID": 1012527} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12806", "title": "[Acute renal failure and acute abdomen].", "content": "A series of patients with acute renal failure (ARF) and acute abdomen collected by the St. John the Baptist Hospital's Nephrology and Dialysis Division over the period 1970-75 is examined. A high rate of mortality was noted, due to causes that were mostly independent of ARF Death was often related to failure to resolve acute abdomen. The progression of ARF appeared to be related to that of the abdominal affection with prompt resolution of the latter. These findings suggest that constriction of the afferent arteriole may offer a partial, functional basis for ARF with the corollary that it has a good chance of being reversed, even after protracted periods of anuria. Renal complications associated with disseminated or localised intravascular coagulation appear to be rare. Treatment was best directed to early and frequent dialysis, with surgical resolution whenever indicated, irrespective of the presence of ARF.", "contents": "[Acute renal failure and acute abdomen]. A series of patients with acute renal failure (ARF) and acute abdomen collected by the St. John the Baptist Hospital's Nephrology and Dialysis Division over the period 1970-75 is examined. A high rate of mortality was noted, due to causes that were mostly independent of ARF Death was often related to failure to resolve acute abdomen. The progression of ARF appeared to be related to that of the abdominal affection with prompt resolution of the latter. These findings suggest that constriction of the afferent arteriole may offer a partial, functional basis for ARF with the corollary that it has a good chance of being reversed, even after protracted periods of anuria. Renal complications associated with disseminated or localised intravascular coagulation appear to be rare. Treatment was best directed to early and frequent dialysis, with surgical resolution whenever indicated, irrespective of the presence of ARF.", "PMID": 1012528} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12807", "title": "[Flowmetric changes induced by glucagon in the mesenteric artery region during experimental hemorrhagic shock in dogs].", "content": "The pharmacological action of glucagon in the regulation of systemic and mesenteric district haemodynamics, in line with the approach that has come to the fore in recent years for treating haemorrhagic shock with vasodilators, suggested a study of the effects of glucagon on mesenteric haemodynamics during haemorhagic shock in dogs. It was shown that the infusion of glucagon increases mesenteric arterial flow and peripheral resistances are reduced without particular systemic modifications.", "contents": "[Flowmetric changes induced by glucagon in the mesenteric artery region during experimental hemorrhagic shock in dogs]. The pharmacological action of glucagon in the regulation of systemic and mesenteric district haemodynamics, in line with the approach that has come to the fore in recent years for treating haemorrhagic shock with vasodilators, suggested a study of the effects of glucagon on mesenteric haemodynamics during haemorhagic shock in dogs. It was shown that the infusion of glucagon increases mesenteric arterial flow and peripheral resistances are reduced without particular systemic modifications.", "PMID": 1012529} {"id": "pubmed23n0033_12808", "title": "[Acute pancreatitis. Review of cases and considerations on personal experience].", "content": "A series of cases of acute pancreatitis treated between 1-XI-1972 and 1-XI-1975 is presented. A division is made between cases acute ab initio and postoperative pancreatitis, the latter further subdivided into pancreatic necroses, oedemas, and slight affections. The question of diagnosis is examined and elements indicative of prognosis are stressed. Results obtained in the surgical and medical management of 59 ab initio, 3 necrosis, 11 oedemas, and 79 slight involvement cases are described.", "contents": "[Acute pancreatitis. Review of cases and considerations on personal experience]. A series of cases of acute pancreatitis treated between 1-XI-1972 and 1-XI-1975 is presented. A division is made between cases acute ab initio and postoperative pancreatitis, the latter further subdivided into pancreatic necroses, oedemas, and slight affections. The question of diagnosis is examined and elements indicative of prognosis are stressed. Results obtained in the surgical and medical management of 59 ab initio, 3 necrosis, 11 oedemas, and 79 slight involvement cases are described.", "PMID": 1012530}